Port Cos, Turn 9

Garden District Parade of Happiness

There was good news spreading across the Garden District. With the absorption of the Slaving District being taken in by both the Valleran Academy and Brooklane, and the withdrawal of military minded Arian guards from the Port Cos borders, it appears peace has found a home in the Garden District.

The past hand celebrated 1 whole passing without any attacks or disruptions into the artistic avenues of the city.

In celebration of this historic event, several parades were conducted which transvered from the West Village, through Central through the stands of Theater Park and ending in Abby Lane, the last place of standoffs that occured during the Ostia Overthrow.

With peace talks having been concluded and a truce found between the good people of the Garden District and the Lakes of Ostia, it appears the citizens that reside among the central gardens will find an increase in productivity and work.

Market projectionist and upstanding Scribe caste member Alonzo Marsio was quoted as "predicting good economic turnaround for those that depend on their talents to make ends meet. A good relationship between the two districts could only benefit the overall public and the city of Port Cos in general. "

The Magistrate of the Garden District, Lady Deva Giselle, has only recently been spotted out in public again, after her horrifying ordeal with rumor has it, a Taharian Kidnapper. * No interviews have been granted though the lady has signed a few contracts with shippers to help increase support and add to the Theater district props coliation, There is confirmed news that the Lady and a relatively newcomer to the city, Lune Raven, have shared wine of companionship and are expecting their first child. This comes on the heels of a failed relationship with the Lady Magistrate to the former Arian Son, Furius Titanius, Who if one remembers was ran out the city by Lady Ostia of Lakes Ostia.

Overall, it appears that the Garden District is on the rise and is looking towards a bright future in the next coming hands!

On side note - We wish the Lady Ostia a speedy recovery from her attack.

*this information has not yet been established and can not be taken as fact.

Port Cos Struggle for Domination Turn 8

PORT COS NEWS

PEACE NEGOTIATIONS WITH COS ANNOUNCED
Senate tribunes and houses represented are invited to join diplomatic journey to Cos during the commencement of diplomatic negotiations between the cities of Port Cos and Cos. As there is no Administrator for Port Cos, terms of treaties and policies will be subject to senate voting.

OSTIA ATTACKED BY BANDITS!
Bandits attacked the coach of the Lady Ostia late last hand. The lady was shot through the shoulder with an arrow. Reception to her sick bed was held for one night. Ostia claims it was the work of men hired by Furius Titanius seeking revenge.

RENALDI HEIRS BORN!
Twin boy and girl were born to the Renaldi family and christened Valor and Vanessa Renaldi. The first to arrive was a baby girl crying out into the night. It was music to the ears of her mother. Next to arrive and reluctant to leave the comfort of the womb, was the Magistrate's son. Tiny fists were held clenched already in defiance of the world.

LUCIAN SIMON JOINED!
A companionship ceremony was held for Lucian and Bonnie Simon at the House Silver Stylus on the Avenue of Turia City of Ar. Agrippa Pontus and the Lady Ostia were in attendance.

CYRUS GENT ATTACKS LUCIAN SIMON
Cyrus Gent of the old fortress and Ar's station veterans brigade was witnessed attacking Lucian Simon in the park at end of hand. Cyrus Gent demanded the return of the east docks just prior to the attack. One of the Consuls slave girl was taken in the melee and is now in the possession of Cyrus Gent.

OLD VALLERAN ACADEMY TAKES CONTROL OF THE SQUARE.

