Knotty Welcome

Emperor quite a bit of whisperings of rumors of a certain medics return had poured over the mastiff's ears. Large frame moved languidly through his halls. The caressing of thick robes could be heard trailing along the marble, wood, and stone floors as the Imperial made his rounds. His aura like a dark shadow upon the area in which he appeared. Finally coming to settle at the entrance room. Easing himself down into the low seats. His muscles ached from the hundreds of lashings he had laid upon the flesh of the thief in which had stolen his pipe. Such was a worthwhile and minor expense to satiate his hunger for sweet bloody justice and revenge. Slowly he plucked the heirloom pipe from his lengthy black sleeves. Eying the item curiously. Fingers rubbing over the obsidian metallic shaft and the golden splendor of the coiling dragon. There was some minor scratches on it from it's adventures outside of its case and it would need a good polish. "Who is available to serve tea?" Vocals carried through the halls in a bassy rumble. It was not a good idea to make the Emperor wait.

Arushwin prefered to stay secluded and out of sight. But he had only just returned, and knew no one but the Emperor himself. Much as he wished to hide away in his room... something he might do in the next couple days once his presence was known well enough... He needed to show his face a little. His clothing was simple enough, though he wasn't sure the color fit him, and carried a doe skin messenger bag that kept items he would use for healing incase of emergencies. Slipping into the room he pauses briefly upon noticing Emperor. Instead of moving to a seat as he had initially planned for his afternoon lunch he moves around to stand near the other male, giving a gentle bow. Gaze downcast he spoke softly. "Good Afternoon Shengshang, I hope I am not disturbing you." Part of him wished to flee back to his room, another was glad he had decided to venture out at this time.

Baiza had not laid eyes on the Emperor, since he gave the news of her freedom and that was probably for the best. Surprisingly, Ankha was upset about it as well and that did hurt the Kirin. Daily tasks had changed, now she helped the Empress with her textile trade and assisted her in more direct ways. A small coin flow was received, which allowed her to start saving for material things that she had not been able to afford. To better suit the Dynasty, she changed her attire to simple, yet intricate hanfu. Golden hooves made soft clicks on the stone floor, making her way to the Emperor's domain. Pointed ears were quick to catch that he wished for tea, mind mulling over if she should serve him or not. Pride would be stifled and she'd fetch some hot tea with a couple cups. Upon arrival, she'd kneel down with her arms outstretched for him to help himself. "My Emperor..., your tea," she cooed out, red gaze drifting over to the unknown faer. Not wishing to address him because she was still unsure of her station.

Emperor waited and would perk a brow as curious heads began to pop out from where ever they had been at. The man was used to having such a voice in which either caused an immediate flock to come to him or the exact opposite reaction of people fleeing in terror. Both suited him. Dour countenance of his face would fall on the one who arrived first. For a long stilling moment dull ember gaze appraised the returned physician. He scoffed lightly at the flimsy attire he was wearing. The sheer purple readily see through and a clear mock against the medic's very strong protocol of shyness and aversions. Though it had clearly been a cruel joke from the Imperial having set it out for the man to wear. An answer to the medic's demands in which had been laid out in the letter sent to him. To threaten the Imperial with such hushed tones would not get him anywhere fast. Now he would be left to stew awhile in such discomfort. "I hope you have been well on your journey home in your new garments." A wicked glint shining in his eyes. Surely had the man been harassed before then the looks he would have gotten on his trip back would have certainly spiked from wearing that. Then shifting towards Baiza as she entered wearing something strikingly subdued and overtly modest. Her bare throat still such a vile thing to look at. "I hope you have settled in well...give him the cup." He'd not receive it from her. Wouldn't that simply be crude of him? To utilize his wife's free woman in such a servile way? "This is Arushwin back from his journey to become a physician. I want stories. Both of you. Sharing time." He leaned back placing large hands on his thighs as he waited to hear what news they both had.

Arushwin knew this was either a misunderstanding or a punishment, and it didn't take long to realize it was indeed a punishment. But it was one he would suffer for the security he gained on his return. Still, when his outfit was mentioned he flushes under his fut and plucks a bit at the material at his hip, wishing he had something less... transparent. "Y-yes .. It has been... Eventful." When Emperors attention shifted to the woman that had entered after him he relaxes slightly and moves around to cautiously settle in a seat nearby. Though when stories were requested.. or demanded... He would glance toward Baiza in subtle shy invitation and hope she would go first. He didn't like speaking up to draw even more attention to himself. Hell, now that others seemed to be popping up he was reluctant to speak up to ask for lunch .. or even tea for himself. Instead he settled for self consciously plucking at the flimsy purple outfit he wore.

