The Journey (Closed for myself and Ohia_Lehua)

[EkedSad]

The community of Darlit was said to be founded by chance. A group of human settlers came upon a elf settlement. These elves were considered outcasts, and had formed their own little community. When the humans had arrived, the elf had been under sedge by a orc clan that wanted the land as well. The humans, having no love for orcs, joined the battle with the elves. After some bitter battles, they not only managed to drive them back, but slew their leader...the foul Zeb'coth. It was with the human's add that the elves were able to rid themselves of this menace. The humans and elves found they worked very well together, and after some minor discussion, the humans joined the elves community. Though they did not have the gift of long life like the elves, they would live out their days with those they'd shed blood with.

This might have been the end of the story, but word of the community spread. . Soon the place had expanded far beyond the reaches of the original settlement. A monastery soon cropped up from the order of Artorius, a god both worshiped and followed by elf and human. Schools of learning, of warfare, of magic, all came as the once small town grew and prospered.

More humans and elves flocked to the place, as all were accepted here. The only thing that was of some concern were the relationships between human and elf. With the elf having the gift of long life, it could only end in tragedy. Where the elf would never age, their human other half would grow old and wither away with the pasting of time. Such relations where not publicly discouraged, but were viewed with sorrow. Often times the elf's elders would advise on such matters, but never would take a direct hand. That was something a person need to decide themselves. Yet still there were half elven/half human children born, that were accept by both races. More then often though, the races did not intermingle in this regard,

With that said...so begins.our tale.

 

[EkedSad]

Name: Kai-Rae (k-eye-ray)

Warrior-Monk of the order of Artorius

LORE: The god Artorius is a warrior/sage god that was one of Luridia's main consorts. When the stars were young, a young Artorius foolishy declared that he would love and protect Luridia and her followers with his life and his followers. He then later found of her wayword ways, and retreated in shame for his outburst. He reflected upon this during his self imposed exile. When he returned he was enlightened, and had come to terms that Luridia was not one to be kept. He still honored his promise, and the monk order was created to protect her followers.

ORDER BACKROUND: The Order of Artorius is trained in bare handed fighting, but knows as well to make use of the weapons around them if needed. They are also trained in the pleasure of the flesh, so they may sate the lusts of Luridia's followers. This does not however make them submissive to their whims, as they will easily stand on their own two feet and will argue with any of Luridia's followers if they are not thinking clearly. The order has been trained to have no jealously of Luridia's ways, and will not feel such things if they chose to enjoy the pleasure of others.

CHAR INFO: Kai-Rae comes from a long line of warrior monks, his great great great great grandfather being one of the fonding members. He has trained from a young age to hone his body, mind and spirit to perfection. He is also considered one of the finest warriors of the temple, both in mind body and spirit. He is quite friendly, but is not native, as he has seen life outside the temple.

 

[EkedSad]

The tale before was merely a prelude to the story now. He was a human, raised as a warrior monk. There was no vow of celibacy, sex was encouraged. He'd had his share that was for sure. Yet there was a difference between sex and a relationship. That latter portion he'd only had really once. Though things had gone well for there, there was always that lingering question, what shall I do when you grow old.

Perhaps that is the reason she pushed him away. Even though he'd cheerfully told her, he more then likely die with his boots on (meaning in battle), that seemed a chance she did not wish to take. So he watched her move on from him to one of her own kind. That stung deep, and he never really found enjoyment in a relationship again. Now he filled that void with training at the temple, and the empty feeling of spending time in different beds. To say he'd gained a reputation was an understatement. Still it did not affect his duties nor his position. He'd often just frequent a few, rarely stepping outside that circle. Mostly Shelly the tavern wench, and Elsa the mystic. Both did not mind the no strings attached relationship, nor did they complain about the sex.

He never visited her, but he would politely greet her when he saw her and her new mate. Even on the day their engagement was announced, he swallowed pride and congratulated them. When the date was announced, he planned on taking a pilgrimage to one of he other temples further south. It would do him and the order good to check up on their brothers and see how they were faring. More so it would keep him from seeing the woman he'd loved, married off to some other man.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

"Rumil." Irime entered the room clothed in sheer golden silk that left little to the imagination.

At the sound of his voice her betrothed looked up from him books. "Irime-" His eyes drank her in slowly as he came to his feet. "You look-" He swallowed and closed the distance between the two of them. Rumil wasn't very tall and could only claim two inches in standing height over Irime's 5'8". "The gods were generous in your making." He purred pulling Irime to him roughly so that her large breasts pillowed against his chest.

It had been three months since they had last paired in love and Irime's body burned and ached with longing. They had tried many times but it seemed that Rumil was effected in someway and could not show his pleasure. Irime smiled and pulled back from Rumil just enough to slide the shoulders of the gown off. It ran down her body with whispered touched and pooled at her feet. "Then praise their gifts." She replied lifting her hands to cup her breasts, her thumb grazing over hardened nipples.

Rumil didn't answered just bowed his head and took one of Irime's nipples in his mouth. His teeth teased her flesh with sharp nips while his tongue flicked at the hardened nubs.

Irime's body answering instantly, her head thrown back and her hands moved to run her fingers through Rumil's sliver blonde hair. "Oh, yes." Irime sighed closing her eyes, allowing herself to fall into the waves of pleasures that Rumil's mouth and now hand was giving her breasts. He knew that her breasts were sensitive and paid them enough attention to have Irime whimpering and shaking in his arms. "Rumil, please." Irime begged face flushed and breath fast. When she looked at him with her purple eyes that last thing she expected to see was pain.

"Urrggg." Rumil released Irime and crumpled to the ground. "AHrahg!" The gurgled scream echoed in the dimly lite study.

"Rumil! What's wrong?" Pleasure forgotten Irime crouched by her betrothed and searched for wounds. "What's the matter? Where does it hurt?"

Rumil's hands were covering his crotch and when he drew one of his hands away it was slick with dark fowl smelling blood. "Iri-" His face was pale and his hand shook as he reached out for Irime before passing out.

Soured blood still ozzed from Rumil's penis when Old Mother arrived. Irime had called for her and tried to clean Rumil of the blood and ruined clothes before she got here but the blood wouldn't let up. It slowed but didn't stop and it more then worried Irime.

"Leave me with the boy." Old Mother croaked shooing Irime from the room. "I will see to him, have no worries for his safety. He will not die." She looked at the pale body on the ground and the dark nearing black color of the blood. "Yet."

Hours later Old Mother and her apprentice exited the study. The apprentice holding the basket left as Old Mother took a seat next to Irime.

"Old Mother can you tell me the meaning of this?"

Old Mother nodded, weary. "His blood is poisoned. A bite from a root spider."

"Will he die?"

Old Mother nodded again and closed her eyes. She took a slow deep breath and opened them. "He had been effected for sometime, had he not."

Tears welled up in Irime's eyes as confusion crossed her face. "Has he?" She asked unsure of her meaning.

"When was the last time Rumil has been able to preform fully?" She asked voice soft.

"Three, near to four months now." Irime quickly answered remembering the last time they had shared each other's body. "But I saw no spider."

"Nor would you have. It was a hatching like only days old that bite your beloved. At that age they are as small as the wind seed and as clear as pure ice. You would not have seen it." Old Mother informed the young elf.

Hearing Old Mother refer to Rumil as her beloved felt like a lie. While Irime cared for him and loved him in her own way he wasn't and could never be her beloved. Irime knew what true love was and had walked away from it and the pain that it would carry. Rumil knew how she felt but was content in the fact that he knew she had true feelings for him. Plus he had been in love with her the moment of her birth day 59 years ago. "Aren't root spiders extremely rare and larger then a horse?" Irime questioned pushing away the feeling of fraud.

Old Mother nodded again. "As is the herb that will cure him."

"He can be cured?" Irime had never heard of anyone living from a root spider bite.

"If the spider that bit him had been any older if even by a day it would not be possible. But as he is now he can be saved if you are quick about it."

"Tell me how."

"In the ruins of the Old Wise Kings, before the time of humans. You know of the place. There lies to the east a maze of caves from which our people were born."

Irime listened intently not liking where this was going.

"In those cave now home to orcs and creatures darker then death is a root from which the spider takes it's name for none will speak it's true name. Follow those roots to the plant itself and pick from it both leaves of silver and red and the flower black not gold. And take a care not to pick your finger on it's thorns or death will call on you in that same breath." From Old Mother's sleeve she handed Irime a flask made of bone filled with the dust of fairy feathers. "Put all that you find in this and return as quick as possible."

"How long will he live?" Irime asked clutching the flask to her clothed chest.

"No more then this new moon's birth." Nineteen day. Old Mother answered getting to her feet slowly. "I will watch him as you venture to save his life. Denethor!" She shouted over her shoulder as her apprentice ran in. "Find your bothers and have them bring Rumil to my healing room. The one with the window overlooking the garden."

