Spirits of the Earth

Shore leave. One day of a break for the crew when they docked while arrangements were made by Honghu, his protege. Trade deals or bussiness arrangements. It was all dull chatter to him.  But regardless, Sura had to wait for his mistress to be done. He was after all her bodygaurd. He was currently waiting outside her personal cabin, sat down against the walls with his legs folded.

There was no shore leave for him. Though he was fairly certain his protege would also enjoy stretching her legs. So, half a shore leave? He shrugged softly. The wheather was nice, a warm breeze during noon, the sun at its highest.

This waiting wasn't all that bad. He snorted softly and looked back at one of his light clones, a bright outline ofof his own body and sighed. "Alright. Best out of five," he said to the magic apparition. "Rock, paper, scissors!" He extended his hand in scissors.

His mute clone picked rock.

"Fuck. Rock, paper, scissors!" He called again, deciding to go for paper this time. His clone decided on scissors.

"Fuck," he repeated. "Best.. Four out of seven?" He offered, yet, the clone just dissipated without an answer.

" Tsk tsk tsk, Sura-" The familiar, lovely lilting voice floated as if from air behind him- a breath of wind. A slender hand touched his shoulder, the warm glow emenating from the skin simple and bright,"- what have I told you about playing your own shadow? it will always know what you are up to- no matter how unpredictable you are."

The bright red cheongsam was almost as equally blinding as the slender young woman who wore it, only the raven hair offering some respite from all this light. Qi Honghu offered him her hand," Come now, Sura- I simply cannot wait all day for you." there was humor in her voice, undeniably, yet a simple sharpness as well.

"Honghu-nim," Sura answered as he scrambled to his knees in greetings, his tail flicking idly. "I wish to outsmart any foe, so my own shadow seems a good place to start," he answered with a cheeky grin.

The half monkey took her hand and used her assistance to get to his feet, inclining his head momentarily. "Ofcourse, Honghu-nim," he answered with a soft huff. "Where are we headed?"

" Some place I believe you will enjoy very much-" releasing his hand gently, her fingertips sliding in a hypnotically fluid manner from his before returning to her side- idly her blue gaze flickered toward the crew continuing to go to and fro with crates of goods and other items to trade,"- There is a man in this port city who believes he can pay us less then what is owed for a full jar of silver extract, which- mind you, my dear- is very difficult to haul across an ocean with the danger of spontaneous combustion." Already turning away, her other hand beginning to idly fan herself with a paper fan, she looked back briefly, hiding her face behind it.

" We need to talk to him, my Sura, convince him otherwise hmm..?" Her honey sweet voice was almost ridiculously intoxicating, to the point where it could melt hearts made of draconian steel. That was her skill- to seduce and intoxicate with that lovely... Everything. Those who were her around her quite often, alas, eventually grew used to the effects and were able to function past it.

Sura nodded in response, taking up his fighting staff and hitching it towas his back with the crimson strap. "Lead the way then, Honghu-nim," he answered as he fell in step next to her, a spark travelling between his fingers.

Sura had spend some time with Qi and therefore was less easily seduced by her silken voice and honied words. Though he was bound by a promise, so he gladly took her orders. After all, she was his mentor and teacher. "I imagine you're gonna do the talking?"

" If he lets me speak, you know how some of these men are-" She sang, walking lithely across the deck, down the ramp to the dock, briefly gazing at the turtleship rather fondly before walking toward the busy city port. Those of her crew bowing their heads slightly as she past, strangers simply gawking,"- letting a woman pursue payment is astonishing and insulting enough... If he interrupts me too much, smash his teeth in, would you? I do hate being interrupted,"

Slowly fanning herself, keeping her face slightly obscured by the fan, she subtly motions for Sura to walk at her side- casting him the subtlest of winks and perhaps even... Perhaps that was a small kissing gesture, but it could have been his imagination as well," Come closer, Sura, you are making me quite lonely."

