1 comments/ 10117 views/ 0 favorites Destinations and Desires By: dewfarie Cleyandra – Age 24, follower of the Goddess Skadi. She is being sent on a quest to find a stolen artifact that was blessed by the Goddess. While she is unwavering in her faith, her traveling companion, Braxlin, will test her to no ends. Braxlin – Age 27, Believer of the God Ull. He is to accompany Cleyandra on her quest, and protect her. * "Please tell me again what you are doing?" asked Braxlin. He was very uncomfortable walking along the dusty road in armor, and no horse for miles. Braxlin was the epitome of gorgeous. Standing at slightly under 5'10, he towered over the smaller Cleyandra. He once again pushed his black hair out of his eyes. It came down to his shoulders, and kept falling out of the tie-back. His dark brown eyes turned to his companion for an answer. "We are going to recover a stolen item" responded Cleyandra. Cleyandra was less uncomfortable as she was only traveling in the robes of her order, and carried a small bag. She stood at just over 5'1. She had no troubles from her dark brown hair because it was braided around her head in the shape of a crown. As she spoke she turned her hazel eyes to her partner. "O.K., I understand we are going to recover an item, but why on the Gods green earth, do we have to walk?" Braxlin asked as he looked at his surroundings. They were walking in a valley, and a baron one at that. On both side the mountains rose sharply and very high. The dusty, brown earth seemed to die in front of his eyes. He also studied his traveling partner closely as well. Her small oval face seemed to glow a rosy pink. She also had round, lively eyes that seemed to know what you were thinking. Her full lips looked to be in a permanent smile. She was also athletic, the runner athletic. Muscles in all the right places and soft, smooth curves in others. Her small breasts were firm on her chest, and she had just enough hip to sway when she walked. Her robe seemed to float around her like water. Clinging to her waist one moment then clinging to her legs the next. The soft, almost icy blue complemented her pale, silky skin. If it were not for the braided white belt holding her robe closed, he might be a little happier walking by her. "We are walking because we are getting horses in the next town, which is at the end of the valley. And if you are quite done analyzing me do you mind doing your job, which is protecting me?" She looked at Braxlin and saw him blush and stutter out an apology. She laughed at his awkwardness, but studied him as well. He had a squared jaw, but still managed to look harmless. His skin was a healthy tan from working in the sun all day. He had large, piercing eyes that seemed to look through any lie. He had not thin, but not large lips that were in a scowl right now, but were soft, and smiling when he was happy. He showed the muscles of a man who worked all his life outdoors. His leather armor was fit against his body, as only well worn armor can, and he carried a short sword, two daggers and a cross bow with 20 darts. She knew he had more, but where he hid them she wasn't sure she wanted to know. They continued on in silence until they spotted smoke rising from where they were headed. They hurried along the path till they saw where the smoke was coming from. A large bonfire was roaring in the center of town with people dancing around it. 'Of course, it is May day. How could I forget?' She wondered. They marveled at the sight while they made their way down the path to town. People of all ages were in the streets singing, dancing and generally having a good time. Cleyandra walked up to the nearest person and tapped them on the shoulder. "Excuse me, do you know where we can find the stables?" she asked when the person finally turned around. "Ohhh, aren't you a pretty thing, wanna spend sometime with me before I show you where they are?" the obviously drunk man replied. "Actually I would prefer to throw myself in the fire if it is all the same to you, now where are the stables?" Cleyandra asked again. "You know, you're not nice to me, why should I tell you anything?" The man asked, slightly offended, but not quite sure why. He gave a slight yelp in surprise as Braxlin quietly, but swiftly held a dagger by the mans personal areas. "It...It's...around the c c corner" he stammered "but no one is there, the festival will continue for 3 more days. Try the inn at the end of the road." He finished, pointing down to the south end of the street. "You have been most helpful." Cleyandra replied, pressing a gold marc into the mans hand. She watched his expression change from sourness into joy at having more money to spend on drinks. She watched him swagger off to the festivities before making her way towards the inn. She stopped when she realized that Braxlin was not with her. "Are you coming?" she asked when she turned to face him. "Not yet, but see me tonight and that might change." Braxlin replied with a wide grin plastered on his face. "You are so gross" Cleyandra snorted "get your butt over here and haggle the prices of the rooms down with me." After lowering the prices of the rooms down from an obscene amount of 4 platinum marcs a night, to a more reasonable price of 3 gold marcs, Braxlin and Cleyandra made there way to there assigned rooms. Not surprisingly enough, they were connecting rooms, no doubt a stunt pulled by the inn keeper to get back at them. After entering her room, Cleyandra made a big to-do about bolting her side of the adjoining door. "Oh, how you break my heart!" cried Braxlin, as he stumbled against the far wall, his hand over his heart in mock pain. "Now how am I supposed to sneak into your room tonight and ravish your body?" he whispered devilishly. "You aren't, that's the whole idea." was Cleyandras answer as she shut her door. She leaned against her door, trying to figure out just what Braxlin saw in her. She wasn't that pretty, in fact there were stunning beauties out at the festival, but Braxlin took no notice. Now, she did admit that while not the best idea, she wouldn't mind at all accepting his offer; but that just wasn't who she was. It had to be the whole package with her, the marriage, commitment and monogamy. She wasn't quite sure that was what Braxlin had in mind. Gods know she wanted a good roll in the hay as much as the next girl and she knew that Braxlin would see that it was very good. But it wasn't enough. After watching her close the door, Braxlin felt a slight stab of pain in his heart. He didn't love her, that was for sure, because he preferred his women demure, soft spoken and obedient, and Cleyandra was none of these. She was outspoken, forceful, dominant, and independent; and he loved it. He knew that if he was to get anything from her he would have to