Maria looked up at the sound of Inara's voice almost spilling the wine, but catching herself before she did and corked the bottle setting it aside and picking up both glasses heads towards Tal.

His hand went higher, "Yes, dear, it's me."

Inara's brow furrowed at the voice, then at not being able to move and jumped, wide awake now as she fought the cuffs and looking down at Tal, in shock and fear, "Talomar," she snapped, anger crossing her face.

He laughed out loud and stood up. "You remember me, Inara! How flattering." He walked over to Maria and put his arm around her and took his glass of wine. "I guess that my wonderful Valet forgot to mention that her home is really my home." He smiled at Maria and hugged her closer. "I'm sure she meant to. In any case, you are most welcome!"

Maria smiled softly up at Tal, very proud of his approval as she sipped her wine, she could get use to this.

Inara glared at the two, "Dammit, Longden, get these off me," she snapped tugging at the cuffs again, inside panicking on the outside she''s just mad as she stared the Count down, "You wont get away with this, either of you," she snapped, turning her glare on Maria.

"Inara, is that any way to talk to the woman who may have saved your life? I know you to be rude, but ungrateful also?" He let loose a dramatic sigh. "Nevermind, by the time you leave here, your manners shall be impeccable. Your husband and everyone else will thank me, I'm sure." He turned to Maria, "May I have a cigar, please, my love."

Maria watched Inara for a minute then smiled at Tal and nodded, turning to leave his side once more and setting aside her glass to retrieve him one of his cigars.

Inara glared at him, "Saved me," she snapped, "I would have rather been left with Athington, then be graced with your company Count Longden. Now let me go," she snapped.

"Let you go? But you just got here! I have so much planned for your visit. So many things to be experienced, don't we, Maria?"

Maria nodded as she returned with his cigar and a lighter, "Of course my lord, most wonderful experiences."

Inara shuddered and sat back a bit more on the couch, watching the two, "Does your wife know your kidnapping women now?"

He took the cigar and lighter and mouthed to Maria a 'I love you', and then put the cigar in his mouth and lit it. He took a few puffs then looked at Inara. "Actually, the countess more than approves after the way you stole Gavilean from her and then didn't even allow him to walk her down the aisle. She may even want to pay you a little visit."

Inara snarled angrily, "Your all sick, everyone of you. I never did any such thing, your own wife ruined that for herself," she snapped, glancing at Maria again then at Tal once more, "I will see you pay for this," she added angrily.

Maria took the lighter back and smiled softly, "Well if your just going to get us in trouble anyway," Maria stated softly, "maybe we should make it worth your time," she smiled wickedly at Inara before taking the lighter to return it to its place and retrieve her drink.

Tal smiled, fully approving of the way that Maria was handling herself. While she was sipping her wine he said, "Maria, do you remember the little fun we had in the library, those special books and those special play toys?"

Maria nodded, there was no way she would forget that night, it had been all to painfully imprinted on her mind, "Of course my Lord," she answered and glanced at Inara on the couch, she was starting to realize while Tal disliked this woman so.

Inara looked between the two nervously.

This was going to be excellent training for Maria, and he was going to enjoy it. "I would like Inara to experience that fun. After all, I don't want her complaining to everyone that we're no fun." He sat back in an easy chair and puffed on his cigar. "I would like you to get her in position, only instead of facing the books, I want her facing the room."

Maria tried not to look as shocked as she felt as she turned her gaze to Inara, then back to Tal, she wanted to question him, but knew better then to do so, "Of course my Lord," she answered softly as she set her glass aside and headed towards Inara, glancing at the cuffs then at Tal questioningly, not having seen a key and unsure of how to open them.

Maria smiled softly, remembering her own fear of the knife and involuntarily shivering at the memory, "Very much my love," she purred softly curling against his side watching the struggling woman as she softly trails her lips over Tal's chin.

Inara feels her heart in her throat as she leaned away from the two as far as she could, they were both insane. She yanked on the cuffs harder.

He set the cigar on the arm of the couch, drank the rest of his wine, and turned his body to Maria. His mouth came to hers and he kissed her, ravishing her mouth as his hand slid under her skirt.

Maria moaned a shiver running through her, an excitement at knowing what they were doing in front of Inara as she immediately spread her legs for him, her thong already soaked through with her need as she moves her own glass to try and blindly find a safe place to set it, not wanting to spill the red wine on anything.

Inara watched the two wide eyed, stopping her struggles, she couldn't believe what she was seeing. That anyone would so willingly accept that monsters touch, her heart pounded in her chest.

Talomar broke the kiss to take Maria's glass. He drank what was in it and set the glass off to the side. His hand that was beneath her shirt pulled off her thong and he tossed it at Inara's face and brought his mouth back to Maria's, kissing her hard, hungry for her taste.

Inara flinched away from the toss, just barely getting out of the way of the wet material, and glared at the two

Maria moaned again, quickly crawling into his lap, deepening the kiss, as her fingers laced into his hair, she wanted him so badly, it drove her crazy to think that anyone had his attention but her. She straddled his hips, breaking the kiss to lick at his lower lip, her breathing already fast and hard, "Need you," she breathed softly, "please," she pleaded, her fingers moving to his shirt, waiting for his permission to continue.

He wanted her just as much his hands moved over her, his mouth ravished her neck, his hand grasped her breast hard. Then he stopped. "Wait," he said breathlessly. "One minute, Maria." He paused and looked at Inara. "What are YOU gawking at! And that red gown! It's hurting my eyes." He reached for the knife and handed it to Maria. "My love, will you do me a great favor? Will you please cut all the clothes off that woman. Then come back here....I want you...desperately."

Maria blinked at the knife, half in shock, and slowly took the knife, the one blade in the house she feared and she stood resolute to do as she was told.

He watched her eyes and nodded encouragement to her. He would see if she would pass or fail this test.

Inara jumped at Tal's words and glared at the two, "You wouldn't dare", she snapped and looked at Maria approaching her, "No," she snapped at the other woman.

Talomar puffed his cigar and watched with one leg crossed over the other.

Maria ignored Inara as she move to start cutting into the soft fabric and peeling it from her body, removing the dress before she moved to cut free the under garments as well.

Inara stopped struggling once the blade came near her skin.

He watched, smiling, as the clothes fell to the floor. She did indeed have a magnificent body, and he'd be very happy to test what that body can do.

Maria finished releasing Inara of her clothes and glanced at Tal, seeing the appraising look and her own darkened slightly, his attention was once more on Inara, this was going to be a trying time, she could feel it and she would make the bitch pay for every moment Tal spent with her.

Tal smiled and looked at Maria. "Expertly done, my love. Come here. I want you." The look in his eyes left no doubt that it was Maria that he wanted, loved and needed.

Maria moved back to Tal, setting the knife aside as she crawled into his lap once more, "I love you," she breathed softly, her eyes on Tal's as she started on the buttons of his shirt, this time being careful, not wanting to damage another of his shirts.

Inara shivered her eyes closed as she still strained against the restraints and fighting tears.

As she was working on his buttons, he was doing the same with her blouse. He pulled it away from her and tossed it to the floor; his hands moving over her back, then he removed her bra while his mouth ran along her shoulder, his teeth leaving parallel marks as his tongue left a moist trail.

He kept her in his embrace, loving the feel of her body against him. His large, strong hands slowly moved over her body, feeling every area of her smooth skin. He whispered into her ear, "Perhaps this would be a good opportunity for me to observe your whip technique. I'll release the cuffs on her feet and we can spread her legs to the ratchets. I want all her body accessible to you."

