Neflari was on the edge of the sands, dressed in in leather pants, one of the snug, thinner pairs, foregoing a top entirely today since it rather warm. He watches for a while as Athena works over part of the chain, with much shouting involved. It appears shi was back to normal to any except the lion who was close enough to see those eyes this morning. He could tell it would be a while before shi recovered from the recent events. As shi got into hir work, the lion slips away, leaving one of the pit slaves to take care of any simple needs while he was gone though it was unlikely the amazon would stop any time soon. He makes his way to the infirmary, a deep breath before he enters, calming some anxiety that had started as he inquires about the large female. It was time to begin healing for everyone involved and it was not going to be an easy path.

Arkuss <The infirmary was a busy place this day, with Athena apparently returning to hir brutal ways and Surrek being unusually aggressive with his spar-mates. When Neflari entered, a physicians assistant came to him and gestured to the far corner, nearest a window overlooking the training sands. Sitting in the bed, hands folded in her lap, wearing only a light infirmary tunic was the mysterious female. "She told me to tell you she wants to speak with you." Scratching his head, the mouse boy just blinked. "She told me that two hours ago though." With a nod to him, he rushes off to assist with a writhing crane, her legs and a wing snapped easily in a spar with the normally showy Surrek. The hyena went to taunt the lion but slunk back as he remembered something from yesterday perhaps. Turning from the windows, just as another shout of 'AAAAAHHHHTHHHEEEENNNAAHHHH!' went up, the female looked to the lion and offered a small nod.>

Neflari nods and thanks the physician, glancing towards the crane for a few seconds and a shiver running through him as he felt a bit sick in that moment, remembering Xian and the injuries he had healed. Though from what he heard so far, he had not been able to complete that process. He would find some way to finish healing the wren though. He would. The long shout only bringing a sigh from the lion, not worried about things becoming fatal like they nearly did yesterday but it was going to be brutal, no doubt. Well, one thing at a time. He goes to the corner where the large female was resting and apparently expecting him, not that it was a hard guess to make, looking a bit guilty and perhaps tired as he spoke. "Hello..."

Arkuss <Looking at the lion, the female nodded and offered the chair next to the bed. "It would appear that the House Second has found hir following once again." She spoke quietly, those eyes shining through the bruised face, her broken nose making it appear she wore a domino mask that was akimbo. With a low sigh, she shifted to face him more, that tunic embarrassingly small upon her torso."You feel as if you have weight upon you. You do not. I made the choices. I am here because of myself." She spoke clearly and he saw that red eye darken and the Flow opened up to him once again, centering upon him.>

Neflari looks at her as he takes the chair, relaxing just a little as he sits. "I suppose shi has. But I am not certain it is entirely a good thing." As she speaks further, he nods slowly, though the words seem to upset the lion more. "I..know. Hir fight with Bernak, the injuries to Xian, what happened yesterday...I know none...are my fault. I probably kept all those from becoming worse. But it still hurts...and shi hurts as well, even more than I." He feels that connection form, closing his eyes for a moment, letting it linger.

Arkuss <She notices the tension and hurt. "It was needed though, something positive should always come out of pain. No matter how seemingly miniscule. Do you believe in fate and destiny, Neflari?" she spoke ever quietly, those ears shifting upon her head, the injured one bandaged lightly. There was a movement of her hand and suddenly the Flow ebbed and shifted form the lion and to the struggling crane, his Flow piggy-backing  along the stronger Flow of this stranger. Closing her red eye, her thoughts went out to suffering avian. "You have a solitary responsibility Neflari, so see that Athena does not succumb to what you saw yesterday. I misjudged hir, as great cost to my being...and dignity." Looking down, her hands gripped the sheet firmly, the crane's thrashing ceasing as the Flow caressed and comforted her.>

Neflari he nods some, eyes still closed as the female spoke. "I suppose I do believe in them, in some fashion." He finds himself able to follow the Flow as it shifts and redirects, a bit of surprise in a corner of his mind at how clear the crane's condition was to him even without using a probing spell. "Yes, you are right. I already learned...last night. I will make sure shi does not succumb. Of last night...I am simply glad I was able to reach hir when I did. For hir sake as well as yours." He opens his eyes, a paw resting on one of her hands, smiling some. "I want to learn more...how to heal."

Arkuss <Letting out a little sigh, she let a little smile crease her lips. "Dear Neflari, you will learn to heal and much more I believe. But one cannot have two Mistresses. And you already have one, and she is most formidable." Moving a hand to softly grip his, she let out a sigh and the Flow shifted back as the crane seemed to be more calm and controlled now. "Just make sure that you learn what you learn for the right reasons. Remember the creed of the Chain: There is a difference between what is RIGHT and what is EXPECTED. That goes double when you move within the walls of the free people's villa.">

Neflari hmms and nods, letting himself follow the Flow again. "I have gained an idea of the importance in that. It is difficult for me...I do not take to such consideration naturally." As he felt the crane's presence touched by the Flow, drawing on a simple probing spell and finding a clearer response than he had experienced in the past as he checked her injuries. The extra from the female could not have an effect of quite this sort, giving the lion some needed confidence as his own abilities had apparently improved. For now the magic remained stable as well, hopefully his limit would not be a problem today.

