[02:24p] › WaylandSmith changes topic to:
Post-apocalyptic Gor, the current location is inside the large trading quarters of Slaver, a major dealer based in the dock's area. The action is currently centred in the main training hall that is decorated with frescoes depicting various aspects of this merchant's business. GOR NO-zones
[02:24p] › WaylandSmith changes welcome message to:
There is a hallway leading to the main entrance that gives on the river docks of Port Kar - at the rear is a locked door leading to the business area, storage of slaves and materials as well as private quarters of the late owner of this establishment. A door to the right gives onto his former office and to the left towards a kitchen area. The various basic trappings useful to handle the merchandise that used to be on offer are available but no weapons.
WaylandSmith sits quietly feeding the pet jit he has recently captured whilst waiting to see if its owner turns up.
[03:00p] xëniä once more, very unsure of where her weary legs had carried her she scans the area of the nearest dock and allowed her feet to continue on following the the pathway up to the long hallway from the river’s edge, nit really taking too much in of her surroundings but more thankful for the brief shelter
[03:02p]
WaylandSmith The area of the docks is littered with the daily flotsam and jetsam one might expect in such a busy placed but it lacks people. Several locked storage facilities line the quays but there is one building with an invitingly open door. A large sign hangs outside depicting a kneeling collared, branded girl whose leash is held by a hand to the right. A sack of coin in front of her crudely indicates the nature of the establishment.
[03:03p]
WaylandSmith The weather outside is dull and the river's water is equally grey. The normally brisk flow mellowed by the fact the water in the Vosk is raised much higher than normal, falling into it would be a dangerous thing indeed.
[03:06p]
WaylandSmith several ships are tied to the quays - none are manned - but they are by and large bigger ships of professional merchantmen. Standing out are a small practical skiff tied to an area near the centre of the docks area and a way down a flat bottomed river ship that seems inexpertly tied to the quay.
[03:07p] xëniä slowed steps now carry me deeper into the hallway, as a feeling of unease comes over me, wondering if this is where my Father was, but again so very nervous, living so long on that ship with the captain had boosted my sense of danger having never known what He was planning with me next... i stop a moment to gather my thoughts and perhaps my nerve.
[03:08p]
WaylandSmith From the entrance hall there is a straight room leading to a circular room with exits towards the main entrance hall, a storage area straight across barred with a locked door and exits to right and left leading to an office and kitchen respectively. Apart from the smith and the jit there is no living soul around in the post-apocalyptic Gorean world - at least very much less than one would expect in Port Kar.
[03:13p]
WaylandSmith The training hall is quite large and domed - the walls are lined with steel rings set into the stone - in the middle a raised dais used for displaying merchandise is currently occupied by a rather large if not overly tall man with jet black hair and grey green eyes. His stature and bearing indicate he is a workman rather than a high caste, in his hand he holds a leash to which is tied a pet jit.
[03:17p]
WaylandSmith when looking from the hall way one might see part of the frescoes painted on the domed ceiling of the training hall. They are rather crude depictions of slave training and no doubt served to whet the appetite of would be buyers that once frequented the now deserted establishment. The whole building seems at once oddly empty but emanates a certain menace.
[03:18p] xëniä approaching nearer, i note the sign of a leashed girl and wonder if this is such a place my Father could be... having no idea where He was or if He was even still alive. Blinking slowly back salty tears as i think to what the Captain took from me that night,
[03:19p]
WaylandSmith The little jit creature whose senses were more alert than the smith's moved about restlessly aware that another creature walked near. Wayland did not understand the reason for its sudden nervousness and rather tritely yanked the chain that was tied to its neck in a vain attempt to calm the restless creature.
[03:21p] xëniä exhaling deeply i push forwards and reach the end of the long hallway, raising a clenched fist to the door, pausing a moment to gather my thoughts and once again, nerve
[03:21p] xëniä quietly i say to myself...
