Ursurper 1x1 (Mitheral and Becky)

[Becky]

Deruk listened to why the woman gave her a pillow. She tilted her head confused to why he was sounding different after explaining why the woman gave her a pillow.


She nodded listening to what he was saying about Wishper. He was broken because he was sad. She hoped she could change that and he would like her like he liked his old owner. She smiled and winched in pain on her shoulders when he began to rub them. She nodded faking a smile “Yea I feel like a stone. My body is so sore and tired” she says almost feeling like she burnt off so much body fat that her soul was going to leak out. She closed her eyes allowing him to massage her sore shoulders enjoying it. She didn’t notice the people looking and laughed as he squeezed a tickle spot. She always had a lot of tickles and couldn’t help but chuckle from the massage. Grinning feeling great she nodded “Yea I want to get out of here and be alone. “ She says already feeling it strange having people follow her around all the time. Turning her attention to the larger woman she smiled finding the woman funny “I think I can have fun with her” she says and points quickly “She seems fun”. Smirking she thought of all the things they could do like playing tricks etc. Deruk turned to Duncan and frowned somewhat “I don’t know how to thank you for everything.” She says feeling a little cheap as if she was draining everything and taking his time “I don’t have money to repay you” she says troubled and quietly. Even though nobody else understood her she didn’t want to let anyone know she was completely helpless. She blinked thinking of a idea on how to repay him “Maybe I could get a job and repay you? “ she asked wondering if by working at the medical centre would pay her*

 

[Mitheral]

Duncan was still caked with sweat and was half afraid he reeked - and probably did. There hadn’t been time to manage a bath before dinner. But noone dared say anything to the emperor - save his closest friends. That was very rare. And far rarer was the one that would be frank with him in public. Someday he would have to learn how to manage his time better. He stopped the massage finally and walked around to offer Deruk a hand.


“It’s been a long day,” he said for the benefit of those around him. And as soon as Deruk stood eyes focused on her. This simple gesture would be the stuff of gossip.


Deruk saw something else in some of those pairs of eyes - notable among Duncan’s advisors. Surprisingly one of the most verbose advisor to harass Duncan about the LAW and the responsibilities of an emperor wasn’t watching the emperor and lady stand. His were watching the room. There was little doubt that if she were to draw one of the blades from its scabbard, it would scream all sorts of information about enemies. Friends close; enemies closer. That’s how the saying went. Duncan seemed not to even notice.


Instead Duncan kept his dignity as a few of his friends gave “knowing” looks. More than likely it was hopeful looks. Many of them seemed to want Duncan married off more than he did. Then again, he had mentioned an Ex. It was entirely possible that he didn’t care to repeat a mistake. He avoided physical contact, lest people read even more into the scene than an emperor walking a guest back to her quarters. That was bad enough when that guest was a lady.


Gossip.


“You needn’t worry about repaying me. If I expected to be repaid, I’d have drawn a contract or something. I do what I do because I like helping people. There is one favor you could do for me though. Rescue me from this crowd?” He chuckled a little. “Emperor or not, I have never been a people person. Mild demophobia.


“Working at the medical center would be fine, but it will work a lot better once you’ve learn the language. That is why I started there for your training. Meiko will also be working with you in that department.”


Duncan escorted Deruk to her room where he had servants start preparing her a bath. Rufetassa materialized out of nowhere and handed Duncan a huge sponge, held his nose in silence. Then he pointed at Duncan himself.


Duncan chuckled. “I suppose I do reek. I think this is a hint. Oh, you’ll get used to shadows after a while. I probably owe my life to this man more than once.” Both men cast a glance toward Meiko who had followed at a distance. However hard she tried she lacked the Batman-like ability to simply vanish that Rufetassa possessed. “Anyways, I suppose I have a destiny with the royal bath myself.” He nodded his head to Deruk.


Duncan sighed. “Come on Rufetassa.” He gestured toward the door and repeated himself in the local tongue.


Rufetassa looked at the bath that women were hurrying to fill with hot water. Then he looked at Duncan and hung his head in mock shame. He stopped the emperor and held the back of his hand to the larger man’s forehead.


Duncan laughed and blushed. Then he looked back. “M’lady at some point I am going to have to find more than a few moments to speak with you. If you ever want to speak with me, just ask. It doesn’t have to be about anything in particular. For that matter, if there is anything you’d like to do, please ask. These two would move Heaven and Earth to get me to take some down time.”

 

[Becky]

Deruk took his hand smiling as they walked back to her room where she would have a bath. She didn’t notice that the bodyguards seemed to be following as soon as they left. She knew the people would think that she and Duncan had a thing going on however wrong they were. She laughed when Rufetassa told him he should bath also. She nodded to him “Yea he is right” she says giggling. She watched her bath being filled quickly and wondered how the servants were doing it so fast. Looking at him she frowned “I wish we could just be friends without all the shadows” she says finding it hard to get use to all of the people following him and her. She nods and grins “Well I’d always want to talk to you….you’re the only one that understands me” she says as she eyes the bath with the steam coming off of it. She knew it would help her still sore body. She blushed looking away from the bath and not looking at Duncan . She smiled wanting to take up his offer “Maybe one day we could go on the horses.” She says mentioning the horses she saw in the stable “I always wanted to go on a horse” she says and yawns rubbing her neck

 

[Mitheral]

“It’s nice to be able to speak in English with someone that actually gets my jokes. For example the words ‘DOH” or the phrase “Mmm … potato chips” just doesn’t mean much to these folks. I miss potato chips. And McDonalds.”


Duncan started to turn to leave, then stopped in his tracks, turned and smiled. Then he looked a little embarrassed. “Actually the place I wanted to take you is the sort of place you’d want to see for the first time at this time of day. Close to sunset. Or sunrise. But … uhm ..” he stopped, blushing a little. He stammered a little as he looked a little mischievous. “I could take you there now. But we’d need to bring a change of clothes. Otherwise I’d be recognized.” He seemed to very seriously consider the idea, then slowly shook his head. No … it was too much too fast. “But it might be best to wait for a time when you aren’t so worn out.”


Duncan grinned. “You do realize what everyone - including my friends - are thinking.” He became a little more serious. “Phaedon is faced with a civil war if I don’t produce an heir securing a line of succession. That … is what Rufetassa was checking my forehead for. He thinks I am crazy for not staying.”


“As to giving you an excuse to get out of your lessons and go riding, that is going to take a LOT of convincing. But I’ll work on it. Maybe I should tell Meiko you said that … She would probably work you twice as hard. Oh, and Katsya is assigned to you too. They have to sleep some time. Meiko will take it easy on you. Enjoy that while you can. Katsya is the harsh one. They’ll be staying in your room tonight.”


And with that he bowed and departed with Rufetassa.


