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Savage Lands -Mari-

-NekoUke-

-NekoUke-

Completely Incomplete
Joined
Jul 10, 2023
Location
Somewhere other than Nowhere
Authors note: BDSM, Slavery and Branding/Marking may be among the kinks.​

"We don't want any survivors."

"Isn't that obvious? This was an Imperial convoy."

------
​
A few wagons lay in ruins on the side of a dirt road, far away from their intended route. Due to this and the tracks, one could assume the convoy was forced to take a detour by their pursuers. Interestingly, the destroyed wagons all bared the Imperial crest of The Holy Empire of Tretopia; the most dominant empire within these lands and one that many feared was unstoppable. Rumours were, the Empress had the backing and strength of their Goddess behind them and when one was faced with annihilation should they resist, no one could be blamed for laying down and submitting to their rule. No one of course, except the barbarian clans in the Northlands, who themselves had their own priorities.

Among the wreckage and the corpses of Imperial soldiers that littered the roadside, stood burly; axe wielding women who were identified as being allied with each other given the blue body paint they wore. The colour of which marked them as members of the Blue Raven clan. As nomadic as they were, they held their own territory and settlement inside a ruined fortress in the South-Eastern most tip of the Northlands. Fierce and matriarchal, with men existing as labour or breeding tools; one could be forgiven they never held any alliances with outsiders. A sentiment that was true up until recently, when their, albeit begrudging alliance with the Ashen Field was dismantled by the Imperials crushing the Ashen Field under their heels, forcing them to bow to their demands. A move that, while the Blue Ravens held some resentment for the Ashen Field kowtowing to the Empress, it was nowhere near as strong as their hatred for the Imperials.

A hatred that severe. Not that they were in any position to launch a full-scale assault on the Empire however; given the largest and cruellest barbarian clan in the North supported the tyrannical Empress.

"If you're done, load the carts. And put the prisoner in the back with the others." Called out a voice with enough authority belonging to twenty-five year old Asta who herself was the closest thing the clan had to a General. Though she stood one below in rank to the leaders sister, she was still a fearsome presence; accented by her tendency to go berserk in battle. As such, the other Blue Ravens picked up an unconscious, dark skinned male who was clad in nothing but a thin loincloth and chains before tossing him roughly in the back of the wagon with the rest of the slaves. This prisoner was twenty-one year old, Prince Hasani Amari from the desert Kingdom of Al Sulem that was recently conquered by Tretopia.

Though he was asleep. He'd eventually come to once the wagons started moving again, heading towards the Northlands. A savage land that called itself home to all manner of beasts, as well as the barbarian clans.

His eyes would flicker open. Seeing other men seated among him dressed and chained up the same way as he. It was a pitiful sight. Among the men was Julian. A twenty year old noble, formally of House Hughes of the Ashen Field. He had his head in his hands, obviously the fall from grace hit him like a sledgehammer. Another was a much more masculine, but no less handsome male who in his former life was a Dragon Knight before he was reduced to being a slave. That man was Theodric Tyrer. Around twenty-five in age, he was an accomplished warrior indeed; known for his skill with a lance as well as his rugged good looks. Though, just how much would those serve him when among barbarians, he wondered?

The air was tense. A heavy aura of dread hung over the men as the wagon continued on its way. What would these women do to them? These were barbarians; a group not known for their moral codes.

"You're far away from home." Theodric said to Hasani, the male who had just woken up.

"Where am I?"

"A slave wagon, where else? Did you hit your head or something? From one to another, talk about out of the frying pan.." Theodric smirked. His lame attempt at lifting the bad air going over poorly.

"Will you stop, I'm stressed enough as it is!" Julian eventually lifted his head and shouted out. "They might kill us!" He watched as Theodric smirked again as he replied. "Only if you're undesirable. And in that case, I'll have no problem being desirable."

"Oh really? Let's see how well that ego serves you when they decide to make an eunuch out of you!" Julian bit back.

The air was indeed tense and emotions were understandably were beginning to reach a boiling point. Hasani on the other hand did not say anything as he did not want to stir the pot any more than it already was. He simply remained quiet as the Blue Ravens continued on their way.
 