BROOKLANE SCRIBES GAIN CONTROL OF THE EAST DOCKS

AR’S STATION VETERANS TAKE CONTROL OF SOUTH AND WEST DOCKS

Eating Tasta While Port Cos Burns

       Ostia took Mara to an elegant restaurant café overlooking the city. It was several floors above the slavers row which her mistress now controlled, through a system of leveraged loans, which the wealthy estates of Port Cos used to evict, and extort fees and levies from those who wished to stay in their family homes. Ostia was seated on a golden cushion upon an elegant high backed chair with ornate arm rests and pretty Mara had her own golden cushion for her little bottom. It was just dusk and they were there early. Just at the time they light the candles and the clouds fight with the sun.
       Well, it was such a lovely night and Mara had taken strands of her hair from the sides near her ears, and pulled them back to a small half pony tail atop her head, with a small ribbon tying off the hair, no bow just knotted, and flowing down in just two strands of deep blue ribbon. Her silks of course match, with a little bit of lace edging the straps and bottom. She kneels there by her Mistress, odd, not to be serving, but one can just be glad for the break.
       "This place looks, very elegant, my Mistress."
       “It is very elegant, look around, describe it to me, what do you see here little slave, and might I add that you are dressed very sweetly, for the occasion.”
       Ostia was dressed in red and black with an over bust corset that plumped her deliciously, but the bare skin of her shoulders was covered with lacy shawl and a fur wrap. Her hair was straight and down the side. A slave girl came out and brought them a tray of tea service and one was set in front of Mara too. A little bowl of sugar and creamer were there with the little silver pot of tea for them to refill from, and a vase with a tulip in it.
       “You may drink with me this is our dinner,” she told Mara before dismissing the girl.
       Mara is absolutely delighted by everything and she takes a look around,
       "I see a nicely set atmosphere with tables that are very well set up for service. The candles add a nice soft setting that makes it seem close to that night I had set the candles in the bathing room, very soft lighting. The paintings on the walls are done to add to it, with one that looks like, a sailing boat, or is that some kind of travel boat? And that floral one is very pretty, adding color. They have set it up very pretty, my Mistress. I see another woman over there, at a table over, and though she is not dressed as finely as you, she looks to be enjoying herself.”
       “Yes it is,” she finally answered. She took her time tonight and relaxed picking and choosing her words and motions very carefully. She leaned in and the light black fur gently swivels with her shoulders, teased around her cleavage and over lace. Her hands were careful with the tea, delicately perched on the handle, her other hand lift her veils just enough to reveal her soft full red lips that touched the little porcelain and sipped the tea ever so demurely.
       Down in the streets below the café they could see a gathering of people with banners and torches, beginning to form in the widest intersection between the buildings. Meanwhile, on the balcony a musician came out to play a flute.
       “I wanted to treat you tonight because you have really been such a good girl. Is there anything you haven’t eaten for some time that you have been craving my slave girl?”
       "Really?! Oh thank you my Mistress, this is the best treat ever." She wanted to kiss her feet, but she refrains and keeps her kneel. Thinking a moment as she ooohs and ahhs to the people down below, the balconies are amazing. Then the musician and Mara is entranced by the sweet tune played.
       "Hmm, I have not had, tasta or minced ice with flavoring in a long time." She turns a smile to her that loosely curled blonde hair caressing her shoulders where bare, as she turns her head left and right. She feels so special tonight.
       "Tasta for dessert then, and for your meal what about little cubes of verr with mint jelly, honey carrots and a little salad my precious girl?" Mollycoddled like an infant! Oh kings what would people say when they found out she were feeding her like a little princess. The crowd down below in the street was getting bigger and louder, even the flute was now mingled with the flute playing.
       "I wonder what that is down there?" she said lazily and idly while she luxuriates in the tea which was perfect for the warmth of the night air. The sun was now down on the river peeking through a thick cloud. Ostia crossed her legs and dangle her heel which was wrapped in a rudofksy with a little tassel on the crossover at her toes. A couple came out to the balcony and shared glasses of wine watching the sunset.
       "That sounds delicious, my Mistress. Yes, please. I have not had verr with mint jelly, well any of that." She responds softly, with that warm and loving smile to her. She tilts her head to the railing of the balcony, peering down at the people in the streets.
       "Maybe, there is some kind of riot or a procession?" Curiously she says, and then looks to her Mistress.. A push of of her breasts, tonight's silks fall with a low neckline that reveal more than half of her pressed together, breasts. Turning her head to watch her Mistress, the simple motion of crossing her legs, is enticing to Mara and she breathes in deep, slowly exhaling.
       "How has your day been today, my Mistress?”
       “My day was rather lovely as I am sure you know since you saw me sleeping almost the entire day and are just being nice to me I know. I bought you a little present.” Ostia told Mara and reached around to her other side, then pulled out a little box wrapped with paper by her mistress own hand. It had a little pink bow on it. Just as she handed it to her there was the sound of breaking glass down in the street below. The big crowd of people started marching and shouting a chant, something about better wages.
       Mara would whispery laugh at that,
       "But, my Mistress, just because you were in bed all day, could not mean you enjoyed it much. And yes, it was nice to see you relaxing for the entire day, my Mistress." Mara glances to the commotion and then brought her attention around at hearing her words, looking to the presented gift wrapped box and then to her Mistress' face, her breath caught in her throat.
       "A gift, I have only received a few and your handmade blanket was the best I have ever gotten, but another." She says with breathless wonder and she lifts her hands, a little shaky to accept it and look it over, reaching to pinch at the bow with her fingers, more toying with it, as it's so cute!
       "Thank you, my Mistress. I hope those people out there do not cause trouble." She says softly, but her attention remained on the gift and she held a breath in her lungs, as she starts to open it, being so careful, to not tear the wrapping, and then setting the ribbon aside, a little odd for her to keep it all?
       Neither of them seemed to care at all about the trouble in the street, more glass was broken and then a fire broke out and a big peal of black smoke lifted into the air and curved over toward the sunset which was orange. Up high, there was a big patch of blue in the sky where the sky was still lit up in the clouds. From out of no where a whole other group of people came pouring out of the alley shouting and yelling some sort of war cry. They were carrying big sticks like bats and wore yellow arm bands on their arms. They just poured out attacking the crowd of workers. The screams of women and children could be heard mixing in the violence.
       A slave girl came up and Ostia ordered them cubed verr with mint jelly, and sifters of flavored liquor with honeyed carrots and a salad. The flute player on the balcony played a happy snobbish little tune while Ostia bought dinner for herself and a slave girl, while below the people riot and the city began to burn. And inside the box she had given her was a pair of gold plated earrings and a shiny gold plated belly chain, and something even to put in her navel
       "My, ears are to be pierced, my Mistress?" And oooh, she lowers her hand and reaches to finger that belly chain, she cannot wait to put it on and that what is it, something to put, she tilts her head to the side. "They are beautiful, .my Mistress. I this,. Thank you so much."
       “You are very welcome my dear Mara.” she said softly as she watched the goings on below as if it were a parade.
       “A toast my dear slave girl, to us.” She said lifting the little glass to Mara and nodding to her to do the same.
       As she did this a horrific shouting roar was blistering through the streets below and men had mounted the roofs of the buildings throwing down burning pots of oil onto the crowd catching men on fire who careened through the streets like tops of flame. The firemen of the city came tearing down the side street ringing a heavy belly and shouting as the uniformed fire men got out the hoses and buckets. A phalanx of the cities military was seen coming down the street but they too were caught up in the melee and could not seem to disengage the gang members from the blood bath.
       “To our continued happiness,” Ostia said.
       Mara recloses the box and sets it right near her cushion, when that snifter came Mara lifts it up and sniffs at it and looking to her Mistress, The sounds she pushes out of her mind, she cannot hear it and will not listen.
       "Here here." She says softly, "and enjoyed company."
       “And enjoyed company.” She replied and tipped the sifter up under her veils drinking down all the heady flavors of the liquor in one little swallow.
       Down below in the streets the riot had gotten completely out of control and the fires were no better. The firemen tried valiantly to put them out with their hoses and buckets but it seemed like every time one would be extinguished another would start. There was now a clash of steel among the crowds As men fought savagely over their principles, some for rights some for vengeance, some for just the need for more food driven to the streets by the ravishes of poverty. The military phalanx was driving a wedge into the crowd as it swirled and rippled like an amoeba, a living organism of gangs fighting in the street. Giant plumes of water began to shoot up into the sky to fight the fires while the pillars of smoke lifted up into the beautiful sunset which the well dressed citizens in the balcony cafe celebrated with fine wines and rich food.
       “I think that tomorrow we should go for a walk around the lake, perhaps play a game of net and butterfly on the grass, or lawn bowling. we could wear white shoes.” She sighed as the liquor warmed her belly.
       "That tasted, pretty good, my Mistress." Mara watches her Mistress and then she lifts it to her own lips and tilts her head, drinking it all and her eyes widen as she lowers the glass, feeling it slide down her throat and she clears it quickly, tasting it and not at all used to it's taste, feeling it slide all the way down along within her. She sets the glass down to be taken when ready and she glances to her Mistress. A small turn of her head to look over the balcony and below, horrible, and Mara breathes in deeply, then slowly exhales it as she looks away, and rather to the beautiful sight of her Mistress.
       "Yes, or we could have a swimming race, .maybe." She says but with a lighter tone to her voice and the warmth spreads through her system just a little.
       After only two days in this city Gen had come to a conclusion. This place was messed up. First there was the "show" she had seen last night which was nothing more then the public use of a girl and now there was a riot and there was poor Gen in the wrong place at the wrong time. She had managed to duck into alleyways and stay away from most people. She had only been seen twice and both times she had managed to outrun or out hide her pursuers. As she headed down the street the back door to the cafe opened and the Kitchen master told her to take refuge inside. She figured it was better then staying out in the fires and violence so she quickly took him up on his offer hurrying inside. She was dressed in rather plain looking brown robes. her long hair flowing down to her shoulders. After leading her to one of the empty tables he went off to get her food. Nibbling on her lower lip she sat down deliberately avoiding looking over the balcony at the violence and carnage below
       Ostia turned her head to see they had let a commoner in the restaurant and she was rather put off by it. But she turned her attention back to Mara and their little party and then said,
       ”Mara you seem to have something on your mind lately, you don't seem very talkative. Was there something you wanted to tell me? Something you are worried about? up here on the balcony they exist with all this luxury and ease while the people of the city struggled just to get bread. Whether this was a food riot or a wage riot or a battle between the people of two opposing houses it was impossible to know but the noise of the fighting below continued to trickle up to them while the flute player lilt on in a merry way
       Gen's situation was unique She was just thankful that she was given refuge from everything going on. When the woman looked to her she nodded to her. What she was surprised about was how the two could be so calm.
       "How can you be so calm with everything going on?"
       "I did feel a little worried about below, just would not want anything happen to you. But, I am enjoying myself. And apologize for my not being as talkative.. I will stop worrying about what may not happen, my Mistress." She reached a hand up to tuck an errant strands of blonde hair behind her cute little ear, which may one day have earrings.
       “Would you like to put on the belly chain”” She was purposefully ignoring the commoner as the sound of the riot was going on below and the smoke filled the sunset sky. You could smell it just a little bit that burnt wood and death smell coming up to the balcony cafe but the owners sent out slave girls with little pots of incense to wave around in the air and chase the smell away. Finally Ostia turned to Genevieve and asked her
       “I’m sorry what do you mean dear?” just then the slave girl came out with their little salads in the expensive china plates and Ostia picked up her tines to begin to eat the greens that the people in the street below could not find in the market lately.
       She was very likely eating food now that the others down there would kill for. When she heard Ostia's response she looked at her eyes wide
       "What I mean? The riot? The burning buildings, all the violence going on. Aren't you at least a little worried? I mean what if someone decides to set this building on fire"
       “Oh its way over there,” She said because it was way over there, they could see it because they were so high up in the building its just the people. The meal itself was brought out and left for them. The china and the food itself in tiny portions of cubed verr with the bright green mint jelly. The carrots so bright next to it like a perfect color wheel. Ostia ate pleasantly while there was a full on clash of riot control and crowd below and the whole thing seemed to erupt again into a blowout.
       “Oh the salad was lovely don’t you think?” A series of burning oil pots were dumped on the crowd in the street causing a cacophony of screams.
       To be served, .is not something a slave could ever get used to, aside from what your owners give you and that is a precious gift in itself. So, she would thank the slave or slaves each time they did something with that bright and happy smile. She mmm'ed after the first bite and then stopped for a moment,
       "Yes, my Mistress, very lovely. I liked it and maybe I could repeat it sometime." She lifts her tea and sips it gently,
       She nearly fell out of her chair when she heard the screams of the people as hot oil was poured on them. She was definitely glad that she had gotten out of the streets even if she wasn't one of the rioters. She doubted that the soldiers would really pick and choose who they attacked now
       The sun went down and they dined extravagantly on fine food and drink while the city burned down below making their small talk and getting high in expensive liquor. By the time they brought the tasta they were both feeling very good and their plates were long pushed away. Ostia reclined half turned in the chair and rubbed her hand along the arm chair while she watched her girl with a smile on her face.
       “Well this was lovely don’t you think? She asked as the tasta was laid out for Mara alone like she was a spoiled little rich girl. Go head and eat it she purred behind her veils, the bill was brought and it was ridiculous how much it cost even for this place. All the prices were going up all over the city
       Hearing Ostia she nearly lost it on the woman. This is lovely? There was a riot going on. There were people suffering all around while this woman wined and dined and treated her slave to expensive food. She managed not to say anything though. To actually go off on the woman would be stupid. After all it was this cafe owner who was giving her sanctuary and a free meal and she didn't want to offend any of his patrons and for all she knew the woman might be his friend
       "Yes, this has been great and so enjoyable, my Mistress." Glancing to the tasta and then to her again. "You do not want any, my Mistress?" She lifts up the tasta by its stick and she slips it into her mouth. It has sweet syrup on it She slides it out of her mouth with a low slurp.
       “Thank you very much, my Mistress this is one of the best days ever." She slips the tasta into her mouth again and licks it.
       “Oh no I am perfect just as I am.” She did spoil the girl but what good was it to have such a good handmaiden if you couldn't spoil her and give her little baubles to decorate her with.
       “It is one of the best days ever isn't it? the perfect continuation of our hand. It really has been quite eventful hasn’t it? Our little outings in the carriage and all the people we met. I can’t wait to do it again all over.” she smiled then paid the bill and left it on the table.
       "It has been great fun this week, speaking to people from the carriage." She whispery laughs at the remembrance. "We would do it again? I cannot wait, my Mistress. Maybe tajah could come sometime. You have made carriage rides so much more exciting than they usually are."
       “Oh and with tajah they would be devilish wouldn't they?” Then Ostia lead her girl out of the cafe and took her down to the carriage to get a safe ride home to the grand villa on the lake far away from all the struggles of real people