Arkuss <Opening her eye, the orb had returned to its normal state, the Flow from her ceasing gradually. Outside another roar came from the crowd and she winced a bit. "She is well regarded by the chain. Not one would aid me, even though I asked repeatedly. That was not anticipated on my part." Looking back to Neflari, that green eye seemed to lock onto him while the red eye remained fixed. "Is there anything else you need to hear, Neflari?">

Neflari once understanding those injuries, he tried his effort at them, finding even easier than the last time as bones moved into place, setting well as he then attempts what he had also learned, triggering the natural healing to a more rapid pace. While not easy, the entire thing was not nearly as hard as it had been in the past. Thankfully it was fairly simple broken bones, even the wing had only suffered breaks in the main structure. He maintains access to his magic even as her Flow ebbs, though ceases actively using it once he was certain enough healing had been done. "You know...once we returned to eat dinner, that was the first thing shi asked: if I had wanted to help you." He smiles, shaking his head. "I answered honestly, perhaps a bit cold at the time. It was enough to make hir open up though..." He looks to that green eye. "I know you've been trying to help me...help us, really. I would like to know...why? And what exactly were you trying to accomplish yesterday?"

Arkuss <She thinks for a bit and then reaches out to stroke his cheek. "Fate and destiny. It is hard to explain, but she needed to be pushed and stopped in that manner. I do not understand it all myself, I am new to this portion of the Flow." With a heavy sigh, she closed her eyes. "I was taken in a savage way. I am in need of my rest. Can we speak more of this later?" she leaned back and released a deep breath, a light growl along with it. "I think there is another you need to see who is in more need of your kindness that I.">

Neflari mmms, losing himself in thought for a moment at that, leaning a bit into the strokes. He smiles as she speaks again, nodding. "Yes, I suppose so. I would enjoy speaking with you more later on. And...thank you. For everything." He stands slowly, stretching himself some as the female leans back. He felt...lighter, now though some weights remained upon him. "I have much to do still, for myself and hir. I do hope you heal quickly." He gives a last warm smile before moving to the doorway, a glance at the crane before he steps out from the infirmary and heads back to the sands.

Arkuss <The female nodded quickly. "Later, we will talk. You may have need of it more than I do. Thanks are not needed, just continuing to keep her where she needs to be. You are a good second, Neflari. And will be a great one in time." She then falls silent and rests back again. As the lion departs, Chain Boss Nerr enters, the giraffe's good eye looking him over sternly. "You need to take yourself the sands, second. Between Surrek and Athena, the Chain is quickly running out of participants." Moving aside, another five members of the Chain are brought inside, Nerr just shaking his head. "I am pleased at hir renewed aggression, but this is now out of hand. See if you cannot calm hir, before I do." A stiff nod and he turned to assist the injured and unconscious. Entering back onto the sand, the heat was higher and lack of wind caused it to hang heavily in the air about the sands. In one ring Athena fought a pair of lizard-men and a strange looking beaver like being. IN the other Surrek was finishing off his opponents, a rattling/puma/colt trio. Planting his foot into the colt's crotch, he smashed the young ones orbs into the dirt, glaring across the sands at the House second. Turning to looks at his empty platform, the zebra snorted angrily and walked to the water barrel.>

Neflari looking to Nerr he sighs again, though more a bit of exasperation than despondence. "I had hoped shi might take it a bit easy, but I suppose one cannot get everything they wish." He shakes his head. "I will see what can be done." He makes his way to the sands a little quicker than he otherwise might have, taking in a brief look at the two main fighters. Surrek got a sharp gasp from the lion with that last strike, making him very, very glad he was not a fighter. Spotting Athena, shi seemed occupied and it was best not to disturb hir in the middle of an active match. He would wait until this one finished, it usually took a moment between them to arrange new opponents and help away injured as well. Watching as the Champion's gaze moves, he notes those same things and moves to the water barrel as well, keeping an eye on the other fight. "I see you and Athena are keeping the infirmary busy today."

Arkuss <The zebra nodded to the lion. "She is renewed, that is good for the Chain. I was beginning to wonder for hir position, Bernak was certainly sniffing about for opportunity." Lowering the drinking cup, he paused. "You are quite in the midst of chaos young lion. Were I a believer, I would say you were cursed." The zebra forced himself to laugh, turning to watch as Athena ends hir match. "I want to hate her, but I cannot. I want hir to suffer as much as my Song, but I know that is wrong." He huffs loudly. "There is a shifting in the sands, I can feel it. Shi will come for me soon, there is no doubt." Turning to look at the lion, the zebra smiles wide. "It is the only thing I believe I truly have left." Moving back to his circle, Surrek passes Athena and the nod with respect to each other, the amazon seeing the lion, smiles wide. "Glorious day to be alive, Neflari. Glorious.">

Neflari laughs some as the zebra speaks. "I have heard of a curse from afar. 'May you live in interesting times'. Perhaps someone has indeed given me that. Or I'm simply fool enough to invite it." A small shrug given as the zebra finishes there and returns, smiling as he sees Athena approach then. He gets one of the drinking cups there, filling it and offering it to the amazon. "I suppose it is at that. Master Nerr has expressed concern about a shortage of fighters, though, between the two of you. The infirmary is rather filling up as well. I don't suppose I could persuade you to go a little easier on them for a while?"

Arkuss <Athena looks at the lion and grins. "I think I can manage that, but look at them, even the injured are in higher spirits now. I went to the edge and you helped me NOT to jump into the abyss." Shi rubbed hir shoulders with a small towel before taking a drink from the trough. Blinking, the amazon looked to the raised platform for Surrek. "His Song is not present, that must fuel his anger." Looking at the zebra, currently engaged in a dual threat of two humans, shi watched in silence, letting out several disappointed noises as the match went on, resulting in a victory yet again. Turning to Neflari, shi spoke softly. "Surrek is without his Song. His manner is off, they are too inexperienced to see and take advantage, but I know it. I see it. I wish I didn't but I do.">

Neflari mrrs and nods. "That would be good. I do see what you mean, it is a good change. But be careful..." He reaches over, paws resting against hir arm. "You still stand closer to that edge than you think. It does not go away overnight and I would hate to lose you...in body or soul." His gaze follows hirs, smile fading some. "Yes. I do not know enough to see those holes in his fighting but I can...sense it. It is not right..." He pauses for a moment then looks up to the amazon. "If you give permission, I would like to see if I might help Xian in some way...though I am not sure where she is now."

