FROM CARTASSA TO LANDA ISLAND

Fhaima

7th part

 

  We escaped from Cartassa, we were three, me, my sister Lady Lucy the painter and the slave Fahima, it was not easy to cross that burning desert, with the fear of being attacked by some tribe of marauders or by Panther women outside their territory, the Panthers are perpetually hunting for men to have as slaves and as fertilizers to have female daughters who train them to become cruel savages, while if males are born they are destined for slavery or to be sold to caravans of slavers.

   I had not told you about my sister Lady Lucy Arliss, also adopted by Lady BB, my sister had specialized in the arts of drawing and painting, and in Cartassa she had her own emporium where she worked and sold canvases to visitors or passing merchants, I never knew if she had any suitors, I always saw her on the way to the tea room, where in the afternoon we used to gather and talk about what was happening in the city, sipping some drinks, while the kajira Fhaima was my faithful servant, even though she lived in the shadows, she kept my house and my office tidy, and asked for nothing in return, she had a bed on the upper floor of my house, waiting for my orders. Sometimes if I felt lonely I let her sleep in my bed, this made her the happiest woman in the world, and even in this occasion of danger and escape she preferred to follow me.

   We walked mostly at night, during the day it was very dangerous and the heat suffocated us, the journey was one of the worst I have ever done, with little water and little food available, until a few days later we noticed some fires in the distance, we approached with caution, they were merchants heading to the coast, they welcomed us with friendship, gave us food and water, and were happy to accompany us until the end of the journey, finally we arrived in the new rebuilt city of Korat, I still remember even as a child that I escaped during its destruction, my adoptive parents had died there, bad memories that were dispelled when we arrived in that new construction with high walls and fortifications, built on top of a well protected hill,

When I arrived at the guardhouse I introduced myself to the Captain, a big, fat man who was scary just by looking at him, but when he knew who I was he welcomed me with joy and took me to the Scribes' palace, where the head of the caste showed me around the offices and proposed that I work for them for a while, they needed a merchant Scribe, and to earn something I agreed, while my sister Lucy and my Phaima preferred to return north to my mother's city, Fnnur fjiord.

    I took care of all the pending work in the merchant caste and some disputes, I was still a Magistrate, I earned money to move to the island of Landa, they had told me that my brother Orlando had gone to that city with his daughter Dara, I never knew the name of the companion, and I hoped to know her, so it was that after a little more than a year the time came to say goodbye to everyone and leave, I took advantage of the departure of a ship of Pirates headed to Anango, but they would have stopped in Landa, and one afternoon with the high tide we left from the port of Ship rock, with shining eyes and with the hope in our hearts of meeting Orlando.

    English: We arrived at night, the lights of the city stood out in the sky, we waited until morning to enter the port and moor at the dock, I didn't sleep long before dawn I was already on the bridge and I looked at that city, until the rising sun lit up the golden domes of the buildings, that's why they called it the golden city, it was a beautiful sight, when we arrived at the dock of that great port, I walked along those walkways with mobile bridges to reach the large gate, where outside there were crosses with corpses of men hanging, they served as a warning to ill-intentioned people, when I arrived at the gate they took me to the guardhouse, I gave my credentials and a guard escorted me along a long avenue full of marble columns and very tall palm trees, up to the great staircase of the great palace of the Castes, we climbed those stairs up to the floor of the Scribes caste, they announced me to the tatrix lady Zypero, who welcomed me with honor, but unfortunately she said Orlando had left a few days ago, saying he wanted to return to the city of Olni, I was very disappointed but now I was there and I asked the lady to give me a job and a house until I had news of Orlando, and life in Landa began....

darianeditor

  Questo post sarà preceduto da un avviso per i lettori in quanto include contenuti sensibili come riportato nelle Norme della community di Blogger.

Monday, April 28, 2025

GOREAN BRAZIL DANCE

 NEW SHOW IN KO RO BA

   Coming back from the city of Sulport, at the oasis I found an invitation message that my Suya had left me, she said she was leaving to reach and attend the dance show of her friends from the Gorean Brazil dance ballet, after having fixed some problems in the oasis I also left to join her in Ko Ro Ba, it is not the first time I fly to that place, I have already been there many times, on the occasion of the Kajires festivals, and their dances, I remember well at this year's fair in En Kara, I had attended the show of the Brazilian dancers and I had made friends with their artistic director the kajira Hester.

