Noticing Nippy's odd winking, and wondering if it was some kind of tic he had developed from all his recent hard fighting, Loner decided to mention it to Thantor. Perhaps it could be cured
She the followed Nippy to Hitomi's room. Loner was stricken for a moment. She thought she saw Lomoro lying in that bed. The resemblance was uncanny. The only thing that told her this man was not her teacher, was the scar. A long white scar ran down the left side of Hitomi's face and neck, and looked as if it continued down the length of his side.
She stared in wonder for a moment. Then Hitomi, who had been looking at Nippy, turned toward her. His brow furrowed; a look of recognition crossed his face. "You..." he said after a moment. "I know you. You wield the Katana...the blade of doom..."
Georgi reached out a hand and gently traced the contours of Thantor's face with her fingertips, exploring it, a smile pulling at the corners of her lips as she bathed in the unadulterated adoration of his gaze. It was the closest she had ever felt to being a goddess. Another woman might have been disconcerted by the rapid shift from anguish to joy, but Georgi had not only always taken life on its own terms but reveled in it. The unwavering sincerity and power of Thanor's gaze both touched her and excited her. While part of her wished to be held and cherished, another part longed to push them to the limits, to explore every inch of this new thing she had found.
As she was delighting in this maelstrom of feeling and sensation, Thantor spoke to her. "There were times when I was in the Shadow Master's dungeon when I thought I would never see you again. I cursed myself for my stupidity, for being lulled into the fantasy that there is always tomorrow. What I feel for you, Georgi, is something I have never felt for anyone, something I never allowed myself to feel. Because of that, I allowed my fear..." He looked down from her for the first time, gathering his thoughts. "I was born in High Forest, in a settlement on the River Delimbiyr. My mother was elven but my father, who was human, refused to live in High Forest. He had three other children by a human mate and wanted to raise them in a human community. So we moved to a small village near Llorkh." Georgi saw a shadow move across Thantor's face. "It was a... difficult time for me. My birth had been very difficult and I was born mentally damaged. Not only was I of mixed blood, but I was, as my father called me, an idiot. The village idiot." Georgi watched him searchingly for any sense of woundedness or self-pity but there was none. He told the tale almost like he was speaking of someone else. From her own experience with loss and pain, she had a sense of what it took to achieve that level of peace with yourself. She was not given to admire people easily, but Georgi found her respect for Thantor increasing as she grew to know him. Quite the opposite of what usually happened, she thought ruefully.
[ 08-15-2001: Message edited by: thantor3 ]
Those who will play with kitties must expect to be scratched.
Many are cold; few are frozen.
Absence is to love what wind is to fire... it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.
The evening air began to turn cool, with a light breeze blowing from the south. Anomen stirred from his slumber, pulling his cloak more tightly around him. Stiffly, he stood and joined Gwalchmai by the fire. Silently, Gwalchmai handed Anomen some salted fish and dry biscuits. Anomen bit into the fish and made a sour face, “Isn’t there any real meat that we could have? These rations are hardly a warrior’s repast.”
Gwalchmai frowned, “You are welcome to borrow my sling and hunt a rabbit.”
Anomen was silent for a moment. “You don’t like me, do you? Yes, I have always felt that. I fear that I have burned many bridges when I allowed myself to be consumed by evil, but even before, you and that other slave were always indifferent to me at best. I think that other slave hated me out-right. I remember he tried to kill me in the dungeon.”
“Darkpoet and you have much in common, though you are vastly different.”
“If you say so. But I think I can understand. There I was, adored by five of the most beautiful women in Faerun, while the two of you acted as mere slaves.” Anomen turned to warm his hindquarters at the fire, “Ah, those were the days, weren’t they? Five women, me, steam, drink….” his voice trailed off and he sighed heavily, “I have fallen so far.”
Gwalchmai sighed as well, “Anomen, you haven’t fallen. You’ve just lost sight of what is important.”
“You mean Helm? Aye, ‘tis true. Helm would never have approved of my continued cavorting. I was hardly serving as a guardian of justice and righteousness.”
