Madison and Lara 3

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Oh of course! I've been waiting to get back to this for ages! We had such a good thing starting up! I was kinda letting you lead, so do you remember where you were going with it? Especially for Leanna and Carter....))

Ophelia had made good use of her time alone in her room and lit a few candles before she unpacked everything that she had brought with her. She had made up her bed with the blankets that she had brought with her, and she had put all of her dresses away in the chest, along with her brush, and her hair pins and ribbons. She had stacked her few novels and poetry books on the bedside table, along with a bottle of perfume, and her silver handled dagger. All of her special possessions she kept in her small suitcase, which she shoved under the bed, for she simply had no where else safe to keep them. The room already seemed to have a soft, homey glow to it, and she knew that as soon as she brought some flowers in, it would look and smell better than it already did. Ophelia decided that in time, this small room truly could feel like home.

Quite some time passed before she heard a knocking at her door. She set her brush aside, for she had just finished taking her hair out of it's long auburn braid and brushing through it. Now it hung freely halfway down her back, swinging as she walked towards the door. Ophelia was reminded of Ashverr's gentlemanly nature as he waited patiently for her to grant him entry. As she opened the door to him, the soft candlelit glow of the room spilled out into the hallway, casting shadows on his dark features. He didn't look tired, and Ophelia had expected as much. He didn't seem the type that was much for sleeping, just like her.

"You should know, Mr Grey, that I am a bit of an insomniac. I rarely sleep unless I am truly exhausted. I suspected the same of you, which is why I requested that I see you tonight instead of tomorrow. It appears as though my suspicions were correct, because here you are," she explained, her lips curving into a small smile as she opened the door a bit wider in order for him to enter if he chose to. "Unless of course you simply missed me so much that you could not wait until morning to see me again," she said, a teasing glint in her eyes. Ophelia knew that she could stand here all night and make small talk and teasing banter with Ashverr, for she knew that he found it amusing, but she knew that it was probably best if she got to the point.

"Katie showed me around tonight," she said, her voice more serious now, "You should be lucky that you have her around; she has a kind heart." Ophelia truly did not know what Katie's relationship with Mr Grey was. Was she employed to him? Was she simply part of his little clan? Were the two seeing each other? Was she simply a good friend? She supposed that it would be much easier to ask Katie that question as opposed to Ashverr, for she seemed much more the type for gossip. "I met some of the men," she continued, "They gave me a nickname, just as you said that they would. They call me Vixen now, because I made a little wooden fox to show them my powers. I think that I can get used to that name..."

Ophelia knew that she was getting sidetracked again, as she often did. She simply liked to talk too much for her own good sometimes. She would always sit and tell stories to anyone who would listen, but she felt that with Mr Grey, she needed to be much more quick and to the point. "Anyway, I suppose what I'm wondering is... just where I am going to fit in here?" she asked at last, phrasing it in a way that didn't reveal her disappointment about how things had gone tonight. "I know that you said that I am an asset because of my powers, but... what exactly do you need me for?" She knew that he had never really explained anything to her before he had run away, and she wanted answers. Why had he sought her out specifically when he could have chosen any other fabricator out there? What did he see in her?

---------

Alister grew even more suspicious when she refused to let him see her pups. If she wanted to get away from the crowd so badly, wouldn't she be all over that idea? It made him think that she had in fact been lying to him, and that there had never truly been any pups at all. Wherever she had run off to, she didn't want him to know about it.

He followed her to the table, taking the glass when he offered it to him and took a sip. He didn't really want water, but he would drink it if it meant that her attention was still his. At least, most of it. Alister couldn't help but notice how the princess's mind seemed to be focused somewhere else that was not here, and he wondered what she could possibly be thinking about.

When she mentioned that she needed air and tried to run off again, Alister raised an eyebrow. "Are you unwell?" he asked her, sounding more than a bit annoyed by her constant attempts to leave, claiming that she needed something. First water, now air. He couldn't tell if this was all just a scheme of hers, or if there truly was something wrong, not that he was concerned. He followed her as she swiftly headed out to the balcony. He watched as she stopped, seeming to ignore his presence altogether, which annoyed him even more.

"I asked you a question; are you unwell?" he asked her again, his voice harsher now. He reached out and grabbed her arm, as if his voice was not enough to attract her attention. "I am talking to you Leanna," he said, addressing her directly, glaring at her. "You know, I think your father would be very displeased if he found out how irritated your antics have made me," he threatened, "All I want is some conversation, why will you not listen to me?" Alister knew that he hadn't done anything wrong, or said anything that would have offended the princess, so why did she want nothing to do with him?

[Lara]

((hmmm.... yeah. I wasn't really sure what should happen with Leanna and Carter. But possible plot bunnies for them, is that Leanna wants to be free of her responsibilities, take on a new name, and to join the war effort. So that could play in somehow. Also, there's the huge risk that someone might kidnap her for her powers. Anyway you can think that Carter could work into either of those things?))

Ashverr wasn't that surprised that she was still up. He expected she might be. He was hoping, that she would be more attuned to the night. It suited his team better. Heists were never pulled off during daylight hours. When she pulled open the door, his lips twitched into what could be a smile and he let himself in, leaning a shoulder against the doorframe. "I did just happen to return back from work, and I don't like sleeping on something unfinished. It sits better with me to take care of what needs to get done during the daylight." He said simply. But yes, it was a round about way of saying that he agreed with her. He didn't need much sleep and saw more of the night than most.

However, that clever banter showed up again, her smooth suggestive tongue a magnet that he found himself amused by. This time, when his lips twitched, they curled into something more of an actual smile. "Maybe I did." His eyes shone. "We shall see." He did enjoy conversing with her. Katie didn't much like conversation, and truth be told, neither did he. Not the long winded dull conversations anyways. He liked rapid fire banter, with someone witty enough to duel tongues. And he could indulge in that sort of conversation tirelessly.

She spoke of how Katie had shown her around, and Ashverr nodded. Yes, Katie had a soft heart, but she was also incredibly determined, and when a job needed doing, there was no hesitation. It was why he could count on her. She was also incredibly good at keeping secrets. She was the only one he trusted with the entirety of his plans, and the dirty secrets he discovered about his contacts. She was the only one he could confide in with matters that needed to stay behind closed doors, and he was thankful to her for that. He nodded once, to agree. "I had hoped you'd become friends."

Then she went on to speak of her nickname, and he found his eyes drifting over her. Yes, vixen would do quite nicely. The smile that graced his features was entirely different from the one that he had displayed moments before. His eyes met hers, "Yes, I do like that name." His smile tugged wider on one side as he slid his gloved hands into his pockets. Ashverr was not one for many words, but when someone spoke, he listened, and listened intently. His words were always carefully placed, and always carried strong weight.

He was attune to most of what was going on besides just conversation as well, so he noticed the little ticks that told him she was disappointed, and then a moment later, she started speaking again, asking where she fit in. He had briefly described her job for her before, but he knew that was not what she meant now.

Ashverr watched her a moment, and then spoke. "I admired the fire and drive I saw when I was searching for a new member." He remembered watching the going ons inside Rosanna's place for a long while before determining that Ophelia would be a good match. He remembered being drawn to the way she looked at life, just as he had been when he found Katie. But Ophelia... "You're passionate, and you have goals. But most importantly, you have confidence. I need someone who won't get kicked around... or lose heart when something goes wrong." he tipped his head lightly, hoping she understood. "For hard things will happen, I can promise you that."

He smiled a little. "But something tells me that you'll be just fine handling whatever comes your way. I hope I'm right." He fixed the cuffs on his jacket and peered past her at the windows. "I'm sure Katie's told you, but the guys are a shadowed bunch. Their lack of trust is an obstacle I know you can hurtle, but it will take time. Be willing to give them that time," he suggested.

............................................................................................

Oh yes, she wasn't well at all. She was going to be smothered. Death by parties. This overwhelming sense that every moment could be her last was wearing tight, and she needed to get away. Her nerves were drawing more and more tense, and if that haughty young prince didn't watch it, she might just snap on him. And that would be bad for her, but worse for him. At least she might have a chance at life.

He repeated his question, his tone losing that smooth formality he had tried so hard to keep up, and then his hand was on her arm, tightly, and Leanna went stiff. Her mind immediately jumped to her magic, ready to give him severe burns on his hand.... but she caught herself in time, her eyes going wide and wild. That could have been a terrible accident if she had been even a smidge less in control. What would have happened then would be that he would report her, and someone would whisk her away to a dungeon. Maybe even this prince would do it himself.

She was planning on continuing to ignore him, until he decided to bring up her father, and a threat that made her eyes narrow. So that was the game he was going to play. Resorting to threats, are we highness? Oh how desperately she wished that she could speak her mind. But that was not an option for the esteemed princess. To keep her cover she had to be ladylike. But if he wanted to play that game... then she would make her move.

Her chin lifted a fraction and she levelled her gaze at him. "All you want is conversation?" It was an innocent question lined with daggers. That was not all he wanted. He wanted her father's crown, their riches. "Well then," she said in a curt tone. "What would you like to discuss, Monsieur, the weather?"

She kept her voice dripping honey as she looked out to the night sky. "I do adore the moon." She was not lying. It was such a beautiful shining thing. Alone, and yet still confident to share its unique light on the shadowed world. "But perhaps you have other things on your mind?" She turned back to look at him, managing a good long glance. "Now is your chance. We are out here alone, after all. I would think a dashing young prince such as yourself would leap upon the opportunity," her glossed lips pulled up into a smile, "instead of bringing up heavy topics like my father." Her voice was laced with poison, but her lips were still smiling, the sweet apple.
Take a bite. she thought. Give me something I can condemn you with.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Hmm ooh, I like the idea of Leanna wanting to run away, because Carter could be her accomplice, since he's like the only one that she knows from the outside, and he already knows about her powers and all. I think that that could be really interesting.... What do you think about that? And I'm assuming that you have something planned for Ophelia and Ashverr. Is it bad that I already kinda ship them, like, a lot.....? XD))

From watching Ashverr, Ophelia quickly picked up several about him. First of all, he was a man of many smiles. He had half smiles, and mischievous smiles, and genuine smiles, and hidden smiles. She noticed that for a man who didn't seem like he smiled all that much, he was certainly smiling a lot now. Did she truly entertain him that much? Ophelia also noticed that he was a man of few words. He wasn't one for being long winded the way that she was, though she found that he didn't seem to mind that she talked so much and tended to ramble or get off track. If it did annoy him, he certainly hid it well.

"She's a very likable person, and I believe that we will certainly get along. That is, if she feels the same way towards me," she told him when he mentioned that he had hoped that she and Katie would become friends. Ophelia knew that she definitely enjoyed Katie's company, but who knew if the other woman felt the same way. What if she thought that Ophelia was simply an annoying burden, and she had simply been being nice because those were her instructions from Ashverr. No, Ophelia decided that a warm smile and kind heart like Katie's were impossible to fake, even for the greatest con woman.

She watched as Ashverr's eyes wandered over her when she told him what nickname she had been given, unsure of why exactly he was doing that. It wasn't that she wasn't used to being looked at, in fact she usually didn't mind it at all, however when Ashverr did it, it felt different. He was her boss after all, but she had forgotten that he was still a man, same as the others. She knew now that Katie had been very right indeed. Women had to stick together and keep the men in their place. "I'd appreciate if you still called me Ophelia though. I'm not about to start going around calling you the Wraith," she pointed out, smirking a bit. She still believed that his nickname was a bit over the top, but she supposed that she could be wrong. After all, she didn't know him all that well yet.

Ophelia listened attentively as he finally answered her question, not saying anything at all. She truly was flattered, no, honored that he thought so highly of her. All her life she had simply been thought of as a waste. She was quite for a long time, wondering what to say. "If you pull anyone out from between a rock and a hard place, they'll be a fighter, Mr Grey," she said quietly, displaying a quality that hardly ever shown out of her, and that was humility. She believed that be could have taken anyone's ho had been through a lot in their life, and they would have possessed the same qualities that he found admirable in her.

She hoped that he understood what she meant. Having a hard life with little to no opportunity would make any person stronger. Her confidence simply came from the fact that Ophelia tried to make the best out of the life that she had been given, for she knew that it was the only one she got. That was why she loved to tease others, and laugh, and have fun, and take chances, and be wild and crazy when it fit the moment. She refused to let unfortunate circumstances get her down. Apparently, Ashverr had been looking for someone like that.

Ophelia sighed softly, slowly glancing up at him with a small smirk tugging at her lips, unable to stay serious for long. "So, just how long have you been spying on me for, hmm?" she asked him, but then her face grew a bit more serious again, "When you came to Rosanna's all those times, why did you not come to see me directly? Not necessarily for my services, but rather just, to talk...." Many men came to see her every day, but very few stuck around for very long, or had an interest in her stories. Even the other girls, who Ophelia considered her friends, often had better things to do than talk to her. For years, she had been surrounded by people, and she had never felt so lonely.

-------

Alister could tell that she was angry with him, but he wondered if she knew how much she was irritating him to cause that anger. Why couldn't she just play along like she knew that she was supposed to? He supposed though, that now that they were alone, they could both slip out of the roles that they were being forced to play by their parents. "Look, I'm just trying to get through the night, same as you," he explained to her when she questioned if it really was just her conversation that she wanted. "I dislike pretending to be someone I'm not as much as you do, but you're just going to accept that it's just the way that things go. You're also going to have to accept that you will be mine one day, and you're just going to have to get used to it."

Alister had always been known to be blunt, and now that was showing through more than ever. He supposed though, that this was the only way to get through to this silly girl, to speak his true intentions. He could easily sense the sarcasm in the princess's voice when she suggested that they discuss the weather, and it was clear that she wasn't willing to work with him. Alister sighed, growing sicker and sicker of this girl as the seconds ticked by. If her father wasn't powerful and filthy rich, he would have given up his pursuit of her by now.

He glanced up at the moon when she mentioned it, but his eyes were quickly on her when she spoke again. Did she really mean what he thought that she did. "You don't want to talk about the weather, and you don't want to talk about your father.... I'm starting to think that you don't want to talk at all," he said with a small smirk that was full of mischief, and not the good kind either. He took a step closer to her then. "I think that you have other ideas for how to pass the time," he said, gently placing a hand on her waist.

"Go on, Leanna, tell me I'm wrong," he said, raising an eyebrow, the same sickening smirk still on his face.

[Lara]

((Running away sounds good. Carter could catch her when she's on her way out, and then ask to come too, because he also wants to get away? They could journey to the northeast shores where the warfront is... and run into all kinds of trouble XD As for Ash and Ophelia, I think they're on a good track right now. And yes, I ship them too! Perfect match those two :) They'll probably just continue to grow closer as they work together. Ash will try to push her away though. He doesn't want any liabilities that could be used against him...))

"Mmm, she is." Ashverr agreed, thinking of Katie. He remembered the first day he found her, a scrawny street girl that had grown good at blending with the shadows. She had been the first girl to ever be able to sneak up on him. She remained the only one who could accomplish such a feat. Most didn't even see her coming, or where she went, and called her a ghost or a saint of a dead girl. He had found that in common with her, being a wraith when he wanted to be unseen.

So he had offered her a job, given her good food, and as the years passed, she had grown stronger and better at her skill as his spy. "I'm sure she's very happy to have you around, Ophelia. She's been stuck here with only men for company for quite some time." He shrugged up a shoulder, knowing that women had things they would only confide in with each other, and that he couldn't be as good of a friend for Katie as Ophelia might be.

She requested that he still call her Ophelia, and he nodded once, acknowledging that. "Of course." He couldn't argue, though vixen would make the perfect nickname at times. His smile returned, gracing one corner of his mouth. "Ophelia is fine by me. But don't be surprised if you get Vixen a lot. The guys are quite fond of their names." He smiled in a patronizing way, as if he thought of his group as playmates who might run around together with wooden swords. Of course the truth was far from this.

