2 comments/ 20261 views/ 7 favorites Aire Eird Pt. 01 By: Moon_Flame Intro Year of the Eagle, 2735 The smell of wildflowers and grasses was the first thing that came back to awareness. After that was the sound of bees and birds singing in joyous summer enchantment. Overstrung senses from the failed awakening left her gasping. Tendon and sinew were stretched taught as a bow. Back arched, trying to drag in air to starving lungs, trying to find the empathic calm that ruled all dark elves, not letting the hysteria of the backlash rend her limb from limb, Phanerio opened eyes darkened by internal stress. I am worthless. Rolling onto her side, eyes watering, sucking in a tight breath to stop her heaving her stomach and insides up, she regarded the Elder watching her from across the tree lined glade. "So…you have failed this too then?" Bastard! Not saying anything, pinning him with her hazel eyes, she watched him move towards her, like a panther stalking prey. Defenceless, he swooped and grabbed her hunting tunic, sweat soaked from a backlash that even the most profound maje would succumb, shook her non too kindly. "Eh? You're hollow! Barren! A failure to us! Not worth anything! Can not even handle the simplest of our ways," Black eyes bore into her soul, stripping her bare and finding her wanting. Throwing her harshly back down on the ground, it was all Phanerio could do, not to give him the satisfaction of a muffled groan. Hazel eyes clashed with black obsidian. Whose will was stronger? ~~~ Chapter 1 Year of the Fallen, 2840 "Take these, go home and sleep it off. Come to me in three days and I will re-dress the wound," advised the healer. Humphing, the sorry sight for a ranger shuffled out of her small shop. Sighing, Phanerio walked over the clean floorboards and put her closed sign in the door. Enough! Raking reddened, small boned hands through her auburn hair, she crossed the shop to the back where her small kitchen was. Reaching up for a bottle, grappling as her stature was not the biggest, she found the dust covered bottle of aged Larient whiskey. Grabbing it also brought down a lot of debris that covered her in a wild smattering of white powder. "Should really dust up there," she remarked to her empty shop. Shaking herself off, she opened the bottle and took a swig! It burned the whole way down, leaving a living knot of flame in her empty stomach. Taking another long swig, eyes watering from the burn, Phanerio sank onto her chair. Will it ever end…? Knocking at her back door woke her slumped and angry on her kitchen floor. Stifling a groan, throwing her arm over her eyes, she tried to block out the insistent hammering. It only got worse! Cursing from all five hells, she yanked open the door, only to be nearly bowled over by her one friend, "Give m'that!" she bellowed in her thick city accent. Humphing, she relented the aged bottle to Alex, whose in turn grey eyes also started to stream, "Bloody 'ells Phan, what's in this?" "Larient whiskey." Eyes round, Alex spluttered, "Larient, Larient whiskey?" Taking another swig, voice rough, she continued. "Where did you purloin this? Phan you do know it's a jail sentence just to have a bottle, let alone a full bottle?" Respect shone in her grey eyes. "Yup, bad day," sighing, retrieving the bottle for herself, she regarded her friend. Tall, willowy, light brown hair shot through with gold and slate grey eyes. She had a lithe fit body of a dancer (which she was among other things.) She caught men's attentions even dressed in rags! An odd pair to be true… It was after a wicked jamming session that Alex had come across what she thought was a child in the street. Only when she bent closer did she see the darts of lights ringing the iris's in golden wonder, proclaiming her a dark maje. Stunned, Alex didn't react quickly enough, and a black blade was at her neck, pressing hard with no tremor in the hands. "Who are you," asked the maje. Compelled to answer, having no choice with the velvet compulsion in the voice Alex answered, then rallied and bit back, "Like you're in a fit shape to ask!" Snatching the blade from limp fingers, she regarded the elf in front of her. A dark elf here? In Casslaua? Why? Phanerio slumped, outstrung by a overtaxed mind and body, she missed Alex's tirade of language, "Well ho'wouda guessed? A ELF! Could fetch me a pretty price." Looking down at the maje, Alex felt compassion for her. She looked no older than her own 25 years, not that that fooled her, but it was the welts and scars running down her hands and wrists that brought the most pity. "Hard luck 'en missy?" Gathering her up in her arms, she brought her back to her modest accommodation. Several nights later, Phanerio regained awareness to the avid stare of her rescuer. Instantly going for her blades, finding them missing in action, she glared at her rescuer or captor. Soft laughter came back from the corner, "Do ne worry lassy, I've got your blades." Alex approached the elf warily, as they were the supreme fighters in this wretched world and could maim you with a word. "How are ye feelin?" Finding her voice, Phanerio asked, "You have spared me, why?" "Coz I reckon whoever yer running from, I'd be better off on your side than theirs," came the honest reply. Grey eyes met hazel. Phanerio's intuition showed her a woman who was lost, who had hardship Phanerio had no doubt. She could see the warrior in her eyes... "What is your name?" …and steadfast friends. "Broken bones, scraped knuckles, usual shit really," replied a dissonant Phan. Looking at her friend, she saw the gleam in her eyes, suggesting she had news, good, bad or indifferent! "Out with it, I'm not in the mood." "Ok, ok, I know 'en yer tetchy!" Gleaming slate eyes regarded her from across the table. "Apparently there's a convoy entering da city…from da north…said to be...Efliluer." Alex waited for her friend to explode…when none was forthcoming she opened her eyes a slit and looked at Phan, who had gone bone white. No, she had gone the colour of death itself. "Efliluer," 'Dark warriors' came the only response in lyric language. Alex ducked her head, unable to see the torment and hatred in her friend's eyes. Phan got up from the table with an effort. Shaking, stunned, she went over to her scrying stone, searched the world's magnetics until she sensed the one she wanted, and homed in carefully… They were hard pushed. Lathered Efliluer mounts raced their charges south at break neck speed. These spelled horses were as fast as they were lethal. They were the mounts of Efliluer maje warriors, trained in the dark arts of warcraft and majic, among other things. The moonlight did little to disguise the armour or the glint of majelight. Black cloaks billowed out behind the riders, while wolves raced along side. Dark warriors. Dark Elf Warriors the Efliluer, whose name was feared throughout the world, whose stories were told to children to stop unwanted behaviour. Efliluer…. Watching the racing band through the world's magnetics, she saw one of the riders haul their mount to a screeching halt. There he tilted his ebony head and looked directly at her! Panicking, caught, Phan threw up guards and recoiled back to her kitchen… It was the cold floor that was the first thing that Phan became aware off. Lying prostrate, she looked at her cracked and lice bitten ceiling. Alex sensing Phan had returned, crouched down and placed a cool hand on her forehead, stalling the instinctive recoil, "You ok?" Several attempts later, Phan got her dry throat and mouth to work, "Yeah, it'll get interesting here for a while; I'll have to be careful." Sighing, Phan pushed herself upright, while the wave of dizziness threatened to undo her again, she leaned hard against Alex. "Dark Warriors. Will be here within the next moon rise." "But that two days away!" shocked Alex clamped her hand over her heart. "What in Creators name do they want here?" "Dunno, ask your liege," responded a tired Phan. Sensing she had hurt her friend, she turned in her arms and said, "I know you share...things, and I am glad you have found someone. I just hope for both of your sakes, that we all survive the coming war." Ingrained compassion decreed that Phan help her friend, even though it cost her own heart. Looking into the slate eyes, she saw past her friend to a future time… "Phan! Phan! PHAN!" rough shaking dragged her back. "I'm ok. I'm back," she was getting tired of passing out on the floor. "Wha you see?" "Nothing important," stomach rebelling, freezing, needing solitude, she said, "Why don't you call back tomorrow? I'll be better then. You know I need to re-align after a forecast." Looking at Alex, seeing a storm brewing, she forestalled her, "Please, I'll talk to your tomorrow. Ok?" Her friend wasn't happy, but relented. When she had gone, Phan lay down on her bed and prayed for sleep. It did not come… ~~~ Several nights later, Phan took a walk down the wharf. The ruby sun rinsed everything in reds and oranges, turning boats to floating firestorms, and people into walking fire. The water was stained red, as red as blood in war. Dodging deck hands from a wharfed deep water vessel, Phan made her way down the jetty to a red tinged black boat. "Ere, there be Captin' abroad," she shouted to the ship. "Who asks?" was bellowed back. "It's me you idiots, unless you want your wood to rot, and your food to fester I say lower the plank!" "Alright, alright, keep your panties on!" Stifling a smile, Phan waited patiently for the plank to be lowered. Once on deck, she stared levelly at the captain. "What in Creator name happened?" The poor captain of Deathcut was in a bad shape. He had a torn ankle, scraped legs, and festered wounds on his arms and as for the cut to his head… "Ran into a tad of bad trouble, fuckin pirates!" Captain Jool replied. A hulk of a man, 4 inches past 6 foot, and as broad, he was a menace to look at and just as quick in mind and in sword. "You are a pirate!" Phan replied contrite. "Don't go spreading the word. People think I'm honourable," as a rat! He sniffed and scuffed his boot on the planking. "Humph, well ok, anyone else needs help? You know it's dangerous for me to use my powers what with the Dark Brotherhood holed up in the castle." Both spared a glance to the castle that formed the eastern side of the bay. Built by maje, it seemed to rest out of the cliff face like a dagger. Arcane majic was built into its foundations, making it impenetrable and no conquerers delight. Balador has stood for a thousand years and is the capital city of Lucciara, a wealthy kingdom, with the king seat in the capital. Both turned away from the fortress, both for different reasons. "Yeah, the lads got a right hammering too." Disgusted Captain Jool regarded his crew with a hard stare. "Next time you louts will do as I say!" His fair crew just stared back... Covering her mouth with her hand, lest poor Captain see her smile, Phan cleared her throat and started the task of healing normally Without her powers… ~~~ Later she was dragged screaming from her nightmare, into a living hell… "Did you think you could run from us?" a black velvet voice asked. "To run away and leave without consent? To leave the safe haven of our forests in a fool's errand?" Black obsidian eyes bore into Phan's soul and left it open and raw. She had too much to lose. Looking around, the smell of the dungeon was acidic with urea and vomit. Not her own. She would not break before them. Never. Lifting her head to pin her captors, her brothers, her sisters she looked at all of them equally. Measuring. Waiting. The dungeon was dark, only the light from a wall scone at the far door illuminated a patch. Not that it was needed. Fouled straw matted the floor and around the room, the feeble lamp light reflected a master inquisitor's domain. What have you gone and got yourself into! Glancing around again, she regarded her captors with a steady if not ironic stare. Almost missed the still figure in the furthermost corner. Folded as if in the wall itself, he was the shadow. He was death. She knew he was watching her, his gaze raising gooseflesh along her arms and raising hairs on her neck...he was terrifying "You would do well to answer," replied a male voice like poured darkness. As he moved in front of her, Phan seen that he was wearing Efliluer battle garb, so simplistic it hazed the mind for want of weaponry. Tall, dark haired, black eyed he was her uncle by marriage, and no friend. He had broke her on her last failed awakening. Phan stared back. Not a flicker of emotion or stress showed on her fine cut features. Inside she was scrambling, screaming for a way out. "You ran away, unsanctioned; you will be tried by our laws and disposed of." As the circle of Efliluer closed ranks around her, the figure in the corner moved his stance. This was what they were looking for. The traitor. Tall, broad shouldered, he tried to fathom why she had run so long ago. He knew she had failed on all the Eflil tests – maje, song, wisdom, seeing, warrior, healer. As an Eflil, you have a particular talent or calling. Some are healers, some are dancers and only some become warriors and only a handful of these become the Efliluer. She did not have any, so why did he see her scrying as they raced here? Lungs burning and mind reeling, Phan watched the one in the crook from the corner of her eye. He was the one to be afraid of. Not the ring of 5 surrounding her, ready to dissect her being into slivers of frozen ice. I'll have only one chance… The Efliluer began to sing. A haunting song that broke the heart and raised the spirit from flesh. Goosebumps grazed her flesh as her safeguards recoiled from the songs power. They then started to weave sigils in the air, to draw out the living power of the body, leaving her shaking and sweating with the onslaught. The lines of her aura lit like lightening in the dark chamber. They then traced her life line firing it red in the darkness, and sung to bend it to their will. Still the one in the corner did not move. Strung out, the pain became a friend as the gruelling majic whipped about her body. Phan raised her head and looked to the one who hated her. Gathering the last of her strength she pinned him with her hazel stare. Calling on the elements of air, fire, wind and water as quickly as she could before arousing suspicion, she created a vortex in her mind. As the Efliluer's song increased in power and swelled like an over ripe strawberry, Phan used this swelling power to aid her own… Too late he realised what she had done, as he moved at preternatural speed, drawing his darkened blade to kill her, he was dragged at the same instant he reached her into the open vortex and was hurled beyond the dark dungeon into oblivion… Chapter 2 It was the heat that woke her. The blistering, sunstroke heat that burned like a thousand needles with every breath. She was free! Wow! It Worked! Rolling onto her side, Phan looked into the far distance. The heat haze muddied the atmosphere and created illusions that were not there. The baked earth burnt nearly as bad as the sun. Levering herself upright slowly as not to be overcome by nausea from such an extreme transition, she sat quietly and stared into the distance. How did I do it? Remembering back to the awful feeling of the Efliluer tracing of her life line and the subsequent pulling apart of her whole being, she remembered activating the elements, calling for their help and laying down her life for them. They had answered! When the swelling power of the Efliluer crested all moments, the vortex of earth majic opened and hurled Phan through space and time…to land on the desert of Kula. Frowning, sweating, tired, Phan remembered the flash of a dark blade as she was taken by forces no other could meddle with. Looking around again, she saw a dark bundle, once thought mirage, in the middle distance. Oh dear Creator NO! Standing up slowly as her rubbery legs threatened to go from under her at any instant, she made her way cautiously to the dark shape. If he had come through with her, he would be unconscious. Such a transition on an un-trained mind could damage beyond repair. Even his. Shirt and trousers sticking like glue to her body, Phan reached the bundle and gingerly rolled him over on his back – and cried out in shock, jumping back only to land on her