Soulbound

(Nyxalinth)

I stared at Emerald Vex in stunned silence. 'He's lying,' I thought wildly. 'He has to be. No one would behave the way he does and claim to love someone!'

But didn't I know mortals he behaved even more reprehensibly, all the while claiming to love the person they inflicted horrors on? Things could be worse, I reminded myself, sparing a glance at a smug Red and Blackie, even worse than those two.

"I--I don't know what to say, my lord," I said softly.

"You needn't say anything," he said, smiling. "I am fully aware of your feelings towards me. Winning you over will be the greatest challenge I've ever enjoyed."

I glanced at Zerith. The dark elf mage sat in stunned silence. Finally, he said, "Nyx...whatever he wants you to do, go along with it. If only for your own sake." The look in his eyes said, 'And when he least expects it, we'll rip his heart out and feed it to him!'

Zerith had the same feelings towards Vex as I did, only they went far deeper. I smiled softly and said, "Don't worry, Zerith. I will behave just as Lord Vex expects me to." I let the Daedra Count ponder that.

He said, "Very good then. And now that we have all finished our dinner, we shall begin the ceremony."

Red and Blackie pulled the Daedra Count's chair out for him, who, in turn, did the same for me. Vex offered me one muscular arm.

"I'd prefer to walk with Zerith."

His green eyes narrowed dangerously, but at last he nodded. "Very well, sweetness. You act as though I will never let you see him again."

"One can never be certain, my lord."

He caressed my chin, then my cheek. "Fear not, Nyxalinth. Things will not change, as I have promised you." He turned and with Red on his left and Blackie on the right, moved down the corridor with feline grace.

Zerith took my hand, his eyes full of misery and his love for me. He'd never once cast blame at me for what happened here. He knew that mortal flesh could only take so much...persuasion...before succumbing to passion. I gave him a look that showed my love and gratitude and we followed Lord Vex.

"Why do you tolerate the elf's presence, my count?" Blackie asked him.

Red nodded. In the reddish torchlight of the hall, his hair looked even more like freshly spilled blood. "Yes, he is a bad influence on the lady."

Vex shook his head. "I keep him alive because he amuses me, and because he insures her co-operation. Without the dark elf, Nyxalinth would have no cause to obey any of us. She has no regard for her own life, or safety. If I did away with Zerith, no doubt the lady in question would walk calmly to her chambers, smash one of the delicate crystal wine goblets there, and just as calmly slit her own wrists."

"He speaks the truth," I told Zerith softly. "Without you, I have no reason to be alive here."

Zerith nodded. "I know, my love."

Apparently Red overheard us. He leered back over his shoulder at me and purred, "No doubt Blackie and I could give you a reason to live, lovey!" He and his brother chuckled.

"If only so I could rip out your rotten, stinking guts!" I snarled.

"Enough!" growled Emerald Vex. His tone would have brought a Daedra Prince into line.

We were silent the rest of the way. Finally, we reached a large, ornately decorated chamber.

The walls were malachite and black granite. Tapestries covered all of the walls--some quite modest, others enough to make me blush. Ornate golden sconces in abstract designs held oil lamps. The polished black granite floor was covered in thick rugs. The only furniture in the room was a large ebony table, polished to a high sheen. Atop it rested a darkly beautiful goblet worked in Daedric alloy. Next to it was a matching dagger. It looked wicked sharp. The Daedric runes along the blade seemed to writhe in the lamplight.

Emerald Vex picked up the dagger. "I know you promised to co-operate fully my sweet Nyxalinth," he said, examining the dagger closely. "But this blade is very, very dangerous, and I can't have you squirming about Hold her tightly, my friends."

Red and Blackie latched onto me quickly. 'They've had lots of practice,' I thought wryly. "What--what are you going to do?"

"We need a bit of our blood for this, yours, and mine." He turned to Zerith. "And no nonsense out of you, elf," he told my beloved sharply. "Unless you want this blade to slip and take a bit too much of her life's essence." Vex grinned cruelly. "I'm not so sure you'd enjoy having a zombie in your bed, or, gods forbid, a vampire."

Zerith shuddered visibly. "No, my count," he said softly. His heart was in his eyes. "Ahh, Nyx. I should have wed with you when first you asked me."

"You could not have forseen this, love," I told him, and swallowed the lump in my throat.

Emerald Vex called for silence. He began chanting, holding his hand palm down over the chalice. The words were strange, otherworldly, and obviously not Daedric. His chant reached some kind of peak and as it did, he sliced the blade right across his palm.

Bluish black Daedric blood flowed into the chalice. Vex shuddered as it did so, turning a trifle pale. I realised that there was more than blood in that chalice. A portion of his life energy was in there, too.

He spoke a single word, healing his hand. He gestured to Red, who held out my right hand to his master. Vex wrapped his fingers around it, chanting again. Some of the words were different this time, and I heard my own name spoken. And then he slashed the knife across my palm, stopping a hair short of my wrist.

I gasped, not merely in pain, but at the sensation that some vital portion of who I was being drawn out along with my blood. I shuddered as wave after wave of dizziness rolled over me. Grey shadows dance in my vision, memories flitted about like dark butterflies. I shuddered again, moaning, barely feeling the cut on my hand heal.

The chalice was held to my mouth. "Drink," Vex commanded, and I drank, unable to fight it. 'My soul is in that chalice,' I thought, 'and his as well.'

I drank.

Some of the feeling, of my life, flowed back into me. Through slitted eyes, I watched the Daedra Count quaff the rest of it. "We are bound, you and I," he told me, his voice gentle. "Your friend Kriella is most resourceful, but she cannot save you now. If she slays me, you will die. You are mine forever." He moved to take my mouth in a kiss, but before I felt the touch of his lips on my own, I mercifully fainted.

A Scene From A Dream

Zerith sat in a chair next to Nyx's bed, watching her sleep. Emerald Vex had graciously allowed him to watch over the half-elf, though Red and Blackie had been most enthusiastic about offering their assistance. The dark elf was most grateful that Vex had chosen him for the task, even though he knew it was because the Daedra Count didn't quite trust the brothers.

Nyx was twined in and out of the black silk sheets, a most appealing picture. the sheets offered only the barest glimpses of her pleasantly plump figure--a length of rounded thigh, the curve of her hip, a shadow of her breast. Zerith was sorely tempted to join her on the bed, to awaken her with kisses. He hadn't been able to do more than embrace her in months, and he ached for her. Still, he shuddered to think what would happen to them both should Emerald Vex arrive and find them in a passionate embrace.

Zerith reached out and stroked Nyx's curling ash brown hair. Mousy, she called it, but Zerith saw it as more of a silvery brown. She never could see how beautiful she truly was, to himself, and others. Her exotic looks, her height, her curves had brought her nothing but ridicule from most Bretons. The Breton ideal of beauty was petite, delicate, dainty blue eyed blondes or brunettes. Certainly not a woman as fiery, as brassy as Nyxalinth.

