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"Alright, I'll admit it, that did cheer me up."

Sinda chuckled as he draped a towel over his head. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Azee sighed heavily, luxuriously stretching her neck and arms. "I haven't had a hot bath in... well it's been a while."

"I could tell, you smelled like you hadn't had a wash in weeks." Sinda joked, waving his hand in front of his nose.

"Says the man who lives in a cave that smells of sulphur all the time." Azee replied, giving Sinda a playful shove.

The two laughed as they emerged from the narrow cavern and began climbing up the various rope bridges towards Azee's tent.

"I'm glad you were brave enough to get in the water." Sinda said, smiling down at Azee as they arrived on the rocky outcropping where her tent had been set up. "Facing fear isn't easy."

"Well I... Th-the water wasn't even waist deep, it was just silly-"

Sinda turned to Azee, grabbing her hands and holding them in his. "No, Azee, it really isn't."

"I-"

"We all have our fears, some big, some small, but they are all hard to face. You faced your fears tonight, and you won. You should be proud of yourself."

The earnestness in Sinda's voice made Azee blush a little as he gently squeezed her hands. "Well I'm... Thank you, Sinda, I... I really appreciate that."

"And I mean it, Azee." Sinda titled his head slightly as his face broke into a warm smile. "And it's not just tonight, you have faced so many fears in just the last few weeks... you really are quite amazing."

Azee felt a fluttering in her belly as she smiled in return.

"Well I uh..." She glanced at the entrance of her tent. "I never did finish that deer you brought me."

Sinda's smile widened, his tail starting to wag. "No, I guess you didn't."

"If you like... you could share it with me."

There was a low purr in Sinda's chest as he took a step closer, his body only a few inches from Azee's. "Actually, I was rather hoping we could share... a little more than that."

"Wh-what do you-"

Azee paused as Sinda released one of her hands and instead reached up to stroke her cheek. His breath was hot, a glint in his eye and a playful smile on his lips.

"There is a great deal I'd like to share with you." Sinda said, his voice barely above a whisper as he leaned a little closer, his muzzle almost touching Azee's.

Azee's breath quickened and her heart began to race as she looked up into Sinda's eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but her throat suddenly felt very dry. Her legs began to shake as she felt a powerful warmth rising within her, carrying with it a strong desire and a flush of heat. And yet, something in mind froze her in place.

Sensing Azee's hesitation, Sinda immediately leaned back.

"Forgive me, I don't mean to push you. There is no need for you to-"

"No!" Azee blurted out, grabbing hold of Sinda's shoulders. She opened her mouth to speak again, but no words came out.

"I... I don't understand," she moaned, forcing the words out. She pressed her head against Sinda's shoulder. "I want this! I really do!"

Sinda tilted his head side to side. "Are you... certain about that?"

"Yes! I'm not like this, not really, not shy or - or squeamish! I- I like sex! It's warm and nice and feels good! But... but I haven't felt this way since... Since..." Her ears drooped as she sighed. "I haven't felt this way since the

first time I was with Luke."

With a gentle smile, Sinda wrapped his arms around Azee. "It's alright. I'm sorry, I shouldn't push you. I can only imagine what you've been through with the Windhill."

"It's not like that." Azee returned Sinda's embrace, pressing her head against his shoulder and listening to the strong rhythm of his heartbeat.

"Luke... never forced me. The first time we were together was... it was something we both wanted, something we both chose. For a while it was... it was really good! I wanted him, he wanted me, we were... we were..."

"In love?"

"I... I don't know, I-" Azee sighed heavily again. "I... I was in love. Every moment with him was... was wonderful. He was my first and I was his and we... We made love so many times. Even when we had no idea what we were doing... it was... it was nice.

Sinda stroked Azee's back. He wanted to speak, but he had the feeling that this was something Azee needed to let out.

'The Windhill is a bloody fool,' he grumbled inwardly. 'Terrible thing, to have something like this and screw it up.'

Azee's shoulders slumped. "But when he came back from his trip it felt like... like it was expected of me. It felt... good, mostly anyways, but something was missing. I still enjoyed it, I still... loved him, but... but it... it was different."

Sinda was quiet for a time, before gently nodding. "I think I understand."

Azee looked up into Sinda's eyes. "Y-you do?"

Sinda smiled as he released his grip on Azee and stepped back. "This... this is the first time in a long time you've had the power to choose this, to choose whether or not you were going to share love with another."

"I..." Azee nodded her head slowly. "Yeah... maybe you're right..."

