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Post by Malzane d'Essoms (I) on May 6, 2009 22:43:08 GMT -5
It was early yet, perhaps nearing the tenth morning hour. I had decided that I wanted a horse to ride, should I care to go into the country. Of course I would have been able to take one from the Royal Stables, I always had one there, but I wanted something a little more personal than that.
It was with that thought in mind that I decided that I would head into the market and admire some hopefuls. I may even get lucky and take one home. Meandering my way toward the large fenced area where the horses were at graze I stopped at a stall set up just outside the fence and admired a woman who was promising 'top breed' dogs. The dogs certainly appeared purebred and some were little more than pups. I ran my thumb along the top of my cane and contemplated the thought of a small dog for some company in my rooms.
I shook my head and moved on to the horses, stopping and talking with the gentleman standing outside. After a few exchanged words I entered the fenced field, leaving my jacket and cane with the tender.
I approached a bay skewbald slowly yet confidently. He would take several moments to find any comfort in my presence. I watched his blue eyes watched me warily as he continued his morning graze.
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on May 6, 2009 23:05:38 GMT -5
It was at some point time to get back to work- and that meant hunting for further breeding stock for my dog lines. Wearing a gown of rust red and cut with summer sleeves I wandered between the stalls, offering smiles to the children tending the litters of puppies as I looked them over. Intellect was important, and obedience- and just enough swiftness with sturdy bodies to take boar and bear. A loud and clear voice was also of use and many an otherwise perfect puppy was set down when prompting elicited nary a whimper. Wonderful for springing dogs or guards- but not for bayhounds.
Humming to myself I found a little stall backed into a corner, an older child watching a litter that was almost obscured from sight- and I heard them before I saw them. After a few moment's talking I learned they were the bastard whelps of some Alban ship's dog and a noble's hunter, destined for the bottom of a river until they were rescued by the home help. Smiling, I gave the boy a coin that he eagerly examined and picked up the largest female. Her gaze was piercing and her ears were perked back intently, as though she were waiting. Smiling I began a soft song that slowly became louder as I tested the puppy's range of hearing.
"Do you remember me? I'm just a shadow now. This is where I used to be, right here beside you. Sometimes I call your name, high on a summer breeze- what I would give to feel the sunlight on my face. What I would give to be lost in your embrace."
Right on cue, as though already trained, the puppy matched the sounds, low and high. I gave the boy another coin and took the puppy, intent on seeing the horses and watching for anything that may improve my own line.
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Post by Malzane d'Essoms (I) on May 6, 2009 23:26:22 GMT -5
Reaching the horse proved little difficult. I extended an arm and rested the palm of my hand upon the bridge of his long nose. I simply let it rest there, staring the animal in one of its saucer sized eyes, willing it the knowledge that I was in charge.
I walked around him slowly, keeping one hand placed against his flesh. I checked the barrel of body, as well as haunches and fetlocks. He was a nice horse, and I could use him for speed and endurance, but I still wasn't sold. Would he ride?
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on May 6, 2009 23:36:17 GMT -5
Walking by one of the fences and holding my puppy under one arm I scratched behind its ears, then saw a familiar face pacing around a horse within it. The horse was a hunter, but a different type- Namarrese maybe, or l'Agnacine. "Comte d'Essoms, how nice to see you out on such a fine day," I said in a brightly musical tone as I came to the fence and leaned against it, my loose hair blowing slightly in the breeze. "I didn't know you enjoyed riding as well as seeing plays." My lips spread into a bright smile and I crooked a finger playfully. As I recalled our meeting had gone well- for me, if not for him. And his voice was pretty.
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Post by Malzane d'Essoms (I) on May 7, 2009 19:59:18 GMT -5
I looked up when I heard my name spoken from an all too familiar voice. Peering just over the top of the horses back I saw Sirena. Giving the skewbald a soft pat as he continued his graze I walked over, rolling the sleeves of my shirt up some. I loved the weather as things moved from the heat of summer to the relative cool of autumn.
"Lady Sharizai." I replied with a smile. My own hair was becoming disheveled in the breeze and I ran a hand back over my head to pull it out of my face. All to no avail as it was not long enough to obey the command.
"I enjoy many things. Riding is but one." I quipped, lifting a booted foot to rest upon the bottom portion of the fence and leaning upon my elbows on the top portion. I spotted the puppy she held but held my tongue, looking her in the eyes instead. "And what, might I ask, brings a beautiful Lady to the Market on such a day as this?"
