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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 8, 2006 14:28:16 GMT -5
I prowled around the salle, waiting for Jaiden's pet to show up for training. I had scrubbed her scent from my skin in my chambers off the barracks, donned my leathers and now paced the saw-dust covered floors.
I struggled for calm, trying to quell the anger running through me. But the image of that slender boy leaving her study with his shirt off, the glow to her skin and the life radiating from her, made it impossible. I was angry at her, for her choices, for her neglect, for her constant dismissal of me. It was not honorable to take out my frustrations with her, on him, but it would satisfy.
I would do my duty to my Sovereign, and train the boy.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 8, 2006 14:45:47 GMT -5
The salle was located at far end of the manor; after being dismissed I'd gone and changed into some older clothing and walked over, my confusion diminishing and the stony facade coming over me once more. Elton was waiting for me, his usual tolerant demeanor now barely so; in truth, he looked angry.
Sighing I picked up my training weapon, a wooden short sword. It was sturdier than a childs toy, but it still made me look foolish, but my training was coming along well; soon I would be training with the real thing, learning to adjust to it's weight and balance. My hands stung for a moment as they wrapped around the blade but I bit back the discomfort; unless they were about to fall off I doubted it would change anything.
Sword in my hands I took a stance. "I'm ready when you are," I said calmly, knowing his anger was not going to make this a pleasant day.
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 8, 2006 15:00:47 GMT -5
I nodded curtly, brought my sword up before my face in a salute. I barked out, "En garde!"
I circled him twice, to get his feet moving and his attention on me, my blade was held low. My first attack was controlled, much slower than it would have been in a real battle. I brought the short sword up in a tight swing toward his left side.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 8, 2006 15:07:26 GMT -5
My eyes followed him cautiously; I saw the stroke coming at my side and parried, batting it away and following up with a sideways motion, trying to get under his reach. In close combat sometimes a shorter stature can be an advantage. As I swung and moved in I watched for his feet, knowing from him that most people signalled a move with the shifting of their weight.
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 8, 2006 15:15:51 GMT -5
I matched his step to the side and moved back to keep him from slipping close and under my guard. I moved the blade to my left side, point down and parried his strike. Sloppy.
"Stop giving your intentions away. I see them plainly written on your face."
I brought my sword up again, aiming a slash to his right shoulder.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 8, 2006 15:24:02 GMT -5
My brow furrowed in concentration; I kept my face impassive and simply ducked, coming up to aim another blow at his chest, what I hoped would translate into a hit that forced him backward, or at least off-balance.
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 8, 2006 21:09:32 GMT -5
I sidestepped the blow meant for my chest.He had overextended himself and his left side was wide open. I brought the wooden blade against his ribs, hitting him hard. Not enough to break bone, but no love tap.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 8, 2006 21:41:25 GMT -5
I took a hissing breath inward; dammit! Next time wouldn't be so easy. Ignoring the pain I tried to backhand him with my sword hilt, going for his lower ribs and kidneys. The angry, bitter part of me wanted to make him piss blood, to go for his genitals, but the thinking part of my brain was still in control. Anger flashed in my eyes.
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 8, 2006 22:06:47 GMT -5
I whirled, dodging his attack, the blunt tip of his sword just grazing my kidneys. His back was clearly presented to me, I laid the flat of my blade out across his shoulders, hard.
"Never present such a vulnerable target boy, especially your back. Do it again and you'll be pissing blood for a week." I waited for his next attack. Images of Jaiden kept leaking into my thoughts. I bit back a growl.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 8, 2006 22:13:15 GMT -5
I kept an inventory in my head of my mistakes; I was really doing rather poorly and it made me irritated. My back arched at his blow, suprised as to his actions- he usually told me how to counter a blow after it hit me. Trying to get a fix on the situation I waited, standing on the balls of my feet, facing him, holding my blade at ready.
The bandages at my hands were irritating me; I stripped them off to get a better grip on the leather over the carved hilt.
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 8, 2006 22:23:11 GMT -5
I narrowed my eyes as he just stood there, watching me, thinking. I advanced, attacked, each blow precise and meant to jar his very bones.
"Sword fighting is not about standing around and thinking, it is about motion, constant motion, attack, counterattack, never let your opponent rest. Always keep them on edge." I tripped him, watching him go down hard. I placed a booted foot squarely on his chest, keeping him pinned.
"You were a Bryony adept, calculating odds should be instinct. Learn to do it while you fight, the two must never be separate. Or where you too busy thinking about Jaiden and your tryst in the study?"
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 8, 2006 22:34:40 GMT -5
I looked up at him, shocked within but my face a mask of stone. What did any of this matter to him, it was obvious he'd had his own tryst with her. Besides, 'tryst' was not what I would have called it- more a battle of wills. Deep within my chest a chuckle started and grew, shaking my body as much as it was able with his boot on my chest.
