The Lady Livia of Sais, a Tale of Gor

 

This Gorean fiction and illustrations were created or edited with AI.

The Lady Livia of Sais, a Tale of Gor

By Arealius, Scribe of Port Olni

My good and faithful friend Arealius, in the ancient city of Sais, the specter of Dar-Kosis cast a long, dark shadow over our once vibrant streets. The disease, known as the Holy Disease, spread with relentless ferocity, leaving despair and death in its wake. Among the city’s inhabitants was my master, Marlenus, a wealthy merchant who had already suffered the devastating loss of his young daughter to the plague. Our household, once filled with laughter and life, now stood on the brink of collapse.

In the grand hall of our villa, Marlenus gathered the survivors of our household. I, Aeostos, his trusted scribe who had served the family for decades, stood by his side. Also present were Marcus, a respected warrior and close friend of Marlenus, Elara, our skilled healer, Niko, the young servant boy, and Selene, our cook. Kneeling before Marlenus was Livia, his first girl, whose eyes reflected a mixture of fear and hope.

Marlenus, his face etched with grief and determination, addressed us. “Aeostos, Marcus, Elara, Niko, Selene, and all who remain, you are witnesses to this solemn act. In these dire times, I seek to restore Livia’s freedom and take her as my Free Companion.”
With a steady hand, Marlenus produced the key to Livia’s collar. He unlocked and removed it, holding it up for all to see. “By this act, I release you from your bondage, Livia. You are no longer a kajira.”

He then spoke the formal words of freedom. “Livia, I declare you free. You are no longer bound by the chains of slavery. You are a free woman of Sais.”
Livia rose and donned the modest, elegant attire Marlenus had prepared for her. The transformation was immediate and profound.

Marlenus turned to Livia, now standing as an equal. “Livia, in these dark times, I ask you to be my Free Companion. Will you stand by my side as we face the trials ahead?”

Livia, her eyes brimming with tears, nodded. “Yes, Marlenus. I accept your proposal. I will be your Free Companion.”

Marlenus took a simple yet beautiful ring and placed it on Livia’s finger, symbolizing their bond and commitment. I stepped forward with a scroll, recording the declaration of freedom and their union, ensuring it was legally recognized. Following the announcement Marlenus and Livia, they took the customary drink symbolizing their commitment to each other using two simple wooden cups filled with wine. The irony was not lost on me that this purpose of the Gorean free companionship was a celebration of life, no, the creation of life. 

As the city of Sais continued to struggle against the relentless advance of Dar-Kosis, Livia’s role became increasingly vital. She implemented strict hygiene protocols, cared for the sick, and managed the household’s dwindling resources. Her organizational skills and emotional strength provided a beacon of hope in the darkest of times.

On the day of Livia’s release, Marcus fortified our home, organizing defenses and training us in basic self-defense. Elara tended to the sick, her hands never resting as she moved from one patient to another, providing care and comfort. Niko, with his youthful energy, ran errands and assisted wherever needed, his optimism a glimmer of hope amidst the despair. Selene, despite the scarcity of supplies, prepared nourishing meals, her cooking a source of comfort and normalcy.

Despite our best efforts, the situation in Sais grew increasingly dire. Lawlessness and crime surged as the city’s infrastructure collapsed. Marlenus and Livia fortified our home and organized a defense plan, but the threat of looters and disease loomed large.

One fateful night, our household was attacked by desperate looters. In the chaos, Marlenus was mortally wounded while defending our home. Livia, though not a warrior, fought valiantly to protect him and the others. We repelled the attackers, but the cost was high.

As Marlenus lay dying, he looked at Livia with a mixture of pride and sorrow. “Livia, you have been my strength and my hope. I am grateful for every moment we shared.”

Tears streamed down Livia’s face as she held his hand. “Marlenus, I will carry your legacy forward. I will not let your sacrifice be in vain.”

With his last breath, Marlenus whispered, “Live, Livia. Live for us all.”

In the days that followed, Livia continued to lead our household with unwavering resolve. She ensured that Marlenus’s last wishes were honored and that the remaining members of the household were cared for. Her strength and resilience became a symbol of hope for the survivors of Sais.

As the city of Sais fell to the ravages of Dar-Kosis, we knew we had to leave to survive. Gathering what little we had left, Livia led us to the docks. The journey was fraught with danger, but we pressed on, driven by the hope of finding safety.

At the docks, we found a ship willing to take us downriver to the city of Turmus, but the cost was exorbitant. Livia, determined to save us, negotiated fiercely, offering all that we had left. Finally, we secured passage.

As we boarded the ship, I looked back at the city of Sais, now a shadow of its former self. The journey ahead was uncertain, but with Livia’s strength and leadership, I believed we could face whatever lay ahead.

As I, Aeostos, record these events, I am filled with both sorrow and pride. Sorrow for the losses we endured, and pride for the courage and resilience shown by Livia and the rest of our household. Their legacy will not be forgotten. Please my dear friend, Arealius. Please share this with all that you can so that life is savored and protected and valued among friends and community. 

Your friend, Aeostos of Port Sais