A ribbon to match His eyes

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 My Master had been keeping himself occupied exploring the stronghold, examining its workings and taking stock of what we had available. There was much for him to consider, including the supplies we had already used, what would need replacing, and what provisions we would need to hunt for before setting out on the next leg of our journey. While he went about these matters, I decided to see to the chores around the stronghold, wanting to make certain everything was in order before we continued our travels.

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 began in the kitchen, preparing bread and a hearty stew. I mixed and kneaded the dough until smooth, then covered it and set it near the hearth to rise. Next, I cut the meat and vegetables for the stew, added them to a large pot with broth and seasonings, and left it to simmer while I attended to the rest of my duties.

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 The Verr needed tending first. I checked their feed and water, replenishing both before setting about cleaning their stalls. I removed the soiled bedding and waste, carried it away, and spread fresh bedding throughout each stall. Once everything was clean, I gathered the combs and brushes and worked my way along the row, grooming each animal in turn. I worked through their coats, removing loose hair and tangles, paying particular attention to the places where dirt tended to collect. I checked each of them over as I worked, making certain they were in good condition before putting the grooming tools away.

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 With the Verr taken care of, I made my way to the slave pens. I began in the main room, gathering wood and kindling to light the hearth. Once the fire was burning well, I made my way to the kennel where I had slept the previous night and lit the fire there as well. I tidied the area as I went, straightening things and making certain nothing had been left scattered about.

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 also took a moment to look at the ribbons. My thoughts drifted back to the attention I had received during my Master’s lesson in the pens about begging for what I wanted. I couldn’t help but glance at them a little longer than necessary, a blush creeping across my cheeks at the memory. Giving myself a little shake, I turned my attention back to the chores at hand.

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 decided to clean the training room next. I gathered my cleaning supplies and began working through the equipment, removing dirt and grime before polishing the metalwork and applying oil where needed. I inspected the leather straps and bindings, cleaning and conditioning them to keep them from becoming dry or worn. Once everything had been properly tended to, I collected the branding irons, making certain they were cool before returning each one to its proper place on the rack mounted along the wall.

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 When I had finished in the slave pens, I returned to the kitchen to check on the stew and give it a good stir. The bread had risen nicely, so I shaped the dough into loaves and set them aside for their final rise before baking.

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 My thoughts returned briefly to my Master and all he was examining within the stronghold. I wondered what he might find useful and what he would decide we needed to replenish before moving on. There was always preparation involved in travelling, particularly when much of what we needed depended upon what the land provided through the hunt. I would leave those decisions to him, while seeing to the things within my reach.

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 There was still plenty to accomplish, but the Verr were fed and groomed, their stalls were clean, the fires were lit, and the equipment had been cleaned and put away. The bread and stew were coming along nicely, and I continued with whatever else needed my attention.

* 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 sits enjoying the meal of stew and bread with my Master and in between bites I ask " What do the colors of the ribbons mean again my Master?”

* 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 lets my gaze form into a puzzled expression. Clearly, I had misunderstood their purpose, and I was curious now about what these colors actually represented.

S̱ƙɑɍ : they are only bits of colored ribbon girl, they mean that a man has seen fit to allow a girl to have a bit of pretty ribbon; because he has been pleased for her to have it. The colors are there for girls to choose from, and it is for men to choose the girl they wish to allow to have a pretty ribbon.

* 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ taking in what he said I nod with a new understanding.

* S̱ƙɑɍ I looked toward the girl and explained patiently. "In the South of Gor where it is warmer, slaves wear fewer garments. The ribbons accent a girls silks; and girls will often beg to be found pleasing merely to have a bit of something pretty to tie in their hair, or around an ankle, or waist.

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘: So it is like a trinket for being good, or pleasing rather?

S̱ƙɑɍ: Yes, exactly so.

* 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 shifts her eyes downward then once more back to him

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘: So do the girls WANT the attention such a thing would bring?

* S̱ƙɑɍ I noted her continued curiosity and casually mentioned in an intentionally offhanded way "there are fewer numbers of ribbons available in certain colors and this in a way can serve as a modest sort of indicator of value among the many of the Free as well as mong the kajirae who seek them.

S̱ƙɑɍ: I suppose sometimes they surely must. It is a manner of inviting oneself to be used

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 thoughts returned to the ribbons, lingering on the greenish-blue one as I considered his explanation, wondering what sort of value it might represent and whether my choice had meant more than I realized.

* 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 gasps hearing him and I blush

* S̱ƙɑɍ I watched her color change, and mentally noted it as I then directed my eyes over her form following the lines of her shoulders, arms and hands.

* 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 felt the warmth creeping into my cheeks and was thoroughly annoyed with myself for blushing. I lowered my eyes briefly, then glanced back at my Master, suddenly very aware of his attention upon me.