Maria nodded and slowly moved to uncurl herself from him, shivering once more and looked at Inara before turning to Tal once more, "May I dress my love?" she purred softly, not wanting to do anything to hamper his good mood.

Inara strained to hear the two, failing but still watching them suspiciously.

He looked at Maria, liking the way she looked, naked, her strong, lean, sexy body. "You might soon work up a sweat my dear, but if that is your wish, I leave it up to you."

Maria smiled at him, the look did not go unnoticed, but the room was cold, she wanted to stay naked for him, she watched him a moment more before smiling softly and picked up her blouse, tugging it on and doing up the buttons just enough to keep it closed and stood to head of the box of goods that she had dug out. The blouse hung only to about half way down her ass, leaving plenty of her to look at for Tal as she dug through the box, and pulled out the cat-of-nine tails and turned to head back towards Inara, the blouse leaving a long 'V' on her chest showing much of her cleavage as well to just a hint of darkened skin at the beginning of her nipples. She paused near Inara, gently running her fingers through the whip, straightening each length of leather. She loved this whip, just having it in her hands made her long to be back in Tal's arms. She loved the feel of it as it stung her flesh and the way it made her wriggle afterwards when cloth touched the areas it had caressed. Each time Tal had used it she had cleaned and oiled and seen to its proper placement for the next use.

Inara looked at the whip nervously, pulling away from Maria, eyes wide and full of fear

Talomar watched Maria work and the way she wore just the blouse was so incredibly sexy. He stood up and walked to Inara. He bent down and released one of the ankle cuffs and pulled the leg with the cuff still attached over to the ratchet. He attached the other half of the cuff there. Then he took the cuffs that had been on her wrists, and he attached one to the other ratchet and pulled her other leg over, cuffing that leg to it. Now her legs were spread nearly a meter wide. He pulled back slowly and rose to his feet. "Okay, Maria, she's all yours." He walked to the couch, put on his pants, and pulled over a small table with the bottle of wine on it. He poured some wine into Maria's glass and offered it to her.

Inara shivered at Tal's touch, turning her head from him thankful when he walked away and her gaze turned to the other woman in the room.

Maria accepted the wine, taking a slow drink from the glass before quietly setting it back on the table and approaching Inara, her eyes scanning the woman's body, remembering every pain Tal had given her and remembering all to vividly the worse and she lowered the whip as if still considering when she quiet suddenly brought it back up between Inara's legs, letting the leather slap her hard. A warning more then anything that despite Talomar's caresses, he was hers, and Maria would remind her of it every time Tal got pleasure from the whore.

Inara screamed in pain, jumping back against the shelves behind her, tears immediately streaking her cheeks as she struggled against the restraints to try and protect herself from the jealous valet

Talomar sat upon the couch and took Maria's wine glass and drank from it as he watched. He smiled and was quite pleased with the way Maria was handling this. It seemed that every day he was more and more impressed with this woman. She should be his wife. He found himself watching Maria's butt beneath her blouse more than he was watching Inara. That surprised him, and spoke volumes to him.

Maria seemed to consider her next strike before she again lashed the whip out, striking first over her stomach them over her chest, letting the whip ends sting over her breasts.

Inara cried out again, still dancing in the restraints, hot tears of pain streaking her cheeks, terror written on her face.

Maria watched her dance, she wanted this woman to hurt so badly, as she glanced at Tal for his approval.

Talomar nodded his head and winked at Maria, giving her his full approval as he sat back in the couch with his legs crossed and the drink in his hand. He was so close he could have touched Maria's butt if he leaned forward in the couch. He looked past Maria to Inara, "So, Inara; are you ready to apologize to Maria for calling her a slut and for being so rude to her?"

Inara gasped for air as she shivered in the restraints, fighting her own fear to snarl softly, "Go to hell."

A brow raised. "Oh my! Maria, the woman is still rude."

Inara screamed again in pain, all that held her up was the chains at her wrists.

"This is a stubborn one, Maria. Let me try this on her." He brought the electrical discharge wand close to Inara's face and turned it on. She could hear a little hum and static electricity crackle. It was designed to arc a small spark that was about as intense as a good static charge obtained from rubbing one's shoes across a carpet. He brought the tip of it to her right nipple and watched the spark jump from the tip of the instrument to her nipple.

Inara cried out in pain again, her breaths coming fast and hard, almost fearfully.

Maria stepped back watching her love work, she loved watching him, and she brushed her fingers through the whip again.

He smiled but said nothing. He now brought the tip of the instrument next to her again.

Inara cried and wriggled, sobbing trying to get away from the shocks, anything to get away as she struggled to try and find escape.

Maria set the whip away retrieving her drink and plopping her rear on the couch arm as she refilled the wine glass, sipping the sweet liquor.

He kept the spark on her for nearly 10 seconds before removing it. "You know Maria, I think the problem is that she enjoys pain. I wonder how she will deal with a little excess pleasure." He put down the static discharger and put his index finger in his mouth and got it good and wet and put it between her legs, "Would you mind getting that toy and the extension support pole, my love?" He would have Maria use the whip and watch as Inara movements caused the vibrator to cycle through it's settings.

Maria set the glass beside the bottle, slipping off the couch to do as was asked of her.

He felt sure that Inara would soon be calling him 'Master' and Maria, 'Mistress'.

Inara whimpered softly, trying still to get away from Tal, tears still streaking her face.

He brushed his tongue over each nipple, wetting them.

Maria approached her love and offered him the two, glancing at the woman.

Inara sobbed as Tal licked her.

Talomar slowly removed his finger and looked at Maria, refusing to take the objects. "No, Maria. I would like you to have the honors. Anyway, I'm sure you can do this better than me."

Maria looked at the two in her hand, and chewed her lip lightly, "As you wish my love," she answered softly and moved to set up the tripod before approaching Inara with the vibrator.

Now it was his turn to once again sit down and relax with some wine. He knew that Maria could handle the vibrator far better than he, and remembered that small finger vibrator that she used on him.

Inara watched the two nervously, watching the toy as Maria brought it to her.

Talomar watched with interest, wondering how long this Companion could withstand such stimulation.

Maria smiled softly at the nervous look as she stood in front of Inara, not giving her the luxury of getting the toy wet.

Inara bit her lip to try and stop from making a noise against Maria's assault. She cried out softly, gasping painfully.

Talomar came up behind Maria and slipped his hand around her and watched closely over her shoulder as she teased Inara. "Very good, my love. I think I can take lessons from YOU!"

Maria breathed softly, spreading her legs slightly for him.

Inara cried out against the assault, leaning back in the restraints to try and escape her attackers.

He nibbled on the back of Maria's neck. "Very good," he whispered. "Now just the tripod to keep it there. Then we turn it on and let Inara's own movements turn up the vibrations." He was getting turned on once again by what they were doing to their house guest.

Inara raised her tired gaze to Tal's then looked at Maria, not wanting to give, but she needed rest, she needed escape and she sobbed softly shivering and looking away from the two, biting her lip. She shook her head, "No, no I wont," she sobbed.

Maria rolled her eyes at the woman, and glanced at Tal.

Talomar just shrugged. "Okay, let's go to bed, Maria. We'll leave her here all night. She's not going anywhere." He picked up Maria's wet thong and slipped it over Inara's face. Then picked up the remainder of their clothes and took Maria by the arm. He winked at her. "See you tomorrow, Inara. Have a good night."

Maria moved to slip under Tal's arm to leave, more then happy to leave the slut where she was.

They walked toward the door of the study and he waited for Maria to unlock it.

Inara shook her head and sobbed again, struggling against the bonds as her body started to betray her again, "No please," she called out, sobbing.

