Holiday Group Dance 2015

Dec 18, 2015

Port Haifa

The Dance Pavilion at Port Haifa

The Town Crier yells, "Don't miss the event - slaves surprising the Haifa Free in dance!
A fun afternoon at the Port Haifa Dance Pavilion. Snow Mistwood opened the event with a lively rendition of the Grinchy She-Urt. 

Snow Mistwood Dancing as a Grinchy She-Urt

Then House of Khon and private slaves of Haifa citizens took to the sands in lovely holiday red silks created by Thistle (Shirin Adored) of *SOIR* Designs. Each slave participated by preparing a dance emote. Here is their dance...

~*~

Snow wets lips before gently blowing into the flute, a melodic skirl fills the pavilion. Nods as fingers press to cover carved holes in the wooden instrument appearing to call the slaves by name to dance, "Come, Dina, Callie, Twenty Two, and Melantha... On toes, Feather, Misty, Lehna and Twenty Five... To my side, Ritzy, Rowena, Nalani and Sucha... Dash to the pit, Tia, Sylvia and Thistle."

Snow snaps close left eyelid, twinkling a wink to her Master as the girls present in gracefully poses, sashes of bright red criss-crossing their supple supple frames like ribbons adorning packages. Caresses the firmness of the wind instrument tips of fingers wavering as the sound softens, her puffs of air becoming less frequent. Cants head toward Se to lead the lovelies in dance.

Dina smiles and looks at Mistress Merriel and says with joyful delight "Greetings, my Mistress and happy holidays," begins moving around her arms waving as the slave shows her elegance and exquisite beauty as a dancer. A soft moan escapes as the girl named Dina moves and beams with great love for the one who owns the girl, "I hope to always be pleasing for you Mistress and always be able to improve on everything I do," smiles and continues on with the dance.

Callista's slave heart pulses a rhythm equal to that of the skilled musicians as she continues to dance. This day is a perfect reminder to the importance of her place within the city and her duty to serve the Free. It is to them that she owes her life, to them she owes her education, her security and her joy. For the Free, she glides with grace swaying this way and that as her arms seems to float in perfect unison with the melodic song that plays.

Twenty Two feels her heart begin to race as she recalls  the sting at her mouth, she trembled at the head slavers feet after he cuffed her whilst begging to be kept. Thoughts then drift to the agonizing pain she felt as she was strapped to the gurney by the Chief physician for her shots, shudders as she then remembers the terrifying moment she danced for Master Raythorn, her first ever dance for a free. These lessons learned forever helping this slave as she continues to grow.

~*~

Melantha smiles as dances recalls kneeling at His side for the first time
staying silent as He spoke, her heart beating fast as her Master looked down
i fight to keep my gaze lowered not meeting His

the world begins to spin as His eyes fill with amusement
-her small body continues to dance she remembers the Master's words
When He would speak she always nodded and stayed silent

as she counted on her fingers trying to keep up with His quick mind
His words always made her tilt her head in wonder

~*~

Vulo Feather thinks of the soft Vulo feather that Mistress Auriel had kicked toward her, clean now of snow and dirt and resting in her pen, and smiles, remembering the moment when she got her name and feels the joy bubble up inside all over again.

~*~

Misty runs like a scared puppy-dog when my owner, the warrior,  finishes his rounds. Quickly hides like an imp when the head slaver is nearby. Feels sudden heart beats due to fear when knocking on the Chief Scribe's door to see if she desires some hot tea.

~*~

Lehna's emerald eyes peruse the crowd, thoughtful gaze resting a few ihn on each face, recollecting much care and discipline as she dances her heart to express the gratitude she cannot speak.
-
Lehna smiles, thinking fondly of the encouragement of the dance judge Slaver, the patience of the knowledgeable Red Commander, and the gentle care of the quiet Head Physician.
-
stretches lithe limbs, sculpted arms reaching, yearning to encompass all the free in her embrace.

Twenty Five recalls the cold snowy breeze on the hard wooden planks against her kneeling knees and the deep thrust of thumps her heart placed against her naked chest when the large slaver with long silver locks placed a metal collar around the frame of her neck. A wise slaver she will always respect for he made her feel safe even though she was now owned.

~*~

Ritzy’s blue eyes nervously gaze the decorated pavilion until they find Master Storm, our sagacious commander, the owner of Tissia, and he is an exceedingly wise Master she highly respects and fears.  The commander inimitably has taught her many lessons, and with deep gratitude her heart swells with obeisance. This slave is exceedingly grateful for his guidance and care.
-
Loves to spend idle time dozing and looking up into the tree tops while resting on Emm’s log at the campfire hill. On a recent breezy winter night my blue eyes admired the reflections of the three moons as their beams glowed and glistened among our snowy paths. Never forgetting to keep a watchful eye for Emm, or another Free while on the log and breathing in the aroma of the dancing flames. Reminiscing the snowball fights, the great classes and always admiring the in-depth creativity brought to us by Emm.

Rowena

Silks swirling and twirling about her limbs to the sound of the Gorean winds.
-
Baby blues flashing bright catch her Master in their sight.
-
Reaching for the whip on his hip, so recent has her heat  burned from its stinging kiss.
-
You, My Master, to please you is a must, my desires my heart
-
This kajira's one and only is given for your all for your pleasure.

~*~

Nalani's sapphire eyes take in each of the free, sparkling with gratitude as a rosey glow lights up milky features. Tiny feet flirt with the ground as slender arms tease, daring the free to read the silent words forming on pink hued lips, "Each of you have played a part in my growth as a kajira, to each of you this slave is so grateful. This beast wishes each of you the happiest and safest of holiday seasons." Nalani giggles softly as she continues to entertain and please.

