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Behind Green Eyes Ch. 01

By: Elenia26



Dear Readers:

Here is a little story I hope you enjoy. Originally I had written this story with a happy ending, as I like happy endings, but someone had commented it worked much better without, so I've left it off. You tell me what you think.

The sex, if that's what you're here for, is not until Chapter 5. So you might just want to skip ahead to that. This is the first non-consensual story I have written, and, as you'll see, it's got more layers to it than just that.

Also, I admit to copping out on the sex scene between the two girls. Two girls having sex is about as boring as you can get. If anyone wants to write one, I'll consider including it. 

Elenia

*

Chapter I

I rode up to the town gates of Alexandria on my beloved mare Anya. I halted in front of the gates, and waited for the guards to inspect my belongings and me. They did so, with the typical admiring looks at my bare legs, which were exposed in the dress I was wearing. I rolled my eyes. I was used to their attention, and was able to ignore it generally. I pulled out Jenna's latest letter. 

Last time I came by (almost a year ago—had it really been that long?) Jenna had told me to be sure to be here this week, the week of my birthday. She said she was throwing a party for both of our eighteenth birthdays -- we were born two days apart. 

I didn't want to come, but she insisted in each letter until I gave in. I never could refuse my beloved Jenna anything. Jenna was the town mayor's daughter, and I was an orphan whom she had all but adopted. She met me when I hid under her ornate, heavily decorated coach to get away from the guards one day—she looked underneath, saw me, and didn't say anything until we got to her house. Then she pleaded with her father and convinced him that I wouldn't steal if I was well-fed and taken care of. I presume he realized the good feelings that could be spread by his taking in an orphan, and the reputation he would gain in the city. To his credit, he did treat me surprisingly well. If he had any reluctance he was charmed by Jenna's mother, a society lady who liked to "help the less fortunate, the poor dears", as she liked to say. He let me live in the house, almost as Jenna's sister. I was expected to do some chores and housework, but mainly I spent all my free time with Jenna. I profited greatly because I was allowed to sit in with all her tutors, who taught me history, math, science, Elvish, Halfling, and of course a greater command of Common. I learned how to be a lady and I was taught the social graces. I was even taught how to play the mandolin. In between, we were taught elegant swordsmanship skills, such as fencing, and studied the history of war and even studied tactics. I never stopped stealing, after all I didn't want to lose my touch, but I always stole from the cruelest of the rich people and never did I dream of stealing from Jenna. I would particularly look for a man beating his servant, or perhaps yelling at a young girl or whipping his horse. Jenna knew I picked pockets, and she knew it was a relatively harmless pastime. She chided me for it, but often found it amusing to see what we had acquired from the pockets of rich men, as I shared everything I obtained with her.

When we were both fifteen, Jenna's father and mother both died within a few months of each other. Her father died from a heart attack, and her mother followed soon after with another -- couldn't live without him, they all said. It broke Jenna's heart but we were one and the same then, and always. We were the same person and I often thought we were two bodies with one soul. We both now had no parents, so she took comfort in knowing she always had me to look out for her, and I always did. With time our grief lessened, as it always does when you're young and full of life. The mayor of course had had good lawyers, and he'd set up a trust fund for his daughter, which she would come into at age eighteen. I was surprised to find he had even left me a sum, which I would also come into at the same age. I didn't know how much it was but I was soon to find out.

When I was sixteen, I decided to leave and seek my own fortune, and told Jenna I would be leaving. She had a future here—I would always be the orphan girl, and I knew it. I wanted to go somewhere where my history would not be known. She and I both cried a great deal, but finally she let me go and admonished me to visit as often as I could. I had been traveling ever since, and visited her when I could. 

I knew her parties would always be fun, so I consented to come to our joint party. Little did I know of the devious plans she had for me, though.

I rode up to her fine house—in two days on her birthday it would truly be hers. I dismounted and rang the bell.

In a few minutes a servant came to the door...I recognized the very same doorman who had been there most of my life. He bowed, and bade me enter, taking Anya's reins. 

I entered the front door, and waited. In just a few minutes I could hear Jenna's voice from upstairs. "Is she here? Why didn't you tell me right away?" A squeal of delight, and then I heard her running down the stairs.

I looked up, and there was Jenna. She looked beautiful. In the last two years I had been adventuring, and it showed on my features—my legs were tanned and muscular, and my red-gold hair was always wild and blowing in my face. My green eyes were sadder and wiser than when I left. In contrast, Jenna had well-cared for golden blond hair and beautiful shining blue eyes. Her body was curved and gracefully rounded, and I knew the men of the town would be noticing her after this party. 

"Elenia!" She ran down the stairs and flew into my open arms. She kissed my mouth, with a loud smack, and we hugged tightly, then she held me back at arm's length to examine me.

She truly looked like an angel, so sweet and innocent. She spoke first. "Elenia! Oh, I've missed you so! I wish you would visit more often!"

I smiled at her. "Don't worry about that, Jenna, I'm here now. How have you been?"

"Wonderful! The only thing that would make me feel better is if you would stay here for good...?"

I shook my head, and she pouted for a second, then smiled again. "Come on, let me show you around!"

"Wait!" I said. "Don't you want to see your gift?"

She nodded eagerly. I smiled, and from my backpack I withdrew her gift—a tiny sleeping Samoyed puppy which I had purchased from the previous town and brought all the way with me. 

I held him out to her, and her eyes grew wide. "A puppy?" she asked. Apparently he had woken up, for he lifted his head and yawned, right in her face! Then he barked at her, once.

She nearly jumped. "He's so cute!"

Before I could say anything further he jumped into her arms. He seemed to know who his new mommy was. His tail was already wagging furiously. He hadn't learned to hold his ears up in that alert way yet, so they drooped on either side of his head.

We both laughed, and I spoke up. "Happy Birthday, Jenna. He's yours. He isn't named yet so you should name him."

She took him from my arms and hugged him. "I love him! I'm going to call him Macintosh, Mac for short!"

And Macintosh he became.

She looked archly up at me then. "Do you want to see your gift?" I nodded, and she grabbed my hand and pulled me up the stairs after her, calling to the servants to take my things.

I laughed as she dragged me up the stairs, showing me all the changes she had made, and the new paintings she had hung. We stopped in the main dining hall so she could show me a beautiful portrait of her mother and father, looking very proper and regal. 

Finally we came to her room. It was the same old room, quite large and spacious. She hadn't moved into the master bedroom yet, something she probably wouldn't do until after the day of the birthday. 

Her room was decorated in rich burgundy and gold. The drapes that hung from ceiling to floor were velvet. The bed hangings were chiffon and everything was gorgeous as ever.

From her nightstand she removed a jeweled box. "Here! This is your gift. Oh, I hope you like it!"

I removed the lid and my eyes went wide with shock as I beheld a beautiful curved Elvish dagger. It was exquisitely crafted and absolutely lovely -- the hilt was made of fine ebony wood and had a single shining emerald on it. I drew it to see a thin, extremely sharp blade. As I turned it I could see it was diamond-edged.

"Jenna, I couldn't possibly accept this." I looked into her pleading eyes. "It's so valuable!"

"I saved it just for you the last time we went to the Elvish lands and you couldn't come along. Remember? You'd already left, adventuring, and I really wanted to buy you something. So I figured a dagger would be perfect. Please don't refuse it."

"I...." And again, I couldn't refuse her anything. "Of course I will. I love it. It's beautiful." I put my arms around her and kissed her, gently. She murmured into my mouth.

"It's been so long. I missed you, you know." 

"I missed you too, dearest." I let my tongue slide into her mouth, and ran my fingers through her hair in the old familiar way. She moaned, and I chuckled. "You always were quick to respond."

"For you. You know just how to kiss me right." 

"I've had enough practice." My hand had already found to the straps of her blue dress, pulling it down, and exposing the creamy white skin underneath. I loved touching her; it was like touching silk. 

She pulled me to the bed, and I followed, eagerly, and in remembered love. All thoughts were driven out of our heads for the next hour or so.

Afterwards, I lifted my head and smiled down at her. "I missed that, dear. Hope you enjoyed it."

She smiled. "Now you have to come see the rest of the house." We washed together in the huge tub and dressed, switching clothes from the skin out as we used to do, and arms around each other, went exploring. 

After about an hour-long tour, I was able to get her to let me alone enough to unpack my belongings in my room. Then she dragged me off to her tailor. Truthfully I didn't mind. We had always been like this; I the serious one, made so by my years on the streets, and her, the playful one.

The tailor was sweet old Mathilda, who had made both of our dresses in years gone by. She smiled up at us as we came into the room. 

"Well, now, if it isn't dear little Elenia. Where have you been, and whose dresses have you been wearing my dear?" I smiled in response, and replied, "Oh around and about. And I've been wearing simple cotton dresses, none of the beautiful things you make." Pleased, she got up heavily from her chair and started pulling bolts of cloth for both of us to choose from. I picked out an exact shade of emerald to match my eyes. She planned it to be low-cut, with straps, and with my back exposed to almost indecency levels. It also flowed nearly to the floor, with a slit that was right up to my thigh. It came with a beautiful emerald sash to wear around my neck. I figured, hey I was turning eighteen as well, why not look attractive?

The party was scheduled for the night after tomorrow night.

Behind Green Eyes Ch. 02



Party night came, and we dressed in Jenna's room. Jenna had decided to go in a sapphire blue little-girl dress, which barely reached mid-thigh, and flared delightfully around her legs. She wore sapphires that her mother had given her when she turned sixteen. I had some simple gold jewelry, some of which Jenna had purchased for me, and some of which I had bought. I didn't mind not having any fancy jewelry, but Jenna wasn't about to let that stand. She finished dressing, and then came over to me with a velvet box before I had my dress on. I looked down at it, then up at her. I started to protest, but she covered my mouth with her hand.

"I won't hear of it, Elenia. You're eighteen and this is your party, too. I insist you wear them."

"All right, Jenna. Let me see them." She opened the box, and I gasped in wonder. 

There was a set of the finest emeralds I had ever seen. It included a beautiful teardrop emerald pendant, teardrop earrings, and an emerald tennis-style bracelet. It also included anklets, a ring, and even a slim bellychain with a large emerald in the center. I put everything on, sliding the chain around my waist last. Underneath the dress I had donned a simple silk slip and silk stockings, and everything looked beautiful when I finally slid the dress over my head. I had tried various things for my hair, including putting it into a bun at the nape of my neck, but I finally consented to having most of it down, with a lock over my shoulder. The red-gold of it contrasted beautifully with the green dress. 

