Warring Nations {Closed}

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia stood and allowed herself to be led from the tent by Nara’s guiding hand on her shoulder. She only offered a shy smile in response to Nara’s question and shook her head slightly. Just before exiting the tent, she paused, looking back at the commander. She wanted to look at his face one last time before retiring for the evening. An odd thought occurred to her then, her eyes filled with his image. He was a handsome man, though different looking than the men of her race. Under other circumstances perhaps….

She spoke softly, letting her voice give words to her thought. “It is strange, is it not? We stand here together, only a short distance apart, and we are supposed to be bitter enemies. We are behaving civilly to each other, yet we ought to be at each other in hatred. I do not know why this should be. I am no warrior; I have never shed the blood of your people. You probably have fought mine, and perhaps killed some. Yet I find no reason to hold malice for you, truly. Why are we enemies? Why should I hate you so? Is it only because that is what we are told must always be? I’ve just helped you, my enemy. My own people would condemn me for what I’ve done. I fear I don’t truly know who I am now.” Her gaze drifted to the floor of the tent, but whatever she was seeing was something far away, not here.

She looked up at him once again, as if he answered. He did, in a way, but it was not his words that she listened to, it was his feelings. Somehow, in that quiet moment of reflection, she had found her focus. Her eyes widened as she caught the impulses he felt for her, the things he wanted to do with her, to her, and what he wanted her to do to him. She flushed hot with shame; shame at her own lust rising in response. One thing she knew for certain as Nara’s hand on her shoulder led her away through the camp: this was not the last time she would be dealing with this man. She gave a little shiver at the thought of what the next meeting would bring between them.

She let Nara lead her back to the tent and inside, lost in her own thoughts. This woman beside her had such strong feelings and impulses! Xia was picking up on images in the woman’s mind as they entered the tent, and the overwhelming need frightened her a little. The idea of contact with another woman was not altogether foreign to her. It was common in Drow society that young girls approaching the age of their ripening, but not quite old enough to look for a mate, might ‘experiment’ with each other. It was all harmless, and chalked up to the fact that females seemed to mature sooner than males. And sometimes such relationships even carried into adulthood.

Drow society was matriarchal in nature, with women holding the positions of power and authority, and the men relegated to more menial and servile functions. Some of the women in positions of power took this societal view to extremes, even considering men as lovers to be a barbaric choice. They kept women as their lovers, if love could even be attributed to Drow relationships. Xia knew of these women, and felt not one way or the other. She had enjoyed male and female lovers before, though rarely, as her duties as princess and her independent pursuits kept her busy.

But now, she was in the presence of a High Elf woman who apparently felt such urges towards her. Surprisingly, Xia, herself, felt no inclination to treat this woman as a typical Drow would in a relationship, using their desires against them for gain or advantage. No. With Nara she felt only concern, and a little wonder that the woman would be attracted to her hereditary enemy. And, she had to admit, she also felt some arousal at the prospect. Xia knew that something was about to happen between them when they entered that tent. She was both excited and curious to find out what it would be like.

She entered first, and let Nara follow behind her. Moving quickly to the far side of the tent, she turned back to face the woman, looking at her appraisingly. Xia titled her head slightly, her silver colored eyes regarding Nara with interest and a hint of questioning. At the risk of giving away her ability to sense the feelings of others, she confronted Nara directly. “Sub-commander Nara, or would you prefer I called you by your name, Nara?”

She let her hand creep up to touch her throat, then slowly, sensuously, she let her fingers drop lower, loosening the laces of the borrowed tunic, as if making herself more comfortable for sleeping. Her other hand fidgeted with the hem of the garment, about halfway down her bare thighs. Her dusky legs were bare below the tunic, down to the short boots on her feet. She didn’t miss the way Nara’s eyes locked on her every movement. She saw the stare at the slightest hint of her dark cleavage. Xia’s dark nipples stiffened in response, tenting the light felt material of the tunic in two obvious points. Her voice dropped to that of a soft seductive purr, yet her words themselves retained an innocence as she asked, “Nara, you want something from me, don’t you? Why don’t you tell me what you want?”

[Elvenoff1]

The map fell to the table top like soft rain upon a small puddle. Her words cut through all the politics and racial traits of each side and asked the most important question. Why? Why was this war still raging on? Why can’t there be peace among the races? His gaze rose from the table to the two women walking away from his tent, “My apologies, Milady.” his words whispering out to her, “ For I have taken a rivers worth of your peoples blood. A action that I question myself for doing, for only if I had the chance to sit down and speak with them things might have been different.”

Looking down at the map, “I hope for the grace of our gods, that we do not shed nor lose more blood tomorrow.” The cool liquid flowed over the commander’s lips bringing his parched throat to an end. His gaze fell into the night while his mind drifted into the events that tomorrow may bring. His hopes of a bloodless escape was prominent over all other matters. Heavy lips fell over his sapphire eyes as he entered into a state of meditation.

Nara’s blood boiled, her throat felt as if it was filled with cotton from the assaulting waves of anticipation. She has never been with another woman before and wasn’t sure why all of a sudden she wanted nothing more but to be with this women maybe she fell under some kind of charm spell that protecting the princess at the gardens, maybe the princess herself is some how casting a spell against her right now making her feel this way so she would give her life to protect her. Nara’s gaze quickly shifted to the princess’s form, searching for any signs of her using magic, but the only thing she received from the gaze was more wanting desire to touch her.

The lump in her throat took the air from her lungs like a thief takes a gem in the middle of the night, careless to whom it would hurt; She gasped and trembled when the ache slammed into her stomach. Fear rose for she has never experienced this kind of self-administered pain before, never has she felt this way toward anyone. She dropped her gaze from the princess when the tears welled up and fell from her hazel sockets. Her mind screaming out to her, trying to reestablish control of her emotions but to no prevail.

Nara’s gaze lifted to the princess when she moved quickly to the other side of the tent. Her observation fell deeply upon the questioning eyes of the princess while nervous sensation was slowly making its presence known to Nara. She swallowed hard once more for the beauty of the princess seemed to over take her once more. She shifted her weight slightly, squaring off as if prepared for battle. A small smile formed over Nara’s soft lips upon hearing the question given to her, “Nara, please your Highness.” taking the reigns and testing the ground before her, “And how should I address you? By your name or title?” Nara feeling a little adventurous.

Nara swallowed hard when her attention fell upon the traveling hand of the princess. She followed the fingers as they traveled down her throat and was slowly tugging at the laces of the tunic exposing the dark cleavage of the Princess. A moan escaped her lips upon the rush of lust as it reclaimed its territory. The burning ache stemmed outward from her pulsating womb to every nerve of her body. She shifted once more from the reemerging wetness between her legs. Oh god, her inner voice begged for mercy, she wanted so much as to suck upon the harden tips that bore through the princesses tunic.

The seductive tone of the princess drove the final nail upon the dying disciple of the Sub-commander. Her body swayed to the driving force of her lust and desire. Her eyes moved up the silver orbs of the princess as she slowly moved forward. The beating of her heart rang deep within her ears, her throat filled with cotton once more. Her body trembled when she came within inches of the princess, her gaze locked upon the beautiful face before her.

She said nothing as she brought one of her hands to the soft cheek of the princess, the other moving to the soft curve of the Princess’s hip. Slowly she leaned in to press a soft kiss upon the tender lips of the woman standing before her.

A moan rippled over the open mouth of Nara, her head pulled back shooting a look of betrayal toward the Princess. A small stream of blood flowing from her lips, “How could you?” was her only question as the light of the tent faded into darkness.
“Your Highness.” came the heavy accented tone of the under-dark. Two blood covered assassins moved into the tent. “The encampment is secured. We have the elven commander bound and according to some of the other deceased elven soldiers she is the sub-commander.” replied the assassin as he reached down and pulled his dagger from Nara’s back. “She is alive.” he continued retracting his other hand from her neck. “What are your orders?” questioned the second assassin..

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia sensed Nara's desires. She had opened herself fully and focused on Nara alone. She could feel the heat of the woman's lust rising within her own body as well. That was the thing about really strong feelings she sensed. It was hard to know where the feelings of another left off and her own began. That's why it hurt so when they stabbed her!

At least, that's what it felt like. She hadn't sensed the approach of the assassins, nor the death taking place all around the camp. When they slid the blade between Nara's ribs, Xia was deeply connected with her, and it felt like they had stabbed her. Her own silver eyes went wide with shock and her breath labored with pain as she staggered back, looking in confusion and horror at the woman's body lying in the tent floor.

It took several moments before she registered what had happened and what the men had said to her. She turned on them, shrieking in a hissing whisper, "You fools! What have you done?!?!" She was reacting emotionally. She knew she had to get control of herself. She had to come up with a plan; one that would keep them from questioning her. She let the anger and frustration she was already feeling show in her words. It would make it more convincing, and also explain any feelings they had sensed from her. Not all Drow had her level of ability to sense feelings, but you just never knew who did in the Underdark. A person, even a princess, had to be careful. No one could ever know who would betray them, or for what reason.

"You've ruined everything!" At their confused look, she continued, gesturing to the body of the woman as she knelt down beside her. "I know she is the Sub-commander; I also know where the commander is, and who he is. They were taking me to their kingdom, to their prince, and perhaps to their king, himself. I could have secured victory for our people in this war, if you hadn't interfered! What are the lives of a few soldiers here when I could have taken their king in his own palace! Fools!" She pounded her fist in frustration on the tent floor next to Nara's prone body as tears crept into her eyes.

Careful not to look at the assassin directly, she demanded, "How many did you bring with you? Gather the others and I will tend to her. The commander is not to be harmed, do you understand? They are valuable prisoners. We're taking them with us. I doubt that this mess can be salvaged now, but perhaps there is something to be done. Go! Leave her to me!"

When the two men had left, Xia examined Nara's wound, closing her eyes and summoning the healing magic of the priestess-hood. When she had the wound closed and the damage healed, Xia turned her over gently, lifting her head and whispering to her, "Nara, I'm so sorry this happened, especially to you. I had no knowledge they would do this. I will try to keep you safe, if I can. Trust me." She leaned down and kissed the elven woman softly and slowly on the lips, wanting just to taste that which was denied her moments before.