Sura rubbed the back of his head. He really disliked using force when it could bebe avoided. But, in this bussiness, a client that would be allowed to get away would set a bad precedent. And you paid for offered services. The full amount.

He sighed softly, before glancing up at Qi when she made her remark. With a soft huff, he fell into step next to her, his thumb hitched in his belt. "Sorry, just trailed off, Honghu-nim," he admitted with an awkward chuckle, having missed both the wink and the faintest of gestures.

Pursing her lips, she shrugged," No matter, dearest- Just make sure I do not get hit in the process, would you kindly?" As if on que, she lithely ducked beneath a man turning with a large plank upon his shoulder. They were reaching a more populated area of the port town, the cobblestone streets filled with hundreds of merchants, traders, civilians, and so on-

Reaching over, Qi Honghu hooked her arm through Sura's, fanning herself idly as they weaved through the streets until they reached a courtyard- lavish buildings creating a perfect cube around a rather extravagent fountain that even caused the young woman to snort and roll her eyes from the abundance of stark naked cherubs dancing in stone literally everywhere.

"I'll make sure of it," he answered, already being there to make her graceful evade pointless byback shoving the, endhe of the board upwards, glancing at the dockworker who got knocked off balance. But he was too busy picking up the board to actually see who had tipped it in the first place.

Sura glanced down at her as he felt a slender arm hooking his, letting out a soft breath and heading back to checking theirthe surroundings again. After all, he was still a bodygaurd. But it seemed, despite the fuss, the streets were relatively safe.

As they finally reached their, destination, Sura couldn't help but snicker in amusement. "I'd ask if you were sure this is the place," he chuckled softly. "But I think that's already answered."

Her cherry red lips curl into a wry smile, snapping the fan shut with a slight movement of her fingers- moving toward a particularly lavish townhouse, all shades of white, gold and blue. The marble featured flowers petrified in white stone as well as particularly fantastical fauna as well. The pair mounted the rather ostentatious steps as she responded softly," I do understand the desire to have a particular appearance. But this is slightly-"

She paused, tapping the fan carelessly against her chin, as they approached the large doors,"- too 'avant-garde' for my taste, despite my lust for flare." Qi Hongu extended her free arm, perhaps leaning unnecessarily close to Sura as she sharply taps the door with her glowing knuckles.

"Only slightly?" Sura answered with a soft huff, shaking his head softly, still holding Qi close by his side. "This is just preposterous," he answered with a soft sight, glancing at the door Honghu knocked on, waiting, attaining a rather foul look.

Smirking slightly, she playfully smacked his shoulder with the closed fan rather sharply as the door opened. Offering that beautiful, seductive smile that caused rock to melt to magma, she spoke to the rather... Ostentatious looking servant," Hello, my dear, my name is Qi Honghu, I've come to inquire to your Master some payment of a silver extract shipment he owes me." tilting her head to one sode, the warm glow upon her skin seeming to brighten considerably- the man could only close his open mouth before muttering something about 'a moment', disappearing within. Not even bothering to close the door.

Honghu opened the red fan once more, hiding a devious smile behind it as she giggled innocently," Do you think I scared him Sura? I think this Cheogsam might have been a bit too tight any way- what do you think?" her lovely blue eyes flicker to her companion's face, only her gaze visible behind the fan now. Her stance was relaxed, leanig slightly against him, one leg bent casually at the knee, hip slightly forced outward, slender back arched just enough~ ugh it was enough to drive the weak minded man rabid.
Those eyes... Ah what promises they held!

Either baffled by Qi's beauty or the foul look Sura gave him, the servant scurried off. The half monkey didn't say much, but when the servant left, a slow belch rose from him, before he sighed. "I was keeping that in," he murmured softly, before glancing at Qi.

"It looks good on you," he murmured with a soft snort. "And I think that may've been my fault," he added, before glancing at the door. A better alternative to not get flustered.