Nyx murmured in her sleep and turned over, exposing her long, smooth back. Zerith shivered and forced himself to concentrate on what she might be dreaming of...

(Nyxalinth)

The thief taker Edmond was chasing me through the streets of Vanshire once more. He'd offered to forget the whole thing if I'd just let him have a little fun with me. I had a little fun with him instead, kicking him in a very sensitive place before running to the Angry Porcupine.

"Get back here, you little #&*$£! You're gonna pay for doing that!"

I ran all the faster, desperate to reach the inn, and safety. At last I flung open the door and dashed inside. I stopped short, staring in amazed horror at what I saw.

Everyone--the patrons, Joel, Elfiran, Crow--were dead.

Joel lay backwards over the bar, his throat slashed, not by a dagger, but by the talons of some horrible beast. Elfiran was crumpled at the foot of the stairs leading up. He looked like he might have been sleeping, for his eyes were closed. Only when I drew closer did I see that his head had been twisted all the way around. As for Crow, he'd been impaled with one of the fireplace pokers.

A hurt, strangled sound escaped my throat. I backed up, only to trip over the body of a beautiful dark skinned wood elf. Her hands were entwined with those of a powerfully built dark elf dressed in Daedric armour. Their expressions, their positions would have been heartrending had I not been so terrified.

Everyone was dead. Kriella and Tenaka Khan lay in an embrace, roasted nearly beyond recognition. Only their armour, their insignia told me who they were. A gorgeous dark haired elf woman dressed in ebony armour sat at a table, a Daedric dagger buried in her chest. Next to her was a younger elf, equally beautiful, equally dead.

Sobbing, I turned away, only to see Dremora Rathine's disembowelled remains. Bluish black Daedric blood had mixed with the red blood of the dead mortals in viscous purple puddles. I hadn't liked Rathine, nor what he had done to me. But this...Skudge lay near the fireplace, his little body mangled and torn. From the look of the wounds, something, something with *fangs*, had been torturing him before he died.

"They fought me. They're coming for you, my beauty, but I won't let them have you." Emerald Vex smiled smugly. He strode across the room with feline grace, his black velvet cloak floating behind him like poisonous smoke. He stopped where the dark elf and the wood elf lay. He toed the dark elf's corpse with a booted foot and said, "Though it yet remains to be seen whether I will have the pleasure of destroying this lout or not."

"You leave my friends out of this!" I snarled.

Emerald Vex laughed cruelly. "I think not. They've already involved themselves, beauty. Kriella Khan, Skudge, and Rathine only await for the others to complete their quest and return. Then they will meet me here, on my turf. And they will be destroyed."

"Mercy, my lord," I whispered. "Don't do this thing, I beg of you! They--they only want to help me. They're my friends." True, I didn't recognise most of them. But with the clarity that only dreams seem to give, I knew all their names: Balefire. Twilight. J'Layah. Mea. I'd heard the names, but oh! what a sad way to put faces to the names!

He smirked. "And what are you willing to give?"

I was at a loss. "What more can you want? You have me! I am bound to you now!"

He was at my side. "Think, Nyxalinth. The one corpse you do not see here--who would it be?" He caressed my cheek.

And I knew.

"Nooo! No! Anything, my lord! Anything but that!"

"Nyx! Nyxalinth! Wake up! You're having a nightmare!"

Strong arms wrapped around me, held me close. Zerith held me close while I wept with the horror of my dream. When my sobs finally abated, I said, "Oh, gods, it was horrible! I dreamed about that thief taker that was chasing me on the day we met--remember him?"

Zerith smiled tenderly. "A day I'll never forget."

"But this time, when I ran inside the Angry Porcupine, everyone was dead! All my friends, my friends who were going to help me get you away from here, they were dead! Emerald Vex killed them." I shuddered.

Zerith stroked my hair gently. When I found the strength, I went on. "He said that they were coming to help us, and he destroyed them. And he said the only way I could save them was to let him destroy you instead."

He gasped sharply. "Oh, Nyx...I'm so sorry..."

I sobbed. "I woke up right after that. I pray that I never, ever have to make that choice! I care for my friends, but I can't live without you!"

He held me tighter. "Me too, my love, more for your own sake than my own. He seeks to frighten you into submission, my love. If your friends are coming, and he resorts to these bullying tactics, then he is worried."

"So am I. One of the people in my dreams--I know who he is, though I've not met him--Vex said he wasn't sure if he would have the pleasure of destroying him or not. Something is amiss, I fear. But if he is this worried, and if the stories I've heard of this particular Warmage are true, Emerald Vex has every right to be worried."

In Dire Need Of Chastisement

(Nyxalinth)

Zerith nodded as he considered my words. "Indeed. I know of only one Warmage mighty enough to make Emerald Vex nervous. And I pray that he will make it, one way or t'other."

"Zerith?"

"Yes, love?"

I looked at him, my heart in my eyes. "I want you. I--I need to be close to you again." I turned away, blushing. It had never been my way to be so vocal and forward in my desires. But I desperately needed him, not just his body, but to feel loved as well.

"Nyx," he said softly, stroking my hair. "You'll never know how badly I wanted you while you were sleeping! You were--are--so beautiful." His hand fell to my bare shoulder, stroking slowly. "But I held myself back--barely. You know how he is." Zerith looked about, as though he expected the Daedra Count to suddenly materialise. "He doesn't want us together unless he gives us permission." Even as he said this, he held me close.

"I know. I've missed you so much, Zerith! I need to feel loved, not just lusted for." I sighed. "Emerald Vex claims to love me, but you've seen how he loves! There is naught but poison where his heart is." I snuggled closer, all too aware of his firm, wiry form pressed against me.

"I know, my love. But he does love you. It shows in his face when he is sure no one's looking. His love will make him dangerous, and not just to us. He'll do whatever he must to keep you here." Zerith pressed his cheek against mine. "But if you are willing, we'll take the risk together."

I nodded. "Being with you will be worth all the risks. Love me, Zerith."

His kisses were all the answer I needed.

Some time later, Zerith and I lay in each other's arms. I stretched languorously, then snuggled closer. Zerith chuckled. "I trust that you enjoyed yourself?"

"More than I have in ages," I assured him. "Love made it all the better, I think." I stroked his hair.

"I have to agree with you, Nyx. I know you enjoy Vex's...company, if only on a physical level, but I understand. The mortal body can only take so much persuasion." He kissed me tenderly; my body warmed to his touch.

I returned his kiss with heart and soul. Lost in the moment and each other, we didn't notice anything else.

"I trust you are enjoying yourselves."

