[Amanaduial the archer]

Fionel stepped back as the slaves rushed forward, all grabbing the ropes and trying to wrap it as tightly around the fallen hunter as tightly, quickly and, yes, painfully as possible. She stepped back, but didnt stand too close to Rhunnaro, simply watching him. His dark eyes turned towards her and she became all the surer that he was the one who had stopped her beating. He smiled slightly, and Fionel found herself once again thinking of how he actually saw her, how he saw all the slaves. Animals? Prey? Why, did they even seem human to him at all?

She opened her mouth, then shut it again. She had just noticed the other man, standing behind Rhunnaro, olive skinned and handsome. Dont be ridiculous. She snapped at herself. But it would be so nice to be loved again...

She looked back at Rhunnaro, shaking herself mentally. A pause, then she spoke. "Sir-" She stopped herself, then carried on. She would not call any easterling sir, but this man had earned her respect, although for what reason, she did not know. "Did you...on the night of the Hunt...were you behind the stage? I mean...were you in the back corridors?"

Rhunnaro frowned slightly, but still retained that half smile, his expression saying that he had certainly not expected this question. "An odd question, lady. Why is it that you ask?"

Lady?! Vala, how long is it since last you were called that?! "If you were and are who I think you may be, I think you will know."

Rhunnaro let his smile widen slightly, then opened his mouth to answer. "I-"

A strange, almost inhuman sound rent the air, and Fionel whirled around to see the fallen man writhing like a beast. Some of the slaves were stepping back slightly- habit told them that they should not be doing this to their master- but Desolyn and Lanbriel clung on, one on each arm. Fionel didnt hesitate, and neither did Rhunnaro, as they approached quickly, and the other man who Rhunnaro was with handed Fionel a weapon- a sword. She had never held one before, but unsheathed it quickly, holding it out with a perfectly steady hand, the tip only inches from the fallen man's chin.

"Stay very still." She said quietly. But the insanity that Fionel had seen in his eyes also ruled Ranchard's mind, and still she tried to shake Desolyn and Lanbriel off. He moved slightly to one side, shaking his head, and Fionel moved the sword- her sword- at the same time, causing the tip to nick his cheek, drawing a small line of blood along just under his eye. He gasped and snarled at her. The other slaves also gasped- first blood.

"Well I did tell you to stay still." Fionel said, her voice still calm. But there was a sense of unease was growing in her- she had enjoyed that. She was almost tempted to cut the man again, to make him hurt for the pain his race had caused, but then she sensed Rhunnaro watching her very carefully. And she saw the madness inside Ranchard's eyes... Suddenly, the anger she had expected came into play and she moved the sword forward, until it was right under Ranchard's chin. "If you don't stay still, I will make you feel the pain of your own whips!" She turned to Rhunnaro. "Alright, just what exactly are we supposed to do now?!"