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Post by Genghis Khan on May 29, 2007 11:59:11 GMT -5
*Genghis pursed his lips in thought, his eyes never leaving her. The audacity...what did she expect from him? But of all of that side of the family, she seemed the most equipped and with the greatest sense of honor.*
"You are familiar enough with our ways to understand what it is that you ask? How grievous it is as a woman?"
*His voice was calm and not hostile.*
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Post by Mitra on May 29, 2007 12:03:48 GMT -5
"I have seen the ends achieved by your ways. The details do not concern me. I am unlike my brother in that he is ashamed of his origins. Like him, I am the fruit of your conquests. Life is given to us whether we will it or not, in circumstances beyond our control. I will make use of what I am given, and what I take."
*She flicked a glance over him.*
"And conquest, I find, is a two-way street."
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Post by Genghis Khan on May 29, 2007 12:09:11 GMT -5
*Genghis let a half-smile slip.*
"So you would conquer...whom exactly? What is your purpose in seeking my blessing and spoils?"
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Post by Mitra on May 29, 2007 12:12:41 GMT -5
*Mitra glanced up at him from under her soft, dark lashes.*
"I would conquer...everyone," *she said with a pretty shrug.* "You are not getting any younger, my father, and your sons seem to disappoint you. Teach me what you know, give me power, and I shall expand upon your empire and make the Khan name revered throughout history--for generations to come."
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Post by Genghis Khan on May 29, 2007 12:17:18 GMT -5
*Genghis was hesitant to answer. She made many valid points that made him uncomfortable, but he could not imagine her succeeding. His words were honest and curious.*
"Do you expect them to bow to a woman? Or would you attempt the subterfuge of living as a man?"
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Post by Mitra on May 29, 2007 12:31:02 GMT -5
"They will bow before me as they would bow before you," *she said flatly.*
"You who became a ruler even when your own clansmen turned from you after your father's death, thinking you too young, too weak to ever lead your tribe. And who was it who taught you to be a leader? Who was it, great Khan?" *her tone was almost taunting as she walked in a slow circle around him, coming at last face-to-face with him again.*
"Your mother. A woman. She never hid what she was and nor shall I. You are a fool indeed if you imagine that we are without power. We simply do not display it quite so flagrantly as men are wont--spilling blood, scattering seed, reaping destruction. Our conquest is quiet--as the water which cleaves the stone in time, through many winters and springs."
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Post by Genghis Khan on May 29, 2007 12:40:45 GMT -5
*Genghis's hand struck suddenly, catching her by the throat and he looked deep in her eyes. She was insolent...but not stupid. That may have to be enough. He held her, but did not make any attempt to hurt her.*
"I have never said that women are without power."
*His thumb shifted to stroke her cheek gently.*
"It is just a different power...one that is not of a man's world. And if it is this with which you intend to conquer, I do not see what I have to teach you."
*He released her and lowered his hand slowly.*
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Post by Mitra on May 29, 2007 12:44:24 GMT -5
*Mitra brushed her hands over the cloth at her thighs, her palms strangely damp.*
"I will conquer the one world, of women AND men," *she said.* "I'm certain I could do it."
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Post by Genghis Khan on May 29, 2007 12:49:02 GMT -5
*Genghis's brow rose once more.*
"If you are certain, then what would you need of me? Could you not accomplish it on your own?"
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Post by Mitra on May 29, 2007 12:54:18 GMT -5
"I have no wish to fight you." *She looked amused.* "It is the men who will battle needlessly. I have heard you were a great diplomat, once. Am I to be disappointed?"
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Post by Genghis Khan on May 29, 2007 12:59:10 GMT -5
"So diplomacy is all you wish me to teach you? And for this you would carry my name through the rest of the world. Without bloodshed?"
*Genghis would have laughed. But he didn't, trying to take her seriously. She was very ambitious, he admired that.*
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Post by Mitra on May 29, 2007 13:02:26 GMT -5
"Not without bloodshed, indeed. That is impossible. But certainly bloodshed with more...economy."
*She took the dagger she wore at her waist and began to play with it.*
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Post by Genghis Khan on May 29, 2007 13:06:59 GMT -5
*Genghis's smile widened. Perhaps he should allow her to show what she had been taught.*
"Economy."
*He nodded and pulled his own knife.*
"Show me. Show me what you know of the...less diplomatic arts."
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Post by Mitra on May 29, 2007 13:10:51 GMT -5
*Mitra's dagger sank, quivering, into the thick wooden support beam inches from the great Khan's head.*
"I did not have to miss," *she said coolly, sinking back onto the rich cushions.*
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Post by Genghis Khan on May 29, 2007 13:18:28 GMT -5
*Genghis's eyes didn't leave hers as the blade flew. Only once she had made her comment did he spin sharply and launch his own, which embeded deeply in the wood above hers. He turned back as cool as ever.*
"Nor did I."
*He walked over and effortlessly removed them both. He handed hers back to her.*
"Now show me how you handle a blade without loosing your weapon."
*He lifted his chin slightly, waiting for her attack.*
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