Pipe, Bamboo, Jute, and Justice

ALCHEMIST: This corner of the Tether is warm and gloomy all at once, a subtle space for striking sinister deals in flesh and blood. Inside are, already, three occupants, one of whom is a certain Grandmaster, his heavy hands laced on the table before him, his glassy gaze riveted to the door with an uncanny patience. He is still and silent, like a statue, or an inert machine. In his company, there is the point and purpose of this arranged meeting: a pale bat-thing. And, on the table, there is a poster with an admirably rendered depiction of her--beside which lays the precious item for which it had been so painstakingly illustrated.

Idani: Beside the stern Grandmaster in another chair - a chaise dragged in from elsewhere by a slave, due to her unusual anatomy's requirements - is the resplendent Lady Idani. She is dressed to impress this evening, in a fine silken gown with much in the way of layers and golden embroidery, in tones of dark blood-red and black. Gold and gems adorn her elsewhere - neck, fingers, ears, wrists, ankles, even her hair and her tail - and her makeup glistens with the dusting of gold upon her eyelids. She waits patiently for their invited company, though perhaps not as uncannily patient as her associate, for she does occasionally glance about in apparently restrained boredom.

Caspar's tail kept smacking the floor hard as she stood in the corner between Idani and the Doktor. There was a 'hot' feeling in her chest, that she wasn't used to. It made her usually short and flat monotone even shorter and flatter. It was hers! She rightfully.. took it. Her tail smacked the ground again, this time harder, the heavy fur making a loud 'foof' sound. It wasn't fair that her bedding had been INVADED by the BETRAYER, and her prized possession stolen! "We can go." She said, "We don't have to give it back." The bat argued. It was as close to sass as she would get, perhaps Idani would recognize it by now. Her fingers itched to grab the pipe and bolt, but there was the risk of running into the man they were supposed to meet. "Thieves." Caspar muttered under her breath, in plain monotone. Despite her tail smacking, and clear displeasure, her face remained empty and placid.

Emperor was quick about answering the call of his wanted poster. It had been circulating for quite a while now and it had been frustrating to use a cracked wooden replacement to smoke with as he waited. Thus far the creature had outwitted even his own General and escaped countless other close encounters from what had been obtained down the general whisperings. The mastiff made way to the destination suggested in the message and he brought some muscle with him. Just incase the bat might try to slip away once again. The rustle of thick dark silk robe announced his presence. The bulk of him casting a shadow as he stood under the door way, the pillars of flame from the fire place illuminating the glower of dull ember in his beady eyes, deep set in his dour face and sagged jowls. Always leaning towards the disposition of something unpleasant. The Imperial surveyed those within the room. Nodding towards Antonius and Indani before settling upon the bat. For a long while gaze would not move. Finally shifting to his pipe and poster on the table. "I greatly appreciate the message. I am Zhongshi and I have come to collect my items." Giving a dip of his head to the two of import before he would take a seat so business could be spoken over.

Varisha was a reasonable choice to accompany Juiqi; given her particular... nature. While the mastiff was large? The tiger that ducks to enter the room behind him is massive. Amaranthine stripes strike through the sangria of her pelt; offset only by the cream colored mane that spills around her throat in a regal fashion. While the brute is large, she is without an elegance to her abundant frame. The dark red scales of her armor rattle in a melody of metal that is accompanied by the weight of her stride. The large carnivore came to rest at her Eminence's right side in absolute silence. The shadow of her falling over the meeting like a sentinel. Burly arms cross themselves across her breastplate, and she inclines her head in an customary nod towards the room's two important occupants. The bat, however, is leveled with a narrowing gaze of jade hued eyes over the shoulder of the mastiff. Hm. This thing is what had eluded them? Wonderful.

ALCHEMIST: Caspar's muttering doesn't earn any response, as it surely hasn't this entire long while. "GOOD EVENING, ZHONGSHI," the man at the table rumbles in reply to the arrived company, gesturing briskly towards the seat across from him in silent invitation. "I AM HERR DOKTOR ANTONIUS, AND THIS IS THE LADY IDANI." The Lady receives a short incline of his head, before the alchemist points his hand in the direction of the handsome object upon the table. Caspar receives no introduction. Does she need one? "THIS ITEM APPEARS TO MATCH THE DESCRIPTION OF THAT WHICH WAS TAKEN FROM YOU. I INVITE YOU TO EXAMINE IT, AND ASCERTAIN THAT IT IS ONE AND THE SAME."

