Megaversal Remix

Kathana · Morlock Joined: 15 May 2009 Posts: 109

"I've never felt more half dead!" she shot back, the bite of her words somewhat dampened by her hoarseness.

Marrowdrinker · Herald Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 120

Kathana · Morlock Joined: 15 May 2009 Posts: 109

Great? She felt terrible! Tian was weak and trembling all over, her lungs still burned, her black hair fell in damp tangles around her face, dress was soaked in cold water. No, this was the opposite of great. She contemplated leaving, but didn't think had it in her to ride right now, so she settled for shooting him baleful looks across the water.

She lay back in the sand again, and tried to let the sun warm her.

Marrowdrinker · Herald Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 120

Kathana · Morlock Joined: 15 May 2009 Posts: 109

She sighed. This man was simply not going to rest until he killed her, was that it? "Fine, Brutus. Fine. I'll play your silly game."

Tian struggled to a seated position, and fumbled at the laces to her dress. It was already ruined, but she'd never survive a second "lesson" with it on. She stripped down to her shift, as a useless gesture towards modesty, then stood. She was surprised at her ability to stand so soon after her ordeal. Perhaps this really won't be so bad. The water was warm against her legs as she waded in.

Marrowdrinker · Herald Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 120

Kathana · Morlock Joined: 15 May 2009 Posts: 109

She sighed, not bothering to stay composed anymore. "And do you do that? I landed on my back before and sank like a stone."

Marrowdrinker · Herald Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 120

Kathana · Morlock Joined: 15 May 2009 Posts: 109

Tian glared at him, but did as he said. "I don't think this is going to work." she said. As she felt the water creep up along her body, she remembered the feel of drowning and stiffened. She began to sink again. She would have felt triumphant, but for the twinge of remembered panic.

Unfortunately for her pride, she didn't sink completely. It was just her body finding its place in the water. That man was truly insufferable.

Marrowdrinker · Herald Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 120

Brutus seems almost ready to let her drown. "It's sad, you do realize you're your own worst enemy, I hope? Stop getting in your own way, woman."

Kathana · Morlock Joined: 15 May 2009 Posts: 109

"I was perfectly happy not swimming yesterday. I didn't ask for any of this to happen." She splashed a little, getting the feel of the water. It wasn't terrible. "But since you insist." Tian brought her arm up and smacked the water hard, causing a small wave to splash her tormentor's face. Small revenge for what he'd put her through.

Marrowdrinker · Herald Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 120

Kathana · Morlock Joined: 15 May 2009 Posts: 109

Tian spat water out. Brutus's idea of small wasn't precisely the same as hers. "At least I wasn't half drowned on an foreign beach. And what about you? Has your taste for adventure made you happy? I think not."

Marrowdrinker · Herald Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 120

Kathana · Morlock Joined: 15 May 2009 Posts: 109

Tian didn't head to back to the castle immediately. Instead, she lay on the sand until she was warm and dry again. Her gown was still damp, but it was the only clothing she had and she certainly wasn't going to ride back to town in her underthings. She combed her hair out with her fingers as best she could, and left it hanging down her back. She knew she looked terrible, and Carlin would probably scold her. She deserved it for her foolishness. She'd been so eager to talk to someone, anyone, about Amber that she'd accepted foolish risks. Worse things could have happened to her today. Much worse. She refused to feel pity for Brutus and his scars. He probably got them throwing the wrong people into the ocean!

Knowing she was going to cut quite the bedraggled figure riding back, Tian mounted her horse and began the ride back.

Marrowlight · Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 5:55 pm Post subject:

go ahead and take yourself a lil further in the scene, I'm not ready to get GM'y on your ass.

Kathana · Morlock Joined: 15 May 2009 Posts: 109

Tian managed the ride back to the castle without incident, though she imagined the eyes of every man and woman in the streets on her bedraggled appearance. Carlin was waiting for her at the gates, his mournful expression was all the reproach she needed. The poor retainer had to know that Brutus had returned without her several hours earlier and was probably worried sick. Briefly, Tian wondered what fate might befall him if he had allowed harm to come to her. She would be more careful in the future.

Within what seemed like moments of returning, Carlin had Tian soaking in a pleasantly warm hip bath in her rooms, and promised her a mid day meal the moment she required it. It was, she reflected, probably the most enjoyable bath she'd had in quite some time. It certainly took her mind off the humiliation she'd endured earlier in the day.

Wrapped in a fluffy, white cotton robe that Carlin produced for her, freshly washed hair drying, Tian sat down to lunch. Again, the servants produced a startling array of unfamiliar foods for her. She wondered idly if she could request foods she was more familiar with. She still had no idea what the rules here were.

Marrowlight · Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2009 11:36 pm Post subject:

"Are you well, Princess? There has been a flurry of activity today. I fear you shall be meeting with the King very soon." Carlin seems concerned, for himself or for you, you're not entirely certain. But there is definite concern in the Specter's voice.

Kathana · Morlock Joined: 15 May 2009 Posts: 109

"I'm fine, Carlin." Tian said, trying to reassure him. "I had a very busy morning. " She put down her fork. She would probably get used to stabbing her food eventually. "Tell me Carlin, what is expected when I see the King?" She hoped it had not been her irresponsibility earlier that had the retainer so concerned.

Marrowlight · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 12:02 am Post subject:

Kathana · Morlock Joined: 15 May 2009 Posts: 109

She nodded. It was in keeping with the general lack of information she was being given. "Can you at least tell me who will be there? Besides the King of course. Should I wear anything particular? How should I behave?"

Marrowlight · Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 9:19 pm Post subject:

Kathana · Morlock Joined: 15 May 2009 Posts: 109

She sipped her tea slowly, while thinking of her response. "In Xian, it was very rare for women to attend court. I was only received once formally by the Emperor." Tian had seen him otherwise, of course. It would be impossible to socialize with the Imperial family and never see the Emperor. But those were informal occasions. "On that occasion, I was sent into the Hall of Supreme Harmony with the other concubines. I kow towed to the Emperor and stayed in that position until he was finished speaking. Then we left."

Marrowlight · Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2009 2:48 pm Post subject:

Kathana · Morlock Joined: 15 May 2009 Posts: 109

Tian's eyes widened slightly at Carlin's remarks. She hadn't known him to be so blunt yet. Things were so different here and no one would explain what was expected of her. She had never felt so out of place in Xian. "I'll do my best, Carlin." she replied levelly.