"It sounds like you two were growing quite close?" I mentioned while looking to the mists he still hid within.

"That we were," he agreed rather cheerfully.

I then turned the next page of the journal, and faltered in bewilderment as I read the title of the entry, "Eilsana?"

"I'd almost forgotten about that part..." he replied, almost hesitantly, before pushing on.

"Having fun?" Heart asked while I dusted myself off a bit.

"Of course," I remarked cheerfully, "These guys won't be causin' anymore trouble, will ya boys?"

I turned to look at the group of disarmed bandits, including their cat-folk leader, and said, "Serves ya right for tryin' to pick a fight, Kazor was it?."

"Why spare us though? You could have finished us off for good?" the lion-like man asked.

"It's not my style to draw blood that I don't need to," I replied, "That, an' I have a feelin' your band here isn't much different than my own. If I can turn it around so can you though."

"Turn it around?"

"Why not?" I asked.

"This land doesn't make it easy to get by in such a way. The forest we once dwelled in peacefully was taken over a few years ago by a noble woman that made her home within it," he explained, "She's made it difficult with how suddenly we were forced out."

Heart folded her arms over her chest, "I'm get really tired of these so called noble folks causing issues like this."

"Even still, there's got to be a better way than jumpin' folks for what they have," I stated, "Thief or not, I have a code."

"Perhaps you're right," Kazor sighed while looking towards his pack, "Maybe, if we travel a bit, we can find a new land to build up from?"

"In the meantime, maybe you can help other people along the way?" Heart suggested.

"You really have that much faith in us, miss?" Kazor inquired in surprise.

I smiled at this and assured, "If Lady Heart sees some good in ya, then ya have little to question I'd say."

I watched as she blushed a bit from this remark, unknowingly tugging at my heartstrings.

Afterwards, we parted ways from the group, as they picked up their weapons and headed off where we'd come from.

"You were having fun back there," Heart commented, as I gave a casual shrug.

"I'd say you were too with those spells you were usin'," I teased her, "Ya used mage hand to tap their shoulder?"

"Well that guy almost struck you, but I didn't want to shock them, so..."

"Heart what makes ya so sure of that intent by the way?" I then asked, thinking back to the fight.

I'd seen her, without a second thought, send those bolts of energy to ward off others before. This time, she'd made sure not to. I had also luckily never been on the receiving end of those strikes, even when she thought I may have betrayed her.

"I'm not really sure," she mentioned, "I've just always had a knack for it, I guess?"

"Always? Even when you were a kid?" I inquired with genuine curiosity.

"I think so," she replied.

"You haven't mentioned much about that?" I said encouragingly.

She shrugged a bit, falling silent from my interest.

"Somethin' wrong?" I asked.

She shook her head. Some of her hair had pulled loose from her ribbon during the scuffle. Seeing this, Heart attempted to fix it while we walked along still. Before she did though, I slipped a hand to her shoulder, playfully sweeping my hand to the sliver of white silk and pulled it free.

"Come on Heart, there's somethin' botherin' ya," I pushed lightly, while slipping the ribbon between my gloved fingers in a semi loop.

"It'll be getting dark soon," she mentioned to avoid the subject, "Maybe we should make camp?"

When she tried to retrieve the ribbon, I smiled and paused in step just enough so she'd step in front of me. She turned quickly on her heel, but I'd already lifted my hand holding the ribbon out of her reach. With me being nearly a foot taller than her, this wasn't hard to do; but boy was it fun to see her so flustered.

"Not 'til ya tell me what's wrong, sweetheart," I insisted with a playful smirk, "I can't help until ya do."

"There's nothing to help, Duke," she replied while trying to reach up still.

I tilted my head with growing intrigue, as I slid my other hand to behind her head, sweeping up her long burgundy hair. As I brushed it over her shoulder, I held it in place a few seconds to weave the ribbon into a bow around it. I couldn't help but take note of her allowing me to do this, trusting me so close, and in such a way. I also couldn't help but tease, "You're quite cute when ya blush."

Like clockwork, her face grew from pink to red. I wanted to tell her a bit more than that, but felt it was better that I didn't. At least, that's what I tried to say to myself.

"Ya like it though?" I then asked her once the ribbon was in place.

I'd swiped it for her from the last town, trying to cheer her up after our dealings with that cretin of a baron. It was a simple white, silk ribbon, that stood out in her burgundy hair.

"I do," she admitted a bit shyly, "Thank you, Duke."

"Still, I wish you'd open up just a bit more?" I attempted.

"Duke?-" she started to reply.

Yet before she could continue, we both heard the click of a crossbow being readied.

We immediately looked over our surroundings, and I would see the light caught by the iron of it in the brush. The instant I realized where they were aiming I managed to turn and shove the rogue beside me just out of harm's way as that arrow flew! In that moment, I would feel the heated edge of the carved out head graze my side.

Letting out a groan of pain, I tried to find our attacker as Duke turned and reached for me, "Heart?!"

We heard the mechanism being set again, causing Duke to turn on his heel with his rapier drawn, "Come out an' fight, coward!"

"That's rather rude, and who says I'm looking for a fight?" a feminine voice playfully called out.

"Ya did once ya let that arrow fly!" Duke retorted sharply, while keeping me behind him.

"All I did was try to defend my home from the bandits that plague these woods. How was I to know you weren't with them?" she questioned.

Duke and I both found there was little we could argue on that point. We'd just taken care of that problem, but it wouldn't be well known for some time. Still, it was hard to understand this with an arrow digging into me.

"We were jus' tryin' to pass through," Duke answered, "We dealt with those very rogues you're wary of, an' sent them on their way."

"Is that so?" she asked, sounding as though we'd peeked some interest.

"It is," Duke assured the archer.

"Well, that is rather impressive," she admitted, while relaxing her bow.

"So, ya gonna come out or what?" Duke questioned.

"You are a rather bold one, aren't you?" she teased.

"Well, ya did hurt my friend," Duke retorted.

"Protective too? I might be the one struck by an arrow?" she mused while stepping out of the thick brush, and pushing back the hood of her ebony velvet cloak.

"Eilsana?" I heard myself ask in disbelief.

"Ya know her?" Duke asked while he looked on curiously.

Standing before us now, was a young woman just a few years older than I, with the signature ebony skin and sheer white hair of drow heritage. She looked to us with eyes of vibrant violet. She stood a good few inches taller than me, amplified with elaborately gold laced heeled boots. Fitted to her slender form was a mid length, split skirted dress that had an open neck. Though over the top, was a fitted ornate bodice with an open top to show some of her generous bust. The dress itself was of plum, crushed velvet, with gold laced sleeves reaching down to her hands. Her bodice blended with the deep greens of the forest, though with a gold trim and clasps to fasten it closed. The white hair she had was cut short on one side, and the other swept into waves and curls falling just over her right shoulder in some places. She stood with a hand on her slightly exposed hip, while tilting her head as she watched us.

Duke eased in his stance a bit, but he didn't sheath his rapier. I had stepped up beside him at this point. When I did, my eyes widened; but I didn't exactly want to let onto as to why. Though I did place a hand near the hilt of one of my daggers.

"It's been so long, my friend!" she told me in a cheerful tone that I wasn't listening to. She noticed my hand and assured, "Oh Heart, there's no need for that. Though I guess I'm not surprised?"

"How do ya know Heart?" Duke inquired.

I bit my lower lip in an attempt to not answer this. Instead, I kept my hand hovering near the blade at my hip. If not for the concern of where it would lead, I would have grabbed his hand and made a break for it; perhaps even tampered with her crossbow with a spell to aid us in this.

"We grew up together, didn't we Heart?" she flashed a smile with her painted lips.

I didn't let go of his hand, despite feeling him relax a bit. He sheathed his rapier.

"So tell me dear, why are you wandering around in my domain?" She inquired while taking a few steps closer.

"We were just heading to the next town," I replied firmly, "Now if you'll excuse us, we'll be on our way. Right, Duke?"

Before he could answer, Eilsana glanced up at the shifting, darkening sky, "It'll be dark soon. You'll need to set up camp for the night, won't you?"

"That was the plan," Duke admitted.

"These woods aren't exactly safe. There are quite a variety of beasts on the prowl at night," she mentioned.

"We'll manage," I assured.

"Is that so?" she raised a brow while looking down at me.

Then she glanced up at my companion, briefly making note of my hand grasping his, "What do you think of this? You do seem to be a rather capable man, but surely you'd like a better offer?"

Duke tilted his head with a bit of a smirk, "I think we'd get by jus' fine. A few beasts don't really scare me. That said, did ya have somethin' else in mind?"

"My home is just a short walk from here. I think it would be far more comfortable for you both?" she suggested while slipping closer to him.

"I think I'd prefer taking my chances out here," I retorted.

She gave a giggle, "Stubborn as usual, aren't you? Heart, it's not like before. I'm genuinely asking you to stay as my guest for the night."

My grip over his hand tightened at her initial remark. She then looked up at Duke and said, "Forgive me stranger, but I think formal introductions are in order aren't they? I am Lady Eilsana."

She offered her hand out, as though expecting it to be kissed. Duke, pulled away from me, and reached out to hold hers, but didn't lift it as he had with mine. Though he did give a respectful bow as he replied, "I'm Duke L'Orange. It's a pleasure to meet ya."

"Pleasure is all mine, I assure you," she mused while looking him over, "Such a dashing rogue."

Duke looked up, a bit thrown off by her comment, but quickly regained his composure to say, "Did I steal your heart then?"

