[Animayhem]

The man tossed and turned in his sleep which was disturbed by haunting images of his past and present merging into one. He suddenly awoke, a silent scream escaped his lips, he shook, he sobbed, his head in is hands, but no tears fell having been shed the night before. He rose from his bed, took a clean cloth from the armoire and headed to the fountain which was also a Shrine to Chauntea, the Earth Mother.

He stood naked before the fountain, kneeled an prayed to The Mother and also to Mielkki, the daughter. After he was done, he dipped the cloth in the fountain and began to wash himself. Have bathed, dressed and eaten, he prepared himself for the trip to Nethjet, hoping the Shrine there would give him some comfort and calm his raging thoughts.

Having refreshed his rations and checked the tack on his horse, Midnight Moves, he headed for Nethjet. Normally, he would have his wolf Mashoed by his side, and they would fight the attackers of the road, however today would not be that day. He had not called his faithful companion, but with gentle urgency spurred his horse on not even stopping in Nethwatch, rest he hoped would come to him in Nethjet. He arrived in Nethjet close to midnight.

Having made sure Midnight Moves was secured, he took his pack and headed towards the Shrine. He did not rush however but walked slowly, taking deep breaths and enjoying the peaceful silence. He had thought to relocate here from Tyraturos but then the peace he found here would be disturbed. Tyraturos would have his small shrine to the goddesses and be a place to entertain and be with friends, to assist new arrivals.

He approached the Shrine and greeted the two priestesses and gave a tithe. He then proceeded to the Shrine itself. Towards the inside of the Shrine nearest to the forest he set up his tent having decided not renting a room at the inn. Having said another prayer at the altar, he went and sat outside the tent , preparing to go in a meditative state as was taught to him so long ago.

[Animayhem]

Marister was finally feeling the tension going out of his body and his mind. He attempted to come out of meditation and go and sleep but found he could not move nor open his eyes.
Instead an image started to form, he had asked the Goddess for guidance mayhap this was Her answer.

It was the oddest sensation, he knew it was himself, but in his minds eye he saw a silhouette of a man looking out a window and through that window the story began to unfold.

" All right you urchins go outside but be prompt for dinner or you shall get none."

The children,both boys and girls around the age of six, joyfully screamed and ran outside. One of the children, a boy with jet black hair stopped and he seemed look right at Marister briefly than ran with the others.The boy had piercing sapphire blue eyes and a bright smile. A shiver ran up Marister's spine as he realized the boy was himself.

The boy did not stay long with the others, he headed elsewhere. As the boy approached his next area Marister could smell the sweet hay, the dung of the horses and the fragrance of the pines. The stable master smiled as he saw the boy.

"Decided to pay me another visit?", the man smiled warmly at him. " Go to him, he is waiting." The man chuckles to himself as he saw the boy head to the stallion.

The horse was a magnificent creature. Tall and proud, black as the darkest night with a white blaze down his muzzle. He was in a small fenced area. Though ten years old he was still vital and the stable master had not the heart to guild him as his crop brought him a goodly amount of gold. However, aside from the stable master, the young boy seemed to be the only one who could get near him. He was named Daimon as he seemed too wild to control.

The young boy took out a pouch which he had an apple in it. Setting it in his hand he held it out and the stallion took it without hurting the boy. After the horse ate the apple, the boy began grooming the beast as the stable master had left the gear on the ground. Both horse and boy seemed content. Yet it was not only Daimon the boy seemed to get along with as he was discovering in general, he and most animals got along. The boy actually preferred their company over humans. Having finished with the horse, he set the stuff aside and started to head back to the orphanage, safely securing the gold coin the stable master gave him as he passed.

[Animayhem]

Marister awoke in his tent, it was mid morning. He had no recollection of even going in. He took a drink of water from his flask and the poured some on a cloth and wiped his face and hands. He then went to the inn to get a good meal and think over the memory which had resurfaced.

Sitting at his table, eating his meal he slowly thought about what the memory meant.

"Why the stables and why that particular horse? I had tended to many horses on my visits there."

His thoughts were interrupted by a man who had just walked in and who was speaking rather loudly,

" There''ll be an Elven slave fer sale in Amruthar in about a tenday er so. Iffin' it were me I would sell her 'nuther way. Eh boys?"

