Time changes everything. Well most everything. Rook had been gone a better part of half a year and in that time she had changed. From a skiddish, kind, and gentle woman to a huntress who feared very little. Not even death held a grasp upon her. Fear to her now was nothing more then an ending of the cycle that was life.

Six months she had searched. Six full months. The lands of Rhy'Din was combed and even a few other places she hoped. But nothing. And it was only two weeks before that she had given up on the search. Given up and returned to what little she had waiting for her in Rhy'Din. And even more when she found out that Icer had been missing.

Luckily she had met a new friend, Leo, who helped keep a sense of sanity in the mix. She had not spoken to someone for so long as she had with the feline man since her return. A brief conversation or two at the inn, sure, but with Leo it was hours on end. From dusk till dawn almost. And it was during one those times that she had been speaking to him in the glen when a most familiar scent caught her keen nose. A scent nearly forgotten. She thought herself imagining things. Maybe Leo's company didn't keep her as sane as the thought. And it wasn't until Leo spoke up that she knew otherwise. Her sudden alarm was brought to his attention and he had informed her that she had indeed caught the scent of another for he had too. A male in his words.

Every fiber in her body screamed. What the HELL?! Rook was there and just..walked off? Excusing herself from Leo in urgency, apologizing profoundly before turning and tracking after Rook. Tracking him like she would any hunt. His scent. The tell tale signs of his prints. Anything that gave his direction.

The evergreen greatcloak had a hard time attempting to keep up with her moving form, steps pressing to the ground almost strategically in order to keep both silent and swift. Why was Rook leaving? Was he purposely avoiding her? Is that why he had been 'missing' for so long. Because he was dodging her? Damn if he didn't want her around all he had to do was tell her so.

Then she spied him. It was him! She couldn't mistaken that red mop for noone else! Slowing to a halt she worked up the nerve to speak.

"Rook..?"

The figure stopped. Didn't turn around at first but he had stopped. It couldn't of been anyone else to stop at the name. And eventually he turned to her though his green eyes seemed focused on her boots. She inhaled sharply as a electric of emotions riddled through her. Anger. Joy. You name it, it was probably going through her. Why didn't he look at her? Why didn't he say anything?!

"Why..didn't you say anything? Why just walk away from the glen like that?" Was softly asked despite the raging feeling. A step taken towards him to see if he would run from her presences or not. He looked a tattered mess. Like someone ran him over a cliff and into a river then through the desert. He didn't answer. Just lifted his pale green eyes to her after a moment, such a haunting look within them before they dropped back to her boots. They were almost empty. Faded and dulled as if someone had gutted his emotional being.

"Is it me? Is that why you left? Is that why..you didn't seek me or bother talking to me now..Damn it, Rook! Stop looking down and talk to me!" She had never raised her voice to him. Never him. But now her voice was on the verge of shrilling and cracking. She finally found him again and he was tearing down the world she had built. The emotional wall she refused to let any other tear down. "I've been so worried about you. I've searched so far and for so long.." The words finally spilled from her lips, barely above a whisper.

She watched as his face twisted in worry and pain as he stepped forward, apparently having a hard time finding voice. Or was it something more. Finally that familiar voice, barely a whisper spoke to her as he raised a hand towards her in a beseeching manner. "No. Not you. Please." The words looked as if they hurt him to even speak. Her limbs felt too heavy to accept the stretched hand. She just stared at him, observing the wince that came when he spoke. But it seemed as if her body had a will of it's own because regardless of her want to hanker down she soon found herself with her arms about Rook's neck, hugging him as tightly as she could afford.

Her face buried against his neck as he returned the embrace. He was really there. "I've been so bloody worried aboutcha..what happened..where were you?" The words muffled even as she attempted to hug him tighter. Any tighter and his head might of rightly popped off. His hand softly patted to her back and she wasn't sure if he was attempting to get her to loosen her grip or comfort her.

"Sorry, Dream." There was a pause as he struggled to speak. "So sorry."

And it was that struggle that she finally realized it wasn't her hugging him so tight that was the problem. Sliding away from the embrace so that she was holding him at arms length she eyes him. "Rook. Rook what's wrong? Why are you talking so low?"

"Too hard." He explained in the soft tone as he tilted his shirt aside to reveal the metal circlet that he wore about his neck. His poor neck was burned around and under the metallic strip.

