Artful Punishment

 Emperor entered into the atrium with a confident stride and billowing Imperial silks. After a successful bit of gambling the mastiff had a surplus of coin and with some time on his hands was intent to purchase himself a bit of pampering. Pace slowing as he surveyed the curtained slaves. Dour countenance gave his features a sense of dread of a no nonsense type of character. Jowls hung in a heavy frowning state. Eyes glowing a dulled aged orange like smoldering embers. Obsidian mane straightened and beard that flowed to his chest was maintained and well oiled. Giving his dark coat a healthy sheen against matching black silken robes. His hands hidden, folded together within the deep elongated sleeves. He cast his eyes upon the dragon who announced themselves for a moment. Studying the ruby scales. Then gazed upon the untrained pen aswell to scan those inside there. Eyes snapping to the willowy kirin within. There was a rustle of his garments caressing the floor as he crossed the gape between them and took a seat facing towards the cages. "I am scorned that you were removed so suddenly from my home with little word of warning. Explain why you are in that pen." His vocals a grumbled bassy thump. His wide frame filling out the seat in a intimidating fashion as he squared himself towards Baiza. Hands pressed to either side of his legs. Leaning forward expecting a very good answer. -e-

Ankha is mere moments behind the arrival of her esteemed husband, the Egyptian laden with precious metal and beaded jewelry on her arms and around her neck. A deep v-neck dress and shawl draped on shoulders, complete with the winged headdress keeping her mahogany hair out of her face. Her eyes were painted and etched with gold to complement the scrawling hieroglyphs snaking down the exposed flesh of her arms and legs, glimmering in the firelight of the atrium. Softly jingling and clanging from the bangles and bracelets she wore, Ankha rested a light hand on her mate's shoulder before sitting down beside him. "Eager to spend your winnings, husband?" She mused, gaze drawn to the iron pen and expression changing from aloof to surprise. "How in Ra's name..." The sentence trailed off, attention focused on Baiza. What a shock to find her former attendant in the cage!

Baiza hardly looked fit to serve those of the Dynasty in her simple, well-worn silk attire. The presence of the pair was felt well before they came into view, Oh no. Back straightened and her knees shifted into a proper kneel, hands in lap. Eleven ears dipped back into fair hair, red eyes staring down at the stone floor, allowing them to voice their disapproval of her current state and leaving the estate without writing a letter. They would've surely been upset to know that she'd been shackled wrists and ankles when she first arrived! Like an untrained slave. Luckily, thorough testing and paperwork was filled out followed by a bath. For being in such a low position, she looked healthy. "Shèngshàng," she called out, head bowing and staying in submissive position. "My owner died suddenly..., when you and Mistress were out, guards came to the estate and dragged me out. I-I had no time to write anything. I am so sorry, please punish me, if you see fit," it was a situation out of her hands, but she should've done more to reassure them that she hadn't ran away or anything. Groveling wasn't her style, but she could sense that the Emperor wasn't pleased.<e>

Emperor perked an ear catching the melodious sounds of his wife's approach. The tinkling clatter of her expensive jewelries and swoosh of her feather patterned gown. At the touch to his shoulder he pushed himself up to nod towards her and they would both join the cushions of their seats in unison. "Of course my wife." He said as he stroked his Fu Manchu beard, flicking it to the side. "It was easy enough to track down the blue haired fishmonger." He didn't even actually sell fish but since the man's first report had details of fish activity it seemed he'd forever be known to the mastiff with a relation to fish. "And now that I have gotten my coin back.." He let his words trial off as the side of thick jowls gave a cruel twitch. A heated look cast upon the kirin as she sank her head into a bow...but not low enough for his liking. She should have been pressing her forehead to the stones upon mere sight of him. To hear the disrespect of his household to simply come in and retrieve her without word to him had certainly struck a chord in the mastiff. A very very sour noted one. He had sponsored many a slave for the Tether simply on a whim and bought out an entire wing and renovation..and they would dare step foot within his provinces without announcement? "Perhaps I will have to remind them why I demand respect. Perhaps..." he leaned forward more with a growly bass building in the pits of his chest. "Perhaps if you can not walk for a few days they will think twice to steal away a contracted servant." He snorted. He every well would take it out upon the slave as if it were her own fault. "Put your head to the floor while I think what to be done for you to correct this heinous sin against me." -e-

