[sup]((Warning: This post contains some mature content and some adult oriented themes))[/sup]
“Natalie is the one that arranged all this.â€
Roen froze, staring at her lap, eyes wide.
"It's all justified, of course. She's doing it all for you. She cares for you, and apparently not for him. But hey, the Sultansworn are good people. Right?"
Her heart started to pound again, painfully so in her chest. "You are lying."
"I never lie. I feel sorry for you on the day you realize just how true that is."
Roen gritted her teeth as she shot a look back to the Roegadyn, her face flushed and twisted with disbelief and indignation. "Natalie would not-- he is my brother. She would not."
"Like I said, Roen... I'm many things. But a liar? No... I tried to kill my own brother, you know. The one who was a Sultansworn. I was going to kill him for our father's inheritance. I failed... and shortly after, he sacrificed himself to save me." He shook his head, chuckling darkly. "I've tried to be more like him since. I see your order, your beloved order, and I see nothing of what he was. He was a man of honor. The Sultansworn of today are no better than elite Brass Blades. Corrupt to the core with no true sense of purpose."
"Do not speak of the Order that way. You are not Sultansworn. Your brother held the honor, he wore the mantle. He swore the Oaths. He may get to judge, but you do not. You do not know the sacrifices that some make to uphold the Oaths. You do not know them!"
In that instant something snapped in his eyes, and his gaze turned murderous. "SHUT UP! You spit on his legacy! He gave up everything to serve, and you bastards just threw it all away!" He rose up, towering over her, his fists clenched angrily. "The Sultansworn are corrupted. And your 'friend' has betrayed you to murder your brother. You willingly participated in some activity in the mines, something you knew was wrong, and you did it with Natalie and Kage. You all now serve as Brass Blades and here you are telling me that the order has honor?â€
Roen swallowed, lowering her own voice seeing his anger rising like a sudden tide. "You pass judgement without knowing the facts. You condemn them for corruption seeing the same things the Monetarists accused us of. If you oppose the Syndicate, why do you believe what they want everyone else to believe?"
"Everything the Syndicate says isn't true. But everything they say isn't a lie, either. You truly think that your order is beyond being bought?"
"And do you truly think everyone within the Order has been bought?"
"No, I don't. I think that too many have, but not all."
Roen inhaled deeply, regarding the Roegadyn earnestly. "Do you know why we have been demoted to Brass Blades? Because we were loyal to the Sultana. But at my behest, Natalie let my brother and the Resistance go after we faced them... unknowingly at the Mines. Because I pleaded that they and we fought the same enemy. And the Syndicate used that to frame us."
"I do think that the friend you're so quick to defend apprehended a woman on nothing more than suspicion and tortured her. And all the while, she was protecting a known criminal. Even if my words to you are overly harsh, you know that she's ruthless. You just don't want to believe it because you care. At least I'm honest about my failings."
Roen stiffened as shame twisted her stomach. She slowly nodded. "Aye. I heard about... what they did."
"I'm sorry that I'm not a better man.†Crim slowly lowered into a seat again, his voice growing sullen once more. “I'm sorry that I'm the one standing here trying to help you out. I'm sorry that I've let my hatred rule my words for you and your brother. I'm not a good man. I have so much further to go... I know I'm not an ally you would ever choose."
Roen stared at nothing in particular. "I cannot trust you. But... I cannot ... I will not risk his life. But I do not know if believing you will help or hurt him." A breath’s pause as she looked back to the Roegadyn. “But I cannot sit here and let him be lured out."
"Believing me is irrelevant. Even if what I'm saying about Natalie is a lie, you know the Syndicate will strike him when he's most vulnerable if they have it in for him. Choosing not to aid me just means that he doesn't have someone trying to warn him. I've heard that he's a fine warrior, but... you throw a hundred men at someone..."
"And you will not let me go to warn him?"
"I wish I could let you go. I'd lead you to safety myself. But if I do, Askier will go to Natalie. Then Natalie will go to the Syndicate. They will abort their plan and form a new one. Matters will not be better... only changed..."
That was when the door opened with the turn of a key in a lock, the sound of howling winds entering the cabin along with the new arrival. With a slam of the door behind him, Roen could hear mutters in the other room and shuffling feet. With wet footsteps, Askier entered the bedroom, his nose and cheeks red from the stinging cold as he unwrapped the scarf from his neck. "Hey, Big Guy. How's Roen?"