Idani: As Caspar whispers her toneless entreaties and accusations, Idani responds only with a long look down her long nose at the bat, and a hand coming to rest firmly upon her shoulder. Then, their company arrives, and as Antonius introduces her, she inclines her head politely. Keen emerald eyes take in all the details of each figure's appearance that tells a story about how they present themselves. Regal, affluent, powerful. Very good, the very sort of people Idani is used to dealing with. She lowers her eyelids and peers at them each in turn, "May I interest you both in some refreshment? Wine, perhaps?"

Caspar paused as she felt Idami's touched, quieting her fussing- she knew better. Her accusations were more towards the Doktor, who seemed hell bent on taking everything that mattered away from her. Caspar found herself drawing quiet when the man in question arrived on the scene. Her tail curled foreword, fur along the back of her neck rising. The one time she had seen him had been when he was so.. angry. If memory also served to be correct- he knew what she was. Her face remained empty and placid as she stepped a tad bit closer to Idani as he spoke about his 'items'. She runs a hand through her tail, staring at the impossibly large woman who stepped through the door with a blank gaze.

 Emperor could tell that they might all get along. All of them, each with their solemn faces. Again giving a cordial acknowledging dip of his head when the introductions were made. "This is Varisha one of the Nine. Just incase our little batty tries to run off again." As his muzzle lifts slightly as he spoke that warning towards Casper. As he settled into the seat. "Ah that would be nice." He said in agreement to Indani. Then leaning forward to inspect the pipe. Plucking it from the table and would rotate it...mostly assessing it for any damages. As upon setting eyes on it he knew it was his. It held remarkable characteristics that could not be mistaken. The black metal and coil of golden dragon spewing rubies as if it were flame. Replacing it on the table out of respect for the deal that had not been struck yet. "The offer is stated clearly. I am willing to part with three hundred gold for its return. I would also like some personal revenge upon the hide of the girl to pay for such crimes." Brow perked as he analyzed the both of them waiting to hear their thoughts on the matter.

Varisha seemed comfortable letting the mastiff speak on her behalf, as if she were an extension of him more so then she was her own being. Her introduction earns low, rumble from somewhere deep within her being. As if to affirm the words. Like thunder that rolled across a bleak expanse of the heavens. "Lady Idani, Doctor Antonius." Their names rasp out of her in low, gnarled octaves. The offer of refreshments is given a polite nod-- or what you could take as polite along her sharp features. While Juiqi inspects his heirloom? The warrior inspects their thief; as if willing them to act out and earn and even harsher punishment. Really. It would make her night.

ALCHEMIST: To the Emperor's familiar eye, there do not appear to be any damages done to his gleaming treasure. "IT IS IN ANTICIPATION OF SUCH A DESIRE THAT WE SAW FIT TO BRING HER WITH US, ZHONGSHI," Herr Antonius drawls in reply. "IT IS ONLY JUST THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE BOTH YOUR PIPE, AND RETRIBUTION FOR THE TIME DURING WHICH YOU WERE DEPRIVED OF ITS USE." It is only then that Antonius turns his eyeless gaze away, first over Idani, then towards Caspar, who lurks in her shadow, stiff and frozen. "AS YOU HAVE OBSERVED, THE PERPETRATOR IS AS NIMBLE UPON HER FEET AS SHE IS WITH HER FINGERS. I THEREFORE ADVISE THAT YOU MAKE YOUR PUNISHMENT HERE, IN THIS ROOM."

Idani smiles invitingly when her offer is accepted and rises, herself, to fetch glasses and a bottle from a nearby cabinet. The honor! The rarity! The indisputable decadence! The Lady Herself pours four glasses, conspicuously excluding Caspar, and sets them before each seat and rejoining them with all the air of the magnanimously generous hostess, all without saying a thing to enforce the matter. Her hand returns to Caspar's shoulder, while the other takes up her glass to sip while Antonius states his intentions. "Before you take your rightful retribution for this act, I would ask that you explicitly state your intentions as to her punishment, good Sir and Madame. While I do not deny that punishment is due, I will also not deny that this creature is under my protection, and therefore reserve the right to arbitrate her punishment should I feel the need."