I gasped. Zerith held me close, but I felt him trembling.

Emerald Vex smiled wickedly. "Tsk Tsk. Can I not leave you to alone?" He pulled me away from Zerith, unmindful of my nudity. "You will both be dealt with." His smile turned cruel. "You, my dear, are going to visit some friends. And you, Zerith, will suffer even more."

"My lord, please!" I cried. "It's my fault! I--I started this."

His expression was nearly rueful. "Ahh, sweetness. He will not be harmed. as I have said, he is useful to me." He pulled off his cloak and wrapped it around me. It was not a gallant gesture--he simply didn't wish for anyone else to see what he delighted in. "Red and Blackie will be pleasantly surprised. I do hope you saved some for them." He began dragging me towards the door.

"I love you, Nyx!" Zerith told me, his heart in his eyes.

"I love you, too, Zerith! I regret nothing!" Then Emerald Vex was pulling me down the hallway.

"We'll see about that, my sweet," Vex told me smugly. "Imagine, if you had waited a bit longer, you could have had me. I'm more than willing to let you play with Zerith, I'm not normally jealous. But I had not given you permission, and so you will be dealt with."

I bit back all the harsh, cold replies I could have made.

Emerald Vex flung open a door and shoved me inside the lair of an astonished Red and Blackie. "Enjoy, my friends. She has been very naughty and is in dire need of chastisement." He left, shutting the door behind him.

Red grinned evilly. "My, my. And just what did you do?"

Blackie reached out and took my arm. "Tell us all about it, won't you, lovey?"

"It's none of your business," I snapped. Inside, I was shaking, consumed with terror.

"Hmm," Red purred. He walked his fingers up my arm, over my neck. "I'm sure we can...persuade you. What would you say, Blackie?"

He nodded, smiling wickedly. "I do believe it's my turn to start, brother." He deftly pulled off my cloak and threw it aside.

A Meeting In A Dream

(Zerith)

Hours passed, but they passed slowly. My punishment for the loving passion Nyx and I shared was to watch her punishment. The rage I felt at seeing Red and Blackie force their will on her knew no bounds. I wasn't angry with Nyx-- it was no fault of hers. If anything, I was impressed by the lengths she resorted to in her desperation to resist them. In the end, however, her body won the battle. And all I could do was imagine the suffering I would inflict upon the half- breeds, if the means were at hand.

Vex didn't return her to her room afterwards. Instead, he had her taken to his own chambers, where he could keep a closer eye on her. Things were taking a serious turn, indeed, if the Daedra Count was resorting to separating us. I could only hope for Nyx's sanity, and pray that she remained unconscious--she'd passed out shortly after they'd finished with her.

As for myself, I was thinking back to the conversation we'd had before Lord Vex had interrupted us. She'd told me the story of her time at Battlespire, a tale which was amusing and harrowing by turns. Hesitantly, her face burning with shame, she'd told me what had passed between Dremora Rathine and herself. Again, I hadn't been angry with her, but should I ever meet this Rathine, I would like as not roast him to a cinder. Bad enough Vex gave her to Red and Blackie when the mood was upon him. But Rathine had, in effect, forced her to prostitute herself in exchange for the lives of Skudge and her half brother, Josian.

Nyx and I had an understanding--we were faithful to each other in our hearts, but the door was open if either of us wanted to keep company with another. There were rules to this, of course: no breaking dates with each other, no entertaining in our own home or any beds we shared, anywhere. Some things simply had to be kept sacred. I didn't care much for her terms at first, and I'd rebelled. Once. I nearly lost her for it.

But what Rathine had done...what Vex was doing to her, was essentially a form of rape. They could force her to respond, but unless Nyx gave herself willingly, completely, that is what it was. And they would all pay.

Eventually, my mind ceased wandering. I fell asleep, and I dreamed.

"Are you Zerith? The mage-scholar?"

In my dream, I was seated at a table at the Angry Porcupine. I looked up and saw a beautiful dark Elven woman, dressed in the armour of a Dreadmaster.

"What might I do for you, Dreadmaster...err..." She was lovely enough to put me at a loss for words. Desire stirred, but until Nyx was safe, no other would do.

She smiled. "My name is Kriella Khan, Zerith. I am a friend of Nyxalinth's."

I nodded. "She has told me of you, and how lovely you are."

Her smile slipped a notch. "Then she has also no doubt told you that my husband is Tenaka Khan. My husband and I do not have a relationship such as yours."

I could tell she didn't approve, but this was no time to debate such a matter. "I take it you did not merely come here to discuss the relationship Nyx and I share," I said dryly.

"I did not. Zerith, my husband and I, and our friends, we will be there. Our current mission draws to an end. However, we have no knowledge of Emerald Vex's realm, beyond what is shown in books. We will need your help."

I smiled wryly. "Well, seeing as I'm trapped here too, and I don't get out much, you're asking the wrong person."

She fixed me with a stare sharper than the Katanas she carried. "Do you love Nyxalinth?"

"With all my heart. Lady Kriella, Nyx means the world to me. Yes, I dally with others. And while some of them are my friends, they do not hold my heart. Only Nyx does." I sighed deeply. Nyx had a knack for attracting some of the most fiercely protective friends.

Kriella nodded. "Indeed. And would you give up the others if she asked you to?"

"Yes, if she asked me to. there have not been many, nor are any of them worth losing her for. Please get to the point, Lady."

"Very well. The point of this is, if you love her, you will find a way to escape the palace and enter the surrounding realm. You will meet with us at the Lake of Dreams, and you will get us into the palace."

I nodded. "You drive a hard bargain, Dreadmaster. Consider it done, for I will endeavour to the best of my abilities to do as you ask." I met her gaze boldly. "For Nyxalinth, all things are possible. But I would ask--how do you have knowledge of the Lake of Dreams? Only the most learned of scholars and Daedra know of the place."

She smiled mysteriously. "We have our sources. And one of them wants revenge." She laid a hand on my arm. "If I seem harsh with you, it is because she is my friend, and has already suffered greatly."

I thought of her torment at the hands of Red and Blackie and blinked back tears. "She has indeed, Lady. I will do as you ask, or die in the trying. Just one last question."

"Of course."

"How did you know how to find me? We've not even met till now."

Kriella smiled. "Telepathy required that I at least know what you look like. Nyx's journal has many drawings and sketches, and many were of you. Till we meet in Oblivion, Zerith." She faded away.

I woke up and got to my feet. One way or the other, I was going to get out, or die trying.

Zerith Makes His Move

(Zerith)

The first thing I did was write Nyx a note, telling her what had happened, what I planned to do, and to remember that I would always love her.

