The Prince and the Gyspy Girl (PM interest)

POSITION FILLED


Jewel smiled, twirling and prancing amidst the city square. Her musical voice sung the legends of the southern kingdom, and the peasants and merchants paused as they passed through the oddly out of place park in the city of Kieren. The bustling metropolis's masses spilled into the lush park at its middle. Flushed and out of breath, the solitary gypsy of 19 years sat on an old stump, smiling graciously at the applause and curling her toes in the soft grass. The last tinkles of the bells encircling her ankles rang out. The spectators, few though they were, tossed a few coins into the small box before her. "Thank you, kindly people.... Thank you... Thank you..."

The evening sun warmed her tanned skin pleasantly. Jewel had always loved the southern sun. Today was a good day. Her customers had been generous. Perhaps she would play her lute next, as that was her favorite way to entertain. And after, some palm reading. There was always some poor man who believed in it. Later, if there was time, she would tell a story. The girl had picked up many skills since her father had passed. Anything that helped to keep her well fed. She was not an arrogant girl, but she knew that she was talented. That was why she did not have to steal, or worse... become a courtesan.

It was not often that she thought of father, now. It was more like a thought that lurked always in the back of her mind. For some reason a memory came upon her with the utmost clarity at that moment...

"Let me tell you a story, little jewel."

She smiled widely, just nine years old, a naive sparkle in her sky-blue gaze. "I know all the stories, daddy. You don't have none left ta tell!"

"You haven't heard this one, sweetheart. Everyone in the caravan but you knows it. Come here." He patted his knee, and she bounded up, curling in his lap and bubbling with curiosity.

He knew just how to stoke her interest. "Now, tell!"

The old man launched into an epic tale of magic and hardship, of defeat and triumph. Spellbound, young Jewel hung onto his every word. Daddy was a master storyteller.

He told her of an ancient sword, blessed by the gods. It was their family who the gods gave the sword. Back then, their line had been rich with powerful warlocks and sorceresses. A fitting place to entrust the sword. But mankind was wicked, and the gods saw fit to strike magical talent from the land. There had not been a practitioner of magic for over two thousand years. Unable to protect the sword, they hid it in a deep cave, within a temple built to house it. Many perils lined its halls, and the family offered its final prayers to the gods, that they might protect it with their own divine obstacles. Their family was to guard the sword, until a righteous ruler touched their flesh. Then, and only then, would their magic be awakened. The destined king was to take the newly ordained warlock as their advisor and confidante.

Jewels eyes were wide with wonder, and she clapped gayly at the stories conclusion. What a noble history her family had! No one would have ever guessed if they just looked at them, the poor gypsy caravan that they were...

Jewel smiled sadly at the memory, tuning her lute as her spectators watched. She hummed softly as she strummed a chord. Conversations were hushed as she began, her melodic voice capturing their attention as she began the tragic 'Ballad of the Rich Man's Folly' Thoughts of her father, and the day he passed from heart failure, floated amidst her mind. Jewel wasn't sure she believed the story. Not anymore. But it was enough that he had given his young daughter a few moments of happiness.

She drifted away, letting herself be swept into the sorrowful passion of the song. Everything but the song faded from her senses. This is when she felt at home. When she was making her music. Her soft voice carried surprisingly well in the hot summer eve. With a flourish of slender, dextrous fingers, she finished the melancholy tune. A pause stretched, and only the birds chirped, before the applause began. There were even a few teary faces among them. Humbly, she thanked them for dropping a few coins in her box.

She reached for her shoes, slipping her feet into the supple leather and lacing the short boots tightly to just above her ankle. She stood, lending a sway to her hips to encourage the lonelier men in the audience. Her voice rang out in the fading light. "I'll be happy to read your palm, now. Who knows what adventures, What wealth, what dreamy love may visit in your future..."

Boots:
http://www.dressshoes.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/GUESS-Owenson.jpg

*bump*

It was early in the evening when Cornelius walked unto the city square of Kieren. His heavy boots echoed loudly on the white marble of the square. Clothed in a dirty studded leather armour, worn leather trousers and a stained cloak he made the merchants and paupers uneasy. The commoners moved aside as he walked past, eyeing him suspiciously. He was a strange sight in this beautiful city, tall, with short blond hair, a wild yellow beard and a stern look in his eyes. He looked like a mercenary, but not like any of the pretty guards that hover around the nobles and rich merchants that paraded over the city square and through the Government district. Their breastplates always shone like the stars and moon on a cloudless night, their cloaks always bright and new. While Cornelius looked like he had just walked out of a battle field.

