Lost in Translation

[Laira Darkhold]

"Good," Laira gave the Knight one more quick hug and then pulled herself away to give the Eldorai a short embrace. "You two look cute together you know. Not as cute as Karina and I would have looked if she wasn't such a stuck up queen, but cute." The redhead grinned and patted them both.

Dimeria cracked a smiled and a short giggle, "I'll miss you Laira. Take good care of yourself." The Princess was one of Dimeria's few friends she had no romantic link too. They were similar ages, Dimeria being seven or eight years the redhead's senior, and they had built a sisterly relationship that had remained platonic despite Dimeria's promiscuous nature and Laira's flirtations. If it had been a different world, or if Laira had a different destiny, they could have been closer, but as it stood there was so much the Knight could never tell her or let her know for fear it would invalidate her oaths.

Waving gently, Dimeria stuck her arm around Vaena and squeezed her as the pair made to leave. No tears fell from the Knight however, even if the Princess had a few welling up in her eyes. "Let's go sweetie."

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


"Farewell, Princess. We shall be in touch. May the Goddess light your path," Vaena said piously, as the before departed. She accepted the profferred arm from Dimeria, and so the pair walked out of the garden. However, as the two approached her shiny yacht, she reluctantly disentangled herself.


Two masked guards clad in elaborate scarlet armour and armed with ceremonial yet still functional halberds awaited her. The two tall elves instantly saluted her in the Eldorai style, hand held over their heart. A figure approached them, Ariawyn Eloris.


"Oh, there you are...Your Grace," the former Angelii, never one to stand on parade, threw in a salute. "Your dear sister, Her Highness, may the Goddess preserve here, has been yapping my ear off about the, I quote, 'storm of indignities' that was 'cruelly inflicted upon her'."


Vaena suppressed a sigh. "Did she actually say that...literally?" She already knew they were.


"Suffice to say I am terribly glad that I shall be relieved of this burden," Ariawyn continued. Her eyes fell upon Dimeria. "Who is she, Your Grace?" she asked in Eldarai. There was a healthy degree of suspicion inside her tone. Perhaps she could sense the...absence of Sciia.


"Dame Dimeria Nykerian is a Knight of the Flame and protector to the heiress to the Alderaanian throne. The Crown has appointed her as their representative to the Court of Cadalthor to strengthen ties between our houses. She proved her valour battling the undead Illyriaspawn at my side." For Dimeria's sake, she spoke in Basic. All playfulness had vanished from her tone, which was firm and insistent. Ariawyn recognised the tone and took note.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Dimeria didn't understand most of what was being said, the language was utterly alien to her. She was well versed in a number of languages and dialects, so hopefully learning Eldorai wouldn't take much time given her wide foundation. Otherwise these people could snicker behind her back without her so much as half knowing what it was. She could mistake muttered comments about her attractive rear for snickering about her if this wasn't rectified.

Upon her introduction, she nodded her head politely at the guards. The Knight could tell they were suspicious, and likely a little confused on why her wardrobe appeared hap-hazardly thrown together. "The Throne has requested I join the Duchess's court to be their voice to her on matters that concern them." Which would be admittedly few and far between given the nature of the two courts. Their goals aligned similarly but jurisdictions were very far apart.

"At Queen Organa's request, I am to treat the Duchess as though she were my own royal." There were actually a few customs that made their relationship relatively Normal on Alderaan. Prince Vereen was actually a member of the Order of the Wolf-Cat himself, and it was not uncommon for military husbands to do so in order to take a proactive role in their mate's protection. It was also not unheard of for a Queen to keep her close consorts as members of the guard. Faith only had her husband, but others before her were known to take the knights into their bedchambers on occasion.

Furthermore came the many Oaths of Loyalty. Ultimately, her oaths were to the people of Alderaan and she had sworn to protect them from tyranny in all its forms, from within and without. Should the Knights of the Royal Guard ever meet and twenty seven of thirty six agree the monarch needed to be removed, they would do so. Quickly and with as little blood shed as necessary. They would then request retirement as a whole, so as not to allow the Knighthood's power to extend across generations.

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


To say that Ariawyn was unhappy would be an understatement. Distrust emanated from her. "Oh, I am confident that there are many cases where our two courts need to interact," she spoke in flat tone, but with a strong undertone of 'what the hell is this? She doesn't even have a soul'.


