"Magic: The War, The Fall, The Rise Again" (closed)

[LoriDean12345]

"Magic: The War, The Fall, The Rise Again"

(closed to LoriDean12345 and Gabe619)



The War of Magic was over...

For a thousand years, Warlocks and Witches fought one another, casting deadly and destructive spells not just against other Practitioners but against the Armies of Men that they led. Ironically, it wouldn't be the Practitioners of Magic who would be one another's end. It would be those Armies of Men that had once fought for them without question.

When the Warlocks and Witches they had served were at their weakest, the Armies of Men united as one and destroyed the last of the Practitioners. In the subsequent power vacuum, a war purely of Man versus Man could have continued the spilling of blood. It did not.

The Known World was, for the most part, ruled by two powerful Kings, William of Westwood and Arthur of Valen. The former Royal was aging and ailing, while the latter was relatively young and spry. William gave the hand of his only child, Elaine, to Arthur in the hopes that one day the couple's child would rule the entirety of the Known World during an era of peace and tranquility as long as the war that had preceded it.



At least, that was what was supposed to happen...



In the Fiery Highlands where spitting lava and choking gases kept away the men of the Lowlands, ReeSkryLarKee -- the last witch -- had been hidden away from those fighting the War of Magic...

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She was the future of Magic. And regardless of whether or not the Men of the Lowlands thought Magic was essential to the existence and continuance of life, Skylark was going to ensure that Magic did not vanish forever.

(closed)

 

[Gabe619]

Arthur watched as the beautiful young Princess walked down the aisle of the great hall. His subjects, those Lords and Ladies of high enough rank to warrant being at this event stood on the left while the subjects of King William of Westwood stood on the right. Both Kingdoms flags and banners decorated the grand hall that arced over them like a cathedral and it was a day of rejoicing. The wars were over at last and this melding of the two most powerful Kingdoms in the land would seal peace for ever more.

As he stood in his ceremonial armour before the masses and awaited his consort, Arthur considered his position. At 44 he was not exactly young, but considering the age of the Princess Elaine's father he almost felt young again. He had fought in the war beside his men and had the scars to prove it and he knew his bravery and courage had made him beloved with his army and subjects alike. It had been a constant worry to his family that he would not marry again after his last wife had died ten years ago, but he had loved her dearly and couldn't bring himself to look at another woman the same way, until now. At least he still had his two sons by his side, Jerod and Michael, both handsome young men, brave and true who had also proven their bravery on the field of battle. Today they supported him with their presence as he 'officially' took the daughter of his adversary, William of Westwood as his consort.

As William led his daughter down the aisle to the bottom of the steps leading to the two thrones sitting side by side on the white stone dais, Arthur again marvelled at Elaine's beauty. It seemed ethereal somehow, even at her young age of 18. He was old enough to be her father, and yet she was to be his bride eventually and their children would go on to rule in harmony the two Kingdoms. As Elaine mounted the steps he stood to greet her. His armour shone in the sunlight coming through the high windows of the hall, dazzling in its brightness. Trimmed with gold it wouldn't hold up in battle, but it worked very well on these occasions when he had to look the part of a king. His crimson cloak swirled behind him as he smiled at Elaine and held out his hand to her. Her skin was soft and pale and he marvelled at how warm it felt in his calloused hand.

Arthur was a magnificent sight to behold, his wide shoulders filled out the armour perfectly and his long dark brown hair with only a trace of grey hung to his shoulders softly. He was strong, powerful and skilled in the art of war, now he had to show his people he could rule them in peace as well as he had during the evil wars of magic. As he stood beside Elaine he turned her to face the crowd and smiled down on them like a benevolent father looking at his children.

"Lords and Ladies of the Realm. Today marks the end of all hatred and evil in our lands. Today begins a new chapter in the annuals of our two Kingdoms. I greet the Princess Elaine and welcome her to the lands of Valen and ask you all to treat her with the kindness and warmth I have grown to expect from my subjects. She is to be your Queen with her fathers blessing. Together we will rule you justly, honourably and benevolently, of this I swear to you." He turned and bent to kiss Elaine's hand before raising his fist in the air. "Long live Princess Elaine!" He shouted.

"LONG LIVE PRINCESS ELAINE!!" The cry was taken up by everyone in the hall.

Arthur let his eyes travel across the faces of his most trusted and powerful knights in the front rows. He smiled warmly at them as all had stood beside him more than once in battle and he owed them his life as they owed theirs to him. He found Baron Nathan Darkwind in the mass of people, his dark tunic with its crimson griffin over the heart standing out among the more bright and cheerful garb of his fellows. Arthur had heard rumours that Nathan treated his servants badly and that he schemed behind the Kings back, but Arthur had never found cause to doubt Darkwind's loyalty even though he had been one of the Knights who may have taken Elaine's hand in marriage if her father had not intervened.

 

[LoriDean12345]

Moments Earlier in the Chapel:

The Sisters of the Ever Faithful covenant buzzed like busy little bees around Princess Elaine...

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They laid the thirty foot long train of her wedding dress out behind her with perfection. They adjusted her veil to spill down her back and over her face. Her bosom, however, remained on full display. She felt there wasn't much their to see. Even some of the Sisters, each and every one like her as pure as the driven snow, had bosoms that, if seen by a male, would catch more attention than her own.

The Sisters had watched over and protected Princess Elaine since the Day of Bleeding. It had been traditional for all Royal and most Noble women of Westwood to be isolated from men and their hungers since even before the War of Magic. Halfway between her twelfth and thirteen years, Elaine's body first announced its ability to carry a child by soiling her gown. The next day she'd entered the Convent. Since then, she had laid eyes upon no man other than her Father, King William. Even when her own father visited the convent, Elaine was never alone with him, always in view of at least a pair of Sisters.

She had been just short of 17 years of age when The War of Magic ended. Within two moons, her father and his chief rival for control of The Known World, King Arthur of Valen, had agreed that there would not be war between their lands. And to seal that agreement, Elaine was promised to the man who she had never even heard of yet.

Of course, the wedding had had to wait. The Princess had not yet been of the Age of Consent when the two Kings came to their agreement about her future. For more than a year, the people of both lands had waited anxiously and impatiently. Each day that passed without the Confirmation of Union was another day that the tragedy of war could return. So many things could go wrong to derail the fairy tail marriage.