Xia was suddenly so weary. It was late, and though she'd been unconscious until only a couple hours before, the intervening time had been spent on emotional raw edges. She sighed, exhausted, and wondered if she could figure out a way to convince her kinsmen to spend the night here. Then again, if all the High Elves except Nara and Commander Mekil were lying around dead, it might not be such a pleasant place to stay. She glanced briefly at Nara, hoping it wouldn't hurt her to be moved. She knew she had healed the damage, but that didn't mean the woman wouldn't suffer pain. Xia sighed again. This was not going to be easy.

[Elvenoff1]

Darkness seemed to fade to a misty grey, pain rippled through the heart of Nara for he women that she was coming so close too betrayed her and the prosperity of ending this war. How could she have been so blindly trusting? How could she have let her lust and desire to be with this women clout her judgment and force her to lower her guard? She took in a deep breath only to release it quickly as a sharp but quick pain erupted from her rib cage. Her memory fell back in time reliving the moment when the dagger penetrated her back and the poison was slowly taking her life way ‘ I fought to survive and survive I did’ her inner voice speaking up to her. ‘You will survive this betrayal as well.’ the inner voice taking control over the aching hurt of the heart.

Nara listened to her surrounding before opening her eyes. She wanted to make sure that she wasn’t being scrutinized by anyone waiting for her to open her eyes. She struggled to hear any signs of life but it wasn’t what she heard what shocked her it was the touch. ‘What is going on? Am I to be raped and killed like my mother? Her senses kicked in wanting to know if she was still clothed or was she sprawled out and naked. To her relief she was still clothed and unbound for she didn’t feel any foreign objects upon her limbs.

‘Well Nara its now or never’ she whispered to herself. She prepared herself just incase the one whom kissed her was still luring her into open her eyes by giving her a false sense of safety or and one that she wished for was the princess.

‘WAIT!’ her inner voice cried out in confusion ‘what are you saying, she betrayed you and you are hoping that it was her that kissed you?’ the confusion of unknowing was driving her crazy. Yes, she felt that she was betrayed, but her heart still wanted to be with Xia. She could not explain how or why she felt this way, but she wanted nothing more in life than to be with this women. She felt her stomach twist and binge with the thought of not being able to hold this women in her arms again. ‘Nara, do you love this women?’ her mind asked and the only answer Nara could give herself was ‘Yes.’

‘It’s time.’ Nara slowly opened her eyes to look upon the one whom kissed her. Her heart pounded deep in her throat as her gaze came upon the princess looking over her. Joy and relief washed over her as she reached up and hooked her hand behind the princess’ neck and pulled herself up and pull the princess down to her. She took a deep breathe before their lips came to close upon each other. She kissed her with her heart no lust, no desire just pure love.

She held the princess to her, kissing her with the love of a loving couple. Her thoughts were only focused on one thing and that was showing this women the love that was held for her. Slowly she allowed the kiss to stop and she slowly released the princess and lowered herself back to the ground. “I know this is awkward, and I have no explanation for it, but I have strong feelings for you.” her face blushed a little for she never in her life told another women that she loved them besides her mother. “When am I do die?” was her next phase given.

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia held Nara's head in her lap wondering what she would do next. She was listening to the sounds of the dark elves carrying out her orders out in the camp and knew she only had minutes to come up with a plan. An idea had just begun to form in her mind when a hand snaked up to capture her and draw her face down for a kiss. Nara's lips were soft and tender, and the kiss was heated with the passion of her true emotion. Xia found herself returning the kiss with heat of her own.

She opened her eyes as Nara released her and lay back down, only then realizing that she had closed them. She gazed down into the hazel eyes that held such emotional connection for her, and couldn't help but wonder at the way it made her feel. This was more than just a curious interest, she realized. Had it been only that, she would not have reacted so strongly when Nara was stabbed.

Nara's words echoed her own thoughts. Where did these feelings come from? The two women had only known each other for a length of time that could be measured in hours. Yet the feelings were so intense!

"When am I to die?" Nara asked, and the words chilled Xia more than she wanted to admit. "Shhhh, do not speak of such a fate, not for you, Nara! Never! I will not let that happen." She desperately wanted to believe what she said to the High Elf woman, but deep down inside, she knew what the woman's likely fate would be, if they took her back to the Underdark. High Priestess Callandryll oversaw the questioning of all prisoners, and it was not a pleasant thing. Not many survived the experience, depending on what information they had to give. And those few who did were spiritually, mentally, and physically broken beyond recovery, fit for nothing else but slavery in the mines or the amusement of unkind masters. Xia shuddered at the thought of Nara succumbing to that fate.

At the very best, Xia might be able to lay claim to whatever was left of the sub-commander when the questioning was over, if there was anything to be salvaged of the woman. As one of her abductors, Xia could claim the right of vengeance to gain custody of Nara. No one would deny her that, once all useful information had been extracted from Nara. But the Nara she knew would no longer exist, and would not be capable of feeling love for any drow after that experience. Xia's vision blurred with tears at the thought of the ruin that Nara would become. She held the woman tighter as her tears fell to splash hotly on Nara's cheek.

No, she decided. Nara must not be taken back to the Underdark. But what was the alternative? Could she help Nara escape somehow? And could it be done before they returned? How could she do it without raising the suspicions of the assassins? And even if she could, if the High Elves managed to make it all the way back to their kingdom, wouldn't they just try again to capture and abduct her, putting themselves in danger all over again? Now she wondered about their plan. Did the High Elf prince truly have a way to bring an end to the war? Would it have made a difference if she had been taken all the way back to the High Elven kingdom?

Had she been taken to their High Elf prince, living among them would have been like a sort of prison for her, no matter how well they treated her. She would be the only Drow among a sea of would-be enemies. And it was unlikely that she would ever have been allowed to return to her home. It would have changed her life forever. But now, because of this, the war would continue, perhaps indefinitely. The thought made her so weary and sick. In that moment, she would have sacrificed her own freedom, and lived in isolation among the High Elves, even for the rest of her life, if it could truly end the terrible war.

Desperately, she whispered, "Nara, you must tell me, please! Where is the sedative potion you used on me? Where is the stronger version kept; the one you said the commander would use on me if I tried to escape?" She caressed Nara's cheek soothingly, hoping the woman would answer quickly before the assassins returned.

[Elvenoff1]

Nara’s heart raced upon feeling the soft lips of the princesses’ against hers, her kiss was filled with fire as well. Nara moaned upon receiving the splendid taste of this exotic female, her loins burned and begged to be touch. She wanted more from this luscious being but there was pressing issues that took over and that was her survival. She now knew that there was feelings between them and those feeling will still be there once they are out of the mess.

Nara searched deep into the white glowing eyes of the princess for anything that would bring her fears under control. She knew only stories of how treacherous and malicious the drow were with their prisoners and wanted nothing more than to escape this fate. She shivered from the thoughts but was quickly comforted by the loving eyes of the Princes. The beauty of her calmed Nara’s fears and gave her the comfortable feeling of hope.

A soft warm smile came over upon her lips when the soft supportive tone of the princess came. Her words were filled with what she hoped for and that was a overall feeling of concern, if not more, but she could only hope that what she deprived as feelings was not an act to get Nara to lower her guard and became a victim to the powerful mind games that Drow are know for, their treachery and deceit to get ahead was always present.

A gentle stream of tears fell from Nara’s hazel eyes upon seeing the tears that filled the princess. She didn’t understand for only a few moments ago her voice was filled with hope but now the look upon her face and eyes told Nara that there was still reason to be very concerned for her fate. She began to say something when the hot tear fell upon her check. Her heart stopped beating, her disbelief ripped through her like a hot knife slicing through butter. Everything she was told about the Drow came into question for here is a very powerful drow weeping.

“Xia?” Nara disregarded the etiquette of addressing royalty. Her hand gently brisling away the tears. Her gaze leveled out to the gaze of the Princess, but before she could speak the princess asked about the strong elixir that the commander had in his procession. “I don’t ..” Her mind was blank for a moment as she tried to remember what he did with it. “Now I remember,” she spoke quickly, “It’s in the pommel of his ceremonial sword that he keeps locked up in his field chest.” she replied looking back into the beauty that was holding her…

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia breathed a sigh of relief. Time was short and the men would be back at any moment. With one final stroke of the high elf's hair, she whispered, "Forgive me for what I must do." But whether she addressed this to Nara wasn't clear. Gently, she lowered Nara's head to the tent floor, and rolled her over, gathering her hands behind her, and binding them. She had just finished when the Drow assassin returned.

"Princess, we've secured the other one and I've gathered the men. They await your instructions." He was young, though deadly enough in his craft. Still, he was in awe at being face to face with his princess, judging from the look in his eyes. Xia knew a little praise with this one might go far in serving her purpose. Hopefully he had not grown too jaded and like the others of his kind yet.

"Good, you've done well. Now I must interrogate the Commander briefly before we leave. Strike this tent and any others that are still usable, and pack them away to bring with us. I am very tired. It's late and it has been a trying ordeal for me. But this place won't be fit to be in soon, so we will move on a little distance before stopping for the night. There I will take my rest."

Gesturing to the high elf woman tied up on the floor of the tent, she continued, "Carry her outside while you strike the tent. Do not touch her otherwise. She is my prisoner, duly claimed by right of vengeance. Do you understand me clearly? I will see to her fate personally, and will be quite upset with anyone who deprives me of the pleasure of even one of her screams!"

With that, she turned her back on him and headed for the commander's tent. As she crossed the camp, she tried to count the number of Drow soldiers, and came up with at least six. She didn't know how many elven soldiers had died under their hands, but there was no one left except the commander and Nara. She spotted Commander Mekil sitting on the ground just outside his tent, tied with his hands behind him. He looked like he'd had a rough going over before being subdued, and one eye was nearly swollen shut. The other eye served him well enough to glare at her with all his hatred and disappointment.

Xia approached the Commander's tent, speaking to the guard standing over him. "Bring him inside. I need to question him. And lend me your blade, soldier." she said meaningfully, with a cold impassive stare at Mekil. She waited as the soldier drug him inside the tent and handed her his razor sharp dagger. "Now leave us. Wait outside for me to call."

Once alone with Mekil, she knelt down to release the gag in his mouth, speaking in low tones. "By now you know that your soldiers are dead. Sub-commander Nara still lives, however, as you do. I know you hate me, and blame me for this. There is nothing I can tell you to convince you that I did not know of this before now, so I won't try." She rose and searched the tent for the sword Nara had described. "If you have anything you wish to say to me, keep your voice low. The soldier outside can hear you."