Askari saw it for what it was, but now was not the time. Especially not in front of Dimeria. "It has been decided. Dame Dimeria has offered to share her knowledge of combat with the Draconian Guard. Doubtless they will have things to teach her in turn. Suitable accommodations will be prepared for her. Seraph, please get us ready for takeoff. We're returning to Tygara," she said firmly, holding her gaze.


"Very well...Your Grace. I would like to request a moment of your time later...concerning some security matters," she spoke seriously. The Duchess nodded, and so the three boarded the craft, flanked by the two guardswomen. Ariawyn kept close to her liege. Presumably they'd run into Karina and be greeted by a tantrum...


"There you are at last! You cannot possibly imagine the storm of unthinkable indignities that was inflicted upon me! My honour was besmirched!"


Speak of the devil...

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Dimeria only smiled and listened, she didn't pay any mind to the tone. On Alderaan there were some who had viewed the young Knights in the same way when she was growing up, but they had taken care of one another. Even know they were the only Order without a seat on the Knight's Council, however she had managed to squeak her way into the inner circle because she had been friends with Laira Organa. She was used to a little distrust and disdain being pointed in her direction.

"Thank you, Duchess. I'm sure the accommodations will be most satisfactory for my needs." The Knight wasn't used to lavish rooms or beds, but she did have a thing for fancy food, which she was hoping would be supplied in a large menagerie of choices during her stay with the Eldorai.

She heard the voice coming, and already knew what it was. Knowing that Karina would be most displeased, Dimeria tucked her head in to whisper to Vaena quietly as the angry woman approached. "She can't insult the princess in my presence without punishment. I'm sorry." The woman offered Vaena an apologetic look, hoping not to be too much of a burden on her shoulders. They would need to work out how they would have to interact around each other and how their official duties would mesh. Dimeria just wanted to ensure they remained comfortable in private and did not resent each other at the end of each day.

The Knight also knew that the redhead princess had been hoping to get much more familiar with the woman, which had obviously not went over very well or Laira would still be entertaining her.

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


Sadly, the sensitive elf ears picked up on Dimeria's whispers. "Insult? Insult?! It was my honour that was insulted! Not just mine...but the honour of all Daughters of the Dragon. Vaena, tell that soldier-girl she cannot speak of me like that. It is inconceivable!" Karina declared dramatically, looking absolutely furious.

"I do not think that word means what you think it does," Vaena retorted. "Leave this to me," she spoke quietly to the Force Dead Knight. "Karina, I would like to congratulate you on how you defended your honour and dignity - and that of our House. You acted in the way a lady should. Indeed, Princess Laira was impressed as well."

"What?"

"What?" Ariawyn happened to blurt out, almost at the same time as Karina.

"Please, Karina, did you really think a foreign Princess would demand that a trueborn Daughter of the Dragon debase herself like a common slave?" Vaena asked airily. "The Princess merely sought to test your character to see if you would stand up to her. Truth be told, she is a bit fond of you." Somehow she managed to say this while keeping a straight face.

"You mean it was...a test?" Karina wavered a bit. Feeling a bit mollified, she puffed herself up. "Yes, I stood up to her. I stood up for all of House Cadalthor. Truly. The humans must know that they cannot push us around and heap scorn on us. After the aid I rendered on that horrible, demon infested vessel, it should have been evident. But I see. The ways of the humans are truly odd."

"A somewhat odd test, I must admit. But it served its purpose. I will make a point of informing mother how well you comported yourself."

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Dimeria kept her face straight, through sheer force of will. Every fiber of her being wanted to point and laugh at the eldorai woman telling all of them how worthless and meaningless she was without Vaena to give her power and authority.

She managed to nod in agreement, "Indeed, she's always been fond of the assets you bring to the table, but the throne needed to be certain about the character of them." Dimeria managed in a monotone. Anything else and she would have cracked a smile. Laira didn't care anything about Karina's character, she only wanted to snuggle up to and fawn over the Eldorai a little to keep herself entertained.