And while the wedding was now about to go off as imagined, there were things going wrong across both kingdoms. Drought, famine, disease, and more were making life difficult and even deadly for all, in particular the peasantry. After a thousand years of war between Practitioners of Magic and the Armies of Men over which they'd ruled, the new danger threatening Kings William and Arthur were the empty bellies and dying children of the Serfs who had looked to them for rescue and relief for so many years.

And now here she was, 18 years to day after her birth, being fawned over by the women who had been her family for so long and prepared for her pledging to King Arthur. Her father entered the antechamber, smiling, then tearing up, before telling her, "You are the most incredible creature to ever bless this World."

Elaine smiled, then blushed a fiery red. Her tummy turned over with nervousness. She looked down at her young body and the intricate gown containing it and asked, "Will he like who he sees, Father? What he sees. I fear King Arthur will take one look and think me a girl, unworthy of him."

William wanted to reassure his daughter that her soon to be husband had already approved of her physical appearance. Unknown to Elaine, Royal and Noble grooms were afforded a Sneak Peek of their prospective wives before committing to taking them as their bride. Arthur, under escort of King William and the Mother Superior of The Sisters of the Ever Faithful, had been able to look in through a peep hole as Elaine bathed. The Peek was intended to ensure that Arthur would be sexually attracted to her should he agree to take her hand.

William couldn't tell his daughter that her husband and King to be had spied upon her while she spilled water over the flawless skin. It would be a secret he took with him to the grave. It was one of two secrets concerning his daughter's bathing time. Although he was the first and, presumably, the only man who would ever lay hands upon her Elaine's young, firm body, Arthur hadn't been the first to lay eyes upon her naked form. That honor lay with the man wearing a crimson griffin upon dark cloth, Lord Nathan Darkwind.

King William and the Baron, the most powerful non-Royal in the Known World, had been in treaty negotiations that would have joined Nathan and Elaine but, more importantly, join the armies of the King of Westwood and the Lord of Darkwind against the man who was now to wed and bed the Princess. If Arthur's envoy had been just one day later, Elaine would be preparing to surrender her virginity to the now-envious Baron while his and her father's forces invaded the lands of her future children's father.

"You are the epitome of womanhood, my daughter," William assure Elaine. "Any man who would not give up all he owns and knows for the chance to kiss your feet--"

Elaine laughed aloud, interrupting him. How many times over the years had he managed to turn any conversation to the act of kissing another's feet? "You are deeply disturbed, my father. But, I will forever worship you, my King."

"No longer," he told her with a smile. "Soon, you will have a new King to worship."

Elaine laughed, then waved her arms as if to call attention to the form her Father thought was Goddess-like but which she thought was still mostly girl-like. "If I am as womanly as you say, Father, King Arthur will worship me!"

They laughed together before William gave his daughter a deep bow, repeated his love for her, and departed. The Sisters took one last look at their Charge, gave their own deep bows, and helped her out into the huge chapel to meet and wed Arthur.



Now, in the Fiery Highlands:

Skylark was flitting about the thick forest of giant trees. She was collecting herbs and bugs for her midday meal when agony shot through her body. Every muscle seized. She was unable to control her wings and, therefore, her flight, and she tumbled through the air toward the ground. A deep instinct took over, curling her fragile wings into hard, stick-like appendages that moved without thought to avoid the impact. She hit the ground hard, knocking the air from her chest in a loud huff.

From all about, the Horned Ones rushed from their hiding places to encircle their Queen, protecting her. There really was no need, of course. There was very little in the Highlands that could harm the Magical Fairy. But it was in their nature to watch over the Known World's last Practitioner.

When she regained herself, Skylar, sat up and unrolled her wings. She wore a panicked expression. She murmured in fear, "She can't. She can't!"

With a sudden flapping of wings and downward wash of air, Skylark surged skyward. She zigzagged through the thick foliage, burst through the canopy, and turned for the palace of King Arthur and his new bride.

 

[Gabe619]

Arthur led his new bride from the great hall after the official introduction had taken place and all the Lords and Ladies had come forward to show their respect to their new Queen. Nathan walked beside his King as the others streamed by with smiles and kind words to the young woman.

"She is beautiful, my Lord. You are a lucky man indeed." Darkwind commented leaning in to talk privately with his King.

"Thank you, Nathan, she is indeed. Innocent and beautiful, I think this is what the land needs though, perhaps we are to hardened to harshness and pig headedness. Maybe a little innocence will heal what strong words couldn't." Valen replied with a smile to his most powerful vassal.

"Maybe so my King, but do not forget the harsh lives your subjects already endure. The diseases, the droughts, food is scare, medicine more so, already several outlying villages have revolted and I had to send in my men to keep order. If we do not find a solution soon I worry the serfs will revolt on us all."

Arthur nodded solemnly as Nathan spoke. The Knight was correct, the land was suffering and it seemed no matter what he tried all his efforts were for nought. He cursed the magic wars, they had laid waste to so much leaving so little for mankind to live off of.

"Thank you for always being there for me, Nathan. I rely on you perhaps a little to much at time, but you have never let me down." Arthur clamped his hand on the Knights shoulder. "But I must take out new Queen out and let the people see her now. You have arranged the escort?"

"Yes, my Lord, all is ready for you both." Darkwind acknowledged as he bowed.

Arthur smiled at the man then turned to take Elaine's hand and together they walked through the huge wooden double doors and finally down the steps to the waiting carriage. Crowds cheers as they saw their King and their new Queen for the first time. Neither King or Queen saw the look Darkwind gave Elaine as she walked past him and stepped into the carriage. His eyes travelled over her young body, remembering its nakedness so long ago. He undressed her with his eyes and felt the deep lust inside him boiling. He would have her, one way or another.

"You look so beautiful, my dear." Arthur said to Elaine as they finally sat together alone for the first time. He waved to the people as the carriage moved forward with a mounted guard before and behind them. "I hope you will be happy here with me in Valen. I know it must be hard for you to be away from your Father and family now, but I promise if there is anything I can do to make this transition easier just tell me."

He smiled at her and held her hand soft, smooth delicate hand in his strong calloused one. He gestured to the waving masses held back by soldiers.

"It seems you have won over my peoples hearts as well as my own, Elaine."

