||= You Give Love a Bad Name

[Black Thorns]

Sometimes when one door closes, another one opens. Nicaske found this out at the end of her most recent game, the victim so attached to her that he did anything for just a few caresses and whispered nothings. The sun rose as she did, her lover waking not a half-hour after her. She had this planned; she had it rehearsed. This was the final act- and it was up to him to play the supporting role. He seemed confused as he looked at her- she stood tall, a cold, defiant glint in her eye and her false persona shed. Nicaske was here, and she wasn't going to let him ensnare her (as if he ever had.).

"It is now that I must enlighten you, monsieur, to the real matter at hand. You see, I don't love you. I have never once loved you. Never had a moment come that I looked upon your pale face and thought, 'I will stay with him, for I adore him so.' Never have I once felt the slightest for you- not love, not hatred. It is with this that I bid you farewell- and by the way, learn how to pleasure a woman." She didn't stop to look at his face after she finished her speech, simply turning and beginning a confident walk back. He would either chase after her, desperate, pleading for her- or he was still standing there, shocked, as he felt himself shatter. She smirked to herself as no footsteps followed, her elegant body disappearing into the forest. He would never touch her again- unlike when she had stumbled upon Nahele. That was, indeed, a not-too-pleasant encounter. Nevertheless she was here- and she was entirely ready to move on to the next one. Yet when she trotted into the next clearing, she heard it then- the barely-there footsteps of an arabian mare. Oh, wonderful. She'd have to ditch her soon- this game was not meant for three. Unless... Unless she played, as well? S. S. The mare's name started with S- a pale little arabian mare.

Could it be?

[lady shady]

SHEBA

Sheba moved easily through the east, grateful for a short break from Scath and her offspring. She let her stride bounce a little, fully aware that Ramaskith, for the moment at least, wasn't here. Perhaps darling Sona would be though...she grinned to herself, remembering some of the movements that Scath had been teaching the young one. How useful to know should she stumble upon her. Voices. She paused, stopping behind a tree to listen. A mare's voice, and the mutter of a stag's. She almost shook her head in disgust, when a cold tone caught her ear. What was this? She listened intently, laughing to herself as she realized that she had stumbled upon a heartbreak-in-progress. The mare performed well, keeping her voice emotionless, striking blows left and right with her choice of words. Mind games...

The speech ended abruptly, and moments later, a striking blue roan brindle entered her clearing. Sheba moved towards her silently, waiting for her to notice her presence. It didn't take long. "Nicely done," she murmured, not breaking eye contact, "nicely done. I take it he wasn't the first?" Laughing a short, dry laugh, she bobbed her muzzle at the stranger. "Sheba," she stated by means of introduction. The mare should be honored that she considered her worthy of her name. For she didn't willingly offer it to just anyone...


--behind the post--
Sheba's impressed (:

[/size]

[Black Thorns]

NIcaske tossed her mane at the mare's words, irritated at the way she invited herself in but yet flattered by her compliments. Yet the name revealed a peculiar sense of deja vu- and it was then that she recognized the made. Sheba was the mare knawing on her mind for the past few weeks. She bobbed her head at the mare, her manners kicking in. "Sheba, hmmm? I believe I have heard the name before. My name is Nicaske is case you were to ask. To respond to your neAr rhetorical question- I am sure that you already know the answer - he was not the first. Nowhere near it. A bit too easy to fool, don't you believe? He nearly melted into my hands with so much as an empty promise! I much would rather challenge myself; I am sure that you understand," she replied, her voice laced with a bit too much cockiness for it to be polite.

[lady shady]

SHEBA

The mare regarded her as if her name was familiar, in a distant way. "Sheba, hmmm? I believe I have heard the name before. My name is Nicaske is case you were to ask. To respond to your near rhetorical question- I am sure that you already know the answer - he was not the first. Nowhere near it. A bit too easy to fool, don't you believe? He nearly melted into my hands with so much as an empty promise! I much would rather challenge myself; I am sure that you understand," she explained, a touch of pride in her voice. A talker, Sheba noted grimly. This mare, this Nicaske spoke about her work as if she relished her control of her victims. As it should be, perhaps, though there was something in her bold tone that irritated her. Ah, well, if she played the game well enough...no, they'd see just how she played the game. Though she was cautious, this mare at least interested her. In response to the mare's explanation, she simply nodded, preferring to save words when they could be saved. She liked to be the one holding all of the information when she played, not the other way around. However, she was curious...briefly, her mind flashed to the pale mare that she had met in the west last spring, the one who'd had so much passion for killing stags. She'd had potential, but had lacked patience. She wondered what had become of her. If only she'd had the patience, she would have been such a useful little ally...perhaps she should see if this new one would make a suitable ally. She worked alone, yes, but perhaps it would be amusing for the moment, at least, to see how another played the game...

