The Magic Room *Permission Only*

Blake

"Blake, get out here!" My feet skid to a stop and I turned to where the voice came from. Not long later, I was standing with the others.

"What's up," I panted, out of breath.

"Aisha and the rest are about to perform," he said, his voice stale and hard. I raised an eyebrow and looked at him and the girls. Woah, what happened here?

"Oh, well, goodluck," I said, smiling. Nobody said anything. "Hurtful," I mumbled under my breath.

"Enter," a voice boomed from what seemed to be out of nowhere. Frantically, I glanced around the room.

"What the hell?"

"That's us," Aisha said, seeming a bit more happy. This was, afterall, entirely in her comfort zone. Her and the rest of the girls walked off. Tath followed behind them so, to make sure I didn't get lost, so did I.

This is long overdue and I'm sorry! Correct me on anything I get wrong.

BARON

You knew things were bad when Anzeila cried. She was hiding it and I knew it, but our bond is strong. I could read her body language, I could hear it in her voice. How much worse could this get? We were ripped away from our family and tribe, and we were going to become slaves. Yep, life is great. Not.

"Hey Az," I whispered, "We are going to get this, we always find away."

"No Baron, this is different. We will be taken to Aggar and become slaves, there is no way around it."

As much as I wanted to object, I kept my mouth shut. Deep down I knew she was right.

Laverna:

"You got kidnapped from your own tent, in your own camp?" Flip asked, half smiling. I scowled at him but didn't answer. He was just being annoying now. "Disarmed so quickly too?" He chuckled. "You really are the worst warrior princess ever."

I pushed him, making him stumble. "You think this is funny?" I asked. Flip stared at me. "I'm dressed like a whore and about to be sold, Flip. This lot are slave traders, and I'll bet Blondy over there is going to keep me to himself. This is not funny."

Flip fell silent. He avoided my gaze by looking anywhere but at me. Finally, I sighed.

"But yes, I am the worst warrior princess ever--when the attack is a surprise."

He looked at me, and I half-smiled. He knew I didn't mean all of it--I would get away from Blondy soon enough. If he let his guard down for long enough. And then I looked up and saw the Snake coming back, the other boy in tow. Oh, lovely. We were lucky we weren't speaking Aggarian, or Tathiel would be planning something.... Then again, maybe he understood Melnarian? I had taught Flip my language myself, but he was rusty. Kept getting the Melnarian words for "tent" and "camp" mixed up. I didn't blame him, not at all. But as for Tathiel? I had no idea if he would understand Melnarian or not...

"I didn't expect to get attacked in my own tent," I muttered, pulling the cloak tighter. I did not like wearing such an outfit... It was...too revealing. And the veil... Ugh. Why did I have to wear a face veil anyway?

The fire obsessed girl flipped back the veil and rubbed dirt and ash into my face. I spat at her, glaring. Now what was that for? And then Tathiel was back, just as someone called for use to enter. Tathiel pushed me forward, walking behind me. I didn't like him at my back. Not at all...


Aarin Basir:

I watched the small group enter the room, from way back near the Aggarian King. I was standing beside his throne, on guard duty. My Captain, the captain of the palace guard, had decided to give me some more experience....at the king's side. And I was already bored.

Until this group walked in. And I saw her.

Frowning, I put a hand on the hilt of my sword. I was watching the blonde man behind her. He did not look happy. I made a note to keep my eye on him. Something about him just didn't seem right.

((Oh, look. New Charrie. The palace guard. Hehe. And he doesn't like Tathiel.... Uh oh. Possible drama?))

Aisha

I nudged Tath. "Hey, pretty boy? Mind being the actual leader now?" I hissed. He cleared his throat and sauntered forward. I hid a grin behind my hand and backed up to our crew of prisoners- and the stable boy. But Tath probably convinced himself he was a prisoner too.

"You can see alright? I hate the veils too. But I didn't anyone flipping out over your facial structures, so..." I whispered, grimacing at the traces of Tath's desert accent that sank in through my voice. Having the Swarian made me think of Mama and Maritza and warmth and good food and dancing and- well, whatever Tathiel wasn't. (Boy. Could. Not. Cook.)

