Jingle woke up in Winter's bunk, which already smelled like her due to previous antics. Winter himself had already left without disturbing her, along with the other three servants. Tombstone was being attended to by Lily, who was apparently sharpening his claws.
"What are you doing? Isn't that dangerous?" Jingle signs after yawning and blinking away enough morning eye to see what it is Lily is actually doing. She also takes a moment to check herself for any signs of, well, regression.
She still looks (and smells) like a Savanite in heat. Lily pauses in her task to sign, "Yes. That is the point." The way she flourishes her pinkie indicates that she was also making a deliberate pun.
Jingle frowns. "Dangerous isn't healthy," she signs in disapproval. "Is something going on that requires it?"
"He will be fighting today," Lily replies.
"Why?" Jingle signs, though she actually knows the reason; she's playing dumb for information. "Aren't you worried he might get killed?"
"His skin is tough from the scar tissue," Lily signs, and pats the big cat on his shoulder. "That is always a fear. But he has more experience and cunning than others in this form of fighting."
Jingle is still frowning. "Can't he just ... 'stud' instead? It would be safer!" she signs in frustration. "And have you heard of my Mistress any? Or if anything has been said about me?"
"He does what the Master says he must do," Lily signs. "Are you volunteering to bear for him? There is a large lunch order, so Master is entertaining later, unless your Mistress eats for three."
"I'm more worried if I am to be sold," Jingle signs. She also looks at Tombstone and the urge bear for him is quite, well, strong at the moment. "I haven't had any children," she signs as sort of a non-answer to that, while the mere thought of it is already increasing her 'fragrance' and tingling, and puffiness in specific places.
"Surprising," Lily comments. "How many slaves does your Mistress own?"
"Right now? Just me," Jingle signs. "We travel a lot. And why surprising?"
"You are old enough," Lyly signs simply. "Were you purchased or inherited? Did you and your Mistress grow up together?"
"Won in a card game," Jingle claims, ears folded back some.
"Then your Mistress is fond of wagers?" Lily asks.
"She can be, unfortunately," Jingle signs and sighs.
"Then you may end up staying with us," Lily signs. "If she wagers high enough, you may both end up staying with us."
"Only if she wagers a losing wager," Jingle points out. "Would you an the others want us to lose?"
"Losing means Tombstone is dead or crippled, and the other will need to train and fight," Lily says. "But my child may be kept instead of sold."
"You're assuming my Mistress would bet against him," Jingle points out. "How do you deal with it, knowing he could die? You ... love him, right?"
Lily blinks at Jingle and stills her hands for a moment. "I have affection for him," she signs. And Tombstone nods to this. "I have not been his only mate."
"How many?" Jingle signs, ears still back.
Tombstone signs, "Six."
Jingle blink blinks. "And if I end up here would I be seven?" she signs, worriedly.
"Yes," the big man signs. "Usually they belong to other Masters, and are brought to me until they are with child."
Jingle looks ... embarrassed at this. "So ... I would be part of your harem, then," she signs after a while of being unable to look at him.
"What is that sign?" Tombstone signs. Harem isn't exactly a common Savanite term.
"Collection of breeding females," Jingle explains. "Can also mean pleasure females."
"Is two a collection? I am not doing the choosing," the fighter signs.
"Two can be a collection. Does that mean you don't find me attractive?" Jingle signs, in true confusing fashion.
"Yes, you are attractive," Tombstone signs. "And you look sparkly."
"Do you do anything during this fight?" Jingle asks of Lily. "Do you know if I will be expected to?"
"You will likely be with your Mistress and the other guests," Lily signs.
"Will I be given clothing?" Jingle signs.
"Do you normally have clothes?" Lily signs.
"Not much. It amuses my Mistress to keep me mostly naked," Jingle admits.
"It is convenient," Lily signs. "Does your Mistress wear clothes?"
"Usually," Jingle signs. She squirms a bit, shifting this way and that, trying to find comfort. Unfortunately the discomfort is more internal, and due to the urges going on caused by being near Tombstone.
"Do you need to use the toilet?" Lily signs.
"It's not that kind of urge," Jingle signs, and sighs. She waves at Tombstone. "It's being near to ... him."
"Just a moment then," Lily signs, and goes to a chest in the corner. She pulls out a pair of gloves with oddly long fingers.
"What ... is that?" Jingle signs as she stares at those odd gloves.
Lily can't reply right away, as she fitting the gloves onto Tombstone, which is an intricate process. "Cork gloves, to protect his claws and protect others from his claws," she eventually signs.
"Ah. Those look annoying to wear," Jingle signs as she watches. "But at least he can still use his fingers."
Tombstone signs, "They make it tricky." They also give him a bit of an accent.
"Could be worse," Jingle signs, ears wiggling. "Arms could be tied behind your back."
"Have you had your arms tied behind your back?" Lily signs.
"Yes," Jingle admits.
"That must have been hard, not being able to sign," Lily signs, while Tombstone stands up and stretches.
Jingle nods, then bites her lower lip to stop herself from drooling while she watches him stretch. Well, it stops one area of drooling, anyway. The urge to present herself to him is rather high, it's a bit of a struggle to not.
Tombstone cracks his neck, then turns to Jingle and puts his gloved hands on her shoulders. He perks his ears and licks his nose.
