Exiled to Paradise (closed for ELEyogi)

[spawnofdavey]

His back ached from almost three weeks of sitting on the hard wooden seat in the cramped carriage and his head pounded from yet another day of his travelling companion's relentless recital of religious dogma he'd been forced to listen to since they left his ancestral home in Vayenne. He knew that the king had given him this new and prestigious position as Lord Steward to Daiwa as a punishment, but he didn’t think it would actually involve physical torture as well as the social and emotional exile it was intended as. King Kadan II was subtly distancing himself from his impropriety and he understood his reasons for doing so, with the growing influence of the Faith in Vayenne and elsewhere in Tythur, the king couldn’t afford to have someone in the royal bloodlines tainted by sin, but it stung nonetheless.

His travelling companions in the carriage were Cardinal Rose, a middle aged priest of the Faith and his young apprentice, Fry. Both were from Vayenne and were sent along with him as emissaries to the Daiwa, messengers from the Faith sent to prepare the Daiwa folk before they were officially ‘welcomed’ into the kingdom of Tythur. The three of them occupied the carriage, while a dozen or so horsemen formed an honour guard to ensure their safe and swift passage through the kingdom and to the official residence in the Daiwa’s main settlement.

In public the title of Lord Steward was an honour, but in reality it removed him from the royal court and put a great distance, both physically and figuratively, between him and the crown. The title, along with certain powers, was intended as an interim ruler, someone to ease the transition from a free people, to becoming integrated into the kingdom of Tythur. Sat in the uncomfortable, stale smelling coach right now he wasn’t sure how he felt about the position, but part of him thought it might be preferable to becoming a virtual prisoner in his own home, a pariah. At least where he was heading he might be able to live for a while without the intense scrutiny of the royal court.

The journey had taken him from his family home in the hills of Vayenne, through the fertile heartlands of the Royal Estates and ever southward. Over the Haagen Pass and through the narrow and treacherous hillside trails of Nathgar. The hard working miners and woodsmen had little time for gossip and their inns were furnished with threadbare mattresses and the windows rattled in their frames as the chill winds blew down from the snow topped mountains. He was almost glad to be out of Duke Nathgar’s bleak lands afore he remembered they had to pass through Dyss next.

The Duke of Dyss, one Vandar Garadoth was a particularly pious and devout follower of the Faith and the duchy as a whole was renowned throughout the kingdom as being intolerant of those who did not display a similar level of piety. The time spent enjoying the hospitality in Dyss was some of the most trying and tiresome yet as Cardinal Rose took every opportunity to preach about sin, especially sins of the flesh, to their hosts who invariably replied by reciting passages of holy texts and song, condemning anyone who even thought of committing such blasphemous acts. The hint that the Lord Steward might be one such heathen was not particularly subtle from the good Cardinal.

After what seemed to him like an eternity their carriage and escort finally reached the edge of the king’s reach and the Lord Steward and his entourage entered the lands of the Daiwa. As they had journeyed southward, save for the bitter chill of the mountains, the climate had been slowly growing more temperate, the flora and fauna slowly changing and becoming less familiar, more exotic in nature.

Oak and pine had given way to palm trees and other trees bearing brightly coloured fruits became the norm. On the final day of their journey he reluctantly dressed in his finest parade ground uniform, complete with fur trimmed cloak, medals gleaming on his chest and polished riding boots. He was more at home in a simpler, less elaborate raiment but custom and protocol dictated that he dress for the occasion.

The final leg of their journey took them down a palm tree lined avenue with what appeared to be an old manor house at the end, surrounded by brightly coloured ornamental gardens. His honour guard rode slowly at the fore with his carriage and the baggage wagon bringing up the rear. He could see there was some king of welcoming party standing on the steps of the grand and oddly familiar looking building but his view was obscured by his escort and Cardinal Rose who was busy lecturing him on how they were here to convert the heathen Daiwa folk and bring them into the light of the Faith’s teachings.

He knew precious little of the Daiwa people, save that they were a caste based society and as far as he was aware, had little or no military to speak of. He wasn’t particularly interested if truth be told, he was here to ensure they were ready to be ruled by the king and he intended to do his job and serve his exile while honouring his king.

