DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
Skull Isle
HTML https://skullisland.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: High Captain Song
*****************************************************
#Post#: 69--------------------------------------------------
Gambling With Tove And Kale
DIR By: High Captain Song
Date: June 24, 2023, 12:50 am
---------------------------------------------------------
The Players
High Captain Song, Frode of Kassau
Ylva, A Slave of the Vegvisir
Tove, A Panther, Disguised As The Peasant Girl Asa
Kale of Minus, A Merchant
The Setting
Within a restaurant near the center of the fair, where there are
some two hundred tables under tenting.
Frode:
"He used to work at Sardar Fair,
In a gambling den.
He used to work at Sardar Fair.
He did but he don’t any more.
A lady came in to play games.
He asked her what she was there for.
Poker she said. And poker her he did.
And he don’t work there any more!"
I finish the verse just as I arrive at the restaurant tent,
glancing around to see who I might see. There's a large pile of
bond-maids I suspect my old friend Hrolf will be behind, so I
make my way over to that table as best I can and have a seat
where I might be recognized by either Hrolf or one of his girls.
They do seem to remember me fondly, though it's been some time
since I visited the Vegvisir.
(Alas, Hrolf left, and most his slaves with him, leaving Ylva
and Tove behind.)
Tove
She knew you must have recognized her then, and her eyes slashed
to yours. You were a dark-haired beauty of a woman. There was a
moment she assessed you, as any panther woman would do when
spotting marvelous prey that could bring her riches and
treasures. Her tongue drifted out, pressing against her mouth as
she considered you. As swiftly as he had gathered her to him on
the bench, Hrolf left to stalk out to get some fresh night air.
She knew Hrolf would expect her to fulfill her newly developed
obligations.
Ylva
The thing about Ylva was she'd not surrender you and that was to
do with her past. tonight you were a peasant, you were the Verr
hearder and we kept that charade going. Once I felt those eyes
upon me, my own pale orbs which resembled the moon's glow befell
your form. A smile curled along the dark cherry tiers as we
simply locked eyes for a few moments. Did I surrender more than
being the trinket of a Jarl, not in the moment. I let my head
tilt opting to look from the plate you had taken, to the
drifting form of my Jarl. He was tending to abruptly leave more
and more.- "If you have friends please take the food or else it
will waste." - I hadn't thought we'd leave so early on the first
night and for that I was a bit out of sorts, not quite on my
best bond game.- " Was there anything else I could do for you
this evening Mistress?"
Frode
Having sat there and somehow gone unnoticed among the press of
slaves and such leaving the tent behind their Master, I wonder
for a second if I am losing my touch. Being close enough to hear
the words about friends taking the food that is going to waste,
I move to the now vacated table and have a seat where Hrolf had
been.
"Ah, a fine offer. And one I will accept, as everyone knows I am
a friend to everyone!" I offer a wink to the dark haired slave
and offer a smile to the blonde peasant girl. "Hello, new
friend."
Ylva
"Good Evening to you Jarl!" - I had caught your movements and
let my head tilt to watch you begin to glide over to the table.
My fingers spread to gesture that you should join the table and
partake.- " Your song was lovely this evening."
Tove
Tove reached over and collected her opposite wrist that Hrolf
had collected in his oversized Kur-like paw. It ached a little,
and when she pulled up the lacey sleeve to expose a portion of
her wrist, she could see where his hands had gripped her,
leaving behind red marks on her otherwise unmarked arm. Her
Thassa-colored eyes would drift to yours like she had lost
herself in thought. "No, that will be all, bondmaid," she said,
casually dismissing you so that she could turn her attention
toward the reddened wrist. You'd see her true to smudge out the
color and then hide the markings with her sleeve. She doubted
she would share her food collection because it was possible she
would consume it all. Berries, rabbit, and bird eggs kept her
alive, not fattened, unlike some Southern men that roamed the
tent this evening.
Just as she considered eating the entire spread, another man,
smooth in tone, plopped down next to her. Had Tove forgotten how
men were? She narrowed her gaze at him, expecting to know him
from somewhere. But where? "Fuck," she hopefully mumbled,
turning her chin down so that the cascade of blonde shielded a
portion of her face. You were familiar, but from where? She was
doing her best to place you.
Frode
"Funny. I don't usually get that request until after I've sung.