  When I arrived many spectators were already present, I joined Suya on the side steps and sat with her waiting for the start which promptly happened, I had no words, I immersed myself in the music and admired the beautiful dancers in their choreographies, they put so much effort into their performance, and I must say that every time it is a new discovery, I never get tired of watching them and praising them.

  Finally, after having dreamed the whole time with the other spectators, we left again for our Oasis, and today I dedicate a little of my time to tell you about the evening and to introduce you to the participants in the theatre, I will put their portraits below hoping to do you a favour, and I hope that if someone identifies themselves and is happy, as I am and Suya, my assistant and companion..............

LADY MONYA

LADY KAREN

SIR EDI

HESTER

RAMBERRY

PAOLA

DARIAN & SUYA

NIGHT ARETE

SIR SAM

SIR HANSEN

SIR SAMUEL

LADY LUCIANA

MARSI

KAVIYA

GIVE IT

KAELI

WHERE

SIR QUALLAIN

CLEAR

JOHN ATHAN

JADE

DARIANEDITOR........

 article send  me from Jules

The Steel Collar of Uranus A Story

Uranus, a planet shrouded in a mysterious magical barrier, harbored a world of untold secrets. Within this enchanted veil, cities grew and flourished with life that bore a striking resemblance to Earthlings, yet their existence remained a mystery to those beyond. Their lives unfurled without the relentless march of age, granting them an eternal youth that was the envy of the cosmos. Slavery, however, cast a dark shadow over this utopian existence, with girls and boys like Tokessa and Toke, who bore no surname until they turned eighteen. 

Their language, Udelle, was a melodious concoction drawn from the whispers of the planet's flora, leaving outsiders bewildered by its beauty. Master Jun Lue, a legendary figure in Cadaverous Fidelis, was known for his craftsmanship and unyielding spirit. His days were spent meticulously creating masterpieces with his own two hands, his nights often filled with the robust flavor of Syed. 

His reputation as a demanding and selective partner was whispered through the corridors of the city, making the hearts of many a young tokessa and toke flutter with hope and fear. Tokessa Teru was one of those who dreamt of wearing his collar, serving as his companion rather than his property. As the warmth of the Uranian sun kissed her cheeks, Teru felt a peculiar mix of excitement and trepidation at the sight of Master Jun Lue. His presence was commanding, a stark contrast to the tranquil river scene. The way he held his bow spoke of a silent promise of protection and dominance. She approached him with a grace that belied her trembling insides. 

As a tokessa, she knew the wide nadu position was more than just a greeting; it was an offering of her service and submission. The touch of his hand on her thigh sent a shiver down her spine, but she maintained her poise. His words were a playful jest, yet she couldn't help but feel the weight of his power. Master Jun's gaze lingered on the young tokessa before him, his eyes sparkling with amusement and something more. 

Teru's dedication to her duties and her unblemished beauty had not gone unnoticed. He had been watching her from afar, her diligence and spirit captivating him like none other. Though his reputation was one of ruthlessness, he found himself drawn to her innocence. The smell of the river mingled with the faint scent of Syed on his breath as he assessed her. Her eyes, a deep blue like the heart of a sapphire, searched his for any sign of what was to come. His hand left her chin, and she felt a momentary loss of connection. But then his calloused fingertips traced a line down her neck, sending a shiver through her body. He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear, and whispered, 

"There is something I need you to do for me." His tone was low, a promise wrapped in a command. Teru nodded, eager to prove herself worthy of his attention. "But for now, return to your chores. I will summon you when the time is right." With that, he turned away, leaving her kneeling on the riverbank, her heart racing like a wild steed in the vast Uranian plains. The city of Cadaverous Fidelis, nestled in the heart of Uranus, was a place where the air buzzed with the whispers of ancient secrets and the chatter of daily life. The buildings, constructed from gleaming materials unseen on Earth, reflected the vibrant hues of the surrounding flora, creating a dazzling tapestry of color. 

