The Slave Master (Updated 01/02/05 @ 16:20pm CST)

[Nite Owl]

Author: Charmed LitWitch

Teaser:

The Slave Master

(What happens when one of the charmed ones is effected by a capture and enslavement? Can the slave be saved? What happens if the slave falls in love with the capteur and may not want to be saved? Will this be the end of the charmed ones as we know it?)

[Nite Owl]

The Slave Master

It has been two months since Phoebe and Cole were rescued from the alternate reality by a spell that Paige found in a book from Magick School. Piper is now approximately five months pregnant with Chris. Everything has been fairly quiet on the demon front. Phoebe and Piper have come to an understanding concerning Cole; as long as he stays on the straight and narrow they won’t interfere. Paige and Richard are still engaged, but due to all the time that Paige has spent away from him their relationship is somewhat strained.
Leo is still an elder; he is allowed to live with his family on earth because of his quick thinking in turning the sisters into Goddesses and courage in saving the few remaining elders from complete annihilation by the titans. The elders feel that Leo is served better by his own happiness; and so therefore they encourage him to spend as much time as he wishes on earth with his family. They know in the scheme of things that Leo’s time spent on earth is but a speck of dust in the passage of time as an elder.
Chris is still trying to write a spell that will allow him safe and discreet passage back and forth to the future; to check on his progress. The closer his impending birth becomes, the more distraught he is at not routing out the evil that gets to his brother.
The Crone has been biding her time. With Cole’s return she knows that the Underworld is his for the taking. She spends most of her time watching the charmed ones and waiting . . .

[Nite Owl]

Halliwell Manor
“Piper!” Paige orbed onto the first floor landing looking for Piper. “Piper!”<br> Piper was folding laundry downstairs humming to herself. She started to hiccup, so she laid down the little outfit she was folding of Wyatt’s and patted her swelling stomach. She smiled. Whenever little Chris didn’t like something she was doing, he gave her the hiccups. Paige orbed into the laundry room.
“Piper! I need your help.” Paige started to reach out to Piper. Piper took a step back.
“Hold on there missy, could ya tell me what’s up before you just grab me and orb?” Piper finished folding the outfit and laid it on top of the dryer.
“Richard went up against a demon trying to save an innocent and it’s not going well, I need your help. I can’t vanquish the demon and Richard is out of potions.” Paige was out of breath as she pleaded with Piper.
“Okay keep your thong on. Just let me go to the bathroom real quick, I swear this kid is playing drums with my bladder today.” Piper walked into the half bath in the hall.
“Just hurry, please.” Paige started pacing. ‘What in the world was Richard thinking? Ever since he saved that women on Valentines Day he just hadn’t been the same.’ Paige continued to pace, stopping only when she heard the toilet flush. Piper opened the door and stepped out.
“Ok, ready. Let’s go. Oh, did you check the book to see what kind of demon we’re up against?” Paige looked sheepish as she shook her head no.
“I didn’t have time. It’s not like Richard told me he was doing this I just sort of walked in on it.” Paige grabbed Piper’s wrist and orbed out.


Wolfram & Hart
San Francisco Office

“Hey honey.” Cole’s face lit up as he saw Phoebe stride into his office. “What brings you to my neck of the woods.” He leaned down and planted a loud kiss on her forehead.
“Well, for some reason I’m starving and I thought it would be nice to have lunch on this side of town with you.” Phoebe perched herself on the corner of Cole’s desk as he sat down in his chair re-arranging paperwork accordingly.
“Sounds good to me, can you give me a minute?” Cole stood and filed a briefing in the cabinet across from his desk. While he was up he decided to turn the blinds in his office up and lock the door so no one could see in or enter unannounced.
“What are you doing Coleridge?” Phoebe’s gaze followed him around the room as he closed all the blinds.
“Just making sure the busy bodies don’t get an eyeful when I ravage you on my desk.” Cole wiggled his eyebrows.
“Ravage me huh?” Phoebe feigned consideration. She jumped off the desk and mocked like she was about to shove everything off. “Sounds like a plan handsome.” Phoebe smiled wickedly.
“Now be gentle with that stuff. It’s hard enough trying to find things when they are in proper order.” Cole laughed as Phoebe straightened up and began to toss papers in one pile on his chair. Once the desk was fairly clear she jumped up laid back, unbuttoned her blouse a bit, struck a pose and said, “Take me lover, I’m yours.” She tossed her head back dramatically and waited.
Cole laughed. He couldn’t help it, she was so guileless. Damn, he loved this woman. When he didn’t move right away, Phoebe opened one eye to look at him. He shook his head and rolled his eyes.
“You are such a goofball.” He strode over to her, grabbed her legs and wrapped them around his waist as he leaned in to kiss her throat.
“Yeah, but you love me anyway.” Phoebe threw her head back to give him complete access to the column of her throat. Cole rained kisses from her nape down to her breasts and wouldn’t have stopped if someone behind them hadn’t cleared their throat.
“Ugh, Phoebe?” Chris stood turned sideways so as not to watch the Cole and Phoebe sex show.
“Chris!” Phoebe scrambled to get up, pushing Cole off and away from her. She held her shirt closed in front of her. “What are you doing here?”<br> “Ugh, well Mom and Paige have run into a little snag assisting Richard in vanquishing a demon and we could use some help.” Chris risked a side glance at his Aunt.
“Ok, hang on, let me get . . . myself together.” She jumped down and started feverishly buttoning her shirt.
“That’s fine, but it’s Cole they asked me to get.” Chris sheepishly looked up at the man he knew little about, but was beginning to admire greatly.
“Oh well, ok let’s go.” Cole was unexplainably flattered by the request. ‘Maybe Piper was warming to him a little?’ Phoebe finished straightening herself and Chris told them where Piper and Paige were. Chris orbed out while Cole grabbed Phoebe and shimmered.

[Nite Owl]

