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"Hello friends, How are we this fine evening?"
"Ah yes just arrived the other day actually"
"Well actually I trade in rare items, in fact, do I have a deal for you!"
"No really it solves so many of life's little problems"
"why don't you just hold it while we have a pint and talk, it's so much easier to appreciate fine craftsmanship when it's in your hands"
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Anneke looks longingly at Lazaro, torn between her desire to continue talking with him and her slave duties. Finally she stands and walks slowly toward the newly arrived merchant.
"Greetings honored master," she says kotowing before him and touching her forehead to his boots, "how may I serve you this evening?"
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He was killed. Executed is the proper term.
*He takes a deep breath
My father, Rey Seram, was executed for treason. He freed slaves and conspired against the Empire. To make matters worse my brother was the one who turned him over.
After the execution my house was in an uproar. As a peace offering, I guess, to the other houses my brother and I were sent here. They told us we would be the hands of the Paracountess in Absalom.
*His eyes well up, but he fights the tears
The worse part is he was't even given a proper burial. Our elder family members won;t even talk to us. They think our fathers Varisian blood is a taint on the house.
I apologize I'm begining to ramble...
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Anneke returns to the floor in front of Lazaro and clutches her friend's (dare I call him that) forearm between her left hand and the stump of her own right forearm. "I am very sorry to hear of the hardships that you have endured, though I do not fully comprehend the situation. Why would your brother, a paladin of Aroden, betray your father, his father in such a manner?"
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Both are hard to grasp. Law is supposed to bring order, but can bring suffering. Freedom brings independence, but can bring chaos. Too much of both is a bad thing.
Personally I would say I am a freedom a bit higher, that I do the law. I do hold one thing higher though than either...
*He trails off as he looks to Anneke
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Anneke continues to look into Lazaro's eyes. "Your question is easier for me to answer than it would be for most. My faith, faith in everything, my people, the gods, myself, my faith in all of these things was lost like my hand in the dirt of a fishing village north of here. So, for the faithless, love wins out."
Anneke rises slowly to her bare feet, and caresses Lazaro's shoulder with her left hand. "I'm afraid I must leave you now. I need to sleep a few hours before my mistresses call for their breakfasts. If they allow, I will return again this eve to help you prepare further for the tournament. Unil then, goodbye my sweet master Lazaro."
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Scowls at Kal. "How can you say such a thing! Can you not see that this is beyond a mere dalliance." Looks to Lazaro" My friend I know fate when I see it. Now I tell you for the sake of your heart you must obtain this girl from her mistress. If you think it would cause trouble I would go on your behalf. Then you shall get away from this sullen place with all the Devils, and expectations. We should go journey there are many venture captains looking for those who would join their expedition. This self imposed misery you people put on yourselves like a nightshirt I cannot understand." Samir wipes a single tear from his cheek as he goes back to tuning his sitar. He begins playing a heartbreaking Qadiran love song.
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Scowls at Kal. "How can you say such a thing! Can you not see that this is beyond a mere dalliance."
"I only tell, my master, the truth" Kal looks from the table wiping crumbs from his mouth. "Since he's been here he's fallen in love with a slave. Helped a halfling woman who fainted. I fear this enviroment is not good for him."
"In my time as servant to the House I've seen many things. I've seen former masters lay down with there slaves before. Not cause of love, because they could. The are nothing but things. Things to be used as my masters see fit. Loving one, especially one so...I digress. But surely lving such a creature would, should be a sin. I pray for your sake, my Lord, that it is dalliance."
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My friend I know fate when I see it. Now I tell you for the sake of your heart you must obtain this girl from her mistress. If you think it would cause trouble I would go on your behalf. Then you shall get away from this sullen place with all the Devils, and expectations. We should go journey there are many venture captains looking for those who would join their expedition. This self imposed misery you people put on yourselves like a nightshirt I cannot understand."
My friend, I like you more as I get to know you. I wish there was another way to have her than "obtaining" her. She is not a piece of meat you buy from a vendor. Though I'm sure others wouldn't agree.
