Corban stood just behind the pillar his amber eyes watched the scene before him intently. He had followed Reaver from the study using the excuse that Reaver evidently had few to many judging by the way he slowly stumbled down the corridor. He did not know why he really followed the pirate he was just overcome with the urge. Though he could not help but feel these dark thoughts just at the back of his mind as listened to Sparrow play.

They became all the more prevalent as jealousy seethed through every fibre of his being. Sparrow would not let him get that close even though he had tried. He did admit to himself that Reaver was a bit more bombastic than he was. So full of he own blown up self importance, vanity and self confidence that made Corban feel sick. His jaw clenched when Reaver's hand sneakily clutched at Sparrow's waist.

A slow chill run up his spine and sweat began to lightly trickle down the side of his face. He turned ever so slightly and out of his peripheral vision a dark shape detached itself from the shadow emerging slowly from it like a fish leaping out of water. He shuddered when the familiar mask appeared from the gloom with a pair of orange glowing eyes staring at him. He could tell it was laughing at him by the way it tilted its head. Anger overcame his jealousy and he turned from him trying his best to ignore him.

"Its always the same isn't it," Adren's voice tickled at his ear as he snaked his long thin arms about Corban's torso. Corban made no move to force him off as he stood rigid fear showing in his eyes. The feel of the other's ice like body made his teeth start to chatter. He tried his best to resist the dark feeling that was encompassing him but it surrounded him, choking him of any joy or happiness as if it were sapping him, leaving him feeling empty and cold; much like the body that held him.

"I don't know what you mean," he managed to stammer as Adren rested his chin on Corban's shoulder in a casual manner.

"Oh, I think you do," Adren smirked under his mask, "you just don't seem to have any luck do you."

Corban's face twisted into a silent snarl of anger and his arms made to break the embrace, but Adren proved a lot stronger than Corban had thought and held him tight. A spark of panic flared within him, he was trapped.

"You know what to do, don't you," Adren whispered in the man's ear sending a shudder of fear through his body.

"No... no I don't...I," Adren suddenly squeezed making Corban gasp from surprise and pain.

"Oh yes you do and if you don't, well, I will leave that to your imagination shall I," the fiends voice tainted heavily with malice as he growled the words like a hungry canine. Corban's heart began to race as the implications weighed considerably on his mind. "I will return, don't you worry."

Adren's arms suddenly loosened and he shrunk back into the shadow's leaving Corban feeling cold, and thoroughly depressed. His amber eyes watched as Sparrow dragged Reaver away by his ear, but even seeing that gave no measure of comfort for the Samarkandian as he remained fixed, rooted to the spot. Though he lied about not knowing what Adren meant it still left him fearful and indecisive. He did not want to do anything to harm Sparrow, but that was not what the other meant. A dawning realisation settled upon him as he drew straighter a look of determination on his handsome face as he knew exactly what he had to do.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The next morning Sparrow fidgeted as she stood upon a low stool while Samarkandian maids fussed about her. She watched, disconcerted, as one women held a length of tape to her figure measuring every part of her body and limbs. Adrianna was sat next to Lorna both watching with amused smiles. The dark skinned woman's eyes twinkled whilst a maid held out a reel of cloth for inspection, which she waved a way with the deft flick of her hand.

"Don't fidget so much dear Sparrow, they will get improper measurements," Adrianna commented with a giggle, "you might end up with it tight in... inappropriate places."

Sparrow scowled at her, which sent Adrianna into a fit of giggles. Lorna sat next to the women looking uncomfortable fidgeting almost as much as Sparrow was. Sparrow sighed and relaxed a little, but nearly jumped off the stool when she felt a prick in her lower back. She spun round and glared at the maid whose face had darkened as she blushed from embarrassment. She apologised profusely, but Sparrow was quick to dismiss it wanting to be out of that place as soon as she could. It made her feel increasing uncomfortable having so many people scurrying around like insects just to make her one dress. It was not that she did not appreciate the gesture so that she can have something for this festival, but she could not help thinking how unnecessary it was.

An elderly women stood not to far from her pointing and yelling at her younger staff who zoomed about trying to do what she was telling them to do. The old women stopped and regarded Sparrow mildly when she sensed the woman was staring then gave Sparrow a warm smile.

"We make nice dress for you," she said evident that she knew little of Albionese.