In response to his rather uncalled for belch, she turned the fan on him, merely pushing it back toward him with a small smirk," Ah- very well," she muses quietly, looking back up as the man servant reappeared, gently waving them into the extravagant building.

Sura shook his head, shrugging rather indifferently. He glanced at the servant that waved them in and glanced at Qi. "I'll behave," Sura stated with a soft chuckle.

" Every now and then, I wish you wouldn't, but I thank you," She chuckles softly, snapping open the fan again, once more peering over it as she walked ahead. Her shoes thudded softly on the clean white floor. The Townhouse seemed narrower then from the outside- much longer and taller. Of course it was rather extravagantly decorated with hues of blue, gold, silver and white. The merchant  queen smiles faintly, the glow of her skin seeming to reflect off the marble like candle light," Oh my~ Hm..." she lilts rather carelessly.

They are lead into a lounge- literally covered in all manners of silken, soft fabrics of every color. Pillows from the size of a baby to a small dragon littered the room in a somehow seductively messy atmosphere. But as if to ruin it all, a massively fat bird-like man was strewn atop one of the largest pillows. Quite akin to a man tarred and feathered but for a massive black beak- he was clearly... Just a very fat chicken with human-like features.
His head jerked up, the man snapping his beak a few times before narrowing beady black eyes,"... What is this nonsense, Jerald?"

The servant simply turned, gazing at Qi Honghu, who's face was still hidden behind the fan- she in turn whispers coolly," You wish to outsmart foes, yes? My dear Sura- perhaps you can try your wits and theatricality on our client here?"

"This is important," Sura answered with a soft snort. He followed Qi closely, glancing about their surroundings quite soberly, his face quite apparent with his impression of the rather lavish decorations. Which was not a positive impression at all, he was obviously mirthless and disinterested.

He glanced at the merchant, frowning. That wasn't according to plan. The man had a beak, which meant he had no teeth to knock in. Sura glanced at Qi as she spoke, hissing 'he doesn't have teeth,' under his breath. He coughed and softly dislodged his arm from Qi's, before stepping forward, inclining his head, yet not bowing. "I assume you realize why we are here?" Sura started, staring the fat human chicken straight in the eyes, a cold guise hiding his thoughts.

" You have not bothered to introduce yourselves so I highly doubt that I would bother caring." The man shifted his great weight, the beak curling into an annoyed frown though the beady eyes fix upon Qi- who simply kept her face hidden- staring intently at the client.

Even in such a mysterious position, the angelic aura of intoxicating warmth seemed to begin effecting the bird-man, who seemed to awkwardly straighten and simultaneously relax with a slowly more predatory smirk.

"I am certain a man off your level knows who he deals with," Sura answered with a soft smirk, his tail swaying idly behind him. "Behind me is Qi Honghu-nim. I am her delegate and personal guard, Sura," a soft chuckle left his lips. "And I  imagine you know exactly how much you failed to compensate us for our services."

The beak seems to frown so deeply it was a surprise it did not crack- beady narrow eyes flickering back to Sura," I do not see why I would need to compensate for failed services. The Silver extract was nearly solid when it reached my residence. The price I refuse to pay is the price it takes to liquefy it once more due to your incompetence."

Qi Honghu suddenly let a small bubble of laughter lift from her throat, snapping the fan closed with a loud sound. the glow upon her skin seemed to have faded slightly, a tell tale sign of annoyance as her eyes rested upon the man," The moment the cargo leaves the ships, it is the buyer's responsibility to ensure its condition from then on. We rule the sea, Jarro, your part is much easier then ours. Unless you are saying you are simply too incompetent to take responsibility of your own err?"

the air of the room seemed to tense considerably as rage contorted the large creature's face.

"Right," Sura sighed, before glancing at Jarro. "Also, I'd tear off that beak right now aswell, here and, now. The only one able to stop me would be Honghu-nim. Not you, nor your guards and servants," he chuckled slowly as he started to slowly pace back and forth, a soft smirk plastered on his face.