Well, Anzeila didn't look ticked, at least. Laverna looked ready to rip my throat out. I'd torch her before she could. There were ten torches on each wall, and guess who still had gallons and gallons of fuel in her bag? Yep. I'm a walking bonfire, I tell you.

I grasped the hilt of my fire staff, still unlit, and looked up at Tathiel. I was ready to strike if anyone made any sudden moves. We'd just have to see if he was ready to give us enough money -me enough money- to live comfortably for a while.

To get some information on Maria Rosa Creola Marissa Delarosa Muervo.

Or Mama. Depended on who you were.

[Here ya go, but it sucks :}P]

Flip

Watching Laverna leave in dismay, I think about what she said. She's about to be sold. She's about to be sold in whorish clothing; even worse. Wasn't I trying to make light of the situation only moments ago? It amazes me how naive I seemed a minute ago compared to how I feel now. Besides, the only person I'm alright with seeing her dressed that way is me, and even then not that much. I can tell how much it discomforts her.

What if I find Anya? What if I ride her back to the palace and try to get some people together to help save her? I could hide a note for her, written in what little Melnarian I know, just in case it's found by one of her captors. No...it's too far fetched. Nobody at the palace would be likely to help. The best I can hope for is finding Anya and making a break for it.

[Hijacking charries. Again.]

Prince Damon

The blonde boy was talking good-naturedly, waving his hands and smiling. The black haired girl behind him was still holding the charred staff, steadfast. I leaned back and folded my arms, closing my eyes. She took no notice, just kept tracking him around the room. He started walking to the line of cloaked and shackled people behind him, whispering something to the girl. She sighed and loosened her grip. The dark tattoos on her arms relaxed with her muscles, and the sleeves she had on swirled a little more.

I coughed a little. Prince? Over here? Handsome and SINGLE?

One sideways glance was all I got.

But that wasn't all that bad, no, not at all. The blondie had pulled the rough cloak off the people. The two girls were dressed... sparsely. The one with dark curls was covered more; perhaps they intended to keep her? Yeah, I think that was it. But the one with straighter hair and a distinctly Lazzan look? There was little left to the imagination.

The tattooed girl's muscles had tensed again. She didn't like the girls being shown off? Shame. The blonde boy was more excited now; he was coming in for the kill, and he knew it.

"Both strong girls- but a Lazzan, your highness! And we don't ask for much. You heard my offer. And we'd love to perform to make it up to you, perhaps on your son's birthday?"

Hazel eyes locked onto me. I raised an eyebrow.

"A Lazzan girl and her brother, and royalty, no less! The prince and princess of the Lazzan tribe... what more do you want, sir?"

I leaned back and kept gazing at the girl with the tattoos, who had jumped in front of the Lazzan girl, throwing her cloak around her.

How 'bout that one?

Aarin Basir:

I tensed, watching as the three prisoners were revealed. The girl with dark hair, she wasn't looking at anyone. She kept her eyes straight ahead and unfocused. I wanted to help, but I couldn't leave my post. I glanced towards the prince, noticing that he was watching the girl in costume. Said girl dodged in front of the other girl, the one next to the beauty with dark hair and blue eyes. I sighed, earning me a glance from the King. I swiftly tore my gaze away from the prisoners and watched Blondie.

He stood in front of the girls, talking. I found myself not wanting to hear it....but listening in anyway.

"A Lazzan girl and her brother, and royalty, no less! The prince and princess of the Lazzan tribe... what more do you want, sir?"

Oh god, royalty. I dared not say anything. It was obvious they'd been kidnapped...but would anyone apart from me care? I looked around the room, but not a soul seemed to even show pity. Well, what a dilemma. I shook my head, forcing myself to focus on Blondie again. He was clearly the threat here.

He was talking again, gesturing to the two Lazzans. My gaze drifted towards the other girl. I wanted to know what he'd do with her, who she was. Was she a Lazzan or something else? And then it was confirmed.

"The other girl?" someone asked. I didn't dare look. "How much is she?"

