A Soldier Joins the Fight

Emperor was on his way back towards his suite passing through the atrium. Surprised to notice the hulking form of the fiery foodog back from where ever the Tether had sent him. The mastiff had been afraid another had gotten brought out from under his nose but it seemed not the case. This pleased the Imperial. A small exchange in the corner with a guard would see that the guardian be delivered to his suite. There was some work needing to be done there. Also he had been aware of a particular consorts feelings towards the fire maned man. It was not often he gave in to any heartfelt displays of sentiments but under the guise of work who might know the difference. He appeared in the tea meeting space and when Mingxia and Yue would arrive he'd give them some idea of what was needed of them. "It is good to see you back on the island Ming Yue. You had been moved away just as I thought to pluck your papers from the library. Very unfortunate timing I must say." He gave a stroke down his beard. "I am curious to know if your soul is still set upon serving my household? I wish to know that you will be serious and unwavering in your loyalties to me." His black robes were sprawled over the cushions as his eyes rested on the stony countenance of the guardian lion.

Ankha had spent the day in her office to manage the accounts and update various documents and contracts held within the House. For longer than what might've been necessary, the jackal scowled at the form that had been drafted to train Ceowyn in exchange for coin and jewelry. Ugh. That uppity cat's attitude was going to turn her gray one of these days. But there other tasks to attend to, as she left the study to meet with her husband and a new addition to the family. Draped in heavy crimson and white silk and cloth, traditional Chinese garb today, embroidered with immense dragons that snaked along her back and voluminous sleeves. She forwent any jewelry and entered the room quietly, nestling at her mate's side as Ming Yue was questioned. Judging from the way Ankha scrutinized the guardian lion, she had not seen him before. But he was apparently familiar with her husband.

Ming Yue Had been shuffled around the establishment several times, often having been rented out for various tasks. Though cooperative, there had always been something that had him returned to the pens without his papers having a signature penned to them. Today, was no different having been brought up to the atrium and placed once more on display he'd sat quietly studying those outside the iron bars with a certain level of scrutiny that often couldn't be determined if it were true or not. None the less, when guard approached with that chain in hand the feral creature rose from his spot padding back to the gate he would step out and accompany the guard once chain was attached to that collar he bore. The foo's arrival to the private suite brought a familiar scent from under the door, causing nose to twitch and ears to perk forward. The guard of course escorted him into the room, before unhooking the chain from that collar, and handing the key to said collar over to the mastiff should he desire to remove the suppression device from around the obsidian creature's throat for the duration of the rental. Obsidian beast of course waited for the ox to leave before turning attention fully upon the Mastiff, ears remained perked forward, and front half of the foo's body lowered into a bow, his head kept low of course. "It is good to see you once more ShengShang." He greeted the man, that firey tail giving a sway behind him. "I assure you, my papers are still available. Should you desire to obtain them yourself. As for my desire to serve your house. Nothing has changed, my loyalty and obedience still remain yours, and your household's alone. Several have sought to obtain my papers, but I refuse to give them my complete obedience, nor loyalty." Single ear would shift, upon hearing another enter. This prompted the obsidian creature's head to rise, just enough of course to take note of the female who had settled at the Emperor's side. Another dip of his head was given towards
the woman, though no words were spoken towards her, or at all it seemed as she would find that even with the words that easily drifted through the room the guardian's jaws never moved. <<

Mingxia had been around the suite for the day, as was her norm every day as she was not allowed out on rentals. It urked her abit that she was not allowed to secure some rentals, but she didn't voice this really. She mostly kept to herself and her chores when not needed by her master or his wife. She had just finished folding some laundry when she had been sent for and after making sure her attire was straight, wrinkle free and her hair was not a mess, she made her way towards the tea room. She had heard the door open and close, but had not really paid any attention as to who was coming or going. She tended to zone out when working, keeping her mind on whatever task was before her. Silent in voice unless asked something. Once she was certain all was going to meet approval with her appearance, she made her way to the room and in stepping in and seeing the familiar foo, she paused a moment before she continued to a nearby spot and kneeled. "ShengShang." Mingxia greeted her master first with a bow of her head and hands resting neatly in her lap. "Empress." Next spoken towards the jackal woman, again with a bow of her head. Now what was her master up to?