At the sight every fiber in her body flared in anger. No. Anger too light to describe it. Blood seeking rage. Yes, that was it. She wanted nothing more then to drain the life essences out of whoever the fool was to do this to her friend. To do this to Rook. It took all she had not to growl in Rook's face though she was quite sure her voice held her anger well. "Who? Tell me who!" And he denied her an answer with a worried look upon his face. She held her anger for the one who did this to him, not directing it at him but still demanding, "Rook! Tell me! I want this thing off of you and I will kill if I have to."

The sudden sweet touch of his fingers to her cheek nearly shattered her out of her anger. Nearly. "You .. you're okay?" Was questioned to her but she really couldn't answer that. She was joyed he was here. Back and ..sort of safe. But the rage. It was like nothing she had ever felt.

Okay? Of course she wasn't okay! "No I am not. I don't want ..I don't want this for you Rook." She whimpered softly. Her skin felt prickly with anger. "Tell me..I don't care if I must take your place. I want you freed of this."

"I don't know how to get it off. I've tried." Was offered with labor to her. He was struggling and she could tell.

"Then tell me who put it on you. I will talk to them." And she didn't care who the hell the person was. She would talk..negotiate..or kill if she must. Reaching out her fingertips softly to touch his neck above the collar. Such wounds. Seeing the burns pained her heart so.

"I can't say..It'll .. it'll burn." He offered to her apologetic and for the first time she noticed the collar pulse with heat with every word he spoke. The louder he spoke, the stronger the pulse and she could feel the heat even from where her fingers rested. Someone was going to pay. Someone was going to die.

Even at the heat she refused to move her fingers. She would share his pain if she had to. "Then write it." HA. There was ways around him informing her without having to speak. Her fingers turned from his neck and to the metal piece itself, searching for where it latched. Maybe she could remove it herself but she found it to be a perfect circle. Which lead her to believe it was magically placed. That only served to fuel her anger. And then it clicked. "It hurts you when you attempt to speak. That's..why you speak so lowly?" Was asked carefully and he nodded to confirm her suspicions. She was going to have herself a field day with whoever it was..she swore to the black moon Katamba.

As they talked she found herself fading out of the conversation. She wanted to tend his wounds. Give him a sense of comfort among his pain. If she couldn't remove the collar it was the least she could do for him. Also couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt. As if in some way this was all her fault. Upon seeing he had more wounds then just the ones about his neck she decided to take him home with her in order to tend to them. Even if he passed them off as nothing she knew better. And she would make sure that he was tended to. Even if he considered his wounds as nothing they where something to her. They were outward signs that pissed her off. Signs that someone had mistreated her beloved friend.

And that someone was going to pay! But for now she was just glad to have him back and in one piece. He would not be completely safe until things where put to rest.

(nit-picked from liverp)

Days came and went. Weeks winding down and she spent as much of her time at Rook's side as she possibly could. But most of her time was preparing a very..very nice arsenal for when she went to pay Rook's "Owner" a visit. She had many things she planned on using, ranging from warded cloak to arrows that exploded on contact. Oh yes..she planned on using a few of those to blow off the mage's limbs! Maybe gorge out his eyes with her dagger and set some of the dipped arrowheads into the sockets so that if the mage so much as dared blink..

Usually she was not so darkly mind set. Usually she would never be one to take the life of another. But this was far too personal. She would show no mercy to the cruel man who did this to Rook.

And she knew that Rook did not wish her to go. He wanted her to stay. To be safe. But she just could not do it. She could not wait for this mage to send people to hunt Rook or worst..come looking for Rook himself. He could end up using Rook against her or vise versa. She would not have that.

On the course of her plan she took the time to speak with Leo about Rook, making sure that if she had not returned after a certain period that Rook would be brought to Paladin. Surely Paladin would know to protect him. After all he owed her one. But until that time passed Leo was simply to stay with Rook in case someone was hunting him. Really she didn't want to get her dear friend into this mess but he was one she felt she could turn to with something so specific.