It was Meiko who picked up where Duncan had left off on Deruk’s shoulders once the warm waters loosened muscles. Meiko definitely knew what she was doing. The tub was large enough for half a dozen women to bathe in at once. And that meant Katsya took it upon herself to join Deruk with little warning. And it wasn’t long before Katsya was trying to usurp Deruk’s place for Meiko’s attention, making kneeding gestures at her own neck.


Deruk actually managed to catch a word or two as Meiko chastised Katsya. The gist was that Deruk was the one with all sorts of pulled muscles. Katsya was the healthy one who didn’t need pampering. Deruk didn’t really recall even making it into bed…


+++++++++++


When she awoke Deruk found herself at the edge of the bed - which had to be big enough for several to sleep in - and about to fall off the edge. She noticed Meiko literally standing there ready to catch her with a slight smile on her face. Deruk could feel a giant of a woman in the bed behind her back to back - hogging most of the covers.


Katsya.


Somewhere during the night Katsya and Meiko had swapped places. One stood guard while the other slept literally in the bed next to Deruk. Katsya wasn’t completely without defenses. She wore her bracers and had her hand on a sword.


Meiko held a finger to her lips. Then she whispered. “Good morning, Lady Deruk. We have much to do.” Though the words had been in the Meiko’s native tongue, Deruk understood it perfectly.

 

[Becky]

She raised her eye brows at what he was saying. So they all think that Duncan and her should go out together. She laughed “Yea maybe we can go some other time when we both don’t have to wash” she says joking. The bath looked nice and she would soon jump into it. She wondered what the place was that he was talking about. It made her excited and she really wanted to see it getting curious “Maybe tomorrow we can go to that place” she says agreeing to his plan. Once he left she looked at the bath and took off her clothes careful not to let anyone see any of her parts. She held the towel to her body while easing her aching body into the hot water. Once she was in she put the towel away. Deruk’s eyes widened as Katsya came in. She went into a corner on the large tube and brought her knees up to her chest. Katsya smiled nervously and almost jumped once feeling Meiko’s fingers working on her muscles. She relaxed and smiled hugging onto her knees and closing her eyes enjoying the heat and the massage. Soon she fell asleep even while she was still in the bath. When she woke up she was startled seeing she was close to falling. She smiled at Meiko and went back into bed fully. However it was hard because of the giant woman. Deruk pulled some covers over and snuggled into them looking at the woman. She blinked wondering why she wasn’t also asleep. Yawning she watched them swap places and she eventually got it. They were taking turns in keeping watch. She sighed and wondered why she needed all this protection maybe it was the civil war Duncan was talking about.


She must have fallen asleep because the next thing Deruk knew was what she was being awoken by Meiko and sat up alarmed wondering why she could understand her. She must have been using the hourglass thing again. She smiled and nodded “Okay” she says eager to learn how to fight so she could get her swords. She wanted wishper and glitter. Standing up she yawned her body recovered from yesterday and she felt no pain.

 

[Mitheral]

Meiko listened as Deruk spoke for a bit. Deruk wasn’t speaking in that strange language Duncan used, not even the local tongue. No, she was speaking in Meiko’s own native language. And considering that the woman had only heard a few phrases, that was impossible. No, she had NOT used a leaf. So … Lady Deruk WAS like Lord Duncan.


Some said that Lord Duncan was a god. Others that he was descended from gods. Others said he was an Ancient - one of the First Men. Whatever the truth of the matter Lord Duncan appeared to be immortal - strong and unaging. Meiko had long suspected Katsya might have such blood in her. Katsya was the only one able to hold her own against Lord Duncan in a fight. And something told Meiko that Katsya was holding back.


Meiko decided not to make a scene about Deruk’s ability to learn a language overnight - in her sleep. “You need not feel guilty. You are a Lady. Lord Duncan has made this clear. Most of your servants were former slaves he set free. But does he treat them with such respect. I’m not so sure he even realizes he is doing it. I have known him since I was a child.” Meiko looked a little wistful. It didn’t take a genius to see that she was a little jealous of the attention Duncan gave Deruk. “He … is a warrior scholar. That is the worst of two worlds. As a warrior he has no time for family. As a scholar he hides in scrolls. It is a miracle I was ever born. If you only knew my family.”


“Duncan is so caught up in his chivalry that you will be an old woman before he ever makes his interest in you declared. Or another woman will come along. If he does not create an heir soon - or at least take steps - he is going to have a civil war to contend with. He refused the last princess sent to him to establish a treaty. Instead he offered the treaty anyways and sent military aid. That’s where Katsya’s been.


“Anyways … we haven’t actually begun your training. It will be some time before you are truly ready for real training. Practice weapons. You don’t get to use your real weapons to make up for a lack of skill. If I took it easy on you I wouldn’t be doing you any favors. and all the training in the world won’t help you get through the first experience of taking a life. But you can’t win a defensive battle forever. However, defense is the first thing I will teach you. That will come more naturally.”


Deruk never saw the mountain of a woman looming up behind her until the last moment as Katsya’s shadow blotted out the light from one of the oil lamps. Neither did she see the gigantic pillow - more like a beanbag chair - swung at her with enough force to knock her over sending her sprawling onto the rug on the floor. All she saw was the almost pained smile on Meiko’s face. And before Deruk could protest Katsya followed up with another blow.


Katsya tossed the ‘pillow-sword that Meiko had made to the fallen Deruk. “Here. That one’s about your size.”


The pillow never made it to Deruk. Meiko moved in like a blur and caught it in mid air. The smile was gone from her face. “Lady Katarina, you will apologize to Lady Deruk … immediately.” Her hand switched to her katana.


Katsya caught the not-so-subtle change in Meiko. Her friend was serious. The woman meant to kill her - or die trying - if she didn’t apologize. And Katsya did not want to kill Meiko under any circumstances. The fun was already out of this game. “I apologize. And that is something I very rarely do for any reason. Lady Meiko, please explain.”


Meiko was taken aback. Katsya had just spoken her her native tongue every bit as well as Deruk could. She had never heard the larger woman speak it before. Again she tried not to notice. “You will not insult lady Deruk again. She is already well aware of her lack of martial training. It will be our duty to teach her - and to protect her until she is able to do so for herself.”


Katsya nodded. “Ahh … I was only referring to the size of pillow and size of … “ She gave an exasperated sigh. “Chert vozmi. I suppose you are right. Fine then. YOU use the pillow. If I tell you that it is more YOUR size, do you feel insulted?”


Meiko tried to remain angry. “I fear the consequences would be quite the mess. But to make this a truly honorable contest the classes of weapons should be equal. And seeing as you as large as both of us, then perhaps you should be ready to fight off both of us.”


“Duncan may kill us for this.” Katsya pointed out.


“Perhaps. But this is one weapon class that Deruk should be able to use to deadly effect if he steps out of line.”


Katsya nodded and looked back over at Deruk. “Oh yeah. So he really has the hots for her? She seems a little - I mean no disrespect - scrawny. You know - delicate. Maybe we should put some meat on her bones. Of course I doubt that will do much good either. I sometimes wonder if he will ever take a mate. I have never seen him with a woman.”