"Um, thank you," Sparrow replied and looked to Adrianna pleadingly. Adrianna giggled as the old woman spoke with her about something as two others brought over two reels of fabric. One was a rich red scarlet whilst the other was a pale yellow that looked almost beige. Upon seeing it Sparrow grimaced and hoped that it was not the colour of her dress. To her relief Adrianna shook her head and pointed at one reel that was being carried away calling for the young servant that held it to come back. Sparrow watched with sudden interest as Adrianna was shown a reel of fabric that was a vibrant aquamarine colour. Sparrow felt her spirits lift upon seeing it and a small smile graced her lips. Adrianna seemed pleased and nodded her head then looked to Sparrow with a huge smile.

"I am so glad I fixed that problem before something dreadful happened," she said linking her fingers in a business like manner.

"Problem?" Sparrow asked feeling worried again.

"Oh yes, it turns out Reaver asked that your outfits will be matching," she said in a helpful voice. The surprise nearly made Sparrow fall off the stool.

"Matching!?" Sparrow demanded angrily while Lorna giggled manically.

"Oh yes, but I noticed and believe me that pale yellow would clash terribly with your skin," she said sounding mildly horrified, "Though I agree the red does suit you I can't help feeling the other colour would do well and match your eyes."

She smiled warmly and Sparrow sighed despite herself suddenly feeling grateful. However, why would Reaver want matching outfits. Her mood darkened a little at the thought of what people would think. Given assumptions made already it would be no surprise what people would think.

"Reaver must really like you," Adrianna suddenly said with a wistful causing Sparrow to grow stiff with surprise.

"You what?"

"Well, if Reaver requested that your outfits would be matching," the woman said with the wave of her hand, "I just thought..."

"Well you're wrong," Sparrow hastily interrupted.

"Am I?" Adrianna's tone sounded surprised though her eyes appeared pensive and she smiled, "well he seems to go to an awful lot of trouble..."

"Yeah to annoy the hell out of me," Sparrow scowled, "That man is pretentious, vain, selfish, sex crazed, impatient, arrogant, cunning,verbose..."

"Charming and handsome," Adrianna added and Sparrow shot her a dark look, "wh-hat its true." Adrianna looked down at Lorna who nodded.

"He also is generous," Lorna added. Sparrow did not want to hurt the child's feeling but she could not help but burst out laughing. The thought of Reaver being generous to any one was preposterous. Lorna pouted and added, "but only to you and me."

Sparrow stopped laughing and looked at the girl pointedly. "Alright, when was he ever generous? I have known the man for nearly six years and at no point has he been generous."

"Depending on what you mean by generous," Adrianna added with a wicked grin.

"Thank you Adrianna," a muscle in Sparrow's cheek twitched. She did not have to be terribly intelligent to figure what she meant by that.

Lorna became thoughtful as her eyes trailed to the ring on Sparrow's hand. "Well," she began pointing at the woman's hand, "the ring."

Sparrow blinked and looked at it her eyes widening. Her gaze turned down to look at the other two with pursed lips suddenly feeling rather guilty and rather confused as her cheeks flushed a faint pink.

"He, that pirate, he bought it?" she demanded uncertainly. Lorna nodded firmly.

"I know, I saw him buy it," she said while Adrianna watched quietly a small smile on her lips.

"Well, what do you know, more than just generous with his time it would seem," she commented as she rose gracefully from her chair and approached someone that Sparrow had not noticed to look at what seemed like a board with parchment. The male servant seemed to be scribbling on it with some sort of stylus, which Sparrow surmised, with a faint blush, was used to draw a portrait of her. Adrianna seemed pleased by the artists results and the young man stood up with a bow a pleased grin on his face.

He pottered away to where the fabric had disappeared through an open portal as Adrianna approached Sparrow. She smiled again and beckoned the woman to her.

"Its okay you can come down now," she said and Sparrow jumped down with a sigh of relief. "Now we go to see my father, he wants a word with you apparently."

"Is that so," she looked at the Samarkandian woman questioningly as Lorna handed her, her jacket, which she slipped on.

"I don't really know, maybe he just wants to get to know his guests better."

Sparrow shrugged and reluctantly followed Adrianna out into the corridor. Lorna trotted by Sparrow's side as Yi fluttered about her head. Sparrow walked side by side with Adrianna as they talked. Even as she tried to put it out of her mind her fingers kept fiddling with the ring. She had not had such an expensive present before and the fact that pirate had bought did not help the matter. It confused her and annoyed. She shook her head trying to put the thought aside and hopefully forget anything was mentioned.

"So, where is Reaver?" Adrianna asked as she inclined her head to a passing individual.

"Don't know, don't really care to be honest," Sparrow replied airily, "he had left early, surprisingly."

Adrianna nodded. "What about Garth?" she suddenly said after a silent moment.