"Perhaps so," she teased while pulling her un-kissed hand away from his grasp.

By this point, I'd folded my arms over my chest, tucking my hands against my frame. During this display, I'd tried to look away. However, I found myself glancing up at Duke when he stood up with a charming grin given to her.

"Now then, I really do suggest you both follow me," Eilsana said while turning towards the trees she'd come out from behind, "It will be much safer, and I'm sure you could use a proper night's rest."

"That's not a bad idea, actually," Duke said as he took a step after her.

My hand moved before I could think as I grabbed a hold of his again. He paused in his steps, and looked to me bewildered, "What's wrong, Heart?"

Before I could reply, Eilsana turned back around and placed a hand on her hip, "Heart, if things were like they were before, you wouldn't have an option."

"Why should I believe you?" I questioned sharply.

"Your companion seems to trust me now, doesn't he?" she pointed out with a smile given to Duke, "Or is his judgment not valid to you?"

"Of course it is," I said, "but he doesn't know-"

"Does he really need to know about the past to give me a chance now?"

"Heart, if you can trust a dragon an' a recently former thief, why not her?" Duke asked, "She seems genuine to me?"

There was a lot I wanted to say to this. I wanted to warn him. Yet something told me this would do little good at the moment. We were in her domain. Alone, I could do little. As it stood, I had to trust his instincts too, and they hadn't lead me astray thus far. Perhaps...?

"Heart, if it is the past you're fretting over, let me offer some comfort. I am no longer with my family, I broke away from them to build my own lineage. I want to be different from them. Give me this chance to show you?" Eilsana requested.

Yet something tugged at me, despite these words. Still, I looked to Duke, and I saw the growing intrigue in his remaining eye. It wasn't for my sake, but for his, when I finally answered, "Alright."

Not long after this, we found ourselves following after her for several minutes. As we ventured through the woods that made up her domain, we would come to a thick fog wrapping around us. Stepping through it, I could feel Heart holding onto my hand. A little bit longer, and we were standing before the gates of a large manor. It's windows beckoned us with striking stained glass, depicting exotic birds and wild flowers in a variety of colors. The large double doors had been carved not too long ago out of mahogany, and decorated with silver etchings, hinges, and handles. Upon opening them, we would find a crimson carpet softening our footsteps. From down the elaborate hall, we saw two eager dogs darting towards us. They panted and barked in delight to see their master kneeling down to greet them. She opened her arms wide to allow them to both jump into her, granting her several kisses that drew out a giggle, "Easy now, my pets!"

Seeing this made it easy to forget Heart's warnings. In fact, I felt myself slipping my hand away from hers.

As Lady Eilsana stood up, she gave a cheerful sigh, "Animals are so much more devoted than most humans, and I find their company far more pleasant. They're always happy to be with you, yearning for the attention you give them."

"They do seem well loved," I mentioned, while looking over the black and white furred hunting dogs wagging their tails still as they circled her.

"Of course, I care for all of my pets this way," she insisted while taking a step forward to begin guiding us along.

I glanced at Heart to make sure she was following along. Otherwise, I kept my attention on our hostess. With the drow's sweet demeanor, I wondered why my companion was so on edge? I couldn't help but feel rather at ease in Eilsana's presence. As we went along, we would find other animal friends; over-sized house cats that were tigers, slinking around her legs; large lizards creeping up to her with flickering tongues; and singing birds, all greeted her; eager to see her as much as the overgrown pups had been.

"I'm certain you're both hungry? How about some dinner before I see you to your rooms?" Eilsana offered.

"That would be appreciated. Our rations are gettin' low," I admitted.

Heart looked just as cautious as she'd been before. Yet she followed behind me, as Eilsana lead the way. Not minutes later, we found ourselves inside a grand dining hall with quite a spread offered to us. A few servants brought out several carefully prepared dishes, and a number of beverages to choose from.

"I don't think I've ever been offered such a meal," I mentioned as I stood in awe.

I couldn't help but grow curious as I watched both women. Eilsana approached the head of the table, and I swiftly walked passed her to pull out her seat for her. As she sat down, I adjusted the chair for her. Eilsana smiled, "My, my, such manners? You're quite a gentleman."

I gave a bow of my head, before turning to pull out another seat. Looking to Heart I offered, "You too, Heart?"

With visible reluctance, Heart walked over to the seat I'd pulled out for her at Eilsana's right.

I didn't really wish to be so close to her, but I also didn't want him sitting beside her either. Old memories tugged at me in warning, but I had to act cautiously. So I took my seat, and thanked my friend as he nodded and sat beside me. We were allowed to serve ourselves at the very least, and I observed her taking from the same dishes. Still, I ate very little of it.

"I'm so happy to see you alive and well, my dear friend," Eilsana said, before taking a sip of her wine, "I thought you'd perished for sure when I heard of the attack on your home."

"How do ya know Heart?" Duke asked while I tried to forget the answer.

Eilsana gave a bit of a sigh, "I'm afraid it's not a very pleasant story. I'd much rather you know me how I am now, than how my family tried to raise me."

"You didn't seem too troubled about it before?" I mentioned.

"That's back when I was a child, and realized I'd driven away my chance at having the only companion I'd ever had, that wasn't an animal," she insisted with a bit of regret in her tone.

"Driven away?" Duke questioned while looking to me.

Eilsana shook her head and reluctantly answered, "My family was very set in typical drow ways. In their need for power they took others to be their slaves, keeping themselves on top. So when we visited Heart's manor, my behavior reflected what I'd been taught. I treated my fellow princesses as though they were beneath me."

Duke looked to me in growing surprise and concern.

"I was just a child, and didn't understand how cruel I was acting towards Lady Heart. It's no wonder she lashed out as she did," she tried to explain, as though this would erase the initial part.

Eilsana turned to face me, almost as though asking for support as she said, "I was acting as I was raised to. You must understand, those fears and harsh words were not of my own."

"I'm supposed to feel better by that? For someone who wanted a companion so badly, you sure didn't know how to treat one," I retorted.

"I grew up under my parents, fellow drow that treated lives like dirt. Still, I was also quite afraid of what sort of princess you were," she attempted, "It was strange to see a princess so interested in magic and beasts such as dragons!"

"You tried to treat me like a pet!" I snapped.

"Which I treat far better than anyone else," she pointed out quickly.

I wanted to get away from her. I wanted to get away from the memories bombarding me as she watched me.

"Besides, you certainly bit back, didn't you?" she added with a relaxed tone, "and that bold action showed me how badly I needed to break away from my family once I was old enough. If I wanted to better myself, I had to leave them."

Duke offered a smile, as he closed a hand over mine. He then mentioned, "Heart has a way of inspirin' change."

I couldn't help but feel my cheeks growing warm from his words.

"Such sweet words," Eilsana commented as she watched him now, "I can tell you have a great deal of potential, but it's being wasted by wandering aimlessly."

"I've been puttin' my skills to good use actually, helpin' folks through our travels an' such," Duke replied, with a bit of pride showing on his face, "An' Heart's magic has truly flourished in these endeavors."

The skip in my chest nearly made me falter, "Y-You think so?"

Yet soon, that skipping heart sank when Eilsana glanced over me and gave a laugh, "Oh dear, I believe you misunderstood, my dashing rogue. Why waste your time wandering around, when you could serve a far better cause?"

Before I could do much of anything, Eilsana got to her feet and walked over to him; dividing our hands as she carefully stepped between us. While standing over him, she brushed a hand against his left cheek, drawing out a cheerful smile from the thief. He almost looked as eager as her pets we'd seen when she touched him. My stomach twisted as she spoke, "Strong arms to fend off anyone that would do me harm? Skilled hands, with a firm and gentle touch? You could do so much better than wandering the roads looking for trouble to fight, couldn't you?"

"I suppose, but what is it you're askin'? I'm not really suited to be a guard of any sort," Duke chuckled at the very idea.

She giggled, with another stroke of her hand against his high cheek-boned face, "That wasn't what I was thinking at all, my wild wolf."

A heat rushed through me, as the words erupted from my mouth, "He's not one of your pets!"

I hadn't realized I'd jumped up in this outburst, nearly knocking the chair onto it's back in the process. I'd turned quickly to face her, just as she looked to me quite startled. Duke's remaining eye was wide with surprise of his own, "Heart?"

Eilsana quickly regathered her composure as she spoke, "Oh Heart, of course not! Still, he is exactly what I've been looking for since leaving my family. To start my own legacy, I must have the right man at my side."

Another knot formed in my core, as she said this so casually. Duke and I both realized what she meant, before she even asked, "What I desire, is his devotion. Your heart, would be a very coveted treasure if you were to give it to me?"

"You don't know anything about him!" I snapped in an outrage that I could barely hold back.

"I would like to," she retorted, "I would be more than willing to share myself with you, my handsome charmer?"

She had one hand against his cheek still, and the other grasped his shoulder as he sat looking up at her in surprise, "Lady Eilsana, surely there are better suitors than I for a woman of your status?"

"None of them have been able to keep my attention," she insisted, "though I have a feeling you would be quite different, wouldn't you?"

"Duke, you don't want to be stuck here do you?" I questioned with growing panic, "You love adventuring and helping people. You like going through the cities to see what life has to offer you. There's also the magic you wanted me to teach you? And what of our home we're trying to save?"

At this, Eilsana turned and looked over me rather quickly. She raised a brow, in what seemed to be amusement, "What magic is that, pet?"