Port Cos News and Updates

Port Cos News and Updates

Tal, to all of you who are passing through. Please pass this update on to anyone I have missed.

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Senate Vote on Administrator's Powers Inconclusive!
Western District tribunes abstained from voting

Q to the floor: The next administrator should have the right to sexual use of any one in Port Cos,
Yay, 16 Nay 21

Inconclusive

Q to the floor: The next administrator shall have the right to levy a one time tribute from all magistrates and district landlords,
Yay 20 Nay? 11

Inconclusive

Q to the floor, The next administrator will receive an oath of fealty from all magistrates and land owners upon seating,
Yay 25 or Nay? 6

Inconclusive

Senate will hold a re-vote on these and other issues in upcoming hands

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Deva Giselle and Meri Returned to Port Cos!

Deva Giselle and her companion Meri Lee (?) were discovered being held by a man in Ar by Deva Giselle's Brother Silas Giselle. They have both been returned, relatively unharmed.

Merchants Continue to Revolt in Market District!

Vandalism and outright violence continue to plague the Street of Brands and Market district.

Assassin Sighted in Port Cos!

A member of the Black caste has been sighted in Port Cos. No word on whether he is part of the band of assassins originally holding the old fortress or unaffiliated.

Distribution Warehouses Shut Down at the Docks!

Cyrus Gent and Damo Crotona have shut down the flow of good from the distribution warehouse at the docks. Prices are rising and shortages continue throughout the city. Rumor has it, they are demanding the rest of the cities land owners allow them to take over the market and Street of Brands district unopposed. If their demands are met the Crotona Union workers will go back to work at the locked up warehouses.

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Houses! Turn in your move orders for turn 8 asap!

Anyone who wants to be an author on the web site please email me.

All city info, maps, SL plots, and links to citizen blogs available on web site http://portcos.blogspot.com/

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Port Cos Struggle for Domination Turn 7

Post Cos News:

Titanius Clan offers sale on its leases.
The market district and street of brands in Port Cos were once again thrown into the unknown as the 7 tribunes assembled by Furius Titanius in Port Cos packed up their offices and moved to quarters unknown. The Street of brands district with it Cadres of roving ex military from Ar had become a contentious place in Port Cos. Once encompassing Bridgemont and Silk Street, the Titanius clan made their presence known in a series of clashes with neighborhood residents early on, extorting tribute and fealty from home owners with military efficiency.

