Now and Forever (closed)

[Sweetp4u]

ooc: This is a second attempt at the same type of story line, but who knows might work this time. This is closed for GM and myself, but feel free to PM any comments if you like. This is fictional, the facts, time frame, characters, whatever is not accurate, No history lessons please. thanks and enjoy!

IC:

She had been caught in a raid, snatched from her people and marched across the desert. The marauders who had taken her cared little for welfare but for coin. So she was to be sold. Filthy and half-starved, she soon lost her will to escape and thought only of survival.

She had expected such, but when they were assured she was intact, a virgin.. They knew she would be worth more. For seven nights she had marched towards the city where she was rested for a day and then dressed for auction.

She had given up all thoughts of escape, her chains were too thick to cut through and the cuffs too small to pull her wrists through. Silent but fearful, she had stood and let them sell her to the highest bidder. A man of ranking but she learned quickly she was not for him.

Lost and confused, she feared the worst as any woman would. She was covered, taken to a new home and prepared. Dressed in fine silks and sheer clothing, she had been bathed and painted. Her hair was brushed until it shown, adorned with simple gold ribbons. She was unshackled long enough to to what was needed and then bound once more.

She thought of flight only once but was warned of the consequences. Resigned to her fate, she walked solemly behind her new owner towards a white palace. Tonight was their King's birthday celebration, and as one of the King's loyal men, he brought a gift.. Only he brought her instead of gems and gold. She would be worth more than offered trinkets, until her virginity was no longer intact.. Or so the man had told her.

She had heard rumors of this King and his cruelties. How he ruled with an iron fist and quick punishments. She had also heard many more accounts of this King but they were all from wanderers and fugitives of the city.. Thieves. There was little honor among such types, and their words weren't always truth. The doubts of their stories didn't weight here, she was terrified of what would happen to her being given to such a man.. She had no choice, she would soon find out.

The man had stopped her outside the main entrance, scolding her harshly in proper behavior. Told her exactly what she was to do, and if she displeased the King, she would make him unhappy and be punished. Nodding in agreement, she kept her head down and stood meekly behind him.

The line was long as each guest stood waiting to present his or her King with a token of their 'affection'. Two guards stood to either side of the seated King, carrying away each gift to be later inspected. The king greeted each member of his court with soft words that were not heard by the other's waiting. Slowly, inch by inch, their turn came.

Her owner knelt before the king, kissing a ring on the dark hand and presented his gift. Rya was then thrust forward and ordered to kneel before the King. She kept her head down, not even daring to glance at his face, she remained kneeling on the stone steps before the King.

"Your gift, my King. A maiden to serve whatever your needs." He bowed and waited to see if the King accepted yet another woman into his harem.

 

[The GrandMage]

He reached down, putting fingers under her chin, and brought her head up. He turned it from side to side, looking at her. He smiled lightly at her, and withdrew his hand. He nodded towards the man.

He leaned forward, whispering to him. The man smiled, and the King bowed. He turned as one of his guards grabbed the girl by her upper arm, and motioned him away. "Leave her. This gift I want all to see. For rather than jewels or gold, this gift has not only great value and lasting beauty, but is able to serve a purpose as well."

He turned back towards those who had come bearing gifts, until the last of them had come forth. Standing, he looked out across those who had come, and spread his arms wide. "Your generosity on this, the day of my birth. Come now, we shall feast and drink, and make merry on this most glorious of days."

He stopped, looking at the woman who had been given to him. He looked at one of his guard. "Summon a woman to take my new gift, feed her, and show her to a room. Instruct her to be made ready."

He leaned forward, and rubbed a thumb across her chin. "I will see to you once the celebration is over, my desert flower. Until then, take your rest in 'my garden'."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Rya

She said nothing, remaining meek as she was instructed but as his words washed over her and sunk into her mind, she bit back a retort of anger. It would not due to have her head removed from her body in under an hour. Perhaps while she was away, she could escape into the darkness some how?

A guard took her by the arm, escorting her quickly through the crowded rooms and down a quiet hallway. She was pushed up some stairs, two doors opened and there she was handed over to an older woman.

"See she is readied." His gruff order was not unusual. He had little time for the women in this vast estate. He was a guard and there to protect his King, not coddle women.

The elder bowed her head in respect she was forced to give and motioned Rya into the room further. She was asked her name only and told to bathe. While submerged into the steamy tubs of marble, four young veiled women entered the chamber.

