Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 14:35:18 +1100 (EST)
From: Haleth <seraphtear@yahoo.com.au>
Subject: "Elf's New Slave" 'Part 3'

	The two figures sat opposite each other on elegant cushions inside
the large tent. There was a low table, with a half-empty bottle of wine on
it, set in-between them. The smaller of the two smiled and sipped from the
wineglass he held in slender fingers before questioning his companion.

"So lieutenant Gabriel...how does it feel to be under the command of the
most ruthless and powerful warlord in the land?"

	The giant returned the smile, if a little broader and placed his
empty glass on the table. He then looked his companion over with hungry
green eyes before answering in a low growling tone.

"It feels pretty good, but not as good as having the most ruthless and
powerful warlord in the land...under me."

Before the elf could respond Gabriel had knocked the table aside with one
swipe of his giant arm and had pounced on the smaller figure, pinning him
securely to the cushion covered floor. The slender and supple body squirmed
under him, creating delicious sensations and causing him to become almost
instantly hard. He grabbed both the slender wrists in one large hand, and
forced the slender arms to the floor above Tristian's head. Tristian
responded with a small almost whimpering sound and struggled harder.

"Please, Gabriel. I'm still sore from this morning." He then made a sound,
which was a definite whimper as the giant used his free hand to rip away
both their robes, exposing their bodies to the cool evening air, which
seeped into the tent. "Gabriel...don't." Gabriel could tell his lover was
trying to sound stern, but the tremor in his soft voice betrayed his
weakness. The giant chuckled happily and reached down to caress the elf's
shaft with quick harsh strokes, causing a low moan to be uttered from the
helpless elf. He forced his mouth down, claiming the elf's soft lips and
bruising them with his violent urgency. He felt the animal urges rising up
in him and he let go of the elf's member before using that hand to spread
his lover's slender legs and thrust a couple of thick fingers into him.

Tristian's body jerked at the penetration and he tried to turn his head
away from the kiss, but he was stopped as the giant bit into his lip,
suckling his sweet blood and keeping their lips firmly together. The
warlord suddenly became very still and as the kiss ended a soft sigh
escaped his swollen lips. Gabriel growled and bit into the pale neck,
knowing he hadn't done enough yet. He also added another finger, and worked
the digits in and out in a harsher more careless fashion, causing a sob to
come from his lover. He grinned against the smooth throat and moved his
hand back to the elf's shaft, pumping it quickly until his seed spilled
out. He then gathered some of the sticky substance and coated his own
straining member before shoving his fingers back into the tight opening,
working the natural lubricant around as best he could.

Despite wanting to cause his lover exquisite pain, he had no wish to
actually harm him, especially not tear him. His teeth left the soft flesh
and he pulled back slightly, noticing Tristian was sobbing uncontrollably,
his whole body shivering. He was ready. Gabriel removed both his hands to
grab the delicate hips and then he thrust inside the glorious heat.
Tristian cried out and wrapped his now free arms around his lover's neck,
letting his head fall back so Gabriel could reapply teeth to his flesh. He
was not disappointed as the giant complied immediately, not being able to
resist the glorious skin and sweet blood. The elf gave a final cry for both
of them as Gabriel came inside the fiery tunnel, exploding in several
bursts of pleasure.

When both of their mind-blowing orgasms were completed they slumped
together on the damp and silky cushions. Both breathing heavily and
Tristian deliciously sore. Gabriel felt a delicate hand on his cheek and
sat up slightly to look down at his beautiful lover. Tristian was looking
up at him with tear-filled eyes practically begging for comfort. Comfort
Gabriel was only too happy to give. He drew the slender being into his arms
and placed gentle kisses over his bruises and bites, whispering soothing
nonsense words. The elf sighed contentedly and snuggled tiredly against
him.

"I love you." He told the giant and Gabriel paused in his ministrations for
a moment in surprise. No matter how many times his beautiful lover told him
that, it never ceased to have an effect on him.

