Conquest of Hearts

[Ldy Tehari]

OOC:: This is a closed thread between Kitty69 and Myself. You are all welcome to read along, and PM any comments you have. I hope you have as much fun reading, as I plan on writing.

The Place: Some castle somewhere on the edge of a black forest.
The Time: A time of conquests and tribute.

I am Rheanon de la Mer, born and educated as daughter of Duke. I'm 23 yrs old. He is now gone away on some other conquest, and left me here to take care of his lands. I grew up in here, have never left, I know only what the lands and the grounds show me, and I've lead a spoiled rich kids life.
It is time for the annual tribute to come in. But it's two days late as it is. I sent a tax collector and 4 guardsman with him in the large lough wagon to carry all the food that my father's lands usually reap. With him being away the affairs of state have come to me, and I think the people are happy.
The surrounding dukes and courtiers aren't as happy as they could be with me, but I try to keep up appearances.

IC::

My tax collector came stumbling into the chamber two days late. I was not only worried, but a bit put out and angry that I had to stay here in waiting. But he was finally here.
My guards started unloading trunks and various things onto the table in front of me.
"Is the livestock being stored? And the graineries being filled?" I asked.
"Yes my lady," He replied "But there has been an unusual tribute given by one of the villages. I'm not sure what to do with?"
"Oh dear.. they didn't send some strange clay again did they? Or some statue that I have no taste for? What kind of bauble can't you identify?" I looked at him very impatiently and the guards came up holding a sickly pale, overly thin, wretched looking girl, dropped her to her knees in front of me. Looking her over for a moment and then raising her chin with the toe of my shoe.
"Do you speak girl? Do you have a name? What have you to say for yourself?"

 

[Kitty69]

Arwel

Arwel had a happy life. Born in a village on a small island, about a day's travel with a stout boat from the mainland they were a happy community. The land was fertile, everyone helped each other to work the lands, and there had always been plenty for the Duke that owned then land and the small hamlet itself.

But this past year had been especially bad. It almost looked like God was angry at them. Rodents, storms and even a sickness amongst the villagers had made for a poor harvest. And now there wasn't enough for both the village and the Duke.

Knowing the His Grace's taxcollector would soon come the village council finally decided upon an ancient custom. Instead of giving food and lifestock, they would offer one of the village young women. This would be decided with a simple, but fair, lottery.

Over 50 women in the age category 16-25 were selected for the lottery, and Arwel, at the age of 19 was thus selected too.

And so chance (or was it fate?) decided and sent Arwel on a new path, away from her village, family and friends.

At first the taxcollector was in doubt about accepting a woman as tribute to the Duke, but when he saw the young woman, more like a girl still, being brought in he changed his mind.

She had fire-red hair and bright green eyes. Her skin was pale despite the all the sun-tanned people around. While being very skinny she would surely fill out nicely with some proper food. Already despite her skinnyness she had broad hips and full breasts. The signs of a healthy and fertile girl.

And so Arwel went with the collector and the four guards that accompanied him. Soon they reached the coast and she would undertake her first seatravel. Since there was no room she had to sleep with the "other" lifestock. Grumbling she tried her best to make herself comfortable, only to end up throwing up the entire voyage.

Sickly she continued the journey with the men, now on the back of a wagon. The guards kept leering at her with looks in their eyes Arwel didn't appreciate at all. She tightly envelopped herself in the blanket she had.

Through rains and storms they traveled for days, at night she tried to keep awake after an incident in which one of the guards crept next to her and had started to fondle her full breasts. She slapped him and if it wasn't for the taxcollector he would have surely punched her back. But since she was now the Duke's property she was not to be hurt. Too much.

And so they arrived at a big castle. Arwel looked with a little fear at the huge stone structure, it intimidated her. What would happen now?

The collecter seemed a little nervous when they moved through the castle. The Duke was away, leaving his impossible daughter in charge. And he wasn't sure she'd appreciate the "tribute" as much as he would have.

