Out of the Frying Pan... [Kain/Denna/Legion.]

[TOBIAS KINGSLEY]

This was it. This was the hard part. Tobias had found his way to Ralmok Fortress, successfully stolen a cloak to hide the manacles, and was already walking down the drawbridge. There was some small flow of peasants to move with, so he felt some reassurance in that. He had followed the trail of smoke to this armory. He knew that if anything, anything at all were going to break these damn restraints, it'd be in there that he'd find it.

There were six guards at the gate alone, three on each side. Two with swords on the inside, and two with swords on the outside. Inbetween each was one bowman, each of which carried their own close range weapon. Clearly Legion members were not the most trusting types.

As he had just made his way inside the gate, the far right guard had waved him over. "There's no way that could end well," Tobi thought to himself. He moved quickly to his left, trying desperately to feign ignorance of the guard's intent.

The guard was obviously not placed at the gate for being an idiot. He motioned to the inner guard that Tobias had just passed and indicated Tobias, and the second guard moved to intercept him.

"You in the cloak! Halt!"

Tobias unconsciously quickened his pace towards the armory, but he was still walking in a futile attempt to avoid suspicion. The guard made three long steps and caught Tobi's left shoulder in his hand. Tobias mentally cursed his fortunes even in the very instant he knew he had to go on the offensive.

These were not the guards of a mere noble or merchant, and as such they were wearing full-plate. While Tobias was fully capable of putting several dents in field plate with his bare hands, it wouldn't be enough to put down the trained soldier inside it. Luckily for him, this guard was only wearing a coif on his head.

The beauty of his motions were wasted on the measly crowd behind him. His hip naturally moved first, bringing his left foot back for the instant it took him to use it. He shifted his shoulders, hips, and legs to send his left elbow flying into the face of the guard behind him, shattering his cheekbone and nearly caving it in.

As the guard stumbled back, Tobias stole his blade right out of its sheathe, letting the guard fall back to toss the blade hurling through the air at the bowman on what was now the far side of the gate, hitting a spot of luck as he uses his bow to block the weapon, causing it to slice deep into the well made recurve, nearly slicing it in half.

The guard that had originally pointed him out wasted no time, charging him with blade drawn. He was talented, but he had no experience with Tobi's tactics or unusual "weapon", and Tobias had faced down at least a hundred such men in the arenas.

The guard reached Tobias and stepped into a diagonal slash, throwing his weight into it. The guard's form was flawless; not a single wasted movement. However, the move was too clean, and much too obvious. The man had clearly taken many lives in his time, but he had never done so without his armor. Without some military squad behind him. Without the comfortable confines of a "sparring match" or "training camp". He put his body and mind into each movement, but he didn't know desperation. He didn't use his soul.

Tobias dodged to the left, causing the guard to go against momentum and bring his blade back up to the right. Tobi had ample time to catch the blade in his chains and wrap his right wrist around the weapon once, sliding his hands down to the guard's and entirely nullifying the strike. He stepped right and twisted his whole body with the guard's wrists still in his hands, causing the guard to be turned about and causing the blade to snap out of his hands.

By this time the far bowman had already been quick enough to attempt nocking back another arrow, but his nearly broken bow (somewhat predictably) snapped, causing it to fly back and draw a long scar across his face. The other swordsmen were already approaching and the remaining bowman had stepped into line of sight, but he didn't dare risk a shot with his ally in the way. The Legion were by no means kind, but they didn't kill their own just to subdue an unarmed ruffian.

Tobias pulled the wrapped chains taut, causing the sword to pop up even as he simultaneously kicked in the back of the knee of the guard in front of him, dropping him to one knee. Tobias brought him back to his feet almost immediately by pulling hard against his neck with the blade, the guard moving back mere milliseconds quick enough to avoid any serious cuts.

With the guard as a shield, Tobias took a moment to survey his surroundings, but as his head twisted to the left he saw the armory blacksmith behind him a moment to late, a gauntlet swinging down onto his head and causing his whole world to go black.