"Maybe he didn't have to force you physically, but that doesn't mean it was something you wanted." Sinda tilted his head again. "So, I guess the only really important question right now is, what do you wan-"

Before Sinda could finish, Azee leapt forward and planted her muzzle against his, kissing him deeply. Sinda's initial surprise faded quickly as he returned the kiss, wrapping his arms around Azee and holding her tight.

For a long time they stayed like that, locked in a passionate embrace, blind and deaf to the rest of the world. Finally, on some unseen signal, both pulled apart, arms still wrapped around one another, staring into each other's eyes.

Azee's breath was fast, her chest heaving as her heart thudded against her ribs. She blushed a little as she felt something grow between her and Sinda

"Are you certain?" Sinda asked, breathlessly.

"Are you?"

Sinda paused for a moment before nodding his head rapidly in puppy-like excitement, his tail wagging wildly.

Without a word, Azee took Sinda's hand and led him into her tent.

***

"Feeling better now?" Chess smiled as Luke dropped, exhausted, on the blanket across from her. His face was pale, and the firelight illuminating a sheen of sweat on his forehead.

"Spittlejuice..." Luke shook his head, his nudity temporarily forgotten. "He neglected to tell me that that was what it was called."

"Ah, I'm sure it just slipped his mind."

"Yeah... I'm sure."

Chess tilted her head. "You sound unconvinced."

"Look, I get it, you and the others hate me. Bet he's laughing it up with the Seraphim right now."

"It's possible. But for what it is worth, I don't hate you at all."

Luke raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"I do not."

"But... aren't you an ex-slave?"

Chess unconsciously reached up and touched the scar at her neck. "I was, yes."

"Well, as Azee and the witch are so fond of pointing out, I'm a slaver."

"Do you want to enslave me?"

Luke paused. "Well... no, not at all."

"And, when you look at me, do you see a slave?"

Again, Luke was slightly taken aback. Chess' gaze seemed so gentle, so casual, yet there was a depth there that made him feel like he was staring into the waters of some unfathomably deep river.

"No," Luke said at last. "I don't see you as a slave."

Chess smiled widely. "I am very glad of that."

Luke felt a shudder run up his back as Chess' smile revealed her long, sharp teeth. As he shifted back on the blanket, he again noticed he wore no clothes, and hurriedly wrapped the blanket around his waist.

Chuckling a little at Luke's embarrassment, Chess tossed another morsel of spider meat to Xia. "So, you don't see me as a slave. May I ask why?"

His face burning red, Luke cleared his throat. "Well... I... I don't really know. I suppose it's because you don't really act like one, or talk like one."

"And how would I act like one?"

"I don't know... meek? Servile?"

"And do the other Shiyan act meek and servile out of choice?"

"I... as long as they show basic respect then I'm fine."

"And yet, I am showing you respect, and you still do not see me as a slave. Curious."

"Is this all you do?" Luke demanded. Xia hissed as Luke's tone changed, but Luke ignored him. "Do you just ask questions to try and look wise and mysterious?"

"It's not all I do, though I do certainly enjoy it." Chess tilted her head. "What would you prefer I do, Luke Windhill."

"Just tell me what you want!"

"I want you to sit with me around the fire for a time."

"And that's it? You don't want to tell me that me or my family are wrong, that I'm a terrible person, or that I've... that I've tried to hurt Azee?"

Chess thought for a moment, before replying with a small shrug. "No."

Luke was genuinely taken aback. "B-but-"

"I think you are unlike anyone I've ever talked to before." Chess said, stirring the coals of the fire with a small stick. She pulled the stick from the fire, watching as small coils of smoke rose off the glowing end and drifted into the sky. "I want to ask you about things, see what you think."

"But why ask me?" Luke demanded.

"Tell me, Luke, why do humans build so many libraries?"

"Because knowledge is power," Luke replied immediately, parroting the words spoken by his father. "The more we know, the more of the world we can control. The more we control, the safer we are."

"Interesting. Tell me then... Why do humans write so many books about the same subject? Surely if knowledge was the only goal, one tome would suffice."

"Well.. because other authors may have different experiences, different views on the same subject, or different places that their knowledge came from."

"Different... but not wrong?"

"Not always."

Chess stroked her chin. "So, you have read only those things that pertain to your profession? Books on cotton and indigo, farming techniques and slave breeding?"

"Of course not." Luke scoffed.

"Why?"

"Because, as I said, knowledge is power."

"But then why do you seek knowledge that doesn't apply to you?"