Well, maybe later. I haven't eaten since breakfast." I say with
a sly smile. I do catch that appraising look and make a note of
it though. There's something of a predator in this blonde one
and something far more suspicious than even the most uptight of
Southern ladies. For the moment, however, I turn my attentions
back to the bond.
"Ah, you heard that, did you? Were you at the pavilion earlier?
Or did you mean the one I was performing on the way over here?"
I reach for an unattended bosk sausage and grab it, happily
wolfing it down in one bite.
Ylva
" I pay attention even if it seems I don't, Jarl." offering you
a smile still, pleased that you've come to help finish what
might have gone to waste. There is mead also should you wish,
upon the table.-
Tove
The assumed peasant girl had suddenly, overnight, become an
employee of the Vegvisir. This slightly annoyed her because she
had objectives at the Sardar Fair that all persons would support
her should she control them. Her slender fingers, relatively
clean for a peasant or panther girl, reached over and collected
the other bosk sausage, not allowing you to take it all. She was
slightly greedy, and her mouth bit down on the meat, pulling
away a bite with her teeth and causing the juices to spray this
way. She did laugh a little at your response, bemused by your
retort. Ah, you were one of those. A scoundrel of sorts. She
peered between her blonde strands, listening to your
conversation with Hrolf's bondmaid. A singer? She began to
collect information, storing it in her brain as she knew she
would utilize it for her future benefit.
Frode
I make my own silent assessments as I watch the apparent blond
peasant go after the sausage with gusto, not caring who watches
as she slides the meaty tub between her pert lips and bites into
it with an enthusiasm that might wound any man who watched the
display with debaucherous thoughts. Fortunately I am immune from
such things, despite the reputation of my Caste and my own
personal persona as a famous liar, lecher and purveyor of
perversity. The glance at those clean but powerful hands is
enough for me to make certain guesses, but I too get the
sensation I have seen this woman somewhere before. I say
nothing, however, for the fair is neutral ground and if my
suspicions are right there is some reason for the disguise. I
can respect that, having gone incognito myself on more than one
occasion.
With the slave leaving us alone, I guess it falls to me to keep
the conversation going.
"Ah, but forgive me. I'm Frode of Kassau. Skald, Singer and
Storyteller. And what might I call you?"
Tove
The blonde peasant suckled on the end of her thumb, removing
any remaining juices from the sausage she had scarfed down
rather quickly. The peasant girl did have quite the appetite.
She was lean, and her face was one of those that were cut with
high cheekbones. If one studied hard enough, it was possible to
mistake her for one of those women from up North bred by the
hardiest of marauders and their stock of statuesque blonds. Tove
thumbed her lip momentarily as she toyed with your name atop her
tongue. "Frode of Kassau," she said with a curious merit in her
tone. Before she could respond to your question, a bondmaid of
Hrolf's home thrust a mug into your hands and then to the
Southern man roaming nearby. It was becoming one of those nights
that came from a Northern tale. Another man approached, tossing
down dice to tables here and there, encouraging bets and games
for all. Tove looked down, saw the two dice, and pushed one of
them so that it landed on a 1. "Does anyone play?" she asked,
her lips quirking into a smile. She was a fortunate woman who
was not afraid to use it.
Kale
HOW FORTUITOUS! I looked at the girl who had given me a drink
and scrutinized it momentarily. Random drinks from northern
girls at the fair... Northerners were not overly fond of the
Fair so much as that other thing I thought so that was
interesting. "Mead, I wager," I said in a dry tone but then
looked over to the woman who asked after gaming. Ah, gaming was
it? I sipped gently and came over to see if I might watch this
game. I wondered what she might play. Surely someone would take
her up.
Frode
Grinning as I look at the dice. "Oh, I've been known to take a
gamble now and then, though I usually stick to the archery
contest. I have also made some bets on the wrestling matches,
but since my slave Freya doesn't compete anymore, I am not quite
as comfortable there. Are you a gambling woman then?" I already
know the answer. The way her eyes lit up at the sight of the
dice said it all.
Tove
"At least make things exciting for yourself," she said, easing
her chin toward the side; a smile that seemed pleasant on the
outside was inwardly impish. She collected the dice in hand,
swirling them about in her palm, feeling the weight of it in her
collection. Her time in the forest had made her somewhat of a
gambler, wagering next to the fireside to pass the boredom of
the long evenings in solitude with her forest sisters.
