Magic's Reluctant Bride (closed for maurader13

[AngelofDeath]

Mel had been focused on getting the words right in her own head that she brushed Len's declaration aside as nothing more than the result of having had too much wine. The only sounds in the room before she spoke again was the crackling of the fire, the rain outside and their own breathing. All her shifting had put Len between her legs with her right behind his back, reaching around him she eased her fingers under him chin and made him look at her. The look on his face as so unsuspecting, so open. It almost killed her resolve.

An eternity seemed to pass before she closed the distance between them, her lips finding his. It wasn't an innocent kiss by any stretch of the imagination, but it wasn't the kiss of someone who was skilled in the arts of love. Mel's whole body was shaking as she drew away from him, her breath ghosting over his lips as she finally found her voice. "Will you be with me tonight Len? I know asking you this amounts to treason to your Prince and a betrayal to your future wife. If things do not wok out I at least want the first time I embrace someone to be someone of my own choosing."

The fingers of her left hand trailed over his chest, tracing every inch of his exposed flesh even the scar along his ribs. "If I could I would pick someone like you Len. Someone open-minded and caring." Licking her suddenly dry lips, he would be able to see the sincerity in her eyes and hear it in her voice. "If you say no, I'll accept it and find somewhere else to sleep for the night."

Letting her hand fall away from his chin, Mel, turned her head, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks, both from the wine and the minor feeling that she had just made a fool of herself in front of Len. Who was she to put him in such a position. It would have been one thing if he had been from another kingdom, but Noden was his home. Her body shook gently though it had nothing to do with being chilled and a thick lock of her hair blocked the view of her face.

Sooner rather than later the silence and the wait for his answer, got to Mel and she began to rise from the bed. She almost made it up to her feet when Len reached out and grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

 

[marauder13]

The massage stopped but the contact remained as Melisandra shifted around behind him. He closed his eyes again, enjoying the touch of her hand on his back. Her hand touched his chin, firmly turning him to look at her. His eyes opened while he turned, wondering what she wanted to tell him that made her want him to face her.

He looked into her eyes, fascinated by the colour that seemed to shift between blue and green, depending on the flicker of the fire light. His focus was so strong that it wasn't until she closed them that he realised something was happening.

It was the first kiss Lentharian ever had. The first time he had lips touch his. His mother would kiss him in the cheek only. He had no idea of whether such a kiss was skilled or not, but he didn't care. He felt the passion pass from her to him. He surrendered to his feelings for Melisandra, whatever they were, and accepted her kiss, returning the passion. His entire body was covered with goosebumps, and he was washed with a feeling of warmth that started in the middle of his body. As the kiss finished, the feel of her soft warm breath on his lips made him desire to kiss her. To feel those soft lips once more, and all that they stirred within him.

"Will you be with me tonight Len? I know asking you this amounts to treason to your Prince and a betrayal to your future wife. If things do not wok out I at least want the first time I embrace someone to be someone of my own choosing."

He was stunned. That she wanted him, but she didn't want him. The intellectual side joined with the emotional side to fight against the intellectual and emotional sides. She was going to betray him! But she wanted him! But not the Prince of Noden, her fiance. She wanted Len of Noden, gem merchant.

His continued thoughts were shattered by the passage of her fingers over his chest. When they passed, they left an ache for more in their wake. She even ran the fingers along the scar he got when his instructor lost his temper with the Prince who refused to stop pulling his own blows. That wound was left to heal naturally and serve as a reminder. But as her finger ran over the scar, the effects went deeper into his body. The ache settled in the pit of his stomach.

"If I could I would pick someone like you Len. Someone open-minded and caring. If you say no, I'll accept it and find somewhere else to sleep for the night."

He was torn between the anger at her deliberate betrayal seeking out someone else to giver herself to first, and that she thought of him enough to ask such a thing. She was a friend of his, and she was asking his help. Without knowing it, she was betraying her fiance by being with her fiance.

He saw her blush as her hand left his chin. His face was passive as his mind churned over and over about what she had asked. The hurt and the joy. Sadness and happiness. The anger and acceptance.

He felt her start to move again. He finally reached a decision. If she wanted to give herself to someone, and she choose him, then he would not reject her.

His hand reached out, taking Melisandra by her wrist. He looked up at her, firming his own resolve to do what he decided. He knew he why he was doing it. He was doing it because he loved her, and this was something she felt she needed.

"Mel. I would be honoured to be with you. If that is what you really want. I would like it too. I have not been with a woman before, but I have... gained some knowledge of what is done between a man and woman. I will do my best." It was his turn to blush.

 

[AngelofDeath]

"Mel. I would be honoured to be with you. If that is what you really want. I would like it too...I will do my best." His words stopped her from pulling away and Mel let out the breath she had been holding. Letting Len pull her back down onto the bed, Mel met his eyes slowly. "Well at least I know I am in good hands." What Mel did know was from overhearing conversations of the maids and the castle guards.

