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"The Ancient Rings of Possession" as recalled by T'Aitlu, Selek, Voile, Saya and Gamin
as recorded in the Hall of Records
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Safe in the dark recesses of the Shop, far back beyond the dungeon
in an office, many locked doors in between, the scratch of a la-matya
claw pen can be heard on parchment. Voile, his hair tied back and his
glasses on writes furiously upon the paper knowing that the alleyway
is far behind and in his past. - Voile
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"No, S'haille Voile is here. Do you wish to be taken to him?"
"Ah, no, I understand he is in the middle of writing something, and I know personally that writers don't like interruptions. Just give him a message. Let him know that I (and everyone else) now know where he is...so if he's just thinking of *hiding* in here, it won't do him any good." :^)
Gamin
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"I will be sure to give him your message."
Vorik
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"Close the door Vorik. There is an annoying noise comming through.
Thanks." - Voile
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"As you wish, S'haille. Did you want the message she left?"
Vorik
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"I suppose. I am feeling....melancholy tonight...please place it
on the table...I wilt read later. Mine thanks to thee." - Voile
_________________
"As you command." He places the note on the table, and backs out of the room silently.
Vorik
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Alone, blessedly alone. Sealing the tube that contains the will
that decrees the manner in which property is disbursed in the event
of death. Looking at the heavy door to the deepest chamber that lies
just beyond this small office. Wondering if the door wilt indeed
hold when a desperate weight is thrown against it in an attempt to
reach her. Feeling the fever begin to rise at the very thought of
she whom is bonded. Knowing that she wilt be spared serious injury
or death when that lower chamber is sealed. Beginning to shake again
and rising, walking to the lower chamber with the key, turning the
lock from the outside then dropping the key into a disposal chute.
Stepping into the chamber. Pulling the door closed for all
eternity. - Voile
_________________
Gamin now waits next door, just inside the bar, to cheer Voile
up when he returns--also anticipating her cappuccino hands her her drink with his robe on and fully clasped. " Here you go,T'sai."
Selek
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Saya returns from the back room, her face pale and eyes strangely
glazed, the improved prototype of Selek2 laying forgotten on the back
room table. "Where's my husband? There's something... wrong now...
Please, take me to him! Quickly!"
Saya
_____________________
Communicator opens to Gamin's personal frequency:
Note to Gamin from Voile:
Dost not be embarressed mine friend...it wast not a play to me. It is
very real....more than anyone here knows except Saya...I am truly in
pain....deep pain...and I wish thee to guard the door for me and wait
for me to return to talk and joke and everything with thee. It is
truly the most bizarre Pon Farr that I hast ever been through and I
am honored to hast thine lirpa making sure I am not disturbed when I
am with mine one as I need to be now. Mine thanks, mine deep personal
thanks. I hast never met anyone as noble as thee. - Voile
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"Where did he go?" Looking to the back door, he said, "Come with me!"
Pulling her by the arm, he went into the back alley, then through the
portal to the SweatShop. Seeing Vorik, he said, "Where is Voile? His
bondmate is very concerned."
Vorik told them where he left Voile after delivering Gamin's message.
Selek pushed against the door as did Saya. It wouldn't budge. "Vorik,
scan to see if there is anyone behind the door."
Vorik scanned and nodded. Selek said, "Transport that being here
immediately."
The sound of the transporter whinned and Voile eventually stood before them.
Selek
_______________
_________________
The portal to the Shop opens, stepping out of it stumbling and
talking to mineself, eyes glazed, hair in tangles and knowing I hast
survived the Pon Farr but to what? for what...hast the bond snapped?
I cannot feel her. "Saya?" - Voile
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T'Mina turns and looks at Voile, scratching her head and wondering why the name "Saya" sounds so familiar... She looks also quite terrible, hair hanging loose and dull around her face and her bones
protruding through her skin, like she hasn't eaten for a week. "What
happened? I was there with you, or was I? ...."
