ROLEPLAY HQ - bestial-beauty-and-beautiful-beast

@Chris

@maedaymaydae

06:50

All set up! Okay! Do you want to play the scheming brother?

Sure

Would you like to start or shall I?

Would you mind starting?

Okay!

06:51

Oh! Names!

Right!

Falter for the Orc

Majanea (aka Maja) for the princess

06:57

Carric for her brother

Falter leaned over the ornate table in the study and bit his lip as he considered the offer in front of him. His eyes looked over at the platinum haired elf. He hadn't been told the princess' name. But he had been told that she had to disappear. That she was a great shame on the elvish nobility. That she was no nothing. To be a slave. Those words tasted just horrible in his mouth. And he looked at the stoic elf man before him. The ambition, the clear desire for power and control disgusted Falter. But, well, the threat had also caught his eye. He hadn't said anything. for the longest time. Just looking at his hands through those glasses. The elf princess had a gag in. Her wrists encased in golden chains. There was no way to communicate with her. Nothing to confirm the story that he'd been told. That she had killed someone. That she was this monster. HIs eyes searched the porcelain face. He needed some sort of sign. That the sacrifice he was about to make, to throw himself in jail for her, was worth it. But then, he caught eye contact with her. And he blinked. There was a pain there. Some hurt. Something far deeper. He gritted his teeth. Fuck fuck fuck. he thought to himself. "What will this entail?" He asked as he looked up at Carric. "I'm going to buy your sister... This is so messed up." HIs voice was slightly husky. That was one thing that the type of an orc got right. Their larger chests did give them very deep voices.

07:06

@maedaymaydae

Carric raised an imperious brow at Falter. It was pure luck that he had caught the barbarian nosing through the palace archive but, as pretty usual, Carric was more than prepared to leverage the situation to his advantage. "You're paying her bride price," he clarified, his voice smooth, but he ultimately didn't disagree that he was, in fact, selling his younger sister to an orc. Majanea had been gagged for a long time. The fabric of the gag, as fine as it was, was soaked with spit and tears. She'd long since run out of tears but their presence was still noticeable in the swollen emptiness of her pale eyes. Carric had learned quickly that she was capable of breaking out of a good many things, especially if he goaded her, which had earned her these magic suppressing cuffs around her ankles and wrists. She bristled at the orc, looking up at him without fear. She raised her chin, proud and wounded all at once. "After you pay get bride price, she's yours to do with as you please,"

The look that Falter gave Majenea was apologetic. He knew that her life was changing. But there was nothing to be done. The politcal games had been played. And it was clear that this elf had lost. He sighed, and just reached over and signed his name. He had a messy slightly scratchy style of writing. Someone who was used to making a lot of notes. But less so calligraphy or artwork. A scholar's handwriting. "And if I don't sign. Well, that is something you don't want to talk about. I understand." He reached into the pack that was beside his chair, and pulled out a bag. Orc currency wasn't as advanced as the bank drafts that had developed in modern elf and human financial systems. But they had a system of paper money that served well enough. He counted out the notes. And passed them over for Carric to count them. "Now, you also mentioned some ritual. Some magical bond to ensure that she wouldn't trouble the court again. But you didn't want to explain how that would work. I know some of the old elf rituals used blood and crap. What is this going to involve?" Once again, his eyes flicked over to the elf in the corner. Sitting there helpless. He was angry now. Inside he knew that he was going to get back at this ass. He would find out what was going on. Get to know this woman. This elf. This person. And help her realise whatever dream of revenge he saw in that wounded pride. No matter what sort of slave she was going to be made into. He mouthed "I promise" to her. He wasn't sure if she understood his intent. If she even wanted to understand. But he wanted to make that promise to her.

07:24

@maedaymaydae

"Happily," Carric said with a smirk as he watched Falter stack the paper bills, "We needn't think on such dreary subjects," he'd signed his name, afterall, which meant that apart from a bit of pomp, his sister was no longer his concern. "Mm, yes, this contract is imbued with magic," he nodded to it, "And I've made some additions to the standard marriage contract," he smiled the bloodless smile of elves the world over. "Just a drop of blood from each of you and the spell will activate." He didn't trouble himself explaining the details-- he'd learn soon enough. "Here," he extended a dagger from a sheath at his side, handle-first. In the corner, Maja tried to school her face into some kind of disciplined expression and failed. She could believe her brother was doing this to her but she couldn't quite believe it was happening.

07:41

@Chris

(How complex do we want the ritual? Do we want it to be all charms and take time? Or just a drop of blood and they slip away?)

(probably just a drop of blood

)

The blood from Maja was already prepared onto the contract. The fine dagger was handed over. Falter took it. He hadn't heard of this sort of marriage contract. This sort of stuff wasn't often done. It was from an archaic time when marriages and feelings were considered much more important. As much as he found this time when elves did embrace their passions more fascinating, he hadn't looked into this. He suddenly found that he had a pressing need to. He took the dagger and cut his little finger. Then squeezed a drop of green blood onto the contract. He felt the magic burn into him. It was half pain, but also half pleasant. He clenched his feet under the table and shut his eyes. Then he opened them and looked over at Maja. He let his breath out. Understanding a little more about her. He looked back at Carric. "I assume you want us out of the city before dawn?" Falter was never exactly one to hide his emotions. And the orc's hostility had always been near the surface during the whole thing. He pulled the records closer to him. Then looked over at Maja. "Also, we don't need that gag. Or those chains. We'll be leaving as soon as we can." @maedaymaydae

(But takes until it dries to take effect?)

(I think it has an initial sensation. And they get hints but it takes a while to be in full effect)

(agreed)

Maja flinched when his blood hit the paper. She knew what was coming, she knew what to expect, at least from a typical marriage contract-- she had no idea what else her brother had written into the contact against her will. "As soon as possible, if you must wait as long as dawn, so be it," Cerric drawled and started to roll up the contract, secure and content in the knowledge that this unpleasant business was done. "I'll have the restraints removed when you exit the palace and not a moment sooner." The shackles were too valuable to just give away and he refused to allow Majanea the opportunity to make yet another scene on her way out of his life. Carric waved a hand at Maja, "Congratulations and all that," Carric walked to the door where a guard was waiting. "See them out," and handed a golden key to the guard. "Good day,". Carric said, mildly, and left. In the corner, Maja screamed into her gag. She was furious and even with the magic dampening shackles, a blue-gold sheen crackled over her skin. Her attention shifted to Falter. Her apprehensiveness did nothing to dim her incandescent rage. Her nostrils flared as she breathed hard, struggling to get enough breath. @Chris (edited)

Falter could see the rage in the elf. He stood up and walked over to Maja. His eyes looked at that blue-gold sheen and suddenly wondered if he'd made the right decision. He then focused on her. "Please, focus on me. Hey, look at me. I know his sort. He is... throughly unpleasant. An awful person. But you don't have to worry about him now. I'm going to take your hand." He tries to keep her attention and focus on him. His fingers reaching to engulf her hand. "I know you're upset. I know you feel like your world in ending. Please, your highness. I know what elves think of orcs. You are wrong. I am not going to harm you. I am not going to take advantage of you. I'm not going to hurt you. I don't want to harm you. I will do anything I can to keep you safe." He moves one large, green hand to her elbow to try and help her get up. "Can you come with me? We will head out of here. Get out of this city. And figure out what we're going to do. How we'll approach this. But lets get out of here. Carric doesn't seem like the sort of person with a lot of paitence. So please. Come with me. Lets get out of here. I have a camp out of the city. Lets figure things out and just take things one step at a time. Can you do that with me, Please?" @maedaymaydae (edited)

Behind the prodigious anger there was a fierce intelligence in her eyes. She considered his words and the fact that the orc seemed well spoken. Orcs were not supposed to be well spoken. When his hand covered hers she reared back. They might be legally married but how dare he assume he could touch her. But he was gentle and that was so confounding to her. He agreed that her brother was terrible-- no one would dare say such things, even though they were true. He couldn't be trusted but he was going to get her outside the city. She took his elbow and wobbled up to her feet. She was dressed in beautiful clothing that she'd obviously been wearing for some time. A lovely, blue gown with a luxurious silken sheen that was dulled by the presence of obvious dirt and grime. He was significantly taller than she was, but she refused to acknowledge or be cowed by it. She hardened her face and eyes and stared dead ahead. She would cooperate, stiffly, but at least she wouldn't need to be dragged or carried out of the only home agreed ever known. @Chris

08:48

(sorry for slow. I'm dyeing a bunch of paper)

(done now)

Falter saw her mind process what was going on and come to a very quick and intelligent conclusion. He felt in her grasp what was going on. Both the anger. But the determination to take her own fate, her own destiny, in her own arms. "Thank you, your highness. I'll do what I can to help you. I'm Falter. I don't know your name. Your brother wouldn't tell me. But he's going to have these chains and gag taken off when we get to the palace exit. I believe he's going to take us to the tradesman exit. I think he plans for us to disappear into the night." He took a breath and followed an attendant wearing the knot of her brother's personal staff. Heading to that exit. "Now. I'm going to guess from the anger I saw that revenge is a plan. If I might suggest, soon as the gag and shackles are taken off charging back in would be a mistake. He's going to have his guards ready. And that would just end up with us both killed. He talked about marriage. So you have orc allies. I also have some places I am hoping to get some answers from. If you please. We will go there first. Get some things done. Let his guard down. Figure out what that contract has done. And then plan what we're going to do. Nod your head. Or if you want just squeeze my hand if you agree."

11:05

@maedaymaydae

She wondered if Falter, as he was called, actually thought she might be stupid enough to try to avenge herself immediately. She raised her eyes and studied his face. Perhaps he thought her suitably hurt and unhinged-- that much was correct but she didn't want revenge by brute force-- she wanted to savor every delicious morsel of her family's suffering, particularly that of her brother, over days and days. She resumed looking straight ahead where the guard was waiting at the door. She nodded, and had she not been so well trained since birth, she might have nudged him to start walking. @Chris

He took her signal well, and more guided her. He recognized that she knew her way around the home better than he did. He followed her steps and they came to the exit. The guard took the chains off her wrists. And then pulled the gag from her lips. By now Maja would be feeling the effects that she'd been taught those bound in a slave companion contract would experience. A need to keep the subject of the contract safe. To be near them. But it was not an emotion tie. Just an awareness. "Excellent." Falter breathed as he started to walk down rhe steps to the street. "What is your name? And can you travel in those shoes?"

@maedaymaydae

She waited, though not patiently, as the guard (whose name she knew) averted his eyes as he opened her manacles. As soon as the restraints were off she took a step forward and slapped the guard's face as hard as she could. The air sizzled with power and ozone. The blue-gold iridescence of her power shimmered in the air. The guard gasped and stumbled over his feet but he caught himself. He held his stinging cheek in shock, staring at her. His face was redder than it should be, with an outline of her slender hand imprinted on his skin. "Shame on you," she pronounced, though it was difficult to make the words after having been gagged for so long. She turned around to face Falter as the guard scrambled away from her and back inside the palace. She could feel the orc as a strange weight on her consciousness. He'd be there until one of them died. "My name Majanea." She was holding herself together by sheer will. Despite her shabby appearance she looked every bit the princess she had always been. Beneath the surface, though, she was exhausted and humiliated and frightened. She did everything in her power to keep her feelings off her face. She looked at the orc in silent appraisal. Falter was not what she expected. Despite his green skin and small tusks, he did not look particularly brutish. He wore half-moon glasses, for gods' sake, that went a long way to diffusing any inherent ferocity he might possess. "What is your title, that I might address you properly?" Her voice was icy but not impolite. (edited)

13:19

@Chris

(did some editing of my last post. Wasn't very happy with it.)

Falter regarded her for a long moment as she turned back from slapping the guard. Seeing him scuttle away. Even at this lowest moment in her life she still had this respect from those who used to know her. His lips pulled into a smile, and he reached into his jacket and pulled out a box. Opening it he pulled out a short clay pipe and some tobacco. Nodding his approval. His fingers deftly started to pack some of the leaves into the pot as he looked at her, his eyebrows raising. "I don't have a title, Majanea. It is a pleasure to meet you formally. You probably know us as elves have known us for a long long time. We hold no titles. We hold no positions over or above one another. We hold each other in mutual respect. We give to one another what we need to thrive and survive. And take what is offered to do the same." He takes a puff on his pipe then. "Your brother made it clear his intention. This was some weird combination of marriage and slavery. I hate that idea. Majanea. I honestly hate the idea of monarchies. No lords, No Masters. We will not be fooled again. An old orc warcry. But, well, I figured he would arrange much worse for you. So, please. Just call me Falter. Would you like to be Your Highness? Princess? Majanea? What should I address you as?" @maedaymaydae

She watched him, for a moment, as he packed his pipe. It was a small, precise action that he did with care. She wouldn't have expected that from hands like his. Maja listened to him, trying to keep her expression neutral. What he was saying made no sense whatsoever. Hierarchy was the natural order of the world; there was no sense trying to fight it. "I've just been sold into slavery." She said, keeping her eyes level with his, despite their difference in height. "To you." There was no insult in her statement. "That entitles you to call me whatever you wish." Anger and a hollow pain crowded in her body. She balled her hands into fists at her sides. She was beginning to lose control again and part of her wanted to give into it. She could raze the palace and have done with it. But that would put Falter at risk and that diffused some of the pressure building within her abilities. She could feel that he was speaking earnestly, despite not trusting him. "Maja," she answered belatedly around her tense jaw. "Or Majanea." She was no one, she'd better start acting like it. @Chris

He took a puff on his pipe as she answered. HIs soft red eyes looking at her warmly over the glow of the embers in the pipe. A sweet cherry smell filling the air around him as the smoke came up. He pulled it away and exhaled softly. Blowing a cloud to one side. He hadn't wanted any of this. He hadn't wanted a slave. And certainly not one who would experience such anguish from being such. "Maja. I can imagine what you're feeling It can't be easy. And I'm sure its not simple. But whatever the rest of the world thinks of you doesn't matter to me. This is going to be hard for you. I know. But, whatever I can do to make this easier, I will do." He turned then, holding the bell of his pipe in one hand, and reaching his other hand down to her. His fingers touching her hand. He started to pace through the streets, heading towards the western gate. "Let me make something clear at the starts, Maja. I am not looking for a servant. A slave. I do not desire some obedient serf to tend to my needs or whims. I bought you for three reasons. First, and foremost, because if I refused I imagine your brother would arrange some far worse fate. Second, it kept me out of his jails. And third, I am... well, I am going to be exploring ancient elven tombs and vaults. Having someone with intimate experience will hopefully be helpful." He took another puff as he continued to walk. There were a few watchmen out this late who recognized her. But always looked away. They'd been warned not to interfere. "What I will need from you is to try and focus on moving forwards. I need you to challenge me. To stand up for yourself. To tell me what you need. TO help me understand how to best help you. I... I don't know what your new life can be. But I'm going to try and help you find it. Okay?" @maedaymaydae

She was startled by the kind warmth of Falter's face. He should be dragging her by the hair, dragging his knuckles all the while. And yet here he was, explaining his reasoning. Orcs didn't have the capacity for that level of thoughtfulness-- but, evidently, they did. When his large hands covered hers she visibly flinched. Little static sparks encircled her arm harmlessly. She was not used to being touched, especially not by men. Maja exhaled a breath and fought the urge to rip her hand from his. She hated to admit it but after the initial shock there was something comforting about it. "I just want to leave-" her breath hitched. She couldn't stand to be here a moment longer with the knowledge that everyone either pitied or reviled her. "-please," @Chris (edited)

Falter took her hand in his and just kept on moving towards the west gate then. He nodded when he heard her request and kept on going. It was well into twilight by the time that the negioations had been finished. His fire would need to be restarted by now. His camp would be quiet and dull. But, he would get everything ready. He tried not to pull her off her feet. Orcs had longer legs, matching their height. And so moved faster than a lot of other races. He held her tight to his side, the pipe held within his teeth. He didn't say anything after she said that. he could feel her pain. The knowledge that she was hurting from just being near her. The need for solace and a place to heal and tend to her wounds. And maybe some deeper need to examine herself. He remained silent as he guided her through the streets. Streets he was much more familiar with. The wrought iron gates that marked the exit of the old city lead into a sprawling slum loomed ahead. It was then another half hour of walking before they left the scattering of smaller settlements that had grown up outside the city. And finally he was at his camp. A large bell tent with a stove sticking out. A fence surrounding the area. A mule that was left to graze a small pasture that he had rented. It was a small but semi permanent set up. He stopped then, and went into the beige tent to pull out some things. "I'm afraid I don't have many luxuries. But I can make it comfortable. I'm going to assume you want to stay out here for a while. Or would you rather just sleep?" His deep voice rumbled as he pulled out a pair of folding chairs, a braizer and a cooking pot. He walked to the middle of the area, and started to set up for the darkening evening. @maedaymaydae

Maja let herself be lead. She'd always just let herself be lead-- it's not like there was any point in trying to do anything else. She had no one and nothing, now. She kept her eyes down as they moved through the city. She didn't know the streets that didn't directly abut the palace, she'd never needed to. Her feet were in silk slippers that were, in no way, meant for any kind of real wear. Her feet hurt, thanks to the cobblestones and gravel and hard packed earth but she said nothing. When they arrived at Falter's camp, she finally looked up. So this was her life now. She bit the inside of her cheeks, making her angular face look all the more gaunt. She wrapped her arms around herself and stepped slowly into the camp, looking it over. It was neat and as clean as she assumed it was possible to be, given there was no proper building here. At Falter's question, she looked up, her brows raised towards her hairline. She was struck with apprehension as the matter of spatial logistics came into her mind. Just where was she expected to sleep? Beside her new-- owner? Whatever pretty words Falter said, he still literally owned her. "I'd prefer to stay and warm up, please," She said, though her voice had an undeniably stiff quality to it.