 

[Becky]

She listened to Meiko and frowned “Well its not my fault she hasn’t a mate….and we are just friends. I have no wish to be more than that” she says lying of course. She found him oddly cute and interesting. She looked around for the hourglass but couldn’t find it. Maybe she was using some different type of spell. Deruk screamed as she was jerked forward onto the ground giving herself whiplash on her neck from the force of the pillow. She hid her tears well “What the hell?” she asked standing up alittle light headed. She picked up the smaller pillow and then listened to the conversation “Did you use the leafs too?” she asked Katsya feeling alittle confused. She forgot her pain and smiled alittle nodding at the two pairing up against Katsya to fight. She smirked alittle and when froze “We are just friends!” she says in a defensive way “Friends and maybe he is still sad over his old girlfriend” she says letting some private details slip annoyed “and anyway it’s none of your business anyway” she says joking with a smile ready to hit her back with her pillow sword. She went to hit Katsya “And I’m not scrawny “ she says laughing as she launches for Katsya. To Deruk they were just playing she wished that the leaf wouldn’t end so she could understand all the time. However she didn’t know that infact they weren’t using a leaf at all.

 

[Mitheral]

“Leaves? What leaves?” Katsya asked as she reached down to pick up another bean bag chair and swung it effortlessly. “I think corn cobs work better.”


That threw Meiko into a laughing fit, leaving Katsya momentarily confused. she tried to stop several times, saw Katsya’s confused look and just went back to laughing. Finally she explained, “I have an Olive Branch of Diplomacy. It translates for 5 minutes. Only … I haven’t used it.”


Katsya nodded and turned a little red. So … you weren’t talking about the other use for leaves.” She couldn’t help but laugh a little. “I wondered why Deruk was asking such a personal question. So .. when did she learn Nippon?”


Meiko looked pointedly at Katsya. “Last night.”


“Ah, I see.” Katsya did not really seem surprised. “Well, are you two going to just stand there like pells and make it easy for me?”


Meiko froze for a moment and turned to give Deruk a mock lethal look. Then her face went impassive. She calmly turned to walk over and arm herself with pillows similar to Deruk’s. Katsya grinned and swapped her oversized pillows for smaller ones as well. The three way pillow fight that ensued left the air filled with feathers. It wasn’t an especially fair fight either as both Meiko and Katsya used two pillows each. And even with Deruk being teamed up with Meiko against Katsya - it was still a one sided fight.


Katsya smiled and thought to herself. “So she is like Duncan and myself. I wonder how she learned so fast though. Duncan has said he was a master of languages in his past. Hmph, well she IS a bit scrawny. Just Duncan’s type I bet. Needs protecting. He’s a sucker for that. Well, maybe SHE won’t be such a pain about helping me work on softening up Demir.”


+++++++++++

“Cotton Castle” was the name of the place that Duncan had wanted to take Deruk to. He hadn’t far off in his description of the place. It was a natural field of hot springs. He explained that on Earth the place was called Pamukale in Turkish and had been a favored site to visit for the Romans. And unfortunately it was every bit as popular in this world.


He had had Deruk dress down - more like a commoner - which he did as well. He preferred to travel incognito when traveling as he had. He had led Deruk back to his bedchambers while carrying a picnic basket and a backpack - giving her mocking bedroom eyes - before opening the door for her. He joked about carrying her in - or rather got halfway through his joke before stumbling over his own words. He might have been masterful at speaking for a crowd in court. But behind the scene with a lady he seemed to lack the same confidence.


As it turned out the reason for leading Deruk here was largely to get her out of sight. He walked her over to an open area of the floor where he stopped and gestured. One moment they were in his room - the next they were in Pamukale. He held up the picnic basket and smiled.


“We are over a hundred miles from home now. That is why I prefer the disguise as a commoner here. It would be rather dangerous to arrive as the Emperor without guards. Now if you think this place is amazing now, just wait a couple hours until sunset and this place is really something. Oh … and our shadows might be breaking into my room about now. Or … they might actually leave us alone. ”

 

[Becky]

Deruk was jumping on the bed while hitting the woman with a pillow. She laughed as it was more like a game to her. Eventually all the pillows broke and feathers covered the bedroom. After the fight she jumped up own last time and landed on the bed on her butt. She smiled out of breath “That was awesome!” she says laughing and picking feathers from her hair. She rubbed her eye abit tired “Why are you all so alarmed” she asked raising her eyebrows. She sat talking for awhile until Duncan came. She waved by to her friends and went with him almost skipping around with joy “I am understand now” she says confused “I don’t know why though” she says questioning it her voice broke slightly the way a young boys voice would as they were growing up. She cleared her throat and looked at the bag on his back. She dressed simple with he asked. She wore a simple white cloth tshirt and pants to match. She looked at him in the common clothes and smiled seeing what he might have been like on earth. She wished they were back on their earth together. Stepping into the portal she looked around at where they ended up. The water looked like steam and it reflected the sky so clearly it looked like a second sky. Her eyes widened with amazement and her mouth made a O shape. She never saw such a sight before. She looked at him and smiled “Yea hopefully they leave us alone just for a little while atleast” she says wanting to just spend time with him as a normal man and not some type of savour. She sat down waiting for the sun to set almost already imagining how it must be like. For a few moments she blanked out thinking about the beauty then her mind was back to Duncan. She sighed feeling pressured “They keep wanting us to be together….” She says feeling awkward “I wish they’d mind their own business. I know they mean well but its really annoying and stressful”. She glanced at the sky seeing it get alittle darker however it was hardy time for sunset yet. Her belly rumbled and she blushed slightly “The old man looks like a wizard seems fun to hard to please” she says trying to change the subject. Duncan was a good man and she did have feelings for him however she was afraid the feelings weren’t being returned and they only had a connection because they are both from earth “I miss my video games” she complains *

 

[Mitheral]

Duncan smiled. “I’ve gotten used to the attention. I suppose I knew what I was in for - sort of - when I became the emperor. I guess it’s unfair to you though. My friends are another matter. Fact is, I haven’t really looked at a girl - not seriously I mean - since I got here. Don’t get me wrong, I have seen some really nice looking ones. Sexy, I mean. But … well, believe it or not that isn’t …” His voice wavered off as he found himself having trouble saying what he meant to say. “I guess I like a girl that can think.”


He smiled a little broader at her delighted expression upon seeing Pamukale. “First time I came here I was too young to appreciate girls- maybe 10 or 11 years old. But I did remember the place. It struck me as the perfect place for a picnic. This end is a bit on the far side from the local dwellings. Hopefully we won’t get too many strays this way. Might want to keep your weapons hidden. Mine are a little harder to hide.”


