Jessamine could hear her friends talking, no...arguing over each other, but she couldn't quite put together the words. Their words hung above her, shadows constantly moving around, hands touching her skin. The second she tried hard enough to concentrate on their argument, on what was going on, her body would slip back into unconsciousness. There was one voice that she didn't hear, and that was Kaid's. Kaid. Her last memory of him was becoming surrounded by their enemies, holding them off long enough for Payne to retrieve her.

He could be dead. The love of her life, the moon to her stars, the pinnacle of her cornerstone could be gone, deceased, no longer existing. It was like imagining a life without the sun, without its warmth and shine. Its inexistence would kill all things.

Her eyes finally shot open with a surge of confidence and wanting, seeing Kassandra to her left holding her down, Kiev on the right, keeping her body down on the platform. Cadize stood mostly above in the center, his body and mind exhausted, gazing mostly at her torso. Her memories flashed back to a surge of heat. Payne had cauterized the area around the blade after the portal, using her own knife applied to the fire, stopping most of the bleeding. The remembrance of the pain alone almost made her sick, but her determination wasn't going to let herself succumb to unconsciousness again.

"Where's Kaid?" she asked, seeing those above her immediately look down in shock.

"Shit, do you have any more painkillers, sedatives?" Kiev asked, glancing at Cadize.

"Of course I do, but I have other wounded-"

"This is the Empress we are talking about," Kiev interrupted.

"No, Cadize is right," Jessamine wheezed, glancing up at them all, "save the medicine for those that need it. I need...I need..."

"What do you need?" Kassandra asked, firmly holding her hand.

"Kaid, is he here?" she asked, even though she knew the truth.

"No," Payne walked into the surgery room, "There's no sign of his body either. We retrieved the rest of the dead. The coward must've surrendered."

"Coward? Why you-" Jessamine rose up, feeling the pain in her abdomen, glancing at the wound which was still in the process of being mended. The blood spurted, a wave of nausea hitting her at the sight alone.

"Why isn't she healed up yet?!" Payne shouted at Cadize, who clearly was on edge.

"I can't just heal everyone so quickly. I am out of mana, I have to do what I can without my Oblivion to conserve energy. I-"

"What about your elixir? Use it."

"I gave the last of it. I am doing my best, Payne!"

"Gave it to whom?!"

Cadize remained silent, "To Kaid, before the fight. I didn't know we'd need it, and I figured if anyone could use it best, it would be him."

"You fucking idiot. Clearly he didn't use it, and if he did, he used it very poorly. He fucking failed at protecting his own Empress!"

"And you failed to properly investigate, determine the security risks of this visit! You led us all here to slaughter, Payne," Cadize fought back, the first anyone in that room had seen the medical man stand up for himself.

"Enough!" Jessamine shouted, "We don't need an elixir. Cadize, stitch it up, now. No Oblivion. Save it like the rest of the medicine for the wounded. Taking a portal could adverse the effects of your medicine anyways, and if we are going to find Kaid-"

"The first order of business once you're well enough is returning you straight to Vitross," Payne interrupted, feeling Jessamine's raging gaze at him.

"Jessamine, I can mend the wound by hand, but it will be incredibly painful," Cadize explained, wanting her to understand that.

"Do it. Tie me down if you have to, I don't care. Payne, do we have any prisoners?" she asked, laying back down to gaze at the cavern ceiling.

"One, and no, he isn't saying much. It doesn't seem like he knows much. We have no intelligence or insight to where Kaid could be, if he's not dead," Payne clarified, "which is why you're safer in Vitross. Bridger does not know this region at all. If anyone might know of Kaid's position, it's clearly Emperor Bashir or Vrah, who have been silent ever since the meeting. You walked right into their trap."

"This wasn't on them," Jessamine insisted, thinking for a moment, "Cadize, do it. The rest of you, go get some respite. Leave the prisoner for me tomorrow."

Cadize was about to refute that she would not be doing anything tomorrow, but nobody in that room was in the mood to tell Jessamine what she could and could not do. She was the authority here, and she would abuse such.

"I'm staying, for support," Kassandra still held her hand, "Cadize, whatever you need from me, just say the word."

"I'm staying too," Kiev insisted, nodding the same to Cadize.

"You're a bunch of pathetic, idiotic..." Payne trailed off angrily, shaking his head, "Empress, we will speak tomorrow if you can make it through the night. Whatever plan you have, I hope it's worth the turmoil."

