It was a dark day at a dark hour, and long since the weeks have passed since the great crocodile hunt. Ironically, Karime had gained quite a bit of fame for his collection of crocodiles he had brought in- that of which were in no small thanks to his slaves- and unbeknowest to him, another slaver, too. But what did he care? He was off, drinking it off and partying as if he were still in his youth, and had gone to one of the most opulent of places to do so at the edge of the city.
But this place could only sate so much of his needs, so much of his desires. And the more he drank, the more he wished he had done this at a whore house or brought one of his younger wives or two because, despite being drunk, his eyes lingered far too easily over the well muscled and well curved body of his slave and body guard- Red Sun.
Though he always turned his nose up at her exotic features, the way her wild red hair sat around her body, and the way the chains and her armor barely clothed her-
He wasted no time in calling her over, demanding that she serve him drink, and some food. Eating the grapes from this slaves fingers might as well have been heaven, and he was so far away into his own world he had no idea who or what was around him.
But Red Sun easily caught sight of the entrance of another slaver-
for it was none other than the one she so loathed...
Cassius.
It figured she was in a position like this, hand feeding Karime wine and grapes when she'd see the man next. Last she saw him, they were both nearly brawling on the Niafi River over crocodiles.
She still felt childish for it and avoided his gaze and returned her attentions back to Karime, who accidentally let some of his drink slip and spill all over Red Sun's chest.
It was just Cassius luck that Karime was here. It was hard to drink away your troubles when one of your major troubles was sitting across the bar. It looked like the pig had Red Sun feeding him grapes. Cassius actually found himself feeling sorry for Red Sun having to feed that greasy snob.
Cassius tried ignoring Karime and Red Sun as best he could and just went to bar ordering three drinks right off the bat. That should be a good starting point for the evening.
Karime had yet to notice Cassius's arrival, simply oogling his slave and asking her to do all sorts of embarrassing things one might not consider a fighter like Red Sun could or would do. But Karime was drunk enough to bark out orders and he gestured to Red Sun.
"With my wine all over your tits, just take your shirt off. Show off the world what a nice pair you got!" he told her with a grin.
Red Sun hesitated, staring at the man and wondering if he was joking. But as he gestured for her to go ahead, she peered over just once at Cassius before unclasping her top. And if Karime was oogling before, now he was completely enraptured.
"My.. what a nice set of exotic breasts you have. And to think- we squander you away on the arena!" Karime laughed out. "Now come, get closer to me. I'm hungry for more than just grapes..."
Despite his best efforts, Cassius couldn't help but turn around and look in Red Sun's direction again. What he saw when he did made his widen in shock and then immediately narrow in anger. Cassius got up from his seat, walked across the bar and decked Karime in the face as hard as he possibly could.
And that was enough to sober Karime as he held onto his bleeding face.
"C-Cassius!? WHat.. how-" And then with a shaking finger and pointed to Red Sun. "Y-you! Defend me!" he barked.
And without a second thought, the woman simply stood in between Cassius and her master.
When Red Sun stepped in front of him, he immediately rediscovered that her breasts were exposed as his eyes fell upon them and leave him in a state of shock that he was seeing her naked.
It figured Cassius was as typical as her master. And though she had gone this long without being exploited in this way, she had a feeling it couldn't have lasted long- at least not with a man like Karime. Either way, she simply glared at Cassius.
"I believe you should go. You are not wanted here."
Cassius snapped out of it when Red Sun spoke to him and he immediately regained his composure.
"Step aside, Sunny," Cassius said. "I have an ass to kick, and it's not yours this time."
"And you know I can't let you," she told him, glaringly. "Go back to your ale. No more blood need shed."
"It needed to be shed for a long time," Cassius replied. "I'm sick of this fat pig. Move aside or share his fate."
It was then a soft noise was heard as Red Sun turned around. Seems Karime had split- gone off elsewhere as the pair had a face off. Her eyes narrowed at him.
"You're not even drunk yet. Go at least have a few beers before I have to slug your face."
Cassius growled when he saw that Karime had vanished.
"That coward," Cassius mumbled. "He doesn't deserve the power he had."
Cassius then turned to Red Sun.
"Tell Karime that he can't hide behind you forever. Also, cover those tits of yours. They're attracting more attention then this whole argument."
Red Sun planted her hands on her hips.
"You're not my master,"s he reminded him, still glaring.
"Fine then," Cassius replied. "Everyone's enjoying the sight-seeing anyway.",
Cassius then went back to his seat and glanced back at Red Sun and her breasts one more time before going back to his drinks. He hoped Red Sun would cover up not because he cared about, but because he found them attractive and wanted the sight out of his mind. Red Sun was a slave, but seeing her so exposed was making him think things about her that he wasn't supposed to.
Thankful Cassius backed off, she released a held breath and began to look for Karime. If she let him go alone for too long- who knew what sorta trouble he'd find himself in.
But somehow he had found his way into the stable. Probably in a piss poor attempt to make a get away. Seeing him in this state made her roll her eyes but she approached her master anyway.
"Red Sun!" Karime could ahve pissed himself. "Cassius.."
"He's been taken care of," she told him flatly.
At that, his lips curled into a most pleased grin.
"Excellent... Did you see how he reacted? Such a dog... oogling over you as if he possesses you," the drunken man prattled on.
"Yes... but we all know who my master is." Though perhaps the result she was hoping to get from him when she said that was not what he went on to say.
"Yes... now I'll make you mine officially.. " he went on, a hand sifting through her long red hair before trailing down to her breasts, which he began to fondle as his hands worked over his hardened member.
"Turn around," he commanded her. "On your hands and knees."
Red Sun froze up. Taking her top off was one thing- but to have Karime have sex with her...
He could make her pregnant, or worse. Though she wans't sure what was worse than having a child of his seed. But knowing she had little choice, she simply obeyed.
She hadn't had sex in a good long time, so it hurt a lot, when Karime's member cut into her. And as much as it hurt, and she felt the lowest she ever did in her whole life to be taken this way, her body naturally sweetened to the attentions she had been so far removed from from so long that she was actually enjoying while hating the fact her own slaver was claiming her. But it was perhaps while he was grunting and rutting and bucking inside her like some sort of a mule, her mind went to another-
and for some reason, she imagined Karime as Cassius-
and she was taken to a whole other plane of pleasure.
Hey, she might as well enjoy this when she had no choice, and if imaging Cassius instead of Karime made this situation a little bit better, she'd take it for what it was worth. But Karime was like an animal, bucking into her wildly as her fingers and knees dug into the dirt. And once he had cum, she could feel it, all of it as he screamed out to Hakeshna as he made her his, his hot seed being buried in deep- and filled her up so much, it flowed out and dribbled down her legs.
"Gods... " he panted. "You were so tight. Why have I never fucked you before?" and he laughed at such a revelation. And he moved to grip her red hair, and began to fuck her again, being so drunk he could not help himself as Red Sun merely obliged him, as he continued to ram into her over and over again.
"You're mine, Red Sun! All mine! I can see what that bastard wants out of you! But he's too late and he'll never have you! I'll fuck you until you're with my child!"
And with that, Red Sun froze up, her eyes rolling back as she imagined Cassius asking her of that, too-
And for some reason- she wanted it, she wanted all of it. But with Cassius. Not with Karime.
But this moment was madness-
and it was the only way for her to cope with this kind of pain.
Cassius had left shortly after he had finished his drinks. He took a more scenic route to avoid being seen. It was while he walking that he heard noises coming from a stable; noises that sounded like they were coming from Karime.
