Lothar nods as he enters and raises a hand, "Tal to you, Kaard, Administrator. And Tal and greetings to you all." Lothar moves to the podium beside the first girl of this great city natasha slips to her knees and quietly listens. Lothar looks about. This is a fine city. Martina smiles Doves says: smiles hearing his words Maris smiles Lothar inspects the Parade Grounds and assumes that those who are here have settled in well. Kaard lifts his mug to his lips and drinks. Lothar says: Allow me to welcome you all here today. This is indeed a momentous celebration. The founding of our homestone is something that stirs deep within us all. The weather has smiled upon us, and word of the events which have already taken place has reached me. I am pleased to see so many people taking part in the celebration in so many ways. And it is with pleasure that I step aside and will allow our own first girl, aurora, to take the podium, for she has prepared the agenda for this gathering. Lothar steps to one side and looks to the yellow-silked slave, "aurora, you will approach" Lothar moves to the side and listens. aurora rises in a flutter of yellow and steps to the platform serafina smiles and listens Kaard keeps his collared girl near and listens attentively. aurora says: thank You my Ubar.....and welcome to this event....it is our honor to have you present today aurora turns to the gathered people aurora inhales gently collecting her composure Kaard smiles encouragingly. Lothar folds his arms inside his robe and listens. aurora says: aurora stands here today as many things. she is the talker manager that has put her heart and soul into the city. she is the first girl, and advocate for slave, gentle guide to all new travelers, and mentor she hopes to many slave, and she is also growing herself in many ways, as many can see. Doves smiles softly watching the beauty in the first Girl Kaard nods, knowing well. natasha smiles aurora says: To try to summarize the year was quite a task, but aurora has tried so that you may all appreciate all that went into getting us to this fine point in the city's history. aurora says: Mistress Khim founded the city of Baren Touhk because many BDSM-ers on Ironrose were asking for a place to explore Gor where all would be welcome. We can never thank her enough for hearing the pleas and making this place. Givur agrees aurora says: So Master Ketzer proceeded to set up a copy of the ironrose code and opened it for testing in February of 1999. Mistress Khim then appointed Mistress Koshmahr as the port manager. Mistress Koshmahr brought Master Mikyle here, and they began designing the various rooms and files for the Crimson Talender talker. serafina curls into her Master as she listens to her sister speak aurora says: Lady Koshmahr determined that our city would sit nestled snugly in the northern arc of the Bay of Kamba. This is in the southern region of Gor, near Schendi. It would be named the township of Baren Touhk. It was founded two generations ago out of necessity and pure defiance. Kaard learns. aurora says: It is defended on the north by the cliffs and west by the thick forests, where our infamous Panther tribe now lives. It reaches up the river to trade and into the bay to greet new arrivals. It is little more than a few modest cylinders and structures encrusted on an old and crumbling fortress from long ago. Lothar honors his predecessor Doves says: listens intently aurora says: The dock area supports a lively market of goods for pleasure and pain. This settlement was born out of the conflicts and trials a guild of merchants. They were incensed by tariffs and tribute to be paid to the Ubar in Schendi. aurora says: After a night of looting and burning and the taking of women, both Free and slave, they moved here and started trading out of this bay under the protection of mercenaries their former dues and payments could now buy them. aurora says: As they fended off minor attacks and fortified themselves here, they attracted other like-minded persons and the town grew to what it is today. Some caravans were attracted to the less precarious port as well as river pilots tired of the threat of boarding and lost cargo. Givur mutters about taxes Kaard grins. Listens. aurora says: Soon, as the settlement grew, there was a need for Builders to expand the spaces, Scribes to create order, Warriors to defend us and all manner of folk to live here. Lothar listens solemnly. Maris smiles listen as much as watching the crowd aurora says: For no matter how attractive or well run a place is, it is dead without the footfalls and laughter of those that live there. So we thank each of you for making the city what it is today. aurora says: Some may wonder why we call the talker Crimson Talender aurora says: when talender flowers were always yellow in the Gor novels aurora says: but it is because of a brave slave girl....who's blood stained the talenders as she did all she could....to ring the alarm...signalling the last invasion attempts of war in those early days aurora says: as the brave girl lay recovering.....of her wounds Doves says: thinks of the flowers and how it is now such a part of her and how it makes her heart feel so alive in the wondrous city Lothar smiles. Kaard