T'Mina
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Selek turned as he saw Voile stumble into the alley. "Ah, there
you are," he said. Seeing the glazed eyes, he asked, "What's wrong? Come with me."
He pulled Voile into The Forge and sat him down. Gesturing Soran for some ale, he poured some down Voile's throat.
Selek
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Choking but drinking what is given me. Suddenly becoming aware that it is not Saya's arm around me only after grabbing Selek's posterior. Letting go in alarm. - Voile
_______________________
Raising an eyebrow at Voile's actions. " I see you are recovering."
Selek
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Looking from Selek to Saya, "There were two...there were two in there with me. I remember two." - Voile
_________________
"Two? Are you sure? I remember beaming you and Saya into the room, but no other. Saya? What do you recall?"
Selek
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She stares at Selek with empty eyes and blank face. Suddenly feels the collar that is still around her neck, and slowly understands that she
is still Saya... but... "There were two... yes... two... I am so
cold... it is so cold here..."
Saya
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Selek runs behind the bar to get two warm blankets and wraps the Vulcans in them. "Is that better?"
Selek
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In a small voice, "Thank you, S'haile... but these doesn't help for the
kind of cold I am experiencing..."
Saya
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"Ah. Forgive me. Is there anything I can do?"
Selek
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Slight hollow smile... "No... I am afraid not... But thank you... You
are most kind, S'haile Selek..."
Saya
________________
Selek bows and returns to the bar. "You know where to find me, if you change your mind."
Selek
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Wrapping Saya in mine blanket and rising. "I must go to her."
as he was walking out of the bar back into the portal - Voile
______________________
Saya watches him disappear into the portal, her face empty like a
zombie's.
Saya
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Whispering in her ear, "Why don't you go to, Saya."
Selek
__________________
"I can't, Selek, it is not for me..."
Saya
_____________________
"I see." Selek returns to the bar.
Selek
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T'Mina turns and looks at Voile, scratching her head and wondering
why the name "Saya" sounds so familiar... She looks also quite
terrible, hair hanging loose and dull around her face and her bones
protruding through her skin, like she hasn't eaten for a week. "What
happened? I was there with you, or was I?"
T'Mina
______________________
~~~ before ~~~
I felt the flames licking me inside out, the flames of Plak Tow, my mind filled with fire and orgasm after orgasm endlessly racking my body when he rammed his shaft into me again and again. His eyes were white crescents under his eyelids, madness burning his mind and making him nothing but an animal, following the primeval instinct of mate or die. I felt his feverish, incoherent thoughts bombarding my mind, trying to pull me into the vortex too, and I fought to keep not only my own, but his mind too from drowning into insanity.
I had lost the count of days, but the way I could see his and my own bones protruding from under our skins and the messy tangles of his hair, hanging loose and dull around his face, indicated that his Time had been going on at least a week. The room was dark, the only light being a faint torchlight filtering through a ventilating grid above the door. My own mind was so concentrated on keeping his madness under control that I didn't notice her presence in the room until it was too late. I felt a touch of an exceptionally strong mind and something ancient... something forgotten and forbidden. And a rift in the bond. It happened so quickly that I didn't have time to react; I saw my beloved writhing in pain on the floor and the same pain was scorching my own mind, making me collapse beside him and trying to reach to his meld points, to heal what had been destroyed. But I felt like my hand was suddenly frozen, I couldn't press my fingers against his temple, there was something invisible between. And then I saw something glittering around his neck... a collar. Someone had collared my S'haile... My husband, my only one belonged to another now.
I leaped up from the floor even if I felt my consciousness leaving me, trying to reach him when someone grabbed me from the back and started to drag me out of the room, whispering that I could do nothing, something unexpected and permanent had happened, I should go now and leave him if I wished him to stay alive. Something snapped inside my brain, the instincts took over and my last memories, before everything went dark, were screaming and choking sounds that didn't come from my bondmate, and my hands, covered with blood that was not my own.
