The Ambition of the Dreadlord Raveres

Part II: Allies, Foes, and Bargains

Episode Five (Censored)

Though she was wearing a white riding cloak and the bright colour helped to diffuse and reflect much of the sunlight from heating her up, Raveres was beginning to feel the fatigue of someone who was used to a more temperate clime and bone-chilling winters. Sweating and leaning weakly against Jacque the squire, Raveres began panting and doing everything she could to stay in the saddle.

"Sir Jean! How far are we from Qaryat Aljawla?" The youth called.

The knight looked back at the sickly elf and the concerned face of his squire. He looked ahead of them, down the sandy road and grit his teeth, "We haven't even passed the fallen colossus yet."

Turning his horse around Sir Jean came alongside his squire and took his water skin from where it was resting at his side.

"She-elf?"

Raveres blinked and sweat drops ran down her skin like tears as she turned towards him. Holding the water-skin aloft and towards Raveres, the knight offered her a drink, "You need to keep drinking water."

Raveres nodded weakly and wordlessly extended her hands towards the skin. As she took hold of the container the knight waited until she had a solid grip before letting go. Riding his horse around the back of Jacque's steed Sir Jean came back to the lead of their party and resumed his previous pace.

Hearing her drinking loudly behind him Jacque commented on his passenger, "S-slow down! You'll be sick!"

Raveres, not understanding his words, ignored the tone of warning and filled her mouth greedily. Jacque cringed and silently hoped she wasn't going to be puking up the water on him, his horse, or anywhere close enough he would smell it.

'Such a waste if she does.' he thought nervously.

Capping the skin and slinging it around her neck Raveres tried calling to the knight, "W-where are you taking me?"

"We're on a mission my lady! The village we are headed to is home to a castle-monastery."

He seemed like he was going to say more but stopped himself and corrected his line of speech, "There are monks there pledged to aid any and all, if they come in peace that is."

Raveres nodded as she panted over Jacques' shoulder.

"They will see if you need any healing or care and then we will have discharged our duty of you."

His voice sounded somewhat harsh and he immediately followed up with a polite, "My lady."

The Druchii nodded and wiped her brow again, "Do, do they trade?"

The knight furrowed his brow, "What are you expecting to set up a contract with them?" he laughed and repeated the interaction to Jacque in Bretonnian and the youth chuckled.

"I, I need arms, a sword. A writ of travel, maps, a guide…" her voice trailed off as she leaned in the saddle. Adjusting herself Raveres continued, "I must avenge my, my honour. I…"

Her voice faltered and Jacque's expression lowered, though he didn't understand her words he could feel the change in her emotion. Sir Jean furrowed his brow and turned to see the Druchii's face.

"I, I have to recoup my debt, I have to, f-finish what I had planned." Raveres shuddered and her eyes fluttered from the heat, "My father, my family, I…"

She began sobbing and Jacque's eyes widened and he nervously tightened his grip on his reins. The knight began shushing and slowing his horses' movement,

"My lady, please you're exhausted still, you're lucky to be alive. There'll be time for all of that when we get to the monastery."

Raveres burned with a rage in her chest but it was immediately doused as she thought about her chances.

'You're finished. A failure, a captive, and a weakling. You would have drowned if not for these pitiful Humans interfering, and it would have been better if you did die.'

Raveres sobbed and tears began falling from the corners of her eyes, "I, I shouldn't have lived."

She leaned against Jacque's shoulder and let out a heavy breath. In their mother tongue Sir Jean ordered the boy maintain his speed while the Druchii mumbled quietly, "I should have died…"

…

Miles away, Captain Annio-Luis Philipe de Bilbali was loudly singing with his men as they pulled their ship into port.

Hanging from the mainmast's rigging the captain belted out the lead in a shanty and his men followed with the responding chorus. As the song concluded the Estalian crew laughed and loudly cheered as they slowed alongside of the dock. Dropping to the deck of his ship Captain Annio gave his last order for the day,

"All hands dismissed! Enjoy your spoils, and enjoy the pleasures of dry land!"

The men cheered and began pouring off the sides of the ship as they descended into the small pirate-friendly port town to spend their stolen elven gold. Beside Annio, Marianna beamed a smile as she watched on.

The former slave had survived the sinking of the Witches Wail by dressing herself in Raveres' finery, stealing the Druchii's personal affects, and taking on the persona of a rich Estalian who'd been captured by the dark-elves. Captain Annio was easily fooled and immediately took the lady into his cabin and his arms, fulfilling his picturesque fantasy of saving a damsel in distress.

To ensure her freedom Mariana also burned her slave registry, and as far as Druchii law was concerned, she was now a free creature. Pawning off Raveres' ivory comb, her gold rings, and much of the contents of her chest Mariana had all but secured her passage on the pirate galleon Santa Cortez.

The last hurdle was to attach herself to the captain and ensure her personal safety. He was handsome, strong, and he appeared smitten with her. All she had to do was bite her lip.

For her, seducing Annio-Luis was easy. Forgetting the smell, perverse orders, and sadistic desires of the Druchii Raveres was less easy. But Mariana was content to bed the captain and loudly enjoy 'freedom' sex with him. Anything was better than the whips and touches of those vile Druchii…

"Captain?" she asked, blinking with a sultry expression.

Annio smiled and turned to face his passenger, "Ah, my lady!"

He kissed her hand and nodded, "I hope you're more at ease to be among civilisation once again!"

She nodded, before shuddering in an act, "I am… but, oh Captain. It was horrible. They frightened me, and they used, such vulgar, evil words to describe what they were intending to do with me."

Annio rose with anger at such an indignity and he sighed, "My lady I am glad that I sent them to the depths. So, please, set yourself back in my cabin; allow me to play host to you. You may stay aboard my ship as long as you wish."

He took the lady's hand and was about to lead her back across the deck when she interrupted him with her well-rehearsed character, "Sir! Y-you give me too much."

He stopped an immediately became concerned, "Please, save your modesty! I did only what any true gentleman of Estalia would!"