Afterwards, I destroyed it, realising that it was foolish to do such a thing. I loved her dearly, but if this was going to work, I couldn't tell Nyx what was going on. I couldn't take the chance that Vex might discover what was going on. She'd just have to hear about it when we saved her. It hurt to think of her pain, but I had to consider the plan.

I would head to where Emerald Vex had quartered his favoured mortal warriors and servants, known as Vex's Chosen. The servants themselves would be of little or no use. They were devoted to both Sanguine and Emerald Vex, chosen by the Daedra Prince to serve his favourite count. Once I got there, I would try and find the armoury and array myself properly.

I moved down the halls with a quick, confident stride. Vex's Daedra were used to seeing me roam about, and they paid me little or no mind. The Morphoids--tall, hulking brutes with horns and cloven hooves--and the Daedroths merely went about carrying on the tasks assigned to them. I trembled a little as I passed by the door to Vex's personal chambers. He held Nyx there now, and I was sorely tempted to try and speak with her. I even went so far as to press my ear against the door, but upon hearing her speaking with someone in tones I knew all too well, I decided to press on. Vex was with her.

There were no guards--Vex didn't need them. Everyone here was extremely loyal to His Grace, excepting Nyx and myself. We had no weapons with which to defeat him, nor the power to do it alone. I could only pray to Julianos that Kriella and her companions would make it here. And if the dark elf Warmage--Balefire, Nyx said he was named--made it as well, so much the better.

I sighed and forced myself to stroll away casually, even as my heart ached. I wanted so badly to take her with me, but even if Vex hadn't been with her, the locks and traps made that impossible. Once, when we'd first been captured, Nyx and I had tried everything possible on that door, including open spells. That had been Nyx's idea, to use magicka, and I'd been unable to dissuade her from doing so. The door had swallowed up the spell then spat it back at her in an arc of sizzling energy. I shuddered at the memory of her agonised screams as the bolt struck her. Vex had healed her, of course--a dead plaything wasn't nearly as much fun--but we'd never tried anything since.

"Zerith! Oh, Zerith..."

The voice froze me in my tracks. I turned to see Lishara, Vex's lieutenant in charge of his Morphoid Daedra. She was a Daedra herself, and very beautiful, with long, curling black hair and amber eyes. She could have passed as a mortal woman were it not for the horns curling gracefully on either side of her head. She smiled winningly as she approached me with feline grace. Her ample figure was set off by her close fitting, adamantium armor. "Where have you been?" she asked in a husky purr. "I've missed you so." She put her hands on my shoulders.

"I've been busy with...with Lord Zul," I said, recalling Vex's most trusted lieutenant and advisor. I'd seen him only once--a Daedra Lord with purple hair and lavender eyes. I wasn't interested in dallying with Lishara. Whatever appeal she'd once held for me had exited only when I'd been in the deepest pits of loneliness, and not since Nyx's return had I been so desperate.

"I remember when you used to be busy with me," she said with a wicked smile. Her hands--hands that could tear off my head without breaking a nail--massaged my shoulders. "Lord Vex used to be busy with me too, until he fell for that silly little mortal wench."

I took her hands in mine and kissed them, though inside I was fuming. I hoped she wouldn't notice my grimace of distaste. "Lishara, my dear, if I didn't have to meet with His Grace in a few minutes, I'd take you back to my room and enjoy everything you can offer."

She smirked. "Ah, well, then. I couldn't keep the Count waiting, now could I? Pity. I was looking for some fun." Her eyes narrowed, a dangerous sign. "Looking for some fun, Lishara? We've got all the fun you can handle."

Red and Blackie moved to stand on either side of the Daedra lieutenant. Red grinned at me. "Buzz off, elfbait. We're taking over."

I could have fainted with relief. I never thought I'd be happy to see those two, but here it was. To my surprise and intense disgust, Lishara was utterly thrilled. "Think you can handle me, boys?" she taunted them.

"We'll more than handle you, lovey," Blackie told her with a wicked leer. He grinned at me. "Sorry Zerith. You'll have to get some elsewhere."

Gladly, I thought as the disgusting duo led their willing victim away. I moved on, breathing a prayer of thanks to Julianos and a prayer to Sai for continued good luck.

I reached the quarters for Vex's Chosen a short time later. Getting inside would be a different story, but knowing what I knew of Sanguine's followers--Daedric and mortal--it wouldn't be difficult. I smiled wolfishly as I chose a place to loiter.

I didn't have long to wait. A young man with white-blond hair and blue eyes dressed in black leathers approached. He saw me, sized me up, his eyes narrowing. "And just what are you doing here?" he asked, more amused than alarmed. "Only Vex's Chosen may come here, little elf."

"Oh...oh dear, me!" I put on my best befuddled, absent minded scholar act. "I--I think I might be lost! I was looking for the art gallery, you see, and--" "Oh...really. Well, I might be willing to forget that I ever saw you here. I might even be willing to escort you to the library myself. But first," he leaned in close, smiling wickedly, "You have to do a little something for me."

"Oh, such as?" As if I didn't know, but I preferred to chose my partners, not trade myself for favours. This could still work to my advantage if I played it right.

"I think you already know, pretty boy."

"Oh...my word. Well, if I must, then lead the way!" Once we were in the clear, I would hit him from behind. I was a mage scholar, but not entirely useless with hand to hand fighting. Besides, I wanted to conserve my mana.

He smirked. "I don't think so," he said. "Walk in front so I can keep an eye on you."

Well, so much for conserving my mana. "Sleep," I intoned, pointing at him.

Ten minutes later, I emerged from a side closet wearing the young man's leathers and carrying his weapons, a matched ebony sabre and dagger. He'd worn a green velvet cloak, and I took that, too. As to the young Sanguine worshipper, he was sleeping peacefully.

Forever.

"You there! Mortal! Get over here! Now!"

That tone brooked no nonsense. I saw a group of Vex's Chosen, led by Lord Zul. His purple hair flowed in striking contrast to his orcish armour. An ebony Dai-katana was strapped to his back. He tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for me.

Summoning my courage, I bowed low. "Yes, Lord Zul?"

"His Grace has handed down the order that we are to perform scouting manoeuvres in the outside forest in the vicinity of the palace," he said in aggravated tones. "And so we shall, though Sanguine knows I've better things to do with my time. Take your place in the back rank." His lavender eyes narrowed. "What are you waiting for?" he snarled. "Horde Doom? Get in there!" He gave me a shove that nearly knocked me flying.

I took my place in the rear rank. Lord Zul gave the order, and we moved out. 'Well, I'm getting out of the palace, Kriella. I just hope you and your friends don't mistake me for the enemy...'

Interrupted Dream

Kriella opened her eyes and looked into the familiar face of Rathine. She sat up and Skudge ran over from the door to see what had happened. The Dreadmaster rubbed her eyes and stretched, before turning on the bed so that she was sitting as opposed to lying.