She located the locked field chest and placed the point of the dagger under the hasp, prying upwards. It was too strong. Turning back to the bound High elf, she hissed, "I need the key. Where is it!" She had no time for subtlety in asking politely.

[Elvenoff1]

Nara closed her eyes upon feeling the soft touch of Xia’s hand. She could feel the caring emotion vibrating from Xia. She swallowed hard attempting to defuse the emotions that was spawning upward once more for there was no time. She was scared but also felt safe within the arms of the princess, there was only once when she felt this safe and that was when she was little and buried in the arms of her grandfather. Her father was a victim of the drow raid that took her mother a few decades ago. She stiffened up when the princess apologized for an action that she was about to perform upon her, but was understanding that she had to do what she had to if they were going to get out of this mess. She didn’t know what the princess was up to but trusted her or her love for her trusted her.

She gave a small cry when the princess rolled her over, the healing was grand but the muscles were tight and unforgiving when they were stretched out. She flinched only briefly when she felt the rope wrap around her wrists, but then something happened that made her slightly tingle, she liked the feeling of being bound by someone she loved. She quickly got hold of her senses when the assassin walked in and spoke with the princess. She was slightly distraught when she heard that this man was to lay his hands upon her. It would be easy for him to fondle her while carrying her away to some other spot. She protested with grunts and squirming movements trying to weaken the binding when the assassins hands grabbed her arm and hoisted her up to her feet. She felt his strength and refinement and realized she was no match against him while she was tied up.

Mekil lowered his head in a somewhat of a respectful bow. “I have under estimated you.” his words stopped when the princess began to explain to him the situation that was going on and that she regardless of what anybody thought she was not responsible for this. He only shook his head not knowing what to believe but just wanted the princess to get on with what was going to happen. He was pleased to know that Nara has survived but felt shamed for what was going to happen to her. “So are your men taking advantage of Nara’s physical attractions.” he somewhat spat that statement out as the images of her being raped by the Drow infuriated him. “You should have slit her throat and had mercy upon her, for she took extreme care for you and prevented anyone laying a hand upon you. Unlike you.” he spat once more.

“What are you looking for?” he whispered not understanding what she was searching for. His brow rose when she pulled her dagger and knelt down at his field chest. When her attempt failed to open it she turned and hissed at him. He only glared at her for a moment trying to understand why she was so interested in his ceremonial armor and weapon. “There is nothing in there for the likes of you. It is only a suit of honorable armor.” but the look she gave with the hiss it dawned upon him that Nara must have told her about the elixir. “The key is here around my neck it looks like a pendant but it is actually the key.” He looked at her, “You know this will kill not knock-out. It only takes a smear upon a blade to work. There is enough poison there to kill a company of men.” His eyes held the regret that more lives were about to be taken..

[Annisthyrienne]

"Sub-Commander Nara will not be harmed, of that you have my assurance. I am grateful for what she did for me, and for the consideration you have shown me as well, Commander. I will not forget it when it comes time to decide your fate, and hers. But do not forget that it was your idea to take me from my home against my will, not mine."

Xia ignored his further questions, glaring at him at the insinuation that she was not honorable enough to touch his 'honorable armor'. If it were not for the feelings she had sensed in him just before this happened, she would've let the men finish what they had started. But she knew his desire for the war to end was genuine, and there was more to his feelings than that. She hadn't forgotten.

She retrieved the key from around his neck and opened the chest, ignoring the armor and quickly finding the sword. A hasty examination of the hilt soon managed to open the mechanism and she held the vial in her hand. She winced at his next words, and her delicate silvery brow furrowed in confusion.

“You know this will kill, not knock-out. It only takes a smear upon a blade to work. There is enough poison there to kill a company of men.”

"I don't understand, Commander. Nara said this was what was used on me, yet I did not die. Despite what has happened here to your men, I don't wish to kill my own people. Enough have died already, and these men were not acting on their own. Someone ordered them to do this."

She paused to reconsider her plan as this new information sunk in. A cold dread settled in the pit of her stomach. She had to make a decision soon, as to what she would do. She knew if they got the Commander and Nara back to the Underdark, their lives would be nothing but misery, and dreadfully shortened at that. It slowly sunk in that she could not return to the Underdark with them as captives. But to spare them, she would have to make a decision that would change her own life forever. If she used the potion on her own kind, if anyone ever found out, she could never go home. But the only other option was to leave no witnesses. Could she kill her own? Could more deaths be justified if it could end the war? It was time to decide if she could believe what Commander Mekil had told her. Could the war really be ended with their plan? Would that end justify the loss of six more of her people?

She would have to decide soon.

*******

Three hours later, encamped in a new site, she sat alone in the tent that had been prepared for her. Nara and Mekil were under guard in another tent, and the men were at their own rest, as she was supposed to be. But she couldn't sleep. Staring at the vial she held in her clenched hand and the dagger on her other, she wrestled with the thought of murdering her own kind for the sake of two enemies. No. Not for them, she tried to convince herself. It would be for the untold many who would not be killed if the war were ended. And surely that was worth six men, wasn't it? And after all, they were soldiers too, sworn to offer their lives in defense of their people, right? But could she do it?

With ebony fingers trembling violently with nervousness, she uncapped the vial, preparing to dose the dagger with the deadly poison. Dousing the lamp, she took a deep shuddering breath and called out for the young man guarding her tent.

*******

It had not been easy. They had trusted their princess, had let down their guard. Not much of a fight except the last one. Still, with each strike, her trembling had become worse. Now she stared at her hands, shaking violently, bloody to the elbows. Some of it was her own.

The last one had fought, suspicious of the fate of the others. He had gotten in a good slash along her ribs. Now the front of her borrowed tunic was soaked in crimson as she wrapped her arms around herself tightly, rocking back and forth on her haunches, fighting down the nausea that threatened to overwhelm her.

She stared at the cooling bodies of the men, her own race, that she'd murdered. A thought occurred to her that made her laugh, but her own voice came out as an unrecognizable croak, bitter, unforgiving. Pretty soon, this camp would not be fit to be in. It was the second campsite ruined this night for the same reason. Let the dead camp here forever. She had to leave, to get away!

Stumbling to her feet, she staggered to the tent where Nara and Mekil were tied. She stepped around the body of the guard as if she was afraid it would grab her, and slipped inside. Her movements were mechanical, as if she moved in a daze. She couldn't meet their eyes as she knelt to cut the bonds for Nara and Mekil. She was sure they must have heard the struggles in the camp. Would they realize what she had truly done? Would they know that she could never go home now?

[Elvenoff1]

Commander Mekil torn, beaten, defeated, bounded and draped over the back of a pack mule like someone’s excess baggage wondered if all hope was lost. His mind continued to play different scenarios within his tactical mind, but there was no winning this situation on the facts that there was only two of them and several of the Drow master at arms-men left from the battle with his men. The only factor that wasn’t put into the equation was the unknown fact as to why the Princess wanted his poison, was she going to use it against her own kind or was it that she didn’t want him to get loose and use the poison on her people? That is it, that is what the princess was up too his mind screamed then Nara, the thought of Nara telling her lover about the poison, Nara betrayed him! Betrayed him for the love that she has grown for this Drow princess.. Anger cut through him like a hot knife slicing through butter with the intent of getting to the other side as fast as possible. Angered grunts pounded against the silence of the early morning hours as the commander pulled and twisted at the leather bindings that held his wrists together.

“Be Quite dog!” came a sharp, commanding tone of the nearby soldier, moments before the cold blunt end of his sword smashed against the unarmored skull of the commander. Silence became the morning once more. “That’s better.” chuckled the soldier as he continued to make his way down the path. His gaze looking back to the princess with a smile as if he done something that would get her acknowledgement from the High Priestess when they returned.

Nara, tied and bound sitting in an upright position, was postured for all the soldiers to see for either their pleasure or distaste for the elvenkind. Either way she was humiliated for allowing this to happen. She felt responsible for allowing her emotions to be distracted from the mission. She looked over at the commander’s form as he was fighting against the restraints and closed her eyes when the crushing blow silenced him. Her eyes fixed upon the soldier when he glared up to Xia as if waiting for her to reward him with gold and gems, or in their case a higher station than that he held now. She shook her head as she also allowed her gaze to drift up to Xia, but removed them quickly before one of the guards caught her staring.

When the caravan came to a halt and slowly moved off the path they were taking indicated that they were going to make camp here. Nara, looked over at the commander when the two Drow soldiers pulled him from the horse and placed him inside one of the tents before returning and claiming her. Nara’s instincts kicked in as she fought the grasping hands but to no prevail as she was pulled and dragged to the same tent as the commander. A moan escaped her when her weight landed upon the hard ground, her body trembled as she gasped for the lost air.

The night moved on as the two was left alone, still bound by wrist and ankles. The only company was their own minds going over what was going to happen to them, and the blaming whispers of Nara thrashing her own soul. She looked over to the commander whom refused to say a word to her since his awaking from the blow to the head. She wanted to know his thoughts or plans on their next move, but there was something else that was eating at him and when she inquired about it, he simply turned away.

Nara’s eyes widened as she turned her head and gazed upon the figure that entered into their tent. Her first thought that entered her mind was that it was time for her to please the men, but what meet her inquiring eyes was Xia frame covered in blood. “Xia… What are you doing?…. Your hurt!” Nara’s ears pounded from the beating of her heart as she watched her cut the bindings then moved over to the commander and released him. “What is going on?” she asked again, moving toward Xia with worry shrouded upon her face. “How bad is your wound?” she asked as she took a hold of Xia’s arm.

The commander was up and moving toward the opening of the tent. His eyes scanning over the darkness, “How many are there?” was his first words spoken since this mornings light hit upon the ground. He turned toward them both, “Princess, How many of your men remain?” he asked in a milder tone. He was worried about her wounds but if there were anymore warriors out there, they had best be ready for them.

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia's movements were stilted and slow, as if she moved in the haze of a horrific nightmare she couldn't awake from. A small part of her hoped it was a side effect of the drugs they had used to kidnap her, still coursing through her system. But deep down, she knew she had no such excuse to rely on. Her actions were her own.