The carriage jerked to a halt by an ornate fountain and he waited for a moment until one of his guardsmen opened the carriage door and lowered the steps to the dusty ground outside of the main door to the house. He took a moment to compose himself, waving away further instructions from the old priest and stepped down onto the ground before the gathered Daiwa.

The Lord Steward stood before the assembled folk, clad in his pristine dark blue uniform, polished black riding boots shining in the afternoon sun along with the silver epaulets and burnished still helmet. At his side was the cavalry sabre he earned two decades ago for service to his king. His dark beard was neatly trimmed and shot through with streaks of silver and his eyes looked dead ahead. He stood for a moment before opening his mouth to speak.

 

[ELEyogi]

It was sure to be an eventful morning in Cyrnel, the makeshift capital of Daiwa. With the arrival of emissaries from the north, Lailyth Omgud was awash with anticipation. Unlike the last time someone took up residence in the High House, this occupation had been preceded by a herald who announced their supposed annexation in the central market. There had been no soldiers or bloodshed, simply a letter stating the time had come for them to join Tythur.

The people of Daiwa had little interest in joining a foriegn kingdom, but they would welcome the newcomers as they would anyone else. It was their way, the way laid out by their Gods at the beginning of time. According to their belief, all life stemmed from their fertile lands so all who walked the world were their brothers and should be treated as such. It was not the fault of the Daiwa that some of these brothers chose to turn their backs on the Dai and worship a false god who would deny them the many pleasures the Dai provided.

They knew from other would be conquerors that the ways of the north were joyless, their existence plagued by sacrifice and austerity. It was perplexing to the Daiwa whose Gods expected them to relish the world they created for them with festivals and pleasures of the flesh. They were expected to live communally, sharing their wealth with any they encountered. It was why they didn’t have a standing military, if conquerors came they welcomed them as they would any traveller and hoped they would join their way of life.

Of course that was not always the case. Many Daiwa had perished in conflicts with neighboring realms but no occupation held for more than a few years. Aside from their genuinely peaceful existence, the Daiwa had a secret weapon. A gift from their most high, Om. Being who had been blessed with certain aspects of Om that could be used to convince potential conquerors to assimilate or flee.

Lailyth Omgud was one such being, and because she was the most powerful of all the Omni, she had been installed to lead the staff at High House. Along with a few others of her kind, they would ensure their occupiers were made comfortable and saw the true nature of the Daiwa. That there were not uncivilized savages but a loving peaceful people who wanted the best for all children of the Dai, no matter where they hailed.

Horns sounded from the watchtowers, alerting the household to the carriage’s approach and Lailyth began the final preparations. Wavy waist length hair was woven into a thick braid that was pulled to one side and fell down over her milk swollen bosom. Next came the special garments that would normalize her physique, a padded codpiece attached to a corset that would conceal her heavy cock and force her testes into a cavity in her abdomen while leaving her vaginal opening free to take care of all biological functions. She hated the whole apparatus but understood it’s necessity, other Omni had been killed by northerners upon discovery and she could do nothing for her people dead. A flowing gown of nearly sheer white gossamer fabric was worn overtop and did very little to hide the slope of her round hips and thighs. Her perpetually hard nipples were clearly visible, and pressed through the thin fabric. On her feet were the simple leather sandals that all Daiwa wore, with laces that ran up her calves. She left her face unpainted for the most part, instead using only a little golden powder to highlight her high cheekbones. She gave herself a quick once over in the mirror in her quarters before making her way to the grand staircase where the rest of the staff waited.

The courtyard was littered with representatives of all the Daiwa clans. Raven Forrestor of the Axenbow tribe stood regally in her green tunic and brown leather before a cart laden with wooden crafts. Phin Loch brought with him barrels of salted fish from his Aquani while Fletcher Nimrod presented a pig already spitted and prepared for the roasting fire from the Beastmasters. Laurel Stead brought a wagon load of the finest produce the Grangors had to offer. Only Hugh Mason of the Colliers was empty handed, for his gift was the High House itself. His people had built the place generations ago when the first conquerors arrived, since then, the Colliers refused to offer tribute to any outsiders.

