"The Sailor's Woman" by Arealius of the Scribes of Port Olni
This Gorean Fan Fiction was generated using MetaAI.
Please note that the Gorean Saga is a fictional series, and its world,
customs, and values may not align with modern societal standards or moral principles.
Gor is Copyrighted by John Norman
The Sailor's Woman
By Arealius, Scribe of Port Olni
I still recall the day I met him, a chance encounter that would change the course of my life forever. It was in the picturesque Gorean mountain village of The Soaring Herlit, where the air was crisp and the people were warm and welcoming. Chelsey, a fellow freewoman and friend, who had spoken highly of this young merchant named Arealius Barbosa introduced me to him.
"Ar is a man of great knowledge and experience," Chelsey had told me earlier. "He's traveled extensively throughout Gor, and his stories are filled with wonder and excitement. He was trained as a scribe in Port Kar, you know. He's a master of the written word."
I was intrigued by Chelsey's description, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about this mysterious merchant. As we walked through the village, Chelsey pointed him out to me. He was sitting at a table outside a local tavern, sipping a cup of wine and gazing out at the surrounding mountains.
"Ah, Sorana, this is Arealius Barbosa," Chelsey said, as we approached him. "Arealius, this is Sorana, a dear friend of mine."
He stood up and bowed graciously. He was shorter than I expected but his blue eyes sparkled with warmth and intelligence, and I felt an instant sense of connection to him.
"It's an honor to meet you, Lady Sorana," he said, his deep voice resonating through the air. "I've heard a great deal about you from Lady Chelsey. Please, join me, and let us share a cup of wine together."
As the days passed, Arealius and I spent every spare moment together, exploring the village and surrounding countryside. He was a shrewd negotiator, and I watched with admiration as he effortlessly charmed the local merchants and warriors, securing favorable deals and forging powerful alliances.
Arealius was a man of great passion and energy, and his love for life was infectious. He regaled me with stories of his adventures on the river Olni, which flowed from the majestic Thentis Mountains. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he spoke of the bustling ports and vibrant markets he had visited.
During our time together, Arealius befriended several of the warriors of the Soaring Herlit, including the city's ubar, Jake, and the captain of the warrior caste, Thrain. Thrain, in particular, seemed to take a liking to Arealius, and the two of them would often engage in lively debates and discussions.
As a fellow scribe, I was delighted that Arealius shared my passion for learning and literature. We would spend hours discussing the intricacies of Gorean script and debating the merits of various literary works. Our shared love of knowledge and wit created a deep bond between us, and I found myself drawn to his charming and intelligent nature.
What surprised me most, however, was Arealius' boldness in flirting with me, despite knowing that I was a member of the Ubar's household. His playful banter and teasing remarks caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but be intrigued by this confident and charismatic man from Port Olni.
As the days turned into nights, and the nights turned into whispered conversations by the fire, I became increasingly captivated by Arealius' charm and charisma. Who was this merchant from Olni, and what secrets lay behind his adventurous spirit? I was determined to find out.
As the days turned into weeks, Arealius and I grew closer, our bond strengthening with each passing moment. We would steal away to secluded spots, enjoying intimate moments together, our whispers and laughter carrying on the wind. Our walks through the village and surrounding fields became a daily ritual, with the villagers nodding in approval as we strolled hand in hand.
Jake, my protector and the Ubar of the Soaring Herlit, seemed to approve of Arealius' presence in my life. He would often join us for meals at the village inn, regaling us with stories of his own adventures. Even after the weekly Rant, when the villagers would gather to discuss the issues of the day and often erupt into wild dancing, Jake wouldn't mind when Arealius and I would linger, taking our time to stroll back to my home under the starry night sky.
But as the seasons changed, Arealius knew it was time for him to leave. His merchant's instincts told him it was time to move on, to seek new opportunities and adventures. As we stood together, looking out at the breathtaking vista of the Thentis Mountains, he turned to me with a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Sorana," he whispered, his breath tickling my ear, "come with me. Leave this village behind and work as my scribe. Keep my books, record my transactions, and share in my adventures."