The night had fallen and she watched Rook sleep, snug in he bed next to her. It was still amusing to her to watch his sleeping form weigh down on the bed as if there were six or seven of him in there. Fingers played ever so lightly in his hair, gentle so not to disturb him but still enough to enjoy the texture. It was an action that caused a sense of peace in her raging mind. If Rook only knew. If only he knew the turmoil inside her. Not just from his collar but from him. She had much to tell him but simply feared in doing so. Maybe she would before she left. Maybe. But she she would right this wrong placed on him. She will protect him. She will have him free or die trying.

She seemed to be allowing the days to dwindle away but why? His comfort? No. She was waiting. She knew he was on tails end with the knowledge she was going to be leaving soon. She was waiting for him to rest..relax..

As night settled into it's deeper hours she watched him sleep much like she had every night and like several nights she was sitting in her chair, whittling away. Her eyes finally focused as she slipped out of respite, settling her feral gaze on the sleeping Rook. Slowly drawing to stand she placed the carved figure aside and silently slid the dagger into the sheath hidden away by her boot. Steps silently pressed to the floor as she moved to collect her things, each placed in a respective place. Even the bow which was carefully positioned to hide under the voluminous cloak.

Feral eyes turned to the sleeping figure as steps carried her to the side of the bed. Sleep well Rook. Sleep peacefully and keep me in your thoughts.. A faint smile touched her lips then faded quickly. Turning sharply on her heels, yanking the book from it's place, and like a whisper upon the winds she was gone from the room and soon the cabin itself.

As she headed to town her hands worked the hood up and over her head, tugging the folds low against her forehead. Pages of the book were read over as she made her way past the city guards and made way to the teahouse. Her swift strides had her in the marketplace in record time. Slipping through the market was an easy task, sliding through the usual crowd like a cat hunting for the mouse.

Eventually her steps brought her to the teahouse. The door was crept open so not to alarm the bell, portal opened just enough for her to slink in. The globe written of was spied and she moved over without a second thought. As she stepped close enough a hand reached out and she suddenly found herself gulped up by a familiar entity.

The Nexus.

And she was spat out in a stumble into unfamiliar territory. 'Dead lands' that reminded her of the forbidden forest of Ishta. Trees and bushes looked as if the very life had been sucked away dry. Animals sounds such as birds chirping and movements were scarce. Like things were afraid to move. She didn't blame them. These lands were more then just creepy. She accepted her new surroundings with grace, pushing forward to blend with the surrounding shadows.

In the depths of his homestead the mage felt the flux of energy as the nexus briefly made itself known. A tall, lanky form shrouded in the shadows of hooded robes, noone truly knew what he looked like. A deep hiss of a breath escaped him and a hand raised to the guards of the inner chamber. Several of the limber figures draped in dark steeled armor shuffled out to follow the silent command.

Whoever dared tread his land would have to deal with them first.

And the hunt began..


The area made her nauseated. The destruction of nature by draining it's life left things so uncomfortable. She was making quick tread across the dead ground when something caught her ear. Clanking. Sliding deeper into the shadows as she approached a withered tree, blackened with the lick of life, she watched closely. It was coming closer. Had she already been discovered? A spring of foot sent her into the branches of the dark tree and her back pressed to it as she withdrew her bow. Slowly a arrow was withdrawn also, notched and partly drawn as keen eyes watched. Two dark figures marched closer. Swords drawn they seemed prepared to strike first and ask later.

As the first turned to the second, communicating through grunts she slowly pulled the string of her bow taunt and twisted her body in a half arch. Just enough to spy around the tree with the prepared weapon. The string was released swiftly and as she tore to hide behind the tree she heard a sickening choke followed by the collapse of armor and body. More armor as the singled solider yanked in a complete circle in attempt to find the source of the attack. She listened closely as it came closer..and closer to the tree.

Bringing her free hand down she slowly withdrew another arrow from the quiver. Slowly notching it she began to creep away from the tree's base, crawling along the branch on balanced feet. The solider spied her moving and she flashed a grin, apparently looking to be caught. A bit too late unfortunately for him. The arrow was released and lodged itself into the creature gut. The four bladed arrow tip buried deep and the creature stumbled, free hand to remove the arrow only to find it unwilling to release it's hold on flesh. Then a sudden howl of panic as interior parts began to dissolve and bubble under the effects of the compounds that the arrow was drenched in. Eaten inside out by the concoction.

By the time the withering form had collapsed she was already on her way forward. Nothing was going to stop her! Not even these pawns.