Arwel was brought in between the guards, and thrown down on the floor, on her knees. Before her was a gorgeous young woman, dressed in the finest clothes she had ever seen. Arwel's eyes went big as she looked at the woman, but changed as she heard the woman speak.

Suddenly all the hardship she had to endure reached a boiling point, and she stood up, looking at the woman with fire in her eyes.

"~I~ am Arwel, from the great town of Broadshire. I was sent here by my people to assist his Lordship. I would have you know that I endured great hardship in my travels with these... pigs you call guards!"

Arwel noticed painfully how dirty she was, especially in respect to the woman.

"Is there somewhere I can clean up after my travels? After that I can help with whatever His Grace desires. I know how to work the land, and do all sorts of housework, cleaning, cooking and the like."

She looked defiantly at the woman.

 

[Ldy Tehari]

Rheannon

*Listening to her words. She was bold, and daring. More so than other country bumpkins I'd seen. She had the audacity to stand up. I looked at her fiery eyes. With a cold smile and even colder tone*
You're awfully proud for tribute.
I think I can find a place for you to wash up. His grace isn't here, you'll have to reconcile with me. I am Lady Rheanon de la Mer. You don't look like you could work much, and you look sick. I'll put you someplace and decide what to do with you later.

*Looking at the tax collector and sharply ordering*
Have her thrown into the wash pots, and then stowe her in the dungeon. I really don't have time to deal with her right now. I have tomorrow nights dinner to get ready for.
I'm glad you've made it in time this year. It was sad when your predecessor didn't. *Smiling coldly and then turning to the table.*
Let's get on with counting the other things.

*Glancing back as one of the guards took you roughly by the arm and lead you down some stone stairs to a great room with 4 large washtubs full of laundry and 12 or 13 women around them stabbing and holding and washing clothes in the steamy water. He got to the nearest tub and unceremoniously flung you into the middle of the steamy water and soiled linen.*

 

[Kitty69]

Arwel

Arwel listened to this woman with growing feelings of amazement.

Not able to work? Sick? Tribute?! Well maybe the last was true, but it was awful of her to say it like that.

Listening to the rest of her cold words, Arwel's eyes were wide with shock. Thrown into the washpots?! What kind of woman was this?

She struggled as a guard let her away into a hot and damp room full of women doing laundry, and she was dumped into one of the pots full of hot and soapy water. She landed in between the linnen that was soaking, and had to struggle her way back up to keep from drowning in the water.

Getting back above the waterline, she noticed how the women
continued the work, including poking into the pot where she was laying in. Ignoring her pleas to stop poking her, she tried to dodge and fend them off as good as she could, and scrambled out of the pot. At least she was clean now...

Arwel looked up and saw the taxcollector looking at her with a leer. Standing up defiantely again she crossed her arms at him, only to see his look get even worse. She then noticed how her clothes were plastered against her curves, her nipples obvious. Blushing she turned away from him.

The collector took her by her arm and went to the dungeons, opening one of the doors and throwing her in.

And so Arwel stood in the darkness, feeling cold and wet.

 

[Ldy Tehari]

*Finished with counting the tribute, heading to my room the tax collector approached. *
"Your grace, you can't just leave the girl in the dungeon, it's not fair to her and she might as well help the household."
"That proud thing they called tribute? I don't know what she'd be good for."
"She can work she carries a wallop according to john." the tax collector joked.
Raising an eyebrow at him.. "Really?" My smile turning cold. "I wonder why he would know that." Turning around in the hall and heading back towards the dungeons.
"It was all harmless fun, honest Mi'lady. " He stammered answering my cold tone.
"I think I better keep an eye on her. If you're guards want their fun I know where you keep the brothel tokens." The tax collector swallowed hard. "I want to watch her whipped, then bring her to Me in my room. I will have her be my handmaiden. That will be doing something with the lil wretch."