Maria moved to slip her key into the lock, glancing up at Tal at the sound of Inara's voice.

Talomar stopped and turned back to Inara, seeing the once proud woman hanging against the wall, a thong covering part of her face. "Is there something you wanted to say?"

Maria looked back at the woman, her dark eyes watching the woman.

Inara sobbed softly, her eyes meeting Maria's before she sobbed desperately, "Mistress Maria, I am yours to do with as you will." All but collapsing, "Please, oh gods please make it stop," she sobbed.

Talomar looked to Maria. "Did she say that convincingly enough?"

Maria smirked, "I don't think she could be more convincing," she purred and looked up at Tal.

"I want to hear it again." He looked to Inara, "One more time, slut, and make it very convincing. I don't want you changing your mind once we take you down."

Inara sobbed at Tal's words, her head falling in defeat, "Mistress Maria, I am yours to do with as you will." she sobbed shivering and crying out as the toy did its job once more.

"Okay, I guess that's good enough. Let's go get her down." He walked over to Inara and took the thong off her face and threw it to the floor. He first loosened her feet and then went to her hands. He knew she wouldn't be able to walk, so he supported her when he released the final wrist restraint.

Maria accepted the toys, moving to set them aside to be cleaned later as she saw to everything else, watching Tal with the other woman.

Inara collapsed into his arms, sobbing still as she struggled to get her feet under her, shivering and trying to gather herself again.

He picked up Inara's limp body and put it over his shoulder. "Maria, I would like you to clean up these things that the servants shouldn't see. Then if you'd get our bath and bed ready, I should be back before you know it. I'm bringing Inara to her new home." He grinned, knowing that it would be a cold, dark cell.

Maria nodded, in a foul mood again at the interruption, she'd make the slut pay for that and she went to gather the stuff she would need to tend to the toys and the whips and began the arduous job of cleaning and putting everything away.

Inara let herself pass out from shock and exhaustion.

Talomar walked the naked Inara out of the room and down the secret back stairs to the dungeon. On the way down the stairs he moved his hand over her butt, feeling her, then he put his hand between her legs. He had plans for her.

Maria headed for his room once she was done cleaning, heading quickly through the castle cloths hugged to her chest. She got to their room, making sure to lock the door before heading to the fire and stoking it and then to the bath to prepare it to. Once both was ready she returned to the bedroom collapsing onto the bed, crawling up to the pillows and closing her eyes, dozing as she waited for her lovers return

He opened the door of the dungeon and grabbed a white robe. Then he walked Inara to her cell and opened the front of his pants before slowly lowering her to the floor.

Inara stirred slightly, whimpering softly as she slowly opened her eyes to look up at him.

"There is just one more thing. You must now say to me, 'Master, I am now yours to do with as you will.' Say it!"

Inara sobbed struggling to get away from him, "No please," she sobbed, "please just leave me be."

He backhanded her face. "SAY IT!"

Inara cried out, her hands moving to fend off anymore blows, tears streaking her face as she sobbed, "Master, I am now yours to do with as you will." She shook in fear and exhaustion.

He smiled. "Good. Now get down on your knees and open your mouth." He relaxed his grip on her so that she could slide down to her knees.

Inara sobbed, slowly sinking to her knees, tears of fear streaking her cheeks, "Please don't do this," she sobbed.

"You said you are mine to do with as I will. Open your mouth." He grabbed her hair "Do it!" He voice suddenly became more calm. "Do it willingly and you'll get this nice warm robe to wear tonight."

Inara shook, "What about your love," she sneered in anger, anything not to have to do what he is asking of her.

Again he struck her face, "This has nothing to do with love, you slut. This has to do with putting you in your rightful place. Get back on your knees and to it, just as you've done to hundreds of other men."

"I formed the Space Equipment and Commodity Trade Organization, or S.E.C.T.O.R. I became the C.E.O. and did less of the pirating myself, and more of the visionary of the organization. I had discovered a nexus in space that brought me to Rhydin. I was investigating the wealth and possible trade with this planet when I met a woman at a slave sale in old Rhydin. We found ourselves continually competing for the same slaves, and it drew us together.

"Her name was Dominique. I fell madly in love with her. Her beauty was second to none. What I didn't realize was that she was a very prominent vampiress of great powers. We married my wealth and her powers together in a magnificent romance, and it was Dominique who made me what I am - a master vampire. That was nearly 300 years ago. Seventy years ago something happened to Dominique. I will tell you about it someday, but I want to warn you, she is still around - at least in spirit. It was Dominique who murdered Philippe. Her restless spirit resides in the castle chapel. You must stay away from there, do you understand that, Maria?"

Maria nodded, her dark eyes on Tal's completely enthralled in hearing his story, taking it all in, "Of course my Love, I would never go against your wishes."

"I'm glad. It's important. She is still powerful and she still loves me, even from the spirit world. Anyway, after she died I concentrated on the business and built S.E.C.T.O.R. into the largest and wealthiest organization in the galaxy. In my depression over the loss of Dominique, I appointed a General Jimar Sinareth to oversee the day to day business, and I stayed here in this Rhydin castle that Dominique and I had purchased together.

"I felt closer to her being here, so my travels to other places had become a rare thing. That's why I hired Wil Savage. He represents me at meetings and in negotiations. He also had connections with the Interstellar Intelligence and Security Commission, the I.I.S.C., and that helps me." His fingers continued to caress her as they were doing throughout his entire story. "That brings you up to date. I was waiting for Savage's arrival at the inn when I met you there. You have awoken my heart for the first time since Dominique died. You have given me new life, and for the first time in centuries I can go through days and not even think of her."

Maria smiled softly at his words, shifting against his hand, "I never believed that things would go this far my love, but I am very glad they did," she breathed softly, and sighed softly, pleasure rippling through her at his touch.

He was now quiet, relieved to have been able to tell her everything, all the things that even his wife does not know. His fingers continued to stroke her while his other hand caressed other places of her body, from her arch to her ears.

Maria started to wriggle under his touch, trying to direct his fingers without actually putting them there, her hips rocking, soft noises of need escaping her throat, he was driving her nuts.

He smiled and began to kiss her wet shoulder, "Why is it that I just can't get enough of you, Maria?" he whispered against her neck.

Maria smiled softly and groaned thankfully as he finally answered her bodies needs, "I don't know my love, but I hope you never do get enough of me," she answered, rocking her hips against his hand.

He nibbled on her jaw, his tongue tracing the lines of her jaw, tasting her flesh.

Maria shivered in pleasure as she moaned once more,

(Edited for Content)

Maria's own teeth brushed his neck, only to be followed gently by her tongue and lips soothing the flesh she had just nipped, her fingers curling into his hair as she slowly released his neck and laid her head on his shoulder, her movements slowing, "I love you so much," she breathed softly, "what may I do to make you more happy?" She asked softly.

He thought for a bit while his hand caressed the back of her head. "How can I be more happy than I am? Impossible I think. There is one thing I ask of you, Maria. Be confident of your position in my heart. There are things I must do out of obligation or for the sake of business, but none of that means anything to me. The day will come when you and I will be married to each other forever."

Maria shifted against his touch, "I do worry my love that you will find someone better then I," she breathed softly, "I think it is more a fear of having to live without you though," she answered softly. "I shall endeavor to get over that fear," she added and curled a little tighter against him. She herself was still trying to figure out what she could ask for as reward for her bringing him Inara, but she was much to happy at the moment to think of anything better then what she had right now.

He just held her until the water grew cool, then helped her out of the bath and into a towel. After they were reasonably dry, he took her hand and led her to the bed and told her to lay on her stomach. He got a jar of scented oil and straddled the back of her legs and began to massage her back with the scented oil. "How is this, my darling? Am I doing it right?"

