Esther

Esther mumbled, groaning. She fluttered her eyes - and tried to sit up. Her head still swam. Was she still drunk? OR was this a hangover? Esther wasn't sure, she had never been hungover before, she wasn't sure she'd ever drunk that much before. "Wh...ere..." It was still dark, morning had not fully come - she could hear the faint twitter of birds, but no sun shone through the window. The blanket slid off her form as Esther sat. Groggily rubbing her eyes trying to get a better idea of her surroundings. Last she recalled, she was with Domarus. Esther visibly shivered. The fire had gone out, and without him there - there was no real warmth.

Esther twisted her body round, placing her feet on the cold floor - then, she saw him. His form hunched over by a large axe. His chest rising and falling, slowly. Asleep? Esther pushed herself off the bed and soundlessly padded over to him, the room still span, so it took a great deal of effort not to fall over. Did I fall asleep, and wake up more drunk? Is that a thing? Esther wondered. As she got closer to Domarus, she noticed a small journal, open in his lap. He had fallen asleep writing in it. Esther was curious, but not one to pry. She closed the book, and placed it on the desk before sitting on the floor between DOmarus' legs, resting her head on his leg. "S' cold...." She mumbled. shutting her eyes again

"Jeezy weez." Esther commented, as Domarus lifted her effortlessly off the chair, heading over to the bed, she wasn't expecting the action, and the movement caused her head to spin. "Domarus..." Esther moaned in discomfort, till he started to run his fingers through her hair. Combing out all the knots. Esther practically melted into him, his actions rendering her like putty in his hands. "Head...scratchies....good..." Esther mumbled giving a happy sigh. Right now, she was able to forget her troubles, she was able to enjoy her time, the ordeal of that night seemed far off - almost non existent between the haze of the Alcohol, and Domarus.

It was more than just a simple peck, Domarus pressed forward, exhaling hot breath as he pushed her lips apart with his own. His arms dropped to Esthers waist as he pulled her closer. His fevered action was almost devious in a way, as he hungrily lapped at Esther, but it was brief- and gentle. As though Domarus were afraid she'd shatter, the sudden comfort of his embrace, and the frenzied kiss caused a murmur to escape Esthers lips. As Domarus pulled away Esther shuffled her body, turning it toward him. Pressing her tiny form against his - soaking up more of his warmth, demanding more of the comfort he so willingy bought.

"Not worried...." Esther muttered, currently content. "Your turn...for favour..." She mumbled back.

Esther shrugged, rolling her shoulders back into his chest, with each passing moment she could feel herself slipping further and further away. "I really don't mind. It's not just the alcohol either...I don't have the use for a lot of Col. Nor a lot of materials, as long as I can craft once in a while. I'm happy. Sides'...makeng you shappy would make me shappy too." Her speech slurred slightly.

"What I want to ask you...." Esther paused, before rattling off a list of congratulated and odd demands. "I want to feel your fingersh through my hair, I wanna make sure you smile at least once a day...." She started saying this as they came to mind. "I wanna see what it would be like as your pet for once....I wonder...if I kissed you like I did Lycan... would it turn you into some angry man? Are my lips poison? Dom...how old do you think I am?" Esther wriggled, she could feel herself slipping off the chair. 

"I wanna sit somewhere more comfortable where I'm not falling down." She shifted, turning her body into his. "Don't." She demanded, rather loudly when Domarus said he should look into the way he was. "I like it. It's comforting."

Esther grinned, as she was handed back a full cup, another 3 shots of whiskey at least. She swirled it in her hand, before downing half of it. Choosing this time not to drink the entire glass. Esther reached up and carefully placed the glass on the table, pushing it far enough away from the edge so it wouldn't topple over. Her head began to swim, good she thought to herself. Her eyes blinked haphazardly, and slowly. "mmm...I don't like swearing." Esther mused as Domarus questioned her choice of words. "Heh. You'd think I was a child for it, I just - never saw the point in it." Esther shifted, letting go of his leg. She yawned - opening up her HUD, and lazily scrolling to her sleepwear. In a quick flash, she was wearing a light, off white silken night gown. It dropped down in a V-neck, and had thick straps that draped over her shoulders. It was long enough to reach just above her knees. It wasn't exactly the most modest of sleepwear - but it wasn't risque' either. It was comfortable, everything about it screamed Esther. The practicality of it, the light color - even the small, purple bow that adorned the bottom of the V-neck. 