[03:21p]
xëniä : if i don't.. i may not ever find Him
[03:21p]
WaylandSmith The entrance hall whose door stood open so invitingly under the metal sign is itself rather bare - leading straight to the training hall that was once the slaver's main area of business. One particular fresco was visible straight from the hallway without entering the training hall itself.
[03:22p]
WaylandSmith A half a dozen women were driven from the rear by a slaver wielding a whip that curled round to kiss the behind of the hindmost lady. The foremost one had the slaver's branding iron thrust onto a thigh - looks of shock were written on both their faces.
[03:23p]
WaylandSmith And yet the buttock at the rear seemed thrust up and out to receive the kiss of the whip and at the front the thigh was willingly set wide so the dina shaped iron could best place its mark. The parted lips, flushed chests and rigid nipples of both women, one still free for a few ihn more, also spoke of their excitement rather than their fear not unlike that the person that was now treading the hall might feel.
[03:23p] xëniä giving myself a reassuring nod i tap gently on the open door
[03:24p]
WaylandSmith Wayland heard or thought he heard a gentle knocking, no more than a light tap. Suddenly realising why the little animal he captured might be nervous he rises to his feet and is for a moment undecided. The town had seemed utterly deserted - why would anyone knock?
[03:25p]
WaylandSmith clears his throat loudly
[03:25p]
WaylandSmith : Tal - anyone there?
[03:26p] xëniä hearing a voice i take a tentative step inward, with an almost inaudible and shy reply
[03:26p]
WaylandSmith Not having had the benefit of conversation with any sentient being since disposing of the Kurri the previous day his voiced sounded odd even to the smith himself. It resonated in the large domed room but to his surprise there was a reply.
[03:26p]
xëniä : aye.. there be .. may she enter please?
[03:27p]
WaylandSmith : Well by the Priest Kings it seems I am not the last of mankind to be alive, by all means girl enter.
[03:28p] xëniä inhaling fully again, i take a step over the threshold, a nervous kind of smile crossing my lips.
[03:28p]
xëniä : th..thank You..
[03:28p]
WaylandSmith rising the smith hooked the leash of the pet jit through one of the rings on the wall and brushed his hands over his leather doublet - then he stepped in the direction of the hall. He had already found a pet jit and by the cautious words spoken by the new arrival it seemed another animal stray had found its way here.
[03:29p] xëniä her eyes fixed to Him, i take a half a step back
[03:29p]
WaylandSmith : Well - you are welcome girl - harta over here. I would not have believed there was a day that finding even a slave would be a relief.
[03:30p] xëniä suspicion clouding her she simply replied from her spot.
[03:30p]
WaylandSmith his hand made a peremptory gesture as he noticed her intent to step back. It was pointless - he was not in the mood or in his wounded condition able to chase her but where would she run to anyway? It seemed Port Kar had died in the cataclysm that appeared to have claimed most of mankind.
[03:31p]
xëniä : it does seem quite dead out there.. no pun intended
[03:32p]
WaylandSmith Having risen to his modes height of 5 feet four inches, the smith looked almost as broad as he was tall. His left arm was hung in a sling and a bloodied bandage fresh with bright red blood could be seen. His hands and face were scarred with the burns and scrapes that occur from his trade but his chest and legs also showed the results of much more recent violence.
[03:32p] xëniä noting His stance, i tilt my head gently with a curious look, and takes a step inward, i ask
[03:32p]
xëniä : are You alone? and Hurt?
[03:33p]
WaylandSmith : You are right on that point girl - I wish I could tell you what happened but I went spelunking and upon my return found everyone dead or gone. You are the first live human I have met in a handful of days.
[03:33p]
WaylandSmith : Just me and the jit here - he's called bug - I think he may belong to some third person that may or may not be about. I am not sure. As for my injuries...