Jenna had put her hair in a french twist, and looked older than usual and very elegant with her fair skin. 

We went down to the ballroom, where the guests were shortly due to arrive. The place was decked out with white ribbons and white roses, a sign of the innocence of the girl who was coming out. I was pleased to see the eyes of the servants following not just Jenna but me as well. Obviously I had bloomed nicely these last two years.

Soon the guests began to arrive. As they started coming in I was pleasantly surprised. For these were not the high-flung society matrons I had expected. From the muscular arms and the scars and the knowing eyes I realized these were all adventurers. I looked at Jenna questioningly, and she laughed. "I thought you might enjoy people you could talk to. I don't like those boring old society dames either!" I laughed, and hugged her—this party was starting to look way better.

As we were hugging, I sensed a step near me. Jenna was so unobservant, she didn't even notice, but I turned to look quickly and almost bumped into him.

Standing very near—a bit too near, in fact—was the handsomest man I had ever seen. He was well over six feet tall, towering over Jenna and me. (I was 5'5", Jenna barely stood 5'2" in her stocking feet.) He had green eyes, not emerald like mine but darker and framed by long lashes, and his shoulder-length hair was bluish-black, like the color of the sky at midnight.

His shoulders were broad, but he carried himself with easy dignity. He wore a light scar across one cheek. He was dressed like a gentleman, in black with silver trim.

He bowed. "Ladies." He had an accent, and it took me a second to recognize it. The last place I had heard this accent was on a barbarian from the cold reaches of the North. This handsome man hailed from that barbaric place?

Jenna nudged me, and I realized I had been staring. I curtsied, quickly, and murmured, "Pleased to meet you. I'm Elenia."

He smiled then, and my heart nearly stopped. I realized that Jenna was also affected, judging by the heat of her arm as it pressed against mine. "The pleasure is mine, surely. Tiradon Brightblade, at your service." Jenna held out her hand first, and he bowed over it and kissed it. I did the same, and he kissed my hand as well. His lips were warm and made me tremble.

I had never really paid much attention to men in my short life, other than enjoying their looks when they turned them my way. I figured, I was only eighteen, and I had plenty of years yet. Besides, too many times they weren't kind or nice about it. I was not considered a lady to be treated well! Adventurers were at least somewhat better looking than the sappy youths of Jenna's acquaintance were, but most adventurers became brutes around pretty red-haired young girls. And I had never found myself actually attracted to one of them, not with the closeness Jenna and I shared. For a while I had wondered if that was to be my fate in life, to be only attracted to women. But for the first time a young man was making me tremble. 

"Am I to understand that you two are the birthday girls?"

Jenna simply nodded, and I took it upon myself to answer. "Yes, Mr. Brightblade. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Elenia, and this is Jenna."

"Please, it's just Tiradon. Jenna was obviously feeling shy, so again I answered. "Very well, but only if you call us Jenna and Elenia as well."

"Of course, my lady. May I ask - which one of you is older? Or are you both born on the same day?"

Jenna finally spoke up. "I'm younger...tomorrow is my birthday and yesterday was hers."

"Ah. I see. How convenient for a party." Jenna giggled, and I smiled. "May I ask one of you two to dance?" 

My eyes narrowed immediately. I couldn't help it. I knew men wanted Jenna because of her vast inheritance. Jenna was so kind-hearted. I had always been fiercely protective of Jenna and her money, and that was why I answered quickly, before Jenna had a chance to. "Certainly. I would love to." I saw Jenna dart me a look, but I didn't pay any attention yet. I wanted to make sure he was all right before I let him near her.

He smiled, a slight, knowing smile. "As you wish, my lady." He bowed, and held out his arm, and I stepped into it and he drew me onto the dance floor.

I had meant to stay the requisite six inches, or even better, eight inches away from him, but he drew me right up to him. My breasts were just barely brushing against his chest, and I was forced to look up into his face. Heat filled my face as I thought of what his view must be, looking almost directly down at me. I imagined him admiring my curves and the teardrop emerald resting against my skin. For a second I wished I hadn't worn such a low-cut dress. He didn't show it though, and his eyes didn't flicker from mine as his hand went quickly around my back, and pressed against my bare skin. His skin was cool to the touch, and mine felt very hot. No doubt about it, this man affected me. His other hand took mine gently, but I could feel the calluses on his palm and thumb. A swordsman, by the feel of it. 

I opened my mouth to protest, then shut it again. I had to admit it was a pleasant feeling. He spoke first.

"That was brave of you back there."

I looked up at him archly. "What do you mean?'

He smiled again. "Why, throwing yourself at me to protect your friend. Do you always protect her?"

I was embarrassed that he had picked up on it so easily but determined not to show it. "With my life." I answered immediately. 

He grinned at me. "I thought as much. How long have you two known each other?"

I softened a bit. After all, he was a guest and was being nice. I looked up into those marvelous eyes and smiled. "Nearly all my life. We've been best of friends since we were very young."

"Did you grow up in this city?"

"Yes...I was born here." And then, not overly anxious to delve into the story of my childhood, I quickly changed the topic." And you, Tiradon? Do you live in this town?"

He shook his head. "As a matter of fact, I am originally a foreigner to these parts. There's a story to it, would you like to hear it?"

I nodded.

"Very well then. Please forgive me if I bore you. My father came to these parts with me when I was just a baby, and he was only twenty himself. He had heard he could make his fortune here. He took up an apprenticeship to a goldsmith, and took care of me in between. We had a woman come in and take care of the house since my father usually put in sixteen-hour days as an apprentice. When I was old enough, I started taking care of as much as I could.

"My father taught me his trade but never asked me to become part of it as well. So I learned goldsmithing, but as soon as I turned sixteen I left home to make my own fortune.

"I didn't feel guilty because my father had become quite a good goldsmith in the years, and had put away a few coins, enough to buy a fine house. I live in Willowroot, the town down the river."

"That's about the sum and the whole of it. Did I bore you?"

"Not at all. So you're actually a goldsmith by profession? I mean, what is it that you do these days?"

"Well, I have received my certification from the Craftsmen's Guild; however, it is more of a hobby than anything else. 

"What about your mother?"

He smiled sadly. "My mother died in childbirth. I don't remember her."

"I'm sorry to bring up old pain."

He waved a hand dismissively. "What of yourself? How did you become an adventurer?"

Considering he had been so honest about his own background, I decided to be so also. I smiled up at him, and responded, "First I'll say the same thing: I'm sorry if I bore you. I'm sure my story happens a thousand times in Sosaria. 

"I know what you mean about your mother. I remember my mother, but very faintly. She was very poor, and we didn't really have enough to eat. I learned very early how to get food.... in other ways." I looked up at him to see if he understood. He had a mischievous look in his eyes that indicated he knew exactly what I meant. I smiled impishly back at him. 

"Anyway, my mother died before I was five years old. I...survived until I was about eight. I filched something from a vendor's cart and ran for it, but the guards saw me and gave chase. I hid under a carriage, which turned out to be Jenna's. She was coming home from the market with her mother. She pulled me into her cart and hid me from the guards. Together her and her mother managed to convince her father to raise me. When Jenna's parents died, Jenna insisted I stay with her but two years ago at sixteen I finally left. And that's my story."

I wondered if he would ask about my father. I knew who he was, but I had never told anyone, not even Jenna. To his credit, he did not. 

"I am also sorry about your parents. It is a credit to you that you survived so long on the streets alone. You must come and visit my home sometime. My father would admire you."

I looked at him shyly. "I think I would actually like that. Maybe I could see some of your father's work...or yours."

"Done!" he said. "I'll send an invitation very soon." I laughed, thinking he was joking. 

The song was coming to an end, and I was actually enjoying myself. However, I wanted to go chat with Jenna about him. He had other plans, though.

He escorted me back, and still looking at me, he bowed deeply and said, "Would it be all right if I took Jenna out on the floor this time?" I blushed and nodded. He turned to Jenna and bowed again. Extending his arm, he said, "My Lady?" She darted me a mischievous look as she took his arm and in a minute they were gone.

I watched them as they moved around the floor. My skin still tingled where he had touched me. I had never been affected like this, and I couldn't help but smile as I thought of him. I wondered if he meant to invite me. I thought not. After all, I was just an orphan and Jenna was the heiress.

Another one of the guests came up to me and invited me out on the floor. I went agreeably enough, but I had to admit my mind was elsewhere.

The rest of the night went enjoyably. After he returned Jenna to my side, I didn't see Tiradon again until we cut the cake, around ten p.m. Jenna and I cut a huge three-tier cake together by holding the knife at the same time, giggling as the cut was crooked. I fed her a piece and she fed me one, and as she did I glanced up right into a pair of dark green eyes that were fixed on me over the heads of the other guests. He was watching me with a faint hint of a smile playing about his lips. When he noticed me looking he smiled fully, and winked, slowly and lazily. I looked back at Jenna quickly, who was watching me also with a knowing grin.

He danced with each of us once more that night, and kissed my hand again when the party ended. His lips were still warm, and I thought he lingered. 

As soon as the last guest left, Jenna pounced on me.

"So? Do you like him? He's cute, isn't he? Well?

I laughed. "He seems like a nice guy, he's very handsome, and well what?"

"Well, do you want to see him again?"

I shrugged, not wanting to admit how much he'd affected me. "It wouldn't be a bad thing, I guess."

She pouted. "You guess! Fine, I won't tell you the surprise." She flipped her hair and started to march away, but I had guessed that would be her next move and had already caught her hand. "What? Tell me!"

"You really want to know?" she said, still pouting.

"Yes, yes, I do!!"

She turned toward me with a big smile on her face. "I've invited him for lunch tomorrow! He'll be coming by at noon!"

I guess I couldn't hide it entirely, because her smile went from just happy to happy and triumphant. "You do want to see him again! Admit it."

What could I do? I lowered my eyes and nodded, but I couldn't suppress the smile. She grabbed my arms. "You like him!" Then pause, and "Do you?"

I looked into her eyes as I answered. "Like I said, he is a nice gentleman, and it will be nice to see him again. So there!" And so saying, I slipped out of her arms and ran for it, up the stairs, down the hall, and into her bedroom with her in hot pursuit. She never could keep up with me though, and I got there first and closed the door. I leaned against it, and listened to her pounding on it in between her giggles.