I remember waking up in The Forge, feeling nothing but deadly cold in my heart. I couldn't find the bond, it was either shattered or moved somewhere where I could not reach it. I felt like I was not really living in my body anymore, the sounds came from far away and the normal hubbub of the bar and the joyful voices of my friends were suddenly nothing but a buzzing of an annoying swarm of bees in my ears. I felt so empty that my stomach and lungs cramped into tight little lumps, making me unable to swallow even a drop of the water someone had brought to me and turning my breathing into quick, shallow gasps. It was suddenly cold... oh so cold there... I felt a mixture of fiery anger and hate and madness and plain desperation growing inside me. I smashed the water glass against the wall, watching as it shattered into pieces. I was frozen, barely able to function and I only knew that I had to get away before something really bad would happen. I snatched my tattered
robes around me and rushed out of the door, my reflection in the little mirror by the door showing not a living being anymore but a zombie with hollow eyes and dead blank face.
Saya
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Lying in the bowels of the Shop in a haze of incoherent thoughts. Laying mine cheek against the cool floor trying to find Saya in mine mind and I cannot find anymore the threads of the bond. They hast been ripped from me or moved somehow to someplace I cannot access. Knowing another...more ancient presence... evil unaccounted for... millennial forbidden darkness and control... feminine in it's form this time and knowing I am the focal point. I await her this evening. - Voile
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I walked throught the seldom used corridors, to one that has not been used in centuries. I held in my hand the key that would unlock the back of the only room occupied. I hear footfalls behind me and turn. "Taurik."
"You can not be contemplating this?" Taurik asked wide-eyed and short of breath, he had run all the way to catch up to me.
"I am doing this. No one can stop me." My tone left no room to question and Taurik stepped back not pleased about this at all.
I turned back to the dark door, turned the lock and stepped in. The door closed smoothly behind me and somewhere in my thoughts I knew Taurik waited there... just in case. I could feel my heart racing and my thoughts being drawn to this one. I knelt down beside him, my fingers reached to his face, resting in the mind sharing position and then I reached into his thoughts.
I heard him moan, it was an echo of my own. I asked him what I needed to, helped as much as I could then, even in this darkness, hid what I was about to do... I was about to make him mine.
T'Aitlu
____________________
The connection hast been completed. I take mine hand and feel the ring that encircles mine throat. Mine body comes alive whilst mine mind settles into hers without protest. The shattered bond fills then seals and I reach for she who owns me. - Voile
_____________________________
I took his hand and helped him stand. We moved over to the large bed that dominated the room. It is obvious he needed sleep and food. I stroked his face, brushed back his hair. "Close thine eyes and rest, I will return with nurishment."
I moved to the door and opened it slowly, I met Taurik's eyes, "It is done. We need food and drink."
Taurik's head bowed, "As you wish, T'sai." He disappeared into the darkness not pleased at what had transpired, but he knew that he could have done nothing to stop me.
I returned to the one who was mine, mine kafeh. This was a joining that would have to be kept secret. The kla'tok were forbidden, since the time of the Awakening they have been outlawed, all were thought to be destroyed. If found out... Mine kafeh would be set free and I would find mineself at Gol for a painful retraining.
"T'sai." came the soft voice.
I moved to him quickly, it was merely a thought I had felt, he was not yet awake enough to speak. I sat beside him, comforting him with a touch. "I am here for thee."
Taurik returned shortly with food, tea and a mixture that would help Voile recover his strength. "Others have been looking for you."
"I will be out of her soon. He needs only to recover his strength and change into clean clothes. We will be out then." My hand remained
in contact with Voile, for now it seemed to calm him.
T'Aitlu...
_________________
I ran into the desert as long as my lungs had a molecule of oxygen
left and when the burn of acids in my legs finally took over my
strength I simply collapsed on the ground, not actually caring anymore
about anything.