Several hands ago, a conflict began with the incursion of Titanius militia into the southern district of Valleran academy. This move, combined with the pressure by Brooklane to regain the old academy building itself, put the Valleran Academy on the defensive while it expanded its staff to include the peasants of nearby farms.
This loss however, did not stop Torrin Graves of the Valleran from regaining the loyalty of his southern quarter in the following hands, in what seemed a coordinated effort with the scribes of Brooklane. Buoyed by his success at the Academy building now known as Claremont, Lucian Simon moved to imprint his philosophy on the people of Bridgemont with great success. From that time forward, the conflict sea-saw back and forth, with roving bands of Titanius militia alternately extorting loyalty from citizens, while patient charitable scribes spread bread and promises through out the arias and alley ways. Eventually, the militias won out and the Titanius clan expanded their power dramatically, taking over most of the market district and reclaiming the entire street of brands under their militaristic control.

Rumor has it that the Titanius clan was undone by a woman when in recent hands, the now powerful Titanius territory came under sudden attack by all of its neighboring districts, in a coordinated conspiracy that robbed the Titanius territory of Bridgemont and Silk Street, a blow that was softened however, by their expansion into the Brewery quarters. (More to that story in future additions.) However nothing seems to have foreshadowed the clans sudden departure from their holdings, which have left the center of a the city a virtual free for all for opposing magistrates trying to gain influence among the people, before the upcoming session of Port Cos's newly formedSenate.

More on this story as it develops, but what we do know now is that the newcomer Cyrus Gent had taken advantage of the situation to claim Main Street under the control of what appears to be retired veterans from the Ar's station conflict, brothers who we have long accepted as our own here in Port Cos. The wealthy land owners of the Lake Ostia district have curiously expanded into Slavers row, a development that many will be watching very closely.

Additional News:
Scribes lecture series in the brothels to reformed whores, interrupted by Crotona family goons. Lecture hall damaged, Sex workers left wondering who they can trust.

Welcome to Port Cos?

CorruptQuill: "I don't think so. There is wine already stocked at the house, and we can make juice from what we have here. I get regular meat and vegetable deliveries from the farms, and I told them in advance we'd be coming. The paper is also
CorruptQuill: delivered daily, so I can catch up on any news I may have missed." Putting the wrapped fish in the basket, and giving over the coins, it was then he heard a ruckus again. This time though, not just old friends in comradery. Someone
CorruptQuill: had been gouged with a supporter's sign, and a fist fight was breaking out. Dotty was so excited she was turning pink, and Henry was sending the Scribe a look that said he could take one two or three if given the chance. He was
CorruptQuill: itching for it clearly, popping his knuckles again. The Scribe took Nat by the arm to steer her out of the markets, and Henry went for it. Well, so much for the guard, and Dotty stayed behind to watch. Or pull some slave hair
CorruptQuill: herself, he didn't want to know. Just as they reached the edge of the market, he looked back. A cart had been toppled, and demonstrators in support of the Brewer were on the move. "Come on." Getting ahold of Natali's hand, he
CorruptQuill: crossed the street, and went down one of the alleys:
NataIi Lockhart: Alright, so Natali had a sixth sense. Her eyes had widened as the all the activities started turning south, and her stomach and chest tensed. Hand around his arms sort of turned into a grip of Scribe proportion and she looked over
NataIi Lockhart: her shoulder to see Henry doing what he does best, and Dotty getting in on the action as she could. All Natali could think for a moment was something about how that slave better not go and get herself killed. Nat paid good money
NataIi Lockhart: for her. Looking forward again as they went into an alley, her breathing calmed a little bit and she looked to Lucian. "Well that was.. exciting." Port Cos. This was going to be an interesting place, and for once Natali thought
NataIi Lockhart: it might be best she not wander out alone during their stay. -d
CorruptQuill: "Hmm, yes.." She had calmed down, but he had not. Because he knew where they were headed. The Market was in the Brewer's territory, and they were on the march in the same direction as the alley he'd just drawn Natali into. The whole
CorruptQuill: mass was on the way to the Street of Brands, now that Furius was gone, and the only way to reach the Brook Lane owned by the Scribe was by going the same direction as the mob. Limp aside, he forced his strides into longer ones, and
CorruptQuill: put a hand to Natali's back to hurry her along. Glances taken back now and again, because they had the whole breadth of the district to get through before safety was actually reached. More signs. And now voices upraised. Some in
CorruptQuill: song, about the Brewer himself, others in mutiny against what had been Furius's treatment of the people along the border. The cobblestones were uneven, so the walk was not as simple as it might appear:

NataIi Lockhart: Wait. Where were they going now? Her brows lifted, then came together in concern as she listened to the voices and songs and all that coming from before them. And Natali nearly dug her feet into the ground to a stop, his
NataIi Lockhart: hand getting pressed back as well in this. Lucian's steps were different. A stride Natali did not know and she looked to the mouth of the alley in front of them then over to Lucian. Breathe Natali. Breathe. Samuel will be there
NataIi Lockhart: when it's all done. He was probably sitting in a room right now waiting for a book. Just.. walk. Right. Her chin lifted to help down that swallow that was sort of stuck in her throat before starting up her stride again. Uneven
NataIi Lockhart: pavement. Lots of noises. Lucian walking funny. Angry people. Drunk people. Not Scribe people. Her lower lip dissapeared under her teeth and she did all she could not to lower her eyes to stare at her feet. Breathe and go in
NataIi Lockhart: the direction his hand pressed her towards. Check. -d
CorruptQuill: His leg hated this pace, and it wasn't ordinarily one he could keep up long, but if it was the difference between leg pain later and maybe getting taken down by the crowd, he'd choose the former. Natali had stopped, and he looked
CorruptQuill: back in the direction they'd come, the mob having gained people as it swept through the market, and the distance was only about a block between where they were present and he stood with Natali. Moving his hand from her back when she
CorruptQuill: began to walk again, he suddenly opened a doorway off to the right, and pulled her in after him. Pitch black, inky darkness, and stale air. But soon after the swell of humanity pushed by with knocks on the brick wall outside, going
CorruptQuill: through in a tidal wave, that only trickled to nothing after about five ehn. His basket set down, and drawing Natali toward him so her back was to him, his hand clamped over her mouth-veils and all. Yes, welcome to Port Cos:

Port Cos Struggle for Domination Turn 6

PORT COS GAZETTE NEWS BULLETIN
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DAMO OF CROTONA VANISHES.
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WESTERN PEASANTS MARCH OF SOLIDARITY TURNS UGLY. PEASANTRY TAKES OVER WESTERN MARKET QUARTER.
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SCRIBES REBEL AGAINST TITANIUS INTIMIDATION, GAIN CONTROL OF SILK STREET AND BRIDGEMONT QUARTERS.
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CAMPAIGN SEASON FOR ADMINISTRATOR OPENS.
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FIRST PLENARY SESSION OF PORT COS SENATE CALLED. LUCIAN SIMON'S NAME RAISED AS POSSIBLE CANDIDATE.
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MORE HEADLINES TO COME.
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FOR ALL OF TODAY'S NEWS, NOW, WHEN YOU NEED IT, FAIR AND BALANCED ACCORDING TO SENATE PROCLAMATION, YOU'RE SOURCE IS THE PORT COS GAZETTE.