Payne left, either retiring to saunter or to actually get some rest. Everyone here needed it, Jessamine especially. But she knew that if her plan actually had some chance at success, this was her only option. Jessamine had to place her faith in others, something she had hardly done before, surrender herself completely to the knowledge of Doctor Cadize, but also Kaid's knowledge.

She prayed everything he read in that book was right, because if she was wrong, it meant Payne was correct: there would be a slim chance of ever seeing him again.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jessamine held his cold, calloused hand sticking from underneath the white shroud. The hall echoed with small groans and whines, from the sleep either twitching in their slumber straining their injuries, or ghosts echoing the whispers of their deaths. They arrived with thirty, excluding main personnel like Bridger and Kiev. Only ten remained in full health, another ten injured, varying from critical injuries to only broken bones. Ten dead. Six from the explosions from the Confederate Camp to find Christine, four from trying to defend her amidst the chaos.

And one, the most brutal of them all, lost the fight in his mind.

The memory of everything had come back to Jessamine over time once she recovered from the surgery, remembering Sebastian's incapability to resist the command in his mind. She remembered that morning, when Kaid had given Sebastian a morning pep talk before the meeting, seeing the boy gaze up to his mentor with confidence and assurance that he would do his best as a Guard. And Sebastian had. He had given his very best. Jessamine wished his end could only have been different, that his sacrifice of martyrdom was at the ends of their enemies, and not Kaid.

She had no idea what Kaid could be feeling at this moment, perhaps the same dreaded responsibility and guilt Jessamine felt at this moment. Nobody blamed Kaid for what he had to do, and she no doubt knew Sebastian would tell him the same thing, if he could. Jessamine wished selfishly, so badly, that he was alive. But she also knew they could be torturing him, wounding him, doing anything they could to obtain information from him. Jessamine wanted to prevent this entirely. She would rather want a life, not knowing his love, than knowing it now and having him suffer for it. Nobody could choose who they loved, nor the loyalty that came attached to it.

Jessamine would never forgive herself if he died because of such loyalty.

Kiev walked in, his face somber and reflective, eyes ranging from the dead on one side, wounded on the other. He was genuinely surprised to see Jessamine up, and most of all, leaving her bedside. However, he knew she had ambition and aspirations no amount of pain could hold back. Love was such an odd, fascinating motivating factor. Seeing it from Jessamine now, there was no doubt how much she loved him. The very showing of it made Kiev ache for such in return, to long for a woman who would push the very fragments of the body, soul, mind, and Oblivion...all for the person she loved. Such love was a rarity to read about in stories, let alone witness in person.

"He's ready for you," Kiev said, "Payne and the others are all still resting."

"Good," Jessamine slowly let go of Sebastian's hand, letting it fall limp to his side before standing up. Standing up alone shot pain through her side, but she said nothing, only winced and carried on. The pain she felt right now would be minimal compared to the pain she might feel if she couldn't rescue Kaid, let alone save him. Kiev moved to tuck Sebastian's hand back under the shroud, whispering a soft prayer to him.

"When I saw him on the roster you gave me, I should have commanded you to take him off," Jessamine whispered, glancing at Kiev.

"He volunteered for this duty. I did everything I could to sway him, but he wanted to come. He wanted to be here, he wanted to protect you. I think he wanted to prove himself, mostly to Kaid," Kiev sighed, "he reminded me so much of myself when I was younger, always wanting to prove myself to everyone, especially my father. I doubt he'd be proud of me right now."

"The people who truly care for you Kiev don't need to see you prove anything. They know who you are. It's why I chose you to take your father's place, and I didn't once hesitate in believing you would do better than him," she took a deep breath, "I've learned a lot this past year. Coming to terms with myself, with who I am, means I don't have to prove myself to anyone. When you have nothing to prove, all that's left is the capability to show them, as honestly and bluntly as possible."

"Payne was out here for a month, how did he not-"

"I don't know. That's up for discussion later," Jessamine sighed, taking another deep breath to calm her nerves, "lead the way."

They traversed through the rest of the dead and wounded, back out to the main part of the camp. Nearly everyone was asleep, only one Guard on watch duty given the limited resources and personnel. They walked towards the end, closer to another cavern where the man was tied securely to a chair. He was already slightly bloodied by Payne's attempts to obtain information, in which Jessamine was surprised at the lack of torture. Perhaps Payne was right when he said this prisoner had little to offer.