Anyway, apparently my mind had a drop of logic left, because I knew I had to find a shelter for the night and I knew I had to meditate, this recent loss of control had been most undignified and most illogical.
What had happened, had happened -- Kaiidth. I searched around for
awhile and found something like a cave, small and shallow, but better
than nothing -- I was in no means able to return to the town in this
condition, I had to get my mind cleared up first. I collected some dry
branches and other combustible material around the cave and made a
small fire, smiling slightly to myself when remembering that this was
actually the first time I had to use the survival techniques I had
learned during my kahs-wan, so many years ago.
I sat by the fire in cross-legged position, relaxing my body and
emptying my mind -- the latter being not an easy task at all. I was
still in shock, my mind was not able to fully understand that the bond
had indeed been ripped away, destroyed, and without any logical cause.
Something ancient that should have been forgotten millennia ago had
suddenly come alive and was now haunting me. I was full of hate, I was
boiling, I wanted to murder somebody, but I knew I could not blame
anyone, any *person*. What had happened had happened accidentally, no one could have predicted this and that was the thing that made me the most mad. If someone wanted my mate, I would have been ready to fight for him in a fair Challenge, but this... I clenched my fists till I
felt my nails broke the skin and tiny emerald drops fell on to the
stony floor I sat on. The physical pain helped me somehow to cope with
the mental one and my memories connected to the situations when pain
had been a natural and inseparable part of something so much more
pleasant...
I became acutely aware of the silver ring around my neck -- it felt
like it had suddenly started to suffocate me. My S'haile's collar... I
still belonged to him; he had had no time to uncollar me in the tumult
of events, so practically I was still his property, even if he himself
belonged to someone else now. But it was too tight, it was going to
kill me... I slid my fingers along its smooth surface, over the little
emeralds embedded into it, but unable to open the delicate lock on the
back of my neck. I couldn't help thinking that maybe I should go and
find a new S'haile? But then... I still carried the brand of the clan
Krech on my hip and my S'haile's unfinished poem on my back, carved
into my skin with steel and fire... Who could take me anymore, when
the signs of other's ownership were so distinct on my very flesh?
~~~ some days later ~~~
My solitary meditation has worked, I see things differently now. And, the most peculiar thing... I can feel the bond again. It still exists,
but something has been added to it. Or, added to *his* side of the
bond. He is under someone else's control now, but he is content. He
has found peace. And the other part, who owns him now, is content too,
and happy. I smile slightly at these new discoveries and notice that
my hate is gone. I feel nothing and I understand that things indeed
happen for a reason and this is the way our lives were meant to be. My
beloved needs his owner as much as his owner needs him, why should I
go and disturb their peace? I may be still his wife, legally, but practically I am a free woman. I do, of course, miss him still, but what can I do? I will purge myself of all emotion and wait. Kaiidth.
