Crusade!

[Willy_Silver]

Sir Guillaume d'Argent
I awoke from a fitfull slumber, my throat still parched and my skin still afire and I looked upon a caravan approaching the one I had been rescued by. Among the entourage was a woman of such beauty it mattered not that she was one of the saracen race that killed my lord. I asked of one of the servants and they told me she was named shahla, a slave of the dishonorable wretch that led the caravan. Atleast the saracen dog took care of his women.

I could not stand to see such a beauty held in such cruel hands. I remembered the small purse at my belt near my sword. I called one of the servants over to me and placed the silver coins in his hands telling him to buy me the lovely maiden. any money he should save in the trading was his. So anamoured with this damsel was I that I should spend all the money I had left for her. I hoped it would be enough, the silver I had gained from looting the cities of heathens should be enough.

 

[TXExpress]

Do-u moves the caravan closer

The water has cleared my eyes and quenched my thirst. It is time to move on.

"Ravish! Gather them all. We have business to attend to."

The slow-footed fool. This is not a stopping place. This is merely a brief pause in the never-ending conquest. The fools all believe they will swoop down upon us, enlighten us and be on their way. Many a man has failed to return at all, and those who have leave less ... shall we say, burdened by treasure than before.

I spot the infidel camp below and signal our group forward.

"Act the fool," I command. "For who is more foolish — the fool, or the fool who follows?"

I look back ... in order of importance, the camels, bodyguards and women appear in passable health and spirit. The women are attired in costume that ... I must say ... quickens my heart, hard as it is.

"Not all that is hard, Do-u, no?" I chuckle to myself. "Perhaps a show for my amusement is in order — pleasure before business."

But, no. My reward awaits. The treasure is vast, and this ... merchandise holds the key to the chest.

"MOVE!"

 

[cgraven]

Edwarn ap Glennhall

The evening is coming on. Soon it will be time to make camp. The longing, desire, and unspoken love will war agin with my memory of those coins.

Maarisha the joy of my day and the bane of my nights. Oh no slave is she this Byzantine beauty, but Mistress of my toured hart.

The sweet sent of water in the Garden of Allah is the difference between this life and the next.

Dubah, and the horses can sense it, they move towards it. All we but need to do is follow.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Sir Tanqured

Following Edward and his reeking beast we cross the sands to a watering hole as the sun dips low over the western sand. The steeds drink thirstilly and the lackeys scurry about setting the tents. Noticing a line of dark forms in the distance I climb a hillfor a better look. A Turkish caravan ambling and bobbing its way in our direction. I rest my hand upon the hilt of my sword as I watch the aproach. Looks to be traders, judging from the looks. More women visable than men. A trick? Perhaps? "Sir Edward," I call down at the camp, "take a look at this, mon ami," I say with an arm outstretched towards the line of camels descending upon us in the distance.

I scan the horizon for any signs of men of arms. Not seeing any I stand there waiting for Edward to join me on the hill crest. Peddlers. What trinkets and baubles do they bring to tempt my wife with. These barbarians might be entertaining.

 

[caspai]

As we move ever onward through the hot sun, I sense a change in the people around me. There is a sudden excitement that is forming. This can only mean one thing. We are about to meet up with a new group of people. That means that the idiot trader will want us to perform, hoping to gain profit from one of us, one way or the other. If a man he meets does not have the coin to buy one of us outright, he takes what the man has for one night, and is happy with that. He cares not of our feelings for this. In his mind, we exist only for his profit.

I scan the desert ahead of us. As my eyes adjust to the sun bouncing off the desert sand, I see a group. It is not a large group, but there is one detail that I take note of with interest. The animals they ride are not the practical animal of the desert, the camel. The animals they ride are those extravagant yet fragile horses that most of the Europeans demand. They come to our land and force every thing that is about them onto us, whether it is even feasible for it to work. They are stupid, these Europeans. Looking again, I see the telltale glint of sun off metal. Ah yes, these are of the warrior class that comes to "subdue and conquer". They know not of the strength that is bred into our very bones. This could be the opportunity for which I have waited so long. I must make sure that I make the proper impression. Allah grant me the power to survive what I must do.