Roen only briefly caught a pointed look from Crim and a quick nod, before the Roegadyn stood up, his hands on his hips. “Awake. Mouthy lil' bitch. Full o' insults, of course. Can ya believe she actually asked fer me ta untie 'er?" Her eyes narrowed at the sudden change in his speech, his accent, even his tone.
"Why am I not surprised?" Askier chuckled, his golden gaze flicked toward her. "I brought her some food so we can shove some rolls in her mouth if she gets out of hand." Roen spotted the wet snow he was tracking through the room as he set a box down onto a table. He then turned, giving her a bow. "Sorry about all this. How's the head?"
Roen only answered him with a glare, curling her legs to herself. His thick coat, the melting snow on the ground. They were in Coerthas.
"We can't keep 'er in them ropes ferever. They fray too easily, an'... well, they'll cut 'er wrists. We gotta get somethin' more... official? Think you can pull somethin' like that off? Somethin' fer wrists 'n ankles both. Maybe even a collar."
Roen blinked and stared at Crim. She was not sure if this was an act. Why would he...
"Crim, you and I think alike. Â Part of why it took so long. Â Cost me a pretty gil, but..." Askier began to dig into the box, pulling out books, food, clothes, and multiple whiskey bottles. "Here we are." He grinned, pulling two pairs of shackles from the box, the metal clanking ominously in the stone room. "Figured it might be more comfortable than that rope and would let Roen use her hands to read." Askier cocked his head her way with a smile. "See? Â I'm not a total ass."
"That's fer the best. Only one problem that creates, though. Lettin' 'er hands be free means it's more likely she can try 'n hide things from us, try an' get free. We have ta eliminate that as much as we can.†The Roegadyn frowned.
"Well, we could break some of her fingers." Askier mused and then shook his head. "But I'm not fond of doing that to a woman." Askier looked at his own hand for a moment and then sighed. "I'm not cut out for this kind of work. We shackle her and then use some leather thongs to bind her fingers together. Crude but will work."
"No, that ain't what I mean. That won't work anyroad, trust me. I done a little bit o' slavin' back in my raidin' days. She's gotta be naked. Completely naked. An' any time she gets her hands on somethin', she's gotta be searched. Thoroughly. We can give 'er a blanket cuz that's easy enough ta shake out, but... Twelve, I hate this shite."
Roen felt herself shrinking back against the wall, her attention snapping back to Crim.
"Naked?" Â Askier said with a hint of incredulousness. "You want her to freeze here? I-" Askier reached for one of the bottles of whiskey, pulled open the cork and took a long draft and then sighed. "Look Roen, you're awake and a rational woman. You want to talk about this or should Crim and I just keep planning how we are going to bind you. I'm trying to be civil here since your friend hired me."
"Would you believe me if I said I would cooperate if you kept me unbound?" Her words sounded sharper to her ears than she had intended. Her eyes narrowed on Askier. "And who is this friend of mine that hired you?"
"I might, eventually." Askier only paused for a breath. “Natalie,†he answered her flatly.
Roen frowned instantly, distrust and anger quick to return. But what words she may have said in protest stalled in her throat when she spotted that change in Crim again. Any sign of challenge seemed to trigger something dark in the Roegadyn. Or perhaps it was his hatred of the Sultansworn. Or Natalie. She could not tell.
Crim’s icy blue eyes seemed to stare through her and his voice had a cruel tone running just beneath the surface. "I'm just sayin'.. the best way ta do it ain't somethin' I'm willin' ta do. See, ya put a collar round 'er neck. Then, ya bind 'er wrists tagether... pull 'er arms up so that 'er wrists an the collar are attached. Pull the elbows tagether, preferably touchin'. Pierce the nipples and the nose 'n put rings in 'em. Then, mind the ankles together. You can use the collar ta lead 'er 'round, an' she can't run or do nothin' with 'er hands. But like I said, I don't wanna cause harm, 'n... well... she ain't no slave."
Roen felt the blood drain away as she stared at Crim in horror.
"Hells, Crim!" Askier grunted in shock, nearly spitting out his whiskey. "I was just think of binding her ankles and wrists together, not start shoving things into noses. I mean I see how that would work but I'm supposed to return Roen in good condition. Nat's orders. Don't think Nat would take kindly to nipple piercings."
"How do you know? Nat might like nipple piercin's..." Crim shrugged his shoulders and looks back to Roen, giving her a very stern look. "Just lettin' the girl know what I'm willin' ta do if she tries to escape. I don't play games, an' if she tries ta run away, I'm gonna be so pissed that Rhalgr 'imself'd be givin' pause."