"So you want Col for strength?" Esther asked, "I can help with that. I'll give you the Col I make from my shop." She offered him a smile. "It's not like rrrrr I errr need it anyway." Esther offered him a wink. "With my help, you'll have so much Col and Materials, you won't know what to do with it." She paused, pushing herself up to stand. Esther picked up the glass and finished the last half of it. The sudden motion caused her to falter, and she stepped back - landing in Domarus' lap. 

"I don't get it..." She mumbled. Despite not being very comfortable, having two people on the one chair - Esther didn't move. "You're like a fire." She grabbed his free arm, dragging it across her mid section so she could bring his wrist to her nose. She inhaled. "You smell like...a bonfire, in the middle of winter, almost like cinnamon...and your body - it practically oozes warmth. You're like a portable heater. Then you have that red hair, and eyes. Is it something you planned?"

Esther quickly downed the second glass, not caring for the burning sensation. She coughed. Daintily covering her mouth as she did so. Esther didn't care about the burning, she didn't care about hangovers, she didn't care about her actions or how childish and pathetic she seemed. She just wanted to forget everything, and get drunk. Domarus mentioned it was whisky. Esther slouched forward. Edging the glass toward him again. "Eurgh...so I just downed what....4...5 shots worth of drink then?" She paused, "Good. More please." Esther pushed the cup further toward Domarus, but when the cup was pushed out of her reach Esther sighed. "Ahh, funkernickle...." Even as the effects of alcohol began to take place, she didn't swear - always replacing her cuss words with strange, sometimes made up alternatives. 

Esther grabbed the glass, and pushed herself up and out of her seat. She took a few steps, and plonked herself at Domarus' feet. Esther draped herself over his leg. This time pushing the glass into his chest. "More please." As he took her glass Esther mad herself more comfortable, curling herself up and around his leg. "Saving....what are you saving up for Domarus? a House? You gonna start a guild and get a giant guild hall?"

Domarus mentioned the favour and Esther nodded, "Yes. I'll ask you that favour..." She muttered. The effects of the alcohol were quickly creeping up on her. Esther knew this, she could feel it happening, but that is exactly what she wanted. The dull sensation of alcohol buzzing around in her head - and the warmth of it resting in her stomach.

Esther almost seemed relieved as Domarus reluctantly agreed to the drinking contest. Esther assumed they'd head to a bar, or an inn - but to her surprise. Domarus had called to Keres. The young girl entered, and Esther glanced up at her apologetically. Keres probably heard Esther bawling her eyes out and screaming earlier. It was...embarrassing to say the least.  Domarus' other friend quickly left again. Esther still didn't understand the dynamic between the two, but she had learned not to question it. She learned to deal with it, seeing that Keres looked genuinely happy in her predicament. 

Esther bit her tongue, she knew, and Domarus knew, that she couldn't hold her liquor. She was only doing this because he denied her initial request to use a potion. Esther couldn't waltz to Mari and ask for one herself. That'd be too suspicious. Domarus offered Esther a joke, followed by a wink. "Just as hopeless as the one I forced you into." Esther mused. "Don't you still owe me my prize?" Esther questioned. Trying to recall if she ever redeemed her 'favor' from him.

Domarus poured the glasses, Esther picked her own up, and downed the entire glass. Slamming it on the table. It instantly warmed her stomach, and burned her throat. The woman winced. "Ugh...what is this..." She questioned, signalling to Domarus to fill her glass up again.

ID: 68373  LD: 15 + 4 = 19  Success

Arc suggested they go for one more, and Esther gave a nod, placing her foot on the bottom of the tree trunk she reached as high as she could - and attempted to peel back another strip of bark. With great force, she was successful, as the last part came off, she stumbled backward. Almost falling over. Esther quickly straightened herself, and turned to see what Arc was doing. He looked shocked, and was holding a bright, blue shawl. "Oh hey..." Esther peeked over his shoulder. "That shawl looks like it'd match the hair of that really lovely Artisan I met..." Esther paused, shifting the large material to one hand so she could fish the small canvas painting out with the other. 

