4 comments/ 36357 views/ 41 favorites Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 01 By: stubborn_dreamer Chapter One: Humble Beginnings This is what we were told. In the old world predating the 31st century, women generally lived in patriarchal societies. The people thrived in technological advances and worked hard to improve their society. Robots came in the forms of nurses, teachers, even companions. Cures for what man had previously thought incurable were invented and mass-produced at astonishing rates. Paradise seemed so close in their grasp. Sure, the people didn't touch grass, and growing things were on display in only the richest of neighborhoods, but the people were content. Some said it was the New Golden Age, but even gold had become obsolete in this new formed gem. Mankind had always been infatuated with the idea of mythical creatures. They wrote books about them, made them come alive in the media, and even dressed their children like them for holidays. Still, no one truly believed they existed. Occasionally people from a marginalized society would claim to see or even be these beings, but they could never be taken seriously. Myth was to stay myth. The legend could be revered as long as it remained separate from reality. In other words, no one could have imagined what would happen. By the end of the 25th century it was declared that the Northern Hemisphere was too contaminated, environmentally damaged, and polluted to be lived upon. With this, the High Presidents of the Four Hemispheres decided to sever the top of the North to prevent further contamination. Then the North and West would share leadership. They had the technology to quell the forces of nature, they had the brains to pull it off, and the test scenarios were perfectly executed. "We are ready to leave the New Golden age and enter the Immortal Age." That's what the humans believed. In the old stories humans always lack humility. The humans had advanced so much in the few years following their creation that they had forgotten what it was like to be a secondary link on the food chain. So even if they said they were ready for a new age, they were not. The strike started the month before final life preserving evacuations. A family of four spotted what they believed to be a "unicorn" in the Northern Hemisphere. Their youngest child had been said to approach the "unicorn" where she then proceeded to touch her head with his horn. The parents tried to save their child from what they assumed would be impaling, but found they could not move. They could only watch unable to do anything to aid her. Suzie had been the girl's name. The family reported that the child had been illuminated in light and when the light faded the unicorn and their paralysis left. In its stead was a message carried by the child. The family ran to their local North Hemi senator and had the child deliver the message. The written inscription of the message had said, "We are the hidden. We have silently watched over the earth since the beginning of time and allowed mankind to change it as he willed. Yet Man himself has refused to change his ways. We tell you this: Do not attempt to destroy the North. We will fix the Earth, but in return we demand that you move 2/3rds of your population to your Mars and Space Quadron colonies. This will appease us. Without this, we will strike back." The family had caused a gigantic stir. The parents were arrested for global treason. The children had been given to the foster system, but the youngest child, Suzie, had disappeared. "They were extremists!" the world had said. "Mentally impaired!" "Greenhouse zealots who cared more about the earth than those on it!" They laughed, they talked about it, but no one had listened. The Strike of the 25th century occurred the next week. Slowly but surely there were sightings of the fantastical. Unicorns, dragons, ogres, vampires, werewolves, even centaurs and satyrs were spotted. Like many real things their depiction was different from the fairy tales. These were not the romantic creatures of lore. They were a strong breed of creatures that were both beautiful and hideous, and all were dangerous. They attacked and the humans were defeated. Technology did not matter if it could not be used fast enough to save one's life. Nuclear weapons mattered little if witches turned them back at you. Before long a third of the human population was slaughtered before the humans fled. There was a limited amount of recyclable oxygen as well as space for the vast population of earth. As Mars was colonized and the Space Quadron filled, it was decided that the evacuation would be limited for fear that the creatures would follow. The world leaders made a cruel choice and left billions of the middle-class and impoverished behind. When the dust settled and the technology was gone these humans were as delicate and helpless as newborns. The witches, second in command and council of these creatures had tired of the violence referred to by them as "The Great Purge." They allowed these remaining humans to live, but ordered that the ways of their old world be relinquished. Those who relented died, and those who remained tried hard to survive. The creatures cleaned the earth to its original beautiful and dangerous state. Technology and Literacy was lost, most of the people users of it, not builders or creators. Some humans died due to sickness or animal related accidents, some were simply not equipped to live in a world without technology. They had come from a world where walking was optional and to see nature one had to go to a greenhouse and request a time slot. It was like natural selection, the strong survived and made tribes that endured, the weak became fodder. Yet there were those who survived. They formed tribes that dotted the remaining landscape and each tribe held something valuable. Out of one tribe came a brave warrior named Zyra. Zyra would be the catalyst to change everything again. And this is her story. _______________________________________________ Zyra walked with her head held high to the tent of the High Chieftess. She had managed to kill a big breasted Pegacorn and there would be much feasting. This flying beast that had the head and body of a unicorn would normally not be food, but exiles who wandered into their land could be eaten. It was a common fact that this land belonged to the Rovians. Zyra was the lead hunter of the Rovians, and their strong all female tribe had several mouths to feed. "My Chieftess," Zyra said grinning. "I have slain an exile. I ask that you take the meatiest portion to thank your devotion to our people." "Thank you my dear," the High Chieftess hailed holding her face in greeting. The High Chieftess' hands were soft and gentle as she brought her forehead to hers. "Though why has such a beast come forth?" Zyra shrugged, "He is the first in much time. I doubt it is anything to worry about." According to the treaty laws, the basic laws that humans would abide by, if a creature wandered on their land it was theirs for the plundering. This also applied to human disruption of the magical land. The creatures despite their barbaric natures had put rules in place. The creatures were united under their Dark Witch council, but all answered to the rare and few commands of the Pure Unicorns who were said to have knowledge from The Maker himself. When their rules were disobeyed the creatures were not killed but instead exiled. Exiles ate to survive and did not eat what they were assigned to eat for their health. For example, a Bandersnatch was to eat only the food of the ground, but if he ate the food of the sky like a bird or an apple from an apple tree he would multiply in size and