I felt a thrill run through me at his words. No one had ever asked me to leave the safety of the village before. No one had ever offered me the chance to see the world beyond the mountains. And yet, without hesitation, I nodded my head.
"Yes," I said, the word barely above a whisper. "I'll come with you."
Arealius' face lit up with a radiant smile, and he swept me into his arms, spinning me around in a joyful circle. I laughed and cried, feeling a sense of freedom and excitement that I had never known before. I was leaving behind the familiar, the comfortable, and the predictable, and embarking on a journey that would take me to the farthest reaches of Gor.
As we stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the wind whipping our hair into a frenzy; I knew that my life would never be the same. The villagers, who had grown accustomed to seeing me by Arealius' side, nodded and smiled as we passed, some even calling out words of encouragement.
Chelsey, my dear friend, grasped my hands in hers, her eyes shining with tears. "Sorana, I'll miss you dearly, but I know this is what you were meant to do. You were always meant to see the world, to experience all its wonders and dangers."
I hugged her tightly, feeling a pang of sadness at leaving behind the only home I had ever known. But Arealius' enthusiasm was infectious, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation.
As we prepared to leave, Jake, the Ubar, approached us, a serious expression on his face. "Arealius, I know you're a man of your word, but I must warn you, the roads of Gor can be treacherous. Take care of Sorana, and don't hesitate to seek help if you need it."
Arealius nodded solemnly, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "I will, Jake. I swear it on my honor as a merchant."
With our farewells said, we set off towards the east, the rising sun casting a golden glow over the landscape. The Thentis Mountains loomed before us, their peaks shrouded in mist.
As we walked, Arealius told me stories of the cities we would visit, of the people we would meet, and of the wonders we would see. His words painted vivid pictures in my mind, and I felt my heart swell with excitement.
I knew that the road ahead would be long and fraught with danger, but with Arealius by my side, I felt a sense of courage and determination that I had never felt before. I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, to explore the unknown, and to forge a new life for myself.
As we soared through the skies on the back of Arealius’ draft tarn, the Old Girl, the wind whipping my hair into a frenzy; I felt alive. The rush of adrenaline was intoxicating, and I laughed with sheer joy, feeling the thrill of the unknown. Arealius, or Ar as I had grown accustomed to calling him, grinned at me, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Ana, his intimate name for me, seemed to roll off his tongue effortlessly, and I felt a flutter in my chest whenever he used it. The way he said it, no one had called me Ana before him. He made me feel like I was the only person in his world.
The Old Girl, Ar's majestic draft tarn, was a marvel of strength and agility. Her wings beat powerful and slow, propelling us through the air with ease. I marveled at her size, her feathers a gorgeous mottled brown and gray that seemed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
As we traveled from the Thentis Mountains, the scenery unfolded below us like a tapestry. We soared over vast forests, the treetops a vibrant green, and skirted the edges of sparkling Olni River, its waters glinting like diamonds in the sunlight.
We made our way to the cities of Ti, Port Olni, Vonda, and Lara, each one a unique and fascinating experience. Ar's knowledge of the cities and their customs was impressive, and he navigated the complex web of trade and commerce with ease. Ar was a citizen of Port Olni and was well known there by the merchant caste. The region was collectively known as the Salerian Confederacy and had recently forced the withdrawal of forces of the Imperial City of Ar from the river valley. There was much trade to be had with demands growing for goods with the withdrawal of Imperial Ar from the Olni River.
In Lara, we spent several weeks meeting with merchants and traders, negotiating deals and forging alliances. I watched in awe as he worked, his mind sharp and quick, his charm and charisma disarming even the most skeptical of opponents. Ar was planning to bring goods from the coast to the Olni River Valley and he was seeking backers.
From Lara, we turned westward, toward the gleaming Thassa and its copper-tainted green waters. The sea air was invigorating, and I felt a sense of excitement and wonder as we approached the coast.