Sucha's feet sink into golden grains, hips sway like a pendulum; directed by tabor beats.  Staccato drumbeats keep time with sensuous movements as hips roll, moving to beguile electric blue eyes of the healer.
 -
 Back arches in graceful supplication as cinnamon tree branches unfurl from her trunk twisting towards the sky enchanting snowflakes’ kisses.  Fingertips burgeon with ripe inky fruit releasing oil, which meanders across her bark to fertile mound.  Instinctively, the beast slows her spins across the sands as tabor drums quell.
 -
“Sucha, I need cinnamon oil.” He commands…. In complete adoration, she gathers the oil and quickly returns to His side...The physician helps the free and kajirae by keeping us all in the best of health.  Thank you for your healer's touch.

~*~

Tia thinks back to two years ago when she came into Port Haifa a forlorn slave and acting like a bratty child. "I am here because my Master furred me and abandoned me." she says forlornly to a beautiful blonde woman in a yellow striped blue dress. "You are an abandoned slave girl?" inquires the stranger and when Tegan replies "Yes Mistress" the woman softly replies "Very well, you shall be collared".
-
Tia flashes back to the present and looks about smiling "I want to say thank you to Mistress Nymea, my Mistress, for taking in a troubled bratty princess of a slave and sculpting me into who I am today." as tanned flesh and dark auburn locks blur as slave body twirls in dance.

Sylvia exquisite and elegant swirls stumble as her face turns pale at trembling memory of not the wrath of Khon but the wrath of Merriel upon seeing a slave sip discards from a ka-la-na goblet. Asked if she stole, the slave says no.
 -
Thinks discards are nobodies but learns she was wrong. Terror forces the little slave to her knees before Mistress Fury. Stripped, lashed, name changed to Liar.  Do not doubt the Mistress' lessons will never be forgotten.

Thistle's head tilts up, tiny nose catching the wisps of perfume that linger in the air, dispersed by dancing beauties. Blue eyes scan the audience, resting upon the one that named her Sultry, he who owns her. Eyes glisten with love as the thought of how he turned her into a soft and delicious slave inflame a kajira's belly.

• Tia (Samantha Avium): La kajira!!
• Dina (MelMelz3): La- Kajira
• Thistle (Shirin Adored): La kajira
• Twenty Five (BrennaEericka): La kajira!
• Sylvia (Samithay )La kajira
• Nalani (dancinggal2014): La Kajira!
• Callista (callista417): La kajira!
• Rowena (ElineScorpio Resident): La Kajira!
• ﻜησѡ (Snow Mistwood): La kajira
• Vulo Feather (TrueHawke): La Kajira!
• Sucha (veriegood): La kajira

Memorial Dance for Raanon

Port Haifa lost a friend and brother this month.   Master Raanon of Port Haifa passed ((in RL)).  Those who were lucky to know him had many stories.  We gathered around to share them at the campfire, and also held a memorial dance in his honor at the kennels where he worked.  Thank you Snow for your choreography.  Here are some sketches of the event, as well as key quotes from the memorial coffle dance performance.

Master Raanon, we all wish you well in whatever voyages you take next.

Auriel Rex, a lady slaver of Port Haifa speaks.  "Attend me, Coffle," said she, "for bondage march." Her hand, the visible signal of preparation, poised over her thigh.

(Narrator: Only in a world where there were true men could there be true women. We tense. Cold steel on our ankles, with its chain.)

Auriel Rex Strikes her right thigh with her open hand, suddenly, sharply.

(Narrator: As the musicians play, we move out, slave girls, on the left foot, that the pace of the march be uniform. We were to honor a fallen Slaver of the House of Khon.)

Auriel Rex Snaps whip, the leather's hiss reverberating in the air, "Snow and Korinne pay tribute to Raanon in a dance!"

ﻜησѡ squeezes eyelids tightly at the hiss of the whip, mind crossing pasangs to a time when the Man was just a traveler resting at the Port Haifa tavern. Jumps at Thais's bark, "Nameless, serve the Master!" A blond brow quirks and with the turn of an ankle she waltzes languidly across the auction block, coffle chain swinging rhythmically in time to the plucking of kalika strings. Willowy arms lift, reaching for the heavens, "Master, come watch us dance," fingers curl inward begging for His presence.

Korinne recounts the slaver’s example taught one day when she was but a numbered bit of flesh. “Master said, ‘Serve with joy in all you do, Six.’” Winding arms weave in alluring succession. “’Even after being whipped, Master?’ Six asked.” Deep within, sadness is compelled to ebb as a curved body rolls forward in sensual display. ‘”*Especially* after being whipped,’ winked our honored slaver.” A well-turned calf is revealed as a flick of her wrist bids the slaver her innermost wish of peace and rest.

ﻜησѡ steps high up on arches, feet crisscrossing the roughly hewed planks, hesitating for but a moment. Head cants, her gaze seeming to regard the painting of Master upon the podium banner and that telltale grin. Soft smile fills out rose-hued lips as if remembering the first time this beast knelt before Him and eyes fell to his boot. Shimmies, breathing in deeply, seeming to inhale the scent of Master’s musk and yielding to the music as fond memories simmer in a slave girl's heart.

Auriel Rex shakes the five strands of the kurt against the wooden floor then snaps it high in the air so the CRACK is heard loudly, "Dance, kajirae! Be pleasing for you are honoring one of our own. Raanon will always... ALWAYS  be with us in our hearts."