“That’s not entirely true. You were the catalyst for the joining of a great force for good.”
“Humph. I don’t remember much evil-butt kicking. I just remember a lot of Tia Maria and massage oil.”
“Well, there was the lactose–intolerant wizard that stole all the Halfling’s dairy cows.”
“I don’t remember that. Where was I?”
“As I recall, you were pontificating to a young lad about the best way to woo a lady.”
“Am I really such a buffoon?” Anomen asked as he kicked at the fire.
Gwalchmai bent to stoke the flames against the night’s chill, “That may be the most important thing you lost sight of. You had the affection of five amazing women, yet you never cultivated a solid relationship with any of them. I suppose that is what I resent most about you. Those ladies deserve better.”
“Well, its not like I wanted to have my psyche splintered and to be possessed by evil.”
“But you were losing them even before that. Their eyes wandered considerably back then, and they have all found it very easy to come to terms with life without Anomen. You will always be dear to them, but I think the doors that were open are now solidly barred.”
“I cannot believe what you say. Back then, those women adored me.”
Gwalchmai rubbed his hands against the cold, then sipped some Tia Maria from a flask, “Oh, I could tell you stories that would change your mind. They had quite a few enjoyable experiences while you weren’t looking.”
Anomen stared into the fire, “Perhaps you should tell those stories,” he said quietly.
That there; exactly the kinda diversion we coulda used.
OOC @Gwally: Very nicely done. I can't wait to hear the stories...
"My mother sheltered me a much as she could, but there was only so much that she could do. My father and my brothers persecuted me, in part because I was an embarrassment to them. For some reason I never understood, my sister became fiercely protective of me. She always did have a thing for the underdog," Thantor mused, smiling.
"Anyway, life went on like this for years. In my village, when a boy reaches the age of 16 there is a ritual of manhood called the Nereu Fa that one undergoes. Like everyone else, I was very excited about this. My father grudgingly bought me a set of second hand leathers for the ceremony, but I didn't care. Somewhere inside I felt that everything would change once I became a man. It was a dream that had nurtured me and kept me sane through all of the days and nights of pain and loneliness. When I stepped into the ceremonial ring however, everything became very quite. I could see all the other boys whispering and giggling amongst themselves and felt the eyes on the other men, staring at me. I felt very vulnerable and scared but I continue to walk into the ring until I reached the center. I stood there for a moment and then air exploded with yells and jeers. They had apparently brought bags of rotten fruit with them and they started throwing it at me. I remember the men all around me laugh and pointing."
"I didn't know what else to do, so I ran. I ran out of the ring and out of the village, into the blackness of the night. My body stank of rotting fruit and the tears made it hard for me to see. I kept running for as long as I could, hoping to outrun the pain and humiliation I felt, the images of everyone pointing and laughing at me. I finally collapsed on the ground and cried myself asleep."
Those who will play with kitties must expect to be scratched.
Many are cold; few are frozen.
Absence is to love what wind is to fire... it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.
{OOC @Gwally: ROFL!! Ah, the Dairy District cows. Our very first adventure *sigh* Hmm, yeah, I can't wait to hear these stories either. Errr...do I WANT to hear these stories???...
Darkpoet smiled at the three, as they studied the pictographs. He quietly walked down the hallway, leaving them, with their observations. Darkpoet stopped at the doorway, leaning against the doorjam. He watched T'lainya, who sat at the desk, studing the jewerly. Darkpoet smiled to himself, he studied her facial expressions, the way she put a lock of hair behind her ear. He found still hard to believe, that he had grown up with T'lainya and never thought of her other than Menadir's cousin.
"What are you thinking about Dp?" A voice whispered, behind him. Turning he saw Menadir, smerking.
"I was thinking, how I never took anytime, to really get to know T'lainya. I just thought of her, as your cousin. Someone to play pranks on, I don't know maybe it was our training. Come to think of it, I did leave, right after the killing the bear."
Darkpoet looked at a pictograph of a Paladin.
"Oh, by the way, I'm no longer part of the Order. After T'lainya, rid me of the demon. They found out that, I was doing the killings. They forgave me, but I was, as they put it. Honorly dismissed, no blackmarks on my service record."