"Perhaps you could assist me with a fashion choice. This power armor is hardly appropriate for attendance in court, I could use a proper warrior's dress in the Cadalthor style in gold and red colors." Dimeria tried to gesture Karina to lead the way so they could talk about clothing, and give Vaena a moment's peace. It didn't hurt that Dimeria did need some new clothes if she would be staying for a while.

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


After being suitably puffed up, Karina looked smug. "I must confess that she was rather brave and is attractive for a human...though her mannerism require polish, but she is not to blame for that. Perhaps I shall deign to spend time with her and refine her." Then her eyes lit up when Dimeria brought up the prospect of fashion.


"I shall gladly dress you properly. No offence...but this suit is so terribly crude. Follow me. By the time I am finished with you, you will be the spitting image of a noble warrior of Cadalthor. And, by the heavens, we must get you some new shoes," she declared, with equal parts enthusiasm and pompousness. Taking the Force Dead Knight's hand, she led her away.


"Karina, keep in mind it must be practical," Vaena added sternly, though she had the impression that her half-sister would not pay attention. Anyhow, this left her and Ariawyn alone. Giving her bodyguard a curt nod, the duchess led her into a private room, and closed the door behind them. "Speak your mind," she addressed her in Eldarai.


The former Angelii likewise responded in the native tongue. "With all due respect, Your Grace, this is lunacy. How much trust can be put in a human...and a soulless one at that? How can you even tell if she is telling a lie if she has no Sciia. Indeed, can she even tell the truth if she has none? I must vehemently protest this, Duchess. She is trying to deceive you. And everyone in your house will know it."

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Dimeria walked alongside Karina, offering the aristocrat her arm to wrap around while they stepped away. "Oh, the Princess was quite taken with you as well. She had been quite vocal that she found you to be the more attractive of the two, and did harbor a desire to spend some time with you under more casual circumstances." The Princess had been looking forward to the prospect of massaging the Eldorai and having her feet rubbed by the pretty woman, even whispered about whether she should ask for a lap dance, but all that had thus far fallen apart.

Dimeria leaned a little closer to whisper to Karina, "If I were to share a secret, she might have been a little more awkward because your appearance intimidated her so. She is not used to someone so strong willed and so beautiful as you can imagine, but I'm told she's quite the generous companion, she studied several massage arts in finishing school." It might have been true, Dimeria had speculated Laira's main reason for wanting to get alone with Karina was because the redhead found her the more attractive of the two. Dimeria disagreed personally, but to each their own.

"I was thinking a hauberk of some kind of light armor with scarlet leather or cloth and gold rivets. It has to be practical and as per my customs it must be a form of armor, the Knights of the Eternal Flame are only allowed out of armor for certain things and I'm afraid attending foreign courts is not one of them." She spoke politely and kindly, very used to having to conduct herself in the presence of nobility that didn't care much for her or think much about her. For now the Force-Dead Knight was just appreciative that Karina had been so easily sated thanks to Vaena's diplomatic tongue.

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


There was an uncomfortable silence. "You have never minced words," Vaena finally said.

"It is why you asked me to join your personal guard, Duchess," Ariawyn spoke, crossing her arms.

"I have not forgotten this, and I appreciate your candour. Too many cloak their true thoughts behind feigned smiles. Nonetheless, you are wrong in this matter. She has no soul, this I know. At least not...in the manner we can see. When she dies, I fear oblivion awaits her. But she is not evil. There is good in her heart. Doubt her if you wish, but Dimeria is not plotting to turn on me. You think her nature horrible, but she had no part in it. It was inflicted on her by demons, and she struggles against it daily.

"Look like into her eyes, reach out to her with your Sciia, and there is nothing but a void. This creature...this woman will be your undoing," Ariawyn's voice became more passionate as she spoke. "Even if she resists her nature and turn on you others will. How do you think your family will react?"

"Oh, there is no doubt inside me about their reaction. Though consorting with a demon is probably what they expect of me."

"The frivolity does not become you, Duchess. Taeryn is only looking for an excuse to slip a knife between your ribs. By consorting with this...soulless being, you play directly into her hands."

"And acquire a combat capable protector who has no reason to throw in her lot with her, and every reason to stay with me. Why do you think most of my guards are Qadiri, for that matter? Certainly not just because I appreciate the colour."