"Thank you, I know I am asking a lot from you," Leaning in she kissed Len again, this time it was less hesitant, more confident. Her hands found his skin again, this time retracing the earlier paths they had taken, but also taking the time to actually learn his body. Mel let out a soft moan when Len's hands began to explore on their own.

Gods she knew that it was wrong to put him in this position, the use him as she was, but she just wanted something that was fully under her control. Eventually they would go their separate ways, but at least they would have some pleasant memories of each other. Her mouth gave in to the coaxing of his own and his tongue as he pulled her closer to him. That first shy taste of Len made her tremble even more. Their tongues slid against one another bold but unsure at the same time.

 

[marauder13]

"Well at least I know I am in good hands."

"Thank you, Mel."

"Thank you, I know I am asking a lot from you."

Melisandra leant in and kissed him again. If anything, her lips were softer and warmer than the last time. But the feelings it created within him were stronger too. He flinched as Melisandra's hands touched him again. The passage of her hands across his skin heated it like a flame had passed close by. His moans were muffled by their kissing. He reached out with one hand, resting it on the side of her face, cupping her cheek, and neck below her ear.

His tongue started tasting her lips. The initial contact was hesitant. He felt her lips part and he started to explore her mouth. He was nervous, excited and completely unsure about how his actions would be received. He other arm wrapped around her, drawing her closer. He felt the need to have her pressed against him.

Lentharian gently broke off the kiss, rolling his lips to get every last morsel of her taste from them. He looked into her eyes, making sure that the desire to continue was still there. Sensing that her resolve had not faltered, he brought his hands to her top, and started undoing the buttons. As his hands fumbled through the task, he returned to kissing Melisandra. Short, intense kisses that seemed to strengthen Lentharian's resolve.

When the last button was undone, Lentharian rested his head against Melisandra's, their foreheads and noses touching. Breathing deeply, Lentharian raised his hands to Melisandra's bared shoulders, and ran his hands down her arms, slowly removing her top, before dropping it to the floor.

The dark blue bodice was laced to support Melisandra's breasts, and it made her cleavage more appealing in his opinion. He slowly reached for the laces that held the garment in place, slowly undoing the knot. He leant back, and loosened the lacing, all the while waiting for Melisandra to tell him to stop. His heart was racing, even though he had seen her naked once before, this time was different, incredibly different. Once it was loose enough, he started to lift it up and over her head. It joined the top on the floor.

Without any hesitation, he wrapped her in his arms, and kissed her deeply and passionately, holding her pressed against his body.

 

[AngelofDeath]

Mel watched Len make short work of her shirt, even though he struggled with the last few buttons. The short, but intense Kisses kept her from changing her mind about things as he pushed the shirt from her shoulders and off her and then his fingers found the laces of her bodice. Now more than ever she was glad she favored the more simple ones compared to the more detailed and complicated ones noblewomen often wore.

Unknowingly they were thinking along the same lines, that he had seen her naked before. This time it was different though, unlike before where it had been accidental and brief, Len was going to see a lot more of her and for much longer. Vice versa as well. The way his eyes raked down her torso made her insides warm just before he was pulling her against him, chest to chest and kissing her once more. This time it was the touch of his skin against the hardening tips of her nipples that made her moan, giving him the chance to full explore her mouth with his tongue. The rain, where they were everything became unimportant and fell away as his hands ran over her body, touch her full as she had him.

She could feel the hesitancy leaving him as one of his hands cupped her breast. Mel leaned into the warm feel of his hand. No one had ever touched her like that and it was extremely different from the feel of her own hands upon her self. Len was stirring a want inside of her that she had never known before. Her stomach felt tight and her skin, hot against his as she let him, find his way around her body. Her own hands were splayed along his ribs before sliding further down and resting upon his thighs. Her right made contact with cloth covered thigh but her left came down just to the side of his cock as his arousal grew against the material of his pants. The curiosity from before had returned and slowly, Mel swept her hand along the length of him, feeling his heat through his clothing.

 

[marauder13]

As they kissed, their bodies pressed tightly together, Lentharian grew more aware of the hardening of Melisandra's nipples against his skin. He knew that would occur, but he had no idea of what would cause it and how it would feel. To him, it felt great, and reassuring to a small measure. But he let his hands move slowly over Melisandra's back, feeling the muscle underneath the smooth skin. Feeling the heat radiating off her. Feeling the beat of her heart.

She was almost a contradiction. So soft to his touch, yet he felt the firmness of her body underneath and the strength contained within. There were soft gentle curves seemingly everywhere his hands ventured across her. The more he touched her, the more he knew that she wanted this. With that knowledge, came his natural confidence born of hours of intensive training. He had mastered powers greater than any of his tutors. To do that, he had to be confident in himself, in his abilities and most of all in his intent.

His hand found one of her breasts, and he cupped it gently but firmly. He felt the weight of it, how firm it was how warm it was. The smooth texture of one of the symbols of her womanhood was not like anything he had felt before. He felt it pressed against his hand as she leant in a little. His hand slowly moved and massaged the soft flesh. He enjoyed the feel of it under his hand, and the way that Melisandra seemed to be enjoying it.

