2.

"Alessia"

Torin questioned a number of townspeople in Cheydinhal before he came across an old man who remembered her. He said Lenore Trueblood had died many years ago after giving birth but he had never heard what happened to the baby. He didn't think she had any relatives. It was said she had left a male child with the Sisters of the Nine Divines before she passed. So, Torin found himself in the office of the Mother of the orphanage seeking information on the boy and his whereabouts. Though he would be a man now, Torin corrected himself. He had been warned by the Blades Grandmaster to reveal the truth to no one, lest those he had told, and the heir himself, be placed in mortal danger from the revelation. So he had concocted a story that he had been hired to find the young man by the estate of his long-lost father, who had recently perished and left instructions to leave his sizable fortune to his illegitimate son. Torin hated lying to a member of the faith, but he knew it was for the greater good. He had deduced from the timing of the birth, and an eyewitness to Lenore's presence at the orphanage, that the child's name was Martin and the man he sought was now a Brother of the Nines.

Alessia Ravenwild was teaching the children the arts of defense on the playing ground that day as she frequently did when she was passing through Cheydinhal. The Sisters hated it, clucking their tongues at her. Violence is not the way, they chided. But each loved her as their own daughter and she always had an answer to placate them.

"Yes, but there is evil in the world and do you not prefer that the children learn to survive it as I have? Would you not be heartbroken if something happened to me because I could not protect myself? Would you not miss me terribly?" the ravishing twenty-six-year-old asked, offering them the most doe-eyed look she could muster. They pursed their lips trying to hide their amusement. She had always been a handful. And they would miss her terribly if something happened to her.

"Very well," they acquiesced reluctantly, as they always did. "But be careful…"

Alessia smiled winningly at them. "Thank you good Sisters, you are a constant source of inspiration to me," she said, lavishing them with mischievous praise that they were too wise to believe.

They pursed their lips again and shook their heads to themselves as they walked away.

"That girl should be married by now! It is not seemly to wander the land like she does, getting into all sorts of mayhem…" the older Sister clucked.

"Yes, indeed, a beautiful young woman, but troublesome. Always into something, even as a child. Of course, she means no harm, but a great deal of trouble nonetheless…" another clucked in return.

"Yes, it is so. She needs a strong hand to settle her down, I think…" the third chimed in.

And the three Sister hens continued their clucking as they scurried off to their duties, trying to decide Alessia's life for her.

Alessia laughed ruefully, putting her practice helm back on to protect her from the boys' errant sword swings, securing the faceplate. The Sisters meant well and she knew they cared about her, but she would not bend to the expectations of others simply to conform. And the life they described was not for her.

She was no demure, shrinking lass. She was bold and proud and aggressive, courageous and determined. Unlike many women of Tamriel, she did not sit back and wait for men to do things for her, to give things to her. She pursued what she wanted, and she usually got it.

A foundling on the doorstep of the orphanage long ago, she had overcome much to become the independent woman she was today. She depended on no one and no one was responsible for her. And she wanted it that way.

She had never known her mother and father, but the Sisters of the Nine Divines had been good to her, and she had grown up strong, healthy, and able to fend for herself. She had arrived at their door, a smallish three-week-old infant, with a note pinned to her blanket that said only "Alessia". The Sisters found it strange that a mother who would abandon her child would so solicitously ensure she kept the name that had been given her at birth. But they acknowledged that there were many reasons a mother might give up a child…not all of them selfish. They supposed she was named after Saint Alessia herself. It was an honorable name…a proud name, and they kept it. But the child herself was not healthy. She was weak and undersized, and they feared she would not make it to adulthood. But, like her namesake, this Alessia was a fighter. After a few early scares and much attention from the Sisters, who had become determined to save this underdog baby…to help the wee waif survive against the odds, the child grew stronger. Thus it was that for many of the older Sisters, Alessia held a special place in their hearts. And, her wildness aside, she had captured the younger Sisters with her endearing personality. It was the Order that had given her the name Ravenwild, for the silky jet-black hair that fell about the girl's face and her spirited ways. Her tresses were thick and luxurious, a striking characteristic from early on, that later came to accentuate her beautiful features.

It had not bothered Alessia that she had not been adopted. She was a spitfire, as Martin loved to tease her, from the day she was born, stubborn and defiant. Though a mischievous handful, she was beloved by the Sisters, for she was a bright child, good and kind, and always trying to help the younger children adjust to being in an orphanage. Even now, she returned to the home between her travels to help and counsel the poor unfortunates. Truly, it had amazed the Sisters that she had never been adopted, for she would have made a wonderful daughter, given the right guidance and a firmer hand. But as it was, she had grown up in a home for children, fiercely independent and craving the adventure of the world outside the cloistered walls.