I finally let her in.

I won't go so far as to say I dreamed of him that night, but he definitely kept me up longer than I would have expected. For the first time in my life I caught myself looking at the empty spot next to me...and wondering.



Behind Green Eyes Ch. 03



The next morning. I was awake at sunrise. Two years of adventuring had done at least that much for me. I knew Jenna wouldn't be awake until at least 8, so I luxuriated in the giant tub and then went to select my clothes for the day.

Imagine my surprise when Jenna came in at 7:30. She didn't look too alert, it was true, but she was awake and that was unusual. She noticed my questioning look, and answered, "I forgot to tell you last night. We have to meet with Mr. Bryce at 9 am." Mr. Jonathan Bryce was Jenna's lawyer. 

"Me, too?"

'Yes, of course. He has to settle the will, you know." I sighed, and turned back to my closet. She jumped in front of me.

"Please, won't you let me pick out your clothes today?" I hesitated, and she continued, "I promise it will be something nice!" How could I refuse her anything? I said, "Sure—but something pretty, OK?"

She looked at me teasingly. "Why? Do you want to impress Tiradon?" I laughed. "It wasn't my first thought. You know how I feel about that. If a man—"she interrupted and continued the statement, mimicking me wickedly—"finds you attractive, then it should be for yourself and not because you primped for him." Her imitation of me was so perfect that I laughed. I couldn't help it.

She turned back to my meager clothes. "All right, let's see here. No. No. Not this. Not this either. Ok—this!" I leaned over her to see what she had picked up. It was actually one of my favorite dresses—a very short white dress with a pleated skirt. It just about reached mid-thigh if I held still. I liked it because it was comfortable and easy and didn't get in the way of my bow or sword. It had short sleeves and a low neckline and I knew I looked cute in it, little-girl like.

I immediately started shaking my head, though. "I can't wear that in front of him!" She pouted. "Why not? Look I'll wear one just like it, will that make it better?" I considered. "All right." I finally conceded. "Good!" She said, jumping up and down. "Ok, get dressed and I'll meet you for breakfast."

She left, and I pulled a pair of white panties from my bag. I slipped them on, then the dress over my head. I rarely needed to wear any support, since my life kept me trim and although my chest wasn't small, I certainly wasn't huge. 

I examined myself in the mirror. The dress did make me look younger than eighteen, where my ball dress had made me look older. Well he knew how old I was, so what difference did it make? On some consideration I bound my hair into a high ponytail, and put some jewelry on—my simple gold chain, with a topaz pendant, topaz earrings, and a gold bracelet. This particular set I had purchased for myself on the road. I liked the soft color of topaz, and it wasn't very expensive.

I had flat white sandals, which laced up all the way my calves to match, and as I laced them up I wondered what he would think of me. I didn't look like I had gone out of my way to dress up for him at least. But I did look cute, I thought.

We had breakfast in the kitchen with the cook serving us and lightly scolding us that we should eat in the family dining room. That room was massive, enough to seat 20 people and Jenna and I always felt overwhelmed. 

Afterwards we went to see Mr. Bryce. Old Fuzzy Head—as Jenna and I used to call him when we were children—took ages to come to the point, but when he did, the point nailed me to my chair. 

Jenna got the lion's share of everything, of course. However, I was to always have a suite of rooms in the mansion. They were to be named mine, in fact, with a gold plate even! I was also due a thousand gold a month—a pittance to some people but a fortune to me. A bank account had already been opened for me at the Bank of Sosaria, and the first deposit had gone in the day of my birthday apparently. I simply gaped as Mr. Bryce handed me the bankbook.

Jenna was ecstatic, of course. I got to leave around ten am, however, Jenna had to stay for another hour to continue going over the books.

I wandered out into the gardens clutching the bankbook, and sat down on a bench. I knew why I had been given so much. 

When I was thirteen, I had been left behind while Jenna's whole family took a trip somewhere. It was only for a few days, but I had snuck into the mayor's study and found his journal. I found something in it I had already expected.

I was the mayor's illegitimate daughter. I was Jenna's half-sister.

Years before, the mayor had committed an indiscretion with a dancing girl. My mother must have been beautiful when she was young indeed, to attract him away from his wife. What I remembered of her, had been a very poignantly beautiful woman who had such a depth of grief in her eyes that all noticed it. They said she died of hunger, but much later I thought that she must have died of a broken heart. 

What's more is, Jenna's mother knew who I was, and rather than resenting me, took me in and raised me like another child. Jenna was the apple of her eye but I was given love and affection, too. Why my father hadn't helped my mother before I couldn't guess.

I had never told Jenna. Even in my grief and shock I knew it would break her heart to know such a thing about her father. I had never told anyone how my heart broke in those days before she came back from her trip, and how difficult it was not to throw it in her father's face.

When he died I was petrified the journal would turn up but it never did. I thought perhaps her mother had hidden it away before she died. It still nagged me sometimes, but Jenna seemed so busy I took heart she would not find it. 

This was another reason I wanted to leave at sixteen so badly. If it ever came out, who knows what Jenna's reputation would be in the town?

For a long time I had both hated and loved my father. Hated for the obvious, and loved for in the end taking me in and keeping me off the street and away from a brothel or worse. In the end, I forgave him his sins and learned to live, but I never mourned him for I never thought he loved me -- until I saw the will. 

I sat on the bench, and for the first time in two years mourned a father I had never been able to call "father" once.

By the time Jenna came out at eleven, I had dried my tears and was watching Mac romp in the flowers. Occasionally he would stop to eat a flower, munching away with apparent enjoyment and either spitting it out or sneezing. He was adorable.

Jenna came up quietly behind me. This was a game we used to play, sneaking up on her, but I had learned a few things while on the road. I waited until she was ready to pounce, then reached back and grabbed her hand and tumbled her into the grass gently. She looked shocked, then started laughing with me. 

I helped her up and she ran off to get cleaned up before our "lunch date", as she persisted in calling it.

We were planning to eat in the family dining room, and Jenna had ordered a delicious varied from the kitchen. Her butler, Lewis, would serve us. I was surprised to realize I was nervous. Jenna noticed, and squeezed my hand as we waited in her receiving room. 

The receiving room was similar to a throne room in layout. Not half as grand, of course, but at one end on a raised dais sat two elegant chairs, and the walls were covered in banners. Jenna did not sit in the chairs, although she had a right to today, and we didn't do any of the pomp and formality that normally would take place on such an occasion. Instead, we waited near the door, chatting softly and waiting for the butler to announce our guest.

At five after Lewis stepped into the room, elegant as ever. He turned smartly, and spoke. "Lady Jenna, Miss Elenia -- Lord Brightblade here to see you." And in he came.

He was dressed impeccably, in a white nobleman's tunic with neat black breeches and knee-high black boots. The white tunic set off his hair marvelously, and as he entered, and bowed slightly as was protocol, I realized I had been holding my breath. I exhaled slowly.

He looked up, and those same dark green eyes caught mine for a brief instant before he stepped forward and took Jenna's hand.

"My lady," he said, bowing over her hand and kissing it lightly. He turned to me next. He took my hand and kissed it, and said, "My dear." His eyes sparkled as they met mine again.

Of course I noticed the unusually familiar greeting, how could I not? Before I could say anything though, he had already turned back to Jenna and it would have been rude to interrupt. 

"My lady—"

Jenna went right ahead and interrupted him, as was her wont. "Please. If you won't call me Jenna I'll return to calling you Lord Brightblade."

He smiled. "Very well. Jenna, then. Let me congratulate you on coming into your own and taking control of this fine house."

"Why, thank you Tiradon. Thank you for visiting."

"It was my pleasure." He turned back to me. "And you, Elenia? How do you fare?"

I had recovered myself almost completely now, and responded pleasantly, "Very well. Thank you for coming to lunch, Tiradon."

Jenna said, "Shall we move into the lounge, and perhaps a drink before lunch?" This sounded like a plan, and we acceded.

Jenna had a beautiful lounge, all rich velvet and red thick curtains. Jenna motioned him toward a large armchair, and sat down on a sofa, gesturing for me to sit next to her. "Now what shall you have, Tiradon?"

He responded, "Won't you allow me?"

Jenna looked knowingly at him, and inwardly I groaned. I knew what she was going to say. "Well, that's very kind of you, but our dear Elenia here can actually mix drinks very nicely. Elenia, would you do us the honors, if Tiradon doesn't mind?"

Tiradon sat back. "A lady of many talents, I see. How could I possibly mind?

I stood, looking down at them both. "Tiradon, what would you like?"

"How about a glass of sangria for this nice warm summer day?" 

Jenna chimed in, "I think I'll take one, too, Elenia. Why don't you have the same?" 

"It sounds wonderful." I went behind the bar, conscious of Tiradon' eyes on my retreating back. I was grateful for the chance to do something. What Jenna had said was true. I was actually quite good at making simple alcoholic drinks, and the sangria was mostly pre-made anyway. I poured a new bottle of red wine into a pitcher, and then sliced some lemons, orange slices, and limes into it. I poured sugar in to sweeten it and then stirred. In the cooler set into the floor I found a large block of ice. I chipped a few pieces off and put them into three glasses. I poured the sangria over them, and stuck a slice of lemon onto the edge of each glass. All done.

I pulled down a fine silver tray from the rack, and placed the three glasses onto it. Almost immediately a servant materialized and took the tray. I sighed, and followed him out and back to the lounge.

By sheer coincidence, I happened to be standing right behind the servant when he stepped out of the way. Either Tiradon had been looking down at his glass, or he did it deliberately, but he let his eyes rake up from my ankles all the way to my face. I felt my skin burn, but maintained eye contact.

"Lovely," he said. For a second I didn't know if he meant the sangria or me.

He raised his glass and I blushed. "I'm glad you like it." I sat down and took a glass. "So, what have you been talking about?"

Jenna darted him a very mischievous glance. "Well, we've mostly been talking about his keep, just outside of Willowroot."

He added, "Yes, Jenna here was very interested."

Jenna burst out, "Oh can't I tell her?" He looked amused, and nodded.

"Elenia, he invited us to his keep!"

My jaw dropped. "But—"That was as far as I got though, before Tiradon interceded. "Of course, Jenna did say she wouldn't be able to make it. A pity. She did say, however, that you were free for some time?" 

I looked daggers at Jenna. She quickly jumped in. "I thought you'd like it!" 

