[Temple] Endings and Beginnings [Tabarnac + Lucette]

[Lucette]

3rd of Spring, Year 511 AV Anyone familiar with the Kelvic race would notice Lucette for what she truly was, distinctly animalistic. It was there in the way she moved; humans did not step so lightly, yet purposefully. It appeared that each slow step she took was part of a lazy plan, and her whole body rolled within the seductive movement. Her head turned at every sound to investigate, while her amber eyes were wide and unblinking as she studied the unfamiliar streets of Denval. At first she seemed almost confident, yet she slid closer to Roland’s fat side at the sudden high pitched squeals of the children that surrounded them quickly. The Kelvic was on edge and nervous, and her pretty head lowered on her shoulders, only to extend out again as something new caught her attention. Her bondmate’s plump hand came up suddenly to rest upon her black collar. She had already bumped into him a number of times, in an effort to avoid the rambunctious children. “Settle down Lucette,” he said quietly. “Settle.” But it was as if his words were louder to her ears, or more forceful, for she flinched at the instruction, her head turning worriedly to look up at him. But her well-dressed companion dismissed her hurt look as he asked for directions to the Temple. The townsfolk’s eyes slid once more to the Kelvic. Was she a follower of Nikali? Was she marked? They studied her openly. The thick collar stood out against her pale flesh, and they whispered about its uses. Her eyes watched them as they watched her and talked among themselves. Lucette did not understand their interest, and she bumped into Roland once more. With alarm, she hoped to not have angered him. But he seemed not to have noticed her misstep. Roland had acted strangely since the beginning of their voyage, which only made her nervousness increase. Normally, if they visited one of his ‘friends’ he was happy, jovial, especially as the coins filled his pickets. But now there was a difference. Who was she to meet? At home, her inner animal was never this exposed. Roland’s fingers slid under her collar, almost caressing the smooth skin of her neck. His touch reeled her thoughts in from the multitude of distractions to rest solely upon him. He was her constant, her entire world. The Kelvic had nothing if he did not first give it to her. The simple touch served as a reminder of her place beneath him. “Listen to me,” he said as they walked. And she did, for he was Master and Bondmate and she was his. “We go to meet someone very important. You must be on your best behavior, my girl. Do you understand this?” “Yes, Roland,” Lucettte answered with renewed hope, her awareness fixated on the fingers at her collar. If she pleased him… and his ‘friend’, she thought, then her bondmate would be back to his normal self and they could return home once more. A light seductive smile crossed her features and the Kelvic nodded, “I will do whatever you wish… you know this. I only want you to be happy...” Roland gave her a soft look of concern, but it vanished quickly as he patted her arm before the door to Nikali’s Temple opened and he ushered her inside.

[Tabarnac]

The Temple was a bit of a walk up from the quays where people were let into the settlement of Denval, but it was unprepossessing, its whitewashed exterior stained dingy around the edges by the salt-laden sea air year in and year out. A red paper lantern hung above the door, unlit in the steely grey overcast day. The building was much the same as those around it, larger perhaps, with a small bit of a public square or garden in front of it. The door was unlocked at all hours. None would think to steal from the Temple. The Denvali were too conditioned toward obeying the laws and authority of their leadership and tourists too frightened of the Captain and her vengeance to attempt anything funny. Upon their entrance, a meek, dark-haired girl greeted them in the name of the Goddess and asked how she might help. Her straight hair was pulled back in an almost severe ponytail, her hair kept out of her face so as not to obscure the purity of her beauty. Her graceful, shaply body was swathed from neck to floor in a dark dress, her hands covered in gloves. The almost furtive glance she cast at both Lucette and her Master was solicitous, but also burned deep inside. Desire. Before they could respond, a male voice called out, soft of timbre and rumbling pleasantly in the baritone register. "Take their cloaks, darling," he said, and she did, hurrying to his side. He touched her face, his bare hand on the only bit of her visible skin. "Thank you. I will see to their needs." She nodded and ran off with their cloaks, and he turned to face them. His own beauty was greater even than the girl's, striking and seductive without any effort on his part. He had that ineffable presence, that charisma, that could not be trained. One wanted him. One wanted to confide in him. He was the answer to one's deepest desires, and there was a knowing in his hazel eyes, which were currently picking up on the grey of his open collar. A scarlet chain was tattooed to his chest, starting just above his heart, snaking across his chest to the right and over his shoulder and under the clinging material. One might well marvel at so blessed a priest of Nikali if one recognized her signs. "I am Justus. How may I serve you?"