But as a girl alone, young Alessia knew the first step towards true independence was to learn to protect herself. She honed her body to respond to her every whim with lightning speed and made off with two knives from the Sisters' kitchen so she could practice with them…so she could master the feel and balance of wielding them. She hired on as an adolescent at a local armory shop to earn the right to practice with bow and arrow, much to the chagrin of the Sisters of the Nine. And she became highly proficient, able to split an apple with an arrow running at full speed. The owner and regular patrons became so amused by her earnest efforts that they began to offer advice, which became training, which became assistance. By the time she reached maturity, they were all just a little bit in love with the appealing 21-year-old raven-haired beauty. And when she decided to join the Fighter's Guild, they had all chipped in to present her a gift of a fine elven bow. She had earned enough on her own to buy two silver daggers. And, after a few successful jobs, she had bought some light armor that afforded her some protection without slowing her down.

She had been determined to be worthy of the name she bore…the warrior queen, Alessia. Now, she was an expert handler of her daggers, the blades swirling and flashing with grace and elegance at such speeds they were barely visible. Her reflexes were sharp and her aim with a bow unsurpassed. She was formidable, not just for a woman, but for a warrior.

And she had resolved that in her spare time she would help the older children who were growing up without parents to learn to take care of themselves. They would be released into the world soon enough.

"OWWW!" young Vander shouted. He had nicked himself with the edge of the blunted training weapon she had given him. She cursed herself silently for letting the Sisters get to her with their talk of marriage. She had let her attention wander from her students and now one of them was hurt, though that was nearly impossible with the dullness of the old practice swords she had loaned them. But then, it was Vander. She took his hand in hers to examine it. It was bleeding, but not a bad cut. She tore off a piece of her legging and wrapped it. "It will be alright, Vander. Hold this tightly and I'll be right back," she promised. He looked at her dreamily. She knew the older boys all had crushes on her. She smiled inside her helm and ran off to the offices of Mother Worthing.

Torin was just about to inquire where Martin could be found when he was startled to hear the clash of swords in the courtyard, and a child's scream. No, by the Gods! Not here! he thought. The bastards! His sword flew from its sheath and he started towards the door when it burst open and Alessia ran in.

She was alarmed to see a man with a drawn sword in the Mother's office and with lightning speed had unsheathed her daggers to engage him.

Torin took her for an assassin and dropped into a defensive stance in front of the Mother.

Alessia advanced on him. No one would harm the Mother while she could prevent it.

Mother Worthing, who had been watching in stunned horror as this terrible misunderstanding unfolded, finally found her voice, "NOOO! Stop! Both of you!"

They turned to her slightly in confusion, neither completely willing to take their eye off the enemy before them.

"Please, good Ser, this is Alessia Ravenwild, a former resident, who is here training the students to look after themselves. Do not harm her, I beg you! Alessia, I'm sure this young man means you no harm…we heard the swords and the shouting…please, both of you, put your weapons away," she entreated.

Torin reddened, sheathing his sword. He had almost made a terrible mistake. He was jumpier than he thought. He needed more sleep.

Alessia followed suit, sheathing her daggers and removing her helmet. Her long flowing tresses tumbled down about her shoulders. She flung her head to the side to clear the stray locks that blocked her vision so she could get a better look at this man that she had nearly tried to kill.

Their eyes locked for a moment.

He was terribly handsome, Alessia thought…a strong jaw and eyes so blue she could have floated away in them. She felt the stirrings of desire.

Torin was equally struck. She took his breath away. She was without doubt the most exquisitely beautiful woman he had ever seen. After a few awkward moments of staring, Torin found his tongue and stumbled over his words, "I…I'm…sorry. I thought you were…I…we heard the boy cry out…" He fumbled to recover himself, but found he had difficulty concentrating.

She smiled slightly, used to the reaction she always got when men first laid eyes on her. He was not the first man to have difficulty with his speech. Alessia knew she was striking. She simply chose to dismiss it as an accident of birth…an inconvenience that was, at times, admittedly convenient. But she was not a manipulator of men. She preferred to earn her way on merit. She was not averse, however, to occasionally accepting the natural advantage that her beauty bestowed upon her when there was no other way to accomplish her goal.

"No, it is my fault for barging in here frantically in full armor, but I wanted to let the Mother know that Vander has cut himself…I am no healer…" Alessia started.

"Again?! Honestly, that boy is so clumsy!" Mother Worthing mumbled, gathering her salves and potions.

