The Humiliation of the Prize

-- In the Spring Fed Bathing Pool in the House of Jaeger --

Jaeger: (dips beneath the water and rises, water cascading off his hard body as he pulls himself out of the pool)

Jaeger: (waiting for Arissa to dry him) (turning his pit dark eyes on Imari)

Arissa: (moving behind him, carefully drying him off, staying silent)

Imari: (averting her eyes from his body, fists balled at her side, thinking over his words, wondering if he seriously intends to kill the king)

Jaeger: (his voice deep and quiet, looking at Imari) You will go to the kitchen and bring my meal up to my chamber.

Arissa: (stands back as she is finished, praying to the Goddess that Imari doesn't protest)

Imari: (gasps in outrage and spins around, about to tell him that she is NOT his slave, then catches sight of Arissa's pleading gaze)

Imari: (grits her teeth) BUT of course.  It will be my pleasure..

Imari: (glare)

Imari: ((and I will find a way for us to escape while I am at it..))

Jaeger: (wraps the cloth around his waist and moves past her) (snapping his fingers at Arissa to follow)

Imari: (determined to get her and Arissa out of his clutches)  Arissa should go with me, to help me carry everything.  I'm sure you are famished...

Jaeger: (turns his head only, dark eyes looking right through her)

Jaeger: To my chambers... (speaking to Arissa)

Arissa: (nodding slowly, moving to follow him)

Arissa: (slips past him, giving Imari one last glance back)

Jaeger: (motioning her on ahead)

Arissa: (her stomach in knots, hoping she doesn't provoke his anger too greatly)

Jaeger: (keeping his eyes on Imari) Do you need to be reminded of who is the Master here?

Imari: (watches her go, feeling helpless)

Imari: (lifts her chin a notch and looks defiantly back at him) I am perfectly aware of my circumstances.

Jaeger: Then perhaps you should take more care in your responses. I am well on to you. You are no Princess in this house. And you may have led Xavier around by his cockles.... but your haughty air only serves to anger me. You will do as you are told, WHEN you are told. I don't want to say this again.

Imari: You mistake haughty airs for concern for my sister.  (launches into an impassioned speech) Please, just let her go home.  You offered to trade us before.  I came... I DEFIED my father to come and trade for her.  Now you have me and she has done NOTHING to deserve this... please, let her go and I will give you no more grief.

Imari: (pausing to catch her breath, trying to think of anything to say that will sway him)

Jaeger: Do not expect the rock to bleed. And do not expect pity or mercy from me. (his jaw tight) Bring my meal upstairs and do so quickly and I may forgive your outburst.... THIS time. (turns to walk out)

Imari: (taking all her will power, forcing the words out) I BEG of you....

Jaeger: (wheels around) ENOUGH!

Imari: (gasps and jumps back, tears of frustration springing to her blue eyes)

Jaeger: (walks into her, backing her against the stone wall)

Imari: (eyes widening as she gets pressed back against the wall)

Jaeger: (slides the hand up around her neck, but does not clench her)

Imari: (gulps, his hand feeling so strong against her neck)

Imari: (tears streaming down her face)

Jaeger: You have an exceedingly annoying habit of speaking out of turn. The physician has an easy cure for this. But I prefer my slaves to keep their tongues..... Don't force me to make an exception.

Imari: (lips part in shock, her mind rebelling at the thought of having her tongue cut out)

Jaeger: (slides his hand down from her neck, down over her breasts) (his eyes following his hand)

Imari: (starts to struggle, trying to push his hand away)

Jaeger: Would you rather it close around your neck?

Jaeger: (his eyes so dark that they are like souless orbs on her)

Imari: I would rather it rot off...(winces and quickly snaps her mouth closed, cursing her wayward tongue)

Jaeger: (his hand going around her neck quickly, squeezing)

Imari: (takes a deep breath through her nose and squeaking out) Why don't I go fetch your meal... (quickly adding in) as requested.

Jaeger: (pressing his thumb into her throat) Was the Light gentle with you, foolish girl? Did he coo to you like a dove? Perhaps he brought you roses and wine.... (making his voice a soft hiss)

Imari: (shakes her head no, her breathing coming out in pants as panic fills her) H-he..m-made...m-mee gut f-fish..

Imari: (blinks, wondering why she told him that, finding it so hard to think with him so close, so overpowering)

Imari: (missing Xavier more by the second, wishing she had not raised her voice to him)

Jaeger: (pauses, then tosses his head back with a dark laugh)

Imari: (eyes widen at his laugh) Tis not funny, it was vile and disgusting..

Jaeger: (the very hint of a smirk remains on his mouth) To the kitchen for my meal. And serve me well.

Jaeger: (releasing her)

Imari: (holding back a retort)

Imari: (her hands moving to her neck, trying to rub away his touch)

Jaeger: (turns and walks out, just the drying cloth wrapped around his waist)

Imari: (glares at his back) ((I hate him))

Imari: (thinking she would poison his food if ever given the opportunity, then blinking, shocked that she had such a horrible thought)

Imari: (waits until he is gone and then runs upstairs to find the kitchens)

Jaeger: (barefoot he moves up the stairs and to his chamber)

Arissa: (sitting in the corner of the room, her knees to her chest, her back to the wall, watching the door)

Arissa: (worried for Imari)

Arissa: ((Imari is the King's daughter, and beautiful....he would not hurt her too badly....he would not want to damage her))

Jaeger: (comes through the door, leaving it open, moving to stand beside the bed)

Arissa: (trying to calm her fears)

Arissa: (watching as he enters the room, her eyes following him)

Arissa: (wanting desperately to ask about Imari, knowing better)

Jaeger: (pulling on the soft shirt and pants, made with imperial silk)

Arissa: ((patience...patience...))

