Blind Submission (Open to ONE male)

[Mairead]

OOC:This is the story thus far. Xaeluria is a blind Unseelie Sidhe (if you

are unfamiliar with the Sidhe then it would be a good idea to look them up) who was given into the care of a slave trader named Lasario when she was still an infant to settle a debt. What no one realized at the time was that Luri was blind.

Las was NOT very happy about this for what use could a blind girl be. But he knew that the Sidhe were all beautiful so he counted on the fact that her looks would be an advantage when she came of age. And they would have were she not so stubborn.

Xaeluria is very strong-willed and has done everything she can to get out of being trained and sold. She has a quick wit and a sharp tongue that tend to get her into trouble and with such talents she has chased off any and all hopeful buyers thusfar. Las is at his wits' end because he fears being stuck with this stubborn creature to the end of his days. Beautiful she may be but if she continues to lose him money then what will become of his business? He has threatened to throttle her but she knows that he cannot risk damaging her in any way. She's already difficult enough to sell without being broken and bruised. No one wants a blind slave and absolutely no one wants one with such a smart mouth.

When one of his most respected and feared clients sends word that he needs a new slave, Las jumps at the chance. The instructions given are to choose a girl whom he deems the best candidate and bring her to this gentleman's home to be viewed. If need be, a trial period will be done. If not, he will by the girl then and there. Or shoo them both out the door, depending. Lasario knows just whom he will bring. Even if he has to threaten her into behaving. He's desperate enough to actually follow through with whatever he promises at this point and she has to know it.

Now. What Las does not know -nor does anyone else- is that Luri is not completely blind. Her eyes do not see, this is true, but her hands do. In a way. Whatever she touches with her hands she can see as clearly as if her eyes were working properly. It works best if the contact is direct but if she touches something, she can see it and whatever it in turn is touching. Like a wall. If she touches a wall she can see everything on it or connected to it. If she touches a stick to the ground while she walks, she can see well enough to make her way around obstacles. If she were to touch your hand or face or any part of you, she would see you. Even with a blindfold on.

As for her looks, just in case you are interested, Luri is 5' 9" tall. This is actually the minimum height for women of her race so it is probably best that whomever decides to play her possible new Master be taller than her *chuckles* Hard to talk down to someone when they loom over you. Her hair is a soft pale blue, almost white, and falls in rippling waves to her ankles (long hair is prized among the sidhe). Her skin is a slightly darker shade and it shimmers in any light. And icy blue. Her eyes, though generally covered, are a deep blue-violet. They are not clouded over but it is apparent by looking at them that they do not see. But they are lovely despite this.

Alright. I am not going to ask you to send me a detailed character bio but if you are interested in playing I would ask that you pm me a small roleplay sample. Perhaps a response to the post below? Oh and he does not have to be human. Sidhe, vampire, what have you. So long as he's not an alien I can be flexible.

Xaeluria sat stiff and rigid in Lasario's arms as they rode. She was furious with him. Then again, when was she not furious with him? He had taken her from the arms of her parents as a babe and had tried to break her and train her to be sold. If that was not cause for fury, she did not know what was. And now he had sunk so low as to drag her off to some unsuspecting Lord that was likely going to be less than pleased that he'd been brought an untrained virgin -which she prided herself on being- and blind to boot! And who was going to bear the brunt of that? She was. She knew how these lordlings behaved.

'But he is handsome' Las had said. 'Handsome and powerful. He can take care of you.' What was handsome to her? She couldn't see. Well... she could... if she chose to. But he did not know that. When she had argued over it with him he had burst into a rage and held her by her throat; something he had never done before. If she lost him this deal then he would throw her to the wolves. And she did not doubt that he meant it this time. It terrified her to be truthful. Life in his care was all she had ever known. She had never seen the outside world. Or not much of it. Not enough to survive. So she would behave. Somewhat. She wouldn't go out of her way to be rude but she was not going to pretend to be something she was not. She was not going to make this easy.

When they approached the keep, Las whispered it in her slightly elfin ear and told her to keep her mouth shut unless directed otherwise. He called out for entry and, within moments, he was sliding down off of the horse and helping her down gingerly. He placed fur-lined silver shackles on her wrists and straightened her attire; a triangle of sheer white fabric that was tied at her back and fell to point at her navel and a gauzy white skirt of the same fabric but with multiple layers to make it look graceful. Her hair was braided back and he had put a circlet about her head as well as intricate arm bands at her upper arms and jangling silver anklets on her ankles (her feet were bare). Over her eyes was a blindfold of white silk. She looked like a virgin sacrifice. At least that was what Las had said.