And now that it was done, she couldn't even find solace in the justification she had convinced herself of, that the one hope to end the war was to make sure she returned with this High Elvish commander to meet with his prince. She'd tried to tell herself that was the reason for murdering six of her own kind. She wished she could believe that the deaths of those soldiers was necessary to end the greater tragedy.

But as her nerveless fingers sawed the bloody dagger blade through the bindings that held the high elves tightly restrained, it began to sink in what she had done. She could never go back. She had probably ruined any value she might have had as a bargaining pawn for the Elvish prince to end the war. When word of her dark deeds reached her mother, or the high priestess, it would become a cause for igniting more hatred. She would not be an ambassador for peace now, only a traitor, a murderess.

And what of the high elves she now freed? What would they think of her now? What had they thought before? Had they wondered if she was different than her kind was rumored to be, perhaps? Maybe they had hoped that she would be one who craved peace and abhorred death. And surely if there were one like her, then there might be more, and this awful war could be brought to an end. But her deeds of the last hour or more had only verified the horror stories about her kind. They were all blood thirsty, evil, corrupt. Now could they risk taking her to their prince, knowing she was capable of murdering him, certainly, if she'd killed her own?

Xia slowly slid down to rest on her heels, a numb, shocked look on her face, her back against the wall of the tent. Her blood covered hands hung limply from her wrists, and her nerveless fingers dropped the bloody dagger into the small pool of collecting blood, some of it hers, but mostly those she'd slaughtered. She stared at the dark puddle in shocky horror, the full impact of what she'd done settling on her. She'd just proven every awful rumor and tale of how evil her kind was to be true with her own actions. She'd always wanted to believe herself better than those who killed in the war, but now she could no longer hide behind those illusions.

Xia heard Nara saying something to her, asking a question, she thought. But it was as if from a distance. She looked up at the hazel eyes of the beautiful high elf, as if in a stupor, unresponsive and unheeding of her own wound, still seeping fresh blood down her side. Nara spoke again, taking her arm, but Xia only looked at her stupidly, unsure of what to say.

Commander Mekil's harsher whisper drew her gaze to him, and seemed to demand a response. Still he had to ask twice before his question registered in her horror fogged brain. As her silver eyes turned up to meet his briefly, a single crystal tear spilled out and slid down her dusky ebon cheek, dripping from her chin. The lost, soul-wrenching look in her eyes betrayed her mental state as she shook her head slightly, before lowering her gaze to stare at the floor of the tent again, avoiding his questioning eyes.

“Princess, how many of your men remain?” he asked in a milder tone.

They would see, she knew. They would find out what she'd done. They'd find the bodies of her own men, some even still in their bedrolls, murdered in their sleep. Others slashed with the poison dagger as they had been eating near the fire, or stabbed in the back. One even had the knife wound in his bared chest, the one who'd sought reward from her earlier in the night for his abuse of the commander. He'd found his reward. When his princess had come to him in the night, it seemed his dreams had come true....until she plunged the dagger into his chest, just as she kissed him.

Yes, they'd know how evil and wretched she truly was. She answered Mekil with a harsh croak of a whisper, her voice breaking with a sob. "None."

With that damning soul-searing answer, she began to shiver violently, her body's last defense of adrenaline wearing off at last, leaving her exposed to her deeds, raw in her conscience. The wracking, breath stealing sobs took her harshly then.

[Elvenoff1]

Popping of the open campfire filled the night sky, it’s hot embers riding the waves of warmth floated away into the darkness and cold while several figures were spewed about the ground in different states of life. A young man sat staring into the flames as if the flicker of them mesmerized him to a state of conscious unconsciousness. Blood dripped from his body in several locations, his armor splotched with the red liquid of his enemies. Mekil looked into his eyes and seen death looking back at him. Several attempts to get a response from the boy was never met. Only a blunt jolt brought the boy back, but the words that spewed forth were not answers to the questions that was asked of him, but words of terror and grieve. “I killed them, I killed them!”

His questions were given, but were met with nothing, He asked again and still nothing was returned. His eyes lifted from the Princess to the eyes of his sub-commander looking for answers, but the look he received from her was a familiar one, a look that told him that she has seen the look of death in the princesses eyes.

The boy’s first battle, the first time he took a life times several. The feeling of ending ones life was never easy, never comforting, even in the most battle experienced warriors, a time of reflection comes about. He himself experiences this, but he has learned that over time it gets easier, but never comes to a full stop. The reflection comes regardless.

He looks down at the bloody dagger and the blood that covered her torso represented the lives that was taken. She had taken lives, not the lives of her enemy where it was to take their’s or given them yours, but lives that was sworn to protect her. He couldn’t fathomed the courage that it took to do what she did, nor did he understand the horror, the grief of what she was dealing with, but he does know the pain that she was having at this very moment, but he needed to know the answer to his question.

His answer came before he could act upon his remorse of what she was going through. He watched the tear swell up and fall from her silver eyes. It carried the pain, the remorse, the guilt of those lives lost by her hands. He lowered his gaze in respect for those lives, even if they were the enemy at the moment. But what cometh next tore at his very soul….

NONE!….Came his answer…

Nara’s body trembled as she looked upon the woman she was falling in love with. Her heart ached with pain as she watched the remorse wreck havoc upon Xia’s soul and mind. She wanted so much to take the pain away from one so tender, and obviously innocent of taking a life until now. She desperately wanted to say something to her to attempt to ease the pain, but there were no words that could ease the pain, and there never will be. She could only reach out and touch her, but at the moment that seemed inappropriate at the moment as well.

Her eyes widened when the hoarsely spoken words were muttered. Tears filled her eyes as sorrow grabbed her gut and winched it about unremorsefully. She reached out and pulled the sobbing Xia to her body although she felt unequivocal to the pain that she was going through. She kissed the top of Xia’s head as she held her to her chest. She wrapped her arms around the trembling frame of Xia holding her close. She turned her gaze to the commander with tears flowing down her cheek and an expression of WHY? Written over her face.

He closed his eyes with shame and anger. Here it was a mission of wanting peace, but has ended up killing two companies of men. The lives that would be effected with the fallen ones was a steep price to pay for this mission, especially if they allowed it to fail. He looked over at them with an sympathetic expression… “I regret that lives has been taken on both sides, but the fight for peace is something that we all want so that the taking of more lives comes to an end.” His gaze dropped to the ground. “Nara, Get her ready to move, I will go find some mounts and ensure that ….” He only looked at Nara with the rest of the unspoken statement. A nod was all he got as he watched Nara begin to evaluate Xia’s wounds.

Nara watched as the Commander departed the tent. She slowly lowered the trembling frame of Xia to the sleeping bag. Tears fell as her trembling hands began to pull the garment up over the wounded area. She cried out softly when she seen the life seeping out of Xia. “I’m so sorry.” she wept while pulling her shirt off and using it to bandage the wound. She gazed down upon the sorrow stricken face of Xia, her hand coming up and palming her cheek. “I love you.” she whispered to the Princess..

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia’s body was shaking with the wracking sobs as her conscience tried to deal with what she’d done. She felt herself gathered up in Nara’s arms, and held to her shoulder as her tears poured from her. But that intensity of emotion was very draining, and couldn’t keep its grip on her for long. Gradually, the sobs and trembling subsided, and her thoughts moved beyond the immediacy of the terrible thing she had done.

She kept her gaze away from the High Elf’s hazel eyes, unable to meet that sympathetic look. She didn’t deserve sympathy, Xia thought. She was no better than any of her kind, just as evil and heartless as the stories that she knew her enemies told about the drow. There was no redemption for her after this. As Nara laid her down to examine her wound, she stared off at the far wall of the tent, the tears streaking her cheeks, her mind trying desperately to go blank.

The warm sticky blood that flowed from her side glued the borrowed tunic to her wound, so that when Nara peeled it back to examine the damage, Xia hissed in pain, flinching. Now that the adrenaline of her recent actions was wearing off, she became aware of the pain in her ribs, and her mind took her back to the fight that left her with the long gash along her ribs.

He had been the last one, the only one who’d begun to suspect something was wrong. It was in his eyes that she’d seen the knowledge of her own betrayal reflected back to her. To his credit, he accepted it as fact without fully understanding why. He just squared off with her, resigned to the fight that would lead either to killing his princess, or….. He never really imagined she would bring his death. After all, she was a princess, a healer in the temple, and had never actually seen any true battle. Sure there were the lessons in martial techniques that she’d studied with the elite guard captains to make sure she could defend herself from harm, but no one really thought she had taken them to heart.

The soldier had drawn his blade slowly, reluctantly. He had no wish to fight a woman, let alone his princess. Had it been the enemy sub-commander, he would not have hesitated, considering her a soldier first and an enemy second, and only then would her gender have entered into his consideration. But facing Xia was different.

At first, he had only defended himself. But when he realized that she would not back down from the fight, he began to face her more aggressively. She, too, had held back her true abilities, until he slipped under her guard and delivered the painful slash. Still, he’d tried to wound her without delivering a deadly strike. She held no such reservation, and spun quickly inside his guard, stabbing the poisoned dagger deep into his right lung, and falling down with his body, pushing the dagger deeper with her body weight.

It had taken her 15 minutes to work the deeply embedded blade loose from his corpse so that she could use it to cut the bonds of her former captors. She’d carefully avoided the shocked accusing stare of his cold dead eyes, still eerily open in death.

A low keening wail of despair began low in her throat as she recalled that look of the dead soldier, guilty accusation of the betrayal of her own kind forever painted on his face. Her moan was interrupted by Nara’s hand on her cheek, bringing her back to the present moment with her words, “I love you.”

It was not what she’d expected to hear from the lips of an enemy abductor. Xia blinked in stunned disbelief as understanding slowly revealed the meaning of Nara’s declaration.

“How could you, after what I’ve done? I killed them. All of them. I can never go back now. I am useless to your plans for peace. No one will pay ransom for me now. No one will listen to any entreaties for peace on my behalf.”

As she spoke, she slowly lifted her hand to mimic Nara’s gesture, touching the cheek of the pale high elf hovering over her. Her bottom lip trembled as she said, “I cannot return to my own country, and I will be nothing but an unwelcome enemy in yours, Nara. I have no place in the world now. What will become of me?”