This place was starting to make her head heavy. She couldn't figure out the reason why. Steps slowed as she found herself face to face with another of the armored figures. The bow was placed under her cloak, a soft click sounding as the baldric claimed hold on it. Slowly her hand lowered and she craned her head, looking at the man from the bridge of her nose.

As it quickly stepped forward she clenched the edge of her cloak and hankered down until the guard was close enough. Danced steps were taken to avoid the swing of blade, the tip scraping the flesh of her upper arm. Barely. She didn't let it bother her. Instead she bounded forward like a cat springing across the floor in play. Cloak lashed out with one hand and the other removing the clasp she used the thick fabric by tossing it over the guard as she darted past. A foot thrusts down to stomp on the wrist of the hand that held the sword while the cloak was removed. A swift kick by the other foot sent the head jerking to the side while the cloak was tossed about her shoulders. Another swift kick until the figure was unconscious.

"Sorry pal..Just how things go.." Dipping down to grab the rim of the armor that served as a collar, the figure was dragged along and tied to a tree to be found or starve to death. A friendly pat to the guards head and off she went again.

She was getting close. Only because the pressure was weighing more heavily. And sure enough she came to two more guards, these two holding down the fort in front of the castle like structure created of deep black crystal. Her eyes focused on the two guards and she just stared for a long moment before speaking out, her voice flat yet very demanding.

"I wish to speak with the lord."

She was granted a grunt and nothing more. Her arms folded across her chest and she stared at the two, refusing to budge. Finally one of the two moved and entered the castle structure, leaving her in a staring contest with the second.

She stood in patience while the guard went in, not even swaying under the other guard's heavy gaze. She gave no thought to the smirk as she eased forward to follow the first. She kept her senses opened as they started down the massive hallway, making herself familiar with little things as they went. Of course this was mostly done from the corner of her gaze.

A brief set of amusement filled her when the guard refused to enter the dual doors. In fact sidestepped to allow her entrance. She obliged by continuing forward only stopping once she had found herself past and several feet from the door's arch. As her feet settled to hanker into place her cloak settled about her lithe frame, shrouded in her own personal shadows. Feral ambers rose, flickering golden under the touch of torchlight. A brief glimpse made in order to see what and who else was within the chamber besides the 'Mage'.

Chin dipped faintly in return though hardly going to bow to someone she didn't respect. His words caused no hint of change to her stoic state. He seemed more polite then she had expected but she was almost sure that was either an attempt to throw her off guard or woo her. Either or she had no desire to speak with him longer then needed.

"I am here to negotiate the freedom of Rook and from being future hunted down by yourself or any in your hire." Simple and to the point. Rarely did she do a run around the bush. And he wasn't worth it.

She didn't budge even though he sliced through the distance between them with each. She did keep a watch on him, keeping aware for any sudden movements to give her worry. It did leave her heavily on edge the way he eyed her. She never had a man look at her so deeply, at least not that she had noticed. Defiant raise of chin at his words she had to fend back a frown.

"Red hair. Green eyes. Riddled with wounds from being mistreated and currently has a collar around his neck which I wish removed immediately. I believe he was used for manual labor."

She would have to thank a certain person for the enchanted stone that kept her mind and body safe from any charm or mind controlling. As polite as this man seemed she could only bet he was just as deviant so every sense was on high alert. Ambers met the man's gaze but not so deep as to be lost in them. More like stern in refusal to sway from her goal. She was sticking true to the release of Rook's no matter what.

She gave a rumble of a 'hmm' under her breath. Feet shift slightly apart as she took an akimbo stance, obviously not going to the indicated niche unless he moved first. No chance in hell she was going to turn her back to him. "Are you saying my accusations are wrong? You are not familiar with the one I speak of?"

Feral ambers spied the view of greenry from the corner of her prespective. Good. The closeness of such gave her strength and will of movement. A gesture of her palm she gave note for him to 'lead on' to niche. "I am not looking to get comfortable or pleasantries. Just finish my business and head home."

She knew her words could probably come off as harsh but she wasn't exactly a people's person. Those who knew her well enough would know she was simply being..herself. Only one person she really softened up around. And thinking of him simply strengthen her resolve.

