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       #Post#: 62--------------------------------------------------
       A Meeting In Laurius Exchange Point
   DIR By: High Captain Song
       Date: May 30, 2023, 12:10 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Location: Laurius Exchange Point - Northern Gor
       The Players:
       High Captain Song, Frode of Kassau
       Shivari Skau, Huntress of Black Talon Cove
       Cernus of the Caste of Slavers
       Tove of Thunder Falls, Huntress
       Frode:
       "You have the helm, Mister Pike. If I'm not back by sunrise....
       well, you know what to do."
       The old salt nods. Nothing more need be said. I know that Pike
       is of the opinion that a Captain should leave it to his crew to
       handle risks like going into Panther territory to trade, but he
       abides by my belief that I cannot ask my men to take chances I
       wouldn't take myself. Unfortunately, given my reputation as a
       reckless fool who survives half by luck and half by charm, there
       are very few chances I WON'T take myself. But the trip is not an
       entirely foolish one. My mate, for instance, is on-board and I
       don't think there is anything on Gor that could stop her if
       something happened to me.
       I hop into the longboat and nod to the four crew that are
       accompanying me as the boat is lowered into the water and we
       begin rowing to the beach. I'm clad in my Captain's coat and the
       silver rapier I call Mercy hangs at my right side. A long-knife
       nine inches long hangs visible on my left side. I have two
       daggers, six inches in length of fine Kassau steel, hidden up my
       sleeves and two more of the same size tucked into my boots. One
       never knows when one might need another blade close at hand and
       the hidden daggers are an old habit from before I became a noted
       captain with a famous sword.
       I have a cloth with several knives of the same make wrapped and
       in my arms, along with a plethora of arrowheads. It's my hope to
       find a few more slaves for the new homestead but if nothing else
       it does me good to keep good relations with the Panthers. My
       Mate used to be one of their number, after all, and they tend to
       treat well with those Men who treat them fairly.
       Frode:
       
       We make landfall just within sight of the fire pit, allowing a
       clear path of retreat if needed. Few would dare risk breaking
       the sanctity of the trading post, but damned if there isn't some
       occasion when some hunter or slaver band decides to make a play
       for the outlaws and panthers and add them to their inventory.
       They are rarely successful and usually wind up dead if they are
       lucky or tied to the frame if they are not. If they are
       especially unlucky they might be staked out for the sleen or the
       insects depending on if there are sweets available to lure them
       in. Of course few panthers are willing to sacrifice their
       candies for such torture when they have them, but I had seen the
       unfortunate results of one who decided it was worth it.
       That alone would be enough to warn me away from such treacherous
       behavior, were I not essentially honorable, despite the
       reputation as a scoundrel I carried given my former caste and
       the disreputable reputation that Singers bore in the southern
       cities. In the North, however, the Skalds are seen as men of
       honor and rumored in some places to have magic powers. It's a
       reputation I've worked hard to cultivate, but neither do I
       depend on superstition or the ban on troubling Skalds to keep me
       safe. That is what my weapons are for.
       "Keep your weapons close at hand, but don't go looking for
       trouble." I mutter to my men. They nod silently as they fall
       into step behind me as we approach the camp fire. My eyes mover
       over those assembled as I move to one of the logs set up and
       unroll my bundle.
       "Tal. Room for five more about your fire this night?"
       Shivari
       As the Slaver had suddenly taken his leave, I noted a group
       arriving towards the fires, leer eyes of emerald settled upon
       the lot, I stood my full height of 6'1" cascades of alternating
       blonde brauis fell to caress my soft featured face, lips hued
       with a hint of red pursed in a curious grin
       "Indeed male, fires free" spoken as Watched each one of you
       settle before I myself, adorned in a brief loin cloth bottom and
       top colored in browns, green and blacks of varying shades and
       moccasins that laced to mid calf colored the like, my clothing
       made to blend with the forest, I had upon my left thigh in a fur
       lined sheath a 14" dagger with a coiled wood handle.
       Frode:
       I smile at the striking woman who height is equal to my own as
       my eyes take my measure of her. Not with lust, though her furs
       show off a taut stomach, long legs and ample bosom, but with
       caution. I know many Panthers who dress to distract men hoping
       to keep them off balance or off their guard. I'm fortunate to
       share my furs with one. But with those intricate braids there is
       no mistaking her for some exotically clad slave. I have a seat
       next to my wares and nod as my men sit down, two on either side
       of me, as they too glance around with caution.