Jingle's eyes dilate as hormones run rampant. She twitches and even growls a little. She reaches up to lift his arms off her shoulders. But, only for long enough to turn her back to him and lower her torso and hike her backside and tail. She sways it back and forth at him; absolutely presenting as instinct forcibly over-rides intellect. She has a problem, and he is the solution.
His grabs her around the hips, and he pulls her back against him to grind against her until he's fully aroused.
And she's grinding back willingly, as well as wrapping her tail around his waist! Thoughts are ... pretty basic right now. The urge is all that is currently mattering. She's also growling more, the longer that itch isn't being scratched.
And soon Tombstone is vigorously scratching it, rattling Jingle's teeth, among other things. Maybe this is normal pre-fight activity for the man. Or else he's as much a slave to Jingle's hormones as she is.
Jingle finds being filled while deep in this hormonal state feels amazing. There's no way she's letting him back out until he fountains. Which mean she's really gripping and bearing down on him as if trying to hold on as if her life required it! Her expression is one of vacant bliss; right now she's all hormone and no thought.
Tombstone does sort of move her towards a wall she can brace against. He having to sort of semi-crouch right now to keep her feet touching the ground.
Jingle braces herself against the wall. Each impact makes her growl, and clench! It's good she's not thinking right now because she'd be horrified of her behavior right now. She has zero control, her body had to have him and was going to make sure it got him. All thanks to Inala's blessing, this is a heat multiplied many times until she cannot resist the call.
Once she's properly braced, Tombstone lifts her up until her feet are dangling against his shins. The he really gets going. If this is the sort of effort he puts into his battles, it's little wonder why he's a champion. Lily puts away her supplies and heads back to the kitchen for now, since neither of the remaining Savanites are going to be 'saying' anything for awhile.
In anyone sane and not blessed, Jingle would probably be worried about upsetting Lily. Right now, though, she's only vaguely aware of her presence. She sort of braces her legs around him and just rides. What little thoughts she has are just bursts, and often praises to Inala and declarations of love being female. It's rather incoherent and disjoint, and unlike to remember exactly anything she thinks, or promises.
For a moment, Jingle is suddenly empty, but only until Tombstone repositions her onto her back on the nearest straw bed. Then he's on top of her and starting back up again. He's heavy and does feel hard as stone against her. But at least now all of her limbs are relatively free again.
Which she wraps around him as soon as she's able, and growls at him, then bites onto his shoulder! Now her hips are moving rapidly too underneath him.
Once a mutual rhythm is achieved, things settle into a comfortably passionate haze for a bit, until Tombstone breaks it with a serious of slow, deep thrusts before bursting into Jingle.
Jingle clings on tight when the explosion comes! She growls into her bite, too. The inner rush is exquisite, warmth and satisfying in a way that's hard to describe. A meal after days of no food, perhaps? Her body demanded to be 'bred', and with that rush the urge is satiated for now as she's lost in bliss. And she holds on for a good while longer before her jaws relax as do her arms and legs.
Tombstone does not relax. He may defeat his opponents by wearing them down as much as anything, since he only slows down slightly before putting on another burst of speed. This causes the relaxed Jingle to 'ragdoll' for a bit.
And spike her right up into that zone of bliss again! She's squirming while he 'handles' her, and making all sorts of pelased mewling noises, too.
The man just keeps going at that pace, maybe to see if any of Jingle's piercings shake loose. But he does slow down after a bit, switching from all-out to something more sensual. Is this what it usually takes to get a Savanite pregnant?
This allows Jingle to think, sort of. And she wraps herself around him again and matches this slower pace. It also gives her time to feel properly mortified, and frustrated, that she can't always control herself.
Being out of control does feel nice though in this case. Or rather under someone else's control, in this case Tombstone's. He's also probably making sure he doesn't bruise her, and lifts his torso up a bit so that he's also not squeezing the breath out of her.
There are moments her mind drifts to the ideas that maybe a life of this wouldn't be so bad. If she could actually get pregnant, she'd be valuable and ... no! This is a mission, she can't get distracted like that! Still, she whimpers a little, it does feel so lovely. She buries her face in his neck and enjoys his scent during this gentler time.
Gentle or not, the stud Cheetah isn't doing it just because it feels good. Before long he's picking up the pace again.
And Jingle hangs on, and starts growling again. And naturally the ability to think gets worse the faster he goes. Soon, she's right back in rut-mind and is determined to be bred.
Things go from a jog to a sprint to a full on dash.. and that dash lasts a lot longer this time before Jingle feels the burst of warmth. Tombstone does stop after that, to catch his breath and wait for his heartbeat to settle down.
Jingle tries to match him too, and growls deep when he peaks again, and she does too in a wave if immense bliss. "Dagh, Inala, you've made me into a slut. Thank you," she thinks, weakly as he catches his breath and she does too.
Wrapping his arms around her, Tombstone pulls Jingle up out of the impression she's left on the blanket, and rolls to his side so the can cuddle a bit. He hasn't pulled out yet, and Jingle can still feel his heartbeat through the connection.
Jingle purrs and nuzzles back into his shoulder as they cuddle. This feels really nice; both the cuddling and remaining nicely filled. The danger she's in seems so minor at the moment.