Feeling his anger flare at just the mere thought of Karime, he went into the stable to find Karime fucking Red Sun. Cassius became consumed by pure rage, the sight of Karime having sex with Red Sun angering him beyond all reason. He barged into the stable and slammed his fist into Karime, knocking him off of Red Sun. He then drew his dagger and slammed it into Karime's chest until the pig stopped squealing. Cassius then sat back on his heels and didn't move.
It happened so fast- but she supposed that's how it was when one slipped from one nightmare into the next. And as she turned around, her eyes widened at the scene.
And there was so much blood- and Cassius was unrelenting and...
He didn't stop until Karime did.
And she felt her heart drop, her body frozen at the reality...
Karime was dead.
Karime her master..
He was dead.
Cassius' hands were shaking as he held them up to look at them. They were covered in blood. He had did it. He killed Karime.
Cassius slowly turned around to face Red Sun. He simply stared at her, still holding up his bloody hands. He had no idea what to say, so he merely stared at her.
If he was looking at her for something to say, she was in equal paralysis as he. But at the sound of someone coming, Red Sun grit her teeth and thought real fast. Karime had discarded his robe elsewhere, wearing his simpler one that was light weight when he decided to take Red Sun. She used it to throw over both Cassius and the corpse as she quite literally threw herself at him and kissed him.
"Just don't speak," she growled against his lips, feeling strangely aroused when she was kissing him, as sparks- nothing short of fire works, were going off inside her.
"Let them think you're Karime," she murmured, hoping their bodies appearing jumbled together would hide the evidence of the murder. And while she kept kissing him, it was giving her time to think-
but also become lost in the awkward moment-
something to indulge herself in to forget that she had just been raped.
What Red Sun just did put him in even greater shock than murdering Karime. It took him a few moments to process what was happening, but he soon found himself kissing her back, and his arms even began to slowly wrap around her.
Once the pair were noticed, there were a few snickers about,
"Looks like Karime's finally lost it."
"Eh, I would have fucked her any chance I got," commented a second man. And for a moment,t he pair watched them and chuckled some more.
"Must be drunk."
"Let's leave 'em. He'll hate himself enough in the morning."
And they were alone again, but even then- Red Sun didn't stop kissing.
Cassius had never even noticed the two men, he was in his own little world. He pulled Red Sun up against him and held her tighter, taking care not to hurt her with his hook. Cassius was not even aware of what he was doing. It was as if he was a different man, his touch surprisingly gentle. He wasn't a bad kisser either.
The men were long forgotten, as was the moment before. And perhaps it was foolish to let herself fall into the heat of the moment, the fear of the very reality that either of htem (or even both) could hang for Karime's death made whatever force it was between them more potent.
And also the idea- she was free settled into her as she shivered and briefly pulled away from his lips to murmur, "Make love to me."
Because like hell she'd end this moment being soiled by Karime's seed. And if she were to be taken, might as well let her choose who she was to bed. And for some reason, she really, desperately wanted Cassius.
And she might hate herself later, but for now- it was all she ever wanted. To forget, to fall into the moment-
to actually make very real mistakes-
and mistakes and choices of her own.
When Cassius heard those words he went to work. He rolled over on top of Red Sun and began trying to take his shirt off, but his shaky hand and his hook was making it very difficult.
He didn't need his shirt off to make love to her, and a hand groping between his legs was all the confirmation she needed that he was ready. And with deft hands she undressed his lower half, and helped guide him onto her's.
Sensing that the shirt wouldn't be an issue, he lined himself up and slowly buried his member to the base inside of Red Sun. Despite easily being larger than Karime, Cassius was still able to enter rather easily due to how lubricated Red Sun already was. Cassius then started to move.
Despite his rough demeanor and bad attitude, Cassius was nothing like Karime. He fucked Red Sun slowly, kissing her while he did so, as well as peppering kisses on her face and neck.
Neverhaving been touched or kissed quite like this, Red Sun had no idea how to react, except to shiver and kiss back in kind, her mind escaping around the pleasure, but also cementing her fate unto him. And never mind there was a bloodied, fresh corpse just beside them as Red Sun moaned softly and just let Cassius fuck her as he wished.
After awhile, Cassius began to gradually increase his pace. Soon he was going at a fairly decent speed, his kissing having to stop completely to be replaced by heavy breathing and groaning as his deepest and darkest desire was finally coming true.
It might not have only been his desires coming true, but despite the front that Red Sun loathed Cassius...
part of her actually craved him. And there was no denying the chemistry. And the way he made her feel? It was amazing.
"By Hakeshna!" she moaned, feeling her body nearing it's peak. And she never knew she was capable of an orgasm with a man, but the way Cassius was working into her doggedly, she couldn't help herself. It was too damn good, and soon she was climaxing and sealing her lips against his in attempts to muffle her cries of pleasure-
For had she not-
Their little love making session would have called in a lot of attention to the stables when the initial intent was to ward people from the place!
As Cassius felt Red Sun near her climax, his began building up as well. He picked up his pace even further, pumping faster and faster the closer he got. Red Sun's climax put him over the edge. He rammed his member as deep inside Red Sun's pussy as it would go and unleashed a load of seed that put Karime to shame.
Cassius then kissed Red Sun one more time before rolling off of her and collapsing in the hay beside her.
There was so much hot cum that when Cassus climaxed, it gushed everywhere. If she was uncertain if Karime's seed had taken, it would be hard to argue that Cassius's had not. But being 'seeded' aside, after Cassius rolled off of her, she lay there, panting and staring up at the stable ceiling- wondering what the hell just happened.
And what now they were to do.
Just like Red Sun, Cassius was also wondering what just happened. He simply laid there and let his mind catch up to everything his body had just done.
Oh gods.
He had just killed Karime. And now he had just fucked Red Sun! Oh gods! What the fuck just happened? What has he done?
Sitting up, Red Sun just began to dress, saying nothing but collecting up Karime's body and loading it onto his wagon. She did her best to hide the evidence, to be careful of the blood before she turned to Cassius.
"Too many people know we're here. We need to take him home- maybe stage his death there. Unless you want us to both hang."
Red Sun's words brought Cassius back to reality and he immediately fixed his pants.
"It's pretty obvious he was murdered," Cassius said. "We would need a scapegoat."
"But no one would have to know... at least not yet," Red Sun said, cutting him a look. "If he... were to get ill- like the spotting illness that has taken so many, he could not come out of his own room for days.. weeks..." Perhaps that would be enough time to stage the death properly- or to figure out just what to do.
"Unless you have a better plan, but there were a lot of people that saw us here- and they all know how much you hate Karime."
"Fine then," Cassius said lifting Karime's corpse. "Make sure the coast is clear and I'll follow."
Red Sun frowned.
"I can't leave... not like this." And she looked around. "Not without my master,"s he growled between her teeth. "And considering you killed him, you should put on his robes and let's hoof it out of here." Before anyone could question anything...
"I'm too tall for his robes," Cassius replied. "Wouldn't someone notice?"
"Not in the dark," she growled and stuffed them into his hand. "Besides.. you and I have a lot to talk about." And she didn't wait for him to join her as she got the wagon ready to go.
Cassius grumbled to himself as he put on Karime's robe and then threw his corpse into the wagon. He then covered it with straw and took his place next to Red Sun on the wagon.
The two began an awkward exit out of the place, and headed back towards Karime's manor. And all the while Red Sun had to wonder if this was a dream-
and if not...
would the pair of them get caught?
