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* Cat lies on her stomach across her bed, studying the documents Bastian's acquaintance brought and jotting the occasional note on her pad. <Bastian> ::sitting at the table nearby, flipping idly through some other reports:: <Cat> This is really strange... <Bastian> Yes, my lady? ::he looks over at her:: <Cat> ::slowly:: Well... she drowned. But I'm not certain why it got ruled a suicide... and it doesn't look like there was much investigation into this. <Bastian> ::raises an eyebrow:: She left a note, perhaps? <Cat> Nooooo... at least, there's no mention of it, here. It looks like my great-grandfather was the one to find her. <Bastian> ::shaking his head:: I don't know, my lady. Do you know where she was found? People do stumble into rivers. sometimes. <Cat> A well... they were digging a fresh well on the property, and she was found at the bottom of it. The cover was askew. <Bastian> ::shuddering:: That's horrible. We can go look, if you want. <Cat> ::eyes widening as she sits up straight:: No! I-- ::slumping a little:: Wait... no, you're right. I should. <Bastian> ::standing up, he moves behind her, putting his hands on her shoulders comfortingly:: It is, I believe, my lady, the only way to be sure. <Cat> ::nods, restraining a shudder, tossing her pencil down onto her notes:: Just... please, not today. I'm... I'm not ready to face her, yet.... <Bastian> Of course, my lady. ::his deep voice is curiously soft:: <Cat> ::blinks, seeming to come to herself again as she takes a deep breath. Clearing her throat, she slides her legs off the bed and stands up, stepping away from him a little:: So... um... what shall we do? <Bastian> ::steps back from her:: I'm sorry, my lady. I did not mean to intrude. What should you like to do? <Cat> Oh... no, I'm sorry, you weren't intruding, I just... ::blushing a little, staring at the floor between them:: well, no matter. Um... well, milord, it's your vacation. ::looking up at him and smiling a little:: What would *you* like to do? <Bastian> ::holding up one hand:: Not until you are done with your quest, my lady... in the meanwhile, I shall be happy to entertain you. Perhaps, my lady, you would care to learn to ride horseback? <Cat> ::blushes inexplicably, and clears her throat again:: Ah... well, I have learned a little... a friend in the city was giving me lessons. <Bastian> ::nodding:: You said, my lady. What would you like to do? <Cat> ::smiles faintly:: Whatever you would like to do, I suppose. Riding sounds nice, as long as it's not too rough a trail. <Bastian> ::chuckles:: I would not let you fall, my lady. It's wine country here, anyway. Nice gentle rolling hills. <Cat> ::smiles a little wider:: Yes, I know-- Arabellan. ::chuckles:: I *did* grow up around here, after all. <Cat> It's just-- I know you mentioned fox-hunting, and I'm afraid that's a bit beyond my skill. <Bastian> ::offering her his arm:: We shall start slowly, my lady. <Cat> ::nods, hesitating a breath before laying her hand on his arm:: <Bastian> ::patting her hand:: Don't worry, my lady. I have a friend who has a very nice stable hereabouts. I'm sure he'll have a gelding who won't be too spirited for you. <Cat> ::gives a snort of laughter:: Thank you, milord. <Cat> ::muttering softly to herself:: First time *that* will be a problem... <Bastian> ::escorting her down to the carriage, they head to a nearby manor:: <Cat> ::steps down from the coach, looking around and taking a deep breath:: I must admit, I feel a bit guilty... we've been in Arabel nearly a week, and I've not contacted my parents yet... <Bastian> ::glancing at her:: If you like, Masin can drive you to your parents' house. I should probably not go with you. <Cat> ::chuckling:: No, I could just see trying to explain two different guardians in as many months... ::shakes her head regretfully:: Perhaps... after. But not yet, I can't afford... ::bites her lip:: I need to focus. <Cat> ::looking around:: Which way to the stables? * Bastian leads her over to a large barn, where several horses nicker as they enter. "I had already inquired to the use of my friend's horses. He is on vacation in Waterdeep, at the moment, and said we could use his estate while he is here." <Cat> ::blinks, following after him:: Quite a good friend, then.... <Bastian> ::nodding:: I... did some business for him. Personal business. <Cat> ::cocking her head:: Ah? Nothing I should know about, then, I imagine. ::looking around again:: It's a beautiful estate... and I would swear I've seen the name