Maria smiled softly and made a soft noise of pleasure, "Very much so my love," she chuckled softly.

His hands moved over her shoulders over and over, and down her back, rubbing and massaging her back. He reached for more oil and massaged her rear, rubbing the oil onto her skin. He then took more oil and started at her feet, massaging her arches and toes. "This still okay?"

Maria smiled softly, hugging the pillow to her gently, "You putting me to sleep my love," she purred softly.

He smiled and began to massage her calves and thighs, slowly moving higher on each leg; and as he did so he put every part of her body to his memory, discovering new things about her. He moved higher massaging her thighs. "Do you want to turn over," he asked softly.

Maria shifted under his touch, and smiled softly, "If it means you keep spoiling me like this," she purred softly and met his gaze, love in her eyes.

When she turned over he once again began with her feet, kissing her toes, massaging her arches, caressing her ankles, kissing every area of her feet and ankles. "I love to do this to you, Maria. You did so well today, and when I saw you in the proper position when I returned, I wanted to immediately do something for you to give you pleasure."

Maria smiled softly, "I've been a little lax lately and your patience has been extraordinary with me," she muttered softly, jumping when he hit a ticklish spot and giggling.

He continue up her leg, noticing every part of her, massaging and gently squeezing her knees, observing their shape. He continued up her thighs massaging her upper legs, not neglecting any part of her, gently rubbing oiled hands over her. "It's easy to be patient with you, Maria, for you are an extraordinary woman."

Maria smiled softly at him, "Be that as it may, I need to get back into the habit, mustn't let you down in anyway," she answered softly, "I want you nothing but proud of me," she added.

His oiled hands now moved over her stomach, taking their time before moving up her chest and finally to her breast. He added more oil and continued to massage her breasts, watching her nipples harden. "I'm so proud of you Maria. Even more, I'm so in love with you."

Maria smiled softly, "Words I love to hear from you," she muttered softly shivering in pleasure at his touch, he was doing things to her again.

He continued to massage her breasts, feeling her hard nipples on the palms of his hands, rubbing her breasts firmly, watching the way they moved beneath his hands. He looked at Maria's face to see if she was pleased with his attention.

Maria moaned softly, her eyes hooded and very much pleased and tired despite it only being late afternoon, "Thank you my love, for your consideration."

When he had finished the massage he laid down on top of her. Although it was afternoon, the window curtains kept out most of the light, for he preferred the darkness if it was possible to have it. He wrapped his arms around her body and pulled her close, nuzzling into her neck as he laid on top, supporting much of his weight with his arms.

Maria snuggled in against her lover, nestling in against his neck as he did hers and let her eyes drift shut finally, she would have to be up early to see to getting the office tidied and looked after before she did anything else as she curled her legs into Tal's, muttering her love to him softly as she started to drift towards sleep.

Marcus chuckled, "Yes I bet she is," he rumbled and stood, "excuse my rudeness," he continued as he approached her looking down at her, "It is very much a pleasure to meet you."

Maria fought the urge to step back away from this man. She had that feeling that screamed vampire as she held the tray steady in her hands, "No need to apologize," she answered gently, "the pleasure is mine," it was a lie, but she said it well.

"Oh, and Marcus, she is my 'private' source. No one partakes of her, but me." His words were friendly and shared as the jest between two friend, but Marcus could easily discern that Talomar was deadly serious. "Maria, please, set the tray on my desk and join us for a while. At least until we bore you."

Maria glanced at Tal and nodded, slipping passed Marcus to set the food on his desk, before turning back to her Lord, "What would you have of me my Lord?" She asked waiting for his instruction, glad he had just put a claim on her, at least she wouldn't have to worry about this man.

Marcus moved closer to Tal, "She reeks of you Talomar, she's more then your valet," he grinned and moved to retake his seat pouring himself some more wine.

Talomar gave a confirming not to Marcus. Maria, please have a seat." He pointed to the other visitor chair in front of his desk. "I was just inviting Marcus to stay with us for the time he's in Rhydin.

Maria glanced at Marcus and moved to slip into the chair, "Will you be staying long?" She asked softly as she settled in the chair straightening the skirt of the 'uniform' she always wore for Talomar.

"A couple weeks, maybe longer, depends on the cattle err...people who live around here," he grinned at Tal, "You have very good taste Talomar, I commend you on your choice of staff."

Maria looked between the two.

"Yes, I know, Marcus. Maria is quite exceptional. You should consider getting your own valet some time. It makes life so much easier."

"I would never have the patients to deal with mortals," he answered as he puffed on his cigar, "Such needy creatures and much to delicate," he added as if Maria wasn't even in the room.

Maria watched Marcus for a minute before looking up at Talomar a soft smile flickering over her lips, the amount of abuse she had taken over the last couple months, delicate was not a word used to describe her.

"Well, I think you're missing out. Anyway, you're just here to check out the harvest? I think you'll find it interesting but limited." He reached for a slice of toast. "Help yourself, Marcus. A little food will do you good."

Waves it off, "Food and I do not agree, not sure how you ever got into eating the stuff," he answered with a smirk, "but a bottle of blood wine would be filling," he answered. "I thought I might set up shop, I understand the market of blood wine dealers suddenly became lacking in this area. Wouldn't know how that happened would you Tal?" He grinned.

Talomar smiled, "Maria is definitely exotic, and very special to me." He changed the subject. "So, what are your plans while you are here?"

"A little trouble making, a little feeding, setting up shop maybe, don't worry Tal, I won't intrude too much," he added and sat back sipping the wine again, watching the woman making the food disappear off Tal's plate. "I thought I would look around for a place to set up before I had my wines all shipped over."

Maria glanced at Marcus, feeling his eyes on her and quickly finished off the piece of toast, licking crumbs from her fingers.

"Well, let me make a suggestion. The West End seems to be the best place for such a business. You should have the right clientele there and not very many of those who want to get into other people's business. I've established a S.E.C.T.O.R. headquarters there and have been quite satisfied." He turned to Maria when she had finished eating. "Would you ask the staff to prepare a guest room for Mr. Crow? He'll need a place to stay until he's established."

Maria nodded, "Of course. And our other guest? Shall I have food prepared for her?"

"Not yet, Maria. I think you and I need to speak with our guest first."

Marcus looked between the two, "Why do I have the feeling I interrupted something in this visit?" He asked swirling his wine glass.

Maria rose from her chair to gather the tray and dishes to remove from the room.

"Marcus, you know me. There's always business of one kind or another going on. What do you think, I just sit around and fuck all day," he replied with a wink. "I've got an empire to run and trade to expand. Maybe if all I did was produce a little exotic blood wine, I'd have time for more pleasures." He couldn't help but take a jab at his friend.

He smirked at Tal, "Sit around all day huh?" He laughed, "Yes blood wine making is such a cooperative business, what with people throwing themselves at my feet to be drained of their blood while hung by their ankles," he chuckled and glanced at Maria, "I don't know, sitting around fucking all day sounds like something worth doing, at least in this house," he grinned. "You have more patients then I, I would have drained her the day I met her."

Maria looked up as she was brought into the conversation again and shuddered at his words, looking ready to answer then stopped herself picking up the tray and glancing at Tal for permission to go do as he had asked.

"I know you would, Marcus. That's why whatever feeding you do is to be done outside this castle. I don't want to find my staff suddenly shrinking," he said with a grin, but quite serious. "You may go, Maria. I'll be right with you. Marcus was just leaving and I have much to do today."