"It seems that you know as little of Bryony and the Night Court as I do of swordplay; if we'd had a tryst she's have been much too tired to do so with you afterward."
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 8, 2006 22:39:27 GMT -5
His laughter banished any sense of fair play from my mind. I hauled back my boot to kick him viciously in the ribs. He had the sense to roll, so the blow was mitigated. He kept rolling until he found his feet.
Jaiden's orders or not, I wanted to hurt him. How did he know?
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 8, 2006 22:45:42 GMT -5
My eyes glowed as I watched his rage dance across his face, a wry smile on my lips. Let him call me stupid for waiting for his first move; in this state he would make it anyway. I no longer felt the pain in my hands and gripped the sword loosely yet securely. As he came toward me I feinted to the right then swung left, trying to his his sword hand at the shoulder and numb it.
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 8, 2006 22:55:28 GMT -5
He hit my shoulder in a clever attack. Fortunately he didn't have the strength yet for it to be a more serious blow. I still retained the use of my arm.
My next blow took him in the gut. I put my shoulder into him and knocked him to the ground again. I circled him, waiting for him to get up.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 8, 2006 22:59:15 GMT -5
He was like a pacing bear around my prone form, my sword at my feet. It looked like it would be time to try hand-to-hand; it was unlikely he'd try to kill me.
I heard another set of footsteps enter the salle; the second, LeClare entered the ring and took appraisal of the situation. I took advantage of Elton's distraction to reach for my sword.
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 8, 2006 23:08:31 GMT -5
I heard the second set of footsteps enter but kept my eyes on Aleron's prone form. He predictably reached for the sword. I kicked his hand, sent the sword skittering across the floor.
"Captain. The Duchesse has orders for you. You, and everyone else, are to report to the central courtyard." I swiveled to face him, face stiff.
"Why did these orders not come directly through me?"
"You are to receive fifteen lashes, for insubordination. You are to report immediately." He looked faintly puzzled. The thought of me, her loyal lapdog getting lashed was beyond comprehension. Jaiden did some erratic things, but this, in his eyes was the worst.
I bowed, rigid. I knew the reasons behind her orders. She was carrying through with her threat.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 8, 2006 23:14:15 GMT -5
I looked around me, shaking my kicked hands and watching the blood drip down them from the opened wounds. He had sex with her and then she's having him lashed- what was the story here?
Watching Elton out of the corner of my eyes I stood, trying to keep my bleeding hand out of the sand. I ignored my discarded bandages; they were obviously caked in grime. I followed LeClare out of the ring to wherever this 'whipping' was going to take place; I had no doubt I was nto to be exempt from this. After he almost kicked in my ribs I was somewhat happy to know, though apathy was the overwhelming feeling.
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 9, 2006 9:43:55 GMT -5
I tapped my foot impatiently, waiting for LeClare to show up with Elton, and Aleron in tow. I wanted everyone to know that no disobedience or insubordination would be tolerated in my House.
The whipping post was already set up. LeClare would deliver the blows, as I did not trust myself. I didn't know if I would beat him to death or maim him, and a tiny fraction of me didn't want to hurt him at all. Best to let cooler heads than mine preside. I saw the three of them enter from the far side of the courtyard. I steeled myself, my face serious but cool.
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 9, 2006 9:51:16 GMT -5
She was all cool composure standing next to the post. But her armor wasn't as frosty as it had been before. I knew her so well. She was still angry.
I bowed curtly before her, let LeClare bind both my hands to the rough wood. I had never been whipped before. Injured in battle and training, but never punished for failure to follow orders of for any other infraction. It was a blow to my honor and pride. And to my heart. I didn't know which was worse.
She came close to me then to make her announcement. I could still smell that heady mix rising from her skin, overlaid my my own scent. I smiled then, she had changed her garments, but hadn't scrubbed off my touch.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 9, 2006 14:08:50 GMT -5
Jaiden was still angry and Elton was emotionally hurt; considering this turn of events is was no suprise, really. I stood as far back as I could without chancing a beating of my own; I was no Mandrake, though they had kept me there for a few months. Besides, this was punishment, not pleasure or pain; likely it could kill or incapacitate him.
He let his hands be tied to the whipping post and then smiled as Jaiden neared; evidently he was still remembering their little interlude. Well, let him pay for causing her ire and not me, I thought cynically.
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 9, 2006 14:51:08 GMT -5
I ignored the smile on Elton's face, despite how I wanted to strike it off of him. I addressed all those assembled.