-

Tobias woke up mere moments later, but it was already too late. The guards had had rope ready, and while they didn't bother doing much more to his hands, they made sure to wrap a tight circle around his arms, binding them firmly to his body and tying him to a long leash the guard in front of him was already leading him with. Two guards on his side and a nocked arrow behind him. It would be a very short, very definite trip to the dungeon.

Tobi made sure to memorize the path in, for all the good it would do him. The cell closed almost moments after the rope was undone, limiting the already decidedly finite chance of escape.

So here he was, once more a prisoner. He didn't really mind. He had tasted freedom once more than he had thought he would before death took him. They were good months, bound or not. He was ready for torture. He was even ready to return to that psychotic bastard foolish enough to call himself Tobi's "master".

He would face whatever gruesome end was surely in store for him with whatever dignity he had left. He didn't particularly look forward to his death, but he knew it was likely better than anything else life could come up for him. Tobias sat with his back against the wall, taking immense comfort in the knowledge that when his death came, he'd be facing it with a grin.

He closed his eyes and laid his head back against the wall, falling quite contentedly into a deep sleep.

[MISTRESS DENNA GODAVARI]

"Lower on my back....no..to the left.....harder." A young slave girl, with long flowing dark hair, and sun dusted skin, with dark eyes Denna had picked up on her journey through Lydel back country, had been her worth. In a meek and longing response, "Yes, Mistress, shall I adjust your spine also?" Denna exhaled a deep sigh as the bones in back cracked, and released the stress she was holding within them. She mumbled her approval

Breaking her had been quick and near painless, on Denna's part anyway... and she was eager to please her Mistress. For she had strong fingers, and was adept to use them. She wasn't the only slave to be in her presence, in the baths, there was enough room to hold eight or more people.

She made sure she took full pleasure in doing so, women and men, lounged around the edges and in the water, with candles lighting the small room aglow. Oils had been dropped into the water to sweeten the scent of the skin. Denna was thoroughly enraptured and had no intention of leaving anytime soon. That was until the Legion guards came knocking upon the large wooden door that separated the baths from the rest of the wing.

Three brute men, covered in armor and cloth of the legion entered, wary of the situation. Noting all the bare people lounging around. The largest and the commanding General stood before the other two, and waited for Denna
"Please pardon my interruption Mistress Denna, I bring word from Sir Ralmok."

Denna's eyes opened slowly, and her upper lip curled in annoyance as she still lay there. She motioned away the young slave girl, and pushed herself from the warm stone, and stepped down to speak to the head general, A tall and thin slave boy crouched down on all fours as Denna used him as a step, and another female wrapped her Mistress in a long red cloak, covering her what was her naked body. "Leave us....all of you..NOW" she ended curtly, and gritted her teeth as they scurried out like pitiful beaten dogs.

Standing before the trio, she extended her hand for him to kiss. "General Izaaks, What a pleasure, I didn't think I would see you so soon after the last breaking" Izaaks motioned to his officers to wait outside, and escorted Denna through to the back of the bath, to converse. "Yes, It has been. But the reason I came here today, I have a message to relay. The Dark Knight has come into a new...possession, shall we say." Denna's eyebrow flexed at the use of the word.

"And I am to say that my services...are to be of use?" Denna smirked with each word. Izzaks nodded slowly, and reached into his inner pocket of his cloak, and removed a large key, and a folded note, with the stamp of The Dark Knight holding it closed. "When you are ready, please see to it that this letter is read, and you do as it says. Nothing more, and certainly nothing less" Denna took the key and folded note in hand. "I always do my best to see that all..possesions.. are treated to the best care, of course" her words filled with spite at the audacious thought of anything else.

