❪ event ❫ khalo? can you hear me?

[natha]

In normal circumstances, this would have been near the time in which you're called upon to greet the newly awakened. Unfortunately, I speak to you to inform that we must postpone that — there is trouble on your horizon. What, I cannot see for sure. We shall continue to monitor the situation, however — we - ... we — [feed cuts off.] OLYMPIAN PRESERVATION     The city of Olympia is preparing the send-off of its most prized artifact: the heart of the ancient dragon, Ysverai. In doing this, they've transformed the palace court into an exhibition detailing the centuries-old war between Wyver and Olympia. Sculptures of Nithor the Exalted and his men and women in clean, white marble, while their armors are polished in perfect gold. Among Nithor are the sculptures of stallions in all shapes and sizes that also aided in the great war. Further in the exhibition, one may also find other artifacts of much older weaponry, rusted by its time in the earth, and items found from a time when humans feared the dragons. The Royal Guard has increased its numbers in wake of such a public event, particularly because the heart will be in display also. The heart is not what one might expect it to be: about the size of an average human, the heart's core is surrounded in stone, a red glow emitting from its still beating core. If that were not unsettling enough, one might also find that lingering around this particular exhibit will have undue affects on one's inhibitions. You'll notice your heart has fallen into sync with the organ, and your more selfish desires will come forth. Things that have long been buried will rise up and place you in a state of unease, encouraging paranoia about your companions intentions. Allow it to fester, and one will carry this feeling with them long after you've left the scene. It's probably a good thing this is leaving Olympia — perhaps it's a source of so much conflict you've endured. It's easy to become mesmerized by all the historical artifacts that are present in Olympia's exhibition. Some even seem mystical or, like Ysverai’s heart, to hold unspeakable powers. Others are just a little eerie. Either way, Olympia prides itself in its generosity and their grand displays, and so refugees are urged to learn more about their artifacts by spending the night in Palace Court. Though, someone should probably mention that there are rumors of strange, almost occult things happening around these relics at night. People speak of armored soldiers casting shadows that have the ability to walk on their own, or gemstones that catch the moonlight in a certain way and show you visions. But those are just silly ghost stories, right? TALL TALES OF KHALO VILLAGE     Because of Khalo's proximity to Wyver, it's no surprise that they would catch wind of the peace talks between Wyver and Olympia. In response, for the first time in centuries, Khalo Village has willingly granted passage to outsiders — but visitors will immediately find out that one cannot just simply walk into the village. Visitors will need to inhale the smoke of a fyrra herb in order to enter the premises without falling into slumber. Khalo is notably different than what refugees are used to. Visitors, specifically refugees, will find that they are exceedingly accommodating. The Khali are very intrigued by the outsiders, thus they're treated with much respect and given instant access to some of the best lounges and fyrra the village has to offer. In exchange, the village is interested in hearing about your journey thus far. Whether it be through a conversation with another individual or the Khali themselves, they'll very likely to have been eavesdropping and recording the tales of their exploits. Why, exactly? Perhaps it will not be immediately clear, but if you happened upon a venasou, a tamed Khali creature, it may have guided you to their Enchanted Library. Upon entering the library, visitors will notice that it is quite the happening place — but not because it's occupied by the Khali, but because there seems to be an assembly of magical quills seemingly writing on their own. The quills are mostly undisturbed by the intrusion and will not stop writing even if parchment is taken from it; it will simply produce another piece of paper and continue its tales. If you happen to read the parchment, you may notice that there is a daunting similarity between your story and the ones being written here. Tales of Thesa birthing new races and sending them from the sky, for example, are very popular in Khalo Village. They mark July 15th as the day in which the Moon Goddess, Thesa, created more people in her image and brought them to El Nysa as saviors. The coincidences don't end there: