Favoured of the Crowd (Alvis & Last Breath)

[Alvis Alendran]

Sound was pervasive in the air, the buzz of a crowd that waited for it's main attraction. There had been blood spilt all ready, no less that six duels fought on the sands of the arena. Well matched, and fought to the bitter, bloody end. But most had come for a single reason, a single event. And the time was no upon them.
"My lords and ladies! You have seen blood and death, courage an honour this day! But are you ready for more?" The crier shouted to the people of the arena. The crowd roared an affirmation. "Then you shall have it! Presenting, the warrior from the most distant reaches of our empire, the slayer of all who have faced him, I give you..The Northman!" As he finished, a gate raised itself up slowly. From it emerged the largest man any had seen.

He towered over any others, a full foot taller than the average man of the empire, and easily half again as wide. Thickly muscled, and seamed with the scars to show a lifetime of conflict etched onto his skin, he glared around at teh cheering crowd, knowing not but loathing for the decadent ways of these southern people. Regradless, they seemed to love the way he fought, with such wild abandon, such ferocity and wrath. The gate on the opposite side of the arena cranked open, and his opposition emerged. Six men this time, and the crowd roared out in approval. The Northman looked back at where the man who 'owned' him sat. The man dropped a bundle to him, not willing to trust the Northman in the waiting area with weapons in hand. The huge man lifted the tools of his trade.

A heavy axe, large enough that most might need a second hand to wield it, with a curving blade, and a hooked beard that would let him trap weapons, and shield with the right moves. In the other he hefted a heavy fighting hammer. The back of the hammer had a curved dewclaw, a wicked spike that would be able to pierce any armour. Lastly, he tucked a pair of throwing axes into his belt, and strode out to meet his foes.

Each foe held a round shield, and either a spear or sword. They moved confidently, and he knew they had been training to fight together. He idly wondered how much his 'master' had been paid to allow a fight with such numbers arrayed against him. They waited at a distance, until finally the great gong sounded, announcing that the fight was begun. They cam at him in a rush, and he moved to meet them.

A spear glanced off the blocking haft of an axe, his hammer sweeping in. The shield that blocked his strike blew apart under the blow, the man crying out as his arm broke under the ferocity of the blow. The axe swept up, taking the man's head from his shoulder. Blood arced, and the crowd howled. As the head landed, he kicked it, sending the bloody piece into the crowd, who seemed to be fighting over possession of it. He leapt to teh side, his weapons moving as he spun. The man that had been charging to strike his back caught both weapons in the chest. The axe clove through his ribs, tearing out the side, while the hammer pulped the other side of his chest. Dead, but not yet aware of the fact, the man staggered. The Northman kicked him intot eh path of another oncoming foe, while letting his hammer fall, the head landing flat, the haft standing straight up. A throwing axe in hand, he launched it at a man coming at him. The blade carved his head in half, and the Northman swept up his hammer as he charged at the three remaining warriors.

The beard of his axe locked on the rim of a shield, adn the Northman dragged the other man into teh path of his feellow warriors, before swinging the hammer, and pounding his head down, blood misting from the eye sockets of his helmet. Lettingthe man fall, The Northman dodged a spear thrust, but felt teh bite of steel on his ribs, as a glancing blow from a sword hit him. He drove his forehead into the man who had wounded him, sending the man reeling, helmet not withstanding. He spun the hammer around, and swung. The spearman tried to duck, but the swing compensated, and the dewclaw slammed into the side of his head, punching through the metal and bone, embedding itself in his head. Letting the hammer go, the Northman drew out his remaining throwing axe, and let fly. Charging after it, the last warrior managed to get his shield in the way of the hurtling axe, the weapon hitting hard enough to drive him back a pace. As the shield came down, he saw the huge barbarian leaping at him, axe held in both hands, and bringing it down. The blow hit beside the head, and clove the man apart, cutting across the torso, and emerging halfway through the ribs, letting the body fall in two. The roar of the crowd was deafening. Caught up in the thrill of combat, the man fro the north raised his weapons in the air.
"UNBEROGEN!" He roared out, a sound of primal fury in the language of his homeland, the bellow sounding even over the roar of the crowd.

