| Logs |
2011 February 26
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
| Realms: Taps Logs |
If You Want a Boxer
Sna'tha isn't quiet or subtle about waking the king and her godsdaughter well before the sun is up the next morning. She's got four fists, and she uses every one of them to hammer on the caravan's door. The noise startles Roy enough that he nearly tumbles out of the narrow cot, groping blindly for his pants. It feels like just a few minutes since he closed his eyes after one last goodnight kiss. In truth, it has only been perhaps two and a half hours. Sna'tha doesn't wait for anyone to answer, but opens the door after thirty seconds or so of the pounding, "Up! Up! Up!"
Suraksha groans, curling up and pulling the pillow over her head, "Sna'thaaaa... f'pity's sake, 's our firs' night t'gether!" She sounds pathetic and much abused, "Cannit waitabit?"
Sna'tha tosses a gi at Roy, smirking as he catches the pants but gets the top across the face. "It's hardly that, child -- this man has been your lover for a goodly time now -- and the day is wasting. His Majesty needs to become acquainted with the routine for the next six months." She turns her attention to the nude king, who is pulling on the pants she just threw at him, "You will not be undergoing the full regimen -- as I understand you will have training to be overseeing as well -- but you need to know the basics."
Suraksha grumbles something about it not being the same at all, but sighs, peeking out from under the pillow and unwittingly looking absolutely adorably rumpled as she does so. She adds grumpily, "Meany!" then hmms... then pushes her tousled mane back out of her face and leans her cheek against her pillow again, mmm'ing softly as she realizes she's got a rather nice view of Roy's nude rear as he stands and starts pulling on the gi pants. Her voice is throaty as she purrs, "No hurry..."
Roy grins groggily at her over his shoulder and starts to speak. Sna'tha's amusement wouldn't register to anyone that knew her less well than Suraksha, "Of course I am, child. You knew that already." She turns her attention back to Roy and says, "Put the shirt on while on the way. Come! Assassins will not wait for you to get the sleep out of your eyes." She doesn't even give him a chance to kiss the lovely lady in the bed goodbye before she practically shoves him, still barefoot, toward the door. She's got shoes for him too, but wants to see how much he whinges about not having them.
Suraksha growls quietly, whipping suddenly upright on the cot and grabbing Roy's hair -- the easiest thing available for a good hold -- as he's pushed by Sna'tha, "Hey, wait -- no fair! Want 'least a kiss g'bye, godsmama!" Roy laughs and mumbles, "Ouch. Careful, cherie," and Sura blinks with sad puppydog eyes at the sidhe, adding, "Please?"
Sna'tha snorts, and somehow it's ladylike, "One kiss. One." Roy enthusiastically scoops Sura up as he likes to do, and starts what looks like quite a serious kiss. Suraksha is busy hungrily wrapping herself around Roy and returning the kiss with interest -- and then some! Sna'tha counts to twenty and taps Suraksha on top of the head, "Time's up!"
Sura leans her head back with a small gasp at Sna'tha's time-calling, grinning goofily and with very smoky eyes at Roy as she purrs, "Mmmokay... that'll do me for a bit!" She giggles, nuzzling Roy's cheek like a cream-fed cat, then reluctantly releases, stepping back and down from being wrapped around Roy, to just standing on the cot again. "Mmm... have fun!" She grins at Sna'tha too, her eyes sparkling with good humor again, "Thanks, godsmama," before she settles back into her furs and blankets, not quite purring with pleasure.
Roy is grinning just as goofily. He is never going to be a boy again, but the expression makes him look like a teenager. It also makes it easy for Sna'tha to steer him out, calling over her shoulder. "Thank me later!" They've been gone barely two minutes before there's a small tap at the door and Fantine peeks in, "Mam'selle? I have been told to say be ready to play the ferocious mouse in an hour."
Suraksha laughs lazily at that, stretching with purring contentment, "No worries, dear. Think I need a bath before I go, so I'll be getting up now anyway." As she sits up and starts twisting her hair back under control, she chats happily with the little loogaroo, "So, was he nice while you danced? He can be quite the gentleman when he wants to be, I know."
Fantine blushes to the roots of her multi-colored hair, "He was... the American word is... flirt? I think... flirting with me. But I could tell it was not serious. He wanted information, but good information." She's holding a tray of food, "Buddy says you must eat breakfast if you are going to be playing with Sna'tha."
Suraksha laughs quietly, taking a mug of coffee off the tray and patting the bed next to her in invitation as she sips. "Buddy's such a sweetie -- thank him for me, would you, please?" She has another thoughtful slurp of coffee, then adds, "What kind of info, please?"
Fantine settles on the bed, tucking her bare feet beneath herself. "I think he simply wants to know more about you. He is the kind of man that wants to know things simply to know them... and I think he wants to know you are safe."
Suraksha smiles at that, leaning companionably against Fantine and sighing happily, "He's awful sweet sometimes." She just sits for a bit, the two of them comparing "girly notes" about Roy and giggling together, agreeing he does indeed have a very fine ass! Sura makes sure to eat as well, and eventually she has to wash up so she won't be late. She sends Fantine to ask for the little dinghy to be there to give her a lift over to the Proud Mary, and she shoulders her little bag and gives hugs to those who want them. There aren't many this close to dawn, admittedly, which means she can head out relatively quickly.