07:00

@Chris

He heard that apprehension and nodded. He worked to light the fire in the braiser. Then set up the food to cook over it. He then went back into the tend, and came back out with some boots that were a little bit big for her. But would work in a pinch. He also brought a large fur blanket to wrap around her. Before he settled back on his own chair. He poured a couple of glasses of wine then. He kept glasses for his own pleasure. He enjoyed using them. And had picked them up through a series of favours. "Here, this will help you. And I hope it gives you a little bit of a taste of comfort. Now, its time to teach you a little bit about orcs. We're going to be travelling together. We're bound by fate or destiny or whatever." He leaned back a bit, slouching in the chair, his frame shuffling a little bit. "About two and a half thousand years ago. The orc kings started to worship a dark god. Sacrificing us. Nasty stuff. And we... well, the orcs back then, had enough. It wasn't just the kings. Nobles as well. A few of the nobles weren't in on it." He took a sip of the wine. Then started to work on the pipe again. During their flight it had gone out and he needed to rework it as the stew cooked. "And... well, it was a revolution. The nobles who fought with the people agreed to give up their titles. It was time for no more lords. No more masters. No one to have that much power anymore. That's why the elves teach that we're dangerous. Well, the elvish kings and stuff. They'd rather fellow kings who worshiped dark gods than peasants holding power." He took another sip. And then lit a match. "So, whilst technically I may own you. I do not see you as a princess. Or a slave. I see you as an equal. Someone I have power over. As distateful as I find that. Someone I am responsible for. And someone I am going to keep safe. Is that clear?" @maedaymaydae (edited)

She watched him as impassively as possible as he brought her boots to replace her tattered slippers and a blanket to warm her. "Thank you," Maja's voice was small and quiet and uncertain. She wanted to know what this kindness would cost her. With wine in hand, she gripped the fur up around her chin. She took a small sip-- the was passable wine, and just then she didn't care if it was grain alcohol that could make her blind, she would have drank it. When Falter began to tell her the history of his people, her eyes widened by degrees with each sentence. "That is not at all what I've been taught." She wasn't incredulous, not exactly, but it gave her pause. "But I suppose you know the history of your people far better than I," She ceded, her voice low. She leaned in the chair and buried her face up to her nose in the fur. It smelled so unfamiliar to her but it was warm and the nicest thing she'd felt in weeks. "I appreciate your reassurance," She was speaking from a script. She didn't know what to say, so she fell back to one of the phrases she'd used and heard her entire life. If she wasn't a princess, nor a slave-- then what the hell was expected of her? "Apart from assisting you in your work, what would you have me do?" (edited)

07:39

@Chris

He'd just placed one of his hands behind his head, and had closed his eyes for a moment, the pipe glowing for a second. He leaned back, his dark hair falling around his face. He gave a grunt of acknowledgment as she told him that she hadn't been taught the history of his people. "Well, of course not. I'm not trying to be mean. But your family have for thousands of years taught your people that orcs are a certain way. Not to be trusted to listened to. To help them politically. Of course you won't be taught anything like the truth." He looked at her then when he heard how she finished that sentence. She was very sharp. And clearly thinking things through. The soft musty smell was the smell of orc. Far from the stink of Sulphur that she'd been taught to expect. It was a soft leather. Not quite horse like. But in the same family. Slightly more clear, but with a similar oily scent to it. He tilted his head to the side as he looked at her then. He could feel what she was struggling with. She was used to a pecking order. To knowing who was up and who was down. "Well, what would I have you do? I mean, first things first, learn what wild magic is. You've got it. Its passionate. Its about emotions. Lots of orcs have it. So I guess its good for you that you're with me. Second. Heal. You're hurting hard. You've been both betrayed and I wouldn't wish growing up as a princess on anyone. And third... well, I'd like to be friends. Given that we're bound by fate. I'd like to get to know you and make some kind of friendship. Especially as he was talking about bridal crap. I want to understand whatever contract or bond that jackass formed to keep you away from the palace. And how it is going to help or harm you." @maedaymaydae

Maja drank down her wine, somewhat indelicately. She didn't care to hear Falter's assessment of her emotional state, even if he was absolutely correct. She leaned forward and set the empty wine glass down on the ground for want of somewhere better to put it. She curled her fingers tighter in the blanket, until her fingers ached and threatened to start shaking. "My magic is a blight," She said, repeating from the same script she'd been consulting all day. "Why do you think I was thrown away?" Her expression was blank, devoid of anything approaching emotion. The only way she could control her magic properly was to abdicate feelings entirely and dissociate from her entire existence. "Technically," She said, keeping her eyes focused somewhere in the middle distance. "And legally you are my husband. Is that a concept your people have?"

07:52

@Chris

He snorted in mirth as she said that her magic was a blight. And could see what sort of path she had been lead down. He registered what she said about behind his wife. And just nodded to that. He looked over towards the horizon, seeing the moon starting to rise. "You know what? Your magic is only a blight to a monarchy and culture that considers being seen as emotionless in public valuable. If you were with us, we'd see you for who you are." He took a sip of his wine, then leaned over to give her a refill. "I know what you're going to think right now. I know the pain. But stop. And look at me. Eye contact young lady." He allowed a little bit of harshness into his voice to get her attention. "You are a passionate young woman. Powerful. Strong. With magic flowing from you. You are beautiful. And you deserve friendship." He looked at her again, his eyes going over her face, over her legs for just a moment as the pot started to steam. "And yes, we have husbands and wives. Though not nearly so legally or binding as you do. We have people who pair up for the rest of their lives in monogamous relationships. We have others who stay together for a shorter time. We don't... we don't commit to gods or kings our relationships. But trust to each other to keep ourselves safe." He took a sip of wine. "Now, I am your husband, what do you need and expect from me? As you have so eloquently put it, I own you. What do you need from me? To keep you safe?" @maedaymaydae

She could feel, with increasing clarity, that he was sincere in his amusement and that it wasn't meant to be at her expense. Nevertheless, it stung a bit. Everything he was saying was ludicrous but he clearly at least thought he was telling the truth. She nodded her thanks when he refilled her glass and brought it back to cradle it near her chest, her slender fingers only just peeking out from the blanket to grasp it. His eyes looking her over, even as he said she was beautiful made her cheeks flush scarlet. No one said such uncouth things to her, while acting so lasciviously. She resisted the urge to hunker down farther into the relative safety of the blanket. She'd expected to be married off for the political gain of her family, she expected the anemic marriage of elves the world over. But Falter, for his soft-spokenness, didn't strike her as particularly anemic. "I am not speaking plainly enough," She said, and drew a sharp breath. "Had my magic not derailed my entire life and seen me delivered to you, I would have responsibilities to my family and new husband." If he wanted her eye contact so badly, she would give it to him. Her eyes were like lapis lazuli-- just as beautiful and just as hard. "Chief among them, consummating the marriage as to legitimate the union and, as a result, bearing children." She raised one brow at him, even as the side of her mouth tensed. "Is that something you expect from me?" @Chris

That offer caused Falter's eyes to narrow at Majanea. His own mind working fast now. "Do you see any chains on you? Do you see any expectations? I don't expect anything from you, Maja. Princess. Other than to heal and try and find yourself. Oh, and to stop this shit where you lock all your feelings up inside." He stood up then and set his glass down on the table he'd brought out. "You're bottling all this up. And you're not safe to sleep next to right now. Come one. You can keep that blanket on. First lesson in wild magic." He took her hand, and started to pull her out into the field out back. The mule watched them go. "You were speaking plainly enough. But you weren't listening. I am not looking for some arranged marriage. Whatever contract exists. Whatever society thinks we are. Whatever magical ownership that fate seems to think exists between us. That does not matter to us. Well, maybe if you're too afraid to stand up for yourself it matters to you. But it doesn't matter to me." He stopped in the middle of a field, the moonlight casting shadows around the place as it started to rise higher and higher. "Scream. Shout. You're angry. You're hurt. You can't tell me you aren't. So, let those feelings out. Let the magic out. Don't fight it. Just let it out. You're married to an orc. A savage beast who respects no god, no king. No rules. We live how we want. We respect no title. We only respect each other and passion. How does that make you feel, Princess?" He stood behind her as he tried to goad Maja into a magical release. Watching her. @maedaymaydae

Majanea, former princess that she was, had an extremely narrow view of marriage and duty. Her entire upbringing had been an investment in the well-being of her family, and the family into which she was married. She did not experience cognitive dissonance knowing very well they were both in positions they didn't want to be in, and yet still be expected to carry out their responsibilities. No one had ever been happy about an arranged marriage-- such ideas were found only in commoner's children's stories. Falter pulled her up to her feet and she followed, still clutching the blanket around her. It was the only thing she cared to feel at the moment. It was simple, it was no demanding. And yet here was Falter, making her stand out in a field in too-large boots, in her tattered gown and dirty hair, and was trying to goad her into-- what? Killing someone? Again? She knew, at the level of her marrow, that she couldn't do physical harm to Falter, even if she wished to, though, and there was no one and nothing here. Even the mule was back at the campsite. She watched him, trying to be as impassive as possible, but as he spoke, her eyes began to sting. She hated crying-- hated it. It only brought suffering, for her and everyone else. Maja wrapped herself tighter, willing to be anywhere than where she was, to feel none of what was wrapped around her heart like a briar. The more his words rang in her head, the deeper the sorrow she felt. She shook her head. He couldn't ask this of her-- why would he ask this of her? But when he concluded, landing on her former honorific, her pain crystalized and the air around her ionized and began to spark. The molecules of air aligned dangerously, making her hair lift around her, subtly. The air was sharp and stung her nose, and as a tear finally fell from her eyes, her sob was completely obscured by a clap of thunder that punctuated the entire lightning bolt that she called from the clear sky.

09:27

The bolt singed the ground, split the air and the smell of ozone and burning surrounded her. "Do not call me that," She snarled, baring her teeth. She was squared like she might actually try to strike him, with her fists or otherwise. "Don't you dare." Tears fell from her eyes and slid down her face, cutting the blue-gold shimmer of her magic.

09:27

@Chris

But, Falter had a smile on his face. She had used it. She needed to use it. She kept too much stuff bottled in. "Do you know how many people use Princess as a title for something other than a title? I know a couple who've been together for years. Kinky as hell. She likes it when he pulls her hair and stuff. He calls her princess. So, you do have needs. This is excellent. And you have feelings. Good." He stepped forwards then. Into the magical field. With every apparent evidence of eagerness. No fear of the crackling energy all around him. "Maja. If you want, I will call you by your old title. Or if you don't, I won't. But you aren't an unfeeling monster. You're a passionate elf. You know we have a few living with us orcs. A few elves whose feelings are powerful enough that they never settled in." He reached a hand towards her, but stopped. Wanting to wipe that tear away. "Don't stop. You're angry. You're hurting. Let it out. You don't want me to call you princess. Why? Why not? Where is that pain coming from? You're my wife aren't you? Why is it so painful to hear those words from me?" He looked up where the power came from, then back to her. THis was... both exciting and thrilling. She was... well, in some ways like a puzzle. But also seeing her now. Crackling with power. She was in her own way, beautiful. The most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. By now the contract had cemented enough for her desire to become a tangible feeling she could sense. "Let it out. Express your emotions. The only person to see them is me. Why does it hurt? Who hurt you?" @maedaymaydae

She was momentarily scandalized by the comments he made about the marital activities of his acquaintances. She had never heard such vile depravity, and yet it brought goosepumps to her skin and a shiver down her spine. By all the gods, what was wrong with her? Maja was of two minds-- she wanted to be told what to do so all of this, all these feelings would go away. And yet, she wanted to buck against every single convention and burn down the world that had so hurt her. Her attention was diverted by his approached, the outstretching of his hand. Her mind flicked over to what she thought might happen today, ending with her ravished by a brute. But Falter was no such thing. And then another feeling pressing upon her consciousness that made her head snap up, dislodging a few more of her welling tears. She'd never let herself feel desire for anything but creature comforts, like the wine she'd drank and the fur still around her shoulders. But Falter-- she could feel him looking at her, in more ways than one. The vast, unanswerable qualities of his questions pressed in on her like she was being physically crowded, though she was standing out in the open. She hated this claustrophobic feeling and it made her drop the fur blanket so she could bury both her hands in her pale hair. She took two rough handfuls of her hair at the root and shook her head. This was too much, all of it was too much. She looked small, dressed in finery, corsetted to within an inch of her life, feeling as though she was losing her mind while Falter continued to press her for answers she had no way of giving. @Chris (edited)

Falter pressed forwards this time as Maja burried her hands in her hair. He wrapped both arms around her and pulled her into his chest. He sat down on his arse, pulling her into his lap in that moment. His large hands wrapping her into his chest as he pulled her onto him. He just held her against the soft velvet coat he wore. Holding her against his chest. "Its okay, its okay to cry, Maja. Its okay to be who you are. Fuck, as far as I'm concerned its okay for you to still be a princess even if I own you. I'm... okay. You asked me before what I wanted and expected from you. What I need most is a friend. The thing that I have struggled most travelling is being alone. I don't mean that in a sexual way. Like... I'm sure you can feel my interest. And I'm not going to lie to you. You are a beautiful woman. But all I need is a friend. A woman I can respect and travel with." He ran his hands over her back. "You're used to clothes that look much finer than this. And I don't intend to keep you in rags or anything. I know a goblin tailor who works with orcs. She'll help us and get you some stuff that'll fit you. That'll make you comfortable. But what I need most is for you to be you. To not hide what you're feeling. To... to let yourself be bloody vulnerable." With her in his lap, he reached a hand under her hair, and to her chin. His large green fingers reaching to wipe away a tear, and lift her face up to him. "Hey, look at me. I don't know if you've ever heard this before. But you're safe now. I know this looks bleak. But you're safe. I'm not going to hurt you. I'm not going to ravish you. Well, not unless you ask me to." This last one was delivered with a chuckle. "I want to help you. But, for now, you need to eat and rest. And, scream, and throw power at a rock. Can you do that for me?" @maedaymaydae

Her power arced visibly when he grabbed her and brought them both plopping to the ground. She didn't mean to spark her abilities up again, she just-- he'd just embraced her and now she was against his chest. He smelled like the fur blanket did, but arguably better, and she turned her head into his chest to hide the blush that was staining her cheeks like cinnabar. Apart from her mother, and possibly a wet nurse, she'd never been this close to anyone in her entire life. This was unseemly and yet it made her eyes well up with a fresh round of tears. Her emotional state of bouncing madly between states and it showed in the faint static that surrounded her. Not at all painful, but a physical reminded of the fact that she'd just called a bolt of lightning from a damn-near cloudless night. He was touching her face and she didn't know whether she could be terrified or comforted-- so she ended up with a strange mixture of both. Her eyes were huge, staring back at him from a proximity she'd never experienced. She was in his lap of all places and the thought of it made her squirm. The need for propriety and decorum warred with itself: this was wrong and disgusting, but she was his in the the ways that had mattered, growing up. He couldn't, technically, wrong her in any sense. She'd only just begun to process the fact that he was wiping her tears away when he said that about her asking him to-- but he just glossed over the part where he thought she could possibly ask about something like that? It was unheard of, uncouth. Yet the idea dragged her deeper into her thoughts, like sinking into a lake with a millstone tied around her waist. Falter was warm, and a sturdy presence, even if she felt like she was being branded with hot metal wherever his hands touched her. Not that it was unpleasant-- it, well, she didn't think it was. Not that she'd admit otherwise though with their bond, she didn't exactly have to.

10:47

@Chris

He just held her in his lap. To other men she was tall. 6 feet without any heels she stood eye level with most imposing soldiers and fighters. But that left her two feet short of the orc who now cradled her in his arms. Who brushed her hair. Who ran his hand up and down her back. Falter didn't need Maja to answer. But the connection that flowed back to him wasn't quite as sensitive as hers yet. He wasn't aware of just how much she was feeling or experiencing when he touched her. How much it was effecting her. But after that, he also didn't say anything. He didn't seem to care about the clothes he wore. Material things didn't matter. The bond between them stopped the static, or any of her magic, from being dangerous near him. He just smiled as he looked down at the platinum hair. His green fingers running through it, and down her back. As he kept on wiping away the tears. What were you getting yourself into, he wondered. He had no idea just how deep this pain went. But he had heard of the few noble elves who did end up with the orcs. All of them were really messed up. And all needed a lot of help. A lot of time to heal. Being a noble elf was a harmful thing, the orcs had concluded. How much worse would it be to be a royal elf? "Hush, its okay. You're allowed to feel. And you're allowed to show those feelings." He whispered the words. "That's my number one rule. And my number one expectation. Don't hide what you're feeling. Don't suppress things. That is why your magic comes out in these uncontrollable bursts. Trust me. If I say something and it annoys you, slapping me, calling me a big brute. Or some other sass. That will be much more healthy for you and me. Than just biting your lip and bottling everything up till you burn the camp down. Can you do that for me?" Again, his hand wiped another tear again. That smell coming so much closer to her face. ALong with the comforting warmth of his own hand. Orcs were very hot blooded beings.