"I've just learned a few tricks since we last saw each other," I replied dryly.

She glanced down at me, with a flash of curiosity in her eyes that settled into a calm, "Nonetheless, the offer is for him to decide, isn't it?"

Eilsana turned back around to face Duke, who was standing now as he seemed to be weighing his options. I watched as he glanced at me, before turning to her and replying, "I'd like some time to think about it, Lady Eilsana."

The panicked part of me wondered, "What's there to think over?"

Yet the side of me that managed to remain calm, wondered if it was to simply be polite. We were in her domain. If we were to escape, it would be better to not be so obvious.

Eilsana gave a reluctant sigh, "I suppose that is fair. It's been a long day of being on the road for you. Take the night to rest, and be at ease. You are safe in these walls, my fierce wolf; as is your companion. Perhaps in the morning, you'll see how generous my offer is?"

With that, we were lead up to the second floor. Upon Eilsana opening one of the guest room doors, a large python slithered over to wrap itself around her master. She climbed her way up to nuzzle it's forehead against the drow's. They shared a hissing giggle, "I wondered where you had wandered off to? I wouldn't want you getting loose, my emerald scaled friend."

"Are there others?" Duke asked.

"Oh, I've lost count," Eilsana mused playfully while stroking the snake's green head, "This one is always so jealous of anyone else that gets my attention. Isn't that right, my dear?"

It was now that I noticed the ring on Eilsana's middle finger of her right hand. From a twisted gold band, a cat's eye gem gleamed back at me. For a moment, as she brushed that hand against her pet, I thought I saw it glow. Yet it was too quick to tell. Nonetheless, I wanted to get Duke far away from it and her.

"There's another room across the hall, my striking rogue," she insisted.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Eilsana. After I make sure Heart is alright, I'll probably turn in myself," Duke replied with a polite bow.

Eilsana shook her head, "Your charm is wasted on her. However, it is what's so intriguing about you as well."

As she said this, she reached out to him while caressing his cheek with her ring bearing hand. I couldn't see the gem this time as she said, "I do hope you'll stay here, and give your devotion far more worthy of it? Lady Heart is a sweet little thing, but the chance to be with a real lady of steady status is the chance of a lifetime."

"Your offer is somethin' to think about..." he started to waver, drawing out further confusion from me, "It seems we may have quite a bit in common; tryin' to turn things around so we'll be viewed differently? Still, I'd like to give a better answer when I've rested."

"Sleep well then...Though I must admit, I'm hoping that I can make a wild wolf, such as you, howl with the devotion I'm offering you?"

I watched Duke give a smile, his remaining eye yearning for her touch as she pulled away.

"Duke?" I attempted to grasp his hand, "Before we get some sleep, let me help you practice that spell you wanted to learn?"

Duke shook his head, as though gathering himself, "Y-Yeah? Thanks Heart."

A bit of a sigh escaped my throat, as we stepped into the guest room together. Eilsana wished us both a good night. Then I made sure she was gone, before turning back to Duke with the door closed. He was sitting on the bed with a wistful smile curving his scarred lip, leaning back on the mattress slightly with his hands behind him set on the mattress.

"Duke, you're not really thinking of staying here, are you?" I asked him.

"I don't really know...there's somethin' about her that's hard to pull away from. Maybe it's the shared notion of wantin' to make a change for ourselves?"

"Duke, you don't really know her, or what she's like!" I blurted out in confusion, "Do you really think she would treat you differently if you displeased her?!"

"Do ya think I would slip back so easily?" he questioned, with a startling rise of anger in his voice.

"This is much different! You didn't enslave whole families! You didn't work them to the bone until they collapsed! You didn't kill others to make an example! I doubt she's strayed from her family's ways as much as she says she has!" I dug my heels in.

"All of this was her family; an' from what I've seen so far, I believe that!"

Shaking off the shock of his defensive reaction to this, I pushed back still.

"You weren't there! Duke she treated me like a toy she could break, she'll do the same to you! She's the reason I had to defend myself that night as a child!"

"People can change Heart, you usually understand that!" he shouted.

Then Duke seemed to ponder over something a moment, before he mentioned, "Then again, ya didn't really trust me entirely, did ya?"

"What?!" I exclaimed.

"You thought I'd betrayed ya when your home was attacked, remember? Then ya still kept tryin' to keep me from comin' with ya for a good while. How do I know ya won't try it again? You won't let me close enough to really know ya!"

"Duke, you know who I am-!"

"No, I don't! I thought I did, I thought you'd finally opened up to me, but ya still hold back! Maybe it would be better for me to stay here!"

I shook my head as I tried to grasp his shoulders, "I know you don't want to be trapped here!"

"Trapped?" he laughed a bit, while looking around the elaborate room, "Ya call this bein' trapped? Heart, this is a far better life than I ever thought I'd have a chance at!"

"Since when do you want to remain leashed to one place?! What happens when you yearn for the adventure in the walls of a city again? Will she understand who you were like I-"

The flash of anger in his eye made me quickly shut my mouth. I soon knew there was little use in fighting like this. I took a deep breath and released it, as I said, "Duke, you're right...I should have trusted your devotion and word soon. I just didn't know what to feel after the attack...I was scared of letting anyone close, and then losing you somehow too...Eilsana...she always made sure to make me feel lower than the dirt, even in my own home. I don't want her to treat you that way. If she found out who you were before...will she understand how much you needed to be a thief not that long ago?"

Duke's remaining eye softened as he looked up at me. The anger vanished, and he sat up to catch my hand as I pulled away from him. He offered a slight smile, "I do appreciate that concern Heart, I really do. However, I want you to trust my judgment as I have yours? I'm not sayin' what she did to ya was right, However, as someone who didn't get a shot until one person came along not that long ago...maybe I resonate with that?"

I wondered if he could hear my heart racing, or feel my hand trembling in his as I nearly slipped, "I thought we...?"

What did I think? What was I trying to say to him? Why did I feel so scared?

"Duke...I..." I faltered.

I couldn't even pretend that him staying here was a good idea. Something told me to try and warn him still; but I had no way of proving this. I wanted to give others a chance, but there was an alarm in my head that I couldn't shake.

Then his words tore deep into me, as he pondered aloud, "I...I think I might stay...?"

"What?!"

"I'm not certain yet...but the more I think of what she's tryin' to do...the more I feel she needs someone to give her a chance..." he told me.

"Duke, you can't stay here!" I exclaimed.

He looked up at me, a bit surprised by my outburst, "Why not?"

Duke then pondered aloud, "I'm sure we could escort ya safely to the next town. I know I wanted to learn magic...but this-"

"This can't be what you want! You never wanted this sort of thing before!"

"It was never offered to me before!" he pushed back, "Heart, please stop...I owe ya a great deal for what ya did for me...but I can't seem to shake this feelin'...so..."

"Duke, please don't stay here!" I nearly begged him, "I-..."

I what? What could I say? What could I offer him that was better than what she had promised? Yet at the same time...if there was even a grain of her remaining from how I knew her...

"Duke, you don't want to be her slave do you?" I questioned.

His eye widened a bit from this remark, and I thought maybe...? I rested my hands on his shoulders, "Duke, you're not her pet. Don't stay here!"

"Heart, I don't want to leave her. I'm sorry..." he sounded torn as he said the words, "I know it sounds crazy, but I can't shake this..."

I shook my head upon hearing this. No matter what I'd said to him, my warnings. I thought back to the moments we'd shared since meeting him. Our partnership when I was the Black Viper? The ball where we'd nearly shared a kiss? All our adventures since beginning this quest of ours? Where was that? Nonetheless, I could see now that there was no changing his mind. No matter what I said to him.

I could feel myself starting to tremble, and I tried to tell myself it was from fatigue. However, something in my chest started to ache. Something stung the brims of my eyes as I looked to him, trying to understand why.

"Duke, I don't want her to hurt you," I attempted to mask my shaking voice.

"I don't believe she would," he replied.

"You really are staying then?" I asked.

"It seems so, Heart..." still he sounded torn and certain at the same time.

This time, I pulled away from him. Before he could look up, I was out the door as I told him, "I need to get some rest...it seems I have a long trip to take tomorrow..."

"Heart?"

His voice stung. I didn't stop at the door, as I thought I might. However, I didn't reach my room either. I stopped in front of it, and grasped at the handle; but I didn't open it. My body trembled in a way I didn't understand. Tears that I hadn't allowed him to see, threatened to fall. I thought about how scared I'd been just a week ago, and how happy I'd been when he'd found me.

Leaning my head forward against the door, I attempted to think of what to do from this point on. Adventuring alone didn't seem as appealing. There was my magic I could practice once I got to the next town. Maybe I could continue learning new spells...without him to eagerly watch and learn with me?

For Waterdeep, I would have to continue this quest. To return home without him.

No, it would be no use thinking this way. I couldn't decide for him. I would not be like her in any way. If this was what he wanted...and it was much more than I could have ever offered him...I would...

Suddenly, a sharp yelling, blended with a hiss, tore me away from these thoughts. Looking down the hall, I heard where it was coming from. However, Duke hadn't seemed to hear it. I wondered if he was simply asleep. Leaving him to rest, I slipped down the hall. I soon came to realize in my short time of traveling with him, Duke had taught me just as much. Shadows were my friends, as I snuck along the corridors. My steps were quite light, so not to make even a creak or otherwise. Only my gasp of horror, would nearly get me caught, as I stumbled upon the owner of the scream. I managed to stifle it ,as I looked in to see the snake from before, or rather the mostly snake. Rather than the head of a serpent however, she now had the head of a young elf woman. Before her was Eilsana, with the cruel smile I recalled from my childhood, "Thought you could change back, did you?"

