Neflari is resting comfortably in his bed, finally getting used to the frequent noise in this part of the barracks. He does finally wake up slowly, eyes opening and the lion shifting some into a perfectly feline type stretch before sitting up on the bed. He vaguely remembers Athena leaving earlier for breakfast and to do some personal training today, giving him the morning as free time. It was probably well, as his body still had a little recovery to go before he was back at his best. A brief rub at his eyes as he hears someone moving around, smiling a little as he sees Shanna across the room. "Hmm...I slept in late again, didn't I?"

Arkuss <Shanna smiles, finishing her clean-up of the room, giving the lion a brief insight into what she does with the majority of her day. She was wearing a light tunic today, which hung 3/4 open. Turning to look at her friend, she nodded. "Athena thought it for the best. And 33 agreed." The elf pauses and he could see that she was smitten with the giant felinoid. Giving Athena's bed a last rub down with her hand, she walked over touched the lions head. "Hmm, no fever, your large friend though that you might get and infection due to your...well your back. I was about to head down to the dining area for some food. Anything you want in particular?"

Neflari watches as she finishes cleaning, he had that duty as well before when it was only himself and Athena, though shi never was terribly picky about it. In fact shi could be just plain messy at times when it came to hir own quarters. "Yes...that's probably true. My back is the only part that's still sore at all, so probably a good sign." He blinks, blushing a little as he gets a look at her, then the elf checking him for fever. "I have never been prone to infections, interestingly. And you can call it what it is, that will not bother me. I just won't explain the meaning of the brand." He tilts his head, smiling as she mentions breakfast. "Hmm...see if they have some honey bread and pork, that sounds good. And milk, or tea if they don't have that."

Arkuss <The elf nods and departs, leaving the lion along. The sounds of the training sands could be heard, with the occasional roar or loud groan as something happened of note. Shanna returned after a while, backing into the room and swinging about, a tray in her hands that held two plates full of food, a pair of pitchers and a half loaf of the requested bread. Taking the tray to his bed, she lowered it across his lap, then moved a nearby stool across the floor so she could sit. "Athena has made quite the impact on the Chain, there are whispers of her even challenging Zebek for House Second. That would be a feat if shi were to unseat him. And a blessing." She spoke while pouring him a cup of tea. "I wish I could have seen you both in your old House.">

Neflari gets up while she is gone, a small wince as his back remains sore when he moves but not enough to really hinder him. Washing his face briefly and brushing out his fur he goes ahead and dresses, having taken advantage of his minimal duties the last couple days to wear some of his silks, to the apparent pleasure of most who saw him. He had settled back onto the bed by the time she returns, mrring softly as he accepts the tray, eating at some of it while she speaks. "Hmm. I wouldn't put it past hir to try in the coming weeks. Despite what most said, shi had a decent showing against him when we first arrived, despite hir condition at the time. Shi seems to be endlessly ambitious." He drinks a little then munches on a bit more pork. "House Gallus...it was a smaller Chain certainly. But everyone was relatively close compared to here and aside from a couple malcontents and troublemakers actually worked well to improve the entire Chain as well as themselves. You had a few heated rivalries of course..." He smiles fondly as some memories come to him. "Athena had a long-standing one that was often heated in more ways than one. It led to something of my own rivalry after I became hir Second."

Arkuss <SHanna listened intently, seemingly drinking in his every word, those eyes alternating from his face to the silk and back. "I cannot imagine a whole chain working together for the betterment of all involved. House Gallus must have had a strong Master for even attempt such a thing." Eating sparsely, she would occasionally look to the window. "Shi is a true Amazon, they are by nature ambitious." She took a drink of water and swallowed, nibbling on her lower lip as something was caught just behind the pursed lips. Finally she exhaled. "Do you think that someday, shi might see it within hir to take another link in hir own chain?" she asked the question quietly, almost as if pained to inquire about such a thing.>