Little was said to Rya, other than orders, they all openly ignored anything she had to say. Was this her lot in life? To be invisible unless a bedding was required? She sat still as death, letting them wash away the grime, paint and what not from her person, hair and nails. They dried her, rubbed scented oils into her skin and repainted her face once more.. This time much more subtle. She would remain silent and see about this garden and escape..

Her first instinct was that of survival, it would not do to alert them to her distress. Although everyone was aware of how a new slave might behave, they just did not say anything.

"You will follow me and say nothing, slave." The elder woman had a haunty tone, perhaps one of the king's many wives? Perhaps his favorite concubine, or just someone raised here, not purchased. She was curious to know where this animosity came from but would not ask.

Dressed in the royal colors, veiled and stinking to high heaven of some scent or another, she was moved through another set of doors, two smaller rooms and finally into the King's harem. There stood another man who took possession of her arm and escorted her into the middle of the room.

"Sit here." He had a soft voice, but his mannerisms were the same. Cold. She wasn't given a choice either, for he pushed her bodily until she sat or would break. He released her the moment she was settled and stood back. He gave her a hard look, a gaze in which she met with a bold stare of her own.. Only her was in displeasure at her treatment. The guard snorted and moved off else where. She heard of these men, men who were not men. Strange but she knew it was to assure the King they did not touch what they were not allowed to have.

Another woman approached her, this one establishing she was the person in charge of these quarters. Rya kept her head down, not wishing to be here, much less argue with a woman over status. She was move yet again, shown into a corner of the harem where there were seperated rooms. Smaller rooms boarded the entire room, her eyes scanned along each little cubicle of space. Each had their own bed, but it was small. Each had decorated their rooms with gifts from the King, but the main room in the center was reserved for all else. Bathing, eating. Some lounged around, talking between themselves.. Each spared her a glance before going back to whatever they were doing before her arrival.

"You will sleep here, this is yours and yours alone. You are not permitted to have any male company inside this room or otherwise. You are now the King's, as you know. A blessing you've recieved, one which you should not use to advantage. You need of anything you may ask one of the guards to get it for you, but it always requires the approval of the king. You are at the bottom of the totem here, and can not summon the King. You do not leave this room unescorted, nor leave this palace without proper cover..." The woman rambled on and on as she handed Rya a blanket and pillows. Set down changes of clothing already prepared for her arrival.. Rya glanced around and tried hard not to flinch with the hard looks. Some were friendly, but most had no interest in a new concubine in their ranks. There were not many women in here, maybe a dozen. Rya nodded she understood and sat down heavily onto her bed.

She would be left alone to make her own way here, and that she was thankful for. Perhaps here, she could escape notice and have a chance at freedom again?

Each woman was beatiful beyond words. Pampered, dressed richly and seemingly happy? Some wore Jewels, some did not. some sat painting their nails with something, and others nibbled on fruits. Mingled around, much like her village, only they could not leave. Why a man would want to own all these woman did not make sense to her, but he was a rich man and could easily take care of all these women. Her father had had two wives and six children, struggling to make it but managing. She had not seen any children here, but that did not mean they did not exist elsewhere in this palace.

Laying down, she sighed heavily as she closed her eyes. She needed rest and food, then she could think of a course of action. She heard a faint commotion as women began to ready themselves for the 'choosing' ritual that seemed to happen nightly. Rya drifted in and out of sleep, unconcerned about the excited chatter in the rooms around her.

 

[The GrandMage]

King Afzal

The King was mightilly annoyed as he trekked the halls of his palace, flanked by two guards. His life was a neverending mocery. Guarded day and night, showered with gifts and threatened behind closed doors. King. He bemoaned the fact he was King. And his wives were no help. They wanted nothing to do with his problems, and he couldn't trust them not to have their own lovers on the side.

And his harem,... He sighed. His harem was filled with pampered women happy to live in luxury and think no more than no to please his body. But never his mind. Perhaps that was why he had gotten his new gift.

He had learned she was a slave. Captured and enslaved. Perhaps she had enough free spirit to interest him, if nothing else. He found himself mightily bored or late. He entered his harem, and the girls brought themselves forward to show off their glories. He didn't bother to look. He simply waved a hand through the air.

"The new girl."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Rya

She was shaken rather harshly by a glaring woman who was bent over her. Coming up, she bumped her head against the wall as her eyes widened at the unknown face..

For a moment she almost forgot where she was, but reality came back full force. She was captive..

"What is it?" She hissed at the glaring woman.

"You have been summoned, get up you lazy wench! And hurry!" She hissed out, afraid of being over heard by the others.