Maria nodded and slipped out of the room making sure to lock the door as always on her way out.

Marcus watched her go before looking at Tal, "You know me Talomar, I never soil the place I sleep."

Tal admired her as she left. "I'm going to marry her some day, Marcus. Not since Dominique have I felt that way about a woman."

He glanced towards the door then to Talomar, "Your already married," he reminded him, "Your falling for your staff."

"No, I fell for her before she was staff. And marriages come and go, you know that. As long as the Countess carries my child, she is safe and protected."

He nods, "So why haven't you brought her across then?" He asked, as he finished off the blood wine.

"Maria? In time, Marcus, in time."

Marcus nodded, "Well I can tell your definitely in love, other wise you wouldn't have ever let her eat with you, interesting how she didn't eat before she came to you, you've trained her well," he moved to stand. "Let me get out of your way Talomar, I promise not to touch your Maria, or anyone else on your property."

"Very good. I'm sure you'll find the selection in town to be more than adequate for your refined taste." Tal stood and walked to the door to show him out his private exit.

Marcus chuckled, "I'm sure your right. I will check out this Westend, you will have to show me around later, when your young Valet has seen to your needs first," he laughed.

Talomar had the briefest of smiles, "Perhaps we should meet in the Inn. They have some blood wine there and plenty of cattle to choose from."

He nodded, "Good day to you old friend, I'll see you tonight," He slipped out, disappearing into the shadows, gone as quickly as he had appeared that morning.

He was a good friend, but had an attitude that got old fast. Dominique had had little patience with him, and she handled him quite well. For now, Tal wanted to find Maria and continue with their abuse of Inara. He would have to send word to the Inn that Inara was visiting. That would bring Gavilean to the castle.

Inara struggled against Maria's hold as she saw the room they were going into, fighting to try and get away.

Talomar knew he didn't have to help Maria. She was very capable. If Inara should escape, he would be in front of her instantly.

Maria shoved Inara into the room, growling a soft curse at her in her native language and glancing at Tal with a questioning look, "The table my Lord?"

"Maria, you are now reading my mind," he said with a smile.

Maria smirked as she shoved Inara hard towards the table.

He reached out a hand and the robe flew off of Inara, nearly dragging her back for an instant. The robe went to Talomar's outstretched hand.

Inara stumbled to her knees at the tables edge sobbing softly as she found herself once more completely exposed to the two.

Maria reached out dragging her back to her feet and glanced at Tal, this time a look for help, there was no way she was going to be able to get the struggling woman onto the table alone.

He was at Maria's side instantly and put his arm around Inara from the rear. "Take her feet."

Maria moved to do as she was told quickly.

Inara continued to struggle against the two, fighting to try and get free of them.

He lifted her up with amazing strength and set her down on the padded table. He then strapped her hands down on the table. "Maria, I want her legs spread wide and her feet strapped to the bottom rung of the table." The table was more like a gurney and could easily be rolled from torture to torture.

Maria nodded, moving Inara's legs wide, shackling each ankle in turn in place,ignoring her struggles before she rose from entrapping her second ankle and glanced at Tal once more.

Inara struggled against the restraints, tears still streaking her face, soft noises of protest and struggle escaping her lips.

He went over and took Maria into his arms. "I hope the slut didn't hurt you in her struggles."

Maria smiled, "Hardly my love," she answered shaking her head and smiling up at him, her eyes begging him to kiss her.

He wanted her lips at much as she wanted his. His mouth came to hers and he kissed her deeply, sucking on her tongue and not letting it go.

Maria was fast to respond, her arms wrapping around his neck, her head tilting slightly to meet his lips hard to her own, her hips moving to press against his thigh and she moaned softly, glad she was here with him.

Inara stopped struggling behind them, her eyes on the ceiling her fingers curling into the straps holding her down, the only sound coming from her were soft sobs.

His hand moved down to her skirt and reached beneath it, finding her crotch. "I've wanted you all morning."

Maria smiled softly moaning, "I know the feeling my love, unfortunately mornings rarely see us together," she muttered and smiled softly at him, "and this does turn me on so, to see you hurt her," she looked at Inara and smiled, "to be able to please you while she must watch," she breathed and rubbed against him softly, lifting her lips to kiss his chin softly, "I want to please you so," she breathed softly and curled against his chest waiting for him to end the embrace.

"I love the way you please me, Maria. You are amazing." He slowly released her from his embrace.

She smiled softly and straightened looking at Inara once more and moved to walk the length of the table trailing her hand up her body as she walked, "Where should we start my love?"

Inara shivered at Maria's touch, trying hard to get away from her.

He walked to the other side of the table and also ran his hand over Inara. "I think we should get her wet first. Any suggestions, my love?"

Maria smirked, "She does seem to enjoy your touch my love," she purred and let her fingers play over Inara's breast, playing with the exposed nipple, forcing it to hardness.

Inara shivered and squirmed whimpering trying to escape.

He took her other nipple, following Maria's lead. "I don't know, she seems to like your touch more. You know, she did service woman. I think she loves your touch."

Maria smiled glancing at Inara's face and let her fingers trail further over the exposed flesh, "You think so?" She purred softly and let her fingers run over the wriggling Inara down over her flat stomach and between her legs.

Inara gasped and jumped at the gentle touch, "No," she sobbed softly, feeling her body responding to Maria's touch.

"I really do. This is amazing. A woman like this, married, who prefers women to men. I don't think she wants you to stop."

His own hand moved over her breasts, rubbing them, pressing hard against them.

(Editied for Content)

Maria remained in the shadows slightly, her anger was high and she was ready to hurt Inara, badly, so she stayed away, knowing better then to cross Tal, and knowing too not to let Inara see how much it was upsetting her.

When this last pleasure was subsiding he finally removed his face. "I guess what she really wants is me inside her." He walked over to Maria, turned on and wanting her.

Maria shifted to look up at him, her jaw set before she nodded and looked away from him, she didn't want to see that, she didn't want him to take Inara, but if it was to be so she had no right to say otherwise.

He reached out and turned her toward himself. "Maria," he said softly, "It may be what she wants, but it's not what she's going to get. I want you, not Inara."

Maria looked up at him, relief flooding her features and she sunk into his arms shaking slightly, this was getting trying on her, but knowing his love for her she held it together, "Maybe something colder my love," she muttered her voice slightly muffled by his chest, "but just as filling."

Inara shivered from where she was laying, she heard that and if she had the strength she might have tried to move or get away, but there wasn't much fight left in her,

He smiled and kiss her cheek. "You always have the best ideas." All the time he was testing Maria, and at every turn she was passing the test. She would be greater than Dominique. He had no doubt. "She is yours to do whatever you want to with her."

(Edited for Content)

"You are now to say, 'Thank you, Master. I'm always at your service."

Inara fought the shiver that ran through her as she muttered softly and submissively, "Thank you, Master. I'm always at your service."

"Very good." He pulled up his pants and walked around her, seeing the cold, wet puddle that had formed beneath her butt and seeing the toy still within her. "You're so hot you're melting it, Inara."

Inara sobbed softly, "Please," she breathed softly, "please make it stop."

He looked to Maria. "Do you want to do anything to Inara, or have her do something to you?"

Maria shook her head, she had made herself distant from the table and the light there, "No my Lord, I think she's had enough," she answered softly.

Inara felt the slightest amount of relief at Maria's words.

"Is that better?"

Inara gasped with relief, slumping on the table and nodded quickly, glad to finally be free of the toy.

"You could have avoided all this by acting proper in the beginning."

Inara looked up at him and shivered her eyes drifting closed once more, on the verge of passing out.