Saya
_______________________
Leaning up and partaking of food and tea, and taking the medicine that she wishes me to swallow I feel stronger and then I sleep. Waking much later I dost not think of mineself at all and simply focus only on her commands. The kosjen crystals glow at mine throat connecting her mind to mine in an uninterupted meld. Hearing the door open once again I feel her entrance through the rings and thrill at her presence inside the room. Mine body again responds to hers and she guides me to the showers and orders me to strip. Mine clothes are discarded and her eyes rove over mine physicality, mine broad muscled shoulders and mine hard stomach and downwards. She then steps to me and takes me in hand and I feel her inspection and her appraisal of mine body that is now her property. She stands back and releases the waters from the underground pool and I shock at the cold. Mine body is always ready for her to use as she sees fit and the cold dost not effect mine condition of extreme arousal for her eyes and mind are upon me. As mine hands roam over mine body I wash and feel the ring at mine throat noticing that it hast molded perfectly to mine skin and seems to move with me of it's own accord. Shivering at the thoughts she places in mine mind whilst she waits for me to rinse I nearly lose mine control in pleasure but suddenly feel her mind holding mine reaction in check and her gentle admonishment to wait until she wishes mine release. As the last of the lather is washed from me she orders the water off. I step from the shower into her hands she drys mine body. I watch her lips near me as she bends to dry mine lower body feeling electricity shoot through mine nervous system. Turning to follow her to the bedchamber once more she indicates the clothing I should wear. I look and notice that they are far from the leathers that I wear normally and it again reminds me of the change in mine station. Donning the burgandy silk tunic with the high collar that covers the ring at mine neck and the matching loose fitting easily opened leggings I fasten the closures. Her hands on mine body once again and then after her satisfaction is assured she helps me into the charcoal shaded heavy pleated thigh-length robe. Cream and burgandy glyphs in ancient script run down the edges denoting the House to which I now belong. - Voile
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We walked through the corridors of the Shop, I had a few matters to attend to and then we would have more time to ourselves. Time to deal more fully with each other. I acknowledged the greetings I recieved and smiled at the curious stared that went Voile's way. I looked down at my left arm numerous times certain that all could see the arm bracelet that I wore, but that was illogical. I even caught myself stealing a glance at Voile's neck, insuring that his collar did not show.
Vorik was in the office and keeping matters in hand quite nicely. I saw to what I needed to, then took leave of him explaining nothing more than I may be unavailable at times for the next few days. Vorik being Vorik, and Taurik's twin as well, seemed to understand.
"S'haile Selek has called a few times to speak with you." Vorik took back the last of the padds that I had to sign. His eyes went to Voile for a moment, "He seemed concerned about T'sai Saya."
I nodded. "I will speak to him shortly." I felt stirrings within Voile, it seems that his needs had not been fully satisfied. I bowed my head, "We will be returning to the quarters assigned to Voile." I did not need to say anymore, it was not something that one would question.
I heard faintly as we left the writers chamber, Vorik speaking with Selek and informing him that all was well. The walk to the room seemed much shorter and less stressful. I was certain now that no one knew or even suspected of the kla'tok, with the exception of Taurik. He had appeared to guard the information even from his brother, either that or Vorik would be as closed lipped as Taurik.
The heavy stone door closed with a whisper, the darkness surrounded us once again, it was comforting for the moment.
___
In the Forge, Soran is busy tidying up the bar. He notices that there is a power connection to a monitor screen that sat down beind the bar, that appeared to be loose. He reconnected the monitor and it jumped to life. He moved his had to shut the monitor off but he is stopped by the sights before him. The room that is was 'looking in' to was obviously lit only with candles, yet there was enough light to see what was transpiring. Soran looked over at Selek, who was busy with customers, he wanted to call him over but instead his eyes dropped back to the screen. He saw the two, T'Aitlu and Voile... she was undressing him slowly, touching him, kissing him as his skin was exposed. He should not be watching, he told himself. There was no sound, and he thought to himself that this was most fortunate. Even in this faint light he had seen the glimmer of something that surrounded Voile's now bare neck.
"Soran...?"
The firm voice brought him out of stupor. He looked up at Selek then motioned for him to come around the other side of the bar. "Here... look," was all he could utter.
_________________________
Selek walked over to Soran who motioned to the monitor. "Why are you watching two people mate when...." His voice trailed off as he saw who the two people were. "By Gol!" Looking closer he asked, "What is that around Voile's neck?" He turned to Soran, who simply shook his head. Peering closer, his eyes widened and he paled. "It can't be...."