[Lucette]

Lucette’s eyes were soft slits as she watched Justus enter the room. She could not help but notice and respond to him. It seemed as if he moved in the same world that she lived in, though the man was so much more than she. And she wondered why that was, not understanding the meaning of Nikali’s favor. Never had she felt such a presence. The desire to go to him was strong, to caress her smooth cheek along his skin, to push her nose into his rough jaw. If she had been in her Cheetah form, she would have purred with contentment to be near him. A seductive noise sounded in her throat, but it was of human make and sounded as if the breath came deep from within her body. She tried to slide towards him, but Roland held onto her elbow, and she was forced to wait. If she had but looked to her companion, she would have seen that her Master was also taken with the man. But she did not look. Roland understood exactly what Justus was, but still longing for the young looking man also affected him. This man could be his salvation, the path out of the financial troubles he was in. How can may I serve you? The possibilities were endless as Justus’ words floated in Roland’s head, “I was told…” he said trying to focus again on the delicate way he should word his request, “that you might be interested in Lucette.” The Kelvic’s head was turned slightly to Justus, and she paid little notice to Roland’s words. She thought she understood, she thought this was one of their normal transactions and she waited, as she always waited. Patiently. “She is an exceptional Kelvic. And skilled in the arts of pleasure. She would fit in well here…” The normally smooth Roland was almost tongue tied by the handsome man before him. “I would be willing to part with her, for the right sum.” He smiled hopefully, his cheeks full and red, and while one hand rested lightly upon Lucette’s arm, the other restless on his own amble belly.

[Tabarnac]

The priest of Nikali was a calm, shadowed pond, full of secrets, serenity, and the promise of of what one needed, both the comforting and the terrifying. What one needed most, after all, was not always what was easy, what was relaxing. The body and the mind of all men and women were too quick to tense up with fear, even the courageous ones. There was a courage in this one, though, that was not militant or menacing, but the strength to lift one's burdens, to shelter one's sleep, to help set the world aright. "She is at that," he agreed after one, long, gently probing glance. He offered her the smallest of smiles, what might have been nothing from anyone else, but from him was an understanding of her troubles, her fears, an acknowledgement, empathy, and promise. Though Roland did not introduce himself, it mattered little. A name was just a name, and Justus wasn't the sort of magus who normally derived power from a name. His smile for Roland was like a sun shower, golden, warming light piercing the clouds to transfix a person. "Please, sit," he said, a strong hand resting gently on Roland's shoulder, the other indicating the sprawl of divans in a room visible through a wide arch. There was a hookah sitting on the table, and the begloved girl was laying out food and drink for their guests. "We will discuss your needs and how they will be met to your satisfaction. No one leaves this Temple without satiety." He led them there, though he was careful not to touch Lucette herself while she was still Roland's property. Her master, though, moved to Justus' will as if he were some graceful marionette with invisible strings. Soon enough there was wine in his hand, a smoking hookah before him, and Justus holding a silver tray of cheese and fruit out for Roland and then Lucette. He served without being diminished. "Please, be at your ease. When you are ready, we may discuss the terms of sale. I believe Lucette would be an asset to the Temple, and our funds will alleviate your sorrows."

[Lucette]