He had also brought a small 6 foot by eight foot rug and a backpack. He rolled the rug out for comfort and laid everything on it. Then he stood over everything and gestured again with a smile. “Okay … if anything or anyone hostile comes our way, no matter what, stay on the rug. I’ve enchanted it. As you might guess it will fly. Only lasts several hours, but that is plenty. If anything happens to me and I tell you to go home. Keep the sun to your right and fly until you see the shore. Turn and keep the shore to your left until you see a huge walled city with a keep. You wouldn’t make it before nightfall, but the moons will rise from behind you. The whole trip wouldn’t take more than several hours.”


“Our shadows hate when I do things like this. They aren’t here to wipe my you-know-what. Now I know you have had Meiko and Katsya working the devil out of yourself all day, so leave the work here to me.” He stopped and looked around. “We COULD enjoy the hot springs…” His voice trailed off. He huffed a little.


“You know, the thing with taking you to my bedchambers was because that is a place I have enchanted to warn me if it is safe. I have wards placed there. You are, no doubt, curious as to how I can do all these things. I was a Linguist and Chemist on Earth. The chemistry made alchemy a natural progression for me here. I have studied for 20 years and am now probably one of the most powerful mages on the planet. I strongly suspect you would make a fair Numerologist. Maybe a Totem Spirit mage? Maybe even an alchemist. One class of alchemist are physicians - sort of like apothecaries.


“Being royalty - any royalty - carries its own magic. You may have heard of the princess and the frog? Well, any royalty has the power to break a curse. It isn’t absolute, but it is very real here. Of course if I catch you kissing a lot of frogs I might get jealous. Besides, you have to be royalty for that.” He seemed to study her for a moment, then laughed as his mind pictured just what he had described. Then, a little mischief in his smile he spoke, “Ribbet?”


“I heard you managed to pick up languages overnight. That surprised me. I expected you to be quick, but it does confirm my suspicions. I’m just not sure why you picked them up so much faster than me. You and I are the only ones not native to Meiko’s lands that speak her language fluently. I have a theory about that. Meiko literally slept in your bed, didn’t she? She did that with me when she was a little child. Storms. Her grandfather had been ill. But after that I found I could understand her completely.


“Anyways, now that you can speak the local languages, you can expect to be felt out by my Advisors. Just a heads up there… Now, let’s see what tasty stuff we have in the picnic basket - that isn’t poisoned. Yes, I checked it before we left.”


He heard Deruk’s stomach rumble and laughed a little. “I guess I should stop rambling and get to feeding you.”


Duncan slapped at Deruk’s hand before she could sneak samples of the food. “Ah, ah, ah! My job.” He grinned. “Prepare to be spoiled. I have people serving me all day, all the time.” He reached over for another treat and a small canister of sauce. It was finger food, some sort of thin spicy bread similar in texture to a flour tortilla, but thinner and softer, with a pulled meat - probably lamb or goat, with some shredded vegetables and cheeses. The dipping sauce was a sort of ginger spiced curry - not too strong, of course. “You should know that there are some people dining very well tonight. These are hard to make in small quantities, so I sent the most of what was made to the rest of the staff. They probably think I was afraid of being poisoned though.


“Meiko…” he paused. “She’s practically a daughter. Rufetassa is practically a son. I have known them both since they were children. And I can see something between them. Problem is they are getting in their own way. I swear, there are times I want to toss a flask of perfume of lust into a room with them and shut the door. No, I wouldn’t do that. And in answer to the question THAT surely brought up, yes that is an all-too-common magical item. It is made by evil hex masters for their orgy rituals. Hex masters? Closest thing would be satanic ritualists. They are into demonology. That perfume is an awful thing. One whiff and you will end up with the first member of the opposite sex - or same if no opposites are available - until exhausted. It isn’t a love potion though - more like super pheromones. It activayes pure animal instincts. Turns people into their bestial selves. I know. More than you wanted to know.”


Duncan kept plucking different dishes. There was a fish dish that was unlike anything Deruk had tasted. It tasted sort of Asian. The meat was softer than fish, spiced with something similar to a Szechuan garlic sauce. He suggested the don’t ask philosophy - though he did reassure that there was nothing like roast spider or monkey brains.


Their privacy did not last, unfortunately. Duncan had purposely not raised the tent to avoid being easy to spot, but clearly some noble had pick a spot a little too close and a precursory patrol had spotted them. Duncan growled under his breath as a group of six soldiers approached.


“You there!” one of the soldier demanded Duncan’s attention. “You’ll need to pick up and move downstream. Move it!”


Duncan’s eyes narrowed. “And why is that?”


“Not YOUR concern. This is an imperial matter,” the soldier huffed, his hand going to his sword. others began to follow suit.


Duncan’s voice dropped an octave. He held up a finger. “That’s interesting for I, too, am here on an imperial mission.” His claim elicited soft laughter until he started to reach into his cloak.


“Keep your hands where I can see them!” the soldier demanded.


“You are going to want to see my credentials - or you’ll be facing your commanding officer for punishment. I outrank you.” And that was all the time he needed to pull his sword out where they could see it. “No, it isn’t stolen.” He rolled the other way and reached into the picnic basket to pull out his crown. “Neither is this --” The men had turned pale when he turned back to them.


“That’s what I thought - and don’t you dare bow - any of you. I have no doubt you are following the orders of whatever noble is over there. There is nothing over here of interest. How am I ever supposed to get time to myself to woo a lady if I can’t get away with her to … uhm .. to .. uhm .. woo?” He had stopped and was clearly trying to backpedal. “I know what you are thinking. What sort of lady doesn’t WANT to be an empress?” He jerked a thumb over at Deruk. “Well, there was that one girl they sent me. But she was freaking out. Her heart belonged to another. So I married her off, honored the treaty - in exchange for being allowed to be her first born’s godfather. It worked out all around.”


He started making shooing gestures. “Shoo. Mum’s the word. No harm done. Well, except for having to explain a few things I might have said to the lady that is the subject of much wooing - or maybe not so much. I suppose I will find out shortly. And if you could keep anyone from straying this way from your direction or at least afford me a heads up, I’d appreciate it. Your noble is your first priority though just so that is clear.”


He waited while the men withdrew. Finally he spoke again. “Well, I suppose we have privacy in one direction. Crepe?”