Richards Mansion
The demon was tall and thin, with a strange trunk like appendage protruding from his face where a human’s nose is located. So far, he was able to hold his own because he possessed the ability to move faster than the eye could see. Richard had cornered the demon in the drawing room of his huge house, where he had originally summoned it.
The hardwood flooring was damaged by the large pentacle painted in white in the center of the floor. Pyrite crystals were placed throughout the room to keep the demon contained. The demon was presently cowering behind a damask covered chair in the corner. Richard was breathing heavily not only from the exertion of attempting to vanquish this demon, but from the humiliation he felt by Paige having requested the help of her sisters and others. He felt betrayed by her and was not at all pleased about it.
Cole and Phoebe had shimmered in right behind Chris, who stood directly behind Piper. She was moving her hands in an attempt to freeze the demon, but he seemed to sense her every time and teleport himself out of the line of fire. Cole generated an energy ball in his hand waiting for someone to give him the go ahead.
Phoebe suddenly grabbed his arm to stop him. Something was off here. She couldn’t figure out exactly what, but she had yet to see the demon go on the offense. If anything he was just trying to defend himself. She stood apart from the others for a moment, closing her eyes in an effort to connect with it.
The demon stopped where he was, which had him hanging above them on the ceiling. He turned his head back and forth in a curious manner while assessing Phoebe. Then slowly he lowered him self to the floor, placing himself not two feet from in front of her.
“Nobody move.” Phoebe threw her right hand up to ward everyone off. “It’s okay, we aren’t going to hurt you.” The demon reached child like toward Phoebe eyeing her necklace. He clutched the triquetra in his hand and pulled, but it didn’t budge. Cole took a step forward in concern.
“No Cole. I’m fine. Stay back.” Phoebe reached up and unhooked the necklace and then opened the demons hand letting the chain coil neatly in it’s palm. She reached up and placed her hand on it’s face holding it there while she continued to probe it’s feelings.
“He means us no harm. He’s confused and doesn’t understand why he was brought here. He’s scared and wants to go home.” Phoebe looked over at Richard in disgust.
“Why are you so intent on killing this demon?” Phoebe waited for a response. Richard was hesitant. ‘Who the hell was Phoebe to question him?’<br> “I’m working for someone who came to me for help. They told me this was the demon that killed their child. They hired me to assassinate it.” Richard stood defiantly with his arms crossed over his chest.
“This demon didn’t do that. Your clients must be mistaken or have given you false information. This demon is peaceful and only wishes to go back to his realm.” She stopped speaking for a moment while she appeared to speak empathically with it. She laughed. “He doesn’t even know what a child is.” Phoebe gestured and made some noises and the demon nodded.
“We need to send him back now. His species survives on ants and they eat three quarters of the day. He already feels weak from lack of food.” Phoebe cut a rude glance at Richard.
“Chris could you orb him home?” Chris looked at Piper who looked from Phoebe back to Chris, she nodded her ascent. “Sure Phoebes, just have him tell me where.” Phoebe spoke with the demon for a moment silently and then relayed the information to Chris. He approached tentatively, then reached out to touch the demon and then orbed him out.
“I’m sorry guys. I thought this was much more critical than it was.” Paige looked over at Richard for a second before apologizing again for disturbing everybody’s day. Chris was back within a matter of minutes. Upon his return Piper and he then orbed home.
“I haven’t been formally introduced to Paige’s fiancée.” Cole leaned down to whisper to Phoebe.
“You aren’t missing much.” She whispered in his ear, then turned with a bright smile plastered on her face. “Richard this is Cole. Cole this is Paige’s fiancée since Christmas, Richard Montague.” Cole extended his hand in a genuine greeting. Richard smiled and shook Cole’s hand as they exchanged pleasantries.
“What has gotten into Richard Paige?” Phoebe pulled Paige aside.
“I have no clue. He seems to be on this ‘mission’ lately. He just keeps saying that he wants to save innocents like we do and to use his magick for good only.” Paige looked over at Richard and Cole speaking to each other.
“I am so sorry for ruining your day with this. When I came over here he made it sound like this demon was going to bring the apocalypse. I panicked, orbed to Piper and then when she got here and we couldn’t blow it up or freeze it, she sent Chris after Cole.” Paige shook her head. “I can’t believe Richard was going to kill that demon without checking to make sure it was truly evil or whatnot.” Phoebe noted the disgust in Paige’s voice and wondered how long it would be before Paige woke up and smelled the coffee with regard to Richard.

[Nite Owl]

Halliwell Manor

Leo had Wyatt tucked in for his afternoon nap. He leaned over the play pen and pulled the light blue blanket with the family insignia up to his little chin. He stood there for a minute admiring his first born; the most powerful magical being ever born. He thought, just lying there with his thumb in his mouth sleeping soundly. It was utterly amazing.
Piper found Leo hovering over Wyatt and her heart swelled with love. She stood in the doorway leaning against the jamb watching Leo watching Wyatt. She sighed. He’s got a nice butt, she thought. She smiled to herself. He always did though. Leo turned around as if he had read her thoughts.
“How did it go?” He ushered Piper out of Wyatt’s room as he whispered to her.
“Well, not good.” Piper turned and walked into their bedroom.
“What happened?” Leo sat down on the edge of the bed as Piper stood against their dresser with her arms crossed over her chest.
“Well, let’s see. Richard basically took a job from people he didn’t know; that hired him to kill a peaceful species of demon. Paige apparently orbed in on his attempts, panicked, came and got me. I of course in trusting Paige immediately began to try and blow it up, but it kept teleporting out of my range. Not once did the damn thing even attempt to fight back.” Piper shook her head. “When I realized that I wasn’t getting anywhere with it, I called for Chris and told him to go get Cole, thinking he could help us out. Phoebe was with him and she came along too. Good thing. She knew right away that he wasn’t evil; was scared and confused and just wanted to get back home.” Piper threw her hands in the air in disgust.
“Richard just stood there seething. I could tell that Paige was going to get an earful after we left. I’ll be surprised if their engagement makes it through the summer.”<br> “You actually asked for help from Cole?” Leo was beyond stunned.
“Yeah, . . .” Piper’s brow furrowed. “Why wouldn’t I? I mean he is a demon and all, I figured he might have known this creature.” Leo’s eye brows shot up.
“Last time I checked honey, you were just tolerating Cole; not looking to work with him.”<br> “Yeah, well . . . look it’s no secret I can’t stand him. It’s just that Phoebe loves him so much, and if she believes he’s good, then I’ve got to just suck it up and jump on the wagon; otherwise this household will forever be divided.”<br> Leo stood up and took Piper in his arms. “I think that is awfully brave and generous of you.” He hugged her tight as she snaked her arms around him. “I can sense a difference in him Piper and I’m glad you finally can too.”<br> “Well, don’t let it go to your head. All I did was just give the guy a chance. I can’t deny his love for Phoebe. He has proved that to us over and over again. I just worry about her is all. This family can not go through another 'Cole Turner betrayal'; it would really destroy us.” Piper laid her head on his shoulder.
“What do you say me and you check out the movies tonight? Do you think Chris or one of the girls would want to baby sit Wyatt?” Leo leaned back to look at Piper.
“That sounds really good right now; some unashamedly mindless escape suits me just fine.” Piper stepped out of his embrace and went into the bathroom. “Did I tell you that little Chris is liking the whole, ‘sit on Mommy’s bladder these days’?”<br> “No, you haven’t told me that. Should we go see a doctor?” Leo heard the toilet flush and the running of water as Piper washed her hands.
“No, it’s normal. Wyatt did it too, just not so much.” She exited the bathroom drying her hands on a towel.
“Who’s going to ask Chris to baby-sit?” Leo leaned in and kissed Piper.
“I guess I will, since you seem to be buttering me up.” They both laughed as Leo jumped on the bed and grabbed the remote to catch a little evening news.