Her breathing was starting to quicken as her eyes darted between Askier and Crim. She no longer knew who this Roegadyn was anymore. Was he the same man who offered to help her brother?
"Roen, Crim here isn't joking.†The Miqo’te turned to her with a dark look as well. “He will do whatever needs to be done, so lets be civil, shall we? I have you here to keep you safe. My sister will be here soon to help us keep an eye on you and she is a very good tracker, so running won't get you far. Are you willing to let us chain you my way or?" Askier motioned with his head at Crim. "Do I let our big friend her start piercing body parts?"
Roen gave a baleful glare to Askier but shook her head and lowered her gaze and head. Her voice was one of swallowed pride when she answered him. "Your way, Askier."
“I'm okay with bindin' 'er yer way, but what 'bout 'er clothes? We ain't gotta pierce nothin' ta be careful. Plenty o' blankets in 'ere ta keep 'er warm."
His words drew another incredulous glare, anger and betrayal in her eyes. One truth remained ringing in her mind. He was not the ally anyone would choose.
Crim met her gaze, and his expression grew darker. "Better yet... she don't need blankets. I'll just keep a nice fire goin'. That sound better, Roen?"
"I agree we should take her clothes but we'll give her my coat in addition to the fire." Askier said, a degree of pity in his eyes as he looked at her. "I know that jacket like the back of my hand and every pocket and hole it could have. She makes a change or tries to hide anything, I'll know, and she can keep some of her dignity."
Crim sucked on his teeth. "No, ya won't give 'er yer coat. Not at first, anyroad. She wants ta throw an attitude then she can be humbled. When she realizes she has somethin' ta work for, an' starts actin' like a good girl... then we'll see."
Roen tore his gaze away from them both, looking down to the floor. Her breaths were coming quicker and she was trying to quell the dread that was quickly filling her chest.
"So you want to just strip her down and bind her now?" Askier cleared his throat, his discomfort with it all clear in his tone.
Roegadyn grunted, turning to the bed, his shadow falling over her curled form. “Get off the bed and on your knees, girl,†he said coldly, pointing to the middle of the room. “And if you behave and ask nicely, I’ll letcha even undress yerself.â€
“Natalie is the one that arranged all this.â€
Roen froze, staring at her lap, eyes wide.
"It's all justified, of course. She's doing it all for you. She cares for you, and apparently not for him. But hey, the Sultansworn are good people. Right?"
Her heart started to pound again, painfully so in her chest. "You are lying."
"I never lie. I feel sorry for you on the day you realize just how true that is."
Roen gritted her teeth as she shot a look back to the Roegadyn, her face flushed and twisted with disbelief and indignation. "Natalie would not-- he is my brother. She would not."
"Like I said, Roen... I'm many things. But a liar? No... I tried to kill my own brother, you know. The one who was a Sultansworn. I was going to kill him for our father's inheritance. I failed... and shortly after, he sacrificed himself to save me." He shook his head, chuckling darkly. "I've tried to be more like him since. I see your order, your beloved order, and I see nothing of what he was. He was a man of honor. The Sultansworn of today are no better than elite Brass Blades. Corrupt to the core with no true sense of purpose."
"Do not speak of the Order that way. You are not Sultansworn. Your brother held the honor, he wore the mantle. He swore the Oaths. He may get to judge, but you do not. You do not know the sacrifices that some make to uphold the Oaths. You do not know them!"
In that instant something snapped in his eyes, and his gaze turned murderous. "SHUT UP! You spit on his legacy! He gave up everything to serve, and you bastards just threw it all away!" He rose up, towering over her, his fists clenched angrily. "The Sultansworn are corrupted. And your 'friend' has betrayed you to murder your brother. You willingly participated in some activity in the mines, something you knew was wrong, and you did it with Natalie and Kage. You all now serve as Brass Blades and here you are telling me that the order has honor?â€
Roen swallowed, lowering her own voice seeing his anger rising like a sudden tide. "You pass judgement without knowing the facts. You condemn them for corruption seeing the same things the Monetarists accused us of. If you oppose the Syndicate, why do you believe what they want everyone else to believe?"
"Everything the Syndicate says isn't true. But everything they say isn't a lie, either. You truly think that your order is beyond being bought?"
"And do you truly think everyone within the Order has been bought?"
"No, I don't. I think that too many have, but not all."