commit, and he was sure he was not ready for that, nor would he ever be. He enjoyed his time alone, traveling in the woods, miles away from humanity. All he knew was that he enjoyed Cleyandras company immensely, and right now that was good enough. As he walked into his room and shut his door, he plopped down on his bed, and then groaned at the discomfort. Beds should not be made of hay, and then placed on a raggedy wooden frame. He wondered what Cleyandra was doing. Was she also on her bed, and if so, what was she doing. He pictured her laying there and untying her robes, letting them slide from her body into a pile under her. With that image, his mind began to picture her with out the clothes. Her small body, flat upon the mattress, arms over her head as she stretched her body out like a cat. Her small, firm breasts feeling the cool air and her nipples hardening against it. She would probably run her hands down her body, following her every curve to search for scratches and bruises. And what fine curves they were. He came to a realization the he was doing nothing but torturing himself when he felt his dick harden under his clothes. 'Damn' he thought 'I really need to get some.' As Cleyandra threw her bag into the corner, she examined the bed. It had to be the most uncomfortable thing she had ever seen. Even the beds back at her temple were of better quality. True, they were on the ground, but at least filled with wool, not hay. She sat down on the bed, and tried to figure out what to do for the next three days. The festival sounded fun, but her heart wasn't in it. She desperately needed to recover the necklace. The necklace was of great importance to her temple. It bestowed upon the wearer to control the weather of the mountains, mostly the snow, and where it fell. Seeing as how her temple was located at the highest point on Mt. Preais, it was much needed for travel and the trade of goods between the temple and the villages that surrounded the mountain. After admitting that she was forced to wait here, and might as well relax a bit, her mind began to wander. What was Braxlin doing? Was he sitting on his bed trying to figure out what to do? Or was he already undressing to change into something more festive. Oh, to see him undressed, it caused her to become aroused. His wide shoulders muscled with the labor of the outdoors. His defined chest and abs strengthened with the rigorous activities that sword fighting demanded. His lean hips leading to his legs that were designed to be on a God. Just the thought of him naked made her shiver in delight. She couldn't help but notice that while thinking of him, she became moist and more then ready for anything. 'If only he wanted more.' she thought to her self. The knock on the door startled Braxlin out of his very nice daydream. "Some body better be dead." was his statement as he answered his door. He almost had a heart attack staring at the beauty before him. She was dressed in a dress that was hemmed too high and plunged too low to be called clothing. It was a deep blue, like a night sky, and contrasted with her pale skin. Her hair was long and flowing, almost reaching her waist. And her eyes were most captivating as well. "Well, are you just going to stand there like a lump, or will you escort me to the festivities?" Cleyandra asked. "And please put your tongue back in your head, it is a disturbing sight." "Well, well, well, what have we here?" Braxlin said when his brain started to function again. "Looking for some fun or just asking for trouble?" he enquired. "You know, if you were not the lady I know you to be, I would think you were out looking for trouble, and wondering why when you know its right here in front of you." He wiggled his eyebrows while grinning. "Oh please, if all I wanted was trouble I'd be in your room, not dragging your ass out to have some fun." When the words left her mouth, it was all Braxlin could do NOT to drag her in his room and jump her. As it was, he escorted her to the festivities and played the good protector while she proceeded to enjoy her self as much as possible. While on 'duty' Braxlin deterred more then enough men trying to see what was under her clothing while she drank, flirted and generally having a good time. When the party was winding down, Braxlin helped a staggering Cleyandra to her room. She made no protest as he opened her door and proceeded to lay her on her bed. Staring at her figure, he was moved by something greater then lust. He reached down to push her hair away from her eyes when Cleyandra moaned and opened her eyes. She stared up at him, the expression on her face as readable as a book. Lust; pure and simple. She reached up to him, and tried to pull him down onto her bed. "Cleyandra, you know you don't want this, and you will hate me in the morning if I let you." Braxlin stated as he laid her hand on her stomach. "I know what I want, and what I don't want. I want you." She stated matter of factly. "I know that I am not the most desirable person, but I am not that bad, am I?" "No," murmured Braxlin, "far from it actually. I think you are the most stunningly beautiful person I have ever laid eyes on." And with that he pulled her up and kissed her. It was without a doubt one of the best kisses he ever gave, and received. Her mouth responded to his, softening under his tender lips. With a gentle push of his tongue, he parted her lips and gently tasted the inside of her mouth. Cleyandra never had a gentler kiss. The man above her knew what he was doing. As she parted her lips, a soft sigh escaped her throat and she raised her hand to capture his hair, and hold his head to hers. Braxlin started to resist, puling his head up, but she would have none of that. With a firmer grip, she pulled his head back down for a fiercer kiss, darting her tongue in his protesting mouth. Finally overcome by his desire he moaned into her mouth and wrapped his arms around her. She responded by pushing her body against his, not failing to note how well they fit. Her hands ran down his back with almost feather light touches, causing his muscles to dance under her fingertips. Running his hands up her back, he followed the curve of her spine to the nape of her neck. Breaking the kiss, He used that leverage to turn her head and start kissing her neck. He trailed his lips from one side of her neck to the other, leaving no skin untouched. Her quick intake of breath as his mouth found her ear made him smile as he nibbled on the lobe. Skimming her sides as his hands moved south along her body, he let them rest upon her hips. Gently he laid her down upon her bed and moved one hand to her abdomen, letting it lie there for a moment. If she had to wait another moment for him to rip her clothes off, Cleyandra would scream. Try as she may, he just wouldn't make the first move. So she would have to do it. As he laid his hand on her stomach, she pushed him away from her, and started to remove the only barrier between her and his clothes. Watching his eyes widen in shock, she slowly started to slide her dress down. Watching her start to remove her clothing kicked sense back into Braxlins blood-deprived brain. Quickly he grabbed her hands and stopped her, only to see the look of disappointment cross her face. "Honey, if you go any farther, there might not be a chance for me to stop if you change your mind, and I really don't want you to hate me for it. So I am going to leave, and let you sleep, and hopefully you will thank me in the morning." With that, Braxlin got up and exited her room, shutting the door softly behind him. 