The Proud Mary is a fine example of a classic riverboat. She has several levels of decks and some gorgeous stairways -- almost all of which Sna'tha uses as a running and obstacle course for Roy and the four guards he has with him for this trip. Melanie had her own retainers, so the king had brought his two most trusted guards and two that are perhaps not as bright as Alan and Jacko, but quite loyal. They are also young and in good shape. None of them, however, has trained to run around a riverboat for half an hour after being put through their calisthenics paces. They are all dripping sweat and standing around in various poses of exhaustion when Sna'tha gathers them in the Mary's grand ballroom. There is a big square mat taking up the center of the space now.
Suraksha stands outside the ballroom door and against one wall, listening and smiling faintly. She's done this routine with her godsmother more than once, so she's quite ready, waiting patiently for her cue. Her little bag is in one of the free staterooms by now, and she herself is barefoot in her sturdy, rough cotton gi, her hair in a thick, neat braid and tucked down her back. She hears her cue: the long rambling monologue about never underestimating one's opponent -- and darts lightly into the little ballroom. She trots swiftly over to stand on a side of the mat next to Sna'tha's side, glancing around interestedly as she does so. Suraksha doesn't realize it, but standing there barefoot near the other, much taller woman, in a big sturdy gi with the sleeves and legs rolled up a bit, makes her look about 13 years old. She can't help the delighted grin that crosses her face at sight of Roy, and she dimples at him, waggling her fingers in a surreptitious hello to him.
Roy is standing on the other side of the mat from Suraksha and he grins at her, though exhaustion has taken just a little bit of the gleam out of his eyes. Just a little, though. He's smitten enough that he'd have to be dead not to react to his lover's presence. Jacko is the only one that doesn't look beat. He calmly hands Roy a mug of coffee, which the king clutches like a drowning man clutches a life preserver as he mutters, "Promise me sump'in, Jacko. Kick my ass from here t' next Tuesday next time I think hirin' a sadist is a good idea." Jacko simply chuckles and stands at parade rest beside Roy.
Alan is on the other side of Roy. He's standing upright -- which is more than can be said for the two younger men, who are bent at the waist, hands on knees and gasping for air -- but he is definitely out of breath. The wiry man is listening to Sna'tha and watching her as if he feels like there's something he's missing -- and he obviously doesn't like not seeing the whole picture. Still, he lets her talk and he stays near his king.
Jacko and Alan both note Suraksha's presence: Jacko has filed it away in his cool way, and Alan is peering from her to Sna'tha thoughtfully. The king is beaming at how adorable Suraksha is in the gi... and thinking there's not a lot holding a gi on... while the two younger guards haven't yet looked up from their groaning. Sna'tha snaps, without apparently having looked at Suraksha, "Do you have something you wish to share with the entire class, Jyotsana?" Her voice is not quite a bark, but it is crisp enough to cut yourself on.
Suraksha doesn't quite smile, folding her hands behind her back. Her voice is serene and unflustered as she plays her part, "No, sensei." She views the men here with a surreptitious and assessing eye. She's willing to bet it will be one of the young ones that snaps first. She's unsurprised neither Roy nor Jacko look too taken aback. She does wonder what's fascinating Alan so, though.
The sharp tone gets the attention of the two young men: one with the blonde hair and brick-like build of a Norwegian; and the other a thinner, rangier sort with honey-brown hair and dark brown eyes. The lighter-hued one snorts in disgust. "What the fuck? Come on now. First we're dragged outta bed before daybreak to run around like eejits and now yer... yer... trainin' babies along with bodyguards?" The big, corn-fed guard catches Roy's sudden glare and turns scarlet, adding a rueful, "No 'ffense, ma'am." He gives a brusque nod to include Suraksha in the apology, "Miss."
Suraksha gives the guard a delighted grin -- one she knows contributes to making her look diminutive and very young. Her murmur is decorous, however, "None taken!" She can't help the almost impish gleam in her eyes, though. She wonders amusedly if the guard even recognizes 'Sulochana' in her. Likely not, if he's the sort to carefully not look too hard at his boss's women.
Jacko rolls his eyes and murmurs for Roy's ears, "Think there might be someone in the caravan to give them charm lessons?" Roy smirks a bit, though his eyes are a little cold -- he doesn't like people disrespecting Suraksha. He says, "Why not ask Sabrina? She's got the bearing of old money." But then he warily turns his attention back to the sensei.
Suraksha is still twinkling at the big guard, doing her best to look small, inoffensive, and harmless. She's good at it. Alan is tipping his head from one side to another, his eyes slightly squinted, as if he's close to figuring out the puzzle in his head. Sna'tha smiles with the sweetness of a poisoned apple at the young guard, "Well, since you're so advanced in your training, perhaps you'd be so kind as to demonstrate for us. Something gentle, I think, just to start. We don't want to hurt anyone yet, after all. I know... why don't you pin Jyotsana here. Just keep her down for the count of three, please."