 

[LoriDean12345]

Elaine's heart leaped as her new husband reached out and took her hand. It had been nearly a decade since a male other than her father had touched her. Little Luke Livingstone had pushed her into the lake while they were catching frogs. She'd gotten her revenge, of course. She'd stolen his clothes another day while he bathed in that same lake. As he'd tried to sneak back to the village, Elaine had ensured that a throng of laughing, pointing girls and boys were waiting to greet Luke.

She looked now at their union of their hands. Her heart pounding within her tightly wrapped chest. She thought, He's only holding your hand! How will you survive THAT?

"She is beautiful, my Lord," she heard a Nobleman whisper to Arthur, despite the man's attempts at keeping it between himself and the King. "You are a lucky man indeed."

Elaine blushed, as she had so many times already and was sure to continue doing for quite some time. She was surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and it made her uncomfortable, almost fearful. So many people. So many MEN! For almost six years, Elaine had only known the same two dozen or so women. And they hadn't been women, per se. They'd been Sisters. Daughters of God, not of Man. All they had ever done was worship God.

And now, her Elaine was, surrounded by the sons and daughters of Man, being worshiped by them in their own way. It made her so nervous she feared she would pee down her leg like that little puppy back at the Convent who wet himself every time the Owl outside Elaine's room hooted.

She had been trying to divide her attention between greeting the people and eavesdropping on her King's conversation. But she'd lost track of the discussion until she heard Arthur tell the stranger, "But I must take out new Queen out and let the people see her now. You have arranged the escort?"

Great, she thought, her already fast paced heart speeding up further. More people.

Arthur again took Elaine's hand and escorted her out to an awaiting carriage. The sudden explosion of the masses caused her eyes to widen. There were so many! Hundreds. Thousands! More people than she'd ever imagined even lived in the Known World, let alone in Arthur's capital. They made their way to the coach, where a quartet of Sisters aided by several Royal Guardsmen untied her long train and helped her up into her seat. They headed forth into the crowd, the luxurious carriage pulled by the most magnificent white horses Elaine had ever imagined.

"You look so beautiful, my dear."

Elaine turned to look at Arthur, blushed fiery red, and before having to look away only managed, "Thank you, m'lord."

"I hope you will be happy here with me in Valen. I know it must be hard for you to be away from your Father and family now, but I promise if there is anything I can do to make this transition easier just tell me."

After considering her response for a moment, fearful of sounding foolish, Elaine told Arthur, "I have lived in the Covenant of the Sisters of the Ever Faithful since my Day of Bleeding, m'lord. I never saw my family, except for the occasional visits of my father. I do not expect I will need help transitioning from my former family to my future one."

By future one Elaine meant, of course, Arthur and the children she would birth by him. She knew that she would be expected to give him at least a handful of sons. Oh, and there would be daughters likely, but they would be simply incidental, as Elaine had been. The Known World was a harsh world, and it might take five male children to assure Arthur of a male heir when he passed.

She looked out upon the raucous crowd and laughed nervously. "I do, however, expect that I will need transitioning from the quiet and solitude of the Covenant to this!"

She felt Arthur take her hand again, squeezing it as if to reassure her that she was safe here with him, despite the screaming, cheering throngs from the peasant and merchant classes.

"It seems you have won over my people's hearts as well as my own, Elaine."

Elaine looked quickly to her new husband, smiling, and of course blushing again. Is that your way of saying you love me? she wondered. The Sisters had told her for years that she would one day be married to a man of position and power. They'd told her it would most likely be a Royal. But there had always been the possibility of Elaine being betrothed to a powerful Noble, too.

But in all that time with the Sisters, never once had even one of them talked to Elaine about Love. The assumption was that a Royal or Noble would marry her, impregnate her, and care for her as their children aged toward becoming Royals in their own right. Love? That had never been part of the equation. Yet, Elaine had always thought of it.

Her father had loved her mother. She'd seen them together before she left for the Convent: holding hands, walking in the garden, playing with Elaine and her unfortunately God-claimed siblings. They had had love. Wouldn't she? She studied Arthur for a long moment as he looked out upon the cheering crowds. She saw the potential for love in his face. She felt it in his soft grip of her wrist.

Yes. I will find love with this man. With this King. With my husband.

And she would. But, in the course, Elaine would find so much more as well. And some of it, she could never have expected...



Skylark flew into the capital city, following the slowly dispersing crowd forward, listening to the cheers of those only now seeing the carriage come into view. Even though she could see all as she flitted over the throng, those below could see nothing of her. She was like no more than a wind blowing past them, employing her magic of Unsight to hide her presence from one and all.

Spotting the coach ahead, she sped the flapping of her thin but strong, transparent wings to hurry ahead and pass by the royal vehicle. She spun around just before the four majestic horses, who -- unlike the Men all about -- could see her as plain as day. They started, jerking wildly and whinnying. The driver tried to regain control, but it was only after a half dozen Royal Guardsmen grasped at reins and halters that the horses were brought under control.

Skylark ignore the uproar of the four legged beasts. She passed over them, the breeze caused by her wings causing their manes to waft in the otherwise windless afternoon. She moved up closer to the coach, circling around the driver, whose had was blown away despite the lack of breeze.

And she studied the young beauty sitting next to the man who could only be King Arthur of Valen. Skylark studied the girl as the procession continued forth. She saw more in the girl than anyone else did. More than anyone else could. Where King William saw peace and prosperity in the land and King Arthur saw the body that would birth his heirs, Skylark saw the vessel that would one again cause Magic to rise across the land.

Skylark flapped her wings quickly, causing herself to rise upwards a couple of yards. Then, her wings went quickly and she plopped down onto the seat next to the carriage's driver, though facing backward to immediately face the Virgin Princess. Skylark bobbed her head left and right a few times until she made eye contact with Elaine.

Elaine, of course, could not see the Practitioner of Magic sitting just feet in front of her. But, then, something happened. The young Princess -- Queen! -- felt as though something, someone was reaching into her very soul. She stared forward, stone faced, entranced by an undefinable vision.

After being sure that she had the young woman in her spell, Skylark moved forward to kneel on the carriage's floor boards before Elaine. She reached out a hand, placed a flattened palm against the young Queen's lower belly, and -- unheard by others save the inattentive horses -- spoke the spell, "Thy Virgin Queen shall not birth by First Man."