"Yes Wise Mother." Bowed the young elf still in his growing years with hair the color of wilting straw.

"Thank you Old Mother." Irime stood and followed the oldest elf in the lands out of her house.

"I would not thank me. I have not saved him. I have only succeed in sending you to your death. But love will make a person do things unheard of." And with that Old Mother left.

Irime lingered by the door waiting for Denethor and his brothers to come by and collect Rumil. If this quest would lead to my death why even tell me of it. Irime questioned walking back into the study where Rumil's body laid. His breath was slow and ragged and while some color had returned to his face it made it look worse. In just this little of a time his skin had shrunken to his features and there were hollows below his eyes. Reaching out Irime touched his cheek and hissed drawing her hand back quickly. His skin was cold.

"It it the effect of the poison and the battle his body is fighting against it." Denethor said behind her.

Irime hadn't even heard him or his brother come in. She stepped back from Rumil and watched as the four elves carried him on a stretcher out the door. For a long time Irime stood there in the room looking at the stains that the fouled blood left on the floor. She didn't moved as her mind raced to figure out the best way to accomplish this task. A squad would take too long but going alone while quicker was not an option either. Around and around her mind went knowing the answer but trying to find a different outcome.

When the new rays of the next day filled the study Irime had gone over every option and weighted all the outcomes. No matter how she looked at it there was only one answer and even that wasn't a guarantee. He could say no and that would end that. Or he could say yes and they could still die. Either way he was the best chance at making it through this alive. "I have to do it. I have to ask for his help." She heard her voice say out loud. But how would he feel about risking his life for a man that stole his heart?

She found him at the temple like she knew she would. "Kai-Rae." The name echoed in the empty space between them impossibly loud. "I need you." Irime lowered her voice at the admittance. Her flame red hair down and free, blosing over her shoulder with every gust of wind. The pale golden dress that she had chosen had once upon a time been his favorite. The dress clung to her breasts and cut low showing cleavage in a classy way, then flared out to dance on the winds around her hips and legs. Long high slits in the dress gave the fabric allowance to move as they liked but still managed to hold close to her rear end. And the back plunged bare to the small of her back showing flawless pale skin. While it was cruel to show him what he can not have she needed every edge and low handed trick she had to get him to say yes. "Please." She lifted her eyes to meet his, her hand held out palm up for his help.

 

[EkedSad]

In a dress that I was certain , She hadn't worn in quite a while


He couldn't turn to look at her fully. Only a side glance. The pain still stung and he had little use for it now. Just as he'd been trying so hard to let it go, she arrived once more. That dress, that hip hugging, cleavage showing dress, his favorite indeed, as it showed off the curves and body that most elf women did not have.

Thoughts muddled with a urge. He finally closed his eyes and turned to her, sizing her up from where she was standing. She indeed could see she was effecting him, that bulge in his leathers showing through. She always had that effect on him, and always had reaped the rewards. He was not a puny fellow by any means, one could even say he was quite blessed in that department. It was strange to him that she'd taken a departure from the enjoyment of riding him, to the rather...under developed elf she now called her lover.

A shake of his head clearing such thoughts, though they were not far from the back of his mind, he finally spoke to her, keeping his voice at a even tone. She could tell he was torn between many emotions at the moment. One part of him wanted to send her away, banishing her from his thoughts. Another wanted to hear her out, listen to her voice that he had missed, and perhaps aid her in whatever she needed from him. There was another...but that one wanted rip her dress from her and reintroduce her to what a real man's cock was. He chose the second option.


“What do you want Irime ….You have not come to talk to me in a long long time.”

Kai Rae knew well that Rumil was the jealous type. He had good reason to be too, with Rumil having that little twig between his legs. Still it was not Rumil asking it was Irime...his Irime was asking him for help. Despite what one might think, Kai Rae had never refused her. He'd given her all and more. Yet her she was again, asking him for something. He doubted it was for entertainment...though wearing that dress was another mixed sign he was getting from her.

Pausing a moment as he rose, wiping his forehead with the back of his arm and moving towards the water pump. Leaning down he took bucket and doused himself with water, cooling his body. Ripples of water traveled down his hard toned body, as he turned to look at her once more, sizing her up and down as his arms moved to cross over his shoulder.

“What do you require of me Irime that your mate to be can not provide....”

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

When Kai-Rae refused to look at her fully she knew she had made a mistake coming to him. He was still living in the pain she had dealt him. A wound gone sour and felt to fester and rot. Seeing past her own need Irime saw that it clung to him like a dark cloud. 'What have I done to him?' The question tore at her heart and doubts flooded in the old scars ripping them open again. Her hand slowly fell to her side, curling into a fist, nails biting into the flesh of her palm. It was not her place to go to his side and comfort him. For that he had his many ladies of the night and a pain she hadn't felt in a long time scorched her from the inside out. It's name; Jealousy.

It took some time but then Kai-Rae finally turned to look at her it was with eyes clouded in a sea of stormed emotions. Pain, lust, anger, longing and more that moved too fast to read and some to raw to name. The amount of will power that it took not to look upon the effect that she knew she had on him was immense. Yet her body responded awakening to phantom feelings of remembered times together. Irime clenched her jaw together until a sharp high pitch ringing sounded in her ears and tightened the curl of her fist so that her nail cut into the skin but not deep enough to draw blood. Just enough to sting and distract the mind with something, anything other then that.

His voice was rough and deep but washed over her like the finest silk, raising goosebumps on her skin. "I know." She answered knowing it was because deep down inside of herself where she kept it locked under every key imaginable she stilled loved this human in a way she could never love anyone else. The truth of that was hard to ignored so Irime did the next best thing and ignored and avoided the man who was the cause of it.

Irime shifted her weight from foot to foot and fidgeted under Kai-Rae's gaze. Wearing this dress was another mistake. She remembered when she got it for him and the night that followed the purchase. The hunger for his body and his want for hers. Nails bit harder into her palm and the skin broke, blood quickly filled the gap under her long nail with a thick warmth.

Irime's heart spiked as time slowed. She had watched him move towards the water pump but she hadn't expected him to upend a full bucket of water on himself. Her eyes watched the water spill over the edge of the bucket, the first drops of water hit his head. She watched as the water washed over his head and down his chest, absorbing into the cloth of his shirt and the weight of the shirt clinging to his body. This was payback wither he meant to do it or not. 'I remember a time where I could touch him as freely as that water does.' She sighed, reminding herself that it was part of giving him up. Of keeping herself safe.

“What do you require of me Irime that your mate to be can not provide....”

There were a million answers to this question but none that Irime could voice. "Your strength." She relaxed her hands and eased the cutting into her palms. "Your courage." Blood overflowed the cavity under her nails and pooled around her finger tips. "Your sword." When her palm started to sting she knew it was already healing and was glad for it. She hadn't wanted to harm herself but she had needed something to keep her mind off of Kai-Rae but with the wet clothing plastered to his body there was little to nothing that could keep her eyes off of him. But she was here for a reason and she needed his help.

"I must travel to the ruins of the Old Kingdom and venture into the caves east of there. A known place of power and home now to evil. In there, somewhere, is a plant, a rare plant grown no place but there." Irime took a deep breath and continued. "It's the only cure to save one from a root spider bite." This was the hard part, the part where Kai-Rae would say no and leave her to this journey alone. "Rumil had been bitten and as his betrothed, not yet mate," Irime pointed out as if it were important. "It is my task to shoulder. But it will cost my life if I do it alone. That is why I need you. I can not do this alone and if I try I will fail." Irime's cadence picked up as she rushed to tell him more before he said no. "I know there is no love for the wrong that I have done to you and the man that stands in a place that should be yours but I can think of no one better skilled then you. Please help me in this then I will be gone from your life forever. Never will I ask another thing from you. Please." Irime begged her eyes wide and pleading. Sometime in her rush to say all that needed to be said she had clasped her hands in front of her. When she realized the picture she was making, the beggar in riches she unwound her fingers and dropped the faintly red palms of her hand to her side.

 

[EkedSad]

“Your strength.....your courage .your sword.”

He had all of these in spades. He was a warrior, plain and simple. He didn't live for battle, but he was no stranger to it. He also was a lover, he'd been trained for it as well at the temple. Something she'd reaped the benefits of for a long time. Then she'd left him, left him alone and without her. The sting of that he'd never recovered from, a slight snarl as thought bought up past memories. His hands clenched, trying to keep his tempter...trying to hold back those feelings of lust. He had a good mind right now to rip that dress from her and savagely take her. Still there was restraint, and he managed to keep himself focused.