Maria hid a smile and pretended to swoon, "I, oh Captain…"

He raised a brow and leaned closer, taking a glance downwards at her bosom.

"I must confess, the way you dispatched those raiders was masterly."

He smiled as she stroked his ego.

"I have only thought of you since, and though I have given you the valuables that I was able to keep since the elves stole everything else. I feel like I haven't paid you your due yet…"

Annio took a sharp breath as they began walking towards the ship's stairs and his cabin. He played along as the two hid the true intention of their conversation.

Coyly he chuckled, "I haven't the faintest idea my lady what else you would pay me for."

Mariana smiled and let out a giggle, 'This is playing out like a poor erotic play!' she thought.

Having worked in a brothel Mariana had dolled herself up in many varying costumes and play-acted at different scenarios and moments that clients wished to fulfill. She couldn't help but shake her head at the fact that such a ploy was actually working.

'Or…' she briefly wondered, 'What if he knows it's all an act and is merely playing along?'

Clearing her throat Mariana nodded, "Oh sir, you'd force me to shame myself?"

Annio took hold of his door's handle, "Not at all! I would never make such a forceful suggestion to such a fair creature such as you!"

Mariana raised a brow, 'If he was simply playing along his face bore no signs of it.'

She smiled, "Well then… as long as we are alone."

He nodded.

'May as well turn it up!' she thought with a smirk. Once they were inside his cabin Mariana let her voice drop, "Please Captain!"

She lunged towards him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Pressing herself closely to his broad and muscled chest. He took a breath satisfactorily.

'If he knew it was an act, he genuinely showed no signs of caring…' she smirked, 'he's either the best actor I've ever met, or I've got him!'

"You're so strong, and handsome…"

Annio smiled and wordlessly agreed as she pressed the top of her exposed cleavage against him.

"Please be mine? I must have you! Yours is the first Human face I have seen in months! And a fellow Estalian at that?"

She looked up into his handsome, chiselled, features; he was entirely under her spell.

"It must be fate, Myrmidia herself has brought us together!"

Annio nodded; it was certainly a divine coincidence that he had happened upon the Druchii ship that day. Though a scoundrel, Annio was actually very superstitious. Especially when it suited him…

Mariana's voice dropped to a whisper as she kissed his neck, "Please Captain Annio, I…" her words faltered and he immediately picked her up in a flurry of movement.

"Say no more, milady."

He kissed her passionately and wrapped his arms under her legs to hold her bridal style, "I am not one to ignore the commandments of the gods! And if fate has thrown us together, I will not spurn Lady Fortuna or yourself."

Rather than a hammock the captain enjoyed a large bed which dominated the middle of his room. Laying her onto the soft, plush, sheets he immediately stepped back and began undressing.

"I shall make love with you, as befitting of a woman who has been treated so poorly by such a crude and evil people! Your hurts will be soothed, and I shall kiss your skin with passion."

Mariana held in a scoff, 'He really was into this! He actually believed it!'

Revealing his scarred body, the Captain flexed and Mariana actually felt herself get aroused at the display, "I shall make you feel like an Estalian again! I vow it my lady."

She smiled and began unbuttoning her ill-fitting Druchii dress. 'Strong, actually handsome, and dim enough for me to control?'

Mariana laughed lowly and seductively in anticipation, "Captain, nothing would make me happier."

He nodded and smiled as he stroked his chin, "Then I shall put you at ease, allow me…"

Reaching forwards his skillful hands began undressing her faster than she thought he was possible and eventually her bruised and beaten skin came out from the material and into view. The man gasped and then immediately leaned to kiss and lightly touch her bruised and welt covered buttocks.

"What creature could have done this to you?!"

Mariana cringed at his touch but responded honestly, through grit teeth, "The she-elf named Raveres."

He finished a kiss and immediately shot up in surprise, "Raveres de Naguii? The silver-haired, pale, noblewoman?"

Mariana nodded, hoping her brief mistress had been dispatched, "Yes, that was her. You killed her along with the rest, right?"

"I…" Annio looked away and cleared his throat, "I could not bring myself to kill such a beautiful woman but, I had her thrown into the sea. Surely she drowned."

Mariana's chest tightened, 'Not what I wanted to hear gods damn it!'

He immediately continued and pointed to Mariana's wounds, "But she did this to you?"

Mariana nodded reluctantly. Her voice at first almost broke the spell of the moment but she quickly regained her acting tone, "She beat me; the vile she-elf intended to make me her slave. Captain Annio, she made me…"

She played it up and made an exaggerated shudder of revulsion, "She forced me to do, such…"

Annio immediately leaned towards her with concern in his eyes, "What? That Druchii beat you and… how dare her!"

He punched his fist into his hand and bit his lip in frustration, "If only I had known! I would have seen justice done for you."

Then curiosity overcame the man and he hesitantly asked in a semi-whisper, "What did she make you do?"

Mariana smiled inside, if she did this right, she could make the Captain more aroused, and easier to control, "She… she forced me to strip in front of her…"

Annio's expression immediately changed.

"Then she, she had me take her clothes off."

The captain moved around where he sat uncomfortably, slowly bringing his hands towards Mariana's skin, stroking and lightly rubbing her.

"Oh captain. I had to wash her body, her breasts, her legs, her…"

He nodded quietly, intensely watching as she regaled the tale, "Then when she was clean, she lay down and had me…"

She pretended to be embarrassed, and Annio nodded, "Please, do go on?"

XXX

(If you'd like to read this sexually explicit scene, and the chapter in its original uncensored format, please check it out on Archive of Our Own.)

XXX

'Raveres de Naguii, I can see why you would have wanted to bed such a creature…'

He panted and smiled before slapping his hand across the red welts that the she-elf had left on Mariana's skin. In response, Mariana let out a loud cry and moaned, "Captain! That's too much!"

He chuckled, "I'm sorry… I couldn't resist…"

Looking over her shoulder, Mariana furrowed her brow in irritation as Annio leaned forwards. Then the two began kissing as he reached a hand to caress her chest and dance along her shoulder. Breaking it off he nodded and smiled.