Cassius' mind was racing at a ridiculous pace still trying to process everything that had just happened as well as where to go from here. He had fucked Red Sun. She would forever be a part of his life now, even though she was a slave. Then again, since her master was killed then she would be auctioned off. What if Cassius were to buy her? Then he could free her and.... Cassius shook his head what on earth was he thinking? She was a slave, but something more. What had she done to him? He didn't even know himself anymore.
It was REd Sun who broke the silence.
"About... what happened,"s he began, eyes to the road. "I... we..." She frowned over the words. "It was an animalistic moment." For lack of a better word....
"And I... wanted to forget what Karime did to me." And she paused, sitll not knowing how to phrase it. "But whatever it was.... it can't happen again."
They both had a moment of weakness, right?
And at that, she could have smirked- perhaps she did.
"Not that you'd willingly want to bed a slave."
But then again-
he did.
ANd he did so under her orders.
She wanted it.
And she grew quiet at the memory that was too fresh in her mind that even between her legs hadn't a chance to dry. Yes.. they fucked.
But now what? Could she really just..
forget all that? Perhaps she could- it was just one time...
but even still...
they had bigger things to worry about.
Such as Karime's corpse...
Cassius remained silent as he took in everything she said. Despite what she said, Cassius knew that she had wanted it, and as much as he hated to admit it, he did too. For now though, they had a corpse to of. They could talk about everything else later.
"When we get to Karime's we'll have to careful. Needing to get the body inside..." She was having a hard time figuring out how they'd accomplish it, but her mind was working over a plan quick.
"You'll have to still pretend to be Karime... But being ill... I could announce your want to be alone to rest. They'll think its a hang over but come morning, we can play it off as something else."
"What do we do about the body then," Cassius asked. "There's no point getting inside if we just leave the body out in the cart."
Cassius was really starting to not like this plan. Karime and Cassius were polar opposites. Karime was short and fat, Cassius was tall and muscular. There was no way this could work.
"What if you just carried the corpse in and said that he passed out and that you were taking him to his room?"
She cut him a look.
"Because I'm not doing this alone. You killed him," she reminded him with a glare.
"Well we still can't just leave his fat ass out here," Cassius told her. "How are we supposed to get him inside?"
Red Sun frowned.
"We could stuff him in a sack. I could drag him in...."
"Dragging a sack inside would raise too many questions," Cassius replied. "Perhaps there's a window we could shove him through?"
"And you don't think that would look suspicious?"
"Not if no one sees," Cassius replied. "It would be less obvious than just waltzing in through the front door."
She hated to admit it, but he was right.
"But where can we stash the body so no one will find it or get suspicious?"
"Perhaps we bury it in the sand somewhere," Cassius suggested.
She shook her head.
"We'd lose it. The sands in the moraki are alive," or sure seemed like it, as the landscape of sand was always changing.
"Then we would finally be rid of it," Cassius said. "Isn't that a good thing?"
"Not if someone else finds it," she growled. It figured even after death Karime was an asshole.
Cassius sighed.
"This bastard is way more trouble than he's worth, and by the looks of his house he's worth a lot."
"Which is why we need to bide our time and figure out another way to reveal his death. And don't forget, if his corpse is found prematurely, you are the first one they'd assume was his killer."
Cassius sighed and buried his face in his hand.
"What the fuck is going on," Cassius asked. "What have I done?"
Red Sun grit her teeth.
"Now is not the time to think of the why's. What's done is done. What is important here is not to get caught, I don't aim on hanging for that bastard's death."
"That's not me," Cassius said ignoring Red Sun. "That's not who I am. I've killed men in the arena, but this was murder. There is no honor in this. I have disgraced my family name."
Red sun glared at him, taking his arm and giving it a rough shake.
"Killing is killing. Whether you believe it or not, its all murder. Given real choices, most men and women you have battled would not have dared take one step into the arena. Unfortunately, the only deaths that count are men like him."
"It's the men like him that burn in hell as well," Cassius said.
He then suddenly got an idea.
"What if we just take him out into the desert and burn him? No one could identify him then."
But by then they were nearly to Karime's. And one of the patrols recognized his cart and gave a wave their way. And it was too dark.for him to realize the man beside Red Sun was not her master.
Cassius didn't know if Karime was the type to wave back, so he simply didn't move and made it look like he was drunk, which he still kind of was. Surely they would that. Karime was no doubt a heavy drinker.
"I don't think they can see us too well. It is a dark night with a low moon." At that,s he frowned and whispered, "Just keep close and don't look too conspicuous." And as they rolled past the man, Red Sun lifted her head up so she was easily identifiable and nodded to the man as the cart continued to roll on past.
After they had made it safely past the man, Cassius turned to Red Sun.
"Why are you helping me," he asked. "I thought you've always wanted me dead."
Red Sun cut him a sharp look, but then just as quickly, averted her gaze.
"Yes, as well as Karime, but his death proves to be a lot more problematic than I had hoped."
And here she set her jaw and added rigidly, "And as much as I seem to throw away my life... now that I am masterless.... it seems any of that desire has dwindled and I have more reasons to live. But at what costs... I don't know. I'm too prominent of a slave for the people not to know who or what I am."
She shook her head.
"Let's just get inside his manor. We can figure this all out from there."
"Is there some other way in besides the front door," Cassius asked. "Like maybe a back door?"
Red Sun nodded.
"Yes.. the south entrance of his manor is rarely trafficked. We'll have to simply get past one guard- but I think that, we can manage."
"The south entrance it is then," Cassius said. "This should be interesting."
She turned to Cassius. "If you can pull off just pretending to be Karime for just a little longer, it won't be a lot of trouble. And once inside, we can figure out where to go from there."
"If you say so," Cassius replied. "Though this would be a lot easier if I was short and fat."
Red sun gave him a light kick and hissed, "Then hunch over!" And upon seeing his hook hand, her own shot out to rest over it. "And put that thing away! Here.." and seh worked hastily at fixing his garb and a blanket over him, trying to make him look as close to her deceased master as possible. And she couldn't help but wonder..
will this really work?
Cassius simply sighed and let Red Sun work. He hoped he wouldn't have to stay hunched over for too long. It would wreak havoc on his back. To be honest, he didn't see how this could work. Karime was short and fat. Cassius was tall, broad, and muscular. They were completely different body types. Still, if it worked then great. If not, he could always take the guard out completely.
"If your the praying type then now would be the time," Cassius commented.
Red Sun frowned, but tried to focus on the path ahead. And as the two moved towards the entrance, the guard perked up. And in the dead of night, with just a faint glow of the moon, he did not seem to question the awkward appearance of his master.
"It was a long night of drinks," Red Sun casually said, and that was all that needed to be said as they both stepped through the door.
Once they made it inside Cassius turned to Red Sun.
"Can I stand up now," he asked. "This is killing my back."
She gave him another kick.
"Not until we get you somewhere no one will notice you're not Karime," she hissed between her teeth.
Cassius growled. He would have to get her back for that kick later.
"Well can we hurry up and get to that somewhere already," he hissed back.
Red Sun growled softly.
"I'm trying to think of the best place. We can't have you going into Karime's harem. The women would sniff you out before you'd even get to the bed."
"What? They would notice I don't smell like shit and immediately know I'm not Karime?"
Red Sun could have laughed, but they were in a very difficult situation and it was no laughing matter. So she simply shot him a look and merely replied, "Yes." Because sadly, most of that statement was true- to at least some degree.
Cassius smirked, but suppressed a laugh. He didn't want to blow his cover. He hoped they would get to where they were going soon. His back was killing him.
Still not certain where she should take 'Karime', as they moved along, she noted one of the side rooms rarely used and saw that it was, hopefully, vacant.