"Guard the area, I want to be alone with him," Jessamine commanded gently, seeing Kiev hesitate before nodding. He left the main area, going back towards the setting sun, knowing he'd have to find something to focus on. Kiev didn't know what she had planned for him, but knew if she got answers the methods didn't matter.

Jessamine moved her hands to her hair, tying it up in a tight bun before glancing at herself. Luckily, her wound underneath her dress was not visible, and she hoped she would not show any signs of its discomfort. She clenched her jaw, closing her eyes briefly, knowing that at this moment, it couldn't speak for who she was. In moments of desperation, where answers were needed, it didn't matter how they were obtained. Jessamine had multiple methods, she just didn't know which one would break him.

When she walked over to the prisoner, his eyes watched her walk across, seeing a slight softness to them. He had relaxed upon seeing it wasn't Payne, something Jessamine was often used to. She was a much better sight than her Investigator, and she was relieved at the moment, her presence seemed to put the young man at slight ease.

"Good evening," Jessamine smiled softly, "it's Soriah, right?"

"Indeed, Empress," he answered, his voice dry and cracked, same as the blood that covered most of his forehead.

"I apologize for perhaps the previous methods my investigator uses. While they usually are effective, they don't always speak for me. I hope we can find equal ground on much less...violent, invasive methods."

"I'm afraid my answers might still be the same. Foolish of me to be caught, but perhaps even more foolish to not have any answers," he sighed, knowing it was his own doing. Getting imprisoned had just been unlucky on his part, but he really hated the fact he hadn't paid much attention during his time outside Caladin. He didn't have the same hatred others might have felt against her, or Kaid. He just wanted out of that bloody prison.

"How long have you been with the Confederacy?"

"A couple months...not long," he mumbled, "I remember you, in Caladin. I was there when you were as well. I remember...in the showers, you choked out Wilson."

"Right," Jessamine's smile widened slightly at the memory, "yeah, I remember that. You have a good memory for faces."

"Yours is not one I would forget," Soriah weakly smiled. Well, method number one might actually work in her favor for once.

"Do you know where your associates might be? I mean them no harm. I only want what they took from me," she asked gently. His mind was still strong, perhaps being trained against mind witches before. It wouldn't surprise her, given she was the Confederate's primary target, that they would train their soldiers to resist. All it would take was a bit of whittling down.

"I don't. Like I told your friend, I haven't been there that long. I just followed orders, endered portals, fought whomever they told me to fight," he explained.

Jessamine took a step closer, her leg brushing his bent knee, still remaining relaxed, "Desert all looks the same out here, doesn't it?" Her mind finally was in his, but she only saw glimpses. Every time she made a comment, it flashed memories, although his were rather incomplete, imprecise, as if he cared nothing for details or careful observation. Soriah had done whatever he could to escape Caladin, to return to a life of normalcy. The Confederation was not a cause he really cared for, which was a shame, seeing as he might die for it today.

"Yeah," he replied simply, his eyes glancing at hers. And then it trailed lower, seeing the divot of her dress, skin and freckles exposed just at the beginning curve of her breasts. With one leg more forward than the other, his eyes dwindled very briefly and as inconspicuous as they could at the slit exposing a part of her thigh. Jessamine noticed it, of course. She could see and feel the thoughts in his mind change. The things he thought were things she's heard a million times over, those thoughts someone like him believed to be innocent, boyish and...well, protected.

She had witnessed the animals Kaid had explained upon her first day in Caladin, but today might be the first day she might feed it.

"So you never heard anything, never...paid attention to your superiors and the mission?" she asked, slowly bending that one knee forward, now pretty much exposed as she moved the slit to cover her other thigh completely. She made sure he was staring at everything but those concealed knives.

"No, I mean... I didn't really care. I guess I just did whatever they told me. They wanted you, and I was recruited because of you. They were beginning to attract a lot of people who had some sort of experience with you in Caladin," he answered, his mind growing loose, widening the entrance for her to perouse.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

"Well, you must have impressed them somehow," Jessamine let her hand rest on his thigh, which was well exposed given the burning rope was attached to his ankles, "Soriah, I just need something. Just a little bit. I'm not here to hurt you, quite the opposite."

