Approximately four years ago:

Madrin had traveled Eiler for a year when he decided to see what an airship trip was like. The idea of a ship that sailed the skies was too tempting to miss. The marvel of technology left Hinewai Harbor with Port Bariston in Elved as the destination. He was looking forward to seeing the western continent. The sky was clear in late spring as the vessel flew over the brilliant blue sea.

The young man had just finished his first vampire hunt before coming to the port. It was a very messy business hunting that clever creature. Madrin partnered with an experienced slayer who had been doing it for almost ten years. The old timer taught his eager companion the proper methods to use. This time they faced a vampire approaching its' second century of undeath.

The fellow had been going to every bar in Grand city looking for a 'courageous hero' willing to risk life and limb to purge the land of such an evil beast. Needless to say, he did not receive help only insults. Until he walked into the oak and barrel tavern. Madrin was having a pint of ale at the end of a few months working for a mercenary company, hunting bandits in the Zuiden mountains. A vampire sounded like a new experience to the tribal warrior. Old Brent was relieved to finally get some help after the undead creature escaped him in Jade city.

While Madrin remembered the incident his airship reached the port without any trouble. He decided to travel thru the slums of South Bariston before going to the capital. He passed the ramshackle buildings wary of pickpockets. Suddenly, Madrin heard a woman scream in terror down a dark alley he had just passed. The sun had been down four hours, and the light of the gas lamps didn't reach the darkness beyond the main paved road. Madrin ran full out towards the screams drawing his two-handed sword quickly.

He found eight men in their late teens attempting to rape a long haired woman with strawberry blond locks. Her brown eyes were full of fear, as her naked body was about to be violated. Rage burned within him, pushing his strength beyond the normal limitations of his muscles. The bastard that was about to take advantage of her was separated from crotch thru his skull. Blood and brain matter splattered everyone including the victim. The rest of his foes drew short swords and continued the dance of death. The first enemy lunged aiming for Madrin's chest his momentum carried him past as the warrior stepped aside and cut him down from behind. Next, four of them surrounded him two aiming high two aiming low. His sword slashed in a deadly arc cutting down two of them. Another slipped passed his guard leaving a bloody line on his torso. Madrin brought the hilt of his blade downward breaking his wrist. While simultaneously directing his other opponents weapon thru his neck. The unarmed man was beheaded while he tried to draw a long-knife. The last two decided to run, so Madrin dropped his large weapon and pulled two throwing knives from the secret pockets on either side of his midnight black cloak. One went down with the knife in his throat and the other's right lung was pierced.

The battle only took a few minutes but, the woman remained in shock staring at the corpse of the nearest attempted rapist babbling no over and over again. Madrin wrapped his prized cloak gently around her shoulders covering her bare flesh. She was perhaps eighteen, clutching his cloak like a life boat as she shook. "It's alright lass your safe now, you don't have to worry, they will never bother anyone again." He knew the death filled alley was not the place for her to regain herself, all the gore wasn't going to help her, so he spoke as gently as he could manage. "Can you stand? I need to take you somewhere safer. What is your name?" She stood with his polite urging then collapsed to the ground again. "I guess there's no choice, I'm going to carry you alright." The young woman nodded, so Madrin lifted her onto his back after reclaiming his weapons. He decided to head back to Port Bariston and get a room at the Red Crow Tavern. He hoped a good night's rest would give the woman time to recover enough to speak.

She whispered so quietly Madrin almost missed it. "Thank you." He felt warm tears fall on his neck as he carried her to safety.

He ran into a patrolling guard as he returned to the main road he left in such a hurry. "Excuse me sir, I left a mess of dead rapist about one hundred yards that way." Madrin indicated the alley behind him with a careful turn of his body. The young man requested he wait right there while he checked Madrin's story. The warrior sighed loudly and answered. "Aye." The guardsman ran in the direction indicated leaving the pair alone. "I can't keep referring to you in general terms miss. Please tell me your name."

The woman moved her head from his neck and spoke with a little more strength. "Ashley Gul..., just Ashley is fine sir. What's yours?" Madrin found it strange she choose not to finish saying her last name but, he couldn't judge her since he planned to leave his unsaid. This was in case his family's name had circulated around Aleris.