[Elvenoff1]

Just a few feet from the tent opening was one of the fallen Drow warriors. Step around the body, Commander Mekil didn’t feel the loss as if it was one of his own soldiers, but it was still a loss of life that didn’t have to be. He looked back at the tent for a moment wondering was this something the princess really wanted? Did she take these lives for the name of peace or is there more to this? The Drow are known for their cruelty, deception, and maybe this horrible act was just a part of a plan to get her closer to the King and Prince. It would really look promising to them for here was the princess secured by her own royal guard, had the commander and sub-commander captured and their company of men slain. Why would she sacrifice her way of life by killing her guards and setting the Elven warriors free? All in the name of peace his King and prince would declare, but no, it’s a trap. He looked over the bodies that lay about the area. There is no way a Princess could take out six Drow elites and only get a non-lethal scratch upon her side unless she is not the Princess but an assassin portraying as the Princess. That would answer all the questions of how, and why would a kidnapped Princess be acting like Xia is acting. To assassinate the Elven king and Prince, in which, would set the Elven families on a power struggle that would obviously lead to civil war giving the Drow the opportunity to wipe out the Elven nations.

He stared off into the darkness wondering if she had runners out there somewhere reporting back what was going on. Anger began to burn in the pit of his stomach the more his mind traveled back at all that has happened, every calculated move that she made in the past few weeks confirmed his belief now. She was an assassin sent to kill the royalty.

Nara’s eyes softened and gazed upon Xia with an unconditional love. “Xia, you ask how I can love you because you killed six of your men? I answer you because you took their lives to save ours so that we may being peace to both of our kind and stop this stupid war.. You say that our plans for peace was to hold you for ransom, that is not what our plan was. The prince wanted to marry a Drow to show our people and your people that we can life amongst each other with peace and love…And we have already started that, don’t you see that I love you, if someone would have asked me a month ago if I would ever love a Drow I would have killed that person where they stood, for I did despise the very ground that the Drow walked upon. I lost my family to your kind eighty years ago. I watched as my mother and sisters were raped and killed.” Tears fell from her swollen eyes, “But I have never been in the company of one without us trying to kill one another, but now, being with you, seeing and hearing the pain that you get with the death of others, your concern for our treatment as prisoners and what you did to set us free shows that you want the same thing as we do.. Peace.. Xia, words are only words, it’s actions that speak louder. You don’t have to speak to your people… Show them.”

Nara’s eyes close upon feeling Xia’s hand cupping her chin. She titled her head into the warm palm. A slight sigh escaped her lips as if the weight of the world was removed from her chest. Her eyes opened, focused upon the silver eyes of Xia when she continued to speak. Shaking her head slightly to the words, “No, Xia.." Tears fell a little more, "I will not allow this to happen, I will show the people that you are no different than them except for your physical appearance. Please trust me if no one else when I tell you that you do have a place in this world and that is with m ….” She stops her statement, “Actions over words.” she expressed moments before lowering her head and placing a long, soft kiss upon Xia’s lips.

“GET AWAY FROM HER!” came the commanders shout. “Get away from that bitch now Nara.” the commander raising a drow sword up to arms. “Nice try Xia, or do you go by another name assassin?” Anger flared within his eyes, his face was stern and set in what he was saying. “Get away from her now.” He moved forward bring the sword closer.

“STOP! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” yelled Nara as she moved in front of Xia, putting her body in front of the sword. “Stand down commander.. You don’t know what your saying.” Nara’s voice trembled being this close to the famous poisoned sword of the Drow. “You know she has killed her own kind to free us, why would she have done this if she wanted us dead?” she asked in a higher pitched voice..

Only a chuckle escaped the lips of the commander before resuming his posture, “Why you ask, to gain our trust and walk her right into the Royal estate so that she can assassinate the Royalty.” He moved the point directly against Nara’s throat, “Now Sub-commander.. I am giving you a direct order in the field of battle to move… Don’t question my resolve Nara.” His eyes held the look of death upon them.

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia listened to Nara's words with no little bit of stunned amazement. If she had not been able to sense Nara's emotions that verified her words, she might have thought it a trick of deceit of some kind. But that it was how the High Elf warrior actually felt was very clear, now that there were just her and Commander Mekil in the camp and it was not so difficult for Xia to focus her senses. She had shut down for what she'd had to do, but was slowly opening back up. Nara's strong feelings were getting through even the pain of her wounded ribs that was beginning to make itself felt.

Xia stiffened somewhat at the revelation that she'd been intended as a trophy bride for the high elf prince. She was about to interrupt Nara to protest when the sub commander began mentioning how her family was slain. Xia listened, forgetting her own objections, and getting caught up in the feelings that Nara was projecting. The story of her family's fates became more real for Xia through the emotional connection with which she was linked to Nara. She found herself experiencing the raw edge of the hurt Nara felt.

It should have been a warning. But genuine feelings of love so rarely happened among the Drow that the risk of the empathic link wasn't commonly faced. And who could possibly think it would occur with an enemy soldier, and another female at that? But the link could form when one least expected it, and Xia was so used to relying on her abilities to sense others emotions that she didn't see it for what it was becoming.

If she had, perhaps she'd have sensed Mekil's growing rage. Perhaps she could have prepared herself for what she felt when Nara suddenly kissed her.

Xia's breath caught in her throat at the first press of Nara's lips, but she responded with more passion than she realized she felt. Her lips yielded under the High Elf's kiss softly, welcoming the growing heat and flutter that the touch awakened in her. Kia's dusky blood covered hands were lifting, just about to embrace the form above her when Mekil's angry shout rang out, startling both of them.

Xia, startled, jerked back from Nara's lips, her eyes widening at the sight of the sword Mekil held ready, pointed at her. She shivered in fear, her emotional state still upset and confused from the recent murders she'd committed, the shock of blood loss, and the stunned after effects of the empathic bond beginning to form between herself and Nara.

She began to sit up, wincing at the sharp pain that ripped through her from her side. When she could focus her eyes again upon the angry commander, she saw Nara put herself in harm's way to protect her, and unbidden, the commander's own vow came back to Xia's memory. With a laser sharp focus borne out of her instinct for self preservation, her telepathic powers activated in a sending, carrying the commander's own words back to his mind, in his own voice, just as she had heard him say them.

*"You have no need to fear whatsoever, for you will not be harmed. I have orders to give my life to ensure your safe passage to the Prince and I shall give my life for that purpose."*

Xia couldn't believe the accusations Commander Mekil was throwing at her. She raised her blood covered hand to ward off his blow, but Nara blocked his way. She was scared, but couldn't let Nara get hurt because of her. Not again. In a soft spoken voice trembling with the fear she felt, knowing her life may end in the next moment, she touched Nara's shoulder. "Nara, don't. My life is not worth your pain anymore."

Xia tried to gently but firmly move Nara out of the way of danger, but she was weak from her exhaustion and blood loss. She collapsed back down where Nara had made her lay to bind her wound, turning her head to meet Mekil's anger filled eyes with her own silver orbs.

She whispered hopelessly, "Commander, I am no assassin. If I were, those men would not have suffered as they did. And it was your plan to abduct me and give me to your prince as a trophy. You took me from my own bath, drugged me, kidnapped me, and now this. Are you trying to say that this was somehow all my plan? You are insane. Go ahead and kill me. Because of trying to help you and Nara, I can never go back to my people. Because of what I did here, in the name of your 'peace', I have no place to go except as a prisoner. The only peace I may now know is that of the grave. You might as well strike me down. What is one more Drow killed by your hand?"

[Elvenoff1]

The Whispering elm leaves rustled in the gentle autumn breeze, the gold, yellow, orange and green colors blazed and mingled together creating a beautiful horizon. The small, crooked stream twisting and turning its way through the gardens of Ida in the valley of the fallen lords flashed across Nara’s mind. Her mother and father playing the lute and harp on a warm autumn morning aided by the song of birds filled Nara’s ears just moments before it all ended with the death of another loved one. Tears swelled up and dropped from her eyes as she looked upon the commander. The sword’s point pressed against her throat brought anger and hate. “Kill me you best, for I shall kill you.” her tone harsh and cold. Her stare never twitching from the lock she held upon him.

The hatred flared from a source she did not usually have for this man, but this was the first time he has pulled a weapon on her and threatened to kill the one that has brought a strange happiness to her whenever she was near her. Her feelings were mixed and confused about all of this. Unsure how she felt on the fact of delivering the one she loved to the hands of another. She grew angry when she witnessed the commander giving the one she loved the eyes of desire and lust. Her gut wrenched at the thought of Death claiming the one thing that has brought her back from the path of vengeance to the path of harmony and happiness. She pushed forward, the point piercing the soft nape “Kill me now Commander, For that is the only….” She stopped upon feeling the soft, but firm push of Xia’s hand. Her words slicing through the confusing, the hatred, the pain. She felt a sense of fear now at the words spoken to her commander.

“No Xia, No,” she whimpered as fear gripped her throat and death threatened to take yet another loved one. She cried as she moved back and away from the sword. Her eyes closed tightly as the streams of pain flowed down her cheeks. Her hand shooting out and gasping the hand of her love as Xia whispered her last statement to the infuriated commander.

Cold rage ravished the body of Mekil from the loss of his men, the failure of him seeing this plot before it took those lives, and now the betraying of his sub-commander whom has been at his side for seventy years letting promotion after promotion to go by so that she may stay at his side turns on him over a confused emotion of love to another women and an assassin who’s job is to kill their leaders. He curses upon the trembling of his arm, the ringing of his voice in his ears, repeating an oath that he himself gave this assassin. An oath is an oath regardless of how that oath was obtained he has never broken an oath he has given. A deep trembling shot across his chest forcing every muscle to respond to his demeanor. He felt as if he was going to be crushed by his own rage. He gasped for air and fought with the one true thing he held dear to him, His honor. He lowered the sword, sweat beaded upon his brow, his gaze stern and hard, “I shall keep my oath I gave to you. But understand this, I said I will give you safe passage to the prince. Once I do that my oath to you ends and if you show one move of treachery I will kill you. You have my word on this.. As for you Nara, You will be dismissed from service. You’re no longer a champion of the Elven Kingdom. We leave now!” he barked while turning and leaving the tent..