Jaeger: (sits on the side of his bed, having left the shirt open in front)

Arissa: (watching as he dresses, flicking her gaze to the door and back)

Jaeger: (glances at her)

Jaeger: She tasks me.

Arissa: (stands and quietly moves across the floor to the bed, her fingers deftly lacing up his shirt, choosing her words carefully) She knows know better.  This life is very different from before and it is difficult for her to adjust.

Jaeger: I have no patience for it. You will teach her better. Or she will not fare well here.

Arissa: (nods slowly, not relishing the task) She is a good person.  You would admire if if but different circumstances.  She is very kind, generous... she has a gift for healing and the voice of an angel.  She is so very beautiful...

Jaeger: Beauty does not impress me. (pulling her down in his lap)

Arissa: (gasps softly taken off guard as she is pulled effortlessly onto his lap, bows her head) I've gathered as much..

Jaeger: (wordlessly running a hand over her breasts, small but in proportion to the rest of her petite body, the hand running up her chest and neck, guiding her jaw toward him)

Arissa: (heat spreading within her at the feel of his hand running over her breasts, the sensitive skin of her neck prickling and her lips parting to meet his)

Jaeger: (his mouth claiming her in a kiss that borders on gentle then suddenly deepens with hunger)

Arissa: (feeling so small in his lap, her hands fluttering between them, gripping at his shirt as the kiss turns urgent)

Jaeger: (sets her back from him as he breaks the kiss) Camyron was pushed back into their own land. Half my men returned home. And half remained behind to camp along the borders.

Arissa: (her lips still tingling from the kiss, trying to gather her thoughts, wondering why he is telling her this, nods ..acknowledging his words)

Jaeger: Tomorrow Allendor will be set aback and the reign of Allen will end. I will either be embraced, or executed. If word comes to you of my execution, you are to take the slaves to the Sea Wolf. Do you understand?

Arissa: (digesting his words, staring into his eyes as he speaks, trying to sort out how she feels about him being executed...knowing it is what she should pray for) Yes, I understand.  I am to take the slaves to the Sea Wolf.

Arissa: (places her hands on her stomach, suddenly feeling nauseous)

Arissa: (so sick of death and war)

Jaeger: The Captain will know where to go. And from Todora, you can ride to Palicide.

Arissa: (gulps, then nods, pausing for a moment before saying softly) Why do you wish to execute your king? To avenge Xavier?

Jaeger: The Light was no friend of mine. But he was a brave warrior. I tire of seeing Allendor led by greed and weakness. The King has no heir. Let this be a new beginning. If it means my end, then so be it.

Arissa: (a harsh whisper) I will not mourn you!  (saying a little too adamantly)

Arissa: ((what is wrong with you...this is what you want.  He is the enemy....he is a murderer...he is ...))

Jaeger: (his eyes on hers for a long moment)

Arissa: (trying not to show her distress)

Jaeger: You will tell your King how it came to be.

Arissa: (returns his gaze, unnamed emotions coursing through her) I will..

Arissa: (disturbed that he is talking as if his death is a foregone conclusion)

Jaeger: (growls) Where is my meal.

Arissa: (startled out of her thoughts, looking towards the door)

Arissa: (horrified that she forgot Imari was coming back) ((oh no...what if she sees him kiss me...))

Imari: (taking her sweet time, trying to gather her courage, her pride still wounded from their earlier encounter)

Imari: (wondering yet again if he would have her tongue removed)

Imari: (shuddering at the thought, coming down the hall with his tray in hand)

Imari: (has wonderful visions of throwing his damn meal right in his face)

Jaeger: (keeping Arissa in his lap)

Arissa: (hears a noise in the hall, her eyes widening, wanting to bolt from his lap)

Jaeger: (absently, rubbing his thumb over her thigh, his mind recounting the days events)

Imari: (tries to open the door with the tray in her hand, having difficulties and letting out a frustrated curse before setting the tray on the floor)

Arissa: (groans softly as she hears Imari making a production of it)

Jaeger: (eyes turning to the door at the noise)

Jaeger: Is she so inept?

Imari: (shoves the door open, then picks up the tray, backing into the room before twirling around with the tray in hand)

Arissa: (keeping her voice low) Let me go help so you do not have to wait ...

Arissa: (his hand on her thigh distracting, making her cheeks blush)

Jaeger: (watching Imari, having no intention of releasing Arissa yet)

Imari: (gasps loudly at the sight of Arissa on his lap, dropping the tray, opening her mouth to scream at him to let her go, then quickly shutting ...wanting to keep her tongue....attached)

Jaeger: (looks down at the tray, the contents sprawled across the floor)

Imari: (eyes flashing, hands balling in fists)

Jaeger: (jaw tightening, the muscles twitching)

Arissa: (sighs softly)

Jaeger: (turns his head to Arissa) Go to the kitchen and bring another meal...

Jaeger: (releasing her)

Imari: (a hundred nasty names on the tip of her tongue, wanting to hurl them at him, the tension leaving her as he releases Arissa)

Imari: (almost smiles she is so relieved)

Arissa: (slips down from his lap, moving over to the spilled tray, whispering) Imari...apologize for the accident..

Imari: (gasps and looks at her like she lost her mind)

Jaeger: (rising)

Arissa: Imari...please....(pleading look)

Imari: (gulps and looks up at Jaeger) A thousand apologies for the mishap.  I will help rectify it immediately..

Imari: (gives him a little curtsy for good measure)

Arissa: (quickly putting the plate, bowl and utensils back on the tray, murmuring) Help pick up the mess...

Imari: (thinks he should eat off the floor like the beast that he is)

Imari: (but crouches down and starts picking up the food, setting it back on the tray)

Jaeger: Arissa. The Kitchen.