"I love you too, Tristian." He whispered back to his frail-looking lover,
his throat choking slightly with tears, at the depth of emotions he was
feeling. It was too much for him, having such incredible sex and then to
have his beautiful lover lay in his arms, seeking comfort and confessing
his love. The moment was too perfect, he prayed for it to end and yet he
never wanted it to.



	Brandon stormed out of the room, leaving Vali crying, sprawled out
on the huge bed. He was so angry, he didn't want to leave Vali like that
but he feared if he stayed any longer he might take his anger out on the
poor half-elf. And it wasn't his fault he had been raped. Of course it was
Vali's fault that he refused to tell him who did it. The elf lord sighed,
stopping to lean against the corridor wall. If only Vali would trust him
enough to tell him. He honestly couldn't understand why the half-elf was
keeping it a secret. It was as if he was protecting the one who hurt
him. But why would he do that? It just didn't make sense.

	Then everything started slipping into place. Vali had been taken
with Gabriel. When Gabriel and Tristian had returned to Sentanii, Vali
wouldn't go near either of them. In fact Vali looked pale and fearful every
time the giant's name was mentioned. And Gabriel would be someone Vali
would want to protect, because the giant had probably been forced into
it. But it had still broken his pretty lover. Vali shied away from everyone
bigger than himself, and hadn't been able to return to the army. He
wouldn't even let Brandon go very far with him. There had been kisses and
caresses but nothing more, it was not that Vali would stop him, but he
would shiver and his breathing would become dangerously fast, so Brandon
would force himself to stop and be content with just holding the half-elf.

	He turned and headed back to Vali's room, determined to find out if
his hunch was right. He pushed the bedroom door open quietly and slipped
into the room. He felt a pang of guilt as he saw the pretty concubine
curled up on the bed, asleep, tear streaks running across his golden
skin. He walked over and sat on the bed before reaching out to brush some
of the soft hair back behind one of his lover's delicately pointed ears.

	"Vali?" He questioned softly, touching the sleeping elf's shoulder
gently. The silvery-black lashes fluttered for a moment before grey eyes
looked up at him tiredly.

	"Bran..." He sat up and wrapped his arms around the lord's waist,
burying his face against his neck. "I'm so sorry...please don't be mad." He
apologised weakly, his velvety lips brushing the sensitive skin of
Brandon's neck. Brandon reached around to run gentle hands over his lover's
back, feeling even worse for being so mean to the little warrior.

	"I am not angry at you, love." He ran a slender hand through the
strands of silver silk, playing with the locks absently. "I think I know
now why you didn't want to tell me. It was Gabriel, wasn't it?" He felt
Vali stiffen against him and he had his answer. "Don't worry." He told him,
still speaking in a kind and soothing tone. "I won't kill him. I understand
that he must have been forced to do it, or you would not have kept the
secret for so long. Though I can't deny the fact I would rather never see
him again, and I certainly want him far away from you."

	Vali didn't say anything for a long time, then he questioned
quietly, passively, "What will you do?" Brandon thought about this for
several minutes, what am I going to do? He then had an idea. One of the
lesser lords near the borderlands had died recently without an heir, and so
he had to redistribute the deceased lord's holdings, so why not kill two
birds with one stone?

	"I will give my brother the holdings at Ansur. It is on the boarder
to wilderness and so he will have plenty to kill and occupy his time. He
can take Gabriel with him and they can live there, happy and in peace. And
away from you and I." The lord then smiled as another pleasing idea came to
him. "I will also be appointing you to the position of my personal
bodyguard. But don't worry, you won't need to risk you life for me, just
spend the days by my side and the nights in our bed."

	Vali pulled back slightly and Brandon saw the joy in his large
innocent eyes. "Really? You want me with you that often?"

	"Of course, Vali. Why wouldn't I want to spend every moment I can
with the man I am in love with?"

	Vali shrugged, blushing prettily and smiling shyly, and Brandon
found himself smiling in return. He even chuckled for a moment, so pleased
to see a real smile of his lover's face, since there had been so few since
the 'incident'. Vali giggled and leaned down to nuzzle his neck playfully.