Lailyth made her way gracefully down the stairs and greeted all in attendance the traditional Daiwa with the pressing of foreheads, cheeks before she settled before the assembled party. She would be the first to speak and she did so with a clear, almost melodic voice.

“Welcome travelers to Daiwa, may your stay be pleasant and productive.”

 

[spawnofdavey]

He noticed the regal looking woman make her way down the stairs to the grand house, greeting her kinfolk with a peculiar gesture. He almost felt the old cardinal’s posture stiffen in disapproval and heard the sharp intake of breath from the young lad Fry as the scandalous nature of the woman’s attire became more apparent. He had to admit he was a little surprised for it to be so revealing, especially at such a formal occasion, but he did his best to keep his eyes on the woman’s face when he addressed her and he took every opportunity to look elsewhere, when it was socially acceptable, for the rest of the initial meeting.

He could not deny she was beautiful and her voice was pleasing to the ear, maybe the reason for her being appointed by the Daiwa to greet Tythur’s emissaries. He straightened his shoulders, nodding to her in recognition before beginning his much rehearsed speech.

“I, the Lord Steward, appointed by his majesty King Kadan II, hereby request the hospitality of the Daiwa people and their cooperation in assisting the integration into the kingdom of Tythur.” He said formally, his voice carrying little emotion.

He looked at the other Daiwa gathered around, knowing full well that a great welcoming feast had been planned and though he desired nothing of the sort he put on his best courtly smile and asked courteously of his hosts “The journey here from my king’s land has been long and tiring, I would ask of you refreshments for my company and I and when we are fed and watered, lodgings while we make the necessary arrangements for the transition of power.”

His attention unintentionally drifted to the woman in the diaphanous dress as he spoke, caught on her high cheekbones, her braided hair worn in such an unusual style for one not used to seeing anything other than the loose hair covering the neck and shoulders of the young women of the royal court. And yes, more than once his glance did travel to the barely restrained bosom and their dark nipples poking through the white dress. He did his best to tear his eyes away whenever he caught himself.

“And..” Came the gravelly voice unbidden from behind him. “I Cardinal Rose, high priest of the Faith, have come to teach the Daiwa of the one true god and the one true way to enlightenment and salvation.”

The face the Lord Steward made told plainly, anyone caring to look, that this was not what had been planned for their opening dialogue, though it was quickly masked and he spoke quickly to prevent any further deviation from their intended path.

“May I be introduced to your gathered kinfolk?” He asked, indicating the laden carts, “I would be honoured to look upon their wares.”

 

[ELEyogi]

Lailyth took note of the Lord Steward’s wandering gaze, and the clergy's displeasure. Choosing to ignore the latter, she focused her attention on the warm nature of the military man and smiled, “It would be my pleasure, sir. Perhaps you might allow our...your staff to begin the process of moving your belongings to your quarters? There is a stable for your horses and stablehands ready to feed and water them.”

Before any order could be given a host of Daiwa servants appeared to usher the baggage carts towards the rear of the house while Lailyth took the Lord Steward by the arm to introduce him to his new subjects. Each introduced themselves, offering the courtly bow that would be expected from those of the north. As impersonal as it was, the Daiwa would respect the foriegn customs, even if those foreigners had no intention of respecting theirs.

Once the introductions were made, Lailyth turned her attention to the man, her eyes locked with his a moment before she flicked her gaze over his shoulder to the clergy behind him. She read their hatred without her gifts, but there was nothing she could do about it now. The Lord Steward was trying his best to remain decorous under their watchful eye but his carnal interest was obvious.

“I am Lailyth Omgud,” she said with a graceful curtsy, bending just enough to allow the man a healthy glimpse of her cleavage before standing again. “I have been appointed head of household by those assembled before you and it is my honor to assist one of such noble lineages. I have been educated in Tythur history and recognize you to be a most decorated soldier,” she said with a light touch to the various insignias on his chest. “I am at your service sir and wish to make your stay as comfortable as possible. I shall do my best to satisfy your every need. If you are ready, I will show you to your quarters so that you may rest while the banquet is prepared.”