Arkuss <Thinking for an instant, the amazon nodded. "You have my permission to seek her out. I will be fine here, my line is small now do I will have to take my time so as not to end the session too quickly." She spoke with a partial truth, shi probably could not hold back as much as shi would need to, but it was a start. "If she allows you to, and you think you can, speak to her. If it would not serve to further the trauma, I would go with you." The amazon took another drink of water and placed the cup back. "Take as much time as you need, I will stop should I feel the edge approaching." shi leaned in and wrapped a hand about that feminine waist, hand cupping a cheek and squeezing before shi headed back to the sands>

Neflari he smiles again as shi grants him permission, a soft purr as he was embraced by the heavy amazon and given assurance shi would be cautious. As shi headed back out, the lion held a soft blush, watching that form move for a moment more. Finally he broke his gaze away, getting some water for himself before he leaves the sands, considering now where he might find the wren. He knew little about her and her habits, though being a House slave he was at least familiar with most parts of the complex. After several minutes he decides it best to just start out with the obvious, his first destination being Surrek's quarters.

Arkuss <As Neflari made his way back to the Chain quarters, finding out that indeed Xian was in Surrek's quarters, the slaves and servants also telling him that she was...not right. The lion would make his way to the room without further interruption. The heavy door was partially opened, and through the crack he would see the wren, still bandaged lightly about the head, mostly to protect the beak area and that left eye, a large patch and gauze present. She wore nothing, odd for the song indeed, the demure avian, her wing hand folded in her lap as she stared at the blank wall across the room, seemingly ignoring what went outside the window>

Neflari working his way through the quarters he did finally come to Surrek's. The lion definitely had a feeling of things being wrong by that point even without being told by other slaves. Finding the door cracked open a bit he takes a deep breath, calming a bit of anxiety that had worked itself up and moves to the door, peeking inside. A small blush as he saw the wren nude there but undoubtedly out of sorts. Well, he had to at least try. "Um...Xian? It's Neflari. I wish to talk with you...if it's ok to come in?"

Arkuss <:the wren turned and looked at the lion for a time, almost as if she were in a daze. Finally, she spoke, her voice lighter than ever heard, the chime once there replaced by a gentle rasp. "Ohh, Neflari, yes. Come in." she turned a but, rising up to walk stiffly to her bed and sitting upon the unmade cushion. She gestured to the chair. "Please, sit. What brings you hear today? As you can see I am not yet quite able to assume my place upon the sands" the avian, turned and coughed lightly, gesturing to the nearby table. "ThereListening is water is you wish it," the whole time she spoke that eye followed him, shaking as if anticipating a coming attack. "I am sorry for the mess, I am trying..i am....i">

Neflari waits for her to respond, a small nod as she allows him to enter, watching as she moved to her bed and offered him that chair. He nudges the door shut then went to the table, filling one of the cups and pausing a moment before filling another. He glances back at her, even without that eye following him he could sense the nervousness. He takes both cups and offers one to the wren on his way to the chair, a gentle smile across his muzzle now. "It is alright, Xian. I do not intend to harm you, I swear it. I came to see if...I might be able to help."

Arkuss <She takes the cup and nods lightly in thanks. "why, why would you want help me?" she paused and looked at the cup, and then the lion. "this is your opportunity, I did not realize it would come so soon." she took a sip and winced a bit, closing her eye a bit as she lifted a hand to her throat. "you are still so naive, even after this baptism in fire?" she tried to raise her voice but it broke and she fell quiet, chest rising and falling quickly....the downy feathers of that sight chest making an excellent natural tunic for her, and indicating she had the slightest chest of any non-male he had ever seen. "I doubt your Chain Master will be so swayed by sentiment.">

Neflari sitting in the chair he watches here as she speaks, the lion remaining quite calm and in no apparent rush. "I will always be naive in some way. Care too much. Help when it is not required. That's simply who I am. I may learn, adapt but that is my nature...it will always be there." He drinks a bit of the water, then looks down at the cup. "It is not as though I cam here without permission. I am not quite as much a fool as I was a few days ago." A glance up, idly noting she did have a very slight figure but it suited her. "I am not here only because of my own desire to help. Surrek is strong and important to the well-being of the Chain. Including Athena. And Surrek...needs you."

Arkuss <Looking to the door, she chirps lightly. "I no longer can be his Song. It was taken and cannot be brought back. Surrek will persevere, he is First of the Chain, Champion of House Gallus. without my song, I give him nothing." She trembled strongly, cup tilting to splash water across her lap and she bowed her head low. "Athena should have killed me, instead the House Second took my voice. I was foolish to strike her, she never pulls and never fails to punish a mistake." The wren tried to hold it together, but let out a mournful trill, loud enough to be heard in the hallway outside, but luckily not upon the sands.>

Neflari listening to her slowly break down further, it hurt to realize the pain she must be in but this only made it more important he remain strong, now. He listens to that mournful trill for a moment before setting his cup down, standing slowly and going to where the wren sat. He rests his paws gently over her hands, feeling soft feathers brush against his fur. "Xian, surely that is not true. I may not know Surrek well but I cannot believe he would be such a shallow fool. He would not choose you only for your song just as Athena did not choose me simply because I am attractive."