	"We can... umm...if you like?" He offered, still shy. Brandon
pushed him back gently for a moment, looking deeply into his blue-grey
eyes.

	"Are you sure? We don't have to, you know."

	"I know. I want to." He then traced one slightly shaking hand
across the lord's pale cheek. "Can we go slowly though?" Brandon caught his
hand gently, and kissed the golden fingers.

	"As slow as you like, my love."

	He laid Vali back on the bed carefully, as the elf looked up at
him, fear flashing in his eyes for a moment. He couldn't believe this
fearful, fragile creature was the same sultry and confident lover who had
seduced him into having wild passionate sex all those months ago. Was it
possible for a being to change so much over such a short time? And more
importantly was it possible for them to change back? Would he be able to
restore his beloved?

	He placed soft kisses to Vali's lips, watching carefully as he
slipped his tongue into the warm mouth. Pleased when the half-elf let his
eyes flutter shut in pleasure as he deepened the kiss. He had never been
this aware of his bed-partners pleasure before, he supposed that was
because he had never been in love before. They had always just been there
for his enjoyment, but not Vali. He trailed elegant hands down the
half-elf's chest, undoing the little clasps as he went, still keeping Vali
distracted with the sweet kiss. He pushed the fabric aside and broke the
kiss to move down and place butterfly kisses on the little pink nipples and
along the firm stomach.

	Slight tremors ran though his lover's body as he continued to place
soft kisses and he stopped momentarily to check he was still alright. But
Vali's eyes were still closed, a soft smile on his lips and it was obvious
they were shivers of delight not fear. Brandon smiled smugly and returned
his attention to the smooth golden-skinned torso. His smile then faded into
a frown as he noticed how thin Vali had become. The ridges of his ribs
could be clearly seen and it was worrying. He shook his head to clear his
thoughts and concentrated on pleasing his lover, if Vali could get over his
fear of sex then he would start taking care of himself again, Brandon was
sure of it.

	Once he had covered every inch of the golden skin with kisses he
shifted back up to claim soft lips in an almost desperate kiss. He was
mildly surprised with the force with which Vali kissed back, but it was
better than having him cringe in fear. He undid the ties to his pants with
nibble fingers before breaking the kiss again to remove the fabric from
long slender legs. He then kissed a path up the slim thighs, massaging the
muscles carefully as he went and was rewarded with several pleasure-filled
sounds coming from his lover's throat. Once he felt he had given the tender
flesh enough attention he moved back up, letting his loose hair tickle
across his lover's chest.

	Vali moaned desperately and wrapped his arms around the lord's
neck, pulling their bodies together. He then whispered against the blonde's
lips, "Please Bran, enough...I need you...now." He was breathing in little
gasps, like he had just run a race, and his eyes were half-lidded and
clouded with desire. How could he refuse?

	He pulled back just long enough to remove his own clothes hastily
before returning to the beautiful body. He continued to place soft kisses
all over the glistening skin as he struggled with the oil bottle, nearly
spilling half of it on the silk sheets before getting it where he wanted.
Vali saw what he was doing and reached down, stealing some of the oil and
spreading it over Brandon's erection with his own agile fingers. The lord
lost his concentration for a moment as the fingers caressed him expertly,
at least Vali remembered where all his most sensitive spots were. He gently
pushed his lover's hands away when the coating was complete. He then
continued to distract him with kisses as he slowly inserted one oil-covered
finger.

	Vali merely moaned in response, pushing back on the finger
impatiently, apparently all his fears long gone. Brandon added another
finger carefully watching the half-elf for any signs of discomfort. There
were none, so he removed his fingers, relishing the soft whimper of
disappointment, which came from his dazed lover. His hard member poked at
the slick entrance gingerly but Vali suddenly pushed, impaling himself in
one smooth stroke. He heard the soft gasp from his lover and instantly
looked to his face. But Vali was smiling dreamily, his eyes pleading with
Brandon to do something, to move, to stroke his most intimate area.