'He left, actually turned me down and left.' Was all Cleyandra could think. For a moment she was in utter shock until she gained her senses and almost wept in relief that he didn't allow anything to happen. She knew that she would have major sucking up to do in the morning, but for now she would try and sleep off the drink coursing through her veins. The following morning both Cleyandra and Braxlin were ill at ease over breakfast. Neither wanted to admit what had happened, but both could not stop the images replaying in their minds eye. "I..." "We..." Both started to talk at the same time. They smiled at each other and blushed. "Go ahead Cleyandra, ladies first." Braxlin said. "Well, um, about last night..." Before Cleyandra could get anymore out Braxlin stopped her with a touch of his fingers to her mouth. "Nothing happened last night. There is nothing to discuss. Ok?" Cleyandras' heart almost stopped at his comment, but nodded her head in agreement. They finished their breakfast and wandered out side to see what was happening. It was too early in the morning for any thing to be going on, but what stopped Braxlin and Cleyandra in their tracks was the fact that the scene in front of them was exactly what they saw last night coming into town. People were in the streets dancing and more drunk then the night before, which seemed almost impossible. The next two days passed almost painfully slow. When the revelries were finally done, Cleyandra decided it was past time to conduct her business and be on her way. Having negotiated upon a rather fair price with the stable owner, she and Braxlin were on their way before noon. "Finally, no more walking. Although I do think I enjoyed it a bit more then you did." Cleyandra said while looking at Braxlin. Seeing the scowl upon his face, she continued. "How were the festivities? I do think that you enjoyed the brew far more then I ever did. I must admit those beds at the inn do squeak rather loudly." She laughed after this last comment. "Oh, you are evil. Your biggest problem is I got some and you didn't. Plus I can handle my alcohol better." was Braxlins snide response. As soon as the words left his mouth he wished he could take them back, for the look of utter misery upon Cleyandras face broke his heart. "Cleyandra..." he started as she cleared her face of emotion then rode ahead of him. 'Damn' he thought, but didn't she just make a stab at him as well? Women were just too confusing. 'Why did I let him get to me that way? I guess turn about is fair play because I did make a comment as well.' Cleyandra was too deep in thought to notice that Braxlin had caught up with her. While trying to decide if she should apologize or demand that he did, she was startled out of thought as he reached over and touched her. "Damn you, don't you know not to sneak up on me?" "I am sorry, but you seemed to be doing heavy thinking, and I want to apologize for my comment. I know that you value intercourse too much to take it lightly, and the comment was very out of line. Will you forgive me?" Braxlin looked eagerly at her face awaiting a response. As Cleyandra looked at Braxlin, she felt a stirring greater then lust, and made a decision. "I will forgive you, if you forgive me as well. I didn't mean to pick at you about your, um, sexual encounters. And I guess the biggest reason that I did poke is because I was jealous." She held her hand up as he started to protest. "No, don't say anything yet. If I do not say it now, I probably won't. Yes, I do wish it was I that you were sharing your bed with, but I do understand that you do not hold the same values about sex as I, so I will not make a comment again, and no, I will not become jealous of it either." The look she gave him at the end looked to be one of submission, resignment and friendliness all rolled into one. Knowing that she wanted him made Braxlin feel more then lust, and that was highly unusual. "Cleyandra" he said then paused "I do not know how to respond to that." "Then don't. Pay it no mind and we will continue on as we have before, as friends who are as close as siblings." Cleyandra responded with a bright smile. Deep in her heart she knew it would never be the same, but she would try to keep it that way. Over the next week they crossed the path of not a single soul. That was an odd fact considering that this was a major road for traveling. Knowing that there was a town about 2 days travel ahead of them calmed Cleyandras fears a bit, but not all together. "All right, that's enough. If you make me ride one more hour I think my horse and I shall faint on you." was Braxlins cry for stopping for the night. "All right all right, we will stop for the night. Why don't you go get some wood while I set up camp?" Cleyandra shooed him off before unpacking the tents and blankets. While he was gone, she set everything up. She couldn't help but smell Braxlin on his blankets, and it drove her crazy knowing that she couldn't get any closer then a quick sniff at his bedroll. 'I don't think I will ever get to do what I did in town again.' Cleyandra thought as she laid his bedroll out. 'Where did I get the idea that it would be O.K. to travel with her?' Braxlin thought, and pondered it while he collected wood. He was stiff from riding, but who wouldn't be for traveling that way for 8 straight hours, not counting the breaks for the horses. Never mind that he wanted to stretch his legs, nooo, it had to wait until the horses needed a break. 