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on May 7, 2009 20:48:25 GMT -5
He looked quite well that day, I had to admit it- and his voice still held the timbre of musicality to it. "Why, this lovely thing, and the horses," I replied cheerfully, holding up the puppy for a moment. "On my estate we breed hunters and bayhounds and I was looking for some fresh stock."
My hair had fallen over my chest and I pushed it behind my ear again, then ran a hand over his exposed arm. "How have you been faring since last we spoke, my lord?"
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Post by Malzane d'Essoms (I) on May 8, 2009 1:43:47 GMT -5
I eyed the puppy as she held it up and smiled as my eyes traveled up her arms to her elegant neck and then to her face. "You do? Well, perhaps I shall have to visit your estate and see them for myself."
I could feel the imagined surge as her skin contacted mine. Goosebumbs shot down my arm and I smiled. An interesting touch, and one that I enjoyed thoroughly.
"I have fared rather well, Sirena. Rather well. I have had some time to myself to just enjoy the City. I thought that I would come down and find a horse for the next hunt. I would hate to be left out due to having an inferior horse than other hunters." Another flash of white teeth aimed in her direction and a tone of amusement in my voice.
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on May 8, 2009 8:28:51 GMT -5
"This horse wouldn't be inferior- in fact, he's moderately good. But he's not the best," I said with a friendly smile, noticing a barest evidence of a prickle on his skin at my touch and enjoying the response. My eyes met his own fully, piercing into them to feel and hear the texture of his very soul; my family's gift fared me well. Darker strains of music, but pleasant in tone, the feeling of murky grey fabric that was delicious in sensation but hard to penetrate and discover the form underneath. Well, he was an ambassador and being able to dissemble could only help in that task.
"If you'd like I could help you find an exceptional mount," I offered cheerfully, my voice taking the musical tones I used when looking to keep other people's attention. "And if nothing here suits, I have a few examples of my own line at my townhome's stables."
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Post by Malzane d'Essoms (I) on May 8, 2009 16:19:49 GMT -5
I looked over my shoulder at the horse still grazing and chuckled. "Well, you are certainly right on one account. He's not the worst here. Not even the best. I was simply...intrigued by his colouring." When she looked me in the eyes I held her gaze, not wavering even for a moment. I wasn't entirely certain of what it was she was doing, but I certainly was not going to be held weak in anybody's eyes.
"I would love the company. Especially when the company is yours." I shifted my weight forward onto the foot that rested upon the bottom of the fence and placed my hands down atop the fence. Pushing off with my foot I pulled my knees up into my chest and cleared the fence, landing softly on the opposite side. I brushed my hands together as I stood and then turned to her. "Whether we check here or your own stables is entirely up to you."
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on May 8, 2009 16:27:24 GMT -5
"The coloring is interesting- but there are more important things. Girls are supposed to ride pretty horses, not men," I teased playfully, batting my lashes even as my eyes flashed at his display. Vanity- yes, I could see that easily enough, enough pride to cause his potential downfall. "I'd hate to influence your taste with my own, though- we'll look here and if we don't find something completely satisfactory then I'll show you my own stables and you can see what I mean. My horses are never bred for beauty when strength and sureness of feet is the most valued asset. Any horse that does its job is beautiful."
The puppy in my arms whined and I scratched behind her ears affectionately as I stepped closer to him, letting my skirt brush his pants as I moved to the other side of his body, my hair nearly absorbing the sunlight, skin glowing.
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Post by Malzane d'Essoms (I) on May 8, 2009 18:25:02 GMT -5
I laughed at her observation. "Oh, rest assured, I wouldn't have bought him for his coat alone. He would have to be something to make my stables, especially as a horse for the hunt." I moved offered an arm and looked her in the face. "Let us see whether we may find a horse suitable, if not we will look at yours and I have no doubt that the visit will prove most beneficial." My tone was light and little more than conversational, but I dropped an undercurrent of interest into the last few words I had spoken.
The puppy's whine pulled my attention from her, though not entirely. I had grown accustomed to watching people in my peripheral vision. Reaching out towards the puppy, I was aiming to give it a pat upon the head.
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on May 8, 2009 18:45:07 GMT -5
I smiled as the puppy watched his hand cautiously for a moment, then wagged her tail slightly and consented to be petted, though she did peek at me first. "Do you like dogs as well?" I asked the Comte with an interested expression, my smile widening as we walked along. "I still have to think of a name for this pretty girl."
His interest was palpable and I gave him a playful but speculative look as we passed to the next corral. "What are your tastes, I wonder?"