"Call me Ashverr, or Ash." He said quietly, when she spoke of a rock and a hard place. "And in my experience, those sorts of situations either break a person, or build them up, and in your case... you most certainly pulled out of it." He shifted his weight, leaning back against the wall again. "I would not have hired a broken person. Those people too often spiral into anger and hate, blinded to what matters." He reached up and scratched his neck.

She asked how long he had been spying on her, and he smiled then, mischief twinkling behind his expression. "A good while." No point in denying it. "I like to know who I am hiring before I set out to hire them." He lifted a shoulder in a light shrug.

He was curious about her response though, why would she have wanted him to come in and talk? His brows creased slightly and he tipped his head. "What do you mean? I came to talk to you as soon as I knew I'd want to hire you."

He looked at her for a moment more and then discerned something. "Do you mean to ask why I never came in just to talk? To get to know you?" That puzzled him. This was all strictly a work arrangement, and yet he saw that she might be looking for something else, looking for a friend. Part of him immediately cringed away from that idea. He could not give her a close friend... as he could not trust people that implicitly. "I hope I have made life a little better for you, by offering you a place here." he said softly. "I also hope that you may find friends here... that you may not necessarily have had at that house." He swallowed. "I'm just not sure that I can be what you're looking for." He was being honest. And he didn't mean lover, he meant friend. Ashverr was not trusting, but even more so than his men were. There was an iron cage around his heart, that no one had found the key to unlock yet.

..................................................................................................

Leanna sighed, closing her eyes. Maybe he was just trying to get through the night. Maybe he did relate to her in that regard. Part of her heart opened up to that idea, and she reached up a hand to rub her temples. "I apologize, monsieur, for my rash behaviour." Maybe he was just as trodden down as she was. But no. His next comment dashed all hopes of that idea. He clearly had already accepted the fact that she would wed him, and they'd go off happily ever after into a sunset, him with his rich sum of money from her father, and she... well. As a new pretty little wife to the prince. A shadow behind him while he ruled.

Rather a presumptuous way to talk, but hew as right. She should play along, and so should he. It was what their parents wanted. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I should just get used to it." But I'll be dead before I do. That life was just not for Leanna. But for now, she needed to play along, at least until she could escape the clutches of this rather forward and pushy young man.

She didn't turn to look at him, merely smiling sweetly as he quickly took her bait and wandered towards the trap. Perfect. Her father would press charges on a man who pushed too far. She just had to ensure that he did. "Maybe I do." her voice was low and silky and she turned to face the prince, her eyes glinting. "You would like that, wouldn't you." Careful not to say yes, careful not to make it an invitation.

Just underlying hints, nothing that could be pegged against her. Although... not telling him he was wrong, was something of an offence... but no one need know that. "I do so tire of conversation." Her lips puckered into a pout. She knew people could see them, knew that if he made more advances, and she looked as if she was trying to get away... well. Goodbye party. Goodbye Alister and your wandering hands. A shiver rolled down her spin as his fingers touched her waist. This was always the hardest part... getting so close to a snake.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Yeah, I like that idea! Haha yes, I think that them going to where the war is would be interesting. Maybe they end up there by mistake because they go the wrong way or something XD I don't know, it just seems like something that Carter would do and then be really mad at himself for. Oh yay, you ship them too! Yes, I expected that he would try to push her away, which she's going to find extremely irritating when she finally decides that she likes him. I think we'll need to have some kind of big event that will make him realize it and admit to it. That should be interesting....))

Ophelia nodded, knowing that she wouldn't mind being addressed as Vixen by the men. She knew that it had more meanings than just a female fox, but she didn't mind in the slightest. To her, both definitions were compliments. She could tell that Ashverr knew this, and she could tell that it amused him. Even if he called her by her nickname from time to time, she wouldn't mind, but she didn't want it to become a permanent thing. "Alright, I suppose I can do that," she replied when he told her what he would like to be called, and she decided to stick to Ashverr for the time being. Ash simply sounded too casual, like something that only people who knew him well called him.

Though they meant a lot of her, she simply shrugged off his compliments, not used to getting such deep and meaningful ones, especially from a stranger. Ashverr clearly approved of who she was, and she wasn't used to people thinking so highly of her. Sure, many people believed that she was attractive and good to talk to, but they never seemed to take the time to appreciate anything else about her, and she truly did have so much more to offer. For once, she did not know what to say, so she simply kept listening.

As he went on to explain that he had been watching her for a while because he had wanted to be sure about her, Ophelia knew that that made sense. However, she was confused as to why he didn't understand what she had said. "Yes, that's what I asked," she told him when he repeated back to her what she had just said in different words. "You can only find out so much by spying on a person. If you truly wanted to get to know who I am, you should have simply come and gotten to know me yourself," she explained. Ophelia could only imagine some of the things that he had heard about her, even though she knew that most of the rumors probably were true. Whoever he had spoke to must have spoken well of her though, or else how would he have decided to get into contact with her?

"You wouldn't of had to explain yourself, and we wouldn't of had to make love either. I cannot tell you how much I would have just liked to sit and talk to a normal person," she explained, wondering if he could even understand. She could tell that something had made him uncomfortable though, and she began to think that maybe he wasn't the type to simply sit and talk, or maybe he just didn't think that he was. As he insisted that he wasn't what she was looking for, Ophelia shook her head.

"Now, aren't I supposed to be the judge of that?" she asked lightheartedly, smirking a bit, but then growing more serious "I've met many people in my lifetime, Ashverr, and I can already tell that you have something that most do not," she explained, "You're human, and surprisingly enough, that's a very hard trait to find in people, even good ones." She crossed her arms over her chest matter of factly. Ophelia had met a lot of one dimensional, fake people in her life. No one she had ever met had had enough character to satisfy her and hold her interest, but she already knew that Ashverr was very different from all of them. He had a lot going on behind those dark eyes of his, and that intrigued Ophelia. "I've already made up my mind about you Ashverr Grey, and you only get one chance at a first impression," she said, smiling a bit.

------

Alister nodded as she said that maybe she should just get used to the way that things had to be. Maybe this silly girl was starting to truly see reason. "Yes, it will make both of our lives so much easier if you simply give in and stop fighting the way that things must me," he said, slightly offended that she wanted nothing to do with him, but as she continued speaking, or rather flirting, he thought that maybe that wasn't true.

Maybe there really was something about him that she was drawn to, and Alister was very pleased about that. So pleased in fact that he didn't even think that maybe she might be only messing with him. "You know that I would. Why must you tease me?" he asked, eyeing her. He hadn't planned to act like this towards her tonight. He hadn't planned on making any premature advancements, however, he also hadn't planned on the fact that she would lead him on like this. Maybe she was just a bored girl looking for something to turn the night around, or maybe she really was attracted to him. Either way, Alister was content.

"Do you?" he asked when she mentioned how she tired of conversation, "Well, I suppose that makes sense, you've barely spoken two words to me all night.." He realized that she had always wanted this, whatever this would turn out to be, and Alister certainly wasn't complaining. He gently ran his hand up her side from her where it had been resting on her waist, and he leaned a bit closer to her. "Shall we go somewhere more private?" he whispered, his lips nearly brushing her ear. He wasn't truly aware of just how many people could see them through the windows, even though they were out on the balcony alone.

"Or, I suppose we could stay here, it is a lovely night," he whispered, "It all depends on what you want, my darling." His eyes traveled over her once again, smirking mischievously.

[Lara]

((Sounds good! And yeah, that will cause a lot of drama! I have no idea how to get Ashverr to admit his feelings just yet, as he's still not sure he even has them... so we'll have to see how this goes! But I definitely ship them :) ))

She explained how she would have enjoyed just sitting and talking to a normal person, and Ashverr sighed, looking to the window. He would have liked to sit and talk to a normal person too... or stand rather. But he didn't have time for such indulgences. Certainly not when so much was staked on every move, and so many people were depending on the actions that he made. "That would have been nice..." He said softly, not explaining his reasons for not doing so.

She responded then, to his comment, and he was very surprised. He had expected her to shy away, be hurt, or maybe disappointed. But instead, she took charge of the situation and didn't back down. Ashverr's lips twitched in a reluctant smile, but he didn't have the heart to tell her it would be no use. He didn't have friends... not real ones. He only confided in one person, and even then, he didn't confide everything. Friends and relationships were strictly off limits in his line of work.

For his sake, and hers, he knew he could not make any advances. However, his masochist heart said he would not stop her if she didn't do the same. "Thank you, Ophelia, for that high praise." His eyes shone slightly as his bangs cast shadows over her face. She could befriend him, if she wished, but he would not befriend her, he thought stubbornly. Never had a friend, never would have one. The lonely life of a ghost was the one he had chosen, and he would stay on that path to bring prosperity to his men and his part of the city.

"If you've made up your mind, then I suppose there is nothing I can do to dissuade you." He tipped his head slightly. "Though do not be surprised when you discover more that you may not have expected, Ophelia. They do not call me the wraith for nothing." It was not a threat, just a warning, lest she discover more about him that she didn't like. "But morning is fast approaching, and I should leave you to rest. I have a lot of work that I need you to complete come dawn." He dipped his head in her direction and stepped back out of her door. "Goodnight, vixen." His smile was soft.

.....................................................................................

Leanna hated playing this game, and it was getting to be quite the dangerous game in deed. She was putting out all her pieces into play, and hoping he didn't catch on to her plot. If he did... she would be in deep trouble. But for now... to set the trap. She smiled coyly, her eyes running over his face and then back up to his eyes again. "Tease you, Alister?" She was practically purring, leaning slightly closer. "I wouldn't dream." She reached out a hand to slowly run up his neck and tangle into his hair.

He continued speaking, continued playing that blasted gentlemanly role and Leanna resisted the urge to barf in her mouth. If all unsavoury men would just parade around with warts and evil intents life would be so much easier. Instead, most of the monsters were dressed in the guise of princess. And yet her traitor heart beat faster when he whispered in her ear. She reached up a finger, pressing it gently against his lips. "Less words, dear prince. I do abhor meaningless conversation." She leaned closer, drawing her body flush against his.

"And the moon is so beautiful tonight..." No way would she let him spirit her away to somewhere more private. Then she would be alone with him, and would have to go through with this plan much further than she intended. She tipped forwards, pulling him closer so she could plant a kiss against his neck. He smelled of exotic spices, and she knew whatever scent this was, it was paid for in expensive coin. But now, now that his head was blocked by hers, she used one hand to signal the guards.

They pushed out onto the balcony, weapons at the ready, and Leanna jumped away, looking innocently like a lover caught in the act, and reluctant at the same time. Guilty and ashamed, and she acted it well. To Alister, she might look just embarrassed. To someone else, she might look flustered and frightened.

Perfect.

"What's this?" her father stormed up, confusion on his face. He looks at the two of them, and for a moment, Leanna was hopeful. Then he grinned and backed up slowly. "I apologize. Wonderful to see you two getting along."

Leanna's heart sank and she stared at her father, feeling betrayed.

"Come come, let's not bother them." He herded the guards back out of the room. Leanna watched in horror as the ballroom was cleared out, her father leading their guests away for refreshments. The lights dimmed, and then they were really truly alone. Leanna felt sick to her stomach.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Yeah, we definitely don't want to rush into it right away. You'll have some time to figure out just how he'll eventually come around :) But I know, I ship them so much!))

Ophelia saw him smile when she refused to shy away when he insisted that he wasn't what she was looking for, that he wasn't the right kind of person to be friends with. She knew that she had never exactly said that she had been looking for a friend, rather just someone to talk to. She supposed though that they were pretty much the same thing. Ashverr clearly had something against the idea, but she knew that in his line of work, and maybe in his life in general, it was hard to trust people. Well, at least be trusted her enough to recruit her, and she could tell by his small, hidden smile that he wasn't totally opposed to the idea of getting to know her a little bit better.

As he thanked her for what she had said, she only nodded, unsure of what exactly to say to him. As he went on to warn her that she might uncover things that she didn't about him, Ophelia knew that he was only trying to scare her away, even if he wasn't aware of it. She knew that it was something that he had done so many times before that it had been ingrained in his mind as the right thing to do. It was a habit of his not to allow people to see too much of him. Ophelia knew this because she had seen it many times before. People who lived in the shadows, people like her and Ashverr, they didn't want to be taken advantage of. They didn't want to get hurt. That was why Ashverr thought so highly of her; she was confident and she was much more open to others than she ought to be for someone in her shoes.

She gave him a look when he mentioned that people didn't call him the Wraith for nothing. "And they don't call me Vixen for nothing either," she said, a glint in her eyes, "I'm sly, and I'm crafty. You'd better watch out for me Ashverr Grey; you never know what I'll do." She was half joking and half serious when she said this. It was a warning in response to his, one that would either frighten or intrigue him, hopefully both. Ophelia wanted him to know that she was going to do things her own way, even if it shook up everything that he was used to.

When he said that she had a lot of work for her to do in the morning, Ophelia grew very excited inside, though she held most of that excitement in for the time being. Would she finally get to use her gift for something that actually mattered, instead of messing about with it in her room when no one was around? There was so much running through her mind that she knew that she certainly would not be sleeping tonight. Her insomnia mixed with her excitement would make sure of that. She watched as he headed towards the door and slipped out, but not before he cast a soft smile on her direction, which she returned. "Goodnight Mr Wraith," she replied teasingly, smiling a bit more when he addressed her by her nickname. With that, he was gone, and Ophelia sighed, knowing that waiting until morning would not be fun.

((You can either write another post for him, or skip to morning, it doesn't matter to me :) ))

-----

Alister raised an eyebrow, unsure of what had made the princess change her mind about him so quickly. Perhaps she had followed his advice. Perhaps she had simply accepted that there was no way that she could get away from him, no matter what she did. Perhaps she was finally giving in and having a bit of fun. Alister knew that he was certainly having fun, watching her as she teased him, even as she claimed that she would never do that.

As she pressed her body against his, Alister placed his hands on her waist again, holding her gently. "Yet you don't seem to be very focused on it," he murmured as she told him of how beautiful the moon looked and pressed her lips against his neck. "I think..." he began to say, but suddenly, she jumped away from him, and Alister was startled by the fact that they were suddenly surrounded by guards. He knew that they must have seen him and Leanna out on the balcony together. Perhaps they thought that he was trying to force himself on her. "No, no, this isn't what it looks like, I assure you," he said, sounding started, but not afraid. He was used to talking his way out of things.

"Go on Leanna, tell them that I wasn't harming you. I would never," he said, his voice sounding innocent and assuring. He knew that as soon as she told them to leave them alone, they would obey. However, it was then that the king suddenly appeared on the balcony, and Alister truly did begin to feel afraid. He knew that it would be much harder to talk his way out of things with Leanna's father. And what if he told his parents? However, when the king saw the two of them together, he only smiled, seemingly perfectly okay with whatever had been going on between the two of them. Apparently Leanna's father liked him more than Alister had known.

He breathed a small sigh of relief as the king and the guards left them alone once again. "Well," Alister said, smiling coyly turning to Leanna, "It is a good thing that your father is an understanding man, now isn't it?" He gently took her hand, not seeing how afraid she seemed to be. "Now, I really do think that we should go somewhere else, don't you?" All his charm was back now that his moment of faltering was over.

[Lara]

((For sure!))

Ashverr went back to his room and thought about the new recruit briefly. He thought about how she wasn't scared off, and how she still smiled, stood up for herself, and was friendly towards him. She could become a very very dangerous addition to their team if he wasn't careful.

Ashverr didn't sleep much, not because he wasn't tired, but because that was his way. The night was his hours, and he never missed much of it. He woke early the next morning, spreading out their goal for their next big heist. It would be one of the biggest chances they'd ever had, and the earnings from this one would be enough to fund business and pay his men for a good couple years. Big money, meant big game.

Rolling up the script in his hand, he went down to the dining room to collect a wedge of cheese and a slice of bread for himself, which he enjoyed in the peace and quiet that could only come with the morning time. None of his men were ever up early, though he knew they would not be late for the meeting he had called.

Sure enough, once he was just finishing up his slice of bread, he saw Hook walk down the stairs, salute to him, and head to the main room. Ashverr merely nodded, watching as more of them woke bleary eyed and groggy, heading into the room where they would soon meet. None of them had had breakfast yet, but they knew better than to ask for it before the meeting.

