Friendships in the Mist

The logs cracked as the flames around them fed. After having given up on searching the forest for a way out, Abaddon decided that it was best to set up camp around a small clearing he had found. Having gone through so much in a single day and night, both Abaddon and his horse were in need of a good rest. The lord had just set a pot of water to heat as he cooked some fishes that he had been saving since his quests original end. As he sat on a log near the camp fire, his steed rested just beside the spare tent he put up. However the reason he had set up camp was not only for his rest, he also planned on getting to know the new "companion" that he had rescued. The girl in question was idly sleeping on a log just opposite of the fire. She was wrapped in the warrior's cape as her clothes were destroyed during the rescue. She seemed to cling herself to it like a blanket as Abaddon prepared a meal for both of them. Although he recently ate just before the turn of events unfolded, his battle with the drake had left him famished. Since this woman had been a prisoner, she too must have been without food and drink. Perhaps when she would wake up, she would tell him everything in exchange for a morsel.

As Abaddon waited for the fishes to become ready, he brought out some items from a saddle bag. They consisted of a loaf of traveler's bread, rope, a hammer, and a stake. He set the bread down and made his way toward the non responding woman. As he neared, his eyes could still not believe what they saw. Even though it had appeared strange from afar, the young maiden's hair shined a lovely shade of pink. No one in his previous encounters had ever had such a bizarre hair pigment. He then began to bind and tie the maiden by the wrists and feet as he positioned an area on the log to set the stake. When he found a spot, he laid the woman next to it and positioned the stake between the bound legs. He then started to pound the stake into the log as the rope around it tightened the grip it had on the girl. He then laid the woman back down and made his way toward the pot which started to whistle. He took a pouch of herbal tea and dropped it into the kettle as he cut a slice of the bread. His plan seemed to have worked as the girl suddenly began to stir. She yawned as she tried to get up from her log, but quickly found that her feet would not cooperate. The girl looked up and gave a large yelp as she saw the stranger just across her. She then felt the cloth that covered her and blushed when she realized her clothes were gone. Abaddon couldn't help but chuckle as the young woman then tried to free herself from the ropes. After finally giving up she then gazed with petrified eyes at the person in front of her, seeing him as some sort of phantom.

"So you have finally awakened.", replied Abaddon.

The maiden only stood there, silent as mouse. Perhaps she was frightened of his outward appearance. Though he admired this response, he needed information from her.

"You need not fear me child. I do not wish to cause you harm", he said as he hoped the reassurance would calm her.

The girl said nothing as she buried her face into her hair. Abaddon knew that she wasn't mute as he had heard her make noises and shouts earlier. He then asked a basic question.

"What is your name?"

As before, the young woman did nothing but look away from Abaddon. Just then he saw her turn and open her mouth. Hoping that she would finally say something, he leaned in to listen. However all he could hear were barely audible whimpers and squeaks. Having been fed up with her insecurities, Abaddon finally ended his nice demeanor.

"If you have nothing to say, then allow me to explain why I have bound you here."

Abaddon stood as he went for the tea, but in doing so made the timid woman flinch. He wondered why she was so nervous around him. As he brought some cups, he poured one for himself.

"My name is Abaddon, the current lord of the household known as Avernus. Perhaps you had heard of me?" asked Abaddon. At first the only response he received was a small glance, but after a moment she shook her head silently. Taking a sip, Abaddon continued.

"I came on an important errand for my people. As I had finished my quest, your abductor had robbed me of a precious artifact, and in response I hunted him." He then grasped his cup tightly. "But during my mission to reclaim my treasure, someone ruined my plan." He looked directly at the girl, who suddenly sank her head down from his words. "Although I could have left you to perish, I took it upon myself to rescue you from the beast."

As Abaddon took another sip, he noticed the girl licking her lips hungrily. All of a sudden, he felt something in his chest that he had never felt before. The mere sight of her eyes caused him to feel rather bad for the way he treated her. Had he felt sorry for this mere peasant? Such feelings had never been present! He then found himself now asking something completely different.

"Are you thirsty?"

The girl nodded as she looked at the tea he had prepared. Out of sudden guilt, he then grabbed another cup and poured the tea. As he handed it to her, she backed away in fright. He then laid it on the edge of the log, close enough for her to reach it. As soon as he sat back down, the girl swiped the cup as though it were gold and brought it close to her. He found it some what charming the way she treasured the brew. Though for a prisoner, this was to be expected.