Selek
______________________
Mine eyes closed as I felt her lips on mine skin in each place that wast laid bare. Mine loins aflame with desire she held mine mind in hers and I submitted to her direction laying back on the bed. She revealed the object of her desire and without hesitation I suddenly felt her lips sliding over mine turgid ridges. I wished to release but again I felt her mind hold me in check. Her throat held mine length and mine hands came to her hair instinctively stroking and holding her soft lips to mine hardness. Mine body strained to release as she began to swallow rhythmically and still she held me back. Mine hardness tripled and I wast in pain. Mine desire increasing as mine body shook with need. The room glowed eerily with the light of the kosjen crystals as she took mine energy from me and I called out her secret name in desperation. She rose, dropped her robes and climed atop me sheathing me in one motion. Mine body rose to embrace her and I held her breasts to mine chest and began to move inside of her. I felt the seat of her grasp deep inside and rubbed her sweet spot over with mine ridges. Mindlessly licking and sucking her nipples, I gasped as I felt her control telling me to wait for her. Mine movements became desperate and I pulled her down on me and rolled her onto her back. Hitching mine hips to her, thrusting into her hard and groaning incoherently I felt the ring at mine neck connecting mine mind helplessly to hers. The crystals drew us together and sealed me forever to her soul. She began to quake as drew her up to her release and I felt her take me with her. I crashed into her for the final thrust and exploded in pleasure. Screaming as the crystals at mine neck speared mine mind I felt the pattern flow through and lock into place inscribing her thoughts onto mine. I wast locked to her as no other and mine pleasure wast to serve only she who held the matching ring. - Voile
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~~~ still in the desert ~~~
During my days of silent meditation I listened to the still existing bond and his thoughts. They fluctuated, sometimes I heard him call me, to come back to him and hold him again, give him pleasure like I had done before. He claimed he still loved me and needed me, but as the days passed this calling became weaker and weaker until, one day, I understood I had become nothing more but a burden to him. I felt his distress over the fact that our bond still existed and that I still carried his collar. The love we had shared did not mean anything to him anymore, I was suddenly just an annoying reminiscence of his past. I felt how he wished to get rid of me, I was meaningless to him and my mere existence was only a nuisance that kept him from serving properly his new owner.
As I listened to these thoughts I felt rage begin to boil inside me again. I had promised myself that I would wait, but for what? I was betrayed. I knew I should have been happy for him and his newfound happiness, but I couldn't help myself. I felt used. His mental reassurances of the still existing love had been nothing but pity and mercy for me. My tears had dried ages ago, only thing that was left was fiery anger for being treated like trash, for being thrown away like a dirty rag. I felt only hate when I touched the delicate silver collar that still encircled my neck and the still unfinished poem that he had carved to my back. Hate... and missing, still, but I hid all gentle emotions deep under the shell of boiling rage. He had left me in the middle of the road we had started to travel so long time ago. I knew that I had to return to The Forge and to The Shop and find him. All things had not been sorted out yet...
I returned to our apartment, bathed and donned clean clothes; not a robe this time but plain, S'Kanderai style Heveist'hei-skin pants, boots and a loose black tunic. I wrapped the knife belt around my waist and stuffed a delicate, slim-bladed knife into the sheath. I hated unfinished works... And, before I stepped out of the door I pulled small pliers out of the toolbox he used to keep in the hallway closet. The steel blades of the pliers had no difficulty to cut through the silver ring around my neck. I smiled evilly when I ripped the collar off me and -- after a moment's hesitation should I simply throw it into the trash bin -- stuffed it into my tunic pocket.
Saya
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Soran and Selek watched in amazement at the spectacle in front of them. The Selek snapped off the monitor and told Soran to get another keg of Romulan Ale, and not to say anything to anyone about what they had just seen. Soran left. Selek turned events over in his mind. 'That collar...' he thought. 'It's illegal! How did they get those?' he wondered. 'I'll have to talk to T'Aitlu next time she comes in here,' he resolved.
Selek
_______________________________
"What was so interesting in that monitor?"
I knew something was wrong when I saw Selek and Soran staring at the monitor so intensely; some inner sense told me it had something to do with the recent events...
"Let me see!"