He walked in after them, once a good few had gathered, and he splayed his fingers on the table, looking at them all seriously. "We have our next big job contracted."

The chatter died immediately, all eyes now attentive and trained on him.

"Military documents that are worth enough to fund us for three or more years."

Whispers, and then giddy grins on some faces.

"That makes this an extremely dangerous, but important task." He nodded to a few of them. "As you know, we are risking our lives on any of these jobs. However, the reward is well worth the risk."

A few nods of approval. "So where are these papers?" Someone asked.

Ashverr smiled, straighten and clasping his hands behind his back. "The Ice Palace in Gavoch."

Louder whispers then, and one of the younger boys piped up, his eyes wide. "That place has never been broken into! It's a legend!" He was breathless in wonder.

Ashverr's lips twisted into a smile. "That's why we're going to be the first to do it." He caught Katie's gaze in the crowd, and she nodded in determination. He nodded back. This would be no easy task.

.........................................................................................

She was so so screwed. So completely toast. She knew she wouldn't have to fake the paleness in her complexion, nor the way she swayed slightly, for she truly wasn't feeling well. She had made a gamble, and lost, and now it was time to pay the debt.

But Leanna never lost.

She needed to find another way out of this. "Y-yes," she stammered at the comment about her father. "A very good thing." Horrible, wretched really. The end of all things and the demise of his daughter. She couldn't do this anymore, she couldn't keep playing this game. But her out would be her final gallant move. She took a deep breath, aware that her hands were trembling.

Alister would probably just think it was because they had been interrupted. Any young girl caught in such an act would probably behave similarly. "Alister... I." she didn't want to go anywhere with him. Certainly not somewhere private. Alister had a heavy purse, but it was clear his intentions were not noble. She hoped, for his sake, that he might discover true love, and break free from this life like she was about to do. "I'm afraid I'm rather shaken up." She looked up at him apologetically.

He may hate her for this, but she hoped there was a gentleman in there somewhere that would reign in any temper. "I... I think I might just retire." She reached up to cup his cheek, her eyes wide and pleading him to understand. "Can we continue this another time?" She leaned up and pressed her lips to his cheek, softly, not heated. "I promise I'll make it up to you, I just am no longer feeling well." Her hand dropped and she backed away. "I truly am sorry."

Then she picked up her skirts and fled, being careful to avoid any hallways that might let her father spot her. She would tell him later that the night had gone exceedingly well with Alister, that is... she would have if she were planning to stay around.

Alister wrenched open her door, dismissed the maids, and then locked it. She tore to her closet, yanking down the old sack she had stored away just for this occasion, and started shoving her belongings into it. There were only a few hours before the servants would wake again to compete early morning chores, and she wanted to be out on the road before then. So long Alister and his wandering hands. So long demanding father, comfort, and a home. The world of hardships and work was a scary one, but anything would be better than this.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia awoke the next morning without even remembering falling asleep. After Ashverr had left, she had laid on her bed and had written a few thoughts down in the journal that she kept whenever she had the time and energy to. She didn't think that her life was all that interesting, but whenever something happened that was out of the ordinary, or that she found funny, or that she simply wanted to remember, Ophelia made a point of writing it down.

When she awoke, her journal still lay on her chest where she must have dropped it when she had fallen asleep. She picked it up and scanned over what she had written, finding a few comments and observations having to do with Ashverr and Katie, as well as a small drawing of a fox of to the side. Ophelia smiled to herself and closed the journal, knowing that she should get ready to face the day ahead. She quickly brushed through her hair and pulled it into a thick, loose braid that ran almost all the way down her back. She got a new dress from her storage chest and put it on, the nice orangey pink color complimenting her auburn hair nicely. With that, she quickly headed downstairs to where Katie had told her that breakfast would be served.

Unfortunately, she hadn't woken as early as she had thought, for she found the entire room filled with men. However, they were not all chattering and milling about; they were all quietly listening. Listening to Ashverr. She heard him speaking of a dangerous, yet important task, and was instantly intrigued. Apparently though, she was too late to hear just what it was that he intended on stealing. However, when he mentioned the Ice Palace, Ophelia was startled by the instant reaction from the other men. She didn't know much about the palace, but apparently it scared all of the men; all of the men except Ashverr. She could hear the determination in his voice and see it on his face when he said that they would be the very first to ever break into the palace, and she knew that he truly believed what he said. There was no doubt in his mind that they could do it.

Ophelia didn't know whether to trust him, or be uncertain, for she knew that she didn't understand truly how dangerous this could be. She knew though that she would simply have to help in whatever way she could. That was why she was here after all; to use her powers to help. As the men chattered amongst themselves, she began to easily weave her way through the crowd, turning a few heads in the process. It seemed as if since last night, they had forgotten that she even existed, but now, they were certainly aware. She wasn't entirely sure where she was going, but she found herself heading closer to the front where Ashverr was at.

She caught his eye as she neared the front and smiled. "Well, I certainly didn't mean to be late to the party. Hopefully I didn't miss much," she said once she was close enough for him to hear her, but then she stepped back, letting him continue to address his men and quiet them down.

------

Alister was not at all pleased when Leanna began to make excuses. Shaken up? By what? Her father had been perfectly okay with whatever he had seen. He had actually encouraged it, so what did she have to be afraid of? "Look, if you're afraid, I promise that...." he began to say, but was cut off when she took his face in her hands and asked if they could simply pick this up again some other time. Did she not understand that it didn't work like that?

"Leanna, you're being ridiculous," he said, trying to get her to change her mind, but he knew that she would not. He sighed and shook his head, stepping away from her. Clearly, he was not happy about this, but he wouldn't try to stop her. "Alright, well, until next time Princess," he said, sounding almost slightly hurt that he had been rejected. If he wasn't even enough to please his future wife, then what was he good for? He knew that he should have simply forced her to stay, told her that she didn't have a choice, but he knew that being cruel would not help him.

He sighed and watched as she ran away without another word, wondering what he had ever done wrong, because he didn't entirely buy her argument that it was only her father that had made her change her mind. Alister slowly headed back inside to the party because he knew that he had no other choice, and he began to think about just how he was going to tell his parents how miserably he had failed to make an impression.

((Sorry that was short... :/ So, are we going to skip ahead so that I can bring Carter back in?))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Boop

[Lara]

((Sorry!! At the cottage for the past week without internet. I'll try to reply soon, in the next couple of days hopefully :) ))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Ok :) Can't wait!))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Hi?))

[Lara]

((Sorry was out with mom for a trip together and now I'm away visiting grandparents. This is the busy part of my summer. Reply will come as soon as I can. I haven't forgot ;) ))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Ok I understand. Can't wait for your reply!))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Boop

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Hello?

[Lara]

((my statement still stands. Haven't forgotten, just haven't had the time. sorry))

Ashverr was partially riled by the thought of his challenging safe being the ice palace. That in itself was enough to make him excited. It would be no easy task cracking a place that was that tightly sealed. But he had some of the sharpest minds and blades of the bunch, and while his group was a bit mismatched, they were skilled.

He smiled as he saw Ophelia sidle up to him and he nodded assuring her that she hadn't missed much. Already his men were whispering among themselves and discussing what this could mean.

"...no one's ever cracked that place..."

"...money for three years! Three years! That could buy..."

"...but what about the guards there? Heard scary things..."

"...oh yeah..."

"...the place is booby trapped..."

"...no, haunted!"

"...I heard it was both..."

Ashverr shook his head a little, a smile curling at the corner of his lips and he held up a hand. The room fell silent. Leaning his fingertips on the table, Ashverr tipped forward a little and made sure to look every one of his team in the eye. "This won't be an easy task, and as ever, I can't guarantee your safety. There will be no funerals if you don't make it back."

The room was dead silent as every face became grim. "I am not promising your safety." He continued, just as serious as the rest of them. "But I am promising to give this job my all. I know, that with the skill we have in this group, we can pull off this job."

One hesitant smile, then another, and then the whole ring of men was breaking out into grins. There was a chorus of many "I'm in" and "we're with you"s before Ashverr straightened, folded his arms, and smiled.

"Well then. Let's get to work."

..................................................................................................................

Leanna cursed herself in her head, hating that she had not played her cards right. She had forgotten to account her father into the little game she played, and thus her maneuver was foreseen and overthrown. She nearly got into too sticky a situation there. And Alister, well, it hadn't been quite fair to just leave him there like that.

Not after everything she had done to use him and get rid of him. But he was still a prince. And that meant selfishness and pride galore.

Leanna tore down the hallway, running into her room and shutting the door after her. She already had all her supplies packed. She was waiting for a good night to get away, and now would be a good a time as ever. She wasn't going to wait any longer. This had gone too far.

No longer would she play this game.

Leanna put on a more simple dress, wrapped up her hair to help disguise herself, and then pulled up her pack onto her shoulders, before locking her room and leaving it. Likely she would not see it again, and strangely enough, that didn't bother her much.

She raced down to the stables easily enough, finding her horse. She knew how to saddle one ever since she was a small child, so it was an easy feat to get her gelding saddled, with the pack strapped down behind her seat. Then she swung over and nudged the horse into a canter, racing out into the shadowed grounds of the palace. The moon was bright and would offer her no coverage tonight, but maybe she'd just look like a messenger, or stable hand. Regardless, it was late at night and the guests wouldn't glance out the window. Not that they could stop her now. It was just a short ride across the fields, past the servant's housing and fields, and into the forest. Then she'd be home free.

She urged her horse faster, flying towards the tree line. So close... so close to freedom.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Hi, sorry I've been gone. I took a hiatus from Goodreads, but now I want to come back, and I'm still interested in doing this if you are :) ))

[Lara]

((Welcome back! I am still interested, but just a heads up my replies might still be slow :( so it's up to you))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Okay, I think I can live with that. Just so I know, how slow? It doesn't really matter too much, I would just like to know :) ))

[Lara]

((It depends honestly. Sometimes I have whole weeks where I can write replies everyday. However, I just finished five weeks where I had too much work to do much of anything. So unfortunately it's not regular. Like I said, it's up to you.))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Yeah, I still totally want to do it! I was really enjoying this plot. It's just that I was recently diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, hence my hiatus, but hopefully I should be back regularly now. I should have my reply up hopefully tomorrow :) ))

[Lara]

((Sounds good :) And aw man, that's rough. You doing alright? looking forward to the reply :) ))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((It comes and goes in waves.... Right now I'm not doing so hot, but I've been better, so that's good :) I'll probably end up typing my reply tomorrow in my study hall!))

[Lara]

((stay strong girlie. You got this. I'm not sure when I'll get my reply up, but I should have more time in the next few days, so hopefully it will be soon after yours))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia caught how Ashverr smiled at her, and she could tell that he was excited about this little heist of his. However, as he hushed his men with simply the raise of his hand, she was reminded that this was in fact not a little heist at all, but rather a very large, very high stakes heist.

She listened as he explained the grim truth that came with accepting this mission, and Ophelia knew that it was simply the way that things worked. In this business, if you failed, no one had your back. But was she really willing to lay down her life for this man who she had only just met? Ophelia stayed quite, knowing that was still testing the waters.

She looked around and listened as slowly, each man vowed his loyalty to Ashverr and his cause, despite the risk and possible consequences. She found their loyalty quite admirable, though she knew that they all sought the same glory that Ashverr sought. Whether it was this or true loyalty that motivated them, she knew not. Ophelia supposed that it didn't really matter anyway.

She continued to simply watch and listen until it became apparent that many of the men were looking at her, as if they were waiting for something. It didn't take her long to realize that they expected a response from her. They were wanting her to pledge her allegiance to Ashverr and his cause for all of them to hear. She raised an eyebrow slightly, but knew that there was no reason for her not to give them what they wanted. "I'll do as you ask," she announced, looking at Ashverr. Her words were tricky to truly decipher, and purposefully so. She was claiming that she would follow Ashverr's orders, do as he said and help his cause, just as she had promised to, but if for whatever reason she decided that she wanted out, she had made it known that she had no obligation of loyalty to him.

"I would like to know my place in all of this, Mr Grey, if it isn't too much trouble," she said, looking directly at him now, "A smart man like you knows that a woman like me is no good with a blade in her hand. Besides, you recruited me for a purpose, for my skills, and now I shall see just how you plan to use them to your advantage."

------

((Where shall we take it with these two? I know that they were going to escape together, but is she going to come to him, or run into him or...? How is it going to happen I guess it what I'm asking, because I'm not sure how to bring him in))

[Lara]

((Hey! It's great to get a reply. I'll start working on this as soon as I can. As for Leanna and Carter. She is tearing across the fields on a horse at all hours, so I figured Carter would find something suspicious when she rode past the servant housing and would come out to investigate. He might try to stop her and get her to explain herself. That was just my thought though))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Oh okay that makes sense :) I'll write something for him then as well))

[Lara]

((Great :) Honestly, nothing you write for any of your characters will be a wrong decision, so feel free to write whatever! Any reply is better than no reply at all :) ))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Sorry for the wait :/ I'll do better from now on :) Anyway, I just copied Ophelia's back into this post, and Carter is on the bottom half, as always))

Ophelia caught how Ashverr smiled at her, and she could tell that he was excited about this little heist of his. However, as he hushed his men with simply the raise of his hand, she was reminded that this was in fact not a little heist at all, but rather a very large, very high stakes heist.

She listened as he explained the grim truth that came with accepting this mission, and Ophelia knew that it was simply the way that things worked. In this business, if you failed, no one had your back. But was she really willing to lay down her life for this man who she had only just met? Ophelia stayed quite, knowing that was still testing the waters.

She looked around and listened as slowly, each man vowed his loyalty to Ashverr and his cause, despite the risk and possible consequences. She found their loyalty quite admirable, though she knew that they all sought the same glory that Ashverr sought. Whether it was this or true loyalty that motivated them, she knew not. Ophelia supposed that it didn't really matter anyway.

She continued to simply watch and listen until it became apparent that many of the men were looking at her, as if they were waiting for something. It didn't take her long to realize that they expected a response from her. They were wanting her to pledge her allegiance to Ashverr and his cause for all of them to hear. She raised an eyebrow slightly, but knew that there was no reason for her not to give them what they wanted. "I'll do as you ask," she announced, looking at Ashverr. Her words were tricky to truly decipher, and purposefully so. She was claiming that she would follow Ashverr's orders, do as he said and help his cause, just as she had promised to, but if for whatever reason she decided that she wanted out, she had made it known that she had no obligation of loyalty to him.

"I would like to know my place in all of this, Mr Grey, if it isn't too much trouble," she said, looking directly at him now, "A smart man like you knows that a woman like me is no good with a blade in her hand. Besides, you recruited me for a purpose, for my skills, and now I shall see just how you plan to use them to your advantage."

-----

Carter was laying awake in bed, unable to sleep for no particular reason as usual. He only really slept when he was absolutely exhausted, and even then, sleep was never really very refreshing for him.

It was then that he heard it, the thundering of hooves somewhere off in the distance, but not too far away. He was always amazed by the things that he could hear in the silence of the night. Or at least, the regular silence. Judging by the pace of the sounds, whoever was riding this horse was going somewhere urgently. Though he knew that it didn't concern him, and he really had no reason to care, Carter got up and went to the window, deciding that it would at least give him something to do.

Taking a closer look, he could see that it was the princess on horseback, galloping closer and closer. What was she doing gallivanting off somewhere on a horse in the wee hours of the morning? Carter knew that whatever the reason was, it couldn't be good. He also knew that it was his duty to figure out what was going on. Because if someone found out that he saw the princess running away and had done absolutely nothing to stop her, he could be in big trouble.

Sighing, he quickly pulled on his boots and hurried outside, planting himself in the road with his arm outstretched in order to stop the horse. He just hoped that the princess didn't urge the horse forwards regardless and plow through him, though he doubted that that was something that she would even consider. She wasn't that bold.