"So it's true then?" The noble said to his companion.
"I swear it! The Northman is going on the block for sale soon! The owner has apparently made enough that he wants to return to teh provinces. But needs one last sum of cash." The other said eagerly. Though they were trying to remain circumspect, word travelled easily in the nobles box, and all around them could hear clearly.

The grizzled old man watch his fighter win another bout, and win handily. With any luck word would have been circulated that he wasnted out of the game, and would sell the Northman to the best offer. He turned away from the viewing point, and waited. With any luck, nobles would be coming with gold for the attempt at purchase.

 

[My last breath]

Empress Severina Aemilia, had been widowed going on four years now. Lucky for her she was revered for her abilities to rule just as well as her late husband. In fact before his death she was very much apart of the meetings between countries. Her opinion always asked for, most by her husband of course. So naturally when he passed, they left her in charge, with the help of an adviser of course.

Before her two large men entered her seating box, and two more entered after her. Her dark hair cascading down her back to her hips, and crystal eyes scanned the crowd. She had purchased this box, over a year ago. Since the day she was talked into watching one of these barbaric battles by her cousin, she hadn't missed a single one. Well any that The Northman were involved in anyway. There was something about the way he moved that kept her coming back every time. The thundering sound of the crowd boomed in her ears. She never showed up until the very last battle, his battle, for this very reason. Glaring at the people closest to her, she took her seat.

The floor of the arena was stained heavily with blood, the bodies had been taken away. The crier entered the arena, he was a small man, but with a big voice. She couldn't help but move forward in her seat as he announced 'her' warrior. The shouting and cheers grew louder, almost deafening from where she sat. Resisting the urge to cover her ears in an unladylike manner, she smiled when he emerged from the heavy gate. He was a man admired by both sexes. The men wanted to be him, and the woman wanted to be with him. She wanted him just as much, her own agenda was a bit more pure then others. Her status would never allow for a romance between them, this did not mean she didn't want him as part of her ranks soldiers. He could make an excellent captain.

The sound of the gong indicated the battle was to start. Once again she found herself moving forward in her seat. The six men who had entered didn't stand a chance against him. This was proven soon, when he effortlessly slice cleaning through the first mans neck. The head landed and rolled back towards him. With a swift hard kick, he sent it flying into the stands. A look of disgust crossed her face, as she watched people scramble to claim the trophy. The battle went on as expected, with The Northman coming out with but one injury. He shouted in his native tongue, though she knew not what he said, she could feel the conviction behind it.

As she stood to leave, she heard two men talking of the warrior. Her head snapped in the direction, then she leaned over the edge. He was up on the block, she looked back towards the arena floor where he still stood. Turning to one of her guards, "go tell that mans Master, I will give him twenty-five thousand gold coin." She turned back to look at the warrior. Her heart was racing, waving off the guard "go now!" The guard nodded then rush down to the lower level, where to slave owners watched the battles.

he was a large man himself, dressed in pitch black armor. A blood red plume hanging from the helmet he wore. He approached the old man, standing tall. "The Empress wishes to make an offer for your warrior. Twenty-five thousand gold coin."

 

[Alvis Alendran]

The owner kept the utter shock from his face at the offer of such money. More than twice what he'd expected to be offered by anyone. But the Empress herself was interested! And one thing that he had in abundance was greed. The Northman was being carefully, and patintly herded back into the ready area, none of the guards wanting to risk getting within the sweep of his weapons, and for good reason. More than one guard had lost their life to this brute of a man. The owner turned back to the messenger.
"He is worth twice that. Easily. But for the Empress I will part with him for thirrty thousand. Do let her know." He turned away from the messenger, sighing in a bored manner. His mind was racing. He had a good offer now, and a chance to get out of here for good. Beofre teh messenger could depart, he turned back. "On second thought, I'll speak to her myself. Take me to your mistress." Despite his age, he walked with the confident gait of a man half his age, and followed to the nobles box. When he saw teh Empress he bowed as low as he could.

"Do forgive me for not kneeling Empress. I fear that I would not be able to rise once more were I to do so." He said calmly before standing dtraight, and looking at her. "Your offer is...generous. But his value is more. Much more. But for you, I ask only thirty instead of your offer of twenty five."