She giggled wickedly, while stepping closer and brushing her ringed hand against the woman's face. Her pale cheeks were now touched with green once more, as scales grew over her skin. Her pale eyes became that of a golden gazed serpent again. Her hair fell away, and her fangs emerged.

"Your beloved is one of my favorite hunting dogs now. So you may as well remain the jealous snake you're meant to be," she mused, "that's it...forget your affections for him, and give them to me, my pet."

The woman, now fully a snake once more, gently hissed in response as she nuzzled her head against the drow's. The noble woman hummed her approval, "Much better."

Again, I would notice the ring glowing as she sang to herself, "Suitors, lovers, and lovers scorned, all mere pets in the end. The company is amusing for a short time, but then no one could keep my attention for long...And this wolf I've found, I'm sure will be no different. Though he will be fun to play with for a while. Now what to do about that worthless creature that's with him?"

I wasn't waiting to find out. I swiftly darted back down the hall to Duke's room. I found he hadn't locked it, perhaps in case I wanted to talk to him? Again, I wasn't pausing to think this over. I slipped inside and bolted it closed behind me. Duke was awake by the turn of the door handle.

"Heart? What's wrong?" he was already sitting up, shaking off his sleep ridden senses.

After creeping over to him, I whispered, "We need to leave! Now! We'll have a better chance in the woods!"

"What are ya talkin' about?!" he exclaimed.

"It's Eilsana, she-"

"Heart, I told ya, I'm stayin' here! I'm sorry; but my mind's made up!"

"She's going to treat you the same as anything else she claims to care about! She hasn't changed, at least not for the better!" I snapped quietly, "Please, just listen to me! Let's go!"

"It sounds like you're just upset, Heart!" he pushed back.

"Duke, upset or not, I wouldn't hurt you! Please, believe me!"

"I'm not leavin', Heart!" he about shouted.

I grasped his shoulders, trying to somehow pull him to his feet, "Duke, please! She sees you as nothing more than a pet! As soon as she gets bored, she'll turn you into the wolf she keeps calling you! She wants to put a leash on you, and-!"

"You're not even givin' her a chance! Listen to yourself!" he actually shouted now.

I was stunned at these words. My eyes widened as he pushed further, "I'm stayin', Heart! If ya want to leave, then go!"

"...Duke...?" I stammered.

Yet I didn't leave. Instead, I stood looking to him in shock, trying to figure out how to reach him. Trying to find a way to understand how this was happening.

"Why won't you believe me?" I questioned shakily, "Do you really think I would hurt you like that?"

He looked away from me, unwilling to answer it seemed. However, I realized that while I could climb out the window...I refused to leave him there. If he wouldn't believe me, then I would have to stop her from casting that spell somehow. No matter how he looked at me, something within told me to try and look out for him.

"Duke...?"

"Go get some rest, Heart, I'll escort ya in the mornin' to the next town as promised; but then I'm comin' back here," he told me in a quiet, but chilling tone.

I wouldn't rest, but I did decide to leave him be. My plan was to stay awake in my room, and listen for her to try something. Perhaps then I could prove the truth, and escape with him. If he would listen...

That was the plan. Until everything went black as soon as I stepped into the hallway.

I opened my eyes to find myself on the cold, damp floor. Iron cuffs were locked onto my wrists. The cold metal bit into my flesh a bit. Connected to them, was a bit of chain that kept me shackled to the wall behind me. It was clear that I wouldn't be permitted to leave easily. My head was heavy from the slumber I'd been under, and my senses were trying to fire.

"About time you woke up," the drow's voice came from behind the cell door before me.

I looked up to see her violet eyes sneering with contempt at my prone form. She shook her head, "Did you really think I'd let you slip after what you did to me as a child? Do you have any idea what you cost me by letting such a weakling strike back against me?"

I didn't dare answer. I simply looked around the low lit room, as a growing panic spread over me.

"My new suitor isn't in here. I wouldn't dream of locking away such a catch with a filthy beast like you," she remarked, after easily guessing who it was I was looking for.

"L-Let him go," I found my voice gradually, realizing it had been a spell she'd put me under.

She giggled, "Let him go? That would imply I took him without his consent? You saw for yourself, he's quite willing to be my new pet to play with."

"He doesn't know! He thinks he's holding that black heart of yours!" I spat with venom in my voice.

"Surprising, isn't it? Yours must not be worth much, if it was so easy for him to look at mine instead?" she taunted while looking down at me, "Can you blame him?"

I didn't reply to that, at least not in words. Eilsana laughed when she saw the confusion in my eyes, "You really haven't changed much, have you pet? More interested in magic you can barely wield, and the beasts tied to it, than finding the right man to be at your side."

"That's not why," I retorted dryly.

She raised a brow, "Nonetheless, why would he want you, when he could have so much more? As long as he pleases me, he will have so much more in his lap than he'd ever had a chance of before. Wealth, delectable food, fine clothes, a sturdy home over his head, and his needs met more than efficiently. What could a vagabond like you provide for him that's better now that you've lost your throne?"

Again I had no answer. She knew, and she gave a satisfied grin. Yet before she spoke, I thought of one, "A companion to travel the world with? The adventure he craves? A friend, who understands who he is, and values him for it? Someone that..."

The fear of losing him gripped my chest. The idea of what she could possibly due to latch him to some sort of leash, his very self and desires stripped from him to meet her needs...it made my heart burn. My eyes narrowed into a glare, as I tried to shove myself up to my feet, gripping the iron bars as I did this for support.

"Someone that-"

"That he clearly doesn't want?" she mused, digging deep.

Even if this was so, I pushed on. Gripping the bars, I hissed, "Let him go!"

"I think not. He belongs to me, and he seems quite happy with that," she pushed while resting her ringed hand against her cheek.

Then she strolled over to the cell, the same hand brushed over my fingers as she taunted, "I'd be more worried about your own fate. I intend to make sure you don't ruin my reputation ever again."

My blood ran cold while dread washed through me. I'd seen what she could do first hand. Letting go of the bars, I stumbled back away from her. She snickered, "That won't save you."

She let out a cruel giggle, "What shall I do with you? Killing you would be too drastic. Besides, I just want to put you in your place. Why slaughter you, when I could have a new devoted pet to care for?"

Eilsana looked me up and down, several ideas clearly going through her mind, "Perhaps a little mouse? No, you could scurry away. Not a dog either, I have a few of those already. A cow might be useful to have around, not to mention amusing?"

I backed up against the cold, damp wall to stay out of her reach. My eyes scanned the dungeon for any way out that I just couldn't find. In my chest, my heart raced as I thought of him being caught by her like this. If I couldn't get out, would he? Would he know I was even missing?

Finally she gave a sigh, and said in mocking assurance, "I'll decide soon enough. For now, I'll keep you tucked away down here. Enjoy the time you have as you are. It won't last long."

With that she gave a soft, sickening giggle, while turning and leaving me alone in the dark. When I was sure she was gone, I started looking around the room for anything that might get me free. Across the way, I saw the keys to my cell hanging on the wall. With a bit of a smirk, I began getting to work; clearing my head as much as possible to command mage hand to bring them to me. I had to get out! I had to find him! Even if he didn't want me...I would not let him become her new pet!

The sun greeted me when I awoke a bit late into the day. Trying to sleep after Heart had rushed out had been more difficult than I'd thought it would be. Her words before leaving me in the room had lingered, as did the image of her trembling from my answers. I started to wonder while sitting up to look outside, just what was I doing? The world itself called to me as I gazed out the window, clearing my head in a way. Then I remembered our home that was counting on us, and the promise I'd made to her mother's spirit before leaving, and everything else since then.

"Did I really tell her I was...?" I trailed off in disbelief.

I quickly got to my feet, and hurried to the hall. Seeing her door still closed, I hesitated a moment. This didn't last, as I eagerly opened the door to find her. I froze, standing in the doorway, to see that she wasn't in there. In fact, there wasn't a trace of her to find at all. Not her supplies, not her pack, nothing.

"Heart?"

There was no answer. I darted down the hall, hoping to catch up with her. I checked rooms as I ran by them, my search bringing me to the dinning room where Eilsana was waiting in her seat. Catching my breath from my sprint, I warily asked, "Have ya seen Heart?"

She looked up at me with frustrated eyes of violet. The drow noble, this time wearing a spring green summer dress embroidered with gold, turned away as though unwilling to face me.

"Where is she?" I inquired with growing worry.

"I didn't have the heart to wake you, not after discovering how deep her distrust in me remained," she started with a grimace.

Then, with a sigh, she said, "It seems Heart left in the middle of the night. She chose to risk her life out there in the woods, rather than to rest safely here."

"Heart...left?" I couldn't believe it.

"She did. I'm sorry if this brings you any sort of pain. I understand you both were traveling together for some time now?" she offered, as I stood there in lingering shock.

What had I done?

Why hadn't I listened to her? How could I have just fallen asleep with her trying to warn me? Why doubt her after what we'd been through? I tried to remember my reasoning from the night before. Yet I quickly realized, wondering all of this wouldn't help anything. As I looked down the hall, about to move, Eilsana quickly rose to her feet and rushed over to me. She grabbed a hold of my arm, forcing me to pause in my near sprint, "What are you doing?"

"I have to find Heart, she could be in trouble 'cause of this," I replied.