"Garth?" Sparrow blinked at her and shrugged, "I think he is investigating your fathers library."

Sparrow suddenly laughed. "He is probably hiding in it. He seemed to be suffering from with drawl symptoms. Plus he doesn't really seem a huge people person."

Sparrow looked at the women out of the corner of her eye as Adrianna walked along looking pensive.

"Why do you ask?"

Adrianna tilted her head causing her hair curls to bounce lightly against her shoulder.

"No reason."

They grew silent again as Morzai's Chamberlain approached his large paunch jiggling as he waddled down the corridor. Adrianna flashed Sparrow a cheeky smile and they both giggled. Lorna looked up questioningly though she had not been paying attention as she walked along in a dazed fashion. The Chamberlain beckoned them to follow seeming intent that they visit the Grand Chief at once. Sparrow, out of politeness obliged despite her reluctance.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Reaver took a deep breath of the cool air and grinned. A new day in a new place and it thrilled him. Of all the aspects of adventuring seeing new places and new things was the most worth while part of the ordeal. Yes it may be troublesome to have companions such as his, that did not let him do much of anything, it was still enjoyable to see what was just over the horizon. He was, however, glad to be out of that palace. He had long since had his measurements taken for a customised suit for the festivities the next day and decided it was time to take to the streets.

He ambled down the long stretch of road with confidence in his steps as he smiled round at everyone he met. He was merely on the scout today with the intent of finding out as much as he could about this place sat in a niche of rock and sand. As he wandered he did get a sense of cleanliness and order. He noted that there were guards posted on almost every corner of nearly every street. Maybe Morzai is paranoid, he thought to himself as he gave a passing young woman and her mother a surreptitious wink. The resulting giggles caused the pirate to grin wider and he turned down a narrow street.

He meandered for what seemed hours and everything just seemed far to orderly. Even in the tinier more darkened streets seemed far to good to be true. The perfect city, he thought with a grimace as he passed what appeared to be a tavern. He looked up at the sky where the sun had now reached its highest point, he then realised how hungry he was as he had not eaten since earlier that morning and it was rather sparing meal. With a shrug he entered head held high as he passed through the wooden door. Inside was much like everywhere had been, clean and orderly. The reoccurring theme was starting to nauseate him greatly. He gazed round the large room with a disinterested expression and took a seat at one table hidden in the corner. It seemed that round the edge of the room where booth like sections where people could eat their meals in peace with out fear of interruption or intrusion. He liked this idea greatly as he smirked.

A short dumpy Samarkandian women approached him and the sight made him glad he was immortal. She was wrinkly like rumbled cloth and parts of her were sagging unpleasantly even if she had the decency to cover up. Reaver smiled wanly as the women proceeded to narrate the whole of the taverns drinks and foods menu in a stringent high pitched voice. Reaver winced and ordered a simple meal with the best wine on the menu. He sighed with relief as she left taking with her the painful reminder of his own age. She soon returned shortly after with a carafe of ruby red wine and a simple wooden goblet. Reaver looked at it with a hint of disdain pinching his cheeks as he poured a sizeable amount of liquid into it. As he raised the goblet to his face he took a long whiff of the wines fruity yet bitter fragrance and hummed with pleasure. He then took a sip savouring the explosion of flavours as they sifted round his mouth before he finally swallowed, an appreciative smile on his lips.

As he sat there he became aware of girlish giggling and as he swept his green orbs around the room he saw a group of women sat huddled round a table. They evidently were having one of those types of chats by the covert way they whispered to each other and Reaver grinned. He watched for a moment choosing his timing wisely, but as he made to get up something stopped him. He growled in deep frustration as he looked down at the shadow that sat twiddling its thumbs in the seat next to him. The shadow Reaver looked at him and did a double take seeing his dark glare. He shrugged defensively causing Reaver to scowl. When his food was brought to him he gave the maid a sweet smile, picked up the implement used for food and repeatedly stabbed his shadow to release his frustration only managing to ruin the wooden bench. The shadow silently screamed at the pirate waving his fists at Reaver in a soundless threat before it huffed, crossing its arm in a sulk.

Reaver rolled his eyes as he picked at the noodles all enthusiasm he had now lost as he looked over to the girls forlornly. He sighed managing to pass a few of the long strings to his mouth suddenly feeling quite lonely despite the shadow that gestured obscenely at him whilst he was not looking. He did not care though and simply ignored his own shadow.

There was a clatter as couple of young men walked in, no more than 15 by Reaver's judge and a storm of giggles rained from the other side of the room. The pirate chuckled as the two boys seated in the booth in front of his. When they were settled they began to chat and Reaver half listened and by the looks of it his shadow was listening too.

