"Very well then, but an inquiry if I may perhaps?" The next part of the conversation would be of Karma learning, yet not accepting her role as the most desired woman within the bathhouse and for those that were familiar with the dame in Celestia, most likely the most lusted and wanted woman by male, and some female, Celestia citizens. Being as such, there was none better than she to serve their Lord this day while the 'lesser' females would be left with the rest, and those just below Karma's beauty, attending to his higher ranks. After being dismissed, the Vykryb would be allowed to ready herself within her chamber.  But not before another command was made by her employer...

"Do be sure to wear the specified garment..." The White Dress. An expression of passive sorrow upon her lovely face as head was bowed down slightly in subservience. "Very well..." Three steps were taken backwards by Karma before she would turn and exit the fanciful and extravagant room. A quiet sigh would mingle with the thunderous and low resounding boom of the office doors closing behind her, which would echo down the grand halls bustling with myriads of activities all in preparation for Savian.

"I do not unders-" Karma's words cut off easily by someone bumping into the woman, far too busy to take notice of the incident nor the woman in that moment. In silence, Karma would navigate through the throng of workers and attendants and in due time, come to finally stand alone in her chamber. Such a small and quaint place hidden within the Bathhouse's personal quarters, far different from the rest that lived there. Karma... was not one for luxury, or rather, her definition of the term was far opposite from the other ladies who flourished in lavishness. It was... just not Karma.

Teal eyes would come to stare at her own visage within the vanity mirror as the woman sat before the small wooden and simple structure. "I do not understand truly, but I shall do my duty. Is that not what you want, Karma? To return to Zar and live a simple life again?" No. She'd never go back there... but oh how she missed it sorely. Tears began to cling desperately to thick lashes as Karma clenched those pointed teeth tightly together to hold them back. A simple shift of those exotic eyes would worsen her condition as they settled upon the dress within the reflective surface, forcing a single tear to make traverse down her flawless face.



An hour later, Karma's room was thriving with ruffled women, scantily dressed women, barely dressed women, even some completely naked yet waterfalling with glittering jewelery, and they were all gossiping about how Karma was the one chosen for the most powerful man in all of Calismus. Even jokes about her making a mistake were being made, with death sentences being the butt of those jests. Such cruel yet beautiful creatures women could be; Karma despised them all. The worst part of it was, that none comforted her, none would reach out and give a reassuring gesture of affection, none would give her confident words. She was alone yet stuck in the tide of Calismian perfection.

After Karma's eyes were lined with kohl, shimmers placed upon her lids, blush riddled along her cheeks, and shine applied to her plush lips, the women all attended to her much envied hair, never to be satisfied until the most elegant style was worn by the silent Vykryb. All she could think about during the excruciatingly annoying preparations was that t was heavy, it all felt heavy and it was not natural in the least, even when she was not as nearly gaudy as the other ladies. She hated it, it was not needed. Why? Why did she have to be the beautiful one? It meant nothing to her. Nothing at all.



It was like water pouring over her skin as the dress slide over her lean body, those memories keeping her eyes full of that sorrow, sorrow that never seemed to fade from Karma as if she were doomed to forever hold that expression. As it came to rest upon her shoulders, it could have felt more made of lead than the silk it was just for the burden it carried for Karma.

Even in the most pedestrian of garb on a day for rest and repose that troop marched like a finely-tuned machine, every footfall coming in rhythm atop the cobblestone roads of daytime Celestia. Smiling, nodding, charming each and every citizen he passed with all but words, the Czar of Ghalerion's most powerful nation stood alone at the front of that procession with pride. As expected, all within the bustling metropolis knew precisely where they were headed and could only wish to be so fortunate, and of course, who wouldn't be? The most beautiful women in all of Ghalerion were what awaited the bunch, a prize well-earned for their efforts on the battlefield - for the finest warriors, only the finest rewards.

And it wasn't long before that band of Calismus' most exceptional soldiers found themselves before the bountiful archways that led entrance into the famed bathhouse, Savian himself unable to do anything other than marvel at the sight, always one to appreciate the sheer mastery of such beautiful architecture. His stares and awe were short-lived, however, soon interrupted with a greeting, abrupt yet welcoming.

"Master Yros, what an honor and a pleasure to see you here!" The woman took an immediate bow before him, the smile on this one already more captivating than any he had witnessed in all his twenty some years of living. Surely this one must be the absolute ideal of beauty incarnate. I couldn't dream of such immaculate features in a thousand fortnights!