Caspar felt herself shrinking as the Emperor leveled a gaze at her, tail curling around her hip. The bat moved silently as they talk, attempting to move behind Idani's lounge, back pressing to the wall. Especially as they start talking revenge and retribution. Her wrist still wasn't fully healed from when Ayla had snapped it like a twig. Her foot steps were so soft as to not be heard- yet when the Doktor turned towards her, she froze, wings flapping delicately. Maybe if she was very quiet, and very still her wouldn't see her? However her chance to escape was snuffed out as Idani stood to get the drinks, making her tail puff out to twice it's width, her face never once shifting. Caspar feels something akin to aggravation when Idani places her hand on her shoulder, making it so she couldn't escape. The bat opened her mouth to argue, then snapped her mouth shut as Idani spoke.

Emperor gave his beard a lengthy stroke, running his fingers through the obsidian pressed and oiled strands. The thought! The execution. Was a rare perfection in which he could not deny had him much contented. His face would never show it but the glint in his eyes spoke the true testament of a growing excitement and impression they were quickly leaving. No hassles...no haggling. Straight to the point...and with the intuition so he would not have to repeat himself or fight or fuss with them. Eyes roaming over the exquisitely dressed tauress as she easily clopped around and gathered the drinks for them all to share. Though the mastiff was always weary...always paranoid of assassins in his midst. He would smell the wine for a long moment before passing it silently up towards Varisha for further inspection before he would drink any of it. His trust was one that was hard to earn; especially upon a first meeting. "The thinking a head is much appreciated." Then towards the lady's question. Just then having noticed the fresh branding upon the bat's slender throat. Though it hadn't changed his opinion on the matter. "The art in which I perform is called Kun Bang. Perhaps you have heard of it Doctor? It is a very strenuous way to restrain a prisoner. It will ache joints and stretch them to their limits exhaust the body. Then cane will be taken to her in the count of what reward was given. Three Hundred. There will be no lasting damages or scarring. This you have my word lady Indani." Giving a deep bow of his head as he offers that bit of reassurance.

Varisha tracks the movements of the thief as they move; like a feline that intently watches a rodent. The pupils of her gaze slit in the dim light, and the shift of her body rustles the armor of her frame in warning. As if she is more then ready to intercept the small creature and block their exit. Yet there is no need, when Idari cages them with a well placed hand and the General returns to their impassive stance. When offered? A massive paw plucks the mastiff's drink up to takes a whiff of it, and a decision is made to take single sip from the brim. If nothing is found a miss? She produces a linen cloth and lightly wipes the edge where her lips had touched. The glass is returned her Majesty with an tilt of her chin that catches light along her amber horns. She takes no chances with his safety. Her own drink is given far less of a consideration then his own, but she does not move to drink it just yet. Perhaps she is saving it for the impending show.

ALCHEMIST: Herr Antonius does not know the specific term Kun Bang, but he inclines his head in recognition of the description that follows it. When the Emperor has made his promise, he repeats, with all indifference, "THREE HUNDRED," turning his grizzled head once more to face the Lady--perhaps also posing the sum to her as an unintoned question. Having taken it upon herself to designate the extent of the punishment the poor creature would suffer, the grim physician would leave the final say to her. In the interim, he takes up his wine, and presses it to his frown for a single terse sip without any of the hesitation or observations made by their royal company.

Idani listens to this proposition with all the calm dismissive disposition of someone patiently enduring a rather boring conversation, eyelids low and liberally sipping her wine. If she notices the particular paranoia surrounding the emperor's wine, she doesn't show it, for she knows all too well the particulars of distrust in high society and the subtleties of killing a man when he least expects it. "Three hundred, very well," she nods most agreeably, perhaps to Caspar's great dismay. "However, I will further require the caveat that if Caspar were to speak the word 'silverleaf' at any point in the punishment, to indicate that the pain has gone beyond that which she can possibly endure, then I will expect that you will stop immediately. She is my charge, not a slave to be beaten with impunity. Are we in agreement?"