arse! Holy Creator NO! Stunned she sat looking at the one who all feared, the most powerful Efliluer, one whose name was to bring his bane upon you was lying sprawled at her bewildered feet. And she knew him! *'Get his weapons'* her inner voice screamed! "Yeah like that'll stop him." Getting up cautiously, with bruised buns, Phan moved slowly like a bee keeper to the still figure. Trying to be as light as possible, she removed his weapons. Stiletto blades from his wrists, throwing knives from belt, and boots, poison darts, hunting knife. Still, she was trying not to notice the hard muscle and bone underneath her questing hands…where was the sword? He was going to attack her with it as she transferred… Looking around the parched earth, she quartered the area, and quartered again…still not finding that fucking sword, Phan raked now blistered hands through her unruly hair, Lifting it stuck off her neck, she rolled it up and did another full circle. Suddenly, she saw a glint in the dirt, 30 yards from him! Gott'cha! Nearly running over to it, hand extended - just within reach it was then she was bowled over by what seemed to be an oak falling down on her! She was already fighting by the time they landed. Got a good punch into his sternum, then he banged her across the head viscously. Tasting blood, rolling, fighting for her life, Phan remembered the one knife they didn't take from her…taking another hard hit to the kidneys, Phan got the knife, rolled and got it to his throat, while he locked strong hands around hers. Using his weight he pinned her to the ground. "STOP!" he ground out. She was a hellcat, wasn't going to go down easy. Staring into her hazel eyes, he knew her! Tightening his grip, only increased the pressure of the blade on his neck. The air around them thickened like molten honey. A trickle of blood winded it way down his neck… Staring up into the ice blue eyes that burned through her soul, Phan knew he was going to kill her. His whole body vibrated with leashed power. Sigils traced the air in white fire as he gathered the forces to unmake her Rage took her over… the previously burning heat of the dessert was now a living inferno... "For the love of Creation, let her go or we will all die!" somebody yelled nearby. The air became thicker, hotter, golden lights lit her eyes as the air responded to her summons - "Now! Now dammit or she will kill us all!" He looked up, and stared. He was looking at a small Light Elf thought long gone from this world. "Who are you?" The air became like a furnace…golden lights surrounded Phanerio… "It does not matter, SHE WILL KILL US!" Looking down at the trapped Eflil beneath him, he saw the resolve to die and take him in her shining golden depths, rather than go back. Dragging in a breath, he rolled off, only to be looking at a sword points surrounding his prone body. Aire Eird Pt. 01 "Better not try it Efliluer," said a female in a singing voice. He stayed where he was observing the Light Elves. They are alive! "Lady Phanerio, Lady release the air, Lady please release the pressure or we all will die. Lady …Please…" Phanerio looked up at the blue sky and the splitting sun. Better die here than go back… "Lady…Please." She recognised the voice…turning she regarded the face of King Lorsa. "Please," he pleaded. Dragging in a breath, Phan calmed her inner sprit and looked within, to the calm pool that resided within her. However it was not calm, it was like a squall, must release the pressure… Rain, golden rain. It fell from the heavens. The sky looked like it had been studded in gems as the rain fell unhurriedly, more slowly than normal rain. The sunlight glinted through the suspended water jewels. They chimed like bells as they struck the ground and milling Elves. It soothed, and cleansed raw burns, leaving pink flesh in the wake. The ominous pressure released with each droplet, to that which was before. The he ring of warriors surrounding the Efliluer stood awestruck, never had they seen anything like it before. Unabashed tears fell from their cat-tipped eyes as the witnessed the working of the Aira Eird - The World Maker. Aira Eird … they whispered in awe… Chapter 3 Phanerio woke to a pounding head and a hunger that was crippling. She was always hungry after. Looking around the room she was appointed, she knew where she was! That in itself was a miracle. She had thought King Lorsa a dream. She was back in the Light Elves kingdom, which had resided undiscovered for centuries. Now there as an Efliluer here. Frowning, getting off the pallet, she walked to the window. So different from where she was born. High dunes surrounded the city. Maje wards glistened like cut diamonds far in the distance, keeping the city safe and hidden. Tall spires of white sand illuminated by maje fire, gave the whole city a soft yellow glow. Elves in fancy gowns and clothes walked the rich gardens sprawling all over the base of the city. It was a good view from the Kings tower. Sighing turning around, she found clothes that were left. Smiling slightly, she donned the black outfit. Tight top, that accentuated her tiny waist, while holding the modest 'girls' in place, it was sleeveless, but had an over jacket cut short to allow rapid movement. The trousers were low cut on her hips, and shaped her behind like a glove. Boots that supported the ankle finished the look. Or almost. Her weapons were back in the City. Giving her waist length hair a run through with her fingers, she looked at herself in a spelled crystal to allow the reflection to be seen… Heart shaped face, tilted ears of her race, and almond shaped eyes were all that resembled a Dark Elf. Her hazel eyes, auburn hair and smaller stature sang of Light Elf. The two races could not procreate. Each was barren to the other. So it was strange to have a mix, labelled her an outcast in both realms… Her stomach rumbled – right food! Some time later she was sitting in the kitchens, the cook making fresh bread, while she devoured everything insight. Cook laughed, "You were always a good eater." Grinning happily, he went on to make her dessert. King Lorsa found her here, polishing off another cake slice fit to kill a king! "Want to tell me what happened?" Hazel eyes steadily looked at him. "No." Anger at boiling point (the Light Elves rarely got angry - that was the Darks forte) the King slammed down his palm on the table and shouted at her, "I have a Efliluer under severe watch. Should he even flinch, our warriors will strip him bear. Our peace is in jeopardy as we now have been found and you say no!" Red faced and starting to lost control, Phanerio took another piece of cake. "It is not your business," stalling further outrage, she held up a hand. "All I will say is it was unavoidable that he is here." Sighing, putting down her fork, she continued, "I did not know. He is dangerous even to himself." Shuddering, shaken, past memories bloomed into sight… The glade was bare. All that resided within its oak bowers was the life of the forest. Moonlight traced the leaves in silver, while the grasses and flowers became almost transparent. It was time. Dressed in a long white gown, she was left in the middle of the glade. The moon struck red glints in her loose hair and gave the gown a soft glow…she was of age. Every female Eflil of the age underwent the making ceremony. This is where she would be mated by a male, and her fresh blood used to enrich the fertility of the ground. Every Eflil knew it had to be done, lest the forest would reject them. The mate was picked by dreams, nobody knew who mated. They were anonymous. The glade ensured that when they left at the first ray of dawn, they forgot with whom they laid with… He came through the trees, like a ghost. Silently moving through the glade, he stopped in front of her. Scared to look up, Phan felt his need. The need for a single night to be one with somebody. The need to hold a woman close and bring her to the Creator and back. A long boned finger traced up her bare arm, rising goosebumbs all over her hypersensitive skin, he tilted up her chin to look at her… Strong ice-blue eyes that could heat or freeze now looked down at her with need hidden in their crystalline depths. Phan was drawn into the blue sea. She was drowning…he was seducing her…long, thick black lashes framed the ice stare, while his hair spiked in the static of the glade. Her own hair and gown seemed to lift with an unseen breeze… The finger at her chin was replaced by his hand sliding down her neck and collarbone to rest over her wildly beating heart. "You are beautiful." Phan's body shook with the impact of his voice, like warm syrup sliding over her senses. Her body moved into his ever so slightly. "Dance with me." How could one not when her bones melted at his voice? He gently gathered her into his strong arms, one arm sliding to rest at the back of her waist, while the other took possession of her hand which he tucked into his chest. She moved with him as they danced to the tune of the glade. She was never more aware of his size and strength, the breadth of chest and shoulder, long legs and rippling muscle as he moved. He was taller than her, and as she let her head fall onto his chest, his bowed over hers. In time, he raised her head with his hand and ran his fingers through her long auburn hair, admiring before closing his palm, cupping her head and bringing her closer for his kiss. The last thing Phan remembered seeing was his fleeting smile and desire in his hot blue eyes that sparked fire in her. As his firm lips settled on hers, she was overcome with sensations. His or her own? They melded and shared desire and feelings. They knew each other instinctively. His kiss became more demanding, pushing his tongue between her own lips, opening hers in response, and thought she had died and flown from the glade. Toe curling, heat spreading he could kill with a kiss. Stretching up, pressing her aching breasts to his chest, she closed her hands behind his neck and held on as he whirled them through space. And this was only a kiss? When she regained her dizzy wits, they were lying on the cool grass. He was curled beside her, large shoulders blocking out the moonlight as he leaned in for another kiss. Arching beneath him, locked in the duel of heat and pleasure, she nearly missed his hands removing her gown. Shivering she broke from the kiss and flushed widely, trying to cover her breasts. Hands stopped her and forced them above her head in a death grip. Shocked she looked into his smouldering eyes "You are beautiful, do not cover your beauty." And then he was kissing her, hard and forceful. She could only respond to the heat he poured through her, arching more, begging with her body. Keeping her hands in one of his, he traced the moonlit flesh with fingers designed to kill, not bring pleasure. Her skin was alabaster and as smooth as silk. He buried his face in her neck inhaling her scent, praying he would remember it tomorrow, he slid down her body, mouth following his marauding hand, bringing a pink flush to her skin and tightening his groin even more… When he suckled on a nipple, Phan thought she was going to pass out from the sensation of his hot wet mouth on her, while his other hand squeezed the other breast. Dragging in deep breaths, trying not to 'meww' she was awarded with his chuckle against her chest, "Cry out baby, I want to hear your voice." And with that he attacked the other breast relishing her animal sounds. Her body seemed to be getting tighter and tighter, until he stroked his hand down to her nether parts, then she nearly exploded with sensation. As his fingers traced her slippery folds, she cried out, arching…wanting…then he hit the sensitive spot and all she could see was a starburst of sunlight behind her closed lids, while her body shook and tremors seized her slight frame. He held her close as she spent in his arms. Holding her he stroked down to her lips and slipped in a finger to her heat – she was so hot! – Sliding in a second into her velvet sheath, stretching her tenderly, he waited for her to return to him. As Phan came back from the stars, she opened her eyes to look directly into his burning blue, now aflame with unspent passion. Fear must have entered hers as her kissed her again and whispered, "I will make this good for you. Do you trust me?" Nibbling his way down her neck, sucking on the tender spot he found, he rolled his hips to let her feel his arousal. "Yes," came the breathless reply. He moved then and slid his body atop hers, gently taking her legs and positioning them around his hips. Grabbing his engorged shaft he ran the head over and over her sweet folds, until her head was thrashing and hands were fighting to find him. She couldn't take much more, opening golden eyes; she caught his and commanded him to take her. As he leaned over, kissing her, he positioned the large head at her entrance. And pushed in firmly, kissing her harder as she tensed beneath him, drinking in her cry of pain, kissing away the tears as he ripped her open for him. He felt the hot spurt of blood on his cock, it only allowed him to get into her further. Both panting, buried as far as he could get, Phan felt him tearing her virginity from her, stretching her impossibly, crying in shuddering gasps, she sensed his resolve to go slow and let her adjust. She felt it in the solid locking of his muscles, the overstrain in tendons not to take her hard. Running hands up his flanks to rest on either side of his angular face, turning him to meet her gaze, she spoke for the first time, "I will not break." Smiling she ran her hands over his neck and chest, down to his nipples where she squeezed, relishing in his harsh gasp and the shudder that racked his taught frame. "As you wish my beautiful." She shuddered as he withdrew, legs tightening against his hips, he plunged back into her liquid heat. Groans blending, heat rising he pushed himself further into her with each stroke sending them higher and higher with each forceful plunge. Her cries added to his arousal, until he swelled even more, pushed harder, further… The sensation of him thrusting into her tender flesh was something Phan had never thought possible. From the way he held her, to his weight, his groans, his cock as it slid in her sheath, the sensation of his head rubbing her inner walls, the crinkly hair on his chest abrading her nipples, to the devastating mouth demanding response from her was all too much…too much… and she was sent flying from this world with a kneeing cry mingling with his groan as he spent himself inside her… Does he remember? Doubtful. Only her lack of talent and barriers at the time made it possible for the Glades protection not to take effect. Still she remembered the kiss he gave her as the dawn broke… Shaking herself from long ago memories, she levelled her hazel stare at the King of Light Elves. "Where is he and the sword?" "He is within the holding stones, thought it best. Our best weavers are constantly rearranging the pattern, lest he try and take it down. As for the sword, it is missing," the King sighed. Raking thin hands through greying hair, he still only looked a human 45, where his real age would be well over 900 years. He looked tired. Phan's compassion flared as it was wont to do on every occasion! Moving over to him, she laid a hand on his arm. Startled he looked first at the small hand on his sleeve then at the Aira Eird, knew how much it cost her to touch him, even in this way. Phan looked into moss green eyes and let her conscience take over, see what the King saw. The fear of his people. The bloody war started again between the feuding Elves, taking too many lives, the fear of losing his home and his beloved… Removing her hand, Phan took a shuddering breath, and braced herself against the table. Breath in, breath out, release…release the hold, release the presence, release the fear… When she was steady again she said, "We will need to secure him. He has his sword somewhere. A search would be useless, he can hide it on his person as a part of his own being." Startled, the Kings head snapped up from his deep thought in the sunlit kitchen, "How?" "The sword or the weaving?" "Both." "Best answer: he is the sword, he can hide it like a body marking, and release it when needed. As for the weaving?" Phan sighed, "Don't ask how." "You are a brave lady to take on the leader of the Efliluer." A wry smile made her look like a child, not the power she was. "Stupid maybe." Smiling she strode from the kitchen, illuminated by the sun, her shadow moved along the wall – not one of a Eflil, but of a protecting spirit granted to her long ago… Chapter 4 "Where is SHE?" bellowed Captain Jool. Smacking tabletop, sending cutlery and apocathary equipment shattering to the floor, Alex rushed to collect up the remains of Phanerio's delf and still. "I de'ne know," replied Alex tersely. "She was on y'boat last 'een … Well?" Glaring at the captain, pinning him speechless, he sank into a chair. Scrubbing his face with his one good hand he elaborated, "She came aboard, cleaned up all the lads and myself, had a few whiskeys, and went home. My first mate walked her, as he thought such a slight girl couldn't defend herself." This brought smiles to both, poor lad, she would eat him for a snack. "He said he left her at her door, 'slammed in the face she did!'" he mimicked the mates' squeaky voice. "I just bet she did!" Both looked at each other and pealed in laughter. Poor guy! When they had righted themselves, Alex ventured, "She de ne use nay power?" "Non, normal, mundane healing she did, what with those dark bastards here, couldn't risk it," he took a swig of what was left of the Larient whiskey. Neither was in doubt who had her, and it wasn't over a bottle of illegal drink either. Frustrated, agitated they could do nothing but keep her blades and sword under wraps. ~~~ Phanerio observed from a safe distance of 2 leagues where the Efliluer was being kept. To weave a lifeforce into a binding spell went against everything she was made off. She did not bind souls, she freed them, healed them, reaffirmed and brought back from the abyss… Sitting on the grass, the cool dusk settled among the spires of the desert city. A slight fog misted the ground, giving the illusion that everyone glided and was not of this world. *'You could just let him go!'