[h1][u][i][Center]"You're NOT keeping me"[/center][/i][/u][/h1]

[sub]in collaboration with [@SunsetRoses] and [@TheDoctor][/sub]

Triss had been floating in euphoria all day, a new kick in her step that made her glow as she walked the halls. She was trapped in her thoughts, and hardly made attempts at conversation. Her experience last night had made her this way, and she wondered if everyone already knew. [i]It doesn't matter, I loved it either way. They can know and ask if they want to,[/i] she thought giddily. 

In a moment of clarity, she remembered why she was walking the halls in the first place. Ang had approached her earlier, to tell her about a hunter named Mat. Triss' experience with hunters was enough to make her agree to a session with the boy, though she didn't want to hurt him too badly. Ang had told her that was her job, so Triss was basically in the clear. Now, dressed in her peasant garb to look simple and innocent, she went to his room and opened the door. 

[color=89fdc5]"Hello there! I heard that you're named Mat, and I am here to talk to you!"[/color] Her voice was bubbly as she closed the door behind her, locking it justly. She went to take a seat at his desk's chair, smiling warmly. All she needed was to lock eyes with him, then she could get in and get out. [color=89fdc5]"How are you?"[/color] [i]Look at me, look at me.[/i]

Mat glanced up slightly as he heard someone entering his room.  [I]Is that another witch?  New one… [/i] he thought as she stepped in.  As she locked the door behind her and began speaking several warning signs went off in his head.  She sounded nice, creepy nice.  She did not appear to have any weapons on her, but then again witches hardly ever needed them.  [I]She wants something, what is it? [/i]  “Still living and sane, two positives so far.  Why do you want to speak with me?” he replied, looking over at the witch and stared at her eyes, which felt...off.

Triss looked at Matrim with a sad smile, she didn't want to use her powers on him. It wasn't fun when the victim wasn't willing. Usually it ended in bursts of horrible sadness, or some other emotion she would never be forgiven for. [color=89fdc5]”I see, well I'm truly happy you feel that way. I'm just here to question. That's all.”[/color]

When Mat made the mistake of locking eyes with her, she attacked. Staying seated and still, her eyes shifted to their unnatural green, a color Mat wouldn't be able to see. In an instant she was inside of his mind, giving him no time to throw up walls. After bypassing his frail everyday walls, she was inside. Here, she was meant to torture him, so she went straight for sadness and shame. 

Triss had never yet accomplished it before, but she was trying to pull them both out at once. This was sure to be enough to torture him, and it would only last half as long If she managed to do it. She took a look at the two clumps of emotion, slowly pulling wisps of both of them forwards. Shame took over, and the proportions were leaning heavily with it. With a sigh, she gave up and took only the shame. 

Once it was pulled to the forefront of his mind, she released her hold and sat before him, the sad smile still playing on her face. [color=89fdc5]”What makes you so ashamed, Matrim? Answer truthfully and we'll move on to the next emotion. I'll even make it pleasurable for you at the end of this, just submit.”[/color]

Memories had begun flooding Mat as Triss made him feel shame, ones he did not want to remember.  Quivering slightly, Mat couldn't tell if it were him or the witch that was making himself feel shame.  “I...I…” he itched to tell her, but stopped himself before he spoke.  [I]Moving on to the next emotion?[/i] he thought.  It had to be her doing this to him, that was it.  Mat tried to jump to possibilities to get out, but with shame being so prevalent he couldn't help but remember what his actions had brought upon others.  “No...no,” Mat cried out.  “Not this, please not this.  Where's Ang with her violence and jests?  FUCK!  Get out of my head!”

Triss watched him panic, screaming in frustration as he tried to fight away the shame. She frowned and got up, moving over to him and placing her hand on his shoulder. She tried desperately to get another glimpse at his eyes. [color=89fdc5]”Tell me why you are ashamed, Matrim, and I'll make it stop. If you refuse I swear to God himself you shall never stop feeling this way, it will eat at you until you are insane.”[/color]

She grasped his other shoulder in a death vice, her face set in a miserable grimace. [color=89fdc5]”It would kill me to do that. Be nice, and by the end of this you shall be at your happiest state. Don't you want to be happy for a while? Now tell me Matrim.”[/color]

Mat stilled himself at Triss’ words, looking down at the floor and made a slow nod.  He just wanted it all gone.  “I understand.”  Then he explained.

“Everything after my father's death was a lie and a waste.  I spoke with his spirit, and I had to lie to let him think I didn't waste my life on trying to avenge him.  Of course I had moments where I tried to fix myself, but I would slip back after a while.  I'm responsible for so many deaths.  My father, Kate, the little girl Ashley, multiple hunters throughout the years…”  Mat finally steadied and stopped speaking, still looking at the ground.  “Is that enough?  What the hell do you even want from me?”

