Indeed how had she know? But her eyes gleamed nevertheless at that and it was particularly hurtful because she knew that it was true. It was what Alynia had feared most after all she was guessing for without her marriage to the fey King what was she? A scared school girl.

She knew how scared the school girl was all those years back though now she tried to hide her fear Sable knew where to strike for maxim effect. She had kept tabs on the Queen throughout the years so this had been nothing new.

She had learned what she could of her friendships and loves in hopes of taring them down one day though she never had the chance. She did not wish to tip her hand ahead of time and become a target before she had most of her power back in order to defend herself with if necessary. But now most of it had returned to her. It had taken over three years but she was nearly back fully and the eclipse would seal the deal on that.

Sable took particular delight in the Queen being reduced to that school girl. The tears that collected in her eyes had refused to spill down her cheeks just yet though she could sense that the girl was attempting so very hard to keep it together.

“At the end of the day Oberon is a man. He has lived for thousands of years and has loved thousands of times. Do you think that you're so special to not be replaced after you so clearly forsaken him? Oh, yes, I am quiet aware of that promise you made to Ian. Do you think Oberron will want to stand for that though as King of the fey he has no choice. He is compelled to behave a certain way even as something as simple as spilled salt gets him to count each spilled grain. A rather nasty vulnerability I must say.

“But you will not have to grieve long over your abandonment by your King. He will not be long for this world or any other.” She cackles maliciously.

When she was forced threw the portal she met with her jailors. Mostly green skinned goblins though the leader was a ruddy brown. She seemed broken though unlike most goblins they did not care. It wasn't often that they got to see a woman though they were turned off in the fact that she was so damn ugly.

Still the foul breathed, warty hide Tull did not mind. It was probably best that she didn't understand the giant tongue as he looked her squarely in her eyes. “FREASH MEAT.”

He took delight in own she struggled and it was only due to the commands of their boss that prevented her from being raped then and there but his cock was already engorged at the thought of her stretched out against her body. How he was looking forward to hearing her scream later tonight!

She was tossed in a cell and left there finding that she was alone in her cell anyway. Across from her, however, was another prisoner.

“They must like you giving you such a big cell,” he chortled then coughed up some blood into his fist. She would not be able to see the blood and while he had been in dire straights before he had been in worse.

“Oh just a case of mistaken identity. Stupid goblins! But there were three of us. They killed one, an accident as they were trying to capture the dwarfish Thane. There target got away but they did manage to get me. I guess they think they can get their target if they keep me. They think I'm of some importance. Demarco Boulderdash, though clearly I am not he.”

He shook his head a little as he reflected. "They caught us in a trap that drew us to this Shadow so my compatriot is having some difficulty getting back. He will though and while I might not be Demarco my family will come for me so you see we just have to wait for them, unless you want to stay of course but I offer my humble home to you of course.”

Indeed how had she know? But her eyes gleamed nevertheless at that and it was particularly hurtful because she knew that it was true. It was what Alynia had feared most after all she was guessing for without her marriage to the fey King what was she? A scared school girl.

She knew how scared the school girl was all those years back though now she tried to hide her fear Sable knew where to strike for maxim effect. She had kept tabs on the Queen throughout the years so this had been nothing new.

She had learned what she could of her friendships and loves in hopes of taring them down one day though she never had the chance. She did not wish to tip her hand ahead of time and become a target before she had most of her power back in order to defend herself with if necessary. But now most of it had returned to her. It had taken over three years but she was nearly back fully and the eclipse would seal the deal on that.

Sable took particular delight in the Queen being reduced to that school girl. The tears that collected in her eyes had refused to spill down her cheeks just yet though she could sense that the girl was attempting so very hard to keep it together.

“At the end of the day Oberon is a man. He has lived for thousands of years and has loved thousands of times. Do you think that you're so special to not be replaced after you so clearly forsaken him? Oh, yes, I am quiet aware of that promise you made to Ian. Do you think Oberron will want to stand for that though as King of the fey he has no choice. He is compelled to behave a certain way even as something as simple as spilled salt gets him to count each spilled grain. A rather nasty vulnerability I must say.

“But you will not have to grieve long over your abandonment by your King. He will not be long for this world or any other.” She cackles maliciously.

When she was forced threw the portal she met with her jailors. Mostly green skinned goblins though the leader was a ruddy brown. She seemed broken though unlike most goblins they did not care. It wasn't often that they got to see a woman though they were turned off in the fact that she was so damn ugly.