"The Melnarian?" Blondie asked, confused. "Oh, she's nothing, my lord. It's the Lazzans you want."

Oh, dear lord. If that was the Lazzan prince and princess, then the Melnarian had to be Laverna, the princess of the Melnarians. I almost groaned, but a quick side-ways glance towards the King kept me silent. He was now studying the Melnarian girl.

"Well?" Blondie asked.

I held my breath, waiting for the answer. Blondie was keeping the other princess... Probably for himself. I wouldn't be surprised. But what would my King say to this? What would anyone say? Were they all staying silent? Was there no pity in any of them? I must admit, I was tempted to buy the Melnarian myself, just to get her away from the Blond man... A pity I didn't get the chance.

((Oh, my. That's...wow. That's long. o.O *pokes Ishy* Tath post now, please? >.>))

Kicks Tath in the gut. This may not be the best, my brain is all mushy and pouring out my ears at the moment.

Tathiel

I didn't dare breath as the king contemplated. I was about ready to fall over and die. If he said no... oh for the love of all that I was sure was holy (which wasn't much, come to think of it), he had better not say no. For the sake of my sanity and the lives of every person in this room, he had better just buy them.

I turned then, facing Aisha. A scowl spread across my face. A cloak? Really? Now? She had to do this now? This was absolutely ridiculous! Did she intend on ruining everything? I prayed that it was all just an illusion, that she wasn't actually pissing me off. Of course, it wasn't an illusion.

I could yell at her all I wanted later, it wouldn not look good in front of the royalty. I turned back to the king hopefully, trying to ignore the guard at his side. He was watching me, I could practically feel his eyes boring into the side of my head. I had a funny feeling he would pose a problem later. The near future even.

Just answer me! Before I die would be nice. I willed the king silently. This was ridiculous. Absolute inanity. I was about ready to start pulling out my hair. How long had it been anyways? A few seconds...a few seconds that felt like an immensly long time.

Finally, the king nodded. Finally, he gave me the answer I wanted. I almost had a happy-fit right then and there, but managed to hold back. The guard frowned, and a part of me felt like smacking him. What was eating him? Not like he was the one being sold or anything. The feeling faded quickly enough, I had better things to think about.

I turned and glared briefly at Aisha and shot a sly smile at the twins. Anzeila's eyes narrowed to slits, an ultimate death-glare. She looked about ready to claw my eyeballs out, which for some odd reason, only added to my smugness. Laverna was mine, I was officially rich, surrounded in beautiful (also rich) women... Oh, and I got to lecture Aisha, too. Not exactly something I was entirely looking forward to, but she could scortch me to death and I'd be thrilled.

Victory. Oh yes, victory.

Anzeila

I swear it on my life, that man would be dead before the week was out. So help me, I would kill him. Burn his room while he was sleeping, stab him as we passed in the halls, decapitated him in the middle of supper...assuming I ever saw him while he ate. It didn't matter. He was going to die, I was sure of it.

And then there was Aisha. The girl was going to get her butt kicked, that much I was sure of. Blondey did not look happy about the cloak thing. I was just confused about it. I mean, really! You kidnap a girl, sell her into slavery and the whole time you attempt to help her? What sort of person did that?

I stole a glance at Baron, who did not look like his usual calm, laid-back self. My gut twisted tightly, I wanted to puke. Vomitting all over the palace floor would be feel good. Of course, there was no way I was going to show weakness like that. Nor was I going to cry.

So help me, I was not going to cry. Later maybe, if I had a chance to be alone. Yes, then I'd bawl my eyes out. But not here. Who was I kidding? There were tears brimming my eyes as it was. I'd be able to hold back until we were out of the room...hopefully. But not until I was alone.

I couldn't believe it... just couldn't believe it.

Aarin Basir:

I couldn't believe it. My King had actually brought them? I sighed, earning myself a glare from the prince. I didn't look at him-he didn't need to see the pity in my eyes. It wouldn't be worth losing my rank over.

