Daydreaming|Darkthrone, New Morilanta

[Devon]

Saul awoke in the middle of the night, startled by the odd dream he had. It had been playing over and over the past few nights and he couldn't decipher the meaning. Were the Forces trying to send him a message or was his imagination just running wild. Looking over beside him he sighed and started to settle again.

He was content, Anarchy was a wonderful partner and together they had accomplished a lot, but in the back of his mind he quietly thought, would content be enough. Shaking such things for now, he laid down and drifted back to sleep.

Rising early the next day, he and two choice guards made their way to the Coliseum on foot.

[Darastrix]

At the coliseum, man against monster was the event of the hour. The wealthy and highborn sat comfortably as they enjoyed the spectacle, attended by their ever-present slaves. Lower down, the more common folk crowded around the edges to watch and cheer, exchanging coin as bets were made.

Being escorted into the section of people who ranked between those two groups was a woman somewhat familiar to Saul. Her light brown hair was held back in a simple net snood and a flash of green could be seen through the slit in her dark brown skirt as she walked. The only thing different from how she appeared in his dreams was the green shawl she wore around her shoulders as protection from the slight fall chill.

[Devon]

Saul was watching the matches with mild interest, he was honestly more interested in the commoner's betting most of the time. He usually picked a servant to sneak down there and place bets for him. Seeing the woman from his earlier dreams he calmly leaned over to one of his guards and said, "Bring that woman to me."

[Darastrix]

When the woman was approached by the guard, an expression of mild surprise and confusion flitted across her face. As she was made to understand what was wanted of her, she looked startled and looked toward Saul with surprise before schooling her expression and giving the guard a nod of assent.

Her hands trembled slightly as she was brought to Saul, but that was the only hint of nervousness she allowed. She sank into a deep curtsy before him, eyes cast toward the ground. "My Lord Emperor," she murmured.

[Devon]

"Have a seat, I don't like watching these events alone," Saul said. Motioning to his guards, he quietly ordered them to clear a space for her and bring her food and wine. "Your name milady?" he asked her politely.

[Darastrix]

"Helena, Emperor," she told him, after taking her seat. "Helena Karim."

Helena's house was not a high noble one, nor was it one of great wealth, but it was high enough to have smaller houses beholden to it and had lately been on an upward climb.

"Might one inquire as to what led your lordship to choose me as your companion for the afternoon?"

[Devon]

"As I said before Lady Karim, I hate watching these events alone and you looked familiar," he answered. "I can't exactly place where I've seen you before but you do look familiar." Saul reached over and picked up his glass of wine, sipping it slowly.

He wasn't sure what he was doing exactly. He was happy with Anarchy and had no intention of casting her aside, but he couldn't shake the dream he had.

[Darastrix]

"As you say, my Emperor," Helena replied. "Perhaps you've seen me here; this is far from the first time I've come to the arena."

[Devon]

"It's more than that," he murmured out loud. He didn't want to tell her that for the past few nights she had been in his dreams. He'd have to consult a priest about this later to see if there was any meaning to all of this. "This is as good a time as any to learn more about my citizens. Tell me about yourself Lady Karim," he said to her.

[Darastrix]

She had given him a curious look at his first statement, but that would likely be a dangerous question to ask. The Emperor had an interest in her, she could only hope his intentions weren't to lead to her death or ruin.

"My family trades in herbs and medicines, my lord," Helena replied. "They have for generations." Of course, in Morilanta, that was often a business front for poisons or narcotics. Often both. "I am my family's only child, so my father is considering potential suitors for my hand to inherit the estate." This was said without rancor; it was usual, after all, and she had been raised to be an alliance bargaining chip. Though considering her family business, it wouldn't be unusual if her future husband were to meet an early end.

[Devon]

"I see," he said slowly as she finished answering his question. He would keep in mind to look up her family at a later time.

He wasn't his usual self, normally he'd be more talkative, prying information out Lady Karim. But the dream he had unnerved him and at this time he didn't know what to do about it. He was used to being able to plan, to think a few steps ahead, but if this were some sort of intervention by the Forces there was no planning to be done.

"Consider this a special treat..for this one time I'll allow you time to ask questions of me if you wish," he said finally.

[Darastrix]

"I have very little to ask of my Emperor," Helena demurred, looking up at Saul artfully through her lashes. Regardless of why he'd taken notice, it would be a wasted chance if she didn't try to put herself forward a little. Though it hadn't happened in the past few years, Morilantan leaders did form harems in the past. If the Emperor were to revive the practice, it could be a rather comfortable life. One with a small bit of power, if things went well.

"But I would wish to know what about me draws your interest so, if my familiarity is more than your having seen me out and about," she finished.

[Devon]

"I'm not sure, there is just something about you," he said simply. "Maybe it is the way you carry yourself or it could just be because you're attractive." Saul replied with a small smile. He wouldn't bring up the dream he had had, if anything he'd just find a mystic to consult later on for his answers.

[Darastrix]

'I don't care to tell you,' Helena's mind translated. Well, it was no more than she had expected. Forces, but she did hope she hadn't been pulled into some sort of scheme. "I thank you for your complement," she murmured. "If there is any way I or my household may serve, please do not hesitate to ask."

[Devon]

Saul rose to his feet, done with the games for the day. Leaning over he kissed the back of her hand lightly. "Oh I'll be sure to ask when I need you my dear," he told her. "Please enjoy whats here until you're done, but I must take my leave Lady Karim."