They were shown in to a receiving chamber and asked to wait. Luri was nervous. Luri was scared. But she was not about to let it show. Patiently, she waited for the sounds of footfalls.

[ARNeil1832]

Lord Sylar Marthus, Cambion.

A Character History:

The spawn of a noblewoman's affair with an incubus young Sylar Marthus' true bloodline had to be hidden from all and especially from the man who was to raise him as a son. However his natural talents had made it quite difficult to avoid being noticed. The son of demon Sylar was quite handsome, his features were sculpted and strong while his body was well muscled and much more powerful than it appeared. He excelled in his studies of combat, tactics and history, boasted an excellent resistance to magic and natural aptitude for destructive spells. The young Lord Marthus was even capable of conjuring minor illusions and with practice became quite adept at scrying.

However as he grew and aged it became apparent that he was different from others. He was withdrawn from many social circles and refused to attend popular pass times like the opera or theater. His 'father' Lord Marthus the elder dismissed such unusual behavior as a sign of maturity. Surely his son was simply more interested in preparing for his role as the head of household.

The truth was however that Sylar was more interested in his collection of rare and exotic playmates. With the wealth and power of the Marthus household at his fingertips the young lordling had slowly and carefully built himself a secret life, away from the trappings and restraints of mainstream society. A life in which he could release the full potential of his mixed heritage. Now with his father passed on and all the power of his new title behind him Sylar is looking to expand his collection further.

Deep beneath the mansion that was his daytime home Lord Sylar Marthus lounged in silence. His dark sanctuary was a large cavern filled with warm pools of water in variety sizes, illuminated only by the luminescent violet crystals embedded in the wall. Their light was calming, peaceful, and addictive. The glow revealed his true form, not altogether different from the face he wore day to day but complete with glowing amber eyes and deep indigo skin.

His quiet musings were about to be interrupted, the bumbling merchant and his slave were at the door. He could see them standing there at the door in a nearby pool of warm steaming water. With a deep sigh Sylar rose to his feet, he dearly hoped this would be worth his time. It had been ever so long since he had sampled something... New. Pulling on a long sleeved shirt and sweeping a hand through his wild hair he slowly made his way back toward the mansions main floor. The narrow passage leading back toward the surface made for a short journey upward into the wine cellar, where his servants knew better than to disturb him. Stepping out and ascending the last flight of stairs he spoke to a nearby servant:

"Let our guests in Charles, I have invited them for a brief interview this afternoon"

[Mairead]

The sound of the expected footsteps set Luri's heart to racing but she stood calm and still as a statue, hands clasped behind her back as Las constantly told her was proper. The soft, white fur lining the shackles on her wrists was warm and comforting while the cool silver against her arms, from the way she had them clasped, made her shudder. Quite the contrast. Luckily the chain attached to them was held -loosely but not to the point of drooping- in Las' hand. Else it would have trailed down her back which would have been even more uncomfortable.

Once given leave to move, they started forward. Las helped to guide Xaeluria with a hand on her shoulder. It was more habitual than anything but the familiarity of it gave her some small semblance of comfort and ease. She could hear the tinkling of bells at her ankles as she walked and made an effort to be graceful in her movements so that the sounds would not be harsh and annoying. No one could ever say that she did not ever make an effort to be, at the very least, pleasing to the senses.

Oh how nervous she was! She wanted nothing more than to march straight back the way they came but she knew that was not an option this time. It was this place or possibly having to survive on her own. Even she knew she would not last a night alone. How she wished at that moment that it had been her feet that were gifted with sight through touch rather than her hands. Then she could see what was going on around her. She detested new placees. Strange places. At least at the camp there were no surprises. Not many anyhow.

A slight change in the pressure of Lasarios' grip on her shoulder alerted her that they were stopping and, petrified though she was, she stood proud and alluring. Spine erect, shoulders back, chin high but not too high. Her eyes were even downcast but of course who would see? She was blindfolded.

"My Lord," said Lasario in a warm tone that she knew was an act. Warm and proud, as though he knew he had brought the perfect tribute. A divine prize or treasure. "As requested I have brought you quite the treat indeed. A rare gem by the name of Xaeluria. Luri, as we call her familiarly. I feel quite confident that you have not yet seen something so unique and exotic as the beauty here." He paused and Xaeluria felt his knuckles grazing her cheek as if to emphasize what a pretty little thing she was. Could this get any more exaggerated? It was humiliating. But Luri managed to keep still and quiet.