"It is not bad, but it will need attending. This is my fault. I should have been watching more closely," she said, taking responsibility for the accident. But Vander was clumsy, may the Nine bless him. She hoped it was something he would outgrow.

"Very well, I will go fix him up again. Please excuse me, Ser Grayrider. I will return shortly," the Mother said scurrying off, leaving Alessia and Torin alone.

Torin had not been able to take his eyes off of her. She was captivating…mesmerizing, with brilliant green eyes that struck him to the core. He wanted to say something…anything to keep her there a little longer. But his normally smooth tongue was knotted in his mouth. He felt like a fool…like a young boy again, confronted with his first pretty girl. Only this was far worse.

Alessia found herself amused…intrigued by this attractive stranger who was having such difficulty communicating. Surely a man such as he would have no trouble speaking to women. Although, she thought to herself rakishly, perhaps he did not do much speaking. She was certain he'd had no problem finding women to warm his bed. She banished the scintillating thoughts from her head. Alessia was a sensual woman, and took her pleasures where she chose…and there was certainly no shortage of willing men. But she was always careful not to get emotionally entangled with them. That was one thing that her time in the orphanage had taught her. Love was an unreliable commodity, usually fleeting, and sometimes cruel. She had been given up by parents who cared not for her, if they had ever even cared for each other. She would not fall victim to its false charms, she would not heed its alluring call. She would closely guard her own emotions and protect herself against the inevitable hurt. Passionate life-long love was not real. It was merely an illusion, and Alessia was pragmatic…a realist…a survivor.

Still, in spite of her promises to herself to keep her distance, she found she wanted to know more. "Are you…here to adopt a child?" she asked casually. As soon as the words had escaped her lips she found herself hoping he had no wife. It surprised her greatly and she flushed in embarrassment and turned away.

"No, I am in no position to…I am not even wed…I…" Torin started.

Mother Worthing returned at that moment. "Please forgive the interruption, Ser Grayrider. But I'm sure you'll both be pleased to hear Vander will be fine. But it is good you are still here, Alessia. Such wonderful news! This man is trying to find Martin. Perhaps you have heard from him? I know you two still keep in touch," the Sister of the Nines said.

She turned to Torin, "The two of them were thick as thieves growing up, always into something. Mischievous little firebrands, the both of them, but Alessia here was the ringleader, don't think I didn't know that, my girl! Shy boy, Martin…followed her around like a puppy dog, doing whatever she said. He has settled down now, mercifully. He is a Brother of the Nines. Travels constantly, spreading the good Word. You, young lady, are another matter," said Mother Worthing affectionately, with not-so-stern disapproval.

Alessia blushed.

"I so wish you'd settle down and stop gallivanting across the countryside like a common adventurer," she chided maternally. Then she looked embarrassed, and turned to Torin. "Oh! I hope I haven't offended you, Ser," she apologized, realizing the man she stood next to was just that.

"No offense taken, Mother. Please continue," he urged, an amused tone in his voice. He was, in truth, enjoying this little interchange…and the uncomfortable look on Alessia's perfect face as she was being chastised. He was also grateful for the chance to find out more about the woman who had captured his attention so.

Alessia shot him a withering look of irritation, "thanking" him for his encouragement of the good Mother's lecture.

Torin shrugged innocently, trying not to laugh.

The Mother went on, "You should get married, a beautiful girl like you…don't you think she's beautiful, Ser Grayrider?"

Torin was stunned to be put on the spot. It was his turn to squirm. But just as suddenly as his shy awkwardness had come upon him, it disappeared, and the seductive charm that he had possessed his entire adult life returned to him. "Yes, Mother, she is," he said politely to the older woman. Then he turned to Alessia's pouting face and continued to her, his eyes smoldering sensually, "She is very beautiful, indeed."

The Mother went on.

For a moment, it was as if they were the only two people in the room. Alessia felt heat rising in her face under his torrid gaze and shook herself back into the conversation, breaking contact with his deep blue pools.

"You would have them standing in line if you'd only say the word, if you'd only make yourself open to it…" the Mother said, oblivious to the drama that had been going on in front of her…to the chemistry already simmering between them.

Alessia rolled her eyes. "Mother…"

"You'd make some man a wonderful wife if you'd stop all this nonsense. Or, if you'd prefer, we'd always welcome you as a Sister of the Nines…"

Alessia cut her off then, unwilling to have her potential future bandied about in front of this stranger any further. "Mother, please…I'm sure this man has better things to do than listen to what you think I should do with my life," she pleaded.

"Oh yes, of course," Mother Worthing said absent-mindedly, "I do go on sometimes, don't I?" properly chastising herself.