"I...but I told you I don't know much," he stammered slightly. Part of him was clearly confused as to what was going on, and another part was demanding his mind not to question it. Who the fuck cared what happened here? Soriah knew the Confederates would care less about him. If he gave what little information he knew, Jessamine could give him something, and if that meant getting out of here then he was perfectly content with that.

Although with the way her finger traced circles and patterns around his thigh, it was hard to think clearly what she was offering.

"I don't need much, Soriah," she whispered, her smile sweet and seductive, "give me an inch...or two or three, I'll give you a mile."

She could see it in his mind, a quick blink at the scenery. It was highly elevated, overlooking a large canyon, there was some sort of statue but she couldn't make it out just yet. She'd need more time to really see it clearly, to narrow down their options.

"I-I, okay," he laughed softly, glancing around to see if anyone else was around, but it was just them, "they, we, travel all the time. We all have different assignments but things changed when...when we knew about your meeting. We went to this place."

"Where?" she asked gently, her hand gliding up to his waistband, finger gently tapping up the three buttons holding his war torn trousers together. The picture became a bit clearer, but not clear enough.

"Not sure," he mumbled, a soft, needy whine leaving his throat. The sound alone wanted to make Jessamine gag, roll her eyes at how easily predictable this man was, but she couldn't ruin the progress.

"You could point it out on a map, couldn't you, darling, for me?" she asked, undoing one button. She could physically feel his mind squirming, resisting, not just her invasion but the physical touch as well. Yet it only made his craving stronger. This man liked being tied up, liked the teasing and toil. The moment reminded her of the person, the reason she felt she had to do all of this. If only it were his whimpers instead of this prisoner in front of her, she might actually enjoy this.

"I would if I could, baby," he laughed nervously, swallowing hard, "I...I know it's high up. Very high. They said something about how it overlooks the canyon and valley, they could see anyone coming. It's impossible to sneak up on."

She could see it clearer now, the statue one of a deity, holding a small blade in his hands. It was something, like staring at a painting to interpret. Payne didn't have success with him, because he wasn't looking for answers like this. If Jessamine's theory could prove correct, this information was very useful indeed. As she was about to grab more detail, it immediately left his mind. Jessamine blinked, her eyes droning into his to see he had pushed her out. Jessamine straddled his hips gently, ignoring the searing pain at her side about doing so, feeling the slight unevenness beneath her.

"I know what you're doing, Empress Jessamine," Soriah sucked in a breath.

"Yet, you're clearly enjoying it," she smiled with delight, having to do everything she could to keep that smile on her face.

"Everything in my head is everything I would tell you. So, get out of it," he commanded, knowing she was toying with his desires. His mind was toiled and intertwined between logic and lust, knowing that succumbing to her seductive nature wouldn't do any good, and nor would she really provide him relief. But...was it so harmful to try?

"I need you to focus on that place again, more details," she cooed, one hand brushing his bare neck, feeling the strained, scared muscles clenching his jaw together. The picture came back, this time more of the background around. It was a plateau given the geography, definitely higher elevation like he had stated, and the statue seemed to be an indication of significance. A temple? Monastery? Something of an ancient ritual, religious site to be sure. Jessamine was beginning to despise how she as a child had ignored these history lessons. Maybe they could have proved helpful.

The image faded again as he squirmed and Jessamine lost all patience. Jessamine's hand on her own thigh moved beneath the fabric, immediately pulling one of her knives out, pressing the blade to his throat. The faintest whimpers of sexual nature immediately turned into short breaths of surprise, his heart rate spiking at the blade pricking his skin. Jessamine's eyes darkened, letting him know this was serious. She had played nice, and that was the most of what he would get.

"L-look, I don't know, I swear it!" he cried softly. He felt shame, guilt, anger...emasculated if anything. Jessamine had lost the image but she could feel him searching for a word, as if he had overheard the name of the location and was carousing his own memory for it. It was on the tip of his tongue, she could sense it.

"Soriah, that's a long name for me to carve into a man's chest..." she hummed, "think harder."

Kravakkan Monastery.

Jessamine had seen the words in his head before he could even comprehend them, say them to her in person. She removed the blade, folding it back up to tuck beneath her thigh before taking a deep breath.

"Good boy, that wasn't so hard, was it?" she smiled, slowly getting off his lap.

"You're despicable," he spat at her, which was more of a pathetic attempt than anything.