The water did little good to cool his thoughts, only caused his clothing to stick to him like second skin. A reminder indeed of what she'd once had, what she'd once enjoyed. More of a man perhaps then her intended...without a doubt. Still that was the physical aspect and not in her mind, after all she had been the one that left. He snarled lightly as he then...let his mood change, the teasing prankster in him surfacing.

If I remember correctly....you rather enjoyed my sword....

A smirk as he turned to face her once more, his arms moving to cross and he watched her speak to him. He watched her mouth, he always loved to watch her speak, her lips slow motion as she let words flow. Her voice was sweet and pleasing to his ears, almost like she was singing. She'd see his expression stiffen a bit when she mentioned the Old Kingdom. That word was rarely spoken, being as the plae was quite dangerous now. Evils of all kinds gathered there and practiced the foul arts. His order had conducted many a raid there to clean it out, but never completely. It only steamed its growth outwards into the world.

“I know there is no love for the wrong that I have done to you and the man that stands in a place that should be yours but I can think of no one better skilled then you. Please help me in this then I will be gone from your life forever. Never will I ask another thing from you. Please." “

Eyes of hers begging, he hated that. He never could refuse her when she did such a thing. She'd often used that to her advantage at times, and now she was doing it again. Again his his fingers clenched as he listened. She was begging him to help her save the man that had stole her away from him. What the hell nerve did she have. He almost was about to say no...then a calm reached him. He was of the order of Artorius. He was there to help the people when needed...even if it burned him inside. Plus...it was her...

She would see that head titl in a nod to her request, though she could see it pained him to do so. He accepted as he started to head to the temple a glance back as if telling her to follow him.

I will help you.....but I will need to pack. Follow me so we may gather supplies.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

She watched Kai-Rae's body and read it like a forbidden book she should no longer read from. But there it was, the show of his emotions and the answer she had seen coming. Her heart sank knowing that she was in this alone. Irime was in the midst to turning to go when Kai-Rae spoke.

If I remember correctly....you rather enjoyed my sword....

Irime turned her feet back around a faint blush on her cheeks. She was still a woman and he was the best times of her life. When she looked at him she saw the little smirk on his face. That little turn of his lips was the blossom of hope that she needed. Her head lifted waiting for the answer he had yet to give. Maybe he would say yes and all would be fine in her life. But looking at Kai-Rae she knew nothing would ever be completely fine. When she left him there was a large part of herself that she had to lock away and refused to just die. And him- A swirl of emotions rage up like a newly fed fire. He was broken because of her. "Maybe I can use this journey to not only save Rumil but Kai-Rae as well. For he's in need of healing as much as Rumil."

And as her mind worked to figure out a way to save both men in her life she was given her answer. The tiniest of nods, heavy with hurts still raw and bleeding.

I will help you.....but I will need to pack. Follow me so we may gather supplies.

Irime was not deaf or blind to the agony that asking Kai-Rae to do this was putting on him. It was selfish and beyond mean of her to come to him for this but she needed him and if she was able to maybe she could help him as much as he would help her. Nor was she fool enough to walk into the temple with him.

"I have yet to pack. Give me leave to gather my things as well."

There were memories and times in that place that she wanted to avoid and with Kai-Rae in the state that he was in, wet and lustful fueled by what she was sure pain and anger.... Without meaning to Irime smiled knowing the effects a mood like that could have on a night filled with sharing and love. No, it was wiser to stay away and wait until he was dressed and not in enclosed room with a bed. "Yes but if you recalled you didn't always need a bed, did you?" The little voice in Irime's head asked sweetly.

"Shall we just meet each other when we are done packing? You at the gates of my house, me at the gates here should I finish before you?" Irime asked hoping that he would agree to the idea.

 

[EkedSad]

Yes that sounds acceptable....

He replied simply and to the point as he watched her, catching her turn from him keeping her face away from his viewing. He had a feeling his words had an effect on her. As she started to walk away, he took two large steps to follow her. Moving to press up behind her, she felt that hard tone back against her backside. His strong hands moving along her form, rough calloused fingers sliding along the fabric of the dress. His hot breath at her ear

I will take some of my payment now...

He was hot and ready for her, she could feel that trapped beast of his pressed against the curves of her rump. Kings alive he was ready indeed. He'd decided to throw caution to the wind, and leaned down to kiss against her soft neck, nibbling at the flesh of her neck. Hands found other tasks as one moved to slide up her dress, the other unlacing the strings of his leathers and moving them down.

Hot mass, thick and long smacked against her bared bottom. He'd always been “big”, that a poor little elf like her had had trouble taking him. It was always though a dirty hurt, and now here he was again, primed and ready for her once more. He slide his hand down between her legs, feeling if she was moist for him, ready for enjoyment. The other hand leaned her over the fence post nearby, as she faced the town she'd just come from. The day was still early, so they still had time if she so wished it. She could feel he certainly did.

Hand moved back to cup that mass of his cock, sliding it forward and rubbing it up and down her asscheeks. Those lovely globes before him were a welcomed returning sight. He them moved it between them, rocking that head up and down that slit, working her to frenzy, wanting her to beg him to fuck her. Yes fuck her, right here in the open. His brothers were not nearby, and none really came here after this time. They would have privacy, though she might have to keep her screams down so they would not come running thinking she was being attacked. She certainly though was about to be speared...and often.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

When Kai-Rae agreed Irime turned to leave but was caught by and strong hand and a hard body.

At first Irime was taken by surprise. He touched her as if she were still his, as if she had come to this temple for comfort. She was about to tell him so when his words stopped her.

I will take some of my payment now...

Irime's body stilled and the whole world narrowed in rage. What did he take her for? Her mind screamed, her body turned off and numb to what was happening. Tears burned in her eyes, pain and hurt marched side-by-side with the anger and rage. For him to treat her like this, to handle her body like he was. It was then that she became aware of what was going on to her and it just built the fire in her, the first tear falling down her cheek. Pleasure was the last thing in her mind at the feeling of him hard and ready.

"You-" She hissed, voice choked up with pain as she stood up and stepped away from his body, straightening her dress before turning to face Kai-Rae. "You think me a prostitute to give you my body as payment for this favor?!!?" She shouted unable to contain her feelings. "Was I worth so little to you when we were together that you can treat me like this? You would rape my body and soil all the good memories I thought we had?" Tears were running down Irime's face freely now. "I withdraw my plea for your help." She lifted her head with wounded pride. "Better to die a Ranger for a life worth saving then die your whore alive and spoiled!" And quick without thought Irime's hand lashed out and struck Kai-Rae across the face before turned and storming out. "I never want to see you again. May the elements curse you and strike you limp for all your days." She cried with a tight voice over her should before turning the corner and stepping out of view.

The walk home was the most painful trek of her live. Worse then walking away from Kai-Rae the first time. The first time she at least knew that he had cared for her, now... Tears blurred her vision as she turned away from her house to Old Mother's.

Irime allowed herself to wallow in her pain and hurt, let her tears stain her cheeks and her mind tear asunder every memory that she still held for Kai-Rae. Her heart felt like it was truly dying, shriveled and cold. Her body still shook with what had happened and she couldn't get the feeling of being dirty out of her mind. She paused in the streets looking back at the direction of her house thinking for turning back to shower and change before seeing Rumil but she could see Old Mother's house from here and kept going.

Before knocking on the door Irime wiped her face and collected herself. "I will not cry and care over something I had already lost. Something that I walked away from. I am a Ranger with abilities many envy. I will not let a human weaken my value. My time for hurt is over and a life without him has already started." Irime told herself before knocking on the door.

Denethor answered the door and let her in without question.

"Is he awake?" Irime asked stepping into the house that smelled strongly of brewing herbs.

"Just moments ago, as if he knew you were coming." Denethor smiled leading the way to the room that Rumil was staying in.

"Irime." Rumil croaked out a weak smile coming to his lips. "You look stunning."

"I'll leave you two alone." Denethor smiled wagging his eyebrows.

Irime just shook her head, the word child coming to mind as Denethor left the room closing the door behind him.

"Are you well?" She moved to his bedside and sat on the edge of it holding his hand. It was cool to the touch and sticky with old sweat.

"For the moment." Again the shadow of the smile that he used to have touched his lips. "Old Mother told me what must be done to save me." His eyes were filled with sadness. "I can not ask you to do this. You must not do this." As he riled himself up his body shuttered and his face scrunched up with pain. "I will not allow it." He ground through the pain trying to sound tough.

"Rumil-" Irime stared running her hands through his silver blonde hair.

"You can't. I will not let you die for me." His voice rose and another spasm of pain racked his body.

"You are my betrothed, I can not just sit here and watch you die knowing that I could be doing something to save you." She spoke softly her finger running from the top his head around his ears and down his jaw line. "You can not stop me."