on the gate on bottles, before... ::smiling a little:: <Bastian> ::giving her his half-smile:: Not exactly like that, my lady. I avenged his wife's death. <Cat> ::blinks:: ...oh. She was... someone murdered her? <Bastian> ::nodding:: She was kidnapped and held for ransom. He paid the ransom, but she was killed anyway. I... recovered his money and killed the men responsible for it. <Cat> ::shudders a little:: That's horrible... <Cat> ::quickly:: That is-- not what you did. What *they* did. <Bastian> ::raises his eyebrow:: That is kind of you to say, my lady. <Cat> ::frowns a little:: Kind? ::shrugging a shoulder:: It's only the truth. <Bastian> ::snorting, looking around the stables:: Kidnapping is a contemptible, cowardly act. ::picks a dark roan stallion:: Ah, hello Necromancer. ::patting the horse on the neck:: I thought you might be here... <Cat> ::a little hesitantly, but curiously, cocking her head as she trails after him:: How... how is assassination different, my lord? ::bites her lip:: <Bastian> ::saddling a coal black gelding with a white star on his forehead and two white socks:: This is Prince, my lady. He should serve you well. ::considering her question:: Mayhap it is not, my lady. ::he broods about this, as he saddles the roan:: <Cat> ::nods:: Thank you. ::checking over the tack, as she was taught, pulling the cinch and patting the horse as she leads him out of the stall:: Well... what is it about kidnapping that you find so contemptible, particularly? <Bastian> ::leading Necromancer out of the stables:: I do not like using people's love against them, my lady. <Cat> ::blinks:: People's love? ::staying well back of his stallion as she follows, reins in hand:: <Bastian> ::nodding:: Do you need a leg up, my lady? ::giving Necromancer a pat on the nose, he turns to offer Cat his cupped hands:: <Cat> ::blushing faintly, she nods:: Thank you. ::puts one hand on the saddle, and the other on his shoulder as she steps into his cupped hands:: * Bastian mounts up, putting one hand on the saddle and practically leaping into the saddle. <Bastian> To clarify, my lady... I do not steal what is most dear to them, in order to extort money. * Cat settles herself and her skirts into the sidesaddle, hooking her knee over the horn and arranging the reins in her fingers, looking up to watch enviously as Bastian mounts. <Cat> ::nods:: In other words... kidnappers compound the crime, by what they do. <Bastian> ::shrugging:: Perhaps. It is all comparative morality, with which to comfort oneself in the dark of night. <Cat> ::frowning:: But... if you don't like it... why do you do it? <Bastian> ::turns to look at her, his dark eyes narrowing:: It pays quite well. And it has its own satisfactions. ::a muscle in his neck jumps slightly:: * Cat looks down, cheeks reddening slightly as she occupies herself with arranging her skirts again. "I'm sorry, I meant no offense..." <Bastian> ::pulling his horse up beside hers:: Here, my lady. Hold your hands this way... ::shows her:: You'll get blisters the other way. Besides, Prince takes a light touch, you shouldn't pull on his mouth. ::pats the gelding fondly:: <Cat> ::rearranges her hands according to his instruction, looking at him sidelong:: You come here very often. <Bastian> ::nodding absently:: Yes, my lady, when I get the chance. Geremi has very good wine and very fine horses. And we are friends. I have so few... ::he trails off:: <Cat> ::watches his profile for several paces, and smiles suddenly:: I can't imagine why... *I* think you're charming. <Bastian> ::looks up at her:: Thank you, my lady. Have you got a good grip? Hold tight to Prince a moment. Necromancer and I are going to have a run, and we'll be right back for you. <Cat> ::looks slightly alarmed, but gamely settles her seat and sits up straight, still holding the reins lightly:: <Bastian> Do not be alarmed, my lady. You shall be able to see me the whole time, and Prince isn't likely to run away with you. ::with that he turns the roan and, touching his heels to the stallions side, gallops off:: <Cat> ::mutters:: "Likely" isn't "certain".... ::sighs and gives Prince a touch with her heel, moving him forward at a fast walk, watching the ground before them carefully:: * Bastian leads the roan around in a large circle, cleanly jumping several obstacles such as dead trees and a narrow creek. * Cat leans back in the saddle, halting the gelding, and shades her eyes to watch the smooth motion of the stallion. * Cat sighs softly. * Bastian turns Necromancer with his knees, then canters back