Clear Control

[Devon]

Saul arrived in Turdomin with Kurai and part of her entourage. He had been watching this small Clear village as it grew in numbers and decided it was time he stepped in himself. To Nissar's gaze Saul's intentions were only to keep an eye out on the village to make sure it wouldn't be a problem for the Imperator, but Saul was never without hidden motives. Turning to Kurai he smiled and said, "I'm glad you could join me here. Are you ready to go forward with this?"

[Deleted]

"Certainly," the black-haired woman purred, giving the town a long, calculating look. She had heard what Clears could do; there weren't any in her little army, but she liked the sound of them. "Not without promise," she said of the town at last, and stroked Khao's cheek with the backs of her fingers. "Stick close, pet. I'll protect you."

Khao nodded rapidly and rearranged her hold on her daughter.

[Devon]

"I'm glad you think so," Saul said with a small smirk. Saul made his way through the town, taking in the sights of the people, letting his aura flare without restraint so they could feel he was one of them. "Kurai, make sure the two of you stay close to me someone here would be tempted to ensnare either of you."

[Deleted]

"Aww, so you'll protect us? How sweet," Kurai cooed, touching Saul's cheek as she had Khao's. Such flirting from her had been nearly constant in all their dealings, and so far it seemed to be keeping things smooth. Well, that and their similar interests.

Khao held Adriana a little closer and made sure she was within hugging distance of Kurai.

[Devon]

Saul chuckled and shook his head at the woman. "You can think of it like that if you want. I am just making sure my assets aren't taken from me." It was true he had plenty of need for her help, but it wasn't as bad having her around.

[Deleted]

"Mmm-hmmm," Kurai mused, reaching to toy with Khao's hair as she watched the people go by.

Adriana saw a man walk by with a long bolt of woven bright red cloth over his shoulder, and she gaped at the richness of the shade. "Oooo...." she mumbled, watching the man pass over her mother's shoulder.

Kurai noticed and chuckled. "Already she has good taste in color."

Khao managed a smile, stroking her child's hair.

[Devon]

Saul stopped the man, bartered for a moment and got away with the very same red cloth he wore over his shoulder. Holding it out like it carried some sort of disease he gave it to Khao. "Here, since she likes it so much she might as well have it."

[Deleted]

Adriana squealed, clapping her hands, and Khao took the cloth with as deep a bow as she could manage. "Th-Thank you, my lord," she whispered, wrapping the brilliant fabric around her child.

Kurai nodded approvingly. Saul had just earned himself a little more than flirting. "Are we close to our objective, my lord?"

[Kender Bard]

One of the Clears in charge of the town came forth. He wasn't surrounded by his usual lackey of supporters and sycophants, but a few well armed guards.

Crossing his arms, he looked at Saul carefully, then smirked. "Are you looking to join our ranks, sir?"

[Devon]

"Something like that," Saul replied glancing at Kurai. He understood she was a warrior, but he had not seen her in battle yet. He carried a sword himself, though he had no plans to use it right now. "Do you have somewhere private we can all talk?"

[Kender Bard]

The Clear's eyes flicked to Kurai and Khao, as well as the baby. "Must you bring your slaves?"

[Devon]

"Slaves?" Saul asked being purposefully absent-minded. Glancing back to Kurai and Khao he chuckled a bit. "Yes I'll bring them with me, it makes me feel safer since you have your slaves with you." Saul paused and looked at the men with weapons once more, "Oh I'm sorry, your guards."

[Deleted]

Kurai nearly said something tactless and bad for the diplomacy of the mission, or challenged the Clear to a duel, but she was saved by an unexpected distraction.

Khao drew herself up as tall as she could, and firmly said, "I only serve Mistress Kurai," to the Clear with a bravery she hadn't known she possessed. But then, no one had insulted her mistress before, not in such an important situation. Normally Kurai killed people who insulted her, but that wouldn't fly here.

Saved by my pet, Kurai thought, the surprise temporarily shorting out her indignation.

[Kender Bard]

The Clear looked at Khao in disdain. But then, he figured 'Mistress Kurai' was likely the Clear's wife or daughter or something. But why bring them?

He shook his head - it didn't make any sense. "I don't want your slaves around," he growled. "They talk to much."

[Devon]

"I don't think you'll want to continue treating Kurai like that," Saul said. "As I told you before, she isn't my slave, she is a high ranking military officer of Morilanta and I am Saul Dardan, the Master Torturer for the Imperator. These three will join me for our talks and that is final."