	They moved together in perfect harmony, lasting far longer than
either of them had ever thought possible. It had been so long since they
had been this intimate and each of them wanted to draw it out as long as
possible, this amazing cherished ecstasy. But the eternity eventually ended
and they both came in perfect unison, collapsing exhausted on the soft
mattress afterwards.

	Brandon got up for a moment and wiped the stickiness away with one
of the discarded items of clothing before settle back against his beautiful
warrior. Vali turned on his side and wrapped slender arms around his waist,
resting his head on the pillow so his breath tickled softly against
Brandon's neck.

	"Thank you." He told his lord sleepily and Brandon smiled
affectionately placing a kiss to the soft silvery hair.

	"You are quite welcome, my love. My pretty silver-haired angel."



	"Damn it all to Hell!" Ertican Amera exclaimed in pure fury before
rounding on the old woman, giving her a ferocious glare. "You told me they
would suffer! But they aren't suffering, in fact they are happy!."

	"Do not blame me for the elf's perversions." The old woman told
him, daunted not in the slightest. "My plan did work, the giant's true
nature was released. I wasn't to know someone as sadistic as the great
elven warlord was a closet masochist. Nor was I to know High Lord Arket
would be so patient with his little concubine."

	"I guess I'll just have to shatter their happy little lives again
then. And this time I will sell them off."

	"If that is what you wish." The old woman then grinned
crookedly. "But I suggest you wait for a time. Soon there will be the
perfect time to whisk the silver-haired one away. And our dear High Lord
will never forgive himself for the slight."



	Tristian walked into the meeting room and saw his brother was
standing with his back to him, looking out the large window. He walked over
to stand next to him before asking quietly.

	"You wished to see me brother?"

	"Yes." The older Arket sighed and turned to face his brother. "I
take it you know what happened when our lovers were taken?"

	Tristian didn't answer straight away as he realised how his brother
would see it. What if Brandon ordered Gabriel's death? The warlord didn't
want to be without his lover but would he have the strength to go against
his own brother to protect him?

	"Yes, I know. But it wasn't-"

	"Gabriel's fault." Brandon gave a slight smile and Tristian felt
instantly relieved, his brother wouldn't have the giant killed. "The
problem is, my dear brother, despite the fact he was forced, Vali still
can't stand to be anywhere near him. And quite frankly I would prefer to
have him far away from me as well."

	"You can't send him away!" Tristian exclaimed, slightly fearful and
slightly angry.

	"Please, Tristian, hear what I have to say first." The warlord
nodded dejectedly and walked over to sit at the council table. Brandon
didn't sit but instead paced back and forth as he explained his
solution. "Ansur's lord died without an heir. As you know it is only a
small holding and it is in a dangerous area, but I think you could make it
a valuable province, with time. And if you were to stay here you would
never be more than a warlord, and what would happen when you became sick of
warfare?" He paused and turned to face his brother. "I want you to have
Ansur. Be a lord in your own right. Take Gabriel with you and you can live
as you like, with him there. What do you say?"

	"Alright." Tristian smiled, this was far better than he had
expected. Sure there were a lot of problems on the border but it would be a
good challenge, he would have a province of his own to make great. His
brother couldn't have given him a better gift! And best of all Gabriel
would be by his side though it all. "When can I go?"



	Vali sighed inwardly, trying to keep from yawning. He was in the
meeting room, standing slightly behind and to the right of Brandon, who was
sitting at the head of the large table. The rest of the seats were filled
with the High Lord's various councillors and several lords. In other words
it was another typical meeting. For the first couple of weeks Vali had
loved the fact he got to spend so much time with Brandon but now it was
just tedious. All he ever got to do was stand behind the High Lord quietly
and as unobtrusively as possible. For the first week Brandon would often
give him secret looks and touch him whenever possible, but now the High
Lord barely acknowledged his existence. Except in the bedroom of course.
That was his one solace, their sex life was great and they often made love
several times each night. So despite the boring days Vali was happy.

