The Ambition of the Dreadlord Raveres
Part IV: Sa'an'ishar!
Episode Twenty-Seven
"We can climb the mizzens and unfurl the top gallants in double-quick time."
Nodding happily, Jaquen Kohler shot his new patroness a wide smile. Pointing back to the men along the masts he proudly boasted; "I bet I can squeeze ten, maybe twelve knots out of these dogs."
Smacking his hand on the back of a passing crewman Kohler chuckled. The ship had just passed the last few chains of distance over the Arabyan coastal shelf and the vessel was now entering open ocean.
The drastic change in the colour of the water, the wide open horison, the size of the swells, and the pure expanse of the sea gave everyone pause. The significance of the moment was given an additional level of finality, due to the spectacular manner of their departure.
By design Raveres had ensured that for her and her group; there was to be no turning back…
Standing atop the quarterdeck Raveres had folded her arms and was listening as Jaquen did his best to impress her. Yurin was there as well, at first translating, but eventually captain Kohler decided to utilise his rough-learned Asurian.
Yurin was relishing the break from translating, in addition to the stress of the day, his head swirled from the constant strain of switching languages. And now, tired and fatigued, he gripped the side rail tightly and shut his eyes, focusing on calming his nerves and his stomach, hoping to all his gods he wasn't going to be seasick again.
Raveres, like when she had boarded, had mostly ignored her retainer, and allowed Kohler to speak without translation by a haphazard wave of the wrist.
With that, he'd talked and talked, expressing his knowledge and making boasts of difficult nautical feats as she watched the crew and the horizon before them.
Yet Jaquen's attempts to win her interest and attention were failing.
Raveres adjusted her stance and looked down towards the main deck. Chain-wearing slaves worked alongside the few desperate and crazy enough freemen to have signed on to such a voyage.
Scanning her eyes over the motley crew her neck tilted backwards and her lip rose at the corner. Her thoughts of revulsion plainly displayed.
Raising his eyebrow and changing tack, Jaquen smirked and cleared his throat. Nodding towards the men,
"Aye, I once served with a mixed crew before."
Leaning onto the rail in front of them he chuckled at the recollection.
He gave their one-sided conversation a moment of quiet and was about to add on when Raveres finally spoke, interrupting his thoughts.
"Is that where you picked up your Asurian?"
He blinked and looked up, then he turned towards her, his lips in a half-smile he nodded, "Aye."
His chest lightened and he dared to feel a small splash of excitement, he always had a way with women…
His confidence took a quick leap as he began imagining that somehow, someway, he'd cracked through the icy demeanour of his Druchii employer.
Without moving her eyes from the deck or her crew, she spoke again, her voice like soft thunder, each syllable emphasised in her Druhir accent.
"I, am not an Asur."
Nodding he leant away from the rail. Looking Raveres up and down he pursed his lips.
His eyes lingered at her ears and face before tracing the shape and length of her hair, then his voice returned, agreeing "No, you aren't."
He smirked and tilted his head to the side. Shooting her gaze to the side Raveres finally looked at the captain.
"I never had the pleasure of meeting a Druchii before." His voice was falsely unsure, and he was play acting as if he were suddenly coy.
He smiled more broadly as she turned to face him square.
"Kohler."
He nodded and straightened.
Raveres raised a brow slightly and her voice took on a relaxed, yet professional, tone. She hid a private smile before she began speaking,
"I am sure that my retainer impressed upon you the necessity for speed. But I'm curious if he also shared with you my desire for quietus? I am striving for pragmatism at present. Not comradery."
Jaquen furrowed his brow, his Asurian was not competent enough to understand her pronunciation and sudden use of 'high Druhir'. His expression faltered and he failed to hide his confusion, and embarrassment.
Raveres tilted her head to the side, her brow furrowing and her face contorting in faux concern.
At first, he thought she was being genuine. So, Kohler cleared his throat, his tongue tying as he tried to force out false confidence in an effort to spare his blush.
But then the Druchii smirked predatorily and he realised that she was toying with him.
Straightening her back, Jaquen realised for the first time, that his mistress was taller than him… In fact, she also appeared marginally broader too. And though he had seen it earlier when she boarded, her dark armour reminded him of his thin tunic, leather britches, and otherwise plain-cloth dress.
Other than the exposed and sun-kissed features of her face, Raveres' body was protected within armour, and Kohler finally realised he had been distracted by that face and those ears almost this entire time…
The long fingertips of her gauntlets tapped along the segmented faulds across her waist and the tassets hanging down her thighs in a rhythm as her intense indigo eyes scrutinised him.
The dull 'plink, plink, plink, plink' of metal on metal sounded like the slow gait of a horse.
Finally, Kohler darted his eyes away, scoffing and letting out an uncomfortable breath as he admitted, "I'm sorry milady, I didn't understand you."
The galloping of her fingers across the metal stopped and she nodded once before turning back towards the railing.
Lowing her voice, she growled once, "Yuri!"
Like he'd been hit with a whip-crack the translator stood away from his previous position, opening his eyes and straightening like a well-trained servant.
"Y-yes my lady?" he replied.
"Help the captain with his Druhir, he is having trouble understanding."
Jaquen's face reddened under his scruff and he stiffened.
"I did not employ him for boasts or for his charm, I needed a sailor. Might you explain his position, more clearly?"
Yurin nodded and stepped closer to his mistress and the captain.
Blinking and becoming uncomfortable at the exchange, Yurin nonetheless knew what Raveres wanted him to do, and despite not being in the conversation 'officially' like all servants he had been listening keenly.
"Lady Raveres requires you as her captain, master Kohler, nothing more."
Yurin cleared his throat and forced himself to be bolder.
"Lady Raveres is most generous when those in her employ please her. Dissatisfaction…" he blinked and had recollections of the men in the sand, Sadalsuud, the pirates…
Supressing a shiver, he merely nodded and remarked candidly, "Master Kohler, please do not tempt her ire."
Licking his lips and grunting curtly Jaquen nodded, bowing his head at the neck towards Raveres he then spoke a common Arabyan apology. His voice and body language seemed penitent.