Esther was sure she had shown him once, but she was showing him again. "See..." It was a small painting by Birdie - of a magnifying glass. "I adore it. So much love went into it." Esther quickly put it back away, and urged Arc to take the shred of bark she obtained. "Here. I don't want this. I'm here material hunting for you." She draped it over his shoulder.

It was clear she was in much higher spirits than earlier. 

"Next time we see each other...we'll get Lycan back, right?" Esther asked. "Even if he's kicking and screaming?"
 

"WHY?" She almost screamed it at him when Domarus denied her. Her hands balling up into fists. "I don't care about tomorrow, I don't care about an hour away... what's wrong with wanting to escape...just for a little while? What's the difference between that and drinking?" She sounded erratic, and she continued on her tangent. "You'd do it for Keres right? Or someone else? Why would you so willingly use a potion on someone else...but when I ask you deny me!? You deny me the one thing I want right now...to not feel anything..." 

She pressed her head back into his shoulder, sobbing. Clutching at her heart. "It's not fair....it's just not fair..." Esther sniffed, as Domarus told her that it wouldn't help, instead offering something that wasn't an illusion. She could feel his crimson hair, bleeding over the nape of her bare neck like red wine onto a pale carpet, entangling in her own. He exhaled, close to her face, and the scent of cinnamon, and wood, the earthy tones of fire flared up her nostrils. Esther sniffed again, wriggling her nose. Then, Domarus kissed her. Pressing his lips fast to her cheeks. Esther drew in a sharp breath. They felt soft, and - in the typical Domarus fashion, it almost felt like fire itself was pressing itself to her lips. The heat from such a simple action spreading like wildfire. Esther didn't feel like she deserved it, but...it had done its job. It quietened her down. At least for a little while.
 

He insisted, whatever she wanted - to just ask. "How about...that drinking contest?" Esther asked, glancing up at him.

Domarus told her not to lower her head, but Esther found it difficult not to. He placed two fingers below Esthers chin, forcing him to glance up at him, her eyes weary. Her brow furrowed when he said she had tugged at his heart. "D-Domarus..." She reached out with shaky hands to envelop his cheeks in the palm of her hands. She massaged them, allowing the tips of her fingers to fall up into his hair, brushing his bangs away from his crimson eyes. "Y-you can't say those things...I'm not...as good as you think I am..I don't, I don't know why you hold me in such high regard."

Esther shook her head, pulling her hands down to sit against his collarbones. She listened as Domarus explained the effects of the potion Mari made, how it simply showed that Esther wanted to make everyone happy. Esther had to admit, she found some comfort in his words, in his offer to stay here.

Esther mumbled. Pressing her face into his jacket. "Domarus..." She knew she was weak, she knew she was pathetic for requesting such a thing, but was it so wrong....was it so wrong to be so incredibly selfish for just once in her life? "Please..." Her grip around his shoulders tightened. "If you have anything to stop this ache in my chest...it feels like its breaking...a potion....a trick...anything...please....make it stop...." She whimpered. Lithe arms wrapping tighter around his shoulders as she crawled further onto his lap. Her knees either side of his waist. "Please...use it...." Her voice fell into a whisper.

"Just once...let me be selfish...Do that and just let me stay here..." 

Esther slipped in and out of consciousness, she could feel the cool wind on her face. Hear the cry of nearby mobs - then the bang of a door. All the while she kept her eyes closed. She thought she heard a scuffle, and maybe Keres' voice. Then....silence...she chanced to open her eyes, lifting her head to see that she was in a small room. An inn? No...this was outfitted differently, a shop? Was this Domarus' shop? It looked...cozy, Esther wasn't sure what she expected, seeing his private room - more black and red decor? a Dragon's head mounted on the wall? A bearskin rug? No - Domarus didn't haev any of that. It was simple...warm, peaceful. 

Esther felt Domarus urge her to sit up, and she complied. He held out a glass of water. Esther licked her lips, she was so thirsty. She reached out and grabbed it carefully sipping it. She closed her eyes, letting the cool, refreshing water wash over her. "Thanks." She pushed the glass away, not wanting to drink any more right now. Esther sighed, feeling Domarus gently stroke her face. "You shouldn't do that..." She mumbled, attempting to swat his hand away. 