[ARNeil1832]

"Thank you Charles" Sylar said quietly when his guests had been brought to his lounge. The man was short, the very sight and smell of him offended Sylar deeply, but despite this he smiled pleasantly.

"Welcome to my home Lasario, and Xaeluria a pleasure to meet you miss" The young lord bowed elegantly his eyes never leaving the point on the blindfold where her eyes should have been. In public he was a gentleman, refined and charming, it was a mask that suited his purposes. He knew he would have time to enjoy the luscious being before him, and he would take things slow, it was more fun that way.

"Lasario I wonder if you would be so kind as to remove her blindfold? I would like to see Xaeluria's eyes," As Las' hand swept the side of her face Sylar's stomach clenched painfully, how dare such a common fool touch a jewel so precious? Yet his words were polite, even gentle. "And please you don't need to accentuate her loveliness, I am quite enthralled"

He drank in the sight of her, the impossibly long flowing hair and blue skin were hard to break his gaze away from. He had never seen a Sidhe before, the stories of course were everywhere in a land like this, as the superstitious populace loved to tell them, but to see such a marvel in what one often considered a wasteland was akin to finding the proverbial needle in the haystack.

Perhaps this was the one he had been waiting for? If her spirit was not yet broken she may very well be. He studied her posture, looking for some glimpse at the soul within. She stood erect, almost regal, clearly trying to put on a good show and yet, there was fire there. A quiet defiance that dared him to purchase her, dared him to take her and make her his own. He almost shivered in anticipation.

As her blindfold fell away he made his decision, her beautiful sightless eyes ensured her a place in his home, as his servant and so much more. And yet a gentleman made no hasty decisions, and he should act without passion in public.

"How much are you asking for this young lady's company Mr.Lasario? A small fortune I'm quite sure"

[Mairead]

The voice that floated silkily to Xaeluria's somewhat elfin ears was... not what she had expected at all. It was cultured and charming. Handsome. If such a word could be applied to a voice. One could become lost in the sound of such a voice...

And apparently she had. She snapped to attention, feeling as though she had just swallowed icy water when he asked Las to remove her blindfold. She felt suddenly very self-conscious and it was not like her. She didn't care if people knew she was blind so why was she so ashamed and afraid now? It had to simply be because this deal could make or break her. She had never taken Las' threats to heart before but... she had noted the desperation in his voice and, when her hand had risen to clasp his wrist, which had been at her throat, she had seen it in his eyes. He was serious about leaving her to fend for herself if she misbehaved.

But the man did not seem deterred by her sightless eyes -which she had been told on a number of occasions were very beatutiful. If she dared believe it, he was genuinely interested rather than furious with Las for having brought him a blind girl.

Las rattled off a figure that made even Luri gasp. And she had heard some ludicrous prices. And he'd thought she would be the one to dash their chances. She was not worth so much... She couldn't, in good conscience, let him pay that. She stepped forward with surprising grace despite her blindness. "No offense intended, Milord, but even I know that I am not worth that much. I am-" she sucked in a sharp breath as she felt Las' hand practically crushing her shoulder in an attempt to shut her up.

She jerked away from him, glaring, and returnd her sightless gaze to the general direction of their host. "I am blind, I am untrained-"

"Xaeluria!" roared Las. "Mind your tongue!!" But she continued on as if she had not been interrupted.

"And I am untouched. Therefore inexperienced. Such qualities are hardly befitting a slave of the calibur I am sure you are searching for. If you pay his price you are a fool."

She cried out sharply as Las suddenly grabbed her by the hair at the nape of her neck and jerked downward cruelly so that she had to drop to her knees. "How DARE you speak to a prospective Master that way, you ungreatful chit!"

There was panic in his voice next as he spoke. "My appologies, clearly I was remiss in bringing her here. I assure you that I do have many others I could show you that are much better behaved!"

[ARNeil1832]

Fury filled the room. Common filth was defiling his angelic new companion. Lord Sylar Marthus waved his right hand in a graceful circle, casting a spell and Lasario tumbled backward across the floor as if he had been struck by a rampaging bull. Powerful strides carried the young man swiftly to where Las struggled for breath on the floor.

"Never lay a hand on a woman in such a way! Be she a slave, the daughter of an enemy or the wife bonded to your very soul" Sylar spat at the wheezing man. "CHARLES"

The aging butler stepped into the room quickly, and calmly pointedly closing the door behind him.