He looks at T'lainya, sighing, Darkpoet turns to Menadir.
His face gets serious, "Do you have any room for me in the Black Archers? Even know, what I have done?"
Menadir, puts his hand on Darkpoet's shoulder.
"You never left, my friend. That's why I sent, T'lainya to you. I knew, she was the only one to understand, how to help you. The Guild, they knew what had happened, and they agreed with me. No one blames you, for what happened. Please, be at peace with yourself, it's over. Don't let the dreams destroy you with guilt, most will leave with time. You will see, I'm sure my cousin, will see to it also."
Menadir looked in the room, looking around he gave a quiet whistle. He quietly walked in to the room, looking at the weapons and armor. He motioned Darkpoet over to him and whispered.
"Don't bother her, when she has that look on her face. Take it from me, I know. I scared her one time, when she had that look. For some unknown reason....." Menadir points to T'lainya. "Anything I ate, tasted bitter for two months."
"You probably deserved it." Darkpoet whispered back and snickered.
Friday night - Ladies Night at the Copper Coronet. The rooms were a-buzz with the sound of laughter, dishes clinking, and silverware tapping. In this happy environment, the five Dark Flames of the Harem sat at their usual central table, sharing a quiet moment amongst themselves. A slave was on the floor, rubbing Lady Georgi’s feet and trying to catch an eye full up her skirt. Another slave was massaging Lady Vivien’s shoulders, but she kept having to slap his hands away when they strayed too far.
“Ah, its nice to get away every once in a while, isn’t it?” Lady Dragon Wench said with a sigh.
“As much as I love our Dear Knight, I do so look forward to poker night at the Radiant Heart,” Lady Georgi agreed.
“Dear Anomen seems to be getting a little tired lately, sort of run down, doesn’t he?” Lady Loner asked.
“You don’t think we are pushing him too hard, do you?” Lady Vivien worried.
“Maybe he needs a rest?” Lady Loner suggested.
“Maybe WE need a rest,” Lady Jennabard said with a sly smile on her face, “From him, I mean.”
“Don’t be daft. We pledged our undying love for him, didn’t we?” Loner looked shocked.
“Yes, and we shall always love him. But our capacity for love may be greater than just one man, if you know what I mean,” Georgi said with a mischievous grin.
“Its not like we’re married to him, or anything,” Jennabard added.
“And if Anomen is willing to, uh ‘diversify his attentions’ with the five of us, why can’t we seek a little diversity of our own?” Dragon Wench said conspiratorially while the other Ladies giggled and sighed at the prospect.
“You’re right,” Loner said, coming around, “And Anomen is the one who keeps comparing us to his sister. Talk about questionable morality!”
“And I’ve never understood why clerics are so hung up on the ‘Missionary Position,’ anyway. There’s only so much of that I can take...” Dragon Wench shook her head.
“Ha, ha! Okay, we are agreed. We love him, but we may need a few distractions,” Jennabard leaned forward, “The question is, who would make a good alternative to our good Knight? Maybe a Paladin?”
“No! Not a Paladin! Ug!” Lady Loner spat derisively, “Can you imagine anyone worse? So sickly sweet and goody-goody all the time. No, I’d sooner lie with a Thief than a Paladin, thank you.”
Dragon Wench raised an eyebrow at Loner “Ooookaaaaay..... Any possibilities in here?” The Dark Flames turned to survey Copper Coronet.
“We should probably just ignore the strange little man doing the Pelican Dance.” Vivien observed.
“There’s a fine man near the stairs,” Lady Jennabard noted, tossing her long, black, shiny hair, “the strong arms of an archer, dark, brooding. Wouldn’t you like to lower HIS resistance?”
.............................
“‘Ditties’? What is a ditty?” Kivan said with a snort to the young maid who had accosted him.
“No, sir. I said, ‘Do ya want ta look at me ...’” the courtesan began.
“Never mind,” Kivan interrupted, “I’m trying to be dark and brooding here. You’re crampin’ my style.” He pushed the girl away and continued nursing his ale.