"Here.."s he said, pausing to move from his side as she stepped into the room and pushed the curtain doors aside.
Even in the darkness, she could see no one was there. She gestured for Cassius.
"In here.. it's private enough we can... talk."
Cassius immediately entered the room and straightened his back.
"Finally," he said as his back gave a satisfying crack.
He then turned to Red Sun.
"We have to get out of here."
"Oh? And here we just got here," she went on flatly, but she knew what he meant. "But don't think you're going anywhere. Not until we can figure out a more solid plan. Just remember who was the one who drew blood..."
Never mind the crazy aftermath that followed.
"I mean out of Essyrn," Cassius told her. "Staying here is too dangerous. Everyone will know I killed Karime. I have the most reason too. I'm going to go live in Adela. I can carry out my business from there."
She stiffened.
"And when you disappear, I'll be the next one to blame. No, you're not going anywhere just yet."
"And who gave you the right to say when I can and can't leave," Cassius challenged. "You have no authority over me. You're just a slave."
Red Sun glared at him, but she didn't have a chance to respond when a noise could be heard from the hall.
"Karime?"
Red Sun tensed. It was one of Karime's many wives, Alkhanna. Figures one of his women would try to get close to him, even at such an hour.
Cassius cursed. This wasn't good. He may have been able to pull off Karime's look, but he was no ventriloquist.
"Tell her Karime's passed out drunk," Cassius suggested. "We cannot let her in here."
If she did come in anyway and see Karime wasn't there, Cassius would have no other choice.
Red Sun remained still a moment, her mind rolling over her options before she cursed. And to the door, she called over, "Karime is here, but he sleeps!" And she paused a moment, but before allowing the wife to get a word in, she added, "And I would not disturb him.. as per his request."
And she shot a look to Cassius, holding her breath as it seemed the wife was buying it.
Well, seems as if it would at least buy them some time..
For now. But who knew how long they'd have before another wife, or servant, came along to investigate.
"I'm getting the hell out of here come morning," Cassius said quietly. "I'll just live in Adela until everyone forgets about Karime. Then I'll come back. I'm sure it won't take long."
Red Sun cut him a look. But she was too exhausted to argue and simply scanned the room once more, just to be sure there were no obvious signs anyone else might be in here before she leaned against a wall, arms folded across her chest as she gave a pensive stair towards the door.
Well if the plan was him to stay until morning, one of them needed to keep watch.
Cassius was silent for a moment before sighing deeply.
"Why don't you come with me," he asked. "You'll be safe there."
Red Sun cut him a look, then looked away. Go away with Cassius?
"What? So I can become your slave?" She was tired of all the collars, the rules. And she decided, in that moment, when she'd get a hold of the key to the collar around her throat, that she'd take that damn thing off and find some sea or quick sand and cast it into it, to be devoured and swallowed away, forever.
"I never said anything about being my slave," Cassius told her. "All I said was that you'd be safe there."
And at that, Red Sun gave him a very skeptical glare. Not his slave? Yeah right... that coming from the mouth of a slaver? To her, it smelled like bull shit.
"I'm serious," Cassius assured. "You know very well what might happen again if I keep you around."
At that, Red Sun glared at him.
"What? That you'd try to kill me like you always do? Try to prove your male bravado by taking up a sword and thinking it makes you valuable in some way if you defeat me?" she could have snorted, or done anything else, like laugh in his face, but she settled for a simmering glare.
Surprisingly, Cassius did not get angry, but remained somber.
"Like what happened in the stable," he replied. "You said yourself that it could never happen again."
Red Sun's expression turned sharper. What happened in the stable? Why was he bringing that up again? To her... she wanted to simply forget it, and until he brought it up...
Well, she kind of had.
"Don't give me that look," Cassius snapped. "You know what happened. So do you want to come with me or not?"
She turned away. Shame was evident as it burned across her face, almost as clearly as if she had just been slapped. Leave? With him? She honestly didn't know. Her entire world had just turned upside down. Karime was dead. She could be with child. And now Cassius wanted to take her to a new land...
She knew there was no guarantees for freedom. But to stay...
It guaranteed her chains.
And she was scared of if she was with child. Perhaps she couldn't have children- not many female gladiator's could. Their bodies, worn from stress, she could only deduce, probably would not allow for it. But then again...
"For us to leave now only proves the blame," she seemed to hiss. "We were the ones last seen with Karime...."
But then if they never came back to Essyrn...
Would it matter?
And what would it mean? She had never been outside of Essyrn. And to be underneath Cassius's wing....
It would feel too much as if she'd owe him something. And she did not want to become his possession, that was for sure. Pride would always see to that.
"I'm pretty sure they would immediately put the blame on us regardless," Cassius told her. "There's not much they can do about it if we're not around though."
Red Sun remained stiff.
"Then we'd have to leave Essyrn indefinitely."
"Would you honestly want to come back?"
Red Sun went silent and didn't answer because well...
She realized in that moment, she did not know. And even though there was the nagging sensation she knew she would not ever wish to remain in this life forever, part of her feared the other life...
For freedom... she knew not how to live that way, or what it would mean. And she feared being taken advantage of- especially by a man as conniving as Cassius. And the memory of what they shared....
She felt the shameful feeling creeping back onto her face.
They had made love.
She asked him to make love.
And now...
They were beyond fucked.
Cassius sighed. He was obviously not going to be getting an answer.
"Well, you have all night to think it over," Cassius said. "I'm leaving in the morning."
At the idea, Red sun panicked, but did not let it show. But it was evident she was struggling with something.
"Morning?" she finally spoke. "Too many would see you."
And from the sound of foot steps in the hall..
If he tried to leave now, he would be seen as well!
"It's not uncommon for me to come and go," he told her. "I'll already be long gone by the time Karime's death is discovered. You could be too, unless you want to stay and be executed for failing to protect your master. Or worse."
Red Sun narrowed her eyes at him and growled, but before she could get another word out, the voice of the same wife from before could be heard from the other side of the door.
"Karime? Is that you?"
And Red Sun went silent, went still.
Shit. She was hoping the wife would have gone to bed by now..
Figures she'd linger in the hallway.
Cassius froze as well, his eyes switching between Red Sun and the door. Why would this woman want to see Karime so badly anyway? The man was, or had been, a complete slob.
"Now what," he whispered.
Red Sun grit her teeth.
"She knows we're still in here..."
And what reason could she give for still being in there with Karime? She had said he passed out but...
If he was coming around and still drunk....
A chill ran down her spine as she looked at Karime, then to the door.
Shit.
The only option she could think of was....
Pretending Karime was bedding her so the wife would go away. Or.. at least she hoped that would make the wife go away. But even still, she wasn't even sure she could get the idea off her tongue as she felt herself begin to sweat.
"Hello? Sunny?"
Cassius sighed. The only option Cassius could think of was letting the woman in and knocking her out. Killing her was also an option, but one he hoped to avoid. He was in enough trouble as it is.
Red Sun grit her teeth even more and feared she might break them! But at the second calling from the wife, Red Sun whirled around to face Cassius.
"Pretend we're fucking," she commanded coldly, but urgently. "She should not enter if she thinks Karime is being pleased by a slave."
Cassius looked at her skeptically.
"What? Don't you remember what happened last time we 'pretended'."
Red Sun glared at him and growled.
"Don't remind me. Do we have any other choice?" she hissed.
"Can't we just knock her out?"
"And when she awakens?"
"We'll be gone. Or at least I will be."
Red Sun wanted to throttle him. But she wouldn't get a chance, the persistent wife was soon drawing back the curtains and calling out in the darkness of the room.
"Karime?"