specifics about your home world might be found in the writings if you search deeply enough — but it's not without its exaggerations. These stories are given all sorts of poetic and literary forms, from short stories to limericks, biographies to something similar to haiku. If asked, the Khali will inform visitors that the enchanted library has access to vague parts of your memories, and thus it is duty-bound to record. The Khali have not seen stories as strange as the ones being made by refugees, which is largely why they are interested in them. NOTE: This is entirely optional! You may make up your own "stories" (fanfiction) and it could be as accurate or inaccurate, or as serious or silly as you'd like. While tales of the Thesa's descendants are still being written, visitors of the Enchanted Library might find intrigue in the more complete works — KING AND KIN. If one is willing to delve deep, they may also find parts of Wyver's past that have been removed from their own archives. These pages will recount the tales of Shanrian and Rasyc. Though a lot of the narrative seems to divide at certain points in the story, it becomes obvious with some quick reading that Rasyc is not only the son of Shanrian, but that he glorifies the Wyver of old, more bloodthirsty and brutal than it is today. Unlike his father, he does not take kindly to Olympia and the threat they will always pose for their people. He has not forgotten Olympia's past sins and he believes that, in his foolish quest for peace, the king has gone soft and no longer possesses the real will to fight. His present voice in affairs of state is not a loud one, as he chooses to speak in whispers and move in the dead of silence. In these quiet murmurings, he boasts of his unwavering belief in the power and dignity of his people. Of how they should all return to what they once were — the kingdom, its citizens, and naturally the father who he had once admired greatly. Though perhaps it can be argued that any estranged son would wish the same. It's difficult to pinpoint what becomes political and what is and always will be more personal for him. But, it hardly matters. It's clear that Rasyc will stop at nothing to achieve his objectives, even if it means never returning to place he calls home. Even if it means turning his back on his own father, Shanrian, King of Wyver... DRAGONFIRE. While tales of the Thesa's descendants are still being written, visitors to the Enchanted Library might find intrigue in the more complete works. In particular, tales of Ysverai, the last of Wyver's great high dragons. Ysverai is most commonly known for being slain by Olympia’s past king and legendary hero, Nithor, but here in Khalo he is depicted in another light. Ysverai is known to the Khali people as a wise being, old as the first inhabitants that walked El Nysa. The creature spoke in the common tongue to the early settlers, guiding them to refuge when his kin began to dominate the land at the cost of its own isolation. It ultimately becomes a tale of sacrifice, for its stand with Nithor became a testament against the Olympian Empire's long reaching influence. At the bottom, there is a quotation: Your hearts will fill with greed and malice the moment my own stops beating. Take care in the Eye of the Storm. Find strength in one another, before it is too late. It seems to end there. Refugees are naturally allowed to question the natives. However, keep in mind that many of their replies will seem more like speculation than fact. But maybe that can be fun too? If you have no interest in the library and the tales they've woven, feel free to explore any of the other areas of interest. Khalo Village is thrilled to be open for you all. THOSE THAT SEEK PEACE, AND THOSE THAT SEEK --     The morning of the 20th is marked by fairly dismal weather. The sky is overcast and a downpour seems imminent. Regardless of the poor forecast, those who signed up to assist in this mission will be required to come early in order to receive their briefing. Members of Group A: ▸ Jon Snow (song_of_ice) ▸ Daenerys Targaryen (dorzalta) ▸ Loras Tyrell (triplerose) ▸ Terra (earthy) ▸ Alisaie Leveilleur (adelphoi) ▸ Solider: 76 (personalwar) ▸ Ardyn Izunia (daemonized) ▸ Mai(maipokerface) ▸ Olivier Armstrong (wallsofbriggs) ▸ Atsushi Nakajima (gekkajuu) Members of Group B: ▸ Kale (kaleorbekaled) ▸ Diana Prince (wondie) ▸ Pheonix Wright (objectionattourney) ▸ Revolver Ocelot (shashka) ▸ Frederick (pebblestone) ▸ John Sheppard (impavid ▸ Ianto Jones (torchwoodteaboy) ▸ Lena Oxton (quevarly) ▸ Allura (quintessent) Due to the rain, members of Group A will have to immediately stop by the checkpoint at the East Watchtower. Additionally, the Royal Guard and Knightryders are