grow fat with meat. The creatures that stood on two legs like werewolves and vampires would be transformed into beasts before their exile. Exiling meant becoming food for the humans and as a result their rules were rarely broken. "How fares the land dearest? Did the beast disturb the crops?" "The beast had meant to stake his claim upon our herbs, but he was halted." "How?" "I stopped him." The white hunter paint on Zyra's face crinkled as she smiled at her Chieftess' disbelief. "It is an honor my Chief." The Chieftess rolled her eyes and sat on her mat. "Truly dear sister. You are a marvel." Zyra laughed and sat as well. "Just because you are my sister Kyzu does not mean that I can allow myself privileges above the rest. I am your hunter is all." Her sister Kyzu shook her head in irritation, her long hair flowing past her waist. Her skin was painted with the bright purple paint of leadership. Her smooth tan complexion and deep brown eyes made her one of the most prized beauties in the village. If this did not, her tall fluid body that dipped and flowed like a gentle river did. It made Zyra slightly self-conscious when she thought of her tree bark-colored skin, overly generous curves and short black hair that rested above her shoulders. She consisted of lean muscle and hid her femininity for the hunt. She wrapped down her breasts to her chest so they would not slap at her. Long hair would get tangled in tree limbs. Smooth skin would tear at the slightest abrasion. Her sharp unfriendly green eyes could see where the prey rested and helped her provide. Zyra thought of her practical choices for her role in the tribe and was reassured. It was by all means the best way. "Well you shall have the meatiest portion," Kyzu said crossing her hands. "You and all who were with your in your hunting troop. You must rest." Since the others were included Zyra did not struggle and nodded before she caught a mischievous glimmer in her eye. "Do you know why you must rest Zyra?" her sister asked coyly. At first she was filled with confusion then she remembered what tomorrow was. She hissed a curse and glared at her sister. "The second nightmare, I mean...celebration of life." That accursed celebration! Twice a year for 7 days' time their brother tribe the Ursies, which consisted of all males, would come to their village to celebrate life. The purest form of the celebration is the giving of life and so the strongest males and females of the villages would mix their sex in order to reproduce and preserve their livelihood. If it was a female, the Rovians kept her. If it was a male, the Ursies kept him. The entire village would then choose whom to be with and be in frenzy all week. The men were expected to bring enough provision to avoid distractions from the task at hand. Chances were the men had been hunting for weeks for the event. "I am a hunter," Zyra said firmly. "I will be no good to you with child. I have no desire to participate." Her sister sighed and looked at her in disappointment and concern. "I cannot force you my sister, but the time of your conceiving is close. You know the traditions. All members of this tribe must conceive at least one offspring by their 22nd year. You are already 20 years. You know the rules." Her sister looked at her sadly. "If you do not try next year at the very least, you will be exiled. We must know if you are fertile." Zyra felt the dread fill her entire body. "We have never exiled the infertile," she spat. "No," Kyzu said, her voice sad. "But those before me have exiled nonparticipating virgins." Zyra's frown grew deeper. A woman was still a virgin unless she slept with a man. Her sister was only 28 years but already bore two children. One being a boy, the other a sweet little girl whom she had named Nima. Still, Zyra was not ready for motherhood. Everything in her wanted to fight the rules, but rule kept them alive. It was best to obey them, even if she would rather not. "I..." she started reluctantly. Oh the spirits must truly despise her. She sighed, "I will attempt tomorrow," and left before she could hear her sister squeal in triumph. Zyra was often told that once she had the feel of a man inside of her she would lessen her abrasive ways. She felt for certain it would make them worse. "Hey Zyra!" a voice called to her. She stopped and looked for the source. "Over here." The sound was coming from her best friend's tent. She was not surprised to see her friend, and a medicine girl named Lala engaged in pleasuring. "Come join us," her friend Ginger asked. It had been a name from the old world and was at first feared. The creatures thought them silly, regarding it with as little attention as they did the plant. Ginger was a pretty girl with chestnut brown hair that she often complained about and a body of average proportion, not too skinny or curvy. She also had enough sexual energy to tire out half the village. She and the girl were both village girls, they stayed and made sure the people had enough medicine and clothes. Then at night they would cook their dinner. They were admired for their skill and were a very important part of their tribe. Older village women would care for the young girls that were being raised. The strong quick women would hunt. On holidays they would switch duties and the hunter women would cook while the village women gathered food. In this way, the village was equal. "You should allow us to teach you the many ways in which to collect a man's essence," Lala said winking. "It could assist you in hurrying the unpleasantness, though I am sure you will find it most appeasing." "No thank you," Zyra. "In fact, I feel as though I am coming down with something." Lala laughed in response but still beckoned her with her hand. Zyra found the women beautiful, but that didn't mean she was attracted to them. To be honest, she had never been attracted to anyone male or female. She didn't dare share this thought with anyone but Ginger. Ginger, bless her heart was attracted to anything that moved. In her mind she felt Ginger did indeed have some kind of condition. To be honest Zyra did admire her for her courage to be herself. Gingers eyes widened. "You won't participate in tomorrow's festivities?" Ginger asked surprised. Zyra sighed. She was still not used to Ginger's shameless ways. "I might try to, but I make no promises." "Well won't you join us? What's the shame of pleasure? Or would you prefer to hunt?" She gave Zyra a coy smirk. "Your strong energy has several of the village girls jealous of our friendship and I would be much happier to make their fantasies real!" Zyra grimaced, thinking of her reputation as the village's resident male. It was a necessary curse. Kyzu was the tribe's mother and she was the protector. If that came under the role of "Father" then so be it. "I have no desire to fuel your games," Zyra said trying to keep her eyes off their mischief. "Fine," Ginger said turning back toward the girl and leaning forward. "Here take this husk." It was a smoothed corn husk lacquered in tree sap, smooth and thick. "Be sure to visit me in the morning though." "Thank you," Zyra said bowing. She took the husk in her skirts before making a relatively graceful exit. Hearing the loud obnoxious sounds in the evening air she could tell others were also engaged. This pleasure seeking from the same gender was not uncommon. Some did prefer women, but most were simply pursuing connection, not that such tings mattered. On occasion they would lose a member who had decided to be with a man from their sister tribe. The man and woman would be sent to the Awaqui tribe, a mixed gender tribe since their tribes could not live together. They could visit their home tribes after, but never return. Sometimes she wondered what her predecessors would think. Sighing at her thoughts, Zyra went into her tent and closed it securely. Then she undressed and took the smooth husk in her hand and rubbed up and down it. The husk had been rubbed down to make a perfect notch for what the male penis head was supposed to look like. A mushroom...or a silly hat. Ginger had died of laughter from that. She could feel herself moistening. She imagined how good it would feel inside her, the positions she could take that would be best pleasurable. She would push it as deep as possible and maybe sit on it, let it rock within her. Then she would be free to squeeze her nipples and pleasure bud until she came. Then the husk would fall out of her, sopping from her release. She had always considered herself to be her best lover. Despite the fact she had been her only lover...no matter. If practice made perfect, she hoped she would have a perfect first time. She lay in her furs, and settled into a fitful sleep. