Hello again,

Thank you for reviews and time taken on reading this. Still I'm overhelmed with work and have a little time to sit on the story. I might have delays in updating. Sorry for that, but it's these are really circumstances beyond my control.

Thanks in advance!

Reviews as always very appreciated and valued.

MS

The night was stunning. The full moon shun upon Amarath, giving it a permission to start up nightlife. Oh, this city has created a completely new definition of it. Although the streets formally emptied, the underground "species" started to crawl up to the surface. Side alleys were taken over by thieves, assassins, prostitutes. The underworld creatures such as duegars and drows revealed themselves to the night. Tavern's doors were opened wide, offering rich selection of forbidden pleasures, normally inaccessible to a common citizen. It was when those "noble bourgeois" presented their real nature. Pervert, sick and twisted. Nessa knew perfectly which inks offered illegal entertainment such as slave's fights, child prostitution. She visited them more often that she wished. But on the other hand, she admitted that, this place suited her profession perfectly. Filthy and ruthless, overwhelmed by sick pleasure of killing. It didn't actually matter whether innocence or life were taken. Nessa felt that it was not right, but then, it was none of her business. She was lucky that Rhys had adopted her. That's all that she had to know. She didn't have time or will to analyze it. If she wanted to remains sane, and alive she just had to let it go.

For a moment a persistent thought struck her. I feel like seeing Jon… to say goodbye… Nessa stopped by the lane which lead to Jon's hiding. She was fighting herself for a few moments. Her body insisted on further march, as her heart was full of doubt. She was positive that he would be waiting for her. Her mission worried him a lot. And as for her… she realized that she needed to hear somewhat of "Good Luck". She took a step towards the lane and stopped. Nessa, take a hold of yourself!! This really has to come to an end! She shook her head, withdrew and continued her walk to the city gate. She was very reluctant to admit that it was somehow hard. Generally, she found the whole situation frustrating. For all her life, she has had feelings for only one man. Rhys. Naturally, she maintained relationships with other people; however she's never let anyone to get close to her. She has learned to live alone, and to treat people as tools so that when she needed them, they'd just be there. Just like trade, she was there to help and then expected return of the favor. Jon caught her off guard, somehow sneaked through the walls that surrounded her, and made her vulnerable. She couldn't let that continue. She took a deep breath and swept these thoughts aside. Now first of all, she needed to stay focused. After all, her life depended on it.

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Jon sat on his bed studying some old notes. He stayed alerted to every whisper or movement, as he was hoping that Nessa would show up before setting out. He felt that he had moved too far this time. She should have known that Nessa would not feel comfortable with his confession.. She kept all world at distance, and he understood it perfectly. It was in her job description, not to trust anyone. He stuck to the same policy. And yet he let her to get under his skin. It wasn't about sex or so. The feelings she had towards her were more of brother/sister nature. Soulmates He knew her better that she could even suspect. He saw when she was angry, hurt, and happy. And they shared those feelings. He would follow her to the depths of hell if she asked him; and even if she hadn't we would have come anyway He would kill anyone who would try to hurt her. Now he was sitting alone, swearing under his breath. She won't come. She will push me away. I blew it. Totally. He dilted his head down and stayed in this position for a few moments. The silence strangled him. Suddenly, he jumped to his feet grabbing belt with his sword. I won't let her go that easily he thought to himself as he stormed out of the room.

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She's late. She should be here by now. A wave of thoughts rushed through Nuada's mind. If she fails to show up, this slow-witted representative of hers will pay for this... His eyes studied the darkness. The night was truly beautiful. He closed his eyes and listened to the voice of a forest. It whispered to him softly, surrounding him, allowing his wretched mind to swim away form tensed body. Again he was in Bethamora, felt light, relieved, as if someone had returned his soul to him. Nuada was beautiful, standing there in moonlight. A howling of a wolf brought him back to reality. He smiled. He used to run with the wolves. He loved to feel wind on his face, and chest. This was pure freedom. He promised to himself that once he will have this small issue solved, he would join the wolves once more. For now, another thing bothered him. This little thief not showing up.

How could I trust a human thief? It was certain, that she will not keep their word. Humans cannot be trusted. How naïve of you, you stupid elf…She did it to you again.

All peace was gone. Nuada's fists clenched as well as his teeth. His pride was being hurt for the second time. Never before had anyone offended him that much. His frustration and rage seemed to emanate out of his every pore. He let the figure out of his pale hand and intended to leave the clearing. But something spotted him. His elven ears caught a sound of broken twig just as if someone had stepped on it.

So here you are, my little one – his lips corners went slightly up – You're late, and I find it highly disrespectful. I will add it to your receipt.."