"You sound like my mother now." Luke grumbled. "'Why are you reading about war, why are you reading about explorers and mythology'. She thought it a waste of time."

"And what answer did you give her?"

"That I'm curious."

Another wide smile split Chess' face. "As am I."

Luke crossed his arms. "So people are books to you?"

"There you have it. I love reading people as one would read books. All the world is my library."

"This doesn't explain why you don't hate me."

"Of course it does." Chess nodded at Luke. "It's all there, the answer, if you want to find it."

"And if I don't want to play your game?"

"Then we can just sit here, by the fire, and enjoy the evening together."

"And if I choose to leave?" Luke asked, making to stand up.

"Then I will enjoy the evening alone." Chess explained calmly. "I suppose l might be... a little disappointed." Xia squacked and Chess smiled, stroking the triffit's head. "But, I'm sure Xia will keep me company."

Again Luke froze in place. He had the distinct impression he was being tested. If he stayed, he would be submitting to this... strange woman. But if he left, would she think him a coward? Then again, if he stayed and gave her an answer she didn't like... those teeth looked awfully sharp.

For a few moments Luke was still, before slowly sitting back down.

"Thank you." Chess smiled warmly. "I am glad."

For several minutes Luke simply stared into the fire, watching the shifting dance of light and heat.

"You asked why there would be different authors of the same material," Luke said at last. "And if... people are like books to you, then even those that might seem the same, or have similarities... you would still 'read' them."

Chess' eyes sparkled as she nodded her head. "And I believe that you, Luke Windhill, contrary to what others may think, are one of the few people I've met who have shown that they are capable, and even willing, to do the same."

Whether Chess' words were a compliment or not, Luke wasn't certain, but regardless they filled him with a warm feeling that he hadn't really felt before.

"You don't see a slave when you look at me, despite what you've been taught. You don't see a slave in the Shiyan girl either." She shrugged again. "At least, not in the way that most might think of a slave."

Luke nodded slowly. "That's true... or at least... I've tried." He sighed heavily. "I still own her... but I've tried to make it as pleasant as possible. I mean... haven't I? I tried to keep her safe and warm and comfortable... I... didn't want her to do anything she didn't want to do."

"Would you be comfortable in the same situation?"

"I would be thankful! I'd be thankful that I was found by the one person who saw value in me, in a nation of people who have been taught to see me only as subhuman."

"So you wouldn't mind the restrictions?"

"If a soldier is hidden behind a shield on a battlefield, is their freedom restricted, or are they being protected?" Luke demanded.

Chess tilted her head a little. The young man was citing the Lord's Canon, though she doubted he realised it.

'Rejoice, my people, for where others in their blindness may see the bars of a cage, my order, my will, my command, my canon, shall be the shield that protects. To venture beyond is not freedom, it is death.'

'Poor Rayes... it took him so long to free himself from such things...' Chess sighed to herself. 'And the young Windhill is caught just as tight, perhaps even tighter, and he doesn't even know it.'

"I haven't restricted Azee's freedom at all!" Luke continued, not realising that Chess' attention had wandered. "I mean, yes, there were things that I couldn't let her do, things that would get her killed. But I taught her to read,

I shared knowledge with her, and..." Luke's shoulders slumped as his indignation faded. " I... I've tried to be her shield."

"Is that true?"

"Well..." Luke looked down at the fire again. "I tried... I really did. I tried to protect her, but I failed. And because I failed, I had to do something I swore I never would. I wanted her to be safe... instead... I made her hate me, and I didn't even see it."

Chess merely watched as Luke grabbed his hair in both hands.

"I didn't want to hurt her! That was never the point! I only ever wanted her to... to not feel like she was a slave."

"But why?"

"Because..." Luke's eyes shone as tears began to well up. "Because I love her."

Luke sighed heavily, his arms falling to his sides. "I've never... said that out loud before... But I love her, I love Azee. I... I've known I was in love with her for a long time..."

"But you never told her this?" Chess asked. Luke's silence was the only answer she needed. "Why?"

"Because it would put her in danger. By the lord, if anyone heard me say that... Azee would be killed. They'd probably make me kill her, and then kill me too! Even saying it now, in the middle of nowhere... I know how dangerous those words are."

Chess was quiet, but her gaze seemed to egg Luke on.

"And... I... I don't know what I would do if she.... didn't feel the same." Luke scoffed as he shook his head. "Although I suppose I know now... she's hated me all along."