[03:34p] xëniä curious nature that had gotten her beaten so too many times overtakes her fear as she steps forward once more, listening to Him, glancing her gaze to the jit that was hopping from one foot to the next trying to free himself,
[03:34p]
WaylandSmith the smith looked at his ripped shirt and the bright red raking welts left by the Kurr and remembered the latter had also broken his nose which by now probably looked like a festive mix of blue and purple. It was perhaps not his most dashing self he was presenting.
[03:36p]
WaylandSmith : I am wounded. There was an encounter with a Kurr - the latter is no longer with us to speak of the matter.
[03:36p] xëniä His injuries reminiscent of her own in the past.. she asked..
[03:36p]
xëniä : is there no one here to tend to You?
[03:37p]
WaylandSmith : None that I have found, I sailed not without some difficulty to Port Kar expecting to be able to find a white caste to attend to this wound in particular. It needs stitching and the vein in the left arm has been torn however as you saw there is no one.
[03:38p]
WaylandSmith as he spoke his right hand waved towards the injured left arm that hung flacidly in the sling.
[03:38p]
WaylandSmith : What about you - how did you arrive here? Do you know what happened to the world that all seem dead and we the only souls alive?
[03:39p]
[03:39p] xëniä takes a glance around the room wondering what there was about to use.. as she hears Him, she moves about the place using a keen eye to look out for something that could help, remembering her manners she replies even though slightly distracted
[03:39p]
xëniä : her story is a complicated one..
[03:40p]
WaylandSmith : Well there is - it seems all the time in the world. Are you errm - looking for something?
[03:41p] xëniä barefooted, she slides items away with her feet, chewing down on my lower lip as i continue to search
[03:41p]
xëniä : something small.. and sharp like a ..
[03:42p]
WaylandSmith Wayland observes her with a detached sort of interest - and being somewhat familiar with the establishment they are in believed he might be able to direct her to find what she needs.
[03:43p] xëniä dark eyes flicker with an idea as she comes across a tiny shard that could be of use.. walking nearer to Him, she outstretched a hand asking...
[03:43p]
xëniä : would You like her to look at that? she had a little experience with patching up holes in the skin
[03:43p]
WaylandSmith : Something sharp? Now that is in my line of business - name is Wayland by the way - of the black and grey caste, a smith hailing from the Voltai mountains.
[03:44p] xëniä shakes her head quickly
[03:44p]
xëniä : no no not a weapon..
[03:44p]
xëniä : she would never..
[03:44p]
WaylandSmith : Do you have any skills in healing? I am pretty sure the misanthropic gold caste that used to own this establishment won’t mind if we borrow his gear.
[03:44p]
xëniä : i can sew
[03:44p] xëniä shrugs
[03:45p]
WaylandSmith seeing her reaction the smith laughs merrily the deep voice ringing through the hall.
[03:45p] xëniä then slowly lifts the crimson silk to her side showing off the deep routed scar that lay on her flesh
[03:45p]
WaylandSmith : No worries at the moment a seamstress is more welcome than a voluptuous kajira - if you could patch me up...
[03:45p]
xëniä : she stitched that herself
[03:45p]
WaylandSmith he stops as she raises her silk and presents the ugly scar that would once have been life threatening.
[03:46p]
WaylandSmith : You convince me - come - I know just the place where we might find some bandages and other practical implements for healing. I am not expert I warn you but perhaps you will recognise the tools.
[03:46p] xëniä nods to Him and falls into a heel
[03:47p]
WaylandSmith without waiting to respond he turns on his heel and reaches for the enormous key ring at his waist - he walks straight to the door opposite the one from the entrance hall and unlocks it, ignoring the sign that says STAFF OF SLAVER OF PORT KAR ONLY.
[03:48p]
WaylandSmith They arrive in a broad hallway that has several doors - the one on the left is marked in chalk MAUSOLEUM of the KAJIRAE but is nevertheless the one Wayland is making for. Turning round he finds the girl closer than he expected, not being used to heeling slaves he almost knocks her off her feet with a sweeping elbow.