"Now, back to my situation." The woman looked as she took a sip of the tea. "Since my artifact has now become useless, I have no other choice but to replace it with another. This is where you come into play..." Before he could continue further, he heard a low growling sound. He wondered where it was coming from until he looked at the girl, who had a face that was flushed red.

He then remembered that the fishes had been roasting by the fire and were now becoming singed. Grabbing some plates, he served them with a side of bread and left a plate beside her. As he feasted on the meal, he noticed that the woman was only interested in the bread and left the fish untouched; Perhaps she was a vegetarian. After swigging the last drop of the tea, Abaddon then made his statement clear. "Since I have no treasure to bring, you shall become a servant in my household!" The girl suddenly dropped her piece of bread as her eyes widened in worry. She choked and began gasping for air as Abaddon continued.

"You may be small but I'm sure that it would benefit Avernus in some way. Perhaps if you show me your assets, you can be put to good use."

At that remark however, she gasped and began covering herself more in his cloak. He was puzzled as to why she responded that way. He wanted to know what she was good for. Seeing that she had doubts, Abaddon then came with a bluff to make her accept.

"If you refuse to serve me or attempt to escape Avernus, you shall be sentenced to death."

Unlike his preferred response, she reacted with great distress. She tried to pull the stake out of the wood as she pulled at the ropes with her teeth. Her breathing became sporadic, which agitated Abaddon.

"Well actually death is more for treacherous acts. I'm sure you wouldn't do that would you?"

The girl was beyond his reasoning as she desperately tried to gnaw her way out of the ropes. Abaddon knew that it was in vain, but he knew he had to stop her or else she would hurt herself. Rushing towards her, he grabbed her arms and lifted them to make her stop.

"You make this much more difficult than it needs to be. A life in Avernus would be an escape from the troubles you had before."

However as he held her arms she suddenly lifted her head and stared at him. The expression on her face made her answer very clear. It was a mixture of frustration, fear, and sorrow that made Abaddon suddenly feel an enormous ache in his chest. What could make this sort of pain without ever raising a hand? He felt as though a part of him should pity the woman. Was she some sort of enchantress or a hypnotist? But what made Abaddon regret saying all those words were her eyes. Those large, turquoise, tear ridden eyes that begged for his mercy. The color reminded him of his steed, his sword, and even his own eyes. He could hardly move as she locked her gaze with his. The more he stared, the more he realized that what he was doing was no more different than what the dragon was doing. Even though he rarely cared about what others thought, he suddenly felt the emotions that this young maiden had been feeling through that gaze. With a strange sense of understanding, Abaddon gently placed the girl down and went over to where he sat. He was surprised that she did not continue her crazed outburst. The two quietly stared at one another as the fire crackled, not knowing what to say or do. It wasn't until a few good minutes that the lord finally broke the silence.

"Listen dear child. What I said before, it may have come as hasted and selfish. I merely wanted something to bring back and prove my worth to my people. I did not mean to cause you any grief."

The maiden only looked at Abaddon as he apologized. He knew that whatever he did before would impose his attempt to gain the woman's trust.

"I know you may think I look like a villain, but I only came to that conclusion because I didn't know what else to do. I did not want to return to Avernus a failure."

He saw how sad and alone she looked. The fact that her life was put in jeopardy twice would have probably scarred her. Thousands of thoughts ran inside his head as they tried deciding the fate of the girl. He wondered how she was even captured by the dragon. Why would such a beast even kidnap... All of a sudden, a realization popped in his head: What if she had been royalty? He remembered the dress she wore when he rescued her. It may have been torn but it's design was no doubt fit for someone of wealth. Dragons always kidnapped princesses for ransom or eating. Maybe she was a princess? Either way, if her father were a king, he would do anything to get her back.

"Are you from around these parts?", asked Abaddon. The girl nodded. He replied,"What would you say if I took you to where your kingdom and your loved ones are?"

The young maiden suddenly lit up as he said those words. She was about to jump up in joy, but remembered that she was bound to the log. She replied by giving a nod and sank inside his robe in embarrassment. He said, "Then I have decided to take you to your homeland, but only for ransom! No doubt someone will pay greatly for you. Besides, I'm pretty sure you would have not been fit for Avernus." He looked away and prepared himself from another bawl.

However he was surprised when she didn't make so much as a cough; He only heard a soft sniff after he ended his speech. As he looked, he saw that the girl had changed her sad expression into a weak smile. Why would she have been smiling at him? Was she actually fine to being ransomed off? It didn't help that he was even sparing someone after they had wronged him. She then picked up the bread that she dropped and dusted it. Abaddon stopped her from eating the soiled bit and offered her another slice. But as he was about to cut a piece, he noticed her rubbing her arm. As he grabbed it and took a closer look, he saw that it appeared burned and swollen along the surface. It looked as though it were the result of dragon bile. The girl retracted her arm and continued to scratch it, almost as though she couldn't control the habit. He made his way inside the tent and came back a few moments out with a green flask. As he neared the woman, she defensively flung her arm away from him.

