Camilla sat back on the bed considering the question. She  watched Cydric for a moment, his hard body lit by the firelight. Her mind was still swimming from the conversation with Von Koneinswald. The Witch Hunters fears had been wide ranging and he had spoken of them in a matter of fact tone which had chilled her blood. She didn't pretend to be an expert on the faith of Sigmar but if it made a killer like Von Koneinswald nervous it was enough to have her try to climb out of her skin.

Picking up the hairbrush she began to brush her long black hair in slow smooth strokes. You were supposed to give it a hundred strokes everyday to keep it shining and she tried to follow the advice. After a moment it dawned on her that she was avoiding the question. She had taken off her vest and boots but was still dressed in her undershirt and trousers. Placing the brush down she crossed the room to Cydric and sat down in the other chair with a sigh.

[b]"It was the name,"[/b] she began, rising irritabley to pour herself a glass of the apple brandy in a bottle on the hearth. She drank it too fast, the liqour burning her throat as she tossed it off.

[b]"I didn't know what the word was in Reikspiel so I tried to ask you, but when I tried to speak it..."[/b] her voice trailed off as she shivered.

[b]"Suddenly I was on the ground and I couldn't breathe. I knew if I could just say the name everything would be ok,"[/b] she frowned realizing that wasn't quite true.

[b]"Better than ok, like somehow if I spoke the words I could be the Duchess of Pavona that all the wealth and security I wanted could be mine..."[/b] she trailed off again, knowing how insane it sounded.

[b]"I know it sounds strange. Anyway I couldn't make myself say it. I tried and tried but I couldn't breath and I couldn't make my mouth move. I guess I blacked out then.[/b]" She looked down, embarrassed. Then she lay her hand on Cydric's. It was surprisingly warm, though why such a thing should surprise her she didn't know.

[b]"Thank you for saving my life,[/b]" she murmured.

 Their eyes locked for a long moment and it grew unexpectedly intense. Just as she felt her body begin to move they were interrupted by a loud and frantic banging at the door.

[b]"Open up you Ostlander Bastard!"[/b] someone roared and there was the jangle of keys, [b]"I swear Ill kill you!"[/b]

[@POOHEAD189]