[Lara]

((No no don't worry about timing at all. Life comes first :) And sounds good))

Ashverr watched his men interact with their new recruit, and he knew their loyalty to him was causing them to test her, to figure out the temperature of the waters, and he watched with mild amusement as Ophelia stated she was in, even though that sort of announcement was really unnecessary in his books, as they had already agreed on their terms.

His eyes danced as he watched her play her words. He knew he would have to satisfy some questions after he divvied out the rest of the work. "Very true, Vixen. We'll leave the knives with Blade." he said, winking at Katie who smiled deviously as she spun a small blade between her fingers.
The men seemed to perk up. The giant of the group cracking his knuckles, the two youngest leaning closer. Nicknames meant business. Nicknames meant that the work was about to begin. One of the middle aged men, Hook, chuckled and shot a coy look in Ophelia's direction, clearly amused by her straightforward demanding of answers.

"Don't worry, Fox, I'll explain the way this works in a moment. For now... Blade here's your names," he slipped her a piece of parchment and she immediately slipped away.

He turned to the group. "Same teams as last job on demolition, mapping, weapons, and stealth. The rest of you you know your work. Crow. Stay here please."

The crowd dispersed, talking excitedly among themselves. The energy was crackling between voices and in the light footsteps of the retreating team.

Crow, a young looking boy with pale skin, raven hair and dark eyes stepped forward. "Wraith," he said, eyeing Ophelia. "Am I a scout again?"

"Yes, but I need you here for a moment," Ashverr said, turning to Ophelia. "Now it is time to see just how useful you can be to me. The ice palace is located in the north." He pointed out, knowing that northerners had unnaturally pale skin, eyes, and hair. "Disguise Crow for that land, and then return him back." he said, his keen eyes becoming sharp as he watched the pair, even as Crow fidgeted in nervousness, eyeing the woman that stood near him.

.......................................................................................................................

Leanna didn't ride with reigns, she rode with her palms pressed against her steed's neck. She could feel the rhythm of the animal, galloping over the fields. She could feel the beat of his heart, the steading strain in his muscles. She could keep him from growing tired, she could steer him with just a gentle nudge in his consciousness. This way, she was never thrown, her horse always listened, and she didn't have to tug at a brutal bit in his mouth or kick at his sides.

The ground sped away faster and faster as his hooves began to fly. Trees and buildings passed it a blur, the stalks of the crops whistling around their ankles as they soared. So close to the tree line, just a little further to get into the forest. She'd be safe among the trees, she'd be sheltered by their shadows.

Something flickered in the corner of her eye and she turned to look, spotting a figure walking out into the path. They planted themselves and spread their arms, clearly intending to block her way. Shock and anger flooded through Leanna. She was so close to freedom, so close to escaping this life, and she hadn't planned on anyone trying to stop her.

But she certainly wasn't going to become a murderer. She was not a criminal. She gently sent a nudge to her horse to stop, hoping they would have enough time. The stretch between the figure and her horse was not very much. Her gelding slammed on the brakes, stomping and pawing in the mud, letting out a shrill whinny as he bucked, stamping down his hooves to try and slow his momentum. Leanna lost one footing and slid to the side as her gelding slid pawing and snorting as they stopped, mere inches from the figure's face. She recognized him now, and her anger only increased. She thought she could trust him.

She pushed herself back up into position on her saddle. "I'm leaving to pick up some medicine for my father, and you certainly have no business stopping me," she lifted her chin, her eyes flashing even as she hoped that he didn't pick up on her lie. She needed to get as far as she could before sun's first light, and he was just slowing her down.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia could see Ashverr's pleased amusement as she questioned him, for he didn't hide it. Even if he did, she could still see it in his eyes. It made her smile a little bit, but it quickly disappeared when she caught the look that the other man was giving her. She was pleased that he approved of her and her attitude towards all of this, but something in his gaze unsettled her, and she made a point to ignore him almost completely.

Instead, she watched as Ashverr passed the parchment to Katie, and then watched as everyone dispersed, knowing their job and their place. She thought that it was quite impressive really.

As the young boy, Crow, approached, Ophelia cracked an amused smile when he address Ashverr simply as Wraith. She still thought it was funny how ill fitting the name was, even though he insisted otherwise. No matter how hard he tried, he would never manage to make her fear him. Ophelia had already seen too much good and kindheartedness in him for that, even if he couldn't see it in himself. She saw how Crow eyed her uncertainly, and she could tell that he still wasn't completely sold on the idea of her being here.

As Ashverr explained what he wanted her to do, she knew that it would be a piece of cake, but Ophelia caught the boy's nervousness and shot him a kind and comforting smile, one that she often held on reserve. "Don't worry, I've done this before, and I wouldn't dream of harming a handsome young man like yourself," she said softly to set him at ease, and with that, she gingerly reached out and took his hand in hers, gently closing her fingers around it. It wasn't really necessary, but physical transformation needed some form of physical contact, and even though she could have simply placed her hand on his shoulder, or something of the sort, she had decided that taking his hand would help him relax.

She closed her eyes and began to concentrate on moving energy from her into him. As she felt it begin to flow, she knew that all they had to do now was wait. Ophelia kept her eyes closed, focusing on how she wanted to alert his appearance so that she would get it right. Slowly, his dark hair began to change to a white blonde color. The color moved up from the roots, taking over slowly. The color began to drain from his skin and eyes, leaving his skin even paler and his eyes a foggy grey. "Why Crow?" she asked him as the transformation took place, wondering where the nickname came from, and wanting to distract the young boy as she slowly finished. Only a minute more, and everything would be finished.

-----

Carter flinched a bit as the horse stopped just short of him, but he never made a move to get out of the way. He knew that she would stop, and if he hadn't had faith in that, he never would have stood in the road in the first place.

He could tell that the princess was livid that he had forced her to stop. When she gave him her excuse, he only shook his head. "Do you honestly expect me to believe that?" he asked her, raising an eyebrow, "If there was really something wrong with your father, there are hundreds of servants that could go to get medicine for him, it would never be a job that you would have to do," he explained, knowing that they both knew it to be true.

Carter was quite for a moment before he smirked, "And anyway, town is the other way, your highness," he added, officially catching her in her lie. "Now, would you like to tell me why you're really running away, because I know that's what you're doing," he said, not wanting to play games anymore. Why else would she be out so late at night, riding away as fast as she could. Clearly, she planned to get away from here, which was a very rash decision on her part.

"Is it because of me?" he asked her after a moment of contemplation. "I haven't told a soul about your powers. I swore that I never would, and you have my word on that, I can assure you." He figured that her fear of getting caught was her biggest fear. She didn't want to get sold into slavery because of her power, which was why she hadn't wanted him to find out in the first place. But what if someone else had found out, someone who wanted to use the information against her?

[Lara]

Ashverr stayed where he was as Ophelia stepped up, clearly understanding what he wished of her, and what this meant. Good. He really did despise repeating himself. He folded his gloved hands behind his back, lacing fingers together and lifted his chin. Now to watch the fun.

He'd be loath to admit that he was just about as curious as a child to watch how this actually worked. Sure he had a windwalker in his employ, as well as a firelighter, but fabrikator... this was the first, and this would be the first time he saw one work. He watched as Crow twitched with nervousness, and Ophelia approached him.

He watched her speak, and watched as the words rolled over the boy like honey, relaxing him. He made a mental note about her skill in that regard. May come in useful later. Crow gave a slight nod and his throat bobbed as his eyes flicked up to Ophelia's face, down to her hands, and back up to her face again. His lips twitched into something of a smile when she complimented him. "Thank you Ma'am." He let her take his hand, seeming to relax a little more.

Ashverr's eyes widened just slightly before returning to normal again as white seemed to seep out of Crow, bleaching his hair and eyes. The boy didn't even seem to notice. He was watching Ophelia, transfixed. "The name's mostly on account of my appearance, you see. My hair is crow feathers color. And I... I used to pick off the streets with the crows. That's where Wraith found me," He said, looking over at Ashverr then.

Ashverr dipped his head in slight agreement, leaning on his cane. "That's right. And you make one handsome northerner, Crow." His lips tipped up as the boy's now pale eyes widened and he dashed to the nearest brass pot. He stared at his hazy reflection for a moment and then wooped. "It looks real!" he turned his hands over, staring in amazement.

"It is real, I presume." He turned to Ophelia. "He will remain like that, until you change him back again, correct? How much time would you need to do my entire team, and how much of a break do you need in between work?" he asked, not sure how much energy her work took, nor the extent of the work she could do. But these disguises would be critical for pulling this off.

........................................................................................................................

So he was smarter than she had hoped. That was bad news. She needed to get going. She didn't have much longer and she really needed to cover a good amount of ground. Her father, the guards, the servants, someone would find her missing soon enough, and then it would be a hunt. If her father issued a notice that she was missing, then it would grow even more dangerous. Bounty hunters would join the chase.

She swallowed, looking around for a way to get around him, but she was in between two houses. She could coax her gelding to back up, but chances were, that he would grab the reigns first. She could knock him out, and then carry him to the side, but that would take a lot of effort. Knocking him out and backing up the horse was also a lot of effort.

She was going to argue back that she could very well have volunteered to oversee getting the medicine herself, until he pointed out that the town was in the other direction. She fidgeted on the horse, and he started to grow nervous, flicking his ears. Subconsciously she calmed him again as she slid a hand down the side of her face. "Ok, fine. I'm not getting medicine, happy? But I need to leave and you have no right questioning me on this. Move aside." Being a princess meant that she wasn't really raised with proper manners, a fact she wasn't entirely aware of. But she really needed to get going.

"This is not about you. I trust your word. However, you will be instrumental in me being caught if you continue to stand in my way. Is that your wish? Have someone else catch me?" One eyebrow rose on her forehead, even as the fear in her spiked. That possibility was only too much of a reality, and she didn't even want to start contemplating it.

"If you really must know, then yes, yes I am running away. Telling you where to, will only get me caught faster. I am no fool, sir, and I don't intend on returning." she lifted her chin. "Nor do I intend on being stopped. So I'll say it again, move aside." She shot him a hard look, hoping he was weak spirited enough to back down at that.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia wasn't paying attention to Ashverr at all. She kept her eyes closed as she worked, concentrating and listening to the young boy as he answered her question, unaware of how transfixed he was as he focused on her. She thought that it was quite sad, the story of his nickname. The part about his appearance obviously made sense, but she wondered if the other part of the name's origin, the part about picking off the streets with the crows brought back bad memories for the young boy. It truly was quite sad really, to think of a child who'd been abandoned like that, though Ophelia had been in a similar situation. At least her parents, whoever they were, had had enough of a heart to drop her at an orphanage.

But when Crow spoke of how Ashverr had found him and taken him in, it once again solidified how Wraith just simply was not a fitting name for him. No one who was truly deserving of the name Wraith took in little boys off the street and sheltered them. As hard as she tried, Ophelia just couldn't comprehend it. What menacing thing did everyone else see in Ashverr that she simply could not?

As Ophelia finished when her transformation of the young boy, she opened her eyes and slowly released her grasp on his hand, smiling as Ashverr commented on Crow's new appearance. She watched, and couldn't help but chuckle a bit at the boy's reaction. He was so amazed and so thrilled by something that came so easily to her. She'd never really thought about it before, how truly spectacular her power was to someone who had no such ability.

"Of course it's real," she assured them both, then nodded to assure Ashverr that Crow would indeed stay like this until she reversed the effects. "Your entire team?" she asked, slightly surprised by this. He wanted her to change the appearance of every single man? And Katie too of course. "It can be done in an hour or so," she told him, "I don't believe that I will be needing a break, but changing everyone back is another story. That takes much more of a toll on me, for, turning everyone back will take twice as much energy and concentration." She knew that she would have to remember exactly what each man looked like. The shade of his hair, the amount of light in his eyes, the very pigmentation of his skin, and she would have to will her powers to restore those features in each and every person she changed.

"You may send them to me in whatever way you wish, but first... I'm very curious to see what you look like as a Northerner, Mr Grey," she said coyly, knowing that he would need to undergo the transformation at some point, so why not now while he was here with her. Ophelia extended her hand out towards him, looking at him almost as if she was daring him to take it.

-----

Carter could practically see her panicked thoughts, and he could tell that she was trying to decide what her options were. She didn't want to be here, that was plain to see, but he knew that he would not let her go until he got the answers that he was looking for.

When she finally admitted that telling him that she was going to get medicine for her father was a lie, Carter smirked a bit and nodded to show that he had known that the entire time. He could tell though that she was getting frustrated, and he knew that his time was limited before she did something drastic. "Actually, I do have the right to question you," he pointed out, "I've done nothing wrong, but you on the other hand have broken countless rules, probably more than you even know. You don't seem like someone who normally breaks rules, princess, so you can't be angry at me for being curious to know why." His calm temperament contrasted greatly to her angry, panicked one.

"And yes, it is my wish for you to get caught if you're going to do something stupid and dangerous," he continued, answering her question, "Nothing good ever comes from fleeing your home on horseback in the middle of the night, take it from someone who knows." Whether she believed it or not, Carter had been in the same position that she was in before. He had tried to run away from home when his mother had died when he was young, and he would never forget the terrible things that had happened to him that night, a young boy, lost and alone on the forest. Of course, he hadn't learned his lesson the first time, and had tried running away several other times in his life, all with terrible results.

"You don't know where you're going," he pointed out when she claimed that she did, "You have no idea. All you know is that... is that you want to get away from here." It was a feeling that was all too familiar to him. He shook his head once and sighed, staring at her firmly once again. "I'm not going to move, So you can either plow me over with your steed, or you can let me come with you," he said firmly after a moment of silence. Carter couldn't believe that he was doing this again. He'd sworn to himself that he wouldn't, but this girl might just be his excuse out. And anyway, it would be different this time. He was older, and stronger, and he knew that he could protect them both.

"Those are your options, princess. What'll it be?"

[Lara]

It was clear that Crow looked up to Wraith like one might look up to a father or a big brother. His awe and admiration shone in the way he looked to Ashverr for approval and nodded along with everything he said. Both men however, were clearly in awe at the work that Ophelia had done. Neither had seen this sort of thing in person before, and it truly was magical to witness.

Crow couldn't stop turning his hands over, and then peering into the copper pot, staring at his bleached eyes and hair, at his strange complexion. He wasn't used to himself looking so drastically different.

Ashverr nodded at Ophelia's question about his entire team needing to be modified. They would all need to be perfectly disguised into their surroundings, which meant that his entire team needed to be modified. He was surprised, however, when she stated that she could do it in an hour. He wasn't expecting that sort of speed. However his stony expression didn't change to betray his surprise. "Very good." he nodded. "Changing back will have to be done before we can be seen here again, but it doesn't have to all be done at once. We'll work that out later." He reached up a gloved hand to scratch his chin, thinking for a moment.

Supplies would need to be gathered, contacts reached out to before the heist, then the actual gig, and then after that... the lifelong work of covering their tracks. It was what he'd been born to do.

He raised an eyebrow slowly, however, when she suggested changing him. He was loath to admit that part of him balked at the idea. He still had people to see. If she could not change him back perfectly, then there would be suspicions of her work... they would be found out before they even started. "I need to be myself again to meet with contacts later this afternoon. However, if you are up for putting me back again, then I trust that confidence, vixen." His words were carefully annunciated.

He was literally trusting their whole plan into her hands. If she couldn't change him back properly right away, then they would be blown. But while Ashverr was a cunning and devious man, he was also one to trust where he knew he wouldn't be forsaken.

He leaned his cane over one arm, and grabbed the tip of the glove on his middle finger, sliding it off his hand. His hands were pale and lean, calloused from unknown work before they had been covered by the gloves. Not only that, but the hand he had bared was laced with pale scars. Not nearly as scarred as his other hand, but still. They told a story, a story he didn't want to add to tonight. But he was trusting her both with his heist plans, and with the knowledge that he had a back story.

Ashverr reached out and placed his hand in hers, meeting her gaze meaningfully.

................................................................................................................

