[Clyde Sullins] Going Once...

by **Nola** on December 8th, 2014, 6:31 am

1st of Winter, 514 AV

Nola sat quietly and watched the sale of a young girl, anxiety twisting in her stomach. Other slaves sat clustered around, all awaiting their turn up on the stage with the Auctioneer. Some, much like herself, appeared outwardly calm and collected, sitting with straight backs and patient expressions. Nola mirrored this, her gilded skin and darker colourings at odds with the others of more pale and subtle complexions. She chewed her lip and did her best to tune out the muffled sobs and whimpers of the other, less composed of the slaves. After all, she had her own problems and it wouldn't help her to obsess over others. Personally, Nola hated auctions, even when she wasn't the one for sale. It made her nervous, to have so many eyes studying her with such criticism.

The girl being auctioned was far younger than herself, with skinny arms and legs and thick blond curls. She was fairly cute, Nola noted and it was clear that she would grow to be quite the beauty. Apparently this was clear to the gathered crowd too, as the small girl seemed to be getting an abundance of offers, though Nola suspected it had more to do with a supposed Healing Gnosis. After a few moments the bidding was over and the girl was being ushered down the stairs on the opposite side of the stage to her new master, who had headed over to pay for the girl and gather her few belongings.

"Next to auction, a Domestic Cat Kelvic of three years, fully trained." Nola was prodded by a guard and she rose to her feet easily, allowing herself to be guided up onto the stage, walking stiffly to the center. Turning she faced the small crowd gathered before the stage, hands falling to fist in her lose fitting, worn pants. Nola fought to keep her face passive and blank, doing her best to ignore the sweat she could feel beading at the back of her neck, under her long dark hair. "Hailing, ladies and gentlemen, from the distant lands of the Ekytol Region, and disciplined by the skilled, multi-armed Eypharian lords and ladies. Not just a pretty face, she is proficient in the art of massage, and is accompanied by a Masseuse's Toolkit." The man paused and glanced down to the notes in his hands. "Besides that her skill set includes some training in Dance and Cooking, though she lacks any considerable physical strength. She is no doubt the perfect addition to any bathhouse or as a obedient slave to a single master." As the Auctioneer called out her starting price, Nola tuned out and let her gaze fall to the rest of the pavilion, eying the more common stock shackled to iron poles for the viewing of others, and those gathered to bid.

by **Clyde Sullins** on December 8th, 2014, 3:54 pm

1 Winter 514

Clyde was not one to often visit the slave market. It wasn't a place he frequented, though it was at times interesting to see the bartering and negotiations as people bid on slaves, the slow upward movement of price until a single person was left bidding.

He himself had some credit though, a short line of it, due to a past slave being sold back. It had all happened while he was off on mission for the Ebonstryfe. I'tram had not been fully used, and so acting on his behalf, the Stryfe had enacted a sale, and sold him to a new owner. Due to the oddness of the situation, instead of simply paying him back the mizas, the slave market had offered him credit upon his return to buy another slave.

He'd only learned of it recently, upon returning, and he'd been busy during his time in Fall that he'd been in Ravok. So today was the first time he really had a chance to look about, and find a replacement to spend his credit.

Being in Ravok, Clyde was free to openly wear signs of his being of the Stryfe. Normally if he was on certain duties, he'd do his best to keep such a thing a secret, as it might be offputing to see a member of the Stryfe. But when he was on official duties, or simply wanted to show his power within the city, Clyde wore his things to show his place within the Stryfe. Today was one of those days.

And if the fact that he wore garb signaling his position within the Stryfe scared off a few prospective competing bidders... All the better, Clyde though to himself as he smiled.

Today he wore some of his finer clothes, as he did not expect to get into a battle or some such situation where his finer garb might be damaged. A velvet shirt and pants, of a dark hue, new leather shoes and a belt, with a dark purple vest over it. Much of that was covered however by his Ebonstryfe robes, a fine set that was enchanted with Magecrafting, and was emblazoned on the front with the symbol of the Ebonstryfe.

In his hand he held Cha, the blue hued wooden staff of a Magical Variety. It was a bit longer than the staffs most used, a full 5 feet tall, only about a foot shorter than Clyde himself. But the extra reach and size was useful, and so Clyde had designed it as such to be longer than normal.