The boorish man laughed loudly and did some of the other patrons. Marister gripped his mug tight. Tempted as he was to hit the man, he knew that would not help Alyisse. He would attempt to be there and hoped Daeris got his letter.

Alyisse! Could that have been the reason for that vision? She was like Daimon proud and spirited yet seeming aloof but needed care. Every time he tended to her he felt her pain, her suffering. Even when she was not injured he had assisted her in tasks and one time she even came to his aid against assassins.

He promised himself after the mess with Sila, he would not get involved again. He had often wondered he had intervened, if things would have been different for her.

Alyisse reminded him in many ways of Ith'il'wyn, Feredir's daughter back on the coast, yet he knew they were not the same woman.

He finished his meal and headed out the door. As he was returning to the Shrine, a raven found him and gave him a letter from Daeris which asked him to meet her at her home in Amruthar.

He quickly said another prayer at the altar, gave another tithe, packed up his camp and headed as fast as he could to Amruthar. He was glad the letter was from Daeris and not Amalia, as she was a headache unto her own.
He hoped to deal with her after the auction.

[Animayhem]

He had made good time to Amruthar as any resistance he encountered he was able to evade. As soon as he was in the city, he sent his horse to the stables and headed towards the home of Daeris. He opened the door and she was there and Alyisse was not. Alyisse was probably walking around some where or at Max's house.

He had not stopped at the sojourn, so he must of looked a sight with his wards and bark skin. Daeris was on the carpete in her usual spot by the fireplace.He spoke to Daeris in Elven.

" Greetings Daeris. It is good you are here. I rode fast and did not stop. May I refresh myself?"

Daeris looked at him , "Hello Marister and yea sure." She giggled slightly as she usually did.

He proceeded upstairs and decided to take advantage of the hot bath. He entered and took off his armor and laid it on the ground, the steam would clean it. He then stepped into the tub and just soaked for a while it allowed him to gather his thoughts. Feeling clean and at ease he got out of the tub, dried himself off and decided to wear his blue tunic which was a slightly deeper blue then his eyes.

It had a slight collar in the back, the front was slightly open, a vee shaped neckline borderd with a single strand of white stitching, which exposed his chest slightly which was covered in thick, curly black hair but not too thick as one could still see his skin through the hair. The outfit was fitted and sleeveless. His boots were also of soft cloth and wide at the top, much in the fashion of sailors.

He carefully gathered up his armor off the floor having had carefully packed his cloak in his bag. He went down the stairs, set his armor on the slate near the fire and sat down next to Daeris. They briefly got caught up on general events before the main topic, Alyisse's auction.

Daeris asked for his feelings on the matter. His response was even for the most part however at certain parts his sapphire blue eye reflecting in the flames almost seemed like cold blue flames. After awhile they had both calmed down some what, and Daeris plans seemed good ones, despite Marister's forebodings.

He took is armor from the slate tiles buy the fireplace, went up to change and came back down. They exchanged their farewells knowing they will be meeting again. He left, his mind still a bit in turmoil, hopefully the walk in the air would help ease it.

[Animayhem]

Walking, after talking with Daeris , did not calm down his mind. He decided that a trip through the sewers was in order. He did not expect to find much gold but he would have vermin he could leash his frustrations on as the usual practice session with the dummies provide no solace as well. Though he really did not need his assistance, he called his dire wolf Mashoed to accompany him as the wolf had always been a comfort.

He managed to find some gold and a few items to sell. Though he usually does not take armor and such he decided to take a suit of light armor and two short swords.
Alyisse would be able to use them as due to her pending sale she had nothing. He knew Daeris would not mind if he stored them in the one chest. He returned to Daeris's home cleaned off the armor and blades and put them in the chest.

He hastily penned a letter to Alyisse letting her know they were there. He also had put in a simple robe he had found awhile back. Having sent the letter, he headed towards the Soujourn for a rest before heading back to Tyraturos.

[Animayhem]

He awoke the next day in the Sojourn, prepared to ride back to Tyraturos, when an odd feeling of worry came over him. He decided to head back to Daeris's home.
He opened the door and entered and found Alyisse, sitting in her usual place. He greeted her in Elven and smiled warmly at her. His smiled faded as she looked up, her hands hidden.