Emperor briefly stood at the presentation of his wife joining the room which would quickly denote her grand hierarchy. "Ah wife." Taking a moment to take in her choice of attire. Oriental in nature. A rare sight to see on her figure. "That reminds me..." he started with some thought but a thought that fizzled to the back of his mind for the moment. As it would be considered later after he was finished with his own line of thinking at the moment. When Ming arrived he quietly appraised her as she knelt and greeted them. Gesturing a palm towards the kettle so she could serve them some tea as they spoke. The discussion he would make short and sweet as he had private matters to attend to with his wife so he wouldn't keep them too long. "Your steadfast resolve is deeply noted." That the man went through lengths for him meant a lot. "Then I am pleased to announce I welcome you into my dynasty. Under the position of soldier and you will be the Dynasty's guardsmen. You will be Mingxia's and my slaves guard to start and then I will evaluate you for perhaps my personal guard as well should you do well within the role. I am sure you will not disappoint." Now that he knew the lady foo would have a close eye on her. He considered loosening the reins on her. Eyes shifting towards Mingxia. "You will be allowed out on rentals...Ming Yue will stand guard outside of those rentals to ensure both your safety and to collect for me any data on any disobedience towards a client or anything of note that the renter wishes to disclose. I will be getting you fashioned something more suitable to a consort role in which to entertain and show off your art talents." This he turned more towards the group overall. "There is some renovations going on. Ming Yue I'll have use of your strength to bring in the shipments for building. Mingxia you will be going through the inventory...making sure all the supplies are here and labeled appropriately and picking out a new bed and one extracurricular item for yourself that you would enjoy to be added to your room and mindscaping some interior decorating with the other artisans of the home to order the wallpapers, decorations, cushions, and plants for the dojo." He breathed out after all was said and done. "Now then that is all for my updates. Be on about it." Giving them both a firm nod of his head. He'd send for the foodog's paperwork later that night to be signed on.

Ankha offered only an affectionate smile to her partner in greeting, making a gesture for him to continue once she was settled at his side. One hand would come to rest on Zhongshi's arm as he addressed Ming Yue and not long after, Mingxia had also arrived. The purple fuudog is acknowledged with a nod. There was not much for the Empress to say as the flame-colored guardian is welcomed into the Dynasty as a soldier and subsequent guard for Mingxia, she was not aware if the two thralls were paired together for anything beyond that. "I will have the appropriate coin sent to the office for Ming Yue's purchase later," she said simply when her mate was finished detailing news and tasks for the pair. "Should I have armor and clothing commissioned for him as well?"

Ming Yue: Empress? The word of course, caused both those ears to perk forward. The fact that the man had risen of course, upon the arrival of the woman, and then the word wife was spoken certainly had things clicking into place so to speak in the guardian's mind. He very well knew that the Emperor was to be wed, but had not had the pleasure of meeting said spouse. Until today it seemed. That bow of course would be held, this time directed towards the Jackal like woman. Form would straighten once again as he was spoken to by the Mastiff, listening intently as he was informed of tasks he was to complete, as well as the position he would be given within the household. Another dip of that fire maned head was then given to the man. "I shall not disappoint ShengShang." Once the man had finished speaking of course, the foo would once more speak up. "Forgive me, if I overstep ShengShang..but may I have the suppression collar removed? So that I may complete my given tasks more properly, and efficiently." The guardian was not one to run, the Emperor had his loyalty and his obedience. As he was tasked with standing guard over the female foo's rentals, for the purpose of relaying information back to the Emperor he would certainly have no objections. Such of course was a two way thing. Should something arise that would dictate that the renter in question was the problem, or cause of certain outcomes he would of course relay such information back to the man. When his papers would be sent for, he would find several notes that corroborated the guardian's words. Tasks given, while under the coin of others had in fact been completed but when the subject of obtaining his papers had often come up, the renter found themselves facing a rather disobedient, and distant thrall who refused to give his obedience, and loyalty to them. It was often noted in these little attachments that the slave seemed to suggest his ultimate loyalty, devotion, and obedience belonged to one known only  as ShengShang, and their household. Thus, the thrall's papers had been put on hold until this person was able, or willing to come forward and claim the papers or relinquish their desire to the guardian's ownership permanently. Crimson gaze of course shifted towards the Jackal as she spoke of clothing, and armor. In his current form, he wasn't entirely sure he needed such things. Armor, he could of course see but clothing..well that very well might have seemed silly. Still, he'd not voice his opinions on such matters for the time. <<