Caspar felt her bristling at the description of her punishment, although her passive face never changed. Her head snaps from side to side, very much trying to figure out the best way to escape. It isn't until Idani mentions a way out that Caspar pauses her clear plotting, tail curling around her legs. Her hands fidget with the hem of her shirt, as she seemed to relax. "Very well." She mutters in her flat, empty voice. Perhaps the first words spoken since the Emperor arrived.

Emperor watched Varisha closely out his peripheral as she taste tested the drink and went through great lengths to clean the edge of the glass for him. What was that ridiculous warm tingle inside his chest? Outwardly he frowned deeper to shrug off the feeling and would give a nod and take the glass from her. Waiting for some moments to see if anything affected the giantess before pressing his blackened lips to the glass and sucked up the ruby liquid. It was downed in seconds, far more used to harder liquor then fruity dry wines. Though it was decorum to drink when invited to do so. His Empress would have likely enjoyed it far better. Hearing the lady centaur and her limitations this puzzled the mastiff for a good minute. "Hmmm...not a slave?" A brow perked as he looked in the monochrome creature's direction. Eyes returning to the woman. "Do you happen to know anything of this creature's origins? I have had the lovely experience of meeting one in which was in exquisite conditioning. The paperwork stated information on the species that they were bred for captivity. Perhaps best not to fill its mind with such powerful nuances? What is to say then that they will not simply say the magic words after the first strikes in?" He pondered handing over control into the hands of a lesser in such a way. "I do check in with those within my ropes. To ensure they will continue to be of use and not die...of course." Maw widened with cruelty ebbing to the surface. It was clear the beast did feed on it. Finally a reluctant agreement. "I will stop upon the word so long as it is serious...and honest." He did not trust the girl..clearly.

Varisha quirked a brow at the comment about the thief being a charge. It implied a protection that did complicate the matter. Slaves could be replaced if their worth was lost. There is a sweeping shift to her jaded eyes as they leave the bat and fall onto her Eminence. The Mastiff is given a low comment in a foreign tongue; 'mujhe nahin lagata ki vah das minat chalegee' and the dry quip hints to something almost vile. A commentary that is no doubt offering her unbiased opinion of the situation. She is used to the cruel appetites of Juiqi, and his barely restrained demeanor earns a brief glimpse of her own crystal teeth. More so because she does not think he will get as much fun out of this as he wants. That amuses her. (Translation: I do not think she will last ten minutes.)

ALCHEMIST: On the edge of the conversation, Herr Antonius makes what might generously be described as an interested rumble. (Or, perhaps, he was merely quietly clearing his throat.) There is much he doesn't know about Caspar, and the creature herself is not a very reliable narrator. "SHE IS A RECENT... ACQUISITION," he remarks slowly. "NO PAPERWORK, AND ALTHOUGH SHE WEARS NO COLLAR AND WALKS FREE, I HAVE HAD MY SUSPICIONS. SHOULD YOU BE WILLING TO SHARE FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE SPECIES TO WHICH YOU ALLUDE, I WOULD BE MOST INTERESTED TO HEAR IT. ANOTHER TIME, PERHAPS." They are both busy men, after all, and three hundred strikes is going to take a while.  "AS FOR THE MATTER AT HAND, I WILL SAY THIS: I HAVE BECOME SOMEWHAT FAMILIAR WITH HER TOLERANCE FOR PAIN; AND SHOULD SHE MAKE USE OF THIS GENEROUSLY PROVIDED ALLOWANCE BEFORE IT IS DUE, I," he turns slowly, to stare directly at Caspar's apathetic face, "WILL KNOW, AND RESPOND ACCORDINGLY." To the Emperor, at last, he says, "IF THAT IS ALL, ZHONGSHI, I MOVE THAT WE PROCEED."