Auriel Rex Scowls as if demanding more pleasurable dancing, "Now, Vella and Gracie, dance for one of the House Slavers now gone!"

Vella‘s every fiber of her being moves as Master Raanon taught her, proud, graceful and enticing! Delicate hands flutter as a flight of herlits across gorean skies while this slave displays his teachings. Speaking in a soft clear voice “The Master called me His Opus, a great aritist’s final work. His words were wise, witty and frustrating. He would watch as feet would stumble and fall, still urging me forward. He was a good man! Finding good in every kajira!” steps back.

Gracie lissom form flowing gracefully together with the music enraptures the Master with her softly rolling stomach muscles. Eyes closing reminiscing silently to another time, when finding her way to Port Haifa upon arriving a Master, a cane in hand, more hair on his chin then head, did greet. Through the village he guided a shy and scared girl. Warmth and kindness he did exude, his cackling laugh drawing and luring a girl into a steel collar to be nameless for a time. Honored with a number - fourteen - to serve in the House of Khon. Once called Midice, Oriana, then Olga but for an Ehn of time. Kneeling at his boot fed on the knowledge of one so wise. Thought provoking questions asked, demanding a slaves heart to know she is kajira. Lowering her head in respect to the memory of Master Raanon, Slaver of Port Haifa.

Vella's tear stained face glows with love, as this slave moves forward to dance for him once more. Tugs the chains that bind her “ I well remember the night he pledged to this homestone. It was the first I had seen the home stone and he took me with him. As his slave I saw how proud he was of this place and how much joy he found here. I know we will all miss him but I know he loves us all and will always be with us” ramberry coloured lips spread wide bringing dimples out of hiding as the slave stills  before them.

Auriel Rex Narrows eyes, discerningly, "Dance for Raanon, Nalani and Dina. Dance as if your lives depend upon it!"

Nalani presses tiny foot hard into the block, slender arms weave through the air as if reaching for the slaver. Achingly she dances as her heart thumps slowly for the master who, in the darkest of times, listened to her confusion and heartbreak, always reminding her she is slave. "Master" she whimpers softly, "You took away the pain so simply...you reminded me to not worry...that the free will decide...you let me show my slave heart....you didn't expect me to think as a free...I can never thank you enough."

Auriel Rex eyes the slaves carefully as they preform for the free. "Yes, like that. Keep dancing!" Hiding the disgust in her voice as the slaves show off their curves, "Dance for Raanon!" Turning lowered head to the side she wipes at the tears that trickle down rosy pink cheek.

Dina 's green eyes show soft shine as the girl brings forth memories of Master Raanon, "when this girl first met him he was very stern and said do you know what it means to be a kajira? "smiles as a tear falls and says"now after this long i do know what it is to be a kajira, Masters words will always be with me, even when i am making tea i always think of him." smiles as she kneels and bends back allowing her curves shine through as the girl dances from her heart and soul.

Nalani tugs at the chain binding her ankle to the others, jingling it loudly as if calling out a sad farewell. Lissome legs bend as she falls to her knees, begging with every beat of a kajira's heart, "I wish you safe paths Master...may the next part of your journey be safe... may you rest peacefully" Nalani silences after wiping away a single tear.

Auriel Rex Turns to the audience, "Raanon, you served the House of Khon well, though your time with us was too short, you touched so many, with your will and words... and whip! Wherever you journey next, may it be all the richer.”

Koardan nods sadly.  "Well danced girls.  Such a loss."

Auriel Rex stomps slippered foot to the wooden floor, "Well danced, kajirae. He is cackling and smiling somewhere.. with free black wine if he has his way."

Gorean Music Discussion with Koardan

I found it of interest to share with you all a conversation on Gorean music between Koardan and I. He is an esteemed Gorean dance judge and Gorean musical investigator. Within this conversation you'll find his collection of helpful instrumental list within the Journey of a Dance judge, his other blog! http://housekoardan.blogspot.com/p/music.html?zx=aee43e7c20fa10b7