He ignored the stares as he walked on. From what he had understood of the innkeeper there was a park in the middle of the city square, with broad lanes running through it from north to south and east to west. Sounded like the ideal place to eat, better than that filthy inn where the band of mercenaries he had travelled to Kieren with were getting drunk now. They had protected a caravan, al the way from Borealis in the Northern Kingdom to 'Jewel of the South'. Needless to say he was glad to get away from them after months on the road, there only so many drunken brawls with the same teethless, dirty men you can endure. Now that they had been paid for their services they were going to piss it all away on bar wenches and ale. Cornelius just wanted a place to eat that didn't smell of stale beer and piss. Where he could eat without being eyed hungrily by big titted whores for the gold in his pocket.

A soft melody reached his ears as he entered the park, it made it seem even more pleasant. Looking around he wondered why the architects of this place had placed it in the middle of the city square, and why nobody else had gotten the idea to do this before. The surroundings looked marvellous with the Temple district rising up behind the lush green canopy. The red temple of the sun worshippers sparkled like a furious fire in the rays of the evening sun. "I wonder how it looks reflecting the rising sun", he thought to himself. He suppressed a smile, he always got this boyish enthusiasm over himself when he was in a new place.

He saw a rock sticking out a grassy field, the top seemed just flat enough to sit on and eat his meal. Some wine, cheese, dried meat, and a peculiar round plate-like thing these Southerners called bread. It didn't look like the bread he was used to eating in the North, but nothing here did. As he was chowing down, he glanced over to the gypsy girl playing her lute. He had heard tales of the women beautiful women of the South. With their dark hair, olive skins, supple curvy bodies and fiery temperaments. But he hadn't seen any this pretty on his walk through the city.

He was ravenous, so he finished his meal quickly while listening to the sad song she was playing. Wandering over to the gypsy girl he stood among the other onlookers, some had tears in their eyes. Typical soft southerners, he thought while drinking from his wine. Although he had to admit that there was a haunting beauty in her voice. He took another swig from his bottle as she finished her song, the onlookers applauded and most went on their way. Cornelius just stood and watched as she slipped on and laced her short boots, admiring her long tanned legs. It had been a long ride here, and he hadn't touched a woman in quite some time. "I must have her", he whispered under his breath. She enquired if anyone would want to have their fortune read. Hah! He would spend half his gold on such nonsense if it would make the night end with those beautiful legs wrapped around him.

He reached in his pocket for a gold coin and stepped forward. "I'd like to know if there any dark haired beauties in my future? I pay as handsomely as I am." He heard a couple of men chuckle behind him as he stared intently into her big blue eyes, hoping she had a sense of humour. And a smile to match her body.

Walking amidst the crowd, she skillfully sold her fortune telling prowess to the gullible few. An older woman with the red sun-cross pin of the sun worshippers on her blouse gave her a disapproving scowl for what she considered heresy. It appeared she was on her way to the temple for the sunset mass. Temples of many faiths lined the square. Kieren was renowned for its religious tolerance. The woman's scowl deepened as a little boy's eyes lit up, tugging on her skirt and pointing excitedly in her direction. It was probably her grandson. Smiling, Jewel winked at the boy. However, her attentions were directed elsewhere.

His northern accent was thick. It was as obvious as his golden hair and fair skin. "I'd like to know if there any dark haired beauties in my future? I pay as handsomely as I am." Bloody men... Always thinking we do nothing but wait to fall into their beds... She looked over her shoulder at him, noting the gold mark in his hand with interest. Jewel would have happily accepted a silver. But, she saw, his eyes were clouded with hunger. She had counted on such foolishness, but never expected it to yield such a profit. His appearance was ragged and road-weary, though he was a striking man. Exotic to her southern eyes. His stance bespoke of hardship, of years living in the harsh north. He bristled with weaponry, and his armor was scarred from use. A mercenary... The city people were wary of his kind, saying that the north was full of barbarians with no culture. But she was not from the city, or anywhere in particular for that matter.

Jewel let her lips curl into a coquettish smile, playing into his desire. With dancers grace she strode towards him, the heels of her boots clicking on the patchwork cobblestone path. "The future holds infinite possibilities captain. Though, this dark haired beauty may wish for payment other than your wealth. Depending on your intentions, of course. I sense payment in charm would be the most likely way to win her heart." Chuckles rippled through the audience once more as she held his eyes, half hooded in a sultry aqua stare. Jewel was too skilled to drop her performance for even a moment.