"Don't you know? I'm nothing but a beguiling tease..." 

Domarus pushed, insisting Esther explain to him what had happened, what Lycan said. Esther took a deep breath. Just what would Domarus think of her? Esther started talking, about how she had met up with Lycan in a field to gather materials, only to have him snap, and accuse her of being Pker bait - how he crushed Evelyns mug - how he soon apologised, and how Esther thought everything was okay. Esther told Domarus about how she and Lycan first met, and how she apparently was under the influence of a potion by some guy named 'Addel' and she had begun to strip - she said that Lycan helped her,  but she made a strange potion that apparently tasted like her lips. 

Esther shook her head. Telling Domarus that Lycan asked for a kiss, and her - being an incredibly open and accepting person, did so - just a peck. Nothing more. That seemed to set him off, he grew cold, distant...he invited her out for coffee and scones afterward. Then...that's when everything happened.

After Esther finished, she went to stand. "So you see Domarus. I really am nothing but a tease. I don't mean to be, I don't mean to tug at peoples hearts. I don't mean to and yet..." She looked up at him, and the pained concerened look he held. "I'm doing it to you too..aren't I? So it's...it's why  I can't...I can't stay..."
 

The crimson haired man didn't let her move. He held her to the spot, with a gentle grip. He pulled out a cloth and tenderly started to dab at Esther's face. His normally calculating gaze was filled with concern for her. Concern Esther felt she didn't deserve. "He did...but...." Her hands reached out, finding the material of his pants. Esther clutched onto it with a shaking, bruised fist. "I can't blame him..." Esther thought about what Lycan said. How she was just a tease...how she strung people along and played with their hearts. Seeing Domarus dote on her the way he was...it made her feel guilty...it made her feel that maybe, Lycan's harsh words were right. "It's me.The problem is me." She murmured. Her eyes still avoiding his. Esther was afraid, that if she were to look Domarus in the eye, she'd start crying again - and she didn't have the energy for that. She didn't want to do it in front of the man either.

"I can tell you why, why even though I didn't kill anyone, why his actions were completely justified. I just...." She lifted her head to look around the Alley. "I'd rather do it somewhere more comforting. I'm so tired Domarus...I'm just....so..." She leaned forward again. Unwittingly drifting off to sleep, caressed to unconsciousness by his gentle touch, the strong, alluring sound of his voice - and the comforting scent of a roaring fire. Her head pressed into the nape of his neck. Lips lightly grazing his collarbone.

Surely....she could rest, like this - just for a moment. Just until they found a more suitable location - then she'd tell him everything. She'd tell him what a wretched and vile person she was, and if he wanted to leave...she'd let him. She wouldn't make the same mistake of trying to chase after him like she did with Lycan.

Esther smiled as she watched Rin take off her own boots. Rin really was a wonderful friend, someone Esther just enjoyed being around. There was little drama, virtually no hurt feelings, no talk of frontlining, or battling. It was just...fun Esther pressed her feet deeper into the dirt, feeling the mud squelch between her toes. Her emerald eyes watched as Rin was finally relaxing, bending over to smell a flower.

"Maybe that's what he intended, maybe he didn't intend for it to be so...." she tilted her head, glancing toward the sky. "So sad...yanno?" Before Esther could continue her line of thought, Mari arrived. Esthers eyes lit up. "Mari!" Her joy was short lived, as Mari stared at both herself and Rin, almost disprovingly. Esther scooted over to Rin, grabbing hold of her hand. If Mari was going to intimidate Rin, Esther wanted to show Rin that she'd be here, by her side.

"Someones a grumble butt in the morning..." Esther whispered to Rin after Mari's rather macabre explanation of their predicament. It was her way of trying to lighten the mood again. 

Mari turned her attention to Esther, and asked about collar sisters. "C-Collar sisters....?' It took a minute for the term to register with Esther. Collar sisters, it was a term used when one person had two people under their 'collar' the two people generally shared the same role and responsibilities, but why was Mari placing that on them? Was it meant to be a joke. Esther scoffed, taking it as a joke. "Pffft, you wish you could handle both of us." 