Suraksha blinks inquiringly up at Sna'tha, then smiles and gives a short, formal bow to her sensei. She steps on the mat and gives another formal bow to her opponent; she's in no rush. If she's reading this guy right, he'll want to bluster a bit first, after all. Roy blinks and his eyes widen in sudden realization and perhaps a little worry. Surely Sna'tha isn't going to have Suraksha change into her other form here? He opens his mouth, but Sna'tha holds up a hand, voice sharp and strict as she says, "Later, your majesty." Roy subsides, looking a little worried and intent. The coffee cup is still in his hands, but it seems to have been forgotten.
Suraksha steps forward with slow grace, watching the young man with interest. The sunny-haired boy rolls his eyes with a chuckle and a muttered, "Oh, please." He's far too relaxed, obviously off his guard, but he's striding fairly briskly onto the mat, "'Least it's better'n runnin' up and down stairs like a maid on laundry day." Suraksha grins at that, continuing slowly towards the boy. As he makes a casual grab for her, she ducks neatly and darts forward a few steps, then turns and stands in relaxed parade rest in the center of the mat. There's a faint, patient smile on her face.
The guard frowns in surprise, looking down at his hands -- then he comes for her again, and this time he's being more careful to reach firmly for her. It's a little hard to see precisely what happens, in fact. There's a sort of whirling dance in the middle of the mat as the young man grabs frantically back and forth, and the tiny woman fluidly leans and ducks and darts around the guard -- and once again he's left holding nothing, and Sura is standing patiently in the middle of the mat with that same small, pleasant smile on her face.
There's a hoot of laughter from the other guard, "Damn, 'Lige! Ain't seen you havin' such trouble gittin' yer hands on a girl since ya were fourteen!" and Sna'tha snaps at the blond, "Any day now, please." Alan is stalking carefully around the mat, still tipping his head from side to side as he peers at the things actually going on, on the mat.
The blond guard flushes in embarrassment and abruptly bull-rushes Suraksha, arms out. Roy's eyes narrow and he starts to take a step forward, only to have Jacko put a hand on his arm to stop him, murmuring, "Trust them, sir." The Captain of the Guard doesn't know precisely what the two women are up to, but he's been doing this long enough to know when someone is making a point.
Suraksha grins at Sna'tha as the young man rushes her -- then abruptly she seems to fold downwards and to the side, one leg left straight out across the young man's path. He's committed to his attack by now, though, and cannot turn or stop -- he trips and goes sprawling. By the time he stops moving Sura's already standing again, looking perfectly unruffled and perky, and she dimples cheerfully at the other guard. She looks, in fact, about fourteen years old herself at that moment. Her thoughts are a bit more mature, though: she's amusedly wondering if the other guard is going to take it well when he too looks like a fool.
Roy's head whips around at the pained grunt as Elijah lands hard. The king had been staring at Jacko, trying to decide whether to argue, and he missed the actual action. His jaw drops at the sight of Suraksha standing unruffled and serene several feet from the sprawled and fuming Elijah. Alan is crouching on the other side of the mat from Roy and Jacko, stroking his chin as he studies Sura and Sna'tha. The other guard is snickering and taunts, "Damn, man! Cain't even stop a li'l bitty girl chile?! 'Mind me not to go into Isabelle's with you when I'm drunk. I'll come out broke an' beat up!"
Suraksha covers a giggle at the young man's jibes, her eyes sparkling -- although likely not for the reasons he thinks. There's a general chuckle around the mat from the men at that as well; they know Isabelle's is one of the rougher brothels on the riverfront. Elijah is the one that reacts, however, rolling swiftly to his feet and making an angry charge at Suraksha while she's giggling at the other guard. His hands are out to grab at her again.
Suraksha was ready for that; she'd been gently goading the young man as well. With a shrill, sharp, "Kiiiya!" she seizes his hand and wrist, blending her motion with his and guiding his inertia where she wishes it to go. In a matter of seconds he's been spun around, flipped over, landed sprawling and face-down, and she's dropped to her knees next to him, twisting his arm around and up to pin him. Her face is calmly expressionless as she does so, and she leans slightly into his arm to hopefully keep him from struggling too much. She's not sure if he knows to slap the mat or not, so she keeps an ear out for her sensei's call as well.
Elijah grunts in surprise and discomfort as he's pinned rather effectively. He's embarrassed and upset, but he's not stupid: he can feel his arm is in a bad position, so he stays still. Jacko looks relatively unsurprised, while Alan is nodding and smiling in approval. Roy can't quite seem to decide whether to whoop encouragement to his lover or growl irritation at Elijah. The last guard is watching with his mouth agape; he might as well have a bubble floating over his head that says, 'Holy shit!'
Suraksha is faintly relieved Elijah isn't a moron; she eases off slightly so he's hopefully a bit more comfortable, but not so much that he can wriggle free. She's still intensely focused, so her face is in that serene no-expression as she listens alertly while keeping her man pinned. Elijah has stopped his struggling, but he hasn't stopped scowling. Alan has a hand over his mouth, hiding a grin. The emaciated-seeming man knows what it's like to be underestimated.