He had lost track of where her hands were until one of them brushed his cock through his pants. His confidence faltered slightly, nervous that she would know of his reaction to her. That quickly vanished as he remembered what they were working towards. Also, the movement of her hand along his length also drove away the doubts as the feelings radiating out from there intensified. His eyes closed and his breathing shuddered as she continued feeling him through the fabric.

The hand that was not cupping her breast dropped to her lap, rubbing her thigh with his fingertips. He ran his hand the full length of her thigh, gently bumping the part of her torso between the thighs. He gathered his thoughts enough to undo the bindings that held Melisandra's pants on.

He brought his hands back up to her ribs until his thumbs rested just below her breasts. He leaned in again, kissing Melisandra, tasting of her once more as he tried to remember what he could of what could be done next.

 

[AngelofDeath]

Mel was starting to think Len couldn't get enough of the taste of her, then again, neither could she. The hint of wine still lingered o his tongue but the rest was all him. Before she had been unsure of Len's reaction when she first touched him, but it didn't take long for him to relax once again. They were both so new to this and would have to find their way together.

This time when his mouth left hers it was to investigate the expanse of bared flesh before him. His breath felt wonderful against the fluttering pulse at her neck, making her sigh and moan. She continued to stroke him through his clothing, while her other hand reached up to thread through his shaggy hair, pulling him closer to her. they both kicked their boots off at the same time leaving them in just their pants, though if Mel moved to stand or if she laid back Len would be able to pull them off her.

The heat between her thighs was growing steadily as well as the tightness in her middle. As Len's mouth moved further down her body, they moved back onto the bed, until they were laying on the bed. The change in position did two things, one it left her open and completely at Len's will. The other was that it changed the dynamic of the situation. Len was now straddling her leg, his cock pressed firmly against her thigh. The position felt oddly familiar, but only Len would be the one to understand the significance of it.

Mel turned her head watching as Len, lifted his head. The look in his eyes, made her stomach kick lightly. It was a look she had seen on the faces of men and a few women when they were looking at the one the loved and desired. His eyes moved down, watching the movement of his hands over her ribs and up to cup her breasts. She let out a whimper though it sounded more like something between a moan and a gasp as his thumbs brushed over the stiff peaks of her pink nipples as the same time. Her back arched lightly off the bed, pressing every inch of herself that she could against him, "Gods...."

 

[marauder13]

Lentharian's lips finally parted from hers, and he moved down to her neck. He kissed her, touching her flesh with his teeth, almost bringing himself to nip and bite, but deciding not to. But the reactions from Melisandra were enough to make him know that what he was doing was good enough and appreciated greatly. This was further reinforced by her hand working through his hair, and keeping him closer to her skin.

When he heard one of Melisandra's boots hitting the floor, he managed to shuck his off too without breaking his concentration on the kissing of Melisandra's neck, and shoulder. As she started to move, he followed her as he had little choice from her grip of his head. Not long after she laid herself flat on the bed, she released his head, allowing the freedom to move and get comfortable over her. He rested on his knees either side of one of her legs. Her thigh was firmly pressed against his cock, it's reminder of her keeping it hard. Both of his arms were either side of her body, firmly pressed against her ribs.

He sat himself up slightly, gazing down on the woman he wanted more than any other he had seen, or met. He wanted her as a part of his life, to be his wife, to continue showing him how to be more than he was taught. His thoughts faded as he moved his hands up to her breasts. When he started massaging them, his thumbs brushed the hard peaks of her nipples. She arched her back and again made sounds of pleasure at what he did. He focused on brushing them as this seemed to be enjoyed by her. He experimented a little by taking a nipple between his thumb and forefinger of his right and, gently squeezing it and feeling how hard it was. To his surprise, Melisandra enjoyed that even more than the brushing he did earlier. He spent a little more time gently squeezing her nipples, and pleasing her in that manner.

He stopped his exploration of her breasts, and climbed off her. Taking a deep breath, he removed Melisandra's pants. He took his time and care in removing them, enjoying the revealing of the rest of her from under the last piece of clothing she wore. He stood at the edge of the bed, and removed his pants as well. He thought he would be nervous whenever he revealed himself to a woman, but there were no nerves.

He returned to the bed, lying down beside her, looking up at her face as he slowly moved towards her breast. He kissed the smooth flesh of the side of her breast, moving slowly to the stiff peak before taking it into his mouth. As he had with his fingers, he used his teeth to gently squeeze the stiff flesh, interspersed with slow licking and occasional suckle.

When he eventually stopped, he raised his head enough to look at her more fully. "Has that been to your liking, Mel?" He breathed his question more than asked it.