up the sloping hill. * Cat drops her hand, watching as the pair returns. "I wish I could do that. With my luck, I'd fall on my head and knock some sense into it, if I tried." * Bastian grins at her suddenly, his eyes sparkling. <Cat> ::blinks, looking uncertain:: What? <Bastian> ::shaking his head:: I'm sorry, my lady. I do enjoy a good run. ::turning Necromancer to walk along-side her:: <Cat> ::looking at him sidelong, a hint of a smile playing over her lips:: Something tells me that's not all you were grinning at. <Bastian> ::snorting a little, giving her his half-smile, watching her under his lashes:: True enough, my lady. <Cat> ::smiling wider, leaning towards him a little to study him:: Are you tempting me to peek? <Bastian> ::raises an eyebrow at her:: Here, my lady... if you'll permit me? ::he gestures towards her legs:: You're sitting wrong. ::touching her ankle lightly, he moves it back in the stirrup so just the toe is across the metal:: Put your heel down, like so. ::demonstrates:: You'll get better balance that way. <Cat> ::follows his advice, frowning thoughtfully at her ankle, and grinning at him again suddenly:: You're changing the subject... <Bastian> ::nodding:: Yes, my lady, I am. <Cat> ::laughs:: Well, at least you're honest about it. ::adjusting her position, pushing down her heel-- and losing her shoe:: Oops... <Bastian> ::dismounting in a quick, fluid motion:: Hold on, my lady, I'll get it. <Cat> ::watches him, and sighs a little, murmuring to herself:: Cat, you're such a klutz... <Bastian> ::picking up her shoe, he slides it easily onto her foot:: No, my lady, you're not. <Cat> Ha. ::wiggles her toes a little, settling the shoe onto her heel and experimentally pointing the heel down again:: You only say that because you've not yet been exposed to the truly stunning heights of my klutziness. And certainly, compared to you-- ::shakes her head:: Never mind. Not a fair comparison. <Bastian> ::mounting up again:: You are no more clumsy than I am careless, my lady. And you *meant* to do that. ::gives her his half-smile:: <Cat> ::looking affronted:: I did not! <Bastian> ::leaning over, he touches the tip of her nose with one finger:: Subtle, my lady... <Cat> ::squinching down in the saddle a little:: Well... at least, not consciously. ::looking cross-eyed at his finger:: <Bastian> ::laughing, he leads Necromancer off into roulettes around her:: <Cat> ::shakes her head, smiling a little:: Show-off. The only difference between men and boys... <Bastian> ::bowing from the saddle:: Yes, my lady... <Cat> ::giggles:: You're not supposed to *agree* with me! <Bastian> ::pulling an expression of mock-contrition, which does not look particularly convincing:: My apologies, my lady. I'm so sorry. <Cat> ::shakes her head again, hiding a smile:: Just think what could happen, were there to be agreement between the sexes... what next, cats and dogs? <Bastian> ::snorts:: It's nothing, my lady. Necromancer is trained as a war-horse. He gets ideas, when we ride together. <Cat> ::raises her eyebrows:: Ideas? But... I'm harmless. Why is he getting ideas? <Bastian> ::turning his leg in the saddle, stretching his calf:: Most horse-training is in how you hold your legs, particularly if you are going to ride into battle. You can't be bothered with reins at such a time. And, as I am an unusually tense person, Necromancer always gets frisky. <Cat> ::raises an eyebrow:: "Frisky"? ::guides Prince a little farther away, broadening the distance between the two horses:: So I'm riding next to a frisky stallion? <Cat> ::mutters:: Glad I'm not riding a mare.... * Bastian shifts slightly, then almost loses his balance as Necromancer rears up suddenly, screaming defiance. "Down, shhhhh!" He leans forward, soothing the horse. * Cat startles away, sidling Prince farther to the edge of the path as the gelding reacts nervously. <Bastian> ::as Necromancer calms, Bastian dismounts again:: Sorry, old boy... ::pats the horse soothingly:: <Cat> ::looking worried:: What's the matter? Should we go back? <Bastian> ::shaking his head:: As I said, I carry my tension in my legs. Sometimes it makes him nervous. Particularly if I haven't seen him recently. ::leading the stallion:: I can walk for a while, my lady. 