 

[Becky]

*She grinned liking it better being alone with him. She got to see what his personality was like without being shadowed by people. She looked at the hot springs surprised and smirked “Maybe we could….”she agrees and listens to him talk about what she could be. She thought al ideas seemed good and would like to try them all. She blushed slightly when he said she couldn’t kiss frogs because he’d be jealous she laughed and looked at the springs shyly. Her eyes widened when he flirted trying to be a frog. She grinned and pecked his cheek with her lips kissing him shyly “Didn’t work….looks like you’re not a frog after all” she jokes enjoying being alone. She listened about the flying carpet and looked at with alarmed wondering what the danger really was. She shrugged it off and watched him prepare food for them. Her stomach rumbled even more seeing the food and she reached to help him unpack it. She yelped when he hit her hand and laughed alittle “Fine “ she joked then was first to see the men approach. She tapped his shoulder and pointed towards them alittle afraid they might want to kill us. She didn’t want to fly on the carpet alone. Her stomach turned to butterflies and he shouldn’t felt sick. She listened to them exchange words and the relaxed with a smile seeing that they were on Duncans side. She grinned when they finally figured out who he was. She laughed then stopped when he said he was trying to woo her. Her eyed widened and travelled to the ground shyly as they moved away. She sat back down on the carpet examining in as he sat back down. Her face instantly turned to joy at the offer of crepe. She looked not thinking that this world had them “Wow I thought I’d be stuck eating boring food for the rest of my life” she joked and nodded “Yes please!” she smirked and looked at the springs as he prepared it. It seemed that sunset would be in a hour or two he hoped they remained alone until that time*

 

[Mitheral]

Duncan blushed a little when Deruk pecked him on the cheek - even more so when he announced that he was wooing her - or trying. It had been so long since he had taken a girl on a date - a real date - he felt out of practice. He COULD have had a royal feast in Deruk’s honor, made a tour of Istanbul, and showed her off like some royal prize. But he had had a feeling that she would have hated it. She was already tired of all the attention - by the public. He couldn’t help but notice that she didn’t mind personal attention in private. That was a good sign.


Duncan tried not to smile, but mumbled, “It’s good to be the King.” It was a quote from an old Mel Brooks movie, History of the World, Part 1. He somehow doubted Deruk would appreciate that fact as the scene was - as with most Mel Brooks movies - politically incorrect. He laughed briefly at his own joke, then sobered up. “I just want to help these people. You should have seen these lands several years ago. Slavery, starvation, plagues. I am slowly changing that. Being the Emperor has its perks. But it is also a burden. I serve them, not the other way around. For all I have done, most still don’t believe my words. But they do understand that life is slowly getting better.”


He smiled as he offered another goodie, teasing once or twice. “Yes, I suppose I AM trying to woo you. I remember my …” he stopped abruptly. “No, maybe that subject is for another time. Let’s just say that the decades have taught me a little wisdom - but only a little. I have spent most of my life alone. But the burden of leading a nation is one best shared. And I do need the help. You are the first person with whom I could really talk. And while I may have the memories of a man old enough to be your grandfather, my body is that of a young man. I feel like a young man.


“But I do want you to understand that I am also all about choice. If you said no - that is did not wish to reciprocate - I may not like it, but I will accept the answer. But like it or not, these people have laws regarding their leader that they simply will not change. This nation is headed for a civil war if I do NOT unite it by starting a dynasty. For now I am still merely the Usurper.


“I am offering you the chance to help lead a people out of the Dark Ages, to inspire a nation to greater things. And … if time is willing … perhaps more.” He almost smiled as if about to make a joke, then thought better of it. He was, looking at the water.


And if you think I haven’t already considered your fate should the worst befall me, you very much underestimate me. I started making arrangements the day you arrived.” He smiled. “Meiko, Katsya and Rufetassa - as well as a few others - will make sure you are safe.”


He sighed. “Here are the facts. I am offering to make you the Empress. The laws of the monarchy follow Agnatic Primogeniture. In short, a male dominated line of succession. However there is an exception to these laws: Elective Monarchy. That means I can leave a line of succession to be followed in the event of my death.


“Children, more specifically male heirs. Their laws are so messed up that the last Emperor had a dozen wives. You’ll have to watch out for them. The first wife to produce a male heir becomes the empress. That meant the old emperor probably had his hands full making sure his wives didn’t sleep around or kill one another. And if a wife didn’t produce an heir within 5 years, she was declared infertile. The laws are all about stability of the throne. To me they are just a confusing mess. And yes I am trying to change the laws. I am so tempted to just throw their law books out and start from scratch.


“Unfortunately … until I have an empress and produce an heir, I am Duncan the Usurper. If I die, the old royal family has a viable claim on the throne - and you would have no protection - except from my own people. I do not require an answer right this moment. And in truth, until I make a public declaration it has no real effect.


“I know I have been more than a little direct. Normally I would at least get through a number of dates, get to know you better first. But people did see us enter my chambers alone. They will assume things. I will explain the sort of person I am. I am reluctant to make promises. But once I do, I always keep them. I have never drunk alcohol. I made a promise that I wouldn’t when I was 5. I was married once. And I would have remained married - even unhappily - if my wife hadn’t broken all our vows. I never lie. I may withhold the truth. But I won’t lie. By way of example, when my Ex asked me about her artwork I told her never to ask me unless she wanted honesty. Let’s just say I wasn’t kind about her work - but I did try to make my criticism constructive. Within a couple years I could no longer tell what was wrong with her art.


“All that stuff aside, daylight is burning and we are wasting natural hot springs.” He finally smiled. “And no, I don’t have a swimsuit. Around here people … uhm … you know…” He tilted his head sideways and appraised Deruk, his face flushing a little once more. “And if it gets too late and you want to camp out, the backpack is a tent - a little magical.” His grin suggested that he was understating that last fact.

 

[Becky]

Deruk was happily eating her Crepe until he started to talk about heirs and stuff. She put it down and stopped eating thinking hard about what he was saying. She stood up and simply walked away when he was finished talking. She sat by the spring and put her feet into it clearly needed to be alone to think for a moment. She blinked and stared almost as if in a trance looking at the clear water. She always wanted love but was this going to cost her too much? She brought her hand up to the bridge of her nose and rubbed it thinking quickly but clearly. After a twenty minute silence she spoke “I’d like to be with you…..however I hate all this politic crap” she says standing up being direct “If we are to be together…” she obviously knew her own mind and strength “I’d not like to be involved with anything politically”. She walked over to where he sat and sat down back beside him and sighed shaking her head trying to think of something to say “I do have feelings for you….” She admitted watching the sky change colour “Of course if we are together there is no escaping certain things”. She rubbed her hair “…but my only condition is that when we are alone together to spend time together we leave the titles and the jobs behind us…..sort of ruins the mood” she says and jokes. She knew what he was talking about with the quote “Yea my granddad loved them movies….I hated black and white stuff” she shrugs smiling.


Once she spoke her mind she loosened up and looked at the springs. Her eyes widened “You mean…..naked?” she asked somewhat awkwardly. She was confident in her body however her personality was humble so she wouldn’t like to show it off especially on the first day. She laughed alittle thinking about old customs in their old world. She’d go in her underwear instead. She looked at him hoping she didn’t hurt his feelings earlier she looks at him puzzled “I’m sorry if I was too blunt” she says moving closer to him feeling alittle guilty. She did what she wanted to do ever since she meet him. She cuddled into his strong chest and nuzzled around getting cozy. She always felt safe around him.