The other man in the cart, Aedan von Reissler, watched the arguing. Formally a twenty-two year old scholar in the Kingdom of Nosian, now reduced to a slave. It was a hard pill to swallow when he'd had such a position. He was handling it through...quiet. Through contemplation and planning. Julian was dealing with this through anger, Theodric through humour. It seemed they all had different ways to deal with this situation that they had found themselves in. How all of these men from different backgrounds and Kingdoms had fallen into the barbarians hands was humiliating.

"We'll be used for labour, breeding, or profit" Aedan said with a sigh, recalling what his research had told him about the Blue Raven Clan. "Perhaps all three if they're feeling generous"

Perhaps he should have kept his mouth shut, whether it would help or hinder the emotions in the wagon he didn't know. Most likely hinder. The reality of their situation likely wouldn't assist in raising morale. He just couldn't stop himself from correcting the other's in this situation. They had to be actually aware of what would become of them.

He turned to look at Hasani, taking him in. He had been in the wagon for the longest, had seen Julian and Theodric get thrown in. He had been taken on rather early, his small research party having been caught off guard and slaughtered. Why Aedan had been the one to be taken, he wasn't sure, but he couldn't say he was glad for it.

"Perhaps they will look more favourably upon you, Julian. Given their old relationship with your old home, perhaps you will get to choose what your fate is" He suggested, voice light despite what they were discussing. "Theodric, you are strong enough to be used for labour or breeding. I will likely be sold to another clan"

That was just his assumptions. Whether that would actually happen or not he didn't know and didn't particularly care. It would all be terrible no matter what.
 
Though the circumstances that led to the four of them being in the cart were all a little bit different; one unifying factor seemed to be that none of them would be here if it wasn't for Tretopia. Be it directly or indirectly, the Holy Empire was responsible for their current predicaments. Even before they were taken, there was a terrifying thought that their Goddess had forsaken them, placing her faith in the Imperials and leaving the rest of the lands to their own personal dark age. Such a thought wasn't that far from the truth.

There was a silence when Aedan begun to speak, informing the group what their fates would likely be. It was out of anger, but Julian looked up when he mentioned Theodric would be an ideal breeding candidate.

"You must be joking, him? He is but of common stock, the son of a Lady of ill-repute." The thought of someone of lesser blood than his own agitated Julian though again, it was more so his own anger speaking rather than coming from a place of sincerity. Theodric was just about to add his own retort to Julian's little outburst but Hasani eventually nipped that in the bud, deciding to speak out now. He couldn't keep quiet much longer.

"Your breeding means nothing anymore." Hasani said. He was finding it difficult to swallow the fact that he went from Prince to slave but he still saw things in a different light than the other two. They were in chains and they were comparing castes? "Where we came from is irrelevant, keep this up and they might find your blood is best used to stain the wrong end of a chopping block."

As if there was a right end to one.

Still, Hasani's words managed to still the tongues of the two arguing men, at least for a little while as Julian tried to look out of whatever small opening the wagon had. A barred window barely big enough to fit a hand through.

"How long will it be before we arrive, do you think?" Julian said. "Aedan, what else do you know about these lands? And by the way, newcomer..." His attention was now on Hasani, who was as of yet to introduce himself. "You're not by chance from the desert, are you?"

Hasani nodded. "I am. I used to be the Crown Prince of Al Sulem, Hasani Amari." That was a title that didn't mean much anymore but he was still somewhat proud of it, nonetheless. "Though I'm not sure how I ended up here because I was bound for the pleasure of the Empress." The mention of which seemed to set off Theodric a little as Hasani heard him scoff. Despite not caring for the troubles of outsiders, Hasani heard much about Luciana's campaign of dominance.

"So, she isn't satisfied, she even wants the desert Kingdoms; that silver-spooned bitch." Clearly, Theodric was also a victim of hers. "She doesn't care who she steps on, who she stabs in the back."

"Wasn't she responsible for the murder of the Tretopian Archbishop?" Juliam chimed in

"And much more besides. Anyway, I think the wagon is stopping again.."
 
Aedan would have interrupted had Hasani not. Their backgrounds meant nothing now they were in the hands of the barbarians. Whether they were high or low born didn't matter to this women. They valued strength over all in men. Theodric had that thanks to his training. The other's likely would meet different fates depending on what the Chiefess saw in them. Who knew what they would be assigned? Aedan wasn't hopeful for his own future.