*The Chiurgeon went to the dungeon to check the girl out, after passing a clean bill of health she would be brought out to the round and hung for a good flogging. I sat on the stone bench along the wall. Waiting for the girl to come out. My dungeonmaster waiting with cat-o-nine in hand. I watched as the chiurgeon went in*

 

[Kitty69]

Arwel

Not too long after she was put into the dungeon, Arwel heared footsteps and saw the door opening. Blinking to get used to the light again she saw an older man, somewhere in his late forties maybe, looking at her, with a torch in his hands.

Without saying anything, he came in and puts the torch into an iron holder fastened to the wall. He looked at her and nods to himself, walking up to her and grabbing her head, looking into her eyes, pinching her cheeks and forcing open her mouth, checking her teeth like she is a horse, checking them, again nodding to himself.

"Good, good, now take of those clothes girl."

He suddenly spoke up.

Blinking at him, Arwel didn't move a muscle. Undress for this man? Not a chance!

"Are you daft girl? I told you to undress! You don't have anything I haven't seen before!"

Looking at her chest he mumbled something under his breath, grinning.

When Arwel still didn't move, the man lost his patience and took her by the collar and ripped it off, exposing a large part of her chest. Obviously Arwel didn't appreciate this and hit the man squarely on the jaw with her fist, making the man curse and stumble back.

"You wretched girl! Fine! I'll give you a clean bill of health and if you die while they flog you it's your own bloody fault! Guard!"

Flog her? Die? What was this man talking about?

A guard came in and stared at her largely exposed breasts, then shook his head and took her by her arm. This guard was in his late twenties, and much too strong for Arwel to fight. Cursing the man as they moved up the stairs, he dragged her forward through the castle, finally coming into a large, round room, with higher up some sort of balcony. Up there she saw the beautiful young woman sitting, looking at her with cold eyes.

Then her eyes focussed on some sort of wooden construct, with ropes hanging from it. Next to it was a huge man with a mean looking instrument.

Fear suddenly gripped the proud Arwel as she begins to shiver. The guard let her go and tried to become one with the wall, but the young woman made a sound and a gesture, and he left through the door.

The huge man grinned and grabbed her by the arm again and moves her to the wooden... thing. He pushed her against it and fastened her arms above her head to the wooden frame with the rough ropes. Next he tore of her top and exposed her back. For a moment his rough hand caressed the soft skin, then he suddenly pulled back and with a swish the cat landed against Arwel skin, making her cry out with pain.

 

[Ldy Tehari]

*I watched as he drew back the cat-onine and struck her several more times. Standing and walking down the slim steps. Looking at her tied to the wooden cross. Caressing her pain stricken face. smiling a cold smile. In a voice like a harp*
You don't look so proud now tribute.
*Waiting for another blow to land*
You're mine now. To remind you that I own you, I'm going to make you my ~personal~ servant.
*Watching her wince with another lick of the leather.*
If you're good, *Caressing your breast softly* You'll be rewarded.
If your'e bad *holding your chin as another hard blow lands* You will be whipped til you bleed and tossed to the dogs!
*Wating for another blow to land across your skin*
Enough!
*Turning away and walking up the stairs*
Have her brought to my room!
*Slamming the wooden door and rushing up the hall. Ordering two maids to get my bath and my rosewater. I wanted it steaming.
I got to my plush tapestry filled room. A vanity with a large mirror and a large four post bed. A small door leading out to a landing.
I watched them bring the steaming water in. I changed into a gauze dress, and tied a couple of scares around my waist for a belt. I drew the curtains on the sides of my bed, and then sat on the end of it. Waiting for her to be delivered.*

 

[Kitty69]

Arwel

Tears poured from her eyes. But she wouldn't cry. Clenching her teeth she endured blow after blow from the evil man behind her. The pain was intense, but she wouldn't give that woman the satisfaction of giving up.

