“So what now?” Myst bade with a contented sigh as she nestled her head against Mykal shoulder. She had woken moments ago still cradled in his arms, reveling in the feeling of safety and affection, something she hadn’t experienced since childhood. But, as much as she wanted to just lay there and loose herself in that feeling, she knew that reality would come calling all too soon. “Now,” he replied gently as he held her body against his, “we find you something more appropriate to wear.” “Why?” she teased, raising her head to favor him with a capricious grin. “Don’t you like me like this?” He leaned forward and claimed her succulent lips, then grinned wickedly, his mind’s eye seeing her lithesome figure in all its glory; “You know I do… But it’ll be a bit chilly, and I can just imagine the stir you’d cause at the tavern.” “I’ll cause a stir anyway,” she bemoaned ruefully. She knew better than to expect any measure of acceptance from the residence of the elven town, despite how he treated her. “That should keep the chill at bay a little better,” observed the wood elven merchant as she circled Myst to assess her wares; admiring how the black leather over-knee books, breeches and lightly armored tunic hugged her petite frame, beneath which she wore a pair of grey linen hose and cote, all of which were of finer quality than anything she had ever worn. Mykal stood to one side, appreciating the sight with a smug smile as he nodded his approval and handed the shop-keeper a purse of precious gems worth a small fortune, while Myst studied her own reflection in a full length mirror; nearly captivated by the sight of herself reflected back. She had never seen herself like that, certainly not dressed in anything that flattered her lithesome figure in anyway. As a slave she wore whatever rags she was given, but now she looked the part of a free woman. More than that, she thought; a woman who would never be subject to the whims of another! Only hours ago she had nothing but a pair of daggers stolen in her escape from Maerimydra and a tattered tunic to call her own; now, thanks to his patronage, which she still didn’t understand, she had a suit of magically enhanced leather armor, boots and gloves. She had seen items with such magical properties in the hands of drow matrons, wizards and warriors, but she never imagined possessing anything of the like herself. “Why are you doing all this?” she demanded, turning to confront him once clear of the store. “You just gave up a small fortune for me… surely you can find cheaper company just as willing to warm your bed.” “If that where all I wanted, I’m sure I could,” he retorted with a bite in his voice. “What value do you think gaudy stones have in the wilds? Far less than someone you can trust at your back. I know what it’s like to be treated as pariah… you think my family welcomed a half-breed in their midst… they all but disowned me as soon as I came of age.” Myst had sensed a connection to him since they met, now she understood it… They were both outcasts! ****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** This is the final image in this series. Thank you to everyone who has been kind enough to follow along and comment on my work. Additional Credits: * Victoria 4.2 from DAZ3D * Michael 4 from DAZ3D * Blaine Hair by AprilYSH * Glynn Hair by AprilYSH * Mystic Hollow by LaurieS * Fantasy Ranger for M4 by Xurge3D * Fantasy Ranger for V4 by Xurge3D * Weapons and Harness for Fantasy Ranger for M4 by Xurge3D