"Where you been?" asked Skudge, excitedly. "Where you been?"

"I been nowhere," Kriella replied. "What are you talking about?"

"I believe the Scamp is referring to the fact that we have been unable to waken you. It seemed to think that you had gone somewhere."

"Skudge not IT!" yelled the Scamp.

Kriella calmed Skudge down before the situation got out of hand. Smiling, she turned to Skudge. "Skudge," she said. "I have not been anywhere. Do you remember Zerith? I have merely been speaking with him."

"How?" asked the Scamp.

"My Lord has made it possible for me to visit people in their dreams for a short time so that I can talk with them. Understand?"

Skudge nodded enthusiastically, but the expression on his face made it clear that he had understood very little, if any at all.

"And what did he have to say," asked Rathine.

"He will try to escape and meet us when we go to Oblivion. Also, I could tell that he has a distinct dislike of you. You had better be careful when you meet him."

"What have I ever done to him?"

"It is not what you have done to him that is the point. It is what you persuaded Nyx to do with you."

The Scamp cheered. "Yeah. Zerith kill horny bastard!" The Dremora gave Skudge a vicious glance.

"We can handle that problem when it arises," said Kriella, lying down again. "Now I must contact Nyxalinth. Please try not to kill each other while I am asleep. Or at least, if you do, do it quietly." Skudge gave an enthusiastic nod and Rathine smiled. Kriella closed her eyes and drifted into sleep.

----

She awoke in a strange room. It was clearly the chamber of a very rich character, and the fact that all of the furnishings were green told her who that character was. Lying on the bed were two people - Nyx and who had to be Emerald Vex from his picture in Nyx's journal. She walked over to Nyx and woke her. She awoke with a start and opened her mouth to ask questions, but the Dreadmaster put a finger to her lips while pointing at Vex with her other hand. Nyx nodded and led the way out of the room.

"Kriella," said the Shadow Walker. "Are you really here?"

"No, Nyx," she replied. "You are dreaming. Well, technically, I am here. But here is inside your dream. Don't think about it too much, it will only confuse you. Truth be told, it confuses me."

"Why are you here?"

"I came to tell you that help will soon be on the way. Tenaka's group will soon finish their quest."

"How do you know?"

"I have felt him use the Antilight. A great deal recently. Also, any able magic user in Tamriel can tell that something is happening. Magical energy is flying everywhere. So much so that its exact origin is unknown. Anyway, the point is that we will soon be on the way. I should tell you that Zerith is escaping - I visited him first and told him to..."

"You went inside his dream? What was he dreaming of?"

"No, I did not visit his dream. I do not know him well enough to do that and so I had to drag him into mine. Stall for time and whatever you do, do not let Vex discover Zerith's absence. We shall be here shortly."

"There is a problem. Vex and I are Soulbound."

"We know. Do not worry. We have a plan to help you out of that little inconvenience. Do not give up hope. We are coming." With these final words, Kriella's image faded from the scene.

Renewed Hopes

(Nyxalinth)

I awoke shortly after my dream of Kriella. They were coming for us! At last I would be free of the villain who'd bonded me to him and his vile henchmen. Though I'd ceased to weep over my captivity long ago, the idea of freedom for Zerith and I, never to see Emerald Vex again was a delicious one.

Speaking of Zerith...had Kriella not told me of his escape, and asked me to distract the Daedra Count? I sighed. I was a little envious of Zerith, but moreso, I wished him all the luck of the gods. I loved him, and I would always love him. Even if we chose to see others again once we returned to Tamriel, my heart would always belong to him. As of now, there were only two other men I would consider sharing my heart with--one I knew only from what I'd been told, the other I'd not seen in years.

I shook the thoughts away. I loved Zerith. We hadn't spoken of marriage that wonderful night in his arms, but he had promised that we could make a go at being exclusive. I hoped it would work, for I needed stability after what I'd endured.

Vex stirred in his sleep, drawing my attention. Again I marvelled that such evil could hold such beauty. And I knew what I had to do.

But the blatant approach would not work. Firstly, it was simply not my nature--subtle seduction was more my metier. Secondly, such boldness would only serve to arouse his suspicions, not his desires. Smiling a little, I disentangled myself from the circle of his arms and got out of bed. I knew he would awaken, and I was right. No sooner had I slipped on my chamber robe than the Daedra Count became fully awake.

"Where are you going, sweetness?"

I smiled a little. "No where in particular, m'lord. It would seem there is naught for me to go."

He smirked, stretching languorously. The sheets slipped dangerously low. I allowed myself to look him over slowly. This wasn't lost on Vex. He raised one brow and said, "You brought it on yourself, sweetness."

I smiled my best wicked smile. Unfortunately, I couldn't fake a blush. I said, "Well, my lord, perhaps there is a way I could make it up to you?"

He returned my smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "You do change your tune quickly, my sweet," he purred. Nevertheless, he cast the sheets aside fully.

I let my eyes linger on what he had to offer me. 'Perhaps I have come to see that all along, I have been a fool to reject what you so deliciously offer me, my lord." I perched on the side of the bed. "I was bidding Zerith farewell, my lord. We are bonded now, are we not?" I moved my fingers up his leg. "Should I not be yours alone?"

Without warning Vex pulled me down next to him. He shifted us so that he pinned me to the bed. His emerald eyes bore into mine. Instinctively, I blocked all thoughts of Zerith, escape, and my hatred for the Daedra Count from my mind. "If I thought for one instant that you were lying to me my sweet Nyxalinth, I would visit torments upon you and Zerith that would have you screaming in your dreams forever!" His fingers dug painfully into the little nests of nerves in my wrists. I bit my lip, refusing to cry out as he continued to invade my mind. Finally, he nodded.

"Satisfied, my Lord Vex?" I asked sweetly a hint of risqué humour in my words.

He grinned wickedly. "That you do not plot against me? Yes. Your friends do not stand a chance against me, with or without that hulking Warmage. Yes, he lives, much to my consternation. It makes things difficult, but not insurmountable." Suddenly he rolled aside and lay next to me. His green eyes narrowed wickedly. "Well, my sweet? I do believe you said something about making things up to me? You'd best get started."

I bit my lip to keep from laughing aloud. Emerald Vex was terrified of Balefire, whether he chose to admit it or not. And it did my heart good to know it.

Out Of The Palace

(Zerith)

The group moved with military precision down the hall. I wasn't a soldier, no, but I'd done a little military (read, mercenary) work in the days when Nightshade was alive and before we met Nyx. So I knew what was expected of me.

As we moved, I checked out the others making up Vex's Chosen. There seemed to be almost equal numbers of males and females, all of them different, yet all of them strikingly attractive. Humans made up the bulk of it, but I saw a few high and dark elves and even a lone Khajit. Again I had to wonder why anyone would serve a Daedra Prince, much less a count. It was true I had some reverence for Hermeus Mora, as did many mage-scholars, but that was entirely different.