Then he raised a brow, "Tell me more about this shadow she-elf…"

…

"Look master! I think I see the castle!"

To call the small ruins of Qaryat Aljawla a 'castle' was to greatly embellish its size. Centred around a fallen keep, the castle-monastery had sprouted out of the hall of the keep and sought refuge amongst its solid stone walls.

After many decades the small order of monks had repaired and shored up many of the holes and minor injuries that the installation had suffered since the end of the Bretonnian crusades, but there was not enough skill or coin to return the keep, its parapets, or its outer walls to their former glory.

Originally the castle was a simple tower and defensible bailey to keep secure a well which brought water from an underground reservoir, but when the Bretons arrived, they immediately set to securing the source of water more permanently. Displacing the locals, the knights constructed a walled fortress around the watering hole and garrisoned many companies of knights and footmen during the years of the crusades.

But since their end so many years ago the castle was neglected until it became the refuge of some Hospitaller monks. Mostly administering aid to the sick and providing a safe place for travellers, the monks spent their time writing, transcribing, translating, and copying books when they weren't healing those in need.

Sir Jean nodded in agreement at Jacque's exclamation, ahead of them he could see the small hovels and houses of the locals who'd returned to the shade and sanctuary of the watering hole, trading, farming dates, and raising sheep and goats as they lived alongside the Bretonnian monks.

The colourful train of a camel caravan was stopped and had been set to sit under the large palms which grew on either side of the old stone walls. Munching on grass the camels looked relieved as their riders went to work unloading and moving their wares.

"It appears we shan't be the monk's only visitors today Jacque."

Keeping Raveres' unconscious body in the saddle the youth had wrapped her arms around his neck and kept his hand pressed to hers, holding her in place as she limply leaned against him. Sir Jean looked uneasily at the she-elf.

Gruffly clearing his throat, he nodded, "We may face some undesired attention with her as ill as she is."

Jacque furrowed his brow uneasily, "Right…"

Sir Jean adjusted how he sat in his saddle and placed his left hand on his hilt. Taking his reins back up, he kicked his horse's flanks and resumed their approach. Keeping close to Jacque, Sir Jean nodded towards the locals on either side of the road.

Climbing the small hill towards the open gate of the castle's courtyard Sir Jean looked towards the camel caravan. The Arabyan traders were loudly directing their men as they lifted heavy sacks off their pack-camel's backs. A few monks were waiting at the gate watching as the traders moved and set up their tents beside the walls.

As they saw Sir Jean's approach several monks held their hands up to wave and smiled pleasantly.

"Sir Jean!" the lead monk declared, "Praise the Lady, you've made it!"

The knight smiled and nodded, but darted his eyes to the loud and moving traders.

"Fear not mighty knight, they are peaceful people. Their company has been dispatched by the Emir."

Sir Jean nodded and slowed his horse as he and Jacque came to a halt in front of the monks' gate, "I apologise brother, but we are both weary from the road…"

The monk nodded and began rubbing the muzzle of Michelle, Sir Jean's horse, "Of course, please. Brothers! Make way for Master Jean and his squire!"

"Nay!" said one of the monks; he remained in the gateway and pointed to the squire. "Sir Jean and his boy are not alone! Who is this hooded and cloaked figure you bring along with you?"

The monk which had greeted Sir Jean stepped to the side and finally saw the white, hooded, figure leaning against Jacque.

"Ah! My brother is correct Sir Jean, who is this?"

Sir Jean nodded and nervously looked to either side at the locals.

"Well brothers, my Squire and I happened upon an injured unfortunate. They would have died without our intervention; we knew not what else to do but bring them with us."

The lead monk immediately widened his eyes in concern, "Please!" he took hold of the horses' bridle and began leading Sir Jean through the gate shooing his brothers out of the way. A few of the Arabyan tradesmen and merchants looked on in puzzlement before shaking their heads and going back to their work.

"Please let old Mathias have a look at the poor creature!"

After riding into the courtyard a few monks began walking towards the horses. Letting go of Sir Jean's horse, the monk Mathias walked towards Jacque and reached his hands upwards while behind him Sir Jean dismounted quickly.

Jacque looked on with concern and the monk smiled, "Fear not boy, I won't let him fall!"

The monk reached to part the cloak from the unconscious man's head, and the older Bretonnian was surprised when the hood's movement revealed the long and silver-white hair of a she-elf. Mathias stopped mid-action and paused; taking a breath he then resumed his movement.

"Brother Sean?"

From the shade of the open door of the monastery a tall and severely scarred bald man walked into view. The man must have been a former knight but Sir Jean's eyes widened at the sheer height and size of the monk. He was clad in the black and green habit of the hospitallers and quickly came to the aid of Brother Mathias.

"Here, help me Brother Sean; I cannot get her down on my own."

Mathias lowered his voice when he said 'her' and Sean mutely nodded as he easily lifted the unconscious, she-elf from behind Jacque. Sir Jean came alongside Mathias as the other monks looked on in interest.

"She's-"

Mathias looked at the knight with disdain, sharply whispering, "I know exactly what she is brother. I am surprised a knight such as yourself would have found such a creature, let alone think to bring her here."

Sir Jean leaned backwards and nodded, "I was bound by law. I couldn't have slain such a defenseless woman and lived with myself afterward, especially in front of my boy."

Jacque descended his horse and immediately came towards Brother Sean, "He better not hurt her!" he loudly declared.

Mathias looked from the knight and to the squire, "No, we shall not harm your companion. Brother Sean has taken a vow of silence, and is in a period of atonement for his past."

Jacque looked up uneasily at the marred and pained face of the bald monk and he nodded once. The giant monk seemed completely unbothered by Raveres' weight and then Mathias turned towards the entrance to the monastery.

"Bring her to the hospital. Follow me brothers."

The monk who had rudely addressed Sir Jean earlier grumbled and began leading the other idle monks in hushed discussion of the newly arrived.

Entering into the cool shade of the monastery Sir Jean and Jacque closely followed Mathias and the giant Sean as they walked down the main hall of the keep towards a small stone corridor.