He held out his hand, an arrogant grin painted on his face, certain that she was utterly smitten with him. She felt a prickle at the back of her neck as she reached for it, her feminine fingers looking small next to his. At the first touch of soft olive flesh and calloused swordsman's hands, she gasped. It felt as if she had been plunged into a tub of ice. She shuddered, her hands tightening on his for support as she fell to her knees. In her first genuine expression to the man, she looked fearfully up at him, eyes wide, wondering what he had done to her. Her pupils dilated rapidly as the visions danced and spilled from his head. Strange, incomprehensible things. Gods and demons clashed, and in the middle, a man and a woman.

Her breath was shallow and labored, even as her lips turned blue from the magical cold. If she was not kept warm, hypothermia would soon set in, even in the humid southern air. Her body shivered continuously, goosebumps peppering the bared parts of her flesh. She let out a feverish whisper, clearly as confused as he was. "Help..."

It seemed that his gold hadn’t missed its effect. She smiled seductively at him after seeing the coin, and that smile did match that voluptuous body. But those deep blue eyes, they reminded him of the depths of a northern glacier. They didn’t have the look of greed that characterized the whores hanging around inns and taverns he usually came into contact with. Or the dull lifeless look of the paupers and beggars. Nor did it shine with the youthful innocence that young girls still have. He was looking into the eyes of a predator, but it lacked that hateful edge he saw in the eyes of soldiers and other mercenaries. Still, she probably wasn’t the innocent young maid the other onlookers took her for.

“The future holds infinite possibilities captain. Though, this dark haired beauty may wish for payment other than your wealth. Depending on your intentions, of course.” His grin widened as he noticed the disdain in her voice. She had probably fended off half a dozen attempts of men trying to get under her skirt earlier today. All the more reason to try, the pleasure is much greater if they put up a fight, and she struck him as a fighter.

She graciously reached for the coin he was holding up. As her nimble fingers touched his skin he felt an electric shock travel up his spine. He felt dizzy as his vision seemed to splinter, like he had been looking through a window that had just been shattered. And beyond that shattered window was nothing but darkness, and a shimmering sword in the distance. It was calling out to him, his ears filled with a clamour, like a thousand men screaming out in rage. The vision was over in breath take, he was feeling hot and sweating like a pig, goose bumps covered his skin. When he got his focus back he saw the gypsy girl on her knees in front of him. Her breathing ragged and she was turning blue, like a man in winter’s icy grip. She was clutching his hand, and her touch was cold, ice cold! What the hell is this witchcraft!? His first instinct was to step backward; he wasn’t fond of magic’s. But he saw the look in her eyes, scared and confused. He could barely hear her utter, "Help..." He decided he would help her; the commoners won’t lift a finger, just watch her collapse and clap afterwards. He unfastened his cloak and tightly wrapped it around her. She was shivering as he picked her up. “Where are the nearest healers!?” The commoners watched in silence, startled by his harsh voice. “That way, sir!” He turned and saw a guttersnipe pointing northwards. “The temple of the Crying God is opposite the park gates, you can’t miss it”, the young boy was eyeing the gold coin that the girl had dropped as he spoke. “Keep the coin boy”. Cornelius ran up the northward path, pressing the shivering body of the gypsy girl tightly against him.

It didn’t take him long to reach the temple, the few priests that were present were startled by his arrival. “Help me! This girl requires healing”. An old bearded priest clothed in a white robe approached him, gently he laid a hand on the forehead of the freezing girl in his arms. He shouted something unintelligible and two young men clothed in grey tunics came running to them. He handed them the girl and they sped off through an archway in the back of the temple hall. “Where are they taking her?” The old man smiled. “Don’t worry about her; they’re taking her to the infirmary. She has a strange… illness, but our priests will cry for her and she will get better. Is she your wife or lover?”

Cornelius laughed, the tension of the moment flooded away now he knew she was going to be all right. “I should be so lucky old man; I just saw her collapse in the park. I only brought her here because I hate to see pretty girls die.” He looked the priest up and down; he looked like the archetypical healer with his aura of gentleness and wisdom. He reminded Cornelius of the druids in the north, but this priest definitely lacked their hardness.

“She’ll be fine in the morning; she might want to thank this stranger for his kindness”. Cornelius raised his eyebrow, “uh… I doubt that, besides I have things to do”. The voice of the priest was sterner now, “I would come by if I were you”. The eyes of the priest made the hairs on the back of Cornelius' neck stand up, maybe this priest was more like the druids than he had thought. “Sure old man, what ever makes you happy.”

