Joseki's Journeys: Sword Brother

As I was trudging home from the inn one night about a week ago, I heard a voice from out of a darkened alleyway.

“Hau, Joseki do you have a minute?”

I was a little surprised but I was willing to listen. “Yes how may I help you?”

“I’ve been hearing stories about you and I’d like to talk.” Replied the voice.

Now this was interesting to me. I hadn’t realized that I was important enough in Victoria to be talked about. After all I am but a simple innkeeper. I spent a few seconds considering who I knew that might be talking to Val, for I had finally recognized the voice.

“Well kiddo what kind of stories have you been hearing?”

“I hear,” She replied “that you are a very good lifestyle Master.”

Now that wasn’t really a question so I surmised that she was leading up to something. I nodded and waited for her to speak.

“I was told you may be able to help a friend of mine out.”

“Ooook.” I replied really beginning to wonder where this was headed.

Valasca laughed and looked around as though she was checking to see if we were alone.

“Well she’s looking for someone to handle her.”

I had to laugh because I was literally floored.

I looked over to Val and asked “What are we looking at?”

“Well,” Valasca Stammered “I guess she was talking to some of the girls although I’m not sure what ones she won’t say.”

“It's ok.” I added beginning to suspect where all this was headed.

“I'm curious as to how much of a commitment you’re looking for from me.” I inquired.

Valasca looked down “Complete control basically.”

“Oh, as in moving in or just through assignments and sessions?”

“Assignments and the phone for starters if things progress…” She looked down again.

I nodded, more to myself than her. ”I'm willing to discuss that. Is she in some ones collar now or is she new?”

“Neither it’s a little more complicated than that.”

“Alllrighty then.” I couldn’t help but laugh to myself. I was sure now that the Free Woman was asking to be treated like a slave.

“Do you want to talk about it or shall I ask her?” I inquired already sure of the answer.

Valasca laughed like a woman will when she knows she’s just made a mistake.

“Well…” Valasca stammered

“Or is it you?” I asked pointedly.

Valasca looked around quickly. “My Chief is currently in an Honor Match how about I send her to you when it’s over? “

I t was all I could do to not to laugh at her evasion.

“Have her come find me after work tonight. I'd rather not do this in The Pink Sleen.”

“Sounds good and thank you” Valasca seemed to brighten considerably when I let her off the hook on answering.

“Your welcome” I answered and watched Valasca fade into the darkness.

I knew I’d be seeing more of her both in and out of the Free Woman’s robes of concealment.

The next day was quite interesting. I was approached by a naked woman in the guise of a sultry voice. It took relatively no time at all to prove to myself that it was Valasca and then I merely awaited her decision to tell me. That happened after I gave her the first assignment.

No the fun part about that was that I already knew it was Val. So when I had her off doing something I asked several friends to stop by and talk to her. They all reported that they were indeed able to talk to her. So it became apparent to me that whatever she said she wasn’t really looking a Master. She was merely paying lip service to it.

Then it happened I heard the report that she’d tried to kill herself. I went there and met Red Hawk the owner of the camp. I discussed her situation with him and aside from his attitude he seemed concerned for the girl. It wasn’t until later that I found out that trying to claim her as mine upset him. For he had wanted her and been denied.

During the long trip back to my tavern I had lots of time to think. I thought about the fact that the girl was hurting inside so bad she tried to kill herself. I thought about the fact that she had tried to kill herself rather than coming and talking to me. I was very hurt by this, for is not a Master supposed to see to the well being of his slave? No matter how many sides I approached this from I kept coming back to the inescapable conclusion. Whatever she wanted, whatever she needed, I wasn’t it.