Arissa: (nods and reluctantly leaves, quickly heading down to the kitchen)

Arissa: (running so that she can get back before too long, hoping a hot meal will cool his temper)

Jaeger: Clean up that mess. (to Imari)

Imari: ((What are you BLIND, can't you see that I am??)) Yes, of course.  (smile)

Jaeger: (sitting back down, satisfied he doesn't need to beat her............ yet)

Imari: (wrinkling her nose as she scoops up the food and plops it back on the tray) ((too bad I wasn't a little closer.....and it didn't land on...say....his HEAD))

Imari: (lips twitching at the image as she finsihes cleaning up, wiping her hands on his linen napkin)

Jaeger: (relaxing back on the bed, his body tired, his mind on the task ahead, realizing some might be foolish enough to consider it noble) (a small ironic laugh escapes him)

Arissa: (carefully yet quickly fixing him another tray, then heading back up the steps in record time)

Imari: (glances up at the laugh, afraid for a moment that he had read her thoughts) ((Noo...he wouldn't be laughing then))

Arissa: (walking back into the room with another tray, hoping she doesn't appear winded, grateful that Imari hasn't gotten herself into any more trouble since she left)

Jaeger: (his eyes closed as he reclines on the bed)

Arissa: (sets the tray on the table, eyeing his reclined figure on the bed, saying softly) Your meal is ready.

Jaeger: Come sit with me. Let the fair child finish cleaning her mess.

Imari: (grits her teeth and glares at him, tempting to throw "her mess" right at him)

Arissa: (moves over and sits on the edge of the bed)

Arissa: (looks down at Imari, feeling so bad she is being treated like this, wanting to help her, knowing it wouldn't be wise)

Arissa: (wondering if Imari has ever had to clean up a single mess of her own, highly doubting it)

Jaeger: (starts to eat off the tray, casting glances over to make sure Imari isn't dawdling)

Imari: (taking her time, scrubbing a spot on the floor, pretending its him...wishing she could just rub him out too)

Arissa: (tucking her legs up under her)

Jaeger: (swallows the meat and sips from the mug) When you finish with the floor, you may empty the bed pots.

Arissa: (her expression not betraying the mental wince at his words, bracing herself for what is to come)

Imari: (thinking she could not have heard him correctly)

Imari: (slowly raises to her full height)

Jaeger: (lowers his mug looking at her)

Imari:  (her eyes narrowing on him) Am I to believe that I have been STOLEN from my home, dragged against my will to Allendor to BECOME YOUR CHAMBER MAID??

Imari: WHY can you NOT just RANSOM us and be done with this NONSENSE!

Jaeger: (ice smoothing over his eyes)

Arissa: (looks to Jaeger and then back to Imari, taking a deep breath, slipping off the bed) Here, let me show you where they are....

Imari: Arissa!

Jaeger: I am tired. And for that reason alone, I will finish my meal and rest.

Jaeger: But when my rest is done....

Jaeger: Then your lessons will begin, Fair haired witch.....

-- Palacide --

-- In the depths of the Castle Palacide --

-- It is dim and cold, a damp chill that runs to the bone. The air is musty and sour. A cold rain has dominated the day and the water seeps through the loose stone and drips, each splatter of water echoing in the caverns below --

-- Palacide holds no other prisoners save Xavier the Light of Allendor. But it was not always so. In his younger days, Leotin took many prisoners during battles. Prisoners can be bargained and bartered. And with enough time beneath in the darkness, they become very pliable --

-- Xavier was tossed beneath in a solitary cell upon return from Allendor. The dark of night has passed slowly and the dark storm clouds have kept the light of morning from brightening too much. A dull gray light seeps in with the rain. Just enough light for Xavier to spot the movement of the rats and pelt them with chunks of dirt --

Xavier: (leans on the iron bars of his cell, peering out into the dimness, wondering if the King is leaving him to sit as punishment and wishing he'd just get it over with if execution is inevitable)

Xavier: (a wry smirk) (because he is confident he can escape this dismal prison if given half a chance)

-- Moment later, half a chance arrives --

Xavier: (narrowing his gaze as he sees the flicker of a torch)

Xavier: (patiently waiting as the light grows, exposing four guards approaching him)

Hamlin: (accompanying the guards, the General has his sword drawn) Follow.....

Xavier: (steps back as they open the door then walks out casually, as if he might have been enjoying the peace and quiet)

Hamlin: Put the chains on him. We'll have none of his trechery..

-- the guards move to chain his hands --

Xavier: (holds his hands before him, allowing the chains as if he welcomes them)

-- two of the guards fall behind him, the other two beside, swords ready as Hamlin leads them through the dungeon and up the stone stairs --

-- torches light their path and the stairs ascend into a large stone room with a bench and table --

Hamlin: Sit.

Xavier: (swings a leg over the bench and sits, resting his chained hands on the table)

Hamlin: (lifts a foot, setting it on the bench beside Xavier then leans down to look closely at the prisoner) You'll do best sitting there without moving a muscle when the King arrives. One wrong blink and I will have each and every man in the room put a sword through your eyes. Do you understand me, Allendorian?

Xavier: (gazes at Hamlin a moment then replies) That's pretty clear.

Hamlin: (straightens as he hears the footsteps on the stone, slapping a fist into his chest in a salute, his men following suit as the King enters the room)

Leotin: (stands there a moment, looking Xavier over)

Staza: (moves up beside his father, his eyes stabbing daggers into Xavier)

Leotin: (moves to the bench on the other side of the table and finally sits)

Hamlin: My Majesty, take care, even chained this animal could cause you harm..

Leotin: (lifts his chin, eyes never leaving Xavier) It would be stupid, and he doesn't strike me as stupid.

Xavier: (small smirk)

Staza: (moves up close behind his father, hand on the hilt of his sword)

Leotin: So you are General Xavier. They call you the Light...

Xavier: Thats what they call me.

Leotin: (grunts) You're an insolent one, aren't you...

Xavier: Some say so. You aren't the first King to speak it.