"From my dead hands." Northman growled to the man who had demanded he surrender his weapon.
"Northman, must we do this each and every time? A dozen men aim bows at you from teh balcony. They will kill you in seconds. Just give me the weapons, and you'll be permitted to go on you way." The guardsman said with a sigh. THe Northmnan heard the creak of bows going tight, and knew that this time, like all the others, the man did not bluff. He sighed, adn dropped the two weapons tot eh floor, both landing with a heavy clank. He walked past the guardsman, and head towards the small enclosure that he called home while he was within the city. He despised this place. Bloodshed was nothing that appalled him, but the idea of so much death and blood for naught more then entertainment galled him. Shaking his head, he heard the barred gate to his area close behind him. The was nothing really within, just a pile of furs to sleep on, the chackles that he would wear when someone visted his cell. He sqank onto teh furs, adn leaned against the wall. He could not do this forever. Sooner or later, he would make a proper escape attempt, or his captors would grow lax. His day was certainly coming.

 

[My last breath]

The guard had no idea what his Mistress would think of the counter offer, but he was sure she would take it. She had already offered may too much, just to own the barbarian. Something the guardsmen wasn't looking forward to dealing with. "I will return shortly with an answer good sir." Turing on his heel, he began walking back to the box that the Empress waited in. Only to be stopped by the slave over. Now it was his turn to give bored sigh. Of course the old man would want to speak with the Empress direct. "As you wish, please follow me," he walked at a much slower pace then he was use to for the man. Leading him up the steps to his Mistress. "The slave owner wishes to speak with you about the matter Mistress."

Fixing her blue eyes on the rough looking man, she glanced at her soldiers to let him pass. "Think nothing of it, I would not want you hurting yourself on my account. Please be seated, rest your bones," she indicated a seat near her own. Severina narrowed her eyes slightly at his counter offer. She was not so stupid to believe that any human being was worth more then twenty-five thousand. In fact he would have been lucky to see seven from any other offer. Her desire for the warrior however was strong, "fine thirty it is." She hid her delight at the mans expression when she easily agreed to the offer. "I would wish to speak with him myself first, before any of my money exchanges hands."

Without even waiting for the man to agree, she let one of the guard help her to her feet. She grabbed the lace fan from the arm rest. "Please escort me to the waiting area," she commanded softly. With the hour guardsmen on either side of her,they made their way down to the darkened rooms. She was appalled at the filth, she had never thought to visit the area until now. This was something should have remedied immediately. The shear fabric of her skirts dragged across the floor. In moments she stood proud in front of The Northman's cell. Her heart had begun racing, she resisted the urge to approach the bars. "Has your Master told you he was selling you, Warrior?"

 

[Alvis Alendran]

He was inwardly thrilled that she had agreed to the sum so readily. He was into more money than he'd dared hope! And then she wanted to speak to him. His heart fell. This was not going to end well, he had every confience of that. It never did when someone expected the Northman to have any kind of decorum, or even civilized sanity. But she was already on her way.
"As you wish." He answered. He listed off an alternating curse and prayer to every God and Goddess that he knew of as they moved. He wanted this to go well, to just let the deal conclude in his favour.

The Northman looked at his cell door carefully, seeing his 'owner', and a number of others coming. He stood from his furs, and rolled his shoulders. There was a woman with them. He knew that she wasn't here for him, not since the first and last time that they had thought to placate him with female company. The poor woman had barely known her own name after he'd been finished with her, and she'd been fucked insensate. He'd heard from a few of the other fighters that she'd never really recovered from what he'd done to her. But then, they had left her in the cell with him for more than a day. He'd had plenty of time to get creative with her. He appraoched the door, and leaned on the bars, judging the distance as the woman spoke.

This was not the typical woman that he'd seen. Much more richly attired, and she spoke with an air of someone used to her orders being followed. And that in and of itself rankled him. He sneered at her words.
"I have no 'master'. Only a man who can barely be called such who claims to own me. But you cannot own that which you fear." He sneered, and spat on the floor before them.
"Insolent cur!" A guard shouted, stepping forward to defend the honour of the Empress, which he saw as grievously slighted by this action. Nearly faster than the eye could track, the Northman shot a hand out, and grasped the collar of the guard, pulling him hard into the bars hard enough that his helm rang like a bell, and he fell to the floor, blood running from his forehead, adn his pupils wide. Northman simply shrugged his shoulders and looked back to woman.