Elaine's eyes suddenly watered over. Even though she didn't consciously understand what happened, her Soul knew all to well. Queen Elaine would not be birthing a son by her husband, King Arthur of Valen. His line would not continue via her womb...

 

[Gabe619]

"Control those horses man!" Arthur called to the driver as the guards ran in to grab the reins.

It didn't take long at all for the situation to come under control, the guards returning to the their place in the parade and the driver cracking his whip over the horses heads to get them moving again. Still it was odd, Arthur considered as he watched the horses now moving in step and as if nothing had happened. They were well trained and the King had seen nothing that could of spooked them so badly so what had happened? Shaking his head in puzzlement he glanced to his left out of the carriage as Jerod rode up alongside with a smile on his face.

"Is everything alright, father?" He asked as he glanced between Arthur and Elaine. "The Queen seems perturbed, was she injured?"

Arthur immediately turned to Elaine. He was still holding her hand and yet she seemed to be in a trance. She stared straight ahead, her face even paler than normal, a single tear ran down her cheek.

"My dear, are you ill?" The king asked as he leaned in and slipped an arm around her shoulders. "What ails you, Elaine?"

 

[LoriDean12345]

Elaine didn't hear Arthur's words. It wasn't until he jostled her arm that she started out from her trance. She looked around as if unsure of where she was, then matched her husband's gaze. She smiled weakly. "No, m'lord. I am well."

As the carriage continued onward to the castle, Elaine did, in fact, feel ill as Arthur had inquired. But she blamed it simply on being overwhelmed by the days events. After all, yesterday she was just a girl living in a Convent, and today she was Queen of half the Known World, married to a man with whom she would birth a child who would one day rule that entire world.

Or so she thought...



The Wedding Ball was spectacular! Music, dancing, food as far as the eye could see. Despite having been a Princess, Elaine had worn little more than a gray robe and undergarments for nearly six years. She now wore a magnificent, white wedding gown. And yet she still felt plainly dressed compared to the Nobles floating about the floor in every combination of every color available.

She sat on a throne next to Arthur, watching with a smile. She'd gotten past the earlier feeling of dread somehow. As Noble after Noble ascended the dais to pay respect to their King and Queen, Elaine began for the first time to realize the enormity of her new situation. These people -- all of these people -- were now her subjects, hers and her husbands. These people -- all of them -- were their loyal subjects...

Weren't they?



Skylark had done as she needed. The Virgin Princess would surrender her purity this night, but she would under no circumstances conceive a child tonight. The Practitioner lifted away from the wedding procession and had been about to return to the Fiery Highlands when she sensed something. Something unusual. Something magical!

This was impossible, though. Skylark was the last Practitioner of Magic. At least, she was the last female Practitioner. The last Witch. The was a Warlock out there somewhere. Skylark had been searching for him since the end of the War of Magic, but to no avail. He should have been hid away with her in the Fiery Highlands, and yet she'd been alone since the fighting ended.

Skylark had always known he would someday appear. But, here? Amongst the Men? That made no sense. A Warlock would not be amongst the Men. It was ridiculous. The only reason for a Warlock to be amongst Men now after the Armies of Men destroyed Magic was if--

Skylark's heart leaped in her chest!

The only reason for a Warlock to be here amongst Men was if he didn't know he was a Warlock! That wasn't unheard of, of course. Many Practitioners of Magic had only learned of their abilities late in life, as adults. Could that be what was happening now? Could that last Warlock in the Known World not know what he was? Could he think he was only a Man?

Skylark swooped down over the Wedding Procession again, anxiety flooding her. She needed to find this Warlock. She needed to find him quickly! Her spell on the new Queen was only good for so long. She couldn't recast it again without harming the young Royal. She had to find the Man, the Warlock.

Or Magic would end.

 

[Gabe619]

Arthur sat beside his new Queen and smiled and nodded and thanked the many people coming forward to wish them long happiness and joy. Normally being the King he would be the centre of attention, but tonight his Queen would be and he was more than happy for that to be the case. He gazed at her as she smiled at some Lord, Arthur couldn't remember his name, and swapped a few pleasantries before the man moved aside to allow yet another to move forward. It would be a long night indeed and it would end finally in his bedchamber with Elaine and him alone at last. As he imagined the scene he felt a surge of sexual desire wash through him, but then what man wouldn't at the sheer thought of spending a night in this young woman's embrace. Arthur knew she was a virgin of course, it was implicit in the agreement and one reason she had lived at the Convent so long, so he knew she would have no idea of sexual deeds. he would go slow and gentle making her first time one to remember, as it should be for all women he had always thought. He knew he was an enigma to many of his counsellors and lords, a warrior born and a tactical genius on the battlefield giving no quarter and showing no mercy if the enemy pushed him so. And yet away from the field of war he was accused of being soft in his ideals and terms of justice. Many of his Lords hadn't agreed with him about this alliance with King William, many feeling he should invade the mans realm, that they could win and own it all. Nathan Darkwind had been the most vocal of these men, and yet today Arthur knew he had made the right decision.

"My Lord, Baron Havelock wishes to speak to you if you would honor him with a moment?" One of Arthurs stewards whispered in the kings ear. The king nodded and leaned across to Elaine.

"I will be back soon my dear." He kissed her hand and stood walking down the steps toward a small gathering of men. "Nathan, please watch over the Queen for me a while." He said to Darkwind as he passed the man standing at the bottom of the steps.

"Of course, my Lord." Nathan gave Arthur a small bow and watched the man leave with three other noblemen deep in discussion, then he turned his eyes up the stairs to the thrones and the young woman sitting upon one of them.

Moving with an animals grace he climbed the steps and took position to the right and behind Elaine as she sat and spoke to men and women. From here he could watch her without anyone really paying him attention, their eyes on the Queen alone. He could even smell her perfume, it was exquisite. His eyes travelled over the soft pale skin and he licked his lips remembered seeing her naked in the bath. She should have his, she would be his, he would not rest till it was so. He finally moved up and went to one knee beside her throne as a gap appeared in the line of well wishers giving them a moment. Nathan cast a baleful look at a man at the base of the dais who had been about to start up toward them. Instead the man turned away eyes downcast. Darkwind turned his eyes back to Elaine, his shoulder length jet black hair laying around his shoulders, his dark brown eyes deep and soulful as he smiled at her.

