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Post by Dungeon Master on Dec 22, 2018 15:18:13 GMT -8
A look of surprise flickers across Izzy's face at the mention of Corellon watching over Rabbit and even more so that he has spoken with the Seldarine god. She looks uncomfortable momentarily, worry seems to be scratching at her head, she then continues. "The official story that it is impossible for a maiden to leave. They are set to ... self destruct if commanded to do so, let alone if they are captured. I have seen the results of one being captured, over 100 meter circle of burnt forest and lots of dead elves."
As unsure as she is of Luke and his intentions with Rabbit she pushes on, "I have no doubt you are right why some of the handmaidens are chosen. I believe it probably makes a better handmaiden as well, a larger bit of power to pull from, but there is no doubt that eliminating competition is definitely a reason for the selection of girls."
Izzy looks guarded at Luke "What if I told you I knew of other girls that have left, some didn't make it out in the real world, some got called back, and some I might know where they are hidden away from people that would take advantage of them? The girls are a vast vast minority of maidens, most serve and don't even understand where they are or why they do this, but every once in awhile a young maiden isn't lost to the initial rituals, and are able to get away."
Izzy stares at Rabbit's clothes on the floor, "However, Rabbit is the only maiden to leave after having her heart removed. The other maidens were maidens less than three years, after the rituals I had never heard of any maidens leave... except Rabbit, and I would know. I have contacts with several other handlers that feel similarly. Can you fix younger maidens?"
IZZY
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Post by wolsey on Dec 22, 2018 16:34:29 GMT -8
"I have no doubt many maidens were murdered as a way to keep them in the fold. I have seen the rituals used on Rabbit, and their effects. I do no approve of what happens to the women that become maidens' and it goes against my sects beliefs to do that to anyone for any reason. I think Rabbits choice says more about her mother's fears about Rabbit overshadowing her," Luke says.
"I'd like to hear more about this explosive self destruction. I wonder if it's only those that have lost their heart. Maybe a phylactery? I saw nothing on her that would be useful to such a detonation. Perhaps I missed it, or perhaps the Cat got it? I do think I could figure out a way to undo things. The ritual to clear them of control is something that is easy. It's the heart that makes it tricky. If they haven't had that done, I could clear them in a half an hour and some basic prayer," Luke explains.
"I and my brethren in Kokand have spent some time studying Rabbit's issue, and we would always help those in need that needed it. Sekhmet never turns away those in need. If they came to me, or to the temple in Kokand, they could be freed," Luke offers.
"The heart is trickier. I have a couple of options for that. It's a bigger undertaking and not without risk, but we think we can do that as well, wether we can do it remotely, or go to the Underdark to destroy that collection of hearts is still up to debate. There's a good chance it can be done remotely, though," Luke says.
"If you have maidens and handlers that want freedom, I offer it to the best of my ability," Luke says.
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Post by Dungeon Master on Dec 22, 2018 16:52:24 GMT -8
She nods as Luke talks, "No guarantees, but you may get visited by young girls... They are young, don't take advantage of them or there may be issues." She seems concerned over their safety. "I have notes about the explosion, I know it is worked into their bodies, but Rabbit was the only maiden I handled that was that far along. The girls usually are used up quickly in battles so that kind of power is unusual. The maiden I am referring to that exploded was about half of Rabbit's age which still makes her 10 times older then most. Even my broken maidens are a lot younger than Rabbit. I can use your help with some of them."
As she begins to talk more, her head cocks and she seems to be staring behind Luke at the floor. Luke notices a slender, delicate and intimately familiar hand reaching under the flap, trying to reach the bag sitting there, trying to not interrupt the couple talking. Izzy says something to the hand in what Luke recognizes as drow and the hand stops moving. Very reminiscent of a child in a cookie jar. Izzy continues talking in the dark elven language, he does clearly hear his name mentioned by Izzy while the arm under the flap still hasn't moved. The arm almost seems to hope that Luke won't notice it if it sits there long enough.
IZZY
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Post by wolsey on Dec 22, 2018 17:04:46 GMT -8
"Really, Rabbit? You can come in. You are always welcome, and I'm not sleeping with Izzy. We are discussing . . . mostly you, so you might as well come in," Luke says. His dark eyes squint in amusement.
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Post by Dungeon Master on Dec 22, 2018 17:11:44 GMT -8
Izzy chuckles at the hand and then at Luke, "You have her all tangled up. She never behaved like this around someone before, especially not a boy. She was worried we were in here fucking." She turns and looks at Luke with a raised eyebrow, "Although I will say that isn't off the table for me."