Cole’s Cave

“Not that I don’t appreciate the plush surroundings that you have arranged for us; but don’t you think it’s time we found a real place to live?” Phoebe stepped out of the bathroom rubbing lotion on her arms. She was wearing a flimsy white negligee that left nothing to the imagination. Cole was lying with one arm behind his head; against the white pillows; his nakedness covered by the sheets.
Phoebe pushed aside the white gauze of the canopy overhang and slipped into the satin sheets. “Did you hear me Cole?” Phoebe turned on her side to look at him.
“It’s hard to concentrate on what you’re saying when you walk in front of the light and I can see your silhouette through that insane excuse for a night gown.” Cole turned to face Phoebe. “Yes, I guess we should look for a new place. I just don’t want to live anywhere near the penthouse we used to have, okay?”<br> Phoebe nodded laying her head on his chest. “Me neither.” They both lay there silent for a moment.
“You know there is something off about Paige’s fiancée. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is just something about him.” Cole mindlessly stroked his fingers over Phoebe’s shoulder.
“Yeah, well join the club on that one. I haven’t liked him from the get go and I don’t think Piper has either. You should have been here at Christmas. Piper was so pissed that Richard insisted we all go over to his place to celebrate. Piper didn’t even get to cook, you know because Richard has a fancy chef and people to do his bidding.” Phoebe sighed. “Piper loves to cook on the holidays since she no longer uses her culinary skills on a regular basis.”<br> “We couldn’t say anything to Paige. She was so happy. When we pulled up in his drive, they were making snow angels in the yard.”<br> “How is that possible? It doesn’t snow here.”<br> “Richard enchanted his property so that Paige could have a winter wonderland for Christmas. That’s when he proposed to her. You know he took her to Fiji for New Years Eve? Same place that Piper and Leo had been on their vacation last fall.”<br> “Where does he get all his money from?” Cole was intrigued. Things just didn’t seem to add up there.
“I don’t know. I guess it’s family money. He doesn’t seem to be hard pressed for cash, that’s for sure.” Phoebe snickered. “There was a time before I met you that I could have used a rich sugar daddy like Richard to take care of me.” She wiggled as he tickled her.
“Oh yeah? Was that before or after you got your first credit card?” She looked at him puzzled. “You know the one you bought that god awful workout buddy with.” Phoebe laughed.
“I wonder where that thing is now?” She shrugged, “probably in the basement somewhere. Yeah, I did get myself overextended for awhile, but Prue was always so great about making sure I never got behind. I think she went through all of my bills when I wasn’t home and paid them.” Phoebe sighed again. “I miss Prue.” Cole squeezed her reassuringly.
“Why haven’t you girls summoned her like you do your Mom and Grams?” Cole kissed her forehead.
“I guess her death was just a little too fresh for us to think of that. I wonder what Piper would think about it.” Phoebe shot up in bed excitedly. “Wouldn’t it be nice if we could introduce Prue to Paige? I wonder if she knows? I should go and see what Piper thinks.” She started to jump out of bed, but Cole grabbed her by the waist.
“No you don’t. It’s late and besides you can’t leave me in this condition.” He looked pointedly down at his waist. Phoebe started laughing.
“Oh, poor Cole!” She leaned back and laid on his chest; grabbed his face with both hands and brought his mouth down to hers. Deciding to be more than a little wicked she thrust her tongue into his mouth surprising him. He quickly checked his surprise as desire for her quickened him. He extracted his mouth from hers; breathless. For just a moment he stared at her smoldering eyes and swollen lips as he tried to catch his breath.
“You wicked little witch you.” Cole rolled with Phoebe so that she straddled him; lifting the flimsy excuse she wore up and over her head. He threw it without regard to the foot of the bed as Phoebe leaned in and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Wicked, am I? Well then, what does that make you?” Phoebe rained kisses over his throat and chest. Cole gasped and then let his breath out slowly.
“A goner.” He said without thinking, as the throaty laugh she gave enveloped him.

[Nite Owl]

Richards Mansion

Richard hadn’t said a word to Paige after the last of her family had left. He had ordered his servants to clean the drawing room and set everything to rights immediately. He sat in his study swirling a glass of brandy staring into the fireplace. He knew that Paige was still in the house; he just didn’t know where exactly. He wasn’t the least bit happy with her at the moment. She had no right summoning her family to his vanquish!
He slammed his hand on the desk and cursed. Standing sluggishly he walked over to the bureau to pour himself some more brandy. If there was one thing he could do well and without her help, it was getting drunk. He pushed the crystal top into the decanter and walked back over to his desk. He certainly didn’t pay any mind to the slight weaving in his step, nor the blurry sight of his desk and chair.
The clock in the foyer struck the late hour. Paige sat in the family room at the back of the house waiting for Richard to come and find her. She was beginning to think that he wouldn’t come to her at all. She studied the ring on her left finger; worried it with her thumb so that it spun back and forth. She had the television on, but the sound was so low she really couldn’t hear it. She sighed. What should she have done? She had thought he was being attacked! A tear made its way down her cheek. She was so lost in her thoughts, she didn’t hear Richards approach.
“Oh, you make such a pathetic picture sitting all alone in my house crying for me.” Richard sneered at Paige as he stood there, holding his brandy.
“I’m sorry Richard. What was I supposed to do? I thought you were going to be killed.” Paige looked up at his bleary eyes.
“I was fine Paige. If you had bothered to stay out of my business you wouldn’t have needed to bring your family into it.” Richard took the last of the drink in one huge swallow. Paige hung her head.
Richard managed to seat himself clumsily in a chair across from Paige. “You had no right bringing them here! I had everything under control. Those people paid me to do a job, not you and certainly not the power of three!” Spittle flew as he yelled. “Your sisters are probably sneering behind my back. ‘Poor pathetic Richard, can’t even vanquish a harmless demon!” He threw the glass across the room. The glass shattered against the stone fireplace and fell to the floor.
“I don’t think I like you like this Richard!” Paige stood up from the couch and attempted to leave the room. Richard jumped up and blocked her path in a surprising display of coordination and quickness. She could smell the liquor on his breath as he got in her face.
“Did I say you could leave?” Paige took a step back.
“You’re drunk Richard. Let’s just talk about this tomorrow?” Richard advanced on her.
“So what if I’m drunk! Aren’t I allowed a little ‘down time’ Paige? Oh no, I forgot. Perfect Paige has to have the perfect boyfriend; no drunken displays, no misuse of magick and certainly no embarrassing foul ups, right?” Paige kept walking backwards as Richard stalked her. “I’ve got news for you Paige.” He spat her name out. “Life ain’t always perfect!” With that he shoved her up against the wall pinning her mouth with his drunken kiss.
He felt her breast over her shirt roughly with one hand and tried to unzip his pants with his other. Paige shoved Richard as hard as she could, but he was too strong. She fought and scratched, but still he didn’t budge. She started to panic.
“This isn’t you Richard! Stop it!” She was crying hysterically. With out thinking she brought her knee up and slammed it as hard as she could in his groin. Richard fell like a log to the ground, holding himself; cursing her every name in the book.
“You filthy harlot!” Now that he was no longer touching her she could safely orb away.
“I’m sorry Richard.” She sobbed; then left him lying there as she ascended in a bright white trail of orbs.

[Nite Owl]

Halliwell Manor
Later that same evening . . .



“Leo! Wake up!” Piper whispered as she nudged Leo. “Somebody’s crying.” Piper jumped out of bed, grabbing her robe and tossing it on negligently as she walked across the room to the door. Leo sat up in bed quickly concentrating.
“Piper!” He whispered. “It’s Paige.” He stopped, seeming as if to tap into some cosmic information superhighway in his brain. “She’s in a lot of pain.” He closed his eyes for minute. “It’s not physical. Do you want me to come?”<br> Piper shook her head no and quietly slipped out of their bedroom and down the hall to Paige’s. She listened outside the door for a minute before turning the knob and entering.
“What wrong honey?” Paige was lying face down in the middle of her bed sobbing. Piper sat down on the edge and stroked a hand over her face, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Paige’s ear. “I can help if you let me.”<br> “It’s Richard.” She choked out. “He went ballistic after you guys left. He started drinking and . . and. . .” Paige hesitated knowing that Piper would possibly be incited to kill him.
“And what Paige?” Piper said sternly. “What did he do to you?” Piper held herself completely still. She had a sinking feeling that what Paige was about to tell her was going to tear her heart out. ‘Oh god, please don’t let it be that.’ She thought to herself.
“He was just really angry Piper. I have never seen him like that.” Paige wiped her nose on her pillowcase. Piper made mental note to strip Paige’s bed tomorrow.
“What did he do Paige?”<br> “He tried to . . . force himself on me.” She looked up at Piper through teary lashes. Then she hastened to finish. “He was drunk Piper. He didn’t know what he was doing. He didn’t hurt me. I kicked him where it counts before he could.” Piper jumped off the bed.
“That son of a b*tch! Where does he get off trying to hurt my little sister!” She started pacing. “Oh I’ll show him.” Paige started to panic.
“Piper! Please don’t do anything. This is my problem. He didn’t know what he was doing. He was drunk like I said. Please Piper, this is my problem.” Paige sat up and looked down at her hands neatly folded in her lap. “He didn’t hurt me. Just drop it.”<br> “The hell I will. Richard has got to know he can’t get away with this!” Piper slammed out of Paige’s room and trotted downstairs. Paige quickly jumped off the bed and followed her.
“Piper! Wait up. What are you doing?”<br> “I’m going to get into my car, drive over to that bastards house, freeze him and then I’m going to smash his frozen body parts one by one . . . starting with the one he tried to force on you!” Piper grabbed her keys off the foyer table.
Paige stepped in front of Piper at the front door. “No, you’re not! This is my problem. He’s my fiancée, for Christ’s sake! I’ll handle this. He just needs some time to cool off. Please. Just stay out of it.” Piper took a step backward.
“Paige, . . . I know you love him, but this is unacceptable.” Piper hesitated before continuing. “No matter what the circumstances he can’t treat you like this. Honey, you can’t possibly want this life.” Piper grabbed Paige’s hands. “You are better than this.”<br> Paige nodded and hugged Piper. “I know.” They stood there in the foyer; Piper offering what little comfort she could and Paige tearfully accepting.


