| Logs |
2011 February 20
| Neverneverwhere |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
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| Realms: Taps Logs |
The Clasp of This Union
Sulochana glances up at the dawning sky, then sighs amusedly to Roy, "We need to get back, sweet man. Give me a kiss before I must take off?" Quietly and firmly she adds to Eacharn, "I would like you to stand steady, please."
Roy guides Hermoso close and leans over, sliding one hand around the back of Sulochana's neck to kiss her with teasing, lazy passion. Sulochana purrs contentedly, her own arms coming about Roy's neck as well. It's a good thing she is held on magically -- she gets distracted enough that she'd start sliding off without the water-horse's magic! Eacharn is trembling a little and really can't help stamping one front hoof in jealous irritation, but he doesn't snap and he doesn't step away until the kiss breaks and Hermoso moves away at Roy's command, "Go on an' have yer breakfast, cherie. I'll see ya soon."
Sulochana's eyes are shining with languid pleasure, and her voice is throaty as she murmurs, "Give us... mmm... two hours? That should be enough time before you come to pick up Eacharn." She adds wryly as she looks down at the slightly sweaty horse she's mounted on, "I'll need time for a bath as well as breakfast, after all." She laughs softly, patting Eacharn's shoulder, "Good boy. Let's go now!" She waves to Roy as the big black stallion takes off at a canter, "See you soon, lover!" Eacharn reists the urge to gallop away, but he moves as fast as he can without seeming to hurry. His destination is the caravan; he doesn't want to be seen back at his boat in this shape. Roy waves after her and watches her go, smiling. She does cut a very fine figure on the large black stallion, even if her riding it makes him nervous.
As Eacharn canters powerfully through town, Sulochana murmurs, "You did well, dear, holding still like that." She hesitates, then says slowly, "I... am somewhat disturbed about the running through your paces, though. It... I don't like effectively lying to Roy, but I don't know how to tell him the truth without outing you." She sighs, running a hand along the stallion's neck as she murmurs, "Well... I guess it doesn't matter too much. It's not like we'll be riding like this again, after all."
Eacharn had been carrying his head and tail proudly, sure she would be happy to have been made to look like so superlative a horsewoman. His tail droops as she says they'll not be riding like this again. He just found her! She's silent for a moment more before she adds curiously, "So... do you actually have a -- a horse name already?" He hesitates and then does an exaggerated "no" headshake. His Lady Queen had a name for him, of course, but he would like his Lady Edana to name him to her own choosing.
Sulochana is quiet for the rest of the ride, thinking hard. It's not until she's pulling up at the caravan that it hits her how droopy Eacharn seems. She misunderstands the reason, though, murmuring worriedly, "Oh, blast! Eacharn, I'm so sorry -- it's daylight now! How are we going to get you back onto the riverboat?" She glances around thoughtfully, "Would you like to, umm... borrow a cloak, perhaps?" Eacharn hadn't even been thinking about it at that point, but he nods his head in the same exaggerated way to let her know he would indeed like a cloak.
Sulochana pats him reassuringly, "All right; no worries, dear. We'll take care of things." She directs him past the caravan, having him sidle under the branches of a low-hanging tree within eyeshot of her wagon. She slides off, pulling the bridle off as well, and gives him a gentle hug about the neck, "Wait here; I'll be right back, all right?" Eacharn curves his neck around her in an equine hug and closes his eyes for a moment. If this is to be their last ride, he wishes it had lasted longer. When she turns and trots off to her wagon, he hangs his head and waits.
Sulochana is heading for the brightly painted wagon when Fantine emerges from it. The two women share a quick hug as 'Chana explains, in a soft murmur, what she's doing. She steps within the wagon -- and there's a horrified gasp from Fantine, "Mam'zelle! The pants! They are a horror!" Riding bareback on a sweaty horse has caused a distinct dark mark on the silk trousers 'Chana is wearing. She tries to explain to Fantine that it doesn't matter, but the little loogaroo is fiercely adamant -- no lady of hers is going out to anything looking like that! Eacharn sees a laughing and ruefully protesting Sulochana pushed back into the wagon, and the door firmly closed.
It's several minutes later the Hetaera emerges: glossy hair neatly brushed, a cloak folded neatly over one arm, and in fresh clothes. Sulochana tries her best to look repentant; it's not very convincing! She's stifling giggles as Fantine righteously scolds her before hugging her and sending her off again, and she's laughing softly as she trots back over to the tree. Eacharn can't help but perk up at the laughter and the smile on his Lady's face. His tail and ears come back up as he watches her return to him. Sulochana is still grinning, her eyes bright, as she pats Eacharn's shoulder. "Change back now, please? I have a cloak for you. We should be able to just walk on board with you human, right? Er, human-looking, I mean?"
Eacharn hesitates a moment; she seems to like him much better as a horse, after all. With a snorting sigh, he shifts form back to human, answering her question as he changes, "They won't stop us, no. But we shouldn't tarry long enough for someone to notice my bare legs."
Sulochana smiles and holds out the cloak for him, "That's fine. It's hooded as well. Shall we?" She helps him arrange the cloak so he's well covered, then turns to lead him back towards the Goldenrod, his riverboat queen.