With a low growl Luke grabbed his hair again. "No... even that isn't true! She... she just... I understand why she's angry that I sold Chara. I get it! I'm not some fool, I understand, Chara was family, she was important to Azee. I understand that she might feel like I betrayed her, but I had my reasons! I didn't do it to hurt her, that's insane! But even after it happened, Azee never... she never..."

There was a long pause before Chess tilted her head. "Hmmm?"

"But she never asked why..." Luke shook his head again. "She just seemed to accept it. I suppose I thought... thought that maybe she had trusted me to make the right decision. I suppose that was foolish."

The look on Chess' face suggested that she was in agreement

"But I don't understand! I don't know why she.... she won't just trust me." Luke looked up at Chess. "Do you know?"

"I... have a suspicion."

"Then tell me!" Luke was almost begging as he leaned forward. "I've done everything I can think of, tried to explain... but nothing seems to reach her! And every time someone... accuses me of trying to hurt her, it feels like their driving glass into my chest. I... I just..."

Luke went quiet as he sat back down.

"I want her to love me again." Luke's voice was barely above a whimper as tears ran down his cheeks.

"And you don't think that getting her sister back will fix it?"

"No... it's gone further than that now..."

"I see."

"I just... need to know how to fix this. So please, help me understand, how do I fix this?"

"You know... you humans are quite amazing." Chess said after a pause. "You are able to build entire cities upon land where one would think it impossible."

"What does that have to do with-"

"Ground that is weak, or wet, unstable and worse, ground where anything built should, by all rights, simply collapse."

Luke paused, wiping away the tears running down his cheeks. "Y-you're talking about foundations Y-you're telling me... I can't fix this until I know... what caused it."

"Like building a fortress in a bog."

"And you... you think you know what the problem is." Luke leaned forward, eyes wide. "What is it? Please, tell me!"

Chess tossed another few thick branches on the fire, a fountain of sparks erupting from the coals and drifting up into the sky. "There is no need for me to tell you. You explained it to me, though you probably weren't aware of it."

"So why just not tell me?"

"Because you already know. Deep down, you know why Azee can't trust you. And unless you find the answer yourself... you'll end up making the same mistakes again."

***

Eloise's footsteps were silent as she crept through the interior of the tower. She stayed low, darting from shadow to shadow. Her hair was tied up into a tight bun, and a rune sewn into the lining of her clothes had turned their colour from grey and green to midnight black.

Every instinct was on high alert as she carefully clambered up the wall of the tower towards her destination, one of the larger plateaus near the top. With practised skill she climbed up along the rock, until eventually pulling herself over the edge of the plateau.

After checking quickly to make certain she was alone, Eloise stole towards the tent, which had been erected against the wall of the tower. Cupping her hands together around her right ear, she listened for any sign of life within the tent. Finding none, she knelt down, pulled up one corner, and slipped inside.

The inside of the tent was spacious, and filled with crates, boxes, and canvas bags, most of them bearing the logo of the Halcyon Caravan Guild. Looking around, Eloise's gaze set upon a pair of wooden trunks sitting against the back wall. The trunks were made of a strange yellow and black wood, and the thick metal bands holding them together were made of old brass. There were no locks on the chests, only simple latches.

A smile spread across Eloise's face as she crept forward and knelt down in front of the chest on the right. Carefully she wrapped her hand in a length of cloth and very slowly brought it close to the chest. Suddenly there was a crackling sizzle and a flash of blue light. Eloise pulled her hand back, the cloth smoking a little.

Pulling the cloth from her hand, Eloise reached into her dress and withdrew a tarnished metal rod, roughly the size of her middle finger. The rod was etched with dozens of intricate runes, many of them extremely complex, and all glowing red.

Holding the rod like a key, Eloise slowly moved her hand back towards the chest. Again there was a crackle of energy, but this time, Eloise's hand passed easily through the barrier, the runes on the rod in her hand glowing bright enough to cast a red hue across her face. With a deft flick of her wrist she released the trunk's latch and opened the lid.

Eloise's eyes widened as she stared into the chest. The interior was split into three compartments. The right compartment was filled with chunks of blank catalyst crystal, each wrapped in strips of leather. Some of the crystal was deep ochre red, while others had an almost greenish hue. The centre compartment held about a dozen tomes made from thick sheets of yellowed paper bound with string.

The left compartment held an assortment of small trinkets, a sort of puzzle box made from painted wood, a paintbrush with an elegantly curved handle, a scarf whose impossibly complex patterns seemed to shift and dance before

Eloise's eyes. Atop them all, was a case made from intricately carved wood. Visible through the case's glass lid was a strand of multicoloured beads. Each bead was made from a different type of stone, and marked with gently swooping letters.