Roen inhaled deeply, regarding the Roegadyn earnestly. "Do you know why we have been demoted to Brass Blades? Because we were loyal to the Sultana. But at my behest, Natalie let my brother and the Resistance go after we faced them... unknowingly at the Mines. Because I pleaded that they and we fought the same enemy. And the Syndicate used that to frame us."
"I do think that the friend you're so quick to defend apprehended a woman on nothing more than suspicion and tortured her. And all the while, she was protecting a known criminal. Even if my words to you are overly harsh, you know that she's ruthless. You just don't want to believe it because you care. At least I'm honest about my failings."
Roen stiffened as shame twisted her stomach. She slowly nodded. "Aye. I heard about... what they did."
"I'm sorry that I'm not a better man.†Crim slowly lowered into a seat again, his voice growing sullen once more. “I'm sorry that I'm the one standing here trying to help you out. I'm sorry that I've let my hatred rule my words for you and your brother. I'm not a good man. I have so much further to go... I know I'm not an ally you would ever choose."
Roen stared at nothing in particular. "I cannot trust you. But... I cannot ... I will not risk his life. But I do not know if believing you will help or hurt him." A breath’s pause as she looked back to the Roegadyn. “But I cannot sit here and let him be lured out."
"Believing me is irrelevant. Even if what I'm saying about Natalie is a lie, you know the Syndicate will strike him when he's most vulnerable if they have it in for him. Choosing not to aid me just means that he doesn't have someone trying to warn him. I've heard that he's a fine warrior, but... you throw a hundred men at someone..."
"And you will not let me go to warn him?"
"I wish I could let you go. I'd lead you to safety myself. But if I do, Askier will go to Natalie. Then Natalie will go to the Syndicate. They will abort their plan and form a new one. Matters will not be better... only changed..."
That was when the door opened with the turn of a key in a lock, the sound of howling winds entering the cabin along with the new arrival. With a slam of the door behind him, Roen could hear mutters in the other room and shuffling feet. With wet footsteps, Askier entered the bedroom, his nose and cheeks red from the stinging cold as he unwrapped the scarf from his neck. "Hey, Big Guy. How's Roen?"
Roen only briefly caught a pointed look from Crim and a quick nod, before the Roegadyn stood up, his hands on his hips. “Awake. Mouthy lil' bitch. Full o' insults, of course. Can ya believe she actually asked fer me ta untie 'er?" Her eyes narrowed at the sudden change in his speech, his accent, even his tone.
"Why am I not surprised?" Askier chuckled, his golden gaze flicked toward her. "I brought her some food so we can shove some rolls in her mouth if she gets out of hand." Roen spotted the wet snow he was tracking through the room as he set a box down onto a table. He then turned, giving her a bow. "Sorry about all this. How's the head?"
Roen only answered him with a glare, curling her legs to herself. His thick coat, the melting snow on the ground. They were in Coerthas.
"We can't keep 'er in them ropes ferever. They fray too easily, an'... well, they'll cut 'er wrists. We gotta get somethin' more... official? Think you can pull somethin' like that off? Somethin' fer wrists 'n ankles both. Maybe even a collar."
Roen blinked and stared at Crim. She was not sure if this was an act. Why would he...
"Crim, you and I think alike. Â Part of why it took so long. Â Cost me a pretty gil, but..." Askier began to dig into the box, pulling out books, food, clothes, and multiple whiskey bottles. "Here we are." He grinned, pulling two pairs of shackles from the box, the metal clanking ominously in the stone room. "Figured it might be more comfortable than that rope and would let Roen use her hands to read." Askier cocked his head her way with a smile. "See? Â I'm not a total ass."
"That's fer the best. Only one problem that creates, though. Lettin' 'er hands be free means it's more likely she can try 'n hide things from us, try an' get free. We have ta eliminate that as much as we can.†The Roegadyn frowned.
"Well, we could break some of her fingers." Askier mused and then shook his head. "But I'm not fond of doing that to a woman." Askier looked at his own hand for a moment and then sighed. "I'm not cut out for this kind of work. We shackle her and then use some leather thongs to bind her fingers together. Crude but will work."
"No, that ain't what I mean. That won't work anyroad, trust me. I done a little bit o' slavin' back in my raidin' days. She's gotta be naked. Completely naked. An' any time she gets her hands on somethin', she's gotta be searched. Thoroughly. We can give 'er a blanket cuz that's easy enough ta shake out, but... Twelve, I hate this shite."
