"Are you telling me that you are prepared to slain innocent commoners and execute warriors over a pile of old corpses?" gasped Morgan in disgust composing himself afterwards
"How about if we were to offer your kingdom a seasonal tribute of these shards and you do not invade our kingdom nor trespass the borders? If the shards is what you seek, we can make agreements and arrangements for you to get what you desire without altering our peace" quizzed Morgan
Calico, who had an arm wrapped around Riyah protectively, released the beauty and got onto the horse, ever so glad to ride the steed yet again.
"I will race you to Harrishim's tent... empress..." challenged Calico always happy to partake in daring adventures, challenges and quests out of the blue.
By the time he got to the encampment, ever so familiar at that, he got off the horse, reluctantly releasing the reins and made his way to the leader, escorting Riyah
"How about if we were to offer your kingdom a seasonal tribute of these shards and you do not invade our kingdom nor trespass the borders? If the shards is what you seek, we can make agreements and arrangements for you to get what you desire without altering our peace" quizzed Morgan
Calico, who had an arm wrapped around Riyah protectively, released the beauty and got onto the horse, ever so glad to ride the steed yet again.
"I will race you to Harrishim's tent... empress..." challenged Calico always happy to partake in daring adventures, challenges and quests out of the blue.
By the time he got to the encampment, ever so familiar at that, he got off the horse, reluctantly releasing the reins and made his way to the leader, escorting Riyah
Blaise's eye twitched at the use of the term "old corpses" to describe soul shards; rare commodities that cannot be found anywhere else. Nevertheless, he composed himself, it wouldn't do to kill the man - not when a war was still debatable.
"Soul shards are not something we can afford to ration as if they were loaves of bread. They contain limited amounts of power..." Blaise paused a moment, thinking about an improbable but fair compromise that Morgan might agree to. Blaise smiled and continued, "All except a rare few. Those specific shards are remnants of the souls of dragons themselves, some of the most powerful creatures in all creation. If I were to obtain one from your lands, the rest of them would be obsolete for at least another century and by then I'll be long gone. I hadn't considered it because of their rarity and high mortality rate in expeditions, but I think your people might succeed given your recent stroke of luck. Get me one and I shall leave Tellirin alone for the rest of my days." Blaise reached out a hand, "Do we have a deal?"
"Soul shards are not something we can afford to ration as if they were loaves of bread. They contain limited amounts of power..." Blaise paused a moment, thinking about an improbable but fair compromise that Morgan might agree to. Blaise smiled and continued, "All except a rare few. Those specific shards are remnants of the souls of dragons themselves, some of the most powerful creatures in all creation. If I were to obtain one from your lands, the rest of them would be obsolete for at least another century and by then I'll be long gone. I hadn't considered it because of their rarity and high mortality rate in expeditions, but I think your people might succeed given your recent stroke of luck. Get me one and I shall leave Tellirin alone for the rest of my days." Blaise reached out a hand, "Do we have a deal?"
"Seems to me a very fair deal indeed. I shall personally relay your most generous offer to the empress. I have no doubt all avenues that can avert the war must be considered thoroughly in a positive light.
We could have slaves, prisoners and paid workers gathering these old corpses, these soul shards for you, and deliver them in cart loads at a time, as a tribute, whilst we seek and retrieve the dragon corpses you require" mused Morgan seeing no big issue in such a deal
"Are these... dragon corpses within Tellirin boundaries? or do we have to travel the world to find dragon soul shards?" quizzed Morgan curiously blinking at the rather unexpected and unusual proposal.
We could have slaves, prisoners and paid workers gathering these old corpses, these soul shards for you, and deliver them in cart loads at a time, as a tribute, whilst we seek and retrieve the dragon corpses you require" mused Morgan seeing no big issue in such a deal
"Are these... dragon corpses within Tellirin boundaries? or do we have to travel the world to find dragon soul shards?" quizzed Morgan curiously blinking at the rather unexpected and unusual proposal.
"Most are in Tellirin, though I did hear of a species of dragon that used to live in the deserts a few centuries ago, however, I hear they're extinct and buried under miles of sand so you may have better luck at home than away."