Nara, Released a hard breath as she turned and lowered herself to Xia. Placing a hand upon her chest and one upon her soft cheek. “I vow death to me before you. I serve you till death takes my soul.” Her eyes gazes down to the wound then back up to Xia’s eyes. “Please never ask me to step aside when death is in your wake. This world has bled enough from my sword for that is all I know how to do, but you however, you can bring so much more to this land if you set your mind to it. I can feel the difference in you from all the other Drow that I have faced.” A soft smile forms over her lips while she looks deep into the silvery orbs of Xia. “You bring harmony to my heart which hath known nothing but vengeance. If you can change me and the commander, you can release the grip that death has upon our lands.” She takes a deep breath, “May I …” She lowers herself and presses her lips once more to the soft lips of her love…

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia let out a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding as Commander Mekil left the tent. She'd seen the deadly intentions in his eyes, and more than that, she'd felt it. It had rolled off him in waves, like heat from a fire. Despite the despair she felt after what she'd done, and the hopelessness she believed her future held, she realized that she really didn't want to die.

She sunk back to the pallet, seeming to collapse as the tension left her suddenly. With all she'd been through since the abduction, her nerves were overwrought, and she trembled, closing her eyes as she wondered what her life would become now. For all she knew, she would be delivered to a prince she'd never met to be his trophy bride, all to show his people that he was great enough to possess a Drow princess as his plaything. And that was if Mekil didn't slaughter her before then. She knew the commander of the Elven Rangers had plenty of experience killing her kind. She doubted that he's lose any sleep over her death if he decided to do it.

And what of Nara? That she had feelings for her, Xia no longer doubted. That in itself was an astounding surprise to her. But that she found herself responding so readily, even with all else that had been happening, surprised her even more. Even now, as Xia listened to Nara's vows of devotion to her safety and service, it was hard to hear the words when all her senses swam with the gentle touch on her bosom, and the soft hand cupping her cheek as those hazel eyes gazed into hers.

Nara smiled down at her, and Xia's breath caught in her throat. She listened to the poetic words of the High Elven warrior, her attention focused on Nara's lips. She found herself wishing Nara would kiss her. They had barely had the chance before; they kept getting interrupted. Just once, Xia thought, I'd like to know what it really feels like, just once, to kiss this woman and let all those feelings out.

And then Nara lowered her lips to Xia's. And for just a moment, Xia forgot her pain, her anguish, even her wounds. Her doubts about the future disappeared for that one magic moment, and she realized she really did want to live. Xia's dark lips, moved in response to Nara's kiss, yielding to the warrior's desires and finding her own ignited within her. Part of her was confused, not only that Nara would be so enamored of her so soon after their first meeting, but also that she found herself wanting Nara just as much! It was not normal.

It wasn't the fact that they both were women that bothered her. Xia didn't know how the High Elves considered the matter, but it wasn't uncommon for Drow women to have other females as playthings, or even lovers. And especially among the higher classes, it was a fashionable dalliance. But this was different. Seldom were Drow relationships marked by true affection between lovers. More often it was purely physical, and usually self serving besides.

Xia knew that the fast growing connection she had with Nara wasn't normal, but she didn't want to fight it anymore. She was tired, weary to her soul. And Nara's attraction, and the feelings Xia were beginning to acknowledge in herself, were the only good things that had come out of all of this.

Xia reached up to enclose Nara in her arms, then caught a glimpse of how bloody they were and she drew back, breaking the kiss. "I will not taint you with this stain, Nara." She sighed, weary to the bone, reminded once again of her sins by the sight of the blood. "I'm so very tired, Nara. But the commander is right about one thing, we cannot stay here. Soon the carrion birds will be circling, and draw the attention of those we must avoid. We have to go."

Xia held on to Nara's strong arms as she helped her to her feet. Her wounds hurt her, but she managed. Her dusky arm slipped around Nara's naked shoulders. "Let's see if we can find some clothes. I hope this was not your last blouse. I fear it's spoiled for any use but to keep my blood from spilling further. When I've rested, if the goddess has not abandoned me for my sins, I'll try to heal these wounds. Until then, let's find you another top, and something cleaner for me. And let's hope we have no more reason to soil any more clothing with shed blood."

Xia leaned on Nara's supporting arm, Careful to avoid the accusing stares of the bodies of the men she'd slain. She directed Nara to a tent on the far side of camp where she'd had the Drow soldiers put Nara's clothing. Xia had told them that since the High Elves had abducted her from her bath, she would take the Elven woman's clothing to use until she returned to the palace. It had been a reasonable explanation, and now it served them both well. As she dressed, Xia thought back to the words of Commander Mekil about the fate of Nara's career. She glanced at the High Elven woman thoughtfully, but with regret. "You risked so much for me, Nara. Are you so sure the reward is worth the risk? Is the prize you seek truly worth the cost? It seems I'm destined to be given to a prince I don't even know, as a prize of war for him to show off to his people. There will be no love for me. But you still have a chance to change your mind and not be hurt. Are you sure it is me that you want?"

The field chest with Commander Mekil's ceremonial armor and blade were there too, and Xia called him when they'd finished dressing. "Commander Mekil, you will want this, I think. I pray that you won't need it for battle." When he approached, she held out her hand to him, noting the look of distrust in his eyes. In her outstretched hand she held something else that belonged to him. She knew it could mean her end to return it to him, but it might just be a start to showing him that she was not the enemy he thought her to be. She turned her hand over, opening her ebony palm to reveal the small vial containing the remaining poison she'd taken from him to use on her own kind. She had no want of it now.

[Elvenoff1]

The warmth that swept over Nara’s body felt as if she had walked into a blazing campfire. Her rampaging heart chased the very breath that seemed to flee from her body. She felt as if she was floating with the stars and all else, even her military discipline was left beneath her fading into the cosmic color of gray. She never wanted this feeling of freedom nor the love of another to fade away.

The princess’s lips were soft and responsive to her movements of her lips, her body trembled from the consumption of her rising heat, but then from out of nowhere the kiss is broken and to her astonishment she felt remorse ripple across her gut. Her eyes searched the face of the pulling back Xia trying to find answers to why the embracement ended.

“What?..” She refocused upon the statement and slightly shook her head. She knew what the princess was talking about and understood the deed she did, but these deeds were deeds that are required when things of such importance ride upon everything going correctly. She wanted to voice her understanding and give support to her, to tell her that it was alright and she did nothing wrong, but once again those are just words spoken from someone whom did not do the deed. She had to get past this horrific event on her own.

She winced when she helped the princess up to her feet knowing how if feels to be moving about with a fresh wound. “Easy,” She whispered while she supported the princess. She looked down at her exposed body when the princess pointed out of finding new clothes for them to wear. She knew she had more clothes for the both of them if they could find where their captors kept their belongings, “I have several sets.” She whispered as she helped the princess from the tent.

Commander Mekil was busy gathering all the equipment that would benefit them on their journey back to elven territory. Why did I even give my oath to a Drow? He whispered to himself several times while tossing some bags into the small cargo cart. His temper rising a little with each thought of the words he had spoken to her. I gave my word to the king, words that supported his idea to end this war, but now how could one trust a race that says they want peace but yet sends an assassin to kill the rulers. He shook his head as he looked over the dead bodies. Maybe this war should continue till every last one is dead..

Several more bags tossed onto the cart when the voice of Xia broke the sound of silence. The air carried her statement across the camp for him to come to the tent. His eyes closed as he fought the burning of anger that was swelling up inside of him. My Oath, My Oath he muttered as he walked toward the tent. He knew that she was now pushing his buttons knowing damn well he couldn’t do anything to her for his word was his bond, but there is one person here that didn’t give her word and if he could only get her to turn on Xia then the could get rid of this assassin.

Nara’s gaze went up to Xia’s with love filled orbs, “Xia, I have never felt this way about anybody, especially another women, but when I’m with you I’m at peace. It’s like I’m floating in the clouds with no worries as if my destiny is now guided by the gods. I know what my heart wants and what it wants is you. I can not explain why these feelings are happening but I know them to be true. I can’t deny what I feel when I’m near you and I want to feel these feelings forever. I want you.” she moved over and put her arms around Xia lower waist line to avoid the would and gently pulled her to her. “I will always put my life forward to keep you save. Do not fear for anything, I will take care of you. I promise.” She smiled to her. “I have friends that will help me if things do get complicated.”

She backs away from the holding upon hearing the tent flaps being pulled back and Commander Mikel steps in. Instantly her defenses goes up and she steps in front of the Princess. “Show me your wrists commander.” She stated at him. “I know of the darts that you carry into battle. So show me now!” Her hand falling to the pommel of the dagger.

“She called me to this tent.” his anger obvious, “Now what is it?” He looked down when Xia palm opened and showed him the vial. He looked confused at first but then snapped back from that quickly, “What is this gesture suppose to do? Make me feel that you are not an assassin for you giving me back our poison? Drow assassin carry their own poison, or can make it when they need it, that is why you wanted ours so that when your slain comrades are found by your patrols it will look as if they were ambushed by us.” His anger still rising, “Nara how can you stand by the enemy who killed and raped your mother, Put their filth hands all over her? Hell, I bet this one is one that helped rape and kill them, maybe that is why she seems to have taken to you for you do hold your mothers resemblance.” He shook his head with disgust, “Think about it Nara, Think about what you are doing, what your giving up, I will not report this event if you turn your back on her now.” He didn’t wait for her answer before leaving the tent. There was still something’s to do before they left the area.

[Annisthyrienne]

It was too much.

First this High Elven warrior woman avowed her undying love for her, less than a day after pulling her forcefully from her very bath, naked and unarmed. Now Xia was feeling things for her too, one who would have been counted among her enemies only a day before. And now Nara defended her fiercely, with her life if need be, willing to sacrifice everything for a woman of the race who had raped and killed her mother and sister. Why?

And Commander Mekil, who hours before had convinced Xia that peace was possible, and even likely, if only she'd give her cooperation. He'd convinced her that the hope for peace lay with his Prince's plan. The bodies of the dead, her own people killed by her hand, lay strewn throughout the camp, sacrifices she'd made in the belief that the plan for peace was something worth fighting for, worth killing for if that's what it took. But now he hated her with all his being, showing his true feelings about the chance for peace.

Xia had killed her own countrymen, in part for the hope of peace, determined not to let anything derail the plan. But in part, she'd done it for Nara, and to a lesser extent, even for Commander Mekil too. Xia couldn't stand the thought of what would have happened to Nara, what would have been left of her.