Now and then a cry of pain escaped her lips, but she remained a quiet as possible. She didn't slouch, but remained standing upright as good as she could.

The lady walked over to her, and Arwel didn't notice until she felt the soft hand on her face. Arwel looked at her, trying to keep her face hard, the tears pouring from her eyes didn't help. She endured her words, and din't react until the woman suddenly touched her breast. Arwel blinked, wondering what this.... harpy was after.

After another cry she heard the lady said it was enough and to bring Arwel to her room. With that she left.

The man behind her grumbled. Arwel felt his hands stroke her back, then via her sides to her breasts. He cupped them and roughly kneaded them in his big hands.

"The Lady might be done, but I ain't!"

He chuckled to himself and pinched her nipples, causing Arwel more humiliation than pain.

He laughed and with one hand started to raise her skirt. Just as he exposed her firm buttocks she heard another voice.

"Come on man! You know how the Lady is! She'll have both our skins if we don't bring this wench up to her soon... Literally..."

The man grumbled again, letting her skirt drop and after a few more pinches let go of her breasts. He untied her and put the ruined blouse so that it covered her up a bit. Arwel refused to look at this pig and let herself be guided upstairs.

After a few minutes they reached a big door, and the guard knocked on it. They could hear the Lady's voice and he opened the door. Averting his eyes he pushed Arwel in and quickly closed the door again.

Arwel was amazed by the wealth around her. Rich carpets on the floor and walls, a fire blazing in the large furnace. It was comfortably warm in here. The furnishing was equally luxurious, big wooden closets, tables and chairs, all richly carved with exquisite detail.

But the masterpiece was the huge bed in the center. It was a true work of art, giving out signs of power and... something else Arwel couldn't really describe.

That last feeling was enhanced by the Lady Rheanon de la Mer, sitting there in all her beauty, wearing an absolutely scandalous dress. Arwel blushed despite everything and turned her head.

She saw a steaming bath tub in the corner, scents of rich soaps coming from it's vicinity.

Arwel waited, a little afraid but still proud.

 

[Ldy Tehari]

Rheanon

*I mused as I waited, and thought of her red hair and firy eyes. She was an exotic cat to be reckoned with. Not something seen here. That hair... The door open and it was if she had been pushed inside. Her dress torn, her nipple hard, her hair hung down her face but her head was held high. Her eyes were as firy as ever, wide and beautiful.
I regarded her for a long time, and let her take in the room. With a voice as soft as a harp, and a manner as peaceful as a dove I smile at you and say.*

The water won't usually stay warm in this climate, I would suggest you use it soon. I would like you to get out of that dress, and into the bathtub. Give yourself a proper bath pet. And please, there is plenty of soap, and plenty of hair shampoos, I want to watch you wash your hair as well.

*Pulling a cord at the corner of my bed and a distant bell rings. A maid comes in quickly and I ask for a quill and paper and a few more bars of lavendar body scrub. At the last minute I ask for a pair of hobbles as well. The maid scurries off.
Turning to watch where you are undressing.*

 

[Kitty69]

Arwel

OOC:

Sorry for the long wait/absence everyone, and especially Madame
College is timedemanding this year

IC:

Looking from the Lady to the inviting bath, Arwel didn't feel like opposing her command this time. Her back was still hurting like hell and she was covered in sweat and a few trickles of blood.

She walked over to the tub slowly, her hand feeling the hot and pleasant water, glancing at the Lady again. This was the same woman that had just seen her being whipped. Now they were in a bedchamber and she had offered a bath. Well, more like commanded her to take one.

Since the idea was appealing in the first place, and defiance had only gotten her imprisoned and whipped, Arwel turned her back to the Lady and undressed, putting what was left of her blouse and her skirt, as well as her underclothes on a nearby bench.

Arwel heard someone coming in and blushing she looked and saw it was a woman, to whom the Lady spoke about some items to get.

