"Li-"<br/><br/>Tialyn's breath caught. This was...unspeakable. She could feel her slim fingers begin to tremble, as she swallowed, again and again - So very, very aware of what she'd<em>done</em>with Ebony, and what Ebony had done to, to...<br/><br/>"Dear Gods," she murmured, almost to herself, her eyes going so very, very wide. What could she say to that? It was hanging overhead, the knowledge of what might happen...What<em>would</em>happen...if she couldn't find a way to free them.<br/><br/>For the first time, the sheer crushing weight of what she was trying to do settled on her, at last. She was in a foreign land - Even if she could pose at a freewoman, it was only because it pleased the Master. The only way (the<em>only</em>way) for her to secure their freedom was at his whim...Assuming he found it amusing to keep his word.<br/><br/>She may not have endured the torture Liandra had suffered - but it wasn't a million miles away. Tialyn remembered the feel of the collar around her neck, and shuddered. Her perfect teeth worked against her lips, so hard she nearly tasted blood.<br/><br/>She sank to one knee, then both - her slender but strong arms rising, drawing Liandra into an instinctive hug! Her neck arched, her lips brushing against her ear...Her voice low, urgent.<br/><br/>"Don't give up." The lovely Paladin's blonde tresses caressed Liandra's cheek. "I swore an oath to free you - to free us<em>both</em>- and whatever may lie ahead,<em>I</em>shall keep it." Her hand lowered, pressing to Liandra's chest - Just over her heart. "Believe in<em>me</em>, Liandra...No matter how long it takes."<br/><br/>The Paladiness drew back, her slim fingers caressing Ru - Liandra's - back, softly. But sick at heart, she wondered whether she'd actually be able to keep her promise...Except she couldn't possibly let go of it. Liandra needed something to believe in...And, perhaps, in a place where her gods were distant and things were frighteningly alien, Tialyn did, too.<br/><br/>She eased Ruby back, s-l-o-w-l-y, with a slight nod...She didn't say more. Gods knew who might be watching, even though the coast appeared to be clear. "I shall do what I can," she murmured, more to herself than to Liandra. But would it be enough?<br/><br/>She had to hope. She had to remember what was at stake - And cling to the hope that she'd be able to free them both. Someday!