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Fantastic World Ch. 01

By: Lady_Blackhawk



The letter came one early summer morning. It was delivered to Callia at her home in Shepherdstown. Perusing the outside thoroughly, she frowned, as she did not recognize the signet mark. Another job offer, she thought to herself. Shaking her head, she tossed it onto her table with the dozens of others she received on a weekly basis. Being a famed adventurer had its perks as well as its drawbacks. Someone always seemed to want something. Shaking her head, she grabbed up her practice swords and headed for the practice arena that Lord Darvic Eath had had built several years ago before he became the Lord of the town.

Today she planned to meet with several new followers who'd come to lend their services to her. She hoped to discover how well each of them could handle a blade. Training would commence as soon as she could ascertain what their strengths and weaknesses were.

As she reached the practice arena with her boon companion, Verrshaun, accompanying her, she surveyed the six new recruits. There were two elves, two humans, a half-elf, and a half-orc. She eyed each of them intently, mentally summing up what each of them might be able to do.

Although Callia was very friendly to her followers and took pains to make sure each was comfortable with her, she didn't always curry familiarity with them. There were a number in her service whom she'd helped along the way. She wondered though if she should've been more personal with them. Perhaps she would talk to Verrshaun about that.

"Form up," she barked as she dropped the practice swords on a weapons rack. She watched as they moved to form a straight line. She quickly took stock of each one of them. Both silver elves, a male and a female, were wiry and slight of build. She surmised that both could be trained to fire a bow and wield a light weapon with finesse. The humans, both males, seemed to be of similar stock. Their builds were very blocky with broad shoulders and deep chests. She surmised that perhaps they came from peasant stock and were no strangers to hard work. She guessed they could be brothers. Perhaps training them with axes would be good.

She flicked her eyes over the female half-elf. She clearly took more from the human side of her mixed ancestry than from the elven side. She also seemed to come from a heartier peasant stock as well, but she had a decisive edge to her. A certain look about her that spoke of experience beyond that of a commoner. Callia figured she'd delved into adventuring and would most likely have a preference in weapons.

She moved to the last person in the line. Never before had a half-orc come into her service. Callia had spent most of her life not having a fondness for half-orcs. And clearly this one was more orcish looking than those she had met in the past. This half-orc was big and muscular with a plethora of scars crisscrossing his craggy face and upper body. It seemed to her that he had led a hard life. He looked very much like a battle-hardened warrior and she suspected he was quite familiar with a great axe.

"I am Callia Blackhawk-Darksbane, but of course, all of you know that. It's the reason you are here. I am here not only to get to know you, but to be your friend. It is my goal to train you all to properly defend yourselves and this town as well. It looks like to me that some of you already know your way around the business end of a weapon. Some of you look like you've either been warriors or had some adventuring experience. I want to know all about that. I also want to know if you have never so much as swung a sword, fired a bow or the like. I am here to train you. I am your friend, your mentor, and your instructor. I will not laugh at your mistakes or make light of your inexperience. I, too, began as a novice. So before we begin, I would like to know something about all of you. Where you are from and what kind of experience you may have. We will start with you." Callia stated as she motioned to the half-orc.

He stepped forward, towering over her by more than a whole foot. "I am Londar of the Bloodfang tribe. I was one of the younger warriors of my tribe until humans attacked us. My mother was Orc and my father was human. It was his people who sought to destroy my tribe. They felt anger for what happened to my father at the hands of my mother's people. They chased us for years, slowly whittling our numbers. We fought back. We fought for our survival. Then two years ago, they launched a large attack and very few survived. My mother perished in that attack. I was one of the lucky ones to have survived. I have spent much of the time since wandering from town to town. I found work on the docks, but I wanted to do more than just be a lowly half-orc dock worker. I heard of you and heard of your greatness. It has been said you have befriended other half-orcs so I came here in search of you." Londar replied.

"It is true that I have befriended other half-orcs, one of which is a very good friend to me." Callia said, "You said you are a warrior. Have you a preference of what type of weapon you wield?"

"I have often been called a barbarian. I favor axes most of all and muscle powered weapons."

"Since you have experience, we will work together with a great axe. I have one I believe you will like. As you were."

Londar nodded and stepped back in line. She moved on down the line, stopping in front of the female half-elf.

"My name is Aeslin. My human father raised me after my elven mother left to return to her people. I hold no hard feelings toward her for it. My father does, but he remarried a human woman. My stepmother didn't want me around so I left his home five years ago and have made my own way in the world. I've done some mercenary work. I'm pretty good with a bow and a longsword. I heard them speak of you down in the Dancing Jug and decided to seek you out." Aeslin explained.

Callia nodded. "You had that look about you that you had some experience. The longsword is a very reliable weapon. We shall work together on that."

Callia moved down to the two humans who seemed to be brothers or of some close relation. "And you might be...?" she asked as her eyes flicked over each of them.

"I am Joss Tulach and this is my brother, Valthus. We hail from the Heartlands. We heard of you in tales told by a traveling bard. He spoke of your great adventures and bravery. We wanted to know what that felt like so we left home and came to offer our services to you. I fear, though, that neither of us have experiences as warriors. We are farm lads."

"Have you ever used a weapon before?"

"I have used slings to catch small game and both of us have used a farmer's scythe to harvest the grain. Father had a crossbow. He showed us how to load and fire it. Occasionally we had problems with goblins or kobolds." Valthus spoke up.

Callia eyed them carefully. They too were about a half-foot taller than she with broad shoulders and deep chests. Both had ginger red hair and bright green eyes. Freckles dotted their cheeks and noses. "How old are each of you? Have you always done farm work? Are you skilled in any trades?"

"I am nineteen," Joss spoke up, "and Valthus is eighteen."

"We have always worked on our father's farm. We both know all about how to run a working farm. We raised cattle, sheep, and pigs. We learned of animal husbandry. We both know how to shoe horses. There isn't much about running and working on a farm that we don't have knowledge of, but as far as skilled trades go, we don't have one, unless it has to do with a farm."

"Have you any hopes and dreams beyond working a farm?" Callia asked, praying that one of them had some kind of ambition.

"I always dreamed of learning more about the wild." Joss replied

"There is a grove outside of the palisade walls devoted to a nature deity. I am thinking you should learn the ways of a druid or perhaps a ranger. Perhaps I could speak to Lord Eath and have him recommend someone to instruct you in those teachings. Would you like that?"

"Very much so. Thank you. You are every bit as great as the stories say you are," he exclaimed.

"And Valthus, what of you?"

"I wish to work with horses. Perhaps work with my hands, become a blacksmith or a farrier." Valthus replied.

"I think that can be arranged. There is a good blacksmith here in Shepherdstown I can get you an apprenticeship with. I shall have you work with him." Callia replied. "As for weapons training, I will work with you in the meantime. I believe there are flails that are no harder to wield than the farm implement versions you are already accustomed too. We will start with that and work our way up." 

Both Joss and Valthus offered words of thanks before returning to their places in the line. Callia smiled at the eagerness the two commoners exhibited before moving onto the last two elves. 

"Good morning, it is good to be in the company of my fellow kind. I am glad you have come," she spoke in her native elven tongue.

"I am happy to be here, my lady. I am Ashaenaeth and this is my wife, Ly'stri. We hail from the Wildwood Forest. We heard tales of you from Enias. He said we should seek you out," The silver elf male replied.

"Good ol' Enias," Callia laughed. "I saved him from a hangman's noose and it seems he is forever sending me followers. I guess that is his way of repaying me. Well, Ashaenaeth and Ly'stri, you are most welcome here. So tell me, what are your skills?"

"I am an apothecary and an alchemist and my wife is an herbalist. I have had some training with a bow and my wife does well with a sling."

"I can see why Enias sent you to me. I think he knew I would be in need of your services. I will help you set up shop here in Shepherdstown. I am sure even Lord Eath will be happy to have you here. We will work together on training you both with ranged weapons and perhaps even rapiers."

Callia moved away and walked to the center of the arena behind them. She signaled for Verrshaun to bring two of the practice swords. Taking one of the swords from him, she motioned for her new followers to come closer.

"Some of you already know the basics of swordplay. The first thing you need to know is how to properly wield a weapon. The second is how to block and parry. We will cover how to attack properly. Watch very carefully."

Callia and Verrshaun worked their ways through a few weapon forms, clearly demonstrating how to block and parry.

Next she lined her recruits up. She paired Londar and Aeslin, Joss and his brother Valthus and lastly Ashaenaeth with his wife Ly'stri.

"Block and parry." Callia called out as she moved between them until she came up to the half-elf and the half-orc. "Since you two have a little more experience, I will allow you to spar with each other. I ask you that you keep it simple and set an example for the others who do not have your skill. Please no rough stuff."

She let Londar and Aeslin spar while she worked with the others on blocking, parrying and finally moving into how to properly attack, while incorporating the blocks and parries she had showed them. Some of them caught on rather quickly while others took a little longer.

"Very good...all of you. You are doing well," Callia praised them. She looked around and noticed that Sasha, Delaney, and Cree had come to watch. She called them over and paired each of them off with the new recruits and had them work with the new followers. She had Verrshaun work with Aeslin while she worked with Londar. She was able to go full out with this half-orc without too much fear of hurting him.

"You are highly skilled," Callia praised. "If I had a castle like Lord Eath, I would name you my captain of the guard. What is it you wish to do in my service?"

"I wish to be in a place where I may know peace. I would do whatever it took to defend the place you call home. In my journeys, I learned of one named Kurthak. He spoke of you. He said I would find my place if I sought you out. I wish to continue to be a warrior."

"I'm sure the town could find a place for you amongst the town guard and I shall help provide for you a place to live. As for Kurthak, I would rather not speak on that matter." Callia replied as her mind lingered on what happened last between her, Amakiir, Jaz'rin, and Delilah at the Golden Oak. She had fled away from Amakiir and her home. She settled in Shepherdstown, reconnecting with her boon companion, Verrshaun. She had also left word at the Dancing Jug of where she could be found. The Dancing Jug had long been a home away from home for Callia, especially since she owned a share of it. Her mind drifted to Delilah and the brief relationship the two had shared. Callia scoffed inwardly. It should not have surprised her that Delilah had betrayed her.

Callia walked away and motioned for him to spar with Aeslin and Verrshaun again. She moved amongst her recruits, giving instructions and praise to each. When she thought they'd had enough for the day, she dismissed them and went about finding each of them proper housing.

And as the weeks passed Callia began to become more familiar with her new followers. Both of the elves were beginning to handle a bow with ease. It took them much trial and error, but soon they were hitting their targets more often than not. She planned to take them hunting with her to try their skill against a moving target instead of a stationary one. She also helped procure an empty building for their shop. It was a two story building with rooms upstairs to serve as their living quarters. Ashaenaeth seemed very happy indeed.

Both Aeslin and Londar found their places amongst the town guard and also discovered that they both had feelings for the other. Callia smiled as they sought a house they could inhabit together.

And as for Joss and Valthus, she arranged for Valthus to become an apprentice to the town blacksmith and for Joss, she contacted one of the druid's at the nearby grove to help him on his way to becoming a defender of the wild.

She was happy to help, but knew this time of peace for her in Shepherdstown was coming to an end. She was growing bored and knew she'd soon set back out on the adventurer's trail.

So when the same letter arrived for the third time in as many weeks bearing the mark of someone unknown to her, she finally decided to open and read it.

Dear Mistress Blackhawk-Darksbane,

My name is Thanadar Shalazarn. I have a business proposition I hope you will be interested in accepting. If you would journey to my home, I would gladly give you the details. I warn you, this is a mission of great danger. I must ask of you your utmost silence on this quest. I wish it to be conducted as secretively as possible.

Signed,

Thanadar Shalazarn, Archwizard.

Callia noted the address that was written below Thanadar's signature. She had never been to the Elverholme. Her kind had never dwelled in such a place. This should be interesting. It was just the right kind of diversion to alleviate her boredom. She was more than ready for another adventure.

She set about readying herself for the journey to come, stowing her haversack along with another bag of holding into her backpack. That should do it, she thought, as she tapped her foot. She should have enough extradimensional storage space for whatever she may find on this mission.

This mission...she wondered why it was so secretive and what she may be asked to recover. She wondered if she should take Verrshaun or perhaps even Cayden along with her. No, she thought as she tapped her foot again, Verrshaun needs to stay here to continue training the new followers and he may not understand if I ask Cayden to go instead of him. That was the trouble with boon companions and twin sister's who didn't quite see eye to eye. Callia shook her head. She knew Verrshaun didn't trust Cayden. She knew Cayden hoped to coax her to the dark side and Verrshaun would have none of it. It had become Verrshaun's quest to make sure that Callia continued to walk the straight and narrow path of goodness.

Putting it all from her head, she decided she would set out the next day. Callia headed out to the blacksmith's shop, the one that she'd gotten Valthus an apprenticeship with, to have them ready her horse for her. Her horse had become rather lazy lolling around in the barn and pasture. It was time for it to see some real action. She hailed Geirmund as she walked into his shop.

"Hello," she smiled as she approached his forge.

"Well met, Callia. It is good to see you. What brings you here on this fine day?" the half-elf greeted her with a hearty smile in return.

"I've been contacted by someone about a job and I'm leaving tomorrow. I need my horse readied. Some new shoes, maybe a little extra exercise. You know what I need." Callia replied.

"I'll be happy to do that for you. I'll get right on it."

"Good." She smiled. 

"If you'd like, I'll send someone over to let you know when your horse is ready."

"Thanks, Geirmund." Callia replied, as she handed him a few gold coins and bounded away before he could give them back.

As she headed back towards her home, she veered off and made her way to Verrshaun's. She found him sitting outside on his porch, lounging in the sun.

"You are very much a cat, aren't you?" She chuckled as she bounded up onto the porch and smiled as she watched her Catfolk companion rock in his hammock.

"It's a beautiful day. Do you expect me to stay cooped up inside?"

"Of course not," she laughed. "Seriously though, dear Verrshaun, I have to speak to you."

"About what?"

"I'm going to be taking a job offer from some Elven archwizard."

"How soon are we leaving?"

"We? No, I'm leaving tomorrow. I need you to stay here and continue to train the new followers. I don't exactly know where I'm going or what the job is, so I'd rather do it on my own."

"You aren't taking Cayden, are you?" He asked, as he cocked an eyebrow at her.

"No, Verrshaun. I'm going alone."

"I don't like the idea of that."

"I didn't figure you would, but this is something I have to do. I have a weird feeling about it."

"Then you should take me with you. Someone needs to have your back." Verrshaun pointed out.

"I have already decided. You must stay here, mellonamin." Callia stated as she used the elven word for 'my friend'.

"I don't like this at all, but I will stay here."

"Good, someone needs to hold down the fort." Callia called back as she took her leave. "Hey, we'll have dinner together later."

Callia returned to her house and finished packing up a few odds and ends she felt she might need. She knew she'd have to stop by the alchemist's to stock up on some potions as well. She also felt it would be wise to send a missive to her father just to let him know where she'd be heading and approximately how long she'd be away. It never hurt for other people to know of your plans. She then straightened up her house and decided to take a leisurely bath.

It felt good to relax in a hot bath. Not that her day had been strenuous, but Callia knew it would be the last hot bath she'd be able to take once she set out on the road as she headed for Elverholme. Although if she planned her route carefully, she knew it was possible to stay at inns and hostels nearly every night instead of sleeping outside in the wilds. Being that she'd be on her own for this trip, she knew it'd be safer. She scoffed at herself as she thought about how pampered and spoiled she'd become since she'd become an adventurer. Living the life of one of the privileged certainly had its perks. She had grown used to living in comfort. It was a life that suited her well. She knew if she had remained with her clan, never seeking the adventurer life, she would have eventually settled down with a warrior elf that Karowyn approved of and would have born him a couple children. She would become a mother, a nurturer, and a helpmate, but she doubted she would have been truly happy. Much of her life had been spent indulging in dubious carnal exploits. She honestly could not recall any of Karowyn's men that she did not know on an intimate basis. She scoffed again. Her old life did not interest her in the least any more. She wanted someone who loved her as much as she loved him, who shared his feelings, hopes, and dreams with her and would allow her to do the same. Callia wondered if she would ever meet such an elf. It certainly wasn't Amakiir, the one she'd left a few months ago. The one that indulged her fantasies then threw them in her face when the going got rough. The one who had betrayed her to her family by disclosing the intimacies of their relationship. The very same one who professed to love her and vowed she belonged to him solely yet aired their secrets to the whole of their people. She recalled the looks on her mother and brother's faces when they'd discovered her tryst with Delilah and the dark elf, Jaz'rin. Yet, Amakiir had not told the whole story. Not a word had been mentioned of his own affair with the dark elf. To be scorned and betrayed was almost too much to bear. Who was he to judge her when he was doing it as well? Who were they to judge her when they knew not the whole story? Yet she knew it would be worse if she disclosed the whole truth. She knew she'd be painted as vindictive. It was easier just to leave.


Fantastic World Ch. 01



She let out a sigh and sank down into the water. She pushed those thoughts from her head. It was over and done with so there was no use dwelling on the past. She turned her thoughts to the quest at hand. Once more she wondered what the need for secrecy was. And what she'd be recovering for the elven archwizard. She wondered how dangerous this would be and if she should just go ahead and bring someone along to watch her back. So many questions, she signed once more and not nearly enough answers.

Her ears perked up as she thought she heard a knock at her front door. 

"Hello," she called out and grabbed a robe. Callia exited her bath and pulled the robe over her dripping wet body. Quickly she dashed down the stairs, figuring it would be a messenger from Geirmund's smithy. Callia cracked the door, poking her head out. She first saw a boy before she noticed Verrshaun lounging in her porch swing. "Can I help you?"

"Yes, my lady," he replied. "Your horse is ready for your journey. He has been shod with new shoes and has been thoroughly exercised."

"Thank you, Conlan." She smiled, recognizing one of the smithy's sons. Callia bade him to wait one moment while she grabbed a small money pouch. From inside it she grabbed a gold piece and handed it to the boy. "Here, take this."

A look of surprise crossed the child's face and he thanked her graciously before scampering off to his father's shop.

"Verrshaun," she said as she motioned for him to come inside the house. "How about we find some food? Parvil's tavern, perhaps. Or how about we have our dinner at the Busy Bee?"

"The Busy Bee sounds fine to me," he replied as he entered her parlor. He took note of her wet robe. "But perhaps you should finish whatever you were doing. I can wait."

"Thank you, dear friend."

Callia returned to the upper level of her home and finished her bath. Once she had fully dressed, she rejoined Verrshaun in her small parlor.

He took one look at the set of her mouth and knew something was troubling her. "Tell me what is on your mind? What vexes you this day?" he asked.

"I shall tell you, dear friend, but first I am starved. Let us find some food."

O.O

"Why do you continue to beat yourself up over Amakiir? You know he is not worth it." Verrshaun growled as Callia confessed her troubled thoughts as they returned to his small abode.

"Old ghosts, I suppose. I wish it were so easy to forget. Verrshaun, you are young and you have not felt these feelings. One day you will understand why I fret so much. He hurt me. He said he loved me, but it was all a lie." Callia brooded. "Those feelings are so hard to leave behind, no matter how hard I try."

"You should not be so hard on yourself." Verrshaun promised. "I still wish I were going with you."

"I know, but I don't know what kinds of danger I would be walking into and I don't want to risk your safety. Humor me, Verrshaun. I know danger doesn't scare you, but I would not see you hurt. You mean a lot to me. Who else believes in me the way you do? Not very many."

"I will stay, but I do not have to like it."

"Good."

They spent the rest of the evening together talking about her mission and what it could be about, speculating on why it was so secretive.

O.O



Fantastic World Ch. 02



Callia spent the next ten days traveling by horse to Elverholme. Once she reached the Elven citadel, she inquired into directions to the home of Thanadar Shalazarn and soon found herself standing in front of an ornately sculptured home made out of a tree. It was one of the most breathtaking things she had ever seen. As she approached the arched entrance, she noticed the swirling designs of the carvings in the massive oak. She had seen many impressive dwellings in her time, but nothing so naturally grand.

As she touched the door, the sound of trilling birds filled her ears. Soon the door opened and a beautiful female elf with pale blond hair and large voluminous blue eyes appeared on the other side. "May I help you?" she spoke in soft flowing Elven.

"I am Callia Blackhawk-Darksbane. I have a letter from Archwizard Shalazarn. He bade me to come here. Is he available?"

"Yes, we have been expecting you. Please do follow me." She replied. "By the way, I am Arshae."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Arshae. I am happy to finally be here."

Arshae led her to a library of sorts and called out to Thanadar. He rounded one of the columns and approached her, holding out his hand in greeting. "I am Thanadar. I am pleased that you have arrived."

"Greetings, Thanadar. I am Callia Blackhawk-Darksbane. I am happy to be here finally. It's been a long ten days."

"Would you like to rest?"

"No, I am fine. You have kept me in suspense ever since I received your letters. I would like to know more about what you contacted me for and what you need me to retrieve for you."

"Arshae, my love, would you have refreshments brought?" He asked as he offered his hand to Callia. "Let us adjourn to somewhere more comfortable."

He led her to a more private area in the library with a roaring fire and two wingback chairs flanking it. "Have a seat, my lady." He offered as he sat in the one opposite to her. "The treasure I seek is a very valuable book, but retrieving it will be extremely dangerous. From what I have divined, the tome is at the heart of a ruined underground complex. But to get to this complex, you must seek the ruins of a tower there within which lies the keys to obtaining the ancient volume. According to my research, three obstacles must be surpassed in order to gather the keys and unlock the way to the book. I believe the obstacles to be surpassed are the guardians of the keys."

"Sounds like a challenge." Callia remarked.

"I am surprised you did not bring anyone with you."

"I suppose I should have, but I needed time to be alone. I will be fine. Can you tell me where this ruin is?"

"Better yet, I have acquired a map. There is one more thing I must mention and you may feel free to back out if you wish."

"I will be the judge of that. Tell me what you have not."

"The ruin is on a whole other plane of existence." Thanadar stated.

"And what plane is that?" Callia asked, her brow furrowing. She didn't know a whole lot about plane hopping. She had been on one other before and that was not the best of experiences.

"It is called Aezaria. The ruin is deep within the Azure Mountains. Here is the map." Thanadar handed it to her for her perusal.

She studied it carefully. Aezaria looked like a whole continent of its own. "And how am I going to get there? I certainly can't ride my horse there."

"I will provide you with your way there. Fear not. I have taken care of the arrangements."

"Is there anything else I need to know?"

"Yes, there is. There is one other I know of who had this same map and may very well be searching for this treasure. You will want to be careful."

"That's an understatement." Callia scoffed. "One last question. What's in it for me? What do I get for doing this for you?"

"What is it you wish?"

"You're not serious, are you?"

"Quite serious. If you succeed, feel quite free to name your price. Whatever you want. Gold, platinum, magic items. Whatever you feel is appropriate is what I shall give you."

"Very well. I will keep that in mind."

"Plus feel free to keep anything else of value from that ruin."

The elven barbarian scoffed at him once more. "This almost sounds too good to be true."

"I assure you it is real. I have done my research well. Arshae will testify to that. If you hear her tell it the only time I left my lab was too eat. She feels I have neglected her, but how else is a poor archwizard to perfect his craft?"

"Very well. When would you like me to begin my journey to Aezaria?"

"As soon as possible if you are not tired."

"And what of my horse? Will I be able to take it with me as well?"

"To an underground ruin? It would be quite difficult for the horse. This ruin is no place for such a beast. I will have it teleported back to your home in Shepherdstown if you would like."

"Very well. Everything I had planned to take with me is on my person. I left nothing on my horse. Send me away."

He ushered her to a room off of his laboratory that held a teleportation circle. He bade her to stand in the middle and concentrate on the map while he cast the spell to send her away to Aezaria.

O.O

A wave of vertigo washed over Callia as she landed in a forested area beside a slow moving stream. She dropped to her hands and knees, riding out the sensation of dizziness. She would never get used to teleportation. She shook herself as she stumbled to her feet. Why was that always so unpleasant?

As she gathered her bearings, she glanced around at her surroundings. Where am I? She scanned the trees and took note of the stream beside her. Kneeling, she cupped her hands into the water and drank of the cool sweet water, then splashed some onto her face. That would help clear up any lingering effects of the spell. Drying her hands on her cloak, she reached for the map and studied it. Callia hoped she was in the Azure Forest. Thanadar had told her the ruin was in the Azure Mountains. She studied the depiction of the mountains on the map and noted the markings on the map. The ruin was located at the southern end of the Azure Mountains. She figured if she headed east she would reach the mountains. She looked up at the sky, attempting to peer through the dense canopy in hopes of spotting the mountains, but the foliage was too thick. Dappled sunlight sprinkled the forest floor with hints of its shining. She concentrated on the shadows of the trees, examining the direction in which they fell. She figured it was mid-afternoon here in Aezaria and the shadows lengthened to the west. She smiled as she concluded she should travel the opposite direction of which the trees shadows were pointing. That should be east.

She hoped she was moving in the correct direction. She needed to get to the mountains as soon as possible. She needed to reach that ruin before the other person did. She only hoped that waiting to answer the letter from the archwizard wouldn't prove to be her downfall in this quest. She hoped whomever else it was that was searching for the treasure hadn't beaten her to it.

Callia looked around her before she set off in the easterly direction. She picked her way through the dense foliage as she searched for the easiest path to take through the forest. She scrambled over large fallen trees and picked her way passed thickets of spiny vegetation unlike any she'd ever seen before. As she climbed over another large fallen tree trunk, she began to take note of how quiet the forest surrounding her was. Besides the sounds of a few buzzing insects here and there, she heard nothing else besides her own breathing and the wind blowing. She immediately thought it odd that here in a forest she had heard no forest animals rooting in the underbrush. There was nary a bird, either. How very odd! She missed the trilling songs of the birds from back home in Shepherdstown. She even missed the sounds of the farm animals, the braying of the donkeys, the bawling of the milk cows, and the horses and pigs as well.

She smiled as she thought of the centaurs that occasionally came to Shepherdstown from their village of Fairwind. The half-man, half-horse beasts were always a sight to behold. It was nice to think of home. She already missed it. She thought of Verrshaun and how she could surely use his Ranger skills right about now, but she left him back in Shepherdstown to take care of business there.

Callia walked and walked for what seemed to be hours, scrambling over and under obstacles in her path. As she glanced up at the sky through the trees, she could tell it would soon be dusk. She knew she would have to find someplace to camp for the night. One of the trees would probably be the best place to spend the night. She smiled as she scanned her surroundings and found the perfect one.

It was a tall tree with flattish limbs. She climbed half way up and crawled onto the largest limb she could find. Pulling a rope from her pack, she anchored herself to the trunk of the tree to prevent herself from falling from it as she sought her reverie. Closing her eyes, she slipped into a dreamless trance.

O.O

Callia woke several hours later as light began to break through the boughs above her. After removing the rope that bound her body to the tree, Callia climbed down and rummaged through her pack. She pulled out a waterskin and a loaf of elven waybread. It would tide her over until she could hunt for some fresh wild vegetables and some meat. As she chewed on the bread and took a few small sips of water, her thoughts lingered not the task at hand, but the situation she left behind. She knew this quest could become extremely dangerous and she mentally kicked herself for coming alone. She should have brought Verrshaun along with her. Yet she knew she needed someone she could trust to monitor the situation in Shepherdstown. Perhaps she should have invited Cayden to come along. Her sister's skills as a scout could have been valuable to her. Cursing softly, she gave herself a mental shake. It was too late for what could have been's. She was here in Aezaria all alone. Best she made the most of it.

She finished her meal and set herself onto her path once more. She wouldn't reach the ruins if she dawdled here. 

O.O

Two more days passed before Callia reached the eastern edge of Azure Forest and started into the foothills. This place puzzled her. She found little in the way of small animals, having to subsist of her own trial rations for substance for the most part. She knew something wasn't right about this place, but as to what she couldn't put her finger on it. What kind of place had that archwizard sent her to?

Yet she traveled onward. This quest was important. She had to be the one to reach the ruins. She had to recover the keys to the treasure first. She had to recover the book that the archwizard needed. And most of all, she had to find a way back home. None of this would matter unless she found her way back home.

As she set her feet on a trail that led up into the foothills of the mountains, the hair on the back her neck bristled and she scanned her surroundings. The feeling that she was being watched washed over her. Something or someone was out there. Callia readied herself to attack if needed. She knew not what was watching or following her, but she had a feeling it wasn't friendly. 

She stopped momentarily and did a quick once over of the rocky landscape with her eyes. She blinked and squinted as she thought she caught a blur of something humanoid sized moving to the south of her. So something was there, or someone. She turned and headed toward it, summoning her large mercurial greatsword. She readied herself for the fight she knew would come if she caught whatever it was that followed her.

"Show yourself, you coward. I know you are out there and I am prepared to fight you if you plan to do me harm." Callia called out in the common language. 

Pacing back toward the outcropping of rock where she caught sight of the movement, she peered behind it but found no one there. She let out the breath that she'd been holding and looked all around her. Had she imagined that she caught a glimpse of someone moving? She tapped her foot and checked the ground for tracks, but found none marring the surface of the rocky outcrop. 

"Damn!" Callia swore aloud. 

She huffed off in the direction she came from, mentally chastising herself. She must be imagining things. Being alone had done a number her. 

"I should have brought someone with me," she muttered, talking to herself. "At least then I may not feel so lonely and be imagining things. And I wouldn't be talking to myself. By the Gods!"

Yet the uneasy feeling came again as she continued to scale the foothills. Craggy outcroppings of rock formed an endless labyrinth, now virtually barren of any plant life. The starkness of this place bothered her more than she cared to admit. Its desolate crags beckoned her to feel the bleakness, as if all her sorrows had emerged within her all at once. It made her uncomfortable.

Consulting her map, she noted her apparent location. The foothills seemed to be aptly named. They were called The Sorrows. She knew she must continue on until she reached the mountain pass that led to the ruin. She had to make it. And so she trudged on as the day passed and night approached. 

Her mind began to wander rather aimlessly, dredging up memories she would rather forget. She dwelled heavily on her family. Callia had long been the 'black sheep.' Most of her days were spent idolizing Karowyn and trying her best to be as good as he. While she often proved to be the fastest runner and the greatest at many games of sport her clan competed in, Callia always felt second best. Regardless of what her accomplishments were, the reminders of her older brother were constant. It was those inadequacies that lead her to a different way to get the attention she desired. She openly sought the affections of Karowyn's warriors. She became addicted to the attention they gave her. 

Yet she knew that had been the wrong way. Karowyn frowned upon her behavior. His lectures took on an edge of anger and disappointment. She gave him no other choice but to send her on a mission to benefit her clan. But she had failed. She arrived too late to save Karowyn's betrothed from death. At that moment, she knew she couldn't go home. She feared for being the bearer of bad news. She did not know how Karowyn would take it.

Fear of Karowyn...and dealing with the knowledge that she had shamed her mother. Her mother, she sneered contemptuously. The woman who loved children so much that she had adopted as many as she could... also the woman who could not abide living with a man whose tarnished soul overshadowed the love they shared. Her father had chosen to leave and with him went Cayden. Callia felt an aching sadness like none other over the loss of growing up without her twin.

Shame colored her cheeks and she fought back the tears that threatened to fall. Don't think about it. But it became hopeless. Her many deathly experiences haunted her. She felt utterly crippled by the lives she had taken and choked back a sob. So much death. So much blood on her hands. 

A mountain of regret rested firmly upon her shoulders. Regret for the loss of life, and torment for the faces she could see when she closed her eyes. Callia lamented the hours spent in a drunken stupor, the hours spent wallowing in carnal lust, and for the friends she had pushed away with her coarse behavior. She knew certain ones had often ridiculed her behind her back. She was the laughing stock, the slut whose feelings did not count.

The sob she tried so hard to hold back escaped her lips. And as her mounting uncertainties began to wreak havoc on her, she grew less and less aware of her surroundings. 

She let out a wail as she entered a small clearing in the rocks. Thousands of animal and humanoid bones littered the ground along with bits of broken armor and weapons. This wasn't good. The hairs stood up on the back of her neck once more and she let out a scream as something launched itself at her, slamming her to the ground. She hit the bone-covered surface hard and gasped for a breath as the air was knocked from her lungs. She screamed and struggled against her attacker as soon as she recovered her breath.

"LET ME GO!" She screamed as her eyes adjusted to the darkness and she could make out what her attacker was. It was a lithe humanoid with two arms and two legs and glowing red eyes peaking out from the cowl that covered its face. 

Callia let out a shriek of pain as a dagger slammed into her shoulder. "Please let me go!" She cried as tears streak down her face and strangled sobs wracked her body. Continuing to struggle against her red-eyed assailant, she thrust her arms up between them and gave a mighty shove against its chest, hoping to dislodge its body from hers. Yet her attacker held fast and brought the dagger back down, piercing her other shoulder. She let out a tortured howl as she felt it sink into her flesh. "Stop please! Who are you? What do you want from me?" 

"Your life," A husky growl issued forth from her assailant. 

"Why?"

"You have something I want, you sniveling bitch."

"What?"

The cloaked figure ignored her, jerking her head back cruelly and baring her neck. "Die now!" 

Callia watched as he brought the dagger back down, aiming for her jugular. She let out a howl of fury as her rage gripped her and shoved against the chest of her attacker with all the strength she could muster. She rolled to her feet after throwing the cloaked figure off of her. She let out another howl of fury as she summoned her sword and charged towards the crouching cloaked figure. Twisting the sword to the flat edge of the blade, she swung fiercely and connected with the assailant's shoulder. A deep guttural hiss of pain issued forth from its lips as the sounds of bones snapping filled the air. She swung a second time with the same intensity and hit the being again, knocking it off its feet. As it stumbled and fell to the ground, Callia pounced, pinning the cloaked being beneath her to the ground. She drove her sword down into its shoulder, eliciting a high-pitched scream of agony from it.

"You picked the wrong elf to mess with. Who are you? Who sent you?" She screamed down into its covered face. She could see the eyes had changed from glowing red to cerulean blue and were glaring up at her. Its eyes were bright and glistening from the pain she'd inflicted with her sword. Ripping the cowl of the cloak back, she tore off the assassin's hood, revealing a male with stark white hair and polished obsidian skin. A dark elf!

Studying his features closely, Callia let out a gasp. "You thrice damned spider-lipped demon loving, ill-tempered, flea-bitten whoreson, I am going to make you rue the day you were born! You fucking bastard! What in the name of the Nine Hells are you doing following me and attacking me? Gods damn you, Jaz'rin! Who sent you?"

He let out a pained evil chuckle. "The same person who sent you, my sweetness, is who sent me. Whoever returns with the treasure gets the reward."

"And who would that be?"

The dark elf male named Jaz'rin merely chuckled at her. "If you do not know, then far be it me to tell you."

"Tell me!"

"Persuade me."

Callia jerked her sword out of his shoulder, hearing him hiss from the pain. "I thought dark elf males were submissive to females."

"To female dark elves yes, but to a surface female, not likely," he quipped.

"You were the couple times we were together." Callia pointed out.

Jaz'rin let out a mocking snort. "That was an act for your benefit. I was asked to be submissive to you."

"Damn that Amakiir!!!" Callia growled.

"Yes, may he be damned. I always thought him an odd one. You see, I've known him for a long time. His cruelty made me wonder if he was really a dark elf at heart. It certainly made me curious as to why an obvious intelligent power hungry drathir darthirii would willingly stay amongst the zhas darthien. He could have left at any time. His power is great, but you already know that. Then I realized why."




Fantastic World Ch. 02



"Why?"

"You don't know?"

"What? Tell me, damn you!"

Jaz'rin grinned at her. "Domination, my sweet. He seeks absolute power!"

She shook her head. "No, he wouldn't. He can't lead the clan. Karowyn is leader!"

"Can't lead, you say? My, my, you are blind. Just you wait...wait and you'll soon see that I am correct." Jaz'rin smugly snapped. "Now are you sure you don't know who sent you to another plane to get you out of the way?"

"An archwizard from Elverholme sent me."

"Aah, like I said, if you don't really know, far be it me to tell you. Now, are you going to stab me again or shall we pick up where we left off at the Golden Oak?"

"I can't believe you! First you try to kill me. Now you want to fuck me." Callia growled. "I lost more than you know because of that bastard Amakiir. He betrayed me to my family, divulging all the sordid details of what happened there at the Golden Oak. He told them all about my affair with you, Delilah, and Nathan. He painted me as the whore, yet he said nothing about his affair with you. I had to leave the clan. He turned what was beautiful and wonderful into a dirty shame I had to bear alone. I will never forgive him. But you already know that, because you were there when he set me up to be discovered with you and Delilah. I thought he killed you with the blast of magical energy."

"Of course he set you up. You were getting far too close for comfort. Amakiir has always been supremely cruel and heartless." Jaz'rin replied as he shifted beneath her. "I will confess, though. The archwizard did not directly send me, but I have been charged with recovering the treasure. I have been following you, but I think you have guessed that already, have you not? Amakiir has been watching you since you left the clan. He knows every single move you've made over the past few months. He told me to follow you and dispose of you. You are the last thing that stands in his way of total domination."

The barbarian let out another enraged howl. "I will kill him if he even as much as thinks of harming a tiny hair on Karowyn's head. Perhaps I should send you back to him diced in a million tiny pieces. Would you like that, you traitor?"

Callia slammed the point of her sword through his shoulder, bringing forth a gut-wrenching scream of dire agony from Jaz'rin. "By the Gods! You think just because you caught me off guard that you can kill me. I beg to differ, you thrice damned, cock sucking, two bit son of a crotch rot infected orc-fucking whore!"

Callia skewered him as she shoved the sword further through his body and drove it into the ground beneath him. He screamed, moaning as the pain gripped him. But Callia wasn't done. As Jaz'rin gurgled on his own blood, she jerked his body upwards, forcing the sword to inflict further damage onto his shoulder. He screamed and passed out. 

Yanking the sword out, Callia grabbed her pack and removed a healing draught from within. She pulled off the stopper with her teeth and pried open his mouth, dumping the potion down his throat. She watched as the wound began to magically knit and after a second potion, Jaz'rin came to.

The dark elf snarled at her. "Olot dos!" 

"Vith'os!" 

He groaned, rubbing the knitted skin where the gaping wound had been. 

"Are we done trying to kill each other?" Callia straddled his thighs, slamming her pelvis down against his. She nodded her head at the dagger he still had clutched in his hand. "Are you going to sheathe that pigsticker or are you going to force me to kill you?"

Jaz'rin dropped the dagger to the ground. "Why shouldn't I do what I was sent to do?"

"Because you don't really want to kill me and you don't like what happens when you try. I think you would like to pick up where we left off at the Golden Oak. I can see it in your eyes. It might be fortuitous for both of us if we work together. Say we both go to the ruin and retrieve the keys to the treasure. We both share in the spoils and have whatever the treasure is as a bargaining chip. I will kill Amakiir. That traitorous crook-pated, fool-born, craven whoreson of a maggot-headed orc will never know what hit him when I'm through with him! By the Gods, I loved him! I've never felt that way about anyone. Not like that. He gave me so much and ripped it all away when he betrayed me. I will never ever forgive him as long as I live."

Quick as can be, Jaz'rin flipped Callia to her back and took the dominant position as he straddled her thighs. He sneered at her. "Why should we work together? What's in it for me?"

"Whatever you desire...within reason." Callia bit out as she sank her hands into his cloak, gripping it tightly.

"I think I know what you desire."

"Do you? That's very good because I think we both want the same thing and I must say I absolutely abhor submissiveness in a male. I like a take charge kind of lover."

The dark elf narrowed his eyes then let out a hearty laugh. "You never fail to amaze me, my sweet. Now I know why I enjoy surface women so well. I've had enough domineering women in the Underdark. I believe I will enjoy dominating you."