He put the toy and released her restraints. He then looked to Maria, "Maria?"

Maria looked up at her name, "My lord?" she moved towards him, "Did you want help? I can clean up," she offered quietly.

"No!" He reached out and grabbed her and embraced her in his arms. "You don't have to clean up."

Maria was half shocked at the embrace, not sure what to say.

Inara moved slowly, bring her hands in front of her and curling up on the table fetal style.

He just held her, knowing that she was upset. He whispered, "There was no more emotion in that than it would be if I used my own hand. She had to be humbled."

Maria actually sobbed softly as she curled against him, shaking slightly in his arms.

He didn't want to make her cry. "I'm sorry, Maria. It won't happen again. Like I said, she needed to be humbled, and if it wasn't with you, it had to be with me."

Maria nodded, she was miserable, it wasn't so much that he had done it, but that he had done it after he had told her he wanted her that bothered her the most. She shifted against his hold, moving hands to wipe away tears, embarrassed that she had let the emotion through, "I understand," she whispered softly, "she will never let me control her," she breathed softly.

"If she doesn't, you have my permission to slice her in two. I have something to give you." He left her and went to a cabinet in a dark corner of the chamber. He came back with a metal ring that was a brownish red in color. He also had a chain with a leather handle. He walked over to Inara and took the ring and put it on her neck. He then attached the chain to a small ring built into the collar. He looked to Maria, "My love, please come here."

Inara shivered as she felt the ring put in place and opened her eyes slightly to watch the two in confusion.

Maria slowly approached, only because Tal asked, not because she wanted to, she hated the woman now more then ever. She looked down at her, not feeling so much as an ounce of pity for her any more.

The collar was not at all like Maria's and the meaning was at opposite ends of the spectrum. This was a ring of slavery. It was made of a alloy of bloodstone, and it responded to the will of the the Count. "If I will it, the collar will shrink and choke Inara to death. It's a slave collar." He handed the chain leash to Maria. "She is yours to do with as you like....if you want her."

Maria glared down at her, "If I do what I like my love I would have her killed," she looked up at him, "gutted and left to bleed to death," she answered.

Inara shivered at the thought of being in the care of Maria, her fingers moving to the collar, tugging at it to see if it would give at all.

"Okay, you can do that. But not yet. I still have need of her."

Maria glared down at the woman, tugging violently on the chain, "Hands off bitch," she snarled.

Inara quickly took her hands off the collar.

Inara was his bait to get Gavilean here. After Gavilean was captured, Maria could do as she wished with the woman.

Maria looked up at Tal, "Are you done with her then? For today?" She added

"Yes...for now. Inara will have the little walk in closet in your room as her room. We'll have a bed put in there and she will see to your every need and say nothing but "Yes, Mistress," and if appropriate, "No, Mistress." She needs some small amount of food and water. She's in your care and we need to keep her alive."

Maria glared at her, that was an awful lot of work for someone she was growing to really hate. "Does that mean I'm sleeping in my own room again?" Maria asked, glaring at her, she'd have much rather left her down here in the cell.

He looked at Maria as if she said the most strange thing he ever heard. "Only if you don't want to sleep with me anymore, otherwise, I want you with me all the time."

Maria let out a little sigh of relief then looked confused, "Then how will I keep her in the closet," she looked up at Tal, feeling like she's taking a 'dumb' test and is about to ace it and be proved just how stupid she is.

Inara laid silently like some kind of pet waiting for her next set of commands.

He smiled. "You will lock it from the outside once you have put her to bed...just as you would a dog. Then I hope you'll come running to my bed."

Maria looked down at Inara again, this woman was going to be a whole lot of trouble that she wasn't worth, "Okay," she muttered softly, not wanting to let him down in anyway and wanting to keep her in sight at the sametime.

He saw that Maria wasn't liking this. "Would you prefer that I make her my slave instead?"

"No!" Maria jumped on that one too fast and looked up at Tal, hugging the leash to her chest, "I'll look after her," she answered and bit more calmly. "In fact I'll take her up right now and get her something to eat and drink," she added quickly.

Inara jumped at Maria's out burst and wished she had chosen differently, she'd rather be with Tal then Maria.

He smiled, "Very good, she's all yours. It won't be for long, Maria, I promise."

Maria nodded and tugged the leash, "Come on, get up, lets go," she tugged Inara towards the door.

Inara quickly moved to follow Maria, she didn't have much choice in the matter.

Maria picked up the robe and threw it back to Inara, "And get dressed," she added.

Talomar was following behind, watching Inara's butt with no little admiration, and smiled when Maria threw the robe to Inara. He wondered what it would be like to have them both at the same time. He dismissed the thought, for now. "Maria, when you have taken care of your slave, I would like to have some time with you."

Maria glanced back at Tal, she wasn't happy about half of what had happened that day and she worried about the idea of some sort of punishment coming her way and she nodded, "Of course my Lord," she answered softly and headed up the stairs.

Inara slipped into the robe and followed Maria so as to avoid a sharp tug.

He had something special prepared for Maria, but first he wanted to see how she would treat this woman who was suddenly totally in her control.

Maria's eyes came off the floor as soon as she realized what he was thinking and she moved swiftly to her feet, "Do you think so little of me?" She snapped, the first time she has ever show anger at anything he has said, "That I would sleep with you for the job? Damn it Talomar, we went through this once already, I have never taken you money, I do not sleep with you because it is expected of me, I sleep with you because I love you. I want to be with you, I do more here then keep your bed and fuck you. I take care of your home, and your wife, and your servants. I see to your every errand, that is my job. I am up before the sun rises and to bed late because you love the night and I wait for you, because I love you. Damn right I want a couple of days, I want a couple of days to sleep in, to curl up with the man I love and see the morning with him. To be with him each night without being on the verge of falling asleep. To do a little me stuff while in town. Is that too much to ask?" She has tears in her eyes now and she's shaking just slightly. "Damnit Tal I love you."

His nostrils flared in anger as she addressed him in such a way. No one talked to him like that and lived. Yet, by the time she finished and seeing the tears in her eyes, his anger subsided and he softened. He ran to her, took her into his arms and kissed her so hard that their lips would sure to be swollen.

Maria sunk into the kiss, quickly wrapping her fingers into his hair, her tongue rushing against his lips teeth and tongue, that shake subsided with the kiss and very slowly she broke the kiss, breathing hard her voice barely a whisper and she spoke again, "I'm so sorry, forgive me, I had no right to ask," she breathed, trailing kisses over his face and neck.

"No, my love...my darling. You had every right to ask and you are absolutely correct. All you do for me is so appreciated, and I've not shown you that appreciation." He held her to his body as he spoke. "We'll put Inara back in the cell and you take several days off. That will give us the leisure to plan a vacation together. I want to get you away from here, away from both of our responsibilities, just to be together and enjoy each other like we can't do here."

Maria sighed in relief as she rested her head on his chest, "I would not have asked if I was not so tired. I worry I will not be ready when you truly need me," she muttered softly. "I just want to be able to enjoy sleeping with you without worrying about other things," she whispered and tightened her arms around him for a minute before slowly slipping back a step and running her hand over her eyes to remove the dampness there, "I moved without your permission," she muttered with a smile and looked up at him. "Time away, just you and me, that would be incredible," she nodded.

He smiled and kissed where her tears had wet her cheek. "Yes it would be," he whispered against her cheek, "but now I need to punish you for moving without my permission." He was teasing as he took her hand and led her to their bed.

Maria smiled softly "Of course my love," she answered, recognizing the teasing tone and letting him lead her to the bed. She moved to crawl into the middle of the bed and looked up at him.

