Chains of Fate (4/?)
Title: Chains of Fate (4/?)
Pairings: Gladiator!Cara/slavegirl!Kahlan, Domina!Denna/Richard, Domina!Denna/servant!Dahlia, Gladiator!Raina/Berdine, Gladiator!Chase/Emma, Garen/Dahlia
Rating: M
Warning: This chapter contains rape and graphic death.
Disclaimer: Most certainly not mine.
Summary: Denna has a gift for her best gladiator.
Previous chapters have been fixed and / or replaced due to LJ being mean. Working links below.
Previously: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
*********************************
Sex is a state of grace.
In a cage it can't take place.
Break the cage then, start in and try.
- D.H. Lawrence
*********************************
Cara sighed as she leaned against the wall of the bath house, eyes closed - slowly and methodically washing the grime and blood away. She wondered vaguely how many more battles she would have to win in the public arena to pay off her sister’s former husband’s debt.
He was dead now, though, half of the debt paid in flesh; she sighed and wondered how a man could rack up a debt so momentous.
It was far too close today, she was merely thankful that the weapons the women had been wielding had not been swords.
She could deal with the bite of an Agiel, but the bite of a sword would have been far more detrimental to her well-being.
Her thoughts flew around without rhyme or reason - coming to a screeching halt upon the memory of the D’Haran prince groping Kahlan. Cara’s jaw clenched in anger, how dare he touch my Confessor… he was lucky I cannot jump that high without aid… D’Haran pig.
Cara was drawn out of her musings by soft hands cupping her face. The gladiator started and tensed - Kahlan was kneeling next to her and Cara smiled, relaxing. She was not bothered in the faintest that she had not heard Kahlan enter the bath house. Kahlan had a way of sneaking up on her. It was a fact of life she could not fight.
“That was too close… you could have died…” Kahlan breathed, leaning forward to kiss Cara’s shoulder, eyes closing slowly.
Cara let out a small laugh as she lifted her hand to cup Kahlan’s cheek, “as if two fighters could bring me down when I have so much to fight for.” She knew Kahlan was right but there was no use worrying her. It would not happen again.
Kahlan closed her eyes, leaning into the touch before turning her head and kissing the palm of her Gladiator’s hand, smiling against her skin. “I still don’t like it.”
Cara remained silent for a few minutes as Kahlan washed the remnants of the battle from her body. “My father built this ludus, and the Villa.”
“What?” Kahlan lifted her head, frowning lightly.
“My father was a mason, a stone worker. You know how it is in D’Hara and the Midlands with the surnames. I come from a long line of stone carvers.” Kahlan stared at her, washing absentmindedly now, “he picked up his family and sailed the seas with the Ashfords, Denna’s family. Her father commissioned the building of this place. He left it to Denna when she passed. Sometimes I wonder what my father would say about my choosing to be a gladiator. He did not like the sport but it is the only way to pay off my brother-in-law’s debt. The fastest I mean… my sister remains on the farm with my niece while Dahlia and I work for Denna.”
Kahlan’s frown deepened and her hand dropped to Cara’s thigh, caressing the defined muscles there, “I think he was an honorable man and would have been proud that his daughter was working to pay off a debt not her own.” She stroked the soft skin beneath her fingertips, “I know that I am.” The young Confessor leaned in and pressed her lips to Cara’s cheek before returning to her task, cleansing her gladiator - her Champion.
“I wish Denna had given you to me fully. I would free you.”
The rag fell and Cara’s eyes widened when Kahlan grasped her face firmly between her hands, “I am not here because I am your slave, Cara. Loathe I am to admit it, I could very easily confess my way out of this place. I am here for you and because you do not fear my touch, even though it would destroy your mind if I were to lose control of my power. I am here because, for the first time in my life, my sister is not my only friend. I am here because, when you pay off your brother-in-law’s debt, I will be allowed to walk from these gates next to you a free woman for the first time. I intend to experience many, many firsts with you, Cara Mason.”
A small smile appeared on the Gladiator’s features and she gave a light nod of her head. “You’re going to make me go all soft and mushy.”
“Hate to break it to you, Cara, but you were already soft and mushy. You just show me more than the others.”
An eye roll.
Thwack.
“Ow, careful! You’ll bruise me more than those damned Agiels.”
“Then don’t you roll your eyes at me. Shut up and let me continue your washing.”
“Women…”
Thwack.
“Ow!”
Kahlan smiled ruefully at her then leaned forward, kissing the spot on Cara's shoulder where she had smacked.
They both remained silent for a long while before Cara lifted her hand to capture Kahlan’s, “I am clean.”