"Astonishing, truly astonishing. Never before in all my kingdom have I ever felt like such a king." His eyes again began their drift to the craftsmanship of the place as the woman who greeted them quickly ushered in her own troop of equally-as-beautiful attendants who went about welcoming every last man that had followed inside. Quickly turning about to watch the reactions of his already-enamored battle-weary soldiers, the leader of Ghalerion's most powerful nation could do little but shake his head with a slight admonishment, as facetious as it was serious, "Of course, of course, I should've figured. Seeing this it becomes clear that should Ghale ever bring a troop of beautiful ladies to the frontline our country will fall quicker than the hammer of Gaius himself!"

The usual hearty laughs followed, matched in kind by girlish giggles from attendants all around, whisking the men off quickly to the center of what most present would swear was a gift bestowed directly from the Deities themselves - those arches and that architecture Savian initially found himself in awe at lacked in comparison to the flawless open baths and steam-shrouded atmosphere of inside Calismus' most famed spa.

With little hesitation virtually all of those present quickly made away with the majority of their attire, each man aided by no less than two of those stunning beauties, some of the luckier high ranks even more, being led into those decadent pools shortly after. The sole exception to the scene, of course, was none other than the Prodigy of Zar himself, exhaling a wistful sigh as a smile drew dreamily 'cross his features at the sight of his personal vanguard finally allowed respite after so long. He would soon be interrupted, however, with an abrupt tap upon his shoulder - the woman who had first greeted him immediately requesting his attention. "For you, Lord Savian, we have but a single attendant assigned wholly to you and your needs alone."

Arching a brow at the strange notion of being the only one among the bunch left with but one woman, it was in the very moment that woman stepped aside to reveal the gal that for the first time in all of his many years - time ruling all of Calismus included - that Savian Yros felt a skip in his heartbeat. Every last detail of the creature that stood before him was flawless, absolutely flawless; every curve, every angle, all of it traced smoothly into a wondrously alluring figure unlike any he had ever set eyes upon. There was a purity about her, as if she had been molded by Gaius' own vision and set about to walk upon Ghalerion as living evidence of his incomparably skilled hand. Savian extended his arm graciously to the miss, bowing ever so slightly in acknowledgment.

"And who might this radiant gem be?"

Unfortunately, the outfit didn’t leave a place to hide any weapons, so if things went sour, it would be up to her delicate hands to exact punishment. Well, that wasn’t necessary true because the demon had the ability to draw upon her scythe at anytime, but was told to use it only when guiding souls or if needed to end a marked life. Mia wasn’t sure what would happen if the weapon was used to save her neck and really didn’t feel like anymore lectures.  Speaking of scolding, the Queen Bitch was giving instructions on how to behave and what will happen if things didn’t go according to plan. Senshi could care less and would just disappear if things went south so to speak. 

If my father saw me now, he would most certainly not be impressed.

Snorting at the vision of Tesshu, her father shaking his head solemnly at her, Mia decided that after this little job, she would leave the bathhouse and head elsewhere. The other girls were starting to annoy her and the only one she could stand was Karma. Staying for one person just didn’t seem worth it.  Maybe next time the teen visited, she would be pampered instead of pampering others. Then again, perhaps that wasn’t such a good idea. Once she left, the young female probably wouldn’t be allowed back because she planned on going out with a bang, so to speak.

Squeeeeeeeeeak. CLANG!

Snapping her attention to the front entrance hidden behind the two huge doors that closed off their current location, Mia felt every inch of her tensing up in apprehension.  This feeling intensified when the girls were propelled into the presence of the soldiers. Shifting her gaze to the floor, the attendant took in a deep breath before shifting her crimson eyes up to the men.

Forcing herself to giggle along with the others, Mia seriously thought about killing the Czar and really screwing things up in Calismus.  Fortunately for him, it wasn’t his time to die… yet.  The same probably couldn’t be same about the others, but only time would tell.  Blinking, the hanyou realized that the other harlots were snatching up guys left and right, while she just stood there like a statue.  Making her way sensually over towards one of the better looking higher-ups, Mia wrapped her delicate digits around his muscular arm in order to lead him into one of the smaller pool area. There were other men there with other attendants, but she paid them no attention. The fear of being recognized was still in the back of her mind, but if she was able to sidetracked him then it wouldn’t be a problem.  Luck was on her side because four other females wandered over to help indulge the brown-haired combatant.

“And what can we do for you, today, sir?”