Leotin: You aren't afraid of me .... So perhaps you are a bit of a fool...

Xavier: Why should I fear you? (leaning forward slightly, eying the King)

-- the guards become more alert, their swords shifting eager for Xavier's blood --

Leotin: Because I will be your death.

Xavier: (small laugh) I do not fear death. Life is much more fierce. Death is silent and cold. Peaceful....

Leotin: There will be nothing peaceful about your death. (growls, his eyes going hard with steel)

Xavier: (shrugs) If I feared death, I would not be such a fearsome warrior. And have no doubt, I am. I, with every fibre of my being, a warrior.

Leotin: Yes.... (touching his gray beard) So I have heard. And every warrior dreams of a noble death... But you will die like a chained dog. There will be no glory. Your Goddess will turn her back on you when you fall like a gutted dog and bleed slowly to death at my feet.

Xavier: Hmmm.... (nonplussed) You take the virtue of your daughter pretty damned seriously, don't you?

Leotin: (slams a fist down, hissing) DO NOT speak of her.

Staza: (draws his sword, thrusting the tip forward)

Xavier: (leans back, Staza's sword at his throat)

Xavier: Easy, boys... Easy...

Staza: (his voice hoarse with emotion) For the death of my sister you will die a thousand times, each more painful than the next. And by the Gods you will suffer in Hell for Eternity!

Xavier: (feeling the knick of the sword in his neck) Well...... (pausing) well said, young Prince.... a most moving speech. Your sister would be most delighted at such prose...

Staza: (nostrils flare, barely able to restrain his arm from arching the sword in a slice)

Leotin: (growls) Too merciful, my son.... TOO merciful.... stand back.

Staza: My sisters death will be AVENGED... (keeping the sword pressed into Xavier's neck for another moment, pressing hard enough to draw a thin stream of blood)

Xavier: (being careful not to move as he speaks) Her death....... Brilliant. Except, she isn't dead.

Leotin: (lifts a hand, pressing his palm against the flat of Staza's blade and pushing it's aim off the neck of Xavier) (his heart quickening) You best speak quickly, warrior....

Xavier: Your daughter... Imari. This is who you speak of?

Leotin: It is...

Xavier: She isn't dead. Not by any means. She is alive and well, and every bit as much a spitfire as ever.

Staza: HE LIES....

Leotin: (puts a hand up to silence Staza)

Leotin: Continue...

Xavier: She was under my guard... in the House of Xavier. My own house, where I kept her safe from my King and Jaeger, the Dark. (shrugs) I cannot attest to her well being now that I am a "guest" in this fine Paladian Inn...

Staza: (breathing harder) Why should we believe you?

Xavier: (glances at Staza) Would you take the chance?

Staza: (turns to Leotin) Father, he means to decieve.

Xavier: (shrugs)

Leotin: (keeping his gaze on Xavier for a long time)

Leotin: (then he rises) Hamlin, fetch the Rogue.

Hamlin: Sir...

Leotin: Just do it, General Hamlin.

Leotin: (looking at Xavier) You will draw a map to where my daughter is. And I will send the Rogue in. If he does not return, or he returns with no sign of Imari... your fate is sealed.

Staza: I will go with him.

Leotin: (glances to Staza then finally nods)

Leotin: (looks weary as he turns away to leave)

Staza: (stands another moment, glaring upon Xavier) If you lie, I will put out your eyes and leave you in the dungeon until you've no strength left to breath.

Xavier: (expressionless)

Staza: (leans closer to him) And if you tell the truth, and my sister has been touched in ANY way.... I will put out your eyes and cut off your balls....

Xavier: You aren't giving me much inspiration to draw this map, Young Prince...

Staza: You'll find the inspiration or you'll be drawing it in your own blood. (turns with a swish of his cape and walks after his father)

Xavier: (glances at Hamlin) Anyone have a quill?

----------------

--- The House of Jaeger ---

-- Jaeger's Chamber --

-- Morning peers in through the window, Jaeger has slept peacefully, as peacefully as he is capable of, leaving both of his captives in another room --

-- E'Nasha sleeps in this same room as well as two other female slaves. The room is done in silks and quite nice. It may dawn upon the captives that this is a concubine's quarters --

E'Nasha: (rising, her jewelry jingling)

Arissa: (lying on her side, her eyes opening at the sound of E'Nasha's jewelry)

-- the other two girls rise as well, moving about in the morning routine --

Arissa: (rolling over and gazing at Imari, having wished that her presence here was just a dream)

E'Nasha: (leaning near Arissa) Best to rise before the Master or Miadon. He will be angry if he finds you sleeping.

Imari: (still resting, having found sleep elusive all night)

Arissa: (nods her head, shaken out of her thoughts)

Arissa: (rising, quickly straightening her bed)

Arissa: (dreading awakening Imari, thinking she looks so peaceful and serene in sleep)

E'Nasha: (motions to Imari) She must rise or we will all be punished.

Arissa: (whispers) Yes, I know.  (sighs softly and moves over to kneel next to her bed, gently nudging her) Imari...

Imari: (opens her eyes and spots Arissa, smiling at her as she stretches in bed)

Imari: (eyes widening, realizing it is not her bed)

Katori: (gasps at the sound of Miadon's footsteps in the hall) Hurry..... (dipping her hands in the basin of water and splashing her own face)

Imari: (gasps and shoots up) Arissa! We must escape...

E'Nasha: (alarmed at Imari's bold words)

Arissa: Shhhhhhh  (placing her hand over Imari's mouth) Shhh...we will talk later.  You must get up now, quickly, wash..

Katori: (hisses) Silence her!

Imari: (gasps and turns her head towards Katori, pushing away Arissa's hand)

Arissa: (calmly) Imari, now is not the time.  Rise quickly and wash, I shall make your bed.