Still the foul breathed, warty hide Tull did not mind. It was probably best that she didn't understand the giant tongue as he looked her squarely in her eyes. “FREASH MEAT.”

He took delight in own she struggled and it was only due to the commands of their boss that prevented her from being raped then and there but his cock was already engorged at the thought of her stretched out against her body. How he was looking forward to hearing her scream later tonight!

She was tossed in a cell and left there finding that she was alone in her cell anyway. Across from her, however, was another prisoner.

“They must like you giving you such a big cell,” he chortled then coughed up some blood into his fist. She would not be able to see the blood and while he had been in dire straights before he had been in worse.

“Oh just a case of mistaken identity. Stupid goblins! But there were three of us. They killed one, an accident as they were trying to capture the dwarfish Thane. There target got away but they did manage to get me. I guess they think they can get their target if they keep me. They think I'm of some importance. Demarco Boulderdash, though clearly I am not he.”

He shook his head a little as he reflected. "They caught us in a trap that drew us to this Shadow so my compatriot is having some difficulty getting back. He will though and while I might not be Demarco my family will come for me so you see we just have to wait for them, unless you want to stay of course but I offer my humble home to you of course.”

Alynia's eyes glanced up bravely. "He may replace me." She admitted. the very words stabbed daggers and knives through her heart. "He could have any woman in the realm." She hissed through gritted teeth. Her voice was hollow sounding, but sincere. "And Ian can lie to himself for the rest of his life. But my feelings for Oberron will never change."

With that, Alynia was promptly thrown into the dungeon where she was greeted by three creatures. Two goblins who could care none the less of her, but the third Alynia identified as an orge seemed to have much a more perverted perception of her. "Unhand me!" Alynia called out writhing. Her fearful eyes duly noted the growing firmness inbetween his legs at her struggling.

She did not understand the few words the ogre spoke, but they were unmistakably directed toward her as the beady eyes creature glared lustily at her. Her breathing hitched slightly with worry. "L-let to of me!" She screeched tugging her hand desperately.

And they did, ruthless discarding her into a dark cell. But the girl was relieved, very keen on seeing no more of that orge. She hugged her arms around her shivering form, shielding herself from the coolness of her jail with not too much success. A hearty sigh flutter off of her lips as her eyes wandered around observing her crude accommodations.

She felt thankful, for atleast across from her was some company. It was difficult to be surrounded by the enemy for so long, so Alynia welcomed a friendly voice. "I can only hope I am liked enough to remain unscathed and alive." She responded in a soft defeated tone. Alynia already knew she only had three days left, and was feeling kind of helpless.

She listened to him cough. Alynia closed her eyes painfully, hating the idea someone else was in pain. "What have they done to you?" She mused softly wanting to comfort him, but she could only aid him through her words.

Boulderdash. Alynia blinked recognizing the name, "Then you must be gnomish." She stated believing her fellow prisoner was probably a part of Demarco's gaurd or what not. She closed her eyes breifly, paying respect to his fallen comrade. "Has Demarco been captured? Or is he currently on the run?" She asked trying to remember what that demon Shadow had told her a few days ago.

A soft feminine sigh escaped her lips. "Of course, I can assure you I would rather be anywhere but here." She responded to his offer about possible rescuers. Though she felt doubtful. It felt unlikely they could in the span of three days, and Alynia didn't want to sound too urgent pressing for more details.

"Which shadow are we currently on?" Alynia inquired. "They've just thrown me in from Llynoria." Trying to steer conversation.

Alynia realized she had still yet to learn the man's name, then she realized he had yet to know hers. "My name is Alynia." She introduced herself. "Could you tell me yours?"

Yes, yes, such brave words. Sable dismissed them with a hand wave. Ultimately it was unimportant what she felt here. She could pine away for years though Sable would not care. In a way it might be more torturous if she let the girl and Oberron live imprisoned for awhile before killing them though that was a mistake take she did not wish to repeat in the future.

Apparently Oberron knew a means of recharging himself through her. Sable suspected it probably had to do with Alynia being a virgin at the time for in the years since she had learned a little about Tantric Magic, not much but the fey of old employed it from time to time.

But the Queen was soon moved from one place to another and found herself in a cold dungeon. Her simple attire doing little to keep her warm though it was three individuals that she dealt with primarily though she saw more. Mostly smaller and younger goblins that were being tasked with something that was too t rival for more experienced matters.

But she was soon grappled by the repugnant ogre who seemed pleased with her struggles. Tull did not understand her though as she shouted, not that he would care. He was strong though, one of the strongest creatures she had the displeasure of meeting.

