This is the newer version, with some minor changes.

Dragonlance does not belong to me. The only character I have created here is Arielle. I am aware that everything isn't perfectly accurate, but this is supposed to be fun. It's not fun if you're being overly critical.

Be thee warned: this story contains violence, strong language, and sex.

Chapter One: Captive

Escape was impossible. I'd thought that maybe I could pass through Shoikan Grove unhindered, since its master had brought me through it and told me I was under his protection. But apparently he'd either revoked that protection, or I was only safe while in his presence. So my brilliant plan had not worked out. Which was why I was trapped in the Grove, being held hostage by an angry tree.

I hadn't been in my best frame of mind when I'd decided I needed to escape from the Tower. In fact, I'd been very pissed off. For two days I had waited for a chance to speak with the Archmage Raistlin Majere, and he had intentionally ignored me. I just couldn't fathom it. It had been baffling enough when Raistlin had sent a message to me at the Tower of High Sorcery in Ansalon, asking me if I would like to study magic with him. I'd never felt drawn to the black robes, but simply uttering the name Raistlin tends to make everyone stop what they're doing. But what could the most powerful mage on Krynn want with me? I was a red robed mage, and not very talented with magic. I suspected Lunitari only accepted me out of pity, and perhaps my dedication for studying, despite showing much promise. At the time I was awestruck by the black-robed figure in front of me, hood concealing his face. Only a fool would pass up an invitation from Raistlin Majere. I desperately wanted to improve my skills in magic, and here was the chance of a lifetime.

Elves were forbidden to study the dark arts, but I didn't have much to lose anymore. My family had thrown me out of Qualinesti, "sent to study" in Ansalon. At least that's what they told everyone back home. The truth was that I hadn't shown the skills considered worthy of the family. I'd taken the red robes, tainted in their eyes. So studying under a Black Robe really didn't make a difference to me. I eagerly accepted the invitation, thinking it didn't matter at this point.

Had I known it would be like this, I would have stayed at the Tower of Wayreth. Especially now, as my situation had only gotten worse. Vines had entangled my feet, so I could scarcely move. The tree seemed to be gripping me tighter than before, securing my arms behind my back. Just lovely. The trees weren't talking, at least. I had already tried reasoning with them, but they either couldn't understand or didn't care. I was voting on the latter. Angry trees were going to be the least of my problems, though, if I didn't figure something out soon. There were far more dangerous things lurking in Shoikan Grove, things that could talk, and murder with a mere touch. And I really didn't want to spend the rest of eternity wandering the cursed Grove as a shade.

I struggled until my wrists were slick with blood. Once I realized what I'd done, I cursed again. Not so much for the injuries themselves, but for the fact that my blood was likely to attract even more predators. It was only a matter of time. The only real question was whether I'd still be sane when the inhabitants of the Grove finished me off.

Something was moving closer to me. Soft rustling came from the darkness beyond, slow, deliberate and terrifying. Faint whispers grew louder, as if the restless shades were gaining confidence.

Take her...take her...

Those words came to me with perfect clarity. I fought my rising fear, knowing that panic would only drive them to a frenzy. I would die proud, even if no one was there to witness it.

I saw a light beyond the trees, faint at first, but growing brighter.

Of all the creatures or supernatural beings I'd prepared myself to face, nothing had prepared me for the sight I beheld. The light I had seen was the blue glow from the Staff of Magius, held by its owner, Raistlin Majere. He approached me, untouched by the inhabitants of the Grove. I waited for him to laugh at my situation, or at least make a comment. But he was silent. He moved closer, close enough that I could feel his velvet robes against my bare leg.

"Why did you try to leave?" he asked, his voice soft and perfectly calm.

"I felt like a prisoner there," I said. My own voice was not calm at all. "No one would speak to me, no one would even acknowledge my presence other than to deliver food or attend to some other basic need. Why did you summon me if you're just going to ignore me?"

Raistlin leaned on his staff, and appeared to consider.