"I'm Madrin I bear no titles, so please use my name only." The young woman laughed a little at his comment. He didn't see the humor in it. "Ah, so you can do more than cry. I like that sound much better than the other." Madrin smiled as she looked closely at his face from only a few inches away.

"For a moment, I thought you a cruel man Madrin." The light of Ashley's smile brightened her face with joy. She suddenly realized, those ice blue eyes of his felt like they saw right thru her. He was really quite attractive, now that the dangerous cast was gone from his features. When she saw his icy stare during the fight, she thought for sure she was about to die at the hands of this violent man. Then he offered her comfort, and a warm cloak to cover her shame. She was still pure thanks to his timely arrival praise Galenous. While these thoughts ran thru her mind, her face moved closer to his. Once Ashley noticed it she stopped herself and jerked back. A proper lady never acted in such an unwholesome manner.

"Ashley are you alright, is one of your injuries hurting more?" The concern on his face was obvious. She shook her head no, and attempted to stop her racing heart. She hoped he didn't notice because, of their close contact.

At that moment the guard returned in a rush still breathing heavy. "I need to call the undertaker, you two are free to go. However, I recommend you wash those bloodstains off yourselves. That group of footpads was on the city bounty board, for multiple assaults on female citizens, we wanted them dead or alive. This is the reward for them out of my own pocket. Don't worry I'll be reimbursed you two need it more right now. Get some food and rest." The soldier gave them a bow and headed off. Later he realized he never got the couple's names.

The Red Crow was crowded this time of night as the pair entered the inn. Madrin managed to hail the proprietor after several tries. "We need tw..." Ashley's finger nails dug into his shoulders before he finished speaking. "I mean, one room with two beds." He felt her tight grip release at his rewording. Madrin had cleaned the blood off his and Ashley's face and hands in a horse trough. However, his clothes were another matter. "Also, a skilled female healer."

The innkeeper cleared his throat and responded. "Of course please sign here I'll take the payment up front."

Madrin pulled out the money and added another gold. Then he leaned closer and whispered. "Please bring a dress for the lady her clothes are torn too badly for repair." The man nodded and mentioned his eldest daughter was about her size.

They took dinner in the room. A green died wool dress came along with the food. Ashley was on her bed when she saw the garment. "Wonderful, Madrin I could kiss you for this." She hugged the dress to herself and realized what words had come out, she blushed beat red. "Sorry!, I mean thank you for the clothes."

Madrin couldn't help laughing at her awkwardness. "Don't worry Ashley, I'll turn around just tell me when you're ready." After a few minutes she was done. "It suits you well, any woman would be jealous." The young lady gave herself a little twirl to show off her dress. Madrin noted she moved with the grace and elegance of a dancer, despite her inability to quit blushing. She had a small bust line, good hips, and well conditioned calf muscles.

He heard a knock and went to the door. A middle aged woman was there. She had come to see to the young misses' injuries. Madrin step outside while she did her work. After thirty minutes he was called inside. The fighter gave the woman extra gold for a quick and skilled response, she left happy. "How are you is the pain taken care of?"

"Yes thank you again." Ashley smiled warmly. "Madrin, will you be my friend please." She turned her deep brown eyes on him passionately hoping he would say yes.

At that point Madrin realized how beautiful she was, and how utterly trapped he had become. "Sure, get some sleep we'll talk more in the morning." Ashley nodded and went to sleep. Madrin shook his head and blew out the oil lamp. One thing was certain, his first night in Elved was eventful.

Madrin woke with the sun and went thru a light exercise program. He usually went for an eight mile jog in the morning but, he was worried about Ashley. She woke up several times thru the night screaming. Nightmares have a tendency to twist reality, she sought comfort somewhere she felt safe. He acted to soothe her troubled mind as he could. Madrin wasn't able to get much sleep, because of her fears. He held her hand and slept in a chair instead of the bed meant for him nearby. He needed to work the stiffness out of his neck and back so he opted for the low impact training.

