Eamon delighted in that closeness. The stroking of her fingers, the feel of her bare legs beneath him. It was almost affectionate in a way, like if she had been running her fingers along the head of a loyal pet, patting it. But other images crept in, he was not as innocent as she and soon he was oulling away from her ready to move on or rather not wanting to succumb to such thoughts about the queen broke away from her then.

After the scare of the manticore he looked back at her, he seemed to know what she was thinking but the Dark Creeper minions were a lot easier to deal with than a manticoe. The things were vicious and easily stronger than a dozen Dark Creepers. Thus he would rather deal with them than the manticores.

Asisited along by the queen he smile a little at her jibe. “Your probably right. My magic is much slower to return then Oberron's. While your husband has an near limitless supply of mana and can thus recover quicker my pool is much slower to recover. It takes about a week ...” he gave it some thought as they moved along, trying to analysis things to the best of his ability.

He nodded. “Of course there is but the one entrance-exit so if we are discovered then we are rather trapped but I don't think Gersham knows of this place and we didn't leave any trail here, the terrain is too rocky.

“This has been the furthest point I was able to scout out, I couldn't get much closer to the castle on that particular night Cinder was out hunting and it was too dangerous to press on. Though then there was a badger that laired her. It was sick and since died, fortunately nothing else seems to have claimed this cavern or seems to have discovered it.”

He sat, leaning up against the wall as he took in a deep breath. Relieved apparently about being able to rest and out of the presence of Gersham's minions for the time being at lesast.

“If our luck holds we may make it to Marduke's camp tomorrow or the day after depending on how much progress we make tonight.

“Nothing my queen.” He had to be prompted to continue to speak up, then sighed as he loooked towards the ceiling as it ther was something interesting there.

“I could conjure a piece of parchment and a quill, write a message and sent it back to Marduke. Corte could use his royal seal to transport himself here and we could escape. Whille any piece of paper will do I would have to send it to Marduke. I don't know how much Oberron told you about summoning things and dismissing them. Usually we have to have an idea where the object is to call it to us unless there is a block on the item it comes to us indefinately until we send it back, usually from to the same place we took it from but not always, we can move it, say in this case leave a message to Marduke where he would find it.

“Of course, I'm aware of where his camp is, you are not so dismissing the message to get to Marduke would be impossible for you since you do not know where he is. Nor could I dismiss something you summon either, that takes powerful dispelling magic.”

He sighed. “It is moot though, I can hardly walk now let alone conjure anything.” Eamon paused, looked away from her and blushed a little. It was more than evident that he was still holding back though it was only at her prompting that she caused him to continue.

“I'm not sure how it works, Oberron has probably already explained it to you and I have heard the stories, Sable's death was rather big news. But there is tantric magic, where by one can receive magic from another … but … forget I mentioned it your highness. Rest up we'll need the energy for tonight.”

“What ever is the quickest and will allow us to be safe” Alynia responded sitting down on the floor of the cave. The queen had a feeling they might be here for a while. Even though they would not be in this situation simply if Eamon had thought things a bit more thoroughly, she did not blame him. She did however realize that many things could possibly go wrong, especially as they were cornered in the cave. Alynia took a tense moment to ponder what would happen if the Prince had discovered they escape. This would not bode well for the pair or the rescue team. “Though I’m not too sure how such a summoning would work either…” She paused letting out a breath willing her self to think things through logically.

It wouldn’t be so bad if they could start moving again, but Alynia didn’t want to do that until Eamon was ready. She didn’t mind that his magic supply was low. If things went the way they hoped, they wouldn’t need magic at all. “I say we wait until dusk and keep moving. Unfortunately neither of our magic is very high. Though I do have an idea….”

She paused rolling her thoughts around and shook her head. “No, it’s not very plausible… but if I were to summon parchment and ink send it back I was musing over the possible of sending it to someone lese other than Marduke. Someone I would know the location of. But you’ve already stated Marduke has already dispatched. If we don’t alert them somehow that we’re alright, It would be horrible for them to travel there in search of us only to discover we’re not there.” She sighed unsure of what to do.

“And so we wait until we can travel by foot.” She concluded leaning against the wall of the cave. Alynia tilted her head with confusion as Eamon looked away and blushed, but as his words came out Alynia immediately understood. The familiar reference of tantric magic reminded her when Oberron had suggested the same thing. It was a good thing the cave was dark, for her cheeks flushed brilliantly pink. Self-consciously she pulled the mere cloak covering her body even tighter. Though, it made perfect sense he would mention such, she still was embarrassed. A moment of silence rolled over them. Alynia felt naked, even though the elf had already had a good look at her bare body. They had even kissed. “No.” She stated blatantly with a serious but timid expression before he even finished his words. Such a loyal instinct had sprung from her, Oberron would be proud.

The fact that in a worse case scenario occurred to her, as it was for her and her husband, such and act might be their only way to survive… Alynia shook her head and blushed again insisting that it would not, it would never come down to a situation like that! “I’m sorry.” She muttered apologizing for her rudeness. “It’s not that I don’t like you, you’re very attractive really!” She stuttered realizing how abrupt a response she had given. “It’s just that… you caught me by surprise…” Alynia put her face in her hands, very embarrassed not because of him mentioning, but because of her response. “Yes. Forget.” She agreed softly unable to make eye contact.