"Trust my words when I say I am being polite." With the way her mood was, she was being honest. Much rather rip his throat out and be done with it. Smug smile and all. "I am not sure what more you are required to know about him. I've told you basically all you need to know."

Several sweeping steps were made in order to keep a safe distance but to his side so that they could remain in each other's sight. Thinking of Rook only increased her urge to be on her way.

The mage regarded her as he stepped up that one step onto the platform, the curtains shifting in the gentle wind that found its way in through the archway that turned out to be a balcony. "It is rare that I have the opportunity to entertain such a lovely guest. Indulge me." He indicated a chair. "I won't offer you food or drink because I do not wish to provide you with an opportunity to offend me by not accepting the hospitality." Her body language was enough to convince him that she did not trust him. Then again, few did. "Tell me more of this man you speak of so we may see to my helping you achieve your goal."

There really was no reason for her to trust him. For all she knew he was lying. Her gaze left him momentarily to spy out the balcony and to the warmth greenery that seemed so far away. "You are correct. I would decline. As for Rook..he's a dragon type with the ability to shift into a human form." She still couldn't get over that, a faint sense of amusement touched her. Rook really had changed her life.

His attention perked a little at her description. "A dragon type, you say? That does shed a bit of light on this situation." He allowed himself to sit and be comfortable. "You see, I do not make a habit of acquiring humans for my work. However, there are some animals in this realm that you are perhaps not familiar with. They have the alarming talent of shape shifting and, although they may appear human, they are not and are quite incapable of human emotion or intelligence although several have been observed as being quite clever."

"And how would you know what they are capable of? Are you one yourself? And Rook is very capable." Her lips wanted to quiver into a smile at the thought of Rook getting all blushy. "And he is very intelligent." The last words were spoken as if daring him to question her. She did not seem to like anyone thinking lowly of Rook.

"I am most certainly not of that genome." He almost sniffed in disgust at the suggestion that he could possibly be of that class of animal. "Capable you say. I dare to propose he has done nothing but prey on your noble emotions to further his own end. It's typical behavior, I must sadly say."

"Hrmph. That is hardly true." Arms shifted under the massive folds of cloth, arms crossing her chest. "My..noble emotions as you so call them were birthed from his kindness and gentle heart." She wasn't budging from her fond thoughts of Rook no matter what he said. "He is the reason I am a better woman then I have ever been."

He regarded her for a long moment before he shook his head. "You are in love with him." The mage sighed a long suffering exhale. "It is a pity that your love will be wasted for if this Rook is truly Reichesan, he will never be able to fully return that to you. They are like parrots or monkeys. They can be taught to go through the motions but to really love..." He shook his head. "I'm sorry." His tone actually did convey some pity or perhaps it was sorrow for her position.

A pain flickered in her heart, mind drifting to that night when she told him she loved him. A knowing little smile crept to the corner of her lips. "Yes. I love him. And I know that he does not share the sentiment. He's already told me. And I've accepted that." The smile faded as she grew stoic once again. "But that doesn't stop me from protecting him from cruelty. Even if he was as you say, it would not change the fact that he was mistreated. And continues to be so. I want that metal around his neck off."

"Mistreated?" He shook his head slightly. "I doubt that. If this one was injured in any way, it was its own doing. Training is always difficult and, if you say this Rook is indeed one of mine, I must insist on its immediate return. It is for the best, you see."

A twinge of anger crept into her gaze. "Not even an animal should be treated in such a way. And I will not be returning him to you. He is not a 'it'. As I said I came to negotiate his release and that has not changed. I will not hand him over to you..or anyone that wishes him harm. I want him freed."

"You are not familiar with these creatures nor have you seen the harm they can inflict. I will overlook your belligerence."

"Mistreated any would fight back for their freedom. You may just as well caused such harm. Now I will ask ..what do you want for his freedom? Gold? Name your price. Material goods? Speak it!" She didn't care he had insulted her. She had far worst in her past and it hardly budged her.

"A trade you offer?" He considered her words, eyes shifting briefly from her to look out the window. "I do not think it wise to allow such a creature free reign however, I am willing to entertain a discussion on sale." His eyes shifted back to her, gaze traveling her form again in a slow leisurely pace. "I dare say that I tend to pay a premium for Reichesans. I doubt you would have anything or anyone of equal value to offer me, my dear."

