TS - Day 08 - Bisanthium.

[Darth Vegeta]

"Explain my lady" he said as he looked up. He had used 'my lady' rather... venerably this time. She noticed he had glanced for a short moment to her long legs and shapely feet but quickly turned his attention back to what she said.

He nodded "I require offspring" he said dryly.
"It seems fitting you would be the one to give them to me... if you want to" he said. He had never really mentioned the desire of having children.
But he was more a nobleman than he sometimes seemed and letting the familyname, ways, traditions, knowhow and ones legacy live on was something that burned stronger in him than she may have thought... .

 

[cassandra1]

"Surely you are familiar with slavery." She explained, knowing that a nobleman like Valerios would definitely have heard of this widespread and lucrative but cruel industry. "Some slaves are used to do household chores, others are tortured for the amusement of their masters. I own a slave market in Bisanthium specialising in ticklish slaves, as well as slaves who are not ticklish but do not mind torturing the ticklish ones. So far, there is no law against slavery, but there is the unwritten rule that we pick our slaves carefully. Lone travelers, criminals and beggars are our preferred targets. Once in a while, I show up at the market and see what I am in the mood for. Since I own the place, I can borrow any number of slaves for a few hours, free of charge, though I try not to hurt them too much." Shawn gave him a sweet smile. "Barbaric? Maybe so. How much do you know about slavery?"

If Magnus wanted children, there was no one more suitable to be the mother than Meira. She was surprised at this sudden request, not expecting to hear it from someone of Magnus' reputation. "I will do it whenever you are ready." she replied, showing a bit of her submissive side.

 

[Darth Vegeta]

"Well our lands have some slaves. Mostly as labour. Or as servants. We treat them well for the most part" he said. "Some nobles and rich people indulge in excesses and too much violence in regards to their slaves though". He shrugged "Slavery is a rather important part of the Imperial Economy" he said "Labourforces are needed. Plus slavefamilies that have been well treated for generations can reach a good status and are very loyal" he said "But i prefer not to have too many slaves in the Empire... allready we have too much. If we overimport... even the Legions would have some trouble putting things in order" he looked at her and smiled "Why tickle slaves?" he said "You have me and the captain..." he looked at the door a moment and back at her "And hordes of handmaidens who seem to jump at a chance to serve your needs". 'not too mention mine' he thought. It was strangely flattering the way they acted around him. Veneratingly almost.
He had spoken to one and arranged for a first traininglesson tommorow.
He was curious how fast they'd learn.

He showed her a small, kind smile. "I know... and will as soon as the occassion arises" he looked at the captured slave. "Have some fun..." he said as he sat down and took a gooze feather and inked it. He began to write "Meanwhile i'll deal with some... paperwork".

 

[cassandra1]

Lifting her feet out of the water, Shawn sat cross-legged as if pouting. "The handmaidens carry out my orders, but they are not willing to be tortured. Besides, with tickle slaves, I can be more harsh with them. Punishing them for non-existent crimes, humiliating them in public, treating them like pets, things that sometimes do not involve tickling but are unpleasant nonetheless." She looked at him. "You are too valueable to be treated that way. That is the difference between you and the slaves."

(Ooc: Are we ending the Magnus-Meira conversation until Magnus is ready to travel to the tower? Seems like we are running out of things to say.)

 

[Darth Vegeta]

OOC: hmm i thought you'd jump on the occassion to pester the captured handmaiden. Besides i like an alternative for Valerios until Rachel returns. Also if it's okay with you... by the time Rachel returns Valerios has trained the handmaidens a lot already.

IC:
He blushed "I'm flattered" he said "And indeed... some things wouldn't be acceptable even when inflicted by such a beautiful lady" he said. He looked up at her, staring into her eyes. He didn't flinch or gaze away.

 

[cassandra1]

(Ooc: It's no fun picking on an NPC who is also played by me. And go ahead, train the handmaidens. To be able to train them a lot before Rachel returns, she should not be showing up so soon. Probably after Magnus has done what he plans to do with the mistress.)