They were safe for the moment in the cave but for how long it would reamain that wasy was anyone's guess. They had both been drained of magic it appeared and the elf still sported some angry red welts. He rested against the unnatural wall of the cavern, calculating matters silently as to their options that appeared very limited but as she spoke about moving on as night fell he nodded, it sounded like a plan to him.

But even in the dim light he could tell that she had been flustered with his proposal. She was surprised at what seemed like a logical thought to Easmon as he regarded her, he was nonplused by her refusal and dipped his head slightly as he considered her response and her reactions.

He could tell that there was nothing wrong with the idea that he proposed just that her human sensibilities would not allow her to wrap her mind around so simple of a notion. “I meant no offense. If it is your will to press on in the morning then we shall do it, as your will indicates, I was merely presnting an option to ensure that they were all presented this time.

“I merely ...” he paused in mid explaination and as if that had not mattered he still himself. “Forgotten your highness.” He said as he had refocused on her last words leaving things unsaid unless she prompt her to speak.

In many ways he had been like Corte, loyal to the crown but definitely not as anal as the royal guard either it had seemed. He was of common birth and able to work out the class differences easier then Corte would. He had a bit of an education too evident by his knowledge of humans, not as great as Oberron's of course but when compared with Oberron he was but a new born babe.

He had said nothing of Oberron being angry or proud of her decision, he had seemed to forget the matter though he was aware of the uncomfortable silence that strolled over her. She was surprised of course but adamant in her resolve from what he had seemed but he understood what she was trying to say.

He tilted his head back, sighed a little then gazed at her again. “I am sorry queen but there is some information I was holding in reserve only because I wasn't suppose to know it. I over heard something, though it shouldn't make too much of a difference I suppose and I did not want to trouble your mind about it though now I am torn between two loyalties to yourself and the king.

“A great deal of things can happen now that the Prince is aware that I was in the area. It does not take a genius to know that a fey in the mountains is out of their element and is only there because of extenuating circumstances. Esper I suppose, and this is my speculation, was sent to find out why.

“The attack will happen as planned but I'm no military commander and cannot fathom the Prince's mind or Marduke's even. I hope that they have noted my absence and revised their plan as they cannot hope to be as distracting by catching the Prince by surprise. Tus he will probably see through the ruse and tighten up his protection of his prisoners and will either note our absence and assume that we were rescued or will discover that we escaped before hand. Whatever the case the rescue team will be at risk.

“What ...” he fell quiet as if he was unsure to burden her with the news, recalculated the odds that they had will doing this on his own while calculating the odds that something could go wrong with the rescue. “What I was unaware of, and what the rank and file troops were ignorant of incase of a leak, what I over heard was that Oberron was here. He and his team will lead in the rescue, even weakened as he is now I'm sure he'll be fine though the Prince will probably be expecting him now. That's why I was so confident at a rescue while at the castle.”

He sighed again and banged the back of his head against the wall cursing himself in the flowing dialect of the fey at having been so stupid, so impulsive. That he should have just waited, rescue would be there soon enough after all.

But he remained hopeful that nothing would happen to the rescue team or if it did he and the queen might be discarded by the Prince's attention. Surely those thoughts had to have occurred to her then if not sooner.

“I shouldn't have ...” he shook his head, no it didn't matter now he supposed. “Get some rest we move out at dusk. I am an elf we do not sleep so I will stand watch for whatever that is worth, at lest I can try to be of some use.” He seemed to be upset with himself as he stood and moved closer to the cave mouth so he could see some of the outside and hear better.

Alynia felt bad. Though Eamon had seemed to understand her, at the same time he didn't seem to acknowledge her reason. She sighed, sneaking a side ways glance at the elf... She had been right to say that he wasn't unattractive at all. Youthful, muscular.. Unconsciously her eyes wandered down his bare torso. Her eyes furrowed in a sympathetic expression as she could still see the whip lashes. Alynia shook her head, ashamed of being rude as well as thinking such thoughts. Trying to get rid of her turmoil of emotion, she concentrated more on he elf's words. 

Her eyes widened realizing what he was saying. "That.. That can't be!" she exclaimed in shock before quickly pressing her lips together. "They told me it would be a month before my husband would be healthy." she whispered mournfully. Her memory zoned back to her encounter with the dreaded unseelie prince. Gersham's cold taunting words resonated within her mind, and she couldn't help but shudder at the recollection. "Oh no.." she breathed burying her face into her palms. "This is what the prince wanted all along." Alynia muttered.

"None of this will be a surprise. Except maybe our escape... But I am even doubtful about that. He is expecting a rescue party. Gersham told me my husband would come for me. I was so relieved when I heard the it was Marduke's forces fighting and Corte leading he rescue mission." she took a sharp inhale, containing her agony. "But now I know that is only partially true..." Alynia shuddered remembering Gersham's all too true predictions.   If what Eamon had heard was true, then this was all playing to the Black Prince's plan.

Alynia leaned her head back breathing out, trying to calm down. "Maybe it was best that you released us. If your chains had been tighter, then we would have no choice but to watch as events unfold. This way, there's a chance we can do something." There was still time, it was still day. Alynia was determined that this time she might find a way to save Oberron. "Wait." she called out as Eamon stood to stand guard. "I won't be able to sleep. No not like this. Please, sit back down and allow me to continue healing your wounds." she stated timidly but definitely. Eamon might have protested, but the queen did not take no for an answer.