I sighed, and turned toward Tiradon. "May I have a moment to speak with my friend?" 

He smiled that sexy smile again, and I almost forgot that I needed to speak to Jenna. "Of course."

"Jenna." I said, making my voice firm. She followed me out the door. I turned to her.

"I can't go there!"

"Why not?"

"Well...we barely know him, for one thing!"

"I know him. The Brightblade name is well-known around here. He says his father is going to be there the whole time, and there are horses, and a garden, and a beautiful pond you can swim in at night, and even a waterfall! You'd have a lot of fun!"

All this had been said in a breathless tone, so I couldn't interrupt. Truth be told, it was working on me. I could imagine the flowers hanging low over the pond, and the stables full of fine horses. I was still nervous, though.

"Jenna. What if he tries something?"

She looked hurt. "Do you think I would have agreed if there was the least chance of it? He would never! His father is Mekorig!"

My eyes widened. Mekorig? The famous goldsmith and jeweler? Many a time had I wished to own one of the famous named pieces. But I was assured that his son would not attempt anything improper. Mekorig was known throughout the land for his fair and just dealings with his customers, and I knew his son wouldn't jeopardize that reputation. 

I looked back at her, and she was smiling. "Good! You see? So you'll go?"

"He really asked? He doesn't mind?"

"Yes! No! Please go. I think you'll have fun. And I really can't, I have to start learning the business for real here." She looked wistful as she said this, and I felt sorry for her—poor or not, at least I wasn't forced into doing anything I didn't want to. 

Not that I was poor anymore.

"All right. I'll do it. How long?'

"He said a week, but that you could leave anytime you wanted."

I hesitated one more second, then nodded. The whole conversation had been very short, but time was wasting and I didn't like to make him wait. I squeezed her hand nervously. Truth be told, I wasn't entirely sure why I'd said yes. Taking a chance, I guess. 

I went back inside ahead of her. He looked up as I came in and sat down again, and his eyes caught me again. Sometimes I felt as though he were reading my thoughts. "I'm sorry to make you wait, Tiradon. Thank you very much for your offer, first of all."

He sat back. "Are you going to say no to me, Elenia?" I smiled. 'I'd love to visit, if it would be all right. Jenna told me who your father was, and I don't wish to upset your schedule." 

He waved a hand dismissively. "Please. Don't mention it. Both my father and I will appreciate the company." I had to admit, he said it in such a nice way that my earlier fears were waved away.

"I am returning to my keep today, Elenia. I am taking my father's griffon—will you be so kind as to accompany me directly?" I looked at Jenna. She looked sad to see me go so soon, but she nodded eagerly all the same. I turned back to him. "Very well, then Lance. I will need some time to pack my things. Oh!I have my own horse..."

He leaned forward. "You are welcome to bring it along, Elenia. The griffon is large enough to accommodate all."



Behind Green Eyes Ch. 04



Jenna sent one of the servants to pack my things as we went into the dining room to have lunch. I was quiet most of the time during lunch, but I needn't have worried because Jenna was playing the effervescent hostess marvelously. I watched him through my eyelashes, wondering why he'd invited me.

He would have known Jenna could not be able to come, being who she was and her position in society. So he'd asked expecting her to say no...which meant it was me he really wanted to see. 

He drew me into the conversation every now and then, but I could tell he was biding his time and would wait until we were alone. He gave Jenna his full attention but occasionally glanced at me with those wickedly sexy green eyes.

I wondered....if he actually tried something, would I stop him? Or would I go along with it? I was certainly old enough now, if I wanted to, as long as I was careful. The thought made heat rise between my legs, and as I glanced up at him I noticed he was looking directly back at me. Jenna's attention was momentarily distracted.

He winked, lazily and slowly, just like at the party. And instead of looking away, I smiled back at him sweetly.

By two o'clock we were ready to go. My things had been placed near the door, and the stable boy stables with my horse and his. I hugged Jenna tightly as we said good-bye.

"Please visit more often, Elenia. I miss you so." She whispered into my ear. 

"I will, my dear. Be good, and write me back, and mind your caretakers. Write me everything that happens."

I kissed her cheek gently and wiped away the tear I found there. My own eyes weren't dry, either. I had missed her dreadfully in the last two years, and resolved to visit much more often.

I stepped back and felt a light hand on the small of my back. I turned to look up at him, but he was smiling at Jenna and extending his other hand. 

"Farewell, my lady. I shall see you soon. Perhaps you may come to a gathering at my house."

"I would love to, Tiradon. Take care of Elenia."

"Do not worry. I shall."

I walked out with him, surreptitiously wiping my eyes as I climbed onto my horse. He helped me on, holding the reins and holding my hand. It was only after I was in the saddle that I realized what dress I was wearing. I'm sure I gave him quite a view. I smiled down at him, embarrassed.

He reached up, and surprisingly tenderly, touched my cheek. His finger came away wet. I looked embarrassed again.

He smiled. "I'm sorry to take you away from your friend. I promise I will try to make up for it."

"No, that's all right, you don't need to—".

"Shh. I promise." He squeezed my hand, and vaulted onto his horse. He rode a fine Arabian, black as night. My poor mare was decidedly intimidated and stayed out of his way. I imagined what it must be like to ride an animal like his, then I realized the double meaning of what I had just said and chuckled softly to myself.

We rode side by side to the griffon place, not speaking. As I rode I glanced around the city. It looked different now. Before I left Jenna had insisted on sending a servant to get the thousand gold that was under my name at the bank, "just in case you need money," and I couldn't disagree with her. I was conscious of it, divvied up neatly between my pouch belt and backpack.

I watched him ride. He was a wonderful rider, and sat easy on the horse. 

We rode quietly to the griffon yards, and the gate guard let us in. We went to a private stable, and just outside was waiting a fine silver griffon, with house colors on it.

I looked up at him in surprise. "This is your griffon?" He chuckled. "Actually, it really belongs to my father. I happened to be in town when Jenna's invitation came, and my father insisted on sending me in style." So saying, he dismounted and came over to my horse. "Let me help you."

I reached down to take his hands, but instead his hands closed gently around my waist and bodily lifted me off the horse. He set me lightly on the ground, and smiled.

I was taken aback, and too breathless to say anything. His hands lingered for a second, then he turned to my horse. "What's her name?"

"Shadow," I said softly. He chucked to the horse softly, and led her toward the griffon. I followed. 

The griffon immediately peered down and stuck his face almost in mine. Strangely enough, it didn't seem angry, only curious. It uttered a questioning squawk. 

"Now, now, Simon. She's a friend. Don't pester her."

"Simon. Is that his name? Hello, Simon." The griffon was now gently preening my hair. I laughed, and reached up and petted him. 

He watched me with a smile on his face for a minute, then instructed the stableboys to get everything loaded. Then he came over to me. "Ready?"

I nodded. "Let me help you up, " he said. I swallowed, and nodded. I stepped over next to the griffon and looked up. There was a rope ladder slung over the side. I stepped up onto it and started climbing until I realized what a view I must be giving him. I hesitated, and then I felt his hands on my waist again, lifting me up.

I don't know what was in that feeling that left me wanting more. I had never been held by a man, so I suppose that was part of it. I climbed into one of the seats, and pulled the straps around me s(so I wouldn't fly off the griffon) and shook my hair into my face so he wouldn't see the flush that had arisen. 

He sat towards the front of the griffon and I was surprised to see him take the reins. He called back over his shoulder, "I like to drive my own griffon. I hope you don't mind. It's about a four-hour trip, so just relax."

"All right," I called back. I made sure Jasper was safely in his basket, and I sat back, stroking the griffon feathers under my fingers.

We launched into the air, and I curled up to take a nap. 

When I awoke, we were dipping down, and the sun was just setting. I sat up and stretched, and admired the beautiful view. I looked down, and saw we were descending into the courtyard of a fairly large keep. In the distance to the east, I could see what looked like a small town. It couldn't be more than a half-day's journey.

We landed lightly. He was an excellent griffon driver. He turned to me when it came to a halt. 

"Welcome to Brightblade Manor, my lady." And he gestured around the courtyard. 

"Thank you," I said, and looked around. Servants were already coming from around the keep. He told them to unload the things, and I jumped down from the griffon. I heard him telling the servants to put my things in one of the rooms, the "lilac room" he called it, and then he returned to my side. 

"Let me show you to your room. You can get changed if you like, and then we'll have dinner. "

"How should I dress for dinner?"

"As you wish. It isn't very formal, but my father will join us then, so just something nice." So saying, he put his hand on the small of my back, and guided me toward the door.

"After dinner if you like I'll take you on a tour of the place."

We stepped inside the large double doors, and I gasped. Jenna's house was large, but this was a true keep. In front of me was a large foyer style area, with several large double doors leading off of it. They were all open. 

One of them led into a large dining hall. Through another one I saw a grand piano, and yet another one was filled with plants. And through the last door, straight ahead, I glimpsed a ballroom.

I hadn't realized I'd been transfixed until I heard him gently chuckle. "Do you like it?" he whispered softly. His voice was right by my ear, and I turned in surprise to find his face inches from mine. 

I was once again surprised by his beauty. The scar on his cheek only added character. We stood for a moment, and I thought for sure he was going to try to kiss me. Instead, he spoke. 

"You are very beautiful, you know."

I blinked in surprise, and then lowered my eyes. "Oh...thank you. I think Jenna's prettier than me, though." He simply smiled.

"It's you I invited here, though."

I looked up into his eyes. "Why did you invite me here?"

He started to say something, hesitated, and the chuckled and shook his head. "Why don't you wait and find out?" He took my hand. "Come. Your room is upstairs."

He gently led me upstairs and I followed obediently. We stopped at the top of the stairs and he pointed left. "That is the West Wing. My rooms are down there, as well as my father's."

"Where is your father now?"

"Probably in his workshop. You'll meet him at dinner. You must forgive him. I didn't write and tell him you were coming."

"Will he mind?

"Not at all." He started walking down the hall to the right. "This is the East Wing. Your room is down this way."

He went past several doors and opened the fifth one. I gasped.

It truly was a "lilac room". The whole thing was decorated in different shades of lilac. The bed, the curtains, everything. What was surprising was the profusion of flowerpots with lilacs growing out of them! The room had a heady, beautiful scent.

I turned to him. "This is my room? It's so nice!" He smiled. "Dinner is at 8 pm. It's 6 now, so you may want to take a bath. Just ring the bell if you need anything and a servant will come quickly."