"She left hours ago, she's surely gotten to town by now. If not, there would be nothing you could do to help her anyway," she told me, "Besides, she chose to leave. What would going after her accomplish?"

"I could catch up to her," I mentioned carefully, "I could make sure she got to town safely."

"Then what?" she questioned, "You go on wandering along with some nobody? Or would you come back to take me up on my much better offer?"

"Lady Eilsana-"

"Listen to me," she pushed, brushing my cheek with a gentle ring bearing hand.

Against my better judgment, I felt myself easing up from the desire to dart after Heart. She reached up to my chin, and had me look over her. The aching I felt stirring in my chest relaxed as she spoke, "She chose to leave you. She didn't trust your own judgment She didn't even bother to tell you goodbye. Why worry about her? Why chase after someone not worth the effort?"

I wanted to fight these words. My heart told me to speak up. Yet my head...started to listen. Heart hadn't trusted me to continue this quest with her. After we'd gone through so much, she still couldn't bring herself to rely on me? To know I wouldn't have turned away? Then again...I had, hadn't I? I'd proven to her what she'd been afraid of.

"She is worth it, Eilsana...far more than I am," I realized.

Her violet eyes flashed with a brief anger. Then she smiled sweetly, "She left you behind. Just forget about her. I can make you far happier than she ever could."

She reached up, rubbing my shoulders into an eased state. My head tried to remain clear, even as she wrapped her arms around my lean frame now, "Just stay with me, and I'll make sure you're well cared for. Stay at my side, my wild wolf?"

I looked to her with a returning yearning stirring from the night before. Yet it came to a halt, as I thought of the very notion of forgetting Heart. How could I forget finding her that night? How could I forget how flustered she got when I interacted with her?

Then, while looking back...I started to realize just how fond of her I'd become. With every adventure with Heart, I'd grown more attached to her and her cause. I'd held back from telling her all of this. For what I was, I hadn't wanted to risk her getting attached to me if something ever happened. Yet as I realized this, I also recalled how she was trembling from my answers the night before, and through my memory of her worrying over me...I saw...something else beginning to stir?

"I'll help you forget about her," she insisted with a whisper into my ear, "Let me help you howl tonight?"

I pulled away quickly with a rush of panic in my chest. Shaking my head, I said, "I can't just forget about her!"

Her violet eyes were wide with disbelief as I stepped back from her. Though this was short lived, as she gathered her composure, smiling again, "I understand that you need some more time. For now, get some food. No matter your decision, you need your strength. I bare no ill will towards you."

Before I could answer, she was gone down the hallway. While she left me standing there, I wondered what it was I should do? If I went after Heart, what would I say to her? I was no closer to any sort of answer when I realized, if she had left, why would she want me to chase after her? Everything spiraled into a mess before and around me, and I couldn't begin to figure out how to untangle it.

I'd just about gotten myself free, with the assistance of the mage hand working at the lock of my shackles. With a final click, the cuffs fell to the floor, and I darted for the dungeon door. My sprint was short lived however, as that very door flung open with a near deafening clang against the wall. I had managed to hop back to avoid being struck by it. Behind it was Eilsana, glaring at me with seething violet eyes and clenched teeth. She looked over me, as though trying to assume my value in some way. A cold scoff emerged from her throat, and a rush of dread pulled me to step back further.

"Thought you could run away, my pet?" she emphasized the last word firmly.

Her sneer relaxed into a contempt ridden smile as she giggled, "It's time I put you in your place. Down on all fours will be a good start!"

Much as I tried to fight it, my knees weakened on me as her ring started to glow. She held her palm out towards me, commanding me in some manner. With a frustrated groan, I dropped to my hands and knees. Shackles, that I couldn't see, held me in place as she stepped closer to look down at me. A relaxed smile returned, as she knelt down before me, reaching her hand out to brush against my cheek. I shuddered as her ringed hand stroked my chin, and I felt my jaw tingling as she spoke, "Let's see, I think we'll start with a pair of tusks to give you the first hint of what you're going to be from now on?"

Immediately, I felt my lower canines beginning to grow into the tusks she requested me to have, pushing up past my lips. She gave a wicked giggle, as her hand brushed along the bridge of my shifting face, "Next let's give you a snout, go ahead and start grunting and snuffling to get used to it, my plump pet."

"Oh," she waved her hand over me, as I felt my body locking in place ,and beginning to follow her commands. My frame ached as it began to fill out, and I started to make the sounds she wanted to hear as she mused, "That's it. I know exactly where to put you now. For the humiliation you caused me as a child, and for daring to escape now..." she calmed herself as she reached both hands to my ears, pulling a bit to make them stretch out, "Now, let's have these ears of yours flop over a bit?"

They did, and she giggled her next request, "You're plumping up nicely, my grunting pet. Don't fight it, let your eyes darken from the ones he knew. Your tusks are coming along nicely. Do you know what you're going to be yet?"

I did as she asked, both grunting through my new snout and feeling my thin frame erode away.

"Stop..." I managed through the sounds, "Please...let him go!"

"You're still worried about him? My dear, he's already forgotten about you? I told him that you left, and he barely said a word," she scoffed, "Not that I can blame him, there isn't much to miss is there? Have you figured out what you're going to be yet?"

The shock that hit my chest was far deeper than her spell. Yet still I pushed, fearing a similar fate befalling him if I didn't try. Seeing this, she laughed as I attempted, "Don't...hurt him! Please!"

"Start squealing, piggy!" she commanded suddenly while I couldn't help but oblige in a panic.

"Stop...pleeeaaasseee!" I begged as my voice held on as long as it could, before I began obeying her, grunting and squealing.

Instead her hands grasped mine as she pushed my fingers together and said, "What a noisy pig, let's give you the hooves you'll need."

As her hands brushed over mine they became just that, the digits fusing together to become clumsy hooves. I tried to back away in this half changed form, tripping over myself in the process. She took delight in this and waved a hand over me to draw me to roll onto my back.

"I'm going to make sure you can't run away, swine," she assured while repeating her steps with my feet, and I felt them become the hooves my hands already were, "Get used to being on all fours."

She glanced over my stomach as it plumped up, rounding out and tearing my tunic as she commanded, "What a fat sow you're going to be!"

"Stop! I have to...I have to find him!" I fought back, finding my voice and retaining my mind.

"Oh, my squealing piggy," she mused as I did just that, my voice being drowned back out, "Don't fight my changes, it'll be far easier on you."

I tried to get up off of my back. As I scrambled up, she circled a fingertip over the base of my spine as it grew out and spiraled, as she told me, "You still need a tail."

My will started to waver with every remark, every declaration of what she wanted me to be. Her ring glowed brighter with every change ordered, "That's it. Forget why you were fighting. He's already let you go. From princess to sow."

My voice was all but gone, as I tried once more, tears brimming my eyes as the rest of my body grew to be like that of the pig she was turning me into. My vision dimmed, my will slipping away, as I heard...he'd forgotten about me...after everything...? Yet still I tried to get back up.

She then noticed something that had fallen to the floor, just as I nearly did. She quickly picked it up, the ribbon he'd given me that had fallen from my hair. I looked to her, oinking in panic as though it were incredibly important I still held that ribbon with me. She only laughed, "Thank you for the gift, my pet! It would be wasted on a swine like you, wouldn't it?"

"As for him, he'll be a wonderful distraction for a while. When I'm done, I'll make him howl like the wolf I see in him," she cooed with eager delight while playing with my tail to make me squeal in confusion, "Don't worry, he'll be in good hands instead of your clumsy hooves."

I didn't feel excited when she stood nearby. The ease she tried to assure I would have when in her presence eluded me. Seeing this, she gave a cruel smile, "Get used to squealing, for you're not getting away, my fat sow!"

With another squeal of fear, the rest of my changes settled in. Next I knew, I was being lead into the cell I'd just left, forgetting why, and she closed it saying, "Until I can be sure you'll stay the pig you deserve to be, you'll stay here."

She then fastened the ribbon she was holding around her own neck, tying it into a bow, with a delighted smile on her painted lips. With that, she turned and left me there in the cell, snuffling about in confusion. I tried to remember why I was there, who I was seeking out, and who I even was?

I'd been wandering the halls for some time now, trying to figure out what it was I should do? Eilsana had vanished just over an hour ago, and Heart had left entirely. The latter pulled at me more than the former. Why had she gone alone? I'd promised to escort her. Then again, from how I'd dismissed her warnings, and her, I wondered why I was making these guesses?

"Maybe I could go after her?" I pondered with a bit of a sigh.

"Why would you do that?" Eilsana mused from behind me.

As I turned on my heel, I would see her leaning forward against the door-frame of the study I'd wandered into. Her delicate ebony hands clutched at the gold painted oak as she watched me with eyes that teased affection. Yet since this morning, I found it harder to be drawn in by this. Where were the sapphires I'd grown so fond of?

"I'm sorry; but I don't think I'll be stayin'," I told her gently, "I don't want Heart adventurin' alone...she's been through enough on her own."

"You really should forget about her," she warned calmly, "She chose to leave without an escort. Either she proved she can take care of herself, or she didn't by this point. You going out looking for her won't accomplish anything."

"It would prove I care about her," I pointed out.

"Not if you don't find her. It'll prove you're a fool, wandering the woods for someone that left you behind," she shook her head while walking over to me.

Her hands slipped up onto my chest, caressing it as they moved up to my shoulders and neck, "You have someone right here in need of that devotion. She squandered it, tossed it aside even. I wouldn't do that to you."