Mourning

Mourners flocked to the streets in the city's Brook Lane District recently, after news of the untimely miscarriage of the child potentially destined to be the heir of the Simon family legacy. For two nights Scriptum Praedium was surrounded by mourners bringing flowers, notes of sympathy, and burning candles in memoriam. Spokesperson for the family was said to have commented, 'It is quite a blow to the family, but they are appreciative of all the deep love and consideration shown by the district's citizens. We encourage donations to the academy in lieu of gifts'.

Zamalan Simon, one of the Old Academy's most notorious and beloved Head Masters, made a name for himself in Ar during the Cosian invasion. His time there was said to have been marked by considerable brutality, his methods called into question by several of the members of the well-known Circle of Scribes. Speculation about his alleged death remains to this day. No body was ever found, despite his descendents remaining in the city long after his disappearance.

Several of the family members, and those of the related Carnala family, have regained control of key districts here in Port Cos amid escalating violence. Our sympathy goes out to the family.

The Festival Kicks off!

"Mother! Mother! " A little boy knocked her robes in his mad dash between the billowing penants and colorful tents as he ran through the tent thouroughfare, one hand clutching a shining glistening candy on a stick. "oh! Sorry, Lady..." The mad dash was temporaily halted as he realized what he just accidently done. Forcing his race to a standstill long enough to apologize, she was able to get a better look at the young boy. He didn't look to be over ten, perhaps eleven years old. His clothing was of a simple white tunic, half laced up in the front and half tucked into the small leather breeches he wore. His feet were bare, probably better to run in and with the warm weather she could only imagine what a struggle it was probably for his mother to even get him to wear a shirt much less shoes.

"It's quite alright.." She remarked with a smile. The boy did take time enough to flash back a smile before dashing back off again, heading for a veiled and robed woman that was standing some distance ahead by the tent of Shania the Potter from Seventh Street.

The Festival had officially kicked off. The tents that lined the residental streets of West Village dotted the normally very green area with splashes of blues, red, purple, yellow, and white. Stripes of orange and black banners hung down from tall entrance signs proclaiming the Festival dates, from today till the end of the hand. Half of all street sales would go to the benefit of those misplaced by the lost of East district to the Avenue of Coins during the recent upheaval.

Strolling between early morning festival goers, she stopped by one of the many tents that was set up in an effort to sell some of the discounted work of a painter. Some of the portraits on sale were matted works of art while others were framed and ready to be hung. She admired one of the larger pieces that was of the famous Port Cos ship the "Venzu" that was docked in the harbor. The ship had been used during a scrimmage with a band of pirates that for some reason got the idiotic idea to challenge Port Cosian sailors that were running a trasport of expensive black wine beans. The battle had been the last for the pirates and afterwards the ship had been docked and since not been used. It had a bit of a history for the city and there had been some talk awhile back of opening the ship up to tours but no one had made the step forward to offer the coin that would restore the ship to it's former glory, but it still was beautiful to see in the harbor. The painting had been done with magnificent colors of pastels...with the slightest hint of red in a sunset backdrop. It was very good and a steal at the price marked.

Glancing to the back of the tent she saw a young male lurking behind a white table.

"You do this...?" she inquired with a gesture of her hand to the work on the easel.

"Mmhm..Yes, Lady. It's of the Venzu" He remarked as he came closer, almost bashful in his manner of having his work discussed. He didn't look to be over twenty one, twenty two.

"It's quite good.." She said, glancing back to the painting.

"Thank you..." No doubt he often received compliments for his efforts, but compliments didn't pay bills.

"Package it up and send it to House Red Tarn."

The expression on his face looked to be one of surprise, then quickly shifted to a nod and smile. "Yes, My Lady....I will have it sent this morning.."

"Very good. " Then turning she wandered away and deeper into the Festivies.

Ostias wild Ride

Ostia had been going to see the Tharlarion at the Thulman estate, they were great breeders of thoroughbred Tharlarion like the kind a Lady might ride during her sport hunts or out cantering along the green of her estate looking for the goats Agrippa said were out there keeping the lawns short. She was a great equestrian, or as the Goreans called it, Sauridian. And even if she weren’t she would still go out wearing the light brown riding leathers and boots with the little merchant suit top and helmet with veils. It was one of the many outfits you could wear a cloak with and call it a robe!

Ostia was standing at the gate waiting for the chaise to come for her so she could drive up the road onto the estate and see the stables. The Chaise - Also known as a ‘one Lizard/Suaria shay’, this vehicle has an ingenious suspension system, which accounts for its popularity among the higher castes as both transportation and collectible luxury. The body is suspended on leather straps, called thorough braces, and the seat is mounted on wooden cantilevered springs, making for its “comfortable” ride. The weight of the occupants is over the axle, making the vehicle well-balanced and easy on the Lizard/Suaria. While she wait, with her faithful charming handmaiden mara tied up to a post, with her little silks pulled up baring her most Gorean of parts, the beautiful lady Deva came to meet her, responding to her letter earlier that they should meet and try to settle their differences.

Delighted to meet her there and at last discuss their issues, Ostia and Deva got into the carriage together and mara was stuffed under the bench. To say that the ride on the shay was uneventful would be a terrible oversight. It was lovely and mild with effortless laughter and frivolity! Mara might suggest that the shay nearly crashed several times along the way teetering from one big wheel to the next, when Ostia whipped the tharlarion, and drove it down the road chattering away as if there was nothing to the careening speed. Mara might disagree that there was nothing to the bursts of dusts that she set along the estate private road, but mara was just a slave! Who would listen to her anyway? A scribe called Meri might erroneously say that she was nearly killed when they stopped to pick her up. Some observers at the stables might mistakenly observe that their heads were nearly chopped off when she pulled it into the stables.

But the conversation along the way had been very satisfactory to Ostia, surely that was what was important about their little ride? Her and Deva seemed to strike up a lovely friendship, despite the strange way that Deva screamed sometimes while they were talking. They promised to vacation together soon, in a little sporting hunt out in the game grounds of the Torwood grove beyond the Toll road. After that Meri and Deva decided to take another shay back to the plaza and Ostia was worried about them because they looked very pale and might be sick.




Then she bought the grey male and some of his sire, the one they had watched humping in the stall with the big lizard member, which is really something everyone should see at least once in their life time. She named him Herman, and then spent two days buying costumes and saddle tack for the upcoming hunt. As well as a Herlit which she named mara but couldn’t get to hunt and was very heavy on her arm and didn’t like her as much as she wished it would. Everything was going marvelously.

The Port Cos Map Drawing Shop is Open

Need a map drawn? Plotting trouble against your neighbor and want to show your ally what you need them to do? well look no further friends then the Port Cos Cartography Store!

For a very low fee, the Port Cos Cartography Store will take your hand written move strategy and turn it into a shiny new map which you can share with all your friends. We can even design maps showing fake plans to your enemies so they are totally off guard when you betray them and make them cry.


