Ekubatana, The Palsian Year 308.
Narcasse was working in the library on his next assignment from Cheiron when Darun came in.
"Almost done?"
"Yes. Give me a few more minutes." Narcasse continued to scribble.
"I never understood the purpose of these assignments," Darun said. "All you really need to know is how to read and write, right? Why do you still need to work on stuff like that?"
"Exercises my brain," Narcasse replied. "It lets me think about things, such as why past strategies have failed. Forces me to study and read what has already been in recorded history. Lets me ponder whether or not I'm the reincarnation of the great Palsian artist Mani." He gave his friend a look. "You've asked this question before, why are you asking again?"
"Because I'm trying to kill time while you work," Darun said. He pulled up a chair and sat down, bored.
"You don't have to wait for me, you know. You can go on ahead and find someone else to practice with."
"But I have more fun with you," Darun said. "Besides, what kind of a friend am I if I can't even wait for you?"
"Right. You just want to beat me and feel good about being stronger than me."
Darun snorted. "You know that's not true. You beat me last week. If I really wanted a battle of strength, I'd practice with Kharlan or Kubard. I like practicing with you because you always try different things when we fight. It's because you're smarter than me."
Narcasse tried not to smile. "So you finally admit it."
"I admit it freely now," Darun said. "In our youth, you were a precocious brat that no one understood. Now that you are a man of sixteen years and people actually understand what you say, they declare that you are a mad, artistic genius. Satisfied?"
"Quite." Narcasse returned to his writing, while Darun drummed his fingers on the desk, looking around the library.
Narcasse finished ten minutes later. He looked up only to catch his friend falling asleep. Darun leaned against the table, nodding off. He looked handsome, even in undignified positions. The sunlight coming through the library window lit his features. Narcasse found himself wanting to run his hands through his friend's short, glossy black hair. Instead, he touched his own shoulder-length, honey-brown hair. He looked back at Darun and imagined Darun touching his hair.
Darun woke up and caught him staring. "Done?"
Narcasse nodded, and looked back down at his work one last time before leaving.
--
"You know, I have to say," Darun began, as he gave the first strike.
"What?" Narcasse asked, as he parried.
"Ever since you've decided to take up art, you sometimes make the most interesting sword strokes."
Narcasse shrugged. It was true. He feinted one just then, a short stroke that Darun did not expect, like the quick strokes he made when he was painting. He did not know how other artists fought, but he liked to bring what he learned from both realms into each other.
Darun stepped aside just in time. "Do you really think you're the reincarnation of Mani?"
Narcasse smiled. "Why not?"
Darun smiled, and then he became serious. Narcasse took the cue. They stopped talking and began to concentrate on the fight.
The swords danced back and forth as their masters moved.
In order to win Darun, Narcasse had discovered, it was necessary to do strange moves that had nothing to do with sword fighting. It was why Darun still enjoyed sword fighting with him, and for that reason alone, Narcasse was willing to constantly think of new techniques. Sword fighting with Darun was one of his favorite pastimes.
Accordingly, Narcasse tried to trip Darun. Darun stumbled forward, however, rather than backward, and then threw his weight into pressing his blade against Narcasse's sword. Narcasse found himself quickly on the defense and for a moment, nothing else existed but the two of them pressing their blades against each other's.
Narcasse took another step back, and knew he would lose if this continued. He began to lower his arms until the blades were no longer in the direct view of his face. He also eased back the strength that he put on the blade. Unaware of his plan, Darun continued to press forward until his face was inches from Narcasse's.
Then, quick as one of his sword strokes, Narcasse moved forward and kissed Darun on his nose, the closest part of Darun's face that he could reach. When Darun pulled back in surprise, Narcasse kicked him in the stomach, causing him to double over.
Narcasse held the blade to Darun's neck. "I win."
Darun dropped his blade to wipe furiously at his nose. "That was gross!"
Narcasse grinned. "In combat, enemies will do anything it takes to win." He was only sorry that he would not be able to try the same trick next time. He would have liked to kiss Darun on the lips.
---
"And even though I'm married now, sometimes I like to go out and have fun anyway," Kharlan bragged.
Narcasse rolled his eyes while some of the other noblemen laughed.
They were at Prince Arslan's birthday celebration. The new Prince of Palse was now officially a year-old, and as with all birthdays for a member of the Royal family, a celebration had been called for. This included musical entertainment, dancing, dinner, and wine.
After dinner, those invited started socializing. Narcasse did not care much for Kharlan's company, however, Darun got along fine with all of the noblemen since he believed fervently that they should all work together for the good of Palse. Kubard, a nobleman a few years their senior, had roped Darun into a conversation. Kharlan joined them next, and then Kharlan's friends, and now they were all gathered and talking.
