| Logs |
2011 February 12
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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| Realms: Taps Logs |
But She's Not Really Tame
The king is feeling quite pleased with himself and his Lady. She had taken control of the situation quite well -- she'd even taken control of another situation without hesitation. She is a natural leader. He rolls his shoulders, smiling as he feels the soreness of having been disciplined. The only thing that might make this night more perfect is a swim. A swim with her would be amazing... but he mustn't go there. With him unhaltered by her, she'd surely die. So, a lone swim.
He smiles at memory of being spanked for blackmailing her. She may not realize it, but he will convince her. He quietly shifts form and clops carefully out of the room, nudging the door closed with his equine nose. Dear Epona, it's been so long since he's had a good swim after such wonderful sex! His guards are used to the swimming, so he's not afraid of encountering them, but he must be back before His Lady wakes.
Back in the royal staterooms, a door closes very, very softly, and a very thoughtful looking Sulochana turns back towards the king's bed. She stands silent for a moment, thinking furiously -- then whispers, "Alg."
There's a heartbeat of a pause... then a decidedly casual-looking Alg sort of saunters into sight. Sulochana laughs softly, kneeling to hug the goblin, "I knew I could count on you, sneaky man!" Alg perks up a bit at that, relieved she's not annoyed at him, and nods attentively as she whispers to him. She needs him to go find Sna'thaid back at the caravan, and give her a note from Sulochana, then return with any message Sna'tha has for her godsdaughter -- but before Eacharn returns! As she's giving the goblin her instructions, 'Chana pulls out pen and paper from her small bag, scribbling down what she's seen the king do. She ends the note with,
How do I protect myself, please? Love, S.She tucks the note into a tiny, waxed box, handing it to Alg and whispering, "Swift as possible, please, sweetie? Thanks so much!" The goblin grins his broad, fanged grin at her, pleased to be so useful to his pretty lady, and darts off.
Sulochana sighs, taking the time to breath deeply. She learned how to feign sleep decades ago, even before Hetaera training... but right now she's a bit spooked. She closes her eyes and centers herself, meditating for calm as she waits. She figures her godsmother is the best resource of supernatural knowledge on short notice... or on long notice too, really. If anyone would know what to do, it'd be the White Dagger.
Alg returns perhaps an hour later and whispers, in his Algish way, the information Sna'tha has sent for her -- then he hides again. Sulochana thanks the goblin, then thinks furiously for a moment. After that she straightens and prepares: pulling on a light, sheer, lovely robe that does more to hint at luscious curves than to hide them; then seating herself before Eacharn's tall mirror so she can brush her hair. As she does so she slowly smiles; it is not a nice smile, and it does not reach her eyes. She takes another breath... then relaxes, and lazy pleasure crosses her face. She starts humming a slow tune as she draws the brush languidly through her hair... and she waits.
Sulochana leaves one candle burning. She knows how nicely candlelight shimmers and burnishes hair and warm skin, after all. The Hetaera is prepared to give the St. Louis king the benefit of the doubt; he might not wish her any harm. However... he has been effectively stalking her, according to his own account. She will be prepared. She can do no less, and still be true to her family's training.
Eacharn spends a good two hours in the river, diving and splashing -- cavorting might truly be the best word for it. Oh, how he wishes his Lady Edana were with him! Perhaps another time... no. Nonono. He tries to be firm with himself on that point. No matter how lovely the idea seems, he always forgets himself -- and they always drown. The moon has already set by the time the shaggy black pony returns to the boat, making his dripping way back toward the royal stateroom. It's as he's pausing to shake himself off before entering that he notices something which stops him cold: there is a light on in his rooms. As stealthily as a creature with hooves can move, he slips up to peer in -- and finds himself transfixed.
The warm light of the single candle dances over His Lady Edana's skin and hair like a caress; he stares hungrily, bushy black tail swishing. She sounds happy, too! His heart leaps in his chest -- he was right! All this lovely queen-mare really needed was a properly respectful stallion. After all, everyone could see the carelessly fickle and philandering Roy wasn't good for her! Eacharn will show her how a proper lady queen should be treated. Plans and plots are unfolding in his head as he watches her.