Her thoughts confused her. Her wounds hurt her. And most of all, her inner sorrow at what she'd done, now seemingly in futility, for the sake of a lie that there was a chance for peace, ate at her heart from inside. All those men dead, her kind and Nara's, for nothing, all because of hate. Unreasoning hate. Hate that blinded from seeing the truth.

It was too much. Just too much, and she couldn't take it anymore. Xia snapped.

She looked at Nara in silence just after Mekil stalked angrily from the tent. A storm of emotions passed over her features, reflecting the thoughts that crossed her mind like clouds across a sky. She wondered what effect Mekil's promise would have on her. Would Nara change her mind? Would Nara see her as nothing but an enemy assassin? Xia felt that her life was in danger from Mekil, but would the danger come from another side too?

No, not Nara. Xia's gaze softened a little as she saw the sympathetic look on Nara's face. The same look that told of her disbelief at the way Mekil had reacted to her gesture of trust. Xia shook her head slightly, her silky white brow furrowing in frustration and anger at the thought that all she had been through was in vain, that the chance for peace was Mekil's lie.

She turned abruptly and stalked after the Elven commander.

"I called you to the tent to give you back your armor and ceremonial sword. I offered you your poison...yes, YOUR poison, not mine! You say it is a Drow trick, that I have some mystical ability to make my own poison. You forget that it is YOU who came into MY country, into my very garden bath, bringing your poison, and your troops to steal me away. Perhaps you think I planned for your prince to order my abduction, naked and defenseless? Do you think I knew you and your troops were coming to take me, to shoot me with your arrows? To knock me out with your drugs? This was all somehow MY plan? Or do you forget that I knew nothing of this Princely plan until you, yourself, told me of it only last night!"

She vented her anger and anguish at him, small black hands on her hips, her silver eyes flashing defiance. He was bigger than her, and armed. She was wounded, but she stood her ground. Her foreign sounding Drow accented Elvish carried her strong feelings through her words.

"You say I have my own poison. Pray tell, where do you think I carry it? You took me naked! You say that I can make my own poison. You must think I can express it from my very bosom, like mother's milk! Or perhaps you imagine I can spew poison from my mouth like a serpent? This you should know about, for with each word you utter, you spit your venom of hatred at me!"

"You think I but go along with your abduction plan in order to murder your king, whom I've never met and probably wouldn't know if he walked up to me right now. Fine then, do not take me to him. Protect him by keeping me away. But it is death for all three of us to return to the Underdark, and dangerous for us to stay here. We need to make for the pass I mentioned before. And when we are free of these lands....."

Xia stopped in mid sentence, her thought unfinished. She looked around at the bodies of her countrymen and her heart wrenched inside her chest. She didn't know if she could believe what Mekil had told her anymore. Perhaps it was all a lie. But even if she had no desire to be taken to the Elven kingdom, could she let the chance for peace fade away? Could she let the deaths of these men, and how many more, be in vain?

"No. No, I will see this through. Even if you hate me, I will go to meet your prince and hear his plan. There has to be a chance. There has to be worth to all that has happened."

Xia turned quietly and walked back to the tent, pausing only to touch Nara's cheek in passing before going inside to gather what items might be helpful on their journey. "His rage and hatred of me blinds him to common sense. I hope it will not endanger us, Nara."

[Elvenoff1]

Gray mist turning, twisting, spiraling in front of one’s minds eye was the effects of Nara’s confusion, hurt, and fear mixing and twisting all together. She couldn’t believe that the commander would bring something up that was so painful for her to deal with and then slap her with the accusation of her love being part of it, but the silent stare, the rash of emotions flying over Xia’s face was proof that she was no assassin, but then it could be a trick…. Nara’s minds eye strained to see through the twirling fog, ‘What? What if it…was true, she does hold, and can wield the power of the arcane arts, maybe she….NO!…I won’t, I can’t …’ Tears filled her eyes as the pain became more intense, her gut retched at the thought. ‘No! this can’t be’ her soul screamed but her mind continued to walk the path of corrupted thinking. ‘I could be under some sort of spell that is making me feel this way toward her. That would explain the sudden and mysterious waves of affection I have toward her so soon upon meeting her.’ her mind gripping her deductive reasoning. She struggled with herself intensely trying to gain control of her rampaging emotions. ‘NARA!’ her mind screamed from the bottom of her gut, the military training rose and separated the twirling fog so that the path that the mind has discovered showed much clearer. “I’m under some sort of dark magic.” she whispered into the air.

Xia’s words shattered the Mekil’s train of thought as he was going over the bits and pieces of all that has happened, and what must happen. He turned toward the speaker, his hand instinctively moving to the pommel of his sword. He had enough of this assassin and her words of trickery. “No, I’m not saying you made all of this happen, But there are things called spies, we have had hundreds of our troops slain due to this, but never could find the leak and now I know why it was much higher in the ranks than we were looking at, but now with this last mission there was only a few that knew about it so I have limited it down to just a few and when we get back there will be an investigation in all of this and when it is found out that you, the Drow, knew we were coming to capture the Princess you all moved her out of harm’s way and put you an assassin in her place. That is why it was so easy getting in and capturing you, not to mention us getting out of the Drow kingdom even easier, but. then to reinforce your trick your queen sent hunting parties out as if we really did have the Princess, and when they caught up with us they elected to sacrifice themselves for the Glory of your queen, and to escalate our trust in you.” He shook his head and raised his hands up. “Enough of your words of attempting to act as if you want this war to end, and stop acting as if you really care about those you sacrificed for you queen. All will come out when we get back. I will enjoy removing your head when this is all over.” He spat before turning away. “We leave in a few minutes. Oh by the way, I said noting about your comfort on this return. You will be bound, gagged and dragged by horse till we get back.” He walked away without waiting for a remark.

Nara closed her eyes as the warmth of Xia’s touch shoots across her body, but it is quickly engulfed by her discipline. She turned sharply, “It won’t if you can tell me that you haven’t placed a spell upon me making me have these feelings toward you.” Her body trembled as her heart began to break and the emotions fighting back against the hard training of a warrior. Her eyes held the coldness of a killer readied for battle. Her muscles tightened as she fought back the waves of nausea that her heart and gut were sending to the battle of the mind. “Tell me how…” Her voice breaking up due to the flowing emotions. “Tell me how you could do this to me?” Her eyes fill with tears.. "I have gave you everything! MY life, My station, My kingdom.." Then the thought of her being under the spell would make her give these items up for her. "What kind of devotion spell did you place on me?" she moves forward with anger then abruptly stops, her body trembling with the inner battle that was raging deep within her, "Xia!" she bends over in gut retching pain. Breathlessly she whispers “Please, Release me and allow my true feelings to be born. I give you my word no harm will come to you by my hands. Please I just want my true feelings. Please remove the magic.” she begs with tears flowing and dripping to the ground.

[Annisthyrienne]

As Xia listened to Nara's words, her jaw dropped. She couldn't believe that Mekil's unreasoning anger had reached even Nara, who only moments before had been pledging her love and devotion to her. After Mekil's last threat of dragging her back, bound and gagged, to the Elven kingdom, only to be executed as a Drow spy, Xia felt that her life held no promise ahead by misery. She would be a prisoner in a land filled with those who hated her for being what she was. No friendly faces, no one to turn to, but perhaps Nara. And now, not even her.

"Nara, I...." Xia hesitated as a wave of nausea swept over her. Her vision swam, filled only with the cold deadly look in Nara's eyes staring at her. She fought to overcome the sudden sensations as Nara continued passionately. "I know what you've given up for me. I heard Mekil's threats against you. But I...." Xia cringed at the hurt in Nara's voice, and flinched back as the warrior advanced on her angrily.

Then Nara stopped suddenly, doubling over even as Xia felt the clenching in her own stomach. Sweat broke out on her brow, and she stared in disbelief as Nara mirrored her posture and pain. Xia reached out to the Elven woman, unable to comprehend what was happening.

"Nara, there is no spell! I swear this, on my own blood, I swear it! I cannot return to you that which I never took from you. I don't know why your feelings are so strong. There is nothing I know of that could explain....." Xia stopped in mid sentence as a thought struck her. The Bonding!

Among her people there were tales of a thing that sometimes occurred between two Drow, a thing so rare that generations could pass without knowledge of it. It was believed by the priestesses of Lolth that this occurrence was some sort of ancient way that two people would be bound together in lifelong mating, designed to produce the best chances of powerfully gifted offspring. At least that was the theory behind the Empathic Bond. Some of the superstitious among the Drow called it Recognition.

When it happened, the two people affected began to feel overwhelming attraction to each other. And as the bond was formed more fully, they even began to feel the same physical sensations. It was said the empathy between them served to feed back their feelings for each other, each one feeling the emotions of the other, reinforcing their own feelings and feeding the more intense combination back to the other, who in turn contributed the intensified emotions back into the loop in a cascade effect. Those stories explained how the Bonding was considered both blessing and curse by those it affected.

Xia recalled all of these legends in a moment of stunned disbelief. She stared at Nara, eyes wide in shock and dismay. "It couldn't be! Not with you, Nara! You're not even Drow, and a woman besides! It makes no sense at all! No, it has to be impossible. You cannot even control your feelings and thoughts. Your kind has no discipline to keep yourself to yourself."

Xia clutched at her stomach, feeling suddenly overwhelmed and scared. If it was somehow the bonding, Nara would have no chance of resisting, not that there was much chance even for one as disciplined in control of her thoughts and feelings as Xia. But Nara's kind had no training, no ability to control the way they broadcast their emotions, nor any hope at shutting out or moderating the feelings she'd receive through the Bond from Xia herself.

Xia whispered, her voice carrying her sense of sorrow and sympathy for Nara, "I cannot help you, Nara. I can't even help myself. We are both victims of the Bonding. It is no magic, and cannot be removed. It is your true feelings, and mine. We cannot resist it. We are doomed together."

[Elvenoff1]

The grip upon her gut was real, just like the pain that came from the core of her soul ripping it’s way upward toward her brain leaving her trembling, and nauseating. Nara’s eyes rose to meet those of Xia’s only to be more confused than before when she witnessed the pain that Xia’s was going through as well. Her heart reached out wanting to embrace Xia, to ease the pain that gripped the one she…. Loved. ‘NARA!’ her mind screamed trying to break the emotional grip that seemed to be winning the inner war. ‘It’s a trick!’