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 02 Chapter Two: Desire and Sensibility "Wake up! Wake up!" The sound of over excitement roused the remaining women from the tents. Zyra watched curiously from a tree as the girls exchanged ribbons and quickly stoked a fire to prepare a light morning meal. "I don't understand what they're all so happy about," she grunted. She pulled off a fruit from the tree and bit into it. It crunched and the sweet juice dribbled down her chin. Why consort with men when one could consort with fruit? Her eyes darted to a brown-headed girl rushing toward her tree and she considered running. "Don't you dare!" Ginger shouted. "You come down right now and eat! We have a long day ahead of us!" She winked as Zyra slid down the tree. "And I do mean long." Zyra rolled her eyes, "Oh spare me." After the meal, the women swiftly went to choose which outfits would be best for the celebration. Ginger had made a beautiful white and blue dress that she adorned with black beads and seashells. She saved some fabric to put her long hair in a complicated bun. Her sister who had already mothered a daughter would be wearing her long traditional chieftain garb. The elderly were moving the children into their lodgings as of tonight. It would not be appropriate to let them near such adult matters. Speaking of which, Zyra looked down. He niece Nima was a pretty and timid thing that held onto her leg and greeted her with a smile instead of words. "Now Nima," she scolded lightly. "You must go with your aunties." The child squeezed her leg once more, then ran to the other children. To be truthful very few of them were related due to the diversity the strike had caused. People had forgotten color and accepted blood bonds to make them sisters. Kyzu and Zyra were an exception being true sisters born of the same mother. Ginger was her blood sister. "What will you wear Zyra?" Ginger asked smiling. "I have a wonderful green and tan dress that would look wonderful on you." Zyra looked down at her current garb. The creatures of this land were fast. She wore soft hide boots that laced up all the way to her upper thighs and ended on a curve instead of straight up and down. That way when she knelt and crouched they would not tighten upon her. She wore gray leg pants underneath and on top a simple hide shirt that had no sleeves lest they get caught in the nature. Her gloves were dirty, made of hard turtle shell that protected her forearm. If she lost her weapon she could use it to help her fight. "This." "No," Ginger said. "But why?" "There's still blood from your kill on your boots." Zyra looked down and saw the blue stains on them and frowned but could think of anything to say but, "I'll wash it." "Absolutely not," Ginger commanded taking out a red dress. "What about this?" "I will wear leg pants and boots only," Zyra stated firmly. "Trying to block the entrance huh?" Ginger said a matter-of-factly. Zyra found it pointless to lie and simply said, "Initially." Ginger shook her head and went deep into the pile and pulled out a pair of black leg pants, black dyed breeches and a white cotton woven shirt that was embroidered with blue vines. It was prettier than Zyra preferred, but perfect for what she needed. Her hands stretched out towards them but Ginger pulled away giving her a hard look. "I will lend you this only if you promise to unbind your breasts tomorrow." Zyra rolled her eyes and stuck her pinky at her as a sign of annoyance. "You are intolerable...I will bind them loosely." "Not at all," Ginger sniffed. "Loosely." "How many rolls?" "Three." "You get one." "Two." "You get one." "...Agreed," Zyra said holding out her arms in resignation. Ginger smiled in triumph and handed her the clothes." I will also lend you my blue earth stone earrings. They shimmer in the light and will make your eyes look like green earth stones." Zyra could see that Ginger truly was looking out for her, so she patted her on the head. "Thank you." She gave Ginger a tight hug and planted a soft kiss in her hair. Zyra felt Ginger tremble, then released her from her grip. "Goodness Zyra," Ginger said shaking her head with a laugh. "You truly are much too masculine for your own good. I may just have to sneak moon root in your milk and have my way with you." Zyra laughed and proceeded to leave the tent. "It is good then I am not a strong lover of milk. She entered her tent and disrobed before deciding with defiance to wear her hunter paint as well. The man who could handle her spirit could have her. __________________________________________________ "YIIIIIEEEE!" The eve preparation call shot like an arrow across the sky. The women emerged in their garb to quickly consume the meal, anxious from an afternoon of purifications and dressing. Instead of tending to herself Zyra helped her niece do her long soft hair. Kyzu was having her hair tamed into the large Rovian Chieftain headdress. It threaded through her locks and made her hair a cape behind her. "Really Nima," Zyra said to the girl once again on her knee. "You must stop clinging while I brush your hair." The girl loosened her grip but did not speak as Zyra brushed and began braiding. Nima still held her leg when she turned her away to do the back. Zyra sighed. Nima was such a sweet child only in her sixth year, but she was making things difficult. "Perhaps she mistakes you for her father and misses you," Kyzu chuckled. "You have been gone on hunts for some time." Her sister came to stand beside her dressed already, and one of the only two women in the village whom had chosen leg pants. "Nonsense," Zyra said taking the child's hair and securing the braids with a large wooded clamp. "She simply loves her aunt. Don't you Nima?" Nima gave her a joyful smile and nodded. Kyzu laughed and smiled kindly at her daughter. "Ah my sweet mute Nima. When will we hear your innocent voice?" Zyra lifted her onto her leg and smiled at her handiwork. "She will speak when she is ready." Nima simply traced down a hunter line on her cheek and nose before giggling and sprinting off to play with a group of children. Zyra shook her head in amusement and proceeded to make sure preparations were complete. "Oh and Zyra?" her sister called. "Yes?" she asked turning. "You look beautiful." This did not necessarily make Zyra happy, but she responded in kind by nodding respectfully and exiting the tent. The earrings in her first piercings were heavy, but she didn't dare take them off with Ginger around. Angry, she retraced her hunter marks carefully and brushed her hair to flare out imposingly. Then she grabbed a long spear that had a notch for every beast she had killed. So far she was up to 23 on this spear. It had