7 comments/ 48479 views/ 15 favorites Blackhawk Hall Ch. 01 By: Darkniciad AUTHOR'S NOTES: This story is erotic fantasy, set in a world of magic. This tale takes place in the same world as my core Danica story and the short story "King Thakkorias". Thakkor is King of Egoria, and Cerebus "Mindblind" Blackhawk is the Duke of Cratel, a duchy of Egoria bordering on the enemy nation of Draxnog. Draxnog is the enemy removed from Egoria by the army which was led by Thakkor, Mindblind, and others. The occasional use of "modern" measurements and such is a product of my fantasy world. I know most who read fantasy would probably prefer "leagues", "cubits", and "handspans" but my world always utilized more modern terms for distances and measures. I hope it doesn't jar too much to detract from the story. This story turned out longer than most of my side stories. This started out as a one shot like Thakkor, but the character of Arilee simply came to life and ran off, dragging my original story around behind her. I hope you enjoy this foray into the wider world in which Danica lives. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Heads turned when the door to the servant's common in Blackhawk Hall opened and a blonde woman entered, looking somewhat unsure of what she was supposed to be doing. Her face bespoke youth, still having an unmistakable softness that would fade with age. She smiled nervously as all eyes in the room fell upon her, a deepening flush in the cheeks framing that smile served to make her look even younger. Her figure contrasted with her face, obviously the body of a grown woman, although her skin certainly held the radiant glow of youth. At just over five and a half feet tall, she was dwarfed by the massive doorway to the commons. Most of those in the room nodded to her with friendly smiles and returned to their leisure, but one older woman rose from her chair and crossed the room toward the new arrival. She smiled and nodded a greeting when she reached the new face in the room. "I'm Sharon. You the new girl who starts today?" "Yes, I'm Arilee." "Good, let's get started then. The Duchess tells me you've managed to end up on the wrong side of exactly the wrong town without any means. As long as you keep up with your duties, you won't have to worry about having a roof over your head or food in your belly from now on. We're treated well and paid better. The Duke and Duchess haven't been high and mighty for long, and they still know what it's like to be regular folk. But, you’ve already found that out from the Duchess herself." Arilee looked a little confused. "The Duchess?" Sharon's smile showed her amusement. "That's your first lesson. The Duke and Duchess aren't necessarily what you might be expecting. That woman you met in the tavern that sent you here was the Duchess, Christi." "I wondered why the man I was working for was so nice, when he's usually so rude." Sharon laughed, "He was that nice because Christi punched him and broke his nose the first time she walked in that tavern and he started acting like an ass to her." Arilee covered her mouth and laughed. "I wish I could have seen that." "I'll ask Ashtar show it to you in one of his memory crystals sometime. He was there. That's another thing — get used to magic, because their Graces have a lot of powerful friends that use it. Try not to scream if someone appears out of thin air a few feet from you." "This is going to be a little unusual." "You don't know the half of it. Anyway, titles and pomp don't mean much to the Duke and Duchess. They would prefer you lose the graces when there's not something official going on. Duke Cerebus goes by his childhood nickname, Mindblind, most of the time, when he doesn't have to put on airs because of his office." "That sounds like a mean nickname." Sharon gestured for Arilee to follow her toward a door. "It was meant to be. His sister thought it would be funny to call him that because he was the only person in the family that didn't have some kind of magical ability. He turned the joke around on her because he liked it, and started using it himself. She's grown up since then, so don't hold it against her when she comes to visit." "I don't know if I can call him that without feeling uncomfortable. Is it alright to call him Cerebus?" "That's not a problem. That's what Christi calls him. You won't be able to see it from here, but the Duke is half warrior-goblin. He's rough around the edges, and you wouldn't want to give him reason to be mad at you, but he's a good man. Physically, he's a heck of a lot stronger than most men, and has a bit of a point to his ears. His skin is kind of a grayish tan. It's hard to describe. Other than that, his mom bred most true in him, and he's actually quite handsome. It bothers him when people stare, so don't do it. It doesn't really take long to get used to his odd coloring, and it seems to help if you're warned in advance. That's him out there squaring off with the Duchess." Arilee looked through the doorway into the courtyard and opened her eyes wide with surprise. "Are they going to fight with real swords?" "More of the magic. Christi has a spell that lets her protect both of them from being hurt. It only lasts for a little while, but it lets them fight with all their ability and real weapons. Watch — it's always fascinating to watch them spar. Just remember what I've told you and come see me when you're done. I'll get you set up in your room and we'll get you to work." Arilee nodded to indicate her understanding and turned back to the scene in the courtyard. Arilee recognized the Duchess, although she was dressed far differently now than when they had met in the tavern. Her raven colored hair had flowed freely down to the middle of her back previously, but it was now tied in a ponytail. Arilee had thought Christi was very beautiful when she saw her — strong and confident, but also very feminine. All of those qualities were enhanced by the clothing she wore now. The Duchess was dressed in a tight linen top that strained to contain her breasts and left her midriff bare. Arilee could see the defined muscles in Christi's torso, shimmering slightly in the sunlight from the sheen of sweat that coated her body. The short skirt she wore was of the same plain linen, and revealed a long expanse of the woman's shapely, well-toned legs. She held an ornately decorated sword at the ready, smiling at the man in front of her. The Duke had his back turned to Arilee, a huge two-handed sword resting against his shoulder. Cerebus had a broad chest, and every muscle in his bare back was plainly visible from across the courtyard. The muscles in his legs were obvious even through the pants he wore, as well. His pitch-black hair was pulled up into a shoulder length ponytail, and Arilee noticed he didn't seem to have any hair on his body except for that on his head. She understood Sharon's inability to describe the Duke's skin tone as she looked at him. It was almost as if he had a deep tan, but it looked somewhat faded like a painting that had been exposed to too much sunlight. It was unusual enough to attract notice, but not so much so that it felt like it was holding Arilee's eyes. She also saw the points of the Duke's ears sticking up through his hair. Arilee had seen a half-goblin before, and the Duke really didn't even look like one except for his ears. Christi's voice echoed through the courtyard, deep and possessing a husky timbre that could only be described as sensual, "Ready?" Cerebus brought his massive sword down into a ready position. His voice was deep, and had a quality that Arilee could only define as an ominous whisper, even though he spoke at a normal volume. "We'd better get to it, or they'll be trying to drag me off for something before we even finish." Christi smiled, and there was a mischievous glint in her liquid brown eyes. "I believe we're tied right now. I plan to be on top again in a few minutes." "We'll see about that." Arilee gasped as Mindblind lashed out with a horizontal swing of his sword. There was absolutely no restraint in his attack. He was doing his best to hit the Duchess with his enormous weapon. Christi slid backwards and dropped down to one knee, just out of reach of the blow. She immediately sprang forward, sword leading, as her man's blade continued its swing. Demonstrating some of the tremendous strength Sharon had spoken of, Cerebus halted the progress of his heavy weapon and brought it back in line to block Christi's stab. Steel rang on steel with a loud, musical clang, followed by a rasp as the weapons disengaged. Christi pulled her weapon in line, and again stabbed at her man. There was nothing to indicate she was pulling her blows in any way either. The Duke seemed to be expending more effort to halt the swing of his sword this time, but still managed to deflect the strike of Christi's bright steel. The line of his parry this time was designed to lead into his next attack, and Christi danced backward upon recognizing the tactic. The diagonal overhand strike of the massive weapon very well could have cleaved her in two, had she been there when the blow landed. Once again, Christi sprang forward around Mindblind's blade as soon as she had avoided it. This time she slid down, hooked his right ankle with one of her shapely legs, and used the momentum of his swing against him. He lost his balance and Christi used her strength to perfect advantage to topple him down on one knee. He almost brought his sword in line — but not quite — to deflect Christi’s stab. The weapon stopped upon contacting his skin, repelled by some unseen magical force. "Point!" "Yeah, yeah — first blood to you. Skullroller's not exactly my weapon of choice for close quarters one-on-one." "You chose it," Christi taunted, and laughed as she strode back to her starting position. The Duke watched the play of her bottom beneath her skirt as she walked, and Arilee blushed when she realized she was doing the same. The things that were going on beneath that linen cloth were beyond any words Arilee could have used to describe them. The Duke stood up and stretched, giving Arilee a look at his face for the first time. He had a square chin, thick eyebrows, and somewhat deep-set eyes. The words that emerged in Arilee's mind were ruggedly handsome. His vivid green eyes locked with hers for an instant, and he nodded to her before turning to face off with the Duchess once more. Arilee drew in a deep breath, and realized it was the only one she had taken while looking over the Duke. He was handsome, strong, and seemed almost dangerous in a way. He was exactly the kind of man her mother had warned her about, and she now understood why, as her body responded to her thoughts with a slight shiver. "Looks like we've got an audience," Cerebus said with a chuckle. Christi smiled as she brought her sword into a ready position. "New girl. Found her in the 'Appy Ogre. Not the place for a pretty young woman on her own. I'll tell you about it later." "Good enough for me," Mindblind responded as he planted his feet for the next round. The Duchess didn't quite give him time to set his footing, instead stepping forward and slashing at his near forearm. Mindblind let go of his massive sword with the targeted arm, moving it out of the way. While Christi tried to recover, he grabbed her wrist and pulled hard, sending her hurtling behind him, off balance. Gripping his sword in both hands once more, he spun around with his blade in a wide horizontal sweep. Christi had to continue to dance backwards, knowing her smaller weapon couldn't even deflect his sword with that much momentum behind it. The Duke pulled against the momentum of his follow-through, lifting the sword into an overhand strike. Christi had to drop and roll toward him to avoid the massive weapon. Mindblind managed to reverse his weapon's momentum, pull it back in close to his body, and kick out before the Duchess could regain her balance and footing. Christi's breath exploded from her in a loud blast as she fell heavily to her side. She just managed to roll onto her back when Cerebus leapt atop her, knees on either side of her trim waist. He pressed the edge of his sword against her neck and said, "Point," with a smile. The Duchess coughed once, still trying to catch her breath. "How long have you been saving that trick? I didn't think even you could hold up that damn thing with one hand." "Just got it down. I about broke my wrist off and almost sliced my leg open a few times before I got the balance right." Christi was very aware that her lover was hard. She could feel his cock pressing against her chest as he sat on her. She was wet too, because sparring always aroused them both. Their eyes locked for a moment as the sexual energy passed between them. That energy was obvious even to an observer, and Arilee tensed as she felt her nipples harden. A quiet laugh brought Arilee out of her trance. Sharon was standing behind her with a tray, which she sat on a table near the door. "Exciting, isn't it? They'll stop playing around now and really go at it. They'll call it a draw though, because they haven't had any arguments lately. Neither of them tries hard enough to go one up unless they're mad about something else. When they call it a draw, grab that tray and take them a drink. They'll need it. Christi requested that you be assigned to her specifically, so may as well get started now. I'll get you in your room later. Just stay near the Duchess in case she needs anything. Ask anyone else if you need to know where something is." "They seem to be fighting so viciously. It's hard to believe they're married." "Well, they aren't technically yet — but soon enough. They let off the stress of their relationship out there. It seems to work, because they don't get into many heated arguments. They save their passion for the matches and the bedroom." Arilee blushed at that last statement, both from the frankness of the words and her own thoughts while she watched the couple. Sharon laughed. "You may as well get used to that. We're all pretty plain spoken around here. We say what's on our mind, and don't mince words. They're getting set again. Watch this last round — you haven't seen anything yet." Arilee turned back to the courtyard just in time to see the pair leap into action. She stood open-mouthed with surprise and awe as the couple attacked each other with what looked like pure murderous intent. The Duke swung his weapon in huge arcs, forcing its surely great weight and momentum exactly where he wanted it with a speed and skill Arilee didn't think could be humanly possible. His lover danced, leapt, and tumbled like an acrobat, just out of reach of the blade — leaping in to strike like a cobra with every potential opening. The Duchess slid under a horizontal strike, fell to balance on her free hand, and kicked up hard into the Duke's knee. His breath exploded from him in a loud snarl from the kick, but he did not drop his defense. He cleanly parried the following strike of Christi's sword. Christi must have been just as surprised by his ability to resist the pain of that injury as Arilee was, because she didn't quite recover enough after her failed strike to avoid Mindblind's kick following the parry. He planted his weapon into the ground, loosing a sidekick that sent Christi hurtling backwards, and exploded the breath from her lungs. Somehow, the Duchess managed to keep moving and recover from having the wind knocked out of her. In the few moments it took Cerebus to recover from the kick and raise his weapon once more, Christi was again on the attack. On and on it went, sweat running from both combatant's bodies in streams. Both scored hits, but neither declared a point, even though Arilee thought the injuries those hits would have caused without the magic would have made it difficult for the injured to continue to fight effectively. No holds were barred, with punches and kicks thrown into the battle just as often as weapon strikes. While the magic upon them protected them from the blades, it appeared to do little to block the force or pain of those unarmed blows. No communication Arilee could see passed between them, but the couple simply stopped at the same time, facing each other. Duke and Duchess panted for breath, wiping sweat out of their eyes, and let their weapons fall out of defensive postures. "D-draw?" Mindblind suggested through gasping breaths. Christi nodded and leaned down to put her hands on bent knees. "Draw." Arilee snapped out of her trance and remembered what she was supposed to be doing. Picking up the tray, she hurried out into the courtyard toward the recovering warriors. Christi stood up straight and smiled when she saw the blonde approaching. "Cerebus, this is Arilee. She'll be replacing Gwen." "That's right — Gwen went and got hitched didn't she? Welcome, Arilee. Take good care of my girl here, and just holler if you need anything. If anybody gives you any trouble, you let one of us or Sharon know, and we'll take care of it." "Thank you, Sir. Drink?" "Sir?" Cerebus said before breaking out into a deep laugh. Seeing the flash of worry on Arilee’s face, he said, "It's okay — everybody does it at first. You'll grow out of it in time. It's a damn sight better than Master. It took Gwen forever to stop saying that." The Duke took one of the metal cups and brought it to his lips. Christi took the other and drank as well. She then said, "I'm sure Sharon told you, but we don't put much stock in the trappings of our Duchy. He's Cerebus or Mindblind, and I'm Christi unless we're in the Great Hall, forced to pretty ourselves up for visitors. If that warthog from the 'Appy Ogre gives you any trouble, make sure to tell me." Mindblind almost spit his water as he laughed. "You didn't rough him up again, did you?" "No, but I should have. He hadn't noticed I was there, and I saw how he was treating her before I went up and informed him he needed a new barmaid — immediately." The Duke laughed again. "You're lucky Christi came across you when she did. Relk is notorious for taking advantage of anybody who works for him. He'll work the help like slaves, and he'd have eventually made you do worse things. I've thought more than once about running him out of town on a rail." "Thank you, I had no idea. He was just the only one who would offer me work except — you know..." Arilee looked down and blushed profusely. "Fightershaven is no place for a girl on her own, unless she's got a sword in her hand and knows how to use it. The place started out as a rude mercenary camp, and it really isn't much better than that even now," Mindblind said before draining the last of his water. A soldier approached from within the hall. "I've got the bunch that survived ready for you to talk to, Mindblind." "Good. They worth a damn?" "I've never seen a more sneaky bunch of heartless bastards in my life." "Exactly what we need out on the border countering Draxnog's murderous scum. Let's go tell them how it is. Maybe a few of them will survive to actually enjoy having their sentences commuted in five years." "Most of them are hard luck cases. If they survive, the honest work will probably straighten them out. The real scum ended right back on the gibbet pretty quickly." Christi laid her hand on Arilee's arm. "Come along. The boys have work to do, and I need a bath. I'll show you to your room. It's right near ours anyhow." "Yes Ma..." Arilee trailed off when Christi gave her an amused look, and so she instead replied, "Okay." Blackhawk Hall Ch. 01 "Much better," Christi said with a laugh, and led Arilee back into the hall. She had Arilee hand off the tray to another servant once inside, and then led her to a staircase a short distance down the hall from the servant's commons. The pair ascended the stairs, and a man at the top stepped back up out of the way when he saw them coming. He looked even more muscle-bound than the Duke — thick-necked, with a face so square that it appeared almost unnatural. "Your bath is ready, Christi." His voice was deep and guttural, and Arilee could see a pair of short tusks when he spoke. She had an even better look at the tusks when he smiled. "You're too good, Kronk. This is Arilee. She's going to be taking Gwen's place. Arilee, this is Kronk. If you need a bath drawn, or need anything heavy moved, he's the one to call." "Pleased to meet you," Arilee said with a bright smile. "Ho ho. Charming to an orc-faced clod — I like you already." "He's got a heart of gold, so don't be intimidated by him. We don't pay much attention to racial prejudice around here, for obvious reasons. Thank you again, Kronk." Christi blew him a kiss when she finished. The half-ogre gave them another toothy smile, and then started down the stairs. Christi pointed out doors along the hallway. "Your room is right here by the stairs. Our room is at the end of the hall. You can't miss it — they went crazy decorating the door. We have our own kitchen next to our room, and storage rooms off it. If we ask you to fetch something, odds are it will be there. We don't like to bother anyone if we can help it. They have enough to do downstairs, keeping this place up." The Duchess gestured for Arilee to follow. "The bath is right down here. Feel free to use it if you want. Just let us know you're in there so Cerebus doesn't accidentally walk in on you, and embarrass you. You're going to like this." When Christi opened the door to the bath, Arilee could not help but gasp. The bathing pool would let four or five people stretch out comfortably within, never touching each other. Arilee could not believe the steaming pool was on a floor above ground. "It's sealed and heated by magic, otherwise it would be useless. Unfortunately, it still has to be filled the hard way. That door over there leads to the balcony where Kronk hauls up the water barrels to fill it. Be careful of the drainage channel below the balcony, because when this thing drains out of the pipe into that channel, it turns into a raging river for a minute or two." "It's amazing," the stunned blonde woman remarked softly. "I saw something similar to this once, and it was my one dream. When they started refitting this hall for us, Cerebus had them make it for me. Ashtar suggested we build it up here for privacy and used his magic to make it possible." A quick movement of her deft fingers popped the button on Christi's skirt. She kicked off her shoes and then let the skirt fall to the floor, "Why don't you join me? It makes more sense than you standing out here listening." As much as Christi's backside had drawn Arilee's eyes to it in the skirt, it was even more difficult to ignore clad only in a pair of light panties. That covering slid to the floor almost immediately after the skirt, leaving the raven-haired woman's perfect, heart-shaped ass bared to Arilee. Her fascination only deepened as Christi bent over to pick up both articles of clothing and hurl them into a basket near the door. "Will you join me, then?" Christi asked as she turned back toward Arilee and pulled off the tight linen top she wore. Her breasts were perfectly shaped, and just slightly larger than what many men called a 'perfect handful' when they didn't think women were listening. The tips of her perky globes were a pink almost bordering on red, surrounded by circles of very light brown. The hair on her mound was thick and as raven-black as that on her head, but trimmed very short. Around her lips, she was trimmed so short as to appear almost completely bare. "Arilee?" It was only when the Duchess spoke again that Arilee realized she had been staring the entire time the other woman had been undressing, and had not answered the question. Embarrassment consumed her and she covered her face with her hands, "I'm sorry, I..." She felt a hand on her shoulder and fought past the desire to keep her eyes closed. She looked up at the Duchess, who was smiling and looking directly into her eyes, "I thought I caught hints of this in the tavern. Are you attracted to other women?" Tears welled up in Arilee's eyes, "I'm so sorry..." Christi put a finger to Arilee's lips for just a moment, "Shh, that's something else we don't pay much attention to around here. I feel the same way, and I'm attracted to you too, actually. Let me guess, you're attracted to men, but you've always found your eyes wandering over other women and been scared to death by it?" The blonde woman nodded her head and Christi smiled brightly, "You don't need to be afraid of those feelings here. Many of the women here in the Hall share your feelings, and those who don't feel that way understand and will not judge you for it." Arilee sniffled and wiped her eyes, "It scares me; it just feels — wrong." "That's only because you've been resisting it," Christi said with a crooked grin, "Please, join me in the bath, at least then we'll both be naked and on an even footing. Besides, I let you give me the once over, so it's only fair you give me a peek." Christi's grin and casual manner helped dull the embarrassment and self-recrimination that had threatened to consume Arilee only moments before. She found that she was smiling as well, and hesitantly started to disrobe. Christi climbed into the bathing pool and sank into it with a deep, contented sigh. Still quite self-conscious, Arilee stepped toward the tub when she had finished disrobing. Christi smiled at her and said, "You're beautiful. You have nothing to be ashamed of." The Duchess drank in the sight of Arilee's nude body. The blonde woman's breasts were not quite as large as hers, but were very rounded and surely firm. Arilee's nipples were also darker and smaller, and the hair on her mound was a full natural carpet slightly darker than the hair on the woman's head. Arilee stepped into the pool and settled down opposite Christi, echoing the earlier sigh of contentment from the Duchess. "Any time you want to talk about things like this, just come to me. I understand what you're going through, and I won't judge you one way or the other. It's right for me, but it might not be for you. We're going to be spending a lot of time together, so we may as well be friends." "It just seems a bit odd thinking that way of your ruler." "Pshaw, we're not rulers, there's no way to rule this Duchy. We just work within the rules, such as they are, that have been in place for decades. We're just patching up the leaks that have always led to chaos in the past. We've kept the place intact, and actually started civilizing it a bit in the last two years, but we've managed it because we're not trying to rule. We settle disputes amongst those who have held that position long before we arrived, and encourage a little more co-operation than they had been used to.” "Do the people approve of you as a ruler — being a woman, I mean?" Christi picked up a cake of soap and moved up onto the shallower edge of the pool to wash while Arilee was speaking. "Didn't you live in the Duchy before you came here?" "Yes, but it's much different away from here. Even the other large towns seem more..." "Normal?" Christi suggested with a laugh. Arilee nodded her head and started to explain more, but a sudden change in Christi's demeanor gave her pause. Christi stood up quickly and stepped out of the bath. She bent down to a small wooden chest nearby and opened it. "Arilee, get ready to run and hide. I felt something and I hear some sort of..." Arilee screamed when some horrible green-skinned creature appeared out of thin air next to Christi. The monster stood around four feet tall, and was covered in a coating of dirt. It revealed a mouth full of pointed teeth when it made a loud, nerve-wracking yipping sound. It had a filthy mop of coal black hair atop its head, and a long matted beard of the same hue. Muscles bulged in its wiry frame, and every finger and toe ended in a yellow claw that looked razor sharp. The creature seemed disoriented for a moment, but then raised its club into the air and issued a snarl of challenge in Christi's direction. The Duchess lashed out with a kick, catching the creature in the groin and dropping it to its knees. A follow-up kick splattered the creature's nose across its face and caused it to slump to the floor unconscious. A second monster — even uglier than the first — appeared across the room near the door. Christi reached into the box again, withdrawing two large daggers from within. She quickly interposed her body between the snarling creature and Arilee, reaching back to hold out one of the daggers to the frightened blonde. "Take it. Just slash at them if they come near you. They're stupid as hell, so just slash and back away carefully until I can help you, if one gets too close. Don't drop it, whatever you do!" Her hands closing around the dagger, Arilee backed away in the bathing pool as far as she could from the creature, which suddenly charged Christi. Just as the nude Duchess expertly dodged a clumsy club stroke and stabbed the monster in the throat, another appeared nearby. The creature barely had enough time to recover from its disorientation — and not nearly enough time to put up a defense — before Christi jerked her dagger free of one creature and stabbed it into the back of the new one. In the moment it took Christi to make the attack, yet another of the creatures appeared. The new monster appeared on the far side of the room, and held a crude spear. Christi cursed and charged the creature. She knew she could dodge a throw with little trouble, but suspected that Arilee might not be so skilled or lucky. Yet another creature, wielding a rusty short sword appeared next to the spear wielder. Arilee trembled and looked all around her — frightened beyond belief, but also fascinated by the Duchess dispatching the creatures with such speed and efficiency. The nude woman had not taken a single scratch, but the blood of the creatures she had already killed decorated her skin with macabre spatters. Arilee tightly clutched the blade Christi had handed her, concerned for both of them as the Duchess charged two of the creatures. She need not have feared, because Christi hurled her dagger and stuck the spear-wielding creature in the throat. The other creature made the mistake of looking at its gurgling companion when the dagger struck, and Christi was upon it before it turned its attention back to the threat before it. Again, Christi lashed out with a perfectly aimed kick to the groin. As had the previous creature, this one crumpled to the floor with a groan of pain, dropping its weapon. Christi scooped up the rusty blade, almost catching it before it could touch the floor, and ran the creature through with it. She bent immediately to tear her dagger from the other creature's throat, and then dropped into a crouch to scan the room, holding both weapons at the ready. No more creatures appeared, but Christi was far from ready to relax. Too late, she remembered the first creature that she had only knocked unconscious. It had regained its wits — and club — and had risen up behind Arilee. "Arilee, look out!" The Duchess screamed as she charged toward them. She knew she was too far away, and at this angle, she couldn't risk a throw of her dagger for fear of hitting Arilee. Arilee turned and screamed, seeing the creature rising up behind her. Somehow, the instructions Christi had given her managed to boil through the fog of fear, and she flailed with her dagger at the creature. A slash across one of the creature's wrists caused it to drop the club it held with a cry of pain. Bright fountains of the creature's lifeblood spurted with each beat of its heart. The creature screamed in pain and swooned. Christi started to hurl her dagger when the monster's staggering put it in a position where she could safely throw, but she recognized that the creature was dead anyhow. It had already lost enough blood from the spurting wound to become disoriented, and would die within a few more heartbeats. The creature fell forward as it lost consciousness from the lack of blood. Again, Arilee screamed, as it seemed the creature was coming for her. On instinct, she stabbed the creature in the chest as it fell forward. When it slumped over the edge of the bathing pool, Arilee stabbed it again and again, screaming in fear and anger. "It's dead, Arilee. You're okay. I don't see any more of them." The blonde woman pulled the dagger free of the creature's back with trembling arms, and then backed away from it. The water in the bathing pool was tinged red with the blood of the monsters, and Arilee's body was covered in blood as well. The door burst open at that moment, revealing Kronk and the Duke. The pair of warriors entered and quickly scanned the room for enemies. Christi hurled her dagger into a cabinet when the two men entered. "We got them all Cerebus. What in the bloody hells is this — some kind of joke? Who would waste the energy to break our wards and then teleport Wood Trolls in here?" Cerebus appeared to suddenly recognize that both of the women were naked. Kronk had already turned to stare at the wall, and Cerebus concentrated his vision on Christi to preserve Arilee's modesty as much as possible. "The whole bloody Hall. We've got the things stinkin' up every corner now. Ain't a soul took a scratch though — if you two are all right?" "We're okay. They were only Wood Trolls. It would have taken at least twice as many to be a threat to two unarmed, naked women." "Kronk, go fetch a washtub and stick it in our room. The ladies need to clean up and this isn't the best place to do it right now. Get some people up here to clean this damn mess up. I'm going to go check things out, Babe. You just worry about Arilee." Christi nodded her understanding and the two men left. She then walked over to Arilee. "Are you okay?" Arilee looked a little confused, but seemed to snap into focus after a second or two. "Yes." Christi gently prodded at Arilee's tightly closed fingers to release the dagger. "You can give me that now. It's over. Those were some good stabs and slashes. Have you trained to fight with a dagger?" "No, I just... I don't know what I did. I don't remember." "We'll have to do something about that. Come on, let's go to my room and throw something on. We'll get washed up, and then we can talk." Christi kicked one of the monsters on the way out of the room. "That's for ruining my bath, stinking vermin." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Once both women had washed, they dressed in light cotton shifts that Christi produced from a nearby armoire. A short while later, the two women sat sipping wine in the couple's private sitting room. The Duchess gave Arilee time to relax and get a bit drunk, so that the blonde could put the fright of the attack behind her. "This wine is so good," Arilee remarked. "It had better be — it's Boldheart Red. If Thakkor sent us second rate stuff from his own private stock, I'd kick him in he shins the next time I see him." "Thank you for protecting me from those things. What was it you called them?" "Wood Trolls. They're dumber than dirt, but vicious. Your average stray dog could kill a pack of them, so we were never in any serious danger. You gave a pretty good accounting of yourself, as I said. We should put you through a little weapons training. I would have never thought you would need it here in the Hall, but today proved me wrong." "I don't think I would do very well," Arilee said as she took another sip of the wine. "I'm not trying to flatter you. You held that knife very well. Either it's skill from some more mundane task such as cooking, or you're a natural. Either way, it couldn't hurt to learn a little bit of technique. You don't look the type, and that can be as deadly a weapon as the blade in your hand. You can't stop what you're not expecting." "I'll try, if you think it's a good idea." "Good. Now, what you will be doing is essentially my personal servant. All that means is that you're specifically assigned to me, not that you have some special duty to wait on me hand and foot. It just means that I would prefer you to be nearby, in case I do need you. I like to have someone I'm comfortable with around that I can develop a friendship with. I think I have that in you." "Thank you, Christi." "There you go. You didn't even have to think about it that time. The girl who preceded you, Gwen, was a good friend, and I miss her now that she got married and ran off on me. Her leaving left a void in more than Sharon's daily schedule." Arilee looked like she was about to ask a question, but quickly took a drink and tried to cover it up. Christi could guess what she was about to talk about, but had already decided to take things slowly on that subject with the younger blonde woman. Mindblind walked into the room at that point. "They've got everything cleaned up. There were dozens of the things inside the Hall, and dozens more out in the town. Only a couple of minor injuries out in the town. Ashtar popped in a minute ago, too." Christi looked at her lover with obvious disbelief. "Everything is cleaned up?" "Yeah, we've got to have those ladies come up here to clean every so often. I've never seen anything like it. Kronk and I just had to step back out of the way. It was like watching a busy anthill the way they scurried around. Once they walked out of a room, you couldn't tell there had been anything there." "It wouldn't hurt, I suppose. We keep a pretty clean place, but we brought everyone on because they have certain skills, and it is a little silly not to use those skills every once in a while." Cerebus sighed, putting a forefinger and thumb to his temple. "They just hauled in some street rat that tried to take advantage of the chaos to boost some knickknacks — and steal something more precious from some merchant's daughter. I've got to go play judge now." "Give me a hand getting the dress-up clothes together for Cerebus please, Arilee. I'll show you where they are, because this is likely one place where we'll need you. We have no fashion sense whatsoever, and could care less. We need someone with an eye for good taste to keep us from offending the high and mighty." The pair soon had Cerebus dressed in a ceremonial robe and wearing his circlet of office. He grumbled, tugged at the robes a bit, and then kissed Christi before proceeding down the stairs. "He hates this. If it were up to him, they would hurl anybody who tries to rape a woman straight over the edge of the Great Crater and shoot flaming arrows at them on the way down. He has to try to follow Thakkor's lead though, toning down the atrocity common to punishment that this nation has known for so long. He'll need to calm down when he's done, so we'll probably go spar again. After that we'll probably be — indisposed — for a bit." Christi said the last with a mischievous wink. Arilee laughed and blushed. "I understand." "Good. Go get settled in your room, then head downstairs and get something to eat. You'll pretty much have the rest of the day to yourself. I'll send for you if we need you, but we should probably be able to get by." Blackhawk Hall Ch. 01 "I am hungry." "I know. I could hear your stomach rumbling from here." Christi's frankness and calm demeanor helped Arilee to forget the frightening experience in the bath. Both women shared a laugh, and then Arilee left to follow Christi's advice. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Cerebus knelt over Christi, each clutching the weapon wrist of the other. Mindblind had the advantage of being on top, but Christi's knee poised below his groin said without a doubt that his advantage was easy enough to erase. Mindblind had taken an initial advantage of two points in the beginning, but Christi had battled back to even the score. This last round had lasted ten full minutes before the couple arrived in their current position. The lovers had been in that position for several moments, looking into each other's eyes. "Draw?" Christi purred. "Yeah." Cerebus released her arm, and Christi did the same to his. When he stood, the evidence of his arousal was obvious to Christi, and it echoed her own desire. He held out a hand to help her up, and when she took it, he pulled her up hard and tight against him. Christi moaned and kissed him hard. She turned to walk into their personal armory, which was attached to the courtyard so that they could quickly select weapons for a match, or change them between rounds. The Duchess hung her sword on its peg, and then turned to see her man doing the same. He crossed the room to stand in front of her, hunger burning in his eyes. Grasping the neckline of her blouse in his strong hands, he pulled and popped every button in one smooth motion, revealing her breasts. At the same time, Christi jerked down his trousers. Duke and Duchess both kicked off their shoes while Christi shrugged off her blouse and Cerebus stepped out of his trousers. He stepped forward and jerked down her skirt, fully revealing her body. She had not bothered to put on panties, knowing where their spar this evening would lead. Christi turned and bent over, placing her hands on the table in front of her. She looked back over her shoulder, flipping her ponytail over the opposite shoulder with a deep, excited breath. She then leaned down a little more, tensed her buttocks, and emitted a low, animalistic growl. Mindblind growled as well, and then stepped forward to grab her hips. He did not need to look as he pushed the full length of his cock into her already saturated depths. The couple knew each other's bodies as well as they knew their own. Christi grunted as he stretched her labia wide to admit him. He remained buried to the root for only an instant before he withdrew to shove his now slick member back inside her. Christi pushed her ass back at him with every powerful thrust of his hips, the sound of their flesh clashing making loud slapping sounds that echoed in the small room. Small grunts of pleasure from both Duke and Duchess joined with that rhythmic beat, adding to the symphony of their lust. Releasing her hips, Cerebus put his hands on Christi’s shoulders and pushed her down on the table. Christi gasped as he increased the tempo of his thrusts to a furious pace. A rivulet of her juices mingled with the sweat dripping from her every pore to meander down her thigh. Cerebus continued his rapid assault on her dripping sex for a short while, and then used the convenient handle of her ponytail to pull her back up. Christi put her hands under her again, and her breasts began to swing from the power of his thrusts as soon as the globes were clear of the table. A mixture of growls, hisses, and moans escaped her as she once again thrust her hips back every time his erection crashed into her depths. He raised his right hand and brought it down sharply on her rounded ass, drawing a loud, "Oh, yes," from her. He continued to smack her ass for a dozen strokes, never losing the rhythm of his hips. When his hand returned to grip her hip once more, he increased the pace of his thrusts, adding speed to the already relentless pounding he was giving her pussy. "Oh yes," Christi screamed several times, and with the last, her orgasm took hold of her. Her screams warbled as he continued his assault on her clenching depths, her eyes rolled up in her head, and every muscle in her body tightened. She just kept coming — screaming her pleasure to the wall before her. The torrent of her juices squirted out around his hard thrusting manhood, adding a squishing sound to her screams and the sound of bodies meeting with powerful force. Cerebus buried his cock inside her, reveling in the feeling of her pussy squeezing him even tighter as she edged down from her climax. When she regained some of her breath and her composure, he pulled free from her. Christi let out a gasping scream as his cock withdrew from her. Her gaped opening released streams of her wetness to drip on the floor below and run down her legs. Cerebus grasped her shoulder, and she stood to spin around to face him. With inhuman strength, he put his hands under her bottom and easily lifted her from the floor. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and her legs around his waist. He guided her over his erection and impaled her upon it with the same practiced skill as when he had previously penetrated her. Her eyes and mouth both opened wide as he once again filled her with hard cock. He thrust up into her, pushing down on her hips at the same time, looking into her eyes, and growling in pleasure. After a few strokes, he laid her back on the table and pushed her knees up toward her chest, never slipping from inside her as he did so. Once again, he relentlessly slammed his cock into her, beginning to show the signs of his own approaching climax. Christi came again with a loud scream, lashing her head back and forth on the table with each thrust of his hips. Her orgasm still had her firmly within its grip when he pulled from her with a loud grunt. Placing her hands behind her, Christi levered her body up from the table and dropped to her knees in a single fluid motion. She squeezed his tight balls and engulfed his pussy-slick cock in her mouth. Two sucks from her hot mouth brought him to the edge. His fingers twined into her hair, pulling strands from the restraining tie of her ponytail, and he growled as he filled her mouth with his seed. Christi cried out around his spurting cock as her orgasm refused to let her go. She sucked and swallowed every drop of cum he had to offer while kneading his jewels in her hand. Arilee stood just beyond the doorway, her mouth and eyes both wide open. It had occurred to her that it would be good to anticipate their needs, and so she had brought drinks for the couple to quench their thirst after the sparring contest. She had looked into the door just as Cerebus had penetrated the Duchess the first time. Arilee only snapped out of the trance the scene had put her under when Cerebus pulled from Christi’s mouth with a grunt. Arilee quickly moved out of the doorway, hearing Christi moan in contentment from the aftershocks of her orgasm and the overwhelming taste of his semen flooding her mouth. Ari crossed the courtyard back to the door that led into the Hall, feeling the breeze caused by her movement blow across her soaked panties. She had never in her life been as acutely aroused as she was at that very moment. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Hope you're enjoying the story so far. Do take a moment to vote, won't you? Always tickled to have a comment on the PC board or in email, as well. Blackhawk Hall Ch. 02 AUTHOR'S NOTES: This story is erotic fantasy, set in a world of magic. This tale takes place in the same world as my core Danica story and all my other stories in Sci-Fi/Fantasy on Lit. The occasional use of "modern" measurements and such is a product of my fantasy world. I know most who read fantasy would probably prefer "leagues", "cubits", and "handspans" but my world always utilized more modern terms for distances and measures. I hope it doesn't jar too much to detract from the story. This originally started as a one shot, but has turned into a short series. You really need to read the previous parts to know what's going on in the story and know the characters. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ The Duke and Duchess had just dressed after bathing when Arilee walked into the bath room. She marveled for a moment that there was no evidence of the battle that had occurred here only a short time before. She found that she had to concentrate to maintain her composure in light of Christi wearing only a thin nightshirt and Cerebus clad in only a pair of cotton pants. "Excuse me — Ashtar wishes to speak with you." Mindblind grunted and nodded his head. "That's a good sign for you, Ari. If Ashtar recognized that you're taking over for Gwen, you've got to be on the right track." "Ari... I like that, Dear. How about you, Arilee?" Arilee smiled. "It was always my nickname, but it has been a long time since anyone used it. I was always fond of it." Christi smiled back at her. "Good. Do send Ashtar in, Ari. You might want to stay if he hasn't spoken to you about what happened. He's very thorough and he'll want to talk to us both about what we saw." Arilee turned to fetch the man, but Ashtar appeared in the doorway and walked inside before Ari could take a step. "Many pardons for my most bad manners, but I am being much to anticipating seeing you again my friends." He then turned to Arilee. "I am to be thanking you for conveying my greetings and asking please that you do remain." "Okay," Ari responded with a nod to the dusky-skinned man. Even if she hadn’t known that he used magic, his crimson robes trimmed with strange arcane sigla would have certainly alerted her. He stroked his goatee and smiled wide, revealing a perfect set of shining white teeth to her before turning back to the Duke and Duchess. "Very much bad magic has been bringing the wood trolls into your home. It is being very much strong Art to be breaking my wards, and stinking of evil blood magic it is being." Christi threw up a hand in an exasperated gesture. "It doesn't make any damn sense. Why in the hells would a necromancer waste the energy to break our wards, and then teleport in wood trolls? Why not undead, or even a couple of imps?" "Very much strange it is being. I am to be thinking a distraction it is being, but for what I am not knowing. Notice anything odd to be happening did any of you?" Mindblind only shrugged, but Christi said, "I felt the wards break. That's what alerted me that something was wrong. That was unusual enough, because I'm not that strong in magic and I didn't have anything to do with the spell when it was cast." Ashtar nodded. "Very strong magic being turned against your wards was, not strange is it that you were feeling its chilling touch. The wards I have been restoring, but thinking I am this is not being over." Mindblind grunted and scrunched up his nose. "Wonderful. You got anything to help protect Ari here? She's new, doesn't have any training to fight, and it's just us up here. I'm not so concerned about the servants downstairs. Most of them can fight, and the guards do their job." Ashtar flashed his bright white smile once again. "A new spell I am having made which should be helping. Bringing her to your side when in danger she is it will, if letting me cast it upon her she will." "I would feel much better knowing that you would be with me if anything happens again. So, can Ashtar use his magic on you?" Christi inquired, looking over at the blonde servant. "I think I would feel safer too." Ashtar turned to Arilee. "Be not afraid. Being feeling nothing you will, and to be protecting you my magic shall." The wizard intoned a chant and waved his arms in a series of complicated gestures in front of Arilee, and she started when a faint glowing nimbus of light surrounded her for a moment. It vanished as quickly as it appeared, and she otherwise felt nothing. Cerebus walked over and clapped Ashtar on the back. "Thanks. Your room is ready for you, like always. Stay as long as you want. We don't see enough of you now that you've ran off to study with Darkni." "Good it is being to be here in Blackhawk Hall, old friend. From my studies, I am needing a break, and with good friends is that best to be taken. Intriguing this mystery is, and most interested am I being in its solving." "Let me know if you figure anything out. Actually, you'll probably have to let Christi know." Cerebus then turned toward her. "There's some tough set himself up as a governor down in Darius. Considering I didn't appoint him, I thought I'd go down and ask him what the hell he thought he was up to." Christi put a hand on her hip and scowled. "Nothing but an excuse to go carousing with the boys. I suppose you want me to stay here and keep this place in one piece while you're gone?" "Well..." Christi laughed. "I'm only kidding. Go and have fun, Cerebus. I got out of the Hall to go see Alicia a while ago, so it's your turn for a break. I'll take care of things while you're gone." "I'll stop along the way and see if there’s been anything weird happening anywhere else." Ashtar stretched and yawned, setting off a chain reaction that had both Christi and Arilee yawning as well. "Doubting that I am being. Targeting the Hall, this seems to me being. To my bed I am thinking I should be going." "You're probably right,” Mindblind responded with a shrug. “Night, Ashtar." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ The Duke and Duchess lay in bed after challenging each other to a game of chess that ended in a draw, as did nearly any contest that they engaged in. "You sure you're okay with me going? I do want to get out for a while, but from what I've heard, there's something stinks about the way this tough is acting. I think Draxnog has his hands in it." "It's fine, Dear. I guessed that there was more to it than an excuse to booze and get into bar fights. Ashtar is here, and his magic can help balance the loss of your sword if anything happens." "Gonna be a bit lonely at night though," he hinted, edging in closer to her. "Mmm — here too... Maybe," Christi said and twitched her eyebrows. "Oh, so what's that about then?" "Did you notice we had an audience again this evening?" He kissed her neck before replying, "Nope. Guess I was too busy trying to win at first, and too busy trying not to lose in the end." Christi stroked her fingertips over his hard member beneath the sheets as she spoke, "You were a little distracted in the armory too, apparently." Now it was Mindblind's turn to raise his eyebrows, "Ari?" Christi chuckled. "Mmm hmm. Birds could have flown in and started nesting in her mouth. I saw her in the doorway when I was bending over the table, and she only left when you filled my mouth up." "She'll pick up on the cues eventually so she doesn't walk in on anything uncomfortable." Her hand wrapped around him and squeezed. "I hope she doesn't. She's attracted to women, too." "So that's what the maybe is about, huh?" "I hope she wants to try it. She makes me flow like a river. I'm not the only one she's looking at either." Cerebus let out a little growl and rubbed a finger over her nipple. "It's been a while since we had another girl in our bed." "I owe you one for sharing with that troubadour, too." "What was his name anyway?" "I don't remember." Christi laughed, and then pulled down the front of his pants to wrap her hand around his naked cock. "I remember how good it felt having both of you inside me, though. Would you like to fuck Ari while I'm licking her clit, Cerebus?" He growled again and bunched up her nightshirt, to slip a finger between her legs. She was already soaking wet, and his finger penetrated her easily. "You know I would." Christi sat up then and pulled off her nightshirt. Cerebus kicked the covers off and removed his pants as well. He barely had time to kick them away from his ankles before Christi straddled him and impaled herself on his cock. Thoughts of sharing her love with Ari inflamed Christi’s passions, and she bucked up and down on his erection with wild abandon. Her juices ran down his shaft and soaked his balls, as well as the bed below. The Duke grabbed her ass and thrust his hips upward every time she slammed down, while watching with rapt attention as her breasts bounced. Christi gasped each time his steel slid to the hilt in her sheathe, and moaned each time she rose back up in preparation to slam her hips down once more. Christi built rapidly toward release, screaming her pleasure and turned on to an incredible degree by her thoughts of Arilee — and taking control of the sexual play, something she did not do often. The room filled with the sounds of her cries, the wet sounds of her saturated pussy, and the clashing of bodies. Christi had just risen to the full extension of her knees when her orgasm gripped her. Her head lolled back and her eyes tightly closed as she screamed her pleasure to the roof. The pitch of her scream spiked as her hips slammed down on him one last time. She fell forward on her hands, continuing to emit gasping cries as the waves of energy from her climax pulsed through her body. A wicked grin crossed Mindblind's face as he gripped her hips hard. He held her in place, his great strength preventing any chance of wriggling free, and thrust his hips up at her, hard and fast. Christi's eyes and mouth both opened wide and her breath caught in her throat. This lasted only a moment, however, as she loosed a loud wail immediately thereafter, varying in pitch with each thrust of his hips. Her body quaked uncontrollably as she continued to come, and come, and come. Despite two closed doors and thick stone walls, the sounds of Christi's passion still reached Arilee's ears in her room down the hall. She lay in the bed that was now hers, her nipples painfully hard and her sex aching for attention. She had almost drifted off to sleep when the sounds had begun, and the sounds of passion had entered into Ari’s waking dream. The ache between her legs was too much to ignore, and almost without thought, she bunched up the nightgown she wore over her tummy. A second later, her finger ran along the part of her moist, pink lips. Ari stroked her finger in a feather-light caress up and down her parted lips, the sounds from the other room now quieted to the point that she could not hear them. She quietly moaned, still in a near dreamlike state, thinking to assuage the ache just enough to sleep, now that the stimulus of the audible passion was gone. In the master bedroom, Christi lay atop Cerebus, at last catching her breath. She had been forced to move her hips enough to cause him to slide free as soon as he had released her from his relentless assault. She had experienced perhaps the best string of multiple orgasms that had ever shaken her body, and now that she could think straight again, she was determined to give her man just as much pleasure. She kissed him, and then smiled while moving to her hands and knees. It was his favorite position to take her, and thus one of her favorites as well, since he enjoyed it so much. When he got up, growling in anticipation, Christi said, "Wait until the last minute. I don't want you to have to touch yourself. I just want to feel you come on my ass and back the moment you pull out." "You're taking a chance on getting knocked up that way, Babe." "I don't care. I want it. I know you want it, too. I've got that amulet Devan gave me that can tell me if I'm pregnant, and she knows a spell that can fix it if I do. She would come if I had Ashtar call for her." She growled then and wiggled her sexy ass at him. "I've got to learn that spell Alicia gave me so I can know when it's safe to just let you fill me up. Just take me, fuck me hard, and come all over my ass." The sultry sound of her voice and her body offered up to him instantly killed any worries he’d contemplated. He moved forward and slipped between her velvety folds with a skill that revealed just how many times he had taken her this way, and how well he knew her body. She had told him to fuck her hard, and that is exactly what he did. Christi’s hands and knees occasionally slid forward from the power of his thrusts, her breasts swinging like twin pendulums as she tried to maintain her balance against his power. Christi looked back over her shoulder when she could, her screams of pure pleasure mixed with sultry, carnal encouragement to take her even harder and faster, begging him to make her come again, and cover her in his seed. Down the hall, the first audible scream jolted Arilee back to wakefulness. Her hand still lay between her legs, and the sounds once again caused her body to beg for fulfillment — even more intently than before. Ari's fingers penetrated her this time. There could be no denying the need within her now. The sounds of passion from the other room inflamed her, and drifting so close to sleep caused the fantasy that emerged in her mind to take on a vivid life. In her fantasy, the muffling of the sounds from down the hall was caused by Christi's legs straddling either side of her head. The dark haired woman leaned over Ari’s body to rub the blonde's clit, even as Arilee devoured the Duchess from below. Arilee’s fingers mimicked the thrusts of Cerebus' cock into her depths. Her nightgown bunched up even higher, and she rubbed her nipples with her free hand as her pleasure mounted. Christi rose to a crescendo on her lover's cock at the same time as Arilee did so on her fingers. The Duchess had ceased to talk, close enough to release now as to pass beyond the ability to form any articulate words. The grunts of exertion from the Duke revealed that he was close to his peak as well. The Duchess tightly scrunched the bed coverings in her hands, every muscle in her body tightening for just an instant, and then she came. The loudest scream yet erupted from her as her entire body shivered from the chill her climax sent through her. Despite the summer heat, the sensation caused her to break out in gooseflesh. Arilee's climax took her so near to Christi's release that the raven-haired woman's first scream had not yet ended when Ari's choked off one escaped her. Ari's bottom rhythmically humped up off the bed as the waves of her orgasm rolled through her body. Cerebus pulled from Christi's tightly clenching depths with a loud, sharp growl. The first spurt of his semen splattered on her ass, dangerously close to the very moment when the flared head of his cock slipped free of her folds. With a grunting growl, he nestled his cock in the cleft between her buttocks and laid his hand over it. His next spurt left a sticky trail from halfway up her back all the way to her neck. Ari was still quivering in orgasm when a very faint flash of light shone through her closed eyelids. She opened her eyes and screamed when she saw a wood troll above her, raising a club to strike. The Duke and Duchess both started when they heard the scream from down the hall. Before the scream ended, it suddenly sounded out even louder as Arilee appeared in the bed next to them, pulled there by Ashtar's spell. She still lay with her body revealed and her hand between her legs, fingers glistening with wetness. Cerebus and Christi instantly reacted, pulling apart and moving into defensive postures. Twin flashes of light revealed a pair of wood trolls in the room. Christi jumped above Arilee and kicked out at the nearest creature, crushing its windpipe and dropping it to the floor instantly, where it choked for breath. The pooled semen in the cleft between Christi's buttocks dripped down onto Arilee's cheek as the Duchess launched the kick. The second creature appeared within Mindblind's reach, and he took advantage of it. Reaching out, he wrapped his hand around the creature's neck and jerked it toward him. The creature dropped the rusty kitchen knife it held in surprise from the sudden action. The Duke easily raised the creature above his head with one hand, and then raised the creature horizontal by squeezing his other hand into the creature's crotch. As soon as he had the filthy monster balanced, he hurled it across the room. The wood troll hit the wall with a sickening thud and an audible crack. It slumped to the base of the wall in a broken heap like a marionette with cut strings. Three more successive flashes of light revealed more of the creatures. Christi ducked down, pulling a pair of swords and a dagger from somewhere beneath the bed. With an easy grace, she tossed one of the swords to Cerebus, and dropped the dagger on the bed next to Arilee. The pair of fighters unsheathed their weapons and simultaneously sprang into action. Arilee recovered from her fear and the disorientation of teleportation when the dagger landed on the bed next to her. She scrambled up to a kneeling position and grabbed the dagger, fumbling to remove it from its sheath. By the time she had revealed the blade, Christi had crossed the room to cut down one of the newly appeared creatures. An instant later, a mighty swipe of Cerebus' sword beheaded another. He spun with the follow through and cut a deep gash in the chest of the other creature, which had charged toward him with an upraised club. More creatures appeared, the Duke and Duchess continuing to dispatch them almost the instant that the monsters arrived. One appeared in close to Christi, too close for her to bring her weapon to bear, and so she brought her knee up into its crotch. The lack of reaction told Christi that the creature must be female, and she quickly added a punch to the thing's nose before it could lash out at her with its long claws. Yet another wood troll appeared next to the bed, directly in front of Arilee, but with its back to her. She screamed and grasped the dagger in both hands, stabbing downward and hitting the monster between the shoulder blades. The creature jerked and looked at its arm in betrayal as it tried to reach back to the wound, only to find half of its body paralyzed. It collapsed to the floor a moment later, dragging the dagger from Arilee's hands to the floor with it. Christi noticed that Ari had lost her dagger in the creature's spine when she dispatched the female troll a moment later, and hurried back toward the bed. Mindblind's sweeping style of fighting required a lot of room anyway, and he was better off not having anyone close so that he could battle unrestrained by friendly bodies in the way. Cerebus dismembered another four creatures in mere moments as Christi jerked the dagger out of the creature at the base of the bed. The troll was struggling to rise with only half of its body obeying the commands from its brain. She slit the thing's throat before rising to hand the dagger back to Arilee. No more of the monsters appeared, however, and a growling Kronk burst through the door at that moment as well — with Ashtar right behind him. Cerebus bent down to wipe his blade on the tattered clothing one of the trolls wore. "Okay, this is getting old fast. Anybody hurt?" Blackhawk Hall Ch. 02 Kronk shook his head in the negative. Ashtar said, "Not that we have been hearing. I will be trying to strengthen the wards, but much power there is being directed against them." Mindblind looked down at his sword in disgust, the wipe across the creature's clothing having done little to clean it. Christi said, "I'll take care of the weapons. Go check on things." Cerebus grunted, handed her the sword, and then proceeded to pull on the first clothes he came across. Christi turned to Arilee, "Are you okay?" Arilee nodded, finding that she was strangely calm despite the chaos. "I'm fine." "You have to watch out for bone. It will trap your weapon and the last thing you want is to lose your blade when there is more than one enemy about. Nice stab though, and at least you aren't covered in blood this time." Christi grabbed a cloth from a dressing table near the bed, usually used to clean up after fun between the sheets, and used it to wipe down the dagger. Arilee reached up and found the dollop of cum on her cheek, thinking it was blood, and flushed in embarrassment when she realized what it was. Christi smiled and put the dagger down, pulling Arilee's hand to her mouth and sucking one of the fingers clean. "Would you like a taste?" she asked while stroking the back of the blonde's hand. The flush in Arilee's cheeks deepened, and Christi said, "I saw you watching us in the armory, and you seemed to have been enjoying yourself before all this started. Go ahead — it's alright. Have a little, real taste of your fantasy. I want you to." Ari hesitantly brought her finger to her lips, and then shivered when she tasted the semen smeared on her fingertips. She realized that she was looking at Christi's nude body as she did so, and found that it didn't disturb her as much as it had before. Christi shuddered with her. "He tastes good doesn't he?" She smiled and then added, "Help me get these cleaned off, and we'll go see if we can get in the bath. I'm covered in cum and blood and you looked a little sticky down below too." The blood rose to Ari's cheeks once more. "Do you do it? Touch yourself, I mean?" Christi smiled and handed Arilee the dagger to finish cleaning, taking up her own sword and another cloth to do the same. "Everybody does, Ari. I don't need to very often, because I always have Cerebus close at hand. I do it when he's away though, when I don't have anybody else to help me out." The last had a note of suggestion in it, and Ari recognized it. She felt moisture gathering between her legs as she wiped the dagger. "He isn't upset by you being with another?" Christi shook her head. "Not at all. He doesn't mind a surprise if it's a girl, and if it is another man, he's fine as long as he knows beforehand. We have a unique relationship. We understand that we have needs, and we don't deny them. We're dedicated to each other, and as far as we're concerned that's part of loving each other." "That's so wonderful that you love each other so much." Christi sheathed her sword, took the dagger from Ari to do the same, and then picked up Cerebus' sword to clean it. "It isn't all roses, but that is part of it too. We take out any frustrations in the courtyard, and that keeps us from fighting with words that cut deeper than any blade could." Acting on a sudden burst of resolve, Arilee said, "I want to learn to fight, so you don't have to protect me." "That's good. Cerebus will be going away for a while starting tomorrow, and I'll have plenty of time to teach you. I think you'll do better than you believe. I'm not just trying to make you feel good by telling you that you handle a dagger well." Ari’s expression revealed her disbelief. "Do you really think so?" Christi examined the blade she was cleaning and nodded in approval before sheathing the weapon. "I do. Come along, and we'll see if we're lucky enough to not have a bunch of stinking wood trolls floating in the bath. The water wasn't very dirty, so I left it in for the morning." Arilee nodded and followed the Duchess down the hall, to the bath. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ The baths were untouched, Christi speculating that the creatures were purposely teleported near where there were people present. Christi also checked Arilee's room and found that the troll that had appeared there was fortunately killed outside the room, thus avoiding any mess in her room. After washing, the two women relaxed in the warm bath. Cerebus had peeked in and announced that everyone was fine. Only one servant downstairs had injured himself fleeing the creatures. The Duke dispatched servants to clean up the bedroom, and then went to speak with the city watch to determine whether there were any problems in the city. Ashtar restored the wards on the hall, strengthening them with additional layers of protection. He promised — with his back turned to the doorway — that he would restore Arilee's protective spell as soon as the two women were dressed. "How did you learn to fight so well?" Ari asked as she lounged in the warm water. "I had five older brothers. I learned to fight them with my fists and my feet when they were younger, and then when they grew out of being brats, they helped my dad train me to use a sword. Dad was a mercenary, and he was training my brothers to follow in his footsteps. He thought it would be a good idea for me to know how to defend my virtue. He was surprised when I started whupping them all and eventually became a sellsword myself. He was a little disturbed by it at first, but once I started developing a reputation as someone who could be depended upon, he was fiercely proud of me." "How did you meet Cerebus?" "He, Thakkor, and the rest saw me fighting a couple of goblins and came rushing in to rescue me. I killed both of the goblins before any of them could reach me, and they asked me to join up with them. They looked to be a formidable bunch, so I agreed. Cerebus was the only one not trying to make passes at me — except Thakkor because he was already with Alicia — and he intrigued me. I just sort of crawled in his tent one night when I was feeling hot and things went from there." "Have you been with a lot of men?" "Well, being a mercenary lends itself to living in the moment, so I've known a few. How about you?" Ari's eyes welled up a bit. "Only one. He... He was killed in an accident." Christi edged over and laid her hand on Arilee's shoulder. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up a painful memory." Arilee sniffled and said, "No, it's okay. I brought it up. Have you... How did you..." Christi guessed where Ari was leading and tried to help her finish, "Find out I was interested in girls?" Arilee nodded to indicate that is what she had wanted to ask. Christi smiled and answered, "I guess I always sort of was. It bothered me a bit, like it does you, until I met Rochelle. She was a mercenary too — absolutely gorgeous, and a better fighter than me. We got drunk together one night and it just sort of happened. I'm glad it did." "I don't know why I'm comfortable talking to you about things like this. I've never been able to talk to anyone about sex before." "To be honest, I've been trying to make you feel comfortable. I want you to be able to talk to me about anything, so I can talk to you about anything. I had that with Gwen, and I'd really like to have it again with you." "Did you and Gwen...” Ari paused for a moment to summon up the courage to finish. “Do things together?" Christi laughed and stretched a bit. "No, she wasn't interested in other girls. She understood I was, and it didn't bother her. She liked hearing those stories as much as she did any of those about Cerebus, or other men." "I'm not sure how I feel about it. I think about it sometimes, like I was..." Arilee stopped and blushed, realizing what she was about to say. "Earlier when you were touching yourself — listening to us?" Christi said with a laugh and a wink. "It's okay — it hardly bothers me. I've got no problem with that whatsoever. If you ever feel like experimenting with your feelings, I'm just down the hall." Ari's breath caught, and she found that she was staring at Christi's body beneath the water. Christi’s eyes wandered over Arilee’s body as well, just the slightest hints of hopeful anticipation in her eyes. Cerebus peeked back in the room again and shattered the moment. "Everything is fine in town. More of them this time — just like here — but next to nobody hurt. One of the girls at over at Erotine's Arms stabbed one of them in the eye with a wooden dick she had laying beside her bed." He laughed from the memory of that sight. "You two better get out of there or you'll look like raisins for days." "Fine — shoo then," Christi said with some irritation at him disrupting the moment she had been sharing with Arilee, which she thought might have led to something more. "Everything okay?" "Yes, just shoo so we can get out and get dressed." Cerebus guessed what might be irritating his future wife, and he was no less intrigued by the prospect — or frustrated that he had interrupted it — than she. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ The next morning, the Duke and Duchess stood facing each other in their bedroom. "I'm not going, and that's final." Christi put her hands on her hips and stared hard at him. "I beg your pardon?" "I'm not leaving with stinkin' wood trolls popping up in the Hall every few hours." Christi's eyes narrowed and the tone of her reply plainly illustrated how she felt about what Cerebus had just said. "We can handle ourselves without you here to baby-sit, thank you." "Sorry, I don't mean to make it sound that way. I just think I should be here." Christi raised her hand on his cheek. "Cerebus, it’s magic that's bringing them here, and you're hardly the best man to deal with that. That's why Ashtar is here. You have a rogue governor trying to set up shop out in the hinterlands, and you need to go check him out or smack some sense into him. You can find out if it's just us having problems with wood trolls appearing out of thin air, or if it's happening elsewhere too. That's where you need to be." "Okay, but Ari stays in our room with you, and Kronk is staying upstairs while I'm gone. There were more of them this last time, and who is to say there might not be more than you can handle alone next time?" Christi smiled. “Agreed. Now finish getting ready and get out of here. I'm going to take Ari out to the courtyard and start training her how to fight." Cerebus grunted and said, "If those two critters she cut up aren't just flukes, she may have a little fight in her, that's for sure." "I don't think they're flukes. She must be a natural born fighter." Mindblind grunted again in response and finished dressing, as Christi did the same. When he was dressed, he kissed her goodbye and went downstairs to get his gear for the trip. Christi found Arilee leaving her room, heading in the direction of the master suite. "Do you need anything, Christi?" "Something to eat. Let's go down to the kitchen and grab whatever they have cooking. I want to start teaching you how to fight today, if that's okay with you?" "I hope I won't disappoint you." Christi gestured for Arilee to follow her. "I don't think you will. Let's go eat so we won't be distracted by our stomachs rumbling." "Shouldn't I change?" Ari asked while gesturing down at the rather pretty gown she was wearing. "I'll pick you out something appropriate after we eat. Right now, I'm starving," Christi exclaimed and punctuated it with a laugh. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Arilee sat on the ground in the courtyard, panting, dripping with sweat, and aching all over. She and Christi had trained in the courtyard for a couple of hours, the second hour coming at Arilee's insistence. Christi had been ready to give her pupil a rest, thinking not to push the blonde too hard on the first day, but Arilee discovered that she enjoyed the training, and wanted to learn more. She was questioning her decision now, but only a little. She seemed to be catching on quickly, and though she had never actually managed to land a punch or a kick on Christi, her teacher praised her for her form. Christi put out a hand to help Arilee rise, which was the polite thing to do since she had planted Ari on her behind with a grab of her ankle a moment before. "I told Cerebus that you were a born fighter, and I was right. With a little practice, nobody is going to want to lay a hand on you without permission." "I never touched you, though." "I'd be pretty disappointed in myself if you did on your first day,” Christi responded, and then punctuated it with a laugh. “You missed a lot of opportunities to bring a knee up in my crotch. Don't forget that." "It just seems cruel." "If somebody is trying to kill you, or rape you, why should you care? Kick them where they live. It will make them forget anything else for a few minutes. You can get away, or do more permanent damage then if necessary. I never miss an opportunity in a real fight, and I'll even use it on Cerebus if he's made me mad, or I need the breathing room." "I'll try to remember." "Let's go hit the bath. We're both going to be stinking to high heaven in a few minutes, and I'm sure your muscles are screaming at you. They'll be screaming worse tomorrow. We'll work on how to hold a dagger tomorrow, because you probably won't feel like much else. I like that you wanted to stay when I suggested that we stop for the day. It shows that you really want to learn." Arilee smiled and wiped sweat out of her eyes. "Being attacked twice in one day by monsters makes me want to learn." Christi grabbed the blonde’s hand and nodded toward the courtyard gate that led back into the Hall. The pair soon arrived upstairs to undress for their bath. The combat with Arilee had the same effect on Christi that it always had when she faced Cerebus. There was more than sweat dripping beneath her linen skirt. Arilee's muscles, swollen from heavy use, gave her a lithe, sexy appearance that made Christi's mouth water. Noticing that Arilee paid a great deal of attention to her as the two undressed added to Christi’s arousal. Christi and Arilee washed, and then settled back to let the heat soak into their muscles. Arilee was already starting to flinch and groan a little — the first hint of the pain and stiffness she would be feeling before long. On impulse, Christi floated over to massage her servant’s calves. Ari flinched a little at first, but then relaxed under Christi's practiced hands. Christi moved forward a little, kneading Ari's muscles just above the knee. She moved her hands over the other woman, and as she did so, she let the patch of closely cropped hair on her mound brush over the blonde's leg for brief moments. Just the faintest smile touched Christi's lips when she saw the little catch in Arilee's breath every time her pussy brushed against the other woman. Christi inched her hands forward a bit more to rub Ari's outer thighs with firm pressure. Ari's eyes had drooped closed, but they opened with Christi’s touch, and the Duchess could see just the faintest hints of arousal in those eyes. As she continued to knead Arilee's stiff muscles, Christi softly said, "I always get turned on when I spar with someone." The catch in Ari's breath this time was more pronounced. Christi moved to straddle Arilee's leg, letting her sex rest upon it, and moving her hands so that one was massaging Ari's inner thigh as well. "I don't know why, but it just excites me that way. The heat of battle turns into another kind of heat, later on." Ari started to breathe more quickly, and the flicker of arousal in her eyes grew stronger. Christi moved the hand on Ari's inner thigh a little higher, moving the other to the crease where the blonde’s leg and hip met. "Did it make you feel that way at all?" Arilee nodded, and Christi smiled when she felt the woman's thighs slightly part. "You could entertain your curiosity and touch me, if you'd like. You'll always be afraid of your feelings and a little scared of them until you do, and they won't go away. If you try, you'll know for sure." "I-I don't know." Christi moved over next to the other woman, up on her knees so that her breasts were above the level of the steaming water. "One little touch won't hurt you, and then you'll know. Do you want to know if your feelings are real, or just a flight of fancy?" Arilee's hand moved slowly, hesitantly toward Christi. She laid her palm over Christi's firm right breast, and Christi gasped from the touch. Ari flinched a little and pulled back just out of contact with the other woman's flesh, but then reached forward again and cupped Christi's breast in her hand. "Mmm — that feels good. You have such soft hands." "Your nipples are so hard," Ari absently remarked as she stared at her hand on the other woman's breast. "You excite me." Arilee ran a finger over Christi's stiff nipple and looked up into her eyes. "Really?" "Gods, yes. You're making me so wet. Are you wet, Ari?" The fascinated blonde nodded her head, moving her hand across to touch Christi's other nipple. "Would you like to see how wet I am?" Christi asked and stood. Arilee's hand slid down Christi's body as the Duchess stood, and came to rest on her mound when Christi was fully upright. Christi's legs parted, and Ari could feel the other woman quiver under her hand. Moving her fingers downward, she touched Christi's nether lips and shivered as well. Christi's folds felt much like her own beneath her fingers, but the closely cropped hair let her feel them with less obstruction. She slid a finger beyond the gently yielding pressure of Christi's labia, and felt an abundant, hot wetness coating her finger. "Would you like me to touch you?" Ari reluctantly tore her eyes away from Christi's sex, looking up into the other woman's eyes. "Yes," she softly answered. Christi knelt back down in the water and ran a finger down Arilee's chest, over her tummy, and finally over her fuzzy nether lips. Christi didn’t hesitate in the slightest, and slipped a finger between those lips beneath the water. Ari shuddered, and looked down through the gently lapping water at Christi's hand between her legs. Christi stroked Ari's folds, ready for far more than a touch. She was highly aroused, and she wanted to see this beautiful woman come. She really wanted to taste her, but she wasn't sure if she should push that far yet. Instead, she decided to see if Arilee was comfortable and aroused enough to climax on her fingers. Christi slid two fingers into the blonde’s depths and moaned, "Mmm you're so tight. Does that feel good?" "Oh yes." Christi moaned again and stroked her fingers a little faster. She pulled the digits free of Ari's depths to rub the wetness from within over the blonde’s labia, moving upward to make just the slightest contact with the woman's clit. Then, Christi’s fingers slipped back inside, to stroke a bit faster than before. The two women’s eyes locked as Christi's fingers continued to dance over Ari, and within her. Arilee's face grew flushed, and her contracting muscles squeezed Christi’s fingers even more tightly. Christi moved to rub her fingers over Ari's clit, then — fast little circles that obviously stoked the other woman's fires high, as evidenced by her expression of pleasure. "Oh — oh — oh — gods," Arilee gasped as her pleasure mounted toward a crescendo. Blackhawk Hall Ch. 02 "Mmm — yes. Come for me, Ari." "I-I-I'm...” Ari squealed in a high-pitched tone, and then she yelped as she started to come. Both women quivered as Ari’s emotions were buoyed upward by the swell of her released pleasure. Arilee moaned in deep contentment as her orgasm played out, Christi continuing to gently stroke her pussy until Arilee slumped with a final gasp. Christi quickly brought her fingers to her lips, tasting Ari's juices and feeling a shiver run through her with even that diluted taste. "Did it feel good?" "Oh yes — it feels so good." "I want you to do it for me — please." Ari gasped and paused for a moment. She then shifted to face the other woman, who parted her legs beneath the water. Ari reached out and slipped a finger into Christi's warm embrace. "It feels so different from me, without all the hair." "Mmm I could trim you if you like, or shave you. I would prefer to shave, but Cerebus says it makes me look like a little girl, not a woman." "Is this right?" "Very right,” Christi breathed, “You know what makes you feel good. Do it for me." Arilee began to experiment, now completely absorbed in the feeling of her fingers penetrating another woman for the first time, and the breathless pleasure evident in Christi's face. She moved in the water to sit next to Christi, an angle that was closer to when she sated her own needs. The change seemed to work, because Christi began to writhe under her touch. "That feels so good, Ari. Please don't stop." Both women soon breathed heavily, and Arilee reached out with her other hand on impulse to rub Christi's nipple. The resulting moan told Ari without a doubt that it was a good idea. Christi's hips bucked up and down steadily, and she caressed Ari's face as her pleasure mounted. "Oh! Ah! Oh, Arilee — yes! I'm there!" Christi shuddered and a quiet, quavering moan of release escaped her. When her orgasm played out, she turned to see Arilee looking into her eyes with fascination and arousal. Still finding her tongue hard to control after her orgasm, Christi asked, "S-so what do you think?" Arilee blushed. "I don't think I'm afraid of my feelings any more." Christi moaned in anticipation of more to come, and stroked Arilee's cheek. "Good, because I would hate to not feel your soft hands on me again." The pair sat very close together, and Ari's lips slightly parted as she looked at the Duchess. Without a word passing between them, the two women leaned forward together and kissed. There was certainly more to come. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ The voting form is right down there -- hint, hint *laugh* Take a moment to vote, and perhaps comment, because that's the fuel that keeps us writing. Blackhawk Hall Ch. 03 AUTHOR'S NOTES: This story is erotic fantasy, set in a world of magic. This tale takes place in the same world as my core Danica story and all my other stories in Sci-Fi/Fantasy on Lit. The occasional use of "modern" measurements and such is a product of my fantasy world. I know most who read fantasy would probably prefer "leagues", "cubits", and "handspans" but my world always utilized more modern terms for distances and measures. I hope it doesn't jar too much to detract from the story. This originally started as a one shot, but has turned into a short series. You really need to read the previous parts to know what's going on in the story and know the characters. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Arilee and Christi broke from their kiss. Christi shivered and softly moaned, "Oh, that was good." Arilee giggled and blushed. "Really?" "Oh gods — yes. Your lips are so soft. It made me tingle all over.” The Duchess then twirled her fingers through the blonde curls on Arilee’s mound and asked, “Would you like me to trim your hair down there for you?" Arilee nodded, and Christi patted the edge of the bathing pool near the steps that were used to enter it. The edge of the pool and the top step provided a seat wide enough for a person to sit comfortably. Ari climbed up on the step while Christi retrieved her clippers and razor from a long-legged chest at the side of the pool. As the Duchess approached Arilee again, the blonde parted her legs wide, and Christi had to suppress a shudder. Christi first worked on clipping the thick carpet of hair between Ari's legs. "You'll have to keep up with this once you've done it. It will grow back into a jungle if you don't. It's even more important if you shave." "I think I'd like it shaved." Christi did not suppress her shudder this time, or the moan that came with it. "I want to see you bare. I love that." Now very excited, Christi trimmed the hairs with her dainty scissors as quickly as possible. She soon had the dark blonde curls trimmed down to a length about the same as her own, and she could see hints of wetness on Arilee's nether lips that had nothing to do with the bathing pool. Arilee's breathing had quickened while Christi labored between her legs, and Christi's body was responding as well. The Duchess put down the scissors, picked up the razor, and then moved back between Ari's legs. She shaved Ari’s mound first, leaving a triangle of hair pointing downward. When she ran her hand over the now smooth skin, Arilee shuddered. Christi smiled when she saw the twitch of the blonde’s folds from the touch. Christi felt her own walls contract as well, and moved to shave the rest of the short hairs from Ari's sex. When she finished, Arilee ran her hand over her now baby-smooth skin and moaned, "I like it." With hunger obvious in her eyes, Christi put down the razor without ever looking away from Ari's perfect pink folds. "So do I." The Duchess leaned forward and closed her lips over Ari’s clit and its concealing hood, drawing a gasp from the blonde. Christi moaned in delight and snaked her tongue beneath the other woman's hood, tasting Ari’s juices and rolling the erect bud with light pressure. A sudden chill sprang into being in Ari's clit — quickly spreading throughout her entire body. She broke out into gooseflesh as the Duchess tongued her quivering folds. The one man with whom she had shared her body had used his mouth on her, but the sensation Christi was giving her now was something completely new and incredible. Christi's lips and tongue touched her more gently than her fingers or her lover's cock had. It was a soft caress that was so different from anything she had ever experienced. Her nipples stood out painfully hard from the chill, and she covered them with her hands to relieve the sensation. Christi moaned and asked, "Does that feel good?" "Mmm — yes." "You taste so sweet. Come for me again, Ari." Arilee laid her hands on Christi's shoulders — quiet moans of pleasure escaping her with each exhaled breath. She watched with fascinated arousal as the woman between her legs slipped her tongue deep between the glistening folds before her. The chill in Ari's body continued to intensify, mingling with sharp spikes that caused her to tremble. She whimpered from the slowly building sensation, her heart racing almost frighteningly fast. She panted for breath, gasping each time the chilling sensation peaked for a moment. Then, Ari felt a point of warmth glowing deep inside her. It spread ever so slowly from her depths throughout her loins. Christi’s gentle caress had progressed into rapid lapping of Ari’s folds. The brunette’s tongue pushed Ari’s hood up with each stroke, and rolled her clit upwards as well. The warmth emerging from within Arilee reached Christi's tongue, and Ari felt it explode from with her, swelling into her chilled body and warming it as she came. Arilee's mouth opened wide, and a loud moan of release escaped her. Christi moaned as she tasted the flow of the blonde's juices on her tongue, and slowed her teasing just enough to let the other woman spiral back to earth. The Duchess caressed Arilee's thighs while the final shudders of her orgasm shook the young blonde’s body. When Ari's eyes finally fluttered open, Christi was looking up into them and smiling. "I've never felt anything like that," Ari said in a soft, slow tone of voice that spoke well of just how relaxed she felt after reaching her peak. Christi rose up from her knees and leaned in to kiss the other woman. Arilee made a small sound of surprise when she tasted her juices on Christi's lips. Christi let a knowing chuckle escape her when she broke from the kiss. "You taste good, don't you? I want you to shave me." "But, you said Cerebus didn't like it." "He'll be gone for a while, and my hair is dark enough that it only takes a couple of days to grow back to where he likes it. I want you to shave me bare and lick my pussy for me." Ari's breath caught for a moment as her eyes locked with Christi's and she saw the need and desire within. Christi said, "Please," and Arilee nodded. The hairs on Christi's mound were already trimmed very short, so she handed Arilee the razor. "Just do it slowly, and be careful around my lips. It gets much easier with practice." Ari nodded again and turned to her task. She was hesitant at first, afraid of cutting Christi, but soon found a grip on the razor and an angle that she was comfortable with. The Duchess guided her when necessary, and soon Christi's mound was bare as well. Christi ran a hand over her sex and moaned, "I love it smooth." She placed her hand on Ari's cheek, her eyes smoldering with desire. "Do it for me." Caught up in the sensuality of the Duchess and her own arousal, Arilee leaned down. Her excitement grew as she drank in the scent of arousal arising from the Duchess. Christi parted her legs wide, with a moan of anticipation, and Ari could see the sparkle of wetness between the brunette’s nether lips. She did not hesitate, too lost in the moment and the intoxicating scent to resist. She placed her hands on Christi's thighs and leaned forward, slipping her tongue between the gently yielding folds to taste the wetness within. As intoxicating as Christi's scent was, the bittersweet taste of her juices was even more so. Ari found her body shivering as she pushed her tongue deeper, seeking more of the nectar. Her tongue raced and darted over every inch of Christi's nether lips, seeking Christi's juices and finding a seemingly endless supply, which only increased as she lapped for more. The different textures fascinated Arilee, prompting her to explore even more with probes of her tongue, and gentle sucks. Turning her head sideways, Ari pushed her tongue into Christi's depths as far as it would penetrate. She moaned as a flood of creamy juices washed over her tongue. Probing at the tight walls with her tongue, Arilee drank in the essence and started to feel a bit lightheaded. Christi built quickly toward an explosion, at last having the beautiful blonde woman between her legs where she had wanted her since the first time she saw her. She ached for release and her bud screamed for attention. Reaching down, she guided Ari to her throbbing clit, and gasped as Arilee locked her lips over both hood and bud. Moving her head in a circle and rolling Christi's bud between her lips with her tongue, Ari tried to duplicate the motions she used when masturbating. Christi's fingers twining into her hair and the deep moans of pleasure indicated to Arilee that her actions were achieving the desired result. In a flash of realization, Arilee realized that she did indeed want — and need — to feel the Duchess come on her tongue. She wanted it more than anything at this moment — to feel the gorgeous woman quiver in orgasm from her touch. A few seconds later, Christi moaned and granted her wish. "Oh gods — yes," Christi cried out as she quaked from the release of orgasmic energy that had swelled within her. Yet another torrent of juices flowed over Ari's tongue, her moans mingling with those of the climaxing Duchess. Christi had to push the blonde away and cover her oversensitive folds when she could not catch her breath any longer. Ari rose up and saw the ecstasy in Christi's face, which caused her own body to respond with a pleasant warmth akin to a soft orgasm. She licked her lips for the cream there, and pulled what she couldn’t reach with her tongue to her lips with her fingers. Christi's eyes popped open and she gasped. She then pulled Arilee into a deep, passionate kiss. The two women’s tongues wrangled for long minutes as the lovers enjoyed the warm afterglow of their first encounter. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Arilee awakened feeling somewhat disoriented. The first thing she realized was that every muscle in her body ached — badly. Her second realization was that her head was lying on the taut tummy of the Duchess, with the weight of one of the woman's breasts pressing against the back of her head. Ari smiled and felt wonderful for a moment, snuggled up against the sexy woman who had taught her to give in to her needs. Then, the pain returned. She winced and felt Christi rouse slightly. After a few moments, a hand combed its way through Ari's hair. "Good morning. How are you feeling?" Arilee turned to look up at the Duchess, but had to rise when she couldn't see anything but the woman's breasts from where she lay. "I ache all over, but..." A shiver overcame her then, and she could only moan in remembrance of the passion she had shared with the other woman in the bath. Christi moaned and responded, “Me too — except for the aching part." Christi's stomach rumbled, causing them both to laugh. "We should get something to eat. We seem to have burnt up a lot of energy yesterday." Ari's cheeks quickly turned red and she softly giggled. "I could make us something, if you have anything in your kitchen." "That's sweet. I'm going to send someone to bring me some bread, though. I'm starving." While standing up, Arilee winced again from her muscles protesting the movement. She tried to relieve the discomfort with a stretch, arching her back and letting her head loll backward. Christi moaned and tossed off the covers. "You have such a beautiful body." Again, Arilee blushed, and smiled. "So do you." "You go see what you can do in the kitchen, and I'll send down for some bread to tide us over. Once we have something in our bellies, we'll go down and teach you a little about holding a weapon. I won't push you too hard today, because I know how I felt after my first day of hard training." Ari looked around for her clothing, and then realized she had left everything in the bath. "Oh dear." Christi laughed and rose from the bed as well. She retrieved simple outfits for both of them — just blouses and skirts. When the pair finished dressing, Arilee went to the kitchen, and Christi went to find Kronk. Kronk had a knowing smile on his face when Christi found him sitting on a bunk in the small guard's bunkhouse across the hall. "And what are you grinning about, you big oaf? Were you listening?" Christi asked with mock outrage. "Only the deaf and the dead didn't hear." Christi laughed. "You're terrible. Would you be a dear and go find someone to bring us up some bread?" She batted her eyes at him and gave him a peck on the lips when she had finished. "I'll do it myself for another kiss." Christi kissed him again, more deeply this time. "You're terrible," she repeated. "You like it." "You wish." Kronk laughed — a deep, almost growling sound — and then headed toward the stairs to do as Christi had asked. Christi walked into the kitchen and found Ari going through the cabinets, seeing what was there to work with. When she saw the Duchess she inquired, "Pancakes with maple syrup?" Christi let an exaggerated shudder run through her body. "I love them, but I always burn them, or don't get them done." "You've done too much cooking over a campfire." "You're probably right about that. The only difference when I cook in here is less ash stuck to whatever I cook." Both women laughed, and then Christi settled in to wait for the bread while Ari buttered a skillet. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ The business of the Duchy called Christi away long before she was ready to leave the breakfast table. Arilee helped her dress, and then stayed nearby, ready to carry messages or fetch anything the Duchess might need. It was well into the afternoon before Christi was able to return upstairs, bathe, and dress casually once more. Arilee fried chicken while Christi bathed, even though she wanted nothing more than to climb into the bath with the other woman. Christi was mentally and emotionally exhausted from the day's business, so Arilee decided it would be best just to let her soak and relax. Christi didn't soak long, the scent of the chicken drawing her from the bath and into the kitchen. Once again, Christi was loathe to get up from the table after eating too much, but she had promised that she would teach Ari more today, and meant to live up to that promise. The two women changed clothing and went down to the courtyard. There, Christi guided the natural talent Arilee possessed toward a more refined style, suitable for a real fight, should she ever need the skill. Christi had put on her sword and scabbard, but doubted that she and Arilee would actually do any sparring today. Ari was simply too sore, and there was a lot of work to do just teaching the blonde how to properly hold the dagger, defend, and strike with it. Christi was pleased to see that her student proved to be attentive, and quick to learn. Despite the minimal activity, both Christi and Arilee were drenched in sweat a couple of hours later. Christi started to go ask someone to fetch drinks, but saw Sharon walking out with a tray, having already anticipated the need. Christi laughed and took one of the metal cups from the tray when Sharon reached her. "Can you read my mind?" Sharon echoed the laugh. "No, Dear — I just know you. I've been watching, and your young student here shows promise." Arilee blushed and brought her cup to her lips to try to hide her reaction. She had just taken her first swallow and tipped the cup back again when a wood troll appearing in the courtyard nearly caused her to choke on the water. "Son of a bitch!" Christi cursed and drew her sword. She darted toward the creature, and then saw another flash of light to her right. A much more dangerous goblin had appeared a few feet away. A quick glance revealed that Sharon had guided Ari to stand back to back with her, so Christi turned on the more cunning foe. More flashes danced at the edges of Christi's vision, and she continued to curse under her breath in a steady stream as she approached and faced off with the goblin. The creature raised its spear to attack, leaving an obvious opening, and Christi took it. Her sword slashed through the wooden haft of the weapon, and the neck of the goblin, barely slowed at all by either obstruction. The sound of booted feet, war cries, and movement in her peripheral vision told Christi that the guards were responding. It was a good thing; because everywhere she looked, there were goblins and wood trolls. Yet another wood troll appeared next to Christi as she sought her next goblin target, and she cut the monster down before it had the chance to recover from the disorientation of teleportation. The attack let her see Sharon and Ari clearly for a second or two, and she smiled as she saw Sharon lash out with a kick to the groin that lifted a wood troll off of its feet. The creature crashed on its rump and then curled up into a ball. A sizzling from her right caused Christi’s eyes to dart toward the sound. She saw flaming bolts of magic strike a pair of wood trolls, blasting them to the ground. A glance up into the window revealed Ashtar chanting, preparing to unleash more magic. Ari threatened another approaching wood troll with her dagger. She looked frightened, but she also remembered her lessons. She held the dagger with far more confidence than ever before, and the stance Christi had taught her felt both comfortable and stable. Sharon darted forward for a moment and cracked the writhing wood troll in front of her on top of the head with the metal tray she carried. The creature ceased to struggle and lapsed unconscious as Sharon quickly resumed her position at Ari's back. Christi turned on another goblin, seeing a pair of soldiers cut down three wood trolls in a matter of seconds as she moved toward her chosen target. The monster was busy eyeballing the other two women until Christi approached, when it recognized that the Duchess was a threat that it could not ignore. Christi heard a snarled scream as she approached the goblin and easily parried an overhand strike from the creature's sword. She smiled, knowing another part of Ari's training was coming through. That feral scream coming from such a beautiful woman, armed and holding her weapon well, would unnerve anything that thought it was approaching easy prey. Cutting down the goblin as it tried to recover from the failed strike, Christi spun to see Ari lash out at the approaching troll. The monster backpedaled and waved its club, yipping at her. Ari was scared half to death. The only reason she wasn't running was because she had Sharon at her back and there appeared to be nowhere to run anyway. She lashed out at the disgusting wood troll in front of her, loosing another scream. The monster backed away, making the horrible hyena-like sound that set Ari’s teeth and nerves on edge. Sensing movement as much as seeing it, Arilee screamed and threatened another approaching wood troll, but this one appeared to be braver than the first. It continued to approach, and raised its club to strike. Ari lunged forward, meaning to try to frighten the thing away, but misjudged how fast it was moving, and the distance between them. She stabbed out on instinct, and the point of her dagger found the back of the creature's hand. The creature howled and swung its club, but Ari ducked down to avoid the attack, and then scrambled back to Sharon. A grunt from Sharon and a metallic clang caused Ari to glance behind her to see that the woman had blocked the strike of a metal-banded club on her tray. Ari was still crouched low to the ground, so she scooped up a handful of dirt and hurled it in the direction of the creature attacking Sharon. This was yet another of Christi's dirty fighting techniques that Ari had picked up the day before. Christi had only mentioned it, but Ari had absorbed everything the experienced fighter had said or shown her — determined to learn. Blackhawk Hall Ch. 03 The dirt either blinded the creature or distracted it, because the momentary flinch gave Sharon an opening. The serving woman kicked the thing hard enough between its legs that it dropped its club and let out a sharp, girlish shriek. Sharon quickly dropped her tray and picked up the club instead, whipping it into an offensive posture that indicated that she knew how to use it. Between the soldiers, and Ashtar's spells, the creatures on the fringes of the courtyard fell as wheat before the scythe. Seeing that the other two women were still surrounded by four creatures, not counting the two struggling to rise, Christi charged in that direction. Ari breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the Duchess approaching. The three wood trolls facing her had a much different reaction. Two of the monsters turned toward the obviously dangerous woman and yipped a challenge. Christi cut down the first wood troll before it could raise even the slightest defense. The second monster attacked, but she easily caught the weapon on her sword and spun it out wide, putting the wood troll off balance. Arilee heard a sickening thud behind her, but couldn’t risk any distraction because of the third troll, which was still threatening her. It suddenly charged and stabbed with the fire-hardened wood spear that it carried. Again, Ari's instruction jumped forward in her mind, and she nudged Sharon. She prayed that the other woman would understand the signal and be prepared to dodge, because there was no way she could block even that crude weapon with only a dagger. Out of the corner of her eye, Christi saw Sharon smash the head of one standing wood troll, and saw it go down in a heap. She lashed out and stabbed the remaining wood troll facing her in the chest just as the monster facing Arilee lunged forward. Ari sidestepped, gasping with relief when Sharon dodged the opposite way in response to Ari’s nudge. The wood troll stumbled between the two women, and Ari slashed the creature’s forearm with her dagger as it passed. The monster dropped its spear and continued to stumble past for a pair of steps before falling to the ground. Sharon first lashed out at the creature that had stumbled between her and Arilee, grunting in approving surprise that Arilee had known to warn her about the spear-wielder in the proper way. That single bit of knowledge allowed both women to be in perfect position to attack and defend. The creature collapsed to the blood-soaked ground and barely moved, so Sharon quickly turned on the two rousing creatures already on the ground. Two carefully aimed blows discouraged the monsters from rising. The Duchess and the soldiers all reached the two women in the middle of the courtyard at the same time. Ashtar's magic took down a final goblin appearing at the edge of the courtyard just as Christi reached the other two women. The soldiers quickly stabbed the creatures that still lived, and then all was quiet. Ari collapsed to her rump, choking off a sob of relief. Christi walked up in front of her and said, "You did well." "I barely touched any of them. All I did was manage to keep from getting killed," Ari said with a sniffle. Sharon laughed. "You got that one off me and kept me from getting stabbed in the back is what you did. Thank you." "She gave you the signal," Christi guessed, nodding her head in approval. "Yep — like she had been doing it all her life. She's got a good memory, and better reflexes." Arilee blushed. "I still don't think I helped much." Ashtar appeared in a flash of light. "There are being some injured in the Hall. Goblins there were appearing also, and many wood trolls." "All the servants carry daggers from now on, and I want them to all have weapons by their beds as well. Double the guard in the Hall, and in town. I have no doubt that the same thing was happening out there." "Screw a dagger — I'll be carrying a sword," Sharon said with a snort. Christi smiled and chuckled. "Any who know how to use one can have one from the armory. Swords, maces — whatever they think they can use effectively. Let's go get you a belt and sheathe for that dagger, Ari." "Most odd this is being. Still not a great danger were these, despite the numbers. Still thinking I am being this is a distraction." "But for what? You haven't found anything magical besides the obvious. The thieves in the city don't notice any unusual activity. The soldiers have found nothing..." "The real purpose these attacks are not. Wary should we be being at all of the times." "As if we can watch for anything else when damn trolls and goblins are popping out of thin air everywhere," Christi said and stomped her foot hard on the ground. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ The pair simply relaxed in the bath — Christi too worked up and angry to feel aroused, and Ari too frightened and hurting. They spoke of the battle, Christi asking Ari to explain everything that happened from her perspective. When she had finished, Christi smiled and said, "You remember what you're told, and your body reacts on those memories when it needs to. Sharon was right, and so was I. You did well." "Are you ever scared?" "On occasion. The key to surviving is mastering your fear, turning it into another weapon. Get mad at your fears, shove them aside, and do what has to be done." "I still don't feel like I did anything." Christi splashed water at Ari, "Oh, I swear you're impossible sometimes!" Arilee wiped water out of her eyes, knowing from the tone in Christi's voice she was only teasing, "I just feel like I'm in the way." "Then keep learning — you have the knack. If you feel like you're in the way, then change it. That's how you get ahead in this life. Take what you don't like and make it better." Christi stood, nude and dripping, and walked over to the balcony window to watch the detail that was hard at work burying the numerous bodies of the goblins and wood trolls that had attacked the Hall and the town. "Well, we're doing some place a service — depopulating the area of vermin. We'll have to start burning them before long, because we'll be out of ground to bury them in." Though Arilee was still too frightened and in pain for her passions to rise earlier, seeing the Duchess' backside in the fading sunlight changed that quickly. She didn't even realize she was staring until Christi spanked her own bottom while turning to look over her shoulder. "And just what are you looking at?" "You just look so beautiful, there in the light of the sunset." Christi walked back over to Ari, kissed her, and then teasingly said, "Are you trying to woo me? I'm to be a married woman you know?" Ari's face turned bright red and she started to speak, but Christi silenced her with a finger over her lips. "It's okay, Arilee. How long has it been since you were with anyone else?" "I don't know — a year? Two?" "You've been neglected, and you're catching up. We need to get you hooked up with a man. We can have a lot of fun together, but I'm missing some vital equipment for some things." "It's just so hard for me to speak to a man. My insides get all knotted up." "You're in the right place. There are any number of charmers who will sweep you off your feet around here, and I can tell you which ones are just out to bed you for a notch on their bedpost." She graced Arilee with a crooked grin. "I've seen you looking at Cerebus, you know. He makes you wet, doesn't he?" Ari simply blushed, but when Christi raised an eyebrow, still smiling that crooked, knowing smile, she finally answered, "Yes, he's just so... The way he takes you..." Christi shivered and then leaned down to passionately kiss Arilee. "No fair making me want him when he's gone." She then leaned down close and whispered in Ari's ear, "Would you like to have him buried deep inside you, Ari?" Now it was Arilee's turn to shiver, and Christi moaned softly before she continued, "I would love to watch him take you — make you scream. Would you like his big cock inside you while I lick you, Ari?" "Yes," Arilee breathlessly replied. "Mmm — as soon as he gets home," Christi said and slid back into the bath. Ari turned to face her and they moved into an embrace, kissing with their tongues wrangling. Christi's fingers found their way between Ari's folds beneath the water as they kissed. An instant later, she felt Arilee's fingers penetrate her as well. "His big cock feels so good inside you — hitting you so deep. It feels like he's going to split you in half, but it feels so good that you don't care," Christi said in a throaty whisper as her fingers danced and probed Ari's wet heat. Ari curved three fingers up into Christi's depths and started rocking her hand, stroking the fingers into the woman's depths. "He can be so gentle when he wants, but I love it when he fucks me hard. I love to feel his balls slapping off of me, hear our bodies crashing together, feel him slamming into me like a crossbow bolt — over and over again." Both women increased the pace of their rubbing, probing fingers as Christi talked, their bodies climbing the mountain of release together at a rapid pace. "I loved it when you were watching him fuck me. I want to watch him fuck you, and lick his cum off you when he explodes all over you." Both women breathed heavily, starting to lose control of their fingers, but managing to maintain just enough to keep the pressure building within each other. "Tell me you want it, Ari." Arilee gasped, "I want his cock inside me." "Oh gods — yes!" Christi screamed as she came. Ari reached her peak simultaneously, and both women dropped to their knees in the water, quivering with their fingers buried inside each other for several minutes. When at last they were able to rise, the two women kissed, and Christi said, "Speaking of Cerebus, I was supposed to have Ashtar call him. Let's get dressed and I'll send for Ashtar." The pair dried, dressed, and then went to the sitting room of Christi’s suite. Kronk went to fetch Ashtar, and he arrived a minute later. He cast his spell after a quick nod of greeting. Mindblind's image appeared in the disk of shimmering light that Ashtar had summoned. He spun and started to draw his sword, before realizing what was happening. "Damn me, Ashtar, but can't you make those things appear in front of me." Ashtar smiled and shrugged. "Most unlucky with you I am. With none other am I having such egregious fortune." "So, what's up, Babe — another attack?" "Goblins and wood trolls this time — and lots of them. We had a few people get hurt this time, but the clerics have set them right. Have you heard anything about this happening along the way?" "No, but I don't like this one damned bit. The closer we get to Darius, the more spooked the locals are. This stinks of Drax." "Maybe that is why they're trying to distract us here — to keep you from calling on our self-appointed governor." "Quite possible this is being, if nefarious plotting in Darius is commencing." Cerebus snorted. "Well, if it is — they fucked up. I'm getting as pissed as the people are spooked with every mile. I think I may hang this guy up by his sack in the town square and let folk poke him with sticks for a few days. We're going to keep moving through the night." "Be careful, Cerebus. I love you." "You too, Babe." Ashtar dismissed the glowing disk. "The wards I have been strengthening yet again. Alarm spells I will be placing, that we may be being warned of more monsters coming. More difficult to break quickly those will be." "Thank you, Ashtar. Don't stay up too late doing it. The last thing we need is you exhausted. We may need your magic." "Prepared I will be if beasts again are roaming the Hall." Christi turned to the blonde at her side and said, "Let's go to bed, Ari. Keep that dagger close." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ For a week, nothing happened. The business of the Duchy went on as normal and no monsters popped out of nowhere to attack the residents of the Hall. Conversations with Cerebus turned disturbing on the second day as he and his escort drew near to Darius. The citizens were taking up arms and opposing the Duke. Unwilling to utilize even the necessary force to pass against his own subjects, Cerebus had camped outside the area where the armed militias waited, trying to decide what to do. Each night, Christi and Arilee shared each other, often to the point of physical exhaustion. Many mornings, the two women awoke and had to proceed immediately to the bath to wash the dried evidence of their lovemaking from their bodies before doing anything else. Each afternoon, Christi and Arilee went to the courtyard to practice. Ari caught on quickly, and by the end of the week, the two women were actually sparring with swords. Christi could still deflect Ari’s every strike with ease, but the Duchess was a well-trained and practiced warrior. Arilee still had much to learn, but she could wield both sword and dagger well enough to hold her own against the likes of the goblins and wood trolls that had attacked the Hall so far. Sharon, impressed with the progress Arilee was making, asked if she could spar with the blonde under the protection of Christi's magic — citing the desire to see if her middle-aged body would still serve her in a fight if she needed to. Ari felt a little hesitant at first — and even more so when Sharon took up her sword. The weapon looked as if it were a living part of the older woman as she swung it through a few test strokes, checking its balance. Once Christi told them to begin, Sharon easily took the advantage of two points, and gloated a little. The taunt was not lost on the young blonde, and she grew angry despite her normally gentle disposition. When the Duchess signaled the beginning of the third round, an angry Ari attacked ferociously. Sharon was forced on the defensive, continuing to offer slight taunts as she defended. Ari snarled and launched a double-handed sweeping cut with her sword. The design of the sword meant it was primarily a stabbing weapon, with an edge that would be all but useless against a foe in any type of armor, and Sharon was not prepared for it. Sharon managed to deflect the blow, but not stop it. Ari pulled against the momentum of the swing and reversed it, stabbing low, and scoring a hit. "Point!" Christi declared, and then clapped in approval. Ari was still fuming, and immediately marched back to her starting position to set her feet for the next round. Sharon smiled at Christi as she walked toward Arilee with her weapon lowered. "You know, I think it worked." Christi laughed and walked over to the two women. "Yes, I believe it did." Arilee looked at them both, confusion evident even through the still obvious signs of anger in her face. Christi smiled and laid a hand on Ari’s shoulder. Sharon’s hand then rested on the other. Sharon winked. "You needed to tap into some raw emotion dear. I teased you on purpose to make you mad. Now, some people will just get sloppy when they're mad, but you seem to have muscle memory that keeps doing things right. All getting you mad did was make you dangerous. I wasn't expecting that slash, and you got me fair and square. I really didn't expect you to score a hit — just put me on the defensive for a bit." The anger in the blonde's face drained away. “So, it was a test?" Christi took both women's swords. "Not a test, really. More of a way to show you what you actually had inside you. How did you feel when you were fighting that last round?" "Mad. Well, I was determined to at least show her that I wasn't a kitten, like she kept calling me." "Determination, Dear — that's what got you past my guard. Turn your emotion into determination, strength, and stamina. You just saw what anger can do, and you can turn your fear into a weapon as well." "So, I really did well?" Sharon laughed and clapped her on the shoulder. "We'll damn sure not have to waste any thought about defending you against the likes of wood trolls and goblins again. You were doing well enough before. I wouldn't want to be one of them popping out in front of you now, if you have a sword in your hand." "Let's go take a bath. It's even stickier out here today than usual. I feel like my clothes are gummed to me." Christi plucked at her blouse, which was indeed clinging to her skin from the sweat saturating it. As the three walked inside, a handsome young man turned to admire Christi and Arilee in their sweat soaked, clinging clothing. He offered a twitch of his eyebrows and a wink before proceeding on down the hall. Sharon chuckled. "That one doesn't know he just made a pass at the Duchess. He's in for some trouble if he doesn't watch it." Arilee watched him walk down the hall and asked, "Who is that?" The tone in Ari's voice betrayed interest in more than the young man's name. Christi chuckled. "That's Gregory, a new guard. He's been putting notches in his bunk for the last week. From what I've heard, he's a charmer, good in bed, and about as likely to remember your name the next morning as he is to be struck by lightning." Ari pursed her lips in disappointment, and Christi's curled into a crooked smile at the same time. Sharon laughed. "Oh gods — I know that look. I'm going to my bath, your Grace. I'll have no part of this." Christi made a shooing motion at Sharon, and then crooked a finger to Ari before heading toward the stairs. Arilee shook her head in confusion and followed the Duchess. When the two reached the top of the stairs and started toward the bath, Christi asked, "Did Gregory make you tingle down below?" Ari giggled. "Yes, but if he's a cad..." "Then he needs to be taught a lesson. Perhaps it's time to turn the tables on him. He needs to learn a lesson. You need a hard cock inside you. It seems to me to be the perfect combination. Like I said, the rumor is that he's good in bed." "I don't want to get a reputation as — you know." Christi turned and smiled as she opened the door to the baths. "Nobody is going to know except you, me, and him. Once we're done with him, he's not going to be bragging much, so that takes care of that problem." The pair entered the bath room and Arilee said, "I don't know. I mean, he's handsome and he makes me wet, and it has been so long..." Christi turned and kissed Ari, pulling their bodies together tight. When they broke from the kiss, she traced kisses across the other woman's face to her ear and whispered, "You want a cock inside you, don't you? We'll just borrow his for tonight and get even for all those poor girls who've had their hearts broke by him." Christi tenderly rubbed Ari's nether lips through her panties as she whispered. Arilee’s breathing quickened, as she indeed ached to be filled by more than just fingers. Looking into the other woman's face, Christi could see the desire growing there. She let out a sensual little growl. "Let's get cleaned up." With that, the Duchess shed her clothes as quickly as possible. Arilee did the same, and the two stepped into the tub together. Both women were deeply aroused, and it was almost inevitable that they would have to sate that need immediately. Christi moved in close until she was face to face with Arilee, and the two masturbated each other, coming to a near simultaneous orgasm while looking into each other's eyes. After recovering from their orgasms, Christi and Arilee washed and dressed quickly, both feeling their passions growing hot again. Christi mischievously smiled as she went to a cedar chest and opened it. She removed a protective cloth covered in wormwood, revealing clothing scattered with rose petals below. Blackhawk Hall Ch. 03 Once Ari finished dressing in the rose scented clothing, Christi unbuttoned a couple of buttons on Arilee's blouse. "I'm going to have him called up here for some meaningless task. You just tease him a bit, and he'll take the bait. I've heard enough to know that. Can I cast a spell on you?" "What kind of spell?" "It's a spell that's sort of been circulating amongst our little group of friends. I just learned it. It lets me know if a woman is in a part of her cycle where she can get pregnant." Christi could see in Ari's face that she understood the implications of what she had just explained, and asked "Have you ever felt that before?" Arilee shook her head in the negative and Christi moaned. "I've been lucky, because I've lost control and let it happen before. It feels so good." "Cast it," Arilee said in a breathless whisper. Christi cast the spell and moaned in anticipation when she saw the cool blue glow between her hand and Ari's body. She cast the spell a second time and found the same result when the magic was directed at her. "Neither of us can get pregnant right now, and I'm so hot I can't stand it. I'm going to owe Cerebus two indulgences now, but it's worth it. He usually uses them when we find someone who doesn't want to play with me, anyhow — and I still get to watch." "He won't be angry? You said he didn't mind if he knew in advance, but..." "No, he'll be fine. He has a few flings still here and there, and they tend to seek him out when he's around. The indulgences give him a chance to let off some pressure when he's away from me. I'm going to have to fight hard to keep from going one match down the next time we spar, though." Ari looked down at her well-revealed breasts and drank in the scent of the rose petals — and her own arousal. For just a moment more, that need held her in its grip and encouraged her to go forward. Despite her arousal, the reality of what she was about to do hit home. "I don't think I can do it. I want it — and I need it more badly than I had ever considered — but I don't think I can do this." Christi smiled. "It's okay — I understand. I shouldn't have tried to push you so hard. I was being selfish. How about going down to one of the better taverns in the city and seeing if anyone interesting catches your eye?" Arilee blushed. "I guess that would be okay. I just don't know if I can do something that mean to someone — no matter how much I want it, or how much they deserve it." Christi kissed her. "You're a good girl. We could probably use some of that influence around here. Not that we aren't going to try to turn part of you just a bit naughty." Arilee's musical laugh broke the tension, and the pair were soon on their way down into the city. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ The largest building in Darius housed the jail, the stable, and the general store. It also served as the seat of government. A mountain of a man, over six feet tall and heavily muscled, stood facing a cowering, plainly dressed man in the foyer of the building. "He has not approached? Has not attacked?" "N-no, Sir. He ordered his men to back away and has not advanced since." The muscular man growled. "Order a few men to attack his camp and see what happens. We can't have him just sitting there. We need him advancing on the town. If he moves, offer only token resistance. Try to get him moving this way, but don't make it too easy." "Yes, Sir." "Now get out — you're stinking up the whole room." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Votes for an old storyteller? I'd appreciate your vote, and perhaps comment, about this chapter of the story. That's the fuel that keeps me writing -- feedback! Blackhawk Hall Ch. 04 AUTHOR'S NOTES: This story is erotic fantasy, set in a world of magic. This tale takes place in the same world as my core Danica story and all my other stories in Sci-Fi/Fantasy on Lit. The occasional use of "modern" measurements and such is a product of my fantasy world. I know most who read fantasy would probably prefer "leagues", "cubits", and "handspans" but my world always utilized more modern terms for distances and measures. I hope it doesn't jar too much to detract from the story. This originally started as a one shot, but has turned into a short series. You really need to read the previous parts to know what's going on in the story and know the characters. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Arilee and Christi walked through the massive double doors of Blackhawk Hall into the cobblestone courtyard beyond. Both were dressed to impress, and the effect was not lost on the guards flanking the door. Christi turned around after a few steps, knowing that the guards would be looking, and winked. The men both quickly lifted their eyes from the sway of the women's bottoms, provoking a laugh from Christi as she turned her eyes back to the path ahead. A glance at Ari readily revealed the reason for the stares. Christi had picked out the outfit to specifically accentuate the woman's attributes. Her blonde hair flowed free, framing her smiling face, and shining in the fading light of sunset. The blouse Arilee wore was unbuttoned at the top to display some cleavage, hiding enough to make a man want to look through the cloth. It was also thin enough that her small nipples pressed against it provocatively. The blouse was also short, and if Ari lifted her arms more than shoulder height, it revealed a little of her taut tummy and a hint of her navel. The skirt she wore was tight and short, showing off her taut bottom and long, shapely legs. Christi was dressed much the same, save she unbuttoned one more button on her blouse, revealing more of the firm globes it held hidden. The courtyard was small — the original wall surrounding the keep having been torn down and replaced with one much closer to provide more space for a growing city. Behind the stout walls of Fightershaven, there was little need for the Hall to serve as a true defensive position as it had in times long past. The swollen population of the city could no longer fit inside the Hall if the city was breached, anyway. Thus, it took little time to reach the open gate in the high stone wall that surrounded the Hall to pass into the city proper. Once again, Christi turned and winked at the staring guards. This pair she knew well, and they were not so quick to remove their eyes from two attractive backsides, so blatantly presented. Christi gave her ass a playful swat, and blew the men a kiss. Ari turned when she heard the spank and blushed upon seeing the guards staring at her bottom. The noise of the city assaulted the pair immediately as they walked through the gate onto the main thoroughfare of the city — Bison's Way — a crude approximation of the native name for this region coined by the plains dwellers that had lived here since before recorded history. The wide cobblestone trek could accommodate large wagons passing each other on opposite sides, which happened regularly, as the city had become an important part of the trade routes. The sounds of merchants hawking their wares, hoping for a last minute sale, filled the night. Laughter and singing roared from the taverns to reach a traveler from a fair distance away. Ari thought that the noise inside the buildings would surely have been deafening, to be audible this far away. The snorts of horses and a thousand conversations added to the din of noise that would continue until long after dusk. Fightershaven was a rough and tumble place, and nightfall was more a signal for it to grow increasingly boisterous than to quiet down, as was common in other cities. Christi laughed, "I told you that you looked good. They're lucky they're standing still. The first man we come across trying to walk while staring at your butt or boobs will probably walk right into something." "I sort of like it. It's different. I don't usually dress so..." "Slutty?" Christi supplied and laughed. Arilee echoed the laugh. "I was going to say provocatively, but it's the same thing isn't it? I've had men stare at me before, but this is — exciting." Christi leaned over and purred into Ari's ear, "Is it making you hot?" Playfully pushing her away, Arilee said, "Yes — and so is that, so stop it." "Sorry I tried to push you a little too far. Gwen used to be the one to come up with those little schemes to keep the men in line, and I guess I miss it a little." "It's okay. I need to loosen up a little, and you've already told me that you need someone to help you put up the proper appearances at times. So, it all works out." Christi raised an eyebrow and one corner of her mouth into a crooked smile. "So, you do like showing off a little?" Arilee blushed and smiled even wider. "Yes, I guess I do. I'm learning about a lot of things I like that I would have never considered until I met you." Just then, Christi's prophecy came true as a young man walking on the opposite side of the road walked directly into one of the posts supporting the firepots illuminating the street, his eyes locked on Arilee. Christi quietly suggested, "Try not to laugh, and give him a wink. It will make him feel better." Arilee did as Christi had suggested, and the young man smiled as he stood back up, holding his head. The streets were crowded, but fortunately, not so much as they were during the height of the business day in the city. The pair was able to continue with a minimum of jostling. Prostitutes stood along the busy avenue in front of houses of ill repute, trying to entice customers inside. Beggars pleaded for coin from merchants returning home for the night. Couples and boisterous groups of both men and women moved to and from the many taverns and inns in the city. Arilee realized she had never really paid attention to just how busy the city was, and what was going on in those crowds. Before, she had always thought of the bustle as little more than an obstruction between her and the place she was going. Now, she looked at things in a more relaxed fashion, and details were leaping out at her she had never before noticed. One such detail was that nearly everyone in the city was armed. Only those who wore clothing that precluded it, such as her and the Duchess, did not carry a weapon in plain sight. "I know the perfect place to go. There's an inn called the Wayfarer's Rest that is about the cleanest place in town. The food and the drinks are good, and the patrons are usually fun, without being too loud and annoying. I know the owner, and he'll make sure nobody bothers us that we would rather have just go away," Christi said, and motioned for Arilee to follow her along the main street. "That sounds fine. I never noticed how many beggars and prostitutes there are in the city. It seems strange when there are not really many poor sections in the city." Christi smiled. "The prostitutes are here because the money is good. We're on a major trade route, and half the population are sell swords with plenty of coin and a need of companionship. The same goes for the beggars, about half of whom are really just scouting for a pocket to pick, or for someone that their partner can rob." "They are thieves?" Ari asked with surprise. "The biggest part of them. There's little we can do to stop it, so we just have to keep them from getting out of hand. Most of them are poor and needy, but afraid of work. We can usually find somewhere for them to earn an honest living if they're willing. They just find begging and stealing easier. Cerebus and I made contact with the thieves’ guild, and let them know in no uncertain terms that there would be limits on their activity. There have been a few clashes here and there, but mostly we've come to an understanding." "I don't know if I'll ever understand this city." Christi laughed and said, "The same holds true for most people. That's why Thakkor picked Cerebus and me to run this Duchy. We're the only ones who really understand the people here, and we get along well with the people of the plains, too." "The plains people frighten me," Arilee said and hugged her arms around herself, shivering slightly. "They're just not like us. They have no desire to be tied down to a city, and consider us as strange and frightening as you find them. They go where the bison, deer, and other creatures go. They live a simple life, and might seem like barbarians, but they're very honorable people. Once one of them trusts you enough to talk with you, it's fascinating to listen to their unique view of life." "I've just heard so many stories about them raiding villages and taking women and things." "At one time, that was somewhat true. They only did it to protect themselves, though. What you never hear is that we white men started out burning their villages and raping their women first." "I didn't know that. How can people be that way?" "It's not something people like to talk about. There were a lot of misunderstandings back then. Things were just starting to work themselves out when Drax invaded and enslaved them all. Once we freed them, it went back to that tension for a while. Cerebus and I have worked hard to keep things from flaring up, and the people of the city accept them for what they are now. The plainsfolk trade in the city now, so everyone benefits, and that's made things easier." Ari opened her eyes wide with surprise. She had never been on this street before, and the huge two-storied building that was directly in front of them — obviously Christi’s destination — was remarkable. "Is that the Inn?" "The Wayfarer's Rest — sometimes a reason for travelers to come this way in and of itself. The reputation is spreading, and it's almost impossible to get a room without reserving it in advance now. Somewhere to sit in one of the common rooms isn't much easier, but Ishaq always makes sure a few places are available in case Cerebus and I, Thakkor, or somebody else comes to visit." The place was one of the largest structures Ari had ever seen. It was easily as big as three inns of the size with which she was familiar. All the doors were intricately carved, as were the frames around doors and windows. The lawn and shrubs were perfectly groomed, and beds of flowers lined the cobblestone path. The path split into three branches, each leading to an open double door in the building. As Ari and Christi walked closer, the sounds of merriment from within drifted to their ears. The sound was loud, but not overly boisterous, as was common in so many taprooms. Joyful laughter and conversation dominated the sound, where elsewhere the sound of swearing and off-key singing seemed to be the norm. Ari also noticed that the large windows dotting the building were quite clear, showing few waves or imperfections in the surface. "I didn't even know this was here," Arilee marveled. "It's not unthinkable. You were completely on the other side of town at the Ogre, and I imagine that jackass kept you confined there as much as possible. The people around there aren't the sort to frequent the Rest, and wouldn't have much to say about it." "It's beautiful. I can see why people travel to see it." Christi grabbed Ari's hand and pulled her into the central door, which they had just reached. "It's even better inside." