I needed to find Alisdelisgi. I didn't know where she was or how I got here, but I needed to know she was safe. I couldn't reach her mind, which meant she was either drugged, awake, or dead. God forbid she be dead. I'd set out and find the bastard who killed her. I had no clue where I was either. Was I in Hell? Surely, it was hot enough for me to be. I decided I was indeed in Hell. I had to get out of Hell, but how? Suddenly, I heard a yell of pure anger, and knew one thing for sure. Alisdelisgi was close by, just how close I couldn't tell. I knew I had to get out of this place before she got hurt or killed somebody.

Trying to look around, I realized I was on a pitch dark room, without even the faintest light from a crack. I was gagged and tied up, hand and foot. Unsure what to do, I decided to try undoing my gag first. Awkwardly rubbing my cheek and mouth against my shoulder, the gag became looser. After doing this for a few minutes, it finally came undone. Next, I tried undoing the knots that bound my hands. Failing at that, I wiggled my way around the wall, feeling for a nail to rub the ropes against. Finally finding one, I began the long process of cutting the ropes. It took an eternity, but I managed to do it. Rubbing my chafe wrists, I began undoing the knots binding my ankels. These were a lot easier. Now for escape.

Now, I fused the rope back together using earth. Not completely sure what I was going to do, I felt around for a light switch. Instead, I found a door. Even better! Surprisingly, or maybe not so, it was unlocked. Knowing only one person who kept people tied up but didn't lock doors, I assumed it was Zmey, then again, I didn't know very many kidnappers. Cussing under my breath, I figured it would be hell to get out of here. It was, but not in the way I expected.

As I turned down one hallway into another, I became quickly aware that there were no guards posted, contrary to the usual Zmey fashion. It wasn't until I went through the wooden french-style doors into the front room that I saw why. The scene that met my eyes was a blessing and a nightmare at the same time. Pride filled my heart knowing that Alisdelisgi finally unleashed her powers to save herself. On the other hand, it was beyond me what she'd been told to unleash such fury.

The one gorgeous room was scorched and soaked. It smelled like smoke. There were about fifteen or so guards laying around. Some were moaning in pain and I could see why. There were serious burn wounds, probably third degree burns, on about ten of them. I'm pretty sure five were almost dead, if not completely dead. All of them were covered in bruises, and one of them looked like he was having a seizure. I could only imagine what she did to that poor bastard. For goodness sakes, despite this, I laughed. I don't know why I laughed, but I did until my sides ached.

Now, I wondered how she handled Zmey. Curiosity getting the best of me, I had to find out. Looking through the rooms, I finally found a room welded shut. Using a sledgehammer, I knocked the door down. When i flipped on the light and saw him I was shocked! He had a bruised up face, honestly, an improvement to his former looks. He was chained up and unconcious. Upon closer inspection. The chain was practically welded shut. Chuckling, I shut out the light and carefully arranged the door and used a earth and silver mix to fix it back.

Chuckling under my breath, I went back to the main room. Opening what I thought was the front door, I realized it was the third story balcony. I now realized I didn't know what direction the stairs were in. Casting a spell, I knew everybody in the house against us wouldn't wake up for at least a full twenty-four hours, if not longer. Now to find the stairs. After going through about fifty halways, I found the stairs. I swear this mansion is a frustrating maze! Two flights later, I came to the second floor only to find that the stairs stopped. Great, now I had to find the stairs to the first floor. About twenty hallways later, I found the stairs again. Two flights later, I was in the split level. I could either down to the first level, out the door, or back upstairs.

Darting out the door, I collided with a pile of debris. Getting up, I looked around. Debris everywhere, most of it very useful. Tires, wooden planks, metal rims, shovel handles, etc. littered the huge yard. Out towards a well trodden path, grew some beautiful wild flowers. I think they grew along the entire path.