"Yes sir?" he asked politely, his face betrayed no shock or surprise though his eyes were a light with a malicious humor.

"Remove this man from my house, pay him every penny he has asked for, and ensure that he never comes here again, I find him utterly repulsive" With that Sylar returned to his more intriguing guest. "I am sorry miss, but I must ask you to forgive me, at times my temper gets the better of me. Seeing a young lady no matter how humble her station so blatantly mistreated offends me deeply"

With a deep breath he steadied himself quickly regaining his composure. Using magic drew out the demonic side in him, and his eyes were quickly turning to molten amber. He was grateful that his new servant was blind lest she suspect something. Charles his oldest servant was one of the few who knew of his secret and so he had little fear of the man seeing him this way. Las may have seen something though not a living soul would believe him.

"I believe we should remove those Open" Sylar said now calm again as the stunned slaver was dragged from the room. With a wave of a snap of his fingers her shackles burst open and fell to the floor. "You are now my charge, a bond servant in the Marthus household released from the state of slavery that may have held you, however your freedom is limited as you still owe me a good deal of money you will stay here in my home and work your way to emancipation from my ownership if that is your wish, I do not tolerate sloth, or theft and you will be expected to earn your keep despite your disability do you understand the terms of your service as they have been described to you?"

[Mairead]

The furious outburst on their host's part because of the way Las was handling her startled the girl into shocked silence. She remained partially on her knees, staring in obvious shock in the direction that she assumed her host to be standing from the sound of his voice.

When he spoke again he was standing, if she heard correctly, just a short distance in front of her and she looked upward at him, still in a state of shock, as he outlined the terms of her service. With the option of earning her freedom, no less! Though given the sum that the foolish Lasario had insisted be paid... she doubted she would ever see that freedom. Not that she relished the idea of trying to learn how to make her own way in the world. It would be as if Las had simply pitched her off the horse halfway between Here and the camp and never looked back.

Her brows drew together as a thought struck her and those lovely, startled eyes regained a bit of their fire. Irritation even. She may have been half-sprawled on the floor but she spoke as though she were standing as proudly as a queen. "If you paid that ridiculous sum out of pity for me then I want no part." She said heatedly. "I am not looking for sympathy." Her blue-violet eyes practically blazed with stubborn pride and anger at the mere idea of being treated like a little lost child.

[ARNeil1832]

"Sympathy?" Sylar began to laugh "My dear woman do you think it sympathy? Never! Such coin is but a pittance to me and besides you'll spend the next two years paying it back... But if slavery is preferable then I care very little which you choose I'll have Charles replace your shackles and collar"

Turning away from her he forced his eyes to return to their usual icy blue. Blinking he stepped over to a well stuffed armchair and sat down getting comfortable before continuing.

"Slavery begun to fall out of style with the royal court you see, it is... unseemly for a man to keep slaves and I have always preferred willing servants they tend to exert themselves more completely to satisfy their duties, a productive household is important to me I cannot afford to be bogged down managing every detail. My business holdings would suffer, so you see purchasing you and setting you free makes sense to a man in my position I have no doubt you are willing to work hard" his voice was warm again, all his rage had dissipated and he had to work to keep excitement out of his voice.

Such a fire to be stoked here! Her soul was as intact as her virginity, she only needed some encouragement and he was sure her pride would build to the point of her openly defying him which was of course when the fun would truly begin, for both of them.

"So I ask you again m'lady, do you understand the terms of your service?"

[Mairead]

The sound of his laughter infuriated Xaeluria even more but she kept her jaw clenched. She rose to her feet and stood, spine straight. Oh she understood alright but no one had said that she had to accept. No, that was her temper talking. She could not allow her temper to rule her.

"I understand your terms perfectly." she said stiffly. Then she began to walk toward him. She used her keen ears to navigate, picking up whatever sounds he might make. As she walked, she slid her feet across the floor in front of her, stepping down only after her leg was fully extended forward, toe pointed and barely touching the floor. It looked as graceful as though she were dancing as she walked. But in truth it was simply a way for her to know if there were any obstacles in her path. It would prevent her from tripping over something for her toes would brush against anything in her way.

"What I do not understand," she said. "Is why, if you were not in the market for a slave, you would have dealings with a man like Lasario who deals only in slaves. That does not quite add up." When she felt that she was standing directly in front of him, where he sat, she held up her delicate hands.