Idani raises her brows as the mastiff deigns to speak to her in such a manner, but that is all the response he receives. She finishes her wine as he continues, thoughtfully absorbing the snippets about Caspar's kin for later contemplation. Curious, indeed. Briefly, she glances sideways at the bat-thing, then back to their illustrious company with a vaguely insulted flick of her ear. "My good sir, I appreciate the... wisdom. However, I do not appreciate the questioning of my handling of my charge. In addition to Herr Antonius's promise, I, too, will address the issue should she back out of this too soon." Again, she turns her eyes to fix upon Caspar's own, "And if she abuses the luxury of an escape too swiftly, I will visit more, and worse, upon her when we return home." Her gaze raises back to the mastiff and his burly guardian, terribly unimpressed but otherwise maintaining her poise. "If all of this is understood, then it seems we are in agreement. Proceed, I do not wish to be here all night."

Caspar felt.. weird inside, and didn't like it. Somewhere between angry, sad- uncomfortable. That was it. Uncomfortable. A squiggly feeling on the inside that had her fur rising along her spine. The Emperor drawing attention to her species had her pausing, and quickly attempting to think of something to cover it up later, when she was asked about it. "I don't know what you're talking about." The bat told the man flatly, staring at him with her empty blue eyes. The doctor's voice- a flat monotone- makes the bat stiffen again, especially at the threat that if she did use the word before it was appropriate, he would take action. Her tail remained curled in front of her, desperately wanting to bolt, but good sense and the desire to stay with Idani kept her feet planted. Her stomach flopped as Antonius mentioned he had his suspicions, and very politely said he didn't trust Caspar. Why? She was so trust worthy! She just spent an evening trying to get snake tongues for him too of course he didn't know that. She exchanges a silent gaze with Idani as the woman looks at her, a hand moving to hold the woman's sleeve, gaze focused on her face.

Emperor's ear gave a flinch towards Varisha's words. Skull tilting to engage the tigress with his attention. A stroking of his beard as he considered the words. Equally amused; inwardly of course. Though he was not going to be so rude as to not allow their hosts to be privy to the inside joke. "My General has a mild problem with betting it seems. She wishes to challenge the girl's tolerance. She says she will break in only ten minutes." A crinkle of his muzzle. "Put your coin where your mouth is then Varisha." A roll of his shoulder is prompted as he gears up with such an assault upon the monochrome specimen. "Ah yes we shall have to speak more at length. Sometime." Drifting then towards Idani. Having seemed to arise a slight uppity response from the mare. Oh so possessive. He thought. To him the Imperial was being oh so generous in not asking to withhold the one in which had committed such a crime against him. Though they seemed much attached and knew that fight would not be worth it in the long run. Keeping pleasantries in mind...though the feeling of being rushed would not do. "Should you tire of the show too quickly. We could arrange for an escort to your chambers of course...Lady Idani." A jab but the politest way he could muster. "Varisha could you grab two sturdy bamboo support beams and some yards of jute. The rougher the better." Standing and disrobing down to the innermost layer of his nine layers garments. Until in but a simple white linen robe which resembled those of martial artists. "Come now and stand upon the table." Out of courtesy he would not have her strip as he would have requested. He was sure the lady would not approve of causing her charge to undergo a loss of any modesty. "You may keep your clothing on." He offered.

Varisha chuckles, even though she is aware of the ill mood of the room. It is not hard to identify. But what else was expected? Varisha is not here for her prowess in navigating politics or the 'social game' as it were. That Juiqi draws her into it is no doubt an annoyance for the large cat-- but really? She did just have to make a comment. The General is not one to shy from a challenge, however, without much finesse? A pouch of coins is withdrawn and set firmly onto the table. Beside her wine. The tilt of her head sending that mane drifting along her armor. "It is not my mouth that makes my money," The brute remarks, with all the class one would have expected. "Yet, it is not gold that holds the true worth here." Vari suspects it is the implementation of a lesson that Inari wishes her charge to learn. Regardless of the way the bet is received? The sizable beast would part from Emperor's side at his request; a low rumble and the incline of her head offered in acknowledgement. The thunderous noise of her footsteps very telling of both her departure, and her approach when she lumber's back sometime later with the requested items. If she minds playing errand boy at her station? It is not reflected in her features.