Kahlan gave her a soft smile and let her hand remain in Cara’s strong one, “I know…” she lifted her free hand and gently brushed her fingertips through Cara’s short locks, playing with a strand. “I like it.”
Cara gave her a thankful smile and drew the hand on her stomach up, planting a small kiss on the inside of Kahlan’s wrist. “Let me get dressed and we’ll go get food in the hall…”
Eyes sparkled with mischief.
“And then we can go to your cell.”
“Mmhmm.”
“And I can be the big spoon?”
“Mmhm-” Cara’s eyes snapped incredulously to Kahlan’s, “absolutely not.”
“You don’t have a choice in the matter.”
Cara let out a disgruntled grunt and Kahlan let out a joyful laugh before standing - tugging Cara with her.
*********************************
Dahlia smiled as she hunted through the wine jugs, searching for something Denna could celebrate with - yet not rub her victory in Darken Rahl’s face. She knew Roman politics like the back of her hand but by the Gods that man was insulting - as were his Mord’Sith and soldiers. Just that morning a soldier had attempted to force himself on Berdine - thankfully Raina had not discovered this.
Yet.
The man was dead thanks to one of Denna’s personal soldiers. He had stumbled upon the man forcing Berdine to her knees and that was all the provocation he needed to run the D’Haran through with a sword.
Dahlia wondered idly how long it would take for Berdine to confess this to Raina and, by proxy, how fast a victory it would lead to in the arena tomorrow. The taller woman was a spitfire and an unstoppable force in the arena when angered.
She was pulled from her thoughts by a firm smack on her ass, “slave girl. What do you say you and I head off to the cells and I show you just how much pleasure a Mord’Sith can provide.”
Dahlia turned after a few moments, selected wine in hand - displeasure radiating from her in waves. “I highly suggest you remove your hand lest I am required to inquire if my sister has time to remove it for you with her blades.”
The dark eyed Mord’Sith arched a fine brow, “oh? Is your sister a gladiator, slave? I bet the soldiers and Mord’Sith had their way with her already.”
Dahlia’s eyes hardened at the title of slave and the insinuation that someone had harmed Cara. “Yes, she is and I am Domina’s personal servant. Now if you will excuse me I must bring her wine.” She pushed passed the leather-clad woman, marching for the stairs.
“Oh. You are a fiery one, slave. I bet you would be fun to break.”
She continued to ignore the woman for most of her return journey to the Villa, slowly climbing the stairs.
“Come on. That’s not fair. Slave girls here are meant to be willing and ready to bed!”
Heads whipped around when a crack and a thud reverberated throughout the ludus. New recruits openly stared, ceasing their training. Others watched from the mess hall while guards looked on in amusement.
The Mord’Sith stood there, drenched in a deep, red wine - bits of pottery dangling from various areas.
Dahlia glared down at her from the stairs, “I would watch who you treat like a common brothel whore here, Mord’Sith. I am a free woman, here by my own choosing. A free, Roman citizen. If you touch me in such a manner as earlier or refer to me as a slave or any variation of the term I will not hesitate to run you through with a sword. You have already insulted my honor, implying that I am a whore. Do not insult me further.”
The Mord’Sith stared up at her, mouth ajar, as Dahlia turned on her heel and climbed the stairs to the Villa.
Someone clapped the Mord’Sith on the back, knocking her from her stupor, “don’t you know it is unhealthy to anger women? ‘Specially Mason women? Nothin’ more deadly than the wrath of a Mason woman scorned.”
*********************************
Denna brushed her fingertips against Dahlia’s hip, wrapping her arm around the lithe woman’s waist and pulling her onto her lap. “I thought you were bringing wine.”
“A Mord’Sith decided to try and fondle me, I dropped the jar on her head - accidentally of course.”
Denna's pursed her lips slightly and made Dahlia turn, looking up into her eyes, "you cannot do things like that. First you go and call the Prince an imbecile -"
"He was groping Kahlan and trying to buy Cara!"
The taller blonde lifted her hand and grasped Dahlia's chin near hard enough to bruise, "Dahlia." Her voice was hard, leaving no room for argument, "you cannot talk down to your betters. Especially when they are royalty. And dropping a jar of wine on a woman's head because she could not keep her hands to herself?"
Dahlia scrunched her face up and peered into Denna's eyes, "have you taken some sort of mind altering drug because you know better than to talk in such a manner to me."
"Three of Darken Rahl's men have been murdered, he is not happy and demands retribution. I have to pay for their lives."
Dahlia yanked herself from Denna's grasp and pulled herself into a standing position, glaring down at her Domina. "And what about the women they tried to rape? The most recent death was due to a man trying to rape Berdine. You need to ask Darken Rahl to leave this House before they bring it down with their... their..." she didn't have the correct verbiage and merely left it at that.