"I will!" He slammed his hand down and brushed away Irime's touch with the other. Thick black blood teared in his eyes, clouding the bright blue color of his eyes. "Please." He tried again weakening in the face of the pain within his own body. "Promise me." He reached out with a shaky hand and grabbed for hers.

Irime looked down at the man that she had promised to spend her life with and saw soft gentleness, a kind smile and a sharp mind. He was not a fighter but a guardian of the histories, crafter of fine metals. The light to the darkness that she had witnessed and left behind. "I can not. You're life matters to me and I will save it if I can."

"If you can..." Rumil left the unsaid hang between them. He sighed and the blood tears fell.

There was a stack of bandages on the bedside table and Irime grabbed the top half and wiped the blood away but it left dark rust brown stains where they had touched his skin. "Do not all the quests of love end happily?" Irime asked with a smile, trying to inspire some hope in Rumil.

He shook his head and gave a thick chuckle of despair. "No, not all. The ones that don't end in a gruesome death alone to feed the scavengers until their bones turn to dust."

Obviously that was not the way to go to make Rumil feel better or her really. "Then pray to the Goddess and the One that we are not like those stories." She squeezed Rumil's hand before letting it go and standing up. "I have to go." She threw the blood filled bandages in the trash with a wet thump.

"Is there nothing that I can save to keep you by my side?" He begged weaving his fingers together on his chest.

"No." Irime said firmly turning to leave. "I will come back to you with the medicine that you need." Her tone of voice left no room for argument and Rumil was too weak to fight her anymore.

"Live then." He smile sadly watching the only woman that he loved walk into her death because of him.

"That I can promise." She smile with a gleam in her eyes. "I will get Old Mother for you."

Rumil nodded and closed his eyes, pain keeping the features on his face tight.

When Irime left the room she could see Old Mother making her way to Rumil's room.

"I heard the shouting." She answered before Irime could ask. "So... you are off them to save your man?" The old elf asked tilting her head to the side as if taking stock of the woman in front of her.

"I am." Irime answered nodding her head once.

"May the skies keep you." Old Mother gave her blessing in the old way and patted Irime's arm as she past her and entered Rumil's room.

"Goddess give you life in face of your trials." Denethor bowed his head and followed Old Mother into the room.

"And you." Irime replied dully walking with heavy steps out the door and into the bright sun lit day. Yet for all the rays of the sun Irime felt chilled as the thought about the journey that she faced alone since she could not pay Kai-Rae in the coin that he wished.

A little after high noon Irime left her house with everything she could think that she could need. It meant taking her own horse, it's saddle bags packed and two pack horse. She reached out with her mind and brushed again the mind of the animals before her, feeling the weight of their packs and assuring herself that they were evenly weighted down and not overly packed.

"Come." She whispered to the horses, the supple leather of her ranging outfit making a soft hussing sound as she walked down the main road. The horses following without the need of a lead rope, one after the other. Her battle mare at her side with her bow tucked safely in the custom bow shaped sheath built to fit the saddle and make it easy to draw both on foot and in saddle.

 

[EkedSad]

Perhaps passion drove him, who was to say what was on his mind. It was impure thoughts, but the sight of her caused such emotion that he could not contain himself. It had simply been that other part of him that he fought hard to control. Long had it been that he'd tried to contain it, but now it as easy to see why it came out. The only woman he'd loved and lusted for at the same time was a prime target for that inner beast he fought to contain. Still that was no excuse, the slap to his face walking himself from his daze.

She left turning on heel and running from. He watched her as she moved off in the distance. He did not stop her, nor go after her. He did not have that right. He knew however the urges would come upon him again. He adjusted himself and placed himself once again in a state of dress suitable to the viewing of others. Thoughts raced though his head as he decided to take matters in his own hands and state the urges within him.

**************************************************************

The whore found herself naked and astride Kai-Rae's crotch as she slid her wet pussy along the length of his rod. She shivered from the pleasure just rubbing it gave her. He had paid to come to his room, and her body couldn't wait to get his cock in it again. Her hands were gripping his hard chest while his were on her breasts, squeezing them and twirling her nipples between his fingers expertly. She raised herself up until she was squatting over him. Kai Rae held his cock up, helping her. she lowered herself, not even realizing she was smiling from ear to ear from the shear happiness she felt feeling his cock enter her. Still, her hips were rotating around his cockhead and she was slowly lowering herself over more. She was still moaning when the first orgasm hit. After that nothing else mattered but getting more of Kai-Rae's cock in her.

This would sate him for the journey he hoped, he had other plans in his head as well to keep himself under rein. All this thoughts going his head, as the girl rode him. Pushing his thoughts from his head, he rolled the woman over and took his use from her hard.

**************************************************************

He had made the finishing touches on the tattoos. The ink should last for several weeks under the right circumstances. The trip to the the outlands would take less time then that heading there and coming back. If they met their fate there, then it would not matter ink or not. He shifted the the tattoos hands then left to right to examine the tattoos, then nodded to their appearance. Then the wraps came next. Each strap was moved over his hands till they formed almost a glove of sorts. The wraps then were marked with the black seal outer portion. To finish, he bite his thumb and traced the top portion of each with his own blood, marking them with a runic symbol of containment. He grunted, satisfied with with this. Leaning down he took his pack, strapping it over his shoulders as he moved to leave. Arriving on the stable, his hands moved to comfort the steed. Then slowly he mounted it. Urging it slowly forward he moved to the main road, making his way to wait for her at the edge of town.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

Before Irime left town she swung by the herds, the kennels and the mews a finial check on the animals under her care before setting off on her horse, waving a good by to the wardens that she left in charge in her absence. It wasn't that she had stopped by because she didn't trust her wardens but more of a silent good bye to the animals. She was sure that this journey would lead to her death and whatever doubts that had been silences with the possibility of Kai-Rae's help were wide awake and taking every moment so scream out her foolishness.

Irime took her time riding through town, she wanted to take in everything and remember this place, her home for that was the last thing she wanted to see in her mind's eye as she died. It was a depressing thought and as hard as Irime tried to push it from her mind every face that turned to wish her luck, every smile, quite nod and wave dragged her down deeper into her pity. Sure there was still time to turn back and sit by Rumil's side and watch him die but that seemed worse then knowing that she was walking into her her death. At least this way there was a chance, a minuscule chance but still a chance to save Rumil's life.

Staring at her saddle horn Irime didn't see the figure at the end of the road until Beda, her battle mare stilled, the muscles in her body tightening and the soft nicker of the young gray gelding Oisin behind her that she looked up.

All at once emotions stormed within Irime. Hope blossomed only to buckle under pain which fed the feeling of fear and was overruled by rage. Her eyes narrowed and her hand instinctively reached for her bow but stopped short of touching it. Beda stomped the ground with her hoof, reacting to the anger from her rider. The two geldings took their sides, right and left, of Irime. Tyrell, the sorrel gelding snorted and flipped his head high in defiance of the rider in front of them. Out of the two pack horses that were in training to be battle steeds Tryell was the better of the two but Irime had a soft spot for the noise making Oisin.

"What are you doing here?" Irime's voice was cold as frostbite and quite with the strain that it took not to loose an arrow at the human. If he thought to join her when she already withdrew her need of him... her hands curled into fists and shook with the rage that trembled all over her body. "Did the Gods take the sense you had to hear my words?" Her voice grew louder as her emotions got the better of her. "I have no need or want for you!" The snarl that torn from Irime's lips were twisted with betrayal.

In the back of her mind she admitted that now they were at least even. She had betrayed him by leaving and he had returned the favor by trashing their time together and pissing on her with his actions.

"Go, be gone before one of my arrows find you where my word obviously could not." Irime sighed reigning in her emotions so that her words came out even of tone but still icy with distrust.

The road was wide enough that Irime could pass him with space enough to pretend he wasn't there. And that was just was she was going to do. Pretend that he wasn't there and ride right by him. Her legs lightly brushed against Beda's side and the horse obeyed without a thought. The geldings filed behind the mare and the line continued down the road.

As she pasted him all the horse kept their eyes on him, alert and ready for a fight while Irime held her head high and looked everywhere but at him.

 

[EkedSad]

"Go, be gone before one of my arrows find you where my word obviously could not."

Her word had bile and venom behind them, which she had every right to be so. He'd tried to take advantage of her situation and that was unforgivable. He however wouldn't apologize or explan, he doubted she'd believe him anyway. That look in her eyes was pure murder, and he had no reason to stir up up further. He knew well she was fast with that bow, and could have it out and nocked in a moment's notice, another reason for not pressing the matter to far.

His mare stirred light, dark brown in color, he called her Chestnut. She'd been his since that time, a time he'd rather forget. She was used to his moods and his actions, so didn't even bat a eye with the tension in the air. He made no move to stop her, or hinder her progress as she rode past him, dismissing him with a comment and starting on her way.