The two stopped arguing, clearly realising their situation and finding that they were in a hopeless situation and their own family meant nothing. Unless that family was coming to save them, they truly meant nothing.

Hearing that their new companion was a former Crown Prince was interesting. It seemed that the barbarians had stopped a very interesting slave cart. Whether they knew or cared about this though wasn't clear. They all had their own opinions of the Empress and Aedan kept his mouth shut. His opinion didn't matter.

Theodric was correct, the wagon was stopping. It seemed they had reached their destination.

"Right! Out you all come!" A woman chirped, throwing the doors of the wagon open and grinning at the men. This was Esmerada, the second in command of the Blue Raven Clan and the Chiefess' younger sister. She waved a hand a a group of blue painted woman came forward and each grabbed on of the men, pulling them out and making them stand in a line. "Chain them up"

The order was given and followed, chains being placed on the boys wrists and ankles. "Ah, we've got some pretty ones this time. Sister will be pleased" Esmerada said, walking up and down the line and inspecting the new merchandise. They were at the Blue Raven Clan's stronghold. It was an intimidating fortress, defensible with Blue Raven banners hanging from the walls.

Aedan eyed the woman, recognising who she was and her position when the other women followed her orders and she mentioned her sister. Esmerada gestured for everyone to follow her and began to lead the group into the fort.
 
Still, one couldn't quite shake the feeling that if it wasn't the Blue Ravens that caught them; it would have been the Empire eventually. And certainly, one fate was much more preferable to the other, albeit still a horrible one but they would have had a much worse time had they fallen into the Imperials clutches. This was what Hasani thought anyway, even if he dodged one bullet for another.

They would eventually be made to exit the cart, greeted by the fresh air and the indeed intimidating looking fortress that cast an ominous shadow no matter where one looked, especially if one peeked inside. Julian for instance, could have sworn he saw human skulls perched around the fortress like some sort of decoration; along with any bones taken from beasts they may have felled. As the others stood in a line with their gazes dead forward, Julian continued to survey his surroundings. Noticing a large divot in the ground that he assumed were fighting pits of some sort, along with a myriad of cages.

His little bout of sightseeing would rudely be cut short by Asta giving Julian a brief nudge. "Eyes forward, boy." She commanded dismissively, using the term to degrade the fallen noble. He didn't get a chance to fire off his own retort before the chain gang was ordered to march beyond the gates of the fort, where the lives of the four would begin anew. Theodric was of course feeling confidant his strength and looks would earn him a more favourable spot, while Hasani lacked in the former he certainly was attractive. Julian on the other hand, maybe he could bargain? His affiliation with the Blue Ravens former allies might have given him an edge.

The only worry then was Aedan. What did he have to offer? Unless the Blue Ravens were looking for knowledge, he seemed to be the one whose fate was not going to be a good one.

Not that this life would be pleasant anyway.
 
Humming as she walked, Esmerada lead the charge into the fort and to the main hall. It was an imposing room, a large space with a big throne at one end. If someone looked closer, they could see it was made out of bleached bones, the heads of ravens at the ends of the arms. It was a beauty to the Blue Ravens and a coveted seat. A seat that one Mercielle Raiden held.

She observed the party as they drew close, lounging on her throne with one leg up. Esmerada ordered the Ravens to line the men up to be examined and then went to join her sister, standing by her throne. "Sister, what will we do with these ones?" She asked, clearly excited and definitely looking to end all of them slowly and painfully.

Aedan stood, back straight and eyes forward. He avoided looking any of them in the eyes. The last thing he wanted to do was for them to catch his eye and think he was being disrespectful in some way. He only knew a little about their etiquette and this wasn't something he was completely sure about.

"What do you want to do with them?" Marcielle asked, lowering her leg and standing. She walked forward, moving to examine each of the men one by one.

"I think we send them to the pits, let them fight until one is left alive" Esmerada suggested, a savage grin spread over her lips. Mercielle smiled at this suggestion, stopping in front of Julian and gripping his cheeks, tilting his head side to side.