Neflari nods a little. "Yes, there were a number of interesting dynamics in that House. It was not perfect of course. And I suspect my presence actually improved things to a degree on the Chain, though I do not like to sound egotistical." He finishes off the pork, feeling that edge of hunger fading now. "I'd love to tell you more about our time there later if you wish. It may be helpful if you should meet any others of our acquaintances in the future." He blushes a little then shakes his head, now was not really the time to daydream about that one. He blinks, looking at the elf as she asks that question. "Another slave under hir?" He almost answers then pauses, having to consider that. "I think, given someone of worth and trust that yes, shi might. Especially since that seems to be more common here. Though I would probably have some say in the matter."

Arkuss <Shanna turned to look at him, eyes smoldering. "I would never ask it for myself. I know that shi does not trust me, and after the Challenge, may respect me more, but the trust is even further away. No, I would not ask for myself." She sighs at her own hesitation, forcing her resolve to the fore. "I would ask for another to be considered, one who I think would be worthy of hir and of you, perhaps. I believe that you know of whom I speak. You have seen him about and only met him once." She reached out to take another piece of food but did not.>

Neflari mmfs at her sudden change, remaining quiet as she speaks, allowing the whole of her apparent clarification and request. "Well...I did not specify yourself, though you are correct about the current dynamic. I will however...consider bringing it up in the future, should things progress in that direction. Someday, perhaps." He smiles a bit and takes a bite of his bread. "For now, you mean Masami, yes? That could be a...messy situation. And though he seems nice, I know little of his abilities or true temperament. The other day, you began to tell me something of his past...perhaps you should continue that story."

Arkuss <SHanna lifted a piece of bread and tore off a chunk, chewing softly and swallowing. "What you see on him now, Zebek's Toy is a shell of what he once was. When I first came here, he was First on the Chain of the House Second, a beautiful but deadly wolf from the West named Calla. She was strong, resilient and everything a true gladiator should be. She claimed House Second within the first three months of being within the House. Masami was a sight to behold, always at his Mistress' side. She would have been House Champion if not for that bastard Zebek. After a particularly lengthy duel between House Second's, he invoked the Challenge of Position. Calla knew that she could not win, but accepted the Challenge anyway. Masami had to watch his Mistress was beaten, broken and partially eaten alive," she stopped and blinked back tears. "Zebek claimed him as was his right, but Masami vanished for a month behind Zebek's door. When he came out finally, he was as he is now." Swallowing, she put the rest of the bread upon the tray, unable to finish:”Neflari, can Athena kill Zebek? Would shi kill him? For a hope?">

Neflari listens to that story, the context a familiar one, making it all the more disturbing as she spoke about how that time ended. He looks a bit uneasy at the mention of the poor wolf being eaten alive, even partially. He had seen that before, thankfully only once or twice and it had to be one of the most horrible fates for a gladiator. And then the change in Masami, that was not an unknown occurrence either and while never suffering it himself, he had studied enough to understand what could be involved. I understand now why you could not finish telling that story the other day." He sighs softly, a paw grasping her free hand. "I admit a bit of fondness for him, though I know not to get close. Can Athena kill Zebek? I suspect shi has both strength and skill, yes, or will soon as hir training continues. Sooner or later they must fight each other for rank anyway. Would shi challenge to claim Masami...as I said before, it will depend." He looks to the elf. "I should learn from him some of what abilities he possesses. Or observe him in his duties. I will ask Athena to observe as well and make hir decision...that is all I can promise you right now."