Miadon: (opens the door, his wise old eyes seeking out Arissa first)

Imari: (rises with every ounce of dignity she posses and heads towards the wash basin)

E'Nasha: (turns toward the door as does Katari and the other dark haired woman, standing straight)

Arissa: (turns towards Miadon and nods her head towards him ash she straightens Imari's blankets before standing and folding her hands in front of her)

Imari: (splashing water on her face, trying to clear her thoughts and think of a plan)

Miadon: (glances over at Imari)

Arissa: (casts a sideways glance at Imari, just thankful her she is quiet)

Arissa: (turns her attention back to Miadon and nods solemnly, immediately walking towards the door)

Miadon: (then turns his eyes back to Arissa) He calls for you.

Imari: (registers his words, looking up to see who he is talking about)

Imari: (gasps as she sees Arissa walking forward) Arissa!

Miadon: And you... (toward Imari)

Arissa: (flinches and looks back, having hoped he had forgotten about her)

Miadon: See that you are clean...

Imari: I care not what he wants..

Miadon: (claps his hand) E'Nasha. They are to be bathed. (turns his head toward Imari) You do not wish him to come for you...

Imari: I wish for him to rot, is what I wish. 

Arissa: A bath sounds very ....refreshing.  Come Imari.

Arissa: (moving over and taking her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze)

Miadon: (his brows furrowing)

Miadon: It will not be tolerated.

Katori: (just thankful someone else will be in trouble for a change)

Imari: (settles down somewhat at Arissa's calm demeanor, thinking it will give them the perfect opportunity to plot)

E'Nasha: (mortified)

E'Nasha: (rushing to get the bath oil and a towel)

Katori: (bows her head to Miadon and moves to help)

Arissa: (trying not to appear as nervous as she feels about the entire situation, leading Imari towards the door)

Arissa: (wanting to make excuses for her friend...knowing it would only worsen matters)

Miadon: I will come to the bath to guide you to him shortly. And if your tongue is not sweeter, it will not be a pleasant morning for you.

Imari: (lifts her chin, a shiver of uncertainty coursing through her at his cryptic words)

Arissa: (leads Imari down to the bathing chamber, suddenly becoming anxious about her scars)

Arissa: (almost wishing anyone else in the world to see them other than the beautiful and perfect Imari, knowing that it is silly and vain thoughts)

Imari: (scoping out the house as they go through, looking for any means of escape or weapons)

Arissa: (quickly disrobes and slips into the water, keeping her back to Imari until she is submerged)

Imari: (oblivious to Arissa's concerned, her mind on one track, wanting to escape, tossing her clothes aside and getting into the pool with Arissa) We need to think of a way to escape...

Arissa: (soaping up, choosing her words carefully) That would not be wise, Imari..

Imari: (looks horrified) You WANT to stay here?

Arissa: What I want is of no consequence.  We have to be realistic Imari until opportunity arises...  we have no coin, no clothing of our own, no means of transportation and we are in the heart of enemy territory.  We are likely to be stoned or worse if caught in the streets..

Imari: I would rather be stoned in the streets then submit to THAT man....if man he is..

Arissa: (softly clucks her tongue) Imari, you do not mean that.  Stoning will only get us dead with no hope of ever seeing Staza, your father, our homes again... 

Imari: And you think he will return us?  You think he will just have a change of heart.....you are wrong...he has no heart!

Arissa: That may be so, but he has a temper and your provoking it is just going to make all of us suffer.  Imari, you must trust me on this. 

Imari: Oh Arissa.. you do not understand.  Xavier told me about Jaeger the Dark.  He has no soul...

Imari: (her face softening at the mention of Xavier, vowing fiercely) He will come.  He will come and save us....

E'Nasha: (small gasp, nearly dropping the oil) You must not speak like that.

Arissa: (shakes her head) Imari, father and Staza were here...they took Xavier back to Palicide in chains. 

Imari: (quickly looks to the intruder) And you must not eavesdrop...

E'Nasha: (rubbing the oil in her hands to massage it onto the two girls)

Arissa: (sighs and gives E'Nasha a small smile) E'Nasha this is Imari.  She is the princess of Palicide.  Imari, this is E'Nasha...my friend..

E'Nasha: (shy look at Imari)

Imari: (her hair piled on top of her head, giving E'Nasha the once over and finally smiling) I wish we could meet under better circumstances.

Katori: (rubbing oil into her hands and taking Imari's hair down, scenting it with the oil, her fingers nimble and quick)

E'Nasha: (small bow, moving to scent Arissa's hair)

Imari: (used to being pampered by servants, relaxes back)

Arissa: (gives a small shake of her head, scooting backwards, not liking to be fussed over) You do not have to wait on me, E'Nasha.  Have you eaten yet?

E'Nasha: No one eats until the Master does.

Imari: (mutters) How barbaric..

Katori: (giving her hair a small tug) Your mouth will get us all beaten.

Imari: (gasps as the other girl tugs on her hair, raising her hands to her head and glaring at her) Keep your hands to yourself or I'll give you a beating...

Arissa: (groans inwardly) Imari....

Katori: (exasperated gasp)

Katori: (rinsing her hands in the bath water) Fine! Impossible bitch!

Imari: (looks back to Arissa, defensively) Do you see how provoking she is? Impertinent and foul...

E'Nasha: (worried look toward the door)

Arissa: Enough!  (blinks, having rarely had occasion to raise her voice)

Imari: (taken aback)

Arissa: (lowering her voice) We must not fight among ourselves, it serves no purpose..