[13:27] Koardan: Okay, I am interested in your course in Music Lady Vika, as I have taken it, and it inspired me.  I found it one of the best courses I have taken.
[13:28] Vika Turmis (acedah) nods.
[13:28] Koardan: I would like to add some sounds to our class, but since you teach a similar subject, and teach it well, I wished to compare notes.
[13:28] Vika Turmis (acedah): Sure.
[13:28] Koardan: Grins
[13:28] Koardan: I have made some notes at http://housekoardan.blogspot.com/p/music.html
[13:28] Koardan: at table of instruments
[13:29] Koardan: my goal for the course is to let people know what instruments are BtB, which possible, and which for 'creative' mode.
[13:29] Koardan: Thoughts?
[13:29] Vika Turmis (acedah): Don't forget the samisen
[13:29] Koardan: (or any thoughts in general on how to make a kick posterior music course)
[13:29] Koardan: ooo, good one, yes
[13:30] Koardan: Would you consider that Pani, or Czehar in general sounding?
[13:30] Vika Turmis (acedah): The Samisen is similiar to the Earth Shamisen. Has a very twangy sound. The Czehar is a bit smoother.
[13:31] Koardan: LOL
[13:31] Vika Turmis (acedah): Compare a Japanese koto to a Shamisen, the sound is different.
[13:31] Koardan: interesting!
[13:31] Koardan: Do you have some favorites we should emphasize?
[13:31] Koardan: Samisen I take it?
[13:32] Koardan: (I have a Guezheng plugin (not sure on speling)
[13:32] Vika Turmis (acedah) smiles.
[13:32] Vika Turmis (acedah): I like the voice.....song.
[13:32] Vika Turmis (acedah): The most interesting instrument is the human voice, girls sang sometimes.
[13:32] Koardan: ooo, good to know, as I was unsure.
[13:33] Koardan: I have some plugins for human voice, as well as the Meliki Miles vocal objects.
[13:33] Koardan: Makes note - Samisen, femal vocals, nods.
[13:33] Vika Turmis (acedah): I like the music you have on here.
[13:33] Koardan: ty! grins
[13:34] Vika Turmis (acedah): Did you know that every instrument in the book can be taught to a slave to play? The only one not mentioned is the czehar so many free actually get in tizzy over the czehar in SL because in the books it says it's the most "prestigious"
[13:35] Koardan: ((I even found some Mongolian Thuvian throat singing, - possible, given the cutulres)
[13:35] Koardan: interesting
[13:35] Koardan: yes!
[13:35] Koardan: I was unsure of slaves could play the Czehar - not common, but I was not sure if it was allowed at all.
[13:35] Koardan: good, useful!
[13:36] Vika Turmis (acedah): There's not quote saying they can or can't....but based upon the information provided that we see slaves playing every instrument but that....it wouldn't be unheard of I assume.
[13:36] Koardan: Agreed.
[13:36] Vika Turmis (acedah): Hmm
[13:37] Koardan: Drums, flute, Czehar / Samisen etc / Kalika, vocals, Tambourine etc
[13:37] Vika Turmis (acedah): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QvMcQ2Eejo
[13:37] Tissia (vinkaa) is offline.
[13:37] Koardan: yes! True Lady, you do
[13:37] Koardan: nice! a fine sound
[13:37] Koardan: Excellent
[13:37] Vika Turmis (acedah): This has voice, drums, czehar......flute
[13:37] Koardan: Do you have thougths on bowed strings ? piano?
[13:37] Koardan: ooo, good orchestration
[13:38] Vika Turmis (acedah): No good piano
[13:38] Vika Turmis (acedah): The reason why I'd say no piano possible on Gor is because it's heavy. Players travel...so the instruments cater to them.
[13:38] Vika Turmis (acedah): Musician that is.
[13:39] Koardan: Good point! not just the tech, but have move the darned thing
[13:39] Vika Turmis (acedah): I like your website though.
[13:39] Koardan: I would like to tell them that at an exhibition, no holds barred - even synthesizes, what moves you heart.  But that's much different than trying to replicate a BtB tavern scene
[13:40] Koardan: grins, thank you.  I had fun putting it together, and leaned much in the process!
[13:40] Vika Turmis (acedah): I think though, a twist on traditional Gorean instruments is fine
[13:40] Vika Turmis (acedah): Examples of this would be an Electric Guitar, synthesizer lead, dub step wobbler, or snare drum,
[13:41] Vika Turmis (acedah): As long as you still use the Gorean instrument with the slight more modern twist I think it'll be ok in dance exhibits.....right?
[13:41] Koardan: Yes!
[13:41] Vika Turmis (acedah): Something you can tap your foot to
[13:41] Koardan: snare = metal tech
[13:41] Vika Turmis (acedah): Two cymbals can make that sound in Gor
[13:41] Koardan: so like a Digideridoo? or Hang drum?
[13:41] Vika Turmis (acedah): Just roll them a little.
[13:41] Koardan nods, considering cymbals
[13:42] Koardan: I hope to rezz some examples, upload some samples (or youtube links) and have them learn with a little hands on
[13:42] Vika Turmis (acedah) smiles
[13:42] Koardan: following your thougths on Gor or twist or no f'ing way
[13:42] Koardan: chuckles
[13:42] Vika Turmis (acedah): My favorite example of a modern twist on Gor instruments...
[13:42] Vika Turmis (acedah): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFpIj8SMjjI
[13:42] Vika Turmis (acedah): This I played in my class.
[13:43] Vika Turmis (acedah): The soft clink could be slave bells....the gentle beginnings of cymbals....
[13:43] Koardan: Bravo! perfect example
[13:43] Koardan: some subtle pads
[13:43] Vika Turmis (acedah): Then the violin...which could be a smoother czehar.
[13:43] Koardan: that do not spoil the Gorean character
[13:43] Koardan: mmmmm yes!
[13:43] Vika Turmis (acedah): The thump of the red hunter drum
[13:44] Vika Turmis (acedah): It's a very deep sounding drum...
[13:44] Koardan: Grins, yes
[13:44] Vika Turmis (acedah): But this song contains nearly every instrument.
[13:44] Vika Turmis (acedah): Sistrums....
[13:44] Koardan: And Tarn Wardrums (Taiko? Timpani?) not sure slaves would get those
[13:44] Koardan: Sistrums?  yes, was not sure on those
[13:44] Vika Turmis (acedah): Could be.
[13:45] Vika Turmis (acedah): It's a jingle bells kinda sound to me.
[13:45] Vika Turmis (acedah): Lots of bells
[13:45] Koardan: nods, yes, the pictures I have seen are metal hand held thigns with lots of metal junk - jinglers
[13:45] Vika Turmis (acedah): Yup
[13:45] Vika Turmis (acedah): Jinglers
[13:45] Vika Turmis (acedah): Haha
[13:45] Koardan: hehe, shakable junk