"Let this be a lesson to all of you, insubordination will not be tolerated, no mater your station or standing. Fifteen lashes, for failure to obey a direct order. Begin!" The lashes were enough punishment, coupled with the public humiliation. He had disobeyed a direct order. I kept telling myself that as LeClare unbuckled and removed Elton's leather fighting gear. It was clumsy, he should have done it before binding him. The delay irritated me.
Finally it was removed and LeClare used a dagger to split the shirt underneath to Elton's waist. I could just see the pale ridge of the scar running down his back. That blasted image was the source of all of today's troubles.
I stepped close to Elton, lowered my mouth to his ear, "Be glad I didn't strip you of your rank as well, Captain. Next time you decide to take such liberties without my permission, I will not be so lenient."
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 9, 2006 19:00:17 GMT -5
"As my Lady wills, I will ask you for permission the next time I take you." I kept my voice so low only she could hear. Her eyes narrowed and she stepped back. I watched her face, gaze unwavering. It could have been just us in the crowded courtyard.
Agony kissed my skin, the crack of the whip filling my ears. My body flinched but my eyes never left hers.
"One!" I would keep count for her, it was only fitting.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 9, 2006 19:42:56 GMT -5
AS the lash opened the skin of his back I winced; how he kept from crying out after just one, that was brave and I had no understanding of it. He even began to count his own blows! Suddenly I was inexplicably angry at Jaiden; say what you will about me, but I have never wanted to bring people this sort of pain, especially when I benefitted from it.
AS every lash landed I felt the stone creeping over me; soon I didn't even flinch at the sounds. To me, it was as a play on the stage, something by the clever Eglantine adepts who have never known pain. Jaiden and I, it seemed, had that in common.
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 9, 2006 20:04:11 GMT -5
"El-eleven." His voice was so strained, but he never cried out or lost count. I wanted to look away, study the ground, the crowd, the sky, anything other than his eyes, which plainly held his heart for me to see.
But I kept my eyes on his and steeled myself against any feelings of remorse or guilt that tried to surface.
"Twelve!"
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 9, 2006 20:21:50 GMT -5
"Fifteen." The word dropped with leaden finality into the still air. Darkness ate the edges of my vision. Ah Namaah, your hand is indeed most cruel.
I sagged limply in my bonds, the hot rush of my blood trickling down my back. Muscle spasms clenched the abused flesh, made my jaw clench, choking on shouts and cries. LeClare and one of the other guards cut me down, supported me between them.
"Forgive me, Your Grace. "
"Forgiven, Captain. LeClare, please take him to his quarters. I will send the healer." she looked at me, then turned away. I sighed, slumped even more between the two men. Namaah was indeed cruel.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 9, 2006 20:30:05 GMT -5
Through slitted and sparking eyes I watched Elton being cut down and heard the woman order him taken to his rooms to wait for a healer; for some reason I felt the need to explain about earlier. Some people would understand and have sympathy for him, caught in the middle as he was; I simply didn't want to have him try to kill me again.
I snuck after the guard and LeClare, who were supporting Elton between them; most likely they'd take him to his quarters, drop him off, and leave him, thinking him too tired to move. Around the corner from his room I waited until the escorts had walked off, muttering to each other about the events, then I went to his door, entering quickly and closing the door softly behind me.
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Post by Jaiden Liatris-Durante (D) on Mar 9, 2006 20:35:30 GMT -5
I couldn't look at him, couldn't watch them carry him away, strong body so damaged. I had done this.
It was necessary. Do not go all womanish now!
"Dismissed! Return to your duties." I stalked out of the courtyard in search of our healer. I told myself I wouldn't, but I knew I would stop by his quarters once everyone had gone, just to...to what? See if he was well? Fool. Stupid fool.
The doors to the manor gave a satisfying crash, I heard the delicate sound of glass breaking.
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Post by Elton Tulare-Durante (D) on Mar 9, 2006 20:52:19 GMT -5
LeClare mumbled a few things before he left. I didn't really pay attention. I lay there for an indeterminable amount of minutes, could have been a few, maybe more. Time moves strangely when you're injured.
I heard the door open and quiet feet enter. It was a painful struggle to twist my head around and see who had entered. It wasn't the healer.
"What do you want?" The words were a painful croak, but still carried my hostility.
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Post by Aleron Carle(Retired) on Mar 9, 2006 20:57:43 GMT -5
He looked at me with an ager that overcame his pain; wryly I turned one corner of my mouth up and moved to look at his back. "Well, I'm not here for revenge for the strikes in the salle. Actually, I'm here in the hopes of us coming to an understanding so it doesn't happen again."
His back was a mass of bloody stripes, painful to look at, but I was blessedly icy to the situation. "I wonder, what exactly was the insubordination? It seems I was lucky to only get away with this," I noted, showing him my ripped hands. I'd cleaned most of the blood from before but his kicking my hand had reopened the would and the blood had congealed on my arm.
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