She put her arms around him, feeling his muscular body. "Oh don't worry, I never kill or injure any slaves. Everything I do is acceptable, at least to most people who understand the difference between us and slaves." she reassured him that she was not as cruel as it sounded. Her hands rubbed his arms and chest as she waited to see how he would react.

 

[Darth Vegeta]

OOC: lol k. I was actually thinking Rachel is also captured by circumstance by Magnus. Keeps all the chars a bit together. Bar Valerios but he can come for them, tracking the group and Magnus. And i can play the captured handmaiden for you if you wish.

IC:

He rubbed her hand. And suddenly leaned closer and kissed her cheek gently.
"I understand... everybody has a place..." he said. "Without hierarchy there would only be chaos" he stated.

 

[cassandra1]

(Ooc: How about both Rachel and Shawn are captured by Magnus? You can temporarily play as the handmaiden until Magnus captures one or both ladies.)

Placing a hand on the side of his face, Shawn gave him a kiss on the lips. It looked like he was no longer able, or no longer willing, to resist her charms. "And as long as everyone knows their place, everything in society will work smoothly." She gave him another kiss, sliding in her tongue this time.

Back in Magnus' tent, Meira began to strip the handmaiden naked. Although she knew that the information Magnus wanted had already been given, she felt like torturing the handmaiden for even more information. "Is there anything else you haven't told us?" she asked, dragging her fingernails across the girl's bare soles.

 

[Darth Vegeta]

OOC: okay 🙂 i will. I'll squeeze in a little actionscene for now. Since Magnus hasn't done that much yet. I have a little idea i'll play out in the next few posts.

IC:
He smiled "Yes... 'everyone'" he ran his index over her cheek.
The nobleman froze a moment as she kissed him head on but he didn't object... far from.
It was the best kiss he had ever experienced.
He slowly wrapped his arms around her, but this action made her wet.


The handmaiden bit her lower lip.
"No... i swear" she lied. Meira had rarely seen a woman this sensitive.
Except for herself off course. The handmaiden though a bit roughened by her scouting duties, remained well kept, and her skin was unexpectedly soft.
She moved her feet away, under her.
"Please... don't... I already have to live with the shame...".
A man in armour entered the tent, ignoring Meira, he headed for Thane.
He whispered something in his ear.
"Really? Well than we shall strike pre-emptively" he said.
He began putting on his helmet and black cape.
On the black helmet was silver decorations but no plume.
He glanced at Meira. "I... must leave you a moment..." he said. "Deal with her my dear" he said. "Just don't wear yourself out" his eyes glittered a moment mischievously. He checked his gladius and dagger than took a shield and lance.
Both were inkblack with silver, the Black Centurion nodded at his right handman. "Prepare the riders and send out the scouts..." he said "We'll put up an ambush..." he said.

 

[cassandra1]

Such a loving yet manly embrace. The best response to that would be to join him in the bath. Leaving his lips for a while, Shawn pulled out her jewelled hairclip and allowed her long scarlet hair to fall over her body. She touched the laces on her dress again, but stopped when she had a better idea. "Undress me, Valerios." she ordered.

The handmaiden's begging only made Meira even more determined to tickle her. She said goodbye to Magnus with a wide smile, then resumed stroking the girl's soles. As usual, starting slowly and gradually picking up speed later.

 

[Darth Vegeta]

A small blush appeared on his face. But he nodded.
He took the straps at her shoulders and slowly slid them down. His hands resting on her sides, he prevented the dress from falling entirely.
For a moment he watched her chest... . There was a silence than he let go and the dress slowly slid down. He ran some fingers through the long red hair.
She was indeed a rare beauty... . Strangely beautiful even... .

The girl yipped and kicked her foot upward, hitting Meira in the face.
"Oh no... no it was an accident..." she tried to get away... .
Outside they could hear the noise of horses... . Thane was about to head off.
Meanwhile the handmaiden looked around, for a way out of her predicament but found none...

 

[cassandra1]

She tossed the dress aside and slowly lowered herself into the water. Leaning her head on his chest, she gave him a gentle cuddle with one hand stroking his manhood. "I have another question..." she asked in a sultry tone, "Let's say a vile brigand kidnaps both me and Rachel. He puts us in a death trap, telling you that you can only rescue one of us while letting the other die. Which one of us will you save?"