The interior was lit by sunlight which poured in through the old arrow-slits of the castle. Jacque saw that to increase the volume of light allowed inside the sides of the slits had been worn down and made wider by the obvious use of hammers and chisels. Seeing the destruction Jacque shook his head with a sigh, 'What a waste of a castle…'

Coming to the small hospital of the monastery Sean laid the still-unconscious elf onto one of the few prepared beds. Then Mathias nodded and thanked the silent monk, "Good work brother. Now, may you fetch Abbot Ulkus?"

The giant nodded and quietly turned out of the room. Mathias looked down at the elf and then back up at Sir Jean and Jacque. He huffed loudly and shook his head.

"What in the Lady's name possessed you to bring her with you?"

Sir Jean pursed his lips and Jacque immediately responded, "She was drowning! I saved her!"

The knight tried quieting his charge but Jacque loudly continued, "I gave her the kiss of life and rescued an innocent just as a knight is ought to!"

Mathias raised an eyebrow, "An innocent Druchii?" He scoffed, "No such thing exists…"

Jacque bit his tongue and Sir Jean eyed him intensely, "Leave us and see to the horses."

The youth's face dropped, "Sir Jean?!" he whined.

"Go and see to the horses! Unload our packs and bring our effects into the main hall."

He looked at his master with defeat and stood defiantly still.

"Jacque? Perhaps I shall lend you to the monks? After you run laps around the castle wall that is!"

The youth curled his lip and loudly turned towards the doorway. Turning to face Brother Mathias the monk let out a sigh. "His heart is in the right place…" he admitted.

Sir Jean nodded reluctantly, "I know…"

Then they turned to look at the Druchii on the bed in front of them. Shuffling down the hall the bearded Abbot entered, the sight was comical as Sir Jean watched the small elderly man closely followed by Brother Sean towering over him.

"By the Lady!" he announced, "Don't act like it's a serious matter or anything!"

Coming in front of Sir Jean the knight bowed courteously to the venerable Abbot. His voice shifted to familiarity as he greeted his old friend, "How do you do Sir Jean, always a pleasure to see you. Now what have you brought to our halls this day?"

Brother Mathias stepped onto the opposite side of the bed and the Abbot squinted as he took hold of the unconscious she-elf's hand.

"It's a female elf Father Abbot."

The old man looked up from his patient and dryly laughed, "I'm not senile yet Mathias, I can see that. What's wrong with her?"

Sir Jean held a laugh as Mathias nodded, "She appears to be heat stricken, though I haven't the whole story."

Turning from his subordinate the Abbot eyed Sir Jean, "Well?"

"My Squire and I rescued her from the shore, she was drowning, my boy gave her the kiss of life and we rode here as per our mission. She complained of the heat, and despite my water-skin she continued to get weaker."

The Abbot nodded and turned his attention to the she-elf, "Good job on the white cloak; you've probably saved her life again Sir Jean. Mathias? Get Brother Renaud, I need his aid. Brother Sean?"

The giant nodded and stepped forwards. The Abbot's features softened and he nodded in gratitude, "You've done well, you are dismissed."

The former knight smiled and quietly left down the hall. Mathias nodded as well and quickly followed.

"So, she was washed ashore?"

"Aye"

The Abbot grumbled and brought his hand towards the elf's neck, "She's strangely wet… but her sweat is not right."

Sir Jean leaned forwards and the Abbot began undressing her chest. Her breath was laboured and her skin glistened.

"She's bound. A wise move on your part Sir Jean." The Abbot laughed, "Did she try to kill either of you?"

Sir Jean looked down and shuffled from foot to foot, "She threatened to strangle Jacque with her bonds but, it was a bluff. She's been far too weak to do anything."

Ulkas nodded and held his hand to her chest as he brought his ear towards her mouth. Listening to her breath the Abbot closed his eyes and felt her heartbeat at the same time.

"She's suffering from heat-sickness surely, but gods be good I think that's it. Thankfully she's not too far along to be in any serious danger."

Straightening back up Sir Jean's face relaxed and he let out a breath. Father Ulkas touched her right hand and patted it.

"Rest, water, food, and some herbal remedies and she'll be set right." Looking down at the unconscious elf he raised an eyebrow, "At least as right at a Druchii might be made!"

He looked out the sunny window and sighed, "I often wonder why the gods placed so many foul beasts upon the earth, so many without hope of redemption."

Sir Jean listened and watched Raveres' sleeping body.

"And then I remember that redemption is something that requires a personal journey to attain."

He looked from the window to the she-elf and lowered himself.

"So beautiful."

Letting go of her hand the Ulkas sighed again. Brother Renaud, the monastery apothecary, came into the room with a basket filled with flowers and cut stalks of green herbs. Evidentially he had been in the monastery's small garden before he was summoned.

At the sight of the she-elf he exclaimed, "Oh, b-by the Lady!"

He stopped in the doorway staring at the elf, frozen mid-step, while Brother Mathias stood behind him, a stern and uneasy expression across his features.

"Brother Renaud, she's suffering from heat-sickness, get ready all that we will need to treat her. And be speedily."

The monk snapped out of his daze and nodded while walking to the side of the room opposite the beds. Rummaging through the racks of phials and containers of dried medicines he began to assemble what he would require to treat her.

Walking beside Brother Renaud, Father Ulkas picked a cloth off of the medicine table and began wetting it in an open basin of water. Shuffling back towards the patient Sir Jean stepped to the side and awkwardly watched the monks go to work.

"Is there anything I might do to aid?" he asked embarrassed.

Ulkas smiled and wordlessly shook his head. Brother Mathias stepped beside the elf and unclipped the riding cloak and began pulling it from under her.

"Thank you Sir Jean, but we will take it from here."

Father Ulkas nodded, "Fear not sir knight, she is in safe hands…"

He nodded and slowly turned to the doorway.

"I'll be in the hall… Please let me know if there's anything that I might do if needed…"

The monks looked at the knight and nodded in appreciation as he left the small infirmary.