Arkuss <Listening to the lion speak, the sobbing stopped and her eye blinked rapidly, then the large rob slid to stare at him, the lid closing slightly as she sucked in a long breath. "you silly, naive cat-boy. you have no idea why I am called his song do you? it is not for what I do out on the sands, sit all prim and proper, doting and attentive. I am his song for what I do on this," she plants a small fist onto the mattress,"and on that one and on the arena benches after he defeats his unfortunate opponents." Her thin body was vibrating now, a warble of anger building as she widened that eye to look at him more. "HE WILL NOT TOUCH ME BECAUSE OF THIS! HE THINK HE WILL HURT ME! he does not say it, but I see it, and it sickens me. to see him falter in strength and desire...." she fades off, coughing heavily and she slides off the bed and walks to the table with the water and lifts a small pouch and takes a tablet. "you said you could help me, if you wish to do that you would have to kill me.">

Neflari finds himself taken aback considerably not only the force of her response but by what she says. Could it be true, that was the only real reason or was it biased, clouded by her pain or something else? A small wince as she yells at him, the lion letting go as she stands, watching her go to the table with a quiet sigh. He remained silent for a moment after that last was spoken. "I said I came to see IF I could help you." A deep calming breath again. "Enlighten the naive cat-boy, Xian. Why did you become Surrek's Song in the beginning? Did you have the choice? Do you care about Surrek, desire to support him whatever that may require? Or are you just fulfilling your position because it is expected?" He looks at her, not hard but determination in those blue eyes. "I will take your answers to my grave and never speak them to another soul if you wish. I can offer that much...so tell me."

Arkuss <There was a squawk that came a second before the wren turned and moved to him, her un-bandaged wing/arm swinging to strike him across the face. "DO NOT DARE TO INSTRUCT ME ON THE CHAIN CREED! You are just barely removed from hiking your silks for any free or superior slave and servant that wished it.  I am his song ON THAT BED, UPON THE SAND, IN ARENAS YOU HAVE NEVER FUCKING SEEN BEFORE!" her eye glared at him and she spoke loudly and clearly, a slight melody coming from her breast now:>

Neflari mmfs as that wingarm strikes him, head turning from the blow and a bit of redness visible even through his fur. It was a couple seconds before he turns back, ignoring the burning of his cheek as he locks her gaze again, face remaining an even expression. Something had happened there. "My my. You strike well in word and form. So then, that is your answer? You are his Song on that bed, the sands, anywhere. Whatever that role demands of you, huh? And how dare the pretty catboy question it."

Arkuss <Draws close and glares at him, those long talons clacking upon the hard floor with hectic energy. "I am his Song in word and deed wherever, whenever, however he demands it. Because it is both EXPECTED AND RIGHT!" she chirped at him, the chiming in her voice almost painful to listen to now, so sharp and focus it was. Taking a step back, she blinked through the glare, the entire slight form trembling, she was shorter than he by nearly a head, but carried herself much taller, but now she looked all her diminutive stature, lifting her wing-hand to her beak. "You...you...you are dangerous." she spoke lightly, shocked suddenly by this change of events.>

Neflari actually finds himself somewhat intimidated for a moment, taking a step back as she unleashed more of that strong chirping upon him, understanding now why she was regarded so even by the other gladiators. Finally as she seemed to calm again he exhaled softly, focusing himself again though still impressed by what he witnessed. A faint smile had crept onto his muzzle, however. "Only to those who wish ill on the ones I care about. To everyone else, I am just a well-meaning but naive catboy who won't give up." He meets that eye. "I understand now, why you are his Song. Better than words could ever portray. I can only hope to become so strong as you, one day."

Arkuss <She swallows and lifted that beak, seeming to grow taller as it lifted. "I was wrong. You are not nearly as naive as I believed. Your manner is clumsy and unrefined, but consistent. Three consecutive days you have found yourself in situations that could spiral out of control, and yet here you stand still. Either fate loves your or your destiny is not meant to perish within these wall." She paused and thought for a moment, then waves a wing at him...and yet, there were those words again...'Do you believe in fate and destiny?'...she walked to him and rubbed her cheek to his, trilling lightly before moving to the large chest at the foot of her bed. Opening it, she pulled out one the luxurious wrappings that she usually wore. In little time it draped her skinny body. "Unlike most in this House, I will not fall for the pretty kitty trick, Neflari. I think I understand you now. I have my eye upon you, naive cat-boy." She was speaking while moving to the door and pushing it open,"Come, our Chain Masters await us.">

Neflari listens again, honestly amazed at such a positive outcome. A new blush came when she rubbed her cheek against his, so much strength yet refined and gentle within that diminutive form...well, that was something for a later time, if ever. "I do not presume to know, myself. Maybe one day I will know for sure." As she dresses a full, sincere smile takes his muzzle. A nod given as she heads for the door, following soon after and a slight laugh escaping. "Yes. Though I do not know if they have anyone left to fight by now."

