Light, every muscle in Sahra's body ached dully and she could feel the hurt in some places she had never paid attention to. And the training wasn't even over for today. Still she was mentally very content because she was already many steps closer to her dream. The Tower Guards and Trainees had described the euphoric feeling after the training and compared it to satisfaction after... well, something she didn't know anything about yet. But what ever that was supposed to feel like, she was certain that this matched it. She couldn't remember when she had last been this pleased and happy as she headed toward the bathing spaces. It would be wonderful to submerge in the hot water and just loll there and let the heat do wonders to her muscles. Maybe she could even find someone to massage her before she had to go back to the Yards again. Passing a large three she couldn't miss the laughter and banter of a male and female voice and curiousity made her look.

 

Her eyes widened when she recognized the man. It was him, the one who had mocked her a year ago. He been kind enough to try and make amends but after that Sahra hadn't carried her heart in her sleeve quite that openly. She had had no desire to object herself to redicule anymore and with even all her closest people objecting her plans for the future, it had been something she had kept to just herself. But here she was now and it was real. She had done it. The woman left and Sahra remarked that it wasn't the same one the man - Aran - had been a year ago. That was none of her business, all she wanted to do was show him that he had been wrong. She approached him as briskly as she could from her stiff legs. She tried to push back her sweaty hair and hoped that she would have been a bit more presentable. But maybe this would lend her more credibility.

 

Aran turned to face her and she could see that he tried to place her somewhere. There was no clear sign of recognition so maybe he didn't even remember her. Wool-head, she scolded herself. It didn't matter what he thought of her. But it definately annoyed her that she hadn't been impressionable enough to have sticked to his mind. Even if it had been just a fairly brief discussion a year ago, she wasn't used to not being noticed. And with way it had started, maybe it would have been for the best if she had just let it lay. Too late now since she stood almost in front of him. What had possessed her to be such a gushing fool and made her think he would care in the first place? Just because he was a Tower Guard, it didn't mean that he would welcome arms open any twit who announced that they would start training too. She wasn't certain that she wouldn't have laughed at herself too had she been someone else.

 

Still no greeting, no nod, no warmth in the eyes. Aran was just waiting. Sahra lifted her chin defiantly and looked down upon him - ha, she was at least taller than he. "Hello Aran. Long time, no see." She was a total stone-brain for letting him to get under her skin like this and for caring even one whiff about him having a memory of her. Vanity had always been her flaw. "Why am I not surprised that you don't remember me. I bet you can't recall even the name of your that night's companion and she served you more than just drinks and amusement." Nope, this wasn't going very well. She drew a deeeep calming breath and shook her head at her own folly. She wanted to be anywhere but here but more irritated words poured off her Light-cursed mouth. "The funny thing is that I don't even know what I want of you. But I am here even though you didn't believe that I would be." She drowned the shame on anger. He hadn't had any right to make fun of her even if he had been fairly sweet afterwards. Dreams - and egos - were fragile things.

It was one of those days, one of those days where things seemed just slightly askew. Aran had learned how to recognise these days, there was a certain feeling he had in the morning. It could have been best described as an ominous foreboding, the sense of an impending doom. It was these days that Aran knew that something was going to go wrong and it was most likely going to be due to someone that was around him. Whether they were infuriated for no good reason, spoiling for a fight, looking to cause mischief or just bored, these people seemed to be drawn to him like vultures to carrion.

 

Aran knew this because most of his days started off with that feeling.

 

There was always that odd day where his fears didn't come true though, days that made him hope against all hope. This was one of those days, primarily because bad things usually happened in the morning. Aran could not have told you why the Wheel did things this way, but it did and the problem was that when it didn't, it gave him an inkling of hope that he had cheated the Wheel and the Creator. Of course, that didn't mean that he then became oblivious to the dangers, far from it he was quite wary and tried to be very careful who he came across. Ginae was definitely a person to avoid during such days, it was usually the signal that he was going to get a new mentee. Braxton was definitely at the top of the list, it was as if the Creator had spawned Braxton just to torment him.

 

Well, that was a little harsh, but the lad was still a bit... well... developmentally limited. Braxton had been stupid enough to use a whip on him during a spar though and that particular monumental moment of stupidity had earned Aran's ire at the time and wariness forever after. The problem of course was that when Aran thought of Braxton, he became overly wary of Braxton and tended to look for that lad to the exclusion of all others. Hence why a young girl whom he had known a year ago, though he couldn't quite place which establishment it had been at.

 

And of course, she had to stop him and talk. Smiling at her even as he inwardly wondered how this was going to turn badly, details came to him. They had met and she had talked about becoming a Tower Guard at which point he'd laughed. It had been a terrible thing, but he had been quite certain she didn't exactly grasp how much work and effort was required to train to the standard of a Tower Guard. He'd apologised afterwards of course, but he'd closed that particular door on himself. Of course, he'd opened up something else so that hadn't mattered. Of course, it was the attitude she gave him that led to his response.

 

"Who are you? Oh, wait there, I remember talking to you. And I remember the name of my companion that night thank you very much. What was it... Thats right, Sahra."

 

It wasn't really his fault, the Wheel weaved as the Wheel willed after all.

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

Aran's insolent reply fired up her temper even worse and she gave him a smouldering glare. Fine, he might remember her name but he had no right to mock her further and imply things like that. "I am Sahra and I wouldn't spread my legs to a mewling milksop like you even if you were the last man on the face of earth. May you catch some vile disease from your wenches and rot your... your... fleshy dirk." Light, she had of course heard all kind of lewd words but she had never used such foul language herself. Well, except those few times she had been very angry but she had still quite many words from her repertoire to shout on his detestable handsome face.