Her Thassa blue eyes swam to you, beckoning you over in hopes
she could entertain two and collect a bit of coin that would
fill her proverbial pockets. "What about you?" she asked,
raising her mug of mead, the liquid sloshing over to the side
and onto some poor bondmaid that swept by. "Care to join?" she
asked, tossing the dice out, expecting two even numbers to find
their mark on the table.
Rolls (1/2)
Frode
There are few hard fast rules in the chaotic life of a Skald,
but there are a few truisms I do live by. Never trust anyone who
says "Trust me." Never name drop your own name. And never
believe anyone at a gambling table who says anything like
"You'll have to teach me. This is my first time." Okay, nothing
like that has been said yet, but the way those green eyes
glittered at the sight of the dice set off an alarm akin to the
lookout's cry and the ringing of bells on my ship.
"Well, why not? My luck in getting coin with my performances
today was good and some pretty face is bound to get me to spend
my money sooner or later anyway. It might as well be here and
now with you." Once the dice are rolled, I scoop them up and
make my own roll. I offer a nod to the other participants and
spectators as I shake them in my hand and let them roll across
the table.
Rolls (2/4)
Kale
I smoothed out the white garmentry I wore, white and gold
denoting that I was a merchant and a high merchant, and the
purple inlay of my cape which indicated my status as a merchant
magistrate. The custom blade at my side was easily seen, a gift
from a blacksmith of note some time ago on a fortuitous occasion
which had one me several tournament prizes and other fights. I
did wonder if there was something behind your smile, the new
lady in town who was very assured of herself and her...well her
personal dice. "What about me?" I replied as I came closer,
ignoring the poor bondmaid that got splashed. "I suppose I
could, provided you can cover your bets!" I countered your bold
attitude with my own.
Tove
[Frode]"Drats," she exclaimed, her brows furrowing as she
realized the die did not have the same weight as hers back home,
and she had one odd and one even. "Hmm," she said, inwardly
cursing the die this go around, but she would have her fate
turned around sooner or later; she knew it. The gods were on her
side, and she often had the upper hand. She swooped her braid
back as your dice spilled out atop the table, landing on two
even numbers. "That was your test run," she exclaimed, taking a
drink from the mug, laughing as the froth splashed against her
mouth, tickling her skin.
[Kale] She watched the wealthy merchant settle at the table. She
would have fun with this one and then push the dice in your
direction. "Oh, I have a little squirreled away here or there. I
promise not to go above and beyond what little I do have," she
said, sighing a bit, wishing she had her horde of treasure. She
bet the Dancer's Helm would fetch a mighty good collection of
prizes had she brought that. But not. The dancer's helmet is
carefully stored in her den, situated in the serene and lush
Northern Forest region. The secure placement of the helmet
ensures its protection from any potential damage or harm. "Try
your go. Have them land on even to test your luck. Then....we
play."
Kale
"Better than a promise is a show of coin," I said, raising a
brow. But I was game, I may even make ahead of what I put in
after all." I knew there must be something going on now, for you
to say they should land on even... but would give it a try.
Frode
Ah. A test run. The cry of the unlucky. Perhaps she's not nearly
as great a sharp as she thinks? Or this is some convoluted trick
to make me think the dice aren't weighed against me, setting up
a switching of dice with some that will prove more agreeable to
whatever she has planned.
"Fine." I say with a grin as I motion to a slave to bring us a
fresh round of drinks. I offer a nod to the rich merchant and
smile.
#Post#: 70--------------------------------------------------
Re: Gambling With Tove And Kale
DIR By: High Captain Song
Date: June 24, 2023, 1:04 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Tove
Well, that didn't go as she had expected to, and it was
apparent when she looked at the two die that landed on two even
numbers. She pushed one over with her finger, forcing it to land
on a three instead. She laughed happily while playfully picking
up the dice and swirling it around. She collected another drink
in hand, sipping as she considered the merchant's request. There
was a pause in Tove's response, but she figured she would have
to produce some manner of the coin to you both to believe she
was good for her bets. The blonde with dirt smudges atop her
cheeks turned and fiddled somewhere within the confines of her
dress - WITH POCKETS. She had very little but felt richer than
most peasant girls who meandered into the fair. Two silver
coins, one gold coin, and a spread of copper tarsks laid on the
table. "Which would you fine gentlemen like to play with?
Copper? You look like the type that plays with copper," she
said, jesting to the scoundrel of a man, Frode. She had not
learned the other's name yet, but soon she would mean to.
