[b][h2][color=3a0600]Torin Hellsong[/color][/h2][/b][color=green]Raya T'mivus[/color] [color=ed1c24]Kasari Liesma[/color]

Up until this point Torin's head had not moved from the aloof position that gave him the appearance of looking past you, or Raya's case, over the top of her head. It was a funny thing about sightless people, and it gave the Drakken a certain austerity. Now, however, he stooped low enough that the tip of his nose brushed the Gem girl's hairline, and breathed in deeply. [color=3a0600][b]"Let her go,"[/b][/color] he said to the guards holding her,[color=3a0600][b] "She won't run."[/b][/color] The ring of certainty in his voice was unnerving. The guards obeyed, freeing Raya's arms and stepping back a few paces, which apparently wasn't far enough because Torin raised his hand in a dismissive gesture and they retreated to their posts. 

[color=3a0600][b]"Don't be so surprised, Raya,"[/b][/color] his voice was calm, almost reassuring, and as he straightened once more he took her hands with both of his, tracing her palms with his thumbs, then turning them over and gently squeezing her knuckles. [color=3a0600][b]"You're an Earth Gem, aren't you."[/b][/color] It wasn't a question. [color=3a0600][b]"You spend a lot of time outdoors, in the woods, there's still a bit of tree sap between your fingers. Frasier. And-- tsk-tsk, what's this? Untrimmed fingernails? Well, you'll learn to take better care of yourself I'm sure. These are some strong hands, you must have brothers." [/b][/color]

The way he used the present-tense was intentional. Torin was considering the aspects and possible aspects of Raya's disposition. He could simply beat her into submission if she chose to defy him, and while that might work just fine, someone accustomed to the freedom of the wilderness would only resent him, and that resentment would be stored away inside until she reached her limit and tried to kill him or herself. It was all speculation and perhaps a bit extreme, but Torin would prefer it if his wives did not hate him. What was the proverb, a house divided will surely fall? It was just such division that tore the Hellsong clan apart, and he could only hope to scavenge what was left over. Torin had spent far too much time with Tyrai to underestimate a woman's capacity to be coerced. He would persuade her to cooperate rather than act with the fierce brutality that was so common amongst the Drakken. A short-term effort that could save him a lifetime of trouble. However, he would not be lax if discipline was called for. 

He waited a moment in case Raya wanted to say anything further before he turned to the other girl. He waved away her captors as he had Raya's and, as before, he put his hand on her face. He knew even as his fingers graced her forehead that her element was Fire. There was a familiar warmth radiating from her flesh that pleased him. Even before he finished evaluating her features he had decided that she'd make an excellent mother to his children, and that together they would beget many flame-wielding Drakken. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he took note of how straight she stood, even in the face of uncertainty, and judged her to have a lot of spirit. If he was kind to her, she would most likely not be difficult.

[color=3a0600][b]"Hmmmm."[/b][/color] As with Raya, he bent to take in the girl's scent, which was like a heady woodsmoke perfume. [color=3a0600][b]"And what would your name be, little fire mistress?"[/b][/color]