Sometime after General Izzaks left, his garuds and he helped themselves to the slaves, and Denna left soon after. Upon entering her chamber. Her red ceremonial leather, suit was layed before her ready to be worn. Gloves, and boots all the color of blood. Two young slave girls entered her chamber, and helped her with the bounding of her suit. Grabbing her whip, and securing it to her side, she made her way to speak with Kain

[KAIN DESMOND RALMOK]

Kain was waiting for Denna in his study. She was most likely using her slaves for pleasure as usual. He supplied her with slaves and in return she did nothing for The Dark Knight. Kain had watched out his window, a man brawl with his other guards, he was quite impressed at this intruder, and had ordered Mistress Denna to come to his study immediately to discuss what was going to happen to this new man. He heard footsteps outside the door and the leather rubbing against each other, Mistress Denna had arrived. Kain felt himself slightly attracted to Denna. She resembled Scarlett in so many ways but she was also devilishly evil, Kain smiled, "Come In, Mistress Denna!," Bellow The Dark Knight as she walked into the room.

Kain looked her up and down, the leather clung to her tightly and he could barely control his impulses, feeling as if he would need to bend her over his desk right there and then. Fortunately he resisted the urge using discipline and the excuse that it would be a pain to remove all that clothing and get it back on in time. So for now Kain decided to get down to business.

"Mistress Denna, Recently a straggler decided to waltz into my fortress. Fortunately my guards stopped him, but being the cunning fellow that he was managed to injure quite a few of them. Unfortunately the distraction of the Armory allowed one of my guards to mercilessly hit him on the head. He has been moved to the dungeon. And now I would appreciate it if you opened the letter." Kain spoke fast, he hated staying with Mistress Denna alone because he had so many urges. He wondered if Denna knew about his impulses, he prayed she didn't for she might even use them against him.

[MISTRESS DENNA GODAVARI]

Denna was sure she didn't need to speak with Kain, but the note demanded her presence, she did as she was told. Reluctantly of course. Ungrateful...sniveling.. She stood before his door, fuming hoping he could feel the wrath she could bring him, although she felt a small hatred towards him, for she was allied to her King.

"Come In, Mistress Denna!," She growled at the door, hating the fact he could tell wherever she was. Upon entering his study she noted his seating, and where his eyes met the curves of her body, the roamed up and down, and she could tell from his stiff posture. She got to him."Mistress Denna, Recently a straggler decided to waltz into my fortress. Fortunately my guards stopped him, but being the cunning fellow that he was managed to injure quite a few of them." You want me....I know you do... I can sense it.. you yearn for me to break you....But I won't give you that pleasure.... With the thought in mind, she smiled with gritted teeth.

Denna brought it upon herself to take a seat opposed him, and prop her weary feet on his desk. her long leather clad legs, in full display. "Unfortunately the distraction of the Armory allowed one of my guards to mercilessly hit him on the head. He has been moved to the dungeon. And now I would appreciate it if you opened the letter." Denna reached to the top of her leather suit, and pulled gently at the clasps that bound her in it. Skin, and partial cleavage begged to be full released, Denna smiled seductively when she heard Kain draw a sharp breath. She then pulled the folded letter out. No...Kain..not till you beg for me to train you..... I'll have you weeping for me to release you from your pleasure

Mistress Denna, I have come to know you only a very short period of time. Within the conversations we've had, and plans of destruction, It seems you have come into my favor. How I have no idea, but the thought of your skill pitted against me, is something I cannot risk, With this token of trust I hope for you to gain mine. Here I have given you the key to unlock the cells in the dungeon, You know have full control and say for what happens down there. Denna, you are privileged to visit freely and do as you please.

Your Lord, and Master. Kain Ralmok

[KAIN DESMOND RALMOK]

Fortunately, Denna had not talked yet, Kain loved everything about Denna, although it was more lust than love, he wanted her for her body, not for herself. Kain found it extremely hard to ignore her yet at the same time found it extremely hard to look at her. He was trapped and there was nothing he could do. When she put her legs up on the desk Kain began to go mad, her body was magnificent, her curves enhances by the tight leather. His mind began to wander and he day-dreamed about Denna, imagining how good she is at... His mind quickly snapped out of it and he turned around fuming to look back out the window, he closed his eyes and attempted to slow his breathing, however he turned back around to see Denna had undone a bit of her tight, red, leather suit, her breasts were pushed up thanks to her suit and her cleavage looked so good for him. He almost lost it right there and then, he closed his eyes for a second and quickly drew a breath in. He began to breathe calmly but as she smiled at him he slammed his fist into his oak desk. one of his knuckles started to bleed as he had left a dent in his desk.