"That would be the quick way to deal with them, yes" She agreed, letting her hand fall as she moved on to observe Theodric.
 
As they were marched, from what Hasani was able to tell; Esmerada had a much more bubbly personality as opposed to the other Blue Ravens that they had encountered this far. Though underneath her eyes was an undeniable bloodlust, someone who could not wait to dig her axe into the flesh of whoever she so chose. Mercielle by comparison, seemed much more composed with an undeniable aura of authority. Hasani knew the type. He had something of a good eye for reading people; which seemed part and parcel of the training he received as he was being prepared to become High Sultan of Al Sulem before the Empire put a dent in those plans.

The sight before the males was intimidating and breathtaking. The very picture of power and savagery that the barbarian women in the Northlands were known for. Indeed, in these lands power was the most common language one could speak, a universal tongue that implied they favoured action over honeyed words like the more 'civilized' world. Then again, when one looked at the current lay of the land, it should have been clear that diplomacy failed horrendously when it came to dealing with the Imperials. Julian, for instance knew this; blaming himself for not bringing the matter to the attention of the Ashen Field earlier. The men of his family were taught to put others needs before his own, and he had indirectly spat on that creed.

As scared as he was, he had to speak up and make amends. Perhaps he could join the rest of his family with his head held high then. "Chiefess Marcielle!" He called out to her when she moved to inspect Theodric. "I am Julian Hughes of the Ashen Field, son of Gustav Hughes. My father and indeed the Ashen Field as a whole supported the Blue Ravens." He got down onto his knees; the other boys obviously looking perplexed.

"I wish to beg of you, beg of you to spare the rest of these men. Should you require a head to take, let it be mine. Please!"
 
Mercielle had been content to examine each of the men individual, then decide their fates in their clan. It seemed her inspection would be interrupted. She paused when her name was called, turning around to look at Julian with a raised eyebrow. None of their captives had dared call out to her like that before. What did this boy want? Esmerada was infuriated by the scene, her hand on her axe. She started forward and only stopped when Mercielle raised a hand to tell her to.

"Your name means nothing here anymore, nor does your father's. The Ashen Field is no more, they were weak in when faced head on" She spat, moving to stand in front of Julian. She knelt down, gripping his face again. "You would offer your head to save the others? Foolish boy. The rest of you, I will give you a choice then. You will survive but I take this one's head and mount in on our walls"

There was silence for a moment and then Aedan spoke up.

"I would have none of us lose our heads" He said. Given that he had a chance to speak, he might as well take it. "Chiefess, I understand we are weak to you but we all have some use. We can be loyal. Let us serve you in whatever manner you deem fit"

"A bold thing to say" Mercielle said, standing once more and moving to stand in front of Aedan. "Exactly how can each of you serve? What use can you be? You were all captured, clearly not strong, or smart. You are quick to swear fealty. What loyalty does that suggest?"
 
Clearly using the former alliance the two groups had with each other was not going to be an option anymore, nor would it provide any hint of lenience. Julian was offering himself up on the chopping block and they accepted the offer, that was until Aedan finally spoke up. Admitting their weakness and pledging their obedience which was immediately thrown into question when Mercielle replied.

This was a grave situation, and they all knew that their lives very easily depended upon what answers they would give as a plea. First up to speak was Theodric, who had lost the cockiness from earlier, instead replaced with a more sombre, stoic tone. "I was a Dragon Knight in a past life." They were known to be elite fighters, and often rumoured upon their initiation to drink tea mixed with the blood of a dragon; channelling their powers in a way. But even if those rumours were not true, it didn't change the fact that they were highly skilled with a lance.

It would be Hasani's turn next, staring at Mercielle. "I was the Crown Prince, soon to be High Sultan of Al Sulem; so I am of noble blood. This one on the other hand.." He nodded in gesture to Aedan. "He is a scholar."

"That one is a long way from home." Asta crossed her arms. "Funny thing, the Imperials already had him all chained up ready for us when we hit one of their convoys. That's not what's unsettling however.."

"Empress Luciana has swallowed yet another land, this time far beyond her borders."
 
A dragon knight was interesting to the woman, and several of the Blue Ravens instantly seemed to be paying more attention, whispering to each other as they looked over Theodric. A Crown Prince was also interesting, a scholar less so to them. What did they need knowledge for? They had enough to survive and they did not need any more.