been an active month old. She tied on a leather head band and walked out to see the women lining up in the center of the village. Several looked at her with admiration, amusement, mortification, and even mild attraction. Ginger stood near the center and took one look at her threw her hands up in exasperation. "I don't even know why I try!" "Because you love me?" Zyra suggested. Ginger rolled her eyes, "There isn't that much love in the world. Oh well, you will represent us warrior women quite well." Zyra smirked and was silent as she sat on a table next to her sister. Two others from her troop retrieved their spears as well. She was the only warrior not standing, but she felt no need to stand in the presence of a man. They had no reason to mistrust, but tests of power were often needed. Her sister gave her a brief look and rolled her eyes in amusement before standing slightly in front of her. They waited but a moment when they saw the burning torch smoke from the Ursies. Zyra tried to stifle the spikes of fear that stabbed at her heart. She knew of the processes of lovemaking, she knew the touch of pleasure, but the idea of being touched by another frightened her. What if she did not enjoy the touch? What if her strength failed her and she was forced to endure pain in her most sacred of places? The warrior in her wanted blood. She looked upon the group with feral eyes daring any of them to attempt to harm her. She would wear their bones as a necklace. "GREAT SISTER TRIBE!" the Chief of the Ursies proclaimed stretching his arms out in greeting. "WE HAVE TRAVELED LONG TO GAZE UPON YOUR BEAUTIFUL FACES!" The Chief was about 50 years or so, but he was fit and strong. He had Native American features and long flowing black and silver hair. Beside him looked to be his sons. One was a skinny nervous looking boy who seemed as though it was his first time. He had a decent body and was a blonde with scared looking deep blue eyes. The other one carried an air of overconfidence and had dark brown eyes that looked a lot less well-intentioned that his brother. He was taunt muscle and Zyra felt herself stiffening as though he challenged her authority. "We welcome you with open arms brothers," Kyzu said gently, her soft voice carrying beyond the sound of the crowds. Zyra could tell based on the men's looks a few were already smitten with her sister's beauty. "We thank you," the Chief said softer as though he was calmed by Kyzu's voice. Then he looked at Zyra with mild amusement. "And who is this one who gazes upon us so fiercely?" Zyra was startled at being addressed but did not show it. "She is Zyra. Our lead hunter and..." Kyzu shook her head with a light smile. "My blood sister." "Ah," the Chief said regarding Zyra whom simply stared back. "She has your blood's beauty." Zyra's eyes widen in shock and the Chief simply smiled at her. The men looked at her now and she saw they too seemed drawn, if even by word of mouth. She rid herself of her bewildered look and glared icily at anyone who dared look upon her. Most dropped their gaze but she noticed that the one who looked confident stared at her with amusement and arrogance. Her mouth set into a deep line as she glared at him unwilling to be the first to look away. Seeing the staring contest the chief put his hand on his son and he looked away. "These are my adopted sons Hanto and Rell." Rell was the blonde one. She noticed he kept his eyes down and looked at Ginger whom looked at him as though he was food. Feeling a pinch she saw her sister frowning out of the corner of her eyes. Apparently she needed to play nice. "Our greetings to your tribe," she said stepping down from her table. She lowered her spear in a sweeping movement. "We beckon you to enter for refreshment and lodging." "We thank you," Hanto said with a smirk. The Chief gave him what appeared to be a warning look and said, "We will begin the celebration in the morn." "Yes," Kyzu said happily. The villages suddenly collapsed upon themselves as the village women went to the men, picking out familiar faces and handsome new ones. Zyra walked beyond the men whom looked anxious as she passed by to the caravan. A handsome tan man was wrestling with the tarps of one of the many wagons. "Are those the provisions?" Zyra asked sternly. The man jumped having not heard her quiet footsteps. "Ye-yes my lady," he replied struggling valiantly to keep his eyes on her eyes alone. Silently she walked to the knot he was tugging and patiently loosened it out. With a pull it came loose. Lifting up the flap she saw this one contained dry meat. "You will find the meat of our land most satisfactory," a voice said behind her. Feeling it was too close she turned behind her to see Hanto staring at her with his arrogant eyes. She turned away from him and broke off a piece of the meat. Biting into it she found the meat to be good, but unseasoned. "You have not herbs in your land?" she asked calculatingly. Hanto was caught off guard for a moment before stating, "The fourth load is herbs." She nodded, noticing some of his arrogance had displaced itself. "Will you need assistance unpacking the bounty?" The arrogance returned. "No. Our tribe is filled with capable strong men." She straightened her shoulders twirled her spear in supposed thought. "Such a pity." Then she walked away from him and he laughed before following her. "How so?" he asked, a smirk upon his face. It showed off his defined features of noble birth and good grooming. He was handsome, Zyra admitted, but he did not stir attraction inside her. Seeing he was going to continue to follow her she replied, "Your village is filled with men." "Ah," he said before slyly cutting into her path. "Why is this a pity?" She halted to give him a fierce look and smirked. "Women are much more capable." He looked at her with taunting eyes and she wanted deeply to retaliate physically. "Perhaps," he said nonchalantly. "But I hope you will find in this celebration that certain men can be as or perhaps, even more capable than a woman." She scoffed and brushed by him. "What would one such as I say to such an elusive creature?" He suddenly grabbed her by her arm and pulled her back towards him. "You could say hello." She contained her rage and simply flipped her spear so its point was even with his manhood. "Or you could say goodbye. Perhaps to a beloved part of your anatomy." He released her and pulled back visibly disappointed. "Forgive me if I was too bold," he said bowing his head. She laughed and the sound made his head snap up. "Trust me Ursie," she said sauntering forward. "You do not know what bold is." She left him there wondering if perhaps she should be with him. In truth she could find no sense for or against it. "Zyra!" Ginger said smiling widely at her. "Guess what?" Zyra looked at her for a moment. "...No." "They've moved the beginning of the celebration to tonight!" "I did say no." "Since two people who "shall not be named," Lala and Yun, began the "ceremonies" before it's time!" Clearly she was not listening. "Isn't this wonderful?" Ginger bounced up and down in excitement and Zyra could see from the visible thatch between her thighs that the girl had already removed her undergarments. "I..." she paused and Ginger stopped to look at her."I don't know." Ginger grabbed her hand and gasped. "Zyra, you're trembling." Zyra's eyes widened and she pulled back to look at them. She was. She forced herself to clench it firmly into a fist. "I am fine," she said, the uncertainty in her voice sounding strange to her own ears. "No you're not!" Ginger said grabbing her arm and pulling her into her tent. She made her sit down and grasped her hands in hers. "Are you frightened?" Zyra tried to think