I pushed the stunned men away from the monitor and clicked it on again. The picture was dim, but I could clearly see my husband and his
new owner laying on the bed, seemingly sleeping and locked in lovers' embrace, their skins still glowing after a recent lovemaking. I smiled
a bit evilly and turned to Selek.
"As the former TaskMaster of The Shop you know the way and have the keys. Take me to them."
"I don't think that's a good idea..."
Selek looked at me a bit warily, seemingly shocked at my sudden change of appearance and attitude, his eyes widening slightly when he saw the sharp, slim knife hanging from my belt. I let out a soft laugh and stroked slightly his shoulder.
"My dear S'haile... I am not going to hurt anyone. I only have one final task for my soon-to-be-former husband..."
I locked my gaze with his, suddenly turning deadly serious and my stance determined, unyielding.
"Take me to them, S'haile... or give me the keys." I softened my expression a bit. "I will work here for you for free, or do anything you wish me to do, if you help me now."
Selek sighed heavily and went to the back room, returning with a bunch of keys. "Soran, tend the bar while I am away, please", he announced his assistant and turned back to me again.
"I will not let you there alone. You are not in your right mind now. Follow me, please."
We stepped through the portal into The Shop and I followed him while he led me down to the ancient corridors that had not been used for
centuries. Finally he stopped, at the door of the last room in the end of a dimly lit, narrow passage and handed the bunch of keys to me, one
key selected and separated from the others.
"Don't do anything stupid." He looked at me with serious eyes and warning tone in his voice.
I smiled understandingly at him. "I will not, S'haile. Don't worry."
I placed the key into the lock and turned it slowly, careful of making no noises that could have awoken the sleeping lovers. The heavy,
wooden door opened slowly and I stepped inside, the soft soles of my boots making no sounds on the stone floor. I approached the bed and
wrapped my fingers against the nerve points of the TaskMistress's shoulder, pinching gently and sending her into oblivion for awhile. I made sure that she was comfortable and not hurt, and pulled out a lighter from my pocket, lighting a torch that was placed on the wall.
Voile stirred, seemingly disturbed by the sudden increase of illumination, or maybe he felt my presence in the room through the still existing bond. I approached the bed again and grabbed his hair, yanking him up from the bed violently. The rage boiled inside me again when I looked at his shocked face and his attempts to cover the Kla'tok collar around his neck with his hand.
"Surprised to see me, *S'haile*?" I spat out the last word and tried to control my urge to hit him. "Dress up, you will do something for me
now and after that you will never see me again. Understood? Hmmm?" I whispered to him with husky voice, the last word a mockery of his favorite command when he still was my Master and my owner. I tossed his new clothes to him, standing and watching with a cynical smile on my face when he covered his naked body with the burgundy silk tunic and loose, soft pants.
I sat down on a chair opposite to him and opened the closures of my tunic. The black, heavy silk dropped softly to the floor and I heard a small gasp from the door when the scarred wounds on my back were revealed. I pulled out the slim-bladed knife from my belt and handed it to Voile, turning my back towards him. I was made of ice and my voice was freezing.
"Finish your work. I believe we are still in the middle of the Nightmare."
Saya
__________________________________
'Nightmare' seemed to be the word that my thoughts had focused on. The word and the sensation seemed to be talking over my thoughts. I mentally shook my head trying to clear them. I knew time was passing, I sensed that somewhere deep within me. I heard voices and I forced my mind to reach up through the haze.
The first real sensation I had was the ache in my shoulder. I moaned softly and tried to rid my neck of the stiffness. I sat up slowly... my eyes adjusting to the brightness of the torch and the stream of light coming in from the doorway. Reaction made me reach for my robes and slip them on before I got completely out of the bed.
Then I heard the sound, the snapping of metal. The the deep pain in my mind. "Kroykah..." I whispered, even my voice wasn't working. I knew instinctively that no one heard. Then I saw them, locked together... the kla'tok ring in her hand and I watched it clatter to the floor.