	He came back to reality as the councillors got up and left. When
Brandon and Vali were alone the High Lord turned to him with a smile and
took his hand.

	"Come." He said simply, leading the half-elf out into the corridor.

	"Where are we going? Do you have another meeting already?"

	"No, I have the rest of the afternoon off."

	Yet Brandon didn't lead Vali to their bedroom like he thought his
lover would. Instead they went out into the Lord's private garden. They sat
down on the low wall surrounding the pond and Vali ran one hand through the
water absently as he waited for Brandon to do or say something. After
several minutes Vali turned his gaze from the water to see his beloved was
simply staring at him. He felt himself blush at the studious gaze and
questioned shyly.

	"What?"

	Brandon sighed almost wistfully and took Vali's dry hand, capturing
it in both of his. "There is something I need to tell you."

	"Is something wrong?" The half-elf questioned, his stomach
fluttering anxiously.

	"No...not really." Brandon paused to collect his thoughts. "You
see, I need heirs and Reanna has just started her first season. If she
doesn't get pregnant in the next four months then there won't be another
chance for another century."

	"What does that mean... for us?" Vali whispered, tears stinging his
eyes. Brandon brought his hand up to kiss his fingers before smiling in a
reassuring way.

	"Nothing sweetie. I still love you, don't worry. All it means is
that I'll have to spend the next four months in her bed, not yours. But
then everything will go back to normal after that."

	"Four months?" Vali sounded very small, even to himself. "But can't
you spend just a couple of nights a week with me?" He felt the tears
spilling down his cheeks but couldn't be bothered brushing them away.

	"Damn it Vali!" Brandon said exasperatedly, dropping the half-elf's
hand. "Why are you being difficult? Do you think you can make me feel
guilty enough to do what you want? You are a foolish child half-breed! I am
a High Lord, I have obligations to my people. Haven't I done enough letting
you be with me by day?" Vali had never thought he could hurt more than he
had when Gabriel had taken him, but this was far worse. It wasn't that
Brandon was not going to be with him for four months, but it was that he
had been so harsh about it. He had called him a half-breed. He decided that
was what had hurt the most. He could handle other elves calling him that,
but the one who was supposed to love him?

	He looked up to find Brandon standing over him, anger and coldness
in his normally gentle violet eyes. He summoned as much dignity as he
could, wiping away his tears carefully before standing so they were eye to
eye.

	"My Lord, I had no intention of making you feel guilty." He stepped
away and gave Brandon a slight bow before removing the necklace from around
his throat and handing it to the stunned lord. "I resign my positions, both
of them. I can't love or be with someone who thinks of me as a worthless
half-breed." He then turned and walked off, not too quickly. Every step he
kept thinking Brandon would come after him, he would apologise, tell him he
didn't think he was worthless... any second now. When he had reached the
castle gates and he looked back to find himself alone, he knew he had been
fooling himself. Brandon had never cared, he really had just been a warm
body.

	He turned and ran out the gate, running until he reached the
forest, plunging into its depths until he stumbled and fell, his eyes
filling with fresh tears. He collapsed in a miserable heap, sobbing
helplessly. He had given his heart, body and soul to Brandon and the High
Lord had just thrown everything back in his face. In all his twenty-eight
years of life he had never felt so completely wretched. He wanted to just
curl up and die.

	"Not yet, little one."

	He sat up quickly at the harsh voice. Looking up through a tearful
haze to see the dark slaver from before, leering as he stared down at
him. "What do you want?" He asked dismally.

	"What? You're not going to fight me little one? What's wrong, did
you lover discard you?" The horrible man then completely surprised Vali by
kneeling next to him and caressing his tears away with a large but gentle
hand. "He is a fool, you know. But I can help you. Come with me peacefully
and you will never have to see him again."

	"If I don't?"