…

Fluttering her eyes open Raveres came to as Brother Mathias ran a wet, cool, cloth across her chest. Brother Renaud brought a fizzing tonic towards her and the Abbot spoke in rusty Druhir, while reading from a small book with elvish characters on its cover.

"Still your ire lady Druchii, we mean you no harm, and shall not seek to keep you any longer than is necessary."

She looked around her surroundings and huffed as she nervously tried to move. Raveres felt warm on her face and body and her arms were still tied together at the wrists.

"Where am I?" she asked dryly.

The elder Bretonnian cleared his throat, "You're in our monastery, welcome to Araby."

Turning to one of his brothers his voice rose, "I think she's lucid this time… Are you able to understand me Druchii?"

She huffed and moved under the thin sheet, "I… I am."

She looked at the small older man and he grunted before responding, "That's good… You've woken up several times, but you were unable to hold a conversation such as this."

Brother Renaud helped Raveres drink the cool tonic and despite her natural fear her needs far outweighed her concern and she greedily swallowed the sweet tasting water.

"Now, I heard that Sir Jean's Squire is the one that you owe your life to most. Do you remember this?"

Renaud moved the now empty cup from her lips and she panted while swallowing the last of the medicinal drink. Raveres furrowed her brow and looked away from the Abbot and towards the chamber's window,

"I remember waking with the knight and squire, then we rode for hours. From there I don't recall."

"That sounds about right." he gruffly cleared his throat, "but with that aside, while you are our guest you will keep any of your foul rites and magic's unspoken."

Relaxing her neck backwards she looked towards the ceiling and exhaled loudly.

"The heat of the desert nearly killed you and I'm surprised you're as lucid now as you are."

She gritted her teeth and felt a strange shiver.

"This is good; you will understand my words. Now, ours is an order of peace in this barbaric world, we are dedicated to healing. And though you may be a creature twisted by dark powers and ruled by heathen gods and evil kings, we shall make use of our skills nonetheless."

Raveres bit her tongue and remained quiet.

"So Druchii, by what may we call you?"

She looked towards the small Abbot and relented, "My name is Raveres, and my house is known as Naguii."

As her words came from her lips her chest puffed with pride. The Abbot nodded and motioned with approval to a younger initiate monk at the side of the door. The young Human looked at his hands and busily scratched a quill to an open log book in his left hand.

"Well, Raveres of the Naguii. What brought you to our shores?"

She scoffed, and tried to raise her voice, "As with your entire race, your curiosity is a sickness…"

The scribe came closer and scratched his quill loudly as he began recording. She looked at the younger monk and at first, he blushed as he looked at the parchment.

"He speaks Druhir?" she asked, clearing her throat again.

The scribe nodded and was about to open his mouth when Raveres turned back to the Abbot.

"If the celibate fool attempts to speak my tongue to me I will rend him..."

The scribe shut his mouth and immediately turned his attention back to his writing at the sudden and authoritative threat.

"I will not be addressed, in Druhir by a jumped up peasant…"

The Abbot made a loud noise scolding his initiate before returning to the she-elf, he drew a breath curtly and tried taking a diplomatic tone as he continued, "I apologise, but if you will indulge us, we keep meticulous records…"

Raveres looked at the scribe and furrowed her brow, raising her nose in disgust. Mathias finished wiping down her chest and took the cloth away from her flesh as he leaned away from the bed.

"What could you possibly be recording?"

The Abbot sighed and chuckled, "Well, anything really… You can never know what might be useful information. So we try to catalogue as much as we can, as best we can. If we do not write history down, how can it be said it ever happened at all?"

Raveres smirked, "Well then, Abbot, as payment I suppose I owe you as much."

The elderly man smiled slightly in surprise, "You're far more amicable than the books I've read on your people have made you out to be. Though you may be a little…"

He looked at Mathias, "Haughty?"

Raveres smiled, "We haven't met as foes old man."

He chuckled, "I suppose not…"

"Well, start from the beginning, where did you set sail from? Tell us your story."

Raveres immediately blinked and her voice caught in her throat, "What?" she narrowed her eyes at the Human, "Really?"

The Abbot nodded, "Certainly."

Furrowing her brow at her strange audience she paused awkwardly. Then for the next while Raveres, at much prompting from the Abbot, shared the details of her journey so far from her home; her voyage across the sea, and her fateful encounter with the pirate known as Annio-Luis Philipe de Bilbali.

At the recollections of the battle, she began seething as she pictured the Estalian's mustached face. Her hands clenched into fists and she gritted her teeth as she grumbled. When she finished, she described how she lost consciousness while swimming towards the shore and when she awoke, she'd been 'rescued' by Sir Jean and his squire Jacque.

Naturally she neglected to mention how badly she had lost her fight with the Human, or that her men were slaughtered wholesale. She only revealed the key details, and anything which would have reflected poorly on her was skillfully left out.

Then the Abbot nodded, "Which then brings us here?"

Raveres raised a brow and nodded reluctantly.

"Thank you, Lady Naguii."

She cringed, 'The only one called that is my mother, and if she saw me now? Oh she'd not be happy…'

Raveres looked away from the abbot as he spoke with the scribe.

'But where there's life…' she rolled her eyes and groaned at her own thoughts. 'I get it. I'm alive, but I have no sword! No armour, and my damn hands are still bound!'

She took in a breath and looked to her side.

'Just wait I suppose. We'll figure out something soon, I know it. There'll be a sign, and vengeance will be within my grasp.'

The Abbot waved off the scribe and then turned back to the Druchii she-elf, "At this rate, you'll be right as rain by tomorrow."

She grumbled and tried to avoid the monk's gaze.

"But, during that time I expect you to abide by our customs with respect."

She sneered as her racial elitism began to rear its head. The fast-acting tonic filled her with relief from her previous condition and with every minute she lay still she began to resemble her old self,

"You should expect nothing old man. If you know what I am then you know we are not ones told. We do the telling."

He pursed his lips almost disappointed. He laughed and she looked at him, furrowing her brow in confusion.

"And here I was about to let you free of your bonds."

