Private time

[Aylrin]

((Just after Arisu and Akio left Kern and Liora in the garden))
* happy^-^ She slants a glance at Akio
* happy^-^ And murmurs quietly to her fellow slave
<happy^-^> <Ari> Should we leave them be? Are we intruding?
* x_x Akio glances at the pair, then back to Ari, a bit uncertain. her voice is a bare whisper back. 1"Perhaps... I'm not certain."
* happy^-^ Ari nodded discreetly, brow furrowing
<x_x> <Akio> Perhaps, if we simply stay put as they move off...?
* happy^-^ Ari nodded very slightly to that as well, watching as the two would wander off
* x_x Assuming they neither glance back to the slaves nor call them to follow, Akio allows herself a brief sigh of relief.
<happy^-^> <Ari> Shall we go talk or do you have duties today?
* o has left #scarletcity
<x_x> <Akio> My lords are occupied privately, I doubt I shall be needed any time soon.
* `^` Liora waves to them and thanks them before wandering too far, but then yes, she drags Kern back to her brothers.
<happy^-^> <Ari> Back to our rooms then?
* happy^-^ And a bow to the wave
* x_x A bow to the wave as well. And then nods to Ari before making her way back to the slave rooms.
* happy^-^ Ari will follow! And enter the lush, secluded harem quarters. There 'she' finally relaxes, sinking into one of the many silken cushions with a sigh
* x_x Akio relaxes as well, getting a hair brush before she sits next to Ari. And starts brushing Ari's hair. 1"This is the worst part of being assigned as a personal servant - almost no time to relax."
<happy^-^> <Ari> It is a bit like herding goats and attempting to get them to go the same direction? 6 Ari have curled into the cushions, though she lifted her head enough to helpful, as Akio started to undo and comb the loooong black strands
<x_x> <Akio> I've never hearded goats, and if the gods are merciful I never shall. You have the loveliest hair, have I mentioned that recently?"
* happy^-^ Ari laughs at that, chin now perched on 'her' hand. 1 Neither have I, but it was the only comparision that seemed fitting. And thank you. I credit my mother.
<happy^-^> <Ari> ..She was a beautiful woman. That much I remember.
* x_x Akio sighs softly and smoothes Ari's hair gently. 1"Pleasant memories are treasures."
<x_x> <Akio> ...our lord seemed attentive of you at yesterday's meeting." 6A subtle way of asking just how attentive the vizier was.
<happy^-^> <Ari> Not overly afterward, for which I am thankful. His mind was elsewhere.
<x_x> <Akio> That is good. I was worried, with no one here to tend you properly." 6Because Akio is certain that no one can tend to Ari's cuts and bruises the way she can.
<happy^-^> <Ari> You cannot be there all the time, as wonderful as you are. You've already done so much. 6 Quietly serious now, almost embarassed for a moment, though sincerity was clearly there
<x_x> <Akio> You deserve more. Our master trades in lesser treasures and abuses the most valuable of all.
<happy^-^> <Ari>.... 6 That had him speechless, at least briefly. Dark brows drew together as he sat up on his elbows and glanced over his shoulder before giving a slight, sad smile
<happy^-^> <Ari> It is his pleasure.
* x_x Akio stays silent a moment, slowly twisting Ari's hair into a loose bun. 1"Perhaps I deal with our guests too closely."
<happy^-^> <Ari> What makes you say that? 6 Ari very careful settles back into position, propped up by 'her' elbows now
<x_x> <Akio> "I spoke out of place." 6However much she might have thought the same in the past. The hair is pinned in place, then Akio's hands move down Ari's back in a gentle massage.
<happy^-^> <Ari> We have been friends for too long for me to expect you to censor yourself. And even if I dare not admit it here, it isn't like I don't.. see. 6 He blinks, more than a few images he'd rather forget dancing before his eyes. He took a slow breath and exhaled, attempting to change his mood with the topic
* x_x Akio's hands tighten briefly on Ari's shoulders, a comforting squeeze. 1Have you heard any of our lord's plans for the foreigners?"