He kneeled upon the bed and moved his naked body between her legs and looked down upon her, scrutinizing her body like a starving man examining a steak that was just set before him. She was that good. He bent over and began kissing and caressing her leg, kissing her calves and knees.

Maria let out a soft noise of pleasure as she sat back slightly, watching him, his lips on her flesh and shivered slightly with pleasure.

He kissed higher upon her legs while his hands began to run over her smooth thighs and hips, enjoying the look and feel of her. "I love you totally, Maria...with all my heart."

Maria smiled softly, "I love you too," she muttered softly, her legs spreading a little more for him as she raised her hips slightly to meet his lips, slowly lowering her back to the bed, laying out and moaning softly at his attention.

(Edited for Content)

Maria moaned hotly, her fingers losing in his hair, brushing down over his shoulders, feeling the muscle there and feeling incredibly safe with him, even while he had her life in his hands as he fed off her. Her breaths softened as the pleasure slowly subsided some but for what his feeding continued to pulse through her, her heart beating hard for the both of them. She laid her lips softly against his ear, kissing him softly, her tongue brushing the lobe as she listened to his feeding and his breathing, soft against her neck, shivering in pleasure.

He slowly stopped feeding, for he didn't want her to pass out. He closed up the wound, licked her neck. He then fell over on his back, totally exhausted. "Making love with you is incredibly good. I love the way you satisfy me and make me feel, Maria."

Maria shivered as he dropped away from her and she smiled softly at his words, not moving yet, not so sure she could just yet, "I wish I could be more for you my love," she purred softly before finally rolling to curl against his side, pillowing her head on his shoulder.

"I don't know what more you could be, my love. You're already everything to me. And your vacation starts tomorrow morning, so don't worry about getting up out of bed. Just sleep in with me." His arms went around her and held her tight.

Maria smiled softly, "Of course my love, but its still early yet, the sun hasn't even begun to set and I think there is still a list of things I need to do today," she added as she tugged the blankets up around them, reminding herself to change the bed sheets before they settled in for the night.

He turned and looked to the shaded window, seeing some traces of the sunlight. He moaned, "I lose track of the time with you." He wrapped himself around her. "Let's just lay here for an hour, then I'll bring Inara down to a cell and then send word to have someone inform Gavilean that she is here."

"I can do that my love, I'll be in town in a couple of hours anyway," she muttered stifling an exhausted yawn and snuggling in against him.

"Perfect," he said and just cuddled up against her, satisfied, exhausted, and well fed.

Gavilean had left the Inn and traveled home to obtain what he needed to rescue Inara. A baldric crossed his broad shoulders and held the sheathed broadsword against his back. His black, knee-high riding boots were well worn and covered in the dust of the road. A hooded cloak covered his shoulders but allowed free access to the wire-wound hilt. The black, water-resistant cloak was long enough to come over the tops of his boots when he walked, and thus provided excellent protection from the rain or snow whether riding or on foot. He had a short sword at his belt and two knives in his boots. Thus fully prepared, the one-time Warlord and Knight Captain road off on Nasrullah to get his wife back.

Night had descended when he arrived at the road that led up to the castle. Gavilean cantered Nasrullah as far as the bridge that led to the castle drive up to the front door (see http://www.geocities.com/rcwolpert/Talomar.html ), and there he dismounted, grabbed the rope he had on his saddle, and continued on foot. He passed torch after torch that lit up the snow covered drive, until he came to the front door. The front doors were well-locked and he assumed they were guarded on the inside, so he tied the rope onto the left side of bridge and lowered himself to the ground.

He hoped the little used castle chapel would give him access. The chapel had stained glass windows that were most accessible where the chapel attached to the main part of the castle. Gav climbed up the wall and reached the ledge of one window. He took the handle of a knife and broke one on the panes of glass; then reached inside and unlocked the window. Soon he was on the floor of the dark chapel.

No sooner did his feet hit the floor than the hairs on the back of his neck rose. There was a presence ? an incredible evil was lurking about. Gavilean wasted no time making his way to the inner doors that led to the castle proper. Just before he got to the doors he heard a lock latch and a wind whistle through the pews. Something was coming.

"Why are you disturbing me?" whispered a female voice.

Gav tried the door. It was locked. He removed his short sword from its sheath and slipped the blade into the crack where the lock was located. There were noises, sounds of something approaching. Gavilean worked frantically at the lock and heard a click. The door opened, and he sprang out of the chapel, closing the door behind him.

(to be continued. . .)

Gavilean hurried to the next cell in the line, one that seemed even darker and more cruel than the rest. He held the torch to the small barred window but couldn't see anything inside. Perhaps he was wrong. Maybe she wasn't down here at all. He only assumed that when the kitchen staff mentioned a prisoner that they were referring to Inara. An evil one like Talomar might have many prisoners. Perhaps he even had her up in his room. Gavilean winced and pounded the door of the cell in frustration. He decided to give it one more try. He put his face to the door window and whispered, "Inara, are you in there?"

Inara shifted from where she was curled into a trembling ball, tears in her eyes, trying to see through the dark, this had to become sort of cruel joke, another way of Talomar hurting her, "Gavilean?" She whispered, too scared to hope it was him.

"Inara!!" He heard her voice. "Inara, it's me!" He put his face right to the bars.

Her eyes reflected the light of the torch slowly shakily moving to her feet and stumbling towards the door. "Gavilean?" She sobbed, tears streaming down her face.

"Dear God, what has he done to you?" Gavilean didn't know if he wanted to break down and weep for her or run up the stairs to run his sword through Talomar's heart, but he did know that he had to get her out of there before he lost the opportunity. "My love, I'll get you out!" He put his fingers through the window, not even knowing if she could see him or come to him.

Inara stumbled to the door, her hand moving to his, hesitating at touching as if afraid he would disappear into some kind of dream or come to find out it was Tal, but as her fingers touched his she broke down, sobbing loudly, "Oh gods Gavilean, Gavilean," she kept whispering his name over and over as she rested her cheek to his fingers, tears wetting against his touch.

"It's alright, my love. Everything's going to be alright now. I'm getting you out of here." He slowly removed his fingers and tested the door. It was locked and you needed the key to open it. He looked to the hinges and they were so rusted he'd never get them off. He would not panic. There must be a way. There was a small gap between the door and the door jam. The castle was old and had experienced some settling over the years. He removed his small sword, but the blade was still too thick to slip between the door and the jam.

Inara sobbed as he slipped away from her and she slumped back into the shadows, tears streaming down her face as she hid beside the door, her head resting on her upturned knees.

He slid the sword back and reached into his boot and pulled out a small double-bladed throwing knife. "I'm working on it, Inara. Soon, my love." He wanted to encourage her, but he had his doubts that this would work. He slipped the knife into the space but it wouldn't go in far enough. "Damn," he said in frustration, and pounded the door. He saw the door move slightly inward in its frame. He had an idea. He leaned his shoulder against the door and felt it move in about 5 millimeters. He tried the blade of the knife again and this time it just fit through the opening. These old doors simply have a steel bolt that fell down into a slot and a key would lift it back up again into a vertical position. Gav's knife slid beneath that metal and he then slid the knife up, pushing up the metal bolt with it. Holding the bolt out of the way, he yanked on the door. It broke the blade of his knife, but the door opened.

Inara was curled terrified in the corner still, arms wrapped around her knees, the white robe barely covering her as she cried softly.

Gav entered the filthy cell with his touch in hand and saw Inara balled up in the corner. "Inara!" He leaned the torch against the wall and took Inara into his arms and held her. "You'll be alright now. I'll soon have you home."