IZZY
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Post by Dungeon Master on Dec 22, 2018 17:14:17 GMT -8
Rabbit crawls under the flap, squishing her top and then her hips up and under the sealed tent flap. She unceremoniously stands up, adjusting her clothing and for a few seconds there was blushing until it was gone. "I didn't want to interrupt you two if you were enjoying the moment.” She looks up at Luke, "Is there a problem?"
RABBIT
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Post by wolsey on Dec 22, 2018 17:18:06 GMT -8
Luke smiles but doesn't return a response to the proposition, "Izzy was concerned you were a Lolth bomb. Salkya and I have not seen any evidence of that. Either we missed it, or that poor girl that exploded died of other means, and the Drow Matron in charge took it as an opportunity to sow some seeds to keep the others from leaving. Oh, and I offered to free those I could that had become maidens, if they chose to leave. The ritual isn't hard. If their hearts were not taken, I think that's all it would take. You and your heart are the only thing we are still working on. When you chose to do it." He smiles with honest fondness at Rabbit.
"I also would not sleep with your former handler unless we talked about it. That's too close to you, and your feeling comfortable and safe is more important than finding new lovers," Luke explains.
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Post by Dungeon Master on Dec 22, 2018 18:19:53 GMT -8
Izzy feigns hurt at the proclamation from Luke but that seems to go away just as quick as it came, "Luke has been telling me about how your sigils and bindings have been tamped down. I am amazed it is such a simple way to suborn it. It intrigues me. How are you feeling Riisa?"
IZZY
A flicker of emotion crosses Rabbit's face when Luke talks to her, a soft smile appears on her face that he realizes is only meant for him, she opens her mouth and seems to be about to say something very personal, then realizes Izzy is there and closes her mouth, She looks over at Izzy and back to Luke, "I am feeling fine Riisa, actually I have been finding myself happier than I have ever been before. The group has made me feel close, and Luke has made me feel like I am home."
She turns her attention fully on Luke, "I cannot thank you enough for everything you try to work with me on. I have never felt safe, even though Sobhan has been kind this is truly the first place I don't feel like I have to bind myself, and that people care. I am thinking about the options you gave me and I might have an answer for you that you will like when we go home."
She reaches up and runs her hands along his armor affectionately and for a second she seems to fadeout just touching him. She gives him a peck on the cheek and sits back giving him a large open smile showing she isn't hiding anything, "I would be fine if you decided you liked her and wanted to sleep with her. I can tell you that she can be a lot of fun. If you were interested, maybe you would get a chance with two drow girls at the same time." She smiles at him playfully.
RABBIT
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Post by wolsey on Dec 22, 2018 19:17:03 GMT -8
Luke smiles at Rabbit, ignoring Izzy completely. He smiles warmly down to her, "I don't know about that. That sounds like I'd be I trouble." He smirks, and says, "Tell her I'm not your handler. You are perfectly fine. You get stabby, but I think any of us could approach you. You mostly just grouse at that point. I've seen Barbarians frenzy, and it's really not much different. I can't tell if she's worried about you, or trying to point out your 'dangerous' to me."
He looks over Rabbit's dark hair at Izzy when he says the last bit.
"I did tell her I'd do whatever in my power to free the others. The temple of Sekhmet in Kokand knows how to do it, and my sect will add it to the services we offer. No pay is necessary, but we would certainly never turn down donations," He winks at Izzy with the last well rehearsed phrase.
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Post by Dungeon Master on Dec 22, 2018 19:33:02 GMT -8
Izzy rolls her eyes at Luke, "Yes yes, your not a handler... but you are. However, I am concerned about her, and about what you are doing with her. Although I am kind of satisfied with how you have responded. Oh and don't worry, we definitely will pay up if we have it".She looks back and forth at Rabbit who is facing away and up at Luke, she gives him a wink and she tugs at her top questioningly, waiting for an answer on Rabbit's offer.
IZZY
Rabbit doesn't seem to notice Izzy behind her, she is just staring up intently at Luke. For a moment he can feel her shivering slightly in her arms and then it fades away. "When we get home I need your help clearing out a place if you don't mind Luke. I want to give what is there to Sekhmet, or at least what she will take of it. Maybe we can see about fixing me while we are at it. I don't want to risk you or the team in case Izzy is right." She glances over at the older frumpy wildcat sitting under the portable shelves that is watching Luke intently. She pulls herself up as close as Luke's body as his armor allows. "As for the other thing, you would be tired, not in trouble by the way. Maybe tire you out for a day or two."