We stopped before a massive steel portcullis. It was worked in abstract designs...abstract until you looked at them sideways, that is. Then you saw things that would have made Nyx's friend Elsbeth blush.

Lord Zul shouted an order. Two massively built Morphoid Daedra came forward and worked the winches on either side of the portcullis. It slowly rose into the ceiling, silent as oiled smoke. I scratched my head at this--portcullis usually made enough noise fit to awaken Akatosh from one of his century long naps. This could only work to my friends' advantage--if any of them could lift it.

We moved out--and into the most darksomely beautiful forest I'd ever seen.

It was mostly evergreens--tall and dusky bluish green. A few leafy trees I couldn't identify stood everywhere. Their trunks were nearly black, their pointed leaves a deep greyish green. I looked up to the sky but the canopy was so thick that I saw only the occasional scattering of blue.

Flowers of dusky hue--purple, midnight blue, maroon, ochre--bloomed everywhere. Black lilies, purple-black roses, and blue-black lotuses seemed to dominate the others. The scent was rich and wonderful and not a little dizzying. If it were possible to become stoned merely from scent, I would have been.

It was incredibly beautiful, and incredibly dangerous. I knew that instinctively. I would have to be careful. In addition to Daedra, who knew what beasts lurked in this realm?

Lake Of Nightmares

(Zerith)

I continued biding my time. Zul had us doing a concentric perimeter patrol--that is, we circled the palace in ever- expanding routes. It might have been boring, but I was fascinated. I would be one of the few mortals to travel about in a Daedra count's realm and live to tell about it. Maybe.

From what I knew, the Lake of Dreams was a few miles north of our current position. If I couldn't slip off now, I'd have to wait, and possibly be woefully off course. The problem was in how to go about it.

It occurred to me then. I was not an illusionist, but I could create some fairly believable phantasms. It wouldn't fool Zul for very long, if at all, but the Chosen could be thrown into a panic. They were, after all, only mortals.

I knew quite a bit about Realms of Oblivion, and dangerous creatures were known to inhabit Vex's realm. They were not Daedra, but they were dangerous all the same. I called up in my mind a picture of a creature I'd seen illustrated in a book once, a great floating sphere with a huge central eye, and several smaller eyes atop eyestalks. The creature was called a beholder, and they were extremely dangerous--and evil. They were also extremely rare in Tamriel, but in Oblivion, anything can happen...

I concentrated, letting the creature take shape in my mind. I gave it a rumbling voice, fearsome teeth, and an extremely foul mood.

The 'creature' floated in from the north, bellowing, "Children of Man! I am Gragaoth, the Eye Tyrant of Despair! Prepare to meet your doom for invading my lands!" I caused a green beam of light to emit from one of 'his' eyes, while at the same time I cast Vampiric Drain. The beam and the spell struck the Khajit Chosen, who screamed in agony as his life force drained from him.

The Chosen flew into a panic. Over their terrified shouts I heard Zul yelling at them, threatening them. But I didn't stick around to watch the fun, much as I would have enjoyed it. I headed north, towards the Lake of Dreams, leaving the 'beholder's' angry shouts, the panicked cries of the chosen, and Zul's dire threats behind me.

After a hike of more than a few miles, I stood on the southern shore of the Lake of Dreams. Seeing it up close I could see how it came by its name. The water was crystal blue and sparkling. One was tempted to bathe in it, but one would not if one were wise. Dangerous things were said to lurk in its depths. Purple-black water lotuses grew along the shoreline--it was these flowers that gave the Lake its name. Said flowers were valued in the Mundus for the making of certain drugs, and by botanists who wished to study exotic plant life.

Off in the distance, I saw snow covered mountains, which aside from all the usual dangers of such a place were all the more deadly, as they were patrolled by the coldly logical frost Daedra. I'd encountered one--once--and was lucky to have escaped with my life. I had talked my way to freedom. Frost Daedra are not the most intelligent Daedra, but they value logic and honour, and by appealing to their desire for both, one can sometimes walk away unscathed.

The Lake rippled slightly behind me. I turned to look, but saw nothing. Still, I decided it would be best to not stand so close to the shore. I moved ten feet east of the lake and looked into the trees. I doubted I would be missed-- undoubtedly, my 'comrades' would assume that I had been eaten or destroyed by the creature...if the illusion lasted long enough to show it departing. Then again, Zul had no doubt figured out what had happened.

The Lake rippled again. this time sending tiny waves into the shore. Water sloshed over the toes of my stolen boots.

Something was coming.

I readied a spell in my mind. My first thought was fireball, but of course, whatever was coming for me no doubt had, from its aquatic nature, some protection against fire.

The thing rose up, and up, from the water. It reminded me of a frog, a huge frog standing 15' tall. Where its forelegs should have been were four slimy tentacles. It had three large, yellow eyes atop waving stalks. One looked directly behind it, the other two were focused on me. The thing's mouth looked like any other frog's but that it could have easily bitten me in half. Huge teeth lined the enormous maw. Its drooled a rather nasty looking greenish substance as it half hopped, half waded closer.

I had no idea what it was. But there was no mistaking its intentions. And I had no intention of becoming dinner. I thought of my weapons, but discarded the idea: the creature would eat me before I could even carve it. I focused my energy instead on the spell stored in my mind. With barely a thought, I launched it at the froglike behemoth coming towards me.

A swirling cloud of frost enveloped the gruesome thing. I heard the creaking and snapping of frozen flesh. The frog- thing let out a bellowing croak of agony as one of its frozen tentacles snapped off. It dropped into the Lake and was gone. It kept coming nonetheless, eager to have dark elf for dinner.

"Not terribly bright, are we?" I asked it. Most creatures would have made a swift retreat, especially after losing a limb.

The creature's maw opened even wider. It's disgusting tongue shot out at me. I dived into a patch of weeds nearby, noting with great satisfaction that they were quite spiky. Although my armor mostly protected me, the creature wasn't so lucky. It got a tongueful of the spiky weeds.

The frog-thing bellowed in rage and pain once more. It flailed its tongue about, desperately trying to rid itself of the nasty weeds stinging its mouth. I leapt to my feet and prepared another spell. "We don't care much for salad, do we?" I inquired. "Tsk tsk. Greens are good for you." And I launched my frostcloud once more.

This time, the cloud centred on the creature's tongue. There was a brittle snap, and the creature roared in agony once more. "That will teach you to stick your tongue out, will it not?"

The frog-thing swiped at me with its remaining tentacles. I dodged it easily--it was quite slow--and drew one of the sabres I carried. I was not a warrior, but fencing was my hobby, and I was skilled with a blade. I dashed in and slashed the thing across the backs of its legs.