The moment she caught sight of the beads, Eloise gasped and leant back, allowing the trunk to slam shut.

"You know, if you wanted catalyst crystal... you could have just asked."

Eloise froze, her fingers twitching as she considered going for her guns. Instead she took a deep breath and glanced over her shoulder. "Forgive me, I didn't know there was a jad'mijadg in there."

T'varo titled his head a little as he stepped into the tent. "You know what a jad'mijadg is? How?"

Eloise did not answer, instead tensing her muscles and preparing to attack or retreat.

T'varo sighed a little as he drew the tent flap shut behind him. "You may as well relax, if I wanted to kill you I'd have brought Rayes with me. Besides, I have no intention of fighting over some beads."

"You don't?" Eloise raised an eyebrow. "What about the concordat?"

"The concordat... nostalgic nonsense."

T'varo's words shocked Eloise to her very core. Slowly she climbed to her feet. "So, you're not a warrior then?"

"My family were warriors, but I saw no need to tread that particular path. Mmmm, don't misunderstand, I still have regard for our traditions but... those ancient rules destroyed our plane, and damn near destroyed our entire race."

T'varo's cheeks twitched slightly. "As far as I am concerned, the concordat has caused my people nothing but trouble."

"That is... not something I expected to hear from a drathain." Eloise's eyes narrowed. "Especially not from one who witnessed the cascade."

This time it was T'varo who seemed surprised, multicoloured bands shifting beneath his skin. "H-how do you-" T'varo fell silent, his four eyes flicking across Eloise with renewed interest.

Resisting the urge to squirm under T'varo's gaze, Eloise's eyes narrowed. "Tell me, do your mates know just how old you really are."

"Do yours?"

A thin smile crossed Eloise's lips. "No."

"Same answer, though they have not asked. I am thankful that they respect my privacy. As for you... I would suspect that you don't trust your companions."

"A slaver and a shiyan girl, barely more than a child, damn right I don't trust them."

"Mmmm, pragmatic."

"So... what now?"

"Well... Halcyon canon would have me remove one of your hands... but that sounds messy and painful and frankly not worth the effort. That, and I reject everything that the butcher based her nation upon, and taking any cues from the, mmmm, canon is repugnant to me."

T'varo tilted his head a little. "Mmmm, of course I'd rather you weren't poking around in my things. Tell me, do you make a habit of stealing from your hosts?"

"Not if I can help it." Eloise slowly got to her feet, turning to face T'varo. "But I need crystal, and I wagered you had some spare."

"Some. Though again, I'd much rather you asked me."

"You might have said no."

"Mmmm, so instead of asking, you simply decide to take?" T'varo tapped his fingers against his antlers. "How very human of you."

Eloise laughed out loud. "That is incredibly funny, coming from a Drathain. Did your people not try to take this entire plane from us?"

T'varo smiled again, a hoarse chuckle rumbling in his throat. "Mmmm, true. Tell me, what part did you play in the war?"

"Which one?"

"The one against my people."

"That war was centuries ago."

"Mmmm, and yet here you stand. Considering your access to blood runes, not to mention a shield key, I would assume you were fairly high ranked."

"Assuming, for a moment, that this impossibility of which you accuse me were true, what reason would I have to tell you anything?" Eloise demanded, crossing her arms. "If I did fight against the Drathain, then it would seem I have ample reason not to trust you."

"Well, I did catch you in my tent, stealing crystal from me. I could decide that you owe me an explanation."

"And you would not be the first Drathain I killed, should you decide to force the issue."

A thin sheen appeared over T'varo's eyes as his body instinctively prepared for battle."Mmmm, but then Rayes would kill you, as well as your companions. One leg or not, he's still a Seraphim."

T'varo paused, sadness drifting across his face. "Though I suspect he would rather regret it, and I have no wish to cause my love any pain. Perhaps we could simply agree that you owe us for providing you and your companions food and shelter?"

Eloise kept her gaze locked on T'varo, watching every movement of his body, her fingers twitching slightly in nervous anticipation. Even a docile Drathain was not to be taken lightly, and it had been a long time since she had fought one in close quarters.

"How's this," She said at last. "If you tell me truthfully why you want to know, maybe I'll answer your questions."