"I know nothing of what that...man...plans. What is it to you?" He asked her in return, showing her no defference.

 

[My last breath]

She wasn't expecting the warrior to greet her with open arms, in fact she was sure this would not be an easy conversation. She had gotten frightened looks as she walked down the corridor. They were not looks of fear of her, but rather for her. She paid them no mind, let them think what they want.

As he spoke, a smile spread across her full lips, his actions only made her want him more. As his spat at the floor, it landed a mere inch from her silk slippers. Her head snapped towards the guard who shouted, she was about to stop him. It was stupid of him to get that close to the bars. "No, wait," too late, the warrior had him by the collar. The Empress flinched at the sound of the man hitting the cell bars. "Please retrieve him and take him somewhere else." He tone sounded as if she was unmoved by the warriors actions.

Affixing her eyes back on him, "I merely ask, because as it would seem I am in need of a new guard. Even more so now," she pointed towards the man being carried away. "I am offering quite a bit of coin for you, but if you would rather live you life behind bars please say so now. I am sure there are plenty of others dying to have you as their own fighter."

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Northman smiled, but it was not a pleasant smile. It was more of one that would seem fitting on a predator sighting a particularly delectable piece of prey.
"A guard. You would take me from the pit, and into your home? Do you think me tamed? That I would be...grateful for being brought from this place?" He asked her with a touch of acid in his voice. "My people are warriors born. Know that should you bring me into your home, some day I will give you cause to regret it." He promised her. "But by all means! Throw open the door! Release me from this place. Pay your gold and see what it is that the gold shall purchase you."

His owner put his face in his hands. This...was exactly what he had been afraid of. The man was simply beyond logic, beyond reason. He would fight and kill, and keep killing until someone finally killed him. It was all the brute knew. He could feel the sale slipping through his fingers. The Empress would have to want this man with a will born of something more than simple coin.

 

[My last breath]

Rolling her eyes, she sighed as he spoke. "I am trying to offer you freedom, with a rather good wage on top of it." The wages her own soldiers earn was more then what they needed to support a family, it was how she kept so many loyal to her. "Do I think you are tame, no, any fool can see that. But I would hope that even a barbarian could see the benefit of what I offer." She took his words to heart yes, but maybe not as much as she should have. She still wanted him, and she was still determined to have him. Turning from him, began talking with the older man. "I will have my adviser ready the funds, in the mean time please join me at my home. So that we way write up a contract transferring owner ship." Turning slightly to the head of the arena guards. "Please remove him from those bars, and after I leave I expect this place to be cleaned up. These are people, not animals," she glanced back at The Northman, then smiled. "Well at least not anymore."

The man stared at her with wide eyes, then turned his attention to the man in question. grabbing the nearest slave boy, not much older then eight. He handed him the keys, "ay, go let 'im out, ent be 'asty 'bout it." The boy took the keys, and frowned towards the warrior. Stories of him eating children for every meal had begun to travel with in the group of children that worked the arena. His hesitation rewared him with a swift kick in the ass, "I said make 'aste, or there will be no supper for you t'nite." The boy scurried forward, stopping a couple feet from the cell. With shaky hands, he took another step, not taking his eyes of the man before him. Stretching he insterted the key into the lock, then quickly turned it. Dropping the keys as he ran in the opposite direction.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Bought and sold, like nothing more than property. Northman watched the boy advance shakily, and rewarded the boy with a nasty grin, one that only promised pain and misery. The boy managed to master himself enough to do the task, despite being within reach of the huge barbarian for mroe than long enough to die more than once. Srill the boy had the courage to know the dangers, adn get teh task done. And courage was something her respected, even in the very young. The woman had made a fair point to him. His 'freedom' would be a paltry thing, a simple transference of his enslavement from one to another. But it was a start. And if he was to guard, he'd be armed much of the time. His body felt light without the comforting weight of a weapon and armour. The chance to feel that weight once more would be more than enough for him to stay calm for a time.

Guardsmen from the pit stepped in, bringing shackles for the Northman, who sighed in irritation, but accepted the chains. He could fight and kill, but in the end, he'd still not see his freedom from that task. He tested the chains, adn kept the smile from his face. They were not the noral typing, adn he felt some give in them. He might be able to break these with the right chance.