Her gelding neighed and stamped beneath her, growing agitated at the worry she was emanating. Leanna wasn't one to break down under pressure and stress. Rather she was more inclined to grow increasingly more frustrated and angry before she just snapped. That was evident in the way she balled up her fists against her horse's neck, in the tight crease between her brows and the slight pout to her lips.

She had never had someone talk to her like this, let alone a servant. To say that he had the right to question her... because she had broken rules. It was like a slap to the face, pointing out that she was breaking rules, and then saying that she was on a lower level than him... or rather that was what it felt like he was saying to her. Also... his insult was too clever. She couldn't disagree with him and say she was actually one to break many rules, and if she agreed with him then she was admitting defeat. So she pinched her lips and huffed out.

"Well maybe I can't blame you for being curious, but you can't blame me for not wanting to tell you where I am going." she insisted, She was starting to strongly contemplate just knocking him out and continuing regardless.

She was about to shout at him for being heartless and wanting her to be caught when he pointed out that nothing good came from running away, and he knew. What had made him want to run away? "Oh yeah?" She raised an eyebrow in defiance. As far as she knew, the servants had a good life. Not one of royalty, but not a bad one. Of course she only assumed that because that was what her father told her, and she had never bothered to find out for herself.

He pointed out that she didn't know where she was going and she opened her mouth to protest, and then shut it again. How did he know all this? How did he know the signs of running away, the fact that she was running in a vague direction, that she just wanted to get away? "Surely if you understand my motives, you'll be wise enough to step aside," she said, her voice growing ragged in desperation. Too much time had been spent here already. Bounty hunters and slave traders would be on her tail if she didn't start moving.

But then he gave her an ultimatum and she frowned, looking at him. She would have to trample him, or bring him along. Or of course, she had plan C, which was that he would blab to her father once he woke up from her knocking him out. Not a good plan. But neither was taking him with her, and she was no murderer to run him over. She thought for a second, and figured she could just ditch him as soon as she could, and never hear from him again. That was the best option, but a risky and laborous one. She groaned and rubbed a hand down the side of her cheek, huffing out long and slow to try and calm some of her fear and frustration. "Fine then!" She cussed under her breath in a manner that the palace soldiers did, and certainly not any ladies of her rank. "Come along if you wish." Part of her was seething at the sheer fact that she hadn't been able to sway him. Usually she was good at persuasion. Usually people didn't stand up to her. Usually they caved. Usually they weren't as stubborn as she, let alone more so. The thought of losing him as soon as she could was the only one that seemed optimistic right now.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia nodded, knowing that she could certainly change him back before his meetings. She'd been around him long enough to commit his face to memory, and she was certain that she would not mess things up when she went to change him back.

As he removed his glove and extended his hand out towards her, her eyes were instantly drawn to the scars that were laced into his skin. They were so unique that she wondered just what could have caused them. If there was not definitely a dark and painful story to go along with them, she just might have asked. Ophelia had been planning to tease him about wearing those gloves all the time, about how unnecessary they were, but now she understood. She understood completely.

"You're nervous," she observed, her voice soft as she took his hand, closed her eyes, and began to concentrate. She knew that he would know that she wasn't talking about the transformation that was taking place, he was nervous about trusting her. Trusting her with his plan. Trusting her to keep his secrets. "Don't be nervous," she whispered after a short silence, slowly lacing her thin, flawless fingers through his rough, scarred ones and giving his hand a slight squeeze before she withdrew, the transformation complete.

"I can't say that I prefer you this way, Mr Grey," she teased lightheartedly, as if nothing had just happened between them. Maybe on his end, it hadn't, but Ophelia knew that in those simple words that she had spoken and in that simple gesture, she had made all sorts of promises to him. "Being blonde does not suit you...." she decided, "What do you think Crow?" She looked at the young boy, wondering what he would say.

--------

Carter could see how frustrated she was, but he wasn't going to let her get away so easily. He knew for certain that she would get herself hurt or killed on her own, and if that happened, when that happened, he knew that it would be all his fault for not stopping her. Why was she so intent on running away anyway? She was a princess, she had a great life. He supposed that he shouldn't make too many assumptions, for he knew that there were many things that he didn't know.

He only shook his head when she retorted to his words with, "oh yeah?", the way a child would when they argued with their older siblings. She was acting rather like a child now, and he knew that neither of them had time for it. "Yeah. You don't know what you're getting yourself into. I do, and I won't have you getting yourself hurt because you're being rash," he insisted, "I do understand your motives, and that's exactly why I stopped you in the first place."

When she finally gave in, seeing that she had no other choice, Carter smiled a bit, pleased that he had won their little battle. He could hear her cussing under her breath and smiled to himself. She might be annoying, but her fire was admirable. "Alright, now stay here. I'll only be a moment," he insisted, "If you leave while I'm gone, you can be assured that I will tell your father everything."

With that, he quickly went off to fetch his horse, the same one that she had calmed earlier when he had found out about her powers. Carter quickly saddled it and grabbed a small backpack that he had hidden under the straw. Inside, it had a bit of money, a blanket, a change of clothes, a canteen of water, and a few other small things. Unlike the princess, he was prepared. Sliding the bag over his shoulder as he hopped on to his horse and coaxed him out the door of the stable to meet up with the princess once again.

"You didn't bring a single thing with you, did you?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, "You'll regret that later, you know." Carter sighed and shook his head, ready to go if she was. "Shall we then?" he asked.

[Lara]

Heck yeah he was nervous. Was he pleased that she knew this? Not especially, no. It meant that she understood the severity of the situation, just how serious it was that he had trusted her with his plan and secrets. But it also meant that his reputation in her eyes was hanging in the balance. He was a seasoned monster. He couldn't afford to let that veil slip for anyone.

So he swallowed and just watched as she held his scarred hand in her incredibly soft one, and began to work. She told him not to be nervous, and he found himself cocking his head to the side a little, curious. Was she one to be trusted? He hoped so. For if not, he had just lain too many cards on the table. But she seemed to say that she was, so he let himself relax in that knowledge.

He knew when she started working, for it felt like he had been out in the cold a long time, and then had come into the warmth. Now his skin felt slightly tingly, and his head felt a little itchy. Then she was pulling away from him, saying she didn't like him blonde. Ashverr smiled, his now pale eyes shining dangerously. "What do you mean madam? I thought I'd be handsome no matter my colour." He grinned, making light of the situation and turned to look at himself. It was rather startling to see such a drastic change in appearance. He hardly recognized himself. This disguise would work very well indeed.

Crow peered at Ashverr for a moment, looking slightly startled. "You truly look like a ghost." he breathed, taking in the platinum hair and skin, and bleached eyes. He then looked back down at his own hands. "Weird isn't it?" He looked back at Ashverr again, and shifted from foot to foot. Ashverr certainly looked much colder, and almost cruel with such pale eyes and complexion, and Crow didn't seem to like that much. "I think I like him better as he usually is too, Ma'am. No offence to you."

...................................................................................................................

Leanna wanted to lift her chin, wanted to say that she wouldn't get nearly as hurt out there in the world as she would by those in the court who wished to wed her off to their sons, and those who did know of her power, and kept quiet because they wanted to exploit it themselves. She wanted to snap back, but her fear was steadily over taking her anger, and she was shifting restlessly atop her horse. "Hurry up," she hissed, not wishing to be held back a moment longer. The second it was convenient, she would lose him. Maybe slip away into the woods one night... maybe make sure he woke up late one morning so she could slide away.

She was sure she could figure something out.

He certainly was being annoying enough to ask to get ditched. Leanna wasn't used to getting talked back to, she wasn't used to anyone arguing with her, or standing up to her, and in that regard, she was the perfect model of a princess, even though she hated what she was. She still came off as one. And it bothered her that this man was just as stubborn as she, and that he dared talk back to her.

So it was with slight contempt that she watched him retreat into his home to gather what she assumed were supplies. She had not bothered to pack any of her clothing, for they were all poofy and unpractical dresses that would not suit her on the run. What she wore now was the only outfit she had brought, her hunting clothing. The rest of her supplies she figured she could buy using the rather heavy purse concealed in the wrappings around her chest. She wasn't wearing a corset to support herself, so the wrappings would have to do while riding.

The wait for him was long and agonizing, even though it really wasn't that long. Every couple of seconds or so she would glance at the forest and contemplate just dashing off into it. But he would tell on her. However, she couldn't help the couple of steps forward that her gelding took in response to her agitation.

When the stable hand returned on his horse and questioned her judgement, she lifted her chin in defiance, not liking that he was now taller than her on his horse. She liked it better when she could talk down to him. It made her feel less small. "I came prepared enough." she snapped, placing her palms on the neck of her gelding again. "And I am absolutely done waiting for you. I have a lot of ground to cover before sunrise. Try to keep up." She sent a mental thought into the gelding and he took off.

The blessed cover of the forest enveloped them and Leanna bent low to her horse's neck, peering through the branches into the darkness as she guided him with her thoughts. They had stood too long out there in the open, but now, finally, they could cover some ground.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((How old is Crow??? Just wondering :) ))

Ophelia could feel him relax at her words, even though she had her eyes closed at the time and could not actually see him. It truly was a strong ability of hers, to be able to relax just about anyone and make them feel comfortable and secure in her presence. She was easily able to read people, assess their needs, and act accordingly based on their individuality. It truly wasn't a hard thing to do. The way that she relaxed Crow would not work on Ashverr, and vice versa.

She was a bit taken aback by his comment about being handsome no matter what, unsure of how to respond at first. Admitting that she indeed did think that he was rather handsome was not the way to go, at least not now, but denying it was not right either. Therefore, she settled for something safer, something more teasing and less risky. "Well, someone is certainly full of himself," she lightheartedly said at last, matching his tone, but her silence had been just a bit too long, making it evident that she had been trying too hard to come up with an appropriate response. Maybe he hadn't noticed. But why was it such a big deal to her if he knew that she believed him to be handsome? She shook her head and pushed the thought away.

As Ashverr looked at himself, Ophelia looked back at Crow, seeing how unsettled the poor boy looked, which cleared her mind. When he made the comment about Ashverr looking like a ghost, Ophelia frowned. They both looked rather ghostly, but she could see that there was something that Crow saw in Ashverr that he did not see when he looked at himself. She nodded in agreement to the boy's words. "Don't worry, you'll all be back to normal in no time," she assured them both, for she knew that it was really all that she could say for now.

"Why don't you run and fetch Katie and the others?" she said, looking at Ashverr once again, "Explain to them just how this works so that I can get started, and then I shall change you back so that you can be on your way."

"And Crow, if Mr Grey is not opposed, I would like you to stay with me. I believe that your presence will help things run a little more smoothly," she explained, "After all, you know these men, and I do not. I am sure that most of them do not trust me the way that I can tell that you do. Maybe you can help me change their minds." She smiled, giving the boy assurance of his importance to her, and while what she had said was true, what she had not said was almost more important. She wanted Crow here not only to assist her in making the transformations run more smoothly, but she had questions for him, things that she believed that he could answer to help her figure out a few things.

-----

Carter rolled his eyes at her sass, knowing that it came only because she was frustrated, mostly with him, but he found it rather annoying and childish, and he hoped that her temperament changed soon. If it did not, this would be a very long and excruciating journey. She certainly had not been this way earlier when they had met.

As she began to tear towards the forest, Carter urged his stubborn horse to follow, even though he was less than pleased to be awoken in the middle of the night as forced to run. He knew that the creature hated him, even though he treated it well. He remembered how calm the horse had gotten when under the command of the princess when she had used her powers to sooth him. Maybe Carter could get her to do it again later, but he doubted it.

As they finally entered the forest, Carter wondered if she would slow down. When she did not, his senses were put on high alert. Quickly he urged his horse to go faster until he was riding right alongside her. "You need to slow down, we're making too much noise," he said, his voice sounding more urgent than he would have liked. He'd done this before, made this same mistake. Tearing off through the otherwise calm forest at night on horseback, unaware of everything that he was stirring up. He had been foolish like her, just wanting to get away as fast as possible, but it had been his downfall. He had been young then, and he wouldn't make the same mistake again now.

"There are creatures in these woods, and they will be none too happy to be woken up, so you need to slow down now," he commanded, knowing that it might already be too late. Carter swore that he saw eyes glowing in the darkness, swore that he heard low pitched growls, but maybe it was just his imagination. He certainly hoped that it was.

[Lara]

((13 or 14, but you can pick his age if you wish. I hadn't been set on one :) ))

Ashverr smiled lightly when she said he was full of himself. Yes, maybe he was, but part of it was just an act to appear full of himself. Appearances were everything after all, and the human being naturally banded behind confidence. So it was in his job description. "Very possibly madam, but I think you agree with me." he smiled lightly, having noted how long it initially took her to respond. Not that he minded, or thought much of it. It didn't mean much for her to think him pretty. That didn't mean she had feelings for him, so he merely brushed it away as an observation on her part.

Crow and Ashverr both looked at Ophelia as she promised them that she would change them back to normal. Ashverr nodded resolutely, pulling his glove back over his thin hand, once again covering it with leather. He stretched his fingers and then rolled his wrist, before returning his hand to his pocket.

He didn't like when she suggested for him to do something. He didn't like being told what to do, and that was exactly why he was the leader, not one of the men on the team. However, it was a suggestion, not an order, so he let it slide... this time.

He turned to leave and then paused in the doorway, turning to look at Crow who had puffed up his chest with pride at being chosen for a task. He was begging with his boyish eyes, and Ashverr looked back at Ophelia. There was no real harm in having Crow assist her with this one assignment. He was still under his command, just assisting Ophelia. His usually team would not find it too hard to make up for the loss of one man. So he dipped his head and then left the room.

Crow beamed, turning to Ophelia, his shoulders back and head up, trying to look big and strong and important. Not that he really succeeded. He was quiet the gangly child, still all skin and bones, legs and arms too long for his body. But he was eager to help, that much was certain in the way his eyes gleamed with excitement. "I'm yours to command, Ma'am." He saluted and then looked to her for directions.


.....................................................................................................................

For a long while they rode, tearing through the forest and growing further and further away from civilization. The longer they ran, the more twisted the woods grew, with gnarled trees and crooked shadows. Leanna wasn't sure that Carter would even catch up to her, but she wouldn't be too disappointed about that. The night was cold and only grew colder, the air stinging her skin as they rode further, but not far enough. She had to get away, far away.

And then a horse caught up to her, galloping alongside her. Part of Leanna was upset that he had managed to catch up, but she was more upset when he said to slow down, making an excuse about animals. Something inside Leanna twinged in panic, and it was that panic that actually caused her to slow her gelding to a brisk trot, forcing her to rise up into three point and avoid the bouncing gait.

She turned to peer behind her and spotted glowing eyes amid the darkness. She cursed. "Slow me down so I get eaten by wolves, that's your plan?" She hissed, the panic clear in her voice. Her gelding was shifting back and forth on its feet, ears flicking around, eyes wide.

Leanna urged him forward again, trying to persuade him to run as swiftly and quietly as he could. She wasn't sure how far Carter was behind her anymore, not that she cared. A howl tore through the silence, and she became aware of shifting shapes running along beside them. It was only a second later that something sharp clamped on her ankle and she was torn from her horse. She saw sparks as her shoulder smacked against the ground. Her mind latching onto a shrill horse scream. Her vision clouded and then cleared again in time for her to grow aware that the sharp thing that had torn her from her horse was an abnormally large wolf, his yellow eyes regarding her for a moment, blood - her blood - on the fur around its face. Too fast for her to follow, it lunged and then searing fire tore up her left arm.

It was her scream this time that tore the night, and through her pain she gathered enough of a thought to shut down the wolf's brain and it collapsed. More frenzied barking and then many grey bodies had converged. Some of them she managed to knock out before they got to her, and some of them it was only after they had clamped down.

Finally it was quiet, and she knelt in a circle of grey bodies, the frost around her tinged red. A shiver ran through her, wracking her body as it started to go into shock. She had just fought a wolf pack, fought a wolf pack and lived. Her left arm was torn open, and so was her ankle, she was covered in blood, and she had no idea where her horse had gotten off too, but she was alive. Trembling with shock and adrenaline, she laughed, a broken sobbing noise.