The woman in front of her visibly tensed - she did not allow rape, or attempted rape, in her House to go unpunished.
"Is what you are saying true?"
It felt as though the temperature dropped to below freezing in seconds and Denna frowned, wondering why her personal servant was taking the question so personally. She just wanted to verify, it was a serious accusation and she needed to be absolutely sure.
"I think I will be sleeping in Cara's cell tonight."
Dahlia's eyes were cold.
"Dahila..." Denna reached for Dahlia's wrist only to have her pull her arm free.
“No.”
Denna watched as Dahlia stalked from her private quarters in a huff, feeling her pride bubble up, keeping her from going after the other blonde. She set her jaw and stood slowly - she would deal with Dahlia later, right now she needed to entertain the spoiled D'Haran Prince.
“You. Boy, get wine and be quick about it.” The young slave nodded his head, bowing repeatedly.
“Yes Mistress.”
*********************************
Dahlia crossed her arms over her chest as she moved through the Villa, occasionally snapping at a slave - demanding they get back on task. How dare Denna doubt the truth of her words. She had never lied to the woman; they grew up together.
She sulked as she trudged towards the food hall - letting out a small sigh, maybe she had overreacted. Denna was probably just trying to make sure of the facts before she confronted Darken.
She would apologize for her behavior after having her lunch - they both needed to cool down.
A large, calloused hand came out of nowhere, clamping hard over her mouth - taking away any chance she had of screaming for help. The arm that wrapped around her waist was hard and muscled, a metal point dug into her side from what she presumed to be armor.
She struggled.
Tried to make as much noise and commotion as possible, praying to the Gods that someone would hear her.
She managed to sink her teeth into the flesh of her attacker's hand - he grunted in pain and threw her from him. The moment her head connected with hard stone she knew she was not going to get away. He glared hard at her, nursing his wounded hand - a steel capped boot connected with her ribs and Dahlia yelped, curling into a ball only to be yanked up by her loose hair.
"You're going to regret that you little, Roman whore."
She let a scream loose that would cause even the Gods to flinch away. A fist connected with her mouth and her head banged against the cold stone again - the hand was back, gripping her throat, making it near impossible to breathe.
His free hand worked at his pants, shifting the tunic all Dragon Corp. wore - she cursed herself for rushing from Denna. She wanted to be back in the woman's arms, she wanted to be safe.
The man's hand was on her thigh now, forcing it up as she struggled against him. Tears rolled down her cheeks like a stream by the mountains after the first thaw.
He was too big.
Too strong.
Too rough.
She could not help but think of Denna's husband - when they lay together he was gentle and kind. He would kiss her as he kissed Denna - passionately and with love.
Not demanding and harsh, never forceful like this... beast.
He was not a man, there was no possible way the Gods would create such vile creatures.
As he forced his way into her body she knew D'Hara was a godless land. No God, no Goddess, no matter how cruel or vengeful would allow such a beast to roam free.
His grunts filled her ears and the stench of his breath over powered her sense of smell. She could do nothing but cry as he continued to thrust more and more frantically.
It was as though he was attempting to consume her.
She couldn't breathe, his hand was too tight.
Maybe she wouldn't live through his climax. At least she wouldn't have to deal with the aftermath.
And then he was gone - pulled from her.
She gasped for air as she slumped to the ground, trembling and sobbing. All she could clearly see was a deep, red. Screams echoed around her.
Silence.
"I'm going to lift you up, get you down to the Medicus."
She didn't fight the arms that lifted her, simply curled into her savior - shaking.
"I want my sister."
Her voice sounded so foreign.
"Alright."
Dahlia let out a small whimper as she hid her head in the crook of her savior's neck - tears continued to spill down her cheeks and onto a hardened, leather neck guard. She would have laughed if she hadn't been in so much pain - raped by a D'Haran and saved by a D'Haran.
*********************************
Garen had half a mind to turn and beat Demmin Nass further when she felt the woman's tears on her neck. General curiosity had led her down the hall - had she not recognized the feisty blonde from earlier she probably would not have stopped the man from satisfying his carnal urges.
"Are you ever going to tell me your name? I'd rather not get cracked over the head with another jug of wine for calling you slave girl..."
She felt the woman stiffen in her arms while she navigated down the hall.
"Dahlia."
Garen's chest tightened, she sounded so broken and helpless. As a Mord'Sith she was accustomed to the voice of broken pets, the sound of devotion to their Mistress.
This was a different kind of broken.
A different kind of helplessness.
Fire stirred deep within her and she pressed her lips to the top of Dahlia's injured head, ignoring the blood there. "You may call me Garen, I find it far more appropriate than Mord'Sith or D'Haran whore, though I am quite sure you favor that particular one..."