Eacharn settles the cloak about himself as they walk. He's quiet for a bit before he says, "You are certain you would not like to ride with me again, Lady?"
Sulochana throws a startled look over her shoulder at Eacharn, "What? No, I... I thought you said it'd be dangerous if you didn't have the halter on?" Her small smile is puzzled, "Did I misunderstand?" She adds a bit worriedly, as she turns to continue walking through the outskirts of the caravan-camping areas, off towards the docks, "I just need to be sure Roy understands that wasn't me doing the directing. I don't want him to assume he can offer me a... a more spirited horse, if there's ever a need for such."
Eacharn is almost shy as he says, "I actually rather like the tie now that I've had a chance to get used to it... and... I think Tybalt has rather a nice ring to it." He hurries on to add that he'd gladly replace the robe's tie if she wishes, "Or... if you'd rather another name or a different halter, that's fine too."
Sulochana turns and stares in astonishment at Eacharn. Finally she says slowly, "Pardon me, I'm not sure I understood there... did you say you like being haltered?!" She tilts her head as she's studying him -- then smiles slowly as the real meaning of Eacharn's words register. "Hmm. It does look rather nice, actually. Pity it'll only be on for an hour or so more." She laughs, drawing him on towards the paddleboat, "Come on, you! Need to get you safely back aboard your ship!" She grins over her shoulder at him, her eyes dancing, "Certainly, if I ever see you in horse form again, I'm happy to use Tybalt -- I like it too! Always thought he got the short end of the stick in the play."
The king has a slight pang at her casual mention of leaving him. He doesn't show it as they get to the ship and make their way back to his quarters. He does, however, continue to mull it over. Sulochana waits until he's done ordering baths and breakfast, and the door is closed on the servant -- then grins at him mischievously, "Cloak, please?" She curls up comfortably on the bed, her bare feet tucked neatly under her.
Eacharn slips the cloak off and folds it over his arm, doing his best to smile charmingly at her as he brings it to her. Body language crosses over from form to form; he is still holding his head high. "As you say, My Lady." 'Chana chuckles, patting the side of the bed to invite him to sit on the floor by her, then waits to see his reaction. Eacharn swallows as she pats the bed in such a way, then settles down to his knees by her, sitting back on his heels. His heart races a little and causes other parts of his anatomy to stir in interest. She certainly seems pleased at the moment.
Sulochana smiles and reaches out to gently slide a finger under the silken tie about Eacharn's strong throat. Her voice is soft as she murmurs, "So, pretty pony, I have several questions you've not answered yet." She tugs gently on the 'halter,' pulling his head close enough that she can easily stroke her fingers in a slow caress through his hair. "I think I'd like answers now, pet. Are you going to be a good boy and answer your patient Lady's queries, mm?"
Eacharn's mind is turning things over and over, but gets derailed as she slides a finger under the halter to pull him close. He catches his breath and breathes, "Yes, Lady. Please ask them again?"
Sulochana's soft purr shows she is clearly pleased at that reply, "Certainly, my pretty pony." She thinks a moment, then smiles and starts with an easy one for him -- giving herself time to get a good look at his chakras, as well, "Do you really feel like your skin burns at my touch, my pony?" She's having trouble focusing on Eacharn's chakras, perhaps because she's a bit distracted herself, remembering how lovely the party was for herself as Xopuchmata. She grins teasingly, "Should I touch less, if so?"
The river-horse flushes and nods, "I feel as if I have a fever when you stroke me." She does stroke him much more than Eloise did; it's a sensation that makes him want to melt into a happy puddle. He hurries on to say, "It is not an unpleasant sort of a fever, Lady."
Sulochana laughs softly, continuing the gentle stroking -- this time also letting her light fingertips brush along his skin around sensitive ears, along the soft skin of his throat, tracing the curves of collar bone and shoulder and back again... "All right then. Let's see... you also mentioned you could not say if you'd had a true-love pairing. If that's associated with some sort of fae geas or something, I don't want to get you into trouble, but can you tell me why you cannot say?"
Eacharn leans into the caressing, almost draping himself across her lap as he soaks up the petting. He is, after all, essentially a horse; touch is very important to them. His eyes are sliding closed as she asks the next question, and he doesn't even think as he answers, "What I felt was love, but I cannot say if it was returned in kind."
Sulochana makes a soft, commiserating noise, then murmurs, "That is the hardest one, yes. Poor pony. I hope it was pleasant for you, at least." She's silent a moment, just continuing the gentle stroking as she considers. Finally she murmurs thoughtfully, "What... no, why do you think Roy does not treat me right, pet?" There's no hint of anger or reproof at all -- 'Chana is careful to ensure her voice, like her question, is merely curious. She starts using both hands in her calm, relaxed caresses; the palm of one flat on his bare skin and the fingers of the other gently playing with his hair.
Eacharn is lulled by the caressing and the soft tone of 'Chana's voice; he murmurs, "You are a strong, fine woman. You deserve to be treated like a queen. He treats you very casually, with no thought for your magnificence." He trails off as he speaks. That might not be strictly true, but it feels true to Eacharn's jealous mind.