We avoided turning south, because of the ongoing rumors of Port Kar's aggressive control of shipping activity in the Tamber Gulf. Ar's instincts were cautious, and he preferred to steer clear of potential danger.
Instead, we headed north from the city of Port Thassa, where Ar formalized my employment and formal relationship to him. I was now officially his scribe, and I felt a sense of pride and purpose as I worked alongside him.
We stayed at Port Thassa for several seasons, Ar organizing a ship and crew, purchasing a round ship he named the Fortune. During this time, he worked as an ad hoc scribe for the Administrator of Port Thassa, his influence growing, and his reputation as a shrewd and capable merchant spreading. We hurriedly departed Port Thassa when the Dar Kosis struck the city. We helped in the evacuation of Port Thassa before the city was totally reduced to dust.
As we prepared to set sail on the Fortune, I felt a sense of trepidation mixed with excitement. The unknown lay ahead, and I knew our journey would be filled with challenges and adventures. But with Ar by my side, I felt ready to face whatever lay ahead, knowing that together, we could overcome any obstacle.
As the Fortune sailed out of the devastated harbor of Port Thassa, I stood at the rail, my eyes fixed on the receding coastline. The Dar Kosis had left its mark, the once-thriving city now a smoldering ruin. I felt a pang of sadness, knowing that many innocent lives had been lost.
Ar stood beside me, his hand on my shoulder, his eyes scanning the horizon. "We'll find new opportunities, Ana," he said, his voice low and reassuring. "The world is full of them, and with the Fortune, we'll be able to explore every corner of Gor."
I nodded, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, to explore the unknown, and to forge a new life for myself alongside Ar.
As the days passed, the Fortune proved to be a sturdy and reliable vessel. Ar's crew was experienced and skilled, and they worked together seamlessly to navigate the waters of the Thassa.
Arealius charted a new course for the Fortune, piloting the vessel south around the Vosk River Delta. The crew was busy adjusting the sails and navigating the treacherous waters, but Arealius knew these coastlines like the back of his hand. Born and raised in the delta region, he had spent countless hours exploring the winding waterways and hidden coves.
As we sailed, Arealius told me stories of his childhood, of his father's exploits as a renowned sleen hunter, and of his mother's tragic fate. She had been a scribe of Port Kar, collared and sold to his father by a ruthless merchant. Despite her circumstances, she had taught Arealius the ways of the caste of scribe, instilling in him a love of art and the written word.
I listened, entranced, as Arealius spoke of his mother's influence on his life. His eyes would cloud over, and his voice would drop to a whisper, as he recalled the day she was sold by his father for iron arrowheads. It was a pain that still lingered, a wound that would never fully heal.
As we navigated the delta, the Fortune sailed past the island city-states of Tyros and Cos. We anchored offshore, and Arealius took a small boat to visit the local markets and gather supplies. I remained on board, marveling at the towering spires and grand architecture of the island cities. Then we headed for Arealius’ previous home stone, the infamous Port Kar.
As the Fortune docked in Port Kar, Arealius' confidence and familiarity with the waters were clear. He navigated the harbor with ease, and the journeymen welcomed the Fortune with open arms. However, the warm reception was short-lived, as news of the fall of Port Thassa spread, and the crew and goods were placed in quarantine.
The Captains' Council, fueled by fear and paranoia, threatened to burn the ship with everyone on board. But the Caste of Scribes intervened, citing Arealius' standing as a citizen of Port Kar and now a respected sea captain. They argued that if the ship was clean of the Dar Kosis, it should be granted freedom of passage.
A medical team was dispatched to examine the ship and crew. The chief physician, a man named Tharius, was taken aback by my beauty and poise. He inquired about my relationship with Arealius, but Ar skillfully evaded his questions, using Tharius' interest to hasten the declaration of the ship's cleanliness.
As we shopped in the Port Kar marketplace, Tharius spotted us and charged towards us, his eyes fixed intently on me. Arealius recognized the lusty gleam in his eyes and knew he had to hasten. He took my hand, and in a loud, clear voice, declared in the tradition of Port Kar, "This is my woman, Sorana of the Soaring Herlit, and as is our custom, I claim her as my companion!"