 

[Mitheral]

“Blunt was fine. And you are right about the shop talk. Thing is, we are going to have to talk shop some of the time. But I could use your help in making me set aside time for just being Duncan - not Emperor or Lord Duncan. Okay, we came here to enjoy the hot springs and sunset. Something I should have done before those men came over here.” He gestured and the air all around their picnic rippled like heat waves. “A little privacy spell. It isn’t really invisibility. It is more like that trick that Khan used in the movie Shadow to hide a whole hotel, just on a smaller scale.”


Duncan’s eyes followed Deruk’s form as is disappeared into the water. As they did so he began to feel as he hadn’t felt in over half a century. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. It wasn’t as though beautiful women hadn’t caught his eye. But he had preferred to keep his life simple. His marriage in the past hadn’t gone well. But seeing Deruk brought back memories. Moreso did the familiarity of her ability to speak English and relate to matters noone else could. Was this love? No, he reminded himself. Lust. There was a difference. But one could lead to the other. He scarcely knew her. Was she the ONE? Well, there was only one way to find out.


Personally he would have preferred to simply date her. But an Emperor simply did not date. Deruk was not of noble birth, but the imperial Advisors did not know that. She would be Lady Deruk, of Merika. Correction - Princess Deruk - taken from her family.


Moments later there was a splash of water and Duncan surfaced a moment later. Where he had struck the water it gave off an iridescent glow. He looked down, scooping up some of the water and smiled.


“They say the waters here have a healing power.” His eyes dropped to look at the water surrounding Deruk. The water, too, glowed, though Deruk seemed to absorb more than came from her. He chuckled. “I see Meiko and Katsya have been working you very hard. But not a bruise or cut on you anywhere. That’s good. You’re already healing faster.” Duncan was right. The last hints of bruising from the manacles were fading from view.


Duncan chose not to be in a rush. Whether the evening ended in seduction wasn’t a matter of urgency. One of the things he had regretted of his marriage was how his life had turned into a routine of work and sleep, with little time beyond that for everything else. By the time he got around to the bedroom he was exhausted. And yet his wife had always expected performance. He’d grown tired of it eventually. He’d even fallen asleep several times before even getting started - much to his wife’s ire.


On Tetra he was in danger of much the same. He made a mental note to himself to discuss this very thing with Deruk eventually - if things became physical beyond mere procreation. He didn’t want to make the same mistake again. He DID have a habit of leaving nothing left for his home life when he worked.


He knew that her muscles were sore from her workouts with Meiko and Katsya, so he concentrated on kneading the muscles that had probably been overworked. She was trying to tease a little, unsure whether to play hard to get, or … not so hard to get. After they had had some time to allow the warm waters to loosen muscles he decided to reveal one of his surprises. He gestured at the air as he smiled mischievously. Then he crooked a finger behind her.


There on the land the backpack had opened and a tent had begun to balloon out into a canopy tent easily large enough for a dozen men, complete with a shade canopy to cover the magic carpet. But he wasn’t quite done, for several men dressed in armor began to exit the tent and assume watch positions. He winked.


“It’s a kind of magic. Think Harry Potter, though not quite so grandiose. The interior is 22 times larger than the exterior. That is the theoretical maximum of dimensional extension. It has a pantry, hot tub, a dojo, and tons of furs to sleep on.” Then he laughed a little - and those men are illusory, but with so much magic that they can interact physically with the real world. It’s yours - a gift. No strings attached and I do mean that.”

 

[Becky]

*She had taken off some of her clothes leaving on her underwear. She watched the water and it seemed to glow. She smiled looking at Duncan already feeling sort of better. She moved closer to him and decided she'd have fun all the training and work they both had it was only right to have fun. She smiled sweetly and maybe he thought she'd kiss him instead she hit the water and splashed him giggling hard and almost splitting on the slippy spring ground. Her head went onto the water she jumped back up coughing though began to laugh again simply just being young and happy. He was older and maybe didnt want to play a childish game however she stopped laughing looking at him looking for a reaction to size him up. She thought he wouldnt mind playing waterfight. She tensed when he moved closer to rubbed her aching muscles. She smiled and shook her head "I'm not sore" she grins at him taking up all the water "Anyway we only had a pillow fight today" she says playfully remembering the fun she had and laughed slightly. She yelped once she saw the people and quickly grabbed onto Duncans waist covering herself. She relaxed when he told her they werent real people. She let go of him alittle embarrasses "OHHHH". She tilted her head "Really all mine?" she asked feeling alittle cheap since she never got him any presents she didnt even own anything to give him. She put her arms on the land beside the springs and put her head on them watching the fake men. She blinked and wondered what the people back home (in the castle) where doing. She was surprised that she considered the castle home already. She laughed thinking about the distress all their bodyguards might be under. She looked at Duncan and smiled sweetly "Thanks" she says feeling alittle excited to own a magical tent. She yawned deeply going over to him in the water. She didnt care he was married before. She put her arms around his neck and held onto him closing her tired eyes resting her head on his shoulder. *

 

[Mitheral]

Duncan wore three things into the water - a loincloth, an amulet, and a small leather pouch. He tried to make himself oblivious to how Deruk reacted to the amulet. Some girls cared little for jewelry. With Deruk he wasn’t sure. He had the distinct impression that she wasn’t comfortable with being the center of attention - so anything gaudy would likely not be her thing. It wasn’t as if she needed anything.


She had a sort of pixie like build and face that reminded him of a girl he had known when he was 20 and in the military. That had been a girl he had held a crush for - but couldn’t act on for she was only 17 - jailbait. She had been known by all young men as the Berlin sweetheart. Thing was the girl had made a pass at him. He still kicked himself from time to time for taking ‘the noble road.’ She had been … energetic.


Now things were different. They were both adults. And as much as he hated to admit it, he was finding it hard not to react like the 20-ish year old body he was now in. When Deruk started up a water fight, he tried to appear aloof at first - until he found himself getting drenched. He squinted and watched out of the corner of one eye, starting to grin. As the grin broadened he pointed a finger up behind her. There hovering over her was a small tidal wave that couldn’t have formed in any way but by magic. He did a tiny wave and dropped the small deluge on top of her.


When she was able to come back up for air he had moved in front of her to take advantage of his height and picked her up from under her buttocks, lifting her up off the floor of the spring. He was grinning from ear to ear. Then the grin slowly became more of an intense smile as he leaned his head down to kiss her on the forehead. Then he drew her head to rest it on his chest.


Moments later Deruk could feel the slight chill of the air. Below her she could see that Duncan was literally walking on water while carrying her. He smiled a little impishly and jerked his head off to one side. “Care to check out the tent?” He gave her an intense look that suggested other thoughts, but didn’t voice them.


+++++++++


The interior of the tent was even more lavish that Duncan had described. If Deruk were to ever invite Meiko and Katsya to this tent, she would probably never get Katsya out. The servants were clearly designed to entertain and pamper. It was a bachelor pad! A man cave! Except … half the servants were male. Duncan had clearly toned down the levels of hedonism to a more agreeable level.