       "My thanks, Huntress. By what name may I call you?"
       Cernus:
       "Thank you Huntress” said as I resettle on the log and watch the
       others who arrive.
       Frode:
       I nod the newcomer to the circle, trying to make out his colors,
       if any, in the shadows. "Tal."
       Cernus:
       I nod to you “Tal”
       Shivari:
       (To Frode) I noted you smile as it came across you features, you
       garments stated you were a man of travels perhaps by the Thassa,
       I allow my eyes you trace you in detail, the way you hands moved
       and how your words fell you lips, as your men you came with fan
       out to sit two on either side of and the others upon logs near
       by of course, was still on guard and wary, I was hear but one
       woman and you with a group of men, I noticed how the eyes looked
       upon me, it made me not nervous of skittish, as many look at me
       in numerus ways, I lifted a brow as you inquire of my name " you
       have offered none to me male, so you first" I spoke as my lips
       creased to a cautious smile upon my lips
       (To Cernus) My attention moved to you but held to the men just
       arriving as well an assessing smile fell.my lips as my
       evergreens rake over you " back again Slaver, when shall I
       expect delivery of those candies and what do you desire in
       trade" I spoke with a tuned ear to your response.
       Cernus:
       I can feel your eyes on me before I hear the sound of your
       voice. Turning my attention back to you I give a little thought
       to your question “I can have your candies within the hand
       Huntress” Then contemplating the rest of your question. “I am
       not sure you have anything to trade that I desire, but you have
       a few days to think of something”
       Shivari:
       I saw that little smile turn to your lips as fine lines formed
       by the corners of those brilliant blues, I chuckled a bit as you
       answered my inquiry " sounds good, Slaver and I am sure I could
       come up. with something you could use in you travels or caste
       work" I said as my teeth lightly raked my lower lip before my
       lips came to a purse and regained its smile.
       Frode:
       I chuckle in response and note that cautious yet sassy smile.
       True, she is but one lone woman, but that is what I can see.
       There could be a band of more like her close by that we can't
       see and it is always the dangers you can't seen on Gor that are
       the worst.
       "Ah, Forgive me. I always let the ladies go before me out of
       habit. I am Captain Frode of Kassau. Also known as Captain
       Song." I wink. "There. And now that you have my name, what might
       I call you, Huntress?"
       Cernus:
       “I will leave it to you to come up with something fair and
       desirable” This will be interesting, I muse to myself as I go
       back to quietly watching you.
       Tove:
       Tove lingered near the forest's edge, the blanket of trees
       shielding her from those gathered at the exchange point. The
       woman observed a fire rising towards the sky and noticed a young
       panther female with two men. They weren't bound to an A-frame or
       enslaved to the panther girl so they may have some stories about
       the lands to the North or South. Or, they might have had a candy
       or two. Tove waited to see the ongoing exchange and if they were
       all on friendly terms.
       Frode:
       I look to the other man and chuckle. "Ah, a slaver. It seems you
       may have beaten me to my chosen quarry. I don't suppose you have
       any stock you'd be willing to discuss letting go?"
       Cernus:
       “I am afraid to say I have bo quality stock at the moment, but I
       do hope that changes shortly”
       Frode:
       I nod. "Indeed. Well, I had come here hoping there might be some
       stock worth considering and to find some homes for these fine
       sleen knives I had no use for. I also hoped I might see some old
       friends here. It's been far too long since I had a chance to
       venture this way."
       Cernus:
       There is no shortage of stock, but what’s available is just not
       worth my reputation. I do hope to replenish my stocks with
       quality but that will take time. Stick around, not only may I
       soon have something to trade, old friends seem to come out of
       the woodwork “
       Tove:
       Svelte thighs crossed over one another as she carefully stepped
       along the fridge of the forest; the evergreens and smaller
       ka-la-na trees shuddered against the evening breeze brought up
       by the Laurius River. Tove did not unhook her bow nor nocked an
       arrow from her quiver to send it forward to find its restricted
       mark. Instead, Tove kept the niceties known to those of the
       Larius Exchange Point. Honoring trade agreements held slavers,
       merchants, and panther girls all at peace with one another. On
       Tove's hip laid Riddle, the ivory-hilted blade, and an array of
       rabbit furs she had acquired on her accidental trip to Upsala.