ALCHEMIST: "MY LADY HAS AN APPETITE FOR BRUTALITY THAT, I AM SURE, WOULD RIVAL YOUR OWN, ZHONGSHI," Herr Antonius drones, lowly and languidly, in reply to the subtle but unseemly dig at his highly esteemed companion. He is polite, of course--stoic, as always--but a hard line has appeared between his bristling brows. The Emperor does not know the fierce temper he has courted, which this dour gentleman now seeks to intercept for the sake of everyone in the room; "AND A GIFT FOR HONEY WHICH HAS EFFORTLESSLY ENRAPTURED THAT WHICH EVEN YOUR FINEST MEN AND WOMEN COULD NEVER CATCH, BY YOUR OWN ADMISSION. LET US NOT FORGET THAT IT IS ON ACCOUNT OF THIS MEETING, WHICH WE HAVE CALLED, THAT YOU ARE PREPARING TO TAKE THIS PLEASURE AT ALL--THAT YOUR EVASIVE THIEF IS CONFINED, AND YOUR PIPE UNHARMED." Not only this, but so far, the entire affair appears to be one of, it seems, good will--neither of the involved parties have so much as mentioned the gold owed to them. From the looks of them, they certainly do not need it, and perhaps had answered primarily out of a shrewd sense of justice. Herr Antonius does not press his point, once he has made it. Rather, he turns his empty gaze back to the disrobing Emperor, calculating, cold, impossible to read. The show is about to begin... in some form or another.

Idani: As the Emperor speaks of betting and his guardian, Idani pours herself another glass of wine with an almost bored expression. If there were a clock, she would be glancing at it. But her gaze is drawn back to the mastiff, and sharply so, when he makes his underhanded comment about having her escorted back to her room, disguised with his tone of pleasantry. Her eyes widen in her delicate face, snapping with a sudden and violently roused ire. Her hand tightens its grip upon the dainty stem of her wine glass, ears perking all the way forward aggressively. When Antonius has finished speaking his pointed piece, Idani inhales slowly to calm herself, if only a little, and says in a deadly polite tone, "Such unseemly assertions do not suit you, Zhongshi. Perhaps when we have finished here, we might... oh... I do not know... throw a stick down the hall for you to chase, if you so flippantly wish to make assumptions as to the nature of my presence here." She relaxes back into her perfect poise once more - with the exception of releasing her grip upon the wine glass... whose stem has snapped in half. The Lady downs the glass in one long pull and sets the cup portion upside down upon the table, next to the sharp shard of the stem.

Caspar's tail lashed when the man told her to stand on the table, hand curling tighter into Idani's sleeve. The two she is with- she had an odd trust. Idani had shown herself to be trustworthy, even if she had a temper. The doctor in truth had done very little to make her NOT trust him, but his intimidating nature and habit of only speaking to her when he was being stern made the bat wary of him. The sudden flare of... tension, from Idani makes the small woman hesitate, before turning to climb onto the table, holding her skirt carefully. On one hand, it was different to feel tall- but on the other hand it was an off putting reason to be up on the table. The bat's eyes drifted towards the Emperor, head dipping to the side to look back at Idani and Antonius.