"Forgive me my ignorance, my lady."
Turning her head and looking at him out of the corner of her eye she watched his display silently.
Stepping away from the railing Raveres walked towards the steps of the main-deck. A fluid motion of her hand indicated Yurin and Kohler were to follow.
Nodding Yurin indicated Kohler was to be at her side.
"Yurin spoke of your competency already, yet your boasting has given me doubts. I am willing to release these doubts and leave the matters of sailing to you, so long as we have an understanding."
Kohler stepped beside Raveres and matched her pace while Yurin followed behind and between them.
Kohler nervously ran his palms across his head, slicking back hairs which had fallen out of place. The action was punctuated by the crackling of the bristle-like hairs on his sides.
"Aye?"
"This is an arrangement of necessity. I required a captain, and you required employment."
He nodded.
"I will make no promises, nor shall I dare be called a liar. So, to that I end I shall speak bluntly." Kohler furrowed his brow at her tone, the she-elf was strangely captivating.
"Naggaroth is not a country for freemen."
Shrugging her shoulder and indicating her translator she continued, "Yurin is oath-bound to my service. Our passengers below are departing for Bretonnia, and the rest aboard this vessel are slaves."
Letting out a hollow chuckle Raveres raised an eyebrow and looked at Jaquen.
"Save for yourself and a few token sailors."
Reaching the fore of the deck she turned, "I imagine you enjoy your freedom, yes?"
Kohler remained quiet at the rhetorical question.
"Then I will make you a proposition."
At this he became wary.
"After we are discharged of the duties of this voyage, perhaps I might make a gift to you of this ship?"
Kohler scoffed and took a half step back, his face contorted incredulously and Yurin too looked at his mistress surprised.
"A ship is freedom yes?"
Kohler laughed as he finally rediscovered his tongue, "Aye? But… y-you're mad! Ha! You would gift me a vessel?"
Cocking her eyebrows and smiling, Raveres nodded, "I've been thinking on this for a while, but yes. I would."
Shaking his head Kohler became more wary.
"You barely know me…"
"Nor you I."
The two shared a tense exchange of glances before Raveres' body language changed and she resumed movement.
"Yet I thought it a suitable bonus; perhaps you should think of it as enticement to do an exceptional job while in my service."
Nodding slowly Kohler followed her, "Aye-aye."
Sighing and relaxing her posture Raveres looked ahead of them, her eyes scanning the horizon. Her face became plain and the seconds passed. Then the moment grew into stale awkwardness, forcing Kohler to dart his eyes towards Yurin.
The translator pursed his lips and averted his gaze.
Perplexed at her sudden silence and turn; thinking that she was ignoring him Jaquen cleared his throat and dared speak.
"So…" Kohler raised a brow. "would now be the time to share the particulars of our course, my lady?"
Adjusting his belt and tunic nervously the human waited a moment for his employer's response.
Blinking and squinting upwards at an inquisitive gull the she-elf finally moved. Turning to look at Jaquen she spoke, "I'd like to see my cabin first."
Stepping past Kohler and motioning Yurin to follow her, she called back, her voice now stern, "I'll send for you when I'm ready. In the meantime, get us to top speed Captain."
Furrowing his brow and nodding, Jaquen planted his hands on his hips and grunted before speaking; "Aye-aye milady."
When they were past him and farther along the deck Yurin sped to her side and cleared his throat, this being the first time he could speak to her semi-privately since they left the palace.
"My lady, I did as you had asked; your slaves are within your chamber, and all your comforts are awaiting you. Additionally, I've seen to-"
Grunting loudly Raveres interrupted her retainer as she continued towards the open hatch and the stairs below deck.
"I am in no mood for tedium Yuri… I command, you obey, and my will is done, I require no further explanation at present, understood?"
She didn't look at the Seneschal but he could easily guess as to her current expression.
"Understood." he repeated meekly.
Beginning down the stairs Raveres looked around the wooden walls and surroundings keenly.
"The results of my orders are often made manifest." She paused and looked over her shoulder. "If I wanted to hear about the ins and outs of-"
Now she stopped, closing her eyes and waiting for a long moment. Eventually she took a breath, wearily. Yurin's heart felt a sudden rush of concern; since boarding her whole demeanour had seemed off to him, but he hadn't quite been able to see it until now.
Planting her hands on the wall of the stairwell Raveres leant forwards and pressed her forehead to the wood.
She waited a moment before speaking again, her voice now sounded tired and, in a brief second, she deflated in front of him.
"The horses?"
Yurin nodded, quickly speaking so as to not make her uncomfortable, "They're seen to; both have been fed and given some tranquiliser. I'd say that they're alright with the waves and motion so far."
Raveres nodded and pushed herself off the wall. Taking another moment to herself she then waved Yurin along as she stepped down the last of the steps.
Entering into the first of the lower decks she walked now with strange familiarity, rounding the corner passage and down the narrow hall towards the 'great cabin' more calmly than before. Yurin kept his distance, but was watching her uncertainly.
"And my wealth?"
Yurin nodded again, "Locked away in the hold. The slaves not acting as part of the crew are chained below. We've more than enough provisions to maintain their health."
Clearing his throat Yurin supressed his discomfort, "The slavers were very forward with how best to treat them on the sea and until we get to market in-"
His voice trailed off as he attempted to remember the name of the stop before Raveres' home of Blacklight Tower.
Raveres opened the cabin's door and stepped through, helping her retainer by interjecting "Karond Kar."
Yurin nodded and repeated, his pronunciation faltering only the slightest, "Yes, Karond Kar. Right…"
Closing the door behind him he paused as Raveres stepped ahead.
"Why do we not sail to Blacklight Tower directly?"
Raveres chuckled, "If the slave-masters of Karond Kar find out a vessel bearing slaves passed them without paying the toll…"
Looking over her shoulder she smirked. "Let's just say that your skin might just make it into the binding of a book. Yet what a pretty binding it would be, ha ha!"
Yurin stopped mid-step and blinked, uncertain if his mistress had spoken truth or hyperbole. But before he could ask, he was interrupted by the sight of the room past Raveres.