[03:49p] xëniä ducks quickly, and gives a half smile with a slight laugh
[03:49p]
WaylandSmith : You probably will want to wait outside - this door leads to the slave kennels. Unsurprisingly Slaver - as we all knew him - had a lot of stock, they were all in their kennels when whatever happened happened. It is not a pretty sight and the smell is ... the smell is pretty bad. I locked the place myself and left the 30 corpses in there - each has a look of such utter horror on her face that I do not want to imagine what befell them ere the end.
[03:50p] xëniä shakes head and says .. she has seen such sights .. she is quite equipped
[03:50p]
WaylandSmith : Very well.
[03:52p]
WaylandSmith Fumbling to find the right key the smith eventually unlocks the door. Casting a last warning look at her he takes a deep breath before throwing it open. A smell of such deep charnel putrefaction as to overwhelm even the most experienced grave digging inhabitant of a sewer washes over them. Steeling himself to avoid retching he walks inside looking for the common area of the kennels.
[03:53p]
WaylandSmith The room itself is very large but filled with kajira kennelling cages - fifty in all - over half of them are filled with corpses in the throes of utter terrifying agony and are quite dead. To add to the delightful scene is the putrid scent of voided bowels and latrine buckets that should have been emptied days before. Pointing to a small open area with a couch the smith makes for a large upright wooden cupboard.
[03:53p] xëniä follows on behind Him, sad eyes casting over the strewn mess of bodies, some still with the facial expression of desperation, others with bite marks from what she assumed was what had been a resort of cannibalism…
[03:54p]
WaylandSmith : In here as I recall the slave masters keep some basic things to patch up girls that - errm - might have suffered a little in their training. Now let’s see…
[03:55p]
WaylandSmith the door of the cupboard is locked - momentarily the smith considers finding the right key but the overwhelming smells convince him to more decisive action. Hooking the keys on his belt he grabs the doors of the cupboard and rips them open. The wood splinters flying around and bouncing off his leather doublet if possibly not off the red silks of the girl.
[03:56p] xëniä ducks again to avoid the shrapnel
[03:56p]
WaylandSmith : Sorry.
[03:57p]
WaylandSmith he says but did not really mean it.
[03:56p]
xëniä : well.. that is one way she supposes
[03:57p]
WaylandSmith : There is a bandage box, some vials of - whatever they are for healing and other minor implements. Take them and let’s leave this place - it is vile.
[03:57p] xëniä rising again she moves closer into the cupboard, nodding to Him, she says
[03:58p] xëniä thoughtfully
[03:58p]
xëniä : if You would prefer, she can meet You back where she found You?
[03:59p]
WaylandSmith The smith realised that despite the colourful bruises on his face he likely was not looking too jolly - indeed he felt his stomach might give the old heave ho if he stayed an ehn longer. Nodding he made for the exit calling out –
[03:59p]
WaylandSmith : Mind that you close the door behind you - that smell will be the death of me if the loss of blood from my wound doesn’t get me first.
[03:59p]
xëniä : she shall
[04:02p]
WaylandSmith Without further ado the smith made his way back to the main training hall and reseated himself on the small raised dais. Breathing deeply he reckoned that never in his life had he been so close to being overwhelmed by a mere scent.
[04:02p] xëniä reaching into the cupboard she hums gently as her little mind started to whirr.. Wondering what could be used to help the Man... her mind often flicking from one thought to another but always with the main objective in her mind’s eye, she takes down a box of supplies and has a look inside.. Sifting through the bits and pieces... and adding a few reps and bandages that seemed clean and dry
[04:04p] xëniä finding what she truly desired, a needle and some thick thread.. she nods and turns to follow His tracks back through the thick stench of the hallway, closing the door behind her, staring ahead to avoid any death stares that lingered
[04:05p] xëniä closing the final door behind her, she returned to Him.. and asks before she could stop the curiosity
[04:06p]
WaylandSmith The smith had distracted himself by tossing a sweet meat or two to the jit before realising that possibly the girl might hunger too. He had a few left - he would keep them for her.