*His eyes fix on Kal. The man has always been like a brother, but his recent comments have brought forth a fowl mood in Laz
Even if could "obtain" Anneke it would bring trouble. I would have to get the funds from the House. Fill out form, upon form and this is just to get a meeting with our financial advisor. After which he would bring in someone to "inspect" the purchase. This person will deem if she is worthy to serve the House. It's also well within this persons power to recommend to the current owner to have the slave put down, if any flaws are found.
Then after inspection it's back to the advisor. Who will or will not sign off on the purchase, depending on the information garnered.
*sigh
I tell you though she is well worth the trouble. But I couldn't stand myself if the inspector were to deem unsuitable, and recommended death. Plus, if I move to fast on my feelings. I may cause us both untold problems.
*He rises from the couch and makes for the door
I will return later. I need to clear my head, and the fresh air will do me good.
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Anneke returns to the banquet hall, struggling to push a heavy cart, a task made somewhat difficult by her missing right hand. The cart is heavily laden with crystal and silverware. She stops and bows low to Samir and Kal as she enters the room. Smiling, perhaps a bit more widely than last night, she says, "the mistresses have sent silver and crystal to be used during the competition." Ultimately, Anneke makes her way to a far corner of the room and begins to unload crates of the everyday treasures.
OOC Crap, gotta run into work...back in a bit.
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*Laz continues to make his way through Absalom. This being the first time since his arrival to see the city.
Maybe I should take Samir's offer. I could be free of this life. Free to be with who I want, and to do as I please.
But if I do what will I do about the House? About the responsibility I have here.
*The thought of stacks of paper and a cramped office make his stomach turn.
What a bother.
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Anneke sits crosslegged in the corner. As she polishes the silver, no easy task for a girl with only one hand, she starts to hum quietly to herself. As she works, she reflects on the previous night, how strange it was to again be the center of attention, of someone's attention. The last time she had felt so appreciated, so loved was when she first sailed from her homeland fo Cheliax.
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"So many foreigners here lately," Kal just loud enough for others to here. "I know Lazaro paid for some of their services, but couldn't he have found Chelixian entertainers atleast. The elders would never allow there kind here."
He makes his way through the guests. Shacking hands, and talking with his fellows while avoiding the non-Chelixians as best he can.
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Anneke gives a small start at Kal Tam's sharp command, but bows quickly to him, "yes master," before disappearing toward the kitches. Whe she returns, in perhaps more time than Kal would have liked, she is carrying a glass in her left hand; the bottle of spiced rum is nestled in the crook of her right arm. Anneke places the glass gently on the table before the man, shifts the bottle to her left hand, and...curses her luck at having forgotten to ask one of the other slaves to help her uncork the bottle of rum.
Anneke looks horrified at Kal, and starts back for the kitches. "I'll hurry master, I'll hurry."
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Anneke chokes back tears born of Kal Tam's harsh words. True she had heard worse from her own mistresses, but, but tonight had just been so different than the one before; last night Anneke had felt like a person, a woman again, not simply a slave.
Kal Tam can likely hear Anneke's bare footsteps, almost running, behind him, before she again stands at the side of his table. The rum uncorked, she pours his glass full, trembling, but with the support of her right forearm stump, not actually spilling any of the precious liquid.
"Your rum master. Do you require anything else master?"
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*Taking a deep breath he swings the manor doors open
Ladies and gentlemen, good evening! Allow me too apologize for my lateness. I humbly ask for your forgiveness.
Quite soon we be annoucing the offical start to our 1st Annual Asmodues Cup! Until then please enjoy our food and wine! And of course the lovely music of Samir Al Sa'eed!
*Laz walks past Kal, the two exchange cold glares.
Anneke, may I see you in the kitchen please.
*Laz says firmly.
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Everyone out...NOW
*The kitchen and serving staff make haste out the Lords way. Checking to make sure no one else is around he turns to Anneke
We have to talk. After last night, and after listening to Kal...I madedecided on something.