A light shrug as he shifted the horse to the left and moved to stay upon her right, keeping in well view of her sight, so not to spook her, a light clearing of his throat as he simply kept pace behind her. He finally spoke to her, his voice was calm and even, much much different then the tone she'd seen earlier....how strange indeed.


“ Do you even know the path Irime....for it is long twisted narrow and dangerous. I do not doubt your skills, but have you even been past he wall? I cannot let you go alone....the way is dangerous and too much for one person.....we went in with 30.......7 including me came back....””

He's questions ran true. She knew some time after she'd left him he'd disappeared across the wall on a journey with his fellow monks. When he come back, he'd been a changed man. The whoring, the drinking the long nights with other women. Its like his outlook on life had changed. Perhaps she had something to do with it, but it was quite the sharp change indeed in his behavior. Still there surely was a rational explanation for it right?


“ I will come with you, despite if you want it or not as I know the way. Besides it would bring shame to my name if I did not help. More so I'm sure there would be a blood feud from Rumil's clan. I can not allow that. "

He spurred his horse further to ride alongside her, as he glanced back to the pack animals behind her, then to her. He simply kept pace with her, making no motion to get any closer nor explain his actions any more then he did. He did offer a bit of promise, that would sooth her mind.

“ By Artorius I will not touch you again unless asked or you are in danger....this I swear.”

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

Did she know the path. Irime was offended by the question. Every Elf know the way, it was the first thing an Elf knew, before his name or his first breath. Like the migration pattern of a bird it came to them naturally. It was an ember in an Elf's soul and for some it burned bright and burned their life short but for her it was a dull glow that she knew would burn brighter the closer she got to the place of her people's birth.

"I know the way." She snapped annoyed that the priest hadn't turned back to town but instead rode at her side.

As far as ever going past the wall... she knew of the time that he spoke of, a time right after she left him. She had worried for him and prayed to her Gods and his to keep him safe. She shot a hot glare at him unbelieving that she had cared so. But that was the reason it hurt so much, wasn't it.

She shook her head free of such thoughts and turned away from him in hopes that if she didn't see him he would just go away. "I've been across the wall twice." True both times they had stayed within sight of the wall but she kept that to herself letting think what he may of her adventures past the wall.

I will come with you, despite if you want it or not as I know the way. Besides it would bring shame to my name if I did not help. More so I'm sure there would be a blood feud from Rumil's clan. I can not allow that.

Did he think the whole world spun around that big head of his? "Bring you shame?" So much for not looking at him she thought her head snapping back around to look at him. "Are you not already shamed for the force in which you sought to gain your own pleasure? Isn't there some golden rule about that or are my mind and ears as faulty as your own?" Irime was working herself up again and losing control of her emotions. It showed in the ripple of tension that traveled down the line of her horses and the flattening of Tryell's ears.

"And what part would you have in a blood feud? You had no involvement in the relationship. Were you the one who let loose the spider to bite Rumil? Were you there the day we laid naked to each other's wants and needs? Did you play a part in the pleasure I gained from my betrothed's hands? The mouth that laid claim to every part of my body? Or of the cock that drive me to climax? Were you there that day that his family might blame you for what happened?" She was trying to hurt the priest with her words, she wanted to see pain spear into his heart and witness the shadow of it darken his eyes.

By Artorius I will not touch you again unless asked or you are in danger....this I swear.

"Curses to you and your Artorius. I want no part of his order or the oath you swear by it." She hissed her heart breaking into shards. Irime didn't need to kick her battle mare into a gallop, the horse felt her need to flee and took off.

Tears burned behind Irime's eyelids as she closed her eyes to the road ahead of her. Beda would lead true and the geldings behind her would keep pace. Unfortunately she could also hear the pounding hoof steps of an extra horse and knew that the priest followed. She would not let him see how his actions had hurt her and she would not let him see her tears.

 

[EkedSad]

She could see him visible flinch at each word that dug deep and stung hard. Yes he was in the wrong, but he was trying to make up for it. He was trying to help her. She could indeed see pain across his face, she had seen when he'd arrived to help her, as he felt guilt for the actions he had done. Now she was throwing it in his face. Now she was trying to hurt him. Fingers tightened on the reins of his horse as he said nothing to her comments, simply allowing her to vent her anger on him.

So when she spurred her horse, he followed. She would not lose him as he rode by her side with the same as she did. He was keeping up that was for curtain. If she wanted or not, he would be going with her. Even if he had to listen to the venom of her words each time, he would aid her in her quest. It wasn't for her mate, no it was for her. To do something like this, she must be happy with the man, so he would see to it that she remained so.

The speed in which they rode the horses only made the trip to the wall much smoother. Noon would turn into late day, and soon dusk would be following. They had rode the horses hard and a good stop would be in order. There were not many places been their village and wall, so sleeping under the stars would be the order of business today.

He had not spoken to her since her comments, nor did he figure she wanted him to. He still kept the pace beside her, and had ignored any comments she had said otherwise about him leaving or not coming. Still she could see he was growing tired of hearing such things, his face flinching still to her harsh words. Couldn't she see, he was asking for another chance in his own way, even if it meant the rest of the way she would be as such to him.

He slowed his horse as they came to a stream of running water. He dismounted and moved his hand to the horses muzzle, stroking it lightly. He then lead it over to the stream and let it drink it's fill. He took a glance around as the horse drank, looking across the plains and what not to see if there was anything in sight. Nearby there was a small hut, more then likely built for travelers to stay on this road. He would have to check to see if there was anyone in it. He glanced in her direction. Traveling into the night would be risky. Even though the road was here, it was still dark and rest was needed. He spoke finally, but had no more words for her other then suggestions.

"We are not far from the wall. I know our time is limited but..it would do us well to rest here for the night. We would be able to reach it by morning with ease. This would allow us to sleep and rest....as you know over the wall we will rarely be so lucky to catch much."

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

Irime didn't want to see, she wanted to be angry. The last thing she wanted to feel was guilt at the pain she inflicted upon him. He was robbing her of her anger with his reaction to her word. She wanted him to yell at her and defend himself. She want her words to turn into a fight where he would leave in the end. He did none of that and she hated herself for the relief she felt because of it.

Damn him. Damn her.

At least the rest of the ride was peaceful. The Priest didn't try to talk to her and she didn't talk to him. She had nothing that she really wanted to say to him. What she felt and how she felt about everything she had already told him and in her mind that left nothing else to talk about.

She could feel Beda's dry mouth and reached for her water skin. It was full but she didn't want refresh herself with water when her horse wanted some too. It was easy to reach out and feel how the other horses were doing. All were fine in the pace that they were keeping but all had a want for water. Irime made a mental note to stop at the next clean water source.

The Priest got to the stream before she did and was already off of his horse and leading it to water. She did the same and quickly got off her horse and walked to the water's edge and tested it before she let her horses drink. The water was crisp and cool and Irime dumped out her warm stale water and refilled her skin with fresh cool water. She drank deep and refilled it again before looping it around the horn of her saddle as Beda drank her fill.

We are not far from the wall. I know our time is limited but it would do us well to rest here for the night. We would be able to reach it by morning with ease. This would allow us to sleep and rest....as you know over the wall we will rarely be so lucky to catch much.

Irime wanted to argue for the sake of arguing but the Priest was only saying what she was thinking. It was still light out and they would have more than enough time to make camp and gather food for tonight's dinner so they didn't dip into the packed food. "If you follow this stream it widens and gets deeper. There is also a nice meadow that we can-" For a moment Irime had forgotten who she was talking to. Of course the Priest would know of the place, they had spent a night there when they were lovers and worshiped under the stars until they were both boneless and out of breath.

The memory was still fresh and her body betrayed her in it's reaction. It remembered all the things that were done to it and it quickened to repeat the feeling. A shame her mind was stronger and blocked the memory and emotions that went with it. She had almost suggest that they find a different camp site but refused to allow the Priest to think that such memories still held power over her. Plus she knew that there would be no better place to catch fish or bathe and the circle of thick trees that enclosed the clearing and stream would keep the gusts of wind off them if they kept close to the back. And if she remembered there was berried and nut trees scattered around the area and plenty of game trails.

 

[EkedSad]

Damn him, dam her. Indeed, it was a fiery mix to say the least. Still it had been good when it was good. He glanced up as his brows raised to the suggested spot. He'd knew it well, that night her cries of pleasure were like a embittered memory in his mind. He watched her for a few moments, rather surprised indeed she'd suggested it. Merely shrugging, he decided it was the best idea to be sure. They knew the area. She was also correct in saying they would ample time to bath, and fish and track food down. Where they were going, it was going to be hard pressed to find food off the land, so it would make sense to stock up.