Leonard was incredibly late for the bathhouse fiasco, and frustration was etched in his young features as his powerful legs briskly carried him through the beautifully rich streets of Celestia. The profound architecture, the rich design, and the beautiful people of the city always gave the young general the greatest of feelings. Security, joy, pride, and love were some of the feelings experienced by him when he saw the results of his labor. These citizens would look at him and cheer. They would bow in his presence, tell him how wonderful he is, and even shower him with gifts although unnecessary as it was. It was because of his endeavors as well as Savian's, the soldiers, and the other leaders that these people were provided with such luxurious supply of rights and honors. Leonard's blue hues caught sight of the bathhouse, and he immediately began to slip inside the exquisitely designed building without a word to the two guards posted outside. They did, however, bow deeply to him with great respect, and chanted in unison "Hail Arch General Leonard, Vaniras the Skybreaker, Pride of Zanfial.", so the general took the time to stop, bless each of them with a touch on the shoulder, and walk through the doors of the building.

It was dreadfully apparent that he was indeed late. The other men were already either completely nude or fast approaching the state, and Savian Yros was nowhere to be found. He knew the Czar had arranged his own private quarters with which to spend his time of relaxation alone with the fabled beauty Karma, but Leonard would have at least enjoyed a few simple words between his old friend in a non professional setting. The general exhaled deeply as he allowed his exquisite garments to be removed from his tired frame by the women attending the entrance, and after a few moments was finally completely unclothed. He had forgotten how it felt to be completely vulnerable, naked, and exposed to the world, but the warm steam caressing his battle hardened flesh felt so good he allowed a moment's respite to enjoy it.

"Praise be to the Czar! Our lord Savian Yros!" Leonard raised his arm, and the cheering of men and women followed in unison. They praised their general as well, giving war cries, hoots, and hollers of admiration. Some of the women, never having seen the general's naked body, blushed at just how immaculate his physical presence was. His tanned skin dripped with sweat from the heat of the bathhouse, and for once his shoulder length hair was loosened from its knot, the soft locks bouncing as a strangely exotic but beautiful youth came and led him into the largest pool of water. Four other women came to attend to the general, and for once in his life, Leonard's mind was filled with thoughts of self indulgence. Perhaps he would allow himself this once to relax, enjoy these women, and enjoy his position.

"And what can we do for you, today, sir?" The younger and more exotically beautiful of the five women inquired, and Leonard allowed himself to sink into the warm water.

"I do not require so many women. Have your servants fetch my blacksmith, Barius, and my squire, Thompson. They will also be blessed by such luxuries for their unwavering service. I wish to speak to this beautiful youth," Leonard indicated a nod to Mia.

The women, although a bit disappointed, set off about completing the general's requirement with respectable urgency. Leonard turned his attention to Mia, toned arms coming to lay across the ceramic border of the bath, and he stared into her eyes for a moment as if able to study her thoughts, dreams, nightmares, and aspirations.

"You're not like these other women. What is your name?"

At the sound of multiple women gasping, Mia arched a brow before glancing around at the naked soldiers. It wasn’t the first time the teen ended up in the presence of an exposed individual and it sure wouldn’t be the last. Her face didn’t turn red like the others, which might have been insulting to the men. If they were upset, she really didn’t care.  In fact, the giggling and other noises the attendants were making were beginning to get on her nerves and really make her wish she was elsewhere. Not only that, it was difficult to praise someone that she personally didn’t believe in. However, she too praised Savian as well as the other legionnaires. Exhaling slowly out of her nose, mainly to help herself relax, the young escort returned her attention back to the situation at hand. The man she and the other four had strategically begun to attend was quite energetic and it took quite a bit of self-control to keep up the façade that the Czar was someone wonderful.

“What a bunch of foolishness…”

Her crimson eyes took in the bronze form standing before her.  Thanks to his occupation, his entire body was toned and she couldn’t help but follow the lines of sweat as the liquid dripped down it.  Realizing she was staring, Mia turned her attention elsewhere and focused on his hair that looked so soft it made her want to run her fingers through it. Resisting the urge, the lithe woman instead made sure the much needed bath items were within reach. The others in her group giggled and blushed, trying to touch him as he lowered himself into the warm pool.  It amazed her that despite being the youngest in the cluster, she was more mature.

"I do not require so many women. Have your servants fetch my blacksmith, Barius, and my squire, Thompson. They will also be blessed by such luxuries for their unwavering service. I wish to speak to this beautiful youth." The blue eyed warrior nodded to her and for a brief moment, Mia felt her stomach tightening.