"Mmmm, acceptable." T'varo sat cross legged upon the ground, gazing up at Eloise. "Simply put, I have sensed something... something disgustingly familiar, shifting in the air. And while this feeling makes my bones burn and my skin itch, I cannot do anything about it."

"Seasonal allergies perhaps?"

"Lusus, blood runes." T'varo leaned closer. "And I am willing to wager that you have felt them as well."

"That's impossible." Eloise scoffed. "Aside from your casters, who all died during the cascade, there were twelve people in the world who knew a damn thing about blood runes."

Eloise's eyes flashed. "And I killed eleven of them."

"And yet I feel it."

"I just told you, it's impossible."

Eloise grumbled as she ran her hand through her hair. "Look, I understand, everyone knows your people can feel change coming. It's only a matter of time before Halcyon and Graize attack one another. Soon after that the entire federation will get dragged in, then the alliance will have no choice but to get involved as well. That will almost certainly shake things up."

"You speak of such a massive war so casually." T'varo shook his head. "I am... surprised."

"This was inevitable the moment that bloody fool Whilhemina penned her ridiculous canon and started having everyone call her 'Lord'." Eloise scoffed. "It'll all come to naught anyways. Both sides will try and take the pass, both sides will fail. The north will get sick of spending money and blood right around the time that slave revolts start cropping up acrosss the Alliance. Both sides will claim victory, and things will go right back to the way they are now."

T'varo's eyes widened. "B-but thousands, even millions, will be lost! The suffering will spread like a disease!"

"Just as it did before, when your people invaded." Eloise gestured around. "And just look at how much they've learnt since then. We gave our lives, our souls, defending them, made every effort to teach them, but they didn't listen.

So if they are determined to burn, I will not mourn." Eloise's face twisted into a scowl. "Moths to a flame."

Again, bands of colour shifted beneath T'varo's skin. "Liar."

"Liar? My corpse will be cold the day I allow a drathain to call me a liar." Eloise shot back.

"Nihilists don't accompany slave girls on journeies across half the plane!" The bands of colour beneath T'varo's skin danced as he leapt to his feet.

In a flash, Eloise's pistols sprang from her sleeves and into her hands. But before she could raise her arms, the blade of a sword tore through the wall of the tent beside her in a flash of silver. Eloise's movements were a blur as she brought her arm up to protect herself, the blade squealing as it ground against the mechanism hidden up her sleeves.

Eloise leapt backwards as the blade sliced a rend in the side of the tent.

"Dammit all." Eloise growled as Rayes stepped inside, a long, thin sword held in his left hand.

"Are you alright?" Rayes asked, glancing over his shoulder as he placed himself between T'varo and Eloise. There was an edge to his voice that seemed to suck all of the warmth out of the tent. A subtle green glow could be seen through Rayes' clothes, rising from his skin. His hair and clothes both rippled with eldritch energy. And yet, despite the immense power radiating through him, Rayes' face seemed eerily placid and calm.

As calmly as he was able, T'varo reached out and touched Rayes' shoulder.

"I'm fine love." T'varo spoke through the subtle twitches of his fingers.

Rayes relaxed a little , but kept his gaze locked on Eloise.

"So you did bring your pet seraphim along," Eloise snarled. "And thought to call me a liar. I'm impressed, even with his peg leg I didn't hear him skulking around out there."

"I did not intend to deceive you," T'varo sighed. "Rayes was meant to stay in bed."

"Good thing I did not."

"So what now?" Eloise asked, her calculating gaze darting back and forth between T'varo and Rayes.

"Mmmm, seems to me we could fight... or write this off as a misunderstanding." T'varo tapped his antlers. "Speaking for myself, I would much rather not fight."

"We pretend that this never happened?"

"Seems best for everyone I think."

"Agreed." Slowly Eloise lowered her arms, her guns sliding back up into her torn sleeves. She turned to leave, but paused as T'varo spoke up.

"One moment please."

Eloise watched, muscles still tensed, as T'varo knelt down in front of his chest and opened the lid. Straightening, he pressed a small handful of catalyst crystal into Eloise's hand.

"There, twelve good pieces. Take them as my gift."

"Is this really a gift? Or is it meant to be proof that your concern is genuine?" Eloise asked, raising an eyebrow as she looked down at the priceless gift in her hand.

"Yes to both." T'varo nodded. "I do not doubt that you are telling me the truth, but the fact remains... the air itself stinks with the taint of blood runes. It is a scent I have smelt before... and do not wish to experience its like again. Please, I ask that you keep your mind and eyes open."