'Damn woman will make me crazy in the end.' he thought as he started back to camp. Before entering the clearing where they stopped, he could hear Cleyandra humming to herself. He paused, and quietly moved behind a tree so as not to be spotted. He poked his head around the corner and saw Cleyandra rubbing her horse down for the evening, and noted that his horse was already rubbed and fed. That almost made him feel bad for his earlier thoughts. "Hey, I got a lot of wood, figured we could use it for something or other..." he trailed off as Cleyandra turned around and coldly stared at him. "What?! What did I do now?" Braxlin felt three inches tall under her gaze. Destinations and Desires Ch. 02 This may be the last chapter for a while due to a move that will take place. So please be patient and I will get them out. Thank you. * "Well of course I do. I mean, for a scrawny little wench, I guess so." Braxlin said with a wicked gleam in his eyes and a smile to match. To that remark he was astounded to receive a well placed knee in the abdomen. "Ohf!" Since he had recoiled in pain, she took the opportunity to roll him over and straddle him, holding his hands above his head. Doing so was not an easy task. Seeing as how he was much taller then her, she would have to straddle his chest, or lean on top of him length wise. She opted for length wise. "Now who's got who?" Cleyandra asked an innocent look upon her face. As she said that, she noticed that their lips were dangerously close, and a movement from one or the other could be a bad thing. Braxlin was elated that Cleyandra was on top of him. That meant his job was easier. Sighing in resignation he mumbled "You win." After he said that, he pretended to be limp, giving her a false sense of victory. "Oh yeah, I am the best. Women are the rulers...AAHHH" Cleyandra yelped in surprise as Braxlin reached up and grabbed her arms, pinning them to her side. This position got them a lot closer. She was laid out on him in a very un-lady like fashion. She almost grinned. Gathering her self up, she was prepared to give him an ear full when she was stopped short with a firm kiss. Her eyes widened in surprise, and then she relaxed into him and kissed him back with a little more passion. When she started kissing him back Braxlin was startled, then regained composure quickly. He slowly let her arms go and slid his hands up her arms in feather like touches causing her to groan and shift. As she shifted her hands came to rest on his chest and stabilized her for the moment. Now that she was settled he continued his exploration, he slid his hands down her sides until they rested upon her hips. Feeling no resistance he curved them around over her bottom. Hearing the moan in response he gently squeezed her butt and kneaded the muscles under her skin. Sliding his hands up her back, he noticed her robe doing so as well. Slowly he sat up, never breaking contact with Cleyandra and grabbed her legs, wrapping them around his waist. 'This is bad. This is very bad. But oh so good.' were all the thoughts Cleyandra could muster at this point. She had never felt the touch of a man on her bare skin this way, and it made her shiver with anticipation. She felt a bulge by her stomach, and could only blush at the thought of what it was. Feeling bolder then she had in a long time, she started to slide her hand down his chest, feeling his muscles, and appreciated the way they jumped under her fingertips. Before she could reach her destination, her wrists were snatched up and held behind her back. Braxlin couldn't stop. He knew he was in trouble when her hands started moving. That alone brought him to his senses. "Stop. We have to stop." He murmured in her ear eliciting a groan from her throat. "Why, I was starting to enjoy this." Cleyandra answered in his ear while starting to nibble on it. His eyes crossing at this bold move, he almost regretted stopping Cleyandra. But he knew that she would think better of him in the long run. "We have to stop because I know this isn't right. Not for me and definitely not for you." "What's not right about it? We both are adults, we both want each other and we alone in the woods." Cleyandra whispered into his ear. "It's not right because I know what you are going to expect from me after this is over, and you know that will not happen. At least, not anytime soon." He answered. He almost swore as Cleyandra refused to be stopped so easily. She continued her assault on his ear, and slowly worked her way down his jaw and up the other side to his other ear. They both jumped about five feet in the air as someone came crashing through the clearing and collapsed by the fire. Cleyandra, being on the top, jumped up first and sprang over to the new-comer. The person was almost completely hidden under several layers of clothing. Noticing the person was breathing calmed her just a bit. She was startled as the person started to cough and sit up. "Hold on, just lie still. You took quite a tumble there." Jareth turned his head in the direction of the voice, and almost died of a heart attack at the beauty before him. It had been a long year in the woods, and a face, especially female, was more then welcome. After traveling through the woods for the past week, alone and with no food, he probably would have welcomed the sight of a man, which to his dismay, came into the picture soon after. As he finished coughing he removed his hood and gazed up at the two figures before him. Braxlin immediately went on the defensive "Who are you? What are you doing here? Where did you come from?" "Braxlin hush." Cleyandra scolded. "Can't you see he is exhausted?" She turned her attention back to the man on the ground, studying him closely. He appeared to be in his mid to late 20's, about Braxlins' age. She noted the blond hair and deep green eyes, like the color of moss. He was unshaven and the line of his jaw was hidden beneath what looked like a week's growth of facial hair. "Can you tell me your name?" she asked the man before her. " Jar-Jareth" He stuttered out. "I was lost I the woods for a week without food or water. Can you tell me where I am?" "You are about 20 miles east of the nearest town, which is where we are headed." Cleyandra answered, cutting off Braxlin. Braxlin pulled her aside whispering "Why did you tell him that? We don't have to provisions to take on an extra person, you know that." "We are only taking him to the next town, which to my knowledge, is only a days' ride from here so back off." She snapped. Turning back to Jareth, she studied the man, weighing whether or not to let him even come along. "Can you answer a few questions for me Jareth?" "Sure can, what are they?" "Where are you from?" She asked. "You probably wouldn't believe me if I told you." He stated. "Try me." Cleyandra dared. "Ok, you asked for it;" he said, "I am from a place that you have never heard of, and a time you have never heard of I am sure. I am from the past, about 300 years ago actually. I was riding my griffon..." "Wait, from the past?! Griffon?!? Are you nuts?!" Braxlin exclaims. "Give me a minute to explain," Jareth states, "I am from the past, and I can prove it. I can also prove I have, I mean had, a griffon." He paused as he gathered his thoughts. "I was born into the house of Siron who ruled the land of Iema." "Wait, Iema, as in the land we travel through