"I suppose I could have spoken to you sooner. I've been busy." It was maddening, how he was behaving so casually, not even making an effort to help get me untangled from the vines.

"Busy!" I nearly shouted. "Too busy to even greet me? You haven't even told me why you brought me here. Do you treat all of your 'guests' this way?"

"I rarely have guests. And yes, I have been busy these last two days."

"Could you make room in your schedule to release me?" I asked. I was getting more annoyed with every passing second.

"You cannot leave here without my aid, as you've obviously found out the hard way. But I could be more inclined to let you go if you tell me what treasure you possess that will restore my health."

I couldn't have been more shocked if he'd turned into a dragon and snapped me in half. A treasure? He thought I had a treasure? The great archmage was mistaken. Why would he think such a thing?

"I don't know anything about a treasure," I said. "I'm practically a novice student of magic. Not very good at all. I certainly don't have any artifacts that would interest you."

He frowned.

"We'll see about that," he said. He moved closer to me, enveloping me in the scent of roses and other spices. It was an unusual scent for a man, but it was powerfully intriguing. I reminded myself that I was angry with him. Very angry with a powerful, peculiarly attractive man. This was the first time I'd actually seen his face. Many people had described Raistlin Majere as hideous, deformed by his Test. I thought that was why he chose to hide under the hood of his robe. But I was astounded to see that he wasn't ugly. He was different, yes, but far from hideous. His golden skin and eyes were strangely beautiful. But it was a cold beauty.

What in the Abyss was wrong with me? It had to be the Grove giving me such thoughts. It was known to drive people mad. Maybe this was just an early stage.

"You lie," Raistlin said in his soft tones. "I can sense the magic coming from you. It's strong magic, not some paltry trinket from a mageware shop. If you will not tell me where it is, I will find it myself."

"I'm not lying to you. I really don't know what you're looking for. But maybe I could help you find it if you release me."

Anger flashed in his golden eyes. And for the briefest moment, I saw weariness, something he was trying to hide. He didn't want anyone to see just how weak his body was becoming. That would certainly explain his obsession with this treasure. He was supposed to be under a powerful curse, one that could not be cured. What sort of magic had he heard of that could overpower such a curse? And why did he think I had anything to do with it? He wasn't the only one who was growing weary.

I was startled as his unnaturally warm hand touched my collarbone. He reached inside my robe, pressing his hand flat against my chest.

"What in the Abyss are you doing?" I shouted at him in outrage.

Ignoring me, his hand moved downward until it was between my breasts. It didn't help when I saw the look in his eyes change from determination to lust. He stood there, motionless, his gaze burning into my skin. The moment lingered until it was unbearable. I squirmed, until I realized each movement was making my breasts tremble and it was clearly affecting the archmage. Something hard moved against my hip. I glanced down just before Raistlin pulled back, adjusting his robe. Rumors implied that he was incapable of pursuing carnal pleasures. The evidence before me said otherwise. I did not have the option of hiding myself, though I fervently wished I did.

Raistlin uttered an incantation while he still touched me. What would he do? Burn me as punishment? I held my breath as I awaited whatever agony was to come. But after a moment he removed his hand, and nothing happened.

"It would seem you have hidden the treasure well," he said. His voice was ragged. "I had thought you rendered it invisible with magic. The spell I cast reveals all magical objects hidden on any being that I touch." He didn't seem sorry at all for practically violating me.

"Anywhere else you'd like to look?" I challenged him.

He didn't answer. He moved his hand away slowly, eyes locked on mine the entire time. Raistlin stepped back, muttering a single word.
And then I was free. I crumpled to the ground, shocked from the sudden release. Exhaustion hit me, hard.

"Ready to go back now?" he asked, voice once again cold and sardonic.

Defeated, I gathered my torn robes and followed him back to the Tower.

Note: Thank you for checking out my story! If you're familiar with Dragonlance, you might realize Raistlin is a bit out of character. Please forgive me if everything isn't accurate. It's my first fanfic, so don't be too mean!