Where was Carter? Her question was answered by a howl. This hadn't been the whole pack. The rest of them where somewhere else, wherever Carter was. Was he ok? She couldn't just leave him alone in the woods, not with the wolves around. So Leanna pushed herself to her feet, took one step forward, and collapsed, crying out as the bone in her ankle grated. "Carter where are you!?" She called, suddenly frightened and realizing just how alone she was.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Yay! I was thinking about the same thing! Hmm we'll say he's 13 then.))

Ophelia sighed as she watched Ashverr go, finding it slightly unsettling how he did not speak as he left. Had she said something wrong? She shook her head, knowing that she shouldn't dwell on it too much. She already spent too much of her time puzzling over him and his many mysteries. Instead, she turned her attention back to Crow, unable to keep from smiling at his eagerness to help her.

She then shook her head again, sick of being addressed as madame and ma'am. "Please, call me Ophelia. Or, you could even call me Sophie if you'd like. Most of my friends do," she told him with a kind smile and a small wink, of course alluding to the fact that she already considered him a friend. She knew that he was the first person that she had extended the offer to call her by her nickname to since coming here. It was sort of a right of passage. When Ophelia trusted someone enough to truly consider them a friend, she liked to hold them in a different standing than those who she only pretended to be friends with. And this is how she chose to keep things clear in her mind. Most called her Ophelia, but a select few called her Sophie.

"And what's your name? Your real name I mean," she asked, simply curious. She supposed that she could call him Crow all the time, but she did want to know what his true name was. It was more meaningful.

"And actually, I have another question for you as well before we get started," she said, deciding that she might as well ask what she wanted to ask before Ashverr returned with the others. "Do you...do fear Mr Grey?" she asked him, knowing that it might be a mistake to ask him such a thing, but she had a feeling that the young boy would be honest with her. "Because the name Wraith must come from somewhere, and you all seem to see something in Mr Grey that I simply cannot see. The way that you were looking at him after I transformed him.... Maybe you were just unsettled, but normally, I can read people better than that, and I know that there was something else there too."

"I don't mean to make you uncomfortable, I really don't... Perhaps this is all too much for you. If it is, feel free to just ignore me completely," she said, feeling guilty for putting so much on the young boy seemingly out of nowhere. "It's just that, there's a lot of things that don't make sense to me, and that frustrates me. You understand that, don't you?" He seemed like a smart boy, and she was sure that he could relate to being in a similar situation, feeling like he was the only one who wasn't up to date, like things were being hidden from him that he had the right to know.

-----

Wolves. Of course she had said wolves. Of course it had to be wolves. "No," he hissed back, now fully aware that the glowing eyes were not in his imagination at all. This could not be happening. Not again.

Before he could say more, the princess was already galloping off again on her horse, and Carter knew that he had no way to stop her. "Leanna, wait!" he called after her, trying to urge his horse after her, but the poor creature was frozen in terror. No matter how hard Carter kicked it in the sides or flicked the reigns, it would not budge. When a howl suddenly tore through the darkness, it made him freeze as well. It brought back so many memories, terrible memories.

Only when Leanna's scream echoed through the night did Carter snap back to reality. She was in danger, and he had to help. He could hear the wolves growling as they lunged at her not too far away and he quickly urged his horse to go forward, and this time it obeyed. However, it didn't take very many steps before a group of wolves ran out in front of it, causing it to get spooked. It reared up on its hind legs, and not expecting the sudden movement, Carter was thrown off the horse's back.

He hit the ground hard, getting the wind knocked out of him in the process. He gasped for breath and quickly regained it, sitting up just in time to see his horse running off into the darkness. As fast as he could, he got to his feet, but as soon as he was up, he was promptly knocked to the ground again as a wolf dove at him, snarling and sinking it's claws into his back and tearing at his flesh. Carter cried out in pain, somehow managing to reach back, grab the wolf by its neck, and tear it off of him.

With that, he began to run, running as fast as he possibly could, his body fueled by pure adrenaline. He was certain that at least five wolves were chasing him, but as he heard Leanna cry out once more, he knew that he had to get to her and could not fail. He heard her call for him, and he used her voice to guide him to her location.

That's when he saw her, laying on the ground in a circle of wolves, covered in blood. Before he had time to even wonder what she had done to the wolves, or assess how bad her injuries were, Carter scooped her up, not stopping in the process. He held her close against him as he continued sprinting, somehow managing to keep enough of a distance between himself and the wolves. He didn't know what he was going to do though. There was no way that he could outrun the wolves forever, and carrying Leanna only took more of a toll on his strength and energy. He wouldn't be able to keep this up for much longer. "Do what you did before!" he shouted to make sure that Leanna could hear him, "Whatever you did to the other wolves, do it again now!" If she didn't, he had no idea how they would get out of this alive.

[Lara]

((sounds good :) ))

Crow had watched Ophelia watch Ashverr leave and he shook his head a little. "He's usually that quiet, ma'am. It's nothing you did," he said, trying to be helpful, incase she was hurt by Ashverr's swift disappearance.

She asked him then, the magical women who could pain things different colours, to call her by her real name, to call her by a name that her friends called her. The boy's pale eyes lit up and he puffed his chest. "Of course ma'a- I mean Sophie." He was more than thrilled that the new member was actually talking to him, let alone a friend to him. He was the mouse of the group most of the time, sent to do the menial tasks because he was young, but here was this powerful woman calling him friend. Pride shone from his youthful face and he couldn't have looked more happy in that moment.

When she asked his real name, he paused for a moment, and then looked around conspiratorially before leaning closer and putting a hand to the side of his mouth, as if he had the most important secret. "It's Tommy, ma'a- I mean Sophie." he smiled shyly at her.

Then she asked a question that made him freeze a moment. Did he fear the Wraith? She didn't pause there either... she continued asking questions, like where his name came from, and what the story was, and why he had been alarmed at seeing the Wraith looking very much like a Wraith. He shifted foot to foot, not quite sure what to do with all the questions that were coming flying at him all at once.

She stated that she didn't mean to overwhelm him, but he sure felt it. He shook his head a little, not quite sure what to say. She was right. He did know that feeling, the feeling that you were being left out of some inner circle, and wanting to know what everyone else did. Crow swallowed hard, his throat bobbing and then he glanced at her briefly before looking at his hands. "Everyone is afraid of the Wraith. That's why no one challenges him. We respect him, and that he's earned the spot as our leader... but we all are afraid of what he can do." He glanced up at her. "He's a man that gets what he wants, and no one really knows how. Some says he's just gifted at persuasion... others..." He shook his head. "I'm not afraid that he'll hurt me, don't mistake my fear for mistrust. But that man has a past no one knows, and there's a reason he haunts bedtime stories. He will stop at nothing to acquire what has caught his eye." Crow looked down again, clasping his thin hands. "I'm not sure if I've made any sense..."

....................................................................................................................

Leanna was kneeling on the frosted ground, staring at the blood around her. She was alone. She had gotten no answer from Carter. She was alone with a serious wound in the crook of her arm where the vein was, and on her ankle. There was no way she would be able to survive alone. When a dark shape came barreling towards her, she whimpered, thinking it was another wolf. Then strong arms were pulling her up, and she was moving. Leanna couldn't keep away the ragged sob that escaped her lips. He was not running smoothly, he was running like an injured doe, and it rattled around her broken ankle and torn arm.

Black dots spotted her vision and she gasped in air, trying to stay awake, trying to stay conscious even as fire seared through her limbs from her wounds. She could feel her own blood levels depleting, her heart trying to keep up. She could feel Carter sprinting, feel him straining to go faster even as howls tore through the still night air. Frost and branch cracked beneath his steps, and each jolt drew a cry from her lips. They would be an easy trail to follow.

He was injured. She could sense it in the way she could sense his heart pounding with adrenaline, in the way her own heart was erratically beating. He begged her to take care of the wolves, and Leanna tipped her head back to look behind them. At first it was only gnarled shadows, bent trees, and softly falling snow. She saw then, the lithe grey bodies, bounding after them, catching up. She reached out with her mind, with her weakening consciousness, and wrapped her powers around the system of the closest wolf. It went slack and fell into the snow, tumbling tail over head.

One by one they dropped, remaining motionless where they fell. Leanna's head flopped back against Carter's arm. She could no longer support it, as she had lost a lot of blood and was in shock. While her body lay limp, her consciousness reached out around the figure that was carrying her and found the wound in Carter's back. She felt the jagged rip in the skin, the torn muscle, the exposed bone. She let her mind coax it together, mending muscle, tissue, and skin. When she felt it was returned to normal, she let go of her hold.

Then her world tunnelled into a dark hole and she lost consciousness.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia couldn't help but smile when she saw how delighted the young boy was when she called him her friend, and she got a feeling that he wasn't used to being treated like this. He was probably used to being treated like the runt. Ophelia certainly knew that feeling well. Besides, she didn't see him that way at all. She could see how clever, and cunning, and kind he was, and those were the things that mattered, not than his age or his size.

She smiled more when he leaned in really close to her and whispered his name to her, as if it was some kind of big secret. She thought that the name suited him, but she also knew that he would eventually outgrow it. Fortunately, Thomas suited him just as well. He was innocent enough to pull off Tommy, but also sophisticated enough to pull off Thomas. But, then again, she has hung on to Sophie for all these years, so maybe he would always simply be Tommy. Anyway, she likes the way that sounded. Sophie And Tommy.

Ophelia was sad to see his smile fade when she began to ask him questions, but they were questions that she knew that she couldn't stand not having answers to for another moment. If this were not so, then she would not be asking them now. She sighed and knelt down, so that she was more at his level. She could see that he was having a tough time finding words, but she knew it shouldn't be that way. This little boy shouldn't be burdened with such deep secrets that he felt like he could not tell her.

Ophelia listened closely as he began speaking, biting her lip to keep from interjecting. He said that everyone respected Ashverr out of fear of him, but she knew that respect and fear were two very different things. However, as the boy kept going, she couldn't stop herself from interjecting. "What he can do..." she repeated softly. Did he mean that Ashverr had some kind of power like she did? If so, why hadn't he said so? Was this all not as scary as it seemed? Could it be that Tommy, and everyone else for that matter, simply feared something that they did not understand? She could see that of Ashverr's power was something more menacing and dangerous, then maybe others would fear him because of it. They only didn't fear her because her power created and transformed things, not destroyed them.

Ophelia sighed in defeat when Tommy mentioned how Ashverr haunted the bedtime stories of children. It just didn't seem right to her, not right at all. If he really was the terrible creature that everyone seemed to think that he was, then why did everyone seem to like him so much? Why did he take in starving little boys off the street? Why did he come across as so kindhearted. Maybe it was all an act, but Ophelia felt deep in her heart that it was not.

"No, you've made perfect sense," she assured him, forcing a small smile for his benefit. Of course she had more questions, but she knew that they were questions that she should not burden him with, and he probably didn't know the answers to anyway. "Thank you for helping me," she said sincerely, "If there is anything that you ever need, all you have to do is ask, alright?" She smiled genuinely now, very happy to have met this boy.

------

Carter could hear Leanna's sobs as he scooped her up, and he held her close against him, unsure if she was afraid, or in pain, or both. Probably both. He knew that he wasn't running smoothly, but he was in a good amount of pain himself and moving at all was very difficult. Before he even realized what was going on, Carter could sense the wolves ceasing to chase them. He knew that somehow, Leanna was using her powers to strike them down, just as she had before. Still, he kept running, feeling as though they were not safe yet.

He could feel Leanna's body growing weaker and weaker in his arms, but at the same time, he could feel her hand reaching around and resting on his back, feeling the wound from that wolf's claws. He winced as he ran, too out of breath to cry out when she ran her finger over the deep gashes. Then, all of a sudden, Carter could feel the pain begin to subdue. He could feel the blood cease to flow from the gashes, and then, he began to feel them close altogether. Even though he had no idea how, he knew that it was Leanna's doing.

Almost as soon as he was healed and she lost consciousness, Carter fell to his knees in the snow, panting heavily, his eyes shut tightly as he took in large breaths of air, trying to calm his racing heart. He could feel Leanna's warm blood against his skin and he quickly ripped one of the sleeves from his shirt, tying it tightly around the gash in her arm where blood continued to pour from. "What the hell were you thinking?!" he hissed under his breath, muttering to himself, "Why didn't you listen, to me?! Why didn't you just listen?!" He didn't know what he was going to do now. He had no idea where they were, he didn't have any sort of powers to heal her, and he didn't have any medical supplies, much less the knowledge to use them. If he didn't get a miracle, she was going to die right here in his arms, all because he hadn't been able to protect her like he had promised to.

He remembered when this had happened to him, the first time he had tried to run away after his mother had died. He had only been ten, he hadn't been able to defend himself against the hungry wolves and had ended up bleeding helplessly in the snow. He had thought that he was dying when he had seen a light approaching him in the darkness, and when he saw the same light coming towards him now, he thought that he must surely be mad. There was no way that it could be her. But as the horse drew nearer and he got a good look at the woman holding the flaming torch sitting atop it, he knew that it was. He would recognize her face anywhere.

"Carter?" she asked, clearly completely surprised as she looked at him, and then looked at the motionless grey bodies laying all around him.

"Calista?" His voice was a mixture of shock and relief. He quickly recovered though, holding Lyanna close as stood up. "She needs help. I think she's dying, Calista. We have to hurry," he said urgently.

"Yes, come on," she commanded, "But you should know that I have about a million questions for you young man when we get back home." As soon as he was on the back of her horse, holding the motionless girl in his arms, Calista urged her horse forward, heading back in the direction of her small cottage. These were her woods, and she knew them by heart. Even in the darkness, she could find her way.

It didn't take long to reach her home, and Calista quickly slid off of her horse, tying it up outside and ushering Carter inside. It had been so long since he'd been here.

"Bring her in here Carter," Calista instructed, pulling her long blonde hair back as she walked, rushing about to find materials in the dimly lit home, a small brown wolf at her heels, whining for attention. "Not now Luna," she murmured, giving her a quick scratch behind her ears before going back into the bedroom and closing to door behind her to keep the wolf out.

"Luna isn't a puppy anymore, is she?" Carter asked as he gently lay Leanna down in bed, careful not to stir her wounds any more than he already had while running with her.

"No, she isn't. Just the same as you're not a boy anymore..." Calista responded with a bit of edge to her voice that Carter only knew came out of sorrow. Sorrow that he had a large part in causing.

He sat silently then and watched her work on Leanna. It had been so long since he'd seen her, so many years. All and all, she looked the same as he remembered, except for a few new creases around her eyes and a few strands of silver mixed into the blondness of her hair. Carter realized that he didn't actually know her age, though he would place her somewhere between forty and fifty if he had to guess. He supposed that it didn't really matter.

"Talk to her, Carter," Calista said softly as she worked on bandaging Leanna's arm after she had cleaned, sterilized, and stitched it up, "See if you can start to bring her back. Her ankle won't need to be stitched, so the worst of her pain is over, but she needs to be awake to take medicines to dull the pain that she is still feeling." She reached up and gently brushed the poor girl's hair away from her face before getting back to work, moving her focus now to the girl's ankle, which she knew that she would have to set back in place.

"What should I say to her?" Carter asked as a legitimate question, but Calista only shot him a look in response, as if the answer was obvious. Carter sighed, slowly wrapping his fingers around her uninjured hand. "It's okay Leanna, you're in a safe place now. You're going to be okay," he said softly, giving her hand a small squeeze as if that would stir her.

[Lara]

Crow watched as the woman's expressions changed as he spoke. He kept careful tabs as she frowned, as her expression grew thoughtful, and then again as it changed to something he couldn't quite discern. It was true, Mr. Grey was quite the complex case, and he confused most of his team a good portion of the time as well. But they followed him based on the respect he had gained from them. But it was a healthy respect. They wouldn't dare try to cross him, for that respect came from a sort of fear akin to reverence. The man truly was a legend.

But no one was close enough to know his story. She asked what he could do, and Crow merely stood there, as he wasn't sure either. Everything surrounding Ashverr was wreathed in myths, and in that way, he blended well into the smoke of those stories, just like a wraith.