Cassius froze and held his breath. He didn't know what to do. This whole ordeal was torture for him. He was normally so confident and dominant, but now he was clueless and afraid, looking to Red Sun for all the answers. What had happened to him?
Seeing the moment of weakness, and knowing they had little options to go on, Red Sun through herself at Cassius, letting her clothing slink half off as lips met to his, then to his throat as she rolled with him violently on the floor, hoping Cassius would follow along..
And also hoping, as she felt the heat in the moment grow within her, that this would only remain as a 'play along', a false moment...
Unlike what had happened before.
Cassius was taken by surprise by Red Sun's sudden assault. As his mind processed what was presently occurring, he found his arms slither around Red Sun and pressing her tightly against himself as he returned the kiss with vigor.
Trying not to be distracted at how he responded, her hips easily met to his as they ground against him. And though they were both fully dressed, it was still not much, for those who live in Essyrn wore clothing suitable for Essyrn. But thankfully it was dark, and the moment the wife saw who 'Karime' was fucking, she raced clean out the door.
Contrary to what some may believe, Cassius had never been one to frequent any brothel of any kind. In fact, what had happened in the stable was the first taste of relief that he had had in a long time. And even though that particular incident had only occurred a short while ago, he was easily capable of going again. It was because of this that Cassius did not stop after Karime's wife had gone. He had fallen into the same trance that he had fallen into during their first incident of this same variety.
Relief only came at the wife's departure, but now she had another complication to contend with as she felt the intensity of Cassius's 'act'. Though it could be said she began the aggression, for one moment she felt the same stirring as before. But before animalistic need to actually fuck him, she sobered and paused what she was doing and panted lightly.
"She's gone." Though even she felt the need to say it, she had an inkling he already knew.
When Red Sun spoke it snapped Cassius out of his trance and he remembered where they were, who she was, and who he was. He then rolled Red Sun off of himself and sat up, dragging his hand down his.
"Don't do that again," he told her.
She glared at him.
"I don't plan on it."
"Good."
It wasn't that he was disgusted by the idea, but the opposite. He did want it to happen again. If he got the chance he knew he would fuck her again, but he knew he couldn't and shouldn't.
"So how do we get out of here? I've got packing to do."
Red Sun cut him a glare.
"If the halls ever get clear, we could. But that does not cover our tracks, or the outskirts of the house."
"Do the halls ever get clear," Cassius asked. "Cause I'm getting out of here as soon as I get the chance."
"The halls, yes, but the perimeter, no."
Her brow furrowed as she thought about it.
"Though knowing the guards routes and positions could prove useful. I know some of them, but not all. Karime.. tends to change the guards stations every once in a while and I'm not sure the last he changed it was."
"I'm not above taking down a few guards," Cassius said. "When do the halls clear out?"
Red Sun still glared.
"I wouldn't put it past you. You just killed Karime." And she had seen him kill in the arena. But she did not answer him, growing pensive and more irritable as the moments ticked by.
Now it was Cassius' turn to glare.
"What's that supposed to mean," he challenged.
"Murder is in your blood. What's another slave, or guard to you?"
"It is not murder," Cassius countered. "It's the way of the arena. Of life. The strong live, the weak die. It's what nature intended."
"Nature did not create the arena," she spat back. "Men did. Ignorant, savage men who's only desires in life are blood."
"Nature is an arena," Cassius replied. "Only the strongest survive. It's a cruel world. You just have to be crueler if you want to truly prosper."
"But nature is a natural arena," she growled. "And even animals have a choice in what they do. Animals.. wild animals," she snorted. "They have more freedom than me, and any other slave here. And this was only from the natural order of sadistic men like you."
She could have spat on him. "That isn't natural, that's men corrupting the world with their hands, pretending to be gods when they are nothing more than flesh and bones like the slaves they keep."
"If they had been strong enough to fight back then they wouldn't have become slaves," he retorted. "And those who become strong enough can free themselves like you could have done. Karime was weak, you are stronger. The strong will inherit the world."
"I didn't free myself!"s he snapped. "You did!"
"I shouldn't have had to," Cassius hissed. "You should have done it yourself, but instead you let that insufferable pig rule over you. You should be thanking me for having the guts to do what you should have done."
"Yes! He deserved it! And yes I had many chances, but you have no idea my position, No idea the life I go through while you stand here," she went on, shoving him angrily as she spat the words in his face. "So arrogant, as if you could be the King of anything. Well I've got news for you, Cassius, we are kings of nothing and we could both hang for what you've done!"
"You need the will to become king if you want to be one," Cassius shot back. "You need to be able to things that others can't, or won't do, on their own. You have to be able to make the tough choices. All you wanted to do was let some fat bastard treat you like shit and rape you at his leisure, and that does not sound very kingly."
Red Sun had enough, and aimed a fist at his face.
"YOU ASS HOLE!"
How dare he assume such things, that arrogant prick! And to think- she let him have sex with her, willingly!
Cassius ducked and shoved Red Sun.
"TELL ME I'M WRONG THEN," Cassius fired back. "Explain to me how I'm wrong! Because from what I saw in the bar and in that stable, my description sounds pretty damn accurate!"
Red Sun was so pissed she was seeing red, and grabbed the closest thing she could consider a weapon as she brandished a nearby pair of gilded scissors and moved to strike him hard across the face.
Cassius ducked and shoved her backwards once more.
"Your aggression denies nothing," Cassius told her. "If anything, it's a confirmation."
"Only a confirmation that this blade belongs in your throat!" And she tried to slam it right into that spot. She was beyond furious, she was pissed.
Cassius batted the attack aside with his hook and swung a punch back at Red Sun.
"This is hardly the way to treat the one who saved your life," Cassius told her.
"As if you saved my life! If anything, you've ruined it!" she bit back, her screams reaching a new level of volume as she continued to come after Cassius, not realizing it was quickly drawing attention as the guards on duty began to head their way.
Cassius continued fending off the angered Red Sun.
"Before you do anything rash ask yourself one question, Sunny," Cassius said. "Would you rather live on your knees, or die on your feet? A free woman."
And that's whens he spat at him.
"I'd rather be dead than ever have to listen to you."
And that's when the shout of a guard had Red Sun nearly leaping out of her skin.
"Halt! Who goes there?"
For they were sure as hell the man's voice was not Karime's!
"You really don't understand what free means," Cassius said. "Fortunately, it looks like you'll be getting your wish. Those guards don't sound happy."
Her dead?! Cassius had another thing coming if he thought he'd get out of this without repercussions, and before he could stop her, Red Sun stepped towards the guards and shouted from the dark,
"Over here! A mad man! A trespasser!"
And at the clear sound of Red Sun's voice, the guards were quick to response, spears in hand as their heavy foot falls were quick to approach.
Cassius sighed. If that's how she wanted to be, then so be it.
"You dumb bitch," Cassius said loud enough for the guards to hear. "You can't pin this on me. You asked for my help."
Cassius gave Red Sun a wink.
"Both of us or neither of us. That's how it works now."
Red Sun glared at him. How dare he try to bring her into this! Well, two could play at this game!
"Yes, but I thought you were a healer," she growled. "Karime... he is madly ill...."
God damn, Cassius- why wasn't she refuting what he said? She did NOT want to be paired with him on this forever, but at such a claim,t he guards halted.
"Karime? The master is ill?"
"I never said I was a healer," Cassius replied playing along. "I just said I've patched myself up a few times. What kind of healer is missing a hand anyway?"
Red Sun growled and cut a look at the men.
"Yes, ill. He fights a disease that started off as nothing more than a scratch.. now the rash has spread and festers."