The purring probably helps with ovulation as well, or something. Because there's a lot of deep purring. Lily returns to check on them and leans in for a sniff. "You should wash again," she signs to Jingle, is clearly not including Tombstone in that advice. Smelling like he was just with a cat in heat may be intimidating to his opponent.
That elicits a growl at Lily from Jingle and she starts to disentangle herself. "Fine, I'll go bathe," she signs when she can.
"When you are done, return to the kitchen," Lily signs.
"Okay," Jingle signs. She remembers the way to the baths and heads right towards them ... and into them once she reaches them. Mmmm warmth, and mmm, less heat stink. Though she's oddly carefully not to clean her insides out too much. She can't being herself due to instinct. If she tries, she ends up stopping before things are parted enough.
She's got the bath all to herself this time. She also notices that there are scented soaps that she missed last time!
And she uses the scented soaps too, it might help with hiding her scent better. At least for a little bit! So, scrub scrub!
Actually hiding the scent from herself helps a little bit as well. There's nobody waiting to help her dry off, but finding the towels is easy enough. Once back up the stairs to the kitchen, Lily looks her over, then fetches a brush to start smoothing out the fur 'licks' caused by the towel.
"Any news?" Jingle asks in sign before spreading her arms and legs a bit more to get brushed out.
"You will return to your Mistress when lunch is served," Lily signs. "You should put on your dancing bells first."
"Of course," Jingle signs. She waits for the brushing to finish and then goes to collect her bundled up bell 'attire'. Carefully, she starts dressing herself again, which means bells dangling off every piercing, and off chains between them. "Well, some good news I suppose, a new collar wasn't delivered; so I'm still her property," she signs in a pause of bell-fitting.
"The fighting tournament is not scheduled until after lunch," Lily notes. "I assume you will be performing beforehand as well."
"Likely," Jingle has to concede. She hopes that means dancing and not tending to male guests. She hooks on the last bell and tests them out by a slight shake, then nods.
Lily attends to loading platters. A lot of the fare is Babelite, so it's a fair bet the guests being entertained by White Zolk are also locals.
Jingle starts to help with that too; why should Lily have to do all the handling. She offers Lily a small smile too as she helps out. Lily has seemed ... a bit distant and cold, but hardly surprising given her position. People likely come and go a lot.
Together, the two Cheetahs carry the food out of the servant and slaves side of the tower to the Master's side. When they arrive at the room overlooking the fighting pit, Jingle spots Tulani lounging on a cushion wearing her own dancing adornments, with White Zolk next to her. Seated on the other side of the low table are a pair of well-off (ie, somewhat pudgy) Eeee, a man and a woman, with the latter being decked out in nearly as much jewelry as Jingle, and that's what's visible on top of her clothing. Standing next to White Zolk's two guards are a burly Vartan and a scarred Savanite built similarly to Tombstone. That one watches Jingle and Lily, while the others ignore them. Lily goes to set her platters down on the table.
Jingle's eyes are flicking about as she takes in the guests, the layout, and how many guards are here. Dangerous place, really, and hopefully nothing she would have to fight with. For now, she keeps herself demure and deferential, and follows Lily's lead in bringing the platter to the table and setting it upon it, placing it at equal distance to the other one so all in the table should generally be in range. She also bows to Tulani and the White Zolk.
There's a curtained alcove to one side of the viewing area, and soft music is coming from it so there must be hidden musicians there. Tulani smiles, and gestures for Jingle to come and stand next to her cushion.
Jingle dips her head politely and moves to go stand by Tulani's cushion. She even folds her hands behind her back, just above her tail, as she stands.
"Quite pretty, if not as exotic as the other," the Eeee man notes, as Lily has a bite off of each dish to show that nothing has been poisoned. "Once you see them dance together, you may change your opinion, Lord Sinter," White Zolk purrs. Lily prepares a plate for her Master, while Tulani says to Jingle, "I think that is our cue."
Jingle nods slightly to Tulani and offers her one of her hands to help her rise. Ans once she does rise, Jingle helps move them away from the table, while making it look like Tulani is the one leading. That's done by keeping close and lightly nudging, and getting her to step before she does. Space is needed for dancing, after all.
Once they're in the area between the guests and the arena overview, the music pauses as instruments get switched out. Then their dance tune begins as they start back to back.
Jingle pats Tulani out of view to help try and keep her calm. She knows performing is not her thing. And then it begins, the slow sinuous mirrowed movements of the pair. Silent in so many places where it seems that should be impossible, then the subtlest of movements to set the bells of ringing. When performing, the audience sort of fades into the background for Jingle; the dance and the partner is the focus. The music the guide, the ebb and flow of step and song.
It's easy to forget the audience once the rhythm of the dance takes over. It takes focus, after all, especially with the bells. Though sometimes Jingle does feel Tulani's tail twine with hers as an indication of stress. The spectators are also quiet, enjoying their repast while watching. When the performance ends, there are clicks of approval from the Eeee. "Quite elegant for such ungainly forms," the woman says by way of backhanded compliment.
Jingle's own tail curls in response, to comfort. She also alters the dance slightly at times to use the back of her hand to brush Tulani's cheek into focusing more on her and less on being watched. She's not even sure how long they're dancing, really, before it ends and the applause begins. Her ears flush and Jingle bows deeply.
"I thought they were gonna make out," the Vartan grumbles a bit.