 

[poohlive]

"Milady," Ravish said, with a kind smile, "Come now. You must keep up with the others."
She seemed so weak. He gave her some water, looking at her eyes as closely as he could. She didn't look quite all right.
"Go lie down in the caravan with the others. Quickly now, and don't slow us down."
She moved up to the last wagon, it seems as if she had wanted this request for most of the day. He brought his own camel up to the rear of the entire esemble.
"Come on, quicken the pace. You know how Do-u hates being slackened. Come on then."
He watched the girls, covered nearly from head to toe, begin to quicken the pace. His own camel matching theirs. It seemed as if it might be a rather nice day after all. Once they had customers, he could finally relax, and as soon as he finished making up camp, spend the rest of the day just by himself.
Something that had been so rare lately.
"Shalha," he called out, watching as her camel had slowed down since they had taken the rest.
"Come now. Do-u will not like this if you make us slow down," he paused, looking over her shoulder at what had caught her interest. Ahhh yes, the customers.
"Well come now. Soon, he'll be wanting to set up camp, and have things done for him. Tis best to just nod and make him think that he's in charge."
His smile only matched his kind voice.
"Come on now, get up with the others."
He glanced down at the crowd below. Interesting... very interesting. He would have to keep his sword close to him, just in case.

 

[cgraven]

"Rodric set the pavilion, but first care for the best"

"Take a look at this, Mon ami," the boisterous call comes from my friend. Raising my hand in acknowledgement I climb to his side.

The journey is hard as the sand gives way under my Moroccan boots. The hooded desert cape flows in the breeze as I come to his side.

Glancing over my shoulder the camp is a flurry of activity as beasts are cared for and tents erected. The guard is posted.

My attention now towards the line of camels was descending upon us.

 

[Nemo200]

Salavegirl Shenka

occ: I had problems whit my internet comections so i will post later
But i dnot rember who i was a slavegirl to

 

[Honey_B]

Genevieve Umber de Folqune

We have stopped again. An oasis? No. Looks to be a pitiful well in the desert. A few scrubby trees about. The romance of the desert is a mirage. And yet...

While the servants prepare the camp, I seek out Omar. At the last stop, his gentle kindness did much to soothe by chafed spirit. And I long to hear one of his tales.

I turn as I hear the braying of a donkey. A humorous foil for a man with a voice like warm silk. I head towards the swarthy poet.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Sir Tanqured

Keeping my eyes on the aproaching collum of camels and scanning the horizon for any sign of troops, I sya to Sir Edward without looking, "What do you make of this, turkish peddlers? No sign of a vanguard. What do you suppose they have?" I ask already having made up my mind and removign my coif to wipe sweat of the day from my forehead with the back of a leather gauntlet.

Glancing down at the camp and noting that the tents are rising and the guards are preparing our perimiter, I can not see my wife, Genevieve. Probably awaiting me in the tent already, I shrug against the weight of my sand encrusted mail hanging from my shoulders as I return my gaze to the collum.

 

[Nemo200]

Naela Slavegirl

Naela eyed the desert noticing a caravan coming up .
Probably costumers since her owner Do-u wanted evryone to be gathring at the same place..
Neala had been sold to Do-u a few months agoe by her father who had disliked Neala ..becaouse..she wasent his daugther.
Neala looked shyly at the incoming caravan..they seemed to be forigners men whit wite skin and ther was also a lady.

 

[TXExpress]

Do-u signals a halt

"We are here."

I survey the campsite. There ARE riches to be earned here. And ... perhaps further riches to be ... shall we say, obtained by other means? A wicked smile crosses my lips.

Time to turn on the trader's charms. I may loathe them, but their treasures spend well.

"MY FRIENDS! WELCOME! I AM DO-U, AT YOUR SERVICE. WHO LEADS THIS FINE PROCESSION?"

 

[poohlive]

"Come now, we are to make camp for the night."
The rugs came out, many of them, covering a huge area in the sand, one place that seemed the biggest. There was a small watering hole here, and even if Do-u hadn't gotten any business, they would stay here for the night.
He rounded up the camel's putting them in a place so they wouldn't get in the way. After that, he helped set up the tents. Most of the women were already doing the same, and the few kids were helping out as well. It was nice how they all worked together.
Once he was done, he saw how some went to relax, while others began preparing a meal. All of it very nice, and none of it included him.
"Ladies, get ready, Do-u might ask for any of you at any time."
Standing outside the huge circle of rugs and camp, he did what he does best, stood guard. His sword dangling on his side, glinting in the afternoon sun.