He turned around toward the temple exit, throwing a gold coin in the collection basket. ‘What a weird old man’ he thought to himself. Well, maybe if I'll drop by if I'm in the neighbourhood tomorrow morning, I did want to see the red temple in the morning sun. Smiling to himself he made his way through the bustling crowd on the city square.

The cloak wrapped around her did little to assuage her trembling. Her eyes fluttered as he swept her up in his strong arms, fighting to stay conscious. The following moments were a blur, much of them lost to her memory. Occasionally flashes of mystical imagery overwhelmed her, and she could do little but murmur incoherently in response. Eyes opened to slits, she watched an old man lay a hand on her head, and start a hazy exchange with the northerner. Swiftly she was carried off, into a back room, and handed to a group of priestesses acting as nurses.

The blushing men of the cloth retreated as the women of faith stripped her of clothing, and lowered her nude form into a hot bath. Jewel gasped at the sensation, jolted to awareness. Steam floated from the rippling surface of the water. Lilac petals floated lazily in the current, lending it a pleasant scent.

"There there, darling. You're safe." The old woman's knotted hand stroked her raven tresses as she came to. Wise brown eyes were filled with affection. She chanted softly, tears streaming down her cheeks. Jewel felt the chill begin to subside. For several minutes this went on, until she fell silent, apparently finished.

"The visions... My things... My lute..."

"I've sent some of the men to retrieve them for you. Rest." Jewel nodded, letting the woman wash her with the fragrant soap as she lay, limp and weak. Soon she was being toweled off. They dressed her in a short cotton shift, and placed her in a bed in the infirmary. Before she slept, drowsy eyes gazed at a conversation between the woman and the old man. He approached and placed his hand on her forehead again, seeming satisfied.

"The northerner. I must speak to the northern man..."

He smiled. "I know, child. Sleep now. He has promised to come tomorrow to see you."

A deep, dreamless sleep took hold of her as soon as he turned his back.


The morning bells roused her from her slumber. She awoke surrounded by her few possessions, and an assurance from a nurse that her horse waited in their stables. It was one of those rare occasions when she awoke and felt not a trace of drowsiness. Sitting up, she ran her fingers briefly over the frets of her lute, as if assuring herself that it was still there.

Her clothing had been washed and dried, folded neatly beside the bed. Helpful people, these folks... They had extended her kindness beyond what she could have ever expected. After all, gypsy's were not the most well-liked of all the social groups in the city. Standing and taking her clothes, she changed quickly before anyone else could enter the room. It was necessary to speak with the head priest. He would tell her when the Northern man would be coming. Could it be true? Jewel was hesitant to accept everything that had come to pass. It seemed like something a lunatic would experience. It couldn't be real, could it? Her fathers story...

A man bumped into her as she rounded a corner, and she gasped, jumping in surprise. It was the old man, coming to wake her. "My apologies, father...."

"Father Cornish. The fault is mine young lady." He had a strange look in his eyes, as if he could not believe that one such as her stood before him. I am just a simple entertainer, old timer. "Tell me your name."

"Jewel, father. Jewel Moonpath."

He nodded. "Come with me."

With hardly a pause to let her reeling mind recover, he related to her almost the exact story her father had told all those years ago while he led her to the temple archives. Jewel could hardly believe this was happening. When they arrived in the musty room, she sunk heavily into one of the worn wooden stools and sighed heavily.

"Everything alright Miss Moonpath?"

"Yes, Father. This is all coming as a bit of a shock, thats all."

Chuckling merrily, he laid a hand on her shoulder. "Of course. My apologies, I am so swept up in procedure... every priest is required to learn this material. You must understand that you have a great task to complete. You must make sure this man does not get himself killed, and you must retrieve the sword of Luna. On top of that, you must visit the forbidden lands, and find the staff. But do not fear, Jewel, he is strong, and will help protect you. Your own powers will grow as well. And of course, never forget: the gods will always be with you."

She nodded shyly, fighting off the fear looming in her mind. Her voice was timid when she spoke. "Yes father."

Patting her cheek in a fatherly way, he brushed a midnight strand of hair from her eyes. "The man in question will be here shortly. In the mean time, i have some scrolls for you to look at..."