-Why do they always do that?- one boy asked his companion with a hint of annoyance.

-They're girls what do you expect?- the other countered his tone hinting with amusement.

-I mean every time they see me they go into a fit of hysterical giggles-

-Correction not hysterical, girly giggles- Reaver was heavily reminded of Sparrow with that new friend of hers and without knowing it a flash of jealousy flared making his mouth go dry, so he reached for his goblet.

There was a pause and a snort of laughter erupted. -Carun that sounds stupid-

-Its true though, but maybe there is another reason why they giggle like that-

-What possible reason could there be?- the boys tone was incredulous and Reaver knew before the other even replied what the answer was.

-Maybe one of them likes you and she admitted it to the rest of her little airhead friends- Carun said and the bench creaked as someone moved their position. -Look see Maryl, she keeps looking at you all coy like-

There was a long pause before Carun's friend replied uncertainly. -You... you think?-

There was a small laugh. -Don't tell me you like her too?-

-What!? No! Maryl and me don't get along at all... like Genali beasts and Ginrul Fowl- there was another pause, -How can you tell a girl likes you though-

There was a thoughtful hum before Carun answered. -Well, for a start you say you and Maryl don't get a long right?-

-so-

-Well, girls sometimes do that to hide their feelings, because, you know cos their scared of you rejecting them. The same with guys. I pick on Lenessha because I like her- Carun explained.

-But that can just mean they hate a person, doesn't always mean they like you.-

-It is a lot more complicated than that I admit- Carun said -but, just watch and she will giving you the 'eye' as I call it.-

-I don't get it-

There was an evident sigh of frustration before Carun began again. -Okay, let me explain with a story-

-Oh man here we go!-

-Hey! you're a dick man this time its relevant,- Reaver snorted quietly with amusement as he listened closer this time though he could not think of any other reason to eaves drop except he was bored. -Well, when my mother died my dad liked to tell stories about her as a way to ease the pain of her passing-

-Yeah, she was beautiful your mother-

There was a heavy pause before a -What!?- filtered back before Carun continued.

-Do you mind I'm trying to relate a story with out you having fantasies about my mother you sick pervert!!-

Reaver clapped his gloved hand about his mouth trying not laugh out loud as another pause hung in the air.

-Sorry-

-Thank you-

-Won't happen again-

-Glad to hear it-

-But she was hot-

-One more comment and I swear Fennel I will punch you- Carun growled -thats better now can I continue, 'sigh' thankyou. Well my parents met when my mother came from some place called Hastana far to the north. For father it was love at first sight, but being the prideful man he was he could never admit it and the same with my mother. In many ways they were more alike than they would have admitted and yet completely different. Anyway, they fought almost all the time and arguments were rife and once mother punched him through the wall of the Ginrul Tail tavern just up the road.-

-No way!- There was a laugh, -No wonder one wall looks newer than the others-

-Yeah that's true, but apparently they admitted their feelings amidst one of these fights and he said it was the best night of his life- There was a rueful chuckle.

-I bet-

-I thought I told you...-

-Sorry, sorry, please continue.-

-Well... that's when my Father gave a piece of advice that I will never forget, when you find someone you have to decide if they are for a season or for life. By that I mean, you will have women and they may come and they may go, but there is always one that you will think yeah I want to be with this women for the rest of my life. No matter how painful the result may be, even with the case of my Father, he did not regret the time he spent with the women he loved the most.-

Reaver rested the fork like implement on the plate and sighed. Why was he listening to this claptrap it was a load of bullshit anyway. That was what he kept trying to tell himself, but why did the words seem to stick. He looked down at the shadow who was watching with a pensive posture and it looked at Reaver with a shrug.

-Since then Father has not had another women even though I have encouraged him to do so, because I thought he was lonely- Carun explained, -But he always says 'I am never lonely as long as I have you and memories of your mother'-

-Wow, that's some deep thinking there Carun-

-No kidding, when my father first told me this stuff my head hurt-

There was a laugh, which turned into a thoughtful pause.

-I admire your Father- Fennel said and a chuckle followed.

-Thanks- Carun's tone sounded appreciative.

-For getting a women that was such a catch- Fennel laughed nervously and there was a creak as furniture was moved scraping across the stone floor -Hey I was joking, I was Joking-

-You better had be!- was the growled response.

Reaver had enough and got up throwing a small pouch of gold on the table. His insides seethed with anger as he passed the table and stopped to stare at the two young men who were scuffling in the booth. They both stopped to stare at Reaver in surprise and the pirate grunted sourly, but no matter how angry he was looking at the two young faces made his hand falter as it rose to his hip.