Sna'tha clasps her hands behind her and comes walking across the mat in slow, nearly menacing confidence towards the gaping guard -- who hastily snaps his jaws shut. Her murmur is icy-cool, "'Little... bitty... girl child'? Perhaps you would prefer matching yourself against someone closer to your size, hmm? Such as myself?" Sna'tha is as tall as the guard, but clearly much, much more slightly built than he. Almost absently, her gaze steady on the guard, she adds softly, "Well done, Jyotsana, Elijah. Please clear the mat."
Sura rolls smoothly to her feet, rising cautiously a few feet away from the guard, then politely offers him her hand to rise. Elijah is no longer likely to charge at her, but his pride is still stung and he scrambles to his feet with no help. Suraksha bows in polite respect to her opponent again before she darts to the edge of the mat. He pauses at that, and gives her a grudging nod before stalking off the mat, muttering, "G'wan, Trav. Betcha a fiver she kicks yer ass." Sura stands silently next to Elijah, tilting her head to give the much taller man a small, cautiously friendly smile. She'd much rather be a friend to him, but she also knows he may hold a grudge. She hopes not.
Travis is now a bit more cautious, but also still cocky. He can feel a trick somewhere, and so says, "I'm really more a sword guy. Been fencin' since I could walk."
Suraksha whispers softly, "Bet more," and grins shyly at Elijah again before she turns and looks decorously towards her sensei.
Elijah looks down at her with a scowl, but then his lips twitch and he says, "Make that a twenny!"
Travis hesitates, then says, "Yer on." It would be impossible for him to not bet on himself -- a matter of pride. Suraksha grins and winks at Roy at that, but only Elijah can hear her very soft giggle.
Sna'tha nods and points to some wooden practice swords. "By all means." Travis is still feeling like there's something not-right here, but he's already committed and so goes over. He hesitates for a moment after picking up one sword, then picks up a second, bringing them to Sna'tha. Suraksha smiles quietly -- good man, for being honorable. That gains him a few mental points. Sna'tha inclines her head and says, "I do not need one. But I am pleased you thought to offer." Travis nods and starts to toss the other sword back, then thinks better of it and walks over to put it back in the stack.
Sura beams at Roy for a moment, hoping he's learning as well as having enjoyed watching her, then goes back to silently observing Travis. Roy wants to just keep watching his cherie, but he knows he ought to be paying attention. Elijah has shifted a bit and his voice is just for Suraksha as he says, "Sorry 'bout the bad-mouthin'. I ain't a mornin' person." Suraksha giggles softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement up at Elijah. She grins amusedly at Roy and winks again.
Roy grins and starts to sidle slowly around the mat toward Suraksha as Travis returns. When he steps back on the mat, Sna'tha puts herself into a ready position, her hands up. Trav hesitates, sword-tip wavering, and then lowers it, glancing over at his captain, "I just cain't, sir. I mean... she ain't even got a weapon and she's... well, she's a she, captain." Sna'tha takes the moment to give Roy a freezing glare and the king stops, trying not to pout. Suraksha has to cover a giggle -- both at Roy's reaction, and at poor Travis's misunderstanding of the situation.
Jacko snorts, arms folded and brows raised, "You think she doesn't know that, boy? Defend yourself!" His last words are almost drowned out by a surprised yelp from Elijah. The armed guard whips his head around just in time to catch sight of a blur of motion before he blurts out "Owfuck!" in pain. The hand that had been holding the hilt of the sword is now empty and hurting and the practice sword is several feet away.
Sna'tha says, "Honorable is good. Over-confident because of your opponent's gender is not. Now go get your sword."
Suraksha smiles faintly, unsurprised at either the boy's surprise or Sna'tha's commentary. She glances sideways up at Elijah again, whispering, "Nice of you to warn him."
Elijah mutters back, "Din't mean ta. I could use the twenny." He crosses his arms over his chest and sets his features into what he obviously thinks is an inscrutable expression. Mostly, he just looks confused.
Travis glowers, but nods and goes to pick up his sword, muttering to himself, "Shoulda seen that comin'."
Suraksha grins silently, her eyes dancing with amusement at both men. Jacko shakes his head and sighs, "This is damned embarrassing." He raises his voice, "You boys are supposed to be part of the king's elite. You'd think you were nothing but street brawlers!" Roy smiles wryly and just sips his coffee. Alan is squatting on his hunkers, arms laying over his knees, hands dangling relaxedly between them.
Suraksha smiles at the guard captain, murmuring quietly, "Don't feel bad, sir. At least your men are willing to learn, you know? Some men... we've had to practically beat flexibility into their heads!"
Roy's eyes narrow a little at that. Seems his surprisingly-dangerous sweetie has done this before -- more than once. He finds himself smirking, "Good thing they learn fast, then. If there's folks out there with this same trainin', I'll wan' 'em to be able to keep up."
Suraksha can't help the small dimple of amusement as she murmurs quietly, "Sensei will expect you to keep up too, you know." She continues watching the young guardsman, her expression calm as she watches Sna'tha draw the man out, testing his reflexes. As they've been talking, there is a quick flurry of attack and defense on the mat. Travis' boast that he's been fencing as long as he could walk is not far off the mark and the guard is quite good... for a human.