Dahlia's arms moved around her neck slowly and tightened a little; the Mord'Sith forced herself not to flinch at the contact - Dahlia needed this, needed to hold something.
All was silent save for the click of Garen's boots and the soft sob Dahlia did not manage to restrain. "You'll be safe with your sister soon," she cooed and the arms around her neck tightened in what she presumed to be thanks.
Nearly 10 minutes passed before Garen managed to locate the Dahlia's sister's "room" in the Gladiator dormitories. They were simple rooms, beds and an alcove to place their belongings; they even had blankets (save for the new recruits who had yet to earn the mark).
The blonde woman who had dispatched Mistress Nathair and Constance sat on her bed big enough for one - in her arms lay one of the slaves Lord Rahl was interested in bedding.
Her sister is the Champion of this ludus? This does not bode well for Nass...
Garen stood there, unsure of how to draw the woman's attention as she listened intently and with complete fascination to whatever the slave was saying.
*********************************
Cara frowned as she brushed her fingertips down Kahlan's arms, occasionally allowing her greedy fingers a pass through Kahlan's dark tresses. "My father kept our hands bound and forced us to Confess those who wished to challenge him or those he owed gold to...."
"The more you tell me about him the more I intend to kill him. Painfully."
Kahlan turned and smiled up at her Gladiator, "he couldn't touch me if he tried, I have you to protect me now."
Someone cleared their throat and Cara lifted her head, cursing herself for focusing completely on Kahlan (but honestly? She couldn't help it). Her stomach twisted - a Mord'Sith stood in the doorway holding a very abused Dahlia in her arms. Cara was off of the bed and in across the room in seconds - fretting over the girl she grew up with.
She failed to protect her best friend and little sister.
“Who did this?” Cara growled, lifting her hand to brush a few strands of hair from Dahlia’s face.
Arms wrapped around her waist and Kahlan pressed into her from behind, chin resting on her shoulder, “General Nass. I pulled him off of her.” The Mord’Sith was concise and appeared uncharacteristically nervous.
“Where is he now?” She fully intended to have Kahlan watch after Dahlia while she gutted the pig.
“He-”
Kahlan moved from behind Cara, “take me to him.”
Cara’s eyes snapped to Kahlan’s, frowning deeply, “Kahlan…”
“Trust me.”
The gladiator looked as though she was about to protest before nodding her head, gently pulling Dahlia into her arms (it took a few moments; she was practically glued to the Mord’Sith). “I’ve got you.” Cara cooed in her ear, cradling her gently as she moved further into her cell. By the time she managed to get Dahlia on her bed and covered up Kahlan and the Mord’Sith were gone.
Cara sighed and forced herself to focus on Dahlia - she moved around and grabbed what supplies she would need.
*********************************
Garen pressed back against the wall as the magic nearly became tangible - her bones pained her, muscles tensed. She watched, fear gripping her, as the slave grasped Nass' neck with a firm hand, a wind from nowhere blowing the woman's loose hair around.
She could feel it as the magic surged through the woman and into Nass - never once had she witnessed a Confession.
Nass fell to his knees moments later, staring up at the slave with unwavering devotion, "command me, Confessor."
Kahlan pulled her hand away slowly, looking down at him with rage and sorrow weaving together, "how many have you taken against their will?"
"I have not kept track, Mistress."
Garen gulped, watching as the Confessor bent at the waist, whispering something in his ear before straightening. Demmin scurried off down the hall, muttering about serving his mistress - Kahlan turned to look upon Garen, "escort me back to Cara's cell."
"What did you do?"
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"Justice."
*********************************
Kahlan smiled when she found Cara curled up next to the bed on the hard, stone ground, clutching one of Dahlia's hands with her own. She was still weakened from confessing General Nass, "I will stand guard." Kahlan spun and grasped the Mord'Sith by her throat, pushing her into a wall and kicking the door shut.
The Mord'Sith tensed.
"You will not utter a word of what you saw or I will confess my first Mord'Sith. Am I understood?"
A nod.
Kahlan released her and turned slowly, laying quietly behind her Champion - she wrapped her arm securely Cara's waist. Cara lifted her head and turned to look at her before settling back down, nestling back into Kahlan.
"How is she?"
"She'll heal with time." Kahlan nodded her head and brushed her lips against Cara's shoulder, closing her eyes, "did you..."
"He's been taken care of."
Cara let out a soft sigh, "what did you do?"
"Later. Sleep now."
A smile graced her lips as Cara obeyed.
A/N: Yayyyyy, a new chapter, all errors are mine - thanks to jolo_65 for serious aid, and to xavacid for being super awesome.