"While I am still curious, might I see the face of my new... Master? You hav seen me, it is only fair that I be able to look upon you."

[ARNeil1832]

"I was very much in the market for a slave dear Xaeluria, you see good help is hard to find, trained servants are lazy, they gossip, and their local" Sylar sighed, "If one wants to locate a suitable servant with a certain... 'exotic' look or charm he must see the slavers who deal in such beauties"

He liked the way her full name rolled off of his tongue, it was smooth and rolling it held a mystical quality he found rather appealing. His eyes danced across her form as she carefully made her way across the room, finally stopping just a few feet away from him. Her request to 'see' him was not surprising at all, though he couldn't help but admit he was intrigued by it.

"Well I suppose such a thing would be... permissible" He rose slowly to his feet allowing her to reach for him if she chose. His lean body was solid, as all of cambion stock are, powerful across the chest and shoulders and quite tall he cut a rather dashing figure with his wild brown hair clean but uncontrolled falling about his face.

Taking her wrist gently he guided her hand up near his face leaving it a nearly an inch away. Her eyes moved strangely as she reached for him. As if she were trying to focus on something.

[Mairead]

Of course he would find a way to counter her argument. Why was she not surprised? A man such as he had methods to his madness. Why should he be any different?

When he rose to stand she could feel his height rather than see it. He was taller than her. Not by much but... that counted for something. She felt her pulse race when he took hold of her wrist, guiding her hand toward his face. But he did not bring it all the way too him so she assumed he was simply letting her know where to reach. She lifted her other hand and, slowly, she closed that small distance, laying her palsm to his cheeks. Unbeknownst to her, those lovely eyes of her were now focused, as though she had normal sight.

She gasped softly before she could stop herself, eyes wide. "Y-you... are warmer than I expected." She stammered. And this was true but it was not the the reason for her gasp. Sidhe could not lie but they could sidestep the truth. The cause of her surprise was that he was... quite devastatingly handsome. Not only that, he was not human. She could not quite say what he was but that made her feel a slight kinship with him. She wondered if Las had feared him so because of this? But then he had spoken to him like any other human Lord. Who knew.

She made a show of tracing every line and contour of his face with deft and gentle fingers. The arch of a brow, the curve of his ears, even the softness of his lip and eyelids. The turn of his nose. It was plain on her face that she was stunned and awed. That she approved of what she "saw". She even ran her delicate fingers through the silk of his hair, toying with it some to get a feel for its length and texture. When she was finished, she let her hands slide down to simply rest against his chest, eyes closing momentarily before they lowered demurely to her hands where they rested. "You... you are quite fair of face I must say." She whispered, suddenly a bit self-conscious once again. "Exquisite bone structure if my fingers detected correctly." she sighed softly. "Would that my eyes saw as well as my hands..."

[ARNeil1832]

Xaeluria's touch was gentle lightning, energizing and strange. Her unseeing eyes suddenly seemed sharp aware as if they could see not only the the Lord Sylar Marthus, but the strange and powerful creature he truly was beneath all the manners and refinement. It excited him to no end, she was truly the one he had been searching for, a toy beyond compare, the centerpiece to his collection.

"Thank you" Sylar said simply, not allowing his voice to change. "I always appreciate a compliment, though mind you young lady, you may dangerously inflate my... ego"

With that he turned his back to her and took a few steps away.

"Would you care for, a guided tour of my home Luri?" he asked turning back toward her, he decided space would be best it would make her easier to resist. "I would be happy to show you around myself, we could make an afternoon of it? Although I'm quite sure you must be hungry after you journey here? We are quite removed from the city after all and I doubt you've eaten yet today, our first stop could be the dining hall of course"

The Lordly facade was wearing thin. The demon blood in his veins was beginning to stir. His own appetite was certainly not for a conventional sort of meal at the moment. He set it aside, with a good deal of effort, he had to push this one first, slowly and steadily so as to make the shock of it all the more delicious.

[Mairead]

Despite herself, Luri was amused. He was treating her like a person with sight. Inviting her to take a tour. How quaint.

Though he was correct in assuming that she had not yet eaten. Not for the whole journey here. Las hadn't seen any need to feed her. But she was accustomed to going a couple days without food. He had been wise enough to let her drink something every so often, at least.

"You will need to guide me more thoroughly than you would any other... guest." she said quietly. "Else I will not know where things are." She reached out a hand, hoping he would take it to lead her.

This was going to take some adjusting on both of their parts...