Callia purred. "Be my guest."

"I believe we have a deal then." Jaz'rin agreed as he began stripping her out of her armor. Lifting his hand, he reached behind her neck and gently pulled her to him. To his lips. "Kiss me, sweetling."

Callia smiled against his mouth and happily obliged him. She kissed him thoroughly, bringing her sweet mouth over his. And then the dark elf licked her lips, sending a tingling sensation coursing through her. 

"Mmmm," she purred.

"Mmmm," Jaz'rin acknowledged, teasingly. He slipped his tongue inside her mouth to erotically stroke and caress. "You taste so good, ussta mrimmd'ssinss."

Callia sighed into his plundering mouth. He took the offering of her breath and inhaled it, his commanding hand behind her neck making her stay just where she was--pressed tightly against him. She closed her eyes and moaned aloud at that expert touch.

"Talk to me," he coaxed her, his tongue sliding against hers in a measured, languorous stroke. Callia shivered, a small sound coming from her throat.

"Yessss, speak to me, my lover." He withdrew his tongue to nip delicately at the edges of her lips with his teeth. Then he captured her upper lip between his own and suckled on it.

Callia quivered at the incredible sensations. She had known he was a talented lover, but was only now beginning to learn of the extent of his mastery. It was almost too much-the passion he created with only the touch of his lips.

Jaz'rin's other hand came around her. The tips of his skilled fingers played along the rim of her pointy ear in a feathering caress. He slipped within her mouth once more, rhythmically surging while her entire body throbbed with his heated kiss. Her feral moans of passion escaped her as her body thrummed, pulsing with the hot wild rhythm he set.

"So good," he purred as he parted her lips wider, his lips devouring hers in an exquisite kiss that rushed hotly to her core. Callia moaned as that hot rush enflamed her.

"Aahhhh, yesss," Jaz'rin surged against her, his hips grinding into hers, holding her tightly as she peaked in climax. Her entire body vibrated in his arms.

"Wh-what did you do to me?" Callia groaned breathlessly, flushed from climaxing from a mere kiss. "I never knew that was possible."

"Mmmm, quite so." His teeth grazed her throat sensually and let his nails press and scrape teasingly at an angle over her hips. Then the tip of his tongue slid up the length of her ear, eliciting a moan from her. She sucked in a breath as that wicked tongue probed the scalloped insides. The stimulating action sent shivers down her spine. "It is merely the tip of the iceberg concerning the pleasure I aim to bestow upon you, my sweetling."

"You are utterly arrogant."

The dark elf flashed an innocent look. "Me?" He whispered in her ear before nipping the tip.

"Is there anyone else here besides you and I that I am not aware of?" Callia retorted.

"Of course not." His teasing touch skimmed along her heated flesh and once more he captured her lips with his. Hotly, fiercely.

Callia groaned. 

With his mouth drawing on hers, Jaz'rin made her lose every thought in her head save for the feel of him. His tongue stroked inside her mouth. A wet, sensitizing invasion. Warm puffs of breath escaped her lungs, going into his mouth. Jaz'rin growled softly. The dark elf kissed as if he loved the taste of her. Deep and passionate, he tasted her lips, her tongue, and the inner recesses of her mouth. And Callia kissed him back, enjoying his expertise in this simple act.

Only with him it was not so simple an act.

She wondered if he would gift her with that exquisite torture that made her explode. Just thinking about it heightened her pleasure. 

The dark elf licked a teasing path along the fullness of her lips. He knew what she was thinking about, but he had no intentions of bringing her to climax with his kiss this time. Though he would make her believe he would.

He chuckled to himself and threaded his fingers into the silk of her hair, letting the fiery strands sift gradually through his hand as he examined its lovely sheen. The back of his other hand brushed against the creamy skin of her collarbone, in a light feathery caress. And all the while his creative tongue and mouth promised her nothing but pleasure.

"Don't stop!" she whispered as she pulled him back for another soul-searing kiss. Her hands caressed his body, running haphazardly over the sinewy muscles. Jaz'rin joined her in running his hands all over her exquisite body. One of his hands softly caressed the length of her shapely legs... legs that would wrap around his hips perfectly as he gave her his all. 

The dark elf gazed down upon her, drinking in the beautiful view that lay beneath him and moaned with much need of her. As his fingers caressed her breasts, puckering her nipples into hardened nubs, Callia let out a whimpering moan and shifted her body.

"What's wrong, my sweetling?" Jaz'rin asked as he lifted his weight off of her.

"Bone fragments are digging into my back. Isn't there somewhere else we can continue this? Do you have a camp somewhere close by?"

"I had not considered that. I apologize for your discomfort. I do have a campsite close by. Let us make haste to get there and continue what we have started." Jaz'rin replied as he helped her gather her armor. He led her away from the clearing to a small cave that had served as a camp to him as he tracked her movements through The Sorrows.

He led her into the darkness at the very rear of the cave. The narrow tunnel opened up to a small circular cavern. The walls glittered in the firelight, sending arcs of light bouncing off the crystalline walls. Callia looked around, her gaze scanning over the bedroll, packs, fire pit, and the small pool of trickling water. 

Jaz'rin took her armor and backpack and stowed them in a cache along with a few things of his. Then he turned back to her, admiring the sexy, compact muscular body. By the Gods, she was so beautiful.

They came together, embracing as they slid down onto the bedroll. It was as if their two bodies fused into one as they sought mutual fulfillment. Jaz'rin dipped his head and nipped one pointy nipple with his teeth, drawing it into his eager mouth. Callia let out a moan as he cupped each one of her perfect perky breasts in his hands. 

The dark elf then pressed down to the bedroll. He drew up her knees and pressed himself against the length of her body. Callia arched her back and rocked her hips slowly against him, offering herself to him. He claimed her lips in another hot kiss, so savage in its intensity that it overwhelmed her. His hand fondled her breasts, plucking the hard tips before skimming down her abdomen to her parted thighs, caressing the swollen lips of her pussy. 

"That feels good, doesn't it? You're so ready for me, folt natha sseren lotha vith." Jaz'rin purred against her mouth as his fingers parted her nether lips and caressed her little nubbin of pleasure. He stroked it, bringing gasps of pleasure to her lips. 

She could feel his hardened manhood straining against its bounds as it poked into her thigh. It throbbed and pulsed, full of desire to release its sticky bounty. He let out another strained groan as she rocked her hips against his, bringing him fully into the cradle of her thighs. While he licked and suckled her aching breasts, her hands soothed an ache of his as she reached between them to unleash his mighty shaft. She let out a moan as she felt it hard and swollen against her belly.

"Xta'rl uns'aa, ussta ssinjin," he groaned, lifting his greedy mouth from her creamy white breasts. "Touch me, my sweet."

Her hands slowly caressed him as they made contact with his engorged cock. She gave a little moan as she stroked it. Her mind raced with thoughts of how it had felt when she had had him inside her before and how it would feel buried deep inside her tight sheath. 

"That's it. That feels good," he moaned as the urge to take her brutally built within him. He gave a lusty growl and pulled away. He moved lower and slipped between her thighs, caressing the moist center of her being.

Jaz'rin moaned as he buried his head where his hand had been, bringing forth a decadent quiver from Callia as his tongue attacked her, flicking over the swollen nubbin hidden within the dewy folds. She moaned and writhed, her body bucking.

She cried out his name as he found her sensitive spots, causing incandescent waves of ecstasy to surge through her, making her flow sticky female juices all over him. His hunger increased, set off by her wild response to his titillating attack. Sweet mewling cries reached his ears and her sharp nails raked his shoulders and upper arms as she felt her orgasm hit her hard.

"Callia... ussta ssinjin Callia," he murmured, rising above her to cover her fully. "I want you..."

"I am all yours...," she purred, giving him greater access to her channel as she parted her thighs wider. She moaned, taking his raging hardness in her hand once more. Her hand slid up and down its steely shaft, caressing it hotly. Her hand became slick from the male juices that had oozed out as she caressed its bulbous tip. Unable to endure the ache that pierced her, she guided him inside her tight sheath. His size filled and stretched her. She let out a moan as she arched her back to take him deeper. Jaz'rin shuddered as he slid in to the hilt and allowed the sensation to overtake him. Callia wrapped her legs around him and dug her nails into his shoulders as he began his tenderly wild strokes that ignited her to flames.

"Dos satiir ji bwael, ussta ssinjin," he moaned as he pulled her legs tighter around his hips. "You feel so good, my sweet."

He ravished her with a savage kiss. Callia responded in kind, unable to hold back. She bucked her hips, writhing uncontrollably beneath him. Her soft moans reached his ears and urged him on, explicitly letting him know she enjoyed what he was doing to her.

From her mouth, his lips dropped to her breasts and he suckled one creamy orb and then the other with exquisite passion. Overloading her senses, he slipped a hand between their bodies and located her swollen bud. He rubbed a calloused thumb pad over it, sending shockwaves resonating throughout her.

Callia let out a feral cry that reverberated into the depths of his soul. She thrashed beneath him as the passionate torture he bestowed upon her sent her reeling into a tumultuous abyss. Her every nerve ending hummed with the intensity...sending sparks racing through her body as a pool of heat centered within her. 

"Don't hold back, ussta mrannd'ssinss. Give me all of you. Need to feel all of you," she pleaded desperately.

"Are you sure, ussta mrimmd'ssinss?" he asked, not wanting to hurt her.

"Yes," she whimpered breathlessly as she rocked her hips against him. "Now!"

He raised one of her legs up over his shoulder and penetrated her with deeper strokes. He did as she asked and could feel himself hitting the very core of her womanhood. "Am I hurting you?" he whispered in a strained voice.

"No, mzild, more," she panted with a heated moan and clutched at him even tighter, her mouth suckling at his neck. A feral growl resonated from his throat and he let loose once more, giving her everything he had to give. His length pulsated against her hidden core as his thrust grew wilder and more forceful.

Callia let loose a keening squeal as their passions skyrocketed and although he knew her climax was at hand, he strained against his need to come deep inside her. He worked on her swollen button, and launched a savage attack on her heaving breasts. Her body jolted and she let out a scream. Her moans and heavy breathing urged him on. He knew she was ripe for orgasmic picking and coaxed her with his soul shaking thrusts, his greedy lips suckling, placing tender love nips on her breasts.

She moaned, squealing, screaming her need as she dug her sharp nails into his back, raking them over his buttocks in an attempt to push him in further and felt her body erupt in climactic waves of ecstasy like none she'd ever experienced. Jaz'rin grunted as the pleasure/pain of her nails shredding his back and the tight sensation of her womanhood squeezing his rod assailed him with brutal force so intense he longed to join her as he thrust in deeper, plunging recklessly into her blossoming sheath.

His groan came on the heels of hers as his seed spewed out, gushing erratically into her willing core. He furiously pumped his hips, riding the surge of his violent climax until he breathlessly collapsed onto her and kissed her passion-swollen lips. 

As he caught his breath, he held her, cradling her head to his chest. Neither spoke. Words would have only ruined the sweet moment. Her lips sought out his and she parted them as hers fused with his. She could feel his tongue flick against her lower lip and let her own meet his, becoming a tangling entwining duel. She sighed as he pulled away and rested his head against her breasts. She gasped as his tongue flicked over her puckered nipple and watched him as he took it into his mouth. Callia let out another throaty moan as he suckled it greedily and called out his name with breathless abandon.

Without so much as a word, Jaz'rin pulled away from her breasts and brought his lips back up to hers. He planted little kisses all over her face, skirting around the edges of her lips until she offered her lips to him. She closed her eyes and parted her lips as she felt the tentative touches of his. He devoured her hungrily, drinking in the sweet nectar of her mouth and making her feel the passion clear down to her toes. Then he abruptly broke the kiss and cradled her head against his chest, his lips lingering on her temple. He slid his cock back into her until he was firmly ensconced within her feminine walls, moaning as it swelled to its full aching hardness. "I want you again," he stated. "I don't know what you've done to me, but I haven't the will to resist what I feel. Dos tyav ji bwael." 

Jaz'rin reached out to touch her, to caress the smooth, pale skin of her inner thigh. A glimpse of the glistening dew gathered between her legs was the final spark that renewed his fire of desire. Reaching downward, he brought his hand to her silken mound and stroked gently, reveling at the wetness that ran down his fingers. She closed her eyes and moaned as her hips gyrated slowly.

Pulling him flush to her body, her mouth closed on his. Her tongue dove in, intertwining with his as it played about teasingly. He could feel her breasts rub lightly against his chest as her body rocked to the motion of his hand between her legs.




Fantastic World Ch. 02



Placing one hand on his chest, her nails scraped his flesh lightly as her other hand found his cock. With a feather touch she ran her fingers down its length then stopped to cup his balls gently. Moving her hand to his hardness she grasped it briefly, teasing. She ran her fingers along the length of his manhood, brushing the head with her fingertips, then back down again. Her hand matched the rhythm of his, moving up and down his shaft, her fingers exploring his length as he explored her depths. He moaned softly when she grasped him more firmly and began stroking it. 

He intertwined the fingers of his free hand in her long, strawberry blonde hair and pulled her into another kiss. Her sighs of pleasure stoked the flame of his passion even hotter. Letting loose her hair, his fingers traced a line of fire to her breasts. He cupped one, rubbing his thumb across her nipple and around the areola. Callia responded by evoking a low squeal of pleasure as she rocked her hips even harder against his hand. 

Running his fingers lightly from her breast up to her neck, he felt her shiver and her breath quicken. Releasing him suddenly, she brought her other hand up to his chest, digging her fingernails into his skin as her hips bucked in climax. 

Squeezing her eyes shut tightly she let out a small cry as her hips gyrated against his hand. She clenched and unclenched her fists, scraping her fingernails against him as the wave of pleasure carried her along. 

Finally, she pulled away and sat back on the bedroll. Jaz'rin watched in fascination as she brought his hand, wet with her juices, up to her mouth, and slowly started licking his fingers. Callia ran her tongue from the palm of his hand, sending a lightning bolt of pleasure down his spine, to each finger. Slowly she licked around each finger before taking it into her mouth, sucking softly before moving to the next. When she was done, she took his hand in hers and threw her legs over him, straddling his chest.

"Now you," she said softly. "Taste me, ussta mrannd'ssinss."

Callia felt his hands grasp her bottom. He could smell the scent of her passion as he brought her glistening nether lips closer. Taking her into his mouth, he reveled in the warm, wet taste of her. He teased her nubbin, flicking it back and forth with his tongue. The pleasure was almost unbearable. Callia bit into her lip as she forced back a cry.

Jaz'rin's tongue moved deeper, thrusting into her. He could feel the tickling trail of her juices run across his cheeks and down his chin even as he strove to catch each intoxicating drop. Taking her nub between his lips again, he sucked and rolled it around. He grasped her hips tighter, fighting to hold her close to him. His tongue played her, one moment hard, thrusting. The next, dancing with a nimbleness that was swiftly rushing her forward toward her peak again. 

Grinding her hips against him, feeling his tongue explore the soft folds of her sex, she couldn't hold any longer. Callia let go, her climax taking her completely, exploding through her with a fire that burned to her very soul. Jaz'rin didn't stop, his tongue still dancing, torturing her. Her breath heavy and her cheeks flushed, she looked down at him. Seeing him there, feeling his tongue between her legs, she came again. Her back arched as the waves of pleasure pounded her consciousness. 

As the waves subsided, Callia took his hands in hers and pulled away from him. She forced his hands back, to either side of his head, as she slid her hips down his stomach to rest on his manhood. The elven barbarian looked into his eyes as she moved her hips across his hardness, rubbing her button down and up the length of his hardness before taking him inside her.

He threw his head back and gasped for breath, her heat scorching him like never before. Slowly she forced her hips down, taking him completely inside her, holding him there. Then, releasing his hands, she placed hers on his chest and began moving her hips, rocking them, sliding up his length threatening to release him, and then taking his hardness inside again. Callia's fingernails dug deep, red depressions in him, melding the pain and the pleasure into a single, hot, blood rush. 

Jaz'rin cupped her breasts, squeezing them gently then ran his fingers across her nipples, up the soft curve of her pale skin to her neck. One hand he placed on the back of her neck, running his fingers through her silken hair, the other caressed her cheek. She thrust downward on him, feeling him inside her. Jaz'rin's hips rose to meet hers, sending a shiver through her body. 

Callia could feel her climax building. Each thrust of her hips down his cock, taking him deep, enveloping him, brought her closer. His breaths also grew short, his hips bucking upward to meet hers, her hot wetness stroking him faster and faster.

"Tell me how badly you need me, ussta mrimmd'ssinss," she whispered. 

In their frenzied passion, she couldn't tell if he heard her. She thrust down his length and stopped, holding him deep within her. "Tell me."

Callia rose up slowly, almost releasing his hardness before taking it in her again. She couldn't hold back her much longer. 

"Has anyone else given you pleasures like this?" she said breathlessly. "Have you felt what we've felt this moment with any of your past lovers? Or with Amakiir?" 

By the Gods, it was unbearable. Callia began moving her hips in a rapid rhythm, almost drowning out his moan of pleasure with her own. 

He nodded his head, willingly, trying to form the words to tell her how she made him feel. She could see it in his eyes though, his eyes flashing bright and red. She brought her lips close to his as their hips danced and thrust. 

"He cannot. I can see it in your eyes. I can feel it with every thrust of your cock into me. You would much rather have me than anyone else. Tell me of your need for me. Tell me you want only me." 

She leaned forward further, bringing her head to rest against his shoulder, which slowed but did not lessen the motion of their bodies. She kissed the line of his shoulder, tasting the salty sweat gathered there. She rocked her hips faster; it almost didn't matter, so close was she. He throbbed within her.

"Tell me you love me, my Jaz'rin," she cried, her climax turning it almost into a scream. He thrust his hardness into her once more. "Tell me you love me!"

"You ask too much of me, ussta mrimmd'ssinss." Jaz'rin murmured before he emptied himself within her with a fierce, primal growl. "My heart is my own."

"Don't fight it," she sounded as breathless as he. "I know you feel it. You feel the same way I do. Just admit it."

"I'm sorry," the words dripped from his lips.

"For what?"

"For this." Before she had a chance to say anything else his lips hungrily grasped at hers, locking her in a deep kiss. She should push him away, but couldn't bring herself to do it. Callia knew there was something special between them and sooner or later she vowed Jaz'rin would admit it.

O.O



Fantastic World Ch. 03



Two days passed before the pair of elves made their way out of The Sorrows. It was a place Callia was happy to leave behind. She did not find the feelings that the place stirred within her comfortable. She felt as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Although, it bothered her just as much that Jaz'rin seemed to be immune to the effects. Jaz'rin was certain it would take another two days to reach the ruins of the tower. Higher they climbed into the foothills of the Azure Mountains, heading towards their southernmost tip. 

Comparing his map with Callia's, he noted a path that was on his, but not hers. It led close to the ruin, though it would be difficult to scale the crags that would lead them to the tower. Consulting with Callia on the matter, they both checked their packs for the climbing tools they would need. 

Attaching the grappling hook to the rope, Callia gave it a mighty heave, throwing it upwards so it would catch on the jagged rocks. She tugged as soon as she was sure it had lodged itself in a secure spot. Here goes nothing, she murmured as she tied the rope around herself, braced her feet against the craggy rock face, and began her ascent. 

The climb proved to be less difficult then she had originally thought it would be and after several minutes she had reached the top. She had discovered a few handholds and footholds on her way up and had made good use of them. She quickly untied the rope from around her body and tossed it back down to Jaz'rin, whom with her help made the trip look almost effortless. 

With a smile, Callia embraced him and whispered something naughty in his ear. Her suggestion made him arch an eyebrow at her and produce a low moan. He nodded in agreement and set out to locate the path marked on his map that would lead them to their destination. 

The track proved easy to locate after the pair cleared away a patch of rocky rubble and a swath of thorny bushes that stubbornly clung to the cracks in the rock. Jaz'rin bent to check for any footprints, but judging from the condition in the path, he quickly surmised it had not been trod upon in many a moon. He believed much of this particular area had been abandoned long ago.

Callia listened to the tale he told of what he knew of this world as she followed him down the rough-hewn trail. He practically skipped down the path, avoiding treacherous dips and rocky outcroppings that he could sprain an ankle on. The rocky ground gave under his boots as he loped along.

"It has been said that the folk who inhabit this land do not venture forth to these mountains. They are superstitious people who fear much that is unknown to them. They fear the monsters that dwell here, monsters who will drag them from their homes and boil them alive, using their bones for toothpicks." Jaz'rin scoffed. "They are also extremely wary of anything magical. Magic was banned as a whole after the conclusion of the Mage Wars several centuries ago. Those who possessed any magical abilities or even those who were accused of bearing such abilities were either stoned to death, or were sentenced to having their hands removed before entering a lifetime of slavery in the King's service. If we have to go anywhere near Azure City, we must not exhibit anything that can be misconstrued as magic."

Callia looked down at herself, counting the number of magic items she had equipped on her body. "I'll have to be very careful not to draw attention to myself then."

"We both will, sweetling." Jaz'rin extended his hand out to hers and slowed his gait to match hers. They walked hand-in-hand as he continued to fill her in on his knowledge of this world. "Most of the people live in Azure City, home of King Azure VIII and Castle Azure. There are a few smaller cities, Verde City, Crystal City, Ivory City, and Citrine City. Each of those cities are overseen by a large keep and an Overlord appointed by the king. From my research, I learned that a small group of Elves, known as the Elysian, inhabit Verde Forest and rarely venture beyond its borders. They seem to be fairly self-sufficient, which is typical of most surface elves."

Callia let out an 'hmpf', interrupting him. He smiled at her, his cerulean eyes sparkling. "Thou dost protest too much," he teased her.

She shook her head at him before reaching behind him to smack him on the butt.

"There are several clans of Dwarves, better known here as the Dwarthak, who inhabit the deep halls of the Azure Mountains. I don't believe any of those clans are this far south, though. The Dwarthak are far less reclusive than the Elysian. They openly trade with the humans for whatever it is that they can't produce themselves. There are a few lesser races, but this world is predominantly populated by humans, the Aezarians."

"Are there no such things as gnomes or halflings? Or dark elves?" Callia asked.

"There is a similar race called the Latroekas. They have similar characteristics of the fair halfling race, but no, there are no dark elves. I warn you now. If I am caught, it is likely they will kill me immediately. These folk tend to attack first and deal with the consequences later when it comes to things they've never seen." Jaz'rin warned her. "I do recall reading about a race of what we would call Giants. I believe they were called the Votharians. Most of them have been persecuted to the brink of near extinction. It is believed that small bands still roam free here in the mountains. There is another goblin-like race native to this world, but I could not find much information about them."

"Tell me, ussta 'chev, how is it you know so much about this world?" Callia asked.

"Research, ussta ssinjin. I had to know as much as I could about this place before I agreed to come here on this quest. I do not walk into dangerous situations blindly."

"Saph Usstan xunus...," Callia replied. "Like I did..."

"I did not say that nor did I imply that," Jaz'rin bestowed upon her a brilliant smile. "I am delighted that you are picking up on my language so quickly."

Callia returned the smile. "Usstan tlun galla. It's not entirely dissimilar from my own."

Soon the pair fell into silence as Jaz'rin scouted ahead, searching for a place to camp for the night. Callia walked alone, taking in the craggy scenery as she remained ever alert for any sign that something else was out there. She noticed the fog that had hung heavy in the sky was beginning to dissipate as not one but two suns peaked out from behind the clouds. As she stared off into the distance, she could make out faint traces of what looked like high desert plateaus and a vast rolling stretch of sand. She was thankful their travels would not take them there. 

She traveled several more miles, her movements tracking that of the twin suns. She noticed that they didn't seem to be heating the landscape around her and surmised it must be akin to winter here. She figured if the summer season were in full swing, she'd be roasting in her own armor by now. Callia gave thanks to the Elven Gods for that and gave a low chuckle. Could the Elven Gods even hear her?

After a few more miles, Callia met back up with Jaz'rin, who came sprinting up the trail. He seemed incredibly vivacious as he skidded to a stop near her side. Callia arched an eyebrow at him in askance.

"I found the perfect spot for camp. It is a lovely clearing with sweet smelling plants and a few trees, even some grass to suit you, ussta to'ryll darthirii kaoveh. Follow me." Jaz'rin purred, enticing her further.

The twin suns began to dip towards the horizon as Jaz'rin led her over a warren of razor sharp crags and through the most peculiar wind carved arched monuments of freestanding rock. As they passed under a natural stone archway, a small stand of trees and clearing of native fauna came into view, beckoning them into its midst. Callia stood in awe of its beauty, as the setting sun cast deep shadows. "It's so breathtaking," she murmured.

"It pales in comparison to you, ussta ssin." 

Callia's cheeks flushed a soft shade of pink and she bestowed upon her dark elf lover a deep passionate kiss. It held promises of the night to come. The two hurried to make camp and consumed a meager meal of dried meat and waybread washed down with a few sips of elven mead. Soon they settled into their bedrolls and welcomed a night of blissfulness.

O.O

The next morning....

Callia lay upon on her bedroll, slowly coming awake, feeling the cool wash of predawn air waft over her bare skin. Her brow furrowed a little as she realized her blanket had been removed. She realized she must've kicked it off. She felt around for it, also noticing someone else was missing. Where was Jaz'rin? 

Callia's pointy ears picked up soft noises. She smiled as she realized what was going on. She remained where she was, half curled on her stomach and side, feigning sleepiness. The blue light that filled the clearing was evidence of the slowly lightening sky, translucent violet light, dark yet revealing. She could feel it on her eyelids, along with the chill air. Her skin tightened in anticipation as much as from the cool breeze. She felt the soft grass give beside her as Jaz'rin leaned over her. Aah, there he is! The heat from his bare chest became palpable. He leaned so close that his hair brushed her skin, causing it to tingle and her nipples to tighten at the subtly erotic sensation. Callia shifted, tucking her hand under her chin, still trying to maintain her sleeping presence. Yet Jaz'rin's small, quiet laugh, almost a breath, let her know that he didn't believe it. He knew very well that Callia was awake, but was willing to play along. 

Jaz'rin tucked her hair behind one pointy ear from where it had fallen across her cheek and eye, and his fingers slid downward with the motion, trailing along the edge of her neck, over her shoulder and down across her ribs. Small waves of gooseflesh moved outward from his touch. It was all she could do not to twitch suddenly. He leaned even closer and she could feel his warm, gentle breath stirring the hair at her nape. The touch of his lips there was almost imperceptible, but the sensation stretched her nerves taut and she felt it, causing her entire body to tingle in response to his kiss. 

Jaz'rin's fingers had wandered over her hip even as his lips nibbled over and down the side of Callia's neck, and he buried his mouth against the pulse hammering slowly along her throat. Callia suddenly felt a rush of arousal as well as a drop into sensuous languor. She felt lethargic and surreally aware of what was happening, almost disconnected. She waited in suspended silence and stillness for Jaz'rin's next touch. 

Jaz'rin's mouth brushed across her ear, exhaling slowly and gently. His wandering hands has gone down the length of her thigh, pausing before beginning the slow journey back up, dipping forward to slide over her abdomen, and swirling gently around her navel in a slowly shrinking spiral. His tongue delicately traced the outermost edge of her ear, pausing on the lobe to pull it into his mouth and suck on it gently. When Jaz'rin's finger touched her navel, he placed his palm flat against it, sliding his strong hand up her belly, nestling it for a moment beneath her full breasts. 

Callia shivered and moaned, now no longer really maintaining the illusion of sleepiness. She leaned back toward him, her shoulder pressing against his chest, her delectable breasts with their stiff nipples offered up, ripe for his caresses. 

Jaz'rin didn't let the offer pass, dropping delicate little kisses on her eyes, nose, cheeks and forehead as his hand cupped her breast, squeezing slightly. She exhaled softly, her breathing deeper and slower, and turned her head even more slightly, hoping Jaz'rin's rain of kisses would quench the drought at her mouth. With a chuckle, he studiously avoided her lips, full and moist, tempting him. Instead, he pinched her nipple between thumb and forefinger, slowly applying increasing pressure. After a moment Callia could maintain her composure no longer...

She frowned slightly in frustration, gasping, turning her head so that her mouth caught Jaz'rin's. His tongue immediately plunged into her mouth, all pretenses at delicate kisses shattered. Jaz'rin's other hand came up from the bedroll beneath him where he had been leaning on it to tangle in her hair, pulling her mouth closer as he plundered its depths. Jaz'rin's fingers on Callia's breasts became slightly cruel, but her arousal was increasing in direct proportion to the fierce pressure of his touch. 

The clearing, which had been full of the scent of dew-kissed jasmine, was now beginning to fill with another scent entirely. A pungent, musky aroma, vaguely salty. It was Callia's pussy, slowly swelling and filling with nectar, responding instinctively to the mastery in Jaz'rin's touch. Callia reached up to slide a hand into Jaz'rin's white hair, her hips rising slightly from the bedroll in an entirely involuntary response. Jaz'rin stroked down her belly, brushing past the smoothness of her mound, teasing as he trailed his fingers over her parted thighs. 

His fingers slipped in between her legs, delicately tracing the swollen lips of her pussy, gathering the moisture that had collected there like dew. The long, slow strokes brought him closer and closer to the delicate core of her flower, slowly parting the petal like folds of flesh that hid that warm fleshy nubbin. The moisture drenching her made it easy to slide her lips apart, to stroke the hood of her clitoris until it slowly slid back, the engorged little nub standing flush and rosy in the cool air. 

Jaz'rin's mouth left Callia's, fastening upon her breast and her tightly puckered nipple. He pulled it into his mouth, tugging hard on it, sucking deeply with each careful stroke of his fingertip over her hard little clit. Callia gasped, hands clutching Jaz'rin's hair, hips shoving against Jaz'rin's hand, wanting more, wanting to be filled. Her juices poured out of her pussy, creamy and sweet, the smell spreading around the two lovers like clouds of incense. 

Jaz'rin's hand slipped down, his middle finger sliding along just inside her slit, and he gently slipped it into her tight hole. Callia gasped and shoved against him. Jaz'rin pressed his finger all the way in, his thumb coming to rest with unerring precision on her clit. 

Callia moaned softly, pulling him back up by the hair to press her hungry lips to his. He growled a laugh deep in his throat, rolling her backwards so that he could slide over her, pressing her flush against the bedroll. Her legs spread wide, and he tucked one of his over her knee so she couldn't close them again. With a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, Jaz'rin slipped a second finger into Callia's pussy, his lips kissing a trail down her neck. He pressed his mouth to the thundering pulse at the side of her neck, and sank his teeth into her throat as he suddenly pulled his fingers back and thrust them into her pussy with erotic force. Callia gave a short, sharp cry, her voice rising briefly in the cool dark of the morning. Callia's nails sank into Jaz'rin's shoulders, and they unclenched as he pulled his teeth back, soothing the spot with a soft kiss. Callia was panting, a slight film of perspiration gleaming all over her body, making her tanned flesh milky in the light that was slowly turning from blue to rose-edged violet.

Callia could feel Jaz'rin's cock pressing into her hip. His turgid length rubbed against her as he ground his hips into her briefly. She wanted desperately to feel it inside her, but she knew to demand it now was futile. He would take her, give it to her, when he was ready, and only then.

He was now fucking her with his hand, slow hard strokes, just the way he knew she liked it. Callia surged against him, mad with desire. Jaz'rin broke off from kissing her, and knelt up above her, pulling his hand out of her snatch. Callia looked up at him, lips swollen and bruised, eyes wide and dark, hungry and desperate. Teasing her, he took his sticky fingers and smoothed her own cum over her parted lips like a gloss. His other hand slowly stroked his thick cock, rubbing the tiny drops of precum over the head. Pushing her legs further apart, he knelt between them. He leaned down, and took her mouth with his, licking at her lips, tasting her cum. His tongue weaved slowly in and out of her mouth, waltzing with hers, sending her dizzy with desire.

Jaz'rin pulled away and leaned down, sliding his hands under Callia, gripping her ass in her palms. He pulled her up toward him, kissing her mound, and then slowly opening his mouth, closing it over her completely, breathing hotly on the wet flesh. Then his tongue snaked out and gave her a broad, flat stroke, from the bottom of her hole all the way to her painfully swollen clit. Callia moaned, clutching the bedroll. Jaz'rin shook his head a little, left to right, burying his tongue deep inside her pussy, his lips closing tightly over her hard clit. He could tell she was on the verge of coming. To push her over the edge, he worked harder on her clit. Callia screamed as she grabbed his head and pulled it into her cunt. Her juices gushed out and covered his face as she came. 

Before Callia could relax from her orgasm, he rubbed his cock head up and down her swollen lips to get it wet with her juices.

"By the Gods, Jaz'rin! Give me your cock. I want it NOW!" Callia screamed, her hips undulating as she tried to push his cock inside her.

Jaz'rin looked down at her pussy and saw her pussy swallow his cock as he pushed it in slowly. He still couldn't believe how tight she was as his head slipped past her swollen lips. He slowly worked himself in and out of her. Callia writhed beneath him with her eyes closed and moaned loudly. Jaz'rin looked down to where they were joined. His cock pushed in and out of her smooth pussy. Her clit was sticking so far out. He had no problem seeing it and started fingering it as he fucked her. Callia groaned again and tensed up. Her pants and cries came flooding out from her parted lips. The sounds were sweet music to Jaz'rin's ears. With his other hand he spread her pussy lips to give him better access to her swollen nubbin. He couldn't seem to get enough of teasing her and it was obvious by her moans how much she enjoyed what he was doing.

Yet he decided to take his teasing a little further. Jaz'rin started pulling his cock almost all the way out and slowly pushing it back in. 

"Don't tease me," she begged. "Vith uns'aa DUBO!" 

Ignoring her pleas, he began to fuck her very slowly savoring the sensation of her snatch's warm caress. Callia still felt very snug. She was very well lubricated but he felt each movement as he stroked in and out. He increased his speed slowly, as he enjoyed viewing Callia spread out in front of him. Her head went slowly from side to side as she cooed softly from her sexy lips. Her milky breasts bounced slightly as he hastened the tempo of his thrusts. Jaz'rin knew they both were getting close. She wrapped her legs around his back and matched his rhythm. Her body was shining with her sweat and her nipples were sticking out further than before. He was pounding her as hard as he could now. Soon it was too much for either of them to take. As their moans increased in volume, so did their urgency for fulfillment. Callia heard Jaz'rin's grunts before he threw back his head and let out a howl. He was all but slamming himself into her. Callia's cry joined his as his cock grazed her ultra-sensitive g-spot. Their orgasms rocked their bodies at about the same time, stunning each of them with their ferocity. Callia and Jaz'rin both unleashed feral cries and pounded their bodies into one another with a frenzy. They both lost control, trying to pump harder into each other and moaning while they did it. Callia lost track of time but finally Jaz'rin collapsed against her heaving chest, gasping for breath. 




Fantastic World Ch. 03



"Dos satiir ji bwael," he groaned as he rolled away from her body, still trembling from the intensity of his own orgasm. He looked over at her, noticing how her body continued to shake as well, and knew her climax had to have been as intense as his. 

"Usstan daewl jal ussta kre'tanen gumash tlu saph nindol," Callia whispered. "I wish all my mornings could be like this."

"You'd never get out of bed if they were, my sweet." Jaz'rin replied as he nuzzled his body back against hers, wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace. Then he pulled something over their bodies.

Callia smiled as she realized what it was. It was the blanket he had removed from her earlier. "Thank you."

"We can rest for a while longer. Then we must go. We should reach the tower by midday today," he stated.

"Hmmmm, good."

O.O

Translations:

"Usstan tlun galla"--I am trying.

"Dos satiir ji bwael"--You feel so good.

"ussta 'chev" --my beloved

"ussta ssinjin" --my sweet

"Saph Usstan xunus" --Like I did...

"ussta to'ryll darthirii kaoveh" --my green elf cousin

"ussta ssin" --my beauty

"Vith uns'aa DUBO!" --F*ck me HARD!

"Usstan daewl jal ussta kre'tanen gumash tlu saph nindol," --I wish all my mornings could be like this. 



Fantastic World Ch. 04



The remains of the ruin came into view as the pair crested the ridge line of the trail. The huge, black stone building, with its arched buttresses and hideous designs, remained a horrific testament to the darker side of this world's history. Twisted forms of demonic creatures and arcane mastery found purchase on the carved surface of the ruin unlike anything Callia had previously seen. The massive main doors were crowned with winged beasts and tortured figures that sent a chill down her spine. Large stones littered the lawn leading up to the courtyard of the stone dwelling. The mighty structure bore many scars of attacks, including gouged walls, shattered rooftops, and broken gates. She noticed the aged black stone walls enclosing this ancient tower had seen much damage, judging from the thick cracks that spread like spiderwebs through the walls. The crumbling battlements left chunks of stone and mortar at the base of the tower.

"Not much of a going concern, is it?" Callia quipped, as she scanned the area in front of the ruin. "Still I can't say I like the look of this place."

"From the looks of the damage here, I'd say a mage battle took place here long ago. We will need to be on our guard. Mages are known to leave behind many terrible guardians to protect their legacy." Jaz'rin replied. "I am going to scout around the area. Stay put and stay hidden."

Callia glared at him, but did his bidding anyway. She crouched behind a large boulder and watched as he slinked off toward the ruin. A few moments went by as she lost track of his movements. Damn rogues, she muttered to herself, scanning the area for any sign of him. She shook her head and recalled the numerous times she had seen Verrshaun disappear before her very eyes just as easily. Sneaky little bastards!

For several tense minutes, Callia sat waiting for him to return. She let out a sigh of disgust and flopped down to the hard ground. She grabbed her backpack and pulled out her trusty haversack. From within it she produced a travel-worn journal, ink pen, and vial of ink.

Schooling her thoughts, she uncorked the vial and dipped the pen into it. She flipped to a blank page and began to write.

Dear Journal,

It has been weeks since I last took time to write down my thoughts. So much has come to pass. I have given much thought to the task at hand, yet can come to no real conclusions about such events. I have also thought much on the situation at home. I know deep inside my heart that I was wrong to so blindly trust Amakiir, but I can no longer deny that it did not expect him to betray me. Somehow I knew he would find a way to hurt me like he always did. By all that is good in this world, I should have known better. 

That is the part of me that recognizes Jaz'rin as a potent addiction. I can no longer resist him. From the moment he levels those intense cerulean blue eyes upon me, my pulse begins to race and I can think no further than the pleasure he will give me. My soul calls out to his in a manner I've never known before. I can not seem to get enough of him. The sight of him, his scent, the way his hair falls down his back, the sensual manner in the way he walks, that incredibly sexy voice. It is all an aphrodisiac and I am helpless against it. 

My need for him has increased a hundredfold since we've spent this time together in this strange world. He has made love to me in more ways than I thought possible. He has taken me to heights I never knew existed. Yet when faced with my feelings for him, he withdraws behind an arrogant façade. I suspect it is one that has helped him survive in the cruel world that is the Ilythiiri. He will not speak of his life before Amakiir freed him from slavery and has said very little of his relationship with my former lover. I know those experiences have scarred him deeply. My own tattered emotions clearly recognize that in him. I would gladly share his pain if he would but trust me enough to open up to me. 

Sometimes I catch glimpses of the real Jaz'rin in brief moments when he has lowered his guard. In such moments when he believes that I am not watching him. Sometimes I feel like an intruder, but I can not give up hope that he will someday grow to trust me enough, to love me enough, and to confide his deepest secrets and his darkest fears. Because I would wish for nothing more than to live out the rest of my life with this wonderful man at my side. 

I know that he is older than I am, by about sixty some years. And I know he fathered two daughters with the Matron of his house. Though I do not know how long ago that was or how old his daughters may be. I think it hurts him to know his daughters will grow up to be as cruel as their mother, following in the traditions that have governed all dark elf females.

If only...