Suffice it to say, Blaise was pleased so far about this arrangement; if he was lucky, the Tellirins would find his dragon soul shard and his empire could move forward for years to come. Though he didn't actually expect results for a long while, after all, if the shards were easy to come across, he would have just sent a covert group to uncover one and smuggle it back to Falgaron.
Looking more friendly than before, Blaise provided Morgan with some information, "Dragon soul shards should be much larger than regular ones and have a distinct red hue to them. If your workers find one, then your kingdom shall be spared my army's attention."
Suffice it to say, Blaise was pleased so far about this arrangement; if he was lucky, the Tellirins would find his dragon soul shard and his empire could move forward for years to come. Though he didn't actually expect results for a long while, after all, if the shards were easy to come across, he would have just sent a covert group to uncover one and smuggle it back to Falgaron.
Looking more friendly than before, Blaise provided Morgan with some information, "Dragon soul shards should be much larger than regular ones and have a distinct red hue to them. If your workers find one, then your kingdom shall be spared my army's attention."
"Well I am confident we will find your treasure and seal a peaceful deal. As you know, Tellirin is ruled by an empress who carries dragon essence within, she may be able to use that to locate the shards you seek
More importantly, our kingdom has Taff. He is the last dragonlord and a warlock whose druidian powers are unrivalled. I have never seen a mage of his callibre before. He will find you the shard or summon it, if he doesn't have it already on himself... that sorcerer can transform elements as easy as we breathe words" explained Morgan calmly confident in the success of his mission
More importantly, our kingdom has Taff. He is the last dragonlord and a warlock whose druidian powers are unrivalled. I have never seen a mage of his callibre before. He will find you the shard or summon it, if he doesn't have it already on himself... that sorcerer can transform elements as easy as we breathe words" explained Morgan calmly confident in the success of his mission
"Excellent," Blaise said enthusiastically, "then it seems we have nothing left to discuss here. Zandyr will escort you home to Tellirin to speak with your empress. Happy hunting, Morgan."
Blaise opened the carriage door and ushered Morgan out. The meeting had been more peaceful than originally planned. Usually he had to keep diplomats around as leverage and have a quick interrogation, but it seemed his knives need not be unsheathed for now.
Blaise opened the carriage door and ushered Morgan out. The meeting had been more peaceful than originally planned. Usually he had to keep diplomats around as leverage and have a quick interrogation, but it seemed his knives need not be unsheathed for now.
"Why do you need these old corpses for?" quizzed Morgan mostly out of curiosity
"I find it hard to imagine anyone could need such ancient bones for anything at all..." pointed out Morgan confused.
"I find it hard to imagine anyone could need such ancient bones for anything at all..." pointed out Morgan confused.
Blaise just put a finger to his lips and silently said "Spoilers" and closed the carriage door. With that cue, the driver drove off, the sound of the mechanical horses gears churning as they moved further towards Ignis.
Blaise finally relaxed into the velvet seat and contemplated his next move carefully, what with his plan now taking an unexpected turn. The journey home was going to be fraught with contemplation, just the way he liked it.
Blaise finally relaxed into the velvet seat and contemplated his next move carefully, what with his plan now taking an unexpected turn. The journey home was going to be fraught with contemplation, just the way he liked it.
Morgan sighed in relief at the success of his enterprise.
He had been tasked in ensuring peace and, with this new bargain, peace certainly loomed in the horizon, rather than war as previously feared. All he had to do was to return soon and inform the empress and send his good-for-nothing brother Calico Jack and his band of highly disposable thugs to retrieve these dragon shards.
For now, he had to find a tavern or other and take up food and rest. He was hungry, thirsty, dirty and tired. The journey had been lengthy and exhausting and he needed to recover strength for a few days before being able to return home.
He had been tasked in ensuring peace and, with this new bargain, peace certainly loomed in the horizon, rather than war as previously feared. All he had to do was to return soon and inform the empress and send his good-for-nothing brother Calico Jack and his band of highly disposable thugs to retrieve these dragon shards.