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ A short distance down the street, two men stood in the shadowed recess of an alleyway watching the women enter the Rest. Both wore cloaks that were certainly too warm in the summer heat, with deep cowls pulled over their heads. "Who is the fair haired wench with her?" "A new servant. She is of no importance." "News from our dear Governor?" "There have been setbacks, but he is working to correct that now. All should continue according to plan." "Neither is to die, or be incapacitated. I will be very displeased if such is to occur. Those around them, however, are quite expendable." "We take great pains to follow your instructions. The color of your coin ensures our greatest diligence." "See that it continues to be so. Death would be a welcome release from the results of my displeasure." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ The inside of the Wayfarer's Rest was even more breathtaking than the outside. All the wood inside had been carefully selected, utilizing only the finest grains and richest colors. The natural hues of the wood were allowed to shine through, no stains or varnishes detracting from the natural beauty. The furniture, walls, beams, and even the floor were works of art, with fine scrollwork carved into the wooden surfaces. Everywhere on the walls were curiosities and artwork, many obviously having come from foreign lands or artists. Many of the patrons stood near these items, examining them and apparently engaged in conversation about them. There were many statues and busts crafted in alabaster, all with a distinctive artistic style and dominated by human figures with animal heads. The translucent pieces were always at the center of every display, and were plainly favorites of whoever had decorated the Inn. The patrons were animated, without being rowdy. Most were finely, if casually dressed. Arilee had little doubt that the bulk of the clientele was of a high class. The noise level seemed to hover at a perfect volume to be heard by those nearby, while hampering the ability to intrude upon a conversation from a distance. Attractive barmaids wove through the crowd, expertly balancing trays of mugs and glasses. Unlike too many other establishments, the air smelled of incense. The scent was pleasant, without being overpowering. Burners were scattered throughout the establishment on high shelves overhead. Arilee found it a welcome change from the usual smells of stale beer, sweat, and other unmentionable odors common to a taproom. Ari turned and saw Christi wearing a knowing smile. "Everybody does it. You don't expect to walk into a palace when you're going to a taproom. I watched them build this place, and my mouth still dropped wide open when I walked into it on the first night they opened." "This must have cost a King's ransom," Ari mused, and then repeated it louder when she realized that Christi couldn't hear her. "Ishaq did a great service for the ruler of his land when he was but a boy, and he was rewarded handsomely. He used his coin wisely, and grew wealthier. There's something about the city that attracted him, and he decided to settle here after spending some time guesting with us in the Hall. I think it may be the women, quite frankly," Christi explained, and nodded her head toward one of the barmaids. She had enormous breasts that threatened to spill out of the v-shaped neck of her blouse with every bounce, as she walked. Arilee raised her eyebrows. "How does she manage to walk upright with those?" Christi laughed. "I have no idea. The thought of boobs that big makes my back hurt. Let's go talk to Ishaq. He always works the main bar just like any other employee. Half of the patrons don't know he owns the place." The pair navigated through the crowd — Christi returning waves and words of greeting from many of the patrons along the way. Ari assumed that the bar was made from cherry wood, considering its rosy hue. The bar was carved all along the face with scenes of beer and wine making, as well as drinking. The carvings were in the same style as the alabaster statues. The dusky-skinned man wearing a headscarf behind the bar did much to explain the style of artwork that dominated the Rest. He smiled wide when he saw Christi approaching. "Christi. It is good to see you. It has been far too long since you graced my establishment with your beauty. I see you have brought another of equal beauty to doubly bless me this day." Ari blushed, and Christi nudged her with a laugh. "This is Arilee. Ashtar is in the Hall, but he's busy dealing with our little wood troll problem. I'm sure he'll come by before he leaves though." "It will be good to see my old friend again. I will never be able to thank him enough for bringing me here to these wonders." "You've brought wonders with you. This place is beautiful," Ari gushed. Ishaq's smile grew even wider, his teeth shining a brilliant white against his dusky skin. "I thank you very much. I do what pleases me, and I am glad it pleases others." Christi batted her eyelashes at him. "You wouldn't happen to have a table for us would you?" Ishaq's smile turned devilish. "I might be able to find one for a kiss." Christi laughed and leaned across the bar, kissing him on the cheek. "Please come this way — if my legs will obey me now." He led them to a table very near the bar he was working. Arilee could see the entire common room from her seat, as well as the front door. She could also smell food cooking in the nearby kitchen, even over the incense from the table, and the scent was making her mouth water. Ishaq went back to the bar, and then returned with two glasses of blood red wine. Christi asked, "Boldheart Red?" Ishaq nodded. "Just delivered from the Heraklan temple. I am sure some has been brought to the Hall as well." "Mmm — Vladamir's vintage is always twice as good as anyone else’s. Thank you, Ishaq." "There is plenty. I do not give this to just anyone. I am quite miserly with the vintage from the Heraklan vineyard to ensure it lasts me until they bring more. I was a bit more miserly than usual lately, and I now have enough to tempt a few more people of quality." "We'll call out if we need more. Thank you again, Ishaq." Ari settled in and listened to Christi as the Duchess pointed out people in the crowd and told Arilee who they were. Many people came over to greet Christi upon recognizing her. Christi always managed to include Ari in the conversations, and the younger woman soon relaxed. Before long, she was doing fine on her own without Christi pulling her into the conversation. A handsome young man had just been dragged away from Christi and Arilee’s table by his angry date when Christi noticed Arilee staring toward the door. She looked to where Ari's eyes were fixed, and there saw a handsome young man with a ready smile, standing near the door. Christi guessed he was probably not a patron, but appearances could be deceiving. He didn't look like the type to have excess coin to spend in the Rest, which was quite expensive by any standard. Christi nudged Arilee and said, "You're staring, dear. So who's that?" "Joshua. He came into the Ogre and talked to me a lot. He bought me dinner the day before you found me there." Ari continued to stare as the young man appeared to recognize someone, and then walk toward whomever he’d spotted. "I take it you're interested?" Arilee blushed. "Yes. He's so handsome and charming. He makes my heart flutter." Christi looked over and saw Joshua lean down, whisper to one of the patrons, and hand him a note. "How would you like to treat him to dinner this time? Or rather, let me pay for it and you just provide the company?" "Really? But it's so expensive." Christi grinned and winked at her blonde friend. "I can tell you like him. It's worth the coin to see the smile on your face. I think I might just go teach that new guard that lesson after all. You just enjoy yourself here. We can have a girl's night out some other time." Blackhawk Hall Ch. 04 "Oh, thank you, Christi." Christi winked to her again. "I'll be right back." The Duchess hurried to the bar and spoke with Ishaq, who signaled one of the doormen and used his hands to send some signs to the man. The doorman nodded and moved to intercept Joshua as the young man headed toward one of the doors of the Rest. Christi walked back to the table. "I told Ishaq that whatever you wanted was on me. The doorman will show him over here." Indeed, the doorman intercepted Joshua at that moment. The young man raised his hands in a gesture that indicated he didn't want any trouble. The doorman then spoke to him and pointed toward the table where Christi and Arilee were seated. Joshua’s face broke into a wide smile when he recognized Arilee. He arrived at the table and said, "When I didn't see you at the Ogre, I asked where you had gone, but nobody would tell me. It is good to see you. I thought I had scared you away." "I'm working in the Hall now, for the Duke and Duchess. I'm sorry I didn't find you to let you know what happened. I've just had my duties and the monster attacks..." "There is no need to apologize. There are many stories about the Duke and Duchess. Are they as odd as people say?" Ari stifled a laugh, but Christi didn't. Arilee then said, "Joshua, allow me to introduce Christi." His mouth dropped wide open. “I'm sorry, Your Grace. I didn't mean to..." Christi laughed again and put a finger to his lips. "Shush. I know all about the stories. Some are true — some aren't. We're not like other rulers — no. You probably would consider us a bit odd. Ari wants to treat you to dinner. Won't you join her?" "Here?" He questioned, obviously having the same reaction as Arilee had only a short time earlier. Christi smiled and said, "Yes — here. I want you two to enjoy yourselves. I need to get back to the Hall and take care of something. Take good care of Ari for me, and escort her back to the Hall when you're done?" "Of course, Your Grace. I would never allow her to walk alone at night." "Please — just Christi. I'm not sitting on a throne. That's one of the stories that is true if you've heard it. Titles make my teeth grind." Christi leaned down to Ari and whispered in her ear, "I told Ishaq that if you want a room, I'll pay for that too. Have fun." Arilee had a deep red flush in her cheeks when Christi stood back up and turned to leave. "Have fun, you two," the Duchess said by way of farewell. Christi left the pair and started back to the Hall, going through a mental list of the various girls in the Hall who would get a kick out of teaching a certain guardsman a lesson. She was worked up and needed a man — now. The handsome young man courting Arilee had only intensified the need that had started when Christi found out that she couldn't get pregnant right now, and could let a man come inside her. Arilee knew the same applied to her, because Christi had cast her spell on the blonde as well. Christi hoped that Arilee would take advantage of it. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Samantha was one of the cook's assistants, and someone who had helped Christi straighten out new guardsmen this way in the past. She was blonde haired and had large breasts, so it was easy enough for her to lure the guard who had been tearing a swath through the hearts of the women in the Hall into her bed. Christi stood in the hall, not far from Samantha's room. The sounds of the couple’s passion were muted, but still quite audible in the hall. The few other servants that passed by smiled, knowing there was only one reason that the Duchess would be standing in the hallway, barefooted and wearing only a robe. The servants continued on with a wink upon seeing Christi, and the other woman with her. Christi heard Samantha's voice rise into a crescendo, and heard the young guardsman emit sounds of release as well. She turned to the girl next to her and said, "Gregory will think twice before he breaks someone's heart like he did yours after this, Mary. Just have my robe ready when I come out, and give him a nice mocking smile when he scurries out." The young woman smiled and accepted the robe when Christi handed it to her. "Get him good," she whispered. "Oh, I intend to," Christi laughed before walking up to Samantha's door. She opened the door and stepped inside, quickly closing it behind her. She turned back to survey the scene of Gregory leaning over Samantha and panting for breath, his semen spattered in sticky trails over her abdomen and breasts. The guardsman startled, and Christi gave the appearance of surprise as well. "I'm sorry, Samantha. I didn't know you had company. I was hoping you would want to play tonight." Samantha purred, "Who says I don't?" She brought a dollop of the cum decorating her belly to her lips with a moan. Christi moaned and stepped toward the bed. "Can I have a taste?" "As long as you lick it off me," Samantha replied with a lick of her lips. The young man's eyes opened wide upon hearing that. Christi walked up and said, "I hope you don't mind if I borrow her for a minute or two, while you recover?" He moved aside, forced to stand beside the bed because there wasn't enough room for three, and replied, "No, not at all." Christi licked all the warm cream off of Samantha's body while the guardsman stared with fascinated excitement. Once she’d gathered up the milky offering, Christi moved down between the other woman's legs. As she lowered her face to Samantha's wet sex, Christi tugged the guardsman over and wrapped her hand around his half-hard member. She stroked and caressed him as she lapped Samantha's pussy, echoing the other woman's moans as she felt the flesh in her hand growing rigid. Samantha came with a loud scream under Christi's ministrations at almost the same time that Gregory swelled to full hardness in her hand. The Duchess could wait no longer, having anticipated this for hours now. She needed a cock — and cum — inside her now. Christi rose up from between Samantha's quivering thighs and stared at the guardsman's manhood, licking her lips. She asked the blonde, "Do you mind if I borrow this, and your bed for a few minutes?" Samantha shuddered and moaned, pushing a pillow onto the floor before dropping to her knees on it. "Not as long as I get to clean you off when you're done." Christi leaned over and kissed the other woman. "How about if you get to clean me out?" The blonde moaned at that revelation. "I'd love to suck his cum out of your pussy." Christi moved to her hands and knees, flipping her hair over her shoulder as she turned to look at Gregory. "So what are you waiting for? Get that cock in me and fill me full of cum, silly boy. Samantha is hungry." He didn't hesitate at all after that invitation, mounting the bed and the Duchess in short order. He sank into her depths with a great sigh, her canal well lubricated with wetness in anticipation of what was to come. Samantha, still quivering on occasion from aftershocks, moved to rub her fingers over Christi's clit while Gregory took her. She rubbed the abundant wetness leaking from the Duchess each time he withdrew into her hard bud, quickly building Christi's pleasure. He thrust into her at a measured pace, and quite obviously knew how to pleasure a woman. Christi moaned as the heat from her impending orgasm built in her nether regions. She could certainly understand why those whose hearts he had broken still could not help but remark how good he had made them feel. Christi was in no mood for a slow-stroking, however. "Fuck me hard — now. Make me come and fill me up," she growled to him. He let out a chuckling little growl and pounded into her with hard, fast thrusts. Christi let out an animalistic growl as his flesh clashed with hers, his erection driving deep into her and stoking her fires to a white-hot intensity. "Faster. Harder. Fuck me," she screamed to him as she drew close to the point of no return. Samantha's fingers rapidly danced over her clit now, adding to the hot friction of his cock slamming into her depths. The welling heat in her loins suddenly flared to an inferno as she exploded in orgasm. Her muscles tightly clenched around him and her head snapped back, a loud screech of release erupting from her. The tight clench of her walls around him pushed Gregory over the edge, and he slammed his cock home with a loud, growling scream. Christi snapped her head back down and moaned as his seed coated her walls in hot spurts. The tight contractions of Christi's orgasm were too much for his over sensitive flesh to endure, so Gregory pulled from her hot depths with a gasp. Samantha rose off her knees and quickly engulfed him in her mouth, sucking the mingled juices from his shaft. After only two strokes of her mouth, he pushed her away and slumped off the bed to his knees. Samantha licked her lips and moved to the head of the bed, sitting down and teasingly flicking her tongue at Christi. Still gasping in orgasm, Christi moved enough to allow Samantha to lie down on the bed, and then straddled the woman's face. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Arilee blushed as Joshua once again remarked how beautiful she looked. She had seen the struggle to avoid staring at her well-displayed attributes all through the meal, and in truth, he had done a good job. As provocatively as she was dressed, he was exhibiting astounding restraint. That only served to heighten Ari's arousal. The meal had been exquisite — roasted chicken with steamed vegetables and fresh bread, followed by a dessert of blackberry pie, which had tasted so good as to bring an orgasm to Arilee’s mind. Topped off by the finest wine to be found for hundreds of miles, it was the grandest meal Ari had ever eaten. Joshua echoed those feelings when Ishaq himself came to clear the plates. Ishaq offered one of his bright smiles and sincere thanks for the compliment, saying that they need only gesture if they needed anything more. The couple had talked throughout the meal, going into a lot more detail than they had previously, having overcome any nervousness around each other. The two shared a lot of their personal history, likes, and dislikes, and Joshua complimented Arilee frequently. The conversation slowed down as the couple spent a lot of time just looking at each other. The heart flutters Ari had told Christi about grew stronger by the moment. On top of that, Christi had awakened her passions earlier, and that heat had not died down in the passing time. Between the wine, his compliments, and her arousal, Ari was very close to taking Christi up on the offer to get a room and take Joshua up to it with her. A scream jolted the two back into reality. Ari started and looked up to see some sort of creature had appeared near the door. A flash of light near the bar revealed another. The monsters looked like lizards twisted into human form. Taloned hands and feet tipped long, spindly arms and legs. The creatures’ mouths bristled with pointed teeth, easily visible when the monsters hissed. Everywhere, people screamed and fled across the room, away from the creatures. The doormen and a few patrons drew weapons, and Joshua stood to draw a short sword that Arilee hadn't even noticed hanging from his belt. Seeing a sheathed long knife on his opposite hip, Arilee snatched it free and took up a defensive posture. Joshua's eyes widened for just a moment, and then he prepared himself as well — just in time for a flash of light to appear only a few feet away from the couple. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ The creamy mixture of cum inside Christi was rapidly seeking an escape route as she knelt over Samantha's face. The first dollop dripped onto Samantha's tongue before Christi had even managed to lower her sex to the blonde’s mouth. Samantha moaned as she lapped up the cream that slowly slid from Christi's depths to within reach of her questing tongue. A scream caused Christi to leap from the bed, startling Samantha, who hadn't heard it from between Christi's thighs. All three in the room heard a second scream a moment later. "Your Grace — help!" Christi cursed, recognizing the voice as that of the girl waiting outside with her robe. Samantha and Gregory heard this scream clearly, and as he bent to retrieve a weapon from the pile of his clothing, Samantha scrambled to do the same from a dressing table near her bed. The Duchess was already on her way toward the door, but turned when Samantha called out to catch the dagger that the other woman tossed to her. Christi tossed the sheath to the floor and burst through the door. A kobold was tearing at the girl's clothing, shredding the garment into tatters with a swipe of its taloned paw. Christi fell upon it before it could react to her presence. She quickly drew the blade across the creature's throat, glad that Samantha took good care of her weapons when the blade easily sliced through the tough, scaly flesh. The fountain of blood that spurted over Mary caused her to scream again. Christi didn't have time to try to calm the frightened woman, because she saw another flash of light down the hall. Hearing someone behind her, Christi turned to see Gregory and Samantha emerge from the room. "Take her in your room and protect her. Gregory, it's time to earn your pay. Find those things and kill them all. It looks like there are some kobolds this time, so watch out for the claws." He nodded and quickly charged toward a wood troll appearing down the hall. "I'm getting really tired of fighting naked!" Christi screamed to nobody in particular as she charged the kobold she had seen appear earlier. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Joshua slashed at the goblin that had appeared in front of him, but it recovered from its disorientation just enough to parry the blow. It was not so fortunate with Ari's following stab that took it in the armpit of its weapon arm. Blood fountained from the wound — a vessel severed. The creature's sword clattered to the ground as its hand lost all strength. Its body followed a moment later when Joshua stabbed it in the chest with his short sword. Ishaq leapt from behind the bar with a bright scimitar, easily vaulting the obstacle with only one hand to steady him. He slashed the kobold in front of the bar three times in rapid succession. The monster instantly went down with a slashed throat, and two arms cut nearly to the bone. A wood troll appeared in front of a petite woman a few tables away, and Arilee quickly charged the creature from behind, having noticed that the woman was unarmed, and frozen in fear. Joshua started to follow her, but had his own opponent when another kobold appeared nearby and charged toward him. The wood troll reached toward the woman when Ari reached it. The lizard creature heard her approach and spun on her, raising its club to strike. Arilee dodged the blow, and then used the trick Christi had emphasized to her so many times. Her kick to the creature's groin sent it to its knees, its eyes crossed and a pitiful wail escaping it. The wail changed to a gurgle when Ari cut the creature's throat with her knife. She spun to see Ishaq cutting down another monster, and then Joshua doing the same. A pair of the doormen teamed up to cut down a goblin as well. Arilee kept scanning the area, looking for more flashes indicating the arrival of more monsters. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Christi cut down another goblin, and then breathed a sigh of relief when guardsmen who were much better equipped to deal with the monsters charged into the hall. "Check on everyone, and keep your eyes open. Gregory is down that way fighting with nothing but a dagger. Get him out of there, and back here. There's no need for him to be risking himself now that you're down here." The guards nodded and quickly spread out. The situation was so fast paced and rapidly evolving that the men didn't even have time to register that the Duchess was naked, blood spattered, and had sticky ropes of cum dripping from her to run down her legs. Christi ran back to Samantha's room, snatching up her blood soaked robe from the floor when she reached it. She found Samantha watching the door with a dagger in one hand, trying to comfort a sobbing Mary with the other. "It's okay Mary. You'll be safe with us. Sam, get her something to put on, she's in tatters." Samantha nodded and went to her drawers to retrieve something for the sobbing Mary, who was indeed nearly naked in the ripped-up, blood-soaked remnants of her dress. Christi spoke words of comfort to Mary while she watched the door and struggled into her robe while still holding the dagger. She thought it sounded as if the chaos outside was dying down. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Arilee relaxed when no more creatures appeared. Ishaq and the guardsmen continued to scan the room, while some of the barmaids who had maintained their wits attempted to calm the panicked patrons. Joshua walked toward Ari, his sword still drawn but his expression showing that he believed that the immediate danger was over as well. "That was surprising. You fight very well." Arilee wiped the dagger off with a napkin and handed it back to him hilt first. "For a girl?" "For anyone," He responded with a laugh. "I thought to defend you, but it was your borrowed blade that struck the first blow. I shall have to remember never to make you angry." Ari could not help but laugh at that remark. "See that you do." Ishaq walked over to them, scowling and kicking a dead goblin as he approached. "You are unhurt?" "We're fine. It's just not right for this beautiful place to be a battlefield," Arilee said with a sigh as she looked around. "There is nothing which I cannot clean or replace. I am glad that you are well. I must attend to things," Ishaq said before walking over to one of his doormen. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ The three women were dressed when Gregory returned to the room. He had realized who Christi was, and looked quite worried as he entered, still naked and blood spattered. "Your Grace, I did not..." Christi waved her hand. "Shush — you're not in any trouble. I thought I'd teach you a lesson, and enjoy myself at the same time, but these damn things ruined it. I suggest that if you just plan to bed one of my girls here in the Hall again, that you let them know that. Stop toying with their feelings. About half of them will be glad just to bed you, now that word has gotten around about how well you use that cock." "He can bed me again anytime," Samantha said with a smile. "Shush, Sam. Now, you owe Mary here an apology — the first of many," Christi said, staring hard at Gregory. "I am sorry if I hurt you. I did not consider the consequences of my actions. I let my lust rule me, and I apologize for hurting you," Gregory said to Mary, who sat scowling on the bed. Mary's expression softened when she heard something genuine in his words. "I accept your apology." "Now, get dressed and see if there's anything you can do to help out there. Once we've got things cleaned up, you can start making a list of the other women you need to apologize to," Christi told him. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Mindblind checked the bandage on his arm, seeing that the cut he had taken had ceased bleeding. It was just a minor flesh wound, but the fact he had taken it was annoying. He scanned the rolling hills around, searching for any sign of movement. He saw nothing save for his own men tending their own wounds in the camp. Blackhawk Hall Ch. 04 Nearly everyone had taken wounds, though those who had come against them were nothing more than simple farmers and villagers. The Duke had ordered his men not to harm the people any more than necessary to repel the attack, and it had limited the soldiers’ ability to mount an effective defense. They were successful, however, and repelled the dozen or so men who had attacked the camp. One of his men had clonked a farmer on the head, and the man now lay bound and unconscious in the center of the camp, tied to the staff that held aloft the Ducal standard. Seeing him stir, Cerebus walked over and waited until the man regained consciousness. The man groaned and asked, "Where am I? What happened?" "Why did you attack me and my men?" Mindblind asked him. "Attack? I didn't attack anyone. I don't even know who you are or where I am." Mindblind cursed. "Untie him, and see if you can help him find his way home. This isn't his fault." Walking up to the captain of the men he had brought with him, Cerebus said, "They're bloody charmed. We need to get Ashtar out here. I know magic when I see it, but I don't have the slightest damn clue how to deal with it, except to kill it. I'm going to go try and talk to him with that silly mirror he gave me." The captain nodded. "I'll keep the men on alert, and see what I can find out from that man before we send him on his way home." "If this guy in Darius is behind this, I'm going to carve him up into fish bait," Cerebus mumbled as he stepped into his tent. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ The Duchess sent someone to check on Arilee the moment she knew things were under control. As soon as she had organized the clean-up effort, she went to the Rest herself. She told Ishaq that she would send people to help with the clean up of his establishment, upon seeing the bodies and blood scattered everywhere. Joshua said that he would like to see Arilee again, and Christi told him that he was welcome to come to the Hall. She told him that she would let the guards know that he was to be admitted, so there would be no hassle. Both women went immediately to the bath to wash off the blood from the battle. Christi still had drying cum on her legs as well. The pair washed and soaked for a short while, and then Christi slid over beside Arilee. "Sorry you got interrupted. Do you think things might have kept going if the monsters hadn't attacked?" Ari smiled. "I don't know, but I know I wanted to. I just didn't want to give in so soon. You know the saying — why buy the cow when you can have the milk for free." Christi chuckled. "I got interrupted too, but at least I got to come and get that hot cum inside me that I wanted first. It's not fair that you didn't get to come too. Let me do something about that for you." The last turned into a husky whisper. Arilee gasped, then moaned, and parted her legs beneath the warm water. Christi wasted no time sliding two fingers into the blonde's depths. Now that the danger and excitement had passed, Ari felt the rapid return of the arousal she had felt all day. Christi's fingers suddenly weren't enough, and she moved up to the edge of the tub where the Duchess could put her mouth on her as well. Christi sensed the other woman's need, and had no qualms about meeting it. She slid the two pumping fingers back into Ari's depths, and added her flicking tongue to the play. Ari looked down at the Duchess lapping her, marveling at how good it looked to have another woman between her legs — and how good it felt. A feeling that she could only describe as a buzz built inside her from where Christi's stroking fingers were rubbing someplace that she had never been touched before. Christi's tongue darted over Ari's wetness as she stroked her fingers over the little bundle of nerves behind the blonde’s mound. Christi had discovered this special spot in her some years ago, but she could tell from Ari's reaction that the younger woman had never experienced it before. Christi completely eliminated Ari's clit from her tongue's dance, trying to give Arilee the deep, body-numbing orgasm she knew could come from stroking that spot inside her. It was working, because Arilee felt as though she were going to explode. The buzz inside her intensified to the point where Ari thought she could hear it in her ears over the rapid beat of her heart already pounding there. She felt pressure building, and found that she had to fight an urge to pee as she drew nearer to climax. Christi could read the signs in Ari's body, and so she was unsurprised when the woman exploded in orgasm. She was surprised when a short squirt of juices erupted into her face as Ari reached her peak. Sitting back, Christi saw another squirt diffused by Ari's quivering lips as the woman continued to come, screaming to the ceiling. Christi used the fingers of her other hand to part Ari’s nether lips immediately thereafter. The Duchess kept stroking her fingers, slowly easing off the pressure. Ari kept coming, emitting a final squirt that soaked Christi's breasts and caused her to moan. She had heard about this before, but it was the first time she had experienced a woman squirting. Once Arilee's orgasm calmed, the two women sank back into the water to wash again. Christi's passions had roared to a bright flame when she caused the fascinating orgasm, and she soon had Arilee's face between her legs back in the bedroom. Try as she might, she could not emit a stream of her juices as Ari had, but it did nothing to dull the intensity of her orgasms. Ari also did not squirt when Christi tried again. She had no idea how it had happened, and thus could not do it again. Both women were utterly exhausted when they collapsed together in the bed, bodies intertwined. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ In Darius, the self-appointed governor stood outside his appropriated bedchambers, chuckling at the sounds of the woman he had ordered into his bed sobbing within the room. "This had better be good," He growled to the dirty man, dressed in tatters, who stood before him. "The half breed's camp has been attacked, and one of the rabble captured." "Good, I was worried he would either kill them all, or be killed trying to avoid it. There isn't anywhere far enough to run if he had been killed. What did they do with the prisoner?" "Once he awakened, they let him go." "They know about the charm, then — good. That should get things moving the way he wants them. Send word that things are going according to plan." The filthy man nodded and left. "Fetch your pet wizards and come get me, half-breed. You'll find a surprise waiting for you." He laughed and kicked open the door to his bedchambers, deciding that the sobbing woman needed to be taught some manners concerning interrupting important conversations with her wailing. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Stop! Voting time! Won't you please leave me a vote, and perhaps a comment? That's what drives me to write. Feedback is my fuel. Blackhawk Hall Ch. 05 AUTHOR'S NOTES: This story is erotic fantasy, set in a world of magic. This tale takes place in the same world as my core Danica story and all my other stories in Sci-Fi/Fantasy on Lit. The occasional use of "modern" measurements and such is a product of my fantasy world. I know most who read fantasy would probably prefer "leagues", "cubits", and "handspans" but my world always utilized more modern terms for distances and measures. I hope it doesn't jar too much to detract from the story. This originally started as a one shot, but has turned into a short series. You really need to read the previous parts to know what's going on in the story and know the characters. I've been putting some "challenge" words into this tale from a regular reader, the suggestions for them beginning before I started chapter 03. Chapter 3's word was "wormwood" and the inclusion of that word built the end of the chapter, leading into 04. The word in 4 was "alabaster" and that word resulted in the creation of the Wayfarer's Rest, Joshua, and Ishaq. It also resulted in a change to the ultimate climax of this tale, one which is much better than my original outline. Thanks for the mental exercise Ed, I love wrapping my brain around good ways to work the words in the story! ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Christi was barely awake when she heard the knock on her door. Looking next to her at Arilee curled up in the sheets — smiling sweetly in her sleep — the Duchess couldn't help smiling as well. Another knock jolted her out of her reverie, this one actually registering in her mind as something requiring a response. Christi stretched, yawned, and then rose to pull on a robe. She opened the door a crack, to see it was Ashtar who was knocking. "Sorry I am being to be disturbing you at such a very much early hour, but I am having word from Cerebus and must to be speaking with you." "Okay, Ashtar. Give me a minute to throw something on." "You may be coming to my room if you are not wishing to be awakening young Arilee." Christi raised an eyebrow. "And how did you know she was here, Ashtar?" Ashtar smiled, his bright white teeth contrasting sharply with his dusky skin. "The walls and doors of the Hall are being thick, but not that thick." He punctuated the statement with a wink. Christi chuckled, realizing that she and Ari had likely made a great deal of noise, although she could only remember the feeling, and not the screaming. "I'll be there as soon as I'm dressed." Ashtar nodded and turned to return to his room. Christi closed the heavy oaken door, and quietly selected the first clean clothing she came across in her drawers. As soon as she finished dressing, she proceeded to the room Ashtar always used when in the Hall. As usual, the door opened before Christi's hand could reach it to knock. It was one of his favorite enchantments, and one that never failed to amuse him. If her hand actually touched the door of his room, she knew that he wasn't there, and there was no sense in knocking. Ashtar's room was the same as always. It was sparse, having plain furnishings that served their purpose and nothing more. He could have afforded lavish surroundings, and even if he could not have, the Duke and Duchess would have provided such if he wished. Only a few pieces of art from his land were displayed unobtrusively upon shelves containing his books and other trappings of the Art. "You could at least let me get you a nice down-stuffed cotton blanket for your bed. It wouldn't kill you to enjoy a few comforts now and again." Ashtar smiled. "I am being from a hot land. Coverings are being most alien to me." Christi shook her head and chuckled. "It gets cold here in the winter, Ashtar. You might feel different when the snow blows." "This is why I am only being visiting during the summer, Christi." Christi shut the door. "Okay, I give up. What did Cerebus have to say?" "He has been discovering that the goodly peoples which are being delaying his arrival in Darius are being charmed by magic. He is being requesting that I might come to his side to aid him." "By all means, go. With all the weird magic we've been having here, he wouldn't ask you to come to him if he didn't really need you." "I am being prepared to leave already. I was wishing to be telling you of Cerebus’ message, and to be telling you that Crystania will be coming most quickly to take my place, before I was going." Christi smiled upon hearing that news. It had been quite some time since Crystania had been to the Hall to visit, and Christi was looking forward to it. "Well, get going then. Be safe, keep an eye on Cerebus, and bring him home safe." "I will be. Crystania will be coming at the high sun, and I am being wishing safety unto you as well." With that, Ashtar smiled and vanished in a flash of light — a bag lying on the bed vanishing with him. Christi walked out of the room and shut the door behind her, knowing it would safely lock if anything dangerous was still inside, or remain unlocked for the servants to clean if not. Christi walked back to her room, planning to let Ari rest a little while longer before she awakened her and told her about Crystania's impending arrival. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ "I trust you bring good news," The self-appointed Governor of Darius said to the man in rough, threadbare, homespun clothing before him. "A dark-skinned fellow with a pointy beard is in the camp, now. He showed up this morning out of nowhere." "You're lucky, that is good news. You're dismissed. Get back to your place." The man made some attempt to bow before leaving, but appeared to have no idea how to do so properly, because the action looked more as if he was bobbing his head while watching a rabbit hop. As soon as the man had exited the room, another man in dark leather armor stepped forward from where he had leaned against the wall. "The sand-eater is in our trap. Any word about the others, Cordell?" The Governor asked the approaching man. The man hooked his thumbs in his belt when he came to a stop and answered, "There's only one other that's any real threat that they would call for — the elf mongrel. The rest are otherwise occupied." "Have the clerics ready to move, if she shows up in the Hall. I want her out here in our snare as quickly as possible." "They'll be ready, Garvin. It looks like the half-breed and his bunch are getting ready to head this way." "Good. Let's give him a nice welcome," Garvin said, punctuating the statement with a loud laugh, which Cordell echoed. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ "Wake up, sleepy," Christi said as she gently shook Arilee. Ari stretched and opened her eyes, smiling up at Christi. "Good morning." "It's almost good afternoon," Christi responded, and then laughed. Arilee blushed. "I guess I was really tired." Christi offered her a mischievous grin. "You had a busy day — and night." As Arilee started to rise, she noticed that her thighs were sticky. "I think I need a bath." Christi shivered just a bit, remembering what had caused the need for that bath. "Just wash up a bit, and we'll go a few rounds down in the courtyard, I think you're ready for a little harder training. We'll both need baths after that." "I really am learning a lot, aren't I?" Ari mused as she stood up, stretching again, and yawning once she was on her feet. Christi kissed her on the cheek and crossed the room to get the woman a robe. "It's about time you realized it. Yes, you're doing very well. I was right from the beginning. You have natural ability. I should probably let you look through my spell books sometime, too. If you have any aptitude toward magic, I can teach you what little I know." Arilee was still trying to rub the sleep from her eyes. "I don't think I could do magic." Christi handed Arilee the robe and said, "You didn't think you could fight either, so what does that tell you? While we're on the subject, Crystania will be here shortly. Ashtar left to go help Cerebus. He's running into magic out there, and needs Ashtar's help. Crystania is going to take over for Ashtar here. I'll introduce you when she gets here, but I should tell you a few things first." Ari put on the robe and said, "Okay." "Crystania is half-elven, and she was born of a rape." Arilee pursed her lips and said, "That's terrible. How can people be so evil to do something like that?" "It gets worse," Christi warned, gesturing for the blonde to follow her to the bath room. "She was raped when she was just a girl — as elves count such things — and had to watch her mother being raped again as well. They strangled her mother and thought that they had killed her too, but she survived. Since then, she can't bear to have a man touch her — can barely stand to have a man near her. Most everyone here knows that, but they may forget, and some might not know. So, try to keep anyone from making a mistake and touching her. She manages to control it most of the time, but sometimes she'll lash out with her magic instinctively, and she feels terrible about doing that." The pair reached the bath and walked in. Arilee said, "I'll do my best to help. It's all so sad." "She's getting a little better. She does fine with Ashtar, Darkni, and the other wizards at Darkni's college — and she's okay with Cerebus now. I think she'll overcome it eventually, with time. She has elf blood. She has plenty of years to heal." Arilee shed her robe as she listened, and stepped into the bath to wash the sticky evidence of the previous night's passion from her. An idea occurred to Christi as she waited for Arilee to bathe — something that was not only practical, but quite naughty as well. A crooked grin crept across her face. "I've got an idea." "Oh?" Ari said, and turned to look at the Duchess while she continued to scrub. "These things keep popping in on us indoors, so it would make sense for us to practice a bit here in the Hall, where we have the obstacles and close quarters we'll run into if we get attacked again," Christi explained. "That does make a lot of sense," Ari agreed as she stood up in the bath, preparing to get out. The mischievous glint in Christi's eyes grew brighter. "And since I, at least, keep getting caught by surprise in the all-together, maybe we should practice naked." Ari covered her mouth and giggled. "That is going to be very distracting." "That's good. You have to learn how to deal with distractions in a fight. I'll be more than a little distracted too," Christi said with a wink. "I guess I don't need to get dressed then," Ari responded with a grin that had just the slightest hints of mischief within it. "I'll go grab us a couple of swords." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ "Calm down, people! I'm Duke Cerebus, and you've all been bewitched. The spell is broken, but you all need to return to your homes and stay there," Mindblind yelled at the confused farmers and villagers milling about in front of him, staring at weapons in their hands that they couldn’t remember having picked up. It took a little while longer to get through to the befuddled people, but eventually the crowd came to realize what had happened. Cerebus' men confiscated all the real weapons, ignoring the farm implements pressed into such service, and told the people that the weapons would be returned to them once the current situation was resolved. The villagers were then sent away, save a few that had come from villages still between the Duke’s men and Darius. Those men fell into line with a few others at the rear who had also not yet reached home. As before, a few requested weapons and a place in the coming battle, angry that they had been charmed and forced to fight their rightful ruler. Mindblind's forces had swelled to twice the original size in one day, albeit with mostly untrained farmers and villagers. His captain assured him that a place could be found for the newcomers where they would be both useful, and not in too much danger should it come to a real fight. Ashtar leaned against the thick bole of an Osage Orange tree, looking a little weary. The Duke walked over to him, looking up warily into the branches swaying in the wind as he passed under them. He'd been clonked in the head by one of the huge green fruits of the tree before. Thus, he knew they might as well be rocks, as hard as the things were. He'd disliked the trees ever since, and wasn’t happy to see the trees appearing with increasing regularity as he and his men approached Darius. "You okay, Ashtar?" "Oh, I am being fine, Cerebus," Ashtar answered. "Okay — you just let me know if we need to stop. I know you're used to just popping around from place to place, not following along on a fast march," Cerebus offered, glancing back up into the tree again as a gust of wind kicked up. Ashtar smiled and said, "Think you the trees will be taking up arms against us do you?" "I've been attacked by one before, and if it happens again, I'll cut down every damn one of these stinkin' trees in the Duchy," Mindblind grumbled. Ashtar laughed and said, "Going we should be, for long to walk we have before Darius we reach." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Arilee shot up out of the water, whipping her drenched hair out of her face and bringing up her sword. She saw that the Duchess had lowered her weapon and did so as well. "That was a good dodge. That stroke would have taken you out of the fight for sure, if it connected — and having the high ground is never a bad idea either. That kick was a little over-ambitious, though. You weren't properly set, and that's why I was able to get hold of your leg and dump you in the drink," Christi instructed, wiping sweat off her brow. Arilee blew out a breath, spraying the water that was dripping down her face, and waded over toward the steps. "I thought I could surprise you." Christi grinned and lay her sword down on a dressing table. "That's always good, but you have to be ready, just in case you don't surprise whoever you're fighting. Don't get out. Just hand me up the sword. That's enough for today." Ari handed Christi the sword, which the Duchess carefully dried and placed with her own before sliding into the bath with Ari. "You get better every time we practice. I had to move fast a few times to avoid that blade, and I've been doing this all my life. I can fight most people in my sleep, and if you're making me think and move, you're doing well." "You still amaze me, and I know you're not fighting as hard as you can," Ari responded as she picked up some soap and washcloths for herself and the Duchess. "You'll get there. I guarantee you would give Cerebus a surprise if you want to spar with him when he gets home. I'd like to see that, actually. He won't be ready for it. He'll recover quick enough, but seeing him thrown off balance by a little slip of a girl will be fun to watch." Christi then dunked her head under the water. Ari admired the water running down Christi's breasts when the Duchess pulled her hair back out of her face. Christi smiled and winked. "Cris will be here soon, so none of that. We'll see if you have any aptitude for magic when she gets here. She has always had a good sense of who might have the ability." Arilee pouted prettily, and Christi laughed. "That was good. I just about changed my mind when you pouted just now." The shy, slightly mischievous grin that the blonde offered the Duchess would have told her it was intentional, even if she hadn't already known that. "We should hurry up and wash so we can be ready when Cris gets here," Christi suggested. The two then concentrated on washing away the sweat from their spar. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Arilee went to make something to eat once the pair dressed, accepting the suggestion that she make a vegetarian meal, since Crystania ate no meat. Christi was called away to deal with some business of the Duchy — a turf war between two competing bawdy houses. Only in Fightershaven could a dozen scantily clad ladies of the evening find audience before the nobility — let alone expect anything resembling justice. The fight was over a popular tavern situated between the two houses of ill repute. Both houses sent girls there in order to drum up business, and both claimed that they should have exclusive rights to work the tavern, citing a deal with the owner. Once a soldier sent to fetch the tavern owner returned, it finally came to light that he had told each Madame that he had no problem with them sending girls to his establishment. He had offered neither any special treatment. He simply considered it a mutually beneficial arrangement that brought customers to his tables, as well as the bawdyhouse beds. Christi asked the women to choose sides of the tavern, but had to assign the two houses their sides when another argument broke out. She then asked the tavern owner to keep things under control. He asked for more firepots to be placed near his establishment, which was in a darkened area that was starting to attract thieves due to his growing business. Christi agreed to this as well, and said that additional city watch would be stationed near his area until the firepots were constructed. With that settled, the Duchess took care of a few other small matters before returning upstairs, her stomach growling like a caged beast. When she reached the top of the stairs, her eyes rolled up in her head and she moaned as the smell of vegetable soup washed over her. Ari had just finished setting the table when Christi walked in. The blonde smiled, and gestured for Christi to sit down to eat. Christi quickly shrugged off her state regalia and moved to sit down, but a knock on the door stopped her midway. She returned to answer the door, and immediately opened it with a wide smile. "Come in, Cris. We were just about to eat." Arilee had to suppress a gasp as the blonde woman walked in the room. Crystania's elven heritage was obvious despite the voluminous, loose fitting robes of deep crimson that she wore. Her face had a strange, alien beauty, dominated by piercing green, angular eyes. Her features were somewhat sharp, though they softened when she smiled. "Arilee, this is Crystania. Crystania, this is Arilee. She's doing Gwen's job now," Christi said, introducing the two. "I am very pleased to meet you, Arilee," Crystania said. Her voice was musical, and reminded Ari of a bluebird's song. Her eyes crossed slightly and her pink lips pursed as a bead of sweat formed on the end of her slight, somewhat pointed nose. She wiped the drop away with a petite hand, and Arilee noted how long the woman's fingers were. The half-elven woman then added, "I am quite unused to the heat, I'm afraid. The Isle is always kissed by cool ocean breezes." "I'm pleased to meet you too. I've set a place for you, since we knew you were coming soon. It's vegetable soup," Ari said to the new arrival. "Thank you. I am quite famished, and it smells delightful," Crystania responded. Christi gestured at each of them in turn, speaking to the woman she was not pointing to, "We also call Arilee, Ari, and we call Crystania, Cris." The three women then sat down and pulled close the bowls of soup tormenting them all with a wonderful aroma. Christi and Cris both caused Ari to blush when they gushed about how good the soup was, Christi noting that it was the best they'd ever had in the Hall. She said that the cook simply did not know how to cook without meat, or at least beef stock. Blackhawk Hall Ch. 05 When the three finished eating, Christi said, "Ari has been sparring with me lately, and she's getting really good. I was thinking that maybe we should see if she could use magic too." Crystania looked Arilee over, causing Ari to feel a little uncomfortable as the woman's piercing green eyes seemed to penetrate her skin and see into her soul. Crystania then said, "I sense nature's blessing upon her. I believe she might be able to learn the Art." "Cris thinks that all women have the ability to use magic — some more than others — but she believes every woman could, if they just tried," Christi noted. Cris rose and pulled a small book from a pocket in her robes. She opened it and sat it down in front of Arilee. "See if you can read a few words of this." Arilee had to lean down a bit to see the tiny, flowing script in the book. "Formeen, Fira, Arseela, Day," Arilee read once she was able to focus on the words. Christi's mouth dropped open and she asked, "Is that magic missile?" The elfish woman nodded. "Indeed it is, and she has pronounced the words perfectly." "I said them right?" Ari asked. "That’s a true magic spell. Almost all of the magic that I know is what they call hedge magic, little magics that arose in the country out of need, rather than study. It's much easier to learn than true Art. I could never pronounce more than a couple of words of the magic missile spell, and that made my head hurt," Christi said with obvious surprise in her voice. "I will instruct you in the Art, if such would please you, Arilee," Cris offered. "Was it really that good?" Arilee inquired. Christi laughed. "You've got to stop underestimating yourself, Sweetie. Yes, that was very good. Even if you can't ever best me with a sword, you've already defeated me in magic with those few words. You should let Cris teach you." Something occurred to Arilee then, and she asked with obvious excitement, "Will I be able to fly?" Crystania smiled and said, "That spell is very difficult, but it is possible to use the Art to soar amongst the clouds." "I'll try, then. I've always dreamed about flying." Cris smiled and put her book away. "I will instruct you in the use of some cantrips this evening. I should examine the wards and become familiar with them, in case I need to restore them." A knock sounded on the door, and Christi went to answer it. Arilee recognized the voice on the other side as Kronk's when he said, "A letter from Queen Alicia." "Uh oh — I'm in trouble. This will be scolding me because I haven't set a wedding date yet," Christi sighed. Kronk just laughed and said, "Told you so." That prompted Christi to blow raspberries at him, and slam the door in his face. Crystania rose and said, "I will go examine your wards. You may call if you need me, and I shall be ready should the beasts come upon us." Christi hugged her. "Thanks, Cris. I'll let you know what Alicia had to say." Ari started clearing the table as Christi sat down and broke the seal on the letter. She had only read for a few moments when she exclaimed, "It's about time. Alicia's pregnant. I was getting tired of the mutterings about no heir to the throne." Ari smiled and said, "That's wonderful. Has she been trying long?" Christi answered, "Avoiding it, actually. She and Thakkor wanted to get things under control before they had to deal with the added responsibility of a child on top of a Kingdom trying to adjust from decades of being under the thumb of a dictator. I'm right — I'm in trouble." "What do you mean?" Ari asked as she finished stacking the bowls. "Here, look," Christi said and pointed out a passage in the letter. Arilee looked down and read the line that said, If I am fat and ugly, or have to stop to feed my child in the middle of your wedding, I'm going to be very cross with you, Christi. "Like I said — I'm in trouble. I've got about a month to put together a wedding and pull it off, or Alicia will be showing, and I'll never hear the end of it," Christi lamented, and then sat back heavily in her chair with a great sigh. "I could help you plan your wedding. I've been dreaming about mine all my life," Ari offered. Christi put the letter down on the table. "Really? We don't want anything too extravagant, but it has to be at least enough to pass muster as a state wedding. Cerebus' brother can marry us, and we can have it down in the audience hall." Arilee smiled brightly. "I'll be happy to do it. You already have the place and the priest, so all I need to do is plan the decorations, send out the invitations, get your dress, decide on..." Christi held up her hands. "Whoa — this is why I have been stalling so much. If you want to do it, I'll be happy to let you. Just try to keep the wedding simple, and the party afterward grand. Everyone will be drunk enough after the party to forget if the wedding was a bit too simple for their tastes that way. Other than that, just surprise me." Arilee wiggled a finger at her. "You at least have to pick out your dress." Christi stuck out her hand in a typical trader's gesture, "Done." Ari raised an eyebrow — a little confused — but shook Christi's hand. Christi let out a long sigh of relief and said, "You don't know how much better that makes me feel. If you can pull this off in a month — provided we can get the groom back here in time — I'll kiss your feet for a week. That is, unless you have something else you'd like me to kiss?" Ari blushed and shivered at that suggestion. "I can do it. I've been planning my wedding ever since I was a little girl. Since you want something simpler, that will only make it quicker." "Just ask for anything you need. I'll tell Sharon to have the coffers and the staff all at your beck and call. I'll sit down, draw up the guest list, and get that out of the way right now. With everything else off my shoulders, I actually feel like doing it," Christi said, getting up and going to look for a pen and paper. "I'll clean this up and get started too, then," Ari said, and picked up the platter of dirty dishes to return them to the kitchen. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ It was getting near dark, and Cerebus was not amused with the hedgerows that had sprung up everywhere as he and his soldiers approached the next village. First, they were thick enough to hide an army behind, and second they were Osage carefully trimmed for the purpose of forming a natural, bushy fence. Cerebus turned to Ashtar and his Captain. "I say we get the hell as far away from all those damn tree walls as possible, and set camp. It looks like the next village is surrounded by those damn things. I'd rather have daylight on our side as we're coming up on the place." "It's taking us forever to get anywhere with the attacks every couple of miles, and I don't like the look of that village with night falling either. I agree — we should set camp," the Captain expanded. Ashtar spoke up as well, "I am being in agreement, also. I shall be setting alarms to be warning us of trespassers." Mindblind kicked one of the hard, pebble-textured fruits of the tree that was lying at his feet off into the distance. "Get all these catapult stones out of the way, and set camp, men. Get some grub on." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Christi had sat down and finished the guest list, and Ari had already drawn up an impressive amount of notes regarding the wedding as night enveloped Blackhawk Hall. Crystania returned to say that she was now familiar with the wards. Crystania sat down a well-worn old book, her first from when she began studying magic. The book had the same beautiful, flowing script as the book the elfin woman had shown to Ari earlier. Crystania pointed out a cantrip that she thought Arilee should try to learn first, and then sat down to assist her. Meanwhile, Christi studied the spell that told her if she was in danger of becoming pregnant. She had nearly forgotten a couple of the words when she had cast it previously, and thought it would be a good idea to refresh her memory. The cantrip Crystania had selected had only three words and a single, simple gesture. Arilee perfected the proper pronunciation of the words in only a few minutes, and mastered the gesture shortly thereafter. "Oh," Arilee exclaimed, opening her eyes wide. "What did you feel?" Cris asked her. "It was like the sound of a bell in my ears, and my face felt really warm," Ari explained. "Try to cast the spell," Crystania instructed, pulling a candle on the table over closer to Arilee. Ari stared at the candle and spoke the words, "Zee Po Chirak," as she made the snapping gesture toward the candle. The wick of the candle flashed and caught flame, to burn cheerily. Ari smiled so wide it made her face hurt. "I did it." Crystania patted her on the arm and said, "That sensation you felt was an indication that you had mastered the spell. Every person feels it, but it is different from person to person. When I have attained mastery of a spell, I hear a sound like birds chirping, and feel a touch like water trickling down my back. Sometimes different spells will cause a different sensation as well. I believe you may have the potential to wield many spells of the Art." "Do you really think so?" Ari asked, thinking about flying with the birds, high above the ground. Crystania offered a knowing smile, as if she had read Ari's mind. "I can not promise that you will fly, but I believe you may learn much useful magic that will make your life easier, and spells that may compliment your weapons in battle." Christi looked up and said, "Okay, let me try this. I think I have it down, now. I kept stumbling over the last word because I was rushing a bit when I first learned it." Crystania observed as Christi cast the spell and placed her hand over her tummy, revealing a cool blue glow. The half-elven woman nodded approvingly, indicating that Christi had cast the spell properly. "If you don't mind, Ari?" Christi asked, walking over to the blonde. Ari sat back from the table to let Christi reach her tummy. Christi cast the spell, revealing the same blue glow of safety. "One more time, Cris?" The Duchess asked of Crystania. "Of course, Christi." Christi cast the spell, the glow appearing as it had the two times previous. Just as Christi started to move her hand away, the color shifted to purple, then to rose, and finally glowed bright crimson. Crystania's eyes opened wide and she gasped, pressing her hands over her loins. "Crystania is it..." Christi began. Crystania nodded and a pained look crept over her face. "I-it is upon me." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Two figures — wearing cloaks that were far too heavy for the season — stood further cloaked in the darkness of an alley, far from any of the torches or firepots that lit the night. The pair gazed upon the walls surrounding Blackhawk Hall. "So, Ashtar is gone, and Crystania has come," said the first, far taller and leaner than the second. "Yes, it is ridiculously easy to get information out of the place. They don't seem to care who knows what's going on in there," the shorter figure replied. "I trust that Ashtar is with the Duke in the field?" The stocky man nodded and looked warily around before replying, "Word only just arrived. He is within the snare." The taller man chuckled, a haunting sound that held nothing resembling mirth. "The fool is perhaps better suited to the task than I would have anticipated. Soon, we shall be ready, and I have a delightful twist to add to the torment now." "I like the sound of that," the second man said with a wicked sounding chuckle of his own. "Go, then. You know what to do." "Of course, Master." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ "Ari, help me get her over in the bed," Christi said, ducking down to pull Crystania's arm over her shoulder. "What's wrong?" Arilee asked as she mirrored Christi’s action on Crystania’s other side. "I'll explain later. Just help me get her over to the bed," Christi answered as she lifted the trembling half-elven woman up. Arilee and the Duchess managed to get Crystania on her feet, and Ari remarked, "She's burning up." "I know what to do. She'll be okay in a little while," Christi explained as they half-carried Crystania over to the bed. Crystania pulled something from within a pocket of her robes and handed it to Christi as soon as the pair helped her lay down on the bed. "Tap it to the door, please." Christi handed the small, milky, crystal sphere to Arilee. "Go lock the door and tap this on it afterward." Ari nodded and hurried to do as Christi had asked of her. Once she finished, she turned to see Christi helping Crystania remove her robes. Arilee could not suppress her gasp this time, as the Duchess revealed Crystania's body. Part of her elven heritage was that she had no hair on her body whatsoever, save for the long blonde tresses upon her head. The woman's figure was lithe and willowy, and she had long, perfectly shaped legs. Her breasts were small, but taut as a drumhead and perky, the nipples erect and pointing toward the ceiling. Her whole body was flushed red from the tips of her pointed ears to the tips of her toes, and wetness shown between her bare, pink lips. Christi laid her hand over the elven woman's mound, and some of the pain in Crystania's expression drained away. "Relax, Cris. We'll take the pain away," Christi told her. "What do we do?" Ari asked with her eyes locked on Crystania's body, and wetness gathering between her legs. The scent of Crystania's arousal hung heavily around the bed. "Make her come — hard," Christi answered as she moved between Crystania's legs, which the woman parted as soon as Christi moved. Christi and Crystania both moaned as Christi's tongue parted the nether lips before her. Ari moved toward the head of the bed and wrapped her lips around the pebbled flesh of Crystania's right nipple. Crystania's hands came to rest upon the other two women's heads, stroking their hair as she whimpered with each exhaled breath. Ari suckled first one nipple, then the other, an ache gathering between her legs as she listened to the musical sounds of pleasure coming from Crystania, and the soft slurping of Christi lapping the half-elven woman's folds. Christi lifted her head from Crystania's sex with a moan and said, "Come taste her, Ari." Arilee released the nipple she was suckling, and moved quickly between Crystania's smooth thighs. When her tongue touched the woman's labia, she gasped in delight. The abundant wetness flowing from within Crystania tasted like fresh, sweet fruit juices. Ari swirled her tongue all over and between the woman's folds, lapping up the sweet wetness and shuddering. Christi lifted Crystania's hood to lightly swirl her tongue over the erect bud beneath. Crystania's whimpers changed to deeper moans as both women labored over her wet heat. Ari started to feel lightheaded, almost as if she was becoming intoxicated on the sweet nectar that she gathered up on her questing tongue. Crystania's hips rocked, and the pressure of her hands on both women's heads increased as her pleasure mounted. As Crystania drew nearer to release, the flow of her juices increased, which drove Arilee to greater efforts. She didn’t want to miss one sweet drop. Crystania suddenly stiffened, pressing down hard on both Christi and Arilee, and she gasped out, "Oh yes," as she toppled over the edge into orgasm. Crystania emitted a series of loud, musical screams as her climax took control of her body. Her juices flowed from her in a torrent, and Christi moved to slide her tongue between Crystania's lips, to taste the sweet flood with Arilee. After a few moments, Crystania gently pushed the other two women away from her quivering sex and moaned, "Oh, thank you." After pausing for a moment, Crystania shivered and said, "It has subsided, but I still feel the heat upon me. It will swell again soon." "What is it?" Ari asked, pulling the sweet juices coating her face to her lips with little whimpers of delight. "Here's the short version," Christi began, "Elves tend to live lives lacking any sort of urgency, because they live for hundreds of years, and have plenty of time to get everything done — eventually. That unfortunately extended to making babies, and the number of elves started to dwindle. The elders came together and cast a great magic that brings the heat upon elven women after a certain age, causing them to be able to think of nothing except sex when they are fertile and have no children." The Duchess continued as Crystania's skin once again flushed with rosy heat, "Because Crystania is half human, the heat comes on her more often. She either has to get pregnant, or at least have powerful orgasms to make it subside." Crystania gasped out, "My robe, please." Ari climbed down to the floor and retrieved the robe, handing it to Crystania. The slender woman rifled through it with trembling hands and pulled something out of a pocket. At first, Ari thought it was a wooden cock, but when Crystania handed it to Christi, Arilee saw that it looked more like a long stemmed mushroom. "This... This seems to help. I thought to take the heat myself with it, but I still need another's touch to make it fade," Crystania gasped out and then fell back to the bed, reaching between her legs to caress her folds. Christi moaned upon looking at the wooden toy, and then moved to kneel at the foot of the bed. She guided Crystania to move toward her and said, "Lick her bud while I stroke her pussy with her toy, Ari." With that, Christi sucked the wooden shaft between her lips, wetting it, and then poised it at the entrance to Crystania's canal. She slowly pressed it into Crystania's depths as Arilee leaned over to roll the elf woman's clit beneath the hood with her tongue. Crystania writhed this time, as Christi stroked the wooden shaft into her depths. Ari rolled and lapped the swollen bud beneath her tongue, occasionally sneaking away to lap up the sweet nectar from the thrusting shaft, and Crystania's folds. Christi sucked her finger, then swirled the digit through a stream of wetness seeping out around the shaft she was thrusting at an ever-increasing pace into Crystania's clenching canal. She then slid the tip of her finger into the puckered opening of Crystania's ass and curled it upward, stroking it slightly within. Crystania bucked her hips upward with each thrust of the wooden toy, grasping her firm breasts and tweaking the nipples as she climbed her mountain of pleasure once more. The heat within her swelled, and she screamed from between clenched teeth as it filled her whole body. Just as blackness threatened to cloud Crystania's vision from the painful swell of pressure within her, the bubble burst, and all the energy seemed to flow from her sex, bringing with it a torrent of her creamy juices. Crystania's back arched and she screamed her pleasure to the ceiling — an animalistic cry of pure release. When the scream ended, her back fell to the bed once more and she began to writhe — her body contorting as waves of pleasure shot up and down her spine. She felt the toy slide from inside her, and Arilee's mouth leave her, but it did nothing to dull the power of her climax. On and on it went, causing her body to thrash, and her breath to catch in her throat. When at last her body ceased to writhe beyond her control, Crystania opened her eyes and gasped for breath, gratefully sucking air into her deprived lungs. Ari and Christi both stroked her skin, looking a little concerned. Blackhawk Hall Ch. 05 When at last she caught her breath, Crystania said, "I am fine. I believe the heat has subsided." "Did it feel good?" Christi asked, and then sucked the wooden toy clean. Crystania moaned and her eyelids fluttered. "Oh, yes. I thought at first that I would burst, and then I thought I might suffocate, but I have never felt such great pleasure." Christi and Arilee allowed Crystania time to recover from her orgasm, though both women massaged their own folds beneath their clothes, unable to ignore the aching of their own bodies now that Crystania had found her release. Crystania sat up and said, "I wish to give you both pleasure as well." Christi gasped, and then let out a moan before saying, "I wanted you to touch me so badly last time you were here, when the heat took you, but I was afraid to ask." Crystania leaned in and kissed Christi. "I have thought about it often, but now I find I need to taste you, as if the heat were still upon me." Christi and Arilee quickly dispensed with their clothing. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Ashtar started awake and shouted, "Ware!" The guards standing watch also called out, as the group of farmers and villagers swarmed out from around the hedgerows, screaming battle cries. Everywhere, men leapt from their tents — grabbing weapons kept close at hand — to fend off the men, while Ashtar worked his magic. Cerebus heard the familiar syllables that signaled the spell had been cast, and shouted, "Hold," in a loud voice. All around the camp, men stepped back and lowered weapons as their attackers stared in confusion at the weapons in their own hands. The largest group yet to attack — over fifty men, most of whom were well armed — had crept out from the village to attack Mindblind's men this time. Cerebus had them maintain their weapons, and ordered the camp struck. He and his soldiers then followed the men back to their village. There, they commandeered the only inn — more of a bunkhouse — for their use, and barricaded themselves inside for the night. "We'll do good to get a real night's sleep," the Captain of the company observed as his men collapsed into beds. "As long as they don't set fire to the place while we sleep," Cerebus grumbled. "No fire will be burning long against my magic, old friend," Ashtar said, and then started to cast his warning spells about the building. One of the villagers who had just attacked stepped forward and said, "This was sort of our fault. We'll keep watch while you and your men get some sleep." Cerebus' Captain looked a little wary of that offer, but the Duke overruled him. "Once we've removed the bewitching from a bunch, we don't run into trouble until we get close to the next village or cluster of farmsteads. When you add Ashtar's magic, I don't think it's a bad idea for all of us to get some unbroken sleep." Ashtar completed his casting and wobbled unsteadily for a moment. "You okay, Ashtar?" Cerebus asked. The dusky wizard nodded his head and stood up straight. "Thinking I am that a good night of sleep I could be using as well." "Hit the bunks and get some sleep, boys. We're walking into Darius tomorrow and dragging the jackass who's responsible for all this out by his nuts one way or another," Cerebus declared and flopped onto his own bunk. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ A voting form approaches! Command? Why not attack it with your +5 sword of great story, and perhaps follow up with a glowing burst of complimentary comment spell? Feedback is what keeps a writer writing, and it's much appreciated. Blackhawk Hall Ch. 06 AUTHOR'S NOTES: This story is erotic fantasy, set in a world of magic. This tale takes place in the same world as my core Danica story and all my other stories in Sci-Fi/Fantasy on Lit. The occasional use of "modern" measurements and such is a product of my fantasy world. I know most who read fantasy would probably prefer "leagues", "cubits", and "handspans" but my world always utilized modern terms for distances and measures. I hope it doesn't jar too much to detract from the story. This originally started as a one shot, but has turned into a short series. You really need to read the previous parts to know what's going on in the story and know the characters. I've been putting some "challenge" words into this tale from a regular reader, the suggestions for them beginning before I started chapter 03. The word was "Osage" in the previous chapter. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ "The elf mongrel is in the Hall, and the half-breed moved on to fort up in the inn once they broke the charm over our dupes," Cordell reported. Garvin, self-appointed Governor of Darius, frowned. "They moved forward after the attack? How much does that change things?" Cordell shrugged. "Not much, really. They will be here tomorrow unless we throw everything we've got at them to slow them down. It's all a matter of what time." "The clerics are ready?" Garvin asked. Cordell nodded. "They're in position. Is our timing right?" "It will do. Get everything we have out there between us and the good Duke, just in case," Garvin replied. "I'm on it." Cordell turned and left the building, leaving the Governor once again alone with his thoughts. He prayed that there were no more surprises, because failure was not an option. He knew he would be better off to surrender to the Duke than to escape and face his Master. Shrugging the thoughts off, as there was nothing he could do about it, Garvin turned toward his appropriated bedroom. A buxom blonde awaited him there, eager to gain favor with her rightful ruler. He intended to give her ample opportunity to earn that favor. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Once she undressed, Christi guided Arilee to lie down, and then kissed Crystania. When their lips parted, Christi said, "As bad as I want your hands and lips on me, I want to watch you with Ari more. Make her feel good, Cris." Crystania moved between Arilee's parted legs, the young woman's breath quickening in anticipation. Reaching down, Crystania touched Ari's folds and caressed them for a moment. "Does that give you pleasure?" Ari shuddered and let out a little moan. "Oh, yes." Crystania smiled and slipped her fingers between Ari's labia, emitting a little sound of surprised delight when she discovered how wet the young woman was. Bringing her finger to her lips, she sucked the creamy wetness from it with a little moan. "Your taste is so different from my own. It makes my head swim." Christi leaned over, kissed the back of Crystania’s neck, and whispered in her ear, "Get a good taste. Make her come." The sultry tone of Christi's voice sent a shock of pleasure through the half-elven woman's body. She immediately put her hands on the bed to lower her mouth to Arilee's sex. A quavering yelp escaped Arilee as Crystania ran the tip of her tongue over Ari's nether lips. The yelp turned sharp and loud when the elvish woman's tongue parted her lips and plunged inside. Christi stroked Crystania's back, whispering into her ear, "Make her come. Giving pleasure is just as good as getting it. You're going to love feeling her come under your tongue." Crystania moaned into Ari's folds as she increased her efforts, urged on by Christi's sultry voice. Knowing her own body, and knowing how good it felt to her, she let her tongue caress Arilee's clit with each lick. "Oh, that feels so good," Arilee moaned. Christi moved to suckle Ari's right nipple between her lips, sucking it hard. Crystania's head moved up and down, adding the pressure to her lapping tongue. Arilee stared down at Crystania's beautiful face between her thighs, and gasped out, "Oh. Oh, yes. Don't stop!" Shortly thereafter, Arilee screamed as she reached climax. Crystania's eyes popped wide open, and she emitted a surprised yelp as she tasted Ari's nectar flowing over her tongue. Ari's body stiffened, alternating moans and screams erupting from her. Crystania continued to lap up the sweet flow from Arilee, causing her to reach two more peaks of pleasure. Ari's gasps revealed evidence of discomfort mixed with pleasure, a signal Crystania understood meant that the young woman was becoming too sensitive to endure more. "You are correct, Christi. That is just as pleasurable as being given release," Cris admitted, her cheeks flushed with excitement. Christi moaned. "Well, you're free to give it another try with me. Please?" Crystania echoed the moan and soon slipped between the thighs of the Duchess. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Cerebus grunted in approval, seeing his men in good spirits. The soldiers were all well rested, well fed, and ready to move onward to Darius. There, to bring an end to this farce. Seeing that the men had their equipment together, the Duke ordered, "All right, ladies — let's move it out. We've got a bullshit Governor to remove, and I want it done today." Cries of approval rose up from the men, and Mindblind opened the door to step outside, ahead of everyone else. Several of the townsfolk were on hand to thank him for freeing friends and family members. Cerebus accepted the thanks with a few words, and then told everyone to keep their eyes open — and not to wander around much until he took care of things in Darius. The men formed up into loose ranks, each staying near other men who complemented his fighting style, and whom he could depend upon to cover his back. Most of the tag-along farmers and townsmen who had joined the group meshed in nicely. Several of the newcomers found places alongside the more seasoned soldiers. Mindblind considered that he should make a run through the entire Duchy at some point to set up informal militias that would complement the paid soldiers. Tax relief would be more than enough to encourage fitness of the units, and the people would defend their homes to the death, anyway. A little formal training and some incentive would swell the ranks of able-bodied fighting men he could depend upon. With Drax on his border, and probably other enemies he didn't yet know about, Cerebus decided he would start organizing as soon as he returned to the Hall. The fighters moved out double time, marching out of town, and then down the road toward Darius. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ "Mindblind, the scouts are reporting movement in that big-assed hedgerow ahead. They couldn't see much without being spotted, but they think we've got a big ambush waiting for us." Cerebus acknowledged the report with a grunt while staring into the distance at the natural fence of trees. "We don't have a lot of choice but to spring the trap, and let Ashtar fix them. How close are we to Darius?" "Two hours, at the most," the Captain replied. "Let everyone know we're walking into a trap, and let's move. I'll go talk to Ashtar," Mindblind directed. "Got it." The Duke walked over to where Ashtar stood. "The scouts say we've got another fight on our hands ahead — a big one. You ready?" Ashtar smiled. "I am being ready, old friend. Let us be done with them, and be getting done with our business. I am being for my own bed." "Couldn't agree with you more," Cerebus acknowledged. "Missing Christi more than your bed you are being, I am thinking," Ashtar taunted. Cerebus let out a short grunting laugh. "Damn straight." The soldiers moved toward the hedgerow, anticipation of the ambush building with each step. When the attack came, Mindblind swore an oath. There were more than a hundred people running toward his men, including women and children. "Keep them back. No serious injuries," Mindblind shouted to his men, and then muttered, "Wiggle your fingers fast, Ashtar." The attackers quickly fell upon them, screaming incoherent battle cries as they attacked. Mindblind smashed the first man who approached him in the face with his shield. The man was well armed, and the combination of the man's physique and stance told Mindblind that he probably could prove dangerous with his blade if given an opportunity. When the man awakened, he would have a knot on his head, but better that than either of them dead. The Duke cursed when he saw one of his men take a deep cut to the arm from a woman with a butcher knife, even as he had to fend off a ten-year-old attacking him with a club. The sound of Ashtar completing his spell was like music to the Duke's ears. The expressions of the attackers instantly turned confused, and his men ceased fighting without the need to shout orders. Cerebus started to shout out an explanation to the confused townsfolk, but saw Ashtar collapse at exactly that moment. His Captain also noticed the wizard's collapse, and took care of the confused locals while Mindblind pushed through the former battlefield. Kneeling down, Cerebus supported the mage as Ashtar weakly tried to rise. "Ashtar, what happened?" "Too much magic I have been using, with too little rest. Not being my strength is charm magic, and very hard it is," Ashtar replied, closing his eyes tightly for a moment. "Dammit, Ashtar, I told you to tell me if you needed to rest." Opening his eyes again, Ashtar wanly smiled. "A little vain I can be, I suppose. Thought I could be enduring I did." "Is there any way you can help me talk to Christi?" Ashtar reached into a pocket of his robe and withdrew a small clay disk, which he handed to Mindblind. "Breaking this will be calling Crystania. To Christi you can talk through her." Just then, Mindblind heard one of his men cry out. Looking up, he saw the man holding his head and those around him looking off toward the trees. When he glanced up at the trees, he saw the branches whip. More of his fighters shouted when the stone-hard fruits of the tree, hurled by the snapping branches, thudded into them. Growling a curse, Cerebus helped Ashtar to his feet and shouted, "Get all these people away from those damn trees!" ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Christiania sat up in the bed, a loud gasp on her lips. The sound and motion startled Christi and Arilee awake as well. When the two managed to focus, they saw Crystania rising from the bed. Christi yawned, "What's wrong, Cris?" "Ashtar is in danger. He has broken a charm that I have given him to summon me when it is needful. I must find him immediately," Crystania replied. Christi sat up and reached for Crystania's robes. "Cris, slow down. You aren't even dressed." Crystania looked down and realized she was naked, having fallen asleep exhausted — but very content — in the bed with Arilee and the Duchess the night before. She accepted her robes when Christi handed them to her, color rising in her cheeks. "Give us a minute to get dressed, too. Let's get some clothes on, Ari." The three women quickly dressed, and then Crystania cast her spell. She located Ashtar and opened a magical window so that she could speak to him. Mindblind stood over the mage, staring off to the side, when the image appeared in the mystic portal. "Cerebus, what happened to Ashtar? What's wrong?" Christi asked. The Duke started, his hand reaching for his sword as he spun to see the three women through the window that had appeared next to him. "Damn — can't you put a bell or something on that magic? Ashtar exhausted himself. I've got a hundred confused people milling around here, and the gods-damned hedge apple trees are bloody attacking us." Crystania scowled upon hearing the last. "I will come at once. I can aid Ashtar, and the corruption of the trees must not be abided." "You're needed there, and I've got nothing but a pack of men out here, Crystania. Just magic him back to the Hall," Cerebus argued, nodding toward the weary wizard resting at his feet. "I can endure. The trees must not be used so," Crystania reiterated. "We'll be fine, Cerebus. You need her. Just make sure the men understand," Christi added. "Okay. I'm not in a mood to argue, and I'm tired of being attacked by living catapults," Mindblind conceded. "I will gather my things and be there shortly," Crystania said, and then dismissed her magic when she saw the Duke's nod of acknowledgment. Arilee walked up and hugged Crystania. "Please be careful." "You should at least wash up a little," Christi suggested, "If you're anything like me, you're probably a bit sticky." Color rose in Crystania's cheeks, and she smiled, saying, "You are right. Thank you both for taking the heat, and for sharing yourselves with me." "Thank you," Ari said, and then giggled when she realized how excited she had sounded. Christi laughed in response and then said, "Go get cleaned up, and get out there to help Ashtar and Cerebus. We're going to go get in the bath. You make sure that Cerebus knows that if he needs me out there, this place can run itself for a while." "I will," Crystania replied, and then went to her room to prepare for her magical journey to the side of the Duke. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ "The elf mongrel is there," Cordell reported with a wide smile. Garvin breathed a sigh of relief, and then smiled as well, "Have the mage inform the Master immediately, and then let's get ready. We've got to have everything ready when he gets here. I don't really want to be sitting unprepared when he storms into town looking for my head." "Understood," Cordell responded, and then spun on his heel to obey. The illegitimate Governor also turned, walking back into the chambers he had appropriated to smack the rounded bottom of the woman lying in the bed. "Get up. I've got things to do." The blonde sat up with a pout and stretched, causing her large breasts to jut out. She reached out and laid her hand over his loins. "Couldn't I just have a little taste before I go?" She started pulling down on the waist of his trousers without waiting for an answer. He did nothing to discourage her as she pulled them down and slurped his slowly hardening manhood between her lips. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ The short, ragged man walked into the darkened room and bowed before his Master. "Word from Darius. The elf-woman is in the snare." "Excellent. Prepare to throw the Hall into chaos. We act now, while the time is ripe," said the lean man behind the table. He rose and pounded a fist on the table before him. "I have waited too long." "We all have," growled the servant. The dark-cloaked man moved out from behind the table, coming to stand before his servant. "You have taken care of the other little inconvenience we encountered, I trust?" "Of course. He won't be troubling us any more." "Excellent." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Christi stood up from the table, she and Ari having just finished breakfast after washing away the evidence of the previous night's lovemaking. A wide smile decorated Christi’s face. "I have a present for you." "For me?" "Yes, for you. It's something I stumbled across, and I think it will be better suited to you than anyone else," Christi explained, as she walked over to a chest of drawers. She returned with something wrapped in silk, and handed it to Arilee. Unrolling the bundle, Arilee gasped when she saw the dagger within. It was trimmed with gold, set with stones, and fine scrollwork decorated the blade. Arilee took out the dagger to examine it closer and asked, "What are the stones? I've never seen anything like them." "They're both forms of chalcedony — like flint. I know you've seen that before. These are quite a bit more valuable, though. The red one is a fire agate, and the black one is an onyx. They're actually the source of the dagger's power. The enchantment on the onyx cuts through magical shields, and the agate has the power of fire," Christi explained. Ari's eyes went wide as Christi described the dagger's power. "I can't take this, Christi. It's too valuable." Christi wiggled a finger at the young woman. "Yes you can — because I think it was made for you. I can use it, but the better you are at magic, the more of its powers a person can use. I've never been able to activate a single enchantment from the fire agate, and I bet you'll be able to. It will be more useful in your hands than mine, and I want you to have it." "It's so beautiful," Ari remarked. "Yet another reason it should be yours." Arilee could tell Christi was going to insist, and she was flattered by both the value of the gift, and the faith in her ability to use it as both a weapon and a magical object. "Thank you, Christi." A knock sounded on the door, and Christi crossed the room to answer it. Arilee saw Kronk when the Duchess opened the door, and he said, "Young Joshua is here to pay court to Ari." Color rose up in Ari's cheeks, causing both the half-ogre and the Duchess to chuckle. "Send him up.” Christi paused and looked to Arilee for confirmation. “If that's okay with you, Arilee?" Arilee's cheeks grew even more red as she said, "Yes, please." Kronk nodded and returned downstairs to fetch the young man. Christi walked back over to the table and said, "Well, looks like you'll get some use out of your room today, at least." Ari's entire face went red at that remark, and she gasped. Christi laughed and waved a hand in front of her. "I only meant you would be talking with him in your room, but it looks to me like you might have other ideas." "I guess I was thinking about that. You're making me all naughty." "And you're turning me all civilized," Christi retorted. "Go meet your young man. I can get along fine. Have fun." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Crystania walked toward the hedgerow, the green missiles hurled by the whipping branches bouncing off of a protective shield of magic surrounding her. "The trees will be troubling us no more very soon. Very much in tune with nature is Crystania," Ashtar revealed. "You look a helluva lot better," Cerebus observed. "The potions Crystania has given to me have been restoring my strength, and my magic as well," Ashtar explained. "Good, if you do that to me again, I'll tie your beard in a knot." Ashtar laughed and said, "Keeping that in mind I shall be." Crystania now stood a few feet from the trees, just out of reach of the branches that seemed to strain for her. Mage and Duke watched as she began to gesture, the soft sound of her chanting lost in the wind and the creaking of the trees. Spreading her arms wide in a slow, sweeping gesture, Crystania's magic took effect. The malevolent animation of the trees ceased as her hands moved. The trees once again swayed only from the hot breeze when the wizardess completed the gesture. Crystania walked back toward the Duke with a smile and said, "They have been freed from the foul magic forced upon them." Mindblind nodded. "Thanks, Cris. Now we can get moving to Darius again." "I shall continue with you, to aid Ashtar and hasten your return to the Hall," Crystania insisted. "Let's move, then. I want to get you both back into the Hall to counter whatever damn magic is popping critters in there, as soon as possible," Mindblind told the two mages, and then shouted to his men. "Form up! We march, now!" ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ "You seem a bit distracted," Arilee observed. Blackhawk Hall Ch. 06 Joshua shook his head and smiled, "Yes, I'm sorry. I come to enjoy your company, and then don't return the favor. It's quite rude of me." Ari smiled back at him and reached out to grasp his hand on instinct. "It's okay I..." She stopped and screamed then, as a goblin appeared in the room next to the bed. Joshua leapt up and drew his sword, slashing the goblin across the throat before it could focus through the disorientation of teleportation. Arilee snatched up her new dagger and drew it at the same time. A moment later, the door burst inward, revealing Christi with a drawn sword. "Are you okay?" "We're fine. It just startled me," Arilee answered. Kronk's voice rang out from down the hall. "Christi, we've got monsters everywhere — trolls, goblins, and orcs!" Christi cursed, "Trolls — son of a bitch!" "You should go to your chambers and prepare a defense, Duchess. This is no nuisance attack. Trolls and orcs are a dangerous threat," Joshua suggested. Christi frowned and spit out, "Damn that." "Duchess, you should stay away from this fight," Kronk agreed, the use of her title meant to convey the depth of his concern. Christi growled, "Fine. You two get down there and help, though." "I won't leave you undefended, Duchess," Kronk argued. "I doubt she needs my protection, but I will stay. Go, lend your strength to the defenders," Joshua said. Kronk considered the offer for a moment, and then nodded with a grunt. He turned and ran back toward the stairs to join the battle in the Hall. Christi growled, "Men.” She then stepped out into the hallway and said, “Come on — we'll fort up in my room. I have plenty of extra weapons in there, and it has some protection against magic, too." The three hurried down the hall and into the Duchess' room. Christi turned to lock the door behind her, and to activate some magical sigla on the door as well. "Is it really that danger..." Ari began, but her words suddenly trailed off. Christi turned just in time to see Ari slump to the floor, unconscious. Joshua had a wide smile on his lips as he reversed his grip on the sword hilt he had just used to rap her on the head. "You son of a bitch!" Christi screamed, bringing her sword to the ready. "You let me destroy too many of your defenses," Joshua laughed, and then spoke a few words while pointing at her. Christi struggled against the crimson bands of energy that wrapped around her, snapping her arms tight to her side, and forcing her to drop her sword when the blade bit into her flesh. The weapon fell through the bands to clatter on the floor, completely unobstructed by the magic. Joshua's appearance shifted, and Christi snarled as another familiar face appeared in place of the young man's features. The hollow cheeks, the close-set eyes, the beak-like nose — and most prominently — the scar on his cheek identified him. "Telamont... I knew one of Drax's lapdogs had to be behind this." The wizard scowled and cast another spell, paralyzing Christi's lower body to prevent her from escaping. He then released the bands spell and freed her arms. "I owe you for this, bitch," He said, pointing to the angry scar on his cheek. "You and that half-breed." Christi struggled against the magic holding her, feeling a slight tingle in her legs, which told her that she was winning the battle. She knew that she had to keep the wizard distracted long enough to fight off the magic, and attack. "Not my fault that you're on the wrong side. I knew Joshua was too good to be true." "He was — the noble idiot. He resisted my charm, ruining a perfectly delightful twist that would have left him devastated by killing his little girlfriend and the Duchess. Well, for as long as your half-breed man let him live, anyway. No matter. She will believe that she brought the man who killed you here, and her torment will suffice, I suppose," The wizard bragged. "I can see why Draxnog likes you — you're a degenerate just like him," Christi taunted, now able to barely wiggle her toes. "I wish I had delayed my plans long enough to get between that one's legs, and that I had time to take what I want from you as well, but I'm afraid this distraction will only last so long. So, you die now. I want to savor this, bitch." The wizard again chanted, and Christi's eyes went wide as she felt unseen hands close around her throat. The invisible hands slowly squeezed, cutting off her breath. The wizard walked forward, and grasped the front of her blouse to tear it open. He pawed her breasts, staring into her eyes as his magic continued to tighten around her. Blackness swam at the edge of Christi's vision as he tore away her skirt, roughly shoving two fingers into her dry sheathe. He laughed in her face, the sound distant and echoing in Christi's ears as consciousness started to slip away from her. Suddenly, the pressure vanished, and Christi sucked in a gasp of air. She grabbed her throat and coughed, struggling to draw enough air into her lungs. She faintly heard a thump, and felt something against her legs. When she was able to open her eyes, she saw Arilee standing in front of her, a dagger dripping blood clutched in her hand. Looking down, Christi saw the wizard Telamont lying at her feet, a wet spot spreading across his dark robes, and a very surprised look on his face. Arilee dropped her new magical dagger — which had cut through his defensive magic — to the floor. Christi moved away from the dead wizard, to take the other woman in her arms. Arilee softly sobbed as Christi tried to comfort the shaken woman. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Crystania and Ashtar had to free townsfolk from charming magic all the way through town. Despite sharing the duty, both magic users looked nearly exhausted, and it greatly concerned the Duke. Now within sight of the building that served as the seat of government here, Mindblind could see a group of well-armed men standing in front of it. Ashtar studied the men and said, "These are not being charmed by magic." A wicked smile spread across Cerebus' lips as he raised his sword. “Good. After all this bullshit, I'm itching for a fight. Let's go, ladies. We have a Governor to remove from office." Mindblind's men charged forward, all as eager as he to engage in a fight where they could actually fight back. The forced restraint throughout the trip, taking wounds that they would have otherwise never sustained brought the soldiers’ blood to a boil. Battle cries rang out as the two groups clashed. Mindblind blocked a sword stroke on his shield, and then immediately smashed the metal into the man's face. When the man stumbled back, the Duke slashed him, opening his belly. Cerebus’ opponent crumpled to the ground, trying to keep the coils escaping from the cut inside, where they belonged. Screams and death rattles erupted everywhere in the chaos. The Duke squared off against a man wielding a sword and dagger, blocking the dagger with his shield and parrying a thrust from the man's sword at the same time. Mindblind wiped his blade into an offensive strike, but his opponent deflected the blow with his own sword and stabbed out with the dagger again. The attacker was not properly balanced, and when Cerebus turned to the side, the man's back was exposed. The Duke smashed the bottom edge of his shield into the back of the man's neck, dropping him to the pavement, and then ran him through. The battle rapidly turning against them, the men facing the Duke began to toss down their weapons and throw up their hands in surrender. A few continued to fight, but these were quickly cut down. Those who surrendered were checked for hidden weapons, and then placed under the guard of the villagers who had joined the Duke during his journey. Many men had sustained wounds — especially amongst the untrained villagers who had joined the cause. Healing potions produced by Ashtar and Crystania, and prayers from the town's cleric ensured that none of those who fought under Cerebus' banner died that day. The Duke’s men had spread out to surround the building even before the fighting began, and so Cerebus knew that whoever was inside was trapped. Once the needs of the wounded and the securing of the prisoners were complete, Cerebus brought his Captain and a small group of handpicked men to stand before the front entrance of the building. Crystania and Ashtar also stood behind the fighters, prepared to use magic if necessary. Mindblind kicked in the front door, splinters flying and one of the hinges breaking loose from the force of the blow. As he stepped into the building the Duke shouted, "Knock-knock, asshole!" When no attack or answer greeted him, the Duke briskly walked through the building. He kicked open doors, finding each room as empty as the main hall. Finally, upon kicking open the door to the bedroom, he found someone. The woman screamed and covered her nude body with a blanket when the door burst open. "Who are you? Where is he?" The Duke demanded. "I-I'm Clarine. Please don't kill me," the woman sobbed. Mindblind restated the second half of his question, "Where is this so-called Governor?" The woman cringed and replied, "He left a few hours ago. Who are you?" "I'm the Duke," Mindblind replied. The woman's eyes opened wide, and then she smiled, letting the bedclothes drop to reveal her naked body once more. "The Duke? You look like you've had a difficult journey. Why don't you let me take your mind off your troubles for a while?" Cerebus rolled his eyes. "No thanks. I'm not partial to another man's leavings. You should get out of here and back to wherever you belong." The woman gasped and made a face that revealed her disbelief that he would refuse her beyond a shadow of a doubt. As the woman dressed, Cerebus asked, "What did this man who called himself the Governor look like?" "He was blonde, strong, had a big dick, and a scar across his chest," the woman snapped back. Recognition dawned on Cerebus' face and he questioned, "From his right nipple to his hip?" "Yes," was the reply. Mindblind growled. "Garvin. Christi gave him that scar. I knew Draxnog was behind this, and it makes sense the damn coward ran before we got here. Let's get this mess cleaned up and get things back in order. I bet the bullshit at the Hall has something to do with this. Ashtar, Crystania — get back to the Hall as soon as you're able." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ With assistance from the thieves in the city, one of the city watch found Joshua's body hidden away beneath some construction leavings, several hours later. Arilee was beside herself with grief, and so Christi sent her back to the Hall. When Crystania summoned up the strength to return to the Hall, she discovered what had happened, and used her magic to inform Cerebus and Ashtar. Mindblind had already found a solid man to serve as Governor in Darius, and so left him and his men to deal with putting things back in order. Ashtar transported them both back to the Hall. They buried Joshua in an honored place amongst the soldiers of the city who had lost their lives in battle. Arilee was teary-eyed and distant throughout the ceremony, and retreated to her room almost immediately after it was complete. Christi tried not to press too hard, but did her best to convince Arilee that Joshua's death was not her fault, and that he would not want her to shut down completely with grief. The young woman appeared to recover a little as the hours passed, but the progress was slow. Christi was just about to go to Ari's room the second morning after the funeral to try to talk to her again, when a knock sounded on her door. When she answered it, Ari was there with a wan smile on her face. "I have everything else ready, but we still need to pick out your dress." "Oh, Ari — you didn't have to deal with that right now. It's not that important," Christi said, wrapping Arilee in her arms. When Christi released Arilee from the hug, Ari explained, "It helped me take my mind off things, and I told you everything would be ready in a month's time. I'll be okay. I just want to do what I told you I would do, so you can be wed, and not make the Queen cross with you." "Arilee, you are a treasure. I'm so glad I walked into the Ogre that day and found you." Again, Arilee smiled. The smile was weak, but it was genuine, "Shall we go get you a proper gown?" It took most of the day to pick out a style, and get Christi's sizes. Christi kept pushing for gowns that were simple, and a little provocative. Arilee kept leading her back toward more traditional and ornate dresses, citing the fact it was a State Wedding, and that the Queen expected certain things. In the end, Arilee found a seamstress who managed to combine both women's ideas into something both were happy with, and who was willing to make a promise that it would be done in time for the wedding. The final preparation for the wedding complete, with plenty of time to spare, Christi felt as if a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Arilee still was not herself, though — obviously continuing to fight off the sadness of Joshua's death. When the pair returned to the Hall, Christi asked her to come upstairs and join her for some wine. Arilee accepted, though she sipped her wine without a word. Christi walked over and laid her hand on Arilee's shoulder. "Ari, you can't let this take your life away. Joshua wouldn't have wanted that. He would have known what Telamont was planning when the wizard tried to charm him. He fought, and won that battle for you — for us. Don't take away that victory by hiding away." Arilee sighed, and then closed her eyes. She growled and said, "It just makes me so angry, that he was used like that. I don't understand how people can be that way — why they do things like that. I killed that evil man, but it didn't take away my anger. I'm mad that I didn't get to know Joshua better, too. I never know whether I'm going to be growling or crying any more." "You need some stress release. How about a sparring match with Cerebus?" "He will be fearful of hurting me. It wouldn't be much of a match," Ari speculated. Christi laughed and retorted, "After you've shown him what you're capable of, he'll rise to the task. He's competitive, and it's not like he's afraid to fight a girl. He knows a woman can be just as dangerous — if not more so — than any man. My spell will protect you both from any serious damage, but I have to warn you that you'll probably have a few bruises before it's over." "I don't know if that would be such a bad thing right now." "I'll go let him know. You need this, and I'm going to enjoy seeing the surprise on his face," Christi admitted. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ "Careful with those, I'd like them to keep working," Christi shouted across the courtyard, and then laughed. Arilee called out, "Point!" Mindblind knelt on the ground, nursing the pain in his groin from Arilee's kick, and breathing hard. He mastered the pain and slowly stood back up. "Okay, you've been training this one hard while I've been gone." "You're lucky Crystania hasn't had time to teach her any more magic," Christi taunted. "No more playing around," Cerebus warned, bringing his sword and shield into line. "I don't like losing." Arilee brought her sword up as well, and asked, "Are you going to fight, or talk?" The Duke laughed. "I like that. You'll get your fight." Arilee was the first to attack, launching an attack to his shield side. Cerebus blocked the blow with his shield, and then hooked the foot flying toward his opposite side on his weapon wrist and hurled it upward. Ari landed on her bottom, her sword dropping out of her hand when she hit the ground, the wind blasted from her. Mindblind put the tip of his sword against her chest and said, "Point," a moment later. Christi instructed, "I warned you about that, Arilee. He's not surprised any more. Fewer risks — more studying him." The Duke helped her up and said, "If it's any consolation, she lectures me the same way." "Don't go easy on me," Ari requested. "If you want a fight, you'll get it." The pair set once more, and this time the Duke led the charge, swiping at Ari's head. The woman recognized the strength behind the blow, and knew that any attempt to parry it would be risky. She dived to the ground instead, lashing out with a kick. Mindblind was hardly off balance, but the recovery from his swing forced him to do no more than avoid the shin kick, spinning all the way around to face her when she popped back up. He blocked a swipe of her sword just in time. He smashed forward with his shield, just recovering in time when she dived out of the way again. Arilee popped to her feet, slashing with her sword. The Duke caught the blow on his shield, and answered with a blow of his own. Arilee’s feet weren’t properly planted, and she had to backpedal to get out of range of the blade. The Duke pressed his advantage, his blade ringing off the young woman's weapon as he kept her moving backward. Ari stumbled over a small rock, and Cerebus launched a kick to her midsection before she could recover. The air blasted out of her lungs, and she fell hard to the ground again, sucking in a loud breath. Mindblind wiped sweat out of his eyes. "Point. I say we call this one a draw. I know you can't be feeling too good right now. Not to be crude, but my damn balls are still aching. You've got quite a kick. You kept your blade in line really well, considering how off balance you were." Christi walked up as Ari nodded her head in agreement, and the Duchess helped her rise. "You work out some of that stress?" Ari smiled — a real smile — and replied, "Yes. It felt good to let out a little of that anger." "It never hurts to practice with different people. Cerebus fights a lot differently than I do. You should probably do it more often," Christi advised. Arilee nodded, still having a little difficulty catching her breath. "Go get in the bath. I'll join you in a little bit," Christi suggested. Arilee nodded and turned to leave the courtyard. The Duchess walked up to her man and kissed him. "Surprised you, didn't she?" The Duke inclined his head and responded, "Yeah, she did. You would never expect that kind of fire in a little slip of a girl like that. She does have a hell of a kick on her." "Still hurting a little? I taught her that. She learned it well," Christi said, reaching down to cup his crotch in her hand. Her eyes popped open a little wider and she said, "Hmm, that's interesting. I would think it would be a little difficult to get hard with crushed nuts." The Duke shrugged. "You know how it is. All the adrenaline, and her nipples poking at that blouse are a little hard to ignore." Christi moaned, and then let out an aroused laugh. "Oh, I know — believe me." Cerebus, knowing his woman, could tell from those words and her tone that she and Arilee had shared more than a few battles. "Is that so?" She pulled his head down and kissed him, and then huskily whispered into his ear, "Once she's had a little time to recover from losing Joshua, maybe I can show you some other things I've taught her. I think you'll like them too." Those words prompted the Duke to grasp Christi's hand and pull her toward the armory. She didn't resist in the slightest. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Over the course of the next week, Arilee slowly pulled out of her depression. She talked more often, and returned to helping the Duke and Duchess with their daily routine. She constantly made sure everything for the wedding was in order, not letting any of those commissioned to provide something slip off schedule. Blackhawk Hall Ch. 06 Ari had just finished helping Christi send Cerebus off in his state robes to the audience hall when she turned and asked, "Will you come with me to the grave? I need to say goodbye, and I don't want to be alone." Christi hugged her and replied. "Of course I will." The pair made their way to the tomb, and Arilee knelt down in front of the marker stone. The Duchess stood behind Ari at the grave, her hand on the young woman's shoulder. For several minutes, Arilee just knelt and caressed the stone. She only said, "Goodbye," aloud before rising. The young woman turned and fell into Christi's arms. The Duchess held her, a few soft sobs shaking Ari in her arms. With a final sniffle, Arilee stepped out of the hug and smiled. Christi asked, "Better?" Ari nodded. "I think so. You're right — he wouldn't have wanted me to give up." "Let's go home." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ As the wedding date approached, Arilee’s recovery accelerated. Two days before the ceremony, Christi's gown arrived. The Duchess rolled her eyes at the frills and lace, but a stern look from Ari was all it took for her to try it on. The gown was very traditional, save for a low neckline, an open back, and the lack of a train. Christi walked to the mirror with a look of resignation on her face. As soon as she looked in the mirror, her defeated attitude drained away, replaced by surprise. "Gods — I'm beautiful," she mused. Arilee smiled and said, "You never noticed that before?" Christi turned and pursed her lips, offering Ari a playful scowl. She then turned back to the mirror. "I've just never even put on anything like this. I always thought I would look ridiculous in something...” She paused, searching for a word. “Nice." Ari walked up behind the Duchess and peeked over her shoulder. "You look radiant, and Cerebus is going to need someone to close his mouth when he sees you." Christi turned and said, "Thank you, Ari. I know Alicia is going to like it." "She does." The pair turned toward the door and found the Queen standing there. "You must be an enchantress of the highest order, to have somehow civilized this girl I've been working on for so long," Alicia said with a crooked grin. Christi smiled and held out her arms, walking toward her friend. Alicia put her hands up in front of her and rebuked, "No, no — I am not going to let you wrinkle your dress and use it as an excuse to wear something frumpy or scandalous. Take it off, and then you can hug me." Christi laughed as Alicia closed the door behind her and locked it. She then walked over to where the Duchess was removing the gown with Ari's help. "What were you thinking — putting on your gown with the door unlocked? What if Cerebus had seen you?" Arilee gasped and covered her mouth. "Oh dear. I was just so excited that I didn't even think about it." Christi rolled her eyes and continued undressing. The Queen shook her finger at her friend and said, "It is bad luck. I don't care whether you believe it or not. That's why I'm here early — to help make sure that you get married without something going wrong. Thakkor will be along on the day of the wedding. Crystania brought me. I made him ride." "Great — now I have two taskmasters," Christi grumbled as she laid the dress gently across the bed. Alicia turned to Ari and said, "You must be Arilee, whom I need to thank for finally putting her into a gown and pointing the way to the altar." Arilee bowed and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, I am Arilee." Now it was the Queen's turn to roll her eyes. "We're in the Hall. Until the wedding, I'm just Alicia. All of Christi's rules apply to me here, and to Thakkor as well. No titles, unless absolutely necessary." "Okay — Alicia it is," Ari responded. Christi finished pulling on her blouse and walked over to the Queen, hugging her. "I'm glad you're here, Alicia." Alicia clapped her hands after the embrace. "Let us make sure everything is in order, so I will have time to sneak into town to find a room." "You can have my room," Arilee offered. "I don't want to put you out. I will be fine in the city," Alicia responded. "Please, I insist." Alicia smiled and said, "Very well. Thank you. Now tell me everything, so that I can sigh and dream about the wedding until it happens." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ "Point," all three women cried in unison as they stood over the Duke with swords pointed at him. The sun was setting, but the summer heat was still oppressive in the courtyard. All of the combatants were drenched in sweat, their clothing clinging to them and dripping. It had taken nearly an hour of hard fighting to win the three points, despite a three-to-one advantage. Cerebus had fought hard, sparing no effort. He had revealed a couple of new surprises, allowing him to score two points of his own, despite the overwhelming odds. Alicia sat down hard on the ground. "Gods — that felt good. Thakkor will never give his all when fighting me — when we manage to find the time." "I tried," Mindblind grunted as he rose to his feet. "It's getting a little embarrassing, having my ass handed to me by girls. At least I got in a few licks this time." All three women slapped him — playfully — at the same time. Alicia stood up and said, "I am going to get in the bath. You are out of luck, Cerebus. You will have to wait. I’m pulling rank on you. Come join me — Ari, Christi?" Christi nodded and said, "We'll be up in a minute. We'll put the weapons away." Alicia handed over her sword, and then immediately turned to head inside the Hall to the bath. "I'm going to go dunk my head, at least. Let me know when you're out of the bath," Cerebus requested before handing over his sword and leaving the courtyard as well. Christi had noticed where Arilee's eyes had frequently strayed throughout the end of the battle and the conversation afterward. She smiled, knowing just how hard it was to look away from the bulge in Cerebus' pants when he was aroused. "Let's go put these away," she told Ari, daydreaming about being with both her and her man. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ A knock sounded on the door as the three women were dressing in Christi's room after their bath. Christi knew Mindblind's knock, an impatient double rap that was unmistakable. She shouted, "We're all still naked." "Throw me some clothes in when you get a chance. I'm hitting the bath," the Duke responded from the other side of the door. "Okay." Alicia yawned as she pulled on her blouse. "I should have just put on nightclothes, because I'll have to change again in a moment. I am for bed. I have not had such a strenuous workout in quite some time." "Goodnight, Alicia. We'll probably be in bed soon," Christi said as she pulled on her own blouse. Alicia walked down the hall and closed Ari's door behind her, casting a spell that would muffle sounds coming from outside the room. She knew her friend, and she knew the look that she had seen in Christi's eyes as she chatted with the two women in the bath. There would likely be very distracting sounds coming from down the hall tonight, and Thakkor would not be here to help her deal with the nature of that distraction. Arilee picked up the sweat-soaked clothing from the spar in the courtyard and then turned to the Duchess. "I'll go ask Sharon to put me up in a room downstairs. Do you want me to lay out some clothes for Cerebus that you can take to him?" Christi walked over to Ari, desire obvious in her eyes. Ari felt a tingle run through her body as the other woman approached, and it only grew in strength as they kissed. Christi sultrily whispered in Ari's ear, "I have a better idea for sleeping arrangements." Ari quivered as Christi caressed her breast while looking into her eyes. Ari drew in a deep breath, desire long suppressed by her grief flaring to life within her. The Duchess leaned in once again, running her tongue over Ari's earlobe and moaning. She then whispered, "I saw your eyes on Cerebus' cock. I want to see it inside you, making you come." Arilee gasped, raising her hand to caress Christi's neck, her breath coming in quick bursts as her arousal built. Christi moaned, "Do you want it?" Ari softly replied, "Yes." Christi purred and pulled the other woman toward the bed. She jerked off her own clothes, and then slowly peeled off Arilee's clothing. The blonde moaned from her touch, her body twitching to push her hips and breasts forward as the Duchess revealed her. The two women sank to the bed, lips locked in a kiss, and their bodies tightly pressed together. They continued to kiss, tongues roving over each other, while their hands stroked the other's body. Duchess and servant caressed each other, their hands and lips teasing with quick touches to the most sensitive spots, building a passion within them that was steadily growing harder to ignore. At last, Christi could wait no longer. She moved between Arilee's legs to flick her tongue over the woman's labia. Ari stroked the Duchess' hair as the tongue washing over her built pressure within her, begging for release. The door opened, and the Duke — clad in a towel around his loins — stepped into the room. "Christi, I thought you were going to..." he began, and then noticed what was going on in the bed. The Duchess sat up from her position between the softly moaning Arilee's thighs, her face coated in the woman's juices. "You won't be needing any clothes for a while. Come here." Cerebus closed the door and walked toward the bed, the front of his towel steadily moving away from his body. Christi immediately resumed her lapping of Arilee's pink folds. When the Duke reached the edge of the bed, Christi glanced over just long enough to grasp the towel and pull it from her man's hips. Grasping both Ari's hand, and Cerebus' erection, she pulled the two together, prompting Ari to open her eyes and gasp. Arilee wrapped her hand around his throbbing organ, her fingertips barely touching around his girth only when she squeezed. The feeling of him in her hand pushed Arilee over the edge, and she screamed as the pressure within her released in a flood of ecstatic pleasure. Her hand squeezed tight around him, even as her other hand scrunched up the bedclothes. She continued to scream as Christi's tongue kept her coming. When Arilee recovered her wits, if not her breath, she looked over to see a drop of pre-cum welling up from the thick shaft in her hand. Christi leaned over and picked up the clear droplet on her tongue, and then climbed over Arilee's body to share it with her in a long, sensual kiss. Christi moaned into Ari's ear, "Are you ready to feel him inside you?" Arilee shuddered as a powerful aftershock gripped her and she gasped out, "Oh yes." Christi purred and moved off Arilee. "Tell him you want it." Arilee immediately breathed, "I want you inside me." Christi made the gestures and mouthed the words of a spell, frowning when she saw the violet glow between her tummy and her hand. She was dangerously close to being fertile, and the spell couldn't tell her whether it would be a moment or a day before it happened. Ari finally realized that she needed to release the Duke's cock from her hand if he was going to move when Christi cast the spell a second time. Christi moaned, and Arilee echoed it when a cool, blue glow shown over Ari's tummy. Cerebus climbed onto the bed, and Ari parted her legs, breathing heavily in anticipation. Christi reached down and grasped her man's cock when he was in position, rubbing the swollen tip over the young woman's wet folds. Ari watched the Duchess tease her lips with Cerebus’ thick cock, almost feeling him already inside her. Christi pulled forward on Mindblind's manhood, guiding him past her labia and inside. Arilee yelped as he penetrated her, stretching her lips wide, and gasped out, "So big!" Christi leaned down to tickle the other woman's clit with her tongue tip, hoping to distract Ari a little from the initial discomfort of having such a big cock inside her for the first time. It appeared to work, because Ari's body relaxed as the Duchess' tongue swirled over her bud. Cerebus rocked his hips in slow motion, pushing just a little deeper into her tight canal with each thrust. Ari yelped as he slipped ever deeper into her velvety embrace, "Oh, oh, oh, Oh gods!" At last, he hit bottom, his smooth balls pressed up against her, and Ari released an animalistic growl of pleasure. Christi purred, "Does she feel good?" "Damn, yeah," Mindblind growled, starting to withdraw. Arilee let out a squeal as his shaft pulled from her, coated in her milky cream. She groaned as he slid back inside her with a single, smooth thrust. Christi let out a chuckling little moan as she watched Ari's face tighten in ecstasy. She continued to flick her tongue over Ari's bud, occasionally sucking it between her lips. Mindblind increased the speed of his thrusts after the first stroke that had opened her up, and he started to groan, reveling in the tight squeeze around his cock. Arilee's cries of pleasure quavered as her pleasure mounted. Cerebus thrust into her at a measured pace, far slower than he normally would as he approached orgasm, but Christi could tell from the sounds he was making that he was drawing near to climax. Heat infused Arilee's body, emanating from the firestorm in her loins. Her skin grew flushed, and then an electric shock snapped into being at the point where the Duke's swollen helmet was penetrating her again. The shock continued to follow him until it reached her depths, and then shot up her spine. Ari came with a warbling broken by Mindblind’s thrusts. "Fill her up," Christi ordered, still lapping Ari's throbbing bud, her fingers rubbing and stroking within her own sex to dull the ache caused by watching her man give Ari such pleasure. Ari's eyes shot wide open as Cerebus hips pumped faster, driving her to even greater heights of ecstasy. When he slammed into her and growled, his thick cock pulsing and spurting hot cum into her depths, the strength of the spike in her pleasure caused her vision to grow dark. When she could see again, she found Cerebus leaning over her, groaning as he throbbed and twitched with each rhythmic contraction of her walls. Christi screamed as she came on her thrusting fingers, curling up and holding the digits deep within her. Cerebus had to withdraw, unable to endure the continuing squeeze of Ari's walls around him. Christi moaned, seeing the combined cream seeping from between Arilee's still quivering folds. With a devilish grin, she slurped Cerebus' cock between her lips, sucking him clean as he gasped. He eventually pushed her away, bringing a chuckle to her lips. Moving between Arilee's legs, she lapped up the dollop of cream there, and then looked up into Ari's eyes and huskily asked, "Did he feel good Ari? Does his hot cum feel good up inside you?" "Oh yes. He's so big. It's so hot," Ari answered between pants, and then moaned, pinching her nipples as a wave of pleasure rippled through her. Christi slipped back between Arilee's thighs, lapping up her man's cream from the woman's depths until Arilee screamed in orgasm again. Both women joined together to suck steel back into Cerebus' manhood as soon as Arilee recovered from her climax. He was hard within a few moments of the two women’s hot mouths working on him. Christi got on her hands and knees and growled, "Take me." Mindblind moved in behind her and took but a moment to get in proper position, before slamming home with a loud grunt. The Duchess let out a broken groan, and then said to Arilee, "You're going to love it when you can handle him really fucking you hard. It feels so good. Rub my clit, Ari." Arilee reached under Christi, finding the Duchess’ bud and rubbing it in slow circles. The Duke's heavy jewels bounced off of Ari's hand with every hard thrust into his woman's depths. Christi let out a particularly loud, gasping scream and then growled, "Spank my ass." Christi cried out every time his hand fell on her bottom, timed to coincide with his cock slamming deep inside her. She was near the point of no return when she demanded, "Give it to me. Fill me up." "But your spe..." Mindblind started to grunt. Christi cut him off. "I don't care. Come in my pussy." Cerebus stopped spanking Christi's reddened ass, instead tightly gripping her hips to add more power to his thrusts. Ari's juices flowed freely from her as she watched the arousing, almost primal clashing of the bodies in front of her. Christi released the loudest scream Ari had ever heard as she came. A moment later, the Duke echoed it as he jammed his cock home one last time and spurted his seed against the entrance of her womb. He jerked free from her not long after, unable to handle the pressure of her clenching walls. Ari almost immediately moved beneath the still coming Duchess, who lowered her hips to the waiting woman's mouth. Christi came again on Ari's tongue, and both women chuckled when they heard the first snores emerging from Cerebus. The two women wearily urged him to roll over to stop his snoring, and then collapsed to the bed, their heads both lying on his muscled torso, and drifted off to sleep. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ "Then I now proclaim this union blessed of the gods. Let what they have wrought, no man put asunder. Kiss her already, brother." Alicia scowled at Vladamir as he departed from decorum at the last moment, but forgot all about it as the couple kissed, sealing a marriage long coming. A cheer erupted throughout the Hall, and the courtyard beyond where the magic of Ashtar and Crystania let those gathered there watch the ceremony as well. Thakkor stepped forward onto the dais, shaking his Duke's hand and stealing a kiss from the bride before he turned to speak. "As much as We hate to delay the celebration and inebriation to come, there is an important matter which must be attended to now." The King gestured toward Ari and said, "Please step forward, Arilee Elers." Having no idea what was going on — utterly surprised and thoroughly embarrassed — Ari hesitated. Alicia walked up behind her and whispered, "He won't bite. Go on." Arilee timidly walked up the steps, to demurely curtsy when she came to stand on the step below the King. "Let it be known that this woman has done a grand service for this land. It is only through her service — and friendship — with the Duchess of Cratel that we are able to celebrate this day. By her hand, a foul sorcerer intent upon ending Christi's life was lain low, and We would bestow upon her an honor that in some small way repays this service," Thakkor announced to the crowd, looking down at Ari and smiling when he had finished. Looking back to the crowd, the King announced, "Thus, the lands in the North of this Duchy, known as Dalebord, and in possession of the Crown, shall now be given unto her with all the rights and privileges inherent in the ownership. Congratulations, Baroness Arilee." Ari stood wide-eyed, her lips slightly parted, in utter disbelief of what she had just heard. With those words, she was now nobility. Christi stepped down and hugged her friend, whispering when she released the young woman. "Say thank you, Sweetie. Think about it later." "I am honored, Your Majesty," Arilee said to the king, and curtsied again, still awestruck. Thakkor took off his crown, and then announced in a loud voice, "Let the celebration begin!" A great cry erupted from the crowd as the new Baroness descended the stairs, side by side with the King, Duke, and Duchess, to join the celebration. Blackhawk Hall Ch. 06 ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ I hope you've enjoyed this story. I know it was a kick to write, and I absolutely love Arilee. She started as nothing more than a pair of eyes to introduce Christi and Mindblind. The next thing I knew, she was the center of the story. Big thanks to Ed for the challenge words, and Roust for his skilled eye on the new edit you just finished reading. Please take a moment to vote, and perhaps comment. I really do appreciate the feedback!