In the middle of the cabin and looking up at her and him sat the slaves, Arathar, Maya, and Rhea.
The three now wore collars around their necks and at present they were of a purely utilitarian style: a simple band of padded iron with a silver ring at the front for the attachment of a leading chain. Raveres had shared with Yurin that they had enjoyed the indulgence of her earlier laxity far too much and that before they reached Naggaroth her three treasures would be well-broken in.
"Is the door bolted?"
Arathar gulped and was still at the appearance of Raveres, while Maya and Rhea averted their eyes.
Turning and checking the handle, Yurin drew the iron lock and responded, "Yes my lady."
Looking at her three slaves and hearing Yurin's response Raveres sighed satisfactorily.
"Good."
The three were sitting on Arabyan cushions and blankets which had been strewn on the ground in the middle of the room. They were in a semicircle, each with something in their hands or laying in front of them; Rhea had her ivory flute, Maya had a food-laden bowl, and Arathar was reading a scroll.
Stepping forwards slowly Raveres made a 'tuck-tuck' with her tongue and indicated that they were to move out of her way. Complying the three slaves each shuffled back enough for Raveres to step in the middle of their configuration.
"I am apprehensive over Captain Kohler's loyalty."
Turning around and reaching her gauntlet covered hands to her belt she began untying and pulling her belt and sheathed sword from her waist.
Smirking and looking at her retainer she tilted her head up as she spoke boyishly, "Catch."
Without warning she tossed the weapon and belt towards Yurin and he shot his hands out to grab the awkward projectile, answering her earlier statement.
"To me he's a mercenary sort, and coin assures his loyalty, does it not?"
Letting out a low laugh Raveres looked down before turning and purposefully falling onto one of the larger pillows below her.
The noise of her dull armour clinking and shuffling as she fell made Yurin furrow his brow and tilt his head. When she had settled Raveres stared upwards at the ceiling beams, breathing heavily, a strange little smile across her lips.
"Yurin, think on this: my crew is human. Yet I am but the sole Druchii. When we dock in Karond Kar, I assure you that they will make a keen interest upon Kohler and his freemen sailors. A most keen interest."
Then she moved, and tried adjusting how she was laying.
"I would like him to avoid thinking about such a prospect, wouldn't you?"
Yurin nodded, understanding her tentative strategy so far, "I suppose yes."
Raveres tilted her head, "But, more pressing then that, I wonder about the squire and our 'furlough' in Bretonnia."
Her face grimaced and she grunted before letting out a huff of frustration. Reaching her gauntlet covered hands upwards she pursed her lips and furrowed her brow.
"I have been vexed each time I think on it."
Yurin looked over his mistress. While her voice was even-toned, and though she was speaking with the confidence of privacy, he still saw that she was tired…
Moving her eyes to her side at Arathar she cleared her throat, issuing a wordless order. He furrowed his pretty eyebrows, confused, and she clarified he was to act with a curt "'Rathy."
The Asur moved forwards, his hands swiftly began unclipping the straps on the side of the gauntlet, while on Raveres' other side Maya followed his lead.
Looking back at the ceiling the Druchii let out a happy chuckle and smiled.
Nodding Yurin straightened and risked a question, "How long do you project it'll take for us to reach Naggaroth?"
Stepping towards Raveres' bed Yurin kept looking at his mistress, waiting for her response as he laid her longsword onto the edge of the plush sheeting. While her slaves pulled at her armour, she moved her mouth from side to side thinking.
"I hope no longer than it took to leave…" letting out a long breath as the armour came away from her hands and forearms, she looked at Yurin and continued, "Near two months? Perhaps three."
Furrowing his brow Yurin looked away and did a brief calculation, "So we should be, uh, 'home' before the snows and the end of the year correct?"
Nodding she agreed, "We ought to be, yes."
Yurin nodded again.
"My lady I wonder…"
He felt somewhat uncomfortable and became quiet as he gathered himself.
Raveres' pleasant demeanour evapourated and she prodded him to continue, "What is it?"
"I don't think we'll be able to stay on the shores of Bretonnia all that long."
Closing her eyes Raveres let out a long and heavy breath. Yurin furrowed his brow, 'she already knew?'
"It is of little concern Yuri…" blinking and remaining still she moved her legs and raised a knee, bringing her boot down against the floor in a light stomp.
Yurin nodded and averted his eyes, "As you say. But my lady, I think that we should better determine our course."
Raveres couldn't contain her frustration any longer and as Arathar was working at the straps along the side of her cuirass she shot her right hand at his shoulder in a blow, stopping him, Maya likewise halted her own movement.
Sitting up from her lounge Raveres furrowed her brow at Yurin.
"I do not think I need to remind you that I have gone through far more extenuating circumstances for my Hakseer than could have been predicted."
Yurin pursed his lips and stood back up stiffly as he nodded, "O-of course I… I merely meant that…"
"Meant what?"
"Apologies, my lady. I misspoke."
Furrowing her brow and remaining eerily still she took a breath and straightened.
"What did you mean?"
Yurin blinked nervously and looked away, "We aren't exactly in the best position to go ashore."
Exhaling and meeting her gaze Yurin cleared his throat before continuing, "We don't exactly have a loyal crew, aye? We have a cargo of slaves and exotic trade-goods, a hold-" he hushed his voice, "A hold full of plunder, and not nearly enough swords to defend ourselves should we be attacked."
The Druchii's expression slowly, but eventually, softened.
Letting out a long growl Raveres laid back down, covering her face with a hand before petulantly whining, "I know."
Yurin sighed, her trepidation and moodiness all now making sense. 'She's surely at her wits end?' he thought.
With her face still covered Raveres let out another growl before revealing herself.
"One day at a time Yuri…" she nodded, "I have spent far too long away from home already. The sooner we reach Blacklight the better…"
Yurin drew a breath and nodded in agreement.
"We're a few weeks from Bretonnia, then I'm rid of another worry. Until then, one day, and one issue, at a time."
Yurin furrowed his brow and opened his mouth in curiosity.
Shaking her head from side to side she interrupted him before he asked anything further. "Now, go. Talk with that Kohler… inspect something, eat, slumber. I care not. We will speak more tomorrow morning."
