If they got irritated so be it. Oberron was looking out for her safety abive all else though he certainly didn't mind in delaying her trip anither day and he showed her all that night exactly why. He was an opportunist and since she was staying the extra day they might as well enjoy it, right?

Regretfully the rest of the day and a good portion of the day was filled with other tasks that of course had been necessary. The further practice of magic was always good, though Oberron both teased and hinted that she would do her best at night … of course he had meant the transferance of both longvity and arcane power to her, meaning so to tease as much as hint where his interests lied that night.

The dwarves and elves had a long history of wars. Neither really getting the upper hand over the other. Both were good natured but had their stark differences that kept them from seeing eye to eye a lot. The dwarves were not fey though from her understanding gnomes, their “cousins” were. So gnomes were often the go between since they were fey like elves but still similar to dwarves to relate to them. Perfect mediators it seemed. Oberron had to know this but he was still sending her moreso now than ever even if plenty of precautions were being set into place.

So looking up the most resent trouble she found that all this pertained to a boarder dispute between the two. The dwarves lived beneath the mountain to the North and mined extensively as they were known to do. While mining and following a rather rich vein of minthril they were mining beneath elven lands killing the trees and the forest itself.

The dwarves could not give up such a rich vein of untapped resources especially when the money could go towards fighting a disease that had been ravishing thieir young … but the elves couldn't sit back and let a forest so ancient die so the two species were at an impasse. Mining had stopped until the procceedings were over. That had been the general information she gathered though further research showed that minthril usually was not deposited in the ground so close to the surface but deep underground for the most part where if that were the case this wouldn't be an issue.

Among her research and magical practice she managed to get some baking in and was even introduced to Zy, a rather tall gnome who used her magic to increase her size. She loved being mistaken for other races and gnomes loved tricks as simple as this one was.

The time had been upon them to part company and they did so, Oberron had been kissed on the lips though he grinned at her words. That was true it was not soon enough but he wanted her back and so stacked the deck in her favor a bit. He made sure that her coming back was very likely even though he had figured that her best recourse had to get herself aptured at some stage, an aspect that he was not entirely comfortable with but gien the nature of her equipment she should be save.

The earrings, he did not tell her, could only be removed by the person placing them one without magic and the ring that reflected magic made using magic on her next to impossible at least directed magic where she or something in her possession was targetted. He or Corte could get her out of any jam with goblins after all. She could probably get out of it herself …

Oberron gave her a wave back as he gazed upon her form before it broke up. In no time they had been at the Marquis' castle. There were plans of meeting in the contested forest but it was rather unstable and with Crom apparently disappearing at the hands of the goblins the dwarves came down here considering it was much closer to the goblins and thus they wouldn't have to travel so far to look into things.

They were shown to their rooms and to no ones suprise Demarco, the dwarf, was rather agitated and anxious to get started since dwarven lives and not the lives of some trees had been on the line here.

Alynia was sad to leave, but her husband had done a more than an adequate job reminding his wife what was waiting for her when she returned. She was a bit tired too, it had been very late night but it had been entirely worth while. She was nervous and determined as well. The situation was complicated, but Alynia felt prepared. Though the day before had been pleasurable, she blushed simply at the thought of what he actually convinced her to do, it had been very productive. So she was ready for anything this mission entailed.

Equipped with various pieces of enchanted jewelry and a knowledge base of Elf and Dwarven history and politics, Alynia, Oswald, and Zy all disappeared in a gust of whirl wind. They arrived at the front entrance of the castle, for it would've been rude just to appear inside. The building was grandeur in size, though not nearly as much as her own home, still it was very obvious the Marquis was in a position of great power.

Stately grey towers extended high upward toward the sky and in the background a massive green forest. This end of the kingdom had regenerated at record speed. The lush evergreens suggested though a slightly colder atmosphere.

There were mountains too that rivaled the castle in it's magestic qualities, snow peaked mountain tops in the distance made Alynia realize that this castle was on the borderline of the kingdom and the outskirts of wilderness. There wouldn't be snow in areas Oberron reigned over, everyone knew it was always sunny in Llynoria unless the king bid otherwise.

Almost immediately, the three were invited into the warmth of the castle. The interior was very lavish, certainly the residents did not hesitate to flaunt their wealth. Impressive and large artwork hung anywhere they could fit, expensive tapestries strung along the walls too. It seemed like a very comfortable place to live, but Alynia still prefered her own castle which for some reason seem so much more welcoming than this one.

They had been let in my a sevant or maid, a quiet looking blonde elf who looked very young. She couldn't have looked more than fifteen in human years. The gentle girl bowed to the three of them and the queen bid her to rise. "Please, right this way." She invited politely, so they followed her up a large stairwell until they finally reached a hallway Aynia assumed housed the guests.

"This one is yours, your majesty. " the girl pointed out motioning toward the first ornate door in the hallway. "Please make yourself at home." she had said with a smile. "Someone will be with you shortly with more details of the meeting. Sir, Mam, your rooms are further down this way. Please follow me." The little girl continued adressing Oswald and Zy.

"Thank you" Alynia replied kindly giving the servant, Oswald then Zy a comforting smile. "Hopefully I will see both of you soon." Alynia clicked open the door to her prepared room very pleased with what she saw. It was just as lavish and regal as the rest of the castle. A roaring fireplace, an unnecessarily gigantic bed with deep purple sheets, a matching embroidery rug formed the floor. Not to mention the basics. A desk, a three way mirror, a dresser too. Alynia was almost relieved to find tha the bathroom, though gleaming white, was much smaller and much simpler.

She sat down on the bed, promptly sinking into the mattress at least two inches. It was incredibly soft. Alynia wondered if she would have time to take a nap. She was rather tired, and a few muscles were immensely sore too. Her question was answered before she could even think about it. A knock on the door. Alynia got up to open it finding another elven servant. The servant bowed before she spoke. "Shall I lead you to the conference room now? Mr. Demarco Boulderdash has been eager to start."

Alynia blinked, hoping that the dwarf would not be too angry at having to dely not one, but two days. In her defense it was Oberron's decision but Alynia didn't want to be caught making any sort of excuses. "Thank you, that would be very kind of you." the queen responded graciously as she was lead out of her room and down the hallway by the elf to the conference room where Alynia assumed the others would be waiting.