He simply nodded to her suggestion and placing his hand at the horses bridle, he started to lead the animal down the path. His expression was somber and distance. HE was thinking of things, what they might encounter across the wall, and how to avoid it. He was no tracker of the wilds like she was, but he was a counter tracker in a sense. He knew how to cover up his tracks and setup ambushes. He knew how to hide as well. If it came down too, he would fight too. The order of Artorius was different as they did not provide their warrior monks weapons. Rather they taught them to use their fists and feet and really whole body as a weapon. They also trained them to use the enemy's weapons against him. Kai Rae had little doubt he'd be using some foul weapons born of the dark forges of the enemy. He only hoped the darkness would be with the bloodshed.

The grove was not to far away, and they would arive there quickly. His eyes scanned about for a few moments then nodded as he moved to take the saddle off his horse and set it to he ground. Fingers moved to the beasts middle, were he rubbed down the animal, thanking him for being his beast of burden. He then looped the strap around a tree and made sure the beast had plenty of room to graze as needed.

He glanced back to her as she followed and hmm'd. His expression was thoughtful, as he was cooking up a few ideas prior to them setting off in the morning. He moved to sit on a stump and reached up to scratch his head. Leg folded over one another, cause the creasing of his armor to highlight the outlined form of his body. Lean strong muscles seen as the flexed lightly to the adjustment of positions. Still if her eyes dared to drift....there would in bee conformation that he was ever the man he was before. Rumil wouldn't even compare, and she would know, having sampled them both at one time or another in her life.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

The Priest said nothing in answer and there was no reaction but raised brows and an indifferent shrug. Did he not remember the spot? The night they shared under the stars, the words of love and the sharing of their bodies? Irime hated how that pained her that he gave her no reaction to the sweet time spent together. Shouldn't there have been a sad longing smile, a frown or something of that nature. An emotional clue that what they shared together that night meant something to him? But she got nothing and it just added to her embers of anger.

Irritated she followed the Priest kicking at every rock she past. She realized that she was throwing a fit but she didn't care, she was too upset that he didn't remember this place. It didn't dawn on her that she was doing the same thing that the Priest was doing, not letting him see how the memories effected her. Yet here she was mad at him that he was closing her out and hiding things from her.

"Why didn't you just leave." She huffed under her breath as they broke through the tree line and stepped into the meadow like clearing before the river. Just like the first time she saw this place it took her breath away. The meadow was a large oblong oval surrounded on three sides by a thick forest of trees. Irime looked behind at where she had just stepped through and noticed the way the the sun's beams cut through the only thinned part of the semi circle of trees. She turned back around and saw that the Priest was caring for his horse and thought she should do the same.

Irime quickly unsaddled the three horses, laying their saddles side by side by side on the ground. When that was done she grabbed a soft haired brush. All it took was the horses to see the brush and they circled her all demanding attention at the same time. It brought a smile to her face and her irritation melted away like the last of winter snow. Irime took her time with the caring of the horses both for her need and theirs. There was something soothing about brushing the horses that made every problem just go way and sooner then she would have thought she was free of all her anger and bad feelings and laughing out loud as the horses scratched and rubbed her back.

"Go on, go eat." She laughed pushing the horses away. She was covered in horse hair and the smell of their sweat. It was a comforting smell for her and while it didn't bother her that she smelled of them their tiny hairs itched where they worked their way under her leathers. Irime turned back to the saddle packs and put the brush away and smiled back at the horses that had drifted off towards the river to grazed on the sweet grass there. Irime caught sight of the Priest's horse and frowned, why did he tie the horse up? Didn't he know that she would watch his horse and that it would be safe here with hers?

Irime almost wanted to get mad about it but pushed it from her thoughts and looked for the man who owned the horse. He was sitting on a stump with his legs crossed, his forehead wrinkled in thought. I wonder what he's thinking about. It surely wasn't thought about the last time they were here because his face looked too serious those to be the thoughts that were going through his mind. Her eyes lingered and drifted from head to toe. The way he was sitting stretched his armor tight over his body and she could see the bulges of relaxed muscles. And talking about bulges... the fold in his pants outlined what was there and Irime bit her lip, her eyes glued to what she knew was there. Regardless of the fact that she was or had been mad at him, her body warmed and her heartbeat quickened.

"Will you gather wood?" Irime called from her side of the meadow. "I'll catch some fish if that sounds like a fair plan." She would collect whatever vegetables, fruit or nuts she came across and knew that the Priest would more then likely do the same. If they had time she would have hunted for something bigger so they could cut it down and dry the meat for the journey but this was a time sensitive mission and fish and small game would have to make do.

Irime was inpatient and didn't wait for his answer before turning away. It was only half the reason she turned away, she didn't want to get caught staring at him. Walking back to her saddle bags she collected her bow quiver and packed some string and soap in the outside pocket before slinging it over her should and on to her back. It was rude but Irime didn't want to have to look at the Priest again and left the meadow clearing without even looking back.

Upriver where the river was the wildest and widest it dropped from a rapid to a narrow quick as lightning current that split into two parts. The larger of the splits hugged the left bank and continued down the easy downward slope while the right side fell to another waterfall and over the hundred of years cut into the rocks, the river a secret as it snaked it's way between towering rock walls. From there the river opened up into a seemingly shallow pool that ended up being three times the depth that you expected it to be with a rocky shore of smooth tumbled river rocks that opened up to the meadow. This was the best place to swim and take a bath but it was below the meadow that you would find the best fishing. The river got quicker here and jagged rocks littered the river and deep pockets swept away those who weren't paying enough attention to the deceiving river currents. From there the river picked up even more speed and turned a corner that hugged the high rock walls and turned into a rocky rapid of cross currents as it joined up again with the main river.

Irime hugged the narrow game trail that followed the river to her favorite fishing spot and skipped from jutting rock to jutting rock until she was in the middle of the river. From here she had an perched seat above the river that gave of a great view of the fish through the crystal clear water. For a long while she just sat there listening to the heartbeat of the river. The trees were the breath of the body, the whisper of the branches dancing in the wind a quite song. The voice was provided by the call of the animals, birds singing a song and the cries of larger animals hunting. It was peaceful and Irime was hard pressed to disturb the music.

But she was responsible for providing the food tonight and she nocked an arrow. With the arrow fitted she quickly tied the string to the end of the arrow before targeting a large fish. The kill was clean and the arrow pierced it right through the gills. The large fish should be enough for the both of them for the night but just in case she shot another small fish and strung both fish on the string as she leapt from rock to rock back to land. Irime took the longer loop back to the meadow and picked eatable green leafs, carrots, onions and some berries. It made a complete meal and she wondered if the Priest had gathered anything other then wood and what it was that he found.

 

[EkedSad]

"Why didn't you just leave."

He snorted to her comment having heard that and merely muttered “ You know the real reason I'm not”

He hadn't caught her looks, both the disapproval of tying up his horse, whom' seemed none the wiser, happy and grazing on the grass. Nor had he caught her looks of looking upon him...and letting her slide down were that flap covered him. He had little idea she had been admiring him, thinking of days long past. For that was the thing he was trying to push to the side and remember....they were long past. She seemed to have this notion that he was going to all lovely dovey and swoon at her return. He couldn't let her back in like that, he won't allow her to get close to him again like that.

A glance up as his expression changed as she spoke to him with her back to him, a slight growl as he pushed his way from his stump. She'd moved away before he could reply and he shook his head in anger. Calming himself as emotions boiled to the top, he took several breaths to calm himself and did as she asked.


As he stepped into the shades of the meadows surround forest, he would find wood was not hard to find here. A branch here and there, didn't make it every hard before he had a good arm full of wood. As he gathered wood, he took several notes of some spots to come back to for gathering food. Before long he decided he had gathered a suitable pile for that nights stay. The path he took back lead him back to the groove, and he grunted as his eyes adjusted to the still shining sun.

She hadn't returned yet, so he dumped the wood in a pile. Dusting off his arms, he then returned down the path to gather more supplies for supper tonight and whatever they could take with them. As he verged off the path, he remembered fruits spoiled, but herbs and nuts carried much better.
Arriving in a spot he had picked out early, using a nearby stick, he was able to dig up several suitable wild yams and such that had been growing. Mushrooms as well were taken. He had quite the assortment of food folding in that cloak. Having brought a small pot with him, he slipped down to the water to gather some.

Before long he was heading back, and had got the fire roaring with life. He moved to his pack, talking a moment to nuzzle the horse that would be carrying him behind the walls safety. Reaching inside he took out a small pack and headed back. Taking from it he crushed several leaves, mixing it with some the food he'd gathered and tossed it in the pot. A foul smell came of it....as he gridded it as it cooked into a paste. He then bit his thumb, spitting his blood into the pot as it came to a simmer.