* Yeah like that was going to happen. Slumping on the ground, ear pressed to the grass, she listened for the quickening of the world, the voice of creation that encompassed all living things. Shedding her shell of flesh and bones, Phanerio soared free like a bird, over the city, the desert and beyond… Alex was wrenched awake by the cold. "In Creators hell, did ye leave da window open?" As she rushed to the window, she was struck by the image of it closed. "Huh!" Turning in a circle she seen from the corner of her eye a spectral image, "PHANERIO!" The image turned her way. It was Phan, but looking at her was like looking through 3 waterfalls at full breach. Distorted, she saw a hand rise in farewell, not before she seen the glint of a black sword fading from sight. "Holy Creator." The commotion had woken Captain Jool, and he was bug eyed looking at her, "What now woman?" ~~~ Distortion was the first thing that happened after a sprit walk. Everything rushed too fast, air going into lungs was too loud, heartbeats were defending…coming back to herself took time, at least now she had her sword. Swords were important. An Efliluer sword was much like their steeds. They were ingrained with the Name of their Creator, usually an Efliluer. If a sword was broken or used to kill its creator, then their steed would die as they hold the balance of their creation in their hands. Metal and bone, there were ways to kill a Efliluer, all be it a messy and nasty job. And foremost getting the sword. Phanerio's sword was hers, with her name imprinted, but that was not all. It was a sword given to her already named in her Name before she was born. Who had the foresight to do such mastery? Only one race could have done it…dragons… As Phanerio came back to herself on the now darkened grass, she traced the signals and runes laid in red, within the black metal. It always made he feel safe with it on her. She was going to need it. After conferring with the master maje about the strength of force their weavings could take, Phanerio crossed the barrier wall into mortal danger… He was sitting crossed legged, with loose hands. He looked for all intentional purposes a young Eflil, not the master he was. As Phanerio walked from the distortion in the air, it was all she could no not to collapse from the stresses. The maje were pushing the weave to the up most limits. She just prayed she could act before it collapsed and they all buckled under the backlash. Walking further in, she realised they had placed him in the centre of the guard stones. *'Humph, well North won't let him out for flattery.'* Stifling a smile, she looked further, to the ring of ancient pines at their backs. Good place to pick, strong world magnetic currents converges in flux points, charging the atmosphere and area at high noon and moon, here in this place it effectively strengthened the weave. He didn't look up. Not a good sign. *'Humph! Least you could do is say 'hello!' Shut up! Now is not the time for your interference!* Sighing, Phan moved forward, leaving a good distance between, where she then sat and seemed observed the weave… He did notice her coming through the constraint. It would be a fight to take it down, but why bother. The reason he was here was now sitting across from him, looking at the stupid weave supposed to keep him in. Yeah - right! He couldn't help but notice the fluid grace as she walked and sat. The way her hair moved, the way she tilted her head. The soft breeze brought her fragrance…hands tightening he fought off the memory… Hands tightening…ok…risking a quick look, he looked murderous. OK! Not going to be good at all. The silence stretched. Even the birds refrained from speaking as the pressure rose… Aire Eird Pt. 01 *'You know he really is a looker!' Shut up! Now is NOT the time!* sighing again internally, Phan was gona kill her protector once and for all if they ever lived outside this glade. One of them was going to have to break, or Phan was gona explode. *'Bet you wouldn't mind him making you explode!'* "Argggghhhh," *Your dead!* As his head jerked up, to regard her with blue fire, Phan shrugged, "A bug," and went back to her weave watching. That was a plain lie! There were no bugs in here. Everything had left, in case it was incinerated! Looking more closely at her, he observed her aura. It had changed! Nobody's aura could change; it was the same at birth as at death. Puzzled he looked closer, trying to dichper the strange lines and sigils ingrained into her very being. "Don't look too close, she gets angry quickly." Eyes jerking to hers, he seen humour in their hazel depths. He had forgotten about her eyes before and the impact of the outer brown, startling gold and green which hid secrets he found he wanted to know. Ok, none of that! She is an enemy! Seeing the storm gather in the blue depths, Phan ventured to breach the gathering violence that was a hairs breath away. "I can be friend as well as foe. Do you really want me as an enemy?" Startled, shocked by her brazen tactics, his fury subsided a degree. "Why would I want you a friend, traitor?" *'Ohh voice like raw sex!' Shut up!* In fact Phan had also forgot about that voice. Sighing, stretching her legs out on the grass, she regarded the weave slowly, then him again. This time the gold stood out like firelight in her irises. "Simple really, try to leave and your soul will be ripped apart by the very world itself as the weave now carries your aura. Try to harm me and my guardian will have you for a light snack. She likes Efliluer especially very strong ones. Likes the chase…that's all before Creator will un-name you for destroying the Aira Eird," sighing again, Phan looked at him sadly, and shrugged. "It's your decision," standing she made to leave. When she got to the weave she turned and said back to his furious face, "I'll be back at high moon, give me your answer then." She left… ~~~ The cake was delicious. Phan licked her fork again, and delved into another slice of oh so heavenly chocolate cake. 'mmmmmuhmmm!' Phan was a firm believer cake was sent to this world just for her! Scooping up some cream, she spooned a huge mouthful into her mouth as King Lorsa walked in. "Eating…again?!" "Humph," Phan managed around the cake. Swallowing it, she cleared her plate and looked at the King of the Light Elves. Smaller, lighter of bone, they were more genteel than the Dark. "To answer your unvoiced question, I do not know what he will decide. If he wants out, he will kill us all in trying. I just hope…" voice fading, she wouldn't give voice to that train of thought. "I just hope we all survive to see the next sunrise…" Parting from the King was not easy; she had spent time here learning, becoming accepted, helped heal weakling babies, warriors…and now all that had changed. She was an enemy of sorts...not to be trusted as she had brought a Efliluer to their peaceful world. Forcing the nausea back down as she walked through the confining weave, she was surprised to see the Efliluer standing awaiting her. Bugger! Standing still, not risking provocation, she levelled her gaze at him. As he gazed equally hard back, she raised an eyebrow, "So what will it be?" Aire Eird Pt. 02 Chapter 5 The atmosphere in the glade was reaching boiling point. The very air itself held its breath, waiting. Waiting to see who would break first. The stillness of the night heightened Phan's awareness of him, of the moonbeams glancing off his dark hair highlighting blue-black streaks in it, of his eyes turning a vibrant cobalt with contained power and strength. The tension was becoming unbearable and the trickle of sweat rolling its way down between Phan's breasts was like a living flame on her hypersensitive skin. At long last as Phan neared her limit, he spoke in a velvet soft voice. "There is more to this. I can see that much. You do not want me dead. You need something." Looking at her, watching her inhale a large breath he saw some of the tension release from her body. There was something else. "Something," looking away to the south stone, away from his too intense gaze her eyes glazed as she considered. Frowned. He was needed, but would he accept the challenge? "If I show you…it will change the way you view everything…shake your standings…what you believe is right and wrong," she faded off as the memories of dreams and lost foresight bombarded her. Shaking, her skin raised in goosebumbs as wardings flashed over her to protect. Rising above the memories, Phan focused on the sigils magically put into the rocks by a long lost race. Breathe, just breathe…Getting her scattered wits back under control came at a cost. It made her body and mind oversensitive to everything. Her clothes hurt, breathing in air was like fire, and her heartbeat shook her body. Elves outside the glade having conversations seemed like they were in her head shouting at her. When finally she could focus her eyes, she felt a sword point at her throat. Great! *Where are you?* Her inner guardian remained silent. Humph! He was startled to see her shake. Watched as her arms and chest broke out in gooseflesh and sway like she was going to faint. It was the only opportunity he was going to have. Calling his sword forth, he pinned her to the stone at her back. "Why should I believe you?" His voice held a menace the likes she had never heard before. The velvet tones were more than lethal, literally able to kill with a word. "Because the worlds balance hangs in your hands Efliluer," her eyes met his. The moment hung, suspended like snowflakes in a dark night, stretched, until Phan thought her overtaxed nerves would implode…Then he spoke: "Show me then Aira Eird what this dammed world wants of me!" His voice was harsh and demanded her response. Removing the sword point from her throat, he stood back and waited. Phan took several deep calming breaths, if he took this the wrong way…well…great! Moving to the North stone, its carved face and sigils were getting brighter as the moon tide of magnetic power was just about to surge through the glade, powering the flux lines in white illuminance and world power. This in turn heightened her awareness and reinforced the containment weave. Phan used this surge of power, caught it in her being and redirected to the part of her that was her sight, let go her barriers, and showed him on the North Stone what would happen… Of Balador's towers and battlements crushed to crumbling rubble, the headland once supporting the fortress no longer there. It was like the headland was cleaved off by a mighty sword. A great scar on the landscape. People in the streets dieing. Mothers' hugged babies and children killed in position by a fire of arcane means. Boiling blood running like a river into the aqua sea, hissing like acid as it entered. Mothers, children, fathers all butchered like pigs and left to rot in their own entrails… Of this city, razed to the ground, tall sand towers obliterated. The lush gardens on fire and scorched like a wildfire had come through with the force of a hurricane. The strongest spell weavers caked in their own blood and faces, held by ropes for the amusement of their torture. The once fine golden people no more. Of King Lorsa's head on a pike, the rest of his body mutilated… Of their own forest domain, the protective trees aflame, uprooted from the protecting soil, covered in blood as their women and children were used as play for marauding soldiers no longer of this world, raped, beaten, hanged, tortured… "Creator stop!" held by the world's power, he could not look away… Of their warriors, absorbed into the ranks of the undead, doing unspeakable things…to the throne room, where a half human, half demon sat. Phanerio's body slung over his knees, her beautiful eyes vacant, blood running down her long fingers like a spiders web to fall into her congealing blood underneath the throne…dead…and of himself tortured and forced to watch as they raped and killed the Aira Eird. To a dieing world, choked in black smoke and horror unimaginable… "It's your destiny to kill him," her lilting voice brought him back as she released the tide of the flux sending it down the lanes and promptly passed out at the feet of the Efliluer High King…Cadeyrn. ~~~ The blurring of a black thing and a greenish thing was the first hazy image Phan got as she opened her eyes. She had no idea how long she had passed out…an hour, a day, a week? Blinking rapidly, she tried to focus her eyes…failing. *'Your back! I've been watching over you. I don't think lover boy is doing the best…'* Dragons had a strange sense of humour. A slight smile fitted around Phan's mouth as her guardian told her how long she was out, *'Not too long, I brought you back, thought it prudent, he has questions…' No doubt he does.* The rapid blinking showed her it was the midnight sky dotted with sherbet stars and dew covered grass. Slumped on her side where she had fallen, Phan took stock of her inner self. Physically she was fine but her spirit was raw and bleeding. Gathering what little energy she had left, she pushed herself upright into a sitting position. Swaying slightly, hand to her throbbing head, hair in disarray around her body and face, she forestalled him coming over, "I'm ok." Hungry but ok. Dragging her unruly hair away from her face, she regarded King Cadeyrn sitting opposite her. Still a bit woozy she leaned back on an arm, lest her head fall off. He didn't look great. *'He looks like how you feel.'