Her terror grows at seeing how pleased he was at her struggles. He grins at her. Eager to have her though for now he does as commanded savoring her fear as he forcefully brings her to the cell. He had learned a thing or two about savoring that fear though.

While he often enjoyed getting right to it he had learned that making victims wait knowing just what to expect had a pleasant aroma to it. He had learned this restraint of course for there was a prisoner the goblins held on to ransom that he could not touch … a pretty feminine looking elf, though it did not matter that the elf was male either. Female prisoners were so rare these days that one that even looked the part had not been safe.

When it was clear that a ransom was not going to be paid then it was fair game on matters and that fear at earlier implied treatment sprang up within him to most pleasant levels s it would with the Queen though this time no orders came not to touch her Tull decided not too this first night to let that fear grow for a day, maybe too depending on how eager he got.

So much to the Queen's relief she was discarded in that cell for now at least …

Hers was a rather spacious cell.

“Unless you are meant to be a virgin sacrifice or can fetch a sizable ransom that is doubtful. I only speak the truth, I wish there was something I could say that is more comforting your Majesty.” Whomever this was knew she was a Queen. It was not tough not to recognize her portrait stamped on various coin throughout the realm.

Who was this man exactly though?

“Oh, standard goblin torture. Neither they, ogres or other giants like my kind so much,” he chuckled a bit. “I'll live though. They think that they can brake me but I live much longer than they. A week isn't so long for me after all so I can hold out a lot longer by their time tables anyway They will find that I am gone before they can brake me.”

But he chuckled. “Not gnomish. Demarco is a dwarf as am I. He is not here though I have been mistaken for him and that has been to my benefit thus far. Refer to me as Demarco. They cannot get my real name from you if they do not know it.

“Demrco is suppose to be on Llynoria at least he was when I last had contact with him. But have faith your Majesty. Before long you'll be out of that cell.”

He absorbed her questions though. It was only natural for her to want out of here despite her “gracious” accommodations and her “pleasant” jailors.

“Purple grass … I'd say we are now one Carrion … I too am from Llynoria.

“I have only seen you in portraits and stamped into currency but I know your name your Majesty. Until the goblins learn otherwise you can call me Demarco. Once we are rescued I will tell you what it is, I do not have any secrets that I need to keep from you should you ask.”

She was surprised he recognized her by her voice alone. Alynia assumed that he couldn't see her because she couldn't see him, but then again how could she know what his vision would like? She was very well aware that Oberron's finesse for details was far superior to her own. It could be assumed that all fey are like that, wih their compulsion to count tiny grains of salt.

Alynia blinked as he corrected her. She tapped herself on the side of the head. "My apologies, it's like me to make mistakes like that. Believe it or not I was worse when I first started learning. Back home there was only really one species that one needed to know. Humans." Alynia explained, filling in the darkness with her words. "Actually there were animals too, but these you learn from childhood. I suppose as most denizens learn how to differentiate a gnome, dwarf, and brownie here."

Alynia felt bad misidentifying his species, but it certainly wasn't her first time. Mixing up fairies, atomies, nixies, mermaids and the like.

She sighed softly and nodded understandingly to the reason this fake Demarco wasn't willing of handing over a name. There was a few moments of silence as Alynia appeared to be mulling over things in her head. The conference she had been kidnapped from, she was negotiating with Demarco so obviously it couldn't be him sitting in the cell across from hers.

Her mind wandered briefly, wondering how the meeting between the dwarves and elves was being handled in her absence. Well anyway Demarco had been sitting in for he original representative who had been captured by goblins.

Alynia came to a realization with time, but she did not open her lips to such insight. She thought it was better to play along, pretend she didnt know. Alynia stayed quiet on the subject of his identity as she listened with interest to her fellow prisoner's voice.

"Carrion..." She muttered trying on the name of the realm for tastes. Alynia at this point brought her hands together just about to stroke the emerald and good band around her ring finger before she stopped herself. She was suddenly afraid, if she escaped now... Surely "Demarco" would be stuck with only his tormentors as company... Alynia didn't want to leave him. Especially because there was a chance he could get blamed for her escape. If she was going to get out of here, they would have to go together.

"I'm flattered I'm recognizable." She commented blinking with mild surprise. Though Alynia felt that she should have, she didnt know her image had been out on any kind of currency. She supposed Oberron's picture was on some coin as well.