Emperor would survey the necessary space. Craning his head towards the Doctor as he spoke. "Well one, not all. The fact that he is a turtle probably had something to do with it." He'd assertively chose to not include himself within that count. She had stolen his pipe when he was not in his right mind; hopped up on opiates...and he'd never admit to having been found in a vulnerable state as that. Brows a heavy furrow at the mention of sticks. Clearly the woman trying to mock his canine origins as a certain feline had done recently. It was still a very sore wound there that she dug upon. He did not mind the shattered glass as much he did that retort. "It was you Lady Idani who spoke of limits upon the time was it not?" A bit guttural his vocals. "But yes very generous the offer. I do appreciate it." He stated nodding towards Antonius. Over pronunciating the words with a restrained grit of his teeth. Luckily they had something he wanted or else that would have ended the meeting right then and there. He would swallow it this time. Plucking the fat bag of gold out and sliding it towards the Doctor to be received. Transaction made and so he could start. He would gather the rope and one of the huge rods from the tigress when she would arrive back. Looping and knotting anchor points to either end of the beam. Then adding a central hang placement. The rope about the ends were flung up and over a strong wooden ceiling joist, hoisting the hefty piece of bamboo into a horizontal position dangling above them. As the sinew beneath his biceps ripple under the bushels of his fur, bunching up the white fabric cutting definitions to etch over his chest and bulk of his arms. The bag that had been placed by Varisha moved to the chair he had been sitting on so it was out of the way and that it wouldn't be snatched by the black and white critter. Not that she would have use of her arms much longer. The second beam was placed again horizontally against the back of her neck. "Outstretch your arms." And should she move to do that they would match up against the stretch of the stern rod. Holding it into place as he bound the lengths of her arms to the pole, at the wrists and the meat of her biceps. Then looping the throes tightly about her chest to properly support her weight when she would be suspended. He backtracked a few times adding in more intricate details. Truly a time he was most affectionate. As he feels the coarseness of the rope caress through his fingers. His motions graceful as he paints her in his ropes. They dance between her finger joints and knotted trigger points down along her spine, then down her legs and even to her toes. Meticulous in his masterpiece of brutality. The rope through which was hooked about her legs is then tossed through the center loop and she is horribly yanked so that her weight lifted feet first towards the ceiling. Having her inch higher and higher from off the ground upside down. He is careful of course that she doesn't dash her head against the table. Keeping a steady hand. One on the rope and one in a fist full of her hair. "They do say that bats enjoy being upside down do they not?" Once an anchor was crafted to lock her in place. Her hair is twisted and another rope tied within it. Her body contorted in an unusual scorpion fashion that was sure to stress every muscle in her delicate frame. Hair rope connected to forward pointing feet. He would step back then to admire his work before picking up an extremely thin rattan cane. Tetingly striking it through the air. It easily breaking sound barrier whooshing with a ferocious cutting whip like crack. [sorry very long. lol nsfw ref: https://i.imgur.com/JrtaRC3.jpg ]
(23:47:40) Emperor: [finger tie: https://i.imgur.com/Ln6hZCU.jpg and foot tie: https://i.imgur.com/oFVF5mx.jpg ]

Varisha returns to find the mood darker still yet-- and really? She can not help but wonder what insults have been dropped. No doubt she will question the Mastiff when his mood has improved. With requested objects held until used. This particular pastime of the cruel tyrant is, perhaps, one of her favorites. The skill in which he twists his ropes is particularly enchanting, in a way. Like a painter upon a canvas of flesh. It might surprise one that the brute enjoyed such finer things-- especially with what a show it is to behold. Outwardly, she shows no particular interest beyond the intense gaze of her eyes that follows his motions. It rises a fire in the core of her, embers burning low in the sharpness of her gaze. Justice indeed.

ALCHEMIST: Herr Antonius acknowledges the bag of gold with a brisk tilt of his head, but he leaves it there for now, beside the pipe. A professional sign of good will. As the Emperor makes his preparations, the Grandmaster makes himself comfortable--or whatever passes for 'comfortable', for such a stiff and mathematical man. As it is, he leans back in his seat in some approximation of it, rolling his wine against the walls of the glass. As he watches the laying of the meticulous rope-work, the lenses that guard his gaze glitter in the play of light and shadow from the fires blazing behind him: a sparkling reminder of what might yet show itself to have been the gravest and greatest error Caspar had ever made.

Idani watches the skilled knot-tying and rope manipulation with a pitiless and only mildly interested gaze - interested for the obvious show of competence in an unusual and exotic art, rather than the man who does it, for she is thoroughly unimpressed with him. As he works, she withdraws a long gold and ebon fume-cigarette holder and fits a dark-rolled twist into the end of it, lighting it off a spark that springs from a fingertip. The smoke is acrid and sharp, unmistakable for a heady and nerve-soothing drug, and she settles in to await the beating.