If only I could give him such that would fill his heart.

Callia closed the journal and put it away along with the quill and ink. She gave into her wandering thoughts of what a child born of the green elf race and the dark elf race would look like. It would have dusky skin and jewel-toned eyes and hair that rivaled the beauty of a summer sunset. Callia brushed away a tear that slipped down her cheek as she knew that would never be until he was free of whatever haunted him. How she ached for that day.  She let out a tiny squeak as hand covered her mouth. "Ol zhah uns'aa (It is me)!" The dark elf whispered, silencing her quickly. "It is me!"

"Xsa dos (Damn you)!" Callia growled through clenched teeth. 

"VENORSH (SILENCE)!" Jaz'rin hissed. 

"Vel'bol?! (What)"

"Udos ph' naut maglust (We are not alone)!" He growled. 

"Vel'bol zhah doeb gaer (What is out there)?" Callia snarled lowly. 

"Izznarg tagnik'zur saph aterruce."

"DRAGON!" she squealed before Jaz'rin clamped his hand over her mouth. 

"Venorsh, l'essnil!!!"

"Just who do you think you are calling me a 'wench'?" Callia retorted.

"Do you want to get us killed? The creature looked like a dragon. It has similar draconic features, but I don't know how closely related it is to the dragons from our realm. It is quite big. It has made its lair within one of the smaller wings of the tower. It appeared to be sleeping on a tremendous hoard of gold and gems. I filched this one for you." Jaz'rin winked as he tossed her a faceted diamond the size of her fist. 

"Ph' dos vigh (Are you crazy)?" Callia hissed. 

"Yes, mad with desire to please my beautiful jalil," he murmured as he embraced her. "Do you not like it?"

"It is beautiful."

"The tagnik'zur will never miss it."

"We had better hope not." She shook her head in skepticism as she dropped the stone into her pack. "Did you find a way in?"

"Of course I did, but we must be quiet about it. That means that clanking chainmail of yours must go."

"You can't expect me to remove my armor?"

"No, not completely." Jaz'rin dug into his pack and pulled out something black and handed it to her. "Put that on. It'll be more useful to you than your elven chain."

Callia examined the lightweight suit of silkiness. "What is it?"

"Shadowhisp silk. It'll help you blend into darkness around you."

"And this will protect me better than my armor?"

"Have I not said so? I would not risk our lives so foolishly," the dark elf sneered at her. "Just put it on."

Callia hastily removed her chainmail and slipped into the sleek softness of the Shadowsilk armor. It fitted itself to her contours, giving her a freedom she had not known with her mithral chainmail. "What is it made of?"

"Silk from the dreaded shadowhisp spider. What else would you expect from a dark elf?"

Callia groaned and shook her head. "Can we go now?"

He nodded and led her as silently as possible toward the ruin. Instead of heading directly to the tower's main door, he veered off to the left past a jumble of blackened stones to a gigantic crack in the wall wide enough for a thin humanoid to pass through. Jaz'rin shimmied through the crack and extended his hand out to Callia to help her make her way inside.

He attuned his infravision to the darkness of the large hall that spread forth before him. Though in tatters, massive tapestries still hung on the walls, their faded and torn images harkening back to the glory days of the now ruined tower. At the rear of the room sat an ornate chair on a raised dais. It looked nearly untouched by the ravages of time. In contrast, broken remnants of wooden trestle tables and benches littered the stone floor. 

Upon exploration of the room, Callia discovered a heavy sack tucked beneath the tattered pillow resting upon the seat of the chair. She peaked inside, finding it full of glittery jewels and a bejeweled dagger. She tucked the sack into her haversack and continued her search of the dais. As she slipped behind the platform, she noticed the skeletal forms of two humanoids locked in a clutching embrace. She whispered a prayer, suspecting they had been lovers who had died together. 

Moving passed them, she spied an archway concealed by the tattered remainder of a wall-hanging depicting a crest of faded arcane symbols. She softly whistled to Jaz'rin as she pushed it aside and stepped through the arched entrance. A small chamber lined with dilapidated bookshelves and more broken furniture was all that remained. She noted a curving staircase at the rear of the room. Her curiosity got the best of her and she picked her way across the rubble strewn floor to ascend the stairs. 

What she found as she crested the top made her look twice. The circular chamber appeared far less touched by the passage of the ages. Its immaculacy gleamed in comparison to all she had seen so far. The walls appeared smoothly worked and tinted with a pale pink wash while the rest of the room beheld the finest luxuries. A large elaborately carved 4-poster bed made up the focal point of the room. A pristine bookshelf, wardrobe, artworks, and a vanity with a highly polished mirror filled the rest of the magnificently appointed room. A smoldering fire burned in the fireplace. As she made a circuit around the room, a wave of uncertainty settled in her gut. Something didn't feel right. It must be an illusion, she concluded and returned to the stairs. She descended the stairs and headed back to the large hall. 

She noticed Jaz'rin peeking through the cracks of a set of ramshackle wooden doors. She sneaked up and crouched beside him, peering out of a large gash. He turned his head and arched one white eyebrow at her, motioning to her that the room ahead was all clear. Slipping through one of the larger cracks, he beckoned her forth and crept over to a set of double curving stairs flanking the walls, leading upwards. The pair stealthily climbed to the top and came to an exquisite carved marble and ivory double door. A gold and sapphire encrusted relief of an eye above a half moon gleamed from the door. The same design was inlaid into the floor with solid gold and sapphires. 

Jaz'rin knelt to examine the door's lock. He extracted a skeletal key and a long metal pick from a pouch at his side and inserted it into the lock. After a few seconds of careful manipulation, an audible click sounded. He turned the handle of the door and pulled it open.

Stepping back, he peered into the darkness that filled the room. Giving the all clear signal, he slipped into the room. It appeared to be another grand hall. Magnificent tapestries depicting mage battles lined the walls. He could make out carved columns made to look like large dragons lining both sides of the hall with tables between the columns and the walls. Jeweled chandeliers lined the center of the high ceilings. Though a thick coating of dust covered everything, the room appeared out of place compared to everything they had seen before. It did not fit the exterior of the ruin.

Callia came to stand beside him, taking in the untouched splendor of the room. Her jaw dropped in awe as she looked around her. Tables were set with fine crystal and delicate china ware. Golden utensils flanked each of the settings.

"This cannot be," Callia whispered as she examined one of the long tables. She lifted a centerpiece of dried fruit and flowers. "How can this be?"

"I believe this is the results of some sort of preservation spell. There are great leftover magics lingering in this place. We must be wary."

"I think I found some in a room above the throne room. It was a lavish bedchamber, yet it seemed to me like it may have been an illusion."

"It most likely was. Let us venture on. I see more stairs at the back of this room."

They made their way across the massive chamber and climbed the long stairwell up to the next level of the tower, which housed several lushly appointed bedchambers and a central circular stairway leading further upwards. The pair made their way upwards to the fourth level. The circular room stood as a testament to the ages. A bright flame burned in a brazier that rested in the middle of the floor. Its eternal light flooded the area with an inviting glow.

Three large paintings illustrating various scenes held within gilded frames graced the walls. A lone fourth frame was devoid of anything, its black canvas emitting an ominous void. Callia walked around the room, stopping at each to study it thoroughly. 

The first painting depicted an image of a place known as the Cave of Brilliance. Its crystalline walls gleamed brightly. As Callia studied the depictions of the piles of gold, jewels and other treasures, she noted an image of a bejeweled key along with a rather large black dragon. She shook her head and realized it had to be the guardian of the key. Callia brushed her hand across the surface of the canvas and noted a shimmer as her hand connected with the key. She felt an odd sensation as a cryptic phrase entered her mind. She whispered the phrase and touched the key once more. 

"Transcend the darkness for the key to light the way."

Glancing back at Jaz'rin, she waved at him before she felt herself being pulled into the painting. A wave of energy washed over her as she found herself within the cave itself. She looked back from where she had come and noticed a blackening void and knew she would not be able to return to the circular room until her task was complete. 

Her task, she mulled it over in her head. How could she possibly gain the key from this rather large dragon? She considered trading the diamond Jaz'rin had pilfered from the other dragon. She let out a sigh as she considered her options. An all out fight was completely out of the question. This dragon was larger than any of the others she had faced in the past. 

As her thoughts lingered, she took in the magnificence of the cave around her. Light refracted from the crystalline deposits that made up the cave, causing rainbow effects to dance and bounce. It was extremely beautiful.

Callia wandered further in, coming to the opening of the massive cavern. Her jaw dropped as she stared in awe. Never before had she seen anything so naturally opulent. She immediately took in the grandeur of the piles and piles of treasure and the smirking dragon that rested upon it. He cocked his massive head from side to side and softly repeated the phrase that she had heard while she had been studying the painting. The dragon perused her slowly and delved her thoughts. Callia attempted to resist his mental intrusion, but could not. She didn't possess the willpower needed to thwart such an assault.

And then she heard a voice in her head, a growling, and gravelly rumble that penetrated her core.

"You must be the seeker of the key. For no one else would dare enter my realm." The voice snarled. "I have been awaiting you for many an age. I will bestow the key upon you if you will but grant me a boon. Though I warn you, I will not hesitate to exterminate you if you have thoughts of taking more than the key."

"What boon can I grant you?" Callia asked, as she reached into her pack to pull out the fist-sized faceted diamond. "Will you accept this in exchange?"

She held up the stone so that he could see it.

The dragon shook as he loosed a deep belly shaking laugh, causing coins to tinkle as they skittered down the enormous pile. "Do you think I could be bought so cheaply? Keep your pretty trinket. I have those already."

He brought forth a diamond that was easily the size of a giant's head. "You see, I have no need for such a paltry thing."

His smugness grated on Callia's nerves. "What boon can I grant you?" she repeated as she smiled and brazenly preened before him. 

"One that is far more personal. I desire to know what it is that I have missed all these long years that I have been trapped here. I desire to feel the touch of a woman. That is the boon you may grant me."

Callia gasped. "You're a dragon," she stammered. "You are far too large."

"And you think perhaps that this is the only size or shape that I can achieve?" His laugh echoed in her head. "And you call yourself an adventurer? Have you learned nothing of dragons or other races beyond your own?"

"I am a warrior, not a wizard. I have no great need to learn of the habits of dragons other than how to slay one."

"And have you slain many of my kind?"

"A fair few."

"I find your honesty refreshing." He was extremely interested in her now, as he knew he could persuade her with his charm and words, "As I have told you, I do not have to remain this size or in this form. Tell me does this please you."

The dragon transformed into the image he had garnered when he probed her mind. He took on the look of a tall, lithely muscled naked elf with shimmering black waist length hair and deep tricolor cerulean, azure, and gold eyes. "What you see is an alternative form I can adopt which will allow me to do what needs to be done. Now tell me, elven one, do I please you?"

Callia smiled as he slid down the mountain of treasure and landed a few feet from her. He preened and pranced before her, showing off his new form. He strutted up to her with open arms, flaunting his assets and quickly swept her into his embrace.

She could feel his body against hers and it wasn't out of place. He was no longer the enormous dragon. She mused upon how different he was in this form and how overwhelmingly attractive.

He closed his eyes at the feeling of her warmth pressing against his body. His clawed hands gripped her body slowly. He wanted to take his time. 

Callia's hands traced along his muscular form then to his front, feeling his belly smooth and warm. She traced his arms and down to his hand that was behind her. She grasped his clawed hand and held it tightly. She squeezed it once and grinned. 

"What should I call you?" Callia whispered, reveling in his strength.

"Ethilathain," His voice surged in her mind once more as his other hand groped at her curvaceous backside. Callia purred as she leaned into him, still holding his other hand. Her other arm wrapped around his body and hugged at him tightly. Slowly Ethilathain lowered his head into her reach. Callia kissed his lips once, then twice, and then a third time, her own lips parting as she flicked her tongue ever so teasingly against his.

His tongue slipped past her rosy lips and caressed her ever so softly. Callia felt her heart thumping hard in her chest as her breathing sped up with every flick. Ethilathain's hand traced over her body drawing her closer with each pass, from her backside to her shoulders he softly caressed. He liked the feel of her almost as much as he liked his hoard. 

"Show me what you have not," he murmured against her mouth before he released her from his grasp.

Callia flashed him a lascivious grin and slowly slipped off her shadowhisp armor. She turned around and began to unlace the ties that held it so snugly. Each loop unbound released a bit more skin and a bit more pressure from her chest. Ethilathain's eyes widened slightly seeing the nearly nude Callia. She slipped off the remainder of the blackened armor and threw it onto the pile. The armor had been tight and well bound together for protection, but when it was off it was like heaven. Though she had to admit it fit much better than her mithral chainmail.




Fantastic World Ch. 04



Ethilathain stood perfectly still as his eyes took in the erotic magnificence of her nakedness. He let out a soft groan and felt himself stiffen as the gleaming light of his cave caught the outline of her body as she moved, creating beams of golden hues that streamlined her curves with every little bend and bow of her flawless skin. His heart skipped a beat as she leveled a knowing smile upon him.

Ethilathain quickly reached out for her and pulled her against him. His claws softly dug into her bare flesh. Ethilathain's heart continued to race as his other greedy claw reached up and slowly began tracing her well pointed ear lobe. She let out a purr as she tilted her head up a bit towards the tracing motion. Much like a cat she loved to have her ears played with and touched. He continued and whispered to her very quietly, "Are you sure you want to play with a dragon?"

She smiled once again and said charmingly, "Only if you're sure you want to play with an elf..." 

With a smile in return, he removed his hand from her ear and extended his hand to take hers. Callia accepted his proffered hand and allowed him to lead her around the piles of treasure to another natural cavern gleaming with red crystals. A luxurious silk covered bed rested low to the ground flanked by a low table that held red crystal goblets and a bottle of wine. Callia felt flattered that he had such romance on his mind. He obviously had the strength and power to take from her whatever he wished. 

He drew her into his arms once again, gently caressing her, as he sought out her lips. He dropped delicate little kisses on her lips, cheeks, and ears. A low rumble issued forth from his throat, a delicious 'Mmmmmm' as if he liked the taste of her. Callia arched against him, offering more of her flesh up to him like a bounty.

His claws began tracing her curves as he leaned into her breasts. His tongue flicked about quickly at her skin. She was a combination of salty, musky, and sensuous woman, a flavor he found quite irresistible as he continued to lap at her breasts. Her nipples, already hard from Ethilathain's kisses, were the next to be teased. His mouth trailed to one of them, his teeth bearing slightly as he nipped at her skin. She gasped and then moaned softly, her hardening nipples showing just how much she enjoyed his touch. Her fingertips traced his neck as the other hand stroked down his chest. She wasn't sure how much more of this teasing she could take.

Ethilathain stopped lapping at her skin and looked at her once again, kissing at her neck. Callia's hand traced further down his stomach until she reached his large cock. He ground hard into her hand as she stroked its ever hardening length, quickening his kisses as she did so. She smiled at him as she continued to fondle him.

Her hand gripped tightly around his cock as he bit a little harder into her shoulder. Slowly she began pumping it and grinding into him ever so softly, just to torture him a little. He looked at her and growled softly into her skin.

Her body, becoming more and more attuned to the dragon's new form, began to get wet. Her lips, full and red, kissed at his neck and his shoulder as she worked at him. Slowly his clawed hand traced from the outside of her thigh to her inner thigh and up against her slickened pussy. 

She moaned softly at the feeling and whispered into his ear softly, "Take me, Ethilathain. I want you..." 

He rubbed tenderly at her warm flesh and slowly made his way to her clit. He used the pad of his thumb to rub at it while his other claw slowly worked its way inside of her. She ground herself into him, needing to feel him. Yet she winced at the sharpness of his large claw. 

"Mmm yes," she let escape her lips as he began kissing her once more and continued to caress her breast with his other hand. With tongues crossing and flicking against each other, she slowly stopped with her hand and stepped back from his kiss. She glanced up at him, leveling her best 'fuck me' look upon him. 

In a low rumbling growl of a voice, he asked her, "Do you want it?" 

Without even thinking twice she moaned out a yes. Slowly he withdrew his fingers and put his clawed hands under her arms. He then lifted her feet from the ground and winked at her once more with his deep, glittering tricolor eyes. Slowly he lowered her body onto his cock. Callia let out a groan, her facial features flushed as his cock grew larger than expected. It was hot and hard and it stretched her with every inch she was lowered onto it.

Callia unleashed a deep moan as he worked more of it into her. Gasping for more, he continued to lower her, her legs wrapping around his waist. Yet she still had inches to go before her pussy devoured his entire cock. Callia embraced him, rocking her hips in rhythm with his thrusts. Inch by inch, the mighty engorged cock worked deeper into her. His claws dug into her flesh, clutching her tighter as he moved with her. Their bodies fit as they both slowly pressed into each other. The more she rocked, the more the pleasure washed over her. Her tightness gave way as her juices coated his thick draconic cock. Ethilathain's muscles tightened as he squeezed at her body. His lips once again found their way to her breasts. Her body bounced with every thrust as the pace quickened. She began to crest as she clawed softly at his back, moaning softly to him as she rode his thick cock, continuing to speed up. "Oh Ethilathain..."

He beamed, pleased that she was able to take nearly all of him. With a deep groan, he willed his tail to appear. Slowly it twitched. Chuckling, he decided he was going to try something with his tail, whether Callia liked it or not. As the green elf continued to bounce up and down on his hard cock, his tail slowly began to trace her ass. Almost as if it had a mind of its own, Ethilathain groaned softly into the air between licks. His tail lined itself up to penetrate her as she continued to be pleased by the tremendous dragon cock. Slowly Ethilathain thrust the tip into her. Callia cried out, "BY THE GODS..." 

Ethilathain did nothing but push his tail even further into her ass. He let out a louder groan and growled softly at her. He knew that she was enjoying his attentions. After all how often did lesser beings such as this female elf get the chance to fuck a creature of draconic magnificence? He began to squeeze at her ass slowly and softly and he nipped at her ears and stared deep into her blue eyes, which were wide open. A look of extreme pleasure flashed in them and she clawed even harder into his back.

Softly he whispered to her, "That's my girl." 

His words sent a ripple of hotness coursing through her ripe body. She arched her body against his and thrust her hips harder, loving the feeling of his tail pleasing her just as well as his cock. Her body quivered as she bounced harder and harder, launching into an erotic frenzy.

Ethilathain let a low guttural growl out as he pounded into her body, such a hardy wench with such fire inside. Callia shook hard as Ethilathain's body ravaged her own. It wasn't long before she threw back her head and let out a loud scream, "Harder... my beast...harder..."

He grunted and granted her wish. Once again her body was being tossed about like a rag doll on his cock, his tail plunging in and out of her ass quickly. Ethilathain couldn't take his eyes off of Callia. He moaned out a loud growl and bit into her shoulder once more. This time he bit too hard and punctured her skin, tasting her blood. She screamed out with painful pleasure. "Ethilathain...yessssss... by the gods...yesssssssssss..." Her words were loud and forceful as her body shook hard. 

Ethilathain moaned deeply in his throat, knowing he had given her a taste of pleasure like none other. Now it was his turn. He lifted her up off his body and placed her on her back on the bed. Slowly he positioned himself over her drenched body, his tail now withdrawn from her.

He licked his lips then began kissing her passionately. He entered her once more. Their tongues slammed into each other as he pounded her hard, he wanted her, and she felt so good. She was tight around his cock and he hadn't experienced pleasure like this in longer than he could remember. Suddenly he cried out loudly as a tiny puff of smoke bellowed from his nose. He was so close to climax, his body humming with the need for release. Callia called out his name again as she felt the pressure building within her.

His hands clawed into her breasts as she began to orgasm, his hard cock pumping her full. She screamed out in another climax as he filled her up. Her lips quickly found his as they reached that peak together. After bestowing upon her a long hard kiss, he withdrew his cock from within her quivering pussy. Then he lay back against the bed. Callia trembled as the aftermath of her orgasms lingered, her body dripping with sweat and cum. She moaned softly and looked over at him. He reached over and pulled her into his arms with a smile upon his face. The glow in the cave increased as he slowly whispered into her ear, "I believe I like being with an elf."

Callia burst out in laughter as she threw her arms around him. "I know I like being with a dragon," she purred. "Shall I remain for a while longer? Shall I take you to heights you've never thought possible?"

Ethilathain's eyes changed into the deepest shades of sapphire. "You would grant me that? Why? What is it you want, elf?"

"I am called Callia, not elf. I desire no gold or jewels but only the bounty which this tremendous cock can produce." She purred as she traced her fingers lazily over his muscled abs before dipping down to grasp the semi-erect member.

He cocked his head to one side and then to the other. "You want nothing more than pleasure?"

"On my solemn oath, I desire nothing more than pleasure." Callia swore as she looked him directly in the eyes. "I would not risk the wrath of one so powerfully magnificent."

"And how can an elf take a dragon to heights never possible?"

"Lay back and enjoy. You will find out."

"Very well," Ethilathain scooted up into the middle of the silken bed and gave himself over to her. Callia grinned as she pulled his arms out from his sides and tied each to a crystalline post. She wrapped another strand of silk around his eyes, tying it behind his head. 

Softly she skimmed her fingertips with the lightest of caresses all over his body. He quivered and let out a moan. After her fingers, she used her mouth and lips, planting kisses in every place she had previously touched, taking her time to bring him to arousal. She nipped at his nipples with her teeth, biting him with eagerness. Ethilathain let out a harsh groan. Callia moved lower, biting his flesh as she went.

Without warning, she knelt between his legs and sucked one of his balls into her hot mouth. Ethilathain sucked in a breath and groaned low in his throat. She licked and sucked as gently as possible as he writhed from it and grinned as she watched the effect it was having on his swelling cock. It jumped from its semi-flaccid state and stiffened almost immediately, lengthening to its full hardness and thickness. A harsh oath spoken in a language that Callia did not recognize issued forth from the dragon's mouth. She let a low purring rumble fill her throat, bringing forth a second growl. 

Callia then grasped his cock, feeling its heat fill her hand. She stroked it gently, pumping her hand from tip to base in several fast, jerking motions. Bringing her mouth upwards, she allowed his balls to drop back before she snaked her tongue out to flick over the bulbous tip, licking off the taste of her pussy. Callia moaned as the flavor of her juices mingled with that of his. She smacked her lips before sliding the tip past her lips and into her steamy mouth. She sucked hard at his tip, wanting to revel in it. Callia loved all of it. She wanted to drink him in, to suck out his essence. With no pause or preamble, she took his length all the way down to the base, soaking his entire shaft with her saliva and tickling his balls with her tongue as she allowed his thickness to slip fully down her throat.

With his cock firmly embedded, she gave a soft moan, knowing he would feel the vibrations of it. Callia concentrated on sucking hard, licking in all the right spots, stroking with one hand, and massaging his balls with another. Slowly, she drew her head back, sliding her lips over his glistening wet shaft. When it popped free, Callia teased him by poking her nimble tongue into his tip, then running it around the crown. Her hand kept stroking slowly when she fed it back into her mouth. Ethilathain could feel her tongue writhing around his shaft as she took him deeper and deeper. He thrashed and growled, thrusting upwards to pound his cock down her throat.

Callia let him get away with that for a few brief moments before she forced his hips to remain still as she delivered a hard slap to his thigh. She playfully sucked his cock back in deeply before pulling back to the crown, bobbing shallowly on the tip. As she continued to suck him, her hand wandered from his balls back to his ass. Soon her fingertip was massaging his asshole as her mouth repeatedly swallowed up his cock. She then took her finger and soaked it with her mouth, getting it nice and wet, before putting back at his ass. His dick went down her throat, just as her little wet finger slid up his ass. Ethilathain roared in pleasure. 

She started to suck him faster and faster, as she pushed her finger deeper into his ass. Her finger started working faster, fucking his ass as it clamped down around it. Suddenly the dragon tensed, and his tight sphincter constricted around Callia's finger, holding it firmly in place. He roared once more and let loose a massive blast of cum right down her throat. She moaned even louder as her hand jerked at his cock, sending more of the hot cream into her waiting mouth. She gulped it down greedily, and slowly withdrew her finger from his ass. Ethilathain nearly surged from the bed as he ripped the silken bonds holding him at bay. His hands buried themselves in her hair and slammed his hips against her face. Violently he thrust his cock down her throat, roaring and spewing for all he was worth. Callia jerked back, sputtering as she nearly choked on the erupting blasts of cum. 

Licking away the remains from her mouth and face, she quickly removed the blindfold and sat back on her heels. "So tell me, did I lie?"

Ethilathain collapsed back to the bed, his fierce groan telling her everything she wanted to hear. Callia's evil chuckle filled the cavern as she covered his body with hers.

"Must rest..." he murmured, as he embraced her. He snuggled against her as he shifted her to her side before pulling another silken sheet up over their bodies. Ethilathain needed a short respite...then he would show her why teasing a dragon could be so dangerous.

O.O

Translations:

"Ol zhah uns'aa!" ...It is me!

"Xsa dos!" ...Damn you!

"VENORSH!" ...SILENCE!

"Vel'bol?!"...What?!

"Udos ph' naut maglust!" ...We are not alone!

"Vel'bol zhah doeb gaer?" ...What is out there?

"Izznarg tagnik'zur saph aterruce." ...Large Dragon like creature.

"Venorsh, l'essnil!!!"...Silence, wench.

"Ph' dos vigh?" ...Are you crazy (mad)?"

"Jalil" ...Lady



Fantastic World Ch. 05



Callia awoke much later to find herself bound to the crystalline posts, but unlike with Ethilathain she was upright on her knees facing away from him. She loosed a throaty moan as she realized he meant to return the favor. Tugging at the silken bonds that held her, she caught sight of a very arrogant Ethilathain standing at the edge of the bed. His piercing eyes bored into her. His cock jutted out from his groin, hot, hard, and brutally immense.

Callia sucked in her breath. Just what had the dragon planned for her? She knew he was highly aroused. His rich musky scent permeated her senses, readying her for him. The naked skin of her back felt his as he moved onto the bed behind her, his rapid, scorching breaths on her shoulders. 

She swallowed her breath as the first heated touch of his lush lips upon her shoulder blade caused her to jump. She gasped as his talented lips and blazing tongue traced a determined path from her shoulder blades to the base of her spine. Callia wriggled against her restraints to escape that teasing tongue. The dragon in an elf's form had her trapped completely; there was nowhere for her to go. He chuckled as he thought of how their situations were reversed. Now she was the one bound before him.

In response, he dragged his claws up the front of her thighs. This was followed by the edge of his teeth grazing the side of her throat. And once more he traced the path down her back, his talented tongue flicking mischievously. Ethilathain was on a mission. He was focused and all the more dangerous because of it.

He crouched on the bed behind her. His long hair brushed along the back of her parted thighs. Callia quivered as the shimmering black strands lightly passed over flushed skin. Gifted hands firmly clasped her hips, rigidly holding her in place. Without warning, the tip of his tongue ever so lightly flicked its way down the centerline of her ass. A tremor coursed through Callia and she cried out. When he rounded the curve of one smooth ass cheek, he bit her sharply. Callia let out a hissing moan prompting a resonant growl from Ethilathain.

Then he pounced.

Ethilathain's broad shoulders wedged between her legs, forcing them wider apart; his upper body slipping through the vee in her stance. In a fluid motion, he stretched out on the bed beneath her, allowing his long shimmering mane to spread out.

Glancing up at Callia, he locked her eyes with his intensity, before sweeping his passionate visage down the length of her. He let his burning gaze scorch the length of her inner thighs up to the hairless mound at her juncture. From his vantage point, he had quite a view. Sweeping back up in the same deliberate manner, he leveled his penetrating gaze to meet her dead on. He gave a low rumble as his tricolor eyes grew hazy with dangerous passion. 

So intense was his azure stare that Callia could feel it igniting her passions even further, and could feel her own wetness pooling for him. The commanding hands on the backs of her thighs pulled her forward as he pushed himself up to meet her. The position brought his mouth and her dripping pussy into perfect alignment. The first touches of his tongue brought a hefty groan from her throat. Swiftly, he buried his tongue into the moist cleft sheltering her swollen clit with a long, deep lap. He twirled his tongue around the engorged nub, drawing gasps and moans from her. Ethilathain grew increasingly masterful in his seduction of her senses. There were no hinting touches or hesitant movements. He stroked and surged inside her, tasting and teasing, initiating a relentless pattern that soon had her screaming for more. He mercilessly licked and sucked and grazed her with his teeth. He caused her entire body to shake from his exotic touch. 

"Grrrrrrr...," he growled against her soaking wet snatch, the tips of his claws raking along her ass. Then he slipped her tongue inside her and growled low in his chest.

Callia unleashed a scream as the erotic vibration assaulted her core as she exploded in an orgasm that shook her violently. Ethilathain greedily lapped her juices. 

With amazing agility he slipped from between her thighs to move in front of her. Insolently, he lifted her chin with the flick of his finger. He kissed her deep and hard. It was a kiss of ultimate possession. She moaned against his lips as she tasted her own juices.

And just as quickly he broke off the exchange, moving behind her once again. A strong arm encircled her waist, bringing her back against his hard body. He wedged a toned thigh between her legs.

"Tell me now, are you sure you wish to tangle with a dragon?" 

Callia's breath came in rapid pants.

"Hmmmmmmm..."

"Ethilathain..." she whispered. 

The dragon hitched her into position and slid completely into her. As far as he could go...all the way to the hilt.

Callia let loose a feral scream at the full, throbbing impact. He was so deep inside her. Deeper than ever before. Behind her, Ethilathain snarled, unleashing a hot puff of air against her flushed skin. He then bit her shoulder, a quick, sharp nip designed to bring a higher arousal. His next target was her ear. He licked and nipped along the pointy edge as he snaked his hands around her to capture her breasts in his palms. Squeezing the soft mounds, he caught the hardened tips between two outstretched fingers, tugging and rolling. 

Callia arched back against him, and thrust her breasts forward, further filling his hands and letting her head fall against his shoulder. For a moment, the dragon opened his eyes to glance over her shoulder to watch their reflections and shadows flickering across the crystals. A voracious smile curved upon his lips. He slipped his right hand down her body to cup her soaking wet pussy mound. He teased her now ultra-sensitive clit, rapidly yet lightly flicking the swollen nubbin. Callia cried out, her pussy tightening around him as she began to crest. 

But Ethilathain wasn't through with her yet. He flexed against her, thrusting even deeper where he was so tightly embedded. It felt like thunder rumbling through her nether depths.

"By The GODS! Ethilathain, please!" Callia howled, as she erupted and soaked his cock. He switched the rhythm of his thrusts, bringing her with him as they rocked in a swaying back-and-forth motion. Callia's eyes widened and she clutched at her silken bonds as he swelled even larger, feeling the full brunt of his engorgement. He moved inside her, stretching her even more, as he sent wave after wave of heart-stopping sensation streaming through her. 

Ethilathain grew untamed, wild, and extremely feral. He unleashed his true draconic nature and his animalistic cries rose with hers. His thick long draconic cock surged within her causing the mingled sounds of their fucking to shatter some of the crystals on the wall. With each and every violent thrust he took her higher and higher. Deeper and deeper. Unable to hold back any longer, the dragon dug his claws into her soft flesh and threw back his head. He roared for all he was worth as he slammed himself into her with reckless abandon. The force of his orgasm exploding inside her beckoned forth one of her own and she joined him in the eruption of passion. 

In the aftermath of their brutal fuck, Ethilathain collapsed to his side and Callia sagged against her silken bonds. She whimpered as he pulled his cock out of her. It had felt so good. Once his labored breathing had subsided, he quickly untied her and laid her upon the bed. 

He had proved his mastery over her and had claimed her as his own. He promptly covered their bodies with one of the silken sheets and fell asleep beside her.

O.O

It was unclear to her how long she slept, but when she finally awoke she found herself alone on the silken bed. She glanced around, looking for Ethilathain, but he was nowhere to be seen. She stretched thoroughly, extending her tired muscles and scooted to the edge. 

She could hear the faint tinkle of shifting coins and knew where Ethilathain had gone. Standing up, she made her way into the main cavern and found him resting upon one large mountainous heap of gleaming jewels and glittery golden coins. She let out a soft sigh and ventured forth toward him. Agilely she climbed the mound and traced her hand up his tail as she moved along the line of his massive body.

"I see you've awakened." The voice called into her mind. "Did you sleep well?"

She reached the end of his body with his head and snout. They rested upon his massive front paws. His tricolor eyes glittered and gleamed mischievously.

"Yes, though I had hoped to find you next to me."

"As I would have liked to, but you see, staying in that form takes much energy, especially considering the amount of energy I expended pleasing you. I had to revert to my true form and rest. My energy levels are back to normal now."

"The realm from which I come, black dragons are never so inclined to be nice. Why are you so different?" 

"I am not a black dragon. Though my scales are blackest pitch, I am called Obsidian. Can you not see the charcoal flecks amidst the blackness? Can you not see the traces of deepest blue here and there? A myriad of colors blend to make up the color of what I am. I know it is hard for your elven eyes to see, but it is there."

Callia nodded as she traced her hands across his snout. She explored the horns on his head and the spiky appendages that flowed down the ridge of his neck. Climbing up on his back, she rested her body above his wing joints and leaned down against him. She pressed her nude body into him, tantalized by the coolness of his scales.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Ethilathain asked, craning his head back to see her.

"I've never been on a dragon's back before."

"You called out a few names in your sleep. You thrashed violently and let out the most vicious of curses. I can easily say in all of the long millennia's I have lived, I have never met someone as passionate as you. Could you tell me of these names?"

Callia slid from his back and walked back up to face him. She let out a long sigh, unsure of where to start. "And what would be the names?"

Ethilathain repeated them as he had heard them. Callia drew in a deep breath. "I will tell you, but it may take a while."

She soon launched into the story of her life, telling him of her clan, her brother's, her world, and a good portion of her adventuring career. She delved deeper as she came to the most recent events involving Amakiir, Delilah, and Jaz'rin. She explained how she had fallen in love with Amakiir and had hoped to spend the rest of her life with him, loving him, and serving the best interests of her clan. She described Amakiir's crushing betrayal and the role that Delilah and Jaz'rin played in it. She went on to detail how she had left her clan and settled elsewhere, which lead her on this quest to this world and to this place. She let out a sigh as she spoke of all that had happened so far, how Jaz'rin had followed her and had first tried to kill her. She confessed her feelings for the dark elf and how they had made a pact to help each other retrieve the treasure.

"And you trust him?" 

Callia looked up into his eyes, "Yes."

"I knew when I heard you call his name repeatedly that he meant something to you. Not many a dragon would envy a lesser being so, but in that moment, I felt much. Perhaps it is simply due to the fact that you are the first contact I have had in countless ages. You have pleased me greatly, little one called Callia. I shall grant you the key you seek," Ethilathain scooped up the bejeweled key and presented to her. "I ask of you another boon."

Callia cocked her in askance, wondering what he wanted this time. 

"I ask that you allow me to leave my prison at the same time you go. I find myself intrigued by your words. I am sure I can be of assistance to you. I shall willingly protect your interests in this quest, if the dark elf should decide to turn against you."

Callia considered his proposal. "What's in it for you?"

"I cannot leave by any means of my own. The seeker of the key is the only one who can set me free. I wish to be free. For that, I will grant you one item from my vast hoard."

"I must admit that the offer is tempting. Your hoard is vast and worth a considerable amount in my world, but you need not set forth a bribe. I would willingly free you. I know whoever caged you here meant well, but it was wrong of that person to steal a good portion of your life from you just to protect his greatest treasure." 

"Then we have an accord?" Ethilathain questioned, eyeing her head to toe. 

"Aye."

The dragon smiled. 

He quickly altered his great form into the one she knew so intimately. He made his way back into the other chamber and after a few minutes returned wearing a suit of obsidian dragon scaled armor. He quickly produced a wand and fired it at his vast hoard, shrinking it to an eighth of its size. He then pulled forth a rather worn-looking backpack and scooped the small piles into it. 

"I will not leave my fortune behind for someone to plunder. No dragon worth his salt would do such a thing."

Callia made haste slipping back into her silken armor and led him to the blackening void that barred the exit of the chamber. Ethilathain stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her. She spoke the very words that had brought her into the cavern and felt the same strange pulling sensation. 

It yanked her through to the other side, where she and Ethilathain stumbled to the stone floor. 

"By the gods, I do not like that feeling," she whined, disentangling herself from Ethilathain and helping him to his feet. She looked back into the painting and noticed the changes to it. It depicted an empty Cave of Brilliance. "Wow!"

Ethilathain glanced at the painting as he rested a possessive hand on the small of her back. "Did you think it would remain the same? I believe it is a measure to show that the guardian has been defeated, so to speak. It should prevent others from seeking the treasure."

Callia turned as she heard a deep cough. She caught sight of Jaz'rin standing on the stairs, eyeing her closely. He raised an eyebrow as he took in the familiarity presented by Callia and the black haired elf. Slowly he walked over to them, sizing up the other male. 

"What have we here?" Jaz'rin demanded, his cerulean blue eyes changing over to bright glowing red. He stormed towards her.

"Jaz'rin!"

"Dos zhahen alus whol llar tangin! Xunus dos tangis' talinth nindel Usstan xal tlu ezsakil bauth dos? Vel'bol zhahen dos xunin whol llar tangin? Xun dos inbal l' mrim'ol? Lu' vel'uss zhah uk tlu xta'rl dos (You were gone for three days! Did you even consider that I might be worried about you? What were you doing for three days? Do you have the key? And who is he to be touching you?)?" Jaz'rin growled, his red eyes flashing at her. 

"Calm down, dos wael! This is Ethilathain, the dragon from the portrait. It was he who guarded the key, which I have in my possession. He asked that I free him and I agreed. He has offered to help us in our quest. I accepted. And I am sorry I gave you cause to worry. Time moved differently in there. I did not realize I would be gone so long." Callia explained. "Usstan tlun taudl, ussta ssinssrigg (I am sorry, my love)."

Jaz'rin bowed his head. "I am sorry, too, that I yelled at you. I should not have."

Callia stepped forward to Jaz'rin and embraced him. She nuzzled her head into his neck and planted a small kiss behind his ear. "Dos hass'l ji mzilt ulu uns'aa. Usstan xunus vel'bol Usstan inbalus ulu xun ulu kku udossta quarthas (You mean so much to me. I did what I had to do to complete our duty)," She whispered. 

He pulled back from her, his eyes back to normal, and nodded at her. He bowed to Ethilathain briefly. "You are most welcome to join our mission, great one. To have a comrade of your magnificence on our side is greatly appreciated. I am called Jaz'rin. I am pleased to greet you."

Ethilathain nobly nodded his head. "Likewise," he simply offered, noting the body language of both the elves. He remained on guard, his senses telling him there was more than met the eye to be seen here.

O.O

Translations:

"dos wael!" ...you fool!

"Usstan tlun taudl, ussta ssinssrigg." ... I am sorry, my love.

"Dos zhahen alus whol llar tangin! Xunus dos tangis' talinth nindel Usstan xal tlu ezsakil bauth dos? Vel'bol zhahen dos xunin whol llar tangin? Xun dos inbal l' mrim'ol? Lu' vel'uss zhah uk tlu xta'rl dos?" ...You were gone for three days! Did you even consider that I might be worried about you? What were you doing for three days? Do you have the key? And who is he to be touching you?

"Dos hass'l ji mzilt ulu uns'aa. Usstan xunus vel'bol Usstan inbalus ulu xun ulu kku udossta quarthas" ...You mean so much to me. I did what I had to do to complete our duty.