So very tempted to threaten his life but she held her anger at bay still, her gaze remaining on the greenery faintly seen from afar. "Well we will not know unless you speak what you want in trade. And his actions after his freedom will be my sins to bare but I have no worries of that. He has caused no harm to others before and I doubt he cares to in the future."

"If this Rook is indeed my subject that you wish to take, I must insist on someone to fulfill his place."

A brow twitched at his words and her attention turned back to him. "I will not purchase another of his kind to take his place. I will not place another in such a position. That would be cruel."

"Then what shall you offer? I've named the price."

"There is nothing that comes to your mind other then another of hi-" She went silent momentarily. He never stated another of Rook's kind. Just 'someone'. She shook her head. "There must be something else you'd desire in trade."

His lips twitched into a smile at her aborted sentence. "I have many desires. Perhaps if you stayed, you might learn of them. As far as trade, I think a body for a body is suitable and fair."

Rook would of had a hernia if he would of heard the next words out of her lips. "If I didn't know better you were proposing myself in trade for Rook's freedom." A fine brow arched.

His smile grew a fraction. "I certainly would not object if that were the offer presented."

"You will be willing to sign a contract of binding if that were the case?"

"A contract of binding? How quaint. what sort of contract, my dear?"

"I will ...stay..but in return you will agree not to hunt, harm, or attempt to regain Rook under your ownership. This means hiring anyone to do it for you or keep him for you. If you break the contract you and your possessions will go to Rook." Her feral eyes remained on him, obviously very serious.

"You're quite serious, aren't you?" He licked his lips as his eyes traveled her form again. "You would give yourself to me to with as I pleased in exchange for the promise of not pursuing to reclaim ownership of the wayward one?"

The hair stood up on the back of her neck but she didn't move. A slow nod dipped her chin to answer the question before words were given. "Nor can you have him harmed or attempt to have him killed."

"Have no fear, my dear. If leaving the Reichesan free means your body is willing in my arms and bent to my will, I think I can sleep well at night not caring what it might do to another innocent."

"He.." She corrected lightly, muling over the endings of things. Willing. In his arms. Maybe willing but he would never have her really. He was obviously content with that. Arms finally broke past the folds of her cloak and a rolled parchment was offered in his direction. Already written out. Mayhaps she knew it would go into this direction and had came to terms with it before hand.

"You come prepared, no? Admirable."

"Always prepared..You must sign with your blood."

"I'm impressed. You did your homework, child. I trust you will be equally interesting in other areas."

She made no effort to move towards him, just kept the parchment held out to him to take or sign in her grasp, it mattered not to her. "Refrain from calling me child, if you would."

"I don't think it will be up to you what I call you once I sign this." His lips quirked into a smirk-like expression. "Perhaps pet."

"Perhaps..but I am not yours yet." The smirk caused nothing but a mild touch of anger. "But if something else has been thought of for the trade..." Her hand lowered as if to put away the geise.

"The trade is acceptable." He extended his hand, palm up for the parchment.

And it was released into his hand. Forgive me Rook but I desire your freedom above all else. He would be fine without her, she had no doubt about that. But he would be free. Free to find himself again and maybe a life in that freedom.

"This will be most interesting." He pricked his finger and signed. "It is done, pet. You belong to me now."

Her hand tilted, palm up as if requesting silently for the parchment to be returned. "I have yet to sign. Would be foolish of me to sign before hand and then accidentally lose the agreement wouldn't you think? Any other soul could of signed and I'd be in trouble."

The parchment was returned, his smile still in place. "Your goal was achieved, was it not? I've signed. You've given yourself to me even if you haven't yet applied your own mark as I expect you will."

"I have no choice. Rook's freedom depends on me doing so, does it not?" Taking the parchment into hand she removes a glove and bites sharply onto her thumb, just enough to make it bleed before she presses her thumb to the parchment. Geise complete the paper turns red and disappears. She was bound by it now and knew that too well.

"Come here, pet. Let me inspect you closer."

"I'll take it that means that the collar is no longer around Rook and he is freed from your grasp?"

"Of course. I am a man of my word. Now come pet. Remove that bothersome cloak so I might see you fully." He seemed to be amused by the fact she was attempting to avoid doing what was asked.