Did he recognize her from the wanted posters? That was the only reason she could thing of that the General would want to speak with her alone. As the other assistants rushed off to do as instructed, Mia could only stare at the water. There were too many people around to successfully kill him and she doubted he would be lured to her quarters.  Perhaps it would be possible to drown him without anyone realizing. No, that wouldn’t work because of his prominent ranking.  The constricting sensation intensified as a million different scenarios sprinted through her mind as he asked for her name after indicating that he noticed she wasn’t like the others.

What do I tell him? The moment he learns my name, it’s all over. However, if I lie, one of the other morons will undoubtedly call me by my real name and he’ll realize I lied. Lying is probably a death penalty and I really don’t want to die. Not only that, he is so gorgeous that he makes me want to tell him anything he wants to know.

Chewing absentmindedly upon her bottom lip, Mia pondered on what to say.  It didn’t help that he was currently staring into her eyes, making it even more difficult to keep a clear head.  While thinking, she attempted to remain in a position that was respectful towards him and comfortable at the same time. Remembering that she was supposed to be attending to him, Senshi moved behind him, beginning to massage his shoulders.

“My name, sir, is Mia Senshi. I am here because I wanted to explore the place. Unfortunately after I was finished with the services provided to me, they found out I didn’t have any money. So, I’m working off my debt for the time. It is my duty to attend to your every command, no matter what it happens to be.” Mia mentally slapped herself for revealing so much.  At least she left out the more criminal part of her life.

“Is there anything in particular you would like me to do?”

Like debris, his words were dismissed and brushed aside, the young Czar of Calismus instead taken aback by a sudden outpouring of emotion from the pristine jewel whom he was given for the afternoon. There was an identifiable urgency in her tone, equal parts hopeful and hopeless as she pleaded a solitary request with every intent to take advantage of the fact that she had arguably the most powerful man walking the planet alone with her. But while her words may have matched the feelings buried somewhere in her heart, it was difficult for the prodigy of Zar to yield without suspicion.

With the soft flesh of her cheek pressed to his own, his arm slipped almost instinctively down the curves of her frame and wrapped about her waist, holding her against him - prepared to keep her still until his ears were graced with naught but truth, absolute and complete. Whispering with caution, he spoke uninterrupted. "So it is freedom from this place you claim to seek, and for such a thing you offer to sacrifice whatever it is I desire for it?" His voice assumed a soothing tone, meant to pacify the furious heartbeats her chest pounded against his own as their bodies pressed warmly in a way not unlike that of reunited lovers once long separated, though in truth physical intimacy was far from the thoughts lingering upon Savian's mind in that moment.

"I must admit, Miss Karma, that I am not without doubts here to your sudden proposal. You might seek escape, but at what price to the one who might liberate you? You must excuse my skepticism, even when directed at such pronounced beauty, but in calamitous times, single mistakes have in our past oft lead to the eventual fall of nations and empires." Every word was spoken with a definitive intent to elicit and gauge reaction, the master tactician no slouch even in more private matters. Every single change in her heartbeat would be felt against his own chest, every sharp breath and every whimper falling upon his cheek, all of it the young czar would discern. If it was her motive to deceive, he would make sure to know of it.

"But as a man of reason and caring for my countrymen, I am not without sympathy," another whisper would settle gently upon the young Vykryb's ear before he released her and stepped back, determined to match gaze with her own for a moment and study it. "And as such I am not unprepared to speak with your Grand Mistress here and order your immediate release. But if I am to do so, I must inquire of you and receive only unwavering honesty.."

Turning about on his heel, the Czar of Calismus stepped toward the unbroken surface of that center bath and focused his attention toward it, its sheen casting a flawless reflection back to greet him while he pondered how to phrase himself. Truthfully it was little more than further assessment of the woman's character - turning his back to her completely and totally unarmed was an open invitation to any assault or violent plot she might be scheming, should her real objectives lie in that direction. But the moment passed without so much as a single movement from either of the two, the atmosphere still remaining tense all the while.

She has no want of taking my life but if not that, then what..?

"Tell me, Karma, to the degree of which of you are comfortable, of course.." his tone returned to that soothing charm once more as his fingertips dipped idly beneath the hot water, tracing figures along its surface, "..were I to offer you this freedom, toward what ends would you use it? In this world, what is it that you truly seek?"