I nodded. He bowed, and continued, "If you need me for anything just ask the servants. And make yourself at home. I will return to my quarters now."

"Thank you. I'll see you at dinner."

He turned, and walked down the hall. I was tempted to watch him, but instead I went in the room and closed the door. 

My things were already neatly stacked in a corner of the room. I wandered around, touching the flowers, and the soft bedspread until I realized I had only some time. I went into another room, thinking it was the bathroom. It was a walk-in closet—filled with female dresses.

I wasn't surprised that the guest room would have them. Jenna's house also had a female and male guest room filled with clothes in case someone were visiting who didn't have appropriate attire. 

I opened another door and this time found the bathroom. The tub was huge, at least eight feet wide. I laughed like a child; there was already water in it and it looked so inviting. I stripped, dropping my dress on the floor and my panties on top. I kicked my sandals off and waded in.

The water was steaming hot and oh so nice. I let my hair down, and relaxed. It was three feet deep, and as I looked around I saw a marvelous assortment of bath oils, bath soaps, and shampoos. In addition there were lilac flowers floating in the water. Very sensuous, and very nice.

I bathed, washing myself with the soaps and then with the oils. I felt very womanly, and lounged in the pool until almost seven. 

I got out finally, and dried myself off. Still naked, I went out in the main room and padded barefoot into the dressing room. I didn't own anything nice enough for this grand keep, and I thought I had better pick something out. 

I selected a simple but elegant green dress. It had straps, and hung prettily below my waist before flaring out into a little girl type skirt. It came with stockings, and I gently slid them up my legs. My whole body smelled like lilacs, and I knew I looked pretty.

I went to the mirror and combed out my long hair. I couldn't help but think of what he had said at the door, and the tone he had said it in. I had to admit, he kept me on my toes...I never knew what he was going to say next. 

I also had to admit I liked it.

I left my hair down so I wouldn't look overdressed. Next went on a pair of green high heels, matching the dress. I was surprised to find they fit me easily.

I waited until 7:45, and then rang the bell for a servant. One was there in less than five minutes, and he bowed. "This way to the dining hall, my lady." He walked ahead of me, and I followed, admiring everything. 

He took me down the large stairs, back into the foyer, and then on into the dining room. Tiradon was already there, as well as another, older man, who I didn't recognize. They both rose at my entrance. I curtsied.

"Ah, Elenia. So good of you to join us. Father, this is our guest, Elenia. Elenia, this is my father, Lord Mekorig Brightblade."

Lord Brightblade came forwards. I curtsied again. I felt almost as if I were in the presence of royalty! 

To my surprise, he put his hand under my chin gently and raised my face until I was looking at him. It was easy to see where Tiradon had gotten his looks. Father and son were equally handsome. The elder Lord Brightblade had blue eyes instead of his son's green ones, and there were a few wrinkles around his eyes, but he was still very young-looking. 

"She's very pretty, my son. Just as you said." I darted a look at Tiradon, but his face was unreadable. "Welcome to the Brightblade keep, my lady. Please, come sit."

He escorted me to his left hand and pulled out my chair for me. Tiradon sat across from me at his father's right hand. "You look lovely, Elenia."

Dinner was served, and as we ate, his father kept up a running commentary about the keep and the lands. I listened, fascinated. Dinner was wonderful.

When we were almost through, a servant came in and handed Lord Mekorig a note. He excused himself, and read the note.

"Tiradon," he said, and handed him the note. Tiradon read it, and looked up. "Tonight, Father?" He nodded, gravely, and turned to me.

"My dear child, I am afraid I will not be able to spend any time with you. The village would like my advice on something. A dispute between two landowners, it seems. Normally the village governs themselves, but when it comes to the council members themselves they call upon us. I'm afraid I will need Tiradon to drop me off, as it will take more than a week, and I do not wish to tie up our carriage for so long."

Tiradon spoke up. "I am sorry Elenia. I so wanted to show you around." I demurred politely, and he continued, "I will be back by early morning at the latest. Please feel free to explore to your heart's content. You will be perfectly safe."

I opened my mouth to say it was not necessary, that I could just leave, but the look on his face stopped me. For the first time, he actually looked worried, hoping I wouldn't leave. 

No one outside of Jenna's family had ever even given a damn about me, and if he wanted me to stay, why should I? "I don't mind," I answered smiling, and he looked relieved. "I can entertain myself."

"Thank you very much, Elenia. I promise I won't be long."

We finished our dinner, and then they left to change into traveling clothes. A servant told me that if I liked, I could wait in the dining hall to say goodbye.

I was looking at a picture on the wall when I heard a step behind me, and then hands on my shoulders. I was still wearing the dress from dinner, which only had thin little straps, so his fingers burned into my bare skin. I composed myself somewhat, and then turned my head to look up into his face.

He was smiling down at me, and for a moment my heart literally stopped—with fear, this time. For a moment it seemed to me that he could and was about to do whatever he wanted to me and I wouldn't be able to stop him. Then the moment passed, and he was just looking at me with a slightly sorrowful look. 

"I am so sorry to leave you behind, Elenia. You will forgive me?"

I nodded, and gently slipped out from under his hands. I thought I saw a flash of amusement cross his face, but I wasn't sure. "Be careful," I said, "and don't worry about me. I'll be fine." He bowed over my hand, and then kissed it, softly. 

I bid them both adieux at the door. Soon as I saw them both leave, I hurried up to my room, changed, and set about exploring the house and the grounds. 



Behind Green Eyes Ch. 05



I was walking through the gardens late at night. It was after midnight already, and I came across the pond Jenna had mentioned.

It was beautiful, shining and shimmering in the moonlight. At periodic intervals lanterns had been sent along the edge, and they reflected off the water. At one end there was even a waterfall!

I looked around. I could see no one in sight. The keep was dark, and I surmised the servants had gone to bed. I couldn't resist.

I shimmied out of my dress, and for a moment stood in the moonlight. I waded into the pond, and then swam in. 

The water was warm to my skin, and I never had had a chance to do anything like this. I swam directly toward the waterfall, and stepped carefully onto the rocks, until I was standing directly underneath it. 

The water washed down over my body, between my legs, my hair plastering to my back. I felt like a wood nymph, free and beautiful.

I should have known better. I heard a man clear his throat, and I whirled around.

The moon shone onto him, dressed as he had been for his journey. He had a small smile on his face. 

We regarded each other for a moment, I naked and blinking water out of my eyes, and him standing with one foot on a rock unabashedly looking at me. Then I came out of the spell, and jumped into the water.

He chuckled.

"Don't you have any shame?" I said. Actually I wasn't angry, just embarrassed. My face was red, but my body tingled. No man had ever seen me naked before.

He seated himself on a rock at the water's edge. "No as a matter of fact, I don't. Not when it comes to someone so pretty as you."

"Um...thank you," I said. The water was over my head, so I was treading water, and therefore couldn't hide myself too well. And the moon chose that moment to sail out from behind a cloud, of course. 

He stood up, and began unbuttoning his shirt. I could only watch him, transfixed. Somewhere I knew he was going to come in the water with me, but my eyes were glued to his body. And, oh, what a body it was.

His shoulders and chest were muscular, and his stomach was flat, with a faint line of hair going down the center. My mouth opened in a small `o' as his hand strayed to his belt buckle. 

He slid his pants down his legs, and then stepped out of them. For a second I thought he would remove his shorts also, but he left them on as he waded into the water. His legs were like the rest of him, long and muscular.

I came to my senses, and darted away in the water. I was an excellent swimmer, but no match for him. He dove in, and caught up to me in a few stokes. Catching my hand, he drew me back roughly into his embrace and pressed his lips to mine.

His lips were rough at first, demanding, but as my resistance melted in the face of his onslaught he gentled them. His hands were still tightly gripping my wrists, and he gently pulled them behind my back. My head was tilted back, and he was kissing me under the moon, in a way I had never imagined it could be. 

Surprisingly, his hands did not stray. I both wanted him to let me go and at the same time yearned for his touch. His tongue gently slipped between my lips, and explored my mouth, velvet fire touching here, there.

I moaned, an animal sound I had never heard myself make. If his thought had been to take me there in the water I would not have protested. My whole body was afire, and I was possessed with feelings I did not know I had. My nipples were hard, and barely brushing against the hairs on his chest, which made them even harder. I had had always given off an air of "hard to get", and because of this most guys gave up quickly. No one had ever treated me like this—and I liked it and was ashamed of my reaction at the same time.

At long length, he moved his mouth away. I looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes, breathing hard. 

"What was that for?" I said breathlessly, squirming to get out of his grip, which was like iron. 

"Because I wanted to, my dear." He switched both my wrists to one hand, and stroked down my cheek with the other. "I wanted to do that from the moment I saw you. And when I saw you standing there, I just couldn't resist."

I looked away, pouting. "Well, you shouldn't have."

He smiled. "I gave you plenty of time to run. You didn't. I thought if you had really wanted to go, you would have."

I blushed. His hand was still stroking my cheek, maddeningly sensuously. I looked down. 

"Well, what now?" I whispered softly. 

"Whatever you want."

"I think you should let me go to my room."

"I don't think I want to."

I looked up at him, wide-eyed. "What will you do?"

He studied me for a moment. "Elenia. Tell me the truth on something, will you?"

I nodded. 

"Has anyone ever kissed you before?"

I hung my head, and then slowly shook it. He lifted my chin, and studied my face intently. "I see."

"You thought someone had?" He nodded.

"You seemed so confident and self-assured."

"It's a front," I whispered.

"Stay here," he ordered. He turned and went back to the banks where his clothes were. I examined my wrists. There were faint red marks where he had held them, and my lips felt bruised.

He came back, carrying his shirt. I opened my mouth to protest, and he pressed a finger to my lips. "Quiet or I'll kiss you again. I'm already tempted to."

I remained quiet.

He gently wrapped the shirt around me. It soaked up the water quickly, and clung to my skin. Quickly, he bent down and picked me up in his arms, cradling me against his chest. I gasped, the water dripping off of both us. The shirt didn't fully cover me, it wasn't closed at the top for one thing. It barely reached my thighs. 

He carried me out, leaving my clothes on the riverbank. I was silent and so was he as he carried me all the way inside, up the stairs, to my room. 