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Nessa finally reached the clearing. Her eyes spotted the stranger at first glance. This picture seemed to be very familiar to her. Maybe even too familiar. A man was leaning his back against the Mourning Stone. He was dressed in black with a ruby silk belt resting upon his waist. She also managed to capture a unique emblem placed upon his abdomen – it was a silver tree. Another Royal reprobate…

Nessa was experienced rogue. She managed to notice that man's body is suspiciously tensed That alarmed her. She decided to approach the "date" from behind. That was standard procedure; it put her in favorable position. As for now, the situation seemed to be quite problematic, since the clearing was quite vast, and the stone was located in the very middle of it. That made flanking the man unnoticed quite a challenge. She liked challenges. As she was moving on, she made one careless step, causing a small twig break. Shit! Watch where you're going, stupid! She reprimanded herself. She peeked at the man. He didn't seem to hear it, as he didn't react. Ok' let's hope Tymora's grace rests upon you tonight. she thought.

After a while she was almost reaching the stone when she heard man's voice saying

" If your sneaking skills are at the level you've just presented, I'm not sure, if I want to depend on them…

Nessa was surprised. It couldn't have been that stupid twig that gave her away. It didn't break that loud… Apart from that, stranger's remark stung her pride. She was the Queen. No one speaks to the Queen like that..

"I know that it's thief's way to sneak up on people, but since your cover has been blown, maybe it's time we cut the sneaking bullshit and just face each other?" he added emerging from behind the stone.

Nessa felt somewhat embarrassed, but most of all angry. Oh well, since the first contact started with a blunder, she had to cover it up. She stepped back in order to take a good look at him. Her intuition warned her again; she still felt a lot of tension coming from him. She managed to assess his posture and was able to tell that she was looking at a warrior. Probably skilled one, what she could tell form his bearing and moves.. And he kept his eyes hidden beneath the hood. There was something about him that she definitely did not like.

Nuada also took an opportunity to feast his eyes on this evening's main dish. She didn't seem impressive at all. About 5,7 feet, slender, he felt as he was watching a teenage girl. But he also spotted 2 blades resting upon her hips. Nuada lived long enough to learn, that every creature wearing blades should be considered dangerous. He wished to see her face, but her hood made it impossible. He smirked. Both wanted to stay hidden as long as possible. That was fine with him. For now.

'So what can I do for you, Sire" her voice hammered into his head reminding him the Tavern scene. It all came back to him, flashing before his eyes. Her ironic remarks, his humiliation, his lance in her hands.. Again she pronounced "Sire" in ironic manner making his teeth clench again. Hold it Nuada. Just hold it, not yet – he calmed himself down. Once he had her here, only inches away, he found it hard to fight his arousal. The pictures of her broken, humiliated, begging for mercy rushed through his head, teasing, almost aching.

"Are you always that disrespectful towards your clients, or am I the only one honored? – elf questioned crossing his arms upon his chest – "Or perhaps you're in the middle of so-called tough days and we should return to making business some other time. I prefer to hire people that respect me."

"With due respect, my menstruation is none of your business, unless you leave bastards as you go, and therefore it worries you so"- Nessa riposted sharply – "As for respect, its not what I'm paid for... Second point – Respectable people do not need my services. Just take my disrespect as a kind of professional habit. Now one we have cleared things out, do you have anything else to add, or can we move on?"

Although her face was still hidden, Nuada could almost see it. Ironic and impertinent look. Deep inside he felt that this woman started to arouse his interest. She had a lot of temper as for her inconspicuous appearance. He decided, that was really time to try her out.

"So you really think you're tough, do you?" he asked slightly leaning towards her – " I would suggest you to be more careful with your big mouth. I admit, I find you quite interesting specimen. You came here alone, your attitude towards me is more than disregarding. That makes you either extremely stupid, or extremely dangerous. I like it. So tell me what is it…. stupid or dangerous?" he asked drawing his blades at he same time.

Nessa took a step back "So that's it? You've brought me here just to see if I'm stupid? Believe me if there is anyone stupid here, that wouldn't be me. Go home boy. Spar with your fellows. I don't have time for that." She teased him turning her back on him. At the same time she reached for one of poisoned daggers hidden in armor.

"DON'T YOU EVER DARE TO TURN YOUR BACK ON ME!!!" – she heard his outraged yell

3…2…1… after this short countdown Nessa jumped aside, letting Nuada pass her by. Then she sent a dagger his way. To her surprise he parried it.

"That's all that you can do? – he asked ironically – "how many of those pretty shiny toys you have? I'm afraid that not enough to stop me. I'm beginning to feel disappointed. First you sneak like a bunch of orcs, and then you try to walk away like a common coward. I thought that there was more to it. I saw your heroic deeds… even kind of experienced them… in person… that slightly increased my expectations" his voice turned to hiss. "Do you remember me?" – he asked removing a hood from his head – " Dark Avenger you called me. You promised that you would wait for me. So I found you my little Heroine. I offered you a lesson, remember? So pay attention!" he growled starting a charge.

