Sensual Desires-World of Eros (IC)

[TwilightStar124]

The Ranch was once the place where the first queen of Eros, Queen Soma took her last stand in the battle against the surrounding nations, and the area in which she was first crowned the High Queen. In the history of Eros the Ranch is one of the most important national landmarks. Hosting 250 acres of forest, mountain, and a large portion of the Delfor river, the ranch is able to hold 2000 soldiers and easily feed them for well over 6 months. Located in the far northern reaches of Eros’s capital city RivenDall, the site of the ranch has been converted into a luxurious castle town with small shops and farms populating the area, generating tourist attraction it serves as a lovely getaway for many nobles and members of the royal family.

The castle itself has 17 floors, with many of them being whole suites of rooms. Nearly every part of the estate can be viewed and there are even tours held at select hours throughout the day as people go there to see a large piece in the nation’s history. Two floors are set aside for whenever a member of the royal family is in attendance, and many distant relatives of the royal house are welcomed and have met the immediate royal family in those rooms, tour are not given of these areas.

Outside there are two guard towers along with the 25 foot wall which is the first line of defense for the town. It was crafted from the very stones that were in the last battle for dominance of the nations “The War of the Crown” Etched into the stones are scenes depicting the various battles of all the nations. Citizens of Eros and her sister continents each worked together to create this stunning remembrance of their shared history; the wall also serves as a reminder on what to never let happen again.

Masters

You have all been asked to do a duty to the crown. There have been several reports of slaves being stolen and masters being butchered by unknown assailants. In some way you have proven yourself tougher than the rest and since you have each expressed interest in attending the special slave market that is being held In RivenDall you have been asked to make general
preferences in what you would like in a slave, upon turning these in, you we told that because there might be problems at the upcoming slave market your slave would be delivered to you in a safe location. The amount of money you would have normally paid for your slave has been drastically reduced because of this threat. The slaves that were chosen for you have been perceived as one of the many slaves that a thief would be interested in taking. These slaves have a high interest rate and losing them to enemy hands would be a lost to the crown.

There is a request to each of you to own these slaves and report on their skills, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. This has been asked so they can further identify why these slaves in particular were targets. A place has been arranged for you in the area known as the Ranch. In three days’ time you and your slave will be collected to attend the master’s ball in the city. This is being done to fret out any potential threats to you or your slave.

You are not permitted to leave the Ranch’s castle town unless directed too. It has been asked that you do not mortally wound your slave and that you attempt to be seen with them in the ranch’s town. The skills that you own have been noted and it is believed that you would be able to restrain and capture any enemies that may assault you. You have been given your own suite of rooms at the ranch, for you to have privacy, but it is requested that you interact with your fellow masters and their slaves during the three days you will be staying there. Meals are served in the central hall, and other guests at the ranch can attend as well. You can request light refreshments at any time during the day or night. There is a fully functioning training ground, hiking path, game trail, armor and weapon smith on the grounds of the estate. Horses are loaned to guests so they may travel about and take in the scenery.

The masters have arrived not even an hour ago and have been placed in a large drawing room awaiting their new slaves. A young mage sits in waiting to oversee the process of keying your new slaves. He is wearing well- kept blue robes carries a brown oaken staff and has large glasses, with messy black hair.

Slaves

From the bustling of the market preparing to open in a few days’ time you are removed from the crowd, and taken into a large covered caravan. With a white robed woman holding a large green staff with a snow white raven perched upon her shoulder. There are 12 armed guards traveling on horseback along the caravan’s side. You are in a separate cage located in arms reach of your fellow slave’s cages.

After traveling for two days upon the road you have stopped at several inns were you were given food and drink, plus a chance to stretch your legs. Each time you have stopped you had barely been given a glimpse of the place and instructed to do those tasks before you fell into a deep slumber, when you awaken in you were traveling again.

During this time you have been told little except that you are going to meet your new masters, if you become violent you are inflicted with searing pain inside your body until you collapse into unconsciousness.

On this last stop you notice a large stone wall with etchings that you can’t see clearly; on either sides of the front wall you see large towers. Stopping at an inn in town you are thoroughly bathed, and fitted with clothes that would suit you. From that point you are loaded into a large carriage with your fellow slaves and the same woman inside. She instructs you that within the hour when you reach the large estate at the center of the town you will finally meet your masters.

[xGabrielx]

A mountain of books shook and rumbled within the private study of one Lilly Windgate; chronicler of the ages, relation to the crown itself and also-, "WHA?! *Smash*" Well known for her disorganized and rarest library in the known world. After having pulled herself up and out of the pile of books Lilly clicked her fingers and summoned the letter with the royal seal printed across it to her fingers. "Damn thing." She had been trying to obtain it within the pile of books when it all fell on her. Stepping from the pile she waved one hand and seemed to almost pull on magical strings, pulling the books into place on the selves once again as she was reading the letter, though soon a frown crossed her face as to what the letter was about...

