Kiersten sighs, shaking her head. Her gaze settles on Chago and a little grin plays over her lips. "A little faster with the teeth and she might have wet herself. It's the first time we've ever had a Redcap in the palace beyond the first chamber and she's unnerved." She moves towards the table, watching what he does with the drink and arching both eyebrows. "Too much again?" She frowns. "Dammit...I'll get the food from now on."

The smell of her drink catches her attention and she reaches for it before he picks it up.

The scent to him is a different kind of drug. Not the pain killer or really anything harmful per say, but it's the kind of things to cause good dreams and a very placid Sidhe woman.

Chago growls low and then turns to his drink, still holding her cup without mixing them. "I know you say you ain't much of a healer, but are ya good enough to keep her asleep? We may be leaving sooner that you thought." he mutters. "Depends on if they're stupid enough to try and drug a redcap." Oh yeah. His voice is soft now and hard. Not meant to carry anything but mood, or to be heard from some hidden spy hole.

Either way he sets her drink down without mixing them this time. "Go get water for all of us. You get it. Wash the cups yourself. Get the water from something others are drinking from. If you have to take the bucket and ladel they were using and forget cups." Then his lips curls back to show lots of teeth. "And warn anyone that even might touch that door I'm pissed at the drugs and am ranting about biting pieces off anyone that comes in but you. Act scared, like I threatened you until you agreed and more scared if they try and stop you." Yep. Faking being Browbeat. At least that's what he's aiming for.

While he may not be ranting, the look and tone say he may well do it too.

The tone of his voice snaps her head around and she stares at the cup he's holding for a long moment. The dawning of what's might have been happening touches her eyes first and then her mouth as she frowns. "They've been drugging me? Good Lord... But she’s always been…" She speaks ever so quietly, for his ears only. Her gaze moves between he and Genny, taking in his instructions. "I'll go...and I think I can keep her asleep. She won't like it."

Chago nods slowly. "She'll like it better'n here." he replies. "Get the water first. Let me have time to think. Might be useful if we can hide this a while, but I want to get you off the drugs and see what we all want when we're clearheaded." His lips curl into a rather unhealthy for others grin. "Maybe you and me will have territory beside each other soon."

And if that doesn't bode poorly for her uncle, well someone does not know this redcap.

The smile she returns has edge to it as she sweeps towards the door. There's anger in her eyes, fighting through the haze she's been kept under. "I'll be back." She scoots out the door, her expression changing to a mock sheepishness and fear as she goes.

Only a few moments after she leaves the door opens again, a familiar face appearing. Shova peers inside, his ears perked as he waits to see if he'll be eaten, since that's the dire warning Kiersten is giving the rest of the keep. When asked he moves inside, pushing the door closed. "Did you really tell Kiersten you'd scramble her brains and eat them with fava beans?"

"Nah. Think about it. When was the last time you saw a sidhe with a brain?" Chago asks with a wink of his good eye. "Besides, I prefer mexican food. I have been considering shrip fajitas if that boggan comes in again." He rolls his shoulders and downs each of the drinks there, except for a few ounces of Genny's so he can blend it into some water for a healthy dose of the painkiller.

He gestures toward the door and then says, much more quietly, "You, her, and us gotta talk when we're outta here. Leave it at that for now and play along. Forget anything you learned about me while we was gone. I made you do everything, alright? I'm just a brute that loves to fight. It’s important."

Shova raises both fuzzy eyebrows before absently buffing his nails on his vest. "Forget what? All the times you tried to eat me?" He flutters his eyelashes, doing a pretty good feme fatale look. "You brute you..." Yeah, there's funny there, but he gets it. He makes his way over to the bed, leaning down and tapping the machine. "From what I can figure.." His voice is very quiet. "When the capture chamber is full...she's clean."

In her sleep Genny groans. Her lips move without actually speaking and for an instant a spidery web of dark veins appears against the skin of her arms and neck before it eases and another chunk of liquid metal spills into the machine. Almost 2/3rds full.

Chago nods once sharply. "Good boy. Keep this up and I'll stew ya instead of seeing if goat cooks like lobster." he says with a toothy grin. He gestures at the plates then, well his and Kiersten's anyway, and offers. "Eat if ya want. I think she lost her appetite. When sweetcheeks gets back, I'm gonna wake Genny up and try and get her to eat a little." Then his eyes are drawn to the chamber mentioned. "She's clean when she stops suffering." he mutters.