He was correct..Not many people she removed the cloak for. Fingers sought the clasp and gently tugging it free from it's grasp on the cloth. The billowing fabric was tugged and removed from her person, hanging from her curled fingers.

An impressive whistle came from the mage, not because of the woman but because what she carried. She looked as if she was built to take on a small army! A quiver full of several types of arrows, a longbow draped over her slender but strong shoulder. A sword and dagger sheathed at her belt and another dagger sheathed on her thigh. Another seemed to be tucked into her boot as well. Around her neck was the object that kept him from touching her mind, a necklace of sorts. He could sense there was more on her that was hidden away on her person.

"Intriguing my pet. Unarm and Come sit.." He gestures to her to take a seat, not at his side but at his feet where she now belonged. She was no longer a guest but his. His property.

Her nose wrinkled in defiance which only brought a chuckle from the mage. She was going to prove to be a true amusement. Slowly she did as she was told, moving a few feet towards a guard where she started hand off her gear. At first the guard seemed uptight as she approached then gave a snide smile as she handed weapon after weapon. Once the visible weapons were removed she unclasped a pouch of 'goodies', shoving it into the waiting arms of the guard.

"The wards too" Came the mage's voice in a more then cheerful tone. He was enjoying this. With her back still to the mage she gave a sneer, fingers working the clasp of her necklace and soon a bracelet to follow before both were placed in the guard's hands.

Turning to the mage she returned before him and then sank to the floor near his left leg. Blue-green eyes lower groundward as he turns out a palm and she would feel his fingers stroke her hair as if testing the russet locks. Maybe self gloating how he 'won over' his new pet.

Her mind wasn't there as he did. Her mind was on what had been spoken about earlier. Had what he said to be really true? Had Rook really used her to means of his own reasoning? She scolded herself for losing faith in him but she could not help it. She kept thinking back to when she spilled those three words to him. Words she had never spoken to any man. And his reaction to them. Maybe the mage was right. And maybe she was doomed to this fate.

But at least she knew Rook was safe, regardless. He had done enough in their past to deserve this. He had done enough when he helped her..She owed him!

Her body quivered at the sound of the rage, at first only because it drudged up memories she'd much rather forget. But that was pushed aside when she saw and recognized the figure swooping into the balcony. Feral ambers stared at the raged Rook, part of her wanting to sob when he saw her at the foot of the mage as he had. This wasn't what she expected..or wanted.

A flinch tore across her face as fingers tightened in her hair, drawing her to her feet by the means though her eyes remained on Rook. Begging silently for him to run. She could feel the tug on her mind and knew right away the mage was attempting to drain her will from her, make her a puppet. She struggled against it, using Rook as a focus but it was eventually going to win. This she knew. She had absolutely nothing to protect her from the grasp. Tears stained her lashes as she felt the mage's fingers grace the flesh of her neck. The flesh flexed as her jaw tightened as she struggled to keep herself. She wanted to break from the embrace. To shoo Rook away to safety but she was held in place not only by the mage's embrace but the magic that was working down her will.

At the nudge her head lowered, russet locks veiling over her face. Part of her wanted to tell him to flee. To leave and never return! Maybe make him mad enough that he'd kill the mage and her along with him. Finally she found her voice, weak from her attempt to fight the mage's embrace on her mind. "Rook. Please..." Her eyes dulled a touch as her will began to fade. Struggling her hands rose, gently pressing to Rook's head with a return nudge, as if pushing him away. "Y..you are free..to do as you please without worry of ever being...harmed..or..owned..again."

Her hands fell away as she stared at him, hoping he understood. He was freed because it was what she wanted. She needed him to be free. Her lips parted, mouthing the words 'I love you'. Even if he didn't share the sentiment she wanted him to know that no matter what it would not change. And the way things were progressing she was soon to be nothing but a puppet.

Her clouded mind began to ease and she found herself several feet from where she last remembered. Everything was happening so quickly! Next thing she knew was..air! And ground far far far below!

She panicked at first, not exactly the best thing to be the first sight after waking. Then the beating of wings caught her ears and she looked up in a bit of a daze. Rook?

"W...what are you doing..?" Was all she could find to ask. What was he doing?! He had his freedom yet was going to steal her from the mage. All that insured was her taking the mage's anger when she returned. Head tilting she closed her eyes. "Rook..."