Oberron ensured that his wife had been quiet prepared for the challenges ahead. He took the extra day to supply her well for this went well beyond a land dispute between elves and dwarves. There was something large at work here, to many things were suspicious … a vein of minthril so close to the surface was on it's own suspect but then there was the dissappearance of Crom with a heavy suspicion it was the goblins (for Oberron was given no concreit proof it was) and plans to capture the Queen … a dwarven Thane a fey Queen …

Clearly there was more behind this, things were too suspicious to be random happenings of the goblins. No there was something calculated here …

Arriving at the castle the trio looked upon the place. In a rarity of Oberron he sent less of anenterouge with her, coaxing the goblins to make their move rather than be scared off from making one.

The gates of the castle were soon opened as they announce their arrival and who they were. Greeted as only royalty would it was amonst a fan far of trumpets with upung fey girls tossing out rose petals for her to walk on. She was announced, though her enterage, neither of which had any noble titles had been essentially ignored from such introductions.

THE QUEEN OF ALL OF LLYNORIA, HER MAGNIFICENT HIGHNESS LONG MAY SHE REIGN, ALYNIA OF STORMS …

The heralds announced her. The dwarves seemed as dour as ever though delegations had not begun and there were more delays to deal with all this fey nonsense the dwarves would have commented, not that some of their traditions weren't long and tedious either. Reciting the history and lineage of an indiviual and the legendary exploits of their clan througout it's rich history was something that they tended to get into, Thankfullt Crom wasn't here for a list of his epic deds over the last four centuries would have taken two full days alone before proceedings could begin, let alone the accomplisments of the clan itself. DeMarco was a much much younger dwarf and his deeds were no as splendid as the thane's …

She came here to the conference room after being shown her lavish chambers and had been announce by the heralds.

The first day was a wash. The dwarves, annoyed at having had to wait stuck with protocol and sputtered on the lineage of thei clan beneath the mountains. The second day was just as bad though instead of the clan's exploits this time DeMarco's personel accomplishments were spewed forth.

Fortunately DeMarco was a rather young dwarven negotiatior (who like most dwarves led a life of adventure and great accomplishments). If he were any older Alynia might not have gotten through it all. Beside the dwarven delegation the only one who seemed to be following along with any real interest was Zy.

Zy was an odd gnome always making her species. For the delegation she used her gnomish illusions to appear human.

The third day might actually get sothing accomplished if not for her waking late that night, a dwarven sized figure in her dark room though her nostils picked up on the fact that there were no earthly scents coming from him. He was a goblin! A black skinned goblin and very large at that! Their were two other black skinned goblins her and thanks to Mezzo's teachings so understood the larger one.

Shit! She's not drugged! Lug, Ugh, get her!

Alynia's formal greeting rendered her embarressingly speechless. This was her first time going through one of these without her husband's hand to clutch onto and his shoulder to bury her blushing face in. But blush she did as even though she thought she prepared for everything, Alynia could not have anticipated being shoved into such royal treatment so suddenly. They were literally throwing rose petals at her feet...

It was difficult trying to remain under decorum, it took all of her energy to try to remember to smile and wave. In the end it was too easily seen that there was no question of her shy character. Hopefully this didnt give her a bad first impression.

Alynia gave Zy and Oswald an apologetic smile, feeling rather guilty about her getting such attention, but truthfully she was simply relieved to be alone, however briefly, in her room. The silence, save for the crackling fire, was heavenly. Though Alynia felt a bit self conscious, it didnt seem all to unlikely that the residents of the castle were talking about her.

And when she was called down to the conference room, she could feel the eyes of others as she followed behind a guide with Oswald and Zy. In Avalon things were much more casual. In Llynoria, Oberron was the monarch of them all, he was the all mighty king and she, by default, was his queen. In Avalon, though she and Oberron were unmistakeably royalty of high proportions, their titles were not nearly as powerful as they were here. Alynia's mind briefly wondered how he was able to deal with so much of the formalities.

The first and second day of conference had been designated to the dwarves, for it was somewhat of an intimidation ritual to list the entire histor of their clan and thier representative's accomplishments and victories. The announcement had a rather opposite effect on its listeners. Three times had Alynia caught Oswald drifting off to sleep, though certainly she couldn't blame him. She had honestly fared not too much better. The only one who seemed remotely interested was Zy. Alynia had expected the whole ritual, she had read about such decorum in books, but she had no clue that it would take two straight days of conference.

She talked with Oberron through those stones at night when she could. To inform him on how proceedings were going though their conversation usually went off on a tangent to completely unrelated terms.

It was the second night after Alynia had finally gone to sleep after chatting with her husband for so long, but she felt as if she wasn't asleep for long until she heard voices. There was someone in her room... More than one. They were speaking in low grunts. Alynia's eyes shot open, goblins!

Her breathing hitched, her heart rate sped up. Drugged? Alynia blinked thinking back. She had turned down the dinner plate they had offered her opting for soup instead.

She let out a shout as the goblins made a grab for her, she leapt out from the covers in full panic mode, her silver rapier drawn. Alynia's swordsmanship was below average, but it felt comforting that she had atleast a bit of training. There were three goblins, all black, one abnormally large.

Wait, wasnt Alynia suppose to let herself be kidnapped? Just long enough to discover the witch's plans? For a second Alynia blinked in confusion, but nevertheless her body tensed prepared to atleast put up a fight.

Her introduction had been short compared to the tedious drivel she had to endure from dwarven protocol. Fortynately she did not have to listen to all of what the dwarven delegations histories, just DeMarco's as he was heading things himself. It seemed that the other dwarves were here for morale support, guards and advisors of little consequence. Not enough to warrant and introduction of their own thankfully.

This banter of the dwarves, this introduction, had been of great importance to the dwarves that perhaps they were blind to the disinterest of other species, well, other species minus gnomes it appeared for Zy seemed genuinely interested in this deed or that and Alynia had to admit there were some interesting facts tossed in their when she were paying attentio but it took far too long to get to the heart of the story for her tastes and she was afraid to ask any questions to make the proceedings longer than they were. Perhaps later she could ask Zy these questions seeing how she was paying attention to all the details, some questions that may have been obvious showing that she wasn't truly paying attention to the rich oral history of the clan and individual that she was dealing with, thus making herself appear foolish as a consequence!

Of course before she arrived in the conference room and had been announced as Queen to the delegation of the dwarves and eleven delegation who she had met before (Diamond and her “advisor” Ralse who was the actual delegate that leant his suggestions to matters).