--- the footsteps of Miadon approaching ---

E'Nasha: Miadon comes! (hurriedly brushing Arissa's hair)

Arissa: Someone comes.. (taking up a towel and holding it in front of her as she steps out of the water, trying to shield her body from so many eyes)

Imari: (not wanting to be caught naked, quickly exiting the bath and drying quickly)

Miadon: (appears in the doorway, wispy white gowns over one arm)

E'Nasha: (dries her hands and moves to take the gowns, bowing her head to Miadon)

Imari: (covers herself, standing next to Arissa)

E'Nasha: (brings the gowns to the girls)

Arissa: Thank you (softly)

Miadon: (stands there waiting for them)

Imari: (takes her gown, looks to Miadon, waiting for him to leave so they can change)

Arissa: (quickly dons her gown, pulling it down in place)

Miadon: (stands there another moment then finally turns to wait on the stairway)

Arissa: (hoping it fits properly and she doesn't look like a child playing dress up)

Imari: (feeling a small victory, pulling on her gown as Miadon leaves)

--- the gown is light and sheer and made to be loose fitting, in the light her silhouette shows through ---

E'Nasha: Do not keep him waiting.

Arissa: (smoothing it down, the material feeling so light....almost as if she wears nothing)

Imari: This is better suited to be an undergarment, it is not a proper gown at all..

Arissa: It is better than going naked..

Imari: (gasps)

Arissa: Exactly....

E'Nasha: It is a great compliment

Arissa: (turns to E'Nasha, asking quietly) Am I presentable?

Imari: A compliment? How so?

Imari: (secretly admiring the whimsy fabric, never having seen the like in Palicide, wishing only she wasn't on display for The House of Jaeger)

Imari: (wondering what Xavier would think of her in this dress)

E'Nasha: Beautiful. (smiles, then looks to Imari) Such fine garments on a slave is a compliment. (touches her gold jewelry) Like this. From far away. He brings such things when he sails.

Imari: (knowing Staza would have a conniption if he could see them dressed so)

Imari: Does he sail away often? Does he have a trip planned soon?

Arissa: Let us go, before more time passes.

Imari: (saddened for Arissa, realizing how terrified she must be)

E'Nasha: (clasps her hands together watching them, thinking that the Golden Imari is the most beautiful woman she has ever seen)

Miadon: (waiting on the stairs)

Imari: (gives Arissa an impulsive hug) It will be okay, I will figure something out..

Arissa: (blinks, thinking she has lost her mind) Yes, but let us go now.   Please Imari...please just be the wonderful charming person I know you can be.  The one that no one can resist liking.. even if you despise him..

Imari: (makes a face at that thought) I will...try....((maybe he has come to his senses and will ransom us now))

Arissa: (moves towards the door and the waiting Miadon)

Imari: (follows reluctantly behind)

Miadon: (walking up the stairs and crossing the main house with them in tow, then up the stairs again to the Master's chamber)

Arissa: (perfectly composed yet bracing for the meeting ahead, wondering if she should of told Imari about Jaeger's plan....how they very well may be free by night fall)

Arissa: (feeling as if she would be betraying...a confidence...then mentally scolding herself for feeling so) ((he is the enemy))

Miadon: (opens the Master's Chamber door for them to enter)

Imari: (gliding through, head held high)

Arissa: (feeling invisible next to the golden Imari, entering and standing quietly beside her0

Imari: (refusing to search him out within the room, staring out towards the window)

Jaeger: (reclined on the bed, his hair loose about his shoulders, shirtless, the scars showing on his chest, a blanket  from his waist down)

Jaeger: (to Miadon) That is all.

Miadon: (bows his head and backs out of the door, closing it behind him)

Arissa: (her gaze moving towards his voice, taking in his appearance, trying to judge his mood)

Arissa: (trying to ignore the quickening of her pulse at the sight of his bare torso)

Imari: (still staring straight ahead, wondering if he'll make her clean chamber pots again)

Imari: (wishing her Xavier would hurry up and rescue them, suddenly flooded with doubt that he will not) ((he will...he will come))

Jaeger: Come. Brush my hair and tie it. (his voice deep and quiet)

Arissa: (moving over to the dresser and picking up the brush and leather strings before moving towards the bed and sitting down next to him)

Imari: (walking over to stand next to the bed, wanting to give Arissa moral support)

Imari: (silently thankful she is taking care of the task)

Jaeger: (his black eyes turning to Imari)

Arissa: (gathers his hair in her small hands, gently running the brush through it)

Imari: (taking all her willpower to give him a forced smile)

Jaeger: (lifts a brow)

Imari: (telling herself she is only doing this to oblige Arissa, lifting a delicately arched brow in return)

Jaeger: You seek to kill me with kindness today, do you?

Imari: ((I wish to kill you alright...)) (quickly glancing to Arissa before biting back her words) It is not my wishes that matter I am instructed, it is yours.  ((I hate you...I want to kill you....just you WAIT until Xavier, Staza, and my father are through with you))

Arissa: (her brush stilling as Imari begins to speak, then resuming when she made it through an entire sentence without raising her voice or issuing a challenge)

Jaeger: (dark chuckle)

Jaeger: A change of heart... How interesting.

Jaeger: (glances to Arissa)

Arissa: (meeting his gaze, hoping he is pleased with Imari's change of heart)

Jaeger: (reaching out, hooking an arm around Arissa's ass and pulling her onto the bed)

Arissa: (eyes widening as she gets pulled forward, her palms lightly on his chest)

Imari: (grits her teeth and balls her hands into fists, greatly tempted to snatch her back)

Jaeger: (his hand on her ass, the light material nearly nonexistent between his flesh and hers)

Jaeger: I have a black heart that loves naught, or so I am told.

Imari: (furious he is using Arissa to get to her)

Arissa: (staring at his face, her skin heating under his touch, wishing Imari was not there)

Arissa: (finding his voice near hypnotic and hating herself for it)

Imari: It is obvious that is not true.  For you love to torment innocent young girls it seems..

Jaeger: But there are things that stir me... (gathering the gown and sliding it up so that Arissa's ass is exposed, his fingers caressing her flesh) (a slow dark smile at Imari) Torment..... I suppose you would consider it so...