Caspar would squirm, if only because she wasn't used to being tied this way. Emperor wasn't the people she considered her 'authority' figures, which made his touching mostly unwelcome and only made tolerable by the presence of Idani and Herr Antonius. The bat was half tempted to bite the man. It would have been out of the blue seemingly- much like the dangers of a dog that doesn't growl, so too presented the bat who didn't blink. She stared foreword, only blinking when she is finally turned upside down, her long tail hanging down, swooshing as the man holds her hair. The comment about bat's enjoying to be hung upside down draws her attention. "Ha. Ha. Ha. That's funny." She responded. The only sign of her discomfort was the fur rising along her spine, her face not budging as she merely waits.
(00:22:31) [#] Caspar rolls 1d300 & gets 237.

Emperor as he worked things such as reactions and surrounding things melted away. His focus solely upon the subject. The canvas. Ambienced by the roaring fire light as it touched upon the white pelt the rope nestling it tightly, embracing completely and biting deep down into the fleshy bits. Her own weight from being hoisted would see those knots prickling and digging at triggers and joints. His eyes half lidded in a rare bliss. Twisting his wrist lightly as he applied the first strike to the plumpened and squeezed meat of her thigh. Then upon the opposite one. Keeping things symmetrical so that a pattern would soon develop to rise in rosy blushes through the pelt. This would slowly turn to an angerer crimson as he lashed repeatedly. Making his way around slowly smacking up her legs. He targeted them soley. A testament to his dislike for her fleetiness. This was sure to slow her down for a good while. Though he was not so greedy as to not participate with his audience. After about a hundred in he paused. Offering the twiggy cane towards Idani; an olive branch of peace perhaps. When he was in the zone hardly anything could pull him out or sour his mood. The anger fell away from him quite quickly. "I would love to see the skill in which Sir Antonius had spoken of. If you care to." Dipping his head as he offered it and backed slightly so she'd have room to get up if she chose to. If not he would offer it towards the Doctor himself should he like to partake...and then Varisha as well. Then should everyone get a turn he'd finish towards the finale should nothing prevent it.

(00:52:53) [#] Varisha rolls 1d100 & gets 71.
(00:57:07) [#] Varisha rolls 1d9 & gets 5.

Varisha. It becomes apparent after a few seconds? Oh she is loosing her wager. Yet the beast can not be particularly bothered over that fact. Perhaps if she knew the insults Idari had given to Juiqi-- but she does not. So it leaves her more peacefully able to appreciate the art of the scene before her. Each lash along that bat's pelt building into a crescendo that is perfectly deserved, and, at first? Admired. Not all talk, then. Certainly a rare thing. Her eyes shift, at some point, from the performance to the Mastiff to assess his own enjoyment of his craft. Two shows for the price of... one. Her back rests itself into the old stone of the wall; furthest away from the stretching reach of the fire and the vibrancy of her seems muted and darkened there. The resounding crack's echo in the small chamber, rounding on one another until they're all she can hear. The fire that's been rising in her interest sputters out entirely, and a coldness settles over her. Her expression blanking out. Still there. Still aware. But there's a startling emptiness to her. Like a storm that's broken apart before it began. Her great paws clenching once before they fall open and the wall alone seems to support her for a moment. There is only a very apathetic shake of her head when 'her turn' comes up. That was wrong. That wasn't her.

Idani: [ idani sneers at emperor some more but takes the rod and beats the piss out of caspar viciously for a few dozen strikes and hands it off to antonius]

ALCHEMIST: [Antonius doesn't do much other than make his own strikes, and gives the cane back to Emp who probably gives it to Varisha]

Varisha: Vari doesn't contribute. She continues to disassociate with a ptsd episode in the corner, barely getting herself 'together' enough to see things through before she splits. ))

Caspar: Caspar holds up pretty well for awhile but finally starts showing signs of pain from exhaling/crying

Idani: [after all of that, Idani will collect the money bag, take caspar when she's untied, and asks Antonius to help carry her home]

Emperor: [Emp takes the cane back after everyone had a go. Intrigued by the lack of expression until Caspar amazingly starts to crack at strike 237. he respectfully halts. Gets her down. Gives her a glass of water. Adds to the bag an additional 50 gold to pay for any damages. Says something along the lines of. "I keep my word. I thank your houses for the safe return of my item and the chance at revenge. We shall have to meet again sometime." Looks at Varisha strangely cause she is acting weird. Has to give her a nudge so they can then depart.]