Jingle has to stifle a snort of a chuffing laugh.
Tulani returns to the cushion with Jingle in tow. Once she's lounged suitably decorously White Zolk casually puts an arm across her shoulders and squeezes a breast. "I may just keep them," the white feline comments... and nobody chuckles as if it were a joke.
Jingle's brow raises slightly at that and she tries to sense Tulani's aural reaction to such a comment. She does nothing to stop him of course.
Tulani seems outwardly calm, and is purring to keep herself calm. The female Eeee turns to the Vartan and Savanite and teasingly asks, "Would you like to have them, boys?"
"Shiny," is the Vartan's reply. The fighting slave just smirks.
Jingle just continues to smile congenially, while in her imagination she'd feeding the woman to Hosheb.
"Well, maybe if your Clawed triumphs," White Zolk offers genially.
Jingle tilts her head a bit. She reaches and massages Tulani's shoulder since it is in range and to try and keep her calm. Her attention is more on the paired Eeee, trying to size them up, place them, and get a sense of their auras.
The name Sinter doesn't immediately sound familiar. Tulani certainly never mentioned who might show up, since part of the reason for it all was to find out who would show up. But they two Eeee definitely have that air of 'Old Babel Nobility' about them. They don't seem put out by having to come to a secret fighting tournament, although it must have been something they were into before the rise of the Coalition.
Jingle next focuses her senses on the White Zolk himself, and if he's relaxed, on edge, or, well, scheming. If she can tell, anyway, other than general mood.
His aura is a bit.. smug. More so even than the (fallen?) nobles. The fighter, Clawed, is also relaxed, which the Vartan is a bit more on edge and alert, as if expecting assassins to attack at any moment.
So, Jingle extends her senses outward, trying to get a general feel for the room any the others gathered; just an impression, and a rough guess as to how many.
There are the musicians, who seem relaxed as they play soft music, and further out are more spectators that are trickling in. Some of them are nervous, probably because of wagering.
Jingle doesn't even know if Tulani bet! Or what. And she can't exactly ask her in front of everyone. It is making her tail flick a bit in agitation and frustration, really.
"It's nearly time for the main event," White Zolk says, and nods to one of his large Savanite guards, who then gestures for Clawed to follow. This leaves just the one big Cheetah, and the Vartan as guards in case anything happens. Lily is also there, but probably isn't a fighter.
Now Jingle's tail twitches even more, feeling a bit agitated. She knows they have to let this play out, as this is about information and not stopping it right now. She shifts a bit from foot to foot though and glances at Lily to see if she looks concerned.
Lily is mainly concerned with the lunch leftovers. The guest Eeee are slow eaters. For her, nothing must be out of the ordinary.
Jingle realizes Lily must really not have that strong of an attachment to Tombstone; not if she's worried about food more than the fight. She imagines this is due to knowing she has no control over what happens and if he lives, dies, or leaves.
Some unfamiliar servants (Skreeks this time) arrive carrying chairs, which they set up nearly to the edge of the open wall that overlooks the fighting pit.
Obviously not for any of the slaves, Jingle realizes. She sticks to her role and remains standing in silence!
Lily has likely lived her entire life as a slave, and given up on having agency of her own. But she's not getting beaten or forced to do heavy manual labor, beyond cooking and having a baby or two.
Still, it's a bit disquieting. It's something Jingle can't really fully understand, even if she has to fake it sometimes.
Soon the guests and White Zolk and heading for the chairs (there are only three set out). The big Vartan goes to stand behind his masters (or employers) while the remaining Savanite stays by the door.. and watches the Vartan.
Jingle of course stays with Tulani and will stand behind her where ever she sits. She's keeping up the docile, trained, role of course. Thus will mimic behaviors of the other slaves.
Lord Sinter, White Zolk and Lord Sinter's wife get the chairs, while Tulani gets to stand. This allows both her and Jingle opportunity to move around at least, as long as they don't arouse the suspicion of the door guard and Vartan. This appears to be a private match-up, since the regular tiered stadium seating is empty. A gong sounds, and both Clawed and Tombstone enter the pit from opposite archways.
Jingle is mostly looking around and trying to look 'bored'. What really she's doing is locating where places of shadow are, and thus, where she might be able to act without it being too obvious. She's also keeping an eye on the guards, and of course the fight. Cats have an amazing ability to look completely disinterested while still being quite aware.
The pit and stands are well lit, so that there aren't any shadows in the fighting area itself, but the viewing lounge is not well lit in comparison. There are some lamps near the cushion and dining area, but they aren't bright enough to fight the shadows cast by the ornate chairs overlooking the edge. There also spots obscured by tapestries and curtains, such as the alcove where the musicians are. Other drapery seems to be placed to soften the echoes of the stone chamber itself. Tulani seems to be sizing up the Vartan, who seems to be distracted now that the fighters have shown up.
Jingle idly moves, passing by Tulani and signing, "No fighting. Just play their game for now." Then Jingle draws to a stop again and her attention returns to the ring. She doesn't want anyone to die, though; so ... ugh.
Tombstone and Clawed are already grappling, and Tombstone appears to have a slight weight advantage. But so far they both seem to be trying to unbalance the other. Without a crowd, it's disturbingly quite, although the grunts of the combatants may actually be amplified a bit by the walls of the pit.