For now, he had to find a tavern or other and take up food and rest. He was hungry, thirsty, dirty and tired. The journey had been lengthy and exhausting and he needed to recover strength for a few days before being able to return home.
Calico straightened his clothes, dusting them a little and made his way over to Harrishim, nodding gracefully at the man.
"Greetings from afar, my friend..." saluted Calico with a brief friendly reverence
"It seems to me that we meet again" smiled Calico, his eyes taking in the tents and the layout and decor just like he did the very first time.
"Greetings from afar, my friend..." saluted Calico with a brief friendly reverence
"It seems to me that we meet again" smiled Calico, his eyes taking in the tents and the layout and decor just like he did the very first time.
Harrishim turned as Nidar announced the arrival of the company he was expecting. His sources had been unable to tell him why the Empress was gracing him once again with her beautiful presence.
"Thank you Nidar." He said, patting the shoulder of the man before gazing at Ryiah and Calico, raising an eyebrow. " to what I owe this pleasure?" He asked, a broad smile on his face as he noticed the garb which Ryiah wore, after the fashion of his own people. "I am guessing you have not come to join my harem once again? It is not the same without your presence... but.. if I may, marriage has not diminished your beauty, you are just as ravishing as any desert flower." He said, having been completely oblivious to Nidar's too subtle hints. Obviously the Empress's new status didn't deter him from his eloquent flirtations, despite his own age growing older. He obviously felt the years had been good to him, and, indeed they had. He was still tall in stature and broad of shoulder, ruddy of complexion. The new grey streaks in his dark brown hair served only to distinguish him, when it was not covered by a turban.
Turning he offered a bow to Calico, scanning the pirate. "Might I congratulate you upon your recent nuptials. It seems you have done what I could not... you must tell me your secrets."
"Thank you Nidar." He said, patting the shoulder of the man before gazing at Ryiah and Calico, raising an eyebrow. " to what I owe this pleasure?" He asked, a broad smile on his face as he noticed the garb which Ryiah wore, after the fashion of his own people. "I am guessing you have not come to join my harem once again? It is not the same without your presence... but.. if I may, marriage has not diminished your beauty, you are just as ravishing as any desert flower." He said, having been completely oblivious to Nidar's too subtle hints. Obviously the Empress's new status didn't deter him from his eloquent flirtations, despite his own age growing older. He obviously felt the years had been good to him, and, indeed they had. He was still tall in stature and broad of shoulder, ruddy of complexion. The new grey streaks in his dark brown hair served only to distinguish him, when it was not covered by a turban.
Turning he offered a bow to Calico, scanning the pirate. "Might I congratulate you upon your recent nuptials. It seems you have done what I could not... you must tell me your secrets."
Zandyr had bowed low over his saddle as his Ruler gave orders to accompany Morgan back over the border. After they had parted ways with the carriage, Zandyr had returned a horse to Morgan so the man could keep up, then commenced to lead the way back through the impenetrable mountain pass. He kept his silence unless the General saw fit to break it, his mind turning over the information which his Ruler had revealed to the General.
They had not discussed information new to Zandyr, yet despite his ambition, he had not yet succeeded in earning his Rulers ear on his further plans. It was with a buzz of thought that he contemplated what, in truth, King Blaise might want the soul shards for.
As he considered it, a thought struck him, and he smirked a bit as he thought of the implications. Could soul shards be collected from living dragons? If so, wouldn't they be even more powerful? He resolved to ask his Ruler such when next he had an audience.
They had not discussed information new to Zandyr, yet despite his ambition, he had not yet succeeded in earning his Rulers ear on his further plans. It was with a buzz of thought that he contemplated what, in truth, King Blaise might want the soul shards for.
As he considered it, a thought struck him, and he smirked a bit as he thought of the implications. Could soul shards be collected from living dragons? If so, wouldn't they be even more powerful? He resolved to ask his Ruler such when next he had an audience.