As Clyde entered the slave market, a young girl was coming up for sale. Clyde watched as bids passed back and forth, slowly creeping upward. His last slave had been a bit young, and he didn't plan to buy another young one, not such as this. So he was fine to let it pass. If he was to buy any for sale today, he'd be a bit more practical than his last time in the slave market.

"Next to auction, a Domestic Cat Kelvic of three years, fully trained."

Clyde looked over this one. A kelvic, of a cat variety, though of a domestic cat type. Much smaller than Kyra, who had been a cat, but of the great hunting variety. Still, perhaps of interest. As the kelvic rose and walked for all to see her on the stage, Clyde took her visage in. Female, not young, at least for a kelvic. She didn't seem visibly afraid or distraught by the process, more neutral.

"Hailing, ladies and gentlemen, from the distant lands of the Ekytol Region, and disciplined by the skilled, multi-armed Eypharian lords and ladies. Not just a pretty face, she is proficient in the art of massage, and is accompanied by a Masseuse's Toolkit."

Clyde pondered that bit. A masseuse. Whether or not Clyde would have direct use of such skills, he could always find her a job using them using his own ties, and make a small profit off of her. The healing facility in Ravok for instance might find her of use.

He might use her some for his own personal use, though likely not extensively.

"Besides that her skill set includes some training in Dance and Cooking, though she lacks any considerable physical strength. She is no doubt the perfect addition to any bathhouse or as a obedient slave to a single master."

Cooking. Something Clyde had little to no knowledge of. Her acting as a cook might also be of use, particularly when he left Ravok and went back to Sahova. A good cook would be invaluable for a pulser, considering the fare most put up with.

The first bidder shouted out her price. "100 gold mizas!"

Clyde paused for a moment, assessing, considering, as he walked a bit closer to the front, nearer to the stage.

Another bidder shouted out, a tall man. "150"

Clyde raised his own hand, the one holding Cha, and bid.

“200.”

The man who had bid before him at 150 blanched, seeing the Stryfe symbol, and seemed to decide he was uninterested.

The first woman however did not, and bid again, either because she was not afraid, or had not seen Clyde. "250!" A few people muttered, as Clyde paused, finally meeting the gaze of the woman.

“300.”

by **Nola** on December 16th, 2014, 11:18 am

Nola watched carefully, turning her gaze to each new person as they raised their hand to catch the attention of the auctioneer, with a sense of dejection. The girl that had gone before her had seemed to have gather far more interest and a far higher price. Nola pouted slightly, only to perk up once again with the arrival of a new bidder and she took a moment to take in his appearance as she had the ones before. He was tall, easily taller than herself and fairly long limbed, though she couldn't tell much more under that robes that he wore. The symbol emblazoned on the front must have been important however, as the crowd parted easily as he moved forward, eyes falling hesitantly to the symbol before darting away almost nervously.

Nola watched with interest as the first man to bid easily gave up on her after he noticed the new comer, slipping through the crowd to study the chained slaves on show. Nerves began to twist in her stomach again as she pondered the curious reaction, rubbing her fingers against the rough but clean material of her pant legs. Her feet were bare as she stood with one on top of the other, toes flexing nervously. They had been replaced upon arriving in Ravok, though she had not had a chance to break them in and they pinched at her heel, making her steps slightly staggered. She had figured, when preparing that morning, that it would be better to go to auction bare foot than looking like a hobbling cripple while she stretched her shoes out, her old ones dirty and tattered from the road.

All eyes seemed to be on the woman bidding as they waited for her reaction to the new comers bid and, Nola had to admit, rather intimidating stare. The woman paused and seemed to realize what was happening and who she happened to be competing against. She glanced back and Nola, and for a moment it seemed she would place another bid, regardless of the threat the newest bidder apparently carried. After a moment or two she fell back however, averting her eyes and dropping her shoulders in defeat. Nola's eyes flicked back to the man and then quickly out over the audience, wondering if anyone else would step in and bid. No one seemed very interested though and Nola glanced quickly at the auctioneer as he called out over the crowd.