right now?" asked Braxlin. "Yes, the land you are in now, it was the land of my parents and their parents, and their parents. My family had ruled over the land for 500 years. When I turned 20, our land was attacked..." Jareth was saying when he was interrupted. "I know this story!" exclaimed Cleyandra. "The land was attacked by the witch Curiom with around 100 black dragons." "That's right." Jareth nodded. "Wait, everyone knows that story, it's been around for ages." Braxlin said. "Around for about 300 years to be exact." Jareth whispered. "The one bit of information that most people get wrong is how the young prince, me, got away." "The legend is that he flew up on a griffon into the clouds hoping to get away from the fighting in search of help, but was never heard from again." Cleyandra stated. "Ah, but I was heard from, by a dragon. A gold dragon to be exact." Jareth declared. "Every one knows that gold and black dragons loath each other. So I thought that if I could convince this one to help, she would rally others to help. But what I didn't count on when she said she would help, was her sending me here, about 400 years ahead of where I was. When I figured out exactly what happened, I began searching for the place I last was. The only problem with that is it is on the other side of the continent." "Wait, are you telling us that you have been to the circle of stones?" Cleyandra asked, more intrigued now. "I thought that was just a myth." "No myth, I can assure you that dear lady. I have been there, seen its' wonders, and looked upon the face of its creator." Jareth confirmed. "If I could only find some landform, or recognizable city, I would find my way there again, but these lands have changed." "A map? We have a map." chimed Cleyandra. She got up and walked over to her bag, pulling a rolled up parchment from inside. Walking back over to the men, she unrolled it and showed it to Jareth. "Do any of these places look familiar?" "Well, I recognize this coast," he said, pointing to the eastern most coast, "and I know I have seen that mountain because I lived there." He pointed out a mountain that had been marked as cursed. "You live there?!?" Braxlin exclaimed. "No one lives there, it is haunted by..." he trailed off, noticing the look on Jareth's face. "By a king and queen? Mourning the fate of their long lost son?" Jareth asked lightly. "Well, actually, yes." Said Cleyandra. Destinations and Desires Ch. 03 Jareth started his tale. "The king and queen are my parents. There names are Glaucus and Eurynome respectively. My father and mother ruled this land for around 20 years before I left in search of help. My older sister Bellerophon was supposed to be the one to leave, as she was a woman, no offense Cleyandra." He said. "None taken." shrugged Cleyandra. "Things have changed in 300 years." "True enough, but she was supposed to go none the less. I went in her place because I am the oldest. What I didn't know was the night I left, the witch was going to attack the castle. As I was flying away on my griffon," he pulls out a feather "I came to realize that I really didn't know where I was going other then west." "A griffon feather?!?" exclaimed Cleyandra, taking the feather from Jareth's hand. "Oh my gosh, I have only seen this in books." "Wait, a real griffon feather? Not something made to look the part?" Braxlin was skeptical. "Yes, a real griffon's feather." Jareth answered. "From a real griffon. Like I said, I could prove it. Now, back to my story; when I finally realized that I had no clue where I was going I stopped for a while to ask around. Everyone told me the same thing, there is no such place. But I knew that it had to be there, it was my only hope. So I left the town and kept going west." He pointed to a trail on the map that headed west from the haunted mountain. "I traveled for a good week, looking and gathering information. There was almost no information available." "I had finally decided that there was no 'Circle of Stones' to be found. On my last flight around the area," he pointed to the only place on the up-to-date map that was still unexplored, "I found what I was looking for. The circle." "But that's only about a two day walk from here, why haven't you been there before now?" Cleyandra asked. "Like I said, I got lost." Jareth stated, like that would explain it all. "O.K., you said that already, but what about your sense of direction? Where were the suns on your last flight? Was it morning noon or night?" Braxlin pestered. "Hush!" Cleyandra scolded. "Maybe he knocked his head when he fell?" she suggested as she looked at Jareth. "You are right, I did knock my head," Jareth mumbled as his eyes started to close from exhaustion "Skad help me I am so tired." "Who?" Cleyandra asked. "Skad, my patron God, the God of travel." Jareth yawned while saying. Cleyandra thought for a moment about the history of her goddess and remembered a story once told to her about the Gods and Goddesses. They were all considered male at one point or another until they came down from their place in heaven and fixed the rumor, mainly by beating all the men who were too big for their breeches. "You know, I really believe Jareth is telling the truth." She muttered to no one in particular. "What?! Why do you suddenly agree with him now?" Braxlin said in outrage. "Well, he spoke of Skad, the original name of Skadi, before we knew the Gods were not all male." "The Gods are not male?!?" Now it was Jareths' turn to look surprised. "No, some, like my patron Goddess Skadi, are female, they came down from the heavens about 250 years ago and set the record straight, some of the 'Gods' were Goddesses. In essence we worship the same deity". She pointed out. "O.K. O.K., you have confused me too much, and I am tired, can I get some sleep?" Jareth asked. "Oh yes, it is time for bed. The moon has passed the midnight hour and we have an early day tomorrow." Cleyandra yawned. After some rearranging and settling down everyone drifted off to sleep. Morning came too soon for everyone and there was much groaning as they stirred. It was Braxlin's turn for breakfast and he put together a somewhat recognizable meal. It was soon apparent that the food may have been recognizable but certainly not edible. Cleyandra cleared away the dishes since Braxlin cooked. After packing the horses it was soon apparent that someone would walk. "Oh, um, well, I can walk; I have been doing it for days now." Jareth commented. "That's not fair though," Cleyandra said "how about we take turns?" So they set off agreeing to take turns every few miles. By midday, it was apparent that the current situation was not going to work. Braxlin was loath to share his horse with Jareth forcing Cleyandra to walk more often. After the fourth time of dismounting, she decided enough