"And not paying your contracts is quite the damage to a fragile reputation like yours. I am certain one of your more trustworthy competition can fetch us a nice price. And word will get out, I assure you."

Jarro leaned back slowly, the contortions forcibly relaxing against the beak- a low laugh suddenly bubbling and bursting from the beast,"- bwahahaha-! Very well, very well." The low baritone turning into a quick squawk. With one feathered hand- the merchant waved off the manservant who bowed stiffly and retreated hurriedly.

The room descended into an awkward, stiff- electrically charged air seeming to grow stiffling. During this time, Qi Honghu strode up to her bodyguard, one slender hand reaching out to grasp his hand, fan patiently tapping her shoulder," When this is done, my Sura-" she whispers, her voice a mere breath of wind,"- I would like to meet you tonight, in private, just to... Spend time with you- how does that sound?"

Sura arched anan eyebrow at the retreating servant and took a deep breath. That went better than expected. He was all ready toto just charge their client, just like that. But it seemed like there was no need for that. His tail slowly descended back to the ground, resting idly against the cold tiles.

He glanced at Qi as he felt a light and tender touch on his hand, before inclining his head. "Ofcourse, Honghu-nim," he murmured the response. "It'd be my pleasure."

Once more, she wrapped a slender arm about his, pressing close to her loyal bodyguard as her fingers intertwined idly with Sura's," It won't be scary, I promise you that, my Sura." She hummed idly, vaguely smirking behind the van as Jarro's beady eyes narrow quite a bit- her skin glowing more brightly with amusement.

The manservant soon returned with a leather bag of coins, the bulk of it jingling merrily. The Merchant Queen idly extands her hand, the pouch dropped into her palm as she cooes quietly," I trust this is the full payment, Jarro- if I should return to my ship and find even a single bronze pence missing- I assure you that your reputation could easily be tarnished." she sang this threat in her lovely, light song- turning slightly as she mused," shall we depart?"

It seemed Qi was a tad more frisky than usual. He didn't mind it, one got used to it firstly, the closeness was also a pleasant matter secondly. Though, it was a noticable change. "I never thought so, Honghu-nim," he answered, exhaling softly as the manservant returned. It seemed he leaved at least a proper impression.

As Qi made her finalway promise, Sura looked up to him with a vile look. "And I'll make sure that's the least of your worries," he added, before glancing at his protege and nodding. "Ofcourse, lead the way."

This change, of course, came from the thrill of squashing a potentially troublesome client's will to fight, boredom and just the need to simply enthusiastically cuddle an individual - and as she found no one in this particular port to catch her eye. So- why not choose her bodyguard? He seemed convenient enough- and willing- hopefully... She would convince him otherwise if there was hesitation.

The man-chicken glared at their backs as they departed, clearly trying to contain a furious tantrum until they exited the building. Which did not take long. Qi Honghu placed the pouch securely in one of her hands, wrapping the cord around slender wrist before focusing upon the dimming and emptying streets. Night was coming- the gulls would soon settle into their nests and sailors would flood the taverns and brotherls to fulfill primal desires for escape and lust. How very quaint.

Idly, she focused upon the path ahead of them, humming a quiet, pleasant tune as they walked back to the docks. The stones upon the ground reflecting the white light that radiated from her skin.

As evening fell, Sura became more aware. Subconciously, he squeezed Qi's hand and pulled her a tad closer as they walked the docks. Each indiviual was a potential threat. Qi might even feel the monkey man tense ocassionally, a crackle of lightning flickering around them when the ocassional drunk staggered just a bit too close. It was obvious Sura took his job more than seriously.

After all, the merchant prince they just had their dealings with might've changed his mind. His assassins could lay in wait. Yet, so could several lowlives. Dusk wasn't the safest time of day.