I watched and realized that he did not care that the collar had been taken from him. Perhaps he wished it; I will never know for certain. The passion that was ours was only the passion I felt echoed back to me... Taurik had been right. I closed my eyes and drew in a deep breath... I had to get out of there before *I* did something I would regret.
My hands closed the fasteners on the inside of the robes as I moved towards the open door. I looked at the figure filling the space for what seemed like forever before I recognized who it was.... "Selek. I need a drink." I grabbed onto his arm and pulled him away from the door, letting it close behind me.
"But what about..." He startled when his hand brushed against the bracelet still on my arm.
I smiled half-heartedly. "Without the matching one, it is only a bracelet. You are safe." I tugged at his arm again. "We can talk later... for now the drink. A very large and strong one."
Selek guided me into his office, he tapped the intercom on and ordered a Romulan ale, then he sat on the edge of the desk facing me. Gratefully, I had made it to the chair before my legs gave out.
"Now what?"
In one breath he had managed to sound utterly angry and totally concerned. I leaned back in the chair, sinking into it as I had never done before. I felt as if my skeleton had gone soft. I closed my eyes and breathed in a few times before I could answer him. "Seclusion. I am going into seclusion. Here in the shop. Taurik and Vorik can handle things. Taurik knows..."
There was a tap on the door and Selek rose to answer it. He returned with the tray and the two Romulan ales smoking delicately from the copper and glass mugs. He handed me one and placed the tray behind on the desk as he leaned against the desk. "Taurik knows...?" He was reminding me where I had left off.
"Taurik knows how to reach me if I am needed." I drank down a fair bit of the ale and waited for its numbing properties to seep through me.
"Taurik knew this would happen. He warned me."
"Then why did you go through with it...?" Selek pulled the second chair over and sat down close to me.
"I became caught up in his pain and his passion. I have watched many bondmates over the years ... I wanted this. I crave this." I drank more of the ale. "I am tired of being alone." I watched him for a moment; wishing. "It just happened, I found the kla'tok, the Ancient had left for me, and he was in pain and without his mate. Circumstances... perfectly timed."
Another knock on the door stopped Selek from saying whatever he was going to. He looked towards the door, "Come."
The door opened slowly and Taurik stepped in. He bowed his head, "T'sai... I prepared your chambers. You need sleep."
I nodded. I drained the remainder of the ale and thanked Selek. I stood slowly and unsteady. "I will speak to you later, S'haile, when I have more of my wits about me."
Selek smiled slightly, "I will look forward to it."
He stood as I started to move until I was closer to Taurik. I held onto Taurik's upper arm and we left the office heading for the gardens and to my underground chambers. "At your first convenience, bring the collar to me."
"Aitlu, you can not be considering...."
"It was a gift. I will see to its repair and return it to the chest." I looked at him with determination, "It is either that or I will get it myself."
Taurik shook his head and sighed. "You are a stubborn one."
"I know." I breathed in the fresh damp air as we stepped into the garden. We walked slowly to the hidden entrance and we disappeared from sight.
Taurik was true to his word, the chambers had been prepared quite thoroughly. Fresh deltan silk linens on the bed, fruit in a bowl, water in a pitcher... along with a bottle or two of Romulan ale... candles and incense burning. I drew in a breath, "Almond and sandalwood?"
He nodded. "I will leave thee to rest. Do not hesitate to ask for anything." He bowed his head and left me to my thoughts.
"Taurik..." I called to him just before he disappeared up the small staircase. I went to the bottom stair. "Stay. Share some food and maybe a game of kal-toh, or chess?"
"If that is your wish, T'sai."
"It is... I can not bare to be alone."
His hand reached to my face and held it there. "I am here for thee, always. You will not be alone."
His hand caressed my face and both of us knew what I meant, there would be no mate bonding for either of us... the fates had determined that long ago for us.
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Fin...
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