 

[Cutie Lillie]

Maarisha

I waited while the men set up the tents, and watched as the tall one and Edward stood on top of a small ridge and looked out on the desert.

That meant 'others' were approaching. I felt a slight quickening of my heart as this could mean freedom or chaos, or worse... but I notice there is no panic in the camp.

Edward's tent is up. It would be better if I kept busy and not let myself be bothered with what was approaching and the destiny it would bring upon us all.

Into his tent I move to get it ready for the night. I arrange the trunks and accoutrements he needs each day. Laying them out in the way I've learned he is comfortable with.

I know I should dislike serving him, but I find a strange warm satisfaction in caring for his things. In making sure each comb, each basin is placed so that his hands can find them without thinking.

I prepare his bedding, layering the pads with textiles he's acquired during his travels. Beautiful cloths, I spread one upon the other where he rests his body each night. My mind drifting to his steady, deep breathing in the dark, his presence filling the tent, and the comfort I find as it lulls me to my own sleep.

I prepare my own bed by the tent wall... as far away from his as our own understanding of each other's minds. Mine is a simple bed, though comfortable, and I admit I am grateful to not have to sleep with others outside or alone. I sleep in here. I am safe. I do not always feel safe, and yet I do.

Such a paradox is my life. There is peace in here, and yet also a undercurrent of distrust...unspoken....

 

[Swashbuckler]

Sir Tanqured

Eyeing the Turk with great suspcion, he seemed to eager, perhaps. My left hand still resting absently on the sunwheel pommel of my sword, comforting me in its own way, I responded to the barbarian, "I am Sir Tanqured De Folqune," motioning to Edward, "and this is Sir Edward ap Glennhall, master peddler," the last word rolling off my tongue like a foul piece of meat. No man would debase himself to such an endeavor of life. No wonder God had forsaken thier land with a blight of a thousand years. Still noting that he was not really a threat, this protly turk and his rabble. Mostly women and camels after all, "So long as you keep your rabble in good detail, you may water yourselves at our oasis," I offered with forced kindness.

As we all descended the hill to the camp, I whispered to Edward, "Double the guard, keep all eyes on these miserables, hate to wake with a slit throat, eh?" I showed this master, Do-u, even thier names were of a strange sound, to the far side of the waterhole. Where I watched as his manservant, the only one well armed of the lot, busied himself with preparations of camp. Lavish carpets, fit for kings, were thrown out haphazardly onto the desert sands, barbarians. Bright tents rose as the sunset, and shadows grew to purplish darkness, slpit by lighting fires.

The sweet and strange smells of spices from the edge of the world mingled with the fare that Do-u's flock of women prepared on open spits. Such smells I had never imagined in the middle of the desert. My appetite for rough salted pork fell quickly away, the devil himself was their chef.

Adding to my intoxication were the flurry of his women, swishing silks, the light jingle of bells bouncing on ankles, their dark hair and eyes like pools in the desert. I had heard that many a man had left his home behind to seek his fortune had lost himself in the sands of the east, I now knew this to be true. I had also heard of tales of Turks who shared water by night, offering hospitality to us, their foemen by day.

Intrigued as I was, I forced myself to turn from the scene with great force of will and to seek out Edward. He was far more knowledgeable to the customs of these barbarians than I. I returned to my tent to change out of my armor for the meal, first...





OOC:
Folks, with the US gorgefest upon us I may be a while getting back to you all. But I shall return.

 

[cgraven]

My lord De Folqune speaks with him. The slaver. Long have my people suffered at the hands of such men. First from the north as Vikings raided now from the west the English press us. I have no liking for this Do-u, trader.

De Folqune whispers "Double the guard, keep all eyes on these miserable, hate to wake with a slit throat, eh?" I nod my agreement and leave.

________________

"Rodric come here" I give him the orders, as his eyes widen with understanding........."It shall be done Edward"

A loyal man he. Rodric follows as a free man to serve and protect me. No liege man, or surf, but free.

the bustling activity of the camp increase as Do-u caravan arrives.

I fight my way throw the activity of arrival and caution, to enter my pavilion. She is there the tent is set. This I know.

Rodric calls I am distracted and when I turn she is there a breath from me.
My mind wars on but not my hart.