In the center of the main room was a huge coffee table covered with trays heaped with meats and cheeses. Duncan told here there was a fireplace that doubled as a pit barbecue. The floor was literally covered in fur rugs so thick one could sleep comfortably. And there was an abundance of bean bag chairs and pillows.


“So … you still hungry? Believe it or not I have marshmallows. I could find out what sort of a woman you really are. Does she roast them carefully? Or does she burn them into blackened husks? Or if not, we can do anything you like? Your wish is my command. Tell you what I will grant you one wish - so long as it is within my power. And Ixnay on the wishing for more wishes. And be careful what you wish for.”

 

[Becky]

Deruk looked around the tent and smiled liking it. She decided she wanted to keep her tent for herself. A place she could go to relax without any shadows. She grinned looking at the marshmallows. She put it over the fire and rotated it around and around until it was the way she liked it. She hymned to herself starting to drift away into her own head watching the flames dance. Her eyes seemed to reflect the fire she blinked turning her attention back to Duncan and she bit down into her soft warm marshmallow. She chewed slowly enjoying it and examined the place more "Never full enough for marshmallows" she joked licking the melted part from her lips. She liked this time alone makes it easy to get to know him. She sat closer to him looking at him closely wanting to remember every line and detail

 

[Mitheral]

Duncan, Deruk soon learned, was the sort that roasted a marshmallow until it was a perfect golden brown and several times its original size. He was almost an artist about it. He was also the sort to play a joke by nudging Deruk’s arm and making her burn hers, then laughing at how she could burn food with the rest of them. Of course he admitted he had been known to burn water back in his college days. He had been pre cooking some meat for a stew while studying, lost track of time … until the smoke detectors went off. The water had boiled away. The meat was literally turned to ash. And the bottom of the pan was glowing red.


That brought up another memory of cooking for the guys in his dorm during Christmas in the air force. The commissary had had 20-24 ounce steaks cut about a full inch thick. He had tenderized his and spiced it with garlic and lemon pepper. He naturally liked his steak rare. But he had grilled it to perfection. It had been so tender it almost fell apart. He made the mistake of letting one of the dorm mates get a taste. The next day he had a dozen steaks to cook. He finished his story with Tim Allen’s Tool Time ape noises, suggesting he ought to bring steaks next time.


He ended up with Deruk falling asleep with a marshmallow half cooked. He had told Meiko and Katsya to take it easy on her so she wouldn’t be too tired for the picnic. But he still wasn’t surprised. Both mind and body was being put through a wringer. Add to that the stress and he fully understood. She had not taken him up on a wish. That was a shame for he had meant it - literally.


He hung her wet clothes by the fire to dry - along with his own - and left her half buried under furs to sleep. Duncan never did go to sleep. Instead he stepped outside into the night air and studied the stars. He was concerned about the signs he saw in the heavens. Trouble was coming. Of course anyone with half a brain would have expected trouble from the source he divined. Stygea. What troubled him was that he was the target. The threat that was coming was to be one of war, bloodshed, and such - at least not right away. No, this threat was going to be done in stealth.


++++++++


The next morning Duncan awoke Deruk. He was already fully dressed and ready to pack up the tent. He indicated where Deruk’s clothing was folded neatly on the coffee table near her. Then he excused himself so she could dress in privacy. He did offer the fact that there was a hot tub in the basement if she wanted to have a bath first. He seemed patient enough to wait. Deruk could see by his expressions - no matter how neutral he tried to keep them, that part of him didn’t want to be the gentleman. But he had clearly chosen not to rush matters. Neither would he make any announcements until she was ready.


Once she had stepped out of the tent he commanded it to pack itself, which it did all on its own. “Camping Made Easy,” he chuckled. Then he walked them over to where the portal was hidden and gestured for it to take them back to the palace.

 

[Becky]

Deruk glanced at him and almost chuckled as her marshmallow fell into the fire. She laughed rubbing her eyes tired. She yawned looking up at him "I hope we can do this again..." she says while yawning. That was the last memory she had until waking up she saw Duncan already up and ready to leave. She frowned and shrugged "Maybe I'll go have a bath....you can come" she offers him smiling making her way to the bath. She hoped that he would join her in the bath tub. She looked at it in awe removing her clothes. It was warm and looked amazing. She poked her toe in checking the temperature then let her whole body sink into the tub.

 

[Mitheral]

Duncan’s jaw dropped a little, his resistance wilting as he fought an internal struggle with his responsibilities to the empire - and interest in a Deruk. His eyes were locked on the sway in her stride as he quickly summed up the situation.


“Crap,” he muttered under his breath. The damned empire could wait. Louder so his voice carried he said, “Be there in a couple minutes. Just need to send a text message.” He gestured to a bird that had landed not far off searching for bugs. “Need a little help my friend.” He pulled out a tiny scroll and touched it and words materialized on the surface. Then he attached it to the bird’s leg. A simple spell and bird took off like a shot.


By the time Duncan made it down to the hot tub Deruk was already make use of it. He had already had time to bathe, but … well could he be too clean? Problem was his brain needed washing for it had all sorts of dirty thoughts. Well, maybe naughty.


He walked over to the side of the hot tub. “I engineered this place. You’re missing the best part.” He lifted a panel near the ladder to enter and tapped on a sapphire blue crystal embedded in the compartment. Instantly the water began to churn as the tub became a jacuzzi. “You realize, of course, that you are tempting me to play hookey from my duties to an empire?” But his smile suggested he really didn’t mind. “Thank you for that. But I won’t be able to do this all the time. Annndd, I am breaking a rule. No shop talk. My apologies for that.”


Then he backed off and began undressing, joining her in the hot tub, when he was ready.


(Might be a good spot to fade to black)


 
Chavi smiled as she watched the sun rise in the east over the city of Pheydon. She stood on the deck of her royal flagship as it approached the docks. Behind her a host of slaves waited for her next order. The order that came, while not unexpected, did not raise their hopes.


“If one of my slaves tries to set foot on the shore of Pheydon, cut them down where they stand.” Her voice was harsh.


“But your Grace, how will they bear you to the Palace?” one of her guards asked.


“I should think that would be obvious. I shall walk.” She smirked behind her veils. “The things I must do for love and the future.”


“Princess Chavi, your father would have our heads if we permitted this.” The man bowed deeply.


“Oh. Well, I suppose your career shall be that much shorter.” Chavi turned to see her guards bowing. “And that is another thing. None of you are to bow during our stay here.”


“We could carry you, your Grace.”


Chavi turned to face the guard, a little amused. “Well, that should be amusing. If you insist.”


Long before they reached the palace Chavi regretted her decision to allow herself to be carried in such a fashion. She vowed never again - and seriously considered having the guard’s tongue cut out.