Blondie nodded and the two Lazzans were taken away, leaving the Melnarian, Princess Laverna in his hands. I narrowed my gaze at him and Blondie glared back. I had a feeling that he would be difficult....later. I straighten up, not even realizing that I had been slouching and tore my gaze away from him, pasting a calm and somewhat bored expression on my face.

I couldn't do anything now, but I could probably do something later. It would have to wait, I was on duty and I could hardly leave the king's side to save a princess he didn't like.

So, I just stood and watched as Blondie and the small group with him, including the Melnarian, left the room.

Laverna:

The snake had sold Anzeila! How dare he! I glared at him, then turned my gaze on Anzeila and her brother as the pair were escorted from the room by a couple of soldiers. And then the guard by the king's throne caught my attention. He was trying very hard not to look like he cared, but I could tell. He didn't like this, not at all.

I tried to hide my smile as Tathiel, the snake, escorted me from the room. The rest of his troupe followed behind. All of them were silent. I glanced over my shoulder once, just quickly before the door was closed, and saw the guard watching me. He frowned, took a few steps forward and turned to face the king. The guard limped, and I had to wonder why.

Damnit, Laverna. Don't let your curiosity come out now! You're a slave, girl. A slave! And to the snake of a man behind you. I swiftly told myself to shut up, earning me a glare. I hadn't realized I'd said that out loud...


((And now the sparks shall fly. >.> Ishy, I think there's trouble brewing... lol))

Aisha

I was shaking. Shaking. Tathiel... Tathiel... was a dead man walking. Could he have at least shown some sort of guilt? Any at all? Was life just one ongoing negotiation for him? Ha! I bet he had to bargain with God to let him even come to earth. That... that... DEMONIO! I made a rough snarl in the back of my throat and whipped my staff out, igniter at the ready.

Then Tath shot me a look so deadly, my heart stopped, frozen. My eyes widened every so slightly, and I replaced the staff in its spot, slipping the igniter back in my pocket. I turned to face Anzeila and took my cloak, replacing it with the fluttery cloth I'd tied around my waist. It's hardly enough protection, but she's covered.

As a group of rough men come out with chains, and I blink away angry tears. Tath.... you... you... he will pay, I can guarantee that. I cursed them in every language I knew (save Aggarian, of course), and narrowed my eyes. As I started to advance, two weights latched onto my arms. I still tried -god, I still tried- but there's only so much one can do when one's trying not to ignite the fire staff poking out of one's bag.

So I begrudgingly let Tathiel drag me out, listening to his cheerful chatter to the king, promising greatness and magic and the sort of things that make me want to just let the blasted staff combust on its own.

*Wonders why SOMEONE (Named Isha) still hasn't brought her back in*
~Tab

Sorry Anger, but I'm hijacking your character. Isha has given me permission. *nods* Feel free to whack me one when you see me if I stuff up.

Ignatius Serkus|Aggarian King:

Ignatius called the guard beside him forward as the small group of performers left the throne room. The king was frowning. Something about the blond man who seemed to be the leader was off, but he wasn't sure what. So he would tell his guards to keep an eye on them.

"Master Basir," he said, eyes on the now closed door. Aarin moved forwards, his limp obvious to anyone who cared to look.

"Yes sire?" the boy asked, eyes on the floor. He wasn't used to being called on by the king.

Ignatius seemed to think for a moment, then turned his gaze on Aarin. "I want you to follow him," he said and Aarin frown. "The blond. Something just doesn't seem right...especially him." He nodded, dismissing the boy and turned to watch the Lazzan prince and princess as they we escorted from the room.

Out of the corner of his eye, Ignatius noticed Aarin nod and turn on his heel, headed for the door the Blond and his troupe had left through. The king smiled. He knew Aarin would do well. The boy was just like his father.


Aarin Basir:

I limped down the hall, annoyed that most of the people who looked at me only saw my limp. I sighed, slowing down to a walk. My leg was sore so I rubbed my thigh, wincing. As I walked, the upper class thinned out and now there were only servants. I saw Selene, but dismissed her. I had a job to do. And that was to follow the Blond stranger and his small band of fortune seekers.