Yet, they seemed to reach the ship without any major incidents. "Do you wish for me to accompany you now, or later?" Sura inquired with the faintest of smiles.

Playfully wrapping her arms about his neck after slipping her hand from his, she stood slightly on her toes in order to look him straight in the eye- a perfect smirk curling blood red lips," Well I would prefer now, but if later suits you fine- then I suppose I can wait," the white glow of her skin seemed to soften slightly, as if to give her already intoxicating aura a warmer atmosphere.

Idly, one of her hands dropped, elbow resting upon his shoulder but bending back in order to idly have her fingertips brush over his cheek. Affectionately? Perhaps. But more then likely she simply wanted what she wanted- at least, knowing how Qi Honghu usually went about such nonsense.

Sura arched his eyebrow softly, head cocking to the side. It was a tad surprising for Sura to have Qi cling to him like that. It made his cheeks grow a bit warmer, a tinge of pink appearing. He shook his head, however. "It was what was most convenient for you, Honghu-nim," he answered, swallowing softly.

Qi simply giggles quietly and leans forward, resting her chin upon his shoulder as her hand still presses gently against his cheek- her lips brushing his ear quietly," I would like your company now, Sura," her low purr somehow becoming even more sultry, intoxicating aura seeming to grow exponentially.

Her electric blue eyes watch him carefully, small smirk curling her lips as she watched him carefully, ah- everything about this was just too perfect. Akin to everything she did, heh.

"Then," he coughed softly, taking a soft breath. "Then I can keep you company now," he murmured, swallowing heavily once again.

Without a word, she draws away, taking his hand and squeezing it lightly. She leads him into the turtle ship, beneath the decks, into the darkness - glancing back at with a small smile every so often.

(should we move this to PMs or how does it work here? Unless you'd prefer fading to black lol)

[As I stated in PM's <3]

Sura had no choice but to follow, he had some semblance of what Qi had in store for him. But he didn't believe the thoughts going through his mind right now. He always looked up to this woman as his mentor.

Not as a lover or a partner.

They made their way to the small apartments that made up the Merchant Queen's portion of the massive armored ship, the whole while she looked forward but glanced back once- squeezing his hand gently. He had been here many times before, the whole apartment having been retrofitted into that of an Eastern setting.

Releasing his hand, she stepped forward, shedding both shoes as smoothly as silk before reaching out back, lightly gathering black locks into one hand- like liquid ink, pulling the long raven hair aside," Sura, help me get this off, would you?" she sang quietly

The look she gave him. The squeeze in his hand sent a jolt of lightning up his spine. The bodyguard was in an internal conflict. Not whether this was right or wrong. One half couldn't simply believe it. Other half could do notging but believe it. He was hesitant to say the least.

Though he was visibly nervous, the majority of this internal struggle was hidden. But a fragment of it visible on his face. "Ofcourse, Honghu-nim," he murmured with a slight stutter, stepping forward. This was happening. No doubt. And he finally managed to find proper resolve due to her request. She had erased the doubt. And he visibly calmed down.

Stepping forward, Sura laid his hands on her shoulders, with surprising tenderness, and went to slide the fabric off slowly.

The cheongsam slid off easily, slowly revealing more and more glowing skin- exposing shoulders, arms, gently curving waist, generous hips. Down... Down... Nothing but the thinnest of fabrics covering her now.

Releasing her hair once more, allowing it to slide back between bare shoulder blades, she turned her head slightly, pivoting her torso slightly, her hips shifting so she could gaze at him. One arm came up, covering her breasts while her free hand reached back, cupping his face," Sura... My Sura..." she sang sweetly.

" Are you nervous?" A small purr seemed to curl her words all the more pleasantly, every movement the slightest tease. Even the position of her covering arm barely covered... Ah teasing.

Sura swallowed heavily as he followed the transition of fabric to the fair, glowing and flawless skin closely. A shivering gasp was the only answer he could muster to the soft caress and his name sang so softly.