Carefully, Eloise placed the crystals into a hidden pocket within her dress. "I don't like owing anyone anything... so if it will erase any debt I may have incurred here, I'll look into this odour that has you so upset."

"Mmmm, much appreciated." As Eloise turned to leave, T'varo spoke up once more. "A final question, if I may?"

With an aggravated growl, Eloise looked back to T'varo. "Yes?"

"The Shiyan girl... What is she to you?"

"That is my business and mine alone." Eloise pushed the tent flap aside and left without a backwards glance.

As they watched Eloise stride away, Rayes turned to T'varo. "She's dangerous."

"Yes she is..." T'varo sighed heavily as he gently tapped his antlers. "Mmmm, I suppose the question is... is she the right kind of dangerous?"

***

"So you aren't going to tell me?" Luke demanded, his grief replaced with anger as he glared at Chess. "You know what I have to do to make Azee- t-to earn back Azee's trust, and you aren't going to help?"

"I am trying to help. As I said, you know the answer yourself, Luke. I am merely trying to guide you to it yourself."

"I get enough of this cryptic nonsense from the witch!" Luke's eyes narrowed. "If you have something to say, then say it! Stop playing with me!"

Luke's words did little to impress Chess, who simply sat staring at him.

"Do you get some kind of satisfaction out of this?" Luke snarled. "Watching the human, the evil Windhill, squirm and beg? Is that what you want, for me to beg? Well it's not going to happen! So, are you going to tell me, or not?"

Chess remained silent. With a growl of frustration, Luke got to his feet, blanket wrapped around himself. "Thank you, ma'am, but I've had enough sitting by the fire for one night."

As Luke turned to leave, Chess spoke, her voice quiet and utterly unperturbed despite Luke's anger. "May I ask one final question, Luke Windhill?"

"You might as well," Luke replied, tying the blanket into a knot. "It's all you've done thus far."

"Why does Azee deserve your love?" Chess asked, picking her question with extreme care.

'Come on young Windhill, let go of the pride and just think for a moment.' Chess thought. 'You are so close...'

"I..." Luke paused for a moment. "I suppose I'm not really certain. She's kind, and soft, and warm, and she's fun when she's in a good mood." Despite his frustration, Luke chuckled to himself, a smile spreading across his face as memories flickered through his mind.. "We used to run and play for hours, go swimming, even wrestle in the grass, so long as there was no one else around. We grew up together... and we taught each other a great deal."

"It sounds nice."

"It was." Luke sighed heavily. "It was... but now it's gone."

"Perhaps, perhaps not. But assuming you can get free of the curse carved into your chest, what then?"

"I thought you said you only had that last question."

"It is a part of my question, a question you have still not answered." Chess met Luke's gaze evenly. "Please, indulge me. Let us suppose you shake free of the witch and return home with Azee, what then? Does she return to the barn with the other slaves?"

"Wha- No! Never! I'd never do that to her, even if she decides to hate me forever! She doesn't belong out there!"

"But the other slaves do?"

"Well I...'Deserve' may be too strong..."

"By what right does Azee deserve a comfortable life, with soft pillows and gentle touch?" For a moment, a flicker of anger crossed Chess' face, the very tips of her claws emerging from her fingers and toes. Her voice was cold as she pressed on, the fire flickering before her as if it were blown by an icy wind. "What right does that canine pup have to a life of luxury, while her fellows toil beneath whip and chain? What is so special about her? Why is she worthy?"

"I don't answer to you! I will treat Azee how I desire!" Luke snapped, glaring defiantly back at Chess. "She is worthy because I decide she is! Not you! Not the Order! Not anyone else, just me!"

"And that's all?"

"You're damn right that's all! I'm the one who-" All of a sudden Luke froze, the colour draining from his face as a horrible realisation ripped through him.

"Have you ever considered that, perhaps, Azee may ask herself that same question?"

"She... she thinks... I would treat her like a slave again if she... B-but I would never, I..."

"What do you suppose she sees when she looks in a mirror? The creature that you love? Or a pelt, in a nation where her life is entirely subject to your whims?" Slowly Chess climbed to her feet. She towered over Luke as she stepped forwards. "Do you see now, how thin the shield you offer must seem to her? The razor's edge upon which she stands?"

"But I've tried to help her, to protect her." Luke's voice took on a pleading tone as he looked up at Chess. "I've never, ever tried to hurt her. Even... even what I did to Chara was to protect her!"