Fantastic World Ch. 06



Callia quickly scanned the remaining two paintings as she stood back from both of them. She surveyed the painting to the right of the one that held the Cave of Brilliance. Its contents beheld a lush green landscape within which an ancient forest full of towering oaks and a verdant sparkling glade were prominently featured. She stepped closer to it and studied it more thoroughly. She quickly noted how lifelike it seemed with its shimmering water and soft greenery. A smile brightened her face. She could hear the chirping of birds, and the rustle of the wind blowing through the trees. She felt warmed by the sunshine as its golden rays glistened upon the babbling flow of the water streaming through the heart of the woodlands. She drew in a deep breath, the pungent scent of raw earth tickling her nostrils. The untainted beauty of the forest called to the wildness of her elven soul. 

"Home...," she whispered, "is where my heart lingers."

She felt the tug of the magic and immediately grabbed the hands of Jaz'rin and Ethilathain, pulling them into the forest with her. Once more the magic washed over her, transporting her and her companions. They found themselves standing in the forest realm. Callia let out a happy sigh and threw herself headlong into a dance to honor the peacefulness of her surroundings. It filled her with blissful joy to be engulfed by such grandeur.

"She is truly a child of nature." Ethilathain remarked as he watched her with hungry eyes, "So wild and unfettered."

Jaz'rin shifted his cerulean gaze from the frolicking Callia to the dragon who wore the guise of an elf. "That she is," he replied. "She is very special."

Ethilathain cracked a smile. "Is that a warning?"

"I would not presume to warn one of your kind, but if I must put it in terms that you will understand, I will. She is my treasure, the most beautiful possession in my hoard."

"Does she know you think of her as a possession? Do you not think that would go against her unfettered nature?"

Jaz'rin leveled upon him an unrelenting glare, his blue eyes turning vibrant red. He tensed his body, stepping closer to Ethilathain. "You presume too much, dragon."

Ethilathain snorted, blowing a tiny puff of smoke at the dark elf from one nostril. "And you presume too little. You need not posture in front of me. I am not impressed by your display." And with that, Ethilathain walked away, heading in Callia's direction. He joined her in her merry dance, reveling in her spontaneity. She embraced him, wholeheartedly giving in to the moment. She smiled and giggled as her cheeks flushed a pretty pink. She felt completely at peace. Nothing could take that away from her while she was here.

"This is what it feels like to be an elf...," she whispered to Ethilathain before motioning for Jaz'rin to join them. "Free your mind for this moment and experience what it is like to be this carefree."

Callia welcomed both of them into her embrace, softly nipping at both of their ears. She felt a shiver course through Jaz'rin and sensed its reciprocation in Ethilathain as well. She laughed softly, captivated by this wonderful place. "I could stay here forever."

Yet Jaz'rin was not. He sensed the aura that saturated this place. He knew it was meant to enthrall the seeker and distract her from her duty. His eyes searched the surrounding glade, hoping to spot the guardian.

He glimpsed a flash of movement near one of the massive oaks. "Callia," he whispered. "Listen to me."

"Dance with me, Jaz'rin," she cooed, winding her arms around him fully.

"Snap out of it, my sweet. Beware the illusion. The guardian is nearby." Jaz'rin pinched her hard on the arm and planted a hard kiss on her mouth. He hoped it would free her from the spell woven upon her. 

"OUCH! What did you do that for?"

"The guardian of the key had you charmed." 

Beautiful trilling bird song filled the air as a nut brown colored female stepped forward from the ancient oak. Her skin appeared almost wooden while her hair resembled green ivy. A soft swooshing noise filled the dell.

"I am Meridia and you must be the seeker of my key." Her voice mimicked the cadence of the forest.

"I am called Callia and yes, I seek your key."

"Have you come pure of heart?" 

Callia stared at her, thunderstruck at her question. Pure of heart, she mused. What did Meridia mean by that?

"Do you come here in peace, sy faerie? Are you pure of heart? Or are you bent on my destruction?"

"I come in peace, nandin." Callia replied, hoping the dryad would find her words sincere and from the heart. "This place is wonderful and beautiful and I am honored to be in your presence, ary var en' i' lath. I am one with nature."

Meridia focused her sights upon Callia, studying her intently, before flicking her gaze upon both Jaz'rin and Ethilathain, "Chas kesir, how can you be so sincere when a darkling and a dragon accompany you? Are they pure of heart?"

"The darkling is not like his evil kin. And the dragon to the best of my knowledge does not desire destruction. He has pledged himself to my cause. I would not allow either to destroy such beauty. My words are true, but if you desire to know the truth from their own lips, you have but to ask them." 

The dryad turned from the green elf and directed her question upon the dark elf and the dragon. "Are you pure of heart?"

Ethilathain bowed to her, speaking in the tongue of the dragons, "Si chiili ti ragarrl ekess jivviim wux. Shafaer sia tiichi, Si ornla eligne douta mlasup." 

Callia poked him in the side. "Speak a language we can all understand."

Ethilathain leveled a haughty look upon her. "I told fair Meridia that it was not my intention to harm her and I would gladly defend her beauty."

Jaz'rin pressed himself to Callia and whispered into her ear,"Xun dos khaless ukta? Ukt wiles?"

"Siyo!" Yes!

"Good. Perhaps the dryad needs a formidable protector. A dragon should do nicely. Perhaps we could trade his services for your key, fair Meridia. What say you?" Jaz'rin offered, raising an eyebrow at the dragon and the dryad.

"It is something I may consider," Ethilathain replied. "I did make a pledge to see this quest through to the end. I have my reasons, but I may be willing to come back here and be that formidable protector. You see, fair Meridia, I am also a guardian of the key. I gave my key to the seeker in exchange for a boon. Is there a boon you would ask of her in exchange for your key?"

A pensive look crossed Meridia's face as she considered Ethilathain's words. "There is one boon I would ask."

Here it comes, Callia thought with a sigh. This dryad is going to be like Ethilathain and proposition me for sex. She is quite attractive, but I have no desire to be with another female at this moment. How can I say no and risk not getting the key? "What boon may I grant you?"

"Still your thoughts, sy faerie. You have nothing to worry about from me. What I ask of you does not involve pleasures of the flesh, not from you or your companions," Meridia began, setting Callia's fears at ease. "There is a troll king that threatens the sanctity of this hallowed ground. He seeks to burn my home and lay a scourge upon my existence. I charge you with seeking out Kagard and removing this threat. Bring me his head and I will bestow upon you my key."

"Defeat a troll king is all I have to do garner your key? Consider it done, nandin. The three of us will make quick work of that nuisance."

"Three? No, sy faerie, only two shall go." Meridia corrected. "Either the darkling and the dragon shall remain here with me."

"I don't think so!" Callia growled, her eyes narrowing, "They go with me."

"Then you forfeit the key. This is my world and these are the rules. To gain my key is to complete the quest as I have put forth for you."

"Very well, but Jaz'rin goes with me. He also seeks the keys. We are on this quest together. I shall leave Ethilathain with you. Perhaps you should become better acquainted with the dragon." Callia compromised. "Do not make me rip that key from your cold, dead hands."

Meridia tapped her foot impatiently as she considered Callia's threat. "Perhaps I will allow the dragon to go with you. You may need his firepower to defeat Kagard. I shall keep the darkling here."

Ethilathain bowed to the dryad, "Where can we find this Kagard? Do you know the location of his lair?"

"A day's journey past my forest haven dwells Kagard in the Blackened Mountains. You will know them by their desolate peaks, devoid of any green. He has lain to waste all that I hold sacred. Be wary of him, for he is sly and crafty. He has many allies at his beck and call."

Jaz'rin shook his head. "I do not like being left behind. I wish to go."

"Do you hear him, nandin? Jaz'rin, my darkling, wishes to remain by my side. We are a team. Jaz'rin is my scout. Ethilathain is the firepower and I am the muscle. My success depends on them. Or is the reason you wish one of them to stay so you can charm him into staying with you forever? Furthermore, I have not agreed to your conditions."

"Why must you be so difficult? There are rules!" Meridia cried.

"Set forth by whom?" Jaz'rin asked.

"By the creator."

"Who is not here, zhas xukuth elg'caress? What difference does it make if we all go? We will bring back to troll king's head. I have no doubt in that, but all our skill is needed to do so. The dragon has already stated he may be willing to come back to be your protector after the keys are gathered and the treasure is found. What more could you wish for? If you seek to charm one of us in hopes that we'll fall in love with you, know this. My heart is my own and I shall give it to no one. A darkling elf has no room in his heart for love. My kind does not experience such petty feelings. Therefore, there is no reason for me to remain here with you while the others go troll hunting."

"You see, nandin, they wish to remain with me. We are a team." Callia gloated. "And you should remember what I've already said."

The dryad noted Callia's derisive tone and leveled a glaring look upon her. "Have it your way, sy faerie. You could risk the key."

"I'll bring the troll king's head back as promised. Does it matter how the quest is accomplished?"

"Very well, sy faerie named Callia. Bring me the troll king's head in exchange for the key."

O.O

The trio left Meridia's pristine glade and headed off into the forest. Jaz'rin took the lead, scouting ahead for possible dangers. Callia followed him and bringing up the rear was Ethilathain. They met in another clearing, stopping to discuss strategy. Each of them had an idea on how to go about it. 

Jaz'rin opted for stealth and disguise as a way to infiltrate the troll king's lair. He pulled from his pack a few magic items that would make their surprise siege a success. While Callia agreed with him, she felt the best way would be to take out as many foes as possible in the shortest amount of time. An all-out assault perpetrated on Kagard's lair. Callia looked to Ethilathain to lay down the fire to scorch the trolls and hinder their regenerative ability. He bowed to her, agreeing with her completely. He then suggested they make their assault as quick as possible. Ethilathain quickly transformed back into his natural form, taking the shape of the magnificent Obsidian dragon that he was, and beckoned Callia and Jaz'rin to climb onto his back. He would fly them to the Blackened Mountains, taking out any sentries they came across.

Unbeknownst to Callia, Ethilathain possessed the ability to become invisible while in dragon form. Before his imprisonment in the Cave of Brilliance, he had often used this talent to stalk his prey. He swiftly launched himself from the ground, spreading his wings as he began to ascend into the sky. Flying higher and higher he rose, plunging through the pure clouds. He dipped and soared, giving his two passengers an exciting ride.

It didn't take long for them to reach the mountainous area. He concentrated momentarily while he hovered, turning himself and his riders completely invisible. He began to swoop in and out of the canyons of mountainous rocks, scanning for signs of the troll king's lair. Occasionally as he would swoop and dive, his large wings would almost touch parts of the mountain as certain canyons would get narrower then widen out again. A few minutes went by before he spotted several trolls milling around the entrance to a large cavern. He watched them intently as he entered the cavernous area. He circled overheard, making a large loop before he slowly descended to a flattened ledge of rock several hundred feet above their position. There he sat and waited, mentally hushing both his riders. 

Ethilathain felt it necessary to watch their movements and attempt to ascertain their numbers. He felt it prudent to gauge their strengths. Even a dragon would not rush blindly into a troll's lair. They had the strength of numbers on their side and while his scorching gout of flame would eliminate many of them, he could only use it so many times. He knew preparation was their best hope to succeed.

Quickly he sprang from where he sat to a lower ledge, one wider and positioned opposite to the lair's entrance. Scanning it, he noticed the piles of bones and scattered waste littered about the outcropping of rock. Ah, a troll guard post...albeit a neglected one at the moment. 

The dragon grinned. He knew he could use this spot to his advantage. Once more he scanned the area, mentally taking note of the trolls loitering around the cavern entrance. There were seven he picked out easily. He intensified his scrutinization and noticed two more hiding amongst the crags of rock. 

Nine foes. Nine trolls. He gauged their distance from him, mentally going over in his head how many he could destroy with his flaming breath. 

"If I attack now, I should be able take down all but two of the trolls."

"What if we tried a diversion tactic? Maybe try to get them all in one group?" Callia suggested to Ethilathain. "I saw some kind of a shaggy cliffscaler on the other side of the mountain. Why not entice the trolls with one of those? We could drop it into their midst and attack once they've taken the bait."

"That could work. If we attack and don't get all of them, there is a possibility that one will get away and raise an alert." Jaz'rin added. "My twin rapiers have enhancements of fire and acid, both especially harmful to trolls."

Ethilathain took flight once more, beating his wings rapidly to get himself in the air. He soared above the mountains and swooped down upon the curly horned cliffscalers. Reaching down he snatched one up in his massive left paw and squeezed, hoping to crush it in his grasp. Moments passed before a loud crunching noise sounded.

Callia winced as she glanced down at the mangled cloven-hoofed beast. "What'd you do that for, you silly dragon?" 

"Better it die now than fall to its death."

Circling back, he dived, his wings outstretched widely. His sudden drop caused Callia and Jaz'rin to hang on for dear life. Callia left out a growling curse and kicked him for his impertinence. The dragon swooped into the valley and dropped the carcass where all the troll guards would see it. Then he landed on the valley floor, waiting for the stupid giants to take the bait. 

They watched as the beasts gathered around the remains, leaving their posts behind. He waited until they began to tear into the dead cliffscaler. His attack had to come at the right moment. 

Callia could feel the intensity building. She could feel Ethilathain shake with anticipation and knew he was ready. She could tell the trolls were thoroughly distracted, heartily indulging in their bloody feast. 

She kicked him again and hissed, "What are you waiting for, dragon?"

He looked back at her and blew a puff of smoke at her. With a quick lunge, he took flight once more and blew out a fiery blast of breath at the feasting trolls. The flames engulfed them, burning their flesh. The trolls writhed in pain. Their shrieks echoed in the canyon, the horrid sound reverberating of the stone walls before another blast silenced them completely. 

Then he landed in front of the cave and shot a third searing gout of flame into its darkened depths. Callia peered in the cave, the burning flesh illuminating the cavern enough for her to see. The dragon's scorching breath had roasted everything alive, setting fire to everything flammable.

She gave him a hard kick. "What did you do that for?"

Tired of being kicked, he snatched her off his back and slammed her body to the ground before him. "Who are you to tell me what to do?" He growled at her as he dug his tremendous claws into her.

"Ethilathain!" she growled back. "Damn you! That HURTS!!" 

The dragon snorted as wisps of smoke curled out of his nostrils, "There is no need for you to kick me."

Callia glared at the dragon, "Ethilathain? I...I'm..."

The dragon snorted, harder this time, as he let her go. "You would be wise to remember that." 

Callia's temper flared, "Look here, dragon, if you think for one moment just because you're bigger than I am that I'm scared of you, you've got another thing coming."

She scrambled to her feet, favoring her injured side and shoved her thumb in one of its rather sensitive nostrils, her fingers in the other, and proceeded to take a three-quarter turn on them, "If you ever do that to me again, I can assure you that I am a warrior of sufficient power to make you regret it." She pulled the dragon's head down so that she could look him in the eye. The dragon blinked in surprise as she applied a bit of additional pressure to her grip on his nose, "DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!"

Jaz'rin watched the exchange with genuine interest. He slid from the dragon's back and ran forth, stopping at Callia's side. He let out a chuckle as he watched Ethilathain's eyes watering in pain from his torqued nose. He glared at Jaz'rin to see if any assistance would be forthcoming.

Once he realized that none was, he shot a surge of smoke at both elves. "Your point is taken, Callia. Now let go!"

Callia released the grip on his nose. 

He rubbed his hurt nose. "My oh my, what a temper the little elfling has. It's about time you exhibited some spirit."

She growled at him just before he transformed into the elven form she had come to know so intimately. Drawing back her fist, she slammed it into his jaw, catching him unaware. He stumbled backwards and let out a roar. Callia pressed her attack and pounced upon him. She flailed about, landing punches here and there upon his face and upper body. Grabbing hold of her, he deftly pinned her beneath him and reverted to his full draconic appearance. He covered her with one large paw, stilling her thrashing limbs. 

"Are you done yet?" Ethilathain asked.

"LET...ME... UP!" She ground out.

"Something is not right here. Something sets its will against us. I know not if it is the dryad or the troll, but something has you vexed. My guess would be that dryad. You've angered her by defying her. Now calm down so we may be on our way."

Callia stared up at him, wondering how she'd gotten beneath his paw once more. "What? What happened? How'd I get here?"

"Something had you bewitched," He removed his paw and allowed her stand. She brushed herself off, giving him a peculiar look. 

"Bewitched you say? What do you mean?"

"You attacked Ethilathain," Jaz'rin replied, holding back his mirth.

"You should feel lucky it was me she attacked. She might have killed you." 

Callia sucked in a deep breath. "I don't like this one bit. Here we are at odds when before us lies the monumental task of slaying the troll king."




Fantastic World Ch. 06



"You are right, sweetling," The dark elf regarded her. 

"Verily," Ethilathain slipped back into his elven guise and wrapped his arms around her. "I do not enjoy hurting you, sia itov."

"Forgive me?"

"There is nothing to forgive. Now shall we venture forth and slay the king? I would like to be done with this place."

O.O

The trio entered the cavern and picked their way through the singed tunnel, stepping over burnt troll bodies. Callia grimaced over the charred remains of the gigantic beasts then shot a glance back at Ethilathain. He smugly grinned, arching one brow.

"Witness my wrath." 

She shook her head and continued on, following the tunnel as it began to slope downwards, taking them deeper into the mountains. Deeper and deeper the subterranean channel went. Callia fought off a shiver as coldness seeped into her. Why was it so cold? She didn't like it here and could only hope the passage they followed would come to an end.

It did, sooner than she expected. As she came to an opening, the rock beneath her feet gave way, sending her tumbling down a steep slope. As she landed, she hit her head upon a jagged stone and groaned. Wooziness overcame her and she soon knew nothing but darkness taking her.

O.O



Fantastic World Ch. 07



All became silent, save for the clang of a heavy sword striking its target... over and over again.

"Callia?" the white-haired dark elf softly questioned, his cerulean blue eyes took on a startled, concerned, grey cast. Was she not aware that the battle had ended; that they had emerged triumphant? How could that be so? Yet, she fought on, swinging her sword as savagely as she had during the long battle. Dropping his weapons, he strode quickly to where Callia continued her assault on the now dead troll king, Kagard and his daemonfaey companion, Naerynth.

"Callia?" he all but whispered again as he gently reached out to touch her shoulder. To his credit he hardly flinched, but took a step back, as she, reacting instinctively to his touch, swung her mercurial greatsword his way... the gigantic sword poised to strike inches from his heart. Time seemed to stand still as her bright blue eyes met his. The instant of recognition was apparent on her face, as her eyes widened and then dipped to take in the sight of her blade aimed at his chest.

"It is over, ussta ssinssrigg," Jaz'rin said, bringing his hand up to cover her lead hand.

"Jaz'rin?" she choked out, letting the tension slip from her body and stepping to him. As her hands began to drop, she handed the concerned dark elf her sword, fell heavily to her knees, and then pitched forward... her face hitting the rough rocky floor of the cave with a resounding thud.

O.O

(Flashback)

Callia groaned softly as she regained consciousness. She felt a dull ache throbbing in her head, causing a slight fuzziness that clouded her innate senses. A shiver coursed through her body and she looked down at herself. She was completely naked and bound to a large X by heavy chains with her arms and legs widely spread. She blinked and shook her head, trying to get her bearings. It took several long moments for her elven eyes to adjust to the darkness of the cavern.

Through her muted senses, a frisson of awareness suddenly crept down her spine. A few hairs stood up on the back of her neck. She knew she was not alone. Someone was watching her...Immediately her long, silky hair slid forward as she dropped her chin to her chest, hiding her alertness. Keeping her head in that position, her eyes glanced up through the veil of her hair. The trolls seemed to be gathered around something, but she could not make out what it is. They were not paying any heed to her, but something or someone was. Could it be Jaz'rin or Ethilathain? 

Angry with herself for falling and being caught, Callia tested the chains that bound her to the wooden post. She was not surprised when the chains did not give and knew she would not be able to break free. Her thoughts quickly turned to her companions. They were not here with her that she could see. Had the trolls discovered them? Were they dead? Could the trolls possibly be gathered around one of their lifeless bodies?

No, she mentally scolded herself. No, they couldn't be dead. She knew Jaz'rin well enough that he could hide anywhere, even in his own shadow. And Ethilathain could reduce them to ash with a few fiery gouts of flame. She had witnessed his firepower outside of the caverns.

Methodically, she tested the chains again. Her thoughts centered on how to escape. She didn't want to die at the hands of some troll king. Nor did she relish experiencing the multitude of other horrors she imagined these trolls had in store for her before they killed her. She didn't want to become a meal for the troll king or worse yet, a bed warmer.

She raised her head ever so slightly, scanning the pitch-black depths for any sign of her companions or her gear. It wasn't easy to see, though she could distinguish a few distinct shapes. A gasp caught in her throat as a pale light illuminated the darkness. The mob of trolls parted and revealed a striking bronze skinned, golden blond haired daemonfaey with glowing fiery red eyes. Callia flinched. The fine scales that covered the exposed part of the being's upper torso glinted in the dim light while a long prehensile tail swished to and fro behind it. 

And it was coming straight towards her.

She shivered slightly, her eyes never leaving his approaching form. Any other time she would have been extremely attracted to him. She liked the way he moved. He stalked like a cat. 

The daemonfaey circled her; his long delicate fingers traced her bare flesh. Callia gritted her teeth, willing herself to stay still. She must not betray the fact that she was awake. A small part of her feared what would happen. What would he do to her? She bit her lip sharply and stifled a gasp as his hands caressed her breasts. He cupped the voluptuous mounds, squeezing each ever so slightly. 

Then he cruelly pinched her nipples, his long sharp nails digging into her sensitive peaks. Callia yelped. The daemonfaey pressed against her body, molding himself to her shape. He let out a hiss in her ear and clawed her peaks even harder.

Callia groaned in pain and shook the chains that bound her. She had to escape him.

"I will break you..." the daemonfaey evilly chuckled, raking his claws down her body. She screamed as he tore her flesh. "You will beg for death before we are through with you. If you beg well enough, we may even grant it."

"VITH'OS!" She spat, glaring at him with defiant eyes. 

Though he knew not what she had said, he could tell from the tone of her voice an expletive had been muttered. He chuckled again, drawing his hand back to slam it into her mid-section. Air left her lungs and she glared up at him wide eyed.

"You will enjoy becoming meat for all."

Callia screamed as he gripped her with one strong hand and invaded her with the other. It was the only preparation he gave her before he dropped his trousers and thrust into her. He let out a howl of evil laughter as he ripped into her. He knew he had hurt her. Her elven body was just too small to accommodate his barbed demonic cock, a gift, along with his horns and tail, from his half demon father. He slammed up into her as hard as he could, feeling her rip and tear around him. 

She squirmed, yanking on her bonds in an effort to free herself, but it was no use. They were far too strong. She screamed again, feeling the daemonfaey pound into her. Never before had she been that stuffed full. Her rage gripped her. She yanked again and again as the creature ravaged her body. Her cries of pain and howls of anger filled the cavern.

O.O

All hell had broken loose once Callia had been freed from the post she was chained to. Jaz'rin had quaffed a draught of invisibility and crept to her side, deftly picking the locks on the shackles that bound her. He handed her the large mercurial greatsword he had liberated from her captor's possession. Callia accepted it from him and held it to her naked breasts. Her sword. She was elated to have it back in her possession. 

Jaz'rin tapped her shoulder and pressed himself to her backside. He felt the shiver that ran through her. "How do you feel? Did they hurt you?" he whispered in her ear as he softly stroked her curvaceous hips. He had noted the smeared blood that coated her thighs.

"I'll be fine," she gritted out, not wanting to think about what had happened to her at the hands of the daemonfaey. "Where's the dragon?"

"Clinging to the ceiling of the cavern. He is poised to attack once you are free of the blast zone."

"NO!" she growled gutturally, "It's my vengeance."

Callia unleashed an ear-splitting wail as her rage gripped her. She pulled away from Jaz'rin and charged toward the daemonfaey, her sword at the ready to strike the instant she slammed her body into his.

Naerynth barely had time to draw his weapons before the screaming naked elf reached him. He felt the impact as she collided with him. It left him staggering and winded. Raising his swords, he ducked, avoiding her gigantic sweeping blow, and danced away from her, making a short jab at her exposed side. He nicked her, grinning evilly when blood oozed from the shallow cut. Callia growled at him, and swung her sword once more. Naerynth jumped back, evading another wide-arced attack then circling around the elf, waiting for the opportune moment to drive his dagger deep into her flesh. 

Callia sensed what he was about to do, however, and spun about just before the daemonfaey got the chance to drive his blade home. Naerynth dodged the incoming sword and instead of pressing his attack, he continued to back away from the raging female barbarian. He hoped to draw her into the midst of the trolls.

"You should have killed me!" Callia roared as she attacked.

Naerynth went into a semi-crouch. "Why would I do that when torturing you was so much fun?" 

Callia swung her big sword wildly, but the weapon hit rock and sparks went flying. Naerynth parried the awkward strike deftly with his dagger and launched a counter-attack. His rapier caught the elven barbarian in the ribs, drawing even more blood. 

"Demonspawn!" she spat.

He unleashed a cackling laugh. 

"I'll kill you yet, you fiend!" Callia shouted, swinging her beloved sword with all the might she possessed. It connected, opening a wide slash that spanned his chest. "Take that, you monster!"

She lunged, swinging the heavy blood stained sword again. "Did you think I'd just take it?"

It was more a cry of anguish then a battle cry. She breathed in sharply and gnashed her teeth, "You had no right!" 

Callia felt old rage and pain rising up inside herself. Old ghosts flooded her and her thoughts drifted back to Amakiir. This was something he'd do to make her suffer. She thrust her sword, its deadly point sinking into his shoulder, and unleashed a scream to match his. 

She spun around, changing her direction and slammed the sword deep into the gullet of a troll trying to sneak up behind her. She howled as the daemonfaey jabbed his rapier low at her and nicked her arm. Callia stepped back, her face a contorted mask of outrage.

"Did you think you could ruin me? Ruin me but not kill me. Do you enjoy my suffering?"

"Very much so!" Naerynth cackled and launched himself into attack, his fury now matching the barbarian's in full.

"Then you shall die!" Callia countered with both her words and her blade. 

"Foolish slut," he roared and parried. "You can not kill me."

"Do not underestimate me," she growled back. Naerynth barely managed to dodge her next attack. The next one, he failed to block. Blood sprayed from his side as her sword dug in deeply. Blood lust gripped her and she lunged again, stabbing the sword at his torso. Naerynth twisted aside, but was not fast enough as the edge of her blade sliced across his chest. Screaming at the elf, he flicked his wrist and his rapier drew out a short gash over her forearm as he fell back from her. In the next tense seconds, she screamed and jumped to the side, sending her sword flying straight at him. The huge weapon went spinning through the air and only swift reflexes saved the daemonfaey from being impaled by it.

Naerynth felt the air leaving his lungs as Callia slammed into him. He collided with the wall of the cavern and tried to bring his dagger up and stab, but he never made it. Tightly clenched fists pounded furiously into his face. Another hit caught him in the ribs, kicking out what little air he had left. His vision blurred. The elf kept driving her fists into him relentlessly. He felt his legs giving in under him. He slipped down, but she grabbed him by the throat, hoisted him up, and slammed him against the rock wall once more.

Callia pulled him away, spun him about, and smashed his face against the rock again. Barely conscious, Naerynth went down. This time, she let him fall, even pushed him, her knee pressing hard against his back.

Naerynth's head jerked back as Callia pulled him by the glorious golden hair, nearly snapping his neck. He gasped for breath.

"And now... You're going to pay." She stretched to snatch up his dagger and gripped it in one of her bloodied hands.

Callia unleashed the wail of the damned and drew the dagger back. In one clean sweep, she brought it down swiftly, jaggedly slicing his throat wide open from ear to ear. He gurgled his last breaths as Callia slammed the bloody dagger into his back. She knew this would cause the trolls to attack at once. Let them come, she thought. 

Retrieving her discarded sword, she stood over the daemonfaey and held her sword out before her. With a scream, she quickly decapitated him and spit on the remains of his body. Then she hoisted his head high and screamed again, a high-pitched dark elven oath spewing forth from her lips. She threw the severed head at the troll king and charged into the mass of trolls separating her from him.

"DEATH!" She screamed as she swung her sword wildly. 

Callia became caught up in the intensity of the battle. She swung her sword almost blindly, randomly connecting with the flesh of one troll or another. She had taken many hits herself and blood flowed from the multitude of cuts and gashes, but she refused to quit. Callia fought on, growling like a feral beast. Faster than a speeding arrow, she cleaved her magnificent sword through one troll and into another, the burning image of the daemonfaey violating her still lingering in her mind. She let out a howl of fury as claws dug into her arm, piercing her flesh. She deftly switched the sword to the other hand, swinging at it. The heavy blade impacted the sickly colored troll's flesh with a resonant crack of snapping bone. 

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Jaz'rin, his whirling blades flashing in the dimly lit interior of the cave. His twin rapiers had already tasted the gross flesh of two trolls' throats. He seared their flesh with fire and acid while sizzling gurgles of blood marked their death as they slumped towards the ground, dark oblivion already taking them.

The dark elf's cloak flew back revealing stark, white hair and an ebony complexion that reflected his gleaming cerulean eyes. His elven features accentuated in the light made his grim visage even more menacing. The six trolls surrounding him mobbed him, their startled features betraying their cowardice. This hesitant state led to two more dead trolls littering the ground. As a weak defense, one of the remaining drew a rusty sword and flung it at the dark elf. Easily sidestepping the missile, Jaz'rin brought his rapier in to puncture the thrower's heart at the same time. 

Two more drew weapons, one a sword and the other an axe. The last of the three staggered back to the rear wall of the cave, perfectly content to let his companion's battle and die. With a glance from one to the other, a twisted grin on his face, the dark elf feigned a move to the right. Quicker than the trolls could fathom, a blur flew between them as Jaz'rin tumbled around. Before landing expertly behind them, he skewered both trolls, as fire and acid consumed their flesh. They fell forward, shocked expressions frozen on their faces that looked even sicklier in death.

Jaz'rin whirled around, an instinct telling him that the remaining troll was attempting to cry out for help to its king across the way. It would do the beast no good. The troll king wouldn't have heard him even if a blade hadn't gouged its throat, silencing it forever. Attacking recklessly with both rapiers he ripped the flesh of the remaining troll to shreds in accordance with Callia embedding her greatsword into another troll's body. A deep, yet fine line ran from right shoulder blade to the lower left hip, blood soaking the filthy hides. A wail of agony burst from his wretched mouth as a quick slice of Jaz'rin sliced both legs muscles and tendons of the troll. It all happened in a matter of seconds.

A sudden burst of adrenaline forced another troll raging up behind the dark elf. That charge was soon crushed with a deft twist of Jaz'rin's upper body, practically slicing the troll's upper torso in two. Flipping backward over the dying troll, the dark elf managed to avoid blood splattering his armor or black cloak. Another twist of the body before landing set the dark elf ready for more. He relished the thrill of the killing. 

Callia intercepted yet another troll in her bloody rampage to reach the troll king. She knocked the blocking sword wielded once in the left hand of the creature to the rocky cavern floor. She whirled, dodging the dagger attack with his right hand, before swiftly severing the troll's dagger hand at the wrist. A rough shout of pain and anger escaped the troll's mouth. Stepping back, she let out a roar, and with a measured swing of her sword slashing the troll's throat, she brought his death quickly, slaughtering the vile beast. 

Eleven running trolls came bursting out of the cave, from a side cavern, enraged at missing out on the battle. Seeing exactly whom their attacker was sent six of the trolls charging at her. Standing still, Callia lofted her sword into the air and sent it hilt over blade through the air to embed itself in a stampeding troll's chest. She dodged an attack by a troll to her left while yanking her sword from the troll's body and screamed for Ethilathain. 

The dragon sent out a burst of flame as soon as he noticed she had managed to push her way through the mass of trolls, using the size of her blade as a means to knock down the beasts. The reign of fire he brought down upon them charred them all to crisps, leaving behind the largest of them all... the troll king.

Callia circled around the cave, avoiding the hot spots left over from the dragon's blast. She directed all her remaining primal fury at Kagard who met her head on. Her sword collided with one of his axes, and sparks flew.

Callia's mind was running on a rampage of death. The line between reality and illusional thoughts was growing thin, dangerously thin. Her inner thoughts were all but washed away from her mind. She had to kill Kagard. It now became an obsession to her. The troll king snarled at her. He drew his axes back, coming forward in an attack position. The two approaching axes on each side seemed as if in slow motion to her. Both hulking pieces of wood and metal were parried with the wicked length of her greatsword, quickly snapping back to decrease the force of the brute's strength that was used in the axe attack. 

The urgency of the situation not 5 seconds ago became fully under control as Callia channeled her inner rage into a controlled focus. To the troll king though, this pale-skinned creature seemed like a madwoman as she swung her weapon with an ease that spoke of expertise beyond anything he had ever seen.

The battle would appear a blur of movements. The firestorm that continued to rain down was now in full strength, blasting the remaining dying trolls with gouts of incinerating flame. Each time the cavern was lit one or both of the combatants appeared to have a few more nicks, a red stream dripped from their many wounds. The troll's fury rose with each wound inflicted. Power surged through its pounding arms as its axes swung faster than ever before. Legs kicked out towards Callia to shatter her bones. She did her best to deftly dodge both of the mighty axes. If one were to touch her, especially with the power behind the swings of the angered king, she would surely be flung across the cavern. That was not an option in order to survive this fight. Each move was based on instinct, expecting the attacks before they were even carried out. Kicks from large legs were avoided and rolled around, each attack allowing her greatsword to sink once again into his flesh.

Now enjoying the thrill of ridding this realm of such a creature, Callia smirked as she performed her deadly dance. Drawing out the pleasure of the kill as her focus hummed throughout her body.




Fantastic World Ch. 07



The jets of fire halted as Callia pressed her attack even harder. The troll king was bleeding heavily, his many wounds taking their toll. Each slip of its defense caused another slash from her deadly greatsword, unbelievably appearing from every possible angle. Blood that continued flowing began mixing with the somewhat rocky but sandy surface of the cave clearing creating more hazards. 

The behemoth troll king finally lost traction and slipped straight onto his back. A faint smile crossed his face when he realized that the elf was straight in front of him. Thinking his huge feet would knock the elf down, he raised his head to peer down his large lying form to see...

Nothing. 

Callia expertly flipped into the air as the feet approached. She landed on the chest of

the fallen troll king in synchronization with ducking a blast of flame from the dragon overhead. In utter surprise the toppled king gasped and widened his eyes as she landed on him. That was his last sight...her greatsword tip slashed across his eyes, through each eyeball, blinding him forever. 

Expecting arms to lash out after the sight stealing attack, Callia let her sword score its metal across the neck. As Kagard lay in the throes of approaching death she leaped from its chest and over the top of its head. She screamed for Ethilathain to finish the troll king and watched with delight as the dragon scorched the bloody remains. 

Then all became silent, save for the clang of a heavy sword striking its target... over and over again.

O.O



Fantastic World Ch. 08



Darkness still clouded Callia's field of vision as she came to consciousness. She blinked in an attempt to reorient her elven eyes to the pitch black of the cavern. A whimpering groan slipped forth from her lips as she rolled to one side. Her head and body ached mercilessly from the multitude of wounds she had garnered during the arduous battle with the trolls. Long ragged gashes on the sides of her torso throbbed. She shifted, laying flat on her back and cried in earnest. She couldn't remember a time when her body felt this tortured. Callia had seen many battles in her life, but this one... This one had scarred her in a way none of them ever had. She couldn't recall a time when she longed for death to come swiftly. The tears ran down her cheeks unchecked. She didn't even bother wiping them away. It hurt far too badly to raise her arms. 

Hushed voices reached her ears and she turned her head in the direction of the noises. It was in that moment she realized she was not in the main chamber they had fought the trolls in. This chamber was smaller and blissfully free of the vile creatures. She recognized the two voices as those of her two companions, though she could not make out what they were saying. A loud sob escaped her lips as she studied both Jaz'rin and Ethilathain. Just knowing they were there made it all feel less hopeless. They had succeeded in their mission, but Callia knew she had lost something vital from within her soul. 

Her sobbing drew the attention of the dark elf and the dragon who immediately rushed to her, flanking her on both sides. Jaz'rin pulled from his pack a few vials. He began to slowly administer a healing salve to the jagged wounds on the sides of her torso. Callia whimpered as she began to feel her skin begin to burn. He shushed her tenderly while popping the stopper off another vial. He held it to her lips , urging her to drink. She swallowed because she knew she had to. Her eyes caught his. Sorrow filled his cerulean depths. Her brow furrowed as she looked at him in askance. Callia didn't understand why Jaz'rin seemed to be saddened. It wasn't his body that had suffered. 

He shook his head at her, confusing her even more. He pulled a soft length of tanned hide from his pack and wet it with water from a skin. With a wink, he bathed her, washing away the dried blood from the many cuts and gashes she'd gotten during the battle with the trolls. Many looked to be painful. The troll king's axes had done a number on her. He gently applied more salve to the deeper ones and wrapped them with bandages. He noticed some of the smaller wounds had already knitted back together from the effects of the healing draught he'd made her drink. 

Jaz'rin went lower still, parting her thighs with the brush of his hand. Blood seeped from the torn depths of her womanhood. He gave a fierce growl, muttering an expletive in the dark elf language under his breath. If the daemonfaey wasn't already dead, Jaz'rin swore he'd have him raised just so he could be the one to drive his blade deep into the vile creature's black heart.

He knew that washing away the dried and dribbling blood was the best place to start. He was utterly gentle with her. He knew she would need as much tender care as he could give her and it would be best if she abstained from any carnal activity for a while. He would miss that the most. They hadn't been together since before they entered the ruin of the tower. But it was for the best.

She let out a small moan of pain as the soft cloth swiped over her ravaged lower lips. He soothed her by stopping for a moment, softly stroking her hair. Then he dipped his fingers into the healing salve and applied it as gently as possible to her tortured nether flesh. He whispered to her, telling her everything he was doing. She shivered and let out a low hissing groan. The salve tingled and burned her sensitive flesh. She could feel his fingers stroking the healing concoction over her warm wet walls. 

On her other side, Ethilathain sat down and took hold of her hand. He stroked it softly, hoping to draw her mind from the pain that throbbed all over. Then he settled in next to her, still holding her hand and nuzzled his face into her hair. He pressed himself flush to her, letting her feel the warmth of his skin. It wasn't meant to be sexual in any way. He sought to comfort her in the only way he knew how by taking her mind off what Jaz'rin was doing. 

It didn't take long to coax her into a restful slumber. Her eyes became heavy and droopy and she yawned pitifully. She couldn't fight it any longer, no matter how bad it hurt. She gave in and allowed herself to fall into a deeper healing sleep.

O.O

Five days passed before Callia woke up...to pale sunlight trickling across her face. She stretched her arms high above her head, no longer feeling the pain from her torso or arms. Pushing herself up, she scanned her surroundings. She was no longer in the cave of the trolls. She glanced around. It looked like she was in a forest clearing complete with a sparkling brook. She lay upon a bed of furs and fragrant flower petals, which rested beneath a green and gold leafy canopy. The scents of heather, jasmine, and lily filled her nostrils. Where am I?, she thought. How did I get here? Is this a dream?

Her body no longer ached. She knew she must have healed while she slept. She ran her fingers over her flesh, noting her skin was smooth and blissfully scar free. She didn't really understand how that was possible since the last thing she remembered was Jaz'rin tending to her and Ethilathain resting beside her for comfort.

Jaz'rin. Ethilathain. She called their names, searching the clearing for any sign of either. Where are you?

Jaz'rin...Ethilathain...her voice became more frantic. JAZ'RIN...WHERE ARE YOU? ETHILATHAIN...DON'T LEAVE ME... Callia cried out as she stumbled to her feet. 

She cried their names a fourth time, her voice raising several more octaves before turning into a scream of terror. A beast like none she'd ever seen before crashed through the underbrush and charged at her. The six-legged creature, whose body was entirely made up of writhing thorns and vines, had a face that resembled a gorilla with long thorns protruding haphazardly from every inch of its eight-foot long frame. Callia screamed again and turned to run.