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Post by Malzane d'Essoms (I) on May 8, 2009 20:53:12 GMT -5
Without looking up from the puppy I smiled. "Yes. I am a fan of dogs, though I cannot keep any personally. I have no time with my affairs of state in Ephesus. I would not put a dog through that sort of seclusion." After a final scritch behind the ears I looked up at her.
"A name for her...I hope it suits her."
I hesitated for a slight moment, a look of contemplative thought taking over my features. "As for my tastes, I prefer them with a little backbone, and their bite must be just as ferocious as their bark."
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on May 8, 2009 21:07:35 GMT -5
"I breed baying hounds, to hunt boar and bear- their bark must be as strong as their bite, but only in the right situations," I replied sweetly and with eyes flashing. "But the rest of the time they are silent, so as not to ruin the effect. I like my dogs strong and fit but able to obey."
Giggling slightly I hummed a hunting tune, my expression knowing and my voice dropping slightly, becoming soft to encourage him to listen. "But I do not think you speak only of hunting dogs, Malzane. I think you also speak of women- and possibly men. Am I completely wrong?"
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Post by Malzane d'Essoms (I) on May 8, 2009 21:28:16 GMT -5
I laughed mirthfully at her quite brilliant observation and at how direct she was. I couldn't help but think to myself that the hunt for this one would prove interesting. After all, anything that presented itself so obviously was either poisonous enough to kill or hiding something worse.
"No, I do not speak only of hunting dogs or the stock of horses. Yes, women and at times men. You are not any place near completely wrong. However, the prey in this hunt is particularly crafty. Almost devious."
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on May 8, 2009 21:36:05 GMT -5
"Only the devious things are worthy of a Great Hunt," I replied, my smile growing even sweeter and more cruel. "Otherwise they are simply food. Hunters remember the creatures that are hard to catch, do they not?"
Drifting a bit closer I let my skirts brush him again, my breath rushing across his skin as I whispered anew. "And do you think my bite could equal my musical bark, Comte? Would you have me a cringing cur if you could?"
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Post by Malzane d'Essoms (I) on May 8, 2009 21:48:00 GMT -5
"Only the devious are worth the hunt. Anything less leaves one unfulfilled and wanting."
I smiled as I listened to the words of her whisper. "A cringing cur? Surely you would be the proud thoroughbred. I for one would never break a proud breed." I looked at her out of the corner of my eye. "There is nothing wrong if I would have you the panting pet, however."
I then let loose a low chuckle. "Aside from that, I would never take away the voice of such a vixen."
Leaning down slightly to whisper in her own ear. "The most important question is this, however: Do you think I will succumb first to the bark or the bite?"
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on May 8, 2009 21:53:56 GMT -5
His words set me to thinking and I felt for his nature again- this time, a slide of velvet and a croon answered me; it was clear to my mind. "I think the bark would titillate you, but the bite would cause you to bend- but it is usually so for those in the hands of the Shahrizai," I replied, my lips barely brushing his ear as I spoke and my breath carefully controlled to run across his earlobe. "But there is only one way to know for certain, is there not? A bite would tell all."
Delicately I took his earlobe between my teeth and pulled at it in a playful fashion, my body quite close to his own as I waited to see how he responded; voice or body, tension or relaxation, drawing away or drawing close. People were quite telling in their desires when presented with the actual object of them and the taste of him was sweet indeed.
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Post by Malzane d'Essoms (I) on May 8, 2009 22:05:11 GMT -5
I could feel my body reacting to her. I knew all the signs. I stamped each and every one down. I would not become the prey in this particular battle. I held my voice steady and replied. "The bark does titillate, but I am afraid that I may need to experience the bite a little more in order to make a much more educated statement." The smile broke into a somewhat lopsided grin. Not a mocking grin by far, instead it implied appreciation.
I could feel my feet almost twitch, wanting to turn into the body that was pressed against me. Instead I turned fluidly to face her and looked first at her windswept hair as it blew across her face. I made no other move in her direction, schooling my features to calmness.
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on May 8, 2009 22:15:40 GMT -5
The change in his smile alone told me of his pleasures- and I had little doubt that a bit of pain would prove amiss with him. Besides, I was greatly desiring of hearing his voice raised in tones of pleasure and his skin flushed completely in reaction. "Perhaps I will feel like gnawing on something later, like a good dog with a bone," I teased wryly, my nails tracing through his hair and the puppy settling more comfortably against me. "I am at least a very pretty specimen, I hope."
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Post by Malzane d'Essoms (I) on May 8, 2009 22:24:45 GMT -5
"I may hold you to that." I replied with a hint of mischief in my voice. "And there is nothing 'the least' about you, dear Sirena. Not only are you a pretty specimen but you are quite the dangerous one as well."
