The Taming

Until Then

When Mardichi awoke, Elsabet was at his side. His large hand held in her palm as one would a dear friend.

"Hello harpie."

"Hello barbarian." She smiled slightly. "I had to tuck pieces of you back in."

He snorted.

"What happened to you."

"I told the demon master ta go fuck 'imself."

"Well," Elsabet nearly laughed. "That'd do it."

Her face sobered. "You almost got him killed."

"I didn't ask for his help." Mardichi turned his head.

"But you had to know he'd come."

"I purposely didn't think of him."

"But somehow you did. He heard you."

"Dammit." Mardichi swore softly.

Despite that he wasn't looking at her, Elsabet probed. "Why were you going to let yourself die?"

Mardichi finally rolled his head to meet her gaze. Pain was written over his face. "I have naught, Elsabet. I lay awake at night missing her next to me. I rise early hoping to hear the cries of my son."

Elsabet grimaced.

"To have lost one would've crushed me. But both?"

"Where is she?"

"I don't know." He said brokenly. "I can't find her."

"Where have you looked."

"Everywhere. Every house, every tavern, the lands where slave traders originally found her. I've scoured the land."

"Do you think she went to Sanctuary Island."

"Why would she do that? What would she have to hide from?"

Elsabet blinked dully at him.

"You think she'd want to hide from me?" He sighed. "Perhaps you'd think so. But that girl was the one person that loved me."

Elsabet gave him a sympathetic look.

"I had her heart." He patted his chest. "She didn't fear me. She was too bold to fear any soul."

"You think she could've killed him?"

"Never."

"What do you think happened."

"Killing an infant? Only the demon could be so cruel."

"You think he took her?"

"I can think of nothing else."

"If she's out there, and she loves you as you say, she'll find her way back to you."

"I thought that too. For the longest time. But it's been too long, Elsabet." He swallowed. "Far too long."

"So you think letting demons kill you is the most adequate response?"

"Better than serving him against them." Mardichi nodded his head to gesture to all of the castle.

"He wanted you to turn on them?"

"Always."

"Why would he think you'd even consider it."

"He has one of us."

"Chavias..." She breathed.

"Ye. Bast still mourns that loss."

"As he would've the loss of you."

"Ye think so?"

"I know. He'd do anything for you. Even if you are a nuisance puppy." Mardichi smiled. Reaching up to touch her cheek. "We're lucky ta have ye for a sister. Ye're a sweet 'un beneath all the bluster."