(if you have an idea for a move strategy and want to show it to someone send it to me and I'll mock it up and send it back. Also if you have photoshop and some skills I can send you the map file.)

Ticker Tape Parade

The western district was alive with a ticker tape parade cutting through Center Street. Magistrate, Valentin Renaldi and his companion, Persephany Nite Renaldi acted as Grand Marshall to the events. The orphan's choir was heard to be singing, "Ding Dong the Karian is dead!" The festivities went on well into the night with thousands of flaming arrows being shot from the walls of the old fortress all to the loud cheering of citizens.

Festival of the Arts

The Magistrate of the Garden District, located in Port Cos
would like to recruit any interested artisans wishing to
present their works at the upcoming Festival of Arts to please
send her a scroll and include name, medium they work in and
what times they are able to participate.

The Festival will be one week long and we need vendors
selling art and creative projects. We need people willing to
perform shows and exhibits if possible.
Ideas include Caricature portraits, Fire Shows, Dancing
Slaves, Quick draw Knife Throwing Show, Poetry Readings,
Plays, Demonstrations of Pottery making etc.

Artists Against Ostia

Standing before the open window of her private chambers which overlooked the Street of Talender, she watched the clusters and groups of people pass by. It had been like this for the past two hours. An endless parade of signs and chants. There had been reports already received that clusters of street artists from both Abby Lane and Central tried to claim back terrority that had been swallowed up by the rich and powerful Ostia District. This was met with well financed resistance. She had anticipated such a outcome happening but for the sake of the struggling artists now trying to feed families from their small sells of cameo work and commissoned pieces, it was unlikely. They simply didn't have the experience to take on such a powerful opponent. It was indeed a sad situation and she as Magistrate was suppose to try and remedy this and make it all better. But how? She had the collective conscious of Artists groups, including the largest of the SFC, which had just only organized a single hand ago and was already up to fifty members, banging on her door daily. What was she going to do to make this better? Turning back to her desk, she picked up her paper and glanced at what she had signed. It was a permit to hold a Festival of the Arts in West Village. Half the proceeds from street sales would go to those that had lost something during the Ostia Overthrow.

Port Cos Struggle for Domination Turn 5

Click here for Turn 5 results






















Reporting to you today, for the port Cos gazette, sasha the slave who sees all.

It looks like another exciting week in Port Cos, the tables are turning, the people of the city are winning, or are they losing?

Top stories are as follows:

Earlier in the week we had details of a possible truce between Garden Valleran and Lake Ostia, by newer accounts those rumors are untrue,. Do not worry, the old source has been flogged and will not be giving us information anymore. The lie was put to these rumors when a surprise demonstration from the Gardens upon Tarsks West occured sometime during the night. Citizens from Tarsks East managed to disrupt the demonstration by the people of the Gardens. Gold district has been weakened due to this, but shall it still prevail? And what of Lake Ostia holding onto the truce regardless? Anonymous sources were quoted as saying, “We were wronged and still keep strong!”
Latest reports also reveal also that the Valleran Academy joined the gardens in trying to grab control of Lake Ostia holdings. Hooded scribes slipped through and halved support from Copper to Silver with offers of free legal services.

With the disappearance of Dominick the Brewer, the merchants caste appeared rudderless in the Market District and Titanius clan has gained control over North West Market. Will the reappearance of Brewer bring back hope to regain this territory? No matter of this fall, his other quarters remain steady. The Titanius clan also wrestled back control of Bridgemont from the Brook Lane faction, will Lucian try and retaliate or try to find some truce with Titanius? It seems while losing the battle for defense of Bridgemont, it may be due to an infiltration of scribes being pushed from South and South East of Brook Lane, down towards the East of the Docks. The Dock workers of the Crotona family did not take to their scribes offers however. Will the Crotona family try and regain some of its lost senatorial influence due to this attack? As in our earlier report, when one seems to be surprise attacked, do not underestimate, hmm?

Ah, but now it seems we have news of the Crotona having attempted to push out those despicably, vile Karians! To no avail has this turnout come, the Karians held their own. Boooo!!!!!!!! The Karian menace made a serious effort to push out the peasants in the west Old fortress but the interference of dock workers in the street fight of wayward cobblestone gangs broke up the attempt leaving the west old fortress in Renaldi hands.

SUICIDE
Perhaps as a consequence of this failure rumor has it that Junt, the Karian leader was seen committing suicide at the cliffs! No one knows for sure why any Gorean man would choose to die in this way and we may never know the reasons.

Agrippa Moves to the Pharos

The old house on goat hill just started to have too many memories for him. He wasn't yet willing to sell it, but now that Lola was gone, it was haunted by the memories of her laughter and worse, the way it had faded. The loss of cute was not a laughing matter. He had a deficiency of cute and it needed to be fixed. So it was euphemistically appropriate that he should move into the Pharos, where the most of the barracks for the detachment was on the lower floors. From the three floors the Over watch commander customarily held, beneath the massive fires over head and hoisted a hundred and fifty feet over the city, he felt like this was the way it was supposed to be, a sort of destiny. Remote, seeing but not touching, he drank his beer in the wide rooms with their rail-less balconies, and contemplate the future. The Pharos rooms were always lit from over head with an orange glow from the pyres, and the constant flow of Tharlarion oil or coal oil soaked wood kept a lot of people in Port Cos in business. The people bringing new furniture up the multiple steps and ramps were never happy when they got to the 25 foot across circular room he spent most of his time in.

He and the scribe slave were spending time together. Her demure nature pleased him and filled a little peaceful gap. At the same time he found his crueler side assuaged by abusing glory, whose death he feared, by his own hand, was edging ever closer.

"Take a letter," he snapped at the blue silks brunette.

"Be advised, Consul calls for the formation and meeting of the Port Cos senate. A single representative of every quarter in Port Cos will be called to represent their district. Senate meeting will be held in the council hall under guard. The Senate will convene as soon as an agenda can be devised. Any agenda items to be placed by district magistrates should be messaged to this office as soon as possible. Signed, Agrippa Pontus, Consul." When the scribe slave had taken the letter down he checked it and signed it beneath her words. Then he affixed the seal and sent the scribe slave down to the messenger caste office in the Pharos and turned back to the balcony to look over the city.

"Here we go." he said, resigned.

A life on the line....

The woman, Shana, one of the physicians in the city was awakened in the middle of the night by two slave girls and she curses as she wonders why did I take this caste again? Grumbling, she got dressed in her green layered robes, not even bothering with a veil, they want to collar her ass, then so be it, let people die then, go ahead! Quickly grabbing her supplies, which is all in a small chest, kept ready on her hallway table. One of the girls, a brunette in red ((sasha)) grabs her hand to rush her along. The other girl((scribe slave)) eager as well and seeming frightened, both of them did. Her guards follow and she sends one of the three to go and fetch her assistants. Telling him to make it quick, a life is at stake, correct? She shakes the girl's hand off and rubs at her sleepy eyes.