"Oh, I can assure you I haven't lost faith. It's all I have left at this point." She muttered quietly. "It pains me to know that you have to endure through this torture. Even if you claim it's typical practices among goblins." Alynia's voice trailed off with another sigh. "No need to be so strong. I wish there was a way I could help you shoulder some of that agony."

Fey had excellent vision in the dark, that was for sure seeing about twice as good as a typical human but she was dealing with a dwarf and their vision was even better. It may not be vision in color but he was able to pierce the darkness out to sixty feet or so.

Generations of living beneath the earth had honed dwarven vision to the point that few creatures could hope to mach it and fewer still had exceeded it. Thus her company could see her very plainly. He still needed a light source to see by color though.

So while her vision might not be good enough to see him unless he moved closer he could see her just fine from where he was.

“Oh, there's no offense take. Other dwarfs may have been insulted though so I thought it best that you knew to void that mistake in the future. I can imagine that being thrust into a realm where you have to learn so much so soon can be daunting. What we take for granted in the beginning and what others have to learn … anyone with any sense would realize this and forgive little mistakes. Dwarfs can be a bit hot headed though.”

She may have remained silent on these things but the dwarf had been able to see her easily enough and so he could see that dawning clicked into place. She might not know exactly who he was given that there were three dwarfs but she could guess a few things.

It was clear that she wad the one dent to mediate between the elves and dwarfs. An under handed person may have used this time to pitch the stance of the dwarfs in this circumstance. He figured that she would be grateful when she was rescued but in no way was his seeking to manipulate her opinion. Besides he was no longer part of the three reps that had been sent to negotiate with her and the elves figuring that other reps were sent to deal with that situation by now.

Still she said nothing so he said nothing further about the matter. He watched her features though as she moved through her thoughts.

When she found out about the name of this Shadow it was as if she were struggling to remember what it was though there was not much to know. This place use to be far worse, well not this place but the Shadow over all that was ruled now by one of Raezel's viceroys.

In truth the Shadow was Hell or like it. Carrion, a place for lost souls where none were suppose to leave this Shadow other than the viceroy and those that worked for him amongst the jailors that had been here.

Of course there were ways in leaving this place as difficult as it was.

“You are very recognizable. Images of you are common enough and it is only a fool that realizes that you weren't the human that stole the heart of the King of the Fey. I could see that.

“But I'm glad you haven't lost faith. Your company is enough keep things far more bearable even though I know that Tull will be back tonight and some of the goblins. Tomorrow they will begin the torture anew of me at least, I do not know their plans for you yet my Queen.”

Alynia sighed letting herself sit down on the cold damp floor of her prison. She leaned against a wall, just so she could still see the Dwarf's shadowy outline looking at the indistinguishable ceiling. "Thank you." She muttered wistfully thinking perhaps to the past, the first time her husband kissed her. She missed Oberron dearly.

A faint of a smile breezed across her lips slightly amused being called the "human who stole the heart of the King of Fey." She shook her head modestly.

Her hand placed itself gently over her heart as thoughts of her king renewed crystalline tears. It didnt make any sense, her lips pressed together in a sad smile with her eyes shining with glistening tears. She pined for him, but at the same time she dreaded facing him. Alynia wiped the wetness out of her eyes... How fragile she was with the uncertainty in her heart.

The sad smiled quickly dropped crest fallen hearing that the goblins will simply return for "Demarco" tomorrow. "I'm glad my company might make this more bearable. I'm not in a position to truly offer you anything else." Alynia commented, the words rolling quietly off of her lips.

So she was in Carrion, both a difficult pace to enter and escape though Alynia was positive it was nothing Corte couldn't handle with his Royal Seal or at least Oberron with his powerful abilities.

She had read about this place, but avoided too many details about concerning the land of the damned and tortured souls. At least the cold prison walls with thick or sound proof enough to block the shrill and dreadful wails from the outside.

She leaned against one of the four hard walls enclosing her. Her head throbbed slightly with unanswered thoughts so she spoke up softly, full of uncertainly whether it was wise to venture in such a topic.

"Please tell me, are dwarves people who must keep all of their promises?" She asked, unsure if her fellow prisonor was bound to the same moral code as her husband. Alynia wondered if dwarves counts salt too... But such information was much less relevant.

Alynia was shivering slightly, her arms clutched themselves in an attempt to conserve warmth. It felt kind if odd talking to someone whom she couldn't really see. She eagerly awaited an answer, wondering if her companion would be able to provide any mind of soothing to her conscious.