Stripping out of his armor, he stood there, nude as the day he was birthed...just a lot bigger all around. From that pack he took a brush, and sat cross legged, his genital splayed to the side resting against his leg. Dipping the tip of the brush against the hot mixture, he slowly began to apply it to the runic markings he'd applied early in the day. This was a daily thing for him, it was needed. He knew she might be pissed he was sitting here naked as can be, but there was good reason. She won't want to see him without this being done....she'd seen a taste of it back at the temple.

So he sat, taking care in firm yet neat lines, tracing the outline of those seals, as he paid little mind to what was going around him, or whom was arriving. That did not mean he didn't know, he simply wasn't worried unless something was threatening.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

The last thing that Irime expected to see when she returned to the meadow was the Priest sitting there in all his glory painting on himself. The sight stopped her heart and her body, standing there with her eyes roaming over his body before stopping at his soft length. There was a rancid smell in the air that wrinkled her nose and her eyes grudgingly turned away from what they were feasting on to find out where that smell was coming from. Irime swept the clearing but saw nothing and came back to the Priest. That stuff he was painting with surely wasn't the source of that god awful smell, for who in there right mind would want to smell like that. But with nothing else that could be the culprit she was left to blame the smell on him. Too bad she was once again looking at him and was lost in what she was seeing.

She was physically reacting to what she was seeing. Her blood was getting warm and there was a faint blush to her cheeks. Irime's heart was beating a bit fast as if making up for the pause when she first saw him. Even her breathing pattern had changed into something quick and shuttering. Are you so weak that the sight of a naked man unravels you? The voice in Irime's head screamed at her. It helped snap her out of the daydream she was in and she turned away from the Priest and moved over to the river to clean her catch.

Irime had wanted to bath away from where the Priest was but was glad that she had forgotten in her thanks to the fish. It gave her the opportunity to return the Priest's favor and she paused at her bags to grab a pan and set down the greens and berries. In no time at all, in fact the Priest still looked to be painting himself, Irime had the fish cleaned, descaled and speared through with a stick ready to be roasted. The onions and carrots were also cut and diced in the pan and just needed to be cooked as a side to the fish.

Free of chores for the moment Irime walked towards the rocky shore of the pool and started undressing. By the time her feet hit moist ground Irime had unbuckled and unties everything that needed to be undid and sat down to take off her boots and shed her leather second skin. When she stood up Irime was just as naked as the Priest, the only thing she had on her was the bar of soap in her hand, which she set down on a rock.

How do you like that. Irime sing-songed in her head as she stepped into the river pool walking until the water hit her thighs before diving into the water. She came up in the middle of the pool where it was deep enough that she couldn't reach and drifted up and floated, her legs pointing towards the Priest. She was completely aware of the view he would have if he looked over at her and she smiled feeling like they were now fair she he had tempted her with his nakedness, unaware that what he did was for a reason more then to tease her.

When Irime heard what she assumed to be the Priest moving she flipped over in the water and swam lazily to shore to get her soap. She returned to the water but stopped when the water hot her knees. Irime kept her body half turned towards the Priest as she started to rub the soap bar over her body knowing that the scent of the soap was his favorite. A thick white lather covered her body and her hair, bubbles dancing in the air and floating in the surface of the water. The soap was nontoxic to the marine life and didn't harm the fish in anyways as the little minnows pecked and popped the floating suds.

Covered in suds, Irime walked towards the rock that her soap bar had been on and sat down to wash her feet and legs below the knees. She made a show out of it and kept her eyes from the Priest while she did it. She was hoped that he was looking but didn't want to know if he was or what the effect of her show was doing to him. Just the idea of him hard and wanting turned her on and she ran from the image by diving back into the water to rinse herself off.

Ashamed of purposely trying to seduce the Priest, Irime stayed in the water far longer then she intended to. Her fingers were starting to prune when Irime finally walked out of the water. She hadn't thought to bring a towel with her and she collected her soap and leathers and walked with her head bent looking at the ground to her saddle and bags. Using the bush to shield her body from view she quickly dried off and changed into a set of light flowing cotton pants that swirled around her legs like mist but was the color of spring's first green and a equally free moving halter top of the same color. It was the perfect shade of green that made her red hair come alive with it's many different highlights and lowlights.

Standing there Irime looked down at herself and frowned. She had made this outfit when the Priest was still her lover and she remembered the memories that came with it. "This won't do." She sighed turning back to dig through what little clothes she brought. It turned out that everything she had packed where not only her most favorite of things but were all things that shared memories with the Priest. "What are the odds." Again she sighed and just gave up and came out from behind the brush, hands filled with the food she had collected.

The fire was nice and hot and there was a large wood pile off to the side that would see them through the night even with her making her own fire on the other side of the bush to keep away from him. "Would you like to cook or shall I?" Irime asked her voice indifferent and her eyes turned away. There was a time when he used to tease her cooking and while she had gotten better she gave him the choice.

 

[EkedSad]

Seeing her arrive out of the corner of his eye, he didn't glance up. Still he watched her as she prepped the dinner and cut up what was needed. He didn't seem ashamed of his nudeness, and made no motion to cover himself up. More so because he was afraid he was going to smear the paint. If there was something to to be said about human men vs elf men, it had to do with the heftiness between n their legs. He easily dwarfed her current lover even in a soft state. But those were matters he tried not to think about, as he was trying to keep himself in control and not have another outburst as he had earlier.

Still in thought as she walked away from her, he glanced down to see her as she stripped at the river below. Eyes looked her over with delight and longing. It had been far far to long since they'd made love. He indeed could recall that scent, he could smell it up here. How she always came in fresh smelling...and for some reason he always had to get that scent off her so it was his again upon her. Passionate love making was often the cure for such things. As he watched her, seeing her as she moved her hands over those curves, over her breasts, hips and ass, he felt himself stirring. That mass that was flaccid against his leg was now showing itself to be quite awake. He needed...no he wanted, to feel her again. To make her cry out, to feed her his essence, to make her moan, to make her beg, to make her tell him such dirty things. He knew full well she would be tight again, when they'd been lovers it'd taken some time for her to adjust to him. Oh but the pleasure it brought to them both. Her being so tight, and him being so big. He'd asked her once if it hurt, and she replied it did...but it was a dirty good hurt that left her full then empty.

Seduce him, never. He was already under her spell. His hand moved down to the cloth nearby and he made some attempt to cover himself. It was tricky as the paint yet was not dry and he also had the problem of tenting. He watched her as she bathed still, wondering if she was truly trying to punish him. He shook his head lightly trying to clear thoughts, but he couldn't help but watch. She was always a delight to his eyes, even when she was dressed. It wasn't just her form either, he cared deeply for her. It was more then just lush, there was love there. Still the great sex didn't hurt either.

He watched her as she walked up and turned his head away to allow her some modesty. Though she could see he was watching her from the corner of his eye. It was clear to see as well she was arousing him...that large tented outline was full proof of such a thing. He almost looked disappointed as she disappeared in the bush...and more so as she came out dressed. The outfit was lovely on her....but he still had enjoyed the prior sight much more.

As she sat across from her, a question was asked about hunger. How could he even think about about food in the state he was in. He glanced over to her, as she could see clearly the state he was in, his lips curled a bit, his body tense, oh yeah and that huge outline of his large prick between the blanket and hi body.

“ I am not hungry for food....”

He'd then look away, staring off in the distance. She could see he was def feeling needy after her little show. Def was not the fairest perhaps, but still perhaps in her mind she thought it was payback. Still wasn't it a shame to let a big hard on go to waste?

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

"You need to eat."

Irime knew the state in was in, the thing that he hungered for but she wasn't going to help him out. She didn't even want him here what made him think that she would ease and comfort his body to satisfy his needs. HA! She laughed in her mind as she turned to prepping the food that the Priest found. The yams she would mush and the leftover would be used to make travel cakes. The mushrooms she added to the onions and carrots and ignored everything else.

But as hard as she tried to ignore the Priest and his pathetically 'covered' groin with the hard outline underneath Irime was still a girl who could remember the pleasures that thing brought. Irime stopped prepping the food and turned to look the Priest. She had every intention of keeping to his face but she was weak and her eyes roamed over his body and she could feel her body respond. Her nipples tightened and hardened pressing against the thin fabric. Her breathing picked up and her skin flushed with color as her blood warmed. She longed for things she shouldn't long for, to want things that could not be.

Oh to be filled again like that. She sighed her eye locked on the tent between his legs. To be stretched and filled until it nearly hurts and to be rewarded with orgasm after orgasm until the pain melted away. Irime curled her fists and her nails bit into her palms, a jolt of pain shocking her from her daydream.