 

His jaw dropping open as the torrent spilled from her lips, the shock that swept over Aran was... His knees buckled even as the first laugh escaped his throat, falling onto his back in turn before doubling over. Fleshy dirk? He was laughing so hard that it was a surprise that he managed to squeeze out for Sahra at all. "Oh my... Dirk... Two crowns says you wouldn't know what to do with one if you had it in hand."

 

He was laughing at her again, in fact rolling on the ground in the throes of it. That bloody burning goat-lover was making fun of her. She would show him. His last little jab sent her totally over the edge and she screamed with rage landing on his belly knee first. She had actually tried to aim at a spot bit lower but missed. The air puffed out of him in a most satisfying way and he raised his hands to defend against her fists that tried to connect with his face. Aran wheezed and chuckled still and managed to gasp "If I had known that you were so eager, I would have taken the both of you that night. Oh yes, keep touching me." Red haze filled Sahra's eyes and she wanted to throttle the man and split his skull and then smash every bone in his body and she doubled her efforts.

 

"Help! Help! I can't pay her! Help!"

 

Aran & Sahra

The new best mates

Lyssa hummed softly as she ran a brush through her long hair, it has been a long night last night and she was running a little behind schedule this morning. Of course she totally blamed Aran for that one but he didn't need to know what. A blush crossed her face but she tamped the emotion down and piled her thick black hair up on her head with a piece of leather and a stick. She wore a pair of black britches, a white shirt with no sleeves, a black vest and her Tower Guard cloak. With a sigh she hooked her sword around her waist, added a dagger in her boot and one at her waist. She stomped her feet down in her leather boots and walked from the room. As she walked she looked down at her new boots, for some reason she had developed this thing about shoes and bags. She had way more shoes that she should and her roommate was starting to complain. The ones she wore today were black with flower and leaf up out up the sides, you could see the colored satin shining through the holes in the leather.

 

With a grin she shrugged and walked out into the yards, she looked around and saw one of Aran's mentees working on his sword, she watched him for a moment, noting how much he had improved and reminded herself to tell Aran about it. She walked over to the messhall and went in to get herself something to eat, when she had finished her meal she walked back out into the yard and set her cloak and jacket off to the side. She began running in at a slow pace to warm up and looked up to see Aran walking across the yard. As she passed him she gave him a wink and kept on running, as she rounded the corner again she noticed Aran laying on the ground laughing and a woman standing above him. She recognized the girl as a Tower Trainee, and was above shocked to see the girl begin to attack Aran. The chit has slammed her knee into his chest and then began hitting at his face.

 

He was managing to block the one's to his face but it was clear he hah had the wind knocked from him. She picked up her pace and raced forward, it was not allowed for a Tower Trainee to ever attack a Guard, no matter the situation. Unless Aran had tried to rape her, she had no reason to attack her and since Aran had spent the night with her she figured he was to tired to do much of anything. The woman continued to attack him and Lyssa raced up, her blue eyes flashing dagger, she grabbed the back of the woman's shirt and pulled her off of Aran. "How dare you attack a Tower Guard. What is the meaning of this blantant attack on someone who is your superior child?" She put her hands on her hips, though one was close to her dagger and waited for an answer...

 

Lyssa Simeone

Tower Guard

Sahra hadn't even noticed anyone approaching but Aran was getting his wind and reactions back and she was certain he was toying with her. She might not be very experienced but he clearly was and she got the feeling that he could have handled her with a one hand. The only reason why he didn't must be because he enjoyed watching her futile struggle to penetrate his defenses. Her worst anger was beginning to subside but the adrenaline still coursed in her and she was shaking slightly. She was extremely hurt by Aran's unbelievable behaviour and believed that a bloodied nose would be a fine compensation. But not until she caught him blindfolded and tied or sleeping. It was also slowly beginning to dawn to her that fight required two and by letting him provocate her, he had the control. There had been fault in her but she would not regret it until... Light, the Mistress of Trainees. Sahra would not admit to the Mistress having done anything wrong and Light forsake her, apologize Aran even if they beat her bloody for this. She was still trying to hit him when she was roughly pushed on her feet.

 

She glared sullenly at the beautiful raven-haired woman who had interfered. "How dare he to treat me like he has? And now to be rescued by one of his legion of women: he must be having a field day. You weren't his bedwarmer when I last saw him but he must be real stud to have you ignore all those others."

 

Lyssa eyed the other woman closly, she had reddish brownish hair and bright green eyes. The eyes were glaring quite heavily at her. "How dare he to treat me like he has? And now to be rescued by one of his legion of women: he must be having a field day. You weren't his bedwarmer when I last saw him but he must be real stud to have you ignore all those others." Lyssa sorted and crossed her arms over her chest, she was controlled danger and she hoped the Trainee was scared witless. She could take this little girl down a peg without breaking a sweat and still go off for a five mile run. Smirking at the other woman she said softly, "First of all I would be careful who I accuse of being one of his legion of women, you have no idea who is sleeping with him and who is now and it would be really foolish to accuse someone of that who wasn't doing anything of the sort. It is however none of your business who I am sleeping with, who he is sleeping with, or in fact who anyone is sleeping with. In fact your biggest problem right now should be how to ground looks when you do twenty pushups on it. That means now Trainee." Lyssa looked over at Aran and saw his look, she rolled her eyes and spoke again as the girl hit the ground and began doing pushups, "I want the real thing and not girly pushups Trainee. Also girl, it doesn't matter what he says to you or what he does to you, he outranks you by so much you will never catch up. Especially with this attitude, not a good thing to do at all. You need to be learning how to control your emotions and instead you are attacking Tower Guards, you could have at least done it in private instead of in front of the entire Yard where everyone is now watching with interest."