Sure she was happy that she was able to pick her own slaves from the special slave market that was being held In RivenDall but having to go and collect them in a secret place and then live at Ranch until the day of the Master's Ball... Honestly she was starting to think her family was just messing her around now, though if these slaves were as rare as they said she may as well take the effort to go and meet them right? If they really were as rare as the letter said they were then there was no way Lilly was giving them up!

Dashing out of her privet study Lilly shouted out throughout the halls "Pack my bags! I am going to Ranch!" She said with large amount of glee before slamming the door... The doors falling back to the floor in turn.

~~~~~~~~~

Like all the other masters Lilly was stranding within the large drawing room awaiting her new slaves. Though it had not even been a hour Lilly was still getting impatient about waiting for them, in fact her mind wasn't even on the fact of avoiding mirrors so her 'other half' was having a wonderful time running around the mirror world of this place, hence leaving Lilly without a reflection at all. "Come long I don't have all day." Though she sounded upset she was in fact smiling, awaiting the kitty girl and bridy she had ordered, of course they were a little rarer than just that so she was happy about the whole thing.

[TwilightStar124]

Canibus

He read the letter over again, looking up from behind his desk he asked “Why have I been selected?” His voice was smooth as for once his ever present smile left his face. There didn’t seem to be anyone in the room, the fireplace giving dancing light to the dark somber room. Placing his head on his chin he listened to the silent breeze of the night air across his window panes. Nodding his head he said “I understand that. But I do have other business to attend, I meant to gather my slaves from the market and go-“He stopped speaking his frown deep. “Well if you put it that way…I would be honored too partake in this venture…until we speak again”

A light tap to his door and the handle being turned had him sitting behind the desk writing his ledgers for his business. A young woman in maid’s attire entered his room quietly, waiting to be acknowledged before speaking. Looking up he smiled warmly at the woman who although was his senior in years showed him complete respect. “Yes Kisara? How can I help you?” The young woman bowed low “Lord Canibus your carriage is ready for departure.” Adding his stamp to a few more documents he stood stretching. “Really now? how the time does fly…” walking from behind his desk he moved smoothly past her, his brown hair catching the light, his red eyes glowing softly, it accented his already almost feminine features considerably. As he reached the door he could hear Kisara take a deep breath and say “My Lord were you speaking to someone?” Keeping his hand lightly on the doorknob he didn’t turn around as he said “I was just speaking to the wind, it helps to soothe my worries, even if sometimes it brings me bad news” Nodding the maid laughed at her lords jest, honestly speaking to the wind, what would he think of next?

************************************************** ********
Canibus watched Lily pace around the room excitement apparent on her face even though she seemed quite impatient. Looking over at the mage sitting quietly reading what appeared to be a spellbook, Canibus returned his gaze to Lily. She carried herself as if she were from a different era entirely. The way she paced the room lead him to believe that she had visited this place before. While for him it would be his first time visiting the ranch, as a guest at least.

He wore a full length beige poncho from his time traveling amongst the desert tribes, two large silver earrings, artfully groomed long brown hair which complemented his dusky red eyes and the slightly androgynous features due to his young age. Walking up to Lily he looked up to her asking with an air of pleasant curiosity. “Excuse me but would you happen to be the keeper of the tomes,” Stopping he laughed a little “I mean the Librarian in RivenDall?”

[xGabrielx]

Lilly came to a stop as she heard someone talking to her, and surprisingly it was one of the other masters that were also waiting for their slaves. She had to be honest that she was happy she was not the only one but then he asked something rather unexpected of her; if she was the keeper of the tomes. Now that was odd, of course he changed it but why did he use such a old phrase and not to mention she had scrolls too... Everyone forgot the scrolls. "Why yes I am Lilly Windgate. Owner of the rare library within RivenDall. Well not within; its more just by the mountain next to RivenDall but it is easily a short walk." She said, rather pored of what she did, then again if anyone put that much time and money into what they did so would anyone else. "So what is your name and title if I may ask?"

[Paladonian]

"Sir Indoril,the slaves you have received as a reward from Azura are at the meeting point,shall we go sire?"Asked a young looking page. Indoril was finishing up a report on the hedge mages he killed yesterday during a hunt,His quill not stopping even as he was questioned. "Yes let us go,im actually curious to what slaves the nobles gifted me with" Indoril said putting down his quill and standing to leave,his page close behind.

Getting to the area he was designated he noticed two other masters, a Lord Canibus Asmodeous and a Mistress Lily Windgate.He knew both of them from his meeting with nobles and royalty when he became a Margrave.His armor felt heavy as he was tired and wanted to go home.The embassy wasn't flashy but the architectural and art reminded him of his beloved city of Azurfell.The page carried his helmet and shield as he walked into the room with the other two masters.He sat down and his page set his equipment down next to him and fetched him a cup of water.Indoril drank deeply of the cup until it was gone and letting out a breath of relief as he sat back and his page started his pipe for him.Once it caught a good burn he handed the churchwarden pipe to Indoril,who sat back,puffed,and waited.