He opened the door with one foot, and then swung it shut behind him. I wasn't sure what to expect, but he carried me straight to the bathroom. Setting me on my feet on the edge of the pool, he walked to the window and opened the curtains wide, letting the moonlight in. Then he turned and walked back to me. 

He lifted my face and looked into my eyes. I looked up at him, examining the lines of his face. He leaned down and kissed me again.

I wasn't ready for it this time either. His lips started out gentle this time, and grew rougher on my mouth. I scarcely noticed as he slid the shirt off my shoulders and let it drop to the floor.

His hands dropped onto my shoulders, and then slid under my hair. He gently but firmly tugged it until I tilted my head back. 

I felt completely helpless in his arms, and completely wanton. His lips slid across my face, down my neck. His hands went around my waist and picked me up, raising my neck to his mouth. This pressed my body against him and I could feel my nipples pressed against his chest. Instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist. Inexpertly, I kissed him back. I no longer cared what he thought of me, or even what I thought of myself. I was filled with desire, and as my wet sex pressed against his belly he actually groaned.

He bit my ear, and whispered, "I want you. You have one chance to stop me. And I won't be gentle."

In answer I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him harder.

His hands dropped to my back, and stroked up it. I felt him moving backwards, and then I heard him enter the water. He slowly sat down, and I ended up in his lap with my legs around his waist. He curled one hand under my bare bottom, supporting me.

He curled one hand in my hair again, and pulled. My head tilted back, and he pressed his lips back to my neck, devouring it. I felt his teeth nipping at me, and his mouth moving in circles ever lower. He kept a firm grip on my hair, gently pulling it. His tongue teased my skin, trailing down to the top of my breast.

His mouth slipped over my nipple and my back went rigid with shock. Totally unknown emotions swept over me, and I arched my back into him and moaned again. In response, he sucked and then bit my nipple hard enough to hurt. I cried out, and he chuckled.

"Your innocence makes me want to hurt you."

I gasped. His free hand slid up my belly, which flinched ever so slightly, and then he cupped my breast, sliding his mouth to the other nipple. He did the same thing; sucked on it gently, then bit it until I cried out.

He squeezed my breast cruelly, but I was too far gone to stop him. My hands wrapped tightly around his neck, and I curled my fingers in his hair.

I felt him lowering me back onto the steps of the pool. I was trembling, and nearly jumped when I felt his fingers slip between my legs.

He explored me with his fingers. When I tried to squirm away from him, he held me down with the other hand and continued exploring leisurely. He parted my folds, and gently tried to insert a finger. I was very tight, and it hurt a little, but he did not hesitate. 

I felt it slip inside of me, and gasped. I had never felt this full. He pushed, and I felt him stroke something deep inside of me. I opened my eyes, breathless. 

"You're a virgin," he said, eyes amused. "Of course," I whispered. His eyes were smoky with desire, and he flicked his nail across the inside of me. I cried out, in pain and pleasure. 

He was on a lower step than me, and as I watched, he moved to one even lower. He withdrew his finger, and his eyes on mine, lifted my hips to his face. 

I squirmed, and tried to scrabble away from him. I didn't get far, though, he just picked me up and set me in his lap. He looked at me sternly, pretending to be angry, but beneath me I felt him hard against my bottom.

"Why do you fight me?"

I pouted and looked away. He grabbed my chin, roughly, and turned me to look at him. "Answer me, or you'll be punished." I looked into his face. "Punished? How do you think you're going to do that?"

"I see. That's the way you want it."

Quickly he picked me up and laid me across his knees. He grabbed both my wrists and in a second I felt him tying them behind my back with his shirt. "Hey!" I said.

He didn't answer, just tied them so tight I couldn't possibly get out. I was humiliated, lying across his knees with my bottom exposed for him to see and my hair in my face. 

"Don't do this," I begged. "Please, not in this way."

His large hands gently ran across my buttocks, and I couldn't help but moan. He was touching me in ways no man ever had.

All of a sudden, I felt a stinging pain across my backside! It took me a second to realize he had hit me, and not gently, either. Before I could do more than cry out, he raised his hand and did it again!

It hurt! He gave me several more, on each cheek. His hand covered my whole cheek, and I could imagine how red I was. I cried out and flailed around in his lap. My whole bottom felt inflamed.

After maybe ten whacks altogether, suddenly he forced my legs apart and pressed his fingers against my clitoris. I was surprised at how sensitive it was, and he only rubbed for a few seconds before—for the very first time at the hands of a man—I cried out and came, all over his legs. My back was arched, and as I moaned, he thrust a finger into me. I was slick and wet but it wasn't much easier than the first time. All of a sudden I felt something at my backside, and then something pushed its way in!

Even when I had experimented with touching myself I had never touched myself back there. It hurt like anything, but at the same time liquid fire crept up my body and then burst. I screamed as I came again. 

I sagged onto his knees, exhausted. He wasn't done with me yet, though. Not even close. He removed his fingers, lifted me off his knees, and deposited me on my knees on one of the steps. My hair hung in my face, and my hands were still tied behind my back. My face was pressed against a higher step. And my bottom was sore.

He lifted my chin roughly. I looked up, and realized he was naked and standing only a few inches in front of me. I had never seen a naked man before and I goggled at the size of what was in front of me. I shook my head. 

"No, no, please..." He smiled tenderly at me, and stroked my hair. Then he cupped my chain hard and forced my mouth open, and forced himself into me.

My mouth was tiny, and I could barely fit him. He pushed hard enough to hurt, but even in my haze I sensed he was still holding back. It seemed like no time at all before he hit the back of my throat, though. I was afraid he would push further, but instead he slid back almost out, then in. 

Oh how it hurt! At the same time it was unbelievably arousing, being used like this. He pumped in and out, using my mouth. It didn't take long before he gripped my hair and pulled me onto him. I gagged, but he stopped at the back of my throat. He groaned, and all of a sudden he erupted.

I had no idea what to expect and I coughed and gagged around him. The bittersweet liquid filled my mouth and there seemed to be so much of it. I could feel him throbbing into my mouth, and he held himself there for a few minutes.

I had no place to go. I couldn't pull myself off him since he was pulling my hair, so I was forced to swallow it. Tears ran down my cheeks as I tried not to choke on it.

He finally pulled out of my mouth and crouched down in front of me. He examined me for a moment, and then kissed my bruised lips, roughly sliding his tongue in and out and spreading his own fluids all over my mouth. I could barely fight off this new assault on my mouth. In a few short hours I had experienced more than I ever had with a man.

He washed my face and chest gently—I hadn't even noticed that it had dripped down there—and picked me up and carried me to the bed. He untied my hands and lightly dropped me onto it. I didn't know what to expect but it was clear soon enough when he lifted my legs, hiked them over my shoulders, and buried his face between my legs.

Liquid fire erupted wherever his tongue touched. He was rough, jabbing, and licking, but I liked it and whimpered and ground myself into his face for more. I felt his tongue invade into my depths, and I screamed. His mouth was rough one moment and soft the next, and drove me absolutely insane. 

He flipped me over onto my belly, and I felt his tongue running over my burning bottom. His tongue felt like salve, so cool, until he ran it up between them at my opening. He flicked it against me, and I screamed and came again. 

I didn't know what was happening to me. I felt ravaged and humiliated that I was responding to my ravishment so. I thought I was protesting what he was doing but I was so overwhelmed I couldn't understand anything. 

He flipped me back over to my back, and slid me down his chest. I felt myself leave a wet trail. All of a sudden, he pulled me away and I felt something at my opening. He gave me no time to think about it, instead, he pushed hard and very quickly his head popped into me.

He was raping me! I hadn't expected him to go this far! My fingernails dug into his arms. I felt him tense himself, and suddenly I felt him thrust, powerfully, tearing my depths open and making me scream. I felt him batter aside my already bruised hymen, and then I felt him lodge deep inside of me.

If I had thought I felt full before, it was nothing compared to this. Instead of continuing at the same pace, though, he stopped dead, and returned to kissing and licking my neck, my breasts, my lips. I felt feverish, and I didn't know if I could move my legs.

He continued in that way for a long time, my legs loosely around his waist, him buried deep inside of me, him kissing and sucking and nibbling on my skin. I was surprised to feel the breathless resurgence of desire in me. Tentatively I tried to squeeze him in me. I had no choice anyway. It hurt, oh it hurt so bad, but at the same time there was more of that amazing feeling.

I heard him chuckle. He place his lips over mine, and continued the rape of my body as his mouth began the rape of my mouth. He began gently thrusting in and out of me. I was surprised to find that while it did hurt, the friction began making me rub myself against him, and whimpers began to escape me.

In no time at all it seemed, he was moving quicker and quicker inside of me. My hands instinctively curled around his back and my nails dug into him. I felt him groan, and he drew back and really started slamming into me.

My desire was sky-high now, and as he slammed down on me once I finally felt the dam burst. I screamed, and wrapped my legs around him. My fingernails came away from him bloody as he poured into me at the same time.

I barely remembered the rest of that day. He exhausted both himself and me, and he did not leave my body until I begged him to. Sometime late in the day he withdrew from me, and I passed out.

When I came to, I was lying in a different room. I had been cleaned, and was dressed in a simple white gown, nearly transparent.

It hurt to move, but I turned my head and saw him laying next to me, his back to me. My eyes opened wide as I saw the bloody welts down his back, and I raised my hands. The nails were broken and bloody.

I remembered last night. Had I been raped? I had certainly responded eagerly enough, and I had come here -- but I hadn't expected such violent treatment, ever. I remembered how tender he had been in the beginning and I began to shudder with tears, remembering how my virginity had been taken so brutally. 

He must have felt me move, for he turned. I saw him wince as he turned onto his back, and then turned all the way to face me.

I touched my lips gently and they were puffy. I tried to speak, and it came out in a rasp.

"What happened?" I whispered. "What have you done to me?"

He caressed my face, tenderly. "I had to have you. I couldn't wait."

The tears came then, unbidden. "I didn't want it like that. How could you?"

He wiped the tears away and suddenly I was furious. I slapped his hand away and painfully sat up. My body was bruised and black and blue. I couldn't help feeling a resurgence of desire as I remembered the events that had caused that, but I shook my hair over my face as I got out of bed.

I steeled myself, and turned to face him. "You bastard." I hissed. "How could you do this to me? I was a virgin. I trusted you. I've never trusted anyone like that."