"Maarisha"

 

[caspai]

Shahla

Camp is made. This is a busy time. As a slave, I am expected to do my part. There are no requests made, only the lash if everything is not done as it should be, and in a timely manner. Do-U wishes to impress the infedel with the obedience of his merchandise. There is also his own comfort to consider.

The tents are quickly erected, with carpets and pillows spread out for the comfort of any possible guests. Sweet incense is burned to mask the odors of the body, otherwise so overpowering. When the food is cooked and served, it is time for us to make ourselves presentable. The guard takes us down to the water so that we can make what limited use of it is allowed by Do-U. I feel the eyes of this man on me. I look up to him. He seems to have kindness in his eyes for me. Alas, my fate does not lie in that direction. The ways of Allah are of his own making, and I, his most humble servant, must follow his dictates alone.

 

[kitsuke]

Omar Mohammed al-Kali Sharaat

Of course, we camp too near the oasis. Why should we not? After, the desert lions are known for being very accomodating to travelers and their livestock. Ah well, the lord goes where he wills, and the wisdom follows after.

I hear the sand shifting under soft feet behind me, the rustle of restrictive clothing layered oppresively in the heat. I smile at myself as I unpack my ass.

"To what I owe the pleasure of your company, Lady de Folqune?" one need not look to catch the tiny gasp in the back of her throat. Perhaps she thought to surprise me? Ah, but one does not become a storyteller by ignoring the world around him.

I turn half towards her, my lean form silhouetted by the twilight and curl my mouth up in what can be construed as amusement of pleasure, arching an eyebrow as well. She does fill out the fabrics of her home well.

Very well.

 

[Cutie Lillie]

Maarisha

He had breezed into the tent like the wind that precedes a desert storm....

I only went and stood behind him to see if I could be of any help.
I didn't expect him to turn so suddenly...and be standing only a breath in front of me.

I could not meet his eyes, not only would that be impolite it would be overwhelming for me, since his eyes held his strength, and gentle intelligence. I always felt they bored through every defense I had and that unnerved.

I could feel his eyes' heat on me, his breath, his 'presence' rattling my world in that moment...

"Welcome, Edward, sir..... is there anything I can bring you? I see there will be visitors for the evening. Must I prepare? Will there be a performance expected of me?"

I love to dance and yet also dreaded dancing for strangers. I knew what they saw. I sometimes used it against them as I performed... their lust for the pleasures of a woman, one they could never have. It really was only they who tortured themselves, for I danced for my own pleasure. The freedom and pleasure of being a women, celebrating, moving as we were created to move.

 

[Honey_B]

Genevieve Umber de Folqune

I watched my husband enter our tent. It was my duty to go to him, to oversee the preparations, to help him out of his armor. To satisfy his carnal need if need be. I shifted my blue eyes from the tent to Omar and smiled.

"So you know my name. Yes, I am the Lady Genevieve Umber de Folqune. I admire your intelligence and wit."

The heat of the day began to lift its iron grip on the land and I breathed deeply.

"Walk with me if you please." I looked pointedly at my tent. "I have time at my disposal before the evening meal begins. Tell me of this land. Tell me of your home, Omar. I am in need of hearing something beautiful."

 

[Nemo200]

Slavegirl Naela

Neala was whit the other to be gatherd by Ravish when the caravan whit the newcomers had arrived.
suddenly being pushed Neala stumbled.. on her knees but got up quickly again hoping that Do-u hadent noticed anything.. looked around to see that she hadent borke anything.
Nealea placed herself next to another slavegirl

 

[TXExpress]

Do-u "welcomes" the infidels

He calls himself Sir Tanqured De Folqune, and takes no great pride in introducing the "master peddler" in his company. Were there not deals to be done, I would have had Ravish do him in then and there. Allah smiles upon the trader, the peddler, the honest businessman.

"So long as you keep your rabble in good detail, you may water yourselves at our oasis."

Arrogant DOG. On whose land does he think he travels? It is that of Allah, none other.

But, still, there is no questioning the material riches, if not the spiritual ones, of this band. My discerning eye spots beauty, too; that every bit the equal of those in my ... uh, employ. I am guessing one is the jackal's wife; the other is a mystery.

Arrogance like this is not easily impressed. I must devise a way to quickly draw their attention.

I clap my hands together, twice, and call to my bodyguard. He thinks I have not noticed the attention he lavishes upon the one called Shahla; at every stop, at every meal, at every turn.