Pairings: Gladiator!Cara/slavegirl!Kahlan, Domina!Denna/Richard, Domina!Denna/servant!Dahlia, Gladiator!Raina/Berdine, Gladiator!Chase/Emma, Garen/Dahlia
Rating: M
Warning: This chapter contains rape and graphic death.
Disclaimer: Most certainly not mine.
Summary: Denna has a gift for her best gladiator.
Previous chapters have been fixed and / or replaced due to LJ being mean. Working links below.
Previously: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
*********************************
Sex is a state of grace.
In a cage it can't take place.
Break the cage then, start in and try.
- D.H. Lawrence
*********************************
Cara sighed as she leaned against the wall of the bath house, eyes closed - slowly and methodically washing the grime and blood away. She wondered vaguely how many more battles she would have to win in the public arena to pay off her sister’s former husband’s debt.
He was dead now, though, half of the debt paid in flesh; she sighed and wondered how a man could rack up a debt so momentous.
It was far too close today, she was merely thankful that the weapons the women had been wielding had not been swords.
She could deal with the bite of an Agiel, but the bite of a sword would have been far more detrimental to her well-being.
Her thoughts flew around without rhyme or reason - coming to a screeching halt upon the memory of the D’Haran prince groping Kahlan. Cara’s jaw clenched in anger, how dare he touch my Confessor… he was lucky I cannot jump that high without aid… D’Haran pig.
Cara was drawn out of her musings by soft hands cupping her face. The gladiator started and tensed - Kahlan was kneeling next to her and Cara smiled, relaxing. She was not bothered in the faintest that she had not heard Kahlan enter the bath house. Kahlan had a way of sneaking up on her. It was a fact of life she could not fight.
“That was too close… you could have died…” Kahlan breathed, leaning forward to kiss Cara’s shoulder, eyes closing slowly.
Cara let out a small laugh as she lifted her hand to cup Kahlan’s cheek, “as if two fighters could bring me down when I have so much to fight for.” She knew Kahlan was right but there was no use worrying her. It would not happen again.
Kahlan closed her eyes, leaning into the touch before turning her head and kissing the palm of her Gladiator’s hand, smiling against her skin. “I still don’t like it.”
Cara remained silent for a few minutes as Kahlan washed the remnants of the battle from her body. “My father built this ludus, and the Villa.”
“What?” Kahlan lifted her head, frowning lightly.
“My father was a mason, a stone worker. You know how it is in D’Hara and the Midlands with the surnames. I come from a long line of stone carvers.” Kahlan stared at her, washing absentmindedly now, “he picked up his family and sailed the seas with the Ashfords, Denna’s family. Her father commissioned the building of this place. He left it to Denna when she passed. Sometimes I wonder what my father would say about my choosing to be a gladiator. He did not like the sport but it is the only way to pay off my brother-in-law’s debt. The fastest I mean… my sister remains on the farm with my niece while Dahlia and I work for Denna.”
Kahlan’s frown deepened and her hand dropped to Cara’s thigh, caressing the defined muscles there, “I think he was an honorable man and would have been proud that his daughter was working to pay off a debt not her own.” She stroked the soft skin beneath her fingertips, “I know that I am.” The young Confessor leaned in and pressed her lips to Cara’s cheek before returning to her task, cleansing her gladiator - her Champion.
“I wish Denna had given you to me fully. I would free you.”
The rag fell and Cara’s eyes widened when Kahlan grasped her face firmly between her hands, “I am not here because I am your slave, Cara. Loathe I am to admit it, I could very easily confess my way out of this place. I am here for you and because you do not fear my touch, even though it would destroy your mind if I were to lose control of my power. I am here because, for the first time in my life, my sister is not my only friend. I am here because, when you pay off your brother-in-law’s debt, I will be allowed to walk from these gates next to you a free woman for the first time. I intend to experience many, many firsts with you, Cara Mason.”
A small smile appeared on the Gladiator’s features and she gave a light nod of her head. “You’re going to make me go all soft and mushy.”
“Hate to break it to you, Cara, but you were already soft and mushy. You just show me more than the others.”
An eye roll.
Thwack.
“Ow, careful! You’ll bruise me more than those damned Agiels.”
“Then don’t you roll your eyes at me. Shut up and let me continue your washing.”
“Women…”
Thwack.
“Ow!”
Kahlan smiled ruefully at her then leaned forward, kissing the spot on Cara's shoulder where she had smacked.
They both remained silent for a long while before Cara lifted her hand to capture Kahlan’s, “I am clean.”
Kahlan gave her a soft smile and let her hand remain in Cara’s strong one, “I know…” she lifted her free hand and gently brushed her fingertips through Cara’s short locks, playing with a strand. “I like it.”