Kale
I lifted my brow again to Tove, grinning. This wasn't suspicious
at all. I shook my head and watched you drink and consider
yourself. Of course this being Gor, why shouldn't fashion have
some upgrades to other places. "Copper is fine," I said drily.
"You may gamble silver or gold if you wish. I intend to behave
within the limits of sensibility." I was not nearly inebriated
enough to wager sums that would buy slaves or other goods, not
with these suspicious odds! My ego was not so out of check as to
be baited that easily. Hopefully Froede's was.
Frode
"Looks can be deceiving, I find."
I say nothing more as I reach for the motley cap I use to catch
the coins thrown to me when I play, which is hooked through my
belt as a make-shift coin purse. I retrieve one of the silver
tarsk bits from it and place it on the table top.
Kale
I had the same concern, but just shrugged and grinned.
Tove
[Kale] The statuesque blonde lifted a little so that her elbows
pressed into the table, and she swirled the two miniature blocks
around in her palm even more. She even kissed the tops of her
clasped hand. "Copper is much more reasonable," she said, noting
your serious tone. Southern men were different, but she had
dealt with plenty along the Laurius River to know how merchants
often bluffed their way through nearly anything to get the upper
hand. You weren't fooling her. An errant piece of hair was
pushed back around the shell of her ear before she plucked her
treasures back into her pocket, leaving only the copper tarsk
there to be seen. The die fell from her fingertips as she tossed
the heavy, thudded dice across to the merchant.
[Frode] As you gazed upon her, she had a pure and untainted
expression, her eyes closed in eager anticipation of the die
landing in her favor.
Rolls (1/2)
Kale
Well, I'd certainly garnered a fair bit of attention just by
being here. I'd caught on, I thought, to the gig and decided to
play along and see what we'd get. Nodding to Frode I turned my
attention back to Tove. Southern men were different to a point -
I was often a more humoured person when a swindle wasn't being
attempted, or I was being suspicious. But too I had not known a
lot of Northerners who weren't stoic. I grinned a little at you.
I placed a copper tarsk on as well, so you would see I was as
anted up as you were. "The goal being to roll evens, is that
it?" I said, as you rolled.
Frode
[Tove] I can't help but think she looks pretty with her eyes
closed. In truth, she's pretty with her eyes open, but that's a
good way to get distracted from the task at hand. Mind you, it
does provoke interesting thoughts about what she might wind up
owing if she runs out of coin and the question of gambling
slaves and goods becomes an issue. But that is neither here or
there and he suspects such things might violate the spirit of
the Fair. Then again, it says no one can be unwillingly enslaved
by force and debt slavery is well recognized under Merchant Law.
Rolls (2/1)
"Ah... tough luck..... you still haven't given me a name to call
you." I realize as I take the dice. I don't stand on ceremony. A
simple shake of the hand and a roll as my eyes focus upon the
bones.
Rolls (2/1)
[Kale]"Aye. Even numbers on both dice.... I managed it before."
I say with a sigh as the treacherous second die rolls against
me.
Kale
I next took the dice, testing them for any new unrecognized
features or weighting the best I could as I rolled them in my
closed hand, waiting for a confirmation which came from Frode
first. I assumed then the woman would agree likewise, and
hesitated a moment to glance at her, then rolled.
Rolls (3/3)
Tove
[Kale]Her thumb pressed against her bottommost lip anxiously as
she watched the die that negated to anchor on even for her this
night. She took a more bottomless gulp from the mug and pulled
another copper tarsk onto the table. Sadly, she had lost that
round and added to the pot. "Yes, even. Snake eyes, I think we
should make it special, don't you, merchant?" she asked,
crooking one of her brows upward, studying your expression.
[Frode]Her hands clasped together as Frode's dice roll landed on
odd and even—another loss. "Frode, you must place down another
copper tarsk. You did not do yourself any favors rolling that,"
she said, retaking a deep drink, considering what name she
should offer. Of course, it would never be her real name. Gorean
women did not relinquish that bit of information on the daily.
So, she cut her gaze toward Riely, then to Frode before
speaking. "I am Asa," she said, claiming her mother's name as
hers.
Rolls (1/2)
Frode
I nod, taking note that you did seem to think a moment. Of
course I know that Gorean ladies would not be so free with
giving their real name out. But then again, Gorean Ladies
wouldn't be gambling at a dining table at the Sardar Fair.
They'd probably be.... I don't know? Praying with the Initiates?