Looking at Rhea Raveres pointed towards one of the crates of wine sitting beside her trunk on the other side of the room. Bowing her head, the slave rose and walked past Yurin.
Waving her hand Raveres sighed heavily and closed her eyes again. Maya and Arathar tentatively started undressing her again and she remained still, merely breathing.
Yurin looked over his mistress' body, reading her conflicted and tense features as long as he dared.
Eventually he nodded, then bowed his body at the waist, "Didn't you want to speak with Kohler yourself? About our course?"
Opening her eyes Raveres pursed her lips and grunted.
Bringing her right hand to her eyes she began rubbing her lids.
"Right…"
…
"They could have been more careful!" Jacque whined.
He and Shen were standing in front of the two stalls built into the ship's main lower deck, the squire had undressed the barding and cloth from both his horse and Michelle. Giving each steed ample brushing and soft words.
Shen hid her smile with the sleeve of her dirty tunic once more.
Exiting his horse's stall, he shot Shen a look before stuttering, "S-stop laughing!"
She offered her open palms and uncovered face in apology as she continued to beam an innocent smile. Calming herself and sighing she turned from the stalls towards the stairs to the surface deck.
"You're almost as smitten with those horses as you are that elf… Ha ha! You Bretonnians." Shaking her head, she let out a sigh.
Jacque stopped, his breath catching in his throat.
Looking over her shoulder Shen raised a brow teasingly. "Come on now little knight, you know it's obvious."
Furrowing his eyebrows in embarrassment the squire cringed before finally asking, "Is it?"
Shen smirked.
Jacque blinked and opened his mouth but stopped again.
The easterner stopped smiling, "I do not mean offense."
Shaking his head Jacque pointed towards the stairs to the above deck. "Let's get some air at least."
Bowing her head, she agreed. "Perhaps instead you can tell me of your home? Where we'll be landing in Bretonnia?"
Jacque's nervousness abated and he mentally breathed in relief, 'Something I can talk about… ha.'
Yet the arrival of a third interrupted his response as Yurin announced happily, "Ah, there you two are."
Simultaneously they greeted him as "Master Yurin!" and "Lord Yurin."
Smiling uncomfortably at both titles Yurin nodded his head at the pair before politely correcting; "I am no lord Lady Shen."
Averting her eyes and smiling politely she replied, "Of course, yet you honour me unduly; I am no lady."
Yurin chuckled, "Are you indeed?"
Jacque raised a brow and cleared his throat before asking, "Did she send you?"
Yurin looked back to the squire and nodded, "Lady Raveres has requested that I see to you, make sure you are well accommodated and if you require anything."
Shen bowed her head deeply, her voice dripping with gratitude, "Your patroness is far more generous than I ever could have anticipated. She is all Jacque has said and more."
Yurin, disarmed by the compliment, smiled and accepted on behalf of his mistress.
"Have you been aboard such a vessel before Shen?"
She nodded, sheepishly admitting, "It was many moons ago, but yes."
Jacque smirked and offered a polite interjection.
Yurin spoke with them for a while, allowing himself a moment of relief before seeking out captain Kohler.
But once he had left Jacque's smile faded, his voice drooping as he spoke, "I do not feel smitten."
Shen furrowed her brow privately as she looked at the squire.
Turning to look at her face, he continued "I don't know what to feel…"
Pursing her lips Shen watched as Jacque's expression became unsure.
"Come now," she offered, "Let's go above deck and get some air, yes?"
The squire didn't seem enamoured by the offer, and he merely nodded while dutifully stepping along.
The two walked along quietly until they reached the deck, the sun was low in the sky and the afternoon was nearly done. Sunset would be upon them shortly, and with the clouds as sparse as they were Jacque smirked.
Happy memories came to him and he innocently remarked, 'Just like watching it set across the sand sea, eh Sir Jean?'
Shen spoke, her voice calm and light as she asked him again, "Tell me of your home little Breton."
Leaning against the rail Jacque sighed.
"Green, uh… Woods and fields. Many hamlets and thatch roofs." He smirked and his cheeks reddened somewhat.
"Truth be, I do not remember it well enough. I spent little time in it, before then living in barracks with Sir Jean. But I know our Duke was a kind man…"
He nodded, "Then I remember our being sent to Araby."
Shen nodded and stepped to the squire's side, looking out over the water and glancing down at him every moment or so.
The boy grumbled before pressing his forehead to the wood.
"What does it matter? You probably know more of my home than I. I've spent almost more time away than I have there. Years in Araby, months in the port, weeks at Sir Jean's barony, before then coming back."
Shaking his head, he lifted up and contemplated the horison for a long while.
"I've been deceived by the elf." He finally admitted.
Shen furrowed her brow and slowly looked towards him.
Pushing himself up from the railing he pursed his lips, his brow moving as he tried to suppress his emotions.
"I… ha. Not in that way…" he looked at Shen, his eyes nervously darting away before he continued, "She was… well I had thought."
He stopped, remembering when he had first beheld Raveres. Then he remembered how he had wrestled with himself; the strange agony in his heart.
Everything that he had seen in her, or had wanted to see was undone…
Finally, after a long while, he admitted aloud, "I was wrong."
Shen pursed her lips, watching the youth.
Letting out a shallow laugh Jacque looked up at his companion, embarrassed, and wanting to be anywhere else.
"I'm curious my lady… Once we are away to Bretonnia, where then will you go?"
Shen blinked, "Not a place of your concern little knight."
Taken aback, Jacque nodded before letting out another chuckle, "Alright then, I didn't mean to pry. It's just… You are a mysterious one you know."
She smiled before offering a softer answer, "I've always wanted to see the court of the Fey Enchantress, and then perhaps, unto Ulthuan?"
Jacque furrowed his brow and let out a breath, "W-well! Aiming high, aren't you? Nobody sees the Enchantress' court!"
He shook his head and laughed again in disbelief.
Shen leant onto the rail and looked at the young squire, playfully, as if she knew more than he, "And why is that?"