She was probably the feature of the gosssip her making her feel self conscious. In the past at least Oberron would be with her on such trips and she wouldn't feel the flush of heat that swept over her now …

She would endure it though, she had a task that she was assigned too and one that she had been prepared for at least a little.

Indeed her talks with Oberron through the stones went in drastically unexpectec directions for how could she hope to keep his interests on things that he probably knew about and that she was only mildly interested in best. Ironically had Crom been here the effects would have been different though longer for over four centuries he had been doing this and had learned to spin a good tale, even if they seemed to be long in the telling they were interesting to most other species (save for the giants and their kin, goblins and related creatures …)

Their talks sort of devolved into all the things he was going to do to her when she got back. He even fell into “stone sex” once in the elaborate, yet juicy telling about how he was going to walk her through this and that, what exactly he was going to do with her in the dungeons when she got back, how he wanted her so much, how he was going to “punish” her for making him wait, really she was Queenand didn't have to put up with dwarven protocols and was thus only humouring them … of course to just cut them off and get to things had been on the rude side, a means of alienating the dwarves though Oberron used that to “blame” her for the delay. He must have know about the delay though, even sent a gnome along to fill her in assuming that here attention would lag in addition to providing her with a wizardress should see need access to such magics …

The Shadow goblins were Zog's elite assassins and infiltrators. Once typical Rune Carvers they were infused with necromantic energies and given special gifts to assist them in their endeavors … she sprang up, sword drawn as the smaller goblins flanked her at the sides as they drew their weapons, samall blades smeared with black pitch though the larger goblin had an axe of abnormal size. He remained in front of her.

Clearly if she were to be drugged then someone was involved in the drugging on this end. A cook, servant, even a dwarf … all were suspect save for her own delegation. Zy was only assigned to this task last minute due to developments and Oswald … well, why would he be aligned with goblins when it was an easy factor to determine that the goblins wore simple footware and thus the fey did not allowing him to be more creative with them!

Ugh, Lug on my count at five Shadow Dance. One, Two, Five!

Both struck and despite their magical tricks she could have beaten them with apparent ease. The two smaller goblins blink, shifting through the shadows to appear at her side but this was a feint as the larger on, Bug, tossed something at her, a vial that shattered on impact on the floor and would release the chemical agent into the air, the magical sleep effect might have been effective if she were first new and inexperienced to such matters but now she was wearing a ring that easily pushed aside these magical effects, that and she was far more experienced now that such simple magical effects she could have shrugged offf with little effort on her part ….

So far though her mission was tedious, it was fulfilling. Silently, it delighted her to understand when she understood when Ralse spoke of that elven legal policy or when Demarco brought up the economic precedent concerning the minthril established only a few centuries ago. In fact, Alynia felt that she was following along surprisingly well. Her opinions swayed a bit toward the dwarves having a soft heart for their sick, but at the same her sympathies alone could not justify such a decision.

She had told all this to Oberron, even drafting the idea of some sort of resolution that would supply a different source of economic foundation for the dwarves besides the minthril underneath the elven forests outloud. Naturally they could only talk for so long about legal issues before their conversations digressed into much more personal topics.

Thankfully, she only spoke to her husband at night with no one else to spy into thier conversations. He couldn't see her, but it was rare for Alynia to not be blushing during such calls. The fey was a species known for their silver tounges, but never had she thought she would be listening to him describe such activities with such eloquence. Alynia let him do most if not all the talking, only contributing her surprised gasps, small whimpers, and quiet moans. Her husband didnt seem to mind, for it was much too obvious the effect his voice had on her.

Those were long but heart pounding nights, with Alynia rubbing her knees together in agony. A hand gently stroking over her panties, the other palmed over her own breast. By touching herself she was probably making it worse because she had denied herself release wanting to make herself more receptive to whatever Oberron planned for her return.

He usually let her sleep when it was too late, or else she would've been too tired, as well as hot and bothered, for the day ahead.

But that night, Alynia's rest was ever so rudely interrupted by a trio of black-skinned goblins. She had been wearing another one of those short silk night gowns. This particular lagender one was designed for comfort over appeal. It was not too revealing but still showed a fair amount of skin. What she was wearing was least of her concerns when dealing with her infiltrators.

The four of them brandished weapons, and perhaps it would be his time that would be most effective to scream. But for some reason her jaw was locked, fear perhaps? Adrenaline? Either way it was likely the walls of her guest room were sound proof as she learned that an overwhelming majority of rooms in Llynoria were.

She held her sword steadily with both hands still conflicted on what she was to do. It felt so wrong to surrender in anyway, and Alynia was confident she could beat them too... But wouldn't that jeopardize the original plan? The shadow goblins made the first move, Alynia's eyes blinked as suddenly the two smaller ones sprang foward. The room was incredibly dark so it was difficult to see them even without their rather simplistic magic tricks.

The center goblin threw a vial at her feet which shattered emitting a pleasantly smelling fume. Sickly sweet and at the same time warm to her senses, it was difficult for Alynia to come to the conclusion that this was a sleep draught. She immediatly took a step back, forgetting that her ring would've negated the effects of the potion anyway, and suddenly her foot caught on the corner of the rug.

Just like that, a simple clumsy mistake, led to a chain of misfortunate events. At the sudden loss of concentration, her rapier shimmered and disappeared into thin air as it seemed she hadn't conjured a solid enough form of the object. Alynia yelped out as she fell on her behind, embarressingly cornered with no more plans on what she could do.

The outline of things to come, well Oberron had listened of course but had not supplied any ideas of his own making her understand that this was all her show. He listened to her ideas, while he had his own theories as to how best to handle things and had a skeleton of an idea as to where she was heading mentally with all these.

He freely advised here about this and that, histories, past treaties and whatever else that she had need of. He was always a font of knowledge, well in most things anyway she had come to realize that he as no good with necromantic magic and had to consult Sage often enough about this or that if he had any questions. In fact most of what Zog had done was in part or in whole figured out by Sage.

He did not mind her not telling him anything in response, he certainly did not expect much more than typical updates to her day, how things were progressing or not so. Of course things might have slown down in her absence had he not wanted answers to a bigger issue that lurked here. In addition to being a wizardress, Zy was a gnome and could take over her talks while Alynia was predosposed. He had assumed though that Oswald would look for her but would contact him through the stones before doing anything rash so he could tell the Brownie that it was all in hand.