 

Sahra & Lyssa

There was a great deal of relief on Aran's part as Lyssa come to the rescue. As much as he had been making fun of her, and he had, elbows and knees had been flying everywhere between the attempted slaps and various other means of inflicting pain on him, and as used as he was to bruises he didn't exactly welcome them. Sitting up, Aran almost laughed at the eye roll that Lyssa gave him and the fact that she had the trainee doing push ups. She'd only started training her first mentee awhile ago but clearly she was adapting rather quickly to it. It was always good to make them work a bit.

 

Getting to his feet, it wasn't just them that were watching either. The little fiasco had drawn a bit of an audience, a few people had even wandered over as the girl began to do her push ups. All people from their company curious as to why a trainee had assaulted Aran. Or rather, what the reason was for it so Aran proceeded to explain it to them as Sahra made her way through her push ups. She had been working earlier it seemed because she was holding up alright with her push ups even if a little shakey.

 

Miming to Lyssa sit ups, as soon as Sahra was finished she was then on her back doing those as Aran finished the story. As the audience was well aware of the stirring that Aran indulged in, so there wasn't exactly much in the way of sympathy for the girl. Well, that and she was a trainee, trainees needed to know better than to try and assault Tower Guards. Otherwise they'd think they had rights and become original thinkers, things that trainees didn't really need to be. They needed to be quiet and do what they were told, or at least annoy Tower Guards from the other companies.

 

Seeing that Sahra was done her sit ups, Aran grinned at her. "That wasn't too much was it?"

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

Sahra doubted that the woman would attack her but she definately did manage to have the same aura of danger about her the high ranking Tower Guards and especially Warders were known for. She merely shrugged at her rebuke about it not being her business who was sleeping around with who. It was true but Aran, the utter slime had drawn her into it by making all kind of insinuations. She had blissfully forgotten already that it had been she who had made the first remark. She hesitated only for a moment before obeying the barked command to start doing pushups. Twenty was normally big deal to her, not anymore so she gave the woman a dark look for even suggesting that she might need to lean on her knees to be able to do it. For the flare she crossed her left ankle over her right ankle so that her weight rested mostly on that side. She would have done the one-handed pushups but she wasn't that fit yet that she could perform twenty of those smoothly and without getting red of her face. But she had been training for hours already so to her shame her muscles were trembling by the time she was done and now she would have to do some stretching instead of staying in the water for as long as she had planned. And she doubted that she would get even that since she would be sent the Mistress of Trainees and the woman would set her up on something nasty.

 

But one day she would be as good as Aran and this woman. They might always have the experience on her but she in turn would be younger and she had the burning desire to be the best and work herself until she was. She fantasised already of the day she beated them in a free bout she had been seeing. However, before that she would realistically have to bear many humiliating losses to them. Ursana had told her that you learned the best when sparring with a more experienced fighter who wasn't set to crushing you but there had to be other Tower Guards to spar than these two. She wanted to steer as clear of them as possible.

 

The remark about everyone watching made her glance around. There were indeed some heads turned toward them but they seemed to think that the spectacle was over now and were returning to their own affairs. The bad thing was the people approaching them. Aran was talking to them and Sahra was certain that he was telling some horrible slander of her and making this all her fault. Once she was done with the push ups, Lyssa ordered her to do thirty sit ups, likely to keep her from the people. But it didn't matter really, the Mistress of Trainees would punish her and for this kind of a rule break she might even make the reason public as a warning to others. Her abs were in good condition but they had gone through alot already that day so they were burning after the series of full thirty was done.

 

As she got on her feet, the wretch spoke to her and seemed to be in quite a cheery mood in fact. She wanted to very much wipe the smirk off his face with her fist but that hadn't worked the last time so she reined her temper and ignored him turning to the female Tower Guard. She bowed gracefully from the waist. "I apologise the trouble to you but nothing else. I should go and report to the the Mistress of the Trainees now, right?" Sana would so skin her when he heard about this.

 

Sahra Covenry

Naughty Trainee

Mentee of Ursana Tahn Sakr

Roomie to Fior Canain

If I wanna take a guy home with me tonight

It's none of your business

And she wanna be a freak and sell it on the weekend

It's none of your business

Now you shouldn't even get into who I'm givin' skins to

It's none of your business

So don't try to change my mind, I'll tell you one more time

It's none of your business

Salt and Peppa

 

Lyssa watched the girl to see how she was doing, she was a little shaky but it was possible that she had been working out before this started. She had been here several months at least for Lyssa remembered seeing her around at least as long as that. So she should have no problem doing twenty push-ups. Aran had gotten to his feet and smiled at her before wandering off and loudly explaining to members of their company exactly why the Trainee was in trouble. She shook her head at him and looked down to see that the girl was close to being done with her pushup, she looked up to see Aran mouthing sit-ups at her, she chuckled and waited for the girl to be done. When she was finished she said, "I would stand up, your gonna be real familiar with the ground and Aran before I am done. Give me thirty sit-ups, and not crunches, sit-ups." She watched as the girl flopped onto her back and went about doing the thirty sit-ups. When she was done the Trainee stood up and with a bow said, "I apologise the trouble to you but nothing else. I should go and report to the the Mistress of the Trainees now, right?" Lyssa smirked at Sahra as she had finally remembered her name and walked around the girl in circles.

 

She smacked her on the tush as female trainees were wont to do and came around to face her. Seeing the horror on the girl's face she spoke softly, "You look like you can handle more than that Sahra. Obviously you think your big and tough since you didn't think twice about attacking a man who outranks you and is stronger. Of course he is short so I can see how you could imagine you could beat him to pulp." She looked over at the short Aran and back at the woman who was taller than her own 5'8 by at least an inch. Lys continued in a loud voice, "You see, the Mistress of Trainees is often to busy to deal with all the pesky little problems that you Trainees cause her and so she let's us deal with the Trainees. Since I wasn't involved in the fight, I am able to delve out punishment. By the time I am done child you will have either killed Aran or learned respect for Tower Guards and how hard we work. Maybe you will even make it to be one someday."