She cried out the names of her companions as she launched herself into a flat out run. Turning to look back, she noticed the beast was a mere few feet from her. She could feel its fetid breath on her skin and forced herself to run faster. A sidesplitting ache surged through her as she glanced down at her body. The wounds on her torso had ripped wide open and blood coursed from it, coating her legs with a crimson tinge. Callia screamed once more, the names of her companions lingering on her lips as the thorny abomination pounced on her. It knocked her down and she let out a howl of pain.

Then her world went black...

O.O

"JAZ'RIN! ETHILATHAIN!" She blurted as she lurched upwards on her bedroll. A jolt of pain surged through her, causing her to shriek pitifully. 

She glanced around again. The grey stone walls of the cave greeted her with their dreary ambiance. What the... She checked her body, noting the many bandages covering her wounds. 

A gentle hand touched her brow and coaxed her back to the fur pallet she rested upon. She recognized Jaz'rin's voice tenderly soothing her. 

"Jaz'rin!" Callia called out.

"Shhh...rest, my sweet," He urged and held a vial to her lips. "For healing... and sleep."

Callia drank from the vial, and settled back onto the pallet. She made herself comfortable and allowed sleep to claim her once more.

O.O

"Callia," the voice whispered, as if on the breeze that wafted through the peaceful clearing.

Callia lay tangled in the furs of her makeshift pallet, the breeze trickling down her naked back and dancing down her bare thigh. 

"Callia."

This time her name registered in her sleepy mind and she began to stir. Slowly she opened her eyes and surveyed the sunlight splattered clearing. No one was there. Was it only in her mind that she heard someone call her name?

Then, across the way, a shimmering form began to glow with an ethereal light, pale at first, but then growing in intensity.

"Callia, my love, come to me," the voice beckoned.

As if entranced, Callia rose naked from her pallet; her long strawberry tresses tumbling down to gently tickle her bare bottom. She approached the insubstantial being, her hand outstretched to touch it. 

Suddenly the light blazed around her. She could see nothing but white fire that did not burn. Her heart raced as she felt her body being pulled forward. As the light faded, Callia found herself in an opulent bedchamber like none she'd seen before. Looking around the room she took in the massive four post bed, the crackling fire, the over stuffed chairs, the stone walls and all at once her eyes locked onto the purely masculine gaze that met hers from the shadows. 

"Come to me, my sweet Callia," his honeyed voice poured inside her and warmed her in the deep, secret places of her body as he slipped into the firelight. 

Callia's eyes drank him in. Tall, muscular, dark. He stood before her, dressed only in tight black breeches that barely concealed the straining bulge that pressed for freedom. His bare chest begged her fingers to touch. Her eyes slid up and onto the face of the man who stood before her. The man her sleeping mind had chosen to give to her. 

"Ethilathain?" she stammered. 

"Callia, I've loved you since I first laid eyes on you. It is time again that I love you in the flesh," he said stepping closer and closer. She could smell the raw sensuality of his heated skin. She ached to be in his arms. 

"Ethilathain? But how? How is this possible?" She searched his soulful tri-colored eyes for answers and saw his unrestrained lust, his need to take her.

Holding out his arms Ethilathain said, "You will receive all your answers in time, my dear. But for now, let me hold you. Let me love you and truly make you mine."

She stepped into the circle of his arms as he inclined his head and took her mouth with his. Unable to control the wave of lust that drove him, Ethilathain's hands ran down her naked body. Stroking, caressing, teasing, touching Callia's skin, feeling her soft round breasts pressed against his chest, he slowly slid his tongue between her lips. Tasting her, sliding his tongue inside her hot, wet, velvety smooth mouth, his erection screamed for release from the torture of his breeches.

Callia felt her nipples rubbing his hard chest, making them pebble hard and achy. She opened her mouth sucking lightly on his tongue. Her hands roamed the expanse of his muscled back and down to feel his firm buttocks. 

Slowing the heated kiss, Ethilathain pulled back to remove his breeches. His member sprang free of its confinement. He was painfully hard.

Pulling her to him Ethilathain began nibbling and sucking her earlobe, his breath sending shivers down her spine. "Callia," he whispered in her ear as his hands rose to cup her large soft breasts, feeling her hard nipples stab his palms. "Have I ever told you how lovely your breasts are?" 

Slowly he began circling her nipples with his fingers. Lightly teasing and pulling them until she softly moaned. "Your nipples are so large and hard." Pulling them harder, and then gently teasing with his fingertips. "Does that feel good? Do you enjoy it when I touch your nipples? Tell me, Callia, tell me what you like..."

Catching her breath as his tortuous fingers send slivers of pleasure through her body and down to her wet center she rasped, "I LOVE it."

"You love what Callia? Tell me what you need," he purred.

"When you...you touch my nipples. It makes me ache for you," she panted.

He pressed his hardness against her stomach so she would feel his need. "Ache for what, my sweetness?" he said. "Tell me what you ache for."

"Your cock," she gasped as he pulled again at her swollen nipples. "I ache for you to fill me, to fuck me, Ethilathain. I want you inside me."

In an instant he lifted her and deposited her on the bed. She spread her legs for him, an invitation he didn't intend to decline. Starting at her breasts, he kissed, sucked, and licked his way down her body until his face was over her slickness. Blowing gently on her pulsing center he used his fingers to spread her pink folds, revealing her swollen clit. Slowly he began to lap at the bud of her desire. Callia moaned as his tongue touched it and circled it. Tasting her, licking and sucking her, he slid two fingers inside her channel and felt her tight muscles contract around them. Imagining it was his hardness she was milking with her rhythmic squeezing, he increased his own lapping rhythm, driving Callia over the edge. She came in a flow of sweet juice and satisfied cries of pleasure that he drank in hungrily.

Regaining consciousness she felt him sliding up her body and settling between her parted thighs, he took his swollen shaft in his hand. She watched as he stroked up and down a few times and then slid the large head up and down her drenched folds, covering it in her juices. Again he used his hand to stroke himself before he leaned over and took her mouth as he slid into her aching piece of heaven. Gasping her joy at the huge swollen hardness filling her, Callia cried out. Ethilathain pulled slowly out, and then thrust in again. 

"Do you feel me, my sweet?" he rasped. "Feel how hard I am. You feel so good wrapped around me. Like hot drenched silk." Sliding out almost to the point of exit, then thrusting in, filling her, pulling out, thrusting in. Slowly finding his rhythm, she rocked her hips to join him, taking him inside her.

Her wet walls pulsed against him as he slammed into her. Her inner muscles milked him as they had his fingers when he had licked her. He felt his balls lightly slapping against her bottom as he thrust deep, then felt her waiting warmth strain to keep him inside as he stroked out. 

He felt her start to peak. The little tremors of pleasure turned into an earthquake and with one last deep stroke she found her release and took him with her. Moaning and grinding into her, Ethilathain called her name.

Minutes later Ethilathain raised his head and looked into her sleepy blue eyes. Pulling out and stretching out beside her, he whispered "Sleep, my Love. There will be more."

O.O

A scream ripped from her lips as she bolted upright again. 

Her vision blurred and she rubbed her eyes, bringing into view the visage of the charging thorny beast. Blood dripped from its jagged teeth. A vile stench filled the air as it opened its mouth, unleashing a roar like none she'd ever heard. She joined in with it, expressing her fear in the only way she knew how. 

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" 

O.O

She woke once again to pale sunlight trickling through the canopy above. The reality of where she was dawned as her eyes opened. The clearing. She glanced around, expecting the rampaging thorn monster, but found herself all alone. What the fuck was going on? Am I dreaming or am I going insane? 

She looked down at her bandaged skin and scratched her head. She wasn't sure what to make of the...dreams...she had been having. It didn't seem like a dream...it was all so real. But why did it shift from good to bad? And where was Jaz'rin?

"Jaz'rin?" She called out, glancing around the clearing.

Then she heard a voice.

"Sleep, my sweetling, sleep. You'll feel better once you've rested."

"Jaz'rin," she whispered as a yawn gripped her. "Where are you?"

"Right here...now sleep," he replied, covering her body with the furs.

Callia drifted off once more.

O.O

The bed beside her was empty, but she could still feel the fading warmth of his body that had lain pressed protectively against her own all through the night. "Where are you, Ethilathain?" she murmured.

Her body protested as she tried to sit up. Muscles that she had forgotten existed screamed in agony, proof that this was not a dream. Her lips were raw and tingly, her nipples swollen. Memories of the passion of the previous night came back to her, shooting slivers of desire from her breasts to her pussy. 

She turned her attention back to the room. Getting stiffly out of bed, Callia pulled the sheet around her shoulders and walked across the room, finding herself in the clearing once more. She blinked and rubbed her eyes. Where had the room gone? 

The pale ethereal glimmer beckoned forth from the edge of the brook. She reached out a tentative hand and touched the cool shimmer of light. Questions whirled in her mind.

How?

Why?

What was going on?

The pale light gave a shudder before a tall polished steel mirror appeared in its place in front of her. She gasped and stepped backwards quickly. Seeing nothing amiss around her, she focused her attention back to the mysterious mirror, reaching out to touch the cool glass. The surface was icy cold, causing a shiver to course down her spine.

Looking into the mirror, she perused her body. Seeing her swollen nipples, Callia thought again of Ethilathain's rhythmic squeezing and felt the warm ripples of desire spread throughout her body. 

The mirror began to quiver, like the surface of a glassy lake it rippled. She touched her fingers to her nipples and an image appeared. It was Ethilathain bent between her spread legs, gently lapping at her wetness. The image continued to play out their passion as she watched, eyes wide, nether region wet, and aching to be filled, as Ethilathain filled her in the image.

Slowly the image began to fade until once again she gazed at her reflection. Suddenly she felt a hot, hard body behind her. Hands snaked around her and cupped her breasts from behind as hot breath warmed her neck. 

"You are so beautiful, Callia." Ethilathain said. "Did you like watching us in the mirror? Did it excite you?"

Callia leaned back into his chest. "Yes, it did. But how? How do I see this image? Why is this happening?"

Ignoring her question, his hands roamed her body, touching her gently. Her skin was so creamy that it glowed in the morning sun. As she followed his exploring hands in the mirror with her eyes, almost mesmerized, he touched her nipples, feeling them harden beneath his fingers. His touch lightly grazed over her solid abdomen, feeling the rippled flesh. Then he circled around to cup the firm globes of her bottom, kneading them in his hands, fingers sinking into the crease then sliding around to dip down between her slightly parted thighs.

"Part your legs for me." Ethilathain whispered, as he made himself comfortable on the fur pallet.

She opened her legs for him, allowing him to explore her silken depths once more. Ethilathain slid his fingers into her already wet tunnel, stroking in and covering his fingers with her juices. He spread her folds and gently stroked her swollen nubbin all the while nuzzling himself against her. 

Ethilathain pulled Callia's bottom back and brought her down to an almost sitting position in his lap.

"Take me inside you, Callia. Ride me, my sweetling."

Callia spread her legs and reached in between them to grasp his hardness and position it at her pulsing entrance. Ethilathain braced her by holding her waist until she had settled her self down, taking all of his hardness inside her. Ethilathain slid forward to allow her to lean back on his chest. He snaked his arm around her and felt for the engorged bud poking out from its hood, circling it slowly as she rode him...watching herself in the mirror. She watched his cock thrust in and out, covered in her glistening wetness. She pulled slowly up so the tip of his rod just rimmed her hot hole, and then sank down, taking all of him inside her.




Fantastic World Ch. 08



Callia felt incredibly naughty as she watched the mirror...pulling up then thrusting down, feeling every inch of his shaft impaling her as his fingers continued to massage her aching bud. She cried out, feeling herself climax, watching the mirror, seeing Ethilathain's member harden further and his sacs pull against his body. Callia's moans mingled with Ethilathain's honeyed voice.

"That's it, my sweet. Ride me, feel how hard I am...all for you. Fuck me, Callia." Ethilathain groaned as he rocked his hips up into her pulsing special place. 

Grinding down onto his hardness, moaning and begging to explode, feeling his fingers frantically rubbing her swollen center, Callia felt the bursting desire spread from between her thighs where Ethilathain impaled her with his throbbing hardness throughout her body as she exploded, moaning and crying out. She felt the hot burst of Ethilathain's release bathe the inside of her hot pulsing womanhood and heard him groan with satisfaction against her neck as she leaned back into his chest, eyes closed, feeling the tremors fade into warmth. 

"It's gone...," she said weakly, noticing that the mirror had vanished as quickly as it had appeared. . "Yes," his eyes smoldered. "But we are not done."

Callia stood, feeling his still aching hardness slide from her body. She walked across the clearing and gazed into the flowing brook.

"Ethilathain, it's time you give me some explanations," she said firmly.

Following her, Ethilathain came to her, wrapping his strong arms around her waist. "I am not putting it off, my love," he whispered into her pointy ear, nipping the lobe between his teeth. "It's just when I'm around you, I can only think of loving you, pleasuring you, making you moan with ecstasy."

He watched her, took in the sight of her. She was so beautiful. Her skin was creamy coppery-brown and was so soft and supple it begged his fingers to trace light little teasing patterns over her flat muscled stomach. Her eyes, a bright sapphire blue, were half veiled by heavy lids as he nibbled a line down the long column of her throat. Her nose was an almost childlike button and her lips, a pouty cupid's bow. His eyes traveled down her body, feasting on the sight before him. Full, pert breasts with large rosebud nipples that puckered under his gaze and cried out to be sucked, tight waist and salaciously curved hips, thighs, and backside. And her hair, her hair was a mass of strawberry blonde tendrils, cascading down her back and covering her as if a cloak. He wound a hand in a length of her hair, feeling the silkiness. He watched her face, etched with contentment, and felt his heart begin to beat faster in his chest. 

It was time.

"I have fallen hopelessly in love with you, my sweetness." He whispered. "I have never met another like you in the long years of my existence. I need you with me...always. Please let me be your only one..."

He turned her around to face him, his eyes connecting with her. "Callia, I love you more than anything....more than all the gold and jewels in my horde."

With baited breath he waited for her to speak, his heart felt as if a fist was closing around it as she gazed up into his eyes

Callia let out a soft sigh, looking at the man that filled her body, mind, and heart. 

"Ethilathain I... I have loved you from the moment I met you. Being with you is as if my prayers have been answered. Yes, I accept you as...."

Ethilathain was kissing her before she had time to read the intent look on his face. His tongue sliding into her mouth, tangling with hers. His hands cradled the globes of her succulent bottom as he pressed her against his rigid erection. 

"I am so happy to hear those words from your lips," he growled between kisses.

Grasping her buttocks he lifted her. Callia drew her legs around his waist, feeling the heat of his cock between her thighs as he deposited her on the fur pallet. She looked into his eyes. They were smoldering with barely restrained lust. She felt the look he gave her down to her toes. He moved over her, spreading her thighs wide. Leaning down to taste her sweet swollen sex, he caressed her beautiful body. His tongue slowly slid up and down the outer most folds, then gently up the middle. He blew soft, warm air on her throbbing bud. 

"Ethilathain, please..." she moaned, grinding her hips up to meet his mouth. He spread her lips with his fingers and his hot tongue began to work on her aching pleasure spot, lightly flicking, and then gently sucking varying his rhythm and pressure. He slid two fingers inside her wet warmth, feeling her muscles contract around them when she shattered, moaning, and calling his name. When her clenching muscles and gyrating hips started to subside, he slid himself up her body.

"Soak me," he rasped as he spread her open and plunged inside, filling her with his thick, hard member; stroking inside her core and gliding over her still quivering nerve center, sending hot sensation streaking out from the center of her pleasure.

She felt every inch of him pushing and thrusting in and out of her and heard his soft mutterings as he pumped and stroked. Her body, still riding the wave he had begun with his hot, probing tongue, broke again as sweet, hot rolling pleasure poured from the place where he pounded into her and spread throughout her body. The waves of her pleasure carried him over the precipice he had been struggling to hold onto, waiting for her to climax again. She felt the hot burst inside her and wrapped her legs around him to hold him deep inside as his cries mingled with hers.

Much later, he slid out of her and pulled her under the furs. He slipped in next to her, pulling her body to him, cradling her in his warmth. 

"You belong to me..." were the last words he murmured before they fell into a deep, satisfied sleep.

O.O



Fantastic World Ch. 09



You belong to me...

The soft words repeated themselves in her head over and over until she spoke them aloud.

"You belong to me..." Callia called out as she thrashed about on her fur pallet. "You belong to me..."

She felt something shaking her and shifted quickly towards it. Her eyes flew open and she focused on the sight before her. Jaz'rin knelt beside her, his hand hovering above her prone form.

"Callia..." he spoke softly, "You were dreaming again."

"Dreaming?"

"Yes, you've been out for nearly ten days. I've been watching over you, tending to your wounds. I've made sure you drank enough liquids and healing draughts. Though, you've been having the most violent of dreams. Thrashing about. Calling out our names. I feared you would hurt yourself so I was forced to bind you until you ceased." Jaz'rin replied, a look of concern on his face.

"Ethilathain? Where is he? I must see him." Callia insisted, remembering the vividly erotic dreams she had had of herself and the dragon.

"He has left the cave. He had to hunt, my sweet." Jaz'rin smiled as he brushed back several loose strands of hair that fell across her face.

"He left me..." Callia replied. It was more of a statement than a question.

Jaz'rin chuckled. "I'm sure he'll be back, sweetling. Why does it matter where he is?"

Callia looked up at Jaz'rin, their eyes locking. "It just does."

"Ahhh...I see. This has something to do with those dreams you were having, doesn't it? Callia, you would do well not to fall for him. Don't you see, ussta 'chev? He is using you. You are the only way for him to leave this place. He wants to leave this realm and go to ours where he will not be hunted. He knows if he is discovered here, it'll be the end so he needs you. Please, do not fall for that."

"And you know this for certain?" Callia retorted, pushing herself to her knees. "And just pray tell what do you know about my dreams?"

"I don't know the details, my sweet, but I watched you for days. For some of that time, he was laying right next to you. It was incredibly intimate the way he would whisper to you in that special lover-like way." Jaz'rin replied with a satisfied smile. "I have warned you, my sweet."

"Jaz'rin?!?"

"Hmmm..."

"You didn't answer my question!"

"And which one was that?"

"That you know this for certain?!?"

"Isn't it obvious? Think, Callia."

A pondering look crossed her face. It did seem all too convenient. Perhaps Jaz'rin was right. "What should I do?"

"I can tell you what you shouldn't do. Your body isn't 100 percent healed yet, especially your nether regions. As much as I hate to say it, I would advise that you refrain from any lovemaking until you are better. Though, I have to tell you that I miss you very much and I look forward to the time when you are healed. We are good together, my sweet." Jaz'rin flashed her that special lover's look he'd bestowed upon her so many times.

She smiled in return, wondering what to believe. Her mind was buzzing. On one hand she didn't think Ethilathain would deceive her in such a grandiose fashion. Yet on the other, why would Jaz'rin lie? She could easily see where Jaz'rin may be jealous of Ethilathain, but she couldn't understand why? There had to be real feelings involved for jealously to surface or so she had always thought. Maybe not feelings of love, but strong feelings nonetheless. With Amakiir, it was domination and ownership. But with Jaz'rin, it couldn't be any of those. He wasn't in love with her. He had told her his kind didn't fall in love. Perhaps it was jealousy because he enjoyed the feelings her body gave him. He liked...for the lack of a better word...fucking her. The sex they had had could only be described as incredible. He knew her body well and knew what made her explode with passion. They were good together. About that, he was right.

Callia sighed, knowing the answers wouldn't come as quickly as she wanted them to. She wasn't sure what to believe, but there was one thing clear in her mind...doubt. She would be more careful in her dealings with the dragon, just in case Jaz'rin was right. 

O.O

Three more days passed before Callia was well enough to make the return journey to the dryad's glade. Her torso no longer pained her. The ragged wounds had knitted completely, leaving behind long faint scars. She hated the sight of them, yet they were a badge of honor that she had survived the terrible ordeal. 

Her other scars were healing as well, especially the mental ones. When her menses had begun in earnest, she resigned herself to the fact that it would be even longer before she would have a chance to discover the truth. She knew she was avoiding certain situations with both her companions, especially Ethilathain. That was all despite the fact that he had placed his bedroll near hers and she often woke firmly ensconced within his warm embrace. He often whispered sweet little nothings to her as she slept, but they were always in the draconic tongue. She couldn't understand exactly what he had said, but could tell by the tonal inflection what he meant. It was all so romantically endearing. She wasn't sure how long she could resist it or him. Yet he was ever patient with her. And Jaz'rin...her dear Jaz'rin...with his alternating glances of disapproval and desire. What was a girl to do?

Her ever-troubled thoughts threatened to chip away at her already crumbling sanity. She knew what would be best, but she didn't have the heart to bring herself to do that. She had convinced herself that the key to her success was as much help as she could get. She wouldn't have triumphed over the legion of trolls without both of her companions. They both had played a vital role. She needed them...didn't she? 

Callia shook her head as she rummaged through her pack for her armor. The black Shadowhisp silk armor had been destroyed by the daemonfaey while she was unconscious. Pulling out her bulkier suit of elven chain mail, she grabbed the silk body suit she normally wore beneath it and clothed herself in it. Then she donned the ornate suit of armor. She was most proud of the way it looked on her. The way it fit her, molding itself to her bountiful curves. Though it wasn't as form-fitting as the Shadowhisp silk, it made her feel feminine and beautiful. Callia needed that right now.

After she fastened all the buckles, she threw her haversack on her back and exited the small side cavern she had recuperated in. The main cavern as well as the remaining ones inhabited by the trolls was blissfully empty of all of the carcasses of the foul beasts. Callia figured Jaz'rin and Ethilathain must have removed them. She shook her head. She didn't need the reminders and hurried up the passageway which would lead her outside.

It was there she met her companions. Ethilathain had already taken dragon form and sat surveying the area quite haughtily. Jaz'rin had perched himself on an outcropping of rocks. He appeared to be a bit singed around the edges. Callia frowned and eyed him with a brooding expression then turned her gaze towards Ethilathain.

"What the hell is going on?" Callia demanded as she marched over to him to see how much damage had been done.

"Do not worry your pretty little head, ussta 'chev," he replied. "We had a small difference in opinion."

"Over what?" Callia huffed, angrily glancing between the dark elf and the dragon.

"What do you think?!?!" Jaz'rin retorted, his eyes flashing red.

"Me!?!?!? Why?!?" She tapped her foot. 

"You know why! Nindel phraktos tlu xsa tagnik'zur zhah kl'aein dos lu' Usstan orn naut fre'sla whol ol." He shot back, his eyes glowing even redder. ("That gods be damned dragon is using you and I will not stand for it.")

"So you think you are going to fight a dragon!?!?! He could eat you alive! One bite and that'd be it! Jaz, he isn't using me!" 

"That's what I said!" Ethilathain spoke up. "The darkling doesn't believe me. I don't need you in order to be free. I could go anywhere I want to go, but I prefer to stay in your presence. You are pleasing to the eye and I like beautiful things."

"Pfft... Z'reninth vel'bol dos saph, ussta lotha ssinssrigg, drill Usstan xun naut khaless ukta. Lu' nausbyr zhal'la dos." He replied, his eyes darkening even more. ("Believe what you like, my little love, but I do not trust him. And neither should you.")

"Why do you even care if he's using me? Who gave you the right to judge?! You enjoy fucking me, but YOU don't LOVE me." Callia yelled back. "Your kind isn't capable of that emotion!!! Isn't that what you've said?! That your heart was your own!"

"Ussta ssinssrigg, you must not say that. You are...special to me." 

"Shove a cork in it, Jaz'rin. Neither of you will EVER touch me again if you keep behaving this way. No more fighting! And you...," she whirled around and stomped over to Ethilathain. "Don't you ever dare breathe your fire on Jaz'rin again! You are a hell of a lot bigger, stronger, and more powerful than he is. I do not need this right now. Let us just return to the damn dryad's glade and get my damned key!"

Ethilathain immediately transformed back into the black haired elf she'd become so accustomed to and laid his hands upon her shoulders. "Sia itov, what will you do about the fair dryad? She is as much as prisoner as I was. The kind thing to do would be to release her from this realm."

Callia let out a sigh, glancing from the dragon to the dark elf and back. Both of them had called her 'my love' in their native tongues. She wasn't sure what or who to believe. 

"Callia?" Ethilathain asked.

"Yes?"

"The dryad? Have you any thoughts on her plight?" He questioned, as he cocked an eyebrow.

"Oh...well...I hadn't thought of it, but I will on our way back to her glade."

"I may have an idea," Jaz'rin interjected as he came up behind her and placed his hands on her shapely hips. He caressed her, his fingers kneading her softly. "Do you remember the forest you first arrived in?"

"Yes." 

"I arrived there as well, after you. It was so utterly devoid of life." He pressed himself against her and wrapped his arms around her.

"Yes! It was!" Callia pulled free of his embrace and did a little dance of joy as the realization hit her. "I thought it was extremely odd that there were no small animals or forest life. She would be perfect there. Do you think she will agree?"

"We can hope," Ethilathain interjected. "We should offer this to her and if she agrees, we should take her to the forest and see that she settles in before continuing on to the third portrait."

"You are right. We should. Good, now that that has been decided, let us return and give her the heads of Kagard and the daemonfaey."

O.O

Ethilathain returned to his magnificent draconic form and allowed Callia and Jaz'rin to climb onto his back. "No kicking this time!" He warned before flapping his great wings and taking off into the sky above. 

It was a short flight back to the glade of the dryad. She was awaiting them when they returned. Callia hopped off the dragon's back and tossed the heads at her. The dryad gave her a stunned expression and sputtered as she tried to find the words. 

Ethilathain shape shifted again and approached the dryad. "Fair one, we bring you the thing you seek plus a boon of an additional foul being who would have relished greatly in your demise." 

Meridia clapped her hands as she pulled the heads from the sack. She danced about merrily before impaling the heads on a couple pikes she had stuck in the ground. "You have done well, chas kesir. I wondered what had become of you. Many moons have passed since you departed here. Tell me of the battle."

"We killed them all. The hideous beasts are no more. You have nothing to worry over."

Meridia cocked an eyebrow at her then glanced over at Ethilathain. "Will you not elaborate any more than that?" The dryad inquired.

"It was a very hard fought battle and my lady was sorely injured. She does not wish to speak of it." Ethilathain replied.

Meridia nodded. "I see. I owe you my sincerest thanks, chas kesir. You have made my home safe and I thank you greatly. I bestow upon you my key."

The dryad pulled a golden chain from beneath her clothing made of woven plants and flowers. Upon the chain hung the golden key. She handed it to Callia and bowed before her. 

"Nandin," Callia began. "Would you like to leave this realm?"

"Leave? Where would I go?"

"Do you remember what it was like before you were imprisoned within this forest realm?" Ethilathain asked. "I remember well my own life before I was brought here. Would you desire to be free of this place?"

A pondering expression came over Meridia's face and she gasped. "I do remember. I lived in a great forest near the mountains. A hunter captured me and my sacred tree. He brought me to a wizard. After that, I woke up here."

"Do you wish to return, fair Meridia?"

"YES!" She exclaimed as realization dawned on her. "But how is that possible? I am bound to this place for an eternity."

"As was I, but with her help," Ethilathain motioned to Callia. "It is possible for you to leave. We shall return you to your forest home. It needs you to become what it once was. The spirit of the forest has died. You must revive it, fair lady."

"What about my sacred oak? I do not wish to be without it. It would mean my utter peril."

"I also have the solution to that." Ethilathain pulled at a wand and pointed it at the tree. He murmured a few arcane words to activate the device. A brilliant green light burst from the wand and engulfed the mighty oak, shrinking it the size of a small branch. He scooped it up out of the ground, roots and all, and packed it within a wet length of cloth that Callia handed him once she realize what he was doing. "We shall transport it like this. I shall replant it for you once we arrive at our destination and return it to its proper size. Now fair lady, you may bring with you anything else you think you need."

Meridia nodded and set about gathering a few items as well as the heads of the troll and daemonfaey from the pikes. "What about my animal friends?" She turned to Ethilathain and asked. "I would hate to leave them here."

Callia looked at her ponderingly. "How many are there?"

"A small flock of birds, a couple squirrels, a few rabbits, a raccoon, a badger, a couple foxes, a black she-wolf, and oh yeah, a brown bear." Meridia smiled. "I shall call them all."

A series of various bird songs, whistles, chitters, yips, howls and growls issued forth from the dryad's throat as she mimicked the animals' calls. It took several long minutes, but soon all the animals mentioned had to the glade. They eyed the visitors warily before seeking shelter around, on and near the dryad.

"Now what do we do?" Callia hissed at the Ethilathain. "How are we possibly supposed to transport them all?"

Meridia laughed, her eyes mocking. "Simple, chas kesir. You should learn never to judge a book by its cover and that things are rarely what they seem. Right, darkling?"

Callia flashed the dryad a dark look before turning to Jaz'rin. She cocked an eyebrow at him, but said nothing. Her gaze shifted back to the dryad after noting the extremely neutral expression on Jaz'rin's face and watched as each one of the animals individually changed their shapes into humanoid form. The birds turned into beautiful elvish looking beings.

Jaz'rin gasped, causing Callia to look his way quickly. "What?" she asked.

"They are the ancient Elysian I told you about."

"I thought you said a small group of them still inhabit this world."

"They do, but they have been diminished. Now I see why. Their elders have been here. Unlike the elves of our world, the Elysian are immortal."

"Immortal, you say. Hmmmm...," Callia perused each one of the men and women. They were tall, slender and otherworldly graceful beings with pale hair and big voluminuous green eyes. Callia smiled as she intently studied each one of the Elysian males.

Jaz'rin nudged her. "Behave. You are not healed enough for what I know you are thinking," he whispered.

"And what am I thinking?"

"How much you'd like to fuck each one of them! I've seen that look on your face before, my sweet. They are fresh meat to you, like a banquet of passion to gorge yourself upon. You would do well to forget it because if the fair dryad doesn't object and bespell you horribly, then I'm sure the damned dragon would roast them alive. And surely they wouldn't relish finding themselves at the mercy of a sadistic dark elf." Jaz'rin growled, his eyes momentarily flashing red.

Callia huffed and glared at him. "Neither of you own me. I'll fuck whoever I want whenever I want. Understood?"

He returned the look she gave him with one of his own all the while cocking an eyebrow. Callia turned her head away from him, ignoring him. The transformations continued as the remaining creatures turned in their human counterparts.

The bear man had coarse shaggy hair and a long grizzled beard. He towered above Callia by almost two whole feet. His rotund body shook as he unleashed a roar of freedom. The squirrels changed into smallish humanoids, like the halflings of her world.

"Latroekas?" Jaz'rin stated questioningly.

Callia shrugged and kept an eye on her pack. In her mind, most halflings were notorious for pick-pocketing whatever they could. Jaz'rin chuckled softly.

The she-wolf turned itself into an elven female with dark dusky skin and topaz eyes. Dark furs scantily covered her bountiful charms. It then became Callia's turn to nudge Jaz'rin as his jaw dropped open.

"You're staring!"

"I..."

"Uh..."

Callia nudged him harder. 

"Wha..."

She laughed softly, shaking her head as she admired the magnificent creature. She quickly ran her hand the front of Jaz'rin's body, noting how tense he was. She skimmed it quickly over his crotch. Jaz'rin was as hard as steel. "Nin vel'uss ssinssrinen ulu vith vel'uss?" she teased. ("Now who wants to fuck who?")

"Uhhh...What? Did you say something, my sweet?" 

"You can pick your jaw up off the ground, Jaz." Callia chided, stroking her fingers over his hardened cock.

He pushed her hand away and hissed. "Stop that!"

Defiantly, Callia grasped hold of it with a firmer grip, her nails sinking into the material of his shadowhisp silk armor. He yelped, glaring at her with blazing red eyes.

"My dear Jaz'rin, isn't she one of those dominant dark elf females that you so despise? I believe I recall you saying you had had enough of their kind. I thought you preferred being the dominant one."

Jaz'rin pushed her away from him, dislodging her hand. "How dare you throw that back in my face?!?Who are you to tell me who I can and cannot fuck when you swear up and down that you can fuck whoever you want whenever you want!?! Answer me that!"

"Somebody is jealous..." Ethilathain murmured to Meridia.

"Fine, fuck her if she'll have you...," Callia snorted derisively. She turned away from him and walked to Ethilathain's side. She wrapped her arms around his middle and rested her head on his shoulder. He softly stroked her hair and placed a soft kiss on the top of her head before embracing her fully within his arms. 

She stayed within the shelter of his embrace for several minutes, relishing in his warmth. Tears seeped from her eyes. She hastily wiped them away. 

"Calm down," Ethilathain whispered. "Let him have his fun. After all, you have been having yours."

Callia nodded. She turned back to the dryad and her "animals." The pair of foxes had turned into a human male and female with waist length reddish-orange hair. The rabbits, badger and raccoon had all turned into human males and females as well. 




Fantastic World Ch. 09



"Are the humans Aezaerians?" She forced a smile as she perused them all. Perhaps in another time or place she would have found a few of the males quite irresistible, but for now she had too much on her hands where Ethilathain and Jaz'rin were concerned. She glanced over to Jaz'rin who seemed busy conversing with the dusky skinned elven female. "I wonder if she is Elysian..."

Callia caught Ethilathain eyeing her with great interest. He had that hungry cat look about him. She slapped him as hard as she could. "DAMN YOU!"

Ethilathain stumbled back and rubbed his jaw. "What was that for?"

"Stop looking at her like you would like to eat her or FUCK her!!!!!!" 

"As I said, someone is jealous..." Ethilathain repeated his earlier assessment of the situation. He caught the nasty look Callia flashed him and quickly changed the subject. "How about we gather everyone and leave this place?"

"I think that would be prudent. I so wish to return to my old home." Meridia spoke up. "Tell me, chas kesir, how are we to get out of here?"

"Take my hand, Meridia. We all must join hands." Callia held out her hand to the dryad and her other to Ethilathain. She watched as Jaz'rin led the dusky skinned female over to Ethilathain who in turn took her hand. Jaz'rin clasped hold of her other and held his other out to one of the Elysians. One by one they all joined hands, allowing Callia to lead them to the spot to the blackened void she had entered through.

She whispered the words 'Home is where my heart lingers' once more. They all fell through the void and landed in the tower room.

"You did it, chas kesir. We are free!" Meridia exclaimed merrily and hugged Callia tightly. "Thank you so much!"

"You are so welcome. Now let us get you to the forest."

"I think some of us would like to rest." Meridia replied. "Is there a place where that would be possible?"

"Yes, Meridia, there is. I believe the level below has bedchambers which you may use. I think I may make use of one of them myself. And I think Jaz'rin wouldn't mind making use of another."

One of the Elysian stepped forth. "Lady, my name is Varris." The pale haired male spoke. "I am the eldest of my people. I remember this place quite well. I know where we are and how to get to our home. If you don't mind, we would like to return to our people. I can sense their need."

"Very well. Farewell, Varris. I bid you light laughter and sweet water until we meet again."

"And to you, my child." Each of the Elysian assumed the shapes of the colorful birds and took flight. 

She smiled as they flew down the staircase leading from the tower room. Others began to make their way to the floor beneath them, looking for the bedchambers in which to rest.

Callia looked over at Jaz'rin, who was still in conversation with his new friend. She walked over to them. "Ussta 'chev, were you not going to introduce me?"

Jaz'rin grinned at her. "Yes, Callia dear."

That was not a good sign. Or was it? She grinned secretively. Perhaps he'd get off her case now.

"This is Tathlyn of House Auvryl. She is originally from our realm. She would also like to return home. Would it be wrong of me not to offer her the same as we have the others trapped here in this wretched place?" Jaz'rin's eyes flicked from Tathlyn to Ethilathain and then back to Callia.

"Of course, Jaz'rin. She is more than welcome to accompany us." Callia gave him a sweet smile. "Have fun, ussta 'chev."

She grabbed hold of Ethilathain and led him downstairs. She picked a small intimate bedchamber furthest from anyone else. The chamber comprised of a good sized bed and a fireplace. Callia smiled. She knew she wasn't fully healed, but there was ways around that. She meant to take care of her gorgeous Ethilathain.

"Sia itov, are you ready for this?" he asked.

"You know I am not, amin liy...," she gave him a smile. "But that doesn't mean I can't be good to you."

"As much as I want you, sweetling, I feel it would not be right. Let us rest together. We do not know what we will face within the next realm." 

Callia nodded. "Ethi..."

"Hmmm..." He removed his garments and crawled onto the bed. Her eyes followed every move he made.

"The dreams I was having...were you causing them?"

He gave her a pensive look. She cocked an eyebrow at him as she removed her armor.

"Ethi...tell me!" Callia crawled over to him and pushed him down flat. She straddled his hips. "Please! Jaz told me what was happening after I awoke. You were out hunting. He said you would lie next to me and whisper to me. He thought you were manipulating me."

"Do you remember what I told you in those dreams? I do love you and I want to be with you. You do belong to me now. Let the dark elf go. Look deep inside yourself, sweetling. If you are worried that I am using you, you have no reason to worry. I told you I could leave at any time, but I have no desire to be parted from you. I want to return with you to your world. I want to love you. I want to share the joys and the tears. I want to share your life. Please say you'll let me."

"Well, since you put it that way...," she sighed happily and placed a light kiss upon his cheek. "There is one thing I have to tell you. I have a house in a small village. When I purchased and renovated it, I found a trap door in the cellar. That door leads further underground...to some fairly large caverns. I walked through them all the way to the exit, which happens to be an open cave big enough for you to fly in to. I cleaned out the goblin tribe that inhabited it. It would be perfect for you."

"And if I am discovered, then what?"

"I would feel obligated to tell the Lord of the town, but I think as long as you are not eating the villager's livestock, there should not be a problem. I think it would be a great boon for the village to have a dragon as one of its protectors."

"I would not dare eat the livestock, unless the beasts so carelessly wandered into my mouth." Ethilathain smirked.

She shook her head. "Perhaps we should get some sleep and speak of this later," she suggested.

"Very well, sweetling, very well."

Ethilathain wrapped his arms around her and sought a comfortable position in which to curl up. He watched her as she drifted off into the realm of sleep. Then he slyly tucked a blanket around her and pushed a pillow against her body. He wiggled out of her embrace and crept to the door. 

With one quick look back, he slipped out of the room.

O.O



Fantastic World Ch. 10



Ethilathain re-entered the bedchamber as silently as he had left it. But this time he did not expect Callia to be perched on the bed glaring at him with her arms crossed and a stern expression on her face.

"Just where did you sneak off to?" She asked, her eyes blazing.

He tilted his head and gave her a pondering look. "I did not wish to wake you, my precious one. You were sleeping so soundly. I left because I was hungry. I needed to hunt. I had not felt the exhilaration of stalking my prey in many a long year. Would you deny me that? It felt good to be out in the open, to spread my wings and to soar amongst the clouds. Surely you did not believe I would abandon you here."

"No, but Jaz'rin alluded to it. He stopped in to check on me." Callia murmured as her face turned red. She had jumped to the wrong conclusion all because of Jaz'rin.

"He is jealous, my sweet. He wants you all to himself, but he fears bringing himself to commit to you solely." Ethilathain replied as he disrobed and sat on the edge of the bed. "He fears losing his freedom so he will do nothing until he can have both."

"Then it is his loss." Callia sighed. "I have no use for someone that indecisive. But I think it goes deeper. I think he fears what Amakiir would do to him for not fulfilling his mission the way he was supposed to. Jaz'rin was sent here to kill me."

"He will not succeed. He will have to kill me in order to get to you."

Callia smiled.

"Sweetest Callia," Ethilathain murmured as he moved over to her and embraced her. "There is something I wish to discuss with you."

"What is it, Ethi?"