"That is not the only reason, isn't it? Are you in lust with her?"

xxx

Suitably buttered up, Karina smiled. "Truly?" her surprise did not last long. "Well, I have no cause to doubt your word. I am the fairest of my house, after all. I would not mind...putting those massage skills of your Princess to the test myself. If they are as exquisite as you say, maybe I can forgive the crude manner in which she approached me. I confess I find her scarler hair rather exotic." For the moment she seemed a bit lost in her daydream about the human Princess fawning over her, before she remembered that the Knight was walking about clothes.


"Ah, yes. It is a pity we must conceal you in armour, but I suppose we can find something suitable," she sounded a bit disappointed about being denied the chance to play dressup to the extent that she would have liked. They soon reached what amounted to an armoury.

"Vaena spends a good deal of time here. Too much. I have tried for ages to teach her how to dress herself properly, but to no avail. She has as mch dress sense as a nun. Fortunately you will not be dressed by her," Karina added. After searching a bit, she came across a suit that looked suitable to her. "How about this? It would obviously have to be bigger." Dimeria was a tall woman and had more muscle mass than the typical Eldorai warrior, after all.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

The Force-Dead Knight smiled softly, "She would agree with you, and I've not had the inclination to test them myself, it would not be appropriate. Those skills are reserved for those of much greater status and that show her affection." Dimeria said, knowing she was playing Karina pretty well, much better than Laira could have. People like this weren't hard to manipulate, it just had to be done properly. Dimeria much preferred the honest and vulnerable truth Vaena had showed her and she had shown Vaena than these types. She could play the game, even if she hated it to its core.

"She is not far. There is time to invite her aboard for the trip, though I'm certain she couldn't stay with your sister's court for very long." Of course Laira would spring for the opportunity, and expect a reciprocated amount of affections from Karina which could amuse the Knight while Vaena was unable to be her plaything, so it was still partly selfish.

"I do like this uniform very much, Laira did say she admired your sense of style." The suit was light, could be fit to her curves and show off her natural attractive qualities, Karina was most certainly a skilled fashionista. "I apologize for not being able to accept the full breadth of your fashion sense due to my oaths and responsibilities. You'll have to save them for another time or another subject." The Knight smiled, having hopefully implanted the idea of the perfect subject into the Aristocrat's mind. Laira would owe her.

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


Vaena flushed slightly. "You're out of line. This manner of questioning is highly inappropriate."

"Even more reason for me to pursue it. That answer is all I need. Are you out of your mind?"

"In case you have forgotten, I am still your Duchess," Vaena snapped. She hated pulling rank, but she was vexed.

The vehemence of her tone caught Ariawyn off-guard. "Yes, you are, Duchess. You are also the choir girl I taught how to use a Sarix. Have you forgotten why I left the Angelii to serve you? Certainly not because your family is such pleasant company. To make sure you do not end up with a dagger between your ribs."

Deep breaths, deep breaths, Vaena tried to calm herself. "I have not forgotten. I...appreciate your devotion. My enemies are manifold, this I know. But direct your attention against my real ones. They would desire nothing more than for us to toss suspicions at one another."

"And you may have given them fuel," Ariawyn shook her head. "I can break a vow I made, or stay true to it and protect you, even from your own folly. If this...crea...woman turns on you, I shall end her."


xxx


Meanwhile, things were going a lot better in the armoury. Karina had a big ego and liked nothing more than being praised. Especially when it came to her looks, fashion sense and elevated status. She was quite pleased with this human. Pity her Princess did not have her manners.


But perhaps she could work on that and make a proper lady out of her. "Oh, you are most gallant," she gushed. "Do not worry, though you cannot experience the full breadth of refined Eldorai fashion, this armour will suit you well." She looked thoughtful for a moment, then snapped her fingers.


As if on cue, an elegantly dressed minion arrived and promptly curtseyed. Such displays made Vaena uncomfortable, but Karina took them for granted. After all, it was only proper that the peasants knew their place. What was the servant's name again? Eh, who cared. They were all the same anyway.


"You there, go to Princess Laira and kindly convey to her that House Cadalthor extends an invitation to Tygara. In the...interest of building relations or some rot like that. Tell her it comes from me personally."