A look of great concern came over his features. Softly and in Elven he asked her to stand and show him her hands. She greeted him , stood and showed him her hands. He frowned as he saw them. The wrappings were shredded, her knuckles bruised and bleeding. He spoke to her again softly, warmly and not in an admonishing tone her damaged hands in his. Referring to her by the nickname he had given her before she was collared.

" Silverhair, what happened?"

She looked up at him, her emerald eyes wet with tears not shed, she responded softly and also in Elven,

" I have been practicing fighting using my fists on the dummies. I have nothing but my hands now. I wrapped them in the only thing I had, the worn blanket Master left me."

He listened to her frowning slightly. " Did you not get my letter about the blades?"

She nodded meekly. " Please come with me then, we should tend to them."

They headed towards the kitchen and he asked her to hold her hands under the cool water of the fountain. As she did, he gently unwrapped each hand, discarding the bloody strips on the floor. He then asked her to totally submerge them in the water allowing him time to get out some clean cloths. Taking one hand at a time he gently cleaned them and after he had soaked them once more, he carefully patted them dry. He then applied a ointment then bandaged them carefully. Her fingers were exposed but protected by the balm. Before he let them drop gently to her sides, he carefully lifted them to his lips and kissed them softly, causing her to blush slightly.

They proceeded to sit by the fireplace. She looked a bit better and in less pain and was a bit fatigued, she laid her head on his shoulder and related her feeling and fears about her future. He tried his best to reassure her and asked as a favor and not a command, that she continue to practice with the blades he had found for her as her hands wielding them was her best and most import asset aside from her skills with locks and traps. She nodded slowly her head still on his shoulder.

He was glad she seemed calmer, he too felt at peace for a bit. He knew their time together would be short. He vowed he would stand by her as a friend, keeping his true feelings submerged. He wondered if she had similar thoughts but being the gentleman he was he did not ask nor would he as it could prove more painful situation then it was.

It was getting late and both of them had to leave. Since she was unarmed, he offered and she accepted his escorting her to Max's home. He stayed until she closed the door and headed back to the Sojourn. There were not many days left and other matters needed to be attended to.

[Animayhem]

Mercifully the ride from Amruthar to Tyraturos had been quick and uneventful. He dismounted by Waukeens and left his horse tied at the post. He went inside the temple and withdrew all but one thousand gold. He then proceeded to his home where he refreshed himself and took a few things from storage.

He untied his horse from the post, mounted and rode at best speed to Bezantur to deliver an item which was expected. He made rather good time on his arrival.
He stabled his horse and made his delivery quickly and then rested for a bit and then went to the dummies, drew out his blades and began his practicing.
After he finished, he sheathed his blades and headed to the market in the south.

He smiled to himself as he approached Annita's merchant. He was pleased that a follower of the Mother was doing so well. He had often wished they could meet and talk more. He looked over the stock and smiled. He saw an item he had wanted for a long time, in fact two of them. He counted his gold and noticed he was a little short. He took out the items he had intended to sell however the merchant was out of money. He sold the items to Ranita and bought the scabbard from Annita's merchant.

He figured he would try and see if Dakaeta was around as he enjoyed her company and their talks. He had made several attempts to see her though the temple said she was away on business. As he turned to make his way toward Oghma's he say Tyrael standing by the arena and Dakaeta had arrived and was talking to Avrora.
He smiled when he saw her. However before he could acknowledge her, a letter arrived from him from Amalia.

He chuckled to himself as he read it. She was still the same, so sure and full of herself. He folded up the letter and put it in his pocket. He turned around to find Dakaeta but she vanished. He then turned towards the arena again and Amalia had arrived and had kissed Tyrael in greeting. He acknowledged them both amused at the display.

Marister attempted to pull Amalia off by herself and Tyrael quickly protested,

"You can speak to her under my supervision."

"No offense, but ...no." was his reply to Tyrael.

He silently watched the two. He chuckled as for what ever reason he seemed to rub men the wrong way. He could not help the fact he had many female acquaintances and he was not on the "prowl" as some other men he knew.

"What's the big deal, Marister? You said yourself that it's a public place, so Tyrael has every right to be there. You can just whisper to me, can't you?"