"The Royal Bitch will take anything she sees fit" Esmerada scoffed, clearly having no love for the Empress. She hadn't yet started on the Northlands, probably seeing no reason to as they couldn't provide resources or anything else. The Clans would rather kill themselves than serve the Empire.

"She's overstepping" Mercielle said, now pensive as she looked over the men in front of her. "I won't make a decision now. Take them away to the cells" The cells were exactly what they said, a series of metal cells outside in their courtyard. Many had died in them. Sometimes they were simply left to starve.

Esmerada practically skipped down to lead them, ready to lock them away.
 
There was one clan that actually did serve the Empire but those rumours remained to be just that. It wasn't like said clan would ever bring it up or admit it during the gathering of the clans that took place upon the sacred peaks.

All that aside though, the credentials of the four boys were certainly interesting. Albeit, one was far less interesting than the others but still, such a skill could prove useful if the time was right. Right now, it seemed judgment would be held until Mercielle could think straight; at least that was what Asta thought just by looking at her. Watching as Esmerada turned to lead the four prisoners to the cages outside, giving them a good view of the 'fun' sights of the fortress; things like the fight pit and whipping posts, branding stocks and so on.

"That darker skinned one." Asta said in thought. "He said he was royalty, did he not? When we hit the convoy I did find it strange that the guard seemed to be fairly low in skill. You would think for certain that such a high profile prisoner would command the Empress to send her Holy Knights to escort the wagons but there were none to be found. I wonder if she counted on this and wasn't afraid to lose a few cannon fodder in the process."

It did bring up an interesting point. Though it wasn't something Asta wanted to entertain any longer than she needed to.

"Which one takes your fancy?"
 
Esmerada lead the four to the cages, opening one at a time and pushing them in. They would be kept separate for now. No point in giving them too much company. "Sit tight, boys. You've got a long life ahead of you" The second in command taunted. The cages faced the pit and provided easy access to everything that the women may want to use. The red head paraded up and down the line of cages, huffing and kicking the end one which would house Julian.

"If I had my way, you'd already be in those pits. You should thank my sister for giving you more of a chance" She snapped, her usually bubbly demeanor making way for her more savage side. "Maybe I'll take you as my own toy? She'd give me you if I asked" She grinned at Julian.

"The Empress' whims are not my concern" Mercielle said as she watched her sister lead their prisoners away. She cared little for what Luciana thought, cared little for anything outside of her clan and expanding their territory. She considered Asta's words for a moment, deciding which one held her interest the most.

Eventually, she made a choice. "The Dragon Knight. He appears strong, he won't break as easy as some of the others. Which catches your interest?" She asked, going to sit back down on her throne.
 
They weren't particularly soft with them either, not caring if one were to hit their head against the bars after they were pushed in. Just what awaited the four when judgment was passed? From the looks of things, their lives balanced precariously on a knifes edge; with a lovely view of at least one of their fates, the fighting pits. From here they could see the blood of victims that stained not only the dirt but sharpened logs made to resemble spikes. Compared to everything else the boys could see though, this was practically tame; at least fighting, if rumours about them were true would allow for the men to win their respect, or freedom.

Julian jumped when Esmerada kicked his cage, scooting back when she snapped at him; revealing a much more sadistic personality as opposed to earlier. He certainly did not like the idea of being given to her, the horrors of what she could do running through his head.

He had nothing to say, and he dared not wag his tongue if she was the type to cut them out.

---

Asta on the other hand, did not share her opinions on the matter. If the Empress had advanced that far West, who was to say she wouldn't be bold enough to tame the 'savage' Northlands? Had Mercielle taken leave of her senses? She thought, wanting to object but decided against it. Asta may have been a good fighter but there was a reason Mercielle held the throne and she did not.

"I thought you'd take the other male, the one from the desert?" She said. "Makes sense though, that Dragon Knight certainly looks strong. As for me, I'm thinking on that bookworm; see if I can't make a man out of him."
 
"Cat got your tongue? You were so quick to talk earlier" Esmerada taunted, standing in front so she could look at him properly. "Thought you had courage unlike the others" It was why she had picked him out of the other's. Whilst she thought it was foolish of him to offer his head, she could admire that he actually spoke out. Not many of them would care but it interested her.