The clean rivers wound through the city like veins of life, bringing nourishment and beauty to all who dwelt there. Tokessas and Tokes moved in harmony, fulfilling their duties without question. Teru's world was simple, yet it was the complexities of the heart that troubled her most. Her thoughts lingered on the powerful man who had so casually dismissed her. As she went about her tasks, her mind raced with the possibilities of what he could want from her. The anticipation grew with each passing moment, a tangible force that fueled her movements. Her eyes searched the horizon, hoping for a glimpse of the bow-wielding Master. Life on Uranus was indeed a curious affair. The people of Cadaverous Fidelis, like the rest of the planet, were blessed with a longevity that would make even the most ambitious Earthling envious.

Yet, the price of this gift was a strict social order, with slavery as its most stark reminder. Tokessas and Tokes like Teru were named only in the sense that they were identified by their purpose. The concept of a last name was reserved for those who had earned their place within the city's hierarchy. As she worked, she wondered if she would ever achieve such a distinction. If only Master Jun could see her not just as a tool, but as a person with dreams and aspirations. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with a kaleidoscope of colors that seemed to mirror the tumult of emotions within her. 

Teru's heart swelled with a bittersweet blend of hope and anxiety. She knew that nightfall brought with it the potential for change, for the call from her Master. The creatures of the night began to stir, their distant calls a symphony that serenaded the city to sleep. Yet she remained wide awake, her eyes fixed on the moonlit path that led to the kennels. The air grew cooler, and she shivered, wrapping her arms around herself for warmth. Her thoughts grew darker, imagining the beasts that prowled the wilderness beyond the city walls. The magical barrier had kept them at bay, but their presence was never truly forgotten. It was said that those who ventured out too far would feel the sting of their fear in the very marrow of their bones, a sensation so potent it would make one wish for the sweet release of the void. Still, she waited, her eyes never leaving the path.

The sounds of the city grew quiet as the night deepened. The usual hustle and bustle of Cadaverous Fidelis had been replaced by the gentle whispers of the wind and the occasional howl of a distant creature. Teru's heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing with what the coming darkness could bring. Would this be the night that Master Jun Lue would claim her as his own? Would she be granted the collar that represented more than just ownership but a bond, a partnership? She had seen the way other tokessas looked at him, their eyes filled with a mix of awe and longing. The power he wielded was intoxicating, and she craved to be the one by his side. The night grew colder, and she pulled her tattered cloak tighter around her, feeling the weight of her status as a mere slave. But she knew that if she could just prove herself to him, she could rise above it all. Her thoughts were interrupted by the crunch of footsteps on the gravel. She looked up, her heart in her throat, to see the silhouette of a man approaching. It was him. Master Jun Lue, his sword at his side and his bow slung over his shoulder. His eyes searched the night, and when they found hers, she felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. He beckoned her with a crooked finger, his smile a challenge and a promise. She stood, her legs trembling, and made her way to him. As she reached his side, he placed a warm hand on her shoulder, and she knew that her fate had been decided. "Come," he said, his voice a soft command that she would obey without question. "We have much to discuss, you and I." And with that, they disappeared into the night, leaving behind the whispers of the river and the shadows of the city.

The moon cast a silver glow as they walked through the city streets. The buildings, which had been a vibrant array of colors during the day, now took on a monochrome pallor. Teru had never been out this late before; the night was a realm reserved for the masters and their companions. She felt a thrill of excitement mixed with a hint of fear as they approached the outskirts of the city. The magical barrier loomed in the distance, a shimmering wall of energy that separated the civilized world from the beasts that lurked beyond. Master Jun Lue spoke little, his gaze intense as he surveyed their surroundings. The language of Udelle danced around them, a symphony of whispers and clicks that only the inhabitants of Uranus could understand. Tokessas and Tokes of various ages and stations passed them by, their eyes averted in respect or envy. Teru felt a strange sense of pride that she had been chosen by such a powerful man.