The sun was high in the afternoon when Ashley finally woke up. Madrin had been napping on and off since the morning in his bed. "I'm sorry Madrin, a lady shouldn't let the sun rise higher than she can stand before waking. At least that's what my nanny always told me." She felt a bit embarrassed about quoting the old woman but, she always gave good advice. She went to Elysia's embrace about five years ago during autumn. She walked over to her hero and gave him a affectionate hug. Ashley felt his body stiffen but, he didn't refuse her desire for closeness. "Praise Galenous, that you came along when you did."

"It was merely coincidence Ashley don't look too closely at it. However, I'm glad the scum will no longer be a problem." Madrin ended the hug by gently extracting himself from her grip.

"That's not true Madrin, order is presided over by my god Galenous, fated moments are everywhere." She saw thru his coldness, because this brave man had already proven it was an act. He was like a book with a hard cover. The bindings protected the more fragile pages. She had never wanted to read any book as much as him.

Madrin wondered why Ashley was blushing now. She really needed better control of her emotions. "As you like, I believe free will should decide your path. However, I'll take your opinion under consideration."

"That's all I can hope for. Shall we eat I'm starved." Ashley's stomach growled to punctuate her statement.

"Alright but, when we're done your being taken home. I imagine your family is worried sick." The woman visible wilted when she heard that. "So which merchant house do we need to go to." Her entire bearing screamed privileged class, so Madrin was sure he was at least close in his guess.

Ashley suddenly straightened her back and stood with purpose. She was right, this man saw thru her with ease. Her respectful curtsy was deeper than a commoner deserved by her father's standards. However, Madrin deserved more in her opinion. "I am Lady Ashley of the noble house Gulwin. We have reigned over Garis town for many generations now. By the Gray owl of my house I owe you my life."

"By the abyss, get up woman." She rose hiding her fear behind noble bearing. "Calm yourself, I'm not someone who abandons their friends. " He knelt then and grabbed her right hand gently, Ashley's pulse was racing. Madrin's ice blue eyes met her brown ones and he spoke. "On my honor, I'll return you to Garis town unharmed."

"Okay my friend I accept your vow. However, let us take our time alright. I want to talk more with the first friend I have ever made on my own." She encouraged him to rise. After he did, his hand finally released hers. Now they needed food and a bath. She was happy about spending more time with Madrin. Though Ashley wasn't sure if she could continue to deny her attraction to her savior.

The ferry ride back to South Bariston was a lot more crowded during the afternoon. When Madrin and Ashley used it late last night the warrior had to pay extra after rousing the boatman. The money the kind guardsman had given them as a reward had proven invaluable. The pair received more than a few wary looks from the locals. A mercenary with a serving woman would seem odd he supposed. Since Ashley didn't look like the noble she was currently. The woman was clutching his left arm tightly. They were returning to a place that held terrifying memories for her, so he did nothing to deter her desire for security.

After stepping off the boat they bought supplies enough to last their lengthy journey. Ashley had lost her provisions when she was assaulted. The pair was ready for anything the marshes could throw at them. Two days passed without incident thank the gods but, travelers in dark marshes rarely stayed unmolested for long. The river that separated the western and eastern sides of Elved was unsettling in the middle of the night.

The sudden snapping of multiple dry branches caught his attention. Madrin tossed her his belt knife and spoke. "Ashley grab a torch from the packs, light it and stay close to the campfire. We have company." She nodded clutching the short blade and burning torch like lifelines. He drew his two-handed sword and scanned the edges of the firelight looking for threats.

A male voice spoke from the darkness with menace. "You two aren't very wise to wander in my territory. Give me your possessions and some time with that pretty lass and I may let you live."

Madrin was able to distinguish at least five other men apart from the speaker waiting to pounce. "Last I checked, the ruler of Bariston held authority in Elved not a worthless coward." Madrin's goading had the desired effect as the speaker stepped into the firelight along with his five companions. They were equipped with two-handed axes and crossbows. The tribal warrior was relieved the cocky leader felt the need to brag before robbing his victims. Bandits often had overconfidence in numbers.

"So boy, do you still feel brave now?" The large man licked his dry lips and smiled displaying his filed teeth. Madrin didn't think this man ever let his victims live despite what he claimed. He simply smiled at the thief with confidence. "You little worm, kill the man just make sure the woman still lives!"