S̱ƙɑɍ I had spent my day consumed with exploring the interior and the language of Bok'mahl. It was carved deeply into the walls of stone and many framings of timber alike by hammer and chisel. I had investigated several areas thoroughly and found a great many things of interest, some of which I had not seen in many years.

S̱ƙɑɍ I focused my attention on the meal muse had prepared and I made note of her evident handiwork in cleaning and preparing for our departure. I considered this; as well as the possibility of remaining where we are now for somewhat longer than I had ad first planned.There was more to Bok'mahl to be understood yet, and it was provided in regards to its slave training pens.

S̱ƙɑɍ After finishing our meal, I praised the apparent effort she had earnestly put into busying herself with chores; and the excellent meal she had prepared. I began to help her clean up our dining area and spoke softly with her while doing so.

S̱ƙɑɍ "you've done well today woman; I am proud of you, you have shown honor to Bok'mahl in my name. Thank you. Do you have more questions about things which you have seen here?"

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 I thought about his question for a moment before asking the one that had been burning in my mind. “Master, is it normal to want… uumm, well, a new ribbon, even knowing how I got the last one?” I felt my cheeks grow warm as the words left my mouth, suddenly a little embarrassed by my own question. My eyes lowered, and I busied my hands by wringing them together, hoping he would not think less of me for asking. I could not help wondering if it was strange to want something that had come with such a lesson attached to it.

S̱ƙɑɍ I listened as I worked to finish the cleaning I had begun. I wondered how she planned to wear the green ribbon; I studied her silently for a long moment speaking again. "Why would that be a strange thing muse? If I desired to give you another ribbon, would that be strange to you?"

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 “Well, no, Master, I suppose it wouldn’t be strange if you wished to give me another.” I hesitated, trying to put my thoughts into words. “But I find myself wanting things I never imagined I would enjoy. How is it that I can enjoy the lash being put to my flesh? I know what it means, I know it is not always meant to be pleasant, yet there is a part of me that finds I want it again. I don’t quite understand myself sometimes, Master.”

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 gathered the dishes and utensils, carefully stacking everything onto the tray so I could carry it back to the kitchen. As I worked, I listened to my Master’s words, glancing over toward him now and then while I shook out the crumbs from the furs. I found myself still thinking about our conversation, curious about his answer but not quite certain how to ask all the questions tumbling around in my head.

S̱ƙɑɍ 'What color would you choose if were to allow you another ribbon? There is a fine line between pleasure and pain muse; and it is not an unnatural thing to be curious about." I turned my attention to the figures deeply engraved and darkly stained upon the walls here and there around the area of the kitchen and upon the closed wooden doors.

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 “The one that matches your eyes would be my next choice, my Master,” I answered, blushing deeply once more. I lowered my gaze, a small smile tugging at my lips. I seemed to have developed quite a fondness for ribbons, something I never would have expected. I had never been one to desire pretty things before, never given much thought to having something simply because it was lovely. Yet now I found myself wanting them, and somehow that little realization pleased me more than I cared to admit.

S̱ƙɑɍ I returned my attention to my woman, I walked to her and took her deeply within my arms and pressed her tightly against the width of my chest. Securing her in my arms I lifted her slightly bringing her to my lips and kissing her tenderly; lingering with her a moment as my left hand slipped into her hair and slowly tightened into a fist within it before I quickly seized her lower lip between my teeth and bit her sharply. I growled, then tugged gently against her lip, before biting her sharply yet again. I released her from my teeth and spoke softly with her as my fingers tightened tugging playfully; I watched her eyes closely and turned my fist, slowly increasing the amount of twist and watching her expression change as I asked her "When does a feeling of pleasure turn to pain? When does feeling pain become a source of pleasure? How can you know these things if you do not explore them girl? Why would that be unnatural, how can that be strange? It is simply a learning experience."

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 A small gasp escaped my lips as his teeth caught my lower lip again, my fingers instinctively curling against his chest. When his hand tightened in my hair, I felt my head tilt with the gentle pull, my eyes widening as I looked up at him. I could feel the sting in my lip, the warmth of his breath, and the firm hold of his arms around me. I swallowed, drawing in a somewhat shaky breath as I listened to his words. I gave a slow nod, my lips still parted, not quite trusting myself to speak. My cheeks were warm, and I remained tucked against him, watching his face with wide eyes as I tried to take in everything he was explaining to me my body responding naturally and helplessly.

S̱ƙɑɍ The colors of those ribbons mean nothing to you because they do not apply to you; and yet in the places where such ways are practiced, indeed ribbons are coveted. They indicate levels of training and can be used to more accurately assess a woman's worth on the auction block. They are considered by many to be a mark of prestige, of structured training, and eagerness to learn and to be pleasing in many different ways. The color speaks of the girl's ability to adapt, to grow, and her dedication to being useful.