Sulochana smiles at that, tilting her head as she murmurs, "Indeed? That's sweet, that you consider me so. You never said, before: what is the difference between my profession and his behavior at the ball?" She's still not sure what Eacharn means, regarding Roy's behavior, but if she can find out without alarming him she'd like to.
Eacharn says, "He was being indiscriminate. Any one of the ladies he propositioned would have been equally as good as any other to him. He did not even recognize you for yourself!" He doesn't realize she might think he meant at tonight's ball.
Sulochana has to think about that one for a while, slowly continuing the stroking -- then she blinks, "Oh! The ball in St. Louis, yes!" She chuckles, patting his shoulder, "Dear, I meant the ball last night?"
Eacharn blinks slowly and says, "He was behaving himself somewhat better at the ball last night." He is beginning to get drowsy from the stroking of his hair and her quiet voice. It has been a long, sleepless night.
Sulochana chuckles quietly, "He was." There's affectionate warmth in her voice as she adds, "He's a sweet man." She smiles then, "So, one last question, then. You never said, pretty pony -- do you like wearing the halter?" She considers, then amends, "Actually... second to last. The final question is: do you have any questions you want to ask me?"
Eacharn hesitates over the question about the halter -- and a wonderful idea slithers its way into his mind, "I... was thinking about that, My Lady Edana. You will be leaving, yes? Not staying in St. Louis or Baton Rouge?"
Sulochana feels a small burst of relief -- thank goodness, he understands she cannot stay! She smiles, "Yes, I have a caravan to travel with." She idly tries checking his chakras again, to see how he's doing and feeling.
Eacharn rushes on with the Wonderful Idea before he can hesitate and convince himself not to say it, "Then it won't matter if I wear the halter, will it? If I am already wearing one halter, another cannot be put on me. I would be safe from coersion." His chakras are showing a lot of different things: arousal. Nerves. Confusion -- he is all a-jangle. "I have questions for you, but they can wait, since we haven't much time left."
Sulochana blinks startledly -- she'd intuitively understood he nonconsciously wanted another rider once she understood he'd been Queen Eloise's warhorse. She'd not expected this, though! She falls silent, even her hands going still as she considers this. In a way it's flattering; he believes her and does not expect enslavement. In another way, though, it sets a dangerous precedent: he'd be free to do whatever he wanted without restraint, as a water-horse. Slowly she says, "I... suppose that would be all right... if you could promise you wouldn't seduce anyone into riding, and then drown them, I mean?"
Eacharn thinks on that and says, "I believe I can control myself better, especially if you make than an order. I wouldn't be able to do anything against it, then."
'Chana smiles, giving Eacharn a gentle hug about the shoulders, "You are comfortable with that? Wonderful! Then my order is to please not seduce anyone into riding you and being drowned." She grins cheerfully down at him lying with his head in her lap, "How's that?"
Eacharn takes a deep breath. He gets to keep her halter! Perhaps that will link them together somehow. There is almost a purr in his voice as he says, "That will work nicely, My Lady."
Sulochana laughs delightedly, "Wonderful! Then I'm happy to leave the halter on, pretty man!" She hugs him exuberantly again, then beams, "We can talk while eating and bathing, surely! Go ahead and ask your questions too, please?" Eacharn holds his breath -- and then, almost tenatively, wraps his arms around her waist to hug her back. He's quite sure she doesn't completely hate him now!
When there's a light knocking on the door, 'Chana smiles and whispers, "You're nude, pretty man; let me get that." She's already straightening her legs to slide to her feet. Eacharn mms and nuzzles her belly, letting her slip through his arms as she moves to the door. The Hetaera laughs softly, patting his shoulder as she stands, and lets her hips swing nicely as she moves to the door. Seated where he is, the pooka is out of sight of the doorway, so he simply watches her walk over.
'Chana accepts the breakfast cart, thanking the servant, and shortly thereafter she's back in the bedroom and comfortably curled up on the bed again. She sets the tray next to her, picks up a croissant between slender fingers, then grins mischievously at Eacharn, "So. You had questions, yes? You get a nibble of breakfast for each question, then!" It's the best way 'Chana can think of to make sure Eacharn stays encouraged, relaxed -- maybe even a bit playful? -as he asks questions of her. She's not precisely sure why he's so jangled up, and she'd like to help him settle again.
Eacharn blinks slowly and says, "What if I don't have enough questions for much breakfast, Lady?" He is unconsciously nuzzling his cheek against her thigh as she settles back on the bed.
The Hetaera studies his chakras with interest as she has a small, delicate bite of the croissant herself, her wine-red lips turning up in a mischievous grin. After she's finished her bite she raises a teasing eyebrow, "Why, then I suppose you'll have to offer me something else I want, mmm?" She sighs internally at herself, as she realizes she too is a bit... distracted. Her focus on chakras is not as good as usual! She giggles as she adds, "Since I'm dressed and you're not, you can't remove articles of your clothing... but then I rather like my pretty pony like this!" Her eyes widen at a delicious thought -- and then her grin gets really wicked, "Oh, I know! I'll add clothing -- to you!"