As the elf sat down leaning against the stone wall besides her, Alynia moved so she was in front of him. Her warm hands summoned back the green light, seemingly stronger than before. Was it her determination? Her illuminated fingertips ran along a harsh lesion. Her face was serious with concentration. With smooth and delicate movements, Alynia leaned over him and traced her fingers along each red line applying slightly more pressure as she watched redness begin to fade. Between each scar she stopped to take a break. It was tiring, but the girl refused to relent. 

Not until the red gashes had become faint, and practically invisible in the dim shadow of the cave did she stop and look up at Eamon's face. Her face timid and she as she resolved to do the unexpected. Alynia leaned in planting a soft kiss upon his lips. Tantric magic was something she though she would never do again for the magical qualities, but it Gersham's plan succeeded, her husband would be as good as dead if not worse. Alynia knew that this was the fastest way, though she wasn't too sure on how Oberron would respond to her reactions, she was not going to just allow him to walk into the Prince's trap so easily. "For my husband." she whispered as she pulled away. Whether it was to tell Eamon or reassure herself, it was not known. 

Shifting slightly Alynia brought her knees on both sides of Eamon's narrow waist, straddling him. She looked at him with a nervous expression placing her hands steadily on his shoulders. Leaning in tentatively for another kiss, she was unsure if the elf was comfortable with continuing. Alynia hoped she was making a smart decision. If this was what it took to rescue the Llynorian king than so be it. As long as Oberron lived she would face consequences later.

At first he said nothing. He didn't wish to persuade the queen any though he had considere the secret that he knew of and wasn't suppose to know about. He merely want to let her know all the facts behind matters as he knew them, all the thins that he could deduce as being logical. Had he noticed her side ways glance at him? Probably not, caught up with thinking things through he seemed distracted enough at the moment.

“I'm afraid it is true. Corte didn't seem pleased since his work safe guarding the king is at a high. He is weak I assume, otherwise there would be no reason for them to keep this information from the common troops. He needs the month but hurried back here, he didn't leave you in the best situation and stubbornly wanted to ensure you were alright, I don't know who told him you were missing but he desired to find out where you were and left Avalon in a weakened state I would presume considering what I know about the process. He will continue the heal though what might have taken a month in Avalon might take six here, possibly longer. He could probably go back to Avalon afterwards to heal but I know he wants to see this through first. I have been told he can be rather stubborn as is his right as king though that is not always a good thing either.”

Eamon nodded. “That was how I was to understand things and would have believed that this was all Marduke and Corte's doing though had I not over heard a few things I wouldn't have known. I did not wish to worry you about it, wanted to obey your commands but I … well I couldn't leave you to make a decision without having all the information first, Whatever you decide of course I will abide by but it is a dangerous situation for the king especially if they keep to their plans and I am told that the king is stubborn. He will not wish to wait, may modify things if it is quick enough to do so but will not wait for long either. If Gersham is expecting him, well there's no doubt he would be expecting Corte at least, he would count on them sending their best to rescue you, so finding his highness there would be a luscious treat for him.”

Eamon told her to save her magic, that she might need it later. He was still feeling rather stupid though for not coming clean with all this earlier she assumed for now he did not even look her in the eye. He sensed and felt her stare though and sat, letting her do as she wished, She was queen, he would listen as her healing touch coursed back over him to the point that his body was only exhausted afterwards, what pain existed was minor and he was mostly depleted of mana. With a little rest he would get back his rigor though so ther would be no doubt that he would be ready for the evening to come. Perhaps, they might alter their plans or expect the Prince to be ready for them. Perhaps there was a small chance that Corte could be able to persuade the king into buying them enough time but he highly doubted this. Alynia could see Eamon thinking about things in his mind. He even calculated the risks of leaving the queen her and trying to move by day to the camp to get help or at least stop the pointless rescue though with one manticore out there somehere there were bound to be others too and moving about during the day would be suicidal.

It was his turn to be surprised though as her soft lips smoothly ran against his own. He gazed at her as she pulled away. Hearing her words he nodded. This was perhaps the easiest and quickest way that he could thing of to draw some magical power from their union, enough to warn the rescuers, enough to get them here instead. He was aware now that Alynia's magic was much stronger than he realized. Her determination for the king fueled her now and she drew strength from that.

“Foor the king,” he repeated indicating that he understood. He was married. She was too. And while he knew that this was much harder for a non fey than it was for him he realized that she was stilll determined. He wanted this of course, may not have wanted this under such circumstances but it was her decision, he merely had to come clean with everything first. He kissed her back on the lips then sent a trail of soft kisses along her neck.

He drew the cloak off of her shoulders pooling it at his feet before settling his hands on her hips, rubbing them beneath his heated touch for he had not been in the tower for long and his skin was much warmer than her own.

She could feel his own excitement coming to life beneath her, he straining against his pants as he leaned forward, capturing her breast in his mouth as he swirled his tongue eagerly around it.

Alynia whimpered as Eamon discarded the cloak, the thin line of defense between her bare skin and his, away. It was as if her only protection was gone. The queen was determined, but still conflicted. She still whined softly as he ducked his head, expertly twirling his tongue around one of her pert nubs. Her mind was tumbling with contradictions. How this was wrong for her to do. How this was normal for the Fey. How this was right to save Oberron from a terrible trap. Did it even matter? 