10:56

@maedaymaydae

Her arms were bare and despite his warmth -and he was so warm-, her skin was tight with persistent goosebumps. She wondered, in a dazed sort of way, if they'd ever go away. "Don't think I won't," she said, voice catching. She'd hit men that frightened her more than Falter did... Granted, they'd been nowhere as large as he was. She'd need a stepstool in case she ever had cause to slap him in the face. Her emotions were so unstable and so close to the surface that the idea of having to find a ladder in order to smack Falter made her laugh, quietly. It might have been mistaken for more sobbing at first, but she was laughing, though it was a little more manic than was strictly healthy.

11:04

@Chris

At first Falter's face was also pulled into a frown. Worried about the sobbing. But then he recognised the laugh. And yes, it was manic. But a manic laugh was better than sobbing or anything else. And something about having a beautiful princess in your arms, who was also technically your slave, laughing did something to him. A little knot deep down. A flame he'd kept guarded for so long fluttered in the wind. He started to chuckle as well. And just held her close to him. His chest rumbling as he laughed along with her. Not quite getting the joke. But enjoying that small brave voice that caught as she muttered her defiance at the world. At fate. At him. His hands held her tight to him. She wasn't at all what he'd exactly expected from a princess sold as a slave. But maybe he should have. At least he seemed to be getting through that stiff outer layer. Has he got himself under control. He kept on sitting there looking at her. "The stew should be done soon. And we need more wine. I will not expect you to sleep in the same blanket as me. But if you feel cold you absolutely can. We're going to get you some travelling clothes tomorrow. Hmmm, we'll need a few outfits. Travelling. Sleeping, working and something you can relax in. I am planning to go to an old treasury. One that predates your families' rule. And there is a hot spring there. Would you be okay to travel then bathe once we reach there? Or bathe once we reach the tailor?" @maedaymaydae

His laugh was like rolling thunder against her relatively small form. She hadn't expected him to laugh, she didn't think orcs could. Then again, everything else she'd ever learned about orcs was a lie, why not that, too? Maja found his laughter strangely comforting, though she supposed it wasn't so far off from a cat's purr as to be completely novel. She ventured looking up at him, though he was holding her tightly. For all his green skin and red eyes and little tusks and short ears, he was rather handsome, wasn't he? She bit the inside of her cheek -hard- and tried to quell that thought. No, of course he wasn't. Orcs couldn't be handsome. Or kind. Or respectful. And they certainly didn't laugh. Maja shivered again and sat back a little, towards his knees, so she could look at him more clearly. "I haven't bathed in--" she trailed off. She wasn't sure what day it was, so she has no way of knowing. "I'd like to bathe when we reach the hot springs, please," She hesitated and then placed a hand on his chest. She kept it there, silently, for a moment, thinking. "I'm sorry, for-- expecting the worst. You can imagine why I might but you've been nothing but kind to me," her cheeks grew hot and she withdrew her hand from his body like it burned-- it sort of did. @Chris

He captured her wrist then, and held it back to his chest. "Its okay. You're not going to hurt me. I'm not going to hurt you. Orcs burn a little hotter than elves and humans. We have more mass that's making heat. Its okay. And we'll do that. We'll make best time. I'll start to unpack in the morning." He tilted his head to her, his eyes bright as he looked at her. "How could you not expect the worst of me? I bought you. And your brother made it clear I was buying a slave. The only reason I said yes is because I could see how much you were hurting. And I'm an orc. We... well, people don't want to understand us. Its easier to listen to your kings when they say we're dangerous." He smiled, and ran a hand through her hair again. "Now, you seem to have calmed down." He reached for the blanket, and pulled it around her shoulders. "The Tailor is in a town about 3 days from here. The spring and ruins are a day from there. And those boots are too big for you. So you aren't going to walk there. I have a cart that the mule pulls for all this. You'll ride on that. I'll walk." He stood up then, and held a hand out to her. "And you'll have your own blanket at night. But, stew is ready. And I have plenty of wine. And do you want to try a pipe? I know the elves don't like tobacco, so I can't imagine you've tried any. But I like my sweet flavoured stuff." He started to pace up towards the camp. Unless Maja looked to hold his hand, though, he would give her some space.

11:36

@maedaymaydae

Her lips parted in surprise when Falter's huge hand wrapped around her wrist. She thought to say something-- but what? She wasn't afraid that he was going to hurt her, not any longer, quite the opposite. The hand through her hair made her eyes flutter shut for a moment. The need for structure and rules was consuming itself within her. She was meant to obey her husband but her husband told her to do as he felt was right. She was at a stalemate with herself. She took the blanket back gratefully and held it around herself. She took Falter's hand up and then just... Didn't take her hand back from his. She didn't know what the hell was in her head but she found it difficult to fathom letting go of his warm presence. "I like the smell," she remarked, quietly, in regards to his pipe smoking. "I don't know that I need to try it myself, though." @Chris (edited)

Falter smiled and settled into the camp. He lead her along, his fingers really quite gentle as he lead the way. He took her to the chair in the camp and helped her into it. Filling her glass of wine and offering that to her. He then went to check the stew. It was ready. So, a couple of bowl filled, and then some bread torn off. A couple of wooden spoons. And he pulled his chair next to her. He settled in, and started to tuck into the food. Good travelling food. Easy to make on the go. Hearty, but also tasty. He'd used a bit of a spicy blend he knew from a friend who'd taught him. "You can if you want. But you don't have to. And if you just like the smell just kind of hang around when I'm smoking it. I know in some places its a disgusting habit. I know that if I started to smoke in your palace I'd be put to death or something." He laughed then. "Heck, I could come in and crack a joke and insult someone mortally enough to cause a diplomatic incident. How do your fellows manage to be so in control all the time? Its so... so stuffy. So oppressive. Its horrible. I've seen graveyards with more life in them than that place." He spat to one side, and dipped his bread. Himself feeling a little more relaxed now. "Now, I've told you about orcs. A little about me. I'm a wizard. Arcane practitioner. I like to solve problems. Part of the Orc's council of Mystical History. Its a fancy name. But its just a bunch of us who send letters to one another and talk about mystical history and shit. Mystries. Stuff you can't explain. And we try and piece it together. So, I go into ruins. And try and figure out either how they became ruins. Or what magical puzzles are going on. Or how old magic works." He smiled at her then, his tusks showing again. "Probably not what your brother thought he was selling you to. But he didn't bother asking me about myself." @maedaymaydae

"If I knew how they managed, I daresay I would not be here," she shook her head. "I don't know. I've always had poor emotional hygiene, even as a child," she said the phrase like it was a perfectly common, but tragic, character flaw. She ate, managing to keep herself from making herself sick eating too fast through hundreds of hours of etiquette lessons. It was good food, filling, though a bit heavier than what she was used to. "It seems interesting, all the same," Maja remarked about his profession. "Do you live year-round out on the road?" She could understand why he'd suffer from loneliness, if so. It seemed a miserable existence. "Yes, well, my brother is a prick," she said and then bit off a too large a mouthful of bread if only to shut herself up. She'd just said that out loud. Her long, delicate ears flushed from lobe to sharp tip. (edited)

12:10

@Chris

He frowned and flicked a bit of bread at her as she talked about emotional hygiene, the aim was off so it bounced near her. But he didn't interrupt her as she talked. He took a few more bites of food as he thought about things. Settling in and thinking about it. He looked up and smiled as she asked him about his profession. Finally, he spoke up. Pointing his bread at her. "Never talk about emotional hygiene again. You have big feelings. They are okay. They are real. They are who you are. They are okay. You don't have bad emotional hygiene. You have feelings. And they are tied to your powers." He took in a deep breath. "I travel for a couple of years or more at a time. Then I spend a few seasons back in orc lands with the council. I'll take my notes and publish papers and books. Consult with my fellows. Catch up with friends. And just remind myself how to be an orc. How to be part of a community. Espically here in elf lands it gets hard sometimes. People here always see me as the bottom of everything. So I try and spend shorter times here. But there are so many mystries here. So much to learn." Then he started to laugh. A genuine laugh. "Oh, so the delicate princess does know some naughty words. What others ones do you know? Maybe... piss? Oh, do you know fuck? Maybe Penis?" He was playing now. His smile kindly to take any sting out of his words. @maedaymaydae

Maja was quite scarlet before Falter began rattling off more profanity but as he continued to find yet more words to scandalize her with, her flush deepened still. "I'm not a child, I'm familiar with my own language, even the indelicate parts of it," which, while she didn't believed it, was only partially true in actuality. But his laugh and the absurdity of the situation got to her. She broke into a laugh of her own. It was quiet and she covered her mouth with her hand as she did so but it was there, another actual laugh. "I know more than you give me credit for," she said through the soft peals of her laughter. @Chris (edited)

He was grinning ear to ear though. And leaned forwards. "Yes, I know you do. But I'm trying to get you to say it. Come on, Maja. You're not in that stuffy palace anymore. You don't have a court full of back stabbing dicks either. Its just you and me. And my pipe." He puffed on it, and exhaled a cloud of cherry smelling smoke into the air between them. "And I frankly don't care. You know, I just came out of an old temple to an elven fertility goddess? It was a cult that was abandoned about a thousand years ago. It had to go underground but the temple was still there. I think they were suppressed and finally dispersed. But it was all amazing. They had a room for orgies. It was fantastic." He pulled the pipe from his mouth and just waved it in the air. "Elves with passions have always been here. Just never celebrated. At least, not recently. Just told to fit in. So, tell me. When did you first find your powers? When did you first discover them?" @maedaymaydae

Maja took another drink of wine and carefully arranged herself in her chair. She might as well have been a queen on her throne, for her noble bearing. "Fuck." She pronounced, enunciating the sound of it precisely. She looked up at him and relaxed back in her chair. She hiked the fur she wore up a little higher and hoped she wasn't phosphorescent in her embarrassment. It was interesting to hear about the temple until the bit about the dedicated room for orgies. She covered her mouth with her hand in shock. "Here? You found that-- here?" She sputtered a startled laugh, shaking her head. It seemed impossible. At the mention of her powers, though, she dimmed and the sadness behind her eyes crept up again, replacing any mirth. "I've had them since adolescence. They just showed up one day," and what a terrible day it had been. "It's just gotten harder since then," She didn't know if Falter knew she was a murderer and she was not inclined to bring up such a topic. @Chris (edited)

Falter just smiled as she said that, and noted the embarrassment. "You know, I think your brother intended me to fuck you. I think that was why he did the marriage part of the contract or whatever. You can say the word without burning hotter than I do you know. Its a word. Its an activity. If you practice and get good at it its a really fun one. And yes, elves fuck. Elves used to worship with orgies to bring good harvests. It worked quite well. There was a group of elves who had no kings who would actually use that as a way to bring the community together. The children would be considered children of the whole community. So everyone would look out for everyone." He sipped his own wine then looked over at her. He saw the sadness. "Hey, Maja. You didn't hurt anyone. You are not responsible for that. I know this is going to be hard to hear. I know this is going to hurt to hear maybe. But you are not responsible. Let me see how to phrase this." He tapped the end of the pipe against his lips and took a puff. Then exhaled. "Okay, let me ask you this Maja. You have a warhorse. But it isn't trained properly. Its allowed to get skittish. Its not taught how to control its strength. Its never allowed to be a warhorse. Instead kept cooped up. Forced to be something its not. And this warhorse lashes out. It kicks someone because its stressed out from how it is kept. From the conditions its forced into. Is this poor, majestic being responsible for that death?" He tilts his head to the side and looks at Maja then, trying to see if his message got to her, Looking at her intently. @maedaymaydae

So he did know. She sunk in on herself a little, trying to make herself small. She brought her legs to her chest and set her angular chin on one knee. "I understand what you're saying but there's one important difference in scenarios," she murmured as she stared into the fire. "Despite what I've been told-- I'm not an animal." Her voice went even quieter. "In your scenario, I pity the horse." She shook her head and her eyes slipped shut. "But I possess higher cognition than a horse. I am responsible for my actions in ways an animal isn't " @Chris

He looked at her for a long moment. His red eyes gazing at her through his glasses. His eyes sparkling in the firelight. "I never called you an animal Maja. I don't think that animals are quite so helpless as you've been lead to believe. But that isn't the take away. This isn't about any sort of high cognition or anything like that." He leaned forwards. "You've not been taught how to handle your feelings. You've been taught how to suppress them. How to bottle them up. You've not ben taught how to control your powers. Its clear from how you're talking about this that you had no desire to hurt anyone. Heck, when I pushed you you directed your power at the ground. Not me." He reached a hand out to her. Holding it in the air half way between them. "This is about your family. The people you trusted, that you had to rely on. Who should have been there for you, not wanting to understand or learn you. They had an idea of what and who they wanted you to be. And you weren't that. So they tried to force you into that box. Rather than embrace the person you are. Well, I understand wild magic. My best friend has it. You don't know how to even understand the shape of your power. Where it comes from. You talk about bad emotional hygiene. Your feelings, your passion. They are key to your power." He took another breath. Then smiled. "Has anyone told you that to stop those uncontrollable outbursts, you need to let your feelings out every so often?" @maedaymaydae

She listened to him and watched his strange eyes by the firelight. A ball of some emotion she has no name for tightened like a knot in her belly. She didn't understand his kindness-- she'd done nothing to deserve it. All the same, she couldn't help but feel like she'd been parched and given a few droplets of water, it helped but it didn't quench the thing that was killing her. She didn't understand why he was extending his hand towards her. She looked at it and then up at him, confusion growing visibly on her face. Was she meant to know something about the gesture? If she were at home (and that word cut like a knife) and someone dared do such a thing, it would be one of her parents and she'd curtsy and then place her head, briefly, in genuflection in the back of their hand. She sincerely doubted Falter wanted genuflection from her. Apprehension grew in her, until the air around her hummed with raw power again. "What? No-- of course not," she finally said in response to his question. "Everytime my powers flair up, they have to be quelled or it'll be worse the next time." Granted, it always was worse the next time, anyway. @Chris (edited)

He watched her as the air hummed with the power. And he smiled. "Okay, so this will be your first proper magic lesson then. I don't have wild magic. But I saw my friend and how she learned to control and wield it. You're humming with power. I don't know the feeling. But its coming up. And like you said. You were told to quell it. To bury everything I assume. Well, this time don't do that. Concentrate on the power. On those feelings. Grab them. Pull them out of you. We'll figure out other ways of expressing those feelings. But for now. Focus those feelings into a shout. A yell... A scream. Just yell." He smiled, and then reached into a bag, he rummaged through it till he found a poker. He pulled it out, used it on the braizer to keep the fire hot. Then got up and pushed the poker into the ground. He'd seen someone with electric powers practice using something like this. And hoped it would work. "As you shout. Point at and direct everything at the poker. Just... yell your emotions out. And direct everything at this." He sat back down. And looked at her. He could see feel the tension in the air. "If you don't do it I will goad you again. And I will call you a princess. I kind of like calling you that by the way. Come on, Maja. Don't bury it this time." @maedaymaydae

When he pulled the iron out of the fire, she panicked for a split-second. She had been threatened with violence and all manner of things by her brother when and if she lost control of her powers. Her emotions sparked higher, the gold color of her magic more visible in the firelight. Her brother had ordered her caned, once. She'd endured two lashes before her powers leveled everyone around her, knocking more than half the guards, and her brother, unconscious. But Falter stabbed the poker in the ground, rather than at her, and it diffused some of the abject fear. She looked at Falter and then at the poker. Her skin shimmered. Maja stood and set the blanket down. She worried it would be ruined and it was currently her favorite thing in all the world. Falter's use of her former title made her jaw tense. Someday it would likely stop hurting but it was too new a wound to be pouring salt on it. She took a breath and felt the lingering threads of adrenaline that made her body feel cold with fear. She considered the thought of her brother having her beaten and her parents doing absolutely nothing to stop it. Her eyes stung and just before she would ordinarily shoved the thoughts and feelings down and away, she simply.. didn't. But the emotions were overwhelming and she felt like she might actually die of them. They hurt like she'd swallowed burning coals. And so she screamed, piercing and feral like a beast, only partially aware of her target. An entire bolt of lightning didn't descend from the heavens this time, but electricity crackled through the air, nevertheless. The air around her stung like wasps but she was undeterred, she didn't even notice. Visible blue and gold sparks coalesced around the poker, until it blazed with a blinding flash of light. A moment later, the fire iron was glowing a dull red, heated through by the force of her raw, only vaguely directed, magic. Her legs gave out beneath her and she fell to the ground in a heap.