Wondering why there was a need for hobbles, Arwel climbed into the tub and slowly sank into the water, sighing out and slightly cringing as it hit her painfull back. She then turned around, facing the Lady, who was intently watching her, making her blush again.

Getting some of the soap, Arwel proceeded to wash herself, cleaning of dirt and sweat. She was a bit selfconscious about lathering up her breasts while the Lady looked, but tried to ignore it and finished up.

She had no idea what the word shampoo meant, but was pretty sure it was used to wash her hair. She briefly went underwater with her head, so that her shining long red curls were wet. Getting some of the shampoo, which turned out to be liquid, and poured it in her hands. Sitting straight up she massaged the stuff into her hair with bother her hands. It smelt divine, even better than the soap for the bath. It went all foamy, and after washing her hair for ten minutes she washed it out with the water again.

Arwel then looked at the Lady again, not sure as what to do next.

 

[Ldy Tehari]

OOC: School always comes first sweet. *kiss* and you ~know~ how much I enjoy anticipation games. *smile*

IC:
*She stripped slowly, methodically, not quite sure of everything yet. It was delicious to watch. The maid came in and gave me the paper, and I scribbled a quick note to my friend, put the hobbles beside the bed on the floor and then ordered her out gently and to get the message out as quickly as possible.
I watched as she hesitated at the bath, almost afraid the water would scald her. Then she slid in. Relief nearly stayed on her face. I watched as her lithe arms explored and washed her body. There wasn't anyone like her around here. The people around here, like myself were darker skined, not quite olive. I'd never seen skin so pale, so porcelain. Her arms were lithe and strong. Her thighs and calves looked like they'd walked her whole life. Strong, toned, and still that same porcelain skin. She looked so fragile, yet so powerful. Her breasts were full and pert as if they'd not been touched yet, gripped, bruised. Her nipples pink and stood hard in the air. I licked my lips. Her hair was naturally wavy, and the color was a treat. I'd seen black hair all my life. A few years ago a courtier had a tribute that was a chestnut brunette, but hers was fire. She looked at the bottles for a moment but soon figured out wich was to be used. She was quick, and smart. I watched as she relished in the feel of washing her hair. I wondered if the village was sad to see her leave.
She looked at me with liquid eyes, almost beckoning green that were astonishing. I just sat for a moment and gazed at her. Then smiled warmly and got off the bed Picked up a large soft towel from a rack laying in the sunrays. I walked over and took her hand. Smiling and pulling her up from the bath slowly to standing. I guided her out. Letting her stand a moment, and then wrapping the towel around her. Warming her and rubbing her back gently drying and giving her the towel to dry herself. Looking at her with a glint in my eye.*

Arwel.... that is the name you spat at me right?
*Picking up another towel and walking over to dry her hair*
Well Arwel, I hope you find doing what I say much is easier than not.
*Drying her hair and admiring her locks. I'd only seen such copper in sheilds.*
I'm glad the chirugeon gave you a clean bill of health. I am really looking forward to your company.
*Wrapping the towel around her hair, enjoying the color of her soft skin. Turning her and setting her on the side of the bed. Picking up the hobbles.*
You are going to be my pet for a very long time. I want you to get used to it.
*Hobbling her ankles with the leather. Allowing a small stride, but not a run*.
You are going to be confined to this room as well. At least until I can train you to behave. I don't want to tie you, but I will if I have to.
*Pulling the cord, and ordering dinner to be brought to my room. Walking over to a chest of drawyers and pulling out a shiny black leather choker a brilliant silver panther head and emerald eyes. Pulling one of the jewels forward a little as if popping out the eye, laying it on it's side and sliding it back thru opening the collar. Walking over and putting it around your neck, sliding the jewel thru, adjusting a small silver chain and pulling the eye back into place with a small click. Raising your chin, admiring the black against your porcelain skin*
It looks lovely on you.