Ashley shook a little as five men surrounded them expecting an easy kill. She shoved the torch into the eyes of the nearest enemy blinding him. The knife she was given went in his bare throat with strength powered by fear. Madrin drove his sword thru the chest of the foe in front of him. While pulling his throwing dagger from his sleeve which buried in the eye of the man that tried to knock out Ashley. The bandit's fist never made contact with the woman before dying. Next, Madrin dropped low as an axe blade passed over his head harmlessly. He flipped his other opponent by grabbing his leg and came up with his weapon gutting the one still standing. Ashley took advantage of the prone enemy and stabbed her knife in his chest finishing him.

The leader bellowed and charged Madrin thoughtlessly. The bastard swung high like he was chopping wood. Madrin's great sword severed the axe haft and followed thru removing his head. He turned and asked with concern. "Ashley are you alright any injuries?"

"I'm fine thanks to you Madrin." A smile lit up her face though all the blood did make it seem more sinister than happy. Suddenly she started retching as the shock wore off. Madrin patted her back gently and soothed her. Ashley wiped the residue away with the handkerchief her guardian bought for her. Madrin began tossing the bodies in the nearby river after taking their valuables. He knew the current would carry them out to sea eventually. Ashley was given a crossbow and all the bolts the group had on them. The rest of the weapons were broken and thrown in the fire.

Madrin took a few minutes to show the noblewoman how to use the crossbow. Next, he pulled out his sewing kit and repaired the strap that held his throwing knife up his sleeve in place. Ashley giggled upon witnessing his domestic skills. "What's so funny woman?"

"I'm sorry, it's just strange to see a man who just savagely killed four people, sewing. Your quite good actually. Were you a tailor in a past life?" She waited patiently for an answer.

"No, my mother made sure I knew how to do more than fight. I get so many holes in my clothes that this skill is priceless." Madrin grinned as he remembered his home.

"Please Madrin, tell me more of yourself. I want to know everything your willing to share." Ashley's warm brown orbs met his ice blue eyes with eagerness as she spoke.

"Aye my friend, calm yourself this will take awhile." The next few hours were spent narrating his life from a young age. Ashley absorbed the stories with enthusiasm becoming gladder by the minute that she had such a friend. The woman had her turn explaining her life as well. However, she left out why she was in South Bariston alone. Madrin noticed of course but, he refused to push Ashley out of her comfort zone until she was ready.

After Madrin and Ashley crossed the ford the rest of their journey was tranquil. However, about a day from Garis town the pair was resting since the noblewoman was not use to a lot of walking. Madrin had taught her a little about wielding knives on their trip. Also, she had become a decent shot with the crossbow she was given many days ago. This reminded him of the years he spent training the younger Blackwolf warriors in Angeasor. He supposed he was getting homesick for the village. He had been gone a year after all. Madrin was glad he had experience bringing out the potential of those he trained. It wasn't instantaneous of course, or any kind of magic he just had a good eye. Basically she would no longer be easy prey for untrained brutes. If the former captain of his clan had to judge her ability, he would say she was equivalent to an average ten year old Blackwolf fighter, with those particular weapons. Ashley was an avid pupil to make so much progress in a short time.

Ashley approached Madrin and spoke to him with conviction. "Madrin I want to know something. How do you feel about me? I must know."

The warrior had suspected something like this was coming for days. "You have a pure heart but, you lack courage. Don't get me wrong I have come to care for you. That is why I felt I should be completely honest with you."

Ashley smiled at that and addressed him in her best seductive tone. "I'll show you courage." She embraced Madrin and drew him into a long kiss. She felt his response immediately since he was a man. Desire was quickly clouding her mind as she reached for the buttons on his black pants. The studded leather underneath gave her pause but, she enjoyed the challenge. The best things in life, you had to work for, her nanny always said. Unfortunately for her at that point Madrin grabbed her shoulders and pushed her back tenderly. Ashley was simply overmatched in strength though she did try.

Lust was obvious on his face as the warrior held her away from himself, breathing heavily. "Slow down Ashley, I don't trust you enough to make love, unless you tell me why I found you alone in South Bariston."