Mari turned to walk away, and Esther breathed out a sigh, turning to Rin she mouthed the words 'I'm sorry' she honestly hoped Mari would have been a little.....nicer.
 

"Mariii...." Esther whined, clearly not bothered by Mari's cold demeanour.  She pulled Esther along, as the two followed the Player Killer. "That's rude. The least you could do is introduce yourself."

Complete

Esther
+ 3 SP
+1 Familiar
+ 800 Col


-1 Free will

Esther wanted to scream, she wanted to cry, her chest heaved with heartache - she didn't want this. As her eyes adjusted to the light, she could feel her senses blur. Her feelings, they were washing away. The happy memories she had with Lycan, were nothing more than pages upon a book. Her arguments with Mari and Arc...meaningless white noise...the children she loved and adored - just faces. Domarus, his brilliant gaze, his irreplacable warmth...that too faded. Leaving nothing but a crimson stain in the back of her subconscious. Esther was slipping away. The strange, horrible concoction taking its hold.

The vision of Addel was blurred, and it took a while for Esther to focus, she starred at him. Leaning forward to get a closer look. His icy blue eyes were narrow, almost snakelike. They stared right back at her, almost glinting in an expectant predatory way. His thin lips were turned up wide into a mischievous grin- he licked his lips. His grin growing wider, showing his canines. 

"Hello, pet."

His voice...his voice was so sinister. So commanding. His deft fingers reached out to fasten a chain onto a collar that was around her neck, not Mari's collar. His collar. An elegant and intricate gold collar, inscribed with the Black Adder insignia around its rim. His fingers lingered, dancing around the concaves of her neck. 
 

A few tears  trickled down Esther's face, screaming out in defiance where her mind and actions could not. Esther's body shook, who was this man to her? Why was it so hard to concentrate right now? She had been here for so long...her brows furrowed. She remembered pain, but she remembered him. She remembered Addel, tenderly stroking her cheeks, how he massaged her sore wrists. This man...this man was important to her. Somewhere, in Esther's clouded mind, a small voice denied her- but, when she saw him...when Esther saw Addel, everything felt right.

Addel reached out, and released Esther from her binds. "Now." He brushed Esther's hair off her face, and the woman leaned into his touch. "Who am I, pet?"

Esther blinked, once, twice, thrice - "Master?" There was a sinking feeling in her stomach. Her lip quivered, an internal struggle seemed to rise, but quelled just as quickly as it had began. Addel wrapped a hand around her thin waist, pushing her in close to him. Pressing her near exposed chest against his form. "That's right. I'm proud of you." Esther's eyes slowly closed, comforted by his praise.

"I'll do anything for you master..." She breathed.

Addel lifted one hand to pat her head, "I know. That's the plan."
 

Addel had won.

Esther had grown incredibly silent, incredibly still - trying to hear every word that the two said. It was so horrendous...they didn't seem to care what happened to her, or to her friends. Esther had half a mind to assume that they'd betray each other at a moments notice. Esther could hear Addel approach, he goaded her, but she refused to reply. It didn't matter. It didn't matter what they did to her, or how they did it. As long as her friends stayed away.

Please gods let them all stay away

She could feel the gold tip of the glass vial as it was pressed against her lip. The deadly concoction smelt oddly enough, like strawberries. Why something so dark and malicious had such a sweet smell, she did not know. Esther felt Addel press down on her jaw with his fingers, forcing it open. Please no the liquid was thick, almost like a milkshake, but it had a very,very bitter taste. Please no please... Esther could feel her body shaking. How was she going to stop this? Dekkar said it was the first person she saw right....So all she had to do was keep her eyes closed?

Her head felt heavy. Then numb. Lye....Arc....Mari...Domarus....Rin....She replayed all her friends faces in her mind. The friends she missed dearly, the friends she hoped so desperately she'd never see again. Everyone would be so much safer without her. Not now...not like this. Tears formed and spilled out from beneath the blindfold. 

"How long till it takes effect?" 
"Now should be good. Just don't let her see me. I don't need a girl following me around." Dekkar snorted. "Get back to me when it's a toned man with a pert ass."