'Tis a fine day. <Bastian> ::looking up at her:: Unless you are weary? <Cat> You could... ::looks doubtfully down at her skirts:: Well, no, I suppose this saddle isn't really designed for two... ::shakes her head:: No, I'm alright. ::looking down at him:: I just... feel a little silly, riding, when you're down there. <Bastian> ::thumping one fist into his thigh:: I'm sorry, my lady. I didn't think he'd react so strongly, but I admit to being more alert than normal. <Cat> ::looking at him curiously:: Why are you so tense? <Cat> ::looking around:: There's nothing out here to be wary of, is there? <Bastian> ::looking up at her:: I do not usually have... company. <Cat> Oh. ::looking back down at the reins in her hands:: I'm sorry... if... if you'd rather, I think I can find my way back to the stable. You shouldn't have to waste the opportunity for a good ride, when you were enjoying yourself so. <Bastian> ::shaking his head:: My lady, I would be more tense if you were not here where I can see you. I hope you do not mind. <Cat> ::pressing her lips together, an angry spark in her eyes as she glares down at him:: How many times must I tell you, milord, before you believe me? I won't betray you-- I *need* you. <Bastian> ::looking away:: You misunderstand me, my lady. I would be more concerned for your... safety. <Cat> ::blinking a little stupidly:: I grew up in Arabel. And I seem to have survived the worst of Marsember well enough! <Bastian> ::a little hotly:: Yes, my lady. But you were not in my care at those times. If you desire death, when our pact is ended, I will kill you, quickly, and without pain. Until then, you are under my protection. <Cat> You-- oooh! ::grits her teeth and spurs her horse, wrapping her knee tightly around the horn and keeping her heels down as he breaks into a startled gallop.:: * Bastian swears, then mounts again, sending Necromancer into a screaming rear. With a quick word, Bastian settles him, and directs the roan after the fleeing pair. * Cat keeps her head low, gasping in startlement as Prince flows over a log and lands neatly on the other side. <Bastian> ::chasing after them, he raises up out of the saddle smoothly as Necromancer takes the jump cleanly:: * Cat sneaks a glance back just as Prince fronts a small gully. He pulls up short, lowering his head and refusing the jump, and with a cry she goes tumbling over his neck into the ditch. <Bastian> ::pulling up short, Bastian practically leaps out of the saddle and rolls into the ditch, coming to his feet gracefully:: Catreenia! ::reaching her side:: You stupid little fool... ::turning her over:: Are you hurt? <Cat> ::turns her face away, hiding a cheek daubed with blood from a broad scratch under her eye, covering her teary face with her hands:: Dammit... I wish I were dead... <Bastian> ::moving her hands away from her face:: Are you hurt? Can you move your head? ::he looks at her, worried:: <Cat> ::turning her face away, her voice dull:: I'm fine. Bruised. How's Prince? <Bastian> ::fiercely:: My lady, I don't care if he's up there with a broken leg. ::looking her over again:: My lady... ::he looks away:: <Cat> ::looks back at the anger in his voice, looking up at him with a puzzled, if slightly painful, squint:: * Bastian takes a deep breath, then picks her up as if she was a child. <Cat> ::pushes against his chest a little weakly:: Put me down! I said I'm fine... ::looking away again:: <Bastian> My lady, pardon my rudeness, but shut up. ::cradles her close against him:: You've scared me enough for one day. Now we're going back to the manor house and get you cleaned up. <Cat> ::looking up at him again, confused:: Scared... you? <Bastian> ::whistles to the horses, who, both lathered with sweat and panting, fall in behind him:: Yes, my lady. <Cat> ::studying his face and frowning:: Forgive me, I think the fall *did* addle my wits... why on earth should someone like you be frightened over someone like me? <Cat> ::adding in a somewhat annoyed tone:: You don't even *like* me. <Bastian> ::striding back up the hill, carrying her easily:: My lady, that is unfair as well as untrue. <Cat> ::blinks:: Unfair? Un... untrue? <Cat> ::shakes her head slowly:: I'm not addled, I'm unconscious. I must be unconscious... <Bastian> ::panting slightly as they crest the hill:: Good, my lady. Be unconscious, you don't move so much that way. <Cat> ::a little crossly:: I *said* I can walk. <Bastian> ::shaking his head:: No my lady. I don't think you can. You're shaking like a reed in high wind and I believe you twisted your ankle when you fell. If nothing else, you're bruised and battered, and walking up this hill would just make you feel worse. <Cat> ::subsiding against his chest, leaning her head against it and listening to the thud of his heart for several more paces:: What did you mean, unfair and untrue? <Bastian> ::panting