The Duke's Bride

[Tova koshack]

"It is illegal amongst my people to make a child a bride. And a women can teach the duties needed an adult who lays with a child as he would a women is an abomination onto God. Do you serve an abomination Hariod?  Fir you are a bad guardian if you do. Also I didn't steal them I rescued them. Beth was drugged our if her mind and near death when I came to her and carol was willing to sell herself into slavery to get away from this place. Kidnapping implies ransom and there will be non the girls are safe where they can live a happy life. I sudgest when my queen arrives you chalk this up to a misunderstanding and beg mayculpa. It might just save you what's coming." I coo gently before laughing. "You're a clever man harod make me a deal."

I grin.  There is blood on my teeth and toung and it's hard to tell what is bleeding or what caused it but the room runs cold. I've pulled all the heat into myself. It hurts but it's needed. My bones crack and snap slotting back into place and my skin twists and blisters. I feel my cains losen binding one one after torturer is typically fine but I'm used to shifting to put myself together again after a beating. 

With one last sickening pop I'm able to slide my feet free and sit comfortably on the floor. Even with the blood bindings affecting my magic here I'm a deadly force. Even blind I can kill him and I think he knows that.

"Make me a deal harod. You crave power and I have its ear and it's heart. Make me a bargon I can't say no to. You know exactly what ot offer so do it. Make me a bond." I say blood dripping from my mouth my left arm extended in offering for the bonding ritual.

[NPCs]

"Jacque?"

The breeze of Jacque's movement arrives a good half second after Jacque's body does, showcasing a speed Wylde could only match on her best day. Talons, serrated and about eight inches long, curl around her neck. Nine fingers and two thumbs but just one hand hint that this isn't a shifted or cursed human but something outright Other. The feeling of hatred and rage that waffs off the being is enough additional information for Tova to lean towards 'demon' but she can't feel any connection to it.

"Imported from the Dark Continent," Harrod remarks almost casually, any fear or concern he might be feeling absent from his voice. "Truth be told, I've no idea which nation or culture birthed the thing, nor do I truly care. I know it's nature and hold its leash and that's enough. Now. About that bargain... Breaking your chains is a show in your favor, but your righteousness and threats are beginning to tire me, Miss Korshack. This is my Seat of Power. Whatever you are outside these walls is irrelevant. Here you are my inferior. Here, your angels and demons are my inferior. I am not yet confident enough to say the same for your God itself, but I suspect I could at least draw blood... or whatever it has in place of such a thing."

[Tova koshack]

"Well payed" I say bowing my head in submission "I now know you are no fool. I accept your terms." I kneel gently on the ground before him. "State your terms." I can't help but feel muted and tired. I just want this to end one way or another

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

Luckily for Tova, the demon knows better than killing her without a clear threat to its master or an order. That was a lesson it learned very early on in its service. Unluckily for Tova, Harrod has been meticulously taking tally of every insult and defiance offered to weight it against the benefits of her service. "Better. Much better," he says softly. "First, I will have your word, sworn on the continuance of your soul, that you will take no violence nor abet the same to me or anyone in service to this household, as defined by your best judgment of what I would consider harm."

[Tova koshack]

"I swear it." I say gently

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

"In full, Miss Koshack, thank you," Harrod says blandly.

[Tova koshack]

"I will take no action of harm agents you and your staff in this house hold. I Tova Koshack swear this on my soul."

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

"Very good. If you are willing to make a similar vow to not attempt escape, assist others in entering the castle, pass on information or goods to anyone, damage the property or subvert the staff, servants and slaves against me, then I will move you to a secured guest room, have your remaining wounds treated and provide clothing, food, a book or two and whatever basic supplies you need for prayers."

[Tova koshack]

" I  vow to not attempt escape, assist others in entering the castle, pass on information or goods to anyone, damage the property or subvert the staff, servants and slaves against you this I swear." The light flashes and I feel the bond settle onto us. I can feel him and he me. "I require a candle, salt, clean water, a small mirror and a knife." I say dully

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

"As a point of order, I am making it clear that your vows cover yourself in regards to staff, servants and so forth," Harrod says dryly.

[Tova koshack]

"I don't intend to die today" I say dryly "I will also need my eyes back."

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

"I never took them," he replies, almost making a joke. There's a pause, then the claw around her throat vanishes. A second later, the binding around her eyes is loosened and removed, followed by a damp cloth carefully but firmly wiping at her eyes.

[Tova koshack]

The light hurts but sight is welcome. "Thank you." I stand and stretch a few more bones popping into place. "I will heal myself if you will simply leave me a medical,kit. I'd like to be alone for a while." I say

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

Whatever demon had attacked her is either gone, hidden or doesn't have enough of a body to be seen with eyes alone in the first place, as there are only three beings present. Harrod, of course, a hulking brute of a indeterminate gender thanks to the heavy armour and mask they're wearing near the door, and a young to middle aged man who Tova spots having the blue tassels of a tallit underneath his shirt. It's the last who must have wiped her eyes, hands steady despite the exhausted slump of his shoulders, the worn, haggered look of his face or the crimson stain in his left eye.

"Jedediah will show you to your new quarters and provide assistance settling in as you need it," Harrod says simply. "We will speak... tonight, yes, sometime after supper I will have time. Consider what you will ask for and what you will offer in the meantime."

[Tova koshack]

The room is simple and plain but it's what I need. My head is bald as is my flesh and they have indeed Ed tattooed signals on me.

I take my knife and set to work removing the signals. Tattoos are agents Jewish law and so removing them isn't harmful. With each one removed I burn it as offering. A literal pound of flesh for Ashem.

I touch the new clean skin pink and tender but clean. I can feel them near by my friends and army. I can't help but smile, I can't kill him in THIS house but once he's outside..... I smile gently curling into the soft darkness of sleep