Eacharn smiles at that and closes his eyes, murmuring, "Whatever my Lady Edana wishes..." He takes a deep breath before asking, "Why did you decide to become a Hetaera?" The king is starting to relax. The Wonderful Idea seems to be succeeding so far.
Sulochana grins and lowers the croissant enough that Eacharn can have a bite; her other hand trails in slow, lazy caresses along his skin as she laughs and replies. "Oh, initially it was all the worst reasons, of course! I was such a child: I was going to control men, bend them to my will, make myself rich, and find my power through them!" Her smile gets rueful, "Fortunately the various trainers there were well aware of that childish sort of nonsense -- that got knocked out of me pretty darned quickly! But once I realized how useful it could be to negotiations, and how happy I could make good people feel -- and how nice that felt for me as well -- then I had new reasons for my training to continue."
She chuckles quietly, her eyes far away in memory, "There was a short period of time there, though, when I'd not figured out good reasons to become a Hetaera yet; where I was staying simply because of stubborn pride." She smiles thoughtfully down at Eacharn, "Does that answer your question, dear?" She pauses, then adds slowly, "Actually... it was more than that too, in the long run. It was -- it became -- well... a passion for me. I take great joy in being a Hetaera -- I enjoy the challenge, the amazing amount of learning -- it never ends! -and the constant variety just as much as the sex or the money... moreso, I suppose." There's a hint of true delight in her voice; she's being quite honest.
Eacharn listens to her answer; his ears burn a little bit. The comment about staying out of stubborn pride hits close to home in some ways, but he lets it pass. He opens his mouth and tips his chin up after saying, "It is not the answer I thought I wanted, but it satisfies me, My Lady."
Sulochana smiles curiously, "What did you think you wanted, pretty pony?" She grins and feeds him another bite of croissant, "I suppose if you coax me into asking a question too, that counts!" Her golden-eyed gaze doesn't miss his head gesture, and her small hand curls about his throat in a gentle caress as he eats.
Eacharn takes the food with his teeth; he's careful not to nip her fingertips, just as he'd been taught to take treats from human hands in his equine form. He sighs happily and says, "I expected to hear something about it not being your decision. There are some stories of families selling girl-children to Hetaera schools -- stupid stories, I'm guessing now."
Sulochana chuckles quietly, "Yes, there are families which try to do that, but that's not how either Hetaera school truly works. Why did you want to hear I'd had an unhappy childhood, though?"
Eacharn shakes his head and says, "I spoke badly, My Lady. I did not want you to have had a bad childhood; it is what I expected. It gladdens me that you didn't." He thinks on his next question and then asks hesitantly, "Why is it that you love Roy?"
Sulochana blinks at that -- then gives a small, startled laugh, "Gracious! You are asking the difficult questions this morning!" She smiles, still slowly stroking him as she offers him the last bite of the croissant, and murmurs thoughtfully, "Hmm... interesting question. Why do I love him?" Eacharn takes the last bite, but he's relaxed enough that his lips lightly brush her skin as he takes it. She's silent for a bit, considering carefully as she picks up a piece of fruit next, for a delicate bite. Finally she starts speaking, "Well, let's see. First of all I would appreciate your assuring me this conversation will be held in strictest confidence, please?"
The river-horse's voice is slightly drifty as he says, "Anything My Lady wishes." Inside, he is not certain why he asked a question that has the potential to make him sad.
The Hetaera smiles in quiet relief to Eacharn, then muses aloud, "Roy. Well... he makes me laugh. I like the way his eyes sparkle when he laughs with me. He makes me feel like he sees me -- the real me, not just the pretty, useful Hetaera. He feels real when he's with me, too -- not pretentious or fake; it's like he's willing to take the mask off with me, and I appreciate that. I trust him with my secrets and my life, and I know he feels the same -- we've both had occasion to save each other's lives in the years we've known each other. He's fun, both in bed and out. He's a peachy dancer!" She giggles, then adds thoughtfully, "He doesn't try to... to control me, to restrain me -- he understands no one will ever own me, and I'm not property!"
She takes a breath, then makes herself relax again. Her smiling gaze gets a bit dreamy as she continues thinking about her beloved, "He wants me to be happy, to be just as magnificent as I can -- to be everything I want to be!" She laughs softly, self-consciously adding, "Well... that's how it feels to me, at least. Umm... why do you ask, please?" She offers Eacharn a bite of the sweet peach slice she's holding, sighing in smiling rue as she adds, "I wish sometimes he wasn't tied to the city quite so much. I don't know what it is with me falling for men who're geographically fixated!"
Eacharn nibbles the peach slice from her fingertips and sighs, resting his head on her thigh, "He does not seem that lovable to one that doesn't know him. I..." he hesitates in answering the next part, "suppose I was hoping to hear you saying you weren't in love with him." There's some shame in the admission.