Sna'tha is moving at something under her top speed and is treating the wooden sword as if it were a real weapon of steel. She doesn't let it touch her at all. Their swift, graceful, and deadly dance ends in a position that looks almost posed. Travis' chin is held high and he looks startled. Sna'tha has his sword arm twisted into an awkward position and she's well inside his guard, almost close enough to kiss him. Suraksha grins delightedly as she watches her godsmother -- she honestly feels it's a privilege to get to learn from Sna'tha, even though it's often also painful. She murmurs quietly to Elijah, "You win!"
The woman's tone is conversational, light and carefree as she says, "Never underestimate your opponent. Things are not always as they seem." The glamour shimmers away, revealing Sna'tha in her true and glorious form. One of her extra hands has a small wooden dagger laid along Travis' throat. Another holds a second practice blade low, at his groin. Suraksha grins again, her eyes twinkling with pride in her godsmother as she glances at the other men to see how they're taking the learning.
Jacko is chuckling ruefully and clapping in slow appreciation. He calls out, "Well fought! Well fought!" As Sna'tha steps back and lets Travis go, Roy frowns and says, "Wait... how're they supposed to defend against somethin' like that, Sna'tha?"
That's when Alan's expression changes, eyes going round and huge, face lighting up with awe, "Sna'tha -- Sna'thaid! The Sna'thaid? Lady Sna'thaid Mho'r?!" He slowly unfolds himself to his feet and stares at his liege in awe and something that is as close to excitement as Sura has ever seen on his face, "You hired the White Dagger? The White Dagger, the one people still scare kids with? To train us?" He whistles through his teeth. Suraksha giggles quietly, covering her mouth with one hand at Alan's excitement. She glances around at the men with interest, hoping they appreciate her godsmother's skill as well as her reputation.
Travis, Jacko, and Elijah are all staring in drop-jawed awe -- and in Jacko's case some concern -- at Sna'tha as she steps calmly to the edge of the mat. Roy smirks and shrugs, sipping his coffee, "Well, yeah. Wanted the best trainer out there. I am protective of my precious self, and shit just keeps trying to drop on my head the last few years." He leaves out the part about it meaning he'll have Suraksha in his city while the training is on-going. Sura grins at Roy amusedly -- she can guess at his other motivation! It doesn't occur to her to wonder how they'll view her as well; she's doing her best to be small and inoffensive here, after all.
Sna'tha tosses both daggers to the edge of the mat and says to Roy, answering his original query, "They will play to their strengths, of course. They will learn to work in teams of two at all times -- teams which will be able to coalesce into larger groups of four, six, even a dozen or more, as necessary." Her eyes fall on Alan and she says, "I suspect you see more than you let on."
There's a moment of silence, followed by a small storm of commentary. Jacko is frowning and asking Roy quietly, "What else did she ask for besides money, sir? They say she always does... your majesty, you can't give away -- I mean, what have you promised her?" He seems genuinely worried. Alan is blatantly ignoring the comment about what he sees and says instead, face shining with admiration, "Lady, this is an honor I could never have hoped to experience. Can I take a turn now?" He seems almost boyish; Alan is not the boyish type. Elijah frowns down at Suraksha, "The -- the White Dagger? I thought she was just a legend. Or dead. Who'd stop a career like that unless they's killed?" Travis is more pragmatic. He re-positions his grip on the wooden practice sword and grins, setting himself en garde, "Wanna try again, lady, now you put down your hidden weapons?"
Suraksha laughs, her eyes shining with pleasure at all the reactions -- this is going to be a good group to work with, she can tell! She grins at Roy, hoping she'll get to help some more when they get back to Baton Rouge. Sna'tha's voice isn't exactly comforting, but it is calm as she says, "His promise to me is personal, Jacko. It has no bearing on his kingdom or his people." Her compound eyes shift from the worried captain to Roy and Suraksha, who are again grinning at one another like mooncalves. She looks back to Jacko and smiles quietly, "If you want more than that you will have to take it up with him." Her attention rests on Alan as she answers his first question, "Yes; your king has hired me for the next six months to train his bodyguards." To Elijah she says simply, "I was bored." Finally, to Travis she says with amusement, "What makes you think I only had the two, child?"
Suraksha is beaming at Roy, feeling wonderful about how well things are going... maybe she'll get to stay for lunch too! She blinks at Sna'tha and giggles softly again... then her eyes sort of trail interestedly back to Roy and she beams again. Jacko is looking fractionally less tense, but still cautious. Alan's eyes are still alight and he whoops, "Damn! This is the best fuckin' job on the earth!" Travis is grinning at Alan; it's odd to see him so enthusiastic. Elijah looks confused but willing.
Suraksha laughs softly again, and grins at Elijah, "See? Toldja to bet more!" She's been careful to keep her voice soft and low, almost whispery, the whole time.
Elijah grins down at her and says, whispering as well, "I'll listen next time." He looks speculatively at the girl, wondering if she'd be amenable to a drink later.
Sna'tha claps both sets of hands together and speaks sharply, "Enough! You can ask all your questions later. Daylight is wasting!" She turns to her godsdaughter, "Jyotsana, thank you for your ever-capable assistance, dear." It's clearly a dismissal. To the men she says, "Playtime is over, gentlemen. Everyone grab a sword. We're going to go over some basics. Travis, I expect you to assist me in this. You will all be showing one another the tricks of your trade."