Rya rose from the bed, peering through the small window to see the King standing in the main hall. His women were bowed, some openly flirting with him, vying for his attention.. But his eyes met hers across the room, as if he knew where she slept.

Ducking back a second, she felt her face pale slightly at the thought of what a 'summons' would mean?

"OW!" Rya flinched away from the woman who had just pinched her. Rubbing the offended area, the woman glared and motioned with her head, "Go out there and pay respects to your king!"

Her king? She almost made a rude noise at that but moved slowly out of the room. The other behind her nudged her forward, and so she went. But unlike the others, she did not bow her head, but met him eye to eye the entire time it took her to cross the room.

"You have-"

"HUSH WOMAN!" A guard quickly raised his hand to chastize her but was halted by the King with a glance.

She did not flinch from the threat of being struck however, she finished her sentence, "summoned me?" She stared defiantely at the guard, hoping he would haul her off somewhere and lock her up.. The untold and whispered horrors to come were far more fearful right now than death could ever be.

 

[The GrandMage]

King Afzal

The King nodded, and took her gently by the arm, leading her away from the harem. He Smiled gently, and motioned to his guards they were leaving. "Yes. You will be spending the night in my chambers."

He looked her over, and took a deep breath. He sighed. "I see you have gotten the full treatment, my desert flower. Tell me, what do you think of my garden? I try to keep things well tended, but every now and then a weed will sprout. Tell me if you have any difficulties."

He walked through the halls of his palaced with her, until they came to great door, the guards opened them, and as they stepped through, closed them behind them. He let go of her arm, walking past a large bed to where a great tub was set up. he turned to her as he began to strip, discarding his clothes on the floor.

"Tell me, my desert flower, do you like being painted and smelling of those strange perfumes? If you don't, you may share my bath. For some reason, my servants think I need a lake to bathe in."

He stepped into the warm water of his bath, and slid into in, relishing in the relaxing waters.

"Or, if you prefer, you can lie to me and tell me how you will pleasure me. I find myself fond of dancing, but few of the harem-girls know how to. They are trained in other things. Which I have always found strange, since they are supposed to be virgins..."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Rya

She let him lead her away, a forboding feeling coming over her. She tried to think of something, anything to say but fell short of polite conversation. In her mind all she could think of to say was pleas to go home.

She entered massive chambers, amazed at the beauty and wealth in the room around her. He was King, of course he would have everything he ever wanted.. All but her! She was determined to escape his clutches, and his polite manner was not fooling her into trusting him.

"Tell me, my desert flower, do you like being painted and smelling of those strange perfumes? If you don't, you may share my bath. For some reason, my servants think I need a lake to bathe in. Or, if you prefer, you can lie to me and tell me how you will pleasure me. I find myself fond of dancing, but few of the harem-girls know how to. They are trained in other things. Which I have always found strange, since they are supposed to be virgins..." He stripped easily, not caring that she was looking on and for that boldness, she turned her back with a flush heating her face.

"No, I do not like these scents or muck they smeared on me.. But I would rather bathe alone, Sire." She stammered over her words, flustered by what she had seen. It was the first time.. She had seen men without cover before, but never one without his pants on!

"I will not fill your head with nonsense and false words. I wish merely to go home!" She twisted her hands before her, her back still to him and his bath. She was nervous, perhaps if she angered him enough she would be sent away? It was a passing thought, she did not want to be whipped though and would be best to stifle her tongue.

 

[The GrandMage]

King Afzal

The King sighed, and looked at her. She had her back to him. He laughed. He threw back his head and he laughed. A hand dunked into the warm water, bringing it up to rub on his upper chest.

"You'll find you'll never bathe alone again. The servants only bring warm water into the Harem so often, because the unics are too lazy to do it much, and no other men are allowed in. And even if you decided to bathe in cold water, the unics and others may still watch."

He sighed. "Come. It is best to bathe yourself. More will happen beyond it. You should try to work over your shyness now. And I believe you want to go home, but you will never see it again. I cannot simply free you, and if I could, you have not the money to survive a trek back to your home, which may have been turned to dust by now, all the people you know enslaved or dead."

He sighed. "I'm sorry, but I do not like to lie unless I have to. Come, undress, bathe. If you indulge me now, I might spend the night talking to you, if you interest me, instead of other things."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Rya

Her shoulders stiffened at his unkind words, he had no need to point out her family was no longer here for her. She whirled around to face him, to rant at him for his heartless mannerisms, but she was too angry to stammer out a single word of spite.