Triss nodded grimly, unsatisfied. She had come into this not wanting to make him say or do anything, but now that she had gotten a taste… [color=89fdc5]”Look at me when speak, Matrim. I'm not done with you, and you will comply with my demands until the bitter end.”[/color]

Triss was shocked with herself, but she held her same expression easily. [color=89fdc5]”Remember what I said, I don't have to answer to you.”[/color] She reminded him, grabbing his chin and pulling his face upwards so she could move on to the next emotion, force him to speak his next memory. It was a strange ecstasy to interrogate him, and make him tell her everything. 

The hunter stared at Triss with sullen eyes, but he offered no resistance against her.  “I understand,” he quietly replied, staring into her eyes.  [I]Don't lose it, don't lose it, don't lose it.  Stay sane, stay alive, escape.  Remember.[/i]

Triss stared into his eyes, her powers coming easily as though they had been right at the gate. She went into his mind, and started to search around. [i]One more, then I'll make him feel better. One more.[/i] She hoped she would be able to keep the promise, but it was hard to do when she was jumping at the bit to use her powers. Maybe after this she would find Alphonse, he could probably calm her.

On the inside of his mind, she dug around a bit, looking over sadness and fury. It took her a while, because it was planted so far down in his emotions and memories, but she found what she was looking for. A giant, sickly ball of insanity. She gathered it all, pulling it out violently, and placing it at the forefront of his thoughts with a wicked smile. 

When she was done, she pulled out and gave him some space, tilting her head with curiosity. [color=89fdc5]”What makes you insane, Matrim?”[/color]

Mat stayed very still for a moment as Triss asked her question.  His pupils appeared to shrink ever so slightly, and mirrored her movement of tilting her head.  Things in his mind became a sudden haze and the walls inside were shattered.  All that was his focus was witches and his desire to find [i]her[/I], and right now there was one right in front of him.

Triss’s only warning was Mat's single word response.  “You.”  

The hunter suddenly grabbed the witch's throat and drove her to the ground forcefully, having a bitter cold expression in his face.  He would kill her, but granting instant death for a witch was too kind, and she could possibly lead him to [i]her[/I].  What if Triss was even her?  No, death was too easy, too fast; he would learn nothing.

Triss felt the air escape her lungs as she was grabbed by the throat and slammed down to the floor. By God he was fast. She gasped for air, her face turning a horribly vibrant shade of red, slowly ok the verge of purple. She kicked the floor and pounded his chest, trying desperately to work up a scream. The only thing that would come out was a gurgle.

Then, quite suddenly, she relaxed. She was on the brink of consciousness, but she looked up at Mat with a face of acceptance, and even a small smile. She had brought her death upon herself, but if she managed to stay alive until her power wore off, she would be fine. She mouthed ‘I‘m sorry’, and her body collapsed as she became unconscious. 

As soon as Triss slipped unconscious, Mat had her quickly tied up to a chair using the various materials in the room.  He had no weapons in the room, but he knew how to improvise.  The hunter grabbed his own chair and sat across from the witch and waited for her to wake up.

Just as Triss was beginning to wake up Mat was getting a splitting headache that had slowly appeared.  Grabbing on one of his armrests, he did his best to still himself and get rid of the headache.  As the ache started to dissipate, the effect had started to go away, and Mat looked around the room a bit frightened.  “Holy shit,” he whispered.

Triss woke, tied up in a chair by a mixture of cloth materials. She squinted, groggy and a bit confused until she remembered what had happened. Matrim stood in front of her, seemingly surprised by his actions. Triss shrugged and assumed the effects had worn off. 

[color=89fdc5]”I apologize sincerely, Matrim. I got in over my head, my powers do that to me sometimes. Untie me and I will fulfill my end of the deal, for a while you shall feel content. I...I don't think I'm going to report my findings to Ang, mustn’t give her a reason to be harder on you.”[/color] She diverted her gaze from him, to show she meant no harm. She had done something horrible, something that had almost resulted in her death. [color=89fdc5]”If you don't wish to be contented, I will do something else for you. Just tell me, do I have a scar?”[/color]

Mat sat calmly, listening to Triss’s words and taking them each one by one.  He was still shaken by the fact that she had so easily broken something he was delicately trying to fix.  That kind of power scared him, scared him far too much.  Mat felt so vulnerable to these mental attacks, and what if the next one instead of bringing forth an emotion was a command he obeyed?  He had heard of such things happening, and he was scared if it were to happen to him.

So when Triss said she could make him content, Mat stood slowly and walked over to the torch on the wall.  “As much fun as it was letting you into my head the first time, I'll have to pass.  Besides, feeling content would be less than ideal right now.  Really, you should ask yourself…” he said as he picked up the torch and gazed closely at the fire.  “What's stopping me from killing you?”