.............................
“He’s interesting,” Georgi said, “But he seems a bit preoccupied.”
“Hmmm. I see a Red Wizard over there with a nice bit of facial hair just begging for the touch of the Blade,” Lady Vivien observed as her slave attempted to coax the strap of her halter-top off of her shoulder while gently rubbing her toned, trim back.
“Oh, yes. He fills out those robes rather nicely,” Lady Dragon Wench agreed, licking some froth from her Cappuccino from her luscious lips.
.............................
“What?” Edwin shouted at Bernard, “You have no Tethyrian Brandy? (You Anti-Deluvian primate) All right, just give me some Bailey’s Calimshan Cream over ice. And be quick about it! You are SO irritating!!!”
.............................
“Hmmm. I don’t know about the wizard. He seems a little unstable,” Dragon Wench said.
“I don’t know,” Georgi said thoughtfully, “there is a certain Vehemence about him. You wouldn’t have to worry about the Missionary Position with him!”
“I would worry about the alternatives he might suggest!” Dragon Wench laughed.
“Friends, have you seen the gentleman over there in the corner, eating rabbit stew?” Lady Jennabard pointed.
“Sweet meat!” Lady Dragon Wench approved.
“Oh, My! He looks like he was poured into those leather breeches!” Lady Georgi said, breathing heavily.
“Tall, dark, and handsome. Broad shoulders. Just the right sort of diversion for us!” Lady Vivien mused, “Or are we being bad?”
“Is he looking at us? I think he’s checking us out!” Lady Loner whispered
“Only one way to find out.” Lady Georgi said conspiratorially. She pushed her spoon off the table and loudly declared, “Oops! I dropped my spoon.” She stood with her back to the man in the corner, feet spread, and slowly bent at the waist to pick up the spoon. Valygar stopped, eyes wide, a fork full of stew frozen halfway to his open mouth.
“Who needs a Ring of Human Influence when you’ve got a +3 Leather Mini-Skirt?” Jennabard mused.
“I’ve never used that ring. I just sell it,” Vivien said.
“We all do. And the Nymph Cloak is pretty useless, too.”
“The poor boy,” Lady Georgi said, turning their attention back to Valygar “I hope I didn’t give him an aneurism!” After five minutes, Valygar still had not moved, but the stew had fallen from his fork into his lap.
“Darkpoet, please give that man a flower with our compliments. Then, you and Gwally may return to the tent. We won’t be needing you any more tonight,” Dragon Wench said.
“Yes, mistress.” Darkpoet obeyed, somehow managing to produce a rare and beautiful flower while wearing nothing but his slave thong. Meanwhile, Gwalchmai was wondering, out of context, if his thong made his butt look fat. As the two slaves walked toward the door, Lady Jennabard asked, “Friends, have you ever considered entertaining ourselves with our Willing Slaves?”
“No, of course not. It would break all the rules of Harem/Slave relationships!” Loner stated piously.
Dragon Wench eyed Loner, “You might want to reconsider you position on Paladins. Anyway, didn’t we write those rules?”
“Oh, yeah.”
“Besides, Gwally has the cutest butt-dimples...”
Jennabard coughed, “Actually, last Tuesday, Darkpoet was nearly passed out from too much cooking sherry. I couldn’t resist a little quickie. I doubt he even remembers it.”
Vivien’s mouth gaped open, “LAST Tuesday? I, uh, found him in his room and couldn’t resist either....”
Dragon Wench shook her head, “You too? Well, that makes three of us then.”
“Four,” Georgi said.
Loner hid her face in her hands, “I, uh, well, I was a little drunk last Tuesday as well.”
Jennabard looked at the retreating slave, “That boy may be the luckiest slave alive, and he’ll never know.”
Their attention was diverted as Valygar stood to his full, impressive height, nearly bumping his head on the lantern over his table. As he approached, The Harem failed to notice the commotion outside the door, Gwalchmai’s alarmed cry, and Darkpoet’s muffled sobbing.