was enough. "Braxlin, I swear to the Gods if you do not get off your horse and let me ride I will sacrifice you at the next temple!" "Hey, I have walked once already." Braxlin whined. "Yeah, you have. And I have walked 4 times. Now get off your high horse and walk!" Destinations and Desires Ch. 04 After the first day of travel Jareth was quite taken with Cley. They talked about everything under the suns and then some. When they finally decided to stop for the night, the trio was about 15 miles away from their destination. Jareth offered to go get the wood, but Cley butted in "You have gotten lost before and I won't allow you to do so again, I will get the wood. You boys play nice and set up camp." She blew a kiss to both and walked away. "So...what are you traveling with her for?" Jareth asked. "I am traveling with her as a guard, to make sure no harm comes to her." Braxlin replied through clenched teeth. He knew why Jareth was asking, he had practically dominated Cleys' attention all day. Braxlin knew that Jareth was interested in Cley for more then just a friend. "Oh, that's nice of you to do that, although I would have declined such a job. I would be too tempted to pay more attention to her rather then the threats she might, or might not, be under." Jareth was chatting to empty space when he turned around, Braxlin was gone. @~>~~~ Cley wandered the forest looking for kindling and logs alike. She was humming a hymn when she heard heavy breathing to her left. "Braxlin, quite playing and come out here." She continued to collect sticks. "Come on and get your but over here and help me if camp is set up already." After saying this she turned in the direction of the noise she heard and saw nothing. "Jareth, is that you? Come give me a hand." She started walking towards the area where the noise came from and peered around a tree. Nothing. There was nothing there. She shook her head, thing she was just hearing things and started to turn around. As soon as she was facing away from the tree, strong arms hugged her tightly to an equally strong chest. "I am watching you" whispered a scratchy voice, "and I do not like the way you are carrying on with that foreigner." "Watching me? For how long?" Cley whispered. "Long enough to know your worth." With that he let her go and when Cley turned around, no one was there. "That was so creepy." Cley shuddered. "What was creepy?" asked Jareth as he came around the same tree that Cley was just looking at. "Are you O.K.? You look spooked, like you saw a ghost or something." "No, no ghost, but something is right." Cley shivered and rubbed her hands up and down her arms. Jareth saw what was happening, she was in shock. "Cley, come here, let's get you back to camp." He started to pull her towards the camp when they heard it; drums. He looked at Cley, who just stared at him blankly and blinked, then decided to follow the sound of the drums. Making their way over fallen trees and around shrubs, progress was slow but steady. After a half hour they started to see lights ahead, torches to be exact. As they approached, Jareth suggested they slow down so as not to be discovered. Crouching behind some bushes, they stared at the scene unfolding before them. Fourteen people, seven men and seven women, were all standing around a bonfire naked but for masks upon their faces. The movements they were making indicated a fertility ritual. The biggest thing that gave it away was the two people in the center of the circle facing each other and caressing the other person's skin. As Jareth and Cley watched the two people leaned in to kiss, the mouths met and suddenly you couldn't tell where one ended and the other began. They were all over each other. Cley watched, fascinated by the scene in front of her. As she watched the lovers she couldn't help but think about the night she almost gave herself to Braxlin. Thinking about that made her want a repeat episode. Turning her attention back to the action in front of her, she noticed for the first time a stone table on the other side of the fire. She noticed it because the lovers were now on it. The woman lay on her back with her legs wrapped around the man. The motion of his hips pumping into her was hypnotic; it was hard to tear her gaze away. Jareth was dumbfounded by what he saw. This was not real, in any way. It was almost like being home again; they did this same ceremony every year. Watching the lovers brought back some good memories, very good indeed. He had participated once, this ritual happened to fall upon the same day as his passage into manhood. He remembered to way he had to last through the whole ceremony without any relief. During the last few moments of the whole ordeal he was allowed to release all the pressure that had built up. Jareth was turning to tell Cley they should leave when he saw her legs slowly rubbing together, as if trying to relieve some unknown pressure between her legs, and he was fairly sure what kind it was. "Cley" he said, startling her, "let's get going, I am sure Braxlin's worrying by now." Cley cast one more longing glance at the action by the bonfire, which Jareth saw, and started to stand up. "You're right, let's get going. Will you help me collect the wood as we go?" "You know it." Jareth smiled at her. @~>~~~ Braxlin was getting everything ready to start a search when he heard Cley and Jareth coming. "WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?!?" He screamed while grabbing Cley in a bone crushing hug. "You" he said glaring at Jareth, "have a LOT to answer for." "Answer for?" Jareth sneered. "You were the one who decided to disappear into thin air. Where were you while I was helping Cley find her way back?" "Where I was is none of your business." Braxlin forced out between clenched teeth. "It may not be his, but it sure is mine." Cley said, shooting Braxlin a look that could kill. Destinations and Desires Ch. 05 Once Jareth was settled into Cleys' tent, she and Braxlin moved about twenty feet into the woods and talked in low voices. "I do have a right to know where you were tonight because I was grabbed in the woods by someone unknown to me." Cley started the conversation with no subtleties. "Attacked? And you didn't see who? It could have been Jareth trying to scare you into his arms." Braxlin was not into having this conversation about where he had been. He didn't think it was anyone's business but his own. But it was a good thing the people never saw his face incase Cley decided to ask questions. "Why would Jareth walk around the same tree the mystery person disappeared behind? Kind of obvious don't you think?" "Maybe that's what he knew you would think. You have been throwing yourself at him all day and he knows how you think now. It sounds like something he would do anyway." Braxlin said. "Something