Raveres' expression dropped and she looked at her wrists. The Abbot stood up and began walking towards the door. Letting out a sharp noise Raveres tried moving in the bed, "W-wait…"

The Abbot turned knowingly.

"What," she gritted her teeth and pursed her lips, fuming and seething at having been made to act humbly. "What customs would those be?"

Each word was quiet and seemed to affect her physically as she spoke. He bowed his head and walked back towards her.

"Fear not she-elf, I'm not about to force you through a lesson in humility. I think for a noble your current fortunes have been punishment enough."

Shuffling his hands along his belt he brought out a small two inch long, old, knife. He waved her hands closer and pressed the blade in between the cords. Raveres' eyes widened in disbelief, 'I'm… actually being freed?"

"Now, don't think I won't have you put back in bonds if you offend our rules. As soon as you are well enough to travel you will depart our company, but do not expect our doors to be open to you again."

She nodded wordlessly.

"You will avoid plying your looks upon our brothers. You will not seek conversation with our members, you will not steal, you will not wander the halls, and you will obey any orders given by myself or my fellows. Do you understand?"

She smirked and took a breath, "I understand."

The Abbot nodded, "Brother Sean?" he called loudly.

A massive Human entered into the hospital and Raveres' eyes widened at his sheer size.

"This is Brother Sean. He has taken a vow of silence but he will watch over you during your stay here. He shall be your protector and your gaoler should the need arise."

She remained staring at the scarred face of the man and he raised an eyebrow. With a sawing motion the Abbot eventually cut through Raveres' bonds.

"Now, you are free Druchii."

She stared in wordless gratitude at her free hands. Embarrassed at the debt she now owed the monks.

"Brother Renaud has made you another tonic and you ought to drink it only after eating. We're preparing a meal for our guests shortly. When you are strong enough Brother Sean will help you to the great hall."

Raveres nodded and began stretching her arms happily. The Abbot hid a pained smile before turning to leave. In Bretonnian he spoke to Sean, "Watch her Brother, she may be unarmed, but I'm sure that she's of a power much greater than we can see."

The giant quietly nodded.

…

With just the combination of the herbal tonic and Raveres' elven constitution she was quickly on the mend. Not only had she survived drowning, suffered heat stroke, but she had also endured a concussion during her fight with the Estalian captain.

She spent her time quietly recuperating while Brother Sean sat and silently meditated in the corner of the small stone room. Looking towards a window she caught herself humming the tune that the Squire had been singing earlier.

'Perhaps the boy would sing it again for us?' she thought optimistically. Immediately a feeling of revulsion overcame her, 'Wait… What? Did I just think that?'

She shut her eyes and sighed in revulsion. The monk Sean shifted and looked towards the doorway. Down the hall echoed the faint sounds of laughter and the clinging of cutlery and bowls. Raveres' elven ears could clearly hear the sounds of a table being set and her stomach rumbled and groaned loudly in anticipation.

Brother Sean looked at his charge and hid a minor smile. He must have heard her stomach pang. Huffing Raveres threw off the thin sheet which was covering her legs and slowly began moving her tense and fatigued body over the side. The monk rose and quickly held out his arms to help her exit the small bed.

She tried moving away from his touch and exclaimed, "Gah! Unhand me."

The monk furrowed a brow and relented, stepping back from her as she tried to stand. Her legs were still weak and she nearly fell back as she tried to rise. Despite her protests Sean took old of her left arm and began helping her steady.

The monk kept her still while she found the strength to begin walking. After a few tentative steps she found her confidence and slowly made her way, with Sean's help, towards the doorway of the infirmary.

"Is the food here any good?" she asked, voicing her thoughts aloud.

Sean shrugged his shoulders in a wordless response; though she thought he had understood her the monk had no knowledge of Druhir, or of any language other than Bretonnian. Raveres let out a sigh, and under her breath responded to herself;

"Figures I suppose, three months at sea eating gruel and the occasional fish has a way of depressing oneself."

The she-elf limped out the doorway and into the small corridor towards the great hall of the keep turned abbey. Rounding the corner, she came into view of a colourful assembly at one of the long, wooden, tables in the centre of the candle-lit hall.

A round and brightly dressed Arabyan sat beside the Bretonnian knight, Sir Jean, and appeared in deep in conversation as several monks served bowls to their guests and dining brothers. The squire Jacque was sitting pensively and was the first to see Raveres and Sean as they rounded the corner.

The youth's expression softened and he smiled as he announced her arrival. The few monks at the table turned and Brother Mathias sat up as Sean and the she-elf came closer. Raveres' face was tense and she felt assaulted by the quiet eyes staring at her, but as soon as Mathias arrived to her side holding his hand to assist and welcome her towards the table the low conversation of the men resumed.

The Arabyan however, stood as soon as he saw Raveres, and remained standing as she slowly sat down onto the wooden bench. He bowed his head before finally speaking, loudly. The monks, Sir Jean, and Jacque all looked at him with different expressions. Jacque furrowed his brow, seemingly unappreciative of the guest's words, Sir Jean hid a smile with his hand, and the monks held back nervous laughter, shuddered in disapproval, or diplomatically listened along.

Raveres' eyes were wide as the man directed his body language and words towards her, eventually ending his greeting with another bow, much lower than the first. Sir Jean began to translate the Arabyan's words and Raveres looked on with muted interest,

"This is Sadalsuud Al Daouk, brother to the Emir Hashan." Sir Jean smiled, "He says that yours is the most beautiful face he has seen in many months and he wonders…"

Sir Jean paused and spoke to the Arabyan. Then the bearded man spoke a few words and nodded while twirling his moustache. Raveres saw that his hands were bejewelled in large rings of gold and silver. Their centres set with precious stones; rubies, emeralds, and yellow diamonds.

Sir Jean stifled a smile as he continued translating, "He wonders if you may do him the great honour of taking his hand in marriage."

Brother Mathias placed a small bowl in front of the she-elf and she opened her mouth in surprise. The Arabyan smiled and nodded to her as they locked eyes.

"He says that you would make him the most happy of all merchants who cross the great sand sea if you were to grace him with your elvish heart."