“I thank you for the rare and lovely flower, though its beauty pales in the five shining lights before me,” Valygar’s deep, liquid voice intoned.
Georgi stood, and placed a hand on his arm and squeezed his biceps. Giving him a winning smile, she led him to a chair at their table, “Do join us, my Good Man.” Behind his back Georgi winked her approval of Valygar’s muscle tone to the other Ladies.
Jennabard made the introductions, and Valygar bowed his head slightly to each in turn. “I have heard of you,” he said, “Dark Flames, no? Your exploits are renown.”
Loner sipped her Cabernet, “I hope the tales of us were not all bad?”
“Certainly not. I have, in fact, hoped to meet you.”
“And we were just now hoping to meet someone of your evident fortitude,” Vivien said with a wink.
“Oh, you poor dear,” Georgi exclaimed while dabbing her napkin in a glass of water, “I think you spilled some of your stew earlier! Here, let me help you.” She began to rub vigorously at the spot on his breeches.
Valygar sat, wide-eyed and not moving while Georgi worked at the stain. Finally he shook himself and spoke, “Alas, though I would like to get to know each of you better, I fear I must maintain a certain distance from, uh... shall we say, ‘extreme’ personal relationships,” Valygar sighed and made as if to leave, “There is a family history that I must contend with.”
Dragon Wench put a hand on Valygar’s shoulder and gently forced him back into his seat, “We have heard of your family history, it is nothing we can’t handle. By the way, do you like ice cream cones?”
Valygar nervously licked his lips as his eyes feasted on the five women before him, “I don’t know what to feel! You know my family’s history! I never want to curse another with that!”
Loner put her hand on his knee, “Valygar, perhaps you are thinking too much, taking this too far.”
“Yes,” Georgi agreed, “Your family’s curse should not stand in the way of friendship.”
Jennabard leaned forward over the table, giving Valygar an excellent view down the open neck of her tunic, “Aye, and surely your history has not removed your capacity... your need... for love?”
“My...my friends,” Valygar stammered, “when I look in your, um, eyes.. I... well... One world ends and another begins.”
“Well put!” Dragon Wench exclaimed, while a swish of her skirt momentarily revealed much of her long, dark thighs, “Let us drink a toast to ‘new beginnings’!”
After the toast, it was decided that the Copper Coronet might not be the best place to develop new relationships, so the slightly tipsy sextet decided to find a less seamy part of town. Stepping out into the hot, humid evening, they were surprised by a small troop of ugly-looking men with swords drawn. “No one crosses the Shadow Slavers!” one of them shouted, “We hold the monopoly on slaves in Athlatka! We will brook no incursions into our territory, not even by The Harem!”
The five Ladies were confused for a moment, then they saw Darkpoet and Gwalchmai, bound and gagged and held roughly by the ugly men. “Do you refer to our Willing Slaves?” Dragon Wench exclaimed, “They are free men who serve out of the goodness of their hearts! They are not slaves as you would think of them! Now, unhand them at once, or feel the wrath of the Harem!”
“Not so fast, pretty lady!” the ugliest and largest of the ugly men shouted, “Your slaves belong to us, now. Don’t try to stop us, or you’ll become target practice for my mates!” The ugly man motioned to his left, and six archers with long bows were revealed, with arrows trained at the heart of each hero.
The Ladies of the Dark Flame felt naked. No, that’s not right. Being naked never bothered any of them much, but in this situation they felt exposed. They had brought their weapons, as was only prudent when visiting the slums, but armor had seemed unnecessary for a night out on the town. They appeared to be at a stalemate with the ugly men. If they moved to save Gwally and Darkpoet, the archers would surely kill them. Fortunately, just then a small breeze sprang up, rippling the edge of Vivien’s loose halter top, threatening to lift it and expose more of Vivien than just her midriff. The archer’s eyes bulged and their mouths gaped. Distracted, they lowered their bows for just a second. The Ladies of the Harem were about to spring into action when suddenly a tremendous battle cry erupted behind the archers, “For Right! For Justice! For Goodness!”