Arkuss <Shanna lets out a long sigh, nodding her head lightly. "Observing Masami will be difficult as Zebek keeps him within claws length at all time save when he is on the sands training. Your best bet might be early in the morning when he is preparing for the day, or sometime during the lunch period." Letting out a loud sigh, the elf forced a smile. "I am asking much of you, more than I should. What will Athena ask in payment? I know nothing is ever free, regardless the level of respect, trust or friendship.">

Neflari hmms, thinking on that for a moment. "Athena would be able to observe him on the sands. I think it would work to get some insight at the other times, myself. If you know of anything specific, you can tell me that as well." He releases her hand, stretching himself back a little. "I do not know that shi would require a...payment. Shi will have to face Zebek sooner or later regardless. Meeting the conditions I gave you just now, would gain hir a skilled and trustworthy slave. That seems a good payment in itself." He smiles.

Arkuss <Thinking for a time, she blinks thinking of something. "You might be able to find him near the Aviary. He always loved birds. That seems to be the only thing that Zebek could not take from him. Either around dawn or just after dusk I would think are the best bets on times he may be present there." She smiled wider, eyes reflecting a bit of hope. "If I could help free him from the vile creature, I would pay any price.">

Neflari smiles as Shanna mentions that, it would certainly be an opportune time. "Ah, a bird lover, is he? I can understand that, though it is a bit odd for a feline. It is good he has something remaining."  He goes ahead and finishes the little food he has remaining. "With luck, I do not think there will be too high of a price involved. And chances are, I would have made this request of Athena eventually, myself. We have a place to begin in this now, anyway." He sets his tray aside on the bed. "Now to figure out what to do the rest of the morning."

Arkuss <"You do not know the true Masami. He was wild and feral when Calla first bonded him, from what I have heard. He knew little control and even less of manners. Calla used the birds to teach him, I believe. If he could overcome the instincts in that regard, he could overcome anything. He is holding onto that memory, I think. Because it is all he has left." She was shaking as she talked, her voice raised slightly from her usual controlled tones...hearing his last sentences, she gave him a look. "I can think of a couple things, but Athena would use me a bludgeon if she found us in that way.">

Neflari he listens with interest to that bit of story, it was certainly an interesting thing to know of the ocelot. He reaches over and draws the elf into his arms, hugging her gently as the pain of this subject reaches her again. He himself had begun to feel something each of these times now. "Perhaps he will be able to have more memories to hold someday." A moment like that before loosening the embrace. "Heh, you are probably right. Shi can be quite protective and jealous at times...as can I for that matter."

Arkuss <SHanna looks at the lion and lets herself go, shaking her head as she spoke excitedly. "Seriously, I was on the sand with hir. I think the way shi feels for you goes beyond 'protective' and 'jealous'. Shi is a force of nature almost. I have never been so, on the edge of chaos. Hir entire being is," the elf exhaled sharply, a light sweat had broken out upon her flesh now, causing her to glisten in certain areas. "I have never felt such raw emotion before. It was, well, I don't know, it is hard to explain." After she stopped, her eyes blinked quickly. "Ohh dear, I am sorry about that.">

Neflari blinks, watching the elf grow so excited, remembering part way through her real nature, the reaction quite understandable. He laughs a bit once she finally stops. "I suppose that is as good a description as any. Yes, shi can be a storm of raw emotion, I have felt it very closely myself." He blushes some at that admittance. "I consider myself beyond blessed that shi took interest back then."

Arkuss <"Being on the receiving end of that would be, nullifying. Near total oblivion." Leaning back a bit, the let her hands squeeze her thighs tightly, an undercurrent tickling his nostrils. It seemed his Amazon had that effect upon many shi meets. "That is why I think if anyone could handle Masami, what it is and what he was, it has to be hir." shaking her head, she catches a breath. "Listen to me running on like  House Slave after an orgy.">

Neflari giggles some. "Well, thankfully I have never been on that end of the more negative emotions. Hir love and lust are no less overwhelming, though...perhaps the most powerful shi has in fact. Especially when it comes to myself." He starts purring, memories of their closest moments coming to him. "If Masami is as you have described, I think he would do well with hir. And do not worry, you are not the only one to react this way."