The market erupted in a thunderous applause, and I felt my fate being sealed. I had known Arealius for a year, and in that moment, I knew I belonged to him. The crowd's cheers and whistles still echoed in my ears as Arealius turned to me, his eyes burning with intensity, and whispered, "You are mine, Ana. Forever and always."
After a few lust filled days, we set sail once more, leaving the delta region behind. The Fortune charted a course south, toward the Equatorial jungles of Shendi and the lands beyond. The crew was busy scrambling to adjust the sails, as the winds grew stronger and the seas more turbulent.
Arealius stood at the helm, his eyes fixed on the horizon, his face set against the wind. I stood beside him, my hair whipping about my face, as I gazed out at the endless expanse of sea and sky.
"What lies ahead?" I asked, my voice barely audible above the wind.
Arealius turned to me, his eyes glinting with excitement. "The jungles of Shendi, Ana," he said. "A land of mystery and wonder, where the very air is thick with magic."
I felt a shiver run down my spine, as I gazed out at the unknown. The Fortune sailed on, carrying us toward the heart of the Equatorial jungles, and the secrets that lay hidden within.
As the Fortune continued its journey south, I grew accustomed to the rhythms of life on board. The crew was a rough but affable bunch, and I had grown fond of them. However, as one of the few women on board, I often felt a little isolated.
That was when I met Kitten, the Fortune's Luck Girl. She was a feisty little slave girl, with a mop of curly brown hair and a tongue that could cut down a man at ten paces. Arealius had given her the ubiquitous name of Kitten, not because she was docile or submissive, but because she fought like a larl kitten in the furs.
Kitten was a Luck Girl, one of the few slave girls who were not sold at port, but instead served the entire crew in all capacities. It was a demanding life, but Kitten seemed to thrive on it. She was always on the go, whether it was scrubbing the decks, cooking meals, or tending to the crew's needs. I had found out that Kitten had spotted Ar in Port Kar and had begged to be taken with him on his new adventures. Ar bought her from the captain of the roundship she was owned by and added her to our crew. I learned that Ar and Kitten had shared many adventures together previously and sailed into each other's lives several times in the past.
Despite her tough exterior, Kitten had a soft spot for me, and we quickly formed a close bond. We would spend hours talking and laughing together, sharing stories and secrets. It was a deep and abiding friendship, one that I cherished deeply.
As the Fortune sailed into the waters of the Island State of Landa, Kitten and I stood arm in arm at the rail, gazing out at the lush green islands that rose up out of the sea. The air was warm and fragrant, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and fresh green growth.
Arealius stood behind us, his arms wrapped around our waists, holding us close. "Welcome to Landa, my loves," he said, his voice low and husky. "We'll spend a few days here, taking on supplies and making repairs. And then, we'll continue on our journey, south into the unknown."
The memories of our time in Landa were bittersweet. We had grown complacent, enjoying the island's beauty and warmth. The crew of the Fortune had gone native, and we had taken up residence in the city, living a life of relative ease.
But that all changed when the Shendi Raiders descended upon the city, leaving destruction and chaos in their wake. I remembered the sound of screams, the clash of steel on steel, and the smell of smoke and blood.
Arealius, ever the brave one, had tried to defend me, but his skills with a sword were no match for the seasoned raiders. I watched in horror as he fell, mortally wounded. The raider captain, a towering figure with a cruel grin, held his blade to my throat, laughing at Arealius' bravery.
But instead of killing me, he released me, his eyes flicking to Kitten, who cowered beside me. "You," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "You will tend to the wounds of my men. You will be our slave."
I was numb with shock and grief as the raiders dragged Kitten away. The captain turned to Arealius, who lay bleeding on the stone pavement. He saluted him, a gesture of respect, before turning and leaving the city of Landa in ruins.