well-prepared with extra cloaks for those who may require it. They also will provide basic refreshments such as water and bread. People are encouraged to take what they need prior to their departure on this mission. The checkpoints are a bit far between, after all. Members of the envoy will also be encouraged to utilize this time to become familiar with one another. Maybe some introductions are in order? You never know who will end up having your back... For both groups, the paths will be relatively straightforward with evenly spaced checkpoints along the way. The only issue seems to be the downpour, really. The rain is unforgiving and the roads easily become unstable and increasingly difficult for the carriage to be drawn through. Hence, there may be more than one occasion where you will be expected to lend a hand in prying out its wheels from a particularly pesky (and muddy) pothole. Or perhaps you will be called upon by a fellow guard to assist in getting a particularly stubborn creature out of the path ahead of you. Seems like it may be a longer journey than you expected. Dirtier, too. While weathering the conditions may have been a bit tiring, this journey isn't too bad, right? Well, maybe not. GROUP A. Once the carriage gets through the worst of the terrain and finally manages to depart from the watchtower, it won't be long until the group is met with a physical roadblock. A large tree trunk will be set down the center of the road, acting as a blockade. But, before the group can react or begin crafting a plan around this obstruction, the carriage will be attacked without warning. At first, it's unclear where the attack comes from or from whom, but you don't have the leisure to deliberate this. You hear one of your fellow guards mention something about bandits frequenting these parts, but maybe there's more to it? Either way, your task is clear: protect the artifact, Nithor's skull, and fight the bandits off. You'll be encouraged to try and capture them so that they may later be turned and questioned by the authorities. GROUP B. With clear motives to restock and collect a few more materials for the carriage, it's evident that the envoy will appear restless to arrive at the second checkpoint. However, despite their unspoken delight at seeing the South Outpost from a distance, it's clear something has gone awry. There will be several hooded figures awaiting them right where the mud path meets the cobblestone of the Outpost's road. Soon, several more of these figures will come to flank them from both sides. While they seem like bandits, at least from their physical appearance, there is something far more polished in their movements. They will be attacking the envoy in concise, practiced formations. For those who are more perceptive, it becomes obvious that they are moving around and acting as decoy to one central figure. This member is likely the "leader" of their group, but no matter how one may try to close the distance between themselves and this mysterious leader, someone will constantly get in the way of that. The fighting also seems to act as a distraction since by the time everything is cleared up... only two things are missing. The leader of this group of bandits and more importantly — Ysverai's heart. NOTE: Those RNG'd to thread out the capture and questioning of the bandits will have starters below. For everyone else that signed up, you will still have the opportunity to capture the assailants even though they were not selected to thread the interrogation; you are free to make up your NPCs with the same basic guideline: they will not reveal their motive or their organization. You may turn them in to authorities (Wyver or Olympia or otherwise) or find creative ways to get rid of them. FINAL OOC NOTE     To reiterate: you may use this log as a general mingle for everything from the May Outline, including all Khalo Village activities. In other words, your top-levels don't necessarily have to be related to the prompts written here. An AC-eligible thread in which your character participates in anything mentioned in the May Outline and/or Khalo Village location page may be submitted for 2 REP POINT FOR EITHER OLYMPIA OR WYVER. SUBMIT THE THREAD FOR OLYMPIA OR WYVER HERE OR HERE RESPECTIVELY BY June 10th 11:59 PM EST. For those who participated in this month's plot-related portion, to receive IC recognition for it, a summary of the thread must be submitted HERE by June 8th 11:59 PM EST. Please direct all queries to the question thread below. Thank you, and have fun! QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs ● bestiary taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp ● quest bulletin calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