“You are most welcome,” the dwarf returns from across the way as he inclines his head at the door. It consists of several bars so they could look through and see one another. Well, he could see her though he supposed if he were standing t his door and she her's she might be able to make him out well enough any way.

Currently he was pretty banged up to really stand about. He could manage it, he was a dwarf and like the rest of them he could be stubborn and endure the pain though there had been little reason for him to do that just yet he supposed.

He had seen the smile play across her lips though he missed the tears initially as he shifted a little. Though when he said see them he had mistook them as tears of loneliness, of longing and nothing more. He did not feel it wise to draw attention to them though if if later she might figure that she might understand dwarfs and their vision in the dark better.

“That will not always be the case my Queen. Well you are no dwarf Queen but you get the idea. Come to think of it there has not been the equivalent to a dwarf Queen in a good many decades.”

The goblins would come back for him, he hoped that they had no plans for her and would exclude her from their little games.

“No.” He answers her question plainly and honestly.

Of course if he wished to deceive her. Then again he may have considered that the knowledge uncommon enough. “Demarco” does not hesitate in his answer though so it is as if he does not even consider lying or perhaps he already had during their conversation.

“Let me explain a bit,” he says. “We are under no compulsions in telling the truth though we rarely lie ourselves. Nor are we compulsed to keeping to our promises either but a dwarf that breaks an oath has committed a heinous act and will be exiled. Once we give our word to something we are honor bound in doing it.

“Breaking a promise is no simple thing for us but can be forgiven but if we swear to an oath, no matter if the dwarf is a beggar or the dwarf Thane himself the oath cannot be broken without the consent of the party they enter into the oath with and can only be modified in similar fashion.”

He considered for a moment. “I suppose on the surface it appears very similar. Dwarfs are very honorable. Other species may find our love for wealth, gold in particular as amusing in our love of a good song or drink. I'm afraid they only serve water here. How... bland.”

He chuckled a little then teased. “They gave you the better cell though so they may give you alcohol … ah, wait, humans have no great love for drink or hatred. But you are a fey Queen so they may give you wine. Then again I imagine that it all depends on how often they are resupplied. If not very often then no wine... in any case it probably wouldn't be very good unless they stole it ...”

“Demarco” mods at that, “so kind … a dwarf is only obligated by honor though and not some personal compulsion if that makes sense. The last dwarf to be exiled was over four hundred years back.”

He moves a little closer toward her, and Alynia can see him a bit more clearly. She could atleast tell that he was in pain. Limping slightly, he might have been cut up in various placed as well. Alynia wished she could have went over there to heal him, but she even if she could she wasn't sure how much of a help she would be.

Alynia hadn't used her divine abilities in years. And id she had used them, it was for nothing more than small scrapes, burns, and household injuries. She had been studying arcane magic under her husband, in fact her swordsmanship had improved greatly as well... But really there was nothing for her to heal while she had been away on Avalon.

She wiped away those tears as jovial memories teased at her conscious. The contrast between the past and the present was almost physically ailing. Alynia tried to rub the tears away, but it seemed they would not stop. She was glad that "Demarco" chose not to bring them up. Alynia didn't want to appear weak... yet she felt so broken inside.

"If they gave me wine, I'm sure it would not be for amiable intentions." She pointed out, with a sigh. "If they gave me wine, I would be more than happy to give it to you." Alynia shook her head as if pushing away a mental mug of alcohol. The very last thing she needed in her system was more Aiwha.

Alynia's eyes wandered briefly, as if looking for a hint of what her jailor's were going to do to her. How could she convince them to leave "Demarco" alone without sacrificing herself. Why couldn't they just leave him alone?

For a brief moment, an expression of curiosty blinkee over her face. So for dwarves the oath of keeping a promise was for honor. Alynia mulled this over in her thoughts, her eyes trained on the filthy floor beneath her wondering if it was wise to continue. She didnt want him to know too much. But she simply needed to know.

"Is an engagement a promise?" She barely spoke. Her voice was wavering. Obviously the answer to such a statement would mean the quite a lot to her.

'Demarco' smiles a little. He can see her concern and how strong the desire is on her face to help in some fashion despite the bars that keep them separated now. She might not have been able to do much though he heard that she could perform Blessings. Even a weak one would do him wonders at this stage for the goblins still believed that they could use him.

That had not stopped them from torturing him though but he figured that it prevented them from doing anything to drastic to him thus far.

But rumors spread about her. She could use both Arcane and Divine magic. There was no testing yet to see if she knew Psi magic though it was ultra rare that someone had known two types and she not being a native of Llynoria meant that the Gods had to choose her for some undisclosed reason.