"Harrishim... I wish I could share your celebratory congratulations, alas, now is not such a happy occasion, matters are far graver than I could have hoped for, in the current circumstances" informed Calico his face serious and his look cautious and stern
"So much so that it has forced my hand into coming to you for aid and assistance." explained Calico calmly
"Our neighbouring kingdom of Falgaron has threatened war against the empire of Tellirin, they demand the lands that border our realm, a rather large portion at that, and a significant port too. Failing to surrender to such demands, many lives may be lost, many of our vassals may be slain, maimed or enslaved and I cannot carry such burden without doing my earnest to prevent this.
To issue such dire threat, it is clear that Falgaron must have a clearly superior advantage, a decisive winning strategy, be it a larger army, better weaponry or magical means to achieve victory." explained Calico "I must enter the kingdom unnoticed and gauge which of these... is the case at hand..." mused Calico
"and for this I require your help." admitted Calico
"It has come to my attention that Falgaron's army enjoys fine horses, pure breeds, the likes of which... your reputation preceeds you here... the likes of which only grow in these isles. I thus need you to bring me into the kingdom of Falgaron as one of your servants or slaves, that I may pass through unnoticed and gather what I need to learn about" muttered Calico
"Of course my wife insisted in coming and I am in no position to deny my empress her wishes and orders... thus the offer of servitude is not only mine, but also hers, from now and for as long as the journey lasts. Take us as slaves of your harem and let us accompany you when you deliver horses to sell to Falgaron. In all things, we will obey your orders, unquestionnably, whatever these orders may be... whatever you ask of us, it shall be done... no quibbles" offered Calico
"Your task would be simple, go to trade as you seem to do, entertain their royals as you seem to do, and I will make myself scarce to gather the details I need to learn about, once I am satisfied, I will rejoin you and we can return here, where my ship awaits" commented Calico delivering the plan he had already forged
"Ask whatever you deem is a worthy price in return..." sighed Calico unsure what the man might ask for next, Taff standing at attention nearby Riyah and Calico ready to serve as usual
"So much so that it has forced my hand into coming to you for aid and assistance." explained Calico calmly
"Our neighbouring kingdom of Falgaron has threatened war against the empire of Tellirin, they demand the lands that border our realm, a rather large portion at that, and a significant port too. Failing to surrender to such demands, many lives may be lost, many of our vassals may be slain, maimed or enslaved and I cannot carry such burden without doing my earnest to prevent this.
To issue such dire threat, it is clear that Falgaron must have a clearly superior advantage, a decisive winning strategy, be it a larger army, better weaponry or magical means to achieve victory." explained Calico "I must enter the kingdom unnoticed and gauge which of these... is the case at hand..." mused Calico
"and for this I require your help." admitted Calico
"It has come to my attention that Falgaron's army enjoys fine horses, pure breeds, the likes of which... your reputation preceeds you here... the likes of which only grow in these isles. I thus need you to bring me into the kingdom of Falgaron as one of your servants or slaves, that I may pass through unnoticed and gather what I need to learn about" muttered Calico
"Of course my wife insisted in coming and I am in no position to deny my empress her wishes and orders... thus the offer of servitude is not only mine, but also hers, from now and for as long as the journey lasts. Take us as slaves of your harem and let us accompany you when you deliver horses to sell to Falgaron. In all things, we will obey your orders, unquestionnably, whatever these orders may be... whatever you ask of us, it shall be done... no quibbles" offered Calico
"Your task would be simple, go to trade as you seem to do, entertain their royals as you seem to do, and I will make myself scarce to gather the details I need to learn about, once I am satisfied, I will rejoin you and we can return here, where my ship awaits" commented Calico delivering the plan he had already forged
"Ask whatever you deem is a worthy price in return..." sighed Calico unsure what the man might ask for next, Taff standing at attention nearby Riyah and Calico ready to serve as usual
Nidar rolled his eyes at his leader's blatant ignorance of his hints. Harrishim had to let go of his childish crush sooner rather than later if the tribe was to flourish.
He continued to listen to the pirate's request, though initially quite typical, his interest piqued when he mentioned being their slaves. He wasn't sure if the heat was affecting the man's judgement or not, but requesting slavery to Harrishim was particularly foolish given that's what he wanted from the get-go. Who knows, his flirtatious leader might play his role as the master a bit more vigorously than the empress and her husband had intended.