       It took a few moments, but Tove broke through the brush, leaving
       behind whatever warfare between men and women in the forest.
       Perhaps she would be seen, or they would continue chatting with
       the panther girl with whom she was unfamiliar. She didn't have
       the Broken Arrow girls' markings so that she could be a
       potential ally.
       Shivari:
       Shifting my gaze now between you two, it did not go unnoted how
       the Slaver still settled his eyes upon me and his words had
       sunken to the depths of my memory, a brief and subtle wily smile
       would etch upon my lips as I watched the Slaver for several
       moments, then I heard the newly arriving male as he spoke to the
       Slaver, I lifted my brows up and turned my head slightly a bit
       curious about this bargaining the two were proposing, a taped
       hand raised to the curve of my chin and lightly the finger
       rubbed each side and I contemplated on this I said no words as
       it was business between these men, yet I had my guard up and was
       ever aware of all around me, including the 4 other men around.
       Tove:
       Tove's chin was lifted, and striking features seemed to glow
       against the fire's orangey glow. She was covered in a sheen of
       sweat from traveling a great distance in a short amount of time.
       The Larius Exchange Point was rarely fluttering with activity
       these days, primarily because of the ongoing battle of
       territories between panther bands. The rabbit furs she had for
       trade bounced against her thigh with a second sleen blade
       attached and belted onto her right thigh. Tove had not spoken to
       men for several weeks. So, when she did speak, the sound felt
       almost foreign to her throat. "Tal," she said, lifting her free
       hand while her right hand still gripped the leather handle of
       her bow.
       Shivari:
       Doing my usual scanning of the area as to always be on guard to
       everything, as my gaze moved along the beach area noting the
       Thassa as it crashed along the shores, seeing the various trades
       taking place around the exchange, taking in that air that had a
       mix of salt and vegetation of the forest, I turned to glance
       across tha treeline, at first glance nothing seemed unordinary,
       I lift my brow on my right as I spot movement just breaching
       that treeline, I watched as the figure came closer, soon able to
       see you, I looked to how you were dressed a blade upon your hip
       with a variety of furs from a small game you had acquired, I
       tipped my head waiting fpr you to approach closer and finally I
       spoke " Tal " as watched to see if you settled or stood, I saw
       you settle with your assortment of furs and two sleen blade, I
       allowed my eyes to roam your form studying your every curve.
       Cernus:
       (To Shivari)  With a lill in the conversation I turn slightly to
       see your better and I discreetly study everything there is about
       you.
       Frode:
       (To Tove)   I offer a nod to the newly arrived Huntress and gift
       her with another smile. "Tal, Huntress." My men offer similar
       greetings as they glance about, wondering if there are more
       Panthers incoming out of the forest now that our intentions are
       more clear. Again, caution above all else. But it costs me
       nothing to be polite.
       Shivari:
       (To Cernus) I had felt your assessing eyes upon me once again,
       and in turn I settled a gaze to you and gave a soft wick curl of
       my lips before turning my gaze to the newly arrive woman.
       Tove:
       (To Shivari) Tove's Nordic blue eyes swam along your features,
       noting you were a bit taller than herself, but you both seemed
       to be of Northern birth from the looks of it, which was typical
       of most panther girls of the Northern Forest. Tove glanced at
       the men that had gathered at the fire and were curious about
       what goods they had brought or if they were trading information
       that would aid the panther bands. Tove thought they were amid
       trade negotiations with the panther girl, so she stayed away
       from the group. However, she stayed close to the firepit to
       chime in with her array of goods when your trade agreements
       ended.
       Frode:
       (To Cernus)   I turn my attention back to the other man and nod.
       "Aye, well I understand the importance of reputation and know
       that all things worth having are worth waiting for. Still, if I
       cannot find what I am looking for on this trip, I might at least
       find new friends for tomorrow." I chuckle. "And what are you
       called? As I said, I am Captain Song of Kassau."