Oberron was aware that she was holding off, that she was driven to the brink of her tethered end so to speak. He wanted to do something special when she got back to given the nature of her mission so he had been consider those things that she seemed most receptive too. He would do something for her that went beyond imple “punishment” to make her understand how much she was missed and loved. He figured he would do this before getting into what was promised. .

Bug had been assigned a mission, a mission that was harder to carry out now that the Queen was not drugged as was part of the plan of the elite Shadow goblins … elite for goblins any … Alynia could have still dealt with them had she so inclined. There were only three of them after all, usually when one dealt with goblins it was in far greater numbers where a three on one was about the worse odds that the goblins took before even considering launching an attack.

The small ones darted forward using their illusions and darkness to bend reality to their wills at least in a minor way as they darted in then out.

Her mistep caused her to not just stumble but loose her blade. Bug grinned at her in the darkness and barked out a halt to the two others.

“Come Queen. Dead is just as good but fortune smiles on you that Zog prefers you alive … accidents can and do happen ...” he extended an arm out towards her gesturing her forward.

If she tries anything, kill her. He barked out to the others who watch her noticing her sure footed stance and the effect that the sleeping draught had been shrugged off. Conscious or not did not matter to the goblins though as she was lead out to the balcony where a giant bat, much larger than she was hopped down from the banister and she was force onto it's back with But climbing on behind her. The bat launched itself though as the two other goblins let out a small whistle one by one small (bt still large) bats flew from the roof to the balcony one by one until Lug and Ugh were following them.

The trip was, well it was a different experience for the queen though a short while later the bats landed in a small wooded area nearby where a goblin camp had been extablished. Wargs and goblins, greens, reds, even a white skinned one along with another blue had been here.

Since she understood goblin she knew their intent as they closed around the Queen. Chuckling as they circled around and spoke amonst them who should be first until a brighter goblin came up with the idea that three coul be first at the same time.

Bug had reported in as soon as he got to the camp as he was ordered though the goblin “fun” never got started as the goblins were told to stand down, what caught her attention was that the order was in English. Not just that, it was HIS voice. Ian Daniels was there, black leather armor, a sword at his side and a dagger at the other.

He was dashing as ever though smirking at the same time as his arms crossed over his chest. “No need to thank me for saving your ass once again Alynia …”

She could have fought back, easily. Just because she had lost her weapon, didnt mean she didnt have magic at her disposal. Or atleast enough to fend off three goblins. Alynia blinked for a moment at Bug's extended hand, a quick war waging inside of her head. She could simply surrender, truthfully all would be going as intended. Alynia still had her earrings and both rings that Oberron had equipped her with. She could go, figure out what was really going on and hopefully get out of there as soon as possible. At the same time she was scared of what the witch had planned. Why Ian was here.

But the danger was the entire reason she was here, to put a stop to it. Or maybe just figure out what was happening. Her eyes widened at the lead goblin's orders and let out a shaky breath. "There's no need. I'll come." She stated trying to sound calm. She stood slowly, suddenly feeling vulnerable in what little she was wearing.

She followed the goblins onto the balcony and shivered as the cool night air fluttered over her skin. Alynia hugged her bare arms, closing her eyes briefly conjuring up a a cover-up trying to maintain at least some modesty. But she was nervous and frightened. Not by her kidnappers, by her daunting task. The best she could do at the time was a sheer black shawl that hung loosely around her shoulders. It was mostly a clear night. A smattering of dark clouds still hung over the sky shielding parts of the bright moon. Alynia pulled the cloth tighter around her body as she was forced to mount a gigantic bat and the larger of the three goblins climbed behind her.

The ride was uncomfortable, every time the bat's wings flapped up then down the creature's entire body lurched. Also she hated the feeling of Bug sitting behind her. Goblins were vile creatures, dirty, smelly. Thankfully the crisp night air was enough to conceal most of their odor. They flew for a surprisingly short amount of time. During the trip Alynia was beginning to regret her decision, still it was too late to back out now. But that didn't mean she couldn't fight back.

They landed in a wooded area, the trees casted dark intimidating shadows in the glow of the illuminating moon. There were goblins everywhere, and even some wargs too. The silver orb in the sky provided enough light for Alynia to notice the colors. Red, green, black, white, and even a blue. Alynia was painfully reminded of Mezzo, who surely wouldn't be here to help her.

They were rough as they tossed her onto the dirt ground. Almost all of them had grins as they handled her. A few goblins teamed together wrestling that black piece of cloth away from her. "G-get off of me!" She yelped as they wanted the scanty night gown off next.

Alynia was beginning to panic as little hands seemed to be trying to grab her from all sides. Some at her hair, some at her legs, others at her panties and dress. Alynia thrashed instinctively, "Stop! S-stop!" Her voice shouted trying to drown out what they were saying among themselves. Understanding their language was both a curse and a gift. Besides, Alynia probably would've understood their intentions even without the lessons from Mezzo. They were arguing among themselves about who could have her first as they tugged her legs apart, ripping at her panties, trying to restrain her arms.

Her eyes widened in horror as she heard them come to conclusion more than one could have her at a time. "N-no!" She protested fighting back much more vigorously. Alynia was not going to get raped, especially not by a group of filthy goblins! She was getting desperate, and was just on the brink of using magic to get her out of this but they stopped as an order for them to stand down sounded outloud.

It took a split second for Alynia's brain to switch back to English... That wasn't who she thought it was.. Was it? The goblins reluctantly let go of her as they parted so she could see who it was. Alynia's eyes went wide as her suspicions were confirmed. Ian...

Alynia tore her gaze away, she was barely presentable. Kneeling before him in the dirt, her hair messed up, her night gown ripped just enough places to make a modest piece of clothing so much more shameful. This was humiliating and Ian was obviously enjoying it. Alynia could hear his smirk in his voice, a tone that she thought, she hoped she would never hear again.

She couldn't look at him, and her brain was completely at a loss of how to respond. In a sense she was relieved that no longer was she being handled by goblins, but at the same time she hated her fiance with all of her heart. Years of her life had been spent preparing her to be his wife, and she resented it all.

Her lips opened preparing to snap at him, insult him, determined to tell him off, anything at all! But she couldn't. Alynia froze. For almost all of her life shehad obeyed him, forced to tolerate, no worship him. There was no helping it, she couldn't turn back on years of conditioning so easily!