The nobles posture relaxed as she lost the mood because, he had to ask her that. Anger crossed her features briefly before calmness resumed. That was her first kiss and she still wanted more. Why did he have to stop her? However, as the fog lifted she realized his honor, which was something she loved about him overrode his passion. Ashley would not deny the desire she awoke in him was pleasing to see. "Your right Madrin, I lost control. Please forgive me. It's okay, as much as I like you holding me so close, I won't surprise you next time." The knowing smile on her face gave Madrin pause however, he trusted her word.

"Alright your forgiven, now answer my question" The fighters tone was all business and a little cold.

His voice was a little frightening, since he had only spoken that way to several dead men in her presence. "I was running from an unwanted, arranged marriage. My father was finalizing the paperwork when I escaped." She broke eye contact at that point lowering her head. "I'm the second child so my brother Arnim is the heir. I was being married off to improve relations with Bariston. My husband to be is from a minor house in residence there." She lifted her head as tears began to flow. "I refuse to be a political tool Madrin. However, I was too afraid of father to stop him. Please run away with me to the north, I hear Arthuran is beautiful this time of year."

Madrin shook his head as anger filled his voice. "As I said you're a coward! What exactly was your plan once I brought you to Garis town?"

"I was hoping to convince you to take me away. If not I was going to run again." The disappointment in his eyes hurt a lot.

"It seems I will have to drag you home, or I can't be sure of what you will do. I want your word of honor you will not run. Unless you'd prefer to be tied up which is not my preference." His rage grew every second the woman delayed her answer.

"Okay you have my word. I can't stand that terrifying look. I beg you to go back to your normal kind self." The fear in her voice was strong.

Madrin wasn't an emotionless killer he didn't like scaring Ashley. However, sometimes it was necessary to get his point across. The storm in his eyes ceased, and his tone became more kind. "Listen well Ashley, if you hate the arranged marriage end it, or you will forever regret your cowardice."

"What about duty? Doesn't honor demand I go thru with the farce." Her tone was sad but, she wanted his opinion.

"Yes duty and honor are important. However, if you don't respect yourself how can you find a reason to live. Ultimately you must decide your path." Madrin gave her a peck on the cheek while she pondered his words. "Now we must sleep and prepare for tomorrow." Ashley nodded and the duo began their night watch rotation.

Once they crossed the river the duo was in the lands of the Magistrate of Garis town. The sheer number of watermills was truly a sight to behold. He noticed them before crossing the river of course but, he couldn't have guessed the number. Ashley led the way silently since she was still upset with Madrin for refusing her advances the night before. Not to mention, he was making her return to a house that she would rather never see again. She hoped her father was still in Bariston so that she only had to deal with her elder brother. The noblewoman doubted it however, since her dad had a small private airship he personally piloted. The three story brick building brought mostly bitterness to her heart ever since her mother died ten years ago. She was glad the bandits that beat her mom to death were long dead. It was strange however, the farmers didn't appear to be murderers. They had been gagged to spare her hearing whatever lies the killers might tell. How her father caught them so quickly was a mystery. She didn't watch them hang because, Ashley was only eight at the time, and too kind of heart to watch them die. People change she knew, ever since she killed those two bandits several days ago.

Madrin's knock snapped her out of her past memories. A young guardsman opened the door and greeted his lady with respect. Madrin felt the anger coming off the man in waves while a cold glare was directed his way. "Please this way Lord Gulwin, has been worried sick. You too mercenary, he wants to reward you properly for everything you've done. The outriders brought him news of your return my lady, a few hours ago." Madrin had a bad feeling about this whole situation however, Ashley was home at least.

Her father looked very muscular, instead of soft as Madrin expected. He ran down the dais that held his chair of office in his audience chamber, and embraced her. "Ashley I'm so relieved your safe I must thank your escort properly. Dear run along and put on some proper clothes while I deal with your protector."

Ashley was shocked he hadn't yelled or slapped her as she expected. The prospect of showing off her most alluring dress to Madrin was so tempting that she decided to obey her father since all seemed settled. "Aye father as you like."

"Make sure to eat before returning you look half starved. Arnim go talk with your sister about her ordeal. I'm sure she would love the company." His son nodded agreement and the siblings left chatting away.