	"Then I will take you by force and I will have to sell you to a
cruel master. But if you come willing I will make sure you are a cherished
possession. The humans of Brantilay, across the ocean, would find you most
exotic and you would be well taken care of. I promise you. What do you say,
little one?"

	 Vali didn't have to think on it for long. Brandon didn't love him,
he wouldn't save him and if he was going to be a slave he didn't want to
live a life like his mother had. "Take me to Brantilay."



	Brandon stared after his lover, the small golden fish gripped tight
in his hand. He couldn't believe Vali had reacted so badly. Once the
half-elf had disappeared he sighed and headed to Reanna's room. He needed
to talk to someone while he waited for Vali to calm down and come back to
him. When he got to the room he found his wife surrounded by her
handmaidens, who were brushing her long dark hair and filing her nails. She
took one look at his expression and dismissed them with a wave of her
elegant hand. Once they were gone Brandon pulled up at chair and sat
opposite her.

	"He didn't take it too well."

	"Tell me what happened."

	Brandon then proceeded to tell her all of what he and Vali had said
and how his lover had walked off afterwards in a huff. When he was finished
he was a bit surprised to see anger in Reanna's eyes, not sympathy.

	"You complete idiot!" She exclaimed. "How could you be so cruel?
How could you call him that? How could you let him run off like that?" She
then stood and pulled on his arm with surprising strength, hustling him out
the door. "Go find him now, and apologise." She commanded him before
slamming the door in his face. He stood stunned for a moment before
shrugging and heading off to search for Vali. He supposed if Reanna though
he should find his lover then he should. Of course he had no idea what he
would say to Vali once he had found him, he still didn't really understand
what it was he had done wrong. But he didn't want to lose his pretty
warrior.



	Tristian raced though the forest, his bloody sword in his hand. He
could hear Gabriel crashing thought the trees behind him but he was too
intent on his prey to linger on the thought. They had been purging the
goblins from around Ansur, which had been residing there for centuries,
killing animals and children. They had already cleared half the forest in
the three weeks they had been there, and his new subjects were
exceptionally grateful. Tristian had never realised how much fun being a
lord could be.

	He saw a flash of grey-green up ahead and put on a sudden burst of
speed, leaping into the clearing and swinging his sword in a smooth
arch. Decapitating one of the goblins with ease. He then threw his sword
into the back of another before tackling the last one, twisting its neck
with his bare hands until he heard the tell-tale snap. He then stood up and
wiped his bloody hands on his brown leather pants, a smug expression on his
face as he looked over the dead bodies.

	Gabriel came bursting into the clearing a few moments later. He
then saw the bodies and uttered several truly foul curses. Tristian laughed
and turned to his strong handsome, dark-haired lover, admiring his bulging
dark-tanned muscles for a moment, glad Gabriel took his shirt off when they
went 'hunting'.

	"What's the matter, baby?" He asked skipping over to wrapped
slender arms around the thick, sweaty neck.

	"You killed them all... Again." Gabriel said with a frown, but the
frown didn't stay for long as Tristian jumped up, wrapping his long legs
around Gabriel's waist and sealing their lips in a passionate kiss. It
lasted for several long minutes and Gabriel stumbled to a tree, pushing the
elf against it to help keep his lover in place. He then ran strong hands
all over his back, finally resting them on the elf's perfect arse. When the
kiss finally ended Gabriel dropped Tristian suddenly, catching his long
braid of coppery hair with one hand. "I don't want to do this with an
audience, even if they are dead." The giant then gave the goblin carcasses
a distasteful look.

	Tristian laughed and pried his hair from his lover's thick fingers.
"Why not? You are such a baby." He teased nudging one of the carcasses with
his boot. Gabriel growled playfully and lunged at the slender elf. Scooping
him up easily before slinging him over his shoulder, like a sack of grain.
Tristian yelped in surprise before struggling and trying to kick his lover,
half-heartedly. "Let me go! You oaf!"