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Dimeria seemed fairly pleased with Karina's choice of garments, even if the Eldorai was insufferable and made her absolutely her skin crawl with disdain. If Laira had ever treated her like this woman treated servants Dimeria would have been hard pressed not to hit the Princess and bend her over a knee. Luckily, Queen Organa was benevolent and kind, even going so far as to chastise those who relied on droid servants too much for their laziness, even her own husband who seemed content to go relatively unnoticed outside the occasional candid holophoto of him without his shirt.

"Yes, thank you." Dimeria said with a smile, allowing the servants to take her measurements while she messaged Laira via text.

//Karina interested. Thinks it was a test. Play along, she likes to be worshiped a little and she turns to butter, but don't back down and be submissive. You Owe me.//​

It was a simple message sent quietly, and with plenty of excuses as to who and why she would be texting to kill time while being innocent of any crimes or transgressions and keeping the communicator to where no one could see it. Karina hadn't even needed to be buttered up by Laira in order to be completely pacified and have her interest piqued. How egotistical.

Then again, Laira wasn't dissimilar, anyone who showed her enough attention received some in return.

It wasn't long before Laira arrived, with a large male in silver platemaile, his helm covering his face. He wore blue and white with the symbol of a large canine predator adorning his heraldry and weapons very different from Dimeria's. Instead of a bolter and atrisian sword he carried a large two-handed claymore across his back and a side arm on his hip, while his hands clutched a spear with a pennant of House Organa's colors. The aide was an Alderaani woman with dark hair wearing a simple white dress, probably in her mid thirties by the looks of her.

The Princess wore the same dress, however it was clear she had left her meeting with Vaena and Dimeria to get wine-drunk and the hint of red in her cheeks probably relayed that she'd been working on glass three or four when she received Dimeria's message and moment's later Karina's message.

Laira curtsied as they arrived, her aid following suite and dipping significantly lower than the princess.

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


Karina liked it when people curtsied before her. It was only right, for the blood of the Dragon flowed through her veins. This placed her above the common peasants, who should feel honoured that she deigned to give them even a moment of her time and let them serve her.


She gave Laira a smile when she appeared. She took note of the guard, but did not pay attention to him. After all, he was both a peasant and a maleling. In terms of attire, the young aristocrat wore a magnificient dress bedecked with gems.


"Princess Laira, it is a pleasure to welcome you aboard. We are delighted by your presence," she spoke warmly. Now that she had shown the human the correct order of things, she could afford to be magnanimous. "If I may say so, your dress is beautiful." Personally, it struck her as a bit...bourgeois.


Vaena was not sure whether to laugh, facepalm or slap her sister. She tended to feel this way a lot where Karina was concerned. "As my sister expressed with such fervour, welcome aboard, Princess." She could not resist putting some minor snark in her tone, though she had the feeling that it would go over Karina's head. "Quarters have been prepared for you and your retinue."


Fortunately I did not let Karina bring her entire retinue of hangers-on when we left Tygara, she thought. Meanwhile, Ariawyn stood close to the young Duchess, but said nothing. Her face was a rigid mask. She studied the guardsman in silver platemaile, taking note of his weapons, but otherwise kept her eyes on Dimeria. A Sarix rested in an elaborate scabbard that bore the emblem of the Dragon, while she had a bolt pistol holstered. More guests meant more people she had to keep an eye on.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Dimeria bowed to Laira, but remained part of Vaena's retinue for the time being, there was no reason to walk back and forth between the groups and try to establish a middle ground, her place was with Vaena for now. Where she was happy and could be comfortable.

"Thank you very much Duchess. You have my gratitude" Laira smiled, addressing the head of the house first. She noted there was no return of curtsy or nods, which might be custom. Both had done so when she had been greeting them, so it was possible their alien customs were different from her own. "My, that is a lovely dress Karina." Grey eyes set on the svelte elven woman with a sly, seductive smile. The rose in her cheeks flushed a little more.

"I would like to apologize for my earlier behavior. Our customs are odd on occasion and I must submit to them, and I apologize for my part in it." Laira approached Karina, her shimmering grey pools looking over the magnificent dress, which in her own opinion was a little gaudy, but the Eldorai filled it out very nicely. "Perhaps we could go somewhere a little more private, discuss fashion. I would love to hear about your thoughts on Alderaani dresses." She waved a hand and both of her own retainers nodded, willing to provide the two some time alone. The Princess wasn't about to mate with the Eldorai and there was no visible danger to her well being, neither had any reason to protest.