<happy^-^> <Ari> Some. He wants me to see if I can charm Prince Ilan and hint at some of the benefits of slavery. Prince Escher he's rather more sure of.
<x_x> <Akio> Mm, yes, Prince Escher has already enjoyed the fruits of the harem. Prince Ilan seems of a mind with Sir Kern.
<happy^-^> <Ari> That's.. unfortunate news, as I am supposed to convince him otherwise, somehow or other.
* happy^-^ Not quite sure if Akio is still massaging, but if so, Ari's probably half melted into the cushions, the tension finally starting to fade
* x_x Akio is still massaging, yes. "That should be an interesting challenge. Any thoughs to how you might accomplish this?"
<happy^-^> <Ari> Beyond careful flirtation? No. I can smile and maybe even be charming, but I'm nowhere near a good enough of a liar to go about it's benefits.
<x_x> <Akio> Our lord will allow even that much?
* happy^-^ Definitely melted into the cushions
<happy^-^> <Ari> I am not entirely sure. I am supposed to be charming, but I am not sure where he considers the lines to be.
<happy^-^> <Ari> It didn't.. seem a good question to ask.
<x_x> <Akio> No... I suppose it would be better to use your own judgement in this.
* happy^-^ Ari repressed a sigh and snuggled deeper into the cushions
<happy^-^> <Ari> You are far too kind to me. You always have been.
<x_x> <Akio> Nonsense. You should be pampered and adored, your skin treated with scented oils daily and a dozen slaves at your beck and call.
* happy^-^ There was a long moment of silence. And then Ari was laughing, actually laughing, though it was half muffled by the cushion
* x_x Akio smiles, though she tries to sound stern. 1"Here I'm being sincere and you're laughing at me. Disrespectful thing." 6His touch is still warm and affectionate though.
* happy^-^ Ari tries hard to regain composure and promptly fails, muffling another series of giggles against the pillow. He eventually sobers up and his shoulders stop quivering as he attempts something like composure and smoothes out the expression on his face. Mostly. 1 I am very sorry and meant no direspect, truly. Though since we are dreaming.. why don't we add a castle to that list?
<x_x> <Akio> And a fine carriage with silk hangings to take you wherever you wish to go.
<happy^-^> <Ari> And a white horse. But I would want you there.
<x_x> <Akio> Of course. Who else could see that you were properly primped and dressed?
<happy^-^> <Ari> I appreciate your company even when you aren't doing my hair, you know. Not that I don't appreciate the help.
<x_x> <Akio> You are a good friend. Though I admit, I'm selfish in tending your hair. I love beautiful things, and you are one of the loveliest people I know.
* happy^-^ He's again, looking for a reply that isn't arrogant, depressing or too nonchalant. Though the praise is quietly tucked away to soothe his battered ego 1 Fine feathers don't hurt.
<x_x> <Akio> "The finest." 6Though she meant more than looks, but suspects Ari realizes that.
* happy^-^ Somewhat, but good manners hardly permit him to accept it without protest.
<happy^-^> <Ari> We can thank our ever kind lord and master for that.
<happy^-^> <Ari> But.. what shall we do this evening? I don't think he'll wnat me before then.
<x_x> <Akio> "I shall have to see if the Princes have finished their amusements. If they have, perhaps we can work on Prince Ilan. If not, I think a long bath might be a nice indulgence.
<happy^-^> <Ari> If I could get up, that would sound lovely.
* happy^-^ Ari personally suspected he'd become one with the cushion and getting up sounded.. complicated.
* x_x Akio chuckles. 1"I'll go check on my lords. If I do not return in ten minutes, freshen up and come join us."
<happy^-^> <Ari> Very well.
* happy^-^ Ari eventually remembers how to move and will finally stand up and stretch
* x_x One last pat, then Akio rises and goes to check on the Princes. Seeing they're still hot and sweaty and moaning, she goes back to the slave quarters to see if Ari's upright yet.