**Oh and by the by, I always post whether I get feedback or not.** As always, I'm incredibly flattered that anybody reads my little stories. Thank you all!

[Nite Owl]

Chris overheard the entire exchange downstairs. He knew in his heart that something had to be done about Richard. He slammed one fist into the palm of his other hand and cursed. He turned and orbed out of his room in a fury.

Richards Mansion


Chris found Richard lying face down diagonal on his bed snoring loudly. A bottle of rum lay on the floor half empty in a small puddle. Chris kicked the bottle across the room, but without the desired effect of waking Richard he was growing even more frustrated.
“Get up you dirt bag!” Chris stood feet apart in front of Richard’s face. Richard didn’t stir. Chris used his foot to nudge Richard none to kindly on the shoulder.
“I said get up, now!” Chris took a step back. Richard opened one eye and then the next trying to focus on the source of his disturbance.
“Chris?” Richard rolled over and stared at the ceiling. “What are you doing here?” He rubbed his hands over his face trying to wake up quickly. Alarmed, he quickly sat up. “Is something wrong with Paige? Has she been attacked?” Chris stood there with his arms crossed over his chest.
“You could say that. Get up.” Chris walked around the bed and stood in the middle of the room ready to fight. Richard jumped instantly to his feet in a panic.
“Where is she? What happened? Oh god, it’s all my fault. She probably went off somewhere half cocked.” Richard searched around looking for his shoes, tossing aside clothing and opening drawers.
“Paige is fine.” Chris was wound tighter than a spring. “Who do you think you are attacking Paige like you did last night?” Richard stopped what he was doing and turned around slowly.
“I didn’t do anything to Paige, . . did I? I mean she’s not hurt is she?” Richard stood waiting with dread. ‘Oh god, I don’t remember. What the hell did I do to her?’<br> “Like I said Paige is fine. It’s you that isn’t going to be.” Chris took a threatening step forward as he gestured with his hand and sent Richard flying limply against the wall. He fell in a heap amid a desecrated chair.
“Wait a minute Chris. Just wait!” Richard tried to catch his breath as he stood up. “What happened? What did I do?”<br> “You mean to tell me you don’t remember almost raping your own fiancée?” Chris gestured nonchalantly again and Richard hit the ceiling causing a large dent before he fell in a shower of dust to the floor coughing.
“Chris wait a minute damnit! I wouldn’t do that to Paige. I love her.” Chris swung his arm wide and sent Richard flying through the window where he fell two stories to the ground.
“She doesn’t need your kind of love.” With that Chris orbed out of the mansion.


Halliwell Manor

“Hey! Who used all the hot water again?!” Leo stepped out of the shower shivering. This was the third time that week that some one had beaten him to the punch for the hot water. As he dried off he determined that this was the last time. He was going to buy a second water heater whether Piper liked it or not.
He dressed quickly in a pair of cargo green khaki’s and light green shirt. He combed his hair, noting that the last cut he’s gotten had left it a little shorter than usual. Trotting down stairs he found Piper dressed in the kitchen.
“Hey, your up. Good. I want you to try these.” Piper laid a plate of pancakes in front of Leo at the breakfast bar.
“They smell good, what’s different about them?” He sat down and dug in.
“Well, I added a few ingredients just to change it a bit. I’m thinking about expanding the club a bit to include brunch on Sundays. You know a trendy little place to party all night and then get together for brunch.” She shrugged. “I’m just thinking out loud, trying to come up with more idea’s for us to make a little extra money so we don’t have to worry about it.” She stood with the spatula in one hand and an oven mitt in the other.
“These are great honey.” Leo closed his eyes as he savored his next bite. “I think brunch is a good idea. We could open up the upper level for that, maybe put some seating outside.”<br> “Ooh, that is exactly what I was thinking.” She walked over to him and leaned in for a kiss. “Great minds think a like.” Chris orbed in as Leo kissed Piper for a good long minute.
“Jeez, do you guys always have to be doing that stuff?” Chris screwed his face in disgust.
“How do you think you came along smarty pants?” Piper leaned back and patted her growing stomach. Just then the elders jingled for Leo.
“I’ve got to run, it’s sounds pretty urgent.” Leo stood quickly depositing his dishes in the sink, grabbing Piper around the middle for a quick kiss and then ruffling Chris’s hair before he orbed out.
Chris made a face, although he was secretly please at the outward display of affection from his father. He sat down in the place Leo had vacated.
“You’re up early this morning.” Piper flipped a few more pancakes onto a plate with some bacon. She handed the plate to Chris before stepping over to the fridge to pour some orange juice for him.
“Yeah, well I had some unfinished business to take care of, no biggie.” Chris took a bite.
“Well?” Piper stood waiting for a response from Chris.
“Well what? I told you I had something I had to do. It’s done now.” Chris took another bite.
“No that you nut, the pancakes. How are they?” Piper rolled her eyes.
“Oh, there awesome. Why are you fishing for compliments? You know their good, everything you make is good.” Chris continued to clear his plate.
“It’s a new recipe.” Piper glowed and went about making some more for Paige and herself.
“Well, it’s good. Can I have some more?” Chris licked his fork before picking his plate up and handing it back to Piper.


The Lake Dungeon

The Crone stood around the seeing pool watching the scenes play out . She had them each divided by sister. In one scene Phoebe and Cole slept soundly in their love nest. In the other Paige lay silently crying in her bedroom staring up at the ceiling. In the third scene Piper and her son were having breakfast. The Crone cackled.
She waved her hand and the images disappeared. Two minion demons knelt by her.
“Get up you lazy sots!” She kicked one with the toe of her wooden shoe. “I have a job for you.”<br> The demons stood. “We are at your service.” They bowed their heads.
“I need you to take this potion and empty the contents into the male witches drink. Make sure you are not seen.” With that the demons bowed out of the room and were off to do her bidding.