Justus offered Lucette a smile, and the Kelvic immediately understood that this man was different from all the others she had ever lain with. She did not know why, but his expression soothed her, and his smile filled her spirit. A soft, knowing glance was returned to him from under her long lashes. As her amber eyes observed Justus, she watched as his hand found her Master’s shoulder. How she wished it to be her own skin beneath that capable hand. Roland allowed himself to be guided to the divan, and he steered Lucette by the elbow with him. She moved without thought, so pliable she was to his wishes, though her head did swivel to look up at her Bondmate; he acted so strangely. The normally smooth and talkative man seemed less sure of himself than she had ever witnessed in the past. It was almost as if he was nervous in Justus’ presence. It dawned on her then, Justus was the one he had warned her about at the door. He was the special one, the one to impress. But instead the man had impressed her, and intrigued her by his very presence alone. Her narrowed eyes watched his every movement. Even as Roland directed her to sit down next to him on the divan, she watched their host. The Kelvic did not know that staring was considered rude. But eventually, her eyes returned to her Master. He was a man of many pleasures, and varied as they were, his great love of food and drink was made evident by his amble girth and reddened cheeks. At the sight of the offerings before them, Roland was tickled. His own gaze laid upon Justus often, a look here and an appraisal there, and the man came very near to forgetting the troubles that had brought him here with Lucette. Lucette felt her Bondmate begin to relax, and watched as his hand lingered atop Justus’ when he took the offered food with his ringed, round digits. Her own worries eased in response to Roland’s increasing comfort and she settled in next to him, her long legs folded beneath her. Lounging against him, with relaxed confidence and self awareness the Kelvic sat as if this had always been her place. She occupied it beautifully, at least until Roland wished otherwise. Her Master reached for the hookah, and Lucette drank the wine with delicately small sips from her generous lips. Her tongue tasted the deep flavors of the drink. “Don’t mind if I do… don’t mind if I do.” Roland joked, as he inhaled the rich smoke. On the exhalation, the man exclaimed through the blue haze, “Where are my manners! Please forgive me, I am Roland. From Zeltiva… I do so greatly admire what you do here.” As he spoke he placed the pipe so softly to Lucette’s lips. She leaned forward, and her dress opened seductively at the chest as she inhaled the smoky sweetness, “…and please know, I only have Lucette’s best interests at heart.” It was a lie of course, but one he wanted desperately to believe. The tasteful lifestyle had far outgrown his means and he was desperate. Roland slid a warm hand over to rest upon her creamy thigh, while with the other he took a bite of cheese, and said around the mouthful, “I would have nothing harm her, you know.” Naively Lucette assumed this transaction was like any other of the past, that the sale was for the night only. Always she had been discussed as if she was not there, and this time was no different in her mind. Normally, by this point in one of Roland’s transactions, the Kelvic found new stimuli to capture her interest and attentions, but today, Lucette was only focused upon their host.

[Tabarnac]

"Please do indulge, sir," he urged, when Roland exhibited interest in the flavorful smoke of the hookah with its lightly narcotic botanical extraction smoldering within. He maintained a casual physical connection, and Roland's hand upon his own showed how easily he had taken the bait. With his free hand, though, he lit the lucifer with a flare of burning sulfur smell, and held it to the coal. "Think nothing of your manners while here, Master Roland. You need but relax. We esteem Zeltivans most highly here in Denval. Captain Wright was our savior, returning us to the world, may her spirit find eternal contentment." He shook his head. "You honor us with your presence, and with the sale of such a beautiful specimen of a woman." Another mouth might have made these words sound unctuous, ingratiating, but the man spoke with a confident sincerity, and one got the impression, if one cared to, that he might hide any number of secrets, but he had no need to lie outright. "The holy lust takes many forms, but only some of us bear harm for the sake of others. It is a voluntary thing for most, unless they bear the chain." His own was livid on his dusky, smooth chest, peeking out from his collar. "And those who so choose are ministered to by Rak'keli's chosen. Fear not. No harm will come to Lucette here. If possible, she is even safer with us than with you who have cared for her for so long. "I suppose you will not object to payment in Zeltivan nilos?" he asked as an ominous beauty with kohl-lined eyes and an elaborate costume entered the room. Her body was artfully covered with silk scarves and brocaded straps that covered some, but left much of her skin bare. Her belt jingled with currency, but hers was decoration, and the sinuous contortion of her stomach muscles as she walked -- no, danced -- into the room, hypnotized the eyes as strange music came from another room. "No, I think nilos are part of the payment you seek..."

[Lucette]