 

[Kitty69]

Arwel

Lady Rheanon seemed a totally different woman now... The way she wrapped the towel around Arwel, dried her softly, and then her hair. The towels felt very soft to her skin, much softer than at home.

Arwel let it wash over her, she was tired from the long trip, from being angry, from the whipping. She quietly toweled herself off while the Lady was doing her hair, listening to her words, barely registering in her mind.

She was sat down on the bed and looked at the Lady as she fastened the hobbles around her ankles. She felt the anger starting to rise inside her again. Who was this woman that she bound her like this? She was a human, not some beast! The entrance of the maid after the Lady pulled a cord turned her anger into shame however, and she looked away as the maid listened to the dinner requests.

Then Lady Rheanon came back with a beautiful collar which she fastened around her neck. Of course she did this only to humiliate her further. But Arwel would wear it like a piece of jewelry. She would show that woman!

She looked back into her eyes as she raised her chin. Her eyes still defiant, but also tired and a bit frightened. What was this strange woman going to do with her?

"I am not some bloody dress up doll..." She thought to herself.

 

[Ldy Tehari]

*Going over to the wardrobe agasint the wall and opening it up to reveal an extensive collections of various gowns. Choosing one in emerald velvet with just off the shoulder sleeves. Holding it up to the light, then tossing it to you. *
Here, this looks like it should fit you. Put it on.

*Hearing a knock on the door. Watching the maid come in and put dinner on a table not far from the other wall. She uncovered steaming roast beef, deep dish of mushroom gravy and dishes of garden vegetables. She set a bottle of red wine down and turned to me to say.*
The messenger was dispatched less than an ahn ago, and should reach your friend in less than 2 ahn.
*I smiled*
Thank you
*She turned and left. I smiled at you warmly and then moved over to a soft brocade chair at the table and pointing to a small footstool next to my chair.*
Come sit here. I won't starve you.

 

[Kitty69]

Arwel

It didn't take Arwel long to take the dress and put it on, anything to cover her up. And this wasn't just anything! This dress was probably as expensive as her whole village!

She smelled the rich flavours coming from the food that had just been brought in and walked over to the Lady, looking at the footstool.

Sitting down Arwel wondered. "I won't starve you". Maybe not, but what ~would~ this woman do to her? Or maybe it was common here for servants to wear collars and the like?

But the smell drove much of those thoughts away, she was very hungry and couldn't wait to start eating...

 

[Ldy Tehari]

*Pleased at the way you sit at my feet. Smiling down to you. Reaching out a hand and caressing your red locks, silky to my touch. Gently smiling*
You will take nothing that isn't given you by My hand. No drink, No food, No gifts, No coin without My express permission.

*Cutting the meat and dripping the gravy over it, uncovering a basket of warm rolls and a tray of fresh butter. Dripping butter and honey over a warm roll and holding it out to you, letting the honey drip just to your lips and then handing it to you fully.*
I am having a party tomorrow night. It's been planned for months and I can't get out of it. And because of you, I've invited a special friend.

*Pouring wine and sipping from the glass, smiling at you and handing you the glass. Enjoying the way your throat flashes as you swallow. *
I don't think I'll let you down to the party, but I'll make sure you eat well, and I'm going to bring her up here. I want to show her how exquisite you are. I plan on making a certain Baron von thinks too much of himself as green as your dress with envy.

*Cutting the meat, and taking a bite, savoring it. Cutting a strip and dripping more gravy over it. Putting the steamed garden vegetables on the plate as well. Handing you the plate to eat the roast beef. Savoring the smells and pouring myself another glass of wine.*
I want you to still be on good behavior. She loves to adore rare and beautiful things.
And soon I'd like to take you out and show you off to all my firends.

*Smiling at you warmly, enjoying the look of you. Eating my dinner and enjoying the food and the cool air in the room. The sunset starting to throw shadows thru the window. Red hues splash against tapestries and stone*