Every word that escaped those lips bore into his heart like daggers, the desperation with which she spoke tugging on his heartstrings like nothing he had ever experienced before. It felt as if her soul was bared to the young Czar and he alone, the path upon which she would travel from that point onward placed in his very hands. Is this what it is to live an existence in which one's fate is uncontrollable? He struggled to comprehend it. From the day he was born, Savian lived a life in which every decision he made was his own, from his humble beginnings tending his family's crops in Zar to taking his place at the throne of Calismus, in all things he ultimately controlled his destiny. Yet here he was faced with a plea to determine the destiny of another, one who was born without the same power over her own circumstance.







His hand dipped fully submerged beneath the water of the center bath and clenched tight into a fist, his decision ultimately made, his judgment set to be rendered. "Miss Karma.." that soft voice trailed along on the latter syllable while he attempted to collect the right words from his thoughts, "..is there a soul in this world that does not ultimately seek escape? Be it from the drudgery of the merchant's grind, from the bloodshed of warfare, from the banality of study, or from anything else, we all seek liberty of some kind, genuine and unfettered. But unlike those of which I speak, your chains have thus far been immovable, your life now absent of the most important luxury to which we should all be afforded - choice."

Clicking his tongue, the ruler of the most powerful nation in all of Ghalerion stood and turned to face the young woman, stepping toward her and dropping to one knee before her subservient frame. And, without another word of forewarning, Savian took that handful of warm liquid remaining in his hand and playfully splashed it upon her lowered head. Oh Gaius, give me strength.

"An interesting thing it is," he spoke while his hand slipped beneath her head and elevated it off the stone surface of the bath house floor to restore eye contact, greeted by the expected mix of confusion at his gesture and the calming smile now gracing his features, "We speak so often of words like fate. We speak of lives watched over by Deities, of our own existence as if it were naught more than a linear path predetermined for us all. It almost makes one wonder if a thing such as choice exists at all.." Those words drifted, their conclusion left to her own mind to decipher while he leaned his head in much closer to hers, her despair-laden visage little more than a dagger's width away from his more collected countenance.

"Tears belong not on a jewel so radiant. While the rest of the world may see you unblemished, to my eyes your flaws have never been more clear. Yet...there is something about you. While your existence may feel empty or hollow, there is something within your heart which every fiber of my being tells me is more beautiful than any maiden or songbird to ever walk this planet. It is a beauty which I wish to see, to explore.." His eyes glistened while they cast a pure reflection into her own, every word spoken lucidly.

"I will take you with me. I know not for how long and I know not where your place at my side will take you, but there is no other way I can ensure your freedom and safety yet unless I directly oversee it. Put your trust in me, Karma, and I will ensure that never again are you shackled. Never again will you be taken advantage of in this manner, never again will you be reduced to this. This I promise you."

The crimson silk curtains fluttered back and forth as Leonard's capable hands lightly pushed them aside, and the ornately designed yet comfortably small private bath quarters was indeed a sight to behold. Reserved for only Celestia's greatest figures in society, the general's quarters were designed akin to stimulate a warrior's heart and mind, and was appropriated with war books, weapons, suits of armor, and the like. These were merely for decoration, however, and the bath itself was intended as a site of intense meditation. The water was a very dark blue, its substance mixed with salts and other chemicals to promote not only a healthy clean body, but the scents floating from the water's surface allowed Leonard to focus more intensely on his meditations. A petite yet capable napping bed was seen in the corner of the quarters, and its sheets were disturbed. Leonard had slumbered in here previously, and in true fashion that only a male could muster, the bed was naturally unmade. It was one of the few ounces of disorder he allowed himself.

Leonard admired the room for a moment, taking in its glorious design, and slowly turned to face the kneeling Mia Senshi. He studied her face, her body, and after cupping her chin gently with his hand, he studied her eyes. The general was gentle in all his endeavors, and for a moment simply took in the magnificence that was her immaculate physicality. Leonard suddenly took Mia's hand, and pulled her into his powerful embrace. Their naked frames melded together as if one, and for a moment the general allowed himself to breathe in her scent, feel her soft skin against his, and taste her anxiety.

"I know who you are, Mia Senshi. I know what you are. Do not be alarmed, for I have not summoned you in my chamber to bring you harm. There are many mysteries in this world, and I feel like our great nation has only scratched the surface of the power lying dormant in this plane," Leonard paused in his speech to tilt her head towards him, those eyes drilling into her own once again. The general, however, was smiling.

"You have a power that can bring life as well as death, Mia. It is a power that also rests a heavy burden upon the shoulders of the one that wields it. I can help you with that burden. I can give your power purpose. I can give it meaning, and the fruits of your labor will bring an eternity of happiness and peace to this land. Join my side in battle, Mia Senshi, and you will have honor, a title, and all the material possessions your heart could dream of. The choice is up to you, and I will allow you as much time as needed to ponder my offer," Leonard's eyes studied her as the words escaped his lips, and the small blush that would form over her expression beckoned the general to one final sentence. The sentence was accompanied by the powerful general lifting the tiny woman into his arms and carrying her over to the bed.