Roland took another pull of the smoke into his lungs, more than happy to indulge in the pleasures before him. Lucette was allowed no more, one was his rule for the Kelvic. With the additional funds from the selling of Lucette, his financial troubles would soon be ended, and his debts paid. A new life was before him and he was ready for celebration! Roland’s relief was palpable, even though the terms of the sale had not yet been discussed. That Justus might seek to swindle him never crossed his mind, for he believed the man had his best interests at heart. Roland’s jowled face softened as the narcotic traveled further through his system, he felt important, and understood. It was as if he were Captain Wright herself, and had brought life singlehandedly to Denval. Sinking his large bottom further into the soft divan cushions, Roland felt at ease. Hazily, Lucette’s fingers played with the metal ring embedded into the front of the collar that encircled her neck. Around and around her fingers traveled as they traced the cold roundness. The movement was almost hypnotic to her, and combined with the smoke she found herself also relaxing. Her body shifted into the cushions, her shoulders turned. But then Justus said… ‘with the sale,’ and Lucette blinked slowly at the words. With the sale. These were new words, different words than were normally used. She leaned away from Roland, and her long neck became rigid, which only highlighted the contrast of the black collar against her pale skin. A terrible thought entered her mind. The Kelvic’s mouth opened slightly, and her pink tongue became visible for just a moment. It could not be true! They were Bondmates! Forever had they been bonded, at least as Lucette imagined forever to be. She must have heard wrong. It must have been Roland’s smoke fogging her mind. She assured herself, that this was why Roland never let her have too much, he knew her needs and he protected her. She curled closer in between his arm and his full stomach, and her head rubbed along his chest. It was untrue. It was untrue! Roland would not sell her; he couldn’t for soon they would return home together. At Justus’ direction, the companions both looked to the gnosis mark. Lucette followed the red chain with her eyes, wondering what it could mean. While Roland’s lustful breath held in his throat to think upon what that mark meant. But so smoothly did words roll from Justus’ lips, and she watched them move as Justus said, ‘she’d be safe. Safer than with Roland…’ “Nilos?” Roland answered, agreeably. “Yes, that would be more than welcomed. It is kind of you to…I…” but a scantily clad woman swathed in scarves took his attentions. The soft sound of chimes filled the air as she moved. Music flowed from the other room; it was as exotic as she and with the narcotic in his system, it was easy to become lost in the foreign sounds. Roland cleared his throat twice, as his fingers unconsciously tightened on Lucette’s leg in sudden lust. The Kelvic’s eyes narrowed and a strange anger began to simmer in Lucette’s stomach. Her chest rose and fell with effort. Suddenly, her head turned to look upon him, the deep colors of her hair reflecting the light around her. She whispered, frantic, almost begging, “Roland? Do you wish to be free of me? Tell me it’s not true…” But his blue eyes held hers and she knew that is was. “It is for the best, Lucette,” was all that he would say. A loud, prolonged sound filled the room as Lucette yowled to voice her displeasure and hurt. It was a strange sound to rise from human vocal cords, but she could not stop it from sounding. Her world was collapsing. She tried to shake herself off of his shoulder to be free from the emotional pain he caused her. Too late she realized, she had overstepped her place and her Master still held onto her thigh. He tightened his grip, and the Kelvic tried hard not to cry out in response to his mistreatment. Roland did not want to be made to feel bad for this, especially from Lucette. His own guilt was just too close, and she was putting a damper on his celebration. So conditioned was she that she automatically fell silent, though a deep sorrow shone in her eyes and tears threatened to fall as anger fell away to sadness. Her long fingers moved to rest upon his, even though they lay above where he had hurt her thigh. His ownership of her was slipping away; he would miss her and her companionship of course. Though he told himself she was just a Kelvic; he could always have another. He pretended to ignore her as he pushed himself to the edge of the seat and questioned Justus hopefully, “…and the other part of the payment? I assume you have something in mind?” His slack face turned in eagerness as he thought of the girl that had just entered the room. Shaking, Lucette could not look at Justus as her Master withdrew from her.

[Tabarnac]

Lucette and her reactions did not go unnoticed, though it was not meet for her to be either comforted or admonished by the Temple whores. Not yet. Not while she still belonged to the sad man glutting on their food, their wine, their drugs, and the sight of them. But Justus moved with the silent grace of a cat, his hand on Roland all the while, until both could claim his shoulders, strong, gentle hands finding the lines of muscles, following them to knots of tension where emotion was caught, collected, and held in stasis, deforming the natural order of things. With heat from his hands, the narcotic in Roland's veins, and the lust arousing twining of the dancer, Roland was caught in their net, unaware of Lucette, his hand falling free of her leg to run sensuously up to his chest as if every nerve firing was another log thrown on the fire that would soon erupt into an inferno. The dancer moved in front of him and several acolytes appeared to ease him out of his seat and pull him along into some shadowy alcove where the needs of his body would be seen to, where the guilt would be blighted for a while, and when he awoke, there would be payment for Lucette, a handsome fee and enough to pay off his debts. But he would not see the Kelvic again, no, not for a while, anyhow. Justus watched Lucette watch her Master leave her for the charms and skills of others, but while he could feel her desire for Roland cutting through him the way it did through her, he could not give her that. Some chains were meant to be broken as part of the soul's journey. He put a hand on her shoulder that could have been any hand: a father's, a brother's, a friend's, a lover's, or even a mentor's. "He will leave with his needs satisfied," he promised her. "Whether you are a need will be determined with time. Until he should return, however, you belong to the Temple of Nikali. You will be well treated here, trained, though the manner of training depends on you. Most find peace here, however, after walking through the fire. "Eat, drink, relax yourself. Tomorrow is a new day, and until then, your needs are my needs. After that, I will still care for you." He paused. "There is no shame in crying, and if you are angry with me, I can bear your violence."