In the mirror the Hetaera catches sight of the small, dark head in the doorway, avidly watching her. She blinks, turning to look -- then laughs! It's a warm, throaty ripple of sound, as inviting as her voice when she murmurs, "Well, look at you! Aren't you adorable... I hadn't realized Eacharn had such a cute little pony aboard!" She smiles, holding out a hand, "C'mere, pretty boy! I won't hurt you... come say hi to me." Eacharn is a pooka through and through -- he couldn't resist that invitation if he wanted to. She needn't know who he is, after all! He clops over, ears swiveling interestedly at her voice, only pausing to watch her as she rises and moves past him to close the door.
Sulochana makes sure the door is firmly latched, then turns back to the shaggy pony and smiles. "Aren't you a little wild thing, then... practically uncivilized looking!" She giggles as she attempts to stroke his bushy mane to lie all on one side of his neck. The coarse hair is tangled and thick, though, and she looks around thoughtfully. "Hmm... if Eacharn isn't grooming you, surely he won't mind if I do a little tidying?" She grins mischievously, picking up his comb and brush, "We'll borrow his things, and I'll clean them carefully once we're done, all right? He'll never know -- it'll be our little secret!" She giggles again as she starts brushing his damp fur, "Be good now, 'kay, sweetie?"
She's going to groom him?! If he were a cat he'd be belly-up with all four paws in the air and a purr rattling the windows. He can't resist the urge, when she leans over to check his hooves, to grow an inch or three at the shoulder so he's better-sized for her. If they can't go for a swim, perhaps a ride...? The Hetaera doesn't notice the size change until she straightens. She's careful to not show it, though -- her soft crooning doesn't waver; and her slow, languid strokes of the brush to groom out the damp fur, mane, and tail stay at the same relaxed, reassuring pace.
Sulochana manages to tame the pony's bushy mane, firmly brushing it all to one side, and gently picks out the tangles from the long tail. Eacharn is ecstatic as he's groomed so wonderfully. He can't do it for himself and he's not about to put himself in the hands of just anyone. Having all the tangles out of his mane and tail makes him want to dance! The Hetaera giggles at the ticklishly whiskery muzzle as the pony lips hopefully at her when she pauses; she goes searching for some scissors or a razor in Eacharn's toiletries. She returns triumphant with a pair of scissors, then pulls up a chair and croons reassuringly to the pony as she carefully trims his short muzzle close and neat. He has to be careful not to snort enthusiastically -- she must really like him in this form! After that she uses the pointy end of a shoehorn to make sure his hooves are all picked out, and a rag to polish them up. It takes her about an hour, but she's well pleased with the results when she's done. "There! Gleaming to perfection. Don't you look a charmer now, pretty little boy?"
The river-horse is instinctually a horse; the grooming has him utterly blissed out. He can't think straight at all; with his tidy mane and gleaming hooves, he knows he looks amazing. He has got to go swimming wi- no! He mustn't take her into the water. Can't have her dying. But it would be so glorious to dive into the Big Muddy with her legs wrapped around his barrel and her small, strong hands clinging to his mane! It would feel so good! Surely he's got enough self-control -- and she is strong enough... it could be different this time! Almost without meaning to, Eacharn shifts and turns himself sideways to Sulochana, offering her his back.
Sulochana knows what the pooka-king is; Alg gave her Sna'thaid's explanation and warning. She also knows it would be a drowning death for her to go riding with the little black pony, at least as he stands now. But Eacharn was really quite sweet and amenable to her instructions earlier this night -- she doesn't really want to either antagonize or bind him -- so she's willing to give him some slack. She smiles, pats his back, and steps around him, "Got to do some clean-up before your owner returns, pretty boy." She hums contentedly as she starts pulling the long black hairs out of the brush and comb.
Eacharn feels almost desperate. He knows he can behave himself! After all, he badly wants his Lady Edana to survive to become queen. Once again he shifts to put himself in front of her. He's seen her ride; he knows she can. Sulochana laughs softly, patting the gleaming black rump, "Move over now, sweetie -- you're crowding me!" She sits down and pulls over the trash can, using the comb to carefully brush out the king's hairbrush as she adds, "Don't want Eacharn to be upset we used his toiletries, right?"
The river-horse knows the king isn't going to be upset, of course, and he so wants her to ride with him! It will be exhilarating to have a competent rider on his back again. He is a bit too big for what he does to be called wriggling, but the idea is just about the same. He moves just enough to be really obvious what he's offering: he really doesn't mind! The Hetaera absently pats the pony again as he bumps gently against her, and continues working on the brushes. They're almost clean; once she's done, though, she's not entirely sure what to do next. She's really hoping the water-pony gets the hint at being ignored this time. When he turns his head and nudges hopefully at her arm, though, bumping his barrel gently and invitingly against her... something snaps inside Sulochana. She doesn't show it, but now she's really angry with Eacharn.