a little harder:: My lady, I haven't the breath to spare right now. Explanations can wait 'til we are in the manor. ::whistling, he summons a stableboy:: Put the horses away, lad. The lady fell. I will tend her. Give them a rub down, and check Prince's foreleg, he may have a strained tendon. <Cat> ::sighs and subsides against his chest again, sneaking one arm around his waist:: * Bastian takes her into the manor house and down into the basement where there is a heated bathing pool. Steam billows across the room as Bastian carries her over and sits her gently down on a padded bench. * Cat releases her hold as he sets her down, touching her cheek gingerly. "Ow." <Bastian> ::looking up at her:: Yes, ow is right, my lady. ::slipping her shoe off:: Pardon my familiarity, my lady, but there's no bonesetter here and I shall need to see how badly you hurt yourself. <Catreenia> Um... ::looking a little ashamed:: I should warn you... my boss said he was going to check up on me regularly. <Bastian> ::squatting near her leg, he runs a hand up her ankle, feeling carefully:: How does he plan to do this, my lady? <Catreenia> He's a mage. ::hissing a little as he hits a particularly nasty bruise on the point of her ankle:: <Bastian> ::frowning:: I'm sorry, my lady. This may hurt a bit. ::moves his hand under her foot for support and attempts to flex her ankle gingerly:: <Catreenia> ::holding her right hand out, spreading the fingers to display the iron ring on the middle one:: He gave me this... it's probably the reason I'm not hurt... ow! worse...::flexes the ankle freely, but with a bit of pain:: <Bastian> ::nodding:: Bad twist. It should heal rapidly, if you don't strain it too much. ::looking at her ring:: What is it? <Catreenia> Protection. Armor. ::blushing a little:: He's worn it... a lot. <Bastian> ::eying her:: He cares for you, then? <Catreenia> He wouldn't let me go unless I took something... and this was a better choice than the intelligent one, to my mind. ::shrugs a shoulder:: Yes, somewhat... tho' I don't think he can make up his mind if it's as a friend or a father. * Bastian laughs shortly. "Bluestar is your teacher, and a powerful mage your employer. My lady, you raise the stakes in our little wager. ::wets a handtowel in the pool and lifts her chin, dabbing lightly at her cheek:: <Catreenia> He... wasn't happy when I told him I already had a guardian, for this trip. Moreso when I wouldn't tell him who you were. <Catreenia> ::hisses slightly at the sting of the water:: I don't mean to be such trouble to you... ::gritting her teeth a little:: And how *do* you know Master Bluestar? <Catreenia> *You're* certainly not psionic. <Bastian> Don't move, my lady, you've got grit in this cut. ::holds her chin firmly:: Let's just say Master Bluestar is a man of many talents and leave it at that. An enemy I don't wish to make, either. * Catreenia holds her breath, blinking rapidly as he washes out the cut but not making a sound. * Bastian bites his lip, finishing with the cut. "It bleeds freely, my lady, but it should clean the wound. It will probably not scar." <Catreenia> ::blotting lightly under the wound:: It would serve me right... ::blows out a sigh of frustration:: I can't even arrange my own death properly, can I? <Bastian> ::closes his eyes briefly:: My lady, how is he watching you? Your employer? <Catreenia> ::shakes her head:: Scrying, I would imagine. Checking up occasionally. I accepted his word that he wasn't giving me anything that would allow him to trace me, but he said he'd be able to check on me anyway. <Catreenia> ::making a face, and wincing as it shifts the flesh under her cut:: *He* didn't trust me to decide my own mind, either.... <Bastian> ::standing up, he turns around, looking through a cabinet before coming out with a roll of bandage:: My lady, do you wish to break our agreement? <Catreenia> ::blinks:: No! Do you? ::dropping her head:: I wouldn't blame you... I should have told you what Master Caz was doing earlier... <Bastian> ::turning around again:: Then, my lady, you have several more weeks under which you must endure my company, I'm afraid I do not intend to be cheated out of them. <Catreenia> ::blinking:: Cheated...? But... you're the one enduring *me*! ::more uncertainly:: Aren't you? ::looking up at him, squinting a little in the steamy air:: What did you mean before, unfair and untrue? <Bastian> ::snorts, turning around again, sitting down on the bench with his back to her:: My lady, get in the bath. I'll not look at you, but you should clean up, and