"Your Majesty, I am the Baron Nathan Darkwind, one of King Arthurs advisors and closest friends. If you ever need me for anything please do not hesitate to call." He lay a hand on hers and squeezed gently. "I am your servant my Queen."

 

[LoriDean12345]

"I will be back soon my dear."

Arthur kissed Elaine's hand and departed, leaving her with conflicting feelings. Despite having known for more than a year that she was to be this man's wife, she'd only met the King this very day. And yet seeing him walk away from her left Elaine feeling suddenly abandoned and vulnerable. Arthur was her King, her husband, her protector. Shouldn't he be at her side at all times?

Elaine laughed softly to herself, embarrassed. Don't be a baby. You're a grown woman. You're a QUEEN! Act like one!

She watched her husband speak momentarily to a Noble, who immediately turned and headed her way. Another groveling Lord was kneeling before Elaine, showering her with compliments and trying to ensure she remembered his name should he ever need something from the Crown. Yet Elaine's full attention was on the man approaching.

There was something about him. Something about the way he looked at her. It made Elaine's skin crawl, flooding her flesh with goose bumps. He looked, what? Hungry! Like a wolf about to pin a lamb to the pasture and rip its neck out.

After he took positon behind and to the side of her, all Elaine could think of was him. She greeted the Lords and Ladies before her with a wide smile, trading complimentary words with them. But her mind, heart, and soul were being controlled by the Lord behind her.

Then suddenly, he was kneeling beside Elaine, closer than any other Noble -- in particular the males, the Lords -- had even dared to consider. He introduced himself and promised that any need she had, he would fulfill.

"I am your servant my Queen."

When he took her hand, Elaine felt a surge of excitement flood her entire being. She wanted to pull her hand back. The gesture felt far too intimate for Elaine. No man except her father and now her husband had touched her in this way since before she began to become the woman she was today.

But she left her hand as was, simply looking to his before looking back up. Nervously, she cleared her throat and responded, "Thank you, Lord Darkwind. I am sure that my husband, the King--"

Elaine was desperate to remind this man holding her hand just who her husband was. And, in kind, who she was. She continued, "--will be very pleased to hear of your vow."

She had intentionally used the words will be rather than would be to ensure that the man knew Elaine would be telling Arthur of this encounter. Even though she had no idea why this particular greeting concerned her so much, Elaine knew it was different than all those which had come before it.

 

[Gabe619]

Nathan smiled up at the young Queen. "The King knows my loyalty is to him ... and you, my Queen. I am sure he will only be the happier to hear I spoke it to you in person."

Darkwind had no fear of Arthur. The Queen could say what she wished to the man and Nathan knew the man would only consider Nathan's words genuine affection for the King and Queen. Arthur might not be incredibly old yet, but he was no youngster. He had his two sons yes but neither, so far, showed the promise to take his place on the throne if anything happened to their father. No, Nathan was a power in the realm, more than Arthur knew. He could do and say most anything without fear of being called before the King to answer for it. Arthur depended on him more and more with each passing year giving him more power and responsibility which Darkwind used to his own ends. This Queen, he would have her, one way or another very soon now. He felt the desire inside building like a force of nature and it would not be turned away for long. He physically ached to bed this girl, had done since he first saw her. He didn't care if she was married to Arthur or not, she would be his.

"I see your husband returning. He had simply asked me to watch over you in his absence, a deed I am always more than happy to perform. Until next time your Majesty." Nathan stood and bowed, kissing Elaine's hand before turning and smiling at Arthur who was climbing the steps toward them. "Is everything alright, my Lord?" He asked.

"Oh, yes, fine, thank you Nathan." Arthur said returning the mans smile and clasping him on the shoulder. "Go, enjoy the party, you deserve it."

With a silent bow, Darkwind turned and descended the steps and moved into the mass of people. Smiling and talking to some, ignoring others. On his throne again Arthur turned to Elaine.

"I'm sorry about that, Elaine, a matter of urgency had arose but it is dealt with now. I hope my absence wasn't to hard on you so soon after becoming Queen." His genuine concern was evident in his tone of voice as he leant in and kissed her cheek. "If you are feeling tired we can retire to our rooms? I have sent your hand maiden ahead with your possessions and told my steward to give her any aid she needs. I hope you will be happy here, my love."

 

[LoriDean12345]

The Nobleman spoke in a way that only continued to frighten Elaine. He was confident. Too confident. Every other Nobleman in the room would drop to his knees and beg for mercy should the King ever show displeasure in them. Their fealty was a combination of respect for Arthur's inherited status and fear of his army.

But this Darkwind. Even as the Lord was taking her hand and kissing it softly, she somehow knew that he would and could stand up against Arthur if ever the situation arose.

"I see your husband returning."

Elaine's body trembled once again, just hearing the Noble call Arthur her husband. The word was spoken with what she perceived was a lack of enthusiasm for her union to the King. Was he, Darkwind, envious of Arthur? Why should he be? There were so many young, beautiful Royal and Noble maidens to be had. Why would he have an interest in Elaine? It wasn't as if he'd met her, giving him a face to dream of. It wasn't as if he'd ever seen her scantily clad, let alone naked, giving him a body to fantasize about.

After her husband apologized for abandoning her, Elaine was tempted to ask about his business. But she'd been taught by the Sisters and father both that if a man wanted you to know his business, he would tell you his business. It wasn't a woman's place to ask, even if she was a Princess, or a Queen.

"If you are feeling tired we can retire to our rooms?

Elaine's stomach turned and she flushed a bright red. She didn't hear anything more he said as her mind interpreted what Arthur had suggested as I think we should retire to MY room so that I can claim your purity.

Suddenly, the new Queen's face lit up with joy. The music to which the assembled were dancing had quit suddenly. It was quickly replaced by the Royal Music of the Kingdom of Westwood. Elaine stood quickly, saying more to herself than anyone else, "Father!"

She began to hurry down the dais, but stopped quickly to turn back to Arthur. She took a more formal posture and asked, "M'lord, do you mind sparing for a moment?"

With Arthur's permission, Elaine hurried down the dais onto the dance floor, where the obedient and expectant crowd was already beginning to part. Her father was waiting with open arms and a wide smile as she rushed into his arms. He held her tightly as the Nobles and lesser Royals about them either bowed or applauded the pair.