"What is there in me to despise when you wanted it so badly? Your lack of attention to detail, the fact your head is constantly always in the clouds and never in the moment...you would turn a blind eye to anything and everyone around you. But then it happens to you, and you expect mercy? You expect someone to save you?" Jessamine felt her hand tremble slightly, squeezing it closed, "Someone did: Kaid. I saw the memory, the one you're trying so hard to grasp with and swallow the guilt. He saved your life in Caladin, came to your aid when nobody else would. Did you ever thank him? Or did you think because he tried to do that for every idiotic, poor soul in that place, he wasn't deserving of your thanks? In fact, have you ever felt gratitude towards anyone who stuck their neck out for you?"

He remained silent, his eyes towards the ground, ashamed. He didn't say anything, and he didn't have to. Weasels like him expected this life to be easy, and it never was. Yet the people who had tried to make it easier for him, he felt nothing for. This man felt nothing but his own selfish wants and desires, and for once, he wasn't going to get that today.

Jessamine moved to leave, seeing him squirm.

"You're just going to leave me here? Like this?" he asked, glancing at between his legs before straining in his tied up nature to glance at her.

"Yes. We'll leave you here, see if anyone is in the mood or luxury to save you. I appreciate your cooperation, Soriah," she smiled as she left, a fleeting feeling, before she walked over to Kiev. He turned to glanced at her, honestly surprised her hands weren't bloody in the slightest.

"Did you get something?" he asked, seeing her nod, "How did Payne-"

"I don't think he was probing and asking the right questions. No matter. Do we still have that map of Uhkhtar from the meeting with Emperor Bashir?"

"We do. I can go get that for you," he nodded.

"Please do. We can nudge Bridger awake in a couple of hours. If he's slow to rise, let him rest for a bit. I need him with all his strength," she demanded softly, seeing him look confused. But he wasn't going to question it. None of this really was going to be logical. Nothing about Oblivion was logical, yet many of them that wielded it in this camp accepted their powers. Right now it was all about pushing them to their hardest limit.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You're absolutely delusional if you think this is going to work," Payne acknowledged, "are you still on pain medicine, groggy from the surgery?"

"Look, I know it sounds outrageous," Jessamine sighed, looking over the map, "clearly they chose a strategic position, one we won't be able to slip past, sneak into at all without being seen. The only clear way to gain any sort of upper hand is by portal."

"But I can't portal to a place I've never been," Bridger explained, just as confused as Payne.

"I...I know that," she rubbed her temple, "but, look, I know this is a lot to ask for, and maybe even foolish to try. But there is no harm in trying, other than maybe the embarrassment of thinking it could work."

Bridger sighed, crossing his arms before nodding, "Okay, I mean...what can I do?"

"Kaid liked to read, as we all know. He read plenty of books on various Oblivions, ancient studies, observations, everything he could to try and understand. Portaling, while easy in theory and somewhat common, has the rule like you said: you can only go where you've been. You can't look at a painting or drawing and go to whatever place inspired such. But, like any Oblivion, it doesn't live in a box," she explained, hesitating for a moment, "he read once, and I only remember this because of how outlandish it sounded, a man portaled to his wife, numerous times, not based on the location but because based on the connection between them."

Payne immediately burst out laughing, Kiev and Bridger glancing at him, thinking this wasn't the time for such laughter.

"We need Cadize in here, I think she's lost it," Payne laughed more, Bridger even trying to nudge him to shut up. Jessamine felt the sting, knowing Payne was always one to bruise her confidence, but that wasn't important. How she felt about it wasn't important, finding Kaid was.

"Let her continue," Kiev insisted, believing in her. She was still recovering from her wounds, gave up all medicine for the rest of his men, and interrogated someone to some success this morning. Kiev was beginning to hold a lot of respect for her, knowing any other leader at this moment would have selfishly gone back to their palace and retreated, not caring about others.

"Empress, that sounds very...fascinating and all. But, I don't have a connection with Kaid. I mean, we're friends, I think. But I don't think I have the capabilities to just think of Kaid and open a portal to wherever he is. It doesn't work like that," Bridger explained as gently as he could.

"I know. I know you don't. But, what if I do? I know it sounds outrageous, it sounds naive...but we've all seen it, we've experienced it. We know the Oblivion we all possess in this room started small and bloomed into something we never imagined. We have someone who can control time, grasp it, and even go back. We have a doctor who can mend fatal wounds, remedy them at accelerated healing. Kiev, there was one day when you were younger, you were so mad at your father that your fury caused an ice storm. Do you remember that?"