The sun had been up for a few hours when Cornelius arrived at the temple, he had sat in the park watching the sunrise. The reflection of the morning rays on the red temple had been a marvellous sight, yet he had been only dimly aware of it. Cornelius had slept badly, haunted by strange dreams. The sword he had glimpsed at in the park had been in his dreams, he had forgotten about it after bringing the girl to the Crying God temple. And now he couldn't stop thinking about it and the gypsy girl. She had been in his dreams as well, though she had seemed different from yesterday. Since he hadn't been able to sleep properly he had washed his clothes and cleaned his armour, even shaved again for the first time in a year. Walking through the entrance of the temple he had to admit, he was looking forward to seeing her again.

The large temple hall was filled with people, some were making sacrifices, others were seeking medical aid. A few priests were crying, yet they looked happy while the tears streamed down their faces. "Sir, could you follow me, I believe father Cornish wants to see you." Cornelius turned around, a young man in a grey tunic was beckoning him to follow. They went through the archway in the back of the temple, up stairs, round corners and through long hallways. "This temple is bigger than it looks, how the hell did you afford to build it, I thought the weeping disciples took vows of poverty?" The young priest laughed, "we do sir, but that does not mean the temple is poor, most people are very grateful once they're healed. The money we collect goes to building temples and helping the needy. If you'd like to know more about the church you can ask father Cornish, he's waiting for you beyond this door. Good day sir." The young priest walked off, leaving Cornelius in front of a heavy wooden door.

The room beyond the door was large, one wall had large windows in them that let in the morning sunlight, they gave a good view of the park and the buildings surrounding it.
In front of the door there was a large table with scrolls strewn out over it. The priest and the gypsy girl were sitting on one side studying a particular scroll as Cornelius walked in.

"We have been expecting you Northerner! I must say, you don't as intimidating without your beard." The grey old priest laughed. "I believe we haven't been properly introduced, I'm father Cornish, this pretty flower you rescued yesterday is called Jewel Moonpath, and you are?"

"Cornelius, father", he shook the old man's hand. He looked at the gypsy girl, she looked even more beautiful than she had done the previous evening. "Ah, the future has arrived", he took Jewel's hand in his and kissed it, "with a dark haired beauty". He looked her in her deep blue eyes and smiled. He felt a tingling sensation in his whole body while holding her hand. "Thank you for saving me", her voice was melodic and soft and the smile she gave him genuine.

"Cornelius have a seat, I'm sure you two children have more than enough time to get acquainted later." Cornelius noticed he was still holding her hand and grinned sheepishly, it took some force of willpower to let it go, and sit down. Over the next hour the priest told him a tale, of a magical sword and staff and the wastelands these Southerners called forbidden. And that he, Cornelius, was destined to be a monarch, and that Jewel would grow into a powerful warlock. It sounded like the old man had lost his wits. He rose from his chair, "I'm sorry father, but I think you have me confused with someone else, my blood is red and not blue. Now if you two would excuse me, I have to go look for work."

"I will hire you", the old priest said, "2 gold Mark a day to accompany Jewel on her Quest. But if what I say is true you'll forfeit the sum, since a King will have all the gold he wants." Cornelius eyed him suspiciously. He was bored of guarding caravans, and not old enough to settle down in some rich bastard's guard. He looked at Jewel, his eyes wandered over her body. Those long shapely legs, big firm tits, long raven black hair and those deep blue eyes. He sighed. She might be one of the prettiest girls he had ever seen but protecting a woman on the road would be a chore. Although her company would be a huge improvement over boring merchants and big hairy mercenaries. "4 gold Mark a day and 100 upfront". Father Cornish grinned. "'Deal! It seems you two need to prepare for a journey. We can discuss the details later, first you two need supplies. Cornelius I trust your judgement in what is needed. The temple will reimburse your expenses."

'I wonder what I have gotten myself into', Cornelius thought to himself as he returned to the temple. Jewel had stayed to speak with father Cornish, something bout magic, ridiculous of course, there hadn't been any wizards for hundreds of years. Regardless he was looking forward to journey, he hadn't been eastward, and that was where the forbidden lands were. Besides he would be travelling with Jewel, who had struck him as an intelligent girl, although easily impressed by the ramblings of an old loon. He had bought the necessary supplies, and a bedroll and blade for Jewel. A short sword of Dorian steel, strong and light. It was beautifully finished with a red leather handle and black pearl pommel. Since the temple was paying he had spared no expense, besides he wanted to give her something beautiful. He had gathered his equipment from the inn he had been staying at since he was graciously offered a chamber in the temple. One final night of sleep before their 'Quest' would begin.