"If you bathe I should have the food ready by the time you are through." Irime tried to keep her voice calm and collected but it came out husky and breathless as if she had just sprinted for her life. She hated herself and the Priest for all the things he made her feel and remember.

I hate that I still want him. Irime admitted to herself as she glared at the Priest. This was all his fault, she didn't know how or why but it had to.

"What's that smelly paint that you have there?" She asked before he moved to do anything. "You've never used it before." Irime leaned over and around to peek at what it was that he was painting. "What is it's use? And when did you start painting yourself?" There had to be one because no one would willingly paint that foul stuff on them. Maybe it was a repellent for her and he was trying to keep her away. If that was the case it was working because for as strong as the aroma was sitting away from him she didn't want to get closer. Which was a good thing because where mind was and the way his body called to her it could have ended badly for them both. Well not bad-bad because it would be oh so good but nevertheless it would be bad.

 

[EkedSad]

He snorted at her comment. Eat..yes like he could think of such things. There she was before him, wearing clothing he'd stripped from her before. Standing there as she looked cute and delightfully fuckable. His eyes turned from her as she looked his direction, though she could tell he was aware of her, as that big cock of his twitched under that poorly covered cloth. He felt the tension in the air, and glanced to the side seeing her standing there. Sparks unseen but felt were there indeed. He body was responding to the sight of him. He watched as she looked him over, seeing as her gaze settled on that mass of flesh between those legs. He had little doubt she'd been missing him, as he her. He also was pretty sure that her intended didn't have the mass he was packing.

Where did those impure thoughts come from? Surely it wasn't him! Yet more and more as he was bonded, they intermingled. Soon his status as one of the order would be gone. They could not allow such a thing around them much longer as it was. Even though he'd done it for those beyond the wall, that didn't stop them from casting him out.

His eyes shot back to her face as she looked to him once more and spoke. He indeed could tell from the sounds of her husky tone, that she was indeed getting riled by the site of him. The feeling was mutual as she could see for herself. She see him shake his head to the mention of bathing.

A she questioned him more, turning to peak over, she'd see him pressing upwards. So much closer then before, she could almost drink in that scene of masculinity that he put off. The peek of the tent she could see was growing wet, more then likely the start of that precum that he seemed to overflow with. He'd always cum hard and in globs. She had taken him many ways, but he always seemed to like cumming on those lovely perky large breasts, or coating the inside of her womb with his seed.

As she chattered about, she'd see that his hands pressed to his forehead, and he spoke a bit of words...a sealing spell? Whatever would he need that for? Then the shapes and drawings totally made sense what they were, but why would he need something like that. The would glow, then seep into his body...then there was nothing there but bare skin again. Then he would turn to her, dark eyes looking upon her.

“It is one of the prices one pays to protect those he cares about”

His strong hand came out slowly to up against her cheek. He leaned closer....closer, and she felt lips upon her own. His hand cupped her head as he pressed himself into the kiss, intoxicating he was. Familiar to old patterns to as he let lips tease and torment her. The he slowly started to direct her head down, not forceful, not begging, but that of a lover to another lover, almost familiar in its feel and motions. Directing her down till she was eye level with that bulge. One hand cast the cloth away, revealing to her his full glory. It was like she recalled, veiny and thick, and ever so long. She'd called him her two handed human, a nick name she saw still rang true. That uncut foreskin covered head loomed before her, almost urging her, as his scent filled her sense, to cast caution to the wind, and enjoy the delightfully big cock before her once again.

 

[Ohia_Lehua]

Irime watched with wide eyes as the Priest mumbled some words and the painting that he drew on himself glow and seep into his skin and disappear. What was that? There was a faint smell of ozone in the air when he had cast the spell and it reeked of some kind of darkness, an old evil of some sort and it sent a chill down her spine. What kind of trouble was he in and who was he protecting to grant such a cost as this?

She was pretty sure it wasn't from protecting her because he hadn't had this when they were together and since she broke it off they hadn't spent any time together so who was it? Jealousy coursed through her body and tightened all her muscles to the near point of pain. Was it one of the women he visits in the night? Tears pricked at behind her eyes at the thought. Were those bed warmers so important to him that he would face this for them.

Irime turned her head and looked away when she felt his strong hand cup her cheek. She didn't want to look at him but he turned her face and leaned his down towards her. Irime knew what was coming and didn't turn away, didn't break out of his hold because she had to prove to herself that she was more important, that he cared about her more then any and all of his bed warmers.

The kiss was pure torture. It fed the yearning that she sought in her betrothed and her body reacted to it like air to a hot ember. Fire scorched her skin and her mind went dizzy and silent to all commonsense. Nothing mattered but the joining of their lips, the hot passion of their tongues mating against each other. Teeth pulled and sucked on his bottom lip as Irime grew greedy for more. She didn't want to be tormented by him anymore and she dove head first into this wild melding of lust, anger and want.

It was too easy to listen to his body, to give in to hers as she sunk down as his hands directed until her was face to face with the power of his manhood. His hand tossed the cover away and the bulge bobbed and waved with it's freedom. Irime knew that if she reached out with both her hands not only would her fingers not meet but that the head of his member would stick out from the top of both fists. The sight of it so close, the smell of it made her mouth water but her hands curled into fists at her side and she jerked out of his reach.

Irime couldn't breath, her heart was beating too fast and there were black spots floating in her view. She knew what it felt like to love him and have to lose him. Tears ran down her face one right after the other. It still hurt her that he was not hers. The two steps she managed on wobbly legs felt like miles to her. Pain lanced through her core and her heart as she was forced to face the fact that she still loved this human, his man.

"What of Artorius?" Irime's voice was raspy with the effort it took to focus her mind enough to speak. She wiped the tears from her eyes and looked at the Priest in the eyes. "Was I in some kind of danger that I did not know of?" She asked him calmly. Her tired voice answered the question in her mind, yes there was a danger and it came from the weak woman that looked back at her in every reflective surface. Irime was asking him these question as a kindness to remind him of his oath that he had just broken with is kiss.

 

[EkedSad]

He turned his head in shame, he'd lost control again. This time however he'd not just tried to force himself on her, no he' stirred up those feelings in both of them. Eyes looked away from her, trying not to see the disappointment in her face. There was more to that though, least he saw. Love...longing...missing, all these things he felt too. Yet she was right he'd made an oath...he shouldn't take things so lightly.

Yet she saw his expression change, a hard expression of bitterness. Not at her mind her, not at that were not as one, no it was when she mentioned his “god” that he served. She could see his fist clentch in rage, as the god he so loved abandoned him. He turned to look at her, still not covering up, he wasn't ashamed of his nudeness, nor needness. It was a sign that he was comfortable around her....and that he still burned with desire for her.

“He left me when I needed him the most...“ The last time I was over the wall...I was forced to save those I love...for one of the foul blackhearted warlock was summing a lust demon..an Incubus. His hope was he'd fill your bellies with his demon seed...and breed out the men that lived over the wall...”

He looked down, studding his legs a moment as he shifted positions and turned to look at her once again. Those muscles rippled with tone and power, and that sizable heft of cock, that indeed was a mast of flesh and without a doubt more then a two hander for her, shifted with him. He paused again and turned to look upon her.

“So I was able to take the demon in me.....in a sense I became stronger...my senses were heightened....but on the other hand....my lust grew. It is part of me, but while I live it can not pass on, nor pass on its legacy to anything. So with you....earlier and now...it is hard to control myself....for not only are you a desirable woman....but I still care for you deeply...”

He signed, and took a breath, his hands rested on his knees as he turned to stare at her once more, his breathing slow as he tried to keep his desire for her...and her alone, in checked. Her ragged breaths and raspy voice made it hard to focus. More so that heaving chest made his eyes drawn to her motions. Fingers clinched knees as he spoke once more.

“That is why I never came back to try with you again...why I did not speak up when you found another...this curse I carry now is my burden alone. I did not wish to think I was solely sating only the demon if I ever had you again. This is why I've been with whores only....the care not for such feelings and the demon gets its fill...and me...well I enjoy the sex...but it is empty...nothing like it was with you...”

He looked upon her now, his oath was forgotten, no he wanted her, he couldn't deny it any longer. It wasn't just lust, it was more then that. Rising from where he stood, he slowly moved to her, closing the distances between them. His rough hand moved to touch against her red hair. Its softness between fingers reminding him of happier times.

Speaking of happy, that mass had lodged itself against her thighs, pressing upwards now. The length and girth caught between their bodies, as he moved his hands down her shoulders slowly, and pressed against her once more, his lips finding hers again. His hands moved her own down, moving them down that well toned stomach, to rest between his legs, hands now upon that mass of cock that she'd once laid claim to as her own.