 

Speaking up she said, "Aran come here please." She smiled at him and said, "Can I ask you to please both stand right here for a few moments. That means no killing each other." She got both of their acceptance and then walked over and spoke to one of the men from their company, she walked away as he went to stand guard over the two. Lys jogged over to the armory, she picked out two lengths of sturdy rope and tucked it into the back of her pants and pulled her shirt over it. Chuckling she ran back to the group and smiled at both of them, "Since neither of you can seem to get along with the other, and Aran don't give me that look, we both know you had something to do with this." She rolled her eyes at him and then smiled again, "I suggest you both follow along with this or you will both be in so much trouble your heads will spin. You will spend the rest of today, and tonight tied together. Tomorrow you will meet me here and I will untie you." She pulled the rope out from behind her back and eyed them both, "Any problems with that?"

 

Lyssa Simeone

Laughing at the rope that Lyssa produced, Aran lifted his hands before him and shook them as he stepped back. While he thoroughly approved of the punishment of the young miscreant, he had no intention of being dealt justice by Lyssa. She'd already done that once before and he'd had to be freed courtesy of Shawn from a closet where he'd been tied up with naught but his small clothes to garb him. "I think you're forgetting something, I'm a Tower Guard and your senior. There is no chance of me pu- What are you doing?" Marie had grabbed one of his arms while Jaz had the other. "You can't be serious?"

 

Shocked at the female Tower Guard's treatment of her Sahra could just stare. She did recover and when Lyssa told of the likely outcomes of this, Sahra most definately betted on the first of her options. She would never respect Aran even if she held the other Tower Guards in high esteem. When Aran was brough to stand beside her, she tried to focus on Spring and think nothing else but that until the woman returned. She announced the punishment she had deviced and it was surely more cruel than anything the Mistress of the Trainees could have come up with. She and Aran both protested out loud at the same time.

 

"Yes, I have all the problems in the world with this! Tonight you said... you would make me sleep in the same bed with that... that... No!" She was being grabbed by the watchers too and even though she knew that struggling wouldn't help, she trashed about.

 

Lyssa chuckled at the look on Aran's face, he quickly began to protest, "I think you're forgetting something, I'm a Tower Guard and your senior. There is no chance of me pu- What are you doing? You can't be serious?" She smiled at him as the Trainee began to put in her own cries of how unfair it all was. The onlookers were already grabbing their legs and tying them together. "Well I am afraid that you don't have a choice Aran, unless you would like be to go to Ginae Auvrani and tell her that you are provoking her Trainees and exactly what this fight is about, which I now know since you told everyone so loudly. I don't think she would like at all that you are inciting her Trainee's. As for you my dear," she turned and looked at the Trainee, "maybe you will learn exactly why he has so many bedfellows, though I doubt it. Personally I would be surpised if he touches you but we have both dug our graves and must lie in them."

 

Aran, Sahra & Lyssa

Aran didn't even bother asking what would happen if he just untied it later. Lyssa had him, well, sort of, but his hand had been broken by Ginae before and he wasn't eager to repeat the experience anytime soon. So, he submitted to the ministrations as the ropes were tied so they were linked by wrist and ankle. His premonition was coming true it seemed, and once again not only was it due to the people around him but due to women. At least he wasn't tied up with Braxton though, a saving grace but a small one. Now he was going to have this Sahra, who was still thrashing about and attempting to win free, it was going to be a long day. "I hope you're happy, all of you, if I have to go to the infirmary within the next day it will be on your heads."

 

Sahra for one wasn't happy at all. The tying was done and her ankle and left wrist were tied to those of a detestable creature. There was nothing to be done anymore so she calmed down. She was feeling a dull pain starting at the pit of her stomach and she pondered for a moment if Aran had maybe hit her there, but no. Maybe she was just being so anxious that her stomach was reacting and knotting up. It wasn't like her though. The third explanation was... Oh Light, her eyes widened in shock and she prayed harder than ever in her life that she was wrong. She would be dead of the shame if it was true. She had never been actually undressed around a man if you didn't count Fior. But that she was used to already. It was entirely different than doing something like that. And her bath was ruined. She couldn't undress anyway and she never would, not before him. She was all sweaty and self-conscious about it but that was still the better option.

 

The fight and sorting things out had taken a bit and she hadn't yet had her lunch. She would have to hurry to the mess hall if she wanted to eat and not be late from her training session with Ursana. Not that she could really train with the ball called Aran roped to her and Ursana would be disappointed with her for loosing her temper so badly. Still ignoring Aran she spoke as if thinking out loud. "Mhh... time to go eat something." She began to walk toward the barracks but got stopped after only few steps since Aran wasn't moving. She gave him a long suffering look and he grinned back. He was really going to make life difficult for her. Obviously he wanted her her to ask, maybe even beg for him to budge. She breathed through her nose and closed her eyes momentarily before speaking in an overly polite and strained voice. "If you would be so kind, I need lunch before meeting up with my mentor and continuing my training."

 

At least Sahra had stopped resisting, it was a bit pointless from the moment they were seized which was why Aran had not even bothered. Still, as the others drifted away save Lyssa he was slightly surprised as well as amused at the way Sahra tried to simply walk off without taking into account the fact that they were tied together. Just grinning at the look she shot him, he waited for her to ask for him to accompany her. If they were going to make this work they were going to have to move together, meaning that she really needed to tell him where she wanted to go beforehand. Nodding at her request, Aran smiled as he replied. "Of course."

 

Turning to Lyssa who was still there with them, his smile didn't change at all as he continued. "I suppose you'll be coming along as well?"