She could feel his length hardening somewhere between near her thighs causing her to look away from the elf who was kissing her in an embarrassed blush. Alynia took in a breath, calming herself. Forcing herself to relax and maybe even enjoy Eamon's actions. Her nipples hardened under his gentle assault, even though it was obvious both of them were tentative and holding back. She clutched him close, to embarrassed to let him fully see her, at the same time she felt as if she needed something to hold on to. To anchor her perseverance as well as her pleasure. 

"Ah-" she gasped sharply hugging his tighter. The same they intertwined made it so every small sound, every concealed whimper did not escape the ears of the elf. 
Even if Alynia was still so unsure, she seemed so responsive to him.

Her body felt like melting ice as his warm body came slowly conducted it's heat onto hers. 'This isn't right' she told herself as Alynia kissed his shoulders. 'I shouldn't be doing this..' she kept thinking but she did not relent with her kisses. Alynia's hands snuck down his form, her lips trailed up and down his torso, she was quick to realize he was more than ready to continue. Over his bottoms, she gently grasp his shaft squeezing softly at the hardening appendage. 

"For his sake..." she reminded herself quietly lifting herself from her knees so she could assist him in peeling away his pants. She deemed him undressed as his bottoms dangled off one of his ankles. Her small hands reached down clutching the base of his cock. She pumped once, then twice willing Eamon to his full glory.

A wave of shyness crashed over her as she froze. What on earth was she doing? Her eyes widened, a fearful doe surfaced from her features. She wanted to continue... In a way she almost needed to continue. But Alynia didn't want to at the same time. She reminded herself that he was married too... This was alright for Fey, especially in such a circumstance. 

Her eyes flickered briefly to the opening of the cave, thinking she might've heard a sound but it was probably her being paranoid. Her hands continued to massage his shaft. At a slow steady pace Alynia rubbed a lot his length. She looked at Eamon, the eye contact suddenly making the situation all the more intimate. "D-Do not let me stop until you are finished.." she stuttered abashedly wanting a way to make herself go through with this. 

Biting her lip, she lifted herself rotating her hips on the tip of his erection stimulating her arousal as well as his. Alynia let out a strangled moan though hoping he would continue for her. She felt nervous, fearful, and despite all aroused. 

It seemed that Eamon was intending to make this as pleasurable as possible as he stripped that thin cloth away from her before placing his lips against her breastm his tongue and touch coursing against that tit as he brought that delicate touch against her. He was sllow and deliberate as he folded his lips about that globe licking against it as his tongue swirled against her nipple feeling it harden against the administrations of his own tongue against her. For the fey of course this had been normal as he brought his lips against her creamy skin flowing over it.

As she looked away embarassed he reached up to her chin seizing it and turning her head so that he was looking at her. He was looking into her eyes then. “For Oberron,” he chimed before his lips pressed against hers further. They had not lingered there long as he wrenched them away in a gasp a hand reaching up to curl around the curve of a breast, rubbing it as he gazed into her brown ones with his green.

He had been beside himself as he help her strip his pants his boots being kicked off to make removing those pants easier. He was all too aware that she was doing this for the king. He could sense her hesitation even as she tugged on his shaft stirring him to his fullness.

It did not take much prompting on her part before she found that he was nice and firm. His length eagerly awaited what was to transpire next. He throbbed eagerly, twitching beneath her, letting out a small groan as she finished with him, as if he had been pleading for the retun of her touch though she moved over him, positioned herself then stopped as if she had been uncertain of the matter. He had known what she had meant as she made her commands know to him and he nodded in response to indicate that he had understood her words.

She halted above him and he halted below her, hesitating depite her words it would seem. His hands securing a hold on her hips, his chest rising and fallling in a splendid rhythm then he went to her clit brushing against it with a hand, instilling a little pleasure into her as he gazed into her eyes.

It was only for a moment though before he was gribbing her hip and rolling so that she was beneath him. It would be easier this way, especially if she was hesitant as he looked down at her while between her thighs the tip of his shaft threatening to punctuated those soft folds of her body he waited a moment as if for approval though he already had it as his lips swept over her neck, his tongue sweeping against it muffling his groan as he presssed himself fully inside her.

He groaned as he pressed straight down inside her swelting core, heat sweeping through her just as he groaned again, his thrusts quick and eager as he pressed into her, groaning out as he did so. His hands sweeping over her ribs then, up and then down as he buried himself in her as if eager to be encased inside her body as readily as he left it.

Eamon pumped away at her, despite the situation the matter was arousing, clouding her senses as he presssed into her, his lips folding against her, pressing against her her breasts as he licked those aeroles, pressed his lips to her shoulders and neck, to her mouth, anywhere he could reach.

“You feel ...” his words dying away with a groan, his eyes closing as he slowed deliberately as if to prolong this moment. His eyes opened up as he pulled his length back and out of her. He gazed down at her, let out a breath he had been holding then reached down to a breast to sweep his fingers against it.

“No, that will be all ...”