The guards were taken back at such news.
"And it is highly contagious, which is why I'm here." And not a wife or anyone else. "But if you'd like to see him..."
But the step back from.the guards was enough. No one wanted to mess with the diseased, wealthy or not.
"Then for the sake of everyone I believe it would be best if you guys went and quarantined this area," Cassius said to the guards. "We don't want an epidemic on our hands."
The guards exchanged glances, not sure if they ought to really take orders from these two, however, both were severely afraid of falling prey to this illness.
"Do you need confirmation? Here... allow me to take you to Karime."
But at Red Sun's suggestion, the guards backed away.
"That is quite alright. We shall carry out the orders immediately!" And soon the pair were making a hasty retreat.
Cassius turned to Red Sun.
"Not bad, Sunny," he said. "Now how do we get out of here?"
But Red Sun was hardly pleased, and turned to grab a hold of Cassius by the front of his shirt.
"This isn't over, slaver," she sneered. "We'd only have a few minutes to get out of here undetected. Those guards are calling and waking up every man to do patrol as we speak."
"Then we better get moving," he replied. "Where's the exit?"
"The way we came in," she told him bluntly before sighing hotly. And that option would not be easy, because she could hear some of the wives moving around in the hall, asking too many questions.
"Then let's go," Cassius replied.
He was really getting tired of being there. The sooner he got out of there, the sooner he could start packing, and the sooner he could leave for Adela.
Red Sun despised how simple he believed things to be. Perhaps it was his ignorance due to his status, but Red Sun would hold that against him forever.
"And you propose we leave without much of a plan? What if we're spotted?" How would they explain abandoning Karime after their bull shit story they just dished out?
"We'll improvise," Cassius replied simply. "I just want out."
Red Sun knew this was foolish, but she nodded in agreement anyhow. They might as well risk this as they had already risked so much else. But she was taking Cassius down with her if things went south.
Moving forward, she took the lead, moving into the quiet hallway with careful steps, careful to listen for any noise of an oncoming guard, servant or even one of Karime's wives.
Cassius followed quietly behind Red Sun also keeping his ears open. The sooner he got out of there the better. He still fully planned on making for Adela come morning. There was no way he was sticking around when shit hit the fan.
They barely made it down a second hallway when she heard the sound of on coming guards. Swearing, Red Sun tensed and looked towards the nearest room for them to hide. And that room... great, it was the sleeping quarters for some of his slaves.
They had little choice. Hopefully the slaves would not scream, and soon Red Sun was grabbing Cassius by his shirt sleeve and dragging him inside the darkened room that was lined with several cells, and others on beds- and chains like dogs.
OOC: Mind if Rhi joins this thread with Yasmin? X3
OOC: Not at all. This should be interesting.
Cassius had heard the guards as well, but Red Sun reacted faster, pulling him into the closest room. To Cassius' dismay, it was the slave quarters. Fantastic. With his luck one or two of them might recognize him as the one who brought them here.
Yasmin was on one of those beds, bored out of her mind, when suddenly the door swung open and two people came rushing in, startling her out of her daydreams.
She snapped upright with a violent jolt, startled into alertness, for she tensed whenever Karime entered, yet in the dark she didn't recognize these two shadowed figures. They weren't in chains, and one was a man, and--
...And then her eyes focused, and she could make out their shapes.
The man, with a telltale hooked hand, and the woman, with her distinct silhouette.
Yasmin's eyes went wide. "Red Sun?" she blurted, staring back and forth from Cassius to her and unable to articulate more than that just then.
What was even happening.
Red Sun stumbled to a halt after they nearly slammed the door. Spotting Yasmin, who had already spotted them, she gritted her teeth. And as she heard the guards advance, she held up a finger to her lips in hopes Yasmin understood-
She needed her to keep quiet!
Cassius froze when he saw that they had been spotted. Red Sun was quick to hush her slave companion, so Cassius pressed his ear to the door to keep tabs on the incoming guards. With any luck they would just walk right past.
Yasmin had no idea what on earth was going on, but she knew better than to speak up. It wasn't just Red Sun's warning that cued her, but the strangeness of that pairing--slaver and slave--and their tense, secretive body language.
Something was going down.
And so, quickly, Yasmin laid back down and pretended again to sleep, even as her heart and mind raced. And she watched from beneath cracked eyelids as Cassius listened at the door.
Something big was going down.
Though as the guards passed, it wasn't Yasmin they had to worry about. The other slaves, had they been sleeping, were beginning to awaken, and were whispering, making noises and curious as to what was going on. Soon their voices was growing louder, and Red Sun turned frantically around. What could she do to get them all quiet without alerting the guards? But it seemed like she wouldn't get a chance to even try anything as the hired guards quickly returned and threw open the door to the slave's room.
Before Cassius could do something stupid, she grabbed him by the arm and yanked him from the door. Improvising was a must, and she practically yanked the man and was shoving him towards Yasmin.
"What's going on here?" one of the guards demanded.
"We needed another helper. This slave!" Red Sun reported, pointing a finger directly at Yasmin's head.
At first,t he guards didnt' appear as if they were buying it, but at their hesitation, Red Sun only grew more stiff.
"My lord only grows worse. We need the extra hands in helping.. fetching medicines and other supplies."
Red Sun held her breath, watching as the guards looked from her, then over to Cassius, then down to Yasmin.
"It is wise to only have slaves go near him. To reduce the disease from spreading to Karime's children and wives."
Once it appeared as if the guards believed them, Red Sun found herself asking.
"We will need her unchained. She is useless here bond to this room where Karime sleep elsewhere."
And soon Yasmin's chains were removed, and with haste. The guards didnt' want to be around the pair that might be infected, and were soon making their way out of the room and demanding Red Sun and her little entourage do the same.
She cast the other two a single look before silently making her way back to the hall once the coast was clear.
Cassius followed Red Sun into the hall.
"What are you doing," he whispered. "What are we going to do about this other slave following us around now?"
If anything, Red Sun thought it was some twist of fate that Yasmin were to get pulled into this. And it was the only solution she could think of to keep tricking the guards. Besides, if they were going to make an escape...
She did owe this other slave her life.
She glared at Cassius for his remark,a nd simply hissed, "You mind your own head, and I'll mind mine."
"Then she's your problem," he hissed. "I'm not sticking my neck out for two slaves."
"Uh, helloooo?" Yasmin finally said as she followed the two down the hall, taking a step closer to the pair and waving both hands widely. "I'm right here, so you guys wanna quit talking about me like I'm totally oblivious? Like, wanna explain what exactly's going on?"
Because this was the first time she'd heard anything about Karime being ill, and she wasn't blind! Their behavior was fishy.
Red Sun paused, but only for a second as she looked over at Yasmin.
"We'll tell you once we get out of here," she growled beneath her breath. "For now, we have to focus on leaving this place without any of the guards catching us."
And at the sound of more guards coming, Red Sun swore and grabbed Yasmin's hand, dragging her along down a hallway she'd rather not have taken. It was going the opposite direction she wanted to, but at least it was away from the guards. And she could only make up lies for so long...
"Are there any alternative exits," Cassius asked. "Isn't there a window big enough to climb out of or something?"
"Oh, shit," Yasmin said under her breath as she picked up her pace to keep up with Red Sun, or else risk getting dragged! Her eyes were wide, the blood draining from her face, because whatever they did, it had to be something really major and illegal for them to be acting like this and saying such things!