Sulochana smiles, stroking her fingers gently along Eacharn's cheek, tracing the curve of his ear, as she murmurs, "Because you want me to be your queen, pretty pony? Tell me about Queen Eloise for a bit, if you do not mind. I don't yet understand this burning need you have for me to -- to effectively take your position... and I would like to know you better." Curiously she asks, as she feeds him several bites of the peach, "How did you meet her? Did she too halter you?" She's silent a moment before she softly asks, "Ohh... was it her you loved, sweet pony -- without knowing how she truly felt about you?"
Eacharn sighs and slides a hand along her calf to stroke her ankle, relaxing into the touching and being with her. She is certainly a much more tender and affectionate rider than his Eloise was! He nods mutely to her very accurate guesses about part of the relationship, "It was -- and she is the reason I so desperately want a new queen." His fingers go to the new halter, stroking along the silk of it as he tells her the details of his vow to his Lady Queen.
The terms of the promise binding him are relatively simple. He must rule St. Louis competently and well for the next 50 years, following Eloise's lead so her beloved city goes on as she started it -- or he must find someone else to do the ruling for him. Wryly he admits, "I am not a natural ruler. Stallions are leaders, but normally not very good at leading peacefully. We make good warhorses for a reason."
Sulochana listens carefully, then says worriedly, "Um, Eacharn, sweet pet, you don't -- er, I mean, a mortal can't, umm... that is, she-" She cuts off abruptly, trying to figure out how to kindly ask her question. Finally she says gently, "Sweetling, please tell me you're not desperate to find a new queen... simply so you're released and can... can do something drastic to try and rejoin Eloise? She is deceased, after all, you understand?"
Eacharn blinks at her and says, "No! I do not mean to harm myself. I just do not wish to have this responsibility for the next 50 years."
'Chana relaxes a bit, relieved, then curiously adds, "Why did you agree to such a binding, Eacharn, if you didn't want-" She blinks, her eyes widening as she stares off into the distance, thinking furiously... then she stares in shock at the water-pony. "Dear heavens! Are you telling me she forced you to agree? That you were haltered by her?!"
Eacharn flushes and says, "I was haltered by My Lady Queen when she was a child. For years she did not realize just what manner of creature she had power over." He takes a deep breath, "I agreed because of the halter, but also because of my love for her."
Sulochana's growing anger at Eloise fades at that news. She takes a slow breath, releasing her finger-grip tangled in Eacharn's hair, and deliberately makes herself calm down and stroke his skin a few times before she murmurs, "That's you, isn't it, in the huge, larger-than-lifesized painting in the main foyer of the palace? The one where Eloise is in full battle regalia, mounted on her rearing big black warhorse?"
Eacharn's chin goes up proudly. He did rather like how splendid his Lady Queen looked decked out for battle and astride him. He turns his head to kiss hs Lady Edana's palm, daringly flicking his tongue against her skin, "That is me, yes. She had not yet found out that I was more than a horse, then." Sulochana laughs softly -- she can recognize pride when she sees it! She smiles, continuing to stroke his hair and feed him bits of fruit and pastry as she encourages him to tell her more about Eloise and his time with her.
Eacharn had not realized until he was asked how much he wanted to share about his time with his Lady Queen. The words begin pouring out of him, "I saw her beside the river, looking so thoughtful and lonely and such a lovely child. So I came out of the water to look her over." The story he tells is about a very determined and proud girl on the cusp of womanhood, already thinking about the way she would spend the rest of her life. At 13, Eloise was a pensive woman-child starting to have responsibilities that would carve her into the magnificent woman and queen she became. Already she had begun her training in the martial arts, as well as the softer ones.
'Chana nods interestedly and makes small encouraging sounds as Eacharn's story progresses. She is genuinely curious -- but there's a part of her that's starting to recognize some of Eacharn's behaviors as being the same as those of the Amazon Warlord a few years ago: a need to grieve without subterfuge, to be able to admit both love and anger at the deceased. 'Chana's not absolutely sure of that, but she is quite willing to give Eacharn the time and space to do so if necessary; she's always pleased to help others deal with their emotions, when she can. Eacharn finds himself with his face pressed against his Lady Edana's thigh as he tells the story -- and then he finds he is weeping in a way he has not been able to weep since his Lady Queen's death.
Sulochana gently gathers Eacharn into her arms, holding him and soothing him, giving him a safe space to just be himself, without hiding what he truly is. He speaks in broken sobs of watching her grow from a girl with ideas and potential, into a magnificent and powerful woman who guided her people as gently and surely as she guided her warhorse into battle. In between his words is another story: the story of his falling in love with this human who had haltered him. Just the way he says her name is enough to tell anyone with the ears to hear that he was devoted to her as much by choice as by the halter. He has not yet reached the point where Eloise discovered his second form when he takes a deep breath and asks, "I apologize for the tears, My Lady Edana."
Sulochana shakes her head, tears on her face as well as she gently hugs him to her, "No, Eacharn, don't apologize, please? You loved her -- grieving over her loss is only natural." She strokes his hair as she adds softly, "She sounds amazing. I'm not surprised at all to hear you miss her... or that you couldn't resist her." Eacharn presses his face to Sulochana's thigh then and simply sobs. He has not been able to grieve her on all levels with anyone since her death; this is a release he badly needed.