"I will bed you, now, Mia Senshi, and you will see why they call me the Skybreaker."

Something told Mia that things were about to get a lot more awkward. Her acute hearing picked up on the other girls giggling and whispering, but it didn’t matter to the servant. No, at the moment all that mattered was keeping herself from doing something stupid. Well, that and whatever he wanted from her. For a brief second, her thoughts drifted to Karma and how she was doing before returning to the situation at hand. Never in her life had she felt so uncomfortable though she mysteriously managed to keep all emotions off her gorgeous face,  Finding it impossible to look at the general in his face, she instead looked everywhere else though her eyes remained down low. It wasn’t until the halfling took note of a bed did a brief moment of panic cross her visage.

A barely audible squeak slipped from her dainty lips as she forced herself to look elsewhere. Focusing instead on the bath, Senshi let its calming scent make its way throughout her body via her nose.  Leaning to the side, Mia dipped her graceful fingers into the azure water. It was so soothing, so warm and reminded the young lady why she came to the Bathhouse to begin with.  Lifting her fingers out of the pool, she watched drops of liquid hitting the surface like rain sprinkling outdoors.  Relaxing, Mia was about to turn back to Leonard just as she felt his hand on her jaw. Lifting her face upwards, she oddly enough didn’t feel uncomfortable as he stared into her eyes. Instead, the murderess gazed back at him and took note of the gentle way he was handling her. Before her hand had a chance to dip back into the tepid pool, the alluring man had used it to pull her up against him.

I swear I can hear his heart though it is probably mine.

Slightly flicking out her tongue in order to wet her lips, the visiting woman attempted to calm herself down. It had been a long time since she had the luxury of being this close to an exquisite man and she wasn’t sure how to act.  Pressing her fingers gently against his flesh, she inhaled deeply partly to calm herself down and partly to become more acquainted with him.  It wasn’t long before her frame relaxed against his and for a brief moment, she felt safe.  That feeling came crashing down around her the moment he revealed that he knew who she was.  Almost all of the color left her face and her eyes darted towards the silk curtains in order to make an escape.  Before she even had a chance to move, he once again brought her head up and looked into her eyes. She vaguely saw his smiling expression, but still felt the urge to bolt.

"You have a power that can bring life as well as death, Mia. It is a power that also rests a heavy burden upon the shoulders of the one that wields it. I can help you with that burden. I can give your power purpose. I can give it meaning, and the fruits of your labor will bring an eternity of happiness and peace to this land. Join my side in battle, Mia Senshi, and you will have honor, a title, and all the material possessions your heart could dream of. The choice is up to you, and I will allow you as much time as needed to ponder my offer,"

Was he serious? Never once that she could recall did Mia Senshi bring life to anyone or anything. No, she was a Death Dealer and only brought deal to those that deserved it. To those that had lived out their lives and those that didn’t have a chance to live, but had their number come up. Did she really want the land to be happy and peaceful? No war meant her workload would diminish greatly, which was actually alluring. The idea of having whatever she wanted was also appealing and very persuasive, especially being pressed so close against a man.  Naturally her mind drifted to other things and her face betrayed her as her face reddened a bit. Before she had a chance to comment either way, Mia felt his strong arms lifting her into his arms, their destination the bed.

"I will bed you, now, Mia Senshi, and you will see why they call me the Skybreaker."

Once again, the seventeen-year-old wondered mentally if he was serious. However when he placed her gently down on the bed, the question was answered. Strangely enough, she allowed him to remove the red skimpy garment along with her shoes and naturally any other apparel she happened to be wearing at the moment. Her crimson eyes took in every inch of his muscular frame, waiting in anticipation of what was to come. The very idea of being bedded by such a glorious man sent a spark up her spine, causing her to shiver briefly.  The scenario was starting to pan out exactly how her dreams had been lately.  As he took his place above her, Mia ran her fingers up and down his back before letting them rest against his shoulders.  She cooed her approval as she felt his lips travel down her neck. The sensation of his tongue flicking across her gilded skin only added to her arousal. It felt as though waves of lava were rising from deep within her body, and the only outlet for this incredible heat were the kisses that were now trailing down her body.