It's bothersome people 'enjoy' watching others hurt themselves; but that does seem a Babelite pastime that still hangs on. While she watches the fight below, her focus is more on sensing what those watching are feeling.
The two men are very focused on the action, since they have stakes in the outcome. The woman is less focused, but there's a bit of arousal in her colors - she may less interested in the combat than in the combatants. The Vartan seems to be glowing with worry though. He's clearly not comfortable here, but that could be due to any number of things. He's definitely sober and alert though.
Jingle, in probably not a very smart move, moves closer to the Vartan. She even sort of rubs against him at one point to probably distract him or at least de-focus a little. She also purrs.
"Hmm?" the Vartan grunts at the distraction, but does turn his head to look at Jingle. For a moment his anxiety spikes before dropping back down. "What?" he signs crudely, since he's got one less finger than needed to properly form single-hand Formal gestures. He may be a two-hand talker as a result.
"You looked tense. Should relax more, healthier," Jingle signs to him.
"No," the Vartan signs back. "No relax. Working."
"You can do both," Jingle insists. "Not many here."
The Vartan checks on the progress of the match, then signs, "How?" to Jingle. He's shifted his position slightly, so that his wings block his responses from the sight of the Savanite guard at the entry.
Jingle's attention goes back to the arena below too for a bit. "Well, some suggestions would be inappropriate right now," she signs, and shrugs, and winks. "Haven't had a vartan yet complain, or not fit, though" she adds, idly.
The Vartan takes a moment to process this, then looks across to Tulani. "We?" he signs, moving his hand to include Tulani in the gesture.
"Cannot speak for her; she owns me," Jingle signs, idly. "But I have entertained vartans for her before."
The Vartan's neck feather puff out slightly, and he signs, "That be distracting."
"But relaxing," Jingle teases. "I've had one of your kind in ... every part of me."
The Vartan makes a chuffing sort of noise, and signs, "Small bird then."
"Bigger than you," Jingle claims, her eyes moving between the guard and the fight.
There's blood now, even though they're both still jostling for dominance. It's mostly from sharp claws digging into shoulders, but Clawed risks making a kick at Tombstone's stomach. It leaves a mark, but Tombstone's reaction is to take advantage and throw Clawed into the wall. This leaves gouges in his shoulders from the other's claws, but before Clawed can recover Tombstone rushes in to try and pin him.
The Vartan narrows his eyes in disbelief at Jingle.
Jingle winces. She's been clawed before. Not that bad, but ... ow. Her attention slips to Tulani and how she's faring and to the general sensations from the other observers. She does flash a smile at the Vartan in passing, though, and wiggles the split tip of her tongue at him.
Tulani is also watching the Vartan more than the fight. White Zolk is exuding smugness (which is differently colored from pride) and Lord Sinter is a bit anxious. The woman's mood hasn't changed much though.
"Trust me, in that kind of physical battle, I would win," Jingle teases the vartan again.
"Why interest in me?" the Vartan signs. "Master tell you?"
"No. I just prefer large guys," Jingle signs, shrugs.
There's another thump and groan from the pit, as Clawed is back on his feet but favoring his left arm, which may be dislocated. Tombstone has a lot of cuts, as he doesn't really bother avoiding them, but now there's one over his right eye which may be clouding his vision a bit. Both men have put some space between them and are circling the pit now.
The outcome is not guaranteed. Or at least it seems that way. What if the gloves Tombstone had on earlier were laced with a drug that slowed down an opponent. That would give White Zolk an advantage. She's not seen anything like that, but game rigging is a subtle thing; she should know. Her attention is more and more on the fight now, and wondering if Tulani did wager something.
"Ugh, they shouldn't mar their faces," Lord Sinter's woman notes. There do appear to be certain rules in place, as there haven't been any crotch shots or biting yet. The two men go on the attack once more, this time at arms length with claw-swipes. They seem to have equal reach in that regard, but Clawed isn't coming in any closer, and Tombstone seems to be trying to get around to his left side where Clawed's arm seems to be partially disabled.
"Did your boss wager anything?" Jingle idly signs to the Vartan.
The Vartan just points to Clawed in reply. Which suggests this isn't going to be a fight to the death.
"So you don't have to be worried about being 'sold' too then," Jingle signs. "No idea if my Mistress wagered."
"May win you both then," the Vartan signs. "I not slave."
"Yet," Jingle signs ominously.
In the pit, Clawed manages a leaping round-house kick to Tombstone's neck, which does stun the bigger cat for a moment. Long enough for the faster Clawed to get in another slash before jumping back and.. slamming his left shoulder up against the wall to get his arm back into joint.
That causes Jingle to wince and even step back. That ... ow. How long has this place been going on? How many people have gone through this? Both unsettling questions, especially while watching. She nervously glances at Tulani again to see how she's doing.
Tulani looks concerned. But not necessarily about the fight, she seems to be watching the two owners instead. Lord Sinter is leaning forward in his chair now.
Jingle directs her attention there, as well as going back to sensing how they feel.
White Zolk is more anxious now, but outwardly calm as a cat. Lord Sinter though is glowing with a bit of malice now, even though his fighter has recovered a bit.
If Zolk is worried, that's concerning. Is this not 'going to plan'? she wonders. Now she's getting nervous and shifting about, and she doesn't even know what the wagers are.