06:58

@Chris

But before she hit the ground she was in his arms. That smell was back. His firm body was there to collect her. He'd watched with interest. He hadn't seen her internal memories. He'd felt the pain. The anger. And the fear. How much had she endured as her family had tried to make her into the heir that would benefit the family the best. How long had she tried to be what they wanted her to be. How much behind closed doors had been abuse. He just brushed her hair. He grabbed the blanket and pulled it around her. he then looked at the poker. How it glowed. Well, there was proof of it. She had wild magic. He would need to see if he could get some books on it. He knew he had to have some around the place that would be useful. he always had some he planned to keep that he travelled with. But that would be for the moment. THe whole ordeal had been fascinating. Seeing and feeling the air charge as she pulled everything up and out. And then the barely directed power. But now, it felt like it was so much less. He looked down at her. At how the sweat covered her body. How the hair clung to her. God she was beautiful. Dangerous. But also so fragile. Like a glass teapot full of gunpowder. His large hand ran through her hair again. "Hey, are you with me? Are you okay?" He didn't comment on what happened. That teaching moment could come later. When she was ready to talk about it. For now, he needed to make sure she was okay. This was the first time she hadn't fought her power. He wanted to make sure that Maja was okay. Everything else could be figured out from there. Worry was etched into his face as he leaned over the elf princess. @maedaymaydae

For a moment, she was in a warm haze, not quite unconscious, not quite awake, and completely unable to control her body. It was like waking partially from a dream and having it overlay reality before slipping back into sleep. Her body felt like it was ringing, like a tuning fork, and it blotted out all manner of thoughts and feelings. But she still felt Falter's arms around her, how he caught her before she could so much as hit the ground. She didn't know how someone as physically large as he was could move so quickly. Maja felt him on the other side of their bond, worried and awed all at once. He was stroking her hair and, slowly, she came around to consciousness. She drew a sharp breath but didn't otherwise move. The scent of him, still so new and strange, filled her senses. For a moment, there was just his gentle hands in her hair, the softness of his velvet coat, and the pleasant smell of his pipe smoke. "S-sorry," She said, her mouth not quite working just yet. "I don't know-" She weakly shook her head. She'd never fainted using her powers though, come to think of it, she'd never tried to use them before, not like that. "I'm sorry," @Chris

Falter gave a chuckle as he heard that soft apology. And his fingers kept on stroking through her hair. He held her to his chest. Settling himself down to sit. "Nothing to be sorry about, Maja. Nothing what so ever. You didn't do anything wrong. I don't think anyone I know about or have read about has suppressed or fought their magic as long as you. So who knows what you're going to face. But you need to do this." He smiled and kept on brushing her hair. His other hand moved to take hold of hers, his large chubby fingers closing around her delicate ones. "Its okay for things to happen. Its okay to feel things. Its okay to be who you are. You are you. You're Maja. Also, this power, its a little weird. Strong use is going to... like... its going to take time for you to figure out how to direct it. So, the energy is the same your body uses to make your muscles move and stuff. So this is going to happen until you learn to direct it a little more and keep the energy flowing in the surface of your skin." He chuckled and, and brushed her hair once again. "But, you did great. You gathered up the power, and your feelings, and you threw them at the poker. Do you want to see it? Its still glowing. You can direct the power. And you can use it. Without losing control or anything." He wanted to kiss her, her forehead, or something. He was feeling proud and happy. Looking down at her. @maedaymaydae

She was exhausted and still a bit limp, though she was slowly regaining a bit more control over her physical form. She still didn't know what to make of him touching her but at the moment, everything was a bit unfocused and her body and mind felt sluggish and heavy and it was pleasant. She wondered how much of her enjoyment of it had to do with the magic her brother had bound her with. Little did she know, of course, that none of it had to do with the contract. She hesitated for a moment, and then squeezed his fingers with hers-- it was nice and it seemed a reasonable thing to do. He'd done it to her, after all. She looked up at him, not quite grasping the extent of the desire she could feel he had for her. It was gentler and substantially more chaste than she would have assumed. Falter had a warmth about him she couldn't have possibly predicted and it felt at once safe and disconcerting. She wanted to nudge her head into his hand the way a cat did, but didn't fully understand why. "I'm tired, Falter," She murmured, her eyes closing after a moment, "Please, I don't want to do more magic tonight," @Chris (edited)

He laughed then and gathered her up in his arms. One hand moved from her head under her shoulders, the other hand slid under her knees. He scooped her up and carried her into the tent. The stove inside was still cooking. "Maja. That wasn't magic. That was letting out feelings and power in a semi directed way. Doing magic is pulling on the power in a more controlled way. Doing magic is about using the power without feeling. Using it for what you need. And understanding how your feelings can effect it. For now, we need to help you stabilize yourself. But absolutely! No more. Come." He had her still wrapped up in the blanket. And he placed her on his camping cot. It was... well, it was built to keep an 8 foot orc off the ground when he slept. And so it was more than big enough for her. Inside the tent was warm and cozy. The ground was a series of wooden boards covered in a rug to keep things dry. The stove was warm, and he blew the candles out. He came back to her, brushed her hair again. "Sleep. I'm going to set things up outside to be a little bit more ready to sleep." He spent about an hour taking down the fence by moonlight. Smoking his pipe and just letting his mind work at the puzzle. Why would the family not realise the wild magic. There were old elf stories about wild mages. The powers and their emotions. He could pull up 3 or 4 legends that he knew were told and taught. Was this something political? Was there a shift. What was going on. How could they not see what sort of asset she was. She could fight entire armies on her own if she was taught right. He shook his head as he finally came into the tent to sleep later on, pulling a roll out and just lieing down. He liked his comforts. But he didn't need them. He grabbed a cushion off a chair he always kept. And lay down to close his eyes. His mind taking a while to slow down and allow him to sleep. This would mean, however, that Maja would wake up first. With the contract completed.

07:44

She would wake up to find her new accessory. A beautiful, golden collar. She would easily will its shape to change. From an intricate, delicate choker that could be this beautiful chain pattern from her bust to her chin. To a thick heavy collar to a small band. It had a leash that could be a short, thick leather handle, to a 5 meter long delicate chain. But it could not go away at all. Falter was snoring however. Lieing flat on his back deep in sleep. @maedaymaydae

She woke as though from a nightmare, sitting upright, with her eyes wide. She stared at the walls of the tent as reality began to assert itself. It wasn't a nightmare. She was here, this was-- it was real. She looked down at herself, her dirty skin and destroyed clothes, and then over at Falter. She flinched and when she did so, she felt something around her neck shift. She reached up a hand, and gasped when her fingertips encountered-- it wasn't a necklace, exactly. She didn't own anything like this, and her brother certainly wouldn't have let her take it, even if she had. She felt around for its clasp and found only a lead. She stared at the leash, and it was a leash and the air sizzled. Maja looked at Falter, her face screwing up in an expression of pain and confusion. Had he done this to her while she slept? "No, no, no," She whispered to herself, trying to get the thing off her neck. Her hands began to buzz with panic. She couldn't figure out how to get the collar off and it was making her panic. The panic was accompanied by anger that made sparks at her fingertips as she scrabbled uselessly with the metal. She grunted, trying to force it off, managing only to make her neck red with welts. @Chris

Falter woke up hearing that panic and he sat up, he blinked his eyes slightly blurry. He had left his glasses to one side. He squinted at her as she scrabbled with the collar. that wasn't there before. He frowned. Figuring this was probably pat of the magic or something like that. He leapt up and hurried over, his hands moving to take hold of her wrists. "Its okay, Maja. Its okay." it was the sparking that had woken him up. He held her wrists, his eyes looking at the collar, leaning around it. "Fuck. Carrric did this. Shit. I think this was his plan. Something to humiliate you. Some way to make sure you can't hide what you are. The fucker." He looked back at the Palace. And she could feel his desire to bust down the door. His own passions getting the better of him for a while. He shook his head. Reasoning out why that was a bad idea. "Okay, the cart we can rig a higher roof over it. So you can tuck back in there. And the tailor, we'll ask her for some higher collar clothes. SO we can hide this. There isn't a clasp or anything on it." He picked up the leash and balled it up. Placing it into her hands. "I'll never touch this. Unless you give me permission to." His large hands closed her fingers around it. And held them to her chest. He was trying to show her trust. Trying to do something for her. Pressing it to her. "Now, what I suggest for you for now. Wind this around yourself like a necklace" He didn't know she could shorten it. "And do you feel up to helping me take down the tent? The sooner we can get on the road. The sooner we can be out of here. To get you some new clothes. Boots that fit you. And then we'll be at the runes. I already scouted it. There is this lovely nook. A cave we can set up in. Its got a ledge into the hot spring. The ruins are just near by. It'll be amazing. Just focus on that for now. And on the way. We'll get your emotions out. The poker is also out there. And if you want, you can let go at it again." @maedaymaydae \

Maja shook her head, staring up at Falter. "Why?" She sobbed. Her eyes filled with tears as Falter handed her the leash that was magically fused to the equally magical collar around her neck. Of course Carric would do this. Of course he would try to hurt her in this manner. Try, and succeed. Her face burned hot with shame. Maja was utterly defeated. It wasn't enough that she'd been sold by her own flesh and blood. No, she had to carry the physical reminder of it around her neck, like a yoke on some farm animal. Her skin jittered with unchecked power. She was ashamed and furious and she followed Falter's glance back towards the castle. Her expression hardened. She was going to kill her brother for what he'd done to her. She was going to burn it all to the ground. She got up and walked straight past Falter, the air snapping and sparking as she went outside. She didn't want to damage the tent, after all. She went to the fire poker and wrenched it out of the ground. She wasn't small, relative to typical human standards, so she could grip that iron by its handle without difficulty. She stared out into the morning sky for a long moment before she screeched and started to hit the ground with the poker. Where she impacted the ground, divots like craters, blackened and concave, appeared. She was arcing and sparking and screaming like a wounded animal. She beat the ground with the tool until she couldn't lift it over her head again, and then she dropped it and covered her face with her hands. After a moment, though, she took a breath, picked up the poker, and slowly dragged it back over to camp. She was hurting and her eyes were red and wet with tears, but she nevertheless said, "I don't know how to pack a tent," She sniffled wetly, "But I'll help," (edited)

Falter just watched Maja, feeling sad himself for her. He watched as she beat the ground. As she expressed her feelings. As part of a lifetime of pain, anguish and an absolutely betrayal by her own family was taken out on a ground. By someone who should have her back. He clenched his fists in his own anger and frustration with her. Seeing the pain it caused. The mule watched her as well. But he didn't interrupt her. This was her moment. This was her pain. This wasn't a moment about him, or for him. He'd given her an outlet. This was a time for her. He watched her. Seeing the craters. But, there was one thought in his mind. A kind of pride. She was a very very quick learner. To go from one expression of feelings to this in a night. That was fast. He was going to have to talk to her about that. But not when she was in such a mood. He saw her walking back, hurting, eyes red and puffy. Tears still streaming, and he stepped forwards to hug her to his chest. He held her tight. His chest rising and falling. "This will help you. I'll teach you. Its okay. First, we empty the tent. Starting with the books I took out to read." He lead her in, and started to teach her the skills she would need to travel. It was simple carry and move stuff. He didn't go easy on her. It wasn't that he berrated her either. He never insulted her. He didn't joke with her. He kept things business like. But he made sure she had every chance to help and be useful. The books came out. The shelves which were designed to be easy to take apart with some simple bolts were next. All going into the cart. Finally, the stove and flooring was pulled out Then the floors came up. The whole thing took about 3 hours. And they started around dawn. The sun was well up by the time they were taking down the tents. Pegs up first. Then the tent was all rolled up. At last, he picked up the tent and pushed it into the cart. "Okay, now we're ready, lets hook up the mule, and get ready to travel. HOw are you feeling now?

08:34

@maedaymaydae

She was grateful for the work and the distraction is gave her. Maja did her best to follow instructions, she didn't complain-- not once, not even when she'd gotten a splinter from the edge of one of the floorboards. That said, she didn't say much of anything, just nodded and asked clarifying questions when necessary. She kept her leash tucked in the front of her gown and every time it moved, or she felt the collar around her neck, she grimaced. When the tent was finally down, she was exhausted, more tired than she'd ever been, she thought. In addition to the normal pursuits of a lady of her standing, she did some amount of sport, she rode and trained a small falcon, she wasn't completely sedentary but nothing prepared her for the labor of breaking down the tent. "How often do you do this?" She asked, she was sweating and had been for the last two hours. She'd pulled her hair back from her face and braided it some time ago, and short pieces of hair had escaped since then and stuck to her brow. She had a smudge of dirt across her forehead where she'd obviously wiped with the back on an equally dirty hand. "Please do not say it's often. This is terrible." On the bright side, at least she'd put some of her pain out of mind. @Chris (edited)

He smiled, he had some sweat on his brow. But he didn't look as put out as her. He had taken his jacket off and was pulling it on as he started to move the mule to the front of the cart. He then moved to help Maja to get up into it. "A set up like this is one I do when I'm typically looking to stay in one place for at least a week. On the road we'll be doing smaller set ups. When you're on the road and you're going from place to place you want to be able to put everything up and take it all down in like half an hour. Its why I had you put all of that stuff in the back." He smiled and started to get the mule walking. He made sure she was comfortable near the edge, but that Maja could tuck back if they met anyone on the road. He wanted her to be able to feel comfortable. But that she didn't have to hide. "So, you have to remember that travelling like I do. Sometimes you're on the road. But we have a 4 or 5 day journey. It depends on the road conditions and how long we stay at that city. But at the ruins, we're going to be there at least a month. Maybe more. I want to do a really go investigation on this old archive. I'm not sure what is in there. But for a place like that, we're going to spend our first day unpacking and making this little space with the hotspring a home. Its going to be ours for a month or longer. So we're going to put up the tent as our bedroom. But we're going to put up some cots. We're going to make a living and eating area. I want to set up a proper space to cook. We're going to need to store some food." He smiled. "Travelling like this is a lot of planning. But you aren't always going one place to the other. You make your home where you find it. And you always have a plan. Whilst we're at the ruins, I'm going to send a message to the council. We will probably have some of my comrades from the council check in with us. They will also want to meet you. Well... They will want to meet you. SO will my commune. Fuck... I'm going to be in trouble."

08:52

He sighed. "Shit. I'm going to be in real trouble when news spreads I own a princess. Oh well, I've made my bed. Now I have to lie in it." @maedaymaydae

She sighed, knowing his answer was reasonable but still disliking it. Maja climbed onto the cart, surprisingly graceful for all of exhaustion. Then again, she was an elf-- perhaps it was to be expected. She'd kept the fur blanket for the journey and had it draped around her shoulders for want of a cloak. "I'm sure they'll understand, when they understand any of the details," She murmured, just barely audible over the sound of the cart's wheels and the clopping of the mule's hooves. "It was a kindness. I'd be dead, or worse, otherwise." She didn't care to think too deeply on what Carric would have done to her, had Falter not agreed to the contract. "I'm, I can't cook," She said, changing the subject to something a little more practical and a bit less upsetting. "I've read books about it, not that that's at all the same... but I am deft with a needle. I can sew and embroider and knit and spin and weave," She offered, raising her brows. She didn't want to be a burden, though she was sure she would be, regardless. "I can ride and use a bow, though not very well, I'll admit, and I can hunt..." She considered that statement, thought it was too generous, and revised, "My falcon can hunt. But I can fly birds," There was an earnest quality to her tone that communicated half that she wanted to be more than a decoration, and half that she was terrified that she'd be seen as anything less than, especially given her new, permanent, accessories. "Not that I have a bird anymore, but I could trap one and train it," She could, at least, do that. @Chris

As he walked he listened to what she was saying, and he smiled, he looked up at her. Into the soft eyes. The earnest expression as she sat in the cart. He'd noticed the grace. And now he noticed how much she wanted to be useful. That touched him, so much more than anything else. Later on, if he had to point to any moment where his feelings towards her really started to warm up from something platonic. Maybe this was it. When he really saw that she cared about being more than just a pampered princess. "Maja. You can learn any skill so long as you enjoy the activity. I can cook decent enough meals. They aren't the best. But they will do. If you want to learn to cook that's fine. If you want to learn to hunt with a bow that's fine. If you want a bird to hunt with. That is also fine." He smiled and shook his head. "But, you'll learn to be useful. How you were taking the tent down showed me you want to learn. So, the question isn't what skills do you have now. I know you came from a royal court. Where you had attendents. Where learning these sorts of skills might make you seems... weak or whatever. So, don't tell me what you can do. That isn't important." He gave her another big smile. His glasses back on his face. His tusks once again showing. His deep voice rumbling. "What skills do you want to have? What do you want to be useful at? What do you want to do? Do you want to get good at cooking? I'd love that because I find it boring. Do you like to sew and knit? Its not needed. The goblin tailor I know is a master. She is just amazing. But if you enjoy it. We'll get you the material and you can learn. Do you want to learn sword craft? Do you want to hone your magic? Do you want to learn to make notes or write better?" He smiled. "There are so many ways you can learn, so many skills. You don't know what you are good at, or what you like. So its not what you can do now. I didn't buy you to be helpful today. I bought you so you can be safe. You'll learn what you like.

09:32

He reached his hand up then, brushing her cheek from the road as he kept pace with the cart. "Then, that will tell us how you want to be helpful. Okay? Now, did you enjoy hunting with birds?" (I think a time skip to maybe a road event once they're done this conversation?) @maedaymaydae

(agreed. How far ahead?)

(What big event do we want next? I think they should have a peaceful trip. Do we want any events? Or just summerise her getting used to travelling and finding she's liking the more relaxed. But not liking the clothes and general tattiness of what she is wearing?)

(mmm I agree I think we should give them a break. I'm all for torturing characters but I think Maja's brain will break if there's too much too soon)

(Heh! What I will suggest is that its at this part that her attention and affection starved brain falls firmly attached to him. Like, her BPD attachment issues basically go 'daddy? sorry daddy? sorry, Daddy? Yes, Daddy, you're mine now. I'm not letting you go anywhere out of sight of me. You gave me water when I was dying of dehydration. So I'm not a limpet." The sort of thing where she'll find out she has no shame. And would rather bathe naked where he can see her than protect her modesty around him because she feels safer and more secure? Not saying this is a healthy state. But where her mind is at by the end of these 3 days of travel and how he's treating her?)

(certainly elements of it, anyway. Unhealthy attachment, yay.