Mingxia noticed the motion to the kettle and rose to retrieve some cups, setting them out before retrieving the kettle and with one hand on the handle and the other on the top, she poured the tea quietly and precisely. She quietly listened to what was going on, hidden ears perking in hearing that Yue was being welcomed into the dynasty. Now the Emperor would have the proper foo luck with having a pair. Hearing he was going to be a guard, it made her grin ever so slightly. With the tea poured, she stepped back and set the pot back. When the mastiff spoke of her being allowed on rentals, she blinked for a moment. He actually said she'd be allowed out on rentals? "Thank you ShengShang. I shall not disappoint you." Now as it was mentioned of attire, she gently cleared her throat. "If ShengShang approves, may I sketch something up and if sketch is approved, might I make something for myself to wear? Tasteful of course." Mingxia would allow the mastiff to think over this and she did hope he might approve of this. He still had yet to let her do certain things to show she was capable of more than cleaning and grooming. With the mention of renovations, she listened to the tasks she was being given and nodded. "I shall make sure all are correct and if something is mislabled, I shall correct it myself." The mention of picking out a bed and one other item for herself had her wondering if the mastiff had been drinking, gotten laid or perhaps both, but she would smile and bow her head. "Thank you ShengShang." When Ankha had mentioned clothing and armor for Yue, said nothing. "Oh please, let him walk around in nothing but a fashionable loincloth." was the only thing she thought. <<

Emperor hooked an arm around the jackal's curved waist. A pleasant rumble to her suggestion. "That is a good idea." Nodding his head in agreement as he plucked the cup from Ming's hand. Giving the hot tea a sip as both seemed grateful towards his generosity. Yes. It seemed a strange thing for the man so often callous to be giving out so much pleasantries. Though something had him in a good mood. "Fair enough." He nodded towards Yue's comment about his collar. Handing it out for Mingxia to unlock it for him. "You will probably find it easier to move the boxes in your other form. Ming can take your measurements for our Head of Silk to make something custom for you." Eyes tilting towards Ming as she had another request. As if he had not just given her the literal moon and stars themselves. A frown but it seemed a mild one. "You can speak with Kaikoga and have him approve your sketch and final out the details. I trust in his taste of things." Now with those things seemingly sorted he'd go to stand. Offering his arm out to Ankha. "I'll check in later on your progress. Ming you can give him a tour and help him to get settled before you are being about the tasks I've given." If there was nothing else he'd be moving to his chambers with his wife.

Ankha: Another task added to her mental list for later and levelling a stern leer upon Yue when he asked to have his suppression collar removed. Spoken vows of loyalty were nice but actions were more prudent than words, "You will receive only this one warning. Do not abuse your magical abilities." There would be no second chances afforded to slaves that utilized their arcane prowess to disobey or harm their betters. Whilst her husband and Mingxia might have faith in the lion, the Egyptian would need time to be convinced of his loyalties. "I will need a copy of Yue's measurements sent to my office as well, Mingxia. So I can ensure his armor is properly fitted," it wouldn't be anything extravagant but definitely functional for his duties. And with the final request seen to, Ankha rose gracefully with her arm linked with her husband's, deferring to his lead as they departed.