"You know, a few years ago I would have shot you … both of you," with that he turned and stalked from the tavern leaving two very confused boys.

-What he say?- Fennel asked his friend looking after the pirate.

-I dunno I thought you were the one taking foreign languages?- Fennel cast Carun a dark glare before they started scuffling again.

Reaver continued his irritated pace until he began to puff a little from the effort. He told him self off vehemently for letting the words of two children get to him so much. That begged the question as to why it got to him in such a way. His only conclusion was that since meeting the likes of Sparrow and Garth he had gone soft, and allowed himself to be susceptible to these things. When this whole thing was over he will have to shoot them all. Well, maybe not Lorna because not even he would shoot a child, but then who would look after her and she will hate him, maybe even seek revenge on him for killing Sparrow. Why would he even care anyway. He sighed in frustration as he thoughts continued like this roaming round and round with no sign of stopping. He stopped beside a post with signs on it pointing in various directions. He looked down the road towards the palace and debated whether or not it was a good idea to go back now or continue wondering.

"REAVER!!" someone shouted at the top of their lungs and Reaver jumped his eyes threatening to pop from his skull as he whirled round removing his pistol in one swift, and graceful movement. He stared at the old man who had collapsed with laughter at the shocked expression on the Pirate's face.

Reaver quickly composed himself and re-holstered the Dragon Stomper before turning on the old man his face dark with fury.

"I could of shot you, you stupid old man!" he scolded fiercely both hands planted on his hips as he stared down at Oota who was just unfurling himself. He stared at Reaver whilst bubbles of laughter still escaped his lips.

"Hi Reaver," he said finally straightening himself. Reaver glared and huffed with a small pout.

"That was not funny!" he demanded and Oota shook his head.

"Yeah it was," he replied clapping the taller man round the shoulder. Reaver growled irritably and turned to stalk off, but the old man managed to keep pace with the long rolling strides evidence that the Pirate had spent many a season at sea.

"Hey Reaver, stop a minute."

"Why should I?"

"Well I can't talk to you whilst wheezing breathlessly."

Reaver came to a halt and rounded on the small man with his arms crossed defensively and eyes flashing dangerously.

"Tell me what you want before I really will shoot you."

Oota raised his hands defensively as he slowly caught his breath. "I was just going to say you look like you need to relax some."

Reaver's eyebrow rose questioningly as Oota continued. "Well I was hoping to claim on that appointment," the old man said rubbing his hands enthusiastically a silly grin on his face.

Reaver frowned in confusion. What appointment? He sought through his mind before realising what it was he had in his back pack back his room in the palace. His face became a light as he grinned wickedly.

"Oh yes, well, I can't say no to a gentlemen such as your self," he replied placing a hand on Oota's shoulder and leading him slowly towards the palace. "I need a good lift."

"I'm with you there this place is depressing," Oota said with a grimace, "No life, no... well anything."

"I'm with you there," Reaver agreed as he looked up at the palace with a sigh.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The afternoon had gone surprisingly quickly for Sparrow as she sat in a comfortable armchair with a goblet of wine in one hand and Lorna snuggled on her lap and up under her chin. Adrianna was sat to her left nearest the fire as they chatted aimlessly with Morzai, who sat opposite face cast slightly in shadow created by the fires warm glow.

It had been pleasant just being able to chat and recount old stories to those who had not heard them before. Morzai sat and listened with a friendly expression, but even though he spoke in pleasant tones and smiled genuinely she could not help feel this underlying 'something' that bothered her. She waved it aside determined to enjoy the peace as it had been along time she had been this comfortable and she planned to enjoy for however long it lasts.

"Sounds like you had quite the childhood," Morzai commented with a grin and raised his crystal goblet to his lips.

Sparrow laughed and nodded. "I guess I did, Theresa would never admit it, but she was quite imaginative," she chuckled as Lorna yawned quietly against her.

"I wish I could of met this Hammer, she sounds such fun," Adrianna said with a wistful sigh. Morzai shot her a dark glance, which was more like that of a concerned father, but he said nothing as Adrianna giggled. "Why didn't she come with you on this quest?"

Sparrow smiled sadly as her head tilted considering the question and her thoughts drifted.

"Well, she went north... quite a long ways north in fact," she said swirly the last drop of her wine before consuming it, "She wanted to go study with a group of monks to learn how to curb the violence in her heart." She put the glass aside with a sigh and snuggled closer to Lorna.