Cara gave her a thankful smile and drew the hand on her stomach up, planting a small kiss on the inside of Kahlan’s wrist. “Let me get dressed and we’ll go get food in the hall…”
Eyes sparkled with mischief.
“And then we can go to your cell.”
“Mmhmm.”
“And I can be the big spoon?”
“Mmhm-” Cara’s eyes snapped incredulously to Kahlan’s, “absolutely not.”
“You don’t have a choice in the matter.”
Cara let out a disgruntled grunt and Kahlan let out a joyful laugh before standing - tugging Cara with her.
*********************************
Dahlia smiled as she hunted through the wine jugs, searching for something Denna could celebrate with - yet not rub her victory in Darken Rahl’s face. She knew Roman politics like the back of her hand but by the Gods that man was insulting - as were his Mord’Sith and soldiers. Just that morning a soldier had attempted to force himself on Berdine - thankfully Raina had not discovered this.
Yet.
The man was dead thanks to one of Denna’s personal soldiers. He had stumbled upon the man forcing Berdine to her knees and that was all the provocation he needed to run the D’Haran through with a sword.
Dahlia wondered idly how long it would take for Berdine to confess this to Raina and, by proxy, how fast a victory it would lead to in the arena tomorrow. The taller woman was a spitfire and an unstoppable force in the arena when angered.
She was pulled from her thoughts by a firm smack on her ass, “slave girl. What do you say you and I head off to the cells and I show you just how much pleasure a Mord’Sith can provide.”
Dahlia turned after a few moments, selected wine in hand - displeasure radiating from her in waves. “I highly suggest you remove your hand lest I am required to inquire if my sister has time to remove it for you with her blades.”
The dark eyed Mord’Sith arched a fine brow, “oh? Is your sister a gladiator, slave? I bet the soldiers and Mord’Sith had their way with her already.”
Dahlia’s eyes hardened at the title of slave and the insinuation that someone had harmed Cara. “Yes, she is and I am Domina’s personal servant. Now if you will excuse me I must bring her wine.” She pushed passed the leather-clad woman, marching for the stairs.
“Oh. You are a fiery one, slave. I bet you would be fun to break.”
She continued to ignore the woman for most of her return journey to the Villa, slowly climbing the stairs.
“Come on. That’s not fair. Slave girls here are meant to be willing and ready to bed!”
Heads whipped around when a crack and a thud reverberated throughout the ludus. New recruits openly stared, ceasing their training. Others watched from the mess hall while guards looked on in amusement.
The Mord’Sith stood there, drenched in a deep, red wine - bits of pottery dangling from various areas.
Dahlia glared down at her from the stairs, “I would watch who you treat like a common brothel whore here, Mord’Sith. I am a free woman, here by my own choosing. A free, Roman citizen. If you touch me in such a manner as earlier or refer to me as a slave or any variation of the term I will not hesitate to run you through with a sword. You have already insulted my honor, implying that I am a whore. Do not insult me further.”
The Mord’Sith stared up at her, mouth ajar, as Dahlia turned on her heel and climbed the stairs to the Villa.
Someone clapped the Mord’Sith on the back, knocking her from her stupor, “don’t you know it is unhealthy to anger women? ‘Specially Mason women? Nothin’ more deadly than the wrath of a Mason woman scorned.”
*********************************
Denna brushed her fingertips against Dahlia’s hip, wrapping her arm around the lithe woman’s waist and pulling her onto her lap. “I thought you were bringing wine.”
“A Mord’Sith decided to try and fondle me, I dropped the jar on her head - accidentally of course.”
Denna's pursed her lips slightly and made Dahlia turn, looking up into her eyes, "you cannot do things like that. First you go and call the Prince an imbecile -"
"He was groping Kahlan and trying to buy Cara!"
The taller blonde lifted her hand and grasped Dahlia's chin near hard enough to bruise, "Dahlia." Her voice was hard, leaving no room for argument, "you cannot talk down to your betters. Especially when they are royalty. And dropping a jar of wine on a woman's head because she could not keep her hands to herself?"
Dahlia scrunched her face up and peered into Denna's eyes, "have you taken some sort of mind altering drug because you know better than to talk in such a manner to me."
"Three of Darken Rahl's men have been murdered, he is not happy and demands retribution. I have to pay for their lives."
Dahlia yanked herself from Denna's grasp and pulled herself into a standing position, glaring down at her Domina. "And what about the women they tried to rape? The most recent death was due to a man trying to rape Berdine. You need to ask Darken Rahl to leave this House before they bring it down with their... their..." she didn't have the correct verbiage and merely left it at that.