Arkuss <SHanna thinks for a time, smiling to the lion as she sees something within his eyes. "I think I am starting to understand you both better. I will endeavor to make myself more appealing to her, in all ways. And perhaps someday I may be worthy of consideration for hir Chain." The elf leaned in to kiss the lion on the cheek. "I have no idea why I am feeling this way or what may come from it, but I do know that if I do not find someone safe, soon, I may have to risk hir wrath." Licking her lips, the elf rose up and took the tray from the bed. "Maybe a walk will help burn some of this off. Yes, a walk. Oh, Mistress' tit...” she mumbled all the way out the door, once again leaving the lion alone.>

Neflari spent most of the day either resting in the quarters with occasional ventures out for food. Athena had finally returned from hir personal training not long before dinner time and after they had eaten together shi had elected to enjoy a long bath, while he decided to go for a small walk after convincing the Amazon he would not push himself. The sun had set not long ago as he moves through the halls, still dressed in the pretty silks and a bit lost in thought over the intent of this walk, managing to ignore the small pangs of soreness from his back. It took asking a couple House slaves along the way to locate what he was looking for, at last finding the aviary and pausing near the entrance to look around, feeling a bit tired now but nothing that wouldn't pass with a moment's rest.

Arkuss <The aviary was an impressive portion of the villa, a series of three domed cages within each other. Trees grew within the confines of each and they seems to be given to housing varying species of non-predatory birds it would appear. There were smaller sanctuary houses within each dome that were used to tend to injured or ill avians as well as give the flightless varieties a place to call home. A small artificial brooks snaked its way through the trio, spreading from the small natural watering hole at the center of the domes. A gazebo rested here, usually used by the Free for relaxation, but it was now occupied by a single slave, the ocelot from several days ago. He sat there, looking through the hole in the gazebo roof through the cages into the night sky, eyes closed and lost, perhaps, in thought.>

Neflari finds himself surprised once again at what this House had, aviaries not being a common thing and this one was sizable no less. A couple minutes longer just taking in the sight before he notices the lone occupant, smiling a little. Getting himself moving again with a brief rub at the bandaging visible under those silks the lion approaches the gazebo without an undue amount of noise, slowing as he reaches there and looking over the ocelot for a few seconds of hesitation before speaking. "I hope I am not intruding, Toy...but may I join you?"

Arkuss <The ocelot at first did not respond, making the lion believe he might be sleeping. As he sit there, leaning back upon the small bench, his purple hair was not in the twin tails at it had been but was hanging loose and quite unkempt, and he wore nothing save the thick leather collar with the oversized bell and the long soft leather arm gloves and a pair of 3/4 thigh leather boots, the heels of which would make most Free Women jealous. The rings in his lower lip, both nipples and belly button caught the torchlight just perfectly upon occasions, showing off their silver sheen. After a couple of minutes, he opened those wild amber eyes and looked to the lion. "of course, silk." His voice light and airy.>

Neflari end up blushing slightly as he looks over the feline's body while waiting for a response, reminding himself of Shanna's warnings. He suspected it would be only too easy to desire the ocelot but the elf was no doubt correct in the danger presented there...it would simply have to wait. He smiles at finally receiving a response, moving into the gazebo and settling down beside the other with a soft sigh, a bit annoyed that he was still tiring so quickly. "My, I have not addressed by that nickname in a while. It is appropriate I suppose, though" He glances up through the hole in the roof of the gazebo. "I have not been out of quarters much these last few days. It is nice to get out finally."