With Tombstone still recovering from the neck-kick, Clawed is using footwork to move in and out. While he's causing some cuts, they don't seem to be having much effect. Then Sinter's aura goes full-on malice covered, and there's a chirp from the Eeee. It's almost like a Savanite chirp, and barely at the edge of non-Eeee hearing. But with the curved walls of the arena to amplify it it's likely that Clawed hears it.
Jingle's ears perk up and she replies with a bark, then glares at Sinter! As if declaring she heard that! She also moves closer to Tulani.
Tulani is moving back from edge now. Down in the pit, Clawed pushes Tombstone up against the wall just below them, and then leaps onto his shoulders, where a second leap gets him back up into the viewing lounge. The door guard rushes towards the chairs, only to get a Vartan's wing to the face, knocking his head back enough that he falls. Clawed is reaching for White Zolk!
Tulani heads for the Vartan now, as he's taken out the door guard (and it's unlikely that Tombstone is going to climb up the wall to join them). "Don't let White Zolk be killed!" she yells to Jingle.
Jingle, while already regretting many decisions in her life, may be about to make another. Should she get involved? Well, Tulani's call-out helps her decide, fast. And more, she moves fast, one saving-grace of this body. She knows there's no way she can out strength the gladiator ... but it doesn't mean she can't trip him up. She dart-dives for his legs to try and trip him down before he can reach White Zolk.
Clawed clearly wasn't expecting the dancers to react. He's nearly got both hands around the Khatta's throat when Jingle slams into his legs. The angle is just right, causing the Savanite to lose his balance and footing to fall back over the edge into the pit. He grabs at White Zolk, managing to rip his shirt before falling. This causes Lord Sinter to shout, "Vernal!"
The Vartan squawks as his name is shouted, but with his focus on the other guard he misses Tulani, who cold-cocks him with a punch to his head. Now the Vartan is dizzy and trips over the fallen guard. This interrupts the guard's own attempt to get back to his feet though.
Jingle thinks. Her attention shifts right to the wife, someone she could likely overpower. Of course the question is if Sinter would care enough if his wife was in danger. Still, she goes towards her in an attempt to grab her. If she manages that, well, she'll bite onto her throat and growl with a warning! Hopefully they get that means stop or chomp. But, all depends on if she can get the grip or not.
The woman still hasn't really caught up with what's happening, and is unprepared for a slave to grab her. She's awkward to wrangle though without her wings getting in the way. The chair is knocked over, but Jingle does get her into a proper hostage hold. White Zolk is on his feet by then and demanding, "What is the meaning of this Sinter?"
"This is Babel," Sinter snaps back. "And in this city the nobles always win. You're a foreigner, you should know to lose properly!" He hasn't seemed to register that his wife is being held (possibly because Jingle is largely hidden save for her head).
Jingle also bites onto the wife's neck, and enough to even draw a little blood as warning. And growls. The message is hopefully quite clear. The pain from her biting might also be enough to make the wife scream to get the husband's attention.
The woman stiffens instead, only managing a squeak. She's.. well.. aroused apparently. Definitely a Savanite fetish. "You were going to kill me then?" White Zolk fires back at Sinter. "Of course I am. An example needed to be made!" Tulani is looming up behind Lord Sinter now, and it sounds like there is some struggling going on in the pit, so Clawed may not be getting back up anytime soon either.
Knowing Eeee bodies really well, and having the shadow at hand gives Jingle an idea. She shifts, and tries to send shadow into the other Eeee through the bite. And not to be pleasurable, but to pull on nerves painfully instead.
This causes the woman to actually scream! Which annoys Sinter. "Hush Vestra!" he commands. "If you're hurt by one of this man's slaves, he'll be executed," he claims.
"That's not my slave," White Zolk points out.
Tulani's hands come down on Lord Sinter's shoulders, and she squeezes. "Attempted murder is serious too," she says. "Even if it's attempted with a slave. We know you gave him the command, too."
"Un.. unhand me! Us!" Sinter demands, but with genuine fear this time.
Jingle's jaws release, and she withdraws the shadow. She also rises to face Sinter. Delicate and ornate, the savanite. And her muzzle is lined red with blood, and dripping a little. It's a disturbing conflict, delicate beauty and ... predator all at once. She also reaches down and curls her hand into Vestra's hair to pull her up a little.
"You're just a dancer!" Sinter claims, some of his arrogance returning. "Nobody would take your word over a noble's!" Then Tulani sticks her muzzle right into his ear, and whispers something that makes the man's ears go pale.
"What's all this about?" Vestra asks, tearing up from the hair pulling. "It's just sport!"
"You husband has been trying to be sneaky where he shouldn't," Tulani explains. "And this incident wasn't exactly foreseen but we wanted to see what would happen."
"Is it?" Jingle signs, "My bad. So, she drags Vestra over towards the railing as if she's going to just heave her over. "One you seemed to like, so, want to join the handsome boys down below?"
"We who?" White Zolk asks, and looks hurt when he asks, "Why wasn't I warned.. Black Velvet?"
Down below, Clawed is sitting against the far wall, with Tombstone next to him. He doesn't really have any reason to fight now that his master's plan imploded. He does wave to Vestra though. "I didn't do anything!" she pleads with Jingle.