With a nod, Lailyth summoned a pair of young Omni under her tutelage to lead Cardinal Rose and his underling to their quarters while she led the Lord Steward to his own. She had assumed there would be at least one priest in the party given the disdain the northerners held for their beliefs. By all accounts, they were considered heathens, unclean pagans, for their worship of the Dai. Unfortunately for Cardinal Rose, the Daiwa had no intention of abandoning their gods or accepting his so called way to enlightenment.

This time, she did not take his arm, instead walked out in front a pace or two as she lead him through High House. Not much unlike the aristocratic homes of his realm, it was a cold and dark place made of mostly stone. Even in the light of day, lit torches lined the corridors to allow for easy passage. The lower level was dominated by a grand entryway that she moved quickly through in order to lead the party to their respective quarters. “If you would follow me Lord Steward, I will show you to your room while Kayni and Denmur escort your cardinal and his man to theirs. Your suite is on a separate wing so you may remain undisturbed in your duties,” she offered by way of explanation, mostly to the Cardinal. She knew from his eyes that the Lord Steward could do with some time away from the intense, angry little man. “It is just this way,” she said with a soft bow and a hand extended toward the stairs on the left.

 

[spawnofdavey]

Nodding to the lady in acknowledgement he briefly turned to his men, but found his words unnecessary as the Daiwa appeared as if summoned by some unspoken command and proceeded to lead the rest of his company off to the stables.

“That is most appreciated.” He said as the woman gracefully laid her hand on his arm and directed him to the other’s in the welcoming party. He wasn’t sure what to expect from the assembled Daiwa, but their greetings showed that they had prepared better than the Tythur visitors. To each of the clan representatives he replied simply but respectfully with “The Lord Steward, emissary of King Kadan II.”

He glanced firstly at the cart laden with woodcraft and was about to turn to the next person in line, which he took to be a fisherman from the smell of the salted fish emanating from the barrel he stood by, but something caught his eye. Or rather, the true extent of the woodworking caught his eye. He looked closer at a number of the smaller pieces, tiny figures representing he knew not whom or what, but splendidly carved and decorated with intricate patterns worked into the wood. He knew of no craftsman in all of Tythur that had tools so delicate they could reproduce such feats.

He was about to turn to the woman, questions on his lips, but he reined in his enthusiasm and returned the pieces to the cart, saying simply “Good workmanship” before turning to greet the fishmonger. He tempered his responses to him and the farmer, simply stating that the offered food would make for a good banquet before turning to the final man, standing empty handed as it were, at the end of the line. Once it had been announced what his offering was the Lord Steward nodded formally, saying “My king would thank you himself, for such a fine dwelling in those lands soon to become part of his glorious kingdom. I am reminded of my own ancestral home and am sure the interior is just as accurate a design.”

Her eyes on his were unsettling, as if she were able to read his thoughts, but he dismissed the notion as something from a childhood tale. He could not help lower his gaze however, as the woman, Lailyth as she called herself, curtsied before him, the thin fabric somehow containing her heavy bosom. He listened to her speech, taking note that she my indeed know more of his culture than he did of hers and he was beginning to get the impression that the show of flesh, the light touches with her fingertips may well be specifically for his benefit rather than being a quirk of her own culture.

Her fingertips brushed the medals pinned to the chest of his uniform and it was as if he had been reminded of his duty here; service to the crown. He stood formally to attention his eyes straying no more. He resolved not to be swayed by their gifts, fine foods and, yes, offers of satisfying his every need. He was here to oversee the transition of power in this region nothing more, nothing less. The Cardinal might think little of him, but he would be damned if Rose would have any more reason to despise him.

“Yes, Lady Lailyth I am ready, thank you.” He said formally, taking a half a step away from her. His attention was drawn to the architecture of the house as she took the lead, the detail of the doorways and windows strikingly similar to those in the north. It had been less than a month, but already a wave of homesickness washed over him. He wasn’t sure that the distance between himself and the Cardinal would be a boon or a curse, but for now he chose not to question the motives of their hostess.

“Very well Lady Lailyth, lead the way.” He said, glancing back towards his countrymen, he said “I shall see you at the banquet gentlemen.”

He wondered what this place would hold for him, but mostly he longed for some privacy and quiet… In that, it would seem, Lailyth had indeed read his mind.