She assured him that he had been a help, and that if he ever needed anything, that all then all he had to do was ask. Crow smiled a little, looking at her shyly through his bangs. "That's very kind of you," he said softly. "I'm sorry that I can't help you more, with finding answers." He said it in a way that spoke of how he meant it.

"Crow, is that truly you?" a man bellowed from the door. He was a scruffy looking man with a well grown beard and beady eyes set into his face, bulked up arms draping on either side of his trunklike torso.

Crow looked up and smiled a little, nodding. "Yeah... she changed my looks." he nodded to Ophelia.

The man shook his head, a deep chortle making its way out of him. "So it is true. Wraith told me last night about this, but I wasn't ready to believe it." He walked up to Ophelia and held out his hand for her to shake. "I'm Bear. I'm hear to get beutified, or whatever your magics is called." He said, looking around her as if he expected to see some sort of staff or wand or potion bottle.

.......................................................

Leanna didn't dream in her unconsciousness, she just shifted a little when she was in Carter's arms, on the back of the horse. Her head turned back and forth once, and a soft noise escaped her lips that was lost to the dark tangle of the forest. Her body was having a hard time keeping up, trying to cope with the blood loss, the shock of her wounds, the pain, and the weakness that came from draining her powers.

But even such a trouble unconsciousness was better than consciousness. When Leanna started to come back, she first became aware of garbled noises, like someone talking to her above the water, while she was down below, sinking.

But their voice was a net, and it started to pull her up to the surface. the darkness diminished, the voice grew more clear, and then she broke through and awareness came flooding back. Throbbing pain in her ankle, and stabbing embers on her arm shot up to her brain at the same time and a soft moan escaped her as her eyes fluttered.

The voice, what was it saying? She was in a safe place, she was going to be ok. But this was Carter speaking - she recognized his voice now. He was the one who told her to slow down in the first place, the one who let the wolves catch up to her. He was the reason she felt like vomiting from the pain, the reason she felt like she should be dead. But she wasn't. But then where were they? It felt warm, not cold. Certainly not as cold as the snowy forest. Her eyes fluttered, and she blinked a little, trying to clear her gaze to the hazy atmosphere of the room she was in.

It was lit with the dark and welcoming undertones of a fireplace, the dancing lilt of flame. Warm browns, oranges, reds. The blobs began to clear, and she turned her head a little, trying to see Carter and who the other figure was who was standing nearby. The motion pulled something painful and a cry escaped her lips. It felt like animals were still chewing through her wounds and she feebly tried to shift, to get away from the pain, to get away. She needed to be running, not lying down.

It only made the pain worse, to move, but a horrible thought had entered Leanna. What if they had her here, lying down, to pull her apart and sell her pieces as medicines? She twitched, a cry escaping her as she tried to force herself up on the bed, trying to get up, trying to get away, anything, no matter how badly it hurt. Her vision still wasn't clear enough to make out the room they were in, or the people here with her, so her imagined fate seemed all too real. Someone had her hand. She had to get away. She tried to get away. "Let me go! Let me go!" she cried. "I don't want to die."

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia smiled a bit, feeling truly bad for bringing the boy into this all. He was much too young to be worried about her curiosities and fears. "That's alright. No one ever has all the answers, but that doesn't mean that we stop searching, right?" she explained, "Besides, we all learn something new everyday, and maybe today just isn't the day to find the answers that I seek." She only wished that truly believed those words. Ophelia wanted to know now, she was sick of guessing and asking around. Part of what she said was true though, she would not stop her search. Ashverr simply intrigued her much too much, and anything that could hold her attention for so long was well worth her time in Ophelia's opinion. She would simply have to wait.

She was startled away from her thoughts when a man suddenly called out to Crow from the doorway. He was certainly big and burly and loud, but Ophelia could instantly sense a gentle giant in him, giving her no reason to fear him solely based on his appearance like others might be tempted to do. Still, she saw no reason to ask for an explanation of his name.

"I'm pleased to meet you Bear. I'm Ophelia, or, Vixen if you'd prefer," she said, unsure of why she seemed to be the only one to introduce themselves by their real name. Aside from Katie, she supposed. She couldn't help but chuckle a bit at his words. "It's called fabrication," she corrected him kindly, raising an eyebrow as he began looking all around, "And, it's just me... no magical devices or anything like that."

She looked at Crow, knowing that the other men would begin showing up soon. "When the others arrive, please do your best to keep them quite, for I need to concentrate," she instructed him, "Let them know that they have nothing to fear, and you can even explain a bit how it all works if you'd like so they know what to expect. You're going to be a if help to me." She smiled encouragingly to him before turning back to Bear.

"Now, are you ready to be turned into a Northerner?" she asked with a smile, taking his hand in hers, "Just stay still and let me to do the work..." She closed her eyes and let the energies begin to flow, focusing on just how she wanted to transform his appearance. Slowly, just like with Crow and Ashverr, bleached whiteness began to wash over him.

-------

As Calista finished setting the girl's ankle into a splint and gently wrapping bandages around it to hold it in place, she could feel her start to stir. Quickly she took a pillow and slid it underneath of her ankle to elevate it, careful not to move it too much, and then she rose, knowing that she should go and get some medicine ready for the girl when she awoke, for it would help with the pain. "I'll be back," she murmured, glancing at Carter. She opened the bedroom door, finding that Luna was still sitting there waiting for her. The wolf peeked up at the sight of her, and Calista couldn't help but smile, petting her head. "Come, Luna," she softly, leading the wolf into the kitchen with her.

Carter watched Calista leave, realizing that she really hadn't changed at all, even after all this time. She was a woman of few word who let her actions speak for her. He could tell that having him here again so suddenly was hard for her, so she was pouring all of her attention into helping Leanna, which he knew was a good thing. More or less at least.

Leanna's sudden cry of pain snapped him back to reality and he looked at her, seeing that she was starting to stir more and more, and then all of a sudden, she tried to sit up, crying out once more. "Leanna, Leanna, no," he said too sharply out of panic. His first instinct was to grab her by the shoulders and hold her down so that she couldn't get up even if she tried, so he did just that. It didn't take him long to realize that it was probably only making things worse. Why was he so terrible and awkward with this sort of thing?

"Leanna, look at me," he said, forcing his voice to be softer as he tried again, "You're okay, you're safe now. Just look around, you're safe." He got out of the chair that he had been sitting in beside her, and instead sat cross legged on the bed next to her in the empty space.

He wanted to explain more to her about where they were and how they had gotten here, but he knew that it was a long story that she was probably much too out of it to comprehend, so he settled for simply saying, "We were rescued by my...by... a... an old friend of mine." Carter realized that he didn't exactly know what to call Calista. She was much more than an old friend, but he couldn't think of any other term that fit.

It was then that Calista reentered the room carrying a tray with tea and other medicines on it, and Luna at her heels. "Look who's awake," she said gently with a soft smile, setting the tray down on the bedside table, "Well, Carter, aren't you going to introduce us?"

"Yes, um, Calista, this is Leanna," he said, leaving off the part about Leanna being a princess. Calista lived deep in the forest, and she had for as long as Carter had known her, and probably longer. She didn't busy herself with caring about the monarchy, an he figured that she wouldn't know who Leanna truly was. Perhaps it was better if things stayed like that. "And Leanna this is Calista," he said, looking now to Leanna, his eyes telling her that she had nothing to fear. "Oh, and that's Luna." He smiled a bit, glancing at the wolf sitting at Calista's feet and looking at Leanna intently. There was nothing malicious in her eyes in like the wolves they had encountered earlier, only confusion and concern. "If she's bothering you, we can shut her out, but she won't hurt you, I promise," he assured Leanna, looking at her to gage her reaction to all of this.

[Lara]

Crow was a little surprised by her patient tone, and how kindly she responded to his failure to answer the questions she desperately wanted answers to. He stared at her a moment, his pale blue eyes holding careful contemplation and another indiscernible emotion. After a moment, he shook his head, looking down again. "I'm sure you'll find answers eventually."

He smiled at Bear as the man walked in. He was always kind to Crow, which was something that Crow appreciated, as most often he was just brushed off as being young and insignificant. "Fabrication." He repeated softly, nodding. "Very serious stuff that. Serious magic. It doesn't feel like anything though. Don't worry. Maybe just a little strange."

Ophelia instructed him to keep the others quiet and he nodded, saluting, before going to the door, slipping out and shutting it after him. If people came, they weren't heard.

Bear chuckled as Ophelia picked up his hand and he nodded. "I can deal with strange. I see more than my fair share of that in this group." He shook his head even as he started to change, his skin and hair bleaching considerably until he hardly looked like the same person at all. "I'm ready to be a northerner." He wasn't aware that the transformation was already near complete, but he smiled anyways, a warm thing that could melt snow. "Pleasure to meet you Vixen. Don't worry. My bark is worse than my bite. Unless you try and best me at cards..." he winked at her, chortling merrily.

He caught his reflection then out of the corner of his eye and stared at it in shock. "Golly. Is that me now? It sure doesn't look like it, but it moves when I do!" He shook his head, shocked. "Well that certainly wasn't hard. But you'll turn me back after this is done, right? I'd like to get my old goodlooking self back, if you don't mind." he said, stroking his now white beard.

.....................................................................................................................

Panic had clutched Leanna like an icy hand around her gut and it wouldn't let go. She was losing control of her own emotions. Something was holding her down tightly into the bed, and it wouldn't let her go. She struggled harder, her cries growing more insistent as her arms throbbed and the blood-flow slowed and her fingers started to tingle.

Carter was speaking to her, telling her no. He was the scoundrel behind this. He was who was holding her down, she knew it. She had to get away, she wasn't safe here. She wasn't safe.

He was pleading with her to look at him, saying that she was safe. She didn't want to look, she didn't want to see. But she did. She didn't know why she listened to him, why her eyes opened. But they did, and she found herself staring at his worried, annoying, concerned face. They were in a cozy looking room. She was on a bed. There was a fire going somewhere. She could see the room lit with it's glow. She was on top of a warm bed with warm quilts and they weren't trying to kill her.

She relaxed back against the bed, the pain in her arm and ankle a throbbing present reality and a tear slipped down her cheek. Carter started explaining, and Leanna found a hard time understanding. How had they been rescued? Who had come, and why? And how on earth did they find them? And how did they know Carter? Were they friend or foe? The woman walked in and Leanna observed her with a cautious eye. She looked kind enough. But Leanna was having a hard time relaxing. Part of that was probably due to the pain.

She was seconds away from another pained sob but she was biting at her lip to keep it at bay because she had to be strong, incase she needed to escape here. After all, there was a wolf in the room. Leanna stared at it in fear, but the wolf didn't look the same as the ones out in the woods. So she shook her head a little, indicating that the wolf was fine, and then tried to ignore that it was just sitting there like a normal dog. She wanted to talk, to demand answers, to demand that they let her leave, but she knew the moment she stopped biting her lip, she'd cry out in pain, and that logically there was no way she could travel presently.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia smiled a bit when he stated that he as ready when the transformation was already almost over. However, she decided not to say anything and just let him figure it out on his own, for it would be more fun for him that way. That way, he would be even more surprised.

"Don't worry, I'm not a big fan of cards, probably because I'm not very good, so you have no reason to fear me in that respect," she assured him with a smile. Ophelia found Bear to be a pleasant man, and it was always nice to meet new people, but oh, how she hated small talk. I truly was the bain of her existence. She much preferred the fast paced, back and forth, clever banter that she could share with people like Ashverr, but she knew very well that she could not speak to all people in that way.

When he finally caught his own reflection, Ophelia nodded. "Yes, tat certainly is you," she assured him, finding it funny how everyone seemed to have that reaction. Yes, or course they were still themselves, they simply looked a bit different. It wasn't as if they had an entirely new face. Still, she found this reaction quiet amusing, and it made her feel like her powers truly did make her special if they could bring people so much delight. By this point in her life, the novelty had worn off for her, but seeing the faces of others light up made her feel very good inside. As if she had done something helpful and good, and she knew that she had.

"Yes, I promised Ashverr that I would turn you all back before we return after the job is finished," she explained, "You should know that that process won't be as quick and simple, I'll need to rest in between groups of men, seeing as changing everyone back will take much more energy than the initial transformations do."

She had never had a chance to count, or to ask for that matter, but she wondered just how many men Ashverr had under his command. IT certainly seemed like a lot when they were all gathered together, but maybe it wasn't really that many. Or maybe it was more.

-----

Calista could see that Luna's presence was only unsettling the girl, and understandably so, she supposed. "Carter, take Luna out and give her something to eat. That should occupy her," she instructed, and when she saw him open his mouth to protest, her gaze only hardened. As she knew that he would, he did as he was told, rising and leaving the room with Luna at his heels.

Calista then turned her attention back to the girl. "Slow to trust..." she remarked with a raised eyebrow and a somewhat amused expression when she saw the way that she was looking at her, "That's good. But unfortunately it makes my job rather difficult. I only want to help you, darling, and the sooner you understand this, the better off you will be." Her expression and her words were kind, but her voice was firm. She wanted this girl to feel comfortable, but she was also a very direct person, and taking things slow and gently was often hard, despite her best efforts.

She sighed, trying again, "Take my word for what it is worth when I say that I understand the pain you feel," she said softly, "But it will pass given time..." She sat in the chair beside the bed that Carter had previously occupied and offered the girl a steaming cup of herbal tea with several pain killers mixed in, knowing that she could grasp it with her uninjured hand. As she leaned towards Leanna, the firelight reflected on her face, temporarily showing a long, pale, scar that the shadows had previously concealed. It ran from her forehead, down over her left eye, then down her cheek, but as soon as she sat back in the chair again, it became invisible, hidden in darkness once more.

"Good, you two didn't kill each other," Carter said as he reentered the room, trying too desperately to make a lighthearted joke to help how awkward the situation was for him. When he received only an eye roll from Calista, he sighed, feeling stupid.

As he turned to close the door, Calista saw that the back of his shirt was soaked in blood and ripped in many places. "Carter why didn't you say something?!" she exclaimed, rising instantly to her feet. He looked very startled and confused at first until he realized what she was talking about. "Oh, that.... Don't worry about it, Leanna... Leanna fixed me up."

Calista sighed deeply, knowing that now was not the time for questions and demanding explanations. "I have questions for both of you in the morning, but especially for you," she said, looking at Carter with bitterness in her eyes. "But right now, it is late, and everyone needs sleep."

Carter opened his mouth to speak but before he could, she was gone, closing the door behind her. He sighed and peeled the blood soaked shirt from his skin, knowing that it was beyond the point of saving. He reached back and ran his hand along his back where the gashes used to be, and all he could feel were slightly raised scars, as if his flesh had simply welded itself back together. Maybe that's exactly what had happened. Knowing that now was not the time to be questioning Leanna, he rummaged around in his backpack until he found the extra shirt he had brought along and put it on.

"I'm sorry about her," he said, looking at Leanna, "She's.... well she.... she isn't entirely...." He stopped and sighed when he couldn't find the right words, becoming silent until he tried again, "She's difficult, and she's strange, but she means the world to me. She's just upset because I can never seem to tell her that..." Carter knew that he had been away for years without an word or an explanation. Even if it hadn't really been his choice, he still felt completely guilty for making Calista worry so much. That's where her bitterness was coming from. Calista only truly got angry and bitter when she was feeling hurt.

"She found us out in the forest because that's what she does. Every night, she goes out and searches for injured or lost travelers. These woods are dangerous and confusing to others, but to her, they are home," he explained softly, "That's how she found me originally, lost in the night...." Something flashed in his eyes then, something that looked like fear. "But that's a long story, and she's right, we all need to rest."

[Lara]

Bear stared at his reflection for a good few minutes longer, making faces and marvelling at how different he looked. It was one thing to hear about magic even where they were in the dark dregs of the city where slave dealers thrived and back handed dealings were the currency. But it was another thing to see it up close and personal. Having a windwalker was one thing. Katie was amazing. But then this new magic...