The northerner entered, now clean and well-kept. He had transformed himself from a rough, weather beaten soldier into a strikingly handsome young man. Jewel listened intently as he offered his name. "Cornelius, father"

He turned to her after he shook Father Cornish's hand. "Ah, the future has arrived," Jewel smiled demurely as he kissed her hand. "with a dark haired beauty". He returned her smile as little pinpricks flowed in a wave through her body, emanating from his touch.

"Thank you for saving me." A pink flush colored her cheeks as he held her hand for perhaps a bit longer than nessecary. He was quite charming, which surprised her somewhat, given his appearance upon their meeting.

Father Cornish bid them both to take a seat, and he recounted the things that he had gone over with Jewel that morning. Cornelius looked skeptical throughout the whole matter, and left for supplies. He would return later. Bloody fool. I am not just some silly girl who believes in fairy tales. She had seen the visions, and she knew she was not crazy. Although the fact that she was to become the first sorceress in a couple thousand years was rather hard to believe. Perhaps she should not begrudge him his skepticism.

Father Cornish informed her of the nature of her power, although, he was quick to point out, he was only going on what he had read. No one still alive had any experience with magic after all. After several hours of detailed chatter, he concluded his exposition.

"This scroll states that it will come to you slowly, as you spend more time with the catalyst. Cornelius, in this case." He pointed to the yellowed parchment authoritatively.

"You will be able to draw on the four elements. Earth, Wind, Water, and Fire. But you will never be as powerful as you must be without your staff. You must retrieve that first, otherwise you will not survive the trip to the temple of Luna." Jewel swallowed nervously. "Now, as your powers have just been awakened, you are still very weak. But you are capable. Here..."

He reached into his pocket and pulled forth a small match. "Now, focus your mind on fire, and direct that focus to the tip of this match. Go ahead, dear."

Concentrating with all of her might, she thought of burning things. A torch. A blacksmiths forge. A fiery volcano. Her eyes went to the tip of the match, and just as it burst into glorious flame and Jewel gasped with happiness, Cornelius walked in the door.

"Cornelius, did you see?" She smiled widely, taking his hand and sitting him at the table.

"Another, Father!"

He did so, and she repeated her performance, laughing spritely as it burned. "See? I am a sorceress now." She drew herself up in mock pride, looking imperiously at the both of them like the most regal of queens.

Cornelius had just brought the small blade to his chambers when he walked into the library where father Cornish and Jewel were practicing. Father Cornish was holding a match, but it burned many times brighter than a normal one. Jewel looked at him, "Cornelius, did you see?" She stood up and took his hand, pulling him to a chair next to her. "Another, Father!" Father Cornish took a candle from a standard and placed it in front of Jewel. He looked at her with a fatherly smile, "see what you can do with this dear". Jewel focused all her attention on the flame, still holding Cornelius' hand. He felt those tingles all over his body again, he stared at Jewel's pretty face while she was concentrating. She was so beautiful, he felt the irresistible urge to touch her, he needed to feel her body. He placed his left hand on the small of her back, a surge went through their bodies and he heard Jewel gasp. The flame of the candle turned bright white and shot up 4 feet. "What the hell!" Cornelius couldn't believe his eyes, he pulled back his hand from Jewel's back in a reflex and the flame died down again.

He heard father Cornish laugh, "it seems you have quite the effect on Jewel. You're the catalyst Cornelius, you bring out her talent." He stared at Jewel in disbelief ...she was... a sorceress? Jewel looked at him triumphantly, "my, my, I do belief you're speechless?" Father Cornish interrupted Cornelius' staring, "I shall fetch more candles, you continue practicing Jewel." Father Cornish closed the door behind him as left, and Jewel focused on the candle again.