of its meaning. There was one time when she was wrestling a bear and thought she would not make it. Her spearhead had broken off in her hand and the bear had leapt upon her. She could see herself in its furious brown eyes. Desperately she had raised the spearhead and the bear had landed on her, crushing the breath painfully out of her lungs. Her heart was racing and when she felt his fur upon hers she was sure her heart had stopped. There had been a feeling so dire and terrible. She had managed to stab the beast in its heart and after never felt that feeling again. Now, sitting in Ginger's tent, she felt it. "I am...I am," she said incredulously. "Why is this? I could kill them all?" "No you can't," Ginger said patting her head. "Well...maybe one at a time, but that's beside the point. You feel as though sex will be a surrender. You will have to submit to your partner." "I do not have to submit," Zyra reasoned calmly. "Zyra my sweet..." Ginger said frankly. "I have had a lot of practice. For your first time it will be extremely painful if you do not lie upon your back." Zyra thought about the possibility of letting herself be hurt and bowed her head to lie on Ginger's chest. Ginger could feel the girl tremble and they said nothing as she tried to quiet her fears. After a moment Ginger ran a hand through Zyra's short hair. "How do you feel about Rell, the Chief's son? Do you dislike him?" Zyra shook her head no. "I don't actually recall him to be honest." Ginger gave her a firm pat. "I will help you my sister. Do not worry. After meal you will come with me. Okay?" "Ginger I will not practice..." "Not me Zyra! Rell!" Zyra was a little shocked by the proposition but decided he might be a good option. There was no way he could hurt her and stay alive with Ginger and Zyra. "Yes," Zyra sighed standing up. "I will try." "Then you must put on your hunting skirt." The skirt was high on her thighs covering between her legs and her bottom, and left her thighs open and visible. "Why should I honor them with my hunting attire?" "Just in the tent," Ginger corrected. "Fine." Ginger gave her a bone crushing before she disappeared. Of course Ginger would be excited to orchestrate such a momentous part of Zyra's life. More so, since it was her particular field of expertise. When Zyra walked out to the fire, she made it a point to blatantly ignore all male calls of her name. Meal passed quickly as men and women alike shoved food down their throats. They ate freshly killed and roasted fatbird, a bird with little feathers and much meat. It was only indigenous to the Ursies and spoiled quickly, so they brought only enough for their first night. Herbs were rubbed into the fatbird's skin and it was passed around on sticks. Zyra bit into the fatbird and was shocked by how delicious it was. The skin was crispy and she licked her lips, savoring the bird unlike her counterparts who shoved him. Sensing a presence she saw Hanto sat a distance beside her. She said nothing, her eyes trained on him as she bit into the juicy delicious meal even he could not ruin. She also had mashed earth babies, a fat tubed root that was round and brown. Its inside was milky and white. They had mashed it up with the herbs and churned goat milk. "Good eve," he said warily. She waited until she swallowed to reply. "Yes." He rubbed the back of his head and tried to hide a smirk. "You wished for me to be bold, and yet..." he looked at her as she bit into the fatbird, "...I feel as though wrong words will set you upon me." "Indeed?" she asked licking her lips. She watched as he stared at her lips with an odd look and she wondered if he wanted some of her fatbird. She took a bite. Well too bad. "Dare I ask what comes to mind?" he said, his eyes verbalizing what his tone could not. "I will not be kind to you," she said honestly. "It is not my nature to be kind to outsiders. It is the way of the hunters." "You don't have to be kind," Hanto said inching towards her, now somewhat enthusiastic. "You can be a Tigress, scratching and clawing, biting at my throat. You don't have to be restrained and docile. You can be free with me." Zyra noticed the wild look in his eyes. "...And what will you be?" she asked him. He paused and his eyes showed her images of rough, wild pleasure where he would be as wild if not wilder. This was not a gentle soul. "Zyra!" Ginger yelled. Zyra turned to see her holding a blushing Rell around the waist. "The tent!" Zyra finished her fatbird in a few hungry bites and swallowed hard. "Excuse me," she said with a smirk to Hanto. He seemed shocked and began to stand when she put a finger to his lips. "Hush," she said coyly. "Look for the hunter Firetoucher, she is what you seek." She walked away and saw that he looked after her with an amused smirk. "Very well Zyra," he intoned behind her. "I'll find what I seek." A glance behind her set her senses aflame with alerts. She could tell what he meant with that look. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 02 It was the look of a hunter targeting his prey. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 03 Chapter 3: Temptation Zyra walked toward Ginger's tent with her hunter skirt in hand. All around her tents were zipped tightly as the celebration was carried out. She could hear the telltale banging and moans as the air permeated with lust. Sighing, she quickly put it on and walked into Ginger's tent. Rell whom, Ginger was kissing turned to her and his eyes widened in astonishment. Zyra frowned. Obviously the man was not aware of what he would be getting into. "He will do most wonderfully," Ginger said smiling. "He has not yet been tainted by the ways of selfish pleasuring, he will give you pleasure first." Rell's eyes pulled away from Zyra's hips and stared he turned to Ginger in astonishment. "Wha-What?" he asked confused. His voice sounding a bit like a song, one with low notes but occasional high solos. "Zyra, close the tent," Ginger demanded. "But..." Rell interjected but a harsh look from Ginger shut him down. The whole thing was beginning to feel a bit like rape to her but Zyra was not in command here. Zyra did as she was told, closing it securely while Ginger lit a low lamp for the corner. "Zyra is a virgin Rell," Ginger said to him comfortingly. Oh now you explain it. "Isn't she beautiful?" He studied her for a moment, her glare placed firmly in place. "Yes," he said softly, blonde lashes lidded as he took her in. Zyra felt herself growing wary at the sight of this fae resembling man but Ginger simply beckoned her to the mat. "Lie down Zyra, you're among friends," Ginger said smiling maternally at her. She wanted to tell Ginger that she did not know him and neither did she. Zyra just hoped Ginger was not enjoying this. Forcing herself to obey, she lay down on the soft woven mat while Ginger guided Rell to kneel beside her body.Then Ginger put her hands on Rell's shoulders. Gently, she pulled off his outer coat. Zyra could now see the loosely defined lean muscles that lay in his arms and torso. His unruly blonde hair was restrained by a dark circlet and she felt the urge to free it. Her hand flinched upward but she stopped herself, instead pretend to be transfixed with his forehead. Her intention was still seen. He leaned over her and Ginger whispered, "It's alright. Touch him." Yes, touch him. She could do this. Zyra took a hand and slowly extended her fingers to touch his cheek. It was perfectly smooth, not even the faintest inkling of growing stubble. How old was this man? Was she being deflowered by a youth? "How old are you?" Her tone made Ginger snap at her. "Don't worry about that! He's old enough to be here, now stop insulting him!" Zyra bowed her head in