 

[ELEyogi]

“As you wish, sir,” Lailyth said with another bow before turning down the long corridor. “You will find that we Daiwa are a very accomodating people and strive to make all feel welcome among us. All are equal under the Dai so you needn’t address by title, in less, of course you are required to do so. I wouldn’t want to you to disrupt your customs to accommodate mine. That is not the Daiwa way,” she offered with a tight smile as she lead the man up the spiral staircase on the western wing of the elaborately Vayennean structure.

From the tall stain glass windows to the heavy tapestries adorning the walls, it was all so foriegn to Lailyth and it saddened her to know that she would need to give up her own home to live in such a grim place. The stone floors were unforgiven and she couldn’t imagine walking barefoot as she would her own earthen floors. And there was no need for midmorning torchlight in a Daiwa dwelling with their shuttered walls and retractable rooftops. She understood the contrasting climates was the primary reason for the differences construction but Lailyth couldn’t understand why the first Tythur settlers would request such a dwelling in Daiwa’s tropical climes. Between the lack of fresh air, sunlight, and restrictive beliefs, it was easy to understand why the northerners were such a combative and severe people, no matter the realm. She hoped that this Lord Steward would abide a visit to her own humble compound so that he may experience a genuine Daiwa existence.

“Your accommodations, sir,” as she came to the top of the stairs which opened to a receiving area decorated with a few high back chairs and sofas. “My quarters are just below, attached by the servant’s stairs so that I may be at your service without delay. Along with your bedchamber, you will find private dining, dressing, and drawing rooms. There is a library for your pleasure as well,” she said as she moved to the rear of the room to push open the double doors that lead to a balcony that overlooked the Vayenne style gardens below. Most of the flora was probably wildly unfamiliar to the man but she hoped he would appreciate the care taken by the Grangor advisers to replicate the meticulously maintained gardens of his homeland. “I’ve provided a few selections in the library to assist in your relations with the Daiwa moving forward...if you choose to review them of course,” she added as an afterthought before moving to the narrow doorway that led to the servant’s corridor. “Your belongings should be arriving shortly. If you wish to rest now, I will relay any instructions you might have.”

 

[spawnofdavey]

He followed Lailyth as she took him through the house, his demeanour subtly less formal now they were out of sight of Cardinal Rose and Fry. “I’m sure you are aware, we northerners are very much attached to our titles.”

The corridors and stairways were hauntingly familiar to the Lord Steward, causing conflicting emotions of homesickness and nostalgia to affect his mood. He didn’t have any expectations of the Daiwa’s own dwellings, having only been told that they were a simple, almost primitive and uncultured folk by those that knew of his exile here. However, the very moment he stepped out of the carriage before this stately looking home his preconceptions had been shown to be wildly inaccurate.

The stained glass window at the top of the stairs spilled rainbow hued light down the smooth stone steps and brought back memories of his childhood home, of trooping up and down the stairs to his chambers with his father or mother. Those were happier, far simpler times, free from the worries of manhood and the tight shackles of convention that had come with the passing of his youth.

As Lailyth opened the door to his chambers, he took in the size and décor of the room, nodding in appreciation. “They are well appointed.” He observed, “Certainly suitable for my requirements.”

Following the woman through the other rooms, he wondered at the use of the term servant, and if she was considered to be such by herself or her people. Clearly, at least in his mind, this lady Lailyth was held in high regard by her people, high enough to be given the task of overseeing his arrival, she must hold some position of power, here yet she was to live in servant’s quarters here? Strange customs indeed.

He was again impressed by the other rooms in his suite as well as the very exotic gardens that his rooms overlooked. He thought that in this house he would be very comfortable indeed, though his chambers could well turn out to be a very comfortable prison under the circumstances. Temptation had brought him to this place and he was not about to fall to it again. His duty had to come first. Had to be where he directed his energies.

He caught the pause in her speech at mention of the library, the implication hanging in the air. He decided to rise to the bait.

“I will take heed of your recommendations Lady Lailyth, if it will make for an easier transition of rule.” He replied perhaps more curtly than he intended. He wasn’t sure what kind of an impression he may have made already, but at the moment his thoughts were more focused on himself and the situation he was forced to deal with.