A mighty paladin, wearing gleaming silver platemail and a white over-tunic emblazoned with a red dragon rampant, swung a huge two-haded sword striking all six of the archers in one blow. Valygar and the Harem quickly moved to join the fray, except for Loner, who stood dumbstruck, the Katana of Doom hanging limply from her hand.
While the rest of the Harem rained attractive vengeance and sensual wrath down upon the warty asses of the ugly men, Loner watched the Paladin go to work. She saw rippling muscles under steel plates, wisps of dark hair protruded from his helmet, and his cod piece was clearly special-ordered in an unusually large size. He dispatched a small contingent of ugly men, then stopped to stare at Loner for a moment. He was transfixed by her beauty. But a shout from the battle diverted his attention, and he saw the leaders of the Shadow Slavers trying to escape down an alleyway. Pausing to bow to Loner, then giving her one last gaze with his piercing blue eyes through the visor of his helmet, he said, “By your leave, milady.” Then he turned and ran in pursuit of the ugly men. But his mind remained on a certain Lady of the Harem. “I may have to pay a visit to a certain tent in Trademeet pretty soon,” Kramor thought.
Valygar also chose to continue the battle, but before leaving he told the Ladies of his cabin in the mountains, “I’ll be there every Friday night.”
Jennabard and Vivien helped untie Darkpoet and Gwally, “Are you alright?”
“Yes, but we may need to re-think this whole slave idea.”
Dragon Wench walked up to Loner, who still hadn’t moved, and shook her shoulder, “Hey, Loner. Are you okay? What are you thinking so hard about?”
“Paladins may not be so bad after all....” Loner said with a broad smile.
[ 08-17-2001: Message edited by: Gwalchmai ]
That there; exactly the kinda diversion we coulda used.
Originally posted by Gwalchmai:
<STRONG>While the rest of the Harem rained attractive vengeance and sensual wrath down upon the warty asses of the ugly men...
</STRONG>
{OOC: OMG, that is great
Arrrgh, Loner and the nearly passed-out DP... I'm so glad she is now...reformed }
OOC @Gwalchmai: Bravo, Gwally! A virtuoso performance! And congratulations on your 1000th post. Wonderful writing -- truly worthy of this occaision.
"When I woke in the morning, I lay there for a long time, feeling totally empty," Thantor continued. "My dreams, my hopes for the future, were shattered. There was nothing left for me. It was then that I decided to end my life." After the initial shock of his words had registered, Georgi could feel the tears slowly flowing down her cheeks, but she said nothing. She simply lay there, offering what comfort she could with her eyes. He looked at her intently, then reached out and touched one of her tears with a forefinger. He then brought this finger to his own cheek, rested it under his eye for a moment, and then ran his finger down slowly down the length of his cheek. Georgi intutitively understood this gesture and for a moment they rested in each others eyes, saying nothing.
"As I sat up, I become aware that someone was watching me. I twisted around and saw the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. She was wearing yellow and green robes and there were songbirds all around her. But what I remember most were her eyes -- brown flecked with gold, extraordinarily beautiful, and very, very kind. For a moment I forgot everything and just stared at her. Then I remembered how I must look to her and I looked away, embarrassed. I heard her stand up and come over to me. She crouched next to me and said, in the most wonderful voice, "So, young Thantor, you no longer want your life." Startled, I looked up into her face and even as dim-witted as I was I knew she was no ordinary mortal. She graced me with the most loving smile and said, "Is this so?" I simply shook my head yes. "Then why don't you give your life to me?" she invited. "I promise you that you will not regret it." From somewhere inside, I trusted what she said and I agreed. And from that time to now, I have completely devoted my life Mielikki. There has been room for nothing else." He paused, looking up at her. "When I sit here like this, looking at you, I feel the same wonder and amazement I felt that morning so long ago. I love you, Georgi."
[ 08-18-2001: Message edited by: thantor3 ]
Those who will play with kitties must expect to be scratched.
Many are cold; few are frozen.
Absence is to love what wind is to fire... it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.
"Did T'lainya, ever find out who put those slimer snakes in the tub??"