Arkuss <The wren walked through the hall, igniting the whispers and the emotions of the slaves and servants present. Walking out into the afternoon sun, the Chain was almost completely finished and both Surrek and Athena stood within their circles, breathing heavily and with a few new cuts, scrapes and gouges upon their forms. As the wren walked to the dais, she looked to the zebra and trilled loudly, his ears immediately perking up and rising, his jaws setting and he looked to Athena. "Three more for each, Second. Loser washes the winner, you accept my challenge?" he spoke loudly, looking at the six remaining fighters, who all seemed to question the gods as to why this was happening to them. Athena grinned, looking and seeing the lion emerge as well, and fully intact. Though shi would not smile, the ignition within hir eyes told him everything shi felt at that moment, looking to Surrek, she laughed. "I certainly hope you remember how I like to be rubbed, Champion." and with that the six remaining Chain members cha

Neflari couldn't have lost that smile if he wanted to while they walked, blinking once as they enter into the sunlight again. He lets the wren enter the sands first, following a few seconds later and taking in the state of things. He didn't seem to have been far wrong, feeling a comfort as he heard that strong trill and continued to his rightful place, a nod and warm, confident smile given to Athena as their gazes met for that brief moment before the two warriors returned attention to the coming fight.

Arkuss <The fight, such as it is, lasts only as long as the amazon and zebra will it. The end is never in doubt, but there is one moment of purposeful hesitation that costs Athena the ultimate victory. Tossing the last of their adversaries aside, they walking to the spot where their circles meet. The zebra's imposing muscled bulk almost matched by the amazon's, but he was a few inches taller. Staring at each other, they extend arms and grip each other upon the forearm and squeeze, muscles tensing and straining visibly. Surrek speaks lightly. "I will be awaiting your hands upon me, Second. One day, these contests may end differently." He smiled wide. "But not this day." With that Athena released hir grip and stepped back, showing respect by bowing quickly before turning upon hir heel and walking to where the lion sits.>

Neflari watches the fight with interest, still hardly skilled in judging such things but it felt as though he could follow a little better now. As it comes to an end, he checks  things nearby, everything still in place as it should be. He smiles as the amazon comes that way, standing and offering her a cup of water, a soft purring as he took in that wondrous form. "You really enjoyed yourself today, didn't you?"

Arkuss <Taking the water, shi nodded. "I did. I see you have had some success yourself." Shi spoke firmly, looking about carefully. "Something has shifted here. I can feel it, I am sure Surrek does as well." Shaking hir head, the amazon, reaches to lightly rub the lion's cheek. "I am going to have to bath SUrrek, you will be responsible for Xian. Try not to seduce her too quickly." Shi laughed and placed the cup back into his hands. Around them, the house servants and slaves tend to the sands now, the day's spars done.>

Neflari nods a little, shi was right in that, he could feel it too though shi probably would have better chance at putting words to it. "Yes, you are right." He leans into the gentle rubbing, a blush coming as shi mentions that, barely avoiding dropping that cup. "But..you mean..." Whatever he might experience, there would probably always be some way to knock the lion off balance. The gesture from the wren earlier and his noting that nothing seemed outside the realm of possibilities here did not help. He shakes his head, glancing around before placing the cup down to go meet Xian.

Arkuss <The wren stood next to Surrek, who's hand was covering almost her entire head as he softly rubs her cheek. Then speak words, but they are not for others to hear. Athena places a hand upon Neflari's shoulder until the meeting is done and releases him to his fate. Looking the lion over as he approaches, that wide eye focuses upon his face. "Imagine my surprise at this outcome." She teased him, her cooing voice massaging his eardrums. Surrek looks to the lion and then to the House Second and gestures to the bathing gazebo. Walking beside the lion, the wren's small hand reaches out to grip the lions hand, leaning in to whisper within his ear. "He has told me, that I can give you permission to touch me, should you want.">

Neflari watches as the other two speak, a contentment at having healed them both in some degree that day. Once Athena releases his shoulder he hesitates a second before approaching the wren, a bit of that blush having never gone away yet. "Um, yes." He finds himself enjoying that musical voice as they head for the bathing area, returning a soft grasp of his own when he feels that small hand, the blush growing deeper when she whispers to him, the lion's eyes going a bit wider. "Ahh...oh my..."

Arkuss <She gives him a look and shakes her head. "You are a most confusing cat-boy. Where you always blushing when a free wished to use you? Or are you just unsure of those who are as attractive as you are?" she trilled humorously, hand squeezing lightly. They walked into the bathing area and went to the two different pools, the settling into the larger pool, with Athena straddling Surrek quite closely, perhaps those two had not always been rivals. The way their hands moved across each other's form would indicate that they had certainly done this before. The wren removed the wrapping from her form and slipped down into the water, feather immediately clinging to her body. Sitting down fully she gestured for him to follow, beak uplifted a bit. "I will not nip you very hard.">

Neflari gives a small shrug at that comment. "It's...different. That was just my duty, though I admit I enjoyed it. This..." He shakes his head, rather at a loss for words on the subject just then. He glanced to where the two warriors had settled into their bath, pondering for a second of something he might want to try with the amazon, eventually. Only for a second before his thoughts shifted right back to his own situation, slowly working himself out of those pants  and hesitating for a moment, giving the wren a chance to see those unusually feminine curves and toned form before he follows her into the water, a soft mrrring as he sits and finds himself starting to relax already.

Arkuss <She coos and lifts a hand to lightly splash water upon his fur as she nodded head in approval. "Now I truly see why you are so well liked." Bending her thin finger to him, she chirps. "Wash me well and I might put in a good word with your Chain Master." She teased, the wren's eyes brilliantly sparkling now. She would only wait so long before moving to him if needed, her slender wing/arms stretched and fingers gripped his most lovely hips. "You could easily be mistaken for a female should you wish to be. I wonder, was the rainbow fur you sometimes wore at those parties, your idea or a free persons?" as she asked, there was a loud moan as Athena shifted downward in the other tube, her strong hands gripping more than washing SUrrek.>

Neflari simply gives a nod to that compliment and a smile as she mentioned that, if he seemed off balance before having two desires on his mind at once even briefly certainly did a number on him. He moves closer as she reaches to take hold of those hips, a soft purr at her touch, especially there. Paws are soon moving to wash the wren, working up those slender arms and shoulders before moving forward beneath her neck and towards her chest, the lion seeming to calm and grow more comfortable though that blush never quite went away. "Yes, I can pass as female quite nicely. I learned to...make use of that fact." He grins a little. "I don't make too much a secret that I really liked being 'treated' as one too."  An ear twitches at that moan, though he doesn't seem too distracted. "The rainbow fur...a free person came upon it originally. It worked well, so I did go with it other times myself. What did you think of it?"