However, he wasn't in a position to change the outcome of this meeting yet, so Nidar just stood with his arms crossed and watched the men talk.
He continued to listen to the pirate's request, though initially quite typical, his interest piqued when he mentioned being their slaves. He wasn't sure if the heat was affecting the man's judgement or not, but requesting slavery to Harrishim was particularly foolish given that's what he wanted from the get-go. Who knows, his flirtatious leader might play his role as the master a bit more vigorously than the empress and her husband had intended.
However, he wasn't in a position to change the outcome of this meeting yet, so Nidar just stood with his arms crossed and watched the men talk.
Ryiah stirred nervously at Calico's offer. She had expected it, yet still the thought of subjecting herself to Harrishim made her cringe. Her gaze went to Nidar momentarily, and she caught his eye roll. Did the man think Harrishim foolish? She felt her curiosity about the man grow a bit even as she stepped closer to Calico. Giving a nod she finally added, "yes, Harrishim, my empire needs your assistance. Falgaron is a mightier threat than most, and you would do well to be wary of them."
Harrishim folded his arms over his chest, his face going momentarily stern as he listened to Calico's plea, then Ryiah's added confirmation.
Finally, stroking his beard he shook his head a bit. "This is no easy task you ask of me and my people. If we are found out you will put us at odds with Falgaron, which we cannot afford to be, even when in your empire’s good graces your Majesty." Here Harrishim dipped his head to Ryiah. His eyes were a bit troubled, yet a gleam of calculation burned in his eyes. Glancing at Nidar, as if in thought, he finally took a deep breath.
"But I accept, of course. I could not refuse coming to your Majesty's aid and of course both of your presence for the journey will be... pleasant indeed." A smile grew on his face as his eyes lingered on Ryiah. But then, he laughed and jostled Nidar with his elbow, gesturing at Ryiah. "Have you ever wanted an empress for a companion Nidar?" He asked. "I have been meaning to repay your loyal work for me for some time now. The Empress shall be your slave, during the journey, of which I put you in charge. I shall journey there too, of course, as sending any other to meet with Falgaron would be deemed a slight. Prepare our best shipment of horse flesh yet, Nidar, and prepare to set sail." Harrishim had made good use of Caesar's gifted ship in recent months of trade, and no doubt the ship was nearly ready to set sail at that moment, as a shipment had been previously scheduled. Plans had changed though, and the ships cargo would be horses instead, their destination, Falgaron.
"Calico, you will by my personal slave for the journey, as I do not wish to bring more of my people into harm than necessary. Nidar will gather what men he thinks best suited for the task, and her majesty Ryiah will serve him in whatever ways he wishes."
With that, Harrishim clapped his hands, signalling his mind was made up. "Your first duties, Calico, will be to bring me a meal in my tent before the journey begins. I am famished."
Harrishim folded his arms over his chest, his face going momentarily stern as he listened to Calico's plea, then Ryiah's added confirmation.
Finally, stroking his beard he shook his head a bit. "This is no easy task you ask of me and my people. If we are found out you will put us at odds with Falgaron, which we cannot afford to be, even when in your empire’s good graces your Majesty." Here Harrishim dipped his head to Ryiah. His eyes were a bit troubled, yet a gleam of calculation burned in his eyes. Glancing at Nidar, as if in thought, he finally took a deep breath.
"But I accept, of course. I could not refuse coming to your Majesty's aid and of course both of your presence for the journey will be... pleasant indeed." A smile grew on his face as his eyes lingered on Ryiah. But then, he laughed and jostled Nidar with his elbow, gesturing at Ryiah. "Have you ever wanted an empress for a companion Nidar?" He asked. "I have been meaning to repay your loyal work for me for some time now. The Empress shall be your slave, during the journey, of which I put you in charge. I shall journey there too, of course, as sending any other to meet with Falgaron would be deemed a slight. Prepare our best shipment of horse flesh yet, Nidar, and prepare to set sail." Harrishim had made good use of Caesar's gifted ship in recent months of trade, and no doubt the ship was nearly ready to set sail at that moment, as a shipment had been previously scheduled. Plans had changed though, and the ships cargo would be horses instead, their destination, Falgaron.
