Palm placed on the wall, Lydia leaned against it, slumping. Defeated? No, she didn't look defeated. Pensive perhaps, but not defeated. She shook her head a moment, before turning back to Mason. "I can't." Quiet words, a second admission.

Mason's features softened considerably at that. Stepping forward, he placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently. "It's okay Lydia. I understand. It's a hard thing to do, and.. it's a hard thing to have to see." Another squeeze was offered, expression thoughtful as he nodded. "You've done more than enough already, so it's good to get out now before somethin' bad happens."

Frowning, she turned away from him, looking rather pointedly to the wall. "I don't think you understand..."

Withdrawing his hand, a bit hesitantly, he slipped it into his pocket. Brows furrowed in confusion as he leaned over, trying to get a better look at her.

"I can't.. I can't go those auctions and save one or two and watch others get led away. What right do I have to choose who is saved and who isn't...?" The green haired elf turned then, to face Mason once more. The look on her face nearly dared him to interrupt once again. "I go there, and I see those people... and they don't belong there Mason. Just because someone is bigger or stronger or a higher rank in whatever imaginary hierarchy the people here have... it doesn't give them the right to steal another person's freedom or life. They all deserve to live and to have someone care about them and what happens to them. They're not animals or.. or tools to be used by another..." Pale blues fell to the ground. "And I can't just let it keep happening... someone's gotta care for them... someone's gotta do something for them..."

"...what are ya sayin' Lydia?"

She took a deep breath and looked back up to Mason. "I'm saying.. that next week? I'm not helping just a couple... Next week is.. is all or nothing."

Mason shook his head in obvious protest, taking a step back. "Hell. No."

Straightening from her lean against the wall, Lydia frowned at Mason. "It's not your decision. It's mine."

"It's a stupid decision! Ya know damn well we can't-"

"I never said 'we'! I'm doing this alone, it's safer that way and-"

"Like hell you are!" Mason's voice was loud, a bit too loud. He paused for a brief moment, recomposing himself a bit, speaking softer this time. "Look, before you go and do something crazy, let's think of some alternatives okay? I'm sure I've got some money stashed we can use to help more out."

"No.. 'more' isn't enough. I want to save them all. Not just a couple, or a few... They all deserve their freedom."

"That's true but damnit.. there are guards, there are cages, locks, collars, security I mean.. how the hell you plan on doing it alone?"

Sighing, she shrugged faintly, the hint of defeat on her features, but it hadn't taken over. "I have magic, they don't."

"How do you know that?" Mason narrowed his eyes a bit.

"I can.. sense most magic. When I'm there, I don't sense it from them."

"Most.. so not all? That's a risky assumption then."

"Well Gods Mason, it's not like I plan to run in and try to kill them all and cause a big..." She trailed off, sighing. "I planned to do this with a bit of stealth of course. It should be easy enough to cause a distraction.. slip in through the back window of the warehouse. There's a few crates set up back there near it so-"

"Wait." Hands up in a stop gestured, he looked her over critically. "This isn't even somethin' ya just thought of.. you've been thinkin' about this haven't you? Christ..." A moment of thought, then he shook his head.

"No way I'm lettin' ya do it alone. Same as before. I'm goin', or I'm gonna get someone else to talk some sense into you."