They gazed at each other, with a stare so intent as if they were speaking with their minds. Alynia nodded briefly as he reminded her of their purpose. Still, she couldn’t help that her breaths were long and erotic, the way her chest heaved. For a moment she was steeling herself, trying to get her body to obey the simple command of lowering down onto him. But for some reason she couldn’t… “Mhn- !” she suddenly groaned in surprise throwing back her head. A lovely feminine tone sounded around the cave as suddenly his hand reached down to her clit. It was that little bit of stimuli that helped snapped her out of her turmoil. Though she jerked slightly at the contact pushing only the very tip of him within her body, she was very glad he flipped her over.

The queen looked up at the handsome elf hovering over her. She could feel his hardness press gently against her folds. “Please, continue...” she shuttered at his questioning glance wrapping her arms around his neck. Alynia moaned softly as he kissed her neck with skill. She let out a breath through gritted, squeezing her eyes closed as he pushed, pushed ever so carefully into her delicate being. He gave little to no time to adjust, whether it was his own eagerness or just efficiency Alynia was not sure. At this time it was difficult to concentrate on anything besides his fast pace, thrusting in and out of her at a marvelous rate. “Oh- god!” she groaned unable to keep her voice down, the words bounced off of the small cave.

Crying out softly every time their hips met, her hands found their way to entangle into his long locks. She gently pushed his head into her breast, wanting to feel more of his tongue caressing her soft breasts. His mouth went everywhere, kissing, nipping, and licking any part of her sensitive body he could reach. Alynia encouraged him with whimpers of delight every time he concentrated on a particularly sensitive part of her nape or her shoulders. Even though her husband daunted him with experience, Eamon also seemed to know the female body rather well. It was as if he was obeying the unspoken wishes of her mind. ‘Kiss me there’ her thoughts would scream, and he would.

The words he spoke out loud went unspoken in the queen’s head. Instead she mewled softly to communicate her approval. Alynia whimpered as he slowed, her inner walls hugged tightly around him as if not wanting him to pull away, but he did. They locked eyes again, but Alynia dared not to ask him to relieve her. Even though this was what her body was practically begging him to do, she remained still. ‘For Oberron..’ she reminded herself. Even ss amazing at it was, this was not for her pleasure. Though her body still hot and wanting, she decided maybe it would be best to bear with it until her king could tend to her.

She pulled Eamon down into a tight hug, chest to chest. Alynia was unsure of what to say, unsure of what to do. “Y-you were very good.” She stuttered embarrassed but she was telling the truth. She kissed him softly on the cheek, then his lips. “Thank you for letting me enjoy it.” whispered the queen, blushing but giving him a meek smile.

He was good, sweeping fires through her body, kissing her and feeding fuel to the fire it seemed. He burned her with his attention and while his pace was eager I was just as good as what Oberron had gotten her accustomed to feeling.

She had not felt his body coming undone and had been left to wonder if he had cum in the vessel of her body or not. She had no warning, no throbbing or trembling, no groans or raspy breath to indicate that he was close. She had told him to continue until he had finished so she could only assume that he had. Alynia had never been with an elf before so she didn't know how different they were from humans or Oberron for that matter.

She had managed to convience herself that this was for her husband's sake, that now they would have that magical power to harness the power they needed. Yet what was this burning through her body? This buzzing of wanting more of this?

Eamon lifted back from her, grinning down at her as if in approval that his queen could be so fantastic. Though as she complimented him he grinned at her. “Oh, yes, I do realize. Too bad you fucking suck at it.”

The features of his face contorted and changed until that of Gersham had been hovering over her. “Such a slut! Mention Oberon and see how easily you spread your legs? I don't know what was worse, the fey after taste of kissing you or being inside you, maybe all those disgusting thoughts about Oberron.”

He caged her in so he was gazing down at her, his three eyes locking upon her own, arms either side of her body.

“Oberron may forgive you for dealing with another fey or human but an unseelie and me at that he will never forgive you. Never. At least my little slut knows what she is. Oh, did she want to whip me? No, but she knew the consequences of disobeying. I got to say, you're stupider than I though but there was a reason I brought you out here. You'll see in time ...”

He grinned down at her. “This chamber blocks all magic save for mine. When Oberron comes, he'll come to the tower only thing is that you won't be there.”

He pushed off of her then. Of course! He had mentioned Marduke hiding his army in the Shadow but Oberron could not walk it, and assuming he was stronger than the atomie wouldn't Oberron be able to do it? Unless either Oberron had been lying to her or he had been specifically targetted by someone, in any case Gersham didn't know this it seemed and thus he ered. There was a small chance he was playing games with her making her consider the small clues carefully to see if she would catch on.

He left the cave and as he did a blueish field sprang to existance briefly. “Oh, did I fail to mention that those with demon blood can pass through here with no difficulty but non demons can't walk out? Hm, oh well.” Gersham laughed as he walked away leaving her there.

 At first she was shocked at his words. Confused, she met his smirk with an innocent startled expression. Then she watched with absolute horror as his disguise melted away. The effect was immediate. "I'm not a slut, you tricked me! You bastard! Get off!" she screeched wriggling and trying to buck him off to no success. The queen could do nothing but remained pinned defenseless againsr his three eyed state that pierced through her. Alynia turned her head away from him in shame. "You're horrible!" she cried whimpering. 

First he deceives her then he insults her? "Shut up!" Alynia yelled her face flushing.  "If you really thought that the. I wouldn't be lying underneath you!" She felt terrible. Alynia had actually enjoyed his sick mind games. 