[ARNeil1832]

"Of course, It would be my pleasure" Sylar took her arm gently, and again felt as if he'd been struck by a smiling lightning bolt. He very nearly giggled. Composing himself, he took her in the direction of the kitchen and dining room. Staying close enough to the wall that she could trail her other hand along it he led her out through a single mahogany door, and down a narrow side hall. This was one of his servants passages and he didn't generally use it. It made his household help rather uncomfortable to have him milling among them on a regular basis as if he was watching their every move.

"This side passage is generally only used by servants, there are similar hallways leading to every major room in the house though the entrance ways to most are rather less obvious, I believe you'll find them convenient, they are kept clean and free of obstacles by necessity and you needn't worry about getting lost in your first few weeks here" He explained it all with a casual indifference, as if speaking about the weather or a particularly boring social event, even as his mind filled with the possibilities of what he could do to her. Perhaps she was a person who could fully appreciate his sanctuary? The thought was most intriguing, since his mothers death, he had been the only one to ever visit the place. Maybe his new companion would prove herself worthy of "seeing" his true home, and bathing in its waters.

The idea of watching her bathe in itself arousing, made all the more intimate by sharing such secrets with her Sylar found himself growing ever more lustful.

"Ahh here we are, the kitchen"

[Mairead]

Luri was thankful that he did not seem to be in a terrible rush as they moved. Las had always seemed in a hurry and had often dragged her around roughly by the arm. It was a wonder that she did not have a permanent bruise on either arm.

She let her hand brush along the wall every so often, mainly when they seemed to make a turn of sorts, that way she could catch glimpses of where they were going. It was a beautiful home in her opinion. Under different circumstances she may have been more than happy to live here. Right now she was cautious and calculating. Pondering ways that she might escape should the need arise and what she would do once she had managed to do so.

The sudden scent of food, which she could smell before they reached the kitchen, made her realize just how starved she was. Whatever was being made smelled divine. She swayed slightly on her feet as they entered, suddenly a tad dizzy with her realized hunger. The softest of cries escaped her throat and she clung slightly to the arm that was guiding her; needing the supprot but not wishing to take him down with her if she were to fall.

[ARNeil1832]

Her sudden swooning alarmed him it was rather unexpected and he found himself on the verge of stumbling, but with effort he managed to correct the both of them.

"It would be most unseemly for you to bare me to the ground before we're even fully acquainted my dear" Sylar said a little annoyed with her apparent frailty. "When were you last fed?"

Adjusting himself to support the majority of her weight, so as to avoid another stumble, Sylar half carried his guest to the dining room table and sat her down at the far end. A snap of his fingers brought the cook scurrying from the kitchen. Arthur was a old short chubby man with a fatherly look about him and a sweet disposition. Sylar had been quite fond of the him as a child and had kept him around as a adult mostly out of sentimentality, though he was indeed an excellent chef.

"Arthur, we will need food for our guest start with something small and soothing on the stomach, she hasn't had eaten for at least the last day or two and she will need her strength soon"

Arthur nodded curtly. "Of course my lord, shall I start with a warm soothing soup? It is quite chilly outside what with the rain and all, the main course is already under way of course, roast pheasant and fresh bread with a bumble berry tart for dessert served with red wine from our very own cellars"

"Excellent, thank you Arthur I believe Xaeluria will find that quite adequate, will it suffice m'lady?" his voice was taunt with irritation. Las had not only been mistreating this exotic pet but starving her as well! His new toy would need time to recover before he could fully enjoy her.

[Mairead]

She was indeed glad that he had bothered to help her keep her footing but his remark, however teasing, was dripping with irritation and she frowned. It was not her fault that Las had not seen fit to feed her. He was a greedy wretch of a man and had concluded that feeding her when she was soon to be someone else's problem would be a waste of his rations for his return back to the camp.

A blush of annoyance and perhaps shame crept over Xaeluria's pale, silvery-blue skin; coloring it a very faint lavender for a moment. Her eyes, though blind, held her frustration as well.

"I am not going to waste away on you, the scent of actual food simply made me realize how famished I am." she said in a clipped and quiet tone. She explained Las' logic to him briefly and straightened in her seat. Her pride was slowly pushing away the dizziness of hunger. "But I am not so delicate after having been raised by the man that I can't take a bit of hunger so you needn't worry. I am resilient. I'll doubtless feel fine before the meal is over. And yes, it sounds fit for a king."