he would do? How would you know anything that he would do, you wont even talk to him." Cley stated while walking away. She was mad, beyond mad really. There is not a word that could describe her anger at Braxlin. Braxlin watched her turn around and knew he was in trouble. Deep trouble. There was one way he could fix this, and he would do it no matter what. He walked up to her, grabbed her arm and spun her around. Pulling her to him he kissed her, hard. Cley put her hands up as if to push him away, but wound her arms around his neck instead. Cley was pissed. How dare he try and accuse Jareth of that. Her anger was quickly replaced with surprise when Braxlin kissed her, hard. As she put her arms around his neck she decided to make him pay. She ran her hand up the back of his head and toyed with his hair. She ran her other hand down his arm and felt him shudder under her fingertips. Her hand moved back up to his chest and tried to untie his shirt. That wasn't working so she pulled her other hand from his head and worked on the knot she caused a minute ago. Braxlin was shocked that Cley was untying his shirt. While she was trying to undue the knot, he started to pull one side of her tunic down, exposing her pale, firm breast. His hand moved to toy with her nipple, which caused a sharp intake of breath from her mouth. He gripped it in his hand and squeezed, not for pain, but to let her know he was serious. His other hand plunged into her hair and quickly wound around a few strands and pulled sharply, exposing her neck. Her moan let him know he was doing something right as he kissed and nipped at her neck. He continued down her throat to her breast, licking his way around her nipple before taking it in his mouth and biting lightly. Cley could not believe this was happening, she was letting Braxlin expose her; And she liked it. While he was playing with her nipple, which caused her to lose her train of thought, she did remember to continue on the knot. She finally got the blasted string apart and mover her hands inside his shirt. She felt his firm, smooth chest and mover her hands up to his shoulder trying to pull his shirt off. That required Braxlin moving his hand from her hair, which she didn't think would happen. There was no way Braxlin would relinquish his hold on her now that he had her in his hands. The hand not in her hair moved to her other shoulder and pushed the other side of her tunic exposing her from the waist up. Realizing that he had to use both hands to do what he wanted, he let go of her hair and moved both hands to her breasts. He kissed back up her neck while massaging and playing with her nipples. He finally reached her mouth and the kiss blew his mind. She threw everything into her kiss and he fell into her completely. Maneuvering her back towards a tree, he pushed her up against it and held her there. He broke the kiss and started moving back down her body. Cley couldn't think of any good reasons not to be there. The things he was doing to her body had to be a gift from his God, nothing on the planet could compare. He had reached her stomach, planting kisses on every inch of exposed skin when she heard it, someone walking in the woods. "Braxlin" she hissed "someone's coming!" She tried to get him to move so she could get her clothing on, but before he could, Jareth walked around the tree in front of her. The looks that crossed his face in the span of one second were shock, lust, and embarrassment. Braxlin stood up quickly and turned around, trying to shield Cley from his eyes. "What are you doing here?" Braxlin spat out. "I was worried. You two have been gone for over half an hour. I wanted to make sure you were all right," he paused and gave Cley a look, something she couldn't catch right away, and continued "but I guess you two are doing just fine." With that he turned around and went back the way he came. Braxlin turned around a saw that Cley was dressed now and looking flushed, probably from embarrassment. "Cley..." "Just go, please." Cley said, not looking up. She heard Braxlin walk away after a minute and sat down at the base of the tree feeling completely, well, she wasn't sure what she was feeling. Not knowing how long she sat there thinking, she realized that the sun had started to set. She got up knowing that she needed to get back to camp, it would be cold soon and the fire should be built by now. After walking for about two minutes she was pushed from behind into a tree. With the wind knocked out of her, she forgot to struggle. "How does it feel, knowing that you almost gave into you lust, that you had his hands run all over you" he breathed in her ear while groping her body. He felt her shudder under his fingertips. "You like that don't you?" He whispered in her ear. "No, you make me sick!" She shot back. "I am shuddering because I want to throw up!" "Why you little..." "Cley? Where are you?" Jareth called. He walked back to make sure she was alright and saw her lying beneath a tree crying. Rushing to her he knelt down "Cley, what's wrong?" He helped her sit up and was thrown off balance when she threw her arms around his neck and cried on his shoulder. Destinations and Desires Ch. 06 "Cley, what's wrong, please tell me." Jareth pleaded while holding her. She sobbed harder and his shirt was starting to stick to his shoulder, but right now he didn't care. "Cley, you have to stop crying now and talk to me." "I don't want to talk, I just want to be held right now." She chocked out between sobs. She wrapped her arms around him tighter and just cried harder. Jareth didn't know what to do so he just held her. He moved around and finally got her on his lap, cradling her like a child, for that's what she was right now, a hurt child. He stroked her hair and whispered in her ear it would be all right. She almost believed him. Almost. "Have you ever been attacked? Besides by that witch you were telling us about?" She looked up at him, almost willing him to tell her no, and she would never be attacked again. He sighed, knowing he would hurt her in the end. "Yes, I have. When I was 15, I had been given a horse for my birthday. I loved that horse to no end. I brushed him everyday and watched him grow into a fine stallion. What I didn't know was that the man who ran the stable had his eye on me from the time I was 10. He told me, after he had raped me that he had wanted to do that for a long time." He flashed back to that day, talking as he remembered. "I just finished brushing Tonar and was putting the brush away when a shadow fell over me. I turned around and saw him there, watching me. I saw the look in his eyes and was afraid. The look said 'You are trapped, and mine' and I knew there was no way out. I won't go into the details, I can't go into the details, but I will say that I have