He must have seen bridges burning in my gaze, for he quickly got out of bed and came toward me. "Elenia—"

He never got any further, for as soon as he came close enough I cocked my fist and belted him one. Not a slap, but a genuine punch in the face. I wasn't that strong, but I had forgotten that I was still wearing my ring, and it cut his cheek. It grew white, and then the blood poured from it.

He blinked, and touched his cheek and examined the blood on his fingers. He looked at me, hurt. "You enjoyed it," he accused.

I spit back at him, "Just because I did didn't mean you had any right to do it in the first place."

He looked at me angrily. "What do you want me to do?"

"Let me go, of course."

He suddenly sighed. "Very well. Your things are all in this room. I'll have your horse ready for you. I would suggest you clean up before you go."

"Clean up? Clean up the evidence of what you did to me?" He seemed about to say something, but instead just walked out of the room.

As soon as he closed the door I sank to the ground, the tears coming freely now. I didn't know what to do. I didn't want to go back to Jenna, because she would feel that it was her fault. It was my own fault, for being so trusting. I would never trust anyone again, I thought.

I groaned. He had taken no precautions, I thought. What if I was pregnant?

I forced myself up and into the bathroom. I washed and cleaned myself, scrubbing the signs of him away. I kicked the dress I had worn last night into the pool. 

I packed and dressed in the plainest dress I owned. Somewhere deep inside of me was the realization that if he had been just a little gentler, if he had been more loving; I might not be leaving today. I didn't let myself think about it, though.




Behind Green Eyes Ch. 05



I furiously wiped my eyes and marched downstairs. I could barely walk; I hurt so badly. I was determined not to show it though.

He was waiting for me at the front door. I flashed him the harshest look of disgust I could. He simply regarded me sadly. 

"Elenia." He said softly. "You don't have to leave. Let me try to make it up to you. I promise I can, if you just give me a chance."

I simply looked at him, and he read everything there was to read in my cold gaze. He opened the front door, and I stepped out. 

Out front my horse was waiting, and so was my puppy. I loaded my stuff, and painfully mounted up. He caught my horse's reins. 

"Please. Hear me out."

I considered, then nodded.

He hesitated. "There is a great deal I want to say to you, Elenia, but I don't think you'll let me yet. But...consider this. If I wanted to just have you there was no reason to bring you back to my keep. No reason to introduce you to my father."

I looked down at him, the tears welling up in my eyes again. "Why did you have to do it that way, Lance? Why couldn't you have been gentle? I can't help but hate you now. If I ever make love to another man you'll be there, and I'll remember how you did it, and I'll hate it. It was a cruel, cruel thing you did."

He sagged, and his hand dropped my reins. I mustered up as much dignity as I had left, and directed my horse out of town.

I headed north, in a different direction than Jenna's home. The tears ran unabated down my cheeks, but I stifled the sobs. I was a wiser person now, and would not trust again so easily.



Behind Green Eyes Ch. 06



Dear Readers:

Originally I had intended to e-mail this to people who wanted it, and a few people did ask me for it. Then I thought, why not just publish it? So here it is...a happy ending to my story "Behind Green Eyes".

Thanks. 

*

I pushed the door open to the Inn, and stepped inside. I pulled my hood over my head, and headed for the counter.

In eighteen months' travel I had never trusted another person. I didn't even answer Jenna's letters, knowing there was nothing I could say to her to make her feel better. I hadn't even read her letters, they lay untouched at the bottom of my backpack. I hadn't seen or heard from Tiradon in all that time, either. I had, however, heard that the son of the great Mekorig was getting married. The news was like bitter gall in my heart and my heart burned all the more that I should even care.

I was lucky that I had not gotten pregnant from our encounter. I dreamt of it often, unconsciously and unwillingly, and it still affected me in ways I did not like to admit.

When I first left, I had wandered aimlessly. I went through my stores of money without realizing it. I still had my inheritance pouring into a bank vault—it was 18000 gold now—but I didn't want to touch it. Enough men had betrayed me that I never wanted another man's money. First my own father, then Tiradon. When I first become destitute, I had sold the horse, preferring to walk on foot anyway. It was just me and Jasper now, a dog I had purchased in the last year, and he was ever-faithful.

The first thing I noticed when I came in was a whole table full of Knights of the Rose. They were mostly male, but two were female, and they were all wearing the distinctive insignia. I wondered what so many knights were doing in this area. 

I took a table near them and ordered something for myself and Jasper to eat. I cocked my head and listened, setting my bow across the chair next to me.

It seemed they were in the area to hunt a dragon! Apparently they had heard reports of a red in the area. They had stopped by the Inn to see if there were anymore like-minded, good adventurers willing to come along. 

I considered, and as I ate my food, I managed to discern where their room was. When they left, I paid the waitress, picked up my bow, and followed them upstairs.

I sighed, standing outside their door. Truth was, I didn't want to get involved with a large party of men, but a dragon would mean a great deal of money, and I needed to be solvent on my own. I reluctantly knocked on the door, hood still up.

"Who is it?" came a deep voice from inside.

"Please open the door," I responded. "It's not really something that can be discussed in the hallway. You needn't worry, I'm all alone."

The door opened, and a handsome young man stood in the doorway. I judged him to be in his mid-20's. Thankfully his eyes were blue. I hated green eyes on men now.

He blinked, and then bowed respectfully. "Please come in."

I nodded, and stepped in cautiously. One of my hands was in my cloak, clutching a dagger carefully. 

I looked around the room. It was a large party room, and there were about eight knights sitting around, doing various things. I assumed the women were in another room. 

The knight who had opened the door closed it carefully. His eyes flickered to my hand, but he didn't mention it. Instead, he said, "Greetings, Miss. I am Sir Valamir. And you are...?"

He was very polite. I answered softly, "I am Elenia."

"Pleasure to meet you, miss. How may we help you?"

I looked at him. "Who is in charge of your expedition?"

He gestured. 'That would be Sir Aramar, over there, at least until our captain gets back."

I walked a little further into the room and faced Aramar. "I'll get right to the point. I came up to ask if you need a good bow-woman on this journey."

He blinked, and then glanced around at his compatriots. He looked back at me. "Well, Miss Elenia, you should know that before we can bring you along you'll have to submit to a number of tests."

I interrupted him. "I know. I will go through them. But I will have them administered by the females in your group." He nodded, as if that were expected. "Well if that's the case, then we may as well start right away, if you are prepared." I nodded, and he stood up. "Well, come this way then, Miss. I'll take you straight to the women."

The testing went easily enough. It was some simple questions, designed to put a bead on my personality and alignment, a "detect alignment" spell, and a test of my bowmanship. I did my best, and they said they would inform me in the morning. I told them which room I was in, locked it, and put a chair behind the door. 

The next morning someone knocked on my door at 7 am. I had been awake for an hour already, and packed for half of that. Jasper was eagerly wagging his tail at the door. I opened it carefully. It was one of the female knights, the younger one, not the one who had administered the tests. She looked about 21. "Are you ready? My name is Kalina. It's nice to meet you, and nice to have you along. Our captain is downstairs."

I answered, "So I pass your tests then?" She tried to smile, but I had no smile on my face or in my heart, and her smile faded. "Of course you do! You'll sign a contract...um, here it is."

I read through it carefully. It was very short, and easy to read. I signed both copies, and handed one back.

"Who is your commander?" I said, as I picked up my backpack.

She smiled. "Why, Sir Tiradon, of course."

My heart stopped. Be reasonable, I told myself. There could be lots of Tiradons in the world. 

I followed her down the hall and down the stairs, heart thudding. The knights were gathered in the front of the inn, and in the middle of them there was one very familiar-looking man. The other knights gestured, and he turned.

It was him, all right. There was no mistaking those green eyes, that scar across his cheek. I ground to a halt a few feet away.

"You," I hissed.

The other knights were looking back and forth between us. He started say something, closed his eyes briefly, and started again.

"Greetings, Elenia."

"Don't say my name." I spat back.

His face grew noticeably cold. "Very well then, miss. I hear you have a contract with us?"

That brought me back to reality. I wasn't about to break a contract with a group of knights. Word would get out and no lawful parties would ever work with me again. I steeled myself and raised my chin. 

"Yes, Sir Tiradon, I do. If it's all right with you."

His teeth ground together but he looked away. I saw the other knights notice this, and murmur amongst each other. 

"Well shall we then?" said one of the other knights. I followed them out the door, then mentally slapped myself when I saw all their horses. I spoke softly to Kalina. "I forgot. I don't have a horse."

She looked askance at me, as if she couldn't understand how someone could be poor enough not to have a horse. "Oh, dear. You'll have to ride with someone." I nodded, and she said, "You can ride with me if you like."

"No." said a loud voice. It was Tiradon. "She rides with me, or no one else. After all, I am the leader here, so she is my personal responsibility." 

I gritted my teeth, and nodded. "Very well." 

He had the same stallion I recognized from before. I couldn't help but notice that his bridle was frayed, and not in such good repair, although lovingly polished. Tiradon's clothes were also travel-worn and stained, also hand-repaired. 

He mounted up on his horse and held his hand out for me. I ignored it and pulled myself up behind him. I heard him sigh, and then they turned and headed out. 

Loudly, he spoke. "The cave is three days' journey. We'll be camping on the road. I trust that will be all right with everyone?" 

We had a party of fifteen people, the ten knights, Tiradon, a couple of adventurers, and me. I put my hands behind me onto the back of the saddle rather than hold onto Tiradon, and leaned back. Jasper ran along joyfully on the grass. 

We did not travel hard that day. It would have been unreasonable to, with such a large party. We stopped once for lunch, and I jumped off almost before the horse had stopped moving. I didn't want him to touch me. At night, I watched where everyone else pitched their tents, then pitched my tent just a little away.

I took dinner from the knight whose turn it was to cook, and sat apart from the party with my back to everyone. In a few minutes I heard someone sit down next to me. It was Tiradon.

For once I didn't feel like yelling at him. I put my plate down and looked at him. "Yes?"

"Elenia. I've missed you, you know."

I looked at him in surprise. I hadn't expected that start. I looked down at the ground bitterly. 

"I went looking for you. I've been looking for you ever since. But every time I came to a town you were in, you had just left."

"Elenia, listen to me."

I looked away. 

"Elenia. I miss the one night we had—"

He never got any further, for I had gotten to my feet, eyes blazing. "How dare you mention that, you bastard?" People stopped eating and stared. "Do you have any idea what you did to me?" To his credit, he didn't even seem to notice the people. He was on his feet, too. 