* Phan couldn't agree more. Shadowed blue eyes, the crystalline depth dulled by shock and anger met hers, still golden from the flux. Raising a brow she asked, "You have questions?" It seemed an eternity before he answered. Beautiful voice hoarse, "How long have you known about this?" A wry smile made its way to her mouth and full lips, "You would not believe it if I told you. Let's just say I've been haunted by the dreams since I can remember…" "You knew before you left? Why did you not tell someone?" Oh dear, how to tell that! Well… "It was not the time." Hastily looking away before he saw her emotions, Phan elaborated, "After the last failed awakening." A hard swallow of rising bile, "I had a dream. Nightmare, humans call it. I always knew what would happen in advance, small things really. But then this night…I woke screaming…I ran…thought if I got away then it would be ok." That logic now at this time was ridiculous, but back then…a young Eflil with no powers… who would have believed her? Cadeyrn, observed her closely. I woke screaming. There was more. A lot more, but from the stiffness in her body, he doubted he would get anymore out of her this night. When she moved to brush her hair away from her face, he was instantly transported to another time… Of her lying in the same position propped up on one elbow, body lying along side his. Of him brushing her hair back, and her moving her body more snugly into his, tracing the defined muscles of his arm, up to his chest. Strokes that traced the beautiful swirling inked power sigils all over his chest and abdomen, making him close his eyes. Following the lines tattooed onto his body with her eyes, he thought he was aflame, each line coming alive with each tender caress, until he burned from the inside out. When she traced the lines up to his hairline, he shuddered, needing to feel her satin skin. Sliding his palm around her waist, feeling the shudder racing over her body, he pulled her sweet curves into his hard muscles. The feel of her breasts and slickness rubbing on his thigh was pure torment. Her fingertips traced ever so slightly over his high cheekbones to his dark eyebrows, down to his full slightly harsh lips, outlining them, leaving them tingling for her kiss, her other hand pulled him closer so their mouths could meld. Drowning in her taste and feel of her supple body arching into the hardness of his…her unique scent calling to him, knew she wanted again too... Shaking off the memory was not easy. It was safer to be angry. Far safer than the other feeling her presence induced. Taking in a deep breath, balanced calm was all he was about afterall, he refocused on her face, "It wasn't ok. No matter what you think. Who is he, the demon?" "The best I know is he was once a human magician as they call it. He was once known for his amazing abilities before the Elves spilt. He then went missing for Millennia. Prophecy says that he will return and rape the world. For my visions that would be fairly accurate. Where the demon part comes from, it is not of this world. I would know if it were so." Getting up, Phan stretched cramped muscles, and looked out over the hidden city, trough the confinement weaves. "The races of this world will have to combine to have any chance of combating him and his armies. There is a person, if you agree to the cause that can tell you more about that. King Lorsa is willing," shrugging Phan regarded the quiet figure before her. "What do you say King?" Gazing into the distance, Cadeyrn realised his hands were tied. Form a partnership of the world's armies or lose all? He was never known as stupid! "I would like to talk to King Lorsa if I may?" Phan nearly jumped for joy! Food eventually! "Yes, of course, I'll be right back…" Literally running through the weave, she met with the maje that were strained, beyond the point of endurance who were controlling the weave. She took on the powers which they controlled and coalesced them into a living energy that drenched the whole city in a white light, visible from afar. Satisfied that no higher acoustics was left of the weave, Phan turned to both men. Lorsa was standing with a full cohort of warriors at his back. They were dressed in battle outfit, with helms swaying slightly in the breeze and weaponry glinting in the moonlight. They were all ready to pounce and tear Cadeyrn limb from limb should he even move a hair. Like a full cohort could stop him! Cadeyrn in response to all the hostility directed at him just sheathed his sword and waited. His silence and stance menacing in its own right. Phan stood between the two divided Kings, "King Lorsa, King Cadeyrn," and with that she turned on her heel and strode away through the warriors and glade. Which was more important? Two powerful rulers taking clumps out of each other or food? Chapter 6 Strawberry soufflé! Her absolute favourite! Dancing over to Cook, Phan graced him with a rare hug. Thrilled speechless, Cook could only smile and watch her walk out with the bowl of soufflé tucked into her hands. Phan drifted through the gardens that were lush, full and green. The sounds of the nocturnal animals soothed her and let her body relax. Her body felt like it was ready to burst. Strolling aimlessly through the gardens, she bent over to smell a night flower, whose perfume wreathed itself around her like a blanket. Straightening Phan noticed a heated discussion up in the Kings tower. Oh great! She could hear the raised voices. *'Better go up there to make sure they haven't cut of heads!'* Phan sighed tiredly and agreed. ~~~ Walking steadily up the rounded staircase cut into the sand of a great dune, Phan noiselessly entered the Kings Conference room. The centre of the room was dominated by a huge table carved from the greatest Elf artisans. Colourful frescos in the white sands adorned the walls, depicting the life of the Light Elves. Light illuminated the room in a golden glow by blown sand scones with candles within. More lights were suspended throughout the room and over the table giving an unearthly luminosity. The very air itself vibrated with the emotions in the room... On that table the two Kings were at it like bitches in heat. Men! Both turned hostile gazes her way as she walked in. Ignoring the hostility, why bother? Phan sat herself down at the table. Lorsa was at the head to her right, Aidion, King Lorsa's war captain at the other end and Cadeyrn across from her. Aidion was puce, really not a good sign! The table shook still from the recent battering of fists upon it. Humph, men! "A partnership with them? No! Absolutely no way," Aidion fumed. Righting the chair that had fallen in his abrupt standing, he sat back down and glared at Phan, who smiled gamely back. Lorsa looked sympathetically at his right hand man. "If you have seen what we have, you would understand." Turning to Phan, she noticed he looked far older and worn. More than she had ever seen. Dark circles under his eyes and his skin seemed stretched tight over his bones. He asked, "Is there any way to let him see?" Three pairs of eyes all bore into her. Not one for being the centre of attention, Phan glared at each one in turn, not caring if they seen her golden irises, then replied in a soft voice, "Yeah, but...I will ask a boon in favour." "He has to see Phanerio. It is the only way. Name your price," sighed Lorsa. "I don't know yet. You'll know when I know," smiling her best smile, she knew he would oblige her with anything she asked. Grumbling Lorsa said, "Get on with it then." "Alright, Aidion, would you please come with me?" "Why does he have to go? Do it here!" Riling she faced King Lorsa. Her stare and stance immediately making him back off. Something about her suggested that he might not keep his head. He bowed his head as Aidion followed her out. Cadeyrn watched Phanerio interact with the King and his war captain. She was definitely different. Gone was the girl he had lain with in the glade, in her place was now a warrior. A warrior he had no doubt could match even him. It was strange. He thought it was an illusion, a trick of the light. But when she had turned on King Lorsa, there was a shadow behind her, like a spirit. It wasn't elven or human, but something else... ~~~ To show Aidion what he wanted to know, it would cost her again. She was tired. So tired. Plus was pissed off waking up on the floor, frozen to the bones and starving. The stresses on her body meant she needed food to replace the lost energies; else she turns into a grasshopper! Walking down the corridor they found a vacant room, a good distance from the conference room. She was followed in by a reluctant Aidion, who if he knew her, was as reluctant as him. Turning she said, "It won't hurt, you won't remember how you have the memories, you just will." Moving around the room she hummed, calling on the air to respond to her summons, using the very air itself to block sound escaping. Drawing on the higher frequencies she tightened the net so it was noise tight. Taking a deep breath, feeling it swell in her lungs, burning she released it and the tension in her body. Turning to Aidion she said, "Just look into my eyes." He did, and was drawn into the startling gold points radiating from her irises. He seemed to fall into her arms, and as her mouth touched his he was aware of their aura's touching, combining and of her passing information directly into his mind... ~~~ Sometime later Aidion walked into the conference room to see a light meal had been left, and the two rulers still glaring at one another. Standing in the doorway, he regarded his greatest enemy. Having to form a partnership with them was not sitting well in his mind or stomach. If truth were to be told, it was nauseating to think that the two estranged Elf Nations might work together. They had a lot to get over before a partnership could be agreed. Sitting down warily, bone tired, he said, "Whatever it takes, we will do all we can to defeat this evil." Hauling in another breath he continued, "If you both have seen what she showed to me, we must endeavour to do everything in our powers to stop him." Lorsa looked to Cadeyrn who nodded ever so slightly. "May I ask Aidion, where is Phanerio?" Lorsa questioned more concern in his voice betraying his feelings for the girl. "Passed out on the floor, said she wanted to be alone. She's worn out. Never seen her this bad." He lapsed into silence. Lorsa took a deep breath. The poor girl. "There is nothing we can do." Regarding the silent Cadeyrn at the other end of the table, he decided to play with fire. "Phanerio can feel lane fluxes shifting. The balances are thrown out of alignment and she must level them. Our healers can feel it too. It will take all her power in the coming years to hold them steady against this evil." Tapping the table, Lorsa ventured, "Can your healers feel the difference in the spin of the world? It would feel like nausea or falling into a void according to Phanerio, Creator knows what she feels!" Contemplating how many cards to lay on the table, after all, he was sitting in an enemy's kingdom. Cadeyrn replied carefully, "We have felt something. Like an unbalance. I have felt it myself. I knew it was to do with the flux lanes. We thought it was more to do with the distancing of the sun on our orbit around it as we are heading into the lay of the spin. They are falling?" "According to Phanerio, they are. She holds them stable. You found her in Balador by the simple fact she had to balance the River Gallagh to the sea. If she hadn't then Balador would be currently under water up to your head!" Silence after this reigned as the three men introspected what lay ahead and behind. ~~~ Some while later an Elf lady came to show Cadeyrn to a room. "For your comfort, we sleep the small hours of the morning. If you need anything just ring the bell in your suite," bowing low she left him to himself. Sighing, he wandered aimlessly around the room. Disregarding his over jacket, he got a good look of the burns left behind from the desert. Or what was left of them. The rain had literally washed off the ugly red welts, so only slightly pink skin was left. Stroking the pink skin on his forearm he went over to the windows, or lack of them. The room opened straight out into a balcony suspended by fine woven sand that shimmered in the night, like cobwebs with sun sparkling through them. The whole place was as magical as his own home. Their kingdom was a forest dwelling, with rooms cut out of the very trunks themselves. Branches wove together to make room platforms. Suspended lights like lightening bugs danced throughout the forest at night, while the daylight dappled everything in shades of gold and green. Sighing he moved over to the bed and sat down. Bracing his arms on his widespread legs, holding his head he tried to make sense of everything that had happened... Sleep? No. Drifting through the twisting corridors of the sand tower, he was hard pressed not to admire the art and craftsmanship of the place. It was beautiful. Standing at the edge of a platform, looking down over the sleeping city, his awareness picked up a ring of dissonance...Following the path he traced it to a room, not far off where they had the meeting. Opening the door he saw Phanerio lying on the floor in an awkward position. Her right arm was caught under her body and her face was turned away from him. The noise came from vibrations in the room, which in turn responded to her distress. The air seemed to trying to call to her. Aire Eird Pt. 02 A nightmare no doubt. Hesitating, not knowing whether to cross the threshold, the choice was taken from him as he seen her body being lifted and thrown back down onto the floor, only to be lifted again and thrown against the wall. She will kill herself! Rushing over, he caught her slight body as it lifted and braced her against his strong chest as the seizures wrecked her. She needed a soft bed and warmth. The cold of her skin drawn tight over her lovely features and the stress humming through her body was enough for him to carry her out; releasing the weave she had wove to dispense noise as he went. He then took her to his room where he prayed nobody would disturb them. He dared not use his majic. He then gathered her cold limbs in his arms and took off her jacket and boots. He wanted to keep his manhood so he left the rest on. He smiled wryly at the thought. Taking a washcloth he soaked it in herb scented warm water and bathed her face and neck. Tried not to notice the fineness of her features, softness of her skin, the long fingers, the beautiful curves, her natural fragrance calling to him...Taking a deep breath, he only inhaled her beauty. Troubled, he walked over to the window. Maybe it was them not just her that the Glade did not protect. A noise from the bed had him returning to her side. She was even colder than before. A bluish tinge around her lips and face. Grumbling, he removed his boots and lifted her into the bed, settling her alongside his body he brought the wool blanket up around them. The heat off his body was the only way he could think of to warm her. The use of his powers would bring every warrior of the city into the room crying murder... ~~~ Phanerio woke slowly. Wherever she was it was quite and warm. Staying still she savoured the warmth that infused her body. She always woke chilled to the marrow, like her blood had frozen in her veins. As awareness returned, she noticed that she lay on her side, on something soft and something solid and hot beside her. It was then she heard the other heartbeat. Stunned, dragging in a breath, his woodsy musk invaded her brain. She was in a bed with Cadeyrn! Lying still as possible she felt him move his arm, to trace and tangle his fingers down her long hair, and settle her more comfortably against his side. It took every ounce of who she was not to react to that caress. Keeping her breathing deep she dared open her eyes the tiniest fraction. She was lying basically draped over him, with her head in the hallow of his shoulder. She dared not move. His free arm held her hand against his heart, stroking his thumb over the sensitive wrist. The caress came again. She tried as his hand slid through her long strands, not to react. She failed. Miserably. A taut shudder ran the length of her spine in reaction. Tension gripped her as the hand stilled half way down... "Are you...alright?" imprinted against his body, she felt the words rather than heard them. Velvet soft and concerned. Her poor heart was going to break if she didn't get away from him... *'You're safe here you know.' What? 'You're safe here! A moment in time, to be yourself and do what you want.'