Roen felt herself shrinking back against the wall, her attention snapping back to Crim.
"Naked?" Â Askier said with a hint of incredulousness. "You want her to freeze here? I-" Askier reached for one of the bottles of whiskey, pulled open the cork and took a long draft and then sighed. "Look Roen, you're awake and a rational woman. You want to talk about this or should Crim and I just keep planning how we are going to bind you. I'm trying to be civil here since your friend hired me."
"Would you believe me if I said I would cooperate if you kept me unbound?" Her words sounded sharper to her ears than she had intended. Her eyes narrowed on Askier. "And who is this friend of mine that hired you?"
"I might, eventually." Askier only paused for a breath. “Natalie,†he answered her flatly.
Roen frowned instantly, distrust and anger quick to return. But what words she may have said in protest stalled in her throat when she spotted that change in Crim again. Any sign of challenge seemed to trigger something dark in the Roegadyn. Or perhaps it was his hatred of the Sultansworn. Or Natalie. She could not tell.
Crim’s icy blue eyes seemed to stare through her and his voice had a cruel tone running just beneath the surface. "I'm just sayin'.. the best way ta do it ain't somethin' I'm willin' ta do. See, ya put a collar round 'er neck. Then, ya bind 'er wrists tagether... pull 'er arms up so that 'er wrists an the collar are attached. Pull the elbows tagether, preferably touchin'. Pierce the nipples and the nose 'n put rings in 'em. Then, mind the ankles together. You can use the collar ta lead 'er 'round, an' she can't run or do nothin' with 'er hands. But like I said, I don't wanna cause harm, 'n... well... she ain't no slave."
Roen felt the blood drain away as she stared at Crim in horror.
"Hells, Crim!" Askier grunted in shock, nearly spitting out his whiskey. "I was just think of binding her ankles and wrists together, not start shoving things into noses. I mean I see how that would work but I'm supposed to return Roen in good condition. Nat's orders. Don't think Nat would take kindly to nipple piercings."
"How do you know? Nat might like nipple piercin's..." Crim shrugged his shoulders and looks back to Roen, giving her a very stern look. "Just lettin' the girl know what I'm willin' ta do if she tries to escape. I don't play games, an' if she tries ta run away, I'm gonna be so pissed that Rhalgr 'imself'd be givin' pause."
Her breathing was starting to quicken as her eyes darted between Askier and Crim. She no longer knew who this Roegadyn was anymore. Was he the same man who offered to help her brother?
"Roen, Crim here isn't joking.†The Miqo’te turned to her with a dark look as well. “He will do whatever needs to be done, so lets be civil, shall we? I have you here to keep you safe. My sister will be here soon to help us keep an eye on you and she is a very good tracker, so running won't get you far. Are you willing to let us chain you my way or?" Askier motioned with his head at Crim. "Do I let our big friend her start piercing body parts?"
Roen gave a baleful glare to Askier but shook her head and lowered her gaze and head. Her voice was one of swallowed pride when she answered him. "Your way, Askier."
“I'm okay with bindin' 'er yer way, but what 'bout 'er clothes? We ain't gotta pierce nothin' ta be careful. Plenty o' blankets in 'ere ta keep 'er warm."
His words drew another incredulous glare, anger and betrayal in her eyes. One truth remained ringing in her mind. He was not the ally anyone would choose.
Crim met her gaze, and his expression grew darker. "Better yet... she don't need blankets. I'll just keep a nice fire goin'. That sound better, Roen?"
"I agree we should take her clothes but we'll give her my coat in addition to the fire." Askier said, a degree of pity in his eyes as he looked at her. "I know that jacket like the back of my hand and every pocket and hole it could have. She makes a change or tries to hide anything, I'll know, and she can keep some of her dignity."
Crim sucked on his teeth. "No, ya won't give 'er yer coat. Not at first, anyroad. She wants ta throw an attitude then she can be humbled. When she realizes she has somethin' ta work for, an' starts actin' like a good girl... then we'll see."
Roen tore his gaze away from them both, looking down to the floor. Her breaths were coming quicker and she was trying to quell the dread that was quickly filling her chest.
"So you want to just strip her down and bind her now?" Askier cleared his throat, his discomfort with it all clear in his tone.
Roegadyn grunted, turning to the bed, his shadow falling over her curled form. “Get off the bed and on your knees, girl,†he said coldly, pointing to the middle of the room. “And if you behave and ask nicely, I’ll letcha even undress yerself.â€
