Hello,

Motivated by my new reviewers I'm presenting the next piece.

It was actually quite easy to write. I just sat and wrote. I had to switch my brain to less official mode.

So, Reinamarie Seregon, Found-in Reverie, Mommys-Little-Mightmare, and Frigg Song, THANK YOU for sharing your opinions. As you can see it quite works. My muse went berserk.

Now enough of blubbering. Read and let me know what you think.

MS

Nathaniel stormed into Nuada's room pressing his hand to bleeding cheek.

"This bitch attacked me.! She raised her filthy hand against me! I cannot work with someone like that. Either you do something about her, or I leave. I'm not doing it this way!" he yelled

Nuada's eyes widened in shock as he rushed his friend's direction – "How did it happen?"

"Does it matter?" Nathaniel sounded offended – " What should matter is that your soldier was injured by human.."

" It does matter my friend.." Nuada rested his hand upon elf's shoulder – "I just want to know what happened."

"I went to have a word with her, and her answer were daggers flying my direction. End of story. She's impertinent, unbearable bitch. No matter how good she is, you should dismiss her and find someone, who knows his limits.." Nathaniel snarled studying the blood on his palm

"Go and have it fixed" Nuada spoke – "And I'll have a little chat with my mercenary… We'll meet here in 15 minutes for short briefing." Nuada paused – "I'm sorry my friend. I assure you , this will never happen again. I give you my word." Nuada rapidly turned away and rushed for the door.

******************************

Nessa was braiding her hair when Nuada stormed into her room.

"Where are your manners, Your Royal Highness? Storming into lady's room like that? It doesn't befit.." – she spoke to his mirror image

"Manners? You want manners? Well let me show you…" he came at her making her reverse quickly. She has never seen him that furious. She peeked at the blades which lied on the bed. Not that it would help much, but she would feel more confident having them by her side. With every step of his, she took involuntary step back. Finally she found herself trapped between stone wall and outraged elf approaching her with not at all friendly intentions. Her eyes desperately searched for any escape route, but it was far too late, he stood right in front of her. He rested his hands on the wall, right by her arms, efficiently trapping her. Nessa felt her heartbeat quicken, along with increasing tightness in her throat. She knew that she moved too far this time, and she knew that talking out of that was delicately speaking impossible. She decided however not to show that she was...uncomfortable. Ignoring the lump in her throat, she took a deep breath, and confronted Nuada's infuriated gaze.

"I thought we had a deal…" – Nuada growled – "I thought I made your position clear. And yet you dare to attack one of my people?! Give me a good reason not to break your neck…"

"It was self-defense…" Nessa challenged him with her gaze – "He came against me.. it was an automatic reaction. Not action.. You would have done the same…" she was broke off by his fist slamming against the wall, just right by her head

"SILENCE!" -he snapped – "Don't say a word!" – his voice trembled out of rage – "I've had enough of your roistering…" he clutched her throat, pressing her skull against the wall – "Listen to me human… and listen very carefully. I've come so far, and I'm not going to let you ruin all this. I'm giving you one and last chance…" Nessa felt that decreasing air supply is making her woozy, but the held his gaze. Nuada continued now having his voice transformed to hiss "You go there and beg Nathaniel for forgiveness…"

"No…" she whispered, fighting herself not to faint

"What did you say?!" Nuada twisted his head to the side in disbelief

"I said I won't do it. I did nothing but defending myself…" Nessa gasped – " So do what you have to do.."

Nuada released her allowing her to slide down the wall. She sat down choking and breathing in gasps. Nuada rested his hands on his hips and tilted his head back, trying to gather his thoughts. Finally he bent down, and grabbed her arm making her stand up.

"If you like it your way, so be it." he snarled pushing her towards the door. She stumbled, stopped and cast him angered gaze from over the shoulder "Where are we going?" she asked

"I'm going to make a deal of my life…" Nuada murmured approaching her – "And you are my deal. Move!" he ordered

"Where are you taking me?!" Nessa snapped locking his eyes against hers – "I'm not going anywhere unless you tell me.."

"I'm afraid Flower, that's your problem. You'll go exactly where I tell you." his face stretched in evil grin while he pushed her through the door

"Just kill me here! What's this masquerade for?!" she yelled at him

"Kill you? Oh no my litte fighter… I wouldn't make it that easy on you…" he murmured grabbing her arm and pulling her towards the stairs. She struggled fiercely to free herself from his grasp. Nuada stopped and hissed "Either you go by yourself conscious or I transport you unconscious. For me, it makes no difference… for you… it's better to keep your eyes open."

Nessa's defiance faded as the saw his gaze. She felt that further fight didn't make too much sense. She relaxed her muscles and mumbled "I'll go by myself.."

"Whatever you say…" Nuada released her arm and moved his hand down, allowing his own arm to wrap around Nessa's waist. "Well come Love" – he mocked – "let's go for a walk. The night is so beautiful.. But you're soo stiff. Why is that.? Put your arm around me. It' no sin…"

Nessa followed his request faintly, and they walked towards the stairs. In the eyes of the strangers, they seemed to be lovers entering the night in search of dark pleasures.