 

 

Aran, Lyssa & Sahra

Guards and Wards

Lyssa trailed them to the mess hall shared jointly by the Tower Guards and Trainees. Aran's and Sahra's tied forms drew some looks but obviously it wasn't a completely new form of punishment and no one wanted to get too involved. Sahra spotted Fior staring at them and she waved him to keep eating and worded 'Later' before focusing on filling her tray. It was difficult to coordinate with just one hand even if Aran tried to relax his arm and follow her motions. Soup was a good choice since it didn't require co-operation but she knew that she would be starving by the dinner time. Maybe bread would keep the worst of it at bay. They had to make another trip to get Aran's food and she should have guessed that he had no restraints picking steak. Great, she would have to help him to slice it. The imagery of sticking the knife on his tight managed to bring a smile on her lips though. But Lyssa was watching them and joined them in the empty table so she had to behave.

 

As they sat down, she couldn't ignore the signs anymore. It was happening and the punishment would be complete by that utter humiliation. Maybe Aran would actually be merciful enough to not tell anyone but she would have to swallow her pride and ask him to allow someone to take off the ropes for a moment. She needed just few minutes of privacy maybe three times and Lyssa wouldn't need to know anything. Staring bleakly at her plate with lost appetite, she moved her arm in concert with Aran's as he sawed his steak and chattered with Lyssa. She forced nibbles of bread down and even spooned her soup. Her portion didn't seem to be diminishing much whereas he was making through his steadily between talking. She felt a warm trickle between her legs and stiffened before fidgeting uncomfortably. She had to get out of here and quickly.

 

She poked him on ribs with the tied elbow. "Aran, I am in a bit hurry already", she said with a tight voice. She wasn't even lying. There was still enough time before she had to meet Sana but her body's needs couldn't wait. "Could we please leave and go to fetch something from my room?" Politeness came easier now but it still galled. Right then she would have carried him on her back or done anything to get him moving before there would be visible stains and everyone would notice. And her stomach hurt. She wanted to get to training already since excersise seemed to help and ease the pain. Luckily it lasted only few hours with her. She had heard horror stories about women who suffered for days during the trouble days. It was so unfair. Why didn't men have to go through something similar?

It was a relatively quiet lunch, well, that was to say it wasn't particularly troublesome. Lyssa of course came and joined them, shared a meal with them to observe that occured. Sahra on the otherhand was rather quiet and withdrawn and to be honest Aran couldn't really complain about that at the moment. If she was quiet and not annoying Aran, and as far as he knew he wasn't annoying her, the punishment wasn't going to yield particularly amusing results for Lyssa. Still, she had become so underhand! He had himself to blame for that, but that was beside the point. He didn't expect everyone to use him as an example, more to the point he didn't necessarily want them to either. If people like Lyssa got more like him he'd be in serious trouble.

 

It was as a surprise when Sahra finally decided to speak up though he couldn't really fault her. She probably was late, and she would need to see her mentor as soon as she could. Being late could result in all sorts of punishments. Well, not with Aran tied to her it wouldn't unless the mentor wanted trouble, but then he wouldn't have picked Lyssa to be the sort to take advantage either. But, no way out of it, and Lyssa would get her just deserts soon enough. As soon as he thought of something that fit her latest piece of ingenuity. It would come to him sooner or later.

 

"Well Lyssa, it appears I've been given my marching orders. We don't want her to be late, so you'll clear the table? Thanks!" Grinning, Aran let Sahra lead the way as they went to her room. Light but she was agitated, in fact she was setting so quick a pace that she was about to break into a full run. Curious, but maybe it was because of the mentor, or maybe she was just that keen. Something to be discovered soon enough but for now they entered the Trainee barracks. Making a note of which room was hers as they entered it, he was surprised that she locked the door behind them. Almost pulled off his feet as she went for her chest, Aran frowned.

 

"Settle down, it doesn't matter if we're late. Your mentor won't give you any trouble with me there."

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

Even amidst the urgency to get to her room, Sahra enjoyed the little irony that Lyssa had been forced to serve them a bit and take their dishes away. And if this had been any other day of the month, she would have taken full advantage of the fact that Aran would have to follow her around. Well, only until they got to Sana but it was still something. However right then he was only a hinderance even if he kept up with the pace she set. She was certain that he wondered about it and she doubted that she could avoid giving an explanation. The slim chance still existed and she was clinging on to the vain hope of him being a gentleman enough to give her that small privacy.

 

Once they were safely inside without fear of interruptions, she began to rummage through her things blocking his sight with her body. Finally she found what she was looking for and straightened hiding the pads behind her back with her free hand. Now came the tricky part, persuading him to allow the ropes be taken off for a bit. "It's not that. I still have some time before Sana expects me." There was no mistake of the affection when she said his name, clearly she liked her mentor alot. "And I suppose he can't say anything about this because the penance has already been given. It won't stop him from being disappointed with me though and this is no excuse to be late or slacker off." What Sana thought of her was important. It had been strange to slip into roles of mentor and mentee after first knowing him as a good company and kissing partner. They were still trying to figure out how to sort that out when they were with each others on free time and she believed that Sana was dutiful enough to think that it wouldn't be proper as long as he was training her.

 

But she had been meant to explain, not think about Sana. "It is... it is a privacy issue. Surely Lyssa couldn't have meant us to... to do everything together. Ijustcannotgotoprivywhenyouarethere", she rushed out in one string. From Aran's confused look he hadn't understood. Her face was flaming and she was shifting from one foot to another. "Blood and bloody ashes, do I have to spell it out to you?! I do not want to go to the bathroom when you are there and I am having that time of the month. Get it?" Burn him and Lyssa and her for getting into this mess. "We have to find someone to untie the ropes while I... do what it is that women do then. We'll put them back right away and Lyssa won't know anything. Three times should be enough, twice today and tomorrow. I am sure that Fior, my room mate could do it." Another person she seemed to be truly fond of. "He is a nice enough guy to not be asking any questions unlike someone else in this very room. You are the most inconsiderate lout I have ever met in my whole life." After that she fixed her stare at her feet as if looking at him could get her infected with plague.