"Calico, you will by my personal slave for the journey, as I do not wish to bring more of my people into harm than necessary. Nidar will gather what men he thinks best suited for the task, and her majesty Ryiah will serve him in whatever ways he wishes."
With that, Harrishim clapped his hands, signalling his mind was made up. "Your first duties, Calico, will be to bring me a meal in my tent before the journey begins. I am famished."
"Certainly, master, with pleasure..." nodded Calico rolling up his sleeves and making his way to the tent that served as a kitchen to prepare and serve Harrishim his demanded food, an assortment of sweet and spicy food to keep the man entertained and well fed.
Once the tray was ready with the assorted nibbles and the main course of spicy cous cous with side salad and grilled chicken portions he made his way to Harrishim's tent.
"I cannot thank you enough for this timely help" assured Calico, serving the man in good spirits and trusting Riyah to do her best as well.
Once the tray was ready with the assorted nibbles and the main course of spicy cous cous with side salad and grilled chicken portions he made his way to Harrishim's tent.
"I cannot thank you enough for this timely help" assured Calico, serving the man in good spirits and trusting Riyah to do her best as well.
Nidar was surprised at Harrishim's orders. He was sure that he would be given Calico; he hadn't anticipated this restraint from his leader - not that he was complaining. After a moment's hesitation, Nidar answered with a "Yes sir." He strode out of the tent, signalling that Ryiah should follow him.
Nidar walked through the camp, picking up men for the task at hand: the helmsman; the navigator; the gunners and all the rest. When they were all gathered he spoke, "Brothers! Harrishim has demanded we sail to Falgaron once more; prepare Caesar's ship for sailing by nightfall. We also have a guest with us - Empress Ryiah Sendara Bet'Luna. The woman is royalty and not to mention an ally, so if I see anyone try anything I'll be feeding you to the horses. Understood?"
Suffice it to say, the Bedouin men weren't happy they were threatened, but they moved to the ship nonetheless. Nidar sighed and started to follow.
Nidar walked through the camp, picking up men for the task at hand: the helmsman; the navigator; the gunners and all the rest. When they were all gathered he spoke, "Brothers! Harrishim has demanded we sail to Falgaron once more; prepare Caesar's ship for sailing by nightfall. We also have a guest with us - Empress Ryiah Sendara Bet'Luna. The woman is royalty and not to mention an ally, so if I see anyone try anything I'll be feeding you to the horses. Understood?"
Suffice it to say, the Bedouin men weren't happy they were threatened, but they moved to the ship nonetheless. Nidar sighed and started to follow.
Taff stood by the horses, glad to see Pegasus still so well looked after, feeding and petting the beasts in general and waiting for the moment to board the vessel.
His presence there would certainly ensure that the sea would have favourable winds and currents to shorten the journey as much as possible and make it a pleasant one, clear skies, calm seas, strong under currents and a warm sea breeze strong enough to keep the sails filled and forward.
He had to admit he admired Calico's willingness to give it all up to spare the lives, not of rich mean, not of wealthy lords, not of captured warriors, but rather of unsuspecting commoners, helpless victims who did not know their blood was the price at stake and who went about their usual humble business unaware of the looming death sentence.
Commoners and peasants few royals would pay any heed to, men and women and children whose names and faces were definitely unknown to Calico and Riyah alike and that earned Taff Emris respect for sure.
His presence there would certainly ensure that the sea would have favourable winds and currents to shorten the journey as much as possible and make it a pleasant one, clear skies, calm seas, strong under currents and a warm sea breeze strong enough to keep the sails filled and forward.
He had to admit he admired Calico's willingness to give it all up to spare the lives, not of rich mean, not of wealthy lords, not of captured warriors, but rather of unsuspecting commoners, helpless victims who did not know their blood was the price at stake and who went about their usual humble business unaware of the looming death sentence.