"I am honoured by the offer to spend time with you Empress, and will certainly join you. Your staff might benefit from my experience in dealing with the Northman." The older man said with a bow. All was in readiness. It was in the hands of the Empress now.

 

[My last breath]

Seeing the boy run off and out of the area she shook her head. Then turned in time to see the shackles being closed around the mans wrists. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you had not heard me offer the man a job. I am not buying slave, remove those." She was actually angry, she thought she made herself clear when she used the word freedom. "If I was buying a slave I would not have spent nearly as much, wouldn't you think?" If she had been some war lord, she would have them all killed for their insubordination. The chains looked weak anyhow, she didn't see how they would have served their intended purpose. The guards reluctantly removed the shackles, immediately stepping back from him. They were all sure the Empress had gone mad.

Her now three guards formed their line around her as they readied to leave. Eye balling the warrior as they did. Up until this day, Severina had never had the hopes of walking about with out a handful of guards. Maybe that would change now, with the Northman.

It took almost an hour to reach the palace. Not because it was that far, no it was because she was constantly stopped. Her adviser had suggested she travel by carriage to avoid this. She liked talking with her people though, hearing of any issues that needed to be addressed. It also didn't help that people stared at the large man walking with her. Now they were entering a large gathering room, a large chair sat in the center at one end of it. With a smaller one beside it. Taking her seat she asked for another to be brought for the older man. "I have sent word to my adviser, please be seated while we wait for him."

Looking over her new soldier, she wondered if they could even make armor in his size. "Would you permit someone to take your measurements without tearing them apart?" She asked with a smile, "I can not have a set made for you other wise of course."

 

[Alvis Alendran]

That was a turn that he hadn't enticipated. Releasing him from his shcakles was an act of almost unmitigated insanity as far as anyone was concerned. The Northman was incredibly dangerous, and nothing could really be done to stop him if he decided to cause an issue. But right now, he admitted to himself he was more curious than anything. What did this woman intend for him? Only time would tell. An dhe'd have to humour her for a little while to find out. So be it. He strode in the midst of this gaggle of guards as they walked through the streets. So many of these people seemed to love this Empress. He wondered at how much ourage he'd provoke if he snapped her frail neck with his hands infront of everyone here. Probably a lot. They managed to pick up their pace a little when he raised his hands to stretch, showing that he was unshackled, and thusly dangerous. Fewer peopel dared get closer to him then.

The older man sank into the chair gratefully. He might be spry for his age, but he was still getting too old for long walks. He nodded at teh Empress' words. The sooner he was paid, the sooner he would be on his way home.

The Northman looked at the Empress as she addressed him. Armour. He'd seen the armour that the people of this land had worn, and his skin crawled at the thought of wearing the pattern of armour that protected these soft southerners. He turned his gaze tot eh older man.
"Where is my armour? And the weapons you took from me when you stole me from my homeland?" He asked acidly. The older man paused, thinking.
"Actually, they would be in the city, at my estate. If the Empress does wish it, I can have these items brought to her. She has been most generous, I see no reason to not add his native atire to the deal for no charge." The mnan said smoothly. The Northman did feel his heart speed up a litt.e His axe. His shield. His armour. All of his knives and other tools. Stranded in this land perhaps, but he could be a proper warrior again. Assuming the Empress permitted the return of these things.

 

[My last breath]

Severina was not impressed with him scaring the people away, but she would address the situation later. It did make getting back to the palace much faster though, and she was eager to get to the making of the contract.

She waited for an answer from the warrior, but instead he addressed the old man first. A little peeved at this, she waited patiently for their conversation to end. "I would much rather you wear the armor of my soldiers, but I can concede to you wearing your own." Shifting slightly in her seat, "I don't know how things work in your native land Northman, but here... in Rome, when a noble speaks with you. She is to be addressed first, no one else. I am not a harsh woman, but I do not like being ignored." At that point the adviser entered the room. He was a thin old man, dressed in blue and silver robes.

Every time she saw the man she wondered what they were thinking. He barely looked as if he could make the long walks through the palace. "Egnatius, thank you for being so prompt," she held her hand out for the scroll he carried under his arm. The old man looked at the Northman, and not even a glimmer of fear could be seen in his eye.