Ankha briefly recalled the azure-haired dragon that had been Zongshi's companion for the gambling game the previous day, he didnt look like a fishmonger but she made no comment on that. Their focus was primarily on Baiza and the explanation she had to share, a midst dipping low in a show of apology and submission. There was definitely something suspicious in what the kirin had to say and Ankha hummed pensively, twitching a gem-studded ear to the gravelly rumble of her mate's replies. "Husband, I think it would be best to speak to Management about this transgression, it very well could have been a misunderstanding or at worst, imposters attempting to sow discord in the relationship we have established with Muunokhoi." The Egyptian advised, "Baiza is merely a pawn in such a scheme, I doubt vandals would care little to hear of her protests." Is added with a shrewd once-over paid to the albino kirin.

Baiza would not dare share her feelings on the situation, since it was hardly her place. Poor Kirin didn't quite understand why it all went down the way it had, but she should've done more for the Dynasty. The threat of being punished made her bite lower lip in fear, she had tried so hard to please those of the estate, while she worked for them..., would that all be for nothing? There was no hesitation when the order was given and she shifted back away from the bars to put her forehead to the floor with her hands placed on the ground further up. Tail curled around her right ankle, trying to show full submission to calm the great Emperor. Silence was a virtue and it would be rewarded with the Mistress trying to bring her husband back down to the ground.

Emperor was pulled from the irksome kirin as his wife attempted at being the voice of reason. She always had a way of calming the bestial rage which often lay threatening just below the surface of all his outer cordiality. Chest filling as he inhaled, swelling his massive frame. Then releasing slow drawl of air. "Still..." He finally spoke as eyes lifted to the kowtowing thrall. Hands would soon disappear within the depths of his sleeves to pull out the needed coin for her rental. "You will demonstrate you have not forgotten the generosity the Dynasty has showed you." Voice less of growl but always demanding. "Fetch rope and bamboo. Bring them to the den." With that the mastiff would hold out his arm to offer it towards Ankha in order to assist her back onto her feet. Insisting they move off to a more private location for whatever would be happening next.

Ankha's mind was already whirring with plans for later that day; she would get to the bottom of the theft of Baiza from their household and suitably punish whoever was responsible. Her hand lingered on the forearm of Zongshi as he considered her words and for the most part, soothed the worst of his budding temper. "Save your fury for the true culprit of this crime," the Anubian spoke softly, her voice rising and wisping like smoke. The kirin had been her attendant after all and Ankha didnt want the thrall's punishment to be too severe. With the kirin's rental paid and orders given, she stood with her mate's aid and pressed herself close to his side. "It will be good to have her back, Feng will be happy," she remarked conversationally as they departed.

Baiza heard the jingle of coins, but they were followed by orders to fetch rope and bamboo for punishment in the den. Swiftly the Kirin stood up, "Yes, Shèngshàng." Ears did catch the Anubian trying to calm the rising storm and would not disregard the order, since they were already on their way to the den. Little Feng was deeply missed, it felt like she had been torn away from her own child. Out of the slave pen she'd go, a guard directing her to where she'd fine rope and the bamboo rods. Face went red in shame, knowing full well where this punishment was headed. Golden hooves made soft clip clops on the stone floor, reaching the den in time for the pair to settle before she arrived. Albino knelt down just outside of the curtains with her hands holding up the tools above head. No words would be spoken, just waiting for further direction with eyes baring down at the floor. <e>

