Hearing the girl say the words drew Darius’ lips taut. He turned, then, and studied Paige’s petite form, considering her words. Not once did he suspect a lie; many stories tied virginity to power, why couldn’t the very reverse be true, especially about the magic that dealt with life and growing things and nature? For an instant Darius considered volunteering himself, but he felt certain that it would be an unwise association. Besides, what could such an act do to him, do to his magic? He was weak in the areas she was strong – would she drain him dry in the process?<br/><br/>He glanced over to the village and shook his head. The few people he could see in the distance were still moping around, appearing drained and lifeless – like zombies, of those without souls. While it was likely that half-elves lived in the village (along with elves and humans) – and a proper mating could be located, it was clear that the effects of whatever attack was going on were still rampant.<br/><br/>Frustrated, furious with the situation, Darius snapped, “<strong>Down there, where the trap has been sprung? I don’t think it would be safe. You’d almost certainly contract whatever it is those people have. Safer to fuck an animal for power, than someone in that cursed place.”</strong><br/><br/>Seeing Paige’s vulnerability, her expectation of a strike, of a rebuff, of some sort of cruelty made him pause his tirade though. What had she done to deserve his ire and hostility? He couldn’t think of anything. If it was her nature…it was her nature. Finally, sighing, he recognized the futility of the situation and decided that, at least, asking a few probing questions would not hurt.<strong> “Who have you been intimate with?</strong>” He asked softly.<strong>“Was the person a magic user?” <br/></strong><br/><br/>Information that could be important at some time or another.