'Demarco' would not have seen her as weak though. He misread the situation though figuring that she was just afraid and lonely at the time. He was a warrior use to this sort of thing, well not use by practical experience though he had knowledge that one day this could happen and thus was better prepared for when it did happen.

So he did not bring up the issue of her tears as frequent as they were. He knew that they would soon enough be tears of joy though this was going to cost him if they did not have plans for her … He would gladly pay the price though.

“Demarco' laughed. “An unsavory type could consider that you intend to have me affected by Aiwha for nefarious reasons. Of course we are in separate cells and Aiwha is a sissy drink!” He laughed again. “No, I am kidding there your Majesty though many dwarfs would agree with that statement. We dwarfs are heavy drinkers. Unless we down a keg of Aiwha it does not affect us as it does most species.

“But thank you for the offer. I must decline it though, I was never fond for the fey drinks for they are too 'weak' for a dwarf. Accept maybe Gogondy but that is a Gnomish beverage. Our cousins that have become fey … that's an interesting story ...”

'Demarco' considered the question thoughtfully. “That depends … what are the circumstances? An engagement as in a marriage engagement? A business endeavor? In the one case it is a promise or oath to be bound to someone though in a business sense the terms may not come to pass so the promise need never be fulfilled Say you offer your crown, hypothetically speaking here of course, to the first person that slays each goblin in the realm. An impossible task but you never have to fulfill the oath if the initial reaction is never completed or the terms might be for something else that is near impossible but not done. My Kingdom will befall to the first person that steals every blue hat in the Kingdom but if you out life this hat thief then the oath never comes to pass. A person without honor in that case could secure away a blue hat or two to make sure the oath never occurs ...”

He was going to say more though ogres were never known for patience. Tull's heavy foot steps could be heard. Upon reflection he was going to have the Queen now. She had enough time to acquaint herself with her surroundings and he took the other three jailors with him. The goblins were not interested in a broken Queen but wisely they did not argue with the dim giant who could be very intimidating.

“IT'S TIME TO PLAY!” the ogre bellowed in giant and while Alynia may not have understood the words the tone was ominous as Tull and the three goblins closed in on the cells, one getting out a ring of keys as he approached ...

A modest blush painted upon her cheeks at his words. "Oh I wouldn't-! I would never-!" She stuttered abashedly at the backwards idea of her trying to intoxicate anyone. "It's not that you're not handsome- I can hardly see you..." Her voice became softer before it died down as she caught on that he was joking with her.

Alynia's blushing increased upon such a realization, pounting slightly in embarressment. She was quietly shy for a moment as he chuckled. "My body hardly agrees with liquor." She explained with a sigh. "I wish it wasn't so. It's been on more than one occasion my poor drinking abilities have been taken advantage of." Alynia gave "Demarco" a sheepish smile. "Perhaps with time and tolerance I'll be able to properly share a drink with you."

Alynia listened patiently as her prison-mate shared the logistics of oaths among his species. She nodded understanding: promises can be rigged, promises can be dispelled. Even faulty agreements could technically not be agreements at all. But still Alynia wasn't too clear if his words translated to the Fey.

"What I'm asking concerns a marriage engagement... among Fey too.. Would you happen to know anything about that?" She spoke uncertainly, still not wanting to reveal too much. Her eyes looked hopeful as the dwarf was preparing to respond, but his words were cut off with the sound of echoing thudding footsteps.

Her innocent eyes widened fearfully. The jailer was back and it was uncertain to Alynia whether it was here for the queen or the dwarf. Her question was answered as the ogre and three of his goblin friends stood outside the bars of her cell. She could smell the orge's repulsive breath as it bellowed at her. It reaked of fould odor she could not name. Alynia did not know an ounce of giant tounge, but it was easy to tell this creature was not friendly.'

"N-no! God no! Stay Away!" Alynia exclaimed frightened as she scrambled to the back of her cell. She could no longer see the shadow of her dwarven companion, the large and hulking ogre stood in the way. He blocked the flickering dim light that barely lit the hallway of the jail.

Alynia stood up pressing her back into the wall, it was dark as she stood in the shadow of the beast who towered over her. She could feel her rapid heart beat as adrenaline pumped through her. She became short of breath as she heard a figure fumble clumsily with the ring of keys.

"Leave me alone!" She shouted bravely, summoning a strong gust of wind hoping to knock the fiendish ogre and his goblin followers back from the bars of her cells.