Arkuss <She looks at him and tweets lightly. "I think you looked impossibly sensual. Though I might have dipped your tail tuft in something more enticing." Her flat chest shivered at the lions touches, the wren moving back as she too looked over at the other tub for an instant, but kept her focus upon the feline. "As I spoke earlier, you are dangerous. More so by the fact that your manipulations come so easily that you do not even try." There was a sharp peck to the upper right arm and she slid her hands under water and proceeded to rub them upon his sheath and sack. "Surrek has never taken me, he is far too large. He enjoys placing it upon my chest while I sing for him." She does not seem at all embarrassed in telling him this, those nimble fingers working upon him so blatantly. "I am not virginal, but I am VERY, VERY tight." She nips his ear softly.>

Neflari hmms and nods as a bit of playful grin forms. "Well...perhaps if you ask really nicely I might do myself up in rainbow again." He caresses over that flat chest, finding it rather nice regardless of what his tastes might normally be. A slight eep as she pecked his arm and so soon after those hands felt upon sheath and balls, a bit of his pink length had already slipped out and more came as she rubbed and fondled there. Well, that was an interesting bit of information though it made sense, certainly. "Ahh...s-sounds really good..." By now she had him purring nicely, for whatever manipulations he might be good at he could be manipulated just as well if one knew how to get at him.

Arkuss <She removed her hands from his sheath and balls and shifted to the edge of the tub. Arching her back nicely, she extended a long leg up and out of the water, showing him the nasty talons that adorned her petite four toed foot. "I would like to see you in pink, lavender and rose. We shall see if you have the appetites I hope you do when that occurs. Now come and finish so we might make are leave." She spoke as the sound of water splashing heavily from the tub nearby, Surrek digging his thick fingers into Athena's abundant breasts as he leaned forward to nip and bite at his neck.>

Neflari shivers a little  as nimble fingers leave that sensitive area and water flows briefly against him. Watching as she moved back, that leg and dangerous talons lifted into his view, the lion nodding as he moves to the wren again, continuing from where he had left off in her washing. He couldn't help glancing over for a second at the other tub, feeling a heat grow in those cheeks again as he returns his attentions to his companion. The lion might have felt a little envy for the zebra at that moment though if so it was lost in the opportunities that he had just been presented. "Yes...that might be well." He giggles, it would not take much longer to finish now.

Arkuss <Her other foot slipped to his sheath and lightly drug the dangerous talon along the furry surface. "My my, does the kitty want the BIG zebra or the ravaged Amazon?" She tittered teasingly, letting out a warbling series of noises and Athena let out a scream, her fingers gripping the Champion's shoulders tightly as the zebra's cock no doubt was responding to those sounds. Darting her small tongue between parted beak, she saw the slight hesitation in the lion and sunk under the water, her body quite flexible and she was soon beak to balls with him, her hands coming down to join that beak and she would caress his balls softly before rising to take a breath and then diving back beneath to continue her ministrations up on the loverly plump kitty treasures.>

Neflari got another shiver as those talons brushed along him, that lone seemed to work him up further. "Umm, amazon...or maybe..both..." His cheeks probably wouldn't be burning any worse than they were at that point, especially as the lion had likely been entirely serious. He blinks as she displays impressive flexibility then, new touches felt against those healthy treasures. A soft moan escapes his muzzle as the full length of barbed pink shaft slipped free, rock hard and throbbing gently with his increasing arousal.

Arkuss <The wrens could feel the increase in your arousal and lightly cooed under the surface. She rose fro the water, her tiny form completely drenched and slid forward, settling down upon him in a straddle and grinding herself against his barbed member. "Hmm, you should be quite the lucky one to get both of  them. Perhaps I can help in that area? Or should I request that you join them" asking as the beak preened him ears, those wings enveloping him with a hug and he felt her avian slice bump into that barbed length

Neflari eyes that drenched form as it surfaces, dampened feathers showing what curves there were to that body. As she settles across his lap those paws moved to her hips, squeezing and caressing along them and then back to her pert rump. "Mmm...I wouldn't mind some help with that. But for now I think...you are more than enough for me, Xian..." He lets out another moan as the wren continues grinding against that sensitive length, little bits of precum escaping the tip into the water. As her beak preened at his ears his muzzle worked along her neck and those hips shifted forward some, the next movement to grind against him bringing the narrow tip against her entrance.

Arkuss <Sucking in a breath, she looked to the other tub and Athena was now biting Surrek's neck, making sounds that most animals such as that couldn't make. For his part the zebra was just holding her stationary, letting his pulsing and heat do the work. Xian trilled as the head of Neflari's length touched her, a tremble moved through the avian as she leaned into him and spoke lightly. "Have you ever done this with my kind before?" her small hands squeezed his arm and shoulder tenderly.>

Neflari mrrrs as he feels her tremble and the warmth of that spot tease the head of his shaft. A brief glance as well to the other tub, oh yes those desires from so long as a House slave still lingered and those two were enticing indeed. His attention is soon drawn back to the smaller wren though, she was more than enough for now. An arm moves around her back and holds her gently against his body. The feel of her light frame was different from most species, the lion reminded of the care needed. "Yes, I have a couple times but it's been a long while. Avians aren't very common, especially among slaves." He gives her a small nuzzle. "I'll let you take the lead from here, if that's more comfortable for you."

