Next piece served.

Once again thanks for reviews and support. I know I've already said this a dozen times, but it really means much to me.

Thank you all.

And now enjoy.

MS

The air in the room was thick, almost visible. Woman lifted her chin in order to meet Elf's amused eyes. If gaze could kill, the river of blood would have been spilled this night. Unfortunately she was aware, that this elf sneering at her was not an easy opponent. What was even worse, he was extremely stubborn adversary. That left her only one way to handle his presence. Her inner voice howled out of frustration. But she was aware if she refused to listen, eventually he would have made her to. And this humiliation she wouldn't bare. She clenched her teeth along with her fists and slurred:

"I'm all ears….What are you waiting for….SPEAK"

Nuada had to use all his will not to snort at her rebellious look. He made his lance return to a spear's size and placed it on his back.

"I'm glad to hear you still let you reason take a lead in your proceedings" – he started

His words only fanned the flame of her anger, but using every ounce of self control, she sent him one of her most charming smiles.

"Why…. Thank you for the compliment. I must disagree on this one however. If I were wise….well…. I'm not. So I just keep my thoughts to myself." She shrugged

"To prove my good intentions I promise, if don't find my offer interesting, I will leave you in peace. It will be the last time you'll ever see me…" – Nuada placed his right hand on his heart and slightly bowed

"Don't make a promise you do not intend to keep…" Nessa snorted – Now please Elf to the point"

Not that long ago saying , such words would cost speaker life. Tonight Nuada knew she was right. He broke the promise given to her.. Even his sense of honor started to fade. He had to hurry. This exile was pulling him under like a swamp. It was harder and harder to be the Elf which left Bethmoora 1,5 centuries ago. The notions of honor, legacy, pride became more and more distant. The line between good and evil and right or wrong began to blur. He wasn't sure if he remembered what they used to mean. Decay of those values in his soul was equal to fading of his kingdom… his people. He believed that only he could stop both. By regaining the crown piece. He approached the window to look at the moon. He saw her withdraw slightly moving herself beyond his reach. She didn't trust him, and he could not blame her. It put him however in very unfavorable position. He knew she wasn't stupid, he knew that she wouldn't fall for any story. He needed to make her WANT to join this quest. And it was like a walk on slippery rocks. Very risky indeed. He knew she was watching him. He could not hesitate anymore, he couldn't reveal his true intentions to her. He closed his eyes and allowed the words to flow freely

"As you suspect, the golden piece which we took from Ashane is a part of something bigger… More significant……"

"A crown maybe?" –she interfered making him freeze. How did she know that? How much did she know?

"Yes…." He started cautiously studying her face thoroughly. If he had to improvise, he definitely would, but he needed to know how far he could go. "There are three pieces that merge into a Golden Crown, extremely powerful artifact." – he paused to see her reaction to his words. Her face was blank, completely emotionless. She still treated his story as a way to get rid of him. Her eyes however were focused, which still gave him hope to gain her interest. If he played it wisely…

"I need this crown to free my people of disease that's killing them." he spoke without single blink

"A disease…." Nessa couldn't help sneer crawling up on her face – "Crown should help you heal disease? What are you taking me for? " she twitched her head to the side – "Crowns do not heal diseases. Healers do. You will not drag me in another mess…Elf…"

"I haven't finished ,and I'd very much appreciate if you allowed me to…" his gaze wiped the sneeer off Nessa's face. There was some kind of determination in his eyes that made Nessa feel very uncomfortable. Theoretically he could not force her to anything…practically he was completely unpredictable. That assured Nessa that provoking him right now was not the wisest thing to do. She cleared her throat and spoke in apologizing tone:

"I'm sorry…. Please continue…"

"I want you to know that it's very important for me. If it wasn't I wouldn't choose you for this task. I need to do my best not to let my people down. You are the best, that's why I need to have you with me. I cannot force you to join me." – he locked her eyes with his sauntering slowly her direction – 'I don't want to force you, because it wouldn't bring any good. I want your consent…. And I'm able to do much to get it…" he stopped about foot away from her. Nessa fought her legs not to back off. She felt very insecure with him being so close. Especially after recent events. She lifted her head to look at him. His scent was intoxicating somewhat dark and primal, forest and rain. She bit her lower lip and clenched her fists trying to regain her reason.