Sulochana holds Eacharn close, murmuring soothing nothings to him and doing her best to be warm and reassuring and present for him. She waits until the tears eventually ebb, then smiles in quiet commiseration as she gently wipes his face and gives him a hankie. She doesn't rush or hurry him, and when he finally lies quiet in her arms she'll do her best to take care of him: she praises him for his trust in her, makes sure he gets a bit more food, pets him with gentle affection... she's trying her best to give him what he needs -- even if he doesn't realize he needs it. Eacharn is a little embarassed to be pouring this out to his Lady Edana, but he doesn't quite squirm. She asked him for the story and he finds it is an amazing relief to tell it! Still, there is only so much he can say about Eloise all at once; then he settles into 'Chana's arms, soaking up the tenderness. She reminds him of his Lady Queen in so many wonderful ways.
The Hetaera knows there are times when the best thing she can do for a client is to just let them cuddle, and to be gently physically affectionate with them. She's happy to do so; it's not until there's another soft knocking on the door that she sighs and smiles, "Well, foo -- must be the bathwater. I'll go have it brought in; you can just relax a bit, all right, sweeting?" Eacharn takes a deep breath and nods, putting his hands over his eyes and leaning back against the bed. Crying is more physically taxing than many realize, and he has already had quite a lot of exercise tonight.
Sulochana pulls a blanket up around Eacharn, then has the servants bring in the big, heavy metal tubs. It takes the servants a bit to fill them both with the steaming water, but as soon as it's done 'Chana thanks them and herds them gently but firmly out -- despite their curiosity at the lack of reaction from their king. After that 'Chana tosses a handful of herbs in each tub; a lovely scent starts to permeate the air as she goes and sits down next to Eacharn. She smiles and strokes his side through the blanket, "Feel up to a nice hot bath, sweeting?" She grins and teases gently, "Then maybe you can tell me how you came to be so fond of having a strong lady at your reins, mm?"
Eacharn shivers a little at the caress and flushes with a small laugh at the teasing, "That too was Eloise." He takes several deep breaths and then rises from the bed, taking one of 'Chana's hands in both of his, "Thank you."
Sulochana smiles warmly up at Eacharn, her free hand coming up to gently cup his cheek, "You're very welcome, Eacharn. I'm quite pleased I could be of assistance to you."
He hesitates just a little. "Would you like to have me wash you, My Lady?"
She tilts her head inquiringly at the river-horse, smiling, "Would you enjoy that?"
Eacharn lets a hand slide along her silk-clad side, "I would love to, Lady, though it will wash my scent off you." It will also wash Roy's scent off her a bit, but he doesn't add that part. He is learning a little, after all.
Sulochana smiles, her quiet gaze thoughtful as she murmurs, "That would be lovely then, my pony." She thinks a moment, then remembers what he enjoys most from his Lady. She adds firmly, "But if you're going to be your Lady's handmaid, I expect it to be done right. Are you prepared for that, pretty pony?"
Eacharn shivers deliciously at the tone in her voice. "I have been trained quite well, My Lady. My Lady Queen taught me to bathe her properly... and improperly," he adds with a hint of mischief in his voice.
Sulochana grins, then does her best to be queenly for her lonely, needy client: she insists upon being respectfully undressed, handed reverently into the tub, and her long hair carefully kept out of the water. As she soaks luxuriously, she has Eacharn neatly fold her clothing, then brush out the long and shining sweep of her sable hair. After that she plans to graciously allow him to bathe her as he once bathed his queen. She doesn't say it, but she's curious as to what he was taught. As a Hetaera, she's always open to new ideas!
Eacharn is careful with brushing out her hair, brushing until it seems a mass of living sable velvet in the morning sun coming through the room's window. As she enjoys the lovely hot water and Eacharn's assiduous attention, Sulochana murmurs, "So, may I make a suggestion regarding your oath to Eloise, sweet pet? Instead of trying to talk me or someone else into being queen... why not simply adopt a suitable child? That's what Roy is doing, after all."
Eacharn carefully ties up the Hetaera's hair, then asks 'Chana to stand. Hesitantly he asks, "Do you wish me just to wash you, My Lady, or to pleasure you as I bathe you?" He tries to keep his own preferences out of the question. Her question takes him a little off-guard; he says, "He is?"
Sulochana considers for a moment, then smiles, "Wash first. If you're very good, then... I'll consider the latter!" There's a teasing sparkle in her eyes; then she grins, "You met little Mary last night at dinner, my pet. Roy's adopted daughter -- didn't you realize?" She waves a hand, adding, "Oh, I know Eloise likely had no children -- she was a Tap, wasn't she? -but that doesn't mean you can't find some- oh!" Her eyes light up with excitement, "Oh, I know the perfect child, too!"
Eacharn nods and helps her to stand in the tub. He begins at her neck and shoulders, carefully washing downward so the dirty water doesn't sluice over already-cleaned skin. His fingers are sure and steady, and he's careful to stay businesslike even as his fingers are stroking over her breasts or her lovely hips, "My Lady Queen never married and there was no issue from our relationship. I had heard that Mary was Roy's child on the other side of the sheets?"
