Ash sensed her confusion at the vision he'd projected into her mind but also sensed her surrender and the need that had welled up in her for that instant in time.

The owner of the Tavern, during their business discussion, had informed him there was a slave ship at anchor in the harbour, well disguised as a merchant ship but a slaver none the less. As he'd walked to the table he'd noted two rather nasty looking types across from where they were now seated eyeing the girl and he had no illusions about who they were or what they were planning. He had no reason to protect this girl from them but there was something about her that bought out his protective instincts and also something that made him want to suspend her arms above her head and stripe her body with the single tail back at the manor. He decided to warn her of the danger and make her an offer. If she agreed well and good if not, maybe he should just abandon her to the slavers.

Ash leant forward in his chair and spoke quietly but succinctly and rolled the dice...."I know apart from my introduction you have never met me before, and in these uncertain times there is no reason you should trust a complete stranger especially with the information I am about to tell you, but rest assured if you accept the offer I am about to make you, it will be mutually beneficial to us both." Ash nodded in the direction of the two slavers and continued, "There are slavers in port looking for young pretty women such as yourself and it would appear you have sparked their interest. I have no doubt you are quite expert with that dagger you wear at your side but be under no illusions you might get two or three of them but they hunt in larger groups especially when they are after a prize like you that will bring them great financial reward and they will sacrifice as many as it takes to take you alive. I have a manor on the edge of the forrest just outside town, I can offer you a safe place, a warm meal and a comfortable bed for a night or two or you can take your chances with the slavers. I also sense your need to be out of this place, we can leave now together and avoid an ugly scene and perhaps get to know each other a little better and share some mutual.......enjoyment. Your choice but you need to make it quickly, I sense danger coming our way"............