"T-thank you." She was all she could meekly make out. Her head was turned unable to look at him, a blush still painted on her cheeks as she felt overly exposed. Alynia was angry at herself, why couldn't she insult him? Her jaw tensed as she was mentally cursing herself for her obedience.

She had truly hoped she could never face him again. His arrogance, his sickening belief of his godly perfection. He was always so perverted, and Alynia, being his promised toy, had always been the helpless target of his verbal abuse. She wondered if Ian knew how much she truly despised him.

It was a bit off putting to loose to three goblins even if they had surprised her initially, even if she had been disarmed. She still could have won even without the accessories that Oberron had given to her. She had come a long way from being that wall flower when first arriving here, where a single goblin would have been an immense challenge to deal with.

But she had a bit of surprise on her side. The goblins had neer realized what she could do on her own and since she was with him whenever she encountered them she was often over shadowed. She did destroy that tree last time though the goblins were already in full retreat at the time and would not have known it was her.

Bug was mildly surprised that she understood his language. He himself along with the other Shadow goblins were on the smarter side for the species, hand picked from the tribe by Zog prior to the transformation so reasoning that she would have picked up a language or two wasn't much of a stretch. He nodded at her, grinning at the Queen. She was ugly from his perspective any way though he was still going to join the others in raping her later he thought. First report in that he had acquired her then have a little fun himself ploughing each one of her tight little holes in succession … well he doubted they'd still be tight after the camp at their way with her a few times. Besides, what else was there to do?

The goblins where leery even with her surrender but still had to scramble for their weapons as arcane words sputtered from her lips. They had thought that they were going to be attacked but pulled up short when she had summoned clothing. Goblins, she recounted from Mezzo, had no sense of privacy and in Mezzo's case he had to learn it.

Thus unless it was cold the goblins could not understand layering clothes.

But she was brought to the goblin encampment. It was a large gathering from what she could determine, a small band of perhaps 30 goblins with half as many giant bats and wargs in the mix. But the goblins, smelly crass creatures that they were had begun pulling away her clothes intent on stripping her completely.

They had not listened to her pleas to stop though, completely ignoring her as they bickered about who was going to take the Queen first, second, third and whatever came after three …

30 goblins, an Oberron-esque feat … she probably could deal with a third of that if she lashed out, they were weak but there were a lot of them too … but she had the earrings too so she didn't have to fight on her own either, this situation was salvageable for 30 goblins were far more likely to be handled with Corte or her husband at her side, especially given that she would have the wargs and giant bats to contend with too. But thankful an order was given that the goblins listened too. They regretted it but they reluctantly obeyed the human, he was put in charge and if Zog or the witch were told that they disobeyed …

She looked delicious of course as she “modeled” her latest look for him. It was not a surprise that the clothing would be modest of course but he loved the way the goblin's adjusted it. He looked her over and while she had no way of knowing it she had only been here a few hours and not years.

Ian grinned upon her though, she did cut a cute figure. His bride to be, though he recalled what that nag had told him Ian always had his own plans and you could bet that if he were listening to someone then it was only until he could figure out an angel to get out from beneath their thumb.

Perhaps he would still marry her after he had ruled Llynoria, after all everyone made mistakes …

Maybe it was worse that he had not realized that she despised him so. He extended a hand to her to assist her up.

“Now what sort of man would I be if I didn't help out my fiance?” There was a little chuckle in his voice as he lead her through the camp to a great pavallian in the center guarded by two of the larger green skinned goblins.

He lead her inside. “Just like old times, minus the goblins of course.” He pointed to a chest. “I sort of like what you're wearing now, real nice … but while they may be a bit big for you you can wear something of mine. There's an extra pair of boots beside the bed ...”

Yes, bed, he traveled in style when he could. It was apparent that he was not leaving though for he wouldn't miss this show. He went to another chest and dug out a pair of goblets then some wine before pouring two goblets. The fuck that he knew what it was, he couldn't read fey after all though he was more intent on watching her than anything eles at the moment as he placed the bottle away then sat at the little table, smelling the fruity fragrance of the wine befire bringing his goblet to his lips.

She could have used magic, that would have surely gotten their grubby hands off of her. But Alynia already knew such an alternative would backfire in the long run. Her purpose here was to discover what was going on behind the scenes, and attacking her kidnappers might make such a mission impossible or atleast much more difficult. Still, he girl had no idea the first thing they would do to her was to tear her clothes off and rape her then! It was a good thing they were all arguing among themselves, and wrestling to strip her as the ended up only delaying themselves... Just enough time for her to be rescued even if it was by the man she wanted to see the least.

For a moment she could feel his eyes wandering along her revealed skin. He had seen her modeling in skimpy swim wear, she had even done a lingerie campaign before (and she promised herself to never do so again), but for some reason sitting on her knees before him in a shredded lavender night gown seemed so much more embarressing. When she blushed, he smirked. And when he smirked, Alynia couldn't help but blush more. It wasn't that he was special, the girl really just blushed very easily.

She unwillingly accepted his hand to stand up, but as soon as she was stable on her feet she let go, wrapping both of her arms around herself, squeezing her legs together, trying to maintain as much dignity as she could. Little good that was doing as her clothes were damaged much more than she had expected.

Alynia didn't respond to his words, her eyes trained steadily on the dirt ground refusing to make eye contact with his grinning features. She felt a sudden surge of guilt for failing to tell Oberron about Ian before she had left. The moral thing to do would be to tell Ian about her king... But she was afraid to do so. What if he learned and then threw her back to the goblins? Such a feat would be so easy for him. So though it pained her, she remained silent as she walked besides him, letting Ian lead her through the camp.

Alynia hated the feeling of the goblins and wargs watching as she passed. She already knew that such species never found humans or the humanistic Fey physically appealing and such wasnt a problem anyway. The problem was that she was female, and that was cause enough for them to want to jump her. Instinctively she stuck fearfully close to Ian, but how she truly wished it was Oberron instead who she was turning to for protection. Alynia sighed softly thinking about her husband. Hopefully Ian didnt take this as some sort of romantic gesture. She was actually disappointed having left those communication stones at the Marquis's castle. The only way she could contact her husband would be with her earrings, but Alnia wanted to wait until she truly needed him.