Nessa did pay attention as he spoke. She didn't focus on his words however. She took her time to asses the opponent. He was incredibly quick, and that posed a threat. Apart from that he was strong, and highly motivated to kill her. Another point for him. The situation was not good; forest was too far to run and hide. She was realistic, so she declined flee option. She was to slow to run from him. The only solution was to stay and fight, use his rage against him. As he was finishing his speech she slowly got rid off her cloak. She assumed that it would slow her down, and give him an opportunity to grab her. Eliminate all week points. Rule number 1. Having her mind cleared she reached for her blades and put her self in an appropriate stance

Nuada attacked. She deflected both of his blades without any effort. He came against her using all his fury, and she deflected him with a smile. SHE SMILED AT HIM!!! With a hiss he pushed her away, making her roll back. They circled each other, waiting for the best opportunity to strike. Nuada looked at Nessa with a great dose of surprise. She didn't show any signs of fatigue; no sign of short breath. He unwittingly tilted his head with appreciation. He searched for her eyes. And found them to be the eyes from his nightmare. Filled with amusement and disdain. Nuada was not used to it. With a growl, he lunged her direction, she did the same. For a split of second their eyes met, his dark amber, flashing with lightings and hers, deep blue with unruly sparkles. As they passed each other, Nuada's eyes widened with surprise. He felt her blade cut his arm, causing burning pain. He saw her pirouette, making her blades whirl in her wrists and she continued her assault on him. Now Nuada was in trouble, Once she caught her rhythm ,she was almost unstoppable . Her blades twirled in an incredible pace giving him a really hard time to block them. She led them high and low, forcing him to switch position al the time, making him act as she desired.

"Do you have enough my Avenger? Do you want me to finish it? Problems with catching breath?" she asked him as their blades clashed again. They pressed again each other, studying their faces.

"No…- he gasped leaning towards her, making her step back – "I'm just warming up…"

Now Nuada pushed Nessa into defense. He really started to enjoy this as she appeared to be a worthy opponent. Now he controlled the situation, and Nessa had to conform to his moves. He attacked with sword and spear not giving her time to rest or think. Nessa dodged and blocked hits, but it was becoming more and more difficult. Nuada sensed it and decided to use it to gain advantage over her. Using his whirling spear as distraction, he hit her wrist and disarmed her of one blade.

Nessa shouted with pain. She jumped backwards to increase the distance between them. She rubbed her wrist watching Nuada's malicious grin.

"That makes a draw so far. But I will go easy on you" – he added throwing aside his sword and making his lance extend – "I don't want to damage you to much… Not yet, I have other plans concerning you…"

"Someone once said that if you want to amuse Gods, tell them about your plans… I would very much agree on this one" – she riposted and ran towards him

Nuada did the same. They passed each other and stopped several inches away. Nessa felt that her hair was no longer pinned in pony tail. It went loose, as he must have cut the string that held it. As she turned to face her opponent, she saw him grin "I say this hairstyle is more appropriate for a woman. Besides it will match my bedroom… I think I found another good use for you.. "he added giving her kind of look she hated the most. "Speaking of which, it makes me wonder…Is your love as wild as your swordplay? Cannot wait to try it…." Nuada didn't meet many warrior women in his life. But he learned that nothing angered them more, than referring to their sexuality. And he got it right. Nessa's eyes narrowed in rage.

"I see Sire that you are really eager to go to bed, as you already started to undress yourself" she replied turning her eyes to the sleeve she just cut off" As for your proposal, well can't say I'm honored. On the contrary, you're not my type. I do not content myself with pale, weak aristocratic boys. Just men…" This one went straight to the sorest part of his pride.

"Who asks you what you want?. It's all about what I want. And that's the best part… - 'he growled – "I will make you scream. Either with delight or pain. The choice is mine to make…"

"Be my guest Sire. At least you'll die trying" she replied

They ran at each other attacking with enormous fury. Nessa' s sword went across Nuadas chest making him hiss, Nuada' s lance cut Nessa's arm giving it a nasty wound. They didn't seem to notice. They just focused on each other's weapons, blocking deflecting and searching opponent's weak point. They resembled two shadows dancing by the light of the moon. Ice and fire.

Eventually Nuada managed to hit Nessa with blunt end of his spear, taking her legs out and knocking her off her feet. With an victorious smile, he approached her saying " I don't know who taught you to fight. But it seems, he was not good enough…. Suddenly his grin was replaced with surprise as he found himself struck to the ground, with Nessa sitting upon his chest. Blade pressed against his throat, already cut the skin and he felt a small stream of blood swimming down his neck

"The One who taught me, was too good for you to even mention his name. The ravens however, will appreciate your filthy tongue, as I'm going to throw it to them once, I'm done with you… Nessa's face now became terrifying, stretched in malicious grin.

"Now, my dear Elf we will see who screams first. I have a feeling, that delight just wouldn't be the word...."