       Cernus:
       “Well met Captain song. I am Cernus” I pull the cork from my
       bota and enjoy a sip before offering it to you. “To friends”
       Frode:
       I nod and take the bota and let the liquid dribble down to my
       mouth before I pass it back. "So you too have come to appreciate
       the wares that can be found here at times? My First Mate's
       favorite girl was procured here from a Panther named Mika. I'd
       hoped to find her again or one who had word of her."
       #Post#: 63--------------------------------------------------
       Re: A Meeting In Laurius Exchange Point
   DIR By: High Captain Song
       Date: May 30, 2023, 12:30 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Shivari:
       (To Tove) I looked to you and gave a nod and smile, I noted how
       you looked me over as I had you, my lips withdrew that smile
       very faintly seeing you stay away, I had gone to my bag again
       and looked to those furs and especially to those sleen blades,
       at the current the men were talking so with that I searched and
       rummaged there were two sharpening stone flint rock, I brought
       my hand out and raised my shoulders, dragging my bag towards you
       I then look to your furs as I moved toward you" so what you got
       there? Perhaps we can do some trading?" I spoke as I was
       interested to know more of you seeing we much alike.
       Cernus:
       (To Frode)  “I have had much success here. The quality one can
       find here is far better that what can be found on the roads.
       Superior quality that makes it worth the risk” a grin then forms
       on my lips as I glance over towards Shivari.
       Shivari:
       (To Cernus)  I had turned my attention toward the other Panther
       girl, and suddenly I felt eyes upon me, I turned a look over the
       swell of my shoulder, tipping my head up slightly with a raised
       brow, as my gaze catches yours upon me
       Tove:
       It seemed the two men, one known as Captain Song of Kassau and
       the other, Cernus, were busily making fast friends. Tove
       listened to their conversation about a panther girl named Mika.
       It sounded like a familiar name to Tove, but she was still
       determining if she would have much information to offer and
       trade for. Tove cut her eyes toward the panther girl that
       suggested trading. Usually, she wanted something in exchange for
       her forest goods that she couldn't seek on her own. "Show me
       what you've got, forest girl," she said, not offering her name,
       nor did she hope you would speak yours. A name held a lot of
       weight. Names made targets. "Are you here to drink or trade?"
       Tove asked the men lounging about, quite comfortable in a place
       that brimmed with danger and those that hated their sex.
       Frode:
       (To Cernus)  "I'll have to take your word for it. I only engage
       in the business when I'm selling off those pirates foolish
       enough to try and take my ship. I sold them here to teach them
       the folly of their ways. Best place for it when I can't take
       them to a friend of mine in Axe Glacier who can always use more
       thralls." I chuckle. "Well, if you have nothing at the moment, I
       will hope for your good fortune. I'm seeking workers for my new
       home and... well, I do prefer quality over quantity as well." I
       throw a glance to the two panthers sizing each other up. I've
       been out of the North for a while but I do recognize their
       markings are somewhat different.
       Shivari:
       (To Tove) A soft proud smile creased my lips taking note of how
       you addressed me and the inquiry you now make in response to my
       own, well to be frank I did not carry but the bare necessities
       mostly " I don't have furs per say or such fir trade but perhaps
       my friend fellow travel mate might, a few herbs for healing
       roots for eating and or healing, sharpening and flint stone,
       bind fiber and maybe soon other items I can acquire from other
       trades to soon be completed" my right hand shifting my bag
       before me as I went from the various compartments and inside it
       to display before you, the sharpening stone was made for medium
       to large blades but could be used on smaller blades as well just
       a matter of how much pressure you applied when sharpening of
       course, sip root, among other roots and herbs.
       Frode:
       (To Tove)   I chuckle at the bold as brass newcomer and motion
       to the cloth wrap with six sleen knives and a number of steel
       arrowheads at my side. "Trade, but I can always do both. I have
       knives and arrowheads to trade. I might also have a few candies,
       if you would trust sweets from a Man."
       Tove:
       Tove squatted down, landing in a comfortable cross-legged
       position across from you as she pushed through your goods.
       Tove's long stems, although folded, appeared to be quite long.