"This salve will cure the infection and ease your pain", said the warrior as he grabbed her hand and poured the contents onto the girl's arm. Her acts of defiance ceased as she suddenly didn't feel the irritation anymore. She gazed in amazement as the area where the potion was applied suddenly healed and even looked restored. As he finished with her arm, he also felt her body shake uncontrollably. There must have been more areas that were exposed. As he put his hand on the robe, she suddenly grabbed it and clung to it for herself. The two then struggled for the cloak, one trying to help while the other defended her dignity. Just as Abaddon finally pulled on the cloth, the little woman suddenly let out an incredibly high pitched shriek. The screeching sound caught him off guard and caused a ringing in his ears. As he let go, the girl then bound herself more inside his cape. Abaddon then retorted at her cowardly attitude.

"If I am to cure you, then you would undress and let me treat you!" He saw how scared she was and it took him a moment to realize why she acted this way. He knew that she needed the medication, but any attempt at him administering it were met with resistance. "You seem too timid for me to help you. If you don't want me aiding you, then you can help yourself." Abaddon then left the flask by her as he walked over to Acherus. He grabbed a sharpening stone from a saddle bag and returned to the log with his broad sword. The maiden gasped as Abaddon made his way to the girl. He then pulled on the stake and undone her binds.

"If you so much as run, not even I will protect you from this forest", warned Abaddon.

He then sat back down on the log as he prepared to fine his weapon. Abaddon noticed she didn't do anything and sighed. He then turned around to give the woman privacy and began sliding the stone across the blade. As he sharpened the edges, he couldn't help but wonder how the woman looked without the garment. She surely wasn't a monster, but she wasn't human either. With his curiosity getting the better of him, he positioned the blade in an angle and used a reflective surface to see the young girl dress her wounds. Scraping along the edges, he hardly believed what he saw:

The woman let go of the cloth and allowed it to slide down her waist. Every inch of her being was exposed as she applied the ailment on each wound. Both hands gently stroked the damaged skin as the salve did its work in restoring it. The flesh that wasn't harmed from the acids looked fairly smooth and tender. Each sleek curve and end were brilliantly kept, almost as if she tended to herself every second of her life. Yet even with all the filth and ruin that befell her, she radiated a beauty that would rival any goddess.

Her bare form was strikingly gorgeous as she worked, yet some of her features confused Abaddon. For one, her frame was suprisingly small, save for her bust which seemed large for the child-like body. Her hair, while messy, was extremely long and pink. Other than the odd color choice, how could this woman even walk without tripping over herself, let alone see? Finally, he wondered what the apendages that grew out of her back were. They looked like wings, but they looked too small for her to have been a Skywrath. His thoughts ended as he saw the young woman cover her breasts with his cape and turn around. At first he thought she saw him spying on her, until she suddenly tried to say something. As before her calls were meek and incomprehensible, but Abaddon turned as though he heard what she wanted. He then saw the girl expose her winged back towards him and pointed at an area that she couldn't reach. He then put down his sword and stone and sat near the girl, while removing his right gauntlet to apply the medication. As his hand made contact, she winced and hid her face among her hair. The two protrusions suddenly extended, which showed a few traces of feathers. The rest of their plumage appeared as though they were pulled out or had corroded away. As he moved his fingers around them, they began to flutter in quick bursts until he finally used the last of the salve. He stepped away and allowed the girl to cover herself while he put away his things. He then grabbed the ropes and stake and ordered the girl to show her hands and feet.

"It is merely for the night. I will try not to make the binding too tight", replied the lord.

The girl hesitantly stood in place, but after a few moments finally turned to give him her limbs. As she moved, a portion of her leg was uncovered and Abaddon caught a glimpse of something along her thigh. He couldn't make out what it was since the girl then quickly hid it under the fabric. She then showed Abaddon her arms and feet and waited for him to snare her. Without hassle, he tied each foot and hand to their respective twin and nailed the bottom ropes back into the log. As he gave the last knock on the stake, he couldn't help but yawn after all of the trouble he got himself in. He then heard a smaller, petite yawn follow his as he stood up. The girl was also showing signs of exhaustion, which made another painful shock inside Abaddon's center. Something about this young maiden was too adorable for the warrior to take. He wondered how it was even possible. He then took the rest of the tea and used it to douse the fire. As he then made his way inside the tent, he bid his steed a good night and retired inside.