[04:12p]
xëniä : what made You go after a Kurr anyway?
[04:12p]
WaylandSmith laughs merrily again - in fact thinking back about the event he finds her question funnier than he should.
[04:13p]
WaylandSmith : I did not really do so. I found a flat bottomed ship attached to a temporary jetty - there was a strange object on board. I walked to examine it and slipped on the gangplank. Which was a good thing because behind the object was a waiting Kurr and he almost killed me in the first stroke of our fight.
[04:14p] xëniä remaining emotionless as she hears His answer.. then replies knowing all too well
[04:14p]
xëniä : curiosity killed the gianti
[04:15p]
WaylandSmith : We fought for a considerable amount of time - if my trusty Bosk had not come to my aid - I would not be here to laugh about this tale. The creature wounded me several times, but this massive rip in my upper left arm is the only dangerous wound.
[04:16p]
WaylandSmith unwrapping the bandage around the left arm, there is a slashing hort and a half deep gash over 5-6 horts length. It is still open and a partially sectioned vein can be seen leaking bright red blood.
[04:16p] xëniä keeping a tight hold of the box she had acquired, she outstretched a hand to the wounded arm in question and asked
[04:16p]
xëniä : may she?
[04:17p]
WaylandSmith Nodding the smith picked her up by her middle and placed her on his right knee facing left - widening his stance so that she may tend to the wound in the best possible manner.
[04:17p]
WaylandSmith : Please do - it’s been a bother to be honest.
[04:18p] xëniä flinched while she rose from her feet to His lap.. waiting for the abuse to come with eyes clamped tightly shut.. when none came she opened an eye.. a slight feeling over relief washing over her
[04:20p] xëniä setting the box in her own lap, she reached in and found the needle and thick medic thread.. saying to Him..
[04:20p]
WaylandSmith he closing of the eyes puzzled him - his picking her up had been a gesture of convenience - he preferred being sure she could work at ease and being used to being alone did not consider the invasion of her intimacy as anything out of the ordinary. In any case considering the colour of her silks he reckoned she'd be more conversant with physical intimacy than he was.
[04:20p]
xëniä : she could see nothing to help with the pain.. but.. after a Kurr attack.. she is sure that isn't so much of an issue..
[04:21p]
WaylandSmith : Well I will try and be a man about it.
[04:21p] xëniä gives a rare smile at her own wit
[04:21p]
WaylandSmith he laughed again and his smile was warm and guileless. Nevertheless as she went to work he preferred to take an interest in one of the gaudy frescos.
[04:23p] xëniä pushing the medic thread through the eye of the needle, she forced it through her own silk for the moment while she went about cleaning the area first with a rep and some salve that had proven good to her in her past
[04:23p] xëniä grimaced just a touch as she could finally see just how bad the wound was..
[04:24p]
WaylandSmith unused to not being the one that cares for himself, the smith had to repress a form of restlessness that might have distracted the girl - trying to find something to do he tried to count the number of kajirae on the frescoes.
[04:25p] xëniä pulling the needle up close to His leathery flesh, she started to use her distracting technique on Him as she pierced the skin with the needle, starting to stitch the two side over the exposed nerve
[04:25p]
xëniä : she is named xenia
[04:25p]
WaylandSmith : What? oh - thats a very nice name.
[04:25p]
WaylandSmith rolling his eyes he realised that it was about as anodyne a remark as he could have made.
[04:26p]
WaylandSmith : Your parents name you xenia or was it a previous owner?
[04:26p] xëniä continuing to bring the two sides together, she remains focused on the task she replies as a matter of factly
[04:27p]
xëniä : mmhmm.. He gave it to her.. her parents.. well.. she is looking for her Father... she was ripped from His arms to settle a debt many years ago
[04:28p]
WaylandSmith nodding as she speaks he makes a conscious effort to ignore the unpleasant feeling of a needle piercing his skin.