"Empress, I was under the impression this should be addressed rather quickly." Shortly after his own entrance, two of the black clad soldiers entered, carrying with them a chest. The gold with in jingled as they set it on the ground.

Going through the contract quickly, she was pleased. Everything was exactly how it should be. It transfer the old mans ownership of the warrior, to one of employment under the Empress. It stated he was free to leave employment, clear and free of debt after one years time. If he were to leave sooner, then the debt would have to be paid in coin. "Please come read this over, and sign the bottom. You as well warrior, you agreement is needed just as much." As she leaned forward again to hold the scroll out to he older male, her breasts slipped a little out of her dress. She was not completely stupid, above them soldiers with bow stepped from little alcoves over looking the room. Strings puled back taught, ready to fire in case the warrior decided to get violent once he gained his freedom.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Northman sneered.
"Nobility is earned in blood and steel on the battlefield, not in preening palaces." He said with a hint of fire in his tone. He watched the old man put his face in his hands again. Always wary of the Empress deciding that teh deal was not to her satisfaction any longer, and sending them both out. And he had not thought to bring his own guards. The old man knew if this fell through, he would likely die the moment they left he palace. A guard stepped towards teh Northman as he finished speaking to the Empress.
"You dare to-" He stopped as the Northman went tense, and clenched a fist. He knew then that if he stepped any closer, one of them was liable to die. If he lost, the Northman would have another kill to his name, even if the upper guards filled him with arrows. Or he could win, and then explain the the Empress why he had cost her such an expensive person. The guard wisely stepped back.

He turned back to see the Empress leaning forward with the scroll. He fixed his eyes for a moment as he discovered that the strange fashions employed in this land were not...overly practical at times. There was the briefest temptaion to simply lunge forward, and steal away from teh room with her as a hostage. He had little doubt there would be places that he could barricade them in, and have untold amounts of enjoyment with this woman. But he also knew that the odds of succeeding were very low. The old man cleared his throat.
"I fear Empress that asking him to read over it will accomplish little. He does not read Roman script." He said delicately. Northman smiled, as though proud of this.
"Nothing you people have put to paper has ever been important enough for me to bother to learn such." He said with a tilt of his head.

 

[My last breath]

The Empress blinked at him, stunned a little at his words. She was tempted to say more, but thought better of it. This was all extremely new to the warrior. He would surely learn in time how things worked here in Rome. Once again though one of her guard thought to get on the defensive. Luckily this time he curbed himself before another one of her men died today. She realized then she had been holding her breath, only because she released it with a sigh. He would definitely be a very important member of her constant guard.

She was a little surprised that he didn't read Roman script, he had been traveling through it long enough the learn. Another sigh, "perhaps we can remedy this, it would be helpful for you to read it. You might come across a death threat. I have had a few from neighboring Kingdoms in the past." He was proving to be more difficult to deal with then she expected. For a brief moment she thought perhaps she had been to hasty in her decision. Pushing the thought away, she had already made the deal and brought him to her home. "Very well, it states that owner ship from this man transfers to an employment contract. After one years time, your debt will be paid in full, after which time you are free and clear of any obligations. If you choose to leave before the year is up, then you are obligated to pay the debt in coin." Her eyes scanned up towards her waiting archers, glad that they had gone through rigorous training. Each one was skilled in rapid shot.

"Will you agree to this," she asked with a sweet smile. Her blue eyes once again fixed on her new warrior.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

The old man sighed, his name being inscribed on the scroll, and he hoped that teh Northman didn't do anything completely stupid, like destroy the document. Instead, the Northman looked at the document, saw what he assumed was teh line that he needed to sign on, and then slid his thumb along to teh point he'd been wounded at earlier, and pressed. The not quite closed wound oozed a little blood, and he flicked his thumb tot eh line, delivering a small spatter.
"And thus is how my people sign things." He said calmly, inclining his head as though to dare any to question him.