 

[AngelofDeath]

The room was filled with her breathy and aroused moans as Len took his time getting to know her body. Of course every touch, squeeze and pull had her pressing against him, begging for more. When he pulled away she almost feared that Len was going to stop what he was doing. She relaxed though when he simply made short work of her pants. Mel's pulse sped up as she was finally and completely naked before Len again. The difference between now and before was that arousal was overwhelming any urge to be embarrassed. The way his eyes skimmed over her body as he shucked his own pants made her nipples tighten even further as the dampness between her thighs grew.

Slowly she let her eyes take in the sight of him before he could lay down beside her again. Len was all man, and it was plain as day that he wanted her. A few veins stood our along his hard shaft as his throbbed with his pulse.

This time when he laid next to her it was his mouth and not his hands that did the work of giving her pleasure. Mel let out a soft whimper as his lips and tongue explored both of her nipples. His actions left her skin flushed and her panting. She almost didn't hear his question when he pulled his mouth from her body, but she did and after a few breaths answered him. She answer him by pulling him towards you as she shifted on the bed to press her lips to his in a deep and heated kiss.

When she pulled back there was a shy smile on her face, "To my liking and then some Len. I would think you wouldn't have to ask." At the same time her hands were busy with work of her own. The left taking a hold of his, drawing it down between her legs, to where she really wanted him to touch her while the right, stroked down his side and over his thigh before brushing against the underside of his cock. Brushing his lips with her own she curled her hand around him, getting use to the silky hard feel of his shaft. His cock was as hot as the rest of him if not harder as it pulse within against her palm. The groan she drew from him, only encouraged her exploration of him. In the back of her mind she thought of all the raunchy conversation she had overheard, trying to remember anything that might have been of use to her in the moment. Soon enough she tossed the idea aside, knowing that Len would let her know what he liked.

 

[marauder13]

The kiss Melisandra gave Lentharian left him breathless. When the kiss ended, Lentharian saw a shy smile on her face.

"To my liking and then some Len. I would think you wouldn't have to ask."

He was relieved to hear that, even though he was sure that he was doing things right, he wanted to make sure that he had not missed out anything. But before he could do what he was planning, Melisandra dragged his hand down to between her legs. He felt the small soft hair that neared her sex, as well as the warmth, or heat that was being generated there.

As that happened, her other hand found his manhood. She wrapped her hand around it. He released a long groan, the feel of her hand was like nothing he had felt before. The gentle movement along his length sent waves of bliss over him. He breath shuddered. His body shook. His eyes opened wide as he looked at Melisandra's face making sure that he was not dreaming what was happening.

He finally started moving his hand near her sex, feeling the different textures, as well as the increasing wetness from the slit in between. He slowly sought out the source of the wetness, his finger moving steadily down, finding her entrance. He felt around carefully, finally determining where the opening actually was. He tested the strength of the barrier, his finger passing through the opening into the tight, warm, soft and wet interior.

 

[AngelofDeath]

The look on his face, told Mel he was enjoying himself. The wandering and curious prob of his fingers pulled her thoughts from his face and reaction. Other than a curious brush of her own fingers on rare occasions no one had touched her there before and the sensations of Len's fingers, even unskilled was enough to make her moan louder than before. Her legs spread for him as her caresses slowed upon his cock, distracted by the pleasure he was giving her. Within her moans was a slight gasp as his digit slipped into her body, tearing at her maidenhead slightly at the same time. Slight discomfort quickly gave way to building pleasure as his fingers slid deeper into the welcome warm wetness of her body.

Turning her head, Mel buried her lips against his throat, his pulse racing just as much as hers was at that point. As her body yielded to his presence, she resumed the stroking of his cock. It was satisfying on a very basic level to feel and hear how he responded to her and the opposite was true as well. The walls of her body pulsed and flexed around his finger.

"Len....gods...feels so good," she breathed against the crook of his neck. If this was simply just the start of what was to come she couldn't blame any of her maids for taking off as they were want to do when their men came back to the castle. Her hips lifted from the bed slightly in encouragement to her lover, coaxing him to give her more. Trying to focus on the pleasure she was giving him Mel's thumb brushed against the full and swollen crown of his cock. It earned her another rolling groan from him as he thrust against her hand.

 

[marauder13]

The feel of her interior was what he thought it might be, but not. The warmth he encountered was greater than he expected, though he knew of the dampness that occurred in that area. The skin was like so soft and smooth. He was surprised a little when he found some other skin that gave way. But Melisandra didn't cry out, or call on his to stop so he continued. In fact, given the sounds and the way her body moved, he was certain that she was enjoying it. If she reacted this way to the presence of his finger, how would she react to his -

"Len.... gods... feels so good." She had buried her face near his neck, the feel of her breath and the closeness of her lips were sending shivers down his spine.

The sudden movement of her thumb against the end of his shaft almost broke his concentration. His body seemed to move of its own accord as he felt himself moving his hips to increase the feel of her against him. His outward breath was more a groan than a simple breath. He took a deep breath and calmed himself enough to actually talk.