nods, smiles as well. aurora says: a gardener worked to develop a special breed of Talenders that bloom crimson...in her honor natasha smiles aurora says: There was a girl called telima in those early "test" days before the city actually was founded. Then a girl called delia was invited to come see the test site. delia later changed her name to aurora. aurora was asked to help write files and room descriptions, and she was invited to join the staff team. Maris smiles Lothar pauses a moment and looks away. Then turns and listens more. Kaard grins. aurora says: Master Mikyle and aurora began designing the webpage for the city. telima, the girl we now know as sadira, researched and wrote the file we have called .show slaveclothing. aurora says: Master Killertrees also was here in those early days and helped us by sharing his files from his Gorean channel that guided us in writing the drink files and the slave positions. aurora says: A couple of the first citizens were Master Talon and eden, who were later added to the staff. Other early users were shauri, Givur, leah, Xavier, icefyre, tia, Ariakan, Darkk, rhulkin, Fane, Romulus, serafina, Tron, briana, and tiffany. aurora looks around...seeing some of those people in the crowd today serafina smiles tia smiles, remembering the days of few people in the city. Givur feels old Kaard holds up sera's leash-handle Lothar smiles and sees. aurora says: Givur was first to collar a girl in the city when he claimed aurora for his own. Talon then collared his leah. Maris smiles aurora says: About 4 months after the talker opened all citizens with over 100 hours logged were made charter members. Some are no longer in the city like eden, kaela, Koshmahr, Maal, and Mikyle, but their contributions in the early days will always be remembered. Kaard nods. aurora says: Mistress Koshmahr was a gracious Ubara and a very talented roleplayer. Many who remember her know that she is a fascinating and wonderful Lady. Her portrait still hangs in the CityChamberHall, and aurora is comforted by the memories of serving the city at the Ubara's side. Lothar recalls well and learned much from her tenure. aurora says: Present charter members that are still in the city are ahava, Ariakan, aurora, citrhyn, Darkk, Fane, Givur, Khim, mirana, rhulkin, Rune, serafina, shauri, Talon, Uzume, and Xavier. Each one was instrumental in helping to develop the city into what it is today. For their contributions we are all eternally grateful. Domerth listens aurora says: The early team of staff included Koshmahr, Mikyle, aurora, then Talon, eden, and Fane. The efforts of all of them are greatly appreciated. aurora was made first girl of the city and slowly the city began to grow. Maris smiles aurora says: It was a sad day for the city when Mistress Koshmahr and Master Mikyle were removed from thier positions, but with the help of the rest of the team aurora accepted her new position of Port Manager. Kaard recalls a time when. aurora says: serafina became second girl of Baren Touhk. Kaard was added to the staff team and was a great help in getting the gazette and mailing list rolling. Later Fane and Talon retired and three new Masters became staff members: Rask, Beowulf, Martellus (who is no longer here). aurora says: Most do not realize that the port only began with our current first five rules. Over time ten more rules were added, and other guideline for home_stone scening, travelers, collaring and punishments. Doves says: sits smiling as I remember back listening to how things changed over time tiffany smiles and blushes... natasha grins. aurora says: Most do not know that we have Ariakan and tiffany to thank for the development of the public scening we now enjoy in home_stone or Thrain to thank for the arena. aurora says: There have been some memorable roleplays over the past year: like the wine poisoning and murder of wolt, a kur named Juntai in the tavern, the purchase of citrhyn for the price of a parrot, aurora killed a larl and was later whipped for taking up weapons, a mysterious tavern fire, the capture of serafina, some mysterious silver thefts in the tavern and inn, and now a tribe of Panthers living in the forests. aurora says: Over the last year the city has celebrated a few festivals: the Trimoon festival (June), which included the ever dramatic Lady Koshmahr, a branding tent, party barges, tarn rides, and other fun events. Kaard chuckles. aurora says: We had a Kajurilia festival (September) with Masters serving drinks in the tavern. Masters danced and were auctioned off. There was trivia and poetry readings, and a wonderful dance lesson by Master Killertrees. aurora says: There was a Masquerade ball (November) with various citizens in disguises like rock, Angelique, ta-grapette, chubbie, dina, chainedfire, and FoxMulder, and a Winter festival (January) with poetry, dances, stories, and a game pin the tail on lissa, and guessing games. aurora says: the council wished to honor Masters and Mistresses as they grow in Gor knowledge Kain laughs aurora says: and so they developed the Crimson Guild kallista listens quietly Lothar nods. aurora says: only Member of the Guild are authorized to "train" slaves that they do not own aurora says: we take slave