A year. One full year. It was an oath, but he also knew that teh following of oaths had landed him here, when not everyone held honour in the same degree that his people did. So an oath sworn to oath-breakers was not one that the Gods would hold him to account for. Once his thigns were returned to him, he would likely spend some time within thee walls, learning the best ways in and out, preparing for his departure. And what was more, he made a silent oath to the Gods. If he was taken again, he'd not be brought back here. He'd meet his ancestors with a smile. But until then, perhaps keeping watch over this woman might prove a diverting way to pass the time. She seemed trusting of him, and he planned to make the most of that.

 

[My last breath]

She wasn't going to tell him that a smear of blood didn't count as a signature. She had no intentions of going against the contract in the first place. She was a woman of her word, something she was proud of. When the old man scribbled his name on the line, Sev did the same. "It is done then, I am assuming you will need an escort, someone to help you carry the chest. While I love my people, there are those who would attempt to take it from you." Nodding towards the two guards who had carried the chest in, they nodded back their understanding. The coin once again jingled when it was picked up. "I do hope you find the time to visit here again, maybe you can sit back and enjoy the battles from the sidelines."

She got to her feet to walk the older man out, sure he was eager to be away with the coin before she could change her mind. Turning to her soldier, she smiled. "Would you like to see the palace, I am told our training grounds are the best anyone has seen." Turning once again, she walked out into the marbled hall, gold sconces lined the wall set into shallow niches. On one side the wall was split every now and then with a nice sized window, looking out into her garden.

Sev probably would have been smarter to bring along her guards, but she was trying to give the warrior a chance. Minutes later they found them selves alone on one of the upper levels of the palace. It held bed chambers used for traveling guests. "I have many gatherings through out the year, these rooms tend to fill up during those times." The thin open robe had slid off her shoulder as they walked. "I normally have a few of the guards posted along the hallways." She had her back to him as she explained every place they went to.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

The old man stood, and bowed.
"You are most gracious Empress, and I thank you for your generosity." He said calmly, sparing a brief glance to the Northman Good riddance. He'd brought him quite a bit of money, but he'd almost been more trouble than he was worth. As the Empress offered him an escort, he readily agreed, and took his leave. Once outside, the chest of gold behind him, he smiled, and led the guards through the streets. His own estate was rather small compared to the palace. But it was his own. He thanked the guards for their escort, and had a runner bring out the bundle of gear that had belonged to the Northman, handing it to the guards. On an impulse, he opened the chest, and pressed a handful of coins into each of their hands as thanks. He could afford such generosity now. He made his way back into the estate, and whistled as he started to make preparation to head for home.

The Northman looked around, a part of him acknowledging that the area was richly appointed. The other side of him was running a tally of the rough value of every golden ornament. When he left this place, he imagined himself doing so flush with plunder, and he would loot nearly every square inch of this place if he could manage it. He still listened to her as she spoke, as he imagined that sooner or later she might say something that was important. And then she did. Usually posted guards...? That meant to him that there were none now. Leaving her alone with him. And that meant there might be an opportunity here, to change the dynamic of how the two of them might work. He slowed near one of these bedrooms, and looked within.
"If these are for your guests...they must be well made. Sound would be hard to hear from within them once the doors were closed, yes?" He asked idly, as though contemplating the potential security benefits of this. As though he was taking the idea of a guard seriously.

 

[My last breath]

"But of course, all are welcome here, you are no different." She added as the man took his leave.

Sev had continued a few paces, not realizing he had stopped at one of the bed chambers. When she heard him speak, she could tell he wasn't right behind her as she thought he was. Turning back she she walked up behind him. "Yes they are well made, and I suppose sound would not travel all that well." She thought the question a little odd, what did it matter if they were sound proof. Looking into the room, it was decorated nicely with a massive bed in the center of the room. Soft drapes in a rich purple hung from the ceiling around it, pooling at the floor. To one side of the room there was a heavy wooden table, with two chairs seated at either end. The drapes at the window, in the same deep purple were left open filling the room with a good amount of light. "Why would that matter, if sound was hard to hear when the doors were closed?"

 

[Alvis Alendran]

The Northman considered exactly what he was contemplating. It was not a simple matter. If he did this, there was a huge risk of being killed afterwards. But then, there was a chance that this might better his fortunes when dealing with her. A part of him screamed not to do this, it was far to dangerous. But she seemed to think that he would be grateful to her, treat her with a certain amount of respect and deferrence. She was no queen or chief to him. What she was to him was simple. A woman who had done little to conceal her charms, adn brought him alone to a place that was out of reach and hearing of her protection. And that...that begged him give answer.