“Very well, thank you. I will take some time alone if you will excuse me. I will familiarise myself with the chambers you have provided me.” He said, adding as she reached the small doorway ”If you are of a mind to accommodate me, when you return, I would appreciate it if you would dress as appropriate for a formal banquet.”

He waited for her to leave, before he went and closed the balcony doors, dropping to the seat behind a heavy wooden desk. He let out a deep sigh, closing his eyes for a long moment. In the silence he berated himself for allowing his eyes to wander the woman’s body, as indecently exposed as it was by her choice of dress. He was more convinced than ever that it was a deliberate act, as were the choice of words when referring to the Daiwa satisfying his needs. He wasn’t a prude by anyone’s standards, but he was here for a reason along with Rose and Fry and he was certain he wasn’t going to give either of them further excuse to preach to him of the virtues of abstinence and self-control.

After a short while he opened his eyes and looked about the room, seeing several wooden cabinets, writing desks and chairs. He got up and idly walked about, making some quick mental notes about the placement of certain things and how he would have them moved to better suit his needs. He resolved to make the changes early the following morning and once that had been arranged to his satisfaction he would investigate the remainder of the house to ensure it could support his men’s needs also. Rose and Fry could do what they wanted so long as he stayed out of his way and didn’t interfere with his duties. While he waited for his baggage he found the library and the small selection of books that Lailyth had set out for him on a reading desk. He picked up the first, examining the cover before quickly checking the others. He idly wondered what had happened to those that had come before him and if they had received a similar reception. Whoever they had been and whatever stance they took with the Daiwa it clearly hadn’t worked. Not knowing what mistakes they made did not help, but he decided he would at least try to learn something of the Daiwa culture. Maybe it would prevent him from making the same mistakes, or maybe he would just make different ones. Only time would tell.

 

[ELEyogi]

“If I was of a mind to accomodate you, I would wear nothing,” was what she wanted to say, but of course, it was too soon for such boldness. Instead she said, “As you wish,” and offered a courtly bow as she exited through the servants entryway.

Unlike the narrow passageways of his homeland, the corridors and stairways the servants used were wide enough to accomodate 4 adults to walk shoulder to shoulder. Lailyth often wondered how the northerners expected their staff accomplished anything in such dismal surroundings. Though she’d never been north of Dryss, she was familiar with the plans from which the High House was derived. Staff was to be seen and not heard, the Colliers did well concealing their alterations behind thick stone walls and heavy plaster ceilings. Her own quarters were nearly the same size as the Lord Steward’s and significantly more spacious than those of his clergy, fitted with lush furniture and her own private dining quarters and receiving area. But there were no windows, making the air thick and fetid.

While she waited for reports from her Daiwa attendants, Lailyth took some time to survey her extensive wardrobe for something that would not offend the repressed northmen. She found it odd that she would be blamed for his wandering eye, as if the slope of her hips and the curve of her bust was something to be ashamed of. Funny they considered themselves superior when a Daiwa man would have little trouble conversing with her even if she were nude.

“Halloo Omgud,” came from behind her and she turned to see Arden Rever, her prime consort and distant cousin of the Cyrnel chieftain. If not for the new Lord Steward, the two would probably be hidden away at her compound enjoying various carnal pleasures. “I’ve come to bid you farewell,” he said with a slight bow before striding confidently into her dressing room.

“You’ve come to suggest I find a place for you at High House,” was her quick reply, though she smiled as he came up behind her, pressed his lips to the back of her neck and encircled her hips in his brawny arms. “Your lust is palpable Arden, you fool no one.”

“Especially not you,” he said with a chuckle, giving her a good squeeze before he grazed his hand down her side to settle on her hips. “How long am I to endure without you?”

Lailyth laughed at that and slipped his grip, unwilling to allow his ardor to distract her from the task at hand. “The Lord Steward will be with us indefinitely...and not by choice,” she said with a smirk as her hand passed over gown after gown that she was certain the new lord would find distasteful. “I saw shame in his eyes but refrained from discovering what from. He will be fond of me…”

“Who could not be,” Arden interrupted then gasped when Lailyth pulled a simple ankle length shift dress from the wardrobe. “Ahh yes! Another addition to your brood!”