"Damn Vauldus!" Kain said quickly, trying to cover up the real reason he had done this. He waited a few seconds, staring at Denna, lusting for her before he continued, "He is losing it that man, he needs to get a grip on his emotions!" Kain said this and soon regretted it, realizing the irony of his words, The Dark Knight needed to control himself, his lust, his sexual desires. Kain rolled his neck and turned away as in knuckles bled onto the floor. He was showing weakness, why did there have to be women in this world. Their bodies made him weak, they knew just how to control him this way.

Finally the silence was disturbed as the wax seal on the letter was broken making a distinct noise that Kain couldn't quite describe. He turned around and watched as Denna read it to herself. He noticed the happiness in her face, but as she reached the end of the letter, he noticed the annoyance in her face and couldn't help but grin devilishly at her. "Now get the fuck down there!" Kain finished up as he waited for Denna to leave to call a slave to discuss something and clean up the blood. He had just the right man in line for this. But the man that was coming, was not a slave at all.

[MISTRESS DENNA GODAVARI]

Denna stood gingerly, and buttoned up her vest. Slowly making sure each button fastened correctly. The dungeon....and I have one waiting for me to break. Masking her bubbling excitement, behind a stone gaze.

She turned on her heel, and exited Kain's chambers. But before she fully left, she stopped short at the door way and looked over her shoulder, back arched. A knowing smile splayed across her lips.

"Anger...and loyalty can make you powerful Kain, But pride can also be your downfall." With her final word she disappeared through the doorway, with a loud slam.

Crumbling up the letter with annoyance, she quickened her steps, angrily. I am on the verge of killing someone....preferably Kain.. With her impetuous thoughts aside, Denna descended the long spiral staircase, slowly her pace when she noticed a large body blocking her way.

[THEO CORRAN D'OBREC]

Theo had been contacted by his brother. He enjoyed the meetings with Kain and something sinister always happened when he was needed. He couldn't wait to hear what it was this time. Theo walked up the spiral stairs, his scar twinged slightly as he saw a woman who could only be Mistress Denna. She seemed furious. She ordered him to go back down the stairs and allow her to exit before returning. Theo snarled took a step back to toy with her and slammed past her, bumping shoulders with her as she rebounded back into the wall.

Theo was displaying as proud a face he could get without smiling as he went to the door, he twisted the handle and barged in on his brother. "Good to see you again Kain... Now tell me My Lord. What do you have in mind? Said Theo, his face unchanging the entire time. He noticed the blood on Kain's hands, that woman had gotten to him. "You need to control your impulses, they lead to nothing. Just get your god damn son and forget about women..." Theo said to The Dark Knight. Cor knew that Kain desperately wanted a son and he wondered how long until Kain would take action and get one so he could focus on The Legion without the need for pleasure. Cor got his pleasure in killing, and following orders. Which brought him to his next topic, "So Brother.... What would you have me do now? Theo said with the tiniest hint of a smile on his lips.

((OOC: OK now you two can get onto what you two need to do ))

[MISTRESS DENNA GODAVARI]

Releasing the binds that held her vest and belt to her leather suit, Denna stepped out of her clothing. And into a long black dress, with a deep open back, and gold inserts. "Take my clothing and make sure they are cleaned properly" tossing her worn leathers to a servant who stood waiting for her orders."Yes Mistress...." who then bowed and left the chamber. "And tell General Izzaks, to bring the prisoner to me....I want to discuss his duties in my chambers, Let him know....he is free to rough him up..."