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 I listened to my Master’s explanation, my brows drawing together slightly as I tried to take in all that he was telling me. My fingers wandered up to the braid in my hair, gently feeling the green ribbon woven through it. I hadn’t realized ribbons carried such meaning in some places, and the thought that they could even be used to judge a woman’s worth on an auction block caught me somewhat off guard. I looked up at him, curiosity plain on my face, still trying to understand how something I had thought of as little more than a pretty adornment could mean so many different things.

S̱ƙɑɍ I released her from the grasp of my hand and cast her the embrace of my arms as I spoke firmly. "Do your hair now as you would do it for hunting woman." I want to look at it more closely.

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 "Yes, my Master.” I blinked at his instruction, a little surprised by the sudden change in subject, but nodded and stepped back enough to free my hands. Reaching up, I began working the green ribbon carefully out of my braid before gathering all my hair and separating it into sections. My fingers moved with the familiarity of long practice as I began braiding it back in the manner I wore it when hunting, keeping it secure and out of my way. Every so often I glanced toward my Master, wondering what exactly he was looking for as I finished securing my hair using the green ribbon to tie it off and secure it.

S̱ƙɑɍ I studied her carefully for a long moment, I noted the shape of her ears, the tip of her nose, her brows and cheeks and chin.

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 finished securing my braid with the green ribbon, I glanced toward my Master and caught him watching me. I found myself watching him in return, curious about what he was thinking as his eyes followed my movements. I tilted my head slightly, waiting to see what he might say, wondering what he was looking for.

S̱ƙɑɍ I pulled her into my arms and spun her around, I loosened her hair and pushed her head forward quickly. I firmly sank my teeth up the nape of her neck and bit harder until the tone of her exhalation shifted from a gasp into a soft moan before becoming a squeal and then a shriek. I released her soft warm flesh from my teeth and began to rebraid her hair myself, pulling it tightly against itself before securing it again with the green ribbon.

S̱ƙɑɍ Placing my hand between her shoulder blades after severely tightening her hair, I shoved her forward and spoke firmly "to the training pens with you slave, you have much to learn.

𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑒 ~𝑺~ 𝑘 barely had time to turn before my Master pulled me into his arms and spun me around. A startled gasp escaped me as he loosened my hair and pushed my head forward. I felt his teeth sink into the nape of my neck, the pressure increasing until my breath caught and escaped in a series of involuntary sounds. When he finally released me, I remained still, trying to catch my breath as I felt his hands working through my hair, rebraiding it with firm, practiced movements. He pulled it considerably tighter than I would have done myself, and I felt the tension against my scalp as he secured the green ribbon. At the sudden push between my shoulder blades, I stumbled forward a step, catching my balance before looking back at him with wide, questioning eyes. Training pens? I wondered what he had planned for me as I turned and made my way there.

S̱ƙɑɍ I considered several factors of my woman's behavior, and for some time now I had been inclined to explore encouraging her domestication.

S̱ƙɑɍ I told myself there was no better time than the present to begin tuning her mind more to my own liking while in camp. I began by introducing her to something new immediately simply by whistling for Nu'nuqi who soon joined us at my right side and began to follow as she made her presence known to herd the woman along. Once as Muse walked ahead of us her feet had wandered too carelessly in her direction for Nuqi's liking, and along the woman's thigh flickered the warm wet forks of a thick black tongue; the subtle reminder of the sleen's careful observation.

S̱ƙɑɍ I was pleased with the sleen and appreciatively scratched the luxuriously furred nape of her neck as we moved. Nuqi's domestication and usefully was growing as quickly as her long and well muscled body itself was.

S̱ƙɑɍ Intentionally I allowed the sleen to coax the woman along more quickly than her usual gait; I wanted the woman to feel crowded by the animal who so readily harried her along, silently reassuring my slave of her imminent destruction if the command were given.

S̱ƙɑɍ Following Muse into the training pen, this time I did not bother with closing or locking the iron gate; intentionally I left the gate standing open, and it was within the opening between the gate posts that I motioned for Nuqi to stop. A few paces further as we approached the display of ribbons, I took the woman's braid in my left hand and gripping it firmly I stopped her with a firm tug of it upwards. Maintaining the tension of the lift, I used her hair as a leash and turned her round about myself on the tips of her toes to face the sleen.

I stood silently behind the woman, maintaining the tension on her hair so that she was forced to stand and squirm upon her tiptoes for balance as the two of them watched each other. I watched the magnificent beauty who stood within the opening of the gate; I saw her eyes focus and their third lids narrow upon the woman, her black tongue flickered along her frilled and retracting black lips to reveal the glistening ivory hint of long, thick and eager fangs.

S̱ƙɑɍ With my right hand I motioned for Nuqi to be seated, and watched with great pride and much joy as she obeyed and folded herself onto her haunches. I released the woman's hair, allowing her to distribute her weight fully upon her feet again.

S̱ƙɑɍ I spoke softly by my slaves ear "you would not make it to where she sits, she would be upon you the moment you fled beyond my reach."