She arched her back when he got to her breasts. He paid close attention to the big picture, knowing that this was merely a rest stop on the sultry road south. Leonard’s mouth was like magic as it moved in circles, teasing her soft flesh. She was getting more and more worked up, and as he reached the apex of her breast and suckled lightly on the nipple, Senshi drew in a sharp breath of approval. She arched her back to allow him to take more of her into his mouth. Every action he made was gentle and it wasn’t long before the warrior moved past kissing and sucking and on to more important things. If anyone dared to look inside the private room, they would find two individuals passionately consummating their desire for one another. Once it was over, the hot and sweaty hanyou knew she was glowing from ecstasy.

“I have come to a conclusion, sir. I wish to join you in your noble cause.”

Leonard stared at the sleeping form of Mia, eyes caressing the curves of her frame for a moment before the general stepped to the small opening leading out into the tranquil garden of the bathhouse, and the sweat coating his naked frame gleamed in the moonlight as dim torchlight flickered sapphire hues. A soft wind churned through the immaculately preened flowers of the garden, and soft droplets of the previous day's rain trickled across the brilliantly colored surfaces. The general folded his capable appendages across his chest, eyes canting skywards to search the stars for answers to unspoken questions, and a long silence dwindled before the Skybreaker spoke to himself.

"Peace. Harmony. Tranquility. These terms I am aware by definition, yet not through experience. They are logical entities produced by a set pattern of ritualistic circumstances. Peace cannot be won without war. Harmony cannot be created without destruction. Tranquility cannot be achieved without chaos. The world stands at the brink of it all, and it is up to us to ensure this world's fate."

Leonard often spoke to himself during moments of philosophical respite, and found it helped cleared his head of the constant mental stabs that such a logical and practical mind often endured. It was a practiced scenario that the disciplined youth had accustomed to his persona at a young age, and through diligent meditation maintained the unwavering source of inspiration, control, and power that so many soldiers admired. It was this same power, however, that riveted the hearts of enemies, stole their willpower, and crushed their resolve to do battle with the Pride of Zanfial at all, and Leonard had come across so many armies that had thrown down their weapons like cowards instead of choosing to participate in the grand honor of battle. The soldier that suddenly burst into the private bath quarters without so much as an introduction would be given an example of that power as Leonard stepped backwards and like a flash was holding the soldier off his feet by the throat as easily as if the general were lifting a small cat.

"State your business before I break your neck," The general warned, loosening his grip to allow the soldier to speak.

"Sire, we have report that the last roaming rebel camp in Ghale has been captured. The leader that we were to keep alive is among them and several others are in our possession as well. Your presence is requested immediately."

A tingling sensation began to traverse across the path of Leonard's thought processes as his mind took in the new information, and for a moment his mouth hung upon in pleasant surprise. The general quickly maintained his professional composure, however, and immediately began preparations for their departure.

"Soldier. Fetch my blacksmith and squire, Barius and Thompson. Tell them to prepare my army and horse for departure. I must speak with the Czar of Calismus," Quick commands were uttered with a sharp and powerful tone, and the soldier quickly complied with the commands set before him. He sprinted away to accomplish his tasks, and Leonard turned his attention to the sleeping form of Mia Senshi. He tenderly graced his digits over the soft silk sheets, and place a gentle kiss on her forehead before he slipped on a bath robe and stepped quietly out of the private quarters.

After a few moments of organizing the Arch Generals and Vice Admirals inside the bathhouse, Leonard stepped through the curtains of the Czar's private quarters, and for a moment glanced from Karma to Savian as if reading them and their previous unspoken intentions like an open book. He dipped into a respectful bow, and uttered one sentence.

"The army is being prepared. We have him now, my lord.

Soon after their love making, Mia fell into a deep slumber. It was the first time in a long time that she slept soundly and her body nestled close against Leonard’s.  The lithe woman was in a blissful dream world and subconsciously knew that after today she was free.  The nightmares that normally plagued her dreamscape were swept away, leaving her with nothing but pleasant fantasies.  Whatever was happening on the outside world didn’t matter and despite vaguely feeling him move, she simply rolled over onto her stomach, flopping her head on her right arm. One long leg stretched out while the second folded beneath its partner as she attempted to find her comfy spot once again.

Mia, you are foolish for letting a man get close to you.