[TwilightStar124]

Canibus

His smile never left his face he listened to her speak with such excitement about her library. When someone loved something so passionately it was easy to identify that love in everything they said or did, their thoughts constantly returned to it time and time again, without ever ceasing. Grasping her hand lightly he kissed her knuckles softly and looking up at her said “Lady Lilly Windgate it is a pleasure to be able to meet someone so bright and refined as you. I have heard numerous great things about you famous library and I am sorry to say I have never had the chance to visit it.”

Letting her hand go gently he stood back a bit as two people walked into the door. One he could tell was young with a light spring to his step, the other was an older person, and from the sounds of the heavy footsteps Canibus believed it was a male in a large suite of armor. The voice as he ordered the younger one to fetch him some water proved those assumptions.

Being courteous he waited until the man was settled to continue with Lilly “Since you asked, I am Lord Canibus Asmodeous, Earl of BlackFrost. It’s really an empty title now though, since I spend for more time working then being an Earl. I own many different business’s and those keep me quite busy traveling from place to place.” Motioning down to his attire he continued. “I tend to adapt traits from different cultures I have visited.” A slight blush accompanied by a rueful look appeared over his dark features. “I will admit that most of my contemporaries find it odd. But I attest to the fact that learning from a culture takes much more skill then just simply walking up and talking to a person.” His red eyes glittered with passion. “I have been allowed into areas and been privy to sacred texts and tomes because I adapt this approach. Most of my fellows would never understand.” Shaking his head a little he looked up at Lilly. “I am sorry Lady Windgate I must seem the bumbling fool to you now with how much I am rambling on.” Holding up his small hands to forestall any objections he continued “How about I make this encounter up to you? I have in my personal collection many rare tomes from lands far from Eros. These are called the “Capturing of the Sacred Art”, and then have all been hand written. I have heard that whoever owns all of them will realize an unimaginable truth. There are 13 books in all, and each one is hand written in the blood of the first writer, and each of their line until the book was finished. Far from gruesome I believe it shows the dedication that each writer had for their work. Out of those nearly impossible to find 13 books I own 7, I won’t tell you how I gathered them but it’s safe to say the task wasn’t an easy one. I would be happy to let you look at them, if you wished.”

************************************************** ***************

Iris

She sat quietly in the cage fearful and wishing that the woman would listen to her and let her return to her flight. But she knew from experience that every time she broached the subject a wave of fatigue would was over her and she would awaken hours later not knowing what happened. At least now she could see outside her cage. Iris was able to take in the sights and study the people around her, but most of the ones who like her where in cages seemed too forlorn to speak.

Looking up at the sky she wondered if her flight was searching for her yet, her eyes and wings became a curious shade of blue and grey. Although she was no longer in her training shaft, but a short white gown that came over her knee, it had been altered to have a bare back so as not to encumber her wings, the neckline was chaste and the arms were sleeveless with billowing ribbons trailing down the sides, she had been give soft soled flat satin white shoes to complete her ensemble. For some reason the woman and man who had dresses her counted stop crying. She could tell they were pleased and upset at the same time, the woman who had ridden with her in the caravan had told Iris that if she continued to speak to the pair she would be punished. So she went silent as they dressed her and took her precious robes away. That had caused her to cry.

Now as she watched a large building could be seen in the horizon. Iris could even make out people in carriages before them as there seemed to be some manor of line. Placing her wings around her shoulders she silently begged one of her brethren to find her, and bring her home.

[NanashiAmaya]

Amaya
Amaya was dazing in and out of sleep due to the fact that being in small places were not her favorite area to be. She woke up curled up in the thin blanket she was given as a cover. She Slowly sat up to see the woman that has been with them since the removal from the market. She didnt understand why they removed her from the market and given different clothing. She thought it might be something she did? Was it that? She was trying to think whenever she was considered bad? She couldn't think of a time. Now when it comes to her twin, that was a whole nother story. Amaya sat up, combing her hands through her silverish blue hair that reached to her waist. Currently, her wings were allowed to show, to more show she was an ice phoenix.