"You miss her greatly," Adrianna noted leaning on her hand thoughtfully.

"Yes, she was my first true friend and was like a surrogate sister in a way," Sparrow laughed, "even though we were the same age."

"Then she would be your nakuna," Adrianna said with grin.

Sparrow looked towards the young woman with a light frown. "What is a nakuna?"

"Well, nakuna are those friends or comrades that are very close and are almost like family," she smiled sadly, "I think you understand what I mean."

Sparrow chuckled and nodded. "I think I do."

Lorna gently tugged on Sparrow's blouse and the woman looked down where the girl looked up with her large mauve eyes. Sparrow patted her head and nodded looking up at Morzai with a sad smile.

"I'm dreadfully sorry, but it looks like its a bit late," she said as she stood cradling the tired girl in her arms.

Morzai waved his hand dismissively. "Its fine, she has lasted quite well considering."

Sparrow chuckled and nodded turning to leave as Adrianna jumped to her feet.

"I will walk you down the hall I think and go to bed my self," she she trotted over to her father and planted an affectionate kiss upon his cheek, "Good night father." She then trotted out after Sparrow leaving the man to contemplate beside the fire as something stirred in the shadows behind and he sighed.

When Adrianna left them at the intersection of corridors Sparrow ambled back to her room with Lorna cradled in her arms and was snoozing away clutching her blouse. Sparrow looked down at her peaceful face and as always a small tender smile graced her lips. She hugged the little girl closer and nuzzled her soft hair. She noted that Lorna had grown a bit and the thought made her grin with maternal pleasure. As she got to her room a strange smell wafted from under the door and giggles could be heard from inside. Sparrow's eye twitched as her free hand grasped the door knob and with a quick twist she shouldered it open so it swung slowly inwards. She gasped when her eyes fell upon the two inside the room and slowly her eyes narrowed to flinty slits her face stoic.

Oota stopped whatever he was doing and looked up at Sparrow who stood in the doorway his hand poised over a strange contraption sat upon a side table. Reaver was lain partially on the bed with half of his body hanging off the side where his hair brushed the floor. His face was blank as he stared into space with a thin line of drool trailing from the corner of his mouth and down the side of his face. Oota stared at her for a moment before letting out a snort and a storm of fresh giggles issued from the old man. Sparrow marched straight passed them and kicked her bedroom door open before disappearing. Oota blinked groggily and shrugged continuing to poke a thin stick into the contraption giggling like an idiot.

"What in Albion is going on," she snapped when she reappeared and Oota looked up wide eyed. Reaver however did not even flinch as she stalked round the bed pointing a rigid finger at him.

"How long has he been like that!" she snapped again and Oota shrugged.

"Um, a while... half hour maybe, I don't even remember," he shrugged poking the contraption.

Sparrow let out a worried cry as she rushed to the limp man and hefted him onto the bed with ease.

"You idiot, that's dangerous!!" she chided sharply and Oota merely stared at her as if the words were washing right over him failing to sink in. Sparrow rounded on the man her face as dark as thundercloud and Oota cowered into his seat true fear shone in his eyes as his mouth disappeared into his beard. Her eyes coldly held him with a glare that would turn the most courageous people to jelly leaving his a quivering lump. The icy blue orbs slid to the contraption and inside a transparent bulb were lumps of small grey crystalline like stones that smoked as heat caused them to literally bake inside. The smoke slowly curled upwards were two spouts sprouted from the contraption. Upon seeing them she knew exactly what they were and the orbs slid back to Oota who held up the stick, one end charred, as if it were going to protect him. Her left hand raised slowly and reached out for the contraption intending to grab it.

Realising what she was going to do Oota shot up in his seat. "Wait! Its blistering hot!"

She ignored his warnings and grabbed the bulb and crushed it in her hand as a hiss rose from the shards of glass as it seared her flesh. Oota gasped listening to the cracking and grinding of the glass as she tightened her grip small droplets of blood dripping onto the stone floor. Her eyes turned back to Oota who immediately shot out of his seat and ran out the door before a string of lightening narrowly missed his speeding heels.

"DO THIS AGAIN AND YOU WON'T GET OFF AS LIGHTLY!!" She shouted down the hallway and she slammed the door behind her with enough force to send tremors through the stone wall. She looked down at her burnt and cut hand she cursed. She began to ideally pick shards of glass from her hand as she approached the bed. Reaver had roused slightly and looked over at her on coming form with a hint of surprise.

"What are you doing here?" he asked in a slow voice as his hand wiped the drool from his face, "Why is my face wet?"