I knelt beside Arealius, cradling his head in my lap. His eyes, once bright and full of life, were dull and fading. "Ana," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Forgive me...I failed you."
I held him close, tears streaming down my face. "No, Ar," I whispered back. "You never failed me. You loved me, and I loved you."
Arealius' eyes closed, and his body went limp. I held him for a long time, mourning the loss of the man I loved. The city of Landa was in ruins, and my heart was shattered into a million pieces.
Ar recovered amazingly, with what few coins he could gain by the selling of the Fortune, we had he purchased a draft tarn and we left Landa to fly eastward. As we soared through the skies on the back of the draft tarn, the wind whipping our hair into a frenzy, I couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu. We had been through so much together, Ar and I, and yet, here we were again, flying into the unknown, our lives forever changed by the whims of fate.
The Turian plains stretched out before us, a vast expanse of golden grasses and rolling hills. We avoided the wagon camps and settlements, keeping a low profile as we made our way towards the coastal city-states.
But fate, it seemed, had other plans for us. We were captured by raiders from a foreign city, our hands bound behind our backs as we were dragged before the captain. The captain's eyes narrowed as he asked our names and home stone. Ar's response was immediate, his voice clear and confident. "I am Arealius, a mapmaker, known as the Sailor."
The captain's expression changed, a look of surprise crossing his face. "The Sailor?" he repeated. "I've seen your maps. You're the one the scribes call the master cartographer."
Ar nodded, his eyes locked on the captain. "I am."
The captain's gaze shifted to me, his eyes lingering on my face. "And you are?" he asked.
"I am Ana," I replied, my voice steady.
The captain nodded, a calculating look in his eyes. "Well, Ana, it seems you will be our guest in Port Kar. You will be treated well, I assure you."
I felt a surge of fear, but Ar's voice was calm and reassuring. "What do you want from us?" he asked.
The captain smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "I want maps, Sailor. Maps of cities of interest. Four maps, to be exact. If you cooperate, Ana will be treated well. If you refuse..." He shrugged, the implication clear.
Ar's eyes met mine, and I knew what he was thinking. We had no choice. We had to agree. And so, with our hands bound behind our backs, we nodded our assent. The captain smiled, a look of triumph on his face. "Excellent," he said. "Then let us begin."
I gasped.
During my stay in the captain's custody, I was protected by his kajirae, who took it upon themselves to safeguard me from the crew and other Port Kar men. The captain's first girl, a wise and experienced woman named Tula, took a particular interest in my well-being.
Tula would often warn me of impending danger, using subtle signals and whispers to alert me to potential threats. She would hide me away in the kennel, a place where the captain's visitors were not permitted to enter, whenever she sensed that I was in danger.
I was amazed by Tula's cunning and resourcefulness, and I developed a deep respect for her and the other kajirae. I realized that they were not just slaves, but strong and resilient women who had learned to navigate the dangers of their world with courage and wit.
My time in Port Kar was a transformative experience, and it was during this period that my respect and admiration for kajirae were seeded and flourished. I saw firsthand the dangers and challenges that they faced, and I was humbled by their strength and resilience.
Arealius, true to his word, worked tirelessly to complete the four maps that the captain had requested. It took him almost four years to complete the task, but when he finally presented the captain with the fourth map, he was greeted with praise and gratitude.
Ar's participation as a bowman in the defense of the captain's household during a raid by another captain also endeared him to the captain and his crew. He proved himself to be brave and loyal, and the captain rewarded him with a place of honor at his table.
During our extended stay in Port Kar, Ar began to focus more on his art skills, creating beautiful paintings that were highly sought after by the city's wealthy merchants and traders. We took on another kajirae, a young woman whom he named Kitten, but she was not the same Kitten that I had befriended on the Fortune.
As our time in Port Kar drew to a close, Ar made the difficult decision to sell Kitten to finance our travels back to the Olni River Valley. It was a painful goodbye, but I knew that it was necessary. We set our sights on the horizon, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, together.