The first thing that Aran took in was the name she gave of her mentor, something he was able to divine from the fact that she discounted him giving her a further penance. Then came something about privacy, followed by a flood of words that caused him to look confused. Not that he was, but he thought she might want to explain herself further, which she proceeded to do with a face aflame with shame. Fior was mentioned as well, Cairma's student, he'd have to remember that. He even contemplated agreeing to letting the ropes be untied, up until the point she called him a lout. "Well, as I'm an inconsiderate lout, I suppose we'll have to forget untying them."

 

Sahra actually spluttered at his response. She wasn't certain whether she had actually expected him to agree or not but she had hoped so. She reached grimly for her longsword with her right hand. Unlike Fior, she hadn't given the sword a name. It was important to her but it was a tool. Aran stopped her hand with annoying ease and requested to know what she was up to. "I am going to go cut these ropes and go to the Mistress of Trainees", she spat. "I'm sure that she will make me regret ever deciding to sign up but even that is better than being tied up to you."

 

Cut the rope? Pit of Doom she was, the whole point of the punishment was to have to put up with the other person. One of the ways it did that was by destroying any privacy between the pair and no chance to get away from one another. He most certainly was not going to break with the tradition. "No you are not, and I don't know when it became trendy for trainees to be mildly retarded but you really need to stop." Grinning at the look that got him, he continued. "Don't get snippy with me either because you've got some flow issues. Light, you'd think you were the only woman that ever had them. Lets just get this over with, and no the rope is not coming off. The rule is that it stays on regardless and I am not going to cop flak because of your misplaced shame and unless you want everyone to know when your time is, lets just get it done."

 

Even as Sahra pondered the choices of private humiliation with Aran and everyone knowing, her tongue worked. "I am certain that I am the only woman in the earth who has been unfortunate enough to be tied to a disgusting ooze like you. Anyone who told you to be yourself couldn't have given you worse advice. Get your head off you arse and behave like a human being. Is it really that much asked? If we are supposed to tolerate each others without you having to knock me out cold, for the love of Light..." She believed that he would really do it. He could be low enough to tell everyone. She couldn't allow that. "You can at least turn your bloody back and close your eyes. And don't fall asleep tonight or you will find yourself without some vital organs."

 

Chuckling, Aran turned about as he was asked. It left his arm in a somewhat awkward position but he could manage. "Well, hurry up and get it done with already. Sooner we get this done, sooner we can get out and see your mentor." No doubt it would be fun, especially since he doubted that Sahra was aware of the fact that Ursana had been his student. No doubt that would irk her, especially considering the... timing.

 

 

Aran & Sahra

OOC: Sahra has been in the Yards for about two months at this point

 

IC:

 

Surprised that Aran had complied, Sahra opened the strand holding her training breeches and slid the pad to its place. She couldn't tie the strings because the mere thought of having his hand close to her intimate spots disgusted her but maybe the thing would stay put. She very much would have wanted to wash since she had been training for hours already and even if her flow had only just begun, there was still some blood on her already but she would not begin stripping around him. Tying her pants again was impossible with one hand so she told the slime that he could turn around in a tight voice. Using her own left hand to hold the strand, she managed to fasten the knot. Next in turn were washing her face and hands - and his right hand - on the basin with her lemon scented soap. She could smell the faint bergamot of Fior's soap that she had given to him and thinking her room mate did bring a brief smile to her lips despite the circumstances. Her auburn hair was matted with sweat but she merely brushed it and braided it again a bit ackwardly due to the tied hands. She would just have to weather the grime until tomorrow when Lyssa would free her and then she could finally bathe blisfully alone. She would definately appreciate that privacy in entirely new ways.

 

Declaring that she was ready, the two of them headed off the room and not to the Yards but latrines. Sahra knew that she would have to go too but it would be later as she could still hold. Aran had no such reservations however and she asked him in a sickeningly sweet voice if he wanted her to hold his meaty dirk. He laughed hard at that and accused her of an attempt to get him soil himself. He had some sense of self-preservation though and he kindly refused. Not that she would have even touched the thing, she shivered with revulsion at the thought. It was bad enough to have her arm bent ackwardly behind her and listen to the whistling of some undoubtedly bawdy tune and the sound of water being thrown. Light, she would be a saint by tomorrow if she only survived through the trial. Burn Lyssa.

 

Finally they approached the spot where Sana was waiting and the butterflies in Sahra's belly doubled in size. What would he say? She was explaining the situation even as he turned toward them and missed the strange look Sana gave to Aran. "I'm really sorry, Sana. Lyssa set this punishment after she caught me and Aran from..." She interpreted the narrowed eyes to mean that he thought that they had... She gasped. "Light, not that, I wouldn't touch him even if I was paid to. No, we were fighting. Or I was fighting him because he... he was the Tower Guard I told you about who... who... No, nevermind." The punishment had been given so the cause of it shouldn't matter anymore. "I won't do anything like this again, I promise, not even if he provoked me. And he has to train with me today but it won't hinder my performance. What's the plan for the rest of the day?"

It was perhaps the most bizarre thing that had ever happened to him. Well, no, but it was one of the more bizarre things he had seen in a while. His mentor was strapped to his the first trainee he was being asked to mentor. He watched the two walking, a raised eyebrow for Aran as he walked up. It was Sahra who began talking through and he crossed his arms in front of his chest as she began.