Triss watched Mat pick up the torch, fear breaking down her head but leaving her face as smooth as stone. [color=89fdc5]”Hmm, Matrim. A curious question indeed.”[/color] She tilted her head and stared at him with eyes glinting. [color=89fdc5]”I've seen everything inside of your mind, Matrim. You can hide nothing from me. Even if you go through with this, and kill me, I know you'll feel the shame of your actions.”[/color]

Triss clucked, watching Mat as he acted like the bigger man. [color=89fdc5]”I regret what I did, not because it will be the cause of my death, but because I am sorry for using you in that way. As I said, I got a little carried away.”[/color] She relaxed in her chair, closing her eyes and grinning with satisfaction. [color=89fdc5]”I believe I'm comfortable, carry on.”[/color]

Mat sat down in front of Triss but made sure not to catch her eyes.  He carried a very weary expression, as a tired soldier would.  “First of all things it's Mat, not Matrim.  That name's reserved for my father to use.  Second, you're quite right that I can hide nothing from you, so you would know that you scare me a great deal.  You've just exploited the one weakness I had in an instant, but you played foolishly with it.”  Mat drew a long sigh, casting his eyes to the torch.  “Fire’s a terrible way to go, makes me wish for my tools.”

The hunter gave a final look around the room and drew a short breath.  His escape chances would be zero after this, he would need to move quickly and quietly as soon as he left the room.  He considered just leaving with Triss tied up, but he instantly recalled what she could do to him.  No, he would not be controlled, he couldn't let that possibility happen.

Mat tossed the torch behind Triss’s chair, where it caught on the rug fairly fast.  “Good luck in the next life...uh…” Mat realized he never caught the witch's name, and it made him cast one last look at her face in a mix of shame and curiosity.  He walked over to the door and silently left.

The fire spread slowly but steadily throughout the room, Triss sat in her chair, staring at the flames as they approached. She had accepted her mistake, and there would be no one to save her in the dungeons. As the fires approached, she twitched, the scalding heat forced her to try to defend herself, to struggle in her chair. She had to escape. Maybe it would have been better for her lethal mistake to involve something faster? 

Suddenly, the door to Matrim's chamber burst open, and a caul of darkness swept into the room. Suddenly, there was no heat, or light, or pain. Triss could not even feel her own body. There was nothing for a long while, then suddenly, there was light. Strong arms held her up. 

[color=ed145b]"Are you alright?"[/color] Alphonse's voice was full of worry.

Triss bit down hard on her tongue to prevent herself from yelping, the flames licking her feet and leaving blisters. She was sure the skin would have burned off leaving only bone, had it not been for Alphonse. He took her into the shadows, where all was quiet and she couldn't even feel herself. 

When she was out, she collapsed on pained feet, falling into Alphonse's embrace. He asked her if she was alright, and she nodded, waiting for a while to phrase her next sentence. [color=89fdc5]”It's my fault, I manipulated him, and he reacted as any strong person would. I'm just surprised he didn't break.”[/color] She looked up at Alphonse, and sighed in relief. Her tone was surprisingly calm for someone who had almost been burned to death, and that was because she had accepted her fate. 

Alphonse held her close. He wanted to tear her away from Clarissa. Tell her that Medusa could only lead her to ruin, that this event was proof of their recklessness and incompetence. But this was not the time for that. Still, he had to know. [color=ed145b]"You're alright now. Don't worry."[/color] He pulled himself away from her. [color=ed145b]"Triss....why were you trying to break Matrim?"[/color]

Triss looked up to him, before diverting her gaze and pulling herself closer. She just wanted a few more seconds of normalcy, so she held onto his body as an anchor. [color=89fdc5]”Alphonse, it was my fault. I just wanted a new toy, so when I heard that there was a Hunter in the castle I came to his room almost immediately.”[/color]

It was such a dirty lie, it felt like a thick layer of tar rolling off her tongue. She couldn't tell him the truth though, he would just fret over it. She looked up at him and grasped his head gently between her two hands, pulling him down for a kiss because her feet were far too blistered to stand upon. After the peck, she smiled wryly. [color=89fdc5]”I was going to go look for you, I missed your company. What have you been up to, fair maiden?”[/color]

Alphonse smiled at the pet name. Her brief kiss left him hungry for more. Still, her words worried him. He was not used to being with a woman in the way he had been with her....he had thought... [color=ed145b]"You thought a captive hunter would make a good toy? Is that what you thought I was?"[/color] Alphonse's face was suddenly uncharacteristically dour.