[13:46] Koardan: and finger cymbals are in use by belly dancers in Turkey, so a good match there
[13:47] Koardan: interesting.  I like your thoughts, and (links)
[13:47] Koardan: What instruments would you hear in the North?
[13:47] Vika Turmis (acedah) sighs.
[13:47] Vika Turmis (acedah): Here's the thing about the north...
[13:48] Vika Turmis (acedah): The north isn't about working.....
[13:48] Vika Turmis (acedah): is*
[13:48] Vika Turmis (acedah): Their girls aren't trained to dance.....or...serve really....they just wander around and shove drinks around. If you read the books they aren't exactly an artsy fartsy culture.
[13:48] Koardan laughs
[13:48] Vika Turmis (acedah): They're a "Here I am....ta-duh" culture.
[13:48] Koardan: explains why I go there so little.
[13:49] Koardan: in the present
[13:49] Koardan: yes
[13:49] Vika Turmis (acedah): So if I had to give the north a sound
[13:49] Vika Turmis (acedah): I'd think of the simple drum and voice
[13:49] Koardan: I imagine the odd bosk horn in the distance
[13:49] Koardan: or celtic
[13:49] Koardan: yes
[13:49] Koardan: simple, primative
[13:50] Koardan: high whistle flute?   Harp?  impromtu drums?
[13:50] Vika Turmis (acedah): Not sure.
[13:50] Koardan: I am wondering what Vikings did for music - mostly think of animal horn
[13:50] Vika Turmis (acedah): Drums....lots of drums
[13:50] Vika Turmis (acedah): lol
[13:50] Koardan: or raid the English Abbies, and make them sing! LOL
[13:51] Koardan: I also like to touch on 'how' the stuff was used, like not writing down music
[13:51] Vika Turmis (acedah): Says vikings used pan flutes
[13:51] Vika Turmis (acedah): horn pipes
[13:51] Vika Turmis (acedah): and lurs
[13:51] Koardan: nice, yes, Pan flutes, horn pipe, exclelent
[13:51] Koardan: Lyrs seem popular, yes
[13:52] Koardan: but as you say, may be background music, not the bonds playing it like you may see in the South
[13:52] Vika Turmis (acedah): and harps
[13:52] Koardan: yes!
[13:53] Koardan: Excellent
[13:53] Koardan: yes, luckily my Snow has some experience from up there
[13:54] Vika Turmis (acedah): They look at the slaves in the south and think they're delicate little flowers.
[13:54] Koardan: yes!
[13:54] Vika Turmis (acedah): So in truth I wouldn't imagine they'd dance as they're used for field work
[13:54] ﻜησѡ (snow.mistwood) smiles
[13:54] Koardan: Interesting, yes
[13:54] Vika Turmis (acedah) thinks.
[13:54] Vika Turmis (acedah): I suppose for a northern "dance" they'd have to become creative
[13:55] Koardan: much different RP around the music (if any) - Northern may be the men's war music...
[13:55] Koardan: or background in a long hall
[13:55] Koardan: but the RP may be serving mead
[13:55] Koardan: as opposed to the south where you could RP the musicians
[13:56] Vika Turmis (acedah): Searched a little.
[13:56] Vika Turmis (acedah): We had fed well in the hall of Svein Blue Tooth. During the
meal, for Svein was a rich man, there had been acrobats, and
jugglers and minstrels.
[13:56] YeahSoWhat left the region.
[13:56] Koardan: interesting
[13:56] Koardan: minstrels = voice?
[13:57] Vika Turmis (acedah): The Forkbeard was, at one point, so furious at the
ineptness of the musicians, that he informed me of his own
intention to regale the tables with song. He was extremely
proud of his singing voice.
[13:57] Koardan: ha!
[13:57] Koardan: good one
[13:57] Vika Turmis (acedah): And then ensues a bunch of men just bringing out into a song.
[13:57] Vika Turmis (acedah): Very Viking to me
[13:57] Koardan: YES! that's the ticket
[13:57] Koardan: What do you think of repurposing some stuff from India
[13:58] Vika Turmis (acedah): breaking*
[13:58] Koardan: I avoid the Sitar, as it screams India
[13:58] Vika Turmis (acedah): I think that'd be good.
[13:58] Koardan: but some other stuff, vocals, yes, some other drums good
[13:58] Koardan: excellent
[13:58] Vika Turmis (acedah): The Sitar though could be loosely compared to the samisen
[13:58] Koardan: yes!
[13:59] Koardan: I also found Arabic scales use 24 notes, not just 12
[13:59] Koardan: so I have been learning Maqam!
[13:59] Koardan: I figure if folks have been capped / aquisitioned from diff parts of the world, some of those concepts may land on Gor
[14:00] Koardan: but without over Earthing it
[14:00] Vika Turmis (acedah): It might be a stretch but most things you can loosely bind to the Gorean instruments.
[14:00] Vika Turmis (acedah): Very true.
[14:00] Vika Turmis (acedah): Norman just had an affinity for Japanese, English, Greek, and French.
[14:00] Koardan: yes
[14:00] Vika Turmis (acedah): He mentions those type of female acquisitions often.
[14:00] Pudding (devine.teardrop) left the region.
[14:00] Vika Turmis (acedah): Even prior to his son taking over.
[14:00] Koardan: Yes, interesting
[14:01] Koardan: and if he wrote more books, he may eventually get to more cultures.  So you could have a 'twist', like digideridoo Austrailian thing - not called out in the books, but correct tech
[14:02] Koardan: may have to be subtle as some instruments really feel like their Earth homeland.  Unlike a Lyr, or Lute which seems so common across cultures.
[14:02] Vika Turmis (acedah) nods.
[14:02] Koardan: The North is the hardest perhaps.
[14:02] Koardan: Those were my thoughts thus far.
[14:03] Vika Turmis (acedah): But yes, that north question....very complicated.
[14:03] Koardan: Any other thoughts ladies?
[14:03] Vika Turmis (acedah): Nothing thus far.
[14:03] Koardan: yes, North is hard, but may allow for thinking, and necessity being the mother of invention
[14:04] Vika Turmis (acedah): I doubt they'd have the more flowery instruments
[14:04] Koardan: Yes, exactly
[14:04] Vika Turmis (acedah): Czehar.....kalika......
[14:04] Koardan: and low tech on Metal
[14:04] nameless (elinescorpio) is offline.
[14:04] Koardan: Norman mentions trumpets, but that's a stretch as they are brass, which is metalurgy
[14:05] Koardan: Grins
[14:06] Koardan: Thank you Vika (and kajirae), as I have wanted to seek your thoughts for a long time.
[14:06] Vika Turmis (acedah): Glad to help.
[14:06] Vika Turmis (acedah): I love music.
[14:06] Vika Turmis (acedah): Dance just happens to go with it.
[14:06] Vika Turmis (acedah) laughs
[14:06] Vika Turmis (acedah): But the most important thing is they find something that moves their souls.