Baiza didn't have to attract patrons now that she was free and decided to go with modesty, for the time being. No doubt this would irritate the Emperor, but that seemed to be what she did best. Order to hand over the cup to Arushwin would be obliged, then she'd stand up and head back to acquired tea kettle, as well as two more cups. These would be set on the table before her, just incase he'd invite them to drink. Not much attention would be paid to the Faer's outfit, since she knew full well what it was like to draw eyes. Fingers danced over her newly acquired outfit with pleasure, it felt nice to be covered. Not to mention going outside with more covering fair body was a plus! "The Empress has agreed to allow me to help sell her textiles. I'm also working on my tailoring abilities," she murmured out with a warm smile. "I..., I have reached out to some contacts to acquire some texts from my homeland. Not sure if anything will be found," a huff, followed by anxious flick of tail. The kirin decided it was best not to mention that she was seeking a mentor, of sorts, to help unlock some of her forgotten magic. "How have you been, my Emperor? I've noticed that there are a lot of new and familiar faces," spoken with curiosity. Baiza would extend right hand towards the Faer, "I go by Baiza. It is a pleasure to meet you."

 Emperor would have laughed at the Faer's subtle reactions towards his nervousness...and the fact his trip had been woeful. Though he might not admit to it openly. The expression was not one within the capabilities of his face...or he would like one to believe. Seldom was there any cheer within the strict and proper appearance of the man. Just an unbearing somber and fathomless discontentment. Muzzle wrinkled and that was all the reaction the deer would get. Shifting eyes towards Baiza as she spoke and handed Arushwin the cup. "Good. I imagine you will proper well within such a position." Giving a slight nod. "Kaikoga can likely help in your study of a seamstress. He is the Master tailor one of the Attendants within the Nine." Connections within the group would be essential to it's survival in the long term. With the war no end in sight those networks would become necessary that everyone knew who was who and what was what. Least they be bumbling chickens with their heads cut off. "Yes many are returning upon my summons. From the far reaches of my influence with news of the provinces there. Every now and then it is good to see my men face to face." Speaking of which canting his maned skull towards Arushwin. A brow lofted. "Are you going to sit there fiddling as my tea gets cold? Bring it.." A throaty emergence bubbled from the pits of his gut to quake from his maw through grit teeth; a low growl sounding. And should the man creep within range of him. The deer would find a paw gripping towards the delicate fabric near the neck line of his attire. Jerking him towards the man ever closer should he be successful. Guiding the man's free hand to an area over his shoulder. "There is a knot you should tend to." Eyes sparked of a dull roaring flame within them.

Arushwin had not actually picked up on the fact she had been told to give him the cup, so when she did he took it with a confused look and a hesitation as if he expected this to be a mistake, but went along with it anyway cause he might have missed something. Which he had. He remained silent as he listens, simply holding the cup. He didn't need to see the Emperors expression to know he likely found amusement in his situation. He had experienced enough frustrating situations involving the man to know full well it had to be intentional. When spoken to directly again he starts, slightly. Rising to his hooves quickly he moves over to the other male. Though when within reach he found himself jerked closer.. only his quick thinking had him managing to place the cup on the table infront of the Emperor with a soft clatter.. thankfully somehow not spilling anything. If he were more social in general he might mention he had met the one they spoke of. Feeling like he was walking a fine line at the moment he would move a little behind the Emperor and press into the knot with one hand, moving his other to see if the other shoulder needed some tending to as well. He was a bit shaken, having spent alot of time alone in his travels he was not used to being in the presence of the Emperor again. Though he did feel some relief being out of the males direct line of sight and his bulk shielding him mostly from view of others... Unless they came up behind him. A little shakily he would focus on the task at hand, remaining quiet as... he really wasn't sure if he should speak or even what he should say if he did. His tail twitched and flagged a little as the only true outward sign of his sheer nervousness.