)

(She won't be aware or thinking or deciding it. But it'll be under the surface stuff. If that makes sense? Its more in her behaviour and how she's acting. But she isn't thinking about it yet. If that makes sense? She can realize what she's doing when its all too late and be all 'oh fuck' later on)

(I'm not sure such deeply programmed shame and over the top modesty will go away as easily. But meh, she's been surprising me, so we'll see )

(That is absolutely fair. Oh, I could see her being like "don't look! But be near!" Or, "STand where I can see you, but look away" or something. That would be fun! I love the direction she's gone in! The whole story has surprised me! HE's come over a little more daddy dom, but I love it!)

(yeah absolutely, she'd

be like 'wait no come back' i think she'd rather die than be alone)

(But she doesn't want him to see her naked just yet. And, the idea of anyone seeing her without a corset yet terrifies her. Even though he's like "you think I haven't seen curves? You're this tiny think I can wrap one arm around. What are you talking about." she's still all hung up on so many things. I love it! Okay! So peaceful trip with her brain stewing in hormones she isn't aware of whilst he's asking her to think about what she wants to do

(agreed.

Sounds fun

)

(Yours!)

09:46

(Well, your turn!)\

(lol yes one sec)

The next few days saw her making the most of the situation as best she knew how. She read anything Falter would lend her, no matter how seemingly dense and uninteresting. She thought and dozed and made camp and even got the camp fire going one night without setting herself on fire. She was Falter's dainty shadow. She didn't like to be left alone-- and who could blame her? She was out in the world for the first time, and Falter was the only safe space in sight. She'd finally allowed herself to admit that Falter was quite handsome, in a certain light (nevermind it was every light), which led to another series of complicated thoughts that balled up her insides. Maja didn't feel safe unless Falter was within her line of sight. She panicked when she woke up one morning and couldn't immediately find him. She started waking herself up at dawn through sheer force of will, and laid in the half-light beside him until he woke as well. She was desperate to bathe and get out of the clothes she was still wearing but couldn't bear the thought of taking them off, unless she could replace them with something cleaner. She did her best with her hair, she brushed it as best she could so it wasn't too oily, but she was obviously and extremely uncomfortable. She lived and died by Falter's approval. When he was pleased with her, she felt so incredibly happy, like everything was right but if he was less than pleased (even if it had nothing to do with her), she was on edge, twitchy, she jumped at the slightest of sounds and wanted so badly to fix whatever it was that was bothering him, even if it herself, even if there was nothing she could do about it. (edited)

10:04

She told him that she wanted to knit and spin, she could make lovely things, she could sell them, and it was unlikely that the goblin tailor had the time to work on such bespoke, hand-knitted pieces. She wanted to learn how to control her magic, she wanted to, eventually, trap and train another falcon but that was on a much broader timeline. @Chris

Falter supported her as best as he can. He didn't have all of his books. But he did have a fair collection. He had a few on bird hunting and training that he happily offered her. She seemed more than confident in spinning and knitting, something he never tried. His fingers were just too big. But he did have some on archaeology and studying the arcane. And those he also gave her to read as they travelled. He did notice her moods. And he tried to modulate them. He wasn't entirely sure what was happening, or why she seemed to react to his emotions so heavily. He tried to teach her as much as possible. and tried to be as supportive as much as he could. He did find her attractive. Even as the dirt started to get to her. But he also noticed her discomfort with it. He knew what he needed to do. It was getting towards late afternoon on the third day when they rounded the corner to the city. He smiled and nodded. "This is a free city. And they are much more tolerant of orcs here. I don't know if any are in but they do allow us to rent hotels and inns. I'm going to get us a place with a bath. I know you've been wanting to wash your hair for so long. And you need some new clothes. So, lets get the grime off you, so you can go and see the tailor and feel a little more comfortable in your skin befor eyou see her. Is that okay?" He was leading the car to the edge of the city where a stable hand was already hurrying out to meet them. Not at all phazed it seemed by the big orc. He smiled at the kid. And held out some money. Orcs were fairly well known in this city. And never haggled. It was one of the reasons why they were so well liked here. @maedaymaydae

When he offered her a room at an inn with an entire bathtub, she thought she might weep in gratitude and excitement. It wasn't even for vanity, though there was definitely a component of that within the calculation, she was just so incredibly uncomfortable. "Carric had me in the-- well, not the dungeon," That would have been too scandalous, "But locked in a room for long time, I don't know how long." She'd explained, once, when asking what month it was, that she'd been intermittently sedated and drugged to keep her docile before Falter had taken her away from there. When they arrived at the inn within the free city, she was all but vibrating with excitement that she couldn't have contained, even if she wanted to. What she wanted to do was impress Falter with how well she could do as he asked, by how quickly she could learn. "I've always wanted to try staying at an inn." She said as she bounced out of the cart, taking her blanket with her.

10:20

@Chris

He smiled and stepped into the Inn after her. But Falter caught Maja's arm before she ran off to cause too much trouble. "Don't draw too much attention. An orc and elf travelling together will get people asking questions. And you still might be a target, Maja. We need to be a little bit careful." He walked up to the owner and ordered a room. A quick exchange of money and he was back at her side, leading her to the room. "Now, they have hot water that runs in about half an hour. So we'll get things settled a little bit. And then run that for you." He smiled as he worked through getting the few clothes and valuables they had brought put away. And then handed out the quick meal. But then, he had the bronze tub that was in the back of the room. It was an expensive room for just this reason. And he was pouring the water in. He wasn't going to wash yet. He was going to do that in the spring. But he knew she would want to get the grime off her before she tried on new clothes. He also knew that the blanket was her new favourite thing. "I'll have Madsy make that into a cloak for you. The bath will be full soon. I'll let you have some privacy whilst you bathe." He said, stepping out of the bathrom and heading into the resting ahead. Looking for a book to start to read. One of the ones on wild magic again. He'd been needing to read up on it himself. @maedaymaydae

She was so excited about bathing that, for a moment, she didn't think of anything else. Her body went cold with a spike adrenaline like an icicle under her skin when Falter, quite rightly, left her alone. She was being ridiculous. She could bathe without supervision, even if the idea made her incredibly uneasy. A second thought, though, possibly worst than the first, made her whole body flush. She didn't think she could get out of this dress by herself. She sheepishly peeked out and her eyes landed on the orc. "I--" her mouth was suddenly dry. She was being absurd, how many times had she been undressed by others? Yet at no point had it been by anyone she found appealing. That knot in her belly tightened and she cleared her throat. "Can you please help me?" The gown was nearly impossible for her to open by herself. The laces of her bodice were hidden beneath a placket that hid them from view. "If you can just unfasten the placket and untie the top, I-I can do the rest," @Chris

Falter stopped in the entrance and turned back. He had the book he was planning on reading in his hand. But then he shrugged. He walked back and headed towards Maja. He leaned over, completely unaware of the inner turmoil, at how much was going on inside the cool calm eyes of his elf companion. But... well, it took a while to figure out the fastenings on the dress. It wasn't that orcs didn't go in for fancy clothes. They did. But they tended to keep to simplier fastenings just because of their hands being larger. He finally managed to get it all undone. And loosen off the top. He grinned and gave a grunt of triumph as he finally got it all sorted. And without using his magic. "Damn, that stuff is complex. ANd this is the simple stuff they put you in to try and bring you down. I can see now why you would need a few handmaids to help you get dressed. But, if it hadn't been on you for so long you'd look stunning in it." He smiled, and stepped back towards the door, turning his back on her. "I'll be just out here if you need anything else." So, now her fear about getting undressed was sorted. But once again. She was about to be left without him. And he was just a few paces from the door. @maedaymaydae

"W-wait," she said before she could stop herself. Her arm shot out and she grabbed his sleeve. She was still completely covered, just the laces of her gown had been loosened but it still left her feeling incredibly vulnerable. She had her other arm across the top of the ruined dress. "Can-" she started to say, then swallowed harshly. She was embarrassed but simultaneously terrified. The air around her buzzed with static. "Would you, stay?" The implication of what she was saying caught up to her. "It's just-- it's safer if I can see you. I feel safer, anyway," she'd been trying to specify and name her feelings, though she was still comedically poor at doing so. "J-just where I can see you, maybe?" She looked up, despite her shame, "please?" (edited)

11:13

@Chris

Falter paused and looked back at her. Seeing her for a moment. He licked his lips and then walked over to her. He pulled a chair over and placed it next to the tub. He sat down on it then shut his eyes. Lowering his head. He didn't say a word. Other than. "Let me know when you're under the water. And you're comfortable." He waited then. Sitting still. He did reach up to undo the jacket. And once she let him know he could open his eyes he pulled it off. Revealing the white and rather stained shirt he wore under it. She'd seen it a few times. just like her clothes it was well travel worn. "Its okay to ask for what you need." He said as he pulled the book up and started to read. He had a lopsided smile on his lips. Making sure to keep his attention more on the book than on her. "I'll do anything I can to help you. Especally to help you feel safe. I'm kind of sad you have to put that gown back on to go see the tailor. Its really ruined. But we'll get you some better stuff. I wouldn't trust those elven tailors either. Yes, I'm sure the royal tailors knew their stuff. But I'd trust Madsy over them anyday." @maedaymaydae

Maja watched him as he grabbed a chair and sat with his eyes closed respectfully. She figured she'd know if he saw her. She was at least not in denial about the fact that he found her attractive. She undressed herself the rest of the way, down to her skin and the damn collar. She wished it was smaller, at least. And then the weight of it shifted on her neck and it was smaller. She blinked in alarm and almost called for Falter to come see-- but she was literally standing naked in the middle of the room. Thankfully, she stopped herself. She made the same conscious wish for the leash and it shortened, looking more like a lariat necklace than a lead. She got herself in the water and bit back an actual moan of uncomplicated pleasure as her body was submerged beneath the water. She let herself go completely under the water where she blew noisy bubbles that popped on the surface until she emerged again, completely sodden. She noticed Falter's relative state of undress and startled herself with her curiosity any what he might look like. She dunked her head again until she could let the thought go. She washed her hair skin and hair multiple times-- she had to, to get all the dirt and oil off. The bathwater was horrible and swampy by the time she was finished but she couldn't bring herself to care. "This water is horrid," she laughed and batted at a grimy soap bubble. "But at least I'm clean, finally," The water was all but opaque with filth but she stood out in it like a pearl among the slimy grey innards of an oyster. @Chris

When she let him know that it was safe to open his eyes he just stayedthere reading his book. One arm was up behind his head as he slouched to be comfortable. He dwarfed the chair made for humans. But he seemed to be comfortable. He'd taken his boots and socks off. His large feet and toes crossed as he relaxed. He felt her interest, and just glanced at her and smiled at her. He went back to his book. Staying quiet as he allowed her to wash. He was able to keep his focus well. Years of careful work uncovering layer by layer of dirty through brushing and gentle scraping having given him all the paitence and care he needed not to leer at a poor hurt young woman bathing. When she laughed at the water he leaned over to peek at it. Then he just smiled at her. Looking at her face. "That's the grime of travel. Nothing inherent to you. Its just what happens when you're on the road and washing is something you can't do unless you come across a stream. And even then its often best to just do it quick and you don't get much soap. That's why I've had my eye on these ruins for ages. A place with a hot spring attached to it? Luxury! It is so far from anywhere, I'm probably going to need to get another mule with a supply cart. But it'll be worth it. WOuld you like me to turn away so you can step out. I'll grab you a towel so you can dry youself off."

12:27

@maedaymaydae

It was interesting, watching him passively as an observer. He was content to read his book and she was content to let him. A few times she considered reaching out and touching his dark hair but didn't, she didn't even understand the urge, really. At his question she smiled sheepishly. "I would you please? I don't want to track water everywhere." She hadn't thought to bring a towel closer, between her excitement to bathe and and then the kerfuffle with actually getting into the bath. @Chris

He stood up and picked up the towel walking softly back over to her. He held opened up the towel and stood next to the bath. But then he controlled himself again. He squeezed his eyes shut and turned his head to the side. Waiting for her to stand and take the towel herself. She would need to take it from him and pull it around herself. If she wanted more, to feel him run her down or something, she would need to ask him for it. "Its no hassle." He said as he stood there his eyes shut. "We're a team. Remember what I told you that first day? Everyone gets their needs. And everyone gives what they can. If you can't give as much and you need more. That is okay. We will help you. And with you, I know that soon you'll be giving back more than you give. But for now, You just need more help. Did the bath help you?" @maedaymaydae

It wouldn't have occurred to her to ask for such a thing. Maybe it would, eventually, if she gave it more thought, but at present, her interest in him could largely be classified as 'fond question mark'. She knew he was handsome, she knew he was interesting, but didn't have any framework to apply it. She gratefully accepted the towel and stepped out of the bath with it. Her hair, though it was still wet, was several shades lighter than it had been. Her skin was burnished and fine, without flaws, and similarly, looked a bit fairer now that it was clean. She picked up her chemise-- the thing was so filthy it looked like it could stand up on its own, and tossed it into the bath. She knelt and swirled the cloth around in the water. She put a bit more soap on it, and lathered it up, trying to get at least some of the sweat and grime off it. Putting her clothes wouldn't be so bad, if the inner layer was less horrible. She worked with on hand, while the other held the towel against her body. She was taller than humans, generally, so the towel came up to her knee, but it seemed modest enough, and she desperately wanted clean(er) clothes. "The bath was incredible." She smiled as she worked, dunking the cloth, it was already looking better, despite the murkiness of the water. "I've never had so nice a bath," Maja's smile widened and warmed a bit. "Thank you. And thank you for not... ridiculing me, when I asked for your help. I know it isn't... you wouldn't do that, but nevertheless." @Chris

He stepped forwards then seeing her struggle, and held the towel closed against her back. He didn't reach around her front. But instead pulled the ends around so he could gentle, and carefully, hold it closed against her back. All down her spine. Keeping her modesty clear and so she could work a little bit better on the clothes. "I'm glad to hear that." He thought. His own mind working. There was such a fascianting inside this elf princess. Doing her own work. Tasks that he found mundane seemed so... so exciting to her. Cleaning her own clothes. This bath. It wasn't particularly exciting. It was far too private for him. His mind played back to a big communal bath he'd had once as a celebration. About 50 people, all buck ass naked for a spring tide celebration. Some laughing, some playing. Some fucking. It was chaos. He knew at least 4 threesomes happened that day. He was in one of them. THis was just a simple affair. And it was so... so mechanical. But, he stayed there helping her. "Maja. You're... you're you. You're special. You're a wild mage. A thunder mage. You're... well, you were royalty. Intended for a ceremonial role. To be a figurehead and lead a nation. Pomp, ceremony and position. You had to be seen to be a certain thing. So you could never be yourself. Of course I'm not going to insult or mock you. I might make fun of you later on. When I get to know you more... When you get to know you more. And when you have an understand of yourself strong enough that mocking you won't hurt you. That you'll be able to mock me back." He smiled, and bushed her back once. Before making sure the towel didn't open again. "But whatever I can do to help you is absolutely okay. You're tied to me. So, much as you're mean tot protect me, I'll protect you." @maedaymaydae

Her breath hitched when he touched her back, unexpectedly. She'd only just left the bath but his skin was still hot as a firebrand on hers. Perhaps truly, but it felt that way. She cleared her throat, trying not to dwell on whatever it was that was happening to her, and continued working. She soon pulled the chemise out of the water, feeling pleased at her ingenuity-- she'd never washed anything (except herself) in her entire life. She stood, wrung out the underdress, and draped it over the back of a nearby chair to dry. She peered up at Falter, her cheeks still a bit too flushed from the heat of the water and his general proximity. "I-- thank you," She said, and brought her long hair over one shoulder. It easily was hip-length now that it had been washed and brushed out. "I think I might wait in the blanket for my chemise to dry," She couldn't really put it on when it was soaking wet, after all. @Chris

Falter smiled and rubbed his face after she was all done. He stepped away and walked into the smaller living area. It had a large double bed. But he had also brought the cot up, and pushed it near the bed. "We're going to have food delivered. That's absolutely fine. Hang it out of the window as well. It'll smell much better if you dry it outside than in. That was a mistake I made once." He sat down on one of the larger chairs in the living area. And then reached to undo his own shirt and just tossed it to one side. "I'll probably just use some of the cold water later on and do a quick rub down. I'm sorry that I'm not quite clean myself." His chest was clean of hair below his chin. Though his curly hair did fall a fair way down the back of his neck. He just leaned his head back. And shut his eyes for a moment. "These are the really nice moments of travelling. When you get some peace." He smiled, and looked at her. Before he took in a deep breath. "Is there anything you'd really like to do, Maja? Anything you'd like to see? Any worship you'd like to do? I know its been a while since we've seen anything other than passing travellers or farms. So, anything you want to do. Or, I know you wanted a falcon. Maybe there's somewhere we can look to get you one you can train here?"