"Mel... I agree... you feel... make me feel..." The words dissolved into more groans as Mel's hand continued rubbing him. The more he felt that passage of her hand, the more he thought of where else it would go. The thought of taking Mel grew stronger and stronger. It was clear that she wanted that to happen too.

He leaned forward and kissed her. He aimed for a long, passionate kiss and he hoped that was what he achieved. He stared deeply into her eyes as he removed his finger from within her, and shifted his position until he was over her, between her legs. He eased himself closer, until his cock was poised outside the wet lips of her sex. With one last hesitation, he pushed himself into Mel.

Again, the heat from her walls was surprising. He thought he was going to be burnt it was so hot. He encountered the remaining skin and he pushed against it and it broke. He felt the increased dampness, along with the reflexive tightening as he continued. But the feelings that it created him were beyond words. All the while he looked into Mel's eyes.

"Gods... Mel... I... I love you."

 

[AngelofDeath]

The world seem to spiral out of control as Len finished claiming her, his lips finding hers, moving between her legs and replacing the emptiness inside of her left behind with the removal of his finger with the full length of his shaft. There was the expected pain as he torn through the rest of her virginity, though not as much if she hadn't been as aroused as she was. It was quickly replaced with the very full feeling of him buried inside of her.

Len's body weighed her down in the bed, made her feel vulnerable, but not in a bad way. Of course everything came into very real and sharp focus when Len spoke, "Gods... Mel... I... I love you." There was no way to deny what he had said this time. And just as before it made her feel so wonderful, but also so guilty at the same time. What they had were sharing would only last for as long as Len was here to work. He would have to return to Noden eventually and to the woman he was supposed to marry. He wasn't hers to keep.

Moaning their lips met again as their bodies began to move, her hips matching his thrusts. When she pulled back their foreheads met, the two of them staring so deeply into each others eyes. "I love you Len," as they moved their pendants tangled slightly, catching the combined light of the fire, room lantern and the sudden and very bright flash of lightening that split the sky in two and illuminated the night. If things were different, they could have built on this moment, as it was it would be just one stolen moment in their lives as they headed down their own paths.

The bed began to creak softly with the movement of their bodies together. Hands and mouth continued to explore, to taste and tease as they both left their mark of each other, physically and emotionally. The heat and tightness inside of Mel only seemed to build until she was sure she was going to break like so much glass under him.

 

[marauder13]

When their lips separated, Lentharian couldn't help but look into Melisandra's eyes, trying to look at her soul hidden within.

"I love you Len."

The very words ignited his love for her within him, causing the small flame to blaze like a bonfire. He thought his feelings for her were strong before, they were nothing compared to what he was feeling after those words.

Together, they moved in the same rhythm, each of them adding to the other's pleasure with each stroke, touch, kiss. To Lentharian's mind, they seemed to spiral higher and higher, faster and faster. He started to feel his body start to tense up, which had him alarmed slightly. Before he could do anything further, he felt his shaft spasm as the first of his seed was given over to Melisandra. His eyes closed. He let out a loud groan as he continued to experience his climax. When he looked at Melisandra again, he brought himself close enough to kiss her again. It was rough, raw, lacking in skill and technique but made up for it with the honest passion and love he felt for her.

 

[AngelofDeath]

Mel's own climax let her breathless and writhing against Len as he filled her with his seed. Len's kiss further stole her breath away as he poured every ounce of emotion he had to give within it. The collapsed onto the bed, panting softly, their bodies covered in sweat and warm as the last stirring waves of their pleasure ebbed away. She wrapped her arms around Len, holding him close, as they lay there. It wasn't until his cock finally began to grow soft did he pull from her body and lay down next to her, rather than upon her.

The storm has slowed somewhat but continued on outside. Mel curled herself against Len, a bit sore with thighs wet with their shared passion and the proof she had been untouched before him.

"Len, that was....I really can't find the words for it." She could feel the race of his pulse under her cheek. "Thank you." Twice he had said he loved her and she had given the words back to him. There was no going back and there was no taking back of those words. He would leave her for another and the harsh fact of that gripped her heart. They both loved someone they couldn't have. They could never be after this trip.

After a few moments of laying there together Mel got up from the bed and fetched the wash cloth for them both to clean themselves before she locked their door and doused the lantern. As she crawled back into the bed and Len's arm, the young woman sighed softly. It wasn't perfect but for now it would do. Unfortunately the comfort and peace they had would not last long, both unaware that they would both be dragged back to Brask soon enough.

 

[marauder13]

As Melisandra returned to the bed, Lentharian started thinking about what had happened. Melisandra was in love with him. Except she didn't love him, she loved someone else who was being played by him. Not really being played by him. It was him. Just a different part of him.

His thoughts were disturbed while she settled against him, them both enjoying the comfort of each other's body. The warmth. The feel. What the other person meant to them. His hand casually rubbed Mel's back in a soothing reminder that he was there, and he loved her.

He loved her. Lentharian, Prince Royal of Noden loved Melisandra, Princess Royal of Brask. For no other reason than he found her to be the most attractive person he had ever met. Princess or not. Fiance or not.