Her Wings looked like a normal phoenix's wings but they had the texture of Ice and were cold to the touch, but glistened just like Ice would in the sunlight. Her deep blue eyes looked around at the varying other slaves that she had seen here and there in the market. She sighed wondering if Her sister was brought here as well. Amaya closed her eyes relaxing. Slowly she opened her eyes sensing her sister somewhere around the area "Ember..."She whispered to herself. She sighed, deciding to fall back asleep, not wishing to be awake, since they never seemed to stay in one place.


Ember

Ember was sitting on her but crossing her legs and her arms."This is not fun.."She commented Sighing shaking her cherry red hair. She moved to hands to her neck taking off the black ribbon from around it only to put it in her mouth. Then her hands moved all her hair but her bags into a ponytail. Ember hated her hair because it was thick and annoying as hell to comb out the knots. She then used the ribbon to secure the ribbon. Her firey red wings fluttered in annoyience of how this turned out. She wouldn't be so annoyed if they had just left her at the marketplace. She hadn't caused trouble at all that day, but for some reason they moved her. She hated the being in one place but when you awake from sleep you are in a whole different place getting washed and dressed in better clothing only to then get sent to do more chores and errans before she was sent to some other werid Estate manor place. She heard their guards speaking of them being a 'special collection'. She was wondering if that meant only certain possible master choose them or if they were choosen by the one woman for each master. Just thinking gave her a headache.

[TwilightStar124]

The mage sitting in the room closed his book and moved closer to the window pane. He hated the aura of the man in the armor, the librarian was a great woman, and the teenaged boy made him feel uneasy, but despite all of that he couldn’t leave, not until his task was completed.

Stifling a sigh he raised his staff and closed his eyes in silent communion. Gathering the information he needed he turned to the others in the room. “I’m afraid your slaves are being delayed by at the least 30 minutes I would say. There seems to be a royal procession going on which we had previously not been aware of. Please continue to make yourselves comfortable while I see what can be done about this dilemma.”

Gathering up his robes and book he strode from the room as servants entered baring litters of food and drink on fine trays. The set the food on the round center table and opened a bottle of wine which was set into a tub of ice to keep it fresh. Small plates of sandwich’s, fruit salads, pastries, chopped vegetables and finely sliced cheeses were placed in artful arrangements on the table. A fresh pot of Jasmine tea was set down with several pieces of delicate white tea cups.

After being relieved of their burdens the servants bowed themselves out of the room.

[Paladonian]

Indoril wanted to leave,he wanted to go back to Azura.He was a supporter of another war with Eros to contain all the magic for Azura.Even with his readiness to go to war they still placed him in charge of one of the two regiments in Eros.He thought of the Grand margrave,who also shared his taste for war with eros but was still placed in command of two hundred hundred inquisitors in the Eros capitol.His thought was interrupted by the mage that presided over the room.It seems his slaves would not get here soon but at least he could eat,as much food was brought in for him and the other slaves.

His page poured him a glass of wine, setting the bottle back into the ice and gathering food for his lord.Indoril did enjoy Eros wine,it was very good,but nothing compared to Azurian wine.His page was allowed to sit and eat next to his lord once he was done retrieving food for him.His page was a young man of only eighteen,he worked for the embassy until Indoril arrived,they he was assigned to assist him.He was a good servant,more curious then Indoril liked though, always snooping about and listening in.But all in all he was a good kid.

[xGabrielx]

Lilly could only smile as Canibus raised her hand and kissed it, giving her compliments all the while. Though she found this a little strange to have such a kind man here to collect slaves, but she feared that is how the world had become now; all this was common place even if you were a bad or good person. "Do not worry. My library is always open. I am sure we will be seeing you there in due time Canibus." She peered around the room for all but a moment, spotting other masters, all male of course, and wondering why they were the only two talking. Though to tell the truth the others did not seem all that friendly so maybe it was all for the best?

Holding her book close to her chest as she listened to Canibus start to tell her about himself, and she had to say he was a rather interesting man to say the least. "Oh do not worry, you are not babbling. I am finding it-," Her objection was suddenly stopped by his actions before saying that he planned to make it up to her by showing her seven rare tomes that were almost impossible to come by, and right away Lilly smiled and nodded. "I would love to have a look at them some time. Of course I wouldn't mind visiting you since moving the books could harm them in some way correct?" She inqired bfore they were interrupted by servants baring litters of food and drink on fine trays.

"First let us eat." She chuckled before sitting down at the table, after all they had just been told that their slaves would be delayed so there was no point in just standing around; they may as well eat! Lilly poured herself a nice cup of Jasmine tea, placing her book on the table by her side as she did so, and also a few sandwich’s and a plate of finely sliced cheeses, before leaning back in her chair so that she could relax while enjoying her meal. "Well I suppose this is not all bad after all"