RABBIT
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Post by wolsey on Dec 22, 2018 19:42:23 GMT -8
"I can help you clear things out. I'm not worried about myself. I'm pretty sure Salkya steals my hair when I'm asleep, in case I need resurrected. Also, I am currently favored by Sekhmet. She can't put all this effort into me as her first paladin and not want me to stay alive," Luke says. He reaches a long arm softly over to the wild cat, and gently strokes the animals ears and whispers, "Do NOT tell her that part, please."
"I would only sleep with Izzy if you were there. Quite frankly she frightens me," He says with a smile. "You are a fiery ball of knifey death, but that's never pointed at me," he says as he rubs Rabbits ear. Not unlike he had done carefully and gently with the wild cat. As if she was a wild creature that might dart away.
"Did all go well where you were at? Keeping Key alive? Any more 'fun' with the Balrog?" Luke asks with a smile. He may look calm and pleasant with Izzy, but this smile and amusement is more at home on his face now.
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Post by Dungeon Master on Dec 22, 2018 19:55:37 GMT -8
Izzy smiles at the pair and just begins to unbuckle her light armor.
IZZY
Rabbit's eyes almost roll up into her head as Luke touches her, he can almost hear a purr coming from her for several moments when she is lost in his touch. She opens her left eye softly, beaming at Luke happily. She slowly adjusts her stance so her hand can start unclasping her armor as she talks, Her first words come out almost as a sigh, "They never go as well as I would l would like when you aren't there."
She continues to enjoy the ear rub, "The Balrog doesn't understand why Night Scale keeps following him around when Alluvian is out in the camp and has different guards. He has no clue about her. She keeps walking up to him and he keeps trying to intimidate her like he does the elves. It is fantastically funny. As for Key, Anglerond is with her now, both her and I are being followed by maidens, not sure why."
She glances over again at the older frumpy wildcat. "I think Salkya watches over you as well as Sekhmet. Although neither are needed. I am sorry I didn't mean clear out a place as in fight things, I meant as in I have a whole bunch of stuff I want to give away at a place I already own. No violence, I mostly promise." She smiles at him as the first clasp comes off.
RABBIT
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Post by wolsey on Dec 24, 2018 7:16:32 GMT -8
Luke laughs, "Nightscale is just itching to kick his ass to prove herself. She's still young enough to be hasty. I am more than happy to help you move some stuff. You don't have to give anything to Sekhmet. I don't want you emptying out your coffers just because we helped you. We don't ask for that."
"Who's maidens are following you and Anglerond?" Luke asks.
He pauses, and then reaches to unbuckle his new scale mail, but whispers into Rabbit's head. "I'm only in on this is you protect me from the big bad Drow. Oh, and she's supposed to give us a list of all your trigger words. Might be nice to dismantle them later."
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Post by Dungeon Master on Dec 24, 2018 7:46:32 GMT -8
Izzy is humming to herself as she strips out of her armor, revealing a slender, but still far curvier body then a surface elf. She does stop and look at a older calico cat that is at her feet staring at her. She hesitates and touches the cats head tentatively.
IZZY Rabbit chuckles, "I will protect you from the big bad drow. I promise we don't usually kill and eat the males we sleep with, that is mostly matrons..." She hesitates and still with a smile, "Although Izzy is now a small matron so maybe you are in trouble."
Rabbit lifts her hands up, her top tumbling to the floor and she places a small hand on each side of Luke's face, "I want to give to you, Salkya and Sekhmet. I have found something resembling quiet in my head, however fleeting. I am not all the way there but I have never felt this clear headed in my entire life."
She hesitates her eyes vulnerable as she leans up towards the tiefling. Luke can see her almost say something and a panicked look crosses her face at the very last moment and those words are gone. The intensity of her is still focused on Luke though, "A lot of the items are trophies, or treasure I earned doing things I still can't sleep because of. It isn't supposed to be used to enrich me, not if I want to atone for anything. Not that you can really atone for some of what I have done..."
RABBIT
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Post by wolsey on Dec 24, 2018 11:49:43 GMT -8
Luke looks down at Rabbit and makes a face, "We've been over this. Sometimes people do things, because it's what they have to. Sometimes they have to do things that are horrific, but there is no other way out. You are a good person, or you'd sleep soundly without nightmares. They couldn't break you, because you are also the strongest will I've ever met. If you feel giving to the Sekhmet temple will give you peace, then so be it. I just don't want you to impoverish yourself for Sekhmet. She'd not want that either. A rich noble flush with gold? That's a different matter."
He kissed the top of her head, and says, "By all means, save me from the Drow over there."
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