Suraksha grins and gives a quick, respectful bow before she turns and patters quickly out the door. She'll stay for lunch, check with Sna'tha that everything is good here before she returns to the barge and her caravan. She doesn't think the sidhe woman will need her, but there have been intractable men before who've needed more than one example. Roy watches her go, body unwittingly leaning toward the door through which she left, his mind already back a couple of hours to a much more pleasant, if still athletic, interlude. Sna'tha catches the look and says, "Roy. Roy! You, too. Moon on your own time, your majesty!" Roy starts guiltily, called back to the moment, and grabs one of the practice swords.
Suraksha can't help the small giggle that escapes her as she overhears Sna'tha behind her! She heads for her stateroom to wash up and change. About half an hour later she comes strolling gracefully out of the room in her elegant and beautiful 'Sulochana' attire; she's not sure precisely why, but she feels inside that she wants to look nice for Roy when she's on the royal riverboat. She goes looking for either the captain or the cook, to ask for a light lunch for the men -- they'll need that so they can continue working out in the afternoon, she knows.
The cook is the same one who cooks for Roy in Baton Rouge; he recognizes Suraksha. He promises her the men will be fed right and asks what she wants for herself. Suraksha smiles and sincerely compliments Theophile on his delicious cooking, which she misses. However, she should probably just have the same as the men and Sna'tha for lunch. Does he know if she should check in with the captain too? She would not wish to inadvertently cause offence due to ignorance of shipboard protocol, after all. Her eyes twinkle as she teasingly adds that she'll just have to try and angle for an invitation to dinner once they reach Baton Rouge once more!
Theophile says, "I don't know that I would bother Captain George just now. He's a little grumpy at having to keep the Mary to this slow a pace. Says it's a waste of steam."
Suraksha chuckles quietly and nods, "Well enough then. I'll just stroll around and entertain myself until lunchtime, all right?" She smiles and thanks the skills-proud chef once more for his wonderful cooking, then heads out to the upper deck. She'll stroll a few laps there and explore the pretty ship, stay out of the way of the exercising men and the various crew, maybe wave to folks at the caravan, until lunchtime.
Sna'tha doesn't spare the men. She has been hired to insure they are the best bodyguards available for Roy, and she intends to do so. Roy alternately learns some of the techniques and positions himself to let the men learn to fight around him whilst keeping him unharmed. He's not very good at the latter, as he wants to spring into the fighting. Suraksha leans on the railing above the improvised sparring salon, listening to what snatches of conversation carry to her on the fresh river breeze and laughing softly to herself. She feels rather wonderful just now: clean and relaxed and beautiful, loved and protective of her beloved. This is almost a vacation for her. She brushes back an escaping curl of sable hair and smiles at the crew that pass by her.
The captain spots Suraksha on one of her pauses to wave at the caravan and comes out of the bridge to introduce himself. He's older, perhaps fifty, with impressive mutton-chop sideburns and a dapper, neatly-pressed uniform. His accent is pure Louisiana, "Ma'am, I'm Captain George. Don't mean to be rude, but I don't think we've met."
Suraksha straightens and smiles at the riverboat captain, offering her hand, "Captain George, a pleasure. I am the Lady Hetaera Sulochana." She dimples as she adds, "And it's not rude at all. I'd be curious about a stranger on my boat also. His majesty is a client."
Captain George bows over her hand, but doesn't kiss it, "It's a pleasure, ma'am. Have you been shown over the Proud Mary? I know His Majesty tends to get... distracted... when ladies are about."
Suraksha laughs softly, her eyes twinkling, "Captain, I would love a tour! I was just admiring your beautiful ship, in fact." She tucks her fingers into his offered arm as she adds in confidential tones, "Now would likely be an excellent time, too, since his majesty is... currently busy elsewhere."
Captain George is more than happy to show Sulochana around the boat, pointing out all the conveniences and gorgeous little furbelows that make the Proud Mary the finest paddleboat afloat on the Big Muddy. It's obvious he's very proud of his lady, even though it's Roy who actually pays for its upkeep and so forth. When the tour is over the captain says, "I do hope you'll be joining His Majesty at my table for dinner, ma'am. Please feel free to invite any folks you have with you, as well."
Suraksha delightedly thanks the captain for his courtesy, adding, "Today it's just myself, and I suspect I'll be staying only for lunch, along with the king and his four bodyguards, and the new trainer he hired. Will that be too many at your table? I don't want to crowd you all, after all?"
The captain smiles and says, "My table is large, ma'am. It's meant to hold at least a dozen, but that's usually only when His Majesty has a party on board. I'll be honored to have you all."
Suraksha brightens at that, "Oh, excellent! Thank you so much then, Captain George; you're very kind." She tilts her head, listening for the sound of the men working out, and adds thoughtfully, "I shall hazard the guess that lunch will be soon, too? It sounds as if the men are no longer sparring." She dimples mischievously as she adds, "That's a, ah... endeavor I'm happy to avoid on this lovely day!" She absently smoothes her embroidered skirt as she talks to the captain, enjoying the feel of the sun on her pretty lace shawl over her shoulders, and the teasing tug of the breeze in her lovely, coiffed hair.