Stuttering Jacque motioned his hand up and down, "Well, you're not Bretonnian for one, a-and you're a woman… I…" he chuckled again.
"You're not a knight of the grail or a lord of the land, hardly any foreigner sees the Fey... A-and even those among the blessed who have seen her, number only in the dozens!"
Jacque brought a hand to scratch his brow nervously, "E-even then it is not permitted to look directly upon her majesty, s-she's the voice and will of the Lady made flesh!"
Shen tilted her head to the side, "And this makes her unviewable?"
The squire's face was reddening now, "Y-you keep h-heathen gods, do you not? I mean, I-I… I'm aiding you because of chivalry, but… I know there are knights who," he faltered.
"There are knights who think that association with those who hold different gods and ways are…"
Shen raised a brow, repeating "heathens?"
Jacque nodded. And Shen pursed her lips, nodding to herself before asking, "Your knight father, would he have called me a heathen?"
"Not at all, h-"
"Yet you have?"
"I…" Jacque paused, his face now erupting red.
Shen hid her mouth as she laughed, "I jest…"
Pushing Jacque's shoulder, the easterner chuckled, "You are far too sombre and easy to tease for someone still so young."
Furrowing his brow and straightening his back the boy responded, "I am a man you know; by right and custom of my lands!"
Shen was not stupid, and she could read Jacque as easily as if his truth was painted upon his face. He was far from what he wanted to be, and she had taken a liberty with him now. Further than the boy could maturely understand.
She looked him over, debating in herself to speak again. Finally his earnest, helpless expression, compelled her to speak, "She would destroy you."
Jacque's face became confused, "What?"
"The she-elf."
He was about to respond when Shen interjected, "We have a few days more of her company, but I tell you now young Jacque Le Tours."
Jacque blinked, his face relaxing from tension to surprise as Shen stepped forwards, her hand touching the side of his neck and his shoulder. Her strange, dark eyes, pierced through him. The bruising and blackening from their shared capture had yet to completely heal, but her eyes had an intensity to their gaze which shot him as surely as an arrow.
It was a feeling not unlike when he had seen Raveres for the first time, but where that was lustful compulsion, here was beatific command.
His chest felt almost dispelled of ill, his stomach lost the wretched uncomfortable feeling at its top and Jacque's body was released of a pain he hadn't totally noticed was there. A weight indescribable had been relieved of him and he merely blinked.
All this, passing from this woman he barely knew, and the desire to 'be right' in action in 'aiding' her. What compulsion, truly was motivating him?
Was it an attraction? He wondered, Shen was bruised and had been beaten when he saw her first. He wanted to shake his head; she too was also one of the most foreign women he'd ever seen… No, no. It couldn't have been like what he had felt for Raveres, f-for the elf…
She was, well, they were known to have been bewitching, even the golden-haired children of Ulthuan were said to be entrancing as such. But… what was it truly which had compelled him to-
'The… The Lady?' he honestly wondered.
'It, it is said she appears in actions and deeds as verily as she-'
His face became confused and he knew not how to bear his thoughts, and he had no idea how to back away from his companion. Her eyes continuing to search and watch him.
Shen saw through him and, for a moment, Jacque felt it.
"She'd break your heart."
Furrowing her brow Shen offered a pained, mature, almost motherly, smile.
No words came from his lips, but he thought, and the voice in his head was so strong he believed himself to have spoken it aloud, 'What then, ought I do?'
Letting a sigh through her nose and stepping just a few inches closer, Shen's hand felt lighter than a feather even as she made her grip firmer upon him.
"You need let her go."
Jacque nodded in affirmation, but he then felt a twinge of curiosity overwhelm his obedience. Wonder plagued him as he searched and looked at the wide, round, foreign features of the woman before him.
'Who are you, really?' He thought.
"Let her go little knight, and see yourself home."
His curiosity was overridden and he blinked and nodded. His stomach twirled and his neck felt stiff, but he 'knew' to obey and his questions routed from his tongue and mind.
Shen smiled again, that matronly, approving, smile and Jacque allowed himself to smirk.
His mouth loosened and his expression became assured, confident, then his voice came and he agreed with Shen, "Right."
The oriental woman moved her eyes from his face, and now self-sure features. Instead she looked at her hand upon him with severe interest.
Then watching her hand and his face, her eyes darting from one to the other, she slowly lifted her hand from him.
His expression remained, and once her fingers were free of his flesh he nodded.
"I was uncertain lady Shen… But you are correct."
She blinked and brought her right hand to clasp her left, hiding her expression and her exhaustion behind a bow of her head.
"Indeed?" she asked.
"Yes." Stepping back to the railing Jacque nodded again before looking to his side at his companion. "Bretonnia will be a welcome sight." He chuckled innocently, "If not for me then for the horses certainly! The poor creatures, Michelle will be looking forwards to pasture. She's seen enough of battles."
Shen nodded.
"Sir Jean loved her dearly, hah. Told me so, at length, that there was no more loyal a steed."
Pursing his lips Jacque pouted comically, "Mine on the other hand, a rightfully sorry beast I must say!"
Shen smirked, and her ears rose while her eyes crinkled at their corners. Her spell had been woven successfully, and he hadn't any inclination otherwise.
Looking away from the horison and the boy beside her she looked over the deck; the sailors went about their work and Jacque talked away, all trace of apprehension replaced by confidence and a sure-known duty.
Yet her eyes paused when she saw their captain, Kohler.
He and the retainer of the Druchii, Yuri, were speaking near the mid-deck. But the captain's eyes were on her, his brow cocked in interest as he squinted across the deck.
Shen's heart skipped a beat and she merely blinked, her face blank, as she looked back at the man. Eventually Kohler snapped to and turned back to his conversation with Yurin, his face changed to a normal expression.
'Did he see?'
Looking from side to side, at all the sailors, they were still going about their work normally.
'No… none of them saw.'
Shen furrowed her brow and turned back to Jacque's side.
'None saw. This time.'
She drew a heavy breath and supressed a shiver.
'We are so close… so close.'
Nodding, Shen did her best to reassure herself, 'None saw, and no one but the she-elf suspects anything. Yet none of this will concern us for much longer.'