Triss watched his face fall, and she took a step back, ignoring the way her feet screamed. Why was he so upset with her? Did he know she was lying? Alphonse...a toy? She never used her power on him. [color=89fdc5]”Whatever do you mean? Of course he, I have to use my power on someone.”[/color] 

Triss thought of a way to settle the situation, without him becoming more suspicious. [color=89fdc5]”Why would you be a toy, Alphonse? The minds of witches are way too hard to get into.”[/color]

Alphonse raised one eyebrow. Then smirked and shook his head, finally he chuckled. [color=ed145b]"Is that what you meant?"[/color] He broke into a full body laugh as he fell into a chair. [color=ed145b]"I thought that you were...I am so sorry, no of course you were working for Medusa. Is that why you're working with her? For opportunities to use your talent?"[/color]

Triss joined him in the chair, sitting on his lap and tucking her head into the crook of his neck. She still didn't know what he had meant when he said toy, but that was meant for a later time. Now, she just wanted to enjoy his warmth and the way his chest rose and fell. 

Triss felt her cheeks flush when he asked why he had joined Medusa’s side. She kiss his neck to soften the blow of her answer. [color=89fdc5]”I joined Medusa’s side because she welcomed me into the coven, fully and completely. She's a nice woman, too. I have only once seen Lorelai, and I was hiding a secret from her. Why did you take Lorelai's side?”[/color] She cooed her last sentence, nuzzling against him. 

Alphonse lay back, luxuriating in the woman's attention. [color=ed145b]"There's....a lot that goes into that."[/color] He held her close. He didn't care to recount experiences with Medusa, but it would be better with Triss with him. [color=ed145b]"Medusa was one of my first teachers. She taught me how to use the potential for my talent. To go where others could not, with no one knowing the wiser. The blasphemies of necromancy that would allow me to pierce the wards that would stand in my way. She made me into a weapon for the coven. I... well, it wasn't until I started working for Lorelai that I actually felt like a member of the coven. We've worked together to eliminate threats, she's stood by me in the field, and shared in all that I've experienced."[/color] He smiled sadly.[color=ed145b] "I don't think I'd still be here, if not for her."[/color]

Triss pulled away from Alphonse, positioning herself so she was looking into his eyes. She didn't know what she felt as he described his relationship with Lorelai, definitely not jealousy…but regret? Regret that she had never been able to see the softer side of Lorelai, before her side was basically chosen for her. Regret that if Lorelai and Medusa fought, she would be on one side and Alphonse the other. 

She pursed her lips, and pulled herself in closer to him, so their foreheads were touching. [color=89fdc5]”I have a deep....appreciation for you, Alphonse.”[/color] She looked flustered, afraid to say the word ‘love' if the feelings weren't reciprocated. [color=89fdc5]”That is why I wish things were easier, but since they are not, why don't we enjoy each other? No more talk of silly conflicts, not for now.”[/color]

Alphonse sighed, it seemed simple enough to him, Triss should defect, and join Lorelai so that he could keep her safe. But he was tired, and she was hurt. And the bed near by looked very warm after her invitation. He lifted Triss as he stood and lay her in her bed. [color=ed145b]"I think I would like that very much."[/color] He said, kissing her sweetly on the lips. [color=ed145b]"No lessons for tonight though, you're hurt, let me take care of you."[/color] He whispered in her ear,then he kissed her again, as his hands explored the interiors of her simple dress.

[hr]Matrim stayed silent as he moved throughout the castle, doing his best to not even be any close proximity.  Fortunately, the witches would not be actively looking for him as the only one who knew was in a room that was on fire, and if she did get out he still had several minutes before anyone knew.

While he was near the bottom of the castle, Matrim didn't head for any of the gates as they were most likely being watched.  Instead, the hunter moved up several levels, taking note of all around him.  He was alive, he was still sane, and he was going to escape.  His slight burst of luck had lead to this, and he was not going to waste the opportunity.

Matrim’s spear was in one of these rooms, the armory most likely.  He desperatly wanted to find it, but couldn't justify potentially losing his life over it.  He would have to come back for it later, but this time with more hunters.  

Matrim’s own emotions played with him as he moved throughout the castle, but he did his best to focus.  Triss had shown him how easily he could crack, but he would not let it happen again.  He couldn't change his twisted past, but he could try to improve his own future.

At a couple floors above, Mat moved carefully until he past along to the door to the outside.  After giving a quick glance around he entered into the outside on the top of the castle walls.

Making a short breath, Matrim looked over the edge over the wall and gave a quiet whistle.  It would not be fun climbing down this.  After giving one last breath, Matrim went over the edge and began scaling down.

The climb down turned out to be a little easier than he expected, until near the bottom where he lost his grip and almost fell the rest of it.  As soon as his feet touched the soil, Matrim broke into a sprint to the woods.  He would find that damn horse that ran with his supplies, then he would find the hunters.