shame. "I am sorry." "It's alright," he said gently."Please, continue." She touched him again. He was warm. She trailed her finger to the curve to his forehead before gently sliding off his circlet. His hair fell down in beachy waves framing his crystalline blue eyes.Zyra felt her body shiver. He was certainly beautiful, perhaps too beautiful for a man. "Touch him more," Ginger said pulling open his shirt so she could see his chest. The boys' eyes were glassy, he very clearly found the situation arousing. Curiously, Zyra touched the planes of his chest. It was hard, not soft like the rest of him but she didn't mind. Seeing two nipples she was curious as to whether they were sensitive like those of a female. She rubbed a finger around one and he moaned. She pulled back but Ginger reassured her quickly. "It's okay." "It's okay." he echoed breathlessly. Ginger still sat behind him, giving the impression she was commanding him like a puppet. Yes, he and Zyra were the puppets, Ginger their puppeteer. The scene, an erotic one. Perhaps if she made this a game, she could enjoy it. Reassured, Zyra started to touch his shoulders, his neck, his stomach, any skin she was unsure of. It was more like an experiment to her, but she found to her surprise that his pants started to protrude. Ginger giggled and pulled his pants down, his loin cloth pointing out towards her. In the shadow she could see the base of his manhood and looked away in embarassment. "Touch him. There," Ginger whispered deviously. "And you have to see what you're touching you silly girl. Do it." This seemed to Zyra very much like the time Ginger had dared her to put her hand in the snake hole. She did this, only to get herself nearly bitten by the snake inside. No, this was exactly like that. And she had said "Do it" then exactly the same way. "It's not going to bite you," Ginger snapped in irritation. Zyra looked at her in horror. How did she know? "It's written on your face," Ginger said, rolling her eyes. Zyra's hand shook as she stared at the unknown when suddenly Rell, who had been starting at her took her hand and placed it on himself. Zyra was shocked and her hand flinched into a claw but Ginger quickly yelled, "Don't squeeze! They are sensitive there." Zyra unclenched her hand and Ginger moved his cloth out of the way. His shaft was long, longer than Zyra had expected. It was twitching and throbbing like a live thing. His member was dark, starkly contrasting from his pale skin. A small sack like thing lay underneath it. "You can rub him, but only gently to start. I don't want you to hurt him," Ginger said. Zyra nodded then touched around it lightly, rubbing his sacks and shaft with curiosity. He moaned in pleasure and went to reach for her. Her eyes widened when Ginger restrained his hands behind him. "It's not your turn yet," she said giggling. Flicking out her tongue she licked his ear, nibbling on his shoulder. He arched as the women teased him, Ginger whispering in his ear what Zyra knew was probably absolute filthiness. "Enough," he whimpered. "I won't last." "Want last what?" Zyra asked pausing. The question seemed to break Rell's tension. Ginger broke into laughter and Rell gave her a small amused smile. Zyra was not amused. "Why are you laughing at me?" "So let's move on," Ginger said grinning mischievously. Roughly she pushed Zyra back down onto her back. "But you didn't answer my question." "Just relax," Ginger said to her as she beckoned Rell closer. "Kiss her first," she whispered into his ear. Zyra tensed as he came closer and closer to her. She could feel his hot breath dusting over her face. He smelled surprisingly like the outdoors. Grass, he smelled like the grass after it rained. It made her relax. Rell was somewhat shocked that this brave vicious huntress woman was so timid in front of him. It made him feel vestiges of care for her. His lips touched hers slowly, softly as he pressed toward her. "Push back with your lips," Ginger said smiling. Zyra did as she was told and was surprised to feel the stirrings of arousal. It was just lips wasn't it? Turning his head he began to bite at her lip gently. "Open your mouth," Ginger whispered. Zyra obeyed and Rell swept his tongue into her mouth, sucking her own tongue, eating her lips as though she tasted delicious. "Slower," Ginger told him. He slowed down, giving her longer more sensuous kisses. Zyra let out a surprised moan. "Good." Ginger applauded. "Now her neck." Rell broke the kiss and trailed his mouth down her chin. Softly he kissed the juncture between her shoulder and neck. She shivered, surprising even herself as she jerked up towards him. "Ooh, I see you're eager," Ginger said smiling. "Let's hurry then. Remove her top Rell." Rell pulled back and slowly pulled away Zyra's shirt. Zyra was a little nervous as he unravelled her binding. When her ample breasts were undone she felt self conscious when he stared at them. He looked at them with an intensity that seemed unnatural. What was he planning on... Without Ginger's instruction his lips dove to them and Zyra yelled out. "What are you..." "Calm down, you're okay," Ginger cooed and she whimpered as she tried to obey. Seemingly ignorant to her mood he sucked her nipples like a newborn. He caressed her waist pushing her up towards his mouth. Slowly she felt heat grow between her legs. He gently traced her breasts, squeezing them firmly as her licked from nipple to nipple. Rubbing her nipples with his thumbs, he squeezed while he massaged her breasts causing her to cry out. Zyra let out a shaky sigh as she experienced the new volatile sensations. She closed her eyes and felt her back arch as he began to nibble at the side of her neck again. She felt his right hand trace slowly down her side and knew where he was leading it to. Somehow this only excited her and made her grow hotter, moister to his touch. She opened her eyes and saw Ginger was now naked and had put her legs around him. Apparently Rell had no need for instruction here. Ginger was humping him and rubbing her breasts into his back as she moaned her own pleasure. His member twitched and he groaned as he suddenly thrust his fingers underneath Zyra's skirt. She gasped as his long fingers found their way to her pleasure bead and began rubbing it gently. She bucked and he pulled back from her in order to fully discard his loincloth and pull off her skirt. He ripped it off her with violence she had thought he was incapable of. As he leaned back over her Ginger pulled back and went toward the back of the tent. Zyra watched her pale butt jingle away in worry until she came back with a strange box. Opening it Zyra saw it was some kind of salmon colored paste. Ginger took a finger and dipped it in the paste before pushing it into Rell's mouth. He sucked her finger hungrily and slid a finger inside of Zyra in response. Her gasping mouth became the recipient of the strange tasteless paste and she coughed as it was forced down. Ginger then gave herself two fingerfuls and proceeded to separate Zyra and Rell. "It's to make us all last," she growled hungrily. "Lie where Zyra was Rell. Zyra come here." Zyra obeyed watching as Ginger positioned Rell on the mat. She started to feel herself tingling and looked at Ginger in confusion. What evil magic had Ginger just fed her? Ginger ignored her imploring gaze and had her kneel over Rell's outstretched hand. Then she herself straddled him backwards so that her mouth dangled over his manhood. Taking unspoken direction Rell dipped his fingers into Zyra and began rubbing her clit with his thumb. She began to wiggle and moan as his palm caressed the opening of her pussy. His fingers pistoned in and out while he sucked and licked at Ginger's