Exhaling and calming her heart's beat Shen nodded again, 'We have not made it this far only to be found out here. They saw nothing.'
…
When Yurin had exited her cabin Raveres waited a few moments before finally letting out a restrained breath.
"Gods below! This tedium without end!"
Arathar furrowed his brow and looked over Raveres' body at Maya. The two slaves shared a silent glance of acknowledgment while Rhea had tapped a new bottle of wine and filled a cup as she was bid.
Stepping carefully towards the lounging Raveres the blonde imperial avoided the pillows as she lowered herself to offer the drink.
"Here you are my lady."
Raveres rubbed at her flaking cheeks and paused, blinking before asking. "You just opened it?"
Rhea nodded, "Yes, a new bottle. The cork was sealed with wax, my lady."
The blonde offered a smile across her rosy and lively cheeks. But her expression faltered as she watched her mistress rise.
Shooting daggers Raveres scoffed, "Despite your beauty you really are a witless peasant."
Rhea's face flushed red, and her heart sank, "W-what?"
Pursing his lips Arathar stilled, helplessly, as Raveres let out her frustration. Now making an issue where she hadn't before…
"Wine needs to breathe! I don't know what filthy alehouse you grew up in but I swear you had best remedy your lacks before we reach Naggaroth or I may make an offering to Mathlaan of you!"
Raising a brow and extending her bare right hand towards Rhea's chin Raveres laughed as she realised, "Hey… That's not a bad idea. Perhaps he'd bless us with a firm wind and a smooth tide?"
Rhea averted her eyes and drew back the cup, pursing her lips and drawing a sharp breath while beside the Druchii, Arathar tensed. Raveres' serpent-like gaze snapped towards the movement.
Her hostile expression changed before she asked, "Arathy? You keep the same gods as I."
The Druchii let out a snigger, "At least most of the same ones. So, tell me, do you think she'd make a pleasing gift to Mathlaan?"
Keeping his eyes downcast and biting his tongue Arathar resisted as long as he could.
Looking back at Rhea, Raveres extended her right hand and placed the pad of her index finger onto the human's lips. Drawing a breath Arathar risked to speak, "My lady, you are uneasy, and most distressed."
Expecting a blow across his face Arathar tensed for a second, relaxing when he saw that Raveres had withdrawn her hand from Rhea's face and was laying back onto the pillows and blanket underneath her.
Blinking and pursing her lips her expression cooled before she finally responded to the slave.
"Your powers of observation are so astute Arathar, I could almost mistake you for an Asrai."
His chest moved up and down and he could feel his pulse thunder. He had to be as careful and as diplomatic as was feasible…
"We are going to be sailing for a long while, till Naggaroth."
Raveres agreed, interrupting him, "Indeed."
"You've gone through much, by tell of your wounds." He paused, anticipating another interruption, yet Raveres merely listened. Her expression stiff, but curious.
"Perhaps, within here. You might live and act secure in some knowledge of confidence?" His voice was unsure, and he rose at the end of his question. He had tried as hard as possible to suppress his disdain, but the she-elf knew.
Raveres furrowed her brow before letting out a sputter and a laugh. Instantly Arathar averted his eyes, his cheeks reddening.
Shaking her head from side to side and smiling she ordered, "Get my armour off of me."
"I have to contemplate the stupidity of your words… 'Live and act in the knowledge of confidence'?"
Her laughter faltered and she merely furrowed her brow.
"Arathar, you're of a noble family are you not?"
Hoping to avoid further derision, he merely nodded his head in response and bit his tongue.
"In the course of your education, was diction something you learned? No, actually never mind… That was rhetorical."
Grunting and rising from her position Raveres forced herself to stand. Extending her arms out to either side Arathar and Maya began pulling the front and back of her cuirass away from her torso, untying and unclipping her pauldrons as they resumed the removal of her armour.
The Druchii was silent, merely letting out the occasional breath as she was undressed.
Eventually she had made a decision.
"I know what it is you would wish to do Arathar."
Descending to pull at her greaves he paused a moment and looked up, his emerald eyes meeting her purple. They shared a wordless exchange before she looked away.
Rhea had remained sitting, her hands clutching the goblet of wine and the she-elf snarled, "If you hold it like that your palms will heat the wine."
Snapping to the human looked into her hands in horror. "I! A-apologies, I…"
"Silence, give it here." Rhea bit her tongue and offered her mistress the cup.
Taking it Raveres sighed, "Warm or not I'm thirsty and bored. I've time to kill before the appearance of that 'captain'. So now, find your flute and play for me. I'm sure you might get a song in before Kohler arrives…"
Rhea nodded; a small, uncomfortable smile forced across her features before she turned and began her search for the ivory.
Raveres took a sip of her drink and hid her displeasure at the taste, looking instead at Maya.
"I wish you to clean my armour. I suspect you of being the only one here martially capable enough to not ruin it."
Rhea hastily translated for Maya and the southlander nodded before collecting all the discarded sections and pieces of Raveres' plat armour.
"Now, Arathy…" she smirked as her body finally came free of her grieves. "My body is weary from our flight from Araby."
Sipping at her wine and hissing she moved towards the bed and reached towards her sheathed sword, pushing it off the side of the bed and to the floor with a heavy smack.
"You get the privilege of minding me."
Keeping her wine level Raveres climbed over the mattress towards the head of her bed, letting out a rough breath at the exertion when she finished. Turning around and sitting down she stuck out her legs, stretching them and breathing heavily at the free feeling of being out of her armour.
Taking another long sip of her wine she snapped her fingers, getting the attention of the three slaves.
"Arathy, begin with my calves first."
Sighing she leant her head back and grumbled, "then we'll see where the night may lead."
Rhea, taking up her flute, paused.
Arathar as well, hesitated, before continuing forwards.
Sipping at her wine Raveres merely shot the Asur a look and he obligingly began.
He drew a nervous breath but realised he need only do this for now. If she was expecting the human captain then maybe…
Arathar blinked and dared to look up at her face.
'Maybe she'd be lenient?'