He chuckled to himself and thought 'poor Amalia, on a leash".

Marister finally conceded to speaking with Amalia just outside of the Market, in front of the Temple of Umberlee with Tyrael watching intently from afar.

The talk between them was heated. Was more of an argument than a discussion.
He felt that Amalia to some degree was trying to protect herself, he could not blame her, yet he sensed some of the things he had said where the truth and she could not handle it. Her answers to some of his questions seemed to come too rapidly. He bristled slightly when Amalia had said that Alyisse had lied about how
the deal for her to spare Max came about. Though knowing how devoted Alyisse had been to Max it could be possible. However what was done was done.
When Amalia had mentioned she did it in the interest to protect Alyisse, that was when he cut the conversation short.

It could be possible she really did love Tyrael or maybe said it to convince her self to accept the bed she made. He sincerely wished her the best. As they had done in the past, he leaned over to give her a peck on the cheek however, Tyrael walked over like a raging bull and seeing that Amalia stepped back.

Marister chuckled at both their actions. He looked at Amalia,

" If you ever need to contact me just send me a letter, dear "sister."

He flashed a winning smile and his sapphire eyes twinkled as he crushed a portal stone and vanished.

[Animayhem]

While he preferred riding, in this instance the stone was useful as it cut done on traveling time. Time was more precious now with Alyisse's impending sale.
He had another matter which needed attention and he also needed some time away. He decided to spend some time in the wilderness and hoped to meet a long time friend. It was the time in the month his friend usually frequented an area which had been a favorite to them both.

He arrived at the spot and looked about, disappointed that his friend was not there. He set up camp and had Mashoed stand guard, he took out his fishing pole and sat by the edge of the stream. It was nice just hearing Nature's sounds, the water, the birds. As he sat, his thoughts on Amalia had surfaced.

He remembered when they first met. She had beautiful long black hair, was a bit shy yet determined. Like so many others before and after her he assisted while the beggar put her through her paces. About a month or so later he saw her again, but she had shaved her head, a common Mulan custom. She had explained while at the monastery one's hair length determined ones rank of study. Since she was no longer in the monastery, she figured she would be as a "proper" Mulan woman would be. He was a bit disappointed but understood. She had also met the acquaintances of others which boded well as Thay can be a harsh environment for one alone. That was the time he met Max, Alaric and Tyrael who also were recent arrivals. She was a flirt enjoying the so called "power" she had to get men to assist her. He had good naturedly accepted her hugs and pecks on the cheek.

Over time however she was starting to become more mature. She decided to go into the mercantile business in Amruthar and Alaric would be her partner making potions for her to sell. He remembered the discussion and was pleased she set up shop where he suggested. They had seen less of each other as she was busy getting established. They did however, make a run through the Amruthar sewers look for rats as she had accepted the quest for tails. I was quite impressed on how her skills improved, they were more accurate and deadly.

A few weeks later they had met in Tyraturos, she seemed troubled and they sat down to talk in his home. He answered her questions as best he could and gave his advice. He had talked to her as a brother may to a sister as he viewed her as such and warned her she was playing a dangerous game.

As she had gotten more involved with Tyrael and Max, their relationship became strained, especially when Alyisse had come into the picture. He knew she was ambitious but did not know how cruel and vengeful she was.

His thoughts were interrupted at the tug on his fishing line. He had caught a trout. It had been some time since he had cooked one over an open fire. As he prepared the fish for cooking, he allowed Mashoed to go hunt before the sun set totally.

[Animayhem]

He had finished his meal and rekindled the fire when Mashoed returned. In the past when they spent days like this, the big wolf would sleep a little distance away. Tonight the wolf sensed his companion's distress and padded over, sat next to Marister and laid his head in his lap. Marister looked down and smiled and started to scratch the wolf behind his ears.

As he was petting the wolf, his mind focused on Alyisse.

He had met her in Tyraturos, at the crossroads. She was a bit more nervous then some, not unusual for an Elf who suddenly finds themselves in a human's world.
He smiled warmly and approached her and whispered her a greeting in Elven and also explained publically they were to speak common. He introduced her to the beggar and explained what was expected. He had assisted her only when she asked. When she was done with the beggar he had taken her to Bezantur to see the woman. She thanked him and said she would stay as she was interested in the Temples.