* A strangled sound must have escaped as he moved her to a position that they could see each other. Gazing into the cobalt fire of his eyes, Phan felt that she was actually drowning in their intensity. They now lay hip to chest, flush against each other. Trying to reign in scattered wits, Phan managed to reply causing her breasts to press into his chest, "I'm fine." The urge to touch him was irresistible, overwhelming. She could see the same need reflected in his eyes. It swamped them, surrounded them. Who made the first move neither knew. All they felt was the blazing heat as their lips met and fused. As his tongue slid into her mouth and dulled with hers, Phan wrapped her arms around his head, holding on for her life. The softness of his lips, the duelling of his tongue, his taste...The kiss escalated to some unknown realm of passion, lighting fires all under their skins and setting bodies aflame. Moaning he broke the kiss. Phan gasped as he traced butterfly kisses down her neck, sucking on the sensitive part above her collarbone. A deep shudder raked her body in response. "We can stop." He raised his head and gazed with a force of passion to blind into her very soul. Smiling, Phan ducked her head and whispered against his neck, "Where would be the fun in that?" She ran her hungry hands down his back, while she kissed him with all the pent up passion in her. He kissed her back equally hard and then they felt it. Their aura's heightened, touched, flux points aligned, bodies shuddering, raised in gooseflesh as the contact points disintegrated. There were no more obstacles or barriers. They were merged together, as only Eflil can be... He broke from the kiss, gasping from the shock and whispered back, "No fun at all beautiful one." He then rolled her gently onto her back. Leaning over kissing his way down her neck with a wicked grin and quick fingers, began to strip her. As he uncovered bare skin, he kissed all he could reach, all he revealed, showering her in his passion, so they didn't know where one left off and the other began. The feel of his lips and hands on her body was excruciating in its tenderness, bringing tears to her eyes. As she moved to allow him to disregard her top, she took the opportunity to yank his over his head. Problem was, he got stuck, or rather his shoulders did. Arms in the air, face covered by the tough material, Phan tried to get him out. She ended up pressed to his chest smothering giggles. Cursing came from the smothered face, and he ended up ripping through the offending garment. Phan's hands were braced on his upper chest smiling, giggling up at him; she instinctively traced the markings of the Efliluer majic sigils. "So funny-" she croaked. Unable to keep a straight face himself as he looked down into her smiling eyes. Something within him broke free reaching out for her...Breath hitching he kneeled and brought her astride his hard thighs to sit on him, so he could hold her head and kiss the smile on her face. The other hand cupped her swollen breasts, pinching and squeezing her nipples until she broke from the kiss and moaned. Bending her back over his arm, he feasted on her soft curves and tortured her nipples and breasts, biting, licking sucking strongly until she was rubbing herself along the ridge of his arousal. She tasted like sweetness and life. "Please..." she gasped as he suckled strongly at her left breast, letting it pop from his mouth. Each tug sent an electric shock to her quivering pussy, drenching her as she shuddered uncontrollably. Could she cum alone from him doing this to her? The ache between her legs was getting painful now. She needed him driving into her hard and fierce to get relief, or she was going to go mad! As his head moved down her stomach, he lifted her and laid her down on the bed, resuming his sucking and tracing of her ribs and abdomen. She grabbed his hair, sobbing, need rising to bursting point, moaned as she felt him loosening the laces of her trousers. Moving down her body with his mouth, dragging off her pants, he gently spread her legs open so he could rest in between. Her feminine smell reached him, nearly losing control to take her now, he took a deep breath and let her legs fall over his broad shoulders. He then tenderly opened her with his fingers to his hungry gaze. She was flushed and wanting. Her lips were blood red, filled with blood, while her pussy leaked honey. Kissing up her silken thigh, he was rewarded with a keening cry as his mouth found her succulent slit. Licking from top to bottom, he thought he had never had anything nicer. Her juices were sweet and spicy, and he couldn't get enough. His cock at this stage was raging in his tight leather pants. Creator he wanted her! As he inserted two fingers into her hungry pussy and his tongue found her engorged clit she cried out, tensing. The increasing pressure of her legs wrapped around his head told him she was close. Sliding in a third finger, he wallowed in her cry of ecstasy, as she came apart for him. Felt the rush of power flooded through their auras. He sucked up all the juices he could get like he was starving for her. Phan thought she had died. The orgasm wracked her body when he added a third finger. When she had calmed down a fraction she grabbed his hair pulling him up to her so she could kiss him. Tasting herself, arousing her further she demanded he respond. She reached between them and loosened his battle trousers. They were stiff and difficult to remove, so she pushed him on his back. His look of shock fuelled her desire and she crawled on top of his hard body, kissing down his neck, torturing his nipples like he had done to her, tracing his markings and the fine line of black hair that disappeared into his tight trousers...Eventually, she got them off. Flinging them away triumphantly, she gazed at his hard cock. Oh my! He was big, but it was his thickness that surprised her. The purple head leaked and the throbbing veins were straining along the shaft. Smiling up into his smouldering blue eyes she took a tender hold of his inflamed shaft and started to stroke in a firm grasp, up and down, while her other hand massaged his heavy balls. A low grumble of warning came from his chest and before he could stop her, she went down on him. She sucked him hard and long, taking him in as far as she could. He was so big, her mouth barely fit around his crown! He tasted like honey cream and the feel of him throbbing and jumping in her mouth added to her arousal, so much so that her juice traced a line down her thighs. The pleasure coming from him in their aural contact had her shuddering violently. Hands grasping at her hair he dragged her up and away from his nearly bursting skin, kissing her, she aligned herself upon him and gently rubbed her painful pussy along his hard shaft. Both shuddering, breathing hard, she teased him mercilessly. "Please," he growled and as she smiled at him, rubbing him harder. He grabbed her hips and rammed his cock into her waiting pussy. They both cried out with the impact. Both physical and astral. They were one. They could feel what the other felt, knew what eachother wanted, a intimacy only a few experienced... He filled her completely. She fit him snugly. They were made for eachother. She was milking him hard. Her inner slick muscles grabbing his shaft like fingers, so hot, like flame. The feeling of him spearing hard into her hot pussy had her on the brink of orgasm. Body shuddering she laid down on his chest so they could regain their breaths. Lips meeting hungrily his hands gripped her hips, leaving bruises, he moved her in a grinding motion. It took all his will-power not to come, his restraint travelling through their contact to her. "I won't break." Sliding up, Phan started to ride him. The feeling of his full head sliding against her inner walls set a fire inside her. They couldn't control their bodies. They moved harder and faster, until both their breaths were ragged, striving for the peak. Her hands were claws on his chest, raking her nails along his ribs so he roared and thrust up harder. She thought he had entered her womb he was so high in her. Reaching up, Cadeyrn squeezed her sensitive blood filled nipples, causing her to fling back her head and moan. A second hard squeeze had her crying out, bucking wildly on him, bathing his cock in her juice as she came hard. A flood of ecstasy came rushing from her into his being, dragging him with her until all he could do was lie there in wonder as she collapsed on top of his chest. He stroked back her long hair, trying to keep hold of his demons. He let her rest, with him buried hard and full still in her. When she looked up, he was pleased to see the returning arousal in her eyes. Smiling grimly, kissing her, he rolled so she was beneath his weight. Phan came back from the stars, only to be kissed witless and rolled so his hard, strong and oh so hot body now blanketed hers. She loved the feel of all his muscle and bone pushing her into the bed, the protection it offered. As he rose up, she twined her legs around his waist, as he braced on his forearms so he could watch her as he drove in hard and relentless again and again. It was like he was trying to get inside her very soul. Every hard thrust had their auras blending even more. The scrape of her long nails along his back only added to the urgency and as she started to tense and cry out with every brutal plunge. "Cum with me," Phan gasped incoherently. He couldn't take any more and he let go. He took her furiously, his balls swelling and cock growing inside her until their auras coalesced and the sunburst broke over them. His shouts blended with her cries as he filled her with his seed, her pussy wringing every last drop out of him. Their auras crested time and space and the resulting energies drenched them in golden sun, spreading through their veins to pulse with every heartbeat... Later with Cadeyrn slumped still over her, their hearts trying to calm and lungs strained for air, Phan ran her fingers through is spiky hair, loving the feel of it, the feel of him. Still inside her, of his seed warming her from the inside. Their auras mingling, aural lines brushing, touching, merging. His body blanketing hers, his breath ragged against her neck...Phan realised that this would be most likely the only time she will ever feel like this. The realisation of that had her biting her inner lip hard to stop the overwhelming emotion... Cadeyrn came back to himself sprawled over Phanerio's tiny frame. The after-effects of the aural blend and the sensation of her tracing her fingers in his hair had him shivering. Dragging in a breath, feeling her breasts crush against his chest, he rolled of her to the side still holding her in his arms. He was afraid it was a dream and she would disappear. After all this time searching... Gazing into her dark hazel eyes, he knew as well as she what had passed between them. Knew they were soulmates, the only one for eachother. They wouldn't be able to lie with another. It was hard before, but now it would be impossible. Their bodies and souls wouldn't allow anyone else. They each carried each others scent. A claim. A marking. Neither had the courage to voice the crushing emotions. Instead Cadeyrn asked, "Why didn't the Glade remove the memory of you? You haunted me every night and day..." Shocked, Phan ran his words through her mind again. You haunted me. "I thought it was you who haunted me." "Before you disappeared...I used to watch you all the time after that. You knew I did. Why didn't you tell me of the dreams?" Phan did know, how could she not? A big hulking King Efliluer stalking her every footstep was hard to miss. As for the dreams... "The dreams." Catching his eyes, she continued, "Were...not of your concern..." Seeing the growing anger in them, the need to find out, Phan shut her eyes. How to tell him she saw him die? She was there when they killed him. "I'm sorry, but what happened - did happen for a reason. I was destined to leave regardless of what may have been between us..." Looking at his angry and hurt face, Phan laid a hand on his cheek, "It had to be done..." she kissed him, unable to bear the emotions in his stormy blue eyes... Chapter 7 Cadeyrn woke slowly. Turning over, he reached for Phanerio and found cold sheets. Jerking up he looked around the room, and back to the bed where she had fallen asleep in his arms. She was gone! Furious, he jumped up and dressed quickly. He headed for the conference room, only to be met by the Light Elf that had showed him to his room, "Please follow me your Highness." So he followed her fuming through the white twisting walls of the tower. Eventually, with his mood darkening by the minute, he was led into a beautiful sunlight room that was set up for breakfast and was greeted by King Lorsa's wife: Queen Erina. Exotic flowers of every colour, releasing heady scents covered all available space. Hanging from walls, ceilings...The Queen was as exotic as the flowers. Tall, nearly a match for him, she had long silver hair and striking wolf like silver eyes. As thin as a willow, her presence screamed light, love and heath. Rising, silver eyes sparkling, she greeted him warmly, and asked him to be seated. "I trust you slept well?" She asked. Trying hard to glare at her, he responded as graciously as he could. Knew it came out as a growl, "Well enough." Queen Erina tried hard not to smirk at him, it would be rude. The temper she can see in his body was due to Phan having to go. Smalltalk was out of the question. During the breakfast she told him that her husband was off seeing to the barrier weave surrounding the city and if he needed anything just to ask. "I am fine thank you." Another growl. Getting up to take his leave, she stalled him with a hand on his arm. Startled he whirled at her. She gave him a disarming smile, "Sit down again, like your women we also fight and have our own powers...and there are things you should know." Curiosity won over his anger. Knowledge was his greatest weapon. Cadeyrn sat down and bid her to continue. Taking a deep breath, Erina continued, "My King and I have no children. Phanerio came to us...different to say the least, in full command of her powers. We do not know where she was between the time she left your kingdom and came here. She does not speak of it. We have tried, but she has it locked away. Anyway she helped in the strengthening of the boundary weave. If she had not then we would be at war again. Her weavings are some of the most outstanding, complicated, stunning work we have ever seen. Possibly why we have never been discovered." The Queen fell into an introspective silence. "She was like a sister and daughter to me. She was young then, and trying hard to cope with all that she was. How she survived...certainty I would have not had the strength. She would come and go as required. Never staying too long saying: 'she was needed.' I never doubted it. You would see a certain look on her face, like her world had collapsed, and she would go on her horse, who just appeared out of air it seemed." Looking at him squarely in the eye, Erina continued risking a lot, risking a known temper she would rather not deal with. "She had to go this morning. It was not her wish to go, I could see that. The conflict of the woman and the power...she is needed in more ways than you can imagine." "What ways?" Cadeyrn ground out between clenched teeth. "Have you ever sensed a magnetic upwelling in the world's currents? A high frequency that travels the paths of resonance? That is her, keeping the world from falling apart. There is more to it than the spin of the world. The evil that is already here is draining the very lifeforce, making the magnetics falter on a regional scale, and later if he succeeds, the whole network will fall." Sighing heaving she continued, "You must understand, it was not intentional she left." So she knew. "I did not know." A lesser growl. "You would have not. She does not talk about it. Too painful I think. Now, she did leave contact details for you. Captain Jool runs a deep water ship from Balador to the Green Isles. He is your contact for all you need to know about the coming war. He knows what we are up against. Anything else can be directed at us..." And so, since the Dividing Wars the two nations of Elves joined forces to combat a common enemy... Chapter 8 Phanerio was in mood. No doubt about it. As she rode Luna (what else do you call a silver elf horse?) away from King Lorsa's kingdom and him her mood proceeded to hell itself with every fast stride her horse took! For fuck sake, she was already there! Aire Eird Pt. 02 She had woken curled around Cadeyrn's strong body, warm and stated. Nuzzling his chest, arching against him to be closer, she nearly collapsed