I then noticed her ring starting to glow as she spoke to me, "Stay here with me, and I'll make it worth quite your while. You would never have a chance at a better life wandering around with her, would you? You don't think I know who you are?"

I froze at hearing this, and she giggled in response, "You could be nobility in far more than name? Not bad for a thief, is it? Could she offer such comforts to you with her throne taken from her? Could she satisfy you?"

She ran her hands down along my arms to grasp my hands. She placed them at her hips like I was a doll to position. I tried to resist the smile that curved my scarred lip as her hands slid back up my lean frame. Then her words grew more biting, sinking into me in a way, "Don't resist my charm, give into what you want. I'll make you howl, as you long to. Just say the word."

I glanced over her, trying to find my will power. Her eyes glistened with a vibrant violet that drew me into her. Yet as I leaned forward, something tied around her neck would catch my eye. A very familiar white ribbon tied into a neat bow of silk. I managed to hold back my shock, and gave a knowing smirk, my senses returning. I leaned forward, whispering into her ear softly as I played with her hair, or more so the end of that ribbon, "Ya know...as a thief, I never knew what I wanted..."

I slipped the ribbon from her smoothly, and stepped back with it. My tone shifted as my eye narrowed into a glare, "However, this I do know. Now where is she?"

"What?!" she exclaimed in disbelief.

"Ya heard me," I nearly growled, "What did ya do to Heart?"

"She left," she insisted without batting an eye, "She must have left that behind when she did. Fitting for a fool like her."

"Heart would not have left this behind. Now where is she?" I insisted in an increasingly sour tone.

"You're a stubborn one, aren't you?" she raised a brow, "All this over a worthless former slave, when you could have someone-"

"She isn't worthless!" I snapped.

Eilsana folded her arms over her chest. Her eyes narrowed with venomous contempt, "You want to see what happens to those that don't obey? Follow me, and I'll show you what's become of my new pet! Maybe then you'll see the real offer being given to you!"

Against my better judgment, I followed the drow down into a winding dungeon. With every step, I dreaded the worst for my lost friend. After some time, we entered a dark room. From further in, I could hear something grunting softly. Eilsana gave a cruel giggle, "Ah, grunting and rooting in the dirt, just as I left her."

I looked around the room, puzzled. Through the low lit dungeon, I found the cell before us, along with what was inside of it, snuffling around. My remaining eye widened in horror, as a short gasp escaped me, "Heart?"

She didn't even look up.

"This is what happens to those that don't stay in their place. I find them a new place for them as one of my pets," Eilsana informed me.

At the drow's voice, she looked up. However, unlike the excited creatures we'd seen thus far, Heart backed away. She nearly stumbled back as Eilsana laughed sharply, "Getting used to those hooves I see? At least you stopped squealing for now."

"Stop it!" I snapped, with a surge of anger balling my hands into fists, "Let her go, Eilsana!"

"Now, now, where is the gentleman I met just last night?" Eilsana cooed as she turned to look up at me, "Surely you see the same fat sow I do? So just-"

"I see Heart!" I pushed back without a second thought, "Now, let her go!"

"Even if I wanted to, I can't," she lied as she grasped for my hand with her ringed one, "Now let's return to my chambers. You'll be far happier with me than with this hog princess."

Every sentence made Heart shudder in some form of shame that she didn't deserve. Yet when she saw Eilsana reaching up to stroke my cheek, she tried to let out a cry, but squealed instead. With another shudder, she looked away from me. I looked to her, a bit stunned by this reaction in a number of ways. Yet most importantly I wondered...was she still there? Eilsana looked to be curious of this as well, but hers blended with anger, while mine mingled with hope.

"Heart?" I attempted, while trying to step forward.

Eilsana caught my hand before I could get far. Turning to her, trying to slip my hand away, I would hear her growling warning, "I suggest you forget this pig! Take my offer, before I change my mind!"

Again I heard Heart trying to cry out in protest to these words. Eilsana gave her a sharp warning, "Stop squealing, or he'll join you in the pen!"

Heart instantly stopped. Despite my own given warning I should have been concerned about, my core twisted at Heart being treated this way. What was worse...this was happening because I'd failed to listen to her. She'd been trying to save me. She could have run on her own when I'd ignored her...but she hadn't...She'd stayed to try and help me still? Now she was paying the price for me...My stomach turned and sunk in this horror. While it did, I tried to think of how to fix this.

Eilsana took a deep breath, before looking up at me, forcing me to look at her, "Now then...this is my last warning. You either become mine, serve me as I wish you to...or...you continue this foolishness until I decide to make you into the stubborn, squealing boar you're turning out to be!"

Her ringed hand brushed against my cheek, as she did this my jaw ached considerably. My teeth began to sharpen in preparation for either choice I made, threatening to give me tusks. Then I realized...she'd felt this pain...and she'd been alone to face it.

Guilt drove me to almost step back.

Then I caught myself, and gave my most charming smile. I grasped Eilsana's hand, kissing it gently as I did, "I don't think there's any need for that?"

Eilsana's lips curved into a triumphant smile. Ignoring the protests behind us, I looked over the drow and said, "It is quite an offer isn't it? To become nobility by chance? To serve you, as long as you see me fit to?"

With every word my head became clearer. My stance shifted to keep Heart behind me, and Eilsana focused on me. She gave a delighted giggle, as I gave in and stepped closer to her. My hands rested at her shoulders. The drow shuddered at my hands, as they slid down her arms, "Am I really what ya want? You could have far better than a thief?"
"Perhaps?" she teased, "Then again, I'd like to see you try and steal my heart? If you manage that, I may just keep you as you are, and I'll keep you quite happy in return?"

I lifted her hand to my lips as I leaned forward, whispering into her ear with a warm breath over her neck, "Is that so?"

"Quite," she insisted while allowing me to nearly kiss her cheek, "So, you're more wolf than boar after all?"

Her hand in mind, I would hear her suggest, "Let's leave this sow to wallow, we have more important things to worry about-?"

"Heart is not stayin' here, ya witch!" I hissed into her ear, before she could finish.

"What?!" she gasped as I swiftly stepped back from her, releasing her hand.

"Ya heard me quite clearly," I assured with my remaining eye narrowing into a glare.

With that, I turned around on my heel to face the cell, unlocking it with hastened ease and stepping inside. Poor Heart squealed in a panic when I turned my back on the drow, watching us with venom spitting in her eyes. However, I focused on the woman before me, hoping she was still there to find.

"Heart-"

"How dare you?!" Eilsana demanded, with a calm fury growling at me, "Do you think I'll let you walk out of here?!"

My entire frame froze as she then snickered, "At least...you won't walk out as you walked in...you'll be down on all fours as she is instead!"

Fear gripped my chest in this gamble of what would happen next. I kept my gaze on Heart, taking a chance in case this was my only one, "Heart, listen. You can beat this spell! You're not her pet!"

"I think you're mistaken?" Eilsana insisted with a snide giggle, "She knows her place now, don't you pig?"

I knew her eyes were focused on my back now as the noble woman then commanded, "You're about to join her. Speak to her while you can, you'll be grunting and squealing soon enough. You want to be with a sow? Then be my guest, pearls before swine as they say! Such a shame to see a lean frame such as yours fatten up!"

I felt my body lock up. Panic raced through my chest as I looked to Heart quickly, "Heart, fight this! You can escape!"

Then Eilsana started laughing, as she began to weave her spell, "Let's start with tusks and a snout to stop your pitiful words to your sow!"

I clenched my teeth in anticipation. Heart squealed in some sort of plea to stop her. I looked to the girl still trying to save me and realized...I was smiling at her. My hand reached up to feel my face, and I let out a relieved chuckle. Heart looked to me with puzzled darkened eyes, still I smiled with panic easing away. Though I didn't turn back to Eilsana just yet.

"Now my fattening boar, get used to hooves, it'll be hard to slip away won't it, my large piggy pet?" she snickered, "Now let's go ahead and give you your tail, serves you right for looking at a sow over me, I hope you enjoy your decision, hog! Let's hear those sweet nothings become oinks and grunts, shall we?"

I gave a dark chuckle of my own, "Stop callin' her that!"

"What?!"

To answer, I got to my feet and turned around, shielding Heart from the drow as she screamed, "How?! You should be squealing as a half pig by now?!"

"I guess without this trinket, those spells of yours don't work, do they?" I smirked while producing the ring I'd slipped from her finger.

She glanced down at her hand with widened violet eyes. Those eyes narrowed as she focused her rage on me, "You worthless thief! You will not leave with it, nor will you leave at all!"

"I think we will, won't we?" I pushed back without much concern, "Without your spells even your pets will turn on ya, won't they? If they don't change back an' leave ya all together, right?"

"You won't save her! Her will should be withered to nothing in that cumbersome frame! She thought you'd forgotten about her, and gave up rather quickly," she mused with some composure returning to her.

"Why would she-?" I knew the answer.

Ignoring the answer, and the drow, I turned quickly back around and knelt down before Heart. As I reached out to her, she backed away as far as she could, grunting still in fear and confusion. Why had she been trying to cry out if she didn't recognize me?

"Heart, ya gotta prove her wrong, darlin'! You're still there, I know ya are! Even changed into this, you were tryin' to fight for me, weren't ya? Well, I'm here to fight for you now! Don't ya dare give up!" I attempted gently.

Eilsana snickered from behind me, "Don't you dare disobey me!"