Looking over her relaxed face, her vibrant eyes, he saw that her skin was better repaired now than when he had first met her.
Then he recalled her command and the dreadful glee she had when she had 'bought' him.
'Leniency from a Druchii is about as likely as the moons are to fall from the sky…'
His thoughts paused as their eyes met. Swallowing another mouthful of wine, Raveres raised a brow quizzically.
For the briefest moments she looked different to him, but he knew better than to keep her waiting or to dwell on his thought.
Looking down at her bare foot he moved his hands forwards tentatively and lifted the material of a trouser leg up and began kneading her skin and tightened muscle.
Despite their cultural reputation, their homeland, and Raveres' own personal demeanour, her skin wasn't cold to the touch… Risking a glance upwards Arathar let slip his own breath of relief at her expression.
Closing her eyes and chuckling Raveres had leaned her head backwards and mumbled "Sa'an'ishar…"
…
"Captain Kohler!" Yurin called.
Turning around the roguish sailor nodded.
'Never a bloody dull moment…' he chuckled to himself.
"What is it bookworm?"
Yurin steadied himself as he came to the surface of the deck. Nodding the erudite man pointed back down, "Lady Raveres will see you now."
A crewman yelled a call down to Kohler and he responded gruffly before stepping along and towards the retainer.
"Can't keep her waiting, can we?"
Yurin pursed his lips.
Squinting at him Kohler supressed a smile, "You know, you didn't tell me she'd be…"
"What?"
"As tenacious as she is."
Yurin let out a breath, before pursing his lips and thinking. After a moment he decided to speak candidly, "How would you have described her?"
Jaquen stopped and smiled broadly.
"Elven." He nodded, "Aye, elven is how I'd describe her."
Yurin furrowed his brow uncertainly, "Right…"
Kohler looked across the deck. The young squire and the easterner, the she-elf's passengers, were speaking to one another.
Squinting Kohler looked from the boy to the woman and raised a brow.
Yurin, following Kohler's gaze looked over and nodded.
"The boy's name is Jacque."
Kohler looked back to Yurin, before smiling broadly and letting out a chuckle. The two began walking as the captain spoke, "Is he really?"
Yurin chuckled, "Yes, perhaps after speaking with lady Raveres you might meet with the boy. I'm sure he'd be interested that your name is so similar."
Jaquen Kohler nodded, "Well, I've been somewhat inconsistent with my name to the men so far, might cause a little confusion eh?"
Yurin nodded, "It may just captain."
Furrowing his brow and remembering his 'job' Yurin cleared his throat and his voice took on a professional tone as he asked, "Speaking of the crew, how are they so far? We're in a good way, are we?"
Kohler nodded but lowered his voice as they stepped below deck, "Perhaps we keep that for the great cabin, aye?"
Yurin cringed, "O-of course…"
A lifetime serving within the Sapphire Court had taught him to mind the columns and the alcoves, eyes and ears were everywhere within and without the palace. Yet here… aboard their new wooden world, he had stupidly made the mistake to neglect such a precaution.
Kohler smiled as they walked towards Raveres' cabin, "Not to worry, master Yuri."
The swarthy sailor chuckled, but quieted as they reached the door, "Not yet at least."
Yurin reached for the handle to the door, but Kohler shot his hand to his wrist, stopping him.
"Wait a moment…" he furrowed his brow, "Is that, singing? It sounds… elvish."
…
Raveres wiggled her right index finger through the air melodiously as Rhea blew and played.
Arathar was moving his hands to Raveres' left leg and was working down from the top of her calf when she shook her head and finished her wine.
"Ah ta, ta, Rhea, play for me Ladrielle's Map. It's an Asur song, surely you know it?"
Arathar paused mid-stroke and looked up his brow furrowed.
Raveres raised one of her silver eyebrows and chortled at his expression, "You know the words I imagine Arathy?"
Raising her right foot and prodding his chest with her toes she teased, "Sing for me Asur."
The Druchii smiled broadly, and for the first time Arathar, Rhea, and Maya, saw their mistress reveal a sliver of innocent glee. Yet of course her happiness was due to the fact that she was being pampered like a spoiled child, surrounded by comforts and toys which were powerless to refuse her.
"You know it yes?" she prodded again.
Eventually Arathar nodded reluctantly, "I do… But I am no bard my lady."
Ignoring his protest Raveres had heard what she wanted; she heard a 'yes', and waving her hand dismissively she turned towards the imperial, "Nonsense, Rhea, begin."
Retracting her left leg from Arathar's hands Raveres pointed, "My brother Narien wouldn't shut up about the arts; constantly extoling the skills of our cousins. I swear he'll sail for Ulthuan someday and never return …" she sniggered at the thought.
"So, sing for me Arathar."
Smiling sadistically Raveres waited and watched as Arathar darted his eyes towards Rhea. The human had begun blowing into the flute and moving her fingers across the ivory, commencing the rhythmic flow of the song.
Arathar opened his mouth and looked back, pleadingly, "My lady I…"
"Sing."
Rhea was getting closer to the part where the lyrics began and Arathar cringed, his face contorting as he watched the pleasure this was giving Raveres.
Missing the first beat and cue of the lyrics Arathar forced out the opening line, rushing through the words as he caught up to Rhea's time. His voice was unsure and lacked all confidence, vibrating at the back of his throat as he forced out the words.
"Ladrielle, most blessed Ladrielle, goddess of our lost. I see your eyes and hidden smile guiding me on my way."
"Your map you gave, your map I keep, to track this lonely way."
"For hours I'd sleep and under trees I'd weep, if not for your hand."
Rhea improvised a bridge of music, similar in tone to the original and Raveres leant back happily. Her smile twisting to the side of her mouth as she forced some restraint on her sudden pleasure.
"Across the seas and times, to towers high, and paths laid low…"
"I rest my hand, I rest my bow, and wait, yes I wait, till the path,"
"This long and weary path, takes me unto places you seek to show."
The door opened and Arathar's face dropped, his cheeks burnt red and he looked down, his hands shooting for Raveres' leg. Rhea continued playing but lowered her volume and blinked at the arrival of the two men.