14:31

@maedaymaydae

Maja followed him out to the bedroom and covered her towel with the fur blanket, then let the towel fall to the floor when she was covered from chin to ankles again. The fur felt absolutely obscene against her clean skin. She was busy luxuriating in that when Falter sat down and took off his entire shirt. She was so shocked she damn near dropped the blanket entirely, and as it was, still had to scramble for it. She climbed up on the bed and resolutely looked anywhere but at the orc. Rather, she tried to look anywhere else. She was glad he had his eyes closed, she was failing miserably at maintaining any sense of decorum of good manners. She was vaguely aware of the fact that Falter was talking to her, but she couldn't quite turn it into words until she shook herself out of her dazed state. "Oh," She said, wetting her lower lip as she tried to replay what he'd just said. "The only thing I can't catch or make is wool roving or unbrushed wool." It would be cheaper as a raw fleece, but she'd probably pass out if she ever saw a completely raw sheep fleece-- not to mention the smell. @Chris

Falter chuckled as she stammered her words out. His eyes looking over at her. He touched his belly then. He wasn't exactly rippling with muscle. His flesh was rather smooth. His breasts stood out, but he was far from abs for days that a lot of erotic elf authors spoke of in hushed and very forbidden works. "Maja. Its okay to look at my bare chest. Many people have seen it before. Some lovers. Some people I've worked alongside. I'm not fragile. I'm not going to float away on the wind just because you've seen me topless." He laughed. "Heck, I remember one day I was helping out the commune I grew up in farm. It was blazing hot. I was just about a man. It got to the point I was working naked but for a hat. One of the wild mages, she just stared at me the whole day. Got walloped a couple of times for setting the wrong thing on fire." He smiled at that day. "Yeah, that was a fun night later on. We never did exchange names." He smiled wistfully remembering the past. Then he shook himself as he brought himself back to the present. "The point is, Maja. You can look at me, no matter how much I am wearing or am not wearing. I'm not shy about this. I'm me. I'm an orc. It is who and what I am. I don't look at you, because you haven't given me permission to look. And I respect you. But I give you permission to look. Okay?"

14:45

@maedaymaydae

She pursed her lips, not knowing how to act when he touched his body. She knew nothing about the existence of orc-related erotica, and would have been shocked had she known. As it was, Maja was mortified he'd caught her looking at him. She stared back into Falter's face with the whites of her eyes were visible all the way around her irises. "I-- alright," She nodded, though it was halting. She pulled the blanket over her head, but her long ears made it stand away from her head just a bit. "I'm--" She didn't want to apologize, it seemed wrong to do so, with everything he'd tried to teach her. "I've never seen a man without his shirt on." She muttered, embarrassed to admit it out loud. "In paintings-- but not," she bit the inside of her cheek, hard. She was making things worse. She wrapped the blanket around herself more tightly. What she needed was to change the subject. She floundered for a moment and then caught onto the question he'd asked her. "If it's safe, we can look at whatever you like in the city-- I don't want to be conspicuous.. you said it might be, with us, together." Her words were halting and she was obviously struggling. What she wouldn't give for the earth to swallow her up in that moment. @Chris (edited)

He finished rubbing his chest and his eyes focused on her as he wrapped herself up in the blanket. He tilted his head to one side. His lips pulled into a smile. She was so cute with her shyness. He found it kind of funny as he sat upright. Setting his heavy feet on the ground. His dark brown eyes looking at her for a moment. The tusks pulling at his smile. He reached out and tugged the blanket off her head. He looked into her eyes, just watching the blush on her face. The way the whites of her eyes showed. "Tell me, Maja. What is scaring you more right now. Your power. What I might do to you. Or the fact that I'm confident enough to show my body?" He placed his hands on either side of the chair she sat in. Deciding not to allow her to change the subject. He then chuckled again. Before he pulled back and walked across the room. Picking up a pitcher of water and pouring out a couple of glasses. He walked back and offered her one. Taking a sip himself. "Its okay, skin is just skin, Maja. You'll get used to it. If we travel together we'll probably see each other in all sorts of intimate situations. Its hard to avoid each other. No offence meant. But do be prepared for that. There are no locks on the road. I am not going to actively look. But privacy and modesty aren't exactly high on the list of things when we're using a forest for ablutions." He walked back to his own chair and sat down. Picking up his pipe "We're safe in this city. Its a free city near orc lands. So they're much more used to me and my kind." He puffed on the pipe. "Its more in the civil lands that we have to be careful. But we'll keep things cautious. And you'll probably want to keep the leash hidden away somewhere. Or as jewelry. We're more here for you and clothes for you. Those rags they sent you with are hardly fitting for you. And I want to take care of you." He smiled, and looked her over. "You know, if you want to touch. You're allowed to. I'm not going to bite you. @maedaymaydae

"N-none of those things scare me," and they didn't, she was telling the truth. What scared her most was that she wanted to keep looking at him. She took the water from him with murmured thanks and was thankful for the excuse not to talk for a moment. She looked up at him with those wide, blue eyes of hers. The contract must have been affecting her judgment, that must be it. "Oh, I meant to tell you," she cautiously peeled back her blanket to reveal her throat. "It-- shrank. I wanted it to, and it did." She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "It was when I was getting in the bath so I didn't-- you know," She was going to die of blushing, she just knew it. "It's smaller now, anyway," she trailed off and bundled herself up. Falter's last comment made her freeze. Did she want that? She'd almost touched his hair earlier, when she was in the bath but that-- that was different, obviously, though she couldn't have justified why. "I-- would like clothes, anything at this point, as long as it's clean." @Chris (edited)

Falter just smiled at Maja as she stuttered he way through her words. She was completely tongue tied. This was kind of fun. And she wasn't losing control of her magic. He thought maybe he saw some sort of small arc of lightening. But not much. So, lets see how far he could push it. The fact that she hadn't answered his question about touching told him everything he needed to know. So, he placed his hand on his belly. But quite low down. Rubbing around his belly, just low enough to push the pants down a little bit. Just a bit of the fuzz of hair that used to be hidden below his belly button was shown out. The soft, smooth green skin giving away to his pelvis. The bones and muscles rippling. He wasn't buff. But more smooth. Ribs showing a little bit. And now... the soft skin was showing. And a few dark hairs peeked out. "That's good. So, you have some sort of control of it." His eyes kept on here's though. He wanted to see what she would do right now. And also see if he could maybe get her excited and distracted. "We're going to get you more than that. I know the tailor here. She's a master who works with Orcs. We bring her her silks and material. She will work with any orc who comes through and never charges us. So long as we help her. So, you'll get a travelling outfit. A working outfit. And one for show. And a comfort outfit. If you want any others. Let her know. Okay?" His eyes sparkled with all the mischief. If she took the time to look at his face, she could see he was just having fun and enjoying himself immensely. @maedaymaydae

She was about to protest about how inappropriate he was being but her mouth went dry. Her ears were flushed scarlet and she couldn't actually look away. She'd never expected to see anyone like this except for her husband-- which, well Falter was that. But she'd thought she'd marry some noble elf for political reasons, not be sold into servitude to a socialist orc. She didn't even notice he was talking to her until the last word 'okay', when she looked up a bit startled. "I'm sorry-- I," she put her blanket back over her head. "When did you want to, ah, go to the market?" (edited)

11:30

@Chris

Falter licked his lips as the blanket went over his companion's head. But he managed to keep the laugh inside him. She was kind of fun to play with like this. God. When was the last time he flirted with anyone. And she was so easy. Given how open about sexuality Orcs were sometimes you had to be obvious. Sometimes careful. Sometimes it was a fun game. Sometimes a dangerous dance. But with Maja. It was like playing with a kitten that wanted love but was also afraid. He stood up and pulled his shirt on. He walked back over to her. making sure all the buttons were done up. He then leaned forwards. And pulled the blanket off her face. He was then inches from her face. His smell right there. His lips close to hers. He just grinned at her. HIs lips pulled into a smile. Her desire to look and touch hanging in the air. Transmitted by their bond. "Lets go now. I want to get to that little nook and start to go into those old armouries and treasuries. I want to dig up the past and find some old secrets. I want to get out of here. I always feel like I need a shower when I'm in these civil lands. But there's so much history here. The question in, Maja. Are you ready. Or are you done blushing like you're just learning that men and women can actually talk to one another?" But he was grinning from ear to ear. Those little tusks pulled to point a little bit towards one another. He was having so much fun. And what's more. He wanted to see what he'd do when he was right in her personal space. He'd not done this before. Heck, he wondered if anyone other than a maid had been inside the princess' personal space ever.

11:40

@maedaymaydae

She made a tiny peeping sound of surprise when he pulled the blanket off her head again. She was torn between moving away from him or... She wasn't ready to confront that thought. She looked in his eyes and then down at his mouth. She should find those tusks of his off-putting, at the very least-- but she didn't, at all. Maja raised her gaze back to meet his gaze, trying to shake off the tingling uncertainty that having him this close inspired in her body. But he was right there and all she had to do was extend her hand a few inches and she could... But no she wouldn't allow herself to do so, no matter how close he was, no matter how much he enjoyed... Whatever this was. "Of course they can talk to each other," she balked, trying to use her incredulity and imperiousness as a means to obscure her conflicting emotions and urges. That said, her attempt wasn't likely to work, given he could feel straight through her, thanks to their bond. That, and it wasn't like she could control her blushing. "Fine," she said after a moment and lifted her chin in something like defiance. She'd just keep pretending that he had a minimal effect on her. A vanishingly small influence and definitely nothing that was beginning to get to her. "I'll dress and we'll go." she said. Maja thought to give as good as she got and show her ambivalence to his closeness, so she stood up. She had, however, forgotten their height difference, and was forced to crane her neck to look him in the face. "If you'll excuse me," She was inches away from him, though it was a bit easier to endure when her face wasn't level with his. She could, however, smell the pleasant, earthy, tobacco scent of him quite clearly and was momentarily startled by the jolt of something hot and shudder-inducing it sent through her body. @Chris (edited)

Falter had had his fun. He was a flirt. And he was confident in himself. And this was kind of fun. There was something about having the stuffy, pristine princess who was all flustered over him. He could sense her own conflicted interest and horror. But he couldn't detect any fear. Not in her face or the bond. So, he just reached out and touched her cheek. He himself didn't want to push things too far. He didn't want to take her to bed. But he wanted to see just how much he could play with her. He was enjoying himself. "Go for it. I'll bathe when we get to the ruins we're going to. And you're going to have to get used to me. Remember I'm here to help keep you safe. You don't have to be intimidated by me." He then moved back. And walked to his jacket. Picked it up and starting to pull it on. "Get your clothes. And lets head out." He was waiting for her downstairs when she was dressed. Talking to the bartender and sipping a glass of water. He looked up as he saw her and just smiled. Holding out a hand to her he lead the way towards the door when she got there. Also offering a water bottle for her to sip from. It took about 15 minutes to go through the streets to the tailor he'd talked about. And... well, she might not have been what Maja expected. The master tailor was a goblin. Short, only about 4 feet tall. Green. Beady eyes. But soon as she saw Falter those eyes widened. "You damn reprobate. What are you bringing now. You owe me from last time." She wagged a finger. Falter was already pulling out some runes from a pouch he had. "I know. I promised you some runes for enchanting some robes. Here you go Mistress Gerka. Here you go. Now, Here is P.... Well, Maja doesn't like that. Her Highness Maja is now my charge. We're bound." Maja could see Gerka's eyes fix on the collar and leash, her sharp gaze not being fooled.

04:29

Suddenly, she pulled out a ruler and started to thawck the back of Falter's legs. "You have a slave? And a damn princess? What the hell did you do?" Falter held his hands down. Backing up trying to explain. Trying to stop the assault. And failling. He would need rescue here. Gerka chasing him around. "You're an Orc. A proud socalist. You even wrote that Slavery could never be defended. And now you come here, bringing a princess as a slave. And you expect help? I'll tan yer damn hide. Get back here." @maedaymaydae

An arc of electricity traveled like a halo between her ears when he touched her face. His hand was large enough to engulf her and he was so pleased with himself and so warm. She cleared her throat nervously after he withdrew and after he'd left, went about dressing herself. She did the best she could with the rags she had left, and managed to pull together some amount of dignity. She carried the fur blanket with her, draped over her back up conceal the fact that she couldn't fully close the back of her gown by herself. She was so very excited at the prospect of new, clean clothes that she quickly forgot about how flustered she'd been during the brief walk to the tailor's shop. Before she knew it, the fierce goblin who was fully half Falter's height was attacking him. Scolding him while beating his legs. Static crackled over her skin as she stepped forward. "Mistress Gerka," she said in her most practiced, courtly voice meant to command attention, though there was still a nervous edge to her tone. She stepped in front of Gerka, her hands raised in a pacifying gesture. "Please, madam, you misunderstand. Falter rescued me. The contract and collar were not his choice and I would surely be dead, or worse, if he hadn't helped me." She looked over at Falter as a spark of fondness and gratitude rose to the surface of her skin as a tangible thing. "He has treated me with nothing but respect and kindness, please, I owe him my life,"

04:42

@Chris

Gerka paused her attack when she looked at Maja. Falter glanced at her as well. It was the first time he had heard her say those words aloud. And the goblin eyes narrowed. "The fact that you're saying that about him speaks a lot." But then her shrewd eyes narrowed even further. She was a lot more perceptive than Falter. He was a flirt. But he also wasn't the sort who attached a lot. And had never had a long term relationship. And she noticed something. Gerka made a decision then. "Well, this young lady, if she is a highness, needs to be out of these rags. Come." She swept away from the orc, and took Maja hand. Pulling her into a back room. "You, you big oaf, can stay right there. Far away from us. And if you ever think about buying anyone again, I will find you and end you." She didn't let go of Maja's hand. Her fingers small, but rough and nimble. The tailor shop was a maze of rooms. She seemed to run a series of apprentices and journey people. Some orcs, some goblins. All learning under her. She paused to check in on people and see how their work was doing. But Maja was pulled into her own shop. Gerka pulled the rags off, and left Maja in just the corset for now. Though that was left. She paused, just looking the woman over. "Hmmm, you are not shaped as elves value. And oh dear. An elf who is head over heels for an orc. And you haven't told him. Young lady." Goblins were known for being one of the more short lived races. 50 years or so was old for them. "Oh dear. He is... a hard man to love. I will warn you." She pulled out a tape measure. And started to hold it up to her body. Moving around the elf to make measurements. "But, you may have the strength of personality to do it. Now, let me inform you of the arrangement I have with orcs. We do... favours for one another. Any orc who comes in looking for clothes. Either I, or my journeymen, make them. But if I need anything, they provide. And you need clothes." She continued to work.

"Please, just call me Maja," she said as she found herself suddenly whisked away by the goblin. She was shockingly strong for her size and Maja didn't do anything she thought would annoy Gerka. Maja's skin was static-y, though it was easy enough to pass it off as nothing. Once they were safely behind doors and she was stripped down to corset and chemise, she thought she couldn't get any more vulnerable or exposed. She was wrong. Electricity sparked over her skin again and she froze. First Gerka had pointed out the flaws in her build and then... "L-l--," She was shocked and flabbergasted all at once. She didn't love anything-- except maybe the fur blanket. "N-no, Mistress, I am grateful to him for his generosity," She stared at the goblin. To Maja's credit, she wasn't lying, everything she said was absolutely the truth as she understood it. That said, she was rather oblivious and ignorant when it came to feelings, particularly naming them. She was bright red, flushed an intense pink shade from head to toe. "I don't have anything to trade, Mistress Gerka," she said, drawing hey arms across her chest un an unconscious effort to hide herself. "Those," she nodded to the heap of rags she's been wearing, "Are my only possessions," she looked down and away for a moment in shame. "I am trying to be of use, though, I'm sure we can arrange something. Perhaps I could bring you rabbit and ermine and stoat furs? I plan on trapping and training a falcon," She squirmed-- she had virtually no experience with commerce and she didn't want to insult the master tailor but she could only offer so much. Maja wondered what, if anything, Falter could feel of her emotions in the other end of their bond. @Chris (edited)

Gerka shook her head as she continued to measure the elf. Before she stated to pull out material. "You misunderstood, Maja. Both my intentions and your own. You don't owe me anything. You and Falter will either pay me back. Or another orc will. We help and support each other. That's what we do. We don't do commerce like that. Falter helps me with runes, gems and other high value. You don't owe me anything. Princess. And don't give me anything about titles. You still hold yourself as a royal. You can claim otherwise. But how you were brother up. It's still in you. In your blood." She smiled then. And started to bring the materials over. "As for your heart. You're smitten. Whenever you're neat him, you can't keep your eyes off him. You keep a foot pointing towards him. You're so sweet and cute. But you've never had a love before. Never had a man you can trust. I understand how it is. If any young woman like you came to me. I'd help you. No matter what." Her hands were nimble. "I'm going to make you 5 outfits. One for traveling. One for sleeping. One for comfort. One for formal wear. And one for seduction. Tell me. Would you like to drive him wild? I can tell from your blush that he's made you... feel things. Would you like to do that to him sometime?" @maedaymaydae

Maja nodded along with the explanation about the trade system they'd worked out. She supposed it would be mutually beneficial and, likewise, wouldn't offend the sensibilities of orcs like Falter. Maja's lips parted and her jaws dropped a bit while she was summarily and easily assessed by the goblin. She pursed her lips for a moment and laced her fingers together tightly. "He saved me. My family threw me away," Which wasn't exactly true as her prick brother had profited from the exchange. "He's taken care of me, despite being an inconvenience." She said, by way of some kind of justification. She thought of Falter in an objective sense. She hadn't been away from him at all since her brother had sold her off. She wanted to be near him because it was the closest thing to safety she'd ever felt. But was she smitten? She'd never considered it, she knew what the word meant, but it simply wasn't done by her kind, to the best of her knowledge. Perhaps peasants and lower nobility or-- Mistress Gerka really had a way of rendering her speechless. "I-" She squeaked a sound as her mind totally collapsed around the idea of seducing Falter. "I-I'm not-- he isn't," But she knew he was attracted to her , both from his words and from their magical bond. She might not know the extent of those feelings or their repercussions, but they were undeniable. "I'm afraid it would be wasted," She finally managed to say, looking down, "I don't know the first thing about... that," Seduction to be precise. That said, the idea of flustering him, making him lose some of his ubiquitous calm was appealing to her. "It would be amusing, though," She put a hand through her long, pale hair, drawing it over her shoulder. "He's always so steady," @Chris (edited)

Gerka's sharp eyes looked up at Maja. Her beady eyes focusing on the elf for just a moment. Before she shook her head. Amusing? I wonder if she knows the path she is on. Where that's going to lead. She starts to work on putting some outfits together. Her nimble fingers working swiftly to put together the outfits. Again, 5 of them. "Have a think about what you feel. How you feel. But... oh, you're a royal elf. The most noble. You weren't even allowed to feel anything were you." She tilted her head to the side, looking at Maja for a long moment. "And you're a wild elf. An old line that they tried to get rid of. Oh dear... A royal wild elf. I'm sorry, Maja. No wonder you've ended up here. I'm sorry for what you've experienced." She considers her next words carefully. Checking the material. "What colours would you like? And there are some wild elves with the orcs. I know Falter is taking you to some ruins. That was his plan. But ask him to take you back to his home when you're done there. He has studied wild magic. He knows a lot. But there are elves with the orcs who will know about your feelings and magic. WHo might be able to break the bond you share with him." She grinned then, her eyes sparkling. "You might be able to be free of him. If you want that. Or, you can stay with him." Her face looked up from the travel clothes she was working on. Watching Maja's face for just a moment. After that, she focused on her work. It took her about an hour to make the five outfits. The travel and work clothes were similar. Both hard working but comfortable. Cut to be comfortable with the corset but to give her room to move. The main thing being the travel clothes were warmer and more built up. The working clothes were lighter. If she was to be digging they expected her to be working more. And they had more pouches and pockets.