He shrugged and slumped to the bed again with a huge yawn. He had not noticed the cold glare the woman had given him as she stood over him wrapping a piece of cloth about her hand. She suddenly grabbed him roughly by the front of his tunic and lifted him easily from the bed. With half hearted protests he struggled, but he gave up as she kicked open the doors to the balcony allowing the air to filter out the smoke that had accumulated. With that she dragged him over to the basin on the other side of the room, which she filled from a tap above the sink and brought the pirate to his feet. All the while he watched with mild interest even as she held him upright. With a great effort he kept his legs straight enough to stand, but if it were not for the arm that supported him, he would have toppled backwards. She tested the water with a finger and nodded to herself before grabbing the back of Reaver's hair and forced his head into the water. Reaver went rigid with shock until his sense's caught up to him and he began to thrash causing water to cascade noisily all over the floor. Sparrow however inspected her finger nails with a nonchalant expression before pulling him back upright where he gasped and sputtered. He turned slightly to stare at Sparrow with an attempted glare, but it soon left his face as his skin paled. He had never seen such a deadly looking expression even though her face was calm and blank her eyes were nearly white with such fury that even Reaver could feel a cold shiver run up his spine. It was then he felt almost powerless. Like a rabbit caught in the jaws of a predator that wanted nothing more than to snap its neck with its teeth.

"Sparrow! You'd over reacting it was only..."

Wordlessly she plunged him back into the water and he realised he was completely at her mercy. With out his gun and in his current state there was no way he could fight Sparrow without being beaten half to death, but as he was pulled back up gasping for air he looked at her face. Was this really Sparrow?

"Please, your going to kill me!"

She looked over his face and a muscle in her cheek twitched.

"And, what if I did kill you? No one would miss your miserable existence," she replied her voice calm and deliberate.

"That's not true!" he protested as she plunged his face back into the water. His knees buckled under his weight as a weakness overcame him. She yanked him up by his hair so he stood uncertainly on his feet. Reaver's chest rose and fell as his breathing became ragged with effort, and she looked at him almost sadly.

"Isn't it," she said after a moment, "You know I tried being nice, I even went as far to think that maybe... just maybe you of all people could change. I kept thinking what if... I was all willing to give you a second chance no matter what you had done to me." Her voice sounded strained as she spoke and turning away from him she flung the Pirates limp body across the room. He tumbled and rolled before slamming with surprise force into the glass, which shuddered under the impact but did not relent. He looked up as she stood leaning on the basin as if it were a mere effort to keep her self standing. He did not move as the sound of her voice rung in his ears and a pang of guilt made his stomach cramp. He knew this would eventually happen, but what surprised him was that he did not even want to fight back. He was all willing to let her hurt him, beat him within an inch of his life. It all came down to the fact he knew his life was nothing but a sham, a shambolic mess of sin, corruption and greed.

She turned with agonising slowness to face him and she took a few steps towards him and when she was standing a few feet away she stared down at him with a pitying look. Reaver could feel the anger seethe through his body and his teeth clenched so hard his cheek muscles ached. He hated people looking down at him, but even so he refused to look up staring at her feet as if they were more interesting.

"So... you going to kill me here and now?" he asked in a weak voice, "after all that has happened in the last few months?"

He summoned up enough courage to peer up at her from under his limp hair, but her expression was unreadable as she looked down upon him. Her mouth opened as if to say something, but she froze her eyes widening in shock before a gush of blood exploded from her back raining crimson droplets all over the stone floor. She let out a gasp as she slowly toppled forwards before landing face first upon the floor with a dull thud.

Frozen in shock, Reaver stared at the lifeless form a different kind of fear encasing him. "Sparrow?" his weak voice was trembling as he shifted, leaning forward with his hand reaching out towards her still body, "Sparrow!?" His tone was more urgent as he made to crawl, but he stopped with one hand hovering in mid-air. A hiss made him look up from Sparrow and at what sat on her back with its head swaying in mid-air. Its long black snake-like body was coiled into a loose spiral whilst its beady red eyes fixed Reaver with a stare. Its head was what made the pirate stare as it resembled more like a pick axe than that of a snake with its small eyes on either side. It let out another hiss when Reaver made to move but he froze again. He regarded the snake with dark scowl so he he moved the hand stuck in mid-air ever so slightly, but the gaze remained fixed on Reaver's face and he cursed.