[baldesion]

A look for myself won't be necessary, but I am forced to wonder how long that working order may last, if the situation every where else here won't stabilize.

[Perhaps, amid this technology, intermittent malfunctioning is a kind of stable...but not the kind upon which Krile is inclined to rely.

...to inform you that we must postpone...]

...This message. [There must be a source for the broadcast, somewhere, but Krile can't find it with her eyes and ears now.] Does it sound as though she made its record in haste, to you?

[impavid]

The bandit will have a bruise eventually, but she's alive and otherwise unharmed. A few bumps, no doubt, from the fights she was in -- a small, shallow scratch on her neck where she'd struggled when John was threatening her. Other than that, though? He'd just knocked her out.

He's moving to get something to tie her up with, removing her weapons in the process too just in case she somehow wakes up before he manages it.

"That's where my money is, and I'd guess the heart is going to be kept somewhere in Wyver too. She didn't have much good to say about Olympia, so I'd guess their eventual plan is to use it against us. No doubt they feel Shanrian's accepting of this trade and peace talks is some kind of betrayal. So, grab the heart, then work with the shaman's to make use of it. That's where the fun begins."

He squints up at Allura, curious.

"How much do you know about the shamans?"

[baldesion]

[Alisaie's quiet arrival earns a quick smile and a wave to the small stack of books beside Krile on a short table nearby (it's lovely, having the Khali furnishings about).]

Several things, though I'm not at all certain I'll be permitted to borrow them for study.

[She has already conjured up visions of the masterless quills turning and attacking her should she try.]

Tell me if this sounds at all intriguing to you: An heir to a throne dismisses the peaceable leanings of his predecessor, calling instead for conquest, for war. For the visible supremacy of his people. Receiving precious little support in comparison to his wishes, he vows to achieve his goals at any cost, even should it mean betraying the very people he wishes to restore to glory. And that is all laid plain and true as an account of the workings of this world.

[That's a summary without names. Names are powerful enough on their own, and Krile is extremely wary of unleashing them in the depths of a library whose magic she can't quite grasp. Her hand taps the spine of one of the books in her pile.]

'Tis all there for the taking, but it took-

[As if coming out of a bit of a trance, she blinks at Alisaie and frowns.]

Truth be told, I'm not sure how long I've been wandering these shelves.

[monya]

Yeah, but if they don't know who you are, how do they know you're the baddest and toughest?

[ which takes Morgana to the next step in logic: ]

You said you were familiar with things like that where you're from. So... did you have one as a friend or partner?

[monya]

No! I said Persona! Like person, not fur!

[ already Morgana feels like he's being assaulted and insulted. taunted. and it's incredibly frustrating, his tail already lashing out behind him in anger. ]

Fine, fine. [ he's already outed himself as not a cat, so. might as well just shift over to his small, bipedal form and shake a fist at the darkness. ]

See? Not a cat!

[impavid]

I guess I should be glad it isn't personal.

[ That is to say, that the station isn't working for other people.

Still. At the same time that's... bad. ]

Well. Plan B -- is there somebody here they woke up and took the time to train in case of emergency?

[ Someone who isn't one of the Natha? ]

[colorature]

<sub>[This isn't the first time that Diva's shared a kiss with Reign, but the circumstances had been a little different then. The kiss in the dress shop had been chaste, no intention behind it. His however involves tongue and a blatant desire she's not sure she's seen in Reign before. It's easy enough to return the contact, although the tips of her fangs do poke and scrape.

This is probably a bad idea, whatever it is they're doing, especially since she knows Reign is on Solomon's hitlist. For now though, it should be okay...right?]</sub>

[impavid]

"Misjudged my block, got me in the arm with a knife. I'll live but it's limiting my range of movement."

He finishes off the quick, rough wrap and begins to tie the bandage in a knot -- holds one end between his teeth and yanks it tight.

"Right."

Come on John, get going. Do something. He rolls his shoulders and gives his hand a test flex, judging how much he needs to compensate. It wasn't as deep as it could have been. He can handle it.

Then something moves in his peripheral vision and John is grabbing for the hand Ianto still has the stun gun in, whipping it up and around to whatever is closing in on them.

[impavid]

"That's fifty points to Ravenclaw. It's creepy, but unfortunately not implausible."

If people can resolve themselves into pure energy, if wraith can age a person with a touch and de-age them -- hell, why can't someone take the still beating heart of a dragon and revive it?

"Apparently it's a wise dragon, if that's any consolation. Also, apparently if it's setting anything on fire then Olympia will be first. Just in case there was any doubt about that."

[torchwoodteaboy]

John seems to have managed wrapping his arm up one-handed but it doesn't sound good. Not the fact that he's injured nor the fact that it's limiting his range of movement. John's a better fighter than he is, but Ianto knows it's generally better to work with no impediments at all.

He's just about to open his mouth to fuss a little further when John is suddenly grabbing at his hand and twirling him towards -- another bandit coming their way. Ianto startles slightly but he doesn't need to think twice as he pulls the trigger just in time to send another shock through the bandit in question.

He stands very still, breathing hard as he watches the figure slump to their feet before he turns wide blue eyes to glance at John. The other man's fingers still clasped around his wrist.

"Thanks," he says, a little dazedly.

[thetaintedsorrow]

Yeah? My subordinate is still sleeping, but I met someone from the organization that used to oppose mine. I thought we’d be enemies, but it turns out that we get along pretty well.

[More than pretty well, but shh.]