Sna'tha has mercy on the men and allows them some time to rest and clean up before lunch. She herself cleans up and then pulls on the human glamour she was using at the beginning of training. At lunch the guardsmen are first in, settling themselves at the table in the positions they are used to by etiquette. The position at the most attention-commanding seat of the round table is for the captain himself. Roy's position is at the right hand and they leave the left-hand position open for Suraksha. The seat to the right of Roy's they leave for Sna'tha and Jacko will be sitting next to the Hetaera. The others settle in more or less by rank, which will put Alan next to Sna'tha.
Captain George manages, through careful timing of the touring, to keep Sulochana with him until time for him to enter the dining room. Suraksha dimples with amusement as the captain finagles in order to be able to escort her in to lunch. She is her usual gracious and elegant self, however, making sure the captain feels like a prince among men as he approaches his table. By then Roy has escorted Sna'tha in and settled in himself. When the doors open to admit the captain and the Hetaera, the men all rise. Elijah and Travis have seen Sulochana before, though they don't associate her with the girl who threw Elijah around like a sack of beets earlier.
Suraksha thanks the captain as he holds her chair for her, then waits until everyone is seated to smile around the table. There might be the faintest hint of a wink when she looks at Sna'tha... and the wattage of her smile unwittingly brightens as she looks at Roy. He smirks a little, muttering to Sna'tha, "That old rogue. Or are you the one made sure I'd be sittin' 'cross from ma cherie 'steada next to 'er?"
Sna'tha smiles her quiet little smile and murmurs, "Can't have the two of you ignoring everyone else, can we?" Roy snorts laughter and grins across at 'Chana before taking his seat. Everyone else settles into their chairs after that. Suraksha wonders a bit wistfully what Sna'tha and Roy are murmuring about, and wishes for a heartbeat or two that she and Sna'tha could swap places... then she tch's internally at herself, and is a properly gracious lady. She's curious as to what the conversation will be about; that will give her an idea of whether she'll be needed again after lunch.
Conversation starts out light and inconsequential, but soon moves to the subject of training. The captain is a skilled conversationalist and manages to hold his own, though he isn't a martial man. Alan is especially full of questions and seems quite eager to learn more of what Sna'tha has to teach. Suraksha smiles quietly as she eats and listens, her interested gaze flicking back and forth from speaker to speaker. At one pause in the conversation, she murmurs curiously, "So, does this new training appeal to you all, then?" She figures if everyone is excited about it, there'll be no need for her to stay. She does wish she could have had a bit of time with Roy, but she understands he's busy... and truthfully, she has a great deal of work still to do at the caravan.
Jacko is satisfied and eager in his calm and collected way. Alan is like a schoolboy, which is an odd thing on the normally dour-faced guard. He enthuses about learning the new techniques and is apparently quite looking forward to learning the more complex multi-person maneuvers. Elijah and Travis are rather overwhelmed, but seem to have some satisfaction in knowing they'll be ahead of the curve with the other guards. Roy mostly seems smug. Suraksha has to hide a smile behind her linen napkin at the varied levels of enthusiasm. Her eyes are twinkling as she glances at Sna'tha, "Gracious. Must be nice to have such excited students, mm?" She grins as she adds, "I'll guess you will all be quite busy then, yes?"
Sna'tha smiles an enigmatic sort of a smile, "It is. Yes. We will be quite busy, likely until dinnertime. Though I will need to spare them some energy if His Majesty is to have any protection at all on the trip back to Baton Rouge."
Suraksha nods relaxedly, picking up her fork again, "Excellent; it sounds as if I shall not be needed at all then." She enjoys a mouthful of food, then cheerfully adds to Roy, "I shall do my utmost, however, to finagle another of Theophile's marvelous dinners once we've returned to your fair city!"
His Majesty looks rather grumpy at that part. He had rather hoped to have Sulochana around to at least curl up exhaustedly with. It's only Jacko, Alan, and the ladies who hear the wry note in his voice, "Of course, I don't want you to feel you must stay, my dear. Our new trainer is quite the slave driver and I suspect I won't have time to be a good companion." He doesn't mention at table that he will need at least some energy to insure a safe and smooth journey south.
Suraksha grins mischievously at Roy, her voice teasingly velvety, "Oh, I certainly wouldn't want to get in the way of your training, your majesty! I'll just keep myself busy over on that li'l ole barge over there." She has to cover her giggle at his expression!
Roy smirks and decides, wisely, not to follow that line of conversation. The captain seems just a little distressed, "Surely the Mary has more comfortable accommodation, ma'am?"
Suraksha's smile at the captain is genuine, "You're likely quite right, Captain, but my caravan needs me... and it would appear the gentlemen here are in capable hands with the Lady Sna'tha."
Travis adds, "And Jyotsana." He looks at Sna'tha, "Will she be joining us for more training, sensei?" The three men aware of the humor in that question all look down at the table, hiding smiles. The sidhe woman keeps a perfectly straight face and says, "I was only able to borrow her for a bit. We'll bring her back in a day or two, to see if you do any better at keeping her from tossing you around like a bag of feathers."