"You might spend the night talking? How do I know that your offer to bathe is nothing more than a trick to make your goals easier to achieve? Less hassle to chase a naked wet woman than to wrestle with one and remove her clothing. If you can call all this gaudy material, clothing." She flung the veil away from her face, annoyed with the netting which had hung there.

"Nor do I think you need another woman ...." She fell silent, her tongue had gotten away from her yet again and she had been ranting at the King.. Would she ever learn?

"Your word, or I leave Sire." She stammered off, backing up a step just incase he came out of that tub. "Your word of honor that if I join you.. you will not. You won't make me do .. things.. That I do not wish to do." She met his bold stare, eye to eye. Handsome or not, King or not, she would not be made to do things. She was certainly no animal or object..

 

[The GrandMage]

King Afzal

The King laughed. He threw back his head, and laughed. He stopped, and took a handful of water, rubbing it across his face. He looked up at her. He smiled, and nodded.

"Fine, my desert flower. I have often said that my harem is like a garden of flowers. Beautiful to look at, giving off exotic scents, a few have their thorns, but few have any purpose. And yet, it seems, I meet a woman who has been brought to me who is perhaps more amusing than the experienceless whores who I usually find. Come, I promise you, if you say 'No' to anything I ask of you tonight, I shall not do it. And I shall ask before I do anything, have no worries. But hurry now, or the warmth will leave the water, and not only will you have to bathe with your strange new owner, but in cold water, as well."

He smiled, and motioned for the water. "But come, join me. So, what is your name, my desert flower?"

He smiled, not bringing up the fact that her threats were empty. She had spirit, and it roused his interest, among other things.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Rya

She had little choice but to accept his word, and entering the bath herself was much better than being forced by some guard to do it for his King.

She moved a few steps closer and started removing her clothing. She never once looked at him as she stripped off everything and stepped into the water. She remained as far from him as possible and sank up to her neck in the water. It was only then she met his gaze across the water and felt another blush creep over her face.

"Rya, Sire." She gave her name and nothing more. Taking up the soaps, she picked one that pleased her sense of smell, not offended. Washing, she scrubbed her face first, hoping to remove all the charcoal they had placed on her eyes.

"How many wives do you have?" She asked him before she could censor her words, but once out there she could not take back the question. She gaped a moment, water running down her face as she realized her error. She should not have asked nor shown any interest in him or his household.

"Wh-what I meant t-to say was that... Oh hell!' She groaned and rubbed her hands up and down her face a few times. She was too nervous to hold a conversation! She sighed, shrugged her shoulders and went back to scrubbing away the perfume.

"You have so many women in there.. if not more than I seen.. And well. Why would you want another?" It seemed reasonable to ask in her mind. However men of his position did not question at owning a hundred concubines.. So his few were nothing compared to previous Kings.

 

[The GrandMage]

King Afzal

He threw back his head and laughed. He smiled at her. "No, don't worry about it. I find most of the women in my palace either thoughtless, or their thoughts turned towards gaining my favor and living in luxury. And all the males, well, I don't think I could get anything out of them that isn't what they expect me to want of them. I have two wives."

He sighed, relaxing into the water. "One of them is a petty woman, who cares only about keeping her legs wrapped about me in hopes of bearing me an heir and living the good life. The other, well, she's never been happy with me, I'm afraid, and so I have her at the far end of my palace, where she can entertain herself with whatever guards I favor to guard her."

He sighed, and sank into the water, looking at her. "And as to why I need another woman, I did not take you because I need you. The man who gave you to me is very loyal, I could not very well refuse such a gift. By leaving you out, while other gifts were passed on, I have honored him greatly, though the other men simply think I am interested in your body."

He reached forward, taking a piece of soap. Unlike the harem, his tub had few of the greater luxuries. The soap had simple scents, none of the great perfumes he detested. He began to wash himself, keeping an eye on her.

"So, tell me, Rya, what do you want from me? What would please you?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Rya

So, he had two wives. She expected him to have much more than that but was shocked to learn only two. Perhaps he humored her, or perhaps just the truth. She had to accept what he said at face value, nothing substantial to judge by really.

She dunked herself under the water to rinse off and came up for air, hearing his question right away.

"So, tell me, Rya, what do you want from me? What would please you?"

She had no need to mull it over, she simply spoke, "Escort me home and release me?" She smiled sweetly then, knowing what she wanted, the only thing she wanted, he would not give her.