The content expression plastered upon her face soon changed to a slight frown upon hearing the comment that somehow made it through her dreams.  It wasn’t clear who made the comment and she wasn’t even sure if the remark was viable or not.  Because of the statement, her peaceful siesta was interrupted and Mia was slowly beginning to awaken.  It was when the soldier erupted into the bathhouse that she truly snapped open her crimson orbs with a silent squawk.  Watching the general lifting the man off the ground, Senshi watched silently and fought through the sleepiness to decipher what was being said.  Dropping back into an unconscious state after hearing that a rebel camp had been captured, the exhausted teen curled up on her side, tucking her knees up close to her chest while quietly hoping none of her friends had been involved.

Her auditory senses heard Leonard leaving the room after he pressed his lips against her forehead in a quick kiss.  Rolling onto her back with a loud sigh, Mia slowly forced her eyes open once again.  If they were about to leave, she wanted to make sure she wasn’t left behind.  Climbing up to her feet, the slender female looked around for her clothing.  Upon further thinking on it, the Death Dealer decided the dress wasn’t appropriate attire to wear upon leaving the bathhouse.  Grabbing the sheet, using it to wrap around her body, the semi-nude headed to the servants quarters.  It was hard to ignore the whispers and the gossip from the others, but she managed. 

Moving to where her items were currently located, the toned chic slid on the deep purple armor looking top. Eloquent silver designs adorn the top and its shoulders jut out slightly while part of it covers the upper part of her arm.  The bottom of the top ends just below her breasts, showing off a very toned stomach and abs.  After adjusting the top, she placed dark brown leather bands upon both wrists. The bands attach between her fingers, almost like a glove, but without anything going over her digits.  A silk light purple skirt that is slit up one side to show off her long leg scantily was soon pulled on to cover the bottom part of her while a pair of leather boots that stopped just above her knees were slid on.  On the visible thigh, she yanked on a strap to hold her dagger as well as a brown leather belt across her hips for her sword. Finally completing the outfit was a golden headpiece with an emerald in the middle, which rested on her forehead.

Digging further into a secret compartment, the warrior pulled out her silver bracelet and ‘The Terpsichorean’, which was her trusty sword.  Snapping the bracelet onto her right wrist, she checked to make sure the lethal poisoned throwing needles were still intact before sliding on the sheath and her sword on to the left side of her waist. Mia realized that eventually she should get different clothing especially if she was going to be helping out Leonard.  Shrugging, she jogged back out of the quarters and stopped where the other soldiers were chilling at.  Figuring this would be where Leonard returned to, the red-head leaned against a pillar and waited patiently.

The steady rhythm of war was a constant presence in Leonard's life, and now it had advanced its fortifications to the forefront of his endeavors. A goal the man had been working towards since his appointment at Arch General was now within reach, the light filtering about outstretched digits, and the Pride of Zanfial would not miss the opportunity to grasp it within his clenched fist. The cool marble surface seemed to ripple underneath Leonard's knuckles as Savian approached his kneeling frame, and the whisper of his voice slithered like silk to his senses.

"Surely you see it, yes? Your heart reveals to you as much as my own does. There are still yet mice scurrying about here.."

No acknowledgment was required. No comment could aid such a profound statement, for it was the truth of truths, and Leonard nodded his head in silent agreement. The movements of the Arch General were subtle, precise, and calculated to the exact degree as his robes were fetched, his clothing donned, and his hair knotted back into its proper place. The walk to the palace was uneventful, but Leonard felt the corrosive sorrow eating away at Savian Yros, his companion, leader, and savior. It was for the people of Calismus that the young leader's concerns were guided towards, but the Arch General knew that such emotions would need to be reigned in, confronted, and thwarted in their endeavors of clouding the Czar's mind. They had him. He was theirs.

They arrived at the palace, Leonard taking just a moment to gaze up at the magnificent structure, and eyes flickered in correspondence with the shimmering glory that was the mark of Celestia's beauty. This, the people, and the definition of reason and logic were the reason for them to lay their lives down. It would all be worth it in the end. Praise Gaius.

"We have arrived. We must move quickly - Leonard, you must arm the men. Send no more than six dozen to the camp with my own personal correspondence and arm an additional three dozen to remain here. The rest of you - alert the advisory council of our arrival and order them to gather, set the chamber maids about setting up a place of rest for my beautiful companion here, and send message quickly to the troop advancing upon Dame to halt their movement save for two legions."

Leonard directed his entourage according to the Czar's wishes at the exact time they were implemented. It would be so if he commanded it so, and the Arch General weaved his instructions like a poet with words. After accomplishing his tasks, an idle passage towards Savian would certainly garner the Czar's attention, and a low whisper was uttered to his lord.

"Scurry all they want. I've laid the trap for one particular mouse, and the rest will follow, my lord Savian."