…
Yurin stepped in first, his face bowed down, "My lady, I… I'm sorry to interrupt but I have with me captain Kohler."
Raveres nodded, "Yes, yes."
Yurin waved the man into the cabin and he offered a tilt of his head towards his lounging patroness.
But as he stepped more into view Kohler's eyes widened and he cleared his throat at the sight.
The she-elf was laid back upon her bed, a goblet of wine in her left hand, and her right resting upon her thigh. Her trousers had been rolled up and her pale, bare skin was visible from her feet up to her knees.
Beside her on the bed, sitting and rubbing her flesh, was one of her personal slaves, the only male, and the only elvish one…
Instant envy shot into Kohler and his mouth dried.
The male elf was moving his long fingers and expertly massaging her flesh, pushing and lightly pulling as he moved his hands down the leg. Her pliant and smooth skin looked soft to the touch, and with each motion of the male elf's hands Kohler felt a sense of disbelief at the luck that the slave had to be able to touch her like he was…
The darkness of her underclothes was surprising to him, and the contrast of the dark clothes accentuated her paleness; the fact that she was out of her armour also surprised him further. He had thought that once she'd be undressed of the metal her true demeanour would come through.
That her earlier coldness and command was merely a false show, some kind of forced masculinity.
But here, the way she was lying, the way her slaves worked, and the attitude she now sported, Kohler didn't know how to describe her true colours…
Her face, had a strange satisfied smile across it and her eyebrows arched in a peculiar fashion. Her chest, no longer accosted by the plate cuirass was now visible. And Kohler saw that her tunic was a loose-fitting blouse with a deep vee; two cords hang on either side of it, their length tightened the space of the vee just above her cleavage so as to cover and obscure the exploration of wandering eyes.
Looking over her, all Kohler could think was about what else she looked like, and his eyes lingered first on the exposed flesh of her legs, up her body, tracing the soft and barely visible wisps of hair along her lightly tanned forearms, until finally he looked at her face.
The tell-tale remnants of sunburn were still visible across her cheeks, but it did little to diminish the unique and renowned elvish beauty which all knife-ears seemed to have…
He blinked and drew a breath quickly as his eyes involuntarily darted back towards Arathar.
Mentally scoffing Kohler's mouth opened as he stepped forwards at Yurin's invitation and insistence.
'By the gods, even her man-slave looks better than the best whores in Tilea…'
This was also the first time he'd made a study of any of her slaves: the man, was lithe, like Raveres he was somewhat taller than a human, but his chest and muscles were wanting. Instantly Kohler knew what kind of 'man' this slave was.
His hands and movements were soft, graceful. His hair long and well kempt, his face clean and closely shaven.
His patroness had made a slave of some kind of highborn… 'Perhaps she kept him as ransom?' he thought.
He only watched Arathar for a moment longer before looking directly at Raveres.
Her indigo eyes glinted in the light of the cabin as the flute's song finished and once it did the she-elf gave Kohler a subdued and suddenly reserved smile.
"Our course, captain."
Clearing his throat again Kohler nodded, "Aye."
"On our current heading how well might we make it to Bretonnia?"
Blinking and ignoring the two, attractive, elves before him Kohler looked towards the windows of the great cabin. Yurin hadn't translated the message, but Kohler understood her well enough. Feeling a burst of confidence, he decided to try speaking with more of a Druhir accent.
Pursing his lips, he tilted his head from side to side before answering, "A fortnight and some pennies, as an Imperial might say. In my estimation at least."
He forced a smirk and looked back over at Raveres, hoping that his elvish impressed.
Furrowing her brow, the she-elf's expression had cooled, while Arathar's fingers stopped and his mouth curled. Despite being a slave, the male looked directly at Kohler, giving no effort to hide his disgust at the human's accent.
Kohler's smile faded and he took a risk, addressing the blonde elf at Raveres' feet he growled in Reikspiel, "Was I speaking to you slave?"
Yet at this Arathar's expression soured, his eyes widened and his lips twitched.
His hands almost moved from Raveres' leg but the she-elf spoke up interrupting, "Enough Kohler." Without looking at him she scolded, "Arathar bite your tongue till it bleeds."
The slave shot a look of malice at Kohler before looking back down silent.
"Kohler, never address my slaves again, and never speak as if I am not here." Her eyes hid a blazing ire and the human swallowed.
"Of course… I…"
"Silence. We're going to be together for the foreseeable future." Kicking her legs out from Arathar's grasp Raveres slung herself to the side of the bed and stood while simultaneously pushing her empty cup into the slave's hand.
"You've a cartographer on board yes?"
Kohler nodded as she walked beside the bed and stooped to pick up her sheathed sword and belt, "Yes ma'am."
Bringing the weapon up and reclipping it across her waist she adjusted the leather straps tightness while speaking.
"Good. Now Yuri, go find Jacque and Shen and meet us in wardroom. Captain Kohler, find our good cartographer and have him there as well."
Yurin nodded and left first. Kohler nodded as well, pausing before leaving ahead of Raveres.
Raising her right hand quickly she shook her head from side to side. Her earlier warmth was gone, and instead she was now detached, her features cold.
Closing his mouth Kohler looked ahead and began walking, shaking his head at himself. A worry began eating away at his heart, 'I don't think I've made a good impression on her…'
Once the human was out of earshot Raveres turned to her slaves, her left hand resting on her sword's hilt.
"You did right Arathar…"
Taking a breath through her nose she closed the door and spoke candidly to her slaves.
"This Kohler is a means to an end. But if he, or anyone else for that matter, speaks to you hear this: they are speaking to me."
She nodded, supressing her sudden disgust.
"You are my property, and if anyone thinks of putting a hand on you, or speaking to you in a manner which would displease me I will redress it."
Taking a deep breath and standing straight Raveres forced a smile.
"Maya, finish with my armour. Rhea, begin teaching her Druhir."
Turning back to her bed she pointed at Arathar.
"You, come with me to the wardroom."
Standing up from the bed the Asur nodded uneasily. Placing her hand on the door and pushing it open Raveres chuckled hollowly, "Let's go plot a course, shall we?"
…