Darun frowned, and then spoke. "I believe that once you are married, you should remain loyal to your wife. She's the one taking care of Zante." He took another sip of his wine.
Narcasse gave his friend a look of approval while Kharlan laughed at him.
"Don't be such a prick, Darun! We're young still. I'm only twenty, you're only sixteen! It's natural for us to want to seek other pleasures before we settle down."
Kharlan drank another gulp of wine before continuing. "And how's YOUR love life coming along? Another rejection? Is that why you're lecturing me-- because you can't get any on your own?" he asked, referring to a noblewoman who had refused Darun's offer of courtship.
Darun flushed and said nothing. He looked at his wine.
Irritated, Narcasse spoke. "I believe Darun was referring to the aspect of society that separates humans from animals. Dogs breed with multiple partners every year, as is natural for their kind." His lips curled into a sneer. "It is only members of the higher society that have the self-control and self-discipline to stay in a monogamous relationship."
Kharlan turned red while the other noblemen laughed. He gave Narcasse a hateful look. "What would you know about a REAL man's relationships? You look like a woman, have no woman, and have never had a woman!"
Narcasse did not dignify a reply. It was almost true, to some extent. Narcasse was thin and maybe, perhaps if his hair was longer, he would resemble more of a member of the opposite sex. And Kharlan was right: he was a virgin still, this primarily being because he did not have a mistress, and he did not have a mistress because the only person he found worth his attention was Darun, who clearly liked women. So Narcasse resorted to fantasizing about Darun rather than looking for anyone else of interest. He knew there was no chance, but he simply was not interested in any other person. He decided that his interest in Darun were simply circumstantial, and would eventually pass on with age.
"Narcasse does not look like a woman," Darun defended, his voice slurring only slightly. "And there's nothing wrong with not having done anything yet. I haven't." He frowned after speaking, and Narcasse bit his lip. He was grateful for the attempt at defense, but the result would only made both of them look bad.
Narcasse's guess was correct. Kharlan stared at Darun for a good minute before laughing. "Sweet Ashi, it's true! Here is the most chaste boy in the world and the reason for that is because no woman is willing to court him!" Kharlan laughed and finished his drink. When the liquid was sufficiently emptied in his mouth, he addressed both Narcasse and Darun. "I need to make MEN out of you two."
And he told them how he would do so.
---
Darun pulled the hood of his robe farther down to cover his face.
They were being watched. The beggar on the corner was sneering at them, while two girls giggled as they walked by. An old woman sitting outside gave them a look of disapproval as they passed her. Everyone in the area was watching them as they walked by, as if they knew that they did not belong.
"This way," said Kharlan, as they turned another corner. He did not seem to care about the looks they were receiving.
Darun glanced uneasily around. The last time he had come to the Shades was when he and Narcasse were fourteen or so and had been looking for a good fight. He had never come for anything else.
The Shades was what palace nobility called the side of Ekubatana where the poor resided. Slaves who had been freed or tradesmen down on their luck often moved in. It was where gambling on cockfights and street brawls were common forms of entertainment.
A youth, around their age, bumped roughly into Narcasse. "'Scuse me," he said loudly, before walking away.
Darun looked at his friend. "You all right?"
Narcasse glanced one last time at the redhead who had bumped into him before nodding to Darun.
Darun took the opportunity to walk closer to his friend. Narcasse's face was usually hard to read, but because Darun had known him for so long he had a pretty good idea of how the other was feeling.
"Sorry we got into this," Darun whispered. "I think I drank too much when I was talking to Kharlan."
Narcasse's lips twitched into a smile. "You did." Suddenly he stopped.
"What's wrong?"
Narcasse looked behind him but did not move. "I think he took my money."
"What!" Darun turned around. The redhead was out of sight, but he could not have gotten very far. "Wait, I'll go get it back and beat the shit out of him." He started off, but Narcasse grabbed his arm.
"Don't," Narcasse said in a low voice. "It wasn't that much anyway. He probably knows the area much better than we do, and he might have friends." He bit his lip, which Darun knew was a sign that Narcasse was thinking of something else. He waited impatiently.
Finally, Narcasse said, "I don't want Kharlan to laugh at me for losing anything. Let's just pretend that nothing happened, ok?"
Darun frowned. "But--"
"What's the hold up kiddies? You scared?" Kharlan asked. He nudged one of his other friends that had come along. "Is it just me or is Narcasse holding Darun's arm? Aww, Narcasse, don't be scared. We'll get you someone who knows how to handle newbies like you." They laughed.
Narcasse dropped Darun's arm as if it was on fire. "I forgot to bring any money."
Kharlan laughed even harder. "Damn, you really are new at this, aren't you? Don't worry, they have some cheap bitches if Darun's willing to treat you." He turned back and started to walk forward.