The blade bit deep--very deep. Green, thick blood gushed from the wounds. I saw exposed tendons and muscles--I'd just crippled the thing, whatever it was. The thing bellowed and fell onto its back. I wasted no time in leaping atop the creature's chest. The tentacles waved, but with no real enthusiasm. "I'm here to save the woman I love," I told the thing. "And neither you nor anyone will stop me." Saying thus, I reversed the blade and plunged it into the creature's great maw and into its brain. It shuddered once, then was still.

Trembling more than a little, I jumped off the creature and moved away from it. I collapsed in a small stand of reeds, thinking, "Zerith, you may have missed your calling. There is more of a warrior in you than you care to admit.' I looked out across the Lake at the frog-thing's corpse. 'Lake of Dreams?' I thought wryly. 'Lake of Nightmares is more the case.' I sat back to await Kriella Khan and the rest of Nyx's friends.

Dangerous Ground

(Emerald Vex)

"You are well on the way to discharging your debt to me," I told Nyxalinth as she lay by my side, exhausted with the efforts of the past hours. I'd put every lovely bit of her to work at making up for her indiscretion with Zerith. Now I stroked her cheek gently, letting my fingers savour the softness of her skin. I had never known a mortal woman with such fine skin, especially considering her life as an adventurer.

Her blue green eyes slowly opened. Regarding me with considerably less warmth than she'd displayed earlier, she said, "I would think, my Count, that you would be well satisfied by now. Personally, I doubt that there is much more I can do, for you have worn me out. But I hear tell that Lishara misses you greatly."

I leaned over her, grinning in the way I knew both terrified and delighted her. She might deny it, she might fight me at every turn, but she was a deliciously wanton and passionate creature when aroused. There were no others for me-what do pretty trinkets matter when one possesses a rare jewel? "Lishara has long been in my past," I told her. "She long ago ceased to be of any use for me, but that she commands my Morphoids." I purposely allowed a thick sheath of my emerald hair to fall across her body, even as my hand caressed her thigh.

She tried to suppress a shiver and failed. "Will you never cease, my lord Vex? I am weary, and only mortal." She smiled then and said, "Allow me some rest, and I believe that I will be more than eager to continue making up for my bad behaviour."

"Indeed you shall, and I will expect you to be eager for me indeed. Otherwise," I narrowed my eyes at her, "I might be led to think that your abrupt change of heart was all but a deception on your part. And," I continued, squeezing her thigh hard enough that she winced, "You would not wish that, no?"

"No, my Count." She smiled then, saying, "I would far prefer that you be pleased with me, than angry."

"I am very pleased with you, sweetness, and shall remain so as long as you remember who I am." I allowed myself the luxury of kissing her lush mouth, but just as her desire stirred, I pulled away. "I leave you to rest, sweet Nyxalinth. Make use of this time, for when I return." I dropped my voice into that husky purr that thrilled her so ".I expect to enjoy all that you offer me." Saying thus, I arose from the bed and dressed.

(Nyxalinth)

I fell asleep almost immediately after Vex left me alone. He'd been very aggressive and demanding with me, and it'd taken all my stamina to keep up with him. When he was finally certain he'd worn me out, only then had he left me alone. And there was more to come-pun most certainly not intended.

When I awoke, I was stiff and sore all over. I bore no bruises, however, for Emerald Vex disliked marring me. Red and Blackie were often more than happy to leave bruises on my tanned skin, and bite marks as well. But I wouldn't think of them right now. No wait, yes I would. In the context of Balefire roasting them alive with a fireball and Kriella running them through with her Katanas-this time, it would be real.

My thoughts turned to Zerith. Kriella had told me of his escape, and how he would be meeting the others at the Lake of Dreams. I had to wonder how things were going for him. Zerith made a better warrior than he cared to admit. I'd shown him how to do a few things with the sabre and dagger mix I favoured, and he'd taken well to it. And given that he was more powerfully built than most mage scholars were, I often wondered if perhaps he'd missed his calling. He would have made an excellent Spellsword.

Or a Warmage.

I sighed and made ready to bathe and eat, and await my lord's return. "It will be a miracle if I ever desire sex again," I muttered wryly. "I've seen more action in my time with Emerald Vex than my friend Elsbeth could have hoped for in all her years of catting around," I thought with a grin.

I did not bewail my situation-I'd given that up long ago. And while I couldn't precisely say that I enjoyed it, I couldn't deny that Emerald Vex roused my deepest passions. I'd ceased to feel ashamed of myself long ago-, as Zerith had said, this was no fault of mine.

Perhaps some would call me a whore or worse. Perhaps some would say that I should have slit my own throat long ago, rather than endure Emerald Vex, and especially Red and Blackie. But I was not a whore, and if refusing to cut my throat and take a coward's way out meant I had no ethics, no virtue, then so be it. I wouldn't die because narrow- minded fools, who wouldn't understand my situation if Julianos explained it to them, saw fit to degrade me for wanting to survive. And I would survive.

Better still, I would enjoy my life. Before, I'd always held part of myself back. But no more. Come whatever, heartbreak or no, there would be no more holding back. My father told me of something he'd heard while visiting a far away world one time: `Yesterday is already a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision. But today, well lived, makes yesterday a dream of happiness and tomorrow a vision of hope.'

Emerald Vex returned just as I finished arraying myself for him. Finally I'd chosen to wear some of the jewellery he'd given me-even the most avaricious thief would have been delighted by the diamonds and aquamarines I wore.

The Daedra Count's expression was grim. My heart plunged and I struggled to keep my face impassive as he said, "It would seem that Zerith has escaped, my sweet." He smiled his most charming, winning smile, yet beneath the charm it was as deadly as razorblades. "You wouldn't happen to know anything of this, no would you, lovely Nyxalinth?"

Vex's smile sent an arrow of fear into my heart. I was not an actress, but if I didn't make this look good, we would all suffer. I put on my best expression of shocked dismay and lowered my head, as though I were struggling not to weep. "Oh gods," I said softly. "I should have foreseen this."

"Foreseen what, sweetness? That your so called beloved would abandon you?" He sat down next to me. Taking my chin in a firm grip, he forced me to look at him. "You love him still, yes?"

It was better not to lie. "I do, my Count, even though I am bound to you I still love him." I hoped that hearing this would make Vex inclined to be lenient with Zerith--after all, as he had pointed out to Red, Zerith was all that I had. I no longer felt the deep sense of desperation I had but a few days ago, but it would behove me to let Vex think that things hadn't changed.

