This one is told from Zerith's point of view, folks. Nyx isn't doing anything at the moment that any of us care to contemplate 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 imagaine 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 seperating us. I could only hope for Nyx's sanity, and pray that she remained unconcious--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 rpostitute 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 armor of a dreaknight. "What might I do for you, Dreadknight...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, Dreadknight. Consider it done, for I will endevor 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. PGP Public Key Fingerprint: 07A0 01CF 1716 EA1A BCFC 6217 25FC A908