No, definitely something to be hidden here, I think, as I slide
a second copper coin into the pot, having replaced the silver
one I brought out to prove I had it. In truth, most of the coins
in the pouch are silver. Being a Singer at Sardar Fair is quite
lucrative, particularly when one is a bard famed for winning the
Thing last year.
"A pleasure to meet you, Asa. That is a fine name." I then nod
to the merchant. "And forgive me.... I am Frode of Kassau.
Skald, Singer and Storyteller."
Kale
Some women did use Use Names but I had no reason to suspect her
of it. Perhaps she was merely judging whether or not to give us
her real name before doing so. Northern women were of a
different breed, even their slaves were brazen, and this was the
Fair to boot. I saw no harm in a game, which seemed to be to the
detriment of nobody so far. As you and she introduced yourselves
I could not be so rude as not to do so myself. "I am Kale, of
Minus," I said.
to Tove: Ah, there it was. "And here I thought the night was
special enough! Well I suppose if we must," I said as Mr.
Interlocutor. (though if I rolled the wrong dice, I'll lose
accordingly!). I paused while Frode gave his response and then
responding in kind, then looked back to you. I decided not to
point something out rather unusual about the Northern woman
before me, feeling it was unnecessary. I waited patiently as you
rolled, my expression remaining stoic in the face of your
keyboard smashing and I took the dice politely, rolling them
unceremoniously.
Rolls (2/1)
Frode
The gods may be with her, but which gods? In the North, few call
upon Loki, for his attention may cause him to turn upon you in
his anger at being summoned by the whims of mortals. Or because
he is bored. Or because it would be funny. Or all three.
Frode of Kassau, it should noted, has been accused of being Loki
in the flesh more than once by Hrolf himself. It was meant as a
complement, but Frode is of a like mind when it comes to the
conventional wisdom regarding the gods. He seldom prays to them,
thinking it best not to get their attention. Better to be silent
than to call their attention to you, lest they send you dooms
instead of fortunes! And yet, he names his slaves after
goddesses. Go figure.
I say nothing on these musings as I pick up the dice and make a
show of shaping them. Perhaps Loki is setting me up for a
victory here to humble the beautiful blonde "peasant."
Rolls (4/2)
Tove
[Frode] Tove swore under her breath, preferring that the words
stay shielded as her hand clasped over her mouth and pulled down
the expression on her face. The dice were being quite friendly
with you, and she was not entirely pleased as she reached out
and plucked the dies from the table, reached in her pocket, and
tossed yet another copper tarsk onto the table, hearing its
bright sound hit against the other coins. She pushed the pile in
Frode's direction, shooing it away from her because it was a
distraction. "Still, snake eyes win all," she announced, seeming
to pray to the dice as she rolled them between her palms and
then sent the bones spinning.
[Kale] As the dice clattered onto the table, she pushed her
tongue against the inside corner of her mouth. It was her habit
when she was lost in deep concentration or on edge.
Rolls (4/4)
I smile as I scoop the small pile of cooper coins save one back
into my cap and retie it to my belt. "Oh, very well. One more
hand so you can win some of your coin back. I know you have far
less than I do."
I smile apologetically as I pick up the dice and nod to the
merchant. "Just go with it. One can never argue with a catty one
like this." Yes. He said it. Question is will she notice the
guess at who - or what - she truly is?
Rolls (2/1)
Kale
"Wonderful," I said to Tove. "If both of you have evens you can
fight it out without me and I can be released from this unending
game." I managed not to call it a swindle at least. Was evens
not winning now? The question showed on my face openly as you
rolled. Ah you weren't addressing it for a reason.. that was the
game! Well let's see what'd happen. "Wait, how do you win? He
rolled evens and I have not yet rolled. Too, those are not snake
eyes, which are double ones."
Tove
"Oh, you know, Northern snake eyes," she said, scooping up the
coin and placing it in her pocket. She was tired, exasperated.
She needed her rest before she had to go tend to the Verr early
in the morning. Tomorrow you may have the chance to win it back.
You wouldn't hinder a lady from enjoying her first night at the
Fair now, would you? After all, you may have lost just a few
measly tarsk bits. She hustled out of the tent and into the
night.
Kale
"No, though you have my thanks instead," I said dryly. Copper
was a wise choice. "I will argue where it is worth arguing," I
replied and stood. "I wish you a good night, skald."
*****************************************************
Page 1 of 1