training to be a serious matter aurora says: a new member was recently added to the Crimson Guild Lothar agrees. aurora says: and he is present today Kaard grins. aurora asks: Master Kaard can you come announce his name? Kaard looks unprepared and fumbles for the card with the name on it. Kaard drapes sera's leash about a post and moves in front of the podium Lothar grins Doves says: smiles watching Kaard Kaard recalls he didn't write it down, there was no need. serafina watches cheri giggles softly and smiles..watches quietly Maris smiles Kaard clears his throat, "Givur, it is with pleasure and pride that I welcome you to the Crimson Guild. You more then any have been deserving of this honor and recognition, and we are pleased to have you stand among us." Givur stands natasha smiles ..... Doves claps Kaard applauds Givur loudly. cheri smiles and claps aurora smiles Maris gives Giver a small salute natasha claps.... Lothar nods his approval and applauds the Merchant of Argentum Martina claps her hands and smiles Givur says: It is with the greatest of pleasure that I thank you for the honour. Domerth applauds Givur's fortune Kaard steps away from the podium and lets the first girl continue. Kaard smiles. Givur says: I trust I will ever uphold the highest standards. Beowulf smiles and applauds G aurora steps back up kallista smiles, clapping Lothar nods in acknowledgement to Givur, and listens to the first girl continue. Givur stands aside Kaard smiles. aurora says: so the full listing of Crimson Guild members is: Beowulf, Fane, Givur, Kaard, Khim, Lothar, Rask, Talon, Thrain, Uzume, Xavier, Zara Kaard takes up sera's leash once more. aurora says: many have helped on staff for a time...or as temp staff and we appreciate their help aurora says: the list includes the following: Caleb, Fane, Talon, Imhotep, Ariakan, Thrain, sulis, serafina aurora says: we have a special announcement now Doves says: feeling a tear slide down my cheek from the joy of knowing I am apart of a wonderful city Kaard runs his fingers through his girl's hair as he hears her name again. aurora asks: cheri? please approach the podium Kaard listnens. cheri listens aurora says: serafina you too cheri blinks Lothar turns towards the podium curiously. serafina looks to her Master Beowulf grins, watching Kaard lets go of sera's leash Kaard says: Up you go, girl cheri stands and smiles blushing lightly as she walks, smoothing her silks and walks up to the podium with aurora serafina moves to the podium next to aurora aurora says: cheri has been tireless Givur smiles at the lovely pair aurora says: in all she does Lothar looks on with interest Kaard smiles proudly. aurora says: she has done as much as 3 NUO's a day for new travelers Doves says: knowing what is to come .. smiles aurora says: and welcomed many in the portal Kaard nods, knowing cheri's reputation well. aurora says: she has willing driven herself to do even menial tasks for aurora cheri clasps her small hands together loosly as she listens, smiles, a soft blush appearing she is sure against her cheeks, eyes twinkling at the kind words serafina giggles softly Maris smiles aurora says: such as exing everyone...to see what day they entered the city...so we could have accurate records aurora says: she organized the contest yesterday aurora says: and we truly appreciate the results Kaard nods. Smiles Kaard agrees wholeheartedly aurora says: has written room descriptions...the list goes on and on cheri smiles, thinks she may be speechless and widens her eyes at such a thought aurora says: we now wish to appoint her as the first girl of the Talender Inn aurora asks: sera? serafina smiles at aurora Kaard grins aurora says: please adorn our sister Lothar approves. Maris nods Doves says: smiles and claps for the Girl cheri moves back a bit for sera Kaard applauds and cheers serafina nods takes first, the chain of silver jingling bells and fastens it around cheri's left ankle...then fastens a silver chain belt against cheri's waist for her new role in the city... Givur claps and whistles aurora says: cheri now has her own room in the city Beowulf grins cheri grins and smiles, her blush not going to go away anytime soon, gives up in trying to get it to Lothar smiles. aurora says: but she can not hibernate there aurora laughs natasha smiles cheri watches Doves says: giggles Kaard wouldn't expect her to cheri says: cheri would like to thank the council, and everyone... serafina steps back and smiles cheri says: for their belief in her... kallista smiles happily to cheri :) aurora says: abuse the privileges sis...and the council will take it away...serve well cheri cheri says: and is touched and flattered that they find her worthy of such a title and duty aurora says: you are a big help to serafina and aurora aurora says: thank you Kaard nods seriously to cheri, but expects he need not be concerned. "serve well" serafina says: thank you cheri... cheri smiles and hugs aurora and sera tight Lothar looks on with utter approval and expects she will serve the city well. cheri says: it is cheri's pleasure to help in any way she can cheri says: and thanks you once more for the honour tiffany smiles for her sister... Maris smiles serafina steps down and back to her