The Companionship of Sir Khon and Lady Merriel

 The day has finally arrived where the Head Slaver has found a companion! The surprisingly lovely Lady Merriel was unveiled during the companionship ceremony and whisked away to a year of hopefully happy times. The soft hush of rain accompanied their exchange this day, the sky over Haifa grey. Beams of sunlight did occasionally dance through the clouds, illuminating the auspicious day with a beautiful rainbow. Tales of this companionship will surely be told for many years.

Aytul's Graduation

Graduation has come again to the shores of Port Haifa.  After a long day of games and serves at our new Inn, Master Khon took his slave to the auction block to put her through her paces.  His belt was heavy with coin exchanged by Master Gladius, also a slaver of Port Haifa, who wisely invested some of his father's inheritance to rent this kajira before Khon raises the price.

This moving sketch captures the art of her graduation dance.  As Emm mentioned, it takes the work of many hands to train such fine gems of Thassa.

Excitement in the House of Khon

The past few weeks have seen many changes within the House of Khon.

New First and Second Girls - Aytul and June.

Many new slaves coming in...Oh so many nameless slaves it could confuse a barbarian such as myself.

We have slaves progressing well in their training and moving up levels.

We have the graduation of the En upon us - Congratulations Aytul!

We have another event upon us this week - raffling off the first use of a slave - exciting stuff for the red haired Tania.

The kennels are abuzz right now.

This is Nalani signing off!

The Case of the Three Dresses

Upon the early dawn of the thirteen day in the third week of the fifth month in the year 10,165 Contasta Ar, I ventured down to the ships at port in search of the latest fashion. From the cries of various merchants came the high voice of one female in particular. Curious, I had stopped to see her sale. At this juncture, I was told by this deep voiced woman that she had the finest gown made from the richest fabric that this side of Gor had ever seen. Of course I had to get it upon inspection. The deep blue was vibrant and patterned with golden colored thread upon the edges. It was to die for! The merchant assured me that this was a one of a kind dress that was surely fit for only the high caste and it didn't take long for me to shell over nearly two weeks pay for it. Upon the day I had chosen to wear the garment I came across the Lady Merriel, the innkeeper, wearing the same exact thing. Then to add to my horror, the Lady Slaver, Auriel, approached wearing the same thing. I've decided upon finding that questionable merchant again I will seek payment for this embarrassment of a fashion faux.

[2015/08/02 18:44]  Vika Turmis (acedah): /me looks to the stranger as he offers up one of the girls "Truly, I am craving tea. How about you Merriel?" she questions thoughtfully. "Or perhaps food?" She looks to the man with Lavinia kneeling so closely. "If it wouldn't trouble you too much....Sir Dwyvan. A few Ehn or two of one of their set of hands would be plenty I'm sure." She sweeps her gown out of her way as she takes a few steps towards the other Lady as she introduces herself. "I am Lady Vika Turmis, High Council Scribe of the port." Reaching out, rude as she was, she takes a handful of the Lady's sleeve and inspects it closely. "It would also appear I have the same merchant selling me a dress that was high end one day and obviously lower the next. Though it is of course stunning on you as well Lady Merriel," she says with a tight smile.


[2015/08/02 18:45]  Merriel: /me glances at her gown and laughs.  "We will need to schedule their wearing."


[2015/08/02 18:51]  Vika Turmis (acedah): /me takes a little more time glancing between Merriel's gown and her own. Deciding that her's was more finely made in her own head, she smiles and preens like well feathered bird. "Here is as good as any place...." she says, looking to the man curiously. She always hoped for news from the outside. "Or perhaps we can venture to have such a traveler join us in the tea room as well." Blinking, she clears her throat at his question. "Of course not. Tis only a scroll of babbling run ons of course. Obviously one of little consequence in writing ability. Mayhaps it's from a child just learning to write." Her fingers curl more tightly around the yellowed paper.

[2015/08/02 19:23]  Auriel Rex (lkeiser6): /me grabs two hand fulls as she huffs into the veil and trudges up the hill only to find it full of people. Emerald eyes scan the group as she nods and makes her way to the other free women. "Greetings Lady Vika.. Lady Merriel" she says then stops in her tracks looking at the other merchant. "Well well... what a lovely gown."

[2015/08/02 19:25]  Merriel: /me grins as she chokes on her tea, "Yesssss, I was thinking the same of yours." she says laughing.

[2015/08/02 19:25]  Auriel Rex (lkeiser6): /me starts to laugh more when she realizes what Vika is wearing. "Well well.. this is rather.. funny."