Shova nods at that, muttering in soft reply. "May take a little longer then. If I don’t miss my guess, she'll ache for a while as her body comes back online...though maybe not suffer so much." He moves to the food, sniffing it before taking a bite. "They do have a decent kitchen here. Even if the staff is a little obnoxious about special requests." He rolls a bite around in his mouth and then comes back over to the bed. His mouth opens, but that's when the door opens again, Kiersten pushing in as though afraid for her life. There's a big container of water in her hands and her expression eases once she's inside.

Chago's head turns toward the door just before it open and a throaty growl rumbles as it does "About damn time." he snaps as she's closing it, so anyone that's near can hear the sharpness and arrogance to help confirm what he's told her to sell.

Once they're alone though, he grins a little and nods. "Good work." He murmurs as he reaches gingerly for the container to refill Genny's cup and dilute the small amount of the original drink to safe levels.

Not that she gives it to him. Instead, she holds the container away and takes the cup herself to fill. "He hurt his arm." She explains to the look Shova flashes at her display of backbone, drawing another growl from Chago. "What? We both know we can trust him. If he’d wanted to hurt us, he would have done it before now." she points out as she passes the cup back so the redcap can wake Genny and get her to drink.

Shova gives Kiersten a grin, moving over and kissing her forehead. "That's my girl. Sounds like you're less fuzzy headed today." No question he prefers it that way. He takes the picture of water, setting it aside before pushing the plate at her. "You eat too, my lovely."

Genny stirs when Chago draws near, her brows furrowing before her eyes open. Both brows arch, and a faint smile crosses her lips. "Sounds like someone's givin' ya hell, darlin'." She yawns, "Good for them."

Chago doesn't look away from Genny as he gives her a soft growl too. "Fine. Everybody gang up on the redcap. See if I care. I'll just go eat some boggans until I feel better and you can just have your happy fun time without me. See how you like it then." he grouses.

Then he lifts the drink for her. "It's gonna taste like shit." He tells her more seriously. "They had it spiked with enough painkillers to lay you out if you were in top shape." And the now heavily diluted drink probably barely even smells of whatever was in it before, but it's still going to taste like any other heavily watered drink... YUCK.

Once Genny has gotten at least a few sips down, he glances over to the others. "We'll tell you later, Shova. Less time we waste on chatter here, the better." Then it's right back to Genny. "Eat a little if you can and try and finish this drink. We're gonna have to move you again soon." And he'll be right there to help her do all that, giving Kiersten time to fill the other goat in as well as Genny time to notice Chago's new 'bracelet' when the painkillers start taking the edge off the ow.

Genny doesn't even gag...too much. She manages to get it all down and makes a face. "So gonna have to go somewhere with decent food soon." She grimaces as the machine gives another chug, but doesn't turn white under her tan. Could be because the pain killers kick in fast, or the pain is more managable. The gaze that looks up at Chago is clearer and shaper, much more Genny. "Ya got a new piece 'f bling." It's an absent notice as she eats whatever food he offers. Yeah, she's specific. He wants to help her eat fine, someone else and she'll...well...she would kick them but biting would serve. "Movin' has pros...though it's gonna be a bitch still. I can't hardly feel this damn hip."

Chago glances at the bracelet when she comments and he nods. "Yeah." he agrees with a small grin as he gives her bites of the custom order he places for her meal. "Paul gave it to me. He said he says hi." He notes like it's an everyday thing as she takes another bite. Then, without pause unless she chokes, he explains "Moving won't be so bad. Kiersten will keep you asleep and Shova and me will handle moving you."

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Genny blinks and chokes, managing not to spit the bite out but it's a close thing. "Paul? That ol' thing is still alive?" She seems stunned, though pleased at the fact. The rest just gets a nod. She trusts Chago to get her where she needs to go how she needs to...even if it means knocking her out again.

Then he turns and grins at Shova. "Speaking of moving, did I remember to thank you?" he asks. Hopefully, even in the short time they've been together, the goat has learned that has to be a set up. Especially with the grin he's getting.

Shova has learned to be wise about these things. He blinks, steps behind Kiersten, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Oh, that's really really not necessary."

Chago nods. "Sure it is. How else would I have found out you call her bedroom home?" he asks the goat with a chuckle. "Or that she looks damn good in see through stuff." And with that he turns right back to Genny, like he hadn't just tried to embarrass a satyr. Kiersten is bound to be used to blushing around him by now but he had to try and tweak Shova's tail again.

