The Straggler Encounter

> ***Trigger Warning: Rape***
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#### **Eloc's Turn**

Eloc has seen her before, but she hasn't seen him. Last time she had a man bound and draped over her mule. He knows. This time they are face to face. He has his hand on the hilt of his sword, still sheathed. He mutters under his breath, "May the spirit of freedom bless me."

#### **Teresa's Turn**

"I saw you from a far, hello. What brings you to this part of the Desolate?" She says in a playful tone. She looks at him from top to bottom and then back up, tilts her head, and smiles.

#### **Eloc's Turn**

He does not consciously notice her body language, yet she still has given him butterflies in his stomach, "I was just banished, I am acquainting myself with the Desolate. You are the first for me to meet. What brings *you* to these parts?"

#### **Teresa's Turn**

"This is Rabbit territory, the only place in the Desolate you can find them. People pay a fortune for lucky rabbit feet." She curiously eyes Eloc, "You sure know what you're doing, look at you! You have everything you need! What's your name?"

#### **Eloc's Turn**

"What are your true intentions here? Do a lot of lone wolf exiles come through here?"

#### **Teresa's Turn**

She puts her hand on the hilt of her sword, "Are you expecting trouble?" They stare at each other for a moment too long.

#### **Eloc's Turn**

"If I were to take you prisoner, where is the best place to go with you and what is the best thing to do with you?"

#### **Teresa's Turn**

She now knows that he is on to her. She searches for a seemingly-proper response, "Are you suggesting rape?"

#### **Eloc's Turn**

He shifts his tone, "Listen, whatever you're doing out here, I just know it isn't right. I can help. We need to talk about the decisions we make in life."

**Teresa's Turn**
"Wow, okay I will consider your offer for help. For someone who knows what I do, you sure are kind. You are experienced and kind, what other gems are you hiding?"

#### **Teresa's Turn**

She shifts her feet and fumbles her hands. She can't think of a way to save her mistake.

#### **Eloc's Turn**

"I don't trust you," He pulls out his sword. "State your business. Back down. Don't lie. What are you doing here?"

#### **Ilyanna's Turn**

She watches the two for a bit before deciding if she wants to step in or not. Up to this point it has been nothing but, idyll conversation. When suddenly arms were bared. Not knowing why the exchange took a sudden turn for the worse. Running up to the two who were ready to spar. Hands out, no weapon drawn. "Hey, woah, cmon guys, this doesn't have to end badly." As she eyes both of them with distrust.

#### **Eloc's Turn**

Eloc is has a look of utter shock and looks back and forth between Teresa and Ilyanna, shifting the direction of his sword and stance between them, "Woah there, both of you. This is not the place to make friends with strangers. This is the place for killing. Although I don't want to reach that point. Lets make sure we can go our separate ways in peace. You there," Eloc snaps at Ilyanna, "State your purpose."

#### **Ilyanna's Turn**

"Woah, calm down stranger." Her heart feeling like it's gonna beat right out of her chest. "I'm sorry for butting in but, it seems neither of you will be walking away from this without someone being unscathed." Looking sourly towards the man, and then towards the woman. Darting her eyes between the two. "Hasn't this place taken enough lives?" "Are you so daft, that you can't see past your own ignorance?" In an exaggerated puff, she blows her hair away from her face and waits for a response.

#### **Eloc's Turn**

"Lady, you there, tell this newcomer what you do. Tell her your secret. I already know, so I will tell if you don't."

#### **Teresa's Turn**

"Well, I simply convince people to take up a job opportunity. It pays well considering the job description."

#### **Eloc's Turn**

"I guess that's one way to put it. I only knew a part of what you do, but you just revealed the whole truth." Eloc thinks for a moment, then gasps in a moment of eureka, "You're a slave trader!"

#### **Ilyanna's Turn**

Ilyanna turns her head and spits. Looking the lady up and down, she starts scrutinizing her face, her eyes. Thinking to herself, I've seen her before but, where? All of a sudden her eyes grow wide at the meer thought and, she blushes a high red. Hoping he didn't notice the heat coming off of her, she slowly turned her head to look at him. "Well... Can we all just walk away from this?" "Let violence ensue another day?"

#### **Eloc's Turn**

"By all means. But only if your change this woman's ways, then I can rest easy. I now have a vendetta against you, what is your name?"

#### **Ilyanna's Turn**

Ilyanna stifled a laugh. Thinking how absurd. A slaver by the name of Grace. She put the tip of her thumb in her mouth and bit down to stop from giggling. Looking to the man, she asked "And just how am I suppose to do that?" "If that's how she makes a wage, who am I to stop her?" "If you feel you must strike sword, then let it be done, but do you really want that on your conscience?" Ilyanna didn't wait for the reply before she started walking backwards, while staring at the two. She thought if its meant to be, let it be.

#### **Eloc's Turn**

"Wait, Grace? I've heard that name before. Where was it? Oh! Right. You know the great explorer Hedric, don't you? Hm, maybe I won't fight you after all. What can I do for you to take me to him?"

#### **Teresa's Turn**

Oh no, she has to start acting now, "Uh...well...well, it'll cost you."

**Ilyanna's Turn**

Ilyannas gaze turned hard as she stared at the woman. She thought long and hard on her next words. "You, you!" Pointing a finger at the woman. "It will cost him?" Nodding in his direction, then looking back to her. "You, have the audacity to stand here and ask for a fee?" "Your fee is he didn't cut you down where you stand, your fee is your secret is kept." She once again looked at the man and nodded.