Denna sauntered over from the room divider, and sat in front a large vanity, with a round mirror propped behind it. It was large enough to view the room behind her, and the second wing of her chamber, that was divided by an archway. Through the archway was a small set-up, a long table to seat four. And soft plush chairs surrounding it, Set upon the table were plates and bowls of steaming food, fruit and wine also littered the table.

Denna began her work on un braiding her hair, from it's knot. her french braid slowly came undone, and cascaded down her back, past her backside."Jessalyn, Come!" Denna bellowed and out came a hurried small olived skinned girl appeared from the adjacent room, carrying a comb and argan oil. "Yes Mistress...." Jessalyn gathered Denna's hair gently combing the soft locks of hair. "My Mistress has beautiful hair...." Jessalyn let go of her tresses, and grabbed the pot of oil and poured a small amount into her hands, and rubbed them briskly together and began braiding her hair at the top, and then over her shoulder in a elegant design.

"You may leave now, Jessalyn" The young girl bowed, and grabbed her items and quickly left the room. "Yes Mistress, Thank you".

Denna clasped pure gold earings into her lobes. Grabbing a small vial of red liquid, Denna brushed a painter's brush over her lips, and set it down. She then stood and made her way over the the second wing, her jet black dress sliding gently across the marbled floor with a swish.

Denna placed herself at the head of the table, as a servant pulled the chair out for her, and seated. Back straight and face in full composure. She then waved a servant over to pour her wine, and she then sent him back to his post next to the wall. Drinking from her goblet she waited patiently for the arrival of her guest. Thrumming her fingers on the wood of the table.

"This had better be worth.. My precious time...."

[TOBIAS KINGSLEY]

General Izzaks walked hurriedly down the hall, trying desperately to put the distracting thoughts of the "mistress" out of his mind. Should he stop and think about his leadership or his circumstances, he'd likely choose a path not involved with such unscrupulous individuals, but then, he knew he really didn't know how to do anything else. He didn't really have any other choice.

He sighed heavily before entering Tobias' earshot, having decided against the option to have a guard perform this menial task for him, as the mistress would likely to react... Unfavorably to someone other than himself doing what she had directly asked of him.

He found his way to Tobias' cell, the new prisoner being simple enough to find in a relatively familiar dungeon. Upon seeing the man, he had to stop and wonder for a moment. His bindings certainly weren't of Ralmok make, and he looked surprisingly unscathed for someone who had supposedly just tried to fight his way into the city.

No matter. The details of this trivial soul's journey meant even less to Izzaks than whatever horrors the mistress was planning for him.

"You. Up."

Tobias opened his eyes, his figure still placed almost meditatively against the wall. Upon hearing the unlocking of his cell, he rose warily to his feet, entirely unimpressed by his latest captors. Izzaks wanted probably more than he was comfortable with to strike this nuisance just once before delivering him, blaming it on the gate guards, but he was better than that. He wasn't a child, and he didn't need to take his frustrations out on a peasant.

"Come with me. You're coming to see your new mistress."

Tobias raised an eyebrow at "mistress", but stepped forward immediately, allowing the general to lead him to the latest step in his seemingly ever-disappointing destiny.

They began their relatively short trek back to the mistress' room, and the general's curiosity allowed him a question or two, neither getting so much as a grunt.

"... Where'd you get those, anyway?"

The general motioned to the manacles, but Tobias didn't need to look to know. It was a tired question, one he had heard far too many times already and had no intention of answering so much as a first time.

"... Fair enough. Will you at least tell me what the hell you're doing here?"

Tobias kept walking, but this one actually motivated a response. He turned to regard the general for a moment before putting up his wrists, tugging once at the chain, giving a quick, only slightly bitter smirk, and turning back to the halls in front of him. The general actually spared a laugh before turning back to the hall. An interesting character, to be sure.

The general caught himself actually hoping the mistress went easy on this one. A pointless thought, and one he dismissed almost as soon as he had it. He was here, anyway. They had just stopped outside the mistress' door, and Tobias turned to await the general's next command.