"I want to get us out of here together babe. I know I'm getting tossed out before long. I know they been screwing with Kiersten too. I wanna take her and Shova along to see what else they done so that mean you got to come too, or there's no one I can trust to watch you. Sorry I gotta hurt you more but... well you know how it gets for us." he tells her. "If we ever get a quite minute, I got some things to tell you about from this trip too." Yeah, he doesn't need to tell Genny this, but it's a good excuse to give the pair time to recover from his teasing before looking back to them.

When he turns back, his toothy grin is gone and it's the sharp and serious redcap they've both learned exists that faces them. "Soon as we can do it safe, or they come to get rid of me, we take her out of here. Once we're clear, I'll explain what I'm up to, alright? Until then, I got you both cowed. Keep it that simple and we're good."

The teasing does make the goat blush, and then glare, all possessive like. He wraps his arms around Kiersten, nuzzling her ear as she relaxes against him. "Yeah, yeah...jealous?" He teases back, trying to regain his composure.

Genny just nods as she listens, though it's obvious she has questions about the trip and about Chago meeting Paul. Questions that will wait for now, though. "I can put up wi' pain. Ya know that." It's unnecessary, but she says it anyway. "we'll be good..."

When he turns back both of the pair nod, Kiersten murmuring wryly. "Not like there isn't some shred of truth to that. You are a bit on the intimidating side when you're focused on something."

Chago nods absently to Genny's words. It's pretty much what he expected for her part. Instead, he just smirks at Shova. "Not really. I tried the whole sidhe thing. They're easy on the eyes and real fun to play with, but I'll take Genny over three of them any day. You gotta know all they say about satyrs are true, being one. Why would I be jealous?" he says with a mock leer.

Then he shifts his full focus to Kiersten. "You ain't seen the half of it, sweetcheeks. The stories about us redcaps are real. Where the goats are Passion, I'm Fear and Hunger. Believe it. Don't judge any other redcap by me. I ain't like most. And I don't want them to know that here. Not until it's too late." His eyes flicks toward the door then and back. "How long do you think we got? I want her near the bale as long as possible."

Shova snorts, deciding to ignore the comment about Genny over the sidhe...because...well...who can argue that really? He does give Kiersten a reassuring squeeze though.

Genny reaches out, catching Chago's hand and squeezing it again. Awake and at least mostly fed she'd rather have the brush of touch, anchoring even as her eyes glaze over with pain, this one drawn out as the machine makes a strained noise. Blood drips along the outside of the box, the tube backed up for a moment before returning to normal.

Kiersten watches Genny and her brows crease, worried. "I'm not sure. Maybe another few hours before someone starts demanding things change."

Chago's hand returns the squeeze Genny gives him and his eye shifts to the device as she goes through the next wave of pain. From looking at them it would be hard to say who it bothers more as he fights back temper over her suffering. His lips move as he mutters something under his breath but glamour flows and the fire dances with the power invoked so quietly. From his scowl, it was some sort of Oath and woe to whoever the victim might be if it's that sort.

Only when she's relaxed again does he gesture to Kiersten with his free hand. When she steps in reach, he snaps out, grabbing her to pull closer and letting his Gauntlet tangle a little of her hair to snag and eat, leaving an obvious uneven spot... well until she gets her hair fixed. Probably should have asked about that before grabbing her but it suits what he wants. "Listen sharp." he murmurs to her, so quietly even Genny would have a hard time overhearing. "I need that Keep. I need to know you ain't gonna let on how I really am. You stronger than the shit you've been drinking? If you ain't -sure- I gotta make sure." Then he eases back enough his eye can meet her gaze. "Can you do it until you're clean?" he asks. "Can I count on you?"

Even if Genny could hear him, she's not paying attention, her senses too far gone. It's likely this whole process could have been done more gently over a longer period of time, but Shova isn't stupid either and when things were set up the machine was turned on as high as it could go knowing they couldn't stay long and that Genny would prefer just to get it done with. Shova moves to her side when Chago draws Kiersten over, kneeling and checking the leads.

Kiersten gasps softly when the hair goes, not aware until this moment just how much trouble those gloves represent. She meets his eyes, obviously afraid of him, but at the same time there's determination there and anger. "They've been using me. Who knows for how long?" She hisses at him. "I'll be stronger than whatever they've done. I want..." Her fingers clench and she forces herself to relax. "I'll be what you need." Her eyes go to the satyrs for a moment. "And what they need."

Chago watches her answer, his face hard and on the edge of cruel until she's had her say, then he releases the sidhe and strokes her cheek with his fingertips. "Good. You're gonna make a hell of a baroness. No wonder your uncle is afraid of you."