Dammit, she's been as good and trustworthy as she knows how to be! She fulfilled his desires as a Hetaera, without abusing him or his trust in her -- despite him having effectively blackmailed her into his bed! He'd forced Roy's hand, embarrassing her beloved publicly, and she'd still given him every reason to honor the old treaty between the two cities. He's a river-horse -- he knows taking her for a ride would be lethal! Yes, she's done everything the way he wanted -- but she has no intention of dying tonight, either for him or for Baton Rouge! The Hetaera just smiles, though, with no hint of her thoughts on her face, "Well! Pushy little thing, aren't you, sweetie? That's all right, I got the brushes all cleaned up -- Eacharn will never know!" She rises and strokes the crest of his mane, adding thoughtfully, "I'm not sure he'd approve of my riding his pet around, though..." As she strokes the sleek, dark fur, the Hetaera idly plays with the end of her sash.
Eacharn whickers invitingly and carefully bumps his barrel against her again. She's considering it! His tail swishes excitedly. He's certain he'll be able to control himself with her on his back!
Sulochana laughs softly, her eyes sparking in a way those who know her would instantly recognize as a bad sign, "Aren't you a cute little thing?" She glances around a bit guiltily, then grins back at the pony, "Well... maybe a quick ride around the room here -- surely that won't be too much?" She is stroking his soft nose as she speaks; she pauses to adjusts her wrap a bit, then strokes the other hand in a long, slow, sweet caress along the length of his curved neck and back. Her voice is dreamily crooning again, "Just a short trot, mmm? Can't be too long... don't want him to walk in on us..." Her hand comes back to start the caress along his neck again -- and with swift, sure fingers she flips the noosed end of her silk tie about the pony's nose with one hand. At the same time she's dropping the other end over his poll, behind the short, fuzzy ears -- then yanks the end into a quick knot under his chin.
There's a startled, horrified squeal as Eacharn yanks violently back from Sulochana. He stumbles over and crashes loudly into a nearby chair before her startled warning cry brings him back to his senses; he freezes in place. The whites show all the way around both eyes and his sturdy legs with their small hooves are spraddled as he does his best to make himself small. He stares, panting, at the Hetaera. She just haltered him -- she's bound him! Despite his careful removal of anything bridle-like in his toys! Bound! He's gone and gotten himself bound again!
Sulochana stares at the pony, almost as wide-eyed as he for a moment... then she takes a deep breath and straightens, wrapping her sheer shift about herself with slow dignity. She studies the pony more carefully, checking he's not injured himself when he knocked over the chair... no blood, no breaks in the chair... all right. Now she gets to put this to the test. She firms her nerve and puts her shoulders back a bit, turns one hand so it's palm up, then says softly, "Come here...?" She's praying she did this right. She doesn't want to get killed tonight.
The pony is clearly struggling for a moment, but then he drops his head, looking as dejected and reluctant as he can -- in his current form, that's rather a lot; pony ears are surprisingly expressive. Sulochana sighs gustily, sagging slightly in relief -- it worked! She tiredly turns and heads for the bedroom, and he groans and clops after her. The Hetaera isn't really sure what to do next, and she's exhausted. She settles a bit heavily on the bed, looking towards the pony in the doorway. He follows along, despair growing inside him as he moves with her. How could he have been caught so off-guard! When she looks at him silently for so long, he shifts into human shape and slides to the floor by her feet. He buries his hands in the long silk of her wrap and presses his forehead to her thigh, wailing miserably, "Lady Edana, Great Lady, take it off, please! Please, please take it off! Let me go! What did I ever do to you?"
Sulochana blinks down at the man kneeling by her side -- then she stiffens in rage. "What did you... what?! Do you mock me?! How can you even ask that question, damn you!" She lights into Eacharn, furiously pointing out his public insult and humiliation of Roy, his blackmailing of her to get her into his bed, his aggravatingly persistent jealousy and possessiveness, his refusal to honor his former queen's treaty without special gifts, his insistence on not even listening to her when she said she didn't want to be queen -- and to top it off: even after she'd done her absolute best to honor the agreements they'd made, and her hard work in making sure he got everything he wanted -- even then! -first he tries to kill her! -and then, when she foils his murder attempt... he has the absolute, unmitigated, arrogant gall! ...to claim he's not at fault for all this?! She's so angry she's nearly panting by the time she's done, and she reaches down to slap the back of Eacharn's head, snarling, "Let go of me, you vicious little rat!"