 

For a moment, he thought she was saying she had been caught kissing Aran, but he knew his mentor well enough, at least he thought he did, to know he'd do no such this with a trainee. At least where he would get caught. Sahra apparently read his face and hurried on to explain. Aran had been the guard she had told him about? A Guard she had... he shook his head, his hnad coming up to cover his mouth as he gain control of his sudden desire to laugh. Not only would Sahra never forgive him, but he figured Aran might start as well and Sahra would probably give him another beating before either of them would be able to stand up well enough to defend him.

 

His day's training was thrown completely out the window by this of course. Instead he decided to go with what was in front of him. "Have a seat." He said, indicating the ground. He made sure to point to a spot that would give them a softer seat but no where close to a tree for his mentor to take a lean against. "So, you got caught fighting with a Tower Guard?" He said. "And you're still angry about the punishment I can see." He said. "Why don't you tell me why you thought you could attack a Tower Guard? And don't tell me what Aran has done to deserve it, because I have no doubt about his inoocence or guilt when women are involved." He said giving Aran a side look. "What made you, as a Trainee, think you could attack a Tower Guard?"

 

Ursana Tahn Sakhr, TG

Sahra peered Sana suspiciously when he covered his well-shaped mouth with a hand but since his face was straight, it had to be just a thoughtful gesture. She nodded at him thankfully and sat as as he motioned coordinating her movements with Aran decently already. She didn't bother to acknowledge Sana's first question since she had just told him it had indeed been so. He could sometimes repeat the self-obvious. She shrugged wryly in response at being angry about the punishment. It would have been bad enough with just Aran to tolerate but the timing didn't make her mood any better. At least the rat bastard would hopefully keep it quiet. Sana's assesment of Aran when it came to women was right and Sahra wondered how well close acquiaintainces the two of them were. Did Sana know him just by reputation?

 

"Don't be so quick to label all the women to be the the same with Aran. You insult the fairer sex and I don't belong to the category of his wenches", she said firmly. "As for your question... I wasn't thinking really." She averted her mentor's gaze. "I don't know what possessed me but there we were exchanging insults... my taunting does need work by the way. Ahem, where was I. Yes, we were trading insults and then he... he laughed at me again and I flipped", she explained half chagrined half annoyed. "I did manage to land a few hits but only because he was practically rolling on the ground with it. If I have learned something, it is that attempting that again is futile unless the particular Tower Guard is bound or sleeping or... well, laughing. And of course I wouldn't do it again anyway. I don't usually walk around attacking people."

Aran had been happy to tag along with Sahra as the pair had made a good three legged pace to meet with her mentor, his mentee. Ursana gave him the raised eyebrow, something that Aran was quite certain the man had taken from him after all the times Aran had done so when Ursana had gotten into a fight and needed to explain why it happened. He also usually had to explain why he had lost, or why he had been caught like the time Ursana had decided to stalk Aran to learn more about him. Not even the subsequent punishments and an imposed sex change had subdued Ursana's curiosity but Aran hadn't been so much interested in that as directing Ursana's curiosity elsewhere, as well as encouraging him not to be caught in the future.

 

Of course, Sahra was quick to blame Lyssa for the predicament and himself within the same breath. And of course like the earnest little girl she was quick to promise that she would never do anything like that again. Something that gave him all sorts of delightful ideas, if she promised not to react to him again, that meant that he could do just about anything and she would simply have to accept it. A tempting thought, but one that had to wait as he as invited with Sahra to take a seat on the ground. Aran was happy with that and while Sahra sat down he proceeded to lay back and make himself as comfortable as he could.

 

Shrugging with a casual grin as Ursana decided to mention his guilt and innocence. The diatribe that flowed from Sahra at that point almost made him laugh. My but wasn't she almost ashamed of what she had said and done now. Nevermind that he would undoubtedly be blamed for it, she was the one who had decided not to control herself. By the time she was finished, Aran had decided it was time to break his silence. "She's sort of right, but she's missing a few points."

 

Grinning at Ursana who was now trying to keep a level expression, Aran decided to start his story where most started, the beginning. "You know this lass used to be a serving wench, no? Well, one night about a year ago she sprung the idea of her becoming a Tower Guard. Now, I wasn't expecting that, and you know how much work it is so I admit I laughed. I apologised afterward but this little shrew just couldn't accept it was a simple mistake on my part. At least I'm guessing so because she approached me earlier and decided to inform me that she'd made it."

 

Scratching his head with a free hand, Aran continued. "Now, you know what its like when you get names mixed up. I might have 'mistaken' her name for the name of the woman I picked up that night, and all of a sudden she couldn't keep her hands off me. Lyssa had to come to my rescue, and she decided that a fit punishment would be to bind both of us together. So, I play along for the day we are bound together. Me and Sahra have been talking so much and we have so much in common! Well, except that I don't often express a fervent wish for a my women to be diseased, infect me and for a rot to come and claim my... What was it? Fleshy dirk?"

 

Aran laughed at the faces that one rewarded him with.

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

He was trying very hard not to laugh. His mentee deserved better of him really, but it was hard with Aran sitting there talking about.... fleshy dirk? He shook his head to keep from laughing and looked at the girl before him.

 

"You actually said that?" he waved his hand before she could answer. "Nevermind. I know you're capable of the vocabulary if you listened with only half an ear where you used to be."

 

He took a deep breath then. "Aran, please behave for a few minutes while I try to talk to Sahra, though I do appreciate your side of the story." He hoped Aran would just let it go for a few minutes anyway. He'd have to get him aside later and ask for the full details. He could just imagine Sahra in full rage. Better yet, he ought to ask Lyssa. He didn't know her really, but he was sure the incident and his tie to both parties would certainly open up that door.