been carrying scars on my souls for a long time. I couldn't sit for a week when he had finished with me, but he never touched me again." Cleyandra has stopped crying when he had finished his story and was looking up at him in shock. Her mind was turning over with thoughts of a little boy, hurt and scared, and she wanted nothing more then to comfort him. With resolve in her mind, and a deep sorrow in her heart for the vows she would break, she kissed him, deep and full on the mouth, sliding her hands up into his hair and gripping it in her hands. She felt him tense then relax and pull her deeper into his arms, twisting her so she was straddling his hips. He knew he would never get another chance to do this again, so he was not turning her down at all. After getting her adjusted on his lap, he moved his hands under her gown and lifted it up over her head, wasting no time with unnecessary pre-games. His hands found her breasts and squeezed with just enough pressure to make her gasp and throw her head back. He bent his head down and kissed her neck, biting softly and leaving little love marks in his wake. He worked his way down to the soft spot between her neck and shoulder and bit harder then before, her sharp intake of breath was followed by a growl of appreciation when he slowly raked his tongue over the same spot. Cley was not going to stand by and wait for him to make moves. She unwound her arms from his neck and pulled at his shirt, ripping the buttons off along the way, and pulled it down over his arms, trapping them by his side. She grinned at him and pushed him down on his back, lowering her head and kissing his neck the same way he had done to her. She slid her body down his, trailing kisses on his chest, feeling the way her skin glided along his, like silk along her body. He practically tore his shirt of his body to get to her; he just had to touch her. With the determination of a mad man he seized her waist, bringing them face to face again. "You are almost too much to take" he told her threw gritted teeth. Pushing her back onto the ground a little rougher then he meant to, he placed her hands above her head and held them there with one hand. He grazed his other hand down her front to massage her left breast, bringing her nipple to a hard point before moving onto the other breast. She whimpered in protest before he brought his mouth down on her left breast and sucked the puckered skin into his mouth, still stroking the other one with his free hand. She fought to get free, and he pushed down on her wrists harder. Letting go of her nipple, he lightly bit it before moving onto the next one. While his mouth was occupied his now free hand moved down to undo his pants and try to remove them. He got them down his hips and had to stop, he couldn't reach any further. At this point he didn't care, he had to have her. He was pretty sure she didn't want to stop, or she wouldn't have started anything. He got himself between her hips and then things really got hard. She felt him move between her lags and knew there was no going back. She wasn't thinking with her brain anymore and only felt. Felt the need pool low in her belly, felt the need to finish what she had started, felt an emptiness only he could fill. She shifted her hips and raised them, trying to wrap her legs around his waist. He grabbed her thighs and helped her do just that. Shifting so he was comfortable as well, he positioned himself at her opening, looking into her eyes, asking permission to finish. She looked at him with heated eyes and nodded. He plunged his dick into her pussy and had to be still for a moment for fear of embarrassing himself too early. She was so tight and wet; it almost hurt to move much. Slowly he started pumping in and out of her, hitting her cervix every time. She was in heaven, he was so large, he touched every part inside her, and parts she didn't know could be touched. Heat and tension started to build low in her body as she kept rhythm with Jareth, her hips rising to meet his with every thrust. He trailed a hand down her chest and across her stomach to settle between her legs, rubbing her clit with light, sure fingers. She knew he was close, she felt him swell inside of her, and secretly it made her glad that he wanted her to cum at the same time. Losing the ability to think, her body took over and thrust up to meet his as hard as he was pushing hers down. All at once coils of tension snapped and her body exploded, her limbs wrapping around him, holding on to the only anchor in the storm. He shoved himself inside her savagely, shooting his sperm deep inside her, still circling her clit, drawing out the orgasm. She finally had to push him off she shook so bad, but it was a very good shake, the tremors of an orgasm she had never felt before. He rolled off her to lay beside her, dragging her into his arms. "I hope I did not hurt you" he told her quietly after they had caught their breath. "No, not at all. I think if it had been any better I would be with my Goddess right now. Pleasure like that shouldn't be allowed on earth." She smiled as he pulled her closer and snuggled her head on his chest. He watched from the trees, seething with something far worse then anger. The stranger had taken what was his, and he could do nothing about it...yet." Destinations and Desires As quickly as she scowled, she brightened her smile again. "Nothing, I just like to make you squirm." She laughed at his expression of shock. "Make me squirm huh? How about I make you squirm?" With that he dropped the wood and made a dash for Cleyandra. Seeing him coming at her prompted Cleyandra to move quickly and in the other direction. She almost made it to her tent when she let out a squeak in surprise. Braxlin had grabbed her 'bout her waist and hauled her to the ground. He then proceeded to tickle her mercilessly. Between laughing and gasping for air, Cleyandra pleaded to reprise. "Please...stop...oh...I'm gonna pee on my self." That statement prompted Braxlin to tickle her harder just to see if she would. "O.K O.K. I give up!" Cleyandra managed to gasp out between breaths. Braxlin stopped tickling her, but still held her down. "You give up what?" "I won't poke fun at you and I wont make you squirm; at least not with my gaze." Cleyandra couldn't help but add that last part, just for fun. "Not with your gaze huh? Well what will you use?" Braxlin asked with a wiggle of his brow. She leaned into him, and with her mouth close to his ear whispered "If I told you that then I would have to kill you." having a very serious expression on her face. "Oh, to die in the arms of the most gorgeous females I know, now that is good..."Braxlin let his words die off as he looked at Cleyandras face. The look was one of astonishment and surprise. "You think I am gorgeous?"