Dimeria nodded turning her own attention to her lover, "Duchess, this will be a long trip back to your homeworld, and there are a few delicate negotiations we could see to while in transit." She dropped the code word, anxious to return to one another's embrace and develop their affections further while things were fresh and passionate. With Laira trying to occupy her own time, Vaena might not have so many distractions keeping her attention away from the tall raven haired knight.

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


"Your behaviour is...forgiven," Karina spoke after a pause. "You cannot be blamed for the strangeness of your ways. I am certain you desire to make it up to me nonetheless. I confess that I might have been a bit rash in my prior assessment of you. But honour is everything to a Cadalthor." Dame Dimeria better be telling the truth about the Princess' massage skills.


Her eyes lit up at the prospect of fashion. "Follow me, Princess. I would love to know more of the fashion of your world. Perhaps some day I can take you to the Lady's Haven. You will be hard-pressed to find attire elsewhere that is more fitting for a lady. And House Cadalthor employs some of the finest dressmakers in the Eldorai Matriarchy."


Ironically, the Lady's Haven was owned by the head of a rival clan, but it did not stop Karina from shopping. Anyhow, she took Laira by the arm and led her away. Maybe she could persuade the human to wear dresses that was less bourgeois and more fitting of her station.


Meanwhile, Vaena got the hint. "I agree. There are some matters best discussed in private," she gave Laira's attendants a curt nod before glancing towards Ariawyn. "Captain." For a moment it looked like the former Angelii would protest. She looked stoic, but Vaena could tell she was staring daggers.


"Duchess," Ariawyn did not need to add 'I will be close'. Her stance conveyed it well enough. Somehow, Vaena would not be surprised if her guard deigned to follow her into her bedroom, with a Cylix bolt pistol at the ready. In any case, she led Dimeria away.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Laira grinned, happily taking Karina by the arm and letting her lead the way into a more private setting. Laira batted her eyes and cozied up against Karina, softly stroking her arm. Dimeria had said something about buttering her up a little, and so that would be where the silver tongued fox would start. "Oh, I do love your sense of style. It really draws attention to you, as if you needed the help." The princess giggled slightly, her hand rubbing against the aristocrats arm gently. "I'm certain you have so much you could show me." The redhead let her accent flow with sugary tones at Karina.

She wasn't about to make it too easy for the Eldorai noble but she had her own aspirations with the aristocrat. Once the door had closed and they were alone, "So Lady Karina, how would you like for me to apologize?" She asked, pouring honey into her voice for her own ends, practically purring at the eldorai. Dimeria was probably underselling Laira's massage skills if they were being rated, but Laira wanted something out of this trip too. She needed a little passion, a little affection in order to perform.

X

Dimeria beamed, happy to see her Princess, her friend finally get what she wanted even if she didn't get to be the alpha female for a little while. Laira was pretty good at turning different aspects of her personality off and on in order to make herself more attractive. Dimeria on the other hand was excited to get her hands back around Vaena, and also to sit and talk with one another while there was simply nothing else to do.

The knight held the door for Vaena, pink shaded sclera looking up at Ariawyn. "Would you like to join us?" She asked, not serious or waiting for a response. The door was already closing when she said it, but if the guardian was suddenly interested the Knight wouldn't exactly turn her down. So far she could only tell there was some deep-seeded animosity directed towards her from many of the Eldorai. Especially Ariawyn.

"Well, this seems to have turned out okay." She said with a smile, what was small talk supposed to be? Ask about the weather? No, she wanted to know Vaena's aspirations, her hopes and dreams. What she wanted from a relationship with Di. What she felt she needed in a partner. And Vaena was simple ravishing in her dress.

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


Karina had some ideas about how Laira could atone for her misbehaviour. "Your guard has regaled me with tales about your exquisite massage skills. I am eager to see if they live up to her word. I believe my feet could use some attention...to start with." Reaching out, she affectionately stroked Laira's hair. "I must say I am fond of your hair. It is rather pretty," she commented. Among the Eldorai, red hair was quite rare and considered something like a sign of good luck.


xxx


Ariawyn's eyes met Dimeria's when the Force Dead Knight unexpectedly addressed her. For a moment, she looked conflicting, as if weighing things on some sort of scale. Then she followed them. The door was already closing, but she just about slipped through. However, she remained standing.