[2015/08/02 19:26]  Vika Turmis (acedah): /me turns away from June as she hears Auriel's all too familiar voice. "Truly, an unsightly thing. Lady Auriel you really should punish them with rep sacks or somet....." her voice trails off as she sees the same gown on Auriel. "Really!?" She looks between Merriel, Auriel, and then finally herself. "Per chance were you ladies told by a traveling merchant that this gown was one of a kind and that it was made of the finest fabric?"

[2015/08/02 19:26]  Merriel: "that will teach me not to buy from traveling seamstresses with really deep voices.  They were not ladies at all, I think."

Port Haifa Cultural Festival

Port Haifa Cultural Festival

Port Haifa is excited to announce that on August 14th through the 16th it will be putting on a Gorean Cultural Festival to boggle the mind and stimulate your Gorean senses. 

For three days only, the whole city will be putting together skyboxes with nearly back to back classes on various cultures that include but not limited to: The Pani, The Wagon People, The Panthers, Tharna, The Priest Kings, Gorean Homosexuality, The Kur, The Talunas, Free Women, The Gorean Master, The Tahari,The Mambas, Gorean Animals, and so much more!

Some of these classes will be IC relaxed as the story of the culture is given whilst others will be strictly in OOC class mode!

Stay tuned for more information...

Lady Vika, High Council Scribe

New Slaves or Old - Return of an old friend

The First Girl watched on as the Head Slaver inspected the familiar looking blonde. Within several Ehn it became clear she was a slave who had been here before, gone and returned. As her name was removed, the En smiled at the thought of more profit to the slave house.

After a bath and a check over for lice, the girl was shown the nameless pit and welcomed back into the kennels.

Welcome back Lavinia!

Have a good week.
Nalani, First Girl of HoK

Hmmm...HoK Slaves wearing things they shouldn't...interesting

This week has been interesting in the HoK and the slavers have been busy. Their eyes have wandered over several slaves wearing items not of the Head Slaver.

One had the excuse it was forgotten to be removed from a rental - BOOM - She is now naked save for the very items she was found with until the rightful owner can reclaim them.

Another..well...I guess she forgot to remove her pretties from the weekly city gathering and slip back into the HoK livery - BOOM - Another naked slave in Haifa!

Slaves beware, nothing is missed.

Nalani laughs as she signs off.

House of Khon sluts...I mean slaves!!

Well, well, well...It would appear that several slaves have begged to have their iron belts removed. The Se, in fact, had a kurt wrapped around her neck and was ordered to beg for its use if she wasn't pleasing enough in the furs.

One master came to the central fire and spoke to this slave, a huge grin on his face, telling of his pleasure in using June.

So I guess it will be pleasing to the free men out there to know that the House of Khon has slaves that have now reached a point in their training where they will be pleasing men in all ways.

Come and grab a Paga, the pleasure slave comes with it!!

Kalea
First Girl of HoK

From a slave's eye - Stepping forward with change!

This past fortnight has been huge for the slave house. With the slave house having been bought, we have a new head slaver, Master Khon. There is new livery for each house slave and of course, new collars.

Well, I say new collars, but some of us will remember the HoK collars that once adorned our necks.

I watched closely as the head slaver, assisted by two other slavers, changed each girl's collar. First the new one was placed on their necks, then the old one was removed. Not for a fraction of an Ihn was any slave without metal encircling their throat.

The livery, well tunics is a much better description, comes in four colours, red, green, blue and yellow and proudly displays the House of Khon tag on the front. The usual rules apply, naked at all times within the slave house, livery to be worn outside, UNLESS, you are under punishment!

That's about it for today. As always serve well Kajirae!
,
Kalea
First Girl of HoK

The Merrie Inn

The thunderous crashing of hammer to stone rings through the small port of Haifa. The Merrie Inn is roaring to life in just a few short days thanks go the Builder's tireless efforts. Work gangs of free men lounge about as the vivacious Lady Merriel bustles about choosing tiles, fabrics, and instructing the cooks. 

I stopped in just to see how the Lady Merriel was throwing things together and ended up walking away with this juicy bit for my records. 

Curious, I ventured to see how exactly this woman would be running an inn, afterall, she looks so young in the eyes.

"I obviously come from parents of the merchant caste on the Isle of Thera. I have grown up watching and helping my father barter, sell land, slaves and produce, so I am not new to the business of merchants. I have been traveling with Khon of Haifa, as we made our way to the Port city of Haifa. We stayed in many Inn's along the way. When I arrived here and noted that this former tavern is in the perfect location for one, I started dreaming about owning it and converting it into a grand Inn for this city. It is my good fortune that Aiden the former owner was willing to sell her to me. So although I have not yet run an Inn, I am excited and ready for the challenge it presents."

Interesting, she's never run an inn before! This will surely be amusing to see. When asked about her vision for Merrie Inn, she had this to say....

"Port Haifa prides itself on welcoming those who are seeking Gorean knowledge. It is my hope that the Inn will be a place where that can start. Here there will be three rooms to begin with, where travelers may put down their knapsacks, be given a good meal, perhaps a good tour by our very pleasing slaves and be made to feel welcome. This building will also be a wonderful place for events, it can either be used for our usual Friday night gatherings or as a place to fetch food and drink for those who would prefer the warmth of House of Khon slaves nearer to the campfire. There is also the possibility of banquets, either for companionships or Port Haifa Graduations. There are really so many options opening up with the addition of this Inn."