Imari: (her face growing red with fury, his smile just fueling her anger, trying to take a couple of deep calm breaths before strangling out desperately) Do you not wish to eat? We can go fetch your food for you....

Arissa: (her heart pounding faster in her chest, wondering what games he plays, why he would choose her over Imari)

Jaeger: My hunger is not for food..... but something more succulent... (pushing the blanket off of his loins, his naked body hard and erect)

Jaeger: (pressing Arissa toward his cock)

Imari: (glares at him, then realizes what he is doing and yells out) NO!!  Leave her BE!!!!!

Arissa: (lips part, unable to believe he means to take her here...Now...in front of Imari)

Jaeger: Do you wish to take her place?

Arissa: (her entire body flushing in embarrassment)

Jaeger: (pulling Arissa to straddle him)

Imari: (quickly) NO!  (then feeling as if she is betraying her friend, tears of frustration gathering in her eyes, looking on in horror) I can get you one of THOSE other girls....they will GLADLY service you...

Arissa: (looks down at him in distress, her legs moving to either side of his hips, feeling his hard cock nudge against her sex) ((this isn't happening....)) (wanting to plead with him...ANYONE but Imari but stays silent)

Arissa: (thankful only that her gown is somewhat concealing her)

Jaeger: (his hand moving to his cock to rub it against her sex, his eyes drifting to Arissa's)

Arissa: (resists pleading with him, feeling her body's instant response to his, her hair falling in dark waves, framing her face)

Jaeger: (his eyes not leaving hers as he guides himself to her entry, his other hand pulling her sharply forward, impaling her)

Arissa: (lets out a small whimper of pleasure to her great shame as he stretches and fills her tight walls)

Imari: (lets out a shriek of helplessness and quickly twirls around, unable to watch)

Jaeger: (his hands taking her hips, moving her forward and back upon his hard cock, nostrils flaring with pleasure)

Imari: (her voice filled with righteous fury) You are despicable!  A monster!!!!  Staza will kill you for this....

Arissa: (her thighs gripping tightly around him, her gaze glued to his as the friction builds inside her, squeezing her eyes shut at Imari's words, not wanting to think about Staza...)

Jaeger: (gritting his teeth, his pumping upward as his hands guide her faster) You are next..

Imari: (gasps loudly in horror)

Arissa: (her mind and body at war, the sensations coursing through her, her small breasts bouncing lightly with each thrust)

Arissa: (using every ounce of willpower not to cry out in passion, the thought of him taking Imari sending jealously stabbing through her heart, taking her breath away)

Arissa: (trying to mask her emotions)

Jaeger: (pulling Arissa downward sharply and rolling with her, his muscular body arching as he drives into her, pinning her beneath his naked form)

Imari: (looking around wildly for a weapon, any weapon, trying to think of anything other than what is happening behind her) ((I shall kill him myself...with my bare hands if NEED be))

Arissa: (her legs wrapping around his waist, wholely submitting to him, her head thrashing from side to side, her eyes glazed over with passion as the pleasure builds to a peak)

Jaeger: (grinding into her, slowing his pace for a few strokes then pumping hard again, stretching her small passage with his plunging cock)

Arissa: (wrapping her small around him and sinking her teeth into his shoulder to muffle keep from crying out as her entire body shudders around him, her thighs tigtening like a vice against his hips)

Jaeger: (continues to stroke inside of her as he feels her release, his eyes moving to Imari, his lips pressed together with the effort of holding back his own release, his cock throbbing with want)

Arissa: (her walls still tremoring around his thick cock, eyes closed all thoughts of Imari having vanquished in her mind until she realized he did not take his pleasure, slowly opening her eyes to look up at him)

Jaeger: (his eyes looking at hers, dark and stormy) (his hand reaching to cup the back of her head and pull her face down, lips pressing to her forhead in a gesture Arissa would have often seen Leotin grace his children with)

Arissa: (an unnamed emotion flashing across her face, closing her eyes at the feel of his warm lips on her forehead, feeling tears spring to her eyes and quickly turning her head to the side to look away)

Jaeger: (his hands sliding down her hips and slowly displacing her from his body)

Arissa: (rolling to her side and curling up, silent tears slipping down her cheeks)

Imari: (her breathing becoming agitated, not hearing anything, not wanting to hear anything, but nervous that she does not hear anything)

Jaeger: Daughter of Leotin of Palicide....

Arissa: (realizing how lacking and undesirable she must seem in comparison to Imari, deeply shamed that she cares so much)

Imari: (stands straighter, her back to him, not trusting herself to answer)

Jaeger: You are not worthy to stride upon my manhood...

Jaeger: (rising) Therefore... you will kneel before me..

Imari: (blinks as his words register) You are a monster!  She is naught but a child!!!  She is defenseless against you...and you ...(spats) you ...I would rather bow down and kneel before....(her fury to great to think of a good insult) anyone other than you!

Jaeger: (striding naked up to her)

Imari: (shrieking and running across the room, eyes flashing as she glares at him from the other side of the table)

Jaeger: (bearing down on her with determined strides, one hand reaching out to grab a hand ful of her hair)

Arissa: (tries to tune them out, everything out, knowing she should help Imari...but not being able to see what good would come of it....)

Imari: (trying to bite at his hand and tug her hair back)

Jaeger: (getting a good handhold on her hair, jerking downward) KNEEL....

Imari: (gets pushed down to her knees, wrapping her arms around his lower calves, trying to topple him back)

Jaeger: (his strong legs holding firm, keeping a hand on her hair at the back of her head and holding her there before him)

Imari: I TRIED to be nice!!!!  Only for Arissa, ONLY for Arissa and LOOK at what you did to her!!!!  (biting his leg, tears of fury and helplessness gathering in her eyes)

Arissa: (squeezes her eyes shut, having a hard time shutting out the sounds of Imari's screams and struggles)

Arissa: (quickly dashing away the tears from her eyes, thankful he did not witness them and swinging her legs off the side of the bed, turning to look upon them)

Jaeger: She is worth 20 of you....