There was a shift, and Esther forced her eyes shut. keep them shut, keep them shut, keep them shut. She could feel a finger pry one of her eyes open, and her heart sunk, there he stood, at first his visage was blurred, then he came into view as she slowly opened both her eyes, glazed and Marred with an inky blackness as she stared directly at Addel. 

 

Esther struggled as the blindfold was placed over her eyes. She couldn't exactly rip it off in her current situation. At least he hadn't paralysed her yet. Her vision was blackened, and all Esther could do was lower her head, and listen to the conversation that both Addel and Dekkar were having.

Dekkar spoke first, "Okay. So deal is. You give this to her, and it'll have her entranced. Whoever she sees first, is the person she'll wholeheartedly follow. Throwing her entire being toward them." Dekkar pointed the vile of black liquid toward Addel. "That person, being you. Thing is, it's pretty experimental, you wanted me to make it really strong - so I did but, I don't know what kind of side effects it may have." Dekkar pulled several more vials of the same liquid from his inventory. "You'll need to re-administer the dose every 24 hours. Else it'd wear off. I don't know how her mind will handle multiple doses."

Addel took the vials. "Don't matter. Worst case scenario is?"

Dekkar wiped his nose with the back of his hand. "Yer left with an empty shell."

Addel grinned, "I don't see a bad side." He turned on his heel, and approached Esther again. "Hear all that pet? You're being awfully quiet. You know what I'm about to do, don't you?"

Esther's eyes widened at his words. His vicious cruel words. Just because Lycan and Arc threatened and embarrassed Addel they were willing to go to such lengths? Why? Just to teach them a lesson....? It didn't make sense, and it made less sense to involve her. "I won't do it." Esther muttered. Glancing away from Addel. There was no words that Addel could possibly use that would make her do such a heinous thing. No amount of fancy talking, or circling or manipulation would make Esther change her stance- She was at her very core a pacifist. "I don't care what you do to me. You won't hurt them." 

Esther glanced back toward Addel, she couldn't tell him that she'd sent them messages to stay away, that'd alert him - and he may just paralyse her, and use her HUD to send them more messages, just like he wiped her friend list. "Your friend said it himself. Lycan hates me right? Arc isn't exactly my friend either. Surely you guessed that from all your scouting and spying. Why on earth would you think they'd come here to help me?"

Esther had full resolve in her words, she believed every syllable she uttered,which made it hurt all the more. Those two...wouldn't come. 

"I think you have me mistaken." Addel said with a sneer, "If they come here or not, I don't care - As I said, you're going to find them. you're going to kill them.  He reached out, and tied a black blindfold over her eyes. "That would destroy them wouldn't it?" He whispered in her ear, "and finally, break you enough for me to have you - without the use of Alchemy."

 

Now that Allison had done his job, it was Dekkars turn. Dekkar turned and shut the door behind Allison. "Don't want anyone coming in."

Esther felt a lump in her throat, what did he mean by not wanting anyone to come in? Up until now, she had endured a variety of mental, emotional and physical punishment, but nothing so heinous to have the doors locked. Oh god... Esther didn't like where this was going She didn't like not being able to see what had been done to her arm, why it tingled. 

"The hell you going to do now?" Esther muttered. 

Dekkar didn't answer, he seemed to be busy going through his inventory. Muttering ingredients to himself. Instead, Addel spoke up, running a hand through his blonde hair. "Yes puppet, what are we going to do now? Better yet, what are you going to do." He clasped his hands together. "I didn't lie, my pet. You interest me. Two days. Two days we have been at this game, and just when I think we almost have you. BOOM!" He held his arms out wide, as though mimicking an explosion. "You jump right back up to his defence. You seem to rally some energy from god knows where, and it's both amazing, and incredibly annoying. Normally, my pet....Dekkar would relish in breaking a mind as strong as yours, but we don't have time for that. No - the cogs have been set into motion and we're all just dancing along the spokes to our demise."

Addel grinned, "Oh but I'm monologuing aren't I, cliche'd bad guy thing right?" He laughed at his own joke. "To get to the point, Esther. Lycan and Arc, they messed with the wrong people. You were an incredibly easy target- and your relationship with Lycan and Arc - it's what we are going to use to break them." 