	"Silence!" Gabriel commanded and slapped him gently on the bottom.
After a moment more of struggling Tristian gave up and went limp, holding
his braid in one hand so it wouldn't get leaves and dirt tangled in the
ends. That had happened last time and it had taken him hours to get it
clean again. Sometimes Gabriel could be so annoying, though he had to admit
it was kind of fun having his lover so playful. And they were in the
perfect place to let their strange habits run wild because the peasants
were so happy with having a lord who actually protected them that they
didn't care what else he did. In fact they thought it was sweet that the
two of them were so loving and playful with each other.

	When they reached the small but comfortable castle. They were
greeted by an excited page at the gate, who was waving a scroll about.
Tristian managed to squirm out of the giant's grip and slip to the
ground. He took the scroll from the page.

	"Thank you." He said absently as he noticed his brother's seal on
the letter. He dismissed the boy and him and Gabriel walked into the main
hall. It was deserted as usual and they walked over to the honour table and
sat down, Gabriel getting them some ale as Tristian opened the scroll.

	"What's it say?" The giant asked as Tristian started reading.
Tristian smiled and began again, this time reading the message out aloud,
for Gabriel's benefit.

	"Lord Tristian Arket of Ansur, I was glad to read you report on how
well the goblin problem is being handled. There has been so much change in
your small province since you took over, it is a credit to your...  blah...
blah. A whole lot of noble, mumbo jumbo..." Tristian continued to scan the
paper. "Oh, here we go. On another note I had wondered if you have seen
Vali at all. I thought perhaps he may have come to you. I must admit I am
worried about him. We had a fight several days ago and he ran off in a
mood. I thought perhaps he just needed some time alone to think, but he
took none of his belongings. I have sent several search parties out to try
and find him, but they have found nothing. I do not want to worry you but
if you see him, will you let me know? And tell him I am sorry and that I
wish him to come home. High Lord Brandon Arket."

	Tristian then went silent, looking at the paper for quite some time
before looking up to see Gabriel watching him closely. "Gabriel. Do you
think the man who took both of you before could have him?"

	"I don't know." Gabriel shook his head sadly. "Perhaps, since I
don't think his revenge worked out like he had planned."

	"Then I would say it is a bet he took Vali. Because I know he
wouldn't just disappear like that, no matter how angry he was at Brandon,
he would have at least said goodbye."

	"And he would have taken his stuff, right?"

	"Yes." Tristian then rolled the scroll back up and stood. "Come on,
we had better go to Sentanii and help Brandon find that son of a bitch, so
we can get Vali back."


	The middle-sized passenger ship shot through the water with ease,
its large sails full of a strong nighttime breeze. A slender figure
staggered to the rail and leaned over it heavily, loosing the contents of
his stomach for what seemed like the hundredth time that night. Warren, the
emissary of his new owner had told him his stomach would settle after the
first week of sea travel, but the first few days had dragged on forever and
he wasn't sure he could last a whole week like this. He felt gentle hands
on his shoulders a moment before he was turned around, one of the sailors
holding a cup of water to his lips. He took the cup and washed his mouth
out with some of the water before drinking the rest. The cool liquid
helping to sooth his sore throat.

	The ship hit a wave, jerking for a moment and he lost his unsteady
balance, crashing against one of the large Brantilan sailors. The man
chuckled softly and wrapped kind arms around the slender elf to help steady
him. "You should not be on deck now, pretty one. You may topple overboard."
He heard himself make some small and intelligible response, he was too sore
to think properly. All he knew was that he felt awful and he was having a
lot of trouble understanding the man with his thick accent. Warren was
going to teach him the Brantilan language during the three-month journey
but they hadn't started yet since he had been too ill to concentrate on
anything.

	He squeezed his eyes shut as a dizzy spell hit him and he could
vaguely hear Warren's concerned voice in the background, though the elf had
no idea what he was saying. He was then lifted into the sailor's strong
arms and he knew they were taking him back to his small room. He stayed
conscious only long enough to feel the soft pillows in his hammock touch
his back, then he fell into a blissfully deep sleep.