They were now in Vaena's cabin. Obviously this was a room the former Angelii knew quite well. It was large - larger than Vaena would have liked. But the Duchess had downscaled the amenities a bit, throwing out anything she deemed nonessential.


Thus the huge closet was far less crammed than that of her sister's. Adjacent to the actual bedroom was a prayer room, where Vaena could pray to the Goddess and seek her guidance. It contained a statue of the Great Goddess Ashira. "It did, yes. So here we are," Vaena said a bit awkwardly, fidgeting somewhat.


She glanced towards her guardian, who had apparently decided to accompany them. "Ariawyn was my instructor in the Angelii. She showed me the ropes, so to speak. Taught me how to use a Sarix. Made sure I survived my first battle. When I was unexpectedly promoted, she volunteered to become the captain of my guard." There was a note of fondness in her tone. "As you can see...she is very dedicated to guarding me."


"I do my duty, Your Grace," Ariawyn said a bit stiffly. If it had been just the two of them, she would have dropped the formality and referred to her by a given name, but with this woman there she was in uncharted terrain.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"Oh, sweetie. I'd love to," she feigned hesitance, but in honesty she'd given a few decent foot massages in her time. The main reason she wasn't willing to right away was because she had no intention of being Karina's plaything, and feet weren't her thing. The Eldorai would have to give something first. "Its just that everyone knows you can't have a real massage without some passion involved. Anyone can rub feet, but if there is no spark, that's all it would be no matter who does it." Laira grinned, tilting her chin up to look the Eldorai in the eyes and leaning in close, letting herself fall into the curve of Karina's body.

Laira's hand brushed Karina's hair from her face as she leaned close to the tall Eldorai, "So how about we start with getting used to one another, a little passionate kissing, and then once we are both suitably enamored, I can give you a proper massage."

X

Vaena spoke while Dimeria made herself more comfortable, peeling off the poorly fitted plates and placing them in a corner of the room. She wasn't disrobing completely, just getting her armor off and wearing just the robes. She was a little surprised Ariawyn had decided to join them, but didn't seem fazed by the circumstances. She finally took a seat, careful not to appear too familiar with the duchess in front of her guardian. "As do I." Dimeria retorted politely. "I have sworn my oaths to those I serve," She was careful not to say who, only the Royal House and Vaena currently held her loyalties, and she was already struggling to consider what she would do if the two ever opposed one another, "And will carry them out from this day until my last to the very best of my ability."

"Duchess, how much formality should we maintain for these negotiations?" The raven haired knight ask, pulling her hair to rest on her shoulder. The subtle fade from black to violet in her hair fell across her shoulder. Dimeria wanted to know how much they should trust Ariawyn before coming out and confirming any suspicions the guardian might have. It could be dangerous for Ariawyn to have knowledge of the two women and if the Duchess wasn't sure, then Dimeria wasn't going to be the one to say it.

[member="Vaena Askari"]

 

[Vaena Askari]

[member="Laira Darkhold"]


Karina felt a stab of annoyance. This human should feel honoured that she deigned to spend time with her! She liked the petting though. "I do hope your skill with your fingers matches the quickness of your tongue. Your minion has lavished much praise upon you," she spoke.


One of her hands snaked down Laira's back to cup her butt. "Such delightful hips," she fondled her a bit more. It would be a pleasure to watch the human dance for her. After all, Laira had a lot to atone for. "Now come over here and kiss me."


xxx


Welcome to Awkward City. Presently it had three inhabitants.


"I reckon the Captain is not here to partake in sensitive negotiations, Dame Dimeria," Vaena said gently. She knew Ariawyn enough to know that she had not come here for a booty call. She had occasionally shared her bed with the woman, but could tell now was not the time. Ariawyn was a good woman and true, but as rigid and strong as stone. Appropriately, earth was her kindred element. She was still more fun than Kaida.


"Her Grace speaks true," Ariawyn said, though her eyes never left Dimeria. "What is your interest in here?" It took a lot of self-control for her to stay her hand and not make an attempt to remove this woman from her liege's presence, though her mistress would undoubtedly react poorly if she did so.