Emperor gave the jackal a cheeky side glance. "When have I ever damaged someone else's property beyond repair?" He had his honor and reputation to uphold after all. This mentioned to reassure his Empress that the girl wouldn't be too badly roughed. But only perhaps because she wasn't technically his to do with as he would have pleased to. The opium lounge was always a calming tranquil place. The scent alone intoxicating from the fumes of lingering hookah and the soft touches of fabrics hung in just the right places. He took a standing position next to the pillows and would guide Anhka to a nest of cushions. He chose one with a cleared table and slowly took off his many layers of silken robes until he was standing in nothing more then a immaculate white inner martial robe. As he waited for the kirin to return with the requested items. As she appeared and knelt holding out the equipment he would nod and bend to take them. "Disrobe and up on the table. Emperor said it plainly as if such was no big thing to be made to be nude before them. As if this was simply a casual meeting. "Should we order some food and music?" He inquired towards the Empress as he shifted his hands over the jute rope, unraveling it upon the floor in long lengths. Letting the scratchy material run through his fingers, anticipation building in his stare. -e-

Ankha pursed her lips at Zongshi's remark and hummed a nonverbal response, accepting the reassurance for what it was. She could only imagine how upset their son would be if he reunited with Baiza and she was still hurting. Enveloped in the den's smoky atmosphere, with hookah pipes toting silver mist and translucent crimson curtains rippling as they passed by, a (npc) House Slave lingered in the shadows of the trio as they settled onto newly puffed and perfumed cushions. Prior to settling down, Ankha shed her shawl and sat upon it, legs folded off to the side neatly and her golden headpiece removed to also be set aside. Zongshi's own shed robes are taken into hands and folded immaculately, ensuring no wrinkles would be apparent when returned to their bearer. "I can play the lyre or lute for us," the Egyptian tilted her head to the other thrall lingering outside the curtains. "Fetch us mulled wine and an appropriate appetizer, as well as a lyre." And off the servant went, paying no mind to the kirin that was to be made example of. "Baiza, hand me your clothes, I will keep them beside me for now." She adds, reaching to receive the silks and as before, fold them to prevent unwanted creases. [e]

Baiza blinked a few times at the order to undress and get up on the table, it had been a long time, since she'd been punished. Very little material kept the Kirin modest, face flushing in shame as she handed the wornout silks to the Empress. Right hand anxiously gripped upper left arm, once she climbed up onto the table, fragile form on full display. At least music would keep her calm and she was a fan of Ankha's ability to play the lyre. Red eyes bore holes in the wooden walls, adjusting her posture to stand straight with hands at her sides. Tail hung low, mind buzzing with what was to come. Had she not served them well enough to make this small mistake go away?<e>

Emperor nodded a soft approval towards Ankha as she gathered the clothes and arranged for the alcove to soon be filled with fragrant morsels and delightful music. A humming of thought as the kirin passed off her clothing and stood with her eyes averted upon the higher platform. The mastiff shifted in a slow methodical circle around her figure. Of course expecting her not to flinch nor look towards him curiously. She was not meant to budge nor fidget but stand as still as a statue. Dragging the course rope around the table in a predatory manner such to stir up any prey specimen. The glow of his eyes intensify as he contemplated the finished product of artwork within his mind. The narrow bamboo cane was lifted, testingly swatted within inches of her pale scale kissed shoulder. Watching for reaction. His body language though surprisingly calm almost meditative. His movements fluid for as large a canine as he was. His steps light and effortless upon pawed pads. Coming to a stop in front of her. "If the Tether has seen it that you are of untrained ilk...then you must once again work your way back up. Only then will you be welcomed back into our household. Once you have properly repented to me I will offer you sponsorship to see to it a swift growth. Am I not merciful and generous?" He would ask her. He set the stick down for now and stepped to the side of her so that Anhka could appreciate the show better. Beginning with her delicate thigh. Wounding skillfully the prickling rope. Building an anchoring knot at the side of her leg which would tighten and dig the more rope was added to it.