She was still irritated and it showed in her tone but she had said nothing disrespectful or out of turn. She would at least get a meal and a good night's sleep in her before she allowed herself to be too defiant. If the need arose.

[ARNeil1832]

"What a tasteless wretch" Sylar sighed, Las was truly upsetting him now. Why on earth did the simple minded think depriving a woman of food and comfort would give them control over her? Power was no simple matter, and it was so much more pleasing when granted by the willing. "Well I'm glad the meal sounds good to you Arthur is excellent I guarantee your satisfaction"

The doors to the kitchen opened and the cook came in bearing a platter of food. A warm bowl of soup and loaf of bread were laid on the table in front of Xaeluria and utensils were set out next to them, Arthur handed Sylar a bread knife and began to retreat from the room quietly.

"Thank you Arthur"

"Your welcome my lord, please call if you require anything"

Sylar began to carefully cut through the bread, little wisps of steam escaped the freshly broken crusts and curled into the air. Helping himself to a slice he gently took Luri's hand and set it on the side of the bowl of soup, and then on the spoon.

He wasn't sure how much help she needed but he didn't want her to feel like he wouldn't be accommodating in her first few days here.

[Mairead]

A soft sound of approval, somewhere between a moan and a sigh of relief, escaped Luri's lips at the scents of the bread and soup being laid out before her. She did not recall ever having had fresh bread or anything that smelled so lovely as the soup. Come to think of it, when had she ever had a meal that hadn't long gone cold and bland?

She closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the chair as she savored the scents; startling ever so slightly when her new Master gently took her hand and placed it carefully so that she would know where her bowl and utensils were. This time the blush that colored her cheeks was of mild embarrassment for having made such a display, however subtle. She murmured a very soft thank-you and, carefully, picked up the spoon. Her other hand rose to carefully feel for the bowl, fingertips barely touching it -she did not want to scald them- and began to eat in a manner that was quite delicate and refined for someone who had been raised among slaves and slavers. Even the way she blew on the hot spoonful was perfect.

She made a sound of pleasure deep in her throat as she tasted the soup but maintained her manners. Heavenly. It was indeed heavenly. Before speaking, she set her spoon down and smiled. "I do believe his cooking could revive the dead, let alone a simply malnourished waif like myself. I can't recall having had something so delicious." Her smile became warmer. "Thank you, Milord."

For the moment she could forget that he now controlled every aspect of her life. That she should hate him for it. For now, she could simply enjoy being free of Lasario and that dreadful camp. She could feel a pleasent warmth seeping into her bones as she resumed partaking of her soup. A warmth she had not felt since she had been a bundled newborn.

[ARNeil1832]

Her sounds of pleasure brought a smile to his face. He wondered how long it would take to coax such sounds out of her later on, if she was as unused to pleasure as she was to comfort he thought it would be rather quickly.

"I'm glad you like it, Arthur takes pride in his soups" Sylar laughed, "Thank him not me"

Her graceful motions posture and ettiquette was exquisite, where had she learned such manners? She outshone many of the court ''Ladies'' he'd been forced to dine with over the past few years. Tedious scavengers all looking for the status of a 'good' marriage, he really had no interest in them. Though he'd considered toying with a few he had eventually decided to leave well enough alone. No need to bring their families to the door with pitchforks and nooses for the wrong reasons now was there?

"I think you'll find the main course more filling, though, and afterward I will show you to your rooms I believe you'll need a long bath and a goodnight's sleep. In the morning we can begin orientating you with your duties, and arranging for any special accommodations you will need" Dorian said fascinated by the warmth in her eyes and the happiness the food brought to her face. His voice took on a more serious edge as the main course was brought out but his tone was still friendly. "But I will tell you this, stay away from the wine cellars they're off limits to all servants"

[Mairead]

After a few moments, Xaeluria could tell that she was being studied and it puzzled her. Had she done something odd? She set her spoon down and lifted her face to him. She smiled at the mention of a bath and such. If it was a hot one, and she was sooo hoping that it was, she would die happy.

Though at the mention of the wine cellars she shrugged a slender shoulder. "I have no reason to go near a wine cellar unless you ask it of me. Even then I would need your help to get there. So there is no issue."

She was silent for a moment, then a sort of shy smile ghosted over her lips. "This... may seem a bit if a strange request. But..." she blushed. "Might I bathe before we both sit down to eat? I feel the dust of the road on my skin and would love to remove it.."

[ARNeil1832]

A bath? Why hadn't he thought of suggesting that first?