"You're trying to do it again…." – she started in a low voice – "You're trying to use my body against me. But it's not how it's going to be Elf. If you are able to sacrifice much for this purpose, that's great. Because it will cost you much….. If I decide to go with you. And right now I'm not very eager to. This way or another… -" she started putting her hands on his chest – "my fist condition is…" she slightly pushed him away – "that you always respect my personal space. ALWAYS. If I see you're playing your games again.... If I catch you on messing with my mind … Well you would not like to see me then. Now do continue…."

Nuada raised his arms in gesture of surrender and took a step back. His eyes however danced with mirth, and mischievous smile made Nessa's inside burn.

"Would that be enough?" he asked silently enjoying her inner struggle. Day after day he will break the wall of her resistance. And final and total victory will be his. Playing cat and mouse had it's advantages. It was the highest time to recognize them. But now he had more important task. Make her believe him.

"Some time ago, my father made a truce…. Shameful truce…." He started slowly lowering his arms – "And it's killing my people now…"

"The truce is killing your people?" – Nessa shook her head in disbelief – "Either your way of telling me the story is extremely bizarre, or you're playing with me….Either way I really do not like it Elf….."

"Not the truce"- Nuada blurted out impatiently – "The truce allows the plague that decimates my people and destroys my land to grow and spread. The truce annihilates fragile balance which is necessary for Fey to survive. I need help to put a stop to this. Your help. " he ended silently

"And how is this crown supposed to end the disease?" Nessa asked becoming more convinced that was not honest with her – "What does it do? Calls special magic? Counter spell?"

"A sort of…" – Nuada replied hesitantly – "It is hard to explain how it works…. In brief words…. It awakens ancient magic which, summons long forgotten forces to fight against this curse"

"Curse, plague, magical diseases…." – Nessa listed previously heard notions – "I don't think so Elf…" she shook her head – "I'm not falling for this again. I cannot work for you… Now leave or…"

"Have you ever heard of Bethmoora?" – he asked throwing her off the track

"The heart of the Unseen Kingdom? Of course I did…" – she replied – "My father told me about this place. Only few humans have ever seen it. It is well hidden from our sight…."

"You know much"- Nuada nodded – "And I'm offering you priceless experience. I will take you to Bethmoora as my…. Partner. You will see palace, Fountains of Light and anything you might wish to see. You'll be treated like royalty, my personal guest. In exchange for your help. A will give you anything I can. Just help me."

Nessa glanced at this proud warrior now asking her to help him. This was flattering, she could not deny. After the amount of humiliation she received from his part , this was even kind of sweet revenge.

Bethmoora…. That was in fact priceless experience. The Elf was right, without his invitation she could never dream of seeing the domain of the elf folk. Adventurer's soul began to whisper within her, insisting to think in all over again. For sure this was a lifetime opportunity. On the other hand however she didn't trust the Elf. Not one bit. And this tension that was growing between them made working for him dangerous. Too dangerous. She has never allowed her self to come so close to her client. That could bring only unnecessary complications. This one rule has proved to be extremely useful…. Not to get into trouble. Especially not for him.

"No…. I cannot do this" – she sighed turning her back on him – You'll need to find someone else. I'm sure I'm not the only one who can do the job well. Now please….leave me…" she started to walk towards the fireplace

"I'm not able to beg…. This one thing I cannot do." – he faltered – "I know I mistreated you and you have no reason…" – he paused –"I cannot fail my people. Not again…. They are already fading….I cannot allow this happen….." – he took a step forward – "Please help me save them….. Please…" last words made Nessa's hand freeze on a lever. The hanged her head and tightened her grasp on mechanism. She was…moved with his voice. She would never suspect him of ….. being so humble. It seemed as if he really got to a point of no return. And he was desperate enough to ASK…. really ask her to help him.

Nuada watched her back in anticipation. To his utter disappointment she switched the lever and pushed hidden door. So he failed. He missed his best chance to awake the Golden Army. Uncontrollable anger started to build up in him. His right arm wandered up to reach for his spear. If she was not with him, then she was against him. All strings which were her only protection against his hatred broke within a fraction of second. He was about to dash her direction when he heard her speak.

"What are you waiting for? Come in. " – her voice inviting him to enter her lair left him disoriented. His brows knitted as he slowly lowered his arm. Very slowly he approached the hidden door expecting some kind of trick from her part. She was standing there with her hands on her hips.