"Slow down girl! I am coming, you remember that I was sleeping!" She says curtly, really not liking to be awakened at all, she had made her rounds at the clinic and was not asleep for what, she looks to the night sky and how the stars are positioned, 3 hours! Oh Kings, this better be life and death, some people exaggerate a paper cut, for Priest Kings sake! Though she will admit, they do sting like a gitch.

Dragged, well taken almost clear across the city, okay not really but when tired, one's mind tends to erm..... exaggerate, haha. Slippered feet bring her to the inn, oh of all places and she hopes it is sanitary. She ushers the girl who had practically dragged her, inside and as she looks around, a lot of people about. Then she saw the body and the girl urges her over.

"I hear you girl! Calm down, you hear me now stay out of the way! Dear Priest Kings, what happened here?!" A woman ((Nightly-sorry didn't catch name of her)) and a man ((Furius)) were trying to keep the man's blood flow to a minimum.

"A girl can help you, Mistress, she has had some training" sasha piped up and watched as glory, she was here! and scribe slave were called away by Master Agrippa, safe haven it seems and she smiles, but then frowns as she looks to the Mistress and Master Valentin, her tears had dried for now.

"Thank you both for your trying to help him, it is greatly appreciated." She looks haughtily to the girl, who kept pestering her to hurry hurry and not having appreciated it, but, she gives her some leniency the girl was just worried for her Master, or so the woman believes.

She then moves to kneel, blood or not it did not matter and reaches to her medical chest, throwing it open and taking out gloves to protect her hands and from infecting the man's wounds. "What do we have here?" She starts to pull away the cloths and her assistants would get everything ready at the nearest clinic, she could trust her guards to follow her orders, the other two waited just inside of the door to the inn.

"Girl, get me some basins of water, harta!" The girl ((sasha)) rushes to her feet and she hears the man groan in pain, well his vocal chord is not cut, that is a good thing. She inspects the wounds, his throat first and tsks, must be a sword the wound is long, but did not hit his jugular. "You are a very lucky man." She assures him, regardless if he can hear her.

She then looks to the girl who returns, "Do you know how to make poultices?" As she shakes her head, Shana sighs. "I will show you when the time comes." She points to her chest, not wanting her bloody gloved hands to reach within. "Take out the green herbal powder, it's there to the small pouch in there, then I need you to get a bowl and put some of that water you brought into the bowl and mix it with half of that jar, harta now!" As the slave scrambles to do her bidding, the woman moves to root around in her bag with her elbows, good. The man is turned to again and she assesses the other wounds, one at his side and his mouth is a mess, dear Kings... what does the other man look like?

"When done with that, take the tuber leaves and put them into another bowl with some water, it will be come a thick mass." She takes the green herbal mixture from the girl and then starts to rinse out his wounds, speaking to the man softly. "I am here to help you, Sir. Just listen to my voice and keep focus as best you can." If he can hear her, great! If not, she is just doing what she does best, healing and bedside manner.

"This man needs to go to the clinic, once I have cleaned and stanched the bleeding." One of her assistants, a harried young woman who rushes over, telling her everything is ready back at the clinic. She tells her to head back and be sure to have some of that blood ready, the man will need some.

Wounds cleansed and she looks to the girl. "Now take that mixture and distribute it on several cloths, then hand them to me one by one." She wishes she could have taken care of this at the clinic, the better herbs there, ka-la-na root and tassa powder, but she will be able to tend to him better there, just needing to take care of the largest of the wounds. "Forget several, get me two cloths girl! I need to get him to the clinic fast."

Quick patch bandages are set to his smaller wounds, she will have to set that jaw too, glad the blood from his mouth had ceased, but she would put some of that coagulant on any wounds. Once handed the poultice, she sets it to his throat and then the other to a large deep gash on his chest. All of this taking about half an hour or so.

"Blankets! Several of them and guards, guards to help carry him out!" She shouts to them, the girl knowing to do her bidding or she would be smacked for not, she has been good so far, so Shana would feel a little bad for hitting her. Guards came bumbling in, her two did not help, knowing their duty is to protect her. "Put the blankets together, make a cot and then we will put him on it, carefully." She pulls off the gloves, all she can do for now is done, the gloves turned inside out and set into her chest, the blood kept in the enclosed space. "Girl put the rest of my supplies away and hand the chest to me. Come, we need to get him right away to the clinic, no dilly dallying!" She then moves in a swish of green robes, but stopped by a man and he hands her a jar of..... Priest Kings salve, how in the... She asked him, but he refused to say, instead something cryptic came out and she was puzzled, but she would tell the injured man.

"Wait Mistress! Wait, please!" She rolls her eyes, oh for the love of..... She turns her head, then looks to the guards. "The clinic you bumbling idiots and hurry!" Returns that light brown gaze to the girl, impatience upon her features.

"A girl wishes to go with you, please! She will not be in the way, she can help you, please." sasha feels the need to be with him, everything in such chaos, but she figures he needs someone he knows if he wakes up, he may prefer to see his girl, but she did not want to see him hurt or dying and her eyes fill with tears.

"I have much needed help at the clinic, I do not need you there." She snaps and then she saw the teary eyes and so help her, she is not a total tyrant and she sighs, non too low, letting the girl know her thoughts in that sound alone. "Very well, but do not get underfoot or I will boot you out and be done with you. Too much trouble and I will gladly beat you senseless. Hurry on then, harta!" A shake of her head, light-brown hair with blonde highlights moving and she huffs, then moves to follow. Watching the slave girl take the man's hand in hers as she walks beside him.

At the clinic, the guards were trying to usher him in and Shana rushes up. "Oh do be useful you slave and open those doors!" She yells at sasha, who rushes forward letting go of Valentin's hand and opening the doors for the men. "I warned you, no getting in the way, now keep back and follow and do what I say, understood?" As she nods mutely, she moves past her and over to the hall, calling out for her assistants who have exam room 5 open, 2 and 4 occupied. She rushes in ahead of the men and goes to the sink, to wash her hands.

"I cleaned his wounds and set a poultice to stop the bleeding, we need tassa powder, kur fat, ka-la-na root and wylow!" Her assistants move around and she takes the time to check the man's other wounds, gloves slipped on like her assistants and she instructs the slave girl and another to do the same. She has the girl help her turn him to his side a bit, away from them, leans close, good good no wounds seems to be all front ones.((i forgot most of the wounds, sorry, improvising a bit)) Her assistants come back with the supplies and she began to work. "Girl get me more water in a large basin over there and cloths."

She starts at the throat, removing the poultice and cleansing it of the coagulant, tuber root paste and she looks it over. The water brought and another empty basin is set beneath her near her feet as she cleanses the wound with the water. As she reaches for the ka-la-na root, that had been soaked in water, she then starts to move it over his wounds, carefully and her assistant in the meantime starts spreading numbing salve around the outer skin of those open gashes, so he will not feel the pain of suturing. "No need for the kur fat, I changed my mind." She waves off her other assistant, a young man with sandy hair. "Get some kanda leaves incase he wakes up. You didn't mix the tassa powder, did you? Good, put it away, but set up that blood transfer immediately, before he dies of the loss."