"It has been a long span of years since I have spoken of this."

Callia turned around and cocked an eyebrow at him questioningly. What was he talking about?

"There is much about my kind of dragon that you could not possibly be aware of. Due to that fact, I'm not even sure where to begin. There are things you must know now that you have accepted me as your lover."

"Talk to me."

"I have the ability to scan a fairly large area for other dragons of my kind. I noted one. Its lair is in this very ruin."

"Yes, I was aware of that. Jaz'rin told me after he scouted the place. He brought me a jewel he stole from the dragon's hoard."

"It was the only one I sensed. I believe that was the last living offspring I had left." Ethilathain smiled.

"What did you do?"

"What do you think?"

"You killed it? Your own offspring?"

"Only the strong survive. I am the last of my kind. It makes me Lord of all Dragons."

"How does make you feel?"

"It is the way I want it to be. I would not have killed him if I did not want it to be so. His hoard is now mine." He smiled that hungry predator smile and flicked his eyes over Callia.

"Ethi, why are you looking at me like that?"

"There is more that you need to know. Have you ever wondered why my eyes are tri-colored?"

"Yes, I have. I have never seen a dragon with eyes like yours. Most have slitted reptilian eyes. Why are they like that?" Callia asked.

"My kind, the Obsidian, is the only one to my knowledge to have eyes like this and there is a reason for it."

Callia cocked an eyebrow, but said nothing. She wanted to hear this.

"When my kind takes a mate, there is a ritual of sorts that we perform. Since I was imprisoned for all those long millennia and had no contact with anyone, the need was suppressed. Now that I have taken you as my mate, my lover, the need has surfaced again and the longer I hold out against it..." Ethilathain's words trailed off as a tremoring shiver visibly coursed through him. Beads of sweat broke out on his brow. "I can not delay much longer."

"What kind of ritual? What does it involve? And how does that concern the color of your eyes?"

"I have been through this ritual three times, hence the three colors. The colors signify my draconic mate. One was cerulean, another was turquoise, and the third mate was golden. It has always been through the ritual that has caused the color rings in my eyes."

"What does the ritual involve, Ethi?" Callia repeated. 

"To reach the next apex I must mate with you while in my natural form. It is something not spoken of to non-dragons. I must mount you." His soulful eyes pleaded with her.

"You want to...MOUNT...me...Ethi...you can not. It is not possible! You are far too large and we both know I am not healed!!!!!!! You could kill me!" Callia shrieked.

"I have no choice, sia itov. To hold back is to die." A shudder coursed through him once more. "Do not fear me, my sweet. You will see that it shall be possible. I can prepare you for the mating. You will not die!"

Callia shook her head, not knowing what to think. "Is there no other way?"

"For me, no," Ethilathain shook his head, his blood beating heavy in his veins. It pulsed through him in an ancient, expectant rhythm. The mating of which he spoke to her was a mystical transformation to the Obsidian. He knew Callia could awaken him fully. Their passions were so closely matched, closer than any mate he had ever taken. He knew she would be the catalyst for him to bring true power into passion.

And he would share this renewal with her. He would give himself to her completely, and he hoped, she to him. His fate was in her hands. 

"And what does the mating do for you? How do you reach the next apex?"

"My innate abilities become more powerful. If the mating succeeds as well as I hope because we are so closely matched in our passions, I may be able to bestow upon you some of my draconic abilities, but only for a short time. You well may able to soar amongst the clouds with me. I have never attempted this mating with a non-draconic female. Furthermore, I have not known of it ever attempted with a non-draconic mate, but I swear to you I would not see you harmed. I would willingly sacrifice all that I am in order to keep you safe. This is something I must do."

"May I have some time to think about it?" Callia asked.

"Yes, I can give you that. I shall hunt some more. That may delay the need until you are ready to commence the preparations for the mating."

"And will you explain to me in finite detail what all the mating involves? I need to know. I know my body will need certain preparations, but so won't my mind." 

"Anything for you, my sweet," he murmured.

"Do you know of any way I could achieve a dragon form, through perhaps polymorphing...or something along those lines?"

A thoughtful look crossed Ethilathain's face. "Not to my knowledge. I don't think it would work. We must be in our natural forms. You are not of draconic blood."

"Dragons are magical creatures, am I not correct? Elves are highly magical beings. The magical weave sings to us, at least the ones that are inclined to listen." 

"And your point is?" 

"That magic may work for us."

"It will not, my sweet. You must trust me on this." Ethilathain replied, "I will give you time to think." 

Ethilathain produced a small red orb from the leather haversack he'd brought with him from his cave. "This is a summoning globe. Smash it upon the ground and speak my name. I will come to you then," he murmured before heading to the door. He gave her one last longing glance before opening it and then he was gone. 

Callia let out a sob as her tears burned her eyes. She hadn't been aware of them until he turned to leave. She didn't know what to think anymore. "ETHI!" She bellowed as she bounded of the bed and threw open the door. She ran to the stairs and peered down at him.

"Yes, my sweet?" He smiled up at her.

"How am I supposed to think about it if you haven't explained it to me? How can I decide when I don't know what's going to happen? Please, Ethi, talk to me." Callia pleaded.

Another shudder visibly coursed through Ethilathain. His hands shook as he reached up to her. He drew in a deep breath and slowly released it. Callia took his hand and lead him back up the steps and back into the room. 

"Keep hold of my hand and I will show you what the mating involves. Look deep into my eyes and behold." Ethilathain whispered, staring deeply into the blue pools of hers. 

Callia gasped as a vision took hold of her. It was like nothing she'd ever witnessed or felt. Was this magic? It was if she had stepped back into another time and place. Ethilathain opened his mind to her, allowing her access to his memories. 

The dragons circled each other, a pleasing kaleidoscope of black and gold locked together in a slow and graceful yet utterly mesmerizing dance. The shimmering black one had to be Ethilathain. The black nipped the gold on the flank and together they soared into the skies. They twisted and entwined with sensual grace. Their movements flowed in time with the gentle whooshing of the wings. Higher they soared, swirling around each other, until they landed together upon a windswept mountain. The golden one winked at her lover and lifted her tail, beckoning him forward. A magical aura seemed to surround them, passing back and forth between them as they achieved each apex. Then at long last, the two took on an almost ethereal metamorphosis, together in harmonious bliss.

She noticed that the shimmering black dragon took on more on a powerful presence and his eyes which had been two different shades of blue sported a third ring of pure gold. Finally it seemed the dragons were at ease with one another, drifting into a restorative trance. Callia shook her head as the vision faded away, leaving only the tri-color of his eyes. 

"Do you understand it better?"

"I think so," Callia murmured. "But please explain to me what you showed me."

"That was Myanth you saw in the vision. She was my mate for over a thousand years. That was the longest time I have ever spent with any of my mates. The wizard who imprisoned me here killed her to spite me because I refused to surrender. Never have I witnessed a creature of such splendor destroyed so brutally. One spell was all it took." He shook his head forlornly, "The mating is a blending of souls. Through becoming as one, we strengthen the feelings we have for each other. The mating is complex. It is beautiful, but is very exhausting."

"Ethi, I want to help you with this, but you know I am not completely healed." Callia whispered, as a single tear flowed down her cheek. 

"I think I will be able to help you with that. It will be a part of the preparations we make for the mating."

"Alright, then I shall think on it."

O.O

Callia quickly donned some clothing. She needed to take a walk to clear her head and make her decision. She quickly exited the ruin and headed in the opposite direction in which they had arrived. She rounded the rear of the crumbling structure and noticed a patch of woods in the distance. It beckoned to her and she happily answered its call. To be surrounded by nature again, to let her feet fall upon the primordial heart of all that was green and fertile again. She longed for that.

She took off in a sprint, her powerful legs eating up the distance and as she entered the tree line, the sound of buzzing insects filtered to her ears. This stand of woods was alive. She noted small animals scurrying about as she ventured deeper into the heart of it all. 

Callia inhaled deeply, smelling raw earth and fragrant scent of wildflowers. She twirled about, playfully frolicking, giving freedom to her Elven heart. Laughter flowed from her lips. If only Verrshaun were here to romp with her. He would enjoy this place. 

Then she became awestruck as she moved through the trees and stepped into a large clearing. Lush warmth permeated her very being. A crystal clear blue lagoon dominated its center while dense foliage and leafy green fronds made for pockets of tempting privacy. Callia approached the water and sat down at the edge. She glanced around, reveling in the sanctity of this beautiful paradise. 

She stripped of her clothing and tested the water. It was warm and inviting. She waded in and let out a throaty sigh. The aqua water caressed her as it lapped against for legs and thighs. How marvelous it felt and the view...It was utterly breathtaking. Off to her right, a small waterfall cascaded into the lagoon; its flowing sound was a soothing balm to any troubled spirit seeking peace.

She reached down into the shallow water and scooped up a few pebbles, awed by their color and smoothness. They were all bright blue. Never before had she seen anything like it. Idly, she tossed a few back into the water, watching concentric rings spread across the surface. The initial simple action of the stone hitting the water always caused more complex aftereffects. An analogy of my life, she thought.

The stone hitting the water was much like her first meeting with Ethilathain. Their coming together had been a quick, decisive action. The ripples of consequence were still reverberating through her heart and soul. So much had happened. Amakiir's betrayal and Jaz'rin's seduction... It seemed for her there was always a male at the heart of all her troubles.

And Ethilathain... Deep down to the depths of her soul, he had filled her. She had never sought such complexity. Yet she was in over her head. It had found her and wound its way around her, penetrating her to the very core. In her quest for complete independence and wholeness of spirit, Ethilathain had brought to her more enrichment of her feelings and made her even more entangled than she had ever thought she would be.

Ethilathain...

It always came back to Ethilathain. He had lived for centuries. He would continue on for centuries more even after the long span of her elven lifetime was spent. He would carry on. Full of memories of their life together. Memories...wasn't that all he had of his past mates? 

Callia choked back a sob as she smacked the water with her hand. She wanted him and wanted to be with him. But she knew it was not that simple. He needed her to get him through this pivotal point of his existence. He needed her...

Could she go through with the blending? Was she strong enough to withstand it? Did she not want him to be her mate? Need him, yes. Want him, yes. Crave him, yes. Love him... yes oh yes...Even when he was apart from her, she could still feel him inside of her, as if he was part of her. Ethilathain had grown within her like another seed of herself. 

Callia had never put much stock in destiny before, but now she wondered. Were they truly meant to be together? She could not deny the pull he had on her or that it felt so right when she was near him. Nor could she deny the strange closeness between them. She could not deny the way they came together like pieces of a puzzle made whole, the way they fit.

A rustling of underbrush and the splash of water interrupted her thoughts and alerted her to the fact that she was no longer alone. She spun about, the water rippling more fiercely and watched as Jaz'rin waded in toward her. Rage flared within his blazing crimson red eyes. What had angered him so?

"Jaz'rin..." she softly murmured.

He embraced her forcefully; a tiny cry escaped her lips before his ascended upon hers in a most cruel way. He grabbed her hair, pulled her head back brutally, and kissed her hard, making her lips hurt against her teeth. Forcing her mouth open, Jaz'rin shook her violently, commanding her to kiss him back. Callia growled out a fierce 'no', forcing him to pull her hair harder with his left fist, her full right breast gripped in his right. She cried out in pain for a brief second before attempting to break his hold on her.

"Callia, please...I don't wish to hurt you," Jaz'rin murmured as he loosened his grasp on her. "Usstan ssrig'luin dos."

"I can't...," she whispered.

Yet Jaz'rin assailed her with long passionate kisses, tenderly loving her breasts, and teasingly rubbing her pussy. Then he pulled her with him to the bank of the sparkling blue lagoon and gently laid her upon the soft green grass. He kissed her again, probing his tongue deep into her mouth. "Usstan ssrig'luin dos. I need you...need you." 

"Jaz'rin...I can't..." Callia shoved him away and stood up. "I have made my choice."

The dark elf sneered at her, following her actions. "You are a whore, Callia, a whore to power."

She drew back her hand and slapped him soundly. "How dare you!" She screeched. "You are the whore, Jaz'rin. Amakiir bought you and has used you however he has seen fit. You are the one who toadies to the more powerful ones. How pathetic!"

His eyes turned red again. The glint of a knife flashed as it appeared in his hands. He barreled into her, knocking her to the ground. Callia grunted as the back of her head smacked against a rock protruding from the ground. It dazed her, disorienting her momentarily. That was all it took for Jaz'rin to straddle her torso, pinning her arms to the ground, holding the knife at her throat. 

"Die, bitch!" He growled, as the blade took on a sickly green hue as poison oozed down the length of it. 

It was in that moment the air became thick and heavy with the crackle of magic. It permeated every pore of their bodies, sinking in firmly. Callia screamed as the knife the dark elf held pierced her throat. His cry echoed hers as he began to shake, abandoning his hold on it. A seizure gripped him and he collapsed onto her, still firmly pinning her beneath his weight. He felt heavier somehow, as if changing. The long white hair took on a more silvery hue as his skin changed from dark to light. He lifted his head as the magic receded and glared deep into her blue eyes.

Callia gasped in horror. "Amakiir..."

A laugh so evil it sent shivers down her spine erupted from his mouth. "Ignorant fool...," he taunted her as a globe of crackling white hot energy gathered in his hand. "DIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE..."

His eyes flashed with heat as he aimed his hand at her heart and she froze as she felt it tug violently at her very life-force. It sucked at her soul, devouring her resistance. She was unable to move, unable to scream, and was utterly powerless against him. Her will dissolved, opening to the foul magic beseeching her. 

A vision sprang into her head, a vision of days gone by. It sucked her in, claiming her fully.

The moon had risen high in the starry sky. Callia shifted against the warmth encapsulating her body. Intense desire that bordered on pain enraptured her. Her round firm breasts throbbed; her pointy dusky nipples tingled while her skin hummed with pleasure, dampening the mound at the vee of her thighs.

Amakiir was the architect of her arousal. He surged over her, the moon surrounding him with a halo of muted light. His handsome elven features were starkly sensual and starkly resolved.

She wanted him so much that she ached for it. "What have you done to me?" Callia moaned.

He did not speak. His fingers delved into her hair to capture her in his possessive, feral hold. His eyes did not leave hers as he sank his cock deeply into her honeyed snatch. Amakiir growled, pounding into her, reminding her who she belonged to. His possession of her became hot and determined, causing her to throw back her head at the sensual torture that was at once pleasure and pain. Pleasure from his skilled touch and pain from needing him so.

"What have you done to me?" she gasped once more as he silently answered her with ecstasy of his body.

The vision broke off as Callia cried out, her wail full of grief and want. Her eyes widened as the magic skittered over her skin, its sizzling heat engulfing her completely. It claimed her, taking total possession of her. 

And then darkness was all she knew...



Fantastic World Ch. 11



"Come back to me...my sweet. Come back..."

The haunting strains of a grieving voice filled the farthest reaches of her subconscious mind. She clawed her way through the darkness, hoping to rediscover the light. Pain zinged through her, threatening her resolve. A tiny wavering voice urged her to run away from the pain. It was much safer in the dark embrace. Here she could hide indefinitely. 

But Callia Blackhawk-Darksbane had never been one to run away from anything. Pain was something she would never hide from. It was not in her nature to behave so cowardly. She had never backed down from anything and did not intend to start now.

She heard the voice once again, somewhat fainter yet no less familiar. It had to be Jaz'rin calling her. She was sure it was his gentle voice, but what would he want with her? Hadn't Jaz'rin been jealous of Ethi? Hadn't Jaz'rin tried to kill her? Hadn't Jaz'rin brought Amakiir here? Hadn't Amakiir tried to kill her? Hadn't Amakiir assaulted her with his foul magic? She wondered where Amakiir was and how he had come to be here.

The voice in the dark changed. She felt something else calling to her, beckoning her onward. It had to be Ethi. The voice filled her with an inner strength she found to be intoxicating. But how could that be? How could he have known? Had he followed her?  

Ethilathain...His voice rang loud and clear, filling her up. It echoed through the darkness surrounding her. Soundlessly she called back, fighting her way through the thick black curtain of her subconsciousness. Panic gripped her. There was no way out!

Ethi... Ethilathain...

Save me... ETHI...SAVE ME...

I NEED YOU....

O.O

Mocking laughter permeated the darkness and a searing ache coursed through her. A harsh groan escaped her dry parched throat, causing another part of her tortured body to throb. Callia opened her swollen eyes and blinked several times. Her eyes watered and she felt something thick ooze down her face. Her cheek twitched, her whole being spasming. Trying to ignore the throbbing pain in her entire body, she looked around. The first thing she noticed was the reeking smell of death, so strong that it nearly choked her. 

Looking down at herself, she noticed she was in a silken web of sorts, suspended from the ceiling above. Her arms were pinned behind her back while her legs were raised to point her exposed naked bottom directly downward. The web encompassed every inch of her body, cocooning her almost completely. Further examining her dilemma, she realized the webbing was parted to expose her breasts. 

Harsh insane laughter filled the room and she jerked her head up, her gaze falling upon the windowless chamber. It was large and well lit by magical, multicolored flames burning in numerous braziers. Heavy, black curtains were covering all the walls of the circular space, but there was no furniture, except one thing. In the center there was a large chair made of human bones. 

A shiver raced through her. Something about this room was so otherworldly wrong, but Callia couldn't place her finger on it. Heh, she scoffed inwardly. She couldn't place her finger on anything at the moment, pinned behind her back as they were. She just knew she didn't like it here and didn't want to be here. Yet she was here and had no choice otherwise.

She couldn't tell where the maniacal laughter was coming from. Or from whom. It didn't sound familiar to her. Who could it be? Not Jaz'rin! Certainly not Ethilathain! Was it Amakiir? Damn him! 

A silver haired being materialized in the skeletal throne. Then she heard a low, menacing chuckle, and even before she focused her eyes upon him, she knew who it was. Gods be damned! Amakiir! 

"You must be thoroughly insane to bring me this close to you," she hissed, not bothering to hide the venom in her voice. "What are you going to do with me this time? Make me suffer?" 

Amakiir snorted, coming into full view of her, watching intently as she struggled violently against the soft webbing. "Ever the fool you are to think that suffering is all I wish of you."

His smug tone grated on her nerves.

"Vith'os," Callia spat. Her laborious exertions were causing her bonds to rock and twist.

"Such language, my dear! You are impertinent as always, and still flaunting your inner rage, but this time I will have much more fun, believe me." Amakiir scoffed as he stood and sauntered toward her. Cockiness oozed from every pore of his being and Callia knew he was toying with her, much like a cat plays with a mouse before it goes in for the kill. "You should be taught some manners!"

Amakiir drew his hand back and slapped her face with all the force he could muster, a force backed by the magical energy that bolstered him. She took the blow and grunted at the pain that exploded through her cheekbone. Callia growled back at him, hissing as she spit blood. He backhanded her just as harshly. "You are my bitch! Shall I prove it to you like I have so many times in the past?"

"You think just because you have me at a disadvantage that I will not kill you?" Callia taunted, her struggling increasing, despite the fact her stretched hip and leg muscles protested greatly. "I owe you! And I always pay my debts!"

Amakiir scoffed at her, ignoring her threat. Then he whistled sharply. A moment later, an identical cocoon dropped down from an opening in the ceiling, within it was a dark elf male. The webbing was red in many spots as blood seeped from open wounds. He was trussed up much like Callia, though his legs were not held aloft.

A startled cry escaped from her lips as realization hit her. It was Jaz'rin and from the looks he had been tortured. Breath rattled harshly and shallowly from the dark elf's chest, a testament that he still lived. But not by much. Callia forced the bile down that rose in her throat. She would not give Amakiir that satisfaction of seeing her sickened by what had become of Jaz'rin. Slowly she coursed her eyes over his broken body. "Long have I walked the road to ruin. I look back upon my countless rages and find nothing but death and destruction in my path. There is so much blood on my hands. So much I feel I could drown in it." Callia remarked as she perused the multitude of cuts and gashes upon every inch of Jaz'rin's obsidian flesh. "But I will not be held accountable for this. He chose his own path. He knew what his duty was and he chose to forsake it. Therefore I should not be punished for it."

"If I wanted to punish you, I would have made you watch him being tortured." Amakiir chided, laughing evilly.

Callia longed to slap the smugness from his face.

"He never once uttered a sound as Tathlyn worked him over with her blades. Dark elves know how to wreak torment and anguish upon those foolish enough to fall into their grasp. She chained him up and let him hang by his wrists. It was music to my ears as I heard his bones break. She smashed each one of his fingers, yet he never flinched at all. His threshold for pain has always been high."

A snarl slipped from between her tightly clenched teeth.

"One other thing, my sweet, if you'll look downwards at your precious Jaz'rin... You'll notice something you enjoyed quite well is missing. Tathlyn took it as a souvenir." Amakiir grinned at her, his expression full of malice. "I considered summoning a dread balor to do my bidding, but why let a demon have all the fun? Beautiful Tathlyn did exactly as I wished and I reaped the fruits of her labors. She's quite talented, you know. Too bad you were unavailable to join us."

Callia rolled her eyes at him and spit in his direction. "She must not be much of a dominant female if she allowed you to tell her what to do! It beckons a quandary, though. Why would a dark elf female submit to a surfacer male? That is unheard of in their culture. You should be beneath her," she retorted.

"I put the bitch in her place." Amakiir taunted, as he spun the webbing Jaz'rin hung in around. Callia unleashed a roar, feeling her blood boil in unspeakable anger as she saw his back. Every inch of his flesh had been flayed completely off from his shoulders to his buttocks. She thrashed about violently, but her bonds held her taut. "Tell me Callia, could you withstand having your flesh peeled away inch by inch? Withstand it and not scream in agony? See all those muscles? Oh, I have little doubt that you have seen these muscles tense. All of them, right? And not only in battle..."

Callia glared at Amakiir, and then watched helplessly as he muttered an incantation. Jaz'rin shuddered visibly, his jaw clenching as an electrical current skittered over his broken body.

"He knew what would happen if he failed me. He knew what he'd be forced to endure yet he chose to ignore that. He chose not to do my bidding. Therefore he chose his fate." Amakiir spun Jaz'rin back around to face Callia. He maliciously jerked the dark elf's head back, pulling on the long white hair. "I ask you again, was she worth it?"

Jaz'rin's cerulean eyes blazed brightly, turning a deep rich blood red.

"Defiance," the silver elf commented. "I like that about you, but you fail to realize I hold your fate, your very life in my hands."

He let the dark elf's head drop back down until his chin rested against his chest. Jaz'rin raised it back up slowly and looked Callia straight in the eyes. "Don't... don't let him see what you feel, my sweet," he whispered after a while. "Don't give the bastard the satisfaction, you hear me?"

Another electrical shock engulfed the cocoon the dark elf was enclosed in. "What a touching sentiment, but rather wasted upon her. She has already given me much satisfaction and is about to give me even more."

Jaz'rin's flesh spasmed violently as Amakiir touched him. "Why do you fight against what you know will come? Why not accept your fate? Give up, abbil. It'll be so much better if you don't fight. Just say the words and I'll ease your pain."

"STOP THIS!" Callia screamed at Amakiir. 

"Don't... beg, my...sweet," Jaz'rin managed, as jolts of magical energy washed over his mangled skin.

A concerned look took hold of her features. "This is madness-."

A harsh slap to her face stopped the words from coming from her mouth. She clenched her teeth as she felt a hand press to her stomach, unleashing a numbing jolt of cold that engulfed her. "Is that the best you can do, you son of a bitch?" 

The silver elf laughed evilly. "You should know well the answer to that, but you seem to have forgotten. I will leave you alone to ponder that. Say goodbye to your dear sweet Jaz'rin."

"NOOOOOOOOOO!" She screamed as she helplessly watched the webbing that held Jaz'rin rise upwards, passing through the hole in the ceiling from whence it had come. She glared at her former lover hatefully. He flashed a grin at her and made a few intricate hand gestures and gathered a burst of magical cold within his palm. He muttered an arcane incantation and blew the cold from his hand straight at her. The frigid energy encased her, freezing her instantly. 

O.O

Wracking cold permeated every inch of her body causing shivers to run through her continually. She cursed that damn Amakiir for doing this. He had long been the center of all her troubles. 

Flashes of memory raced through her mind. The cold kept her trapped by what she saw. Poignant moments of her life haunted her. Everything that she had held dear was gone, and she was alone with her regrets. Kalaviir, the trusted clan scout who'd been as close as a brother to Karowyn, had showed her what it meant to be a woman. Callia had been young, too young, even for an elf. He'd awakened her passions and doomed himself in the eyes of the clan. Kalaviir had left with a cloud of disgrace hanging over him. He had never known the child they had produced. A child that had been taken from Callia and given to another family to raise. To this day, Callia had never known the fate of her tiny baby girl.

Countless others followed. Her need for attention had been insatiable. And when it all became too much, she'd been sent away. Her thoughts settled on Nathan. What a joy he had been. She could always count on Nathan to give her all the pleasure she could ever want and none of the attachment. It's what she loved so much about him. 

An ache pierced her heart as she reexamined her affair with Delilah and......Jaz'rin. She'd been a fool to trust him. It had led to so much needless suffering. She mentally kicked herself for believing he was anything more than Amakiir's pet, for believing his lies. She should've known better. Jaz'rin surely would die at Amakiir's hands, once he'd finally broken the dark elf.

And Ethilathain...

She hadn't expected to meet anyone like him. A single thought of him warmed her heart. She had needed solace and a chance to lick her wounds from the disaster that Amakiir had caused. Ethilathain had offered her that. A part of her wondered if she should fully place her trust, not to mention her heart and soul, in Ethilathain's mighty...claws. Would a magnificent dragon really stay with an elf once he was truly free? And this ritual he needed to complete....Was she strong enough to endure it? Could he really prepare her for it totally? Their size difference was utterly frightening, but the little voice inside her urged her to place her trust, her heart, and her very soul in him.....within his mighty hands.

The shivers passed and she could feel nothing at all. Numbness sucked at her, leeching all of the hope she possessed. And when she felt she could not take any more of it, the body numbing encasement of ice was no more.

Her eyes flew open and she glared at Amakiir, who stood in front of her. That evil grin and hint of madness nearly smothered her. His hand snaked out and connected with her cheekbone. Her head snapped back as pain splintered through her, causing crystal shards of ice to fly from her hair. "I thought that might chill your fury, but I guess I didn't leave you on ice long enough, dear little sister." Amakiir mocked her, sneering at her ruthlessly. 

Her blue eyes flashed at him. She struggled against her bonds and hissed as heat caused pinpricks of pain under her skin. She blocked it out, hissing furiously. "If I get out of here, I'll kill you." Callia threatened. "You don't know it yet, but you are dead. Hear me well, Amakiir. D-E-A-D DEAD!"

He snorted at her contemptuously, "Hardly, dear Callia. Your paltry delusions amuse me."

Amakiir clapped his hands together and the webbing containing Jaz'rin dropped back down. The dark elf looked less hurt, though a multitude of white scars stood out like badges of honor on his onyx skin. He almost looked whole again. She raked her eyes over every inch of him that she could see. "Tathlyn healed him.....somewhat. We didn't want to give him too much of that goodness. He doesn't deserve it. He failed me after all. He let his emotions get in the way."

"You mean he should have been a heartless bastard like you."

"He should've killed you when he had you at a disadvantage. He would have been able to retrieve the treasure on his own. He didn't need you."

Callia nodded. "Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about that. The guardians of the keys to the vault would have killed Jaz'rin right off. A female needed to be the seeker. The obsidian dragon would have had him for lunch and I severely doubt he could have defeated all the trolls plus the daemonfaey and the troll king on his own. Furthermore, we have yet to begin the quest for the final key."

"The obsidian dragon was toying with you, stupid bitch. It would have given its key like it was supposed to or paid the consequences. I promise you that." He glared at her hatefully then reared his hand back. It connected with her cheek with a resounding SLAP! Callia winced and shuddered.

Amakiir stepped away from her and motioned for Tathlyn. She muttered a phrase, casting a spell upon Jaz'rin that seemed to immobilize him thoroughly. Then she cut him out of the webbed netting and dragged him past the bone chair to a section of the room where heavy chains hung from hooks in the ceiling. 

Tathlyn placed his hands into a set of heavy manacles with a thick chain joining them together. Tathlyn grinned wickedly and put the chain of the manacles around a hook hanging from the dungeon's ceiling. As Jaz'rin's bare feet dangled in the air, Callia swore she could hear the bones crack under his body's weight as metal tore the skin off his wrists. She hissed furiously at Amakiir and renewed her struggle against her bonds.

A thickly coiled whip appeared in Tathlyn's hand. It hissed and sizzled as she flicked her wrist and hit the stone floor with it. 

CRACK! 

Jaz'rin's upper back flinched as the whip connected with it. 

CRACK!

HISS!

Tathlyn cackled with delight as she landed two more lashes on his tortured flesh. "Scream for me. Give in and scream!" she taunted him.

CRACK! 

Her maniacal laughter continued with every swing of the whip. Jaz'rin's back ran red as rivulets of blood flowed down his back. Yet he remained silent as a grave. She swung him around and began to lash his front. His eyes glowed as red as the blood that began to pool on the floor beneath him. 

Throwing down her whip, she pulled a wicked looking serrated blade from a sheath at her waist. She brandished it in his face. Other than his glowing eyes, he showed no emotion whatsoever. His jaw flinched as she ran the jagged edge down his chest, slicing through already broken skin. She repeated her course, choosing a patch of unmarred flesh to rip into. His body shuddered. Still he remained silent. Her slicing turned to slashing, hacking chucks of his flesh in her blood frenzy. Minutes passed before his eyes rolled back into his head and a tiny noise slipped forth from his lips. 

Tathlyn backed away from him, and unleashed an evil laugh. The breaking of Jaz'rin had fully begun. She'd found that crack in his resolve. Then she murmured an incantation, filling her hand with an unholy light. It crackled red as she touched him. His body bucked and he growled as the magical energy tore gashes in his flesh. Again she repeated the incantation and pressed it to him. His eyes flashed with the same red intensity, but this time, no sound accompanied it. 

"Have you had enough yet, my pet?" Tathlyn taunted him. "Shall I ease your pain?"

He glared at her and sneered as he marshaled what energy he could in order to kick at her. 

Tathlyn backed out of his reach and laughed again. "And here I thought you were ready to beg me for mercy!"

"I. Shall. Never. Beg. You." He gritted out through clenched teeth.

"Never say never, my pet, for I have only begun to lavish my attentions upon you," She turned her back to him and slowly prowled her way to Amakiir's side. She nodded for him to take Jaz'rin away, that she was done with him this day. Tathlyn turned to Callia, who had been remarkably quiet as well through Jaz'rin's torture session. A smile crossed her lips and she leaned in close, allowing her musky scent to waft over Callia. Tathlyn nipped at one of Callia's ears, her teeth sharply sinking into the lobe. Callia hissed and bucked. Tathlyn chuckled low in her throat. She drew back, a wicked smile on her face. The harsh slap centered on Callia's cheekbone followed by a vicious backhand.

Rage filled Callia's eyes. She glared at Tathlyn and struggled against the webbed bonds that held her. She would get loose of this contraption and she would kill the dark elf bitch and that bastard Amakiir for what they had done to Jaz'rin. That was her vow. 

From her belt, Tathlyn pulled a wicked looking cat-o-nines tails whip and ran the coils over Callia's breasts. She leaned in and pinched Callia's nipples, eliciting a growl from Callia's lips. She bucked again and spit at Tathlyn. The dark elf female sneered and slapped her open handed across her mouth, splitting her lip and making it bleed.




Fantastic World Ch. 11



"Fuckin' bitch!" Callia snarled as she tried to yank her wrists free of her bonds. The foul epitaph earned Callia another slap from Tathlyn. 

She stepped back and held the whip up, "See this, iblith?" she asked her. Callia's eyes went from the whip, to Tathlyn's face, and back to the whip. "This is just a taste of what you will receive if you ever speak to me in that manner again."

Callia's eyes narrowed dangerously. Tathlyn flipped it once, and then, stepping to one side, she swung it back and brought it forward against Callia's bared breasts with enough force that it split her skin in several places. 

A sharp hiss came out of Callia's mouth as she fought the urge to scream from the pain, and Tathlyn swung the whip again, even harder than the first time, and the sound that came from down deep in Callia's throat was horrific... deep wracking sobs that shook her entire body. She thrashed about in the webbing, yanking the bonds at her wrist in effort to break free. A third lash, then a fourth, and Callia went limp, just hanging there as the fifth lash struck her... and then the sixth, before she finally succumbed to the pain and lapsed into unconsciousness.

"Enough, my sweet," Amakiir spoke up as he strode over to her and pulled the whip from her grasp. He slapped Tathlyn across the face. "I don't want her marked. You will heal her or you will take her place."

The dark elf glared at him and did as he had bid her, calling to her hand a divine light. Tathlyn brought it against Callia's damaged skin and watched as it knitted the wounds completely, leaving behind no trace of the terrible gashes. It had even brought her back to consciousness. 

Tathlyn stepped away from Callia and started to walk away from him. But Amakiir had other plans. He smirked as grabbed her and shoved her back towards Callia. "Now play nicely," he ordered. 

A hateful glare came from the dark elf's face as she understood what Amakiir had meant. Intensity flared within her red eyes and she hissed an expletive at him. He simply laughed at her before he sat back down in the bone chair. 

Callia growled low in her throat as Tathlyn approached her. The dark elf leaned and cupped Callia's face in her hands. Their eyes met and each glared at other. But Callia realized as Tathlyn lowered her gaze that the dark elf was just another toy to Amakiir. Just another thing to use and throw away. And Callia knew that Tathlyn had figured that out as well.

Tathlyn's hands caressed Callia's face, softly tracing the contours of her high cheekbones and pointed ears. A shiver coursed through Callia. Her ears had always been sensitive. Her hands slipped inside the webbing and wandered over her neck and shoulders, feeling the tense muscles quiver. Down the arms she continued, caressing the bulging biceps. Tathlyn stopped at Callia's elbows and worked her way back up to her shoulders. Her hands slipped down to Callia's breasts, cupping the creamy globes of rounded flesh. She plucked at the nipples, soft at first then harder and harder until a soft moan escaped Callia's lips. Tathlyn pressed the orbs together, kneeling before them. Her tongue snaked out and she flicked it across the taut buds. 

Another moan came from Callia and she let her head drop back. Tathlyn worked on Callia's nipples, licking and sucking them. The sensation was exquisite. Her moans turned to heavy panting and she arched her back, filling Tathlyn's hands full of her breasts.

Then Tathlyn slipped lower, running her hands down Callia's sides and over her tight muscled abs. She motioned for the webbing to be raised slightly, bringing Callia's hairless mound to eye level. She caressed Callia's hips and bottom all the while eyeing her nether flesh. Callia's lower lips were red and engorged... and dripping wet with her juices. Tathlyn moved into position beneath her with her head and face directly below Callia's pussy. She admired it in the way a lover would. The way the webs have made it bulge out between the netting. The perfect position for a mouth and tongue to explore it. Taste it and tease it. She gave Callia's slit a long lapping lick. Callia moaned as Tathlyn purred deep in her throat. She squirmed as the webbing bit into her tender flesh. Tathlyn gripped her thighs and held her taut against her licking tongue and sucking lips. Callia knew she was powerless to stop this and yet part of her did not wish it to stop. She gasped as she felt a moist tongue probing of her slit, lapping at the juices gathering there. Then Tathlyn moved onto Callia's hard clit, sucking on the swollen nub. As the dark elf's tongue swept over the tiny mass of nerves, Amakiir pulled her back. "You've played nice for long enough."

He watched as Callia's body shuddered as the loss of the lips and the denial of the orgasm so close to fruition. He smirked as he stepped forward and thrust a finger inside her, feeling her tighten her muscles around it. He lowered the webbing and delved a hand into her hair, jerking her head back. She let out a tiny yelp as pain surged through her neck. "My pretty one," he murmured as he slipped a second finger in with the first. She balked at the invasion and attempted to pull away, but he held her tightly, his hands gripping a hank of hair. "Don't fight it. You want it."

"No!" She cried out.

Amakiir chuckled and thrust his fingers rapidly in and out of her. "You want it!" he taunted once more.

"Damn you!" she cursed him. "I don't want you touching me!"

He paused at that, rubbing at her swollen clit, just above her weeping slit. "No?" 

"NO!"

Amakiir removed his fingers from her and slid one hand up her belly and along the inside of her thigh. He deliberately skirted her pussy, which wept for him, despite her words.

"Are you sure of that, my pretty one?"

"I don't want you! I hate you," she used emphasis to make her point.

He lowered his face to hers. It took amazing effort to pull away from him and deny his kiss. Undeterred, he laid his lips in a butterfly's caress on her temple, his breath softly blowing her hair. "I think you still do, my sweet." 

She sucked in a breath, furious that it shook. "NO!"

"Pity," he mused, leaning forward to simply breathe a sigh against her forehead, "Because I would love nothing more than to fuck you once more."

"I can't stop you if that is your wish, but it is not mine. To take me is to do so without my consent. Not that it matters since you've done it before."

He ignored her, enjoying the way her skin flushed beneath his warm breath. She bit back a groan when he touched his tongue to her skin of her exposed chest, sampling her. "You still taste of musk and wildflowers," he murmured, taking another lick. For what seemed like forever, all he did was lick her nipples, nibbling the curved underside and gently sucking at her taut peaks. At length, he lavished his tender ministrations upon her. She was a trembling mess by the time he pulled his mouth from her flesh. She stared at the dark ceiling above her head, willing herself not to feel it. Willing her body not to respond. It was impossible. Amakiir knew her too well. He knew her weak spots.

"Mmm," he purred, lifting his head so he could look down at her face. Flushed, she turned glazed eyes up at him, lips parted.

"Do you want me to fuck you, my pretty one?" he asked as he pressed a soft kiss to her temple.

"No," the answer came on a sigh that spoke the exact opposite. She couldn't admit to him that she wanted him. Not after all he had done.

"Very well, my sweet, but know that it is inevitable. I will have you again. You will beg for it before I am through with you." He backed away from her and held his hand out to Tathlyn. With a murmured word and a flick of his wrist, they were gone, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

O.O

An undetermined amount of time passed before Callia saw Amakiir, Tathlyn, or Jaz'rin again. She didn't know how long it had been, only that her body ached from being held as it was in the webbing. Her parched lips were cracked. And her throat reminded her of the Great Desert. So dry that it hurt to swallow or to breathe. Her belly rumbled relentlessly. She felt physically ill from the lack of food.

She hung her head in defeat. He had finally done it. He had won and she was more than ready to beg for release. If only he would come back.... Her eyes burned with unshed tears. "Please....," came the croaking voice from her throat.

"So sad to be broken, to ache inside...." his voice came from the bone chair. It mocked her. 

Callia slowly raised her head, and glanced in that direction, but saw nothing. "Please," she repeated again, still searching for him. "Ethi...please come to me. I need you."

"What you beg for will never come to pass, my pet."

"No, he will come. He loves me, you will see. He will save me, you will see. You will see," she repeated over and over again. Thirst and hunger had drained all concept of reality from her mind. 

"Your precious dragon can not save you from me. He will not come. You are mine," Amakiir materialized before her. Standing inches from her, he produced a small flask. He pulled the cork stopper from it and lifted it to his lips, letting the cool liquid flow into his mouth. The part of Callia that clung to lucidity burned with rage. 

She spit curses at him, using what precious little energy she had in reserve. Her tirade lasted only moments before a fit of coughing silenced her.

"Ahhh, such fury. Would you perhaps like a drink of cool water? Ask nicely and I shall give you what you wish for." His calculated taunt caught her off guard. Callia stared at him, her brow furrowing deeply. She let out a small cry as he tilted the flask and poured a few drops onto the stone floor. "Quickly, my pet, while there is still something left."