"Stop it!" I snapped before turning back to Heart, as she pressed her frame into the damp wall behind her, "This isn't who ya are! You're not a beast! You're a lovely, smart, an' brave young woman! More than any of that, you're my dearest friend darlin'...ya gotta remember that!"

Heart looked to me with darkened, lost eyes. I shook my head in desperation and fear, as I held my hand out to her.

"Heart, I need ya to give me your hand, an' I will get ya out of here!" I begged her, "Just do that, an' I swear I'll do the rest! Please, Heart!"

I remained steady before her, looking into those eyes in a refusal to believe they would remain as dark as they were. My hand stayed held out to her as I pleaded, "Just give me your hand, sweetheart."

Was that a spark of blue in her eyes that caused my heart to leap up to my throat? I didn't dare pull away.

She then looked at the ground, at her hooves as though trying to guess what I wanted from her.

"Give me your hand..." I breathed out.

She lifted her hoof, reaching it out towards me, stretching out her forearm. As she did, I watched as her hoof flexed out, with reforming fingers helping to reform a trembling hand. Before she could dare pull back, I gripped that hand tightly and began to pull her towards me. While I did this, I looked closely to see her wrist and arm thinning back out as I drew her nearer. With every inch closer, her body shifted back in a swift rush over her. Her grunts and squeals became rapid breaths and pained moans as she transformed back. Her tusks reverted back along with her snout, her frame thinned out into the rather small, but curved one I'd come to admire in my time being around her, her ears shrunk back under her long burgundy hair, her hands and feet flexed out to match the one I held firmly. With her tail retreating and her bones shifting back into place she held onto me, clinging to me as new as the day she was born.

By this point, I had carefully slipped off my tunic to pull over her in some sort of cover. For I'd already seen her clothes shredded into pieces scattered around the cell. The tunic was a loose, nearly knee length dress on her; though the top was quite big on her. The sleeves slipped down her shoulders a bit, with the ends hiding her hands.

"I've got ya, Heart!" I assured while pulling her close against me.

"Duke?!" she gasped in a wisp of a pained voice.

As she looked up at me in lingering fear, I gave a quiet nod. Then I kept my hand against her trembling back while I slipped the other under her slender legs. When she resisted, I felt my heart sink, and I held her firmly against me, "Heart, please let me prove that you can rely on me?"

At this, she allowed her head to lean tiredly against my chest. With that, I lifted her up into my arms and got to my feet. Turning around, I would find the widened eyes of the drow watching us. Her painted lips twisted into a growling scowl, "You will not just leave like this! Do you have any idea who I am?!"

"I don't really care," I replied dryly, "An' we are leavin'."

When she attempted to grab a hold of me, trying to reach for that ring, I grabbed her wrist as Heart held onto me to allow this. A simple command emerged from my throat, as the energy took hold of the drow, "Don't touch us!"

Eilsana screamed in an angered panic, as the electricity I'd summoned forced her to back off, forcing her into the cell behind us. Then, with some focus, that door slammed shut and locked. I looked to Heart, to see her hand outstretched, now shaking to make this command happen, her voice trembling, "You...will not...keep him here!"

I didn't say a word to this. I simply showed her how right she was by carrying her up those steps; but not before kicking the keys on the floor to the farthest corner of the room. Then, after briefly gathering our packs to carry onto my back, I carried Heart out of that manor. As the door slammed shut from another good kick of my boot, we both heard a blood curdling shriek ringing through the walls and out the windows. We didn't stop to see what had happened. When Heart trembled in my arms, I motioned for her to wrap one of hers around my neck for better support. She did this, and I offered my hand to prove this, holding her free hand, kissing it gently, "I'm so sorry, sweetheart...thank you for not givin' up on me."

Her answer was clinging to me, with that hand she'd reached out to me with. As we walked, I did what I could to pull her back to who she was, to the woman I knew. Trying desperately to hear her give a laugh or a smile, I said, "I don't think we'll have as much trouble through these woods?"

"I think you would have had more fun had we just camped out?" she mentioned in an attempt to mask her shaking.

"I know I would have too," I admitted while hugging her. "Open air, adventure, an' a dear friend to hold my hand...what could have ever been better than that darin'?"

Her answer was holding my hand still and attempting a soft laugh, "I don't know."

Hearing this, I didn't dare let her go.

It had been a few days since we'd arrived in the small town just outside Eilsana's domain. The local inn keeper had been quite helpful in providing us a room, and a secure place for Heart to recover. We'd told him of our encounter with the drow noble woman, and he seemed to know quite well of her reputation. His wife had been quite kind as well in acquiring new clothes for Heart, and bringing me to where I could find supplies while she rested. Her body was still quite taxed from transforming back and forth. In fact, shortly before getting to town, she'd fallen asleep in my arms. She had remained that way for over a day.

"Baleful Polymorph is a strong spell, and if your will isn't strong enough it can leave you in your new shape permanently," the local doctor informed me, "and your mind will dull into that of the beast you were forced to be."\

"Will she be okay?" I asked standing at the foot of the bed looking over her sleeping form.

"Didn't you mention that she was talking to you after changing back?"

I nodded.

"Then she'll be fine. She's just exhausted," he assured me, "Give her time to rest, and she'll recover soon enough."

"Thank you," I replied quietly with a bit of relief escaping my throat.

I paid for his service, and he went on his way to his next patient. Meanwhile, I watched over Heart a bit longer, refusing to leave her alone. The doctor mentioned that he would inform the innkeeper of our situation.

As the day passed by quietly without her, I tried to figure out a plan of action. I couldn't stay awake forever, so I used the day hours to rest beside her. I positioned with her head set on my arm and my other over her. If she moved, or was moved in any way, I would wake up. Then I brushed a gentle hand over her cheek, somehow telling her that she was the young woman I knew, as I whispered, "I'm right here...okay?"

With that I closed my eye, and didn't wake up until nearly dusk from the exhaustion I'd been neglecting myself.

I quickly looked to see Heart still sound asleep, though she had turned on her side to face me, and I vaguely recalled my eye fluttering open when she had, before closing again. Her hand clutched the front of my tunic so tightly, that I was afraid to pull away from her. So I allowed myself to caress her cheek again as I fought off the nightmare I'd had, involving her and what Eilsana had done to her. Brushing my hand against her soft skin, I reassured myself it had just been a bad dream this time.

Then I heard her murmur in her sleep, her voice softly pleading, "Don't...he's not..."

I propped myself slightly on my elbow in a bit of alarm. It seemed she was having a similar fight in her own sleep. With my hand resting on her shoulder, I attempted to reassure her, "Heart, it's okay. We're both safe now."

Her grip on my tunic eased a bit after hearing this, registering my voice could be heard from beside her, it seemed. With a bit of a sigh, I looked over her and lost the battle of resistance in a brief lapse of judgment. For I leaned over her, brushing her hair out of her face, and allowed myself to kiss her forehead, "I..." I didn't have the courage to say the rest, even in a whisper.

"If I have one deep regret through our adventures, it's that I let that happen to her," he told me bitterly from the thickening fog.

"It must have been frightening," I admitted with a shudder, before collecting myself and attempting, "However, you were there to pull her out of it?"

The fog had nearly encased me as these memories were shared, almost as though threatening to drown us in it.

"Don't slip away now. Face these memories, if you wish to steal my heart?" I reminded.

"I...I shouldn't have let her be transformed like that...I should have kept her safe, as I'd promised," he replied almost distantly.

"You did keep her safe, by being there to save her," I pushed quickly, "Please...remember? Did she awaken?"

He seemed to give pause, and the fog thinned slightly as he tried to recall.

I'd been looking out the window, watching what I thought to be a strange bird perched on the rooftop across from us. My elbows leaned against my knees, as I leaned forward with my hands folded together. My shoulders were sloped, and my head lowered to now watch the floor. At the soft murmur of my name being attempted, I quickly turned to face her, "Heart?!"

My heart leapt with some relief to see those sapphires open, even if slowly at first.

There was a tired smile on her face, but her eyes carried the weight of her past nightmare as she asked, "A-Are you okay?"

"Thanks to you, I am," I told her, "Though if I'd listened to ya in the first place, we'd-"

"It's okay, Duke," she tried to insist.

"It's not okay, none of what happened to ya is okay!" I told her with a bitter growl towards myself, "I promised I'd look out for ya, an' I almost abandoned our quest all together-!".

Yet still she reached a hand out, quickly silencing me, as she brushed it against my cheek, giving a weak smile, "You're still you."

I wasn't sure if that should bring relief to hear, or cut deeper into my anger. However, for her sake, I gave a slight smirk, "Of course, sweetheart."

Some cheer was shared when I mentioned the gang we'd influenced a few days ago were also in town serving as guards of a sort.

"Seems ya made the right call," I told her.

"Things have been calm then?" she asked

"They have, no one's come lookin' for us, an' they don't seem to recognize me here, at least so far," I assured.

With this, I explained the rest of what the doctor and inn keeper had told me. As I did, she attempted to sit up, all the while clutching her stomach in a bit of a grimace. When I went to ask her if she were alright, she nodded silently with a pleading look in her eyes to not push the subject. I quickly understood, and gave a nod to express this. Her body had gone through such drastic changes in a brief time, so it would take a little bit for the pain of it to subside. Though sitting up did seem to help her spirits at least, and she seemed eager to move on once she was able to. The only thing I dared to mention in regards to what had happened was a soft insistence, looking into those sapphires, "I never saw ya the way she did, Heart. I saw the trustin' friend, an' beautiful woman I've been lucky enough to know. I still do."