       She leaned forward, her braided honied hair falling haphazardly
       along her shoulders as she took in all your small goods. Tove
       had a sharpening stone, but the sip root and other herbs
       intrigued her. She was known amongst her band to craft all sorts
       of delightful concoctions, including those that would make a
       man's head spin into darkness when added to a drink. Tove
       unhooked the rabbit skins, which could be utilized and made into
       warm furs to cuddle up with at night, for clothing, or for a
       cloak that could be used through the fall and winter months.
       Although it was many months away, it was still something forest
       girls had to preplan for. "What candies and how many?" she
       asked, acting as if they weren't very interested, but she wanted
       them a great deal. She didn't trust men much in the forest, but
       where there was an agreement to trade and share peacefully, she
       had to lay aside her distrust to get the needed items. As
       Captain Song of Kassau lifted his voice, she turned the arch of
       her chin over the curve of her shoulder. Her eyes met his. He
       was a scoundrel, she could tell.
       Shivari:
       (To Tove) There were bundles of the roots there in fact I had a
       total of 4 with about five roots in them a piece, I saw you
       unhook those rabbit furs as I slide you 2 of the 4 bundles,
       seeing how many for each bundle of root I had there and I had
       also happened across while trading blue grass, it can be used
       for numbing I had a few smal bundles of that so added two with
       the two bundles of sip root, thrn watched you with the male.
       That was a Captain.
       Frode:
       (To Tove)  Scoundrel I may be, but even I wouldn't violate the
       sanctity of the trading post. Besides, whatever else may be said
       about me (and there is much that CAN be said) I'm ever an honest
       trader. It's too much risk to be dishonest in your dealings.
       That's the grand irony. You can always trust a dishonest man to
       be honest. It's bad business to be a crook and al liar. Well,
       unless you're an administrator.
       "Oh, I have a dozen lemon drops and a dozen cocoa drops. I'd be
       willing to let you test the quality of them."
       I then offer a nod to the thus far, unknown to me, Panther who
       is my height and sitting down. "That offer goes to you as well,
       oh nameless Huntress." Another grin.
       Tove:
       Tove twisted her body about upon hearing how many candies you
       had, turning away from the foraged goods that the other panther
       girl had brought. Frequently, panther girls were at odds with
       one another for not being in the same band. However, Tove did
       not do this as a slight but because this was what she had come
       to the exchange point for. She'd need to weaponize the new girls
       of her band, and considering she had been recently attacked by
       one of her own, she would see that the ones she thoroughly
       trusted were well-armed. Tove spread pristine white rabbit furs
       in your direction, unsure if this would be anything you'd be
       interested in. There were five total, one with a bit more grey
       in the pattern than the others. Tove held out one of her palms,
       expecting a piece of candy - she didn't care which - to be
       placed in her hand. She would take the liberty to test the
       quality. It was your loss and her gain! With her other hand, she
       handed one of the lovelier rabbit furs to the panther girl she
       did not know, accepting the trade of the bundled roots for one
       of her procured furs. It would make an exciting brief shirt for
       the woman to wear if she so chose. These rabbit hides were from
       further north, miles away from the softness of the South. They
       were not easy beasts to hunt down in the snow and ice before
       summer melted away the thick sheet of white only to reveal
       spring's promising rebirth.
       Frode:
       (To Tove)  My hand moves to one pouch on my belt and I remove
       one of the cocoa drops carefully, dropping it into your offered
       hand. It's a treasure to you, but of little consequence to me,
       relatively speaking. and the cost of one candy to win a
       Panther's trust is more precious than any coin in my estimation.
       Tove:
       (To Frode)  The cocoa drop fell upon the spread of her palm, and
       she quickly grasped it tightly and brought it to her chest just
       in case you were thinking of taking it back. She positioned the
       candy onto her tongue, sampling it. The rush of sugar-coated her
       tongue, and she had to close her eyes tightly because of the
       overwhelming taste of cocoa. It was good, terribly good. It
       reminded her of Ute, and she swallowed down the piece of candy,
       reminded she would need to find Ute, Gondul, and the rest after
       running into Sif. Tove then seemed hurried as she pointed to the
       knives and arrowheads she wanted. "What would you find a fair
       trade for those?" she asked, presenting one of the rabbit furs
       for you. "Or perhaps you'd like something more like this?" she
       asked, pulling out a small vial of liquid. You might not know
       what it did, but Tove would be willing to share if interest
       sparkled in your eye.