Addel stepped closer to Esther, just inches away from her face. "We're merely the instigators, pet, you're the one who is going to kill them."

Allison, the waiter from the night glanced sideward at Addel, then to the other - at Dekkar. Both were remaining quiet. He shrugged, approaching Esther. "I didn't do anything, nothing that he wouldn't have done himself." Allison commented, pushing his glasses up the ridge of his nose. "You see Esther. All I did was place a potion in the scone he ate. It's not my fault the boy seemed to harbor some ill will toward you. It could have gone either way." Allison slowly began circling Esther - "I'm not an Alchemist, so I don't know for sure, but to my understanding - the potion could have done a number of things." Allison reached up,fingers tracing her upper left arm. As though he were sizing her up. "It could have made him quite literally jump you in a fevered lusty fit. Could have made him cry, or laugh - but no. This potion, made him want to kill you. So it makes me wonder. If this Lycan kid is really all he's cracked up to be. Still..."

Allison turned to Addel. "Lycan's the one who messed you up yeh?"

"Yeh. He and Arc. They'll learn not to f**k with the Black Adder Guild."

Allison nodded. "Still, Esther. You defend him. We're deviants,we manipulate the mind - but there are some things we cannot manipulate, whatever ill will he harboured toward you, was his doing, not ours. We simply amplified it."

Esther didn't want to believe his words. "Liar.." She hissed, attempting to kick him. "Lycan wouldn't do that. He wouldn-"

"Ah but he did." Allison interrupted. "He did and it tears you up inside, how could a friend say such things? How could a friend think such things? Truth is, Esther. All people think like that. Sans the stupid few." He gestured toward herself. "The sooner you believe that, the better off you'll be, now please stop squirming. I'm trying to get the positioning of this tattoo right."  Allison held her arm again - and Esther could feel his fingers dancing across his skin forming an intricate pattern. "W-what are you doing? Get off me. OFF!" Esther tried to swing her body back and forth, but Allison's grip was strong. He pulled away - "Done." He turned on his heel and waved himself out the room. 

"I really don't need to see whatever else you two have planned. Call me when you need me."

Allison had left a single mark upon Esthers upper arm, a black snake wrapped around a sword which had scales on either side of its handle. The sign of the Black Adders, the sign of the underground Alchemist guild. They had branded Esther with their mark. Signalling that she was their property.
 

Esther bit her lip. So this girl knew Mari too? 

"I could walk free whenever I wanted to." Esther commented. "I mean, the collar is on my person, if I really felt endangered, I could just unequip it right? Besides. I really like Mari. I enjoy her company, I enjoy following her around and seeing how she acts. She doesn't say it, but I think she likes having someone around too. Someone who isn't going to judge her - or try to kill her like Lowe did." Esther said innocently. It was all in earnest truth. She had no reason to hide anything.

Ariel coughed, and Esther tilted her head. Wondering if the other woman was alright. Then, she said she made her armor, Esther practically leapt forward. Forgetting that personal space was a thing, and that she should really respect it when other people were around. "REALLY?" Esther reached out, running a finger along Ariels blue gauntlet hand. It's so shiny - the stitching on all your fabric is so well made. I - huh?" Ariel seemed to add something on the end of her sentence. Esther took a step back. "I'm sorry, I missed what you -" 

Ariel quickly intervened. It was a good thing Esther sometimes had a short attention span, "Confidence in my...skills? You mean that Esh Peh thing?" Esther asked. "I don't have any skills...in anything right now. I didn't know enchanted armor was a thing. What does it do?"

Esther glanced around, sighing. There was still no sign of Mari, and this was their designated meeting place. At least now, they were away from the hustle and bustle of town. No more prying eyes, no more adolescent snot nosed brats to holler out lewd comments toward Esther and Rin. It was just a relaxing day under the morning sun. "Ahh.... I wonder if Mari fell asleep again...I keep forgetting that not everyone is a morning person like me."  Esther laughed, giving herself a slight knock on her head. "Note to self for next time Esther."  

Esther shifted, pulling herself up onto the boulder. She let her legs dangle freely over the edge, noticing her feet just touched the tips of the flowers - Esther chose to dequip her boots - allowing herself to go barefoot. The lilac haired woman smiled, giving a happy sigh as she wriggled her toes. Kicking her legs back and forth so that the tops of the flowers tickled the bottom of her feet.