"I'll ask Merci for you, think of it as a better fate than the pits...although maybe I'll have you in there anyway" She grinned, bubbly personality coming back as she thought about the situation. "Let's see how you do against the other's. Think you could beat them in a fight?"

---

Really, Mercielle should care about what was happening, but until it actually became a problem she wasn't going to think about it. She had far more to worry about. There were weaker clans that would fall first. When she saw them crumble, then she'd think of their next steps. For now, she didn't think the Empress would care for the Northlands. There were no resources, no riches. Just a bunch of barbarians.

"Perhaps I'll have both? Or maybe I'll gift him to the clan as a whole. As a Prince, he's probably not used to sharing" She said with a laugh. "If anyone can, it's you" She'd gift him to Asta if that was what she wanted. She had worked to get them there, she could have her pick.
 
Maybe because he wasn't locked in a cage with nowhere to go earlier? Then again, chained up he wasn't going to go anywhere either so it was unclear where his courage from then went; or even came from. Hearing that she would just throw him in the pit anyway unnerved him even more. He wasn't a fighter. He was trained in white magic, the healing arts; he would not have the faintest idea on how to swing a sword or an axe, especially against more trained fighters.

"I'm a healer, Ma'am." Julian spoke up. Such a skill could serve the clan well should any of their fellow sisters pick up injuries whether they were fighting or out hunting. Though that was for Mercielle and Esmerada to decide. "I'm not trained to fight, at all." He was also somewhat of a pacifist but that was another matter entirely, for now there was only one question that hung in the air.

"What would you do to me?..."

---

Sure, there was nothing up here but one could not underestimate the greed of someone who was willing to conquer lands far outside of their own. Knowing Luciana, there might not have been anything for her to gain; she'd do it because she could and no one could stop her from doing so. Still, Asta trusted her judgment even if she didn't like it. "Could just sell him off but he looks like too good of a catch to give away like that. If you want my opinion, I'd keep him for your own..then again, having him divvied among the rest of the clan sounds like an interesting proposition as well."

"If not I suppose there's value in whatever knowledge he holds of these lands that we don't."
 
"A healer?" Esmerada repeated, sighing and leaning against the cage. "Not even the fun magic. Tch. I suppose that might be helpful. Maybe Merci will like that. You're lucky I like your face. Boring magic like that would get you thrown to the dogs normally" It wouldn't, she was talking shit. Really, she would say anything to unnerve the men. There were dogs though, they did often let them tear their prisoners to shreds.

She grinned, turning around to rest her arm against the cage, one hand on her hip as she leant in. "You want to know? Foolish boy. What do you think?" She asked, firing the question back to him. "What do you think I should do with you? Want to be my pampered pet?"

---

Mercielle agreed. The prince would be worth more than what they could sell him for. "We'll decide what to do with him later. Shall we tell the boys what their fates are? Maybe the Prince can prove himself in the pit and, if he does well, I'll take him for myself. Otherwise, the girls can share him" She couldn't decide so letting him work out which he'd prefer, see if he'd fight more, that sounded good.

"Knowledge isn't terrible, depending on what it is" She agreed, standing and starting towards the courtyard. "You'll break him in well, I trust that"
 
It was all that he could offer her, looking up and seeing her sigh and lean against the cage appearing disappointed though as if a stroke of good fortune washed over him, she indicated that he'd do. Though in the same breath she threatened to throw him to the dogs and let them rip him apart. Julian wasn't aware she was bluffing, and took her threat seriously. He didn't know she wasn't being serious; and he certainly never wanted to chance it as the next question came up.

A pet.

She would have him be a pet? It'd certainly be better than being mauled. Though just how she treat her pets was another matter he had no knowledge of. And he had to admit, being the pet of someone as strong as her was quite a turn on. "Y-yes, of course I'd like that." Julian said, blushing softly.

----

"That doesn't sound like a bad idea. I feel like there's more to that Prince than meets the eye. He may be lithe but he hides under a veil of strength, I'm sure of it." Asta nodded. "Still, we'd have to tell the others specifically not to kill him; hurt him, yes but not kill. Wouldn't want to waste a catch like him, would we?" She smiled, placing both of her hands on her axe and resting the head on the ground as she got down on one knee and bowed her head once Mercielle stood.