Richards Mansion

Leo found Richard near death on the ground in front of a hedge of roses. He could clearly see that Richard had fallen from the second story window. Quickly he laid his hands over Richard’s body and began to heal him from the inside out.
Richard sat up coughing and sputtering. He had the sensation of falling for a moment and grabbed Leo by the shirt for a second.
“It’s ok Richard, you’re fine. What happened here?” Leo stood and held a hand out for Richard to get up.
“I don’t know.” Richard shook his head to clear it. The last think he remembered was Chris waking him up and then . . . he shuddered.
“Nothing. I must have tripped or something.” He dusted himself off. “Thank god, you found me Leo.” Leo studied Richard for a moment.
“Yeah, I guess it’s a good thing I did.” He paused. “That was some trip you must have had.” Leo looked up at the window and then back down at Richard. He knew Richard wasn’t telling him the truth.
“Yeah, well I had a little too much to drink last night. I’m sure Paige told you I got a little rough with her. I didn’t mean to.” Leo shook his head.
“That’s between you and Paige. Just don’t hurt her. If you do, I will not be able to keep her sisters from hurting you.”<br> “So, how did you know that I needed help?” They walked around to the front of the house.
“I got a call from the elders.” Leo studied the pavement as they walked.
“Oh yeah? Hmmm . . . I didn’t know I rated any interest from them.” Richard opened the front door and gestured for Leo to follow him in.
“Well, let’s just say they had heard you were interested in saving innocents. They find that most admirable, coming from a witch who had previously been using magick against other witches. They asked me to keep an eye on you and to assist you when necessary.”<br> Richard paused in the foyer. Slowly he turned back to face Leo.
“Are you telling me that you’re going to be my whitelighter now?” Richard held his breath.
“It seems so.” Leo smiled and patted Richard on the back. “The girls don’t know yet. I thought I would let you tell Paige first.”<br>

[Nite Owl]

Richard winced a bit. “Leo, do you know what happened last night between me and Paige?” Leo looked puzzled for a moment.
“I know that you all must have had a fight or something because Paige came home crying and hasn’t really stopped since. I figured you guys had a lovers quarrel.” Richard hung his head.
“That’s only part of it. I got really drunk last night and even though I don’t really remember the details I apparently tried to force myself on Paige.” Leo took a step back.
“You what?”<br> “Like I said, I don’t remember much. I think I got a little rough with Paige and I’m afraid she won’t forgive me.” Leo sucker punched Richard in the face and laid him flat out on the marble floor.
“I told you not to ever hurt Paige. You’re lucky I didn’t know about this before I healed your ass, or I might not have.” With that Leo orbed out.
Richard laid there holding his face as a thin trickle of blood oozed through his fingers. He didn’t notice the two demons shimmer into his office holding a bottle of rum. There they poured the contents of the vial the Crone had given them into the bottle, shook it up and left it on the desk. Once done they both shimmered out.


Sorry it took so long to update folks. Job interviews, finals for Spring Semester and life in general just got in the way. Woo hoo though one whole month before summer semester starts. Hope you like.

[Nite Owl]

Halliwell Manor

Piper stood outside of Paige’s room holding a tray filled with pancakes, orange juice and bacon. She could hear Paige sniffling on the other side and she longed to just take her sisters pain as her own. Taking a deep breath she tapped on the door with her foot.
“Paige? I’ve got some breakfast for you. Open the door honey, my hands are full.” Piper heard Paige’s bed squeak as she assumably got up. The door opened and a bleary eyed Paige turned and walked back over to the bed.
“Thanks Piper, but I’m not really hungry.” She sat down drawing her knees to her chin protectively.
“Paige you can’t just stop eating. I won’t bother you anymore . . . well for awhile if you just eat this.” Piper laid the tray on the night table. Paige just sat there staring off into space. Piper smoothed a hand over her copper colored hair. “You know I’m here for you, just to listen if that’s all you need.” Paige nodded, turning her head away as fresh tears began to fall.
Realizing that she was not going to get anymore of a response from Paige, Piper turned and quietly closed the door as she left the room. She could hear Paige sniffling again and it tore at her heart.
Deciding quickly that she was NOT going to let her little sister suffer anymore over Richard, Piper took the stairs to the attic two at a time. There she pulled the small cauldron from the top shelf. Gathering a plethora of herbs and various magickal ingredients she quickly and quietly went about her potion. Only the tiniest pang of guilt tinged her thoughts at using using magick for self-gain. She scoffed heavenward, her eyes squinting just so; daring the elders to call her on the carpet for this. ‘After everything we’ve done for them, they need to get over themselves.’ In less than fifteen minutes she tossed the last ingredient and in a puff of acrid violet colored smoke the potion was done.
She grabbed a glass vial from the cabinet drawer and carefully poured the hot purple liquid in, plugging the vial with cork. Satisfied at a job well done, she slipped the potion into her apron, smoothed the loosed strands of hair and started for the stairs.


The Lake Dungeon

“Well?!” The Crone hovered menacingly over the seeing pool as the two demons shimmered in. “I was unable to see. I’m having a bit of difficulty with this thing today. How did it go?” She pointed her haggard face toward the demons. They took a step back.
“We placed the contents of the vial into the witches choice beverage as instructed.”<br> “Good, good. And you left the bottle within his reach?”<br> “Aye, we did . . . seer.”<br> “Well done then. It will only be a matter of time.” The Crone circled the seeing pool. “Be gone with you until I have need of you again.” With a wave of her walking stick the demons faded into the cave interior.
“Come out, come out wherever you are.”<br> “You are too clever old woman.” Shanara sashayed herself into the inner sanctum of the Crone feeling right at home.
“It’s been a long time young one.” The Crone cackled and shuffled to greet the beautiful young woman.
“It has indeed, old friend. I’m glad you summoned me.” Both women briefly hugged each other. “I’m curious though, since it has been so long. What need do you have of my services?” Shanara snapped her fingers and conjured a gold inlaid throne with teal colored cushions. Without breaking eye contact with the Crone, she gracefully seated herself.
“I have someone for you. Someone whom I think will please you.”<br> “Oooh, I’m intrigued. Male or female?”<br> “Definitely male.” The Crone shuffled over to her perch and gently laid her bones to rest.
“Oooh, even better. Human, demon or other?” Shanara’s eagerness was mounting.
“Two out of the three at least. What does it matter?”<br> “It doesn’t. I’m just trying to prolong the anticipation. That’s the best part you know.”<br> “So I’ve seen.”<br> “When do I get to take possession?” Shanara leaned forward anxiously.
“Not yet. The final stages of my plan are coming together. I just wanted you to be prepared.” The Crone cackled to herself. ‘Everything was coming along nicely.”<br>

Halliwell Manor

“Piper?!” Phoebe tossed her jacket and purse on the bench in the foyer stopping only long enough to listen for a response. “Paige?! Is anybody home?”<br> Piper stepped quickly into the foyer, motioning for Phoebe to be quiet as she held her finger to her lips. Phoebe cocked her head the side in question, following Piper quietly into the kitchen.
“What’s with all the racket Phoebes?
“What’s with all the quiet? This place feels like a tomb today. What is going on?” Phoebe starting looking at the ceiling, cocking her head to and fro as if listening for some sound no one else could hear. Before Piper could answer she exclaimed. “Oh my god! It’s Paige! Something’s happened. I can totally feel it now.” The pained expression on her face made Piper grimace. “Ok Piper spill it. These vibes I’m getting aren’t good.”<br> “She had a spat with Richard.” Piper turned her back not sure if Paige would appreciate Phoebe knowing.
“This is no spat I’m getting. This is full on frontal depression, remorse and . . . wait a minute. What are you up to?” Phoebe pinpointed Piper with her narrowed gaze.
“Me?! I’m not up to anything.” Piper started to back away. “Why are you looking at me like that?”<br> “Because you are the world’s worst liar Piper.” Phoebe laughed, relaxing a little. “Come on give over. What is really going on around here?”<br>

[Nite Owl]