Sulochana smiles down at Eacharn where he's leaning over to wash her, and lazily closes one small hand in his hair, tangling it into her fist as she murmurs, "That... is the accepted rumor, yes. Of course, you would never say otherwise and betray your Lady Edana's trust in you... would you, sweet pony?"
Eacharn's breath catches in his throat as she catches his hair in her fist, "O-of course not, My Lady!" He doesn't sway on his feet -- he's better trained than that -- but he does shiver happily at the command in her voice.
Sulochana's smile widens slightly as she watches how well Eacharn responds. She thinks a moment, then smoothly adds, "Surely a clever and imaginative pony could come up with something... convincing, yes? Something like... the queen had her child by you taken away and raised in secrecy, to keep the child safe. Only now have you received the news that the child grew up, had a child of her own but, alas, died in childbirth... and so of course you had to bring the good queen's grandchild to the court, so he could be raised properly to assume the throne you've been holding for him. How does that sound?"
Eacharn's hands are trembling a little as he continues washing his Lady, but he continues with his task as she talks and holds onto his hair. It's a good job and she is getting quite clean under his hands, "That... could be possible. My Lady Queen was never one to wear tight, uncomfortable clothes. Or the child could be a nephew... why a nephew instead of a niece?"
Sulochana grins mischievously, lightly stroking Eacharn's back with her free hand. She can tell he's enjoying being restrained by her other hand tangled in his hair, so she doesn't remove it. "I do not know what siblings the Queen had, so that's up to you. However, I mentioned a boy because I know of one..." she takes a deep breath, then continues despite the note of anger that creeps into her voice, "a lovely, beautiful, gentle boy whose mother did indeed die in childbirth. Unfortunately that's left only his father to care for and raise him -- and-"
She cuts off for a second, fighting back the urge to snarl at thought of the careless, sometimes deliberately cruel Warlord of Houston, and her hand tightens unwittingly in Eacharn's hair. She takes a few deep breaths, centering herself before she growls quietly, "His father is -- is a thug! He does not deserve such a thoughtful child." Grimly she continues, "I met them both last year, when I was delivering goods to Houston. The boy was barely four then, I think." Her voice is very dry, "The Warlord... shall we say, he did not impress me."
Eacharn goes very still. His Lady Edana does not like Houston's Warlord? That is a reason to aide Baton Rouge beyond his promise to Eloise and her relations with Roy's city. "The child... he is the Warlord's son?"
Sulochana sighs, tension washing out of her body as she deliberately loosens her grip and gently strokes Eacharn's hair smooth again, "He is. He's a sweet, determined child doing his utmost to live up to his father's expectations... but he looks more like his mother than his father. He's not a big boy; he really is slight and willowy -- and beautiful and healthy -- but he's not a tough 'physical' type, you know? His father sneers at him for reading and being 'girly' -- as if that's a bad thing!" Anger has entered her voice again as she adds, "Do you know, he mocks the boy publicly, before his men?!"
Eacharn finds himself angry on the child's behalf -- not just because of His Lady's outrage, but because no child should be treated in such a way. "St. Louis does not have a relationship with Houston. There would be no need for the Warlord to know my new heir is his son..." His heart is beating frantically. This could mean his freedom!
Sulochana brightens hopefully, "There is a great deal of distance between both cities. As far as I know there are only two or three caravans which travel that route, mine being one of them -- and even those are not consistent." She gently touches under the water-pony's chin to get him to look up at her, and when he does her eyes are shining, "Would you be willing to save the boy? To raise him well and encourage him to learn and grow, to treat him fairly, to teach him to be a good and just ruler for St. Louis? Would you be willing to stay, oh... maybe five years after he assumes the throne too, to make sure he's all right and doing well?" Gravely she adds, "And, although it would surprise me, if he does not wish to leave his father... would you leave him in peace to do so?"
Eacharn's heart is pounding. This idea is even more wonderful than the one he had earlier! He nods, unable to speak around the lump in his throat at first; finally he gasps, "Yes, My Lady! Yes, I could do that for this child!"
Sulochana laughs delightedly, impulsively hugging Eacharn, "Oh, fantastic! Eacharn, that's marvelous news -- I can't tell you how much that relieves me!" She grins mischievously as she adds, "It's a good bet the Warlord will try to invade and conquer Baton Rouge in the next year or so. Were you to slip into the army's camp sometime during then, not only would the child likely be eager to go with you -- his father is big into 'toughing it out' well past common sense -- but it'd be a significant blow to morale! Plus, it'd likely be easier for you to wait until the army was near some great watercourse on the way to Baton Rouge, yes?"
Eacharn hugs her back, careful to keep his hands above her waist; she hasn't given him permission to touch her in any other way yet. His heart is racing at the thought of being able to step down in just a decade or so! He nods mutely to her questions. Sulochana sighs happily, then impulsively grabs Eacharn's head for a quick kiss on his forehead! She giggles, then beams at him, "Would you like to continue bathing me, my lovely pony?"