He turned to face her slowly, taking care not to alarm her.
"There are any number of reasons that it could be seen as risky to have rooms that sound does not travel from. For instance..." He shot a hand out, clamping it across her mouth, and heaving her into the air in his grip. He stepped into the room, and gave a mighty heave, tossing her to the huge bed. She was not a large person, adn her weight was scarcely an issue to him. As he released her, he pushed the door shut, and dropped the locking bar into place. "...no one might hear you if you were to be in peril within a room like this." He said with a smile, and advanced on her.

 

[My last breath]

(Oh my hell, sorry it is so short. They will be better I promise)

She turned her attention away from him for only a brief moment. That was all he needed though, her guard was down, as she took in his words. She turned to face him again, when he stopped mid sentence. In that moment his hand was covering her mouth, and he was pulling her into his hard grip. She still screamed, even though it was barely audible with the large hand over her mouth. She pushed against him with her hands, this proved to be worthless. Everything was happening so fast, she was stunned for a moment when she suddenly landed on the massive bed. Pushing herself up with her arms, she tried pulling herself back on the bed. "Do you know what will happen to you," she watched as he advanced on her. "There wouldn't even be a trail," flipping over suddenly she tried crawling from the bed.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

She was so used to her power intimidating people. Her commands being followed. But here, in this room, with only the two of them, the only power that mattered was the power he wielded in his own strength. He rolled his shoulders, keeping them loose as he came closer. She turned to try and crawl away, so he darted forward, a hand shooting out to sieze one of her legs. He pulled, dragging her closer, and dropping her onto her stomach.
"So to do this is to die. Then I had best make sure I get the most out of my time with you, hadn't I?" He said witha half snarl, and his face broke into a grin that did not inspire confidence.

He shot out a hand, and grabbed a handful of her hair, pulling her close to him, and putting her face close to his with a smile.
"Look at you here. Empress of a great empire. And deprived of your guards, stripped of your power, what are you now?" He asked her in a cold, almost mocking tone, as h moved his hand down to begin to push her robe farther open.

 

[My last breath]

The Empress squeaked when she felt his hand clamp down around her ankle. Pulling her closer on her stomach, she should have known her words would mean nothing. Sucking in a sharp breath when he pulled her against him the hair. Her breathing was heavy, as she closed her eyes tight. She felt the wall of muscle against her. Her hands gripped the fabric of her robe, when he began pushing it off her shoulders. "Please...don't do this," it was futile and she knew it.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Northman grinned, hearing her words. The most powerful woman in this empire, adn here she was, Reduced to begging him for mercy and indulgence. The acts that had been undertaken so far had already made him hard and ready to start, so as she tried to keep her robe on her body, he let her, undoing his belt, and letting it fall, along with eh kilt that he'd worn. His erection swung free, and up, a large member to say the least. Nine inches long, and nearly three thick, it was not something that was normally seen in these lands. he smiled, and looked at the Empress.
"You enjoy making deals, don't you? Deals for money, deals for the freedom of others? Well then I'll offer you a deal. You service me, here and now, with your mouth. And should you do well with that, I will stop there. How is that for a deal?" He asked her, grinning.

 

[My last breath]

She jumped when his hand moved between them, and her heart sank when she heard him removing the belt. Biting her lip to keep from making a noise, Sev opened her eyes as he offered her a deal. She could either do this simple act or refuse and he take her anyway. She shook her head in agreement, the choice was clear. She pushed against him again, until he released her. Then sank to her knees in front of him.

 

[Alvis Alendran]

Northman narrowed his eyes in triumph as she nodded in agreement. As she fell to her knees, he turned to face her fully. This had not been what he'd expected to be doing this afternoon. He'd killed a few men, which was always good to get the blood pumping, and now he had the Empress. Queen of an Emprie of painted whores as far as he was concerned, on her knees before him. He shifted himself, and slapped his member off her cheek.
"What are you waiting for...Empress? Would you like to reconsider the deal now?" He taunted her. So much disdain he managed to pack into that one statement. He was clearly enjoying this entire prospect.