Her chest heaved in anger, but she was more miserable with herself. She had fell for his ruse, she had completely believed him! How could she have known that The Prince would go as far as to harm himself to torment her... To be frank, Alynia wasn't all that sure that Gersham even felt pain.  His words hit her like brick shattering glass. She knew she  could not just begin to doubt herself. But what if he was right? What if Oberron wouldn't forgive her for her mistake? 

Why was he so driven to torture her? Because he hated Oberron? Was that it? Alynia couldn't answer these questions herself. Either way, she had no choice but to accept that he had succeeded. He stood up, leaving the distressed queen in mental ruin. At this time she could not ponder Gersham's true purpose to an extent in which knowledge would be useful. Alynia did not care why she was brought to a room that nullified magic why would it matter? She probably wasn't even to do magic at this plot. Her spirit had been motivated just so they could be shattered to pieces. All she could concentrate on was how she ultimately betrayed the only man she'd ever loved! How if Gersham had his way, her husband would die by his hand! Alynia's vision blurred as bitter tears began to form.

As she was physically able to, she sat up hugging her arms protectively across her bosom refusing to look up at him. Not that it mattered anymore, Gersham had gotten what he wanted. "You're disgusting! Despicable!" There weren't enough words in her vocabulary to condemn him as he left leaving his heartless laugh echoing in her ear drums, and the nightmares in her heart. She has never felt such seething hatred toward anything. 

It was after she was sure he had left her alone in the dark cool cave did she weakly crawl (for she didn't feel that she had the will nor strength to stand) to the emerald cloak he had provided earlier. Pulling the cloth over her naked figure she realized such an act of mercy only made Alynia feel more helpless to his whim. She was nothing more than a puppet so easily manipulated! Silent tears streamed down her cheeks and they did not stop until the sun seemed a good deal lower than it was before. 

After the girl had no more tears to cry, she pushed herself to stand wrapping the scant cloak tightly around her. Slowly she shuffled to the entrance of her prison. Alynia could see faint ripples of magic that acted to separate her from the world. She tentatively reached a hand forward to touch the field, only to withdraw with a hiss. Her hand now slightly singed, she cursed at herself for being so stupid once again. The queen had run of options, she walked defeated back into the depth of the hollow. Lying down on the hard floor, she tried to succumb to sleep to no avail. The poor girl shivered at disturbed nightmares of the Prince and his slave, but it was the dreams of her beloved king that renewed the soft tears which now once again flowed down her beautiful face. 

Gersham had not refuted her words. He simply laughed at her. She knew what the truth was and being here isolated would get her to think over things, get her to dwell over the “escape” from the tower to what had lead up to this moment in time.

He had called her a slut, she defended herself adamantly but he had not argued with her. She knew, she could think she was tricked but the bottom line was that she would not have been in the predictament if she had not agreed to it.

Gersham had not force her to do anything against her will and that hurt more than if he had. He had gotten into her skull hand tormented her mentally rather than physically though now she realized that his continous lucky breaks had not been luck at all. He had engineeered this, he had gone through an elaborate scheme to get her here, to do several things.

Of course she hated him with a passion, Gersham figured she would so they were right on schedule for that. No, he wanted to make things horrible for her as much as get into her head that all this was unreal, that she couldn't believe that her rescuers even came in that she would come to ruin her own escape attempt by not believing it should someone come. And someone would. She was a queen after all and if Oberron was incapable of coming then certainly someone else would like Corte.

He left her to her own devices, that was the beauty of such mind games. Let her refuse to believe things yet leave her long enough for her to consider what truly happened. Yes, she had been tricked but she had been a willing participant in the matter.

Did the fey and unseelie hate each other that much? Did Gersham sp eak the truth? Would Oberron disown her now? Would he find it unforgiveable that she received Gersham, however briefly, even if tricked due to it being willing on her part? It was one thing had she been force, at least that could be an excuse of some sort.

That smile, the looming hatred in his eyes, why had Gersham hated her so much? Would Oberron sense that she had been with him, Gersham had complained aabout her fey after taste, perhaps he had disliked it so much that he had had not endured to continue too far, or perhaps he wanted to keep her on edge. No, her hands had been free, she could have dealt with the buzzing feeling that swept through her. No she had felt too ashamed to touch herself.

But she had been left there for the better part of the day and thankfully Gersham left the cloak for her to wrap herself in went and she used it now as the sun sank low on the horizon. It had always gotten darker in the mountains first so she had an hour perhaps before the sun had sank completely there.

But it was then that she hear a massive roar like that of a lion! She couldn't see much though she heard the beating of wings, that roar and a whooshing sound. From the cave she saw some of the forearm sized spikes clatter off the brown stone as tail spikes were launched at something.

Unable to leave that cave she had heard the clatter of stone. She was aware of the fact that some sort of battle had been going on and soon something large had ollapsed to the ground after a blood curdling roar before the creature fell to the stony earth.

Then silence. Whatever was out there was either too beat up to press on or stopping just out of sight to rest. She could hear a long low gasp a momrnt later she heard to long low gasp of someone in pain amongst the sounds of a bag or pouch being opened.

The cave was dreadful to be confined within. She looked out of the mouth of the den watching the day darken wistfully. Freedom was so close, but at the same time unattainable.