I could not help but think of consequences of a possible coupling. I would do that for days, I knew. I simply shoved it into a corner of my mind to let it do its work. When I had time for the thoughts, I would think them.
"I am curious as to what it is you hunt though..." These words were directed with a slight probe, a crack in the wall. Something that would show more.
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on May 8, 2009 22:37:33 GMT -5
"What I hunt? My prey tends to come to me," I replied with a light laugh, continuing to stroke his scalp with my fingertips and nails. "But if forced to hunt, I would choose prey who know when to listen and when to hunt- or those who know when to hunt and can be taught. Can you be taught, I wonder?"
My voice was low and sweet and I teased his earlobe with my tongue, wondering if his passion dwelled deeper and could be drawn out. "You have a lovely voice, my lord- how would it sound in ecstasy?"
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Post by Malzane d'Essoms (I) on May 8, 2009 22:42:06 GMT -5
I looked around us at the people that were out walking the streets and smiled. I see she didn't mind a show. Perhaps, however, it was her trying to display her dominance. I would have to end this soon, but not before I played a hand or two myself.
"I can be taught many things, Sirena." I replied, deliberately using her name, giving it a caress. Silk over steel. "And as beautiful as your voice would sound, I imagine. I daresay that it would be a duet so beautiful Elua himself would weep."
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on May 8, 2009 22:47:18 GMT -5
"I have heard many a duet- but your voice is far finer than those that which most start with," I replied, my voice as velvety as though I had no cognizance of the sharp steel in his own though of course I had noted it in my own way, my breathing quicker for the reaction it caused. "And I have been looking for someone to sing in a voice on par with my own. So rare are willing to sing for me."
My lashes lowered and I looked at him through half-lidded eyes, feeling the tension in his body and being even more titillated by it. "But are you not already on a hunt for equine flesh?" I teased.
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Post by Malzane d'Essoms (I) on May 8, 2009 22:59:52 GMT -5
"I assure you that you will find no sweeter a duet than what we could sing." I watched her, and I could see the slight flush rise up her neck. The same flush I knew was on mine. At least I was not losing my touch.
"Hm. I believe I was on the hunt for flesh, dear Lady. I would say that I found much more than I bargained and still do not yet know the payment required." I wrapped an arm around her waist and lowered my head once more to speak into her ear. "Though the buyer should beware. One might never know when it is he is given a viper in place of the relatively harmless rabbit he thought he was getting."
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on May 8, 2009 23:10:36 GMT -5
"I never think to get rabbits," I replied in a crooning, musical tone, like a siren luring her prey deeper into the waters surrounding her throne. "But there is flesh, very lovely flesh, and that is satisfying in itself."
He gave a bit and I smiled against the skin of hip neck before nipping it lightly with my lips. "Though I begin to wonder if the viper appreciates the other that is in his view. Perhaps he mistakes it for another rabbit instead."
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Post by Malzane d'Essoms (I) on May 8, 2009 23:14:40 GMT -5
I chuckled, prominently aware of her lips. "I think the viper knows it for much more than rabbit. Perhaps even another viper. He would not mistake her for anything other..." This time I gave in, lowering my teeth to nip her ear, just where the harder cartilage started.
"But what is it she sees?"
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on May 9, 2009 11:54:49 GMT -5
He bit me, and it did hurt- but only a little, and I would pay him back for that later. "I think the eyes are the most distrustful of the senses," I replied in a croon. "Instead I believe what I hear and feel."
My eyes drifted up to meet his own and I traced my fingers over his chest, then up and across his neck. "But my eyes see you as very handsome, and that is a good thing."
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Post by Malzane d'Essoms (I) on May 10, 2009 22:44:10 GMT -5
I arched my neck a little as her fingers ran up it. "Hm. The eyes may lie, but there are those that learn to filter the lies out." I looked at her even as she looked at me. "However, I can always agree to learning the truth by hearing and feeling."
A soft chuckle broke forth at the compliment. "Well, I am pleased that m'Lady approves of my appearance. Here I though I looked a bit rugged."
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Post by Sirena Shahrizai on May 10, 2009 22:54:18 GMT -5
"Rugged isn't always a bad thing on the right people," I replied pleasantly, continuing to stroke her neck. "And I agree that one can learn to see through lies, but it is so much easier to concentrate on looking at beauty."
My smile grew a bit more playful and I lightly tugged on the hair at the base of Malzane's neck, just to see how he would react. "But what do you enjoy hearing and feeling, I wonder?"
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