The sounds of light chirping were heard as Abaddon readied his thin mattress. Just as he was removing his armor, he was disturbed when he heard some noises come outside. He stuck his head out to find the small girl struggling to find a good sleeping position. She tried resting her head on the wood, but found it uncomfortably rough and hard. This sight alone drove Abaddon insane and it became worse with her constant rustling. He quickly grabbed a pillow behind him and went to the girl to passify her. She flinched from the sudden appearance of him, but became calm when she saw him handing her a cushion. After she accepted the offering from his hands, the lord then replied, "Now be silent." He then walked back inside and lied down, hoping it was the last request she gave.

"...th...thank you..."

Abaddon lifted his head as he heard the barely audible whisper. Did the woman finally say something to him? He peered through a slit in the tent and found the girl now sleeping on the pillow, with a small smile on her face. All of a sudden, the lord of mist felt a warm feeling where his heart was. He had never felt this way before, but this new sensation caused him to cringe. He was a slayer of monsters and men! Why would he think of such light and happy thoughts? He had to get rid of her soon, or else he would lose the will to fight all together. With heavy limbs and thoughts of worry for his ideals, he fell upon the sheets and drifted into slumber.

. . . . .

The chamber was a lit with flames and cinder as various furniture and trinkets were scattered about. Chairs splintered, bottles smashed, and many other items were destroyed as the room steamed with heat. From the rubble, a thin figure emerged coughing and trying to stand up. He dusted himself and then began walking forward.

"Your highness!", cried the person. There was no answer so he shouted again.

"Are you alright ? Where have you gone?"

The man then tripped and landed hands first on shards of broken glass. As soon as he realized it, he quickly rose up and screamed. But to his surprise, he didn't feel anything. The pain that would regularly come after such a misfortune would have been agonizing. Yet with each shard that buried deep in his flesh, he felt no sharp stings or even a tingle. As he removed the bits of glass, he then felt an unusual sensation on his hands. It felt as though his hands weren't there and what replaced them were gloves. But it wasn't just his hands that felt numb. Every part of his flesh felt like a fold of leather clinging to a solid mass underneath. Horrified by this new revelation, he called to his master one more time.

"Prince Ostarion! If you are still living, please answer my voice!"

Just then he heard a large crash and a fell forward as a wave of intense heat blasted behind him. When he turned and opened his eyes, he saw a towering man with an enraged face staring down at him.

"AZORSZOS YOU BASTARD!", boomed the enormous giant. "I thought I told you never to mention that title again!"

The wizard stood in awe at what had transpired. The last thing he remembered was the dying prince and the Aegis consuming both of them in a blinding light. Had the spell worked? His master was up and about, but he looked slightly different. His flesh looked pale and unresponsive like a corpse, yet he stood and breathed like he was fine.

"Why are you staring at me like that?", demanded the man. Quickly grabbing his thoughts, Azorszos explained the predicament.

"Well your highness, it appears you have been cured of your disease. I was merely admiring your reborn state", lied the sorcerer.

Ostarion looked at his newly reformed body and made his way toward a looking glass that had still retained some reflectiveness. He then turned to face the wizard and gave him a frown.

"I am not cured."

The wizard stammered. "Uhm yes, well it may appear that way but I assure you that you won't feel anyth-"

The wizards words did little to stop Ostarion as he shattered the rest of the mirror. Just then his hands lit up in flames and incinerated the remains of the glass, as well as the surrounding items behind it. Azorszos jumped in suprise at the spectacle. As the flames consumed the area, Ostarion looked at his hands and found them charred, yet he didn't feel the sting of the burns.

"Arzorszos, I didn't feel the pain."

The pale figure then laughed at this new revelation as the wizard stood there, terrified. The man then stopped and grabbed the sorcerer.

"Do you realize what this means?"

"I am afraid I don't your highness."

The prince then dropped the wizard and cleared his throat. "It means I can't feel anything. This disease, the fire, I can't feel pain! I am invincible!"

As the pompous man celebrated his miracle, the wizard couldn't help but feel worried that this state of being had a cost. He also couldn't understand why he was also affected. The prince then calmed and saw that his servant simply stood there doing nothing.

"Azorszos! Tell my servants of my well being and make ready for a coronation. There is a new king in this land and he won't be dead any time soon!"

"As you wish pri- I mean, king Ostarion.", obeyed the wizard.