Cornelius wasn't sure what to do, although that irresistible urge to touch her had returned again. Jewel seemed to sense his confusion, she glanced at him and smiled. "Don't be afraid, touch me". She focused all her attention on the candle again, the flame growing larger and brighter. He slowly moved his hand back to the small of her back. She let out a small gasp and the flame shot out two feet, now that she expected his touch she seemed to be better able to control the flame. He felt tingles, it was like her skin was electric under his touch. He looked at her, the intense look on her face seemed to enhance her beauty. His eyes slowly glided down her body, her neck, her bare shoulders. A cute dress that didn't hide much of her well toned tanned body. Gently caressing the small of her back he moved closer to her. Peering down her cleavage he could feel his cock stir. He could see her nipples were hard even through the leather that kept the flimsy white fabric covering her breasts in place. He was enthralled with her, he inched his face closer, breathing in the sweet flowery scent of her raven black hair. She mesmerized him, every sense he had could only sense her. He pulled his right hand from under hers off the table and placed it on her right knee. Slowly inching it up her thigh to the treasure hidden beneath her skirt. He heard her breathing growing more heavy by the second. The white flame grew bigger, it was already four feet tall, swirling and bending to her will. He was breathing heavy now too, with every exhale her long black hair would flutter around. He couldn't resist kissing her any longer, he closed the inch that was left between his mouth and her neck and planted a wet kiss. Jewel moaned while the taste of her sweet skin engulfed his mouth. As his right hand disappeared under her skirt he could hear the flame sizzle, louder and louder. The flame turned a bright red and shot up to the ceiling, BOOM! The candle exploded with a loud crack, splattering red candle wax all over the table, Jewel and Cornelius.

Startled by the sound Cornelius pulled back from Jewel, right at that moment father Cornelius walked in. Jewel's cheeks were flushed as she pulled her skirt straight, and Cornelius leaned back in his chair, pulling his hands from her body. Father Cornelius grinned, "it seemed you children got carried away. Playing with fire has it's risks Jewel, fire creates and consumer, remember that. Now here are some more candles and matches, you can stay here to practice or retire to your rooms. I need to attend to some temple matters, Jewel feel free to take any scroll you think you might need. A priest will wake you in the morning, you leave at dawn. We'll say our goodbye's then, have a nice evening children." Father Cornish placed the matched and candles on the table and walked out the library.

Cornelius remembered the short sword he had bought her, although she might not need it as much as he had though. "I have a present for you", he smiled at her, "it's in my bedroom though."

"Don't be afraid, touch me". Her eyes focused, she turned back to the candle and concentrated. When his hand made contect with her lower back, just above her skirt, she gasped, his scintillating touch sending ripples of sensation through her body. The flame grew in intensity at the contact. Her lips turned up slightly, and she suppressed a sigh of pleasure as his fingers stroked the tanned skin above her derriere. He moved closer, and her cheeks flushed as she felt his breath on her neck. How is this possible? Her body felt afire with sudden hunger, and she squirmed slightly in her seat. Her breath deepened, the sensitive peaks of her breasts tightening and pushing against her top.

The hand at her back never stopped its gentle circles, and she could not stop the moan from leaving her as his other hand rested on her knee. The tingles intensified at the greater contact. How could he have gotten her so worked up, so quickly? It didn't make sense. This was magic at work, she thought. But she didn't wish to fight it. Shocked and utterly embarrassed at herself, she felt the little leather thong beneath her skirt dampen with her feminine dew as his hand slid agonizingly slowly upwards. The flame grew hot and uncomfortable, making her glisten with a thin sheen of sweat. "Cornelius..."

His lips, warm and welcoming, kissed the sensitive flesh beneath her jawline, and she moaned deeply, his hand traveling ever closer to her tingling core at the apex of her thighs. "Gods..."

Suddenly the candle burst, overwhelmed by the heat from her magic. The huddled pair was spattered with hot wax. He pulled away, much to Jewels relief. The flustered young sorcerous trying to control her heaving breaths as the old man walked in. She blushed deeply, ashamed to be caught in such a state with him in the room. Averting her eyes, she fixed her rumpled skirt quickly.

"It seems you children got carried away. Playing with fire has it's risks Jewel, fire creates and consumes, remember that. Now here are some more candles and matches, you can stay here to practice or retire to your rooms. I need to attend to some temple matters, Jewel feel free to take any scroll you think you might need. A priest will wake you in the morning, you leave at dawn. We'll say our goodbye's then, have a nice evening children."

"Thank you father." Jewel was proud of herself for sounding so composed. Her eyes went to Cornelius again, and she could not stop another deep blush from coloring her cheeks.

"I have a present for you," He smiled at her fetchingly, "It's in my bedroom though." The nerve... But she couldn't bring herself to be angry with him, so she laughed. "I can't believe you can make jokes like that now..."

He looked confused for a moment before bursting out in laughter. "No, a real present! Gods, you are quite a woman."

"Oh!" She blushed again. Bloody hell, what will he think of you now? "Lead the way then, northerner." She smiled.

As they walked through the temple, Jewel couldnt help but wonder if she would feel this way every time he touched her. The thought was almost terrifying. She couldn't act on those primal, animalistic urges with him! Well, not yet, anyways. She had only just met the man.