********************************************

They walked along dark side alleys till the moment they stopped in front of obscure, abandoned building. Nuada knocked at the door and spoke to Nessa

"If you have any common sense left, I advise you to draw good conclusions out of our small trip"

The door opened and extremely ugly orc revealed to them, eyeing them up and down. "What?!" he grunted ineptly in common speech.

"I came to make business. This is my commodity.." – he pushed Nessa forward, almost sending her to the ground. Orc cast her an examining glance and smiled exposing his rotten fangs. "Not make mess. You mess I kill" orc grunted stepping aside

Nuada entered the building pushing Nessa in front of him. Nessa's mind raced.

What is this place? What's inside this wicked mind? she thought stumbling over her own feet.

Finally they reached a huge chamber. And Nessa understood where she was. It was illegal slave market. Cages covered whole floor leaving a little place for buyers to move between them. None of them was empty. There were men, women, even children. Her eyes widened in horror at the concept of life this pointy eared bastard had planned for her.

"Come" he whispered to her ear – "Let's take a closer look at your future"

His grasp tightened as he pulled her, making the crowd step aside. They stopped in front of cage full of young women. They were probably Nessa's coevals. Nessa turned her head and looked away. She couldn't stand the view of their torn clothing, bruised bodies and most of it all their empty lifeless eyes. Nuada grabbed her hair and made her look their direction

"Look!" he hissed to her ear "Look and tell me, which do you prefer, their company or mine? My patience has come to an end. I've grown tired of straightening you up. Now it's your turn to convince me, why shouldn't I get rid of you here…"

Nessa gritted her teeth. What he demanded of her, she couldn't guarantee. This slashed elf was a plain accident. She didn't mean to do it. She warned him, and it was him who insisted on the confrontation. She acted automatically, she couldn't just turn off her primal instincts. She felt like sheep taken by the wolfpack. The difference was that this sheep knew how to bite. And that was the problem. She was brought around by a hoarse voice:

"Ahhh what a quite do we have here.." she rested her gaze on a big muscular man slowly walking their direction – "Beautiful hair… and eyes.. and lips.." – he reached out his hand to caress the strand of the ruby hair. Nessa attempted to recede, but she came against the wall of Nuada's chest. He took her hands and twisted them behind her back, taking the last line of defense away.

"Yes, she's a beauty, but I have to warn you that she can be troublesome. That's why I came to sell her. But she has been quite an entertainment for a while. I'm sure you'll agree with me…" Nessa heard Nuada's voice coming from above her head.

"Little feisty one, aren't you…" the man purred moving his hand down her neck, sliding down breasts and stopping at her bosom. – "How much for this little falcon?" he queried

"I'll give her away cheap. I'm in a hurry and her body is not flawless. She's scarred. But the pleasure stays the same… 50 gold pieces and she's yours." Nuada answered increasing the pressure on Nessa's shoulder joints to prevent her from strugling.

"That's very cheap, indeed!" man's eyes glowed – "you have a deal" – he nodded

"I'm happy to hear that…" Nuada grinned at increased tremble of Nessa's body – "Just one more thing I'd like to ask of you. This little falcon was sort of precious to me. Could I have a last quarter with her? Just to preserve beautiful memories?" he winked at the man who now devoured Nessa's body with his eyes

"Be my guest, Sire" – the man bowed to Nuada – "to get rid of such beauty must be sad… Have a good time, I'll wait right here, and we'll finalize the transaction"

"Thank you, good man" Nuada answered pulling Nessa towards the exit

When they left the chamber and entered the dark corridor, Nuada released Nessa's hands. Then he pushed her making her back hit the wall. Then he slammed his hands against the wall, trapping her within the cage of his arms. It was dark, but still Nessa could see and feel his fury emanating out of his every pore. She has never been in such trouble. She forced herself to raise her head and look at him.

"What's your choice then? Us or him?" Nuada demanded

"Would you really give me away to this scumbag?" Nessa frowned trying to act surprised. Her remark angered him even more. Not only because she dared to make such remark, but also because she was partially right. He prepared this show to make her realize what he meant by owning her. But he assumed that this place would mitigate her intolerable temper. Taking a deep breath to calm down he asked

"What makes you think I wouldn't?" Nuada twisted his head to the side

"Nothing…." Nessa mumbled dropping her gaze to the ground – "Nothing at all…" she understood that this was really not good time for being clever. Normally the slaves didn't scare her. She watched them often enough, to become indifferent to their suffering. Her sanity demanded that. But now, standing on the edge of becoming one of them, paralyzed her. Suddenly, "feisty" part of her receded, leaving her empty and passive.