"Come!" she demanded, taking William by the hand. "Come. Speak to Arthur."

"Speak to your husband," he corrected with a smirk.

She blushed again. "Yes. Speak to my husband."

"Your King."

Elaine laughed loudly. "Yes! My King!"

Holding her dress with one hand to prevent stepping on it, she dragged her father behind her toward the dais with the other. She was about to stop with him but he urged with a whisper, "Get up there."

She moved closer to him with a concerned expression and whispered, "I can not!"

He knew what Elaine's concern was. He was her father and her King, or at least one of them. It was not her place to be stationed above him, even if it was only physically. He turned her away from him and literally pushed her well dressed backside toward the dais. "Go!"

Elaine laughed again, feeling suddenly as though a child once more. She carefully climbed the steps, nearly tripping on her dress before turning to stand next to Arthur. Below her, King William of Westwood gave his daughter, then his partner in power, King Arthur of Valen, a respective though not entirely deep bow. He was, after all, King of half the Known World.

The two exchanged dialogue for a long minute, about rule, about peace, about Elaine. Finally, William announced to his daughter and her husband though loud and with emphasis for the crowd, "My gift to you, King Arthur and Queen Elaine."

He turned and swept his hand. From the far end of the ball room, music and mayhem erupted. Elaine's heart leapt, and she grasped Arthur's hand tightly in both of hers as she proclaimed with joy, "The Dancers of Reed!"

Two dozen men and women suddenly flooded into the ball room at almost a running pace. Drums and wooden flutes and metal cymbals filled the ballroom with a music almost no one in Valen and only a few lucky souls in Westwood had ever heard. The Noble and Royals withdrew toward the walls, some in shock, others in fear, as the native dancers broke into a rhythmic dance that was almost animalistic in nature.

The dress of the natives was similar in two ways: males and females both wore clothing made entirely of jungle flowers weaved together with the long, thin vines upon which they grew; and those clothes barely hid those parts of their bodies that made all males and females different from one another.

The Dancers of Reed themselves were unique from the other peoples of the Known World in many ways, mostly in their cultural ways. They lived in the wilds of the Reed jungles in huts made of natural materials. And they had few possessions other than the clothes on their backs and the tools they used to harvest their diet of wild plants and animals.

But their most unique physical difference from the rest of humankind was their color. Though they came from the same blood lines, the people of Reed came in two very distinct colors: black as night and white as milk. And their hair came in two different looks, both natural: again, black as night, long, straight, and fine; or again, white as milk, but in short, kinky curls that would by now be making some of the staring nobles think of the little patches of hair in their groin.

The irony of their physical look, though, was that whether man or female, those Dancers whose body was black had a head of white hair. And those from Reed whose skin was white had a hair of black! Elaine could still remember the first time she'd laid eyes upon them, her eyes and mouth open in awe. As the young Princess daughter of a respected Royal, Elaine had been allowed to closely inspect and even touch the bodies of the Dancers. She'd marveled at the odd people, which only made this moment more unbelievable for her yet again.

Elaine hadn't seen the Dancers of Reed in over a decade, since well before she herself began feeling the effects that would shift her from girl to woman. Her memories of the once in a lifetime visit to that dark land of swamp and jungle were of song and dance and wild, childish adventure.

Yet now, for reasons that initially escaped her, Elaine felt something different. As she watched the plentiful flesh moving about in ways most of the assembled never imagined a human body could move, Elaine suddenly felt warm. Warm in her heart. Warm in her soul. And, embarrassingly, warm in a place that she'd never felt warmth before.

She blushed a bit as she peeked up at Arthur. She remembered his suggestion that they retire to their rooms. And she remembered that she knew that meant they would retire to his room. And she remembered that before this night was over, she would be even more exposed than the native dancers whose special places were the only parts of their bodies now on display as they leapt and ran and spun around the hall.

Suddenly, the entire dance troupe rushed toward the dais as one. With a coordination that was natural to them, not rehearsed, each of them suddenly stripped their flower clothes from their bodies and threw them at the feet of the Royals watching them from on high. Without hesitation, the now naked bodies turned and rushed out of the ballroom, whooping and screaming in joy as they disappeared out into the hall.

By now, Elaine was gripping her new husband's nearest arm with both hands, ecstatic about the display. Her father turned to look at first her, then Arthur, then repeat his slight but respectful bow. He backed away a few steps as was expected of any Royal departing another, then turned and headed out behind the last of the Dancers.

Elaine watched the reaction of the attendees. Some were applauding and cheering, while others looked aghast with shock and horror. Elaine dismissed the latter, knowing that they simply didn't understand what the dance had been about. She looked up to Arthur again and wondered, Does he know it was a blessing of fertility? Does he know that I will conceive his child, our heir, tonight?

That was, of course, what she'd been told about the performance of the Dancers of Reed when she was too young to even understand what it meant. Of course, she had no idea that that wasn't going to happen tonight. The dance had been a powerful performance. But it didn't have the power of the unseen Skylark's magic.

 

[Gabe619]

Arthur had watched the performance with a mixture of awe and arousal. He suspected that was what the dancers hoped to engender in their audience anyway. As they had performed he had occasionally glanced at the young girl by his side, his wife now, as he glee at seeing the men and women from her home dancing before her this night. He smiled as she clasped his arm so tight in excitement. His love for her was growing by the hour and he knew somehow that this had been the right thing to do. He had considered that Elaine might feel trapped and unhappy married to him, an older man she didn't know except through word of mouth from the Sisters and her father. She may have harboured anger for him as he was her father's rival in the realm. But all he saw was wide eyes innocence and beauty like a delicate rose suddenly basking in sunlight for the first time. As the dancers fled and the crowd stood unsure before them Elaine looked up into his face and Arthur saw the nervousness in her expression. He had never heard of this dance before or its meaning, and yet its purpose was obvious to him as the flowers lay strewn at the feet of the King and Queen. He rose holding Elaine's hand and looked out over his people.

"My Lords and Ladies, we wish to thank you for being here on this day of wonder and fresh beginnings. Of showering us in your well wishes and happiness, but now we must depart. Please stay and continue to enjoy yourselves." Arthur announced with a wave of his hand and a broad smile.