Darkpoet turn looking at Menadir, grinning.
"Nope, if she does, I know who told her. I heard that she was mad, for a long time."
"She was, she even cornered me, one day. Just to see if I had done it. I was going to tell her, but the next day is when you met up with the bear."
Darkpoet sighed, "Well at least, we passed our tests. It was a little rougher, than I expected."
Menadir nodded in agreement. He put his hand on the shoulder of armor, they were standing next to. The wall behind it swung in, letting the stale air, hit the two in the face. Darkpoet handed Menadir, a long sword from the wall and took one for himself. They slowly walked in, letting their eyes adjust to the darkness. Moving a few more steps, they heard a click.
Grabbing Menadir's arm, Darkpoet was getting ready to run, when the room lit up. Menadir was stunned, it was an armory. Weapons and armor, lined the walls. Everything was cover with thinck dust. Darkpoet, was starting to get a bad feeling, as Menadir stepped forward, there was another click.
Darkpoet jumped in to a corner, yelling at Menadir to do the same. The cleaning spell, roared through the room. Soaking the both of them, the room was spotless. Darkpoet checked to see if, T'lainya and the others were soaked. He stopped, when he noticed that, she hadn't been touched.
Darkpoet and Menadir, wearily walked to the fireplace. Darkpoet pointed to a changing room, for Menadir. He went to the other one, he got out of his wet clothes and put on a robe. Walking out he poured himself some brandy and sat in front of the fire. Menadir, came out and did the same. He went to say something, Darkpoet stopped him.
"Don't say a word, this is the second time, I have been drenched. I don't find it a bit funny." Darkpoet growled, he drained his glass. He got up to get some more brandy.
Now it was Georgi's turn to be caught off-guard by her response to a simple sentence. After the initial rush of feelings, she could sense a deeper response welling up inside her, something both primitive and amazing. At first she resisted out of habit, struggling for control. But as she looked at Thantor, it was as if something unlocked inside her and she felt a new and pure part of herself opening up to him. She studied his face intently, almost as a way to reassure herself, to steady herself. As always, Thantor was like a rock. The irony between the tumult happening inside and the quiet simplicity in the room was not lost on her and she smiled. There were no words left to be said. She leaned forward, her lips lightly brushing his. A smile played around the corner of his lips, he responded gently, mirroring her movements. She reached out her hands, running them through his hair as she began to kiss him passionately, her tongue meeting his invitingly. When her hands reached the back of his head, they lingered there for a time, then gently pulled him forward as she lay back onto the bed.
T’lainya shook her head, amazed at how long it had taken her to figure the puzzle out. She had been distracted lately. Smiling at the reason for her distraction, she glanced up to see him talking to her cousin. T’lainya forced her concentration back to the task at hand. She held one of the earrings up and ran her fingertips ever so gently up the gold stem, examining the bell of the flower. She gently depressed the stone and turned it counterclockwise. She was rewarded with a subtle tingling of her fingertips. She repeated the process with the other earring. She had activated them but she still didn’t know what sort of magic they possessed. She looked at the necklace. She was hesitant to activate both pieces together without further study.
T’lainya rose from the table and walked out to see Darkpoet and Menadir looking absolutely bedraggled.
“What happened to you two? Did you fall in the water?”
Menadir snickered and Darkpoet just stared at her.
“Did I say something?” T’lainya looked confused, then understanding hit her. “Oh my, not the cleaning spell again?” She bit her lip to keep from giggling.
Darkpoet stared at her for a minute and then shook his head ruefully. “I’m starting to feel like a sponge. I’ve never been in so much water in my life.”
Menadir opened his mouth to say something, but shut it again as he felt T’lainya’s foot connect solidly with his ankle.
“Look at what I figured out.” She perched on the armof the sofa, holding the earrings out for inspection. She explained what she had done and asked for their opinions.
[url="http://www.gamebanshee.com"]GameBanshee[/url] Make your gaming scream! "I have seen them/I have watched them all fall/I have been them/I have watched myself crawl" "I will only complicate you/Trust in me and fall as well" "Quiet time...no more whine"