Raveres chuckled dryly in dumbfounded surprise as she shook her head, "No, not at all…"

He looked to Sir Jean and the Bretonnian translated into Arabyan. Sadalsuud furrowed his brow and his voice lowered dejectedly as he responded and Sir Jean translated to Druhir;

"He asks; what would it take to win the fair elf's heart? I can provide her with all the earthly comforts of Ulthuan, and says that she will be dazzled by the opulence of my palace."

Sir Jean raised a brow as he continued, "Sadalsuud also swears that your children shall be well take care of and that from the day of the marriage forth; you shall want for nothing."

Raveres looked to either side as the monks quietly whispered and looked on expectantly, seemingly greatly entertained by their guests. She rolled her eyes and looked at Sir Jean.

"First off, tell this Sadalsuud that I am not from Ulthuan and that were I stronger he would be killed for making such a mistake."

Sir Jean's face stiffened as he thought; 'Here is the true Druchii within the woman he and Jacque had saved.'

Raveres drew a sharp breath as she continued, "Second; let him know that if he makes any further overtures or dares to pursue marriage with me, I will castrate him while he sleeps."

Sir Jean bit his tongue, "Is that wise Lady Raveres?"

The merchant furrowed his brow and remained standing; his expression now somewhat concerned. Raveres sneered, her strength was returning, and with it her general contempt for anyone other than her family. Sir Jean took in a breath and bid Sadalsuud sit.

The merchant reluctantly lowered back down to the bench and the knight spoke with him candidly; "Lady Raveres, she's run afoul of some bad luck as of late. She's declined your proposal and mentions that she is not a high elf of Ulthuan. I would also add that in her culture courting and proposals are not as,"

Sir Jean smirked and continued, "Passionately declared as in Araby."

Bringing a hand to stroke his beard Sadalsuud nodded in understanding before narrowing his eyes in concern, "She's not from Ulthuan?"

Sir Jean shook his head, "No, you see, Lady Raveres is a…"

"Ah! She's must be a shadow-elf!" Sadalsuud finished.

The merchant's expression shifted as Sir Jean nodded. He seemed even keener now, however he was appreciative of Sir Jean's diplomatic 'reinterpretation' of Raveres' words.

Politely he bowed his head in apology to the she-elf and exclaimed, "My Lady, forgive me my foolishness! I have not encountered many elves in my life, and the few I have all hailed from Ulthuan and were men. I have heard of the beauty of your people's women and I was simply struck with your eyes!"

Sir Jean translated and Raveres took a breath as she listened to the Arabyan's words, "I must offer a thousand apologies for my rudeness!"

Sir Jean raised his brow and tensely awaited Raveres' response. Taking another breath, she sighed, 'Is it really that bad? Mother would encourage you to use your beauty over this Human, Father would have you act like a member of the Black Court…'

She bowed her head slightly and wordlessly accepted the apology. Sir Jean breathed in relief.

"Tell him…"

Raveres voice stopped in her mouth as she smelt the warm food that the monks were still serving.

"Nothing, never mind, I accept his apology."

Sir Jean translated and immediately the two began speaking with each other. Raveres looked down at the bowl of stew in front of her and felt another rumble of hunger and a strange feeling of desperation. She hadn't really eaten since last night's mess with her fellow officers, but everything that had happened since, she felt hungrier than she'd ever been before.

But the conversation that the knight and the merchant were now engaged in was splitting her attention. They began exchanging words hastily and the rotund Arabyan looked at her with different expressions, he was at first disappointed, then concerned, but he eventually finished with resolve.

He seemed he was about to speak over to her again but a loud, authoritative, voice cut him off.

"Please, dear guests, there will be time for conversation soon."

The Abbot stood from the bench and held his hands up as the men quieted.

"Let us first partake in a prayer before our humble meal."

The monks nodded and the Humans all watched attentively.

"May the Lady, the spirits, and all the gods bless us. Let chaos remain away from the lightened places, and may the strong continue to defend the weak. We ask this in our humble names, amen."

The monks quietly responded 'amen' and Raveres watched them uneasily as they bowed their heads in personal prayer. She hadn't understood a word of what was said, but assumed it was some kind of rite. Sir Jean, Jacque, and even the merchant Sadalsuud followed suit in bowing their heads.

As quickly as it began it was over and the Humans then took up their spoons to eat. Somewhat disarmed by the display of humility and religious devotion Raveres felt completely alienated and she heard her body groan, begging for anything to fill it.

'Just, just eat, leave the concerns of the gods to these dusty old men.'

Raising her wooden spoon, she cringed as she began pressing the lip of the utensil to her mouth. 'It's sustenance! Just eat, be silent, and you will continue to live. Remember, you are still alive.'

As she poured the stew's broth and a few chunks of meat into her mouth Raveres was pleasantly surprised that the food was quite good. She tried to contain her desire, but she was ravenous, and the warm stew was better than anything she had eaten in months.

Though the ship's cook used spices and made fresh fish sauce once a week, this small, simple, meal made by these Human monks was as good as anything prepared by the servants at home in Blacklight Tower. She greedily filled her spoon as much as was possible and tried to hide her appreciation of the meal as she ate.

Watching Raveres' face Sir Jean smirked as the Druchii devoured the contents of her bowl, quickly washing the meal down with a cup of water, her face seeming almost disappointed that she was the first finished.

The speed and manner in which she had eaten seemed to sink in and Raveres realised she had made a most unladylike display. Her features dampened and she became quite obviously embarrassed, though none of the monks seemed to notice, nor would anyone there have blamed her.

The merchant Sadalsuud smacked the knight's arm and he immediately returned his attention to his neighbour, "So, she is… of noble blood?"

Despite her discourteous and desperate eating the knight had to agree.

"This is so; she's from a noble house of Naggarond." His voice lowered, "Or at least she claims to be… Though I have no doubts that she is of a landed class in some respect, her attitudes and form of speech tell me she's refined when compared to the other Druchii I've met.

Rubbing his bearded chin the Arabyan looked at her and wordlessly nodded.

