The Dancing Girl...

[LittleRedDevil]

I watched from behind the curtain as the sheik stood and clapped his hands. It was almost time for my dance to begin. I could still remember the day he had purchased me off the slave block. He had found my fair hair and sapphire eyes intriguing and my stubborn pride a challenge. He had to have me taught the ways of a dancing girl, for what purpose I couldn't even begin to guess. I only knew that the costume reveled more than it covered. I guess I could be thankful he had not called me to his bed, not yet anyway. I have never laid with a man, and I do not want him to be the first, and his men after him. He is young and handsome, but he has a commanding presence and a power that scares me. But I hide my fear with scorn and hate. The curtains pull back and the music begins. My dance has begun.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

the shiek

I reveled in the power of my position - the ability to let one live or die - as I choose. As I reclined on the soft cushions my private chambers in the palace. I glanced out the window - delighting as always in the delicate filagree of the arch. All of Granada lay at my feet. In the Christian year of 1488 the Moorish Kingdom included half of what they called 'Spain.' The Alhambra was a fit place for the ruler of all he surveyed.

Turning my eyes to the curtain, I smiled as the lovely slave began her dance. The servants have chosen her clothes wisely. The gossamer silk does little to hide her charms. And her fair hair and emerald eyes speak of exotic places far away. Sipping from the golden chalice, I let the ruby liquid run down my throat as I savor the dance - and what will follow.

 

[Merelan]

OOC: Need servants?

 

[Merelan]

I kneel quietly at his side, watching the new girl from beneath my lowered eyes. It is my duty to hold his wine goblet for him, to keep it ever filled. I am proud of my status. I was born a slave and strove hard to gain his eye. It is my privelage and honour, one I would not surrender for the world.
He grabs it again, not even aware of me now, as he watches her slowly, timidly take the center of the room. A virgin, I know. For he has spoken of her to me, as he uses me for my other duty. I know his need, his passions. She won't be one for long. A smile slips to my lips as I imagine her body, laid out and used for his pleasure. Maybe this time he will share her with me. He has spoken of that before.
I wipe the smile from my face and regain my obediant look, hands shaking a little in fear he saw. There are times, wonderous times, when it seems he can read my thoughts. Pray this is not one of them.

 

[YoYoYo]

From afar I had envied the sheik for years. I had served him for his entire reign and not once had he ever repaid me with one of his girls for it. I did not hate him, I simply envied his power. There was nothing I wanted more in the world than to commandeer his position and his power and use it for my own pleasure.

OOC:I don't know if anyone is watching Boston Public on FOX right now, but HOLY SHIT!!!! I know it's unrealistic but JESUS CHRIST it's a cool show.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

I continued to dance, undaunted by the eyes that watched me. I didn't look at him, I concentrated on my motions. The sway of my hips, the placement of my feet and the jingle of the bells that adorned my body.

I glanced at him again, noticing the slave at his feet. She thought it an honor to be his conqubine, and I felt grateful that she took his attentions. I wanted nothing from him. I only wanted to return to my father and my home, far across the sea, in a castle in the clouds.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

the sheik

She has been taught well. Although she is not polished, her dancing is worthy of the best Fez has to offer. "Ahhh, my beloved home of Fez. I have not been there for years." As I muse, my eyes never leave the dancing girl. Her eyes flash fire and defiance, although she knows better than to ever display it.

As she sways and move - sinuously - I feel a familiar stirring. As I recline on the cushions, I sip the wine slowly - I do not want to be drunk tonight.

The gossamer wrap whirling about the slave girl only adds a note of mystery. I think that I will initiate her into the pleasures of the body tonight... As I sip and watch my hand, idly, strokes the hair of the slave kneeling at my feet. She has given me so much pleasure, "Perhaps I will let her enjoy the slave too," I think. "I have told her that sometime I will reward her."

My eyes (laser blue, so very unlike my people) bore into her. Whispering, I say to the slave at my feet, "After her dancing is finished, bring her to my sleeping suite. And prepare her, I will join you shortly. I have to inspect the guard in the Alcazar."

 

[Merelan]

His whispered words send shivers through me, for I had seen the defiance in her eyes. Would I dare to warn her? Or let her take her fate as it came. I am sworn to obey his every whim, desire, need, and waste not a second thought on her. Simply acknowledging his words with a slight bow. he is a kindly Master, when not angered.
Not like the man I see watching me, every move I make under his scrutiny. I have heard whispered gossip about him. I once again praise Allah that he has given me to this man. I stay still, obediant and calm, but my mind is racing, to list and accomplish what he want done for tonight. How shall I surprise him? For he is a child at times, and loves this game.
His eyes seek mine as he lifts my face. My adoration and love must show for he gets his satisfied look. Then again, as I ponder tonights activities, maybe it is time I was rebellious, for fun, and pleasure.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

My dance ended and I was escourted back to my room by the guard who was always at my side, or standing at my door. I was basically a prisoner, only being allowed outside in the garden connected to my room. It was the one place in this palace that offered me any solace. I found comfort in the maze of trees and flowers. I went and sat at my favorite spot beside the fountain. My hand grazed the water, scattering the fish that were close to the top. I felt a connection to them, captured and brought to a place I didn't want to be, and all for someone elses pleasure.