Arkuss <Listening to the lion, the smaller feline shifts to lean forward, sitting upright and nodding a bit. "the rumors are not kind to you within the Chain and without. Though few will have the balls or be cunts enough to speak loud enough after what your Chain Master and Whisperer did upon the sands." Those ambers looked the lion over fully, a hand reaching out to touch the silks lightly. "I had sets similar to this. Chain Second Zebek made me burn them." There was a brief pause, and a hint of loss and regret in the words spoken, but his eyes never lost the cool focus upon the lion. "You look better in silk than I ever did, Chain brother." Reaching down, he scratches a long scar upon his left leg, the wound having healed in a manner to cause his short fur to patch along its length. "What brings you out this evening, Neflari was it?">

Neflari mmms and nods a little, closing his eyes for a moment, looking slightly discomfited. "I am not surprised, though I do not know much as to the words of those rumors...perhaps I should not ask, but do any seem of, significance?" He opens his eyes, looking over as the ocelot touches his silks, a small smile forming. "A pity...I suspect you would look good in them. I spent a long time as a House slave and grew fond of these. Athena fortunately enjoys them, though I usually cannot wear them during training." The movement draws his eyes to the long scar for a minute before moving elsewhere. "Yes, my name is Neflari, though I also am called Roar. You may use either. I simply needed to be somewhere besides quarters and was told earlier the House has an aviary though I am glad to find you here. I have been curious to know more about you."

Arkuss <:thinks for a moment, tracing the scar on his leg firmly, before raising hand to scratch his belly. "The significance of rumors lies only in a persons desire to prove or disprove them. Either way is meaningless to me." Giving a light laugh as you explain your former life, tall ears flicked  and turned while he listened. "Anyone with eyes can tell you are more at home in a House than on the Chain. But that you are willing to remove yourself from comfort and luxury speaks to you true heart's desires." Pausing, he stood up from the bench and walked across the enclosure to bend forward and lean upon the railing to the gazebo's edge, heels clicking upon the hard wood. Standing in a manner to best highlight his best feature, his tail waved from side to side slowly. "What would you like to know? The lies, the rumors or the truth?">

Neflari hmms and shrugs a little. While endless curiosity sought even to pull in rumors, it was not that important to the lion. "I suppose I do fit in a House more naturally, but I have found my time on the Chain to be very fulfilling and it might be a little difficult to return...perhaps I simply got lucky in who chose me." He watches the other feline get up, allowing himself the chance to watch that emphasized feature. "Rumors are not that useful and lies I am sure I will hear sooner or later. No, I would like to hear the truth."

Arkuss <:the ocelot lets out a sigh and looks over his shoulder, keeping that beautiful rear in the lion's line of sight. "I am Zebek's Toy, I am not to be coddled or pitied. Befriend me if you wish, but know my first loyalty is always to my Chain Master, and his will is like his bite, savage and often final." He paused, those ambers catching torchlight and revealing his feral beauty with frightening clarity. "Admire me and should Zebek will me, I will show you pleasure like you have not known or if wished, depravity that would frighten ROME's whoremasters. I am Zebek's Toy, mind, body and soul." Pushing off the rail suddenly, he is upon the lion in an instant, hand claws digging into the back of the bench, his arms on either side of the larger feline. Bending in, he looked the lion in the eyes, his blunted teeth showing clearly. "So what will it be Silk Neflari, pleasure or depravity?">

Neflari hmms as he listens to the ocelot speak, surprised at the frankness of his response but taking in all that was said, still admiring that lovely rump. A bigger surprise when the other feline turns on him, nearly pinning him there as he catches the lion's gaze, either choice presented a possible danger given the owner of this one. His reaction would seem a bit unusual to most who knew him but not recent events, the lion pressing back against the bench, eyes holding restrained temptation and a fledgling desire but now a growing fear as well. "I...I usually prefer...pleasure. Don't hurt me...please..."

