Arya shivered. Although Durza has left her his cloak, she still felt cold. It was as though the darkness was seeping into her bones, her very soul. She almost laughed when the reason hit her. You're pressed against a cold stone wall, what do you expect... she shuffled into the middle of the room, where a dull ray of sunlight was beginning to form. She curled into a tight ball and turned her face to the dim light from her small, barred window. She smiled weakly as it hit her, relishing it's warmth. A few months ago, this would have been just another ray of sunlight. Yet another thing you expected to just BE there. How things can change... a plate of food was pushed through the door, but she ignored it and continued facing her small patch of light. The only light in all that darkness. And as suddenly as it came, it vanished. The cold air struck her like a physical blow. She rubbed her hands up and down her legs, trying to keep it for as long as she could. But there was only so much she could do. Every rub opened another wound, and she would rather be cold than bleed to death.

A few hours later, Arya opened her eyes. The sun had moved, and Arya realised it was almost time for her to be taken out and interrogated again. She groaned and clutched her stomach. She felt bloated and dizzy. Suddely, she heaved herself up and vomited in the nearest corner. A guard outside heard her and came in. "You know i care no' if ya ill, but you will no' make me clean these cells! If you needa empty your stoma', tell someone, don't wai'!" He called his friend over. "Look! She's gone and-" Arya heaved again, loathing the sour taste in her mouth. She hadn't eaten in days, and hadn't drunk yet that today, so what she was throwing up she didn't know. The first guard dragged her out of the cell and threw a wooden bucket in front of her furiously, then he and the second man took rags and water into the cell. Two guards stood watch over Arya, though how she could have possibly escaped...

"Curse this bloody elf. She's more trouble then she's worth, i tell you!" The second one said as Arya vomited into the pail. Footsteps echoed around the corridor as Durza descended the spiral staircase. He saw Arya, who had finished emptying her stomach, groaning on the ground. "What happened?" he said coldly. The tone of his voice betrayed his emotions; he was worried. "This ruddy elf went an' heaved all over the cell!" The first one exclaimed, waving a hand over the mess he was cleaning up. Durza grabbed Arya's forearm and looked her in the eyes. Don't pretend you're sorry for what you've done to me. You did have a choice. I know you did. Durza looked taken aback at Arya's harsh words, and spoke while pulling her along to the torture chambers. You don't understand... some of this, yes some is I, can't be controlled. The king, he gives me instructions, and i feel myself hating him more and more. But i can't take it out on him, so who am i meant to take it out on? My captees, my victims. You, and the rest of them, should be used to this kind of treatment, so what does it matter if i am ordered to do it or it is my choice?

He unlocked the heavily bolted door to her usual chamber with a whispered word, and pushed her roughly in. She stumbled, her feet still healing, and fell. A sharp pain exploded in her abdomen, but she quickly stood. Just get this over with. Durza smiled, though in admiration or pleasure she couldn't be sure. His guards strapped her to the table, and he picked up a branding iron in the shape of a dragons paw. She quivered and bit her lip as he plundered the iron into the fire. It heated quickly, it's orange glow radiating around the small empty chamber. He pressed it lighty against her leg. Writhing in pain, Arya screamed. "Unless you tell us where you sent that egg, this will happen for the rest-" he pressed a bit harder, "-Of-" his hand scraped against her ankle, "-Your-" he pushed with all his strenghth on the iron, sending her into hysterics, "-life!"

She slipped out of conciousness as the paw-shaped iron moved up to her back. The Shade pulled his cloak off her, brushing a hand against the tattoo on her shoulder, before putting a dragon pawprint directly on the base of her sweaty spine. He stood back and admired his handiwork. Thousands of scars, cuts, burns and now pawprints covered her back. Some oozed a clear liquid, while others seemed to be healing slightly. Durza turned her over and poured the antidote for yesterday's Skilna Bragh into her, along with the drug to stop her magic flow. He sadly admired her beautifuly carved face, now somewhat haunting, before renewing her dose of Skilna Bragh.

"Take her back to her cell. And make sure she eats and drinks more, if we are to continue thrashing her so then she must keep some strength." Durza ordered one of the guards. He sat back and watched her being dragged away, her chains dragging her down like they dragged down his heart. He was so confused...one moment he wanted to kill her, to cause as much pain as he possibly could, and the next moment he just wanted to treasure her, to save her. As much as he hated himself for thinking it, it was the first option more often. Something about her just made him mad! He rubbed his temples and pulled his knees up to his chest.

"Anything wrong, master?" Asked the remaining guard. Durza was about to tell him, when suddenly he remembered who he was and why torturing this elf was so important. "Get back to work, you impertinent fool, or i shall brand you too!" He snarled before sweeping from the room.

Kind of short, yes, but it's Easter and i have nothing better to do. So Happy Easter! This chapter is like it is because i'm under the influence of chocolate and Evanescence's The Open Door. Goddamn them!

StorMAngelXXMe- Thank yoooou! I wasn't too big a fan of this pairing at first either, but it grew on me!

Durzas Follower- Lol yes, i thought it mightn't be so cute after that! This chapter is (hopefully) less confusing, but i doubt it's more romantic. Blame Jypsi, SHE'S making me write the rape scenes lol!

Mean Titan-Likewise!

Smile For Me- I'm guessing money! Yes, i loved and hated that chapter too. This update soon enough? ;)

Amethyst Jem124- Well, i'm proud of being your first Eragon story read!! -

Swim Freak 9000- Aww thank you! I'm still amazed i haven't got any flames! Hahah i'd call updating this soon being a nobody, it's saying i haven't got anything better to do!

Thankyou all for all your kind words and support! Any suggestions would be kindly appreciated! Oh yeah, and review or I shall poke you with a spoon! Love yall!