       Shivari:
       (To Tove)  As I handed forward those bundled roots , I watched
       as your attention turned to the Man that came by sea, as he
       mentioned candy, even as this sparked your interest it did mine
       too but I said nothing nor made any indication as right now I
       really had no weapons or anything I could trade I mean other
       than the forage goods I had, so I took note of the interaction
       between you and the man and then saw you accept the roots at
       last and hand me one of you procured furs, it was magnificent to
       me and yes I could make another skirt from this one similar to
       the one I was wearing at current but made for any travels closer
       to my homelands which were Torvaldsberg , yes I was from the
       very far North originally and was brought further south in the
       Northern forest due to what happened to her party, the fur was
       accepted and folded neatly to the large compartment of my bag, I
       then settled back on the log watching you and the Man now.
       Frode:
       I quirk an eyebrow at the strange vial. "I had hoped for furs or
       slaves. I think two of these for one bag of candies might be
       fair." I motion to the white fur. "But I might be interested in
       something more... exotic. At least, I'd love to hear the tale of
       what else you might have to offer." That much was true. Captain
       I might be now, but I was a skald first and foremost and I did
       enjoy a good story.
       Cernus:
       (To Shivari)  Just has to smile as we all seem to be watching
       someone. The other panther watching the other man. You watching
       the panther. And me watching you. My eyes remain on your as I
       get lost in thought.
       Shivari:
       (To Cernus)   I saw your eyes upon me, as I settled my ass upon
       the log and slid back, the length of long leg outreached before
       me, and my hand gathered the bag which now held the new acquired
       fur, I lift my gaze to you turning my head slightly as out eyes
       locked before you got lost in thought.
       Tove:
       (To Frode)  Tove was down one fur and now had to consider if two
       of the furs would be worth one bag of candy. She thought it over
       a moment and then pushed forward the furs for you to choose.
       "It's fair enough," she said, indicating with an outstretched
       hand she wanted the bag of candies to complete the transaction.
       She was already coming away with many goods that would aid her.
       The bundled roots would do well for her, too. "It aids with
       sleep," she said, then touched the cuff around her bicep,
       swirling it about as she clasped the vial closer to her chest.
       The last time she had traded this elixer, she had walked away
       much more prosperous than before. Now that she was fully turned
       toward you, you might notice the rings on each finger and the
       looping necklaces that fell between the barely covered swells of
       breasts. Tove was of Northern blood, tall, fierce-looking with
       blue eyes and features bred from years of Marauders taking
       whoever they wished for bedding.
       Frode:
       (To Tove)  Short and simple words. To be expected, for sure. In
       the south, merchants may bandy with elaborate descriptions of
       things but here in the North folk are more directly. I am of the
       North myself, originally, but my appearance beguiles my origins
       apart from the tunic and trousers under my Captain's coat. My
       sword is of a southern design rather than the greatswords
       favored by most Northmen. I'm also somewhat shorter than the
       average Northman, being an inch over six feet tall and built
       more for speed than strength, more sleen than bosk. High Jarl
       Hrolf of Vegvisir once said that if he was the son of Thor, as
       some speculated, than surely I must be the son of Loki. It was a
       comparison I enjoyed, for the Merry Trickster has surely
       influenced my life more than once. I don't trust him as a patorn
       god, however. Too often will a Trickster decide to turn upon you
       when they are bored and you at a disadvantage.
       "Hmm. A sleeping draught, is it? Well, as useful as that might
       be for some, it's not something I've had much issue with. I
       think I shall stick with the furs." I unhook the bag from my
       belt and toss it to you as I reach for the offered furs.
       Frode:
       (To Shivar)  "And what of you, oh woman of mystery? Do you see
       anything here that you like?" My grin glints in the firelight as
       my eyes move over your well-displayed body again. I am happily
       Mated, but I can enjoy the sight of a strong woman offered
       freely well enough. It only serves to remind me of what is
       waiting for me in my cabin.