I heard the door open and turned to see who had invaded my space. It was the slave who was with him. Now, what could she want?

 

[Merelan]

I sensed her tension as I entered, and was silent as our eyes locked. Good, defiance. He was a rare one my Master. He did not really like his woman to be too compliant. He liked a bit of heat and fire. She had plenty.
I circled the room and watched her, watching me. Her face reflecting it's anger, and confusion. I slowly reached out one hand and lifted her chin, turning her head side to side. She slapped my hand away.
Perfect.
I gave a deep, almost silent laugh. Yes, he would be pleased.
"Dear girl, there isn't anything you need to fear from me. Though it isn't fear you feel, is it?" I watched her closely. And saw the truth, as I had seen it before.
"He has chosen you for his personal use. You should feel honoured." I saw the fear leap to her eyes, to be masked by her anger again. I gave my crooked smile.
"Yes, I can see why he chose you. You don't feel honored do you? You feel you have filled your part of the bargain. Let me tell you. He will decide when and if that ever comes to be. You are to come with me, now. We have much to do before tonight." I turned, fully expecting her to follow me. Instead she simply sat there. Her anger ever more present, and her fear. "Now. I said. You must learn to obey every command given to you, or worse things can happen then being chosen for his love." I took her by the arm and practically forced her to her feet. She was beautiful, and sensual, even in her defiance. Suddenly it dawned on me. She was a virgin. It couldn't be true.
"Are you by chance untouched? A virgin?" It was almost inconcievable to me, born and raised to be a plaything for whoever chose me. Yet, she had been a princess, kept pure and untouched till her Father's loss. I wondered if Master knew.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

ooc

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[LittleRedDevil]

I turned away from her, my voice bitter as it drifted over my shoulder, "What does it matter? Whether or not I'm untouched doesn't change the fact that I don't want this. I don't want to be some man's slave." My mind raced, how was I going to get out of this? I wanted to go home, I wanted to go back to my father, and to my home, but she wouldn't allow that, not anymore than he would.

 

[Merelan]

I laid a hand, gently, on her shoulder as she seemed close to tears.
"There can be pleasure. If you are untouched, truly. He will be gentle. He is not a cruel man, I know. I have been with many, and bear scars from a few, including the one who first took me, when I was 11. You are lucky to have caught his eye. Their are others who would sell your virginity to the highest bidder and then make a show of it for all to watch. Is that what you would want?" I removed my hand, and resumed my command. I felt heart sorry for her, but could not, would not, disobey my Master. I did make a mental note to tell him about her inoccence, knowing it would make a difference.
"We must go now."

 

[LittleRedDevil]

I followed her out of the chamber, knowing I would be carried if I disobeyed. My fear returned, but I thrust my chin in the air and glared at every person we passed, hiding every emotion behind a mask of icy scorn. I was still in my dancers costume and felt exposed in it.

Who was this man to think he could take me at his will? I would not allow it. I would not be taken without a fight, and if he forced me, fine, it was all the more reason for me to hate him.

 

[Thor's Hammer]

the shiek

I paused for a moment and looked out over the wall. The alcazar was lit by torches but in the small city of Granada fires glowed like fireflies in the night. "We have brought so much to this country," I mused. "Seven hundred years of culture and enlightenment. Even the Romans did not do so much."

I resumed my rounds; speaking to every watch station guard by name. I was also thinking of the delights the evening would bring...

 

[Merelan]

Instaed of leading her to the public bath, I took her to his. I would need the privacy to explaining things to her, and see what sheknew, and didn't know about loving a man. She was a haughty thing though, casting cold fierce looks from side to side as people admired her. We passed several of his guards, but I warded them off with my hand. They knew to better then to interfere with me, and whomever I was with. I heard their remarks, and was sure she did too. I pulled the curtains shut behind us and dismissed the attendants.
"I shall bathe this one myself. Bring me cool wines and fruits, and an array of robes and jewels. And be quick. Master will return, and we do not want his displeasure."
They hurried off to obey me, a sign of my status as his handmaiden, for I was nothing more then them, a slave. As she was. But, she refused to think that way, and it would hurt her in the end.
"Come, I will help you disrobe." Deciding that I would treat her as a Mistress, to see if that got better results.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

I had never seen anything so grand in my life, and was in awe. The bath was nothing if not sensual in its appeal. I didn't even notice the servant as she started to disrobe me. This really was happening, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. I looked down at her hands as they unfastened my costume. They were graceful and elegant, and very gentle. I felt tears sting my eyes at my new station in life. I looked up at her, my eyes pleading.