Ankha made appropriate room for the returning House Slave, accepting the intricate wooden and gold inlaid lyre into her lap. She motioned for the servant to stand and pose as a second table, holding a wide tray laden with a bottle of mulled wine, two glasses and a platter of fresh seasoned sliced bread and thick slices of fragrant cheese. After a little rearrangement of her own, the instrument is poised neatly on thighs and the strings plucked to test their tuning. Satisfied, Ankha began to strum chords of music, flowing seamlessly as she played songs directly from memory. "Given the strange circumstances, I believe the establishment owes us some coin for the theft of our thrall." She remarked idly, using one hand to play a lilting string of notes and reach for a glass of wine to drink with the other.

Baiza had been through many punishments in her early life as a slave, but many years had past, since she'd been punished. To expect her to not flinch or react would be a mistake. Red eyes widened as she noticed the bamboo rod lift to swat, hands clinching in expectation of a hit. No impact, a shakey sigh slipping out from lips. It didn't surprise her that the Tether put her in the untrained pen, since she was 'new', but that didn't mean she wasn't fit for the harem! Head gave a slow bob in understanding that she'd have to prove herself in their eyes, "I am honored for the opportunity, Shèngshàng. You are most merciful and generous." No reaction would be given as he started to weave the rope against her thigh, just a few gulps of worry. Inner thigh had delicate scales and teeth clinched from the irritation to them. At least the music was soothing, a positive in a very uneasy situation. The kirin would not forget that her mistress was trying to make things better.<

Emperor 's curled ear gave a flick towards Anhka's murmur. A mild grunt was dispelled before proper words might find him. "Until we know more this is how it will be." As he listened to the plucking of the instrument as he weaved. Baiza's words had pleased him but he was keen to the twitching. For now though it would seem they had gone unnoticed...but the brute always made a point to address things eventually. His face did not display the contentment he felt though. He worked the rope around until about a foot of both thighs had been covered. Pulling along the curves of her body, maneuvering the length of the jute in and out. The sound of it slapping the ground and pleasant string music in the background was invigorating. Though it was also seen as work to him it was as much as a treat to himself as a job to be done. "Down now." He said in a lighter tone using a hand gesture with thumb tucked and open palm directing towards the table top. Should she kneel down then he'd continue winding the rope about her calves now so her legs would be effectively strapped down into a knelt position. The food for now fallen away from his attention as he worked diligently at his art form. Putting the rope into intricate diamond patterns.

Ankha hummed her agreement, as she was in the middle of sipping mulled wine and strumming the lyre with her other hand. Truly a skilled hand was needed to ensure the music remained a pleasant flow without missing notes or playing too harshly. Her glass returned to the tray held by the silent thrall and she plucked a melody that was almost melancholy in its sounds. "Breathe deeply, Baiza and relax. Tense muscles will only ache more later." Ankha advised somberly, her voice trailing off into a husky timbre as she sang softly in Ancient Egyptian. Never raising her tone above a near murmur, for she did not want to disturb her husband's work.

Baiza knew that when the Emperor was set on a task that he would not stop. Command to move down into a kneel was complied with and she carefully shift into position. The strapping of calves made brows furrow, as she hadn't been used for his art in ages and it was only going to get tighter. A brief smile touched lips hearing the advice that came from her mistress, deep sigh slowly slipping out. Repositioning the kirin would be fairly easy as she was quite light. The fact that they were in a somewhat public place did cause face to flush.

Emperor let the music to flow through him and guide his motions as he seemed to weave along to the melody of the song. Stringing up the woman with sensual like caresses of the rope sliding against flesh and scale. Bringing his arms back in long strokes as his wife plucked against the lyre and the rope soared across coiling upon the ground next to him. Now that the kirin was kneeling nicely with her back straight he'd throw the ropes higher now binding her chest. Heavy hands lashing knots between the central vertebrate of her spine. For now it would simply rest there but later it would be snitched snugly and it would bite into her back with every breathe she took. The mastiff had a cruel understanding of the body from his years of kung fu and kun bang; which was the art of restraining prisoners. And yet this pain would be beautiful to him. He would place his hands upon her shoulders and guide her further down until they would touch her bent knees and her back held a lovely arch. Arms be molded into position against her back with palms turned up to the ceiling. Ropes applied to the arms to hold everything in place; attached to the anchor puts on spine and thighs. Now he would give an aggressive tug to tighten everything at once. Take a step to inspect his work with a lengthy stroke of his beard. Letting her settle into that pain for a moment. But he was not quite done yet. He walked away for a moment and returned with an arrangement of flowers that would rest within the groove her arms laid over her back in such a way created. Then lifted the bamboo cane. -e-