He now had the problem of when to reveal the truth to her as to who he really was. He had broken trust with her in a massive way, and it would be a major upheaval for her when she found out. His only hope was that her love for him would be enough to make the pain and anger pass quickly.

But the day's ride in Kraala, and their lovemaking earlier had left him tired. He was comfortable, warm and close to the woman he loved as sleep quietly claimed him.

 

[AngelofDeath]

While sleep staked it claim on Len, Mel lay there listening to the beat of his heart while she was lost in her own thoughts. When sleep finally did win out her last thought was that the only thing she would regret from this moment would being unable to have him for herself. She pulled the covers over them both and sank into a deep sleep.

Morning came with water still dripping from the roof and birds singing on the ledge. Mel groaned softly and buried her face more deeply against Len and pillow beneath him. She really didn't want to rise from the bed, but Len had business to do and she had her duty to be his guard for the day. The upside was that they got to spend more time together. Beside her, Len slowly began to stir from his sleep, so she lifted her head from his shoulder and planted a few kisses along his exposed skin making her way to his mouth.

When he opened his eyes Mel smiled at him and pushed the untamed locks of her hair from her face. "Good morning."

 

[marauder13]

Lentharian was lost in a dream where he was making love to Melisandra. The dream was so incredibly real he wondered if that was how it would really feel like. He was dimly aware of something happening to his shoulder, and it was rather nice. He then felt the soft lips brushing his in a tender kiss. Those lips were the same as from his dream. He moaned pleasantly as he tried to join the kiss.

His mind finally made the connection that the kiss was indeed real. He then noticed the rather warm, feminine and naked body pressed against his naked body. The dream was not a dream, but the memories replayed.

"Good morning."

Melisandra's smiling face, framed by her reddish-blonde hair, was the best way to greet the day. He couldn't help but smile back at her.

"Yes, Mel. It is a good morning." He lifted his head enough to kiss her, before dragging her back down to lie beside him. He felt his heart start to race as the thoughts of the previous night came to mind. More so, the implications of what had happened. It felt right just lying there in bed with Mel beside him.

"I'm not sure what I should do, Mel? Given what happened last night, my... plans are not as solid as they once were." He rolled over so he was facing Melisandra. "I don't want to stop this. I want to keep enjoying it... you... here. What... what I am trying to say is that I'm not expected by anyone until tomorrow, so there is no real need for me to go anywhere today." He felt himself starting to blush a little at the thoughts of what they could be doing in their room together.

"But, I could get some business out of the way today, and then the rest of the time here we could wake up late, or get to bed early..."

 

[AngelofDeath]

Mel smiled and blushed, Len while still shy about it didn't have to hint around too hard to make his meaning clear. Nuzzling against him, she laughed softly, "How about this and then I think everyone will be happy. After getting dressed we get some breakfast, and then you can handle your business while I get to play bodyguard." At the same time she ran her hand down over his chest slowly, "Then we come back here after maybe looking around, getting you a new shirt, and then you and I can spend the rest of the day in bed."

Her cheeks were a bit red, even though they had shared so much the previous night it was still very new to be laying there with someone, naked and to talk about it in such an open manner. "That way neither of us will feel like we've wasted the day away."

Curling up beside Len, she let him drape his arms around her, pulling them close to each other once more. His body was responsive as ever and she was sure her cheek grew hotter against his shoulder. Lifting her head she pressed her lips to his in a soft kiss, "How does that sound to you?" It was the start of a very nice day, there was nothing that could ruin the moment for her, for either of them really. She also planned to do some browsing of the various merchant stalls herself while they were out. It would take some time for her to get settled, but thankfully she had enough money to last her for awhile. Today, thy would relax and enjoy their time together. Tomorrow, Mel would start her quest for work.

 

[marauder13]

Lentharian loved he sound of Melisandra's laugh. It brought a smile to his face as washed away some of the nervousness he was feeling about what had happened.

"How about this and then I think everyone will be happy. After getting dressed we get some breakfast, and then you can handle your business while I get to play bodyguard."

The slow passage of her finger down his chest was making it difficult to concentrate on what she was mentioning. He almost lost track of her voice when her hand stopped moving.

"Then we come back here after maybe looking around, getting you a new shirt, and then you and I can spend the rest of the day in bed."

They moved closer, enjoying the closeness for a little while. Melisandra raised her head, giving Lentharian a soft kiss that warmed him nicely.

"How does that sound to you?"

"It sounds like a great way to spend the day. Since I'll get to spend a good part of it with you. And with the mention of breakfast, I am rather hungry. Let's get ready and get something to eat."

He had a moment's hesitation about getting out of bed with Melisandra present. But then he had been naked before he got into bed with her. She seemed to be pleased with what she saw the previous night, which was the same as what she would see when he got out of bed. Then, he would also get to see her naked again too, which was not a sight he would tire of for a long time.