"My dear Nicaske," she murmured, a sly smile creeping to her lips, "I know you must be simply exhausted after that ordeal with the pathetic worm," she paused here, offering the mare a knowing smile, as if to tell her she considered her up for the challenge, "but, what would you say if we found a pair of stags for the moment? A fresh challenge might be a little relaxing, wouldn't you say? And I'd adore watching another one of your performances, if it is to be as effortless as the last." She threw in a little flattery at the end for good measure. For she wanted to see how the blue mare could twist...

--behind the post--
so, Sheba wants to see how Nicaske acts around stags
I figured we could just play a pair of pretty standard, twistable stags for the pair as they get to know each other

[Black Thorns]

"My dear Nicaske, I know you must be simply exhausted after that ordeal with the pathetic worm," she murmured, pausing momentarily as a smile crept up her pale lips. Perhaps it was a bit foolish of her, she thought briefly, to speak so much- but pride, excitement caught her and forced her tongue to let loose her secrets. It was not the wisest of moves- but the next words from the mare aided to calm her, if not by the smartest of decisions. "I know you must be simply exhausted after that ordeal with the pathetic worm," Sheba concluded, flattery aiding her persuasion as Nicaske felt herself swaying to accept the mare's proposal.

Why, what a vain creature she was; she craved, desired any type of flattery- from mares or stallions, it mattered not to her. Sheba seemed to sense this, this swelling pride within the brindled mare. Oh, what an exciting thing it could be- Nicaske was curious beyond belief as to learn the techniques of this one. Perhaps she did not let them get as close, let them do as many things as she did. Perhaps Nicaske was the riskier one, letting them close enough that fertility was questionable between the two. Perhaps, just perhaps, Nicaske wasn't the only curious one. Oh, it was obvious that she wasn't the only one. The mare wouldn't have cast a second glance if she wasn't curious.

"I do suppose, Sheba darling, that a performance from either of us should be rather fulfilling. I, for one, cannot deny the burning questions within me. How do you do it; how much different than mine? How shattered are they when you are done? It's a mass of liquid fire in the core of my being. I have to know, you see." She paused for a moment, as if reconsidering her words. "Then again, my words do seem rather desperate and pushy, do they not?" she shook her head at herself, as if ashamed. "It's a mistake. I could rectify it, if needed- and now, I find myself babbling. I apologize. It has been so long since I have been able to speak to another without being verbally stoned or falsifying affections. You must understand; you're a master of this game."

She returned the abundant flattery, as if expecting it to make a difference in the mare's actions towards her. Before she could continue another one of her rambling speeches, she heard a pair of footsteps approaching. Stags, she hoped- and she, as usual, was right.


//430 words
blehhhh

[lady shady]

SHEBA

"I do suppose, Sheba darling, that a performance from either of us should be rather fulfilling. I, for one, cannot deny the burning questions within me. How do you do it; how much different than mine? How shattered are they when you are done? It's a mass of liquid fire in the core of my being. I have to know, you see...Then again, my words do seem rather desperate and pushy, do they not? It's a mistake. I could rectify it, if needed- and now, I find myself babbling. I apologize. It has been so long since I have been able to speak to another without being verbally stoned or falsifying affections. You must understand; you're a master of this game."

Sheba resisted the overwhelming urge to flatten her ears at Nicaske's use of the word 'darling' in association with her own name. If it was used again, she most definitely would object. But for now, she would ignore the mistake and listen. The mare seemed enthusiastic and eager to speak, perhaps a tendency unlocked by the flattery that she had just been showered with. Interesting. Just as she thought this, Nicaske seemed to check herself, adding in a little flattery of her own. Briefly, she wondered how Nicaske could assume such things of her. Had she heard of her? A part of her smiled at imagining the blue roan stumbling across one stag after another, still raving madly with Sheba's name at their lips. It would be nice to learn of a job well done.

"Now, let us not decide who is master so quickly, Nicaske," she smiled, "I have yet to see your full technique. I'm sure it is quite...effective." She raised her eyebrows in the direction the departing stag had taken after the mare before her had so sweetly cut him loose.

A noise caught her ear, and she noticed Nicaske already looking towards the source of the sound. Stag's voices could be heard, and she turned to the other mare, a glint in her eye. "Come, Nicaske, do show me how you do it..." She would learn how the blue roan worked. For an idea flickered faintly in the back of her mind. Now if only everything went according to plan...

The pair of stags entered the clearing. She caught sight of the first one, a rather well-built, through seemingly rough around the edges stag seeming to be about eight or nine summers old. His voice had a rusty quality to it as he spoke over his shoulder to the stag behind him. She hung back, quietly eyeing them, waiting for them to notice her. Playacting, she had decided, was worth practicing. Besides, this way, she'd fully be able to watch Nicaske work. "You have the spotlight, " she whispered. "Show them what you've got."