Master's feet to kneel aurora continues aurora says: from time to time Kaard twines his fingers to his girl's hair and listens aurora says: the council appoints advisors to the council cheri smiles and kisses both their cheeks and steps back...then down and walks back to where she was, fingering the chain and anklet as she kneels serafina places her cheek to her Master's thigh and listens aurora says: the current advisors are: Zara, Thrain, KarAlt aurora says: they often assist in silkings...and discuss city matters with the council aurora says: today is a special day in that the council has appointed a brand new Council Advisor Kaard smiles. natasha smiles Doves says: smiles again aurora asks: Master Kaard? aurora asks: can you come make the announcement? Kaard steps forward once more, "the one whom has been selected to be added to the roster of valued Advisors is one who has been with us a long time... Kaard says: And one whos strong presence has always been a rock that we have relied on, even without having to ask. Kaard looks thru the crowd. Lothar smiles Doves says: looks around You say: Givur... once more you are recognized for your ability and knowledge. Your skill and your wisdom is long noted and we welcome you to the circle of Council Advisors. natasha smiles and applauds. Martina smiles and applauds Givur jumps.. Lothar applauds with gusto, a fine choice. Domerth applauds Maris smiles Kaard grins and steps down applauding loudly. Doves says: applauds aurora says: congratulations Master Givur cheri whistles and claps Givur says: You do me honor. And if in this service to the Council and the City ,I can replay even just a small part of the pleasure I have had here with so many, I will be pleased. aurora says: lastly before....we go one to individual awards Lothar nods in acknowledgement aurora says: aurora wishes to thank the little army of city workers aurora says: slaves...that have made aurora's job so much easier aurora says: sadira, sulis, lissa, sasha, cheri, rayne cheri smiles as she watches and listens aurora says: you can not begin to know.....how much the first and second girl appreciate the help Doves claps for all the ones being honored aurora says: it allowed the second girl...to be able to take a much needed break aurora says: so she could re-locate rl Kaard nods and applauds the work and sacrifice of even slaves. aurora says: without the girls help..... Maris smiles aurora says: aurora would have had to do it all.... Lothar nods. aurora says: and she'd never have time to relax aurora says: ok on to the awards....but first aurora says: aurora would like to have all stand aurora says: and Martina will come sing Doves stands aurora says: as the color guards bring the flags natasha stands Kaard nudges serafina into a standing position. Martina rises and smiles stepping forward Givur stands Brigette always stands serafina stands Beowulf rises Kain stands up.. tiffany rises to her feet, unfamiliar with the sensation of standing in the presence of free persons. tia curls to her feet. cheri stands fully Flag bearers approach from the left and from the right. Pennons snapping in the air. kallista stands Martina blushes and perches on the edge of the dais, setting her lyre on her lap and letting her fingers play over the strings Domerth stands Lothar looks on and listens. Smiles. Maris smiles aurora steps aside Martina Tis a year since the founding of Baren Touhk's and the city grows larger each day. The Free People come to enjoy the sights of kajirae at work and at play. The flag bearers stand to attention before the assembled. Martina All share in the work and all share in the sport with more people arriving each day at the port. And they laugh and they cry as the days pass by, but they're living the Gorean Way. Martina Come live the Gorean way, people will listen to what you might say. The City will grow with the seeds you sow if you live the Gorean way. Martina Come live the Gorean way, living in honor from day to day. The City will prosper your needs will be few when you live the Gorean way. Martina So come all ye merry young maidens and seek your adventures on Gor Martina The Men here will make you feel welcome and soon have you begging for more too. Beowulf grins Martina Come live the Gorean way sharing our lives at work or at play. The rewards are sweet and life is complete when you live the Gorean way. Lothar listens smiling. Martina The rewards are sweet and life is complete when you live the Gorean way. Maris smiles Doves says: smiles softly Martina dips her head and ducks back into the crowd Kaard applauds! Lothar claps his hand to his shoulder and applauds. cheri clapssclapsclapsss aurora steps back as people settle back into their seats Givur cheers the singer Kaard exclaims: Well sung, Martina! Kain starts to applaud.. giving a warm smile.. Flar applauds tiffany claps enthusiastically... cheri sinks back to her knees gently aurora says: we wish to honor Lady Khim Kaard allows serafina to lower again beside him. serafina kneels again quickly as she continues to clap tia sinks to her knees, clapping for the Singer. Maris apluads aurora says: charter member, city founder, High Scribe, honorary founder's seat on the city council, highly admired