"Going once... Twice..."

by **Clyde Sullins** on December 16th, 2014, 5:43 pm

It seemed the exchange was nearing its end, as no one else seemed ready to bid. Perhaps due to the price going up, perhaps due to Clyde non subtle attempts at intimidating the other bidders with his position.

"Going once... Twice..."

There was a pause, a few ticks, as the announcer waited for another person to bid. When it finally became clear no one else would, he finished it.

"And sold, to the gentleman of the Ebonstryfe with the blue staff."

Clyde nodded, and headed over to the side of the stage, where he would pay for the slave, and make the exchange. While he did that Nola would undoubtedly be sent to collect her things, and then brought forth and given over to Clyde.

He therefore waited after the transaction for his slave to be brought forth, and to meet his new acquisition.

When she came forth with whatever possessions she held, he would give her a once over, and then name himself, followed by asking of her own name.

“I am Clyde Sullins, of the Ebonstryfe. And what is your name?”

by **Nola** on December 25th, 2014, 8:42 am

What the petch is an Ebonstryfe? Nola wondered to herself as a guard returned to usher her down from the stage. She glanced over her shoulder as she went, eyes tracking her new owner as he moved to the other side of the stage. Stooping, Nola collected her bag and her kit and followed to guard around the back of the stage. The man seemed relieved to have such an easy slave to lead, no doubt he was used to crying and struggling.

Nola lowered her eyes to the ground as they came around the corner, careful to keep her steps even and quiet. "My name is Nola. How should i address you?" She replied in an even tone, glancing up from under her eye lashes, suddenly hoping Clyde wasn't the type of owner to have his slaves tattooed or branded.

by **Clyde Sullins** on December 26th, 2014, 7:58 pm

Having made the proper exchanges with the proper people of the slave market, Clyde headed off to inspect his new purchase. As she approached he saw she now had her various items and things, objects she'd not carried on stage with her for obvious reasons.

In watching her, he noticed her watching him, at times being subtle, but still tracking him with her gaze.

As she approached the slave averted her gaze, looking not at his eyes but at the ground. Perhaps it was a sign of deference or of subservience, but then again it could as easily simply be an act she was putting on... A facade to mislead and to put on a show of her obsequiousness. Hard to tell simply by looking at her.

"My name is Nola. How should i address you?"

Nola, the name of the new kelvic he had acquired. Clyde said the name in his head a few times as he looked the woman over. As he looked her over mundanely, he willed his djed through Cha, focusing and willing his more magical sight to extend. An aura reading would be a good simple step to assessing his new property.

As she glanced up at him, Clyde let out a sigh, twirling his fingers about in his free hand as a calming and focusing gesture, to help initialize the reading.

“Master or Mr. Sullins would be just fine. Or Clyde if you'd like and we are alone.”

Striking the base of Cha on the ground once and making a quick sound of the wood striking, Clyde felt out with his aura sight, willing it to extend towards Nola, grasping onto the edges of her aura with his mind and mulling over it.

As he began to attune to her aura, Clyde walked in a circle about her, taking her in from all sides, more as a means of doing something while he focused on her aura. But in the situation it would likely appear normal enough of an action, and so he did it. Gestures after all varied, and could even be such simple actions as that.

At first glance her aura was a whitish hue, with a subtle brownish color mixed into it. With his more mundane vision he did see the simpleness of her apparel, common enough but neither overly poor or cheap nor overly fine.

“Is that all you have, your clothes and such and your tools for massage or whatever?”

Clyde paused for a moment, before motioning for her to follow, and leading her out of the slave market.

Though with his mundane vision he was not looking at her, he still focused on her magically with his aura vision. He long since progressed past the need to be looking directly at the subject with his mundane eyes in order to inspect it, and could quite easily track things out of his direct eyesight.

“First things first, I suppose we'll need to get you something decent to wear other than... That... Azure's should have what we need. Come along.”

Pausing in his motion, he turned and looked back at the kelvic, eying her.

“I won't be having any trouble with you, shall I? I assure you that if you act accordingly, you will have a pleasant enough time, and that if you do not act accordingly, you will not. ”

Assuming Nola answered in the affirmative, Clyde would lead her on, heading towards the nearest canal, and taking a ride with her directly to Azure's via Ravasola.

by **Nola** on December 29th, 2014, 11:16 am

"Yes, master." Nola dipped her head in acceptance, then suppressing a startled flinch as he suddenly lifted his staff, bringing it down with a sharp sound. Gods, don't tell me I've offended him already! She thought to herself, hunching her shoulders defensively and eying him from under her lashes, keeping her head dipped subserviently. She stiffened further as he circled her, curling her fingers and pressing her nails sharply into her palm in an anxious gesture.