Ankha sang through an entire Hymn written for the glory of her Gods, the strings of the lyre seemed to emit a soft glow from the power of her words. Or was it only a trick of the light? Nobody could really know for certain. When the lyrics ended, there was only the pleasant strum of notes and the sounds of the rope smacking the ground, in between the shuffling of her husband as he moved and tied. When it became apparent that Baiza was to be tied with her torso pressed to her legs, Ankha tilted her head and pausing her music, reached out to stroke along a patch of exposed flesh on the kirin's back. A brief but soothing gesture, before she returned to the lyre and flowers were added to the finished piece. "Beautiful." A simple acknowledgement of Zongshi's handiwork.

Baiza couldn't help but feel like she was going to be a useful display. Guidance to lean over and form a 'table', made her let out a soft whine, the rope starting to pinch. A look of panic crossed her face as she was tied into vulnerable position, then it turned into pain, "Oh--!" The tug to tighten the rope caused various burns to be felt against sensitive skin. Red eyes fluttered holding back tears and toes curled. Touch by Ankha brought a little relief, so tender. To add insult to injury, flowers were added atop her form. She didn't feel beautiful. Out the side of her eyes she viewed the bamboo cane and she flinched in worry.

Emperor watched as Ankha would give the thrall some coddling touch. The mastiff studied as she let out that squeak as the ropes clinched in around her ribs and pressed the knots against thighs and back. It was lovely and only seemed to add to the music the Empress played. "That was two flinches I counted." He spoke pointedly towards Baiza. "Pity it was not more...I am fond of that expression you are wearing." He placed the cane underneath her chin in a teasing sort of manner. Before he would walk towards her rear. Shifting her wispy tail out of the way. It would seem he was now going to beat her on her exposed rump but that was not the target. The cane would crack down upon the tender flesh of her open palm instead. A quick rapping of the count of two. Reddening the palm with the strike. If she would have had soft soles he might have hit them too but since she had hooves she'd get away with only her hands being welted. The tray of foods that Ankha had ordered earlier was lifted from the house slave who had been standing there and dismissed. The tray placed upon the freshly smacked hands. "Now...don't drop an ounce." As he would pluck some cheese and meat from the plate. Settle down next to his wife. Looking over his work with a nod to himself as he would enjoy the rest of his evening eating and drinking from his created center piece. And enjoy the company of his wife of course.

Ankha reclined back against the wall, cradling the lyre close to herself as she altered the melody into another set of Hymns, these ones Grecian in nature. Never once faltering even when the crack of the cane was sounded against the solf palms of Baiza's hands, she was indifferent to the punishment overall but was secretly proud that the kirin maintained enough self control not to flinch too frequently. There would be no further comfort offered from then on, the music melting into silence to give her hands time to rest as Zongshi settled beside her. She leaned against him and refilled her wine glass, "I rather like these patterns you've made, mayhaps I will sketch this scene tonight from memory." Would be mused, committing the image to her mind for later.

Baiza didn't know that he was counting flinches, but she was pleased with herself for keeping it together! The cane under chin made her shiver, only to let out another whimper and squirm as it would seem rump was going to be smacked. Surprise came in the form of a cry, not expecting to be hit twice on open palms. Red eyes swelled, a few tears streaming down cheeks and hands couldn't even relax before tray would be placed on them. Breathing was heavy, holding the tray gingerly and keeping quiet to allow them to enjoy meal. Head hung down in defeat, making a firm mental note to not cross the Emperor. No doubt she'd have some bruises and burn marks, solid reminders not to disappoint the Dynasty. To know that her likeness would be drawn, in such display, did not allow red cheeks to fade. For shame.<e>