when the force of the lane's magnetics going out of balance hit her. It was all she could do to lie still and not make a move in case she woke him. Shaking, nauseated, Phan got dressed. At the door she looked back at Cadeyrn's sleeping form. For some reason her unruly heart fluttered and a tingling sensation came over her. She knew it was a bad idea, she knew it was, but she couldn't help herself from going over to him. She laid a hand on his broad chest and leaned down to whisper in his ear, "I am sorry. Thank you." She gave him a tender kiss and silently left the room. So here she was, racing on Luna to get to a magnetic flux point that was 3 days ride away, in a foul mood. Get a grip she told herself. She could still feel him, hot and heavy beside her, around her, his breathing, his laughter, his eyes.... "Argh!! What have I gone and done?" she called to the desert sky. To take her mind off a certain blue eyed King, she concentrated on the flux that was draining currents. It was a strange one. It was not sourced to any natural phenomena like a river, volcano, lake, but to something else. A gateway. No it couldn't be a gateway. She had closed all gateways years ago, as they drained the currents of the world to operate. But, it was one. Who would open a gateway? Who would have the knowledge to? Phan could only think of a select few. Groaning, eyes rolling, she could only imagine what awaited her in Casslaua. Things were gona get interesting... ~~~ It was the smell that assaulted Phan as she rode through the North Gates of Casslaua. The city was situated on the delta of a great river, the Teighen. As it was located in the tropics of the world, the climate was hot and sticky. Leathers stuck like syrup to saturated skin, while Luna's beautiful coat was darkened by sweat to a dull charcoal. Tying her scarf around her face, they picked their way through the awful stench of the slums. The city had two distinct areas. Once was the slums, and the other was the inner city. This was where all the wealthy and privileged people lay back on sun lounges, while slaves fanned their hot skins. Phan hated Casslaua with its slavery and divisions. She hated the city with a vengeance. But it was here that the magnetic thread converged to a portal. It was here that she was taken... Unfortunately the portal was located in the Royal Palace. Unfortunately the last time she was here she left rather quickly. Unfortunately she was in possession of a rare artefact that should not have been in anyone hands, including hers. Unfortunately if she was discovered she was to be killed on sight. That had nearly happened before. So it was with great reluctance she was emitted into the inner gates of Casslaua under a glamour weave of wealthy merchant and proud bay horse; not a sweaty tired female who was half starved and a knackered stallion. The only safe place to stay surprisingly enough was the city's best brothel. Phan had helped the Mistress Allure (as she calls herself) on more than one occasion with her 'girls'. Mistress Allure owed Phan and she was here to collect. Reigning into the brothels neat stable yard, noting the wealthy carriages in the pews, she caught the eye of a stable boy and called him over. "There are 10 gold's for you if you look after my horse right." The boy's eyes went round. With 10 gold's he could move his family out of the slums and into the inner city! He more than agreed, and the prospect of hot food in his belly had him un-tacking Luna like lightening. Smiling Phan made her way inside. 'Allure's Haven' was an upper class whore house. The girls in the house were all stunningly beautiful and well mannered. Mistress Allure had girls from all over the world: from the small, cat eyed females of the northern regions; to the tall regal blondes of Balador province; to full figured tropical women; to women whose skin was as dark as night. The whore house clamed to have it all. And alas it did. From orgy rooms, bondage, cross dressing, role playing, you name it, Mistress Allure did it. And if she didn't? She would make it happen. Entering the whore house from the back door, Phan was immediately assaulted the sounds of the house. For one who was in a strop over a man, hearing screams and shouts of delight turned her mood as brittle as rust. Hesitating in the doorway, Phan took a deep calming breath and entered. She was met in the richly attired reception room by a fabulous looking blonde, who was stacked and curved in all the right places. Her light green eyes looked down her nose in contempt of Phan's dirty clothing. "Yes, can I help you?" the blonde asked with scorn in her voice. Hiding a smirk, Phan asked for Mistress Allure. "She is with a client." Green eyes raked her appearance, and delicately took a delecate lace handkerchief out of her wrist and held it to her nose. "Right, I'll wait." Phan strode over to the most brocaded and expensive looking chair in the place and promptly sat her ass on it. She then took her booted feel and planted them on an ornately decorated table. The blonde looked like she was going to faint! Mistress Allure did not 'do' clients. Stammering the blonde followed her over, "Maybe you would like to wait in another room? More suited to your needs?" "My needs?" the wrath in Phan's voice drew the blonde up short. "What do you know of my needs? Hum? My need, as you say, is to meet with your Mistress. So hurry along and get her. She is in the solarium, not with a client." At the blonde's shocked look, probably never had a dressing down before, Phan picked at the sweet things left on a table beside the chair. Promptly ignoring her, she watched as the blonde whisked out of the room with silks whooshing. Stifling a chuckle, Phan proceeded to drop the glamour and to eat all the sweet pastry's... ~~~ Mistress Allure stormed into the reception room and drew up short. Sitting on the Chancellor's chair, looking like death warmed up was Phanerio. Brows pinching she frowned at the state of her dress and smell. "What are you doing here?" "Well hello to you too," Phan retorted. Gliding over to stand in front of her, Mistress Allure glared down at the small woman. Now Mistress Allure herself was an attractive woman. She stood tall, with long chocolate hair that gleamed in the light. Dark intensive brown eyes that were highly intelligent. Her lithe body had a pair of outstanding breasts. One would say that they were too big for her frame, and encased in a figure hugging corset enhanced them even more so. She was also a master markswoman – her throwing knives would be concealed in her dress. She was as lethal as she was beautiful. "What do you want?" barely concealed rage gave her voice a slight tremor. "Tut, tut, Mistress Allure. Where are your fine manners? I just popped in to say hello," smiling, it didn't reach her eyes, Phan reached for another tray of sweets. Snatching the tray out of her gasp, Mistress Allure ground out between clenched teeth, "The last time you were here, you left an unholy mess in you wake!" Fuming she stalked over to the door and closed it. "Hummm, if I recall it was your husband at the time that nearly got you killed, not me. How is he by the way?" "Dead." *'Not surprising, she probably had him hung, drawn and quartered'* Phan had to stifle a smile, hastily covering a cough behind her hand. "What do you want Phanerio?" Looking at Mistress Allure she couldn't help the smile coming to her face, even her eyes. She was a wagon all right. "I am here to collect on our last bargain. If you recall you are in my debt." Head inclining, Mistress Allure did remember the bargain. At the time she nearly had died and only for Phanerio she would be in the heavens. She did owe her. The only problem was Phanerio brought trouble wherever she went. Sighing, she took up a chair on the other side of her. "I do recall." Looking into Phan's hazel eyes she was struck with an image: It was night in a forest, the eerie glow of the moon cast a couple in dark shadows. She had no doubt it was Phanerio and a tall man. They were caught in a lovers embrace. She felt like an intruder as she watched the man lift his hand to tilt her face up to his for a tender kiss. The affection of him with her she had never witnessed before. Neither wanted the kiss to end, knowing it was the last time they would see eachother alive...Shaking it off she looked at Phan and some of her hostility left her. The girl looked like shit. "Want a bath and a hot dinner?" Sighing, Phan nodded, "You read my mind!" ~~~ "In the palace? The Royal Palace? Where the guards have orders to kill you on sight? Where you...and him...oh Dear Creator..." "Yup." "Fuckin 'ell," Mistress Allure exclaimed. After a bath and a very filling meal, the two ladies were in the solarium looking out over Casslaua. It was early evening with the sun just starting to set. The red ball of flame rinsed the whole city in scarlet light like a spilled wine goblet. The hole place needed to be razed to the ground, Phan thought. "Have you seen him?" asked Phan. "No! Don't want to either. That guy is more trouble than you!" exclaimed Mistress Allure. They were discussing the open portal and a man that possibly could have opened it. He was a trickster and illusionist by trade. It may not be open at all, just a ruse to get Phan into the city so she could be captured. Phan doubted it was though as the magnetics were exact in Portal opening and was difficult to replicate. Even for him. "I'll go in tonight." *'Better bring the sword and bow. My senses say you will need them.'* Great! ~~~ A sharp thrust here. A quick thrust there. Here a thrust, there a thrust. Everywhere a thrust...thrust... "Just cum dammit," Makanka growled at the bouncing beauty on top of his dick. Blonde hair thrown back she screamed as he grabbed her hips and hammered his dick off the front wall of her twat, hitting her g-spot, making her cry out and spray him with her jism. She then fell forward onto his chest breathing heavily. "That was just amazing," she purred. "Yeah, whatever." Thank Creator she had stopped screaming, he reckoned his ears were bleeding blood! And the smell - ewwww! Glancing down at blonde hair, he rolled his eyes at her. Women were just not his thing. But he had an appearance to keep up and that meant bedding women – much to his disgust! Getting the female off him proved tricky as she wanted a second round – he was sill hard. Grabbing her forcibly by the wrists he shook her and yelled - "Get the fuck out now wrench!" Seeing her light green eyes fill with tears had him raking fingers through his long hair! WOMEN! "If you don't fucking get out then I'll have to have words with your Madam and tell her how fucking uncooperative you are. Would not want that now would you bitch?" At her shake of her head, he bundled her out of the door, slamming it so hard that the frame actually came away at the top. "Bugger shit," Makanka swore looking at the sprung wood. Heartfelt laughter had him swinging around searching his rooms. He could see nobody. Rushing over to his sword belt he grabbed his longsword and prowled through the apartments. The laughter was strongest in the bedroom which still stank of female sex. It was actually in one corner, and for some reason triggered a memory...he knew it! "Show your face you mean assed fucker of horse shit!" The laughter increased to the point that it was nearly strangled. Red faced and ready to rip someone from navel to throat, he advanced on the corner menacingly. His hard muscles and defined ridges taking on a blue sheen as he prepared for battle. His eyes became cat-like, iris's narrowing as he focused on the laughter, giving him a feral look. "Stop," wheezed a voice that was maddeningly familiar! He knew it! As the person in the corner unwove a disappearance weave, he was ready for an attack. At the last second of his headlong rush did he recognise the hazel eyes, watered in merriment! "Phanerio - " he screeched. "Schhhhh! Don't want anyone to know I'm here!" Startled as she looked like shit, Makanka lowered his sword, glared, and then exploded again! "Oh so you're a peeping tom then!" Only dogs could have heard the next part as his voice crescended the upper atmosphere of hearing. Grinning, baring the wail, Phan put her hand out to forestall his onslaught. "Please, Makanka! Stop! I'm here on business." The wailing ceased a fraction. Then started again as he waved his sword around the room like a mad man! Having enough, Phan went over, caught his sword and flung it to the side of the room. Glaring down at him, him glaring back with his black eyes like ice they tested who was stronger... Phan won. Signing Makanka looked up at Phan. He only reached her waist, about 3 feet in height the Dwarf was a master magician and illusionist. He had long black/silver hair plated in a braid, a well trimmed beard, with overhanging eyebrows and wide spaced black eyes, set into an angular face. He was lean, not fat like most dwarfs and a nutcase. He was also gay and hung like a donkey! He was also an ally and somewhat of a rogue like Phan herself, probably why they both got on so well. "Can you put some clothes on Mak?" Something had happened to her. She was different somehow. He could see it. Could sense it. But what was it? "Why, you want a piece of this sugar?" he waved his hardening cock at her. Humphing, Phan retorted hotly, "No, you don't want any of me! You idiot!" He saw the blush as he turned away. A man, he thought. Phan with a man...hahahahaaaaaa! He pitied the poor guy – she was an ice queen and he reckoned her pussy was stone! Pulling on clothes, he looked at her over his shoulder. She was seated on a lounge chair, booted ankles crossed, sword, bow and quiver at her side and a multitude of weapons strapped to her body. She meant business. "Are we going to war?" he asked hopefully. He loved a good fight! "Why do you have a portal open?" He froze mid lacing of his trousers. A portal. He turned slowly and faced her, searching her face and body for signs. One was open. He could see the stress on her body clearly enough. The pinched look to her face, tightness of muscle and sinew, dullness of her eyes...it was a big portal. He answered carefully, knowing that she could kill him, "I have no portal open." The news that Mak didn't have a portal open didn't surprise Phan. He was a master and would not let the magnetic fields range so far out of sync. Plus this was Casslaua, Where he was... *'This is bad.'* "I take it you don't Phan?" he asked hopefully. At her hostile look he retreated to get his sword, and sat a safe distance from her. "This isn't fucking good," looking at her hazel eyes he knew as well as she this was going way south of bad. They both knew who had the portal open. They both sat quietly lost in their own thoughts and fears. Sometime later, Mak stirred and knelt beside Phan, putting a hand on her arm, "Whatever happens, I'll get you out." His pledge of loyalty was nearly her undoing. He had no reason to help her. "Why do you say that?" "Simple really. That shit head, fucker, bastard will die! Messing with my fucking world!" Phan couldn't help but smile at that. Trust Mak to make it personal. *'And mine!'