She was trapped with nothing but her thoughts, the horrible memory of sin embedded itself within her. It was all the worse as he had left her while her mind had still been fogged over with lust. A small kindled flame that flickered but refused to die out completely. Alynia cursed herself for what seemed like the hundredth time for being so weak. Pulling the cloak around herself tight she could do nothing but watch as the sun slowly sank.

It was in a moment of intense silence when she heard the massive roar. She jumped up, started by the sudden break in the silence of her thoughts. In a matter of seconds, the land outside seemed alive with commotion. She dashed to as close to the rippling barrier as she dared trying to see what was going on. She could see spikes being tossed about; she could hear the thunderous steps of battle reign and the resonating sound of wind as a monstrous pair of wings flapped. The word ‘dragon’ ran through her mind, but she didn’t really believe it.

“Hello?” She called out. Could they even hear her? Though she knew that what ever it was outside could’ve been dangerous, she really wanted to be out of her steadily darkening prison. She strained her head trying hard to see with not much success before squeaking and stumbling back as she heard the beast collapse onto the hard ground.

What was that?! Alynia’s eyes widened with confusion and fear. What ever fell sounded like it was huge! She shuddered in fear as there was silence save for the hard breathing of what she could only assume was the victor. They were obviously in pain. “Excuse me! A-are you alright?” She called out earnestly wondering who or what it was.

Whoever was out there had been much too busy to respond to her though the commotion continued on. It sounded as if their was a battle raging on out there though there was little that she could see besides the flickering tail spikes being cast at something clattering against the rocks while she had glimpsed leathery wings.

While her first impul.se triggered the thoughts of Ciner in her mind, that the dragon was probably worse than Gersham, she did not wish to find out. No what she could see of those wings the creature was probably smaller than the dragon or at least what she believed had been as grand as a dragon.

But after it had been all over, when she had called out someone or something heard her and approached this way staggering forward, at least it sounded as if they were shuffling. She could hear panted breaths and at first she saw a dark shape vaguely humanoid approaching. By now the sun had set and while it was not dark yet these were the mountains and it was much darker here. Out there was shadowy light.

A humanoid figure approached and it slowly took shape. His left leg dragged behind him as one of those wicked tail spikes pierced it. His shirt was torn at the shoulder, shredded by claws and there had been a lot of blood rolling down his sleeveless arm.

His sword was out, still covered in the ichor of the foe he vanquished no doubt. He squinted in the darkness, calling out who was there as there was a tense moment.

At first in the dim light it had seemed that he had missed the cave though as his eyes fell upon her, the cloak pulled tight against her form he paused in disbelief. He blinked his green eyes a few times as if not believing what he was seeing.

It was an elf, not just any elf but Eamon! At least Gersham had used his image and she had to wonder if he was really a scout that Gersham had known about. It made more sense for him to have made up a figure, correctly? What if she had met Eamon … no, he, Gersham, said that he was in Marduke's court so she would not have met him.

The elf groaned as he dropped to a knee, his injured one screaming in pain as he laid it out as straight as possible rather than resting on it with his fulll weight. He had not pulled the spike out of his body least he happen to bleed to death as a result as he was alone.

His features where cut and scrapped and she was aware that he was much dirtier than Gersham's illusion.

He laid his sword on the ground before him now that he had determined that there was no further threat. “My queen! I am surprised to see you here, you were believed to be at the castle, the central tower. Your commands my highness.”

She backed away a bit frightened, timid as a limping dark figure approached. Alynia was holding her breath as well as the cloak closer to her than ever to her bare form. Once she actually saw who it was she whimpered even more terrified. “Eamon?” she whispered in fear walking up carefully to the cave entrance peering at him. She reached forward as if to touch him checking first if he was real, but quickly withdrew as her hand in pain as it came in contact with the barrier.

Alynia looked at his deep green eyes that had watched her with such lust hours ago and shuddered at the sudden renewal of the memory. Was this logical? The queen really didn’t think that Gersham would disguise himself twice with the same ruse. Also the elf before her not just hurt, but perhaps even fatally injured. Alynia blinked her eyes looking at him with a difficult expression, still not sure if she could trust again. But in the end, no matter who it was, she could not leave him ignored.

Eamon looked just as surprised to see her as she was to him. He dropped to his knee, Alynia wasn’t sure if this was cordiality or of exhaustion. “Please rise.” She muttered then paused. “Or rest, or lie down…” Alynia braced herself and pushed against the horrible barrier once more, only to hiss in pain. Gersham’s words reigned true, since his magic was much stronger than her own, she would not be permitted to escape unless the prince allowed it. She wanted to help; oh goodness she couldn’t bear to see others in front of her in pain. The way Alynia looked at him with a remorseful glance almost made it appear that she was more hurt than him.

“I was in the central tower, before the Prince brought me here. I am led to believe that both Oberron and Corte don’t know this. Gersham is ready for them to infiltrate the center tower.” She quickly breathed out to who she could only hope was the true thing. “I cannot leave.” Alynia muttered sadly motioning toward the shimmering wall between the two. “Imprisoned by the Black Prince who states only demons can pass through. Nor is magic effective while here.”