"Yes, master." She repeated, looking down at her clothing. They were clean enough, having been washed upon arrival in Ravok, along with herself, and turned out the be in fairly good condition when free of the dust and grime of travel. "I also have some minor grooming and food items." She added. turning and falling into step behind him. She glanced around as they walked, relaxing slightly now that she wasn't being studied so closely. Ravok was different to any other city that she had ever been in, not only in appearance but in culture too. The differences and peculiarity's brought many questions to her mind and Nola had to all but bite her tongue to keep from spouting an unending stream of them.

Nola's eyes snapped back around to Clyde as he began to speak again, and she glanced down at her attire once again. Deigning not to reply she simply nodded, but her eye's darted back up at his next question. "No master!" She all but yelped, standing up straighter. "I assure you, I'll be no trouble, none at all! I've been trained well, even as a child I was well behaved." She said in a hurried attempt to assure her new master. It was a point of pride for her, something that she had been complimented on before.

Falling silent once more Nola followed Clyde towards the canal, glancing down at the water uncertainly as he stepped easily into a boat sitting on the water. Nola had never seen anything like it before and she barely refrained from asking what it was. She stepped forward hesitantly and set her foot into the boat, grimacing as it rocked gently. She pulled the rest of her body in quickly and perched herself behind Clyde in the narrow boat, gripping the sides tightly.

by **Clyde Sullins** on December 29th, 2014, 4:36 pm

"Yes, master."

His new slave seemed to act with a general sense of acceptance, though it was hard to say. However she seemed somewhat easily startled, considering how she flinched at the sound of his staff striking the ground. It was an odd gesture Clyde occasionally did, usually for no particular reason, but certainly not as a violent action.

It was clear she was not as calm as she put on by the aura readings Clyde was pulling off of her. Emotions where not the easiest thing to sense, but some of hers where rather strong, and Clyde had practice with searching such things out before and with a much harder to read person.

With the physical cues tying in with her emotions, and reading the two in unison, it was much easier to see her emotional state and how she reacted.

While she was perhaps anxious, and had fear of him, he did not sense burning anger or malice. This did not mean it was not there, but if nothing else it was not a strong emotion, or one she was actively feeling right then.

"Yes, master."

"I also have some minor grooming and food items."

As he strode off Nolan followed, Clyde continuing to examine her aura behind him, keeping her within his awareness via his aura sense, even if not through mundane visual contact. He could see her all the same, though only her, using the simplest of Auiristical techniques to see her via her aura. It was not the same as mundane sight, more like seeing the person or object floating alone in an emptiness, and only seeing and sensing them. But it served his purposes, particularly that of appearing to not be watching her, while actually doing so.

"No master!"

If nothing else she was eager to prove her loyalty. Not that such a thing guaranteed it. If anything a disloyal slave would be even more eager to espouse one's loyalty, than a non loyal one.

"I assure you, I'll be no trouble, none at all! I've been trained well, even as a child I was well behaved."

Clyde simply nodded, not bothering to answer. Only time would tell her true loyalty, through her actions. Words alone meant relatively little, and could as easily be lies.

As they reached the Ravasola, and Clyde easily climbed in, Clyde felt a new sense from Nola. A clear sense as Clyde understood it of uncertainty and fear. This peaked as she stepped in and the boat moved slightly, causing her to cling to the sides of the boat as if she feared she would drown otherwise.

Telling the Ravasoloman their destination, he quickly pushed off with a long pole from the side of the canal, continuing on their way by more pushes and shoves with the pole off the sides of the canals. It was a practiced motion, and they were quickly up to speed. It was also a short journey, as Azure's was relatively close to the slave market.

Upon arriving before the well appointed shop of Azure's clothing shop, Clyde paid the fee for the ride, along with giving him a tip of a extra gm.

With that Clyde hopped out of the boat, and motioned for Nola to follow him inside.