Not to mention they were of different species though so wasn't she and Oberron. Still it was cute watching her fall over herself as she tried to explain herself to him. Dwarfs were often dour and serious though it appeared that this one had been atypical.

He watched her face color as she stammered with the implication that she intended to drug him. Cute. No wonder why Oberron took a fancy to her. No doubt he enjoyed ribbing her like this.

But she settled somewhat when it became apparent that he was kidding with her.

“Of Aiwha?” He mused. “All kidding aside I would like that though if you had dwarf drinks you will find that Aiwha doesn't seem as strong by comparison and can be shrugged off with greater ease. About the only thing dwarfish drinks should do is get you rip roaring drunk in the usual fashion. But there is a magical device, detested among the dwarfs that makes the wearer exempt from the affects of alcohol while it is worn though if it is removed before the alcohol is out of your system you get hit with the full effects. I remember hearing a tale when I was a boy about a human that got a hold of such a ring and went to a dwarf hall and drank and drank to no effect wondering what all the fuss was about dwarf drinks, later removed the ring without knowing it was magical and got slammed with dozen of drinks that killed him.”

“Demarco” realized that she was concerned about the arrangements of marriage. He felt that she had arranged something, though what the particulars where did not come up. She would tell him if she desired him to know and he was just working around the peculars when the thudding foot steps interrupted him. There was no doubt that Tull was making his way down to the cells already. He took a deep breath and sighed as he moved to the back of his cell and stole himself for what was to come.

The ogre chuckled at her response, the fear that had been etched up her face. He grinned at her as she stumbled back, her efforts to generate magic thwarted by the anti-magic effects of the collar that she wore.

Tull was pleased when this recognition hit her. His vision like the dwarf and his goblin companions had been keen enough to pierce the veil of darkness. He spat words at her, how he was going to enjoy this …

It was when the key was fitted into the lock that she heard “Demarco” yelling something that she did not understand. He was speaking the giant's language though the giant snarled back at the dwarf, the two exchanging words to the point that the ogre shift his attention to the dwarf.

Alynia was forgotten for the moment, her cell still locked though Demarco's had been unlocked and two of the green skinned goblins pressed into the cell followed by the ogre. Both ogre and dwarf were still having heated words with one another.

Fighting broke out in that cell, “Demarco” grunted and screamed in pain though she could not see beyond the ogre to make out what was happening. Occasionally she heard the dwarf let out a painful laugh and more words in the giant tongue. The goblin with the keys remained out of the cell but even he was standing in the middle of the hall watching what was going on. She could make out his words as he spoke in goblin and she had to wonder if the ogre spoke it as well.

“Hurt him but remember to keep him alive … you can kill him after we lure out the Thane.”

She gritted her teeth, having forgotten this dreadful collar had prevented her from casting any spells. Without magic, Alynia had run out of options to defend herself. She bit her lip, horrified at the orge's beastly chuckle. With her back cornered against the stone wall of her cell, her hands clutched into fists as she steeled herself for the worse.

She could not stop her legs from shaking. There was no way to emphasize how much she would rather be anywhere else but here. Stuck in a prison, wearing scantly anything presentable.

Alynia had a feeling that even if she was physically capable of taking on such a huge opponent, she was at an immense disadvantage due to her vision. She hated being the only one that really couldn't see through the dark.

She watched breathlessly terrified at the barely distinguishable shapes loomed behind the bars of her cell. A nervous squeak escaped her lips as she heard the key being fitted into the lock. She had no where to run, completely trapped. Her thighs squeezed together defensively.

This couldn't be happening! Not after Ian... she shuddered at the memory. "N-no! Stop th-this!" She shouted, this time in the goblin tounge. Her voice wavered as she found it difficult to recall goblin terminology in such a pressing situation. Tears of frustration welled up in her eyes, as her protests just seemed to amuse her tormentor. The orge kept grunting out what Alynia could only assume to be threats.

Then suddenly there was another sound. Harsh sounds that could only be the language of giants. It was the dwarf! Alynia could not comprehend the exchange of words, but it wasn't hard to tell that it was derogatory. "Demarco" had successfully captured the ogre's attention and they seemed to be shouting at each other for the better or for the worse.

A metal click echoed through the chambers as "Demarco's" cell was unlocked. Alynia let out a whimper as fighting ensued, a hand going up to cover her gasp. There was a brief scuffle, but the dwarf was outnumbered. She ran up to the front of her cell, clutching the cold metal bars.