Arkuss <Xian turns her head and looks at him, dipping her beak to lightly preen over his shoulder and along the side of his neck. "I have never had barbs before. I am not certain." She pressed to him and was unbelievably light, her flat form shaking as she tries to find the right words for what she wishes to say. "I do wish to, Neflari. I feel you would be, you are gentle. But I am not certain." She leans back, lifting herself a bit, the teasing warmth disappearing for a moment as she hesitates. "Please do not think me a tease.">

Neflari purrs as he feels her move against him some. "They are not nearly so harsh as a feral, it would probably be ok." He blinks, listening to her hesitation and simply gives a nod, fingers caressing along her back slowly. A soft kiss is given to the side of her beak that was not bandaged. "You never need worry about speaking your mind, Xian. Take your time. Just being close like this is already wonderful...I will not push you into anything you are not ready for."

Arkuss <The avian leaned back in, resting her head upon that lion's shoulder and she trills softly, whistling lightly as she listens to him breath. Arms move to wrap about his body and she quietly sings a song for only him. The notes filling the air and each one touches a specific part of his being, though they appear to be centered in the region below his waist. The higher frequencies vibrated through him lightly, while lower tones pulled upon him in a way not body ever could. Dipping her tail feathers into the water, he felt her pelvis gently move upon his legs. A series of gentle chirps lightly followed by that beak nipping along his sternum and up his throat>

Neflari smiles softly as she rested against him, the lion relaxing against the wall of the tub and holding her gently there with him. It was a second before he realized she had begun to sing, a quiet moan escaping as he began to feel the effects of those tones, something he certainly had not expected. Feeling her movements against him only made it more sensual, finding himself aroused in a deeper way he did not often experience. He tilts his head a little for those nips, a soft purr running through his body now as the wren teased and caressed him.

Arkuss <The wren paused her trill and then begun another newer song, this one a bit higher, designed to caress his ears and stroke him cheeks, the notes running down over his chest and skipping to his arms and gliding around the, playing lightly around his forearms and down to interlace his fingers. Jumping to his body against the chirring increases, seeping into his pores and down into his loins, massaging him from the inside, lingering within him from base to tip, the vibrations within the water softly bumping and jostling his aching orbs.>

Neflari breathes deeply as he feels the sensations of this new song upon and seeping within his body, eyes watching the wren as she sings. He had never felt something quite like this, so intimate and skilled, a deep purring rumble coming from him as those sensations continue. A little shift of his hips as the song begins to focus more in that area, a few soft moans coming again as those vibrations stimulated him from within, a little precum escaping the tip of his pink length even as the orbs below seemed to work even more actively.

Arkuss <She lifts a hand to his cheek and strokes softly, the fingertips barely touching his fur, using the  ebbs and flows of the song to make her presence felt. Reaching a high point, the wren would blink, eye looking over at the other tub, seeing her Chain Master claiming the amazon in a way she could never be. And yet, her heat was not saddened, indeed it was lifted and the song intensified, vibrations increasing quickly as the pace quickened and soon, the lion would swear a hand within the water manipulating his growing length, massaging the orbs as she returned to look upon the lion, dipping her head as the paces quickened yet again as her entire body trembled against him, sending shockwaves through the tub as she crescendoed putting her entire effort into the symphony of sound.>

Neflari was becoming lost in the symphony of tones and vibrations, the lion having never experienced something this close to what he might dare call divine. His breathing increases, a steady but rapid pace as the pleasure builds and builds, his arms holding the beautiful avian a little closer and feeling her growing heat alongside his. The feelings became so intense, only a second or two after the wren hit her crescendo that it finally overwhelmed him with a loud groan. His body shakes as he finds release, stimulated orbs and throbbing shaft giving more than he had in a long time.

Arkuss <Lightens the song, ending slowly, allowing the lion to release and feel content. She silenced and trembled within his arms, eye closing as she vibrated powerfully, her heart racing easily at least twice his. For several long minutes, she rested within his soft embrace, feeling his tenderness and compassion as well as a hint of his Flow. The wren would not invite herself into it though, as was not her way. Lightly, she blinked the eye open and leaned back and looked him in the eyes. "I know that is not way you wished this to happen, but..." she looked away and seeing that Surrek and Athena had ended their own rutting some time ago and had listened to her as well, both with expression not usually worn by those of their ilk. Embarrassed, the wren tried to his within the crook of Neflari's arm, feeling hot flush across her cheeks.>

Neflari rides out that intense, long release, even as her song faded it took some time for the lion to calm, heart and breath still racing a little even then. Even more he could feel that rapid, strong beating within the wren as they remained close in their embrace, the intimate and romantic moment drawing a gentler though still deep purring from him. He moans softly as she moves, meeting the gaze of that one eye and smiling as he gives another light kiss to her beak. "It...was amazing. Like nothing I could...have imagined..." He blinks as she looks over to the others, his gaze following and a bit of a blush growing then, though he was too relaxed at this point to worry much. A little shift of his arm as he let the wren nestle in and 'hide', a warm smile at the cute reaction.