Torin just smiled and nodded politely to her, his mind racing. So this woman is not married…and from the sound of it, does not wish to be. She was strong-willed and self-reliant, that much he had quickly ascertained. And he found he was admiring her spirit as well as her voluptuous form. Torin let his eyes linger on her a moment longer than he should have. A dazzling smile spread across his handsome face.

Alessia could not help but smile sheepishly in return.

If he were not in the middle of this critical mission for the Empire, he would surely pursue her. The sparks flying between them were unmistakable. Perhaps when all this was over, he would come back and see if he could not fan those sparks into a flame.

"So…why are you looking for Martin?" Alessia asked, trying to return the conversation to a meaningful and less uncomfortable topic.

Torin wasn't sure why, but he hesitated. Perhaps it was that he regretted the lie he was getting ready to tell her. But he had already told it to the Mother and his story had to be consistent, so he reluctantly put it forward again for Alessia.

Her face darkened then. He was lying. But why? She was suddenly afraid for the Mother, for Martin…that this man's intent was to cause them harm. "You lie! There is no mysterious benefactor!" she cried. Her fiery nature took control and her daggers flew from their sheaths, a blur of motion.

When a stunned Torin recovered his wits, he found one of her daggers had come to rest at his throat and one was pressed into the joint of his armor at his gut.

Mother Worthing gasped. "What…what is going on?"

Alessia glared at Torin, her face inches from his. She was not sure which she felt more keenly, anger or disappointment. "So, tell me, liar. What do you really want? What are you up to? Martin is my friend. Mother Worthing is like a true mother to me. I will not let you hurt either of them," she vowed.

Torin was astounded at the speed and agility she had displayed. Her reflexes were extraordinary. Few men could have gotten the jump on him like that. And she had done it with effortless, graceful ease. His admiration for her was growing, not only for her skill with daggers, but for her cleverness in determining he had lied to her. She was making quite an impression on him. "I…mean no harm…to Martin or the good Sisters," he tried to assure Alessia.

But she would have none of his assurances. Her instincts were on edge and she needed more than his promises of good intent. She was unwilling to trust him. "Why should I believe you? You have come into this holy place, presenting yourself as something that you are not…presenting your cause as something that it is not," she challenged.

With equally blinding speed, Torin grabbed her wrists and twisted them around artfully. Alessia yelped and dropped the dagger at his throat. Suddenly, he was behind her, and she found herself pinned against him, his arms wrapped around her, one now holding her own dagger to her breast while she still clutched it, the other gripping her chin. His lips rested seductively against her ear.

Alessia was stunned and felt the look of surprise that covered her face.

Torin smiled as he murmured in her ear softly, "You were wise to be skeptical. That is a valuable trait in a profession such as ours. The world is a treacherous place, and a healthy distrust can save your life. It is true that I have not been honest with you, but the reason you should believe me now is that you still live…that I have not snapped your incredibly beautiful neck, nor do I intend to. The fact is that Martin is in great danger and I have been sent to retrieve him, to see to it that he is safe." He could tell her no more without risking her life, as well as Martin's.

"Do not hurt her, please!" Mother Worthing begged.

"Have no fear, good Mother, it is not my intention to harm her," Torin promised.

Alessia did not know what to believe. He held her tightly against him. Without warning, she became aware of him physically and it flustered her. It was not a death grip he held her in now. It was a lover's embrace…intimate, a sensual molding of her body to his. She cursed herself for the thought occurring to her now. She did not trust this man, yet...there was something about him. She felt strangely unafraid of him. "You expect me to believe you now, after you have lied to us?" she asked, pressing for a better explanation.

"I did not tell you the truth because it will only put you and the Sisters in danger. The fewer people that know what I am after, the better. I am trying to help your friend, Martin. Tell me where he is," Torin said sincerely.

"I…if you speak the truth, release me," Alessia ordered defiantly.

Torin chuckled at her bravado. She was magnificent! He purred roguishly in her ear so softly only she could hear it, "Must I?"

She blushed again, ashamed of her unbidden physical reaction to him. "Release me now, or I will believe nothing you say," she insisted.

"I would feel more comfortable if you dropped your dagger before I did so," he returned amicably, highly amused.

Alessia released the dagger, and he released her.

She whipped around and slapped him. "Do not presume to manhandle me in such a fashion again!" she demanded.

Torin laughed heartily. She was a wildcat, truly! He wondered at that moment what it would be like to bed her and was hard pressed to keep his desire from his face.

Alessia glared at him, her heart pounding in her chest.

Torin took a deep breath and looked at her apologetically, "Forgive me. But I tell you truly now. If you value your friend's life you must tell me where to find him," he urged.

She studied him for a few moments. "No," she said finally.