Richard’s Mansion

Having stumbled to his feet again, Richard sat heavily in his desk chair. He reached for the bottle of Rum, more out of habit than want or need. He bit down on the cork and pulled with his teeth, spitting it out with complete disregard. He sighed and took a swig from the bottle. ‘What have I done? Paige will never forgive me. Leo will probably ask the elders to find me a new white lighter or worse ask them to consider changing their minds about me.’<br> He ran his fingers through his blood matted hair and winced at a fresh wave of pain. He took another swig, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, then closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair. ‘Chris was right. I’m nothing but a dirt bag. Paige deserves much better.’ He drank deeply this time consuming more than half of the contents.
He watched through heavy lids as one of the maids went about her business in the hall, cleaning the hardwoods and dusting the furniture. He thought to himself briefly that she was lovely to watch. Slim hips swayed back and forth as she went from one piece to the next. He smiled crookedly to himself, like the sloppy drunk he was.
The pain started to lessen a little as he slipped a little further into a stupor. ‘It was almost hypnotic watching those hips,’ was his last thought before he lost consciousness. The bottle hit the floor with a loud thud. The maid turned quickly at the noise; saw that Richard was out and quickly entered the study making sure no one was watching.
Closing the door behind her with a nod of her head, she morphed while approaching Richard, into her preferred style of dress. She pulled the chair away from his desk so as to circle him for close inspection. Delighted beyond expectation she summoned a scarf with the snap of her fingers. With the slightest effort of her outstretched forefinger, she directed the teal colored scarf to bind his hands. Like a snake, the sheer material wound itself around and around Richard’s hands.
Shanara’s eyes twinkled in excitement as she gleefully bounced on her slippered feet, turning a quick pirourette. “This mortal witch is going to please me to no end. I will be the envy of every female at court.” With that she reached out and laid her hand gently on his unshaven face and blinked out.

Lake Dungeon

Pleased with her cunning, at ridding a charmed one of her beloved, the Crone was smugly seated in front of her seeing pool watching Shanara work her magicks. She moved her decrepit hand through the water to change scenes. She watched as two of the witches congregated in their kitchen. The third lay crying on her bed upstairs. The Crone laughed. ‘You’ll really have something to cry about when you find out your fiancée is nowhere to be found!’<br> Cole shimmered into the dungeon.
“What are you so pleased about?”<br>He sauntered, watching her with a weary gaze. The Crone cringed as she hastily sifted her hand through the water to discard the images.
“A job well done is always something to be pleased about, your liege.” She bowed her head in greeting.
Cole’s jaw line tightened. “I have told you repeatedly not to call me that!” He said menacingly while he circled the musty room. He ran his fingers over dust-covered surfaces as if contemplating them.
“You must be up to something.” He held up a dirty finger.
“A little dust never hurt anyone.” The Crone said defensively.
“True, but that isn’t what makes me think you’re up to something.”<br> The Crone shifted nervously in place. “Just potions and glamour’s today for the market. Sorry to disappoint.” She shrugged her small frame.
“I’m not so easily convinced old woman.” He hesitated, giving her time to squirm wondering what he knew or didn’t know. “For now you need to remember I’m watching you. Stay away from the Charmed ones and we won’t have any problems. Is that clear?” The Crone rolled her eyes and Cole took that as acknowledgement and shimmered out. He wasn’t the least bit convince that the Crone would heed his warning. On the contrary he felt it was more important than ever to keep up his surveillance of her.

[Nite Owl]

Halliwell Manor

Phoebe followed Piper from the kitchen to the solarium like a dog on her heels. “Come on Piper her depression is permeating the house. Just tell me how she got like this.”<br> Piper sighed and sat heavily in one of the two wicker Princess chairs. There was nothing for it; Phoebe was going to drive her nuts unless she spilled.
“Alright, sit down.” Phoebe eagerly obeyed. Just as Piper was about to speak, Paige walked in. Her face was ravaged from crying and she was still in the same clothing as the night before; wrinkled and tear stained.
“It’s ok Piper. You can tell her.” Paige wearily took a seat on the chaise. Phoebe and Piper exchanged looks that silently communicated their concern for their sister. Piper unconsciously rolled the vial in her pocket and then stood.
“I’ll get you some tea honey. You two talk.” With that Piper left for the kitchen.
“Ok, spill Paige. You’re making my head hurt with all the painfully raw emotions.” Phoebe grabbed her temple for emphasis.
Paige worried her bottom lip as she drew her knees up to her chin. A single tear made it’s lonely course down her cheek. She was too tired to wipe it away. She closed her eyes for a moment, took a deep breath.
“Richard was incredibly upset with me yesterday for calling you all to help. He drank a little too much. We had words. He got a little physical and I orbed out.”<br> Phoebe narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean he got a little ‘physical.’”
“Just that.” Paige sighed exasperatedly. “He was drunk, he didn’t know what he was doing. We fought. I left. End of story.” Paige couldn’t look Phoebe in the face.
“Ok Paige. Is there anything I can do to help?” Phoebe knew when to push and this wasn’t the time. She knew enough from what Paige said and her own empathy to get the gist, she could always get clarification from Piper later. “Why don’t I go upstairs and draw you a nice hot bath? That will give Piper plenty of time to whip up some culinary delight for you.” Paige nodded.
“That sounds good, Phoebe.” Phoebe stood and headed for the stairs. “Thanks.” The tears fell freely of their own accord. Phoebe turned back just long enough to smile then mounted the stairs at a jog.
Piper entered the solarium with a tray full of cookies and steaming green tea. She had Paige’s cup already prepared as she set the tray down. Paige smiled briefly before taking the proffered cup and hugging the warmth to her. Piper poured herself a cup and they each sat in silence as the other drank. Piper stole glances at Paige through her lashes and smiled to herself as Paige finished the last of the cup.
“I’m going to go up and take a bath. Phoebe was kind enough to run it for me.” Paige stood, stretched a bit as if just waking from a fit sleep and turned toward the stairs.
“Thanks Piper. That tea really hit the spot. I feel so much better.” With a lighter step than she had entering the room Paige took the stairs eagerly.


Wolfram & Hart
San Francisco Office

Cole knew without a shadow of doubt that the Crone was hiding something. This was the second or third time he had surprised her with a visit and the air around her vibrated with evil intent. He shook his head and threw the pencil he had been tapping on his desk across the office. ‘I have to find out what she’s about. Otherwise Piper will never trust me and Phoebe will never allow herself to fully love me.’ He sighed.
“Mr. Turner? Your four o’clock appointment cancelled. They’ve rescheduled for next week.” The slightly high pitched voice of Cole’s secretary, Harmony filtered through the speaker. Cole hit the button.
“No problem. Listen, Harmony, I’m leaving early today. Would you forward my messages to my cell?”<br> “Uhm . . . all calls or just the important ones?” Harmony twirled her hair around a pen.
“Only the important ones.” Cole smile and rolled his eyes, she was a hoot.
“Ok, but which ones are important?”<br> Cole hesitated before answering, not sure if she actually asked him that. “Just send all of my calls to the cell phone Harmony and that will be all.” He hit the button to shut off any further conversation.
In the meantime Harmony sat out front talking to herself as she stood to file paperwork. ‘The least he could have done was tell me which ones were important. I mean it’s not like it would have taken that much effort on his part. What a jerk, cutting me off like that. He’s lucky I don’t do evil anymore or I’d be tempted to bite him.’ She flipped her long blonde hair around as she turned to sneak a peek at Cole through the windows.
‘He does have nice hair though and he treats me way better than Angel ever did.’ She cocked her head to the side as she slid the file drawer in place. ‘And I don’t have to make sure there’s fresh blood for him every morning, or coffee for that matter. He always gets it himself. That’s pretty progressive I guess.’<br> She sat back down and started typing. ‘I wonder where Angel is? I hope he’s not still pissed at me for sleeping with Hamilton.’ She pulled the paper through the typewriter. ‘It was awfully nice of him to give me that recommendation, at least I was able to transfer here.’ She stopped typing as her attention was riveted elsewhere. ‘Oh look at those shoes! Ooh I wonder where she got them? Oh damn I broke a nail.’ Harmony put her finger in her mouth. She jumped up quickly and shuffled around her desk.
“Hey Shannon?! Great shoes. Where did you get them?” Both women walked off down the hallway chatting amiably.