"You never gave me a chance to explain!"

"Some people do their explaining before they take the step you did!"

"I only did it because I loved you!"

The words rang out, effectively silencing everyone, including me. They echoed through my head. Loved you, loved you, loved you. I heard it over and over again. 

I stepped forward and brought my fist around and sucker-punched him, hard. I was quite a bit stronger than I used to be, and he wasn't expecting it. With a surprised "oof" he fell over and I was on him in a second. 

"You bloody bastard!" I screamed. "You liar!" I was pounding on his face, sobbing in rage and frustration. I wasn't pulling my punches, either. I got one more good sock right into his eye before he grabbed my wrist and twisted it behind my back. "You bitch..." he said.

I didn't know what he was going to do next, but he never got a chance to. The knights were on me and lifted me bodily off him. My hood had come down, and my hair was loose around my face. I noticed more than a few admiring looks in the company. I turned and kicked the ankle of the knight closest to me. He dropped my arm and grabbed his leg. 

"Let me go!" I yelled. Nothing doing, though. Tiradon was standing up, wiping blood away from his nose. His eye was already turning black and blue.

Surprisingly, he grinned. "Still as feisty as ever, I see? Tell me what would you do if they let you go?"

"I would break your face!" I was twisting and turning, desperately trying to loose their grip. 

"Let her go," he said.

The knights looked at each other and then at him. "But, sir..."

"Do you really think she can break my face? Let her go and let her vent her rage." 

They let me go, and I stepped forward. I kept my eyes fixed on his face, cocked my fist...and kicked him, hard, right between the legs. He went down instantly. The knights grabbed my arms again, but I was calm now and let them.

He looked up at me, face pale. "That was unfair."

"You deserved it for telling that lie about love."

"It wasn't a lie...I meant it." He lay, curled up for a few more minutes before he painfully got to his feet. He strode toward me.

"Lady Elenia." He bowed. His voice was grating. "Perhaps we could continue this in the privacy of my tent?"

I blinked in surprise. I had just kicked him...well, you know where...and he still wanted to talk? I nodded, slowly. The knights let go of me, cautiously. 

"After you?"

I shook my head. "No, after you." He nodded. The knights looked at him questioningly, and he nodded. He limped painfully into his tent, and I followed him.

He turned once he was in and I let the flap drop. He sat down carefully.

"Please, sit down." I did so.

"Elenia." I started to open my mouth and he cut me off. "Shut up."

I blinked, and sat there sullenly.

"You never let me talk. Not once. I listened to you. Now you shut up and let me talk.

"What I did was cruel, Elenia. I know what I did to you. You were young and innocent and not ready to deal with it."

"I also know you haven't spoken to Jenna since then." I looked up, and he nodded. "I've been getting a few letters from her, wondering what happened to you. She's very worried."

"What did you say to her?"

"Nothing, except that you had left." I nodded.

He walked over and sat down on the floor of the tent in front of me. Without touching me, he looked into my face. I raised my eyes to look at him.

"I meant what I said out there, Elenia."

My mouth twisted in a sardonic smile. But before I could answer he put his hand up.

"I loved you, my dear. Not only that, but I still love you now." I looked quickly up, but I could see no deception.

"I went about it the wrong way. I was stupid, and ignorant. I even thought about getting married again to forget about you, but I couldn't. Here, wait."

He reached into his shirt, and withdrew a chain with a tiny ring on it. I recognized it as one my own. I had been missing it for some time and hadn't thought to connect it with his home.

"I wanted to be with you. I moped around the house when you left. My father finally couldn't stand it anymore, and told me if I wanted to earn you back I should go do something to earn your trust. So I joined the Knights of the Rose.

"It seemed I had an affinity for it. They made me captain of an itinerant band of knights. I looked for you all the time."

I looked up at him, tears in my eyes. "I almost loved you too, you know." His eyes softened. "I was fascinated by you. But you were so cruel to me."

"Can't we make it better?" he whispered. "Won't you let me try?" 

I turned my face. "I-I don't know. I need time to think about it."

His face fell, and it truly seemed as though his world were crumbling. In a broken voice he whispered, "Don't make me wait too long, OK?" 

I looked up at him. I remembered the handsome youth that had made me feel so beautiful. I remembered the lover that had made me cry out in agony and ecstasy. And I remembered the devil he had seemed the next day.

Here then was another facet to be added to this man. If his feelings were real, if he was truly capable of love, then he could not be the monster I had made him out to be. 

I didn't know if I was ready to face that, though. I stood up slowly, and walked toward the flap. At the door I turned back, and said softly, "You should put some ice on that eye. It's going to swell up."

And I left the tent. 

Outside everyone was deliberately looking away. I went back to my tent, called Jasper, and hugged him tightly with the tent flap tightly closed. The tears fell from my eyes all night but I made no sound.

Two days later we confronted the dragon. The fight was long and arduous. Two knights died, and Tiradon was badly hurt. Not fatal, but enough to send him home to his keep for a long time. They were discussing who was going to take him home, when I stepped forward.

"I will take him home."

Kalina looked shocked. "You, Elenia? But..."

I interrupted her. "He and I have some things to talk about. Please."

They hesitated, then nodded. He was loaded onto a griffon, as well as my things and Jasper. I sat near him.

He had had a leg broken, and had numerous cuts and scratches, as well as a long burn across his back. I sat next to him on the griffon as it took off. He fell asleep almost immediately, so I thought about what I was doing and where I was going. 

I slipped my hand gently into his. It clasped mine tightly. 

We arrived at his keep in the late night. I awoke the servants to help unload him. They carried him up, grimacing with the pain. I had them undress him down to his shorts, and bring me medicine and bandages. Then I dismissed them. 

I washed his wounds tenderly. He had more scars on his body then I remembered. The tiny ring around his neck glinted in the moonlight. It was the only decoration he wore. He had fallen asleep, so I put medicine on and bandaged him. 

I laid my head gently on his chest, and closed my eyes. After a few minutes I heard him resume his soft breathing. Soon I fell asleep myself.

I woke up to a hand gently stroking my hair. I opened my eyes and looked straight into his.

"Good morning," he whispered softly. "I was surprised to see you here." 

I shrugged. "I don't know why I stayed."

"Did you take care of me?"

I nodded. 

"Why?"

I lifted my head off his chest and considered. "Because you needed healing."

He stroked my cheek. "Why did you come back with me, Elenia?"

I ran my hand lightly across his chest, noting with interest the sharp intake of his breath. "Can I ask you a question first?"

He nodded. "Of course."

I scraped my nails back across his chest. Very softly, I said, "Do I really affect you this much?"

For an answer, he put his hand over mine and drew it to his heart. I could feel it pounding underneath his skin. His skin was cool to the touch, and his hand was a little trembly. 

"Why?"

He whispered it. "Because I love you."

I sighed. 

"Your turn," he said.

I nodded. "Why did I come back with you, Tiradon? There's a lot of reasons, not the least being that I feel guilty you got hurt—that maybe your mind was on me rather than the fight. 

"I have to tell you -- I was wrong, too. It wasn't all your fault. I just got scared.

"But most of all, I came back because...whether I hate you or...not...no other man has ever made me feel the things you make me feel. I don't know what love is, Tiradon. But I know I feel very strongly about you."

He sat up, painfully. "Does that mean you'll let me try to win you?"

I hesitated, then nodded. 

The change in him was perceptible. His whole body relaxed. "Then at least let me fix one thing."

He lifted my chin, and pressed his lips to mine. My whole body tensed, and at first I had to fight the urge to push him away. But he was infinitely tender, and I relented.

He kissed me so sweetly; I couldn't help but enjoy. I held him gently, mindful of his injuries. He put his arms around me, and held me tightly. 

"Your wounds..."

"Shh..." he said. "I've been missing this and worrying for so long I would never experience it again. I love you, Elenia. I promise to do better by you."

I hesitantly lay down next to him again, my head on his chest. I didn't know what was in store for us. I knew I had to see Jenna again. Why, she was almost 20! 

Without thinking about it, my hand strayed down his chest, to his belly. My fingers lightly caressed him. I turned my head to see him watching intently. My fingers stroked across his waistband and he caught my hand.

He looked at me questioningly. I hesitated, then twisted my hand out of his grip. "Shh," I whispered.

I slid my hand back down and lifted his waistband. I slipped my hand in, keeping my eyes locked on his. I found him easily, he was hard, and I curled my fingers around him. He groaned.

"I want you to know something, Elenia."

I looked at him questioningly.

"I haven't been with any other woman since you left me. I swear it. And you know I don't lie to you." I nodded, and whispered, "I haven't let any man near me, Tiradon. I didn't trust anyone." He looked pained. "I'm sorry I did that to you, my love."

I gently freed him from his shorts. I sat up, and looked down into his face. I realized that I did care for him a great deal. I didn't know if he was truly the man for me, but I knew he would try hard to be. And I could not deny I had enjoyed the one night we had.

With these thoughts in my head, I bent over and took him in my mouth.

He moaned in surprise. I slid my mouth down the length of him, then back up and off. He was huge, and it was difficult, but I wanted to. 




Behind Green Eyes Ch. 06



I looked up at him coyly. 

"You're pretty helpless, aren't you?"

"Well, maybe. But why?" In answer, I slipped off the bed and went to my bag. I removed a pair of silk stockings.

"You like to hold me down? Hurt me?"

He nodded, actually looking embarrassed. I smiled wickedly. "I like it, too...but I think you'll agree it's only fair if it goes both ways." 

I lifted his arm and tied it to the bedpost with one of the stockings. I watched realization dawn in is face, then mischievousness. "I could tear this easily," he whispered in a low, husky voice. 

I replied, "I know you can. But then you won't have any fun, will you?" He watched me as I tied his other arm to the post as well. It was, of course, symbolic—the stockings were frail—but I knew it took a lot for him to let this happen.

The last thing I did was withdraw one of my slips from my bag and tied it around his eyes. I knew he could somewhat see through it, but it would only be more alluring. 

He was erect and pointing straight up. I sat across his belly, with my back to him, and slowly lowered my face down to him. I let him feel my hair trail across his legs, too.

Now I could admit to myself that I had truly missed this in the last year and a half. I took him in my mouth, slowly and teasingly. About halfway down I nipped him, ever so lightly. He jumped. 

"Ouch!" I chuckled, and then began to hum.

He groaned softly. 

I thought, "Why, this isn't half bad."