"It's beautiful isn't it Rin?" Esther commented. "Times like this, you wonder how this can be a game. Everything feels so real. The warmth of another person, the feeling of the sun against your bare skin - the tickle of the grass...it's so hard to imagine...that somewhere, we're all just lying in beds."

"Don't cover yourself up. I enjoy looking at you." Addel said, his words were an attempt at a compliment - but it did not mask his leecherous tone. Esther shook her head. "Give me my old clothes." She wasn't going to let Addel have the satisfaction of looking at her, she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of winning. If she had it her way. she'd go down kicking and screaming. Unbeknown to her captors. She had sent out several messages. Distancing herself from those she once called friends. Of course - now, her friends list was empty. Addel made sure of that whilst she was paralysed. Forcing her to de-friend everyone on her list. Now she had placed warnings out - Esther could only pray that they all stayed away.

"That's not a nice way to talk to your master, my pet." Addel threatened, as he stood. "We've tried playing nice, and it's been fun but if you don't mind. I need to get a move on with my plans."  With a tug on the pulley system, Addel had pulled Esther back up again, so she was left standing with her arms up above her head. 

"Now that's a better view." He mused, dusting off the flimsy material that covered Esther's chest. "Still, I have time to enjoy myself later. First thing's first, my pet..." He turned, and called out to someone behind the door. In walked Dekkar, and a man that seemed familiar to Esther, his hair a similar shade of crimson to Dekkars, although his build was much slimmer. He wore a suit, and glasses. He gave a small nod to Esther. "Pleasure to meet you again."

Esther's eyes grew wide when she made the connection. He was there the night Lycan snapped. "w-what did you do?" Esther questioned, tugging on her chains she became more violent, as though all the energy she had depleted over the last two days had suddenly reappeared. "What did you DO to him!?"

Esther groggily opened her eyes again, black? Her face was pressed into a warm chest. Her nose wrinkled she could smell a mixture of cinnamon and Brandy, a fiery aromatic aroma that reminded her of sitting beside an open fire late at night. She knew that familiar scent, the sensation of incredible warmth threatening to leak through her skin and bones right to her very core. "D-Domarus....?" She asked, suddenly very aware of her surroundings. The shaking girl pushed her head up and out form his  grip, teary, bloodshot green eyes stare up at his. One of Esthers eyes was bruised, far more bloodshot than the other. She didn't exactly feel it, it was an aesthetic look, 'battle worn' as one might say. Still, it was a grievous sight. "W-what...." She felt her stomach drop, why was he suddenly here? "What are you doing here?" Esther asked.

How much had Domarus heard? How much was Esther thrashing? She blinked, feeling guilty for her uncontrollable outburst. "I..I'm sorry..." She turned her eyes away from his, downcast. She felt as though she didn't deserve to look up at him. Esther carefully loosened her grip away from his arms. She was doing it again. Invading people's personal space. Making a mess of things, being a liar...being a tease...

"I should clean myself up." She muttered, her tone of voice defeated, flat. "Thank you for assisting me, Domarus." 

Esther had her head down in her knees. She was drifting in and out of consciousness, eyes opening and closing slowly. Every time they closed, she'd see angry flaring, flashing amber orbs - and her body would jolt awake. She didn't see Domarus approach. She simply felt the rush of wind - and the sensation of a strong grip around her. He's come back to finish me... She frantically thought. I was stupid to think this would just be let go, I was stupid to think this would all be ok if I just didn't see him again...oh god.... Esthers breathing grew erratic. Her eyes wild - as though she hadn't actually seen Domarus for who he was yet, still drifting between the world of nightmares she was flung into, and waking reality.

Esther immediately tried to writhe out of Domarus' grip, her voice hoarse, she tried screaming, but it came out as rasped sounds. "P-please don't kill me! Please..." She twisted her body left and right, fingers digging into Domarus' arms. "Please.. I promise I'll leave you alone!"  She continued like this for a few moments before her shaking body gave out on her, she collapsed into his chest with a low moan. "D-don't....Lycan...please....." She mumbled, eyes slowly opening and closing as she struggled to maintain consciousness.