"On my honour as a Blue Raven, I swear it; my Chiefess."
 
"Oh, he does want to be a pet?" Esmerada taunted, a savage grin across her lips. "The noble reduced to the pet of a savage and he likes it!" She was ecstatic. This one would be easy to break in and hold. She was glad for that, at least she would get something out of it. He had a pretty face, if his cock was good she'd keep him. If it wasn't, she'd send him to the dogs.

---

"I'll order it. No point in wasting the resources we're given" Mercielle said, smiling when Aster knelt down to her. She reached out, hand resting against her chin as she made her look up. She leant in and kissed her forehead. "I know you'll do well" Of all of the Ravens, Asta was probably the one held in the highest regard. She was the most trusted. Whilst Esmerada was doted on, she was a wildcard that Mercielle couldn't always keep track of. Asta was someone she could trust.

She lead her out to the men in the cages and raised an eyebrow when she saw her sister leaning against Julian's cage. "Merci! I want this one!" Esmerada said instantly, pointing at Julian.

"You've made your choice? How do you know I don't want him?" Mercielle asked, walking over to her sister. Esmerada rolled her eyes.

"You want that one, obviously" She said, pointing at Theodric. She knew her sister well.
 
Indeed, at least one could count on Asta following her orders to the letter rather than Esmerada's more...unorthodox methods, if the rumours were to be believed regarding her anyway. Who knew if they were actually true? It could have been just jealous naysayers upset that she was next in line for the throne and not them. Asta at the very least was content with her position and thus had no such doubters.

Standing up, she followed Mercielle outside to where the men were being held and saw Esmerada tormenting one of them. Of course it had to be Julian, she thought which was why she wasn't surprised when Esmerada made her declaration to take him for her own. Asta on the other hand, had no interest in any of the others chosen and instead marched right up to Aedan's cage. Though she said nothing else for now and looked to Mercielle.

"That just leaves the desert dweller." She said, causing Hasani to look up. "See if he's worthy of the Chiefess; have him unchained and thrown in the pit."

"Wait, what?"

Such a response only warranted Asta kicking Hasani's cage in retaliation. "Silence, boy." She barked. "Be thankful the Chiefess has granted you this mercy." Asta cackled, causing other near-by Blue Ravens to do the same.
 
Aedan looked up as Asta moved to stand by his cage. Did that mean she had chosen him? Was that a good thing? He didn't know and he didn't dare say anything. She was volatile about that if the way she kicked Hasani's cage was anything to go by. His eyes widened as he heard that the Prince was going in the pit though.

Esmerada laughed, leaning against Julian's cage. "This will be fun. Let's see if his worthy of entertaining my sister" She said, pride clear in her voice. She loved her sister, adored her. She was the only thing that kept her in some form of control.

"Let's see how you fare" Mercielle said, standing next to Theodric's cage as she pointed to two other cages that should be opened. They were old prisoners, ones that had been with them for a little bit but they hadn't decided what to do with yet. Now would be the chance for them to prove themselves. "Fight them, emerge victorious or die"
 
She did not need to explain her reasons, just the fact that she had chosen him and he fate had now been sealed. Speaking of which, another's fate was about to be decided as she watched Hasani's cage be opened, the man being dragged out roughly. Mercifully, his chains were undone for the fight and he was given a small short sword; the latter being tossed down to him after he was kicked into the pit.

The poor man was now completely surrounded, barbarians watching and calling out for bloodshed as well as desperate and angry prisoners that were no doubt waiting for a chance like this. If that failed? They could always release the dogs into the pit. It became clear to Hasani there was only one way he was walking out of this situation, and that was to kill the prisoners he had been pitted against. No doubt they were just innocent victims like he was.

Soon, the fight begin. Hasani wasn't a soldier by any means, but his former Kingdom was host to a unique style of sword fighting that prioritised speed and finesse over strength; a style he was lucky enough to have been taught in as required for a Prince. Compared to the wild swings of the men, his own form was almost like a dance as he parried and blocked each attack effortlessly. Leg sweeps and other hand-to-hand manoeuvres were also apart of his repertoire.