"An excellent idea" Sylar said, once again taking her hand and guiding Xaeluria to her feet. "This way"

Leading her out of the dining room Sylar walked toward the bathing chambers, slowly leading Luri down a flight of stairs toward the south end of the house. The doors here were made of a light wooden frame with a strong paper spread across them, the style was all the rage in the east he'd been told and it suited his purposes nicely. Sliding the door aside he took a look around the chamber.

The bath's themselves comprised of six pools, on six levels each pouring into the other in miniature waterfall. The smallest pool was about five feet across each way, and four feet deep the largest, was more than fifteen feet wide, and nearly twice as long, the deepest end seven feet deep. They were usually heated by a large wood furnace fueled by a clerk on the floor below, but at this time of the evening it wasn't lit and Sylar would have to heat the water by other means.

"Undress, I'll heat the water and help you in" he said simply, concentrating on the magic lurking in the back of his mind. With a wave the water began to bubble and boil heating rapidly. It was a simple task, but the use of magic and the arousal she had already caused him was rapidly changing his eyes to a brilliant amber. Allowing the liquid to cool, he turned back to Luri.

[Mairead]

As her host went about heating the water, Xaeluria set to undressing. She removed the bands from her arms as well as the circlet from her hair and laid them on the floor at her feet. Whilst down there she removed the jangling anklets, then rose. She started unraveling the long, thick braid of shimmery pale blue silk, combing her fingers through it so that it fell about her like a curtain.

Once her ankle-length hair was free, she reached behind her to undo the scrap of sheer white fabric that served as a top and let it flutter to the floor while her hands moved to undo the skirt.

By the time he had finished with his task, her skirt was falling to pool at her feet and she stood before him completely nude save for the fall of her hair. She seemed a wintery goddess. Or perhaps a sea nymph?

She stood proudly, not bashful or skittish because of her nakedness. Calmly, she reached a hand out to him. "Are you to join me, Milord?" she asked softly. "Or will there be someone else to keep watch so that I do not drown?"

[ARNeil1832]

Her angelic form was a truly a sight to behold. A goddess of sensual beauty stood before him, naked and waiting for him. His eyes began to burn, and his skin was rapidly darkening. If he didn't do something soon he would simply break down and fuck her right here in the bathhouse.

"There is scarcely any chance of that my dear lady, but since your offering perhaps I will, I daresay it would be difficult to wash that hair on your own" Stripping off his shirt, boots, socks and trousers Sylar helped Xaeluria into the water and guided her to the middle of the pool. "Wet your hair and I'll help you brush it out Luri"

Her pet name was strange to him but he decided he liked it. It wasn't the exotic mouthful that her full name was, but it had it's own simple beauty. She was a marvelous addition to his household, and tonight he decided his bed. For now perhaps he'd just explore her body somewhat. She had said she was mostly untouched perhaps he would see what reaction he could get from her unspoiled body.

[Mairead]

Xaeluria laughed freely. A warm, melodious sound that brought a genuine, relaxed sort of smile to her lips. It even reached her beautiful sightless eyes. She looked to be almost angelic in her ease. Perhaps it had been the delight of the hot soup and the impending hot bath that had her feeling so amiable and comfortable? So very at ease.

"Oh yes, I would have to agree, it is nigh impossible to tend to on my own. But I cannot bring myself to let it be shortened. It would feel as though I had lost a part of myself. Of who I am. Perhaps it is a trait of my race?"

Her keen ears picked up on the rustle of clothing as he stripped down and she felt a sort of nervous tightening in her belly. She had seen him clothed and had found him to be devastatingly handsome. Now she would see him unclothed... would she be able to keep her composure?

She shivered ever so slightly in anticipation when she felt his hands upon her, guiding her as they entered the blessedly hot water. She could not help but make small sounds of delight as she felt the delicious warmth glide over her skin, covering her body. Her silky hair was floating on the water behind her like the train of a gown, or even a shimmering pale blue river. When he asked that she wet it, she dipped back just the slightest bit and dragged her hands over her hair so that the rest of it would fully submerge.

She groaned in absolute ecstasy and, briefly, submerged herself completely before resurfacing. She came back up with another sweet laugh and smiled up at him blindly. "This is heaven," she whispered. "The last hot bath I had was when I was a child and needed to be kept warm." With almost childlike glee she ducked down once again and swiftly but gracefully resurfaced, smoothing her hair back from her face with a soft hum of appreciation.

Of all of the times to not fight being sold, she had picked the right one.