07:58

The formal clothes were to show her off. Gerka explained that this one was to be one that was half to tease Falter. She would wear these to events when she was to be in public. To be a beautiful elf. She was a princess. But there was a way to use her status to her own advantage. It would hug and cling to her body. It had jewels and gems. Her feet would be almost bare. It was to display her like an object. "But, soon you'll control your power. Yes, this outfit is to show you as an owned slave. But Falter does not see you this way." "This will fluster him when you wear it. And it will distract those who see you wear it. It will allow you both to get places you might not otherwise. And it will allow you both to be safer. You'll be underestimated. And... well, you'll get under his skin. You'll break that calm." Next, the sleeping clothes. Even more comfortable than anything she'd worn even in the palace. Perfectly tailored for her. And made from the softest most comfortable clothes. FInally, the lingerie. Another corset. But one that did not cover her breasts. The rest of her body was covered in a series of sheer layers. With only magic shimmers that hid the most intimate parts of her. "Only wear this if you want to explore the most imtimate relations with Fatler. But, he will lose his cool. Do you like them?" @maedaymaydae

Of course she wasn't meant to feel anything-- it was unseemly. Falter hadn't wanted her to bring up emotional hygiene again, so she tried to put it out of mind. Even if her magic hadn't been the thing to get her exiled, she would never have succeeded at the wife of some noble family. As soon as they found out she was as vulgar as she was, she doubted anyone would have wanted her, princess or no. She watched Gerka work with a deep appreciation for her skills and speed. She clearly was a master of her trade. As she sat with the goblin while she worked, Maja let her mind turn over some of the things she'd said. The idea of being 'free' of Falter, via the contract scared her. She didn't know how to face a world she barely understood without him. The idea of it saddened her greatly. She understood, with painful clarity, what it was to be shown as an object, a polite mannequin to show off her family's influence an wealth. That's all she'd ever been. By the time Gerka showed her the lingerie, Maja had been feeling relatively calm... which promptly shattered as she realized the corset was an underbust with no obvious means to cover herself. She blinked at the garment and stuttered out a few sounds that might have been words before she settled on a sincere, "They're beautiful," And they were but she was overwhelmed at the prospect of ever wearing the seductive garment. "I'll, ah, bear what you said in mind." She supposed it was like any powerful object: it needed to be wielded responsibly if it was to the wielded at all. "Falter said you were better than the royal tailors but I believe he inadvertantly damned you with faint praise," She said, smiling at the tailor. "Truly, these are the finest garments I've ever beheld,"

08:12

She looked over the outfits and wondered if Falter would like them- apart from the lingerie, which seemed like a given. The idea made her blush again a bit. He'd never seen her in anything but the disgusting tatters she'd been wearing. Between new clothes and a freshly cleaned body, she looked like a new person, every bit a noble who had been bred over generations for her beauty. She tucked a piece of her platinum hair behind one sharp ear, feeling bashful suddenly. "Thank you, truly, I feel as though I am in your debt, though I know you would not call it as such," @Chris

She shook her head as she helped Maja into the traveling clothes. Her fingers deft and nimble as she showed the princess how to work the fastenings. "You are not in my debt.... well, if you do feel you are, then please learn how Falter lives. And take that on-board. If this way of living appeals to you then work to it. Now, I know what you thought when you saw the formal wear. Stop those thoughts. This is not an object like your family." A stubby finger reached up and bobbed Maja's nose from the stool Gerka was standing on. "This is a presentation. A game. It's a power. It's a... an act. A role you play to decieve others. You invite them to view you one way. A wrong way. And it gives you a power of them. A power completely separate to that which runs through you. I can smell it. That tangy note in the air." She grins. "You know, Falter will accept you. No matter what. You could cry, you could laugh. You could... find a little dog and just completely fall in love with it. And he will accept you. You are a wild elf. Your feelings are strong." She sighed. Having finished the traveling clothes. "Come here. Sit down. He doesn't know this history. But let me tell you some. I heard it from an old wild elf sage. There was an old story. There was an old elf king who had strong emotions. And they changed a lot. He took the kingdom to war. Almost ruined it. And so, to preserve the kingdom. Elvish nobility was to have its emotions taken, and given to a small group. These are the wild elves. "But they became unpredictable. And we're driven out. I don't know how true it is. But this is what you are. You have strong feelings. And it's okay. And the more you fight it. The more they come out. You know That already, don't you, Maja?" @maedaymaydae

Maja kept waiting for a corset to be strapped around herself, but one never came. Instead, she had a breast band to keep herself comfortable and supported, but there was nothing shaping her appropriately. She couldn't very well complain but she kept covering her midsection with her hands, fussing and fiddling in her discomfort. She was not meant to look like this, elves were meant to be slender and not at all the shape she was. She put aside her discomfort as Gerka recounted the history of her people. Given everything else she'd been taught about orcs and her own people's history, it wouldn't surprise her to learn that what Gerka was saying was true. "Yes," she murmured. She knew very well that suppressing her power and emotions made her even more unstable. "That's why I was exiled in the first place." She combed her hair out of its braid with her delicate fingers and then turned to look at herself in the mirror. "I-- um, is this... decent?" She gestured to her curvy shape. "What I mean is-- is it alright to be in public like this?" She pursed her lips. "Only my maid saw me like this, and even then, only briefly." @Chris (edited)

Gerka just smiled softly. Moving to help Maja pull her hair out. "Do you feel decent? You can't wear a corset all the time. If you're on the move or working a dig. You are beautiful. And I know he finds you beautiful. You find him beautiful. So its okay. Embrace your body. Embrace him. Its okay." She sighs, and shakes her head. "You were exiled because your family refused to understand the daughter they had. They refused to meet you. They did not allow you the room to grow. To understand who you are. To learn and become the elf you are. They never gave you a chance to explore your power. To learn to control it. To express who you are. Instead, they forced an idea of what they needed upon you. Who can say if the kingdom would have benefited from a wild elf on the throne. Your people, and you, were never given that chance. "But, that is different. You're with an orc now. He will accept you for who you are. For these curves. For this body. For this beauty and mind. He is not afraid of the power or heart inside you. And I know him. He's thick skulled. He's a charmer. He'll talk. But he doesn't always like to get too attached. He likes to travel. And sometimes, as perceptive as he is, he doesn't always take a hint. You are smitten, Maja. Very smitten if I am a judge. But, allow yourself room to grow. He will give you that. And then. When you are ready. Take what you desire." She smiles. "Making a few last adjustments to all the outfits. Before she walks over to a cupboard, pulling out a couple of pockets on a belt. "Ah, here. These are a couple of pockets. But they are tied to small little worlds within each. They are light as feathers. But can carry anything. Well, anything that'll fit through the holes. Reach in, and think hard on what you wish to pull out. Here, lets put these on you. And, demand he be the partner, and master, you need. Okay? Much as he doesn't like to think he owns you. He does. And you need guidence. Make sure you keep him on the right path.

09:01

She tucks them under the skirts of the travel clothes. "Make sure that he is the companion and master that you need to support you, and help you grow into the elf you can be. Okay? Promise me that." @maedaymaydae

Maja was bewildered and overwhelmed by everything Gerka was telling her. She tried to absorb it all, store it in mind for later. Not all of it made sense to her but she wouldn't discard wisdom for such a trivial reason as not understanding it yet. Maja shuffled her feet a bit after Gerka added the infinite pockets to her attire. "C-could I, um, hug you?" Maja asked sheepishly. She felt a strange compulsion to embrace the goblin and she was doing her best to follow her gut. @Chris

Gerka blinked then smiled, and stepped forwards, and held her arms open. "Of course. Touching isn't forbidden. Its not like where you used to live. You're not there anymore. You can also give Falter ahug whenever you want to as well." She felt quite leathery. Tough skinned but also quite warm. Similar to Falter. But a little less. She then took Maja's hand and started to lead her out towards where Falter was waiting. He was walking around a waiting area. Just looking at the various outfits on display. Not really thinking about much. @maedaymaydae

Her heart seemed to squeeze in her chest when Gerka welcomed her into an embrace. The contact wasn't complicated by conflicting feelings, it was simple and pleasant. She followed after Gerka out to Falter, still feeling a bit embarrassed by her natural shape. He was used to seeing her in constricting clothing and for a brief moment she was worried he'd change his mind about his attraction. Apprehensive static shimmered over her skin but it quickly resolved itself. "Hello," she said, quieter than she'd meant to while raising a hand in greeting. "You were very right-- Mistress Gerka is the most skilled tailor I've ever met," she smiled warmly and looked at the goblin. "I'll keep what you said in mind-- and I'll honor your request for my promise. I will," she said, a bit late but no less sincere. @Chris

Falter's eyes go over the curvy shape that the outfit highlights, and he has a big goofy smile on his face. He nods his approval. Yes. he had touched Maja's face. But he was in flirting mode then. Now, he was just drinking in how she looked. And the approval, attraction and desire he was feeling wasn't at all hidden from their connection. "Wow, you look damn amazing, Maja." He smiled and took her hand. The collar and leash still there. Gerka still gave him a look. "If you pull any shit like this again, Mister, I will still tan your ass. EVen if she defends you. You treat this girl well. She deserves better than your ass as an Owner. Bloody hell. To think that a princess would wind up with your ass as a Master. Maja. If he upsets you. Or tries to wind you up, you take your power, and you shove it up his ass. Don't take crap from him." Falter held up his hands, trying to defend himself. But again, the stick appeared from no where and was wagged. A threat. "Get him out of here, Maja. And remember. He may own you. But he's not your boss. And if you want, he's your man. You're not his slave." ONce again her attention went to Falter, who backed away. "Hey! I didn't come here for..." "No, you came here to get your slave dressed up in finery. You ass." "Hey! I came to get my friend the best clothes..." "Shut up! You're lucky I don't black list you. Maja. Get him out of here. I've had enough of him." SHe turned her back on Falter and folded her arms. Its was more of a game to her. Maja, used to court politics, could see the playful tone to the act. Falter himself looked confused and bewlidered. @maedaymaydae

Maja covered her mouth with her hand as she barely suppressed a laugh but then she gave up trying entirely. Watching Falter be chastened by a 4 foot-nothing goblin was the funniest thing she'd ever seen. He was so intimidated by the goblin-- and for good reason. She laughed and it was everything a princess's laugh should be, bright and pleasant, clarion and sweet. She took Falter's hand and tugged him gently towards the door. "Thank for you everything, Mistress Gerka." She smiled over her shoulder as she wheeled the orc outside, new clothing in tow. It was strange not to be wearing a corset. She kept touching her ribs and belly, mildly disconcerted by the flexibility she now had. "She was joking, in case that wasn't obvious," She said, once she'd caught her breath. Her cheeks were rosy with amusement instead of abject shame, for once. "Well, apart from the keeping you in line part. She was very serious about that." She smiled and looked up at him. "So, you think this suits me?" She asked as she gestured down to her new traveling clothes. They were practical, cotton and linen and wool in mostly natural colors but with indigo or woad blue brightening up the underskirt and bodice. It wasn't flashing but, as expected, exquisitely made. @Chris

Falter felt like he was out of his depth all of a sudden. He gave her hand a squeeze and followed her out of the tailor and out into the street. "Well, we're ready to head out I suppose. And she always liked to play. But if she's joking... she can go easier with that damn stick of hers." The whole trip. The last 2 weeks, he'd been gently coaxing Maja to show her feelings. To not be so guarded. TO not bottle everything up. And now, she was pulling him along. Now she was laughing, seemed happy. And was... well, beautiful. And for the first time in his life, he started to feel something more than just affection and attraction to a woman. He knew what he was feeling. But even within himself. And much as he preached to her to let her feelings fly. He tried to keep ontop of his own feelings. You can't fall for your own slave. That would be a horrible abuse of power and position. He told himself. He just looked over Maja again as she asked if it suited her. ANd he swallowed. "Yes, very very much yes. It does suit you. You shouldn't hide your figure all the time. Yes, the corset looks good on you. But you can look good with more than one shape. This look stunning on you. You look beautiful, Maja." He got quite honest for a time then. Shaking his head. Feeling vulnerable himself for a moment. @maedaymaydae

She'd been angling for a compliment, if only to reassure her that he didn't mind this more natural shape of her. His answer, however, caught her a little off-guard. "T-thank you," She blushed again and risked looking up at him. She could see and feel some of the play of emotions but couldn't recognize all of them. Maja had thought, in quiet moments, that Falter had a massive advantage over her when it came to their bond: he knew what feelings were which and what to call them with a few exceptions, she didn't. "So let's go, then," She said, surprising even herself with her feelings of optimism. She wasn't entirely sure what had inspired it, whether it was Gerka or the feeling of new, stunning clothes, or having been read for filth by an ancient goblin... but she felt a little freer than she had. At any rate, she felt more attractive, no longer a gem tossed in a dung heap. "Unless you'd rather head out tomorrow morning. I should make full use of a proper bed while I can, I suppose," She didn't recognize or appreciate the innuendo she'd made with that statement. To her, it was perfectly innocent-- they had cots but no proper mattresses on the road. "What do you think?" @Chris

Falter considered. His mind bugging and hearing the innuendo. And through the connection she could get an idea of it. That his mind was going somewhere dirty. For an instant she could see in his mind her naked. A smile on her lips. Him over her. Touching her face and hair. His own excitement.... He shook his head to get that thought out of his mind. Instead he thought about and tried to focus on what she was actually asking about. The much more innocent and straight forwards question of their future and direction. "Yes, well, it depends. I mean... heading out straight away, we'll get there sooner. But, the day is half way done. And we won't get much travelling done before we'll have to pitch camp. And a comfy bed is never to be dismissed." He rubbed his chin. Thinking about it hard. "I'll let you decide Maja. I'd normally not leave right now honestly. But if I was alone I'd just settle in, get something alcoholic and smoke my pipe with a book. But that won't be fair to you. So what do you want to do? We can grab something to eat. Read something. Find a book on wild magic. or explore the town. What would you like to do? Its your first night in a city without having a guard or duties. You're free... for a given value of free. But I will support whatever you decide to do. I'll also understand if you just want to spend the time in our room with me outside it or something." He walked through the streets, heading towards the hotel they had a room in. Walking through the puddles as the late afternoon rain started to end.