Arkuss <Surrek, lifts from the other tub and plants a heavy hoof to the floor, moving to help the amazon, who declines, still breathing hard and still in the euphoria from that beautiful song. Wrapping him self with a towel he walks to Chain Slaves. Stopping he kneels down, massive body leaning close, the hand reaching to gently touch the wren, who shook against the lion, head moving deeper into him. "You are a most interesting one, young lion. My Song, remain here as long as you wish, your bed will be prepared for you when you return home." The zebra rose up again and gave a nod to Neflari before looking to Athena,"Should you need it, come to me for help getting her back to your room. I take my leave of you. Sleep well and dream of victory." With that the powerful equine walked from the bathhouse....After a time, Xian moved form under that protective arm and slipped off the lion's lap and rose, standing before him, water dripping form feathers that stuck to that impossibly slight frame with near perfection. She stepped form the tub and grabbed her wrap. After sliding it over her still wet body, she knelt to the lion and rubbed her cheek to his, short beak giving him a long series of preening nips before whispering. "Thank you, Neflari." with that, the wren stood and walked from the bathhouse, leaving the lion with his Chain Master.>

Neflari mms and blinks as Surrek approaches their tub and speaks, feeling the wren try to nestle deeper within his embrace. The lion's body had calmed now, only the warmth of the water and her body remaining now along with a feeling of peace and a newly formed bond. After long moments he feels her stir at last, allowing the avian to move from him and taking in her nearly perfected form shown so well by the wet feathers. A soft murr as she rubbed cheeks with him and a gentle nuzzle given in return before she left, the lion sighing softly and seeming a bit dazed. It did take a brief moment before he remembered the other presence, glancing over to the amazon with a new blush forming both at gazing upon that wonderful form as well as remembering what shi had been doing so close by only a short time ago. "Hey..."

Arkuss <Athena looked up, normally intense eyes completely empty of worry, concern or even aggression. The amazon would offer a smile and trace her finger tip along the wooden floor lightly, picking at the texture. "Don't go getting any ideas. I am not about to sing for you." Shi offered, rolling her head and cracking that thick neck loudly. Giving the lion a sly grin, shi spoke in directly. "Did that FEEL as good as it sounded? I do believe that is the first time I have heard her sing outside of the arena or the bedchambers. She may have sung upon the sands, but I am having a hard time remembering." the amazon exhaled deeply.>

Neflari mmfs and grins some, giggling at that comment. "Awww...no fair pre-empting my requests." He mrrrs gently as shi asks that idle question, the lion slowly emerging from his tub, fur clinging to his body in much the manner Xian's feathers clung to hers, enticing curves on display as he makes his way to the other tub and settles into it beside the heavy amazon with a contended purr. "Better, maybe...I've never felt something like it. I had heard the odd story or two about songbirds but they pale in compare to reality." He shakes his head, apparently still a bit under the spell of those tones.

Arkuss <Smiling, shi extends a hand and gives the lion a gentle stroke on the arm with her finger. "We felt it over here, I cannot imagine what it was like for you. Will you be alright? I can't have you wandering around under the spell of the Song of Surrek." the amazon grinned, shifting those wide shoulders a bit. "We should be getting to the chambers so they can clean these tubs." Shi moved closer and then stood up before him, letting the water run in thick rivulets. Looking down at him, shi gave a wink. "Unless of course you are too wobbly from a simple melody.">

Neflari nods a bit. "I will be fine, I think once I am up and moving." He looks up at hir, smiling as that heavy form was so close, soon rising as well. A giggle at that last comment, arms reaching up around behind hir neck and pulling him up close enough for a kiss. He lingers that way for a moment before parting, with a playful smile. "I may be a little wobbly...but can you even walk straight now?"

Arkuss <Shaking hir head, the amazon does walk with a bit of a wobble. "He is larger than he looks. But I have enough energy to return to our quarters, I think." Wish a laugh, shi gathered her towel and one for the lion, setting it upon a nearby bench. I will be heading there, will you be alright here by yourself?" shi wrapped the towel about hir waist as best shi could. Moving to gather her sand garb, those violet eyes glanced over his partially submerged body again. "Damn you look marvelous. Do not be too late." Shi spoke while reaching down to scratch the top of your head.>

Neflari he laughs some as he notices that bit of wobble. "And I bet you love every inch of it." He stretches some, nodding to the amazon as he seems in little rush at the moment. "Yes, I will be fine." A soft purr as shi scratches the top of his head, a very contented feline smile forming. "Whenever, however you might want it Athena, it is yours. I will return to our quarters soon, do not worry."

Arkuss <Shi would lift a finger to hir lips and 'SHHHH' him at the comment concerning inches. Shi would look him over and smile a bit, pondering staying with him. "You know, over the last few days, whenever you are outside of my sight, strange things happen. Perhaps I should stay until you are ready to return." The amazon walked over to a bench and settled down, looking over him with a pleased expression upon hir face. Leaning back against the wall, shi closed hir eyes and gently massaged her throbbing belly.>

Neflari giggles again, shaking his head a bit as shi gives that reaction. "Well, perhaps you can ward off whatever odd fates like to toy with me." He remains in the water for a moment more, finally rising and leaving the tub with another stretch, his gait seeming free of any wobbles now as he moves to pick up the towel shi had set down for him. A moment drying himself some as he watches hir rubbing hir belly and moves closer, leaning in to give a soft kiss on hir cheek.

Arkuss <Smiles at the lion and swats his rump. "I am sure whatever fates and destinies guide you are far from the reach of my arms. Weren't they, I would have already left them upon the sands. One day you will have to tell me how you got that songbird to enjoy your company so. But for now  I am just glad the Chain seems to be right and true once again. That is until Bernak returns." Shi sets hir jaw at that, growling lightly. "And the House Gallus Ranking Tournament is in a few weeks. Change is coming, Neflari. We need to be ahead of it or be crushed by it.">