“Please Arden, I have told you time and again, that time has past,” she said with an almost sad smile as she moved to take his bearded face in her hands. “It saddens me as well, that we met so late in life but my body can no longer accommodate such things. When this is all settled, we shall find you a birther.”

Arden frowned at that, the corners of his smoke stained lips pulled down his face until Lailyth placed her lips upon them. Their tongues met almost instinctively work rough hands pulled her closer. “Why do you tease me with the birther’s shift,” he asked after breaking the kiss and Lailyth pressed her forehead to his.

“It is to accommodate the Lord Steward’s wandering eye,” she said chuckling as she broke their embrace. “He assumes that this was some sort of ploy to soften him. Tonight, he will find there is nothing extraordinary about this dress, or any other dress worn by Daiwa women.”

“Their god tells them that your curves are shameful,” Arden said shaking his head and Lailyth shrugged. “And they wonder why we have resisted their ways.”

“It is of little consequence now. They are here and we will deal with them as we have the others.”

 

[spawnofdavey]

He was afforded a few more moments of introspection before there came a knock at the door to his apartments. An exotic sounding voice came through the door, requesting entry and he took this to be his baggage being delivered.

“Enter.” He replied formally as he crossed the floor and came to the door, opening it and stepping back rather formally.

Two of the Daiwa from the welcoming party stood by the entrance bearing one of his travel chests and behind them were several of his own party, the outriders that had accompanied them from Vayenne, also bearing baggage from the carriage.

“Come in.” He said, moving to one side, his eyes briefly flicking over the Daiwa. “Just put them on the table for now thank you.” He added, pointing to a heavy wooden table in the middle of the room.

He waited silently until the Daiwa had dropped off their loads before he spoke again. “Thank you. I would be grateful if you would leave me and my kinsmen until it is time for the banquet to start.” He bowed formally as they acknowledged his request and left, closing the door as they went.

The Lord Steward waited a moment, motioning for the others to stay quiet, before he went around to the table and took out a key from his pocket and began unlocking the first chest.

“So, what are your first impressions gentlemen? Did anyone offer you anything, anything improper?” He asked, not mentioning anything about Lailyth, but all had seen her garments, such as they were.

Most of the men just shrugged, mumbling something about weird customs and being too tired, but one of them cleared his throat and spoke up. The man’s accent was similar to his own, but a touch less refined.

“Well Lord Steward, I dunno ‘bout improper, but the young lassy that showed me to my lodgings seemed to be keen on ‘accommodating any request’ an’ by the way she spoke it sounded like she meant ‘anything’ in y’ know, um, carnal ways.” He seemed to get a little flustered at that and his voice trailed off, looking at his feet for a while.

It was only while the man was speaking that he realised that he didn’t even know the rider’s name, or come to think of it, the names of any of the men. Despite having been accompanied by them for the last three weeks, he’d slept separately and eaten separately on most nights. He felt a little shamed at that realisation considering he was going to be spending a considerable length of time in their company and really should have made the effort. He knew that it was down to the fact he resented this assignment so bitterly that he had taken out his frustrations on these men, by setting himself apart from them and not socialising with them. Only now did he wonder how much say they had in travelling with him, did any of them choose this or had it too been forced upon them as some kind of punishment.

“Well,” he replied. “I think we all need to be very careful in how we deal with these Daiwa folk.” He looked at the men, most of them unshaven and unwashed, more than a little haggard from their travels. Three weeks on the road takes it’s toll, regardless of how comfortable the beds were in some of the roadside inns. Several nights had been spend camping by the side of the road and most of the men would have had far less comfortable nights than him.

“Why don’t you all see if you can get cleaned up before the banquet. I’m sure we could all do with some real refreshments after our travels.” He said, “But I would urge you to be on your guard, lest they try and tempt you into something you might come to rue.”

The men nod and agree, some more enthusiastic at the Lord Steward’s suggestion than others. But in a few moments he is alone again in his chambers. He starts going through the travel cases, looking for some less stifling clothing. The heat and humidity have caused him a great deal of discomfort the last few hours and a slightly looser, less starched collar would be far more comfortable.