[04:29p]
WaylandSmith : Your owner released you - or did he depart this world or disappear like the rest of mankind appears to have done?
[04:29p] xëniä using the rep every now and then to mop up any seeping blood, tugging at the thread tightly to ensure the sides and stitches lay flat
[04:29p] xëniä tilting my head as she continued, while answering as though her story was normal
[04:30p]
WaylandSmith The pain was unpleasant, the smith leaned back with his right arm opening and closing the fingers of that hand reflexively to reduce the tension that threatened to boil over in his sinews.
[04:30p]
xëniä : no, she was never owned.. He had her stowed away on His ship for years, never allowed to step foot on land.. that is until He got tired of her and He cast her overboard ..
[04:32p]
WaylandSmith : What a strange man - you do not seem deformed or slack witted - why would one cast away a perfectly healthy individual like you? You must forgive my ignorance of such things - I travel Gor alone except for brief moments when I interact with others - my own interests are in weapon making.
[04:33p] xëniä pulling the last tug longer than the others, she bit down on the thread to cut it ...
[04:34p]
xëniä : well.. she kinda thwarted His plan to rob and pillage a ship of innocent people.. so she raised the flag to alert them..
[04:34p] xëniä shrugs as she starts to cover the stitching with the bandage after giving it one final clean
[04:34p]
WaylandSmith winces as she tugs at the thread but attempts to remain as stoic as he may. Hearing her save innocent people he nods in obvious approval and ponders that possibly the man might have felt sufficiently cheesed off to get rid of the girl.
[04:35p]
WaylandSmith : It was a brave thing to do for those you do not know - most would prefer to care for their own lives rather than that of others.
[04:35p]
xëniä : think i annoyed Him for the last time..
[04:36p]
WaylandSmith : You probably have the last laugh - most of humanity is dead and him among them. Thank you for this - the wound was nasty and whilst my constitution is sound, long term it was unhealthy to walk around as I did.
[04:36p] xëniä taking care to wrap His arm i continued
[04:43p]
xëniä : well.. she learned a long time ago after He had beaten me and raped me for yet another time… a win at a card game i am to believe... no matter, i decided then that no matter what He did He could no longer hurt her, led her to take more risks... and what do Ya know? Risk paid off that time... cause rather than kill her himself, He left it to the sea…
[04:43p]
WaylandSmith smiles
[04:43p] xëniä tying off the bandage she says
[04:44p]
xëniä : aaand.. done
[04:44p]
WaylandSmith : Thank you - that was something I could not have accomplished alone - open your mouth and close your eyes please.
[04:44p] xëniä takes a side glance at Him
[04:44p]
WaylandSmith fumbling with his right hand in his right coat pocket he fishes out a small chocolate and holds it behind her back waiting for her to comply.
[04:45p]
WaylandSmith : A small thanks from me for your kind tending of my wounds.
[04:45p] xëniä does His bidding gently closing her eyes and widens her mouth to open.
[04:46p]
WaylandSmith smiling again at her his smile as innocent as ever - when she complies his broad arm reaches around her. She feels the rough edged fingers of his right thumb and index press the dainty chocolate between her lips before closing them. His touch is rough but the movement is gentle - with a whip of his knee he also propels her back on her feet and off his lap.
[04:46p]
WaylandSmith : I am not a rich man - but my gratitude at least is genuine.
[04:47p] xëniä snaps eyes open as the gift touches her tongue, standing before Him now, she starts to suck on the chocolate that was melting so quickly… a surprised sort of look on her face
[04:47p]
xëniä : what is that amazing taste???
[04:48p]
WaylandSmith : Ah the little thing that all girls desire - it is a rare thing and Slaver here - the humourless sod - would have made you work your fanny off to earn it: chocolate. Even I had rarely tasted it despite my vagabond wanderings around Gor.
[04:49p]
xëniä : chocolate.. yes.. He mentioned that from time to time..
[04:49p]
xëniä : thank You
