Thread: The Sultana's Perfect Harem {darkest_fate& 	ƒeral}

Few were allowed to speak the sultana's name so boldly, few beyond her nearest household and closest friends. Just hearing it drew Safiya's attention, pulling her away from the undulating flesh about her. The sultana attempted another smile, glad that she could at least dispense with some of her normal facade here. She had needed Inas's words to remind her of that, to remind her that she had allies who were willing to see her and work with her for who she was. At the same time, Safiya had to wonder if she hadn't perhaps dropped her guard a little too much. The constant political game often thrilled the young woman. It had kept her sharp, made her part of who she was, though she so often dispensed with it when necessity rose. Still, she couldn't stop herself from wondering. It surprised her further, enough for one delicate, perfectly trimmed eyebrow to quirk ever so slightly, as Inas spoke of only having a drastically short time to have put together her own harem. Safiya had already heard tales of her confidant's companions, tales that sounded like old legends. To hear that it all came so recently... I do recall the event, Safiya admitted, her voice guarded. She'd made considerable progress with the institution of slavery in her domain, fighting against considerable odds and against considerable people. Still, I would appreciate a demonstration of her skills, admitted Safiya, gesturing toward the gathered group. If she helped you procure such a lovely gathering, then she is surely worth noticing. Safiya almost envied her confidant's openness with her own harem. That little loving nip of affection. Certainly, Safiya received affection, adoration, even. But physical touch? She shifted, wondering what it would feel like to have someone willing to tend to such needs, to be devoted to you. A strange tongue drew Safiya from her thoughts. Her brow furrowed, her mind not quite placing the language. She turned, and her eyes widened ever so slightly as this newcomer arrived. The sultana had seen the elf's kind before, though most of the ones she had beheld had a paler skin than this. The female who approached now had skin duskier than either Safiya or Inas. There was a harsh beauty to her that contrasted sharply with Safiya's own warmth and curves. In many ways, the sultana could almost see her inverse. Her eyes flicked to the adornments, taking them in, reading a few. Her wrapped hand went near her mouth, partially to obscure her own reactions. She'd kept her body mostly clear of such adornments, though she'd always wondered. Her eyes flicked to the pain upon the eyes, to the glisten of platinum upon the belly. You dress your household well, Inas, the sultana said, pride sliding into her voice. she looked to her companion, who had already looked smug even before Safiya had offered her assessment. The elf danced. Safiya's eyes followed the gaze, at first with a mild curiosity. What made this elf stand out among others? The sultana had seen dancing before, could manage some herself. Graceful movements, flowing gestures, it was all quite familiar to her. Except... except that there was something... something else underlaying these moments. The hips moved in a way that called attention not to the fluidity of their movements, but to the way they mimicked something decidedly more primal. A raised leg drew Safiya's attention down to where the leg met the torso. Each movement, each twist, showed not only grace, but sexuality poured forth. Or, at least, the sultana read it in the movements. Dancing is only your hobby? asked Safiya, lips quirking in a slight smile. Bits of white teeth showed behind her lips, and her eyes danced with the mirth. If that's how you perform for a hobby, then I would wager that your professional work is exemplary, she nodded again before tilting her head slightly. I feel like I know your accent... she tapped fingers against the pillow below. You are most intriguing, she tapped her fingers again. I am not certain how much I could use your advice, despite your obvious skill. I'm not... not exactly looking for a... she gestured toward Alasse, clearly trying to figure out tactful words. Finally, the sultana sighed, massaging her temple for a moment. Is it not generally considered improper for us to favor our own sex? she raised her brows and looked to Inas for confirmation. Not that the sultana's eyes weren't sliding toward the appealing elf, recalling the utter sensuality of the earlier movements and absently wondering if there weren't perhaps exceptions to the rule. Or perhaps my advisors have been a little too bound to old traditions...? Or they simply didn't want to think about their precious sultana enjoying beauty herself. Safiya frowned, wondering if she would have to fire some of her staff when she returned.