* Aire Eird Pt. 03 *** Thanks to Ritz and Kaz for all your help!! This is a continuation, I would advise reading parts 1 & 2 before completing this section....Ye may get confused...ENJOY*** Chapter 9 Silk skirts swirled in anger - snapped taught like sails in a storm. Black eyes watched her like the prey she was. She thought she was above him. Him? The most powerful? He could laugh. Reclining back in his human skin chair he watched the beauty pace. Fingering the scar in his cut lip, he thought about what she had said. A dwarf and somebody called Phan. He only knew one Phan and it was Phanerio. His eyes glittered darkly in glee. At last, he thought, I can get her! He would get her back after all these long years for the scars she put on his body. She would pay... Watching the sable haired beauty pace before him, he thought of how best to trap one who cannot be contained - like air she could move, liquid like water, solid like rock, fire like a dragon...a thought came to him then. He had opened the gate to bring in foreign soldiers and technology, it was massive, and took a substantial network to maintain the power...she would possibly be weak after closing it. Would she be weak enough to allow him to capture her? His smile was not of humour, but of revenge. ~~~ Captain Jool regarded himself as a fair Captain. He looked after his crew and dealt justice according to the crime in question. He was not a hot-head; he did not have bursts of emotion or otherwise useless draining emotions. They were a waste of time! So raking fingers through his long, dark hair again in frustration was out of character. He was furious! Glaring at Alex he had to do something. The woman must have a fucking degree in pissing him off! Now she wanted him to sail to Casslaua! He was not mad - plus he was not welcome in such a hostile, beautiful, but hostile city. "No, absolutely no way! Orders were to stay here!" he fumed. Dark gaze drilling into her grey eyes that if he was not mistaken, were laughing at him! Laughing at him? "Aww c'mon! Where's yer sense of adventure?" Alex asked, fluttering her eyelashes at him. His jaw tightened until he heard it crack. "I left it in my other pants!" he bit out! Those eyelashes were the longest and thickest he had ever seen on a woman. They framed Alex's grey eyes, making them stand out like great flowers in her pretty face. She had such an open, honest face, but with a backbone of steel. Yes she had had bad times, who didn't? But there was always something about her that drew him. It was a pity he liked her. A pity she did not recopicate. She was shagging the Prince. Jool rubbed the ache in his jaw - he did not like the Prince. Alex sighing brought his attention back to her "Ok, ok, we stay here." She knew when she was getting no-where. Time to try another tactic. She turned towards the bay window, looking over Balador's bay. It was night, and the moon stuck silver slashes in the sea. Somewhere out there, Phan was in trouble. Alex knew she was. She needed to get to her. Now. "Ye know...I hope she's ok." Captain Jool looked at Alex. She was standing in the middle of the window, back to him. Her hair lay in elflocks around her shoulders and down her back. The soft candle light struck gold highlights in her soft brown hair and brought out the cream colour of her gown. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. "Phan's a big girl. She can look after herself!" "I know...but..." Looking at her standing there, seemingly so lost, he unwisely crossed to the window where Alex stood. He took a position slightly behind and to the right of her. If she moved just so, her shoulder would brush his chest and she would fit against him. He gazed over the sparkling moonlit sea. Frowned, Phan had specifically said 'stay here,' in that tone that said 'you will die bastard if you do not obey!' He knew someone important to their cause was coming to meet them. He understood they had to wait. But standing close to Alex, letting her scent wrap itself around him, he wavered...he noticed her shoulders hunch slightly and to his horror saw she was crying. Acting on impulse he grabbed her waist, turned her around and jerked her into his hard body, wrapping his arms around her like a cage. As she cried against him, her arms rising against his waist, he knew what he had just done was a bad idea. Could feel her body heat seep into his, even his soul. "It is ok. All will be well." He murmured things to her, nonsense, but words all the same. For once in his life he felt connected to someone. That thought as it was had him stiffening, had the banshees in his head wail even louder. Alex had felt him tensing and raised her head. Puzzled she looked into his dark eyes, which had a sprinkle of gold in them. He was strong, dependent and out of her league. His eyes at the moment looked at her with such longing that she gasped, taking a shuddering breath she asked, "How d'ya know?" Her breath tickled his beard, and set his body on fire. Raising a hand, he tenderly pushed her long hair from her face. She nuzzled his hand. "I just do." Gazing into her eyes, he felt her body become softer, like she was melting into his hard frame. Creator! She was all lush curves and blindingly female against him. Don't do it man! Don't do it! Banshees wailed in his head! Eyes sparkling, soft face flushed, he traced the fineness of her jaw to her ear, twined his big hand in her luxurious hair and tilted her head back to receive his kiss. Lips met, touched, caressed, eased apart and fused. He swore he was only having a taste - and what a taste! She was like oxygen to a drowning man. Sunlight, honey, warmth, compassion, woman. She was beautiful. No. Beautiful was too diminutive a word to describe her. Exquisite? Radiant? Ravishing? Absolutely. The second Jool's lips touched hers, her head flew away, resulting in a bodily response she had never known with another. He stripped her of thinking. She could only feel and taste. His body hard against hers, his masculine taste of whiskey and tobacco, his male scent was a drug to her brain, so all she could do was twine her arms around his neck and arch into his. She clung to him as he whirled them to a plane that should not exist. Gathering as much restraint as he could, Jool went to pull away, but she stopped him by twining her arms around his neck. She stretched up against his painfully rigid body, pressing herself harder into him, opening her mouth so their tongues could tangle and twine. They flew. They both groaned from the pleasure. His arms like bands around her body, he traced her back, soothing her flayed nerves as he took her mouth hungrily again...Jool's head actually swam. His senses swayed alarmingly as she surrendered into him, all womanly curves and flushed skin. The kiss depended so both were needy for the next caress, for the next unexpected sensation. Fate was to intervene... Someone coughed! Springing apart, Jool pushed her away, she fell against the window, and he drew his sword in the same move. Scanning the room he sensed a man in the corner, a tall dark figure, emitting...nothing...there was nothing coming off him... "Who are you?" His voice was more gravely than normal. Lust still clogged in his throat. Alex had retreated to the farthest corner away from the stranger, eyes wide and hand to her mouth. "I am a friend." His voice was accented, like Phan's. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up, and the pit of his stomach ached. This guy had power, a massive amount of power. "That does not tell me who you are?" He thought he sensed a movement, but in reality he had no warning. He was suddenly looking at flying birds on the ceiling and the tip of a sword point at his throat. As his senses came back he belingerty realised it was his own sword drawing a thin slice out of his neck. Frozen in place, he realised one wrong move would have him killed...then - "Leave him!" Alex shouted. Oh dear Creator, she was going to die! Jool knew he looked into the eyes of a born killer. He made seasoned warriors look like tame fanny - licking dogs! "Shut up Alex!" he wheezed. Jool did not know which was more frightening, that the sword did not flash or that Alex was giving him orders. Alex however had other plans. Hands flying to hips she braced herself and gave both men her best glare... "Fine 'en! Ave it out and see who's da's more manly! Don't say I de'ne warn ya! She'll 'ave BOTH yer balls for supper!" Jools head pounded harder. Groaning he looked at her to give her a verbal lashing, when the pressure of the sword at his neck suddenly left. Startled Jool saw the guy - whom he now named Mr. Scary - was now advancing on Alex! Groaning louder, he jumped to his feet ready to insert himself in front of the twitless female! "You know me?" The stranger asked. His voice was darkness itself. It raised gooseflesh along Jools arms with the menace in it. Alex gave him a look of complete contempt. Her expression said it all, 'hello are you home?' She elevated her nose to look down, but strangely up at him, and haughtily replied, "Dear Creator! Men! Of course, you're her type!" Jool closed his eyes and said his farewell to her. The girl had a death wish! Plain and simple death from the scariest guy Jool had ever seen! Mr. Scary's eyes had narrowed at Alex - and before he could do anything, her mouth opened again - "Ave ye two finished measuring each others dicks yet?" Dusting off an imaginary speck of flint from her dress, she glanced at each of them in disgust. Catching Mr. Scary's eyes, they took stock. Measured muscle, lightness, reflexes in a glance. They both realized that Alex was right. They would have no balls left. Or much else really. "So yer him?" Mr. Scary turned his blue stare on her. A glare that would kill most humans and make his own warriors wither in fear - she just ignored. Humphing, she shrugged her shoulders, and smiled gamely back at him. Jool groaned in his head. Death wish! "Apparently so," Mr. Scary replied. Alex seemed happy at that. "Well 'en, since you're both hung like mules, give Jool back his sword and let's tell ya what's going on. I presume yer woman only had -" a long apprising glance at his body "- a short space of time to fill you in?" Jool nearly choked! His eyes bulged out his head at her. Fucking death wish! Mr. Scary actually smiled. Kinda. More like a feral snarl really. "Well, she did warn me about you." Alex was all ears, a beaming smile on her face. "Did she? Whatta she say?" As Alex twittered on, Mr. Scary gave Jool back his sword, hilt first, in a half bow, with head bent. Jool was stunned. He had just given him back his sword in the manner of Kings! As he straightened from the bow a memory surfaced in Jool's head. One that had been locked away for years. One he realised he did not want to ever recall again: It was the Awakening season. The time of year when plants and animals began to stir after the long winter. Death was everywhere. No family was untouched. The virus had spread like flame to kindling. Only the most resilient and those with some physic power were not touched by the evil. The unfortunate ones that were infected had turned into monsters. They banded together wrecking towns, villages, cities. Those who were not infected were raped and killed. The only people who were not affected were the Dark Elfil. They were in essence majic - and could not be infected. It was left to their King to cleanse the world of the virus - to kill those infected. The nights still had the bite of cold, however it seemed to penetrate through to Jool's bones. He had just locked his parents and sister in the basement. Their screams tore through his soul, until he was a shade of himself. The banging on the door was a forbearer to them entering. When he did not answer it, it burst into ash under immense power. A tall man entered, dressed in full Efliluer battle clothes. Knives hung from his torso, long-sword at hip. He did not wear any belts or scabbards for the weapons. It was like they were suspended in air around him. He was frightening. Jool had scurried under the table when the door had burst. He heard them talk in their musical language. As one warrior moved to the basement he came running out screaming for him not to go in. The warrior had turned, sword ready to take his head, when a gauntleted hand caught him by the back of the neck. He fought for all he was worth - which was very little for a 15 year old human boy against an Efliluer. The warrior had raised him to eye level. He was still kicking and screaming, but as he looked into cobalt eyes he felt himself grow more relaxed until he calmed. The Efliluer that held him spoke softly to his companion. It was like he was in a dream state. Like he was watching the whole scene unfold below him. He could do nothing as they opened the door to the basement. Could do nothing as they entered. Nothing as the sounds of his family's inhuman screaming came to an abrupt end. As the warriors returned he watched as they talked quietly to themselves. Then the one with the blue eyes advanced on him. His vision seemed to become dim and shady...until his sight faded to darkness. Chapter 10 Cadeyrn watched as the Lost Captain's face grew pale and tense. He saw memories flash in his eyes. Memories of a time when the world was chaos and death. "I know you," the Captain said. The barely leashed venom in his voice causing Alex to gasp and take an involuntary step back. Cadeyrn inclined his head. Here stood a survivor of the Red War. Looking at the Captain he remembered a boy, not yet at the time twenty. The boy had sworn he would kill him for what he had done. That in itself was not uncommon. Most swore to kill the man and warriors who had killed their loved ones - regardless that they were already dead to them. The Captain was one such boy…except at the time Cadeyrn had suspected the boy would fulfill his destiny. As he stared into dark eyes filled with hatred, he knew he could say or do nothing to relieve the mans suffering. He stayed in a neutral stance as the Captain drew his sword and advanced on him. Cadeyrn watched the Captain with his clear blue stare. One wrong move and there would be bloodshed. Palms up he spoke to the boy that was the Captain. "Your loss was necessary. It had to be done." No remorse. No sorrow. No forgiveness. "You will die for killing my family." They ignored Alex's intake of breath. Pure hatred was evident in the Captains voice. His eyes however held the memories of his parents eating themselves… "They could not be saved. You know that Captain Jool," Cadeyrn put a slight push in the words 'not be saved'. He tried to reach the man beneath the swirling anguish. "What was done was done for the savior of the world." Sighing, Cadeyrn looked directly into the man's eyes. They were so full of pain that his own heart ached in response. They thought him a thoughtless killer. Little did they know that every death he had to do, every babe he had to slaughter, took clumps out of his soul, until he was a living ghost. More dead than the people he had to kill. He let the Captain see the emotions in his eyes. Let him make what he will… It was the slight releasing of tension in Jool's sword arm that allowed Alex to breath for the first time in what seemed like an age. The two men in the room had squared off, ready to fight. But it was Jool that caught her attention. The man she knew was gone. In his place was a lethal weapon. The way he held his sword, his body stance all screamed sword-master, possibly more. Dear Creator, she herself was lucky. Her family were all talented and escaped the virus. Others were not. "Jool," she asked softly. When he didn't look at her, she said his name again more firmly. "Jool." He turned sightless eyes on her. Advancing slowly, as one would to a wild animal, she touched his arm. His muscles quivered as she laid her hand on him. "Jool. I'm sorry. I did ne know. Please put up yer sword. Phan sent 'im. She would know what 'appened." He turned to her then. Acting on impulse, she wrapped her arms around his waist. " 'lease," she pleaded. He nodded once and sheathed his sword. The relief was instantaneous. They all breathed a sigh of release. Cadeyrn moved to the window, to leave the Captain time to gather himself. These were Phanerio's friends. She trusted them. Turning, he looked at the pair. They made a good couple. They complimented eachother. Alex caught his eye. "Would ye like a drink?" "Whatever you have would be appreciated." Nodding, she kissed Jool's cheek, and left to go to the kitchen. That left them alone. Standing across the room from eachother like wild animals. Who would attack first was the question. Alex's noises from the kitchen even faded into the background, until there was only the two of them. Time narrowed to this one instant. Sight targeted the kill spot… "Casslaua." Cadeyrn started, and whirled to the window. The sound of crashing glass came from the kitchen. Jool ran to Alex who was kneeling in shards of crystalline glassware and her own blood. She turned haunted eyes to Jool. Then they heard it again. "Casslaua." Returning to the room, they saw Cadeyrn had his hands sunk in his hair. He seemed to draw darkness to him. It was as if it wrapped around his body like a cape. Shadows increased so the room was like midnight itself. He was in pain, they had no doubt. When he lifted his head, both took an involuntary step back. His once cobalt blue eyes where now the white/blue