Her expression was pained as she watched Eamon’s face struggle to remain straight. It was easy to see that the scout was in pain. She couldn’t give him orders as it was. Frustrated she let out a groan slamming her fist into the horrible wall. Her hand stung, but she didn’t care. The queen did not like feeling so useless. Here was someone who needed her help, but she had no way to reach him.

“Don’t push yourself.” She immediately told him with a stern but sympathetic. “I will never forgive you if you do.” Alynia paused looking at him. She felt terrible telling him what to do, but she was a queen. This is what she had to do. “I don’t know if it’s possible for you to get me out of here..” she stated doubtfully. “That would be best… but alas the Prince is well versed in these aspects.”

She sighed. “Please, if you can…” Alynia stopped looking at the suffering elf. She couldn’t ask him to send a message to Corte. Not when he was in a state like this! “Come closer to me and regain at least some of your strength.” She said protectively. Alynia could do nothing for him except let him rest. “I will alert you if there is anything that could threaten you, but please. You cannot help me when you are so bleeding like you are” She looked worried, concerned. Alynia waited for him to obey, for she knew it was practically impossible for him not to.

“I need to alert the royal guard as well as the king to not go to the castle. Gersham is expecting it. He is prepared. I-I was just bait.” She explained looking up at the sunset, such a beauty during such a cruel situation. “Though I fear it’s already too late.”

Alynia still couldn't keep her sight on him to too long. There was this lingering paranoia that the elf infront of her would melt away into Gersham once more. She couldn't help but wonder if the Prince had some how manipulated the strings so that she would have to fave the real Eamon. The things she had said to him before, though it did not feel like it, were completely void.

“Yes? How do you know of me my queen?” He was confused of course. He wasn't sure he had met her and felt that he would have remembered if he did. As it was he was taking a guess here. He was told that the queen was human, a readiant beauty at that and supposedly at Gersham's tower though he had never seen her before.

“Thank you my queen I think I will sit.” Standing on that leg would have been too much he grunted though as he shift into a sitting possition his back now pressed against the stone of a rock as he glance at her thoughtfully. He inquired about the barrier that he saw spring into existance with curiousity.

After a moment Eamon nodded at her words as he drew them in. There was a barrier here and she spoke of news of the others. “Corte is indeed here but your husband is still in Avalon so the Black Prince will be sorely disappointed. With you here though assaulting the casle isn't necessary.

“Demon blooded? A rather simple barrier but if the Prince placed you in there than he has a way for you to tet out as well. I will speak to the Count, he knows of these things better than I.

“The attack and infiltation of the castle won't be happening until I report in.” He was a scout and was only here because he was working on scouting out a means of drawing clloser. He glanced to her, unaware of what she was thinking at that moment.

“His highness would not forgive me if I didn't do all I could in this situation so I am in a bit of a bind.”

He was not aware of why she wanted him to move closer but he did. He figured that she was stuck in that chamber but she issued her desires and made note of her concerns.

“I am the harbringer of the attack your highness. When I report back it is to be launched so all is not too late. If I don't return then they will probably dispatch other scouts to see what happened. I was doing quiet well before getting to cocky I'm arfraid and seen by one of the manticores though I can get a message out if you so desire.”

He grunted then smiled as he used the rock to pull himself up. “I have the Count's winds and was going to use them once I bound these wounds but heard you first and decided to investigate. Wait here.”

As if she had a choice. He vanished before her or rather his form became clear and broke apart merging with the wind. There she waited, ten, fifteen twenty minutes before he retuned, his arm bandaged as was his leg. He was looking to be in much better shap despie having a cane to lean on as he moved.

He was not alone either. At his side was the brownie Oswald and the pair moved towards Alynia's prison.

“It seems as if you've gotten yourself in such a bind ...” Oswald began then looked in terror. “You shoes! What happened to your shoes?” He gestured as if that wasn't important right now though she could tell that the obsessive brownie with the shoe fetish must have been going nuts. He shook his head slightly then looked at the barrier, studying it before asking her questions about how she got in their if it were demon blooded but from her explaination you only needed to be demon blooded to get out. This wasn't too much of a problem.

He took out a red vial, drank half it'ts contents then walked forward towards her. “I'lll make you new shoes when we're out of here. And your dress? What happened – oh never mind. The dress is nothing without the shoes but you have to look the part of queen.”

He went to summon up another dress, found that he was blocked from doing so and had to leave the cave to summon up green shoes and a green dress before walking back to her, “Hm, that worked. Don't look boy, turn around.” And when the elf had the little browie was handing her the clothes before sweeping the cloak off of her. He then held it up like a sheet to block anyone's view of the chamber before she dressed. He had not lingered on her nakedness or cast her any more of a look than the initial one as if he had seen her naked before or perhaps he was not offended by nudity.

When she had dressed he was giving her the vial of red liquid. “Drink.”

The liquid was bitter and rather terrible to taste. But as she finished it Oswald nodded at her and coaxed her out of that cave. Oswald thought it was rather simple to thwart with a little ingenuity and a few spell components of course demon blood was rather costly though it was used primarily in the summoning of demons.

“What we did was fool the barrir into thinking we were demons by ingesting a little demon's blood. You can look now Eamon, he draped the cloak over his forearm then looked at the queen. “You know, for a queen you go though clothes a lot. This is what, the second time? I like those shoes on you too, please don't loose them. Why, they are more important than the dress. Now unless you have any commands shall we go back to the camp?”