[Lucette]

Roland walked away, his steps rolling beneath wide legs and red, brocaded jacket. How easy it was for him to leave her! The Kelvic stared, stunned. He had left her… abandoned her! But Justus’ hand on her shoulder assured her with comforting touch that she was not alone. Understanding lay within the gentle pressure and with it a promise of so much more, if she could only allow herself it be soothed. But it was difficult to breathe or even move, and Lucette watched the doorway as if Roland might return at any moment. The bond was too strong, too compelling. Lucette could not pretend it away, no matter how much she wished to rub up against this Denval man and be comforted by him. Roland’s large voice rolled in laughter from the other room, and the Kelvic’s head lifted at the sound. She answered Justus, though her liquid filled eyes remained on the doorway, ready in case Roland walked through it. “My needs?” She asked blankly. “I have no needs. My needs are his…,” Lucette nodded her head to the other room, as her hair moved elegantly about her face. She knew nothing of need beyond food and shelter, or companionship. She could hear Roland’s jovial voice as it lifted loudly amid sounds of pleasure. Roland! The Kelvic fidgeted where she stood; just to hear him made her want to be at his side once more. This was her sole need! But the light, consoling pressure of Justus’ hand held her firmly in place, so accustomed was Lucette to following the will of another. Lucette had never been under such terrible pressure before. Her mind and body fought itself. She needed him! The thought of living without Roland terrified her; he was the one constant in her small world. The man took care of her, always and he made all decisions regarding her welfare. “How can I live without him?” The distraught Kelvic wailed. “Oh no!” Lucette whispered, “Roland allows no violence...” at least not from the Kelvic, though he was known to take his own hand to her on occasion. Even now she could not go against his wishes. No violence. No aggression. The girl felt cornered, and the animal nature within grew stronger along with her panic. She looked around nervously, as the room closed in around her. The Kelvic transformation threatened then, a few twinkling lights beginning to shimmer around her. She did not care that the tight collar would kill her in Cheetah form. Let the overwhelming hurt be over! But Justus’ hand still rested on her shoulder and she could not transform. As long as Justus was there, with his support she could not. Instead she remained sadly in human form. Lucette’s long fingers returned to her collar. At first the touch was light and fleeting, but as she thought once more of Roland, the panic again took hold and she pulled at the leather more forcefully. Long nails began to dig into it and the Kelvic began to yowl. The sound rose as her smooth hands pulled and tugged to try and release it, as if she were only a willful cub. Her almond shaped eyes filled with tears as she violently scraped her lovely neck, trying to escape the collar’s confines, “Let me go! Let me go!” she begged.

[Tabarnac]

"I understand," was all he said, and something in his voice drove itself into the core of her, the truth of it impossible to deny. But empathy and compassion could be denied, and the loosing of bonds could be a terrifying thing. Denvali criminals were often impressed into chain gangs, working for the benefit of the community, earning their keep and more. Justus knew of several who had worked off their debt, earned their freedom, and elected to remain in the mines or wherever else their lives could be dictated by the needs of the settlement. His hand remained upon her, a calm bastion to throw herself against. The other hand, cleverly, undid her collar for her until it fell, either into her hands or onto the floor. Freedom! But there were several within the Temple marked with Ranuri, and his needs were anticipated. More than one blow dart was aimed at her neck; should her violence threaten the life and livelihood of the priest or his people, she would find herself the victim of a clever concoction that would put a full-grown glassbeak down for the count. All the same, he offered her his hand. "I understand," he said again, warmer, but with steel. She could slap him if she liked, turn her shoulder to him and push with all her might. But it might take some time to find her rage and allow it out before it festered within her. "You are free to explore your new home, but do not intrude upon Master Roland. His needs no longer include you."