The handmaiden's hands were too securely bound to the post, but her legs were not. Meira cried out in pain when she was kicked, then glared at the girl with rage. "You bitch!" she screamed, wrapping her arm around the ankles and scrubbed her feet with her fingernails. Her hand moved fast, with the intention of showing the girl no mercy.

 

[Darth Vegeta]

He frowned a moment.
Hard one. "Well... that's difficult... there's two kinds of duty involved... and..." he pondered a moment "I suppose you'd only know if it happened" he said "As i'm not sure" he nipped her neck. "Not what you wanted to hear i guess?".

The squeel that escaped the girl's mouth was incredible.
"Nohohohooo! Hihihi" the laughter became an unending giggle as she tried to wiggle her feet and toes but there was no escape. She squirmed and tried to buck loose but found no escape.

Meanwhile Magnus Thane rode off.
Some Provincial Militia were scouring the countryside to deal with bandits and the likes and he was in no mood to end up discovered. A local magistrate had a deepseated grudge towards him and these militiamen were from his little 'possey'. Thirdgrade theatrical soldiers with no backbone but good equipment. It would be good experience for the new recruits to face them. And good loot too. Magnus had an idea on where to deal with them. He hoped his rangers were in place... . If they did this by the book, the ambush would work perfectly. He forced his horse to speed up.
It had been too long since he had been out in the field... it would do him good.
He smiled and afterwards he knew he had something to return too... . Which was most motivating... even if she was as insidious as he.

 

[cassandra1]

"I wanted an answer, but I suppose it is a difficult choice." Shawn said, closing her eyes. Her hand began to rub Valerios' manhood a little harder. "I imagined that you can somehow save both of us, probably by disabling the trap or killing the brigand who would trigger it after you have made your choice. But what are the chances that the brigand would let you do that, right?"

Meira sat on the girl's knees, raking her soles relentlessly. "You just kicked your mistress, didn't you?" she said, "Your punishment will be severe." As she attacked the handmaiden's feet, she thought about what kind of sadistic punishment to give her. There were so many possible ideas lying around the tent.

 

[Darth Vegeta]

He smiled "The situation in itself is a bit... unlikely" he said as he ran his fingers over her shoulders and down her arms.
"Doesn't sound that smart a brigand either".

"No! Please" she let out another series of giggles "I'll do anything!" she squirmed like a hellcat. "I have skills! I can do lots of things!" she said. She squeeled again.
The room was rather filled with the tools of her trade to the irritation of Thane who liked to keep things clean and orderly.
On the table were typical tools of her trade. Where Magnus had books of military history, weapons and maps... she had feathers, shackles, blindfolds and brushes off all types. There was honey on the table. Something usually Thane used and was unofficially not really for use in her trade usually... .
There was brine... the type she used to attrack goats or Thane's loyal wardogs. A small set of stocks stood in a corner.
Not too far away lay a featherduster.
So many choices... .
"Please i can do anything you want..." the woman was perhaps only 18-20... .
She looked at her wide-eyed and squeeled cutely upon ever touch against her soles.

The Black Centurion rode with his men forward over the forestroad. It was the main one, over which the riders off that bastard would come.
He would deal with him also when the time came.
Yes... before he'd go after the Tower he'd deal with that.
In fact he started to brew on a plan... .
They approached the point where his scouts and rangers were in position.
Their bows would weaken and throw the enemy into chaos. His hardened veteran cavalry would then finish the job... .
He heard riders in the distance... soon they'd clash... .
Luckily no traders or civillians were around to see anything.
Sometimes collateral damage was necessary but he preferred to avoid it.

 

[cassandra1]

"Doesn't have to be a brigand. It can be someone from your past who wishes to hurt you without killing you right away." Shawn said. It was hard to tell if she was just making conversation, or trying to find out for sure if Valerios preferred Rachel. "Tell me, do you have any enemies? Anyone who might be daring or crazy enough to set up such a trap?"