"Yes..." Kiev answered, not even realizing she remembered that. If anything, Kiev himself disregarded the slight storm as mere luck, that the weather had just gotten colder. He had rationalized it as not being his own power, but in the back of his mind, he always wondered if it had been him.

"Bridger, you're a smart, brilliant, and eloquent young man. You love to travel, see new things, experience the excursions life has to offer. I think you're powerful enough to try. I think you have the grit to help me, the talent and love for what you do," Jessamine assured him, "let me inside your mind, let me feed that connection to you. If it doesn't work, then it doesn't work. But I want to try. I need to try, for Kaid's sake, for Christine. For the ten dead covered in shrouds who will never feel the breath of life ever again."

"Bridger, you're not actually considering this, are you?" Payne asked, his eyes dark. Not only was it foolish and improbable, there was no reason he should easily let Jessamine into his mind. She could have access to anything she wanted, things that maybe were meant to stay hidden.

"I think it's worth a try," Bridger replied honestly, surprising Payne, "Lady Jessamine I'll do my best, I won't resist."

"Okay," Jessamine exhaled a relieved breath, glad he was on her side, "Just do what you normally do when trying to open a portal. You might feel a slight tingle, a pounding in the head, maybe even your ears ring. All normal. Don't fight it, just accept it." She wouldn't navigate any further than needed, probe into something she didn't need to. All she needed was to show him what she saw, which was something she'd done before.

Bridger closed his eyes, Jessamine doing so as well as she entered his mind. There was slight hesitation at first, but the entrance was easy, much easier than with Soriah earlier. Jessamine ignored all the memories, the cornerstones, the feeling of uncertainty inside Bridger. Instead she focused on the monastery. Kravakken Monastery. She focused on what she knew of it, the plateau field, canyon far below, the statue of peace. The way the wind would blow the brown tall grass, or her skin trying to feel the arid heat against her neck from the desert sun.

And then she focused on Kaid. She focused on his laugh, his incredulous deep laugh that could lighten any room. Or the way such a laugh or smile would make his nose scrunch up in delight, only widening its already broad state. His eyes were brown like dark honey, the sweetness in his eyes a mere reflection of his sweet nature, and its sweet taste. But they also held mystery like a leather bound book laying around for some curious person to open.

Please be alive, Kaid. Please be there, she thought, even if she knew Bridger might be able to know that, hear that in his own mind.

It was silent.

She focused again, trying to not strain herself as that could strain her portalist as well. There were a million reasons this might not work. It could've been a speculative romance tale, not historical fact. It could be Bridger had to have that connection. And it could also be maybe that connection wasn't strong enough, the love was not enough. It was strong on Jessamine's end, but maybe this lack of certainty was making her doubt. What if he didn't love her the same way? She knew him to not know any other love, not hold such affection for anyone else in his past. He could just be in love with the idea of love, in love with the affection itself but not the woman giving it.

No. She refused that idea.

As soon as she refused it, the silence was filled with a rapid rush of wind. It made all four individuals freeze in their steps. Both Bridger and Jessamine opened their eyes, seeing the formation of a portal in front of them.

"Bridger, you did it!" Kiev shouted with joy. Bridger couldn't even believe it as his eyes were just wide staring into it. He glanced at Jessamine if it was okay to take a gander, and she nodded. Bridger took a step in, and was gone.

He came back in a matter of seconds, a wide smile on his face.

"It worked. I think it really worked. There's a camp there. And now that I've set foot there, we can open another one later," Bridger exhaled, still shocked and surprised at himself.

"I knew you could do it," Jessamine rushed over, placing a soft kiss on his cheek.

"I'll go get the men ready, we can come up with a plan," Kiev spoke urgently, eager to wake them up.

"Kiev, volunteers only. I will not order them to do this. If I must go alone, then I will," Jessamine glanced at him. She wouldn't have more blood on her hands. She couldn't let anyone else die for this. If she had to go alone, sneak him out of there, then so be it. Already, she had asked too much of her people. This was a risk she had to take, and she only wanted people of similar ambition to join her.