Through the front window several mannequins could be seen wearing various fashions of dark clothe. One was dressed as a man, and two others as woman in dresses, all of fine make.

Inside the place was even finer, with the floor covered in thick finely made rugs and the room lighted by crystal chandeliers on the ceiling. There were also various rolls of fine clothe, likely from far off lands, for purchase by those who wished to make their own clothes. Along with that were outfits, bits of apparel, shoes, and other such things. More or less all that one could possibly want to wear, should one have the money to afford it.

Behind the shopkeepers counter was a man, himself finely appointed, and with dark hair that had an odd sheen to it. Like Nola he himself was a kelvic, owned by the shop owner.

“Alright... So I suppose two outfits, one for more general use, and a second for special occasions. I'd prefer the second to be a dress, though the first can be whatever. So go on, find things to wear. Changing rooms in the back.”

With that Clyde turned away, fingering one of the rolls of expensive silk, and leaving it to Nola to find her own clothes.

OOC :

by **Nola** on January 1st, 2015, 11:31 am

Finally free from the narrow boat Nola allowed herself to relax slightly, rolling her shoulders in an effort to unwind the tension there as she followed after Clyde. The shop they approached was narrow, and painted a bright white, decorated with various flowers and plants. Nola peered curiously at the clothing in the front window as the entered the store, wondering why Clyde would bother with such high end clothing for a slave.

Inside Nola found herself stunned by the array of colours and fabrics in the shop. The range and variety of the fabrics brought back memories of the markets and shops in Ahnatep, though she had never really had much experience with them. The memory brought with it a pang of longing for her homeland. Everything in Ravok seemed so foreign to her - the weather, culture, social structure.

Nola tore her attention away from the store and back to Clyde as he began to speak, surprising Nola even further. She had never been entrusted with choosing her own clothing before, and nothing she had ever worn had been even close the the grade the shop no doubt sold. "Ah, yes master." She murmured uncertainly, turning to glance around the store and eying the racks of clothing. Humming thoughtfully under her breath she moved toward the back corner of the store where the simpler garb was displayed. Reaching out she hesitantly rubbed the leg of a pair of trousers between her fingers. Should I get pants, or a skirt? She wondered, pulling the hanger with the pants down to hols them against her waist. Sighing she replaced them and reached instead from a skirt, made of a soft, navy coloured cotton. Pulling it down she held it against herself before draping it over her arm, intending to try it on. Next she turned in search of a top to go with the skirt. A lighter blue blouse caught her eye and she reached forward to rub admiringly at the small shell buttons down to front. Smiling she pulled it down and added it over her arm, eyes drifting next to a rack of jackets and capes. Moving forward Nola marveled at how enjoyable choosing her own clothes was proving to be, though a lingering anxiety would nudge at her conscious whenever she picked up something new, wondering if it would be too much. Pushing the feeling away she began humming a tune under her breath as she flicked through the rack, settling on two jackets that she pulled out to compare, eventually adding a tan coloured, wool coat to the pile over her arm. Turning she slowly began to meander her way towards the change room, picking up a pair of brown, leather boots along the way.

Slipping inside she set down the pile of clothes and the boots, pulling the curtain closed before stripping and changing into the clothes, testing the sizes. The skirt fit well, and she was pleased to see that it was tailored to sit a few inches shy of the floor, out of the way of any dust of dirt. The blouse she tucked into the skirt and stretched her arms out, frowning slightly to see that they were slightly too long. Pulling the woolen jacket over the top she smiled once more, pulling it tight around her body and marveling at its warmth. Sitting she pushed her feet into the boots, wiggling them around to ensure they fit properly before lacing them and pushing through the curtain to peer at herself in the full length mirror across from the change room. Nodding happily she turned back inside, pulling off the clothes and setting them in a neat pile, keeping only the blouse separate. Once she was redressed she picked up the blouse and returned it to where she found it, searching through the racks for another in a smaller size. Sighing and unable to find one she finally settled on a similar white blouse, with laces securing the front instead of buttons. Returning to the change room she tried it on, setting it down on her pile once satisfied.