"The Yodhbarada, on behest of the Coalition," Tulani explains to White Zolk. "I'm afraid your tournaments are over as well though, until we determine what other crimes you may be charged with."
A few grunts indicate that the Vartan and Savanite guard are back on their feet. The Savanite heads over to check on White Zolk, but Vernal the Vartan seems disinclined to do anything for his employer.
"You have wings, and yet instead of soaring, you're afraid of falling. Such is the story of Babel and its people," Jingle signs to Vestra, but does let her go and shakes her head. To those down below, she signs, "Are both of you okay?"
"Need stitches," Tombstone signs.
Jingle signs to Tulani, "We need to get those down in the arena medical attention." She looks to the Savanite guard, signing to him, "If you keep a medic here, I ask for you to get them please?"
Vestra immediately heads away from the ledge, back to the cushions where she starts hyper-ventilating. White Zolk hasn't responded yet to Tulani's comments, so may be thinking. After seeing that his master isn't bleeding or ordering him to attack anyone, the Savanite guard heads to the entry and pulls on a sash hanging from a hole in the ceiling. It isn't immediately apparent what this does though, but the cat isn't going to leave the Vartan alone up here.
Jingle also looks to the vartan again, and smirks slightly. "My way of winning would have been more fun," she signs to him. "Bet on the wrong bed."
Not long after the sash-pull, Lily shows up in the arena with a satchel, which has some first-aid supplies. She goes about cleaning the various wounds, and has Tombstone apply pressure to his forehead gash.
"I was distraction too it looks," the Vartan signs back.
"What is going to happen to them?" White Zolk asks, indicating the nobles.
"Well, my plan was to just let them go," Tulani says. "They can be arrested at home, which may mean they just aren't allowed to leave before the hearing, or they can flee Babel and live in exile.. but won't have time to take any of their wealth with them. I don't expect that you will be able to just run off as well."
"If they don't flee and stay, well ... they will have a trial. They will be held accountable by the new laws, and reasonably fairly. I know you probably suspect they would be let off ... but, noble status does not ensure protection anymore. The last noble family groups that engaged in activities that were outlawed did not have favorable judgements," Jingle tries to explain in sign, though she's not even sure White Zolk knows sign. She then shrugs a little.
"I'm not a noble," White Zolk says to Jingle - so apparently he does know Silent Sign. "But I do keep very thorough records," he offers.
"Cooperation will definitely help your case," Tulani says. Then to her captive Eeee she notes, "And we can always find you, wherever you are. So you might as well stay at home, yes?"
"Not being a noble doesn't matter, but offering help ... as she says, will help you out," Jingle confirms. She also looks towards the Eeee and signs to him, "Or we could ask that someone less pleasant come to get you. The Yodhbarada do know the Barsunala, after all. They might ask him to fetch you."
Lord Sinter is already pale enough, so doesn't get any paler at Jingle's warning. "White Zolk, to show your willingness to cooperate, would you mind holding Clawed here for now? He's both a witness and evidence, after all," Tulani asks the Khatta. "Wouldn't want anything happening to him." She gives Sinter a little shake in emphasis.
"Yes, we can keep him safe," White Zolk says, a bit absently.
"And anything to harm anyone held here, either their, or your, servants," Jingle signs, "Would go over very badly. So, be kind to them."
"Well, that just leaves.." Tulani says, and looks to the Vartan, who points to himself. "I just a rental for today," he claims. "I got paperwork."
"You blocked White Zolk's bodyguard from coming to his aid," Tulani points out.
"Just following orders isn't exactly an excuse," Jingle signs, "And you had to know what was coming. That is being complicit in a crime."
"When in doubt, protect the guy paying you," the Vartan says. "And I didn't know what was coming. I figure I was just a distraction all along, for him," he claims, pointing to the door guard. "He watch me, miss slave attack.. which was really surprising, gotta admit."
"Should probably let the coalition decide if they want to charge him with a crime," Jingle signs to Tulani. "He could stay here as well, with the same warning about not fleeing."
"Are you freelance or with an agency?" Tulani asks after nodding to Jingle.
"Agency," the Vartan answers. "Zephen Security. Much better than my old gig at Rent-a-Goon. Gots lawyers and a licence and all that Coalition stuff."
He rubs the side of his face where Tulani hit him and adds, "Medical benefits too."
"Probably not a flight risk, then," Jingle asides to Tulani. "Could just release him and have the Coalition contact the agency if needed."
"Yeah, sounds like he's been through this before," Tulani agrees, but does hold out her hand to and asks to his credentials. The Vartan produces a square leather pouch for her.
"Drat, I was going to feel him up ... frisk him!" Jingle jokes, and grins.
"You can do that while I read this," Tulani offers.
And so Jingle goes over to frisk the Vartan. Which strangely involves a a rather extensive feeling and massaging of his groin. She's still 'in heat' after all, it lasts a week or so!
"That not a hidden weapon!" the Vartan squawks. Winter and Lake arrive through the entry then, and look around.. then look to White Zolk. "The fighter will be our guest for a while," the Khatta tells them. "Lord Sinter and Lady Vestra may need an escort." The seneschal that led Tulani and Jingle here also arrives in time to hear that.
"That is for me to determine," Jingle signs, formally ... right before sticking a hand inside his pants to grope. She also grins up at him.