pussy and Ginger sucked his manhood. They were suddenly in an erotic triangle and Zyra felt herself bouncing on his hands and rubbing her breasts in circles. It felt so good. She didn't know that fingers that weren't her own could make her feel this way. His were longer, more filling, and they touched places she couldn't. They moved faster and faster until Zyra felt a jolt of lightning run though her. She froze and Rell continued to go on until she broke, falling over the peak of her pleasure. It was the first time another had given her pleasure. Just the idea of it sent her longer into the downward spiral. "Now?" Rell breathed huskily to Ginger whom started to shake at the sight of Zyra's orgasm bringing her over. Ginger shrieked but closed her screaming mouth over Rell's manhood again letting her humming vibrations run over him. Rell exploded inside her mouth as she shook. Zyra watched through lidded eyes. Some of his juices dribbled down Ginger's chin and it looked clear, but thick like honey. Ginger pulled her mouth away and looked at both of them with the eyes of a succubus. "Are you ready?" Ginger asked drowsily. Rell frowned. "No, I just..." He paused. Rell had cum but it was just then that he realized his manhood was still erect. "You'll burst less easily now that you've cum," Ginger said smirking. "I told you it was to make ourselves last." Ginger turned eagerly to Zyra. "Come now, lie again on your back." Zyra frowned, watching the pulsing head of Rell's lust and his suddenly darkened blue eyes as he looked at her. "He's possessed," she whispered softly to Ginger as she moved slightly away from him. Ginger laughed and pushed her jovially. "Of course he's possessed. He's possessed by his lust. He's controlled by his manhood." Ginger grabbed it and pointed it at Zyra. "She who controls this, controls the man. Now on your back." "You can go first," Zyra offered. Rell was now too quiet for her liking. All he did was stare at her body, like at any moment he would to devour her. "I don't mean you harm Zyra," he said rising. With a gentle but firm hand he eased her once again onto her back. She tried not to shake as he parted her legs. Opening them made her realize just how wet and messy she was. Once her legs were bent he leaned over her and put his hands on each side of her head. She looked away from him as his gaze pierced through her. "I won't hurt you Zyra," he lulled softly. "Relax, and I'll make you feel good." With that she felt him rub his burning shaft up and down her sopping pussy. After a few strokes he positioned himself at her entrance. "You're going to feel just a little bit of pressure, and then it will be over," Ginger quipped comfortingly. Zyra frowned, her pulse quickening. "I'm...I'm not sure about this." Ginger frowned in response. "Come on dear you're half way. Just relax." Rell started to push forward and Zyra felt a strange pressure like she had never felt before. It began to build and she waited for it to cease, but it only increased as he slowly started to enter her. She began to tremble more fiercely. "...stop..." she mumbled. It hurt, he was hurting her. "Rell stop." "No Zyra honey, you're almost there," Ginger cooed. "Keep going Rell. A little faster." "Rell stop," Zyra said against as the pain increased. Suddenly she felt a spike of pain that sent her into a full blown panic "No!" she screamed. She held him up above her with astonishing strength pulled him out of her before roughly pushing him away. He looked at her stunned and bewildered as she threw on her clothes, shaking as she stared at the floor. Looking on in horror, Ginger wasn't sure whom to comfort. "Zyra honey, no! I'm sorry I..." "Rell are you o..." "Zyra wait, where are you going? Zyra!" Zyra would make the choice easy. She left the tent, hunter skirt and all before they could try to make her do it again. It wasn't fair that she had to do this idiocy. Why did she have to have sex? Did what she just do count? Could that be her contribution? Thinking on the laws she realized no. He had to spill seed within her. Rubbing her welling eyes she grabbed her spear. No one had ever told her it would be so painful. Why did people have sex at all? After all her practice she was still a virgin. Her husks and toys seemed so useless and small compared to the real thing. Worst of all she still felt an insistent aching for release. "I hate this," she whimpered. "I just want this to be over." Suddenly a twig snapped. Looking directly at where it came from, she saw herself staring directly at a pair of yellow eyes. The huntress in her snapped to attention and she tensed her body. As she expected the creature bolted and she followed after it. What kind of death wish could this creature have to come so close to Rovian lands during the middle of celebration? Her anger and disappointment fueled her to chase him faster. She vaulted over tree limbs and through hill paths as the creature ran in front of her. It ran on two legs. Perhaps it was a satyr, the scent of sex drew them in like ravenous wolves. She and her hunters had trapped many satyrs that way. She drew in closer, readying her spear. Feeling her power rise she let out her war cry and tackled the beast into the ground. It was heavily muscled, but she made it drop anyway. The moment it fell to the ground she pointed her spear to its throat. The only truly visible part of him in the darkness was his unnatural glowing eyes. They seemed almost owlish and had the mark of darkness over them. To her surprise he made a very human gesture and raised his hands in submission. She responded to his mockery by placing a harsh foot on his chest. "Speak beast or be silenced! Why do you venture so close to our lands?" "I have come a long way," it said. It sounded like a man; its voice was deep, melodic even. "I smelt the remnants of your cook fires and thought I might persuade one of you to offer me some in return for some penance." "Why would a Rovian woman offer exile scum anything?" Zyra spat. How dare he insult them? And insult her, by looking in her eyes so unashamedly? Had he no dying respect? The creature seemed to chuckle at her. Outraged, she stomped on his chest to cease the sound. It ended as the air rushed out of his lungs. He coughed before raising his hands again in surrender. "Well madam warrior, I happen to be very good at persuasion." "I have heard your mouth's filth for long enough," Zyra said agitatedly. "Make peace with your God or gods. I send you to them at the count of 30." "You will...actually slay me?" he asked, sounding surprised. "What wrong have I done you?" Zyra bristled in anger. She wasn't accustomed to prey that could talk. Normally it would be violent and try to eat her, making the job much easier. "The penalty for walking on our lands is death," she stated firmly. There, now there would be no more questions. "What if I were a small child? Or a cripple? Would you not spare me?" Zyra sucked her teeth. Why was she bothering to talk to this thing? "No I would not. Death. All nonhumans who tread on Rovian land die. The same happens to us if we enter your lands, children or no. Your people would spare no one." "You don't know anything about my people," it quipped seemingly annoyed. The creature shifted which made Zyra uneasy, but it settled down. "For example, if I saw you in my territory I wouldn't kill you. Why, an attractive thing like you has much more...pleasant and practical uses." The sentence gave Zyra pause. Zyra wasn't sure if she was more stunned by the fact that the creature had called her attractive, or that it had revealed its lecherous ways. Impossible, he had to be lying. There were no solid accounts of mixing between the species. To her it had