 

"Alright Sahra. You lost control. Not only did you lose control, but you lost control and forced a fight. One that was witnessed by a good number of people. What did we learn from that? To promise not to do it again? It's a promise you probably won't keep and it's too easily said to mean anything. What should you have done and what do we learn from Aran and his..." he couldn't say the words that came to mind because he knew he'd start laughing. hHe quickly changed it to something else. "..diseased women."

 

He shot Aran another look and wondered exactly how the man managed to keep so many women so close without getting kicked more often. Really, he should have taught that before they let him off on his own. Another thing he'd have to get him to confess when they were alone sometime.

 

Ursana Tahn Sakhr

It was an effort to hear Aran tell it all and not react and comment. But that was part of the punishment and she had promised to not let him get under her skin anymore. It might prove out to be more than she could handle especially if he was going to keep it up even after today. But she would not explode again today. Her cheeks were bright red when he recited the actually fairly clever insult... except for the end. Light, why hadn't she just said the word instead of using such a stupid euphemism. But knowing all those words wasn't the same than saying them after the kind of upbringing Emma had given her. The blessed woman hadn't accepted even blood and bloody ashes from her children. She nodded when Sana asked for confirmation about whether she had actually said it.

 

Was there a right answer to his question about what she should have done? "I should have probably just walked away. Constructive discussion might have been an option with a human being but it is not possible with Aran. As for what I can learn from Aran and his... women..." Her voice was laced with contempt "I have no idea. To not become one like that? And I don't make easy promises. After this hour I have spent with Aran, I do understand that I will feel the urge to do this very same mistake many many times again, but wanting to throttle someone is different than giving in to it and actually doing it. I will do my very best so that we won't be in this situation ever again. You might be right that I can't keep the promise and there might be others who manage to rub me as wrong was as he does, but the intention to try to uphold it is important in my opinion at least."

Ursana shook his head. "What you should be looking to learn, is how so many women could possibly put up with Aran and his meandering. Why would they? Could it be that Aran just might be the sort of person that is worth listening to?" He looked thoughtful for a moment. Light knew he had had his days of dispising Aran after the incident in Cairhein, but in the end he had been able to get his head around the lessons the man had been trying to teach him.

 

"Possibly. Or maybe he's just good at keeping what he's doing hidden. So either he's a master of stealth which would be good to learn, or he's a good person. Perhaps, you ought to look at your own past with him and try to figure out a way to come to terms with it and move past it."

 

"And what did you learn about your fight? You started it, you bruised him, but what did you learn from it? What can you take away and do better next time?"

 

Ursana Tahn Sakhr

Sahra tilted her head thoughtfully and pursed her lips so she had at least taken notice of Sana's words of Aran. Lyssa had said the same than Sana about Aran and maybe she could look into it once she had cooled off. She had no desire to learn anything related to his possible charm which to her was non-existant or womanising skills but maybe stealth. They would see.

 

Analysing the fight was easy. "I didn't use the Spring. I wasn't in control of my emotions and therefore I wasn't very efficient. If it had been a real situation, I would be dead because I didn't use what little technique I know so far. I just... reacted and followed my instincts, not my training. I need to drill the movements and the philosophy more until they come from the spine and muscles and I could do them in my dreams. They need to become my instincts."

 

"I was unable to use my opponents weaknesses against and take full advantage of his... hampered stage. I suppose that it is kind of lucky for me that I didn't hurt him worse and I am not sure if I even could have despite it all because he is so much advanced fighter than I am." She could now remember more objectively how Aran had blocked most of her strikes and kicks. "I think that my only strenght was unpredictability. It dangerous to not know what your opponent is going to to next, especially if they are so angry that they don't pay heed to their own safety."

 

After her spiel, she squirmed slightly her body reminding her of her condition again. She shot Aran a warning glance that promised severe consequences should he reveal her private shame. She really wished that she would be allowed to train since physical activity eased the pain.

Sana nodded as she talked. "But there's one thing you're missing. You wanted to make him see you as a trainee and take you seriously. You wanted to get revenge for his laughter. The next time you want revenge, rememeber. Revenge is a dish best served cold." Sana said with a wink for her. "And not in public where everyone can attest to the fact that it was you."

 

That was, of course, one of the most embarassing things Aran had ever taught him. Whatever mischief you might get into, don't get caught! He still had a dress in the back of his closet as a reminder.

 

Ursana Tahn Sakhr

Sahra nodded unwillingly when Sana brought up the point that she had wanted to make Aran acknowledge her presence and worth. It was so stupid. What did his opinion matter anyway? Maybe it had been more revenge or wish for an apology. What a little fool she had been. That kind of realisation was never pleasent and certainly didn't endear Aran to her. It might not be his fault but he had still provocated her and he had witnessed it all. She melted to a smile when he winked at her. She wasn't sure if she understood what he was implying. Maybe that revenge was good and alright as long as it was done discreetly. If she ever got the urge to go against the rules again, she would have to remember that and make an empirical test.

 

"I will remember that, Sana. Are you satisfied with my answer?" She shifted her position uneasily. "It's just... I wouldn't want to break my training routine." She very much needed to move and physical excercise would ease her sore stomach and take her mind off it... and Aran even though she would not be delivered from the presence of that evil until tomorrow. "If you don't have any more points to cover, could you please give me some instructions for today? Something I might be able to do even when hampered down."

Sana smiled at her and her pointed questions. Sahra was always ready to move on, no matter what the lesson. Give her a second to get it and she wanted the next step.

 

He thought about what he could have the two of them do and it was with a strange glee that he nodded to Sahra. "Alright, once you're stretched and warmed up, start laps. I'll tell you when to stop."

 

It wasn't about Sahra right then though and Sana didn't even try to fool himself How many times had Aran sent him to laps because he didn't want to break his nap, or his train of thought, or his current game of whatever? Sahra would be fine with the laps. The thought of watching Aran run them though was something along the lines of glee.

 

Ursana Tahn Sakhr