And normally Yasmin would be all about that, except she was under a lot more scrutiny and suspicion lately after all that had gone down with her other master! Now she was being dragged into this, and she definitely couldn't afford getting caught! She believed in Agrian's vision, Hakeshna she did, and she wanted that--but she certainly wouldn't be able to help achieve that if she got thrown under the carriage here!
"Oh shit...uh...yeah, windows! There are windows. There's guards outside too, though! Patrolling like vultures. Ohhh man. You guys really went and did it, didn't you. Even the slaver? Shiiiit."
A window wouldn't do. Not in this moment any how, for two guards were rounding the bend and Red Sun could only think of one thing.
"Get into the kitchen!" She hissed under her breath, basically shoving Cassius and Yasmin that way.
Cassius nearly tripped after being shoved into the kitchen. He was really not enjoying getting shoved around.
"I'm getting real tired of this sneaking around shit," Cassius said. "If we don't get out of here soon I'm just going to start knocking people out."
Cassius had just barely finished his sentence when Yasmin clapped a hand over his mouth and pulled him down with her, where she crouched among several barrels of grain.
"Shut. Up," she hissed, for she could still hear the guards as they strolled leisurely by.
Red Sun remained silent, glaring at Cassius until the guards moved past. Then she hit his arm, hard enough to let him know he was being an idiot.
"Still your tongue, or I'll take it from you," she warned. "Do you think any of us like this?" Her eyes narrowed poisonously. "We have little choice."
When Yasmin thought--hoped, rather!--that Cassius got the picture, she took her hand from his mouth. "We'll get out of here," she said. "You just have to be patient in the meantime. Don't be an idiot."
And then she looked to Red Sun. "Any idea where to go from here? I, uh...hate to say it, but I don't really know the lay of the land here very well. Y'know. What with the whole mostly staying chained up in a room bit. Never really got a chance to snoop."
Cassius was starting to think that maybe being executed wouldn't be so bad after all. Now he was stuck with two slaves. It would be a miracle if the three of them got out uninjured, let alone still alive. Yasmin had just joined them and Cassius already wanted to punch her square in the face. Hopefully they would escape soon. He was really starting to lose his mind.
Ignoring Cassius (as that made things tremendously easier), she sighed and turned to Yasmin.
"I know the layout well, but with the men on high alert and believing their lord is contagious... it'll be difficult, but not impossible, for us to time our escape. However, his presence will draw a lot of questions, once it is noted just who he is." And she glared over at Cassius. Leave it to men to make things more complicated. But Karime was dead....
and so much more had happened after that.
And she found herself tearing her gaze from him. She'd rather not be reminded of that.
Yasmin's eyes landed on Cassius and narrowed slowly.
"Then maybe we should find a way to make him less...conspicuous," she said, and her smile turned sly as she looked over at Red Sun.
"Where are the slave garments kept?"
"Slave garments? Why?"
"To dress him up, of course," Yasmin said simply. She flicked a glance at his hook. "That might be a problem, but if we can find him something with long sleeves..."
"No," Cassius snapped. "I don't think so. I'm not wearing no stinking slave clothes."
Cassius knew full well that slave clothes were barely, if ever, washed. There was no telling what poor excuse for a human being could have pissed in and/or puked on any given set of slave clothes.
"You will," Yasmin hissed, eyes narrowed and jaw set. "Don't be stupid...er. Unless you know any awesome alternatives?"
Red Sun grit her teeth. As much as it would be a sight to see the slaver in slave's clothing...
They needed a master, or at least some one of power to help duping the guards as they all figured this out.
"No." Her voice came out, commanding as she looked from Yasmin to Cassius. She eyed him over. "Bend over... I want to see if you can pass as Karime's hunched back son."
Naturally, not many knew of this son, because frankly, Karime didn't wnat to be known to only have had one son, who was a crippled hunch back. But if they played their cards right...
They could use that guise to get them all out of Essyrn- and perhaps with some of Karime's assets in tow.
Cassius raised an eyebrow. Karime had a son? a hunchbacked son? That was news to him. Though Cassius didn't like this idea either, it was preferable to dressing as a slave, so he hunched himself over just like he did when he was pretending to be Karime earlier and sighed. He was about ready to confess his crime and fight gloriously to the death instead of having to sneak around with slaves and pretend to be people he hated.
...Alright, so that made way more sense. But then again, Yasmin hadn't realized Karime even had a son!
Which also made sense, considering he was a cripple.
Yasmin rubbed her chin, looking him over. "I haven't ever seen his son, but I mean, if we drape him with enough clothing I think he'd be convincing enough. He's got the mug for it."
She flashed Cassius a sweet smile. He wasn't an unattractive man, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to give him hell.
Though Cassius was humoring them, Red Sun scrutinized him with a frown.
"He looks nothing like him."
But the more she thought on it, she turned to Yasmine.
"But we do have one option. His son... you never see his face. When he visits, he's always covered, head to toe, in as much cloth as possible. And he normally visits at obscure hours."
However...
What could they do to convince the rest of Karime's men why he'd stay?
However, that was as simple as greed. Naturally, if his son heard he was poor, health wise...
He'd want to step up and take advantage of what was due to him.
Red Sun observed Cassius some more.
"Let's see if we can't find him a hump."
Cassius was about to punch Yasmin square in the throat when Red Sun spoke up and revealed her plan. There was nothing Cassius could do besides begrudgingly go along with any plan she surmised. As much as he hated to admit it, this was her territory and she was in charge. As for finding a hump, they could do that themselves.
While she began to look around for something to use for it, she noticed Cassius standing there, just being a big grumpy log. She didn't hesitate to hit his arm.
"Start helping us. Remember, its your head on the line, too."
"It's bad enough I have to wear the damn thing," Cassius shot back. "You two can at least find it."
Red Sun glared at him but continued her search.
"Figures you feel obligated to be useless." And upon seeing a pouch that had a strap that could work if worn across his back, she threw it at Cassius's head.
"Try this."
Cassius managed to catch the pouch and tried putting it across his back. He tried to tighten the strap, but it was proving difficult with only one hand.
"Help me with this," he said. "I can't do it with only one hand."
Though he was sure he would regret asking for assistance and she would undoubtedly make it too tight. If she were smart, though, she would know better.
Thankfully she was smart enough to know better. They had to work together, for better or for worse. So she worked swiftly, securing it onto him and sizing up where it sat against his back.
"I'm not sure if it's tall enough, though we could stuff the pouch with something to give it more volume."
Yasmin grabbed some nearby cleaning rags and started to shove them into the pouch, adjusting them so they were smooth and even as opposed to lumpy. "How much more do you think we need? I mean, have you seen this kid?"
Cassius was beginning to find it awkward to stand there hunched over while slaves stuffed things into a bag on his back.
"Either hurry up or let me sit down," he snapped. "Standing like this is killing my back."
Red Sun nodded.
"I've seen him enough times. I'm one of the few slaves that has. But I know better than to open my lip about it."
Though obviously now was a dire situation! And a secret like this could work to their advantage.
She eyed the pack.
"That looks like it might be good enough."
And at Cassius's words, she frowned.
"Your back would hurt worse if I was kicking you onto it in the arena," she reminded.
"I recall that I was the victor," Cassius countered. "Not you."
Red Sun's eyes were lethal as she looked at him.
"You want more trouble? I could let the place know what you did."
And she didn't mean the killing of Karime.
"As if you didn't want it," Cassius retorted standing up straight and giving a lethal look of his own.
"You're the one that started the whole thing."
He would blame here for what Karime had done. And would also blame her for himself taking advantage of her when she was vulnerable. But either way, she detested herself for it. What had she been thinking? To be raped by her master was one thing, and sadly, not an uncommon theme for slaves; but to willingly beg Cassius to have her?
