While the caress of Naiobe's fingers made her shudder, the tracing of the blade along her tree causes a low keening whimper from the dryad.  Her hands clasp and unclasp as she fights to stay still and kneeling.  This is not punishment, but if she reaches to try to stop her Mistress... punishment will come then.  So the spirit woman does as she has been taught, kneeling and looking up at her Mistress.  She doesn't close her eyes as the blade traces the mark like a dreadful promise.  Mistress wants to see her eyes as she works.  And to disobey means more pain.  Perhaps even fire.<br/><br/>Her lips part wider and she yelps when the blade cuts at last.  Her fingers curl into tiny fists so tight that her nails draw the sweet sap that flows in her like blood and she sways but remains kneeling and gazing up at Naiobe with wide eyes pleading and wet with tears.  But she doesn't dare disobey by looking away or voicing her begging.