"I have no doubt of that." Chess smiled, reaching out a massive hand and gently cupped Luke's cheek. "I see your soul Windhill, you may not have meant to hurt her, but you are trying to be a good man, while doing things that good men would never do.."

"The situation isn't ideal," Luke replied defensively. "But I can't control Halcyon, I don't make the rules!"

"No, you don't. This situation you find yourself in, it isn't entirely your fault, but it is up to you to fix it. Sometimes we don't get to choose the battles we are called on to fight." Chess gestured at herself. "I would much prefer to have been born in a place where I could lay beneath a tree all day, a buttercup between my teeth and my head in a lover's lap. Alas, no such luck."

Luke, barely listening to what Chess was saying, shook his head slowly. "I've thought of it, all of it, a thousand times. How to keep her safe, where to send her... I even considered... giving her some money and sending her out of the country. But even then... there are slaving raids, and pel- shiyan aren't treated well even in the free states! She could get hurt, or recaptured and sold, or even killed!"

"It is possible, but such is the way of the world."

Luke looked down at the ground. "No matter what I do... I have to choose between her being free... and having her safe and at my side. So I made my choice, and I tried to make her as happy and as comfortable as I could... and for a long time... that seemed like it was enough."

Chess smiled and she stroked Luke's cheek with a massive thumb. "But why must it be you who chooses for her?"

"Because I'm the one who knows how things work! I'm the one with resources to keep her safe! Because if I let her choose... she might die."

"She might, but it would be her choice."

"But how can I let that happen to her if I can stop it?"

Chess smiled sadly down at Luke. "You must let her be free."

"I just... wish she would trust me." Luke sighed.

Instead of answering, Chess swept Luke up into a big hug. Luke tensed for a moment, but swiftly relaxed as the massive feline arms pulled him off the ground and held him.

"I'm sorry but I can't give you all the answers," She purred deeply. "But I do think that you have goodness in you, and that your intentions are good."

"They are," Luke mumbled. "I just... want others to see that."

"Others see only what they are shown. Intention never built anything and never healed a wound. If you want Azee to trust you... you have to start acting like you deserve to be trusted."

"H-how?"

"You'll know." Chess smiled and held Luke a little tighter, threatening to squeeze the air out of his lungs.

One side of Luke's mind kept screaming: 'can't breathe!' The other side couldn't help but notice how soft and warm Chess' arms were, almost wishing the embrace would last forever.

"Do you feel better?" Chess asked, looking down at Luke.

"Y-yes," Luke managed to gasp, his fingers tingling a little.

"Good, I am glad to hear it." With a final squeeze, Chess set Luke back down on his feet. "Now, why don't you sit with me for a spell and enjoy some lovely fire roasted xamu-spider?"

Hurriedly wrapping the blanket back around his waist, Luke fought to catch his breath. "I... uh... Thank you, but no thank you. I think I've had enough to eat... and drink, tonight."

"Suit yourself." Chess returned to the fire. As she sat she pulled a pipe from a pouch at her waist. With a delicate pair of silver tongs she withdrew a glowing coal from the fire and used it to light the pipe. The smoke rising up from her pipe had a strong, citrus smell as she took a deep puff.

"You have a long way to go, Luke Windhill." Chess took another puff, the smoke curling around her muzzle. "But all of the answers you seek are within you, you need only the desire to face them."

"I... will try."

Luke looked down at himself and cleared his throat. "May I... ask where my clothes are?"

"Your clothes will be dry tomorrow. Go and see Rayes about borrowing some of his, I'm sure he won't mind." She smiled to herself. "He tends to do away with them when he's at home anyways."

"I uh... yes, thank you."

As Luke turned to leave, Chess called out. "And Windhill, may I offer a final thought to you?"

Luke turned and nodded. "Of course."

"You may consider the possibility that Azee being free, and remaining by your side, need not be mutually exclusive." She took another puff with a small smile. "I promise you this, love freely offered and returned, will taste far sweeter than love that is tainted by fear or jealousy."

For a long moment Luke was quiet as he stared at Chess, her words ringing in his mind. His hand reached up to his chest, feeling the slip of crystal buried beneath his skin.

"Thank you." He said at last, nodding again. "I will... keep that in mind."

As Luke left the top of the tower, Chess leaned back against a soft pillow and stared up into the sky. Xia squawked quietly, before gently crawling atop of Chess and nestling himself against the thick ruff of fur around her neck.

Chess smiled and gently stroked Xia's head. "I know... but perhaps he will learn. And if one so knotted up as he can learn to untangle himself, perhaps there is hope for more of us."

***