He releases instantly, head in his hands as he sobs wretchedly, and Sulochana angrily yanks her legs up onto the bed, wrapping her arms protectively around her knees. The pooka is braced for very bad news as he trembles, asking her what she's going to do with him. A fire elemental, he suspects, will be immortal. That means she won't inadvertently free him by dying of old age.
When Eacharn breaks down and weeps, Sulochana goes still and silent. She was angry, true, but... well... does he feel trapped now? She knows how much she abhors being pinioned; how furious being even metaphorically caged makes her. Further, she doesn't really want responsibility for him -- she just wanted him to not drown her! ...well, that and to honor the treaty between St. Louis and Baton Rouge. Her lovely Roy needs this man's help. She sighs softly, feeling a bit guilty, and says softly, "I don't- ...what would you like done with you, Eacharn?"
Eacharn is taken aback by the question; he considers carefully before he answers. "Y-you don't want to keep me?" He isn't sure if he's hopeful or disappointed.
Sulochana says dryly, "I tried to sidestep you three times, man! What do you think I wanted?" She shakes her head, a hint of her old anger resurfacing as she heatedly adds, "What were you thinking, Eacharn, when you embarrassed Roy publicly like that?! Did you really want to break off a treaty your queen put into place?!" She's more aware of herself now, and she reviews the water-pony's chakras as she waits for his answer. Unfortunately she's still quite angry, and she just gets a blur of terrified emotion. She sighs at herself, taking a moment to calm down a bit.
Eacharn says, "I just wanted t-to go for a swim with you." His voice is broken and mournful. "And Roy doesn't treat you as well as you should be treated. You deserve so much more! And you are so well-suited."
Sulochana blinks down at the dejected supernatural, utterly confused. "Um, wait... Eacharn, surely you realize taking me for a swim would kill me, yes? And... what's wrong with how Roy treats me?" Puzzledly she adds, "Did you not realize we're beloveds, or something?"
The water-pony shakes his head and says, "His philandering is well-known. He doesn't respect you as much as he should. And I'm sure I would be fine. You're so in-control; I'm sure you'd help me remember myself."
Sulochana sighs again, although this time there's a hint of amusement in her voice, "Eacharn, dear... you do recall I'm a traveling Hetaera, yes? So does it really seem fair to you for me to ask Roy to be faithfully monogamous to me while I'm gone... when I'm not doing the same for him?" She doesn't even address the denial implicit in Eacharn's assumption that his wild supernatural nature could be overcome by a rider who had not haltered him... however strong-willed that rider might be. Clearly her desire to not ride had not superceded his need to have her ride, after all.
Eacharn considers that one carefully. It's a good question, but he's not sure he has an answer that is not simply gut-reaction. His one good answer would not make her happy. Finally he says, "There is some difference between your profession and his behavior at the ball."
Sulochana smiles ruefully, "I understand why you're being very careful in choosing your words, but I really wish you'd just be honest with me, please?" She checks his chakras again, now she's had a moment to calm down a bit. She adds quietly, "I promise I won't hold your words against you, Eacharn. I really do want to know what you truly think."
At that, Eacharn pours out words in a torrent, trying to explain to her why he thinks she would make an amazing queen and why he's trying to hard to get her to accept that. He lavishes praise on her, as she deserves, and finally he just says rather wretchedly, "I just want to be free."
Sulochana has relaxed, settling cross-legged as she listens. When he's done she sighs and says quietly, "So do I, sweetie. I didn't want to halter you -- I don't want responsibility for you. I just did it because I don't want you to kill me. I don't want to be anyone's queen, either -- I want to be my own person, with my own family. Roy and I really did try to stay in good faith with you, you know." Wistfully she adds, "I just feel... well, I guess what I really want is for you to do the right thing by us."
Sulochana is silent for a moment, then adds thoughtfully, "If... if I took off the halter, Eacharn, would you promise not to hurt anyone because of what I did tonight?" The water-pony is amazed and hopeful -- she sounds like she's willing to unhalter him! All she's asking is that he doesn't hurt anyone? It's a very tempting offer. Perversely, though, it just make him feel more strongly about her suitability for the office of queen. Sulochana smiles hopefully at him, and if he doesn't flinch away from her touching him, she'll gently brush his forelock out of his eyes. "Does that sound... doable to you?"