[Nite Owl]

Chapter Nineteen
Alternate Dimension
Keroway Kastle

Richard lay on a small cot sleeping soundly. His hands were unbound across his chest as it rose and fell steadily. Shanara watched from across the room, wondering silently how quickly her luck had changed. The old Crone really came through for her this time, she thought as she admired her captive.

She sat with her legs crossed unconscientiously playing with a strand of her long, dark, curly hair. She sighed, impatient for the witch to wake. Music filtered through the stone walls. She knew that the first guests had started to arrive. The King would not be pleased if she was late. She sighed again.

Richard could hear the strains of music weave through his dream. He felt disconnected as if he were floating or dancing on clouds. Straining to catch another glimpse of Paige through the fog of his dream, he reached out to her. She turned and winked at him before she moved forward out of his reach. He called for her.

“Paige.” His eyes started to open slowly, trying in vain to adjust to his surrounding. He reached for his head as it throbbed in rhythm to his heart, causing him untold pain.

“Good you’re awake.”<br>
“Where am I?” Richard slowly sat up and turned to address the female who spoke.

“You don’t need to concern yourself with trivials. All you need to know is that you are with me. It would do you well to remember that, especially this evening. Stand up.” Shanara stood as Richard slowly got to his feet.

“Who are you?” He held his temple, wincing with each jolt of pain.

“Most people call me Shanara, but you can call me Master.”<br>
“Master?! The hell I will!” Richard said indignantly.

Shanara snapped her fingers and conjured a steaming bath. “Please undress quickly. I will leave you to bathe. You have fifteen minutes.” With that she blinked out of the room.

Richard shook the cobwebs from his head and surveyed the room.

‘Where in hell am I?’ He studied the stone walls, the cotton covered cot and the cobble stoned floor. Unsure of what would happen if he didn’t comply, he decided quickly to follow orders.

Shanara paced outside the door of Richards cell. She was now garbed in the traditional colors of her house, and wore the insignia of her station in the small tiara atop her head. The gown hugged every lush curve and twinkled with hand sewn beads and jewels. The white and silver material clung to her hips and dipped at her breasts, flashing just enough flesh to excite and entice the male imagination.

The sleeves were long and hung down from her wrists in floor length points perfectly in unison with the train that trailed behind. Her small feet were adorned with matching slippers, encrusted with an array of diamond like jewels that flashed icy winks at any onlooker. Sitting snugly around her neck and dipping to the peaks of her breasts were the most beautiful diamonds one would dare to imagine.

Smoothing a stray strand of hair back into the elaborate up do she’d fashioned, Shanara heard a curse and a thud beyond the door. Quickly she looked down the stone spiral staircase to be sure no one else would be alerted. Confident the guards at the bottom were oblivious, she blinked back into the small holding cell.

Richard lay sprawled naked on the cold stone floor. He was too busy lamenting his fate and cursing the indignity of having slipped while exiting the tub, to notice Shanara’s bright eyes round with shock. He jumped to his feet and reached for the towel hanging on the side of the tub.

“You could knock you know.” Richard angrily knotted the towel around his waist. “It’s not polite to sneak up on people.”<br>
Shanara looked away in an effort to recover her thoughts. Pleased more than ever at her good fortune, she steeled her expression and turned to face him.

“As your master, I can come and go as I please. Now if you are through fumbling I have a few rules before we go.”<br>
“Wait a minute sister.” Richard moved threateningly toward Shanara. As he did she snapped her fingers and his towel was replaced in an instant with the dress clothes that had previously been folded on his cot.

“You can’t just yank me out of my house and get away with it. You’re not my master.”<br>
“I beg to disagree. Now the rules. First and foremost, please do not address me as master in public. You will act the part of my courtesan, and escort. It is quite the privilege to be seen with me. For the most part you will remain quiet and attentive. Secondly, when we are announced you will hold your head high and lead me to the King. It is there that we will be presented, then we will join the others for the required dance. Thirdly, if addressed directly you will maintain that you are of a similar station in another kingdom. Let’s see where shall you be from?” She tapped her toe lightly in thought.

“Ah, yes. We’ll keep it simple. You are Sir Richard of Earth.”<br>
“Hang on a minute. Let me get this straight. I’m your captive and am to address you as Master except tonight, where I will pretend to be this Sir Richard? What if I don’t agree? What if I just tell this King that you kidnapped me, or better yet, what if I just refuse to go?” Richard turned and sat heavily on his cot, his headache forgotten.

“I’m not the least bit worried about that. You see, if you put one toe out of line tonight I will just have to tell everyone here that you are a witch, and that you placed me under a spell.” Shanara cocked one eyebrow in confidence.

“Big deal. I am a witch. Who would care if you told them that?”<br>
“Oh, that’s right you don’t know what we do to witches here, do you. Perhaps a small glimpse?” Shanara snapped her fingers and the wall opposite Richard blurred into a series of images. As it cleared Richard could see posters and signs that read ‘Kill The Witches,’ he could see stakes that held the heads of identified witches and then he watched as two men and a woman were lead onto a wooden plank where they were each hung in turn. Their lifeless bodies left to sway in the breeze.

Apalled at the images, Richard’s sat watching with a horrified expression as Shanara waved her hand and made them disappear.

“That should be incentive enough for you to keep your mouth shut. Now are you ready?”<br>
Repulsed by her outstretched arm he reluctantly took it and walked out of the room. As they descended the spiral stone staircase, he could hear the revelry getting louder and more festive. He leaned in to whisper.

“You said I was to be Sir Richard from Earth, does that mean . . .?”<br>
Shanara patted his hand. “You are no longer on your world at all. Now smile, we are about to make a splash this evening.”<br>
The guards at the bottom of the stairs clicked their heels to attention as Richard glided Shanara past. They stood for a brief moment at the entrance to a grand ballroom as Shanara spoke softly to an older man that held some kind of official scroll. As Richard stole a glance he watched as his name was magically inscribed on the beige parchment.

“May I present to you, Princess Shanara Keroway and her escort, Sir Richard of Earth!” The older man stood at attention as all eyes in the room turned to Richard.

‘Princess! What the hell was going on here and where the hell am I?’!

***Note*** I apologize for the formatting, but something has been preventing me from being able to copy double spacing and tab indentions from MS Word. I hope it isn't too bad for ya'll. ***

And what happened to all of our "Charmed" emoticons? I'm very sad about losing those.