The bucket of brine caught Meira's attention. It worked very well on Magnus, and with his dogs doing the work she would be free to add something else to the girl's punishment. She stopped tickling and picked up the bucket, placing it next to the handmaiden's feet. Inside the bucket was a brush which she used to cover the feet with brine. Then, to make sure the handmaiden did not move about, she locked her feet in stocks. "Oh my, looks like it's time to feed Magnus' dogs again." Meira called for them, assuming that they were not already attracted to the brine's scent.

 

[Darth Vegeta]

He shrugged "Not really in specific" he said. "I've campaigned mostly in the North and all... but i don't think i have enemies on a personal level" he said "Perhaps a rival among the elite or well someone i thought dead" he said. "But nothing special comes to mind" he said.

Only one came running which was not uncommon as sometimes the others ran around camp. They were well trained though. On the other hand this one had grown to like Meira a lot. He began to instantly lick Meira's cheek and run his wet nose over her skin. The biggest beast off the group, he was also a softie. She had rebaptized him 'Maggy' to pester Magnus a bit, the black wardog reminded her of him. He didn't notice the brine yet but the girl stiffened in fear and suspense.

 

[cassandra1]

The mistress nodded. "That's good. No chance of me being caught in a death trap then." she said as she closed her eyes, putting her arms around Valerios and giving him another affectionate cuddle. This lasted for about a minute, then she gave him one more kiss on the lips before climbing out of the water. "Oh, look at how long we have been chatting. I must go now and take care of other matters." Putting on her dress, she walked out of the room.

Meira giggled when the dog licked her. She dangled the brine covered brush before his eyes. "It's time to eat. You see the brine, Maggy?" she applied another coat over the girl's soles, enjoying her victim's facial expressions. "Go on. That's good brine right there."

 

[Darth Vegeta]

He chuckled amused at her behaviour. She was... unusual. But at least far from as bad as he had thought first. He still didn't approve off her strange method of recruiting people though. Sliding deeper into the bath, he closed his eyes. So nice and warm... .

At first the dog looked at her as if quesitoning her. Looked at the feet, at her, back at the feet and than sniffed.
"Please... please... what do you want from me?" the handmaiden begged faintly.
And than... he began. Gently licking the sole, to savour the brine.
Her reaction was immediate and quite severe, a high shriek followed by loud laughter as she thrashed forward trying to move away... but she found her wrists restrained. "No!".

"Alright men" Magnus said. The blackarmoured warrior pointed with his spear at positions. "Wait for my signal... let them advance..." he said. "They've seen us... and are heading our way...".
The men obeyed. Somewhere in the undergrowth his archers were stationed. At least that was the plan... .

 

[cassandra1]

In the training room, Lady Shawn found Andrea and some of the handmaidens inspecting the weapons. She told them, "Valerios is willing to train you in combat. I don't know if he will teach you anything you have not already learned, but we can benefit from a man with his expertise. As far as rank goes..." She turned to Andrea, "Respect him like you respect Andrea, but don't forget who is second in command in this tower." The handmaidens nodded in response.

The stocks rattled as the girl pulled at them, trying to move away but not going anywhere. Meira patted the dog on the head to encourage it, then walked behind the handmaiden. "I want more information." she said sternly, "I know you have more to tell me, so talk. And please, take your time. There is plenty of brine to feed Maggy all day."

 

[Darth Vegeta]

Valerios finally left his room, the next day and approached one of the handmaidens. "I'd like you to gather all the... handmaidens available for training" he said "i'd like to evaluate you all more closely" he said.
"Or are you busy?".

She giggled and squeeled. She scrunched her toes and wiggled them as they weren't restrained all that well, she managed to 'swat' the dog with her foot and he got irritated.
"Please! What do you want to know! I have skills! I'm a masseuse! I also have... erotic skills! I also can make maps! I can tell and do anything you want!" she said fearfully, the dog began to lick once more and she burst into giggles once again.

 

[cassandra1]

"No, we're not busy at all." The handmaiden replied with a smile. She ran off to inform the other ladies. After a while, every handmaiden in the tower lined up quietly in front of Valerios, with the exception of those who were sent out on missions. They wore their casual gear, steel plate armour on their torsos along with ankle length white dresses and slippers. Their weapons were in the training room; they would only get them if Valerios told them to. For now, maybe he wanted to inspect the troops first.