"What happened to the elf? You said she had run into bad luck?"

Chewing on a chunk of lamb's meat Sir Jean nodded, "Aye, her ship was attacked and pirated."

He looked towards the panting and nervous Druchii and asked, "What was the name of the pirate who attacked your company?"

Sir Jean translated and Raveres looked up at the Arabyan. Her face paled before becoming flush red. She bit her lip and her jaw moved as she straightened her back.

"Annio-Luis,"

Sadalsuud's eyes widened as he listened.

"Philipe De'Bilbali"

The merchant moved in his seat and pointed at Raveres.

"She's faced that foul demon?!"

Sir Jean furrowed his brow in confusion, "Sadalsuud, you know this name?"

The merchant nodded and Raveres locked eyes with him.

"I do! Ask her; was he aboard a galleon with yellow sails and flying the yellow flag of Sartosa?"

Sir Jean relayed the message and Raveres nodded. The round merchant balled his hands into fists and loudly brought his right hand onto the table, "She and I share a common enemy!"

Raveres' was slightly shocked by the loud declaration but Sir Jean immediately translated and she asked, "What has this Annio done to you?"

Sadalsuud nodded and puffed his chest out, all thoughts of bedding the elf having been pushed from his mind, for the moment.

"He has ravaged and pirated, harassed and sunk many of my ships. He has insulted my family, murdered one of my brothers, and the wretch, he sold my brother's wife into slavery!"

Sir Jean paused as he translated and Raveres bid him continue, she was interested in the connection she now had with the merchant.

"The last that I heard of her she had been sold and taken away across the seas, while she was with child."

Raveres nodded and looked at the merchant. She rubbed her chin and smirked, "We share a mutual hatred of this pirate then?"

Sadalsuud nodded, "If I could give away all my jewels to have him brought before me in chains I would."

His voice became low and he looked upwards while pressing his fingers to his lips in a kiss, "However the gods do not work this way…"

…

'This is what I need… this is everything I could ask for!' Raveres began to think, excitement building in her chest.

"Sir Jean, translate this as accurately as possible!"

The knight nodded and Sadalsuud looked down from the ceiling towards the she-elf.

"I sailed to this country with the purpose of trading; buying slaves, luxury goods, and wares. Since my captain was murdered I know not the contacts that he had already in Araby. However I will slit my own wrists if I am to remain here, disgraced, defeated, and destitute."

The merchant nodded in understanding and Raveres slowly rose. She sighed and brought her hands to her ears. She began taking her emerald studs out of her flesh and continued, "I have nothing left of value, but these."

Her hands shook as she extended them towards the merchant.

"You and I have been shamed by the same man; and I desire nothing but to see him suffer… But we also are in the same business, and I still wish to see the charter under which I sailed here come to fruition. We were to establish a friendly relation here in Araby, and begin a trade route of great value."

Sir Jean translated and Sadalsuud stood. The monks quieted and watched uneasily as the merchant's large hands rose forwards across the table and softly caressed Raveres'. She kept her eyes staring straight at Sadalsuud and he remained still under her gaze.

When Sir Jean finished translating the Arabyan nodded and responded, switching back to Druhir he told Raveres, "He will not take your gold from you."

She shuddered and looked down before trying to pull her hand from his grasp.

She immediately felt insulted and her face rose in disgust, "I will not bed you if that is what you seek! I will not trade my flesh in such a way!"

The man shook his head and became penitent, seemingly able to understand her words. The monks quietly watched as they continued eating. Sir Jean translated as the merchant offered soothing words.

"Sadalsuud says, he understands. But he wants you to keep your gold nonetheless, he will not take your flesh either, but he asks instead for your company. You will pay him in kind; service with his caravan and the company of your presence in his travel."

Raveres finally pulled her hand free and he smiled as she considered the counter-proposal.

"He says that if your contract is made over the body of Annio the pirate then you will share a great bond, and gold will surely flow into both your coffers."

She stood and her breath became heavy as she noticed the tense audience of the monks.

"I…" Raveres looked at Sir Jean, "What does he expect me to do?"

Sir Jean repeated the question, "She asks what you want her to do."

The Arabyan nodded and stroked his beard.

"If she expects me to consider her a client, and if she wants to establish trade with me I need to know, nay, I need to see her resolve. I understand she has no capital, but her jewels belong on her body. I presume the pirate took everything else of value?"

Raveres nodded when the message was relayed. Sadalsuud smiled, "Then we shall join together, recover her coin, sate our honour and begin trading as would please the gods and great prophets!"

He stepped over the bench and began walking around the table towards the she-elf. Raveres' eyes widened as he approached and she looked to Sir Jean for explanation, "He's coming to kiss your cheeks and embrace hands."

Raveres nervously stood still as the Arabyan held out his right hand.

Sir Jean continued, "It's how Arabyans make an accord; it would doom your chances for you to refuse his great generosity right now Druchii."

Raveres felt flustered but nodded in understanding and compliance as she quickly moved her ear studs into her left palm. Tentatively extending her right hand Sadalsuud wrapped his large fingers around hers and tightly squeezed. Then he leaned forwards and pressed his moustached lips to either of her cheeks, planting two quick kisses. After this he slapped his left hand to his chest and loudly announced to the audience of monks while he pressed his right hand onto Raveres' shoulder.

Sir Jean translated, "He says that you are now agreed."

Raveres looked at the touch uneasily, but she didn't know what else to do. The Arabyan smiled widely and bowed his head to Raveres and she felt compelled again to mirror the curtesy.

"He says that you must now share a drink together."

Raveres smirked and let a small smile show., "Finally, something familiar."

Sadalsuud widely mirrored her, pleased that she had finally softened in her expression. Then she looked over at the Bretonnian and chuckled, "Well, Sir Jean, I suppose I ought to be grateful for your services?"

The knight chuckled as the merchant leaned to the table and held up their two cups.

"I suppose."

Extending the water to Raveres the merchant hit his cup to hers and raised it to his lips. She nodded and they drank together. Formally sealing their agreement; for Sadalsuud at least.

…