He was hardly going to announce that he was taking this young woman to bed to take her virginity but everyone present knew and expected it. Even his two sons had accepted that the son he would have with Elaine would be the true heir to his throne and not them. At first they had not been happy of course and understandable so, but now both had reasoned that it was for the best. If not for them personally then for the kingdom. Arthur turned and still holding Elaine's hand slowly led her around the thrones and through a door at the back of the hall. Behind them cheers erupted for them both but the sounds quickly died as they climbed a large circular staircase that led up to the royal quarters. As they walked Arthur slipped an arm around the girls slim waist.

"Do not be scared or nervous of this night, my dear." He said in a quiet warm tone. "My first wife was so uneasy on our first night she was sick for hours and we spent that night mostly with her head over a bowl." Arthur smiled at the memory. "You have nothing to fear and believe me, it will be the most amazing night of your life if you will simply put yourself into my hands."

Finally they walked into the main bedroom. It was not a huge room, but certainly large enough. It did house a large four poster bed up against the far wall and two large windows looked out over the castle grounds, both glazed to keep the winds and the cold out. A fire roared in the hearth warming the room and rugs of rich colour and softness lay around to keep the cold of the flagstones from their feet. The bed itself had white sheets and pillows and a white bear skin laying across the top. Arthur pushed the door closed behind them and took both of Elaine's hands in his, looking into her eyes.

"Do you trust me, my Queen?"

 

[LoriDean12345]

Elaine had thoroughly enjoyed the Dancers of Reed. This time, however, she'd taken away from the performance more than she had when she was just a little girl. Back then, it had simply been a delightful spectacle. As the Dancers then had suddenly disrobed and grasped for the nearest native of the opposite gender, Elaine's father had simply told her, "They are going to make babies now. Time for us to return to the Castle." This time, however, the young virginal Princess-turned-Queen knew that it was she who was going to make a baby, with her new husband and king.

Arthur thanked the guests and announced their departure. He turned Elaine away from the ballroom and escorted her up the stone stair case. They arrived at the quarters that included their shared bed. This, she knew, was where they would sleep with and make love to one another when they weren't sleeping in their own bed chambers instead.

Though she was pure of heart and body, Elaine wasn't entirely naïve. She knew what her purpose here in Valen was: to provide immediate peace through the treaty of marriage and lasting peace through the birthing of an heir common to both Kingdoms. She knew that the second deed would be accomplished through her physical union with Arthur in this bed. But Elaine knew that there would be nights in the future when she would lay alone in her bed while Arthur entertained other women in his own.

She wandered slowly about the Consummation Chambers looking at the décor, particularly the bed. She found it a bit depressing that even before she'd been bedded by him, she was already thinking about those nights in the future when he would find his pleasure with younger and prettier Noble and possibly even peasant girls. Why had the Sisters warned her of such things? Why couldn't they have just left the naïve teenager believing that she would be the only woman who would ever part her thighs for this King from this day forth?

Arthur had kindly told Elaine not to be nervous, adding that she had nothing to fear of when in his hands.

"I have no fear of you my King," Elaine said, turning to face Arthur. She smiled and walked toward him until she was within arm's reach.

"Do you trust me, my Queen?"

Her smile widened with feigned confidence and courage. Inside, though, her heart was pounding harder than it ever had. She'd known from almost the Day of Bleeding that someday this very animalistic, very intimate, very personal act would take place between her and a male. She knew a woman's place was on her back or even on her hands and knees while her man did what men did to their women. Peasant, Noble, or Royal. It didn't matter. This was the way it was meant to be, and Elaine had no negative feelings about what Arthur was about to do to her.

"I trust you," she whispered, reaching out to lay a hand upon his chest for a moment before adding, "my husband."

She smiled up to the taller man, then turned her back to him, presenting the easily untied knot that would begin the rather lengthy project of stripping from Elaine the many layers of her wedding dress...

 

[Gabe619]

Arthur had bedded other women since his wife's death, but they had been purely for physical needs, there had been nothing between them other than that. Now though as he moved to Elaine and placed his large calloused hands on her slip hips he felt something he had been sure he would never feel again. Was it love as he and his wife had shared, he didn't know, not yet, however there was a connection when he looked at Elaine and there had been since he first set eyes on her bathing. It was more than physical, his heart warmed to the sight of the young girl and he found himself smiling just watching her. He began to untie the white silk material holding her dress together even as his desire for her naked body rose within him. Part of him wanted nothing more than to grab his knife and cut the girl from this dress, but that was to beastial to put her through. It would only scare her more than he envisioned she already was, despite her brave words. No tonight was not just about his needs. Tonight this maiden would be giving herself to him, giving up her innocence to beget him a son if the Gods allowed. He did not want her to reflect back on this moment with anything but a smile of happiness. Oh, he knew his views were not the popular ones held by other lords and nobles in his realm. He knew they considered him as naïve as his new Queen perhaps, but he was steadfast in his ways and views and would not hurt this young girl for anything.

As he finally let her shift drop to the floor leaving her naked before him he stepped back. She now stood in a large pool of soft white clothe, her glorious nakedness, or at least the back view of such, aroused him terribly. His eyes travelled from her soft hair over her slim shoulders and down her narrow back to the curve of her hips and then over her tight toned perfectly formed butt and finally down her legs. He felt his face redden with desire as he moved into her again and placed his hands on her now naked shoulder and turned her to face him. He looked down into her eyes, so wonderfully deep and beautiful and smiled as he kissed her gently on the lips, his fingers caressing down her flanks to her hips.

"My Queen, you are the most beautiful woman in the land." His voice was hoarse now from his desire and love for Elaine. "I will worship you for the woman you are, and the woman you will grow to be and I promise you no other shall gain my love but you until the day I die. We are together, this night and for eternity, my love."

Stepping back he began to unclothe himself. First letting his cloak fall to the floor, then he began to take his tunic off. Thankfully for men undressing was not so laborious as it was for the women. Quickly he was half naked before the girl, his broad chest on display to her, the wide shoulders, the muscled arms, the slight hair on his chest and the battle scars which marred his pale skin. His was a body trained for battle and war, but tonight it would be one which would bring delights to this girl she had never dreamed of, he promised himself that. More slowly now he untied his breeches and began to pulled them down his muscled thighs and legs, bending easily as he kicked his boots off and finally pulled the pants clear and stood again, now totally naked. He displayed himself before his Queen, his hard cock standing proudly before him. He felt no embarrassment or nerves, he knew he was an impressive sight despite his age, but he felt it only fair this girl should have the time to inspect him as he had had to inspect her earlier.

