Kate suffered through the trip in a confusing state between wake and slumber, unable to tell if the things she heard were real or imagined. The tonic she'd consumed had dulled her senses, she was hardly aware of the attack the troop had fended off, let alone the ordeals her dear sister was facing. Most of her thoughts were focused on the warmth which was growing in the core of her body, a shuddering heat which caused her to press her thighs together and bite her lips to keep from making muffled noises. Her body had taken on a desire she was certain came from the contents of the vial and not her own natural inclinations, for they were all centered around Kitty.<br/><br/>The sack she'd been stuffed into was pulled free, exposing Kate to the frigid, howling wind. The chill helped her mind to focus at last, though it did nothing to diminish how hot she was feeling within. They had been brought back to the field where the strange journy had begun, or else one much like it. Along with the hooded men and their disfigured captain was a new figure, his appearance almost normal in comparison to the rest save that his skin was a dark crimson and his eyes... Kate let out a yelp of terror as she caught his gaze, he had no pupils nor any distinction in the glossy black orbs. His clothes were finely tailored, a white outfit which looked like the cross between a suit and a priest's robe, decorated with ornate golden designs. His hair was as white as his clothing, tied together into several braids which coiled around his neck and shoulders. An open book rested on his palm, which he promptly snapped shut when turning his attention to the fleshless man.<br/><br/>"I trust the regeants are unspoiled," his low voice was like silk.<br/><br/>"They're unharmed as promised," the captain nodded. "Had a little taste with permission." His foul tongue briefly licked around the area of his mouth where lips should have been. "And the damned lynxes tried to interfere. This one even drank your potion of her own will," he added smugly, gesturing toward Kate.<br/><br/>"Who are you? I demand that you release us!" Kate clenched her fists at her side, trying once more to muster up some courage. Though she was frustrated to find that her earlier attempt to give Kitty an opportunity to escape had failed, she was relieved her sister was still near to her. The unwelcomed feelings which could only be described as lust were further heightened by the tattered state of her sister's dress.<br/><br/>"My name was Absalom," the crimson-skinned man said, advancing on Kate's position where she sat in the high, wet grass. "And it is the two of you who will release all of us... If you are suitable." He waved a hand toward an unseen figure behind Kate and, before she could grasp what was happening, she was grabbed by the hair. A knife slit its way skillfully down the front of her dress.<br/><br/>"Stop!" Kate shrieked, not daring to struggle in fear that the blade would sever more than the green cloth which had clung to her body. The cut material was pulled away eagerly by the knife-wielder, exposing her pale skin to the night air.<br/><br/>"We must be certain that you two are intact," Absalom explained, speaking in an almost business-like fashion. He paused for a moment, lips turning up into an amused smirk. "However, I'll check your sister first." He nodded to more figures who stood closer to Kitty and they fell upon her, pulling at her arms to lift them above her head, while another grasped at her thighs to forcibly spread them.<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>