At least, for now. Sighing again, I turned a corner just in time to see Blondie push the Melnarian princess through a door. The rest of his group stood outside for a moment, then walked off down the hall and around the corner. Now why was that? The girl with the wings paused, glancing towards the door. Then she, quite reluctantly, followed the others.

What was Blondie up to? I could only guess, and I sure as hell hoped it wasn't what I thought it was...

Blake

I followed behind them silently, not wanting to say anything and having a very near boiling mad Aisha turn on me. I was just the hired help, I didn't want the princess of everything hot and flamed against me. Her frame was literally shaking and Tath was just standing calmly, even happily.

"I hope you know what you're doing," I mumbled to myself. Silently so no one could hear me. He just sold of the twins. Just like that, as if it was nothing to him. It probably was nothing. How selfish. But I was in no place to complain. Just had to keep my mouth shut and go with the flow. Yeah, no harm done if I just do that. I caught up to Tath and walked silently a couple paces behind him, singing songs in my head until I was given my next order. What a life.

[[[Sakin, I'm trying to think up something that'll work well. My brain is dead.

Tathiel

They were all glaring at my back. I could feel their eyes drilling holes into it. Or maybe it was my head. I turned slowly, having arrived at my door. Yep. All of them were glaring at me. Except for Blake, not that he looked particularly thrilled with me either.

I wrinkled my nose and crossed my arms. "Stop looking at me like that," I snarled. "In case you've all forgotten, nobody forced you to come. You all agreed to help, you all knew that the twins would be sold. Stop acting like you were completely clueless and I'm the only wrong one here!"

Aisha opened her mouth, thought better of it and snapped it shut again.

"You should probably all go back to your rooms," I muttered. A few more looks and they all started off, Laverna starting to follow. I grabbed her arm and pulled her back. "Not you. You get to come with me." I recieved more frowns, which went ignored as I shoved the girl into my room.

She muttered something in a language I didn't understand. Malnarian or whatever you called it. I chuckled and walked close circles around her, stepping slowly. This was enjoyable, enjoyable indeed.

"You know, I've never actually had a slave before. Particularly not a princess," I said quietly, stopping and clasping my hands behind my back. The girl did not look happy. Too bad for her, I was happy.

"Oh, don't look at me like that Laverna. It won't help you." I stepped closer, grinning like a fool, and wrapped my hands around her elbows, kissing up her neck. The best part? She officially couldn't do anything about it.

Anzeila

My fingers were wrapped tightly around Barron's wrist, just above the chains. It wasn't until he started to wince that I realized I was digging my nails into his skin. I didn't loosen my grip any, my fingers felt locked into that position. This could not be happening. Laverna was not being pushed around by some blonde demon and his entorogue. Barron, sweet and kind Barron, was not going to be forced to do gruelling work for nothing. I was not going to land in places I didn't want to land in.

But it was real. All of it. I knew it, too; I just couldn't manage to wrap my head around it.

Laverna:

I struggled. I pushed him away, but he didn't budge. He didn't move. He just kept kissing me. I felt dirty now... I bit his lip, and when he pulled away, glaring at me, I screamed.

Why? Because what can a girl do when she doesn't want a boy to touch her. And it was a bad thing to do. He grabbed my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Don't do that again," he hissed.

And then he kissed me again. I couldn't help but taste the blood on his lips. While he was kissing me, I heard the door open. The snake was too busy to notice, but I did. I just hoped whoever this was wouldn't leave.


Aarin Basir:

I moved as quick as I could down the hall after I heard her scream. I knew what he was going to do then. And I didn't like it. I was swearing under my breath, wondering if I was too late or not....but when I reached the door, I hesitated. Should I? Shouldn't I? I told myself to just up and opened the door.

I stared. He was just kissing her, and he had his hand where I would never put my hand without asking. No wonder she'd screamed. I narrowed my gaze, watching him for a moment, then I glanced towards her. His eyes were closed.. Hers were wide open. Terrified. I made my decision.

"Hey," I said. Blondie froze.Then he pulled away, glaring at me. "That's no way to treat a woman." It was lame, I'll admit. But it was something. Blondie laughed.

And then she did something I would never have expected--she slapped him.