Suraksha laughs startledly at that, not quite realizing Travis has not recognized her, "Oh, surely not like feathers?"
Elijah grins at Suraksha and says, "Wa'n't far differ'nt, Miss Sulochana. Sure put me, ahh... off-guard."
Suraksha blinks, starting to realize there's something a bit... off in how the young men are referring to her, then and now. She thinks a moment, not wishing to embarrass them, then cautiously says, "You do know who the young woman you refer to is, yes?" She glances at Sna'thaid, checking to see if this is part of some plan of the sidhe's. She doesn't want to mess it up if so, after all. She adds puzzledly, "What do you mean by 'off guard,' please?"
Sna'tha's smile says she knows exactly what the men are thinking. Elijah says, "I b'lieve she's some relation of the sensei's. Feisty, too." He flushes, which shows up quite well on his Nordic complexion, "I mean, she was fifty pounds of dangerous in a five-pound sack, and all I saw was the sack."
Suraksha stares startledly at Elijah -- then hastily hides her bubbling laughter behind her napkin! Her shoulders are shaking slightly as she tries not to giggle. Travis chuckles at his friend and pats him on the shoulder, "'Salright, 'Lige. I didn't even get to the sack. Just somethin' about a girl in a ponytail."
Suraksha's voice is almost choked with mirth as she manages to get out, "Feisty -- oh, my!" between giggles. She finally collects herself to ask, eyes sparkling, "Dare I ask what it is about a girl in a ponytail, Travis?"
Travis chuckles, less easily flustered than his friend. He grins, "There's this spot, right underneath and behind the ear. Always smells wonderful on a lady, and a ponytail shows it off. Always makes me want to lean in close." He shrugs, "Wouldn't be so bold, of course -- her being the sensei's kin and all." Roy's brows are going up a little bit, but he's also smiling like he agrees with Travis.
Suraksha chuckles at Travis, still smiling. She glances between him and Elijah, then looks inquiringly at Sna'tha -- is the sidhe keeping this secret deliberately? Sna'tha nods briefly and pats her smiling mouth with her napkin, "Gentlemen, I am going to have some time to meditate. You should not exert yourself too strenuously immediately after a meal. If you'll excuse me?"
Suraksha grins at that -- looks like Sna'tha's deliberately keeping it secret! She nods politely as the sidhe rises and departs, and the men all courteously stand... then she grins at Roy once everyone is seated again, laughter dancing in her eyes. "And what do you think, your majesty, of all this?"
Roy grins across the table at her, "Think I cain't wait to see what tricks that little gal has up her sleeve next."
Suraksha laughs aloud at that, tossing her head back with delight! She grins and shakes her head amusedly once she recovers herself, murmuring teasingly to Roy, "Opportunist." After that she'll change the subject, not wanting to embarrass the two young men; she asks Jacko about the condition of the areas around Baton Rouge, and what the caravan might expect to be able to travel to and trade now Moynahan is no more. The remainder of dinner conversation is logistical, and Roy contributes quite a lot -- more even than Jacko. It is, after all, his city.
Once lunch is over, Roy makes sure he's the one to escort Suraksha out, leaving the guards chatting with the captain for a bit longer. When they're out of earshot of the others he says, "You really do look adorable in a ponytail."
Suraksha chuckles quietly, glancing up at Roy with a glint of mischief, "Really, now... and do you also have the urge to... lean in, as it were?"
Roy grins and turns to her, doing just that until his breath is whispering over that spot Travis was mentioning, "Oh yeah, and I ain't half the gentleman Trav is." He lays a warm, desultory kiss on the skin there.
Suraksha laughs softly, shivering with pleasure as she strolls with him to collect her little bag from the stateroom. She deliberately leaves the door open, knowing full well Sna'tha will not hesitate to barge in on them both if she thinks it necessary. The small woman does manage to get a few deliciously steamy and much-anticipated kisses from Roy there, though! She sighs ruefully when the cheerful shout from the lower deck lets her know the dinghy has been lowered for her, and straightens her hair and clothing a bit before they head that way. Her kiss on Roy's cheek is very proper, although she murmurs just to him that she'll be thinking of him... in bed... at night! Then she accepts the hand of the sailor waiting for her, and steps demurely into the tiny boat to be rowed over to the barge.
Roy grins at her, eyes full of laughter as he calls after her, "You are a cruel, cruel woman, cherie! Beautiful, but cruel." Suraksha grins mischievously at his comment -- and hopes he thinks of her some of that time too, even though she knows he'll be incredibly busy with Sna'tha's workouts. She waves a bit wistfully at Roy as they pull away from the Proud Mary. Roy stays right where he is until the dinghy is all the way over to the barge, and then he spends a few minutes doing what looks to be staring into space. Suraksha has seen the look, however. Roy is talking to his Lady.
Sulochana thanks the sailor when he helps her up to the barge as well, glancing one last time at Roy and sighing a bit softly... she kind of misses him already. After that, though, since she can see he's busy with the river, she turns resolutely to her work, happily greeting her caravan family. A few moments to change, and she's back to Suraksha -- and immediately welcomed into the whirl of work, repair, discussion, planning, and affection that characterizes most of the caravaneers.
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