Ian lead her to a pavilion in the center of the camp that seeme surprisingly comfortable and was guarded by two bulky green goblins holding intimidating spears. When she walked inside, Alynia was rather impressed. Of course the interior was nearly not as fancy as the castle she had been staying at during the conference, but still the pavilion seemed immensely out of place at a goblin camp. Alynia was not complaining. 'Yeah, like old times...' She told herself dismally in her head.

Alynia took in a shaky breath telling her to get her mind together. He might have thought hey were still engaged, but Alynia knew they were not. Still it would be smart to stay on his good side. She looked to Ian, silently asking for a means to dress herself. He pointed to a chest, she flushed at his comment on her tattered clothing, much more revealing than she would have ever chosen to wear. But she nodded and made her way to the casket, leaning over slightly to open the heavy chest with one hand, the other arm still draped over her practically exposed breasts.

Back in her shadow, Alynia had always been able to keep Ian at bay telling him she wanted to wait until marriage until they slept together. She knew he didn't like it, but it wasn't as if he only had her to satisfy him. Ian Daniels was rich, and he was handsome. Certainly he had no trouble finding other women to play around with. Alynia preferred it like that. But for some reason, now that Alynia wasn't a virgin, she was feeling much more uncomfortable being alone with him.

Inside the chest were clothes, and for this Alynia was immensely thankful. She dug through what he had for a bit trying to find something suitable to her and oulled out a simple white long sleeved shirt. Alynia could hear some clinking behind her and she recognized the sound of goblets and the pouring of what she could only assume was wine. She could feel his eyes boring into her, why was he staring at her at a time like this? Couldn't he give her some privacy?

But no, she knew what he wanted her to do. Very swiftly she took off the remains of her night gown. For a split second she stood virtually nude before him, wearing nothing but those lovely lavender panties that were snug on her behind. But just as quickly she threw the baggy cotton shirt over her head, and pulled her hair over her shoulders. When she turned around, she was blushing again. The shirt was baggy, but it was thin. If he concentrated, it wouldn't be difficult to see a nice outline of her hills and Alynia was aware of this. The length just about matched the shortest dress in the world, just long enough to completely cover her panties.

"Thank you." She stated modestly watching him sip the wine. Alynia did not like the idea of Ian drinking Llynorian wine, though the chance of being an aphrodisiac was low it was not impossible. Drinks effected humans much differently than they did to the fey. She sat down across from him at the small table noticing the other glass was for her. Alynia reached for the bottle instead of her cup studying the brand of liquor. She did not recognize the name, but she could understand the drink was elven made. That wasnt very good, though there were only so many arousal inducing drinks among fey culture, the vast majority of such drinks were brewed by the elves.

She reached foward putting a hand gently on Ian's wrist, lowering the goblet from his lips. "You shouldn't drink that... It makes your... Teeth rot." Alynia lied setting his cup onto the table. How much had he already drinked? Was the alcohol something she had to worry about in the first place? She blinked at him innocently giving him a sweet but entirely fabricated smile. "Well aren't you going to tell me what you're doing here?" Alynia wondered outloud.

There was that, the goblins might have suffered with an attack but in the end the survivors would have probably made it worse. They wer crass creatures and while they may not have found the Queen beautiful by goblin standards she was indeed rapable by their standards which had been simply to have been blessed or cursed with a vagina. Sometimes that wasn't even a requiement.

But it was their bickering this time that had saved the Queen at least for the time being. That and her clothes that had to be striped away to get at her better.

Ian caught her blush, then her deeper blush given the way that he was gazing at her then. He obviously liked what he saw and while he had seen her in revealing attire before this had to take the cake as if her clothes begged to be torn off and she pressed to the ground and taken then an there to her embarrassment as an encampment of goblins watch on.

Ian mused at such a lovely thought and while she was married to Oberron she was still promised to him. And she was Queen of the Fey … he hadn't been here long enough to know all the particulars though he was learning.

As he assisted her up he took the opportunity to gaze at that lovely clevage that he would have loved to play with, hard nipples beneath his palms, a moaning body beneath his as he danced above her as he filled her with his sword thrusting it deeply into her scabbard, her head tipping back yearning for more as she locked him up in all of her limbs.

He could envision that state quiet well. But modesty had her doing what she could to hide that body from him. Fortunately he was taller and could still make out her impressive clevage that had caused him to spring to life or was it all the erotic thoughts?

Ian had already learned of Oberron at this stage. A silly ceremony where people jump over a broom and were suddenly married if witness were present. A marriage that had to be renewed each season it seemed … that was no real marriage and all he had to do was keep her for a season and she wouldn't be wed as far as he was concerned … well he still had to figure out what tod do with that witch but he was working on that one, as soon as he was ready he'd betray her, he had no intention of settling down with the old coot and Alynia was at least a model that he intended to make his Queen. He would have his harem too though, the fey, from what he saw of the one that came by anyway, were quite attractive so there was no sense in passing up the perks of being King, right?

Indeed Ian thought so highly of himself that Aly's closeness could not go unnoticed. Finally, a real man, she must have been thinking or that's what he chose to believe any way as he gazed at her with a downward tilt of his head at her.

Ian lived with goblis now and goblins were never big on privacy. Why on the way into or out of the warrens he could find goblins using crude latrines outside of the warrens or engaged in sex acts that often seemed brutal or down right taboo for him. So now he watched with interested as she dressed, she could not put him off now, she was his prisoner and she was in no station to demand anything from him. Of course he had been unaware that back up was an easy enough matter for her.

The goblet was forced down. The wine was a part of captured supplies when he went out to the East but Alynia had been her longer. Why anyone would make a wine so pleasant as this with such a flaw was beyond him though he was not going to compalin about it either. He looked at her with a grin on his features as she asked him such a straight forward question.

He glanced about tot the left, to the right for privacy was always an issue amongst the goblins and he leaned forward with a whiper.

“Isn't it obvious? I have come to acquire m Queen.” Martsen ordered it of course, though he had his own agenda too as he grinned at her as he point a finger to his lips as if the matter was a big secret.

He leaned back in the seat, feeling a warmth spreading outward from his belly from the little wine that he drank. It was strong and it was a good thing that Alynia had stopped him from drinking much more of it. He had been disappointed that the show was obviously a let down, that she dressed too quickly for his tastes but he regarded her nevertheless.

