<em>He cuts the ropes from the girl carefully, keeping his eyes on the ropes, away from the girl's naked form, and likewise keeping his blade away from her form, cutting the ropes that hold her to the black obsidian altar. Despite his aversion, however, his pale countenence holds no hint of a blush. As he works, she seems to calm a little, and Mariska can see no hint of fear in her eyes. He gently then takes the gag from her mouth and takes off his cloak, putting it around her for modesty's sake as she steps gently down from the altar. The man sheathes his sword.</em>