Commoners and peasants few royals would pay any heed to, men and women and children whose names and faces were definitely unknown to Calico and Riyah alike and that earned Taff Emris respect for sure.
Harrishim reclined in his tents, several harem women lounging at his side when Calico returned with food. Beckoning his new servant forward he allowed himself to be served, giving a nod of pleasure at the well prepared food. "It will bey pleasure, if all goes well. I shall think on the price I ask in return. It is not a decision I wish to rush into. Perhaps when our journey is done, then I will make my request."
Harrishim paused, scrutinizing Calico. "Have you and your new wife consummated your marriage yet?" He asked suddenly, intrigue in his eyes. "I wonder at your willingness to part with her. Your loyalty to your empire is rather remarkable. Nidar can be a bit of a rogue himself, but I think an honorable one. He will take good care of Ryiah during the journey's events.
Ryiah meanwhile, kept her face as impassive as she could given the circumstances. She kept reminding herself it was for the good of the empire. If they were to sneak successfully into Falgaron, she couldn't appear as an empress, which didn't leave many options. Harem women would be least likely to be suspected.
Following Nidar as he beckoned her, she remained a step behind, her head held high, a few light bells on her bedouin clothing tinkling musically as she moved, the cloth fitting her figure well.
When Nidar had gathered the men of his choosing, Ryiah was surprised to hear him speak of her a a guest, and a small smile lifted her lips as she stood quietly behind him. She had been surprised, too, when Harrishim had gifted her to his man, rather than assigning her to his own tent after all his flirtations. But maybe they were just that... idle flirtation. She was beginning to think Harrishim might be harder to read than she'd thought.
Harrishim paused, scrutinizing Calico. "Have you and your new wife consummated your marriage yet?" He asked suddenly, intrigue in his eyes. "I wonder at your willingness to part with her. Your loyalty to your empire is rather remarkable. Nidar can be a bit of a rogue himself, but I think an honorable one. He will take good care of Ryiah during the journey's events.
Ryiah meanwhile, kept her face as impassive as she could given the circumstances. She kept reminding herself it was for the good of the empire. If they were to sneak successfully into Falgaron, she couldn't appear as an empress, which didn't leave many options. Harem women would be least likely to be suspected.
Following Nidar as he beckoned her, she remained a step behind, her head held high, a few light bells on her bedouin clothing tinkling musically as she moved, the cloth fitting her figure well.
When Nidar had gathered the men of his choosing, Ryiah was surprised to hear him speak of her a a guest, and a small smile lifted her lips as she stood quietly behind him. She had been surprised, too, when Harrishim had gifted her to his man, rather than assigning her to his own tent after all his flirtations. But maybe they were just that... idle flirtation. She was beginning to think Harrishim might be harder to read than she'd thought.
Calico served the food unsure whether to answer such personal, intimate if a tad inappropriate question, but when it came to Harrishim, honesty was indeed the best policy.
"Despite the lengthy journey, Harrishim, me and my wife have not yet consumated ... our marriage. I have enjoyed my wife's company and some passionate kisses yet she remains a maiden... master" admitted Calico in a light discomfort at admitting such lacking and focusing on staring at the food.
"Even if she were not, it would not make my love, devotion and respect towards her, any less" assured Calico calmly pouring tea for Harrishim, stirring the sugar and extending the cup and saucer, holding it out for Harrishim to sip at his convenience
"It is clear you have been to the kingdom of Falgaron before... what can you tell me that might be of interest?" quizzed Calico
"Despite the lengthy journey, Harrishim, me and my wife have not yet consumated ... our marriage. I have enjoyed my wife's company and some passionate kisses yet she remains a maiden... master" admitted Calico in a light discomfort at admitting such lacking and focusing on staring at the food.
"Even if she were not, it would not make my love, devotion and respect towards her, any less" assured Calico calmly pouring tea for Harrishim, stirring the sugar and extending the cup and saucer, holding it out for Harrishim to sip at his convenience
"It is clear you have been to the kingdom of Falgaron before... what can you tell me that might be of interest?" quizzed Calico
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