Eacharn nods again, then finds his voice, "You're nearly all clean, My Lady. Just your feet now." He goes to one knee and smiles almost shyly up at her, "My Lady Queen would rest her feet on my knee to let me wash them." He has been sure-handed and careful so far; this is obviously something he's done many times and is proud to do for his Lady.
Sulochana unwittingly dimples at how adorable Eacharn is when he's relaxed and just being himself! She lightly rests one supporting hand on his shoulder, then carefully places one wet foot on his knee, "Well then, we shall certainly have to continue such a delightful tradition, yes?" She waits until he's looking down at her foot to wash it before she grins wickedly and adds with mock thoughtfulness, "Of course, continuing these traditions further would entail my lovely pony petitioning his Lady Edana to accept his suite to her as a Hetaera... I don't know. What do you think? Would that be something which might interest my pretty pony?"
Eacharn's hands fumble a bit at that suggestion. He catches his breath and looks up along her leg -- flushing as he comes to the dark triangle at its top -- then on up her body to her face, "I would very much be interested in that, My Lady."
The Hetaera grins delightedly at Eacharn, "Would you? How nice to hear!" She waits until he's finished washing both feet and has helped her out of the tub, then says firmly, "You are under-dressed, pretty pet! All my lovely ponies have a token from me. Go fetch me the fine rope, sweeting." She pats his rump, adding, "Hustle, please! We need to get you cleaned up and dressed and all kingly... in time to be picked up by the king of Baton Rouge, after all." The water-pony is really too large to scamper, but he moves quickly and eagerly to bring her the rope she used to create the karada the night before. He's had no sleep and has being going all night, but suddenly he feels like he has enough energy to keep going for days!
Sulochana has him kneel before her while she swiftly weaves a light rope 'bit' for him, the way she was taught in rope classes while training to become a Hetaera. She taps his jaw lightly, not giving him a chance to speak or object, "Open up, my pony. You may have thought you could escape your rightful place by not having any tools to properly restrain your pretty head ready and available for your Lady's use... but you don't get off that easily!"
Eacharn might claim he was going to say something, but then his mouth opens for the bit and he tips his head just right for his Lady to be able to tie it into place. When she's done, she'll have a nice set of reins. He whimpers around the bit, eyes going heavy-lidded and his pulse speeding up as he is restrained by the thin rope. He can't say anything to apologize with the bit in his mouth, but he resolves to have more such toys for his Lady Edana in future. The Hetaera neatly ties a light, comfortable sort of bridle with the rope, so the bit is securely held in place. When she's done she sits on the side of the tub, reins in one small hand, and smiles languidly at Eacharn, "Into the tub, pretty pet -- time for your bath!"
When Eacharn tries to get into the tub upright, he is corrected; he climbs in on all fours so he's more like a pony. The posture and the rope bit help slide him into a happily receptive space in his mind. Once he's in the tub his Lady Edana begins to wash him, going about it as if he were a true pony; her hands are thorough but also assuredy possessive, moving him about expertly. The pooka flushes as his body reacts to the slippery warmth of her hands moving over him, but he tries not to pay too much attention to it. She does notice, of course, and Eacharn finds himself with a pink and stinging rump for it. Her laugh is cheerful and warm as he whimpers around the gag and presents his rump for the punishment, "She did train you quite well, my pretty pony."
Once he's clean she orders him out of the tub and towels him off carefully. "Now, to make sure you remember your place when we're done here, I want you to help me dress myself, and then get yourself dressed." He starts to rise again, only to have 'Chana rest the crop she used to spank him on one shoulder, "Without getting to your feet, sweeting." Eacharn does his best to do as he's told; it does indeed remind him of his place with his Lady, sliding him deeper into that warm and happy space of being Hers completely. Eloise had become quite the expert at putting him there; it has been years since he has been quite so deeply gone. Before his clothes go on, His Lady wraps him in another karada and removes the bit. After a moment's thought she tucks it into her own bag, smiling wickedly, "I'll just keep this safe for now." That makes him flush again and shiver all down the length of his body.
Sulochana gives Eacharn a gentle kiss on the forehead before she lets him rise, murmuring softly, "You've been a very good pony, my sweet. Now... I want you to go make me proud of you today, yes?" When the two of them emerge from the boat, they find Roy's carriage, along with Roy himself, waiting for them. The Hetaera has Eacharn head for the carriage without her; the kings should have time together without her presence making them both snarly and aggressive at each other, she thinks! She'll stand in the shadow of the hatchway into the boat's interior, smiling and watching her new client and her beloved... and whispering a quiet prayer for them both.
The morning is quiet; Eacharn moves with the careful grace required by the fact that he's bound beneath his clothes. He pauses before he gets into the carriage, looking Roy in the face, and says solemnly, "You'll get your people." He smiles at Roy's exhuberant whoop. His Lady will be quite pleased. Sulochana laughs softly from where she stands, her eyes shining with happiness. She knows Roy can't see her, but she blows him a kiss anyway.
A few seconds later Eacharn is staring dreamily out the carriage window, and Roy takes that moment to blow a surreptitious kiss and a little murmur of thanks to his cherie. He will have to make sure later she's aware how much this meant to him.
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