He opened his mouth to speak but she continued, "You are King, are you not? You can do anything you desire." The fact was truth, again and could not be dismissed as wishful thought. Only now he could tell her why he would keep her, or simply refuse her request.

"And if you must know why I want to return to my village, it is simple. There, I can marry for love." She said nothing else as she rose from the tub and took up one of the plush towels. Wrapping it around herself, she sat upon a marble bench facing him, "I know such thoughts may be silly to you, but it is what I want."

 

[The GrandMage]

King Afzal

He relaxed himself under the water,, and then raised his head, wiping his hands back, across his head, moving the water and wet hair away from his eyes. He opened his eyes, watching her. He sighed, and then stood up.

"That sounds like a glorious dream." He looked at her with sad eyes. "But you do not know what a King is, do you? I was married once to increase my holdings, and a second time because I found I could not trust my first wife. My second wife is purely for show. She is lovely to look upon, acts like a lady, and is what the people think a proper wife to the King should be like."

He took a towel, and climbed from the tub, beginning to dry himself. "I hold a delicate balance in this land. I must be strong and strict enough that people cannot dismiss me, or my power, but gentle enough that I allow the people to prosper. I must carefully navigate a political world of greed and backstabbing."

He sighed. "I cannot be seen as one easilly bent to award favors. Can you understand? If I were to waste the time and resources to escort you to your home and let you go, what will those men who came before me and offered presents think? One man will be highly insulted that a gift he went through trouble to get me would be thusly thrown away. And what about those other men? Will they think they can ply me with pretty women? Will they seek favors from me, and rise up if I give them not, insulted that I would hold a slave above them?"

He sighed, and sat next to her, putting fingers under her chins and bringing her eyes to his. "Rya. I am sorry. I trully am. But the truth is you will never see your home again. You will never marry for any reason, most of all love. The most you can hope for from life now is to bear me a child. A firstborn male heir. Then I could release you from the harem and take you as a wife. Perhaps then you could visit your home, perhaps, one day in the future, and see if anyone remains. This, perhaps I could manage to allow you."

He dropped his hand, and turned his eyes from hers. "You can go, if you like. My guards will likely be rough will you, and the others in my harem will probably be very angry that you wasted a choosing, having me take you and not sleep with you. I don't say this to make you stay, I just want you to know what awaits you if you leave. If there is anything I can ever do for you, Rya, my desert flower, simply ask, and I shall do what I can..."

He walked towards his bed, letting his towel slide to the floor, ignoring it and his clothes on the floor by the tub.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Rya

If only the room would open up beneath her and let a hole swallow her up. She would be so relieved and free of choices.

It was better to be favored than raped, even she knew this. It was better to just go with what was required of her than to fight a battle she couldn't win..

For reasons he stated quite clearly, she was here now, forever. She felt her body tremble, so many emotions swirled in her mind and body, she did not know how to react, nor what to say.

The minutes ticked by slowly, no one came to fetch her and she had not budged from where she sat. She mulled over every possible solution and it all came back to one thing. Bedding the King.

Her only choice really. Be cast out, be sold to an unkind man or woman.. To be sent back to the Harem, to be ridiculed, if not used by the guard. Her only value was her womb, healthy as it were, this would be easier if she was not still a virgin.

She glanced up where the King lay in the bed, seemingly asleep, or ignoring her. She would have to go to him as well, he would not come to her, nor would he force her. She could be thankful for that and resent it at the same time. Leaving it her choice alone, she would have to bow and do as bidden.. If he still wanted her that is.

She stood slowly from the chair, feeling a little dizzy until she remembered to breathe. Letting the towel fall from numb fingers, she walked slowly to the other side of the huge covered bed. She only feared the unknown, but if she could forget her fears long enough, it wouldn't be unknown any longer.

Decided, she lifted the quilts and crawled in beside the King. She said nothing, merely laid there a moment to gather her courage. Her eyes closed a moment, her breathing however did not slow.

It's now or never! her subconscious was helping her see this through. Only a little pain, she had heard. She could bare it..
She rolled onto her side to face the King and spoke softly, "Sire?" Her hand lifted barely from the covers, paused a moment and then moved towards him to rest upon his shoulder. "I would much rather .. have the choice than have it taken from me." She still wanted nothing from him.. nothing more than safety. "I offer myself freely for your pleasure, Sire." She meant the words, as timid as they sounded, she intended to do her part for safety.