Arkuss <:studying the lion for the briefest of time, the ocelot tilts his head and presses his muzzle to the other's, offering a kiss for the taking, his slighter form pressing closer as knee lifts to settle upon the bench and the ocelot now straddles the lion. Whether accepted or denied the ocelot would break the kiss and pull back. "You have been hurt enough over these last days, I would not add to it. Neflari, our Chain Masters are on a course to meet in blood and death I fear. The same does not need to be so for us." He spoke softly, hands coming free from the bench back and knees slid off the seat as he stood straight. "Pleasure then. I will remember that, Silk Neflari.">

Neflari takes the offered kiss, though a bit hesitantly, breathing a bit heavier as the ocelot pulls back, not sure whether desire or fear was stronger in that moment. He sighs as the ocelot speaks those words, relaxing again, though not quite as at ease as before. "Thank you...I...it seems there is...more left to my recovery than I thought..." He shakes his head, getting himself balanced again, he would need to consider that reaction he just had. "Yes, it is inevitable I suppose...I have no problems with you, though. We shall see how things develop." A small smile forms at that. "I do wonder what skills you possess...aside from pleasure and depravity."

Arkuss <Looks to the lion and his eyes flare. "You run with Whisperer, no doubt she has spoken of me. She knows me better than anyone here. ALL of me, just as I know her." The ocelot shifted his stance and looked to the sky again. "We were of the same Chain, with the same Alpha. House Second Zebek made his choice and she never forgave what I never forgot. That is MY skill, Silk Neflari, I can never forget." Letting out a loud sigh, he shakes his head. "The stars have shifted, I must return to Zebek.">

Neflari looks rather taken aback, realizing as soon as those words were out they had been the wrong ones. He nods a little, rolling that bit of new information in his mind before filing it away. He stands as the ocelot announces his need to depart. "There is even more to you than I would have guessed. Please forgive me for prying where I should not, it is a foolish trait of mine." A small sigh before a smile forms again, a bit tired but actually genuine. "I should probably return to Athena as well. Perhaps another time we may...talk, again."

Arkuss <Masami stared at the lion and stepped forward, top of his head coming to the lions neck. "You wanted the truth, I gave you freely what I wished to. There is nothing to forgive." His head snapped to the left and he gasped seeing the Amazon standing just out of torchlight. "I think that shi has come to you Silk Neflari." Backing away, he gave a little bow. “Till next we cross paths, sands keep you safe, Silk Neflari." turning about, he quickly move to the railing and leapt over it and into the grass,moving better in those boots than most did in normal sandals. Watching the other feline depart, the Amazon walked onto the gazebo, looking over the lion for a good long while, hir expression softening as shi leaned down to gently hug hir Roar. "I was worried about you. It took a while but I eventually learned you might be here.">

Neflari mrrs softly as he feels the other feline's head against his neck for that brief moment, only to be disturbed by the presence of another...though perhaps not a bad presence for the lion at all. He nods and returns the bow, watching as the ocelot makes his exit, surprisingly rushed yet capable movement. His eyes return to the Amazon as shi approaches, blushing a little and looking a bit sheepish as shi hugs him, his arms wrapping around hir and holding. "I am alright. I'm sorry, I should have told you where I would be going. I needed to get out of the quarters for a bit...and to check on something."

Arkuss <Athena nodded hir head lightly, placing hir hand to the back of the lion's head and pushing it into that massive bosom, his ears picking up the pounding of hir heart. "I hope you found your answers, my Roar." Shi shook while holding him, not out of anger or sadness, but out of relief. The powerful Amazon stays silent for the duration of the embrace, breaking it after what seemed like forever. "You no longer need apologize for following your nature, my love. Now come, your bed awaits, as does sleep. I need you back upon the sands as soon as you are able, I am lost there without you." The Amazon leans down and kisses his cheek and lips softly.>

Neflari purrs gently as he is pulled into those heavy breasts, finding himself relaxing considerably as he listens to that strong heart. He is smiling contentedly by the time shi breaks the embrace, looking a bit tired as well but otherwise quite calm. "That sounds very good right now. I do miss being on the sands with you." Another mrrring sound as shi gives those kisses. "And I think I found my answers...at least enough of them. That is something for another time." He grasps hir hand with a paw, thoughts of rest and the warmth of hir presence filling his mind now, the rest set aside for tonight.