       Tove:
       The Valkyrie of a woman stood at her 5'9" height; after
       collecting the bag of candies, she would jangle the candies and
       peek inside. She didn't trust you. For all she knew, you may
       have filled the bag with pebbles. But, upon further inspection,
       the trade came to a close, and she collected her remaining two
       furs, hooking them back onto her belt. She eyed the other
       panther girl resting near the fireside before she began her
       retreat. "I must advise against lingering in this area for an
       extended period as there is a sleen nearby," the woman
       cautioned. With that, she pivoted and retreated into the nearby
       forest, leaving you alone with the panther girl.
       #Post#: 64--------------------------------------------------
       Re: A Meeting In Laurius Exchange Point
   DIR By: High Captain Song
       Date: May 30, 2023, 12:31 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Shivari:
       I had drawn my attentions over to you again as I heard your word
       drift to me after your conversation with the other Panther Girl,
       I relaxed as I would before anyone really, I was not prim of
       proper by any means, so yes I just stretched my long toned legs
       out fully, and laid back to the log pushing my back into it more
       so my head nearly lay against it, I gave a sinister grin as I
       saw the glint of that grin of yours, I sat up right upon my
       elbows now then finally so my back was straight, taking up my
       bag " well not sure if it interest you but I got roots and herbs
       right now blue grass and sip root" I spoke to you and inclined
       my head lightly " some if that candy would do" I spoke
       indicating to the candy the other Panther tasted and traded for.
       Frode:
       I really should have had our ship healer make me a list. While I
       know enough woodcraft from my own youth in the Northern forest
       to be competent at tending my own wounds (one does not travel
       without learning a bit of the physicians art, particularly the
       places I went as a traveling singer) I should have thought to
       see what else we might have. In truth, I was more concerned
       about getting rid of some excess weapons, claimed from our last
       battle with a rival gang of pirates. Alas, none of them survived
       to be traded here. Not that it seems any here would have much
       use for them.
       "Perhaps one candy for your name, Huntress? Then we can discuss
       price on the rest?" Deft fingers toy with the pouch on my belt
       as I retrieve one of the lemon drops and offer it in my open
       hand, as one might offer food to a beast - no sudden movements
       or threats.
       Shivari:
       I contemplated on this for quiet sometime, and that candy sure
       did look tempting, I had watched you with the other woman and
       how she tested that other candy with no ill consequences " It
       can be a deal but I must know your name as well, Man of the
       Thrassa" I spoke still cautious, I inched a bit closer to you
       and yes I had not forgotten the other men with you so thry too
       were being watched, as that hard csndy settled in your palm, I
       paused just out of your hands reach and looked to your eyes and
       then the candy actually seeing if you reply to my deal before zi
       accepted the candy from you
       Frode:
       I chuckle. "Frode of Kassau, I thought I had said. Also known as
       Captain Song. Perhaps, even here, you've heard of me?" That was
       unlikely. The Skald of Kassau was rather famous around the
       North, but the only Panther I knew who frequently came into
       contact with the folk of the cities was long dead. Alas. A glint
       of sadness may enter my eyes for a brief moment as I think of
       that forgotten friend, but my fixed smile remains firm. The
       candy remains, just waiting to be taken.
       Shivari:
       a smile creased my lips as I heard you speak your name and cant
       my lightly as to the labels associated with you, I reach out my
       long arm and curled my fingers to the piece if candy "Shivari, "
       I thought hard on if I heard of you nodding " perhaps a
       Whisperer or two of your name" I said as I had not heard much of
       you in trust I had lived pretty isolated, I then moved the candy
       to my lips pushing past the supple tiers, I rolled it a few
       tines within my mouth, savoring the sweet sour taste, as a soft
       moan sliped my throat not of pleasure but delight in the flavor,
       holding it to my mouth until completely dissolved.
       Frode:
       I nod as you approve of the treat and find that it is, as
       promised a sweet delight and not laced with some sleeping
       draught that would make you easy prey or some other drug that
       might make you more agreeable. Such tricks are not unheard of,
       but well against the spirit of the trading post. Besides that,
       they offend my own sense of honor. Singers and Skalds are
       devoted to the ideals of freedom and it is our duty to lighten
       hearts and spirits wherever we go. Such men are dangerous in the
       lands ruled by tyrants and the Singers are rarely welcomed in
       some places. There are rumors that the Singers may be the best
       spies on Gor for that reason, for they are one of the few castes
       allowed the right of free travel. But there are rumors of every
       caste and group on Gor. Particularly the Panthers.