Crimson Guild member, and skillful tester of silk advances. Beowulf claps as he sits back down aurora says: we also salute serafina aurora says: charter member, second girl of Baren Touhk, slave of the City Administrator Kaard looks at his girl.. what has she done now? Kaard grins. Lothar chuckles. serafina looks at her Master and smiles sweetly Kain laughs aurora says: we wish to commend Master Kaard aurora says: honored Crimson Guild member, Head of the City Council and City Administrator Maris chuckles Givur asks: what HASN't she done when it needed doing? aurora says: and Master Rask Kaard folds his hands in front of him. aurora says: honored Crimson Guild member, Councilman Kaard grins to Givur. Beowulf grins Lothar nods. aurora says: and Master Beowulf aurora says: honored Crimson Guild member, Councilman aurora says: we especially salute sadira aurora says: first girl of the Crimson Tavern, assistance above and beyond all anyone ever asked of her because of her love for the city. Kaard agrees. Doves says: smiles Beowulf nods aurora says: we have a special place in our hearts for Lady Zara as well aurora says: honored Crimson Guild member, instructor Kahrl exits quietly. Kaard nods and smiles. aurora says: we also appreciate Master Thrain and Master KarAlt aurora says: two brothers that have vowed their service to the council and make the city an interesting place by demonstrating true Gorean honor. Lothar smiles, listening. So many honorees, such valued citizenry aurora says: we also appreciate Flar, Tarak, and Domerth for assisting to make this festival fun Kaard applauds them. Doves claps in there honor aurora asks: thank you all for coming....this concludes aurora's presentation.....we can perhaps open it for questions or others that wish to speak? Givur looks at the blisters on his hands as he claps again and again Kaard raises his hand. "I wish to say something. I will keep it brief" Lothar looks at Kaard. Beowulf listens Doves says: looks Over and listens Lothar motions him forward. aurora steps aside and kneels beside the Ubar tia ceases clapping and listens. Kaard steps forward, "aurora has praised many in this city who work hard, yet she sells one citizen short. Herself." serafina smiles Doves wistles and claps Kaard says: Now I won't go on and on praising her, but I do think that a round of loud applause is due our first girl and port manager who gives so very much of her time to serving the city cheri grins a she listens..knowing aurora wasn’t going to get away so easily Martina applauds loudly cheri whistles and claps! serafina claps loudly for her sister and alllll the hard work she does every day!!!!! You say: And in appreciation for the hard work she does maintaining the city files, and in keeping records, and in a hundred other tasks. Kain stands back up and applauds Kaard leans over and kisses aurora soundly. "Well done, aurora" Givur applauds as loudly as he knows how :) Beowulf grins and applauds Doves says: wooooooaurora Domerth applauds Lothar smiles approvingly, "Well done, girl." tiffany claps loudly and happily! Kaard moves back down and applauds aurora muchly. Kain says: so if everyone would stand in line.. and give the first girl a kiss on the way out..that would be MOST appreciated.. Martina laughs and lines up Flar Applauds loudly Givur says: and the second girl Kain exclaims: yes!! And the 2nd girl Givur says: and the first girl of the Inn... serafina laughs softly Lothar steps forward and clears his throat. Givur says: and.. and.. and... Kain exclaims: what the hell! Why not just line ALL the slaves up.. Lothar holds a hand up for silence. Martina looks to Lothar Lothar grins. Kain walks over to aurora and kisses her softly on the cheek.. 'nice work..' Maris smiles Lothar says: We all appreciate the work of the first girl, and we can applaud her best in our interaction with her on a daily basis. Flar searches pack for bosk oil to un-dry lips Doves moves slowly and kiss each cheek and walks off to the Garden once more to contemplate Lothar says: I would like to remind everyone that there will be an auction tonight in appx 2 hours. Lothar says: Those being auctioned should arrive a little earlier and meet with Kaard Kaard nods. Kaard says: Or with aurora. We'll let you know. Lothar nods. Looks to aurora, "Is there anything else, dear girl?" Kaard smiles and strokes sera's hair. serafina purrrrrs softly aurora says: no my Ubar aurora says: except... aurora says: the first girl pleads for your kiss aurora grins hopefully Martina smiles Lothar nods. "Then my friends, I call this gathering to a close and we will cap off our celebrations with the auction tonight. I thank you all for coming." cheri smiles Lothar chuckles and steps forward and scoops the first girl up and kisses her. Kaard applauds the Ubar. Kaard applauds the first girl. Kaard applauds everyone aurora kisses the Ubar in delight Lothar smiles and kisses. "Now. I must return to Tharna. Be well my city" Martina says: I wish you well Lothar Givur says: Be well Ubar Lothar returns to his tarn, and makes his way. The city of Baren Touhk always in his heart and mind. Kaard exclaims: As Lothar announced, we have an auction tonight and I hope to see you all there. be well friends!