"I'm not saying I will do it. But I'm really tired today and I need sleep to clear my mind. We'll talk about this tomorrow." she spoke closing the door behind him

"Now listen…. Nuada… I'm inviting you to my home for a second time. I'm not cruel to make you spend night roving in this rain. Do not make me regret this…" – she cast him a warning look and walked towards the curtain of what she humorously named "bathing chamber". Still not being sure what to think, sliently he sat down on the chair and fixed his disoriented gaze on the curtain. She emerged from behind of it the moment after. She was dressed in white loose tunic, which most probably made out for her night attire. Trying his best to hide his confusion he asked

"What are you doing?"

"I'm going to sleep" – she shrugged as if it was the most common thing to do at the moment – "As I told you…. I've had a tough….month. I need a rest to come to terms with my senses. And as I've told you, you can stay here." – she approached the trunk and started to search it – "Unfortunately the standard I can offer is this…" she threw him worn out straw mattress and thin blanket –"I'll give you my final decision tomorrow. Good night" She slid under the sheets "Oh one more thing….. please allow me to sleep. Appreciate my hospitality and… just respect my personal space."

Nuada glanced at the items she jus gave him and shook his head. She seemed more bizarre to him than ever. First she attacked him and then she offered him shelter. Quietly he sat himself upon a windowsill and focused his eyes upon the clouded sky. It was still pouring. A little moonlight was bleeding through straight on his face. He listened to her breathing. She was asleep. He could slit her throat within a fraction of second, she wouldn't even make a sound. Why did she take so much risk? Nuada's lips curled into a slight smirk. She trusted him because she believed him. She believed that he found her irreplaceable. His little performance of his undermined her confidence. Which allowed him to assume that her refusal was not final. There still was hope for Nuada Silverlance and his plans. So still his fate allowed him to stay on path he chose to follow.

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

Black figure laid on the floor curled. Silent whimpers were coming out of man's throat. Another cloaked figure squatted by trembling creature and asked

"Are you in pain….my friend?? Well to not blame me… I warned you about being smart. It was you who didn't listen…"

"I am not your friend…" laying man growled through clenched teeth

"Jon, Jon, Jon" – dagger twirled between slim fingers and violently plunged in Jon's shoulder, just by the shoulder joint. Terrible scream tore out man's throat. – "You will never learn will you?" – the look of man's bright blue eyes was almost worried. He started to grinding the blade into the wound. Jon's scream became muffled when glowed hand covered his mouth. Alton La Fey brought his beautiful, almost feminine face closer to Jon's.

"Now Jon, you know I'm not a patient man…." He started slowly turning the blade – "Yet I've given you much time to bring her to me. I warned you about the consequences of disobeying me. And still you defy me?" – out of nowhere another dagger appeared in Alton's hand and with one firm move it pierced Jon's second shoulder. Jon howled not being able to take the pain. "Now Jon…" man started as if he was speaking to a child – "You know I like you, and I find your connections very…. Useful. I'm still willing to forgive your little insubordination. I'll pay the healer to reline those fractures" with his head he pointed at Jon's legs – "You might limb a bit, but you must understand, I could not allow such insult to go unanswered. All you have do is to bring Nessa Moonshade to me. It's not as if I wanted to kill her…. I want her to work for me, to join my guild. I really do not understand your obstinacy…" he hesitated – "Or maybe I do… You are afraid that she could fall for me…."

He was cut off by giggle that gradually developed into a hysterical laughter. Alton jumped to his feet and kicked Jon in stomach with brute force that took his breath away. Jon chocked for a moment and then cackled even louder.

"Fall for you?" – he had to catch air in gasps – "Nessa would fall for you? To her, you're a worm not even worth to be squashed under her heel"

"WHERE IS SHE?!" Alton roared stomping on Jon's leg. That only stopped cackle for awhile

" You'll never get her."- Jon growled – "Over my dead body"

Alton face suddenly went calm again. He tore the daggers off Jon's body and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. " If this is the condition that needs to be fulfilled, then I'll start right away… You'll die knowing that this all was in vain. Dead or alive, you'll bring her to me." he hissed through the clenched teeth. Then he abruptly let him go making him hit the floor.

"Finish this" – he ordered to his men waiting outside Jon's room

He left the building whistling. He regretted he had to leave that early. He loved to take lives away, to watch the last life symtpoms fade, to see defeat and hopelessness in his victims' eyes. This pitiful bastard had hours before him to think about how he failed his precious partner. And then she'll come straight to him to avenge her little pet. Alton LaVey will be ready. He'll be ready to swallow her rage and bury her pride. It's time she became a pet.

Without slowing down he kicked away old beggar. At the sound of the old man's groan his grin widened even more.