The woman in front of her visibly tensed - she did not allow rape, or attempted rape, in her House to go unpunished.
"Is what you are saying true?"
It felt as though the temperature dropped to below freezing in seconds and Denna frowned, wondering why her personal servant was taking the question so personally. She just wanted to verify, it was a serious accusation and she needed to be absolutely sure.
"I think I will be sleeping in Cara's cell tonight."
Dahlia's eyes were cold.
"Dahila..." Denna reached for Dahlia's wrist only to have her pull her arm free.
“No.”
Denna watched as Dahlia stalked from her private quarters in a huff, feeling her pride bubble up, keeping her from going after the other blonde. She set her jaw and stood slowly - she would deal with Dahlia later, right now she needed to entertain the spoiled D'Haran Prince.
“You. Boy, get wine and be quick about it.” The young slave nodded his head, bowing repeatedly.
“Yes Mistress.”
*********************************
Dahlia crossed her arms over her chest as she moved through the Villa, occasionally snapping at a slave - demanding they get back on task. How dare Denna doubt the truth of her words. She had never lied to the woman; they grew up together.
She sulked as she trudged towards the food hall - letting out a small sigh, maybe she had overreacted. Denna was probably just trying to make sure of the facts before she confronted Darken.
She would apologize for her behavior after having her lunch - they both needed to cool down.
A large, calloused hand came out of nowhere, clamping hard over her mouth - taking away any chance she had of screaming for help. The arm that wrapped around her waist was hard and muscled, a metal point dug into her side from what she presumed to be armor.
She struggled.
Tried to make as much noise and commotion as possible, praying to the Gods that someone would hear her.
She managed to sink her teeth into the flesh of her attacker's hand - he grunted in pain and threw her from him. The moment her head connected with hard stone she knew she was not going to get away. He glared hard at her, nursing his wounded hand - a steel capped boot connected with her ribs and Dahlia yelped, curling into a ball only to be yanked up by her loose hair.
"You're going to regret that you little, Roman whore."
She let a scream loose that would cause even the Gods to flinch away. A fist connected with her mouth and her head banged against the cold stone again - the hand was back, gripping her throat, making it near impossible to breathe.
His free hand worked at his pants, shifting the tunic all Dragon Corp. wore - she cursed herself for rushing from Denna. She wanted to be back in the woman's arms, she wanted to be safe.
The man's hand was on her thigh now, forcing it up as she struggled against him. Tears rolled down her cheeks like a stream by the mountains after the first thaw.
He was too big.
Too strong.
Too rough.
She could not help but think of Denna's husband - when they lay together he was gentle and kind. He would kiss her as he kissed Denna - passionately and with love.
Not demanding and harsh, never forceful like this... beast.
He was not a man, there was no possible way the Gods would create such vile creatures.
As he forced his way into her body she knew D'Hara was a godless land. No God, no Goddess, no matter how cruel or vengeful would allow such a beast to roam free.
His grunts filled her ears and the stench of his breath over powered her sense of smell. She could do nothing but cry as he continued to thrust more and more frantically.
It was as though he was attempting to consume her.
She couldn't breathe, his hand was too tight.
Maybe she wouldn't live through his climax. At least she wouldn't have to deal with the aftermath.
And then he was gone - pulled from her.
She gasped for air as she slumped to the ground, trembling and sobbing. All she could clearly see was a deep, red. Screams echoed around her.
Silence.
"I'm going to lift you up, get you down to the Medicus."
She didn't fight the arms that lifted her, simply curled into her savior - shaking.
"I want my sister."
Her voice sounded so foreign.
"Alright."
Dahlia let out a small whimper as she hid her head in the crook of her savior's neck - tears continued to spill down her cheeks and onto a hardened, leather neck guard. She would have laughed if she hadn't been in so much pain - raped by a D'Haran and saved by a D'Haran.
*********************************
Garen had half a mind to turn and beat Demmin Nass further when she felt the woman's tears on her neck. General curiosity had led her down the hall - had she not recognized the feisty blonde from earlier she probably would not have stopped the man from satisfying his carnal urges.
"Are you ever going to tell me your name? I'd rather not get cracked over the head with another jug of wine for calling you slave girl..."
She felt the woman stiffen in her arms while she navigated down the hall.
"Dahlia."
Garen's chest tightened, she sounded so broken and helpless. As a Mord'Sith she was accustomed to the voice of broken pets, the sound of devotion to their Mistress.
This was a different kind of broken.
A different kind of helplessness.
Fire stirred deep within her and she pressed her lips to the top of Dahlia's injured head, ignoring the blood there. "You may call me Garen, I find it far more appropriate than Mord'Sith or D'Haran whore, though I am quite sure you favor that particular one..."