"I hope, Elaine, I do not disappoint you. I want no falsehoods between us from this moment on. Be honest and truthful with me always as I will be to you my darling."

 

[LoriDean12345]

As the last of her clothes fell away to gather about her feet, Elaine's skin erupted in goose bumps. It was cold in the room, yes. But she knew that her body's betrayal of the fear she was trying to hide was mostly and simply because she was naked before this man who she had only met earlier in the day. (Of course, Elaine couldn't know that Arthur had seen her this way in the past, though certainly not so up close and personal.)

She clutched her hands before her near her navel. They were trembling, and Elaine wouldn't let her husband see that from her. Soon, she felt his hands turning her. She kept her gaze down for a moment, then gained the courage to look up into Arthur's eyes. His gaze walked up and down her front side. She assumed that he'd already done the same with her backside.

The modesty driven into her from having grown up in a convent had Elaine wanting to hide her womanly features with her idle hands. Instead, she only crossed them below her breasts before her belly. Her nipples hurt! They were so swollen that she feared they would simply burst all over Arthur at any moment.

"My Queen, you are the most beautiful woman in the land."

Her gaze dropped again as her face exploded in fire. She chuckled nervously, responding softly, "I am far from the most beautiful, m'lord. But. I thank you."

"I will worship you--" he began, finishing by telling her that they would be together forever.

Elaine wanted to believe that. But she couldn't. He was a man. He had natural urges that would someday lead him to the arms of another woman. And beyond that, he was the King. There would be times when he needed to share his bed with a woman other than his wife.

Of course, as long as Elaine retained Arthur's heart, she could forgive him for giving his penis to another.

When he stepped back and began undressing, her gaze dropped again. Once more her face began to boil. She peeked up when he removed his shirt. She caught sight of the scars marking his muscular body. She murmured her simple astonishment with, "M'lord."

He continued undressing, and while she wanted to badly to again divert her eyes, Elaine couldn't. Her gaze set upon his groin as his trousers and undergarment felt away. Her eyes widened at the sight of his penis. It was. Oh, it was impressive. And scary. He's going to put that in me!

Elaine had seen penises before, of course. The convent had had a wide variety of mammalian animals, and they bred of course. She had been amazed at the size of the male plow horse's penis. Amazed and, for reasons she only generally understood, aroused. She'd been caught and chastised once for visually inspecting the bull's jewels, told it wasn't ladylike. When she asked whether a man had those things, too, she was told, "Yes, but much smaller.

Now as she looked at Arthur, though, Elaine thought to herself Not THAT much smaller. Of sure, he wasn't the bull or the horse, but he was certainly better equipped than any of the other male beasts she'd spied upon over the years. And unlike the convent's breeding stock, Arthur's was sticking straight out before him, pointing at her. It looked hard as a tree limb!

"I hope, Elaine, I do not disappoint you."

Again, major blush as she finally pulled her gaze away from his royal tool.

"I want no falsehoods between us from this moment on. Be honest and truthful with me always as I will be to you my darling."

She hesitated before saying simply, "I'm afraid, m'lord."

She looked back to Arthur's erection, then up to his face. "I'm afraid. That I won't know what to do. That I, m'lord, will disappoint you."

He responded, then took her by the hand and led her to the bed. She crawled up into it, laying on her back. She kept her legs squeezed tightly together, waiting to see what happened.

PM

 

[Gabe619]

"You could never disappoint me, Elaine. Tonight I will show you, do not worry."

Arthur crawled onto the huge bed and gently parted the girls slim legs. He smiled as he saw again her delicate pussy and moved between her thighs to let his thick fingers explore the flower of her maidenhood carefully. So soft he though as he rubbed the clit and let his fingers roam over her pussy lips and thighs. Slowly he felt her growing wet and he positioned himself so his cock head rubbed over her lips as he supported himself on his arms over her slim body. He looked down at her beautiful face and smiled warmly.

"This will hurt, my dear, but not for long I pray."

With that he thrust forward, his thick cock head spearing into Elaine's pussy with a hard passion. Arthurs cock immediately tore apart the girls hymen and slid an inch or two further before the pussy clamped down hard in response to the pain preventing further penetration. He stayed still to let her pussy get used to the size of his cock, then thrust hard again getting another inch in. He leaned down and kissed her hard, his tongue slipping into her mouth as his desire and passion mounted. She felt so good around his cock, warm, wet and soft. He was now almost half way inside her. Pulling out slightly he rammed his hips down and sunk almost all of himself into the new Queen. Looked down their bodies he saw some blood on his cock as he pulled it out, but this was expected and normal. Looking again into her eyes he pushed down again as hard as he could and this time felt his balls hit her thighs and butt. All of his cock now lived inside the young woman's pussy with it tightly holding it like a silken vice.

"You feel so good around me, Elaine, so good." Arthur whispered breathing harder now as he began to fuck the Queen.

His motions were rhythmical, the in and out pumping of his hips like a steam engine as he grunted and moaned in pleasure. It was not pretty, but tonight was not about that, tonight was about consummation and about breeding the girl to get an heir. Another night he would show her the pleasures of lovemaking he promised silently as he continued to fuck her slim body. He worried if he was to rough, if her young body might be to frail to take his energetic fucking, but he couldn't stop now and he knew she would understand. His head went back and his eyes rolled shut as he felt the orgasm nearing, his balls churning as cum boiled. He slipped back, his hands grasping her narrow hips as he pulled her with him. He now stood between her legs as he used her body harder, his cock pistoned in and out of her as his calloused huge hands held her in place on the bed and then with a mighty roar his cock exploded inside her, his body shook as huge shots of cum filled her to the limit. Never could he recall such pleasure, such release, and yet this girl had made him reach this pinnacle easily by simply being there with him.

Finally his shudders eased as his cock stopped shooting cum into the young girl and he panted harder as he stroked her pale face. He stepped back, his cock sliding free of her sore and red pussy, blood streaked and wet. He moved to a table close by and the bowl of water and towel that was there. He cleaned his cock quickly then turned back to Elaine. Sliding onto the bed, he pulled her up to him so her head lay on his chest as he cradled her body with one huge arm while the other stroked her head.