The fact that she's willing to let him make his own decisions is amazing to him; the words almost blurt out, "Of course! It sounds wonderful! And... and I'll give Roy the help he needs." He's glad to offer the assistance if it will make her happy!
The Hetaera's face lights up with surprise, followed by warm pleasure, "Really?! Oh, fantastic!" She laughs, hugging her arms about herself in relief, "Thank goodness -- thank you so much, Eacharn!"
The pooka feels wonderfully tingly inside at her immediate relief and obvious pleasure. His confusion at her refusal to be queen makes him ask again, though, "Is it that you hope Roy will make you his queen, My Lady? Is that why you don't want to be queen of St. Louis?"
Sulochana laughs, slipping off the bed to sit beside Eacharn and hug him gently, "You are silly, pretty man! Don't you think if that's what I truly wanted, Roy would have already asked me?" She grins, lightly tapping the tip of the supernatural man's nose as she adds, "I'm my own queen, thanks! I really don't want to be anyone else's. Got my family at home in San Francisco, and my roving family in my caravan... and they all have me. I don't need more than that!" As Eacharn opens his mouth, Sulochana says more firmly, "No, Eacharn, I don't want to be queen of a king or a city -- any king or any city!" Eacharn starts to open his mouth yet again, then abruptly stops. It's silly to argue with the nice fire elemental that's offered to take off the halter! Sulochana smiles, although there's still a bit of an edge to her expression. "Are we clear now?"
"We're clear, My Lady Edana." To sweeten her mood a bit, the river-horse offers something that always made his Lady Queen feel dreamy and warm-hearted: almost shyly he says, "Would you like to go for a little pre-dawn ride? You groomed me so nicely. I'm sure you like horses."
Sulochana chuckles quietly, relaxing and leaning slightly against Eacharn now he's not pushing her to be queen any more. "Oh, I do like them -- I think they're beautiful, like bits of the wind made flesh-" her voice gets rueful, "but they sure don't like me much. At least, not unless they're very well trained... which means I'm not really a good rider at all." She sighs and smiles, "Tough to learn to ride when your mount always panics and shies violently away from you."
Eacharn beams, heart pounding as he assures her, "Oh, don't worry about that! My magic will keep you securely on -- it's very hard to get off a pooka's back." Maybe they'll even get to go for a swim! "We'll just need a bridle for disguise, in case anyone sees us." He waits with bated breath. He's suddenly very hungry for her to ride the big, powerful equine form, and he's willing to bet she won't be able to resist wanting to repeat that pleasure. That's what happened with his previous queen, after all!
Sulochana hesitates, intrigued despite herself. To ride a pooka and survive -- how often does one get to do that? She gets a slow, mischievous grin on her face, and her eyes are starting to sparkle again -- she's always loved trying dangerous things just for the joy of it! "Well... are you willing to wait until after the ride for me to remove the halter?"
Eacharn nods and reaches up to touch the silken halter looped about his neck, "It'll keep us both safer that way." His breathing is starting to speed up a little with excitement as he pushes himself to his feet, "We should go if we're going. It's still night now, but it will be early morning before long... and people will start being about."
Sulochana blinks up at the river-pony in surprise -- then laughs delightedly, holding out a hand for him to help her to her feet, "You don't mind? Fantastic! We can trot on over to the caravan then -- I can borrow a bridle there for us to use!"
Eacharn helps her up and says shyly, "Perhaps we might have time for a swim as well?" His eyes are wide and bright as he waits for her answer.
Sulochana thinks about that for a moment, then says carefully, "Can you keep my head above water the whole time? And will you get out of the river immediately if I say I've had enough? If you're willing to do that, then maybe after we've had a bit of a nice ride, then we can go in the river, all right?" She bounces lightly to her feet with Eacharn's strong lift. As she speaks she tosses her robe off, casually nude while she pulls out the same comfortable tunic and harem pants she had on yesterday. She dresses quickly, still plaiting her hair as she turns inquiringly back to Eacharn.
Eacharn is struck for a moment by the casual grace in her nude form. He finally shakes himself back to reality, saying, "I promise, My Lady. My Lady Queen and I used to swim together often."
Sulochana beams at that, relief suffusing her face with warmth, "All right then!" She holds out a hand and heads for the door, "Let's go play!"
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