He was screaming in agony with every heavy sounding thud. "Stop this! Stop! Stop!" Alynia was shrieked as tears renewed themselves upon her face. Why was he laughing!? Why did he continue to taunt his captors? "Demarco! Stop this, they were after me! Please... There was no need for you to get hurt!" She yelled, pleading for it all to end.

What could she do? Was there a way to stop his suffering without having Alynia ended up ruthlessly raped? Her mind was in high gear as she tried to think of a way. It was difficult plot come up with any solution as her thoughts were interrupted every time "Demarco" let out a painful cry.

It was when the goblin in the hallway spoke up that an idea struck her.

"Thane?!" She yelled her hand rattling the bars of her jail. "You're looking for Thane? I know where he is!" She shouted frantically in goblinese hoping that the ogre would understand. "L-let him go, let him go and I'll tell you!"

It had seemed hopeless without access to magic that despair hit her in such a way that Tull grinned fiendishly at her. He leered at her, his intent obvious as his sunken eyes drifted down over her features then dashed back up as the grin deepened.

It told her just how pleasant he was going to have things in the next few moments … she would not enjoy his pleasantries but Tull did not care about that. With no orders given to him to leave the Queen alone it was clear that someone did not care what happened to her as long as she survived for there would have been no point in imprisoning her if someone didn't wish to keep her alive for some reason.

She was responding to the terror and Tull milked it all in abject terror of the Queen and even the goblins were getting excited at this prospect as the Queen that they had believed to be broken had something yet to loose.

Her fear grew as the key was fitted in that lock and all seemed to be lost, that was when the shouts caught the attention of her tormentors drawing their focus away. Three to one, and one of those three had been an ogre!

“Demarco” struggled against the three with the goblin in the hall watched on. There were wet sickening sounds, screams and laughs. It seemed as if “Demarco” was egging the ogre on, laughing as if someone had done worse.

Dwarfs and goblins did not play well together. And dwarfs and giants had a long history of bloody battles as well. Neither species liked the other and it seemed that the dwarf was taking advantage of that fact.

But the trio was having far too much fun to hear or care. The only one that heard her was the goblin in the hall though she had been forgotten up to that point it seemed. He wasn't green skinned like the others so Alynia realized that he was assimilated into the Rune Carvers, not surprising given the number of clans that they have seemed to conquer in the past.

Now he might have said something discouraging if she sprouted none sense thankful for the reminder. Most typical goblins at least had horrible short term memories and he might have come to believe that they came down here to torture the dwarf in the first place. Ogres even had worse short term memories over all.

But the goblin turned around at the mention of the Thane of the dwarfs. Lemon yellow eyes pierced the darkness as he peered at the captive.

“You would give up the Thane for this -” he gestured behind him then shook his head as if he didn't think that it was important at the moment.

The goblin was looking at her, studying her as he considered her words while weighing the fact that this was some sort of trick. He was stupid as most goblins were but he at least had a measure of some sense in that when things didn't add up then he would note that something was wrong. Like exchanging four prisoners for one … unless that one was important for whatever reason the equation was not balanced and thus something was wrong he thought.

Alynia looked desperate. She couldn't stand witnessing anyone, friend, enemy, or stranger, in pain. Perhaps that's why with the introduction of magic to her body, Alynia developed healing abilities.

Her fingers wrapped around the cold iron bars as she successfully attained the attention of the goblin with the keys standing watch on the outside. There were tears in her eyes, was it possible she was this empathetic toward someone she had just met?

Then again, "Demarco" had put himself through this for her. Something, in her opinion, he should have not done! Noble and brave, certainly. But at what cost? What would be the point if he was accidently beaten to death.

Tears spilled down her cheeks at such a dreadful thought. Alynia was sure, she would rather be the one suffering.

They had originally come here to torment her, and even though Alynia was thankful that such a purpose had been forgotten, "Demarco's" efforts could be for naught. They could remember again tomorrow. What was there to stop their lust the day after that?

"Please! Demarco! You don't need to do this!"

It was only when she mentioned Thane did she get any attention, and only by the key-holding goblin observing the beating in the hallway between hers and "Demarco's" cell.

He was smart for a goblin, attempting piece bits of knowledge together. Alynia could only hope he did not comprehend too much logic. After all, this was a daring bluff.

"Yes, I would. Let him to free. Let him go free and I'll tell you where Thane is. Just- stop hurting him. Please." She pleaded trying to appear sincere.

The goblin seemed suspicious, but what did she have to loose? "Let him out of here. I'll tell you what you want to know!" She tried to convince her gaurd.