Once they left ten archers stepped from behind the gray curtains and leveled their weapons at Madrin. The five guards that had been visible when the pair entered, surrounded him with long-swords drawn. "Kneel scum, the lord refuses to meet your lowly gaze any longer." Madrin's gut had been right it seems.

Two men forced his head down while the three others had their blades at his throat. "Now I shall pass sentence for your crimes. For touching my daughter with your filthy hands, ten lashes. For making her wear a peasant slut's dress, ten lashes. For daring to meet two nobles eyes ten lashes. Finally, should you survive the previous punishments you shall hang by the neck until dead, for the high crime of kidnapping a noblewoman in one weeks time. Does the accused have anything to say in his defense?" The sharp blades were so close now that if he spoke Madrin would cut his own throat in three places. "I commend you for accepting your just punishment peasant. Take him to the dungeon."

Madrin could have resisted but, then ten arrows would have killed him. However he had patience, a week was a long time to find a means of escape. His weapons and armor were locked in a chest in the dungeon. Then blood flowed from his flayed skin in several different places like rivers of dark red wine. He took the whip well the torturer commented when done just before Madrin lost consciousness.

Ashley was at a loss, why did Madrin leave it made no sense. Unless he was worried about breaking her heart. She was engaged to be married after all. The noblewoman returned from dinner dressed in black silk outfit meant to take his breath away. Only to find out, Madrin took his reward and left without even a word of goodbye for her. The woman refused to cry in front of her domineering father. However, she had planned to break the engagement with Madrin's support. Ashley thought she could finally resist her father thanks to him. That man taught her what courage meant even in the face of overwhelming odds.

"Your future husband is waiting for you in Bariston. I expect you to be ready to leave first thing in the morning. Arnim will take you, I have duties to attend to at the estate. Your wedding is scheduled a week from then. Don't embarrass me child or you will regret it." Lord Gulwin's threats use to scare her more but, now that she had met someone far more dangerous, his words had lost power.

The stirring in her chest was new but, it gave her the ability to speak despite her growing fears. "No I refuse, you have no right to force me into marrying anyone. My heart is my own."

The large man rose from his chair with rage in his eyes and struck Ashley full force in the stomach. She doubled over in surprise clutching her injury. "How dare you, I own your ungrateful hide. Your mother was growing a backbone as well, the bitch! I hope you remember what happened to her."

When she heard that, righteous rage filled Ashley's soul causing the pain to fade temporarily. "I have news for you Lord Gulwin, that was a confession. It would be my honor to serve sentence." With practiced movement she drew a concealed dagger from each of her garters and stabbed the blades into his stomach disemboweling the man in a spray of blood. "Thanks to Madrin, I won't be pushed around by a corrupt murderer that uses nobility as an excuse. He is someone that understands honor knows no station." Ashley cut his throat once she was sure he heard her last words. After all even a rabid animal shouldn't suffer. "Elysia has a very cold dark place just for you father, guards!"

Her father's personal bodyguard entered and took in the gruesome scene. They reached for weapons but, hesitated to draw them. Five small time criminals weren't sure if they could kill the Lady Gulwin. The stark red blood on her black dress. While she wielded a gore covered long knife in each hand didn't inspire courage in the natural cowards. They all knelt and lowered their eyes. The head guard spoke up. "Please my lady have mercy, it was all your father's idea, the mercenaries still alive in his cell, I swear."

Ashley's face took on a more dangerous cast when she heard that. However, she gave no sign that the fool had just surprised her. She walked to the door and called down the hall for her brother. Ashley wanted him to come to the audience chamber, and bring the guards he trusted the most. A short time later Arnim appeared with ten older men that had tutored him in combat. She explained the situation and had the scum in chains as they all went to the dungeon.

"By the gods Madrin, what has been done too you." Infection had set in and he had a severe fever from the numerous untended wounds. "Arnim send for the best healer in town quickly. You seven men lock up the prisoners, they will be dealt with properly. The rest of you help me get Madrin to my room." All complied not wanting to further anger their mistress. Arnim was the new Lord Gulwin but, after hearing his sister's tale a few hours ago. The nobleman let Ashley help her savior this time.