Finally finished with her first outfit she surveyed the store in search of a dress for "special occasions" as Clyde had specified. Glancing briefly in her masters direction, she uncertainly wondered around the center of the store, browsing here and there until she finally found a grouping of dresses that matched Clyde's preference but were also simple enough so as to not make Nola feel too out of place. Running her hands over the incredibly smooth fabrics, Nola began to wonder which of the dresses would be more appropriate. Her eyes were immediately drawn to two of the dresses, simple but elegant in their cut, one a deep plum tone and the other an emerald green. Glancing between the two, Nola turned to the nearest mirror, holding each up against her body in turn, before setting them back on the rack to think further while she gathered the other items she would need.

She easily set about gathering stockings and gloves, a silk chemise and choosing a black jacket, of a finer grade of wool than the first and secured with shining buttons down the front and on the pockets. Sitting on a nearby seat, she tried on various pairs of shoes, stilling tossing between the two dresses in the back of her mind. The stocking, gloves, jacket and a pair of black, leather shoes with a small heel were all added to her pile. Nola paused to study the considerable collection of clothes, wondering if she had chosen too many things. Sighing she decided to wait and see Clydes reaction to the pile before she fussed with it, and returned to the two dresses. Sighing and humming as she glanced between the two she finally let her shoulders sag, thoroughly torn. Turning she sought out Clyde, deciding to get his opinion. Perhaps he will have a preferred colour... She thought as she approached him, hesitant to bother him.

"Master?" She called quietly to get his attention before holding out the two dresses for him to see. "Which do you prefer? I wasn't sure which to choose."

OOCOh, my, goooooood. So long! I think i went a little overboard, sorry!

by **Clyde Sullins** on January 1st, 2015, 6:39 pm

Quickly after leaving the boat, Nola seemed to calm, or at least be more at ease. Clearly from what Clyde could read off of her, magically or otherwise, she was not a boat person. But it was not long before yet another strong emotion rose off of her with an almost tangible air in his aura vision.

It was an odd sense of an emotion, a sweet taste tainted by a bitter overlay, an emotion Clyde could not quite pin down or understand.

As Clyde instructed for her to pick out clothes, her emotions turned from that of the bitter tainted sweetness, her focus shifting to the clothes and things about the shop.

"Ah, yes master."

And with that she was off, to try on things, examine clothes, compare, and do other things that females did in shops when picking out clothes.

Clyde couldn't help recalling the last time he'd been here, with Kyra... She had also been a kelvic, a cat of a different variety and size, and... Different... Their tryst had been hot and intense, their love once even consummated in the back changing room of the shop...

He had forgotten about said last visit until just then, as he felt the roll of silk once more and recalled a bit of the outfit she had picked out for him, a pair of silken robes.

Clyde wandered about the store, keeping in magical range of Nola, though not visible range, allowing the illusion of being left to her own devices.

"Master?"

After a time Nola suck out Clyde, looking to show the pile of articles of clothing she had chosen out. Clyde appraised them with a casual glance, sorting through them. A skirt and things, some odd long shirt type deal, boots, and a jacket, along with another article of clothing he could not name.

Raising an eyebrow, he wondered where he underthings were, or if she had been planning not to wear any. He didn't say anything just yet, instead turning to inspect the pile of the finer clothing.

She also desired his choice between a pair of dresses, a green one and a purple one.

"Which do you prefer? I wasn't sure which to choose."

Extending out another tendril of his mage sight, Clyde clutched against each of the dresses in turning, examining them. Without physically touching them, he examined them, "feeling" the smoothness of the silk, seeing the colors and such. In the end it came down to a sense of preference, of his own with colors. It was a bit odd though, sensing the essence of silk, something he had never thought of using Auristics for. An interesting sensation though, smooth and clean and pleasant. It made sense why silk was so coveted, and so highly priced.

“The purple one looks nice, that one.”

Clyde paused for a moment, before noticing that the second set of clothes also lacked underthings.

“Nola... Where you not planning on wearing any under things? I am not an expert on female clothing, but surely there is a need for certain things. And it would be silly to wear the same common ones with all your clothes. It would be pointless to wear such finery, only to have common clothe underneath, wouldn't it? No one else might know, but you would, and how can you walk about with a partially fine outfit, as if you were wearing one fully fine?”

Clothes :

Closed [Clyde Sullins] Going Once...