Then he sits back and relaxes, lips curling into a grin. "So..." he begins, louder and speaking for the benefit of the spies he expects they have. "Just so ya both know, it ain't hopeless. Ya keep doing what I tell ya and when me and my girl are set up, I'll let ya both go. It ain't worth my trouble to try and keep ya both. I might wanna keep her, since me and my goat could use a hot piece like that, but I ain't gonna stir that much cagada up when you got Uncle Mula to be a pain. You two keep it up and we'll be good too."

His expression shows he's not worried about being scryed upon and that his words are not serious, but as usual, he is worried about other spying.

Shova looks up, almost making a comment about where Chago can stick his suggestions for Kiersten, but he's fast enough on the uptake to realize that the comments aren't for his benefit. So instead he just grumbles and makes an adjustment to the machine, hopefully he knows what he's doing. "Yeah, yeah...we'll be good. I'm not looking forward to being a goat burger to you and your piece."

Kiersten didn't pull away from the touch, not that she leaned into it either, but the fear eased. She's getting it. She looks thoughtful as Shova speaks and nods, moving to pour more of the water. "Yeah...good."

"Smart. Both of ya." Chago says with a nod as he refocuses on Genny and her treatment and his voice drops to a near whisper again. "I want that gizmo when she's clean." Then his tongue flashes over his teeth a moment and a bit of a rumble from his belly can be heard. He ignores that though and instead leans in to his satyr. "Did I leave the medicine strong enough?" he asks. "Is it helping?"

Genny focuses on him, her untubed arm moving as her hand comes to rest on the side of his face. "m'fingers feel tingly." Her fingers stroke there before rising up and curling in his hair, the grip surprisingly tight. She licks her lips and then whispers. "The Baron knows what’s livin' in the corner of his land. Let it fester...had a plan...we gotta be feckin' careful."

Chago leans into that touch a little and then bends further, pulling on her grip in his hair to give the injured satyr a small kiss. "I'm always careful." he teases in a matching whisper. "Besides, the Baroness is gonna help set things right." he points out. It goes without saying that if she doesn't, the Witch King will.

She accepts the kiss, but doesn't let it be as brief as he intends. Instead, she breathes him in as though she could drown in the kiss, and considering what she is that might be possible. When she draws back her color is a lot better, her eyes clearer. Apparently kissing is good medicine. "Good...I'm already tired 'f lyin' here."

Like Chago is going to complain about that. He'll let it linger as long as she likes, even if Kiersten is bright scarlet before it breaks. "I was wonderin' when you'd get tiered of being a lazy goat." he replies with a smirk. "We got a lot to do and your takin' time off is just makin' it harder." he teases. His head turns and he looks down at the injured hip, and the fur past it thoughtfully for a moment then, seeming lost in thought briefly before looking back at her and then to the others. "Do ya have stuff outside of here, sweetcheeks? You might not be real welcome here soon. Not if he's smart enough to see through what I'm plotting." he asks Kiersten quietly.

Then his attention shifts to Shova. "Sit down by the wall. Where ya can feel the balefire. You need it too. I know I hadda kick your ass hard gettin' there and back. You goats take the heat. It'll matter soon." Even if he needs it too. Priorities bite sometimes.

"Pot, kettle..." Shova mutters, finding a chair and kicking his heels up. "Paul shared some glamour when I was out there." It's a quiet admission, "So I'm not as bad off as you might think. You should pull up a chair too. I don't think we're gonna get kicked out for at least a little while."

Kiersten, who looked away during the kiss, Shova didn't, turns her attention back. "I have a few things I need, but not much. Most of it can stay here until such a time as we return." Because she assumes a return will happen at some time.

Chago smirks. "I hadda get used to running tight sometimes. Assholes back home screwed my Corby outta any access to a bale for a while. Way you acted, I figure you ain't as used to it." he points out. Then he shoots Kiersten a look, trying to tell her not to mention his arm since balefire is healing as well as restoring.

He takes a moment to consider then before continuing. "Might want to get anything you can't replace anyway. In case Uncle Dipshit gets vengeful."

Kiersten gives him a look in response which plainly says she won't tell but thinks he should take advantage of the bale anyway. "I'll only be a few mom..."

She gets cut off as there is a knock at the door, followed by it opening. A sidhe noble sweeps into the room, unless he's physically blocked, looking down his nose at all four of them. "There you are niece... I'd begun to wonder if you'd become lost."