Dahlia's arms moved around her neck slowly and tightened a little; the Mord'Sith forced herself not to flinch at the contact - Dahlia needed this, needed to hold something.
All was silent save for the click of Garen's boots and the soft sob Dahlia did not manage to restrain. "You'll be safe with your sister soon," she cooed and the arms around her neck tightened in what she presumed to be thanks.
Nearly 10 minutes passed before Garen managed to locate the Dahlia's sister's "room" in the Gladiator dormitories. They were simple rooms, beds and an alcove to place their belongings; they even had blankets (save for the new recruits who had yet to earn the mark).
The blonde woman who had dispatched Mistress Nathair and Constance sat on her bed big enough for one - in her arms lay one of the slaves Lord Rahl was interested in bedding.
Her sister is the Champion of this ludus? This does not bode well for Nass...
Garen stood there, unsure of how to draw the woman's attention as she listened intently and with complete fascination to whatever the slave was saying.
*********************************
Cara frowned as she brushed her fingertips down Kahlan's arms, occasionally allowing her greedy fingers a pass through Kahlan's dark tresses. "My father kept our hands bound and forced us to Confess those who wished to challenge him or those he owed gold to...."
"The more you tell me about him the more I intend to kill him. Painfully."
Kahlan turned and smiled up at her Gladiator, "he couldn't touch me if he tried, I have you to protect me now."
Someone cleared their throat and Cara lifted her head, cursing herself for focusing completely on Kahlan (but honestly? She couldn't help it). Her stomach twisted - a Mord'Sith stood in the doorway holding a very abused Dahlia in her arms. Cara was off of the bed and in across the room in seconds - fretting over the girl she grew up with.
She failed to protect her best friend and little sister.
“Who did this?” Cara growled, lifting her hand to brush a few strands of hair from Dahlia’s face.
Arms wrapped around her waist and Kahlan pressed into her from behind, chin resting on her shoulder, “General Nass. I pulled him off of her.” The Mord’Sith was concise and appeared uncharacteristically nervous.
“Where is he now?” She fully intended to have Kahlan watch after Dahlia while she gutted the pig.
“He-”
Kahlan moved from behind Cara, “take me to him.”
Cara’s eyes snapped to Kahlan’s, frowning deeply, “Kahlan…”
“Trust me.”
The gladiator looked as though she was about to protest before nodding her head, gently pulling Dahlia into her arms (it took a few moments; she was practically glued to the Mord’Sith). “I’ve got you.” Cara cooed in her ear, cradling her gently as she moved further into her cell. By the time she managed to get Dahlia on her bed and covered up Kahlan and the Mord’Sith were gone.
Cara sighed and forced herself to focus on Dahlia - she moved around and grabbed what supplies she would need.
*********************************
Garen pressed back against the wall as the magic nearly became tangible - her bones pained her, muscles tensed. She watched, fear gripping her, as the slave grasped Nass' neck with a firm hand, a wind from nowhere blowing the woman's loose hair around.
She could feel it as the magic surged through the woman and into Nass - never once had she witnessed a Confession.
Nass fell to his knees moments later, staring up at the slave with unwavering devotion, "command me, Confessor."
Kahlan pulled her hand away slowly, looking down at him with rage and sorrow weaving together, "how many have you taken against their will?"
"I have not kept track, Mistress."
Garen gulped, watching as the Confessor bent at the waist, whispering something in his ear before straightening. Demmin scurried off down the hall, muttering about serving his mistress - Kahlan turned to look upon Garen, "escort me back to Cara's cell."
"What did you do?"
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"Justice."
*********************************
Kahlan smiled when she found Cara curled up next to the bed on the hard, stone ground, clutching one of Dahlia's hands with her own. She was still weakened from confessing General Nass, "I will stand guard." Kahlan spun and grasped the Mord'Sith by her throat, pushing her into a wall and kicking the door shut.
The Mord'Sith tensed.
"You will not utter a word of what you saw or I will confess my first Mord'Sith. Am I understood?"
A nod.
Kahlan released her and turned slowly, laying quietly behind her Champion - she wrapped her arm securely Cara's waist. Cara lifted her head and turned to look at her before settling back down, nestling back into Kahlan.
"How is she?"
"She'll heal with time." Kahlan nodded her head and brushed her lips against Cara's shoulder, closing her eyes, "did you..."
"He's been taken care of."
Cara let out a soft sigh, "what did you do?"
"Later. Sleep now."
A smile graced her lips as Cara obeyed.
A/N: Yayyyyy, a new chapter, all errors are mine - thanks to jolo_65 for serious aid, and to xavacid for being super awesome.