       Shivari:
       I had finished savoring that piece of candy " no only heard of
       you from others I encountered very briefly on trades in the
       forest, can't say I heard your song" I answered honestly " so
       what for a whole bag" I said as I listened to you and yes you
       travels had to be great indeed, well considering your Caste and
       all, I had not been around men up until that last year when I
       found myself at the Cove, it waa still hard to trust them, but
       somehow I found it easy to let my guard down some with you, I
       waited for your response as I licked over my lip for reside from
       that candy.
       Frode:
       I can't help but watch you raptly as you lick your lips in a way
       that could make strong men go weak in the knees. Fortunately I
       am not so easily distracted in the heat of the moment, though I
       may leave my Mate or one of my slaves very sore the next morning
       when I get back to ship.
       "Well, it is good to know my name still has some worth around
       here, even if my songs are not quite as well known." I say with
       a sly smile. "And it is a pleasure to meet you and know your
       name. Now then... as for the candies, well. for the whole
       bag.... I had rather been hoping there might be some warm bodies
       tied to the racks when I came here. Or perhaps some more furs."
       I bite my lip as if considering it and.. no, no. Best not even
       think of that.
       "I think 4 blue grass and 4 sip root would be a fair trade for
       some candies, your name and your good opinion of me when next I
       pass through here."
       Shivari:
       My gaze had been settled upon you for quite sometime as I
       awaited you reply, I saw how your eyes had played over my
       features as I raked my tongue over my lips, I had to give one of
       those sinister grins, I gave a nod to you words on being glad
       you name still had worth and sorta gave a light hearted shrug
       about the song, a slight bow of my head given as it was rare I
       actually did give my name as not many did I trust enough to do
       so and in actuality did I trust you? Not completely no and
       perhaps me taking that candy was a big risk but I took it none
       the less with no regrets so far.
       "deal" , I said as I brought my hands to my bag and took those
       two bundles of sip root and two of blue grass " I extend my hand
       to you with both while awaiting with my other the bag of candy,
       my evergreens ever studying you still.
       Frode:
       My chocolate brown eyes meet your emerald ones and you see the
       mischief dancing there as I meet your gaze boldly. I did briefly
       ponder asking for your fur top in exchange for the candies,
       thinking you did seem a size of one of my deck girls. But I
       thought better of it, though you seemed the brazen sort who
       might think nothing of showing herself off completely to a
       strange man and have every confidence of protecting herself.
       Even with five pirates and a slaver who seemed to be
       increasingly lost in thought. Perhaps he too had noticed her
       licking her lips?
       I say nothing, however, as I untie the pouch with the candies
       and toss it to you in al low-overhand toss that is easily
       caught. "I think that concludes my business for the night then.
       A pleasure meeting you both, but I do have a ship to get back
       to. Perhaps we will meet again....."
       Shivari:
       I did see that flash of mischief within the depths of those
       cocoa color eyes of yours. The sinister yet mysterious
       expressions I had given may tempt a though or action=minded man.
       I would be willing to bet some would try their luck, being where
       we are and the amount of men relative to myself. Well... that
       might not be wise but yet any tempted would find it a not so
       easy task, as yes I was as unpredictable as that forest near us,
       "aye indeed Frode, I spoke a pleasure doing business and safe
       travels, until we meet again"
       Frode:
       I nod to one of my men and let him wrap up the knives in their
       cloth as I stand and offer you a slight bow. "Until then,
       Huntress. May the wind be at your back and the only steel you
       wear be on your belt."
       I then turn to the thoughtful slaver and offer him a nod. "Good
       luck with replenishing your stock. I think you will need it."
       Shivari:
       I flash you a smile as, I watched you depart, unfolding the
       flap on my bag exposing that large compartment and a smaller one
       on the front, I placed the bag of candy into that front pouch,
       flipping that flap over it and snapping it closed, as I gathered
       up my other belongs bow and quiver if arrows, as well as a black
       cloak for travels I would take further north perhaps, I stepped
       over the log as I headed for the treeline to find our shelter
       for the night.
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