--behind the post--
eh
Sheba's got dibs on the first stag, you can make Nicaske's however you like
she's gonna lie low for a little while she watches as she's trying a but of a new method (she's never done this in tandem before, so she's adjusting her technique ^^)

[/size]

[Black Thorns]

Nicaske gave her a puzzled look, as if silently asking "Why aren't you going up?" before deciding to go along with the mare's antics. "Thank-you, Sheba," she said, "I do believe my acting skills need polishing; this seems the perfect chance."

She set off at a wild gallop before the pair noticed the two mares, circling about for a moment before finding herself racing into the clearing. Her mane was tangled, eyes wild, as she suddenly stopped beside the pair of stags. "Please! Please! You have to help me!" She cried, trembling in false terror and forcing her body to look weak and frail. "He- he- he's coming! Please!" Fear and heat-scent filled the air, purposeful or not was questionable. Nevertheless it appeared to do quite a bit of good for her this round...

A dark stallion stepped away from his companion, tapping her head lightly in an attempt to calm her down. "Miss, miss, you must be calm or you will not think straight. Who is it that you are so frightened of?" His voice was soothing, smooth and gentle as he prodded for answers. SHe shook her head, as if unabe to answer his question.

"Sir, I- I don't know who! He- he came into the clearing where I was, just grazing, a-and he was covered in blood and then he tried to charge me- I ran as fast as I could! OH, please, you chave to help me! please!" Desperation leaked off of her every word, causing the stallion to lip at her forehead gently in a calming gesture.

"Now, why would he want to hurt such a pretty thing? Do you know?"

There it was- hardly a few seconds in and he began laying the moves on her. Forcing away the urge to roll her eyes, she tried to keep in character. After all, this was a live performance. "I- I-" he voice was cut off by choked sound, as if she could not speak from utter terror. "I don't know!"

The stallion nodded briefly, not caring as his partner began to move to where her pale partner- well, not quite partner, more like scheming mare who Nicaske had no idea what to be wary of about- "Dear, we have to keep you safe. My partner and I are off to find Ramaskith, but we can wait for your terrorist to subside. I do believe that staying with you for just a little while would be wise, no?" she nodded furiously, fear rolling off of her- though entirely false.

The stallion spoke again- god, would he shut up? Ever? "My name is Javert. My partner here is-" his voice was cut off as he turned to find his partner- and found no such stag in sight.



--behind the post---
yuckkkk
467 words
Nicaske is going for the terrified, weak little mare. Works well. xD

[lady shady]

SHEBA

Sheba was taken aback by the mare's reatcion to her subdued demeanor. Quickly, Nicaske modified her own behavior as if playing along. The mare was either rather perceptive, or she was not a very skilled actress. But how would the mare know that she was acting? She'd never seen her at work before. Perhaps her expectations were simply different, given the way she seemed to usually play the game. Nevertheless, she took the change of behavior in her stride, becoming more cautious.

Nicaske ran ahead of her, as if fleeing some invisible pursuer. She kept her tail raised high as she ran, her scent floating along behind her. So she was to rouse the pair's protective instincts. She could hear her up ahead, voice pitched high as if in terror, and could hear the low rumble of stags' voices as they responded. However, there were footsteps ahead of her, and the first stag re-entered her clearing, presumably searching for the pursuer Nicaske must have concocted. He glanced around, as if anxious to return to Nicaske's side, when his eyes lit upon her. She hung back, not knowing exactly how, if at all, Nicaske had described the pursuer.

"My dear," the stag began, drawing closer, "Please, do not be afraid. Your friend told us what happened. You will be safe with us!"

She almost laughed at his attempt at chivalry, replying quietly, "My dear sir, please don't trouble yourself about me, for I am in no danger. You have seen sir, that my friend is very pretty. When we came across the stag, I was in no danger, for he was only after the pretty one." She hung back still, letting the shadows of the trees contrast with her striking light pelt. Let him think her humble. It was interesting to play the game this way; it had been a while since she had let the stag do most of the work in coming to her; usually she would help them along quite a bit with subtle flattery and light brushes. Let him come to her...

"Now," he protested, keeping up his gallant charade, "I wouldn't be so quick to diminish yourself..." he had let his eyes stray to her lithe gray form, and she rolled her eyes internally, knowing that the hint of the gallantry that was real would soon be extinguished by his own schemes. Seizing the opportunity, she slipped from the shadows into a beam of sunlight, dazzling in the sun and snow. Pausing for only and instant, she let him take her in before gliding past him, brushing him ever-so-slightly with the tip of her tail as she passed. "Ah, sir, do not flatter me. We both know the truth. Now, let us see if my friend is quite all right."

She strode towards the next clearing where Nicaske and the other stag stood, knowing that the stag behind her would be looking after her. "Wait!" he called after her, "I haven't introduced myself! I am called Marius."

She barely paused, glancing over her shoulder. "Charming."
Yet she would not offer him a title in return. He'd have to beg her for it.

--behind the post--
EW MREH