The House of Khon, oh yes, that reminds me! She arrived with Khon at the Council meeting. Knowing Khon, she must be an extremely interesting woman to not yet be in collar. I've seen the looks cast between them. Perhaps it's a business venture, let's find out if she plans on working with the House of Khon.

"I have given that much thought. As a new resident of the city, I would like to see it prosper as much as I would enjoy putting silver into my own till, therefore I am going to give renting slaves from the kennels a try. There are several benefits to doing this. First, I may get a good sized discount if part of the bargain is that I will train the rented slaves while they are here. Second, I can see how pleasing these slaves are and perhaps in the future purchase them from the kennels. And third, let's face it even fully trained slaves can get bored after all of their kennel chores are done and they are also welcome to come help train the newer kajirae as long as they are back to the kennel before the slavers send out the sleen!" 

So she does plan on working with the House of Khon but what about private slaves? I wonder if she'll strike a deal where I can put my own slave to work in her establishment. I'd never turn down the extra coin.

"certainly! It is not only the House of Khon, that I wish to see prosper. I would be happy to strike bargains with the owners of well trained kajirae. There is so much to be done here and though I do not mind getting my hands dirty, I cannot do it alone."

Seems a rather solid goal for someone whom hasn't done this before. Perhaps there is hope for good food yet. Her sweet demeanor will hopefully transition into her meals. Though the inn is open now, I had to know what exactly was her best dish.

"I am rather biased, but I think my ram-berry tarts are to die for! The baking here is beyond great, it may even out do the baker at the market. He doesn't read, does he?" she asks looking over her shoulder as if Pat the baker might be lurking in the shadows.

I won't lie, I was hoping she'd say something of more Thassa acquired foods but I won't turn down a sweet! I'll make note here that I do intend to return soon for this ram-berry tart and will give further findings as it's 'to die for' quality.

Now that I have her a little more relaxed now though, let's get into the gossip. The grumblings of the men of the port had reached my ears with the news that the paga tavern was being torn down and relocated nearly a pasang away from their current favored location. Many are eying the woman with distrust and even repressed anger. I wonder how she plans to keep these men coming to her inn and appeased....

"This establishment is open to everyone, but it is a very public place. Just as you would not have dancing in the library, you would not have it here as it is not the proper place for that type of social entertainment. For the time being, the men are welcome to have the slaves perform for them on the stumps near the campfire and also have paga there. There is also the option of the Paga tavern on the wall, "The Stiff Kurt." she says a bit distastefully. "I am certain that the owner of said establishment will be pleased with this free advertisement. There are also talks about a ground level establishment being built, though I do not know the details about that yet. When I do get that bit of gossip, I'd be happy to pass the information along to you."

Thus far I'm pleased to report that all seems solidly at work within the Merrie's Inn. I'll continue to keep a watch on its growth and especially her food. Hopefully next time you're in that section of the city you'll stop in and see what the Lady has cooking in her pot, one never knows.

Signing off for now,

Lady Vika Turmis

Haifa Dancers - RFL Expo and Judges Panel

As usual, Port Haifa was well represented in the Gorean dance community.  This weekend held a special event to raise money for Relay for Life.  Organized by some esteemed Haifa Alumn - Master Nevar and his exquisite Maia, a set of dancers performed some of their finest work to raise coin for good cause.  They were followed by a group dance of Free and Slave alike, which in turn was followed by a Judges panel.  Port Haifa's own Koardan had the honor to sit upon this panel where all could as questions about the art of dance from a judges perspective.

Snow's Dance

 I will share and excerpt from her dance.

 Zarlit circles, humming to her ear, “I once had a dream of crystal streams and lavender skies. There drifts languid moons, as I gaze upon them, my head soon begins to swoon.”

Snow blinks, nearly stumbling at what she imagines but catches herself. With a soft moan of despair she pushes forward, willowy arms lifting through the warm air. Hand reaches out and fingers curl inward as if motioning the fly closer to satisfy a need to believe it is real. Smiling, doleful eyes acknowledge what her heart longs to hear.

Judges Panel

The Judges panel followed.  Ramius, Nevar, Koardan, and Lady Janette participated on the panel. Here is an excerpt from Koardan.

Maia: Master Koardan do you have any words for a new dancer?
Koardan: Don't get discouraged, take classes. Know the whole art, but focus on your special mojo, and be yourself.

Fit the theme.  Don't bring poetry to a BTB event, and don't give up on your poetry if that is your special niche. Bring it to exhibition.

Never discourage an organizer, sponsor, judge, or dancer - we are one community.  The work is hard, and pay is low. Only the art, our passion, and friendship to each other brings it life.

Koardan: #

janette Inglewood claps
Nevar  "Amen!"
ElieB "WOOT!"
Maia claps loudly

Venicus Sells the House

Master Venicus, a merchant of Port Haifa with many ventures, has sold the slave house to Master Khon.  Khon, who had previously been the Head Slaver and owned the house has returned to the shores of Port Haifa.  Venicus retains his signature markets, including the perfume specialties.  But with the loss of Crixus, who had previously bought the house from Khon, it was found to be taxing to manage such unruly beasts in addition to more profitable wares.  We remain in his debt for all the work he has done, and continues to do, especially at the deft hand of his free companion - Lady Auriel, who is also a slaver.  They are both responsible for much of the training of our fine Kajira, hand have carried a heavy load in Crixus's absence.

Khon, a deeply experienced slaver with deep knowledge of culture, customs, and merchant law will bring his iron discipline to benefit academy's training in 'By the Book' fashion.  You will see new labels on the collars of the house kajirae -... now bearing the inscription "Khon".

 

 

The blue and gold caste remains - an entire team en the employ of the House of Khon.