He did think about her occasionally but was not overly concerned as he was used to those he helped finding their way. One day, by accident, they ran into each other again in Tyraturos. She seemed to be making good progress and had even wanted to know about housing. He took her to the deed master but he said she could not buy a house. She said she was working with Max who was now with the Amruthar guard and he was helping to protect her from slavers. That thought had brought him comfort for awhile as there were already enough Elves in collars.

Her freedom was not to last as she was collared and bought by Max. However Max had allowed her freedom to move about as her task was to acquire gold for him.
Marister again assisted as best he could. Things were going decently enough until Amalia came into the picture. She was frustrated that she could not command Alyisse but eventually Max allowed her to command her as if she was hers.

One day he had returned to his house and Alyisse was a crumpled heap at his door, half dead. He brought her inside his home, tended to her injuries and listened to her story that she and others had fought a terrible battle but before that she was beat as she refused to respond when Amalia had called her Alice instead of Alyisse as Max changed her name to please Amalia. He was full of rage but his hands were tied. He vowed to her he would do his best to keep her safe when she was in Tyraturos. He had to tread lightly she was not his slave nor was she a free woman.

The dying fire distracted his thoughts and he added more wood.

He then thought of them both. Alyisse was a slave not by choice whereas Amalia chose her own slavery. He remembered her reaction when he said she would be no more than a Knight's consort for even if they were married ,Tyrael's life would be to the Red he served. Tyrael's reaction to not allowing himself and Amalia to be alone he was not sure if it was just because he was him or that would be his reaction to any man who approached her.

He had done his best for both. For now he would not worry about Amalia she made her bed and had to deal with it. Daeris at least offered to assist Alyisse by letting her stay at her home until the auction, this fact gave him some comfort.

He looked down at Mashoed who was fast asleep. He chuckled to himself and closed his eyes and tried to get some sleep, petting the wolf as he did.

---

When he awoke, it was early morning of the third day. He had grown concerned that his friend would not arrive. He went to the stream and washed his face.
He then stood for a moment taking in the surroundings. He noticed Mashoed had alerted. He turned around and smiled, his friend had arrived. They clasped each other's arms in greeting. The fire had died out but that was of no consequence as the friends sat down.

The conversation started out genial enough, but then turned more serious. Marister frowned as his friend relayed his news,it was grave indeed. He then related his own news which his friend informed him that although distressing, was timely and the threat could possibly be averted. Both of them knew they had not much time as they were exposed in the open. Before they parted, his friend gave Marister something he had lost. Marister was reluctant to take it but did so for the sake of friendship. No sooner had the exchange been made then they were attacked.

They dispatched the attacker quickly and said their farewells.

There was one final meeting to be done before the auction, that was with Daeris.

[Animayhem]

He returned to Tyra and saw that the auction had been postponed and he had mixed feelings in regards to the notice, as it would mean one more day of uncertainty. Not bothering to dismount, he headed straight for Amruthar.
He arrived at Daeris's house, opened the door and stepped in. Both Daeris and Alyisse were at their usual places by the fireplace.

He greeted both warmly. Alyisse had turned and nodded while Daeris stood up and approached him.

"Any news?, he asked.She shook her head no and then she mentioned she had "business" to take care of at the cabin. He frowned slightly having an idea of what. She then asked him to stay and watch over Alyisse as since the auction announcement too many nosy people, in her opinion, where hanging about. He agreed as since this whole mess started, he had been Alyisse's protector.

After Daeris left, he sat down next to Alyisse and gave her a warm smile. She looked almost the same way as they first met. She turned to him and finally spoke of her feelings on the matter. Briefly in her life with Max and what she had strived for. She was glad finally she could experience reverie again, the Elven meditative state. He smiled at that knowing that the drugs she had relied most likely had prevented her from doing so in the past.

She thanked him for allowing her to experience what is what like to be free with Daeris assistance as well. He smiled outwardly but was saddened that this might be the last chance they would be together. She then laid her head on his shoulder her eyes closing. He did not stop her as she would need all her strength and resolve at the auction. As he looked down at her peaceful countenance, he thought back to the beginning, even then she sought his help. He remembered how he set her at ease after she was collared and most recently all the times he healed her. Seeing her suffer through the withdrawal was very hard but she had pulled through. He felt however, that could change he prayed it would not.