His eyebrows rose. He had thought…

"I will not tell you where he is. I do not trust you. Tell me everything and I will consider," she said firmly.

Torin shook his head. "I can tell you no more. It will only endanger you. You must trust me in this. I know I have given you no reason to…but it is the only chance your friend has. This is more important than you know. Please…" he beseeched.

"But you make no sense. Why would anyone want to kill him? He is good and kind and gentle, a Brother of the Nines. He is my friend…the finest man I've ever known. There is no reason for me to believe that he has made enemies," Alessia insisted.

Torin looked at her hard then, trying to impart the sincerity of his words. "There are many reasons a man can have enemies. Sometimes it is not about what he has done. There are good men that are threatened simply because they are good. I do not know Martin, but if you tell me he is a good man, I believe you, and I truly hope it is so. But it does not change the fact that he is in grave danger…that there are those who would see him harmed. I am trying to prevent that. I will continue to search without your help, as long as it takes. I can only pray that I reach him in time. But if you can get me to him faster, his chances of survival will be greatly improved. I will tell you this…it is not just his fate that will be decided by the outcome of these events. The future of many others is at stake. I beseech you," he entreated, "help me now. Help me save Martin. Help me stop this travesty from occurring."

Alessia scowled, finding it difficult to comprehend all this…that her Martin could be at the center of some great conspiracy. But she looked into this stranger's deep blue eyes piercing her with their plea, and she knew she would relent…at least for now. She was still uncertain of his motives or even his identity. But she felt compelled to trust him to some extent…at least for the time being…if it meant possibly helping Martin. "I…will not tell you where he is…" she started.

Torin's face fell. His disappointment was evident. He had thought what he had given her was enough to convince her of his good intentions. He nodded sadly.

"…but I will take you to him," Alessia finished.

Torin's head jerked up. "No. I will not permit it, it is too dangerous. I have made of myself a target for trying to help him. If you go with me, you will join me in that fate. I cannot allow it. Tell me where he is and I will go…alone," he said firmly.

She shook her head. "No. This is the only way I will help you. I do not know that I trust you, but if Martin is in danger I wish to help. But I will not leave it to you, for if you are lying again… I will either protect him from those you say are pursuing him or I will protect him from you," she answered resolutely.

He studied her for a moment trying to determine if she truly could survive what was to come. She was impressive certainly, but he was up against something big, something terrible. And he knew it would only get worse. But the longer it took to find Martin…if she knew where to go… "You must understand. There is every chance I will not survive this," he said solemnly.

She returned his level gaze, considering his words. "Then, so be it. He is my dearest friend. I must help him. Do not attempt to dissuade me further, I will not change my mind. I can help you find him. He travels constantly, but I know where he was a month ago, and I know his general routes. We will find him together. It is my condition for helping you," she said with finality.

Torin nodded reluctantly, giving in to her demand. She was every bit the stubborn handful the Mother had implied she was. And she was fascinating. "Very well," he acceded.

"Then gather your supplies and meet me back here tomorrow morning and we will set out to find Martin," she said. Then she spun on her heel and headed out the door to make her own preparations.

Torin watched her perfect figure gracefully saunter from the room. His heart beat just a little faster as his eyes greedily drank her in. It was then that he remembered the Mother, who was still a bit in shock, sitting there staring at him. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he apologized sheepishly for all the commotion and started to leave.

The Mother found her voice then. "You take care of her, young man. For what it is worth, I believe your intentions are honorable. But I fear for her safety. She is headstrong, and too courageous for her own good, but she is very special," the woman told him.

He smiled. He thought maybe she was right…that this woman might be special. "I will do my best to keep her out of trouble and protect her from harm, Mother. I give you my word," Torin promised.

"That is all I can ask. Take care of yourself as well. Find Martin and take him to safety. I will tell no one of this," she finished.

"You have my thanks," Torin said. He left the orphanage thinking it might not be so bad to have this engaging woman travel with him for a time.

Mother Worthing watched the young adventurer leave. She was certainly concerned for their welfare. But something told her Alessia would be alright in this man's care. And something else told her that Alessia had finally met her match. The sparks that had flown between them under the guise of anger were more than that, she sensed. This man was clearly impressed with Alessia, but not intimidated by her. And that was exactly what the girl needed…a strong man to walk beside her…a man she could respect, that would treat her as an equal, not fawn over her and obey her every whim. The girl was strong-willed and needed an equally strong-willed man to take her in hand. Alessia was attractive, proud, and capable. There were many suitors. But they held only the most casual interest for her. None had challenged her emotionally or intellectually…before today. Mother Worthing smiled knowingly. "Finally…" she breathed in relief.