 

[The GrandMage]

King Afzal

He smiled, and looked at her. He leaned forward, a hand strioking her cheek as he pressed his liops to hers. It was a tender kiss, much more gentle gave he had given to the other women he had bedded. He broked the kiss, smiling at her, running his hands through her hair. He nodded slightly.

"That is good, Rya. Oftentimes people are not willing to accept that which they do not like."

He slid his hand, down her chek, and begand rubbing it across her body, slowly. "Tell me about yourself, my desert flower..."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Rya

Her nerves were a jumbled mess, but his whispered request helped relax her.

"I am the oldest of five. My father is.. was raising us, m-my mother died this past year.. I took the place of my mother, cooking and helping to move the encampment..What are you doing?" She whispered as his hand skimmed over her stomach.

Her thoughts had scattered into the four winds the second his hot skin touched her cooler skin. She felt a shiver pass over her, apprehension, perhaps something more?

"We.. were raided by thieves.. hoping we had something they could gain wealth from.. I did not see much, they found me at the well.. but I heard the fighting and yelling.. I can cook." Her thoughts went random, taking longer to form together as he continued to caress her. "I can ride, care for horses as well.. "

She sighed, giving up the urge to speak and let her eyes close. She still lay stiffly upon his bed, but she had not bolted yet, this was a good sign. She still feared the unknown, but he had not hurt her so far.

 

[The GrandMage]

King Afzal

He sighed, letting his fingers glide across her stomach. he waited a moment in the silence, and then nodded to himself before he started speaking.

"I was third born among seventeen children. My mother was one of my father's harem, promoted to Head Wife when she gave birth to his first child, my older brother. It was he who was supposed to take over rule, but,...He was a greedy man, and he wasn't one to wait. He grew impatient that father lived so long, and killed him. Our younger brother, Huzzad, was born from a harem-girl, but was born late enough she stayed that way. Huzzad killed him after we learned about father's death. He was to be killed, for treason, but I was next in line, so I spared him. He is Captain of my Royal Bodyguards, now. He's really a simple man."

He sighed, shifting. "Most of my sisters were married off to various lords. A few of my brothers tried their hands at a trade, but for the most part they simply lounge around a home set aside for their use."

He sighed, and looked up at the ceiling. "I'm sorry. About what's happened to you. But it is the will of the Gods, I am afraid. Either that or some very bad luck."

He leaned on his side, and ran a finger down her cheek, smiling at her. He leaned over, and pressed his lips to hers in a kiss.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Rya

She held her tongue, with all the misery she had seen in her life, she had little faith in any thing or any one. Instead she merely nodded her head, glancing at him as he placed his mouth over hers.

She knew what a kiss was, having seen her parents kiss numerous times, but it did not linger such as his did. She timidly pressed her lips to his, studying mostly the reactions she felt. With a serious set face, she kissed him back.

It took her a little by surprise when he opened his lips upon hers and caressed her lips with his tongue. Gasping, she backed up a few inches and gazed at his mouth for the longest moment. Without a word, she ran her fingertips over her lips, thoughtful over why he would do such a thing?

He moved closer, just barely, but she met him half way and again kissed him. This time when his tongue pressed, she opened under him. A little shiver of, what could only be, pleasure started to warm her belly.

Scooting closer, her hand rested on his chest, curling slightly as she pressed forward and met his tongue with her own. This was an odd way to kiss, but she admitted it felt nice. She was slow at learning this, but minute by minute she picked up on it. Her fingers felt the muscles of his chest, his flat hard chest was so much unlike her own, she let her fingers trail over his skin.

She broke apart, panting for air, her forehead resting against his chest a moment. Her eyes were closed, she could feel the heat of the blush under her skin. "You feel.. nice?" She wasn't sure what words were used, if any? Her fingers splayed open and ran down a little lower, resting over his ribs. He felt warm, smooth.. Where she was soft he was hard, she knew men were different, but a naked one facinated her... She wasn't brave enough yet to see all of him, thankful for the covers resting over his lower half..

"I think.." She wanted to say so many things but didn't dare. Instead she lifted her face back to his, this time she kissed him without his prompting. She would do this before her nerve gave out and she ran like a coward.. This part was nice..

 

[The GrandMage]

King Afzal

He smiled at her. His lips pressed to hers as she kissed him. It was a start, a very nice start. But he didn't push things. She was starting to come to him. He didn't want to spoil this. It was probably the first woman he'd ever met who didn't say what she thought he wanted to hear.

He slowly pulled back from the kiss, smiling at her. "Yes, you feel very 'nice', too. So,...what do you think, Rya? I'd like to know."