Emperor reeled slightly away as the cup's hot liquid sloshed threatening to leap from the rim but the deer managed to set it before being swept up by heavy mitts. Claws even while dull sank through and tattered the fragile amethyst coverings until the tips pinched into the cream and dust hued flesh of the deer. Drawing him in like some hapless fish upon his rod. Rolling his eyes at such nativity. The forgetfulness of the man had him greatly irritated. Baiza would get a shift of his eyes. "I believe I hear your Madame calling." Was an apparent signal for her to leave. In which would seal the male's fate when they were left alone. As the nimble fingers pressed into the sore lumps of muscle a grizzled groan fell from his lips. As soon as the kirin had disappeared though his elbow was lunged backwards to strike the man in his gut...hard enough to crumple him to his knees should he not have the quick reaction to jump out of the way. You think you can give me, Shengshang...ultimatums? Tell me who and how that you should be used? Well I have a knot in which will abuse you until you have recalled why it is you have such a position of luxury. Do not forget I put you there and I will take it away should I like to. I shall share you should I like to...You will obey and say yes Shengshang...for I am generous am I not?" Twisting to see the outcome of his strike. Adjusting his robes to fling them to the side and reveal what exact knot he was speaking of. The bulging bearded monster between his legs.

Emperor "How air headed you are? Ignore my request for a story...and not to mention the fool hardiness in which our distance has created. Some ruse of power must have filled your head while you were away. You think you can give me, Shengshang...ultimatums? Tell me who and how that you should be used? Well I have a knot in which will abuse you until you have recalled why it is you have such a position of luxury. Do not forget I put you there and I will take it away should I like to. I shall share you should I like to...You will obey and say yes Shengshang...for I am generous am I not?" Twisting to see the outcome of his strike. Adjusting his robes to fling them to the side and reveal what exact knot he was speaking of. The bulging bearded monster between his legs.

Arushwin's teeth clenched at the claws digging into flesh and muscle, but he didn't retaliate. No, he continued working on that knot til the shift on movement beneath his hands told him what was likely following. but he was the Emperor, so the deer didn't even try to dodge of avoid the strike. He crumpled, hands slipping from the others shoulders as he fell, using them to catch himself before he fell further then his own knees. Scowling at the pain he kept his gaze low, but there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "I only wished to serve you Shengshang, not the nameless men that serve under you. I only wished to make sure it was you I answered to and you alone. If you wish for me to ... bed someone, I will do so. But under your orders... not theirs.." His anger fades as he glances up, seeing the display and flushing noticeably. "I.. I didn't wish to interrupt.. wasn't sure who should speak first.. I am sorry Shengshang. I did not mean to displease you." His breathing was short, pained.. and not just due to physical pain. He feared displeasing the Emperor more then anything, but he also feared the foolish power hungry soldiers that worked in the Emperor's army. Thinking they could do as they pleased when no one was watching.

Emperor heard the man fold over onto the tatami mats. Wide muzzle stretching as the pained grunts tickle upon his ears. Such a beast as he fed of the pain and the creation of chaos. It was only pure decorum, protocols, and etiquette in which kept him reined in. He settled his gaze over the spluttering mess of man on the floor. Shaft throbbing slightly with some anticipation or excitement. The adrenaline from having struck him was enticing. Though hearing the words immediately loss sail upon his flag. A heavy grunt. "Write to me the names of who touched you without my permission. Their heads will be on pikes by the morning." He was fine with the man being poked fun of by the soldiers but that didn't mean he would allow any actions against him to me taken. The deer belonged to him and unless he gave the command to have anything done to him then no one should be touching what was his. Pity though they would have to rain check the whole knots bit. A scowl warped his face. "You are mine..I encourage you to stab them in the eye next time. You have my permission. Should anyone force themselves on you. You may defend yourself. Come tend to me tonight then after you've written those out to me." They would be condemned and would be punished. The man was given a nod and gesture so that he knew he was dismissed to leave. Picking up the cup to sip on afterwards.

Arushwin's gaze shifted from the displayed length, the Emperors face, before eventually dropping to the floor between them in a just noticeable bow. Hearing the order, then the permission given he sighed in relief. "Thank you Shengshang. I will send you the list by this evening." And he would carry with him a small blade just in case. He was, after all, given permission. Inhaling deeply, quietly, to test his ribs he would push himself to his feet when dismissed. Giving another bow he would slip from the room to tend to the bruising and... slip into clothing more comfortable for himself. Well, his return was certainly eventful. Though he found some part of himself disappointed he had escaped punishment. Being knotted wouldn't be so bad.