[Ausar Estate, LE, Pregame] Mine

[Raela Ausar]

She sucked in a breath after the braid was removed, leaning back on the bed without redressing. She took a sip of the wine as she observed the damage that was done with amusement. She clearly hadn't driven him hard enough.

"They went fairly well. One of the other aspirants is interested in allying. We'll see if there's anything we can do for each other. And the meeting with my Master was very pleasant."

[Ilar'Shala]

His frustration and aggression heavily abated, Ilar moved to cradle Raela's head in his lap, his hands subconsciously trailing through her long locks.

"Master will be aware obviously, that I am careful to ensure I do not commit to a course of action among those with whom I am permitted to speak, only broker opportunities for individuals to reach an accommodation with yourself. There are only so many alliances, even temporary ones, in such an arena as this that can be proposed and maintained before the inevitable betrayal of one for another. It would not do for that realization to dawn on our 'allies' before you are ready."

"How is Lord Zash faring?" He asked after his Master's Master.

[Raela Ausar]

"Mm..." She hummed approvingly, enjoying the sensation of his fingers in her hair. "Indeed... And besides that, there's no telling just yet how many of them will conflict with one another even without the betrayal." She sighed and stroked a hand over his knee. "You're the only one I can trust, Ilar."

"She's herself, if nothing else. It's hard to tell exactly how she's doing."

[Ilar'Shala]

"True, the herd could thin itself out via natural attrition. I'm sure there will be some elements looking to accelerate that process as well." He chuckled slightly at her confession of trust in him though.

"You know too well that nothing short of death will drag me from your side Master, and I'd give him one hell of a fight before he managed it." Ilar added as he relaxed in the feel of Raela's gentle breathing and pulsing heartbeat.

"So trust me when I say that I fear for little, but one thing I do fear for is your safety here. There are vultures and vipers everywhere, and even the greatest predator can be taken down if their prey band together."

[Raela Ausar]

"That's why I appreciate you."

"There is a reason I carry keep my medpac handy and armor on," she replied softly, stretching out languidly half-draped over his lap now. "As for the vultures... We may have to make sure the vipers and vultures are looking at one another instead of at me."

[Ilar'Shala]

"No easy task Master." Ilar flatters Raela genuinely as a broad grin crosses his face. "You do tend to draw the eye. We'll just have to make sure the attention you gather is positive."

[Raela Ausar]

She nipped at the skin of his thigh lightly. "Careful with the flattery. I might start thinking you're insincere."

"Hopefully my previous isolation will be to my advantage... Those who have been more active may have personal vendettas to act out."

[Ilar'Shala]

The tender flesh of Ilar's inner thigh bruised easily beneath Raela's teeth, not the first nor likely the last such time she would inadvertently mark him.

"I hope your theory is right and not that the new arrival has many jockeying to assess your intent." Changing the topic slightly, Ilar poses Raela a question.

"Have you got your outfit picked out for Darth Tayana's gathering tomorrow?"

[Raela Ausar]

She smirked a little at the mark before settling down again. "I suppose we'll see soon enough."

"I'm debating between a couple of options. I'll have to rely on looking good and being smart," she sighed. She just wasn't personable. Viewing people as research subjects first had that effect.

[Ilar'Shala]

"It's gotten you this far right? It can't be that bad of an approach to these social battlefields. Besides," he added with a squeeze of Raela's shoulder.

"I'll be there to support you as much as I can Master."

[Raela Ausar]

She smiled. "True, to both. I will just have to focus any anxiety to work for me," she said, closing her eyes again.

[Ilar'Shala]

Slowly, a soft shoulder squeeze turned into a relaxing massage.

"In the meantime, lets try and relieve some of that anxiety, shall we?"

[Raela Ausar]

"Mmmm-hmmmm..." She hummed happily, accepting the massage happily.

[Ilar'Shala]

Kneading fingers pressed into crimson flesh as Ilar's gaze swept across the room.

Yes, the cleanup can wait until the morning

/scene