Resignation in Nessa's eyes made Nuada embarrassed. He was positive that she would not believe his threats as she has done it so far. It was his fault, he tolerated her impertinence with extraordinary patience. But this had to come to an end. He had a soft spot for her and it was something he didn't actually understand. She was amusing in her attempts of proving to him that they were equal. Her presence allowed him to relax and allow his mind to tear away from dark thoughts that inhabited it for most of the time. But this weakness of his mustn't be revealed to his people. That's why he was decided; if she refuses to cooperate on his conditions, he'll have to let her go. Or rather get rid of her. Although somewhere, deep inside, most reluctantly admitted that leaving her with this filthy animal wasn't right. He shook his head as if he wanted to shake this thought out of his head

"You're running out of time…" he urged – "What will it be.?. I've already been generous giving you the possibility to choose. As you can see there are places and people worse than we are."

"Let's leave.." Nessa whispered

"Are you aware of the consequences of your choice?" Nuada leaned forward and cupped her chin making her look at him – "Then tell me." He demanded firmly

"I'll obey" she murmured

"Now why should I believe you? I've heard such vows before…" Nuada questioned

"I don't know…" – Nessa shrugged – " I cannot give you anything more than my word." And my fear of your alternative plans concerning my person. She added in her mind

"Will you apologize as I asked you to?" – He queried

"Yes…" her whisper was almost soundless

"Come then" he reached out his arm and wrapped it around her shoulders – I know that you wouldn't understand that. But I was also saving your life. A glimpse of thought ran through elf's mind. Then added out loud – "And now we need to hurry for we are already late…. And remember what you are bound to do."

Nessa allowed him to lead her. She tilted her head in resignation. The horror he presented her to overwhelmed her. Suddenly she lost all will to fight and resist. She mused on all that had happened so far. Within the glimpse of time her life became someone else's property. Someone ruthless and cruel. Someone capable to sentence her for slow agony. So far she was convinced that death was the worst that could happen to her. Rhys in fact , for numerous times told her about wild world. But this world has never actually touched her. In this moment, she realized how peaceful and predictable her existence was compared to mess she stuck in. Little did she know about life and its twisted ways. Having that in mind, she allowed herself to be taken back to the wolves.

*********************************

Tuatha drummed his fingers on the table, Mathan swung on his chair. Their eyes were fixed upon Nathaniel who paced around the room with his hands set on his back. He wouldn't tell them where the wound on his cheek come from. They could only suspect that it was somehow connected to Nuada and his wicked choice. What was more disturbing.. Nuada and his "guard" were now very much late for the briefing. That was quite unusual, since the prince has always put much attention to punctuality.

Eventually the door opened and a human was forced into the room, followed by Nuada holding her firmly. He pushed her towards Nathaniel and growled "Speak!"

Nessa almost ran into Nathaniel's chest. Once she caught her balance she lifted her head, met his gaze and spoke.

"I apologize for what has happened. I had no right to attack you…"

I HAD EVERY RIGHT! Her thoughts screamed

"I don't expect you to forgive me…

And actually I don't give the smallest damn…

…but the mission needs us all to cooperate." Finishing the sentence she peeked at Nuada. Nuada's face was very still. He turned to Nathaniel and asked "Do you accept these apologies, My Friend?"

Nathaniel's gaze was fixed upon Nessa's face. Nuada was right. Even now, even locked with enemy, who could do anything to her, there was no humility in her. There was a feigned one. She stood there in front of him, saying what she was told to say, but the words were denied by every single part of her body. By every single spark in her deep blue eyes. He could sense her disdain boiling just under this pale skin. Very well – he thought as his mouth curved into predatory smile – very soon you'll be sorry. For real.

"Well.. my friend…" he turned to Nuada – "I see you were very efficient in blunting this kittens claws… However… I need to "feel" the release of the tension…" now he turned to Nessa approaching her just like predator sneaks upon his prey. Nessa stood still with her chin high. Nathaniel sneered as he continued – "Well, since your fame precedes you, I would like to try out your fingers…" his grin widened at flames that burst in female's eyes. "I want a massage." Nathaniel finished folding his arms upon chest. He smiled to his thoughts as he saw her fists and jaw clench. Her eyes burned. He has never seen such fire before. With a smug smile he turned to Nuada and asked with feigned surprise – "Am I asking too much?"

Now Nessa's gaze was fixed upon Nuada. He knew that this bastard enjoys this. But still she hoped that there are some lines, he would not cross. Apparently she was wrong as to her horror he answered without a single blink "No not at all my friend…" the unruly sparkles that appeared in his eyes almost made Nessa howl out of frustration. – "you deserve a decent compensation. But now let's go back to the main point. Ashane…"

Nessa heard nothing, except for her heart pounding in her ears. She leaned against the wall watching the elves with thoroughly feigned indifference. Now this was getting personal. The wave of emotions took over her. In this place… this room she made vow, that when this all ends, she will make him pay. Even if it would be the last thing she would do. She felt the sneering gaze of the other elf. With all her will she forced herself not to look back for that was what he wanted. And that was something he could never have. Her pride.