Kiev nodded firmly, leaving the small cavern. Jessamine took a deep breath, feeling the strain of her wound. All of it had been relying on this to work. Had she ordered Cadize to use his Oblivion on her, the wound could open up from the portal. But, she wanted stitches instead, and all that pain, the screaming and torture was worth it. Even the pain every time she walked now was worth it, because she knew it might mean merely ending up in his arms.

Payne stood still, trying not to look surprised, but he wasn't eager to put on some leather armor or gear. The thought hadn't even crossed his mind. Jessamine noticed that, glancing at him gently. She wasn't going to brag, after all, he'd just say she found a miraculous way to dig herself into another hole. She also wasn't going to plead, beg, or demand his assistance.

"I'm not going in there for him," Payne insisted, not feeling the slightest guilt. It wasn't his job nor his duty.

"I wouldn't expect you to, I know where your loyalties lie," Jessamine answered bitterly, "stay here and tend to the wounded then, and await our return."

She had known where her loyalty was all along, and she had done her best to ignore it. When he had taken the same oath as Kaid had, long before Jessamine was even born, the oath swore to put Vitross first. The Emperor or Empress came second, and Payne used that to his advantage. His vision had been wrong, it had always been wrong. But because he had been there to shield Jessamine during her reign, she let it slide. Now, she was beginning to feel she couldn't accept it. Someone else held a better vision, one that took necessary bloodshed, but not excessively. One that protected her people with policies and alliances, not with the edges of backstabbing blades.

"Bridger, take it easy for now. I will let you know when you are needed," Jessamine smiled softly at him, "Thank you, again, truly. When we return, we shall have a party in your honor."

"Of course, Empress," he smiled as well, almost blushing at the compliments. It was nice to feel useful, to not feel always taken for granted. It also made Bridger realize just how much potential he did have, outside of what he knew. She was right. Oblivion held more depth than what they could all see. All it took was attempting to reach out into the dark for it.

Jessamine left to go retrieve more of her weapons and gear, along with anything else that might be of help in this fight. With the assistance of Kassandra, who seemed eager the entire plan worked, she was able to dress in simple trousers and a long sleeve white shirt, with a small layer of a leather breastplate over it. It didn't offer much protection but it was better than none. They also went through Kaid's luggage, finding a tan kaftan which might help if stealth was their option. Jessamine felt horrible about ripping the fabric, but they managed to fashion it into a head covering, offering slight concealment of her character.

All her knives were accounted for, now firmly harnessed on the outside of her thigh, no longer hiding them. She also managed to attach another sword on her left side, one that didn't seem too heavy for her to use. Her fingers traced the small L-shaped outline of the firearm tucked on the backside of her belt. She hadn't the best clue how to use it, but luckily Vrahs' demonstration of it made her slightly confident if she had to use it. Afterall, he said a child could use it, which meant it couldn't be too difficult.

When she stepped back outside into the sun with Kassandra, they were both surprised to see ten fully armored guards in front of them, Kiev having them at parade rest.

"At ease," Jessamine spoke, glancing at Kiev, "I thought I said volunteers only."

"And ten volunteered," Kiev clarified.

"Lord Protector Kaid would do the same for any of us. He wouldn't leave a man or woman behind if he knew there was a chance to get them to safety. His kindness, determination, and love for all that is good has not gone unnoticed," one of the guards spoke, loud and proud, "and if there's any chance to obtain revenge for our slain brothers, we want to take that chance."

"Bridger will portal us to the very outskirts of their camp. We will await, conduct some reconnaissance, and plan to strike sometime in the evening. Our objective and only objective is to rescue Christine and Kaid. Given Kaid's stature, it is most likely he will be held in the center part of the camp. Half of you will be with me to create a diversion away from the portal at the northern part of the camp, the rest will accompany the Empress in rescuing, obtaining, and protecting Kaid and Christine. Both may be severely injured, tortured, and incapable of walking. Once they enter through the portal, Bridger will whistle through it. It should be loud for everyone to hear, so make it back to the portal quickly. Should either Kaid or Christine be deceased, if there is a safe attempt at bringing their bodies back, do so."

"Given this information, if any of you wish to back out now, my opinion of you and your courage will not sway or lessen," Jessamine beckoned, wondering if anyone would back out now. They were up against unseen odds, and wouldn't know the mess until they got there. Kaid could be dead, which could make all of this worthless. It would be challenging, but these men were up to the task.

None of the ten moved, standing firm.

"Alright men, let's go get them back..."