“I know of your King,” he began cooly as I changing the subject. “What would the fey think if they learned that their Queen broke a promise, unless of course ...” he grinned. “The promise was only to be wed, no promise as to the duration. Either you don't renew your vows with Oberron and begin them with me Aly or I let the fey know how much of a liar you are. I guess it won't matter, you'll be widowed soon enough ...”

He was grinning at her, and even though Alynia did her best to try not to notice, his eyes were trained onto her exposed skin. Though she hated to admit it, she had known Ian well enough to have an idea what was going through his head. It was strange, how she secretly delighted when she knew her husband was pondering over such delicious images of her, but how she secretly feared when Ian was thinking the same thing.

She walked beside him, smaller, quicker steps to match his pace. Though her arms were still crossed, the corner of his eye was still admiring the swell of her chest, imagining the final remains of tattered fabric gone, and her vulnerable body helpless against his adept experience and strength. Or perhaps that's what Alynia assumed he was daydreaming about. She shivered having a feeling she probably wasn't too far off in her prediction.

She had reluctantly stripped in front of him, how ever briefly it was still embarrassing. When she sat down in front of him, her cheeks were still a slight shade of scarlet. Ian was thinking about she was his prisoner, and unfortunately Alynia could not argue such a point any other way because she knew she was going to stay as long as it took to discover the witch's plans. Though it wouldn't be difficult to call up Corte or even Oberron himself to sweep in and save her from this her from Ian, Alynia was determined this mission was to be a success. She was going to do her best to refrain from asking for help.

Alynia was glad he was so compliant in setting down his goblet, the deep purplish red tinted liquid sloshed inside. A tiniest sigh of relief escaped her lips. At least she wouldn't have to be dealing with a fiancé, or so he thought, who was drunk with extremely potent Llynorian wine.

Still, even though she dodged the threat of alcohol, Alynia felt intensely self conscious as he watched her, a smirk on his clean cut handsome features. Alynia briefly wondered how he was able to deal with such unruly and uncivilized companions such as goblins for as long as he had. Ian shifted his gaze right, then left probably checking for privacy or spies of some sort. Alynia understood about goblin's lack of privacy, it was enough to deal with Mezzo alone... though she was beginning to suspect it was more than just innocent misunderstanding when he walked in on her while she was showering the fourth of fifth time. She blinked confused at his response, even more so when he placed a finger on hips lips hushing the whole thing up like some sort of gigantic secret.

She was stunned, for a moment she was speechless as he leaned back relaxed and obviously comfortable. "You can't possibly mean m-me? As your queen?" Alynia squeaked out of surprise. To be his wife back in her Shadow was one thing. There it was a superficial relationship, if one could even call it that. An arranged marriage and nothing more, but here in the sacred kingdom of Llynoria? The very idea disturbed her as wrong. To have his corrupted being ruling over the majesty of Oberron's forests? There was absolutely no way such an outrageous idea was even possible.

Alynia appeared thoughtful on the idea, even though inside her mind she was never more strongly opposed to anything. His next words brought back her attention. Her eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. He knew about... Oberron? When she thought it over, such a fact wasn’t so surprising. Even though it had been a few years, Alynia still had to get used to the idea of being royalty. Alynia tried to remain calm to Ian's words... But how did he know about the Fey's compulsion to keep promises? "Has it been so long that now I have become Fey?" She remarked casually trying to laugh off his threat. "My people understand that I am human you know." Alynia wasn't entirely sure about this one, in fact Oberron had warned that her breaking promises, even while she was a different species, should best be avoided. But the king couldn't have possibly meant in a situation like this, surely he would understand even if her arranged marriage counted as a promise, such a contract wasn’t made within this realm. Alynia tried to tell herself that Oberron would understand… then why couldn’t she bring herself to have told him about Ian before she left?

"My name is Alynia." She muttered as he called her that pet name. Only Oberron called her that and she preferred to keep it that way. “-and you must be fooling yourself if you believe you can best my husband in battle.” Alynia remarked quietly. The girl was surprised with her own words since she was not used to speaking up against Ian. Her eyes fell down to the table, stubbornly refusing to look up at the man sitting across from her.

Ian's thoughts weren't so tough to follow as he gazed at Alynia hoping to see a bit more or perhaps imagining rather lewed things that he was planning on doing to her. She had always managed to bega off in the past but could she do so now? Back home she had the relative safety of her family to protect her too, that and Ian was kept distracted but now she worried that her only competition was a witch and goblin females … not that she had thought so highly of herself but she had been attributed at some points of having “fey” beauty and when compared to a goblin …

Her determination in learning what was going on could be challenged no doubt. Ian had plans of his own ticking through his skull though it was difficult imaging those bare breasts as she kept them covered as if ashamed of them.

He studied her for a bit as she sat across from him, his prisoner though why the witch wanted her had been beyond him.

Ian noted her relief as he set down the goblet though he doubted she was that concerned about his teeth. No he was missing something there but for the moment he did not say anything about it as he considered. Perhaps she saw something on the label, something that relieved her so it might have done something like fueling his rage as far as he knew.

Ian chuckled at her alarm at his confession to her. While she knew all too well about goblins and privacy issues it had been apparent that he did not desire the witch in finding out or the goblins.

He was relaxed in his seat as he folded his arms across his chest as he had stated things matter of factly.

“You are mine Alynia. You probably thought that coming here freed you to the obligations and promises that your family made to mine but you have no such luck.

“The transition of power will be far more easier this way, I will take you as my wife fulfilling that promise and reign as the sovereign of the land. Alternatively I can just tell the fey that you're a promise breaker and see how quickly you get disowned by all of them. Even the king if he still lives at that point …

“Oh, you're still very much human but you live amongst the fey. What will they think? And before you start fancing things like the promise was made a life time ago or in a separate realm how do you think treaties are formed between Shadows? Martsen has been very informative on this point, on making it clear that Avalon and Llynoria has made pacts in the past, just as Llynoria made paces with other Shadows. I'll admit I don't understand all the politics just yet but the witch is very knowledgeable about the fey and their traditions. Why she opted to tell me this I'm not sure … perhaps she thought I could make use of it to get at you. Perhaps she's expecting me to do something foolish.” He shrugged as he went on, it was a mere coincidence that he touched upon something she was considering.

“Moi? You know that I could do so but if I killed him you would hate me for the rest of my days. You'd still be forced to be my Queen so that wouldn't bother me but the witch has other things in store for him. As powerful as your husband is he has a little sodium problem that can rear it's ugly head at an inorportune time. Very unfortunate if he's in the middle of counting against a non fey opponent.