It was a dark time in her life, to be sure. And she wasn't about to admit that any ounce of her being actually wanted it. Who could be thinking straight after all that occurred?
"We'll need make up. His skin isn't light enough."
"Whoa, slow down," Cassius said. "I'm not going where any damn makeup."
SHe shot him a look then turned to Yasmin.
"The women's powder, can you fetch some?"
"Women's powder? I don't think so. No way in hell."
There was a line, and they had just crossed it. There was no way Cassius was going to where women's makeup.
Yasmin spun on him and glared daggers at Cassius.
"What? There something shameful about wearing something women do? Is there something wrong with being a woman?"
"Maybe there is," Cassius shot back. "Being a slave you probably are unaware of gender roles. Women cook, clean, and watch the kids while the men do the all the real work."
"We see the inequality enough. But being a slave, you get all the rotten treatment by men." Though she was certain there were terrible female slavers, she hadn't personally dealt with any, which mat have proved his point on the gender role.
"Property is property. And you'll wear the powder. It's either that, or you pose as one of his wives."
"Not all men are bad," Cassius countered. "And I'd rather fight my way out then disguise myself as one of Karime's whore wives."
"You think I was a slave all my life?" Yasmin shot back, squaring her shoulders and glaring. "I know about all that, and it's bullshit, and if anything, being a slave only proved how much bullshit it is. Because look at me! Doing man's work! Kicking men's asses! Gasp!" She pressed her hands to her cheeks for added "surprised!" effect and then rolled her eyes.
"Raising children and cleaning and cooking isn't real work to you? Spend a week doing it and then get back to me on that. You're wearing the fucking makeup. Now stop crying like a baby and suck it up, man who's so insecure in his manliness he can't wear goddamned face powder."
And with that said, she slipped off to go find the blasted powder.
Once Yasmin was gone, Red Sun shot him a look.
"Your pride has no place here. Either swallow it or accept the consequences. And don't fool yourself into thinking you'dget to die in the arena. Men who slay other men outside it get hanged."
"Karime deserved what he got," Cassius said. "And while I may regret the circumstances, I'll never regret the act. That pig was weak. He didn't deserve the power and wealth given to him. Death was what he rightfully deserved."
She remained quiet for a moment before nodding her head.
"I can't say I don't agree. I never liked Karime."
And to think what he had done to her...
She'd rather not think about it.
Yasmin returned a few moments later--
And thrust a powder puff, covered in powder, into Cassius's face, sending up a cloud of the white stuff into the air.
Had Red Sun seen it coming, she would have backed away, but as it turned out, the white cloud of powder that exploded from Cassius's face engulfed her and soon she was choking on it and stumbled aside to try to cough the damn stuff out!
Cassius had not been expecting the sudden powdery assault. He stumbled backward in a fit of coughing and started waving his hand to ward the white cloud away.
"You bitch," Cassius coughed.
"Yup, that's me!" Yasmin cheerfully agreed before handing him the powder and the puff. Of course, a great deal of it also wafted back into her face, and she had to turn away and cough before she spoke again.
"Now you've got no excuses. You're already covered. Apply it nicely now and quit your bitching."
Cassius angrily ripped the puff from her hand.
"Just remember," he threatened. "I wouldn't get into any trouble for killing you."
Yasmin rolled her eyes. "You think death threats work on a gladiator? Just put the makeup on," she said, and then snorted. "Or do you need help?"
"If anyone is helping me with this it's her," Cassius said pointing to Red Sun. "Because I trust her more than I trust you, even if it isn't much."
Red Sun gave him a sharp look.
"Don't look at me. I don't even use that stuff. I wouldn't know where to begin."
Yasmin lifted her eyebrow at Cassius as though to say, "See?" and took a step toward him.
"My old master used to make me use it. Said I was 'too dark'," she said, keeping the smile on her face despite the flash of pain in her eyes. "C'mere. It won't take long."
Cassius sighed angrily.
"Fine," he relented. "But I swear if you try anything funny that I'm going to kill you on the spot."
"Yeah, yeah," Yasmin said with yet another roll of her eyes. "Murder will happen. Oooh, so scary. You can't see it, but I'm quivering. In my heart."
And as she spoke, she took the powder and puff from Cassius. "Shut your mouth and close your eyes," she said, and began to dab at him more gently this time, covering his skin section by section.
Cassius growled, but did as he was told. He was really not fond of her attitude, but he would have to bear it. For now, anyway.
As Yasmin applied the make up, Red Sun scrutinized her work. Though it came out even, seeing Cassius wearing powder just looked wrong, and he looked anything but himself. She could only pray the workers here were foolish enough to buy into him being Karime's son. His sudden appearance could be easily associated with Karime's unfortunate 'condition'- but it still didn't mean Red Sun was no less nervous.
At any moment their rouse could be uncovered, and they'd face the noose for sure. Not that they weren't already condemned in the first place-
If they got caught.
And Red Sun vowed never to let that happen. Cassisu killed Karime. Her master was dead.
And she was only starting to begin to realize and grip onto the reality that...
If this all worked out, in some strange way....
She was free.
Finally, Yasmin dabbed the finishing touches onto Cassius's neck and stepped back to survey her work, fingers cupping her chin and lips pursed.
"Not bad," she said. "If you don't look too close, you can hardly tell it's makeup."
She leaned in close to Cassius's face then, uncomfortably close, and blew on him to blow away some of the loose, excess powder. "Just don't touch your face to anything dark, and for Hakeshna's sake, don't touch your face at all! I don't care how itchy it gets."
"A simple itch is nothing compared to you," Cassius growled.
This whole plan better work for how much trouble it was to pull it off.
Red Sun rested a firm hand on his shoulder.
"We're in this together, like it or not, but even still.... If this is our way to freedom..." she bristled a moment before loosening her grip on his shoulder. "Thank you."
If Cassius was surprised by Red Sun's display of gratitude he didn't show it. His scowled lessened in intensity, but that was about it.
"Let's just get out of here," Cassius said finally.
"We need a plan on what to say to the servants when we run into them. Most of the wives will avoid you, but the servants and slaves all know Karime's son does hold some power. Just getting them to buy our story... I don't think it will be that difficult. Not if theyre all fearful of Karime's disease. But we'll have to think of a way how to present your desire for power. His.. son is like a weasle, though detested by most, he seems to be biding his time for any time he can get a hold of any sort of power or money, so it would not surprise many if he were to become so bold now. So that's the card we're betting on. We just need to stick to it, and not let others deter our path, even from ourselves."
"So what you're saying is we should be good so long as we don't let Cassius do or talk too much," Yasmin said, and gave Cassius a sweet smile. "I'm down with that idea."
Cassius scowled.
"You watch yourself," he said to Yasmin. "I'll deal with you as soon as we're outta here."
"Enough!" Red Sun commanded with a glare to the man. "We are all on the same side here. This plan will fail if we keep up this bickering. So swallow your pride if you value your life."
Yasmin let out a low groan and rubbed at the bridge of her nose. "Let's just pretend we all like each other for like the five minutes it takes to do this, yeah?"
Cassius' response was simply a low growl emitting from his throat.
"Let's just get this over with," he said.
Giving a hard nod, Red Sun moved towards the door. She didn't hesitate, though rather remained bold and head strong as she ever was, and lead herself and Cassius out into the hall. It didn't take long before a pair of servants saw them and immediately bowed their heads.
"Oh! Young master, what brings you here?"
And thought Red Sun wanted to reply to the girl, she held her tongue and let Cassius do the talking- and he better not screw this up!