"A little," he answered, releasing a breath he didn't even realise he was holding. Despite his nervousness, despite the heat pooling visibly in his cheeks, he stepped forward, closing the distance. He leaçed forwardik slightly, levelling his face with hers.

His responses caused a soft giggle to lift from her lips. Taking the smallest step backwards, she pressed her bare body against his chest,allowing his chin to rest upon one of her shoulders, she reached back, pressing her palm against his cheek.

" Ah my Sura, all I want is to drive you mad- do not worry, dearest," her voice was as low and sultry as ever, but with the added... Persuasion of an utter lack of clothing. It seemed she pressed back just enough against him for him to simply feel empowered- in a position of odd control for once.

Sura sighed softly, before pressing a soft kiss on the slope of her neck. "You know what happens when I get mad," he murmured with a soft, breathy chuckle as one of his hands slowly traveled down her side, resting on her hip with a soft squeeze.

Another soft kiss as his other hand reached up to softly cup one of her breasts, being far more assertive than he had expected of himself.

Smirking ever so slightly as a soft, blissful sigh bubbles from her cherry lips, the woman cupped his face in her hands as she tilts her head back, cooing," I am... Well aware- thats why I love to goade you on so~" silken voice becoming low, gentle, like the sound of distant wind rolling over the branches of a forest.

Shifting ever so slightly, she pressed her body ever so slightly into his, ensuring her would feel every curve- every inch of glowing skin. Ah- it was so fun teasing, wasn't it?

Sura didn't reply to her, letting out only a guttural groan as she pressed herself back against him. And he replied in kind, his hips slowly starting to gyrate against hers. Teeth grazing across her neck. Words failed him. He had nothing more to say.

His hand slowly groped her breast, before moving up to pinch her nipple. His free hand slowly caressed down her hip, trailing around her abdomen, before moving down slowly, almost teasingly in kind. Before he suddenly trailed his fingers across her folds.

Qi's slender back arches slightly with a soft gasp, though quiet laughter bubbled through cherry lips- oh! What a pleasant surprise! He learned so quickly! Tilting her head to one side, her slender hand moving up to carress his cheek, Qi's other hand slowly trailed down his body. Her fingertips deftly sliding beneath his shirt to slowl pull it upward.

Her touch upon his bare skin was enough to make one of weak constitution moan, so feather-light, so pleasant as it was. In response to his now somewhat fervent movement, her thighs parted for his hand as another soft, song-like sigh of bliss bubbles from her lips," Ah- Sura~ what am i to do with you?" she croons, arching a slender eyebrow at him even as a rosy blush invaded the angelic glow of her face.

Sura still had no words for his mentor, too caught up with pulling her closer against his own body, still grazing sharp fangs across her neck. Still softly teasing her chest.

And busy little fingers down at her slith slowly pulled her petals aside, before Sura slowly tried to ease a finger in. Thumb running across to find a particular bud of nerves. And as soon as he found it, the same thumb would slowly rub over it.

Qi exhales audibly, her entire body seeming to pause for a moment as if to register the sensations flowing through her body. She took a single shuddering breath as she croons his name," Ah~ Sura~" her song-like voice quavering with heated desire as her back arches and a quiet moan leaves her lips.

One hand slowly drew his shirt up his torso, the young woman pulled away only for a moment, pulling his tunic over his head but leavibg his mouth revealed- with a imp-ish smile, she pressed her lips against his. Keeping him blinded as her other hand trailed up and down his flank- causing small trails of gooseflesh to follow her fingertips.

A soft shiver crawled up his spine as he felt the cold tips of her fingers slowly trailing up and down his flank. But he didn't halt his ministration by any means. The shuddering breath, her soft singing voice almost begging him only pegged him on. And motivated him to go further. A motivation that was more than obvious.

He was blinded by his own cloth shirt, frowning underneath before he felt soft, rosy lips pressed on his own, which he gratefully and passionately answered.