“But I won't bore you with all these details. I know you like surprises, Aly,” he deliberately ignored her correcting of the name. His eyes flickered to the wine before her then back up to her features.

“I doubt you are concerned with my teeth and gums so drink ...”

Ian, atleast in Alynia's eyes was easily dislikable. His cockiness, disrespect, and disregard for others seemed so obvious to her. But even though Alynia meant evey single word of her thoughts, even she had to succumb to the fact Ian was unusually intelligent. It was probably due to his ability of analyzation he was able to keep track of what Alynia was feeling.

Alynia was pretty good at hiding her emotions, or so she had always believed. After a certain number of years keeping her thoughts completely confidential, sometime off the line, it became easy for her to hide her expressions and her body language. Unless she was reallt happy or really upsetz Though after living with someone as loving and accepting as Oberron for as long, perhaps Alynia was becoming more open. She was loosing her ability to hide.

Ian took note of her relief when he set down his goblet, the unease when he mentioned thier engagement. And in an uncomfortable way it was almost as if he was reading her mind. Alynia clentched her jaw, it was the only way she could remain silent as he was declaring her his as if she was some kind of property, or a pet.

Her beautiful face had a slight expression of fear, and she was nervously biting on her bottom lip. Her hands fidgeted in her lap. She wanted to leave, as far away as possible from this demon of a fiancé.

It's a good thing he didnt give her a chance to speak, for she had no words to say other than ever curse word in the English and Fey language. A matter of fact it wouldn't be difficult to throw in a few goblin insults either, but Alynia knew reacting in such a way would probably make things worse. And also she prided on herself that she seldom used curse words anyway... There was no need to turn back on her morals now.

It was smart of the witch to teach Ian some of these fey cultures and customs and since the purpose was to faze the queen, it was certainly working. She was cornered. Marrying Ian, or getting abandoned by her kingdom and Oberron... both her so horrible she didn't want to think about. Her eyes blinked closed briefly as if trying ears away the dreadful thoughts.

Her eyes widened terrified and her mouth opened in a small gasp, "N-no! You wouldn't stoop so low as to use that!" she exclaimed before she was able to stop herself. How could he know about the salt issue? She pressed her lips together, damn that witch. It was frustrating that a man as powerful as Oberron had such a simple weakness.

"I won'-..." Alynia had started to exclaim. That she wouldn't marry him, not if she was a widow, a slave, or he was the last man alive. But as she looked up at his smug features her voice died, the sounds choked up in her throat. It was infuriating! Why couldn't she berate him? It wasn't magic. It couldn't be magic. The only explaination was all those years of her being so obedient to this very man. It was a sole blessing she was able to keep her chastity all those years. Perhaps on the inside, she was still afraid of him.

She was silent as he continued to use that supposedly affectionate nickname. There was nothing Alynia could do to stop his eyes from looking at her, as much as she wished she could. Her innocently pleading eyes looked up at him fearfully as he ordered her to drink. Alynia might've been good at hiding her secrets, but in all truth she was a horrible lier.

"I-I..." She was scared, and it was all because of the man sitting in front of her. Pleading him to leave her alone was out of the question, not only would that humiliate her but Oberron had taken so much time teaching her not to degrade herself. So she did the only thing had worked for her in the past. Alynia obeyed. "Fine." She stated, her voice obviously reluctant.

Withiut making eye contact, she lifted the goblet to her lips, and then took a small sip. The sweet liquid was delicious and fruity, and it only barely tasted familiar. Unfortunately she did not recognize the brand, though distinct elven flavors could easily be named. Fey drinks were much stronger than any drinks back in the human realm and the last thing she wanted was to let her guard down around Ian. Silently she was praying that the drink was just a wine, nothing more.

Indeed Ian was smart. He was always calculating if only for different angles. He always had a knack for seeing what motivated others and why they did what they did. He was blessed with a bit of insight here and he was a danger when you combined this trait with his usual cold cockiness and self asurd nature.

Ian was just that good at reading people, though it helped that Aly grew easier to read now that her guard had been dropped. Ian was always looking at the next angel, what someone was trying to do. He schemed so often that he assumed that others weren't content with their station and were always scheming to get ahead, regardless if they were paupers or kings.

Ian noted her relief. She was so easy to read at times. Her motivations would center around Oberron and obtaining more power. As it were everyone according to Ian any way. Thus he could assume that she had been considering Oberron all the while as they spoke or rather he talked and she listened for if it were one thing Ian liked it was the sound of his voice. Thus he made some simple deductions and seemed to be reading he mind at that precise moment though Ian would not have believed Marsen in how much Aly was intwined with the king.

Of course that became obvious, just as it was obvious that her silence now hid another truth.

He could tell that she was afraid, afraid of what he revealed to her about Oberron and salt. No she wasn't afraid of him but merely afraid of the truth. She knew how vulnerable the King was toward salt and let her realize that regardless of how powerful her King was a simple salt shaker could be his undoing.

Her response to the Oberron issue and salt had been priceless indeed … he grinned at her exclaimation and while Oberron was her guide at first until she knew enough to stand on her own. It was probably the same way with Ian and the witch … he probably learned a great deal from her.

“You know I would, Aly,” again with the pet name. He grinned at her. “You know I would do but I don't have to worry about that … now that you are here the trap is baited. I will be King, there is no question to that now even if Pog does all the dirty work.”

Her objections died as she glance up at him and he just grinned in return.

He watched as she obeyed. The liquid fruity and pleasant like most drinks. It had a familiar taste to it too so as she drank she felt confident that it was just another wine that she had at the castle.

But it was a variant, one that spread a warmth through the pit of her stomach as tendrils reached out throughout her core. Aiwha. It was a variety of that potent drink, one that awakened the senses in fey but in humans had been a powerful aphrodisiac.

She had done well in keeping it away from her fiance, the little sip not enough to slam into him save for getting him mildly aroused.

He was aroused for certain but she felt it as greatly as a hammer cascading down upon an anvil. Sparks worked through her belly, working out from their as the temperature in the tent began to climb drastically.

Ian observed her flushed color and did not think that such a small amount could do enough to get her drunk, then again she could never handle her alcohol and so he lifted his goblet to his nose, sniffed for it did not smell stron and took a deeper sip from it then he had assuming that Aly was lying about the teeth thing ...