"The brothel's just right up ahead."
---
"Get this one a skilled lady. It's on me." Kharlan threw his arm around Darun. "Cuz he's such a shy, innocent baby who's down on his luck with women." He nodded in the direction of Narcasse. "And him? Get him someone who isn't worth more than two copper pieces."
Narcasse saw that Darun was starting to protest so he quickly stepped on his friend's foot. He did not care about what Kharlan said, because he knew that he did not want to do anything with any of the women here.
The seedy establishment that they were at appeared to be run by the fat man that Kharlan was speaking to, a middle-aged old man with a trim mustache. He must have been one of the few slave owners in the Shades, because many of the women had the marks that branded them as slaves on their necks, arms, or face. Or, Narcasse reasoned, they were former slaves. Kharlan talked familiarly with the owner for a few more minutes before the owner called out names. After each call, another woman appeared.
Including himself and Darun, Narcasse knew that their group had four other people: Kubard, Kharlan, and two of Kharlan's friends, Hanch and Loowd. So he was rather surprised when nine women total appeared. He felt disgusted when he realized what it meant. His suspicions were confirmed when he watched Kharlan and his friends each leave with two women.
Kubard winked at them, put his arm around his woman, and left as well.
Narcasse glanced at Darun, who looked uncertain. The lady that was with Darun was big-breasted and cute, in a heavy-make up sort of way. She wore a thin tunic that made it clear she was wearing nothing else underneath it. She smiled at him, and both of them saw at the same time that she was missing some of her bottom teeth. She wrapped herself tightly to Darun's arm and dragged him away.
Narcasse felt a similar tugging on his own arm. The woman he was left with had a dark tan and hair the color of midnight. She smiled at him and he saw that she was pretty, despite the ugly slave mark was on her left cheek. The only part about her that stood out was her stomach, which protruded a little. "Are you nervous, sir?" she asked, and when she spoke she had the slight accent of the lower class. "Don't worry, I'll make sure you're comfortable." And then she led him away as well.
---
"This is your first time, right?" She smiled again, the same empty smile. It made Narcasse feel ill when he realized that this was her livelihood. He had read about brothels and prostitutes, but it was different actually being with one. She started to tug on his clothes. He stopped her.
"Oh. I see. You like to warm up first?" She moved in to kiss him. He stopped her again with a motion of his hand. She looked confused.
"Sorry," he apologized. He bit his lip, uncertain. He wasn't sure what he should do, but he knew what he did not want to do. He pointed to the bed. "Can we sit down?"
She gave him a confused, empty smile and they both sat down on the edge of the bed. She moved forward to kiss him, so he quickly asked her a question. "So why are you one of the cheaper ones?"
Her face colored, as did his, when he realized what he had said. "No, I didn't mean it like that. I mean you're prettier than the one that left with Dar--my friend, so why is it that what you charge is less?"
She leaned back. "Is there a problem?" Her tone was icy. She gave him an unfriendly look and it unnerved him because seconds later she was smiling again, even though the anger never left her eyes.
He tried to smooth over his words. "I just mean that if we were judging by looks alone, you'd be worth far more."
The angry look left, though now she looked uncertain. "I have to admit, sir, that I'm not quite sure what you want. Shall I kiss you?"
Narcasse gave up. He thought of various possible replies and finally settled on one. "I'm nervous," he said. "Can we talk first?"
She looked puzzled for a moment. Finally, she nodded.
"So why aren't you being paid more?"
She sighed. "Don't you see why?"
Narcasse shook his head.
She patted her belly. "When the bellies swell, the normal customers know a baby's on the way and they think it's dirty to fuck a woman that's pregnant. Contaminating. Filth." She spat out the last word.
He was horrified. "You still have to work even though you're pregnant?"
She gave him a look of disbelief and then laughed. "Oh honey, you really are new at this, ain't ya? Of course I still have to work. I have to work all my life because I don't have a choice. I'm a slave, not a prostitute. A prostitute can keep what she earns. A slave can't unless her master lets her. Some of the more expensive women here are former slaves, so they charge more. Others are the owner's slaves. He bought us on the market." She spoke bitterly and then appeared to realize whom she was speaking to. She covered her mouth in horror. "I mean..."
He shook his head. "It's ok. I won't say anything. Go on."
She gave him a critical eye, and then shrugged. "Ok so you can be lyin' but I don't care anyway." She warmed up to her subject; Narcasse doubted that she had the chance to tell many people her story. "So when someone gets pregnant, her price goes down since no one normally touches a pregnant woman. No one but people who are look for a REALLY cheap fuck." She glanced sideways at Narcasse.
He shook his head. "I got robbed on the way here. By a red-haired youth." He saw the recognition enter her eyes. "Know him?"