"Please help me. I don't belong here. I just want to go home."

 

[Merelan]

Her words slipped like darts to my heart. Not belong here? I could not imagine where else there was. But, again I reminded myself, she was not born to this.
I gently undressed her, then eased her to the hot waters to soak. I hummed a bit, an odd tune I had heard when serving his former Mistress.
She sank back against the padded side of the tub, letting her eyes close. But I saw the tears slipping down her cheeks. I petted her head, and pulled her hair over the edge. Slowly drawing a comb through her beautiful locks.
"You really have nothing to fear. He is a kind, gentle man, mostly. His reputation is on the field, not in his chambers. Though," I smiled in remembrance of times we had rolled wild across the floor.
"You feel lonely, lost, forsaken? You feel abandoned by your family don't you? It can be sweet here too. If you let it be." All the time I spoke, soft and gently in her ear. I kept the comb pulling through her hair. Sensing her body ease.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

Her voice calmed me and her hands soothed my body. I began to relax and it wasn't long before I feel into my dreams. I was in a room with the sheik and I was scared but thrilled. I never wanted to leave this place, but something pulled me away from it.

I woke to find her in the water with me, washing me everywhere. The sight of her hands on my body was thrilling. I didn't want her to stop, so I kept silent, watching her through my lashes.

 

[Merelan]

I dropped my robe and slipped into the tub. I needed to make sure she was prepared. Washed and shaved, as Master prefers. She kept her eyes shut, though her body betrayed her nervousness. She bit her lip, leaving it red. I placed a gentle finger there.
"No, now stop that. You mustn't mar your body. It is fine and firm. Shhh. Let me finish washing you. And then I must prepare you."

 

[LittleRedDevil]

Prepare me? What was I, dinner? I didn't voice my thoughts but that was what I felt like. I felt like a fine meal being prepared for a giant about to devour me. She finished washing me and I followed her out of the water. The towel that soon surrounded my body was soft and warm. I didn't know what to think. I sat obediantly at a dressing table, not really sure what to think anymore. I didn't want to be hurt, but I wanted to go home. I wanted to be free again.

 

[Merelan]

She was silent as I finished washing, and trimming her private areas. Though her eyes flew open at my touch there. She closed them again quickly, screwing them tightly shut.
I softly toweled her dry, and then wrapped a second thick one around her. Leading her to the table I had her sit, while I surveyed what was there. Yes, all I had asked for. They knew their Master well.
I let myself smile as I combed out her hair, it was long and shining, but would take awhile to dry. First I would fix her face, though it needed very little touches. A dab of color to her cheeks, I suspected she normally was of more color. Despite her stillness I could tell she was still nervous. I let my hand storke her soft cheek, longing to brush away the fear and anger I saw in her eyes. But it was not for me. Brusquely I pulled her to her feet, removing the towel. I replace it with a thin robe and led her out to the balcony, grabbing another for myself. I had her sit on the stool, spreading her hair to help me dry it. I stood behind her slowly drawing the comb through her tangles, hoping to ease her tensions.

 

[LittleRedDevil]

I watched as the sun sank lower in the sky, knowing the time for his arrival was drawing near. My hair shined like spun gold in the dimming light. She had taken such good care of me, had been kind, I almost considered her my friend, except that she was helping to hold me captive.

"Come, we must dress you."

I followed her and stood as she circled me, studing every aspect of me. "I know just the thing."

When she was finished, I couldn't believe what I was wearing, I was scandlized. "I can't wear this. It's not proper."

 

[Merelan]

"What is not proper. It is what he chooses for you. That is all that is proper. You are not a pampered princess anymore." It was a sheer, very sheer robe, though slit on the bodice so her nipples could poke through. It hung to her knees. It's only fastening a tie at her neck, and another at her waist. I turned her around, making sure it looked right, and saw the anger flare again. I felt for her. The fear, the anger, the loneliness, it tore her inside. Could she not see the honour of being his chosen? I took a deep breath, letting my hand stroke her hair, I had left it down, loose around her shoulders, for now. He would pull it aside when he chose to later. Or have me do it. I remembered his words well. I was to enjoy tonight too.
"You are a beautiful girl, but tonight, he shall make you a woman. A woman aware of her self, her body and her purpose. You are frightened, I see it in your eyes. Don't be. He is gentle, kind. Yet, do not anger him. He is Master. He does not ask you to follow him blindly and compliantly always, just follow where he leads, and you will experience such joy, such pleasures. You cannot imagine."

 

[Thor's Hammer]

the shiek

My robes flowing around me, I strode along the ramparts of the Alcazar. I was becoming impatient to return to my quarters and enjoy the evening, but my duty came first. The Christians had been more agressive of late and it behooved us to be ever alert for their next moves. It has been rumored that they might even attempt to attack the Alcazar here!

Only a few more stations to inspect and then I will return to my quarters.