Or could she?

They made there way to his bedroom, walking in the door. Jewel stood in the entryway, watching him root about in his bags. He turned with another of his charming grins, presenting her with an exquisite shortsword. The fine steel glimmered in the morning light, and the well-tooled red leather gleamed. She ran a slender finger over the dazzling pearl on its pommel. "Oh, gods, Cornelius. It's lovely!" Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at him, much taller than her even in her high heels. "Thank you. I've never owned something so beautiful." Jewel was sure she was not exaggerating.

Her smile fell into an expression of curiosity as he approached her. His face held a look of consternation, of all things. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing... I just..." Hesitantly, he lifted his fingers, and Jewel felt that exquisite tingle shoot through her as his fingers traced the line of her jaw...

Cornelius felt the now familiar tingles all over his body again, and he was only touching her with his index finger. He'd never felt such passion for a woman, her presence consumed his consciousness. He could feel his rationality slowly drown in pure animal instinct, this was a place of worship not a brothel. But how could he resist touching her, the way her face lit up when he presented the sword. The way she had looked at him in the library, and how she flushed red every time he came near her. It was like her body was begging him to take her.

He took the sword from her hands and place on chest next to the door. "You're staying with me tonight", he said while grabbing her hand. "No, we shouldn't... I can't.." She protested but didn't move away from him. He took her hand and pulled into his room, closing the door behind her. She was standing so close to him that he could rest his chin on her head, he looked down at her and pulled her face up with a finger. "You can, and you will. If I can't have you tonight I think I'd go mad. Can't you see what you're doing to me?" She gasped as she glanced downward, his half erect cock was already pitching a tent in his trousers. "Touch me" he whispered to her, placing his hands on her hips, slowly moving them towards her full round ass. She placed a hand on his muscular chest, breathing heavily as she slowly moved it down to his groin. He stared at her full breasts, heaving in an increasingly rapid rate as her hand inched closer to his crotch. A wave of pleasure shot through him as she rubbed her hand over his rock hard dick. He groaned she squeezed him, it felt so good he was afraid he'd cum.

Cornelius couldn't control himself any longer, frantically he unbuckled his belt and pushed his pants down. His thick long cock sprung free and catapulted a single drop of pre-cum towards Jewel, it splattered on the inside of her left thigh. She moaned, leaning back against the door with her eyes fixed on his cock. Lifting up her skirt with her right hand she rubbed the pre-cum into her tanned skin with her left. Cornelius stepped out of his pants, his eyes fixed on the her exposed leather thong. His cock throbbed and oozed pre-cum as he saw her move her left hand to her thong. Tantalizingly slow she pulled the thong away and exposing her treasure. Her slit was completely smooth except for a small tuft of raven black hair crowning it, and it glistened with her cum.

He stepped forward and slipped his hands under her skirt, grabbed two hands of full fleshy ass he pulled her up against him. Instinctively she grabbed his cock and placed his head against her entrance, her tiny hand barely fitting around it. A scream escaped her mouth as he pushed his thick head inside her. He could feel her cunt slowly stretching over him, not accustomed to his thick northern cock. Jewel had thrown her head backward, moaning loudly as he slowly pushed himself deeper inside her. He paused as he was half way in, Jewel wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling herself tightly against him. He stared in her deep blue eyes as he felt her big firm tits being crushed between their bodies. "Fuck me", she whispered, her eyes blazed with a fiery passion. Holding eye contact he slowly he began pulling out and pushing in again. She was so warm, so wet and tight around him. He lost himself in her, slowly increasing the pace till he was fucking her like a wild animal. Wet slapping sounds filled the room, accompanied by their ragged moans. Cornelius pulled his mouth from her neck as he felt his balls tighten, with a deep groan he felt himself explode inside her. Jet after jet of thick creamy cum filled her pulsating pussy. The feeling of his cock spurting deep inside her seemed to push Jewel over the edge. She moaned loudly as she orgasmed, pulsating on his rigid cock, milking his balls for every last drop he had. Her juices mixed with his cum came gushing out of her slit, coating his dick and balls.

Cornelius almost buckled because of the mind blowing orgasm, he felt like the world had exploded. As the feeling subsided he noticed Jewel was limp in his arms, she must have fainted he thought. Her magnificent body glistened with sweat, he carried her to his bed and laid her down. He gently removed her clothes and tucked her in, slipping into the bed with her he pulled her close. He fell into a deep dreamless sleep.