He had lost all track of time when heard the door open. He softy asked her awaken but she did not. He then gently moved her over more on the pillows upright her head against the wall. It was not Daeris but the tribune. Marister stood and greeted him. The tribune asked if Daeris was about and Marister said she was on business and that he thought it was she at the door. Both he and the tribune sat in the chairs looking at Alyisse. Marister explained that she was in reverie and he did now when she would come out of it. The tribune nodded and pulled out a book and started to read. About thirty minutes later,Alyisse came to and seeing who else was here ,rose a bit too quickly wincing slightly. Both he and tribune asked her if she was all right at the same time. She explained her back ached from the training she had done. Marister suggested she take a hot bath and the tribune concurred.

She returned dress in a black and grey robe. Marister smiled as it was one of the things he left before. Noticing she still seemed a bit stiff in her walk he got up and brought over a dining chair for her to sit as he felt she needed more back support.
He smiled slightly as he saw Alyisse's confusion at the treatment she was receiving but when the tribune did not object she sat.

Shortly afterward, Daeris arrived much to Marister's relief. After a few moments Marister had a quick private chat with Daeris. He then bade everyone goodnight and went upstairs to avail himself of one the bunks.

---

The dreaded day of the auction had arrived. Marister prepared himself, mostly mentally for the event. He walked slowly and when he arrived he saw Alyisse standing in the middle of the platform which was in between the dwarf merchant and caravan.
She looked beautiful in the sun and though she rightfully lowered her eyes, she was standing proud and defiant.

Marister looked about at those who had already gathered and nodded to them. He had expected most of them. They were, Ne'Umbria, Maximilian, Adhukoth, Mirella, Daeris, Shianne. Unexpected entertainment was being provide by a goblin and a gnoll which seemed to get on Mirella's nerves. Marister for the most part blocked the commotion around him, his focus was mainly on Alyisse. Max was anxious to begin but was reminded that we had to wait for Mistress Jutta.

A woman in red arrived but it was not Mistress Jutta but Mistress Renee who was also a close friend of Daeris which gave Marister some hope though his expression was neutral. The tribune arrived shortly afterwards as well as Amalia.
Everyone's attention went to the slave pen gates which were opened suddenly. Mistress Jutta stood there, just surveying the crowd smiling. She welcomed everyone and set the rules for the auction having whispered them to the slave master.

The opening bid was two thousand gold. Surprising many. However overall it was conducted in an orderly fashion and naturally as the bids went up there were reactions from those who had gathered. The crowd had grown larger. The final bid was twenty-thousand gold and Baxter was awarded Alyisse. He could not stay, so he asked Daeris to watch over her until his business was done.

Marister had just planned on going back to Tyra but Mistress Jutta mentioned she had work for those who might be interested. He hesitated at first but felt he could at least listen if nothing more than to change his mind. They met in a room at the tharchion's palace but instead of the tharchion the hierarch was there. Those that were in attendence were promised a payment of five thousand gold. Although he needed the gold he could not participate and mentioned such. Djed happened to be there and made a snide remark about him but Marister ignored it and has soon a Mistress Jutta and the heirarch left, he made his farewells as Mistress Renee had wanted to speak to Daris, Shianne and Alyisse alone.

Marister debated on where to go but decided to go to Daeris house and wait he could collect his thoughts there easily enough. After sometime Daeris and Alyisse arrived. The three of them discussed Alyisse's new status and what the future may hold. Before he left once again he spoke to Daeris in private while Alyisse availed herself use of the tailoring models in the other room. He was glad to hear that Daeris's situation at the cabin was no longer a concern. He was about to leave when Alyisse came out, her armor having been tailored. he smiled warmly as it was like the one she had with Max. He bade them both farewell.

He rode non-stop back to Tyraturos. He wondered if the chapter in his life known as Alyisse was closed. He then thought of Amalia and felt now that Alyisse was settled they should talk again. He composed a letter, had it sent and went back to his home, sat in the bear rug, staring at the fire in meditation.