I can’t say he’d be happy to wake up here, but I wouldn’t mind if my subordinate woke up sooner rather than later. He’s got issues, but he’s loyal and excellent at fighting, so he’d definitely fit in here.

[Ah, but Chuuya is rambling now.]

Anyway. The longer we’re near that heart the more I’m starting to think that it’s definitely bad news.

[thetaintedsorrow]

Heh, yeah. You should be careful though, some of the lounges around here have a more potent strain of fyrra that has some side effects.

[Like serving as an aphrodesiac. He’d hate for Linneus to go into the village uninformed, so he might as well warn him about it, if he didn’t already know.

Chuuya crosses his arms with a huff.]

Yeah. Luckily someone passed by and took me back.

[Speaking of being tiny...]

You know, you’re one of the only people who hasn’t made a short joke in my presence.

[willrevile]

It's not so awkward, and Jim can be heard chuckling faintly through it. "It's not an imposition, and yeah, it'll be good to see you again. Take care, and I'll catch up with you soon."

A slightly abrupt goodbye, but Jim really does have to wrap things up on the station. He's been up there for several days at this stage, barely sleeping and only remembering to eat when chased down by mild mannered reporter Clark Kent with a sandwich. Woof.

Jim's 'apartment' is more akin to a studio flat in an area barely elevated from tents - and actually, the tents would probably be nicer, but this is where he was shuffled when he arrived, so this is where he's stayed. A rough rectangle, all greens and browns and brassy metal fixtures, it consists of a main room with a closet, a weird native steampunk tech kitchenette, a table and chairs, and at the far end of the room, a rounded alcove where the modest bed is - a small hallway leads from there to the bathroom. There is indeed a ceiling fan in the center of the apartment, though it looks curiously out of place. Inspection suggests Jim made and stuck it up there himself, running off a battery pack drilled into the ceiling, able to be turned on with a push of a button.

Left on the table is the charger for his phone, and a sealed bottle of whiskey. There are no other personal affects - no trinkets laid around, no decoration, nothing. Jim's left everything of value in the open, an old habit of living in shitty areas and expecting thieves. Inside the fridge he's got a half-eaten casserole filled with god-knows-what, some old takeout, a few glass bottles of cheap, local beer. His bed is made with military precision, and everything is tidy. If Ianto chooses to do some snooping, he'll find a couple of changes of clothes in the closet (all native styles), and no-frills supplies in the bathroom. No sign of the mentioned medkit or whatever clothes he must have arrived with.

[willrevile]

[ Well, he's in luck, Jim's pretty used to the 'not emotionally forthcoming' type. ]

Alright, [ he says. Notes it, notes also that he doesn't say it's a preference. ] Can I call you Thomas?

[ He leans back a little, gestures next to him. Sit down? ]

[torchwoodteaboy]

To Ravenclaw? Well, he supposes out of all the houses it fits. Never mind that distraction, though.

There's a sick feeling settling in Ianto's stomach at the thought of it. Raising a dragon -- well of course Olympia will be in danger if that happens. That's how the stories go, isn't it? That's what the plaques had said in the palace, anyway. Thesa's light had shone on Olympia and on that same night, the dragons fell. Thesa's light. Ianto certainly doesn't believe in religion, but it has something to do with the city, that much is certain.

"The fact that the place I've just chosen to live may be targeted by a giant undead creature of mass destruction -- but at least it's wise? No," Ianto counters, sounding a little on edge, "not really a consolation, no." He runs a hand through his hair. "We need to. Someone needs to know about this. We need to find it."

[willrevile]

Same way they became aware of how people drown. [ Jim shrugs. ] For the record: drowning is definitely worse. Takes way longer.

[ Small mercies?? ]

Now, if there's a hull breech, what'll happen is that everything in here will get sucked out there. Like the opposite of a submarine springing a leak. But unlike something springing a leak, you don't necessarily want to try and block off a rupture - spacecraft are built with heavy duty doors staggered throughout the structure that are designed to seal off so that in the event of a breech, it can just basically quarantine that area, let the pressure stabilize, and carry on with it sealed off. If it's a very small rupture and you can shove a dense object on it to give yourself some more time to get out of the area, great, but don't get near it, don't use a part of your body or anyone else's body to try and close it, and just leave.

[quintessent]

She's relieved. Sure the bandits started the violence, and apparently has dangerous ambitious regarding Olympia, but that doesn't mean they need to sink to their levels. Allura says knelt at the prisoner's side, hand on her arm and keeping watch while John goes to gather rope.