The others were impressed of course, that this Prince was more than he had seemed. Even Asta, who had her arms crossed the entire fight thus far; perking up when Hasani ducked an attack and retaliated with a slice towards the attackers neck.

"He fights with the grace of a dire cat." Asta said, referencing a beast native to the Northlands that was known to be agile.
 
The fight began and Esmerada watched with gory glee. She was ready for them to rip each other apart. Deciding she wanted a closer seat, and she wanted to play with Julian a little more, she opened his cage and pulled him to sit down closer to the pit. She pushed him down and sat down herself, using him as her chair as she watched the scene in front.

Aedan wasn't sure if he should feel sorry for Julian or not. Being such a horribly gleeful woman's chosen pet...he didn't know if he had gotten a better deal with Asta. He had no idea what to expect and so he kept his mouth shut.

Mercielle watched the fight, humming when Asta spoke. "He does" She agreed, watching Hasani fight. She was impressed. He was doing well and she found herself rooting for him. Of course, he would have to win to truly gain her favour but for now she was tempted to swing the fight in his favour. He was nice to watch. She had a feeling he would be in the piti more often.

"End this quickly" She ordered, wondering if the former Prince would heed her orders. It was an interesting first test. Did she want him to end it quickly or did she want to be entertained for longer? He would have to make a call.
 
"Though as good as he is, I think it would be a waste of a frame like his if you condemn him to a life of fighting when he could be put to...other uses." Asta said. It was sort of unclear what she meant; either he was to be used for breeding or more personal entertainments. A dancing boy, a serving boy? He was lithe and visually pretty, to the point where if the man dressed in the right clothing; he could easily pass off as a woman.

Back in the pit though, Hasani had heard the order for him to end the fight quickly. Indeed, this was his choice to make; not that he knew it. He could bring the fight to an abrupt end or he could be like a cat toying with its prey and make the fight last just a little bit longer. There was, ultimately a third option though; as he aimed at the other fighters leg after disarming him, bringing him to his knees which meant that the man was now at Hasani's mercy as he held the sword to his neck. He had turned this into a spare or kill choice. Something that went against Mercielle's orders.

Or did it?

"Well would you look at this." Asta hummed to herself. "The boy is giving us the choice of his fate. Never thought I'd see someone so bold as to indirectly disobey you, Mercielle."
 
"Other uses? You seem very interested Asta, perhaps you're looking for another gift" Mercielle teased, looking over to the other Raven. She had a few ideas of what she would use Hasani for, similar to what Asta was likely thinking, although this all depended on whether he came out of the pits or not.

She raised an eyebrow at Hasani's choice, staring down at him as he held ht sword to the other mans neck. "This is your choice. Be a killer and become ours or let them tear you apart in desperation and perish" She said, arms crossed as she looked down at the scene. Despite Hasani giving the choice to them, she was determined for him to decide.

That way, if he became theirs, he would have decided that himself. She could lord that over him forever.
 
"Oh you know what I mean." Asta said, refusing to confirm nor deny that she was looking for another gift. She wasn't, of course but it was fun to give Mercielle the idea. Besides, Aedan looked like he could be fun. "But no. I meant using him as a serving boy, perhaps a dancing boy. You wouldn't want to waste such a soul like his on fighting, do you?" She watched as Hasani held the other man at the sharp end of his sword. Like Mercielle said, the choice was his to decide. If Asta had a say, she would have killed him right then without giving a moments chance for mercy but the ball was truly in Hasani's court so to speak.

Mercielle's words stung Hasani of course, but he wasn't going to flinch out in front of them. Sure, he may be a killer but it wasn't as if he didn't already end lives before this. However, usually these were the lives of others who threatened his own; not people on their knees, completely defenceless. He had a feeling this man would be dead anyway, as he didn't doubt they'd sic the hounds onto him should Hasani walk away so that made his decision a little bit easier.

Without warning, Hasani plunged the sword into the mans neck; attempting to make his death as quick as possible out of mercy. He hoped the bloodthirst of these ladies had been quenched.

"So he'd kill a helpless man in order to save himself." Asta smirked. "Good, there's no need for the weak."
 
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