As he dressed, he tried hard not to stare at Melisandra. He didn't bother trying to hide looking at her. When he finally dressed, he gathered the gems he would need to trade with, and waited for Melisandra to dress.

Together, they made their way down to the common room, finding a table and ordering food.

"If all goes well, I'll conduct my business in less than half an hour. That should leave us plenty of time for those other things you mentioned. You will be right to go once we have finished eating?"

 

[AngelofDeath]

Len wasn't the only one who had a hard time keeping his eyes to himself as they dressed. It felt weird to dress in front of him, but then he had undressed her himself the night before. Unlike yesterday, Mel wore her bodice as she normally would. She had Len and there was no need to continue to go fishing for compliments or notice. Once her sword and boots were on they headed downstairs.

Unlike the night before the common room was not as crowded which meant that many had already cleared out for the day or were still in bed.

"If all goes well, I'll conduct my business in less than half an hour. That should leave us plenty of time for those other things you mentioned. You will be right to go once we have finished eating?" Mel nodded slowly as she pulled her hair back into a simple ponytail. If she was going to be his bodyguard she was going to have to look the part.

"Of course. I figured once you were done and after I buy you a fresh shirt I could do some browsing myself. Today I just want us to enjoy ourselves. Tomorrow I can put in the full effort to securing work or at least getting the word out that I am available."

The serving wench arrived a few minutes later with two mugs of light ale, some fresh fruit, cheese and porridge. The two of them ate with gusto having used up much energy the night before. They also traded heated but still shy glances at one another across the table.

 

[marauder13]

In some ways Lentharian was happy that they finally finished breakfast, in others he was not. He was happy because he could actually stop thinking of them in bed again and focus on the real reason for him being in Kraala. That was also a reason for him being sad about breakfast finishing. But on the plus side, his stomach was full, he would conclude the biggest deal on his time in Kraala and he would be spending time with Melisandra.

They left the inn, and Lentharian set off to meet the other gem merchant. He was pleased that he managed to forewarn the man about his current 'bodyguard' because Lentharian knew Krellis had seen the Brask royal family before, and he had an excellent memory for faces. He was also one for taking in a little too much drink, and not being as careful with his words has he could be. If the man had any sense, he would not be drinking until Lentharian had seen him.

By the time they were closing in on his store, the streets were reasonably busy. Kraala, being a port city, was full of clashing cultures. People of different skin colours, clothing styles and their own peculiarities walked the streets. Men and women who were barely clothed walked past others who's eyes were all that could be seen. While Frelu did not condone slavery, any slaves brought into the city of Kraala would be recognized as such. Lentharian knew that more than one citizen of Kraala owned slaves, exploiting the loophole in the law.

Lentharian entered the store without knocking. It was dark, except for the light given off by the fireplace, a couple of torches and a mirror positioned in the ceiling that reflected light onto the trade table.

"Ah, Your Highness, it is good to see you again," Krellis' voice boomed from the shadows. Lentharian thought of the many ways of slowly killing the man for his slip up. "How is the Prince of Gem Traders this morning? If you continue to bring me such fine stones, old friend, I shall have to call you King of the Gem Traders." Fortunately for all, he was as quick at covering his errors as he was at making them.

"I am fine, thank you. Krellis, this is Mel. She is my bodyguard." Krellis moved into the light. His expanded waistline managed to remain within his clothing, which like him was plain, a bit rough, but otherwise in decent shape. His tangled mass of hair was muddy brown with patches of gray. His face showed the signs of many years of indulging too heavily in drinking. Krellis' brown eyes widened when he got a look at her. "Yes, old friend, she is a woman, but she is also very skilled with the blade, and more than a match for the few ruffians we have encountered so far."

"My lad, I shall skip King and go straight to Emperor. My pleasure to meet you, Mel. I hope the lad has been behaving himself. But, we have business to attend to first. Come, sit down and show me what you have brought me."

The two sat of opposite sides of the naturally lit table while Lentharian deposited the fire rubies on the velvet blanket. All of Krellis' jovial mood vanished into a demeanor of professionalism that still surprised Lentharian. Each stone was picked up with metallic tongs that had felt covering the tips. He examined each of the stones carefully and methodically, not making a sound, nor changing his expression.

With the last stone placed in the table, Krellis looked over at Lentharian. The professional face dissolved into a huge grin.

"By the Gods, whoever supplies you with these stones is blessed beyond belief. This are by far the best ones you've brought to me. Your seller knows that he's doing quality work?"

"He is kept well aware of your thoughts of his work."

"Well, then, this is what I am willing to give back in return for those fine stones." Krellis pulled out two bags, spilling the contents on the mat. One of the bags held an enormous Emerald, and two large stones, while the other held an assortment of varied sized stones.

He held out his left hand, lightly touching the three largest stones. He felt their natures quickly. All three were strong, resilient and without flaw. To his surprise, he felt the faintest echos of the Mother Earth within them. This made them even more special to him, and what he could do with them.