It eased the heart in my chest a bit, to see her blush as these words. I then held my hand out to her. When she grasped it, I couldn't help but kiss it, "I still am..."

"As charming as ever," she gave a soft, even playful, smile.

"Charmin'?" I teased her.

After some time of just trying to cheer her up in general, I felt something gnawing in the back of my mind. She seemed to notice as she asked, "Is something wrong?"

"It's not that somethin's wrong...," I tried to explain, while looking to her.

"So she was the other princess? The one that tried to put ya through the window when you were kids?"

She gave a quiet nod at first, before voicing some of the memory, "We were similar in age...Madame Lucille at first had her visit often to try and bond with. She had me attend tutoring lessons, but she always thought I was far beneath her. She treated me like a pet, or a toy she could break...and she often tried to...even in my own home, and when Madame Lucille wasn't around."

I reached out to close a hand over hers, seeing her starting to tremble ever so slightly.

"She told me she preferred the company of animals as opposed to other people. She always said if she could..." Heart shuddered, her frail frame growing tense from the lingering pain.

Carefully, I asked, "So ya finally stood up for yourself?"

She looked to me with clear reluctance in her eyes, as though the memory were enough to unravel the threads of composure she clung to. Finally she said, "She said such a monster, that liked dragons and such, shouldn't be a princess. She didn't like that we could be neighboring kingdoms one day, and that I was a bad omen for my own. So she decided to try and take matters into her own hands, and the others visiting didn't stop her either."

I realized her words were coming out more rapidly with every bit, like her heart were racing through the memories and panic, "I injured her with my magic by mistake, I'd reacted when my head hit the window...out of desperation...I never realized why Madame Lucille had to apologize, she must have found us and was trying to protect me when I couldn't remember anything."

She finally took a breath, and mentioned, "She never visited again, but she did write to Madame Lucille to inform us years later that she had a favorite suitor. He had brought her a gift to try and win her over...a ring...I should have recognized it...he had heard how much she loved animals, and brought it to her..."

"She probably turned him into something with it then," I mentioned.

"If she'd visited again...I'm certain she would have made my people additions to her menagerie..." she stopped, nearly breaking down.

"Heart, it's okay," I tried to reassure her from beside the bed still. She pulled her hand away so she could cover her face from a shame I couldn't understand.

"Either way my kingdom may have fallen...because of the sort of princess I am..."

Then she was quiet. She didn't cry, tremble, or speak. All I heard was her soft, but quick, breaths as she attempted to calm down. I rested a hand on her shoulder, and she shivered at my touch, "Heart, what do ya mean by that?"

"It's my fault..." she repeated.

"What?"

"I'm just a monster...a beast that barely understands the magic in my veins! I was the bad omen that caused my home to fall!"

Instantly understanding, I quickly hopped from my seat to beside her on the bed, pulling her into a hug. I'd seen her caving in at the drudged up memories, her voice shaking, "It's my fault that I lost Madame Lucille and Aunt Victoria! It's my fault Xanathar's taken over!"

The cold cruel reality of what horrors Heart had seen through her life, came crashing over me. Eilsana was another piece of Heart's twisted up view of trusting others. With that ring, they would have tested it out, and who better to try it on than a neighboring kingdom to conquer and expand with? Especially when needing an example to be made of, or a punishment for daring to have a princess who tried to survive her cruelty? My embrace grew stronger as I held her against me.

"Heart..." I attempted softly, "Heart, it's not your fault."

Looking into her eyes I could see she wasn't too sure. Still hugging her with one hand, I slid the other down to her hand, holding it at the wrist where her scales shimmered. Then I would hear her softly say, "I didn't want you to get hurt!"

Further guilt sunk the heart in my chest, "I'm sorry Heart, if I'd just listened..."

Then I thought back on it a little more, and asked, "Why didn't ya jus' leave me there? You could have left me behind to deal with the decision I made...?"

"I couldn't let her hurt you...even if..." she trailed off, before finding her voice again, "I couldn't leave you behind to end up like others...if you displeased her...you'd be..."

"It would have been my own fault," I pointed out a bit stunned, "An' you wouldn't have gone through all of that..."

Heart shook her head, "It wasn't your fault...she used a Charm spell on you, and enchantments like that really mess with one's head."

I raised a brow at this, and mentioned, "Ya didn't know about that at the time though?"

Seeing the visible hurt in her eyes as she recoiled, I quickly caught her hand before she could fold it over her chest. She looked to me, a bit startled, "Heart...ya need to know somethin' about that...the moment I heard you were gone...it pulled me out of it."

"How?"

I wanted to tell her. I wanted her to know what I was coming to realize when it came to her...How I was looking at her, with my heart pounding in my chest. How I hoped she looked at me in return.

Yet still, guilt told me not to, as she gripped her stomach in lingering pain. Instead, I simply told her with a pained smile of my own offered to her, "I missed ya."

Her eyes widened with a blend of surprise and uncertainty. Yet still the words I wanted to say most, stuck to my throat.

We spent that night talking to try and form some sort of plan once she was strong enough to travel.

At one point though, she wanted to get up. So I offered my strength to assist with this. As she placed her shaky feet on the wooden floor, her hands flew out to grasp for anything. Before she toppled onto her hands and knees, I reached for her sides to support her. I wasn't going to dare let her fall onto the floor in any way if I could prevent it. With some practice, and my hands holding hers now, Heart made her way across the room to the basin filled with water. Gripping the table, she asked for me to allow her to wash without watching, but was afraid of me stepping too far from her. I gave a nod, and turned around; but I didn't step more than a foot or two away. She could easily grasp my arm if she needed the support.

She'd been wearing the tunic I'd offered her still. Though the inn keeper's wife had helped to freshen her up while she slept, as well as provided clothes for her. Fortunately, Heart had been wearing a different tunic and leggings during the change, so her Black Viper set was safe. Though she'd still insisted on a nightgown at least for her to wear more comfortably while she slept. I just hadn't wanted to move her too much than was needed, in fear of waking her.

Now, as I heard her pulling the tunic off of her, I would catch the pained groan pushing through her gritted teeth. I could only imagine the pain Heart's body was racked with, and the discomfort she was feeling in other ways. Eilsana wasn't the first to refer to Heart as property, or a beast in some manner.

I wanted to tell her that I thought the world of her...or that I wanted to give her just that...or share mine in some way...Yet the words just burrowed into me when I heard her cry out sharply, after standing for a bit. If I'd listened to her in the first place, she wouldn't be nearly collapsing to the floor right then as she lost her balance. Charm spell or no, I wasn't accepting the excuse. How did I have any right to offer her my heart, when I'd nearly cost Heart her body and mind?

I simply didn't.

However, I did break down and turn to hold her up by her sides again; looking away and trusting instinct to know how to catch her with my steady hands. Grasping her thin frame, I could feel her trembling. The dark was a friend to me as it hid my blushing face from her. Her soft skin teased me with it's warmth, and I knew those sapphires were watching me closely. Her hands shook while grasping my upper arms.

After a moment or two, Heart regained her balance, and I simply stepped behind her, keeping my hands near her sides, all while looking away. When she faltered at lifting the cloth at one point, I reached around her small frame and helped her bring it to her face.

"Here," I whispered as she trusted me to help her, rubbing her upper arms to ease the tension left in them.

That's when my hand brushed against her face, and immediately recognized the silent tears that she was trying hard to hide from me there in the dark. With this, her body trembled, though she attempted to hide that as well.

Some form of restraint broke, as I pulled her back against me in a tight hug. As she attempted to look up over her shoulder at me, I told her in a soft, but firm voice, "Ya need to know you're beautiful, Heart. Nothin' will change that."

I felt her hugging my arms against her at this remark, her frame trembling from either shock or cold. Nonetheless, I held her tighter, keeping my hands from wandering as I held what I yearned for most in my arms, but knew I couldn't just take her.

However, for this moment, I didn't let go of her either. I didn't dare make her think she was close to what Eilsana had claimed. As I did, I would hear the softest reply from her shaking voice, "...Thank you..."

With these words, I nearly caved in. As I held her, I wondered why it was I could show her in every possible way how I felt for her, but I couldn't bring myself to tell her? Though her trembling quickly reminded me, that a thief like me didn't deserve a Heart such as her...Nonetheless, I didn't let go, as the words still stuck to my drying throat, "I..."

With the help of a calm night otherwise and another day of rest, Heart's strength gradually returned to her. During that day, I gave Heart the clothes I'd bought, offering to get her something else if she didn't like them. She shook her head, and thanked me for letting her borrow my tunic in the meantime, "These are fine, Duke."

I gave a nod and turned around to let her get dressed. This time, she had little to no resistance from her limbs as she stood to do this. In just a few moments I was able to turn around and see her wearing a dark blue peasant blouse with flared sleeves, a black bodice and leggings, and a tie on burgundy skirt fastened at her left hip. The boots she wore reached up to her knees this time. Though I'd noticed her neck was bare, and her hair was still down. With a bit of a smirk curving my lip I stepped over to her, sweeping up her ribbon from the bedside table as I did. Slipping behind her, I rested my hand on her shoulder to keep her from turning around. Then that same hand swept up her hair so I could loop the ribbon around the base of her ponytail for her, "I don't need a spell to do this."

"Duke..?" she attempted to protest, before she turned to me and brushed her fingers along the silk tying her hair back, "Thank you."

"Of course," I replied with my heart aching.

Why didn't I tell her right then and there?