She dropped her head to her chest and let out a scream that sent her into another round of coughing. She was hoarse, but at that moment, she could care less. He yanked her head by her hair up to meet his gaze and poured another few drops from it. "Why must you always fight? Why must you always choose the hard way? Give in, stubborn wench, and take what I offer."

"NO!" Callia shouted back at him and watched as he poured the rest of the flask out onto the floor. 

"So be it!" Amakiir remarked coldly. 

She glared at him, her rage rallying what little strength she still possessed. He pulled back away from her and snapped his fingers. The ceiling opened and the chained remnants of what once was Jaz'rin dropped down before her. The sobs came as she raked her eyes over his once beautiful body, now a ruined and tortured mess. Her stomach heaved and she was forced to look away. Amakiir wrenched her head back. "You should have heard his screams once Tathlyn finally broke him. It was music to my ears," he pressed his lips against her temple once more. "He lasted for days. It quite surprised me that he refused to give in, even as she disemboweled him. But all things must have an end. I have chosen to allow you to witness his."

"Is he still... alive?" It sickened her to ask.

"No, my pet, but that really doesn't matter. All that matters is this," he summoned a putrid green ball of magical energy to his fingertips and shot it at what was once Jaz'rin and all that remained crumbled to dust. 

Callia unleashed a scream and tried to struggle. It was futile. Her body refused to respond. She slumped in the netting. Jaz'rin was gone, dead at the hands of her former lover and his plaything. She prayed that this was just a bad dream and soon she would wake up. Wake to find Jaz'rin whole and well, but in her heart she knew that was just wishful thinking. Tears flowed down her cheeks and she was powerless to stop them. So much that she had loved was now gone. 

"Do not waste your tears on him, my pet. He chose his fate. I believe it is one of the reasons he taunted the dragon so. He knew I was watching. And he knew for every time he touched you, for every ounce of pleasure he gave you that he would pay for it a thousand times over."

Her eyes snapped up, brightly glistening. "And did you enjoy watching him as he pleasured me?"

"Quite so," he laughed. 

"Heh," Callia scoffed. "You would enjoy it. Did it get you off to watch him fuck me?"

Amakiir sneered at her then slapped her, "Impertinent wench!" Then he laughed. He made a few intricate arcane movements with his hands and spoke the words to an incantation, dismissing the webbed net swing he had kept her in. She fell to the ground and cried out as her bottom hit the stone floor hard. She crumpled and groaned pitifully as she tried to straighten out her aching legs. The muscles in her hips and thighs had grown accustomed to being stretched as they were. Pins and needles grated over her lower region. It was almost unbearable. She whimpered and slowly stretched them out. 

He grabbed hold of her hair and made another motion with his other hand. She knew what he was doing. He was taking her somewhere by magical means. She grunted as they appeared in a cozy chamber. He immediately shoved her to a porcelain hip tub and conjured water to fill it. "You will bathe thoroughly. You should be ashamed of yourself for messing yourself."

She glared at him hatefully. That bastard! He left her hanging in a room with no food and no water and no way to relieve herself discreetly. How dare he fault her for that! Callia hated being dirty. She hated the knowledge that her fate was not in her hands and she was no longer in control. And most of all, she hated knowing that he knew that.

She lowered her head and allowed her tears to fall once more. Her mind screamed for Ethilathain. She needed him now more than ever. She silently prayed to the gods, any and all who might hear her, that she might survive this ordeal. But most of all, the one thing that lingered in her heart, she prayed she would see Ethi one more time. Her heart pounded as Amakiir impatiently placed her into the hot water. She hissed as the heat of it seared her skin.

"You will bathe," he growled and sat in a nearby chair to watch her. "You will be clean."

She didn't have to be told twice. She knew if she didn't take this opportunity, that she would lose it. She didn't want that. She took her time washing her body and her hair with the jasmine scented soap he had provided her. He watched her intently, his eyes following her every move. It mildly unnerved her to be watched so closely, but she knew that was how he was. How he had always been. 

It made her wonder what he had in store for her. Would he have her tortured as Jaz'rin had been? Would he kill her as well? Or would he simply continue to toy with her until he grew bored of it and sought a new way to amuse himself? Thoughts of being discarded so cruelly raced through her brain. It enraged her. Such senseless loss and she had been utterly powerless to stop it. Those powerful emotions assailed her and she could feel it building. 

She flew from the tub as fast as her legs would allow her. Her hips still ached from the position they had been forced to remain in all that time, but she tried to block it out. Her fury bolstered her, shooting adrenaline to pump through her veins. She lunged at Amakiir who braced himself for her attack. She slammed into his lithe body and pulled him to the ground beneath her. She rode him down, smashing him against the stone floor. She flailed about, her fists making contact with his flesh. He grunted and fended off what few attacks he could, but this time she proved the stronger. Pure unadulterated rage shot through her like lightning. Bloodlust gripped her in its potent embrace.

She frothed at the mouth as she screamed in his face. Pinning his arms with her legs, she sat on his chest and grabbed his head by hanks of his hair. Callia yanked and pulled, slamming his head back against his stonework. It dazed him as his hiss of pain slipped forth from his lips. The expletives that spewed from her mouth were a garbled mix of elven, dark elven, and commonspeak. Soon her fists began to work on his face, splitting his lip, smashing his nose to a bloody pulp and blacking his eyes. She pummeled him over and over and over, screaming incoherently after each and every hit. He thrashed beneath her, wailing from the pain her fists inflicted on him.

Nearly exhausted from her frenzy, her hands encircled his throat and she began to squeeze, applying pressure to his windpipe. "Die, you bastard, die!!!" Her voice sounded utterly hollow and emotionless.

He gasped for air and continued to struggle, feeling his consciousness wane, but not willing to give in. He would not go so quietly. This mongrel whore would not get the best of him. But Callia was relentless. She slammed the weight of her whole body down on his chest, viciously knocking what little breath he had left from it. She watched as his face turned red, then dark red and soon went blue and nearly purple as she constricted his throat. She felt his windpipe collapse completely, and he twitched beneath her, his body spasming. Callia wouldn't let up until she had crushed his throat completely, until he stopped moving beneath her. 

Pulling one hand off his throat, she reached down to his waist and felt around. She knew he kept a blade hidden somewhere beneath his voluminous mage robes. Locating it at his hip, she pulled the wicked looking dagger out and eyed it. She knew he kept it razor sharp. Impure visions filled her. An eye for an eye, an inner voice screamed. Callia trembled, teetering between her desire to avenge Jaz'rin and the bloodlust that clamored in her veins. The inner war waged in her head as she sat poised above him, staring at the knife in her hand.

With a bloodcurdling scream, she gripped the knife with both hands and held it above her head. And with every ounce of strength in her body, she brought it down, slamming it into his throat. She twisted it, and yanked it out before she scooted back to straddle his thighs and repeated it as she poised the blade over his chest. She plunged into his black heart with everything she had and screamed to the gods above.

She screamed and screamed and screamed until she collapsed in a coughing fit on the floor beside him. It took her several minutes to fully recover and she slowly climbed to her feet.

It was over. The bane of her existence, who had foolishly allowed her to get too close, was no more. Dead by her hands. Callia spat at him. "I told you I always pay my debts!"

Then she turned her back on the lavish chamber and made her way to the door, which to her delight was unlocked. She opened it and stepped out into a hallway that seemed all too familiar to her.

It surprised her when the realization hit her. They had been in the ruined tower all along. She had been here before. An elated cry escaped her lips and she took off at a run, heading for the stairs that would lead her up to the bedchamber she had chosen to rest in and hopefully Ethilathain. 

Yanking the door open, she rushed into the room. Excitement soared within her as she came face to face with him, in the shimmering obsidian haired elven form she'd come to know so intimately. He swept her up in his embrace and held her tightly. Their lips met in a spectacular kiss that seemed to last forever. 

"I love you, love you, love you, love you...." she repeated over and over again against his sexy mouth.

"And I you, my sweet," Ethilathain replied. "I was worried about you. I am glad you have returned."

Callia looked up into his eyes. "There is much I must tell you. Much you must know, but for now all I want is you to hold you."

"Your wish is my command, my sweet," Ethilathain cradled her tenderly and carried her to the bed. "Shall we rest?"

She smiled at him, her blue eyes sparkling. "Best offer I've had in days," she quipped.




Fantastic World Ch. 11



Her ordeal was over and she was now safe in Ethilathain's arms.

Or so she thought...



Fantastic World Ch. 12



Callia came awake in Ethilathain's arms as a cold shiver slithered down her spine. She carefully scanned the room, actively searching for anything that seemed out of the ordinary. Something did not seem right. She did not know what it was, but something within her urged caution. She softly nudged Ethilathain, skimming her hand over his flesh. He snuggled into her touch and growled low in his throat. He opened one tri-colored eye, a smile curving his lips. He gently pulled her to him and pressed her flat to the mattress. He gave her his best predator smile and covered her with his body.

It is time, the sensual voice filled her mind as his lips covered hers. He bestowed upon her a needy kiss, his mouth feasting upon hers hungrily. Callia opened her eyes and pushed him back ever so slightly so she could gaze deeply into his. She felt the tremor course through him. She could see the film of sweat break out on his brow. 

His blood beat heavily in his veins, pulsing through him in an ancient, expectant rhythm. He could no longer hold out against it. It was harder and harder to maintain the form he was in. He looked upon her with soulful eyes. 

I can not linger, the voice pleaded with her, I can wait no longer.

Callia nodded. "Tell me what I must do."

Ethilathain smiled his wicked smile. "Come with me, my precious one," he pulled her from the bed as she was and led her outside of the ruined tower. Immediately he changed into his natural form, flapping his enormous wings. "Climb on and find somewhere comfortable to sit. We are going on a journey."

She did as he had directed and climbed upon his back. Ethilathain took flight as she held on for dear life. He climbed higher and soared through the fluffy white clouds. Callia shivered and cuddled against Ethilathain. She hoped this flight would end before she turned into an ice cube. She mentally cursed him for not allowing her to slip into some clothes. He may not notice the cold, but it coursed through her in body wracking chills. 

She kicked him to get his attention. He looked back at her, annoyance in his tri-colored eyes. What is it, my sweet?

"I am freezing!" she cried out.

He smirked and pitched himself into a nose dive, descending rapidly until he reached a lone mountain peak. He circled it before landing on a large grassy ledge. It was warmer here, almost tropical. Callia slid off his back and gazed in awe at the brightly colored flowers, lush greenery, and sparkling pools of water. 

"I remember this place," Callia gasped in awe. It was in the vision he had let her behold the day she implored him to tell her about the ritual. 

"Yes, this is a sacred place for me. It is where I have experienced all of my ritual manifestations." 

Callia nodded her head. "You said if the blending goes as you hope it will that you might be able to bestow some of your draconic abilities on me? Will I be granted the power to speak in your mind as you do mine?"

Ethilathain nodded, "Perhaps. To do so you must direct your thoughts at me. If all is compatible between us, I shall hear your thoughts as you do mine... if only for a little while."

"Then I am ready, my lord." Callia smiled at him as she dreamily strolled towards a sparkling pool. "Tell me what it is I must do?"

He sucked in a deep breath at the simple words that meant so much. She had called him her lord and in doing so had acknowledged not only who he was, but who he was to her. "The blending, my lady, is meant to be highly spontaneous and unimaginably intimate. I will lead you through it. In the past, I have been known to make love to my mate for days on end. My kind is extremely passionate and revels in the extraordinary. Whether or not you will be able to submit to the rigors this particular rite demands remains to be seen. I promise you, my sweet, I would sacrifice myself before I see you come to any harm."

Callia carefully weighed the matter at hand in her mind. She had not thought to become so entangled with Ethilathain, yet he had captured her. She knew his true nature; he could not have done less. He had been undeniably honest with her about himself and what he needed. He had stolen her heart and wound his way into her very soul.

He was true power. He was the raging storm at midnight and the gentle nourishing shower. He was the hunter who had stalked her bit by bit, zealously guarding what he had seized until she dwelt completely inside him. 

Taken.

It was then he simply offered her his heart, had offered all that he was.

How dangerous this DRAGON was and how undeniably breathtaking, she mused. Callia wanted him, needed him. She craved him. He had made her feel more alive than she ever had.

There was so much she wanted, so much she feared. She wanted to know what it was like to be whole together, to be alive in each other's arms.... to love for an eternity. That truth frightened her in many ways. She would not, would never, know the long lifespan that Ethilathain had known or would continue to know. She would never know the thrill of soaring amongst the clouds as he had. Riding upon his back was certainly not the same. It was a freedom unlike any she would ever experience. Old fears resurfaced with her. Would she be enough for him? Could they find exalted peace and happiness together? 

Callia bent down before one of the shimmering crystal clear pools and gazed into its depths. Was this meant to be?

Her heart told her the answer and her eyes raced to meet his. Yes... she knew in her heart of hearts... Yes. All she had to do was believe. For Ethilathain had shown her the meaning of this infinite love they shared, a love that was ever-growing and ever-changing.

A love that was untamed.

Unbound.

Free.

"I love you, Ethilathain, and furthermore, I trust you with my very life."

He changed momentarily and embraced her, bestowing a scorching kiss upon her lips. Then he metamorphosed in front of her very eyes. The form he took was not the obsidian haired elf she had come to know so well nor was it the enormous dragon in all his supreme glory. This draconic form was a few inches taller than she. His flesh was obsidian scales and he retained his wings. She perused him thoroughly. Instead of the dragon head she was used to, his face took on the features he wore while in his alternate elven form. Her eyes slid slowly down the rest of his body and she giggled with delight when she noticed that one certain part of him had not changed at all. She no longer feared the mating ritual. She did not have to fear that he would rip her to shreds with his draconic member.

"Do you approve?" 

Callia asked as she pressed herself into his embrace, "Yes, Ethi, yes, but how? Will you find the success you need like this?" 

"We shall have success, my sweet. I meditated while you were gone and sought the answers to the questions that needed to be asked. I did it for you, so I would not hurt you. I could never hurt you."

Callia nodded and kissed him softly. She knew deep down that this was meant to be. Happiness thrummed through her body and she moaned low in her throat as she felt his claws rake tenderly over her flesh. He had captured her and she belonged to him. Pulling back from her, he held out his hand to her. She took it and allowed him to lead her to a low platform of sorts strewn with exotic flower petals. His arms wrapped around her waist, bringing her body in contact with his. He dipped his head to brush her lips in a satin caress. Light touches of his hands accompanied by lighter touches of his mouth. Tender caresses of impassioned flesh. All designed to tantalize her senses. Callia purred as he stroked her skin in his oh so possessive manner. She muttered something incoherent as she lightly nipped at his neck. 

He lifted her into his arms and placed her gently upon the silken platform, as if she were being placed upon an altar before him. He blew upon her body, the barest caress, from her shoulders to her dainty toes. His heated breath enraptured her. Her skin tingled everywhere it had touched.

"Ethi..." she purred as her hands coursed down his chest, feeling the cool texture of his obsidian scales. He winked at her and removed her hands from him, placing them gently above her head. He had his reasons for not wanting her to touch him just yet. It must have to do with his control.

He perused her as she laid spread out before him, a banquet meant solely for him. She was a feast for his senses. He sat back on his haunches, memorizing her scent. The feel of her silky skin. The taste of her heady desire. He watched her, observing her beautiful face, committing to memory the tiniest nuances of her expression. Then he kissed her; a full, deep contact with his mouth. He licked at her lips, suckling the top then the bottom ever so gently. He slid the tip of his tongue at the seam of her mouth, as if he begged for entrance. Callia drew him inside, taking all he had to give her. He growled low in his throat as he held her, rubbed against her, nuzzling her body with his in his very own playful way.

In the very same manner, he explored her head to toe; refamiliarizing himself with every inch of her delectable body - from the soles of her ticklish feet, the rim of her navel, to the gentle sweeping curve of her pointy ears all knew the sweet velvety caress of his lips. 

Their breathing grew deeper and he penetrated her as deeply as he could. She cried out at the suddenness of it. He held her down with his weight as his thrusts took on an edge of immediacy. Somehow she understood his need and began to rock her hips in rhythm with his frantic strokes. 

Ethilathain glared down at her, delivering a stinging slap to her thigh. "Don't!" he cautioned before soothing her with a gentle kiss. Callia moaned and bucked her hips in spite of his warning. He growled and nipped at her shoulder, sinking his claws into the thigh he had slapped. "Behave, little one, and do as I say. You will have your chance to participate."

Callia pouted up at him and moaned as he hit her inner pleasure spot in just the right way. She instantly soaked his thrusting member and screamed out her pleasure. Ethilathain pulled out of her and slithered down her body, plunging his forked tongue between her lower lips, breaching her with sensual abandon as his breath fanned out across her dampened, sensitized flesh. He grabbed her hips from underneath and pulled her closer, raising her pelvis slightly to his waiting mouth. Before Callia knew what was happening to her, she felt the tantalizing touch of Ethi's tongue against her most sensitive spot and cried out audibly at the contact. 

Ethilathain smiled, attacking her senses with gentle laps of his tongue between the petal-soft lips of her pussy. She bucked beneath his mouth. He held on tightly to her hips and descended once again to tease the hardened little nub at the apex of her pussy. She moaned loudly into the tropical air and dug her nails into the fleshy part of his shoulder. Ethilathain continued the assault, lapping at her juices and teasing her clit until she was pressing down on his head with her hands and raising her pelvis up to reach every expert thrust of his tongue. He peered up over her body, his mouth sucking delicately at that most-sensitive bit of flesh only to find her deep blue eyes locked with his, her face lit with pleasure.

With his eyes locked on hers, he licked one last time up her moist cleft, punctuating it with a long, hard suckle at the end. Callia cried out while grinding her mound into his face as she fell, unheeded, into the waiting arms of release. He watched her climax and felt a thrill that he could bring her there. The urge to bury his cock inside her came quickly and powerfully. He wanted to flip her over on her stomach and drive his cock into her pussy. He wanted to fuck her with all the finesse and grace of his draconic ancestors. He wanted to pour his seed into her while biting her neck and tugging her long hair, inviting her to join him in orgasm as their bodies became one. 

He crawled up her body. His hand traced up her smooth skin from her stomach to her breasts. He lowered his head down to her breast and flicked at the nipple with his forked tongue. Callia could only moan in pleasure as she felt his hand drift to her other nipple. 

After his gentle ministrations left both her nipples erect, like little thimbles of flesh. Ethilathain opened his mouth and his forked tongue came out. It reached for her nipple then wrapped around it and snaked to the other one. As it traveled his tongue tweaked the nipple it was already wrapped around. Callia could do nothing but arch her back toward the pleasure and gasp for air. Her breathing became ragged and labored. She gasped and tried to reach out to pull his head to her, but he pushed them back over her head.

Callia purred and trembled. Her pussy had become so wet that her juices were dripping onto the silken platform. She squeezed her eyes shut feeling her climax approaching, reaching from her nipples down to her pussy. Ethi growled low in his throat and pulled back from her.

"Patience, my sweet. Let it build." He kissed her softly, savoring her sweetness.

Ethilathain lifted his head and smiled tracing a clawed finger down over her breasts to her abdomen and her waist. Repeatedly he traced her waistline but never going any lower. Callia could feel the heat growing in her nether region and she knew that he could smell her arousal in the air. Her musky sweet scent that flowed from her as freely as the blood in her veins. 

Callia screamed as she felt two slender fingers rubbing up and down her slit. She screamed, her back arching with pleasure, begging him to enter her. Ethi stayed his hand, just rubbing within the lips of her cunt, without fully entering her. It was sheer torture! She cried out in frustration, twisting her hips. 

Ethilathain simply looked at her and smiled. To tease her further he brought his wet fingers to her mouth. He traced her lips with his fingers, giving her a taste of her juices. Callia opened for him and took them into her mouth, gently sucking upon them. She could taste herself on him and found it to be pleasing. Yet as he withdrew them, she whimpered and bucked against him. He shifted his weight, moving to cover her completely. His touch was so light that it sent shivers of delight racing through her. His weight pinned her down and she reveled in the feeling of her large breasts pressed against his scaly chest.

He looked down upon his lover and when he gazed deeply into her eyes, he knew she was supremely his. He only had to take her to heights she had never experienced before. She would never want to leave him. The beautiful elven warrior was his.

Callia looked up into the burning bright tri-colored eyes of the dragon and lost herself in their potent depths. She unleashed a moan and arched into him once more. This teasing had to stop! She could take no more! Her body ached to be filled once more. She writhed beneath him, clutching at his shoulders, her nails digging in. 

Her dragon shifted ever so slightly and she could feel something large poking at the lips of her dripping channel, and then spreading her apart. She knew it was his thick cock pressing into her. Its tremendous size stretched her tightness to its limit and her moans only became louder. He slowly filled her to the brink. Never before had she felt so complete and so whole.

He filled her with inch after inch of hot pleasure until it bottomed out at the depths of her channel. She let out a cry of pleasure. His cock had reached so deep that it actually touched her womb. He looked down at the writhing woman under him. Never once had she broken contact with his eyes as she screamed her bliss. Faster and faster within her he moved. And he probed every inch of her depths. His tri-colored eyes burned brighter as his passion increased along with her moans of pleasure. All too soon her body was shuddering beneath him in the throes of a surge of orgasmic fury. Her enjoyment urged him on. He kept pounding into her faster and faster. His hips were a blur as his cock retreated and then was swallowed repeatedly by her gushing cunt. 

Callia squirmed and writhed below him. Her passion building within her. She was soaring on a cloud of pleasure that seemed to have no end. When she thought it was receding and that she was coming down another more powerful orgasm would hoist her back up into her flight of passion. He stopped moving within her, allowing her to come down a bit. She moaned in disappointment as his cock retreated again, nearly all the way but she screamed out one final time before her voice failed her. His cock started pulsing within her. This new sensation sent her soaring again. She screamed and tried to pull him in deeper. Her most powerful orgasm yet shook through her entire body and she bucked and spasmed endlessly. It was then in that highly intimate moment as she went limp, basking in the afterglow of this indescribable pleasure. He pulled back, completely disengaging himself from her body before he surged within her again, penetrating her as deeply as he could manage. Callia bucked and screamed. He became dominant yet tender, the combination of his strength and sensitivity his true power. The depth of his strokes varied with the pace of his thrusts as he followed the instinctive ancient pattern. The highly stimulating movements enraptured Callia. It was then he began to shift her position, as if performing the steps of an intricate dance. 

He bit her shoulder and placed her beneath him so that she lay on her stomach. Sliding over her, he thrust into her from above and behind. Callia writhed and screamed, gripping the silken coverings tight in her grasp. 

He encouraged her to be wild as well, manipulating the sensual rhythm that flowed between them. He gripped her hips and urged on the movements that brought her the greatest pleasure. He flooded her senses. He became the prowling predator and the sensuous pleasure giver. He was the raging storm out of control and the gentle rain that quenched her desires. He was growling dragon and demanding lover. 

He rode the crest of her orgasms, luxuriating in the sensations crashing over him. He captured her completely. He showered her with undulant rippling pleasure their union had produced. And then he simply surrendered himself to the passion he had unleashed within her.

Wild and free.

He wrapped himself around her, held her, and thoroughly loved her. And not once did she shrink away from his feral thrusts, his untamed possession of her, his wild impassioned roars of pleasure.

She screamed out as she rolled onto her back, struggling to regain some resemblance of control. Yet he sat back on his knees and directed her, raising her legs to his shoulders. He pulled her onto his lap and penetrated her fully with long deeply piercing thrusts.

She thrashed against him, causing him to throw back his head. A deep growl escaped his throat. Not to be undone, she pushed him down to the platform, bringing him beneath her. He grabbed her hips, bringing them flush against him and surged within her with a further breath-stealing penetration. Her hands rested on his chest as she leaned over him, moving her hips frantically. She writhed, shaking madly as he grazed her inner pleasure spot. She wasn't sure how much more she could take as she reached another peak, one that sent her soaring into revered oblivion.

Ethilathain's eyes narrowed in approval as he watched her. Though he was deep in the thralls of the blending, he allowed her this moment of dominance before he sat up with her in his lap and sank his clawed fingers into her hips.




Fantastic World Ch. 12



A cry escaped her lips followed by another as she felt him swell inside her, his overwhelming size stretching her even more. Beads of sweat broke out on his brow and he hissed loudly. He tossed her like a rag doll to the platform and covered her fully. His clawed hands sank into her hair, pulling her back upon his cock. His hips slammed against hers as he tore into her. Callia screamed at the sharp pulsing ache as his cock barreled into her quivering depths.

Relinquishing the grip he had on her hair, one hand skimmed down her spine to her hips while the other trailed down and around to find her swollen clit. He stroked it while ravaging her pussy with glorious deep, penetrating strokes of his cock. 

Shimmering sparkles of light began to encircle him, pulsing and glowing as the passion between them rose higher and higher into something new. He surged over her and turned her head, bestowing upon her a blazing kiss. Unleashing a fierce cry that echoed through the heavens, he opened himself to her completely, releasing everything he had been holding back. Ethilathain surrendered his heart, his strength, his love, his very being to her.

Both of them cried out at the sheer beauty of the moment. He turned her in his arms, holding onto her as if she was his only lifeline. It seemed like an eternity had passed before their breathing slowed, before they came down from their mutual high. Callia gazed into his eyes and gasped. 

His eyes! They had... changed. A fourth color had joined the other three. Crimson now accompanied the azure, cerulean and golden rings that made up his irises. He smiled and snuggled up to her, whispering something to her in his language that she did not understand.

She felt almost weightless and ethereal as she noticed her body beginning to change. Glimmers of crimson light encapsulated her, engulfed her until all she could see was crimson mist. She cried out, yet it was not her voice she heard. A roar pierced the air around her.

What is happening to me? Ethi! Ethi?, she called out.

Come with me, my beauty. Soar upon wings with me and experience what it is to be DRAGON!

Callia looked down at herself. Her body had changed. She looked in amazement at Ethilathain who stood beside her in his full draconic form. She let out a roar and flapped her enormous wings, taking off into glorious flight.

Ethilathain followed close behind her, nipping at her flanks ever so often. They soared through the clouds, entwining with each other to share a close intimate moment. After what seemed like an eternity in the sky, he nudged her back to their mountaintop retreat. 

I shall call you Ethani and you will be my forever love, his voice boomed in her head. Callia responded in kind, flipping up her tail in dynamic invitation. She wanted to know what it felt like to experience him in all his glory. 

Please, take me to the highest heights possible, she pleaded. She shuddered as he mounted her, penetrating her as he had during the blending. His teeth sank into her as he took her to the highest heights of incredible passion. The mountain peak trembled beneath their exertions. Their mutual roars mingled with the storm building over them. It had seemed that they were creating the life refreshing rains that now drenched peaks around them.

And when they were through, Ethilathain wrapped himself around her and held her close, "Sleep, my sweet Ethani, sleep and know that I will keep you safe from harm."

O.O

The watcher scoffed, "Safe!? Delude yourself that you can keep her safe from me and I shall catch her in my web once again!"

The watcher cackled out a laugh so evil that everything nearby recoiled instantly.

O.O

Callia awoke within Ethilathain's mighty embrace. He was still in his natural form while she had returned to hers. She sighed and ran her hand over the scales on his underbelly, noting the crimson striations that new accompanied the deeper shades of charcoal and midnight blue. He purred and immediately transformed into the elven form she knew so well. "Are you well, Ethani?" he asked, winking at her.

"Never better, my love," she replied and snuggled into his warm flesh. 

He nodded his head at her and embraced her fully. "You are truly a wonder I had not thought to meet. I thought the rest of my days would be wasted away in that prison of brilliance. I thank the havens for you and know how fortunate I am to have you. You are my greatest treasure."

"I feared I would never see you again," Callia whispered as she wrapped herself around him fully.

He accepted her and eased himself into her silky channel. It had not occurred to him until that moment that loving her came as natural to him as breathing. It had not been so with Myanth, Ashaedrianna, or Sapphyria, any of his three former mates. He sank into her, sealing his mouth to hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck, spearing fingers into his hair to hold him to her. 

With one quick flick of his hips, he pushed himself into her all the way to the hilt. He met little resistance as he began to increase the speed and depth of his thrusts. Deep and slow, then shallow and swift, he changed his movements as his hands gripped her hips. All Callia could do was scream in pleasure.

Then one of his hands slipped to her clit to stroke it. He noticed the feel of her hips pushing back into him as she begged for release, begged for more. Ethilathain's own groans joined in with those of Callia's as he teased her swollen clit. He could feel his balls tighten even more and knew his own orgasm was close at hand. Yet he had to make her cum once more before he allowed himself his own release. He knew hers would bring his. 

Ethilathain grabbed the edge of the platform for better leverage and raised himself. He gripped her hip with one hand, spreading her wider to accommodate his harder thrusts, almost brutal in their intensity. Harder and harder, Ethilathain thrust as deep as he could, grazing her sweet spot over and over again. It was too much for Callia to withstand. With a scream, she came to a body-shaking, heart-stopping, earth-shattering climax. The spasms within her cum slicked pussy set off Ethilathain's own orgasm and he let out a mighty groan. He pounded into her as pump after pump of his seed poured out into her. With one final grunt, he slipped himself out of her and gasped for air.

He rolled to his back, his heart still pounding in his chest. Callia slumped to the covers beneath her, groaning as her body shook. Moments passed while they recovered their breaths. 

Knowing how sensitive he was after sex, Callia chuckled and moved her hand to his cock, sticky from both of their juices. Ethilathain whimpered and groaned, "Ethani..."

Moving down his body, she licked around the head of his semi-flaccid cock before dropping to lick along the length, cleaning up some of their spent juices. He pulled her back up and pinned her back on the bed, moving his mouth to her parted lips, planting upon her passionate kiss. She wrapped her arms around him, relishing in the glow of their spent passions. With a blissful sigh, he laid his head against her ample chest, his tongue flicking at her hardened nipple, while his hand roamed over her lithe body. 

"I love you, my sweetness," he murmured before closing his eyes and slipping into a peaceful sleep. Callia chuckled and joined him, knowing full well they needed the rest. For she knew their passions for each other would reignite once they awoke.

O.O

With the blending complete, the two lovers spent several more days at the mountaintop paradise, further deepening their emotional connection to one another, before he flew her back to the tower and her quest for all the keys to the treasure vault.

Though she enjoyed her time spent indulging in carnal bliss with him, she knew how important it was to gather all the keys and make it to the subterranean vault where the treasure was hidden. The ever constant threat of Tathlyn's survival lingered in her mind. A part of her mourned the loss of Jaz'rin. She had yet to confide in Ethilathain all that had happened during the time she was missing and he had not pressed her for details. She knew she would have to tell him the truth. He deserved to know.

She entered the bed chamber they had shared and gathered her belongings. She clothed her body in a silken bodysuit before donning her elven made chainmail and strapping her large mercurial greatsword onto her back. Next she pulled on her haversack, checking its contents for anything that might be missing. She did not notice anything that might be out of the ordinary. Opening the secret compartment inside the haversack, she pulled out the two keys she had already gathered. A sigh of relief escaped her lips. They were safe! 

She threw a glance at Ethilathain who had been watching her closely. His now quad-colored eyes followed her every move. She smiled and winked at him, throwing a kiss in his direction, "Shall we return to the portrait level and see to entering the final one?"

"That would be a good idea, my sweet, but first were you aware I took the initiative of returning Meridia and her friends to the Azure Forest? I made sure that she and her tree found a safe spot while you were missing." Ethilathain remarked, his voice almost accusing. 

Callia's brow furrowed. "There is so much I want to tell you, but it is difficult." A chill raced down her spine. Something still did not feel right. He cocked an eyebrow at her and sighed heavily. She knew he was waiting for an explanation.

"Talk to me, my sweet," he pleaded with her as he sank down on his knees before her and rested his head against her belly. 

"I went for a walk to think about the blending you had told me about. I knew I had a decision to make so I figured some fresh air might help. Jaz'rin followed me. He attacked me and then he.... he changed form into someone else. It made me wonder if it hadn't been Jaz'rin all along. Next thing I knew I was being assaulted by some kind of vile life sucking magic. After that, I awoke in a dark room and I was surrounded by a web. Not so much a cocoon, but like a webbed swing. I was naked and bound within it.  

"Jaz'rin was in one as well. It seems that Amakiir had captured us with Tathlyn's help. Tathlyn tortured Jaz'rin to death and Amakiir made me watch as he disintegrated what was left of Jaz'rin's remains. He let me loose out of the web and took me to a room to bathe. He made the mistake of allowing me to come to close because I was able to overpower him and kill him with my bare hands. At least I hope I did. I keep getting this bad feeling that something isn't right. I have yet to see Tathlyn ever since before she killed Jaz'rin. I don't know what will happen."

"I will protect you, sweetling." Ethilathain consoled her. "You are mine and I protect what is mine."

Callia nodded, desperately wanting to believe him. So much was at stake. She had to finish this quest in order to find a way home. She wandered if that was now possible without Jaz'rin to guide her. He had known so much about this realm. Now what would she do? She turned her sparkling blue gaze upon Ethilathain. She stared at him for several moments, wandering how much he knew about this realm he had called home from so many millennia. She assumed his knowledge would be more ancient than current. 

He looked at her curiously. "What troubles you, my sweet?"

"I do not know how I am going to get home once I have succeeded in my quest here. Jaz'rin knew much more about this place. I had figured to follow his lead. He said something about having to go to Azure City, but he never said why."

"Do you not think I would be of help?" Ethilathain asked, accusingly. 

"I did not know if you could be of help to me. I am from a whole different realm. It is not simply someplace you can fly me to. You have been trapped here for a long time and in that time, things are bound to have changed," she heatedly explained.

"The Mage Wars had not even begun when I was imprisoned here, so I have been out of circulation for a long time, but that doesn't mean I am supremely ignorant of where portals and the like were once located. You may even find one in this ruin. There is much you have not explored."

Callia sighed, shaking her head. Damn arrogant dragons, she muttered to herself.

"I heard that, my stubborn little blossom," he cracked a smile and held his hand out to her. "Let us continue your quest. Let us see what the final challenge may be."

Callia nodded and left the bedchamber behind. She remained ever watchful and cautious as she could feel the lurking danger in this wretched place. Climbing the circular stair, she scanned the room, keeping an eye out for trouble. She passed by the blank portrait frame with the depressions for the three keys on her way to the final painting. She viewed it curiously, her eyes flicking over the scene depicted within the heavily gilded frame.

An odd vertical network of parallel chutes and tunnels with chambers that could only be described as having been blasted into being filled the canvas of which she studied. Her brow furrowed as her eyes flicked over it. She found it supremely odd as she perused the picture thoroughly that she hadn't heard the phrase in her head that would allow her entrance. She skimmed her fingers over the image and concentrated on it. This one had stumped her. She glanced over at Ethilathain, noting how his eyes were closed. Hmm, what was going on? She tapped her foot, not sure what to do now.

She studied the portrayed landscape. It looked like it had to be underground. Yet it puzzled her as to what could be the guardian. She had never encountered anything like this before. She frowned and nudged Ethilathain, who opened his eyes and nearly glared at her.

She responded with a glare of her own. "Do you have any idea what this one is supposed to represent? Yours was easy to decipher as was Meridia's. I'm not getting any feelings from this one."

He winked at her and embraced her, "The Eye of the Beholder beckons thee," he whispered.

She felt a sharp pull and ended up crouching upon a narrow ledge. Callia groaned at the euphoria buzzing in her head. She glanced around, noticing Ethilathain on an adjacent ledge. She frowned and dug into her haversack for her length of rope and her grappling hook. She quickly and securely tied the rope to the hook and tossed it at Ethilathain. "Catch!" Callia called out.

He caught it and raised an eyebrow at her. "Now what?" he asked, looking up. 

Callia sighed in exasperation. "We need to scale these chutes to find the guardian's lair. If it is indeed a Beholder, then we must be very careful. I have never encountered one before, but I have friends who have told me about them."

"I have some knowledge of them. I shall tell you what I know. Come to me, my sweet." Ethilathain secured the rope around his body and pulled it taut. 

"No, you must find somewhere up there to attach it to so I can climb up," she replied, shaking her head.

Ethilathain immediately changed forms, not into his full sized natural form, but the one who had so lovingly took her through the blending. He flapped his wings and took flight, soaring upwards until Callia lost sight of him in the pitch darkness. When he landed upon the topmost ledge, he wound the grappling hook and rope around a large splintered boulder jutted from the rock walls, securing it tightly.

"All is secure, my sweet." Callia smiled as she heard his voice in her head. She wound her end of the rope around her waist and began to climb upwards, using the rock face to aid her ascent. She knew the heights she must ascend were great and knew that one slip could spell disaster, but she couldn't allow herself to think of that. She had to make her way up to Ethilathain. She would need him more now than ever before. She recalled the stories her good friend, Onis, had told her of the Beholder he had faced once as he and a few friends had delved the depths of the treacherous Anderpeak to find a diamond big enough to perform a true resurrection on their friend, Lorna. She didn't possess Onis's magical prowess and prayed to the Elven gods that her warrior skills were good enough for her to claim the key from the guardian. If it was a fight that this Beholder was looking for, she would not back down from it. She would not be defeated in her quest for the treasure.

Higher and higher up the chasm she climbed until she reached the ledge that Ethilathain stood on. He had reverted back to his alternate elven form and embraced her tightly in his strong arms. Callia looked around and noted only one tunnel. She motioned for them to head down it and cautioned extreme carefulness. 

"My sweetness, I have dealt with Beholders before. A long time ago one tried to invade my lair and steal my horde. The battle was fierce. They possess a bulbous body with a central, unblinking eye and a large maw filled with razor like teeth. They also have smaller eyes, all attached to wiggling eye stalks, that sprout from the top of their body. The smaller eyes can shoot rays with disastrous results. Paralyzation, petrification, disintegration, and even death are just a few abilities these eye stalks can produce. And the central eye is powerful enough to suppress all magic, even my breath weapon, but while the central eye is open it can not use its eye stalks."

"Lovely. So how can we defeat it?" Callia asked as she walked side by side with Ethilathain. 

"And did I mention they can fly?" 

"No you hadn't. So how can we defeat it? And furthermore, are they intelligent? Can they be reasoned with? Or bribed?" Callia reiterated.

"Beholders are known to be highly intelligent, deviously cunning, aggressive, and extremely hateful of all creatures not like themselves. They have been known to attack without provocation." Ethilathain explained to her.

"And how did you defeat the one who tried to steal your horde?"

"With Myanth's help. The beholder was not aware that two dragons inhabited my lair. It turned its antimagic ray upon me, thinking to stop me from scorching it, but failed to realize that my mate had disguised herself amongst the piles of golden coins. She roasted the foul abomination and once its central eye was closed, I joined her in the firestorm. She was protecting her home and the offspring she had just brought into being. At the time, we had two hatchlings."

"Well I am not likely able to disguise myself amongst a horde of loot and incinerate the thing so I'll have to come up with something else. I don't know whether brute strength will win the day or not, but I have to try. I can not fail in this task, not after everything that has happened. Jaz'rin's death will not be in vain."

Ethilathain nodded. He knew the death of her companion weighed heavily on her mind. He had tried to distract her from those thoughts in any way he could in order that she not sink into a pit of despair. "Shall we venture forth to beard the beast in its den of iniquity?" He offered his hand and led her along the uneven tunnel. 

There were sections where they had to stoop down in order to pass through and others where they were forced to crawling. Up and down they climbed, following the unnatural passageway. Callia stumbled over a rock that jutted upwards sharply and fell to her hands and knees. She hissed upon impact and felt the rock below her tremble as it gave way. "Trap!" she managed to cry out before the floor below opened and she fell through, sliding down a narrow chute. Sparks flew as her armor impacted the rocky sides. She landed in a heap in a large circular chamber, full of treasure.