"She'll be expecting you. You're surrounded by 40 foot walls and enough guards to win a small war. Don't try anything stupid."

Tobi couldn't help but grin for a moment before the general's next words froze his demeanor again, his whole body once more emotionless and seemingly empty.

"Mistress, he's here."

Upon receiving her response, he opened the door just a crack before looking back to Tobi, an inquisitive glance passing before he turned back to the hallways.

Tobias opened the door wide and walked in, letting it swing shut behind him as he paused to examine his admittedly unexpected surroundings, his gaze centering back on Denna with a face almost hauntingly free of emotion or energy of any kind.

[MISTRESS DENNA GODAVARI]

Denna sipped from her glass slowly, taking small gulps. Keeping her gaze low and non-threatening. Lounging lazily in her tall backed chair, one hand resting on the arm, Propping her chin upon it. A look of boredom painted across her lovely face. "So nice of you to join me ....Tobias?...correct?" she spoke as if they were old friends, and his visit was a choice of his own doing.

Denna then leaned forward as if he movement mechanical, and bothersome. Set her glass down, and reached for the fruit, and picked off one grape at a time, and held them in her hand, motioning with the other towards the mass amount of seating. "Please.....have a seat.." her voice deadpan, and low.

After he chose his seat, third chair to her right, he seated himself and waited. "I have come to the understanding...that you attempted an escape....and failed..." Denna reached over and pulled a small piece of meat from a golden platter, and nibbled on it. Looking to the young man scanning him up and down examining his shape, and form. With no change in her expression.

"I can see why....." with a scoff, she waved her hand as she tossed the meat away. Coming to stand, wiping her hand of crumbs, and strode to the to an open window, to peer outside, a small smile pressed her lips, but she fought it back down as she spoke.

"I for one....don't understand what Kain see's you as an asset to his safety." Turning on her heel she sat in the window ledge seating, and crossed her legs, and shrugged. "But...I have no say in the matter, or the decisions made.....If it were my choice, you would have no head." Denna sighed at the last thought and let a small laugh escape her lips, as she stood.

Grabbing the pitcher from the wooden buffet, that held the wine, she leaned through the large chairs and grabbed Tobias's empty goblet and filled it. Denna forced a smile as she set it back down in from of him. "But....you'll hear more from Kain himself soon enough" Striding back to her seat she grabbed her drink, and lounged back down.

[TOBIAS KINGSLEY]

Tobias' face went ghostly white the instant his name was mentioned. He had been expecting so many things, from immediate violence, to subtle threats, possibly even a thrown dagger the moment he entered the door.

But this woman knew him. Of course she did. The noble that had last imprisoned him must have sent out some sort of covert notice to the higher ups, even if he didn't want to encourage the random revolutionary or peasant to assist him and hide him from the authorities by posting it publicly.

He was going to have to return to that damn place, and--

"I for one, don't see why Kain sees you as an asset to his safety."

Wait, what? He had heard of the Black Knight before, but what the hell was she talking about?

"...If it were my choice, you would have no head."

The blood returned to his face, and he slowly regained his composure. So he was going to live, for now... But he wasn't sure he liked the sound of hearing from Kain personally. He had to consider his options carefully now. Running wouldn't do him any good with the archers in the way, and the layout of this building was far too straightforward to encourage any valid attempts at stealth. This woman obviously held some importance to Kain, if she were able to summon and dismiss his general so casually.

He noticed the whip upon her desk and had to presume that she had had more than ample experience with it, and she was certainly expecting him to try something... She was seemingly underestimating him, and that was a good sign, but she had the air of someone sick enough just to make him try something.

Beyond that, the desk was spaced perfectly from his spot for the optimal distance of her weapon, should she stand up. The weakness of the whip definitely lies in close quarters, but he couldn't afford to underestimate her and risk his chance at a painless escape. Not yet, anyway.

Her time with him seemingly done, he opted to grin, bow as mockingly as he could, and turned in preparation to step out, expecting another guard or two there to escort him to Kain.