As they left the city behind, the air grew colder, and the sounds of civilization faded into the background. The calls of the beasts grew louder, and Teru clutched the folds of her cloak closer to her body. Master Jun paused, his hand on her shoulder, and turned to face her. "Do not be afraid, little one," he murmured, his voice a gentle rumble. "The night holds many secrets, but none that we cannot face together." His eyes searched hers, and she found herself nodding in response, the tremble in her voice subsiding.

darianeditor

 TRIGGER REEF- THE SPING FAIR

TRIGGER RED

   While I was in Sulport, waiting for Suya to arrive, I received a message from Lady Sabayna, the perfumer who lives in Shendi Jsfahan, warning me about the opening of the spring fair, in the village of Trigger Reef,

by now the snow has melted, and the merchants from the northern villages begin their trade by attending fairs and visiting cities for their trade, I consulted the maps and it was not easy to find that small island, however it would not have been very difficult to get there

I left early in the morning, on a ship headed north, perhaps I would have changed ships but it was too early to tell, the captain of the ship was an old Pirate dedicated to the wine and fur trade, I was sure that after his stops in the coastal villages he would take me to the island of Trigger red, he would participate in the fair with his products.

LADY ANGEL

  We arrived at the pier, I was no longer used to those walkways over the canals, like when I was in Port Kar, and sometimes I staggered like a drunk trying not to fall into the sea, I climbed up the slope of that little hill, 

I arrived at some old ruined walls, then continued to a small square between the houses on stilts, from where the path to the large castle not far away started. 

When I arrived at the square, to my great surprise, I met my three friends, Sabayna, Mae, and Bea, along with other women, all exhibitors. Lady Sabayna told me to go to the village regent, Lady Angel, to place my little newspaper kiosk... the gazetta delle lune... I waited for her to assign me a place, I placed the copies of the newspaper in plain sight, in the place where visitors would pass by coming up from the port.

   While I was visiting the stalls with the products, my name is Lady Sabayna, inviting me for a tea in the room located just before the entrance to the castle, I went calmly to that tea room, I entered and to my great surprise, there were several women who were drinking tea and chatting, I was embittered among those women,

even Sabayna did not know that it was a meeting between women, and a sour and bad lady, she chased me away in a bad way, she did not know good manners, used to spending her time in taverns for sure, anyway I sat outside bitterly and after saying goodbye to lady Angel I retired to the ship because of tiredness, I would have done some portraits the next morning and written an article for the newspaper......

end of part 1

 

LIFE IN CARTASSA -ON THE ROAD TO LANDADA ISLAND

6th part

   After Jinny's departure, life in Cartassa was no longer the same, I missed the afternoons in the tea room, those quiet chats with the ladies, Lady Mae with her little girl named Zoe, carried on her back wrapped in a large shawl, often took part in our tea break, Finthor secretly loved YiYi, his favorite slave, he was often seen in amorous attitudes with that slave, Lady Athena suffered in silence, one day when I was lingering with her to chat, she told myself that Jinny's drama was Finthor's plan to get rid of her, I was extremely disappointed by those words, I thought that the warrior always around in tournaments was a sincere friend, but he aspired to have only the slave YiYi for himself.

   One morning he came to my office and spoke to me seriously, he told me that he intended to free his YiYi, to then take her as a companion, he needed me, the Magistrate of the city, to make him the certificate of ownership and then the certificate to make her a free woman, I told him clearly that for the certificate of ownership I needed the Medical certificate, at which he became pale, the Pysichian of the city was lady Mae, the mother and she would never have consented to him marrying a slave, this made him even more nervous, and he went away slamming the door.

  After a few days a new Scribe arrives in town, his name was LC Cougar, (he was Congo Pasha brother) he turned out to be a great friend of Sir BernHard the caste leader, companion of Safina, he spent his time sitting outside the tavern drinking, served by a compliant slave, Bernhard appointed him Merchant Magistrate, and assigned him an office on the same floor as mine, I immediately understood that something was wrong, this newcomer LC seemed too sure of himself, and with the help of BernHard he drew up the certificate for Finthor for the ownership  of the slave YiYi,  and the free woman,  the warrior Finthor had achieved his goal, he chased Athena away and married his former slave in secret.