Ming Yue: The guardian would once more lower his front half in a proper bow to the man. "Thank you ShengShang." He'd rumble softly. Attention turned then towards the Jackal woman and obsidian head gave a bow. "It was a pleasure to finally meet you Empress. Should either of you require anything please do send for me." As Ming was tasked with unlocking that collar, and obtaining the measurements needed to fashion proper attire for him, he turned his attention towards the other fuu. It did seem a tad strange for him, to be fitted for any type of clothing. After all, he was used to wearing nothing at all. Of course, he did see that such a thing wouldn't be proper given his position. Still, he would of course wait until the pair had taken their leave before he would straighten, and allow that collar to be removed from around his throat. The question did of course spring to mind, as to his sleeping quarters..but as it seemed that the Emperor and his bride had other matters to tend to, he'd not keep them. He could of course find out such things at a later time. Upon the transfer of his papers to the Emperor's ownership, a small chest containing various books, scrolls, and a few other miscellaneous items would be turned over with a copy of his papers in full. Ears of course perked forward as the Jackal spoke, and low bow of his head was given. "I understand Empress, I give you my word. I shall not use them to bring harm to any within this household, and shall only use them to defend this house, and it's occupants or for tasks given which require such things. If, you so deem they are carelessly used, then I shall return to my stone state to silently guard this house forever more." The guardian was a being of his word, and clearly accepted that while the other fuu and the Emperor seemed to have trust in him, the Jackal's trust was not so easily obtained. <<

Mingxia had come to hear the other fuu's request of the collar being removed, remembering full well what the other fuu's appearance looked like without the collar on. With given the task of removing the collar herself, she bowed her head. "As you command ShengShang." Spoken as she approached the other fuu. Of course she waited til all was done and said, but she listened. "I shall be sure to do so ShengShang." in remark to the measurements. Having seen the frown though on her request, she remained silent and let her expression show nothing, poker face. He had not seen her craft anything with clothing, even though she had spoken she could make clothing, but with his words, she again nodded. "Thank you again ShengShang." She would get something to Kai when she could. Again with his orders for her, she again nodded and allowed the pair to be off, watching as the Empress spoke and then disappeared with her husband. >>
(20:26:02) Mingxia, now alone with the other foo, she removed the collar. "Come now Yue, lets allow you to stretch those legs." She grinned, tail swaying behind her.

.......

Emperor scrutinized both the slaves for a lingering moment before Ming would set to work removing the guardian's collar to allow him to shift. It was good to give some breathing room every now and then. Ankha had helped him to see that over the years. If one was always so stiff it was stifling and left little room for personal growth. The only way to tell if anyone would be trustworthy was to give them a chance. Escorting his wife off to their chambers and settling himself at the table. "The thought your outfit reminded me of the lantern event at the end of the month. I think it would be a very nice family time. Show the island our united force. Also I think if anyone has a wish or something they are thankful for we can put it altogether on the float of our dynasty and send it to the skies." He pondered such a warm felt thing. Maybe he was going a little crazy...Was he getting soft? He frowned for a moment and grabbed his wife's thigh. "Shall we have some dinner. We haven't had much privacy for some time." He let out a light chuckle as he let his guard drop a little. "So it is the responsibilities of leaders." He mused.

Ankha had nothing more to say to Yue and Mingxia, she would have more opportunities to interrogate the guardian lion in the near future anyway. As they left the slaves to their devices, she could not help but make an idle comment about the pair. "They seem familiar with one another." There was definitely something suggestive in that statement but it would not be elaborated upon. The comfort of their chambers soothes whatever tension might've been lingering in the Egyptian's shoulders and she was content to lean her weight against Zhongshi's side as they sat down. "That sounds like a lovely idea, I had been hoping to arrange for us to attend the lantern festival." It seemed like such an relaxing event after the busy few months they'd had. Her husband's frown is contrasted by her smile, soft and tender that was only for his sake. Ankha, "Moments of solace are few and far between for us, we should savor them. Even if they are as simple as a fine dinner and an evening together." She replied languidly, leaning up to press a kiss to his cheek. "It can be taxing but I would not have it any other way." Power and wealth were simply too enticing for the jackal to forfeit but she would not take for granted times of peace.