Eventually, Jingle withdraws her hand, satisfied. "This one is not carrying anything ... dangerous," she claims in sign, and a straight face.
"I'll need you sign the form at the end," Vernal says to Tulani, all while keeping an eye on Jingle. "So I can still get paid for the day."
"Problem?" Jingle signs, and lazily ... rubs the Vartan.
"I guess you the good cop," the Vartan notes, ears flicking.
"Birdie, I'm the best," Jingle signs, suggestively. She also shakes her head. She's not usually this weird, is she?
"I still don't understand what's going on!" Vestra complains. "We're going home now," Sinter tells her.
Jingle just rolls her eyes. That wife is one dense woman.
"That girl bit me," Vestra complains to Sinter as she gets up. "Did I get blood on my scarf?"
Jingle growls at Vestra in response to that, and takes a step towards her.
At least she didn't demand that Jingle be punished.. probably because it excited her. She doesn't even notice the warning growl. "You have plenty of other scarves," Sinter tells her, taking her arm.
Jingle looks at Tulani and shrugs a little. "Are we done here, then?" she asks.
"Just some paperwork to deal with," Tulani says. "You may want to go and let the slaves know what's happening."
Jingle nods. So, off she goes to find her way to where the slaves have congregated. "So ..." she signs as she approaches, "The coalition has decided to put an end to the fights. Your Master is under house arrest for now until his culpability is determined. I suspect you all will likely be freed once everything is complete. My Mistress and I were sent here as part of the investigation. I am sorry for any deception."
"You weren't here to steal Tombstone's seed then?" Lily signs. Cloud and River are in the quarters as well, while Tombstone is napping and Clawed looks surprised. "It was all a trap?" he signs.
"No, getting to be with so many handsoto men was a side benefit," Jingle signs to Lily. As for Clawed, she signs, "Well, you would need to ask my Mistress for specifics. All I knew was we were hired to learn about betting and fighting. The attack was a surprise to me."
"What will happen to me?" Clawed signs nervously. Probably realizing that doing away with him would benefit his master.
Jingle sits in his lap. "You'll likely just be freed once you're interviewed," she claims. "It isn't like it was much of your choice. Until then, you'll just be a guest here."
"I've always been a fighter," Clawed claims. "If I'm free then I would need to support myself, wouldn't I?"
"Bodyguard," Cloud suggests. "Mostly stand around and look intimidating."
"Yes. You could likely find a job with any number of security or guard groups," Jingle echoes.
"Well... that isn't too different then," Clawed signs. Then pets Jingle.
"If I didn't have my Mistress and her jobs, I'd probably just be a whore. You have better options," Jingle signs.
"That means you get paid though, doesn't it?" Clawed signs. "Isn't it dangerous?" Lily asks. The other awake men wiggle their ears, but don't add any comments or questions.
"I get paid, and yes it is dangerous. I could easily end up in bad places. But, I help keep others from that fate so ... worth it?" Jingle signs. She also grins, adding, "And the occasional orgy is nice too."
"I'm worried," Lily signs. "We will take care of you," Cloud and River sign to her.
"There are orgies involved?" Clawed signs. "Where do I sign up?" he adds with an ear wiggle.
"You will be fine," Jingle also signs to Lily. "Mistress has many contacts and there are many people that will help you settle. Promise."
"So will I be able to keep my child this time?" Lily signs, looking hopeful.
"Absolutely," Jingle signs, and reaches out to rub her belly. "And Tombstone, if you two wish it."
Tombstone is snoring. The one thing about Silent Sign is that it's easy to sleep through a conversation. The man does look exhausted though.
Jingle also finds rubbing that belly is making Jingle feel longings for things. All likely related her condition. She shakes her head a bit and stands. "Well, so that's where things are. You'll be here a few days as the Coalition will interview and decide, then you'll likely be assigned someone to help you find a new life since you will be coming out of slavery," she explains. "I know things are probably terrifying right now, but ... it will be better."
"What will happen to Master?" Cloud signs.
"I don't know. It depends on what sort of person he was, and how much he helps bring down the people running these things, Jingle signs. "What do you want to have happen?"
"I suppose if I'm free he could hire me," the man signs.
"Was he reasonably kind to all of you? Would you want him to?" Jingle asks, curious.
"Better than my previous master," Cloud signs. River nods as well, while Lily signs, "He wasn't cruel.. but he sold Tombstone's children, or sold the rights for him to impregnate other people's slaves."
"So, not great, but not horrible either. That ... well, it depends on how he is judged. I really don't know how it would turn out. He could be assigned to be a servant or slave for a few years to something to pay for his actions. But ... it's all a guess, Jingle signs.
"Until then, we just go on as normal?" Cloud asks.
"Yes," Jingle signs. "Is that okay?"
The Savanites all nod, except for Clawed who has no idea what normal is in this household. "We'll make sure Tombstone understands when he wakes up," Lily signs.
"Good. Again, I am sorry about all of ... this. It will get better," Jingle apologizes. "No idea if we'll ever meet again."
"It was fun having you," Cloud signs. Then adds, "Around."
"It was fun riding all of you," Jingle signs, ears wiggling. "Pity I can't do it a bit longer."
"Maybe we will see you after everything is.. done," River signs.
"Who knows? The future is always surprising," Jingle signs and nods. "Our paths may cross again. When I am less, er, needy."