The emotional charge that came was like a lightening bolt striking an aging tree, an explosion erupted when the outstretched hand of Xia came up seeking Nara. Her heart screamed out that this is real, she wanted nothing more to grab that seeking hand and pull Xia to her, but her training, her discipline was strong as well. She remained resilient. Until the words came.

“I don’t understand any of this. How can I have these feelings for you so soon after we just met if this isn’t magic? I never had these feelings toward another women, but not only that, an enemy of my kind?” Her eyes lowered taking in what the princess told her about this bonding. Shaking her head as the confusion got worse. “ENOUGH OF THIS!” anger shot out from her mind taking control once and for all or is it an act that her mind is doing to erase it’s uncertainty? “Lets see if this truly is this bonding you speak of, for now you should feel the rage, the anger that burns within me!” her tone heavy and riddled with anger.

A lost cause, a last ditch effort to gain control from years of military training seemed to fizzle out as the pain returned to her gut from the strong anger she pushed forward toward Xia. Her soul and heart asking her why was she attempting to punish the one that did nothing to her, the one that killed her own kind to ensure that they would survive and the one that has a chance to end this war. The one that she truly did love.

“Xia, please forgive me.” She allowed her body to relax, “I’m so confused from what I feel for you and How I got these feelings.” Her hand wipes away the few remaining tears, “When I see you.. I feel like I’m watching the sun rise from it’s darkness if its grave. I feel warm and at peace with myself, I feel tingles all over my body when we touch each other. I feel safe when I’m near you as if I was standing in the middle of an army of gods.” A tearing up smile comes to her face, “I love you Xia, and even if my mind is confused on how and why, my heart knows the answer and that is what I must follow.” She moves forward, her arms rising up offering herself…

A movement in the thick briars brings attention from the commander. His training taking over the emotions that seemed to be overwhelming him as of late. His hand slowly falls to the pommel of his sword as he backs up toward the tent that housed the young ladies. “Nara, Xia, We have company.” he whispered into the tent as he lowered himself down to make himself a smaller target incase they carried bows. “I don’t see them but hear them rustling about in the shrubbery.” he continued to give them information as awaited for them to emerge.

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia winced and grabbed at her forehead at the unexpected psychic attack. The sheer anger directed against her by Nara, combined with the High Elf's inability to control the intensity of her thoughts, caused the vein in Xia's temple to throb visibly. The Drow princess cringed, tears coming to her eyes. She wanted to lash out at Nara.....physically.....psychically.....anything to stop the pain and anger that washed over her like a hot wind from a wildfire.

"Nara....please! Stop it! You're.....Uuuggghh!" she moaned, trying to quell the urge to vomit. The hand that reached for the Elf warrioress caught her tunic, clenching it in a midnight dark fist. Xia was mere heartbeats away from projecting her own attack, purely as a matter of defense. She tried to hold it back, knowing it would hurt both of them, though with Nara's lack of defensive shields, it would most likely send the woman into unconsciousness.

And then it was over. Nara's body visibly relaxed and Xia breathed heavily in relief as she heard the vows of love and devotion once again coming from the lips of the enemy warrior, her apparent bond-mate. Xia was as confused as Nara must have been. It didn't make sense. Two women couldn't bond, there would be no biological possibility of breeding. It just couldn't be possible, could it?

Xia pulled Nara into her embrace, her relived breathless words barely a whisper. "Don't fight it, Nara. I don't understand how it can be either. We'll find the answers together somehow. But please don't do that again."

Commander Mekil's quiet warning broke their embrace. Xia's moonlight eyes met Nara's hazel orbs in a moment of connection before turning to face this new possible threat. She tried to clear her mind to sense the presence of the others, but her thoughts were still somewhat muddled from the unexpected shock of the bonding. Glancing quickly around the tent for some means of defense, she realized that Mekil would never trust her with a weapon. Xia whispered, "Nara, slip out the back of the tent. I'll stand with Mekil to draw their attention, giving you a chance to make your way behind them. And Nara.....be careful!" Xia's dark fingers caressed the warrioress' arm with caring concern reflected in her eyes. She hoped they would survive whatever new threat menaced them to be together again as she slipped through the tent flap stealthily.

[Elvenoff1]

Warmth washed over Nara's over exerted soul when Xia's embracing arms took her in. A deep breathe and a slow exhale assisted with her getting back the control of her emotions and the over the accosting thoughts of her mind. If life could be like this very moment all calm and warm life would be so much better. The nasty’s of war, and the harsh hatred rampaging through societies would be over and the only stress would be what to do on a giving day. It brought the wanting of this peace even more to the open heart of Nara. She slightly pulled away from Xia and tilted her head slightly, "I won't fight it anymore, It seems like it's my true feelings and the more I resist the more I want you." Her hands locking around the waist of Xia, "I don't really want answers now, I just want to know if this is what you want? for you have so many paths that you have to choose is the path that leads to me be the one you take?"

The beckoning of Mekil, and Xia pulling away due to the warning nature of the beckoning. She moaned slightly as the warmth of Xia's body faded slowly away. Her emotion changing from being with a loved one to a warrior preparing to defend the one they loved. She instantly picked up her weapons and turned to Xia upon her touch. Her eyes saying all that Nara needed to know. "I will, you be careful as well. Do not let Mekil's anger get you into trouble. I will be watching over you. She pulls her bow from it's carrying sheath. Bending it and brandishing the string, "If all goes bad, run toward the west, That is where I will be and we can link up if trouble mounts. She turns and cuts her a way out of the back and dashes off into the heavy brush.

Commander Mekil turned toward Xia when she exited from the tent. His gaze shot passed her and realized that Nara wasn't following. His face hardened as he brought the sword up toward Xia. "What did you do with the Sub-Commander?" his words whispered. His gaze locked with the close proximity of the assassin princess. He moved so that he could see her and some of the area off to his side. The area was calm and nothing moved. "You have only a few seconds to answer me before I cut your throat." His anger returning to the surface. A mistake that young officers make, but not from field experience veterans, allowing his attention to be mixed and not focused upon the real threat.

Nara, knelt down and looked upon the two hunched down behind the equipment cart and the tent. She notices the sword turned toward Xia and anger flashed across her face. Instantly she pulled her bow up and had an arrow notched in a blink of an eye. She took a strong aim at the commanders head. "It's time for you to die. I warned you." She pulled back harder on the string....

The point of the dagger drew blood as it was pressed hard into Nara's temple. "Sub-commander Nara, What do you think your doing?" The elven voice whispered into Nara's ear. "I do hope your taking aim on the Drow and not the commander. " Sub-commander Leneria's voice questioned the motives that were engulfing Nara at the moment. "He has the gift that was to be taken to the prince and at the moment I fear that he is suffering from battle exhaustion for he is threatening her now." Nara's voice responded. Leneria slowly pulled the dagger from Nara's temple, "Commander Riven is taking care of that situation. Lower your bow Nara." Leneria voice soft but commanding. Nara succumbed to the command.


"Commander Mekil, It's Commander Riven.. I'm coming out to greet you." Slowly a tall, young commander emerged from the bushes. His golden hair was long and pulled back into a pony tail, His elven amour matched the forestry of the elven kingdom. His sapphire eyes sparkled easing the features of his angular face. "Easy, All is secure Commander." His gaze still locked upon Mekil. He can tell by the posture and the way the commander wasn't paying any attention to him but to the Drow that was at his sword point. "May I ask what is going on?" The tall elven warrior moved closer hands still extended outward showing no weapon. "Commander?"

Mekil didn't answer but his eyes held the look of death as he inched the sword tip closer to Xia..."It's time to kill this assassin." ...

[Annisthyrienne]

Xia emerged from the tent, kneeling at Mekil's side. She wasn't sure what new danger they faced. They were still in Drow territory, although no longer in the caverns of the Underdark. Still, the bodies of her former soldiers lying around camp showed that they could encounter wandering patrols. And if such a patrol happened upon them now, they surely would find out what she'd done. She was as much an enemy in her own country now as Mekil and Nara.

And what of the Bonding? If that is what it was between them, she and Nara would both suffer if parted from each other. Should one or the other of them be killed, the other would never know peace. The shock of the loss would probably lead to insanity.

Commander Mekil's angry words broke through her vigilant search of the surroundings. She hesitated, thinking she'd seen something in the brush. Trying to clear her mind to locate the intruders by their thoughts. Her focus was shaken, unclear. Her wounds and the shock of the Bonding with Nara had her thoughts racing. She was unable to concentrate enough to use her empathic abilities. Her silvery eyes darted this way and that, scanning the camp, but it seemed like all she could see were the bodies of her men, dead at her own hand.

"You have only a few seconds to answer me before I cut your throat." came the hatred laced words from the man beside her. Xia turned to him in shock and fear. Surely he wasn't so blinded as to choose this moment to strike her, not with possible enemies threatening them. Xia could see the look in his eyes that gave her the answer. She scrambled back as she saw her death in those eyes.

Mekil's sword hovered at her throat. She blinked back tears as she tried to stammer an answer. Despite her remorse at what she'd done to her own kind, she truly did want to live. And the effect of the Bonding, the intense desire to be with Nara, gave her reason to be afraid of Mekil hurting her. It would all be for nothing, Xia thought. All the talk of peace, being abducted from her home, even murdering her own kind, all of it lost to the hate driven actions of a maddened Elf. The war would go on. Both sides would lose in the end. Because in the end, no one wins in war.

And now she would die too.

Xia's attention was drawn to the sound of a new voice, speaking Elvish. She turned her silver moon gaze to the bushes where a tall blonde Elvish soldier came forward cautiously, his eyes scanning the Drow bodies strewn throughout the camp, but ultimately returning to the tableau playing out before him. Xia felt more alone among enemies than ever.

Xia eased away from Mekil, her eyes darting from one Elf to the other, wondering from which one her death blow would come. The new Elven warrior had drawn no weapon as he approached, speaking in a calm tone, apparently to Mekil. She didn't know what would happen if she spoke to him. But the quiet menace in Mekil's next words decided it for her.

"It's time to kill this assassin."

Xia scrambled back quickly, falling back on her hands, crab walking as fast as she could. Her desperate eyes met those sapphire blue orbs of the newcomer. Her voice held the desperation she felt as she pled for her life, begging the newcomer. "Please help me! He means to kill me! They hit his head! He's not thinking clearly!" With one hand she held her wounded side. She stretched out the other hand towards Mekil to ward off the blow she knew she could not stop.