:tri

[Nite Owl]

Chapter Twenty
Richards Mansion

Paige felt better than she had in awhile. Between the tea Piper had brewed and the bath; Paige felt like she was a whole new person. She stood poised at the front door of Richard’s house. It was time they put this spat to rest and get on with the rest of their lives. She reached out and rang the bell, a little nervous and excited.
Leaning to the far right to peek through one of the small rectangular windows that resided on either side of the huge doors, she was mildly curious about the lack of activity and decided it wouldn’t hurt if she took a closer look. Paige looked around to be sure no one was out on the street before orbing into the house.
She walked the foyer, the formal living room, the upstairs; both wings, the kitchen and finally ended in the study. Something was terribly off here. Paige was getting more and more uneasy with each room. She couldn’t find anyone anywhere in the whole house. ‘What was going on? Surely Richard didn’t just up and leave the house. Where were all the staff?’<br> Thinking furiously as she walked around the desk in the study; trailing her fingers on the desk top. She swung the chair round and sat heavily, deep in thought. As she began to cross her legs her foot kicked something on the floor.
Bending down to investigate, she wrapped her fingers around the neck of an empty rum bottle. Lifting the bottle she held it aloft looking for anything out of the ordinary. A frown automatically creased her brow as she realized that Richard probably drank every bit of this. Finding nothing strange, and feeling a little more than repulsed by his drinking, she laid it on the desk top.
Room at large I need to see,
What transpired for all to leave.
Show me now as real you can,
All events as they panned.
Answering her spell in a swoosh of blurry people, as if taped and rewound right in front of her, the room played the images for Paige as requested. She remained seated as the events played around her. Frowning further she watched as a maid, whom she had never seen before, emptied something into the bottle of rum Paige had found on the floor and then left it for Richard to drink. She watched in horror as Richard drank the liquid, was bound and taken by this same strange woman who had obviously been in disguise.
Furious and more than a little worried about her fiancée, Paige swiftly picked up the telephone on Richards desk and dialed Phoebe, and then Piper requesting that Leo bring them as soon as possible. Not able to control her anger beyond that she quickly made her way to Richards magicks room and grabbed an amethyst crystal, some string and a map. By the time she re-entered the study with her scrying tools, Leo was orbing in with Piper and Phoebe.
“What’s going on Paige? Do you really think it’s a good idea to be here right now?” Piper took a protective step closer to Paige.
“I’m fine.” Paige dismissed their concern with a frustrated wave of her hand. “It’s Richard who isn’t. He’s been kidnapped.” Spreading the map on Richards desk, Paige didn’t see the looks that Phoebe, Piper and Leo exchanged.
“Honey, how do you know Richard has been kidnapped, maybe he just took a break to clear his head.” Phoebe rounded the desk and laid a comforting hand on Paige’s shoulder. Paige shrugged the hand off and continued to study the map as she attempted to wind the string round the crystal.
“The room told me what happened. This maid came in and slipped Richard some concoction and then kid-napped him.” The crystal refused to cooperate as it slid out of the string for the third time. Leo flashed a concerned look at Phoebe.
“Paige, honey, you’re tired. Let’s go home and get some rest, maybe by tomorrow morning Richard will be back.” Piper condescendingly approached Paige from her other side. The crystal once again slipped through the knot Paige tried to affix.
Frustrated beyond measure at both the crystal and her sisters lack of faith, Paige yelled out in fury, throwing the crystal, string and all across the room. Everyone else took a step back.
Room at large they need to see,
What transpired for all to leave.
Show them now as real you can,
All events as they panned.
Leo leaned down to pick up the crystal and string. He had already decided he could at least solve this problem for Paige, easy enough. As he straightened he saw the images that Paige had seen and stood as transfixed and dumbfounded as his wife and sister in law.
“Now do you think you could give me a hand here?” Paige waited impatiently for their answer.
More than a little sheepish, Phoebe and Piper picked their jaws off the floor and immediately started to apologize. Paige held up her hand to stop them.
“Apologies later. Find fiancée now, please.”<br> Leo handed them a securely fashioned scrying crystal. Without further debate Paige began hovering it over the map. The crystal swung round several times before landing with a huge thud on it’s pointy tip at the very right corner of the map edge.
“What is the crystal trying to tell us?” Phoebe looked from the map to both sisters.
“I don’t know, but I’m guessing this can’t be good. I mean with all the scrying we’ve done it’s never landed with such convicted adamancy on the edge of the map. Any ideas honey?”<br> Leo stood with his arms crossed over his chest. He too had never seen this before and was frantically trying to figure it out. Also coming up blank he shook his head and then without saying anything orbed out.
“Alrighty then, I guess Leo’s not much with the sharing today.” Paige sat back down in the chair.

[CharmedLitWitch]

Chapter Twenty-One
Crone’s Lair


The Crone was very pleased with the results of her meddling. The Charmed Ones were now engaged in the disappearance of the youngest witches love interest; which meant they were not focusing on young Wyatt or for that matter herself, she thought.

Reaching for a particular potion, the Crone hummed a catchy tune while her wrinkled old hand found the potion with ease. She gripped her gnarled old fingers tightly around it’s glass base, firmly resolute in her ministrations. She tipped her head back and allowed the contents to slide unhindered down her throat.

Coughing and sputtering in indignation to what her body was to endure, she began the transformation. She could feel the sludge like substance fill her gullet to the point of retching, but still she endured. Thin gray smoke wound itself around her body, obscuring even the most curious eyes from the result.

Falling to her knees breathless and gasping, she held her left breast as she felt her heart pounding throughout her body. She watched in horrified curiousness the skin change and tighten around her hands and fingers. The once hairless wrinkles that were her arms became soft with healthy down and pink with ripe color.

She moaned loud enough to disturb the sleeping guards outside the entrances, which had them scrambling to her aid. Two giant, hulking demons entered from all four entrances and surrounded the gray smoke that encompassed the Crone. Each demon held a long stick pointed at the Crone as the smoke began to clear.

“What have you done with the Crone, human?” The baritone of the demons voice reverberated off the interior of the cave. This demon emphasized his question by pushing the tip of his bladed stick into the newly formed flesh.

“Poke that stick elsewhere you idiot, I am your Crone!”<br>
Alternate Dimension

“You handled yourself well, . . . slave.” Shanara glided toward the open doors of the large ballroom.

“The King is not easily charmed, but you managed it none the less. You are one step closer to your freedom.”<br>
Richard followed reluctantly, his jaw clenched in anger. Once they stepped from the ballroom onto the open balcony and into the fragrant night air, Richard let loose with a litany of curses.

Shanara laughed as she leaned over the rail, ignoring Richard’s foul temper and delighting in the moon-light. This was a rare night of freedom for her and she planned to enjoy every last bit of it.

She closed her eyes and breathed deep of the night blooming jasmine, the two dimples on either side of her mouth winking enchantedly at Richard.

Impatient with this charade, Richard grabbed Shanara’s arm roughly dragging her further from onlookers and snapping her around to face him.

“Look lady, I don’t give a d*mn about your King, this ball or you! I just want to know how to get home . . . now!”<br>
Shanara laid her free palm against Richard’s chest, temporarily stunned into speechlessness. She could feel her stomach clench in betrayal and a small shiver ran up her spine. No one had ever dared to speak to her this way.

Richard could see the play of thoughts run through her eyes. He could feel her body supplicating to him as she unconsciously leaned toward him. Before he could act upon his body’s own betrayal in response to her proximity, he shook her, hard.

“Where am I?” Shanara swayed on her feet unanswering, before she came to her senses.

“Let go of me, you brute! Now!” The angry stage whisper was laced with venom, shock and dismay.

“Are you crazy? No one touches a royal in public! Do you want to get us both killed?” She jerked out of his grasp completely, shuffling herself past him in a huff.

“Is everything ok Princess?” A guard appeared in front of Shanara, effectively blocking her retreat.

“Everything is fine. Thank you.” She turned slightly toward Richard. “Coming Darling?” she said with the flip of her head.

Richard hesitated, weighing his escape options before nodding ascent & following his ‘Master.’<br>
Hope you like it so far!