"A little," She says with hesitation, thinking back to the things she's read, "They worship a dragon, correct?"

[impavid]

"You're welcome. Keep an eye out, okay? I need you in one piece."

He lets go of the man's wrist, lifts his hand instead to squeeze Ianto's shoulder reassuringly while he scans the area.

"These guys were ready for us," he murmurs, because they were. The whole thing reads carefully planned, rehearsed. Dropping the hand he takes a step more in front of Ianto again, watches the bandits move in patterns of advancement and retreat. "They don't even care what happens to us. They're just here to keep us busy."

[torchwoodteaboy]

Ianto isn't certain whether he's really surprised by the other man's quarters or not. On one hand, they're... Spartan at best. Neat and tidy to the extent that they might as well have been Jim's quarters in some sort of barracks, lacking any sort of personal touch other than the ceiling fan and the food in the refrigerator. But Jim had said that he was military, and it. Makes sense, in a way. And reminds him of Jack in a way that almost physically hurts to think about.

Throwing his cloak over the back of the kitchen chair, Ianto inspects the ceiling fan before doing his best to turn it on without pulling the whole contraption down. He manages to find himself a glass for some water, downing it like a drowning man before poking through the fridge's contents and settling on a beer. Removing his overshirt to to join his cloak on the chair as he pours himself into the seat and wait for Jim's return.

It feels... Odd, to be here without him, and the discomfort of it just adds to the rest of the discomforts of the day. He doesn't really want to think about the mission, though. And the failure. And what it might mean for Olympia, if the bandits really do get that Heart to the shamans. (He'd really rather spend his night not thinking about much at all, if he can help himself.) So he sits, and drinks, and waits, and hopes Jim might have something else to eat besides that casserole...

[adelphoi]

[ his smile is contagious enough that alisaie cannot help but return it with one of her own, followed up by a vague gesture to her leg. the scarring is pretty rough and gnarly looking, but she seems not to mind. ]

It will take quite a bit more to keep me down. I do not take well to long periods of convalescence.

[ prompto and her brother had definitely chased her around fussing quite a lot.. truly they are the ones who suffered. ]

[impavid]

"Don't underestimate wise, wise might mean it listens if we try to negotiate. I'd take wise over angry as a descriptive."

He finishes making sure the bandit is bound, testing nothing will pull loose before pushing up to his feet again and inspecting his arm. The bandages he wound around it earlier are soaked through in a dark patch on one side, but it's dry at least. He rolls his shoulder, squinting up and around at Ianto.

"I'd put my money on them having taken it into Wyver, which means there's nothing to be lost heading in ourselves. Try and pick up the trail before it goes cold."

[adelphoi]

[ ah.. terra.. ]

It took place weeks ago.

[ even if he can't see her, no doubt he can hea the grin in her voice; you were invited, terra!! too bad he was busy under that rock.

anyway, since she's pretty sure he'll kill himself trying to find the water, she gently begins to.. lead him along toward the edge of the pond. ]

Have you been well?

[poolhall_killer]

With what they're writing, who knows. Perhaps they're somehow in tune with us yet don't quite put the pieces together properly. Though where they got the royal marriage part is beyond me.

[Admittedly, the Third King is cute, but hardly someone he'd like to marry... his subconscious says otherwise.]

Was your story written as a series of haiku, as well?

[adelphoi]

[ it's nice to see krile so content. it is.. not easy settling into life here, coming to terms with the complete loss of their home, everything they had known - gods know it had taken alisaie quite some time, and even now it is a sour taste in the back of her mouth. that is not something you simply get over.

but nevertheless they must move forward. this is their future, now. at the very least they can find comfort in these old things, in books and knowledge and research, in that familiar space between the pages of a book. ]

I can hardly blame you. It has been far too long.

[ she's worked hard to build up her little personal library, but it can hardly compare. ]

[meinwaifu]

No, that's not right either... goodness, can't you even manage a simple apology?

[This time he gets punished -- he leans forward, putting more pressure down into Reign's shoulder, nearly grinding his heel into the soft flesh. It means to hurt, and he can't help but wonder whether Reign would guess wrong on purpose just to be punished more.]

Do try again. And this time, you'd better make me believe it.