Once the wound cleaned and she glances to the slave, "Go outside and we will get you, take off the gloves before you do." As she seemed heistant to leave she barks out. "Harta! There is no time for games." Once she is gone, she takes the needle, that has been sterilized and a red thread already set through it, she uses long tweezers to close up the inside damdage first, once that is done, she inspects her work and then takes a new needle and starts to sew up his neck skin itself. "Set a bandage to that."

Moving along she starts to suture up his body, the chest, head and side wound and oh look, another wound that he had and it looks like it opened. So, she takes care of that one too, threaded needle given back to her each time. She sat back and everything is set up, a needle in his arm for fluids, the other for blood. "We need to keep on him all night, his injuries are bad. Dennis, go get a trained slave, I think I saw one earlier and tell her she will need to stay with him and we will keep watch here. You two did fine, thank you go on home. I will keep the vigil. I just need to set his jaw and we shall just hope."

As soon as they left, she walks over to a table and pulls out the drawer thinly beneath it, pulling out a bit of metal and she walks back over, setting it on the narrow table near the bed. She pulls up a stool and looks over his face, reaching to open his mouth with newly gloved fingers and hmm, seems he is missing a tooth or two and she feels around, coming out with no blood, but she needs to get someone else to look at it. For now she sets his jaw in metal to keep it steady and he would barely be able to talk, looks like it was just dislocated. She swipes top of forearm across her forehead and sighs. Well, she has done all she can and she removes her gloves, taking the ones out of her chest nearby and disposing of them. She then looks to the slave she sent for. "Clean this up, you and I will be staying and keeping watch over him." The girl nods and moves to start her duty.

Shana walks to the door and looks out. "Okay, you can come in, but do not and I repeat, do not touch his wounds. If you cause him to move in anyway the stitching will be undone and then I will be using your body for my personal table as I do jobs, understood? Good, I am going to get some things and be right back, that girl there, she will be able to help if he wakes up."

sasha jumps from her sitting, knees to her chest and she nods to her, moving inside and slowly walks over, reaching to take his hand, but she pauses and then does anyway and holds it as she kneels by his bed. She cries and wishes she had jumped in front of that blade for him, she is just a slave after all and she closes her eyes.

The woman came back in and asked who he is, then she sent word by guard to let his family know what has happened and where he is.

The good thing.

Sadness is a wall between two gardens.

- Kahlil Gibran

The only good thing to come about from the take over of the East Artist section of the Garden district was the fact that the fellow artists that now took in the refugees from the outbreak of violence were inspired to create.



An overemotional band of people had suddenly needed an outlet to release these feelings they were experiencing over the loss of their homes, gardens and businsses. The CenterPiece Park located in Central area was filled each day with clusters of artists creating, discussing projects and the new things they were developing, all because of what had been witnessed by the brassy push of the rich men in the Avenue of Coins or as some started to refer to it "The Ostia Overthrow". It was already receiving very negative press by the grass roots papers that floated by between hands of scuptors, painters and writers that stayed in the Garden District.



While there had been no reported deaths from the fighting and destruction that had resulted the night the strongarmed men hired by the rich had jumped the walls into the East, it was slowly becoming apparent that those that had been there that night wished they had showed more force and not kept to their normal pacifist ways.



The only good thing indeed was the sudden surge of creativity that always erupts when things of this nature happen. There was already a production being planned for the Revival Playhouse, a working title..

"A tale of two worlds.." Supposedly this was to be the Playwright Garpo's great comeback. There were already tickets being sold.

"The Lake Ostia District."

Initially, she lived in an apartment by the docks until something could be arranged and when it was, she was oh so excited to move into the villa in the Avenue of Coins. Certainly, the sizable investment she had made in the cities banks to procure such an estate was worth it, when she saw the massive villa on its sprawling lot, near the lake. She settled in immediately with her seven house girls, one kajirus taken from the city prison, her handmaiden mara, her first girl and assistant trainer ashley, a barbarian girl in training, and another slave, who was in a crate, and whose name she had forgotten, along with which room of the 72 in the villa they had put her in during the unpacking. Oh well.

Just as soon as she moved in she began to explore the city, its beautiful artist’s districts, its illustrious singer the lady Persephany, who she had over immediately with her companion Valentin. But soon after she began to hear the rumors, and then being Ostia, began to dig for them herself. It seemed the bohemians in the gardens were set on controlling the guards at the toll road, possibly through wine and music and drugs and sex, and seeing as how there was little or no sight of the tenants to the north, she was suspicious that something must be afoot. Meanwhile, the homeowners association began to look to Ostia for guidance with their schemes. You see the Avenue of Coins, or as Ostia was beginning to refer to it, the Lake Ostia District, was a mere 50 wealthy families who were used to running things in Port Cos before the troubles began. They were insanely upset about the problems lately, as every upheaval seemed to hurt their estates and holdings, making it harder to employ the peasantry who they allowed to stream through the checkpoint gates in the mornings, do the menial labor during the day, and then deport every night in long lines at the city walls. They insist that Ostia help them to expand their estates, and clean out the beatniks who in the south east so they could open more checkpoints to the city and not coincidentally, gain control over the real estate.

“The red one mara!” Ostia called from the vanity to the spacious closet where mara was getting lost. “I have to look just right from far away! at the naming ceremony!” Earlier in the hand members of the bankers caste had come to the garden district and insisted that the squatters there either pay vacate or be evicted. Ostia had made sure the areas tribune was paid off handsomely to represent her in what would be known as “Tarsks West” A tribute to the Avenue of Coins old name. “The Lake Ostia District.” She sighed, and smiled into her massive vanity mirror. She pursed her lips, turning the beauty mark side of her face to the mirror, gave herself a sultry look, and then hurried to get dressed for the ribbon cutting.

It was no picnic....

It had started out as such a delightful evening in the park...cooling off in the stream, our picnic basket close at hand with yet another bottle of some of the finest vino in Port Cos. Deva and her girl arrived and we chose to take our little party back to the house, you know more drinks and fun. The fun AND the picnic was way over the moment we arrived back home. There on the door step like yesterday's trash awaited a vile man, Murker Junt, and with him came a few sacks of Kings only knew what. He demanded an opportunity to speak with Valentin bravest of all men who walk the face of Gor mind you. Apparently Junt thought to prove a point by producing for all of us to see the still corpse of a little boy. I thought I would die right there on the spot and surely I would have ruined my hot pink slippers vomiting all over the door step. Do you know how embarrassing it is to retch in front of company with such delicate sensibilities as Deva? And here I had just invited the man into my home for cupcakes, those with the pink cherry frosting I had just baked that morning. Instead of appreciating ME the songbird for my hostessing skills, the man shows me a dead body. I say that is to be the most rude conduct of a guest I have ever heard. Naturally, my beloved Valentin who can be slightly high handed at times, this I do admit, promptly sent me, Lady Deva and sophia inside. I guess there must have been some sort of spat outside with all the yelling and foul words who could tell? I have one thing to say to that...that "Karian" stay AWAY from me you ungrateful man. I would rather feed your cupcake to an urt than suffer having you served in my garden!