 

[Becky]

*Deruk was back at the castle. Their fun time was over however she was glad she got to spend time with him by herself. She walked into her room and yawned. She noticed that everyone had giving her strange looks she didnt know what that meant. She looked at her two body guards and raised her eye brows alittle. She stared right back at them wondering and then remembered she could speak their language "If you must know!" she told them "I was with Duncan, I was completely safe" she says and looked around her room and preferred her small magical tent to it. Her tent was smaller and cozy. She stood up going to her wardrobe and picked out another outfit it was simple and didnt imply any power or status *

 

[Mitheral]

Katsya, Meiko and Rufetassa all looked at Deruk with slightly amused expressions, rolling their eyes back down the corridor. It was Rufetassa who explained.


“Your Majesty, whose reflection is the fifth moon, blah blah” - he actually said the Phaedon equivalent of blah blah - “you have a royal diplomatic envoy … from Stygea waiting in the Court … impatiently.”


“Royal pain in the ass,” Katsya explained less than diplomatically. “You know she actually had her guards carry her - all the way from their ship - because she wouldn’t let her slaves do it?”


Duncan frowned. “She knows I’d free them in a heartbeat. And no, make no move to free the ones on the ship. That is Stygean territory. Even I have some limits to observe. She’s shrewd. Wait … did you say she?”


Rufetassa smirked. “Now he gets it. Yes … she. I gather a royal she.”


Duncan grunted. He did not look happy. “Crap. Yeah, I think I can guess what that means. I take it you already raised the security levels. Silly question, but I have to ask.” He noted Rufetassa’s nod. “Good.”


Duncan turned to Deruk. “Just to prepare you, we are practically at war with Stygea. For decades Stygea has infiltrated every level of Phaedon society and even the court. The practice demonology and slavery. If a land could be evil, it would be theirs. This royal envoy is likely here for one reason - marriage. They have very likely sent some royal princess to seal a truce.”


“Not just ANY princess, Duncan. Princess Chavi.”


Duncan groaned and looked again at Deruk. “Ever watch Buck Rogers? The 1970’s TV show one. If you have, think of Princess Ardala. In other words, be careful. Katsya, Meiko … really watch Deruk while Ardala -- Ch-Chavi … is here.” He sounded more than a little unnerved.

 

[Becky]

*Deruk looked at Duncan as he talked about the woman. She knew that magic was strong in this land and she wanted to try some out. She laughed to herself thinking of a funny idea. She wondered about the ships with the slaves on them. Duncan flew one time what if the sip flew onto Duncans land and they all got free. Her eyes seemed distance and suddenly for the first time Duncan and the others would see her strange look that worried her parents one that she was autistic. She stares off into space seemingly in another world. She blinked then looked at him "Oh yes.....I saw that cartoon once...its very old though" she says hardening her expression "I was more of a transformers and power rangers kid" she says and smirked. She examined Katsya and Meiko as Duncan spoke to them "So....what does this mean that shes going to attack us ?" she says alarmed *

 

[Becky]

*Deruk looked at Duncan as he talked about the woman. She knew that magic was strong in this land and she wanted to try some out. She laughed to herself thinking of a funny idea. She wondered about the ships with the slaves on them. Duncan flew one time what if the sip flew onto Duncans land and they all got free. Her eyes seemed distance and suddenly for the first time Duncan and the others would see her strange look that worried her parents one that she was autistic. She stares off into space seemingly in another world. She blinked then looked at him "Oh yes.....I saw that cartoon once...its very old though" she says hardening her expression "I was more of a transformers and power rangers kid" she says and smirked. She examined Katsya and Meiko as Duncan spoke to them "So....what does this mean that shes going to attack us ?" she says alarmed * (this is my last post ... I didnt receive anything after this )

 

[Mitheral]

“Princess Ardalla was the daughter of the Draconian Emperor - a truly spoiled brat. No … no we aren’t under attack. As a diplomatic mission her fleet will be some distance away. She will have entered our local waters in her flagship. Stygea is an enemy, but as my men have already given her diplomatic status, I should honor that.


“Rufetassa, we’ll need to get Deruk and myself presentable for court. May as well, call in the Advisers, Scribes … and whoever else needs to be there. Might ought to have physicians standing by with antidotes to deal with venoms.”


Rufetassa was finally able to get a word in edgewise. “They are all already waiting. We have been stalling.”


“Well, tell them tough ti --,” he caught himself, “that it serves them right for coming unannounced.”


Rufetassa turned to Meiko. “He means that royal matters have kept him. He sends his most sincere apologies and asks that they be patient a little while longer while he makes repairs to his clothing.” He turned to Duncan and had a brief staredown contest which Duncan lost.


Katsya grinned. “Can I relay the news?” The looks she got from the rest was priceless. “Hey! I can be diplomatic! Deruk needs Meiko’s skills more than mine right now.”


Try not to start a war?” Duncan suggested.


Rufetassa led Deruk off for more hair pulling and styling. This time, however, Deruk was dressed considerably upscaled. The jewelry alone was priceless. Her personal stylist seemed less than pleased, but the job was a rush.


++++++++++


Princess Chavi looked less than amused when Duncan finally arrived - even less so as he escorted Deruk down to sit beside him. Her impatience grew as Duncan took his sweet time getting settled.


“First order of business,” Duncan began, not bothering with an apology.


“Yes, I would think - “ Chavi began.


“Hold!” Duncan raised a finger to silence Chavi. “I wasn’t done. Stygea is an enemy of Phaedon. Don’t expect us to roll out welcome mats nor red carpet.” The FIRST order of business is to add a new term to the law books.” He smiled as he felt the eyes widen and breaths catch of nearly every adviser and scribe in the room.


“Amendment - a law that supersedes all previous laws that contradict. I’ll explain that later. That is on my To Do List at our next hearing of law. Okay .. Lady Chavi?”


“Princess … I am ROYAL Princess Chavi. I am here as a token of friendship to the people of Phaedon. I offer my hand in betrothal that our two great kingdoms may unite in peace.”


“Oh.” Duncan tried not to smile. “It’s a little hard to find friendship with a people that keep entering my realm to take slaves. And legally I can’t betroth myself to a woman who owns slaves. That would give me half ownership of your slaves - which I can’t legally do.”


“Lord Duncan - “


“Emperor. You princess. Me emperor.”


Chavi fought another look of annoyance. Duncan was being difficult on purpose. “Emperor Duncan, Phaedon can ill afford a war with Stygea. I have come here offering a peaceful solution to our differences.”


“And I have told your emperor precisely what my terms are for a truce to ever be possible.” Duncan was less than humored by this conversation.


“You would condemn your soldiers to painful deaths without at least trying to find peace? I had thought you to be a man who valued peace.”


“Well, the point is a little moot. Have you met my fiance? Uhm … that means betrothed. Princess Deruk here. She’s going to be my Empress.”


The silence that fell on the crowd was ominous.