of an Efliluer in full power. As they looked on they realised that his power was not directed at them, but inward... Cadeyrn had felt the brush on his mind. He had reacted instantaneously, with complete viscous command of all his power. He did not care of the two who could now see his changed eyes. Did not care that the room had darkened as he drew energy. He was targeting the mind probe. As he felt it skim across his mind, in the space where synapse relays realign - he attacked...and missed. He roared. The room shook... ~~~ It was only when, sometime later, he had taken several deep gulps of Larient whiskey that it occurred to him. Sitting across from Jool, who was patching up Alex's sliced hands that it had clicked home. It was Phanerio's aural contact. Dear Creator, she was in Casslaua. That deserved the bottle being polished off. Eyes watering, the action drew the notice of Jool. He raised a brow at him. "She's in Casslaua. In trouble no doubt." Cadeyrn affirmed this with a slight inclining of his head. Alex meanwhile had gone bone white. "She can't be!" "She is," Cadeyrn left no room for arguing. "We have to go to her," Alex was up now. Frantic. Cadeyrn could hear her pulse hammering in her chest. Her eyes took on a feverish look. "Phan's a big girl Alex," Jool reasoned. "De'ne ye dare say that to me!" Alex hissed between clenched teeth. "If she's in Casslaua, then she is dieing!" Alex whirled from them and strode over to the window. There was something she was not saying, Cadeyrn was sure. "Tell us." It was an order. One she had to obey. Turning from the window, she looked at both of them. Her hands were wringing themselves together as a fine trembling infused her body. Both Cadeyrn and Jool looked at eachother, both recognized it for what it was. Fear. Plain simple fear. "Please Alexandra, tell us," Cadeyrn asked. When it came to Phan's life, even the mighty bowed. Startled gray eyes looked at him. She inclined her head slightly and looked at the bottle of Larient in his hand. He offered what was left to her. Once she had emptied the bottle, and the wheezing and eye-watering had passed she spoke: Aire Eird Pt. 03 "I met Phan in Casslaua. She were…unconscious. She looked like a child lying in da street. I thought she was an urchin." Alex lapsed into silence. She seemed absorbed in her nails. She continued after a lengthy pause, as if she were contemplating on how to continue. "It was only when I was passing her I realized that she had a sword on her. A fancy sword. When I bent down, I saw her ears and knew." She looked hard at Cadeyrn. "I though she was one of yer warriors. Only later I realized that if ye had found her back then, she would have had a better fate." Silence stretched after this as they all contemplated what she had said. "Please continue Alexandra." "She was covered in blood. Some hers, but mostly of another's. Her wrists and ankles were badly torn, as if she had been manacled to a bench. Some of her ribs were broken, slices that a sword fight would make…" Alex cleared her throat. "Anyway, I could ne leave her there!" Her eyes pleaded with Cadeyrn. "Later I found out what had happened. She had tried to take down Casslaua's Magician." Both men started. Alex grinned. "She does have more balls than both of ye!" She said fondness. "Anyway, he came off the worse in the end apparently." "So you think she is there now?" Jool asked. Alex gave him a dumb look. "She is 'der now. If he has her, he'll kill her slowly and for his pleasure only!" Cadeyrn's stomach suddenly knotted. A knock-out rush of emotion raked his body. Fierce possessiveness overcame him. Nobody would touch her and live… Chapter 11 "Well fucking done!" "I know!" Phan ignored the glare Manaka gave her. 'Whoopsie daisy,' didn't come near to what had happened. So they had devised a plan. A rather brilliant plan… Manaka was to set up an illusion. A trader carrying jewels and gold from one of the Eastern cities was entering Casslaua in the early morning. He was loaded down with valuables and had a major mercenary escort. They were to be set upon by 'rogues' that Manaka created, causing an unholy riot in the streets of Casslaua. They had to wait until the timing was exact. It had to happen as the Inner Gates opened and the 'rogues' could access the Inner City, spreading destruction, rape and whatever. It was a distraction only. No one would be hurt really, just a diversion… This meant that the Palace would have 'less' guards than usual as they had to fight the 'rogues'. That made their job easier, due to the fact they couldn't weave as the Kings Head Magician could feel it. Bastard! So then all had to be done was search the Palace for the portal. However, the place was built on catacombs that ranged far into the dessert beyond. Apparently they were not fully mapped as it was so extensive. Phan had narrowed their search to a section in the North-East quadrant. That unfortunately was where the Kings Bitch (as they liked to refer to the Kings Magician as) had is 'rooms'. Where he experimented. Bastard had a tendency for the young, untouched virgins of the region. Male or female. Reports were that more than a few were found swimming in the swamps outside the city walls. Face down. Nobody could touch him – he was the law here. That made their job tricky as they had to find the portal, close it (not difficult really for Phan) and get the fuck out before the Kings Bitch realized. Easy! Yeah right! Phan did get the portal closed, but…it took longer than necessary. It was a living portal, draining power from people. Thousands of people. A network so big, it reached the Eastern Cities, one week ride away. So she had to release each and every person from the tie before she could close it. It worked on the principle of draining a little life force from a person to power the gate. They were in essence tied to it. If it was just shut, the resulting backlash would kill them. So each and every person had to be released. It was a massive portal, used to bring in technology from parallel worlds. Closing it took time. Time they did not have. The longer they stayed, the more open they were to discovery… Body swaying, Phan had just released the end power of the portal through the worlds magnetics. She was weak and tired. Manaka stood guard at the door, becoming more and more tetchy. "You ok?" "Yup. A minute." Phan was sitting with her head between her knees, trying to drive off the dry heaves when they were set upon…literally. Manaka tried his best, he really did. He took down seven before they took him. Phan got twelve with her guardian's added strength which was lacking due to the portal. The room was covered in blood. Phan's body literally gave out and she was kicked and punched to the ground. Felt something break and crush under the impact. Lovely little white stars was all she could see for a while. ~~~ A stinging sensation brought Phan back to awareness. The slapping that accompanied the stinging sensation in her cheeks brought her back to conscious admirably. Opening bright hazel eyes she pinned every one of the people in the room with a look so hateful even the guards stepped back. "Ah, Phanerio. I was wondering when we would meet again." Turning her head, she saw the Kings Magician emerge from the darkness of the dungeon. The darkness hung around him like death. She hated him. For what he did and what he had done years past. Steel scraped as Phan flung herself at him, only to slammed to a halt by the wall chains a bare inch from his smiling face. He chuckled, "Well, well! It's nice to see you are still as feisty as usual. It will make it all the more interesting when you break." He said the last word on a hiss and slammed his fist into her gut. Phan doubled over, gagging for air, letting the pain of the punch roll through her body, she swore she would exact revenge on him, even as he laughed and spat on her. She reached in that one moment to the one person that may hear her… ~~~ Her throat was raw and she was coughing up blood. Her body was covered in so many bruises she looked like a banana that was decaying. Her long hair had been shorn off as well as her pubic fuzz. They were preparing her. The cold water they threw at her was like slamming red hot needles into her body. It was only another slight ache considering... It could be said that pain was now Phan's best friend. This next bit was going to be…yeah well…he was going to do what he did best… Manaka's screaming didn't even register anymore… Not having the energy to lift her head, Phan opened her eyes and looked to where Manaka lay on the instrument table. Where they left her with frayed and bruised skin, they had completely removed his from around his genitals, and were in the process of slicing parts of his fingers off. This had been going on for some time…How many days? She could not say. All Phan knew was that time was running out and she would not survive the next round. He was going to rape her as he pulled the spirit from her body… Darkness closed in around her… ~~~ Time was running out. Alex was drawn and pensive. Captain Jool hid it well enough, as did he, but - he worried. They was a truce between them, fragile like an egg shell. Anything could provoke a break. They were currently discussing the city layout of Casslaua. To say the city was a maze was a joke. The only real option to getting into the city was a magnetic jump done by the Efliluer warriors. The problem was: where to jump to? Alex came up with the solution. "Phan has a friend in Casslaua." One pair of stabbing blue eyes and one dark and pensive glared at her. That was nothing to the Efliluer warriors lounging around the room, like they were in their forests. Alex cringed, "Mistress Allure." For some reason that name registered in Cadeyrn's mind and had him automatically reaching for his sword. Alex noticed. A fine brown brow rose, "Do ye know her then?" He stayed quiet. He knew better than to let anything slip to one like her. "Possibly in passing." "Humph!" Clear gray eyes told him she knew he was lying. "So where so we jump to Alex?" Captain Jool enquired. She regarded him coldly over the rim of a fine crystal goblet she was holding. She took a long swallow of fine golden wine, seeming absorbed at the way the light caught multicoloured fragments in the crystal. When she looked up again Cadeyrn was startled to see tears shimmering in her eyes. Jool half sat out of his seat, hand reaching for her arm. "Don't!" she hissed at him. He rapidly withdrew, with a somewhat shocked look on his bearded face. She took a deep breath. "We jump to her Brothel...." Chapter 12 Mistress Allure patiently rolled the last section of hair into place. He dark locks were a mass of waves, like a stormy beach surrounding her pensive face. Her outward appearance may well look like the cool creature she was, but underneath she was a wreck. She still hadn't heard from Phan. Raising her gaze to the castle, she feared the worse. She really hoped they had gotten out. A woman, who relied on her gut reaction to everything, was in turmoil. It was telling her they hadn't. Sighing, she got up from the stool at her vanity unit. All the potions and perfumes to make one irresistible to men we all arranged neatly and orderly by her maid. The sound of exploding glass wrenched the quiet as she swept them to the ground. Smiling slightly at the noise and destruction, she was unprepared for the body wrenching, falling sensation that assaulted her. Eyes streaming, hand to boned corseted ribs, trying to such air into burning lungs she eventually regained control of her wayward body. When she looked up she prayed it was a dream. "Hello. Mother." Mistress Allure promptly passed out. ~~~ People talking quietly was the first thing she noticed as she regained conscious. Staying still, keeping her breathing normal, she opened her eyes the tiniest fraction so she could see around the room. The sight that she saw nearly broke her composure. Alexandra was standing next to a man with a beard. See looked stunning, as she always did. The long brown hair was to her waist and her gray eyes looked tenderly at the man. Mistress Allure was in no doubt that this man was Alexandra's beloved. Looking at their auras she noticed that they were not yet mated. Strange, as both, Alexandria's light purple and the man's deeper blue were in constant contact. Risking being caught she moved her head slightly...her poor heart stopped in her chest. Efliluer. There were Efliluer warriors in the room. The one at the window had the strongest aural signature she had ever seen. Usually auras are all one colour, but his was multicoloured. It changed and danced and swirled about his immense frame. It was then she noticed the white in it. Nobody's aura was white, as it was the Creators colour. Only one person had some white but there's was mostly a dark blue - almost black with swirls of white. The shock of realising who was ingrained in his aura had her gasping and sitting up promptly. Immediately ten sets of eyes were on her. Drawing her back straight, mustering as much dignity as she could get, she raised gracefully from her chaise. Snapping out silk skirts and rearranging her perfect hair, she then looked at each one in turn, starting with her daughter. When she got to the warrior by the window, her nerves twitched and she rapidly moved on. Delicately clearing her throat, she asked, "To what to I owe this pleasure daughter mine?" "Cut da bullshit ma! I know who yer are remember!" Alex's hands immediately landed on her hips. Mistress Allure gave the gentlemen in the room an apologetic smirk. She knew it would rile her daughter no end. Indeed, she had drawn herself up to her full height. "Forgive her gentlemen. She has forgotten her manners. Would you like refreshments?" Before any of them could answer, she had moved to a small table and rang a little bell. Immediately a serving boy came in. "Some refreshments for our guests Giles." As the boy bowed, she went back to her chase and like a dancer arranged herself on it. She wouldn't let them know she was intimidated. Even though her hands had a fine tremor and she was breathing faster than normal. They all waited until the boy brought the sweet meats and wine. Once the door closed, Alex launched at her. "Where is SHE?" Delicately taking a glass of wine, she lifted a fine brow and asked, "Who daughter?" She could physically see Alexandra take a deep breath. Maybe it was a few. She hid her grin in her wine glass. "Phanerio," Alex ground out. At the mention of Phan's name, the massive warrior's aura spiked. Indeed! Man troubles! Indeed! "Why do you want her?" "She's in danger." It was a statement. It came from the warrior. There was no compromise in the body or eyes. He was going to go through her to find out where Phan had gone. Mistress Allure was not stupid. She liked her organs where they were, thank you very much. Sighing, she dropped the act. "She felt a draw to the castle," Alex stiffened, the warriors shifted. She looked straight into the burning blue eyes of Phan's mate. "She met with a wizard called Manaka and they were to try and close a portal." "A Portal." Mistress Allure nodded, bottom lip caught between her teeth in worry. "How long ago?" "Two weeks." She didn't understand what was next said as it was in Phan's language. But she did recognise some words Phan used all the time. As the Efliluer talked among themselves she looked at Alexandra. "Who is your companion Alexandra?" Alex barley covered her sneer. "Captain Jool." She gave the Captain her best smile, "Please to meet you Captain Jool." She extended her hand as he greeted her likewise. The Efliluer had stopped talking. "We go now. We can not afford to wait any more." As they readied to make the 'jump' to the castle, she raised a hand. "May I ask? Do you know the layout of the Castle. It is very vast." All eyes glared at her. "I believe we will survive." "Hummm, it's just that, well, the Kings Magician has traps everywhere, and new tunnels." Rising of the couch she approached them. "It just so happens I know the Castle very well." "No! No fucking way Ma!" Mistress Allure just smiled at her daughter and met the eyes of the Efliluer warrior. "She comes." He growled out. "What - " Alex's next word was cut off as they were hurtled through space by the Efliluer.