"Nope, sorry." She smiled that empty smile of hers and he knew that she was lying.
Narcasse shrugged. "Well if you see him next time, tell him to give you some of it."
She grinned in response and changed the subject. "So I'm gonna be impertinent and ask you a question."
"Go ahead. We can take turns."
"Do you want to be here?" She gave him an appraising look. "Most people don't come here for the smart conversation, you know."
"I don't know." Narcasse wasn't sure why he had come. "I guess I was curious. My friend told someone else that we were both virgins and the recipient of the news was so horrified that he brought us here to 'make men out of us.' I didn't really want to, but then I was curious and I... uh...didn't want to leave my friend alone when he encountered his first experience." He paused. "My turn. The father a customer?"
She shook her head. "He was my lover for a little bit. Another slave. But we were caught. Slaves can't have lovers, you know. Not here, anyway. Makes a quandary for the owner. On one hand, she'll be pregnant so her price will be lower. On the other, she might have a girl who will then fetch another price. My lover was beaten for being with me, so he left me. Didn't know about the child, though. I don't plan on telling him. He was shipped over to Port Giran last week, so I doubt I'll ever see him again." She patted her belly thoughtfully, her eyes sad while her face showed no other outward signs of expression. Finally, she looked a Narcasse. "My turn?" her voice was tentative.
Narcasse nodded.
"Are you planning on sleeping with me at all tonight?"
He answered honestly. "I don't know. I don't think so."
She was patient. "Why not? The belly? The face? Breasts not big enough? Don't want to dirty yourself?" She was smiling again, that fake smile, and Narcasse began to grow worried as her remarks became more self-deprecating. "Not good enough for a first time?" Her voice grew louder. "Good enough to talk to but not good enough to fuck?"
Narcasse winced. "It's not like that. It's just that...what's your name again?"
She hesitated before giving it. "Ashanti."
"Ashanti, you're pretty. Very pretty. Very attractive. It's just that...I don't know. The only person I've ever really fantasized about was my best friend." He flushed. "The one I told you about."
Her eyes widened in realization. "The handsome black-haired one with blue eyes?"
"Yeah." It was a very good description, Narcasse decided. Darun was very, very handsome.
Ashanti looked thoughtful. "So you don't want to sleep with me because you don't find me as attractive as your friend. Not because of the way I look but because you like the way he looks better?"
Narcasse looked down. "Yeah."
Ashanti laughed. "I like you. You're funny. You know, if you liked boys better, there is a place down the street. Lot smaller than here, though. Pricier too. Though I guess since Gu-- you got robbed you won't be going there tonight. Hmm." She gave Narcasse a critical eye. "Well regardless of whether or not you're attracted to women, you're still a virgin. If you ever plan on seducing that boy of yours, you better learn some proper moves."
And she proceeded to teach him until Narcasse was quite sure that he had learned enough of a basis to work on for future reference. He was now also quite sure that he was only interested in boys, rather than girls, thank you very much. Any doubts that had been in his mind before were cleared at last. He told her so, she laughed and stopped, and they spent the night talking instead. In the end, he told her his name, even though the women were not allowed to ask for it, because he thought of her as something close to being a friend. She asked him to visit later and he promised he would.
--
The morning found Darun waking up besides the woman that he had been with the night before. She was snoring very loudly. Quietly, he rolled out of bed and pondered the night's events as he got dressed. It had been, all in all, a rather awkward, embarrassing, and strange experience, one that he did not think he would care to repeat any time soon. It had been pleasurable at times, agreed, but there were so many other things that had bothered him the night before, not the least of which was the fact that her breath was very foul. She was skilled, experienced, and a patient teacher, but still, Darun decided that some things in life were simply overrated. It unnerved him to wake up so close to a complete stranger, who he had been intimate with even though she never knew his name. When he got married, he decided, he certainly would not cheat on his wife.
He left a few extra coins by her side and then left the room.
The first person that Darun ran into was Narcasse, who had just left his room as well. Seeing his friend immediately put Darun into high spirits.
"Morning."
Narcasse yawned. "Morning. Hey, can I borrow some money?"
Darun gave him what he had left. Narcasse took a few coins and went back into his room. Darun waited by the door and listened. There was a murmur of voices -- Narcasse was saying something -- then the woman inside giggled and Narcasse laughed. Darun was surprised. It was rare to hear Narcasse give a sincere laugh out loud -- he tended to smile or smirk instead. For a moment he envied the woman inside. Then Narcasse came out with a smile on his face. This time, Darun envied him.
"Had a nice night?"
Narcasse grinned. "It was...interesting, to say the least. You?"
Darun lied. "One of the most pleasurable experiences of my youth."
Narcasse nodded in understanding. "I might come again sometime," he said as they began to walk downstairs together.
Darun was scandalized.
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