the heat will do your bruises some good. <Catreenia> ::a little bitterly, as she starts to unlace her bodice:: No... no fear of that, is there? <Bastian> ::tilting his head:: My lady? <Catreenia> ::easing back the shoulders of her gown with a slight hiss as she flexes abused muscles:: Pardon *my* rudeness, Lord Bastian, but... come off it. Yes, you play the game far better than I: there, I admit it. I can't compete, so you can stop taunting me now and take your ease. * Catreenia kicks off her other shoe, and bends creakily to start rolling down her hose. <Bastian> ::sighs:: My lady... <Catreenia> My name, Lord Bastian, is Catreenia. Cat, if you prefer. You needn't waste formality on me, I'm well aware of my station. * Catreenia stands, easing her gown down over her hips and letting it drop before starting on the looser lacing of her shift:: <Bastian> ::closing his eyes:: You believe me to be truly a monster, do you not, Cat-if-you-prefer? <Catreenia> ::glancing at him irritably over her shoulder:: No, I believe you to be a man. Or at least, I *believed* you to be a man. Now I'm half-convinced you're some species of rock. <Catreenia> And I believe it amuses you to show a silly, juvenile girl her place. <Bastian> ::slamming his fist into the bench:: Damn you for a fool, woman. You wish me to kill you and care for you? You must truly think I have no heart, no feelings whatever, if you think I can take you to my bed, and then put you under the knife. ::standing up, he whirls on her, his eyes flashing with anger:: Do you truly believe I am capable of both? * Catreenia draws back from him, sitting suddenly on the bench as her knees give way beneath her, her shift sliding from one shoulder. "But... but... then why do you taunt *me*? Her voice rises to a frustrated wail. "You have to know what you're doing to me, I *know* you do!!" <Bastian> ::takes a step forward, grasping her shoulder, he kisses her, bruisingly hard in his eagerness:: <Catreenia> ::eyes widening in surprise before they flutter closed, as she curls one arm up around his shoulders:: <Bastian> ::tearing himself away from her:: No! My lady. I will not do this. ::turns his back on her, breathing hard:: I will not *do* this. <Catreenia> ::letting go with a cry, panting for breath herself, her hands shaking:: *Why??* Ah, gods above and below!! <Bastian> My lady... ::his voice is harsh, almost cold:: You love another. I am only one man, my lady, and I can not and will not stand in for him. <Catreenia> ::burying her face in her hands, her voice muffled:: Yes, I love Roni... but damn me for a fool... I'm falling for you, too... do you realize how little I've thought of him since last night, and how *often* I've thought of you stretched out there on your floor doing *pushups*, for mercy's sake?? * Bastian sighs, leaning his head back. "My lady, I beg you, do not make yourself the instrument of my destruction." <Catreenia> ::staring at him in disbelief:: How could I possibly destroy you? <Bastian> ::turning to face her again:: Because I would love you. And I cannot break my oath. I will do what you ask me, though it would be to tear my own heart out. I cannot escape from what you have done. Only you can release me. <Catreenia> ::in a choked voice:: Oh... gods.... <Catreenia> ::turning her head away as tears fill her eyes:: It's true, then... everything I touch turns to ashes... <Bastian> ::moving to her, he kneels near her:: My lady, do not cry... we have several weeks together. Perhaps in another week, I shall cheerfully slit your throat. I'm sorry, my lady, I have pained you. I did not intend to. <Catreenia> No... No. ::her voice firms, and she scrubs angrily at her eyes, pulling up the shoulder of her shift and lacing it up again, picking up her dress and straightening it out:: I won't have this hanging over us for three weeks. I *won't*. ::struggling into her dress, starting to lace it with trembling hands:: Get up. We're going to talk to my great-grandmother. <Bastian> ::sighing:: Yes, my lady. Sit down and let me wrap your ankle, please? I haven't the strength to carry you any further. <Catreenia> ::sits, sticking out her foot:: Bastian... please hurry. I have to do this before I lose my nerve. I have to know... if I can ever be free of her. <Bastian> ::nodding, he hastily wraps her ankle:: There, my lady. Come... ::offers her his arm:: * Catreenia stands, tying off her bodice strings, and leans on him heavily, still trembling slightly as she limps towards the stairs. |
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