He thinks incorrectly.

I motion him over with a call of, "Get the girl; the one called Shahla." Then I continue.

"My lords and ladies, welcome. I have for you at this most fortuitous time the wealth and treasure of my lands," carefully emphasizing the rightful inhabitant. "But I can see by the way you gentlemen carry yourselves that you will not take Do-u merely at his word.

"This is my ... companion, Ravish," I say, remembering the disdain with which the Lord introduced his "peddler" friend. "Ravish, as you can see, is a humble man. Perhaps one as tantilizing as the fair Shahla can rid him of any undue humility."

A nervous giggle arises from the infidels, though looks of intrigue are plain.

"Shahla. Introduce this man to pleasure, as only you can provide it, for the benefit of our ... guests."

 

[Ldy Tehari]

Kimaija

*We made camp and everyone started preparations for dinner, It was going to be a fine show by the way I gathered, everyone was getting dressed up and in perfume. I did my chores with my wrists bound together as usual. It had nearly become second nature to move that way now. The hustle and bustle began to quiet as fires were lit, the sun dyed everything cyan, and music began to play. We were herded back to the tents, made ready for presentation, and told to wait. I hated waiting... the hardest part is the calm before the storm. Anticipation ran cold in my blood, not knowing what for sure we'd run into.*

*Sure enough the guards came, they took Shahla. Of course.. she seemed so suited to her servitude. Why would they bring up tied stock they have to keep in check.. I paced some more.. planning, plotting, maybe, just maybe there will be a show tonight of pleasures. And I will be there to perform. Sighing softy, pacing slowly. *

 

[poohlive]

Ravish comes up behind Naela, brushing the sand off of her clothing. It was just in a few places, good thing she didn't fall on a hill.
"Please, keep your balance Naela. He might see you next time, there you are."
He gave her a smile, walking over to Shahla.
Ravish brings the slave forward, by Do-u's side. He bows slightly, his hand mere inches from his blade. Why is it he can not trust these fellows yet? Perhaps it is their skin, anyone with skin that fair must be suspicious. Are they afraid of the sun or something?
However, he himself gave a suspicious look hearing Do-u's next command.
"Master," he spoke quietly, so no one else could hear, "Perhaps it is better if she pleasured one of the strangers. They might think this is some sort of an act, perhaps that we are even betrothed. I need to stay focused for the other slaves, besides, you are selling pleasure to them, not me."
He bowed again, showing respect, "But, if you feel it is necessary, I shall grant your command."

 

[caspai]

Shahla

I hear the words being said around me. They speak of me as an object rather than as a person. This is not a bad thing, for if they thing of me as a thing, less will be expected of me. Then I hear the command. I must perform for the pleasure of Ravish, and I must do so in front of the hated infidel. Oh, this shall not be an easy task. Why must Allah ask so much of me? The ways of Allah are strange, and I do what I must.

I remove a small bag from my waist and, bending down to the sand at my feet, I open the bag to remove the jewelry I have been allowed to keep. It is only for purposes such as these that I am allowed this bag. This bag, so important to me, keeps me dancing when I would wish otherwise. Lifting the delicate chain belt from the small pile, I stand and place it around my waist. The bells jingle in a happy fashion as I again bend to the small pile and retrieve the chain head dress with the tiger's eye that hangs just to the third eye spot, just above my nose. I place this on my head, making the adjustments necessary so that it lies as it should. One last retrieval, the slave bracelets so symbolic among the women of my culture. I place one one each hand, making sure that the mesh is placed on the back of my hands rather than on the palms. Were Do-u to see me making myself even symbolically off-limits, the price would be a great one. It would not matter to him that the infidel would not know the significance. He would, and that would be all that mattered.

I stand, awaiting the signal from Do-u that would allow the drum beat, and the beginning of my performance. As the rythm begins, I close my eyes and lift my arms over my head, beginning to spin slowly, and then faster and faster as the tempo increases. I feel the soft skirts flying around my legs, and listen to the sharp ring of the metal as it sings with my movements. I abruptly stop when I am face-to-face with Ravish. My sad eyes, only slightly hidden under the thin veil I wear, tell him that I am very sad for what I must do. I have no other choice, though, and I know that he understands. Ah, that Allah had chosen a different path for me...