We returned to Port Olni, a city that had once been thriving and full of life. But now, the region was a mere shadow of its former self, decimated by the Dar Kosis and other challenges. The regional population was in decline, and the valley was struggling to recover.
Ar had honed his skills as a painter during our time in Port Kar, and he used this talent as a cover for his true profession as a master map maker. His reputation preceded him, and we made a small fortune creating maps for a gold coin. Warrior and Scribes agents and master-merchants would often seek him out to survey and map hostile cities or rivals in commerce.
I served the Ubara of Port Olni as her private secretary or scribe, a position I had obtained due to my previous experience as a scribe for the Ubar of the Soaring Herlit. However, Ar's wild ways often caused tension between the Ubara and Ar. I learned that she would sometimes refer to him as a pirate, a label that Ar would have likely worn with pride if he had known at the time.
One incident that stood out was when Ar operated a tavern in the building that is now the City Gallery. The Ubara took umbrage with the paintings of free women that adorned the walls of the second floor of the building and, in a bold move, she took black paint and marked an X over each of them. Ar was overwhelmed with anger at the defacing of his paintings, and when he was later commissioned by her to paint all the free citizens of the city, only to have the Ubara complain that there were too many paintings, he decided to leave the city and move to the countryside.
We did not return to Port Olni for several years, not until the heart of the city was broken. But even in our absence, the memories of our time in Port Olni lingered, a reminder of the challenges and triumphs that we had faced together. When we returned to Port Olni, nine years after Ar had liberated my soul and showed me the length and breath of Gor, we immediately realised this was in fact our only true Home Stone.
General Overview of Gorean Free Companionship
Key Aspects of Gorean Free Companionship
- Equality: Free Companions are considered equals, with neither partner having dominance over the other.
- Freedom: Both partners maintain their individual freedom and autonomy.
- Love and Respect: The bond is based on mutual love, respect, and trust.
- Commitment: Free Companions are committed to one another, often formalized through a ceremony.
Port Kar's Unique Take on Free Companionship
Key Aspects of Port Kar's Free Companionship
- Warrior Culture: Port Kar's Free Companions are often warriors or sailors, and their bond is strengthened through shared adventures and battles.
- Maritime Influence: The city's maritime culture influences the Free Companionship, with partners often sharing a love for the sea and a sense of adventure.
- Strong Bonds: Port Kar's Free Companions are known for their strong bonds, forged through trust, loyalty, and mutual respect.
- Ceremonies and Rituals: Port Kar's Free Companionship ceremonies and rituals are often elaborate and meaningful, reflecting the city's rich cultural heritage.
Legal Aspects of Free Companionships
- Contractual Agreement: A Free Companionship is a contractual agreement between two individuals, outlining the terms and conditions of their relationship.
- No Master-Slave Relationship: Unlike some other Gorean relationships, Free Companionships do not involve a master-slave dynamic. Both partners are considered equals.
- Property and Assets: Free Companions often share property and assets, but they maintain individual ownership and control.
- Dissolution: Free Companionships can be dissolved, but this often requires a formal ceremony or agreement.
Duration of Free Companionships
- Variable Length: The duration of a Free Companionship varies, but it is often considered a long-term commitment.
- Average Length: While there is no set average, Free Companionships can last anywhere from a few years to several decades.
Purpose of Free Companionship
- Companionship and Love: The primary purpose of a Free Companionship is to provide a deep and meaningful bond between two individuals, based on love, trust, and mutual respect.
- Providing Children: Free Companionships also serve the purpose of providing children to a family or clan. In Gorean culture, children are highly valued, and Free Companionships are often seen as a way to secure a family's future.
- Family and Clan: Free Companionships are often viewed as a way to strengthen family and clan ties. Children born within a Free Companionship are considered part of the family or clan, and are often seen as a source of pride and continuity.
Port Kar's Unique Perspective
In summary, the Gorean Free Companionship is a unique and meaningful bond between two individuals, built on mutual love, respect, and trust. In Port Kar, this bond takes on a distinct form, shaped by the city's warrior culture and maritime traditions.
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