Bear shook his head. "Well, this is mighty marvellous of a development. I'll trust that you can put me back though. If you can do this sort of magic, surely you can undo it." He smiled at her. "I'll leave you to your work. Pleasure to meet you, Vixen."

At that minute, Ashverr slipped into the room, looking just as ghostly and wraithlike as he had a few minutes ago. Crow poked his head in as well. "I'm sorry Sophie, I know you said to keep everyone out, but I figured Wraith was an exception."

Ashverr looked back at the boy with a stern face, but a light of amusement in his eyes. "Yes, that was appropriate Crow, thank you for doing your job diligently."

He walked up to Ophelia then, his hands clasped at his back at the door was shut again by Crow so they were wreathed in the silence of the dusty common room, light filtering through the muddy window panes like a million fragmented shards of memory. "I must be heading out soon, so I request that you return me to my former self." He spoke in a way that said he really wasn't sure how to go about asking that, but had just tried his very hardest to to articulate himself in an appropriate way.

After all, he was a very busy man, and often ordering around his team was the best and only way to go. However, Vixen was a new recruit, and a woman at that, and he didn't want to come off as a mindless and careless dictator first day. There was a time for the reputation of his that held fear in the hearts of men, and there was a time to command respect. And this moment was the latter.

He pulled off his glove again, not bothering to look at his hand as he held it out. He knew what his hands looked like, and he didn't care to be reminded. So he simply reached for her, his brows creased in thoughtfulness. "If you'd be so kind..."

..................................................................................................................

Leanna wasn't sure how she felt when Carter left with the wolf. Relieved. The wolf was gone, the boy who had gotten her into this mess was gone. And at the same time... she didn't know anyone in the room right now. This woman was strange, and while Carter was annoying, he was more trustworthy than a stranger, and she was uneasy being alone with one. She had no idea of this woman's intentions, and Leanna... had a lot to lose.

However, the woman read her easily enough, remarking on how she was slow to trust and Leanna merely pinched her lips together, minding her breathing and watching the woman. She said she only wanted to help. But could she trust those words? Maybe it was the sharp and achy pains all over her body that she felt right now that were telling her brain not to trust anyone. Maybe it was the fact that she couldn't even raise herself from the bed without being attacked by sharp jabs in her arm and ankle.

As if knowing, the woman, Calista, said that she knew her pain. For a moment, as Leanna stared at the woman with vision slightly hazed by her pain, she thought she saw a shimmer over her face, a faint line of a cruel scar. But it was gone in an instant, and Leanna attributed it to the way her head was spinning. She didn't resist much when a warm cup was pressed into her hand. She was hungry, she realized, but she wasn't sure she could stomach actual food. This was a good compromise. Liquids would do her good. She knew this, so it was with that thought that she lifted the steaming cup to her lips and took a sip, sighing as the warm liquid heated her body up to the very core, chasing away any remaining chill. The sharp pains in her arm retreated to a dull throb, and her ankle started to smart a little less.

She let out an audible sigh, closing her eyes. It didn't matter if this woman couldn't be trusted. This one small mercy was enough. "Thank you," she whispered, just as Carter returned. And the stupid boy went ahead and said that she had fixed his back. He said it right in front of that other woman! Now she knew her secret! Leanna sent a simmering glare in Carter's direction, silently cursing his stupidity and hoping the woman didn't connect the dots. Calista left the room and she was about to angrily whisper at him, when he just pulled his shirt off, and the words got stuck in her throat. How perfectly horrible. How absolutely terrible. Being brought up a princess, Leanna never got any sort of chance to see what a man looked like without a shirt on, and she was cursing that it had to be him that she saw, right now, in this moment, for she didn't like the way she suddenly couldn't look away, the way that her whole body had locked up, as if unsure how to react. There were faint scars on his back, scars she had put there, and others... that were old. And then his shirt was over his head again, and she could breathe once more. "You did that on purpose," she grumbled, unhappy with the way her body had just reacted.

She shook her head, listening to his explanation about the woman. "Great. So tell the forest lady you love her, visit her more often, but don't tell her about me, about what I can do. Please to high heaven above, what were you thinking!? You may know her but I do not. How do I know you aren't bringing me here to have her sell me, and then give you some of the money?" She hissed in a low whisper. If he expected her to trust him, after they had only met once, then he was a lunatic. This was all too crazy, and Leanna was still in shock from her injuries, and the pain was muddling her thought process a little.

He seemed like he had a story to tell about the woods, but Leanna had other questions. "Stars above if you can make me rest right now!" She argued, trying to push herself up higher in the bed, and then wincing and giving up, resigned to try and bring him to his senses while she was still bed ridden. "That woman may have saved us... but you got us caught by the wolves when you told me to slow! They never would have caught up if we had kept galloping!" Leanna cried out as she had jerked her arm to make her point and fire seared up from her wound. Hot tears stung at her eyes, hot indignant angry tears, and hating that she was showing any form of weakness, she closed them, so that she wouldn't have to look at him, and she could pretend she was alone, and not so terribly frightened. A tremor ran from her toes up to her head and she shuddered, tugging at the blanket to pull it a little higher around herself, and pretend that the shiver was from cold, and not fear.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia looked up when Ashverr entered the room suddenly, slightly taken aback by his ghostly appearance until she remembered that she had changed him to look that way. She glanced at Tommy and nodded, "Yes, I believe that Ashverr is an exception," she replied, making a point to correct him before flashing him a kind smile, "Thank you Tommy, you're doing a wonderful job." She didn't care that Ashverr had already praised him, for the two did so in very different ways.

As he asked her to change him back, Ophelia knew that she would be more than happy to do so. Seeing him this way was unsettling to say the least, and she didn't know why. It didn't bother her to see anyone else so drained of color, but it was different with Ashverr for some reason.

As he pulled off his glove once again, she reached out gently and took his rough, scarred hand in hers, trying to commit the placement of the scars to memory before she closed her eyes in order to concentrate. She had never seen anything like them before, and if she was being completely honest, the fascinated her. Truly, Ashverr himself intrigued her very much, though she would never admit it to his face. How embarrassing that would be. Still, it couldn't hurt to at least try and understand him a bit more. It seemed as if no one else had ever bothered to do so, as if they all feared him without even getting to know him, and Ophelia was still convinced that everyone had Ashverr all wrong.

"Can I ask you to be honest with me about something, Mr Grey?" she asked softly, but continued speaking before he had a chance to answer, intending the question to be rhetorical anyway. "If...if there was ever something wrong, or something that I should know about, you would tell me, wouldn't you?" she asked him, "Because I think that it's no secret to you that you have my trust, and well, I suppose that I would like some reassurance that I have yours as well... Or maybe, what I'm trying to say is that, I... well..." Ophelia didn't normally stumble over her words like this, and she cursed herself for doing it now. For God's sake, way was I so hard to talk to him! Normally she was an expert with words. She could craft sentences to make people feel however she wanted them to. She could relax people, tempt people, anger people, seduce people, and make people question themselves. She could carrying on clever banter for hours, but for some reason, she couldn't even voice her own thoughts. "Oh, never mind," she muttered.

Finally, the transformation was complete, taking significantly longer than when she had initially changed him. Ophelia had changed him back flawlessly, expect for one small detail. She had purposely changed the color of his eyes slightly, adding a hint of teal to them just to mess with him. It was barely noticeable, but if he studied himself long enough in the mirror, he would surely be able to tell the difference from their previous color. By the time that she released his hand, her breathing was slightly heavier, but not much, as if she had simply run down the street and back. She could feel the effects that using her powers had on her body, could feel the energy that had already drained away.

-------

Carter caught Leanna's angry glares, but he didn't care. Contrary to her belief, he wasn't an idiot; he knew what he was doing. He knew what he could and could not trust Calista with, and he knew how much to say to her. He understood that Leanna was just being paranoid, and for a valid reason too, he supposed, but if she didn't like all of the danger and all of the uncomfortableness, then she should have thought of that before she left her safe little palace.

"Did what on purpose?" he asked, confusion clear on his face. What on Earth was she talking about? Was she talking about how he had mentioned to Calista that she had fixed his wounds? Well of course he had done that on purpose, but not with any ill intentions. He didn't know how else to explain to her that he wasn't trying to harm her, or get her turned in because of her abilities. The real reason that she seemed so startled and angry never even occurred to her. "Look, I had to say something, and I didn't mention anything that would put you in any danger," he said, and then, in a hush he added, "I mentioned nothing about you being a princess, and I mentioned nothing about you running away, and I mentioned nothing about your actual abilities. And even if I had, it wouldn't make a difference because Calista can be trusted."

As she stated yet again how she feared that either he or Calista or both were planning to kidnap her and sell her into slavery, Carter sighed deeply, beginning to get irritated. He knew Leanna was not someone who trusted easily, but he also knew that he trusted people too easily, and this difference in their personality was what was causing so much friction between them. As an example, he had just been about to tell Leanna everything that he had never told anyone before, and he barely even knew her! Thinking about it now, he realized how stupid it was. She didn't care, and she wouldn't understand. He supposed that it was simply being out here again, in this house, in these woods.... it all brought back so many memories.

"I'm sorry, I thought that not leaving you to bleed out in the forest was enough to make you realize that I'm not your enemy, but I guess not," he said sarcastically and bitterly, not liking how she had just mocked, insulted, and offended him all in the same sentence. "Oh, so this is all my fault now?" he demanded, raising his voice unintentionally out of anger, "You're blaming me for your blatant stupidity?" Honestly, he didn't even care when she cried out in pain, and he didn't care that she was scared. It didn't occur to him that it was probably the reason that she was acting this way. She'd set him off, and now there was no going back until he could think straight again, and now was not that time.

"You know, you act like you're some kind of flawless genius, but guess what princess, this is your wake up call," he stated harshly, "You are not half as clever as you think that you are, and I will not stand here and be insulted for something that isn't my fault. I was only trying to help you, and I'm still trying to help you, which I suppose is a worthless cause, because no matter what I do, you just keep treating me like garbage, and I'm sick of it. So if you don't want my help, then just say so, and I swear I'll dump you back outside where I found you in the first place, and you can get along by yourself."

After his little rant, Carter decided that he was done dealing with her for tonight. He didn't care what she said, he was tired, and he was going to bed. Having no other choice, he lay beside Leanna on the other side of the bed with his back to her, for there was no where else to go. After everything that he had been through, he was certainly not going to sleep on the floor. To hell with being a gentlemen. This prissy princess could deal with it for a few hours. Still, he made sure that he was as far away from her as he could possibly get without falling on to the floor in order to make this less uncomfortable for the both of them. And he quite frankly wanted nothing to do with this infuriating girl at the moment, so the farther he could be from her, the better.

[Lara]

Ashverr didn't miss that she very blatantly corrected Crow in using nicknames, by using their real names. Nor did he miss that she made a point to thank Crow. The poor boy looked totally elated at the attention he was getting, as he had puffed up his chest as he closed the door on them two. Ashverr didn't bother showing any sort of emotion or outwards display that he caught on to these things, however, he merely let her take his hand, and made a point to stay still as she worked to correct his appearance.

It wasn't that he minded the blonde. After all, it seemed to mirror something within him. However, he had work to do, and he needed to be himself, not a northerner. He need to be the familiar face that those who knew he was coming could trust to negotiate with. He was thinking about these such people, when Ophelia suddenly started tripping over her words, asking for him to confide in her. One eyebrow inched a little higher, and for a fraction of a moment, he just looked at her, absorbing the signals she was sending, the nervousness, the connotation of her words, the way she stood, the way her hand felt in his, skin against skin, which was something he didn't often encounter. It was sensory overload, due to the fact that his hands were usually gloved.

He glanced down at where their hands were, and his eyes briefly traced one of the faint silvery lines that scrawled his skin. Then he looked back up at her and understood. Something within him retreated, and grew more wary, but outwardly, you would not have noticed the distance beyond a flicker in his eyes. He stared at her another moment longer, just paying attention to the strange feeling that he knew was magic, as she worked. Then, he let go of her hand and slipped the black leather over it, twining his hands once more behind his back. "I do have something I wish to confide in you, Ophelia, and that is this. If you came from a broken past, and had somehow managed to claw your way out of it to make a new life for yourself, then maybe you wouldn't want to be associated with who you had been before, maybe you would want to be something... someone, entirely different. Maybe, you could draw comfort in a new identity, a new name. And maybe finding a family of people who had moved on would be a security. That new name would be your courage, not a way to incite fear. You would admire those, such as yourself, Ophelia, who could accept their past, and wish that somehow you were that strong, wish that each reminder of what came before didn't hurt as much as it did." He said this all with an even tone, though admit-ably a tone softer than he usually spoke. He had purposely spun it in a way to make it sound like he was talking about his men, when there was still the uncertainty if that was the whole truth.

Then his lips curved up into a half smile, but it was one out of politeness and courtesy, not mirth. "Your intentions are good, and I admire them. But they may be misguided by first impressions, if you don't mind me saying so." He tipped his head a little in her direction. "I'll be returning this evening. If you should require anything, you have a rather faithful friend in Crow. Don't hesitate to ask."

He turned then, tugging his collar up a little higher as he strode to the door and slipped away.

.......................................................................................................................

Maybe she was untrusting. Maybe she was closed and guarded, but she couldn't run around embracing people she met in the woods just because this servant who she'd happened to meet once knew her. He said she could be trusted, he said he knew what he was doing, but couldn't those be words of someone trying to calm her and keep her distracted while his friend went to alert slave traders? Why did he get so angry that she didn't trust? Why did he not understand?

Had she hurt him somehow? He was growing agitated, she could see that. Even in the haze that the medications and pain had put her in, she could easily see it in the way he was tensed, his jaw was set, and his brows started to pinch. He was getting upset and she was only growing more so with every passing second. His anger wasn't helping to calm her, it only made her more nervous. Sure he had a point, he hadn't left her out to bleed. But she wouldn't bring as much money torn apart by wolves as she would alive and healthy.

And then he started to raise his voice, growing angry that she blamed him. Yes she blamed him. She didn't know what she could have done differently. She didn't know that if she had been quieter the wolves would never have come in the first place. Leanna wasn't experienced with the ways of the forest. She only knew that because she had slowed, as he asked, she had been torn off her horse, and now her ankle was in a splint. His tone suddenly changed, and Leanna felt herself cringing, shrinking back against the wall as far to the end of the bed as she could manage. So she had been right. She must be right. He didn't care, he only wished to sell her. He was angry, and dangerous, and if she wasn't careful he'd lash out.

Leanna longed to shout something smart back at him, longed to let her wayward tongue give him the speech that was begging to be let out of her. Let it reduce him to nothing with her words. If she trusted him, if he was someone she knew, then she wouldn't have hesitated. But she was too terrified now, and believed that if she did such a thing, then maybe his lost temper would lead him to grow violent as well as angry. He said something about her being dumped outside where she would be alone, and inside Leanna longed for nothing more. It didn't matter that she likely wouldn't get far, not injured and without a horse. That didn't matter. Not when this man was angry and dangerous. What terrified Leanna even more was that she was too weak to fight back with her powers should it come to that. She was defenceless.

Maybe it was her distrustful nature, the pain she was in, or her imagination, but most likely it was just that no one had ever dared yell at the princess before that her mind immediately jumped to the conclusion that the man now lying beside her on the bed was clearly out to kill her or worse. Why else would he yell and get so angry? He had been right about one thing... Leanna was a princess in all aspects of the word. She couldn't help the way she had been brought up, but that didn't make her any less innocent in the ways of the world. Sure she wasn't meek in the slightest, and could argue your purse off you, but also entirely inexperienced with the matters of basic interaction and survival.

She couldn't turn over, not without hurting herself, so she lay there, staring wide-eyed at Carter's back, determined to watch him to ensure that she wasn't murdered in her sleep. Hating the tremor in her hands, she wrapped them up in the blanket to hide the shaking and just stared at his back for what seemed like hours, every moment wishing that the floor would just swallow her up, or that she might die of her wounds heroically, or that maybe she would get better before the sun rose so she could sneak out of the house.