Hearing the cheerfulbubbling of a creek, I followed the sound until I reached it. It was about a mile off the path, yet it seemed somebody had planted a trail of flowers down to and going northbound of the river. Not knowing what it meant, I decided to follow it. It was the first sense of peace I'd had since being alone in the woods with Alisdelisgi. Alisdelisgi...Good God, I had to find her. Trying to reach her with my mind proved difficult. I continued for about another three miles. Noticing the sun was setting, I made a meager supper of rainbow trout. Setting up camp for the night, I fell asleep.

There she was in black jeans and a red tank top. Her hair flared out like rays of light. Her golden aura was tinged with black. Stepping towards me, she looked shocked. "He told me he killed you. How am I able to walk into your dreams if your dead? I don't understand." Anger and confusion then understanding washed over me. "Darling, you're precious. I was still alive. Wait, how are you in my dream? Are you asleep? Are you okay? Where are you?" Stepping forward, I embraced her. She fell into my arms and cried. "I killed five people today. I'm a monster," she sobbed. Pulling away from me, she shuddered and turned away from me.

Walking to her, I wrapped my arms around her and rested my head on her shoulder. "Love, I know you killed five men. Five men that were trying to kill you. You're not a monster, you're my beautiful angel. You're a strong woman who deserves so much better than me, but I love you and always will, even when I die. You're an amazing," and she cut me off with a passionate kiss. Damn, it felt like this was so real instead of a dream.

Laughing, she responded, "You're a damn hopeless romantic, Triston, a damn soft romantic. Seriously though, I'm about five miles northbound the river. There's a trail of flowers that have seemed to follow me. I don't understand it, but oh well. I'm okay, I think. I just miss you. Also, no, I'm not asleep. I can't talk to you in your dreams like this unless I'm awake. Some spirit thing." With that, she faded and I jolted awake.

Realizing now that I was closer than I thought, I decided to pack up camp and keep going to the end of the flower trail. About half a mile later, I heard something close by. Unsure what it was, I drew my knife from my boot. Holding the earth infused knife, I prayed it wasn't somebody or something I'd have to fight. I think my nerves were on edge because it was just a doe and a buck. Keeping myself awake, I kept going. Half a mile later, she was sitting up, with her back to me. The fire light illuminated her flaming curls. "Alisdelisgi?" It was something between a question and a lover's beckon. Startled, she turned towards me. The fire made the tears on her face gleam and her ice blue eyes glisten. She was a breathtaking beauty even when she was crying.

"Triston? Can it really be you?" Her voice was laced with longing and disbelief. I nodded. She walked, well, actually ran to me. Scooping her up, I spun her around. She squealed and laughed like a child. Her eyes, still full of tears, lit up with joy. She was my miracle. I knew then, and even before then, that I would never let her go. She was my weakness and my strength. "Triston," her soft voice pierced my thoughts, "How much do you love me?" Startled by her question, I responded with the first words that came to mind. "I love you more than life itself. I'd run, I'd walk, I'd even learn to fly just to see you smile. I would literally do anything for you, even if it meant me dying for you."

Smiling, she shook her head. A thoughtful look came across her face. "I think Papa and Mama would be proud of me for finding you. I think they'd like you a lot." Tearing up, she continued in her silk soft voice, "I just wish Papa was here when and if we ever get married. I always wanted him to walk me down the aisle and hand me off. He just had to get himself killed in that damn war! I've got no family left."

Kissing her gently and wiping away her tears, I lifted her chin. "My love, don't talk like that. You're papa is always with you, in your heart. Your red hair, blue eyes, and temper come from him. Your mama is also with you. Your Native American skin tone, spirit powers, and fighting soul comes from her. Let me be your family. If we ever make it out of here, let's get married. I know it's not a proper proposal, but will you be my wife?" Tears flowing and, a smile pulled at her delicate lips, she responded, "Yes, I will."

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A/N: There is an oral sex scene between Triston and Alisdelisgi in the next chapter. It is marked before and after.