Meira noticed the toes wiggling and brought out some more rope to tie the handmaiden's big toes together. She glared at her. "The only thing I want from you is information about your mistress. Tell me everything about this tower. What does she have that makes Magnus so interested in her?" As the dog licked one of the girl's feet, Meira tickled her other foot with both hands.

 

[Darth Vegeta]

Maximos Valerios looked at the little handmaiden "I do hope you left some people on guard?" he said. Than he passed them all.
"All of you have had battletraining? Do some of you have specialties?" he asked as he passed them all. It didn't surprise him at all that the looks of the handmaidens were at least above average... and usually even beyond.
Appearance was not important though, talent and skill was, and intellect. He just hoped no 'supertalents' had been denied when recruiting on the basis of 'appearance'.

Magnus Thane stood ready. The men in a wedge formation, their horses were getting impatient. It was getting very dark... the moon was up. The enemy accelerated... ready to crash into Thane's men... . But he couldn't start yet... . "Now! Blow the horn!" Thane ordered. One of them did so and at that time a series of volleys was unleashed from the sides, sending arrows in horse and man... . Horses tripped and the charge started to get disrupted.
The armoured cavaliers pushed forth but their formation broken and many fallen down or worse... Thane counter-attacked.
The wedgeshaped cavalry-unit dashed forth on the clearing, Thane could now see the faces of his foes... .
He smiled lightly as he aimed his lance... .

She squeeled, wiggling her toes in vein as they were restrained.
For a ranger her feet were most soft. She giggled again and than nodded, teary-eyed "What what in specific! Please!" she pleaded. She squirmed more, her fingers wiggling too as she tried to 'claw' at the air above her.

 

[cassandra1]

The handmaidens looked at one another, and noticed that those on guard duty were absent. They must still be at their posts. One of them spoke up, "We were all trained by Andrea in small scale warfare and sieges, as well as some one-on-one combat techniques. No specialities, or at least none that involve battle." The other ladies gave him seductive smiles, hinting that their specialities were of the sexual kind. They were already taught basic tactics such as breaching a reinforced door, capturing a lone enemy on horseback or approaching targets in a tightly shielded formation, but they were not familiar with more advanced strategies as the tower had never been attacked by another army.

Aside from combat, the handmaidens were good at recon, whether as scouts hiding in the forest or as information gatherers in various disguises. The woman who spoke told Valerios everything that they learned from Andrea and everything they wanted to learn from him. Hopefully, he would not dismiss them as mere rookies with limited combat experience.

"Why is Magnus so interested in her and her tower? Tell me!" Meira demanded, secretly hoping that the girl did not have an answer so that she would have an excuse to prolong the torture. Her fingers danced viciously on the silky smooth soles, especially along the arches, leaving no sensitive spot untouched.

 

[Darth Vegeta]

He smiled lightly "Well those 'other' talents shouldn't be underestimated. Decent men are not overly fond of killing or harming women... and the bad kind might be distracted by thinking about other things" he looked at them all. "Alright... we'll start with the basics". "I'm sure you're all fine if you were trained by Captain Andrea... but regardless... I prefer to be sure" he said.
"You two ladies. What are your names?" he gave each a wooden shields and a wooden sword. As was the way in the Legions, the wooden versions were several times heavier than the original. It was not as heavy as the ones he and his men had trained with but many of them were frail... two times as heavy or three times was more than enough. As long as they could wield the weapons with ease in combat... .
"Fight each other..." he said "Show me your moves..." he said.
He went to stand next to the 'leader'. The one he had adressed to gather them all "And your name is?" he said without looking at her, his eyes lay on the two ladies about to fight.

The brine licked away, there was no release as her wiggling toes kept flexing... the long nails of Meira skillfully probing her feet. She had never been tickled like this before... not even when the other handmaidens pinned her down.
"I dohohohon't know. Maaahahahaaybe the riches?" she squirmed. She was teary-eyed from laughing and had a delightful light red color.