With out warning the snake suddenly lunged and Reaver fell back with a cry scrunching his eyes tight shut, but nothing happened. Fortifying his resolve he opened his eyes until they were wide like saucers. The snake writhed in agony as Sparrow's stony grip held it tight by the end of the tail. A trickle of blood ran down her chin as she coughed and sputtered on the floor. Her blue eyes stared at Reaver as she panted with effort, but with amazing speed the snake whipped round and struck Sparrow hard on the back of the hand with the end of its sharp nose. She let loose a ragged scream of pain and rage as the snake shook its head to get its nose loose causing more damage with blood pooling about the wound. She growled like an angry dog as she eased her self into a kneeling position. Her lips twisted into an nasty snarl she gripped the snake and ripped its from her hand sending a spurt of dark blood onto the floor where it seeped into the crimson liquid. Reaver watched haplessly as the snake hissed angrily and bit her repeatedly on the arm. The woman screamed finally letting go as the agony grew to much for her and the snake took the momentary weakness to slid quickly about her neck where it squeezed hard biting her cheek over and over again with razor sharp teeth that tore at her cheek like a hot knife through butter..

Reaver managed to break himself out of his reverie with an exclamation and grabbed the snake trying with all his strength to wrench it from her. The door suddenly crashed open and Garth came running in staring at the pair struggling with the snake. Blood covered the floor and Sparrow gasped for breath her face turning an unhealthy shade of blue.

"What happened?" he demanded, but Reaver merely shouted at him to help. The mage came to a sliding halt by them and grabbed the snake his muscles shuddering with the effort of trying to pry the snake from her. The snake continued it onslaught the blood from its multitude of bites gushing from the wounds and disappearing into her dark hair.

Servants began to filter into the room to see what was happening their screams alerting the guards that came clattering down the hall but no blade or magic could damage the creature as it screamed and hissed at its attackers. Sparrow suddenly lay limp her hands that grasped the snake slowly fell to the floor motionless and a scream tore from Reaver's throat. The door to the adjoining bedroom opened and in the darkness a pair of bright mauve eyes fixed the scene with horror and agony. There was a piercing wail and a violent pulse knocked everyone off their feet. Lorna rushed over to Sparrows limp form and the snake, sensing her approach, uncoiled itself and lunged for Lorna who watched with tears streaking down her cheeks. The snake let out a terrifying scream as it burst into flame and landed in the pool of blood hissing and writing as it slowly burnt to death disintegrating to nothing.

Lorna knelt by Sparrow's motionless body shaking and trembling as tears ran down her cheeks in streams. Her sobs and weeping were buried in the woman's chest as the girl flung herself on top of Sparrow calling her name. Garth stared in shock as the whole incident flashed before him in a blur and he flinched as Reaver crawled over to the woman quivering in shock. He stopped and looked down at the ghostly white face incomprehensibly before staring at his blood stained hands. His sight blurred as his shoulders shook. A long forgotten emotion he thought buried deep began to bubble to the surface like red hot lava, but he was too weak fight it back down. Before he knew it a tear streaked down his cheek the very thing he thought that dried up long ago ran fresh and true. He curled himself into a ball his hands clutching at his head letting all his guilt and despair flow through his tears as he quietly wept into his knees. Just moments ago she was angry at him, but somehow saved him. Why? Why would she do that?

There was a parting in the crowd as Corban fought his way through and he stopped. He stared down at the pool of blood and whom lay in it. His face flushed before it drained completely of colour leaving his dark skin looking sickly. He shook his head as if denying what he was seeing before turning and fleeing as fast as his long legs could carrying him. Garth watched him with pity as he stood slowly, but even as he tried to speak no sound escaped him. The servants looked upon Sparrow with shock and for many tears stained their dark cheeks as the despondent atmosphere affected them deeply.

It wasn't supposed to be her!! Not her!! Corban's thoughts screamed as he charged down the silent corridor flying past unsuspecting servants on their nightly duties. It was meant to be him, how could this happen!? Its all my fault! He kept running as his thoughts left him feeling dead and a hollow laugh echoed tauntingly behind him.

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I really apologise for not updating in a while, but a when things happen it all happens at once. Or so says Murphy's Law anyway(otherwise know as Sod's law). I hope I made up for it with this meaty chapter. I did plan on posting two at the same time but that didn't happen.

Nakuna is actually a rendition of an actual Japanese word, Nakama, which has the same meaning as I used here. I came across it when reading Bleach (such a worth while Manga to read X3) and liked it so I included it.

I would also like to that all those who reviewed previous it is so encouraging to hear your comments and thanks I am feeling much better now thanks to my magic nasal spray lols.

Now I leave you to consider whether Sparrow is really dead or not and cookies and kudos to who ever figures it out right lol, so read and review please. If there is any problems people have spotted too please don't hesitate to tell me. The next one will be along shortly.