    One day the whole population of Cartassa went to the forest on the hill, where  Pasha Umar Congo, the chief of the Congo tribe, celebrated the companionship ceremony with Lady Mae, I stayed in the city, I had a lot of work to finish, and honestly I didn't want to be part of the group with Bernhard, LC and Safina, but while I was quietly working in the palace, I heard screams coming from the square below, I looked out the window and saw the inn filled with smoke and flames,  I rushed down, you could hear the screams of the slaves on the first floor trapped, trying to jump out of the windows, a little slave named Asha approached asking what to do for her sisters, I didn't think twice, I told her to take some blankets and follow me, we went up the stairs filled with smoke and flames, 

with a shoulder I broke down the door, I covered the girls with blankets making them get out, I went down too I looked around I didn't see little Asha, I went up again on that staircase now in flames, I found her on the ground passed out from too much smoke, I took her in my arms and shielding myself with my arm we went down to the street, I rushed her to the infirmary, where Mae's slave assistant was ready we put her on a cot and it was immediately clear that she was in serious condition, many burns all over her body, the slave assistant did what she could to ease the pain while waiting for Lady Mae to return, I was tired I sat on a chair, I took off my cloak my arm was burned, I had shielded myself with that arm,

but I didn't have much pain, after a few minutes I returned to the square where the slaves were trying to put out the fire, but the wooden construction and the wine barrels made everything collapse, we had no choice but to watch those ashes burn.

  Lady Mae finally returned to town called by a servant, took care of the girl, made me sit down, said she would take care of my arm as soon as the girl was 

had recovered a little, I covered the burns on Asha's body with ointments and salves, I gave him artificial respiration and after a time that seemed like an eternity he devoted himself to me, he told me that it wasn't serious but that he would treat me in the following days with creams and that only a small scar would remain.

 

  Every morning I went to the infirmary for my dressing, and at the same time to know if little Asha was better, Mae told me that the scars on her legs would remain while the others would heal, she thanked me for having saved her together with her sisters, then after some time everyone forgot, only a memory remained of those who had lived it.

  Life resumed, as usual LC was always sitting outside the tavern, with his feet on a barrel drinking, instead he kept an eye on everything that was happening in the city and reported to BernHard, -during a meeting of the elders, they had talked about the possibility that the Pasha Congo tribe currently in the forest would come down to live in Cartassa, and Pasha Umar Congo, Mae's companion, would become the Ubar, at this point things got complicated, Bernhard with the help of LC cougar, and other warriors loyal to them took the city by occupying it, Safina the administrator and daughter of Mae was in danger, the same companion was trying to imprison her, to take control of Cartassa, I together with a few guards loyal to me ran to the palace, we helped Safina to take the house stone and opened the secret passage, the long tunnel passed under the square and emerged behind the walls, on a small inaccessible beach from the high cliff, 

We waited there for Pasha Umar Congo and his men to come down from the forest, and so he and his men captured the rebels, regained control of the city, imprisoning the traitorous warriors, while Bernhard and Lord Cougar were sent into exile,

they were still members of the high caste of scribes, we returned to the palace from the secret passage, awaiting events.

   Pasha Umar Congo thanked me by offering me his everlasting friendship, and during a meeting it was established that the city of Cartassa would become an Oasis, therefore no more Castes, only citizens with the functions of notables, magistrates and traders. All this had really touched me, the events had precipitated, but I remained there to complete my work, until one day Lady BB arrived, my adoptive mother, told me that she had heard that Orlando had reached Mith on the island of Landa, and wanted me to accompany her, so I decided to leave that city of Cartassa where I had spent some beautiful years stained by some shadows.

   Safina and Mae were very disappointed by my decision to follow BB, they wanted to adopt me into their Congo family, but I preferred to remain an Arliss, and follow BB in search of Orlando, only Pasha Congo greeted me with a hug thanking me, and said family comes first.

 We set off for Shendi, where we would take a ship to the island of Landa...........

darianeditor