She cried out in pain from the fall and quickly rolled out of the way of a scything blade flying down to split her in two. "Ethi!" she screamed out, her voice echoing.




Fantastic World Ch. 12



Moments later, he landed near her, tumbling to his feet.

"Watch out!" she warned him as the oversized scythe arced at him. He immediately transformed and grabbed it with his massive paws, wrenching it from its base. He tossed it aside and turned to Callia. 

"Are you unhurt, my love?"

She bestowed an endearing smile upon him and rushed over to him. Climbing upon his back, she hugged him as tightly as she could. "I am fine," she cooed, holding onto to him. Minutes passed before she climbed back down and allowed him to transform again. And when he had, she wrapped her arms around him and began to stroke his back. Ethilathain returned the embrace, loving the feel of her in his arms, and the feel of her head cradled against his shoulder. He pressed his lips against her temple then sought out her lips. He teased hers with his momentarily, giving her a luscious sample of what was to come. Her lips parted and allowed his tongue to push through where she suckled it, and met his thrust with one of her own. He moaned deep in his throat and brought his hand up to her neck where he held her head firmly in place. He deepened the kiss with passionate fervor, drinking in her sweetness...feasting on her soul. Callia let out a sigh as she broke the tender impassioned kiss. She opened her eyes and stared into his. The kiss felt so passionate and soul filling, ardent, totally possessive yet so gentle and tender.

"I love you," she whispered, nuzzling her head into the crook of his neck.

"And I you, my sweet," he smiled, holding her tightly. The embrace lasted for long minutes before he pulled back and placed a gentle kiss upon her brow. "We should continue on now. Perhaps searching this chamber will be a good place to start."

Callia looked around the massive circular chamber and a frisson of dismay ran down her spine. She shivered audibly. "Something feels wrong about this place. I can't put my finger on it, but to land in the treasure room after falling down a trap just seems to me to be too easy. It's almost as if it's not real."

Ethilathain scanned the room very slowly. He seemed to be concentrating as he meticulously studied the room's contents. "Your instincts are dead on, my sweet. It's all fake. A very clever trap to suck the seeker in and..."

"And what?" Callia asked as her eyes followed his. She frowned as she noticed a stone statue of a female warrior. Ethilathain's gaze was fixated on it, his jaw dropping until he let out a gasp. "What?!"

"It can't be," He murmured as he strode towards it, wading through the piles of worthless golden plated chits that resembled exotic coins. He rested his hands upon the statue and gazed upon it with a look of intense longing. "How can this be?"

"Ethi?" Callia followed him and wedged herself between him and the statue. She cupped his face and drew his gaze to her. "Who is it, my love? Talk to me."

He lowered his head and pulled away from her. Then without warning, he threw his head back and unleashed a scream like none she'd ever heard. It was a mixture of loss and madness, anger and grief. He grabbed hold of Callia's shoulders, gripping her tightly and gave her a harsh shove, throwing her bodily away from the statue. Callia slid through the piles of fake coins and let out a grunt of pain as her body made contact with the chamber wall. 

Ethilathain sank to his hands and knees at the base of the effigy and screamed a second heart-wrenching time. Callia watched him, her heart pounding in her throat. Something wasn't right here. It was as if time had slowed to a mere crawl. The sight of her magnificent lover clutching the base of a statue and screaming incoherently caught her and kept her captivated. She couldn't look away, couldn't even move at all to console him.

Slowly he nearly wound himself around the stone piece, muttering the same words over and over again. Callia scooted toward him, wanting to help him in this obvious time of need, but as she came close enough to hear what he repeatedly uttered, she backed away from him as quickly as possible. A horrible wracking sob slipped from her lips and she felt a loss so keen she wanted to join him in his sorrow.

"Ethilathain," she whispered as he threw his head back and screamed again. 

"SAPPHYRIA!" 

A gasp caught in Callia's throat. Sapphyria, one of the three draconic mates he'd had before his imprisonment. He hadn't talked much about any of his former loves and had only told her of Myanth's demise at the hands of the wizard who had imprisoned him in this place.

Scooting forward, she began to rummage amongst the piles of useless garbage that had been put here to detract the seeker from the task at hand. Perhaps there was a remedy within the chamber. There had to be something here that would set her free. There had to be something to take away his grief. 

She could feel it. That feeling of being led astray, of it all being wrong. She searched everything she could, meticulously combing through the piles of refuse that cleverly disguised itself as golden treasure. Her eyes focused upon the statue that had Ethilathain so torn up from the anguish of seeing his former love once more frozen in stone form. Part of her prayed for her close friend, Onis, and his magical ability. It had to be something to do with that, her gut feeling told her. 

Callia wiped her tears away and summoned her mercurial greatsword. She gripped the haft with both hands and held it out before her. Her highly magical sword could smash through just about anything. She stepped close to the statue and Ethilathain, drawing back the sword as she readied to attack as soon as he moved again. 

She could hear her heart pounding in her ears, a throbbing primal beat. If she swung at the wrong time, she would end up hitting Ethilathain instead of the statue. She wasn't even sure that smashing the statue was the solution, but she couldn't stand there doing nothing. 

Minutes ticked by ever so slowly it seemed before Ethi dropped down to the base of the statue and began to chant in his natural language. She couldn't understand his words, but the tone of voice he used tugged at her heartstrings. He had never discussed with her the fates of his other mates besides Myanth. She had no clue as to why he and Sapphyria had parted ways, but she knew she had to do something. She knew how precarious their situation was here. They had to find that key and get out of here. She preferred not to have to fight the beholder, but if it came to that, she wasn't about to go down without a fight.

Callia drew her sword back and slammed it into the statue with every ounce of strength she possessed. She watched as it cracked and splintered, but did not break. She hit it a second time. Chunks of stone rained down upon Ethilathain and the floor below. She caught glimpse of a shimmering effect in the air and knew that something was about to happen. Callia then landed a third mighty blow to the stone figure, this one shattering it into hunks that flew in all direction before hitting the rocky floor heavily. A radiant burst of blue mist erupted from the base of the effigy and wound its way around Callia. 

She stood still as it enveloped her, filling her with a feeling of peace. It relaxed her completely and she dropped her sword to the floor. A voice entered her head. "Be at ease, favored one. I pledge my life to you in payment for releasing me from my prison. I shall serve you until the breaking of the world and until my last dying breathe if you would grant me solid form."

"Who are you?"

"I am one of the ancients."

"Do you have a name? My companion called you Sapphyria."

"I have long forgotten my name. The magic was meant to deceive the seeker into thinking the relief I was trapped in was someone who had parted with them on less than amicable terms. Your companion believes I am the petrified remains of a former mate. I sense their parting left them both scarred in ways that is unheard of from one of my kind."

"What is your kind?"

"I have not the words to tell you what I am. I am a being older than time yet as fresh as the morning dew. I am a being of unlimited power and knowledge who has dreamed of regaining my true form, but can not do so without the help of an outsider. You are the one."

The blue mist swirled about her, settling upon her armor and sinking into her skin. A feeling of calm and tranquility overwhelmed her. Yet at the same time, she felt more powerful. Callia grasped hold of Ethilathain, lifting him from the ground and shaking him thoroughly. She allowed the aura of serenity she felt to sweep over him, taking away his grief.

"Look into my eyes, my lord. It is merely an enchantment that has made you believe that your former love is trapped in stone." Callia murmured, shaking him gently.

Ethilathain's eyes met hers, "Enchantment?"

"Yes, Ethi. An enchantment. You told me so before you saw that statue that I smashed."

"Statue? Sapphyria? What did you do to her?" He turned hostile eyes against her.

Callia sighed heavily. "It wasn't really her, stupid. You have to listen to me. It was an enchantment meant to deceive you into thinking it was her. I knew something was wrong when you screamed horribly and cried her name. I had to do something. I smashed the statue in order to break the enchantment."

He stared at her dumbfounded, shaking his head. All the hostility he felt evaporated, leaving behind an emptiness he had not known in several millennia. "Why?" he muttered and pulled away.

"You have to listen to me. I heard a voice in my head after the statue was broken. It told me the enchantment in this room was meant to deceive the seeker into thinking it was someone they had loved but lost under less than amicable terms. You have never told me why you and Sapphyria parted ways, but something about that parting has affected you on a deeper level and the magic here picked up on that. I will never understand the whys and what fors of magical theory, but I do know you obviously have unresolved feelings in your heart. It is obvious that the focus of the seeker has shifted from me to you. It was you detected the way to get in here instead of me. That is why the enchantment did not affect me. I took care of my unfinished business when I killed Amakiir."

Ethilathain lowered his head. "How can that be?"

She shook her head. "If you wish to talk, perhaps we should leave this place and return when we are better equipped to deal with it. Knowledge is power, my lord protector."

He glanced up at her. "We can not... Not until our task is done."

Callia growled. "Then let us leave this chamber." She searched along the walls until she found a weak spot in the rock and pushed it open, revealing a hidden passageway. He nodded and headed out before her. He needed to clear his head of the lingering grief. How could he tell Callia that it was he who had been forced to sacrifice his former love in order to save his own hide? 

She watched him intently as he walked before her. Something still wasn't completely right. She knew that in her heart. "I sense guilt within him and self-derision."

She started momentarily and frowned. She'd almost forgotten about the ancient one she harbored within her. "Can you help him in any way?" she whispered.

"I can not, but if you would but be patient with him, you will see that you are all the help he shall need."

"I would do anything for him," Callia proclaimed. "He is my forever love." She caught up with him as they shimmied through several more narrow passages until they reached another circular chamber. It had a large hole in the center of it. Callia peered down into it and noted it went down about 20 feet before opening into another chamber. 

She climbed down the shaft and dropped into the room and came face to face with the Beholder. She held her hands up, making no quick movements. "I come in peace," she spoke loud and clear. "I am the seeker of your key."

Ethilathain dropped down behind her, on the ready to transform if needed. He would allow no harm to come to his precious Callia.

"Seeker of the key?" It repeated, its eyestalks wiggling to and fro. "Why have you come, seeker?"

"To procure your key. I have gathered the other two and need yours in order to seek the subterranean vault of the wizard," Callia replied. "Can we come to an agreement?"

"Agreement? Why should Zzyxxyzzt have to agree to anything? Perhaps Zzyxxyzzt should teach you a lesson you will not soon forget for invading Zzyxxyzzt's lair. You broke one of Zzyxxyzzt's decorations. Zzyxxyzzt is not amused!"

Callia warily eyed the Beholder before her. Who was this Zzyxxyzzt? "Who are you? And could you lead me to this Zzyxxyzzt?"

"I am Zzyxxyzzt," The creature roared and pointed all of its eyestalks at her.

She backed up a step, bumping into Ethilathain, but nevertheless held her ground. "I see. The way you spoke it sounded like Zzyxxyzzt was another Beholder. I am willing to trade for the key. I could even replace your decoration with something else of value. Can we or can we not come to an accord?"

"Show Zzyxxyzzt what you offer and Zzyxxyzzt will consider it."

At that moment, Ethilathain transformed and stepped over Callia, protecting her. "Give us the key before I roast you, foul abomination," he roared as he opened his large mouth wide to reveal a strange blue light in the back of his throat.

The Beholder pondered the dragon's threat for a second before it slowing opened its central eye and aimed it at both of them. Callia felt an overwhelming wave sweep over her. She felt heavy and almost lethargic. She knew it had to be suppressing all their magic with its beam. When she would have cried out in rage, she felt an aura of peace sweep over her. The blue mist arose from her skin and surrounded her. She reached her hand up and touched Ethilathain's underbelly, extending the protective mist to him. It engulfed his large form, freeing him from the repression of the Beholder's beam. 

The dragon roared and let loose an incinerating gout of flame concentrated upon the aberration and did not let up until the foul beast had fallen to the rocky floor in a heap of charred blackness. 

"I warned it," Ethilathain smirked as he transformed and embraced Callia. He planted a quick kiss on her lips. "We should search this room for the key."

The blue mist circulated around both of them, swirling as if in a rhythmic dance. Callia watched it in awe before joining it. Ethilathain smiled as he regarded her. She had such spirit. 

"You are a beauty to behold," he stated as he held his hand out to her. Callia took hold of it and felt the mist settle back around her. 

"Shall we?" she smiled as she glanced around. There were piles upon piles of treasure scattered around. She noticed three statues as well. An opening to her right caught her eye and headed toward it. Peering down it she saw more treasure scattered about.  

They took their time meticulously combing through the horde. Ethilathain brought out his wand, shrinking each pile they had searched through and stowing it away in his trusty haversack.

Callia located a few vials and allowed Ethilathain to examine their contents. "These should produce an effect to bring the petrified persons out of their stony state. It's an unguent of sorts."

"Well I'll take care of it while you search for the key and lay claim to the treasure. You'll have to let me claim some of this treasure. No adventurer worth their salt would allow one greedy dragon to have it all." Callia winked at him.

"I'll consider it if you ask nicely enough," Ethilathain chuckled. 

Callia shook her head. "How 'bout I let my sword do the talking for me, eh?" She flashed an impish smile at him.

Ethilathain let loose a hearty belly laugh. "You amuse me sometimes," he chuckled, dismissing her veiled threat.

"Laugh it up now, but even you have to sleep," she quipped at him.

He shook his head and turned back to his search. He loved that spark she possessed. She would have made a wonderful dragon. He knew he had done well when he chose her as his mate. She matched him near perfectly. Ethilathain knew he was lucky to have her.

He moved on to the next pile, quickly sorting the gems and coins out. He set aside a heavily jeweled ornately wrought sword and a suit of golden scaled plate armor before digging out ring and helm. Next came two robes and a white ash staff. While he continued to search, Callia began to use the unguent on the first statue she came to. It was of a heavily armored male. She admired it as she rubbed the salve into the stone. It didn't take much before the rocky façade fell away and the petrified being came back to life.

Callia ducked the sweep of a sword and quickly summoned hers as the confused warrior swung recklessly. Bringing hers up, she blocked the strike of his greatsword and parried the next. "Calm down!" she stated as she reached out for the arm of the man. She allowed the blue mist to sweep over him and watched as he shook off his bewilderment and focused his eyes upon her.

"Where is the foul beast?" He growled as he glanced around.

"It is dead, my good sir." Callia smiled as she caught his attention. "I am Callia and I freed you from the petrification you'd been afflicted with from the Beholder."

"Dead, you say? Heh, I thank you, my good woman...." He eyed her curiously. "You are a woman, correct?"

Callia chuckled. "I am an elf. Are you Aezaerian?"

"Yes, I am. I have never heard of an elf before. What's wrong with your ears?" he asked as he touched them.

"Your people call my kind Elysian, I believe, but I am from a whole other realm," Callia replied, smiling. She looked him up and down, eyeing him intently. She heard Ethilathain clear his throat from behind her. "And this is my companion, Ethilathain."

"I am called Wariik of the Blade. My Order was sent here to exterminate the foul beast." He bowed before her. "I giveth my thanks for the honor you have bestowed upon me. My sword is at your command, fair lady."

She smiled widely, her eyes flicking over him possessively. "Only your sword?" Callia impishly asked.

Ethilathain cleared his throat and transformed into his full form, snatching her up within his mighty claws. He snorted smoke at her from his nostrils. "Might I remind you that you are mated to me, little one?"

"Ethi? Put me down now, you big bully!" Callia thrashed about and attempted to break his hold on her.

Wariik reacted to Ethilathain by charging toward him with sword drawn and a battle cry on his lips. "Release her, beast!"

Wariik swung his sword at the dragon. Ethilathain sighed and set Callia down, releasing her before he turned back to the elven form she knew so well. He grabbed hold of the blade, stopping it in mid-strike. Ethi hissed softly as it sliced his hand. "Stop!" Ethilathain exclaimed. 

The sword swinging warrior immediately halted where he stood. He leveled a glare upon Ethilathain.

"My lady is in no danger from me. We often fuss with each other, but I could never hurt her. You will cease this reckless behavior!" Ethilathain commanded in a tone that brooked no opposition.

Wariik was taken aback. He eyed the dragon man cautiously before nodding his acceptance of the demand. "Forgive me. Dealing with dragons and Elysian is rather foreign to me."

"Keep a wary eye out for anyone or anything entering these chambers. We know not if there were more of the Beholders," the dragon told him and went about his task of searching for the key. 

Callia smiled and moved to the next statue. It was of another male warrior. "Wariik, does this one look like he may have been from your Order?"

He walked over to it and perused it thoroughly. "No, m'lady. It does not seem familiar to me," he replied as he studied the third one, which was clearly female. "Neither of them bear any likeness to anyone I have ever known."




Fantastic World Ch. 13



"My love, I'm doing my best to please you, but you seem distracted and unwelcome of my efforts. Has something captured your thoughts and held them prisoner away from me?" Ethilathain boldly asked as he loomed above her. 

Callia's eyes snapped open and locked with his. She sighed deeply. "Forgive me, my lord. The visions of Amakiir and Tathlyn are haunting my mind. I fear I've not killed him as I thought had and he's found a way to deceive us yet again."

He settled to her side and stroked his hand down her body quite possessively. If Amakiir were present, then he would see that the dragon protected what was his. "You are mine, my sweetness. I will allow no harm to come of you. The wizard is a fool to knowingly tangle with the Lord of all Dragons. All his magic will have no hope of saving him from me."

A shiver coursed through her, "But you don't know him as I do."

"I know you better than you know yourself. I understand your fears, my sweet. He's nothing but a bully who feeds off those fears. He may be powerful, but not as much as I. I have only known defeat at the hands of one archwizard and your ex-lover is not he. I'd know if that archwizard resurfaced." Ethilathain confessed as he looked deep in Callia's eyes. "There is much I should tell you, though. Much you need to know."

She cocked an eyebrow and snuggled up to him. He felt like a blazing oven. Heat soaked into her skin, warming her to the core. "Yes, you said you'd tell me all about Sapphyria. Talk to me, my love. Tell me of your long history."

"I have known thousands of years, for my kind are immortal. I came into being when this world was young. There have been hundreds of years when I have simply slumbered, when I was tired of dealing with the world around me and the squabbles of its inhabitants. I feared no one, but many feared the existence of my kind. Many of the dragons of this world were hunted ruthlessly. That was the case with my first mate. Her kind was one of the most gentle of all dragons. There were never very many of her kind. Each of them had a soothing voice. Ashaedrianna had been cerulean in color, a vibrant blue with striations of gold and black upon her delicate scales. Many referred to her kind as a Serenade Dragon, but to her fellow dragons, her kind was called the Enchanted Dragon. Each and every one of her kind was killed for the sport of it. I tried to protect her, but she could not deny the siren song of a young maiden in love. The duty of her kind was to croon love songs before a couple in love. A trap was set for her and she fell into it blindly. A young woman was placed in an open field, crying to the moon and stars of her one true love. Ashaedrianna went to her and began to sing her song. She couldn't resist it and it is in those moments that her kind was most vulnerable. The hunters lay in wait for her and captured her. They killed her without remorse, simply because they feared that a dragon was too close to their women, children and livestock." He let out a soft sigh. "I laid waste to that village after her death. I burned it to the ground, consumed all their livestock and killed every man, woman and child. I know now that was wrong, but back then, rage ruled me."

"Was she your first mate?" Callia asked, her hands softly stroking his back. 

He nodded almost absent-mindedly. They had been together for a few hundred years, yet their union only produced two offspring. Those children had taken after her, both Enchanted Dragons. As soon as they matured enough, they abandoned the lair they grew up in and sought ones of their own. But their nature was too seductive for them to deny. Ethilathain had mourned their passing as had Ashaedrianna. It was after that she flew further and further away from their lair in search of young maidens in love. It was then she met her doom. His guilt was almost too much to bear. 

It had led him to being a loner, hiding away from the world and sleeping for several hundred years. 

"Tragedy happens, my Lord, and there isn't anything we can do to prevent it. Don't blame yourself for her death. She was merely following her heart, following what made her happy." Callia surmised, soothing him with her soft tone, "As I think back on the events that led to Jazrin's death, I see the signs I missed. It was almost like he was trying to tell me something in very subtle ways. I never wanted Jaz to die, and I'm not sure I'd wish the way he died on anyone. I just have to let it go. As do you."

"Let it go, eh? I'm working on that," his smile warmed her. "You wish to know of Sapphyria." 

"What happened with her that caused such reaction from you at the sight of that statue that looked like her? Remember what I told after that happened? A voice told me that the enchantment on the room picked up your unresolved feelings for Sapphyria. Tell me, please."

A haunted look settled within his eyes and gazed deeply her into hers. He nodded and embraced her within his arms. "In my arrogance, I made mistakes that I dismissed as nothing important. But it was everything to her. After the loss of Ashaedrianna, I became reclusive and selfish. I was still plagued by rage. We shared a lair, but I demanded on having my own horde, my own caverns. I wasn't like that with Ashaedrianna. We shared everything. We had one clutch of eggs, only two offspring that took after her. Sapphyria became very bitter. She accused me of not loving her enough, but the truth was I didn't love her at all. Once our children had left us, things came to a head. We fought a great battle in the sky above our mountain lair. It attracted all manners of creatures and beings. Giants, rival dragons, wizards, treasure seekers were only a few. Our battle lasted for what felt like an eternity. We were both unwilling to give in or surrender. She wounded me in ways no one else ever had and I her. It wasn't all physical wounds. I struck the last blow. It was meant as a killing blow, but I couldn't go through with it all the way. Something deep inside me stopped me. So I wounded her greatly and let her retreat. As far as I know, she's still out there somewhere. It took me a long time to come to terms with my anger and bitterness, to exorcise the helpless I felt over Ashaedrianna."

"But you've never forgiven yourself for Sapphyria. How long has it been?" Callia asked, concern welling in her blue eyes.

"Thousands of years. I can't really say just how many." Ethilathain rolled off the bed to his feet and walked over to the mantle. He fixed his gaze upon the crackling fire that burned within the grate. Callia followed him, walking up behind him. She wrapped her arms around his torso and laid her head upon his chest.

"Free your soul of your guilt. Let it go, my Lord." 

He sighed, "I have tried for a long time to do just that. Perhaps it is now the time to let go of the pains of the past." He drew her with him back to the bed, pulling her down with him. He enfolded her within his arms, cradling her to his bigger body. 

"Tell me of Myanth."

A fond smile settled on his lips, "Myanth. I miss her more than words can express. She was special. She fought my destructive nature step by bloody step. She wouldn't allow me to give in the anger that plagued me."

"How long after Sapphyria did you bond with Myanth?"

"A very long, long time. I stole her from another dragon's lair. She was a golden dragon, a very young one at that. I had originally went there to steal the horde, but when I saw her, something deep inside spoke to me. I took her away and raised her until she became an adult. I never figured to fall in love with her, but I did. Now when I look back at it on it, I can honestly say that I fell in love with her from the moment I saw her. She stayed with me, and we forged a life. I gave her everything I had. And I was at my happiest. We were together the longest. And then, the archwizard came and killed her. He imprisoned me and I waited a thousand years to be released. I waited for you. You came along when I needed you the most."

Tears slipped down her cheeks at his heartfelt confession. She knew he loved her. He didn't have to say the words. She hugged him tighter, burying her face in the crook of his neck. She needed this moment, needed the silent confirmation that everything would work out in the end.

She felt a peace she hadn't known in a while. It filled her completely, settling upon her skin like armor. Her doubts melted in his warm embrace, dissipating into nothingness. And she knew it would all work out in the end.

O.O

Ethilathain, Wariik, Kerethial and Lahaela followed Callia back into the tower where the portrait room was located. She was ready to descend into the subterranean vault that housed the treasure. A treasure guarded by a guardian, as well. It made her curious to what the archwizard had come up with for this final test. All but one of his other guardians had all been tough to deal with. The thought of the manipulative dryad burned her whereas the trolls set her rage off. And the beholder had been just plain annoying. 

She gathered the keys into her hand and placed then within the depressions along the framework. The blackened void rippled and expanded from floor to ceiling. A doorway opened and Callia stepped through, followed closely by her companions. A shiver raced through her to her very core as sub-artic temperatures assailed her. She sucked in a breath. Her lungs burned from the cold. Before her was a frozen plain stretching out as far as the eye could see. 

Callia pulled a cloak from her pack and wrapped it around her. She watched as the others did the same. She cocked her eyebrow at Ethilathain, who had reverted to his natural form. "Do you know anything of this place?"

He shook his head. "Alas, I do not. Climb onto my back and find a safe place to sit. I believe flying will be our safest bet."

Callia made her way up first followed by Lahaela, Kerethial and Wariik. She noticed how Kerethial sat behind Lahaela, cuddling up to her, his arms locked around the pretty female almost possessively. Wariik cocked an eyebrow at Callia as he moved in behind her. "Shall we?"

She nodded in acceptance and felt his arms around her waist. A rush of warmth ran through her, bringing a feeling of malleability to her body that wasn't there before. She scooted back into his embrace, snuggling into the heat that engulfed her. It became a soothing balm against the cold.

They all held on for dear life as the dragon began to flap his wings and launch himself into the air. He cruised close to the ground, every once and a while taking them higher into the air for a good view of the cold landscape. 

It seemed that hours ticked by with more of the same scenery passing beneath them. Ethilathain landed on the other side of a wide ice choked river. He knew they'd have to find the vault soon or risk exposure to the elements. He looked back at Callia and Wariik, who sat snuggled together with their cloaks wrapped around themselves. The two elves were also huddled together, shivering with a blanket wrapped around their slender bodies. 

"We need to find shelter and warmth," Callia called to Ethilathain as the wind picked up and buffeted them with an icy blast of frigid air. 

"There hasn't seemed to be any trees or wood for a fire. I've been keeping my eyes out for either." Wariik spoke up, his teeth chattering. A harsh shiver wracked his body causing the valiant warrior to nearly curl in a ball to find warmth.

"Ethani, have them cuddle up to you and I shall see what I can do as far as providing some heat." 

Callia nodded, relaying Ethi's message. Lahaela sat before her, positioning herself between Callia's legs while Kerethial wedged himself between the Lahaela's thighs. She wound a couple blankets around them, hoping their combined body heat would help them warm up. Then Ethi twisted his head around and opened his massive maw. Callia could see the strange blue light at the back of his throat as he channeled his normal fire breath into a blast of soothing warm air that wafted over their skin. The pleasant heat settled onto her skin and fanned out to reach her fingers and toes. She reveled in the feeling of not being cold for once. 

"Stay cuddled together as you are and I shall try to find us some shelter. I have a sneaking suspicion we still have a way to go before we find the archwizard's vault. Only one as evil as he was would come up with such a wretched place to hide his treasure."

Ethilathain lifted off the ground, easily taking flight. He soared into the sky, scanning the barren wasteland for any sign of shelter or of the archwizard's vault. Every once in a while, he would send a puff of warm air wafting back to the huddled foursome, and though he knew it depleted his energy level he simply couldn't allow them to freeze.

The desolate plain soon turned into low rocky foothills. He dived down, soaring close enough to look for possible shelter. It pleased him to locate a crevice wide enough for a human or an elf to pass through. Landing nearby, he waited for Callia and the others to climb down from his back before he transformed and moved ahead to explore the crack in the rock face.

Once inside, it widened into a narrow tunnel that stretched out as long as his wingspan during flight. He made his way down the passage, stepping through an archway of deep blue crystal, finally entering a crystalline cavern. It was also deep blue, glittering brilliantly from a strange white light that came from above. A muscle ticked in his cheek at how familiar this place seemed. He knew he had to be on the alert for anything. 

Mentally he called for Callia to follow, and waited until she and the others caught up with him. He took point as he moved fully into the large natural room, cautiously scanning for any signs of movement. When he was sure there were no dangers, he proceeded ahead with Callia dogging his steps. She reached out to touch his hair, drawing his attention. Then she motioned to her temple. He gave a brief nod before speaking in her mind.

"What troubles you, my love?"

"This place. I've had a bad feeling since the start." she mentally projected back to him. 

"I've felt it too. I would normally allow you to take point, but this time I must insist you don't. Stay behind me where I can protect you."

She nodded, stopping to allow their three companions to walk before her as she took the rear flank. A niggling voice persisted deep within her, warning her to keep a close eye out for any danger. She hoped it wasn't a trick to lure her in again by that bastard, Amakiir. He'd already caused her enough grief with Jaz'rin's death. The dark elf hadn't deserved the brutal manner in which he died. Yet it was a bold testament to just how deranged her ex-lover really was. 

In subtle ways he continued to torment her. Somehow she knew wherever he was he was enjoying this. And somehow she knew she hadn't killed him after all. But she vowed the next time they met, she would. It was the only way out from under the yoke of suffering he'd placed upon her. With his death, she would finally be free.

O.O

The group of intrepid adventurers wound their way through the crystalline labyrinth, encountering all shapes and sizes of rooms made of the multi-colored crystal. And at long last when they came to the final cavern, which opened back up to the barren plain, Ethilathain turned back to Callia and bellowed a great warning as a creature he recognized all too well blocked his way. 

He immediately transformed into his natural form, launching himself at the sapphire scaled dragon that stood in his way. The two great beasts slammed together and hurtled into the sky. Callia immediately summoned her sword, clutching it with both hands. She was ready for whatever came at her. She warily eyed the three companions Ethilathain had left her with, watching for any move that would betray their motives. But they simply moved to the opening to watch to two dragons battling in the sky.

In her heart, Callia knew the azure colored dragon could only be Ethilathain's jilted lover, Sapphyria. Was she the final guardian and where was the vault? Stepping out of the cavern, she scanned the frozen landscape, spying a tower made of the same black stones the ruin they'd found the portrait room in. That had to be where the treasure was. She dashed across the barren plain, disregarding the bone numbing cold that lingered here. She had to get the treasure. It was all that mattered. It and Ethilathain's safety. Nothing else mattered to her. She noticed her companions were fast on her heels, even Wariik in his full plate armor. 

She halted at the blackened double doors, allowing them to catch up with her. "This is it," she simply stated as she glanced skyward, watching the obsidian and azure dragons bombard each other with all they had. Ethilathain's fire breath engulfed Sapphyria. She shook it off and retaliated with a blast of lightning. Ethi jerked as it skittered over his scales, and launched a tail-slapping, wing-buffeting, claw raking full assault on her before reopening his massive maw once more to deliver a sonic wave of thunderous energy straight at her chest. 

The strength of his attack sent her careening across the sky, but Ethilathain wouldn't allow her time to recover. He charged at her, racing on wings that turned into fire. He slammed into her and grappled her with his mighty claws, sinking them in deep. He soon went for her throat, hitting her with a concentrated spray of fire followed up by a secondary sonic blast. 

Her colossal form shuddered. She attempted to fight back, but went limp within his crushing grasp. He let her go, and watched as she crashed to the icy plain below. Ethilathain followed her down, prepared to roast her where she lay bleeding. But she transformed into the guise of the human female she'd often taken when they'd needed to go into one of the Aezaerian cities without revealing her true nature. She stepped forth, moving toward the one she'd had once loved more than anything. Yet she was ever watchful as she noticed another female racing at them. Sapphyria watched as the sword-toting elf came to a halt next to Ethilathain's great form.

"Somehow I knew if you were freed from your prison that you would come. I had hoped for the opportunity to see vengeance done, but you have beaten me once again," Sapphyria spoke up, her voice trembling as she bled heavily from many gaping wounds. Parts of her exposed skin was seared and blackened. "I only ask that you grant me a proper death. One that only you can, my Great Lord."

Ethilathain turned himself back into the form of the elf Callia had come to know so well. His eyes focused on Sapphyria for a few long moments, watching her begin to fidget and squirm. "Killing you is not what I had in mind. Your death will solve nothing. I wronged you all those countless millennia ago. I have come to terms with it and so must you."

"I cannot, my Lord. You must kill me. It is the only way to release me from this hell." Sapphyria transformed again, her voice taking on a guttural tone. "You give me no choice. Kill me now or I'll be forced to slay your new mate. Only one of us will walk out of here alive."

Ethilathain knew the game she was playing by threatening Callia. He knew if she attacked his lady, he'd be forced to retaliate against her, thus killing her as she asked. "You couldn't slay my Ethani if you tried," he shot back, staying in the elven form. He reached out and grasped hold of Callia's hand. "You've grown weak, Sapphyria. The dragon I knew would never beg for death. The dragon I knew would have shown some backbone and would've put up a real fight. You're utterly pathetic and unworthy of a good death."

Sapphyria bared her teeth and slapped at him with her tail. He tumbled out of the way and immediately transformed again, launching himself into the sky. Sapphyria followed, her great maw opening. A stream of putrid green acid shot forth, striking Callia full force. She let out a howl of pain and tried to shake it off as it seared her flesh. She charged at the dragon now hovering above the ground and swung her sword wildly, slamming it against the azure scaled dragon's underbelly. Blood and ichor spewed forth as the blade sliced through several scales. Sapphyria let out a bellow and flapped her wings frantically, gaining altitude over the wild-eyed elf. 




Fantastic World Ch. 13



Ethilathain met Sapphyria head on, slamming into her. He raked his claws across her scaly flesh and used his wings and tail to pummel her relentlessly. She fought back just as fiercely, spewing acid and lightning at him, yet it only served to enrage him even more. He retaliated with fire, sending white-hot bursts to all consummating flame to engulf her from head to tail. She shrieked and roared before falling out of the sky, crashing heavily to the frozen tundra below her. 

Callia raced down into the crater that Sapphyria made, her sword held aloft as she prepared to strike, but what she saw stopped her in her tracks. A scream of sheer terror ripped her from lips.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

It couldn't be!

She sank to her knees before the broken body of the one being she hoped to not find here. Ethilathain! Another scream left her lips. A scream of utter disbelief. 

"WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!?!?!?!?"

She didn't understand how this could be, but knew who was responsible. The azure dragon had been an illusion. That she was sure of. She scrambled out of the crater and sprinted back to the door of the black tower, nearly ripping it off its hinges. None of her three companions were anywhere in sight. At that moment she knew who was behind all of this. She knew what she had to do in order to see her beloved alive.

"AMAKIIR! YOU'RE GOING TO DIE WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU!!!!!!!!" She cried out as rage filled her completely.

Harsh mocking laughter filled the interior room. She shook like a leaf on a tree, barely containing her fury. A door opened straight ahead of her. She charged up to it, not even stopping as she crossed the threshold. She scanned the room. It was large and circular with an altar made of bone in the very center. Upon it sat a book flanked by black pillar candles, their flame burning an eerie purple color. It bathed the room in violet shadows. 

Callia approached it warily, keeping her sword at the ready. That bastard could be here anywhere. He was too cowardly to come out and face her. Stopping before the bone altar, she opened the tome and ran her fingers across the pages. Power zinged through her, amplifying her anger. 

She screamed and spun around as the magic currents within the room prickled her skin. "I know you're here, you bastard! Show yourself!" She swung her blade recklessly, thrashing about to and fro, slicing through the empty space as she searched for her target.

A laugh cackled in her head. "You missed me, my pet. Try again."

Callia moved a few paces and swung, her blade connecting with the wall. Sparks flew, burning bright before fizzling to the stone floor. She spun, her massive sword sweeping in an arc around her, but still it hit nothing but air. She let out a fierce growl. "If you think you can take the ones I love and get away with it, you're wrong. I'll see you dead before this is over."

"Tsk, tsk, my pretty one. Such fury. It's so delicious."

Her rage grew. Sweat poured down her body, her heart slammed in her chest, echoing in her ears. She scanned the room, paying heed to the magical currents flowing around her. She tumbled to the altar and touched the book. Light and sound exploded around her, illuminating all that had been hidden. Violet flames traced them both. At last she knew where he was. Charging at him, she swung her sword in a wide arc, hitting him soundly.

Amakiir screamed in agony as a large gash of crimson exploded upon his torso. He clutched his middle with one hand and chanted a few foul words before bringing forth a black void with which he hit her. Callia bellowed loudly and swung a second time before he jumped out of her way. He didn't move fast enough as her blade clipped his arm, slicing it off at the elbow. He screamed again as his eyes rolled back in his head. He collapsed to the floor in a thud. 

Callia dodged the magic void, springing towards the crumpled figure of the one she had once loved with all her heart. She didn't understand what he'd unleashed but knew it couldn't be good. Grabbing his body, she slung him over her shoulder and tumbled to the book, placing a hand upon it. The pages seemed to melt away, her hand sinking into its very depths until she encountered something solid. Grasping it, she pulled with all the strength she possessed. The ivory rune covered staff came free from its prison. She held it in the air before the magic took hold of her, engulfing her thoroughly. 

And she knew what she had to do. Words from an ancient tongue formed on her lips. She chanted loudly and swept the staff out before her. Its blatant energy filled the room with bright blinding light, swallowing the void completely. And in that moment, a familiar blue light encompassed the room. 

Lahaela materialized before her, smiling brightly. "You have succeeded. Relish your victory. Take the staff and return to your world, but leave the wizard with me."

"I can't," Callia shook her head. "I have yet to extract my revenge upon him."

"Revenge will not bring back the dragon. Not in this place. Pay heed to my words." Blue light formed upon the skin of the elven looking being. She looked Callia straight in the eyes and held out her arms. The broken form of Amakiir sped into Lahaela's embrace, slipping like sand through Callia's fingers. "The staff will take you home and home is where you will find what you are searching for. Farewell. We will not meet again."

Magic exploded around her. Callia threw up her arms, holding the staff out before, allowing it to stem the tide of the energy that crashed against her. The force knocked her from her feet and washed over her, taking away all conscious thought. 

But as she came to, she found herself staring at a familiar sight. The inquisitive face of her faithful best friend as she lay sprawled upon the front porch of his small abode.

"Callia? Callia!" The Catfolk exclaimed. He rushed to help her up. "Where did you come from?"

"I'm not sure, Verrshaun. One minute I was fighting Amakiir and the next I'm here!" Callia climbed to her feet and groaned aloud as pain ripped through body. 

"Did you seek out the archwizard? Did you find the treasure?" Verrshaun asked, eyeing the staff she clutched in her hand.

"Yes, it's right here." Callia shook her head, allowing the memories of Aezaeria to come crashing back to her. "I was sent to a whole different plane of existence. Jaz'rin was sent as well. He had orders to kill me, but he ended up dead. Amakiir killed him. He tried to kill me, but I believe this staff saved me. I've never felt so much power before. While I was there, I met someone that I grew to love more than anything. I don't know if he's even alive or if I'll ever see him again."

A strange look crossed Verrshaun's face. "What's wrong with your eyes? They've turned four different colors."

Callia smiled widely. Hope filled her to the core. "It's a long story, dear friend. I'll tell you soon. Meanwhile, I am going to put this staff somewhere safe and then I'm going to take a bath."

She dashed off his porch, crossing the wide street and dashed up her front stairs. She entered her house and raced to the hidden trap door she'd found. Throwing it open, she climbed down into the root cellar and accessed the caverns through a hidden door. Swiftly she ran through one cavern after another, her heart bursting with joy as she grew nearer to the one she sought. He had to be here. There was no other reason for such happiness.

In the last and final cavern, she saw him. The massive Obsidian dragon she loved more than anything. "ETHILATHAIN!" She screamed his name exuberantly and rushed into his arms as he transformed into his elven counterpart. Meeting her halfway, his arms wrapped around her, embracing her completely, he sought her lips and bestowed upon her a voracious, breath-stealing, heart-stopping, mind-blowing, pussy-wetting kiss. He kissed her like he was going to crawl inside of her.

Then he pulled away, licking his lips and staring deep into her eyes. "My Ethani, I would follow you anywhere for the taste of your lips."

Callia giggled and wrapped herself around him. It was hard to believe he was really here.

"Fly with me," he beckoned and transformed immediately. Power zinged between them as he touched her. It engulfed her completely, turning her world to pure crimson. It was then she knew what Lahaela had meant.

She sought the azure and gold skies with her beloved at her side. Nary of a thought of revenge or malcontent remained within her. 

She was finally at peace. 

THE END