"I do hope that you would come to love me in time," he said softly, his emerald eyes devouring mine. Instinctively, the mental wall I had put itself between us, blocking what the Daedra count could never be allowed to know. He smiled sadly then. "It is not my wish to cause you pain, sweetness. But know that I will do what I must to keep you by my side for eternity. If that means destroying your mortal lover and all of your friends who will attempt to help you, then so be it." He released my chin, then kissed me slowly, seeking to stir my passions. When I didn't respond, he merely chuckled.

"Well enough, Nyxalinth. Know that even now, Lord Zul and my Chosen are searching for your beloved dark elf. As for myself, I will be awaiting your friends in my Audience Chamber. They will not leave my realm alive." His eyes moved over my barely dressed figure. He gave me that wicked look I knew all too well. "You are very lovely, Nyxalinth. All that effort just for me. I am not one to pass on such a fine offering." His fingers traced the curve of my lips. "And you should be aware--I know that you're lying. But no matter. Zerith will be punished, your friends will become as dust, and as for you...well, now you have something else to make up for." He slowly undid the jewelled buttons of my gown. "I do hope that you slept well."

I made up for it, all right. By the time he finished with me I was so exhausted I could barely move a muscle, much less please him again. And as ever, my body had betrayed me, delighting Emerald Vex to no end.

I watched him dress through slitted eyes. He did not put on his usual attire--rather, he put on an ornate suit of ebony armour and a green plumed, visored helm. A gleaming orcish Dai-katana was strapped to his broad back--he was arraying himself for the coming battle.

He pulled on black dragon hide gauntlets. Smirking, he said, "Do wish me luck sweetness." When I only glared, he laughed. "No matter--I am hardly the one in need of it!"

The door opened. Red and Blackie strode gracefully into the room. They too were arrayed for battle, but their armour and weapons were considerably lighter. I rolled my eyes--I was too exhausted to feel any fear. "If you boys are looking for fun, I'm not in much shape for it," I told them wearily.

Blackie grinned. "Not at all lovey. We're here to stand guard over your lovely body."

Red smirked, adding, "Your friends think it will be easy. The only reason you and that Dreadknight woman defeated us before is because it wasn't us!"

As I watched, the brothers took up positions on the ceiling on either side of the door. Hanging upside down didn't seem to perturb them in the least.

Vex nodded. "An excellent strategy, my friends. By the time they realise something is a miss, it will be too late." He chuckled, then kissed me once more. "Why is it that I cannot get enough of you?"

I grinned evilly. "Because you are a vile, disgusting pervert who gets off on using my own body against me, and by letting his even more vile, disgusting henchmen use me for their own amusement?"

To my utter surprise, Vex threw back his head and laughed. Red and Blackie joined him. Finally, Vex said, "Tis but a few of many reasons. And I was beginning to think you had lost your spirit."

Still grinning, I said, "Give me Midnight and Shadow Heart and I'll show you how much spirit I have!" Midnight was my Mithril sabre, and Shadow Heart was an ebony dagger.

Vex laughed again. He kissed me once more then said, "Watch over her, my friends. Try not to let her beauty distract you--it would hardly do to have her friends walk in and find you pleasing her."

Red grinned cruelly. "It might be rather amusing, Your Grace, but we take your point."

Emerald Vex bowed low to me and departed.

Blackie smirked down at me from his perch. Red leered.

I glared at them both then turned my back to them. I couldn't wait to see them get roasted and sliced to pieces.

Repaying A Debt

Rathine rubbed his pointed chin as he watched Kriella come out of her trance. The Dreadmaster was lovely, even more so than Nyxalinth. But the Dremora Lord wasn't a fool. He didn't care to join his clan brothers in the Darkness--the Darkness that Nyxalinth had sent them to in Battlespire. Besides, it was the Shadow Walker who truly fired his blood.

He thought back to the one and only time he'd had her in his bed, held her in his arms. How magnificent she had been! A mortal truly worth of anyone's attentions. And that had been under coercion. Envy burned in Rathine's heart as he wondered what it was like for the dark elf, Zerith, to have her willing and eager for him. His hatred of Emerald Vex flared even hotter. The Dremora Lord smiled as he imagined the look on his old rival's face.

Skudge watched the Dremora through slitted, narrow red eyes. He was smart enough to know that Rathine was thinking of Nyx again. The look on Rathine's face was a mixture of what Skudge called the 'Horny Bastard' look, along with envy and the faraway look of memory. The little Scamp glared daggers at the Dremora, who ignored him. Skudge shook his head. He had a very bad feeling about what was going on in Rathine's mind--and heart.

Kriella, now fully awake, noticed that look as well. At first, she'd thought it had been directed at her, and her ire had rose up. Then she saw the faraway look in his eyes, and she knew. She cleared her throat. "Rathine."

"Hmm? Oh, beg pardon. I was in thought."

"As I noticed," she remarked dryly. "Nyx knows that we are on our way. She knows what we have planned."

"Ahh. Very good," he replied. "I will enjoy seeing her again." A strand of autumn brown hair had come loose from the horsetail he wore: he tucked it back in absently.

"Seeing all you get to do!" Skudge snarled. "Zerith not let you touch! Zerith knock your ass down!"

Rathine's violet eyes narrowed dangerously. "I personally do not give a cracked piece of iron about Nyx's dark elf paramour," the Dremora replied coldly, "nor does Clan Dremora. The dark elf can fall into the Lake of Dreams, for all any of us care." The anger and jealousy were plain in his voice as he spoke. "I am here because Imago Storm has requested it." Suddenly his face and voice were once again as cold and smooth as a glacial lake. His handsome features once more unreadable, he said, "Do not attach emotions to my tryst with Nyxalinth," he continued coldly. "Clan Dremora is honorable--I am here to repay a debt." He turned his broad back to them.

Kriella and Skudge exchanged a look Once again, the Dremora had used the Shadow Walker's nickname, seemingly unaware of it. And there was no mistaking the emotions in his voice.

"Skudge, would you like to go downstairs and get some lunch?" Kriella asked him.

"Yes! Skudge want!" And he did, but he also winked at Kriella to show he understood what she was doing.

"Come on then." Without a second glance at the brooding Dremora Lord, they went downstairs.

Once out of earshot, Kriella turned to face Skudge. She got down on a level with him, saying, "We have a problem, little friend."

Skudge nodded. "Rathine not just horny bastard, he horny bastard in love!"

Again, Kriella was stunned by the scamp's obvious intelligence. "You're right, Skudge. But how could you tell?"

Skudge smiled. "He have same look on face when he talk about Nyx as Nyx have when she talk about Zerith, or you when you talk about Tenaka."

The Dreadmaster stood back up, shaking her head in wonder. "Well, come on, Skudge. Let's get you some lunch. I may as well get some for myself, and some ale, as well, for I feel that Tenaka and the others will return anon." The dark elf and the scamp trotted down the steps.