11:10

@maedaymaydae

Maja felt the rapidfire thoughts that Falter had but couldn't make sense of them, except for a persistent but not exactly painful ache in her core. She considered her answer and extrapolated backwards from how much time the campsite had taken to erect. He was right, it was foolish to go today, especially when she'd never been outside the elven capital, let alone the palace. "Perhaps a meal," She agreed and pulled her hair over her shoulder, like it was a security blanket of some kind. Perhaps that would calm the knot of whatever it was that made her insides flutter. "Why would I want to be in the room if you're not there too?" She blinked up at him. The thought was ludicrous to her but he seemed to be sincere in his suggestion. "A meal, procure some wool for spinning or similar, and then rest. You can smoke and read and I'll make a spindle and spin," She was decisive, given the chance. @Chris

That caused him to blush. A blush on an orc was a much more subtle thing. A slight darkening of the green flesh. If it wasn't for the bond she shared with him she might not know about the happy embaressment she caused saying that. He ran a hand through his hair as he walked along. "Is that what you like to do? Spinning? Well, we can do that for you if you like. Anything else? Hmm, did you do any sword play or anything else like that?" He asked the question as he lead the way to the Hotel. Pausing to place an order for some wine, food and snacks to be delivered to the room later on. He noticed that she was waiting for him before she went up. He also ordered the wheel and wool. Dropping some more money on the counter. The items came within about an hour. First the food and water. Then the wine. Finally the various other things. He opened the window. But then packed his pipe. Once again stripping down to a shirt and loosening that off. He settled down on a chair and looked over at her with a smile as he started to relax in for the evening. "So, what did you think of Gerka? And of orc forms of commerce? And what other outfits did she make you? I know that it wasn't just those travel clothes. She never makes just one outfit if you become one of her special clients." He started to light the pipe then he leaned back, looking at her. The book to one side. He was trying to settle back down into the calm, in control manner he'd had before. But he was feeling really flustered under the skin. @maedaymaydae

"Spinning and knitting," Maja said with a little shrug. "I thought I could make things for us," she cleared her throat as her mind lingered on the word 'us'. "I'm sure finding things that fit you properly is difficult outside of orc lands... I've only ever done archery, no other marshal skills to speak of," When they returned to the inn, she was grateful-- talking to Gerka had been excellent, if a bit draining. She watched him with interest as he ordered what they'd need to enjoy their quiet evening. Up in their room she ate and drank and then promptly started spinning fine yarn singles. She was skilled at the task and, no doubt, anything she made would be of an excellent quality. Maja looked up from her work at the question about Gerka. "Clothes for sleeping, clothes for formal occasions, clothes for working, clothes for traveling..." Maja was grateful she could watch her spinning and not have to look at him when she said, "And another that you may or may not ever get to see," Her ears were very pink as she suppressed a smile. "They're all beautiful, though, exquisite," she wound the single onto her new spindle. "Particularly the one you may or may not ever get to see," she was making a factual statement rather than trying to wind him up and, thanks to their bond, he'd feel the utter lack of malice or mischief. (edited)

12:31

@Chris

Falter looked over at her and just smiled as she started talking about the clothes. He placed the book on his chest as he watched her work. His eyes shining as he watched her work. He also listened to her intently watching her in these new clothes. Getting her out of those rags seemed to help her in some way. Like she had put on a new skin and felt so much more like herself. Something had changed in her confidence. Like she felt more like herself. Heck, even her control over her power seemed to have improved in some way. He thought for a long moment as she worked. "I told you before, I don't mind about what you can do. I care much more about what you want to do. Are there any skills you've always wanted? What do you want to be able to do? You talk about martial skills... are there any skills you've wanted? Any weapons you've wanted to use? Have you wanted to be able to ride a horse? Or... something else? A rifle or a pistol? A sword? There is so much more now? I know archery is an old skill, and the elves love that one. But things have moved on so far." He sets the book to the side, and walks over to the pack he brought with him. He pulls out a revolver, and sets it down next to her. He also set down the cartridges next to it. The bottle nosed little rounds placed end up. "Have you seen one of these before? I don't know how much these have entered the royal court. The humans are... ingenious. But I know the elves prefer tradition. This is the new form of protection. And I want to get one of these. Pick it up. Its safe. Its not loaded. I don't keep it loaded. But I always keep it close. Just in case." He tilted his head to the side. Looking at her. "It works by... well, inside here is a mix of saltpeter, sulfur and some other stuff. This is brass. You push this out from its gate. Pull this hammer back. And then pull here. It causes an explosion, and propels the round out the barrel. Its for protection." @maedaymaydae

"I can ride a horse well though," she said, "And not only side-saddle, either," there was a certain amount of pride in that--she'd fought in order to learn to ride properly astride. At the mention of additional weapons and particularly when he brought out his revolver, she shuddered. "I have seen guns before," she said carefully as he encouraged her to pick up the revolver. She hesitated for a moment but ultimately took it by the handle. She treated the weapon with respect, no wild flailing and no sighting down anything living. She'd been taught by her archery instructors to never set her sights on something she didn't intend to kill, so she brought the same principle here. "There was a duel recently using guns," Her voice sounded pensive. "Neither man survived," The duel had been over something trivial and it had ended with two corpses. She set the gun back on the table where she'd picked it up from and sighed to herself. "I'm sure it's reasonable to carry and use such a thing. You're possibly the only person I believe when you claim is for protection," even she wasn't naive enough to believe the kinds of lies people told themselves. "I don't know about learning another marshal skill-- I'll think on it," she glanced up at him. "Perhaps someday I'll hone my powers enough to use them for protection," It seemed a far away prospect. "I could certainly defend us from any fire pokers that might threaten us," Maja laughed, though it was quieter and behind her hand again at that, not the full-body laughter that had seized her earlier in the day. @Chris

Falter gave a soft smile to Maja as she talked. And he reached out to touch her hand as she put the gun down. "True. But I want you to be able to protect yourself in anyway way possible. Everytime this piece fires this part here turns. It has six spaces it can have founds in. I load five and have one clear." He smiles, and shows her where they go. "So when I travel one is empty, so that its not going to accidently go off. But its quickly ready. So, just point, pull this back. And you can go. Its not going to be very accurate. But it will work. Okay?" His eyes went to her face again. And he squeezed her hand once more. With that, the lesson was done. He left the piece on the table. Getting her more used to it could come later. BUt he wasn't going to force that. There was no need to rush anything. God, why did he feel this affection for her. Yes. He liked beautiful women. But what was it about this particular elf that he was drawn to. What was going on inside his own emotions. He picked up his pipe and started to check it out. "Now, if you're travelling with me. We'll also be looking at academic stuff. Stuff that isn't martial. Have you thought about any scholarly topics that might interest you?" @maedaymaydae

Maja felt a little bubble of something warm rise in their bond. It was quiet and small, but it was there. She watched him with his pipe. She liked watching him fuss with it-- clean it, pack it, light it, smoke it. It was endearing in a way that she found difficult to put into words; not that that was surprising, she had difficulty putting most of her thoughts into words. At the mention of scholarly topics she raised an eyebrow. "My master and Lord Husband wishes his slave to become more learned," she pronounced 'learned' with a hard 'ed' sound at the end. She shook her head while laughing under her breath. She was being playful, if a bit uppity. She thought as she pulled a few stray pieces of vegetable matter out of her supply of wool. "Wild magic, I suppose. If I'm meant to control it I should at least understand it intellectually," @Chris

Falter blinked as he looked at her, this was something entirely new. And very very different to the pain and hurt of before. She knew that he didn't like being called a lord or master. But was still using it. His hackles went up. But he also fought those feelings. Trying to work out what she was doing. He could feel her mirth, and her laughter. "Maja... You know I am neither of those things." She had got under his skin. And he was reacting. "And wild magic is something you're going to understand anyway. I more mean... history. Arcane knowledge. We're going to an ancient elvish sight and going through the ruins. We're going to be... to be digging it up. Sifting through the mysteries of the past. I don't want you to be just doing it for me. I want you to have your own interests and desires. Your own mysteries you're investigating." He took a breath. Still trying to keep his own feelings in check. With some more pushing... or other temptations, she could easily get more of a reaction from him. "And you don't need to study just one thing... So, I suppose what I'm trying to say is... as we go to this place, look around. Try to take in as much as you can and look out for anything that takes your interest. Okay?" @maedaymaydae

"Legally, you're both," she said somewhat imperiously. Maja was feeling much more herself now that she wasn't caked in filth and dressed in rags. It was difficult to maintain one's confidence and dignity when subjected to that kind of humiliation. She looked at him with a mild but appraising expression. "I'll consider it-- I won't make any promises as to whether or not I'll be taken with a subject." She tilted her head at him. "I'm not a scholar and I may not wish to become one," her expression wavered for a moment. She hesitated, wondering whether or not he actually wanted her opinion. To her mind, at least, he was being hypocritical. "Maybe I will, who knows-- in either case you need to decide if you want me to be myself or be whatever studious version of myself you're concocting in your mind," "Because if it's the latter, you need to reconsider your stance on whether you're my owner, or not." @Chris (edited)

Falter tilted his head to the side as she pushed back. As she laid out her justification. Now he was seeing the bright spark of intelligence, wit and sharpness. And... well, his hope that she would take to being a scholar a companion for his travels took a blow. But he was starting to become smitten himself. Now she was feeling much more herself. Something else was stirring inside him. "I... well, yes. This is true. I just... was hoping to make sure you didn't dismiss this out of hand." He was having to beat a retreat. And he knew it. But he was trying to keep his dignity intact as he did it. "You can become your own person with your own interests. Just... with your intellect, you can be so much more than some figurehead who can spin wool into yarn." He swallowed, and looked towards the window. His own mind becoming a bit of a mess. "Do you know what you want to become yet?" Trying to chance the topic of conversation, trying to regain some of his own calm. @maedaymaydae

She smiled watching him try to figuratively take his foot out of his mouth. It was nice to see him scramble, after weeks of being on the receiving side of being flustered. Maja's expression softened and she lightly, carefully, tentatively placed her hand on his arm. "I won't dismiss anything out of hand," she put almost no pressure on his arm, like she wasn't quite sure whether or not she should do it. "I don't know what I want to do. I only now finally don't look and feel like I just walked out of a pig sty." She recoiled her hand from him, even as her ears flushed a bit. "Thank you for helping me. I meant what I told Gerka, by the way,"

08:00

@Chris

He smiled at her then, his eyes moving to touch her hand before she could pull it away. Keeping her hand on his arm. "You're allowed to touch me whenever you want, Maja. I'm not going to force myself on you. But if touching me brings you some form of comfort or something. The least I can do is that for you. And thank you. There is a lot of fun to be had in solving mysteries." He let her hand go then and leaned back. Lighting the pipe and picking up the book on wild magic he was reading. He offered it to her. "Here you go. This might help you understand your power a little bit better. It was written by an orc with wild magic. Her writing style is a little bit... well, she tends to just write what she was thinking about at the time. Its hard to follow. But, there is some good stuff in there." He considers what she said, tilting his head to the side. "What did you tell Gerka? I only heard a little bit of what you said. Well, you did say that you'd keep me in line. And I think I can appreciate that. I... well, I hate that I own you. I just... I wish there was a way I could set you free. I never wanted to own anyone. And you are so much more than just an object to be owned. But, I will do everything I can to give you the space to become whoever you can be. Okay?" @maedaymaydae

"Just that you rescued me and treat me with respect," she said, her voice distant as Falter placed his hand over hers. She glanced up at him, feeling a bit more bashful than she had a moment ago. Her confidence was somewhat diffused by his touch. She wondered if she'd ever get over how warm he was, physically. Maja pursed her lips for a moment and ventured to give him another smile. "Mostly Gerka told me to keep you in line, as you heard." And read me for filth. Maja didn't take her hand off his arm, dwarfed as it was by his considerate size. "She's quite perceptive," Maja chuckled, shaking her head. Either that, or she was just that obvious about her growing attraction to Falter. (edited)

After a pleasant night's sleep at the inn, they loaded up their belongings (which Maja was pleased to say she now had) into the cart, hitched up the mule, and were on their way. The weather was rather chilly the morning they returned to the road and Maja was incredibly grateful for her new, warm clothes and for the blanket that had been fashioned into a cloak. It was still quite serviceable as a blanket; Maja had insisted to Gerka that she only needed a fastener to close the thing around her neck, rather than a full overhaul. That said, over the course of the day, she began to catch a chill. She huddled in the cart, too cold even to work on her spinning. The first thing she'd make, she resolved, were some gloves. They traveled on and at some point during the day, she got out of the cart and walked with Falter, if only to warm up a bit. They made camp in a little clearing off the road, the small set-up of a single night's stay somewhere, rather than the elaborate campsite they'd erect when they reached the ruins. After dinner, she finally bid Falter good night. She felt she was cold down in her bones and it would take some time to warm herself up. Even the fire seemed to have only warmed the surface of her skin while the rest of her still shivered. She piled her cot up with furs and the rest of her clothes (the practical ones, anyway), and huddled with her head beneath the blankets, curled up in a ball. Sometime during the night, she wasn't sure how much time had passed as she dozed periodically, she popped her head out of the cocoon of blankets and looked over at Falter enviously. He was asleep and she could practically feel the heat radiating off him even from here. In her fatigued state, the fact that she was considering climbing into bed with him seemed nothing but practical. He burned hot, after all, and hadn't he told her she could share his bed? (edited)

09:34

She grabbed her fur, slunk out of her cot, and wiggled her way against Falter. Gods he was warm, no wonder he didn't seem at all bothered by the lack of a heater. After she settled in, while the fear of frostbite receded in her mind, did the repercussions of her actions dawn on her. She was in a man's bed. With said man. At night. Not even her flush held a candle to the warmth Falter was putting off, though, so she tried to put it out of her mind. She could be embarrassed about it later, after she managed not to freeze to death. She was finally warming up, much to the relief of her body, that had given up on shivering hours ago. She tucked herself against Falter's side, closed her eyes, and finally got to sleep. @Chris (edited)

The walk and travel had been really rather enjoyable for him. Being on the road was always fun. And it was only about 2 days travel. By the end of the next day they would be pitching camp in the nook he'd described that was just next to these ruins. He'd already scouted them out. He just wanted records and access. The trip was getting colder. They were heading south into the cooler southern latitudes. He was okay, but he saw how she was handling. "Its okay, there's a hot spring in the nook. We'll get there." They pitched camp a little early. He knew that when they arrived they could make a comfortable small camp quickly, then expand it the next day. It was during the night sometime that Falter, without knowing what he was doing, and on instinct, wrapped an arm around the warm body that had pressed into his side and chest. He turned into her, and pulled her into his chest. He was sleeping on the floor. And just cuddled against her. Pulling her into him. He didn't wake up. If she did as he moved she would feel him still sleeping. It was all unconscious. But he held her tight to him. For him, his dreams were the most peaceful they'd been. Having her with him, and feeling these new feelings helped him in ways he never thought they would. But, the morning would find his hand had slipped a little higher than her belly. It wasn't that he was groping her breast. But that his thumb had slipped between her breasts, and his index finger curved around them. He still hand her. He was no where near her nipples. And again, he had no intentions. But, well, his hand had moved. He let out his breath in a soft sigh. He would wake up soon, and discover what he'd done. But for now, he was still sleeping peacefully, she could react how she needed to before he woke up. @maedaymaydae

She slept soundly, none the wiser of what her traitorous body was doing against his, to say nothing of his. When morning came after a solid night's sleep, she came down back to consciousness. She was used to waking up before him and laying in bed until he woke-- she was used to seeing him first thing when she opened her eyes. She was not used to feeling him first thing. She stiffened, afraid to even breathe lest she wake him, and took stock of the situation. And that's when she noticed where his hand was. She flinched, though she flinched against Falter, rather than away from him. Oh, what had she done? She panicked for a moment about having his arm around her but was simultaneously comforted by having his arm around her. "F-Falter?" She was uncertain and she felt like her entire body was on fire. @Chris

Luckily, she had woken Falter up before his normal wake up time. So the issue of morning wood hadn't quite had time to arise. His eyes flickered open and he smelled her hair. He smelled her. "Hrmph? Oh, Maja... you're... oh gosh. I'm sorry." He pulled his hand down from her breast, but he didn't take it away from her. He felt the pressure of her body against his chest. And he moved to place his hand on her belly. He had a quick mind, and he pieced what happened together. She was under his own blanket, covered in furs. He'd must of let his hand wander. That was... foolish of himself. Okay, so lets keep that under control. "Oh, did you come here for warmth?" He licked his lips. Trying to get his brain to work when he'd been woken uyp so much earlier than normal for him. "I am sorry, I'm still catching up. You don't have to move unless you want to. Its still cold outside the tent. And we don't have to head out yet." He reached his other hand to brush her hair a little bit. Trying to pull the platinum locks away from his face for a moment. "I hope you slept well. We should be careful. I know there are a few animals in the forests up ahead. We're outside the civil lands but not in the wild lands. This is the kind of strange in between place." He blinked a few more times. Still clearly out of it. His mind a fog. His other hand still around her belly button. Holding her tight to him. @maedaymaydae

She involuntary gasped when he moved away from her breast. Her skin tightened into goosebumps beneath his hand. That pleasant ache was back, located just beneath where he was touching her. "I'm sorry-- I was cold and not thinking clearly," He'd almost have to feel how conflicted she was, even without their bond. It was terrifying and exhilarating and she felt like every hair on her body was standing on end. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude," @Chris

Falter didn't pull away or push her away. He just chuckled. His chest rumbling against her back. He even pulled her a little tighter against his chest. "Maja. Orcs, and goblins to a little lesser extent, burn hotter than elves. We've known it for ages. I think some elves have argued its about our passions or something burning. But I read a paper about us orcs its body mass producing more heat or insulating better or something." He grinned, and just held her clothes. Finding his own comfort in it. "But its okay. You did not not intrude. If you ever need to sleep like this for any reason. Just ask. And its okay. As we're heading south. This might be a better idea for you till we can get some more appripriate clothes for you. okay?" He was being a little bit dense today. he assumed that tension was just her nerves and the embaressment she'd shown at being near, and living with, a male previously. Nothing specific to him. @maedaymaydae

The tiniest whimper escaped her as he pulled her closer. The sound was completely out of her control. She was lightly mortified but she also couldn't bring herself to care. Gods she ached. Her insides were knotted up, her muscles were tight with apprehension, and there was a very persuasive whisper of instinct telling her to find ways to get even closer to him. She considered shifting downward so she was pressed less against his chest and more against his hips. The thought was as disconcerting as it was appealing. Maybe she could turn to face him, instead, but she knew on some level what would happen if she did. She wasn't sure she was ready to lose any and all plausible deniability left to protect her dignity. And despite Falter's obliviousness, her attraction was very specific to him: it was neither general nor broad. She was, as Gerka had assessed, smitten with him. She couldn't quite make the connection in her mind between how she felt and the concept of desire but it was only a matter of time. Before she knew what she was doing, she looped her arm around his to hold him in place. Her fingers curled into his forearm as her eyes fluttered shut. It felt so nice to be there, so nice and so warm and so intimidating. @Chris (edited)