"Krellis, old friend, these will make a fine trade for the Fire Rubies." He put his hand forward, and Krellis shook it firmly three times. Both men smiled as Lentharian scooped up all the Emeralds, depositing them into a pouch which he secured in his clothing.

"Now, before you go, please, share one drink with me. Mel can have one too, if she would like. It's nothing too strong. I promise."

 

[AngelofDeath]

Kraala was bustling with activity and people of all sorts coming and going. Mel of course found it all interesting but really couldn't pay too much attention to what was going on around them, as she did have a job to do. There would time for that later after they had finished what they came to do. Admittedly she was very curious to see just what Len intended to trade for. He had a keen eye for stones that much was obvious.

Another thing that was obvious was that Len was well acquainted with the shop owners as he walked in without bothering to knock. While the two exchanged pleasantries, she found herself smiling to herself as Len spoke of her fighting skills. He was right of course, but sh also knew he was being generous with his praise, not that she minded of course. She only nodded her head in response to the older man's comment about Len's behavior before they sat down to business.

Standing off to the side, Mel played the dutiful guard, that didn't stop her from appreciating the gems from her vantage point for a second time since meeting Len. The fire rubies were very beautiful and she could understand why they were so highly prized.

The stones that Krellis presented Len with, were equally stunning. The largest of the stones could have easily filled her palm. The average pickpocket would give his teeth for such an item. Guarding Len would certainly keep her on her toes.

As the two men concluded their business, Mel relaxed her stance and dropped her hand from the hilt of her sword.

"Now, before you go, please, share one drink with me. Mel can have one too, if she would like. It's nothing too strong. I promise."

"One drink never hurt," Mel gave a nod to Len, it wasn't as if they had to rush of to anywhere else at the moment.

 

[marauder13]

Krellis grinned broadly as he wandered back into the shadows. Lentharian double checked the location of the pouch, and took a long glance at Melisandra. His thoughts returned to the previous night, along with some wondering of what would happen when they returned to the bed later that day. He heard Krellis returning, and broke off his gaze.

"Here we go, my friend. Something that will make you not long for your home so much." Krellis poured out three clay goblets of a bright orange liquid. Lentharian picked up one of the goblets, closing his eyes as he took in a slow, deep breath. "Krellis, how did you get your hands on some Sarophwyn?"

"Well, you're not the only Noden merchant I deal with. I did another a grand favour, and he asked what he could do in return. I told him of another good friend of mine who occasionally longs for reminders of home when he stops by for social gatherings. The next time he arrived, he had some of your loved beverage for me. I have saved it for just such an occasion."

"Krellis, my friend, you have far outdone yourself this time. This is a most noble gift." He took a sip of the wine, feeling the tingle the wine gave to the drinker's tongue. It was followed by the slow spread of warmth, like a summer afternoon in the High Valley. "While is might not be as grand a vintage as Brask wines, for my countrymen, this is a fine wine."

Lentharian enjoyed the single goblet, even though Krellis offered him more. He wasn't sure if Krellis knew, but for Sarophwyn, he had a very good vintage.

"Thank you, old Friend, you have done me well in both the trade and the drink. Take care of yourself."

"You too, my dear Noden friend." Krellis watched as the two left and disappeared from sight. "Dear Gods. Why is the Princess of Brask playing bodyguard to the Prince of Noden?"

Outside, Lentharian slowed to allow Melisandra to catchup with him. "All my business for the day is done. What was it you wanted to do? If you don't mind my tagging along."

 

[AngelofDeath]

Len's eyes on her made the familiar tightness creep back into her middle. Gods would someone else be able to make her feel as he did after they went their separate ways? That would be a cruel twist of fate, to have know such desire only to never have a chance to feel it again. Len pulled his gaze from her when Krellis returned with the wine laden goblets.

She came over to the table and picked one of the goblets while the two men chatted.

"While is might not be as grand a vintage as Brask wines, for my countrymen, this is a fine wine."
Mel nodded her head in agreement, "Its different, that much is true, but I have to agree this is very good wine." The tingle reminded her of the tingle that came from chewing on mint leaves and the warmth like a clear summer day. That mark of a good wine was that after one glass you were sure to mark it as a favorite and this was a very good wine.

After the two men said their goodbyes and with a nod from her, the two departed from the shop and back out into the morning light. When she caught up to Len's long stride she answered his question, "Honestly I simply wished to look around and see if anything caught my eye really. And I would love to have your company, beside I can't guard you if you aren't near me." Her words may have been all work but her eyes said different, she wanted to be with Len, just for the sake of being with him. Smiling they headed into the massive bazzar and began to browse. Her first few purchases were practical in nature a new wet stone to sharpen her blade and a vial of polishing oil. Mel, though with some protest on Len's part, not only replaced his lost shirt but also bought him a second.

After buying a spare bridle for her horse and stopping to indulge her sweet tooth with a honey cake large enough for the two of them to share, Len and Mel returned to the inn. Once in their room Mel sat down and watched Len as he packed away the stones he had traded for.