Inara sunk into his arms, shaking nervously, "Your really here," she whispered, tears dampening his jacket.

"Yes, love...yes, I'm here." He slipped off the heavy, back, oil-cloth riding cloak and put it around her. "Put this on. We're getting out of here."

Inara moved slowly, slipping into the cloak, tugging it around her tightly.

He picked up the torch and asked her to hold it, then bent down and picked his wife up into his arms. He saw that she had no clothes other then the small white robe that did little to cover her body. In moments they were out of the cell and he was carrying her down the hallway.

Inara clutched the torch as if it was life itself, her small fingers white from the tightness of her hold as she pressed tightly against Gav, so afraid still that this was some sort of crule dream.

He came to the narrow stone stairway and he stopped only long enough to kiss her cheek. "We'll be out of here soon. I promise." He carried her up the three flights of stairs, and arrived at the door breathing heavily. He tried the door. "It's locked."

Inara trembled at the thought of him leaving her there but nodded, "Please hurry," she whispered fearfully.

He hurried, running in the shadows at the rear of the castle toward the stables, wherein he disappeared. Several minutes later he came out with her horse fully tacked and a pair of riding boots. He walked the horse to the solarium and signalled for Inara to come out. He held out the boots so she could put them on before exiting.

Inara switched her footwear before moving to the horse, shivering in the cold, tugging her cloak tighter around her as she looked up at saddle and shivered again.

Gavilean helped Inara up into her saddle and walked ahead of his, his boots cracking the frozen snow.

Inara stayed low over Nick's neck shivering both in fear and cold, they couldn't get away fast enough in her mind, she kept thinking the count would appear at any moment to stop them as she curled her fingers into the stallion's coat and watched Gav as he lead the horse away from the place that had been a constant torture to her.

Then came to the gate that was in the underpass between the back of the castle where the stables were, and the front walkway. It was locked but could be opened from the inside, which Gavilean did. Once on the walkway he whistled and Nasrullah came running over the bridge.

Inara looked up at the dark horse as it joined them before she looked down at Gavilean, still very quiet and very scared. "Don't leave me," she whispered softly to him, her voice sounding loud in her ears in the quiet of the night.

"Never, my love. Never again will you be away from me." He ground mounted Nasrullah and pulled up next to her. "Until we get on the other side of the bridge, we'll go slowly."

She nodded, fighting the urge to kick her horse to a fast escape, "Okay," she answered softly, nervously.

Once they were away from the bridge that led to the castle Gavilean signaled and they galloped down the road. After ten minutes of riding Gavilean signaled for them to stop. He pulled Nasrullah over to Inara. "Slide here in front of me. I don't want to get you out of the cell just to have you freeze."

Inara quickly scrambled across the to his curling back into his arms, her fingers curling into Nasrullah's mane, "I was scared you'd never come," she whispered softly.

He tied Inara's horse to the saddle and put a heavy wool blanket around Inara, covering her from head to foot. "I only just heard where you were a few hours ago. A woman named Maria kindly helped me, letting me know that you were likely here at Talomar's castle."

Inara shivered at the name and sunk down into his arms sobbing softly, "There is no kindness in that person," she whispered softly.

He signaled Nasrullah with his legs and the war horse immediately broke into a slow canter. "No kindness? But if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have know where to find you."

Inara shivered as she tugged the blanket closer to her, "Because he wanted you dead, and she would do anything he would ask," she answered softly. keeping her fingers tight in the stallion's mane

One arm was around Inara, the other held the reins, "You mean, Maria was using her knowledge of you to set me up?"

"I mean Maria works for Talomar," she whispered softly.

Something didn't make sense to him. If Maria worked for Talomar, they should have been ready for him to try to rescue his wife. Either Talomar was far too overconfident or Maria far to incompetent, or there was something going on that he wasn't seeing. Talomar wouldn't allow Gav to come in and rescue Inara unless he had something far worse planned. Gav didn't say much else on their ride back to Inara's home. He brought the horses right up to the front porch, dismounted and reached for Inara, taking her into his arms.

Inara slipped down into his arms, too tired and relieved to be home to be worrying about anything, just thankful to be home.

Alatarial was no longer with them, but they had hired two servants to replace her, and he gave one instructions to draw a hot bath and the other to have the horses taken care of. He carried Inara up to their bedroom and set her down on their bed as the bath was being prepared. It was only then, it the light of their room, that he saw the bruises to Inara's face. "My God, what did they do to you?"

Inara shivered as she curled deeper into the blankets, looking away from him, tears in her eyes, "Too much," she answered painfully.

He sat on the bed and held her, fearing to ask more at this time. "You're safe now, sweetheart. They'll never hurt you again." He had plans to go back there and kill the Count and his slut, or die trying.

Inara sunk into his arms shaking slightly still, her fingers curling into his shirt, she didn't want to ever let him go as she felt tears streak her face once more and started sobbing once more.

His hand stroked her hair and he just held her, feeling her body shake with sobs. The maid informed him that the bath was ready and he nodded and she left and shut the bedroom door. "You have a bath ready. Do you want me to be with you, or do you want to be alone?"

Inara looked up at him through the tears, reaching to wipe them away, "I don't want you ever out of sight again," she whispered nervously.

He smiled and helped her stand; then took the blanket and riding cloak off of her and led her into the bathroom with her wearing that small white robe which he now could see was dirty and blood stained. He could see marks on her legs, and he wince. They approached the tub and he pulled over a chair, letting Inara climb into the sudsy water with some privacy.

Inara slipped out of the robe throwing it with a vengeance in the corner before she slipped down into the hot water, wincing at the first real heat she had felt in days and the way it almost felt too hot on her feet as they slowly adjusted to the heat as she sunk fully into the water, letting out a soft tired sigh.

Gavilean pulled up a chair behind her. "Would you allow me to wash your hair?" He was being so careful with what he asked to do, fearing that the simple things they had taken for granted could now be something that might bring bad memories.

Inara shifted in the water and looked up at him, "I would like that," she nodded moving to give him room, pushing her hair from her shoulders, revealing the bruise from where Tal had bit her.

He saw the bruise on her shoulder and bit his lip. He would not let on how this was really affecting him. He took a cup and poured the water over her hair, over and over, letting it get thoroughly soaked. Then he took scented shampoo and put plenty upon her hair. She had picked up the scent of the cell and the sweat and filth, and she needed to be rid of that.

Inara slowly settled, finally seeming to start to relax, slowly, Gav's love and touch was slowly beginning to calm her tired frightened mind, as she reached for the soap while he tended her hair, beginning the slow long job of cleaning her body.

He spent a long time with her hair, so thankful to just have her back home with him, and safe.; thankful that she was even alive, and shuddering at the thought of nearly losing her. He rinsed the soap out of her hair and helped her wash her back.

Inara finished cleaning up and soaked for a few more minutes before she slowly started to slip out of the tub, looking at Gavilean with dark tired eyes.

He held up a large, soft towel and wrapped her body in it. "Let's go to bed, my love," he said looking into her eyes. "I just want to hold you all night."

Inara nodded, "I'm sorry this happened my love," she whispered softly curling into his arms to head for the bedroom.

"It's not your fault, Inara. There are evil people in this world and Talomar is the worst." He pulled back the blankets for Inara to slip into bed. He added wood to the fireplace, then undressed; and when he was naked he turned down the lamp and climbed in beside her, snuggling close.

Inara turned to press against him, burying her face against his shoulder and into his dark hair, inhaling his scent, thankful he was there, "Just don't let go," she whispered softly as she closed her eyes to invite sleep, hoping that the nightmares of the last couple days would leave her to sleep just this once.