Imari: She DESERVES better than you....than THIS!!  This is all my fault!! (sobbing, trying to yank her hair free of his grip, her scalp stinging)

Arissa: (stopping in her tracks at his words, feeling a sudden unexpected rush of pleasure at them)

Jaeger: (jerking her head toward his loins) You are barely worthy to take me in your mouth. Now DO IT

Imari: (gasps in horror, never having imagined such a thing could be done)

Arissa: (simultaneous gasp, eyes widening)

Jaeger: Do it... Or I'll shall beat your face until you are so unsightly your father would not know you....

Imari: (scratching at his legs, her head shaking back and forth wanting to distance herself from his cock, her cheeks flushed with mortification, stills her struggles as his words sink in, sobbing uncontrollably trying to decide which fate is worse..)

Jaeger: (jerking her head back sharply) This is your last chance to make yourself useful... Fail it and I will pass you to the soldiers.

Arissa: (lets out a small sob) Please...don't hurt her...please.. (knowing she would never beg for herself, but unable to stand  the thought of Imari being harmed....disfigured...like herself)

Jaeger: (puts one hand up toward Arissa) Silence

Imari: (looks up at him with a mixture of hate and terror, repulsed by what he is asking of her...and what her alternative is....wanting to scream to the Goddess at the injustice of it all, not even knowing what to do)

Arissa: (sucks in a breath, trembling from head to toe, wondering what she ever did to deserve such a fate)

Jaeger: (looking down at her, his hand tight in her hair, holding her face in place at his loins)

Imari: (closing her eyes in defeat, feeling as if she is going to throw up, tentatively opens her mouth)

Arissa: (turns away from them, unable to watch)

Jaeger: (pushes himself into her mouth) Take care not to bite.... (gagging her with a thrust)

Imari: (gags on it, wanting nothing more than to bite the vile thing off, her scalp on fire from his tight grip)

Jaeger: (forcing her head still as he pleasure himself, mindless of her gagging)

Imari: (thinking only one such as he could be so perverse to think of such a way to pleasure himself)

Arissa: (feeling as if she has failed Imari, and Staza, and the King who was so much like a father) ((you should of done something....you should of better satisfied him so he would not seek his pleasure upon her))

Jaeger: (jerks her head back as he releases, coming on her then pushing her down on the floor, casting her aside)

Imari: (gagging and spitting it out, thankful it is over)

Jaeger: (pushes a foot down on her, making her lay on the floor, his foot on her chest)

Jaeger: Do you wish to go back to your family?

Imari: (inhales sharply, wondering if this is some kind of sick joke on his part, looking up at him with untrustingly)

Jaeger: (prodding her with the foot) Do you?

Imari: (nods her head yes, for once in her life...completely speechless)

Jaeger: Then from this moment forth... you will do as you are told. And you will forget who you think you are...

Imari: (burning with shame and humiliation, just nods jerkily)

Jaeger: (removes his foot slowly, his dark eyes burning into her... then slowly extending a hand down to her)

Imari: (forcing herself to take his hand, pulling herself, lowering her eyes so he cannot see the hatred burning brightly there)

Jaeger: (drops his hand from her) Now go... see Miadon. And clean yourself up, you disgust me.

Imari: (eyes widening) ((I disgust HIM?? HIM??  HE is the disgusting one!!!))

Jaeger: (turns away from her)

Imari: (her eyes seeking out the room for Arissa, more than ready for them to be away from there)

Arissa: (sitting under the window, knees pulled to her chest, forehead resting on them)

Jaeger: (moves to the bed and sits)

Jaeger: Arissa... To me.

Imari: (sucks in a breath, but just turns and leaves before she does anything she regrets)

Arissa: (takes a moment to mentally compose herself before rising, walking over to the bed, staring straight ahead not meeting his gaze)

Jaeger: (reaches for her, pulling her down slowly to him)

Arissa: (stiff but unresisting moves to him)

Jaeger: (takes her chin and tips it up to look at him)

Arissa: (stares at him without seeming to see him, her eyes dull..almost lifeless)

Jaeger: (gazes at her a moment, then a long exhales escapes him and he releases her) Go if you must

Jaeger: Go to her.

Arissa: (gulps back a tightness in her throat) It is useless. I could of influenced her to stay her tongue and accept her duties but I will never be able to make her accept you. (her voice barely above a whisper, thinking he means for her to go talk Imari into accepting him into his bed)

Arissa: She is too proud.

Jaeger: I care not if she accepts me.

Jaeger: I will not have you looking distraught... (lifts his chin stubbornly)

Arissa:  I'm sorry if my appearance displeases you.

Arissa: ((How does one not look distraught?)) (hoping he is lying and her feelings are not so obvious)

Jaeger: Your appearance does not displease me. The look in your eyes disturbs me. (growls) It is not the last thing I wished to see of you.

Arissa: (turning her head away, saying sadly and truthfully) I had also wished for a different lasting image of you...(a picture of Imari before him still vivid in her mind) but we are both no strangers to...disappointment I suppose.

Jaeger: (turns away from her as well) Leave me.

Arissa: (turns and walks away, wondering if she has gone completely mad to still feel so strongly about him...about his impending death after his actions of the morning)

Jaeger: (rising to dress, not looking at her, his jaw tight)

Arissa: ((maybe mother was right...maybe I am unnatural)) (quietly slipping out the door, standing in the hallway for a few moments afterwards)

Jaeger: (quietly dresses and equips a dagger on his belt, taking great care in his appearance then looking out over the courtyard at the city of Allendor..... Only hours away from total chaos, and most probably his demise.......)