The ride had been particularly hard today and Lianas legs were wobbly as she walked toward the line of trees. It took everything within her to hold her regal bearing and not show just how tired her limbs felt. A little privacy was needed too, the dusty paths leading through the barren grasslands left her feeling the need for a wash and a clean dress.

By the time Liana left the privacy of the trees and the little stream the camp was full of activity. One fire burned in the center and several clumps of soldiers sat around it eating. Only two tents were needed one for Liana and one for Captain Selvan. Gyran was already wrapped in a blanket and curled up with his bird. The troll was still in the supply cart at the very back of camp by the horses.

Liana hoped she would not have to wait long for the soldiers of the night watch to start their story telling, they would become so distracted regaling one another with stories of triumph and bloodshed, that she could easily work with the troll. Why the two things went hand in hand Liana could never understand, triumph, in her mind, could be reached without the mess of blood.

Liana was mid meal when she heard deep laughter from the far side of camp. One little peek out the tent flap showed the men gathered round listening to stories of battle past. Liana made quick work of gathering her her small herb pouch and crawling under the back tent wall.

(Chapter break)

Rajit 'Kal had watched the elven girl slip out of the shadows and edge her way towards him. He lay on the rough wood feigning sleep curious as to her presence and wary of her intentions. Raj was a rogue his job was to be stealthy and find out information, kill when necessary and to be ever ready for any situation. He had not been ready for the attack that killed his friends and made him a captive, that however was not as startling as her touch him. The girl had one hand on his forehead and the other braced against his back. He could feel her looking at him, could hear her halting breaths and smell the sweet scent of roses.

Raj could not help himself he had to see her better, had to look into her eyes. What did it matter if she knew he was not sleeping. He opened his eyes and looked into the glowing lilac eyes of the girl. She was beautiful, that was something Raj could not deny, enemy or not the elf was something he would not forget. Her skin was as pale as moonlight with a light bluish tint, pouty red lips, small slightly turned up nose and long white hair, braided, fell past her hips.

Liana leaned near his ear and whispered "I wish to help you but you must be quiet while I am with you." She spoke the words in his native language but proceeded to ramble in common. "I have to move these crates quietly so I can block the soldiers view, if they find me I am sure they will wake the Captain."

She was nervous, or so Raj assumed. Why else would she ramble on so. The task of moving the heavy crates was proving hard, she dropped one a little too soon and made enough noise to wake the camp. Raj saw the terrified look in her eyes and reacted, quickly covering her body with his and curling up around her. He placed one foot against a crate and pushed it off the wagon.

"What are you doing Troll" A guard sneered

"I don't think hes awake, Bron" The second guard said

The elf was thankfully quiet beneath him. Rajit'Kal concentrated on breathing shallow and appearing to be asleep. Inside his head he was cursing himself for helping the girl. Why had her terror affected him, made him want to help her.

"You see if its sleepin" Bronwyn said to his companion

Raj heard some shuffling behind him and felt a kick to his lower back. It took all his control not to strike back. He was not strong enough yet, the many internal injuries would hold him back. Both men laughed at the grunt the kick produced "guess he is asleep" one muttered as they walked off.

The troll moved off Liana with another grunt he curled back up on the rough wood. Anger had risen within Liana at the guards treatment of the troll, if she had not been paralyzed by the weight of the troll she would have... well she could have done something. Now was not the time to dwell on things, the feelings she experienced and the anger she felt could e sorted through later.

Liana wasted no more time her lips began to moved with a silent spell. Once again her palms glowed with a soft light as she made quick work of healing the trolls external injuries. She pulled on his arm whispering "sit please" as she removed herbs from her pouch stirring them in a tiny liquid filled cup. She pressed the foul smelling concoction into his hands asking him to drink. Raj watched her pack away the herbs and remove something else from her pouch.

"You do not have much time Troll. " she whispered as she turned and untied his wrists. Raj looked at her dumbfounded was she letting him go? his shock over her actions left him sitting for a moment." They could come back at any moment."

The sight of a dagger in her hand sent him into action. He grabbed her wrist painfully at the same time he clapped a hand over her mouth, rolling to the side dragging her with him. They landed with him on top, pinning her legs to the ground with his and her free arm with his elbow. It was a practiced move, giving him the advantage over an attacker, though with the supple body a woman beneath him it was having a different effect. Rajit'Kal held her gaze for a moment studying her face, she showed no fear. He could not help but feel admiration for her, this slip of a girl who defied her people to help him and now in the face of his anger showed nothing but calm. He ground his hips into her slightly, feeling the heat rise from her body...

What was he thinking! This is his enemy, she is nothing more than a tool to his escape. The reasons she was helping him meant nothing to him "not a sound" he commanded her in common.

She nodded slightly or so he hoped with his weight fully on her, she could not move too much. Rajit'Kal moved his hand away slowly, sliding his fingers across her cheek, down to her shoulder. Her soft skin was warm, a low gasp escaped her parted lips, Raj felt his manhood tighten.

"If you do not hurry all this will be for naught." she said breathlessly in perfect orctish. "and I was not trying to hurt you. The dagger is yours."

Raj was surprised by her speech, who was this elf, how did she speak his language so clearly. His need to understand that situation was taking over rather than rational thoughts, it could also be due to his unexpected arousal "Why are you doing this?"

"Now is not the time for questions you need to leave, the night watch will be back soon. " she ignored the question in favor of yet again trying to rush him away, using her full weight she pushed against him with her body.

Raj pulled away from the confusing girl to sit back on his haunches. Everywhere their bodies had touched suddenly felt on fire, along with the tightness in his breeches the frustration was mounting.

She stood then moving further into the woods, Raj followed her, reaching out to grab her arm. Liana stopped giving him a questioning look "Do you wish to stay our prisoner? Is your life that meaningless?"

"I have to know why you would help me." He replied. A primal need beyond his control rose within Rajit'Kal. He pulled her to him, burying his face in her neck and inhaling deeply of her scent. A low guttural sound escaped Raj's throat, the need to possess her in every way was quickly overtaking him. As if knowing what he wanted she lifted her lips to his, tilting her head slightly to accommodate his tusks.

Raj needed no further invitation to plunder her mouth, he parted her lips with his tongue tasting the sweet honey of her mouth. She sighed molding her body into his as she returned his kiss. Liana was assailed by new sensations building with intensity as they spun through her body, wreaking havoc on her mind. His hands moved to her backside pressing her hips closer, Liana burned with a need she could not understand.

One of his tusks scraped her cheek causing her to tense. Raj pulled back pushing the girl away from him. "witch" he spat, as she lost her balance and fell to the ground.

"Your freedom is waiting beyond the tree line there" she pointed behind him, annoyance finally creeping into her tone "You are out of time Troll, be gone"

Raj spared one last look at her sitting on the ground, then vanished into the shadows of the forest.