Kal reminded me that I am Lord. With that there are certain responsibilities. And as of late I have shown no authority, letting people do as they wish. No pride in my work. That has to change.
So as my first act...
*Laz quickly reaches behind his back, pulling forth
Is to tell you that I love you wholehearted.
*A flower
Considering the situtation, I thought buying a single flower would work better than a bouquet.
*He takes the flower and places it in Annekes hair. Kissing her softly on her forehead.
One day, my love, we won't have to worry about the shackles that bind you. Or the feeling of others.
Now, my love, would you care to dance? We can't let Samir's talents go to waste.
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Completely stunned by the turn of events, Anneke stares, unspeaking, at her bare feet. Her thoughts race uncontrollably, 'a flower...he loves me...feet freshly washed this morning, but still dirty...how humiliating...how wonderful.'
Asked to dance, Anneke looks up, meeting Lazaro's gaze. "I would love to dance, but, but, we probably shouldn't be seen out there." Anneke takes Lazaro's right hand inher left and rests her right forearm between his shoulder blades, allowing her body to be drawn close to his own. Resting her head on his right shoulder, she begins to slowly move her feet in similar fashion to Chelaxian ladies whom she had watched dancing in the past.
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Greetings, everyone. Concluded another deal with the erinyes. They'll be arriving shortly.
"Erinyes," Kals eyes widen. "Finely some GOOD Chelixian entertainment. No offense of course."
"So Radavel, will you and Lazaro have the tournament ready soon? I hear there are a few House elders looking forward to it. But I've heard just as many are upset about this waste of funds."
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It's time, my love. The guest will start to wonder about us if we are gone to long. Plus, Radavel and I still have work to attend too.
*He embraces her on last time before starting back to the main hall.
Anneke, try to keep your distance from Kal if you can. Though not an evil man, he has little tollerance for slaves.
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*Making his way from the kitchen to the main hall
My friends, I again would like to thank you all for coming tonight! For those of you wondering, Radavel and myself are in the final stages of getting the tournaments ready.
The main part of the tournament will revolve around the Grand Joust and the other melee matches scheduled. We will also have an Entertainment Competition, more on this later, and Spellcaster Chess for those not wishing to enter the main contest.
Until then, please enjoy yourselves.
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Anneke emerges from the kitches a short while after Lazaro. She is smiling, and her hair is adorned with a single, beautiful flower. She is pushing a newly discovered serving cart, a device that will almost certainly ease the difficulties faced by a one-handed slave. The cart is laden with wine and fine crystal glasses.
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Klaus returns from a brief respite and sees the smiling slave. He stiffens and pats all his pouches, then sighs in relief. You can never be too careful when you see smiling slaves.
"Lass, do you still have some wine of the same vintage as last night?"
He watches her closely. Have to make sure that none of those Andoran <<shudder>> ideas infect a proper slave's mind.
"That cart is a much better way for you to serve than the other somewhat precarious method you were using. Who is your master that I might complement them on sending a slave (and an inventive one as well) to make the games more pleasant?" <<said in the patronizing voice of one who knows his station in life and is assured of everyone else's.>>
<<muttering>>"Erinyes, I wonder if they'd like a sculpture. It would have to fit their artistic sense. I could title it 'Hot Ghouls in Love' I'm sure that would earn some attention from them."
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Still unable to contain her smile, Anneke stares at her bare toes as she answers each of the master's questions. "Yes master, I do have some of the same wine that was served last night, assuming of course that you mean the rich red with the nutty undercurrents." She places a piece of fine crystal before Klaus and fills it with the aforementioned vintage, all using her left hand.
"Your compliments on the cart are greatly appreciated. I am filled with joy when the lords and ladies of Cheliax are pleased with me." There is no sarcasm in her voice, only sorrowful honesty. "As for my mistress, I am a slave of house Ederus, though I see mostly to the everyday needs of the matron of the house and her younger, well er now, her only daughter."