been all a myth. The creature was obviously trying to appeal to her physical body in hopes it would result in his release. With a sadistic smile Zyra readied her spear. "Let us simply put hope that my uses for you are much more logical." "And that hope is?" "That you taste as good as you talk," she said grinning, and then she began to drive down the spear. "WAIT!" Hearing the human voice Zyra's instincts made her stop but she instantly regretted it. "WHAT?" she yelled. "What you miserable thing? Will you not die with dignity?" His eyes widened in almost childlike horror. "You're going to eat me?" Zyra sighed. "Yes horrid creature. You will feed my tribe sisters." "You're going to eat a man? Your sisters are man eaters?" "You are not a man!" Zyra shrieked. She widened her stance in anger. It deserved to die and quickly, but she had never dealt words with a talking nonhuman before. His words, however futile had put a seed of doubt in her mind. What if she stabbed him, and he did not turn into food like the others? What if he turned a corpse? What would she do with him then? Would he leak evil? His leaking of fowl magic could contaminate the whole area. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 03 Looking back at him she saw he was staring at her legs. His eyes flashed back at her with a touch more of defiance. "Are you sure Madam huntress?" he asked. She could hear the coyness in his voice. What she would give to know for sure that he was a creature. "Positive," she sighed. "Are you sure? You seem...incomplete." She stared at him. "What do you mean by that? "Perhaps I can persuade you with some kind of deal. As civilized beings no doubt we can come to a compromise." Why did no one answer her questions? He was just like Ginger. Oh goodness, Ginger was a beast! Zyra snorted at that. Oh this beast was funny. "There is nothing you can give me that would be of value, strange beast. What manner of creature are you?" He ignored her and made an audible sniff of the air. His eyes seemed to focus in on her as though he had gained new information. "Are you sure there is...nothing I might assist you with." "Nothing. Unless you'll favor me by slitting your own throat?" "Truly? Well...what about this?" Zyra gasped as the beast reached up and with a five fingered hand touched her bare womanhood underneath her loin skirt. His fingers brushed her bead and she shouted in indignation. Collected wetness began to trickle back down her leg as she thrust her spear downwards toward his neck. Shocked, she watched him hit her spear slightly to the side so that it impaled into the ground beside him. Then he grabbed the staff end and drug it into the ground. She released it but he grabbed her leg, pulling her to the down. She shouted curses, struggling viciously. Ah! He had tricked her to distraction by touching her vulnerable sex! She wasn't in her full hunting gear. She didn't have her knife, her arrows, her wrist guards, nothing. Out of ignorant passion she had chased an unknown enemy into the darkness of the woods. Now her life would pay for it. Even so, Zyra was more furious than afraid. She cared not for her demise. She would mark him with scratches so deep his ancestors would feel them. Before she could even begin her fight he grabbed her arms together with inhuman strength and crushed her against him. "So that's what you'll do?" she grunted angrily. "You'll crush my spine and body, then leave my limp broken corpse on the forest floor as an example. How monstrous!" He bent down to lean his yellow eyes into her face. "What is wrong with you?" She ignored him, wondering how he'd like his question unanswered. Struggling still she found she would have done better trying to push the ground away. His arms were unbreakable, corded with muscle. She felt skin on him, soft human like skin, and the firmness of his chest. He wore no shirt, only what appeared to be long loincloth. Turning his head she felt his hair fall into her face and the glisten of a gold hoop caught the moonlight. Skin and hair? The ability to talk? A gaudy hoop earring? She ceased her struggles wondering if she had accosted one of the men of the celebration. Her stop seemed to please him. "See? I'm very much a man," he voiced, his low voice resonating through her. "And you were going to try to feed me to your sisters." His voice sent a strange feeling through her but she shook it off. Observing him, though her eyes clearly failed in comparison to his, she saw his skin was not of normal hue. She wasn't sure what color he was, but he wasn't normal. Furthermore his fingers appeared to house some kind of weapon. She saw them protruding from his nails. "You are no man," Zyra gritted, and then with brute force slammed her head into his face. She expected him to loosen like most wounded creatures. He cried out but his grip didn't shake. "Great Shyla Woman! What is wrong with you?" He turned her so that she faced him and she went to bite him but he squeezed her jaw. Coming face to face with his yellow eyes gave her pause. They were so strange they began to scare her. She resumed struggle but not before he forced her head down onto his shoulder. "Behave or I will crush you. Now," he said anchoring her with one hand. The other reached under her skirt. "Let's see if I cannot repay my intrusion. You are normally quite merciless." "You've seen me befoo...." The words cut off when the monster brushed a knuckle over her pleasure bud. "Oh...No! Kill me! Crush me if you must, but you will not defile me!" she screamed but he answered her with another chuckle. "Worry not little warrior. You haven't earned that penance yet." With methodical calculation he began to poke and prod her, fingering along her dripping folds, thrusting his long thick fingers inside her. His hands were much bigger than Rell's and he moved in a way that made her body ignite all over. Feeling her skin brush against his was becoming too much. Her nipples hardened though he hadn't touched them and she jerked each time he flicked her bead. She said nothing, focusing all her attention on not crying out. She lost the occasional gasp to the night, but too soon for her liking she felt him pushing her over. "Do you like this?" he whispered suddenly in her ear. She could feel his hot lips brush against her. "Do you like it when strange men finger your pussy in the forest?" She grit her teeth. "Don't talk to me that way. Stop it!" He responded by clamping on her clit, making her cry out. "So you are a virgin," he mused. "No man has talked to you like this?" "You're not a man," she spat out even though it sounded weak. He wriggled his fingers inside of her and pressed her against his arm. Using his thighs he rocked her against it. She suddenly came undone, stronger than with Rell, stronger than herself. Loosing herself she grabbed onto his shoulders and screamed. She shook as stars clouded her vision. She seemed to stay on that precarious peak forever when she finally felt herself calming. When she came down moaning pitifully, her bud was throbbing almost painfully, expectantly even. Looking up at him in shame she saw him studying her as well. Tiredness came over her and her body went limp in his arms. Apparently Ginger's concoction had a nasty side effect. "Well then," he said sounding pleased, his voice strangely raspy. "There. Not so bad was it." He gave her a grin which sent chills down her spine. He had fangs, huge, real, monster like canines throughout his entire mouth. "You could use a few more of these," he stated rubbing her back. "Maybe it'll make you more docile." Frozen in what Ginger had identified as fear she didn't move as the man creature laid her on the ground. She was stunned as he left her. That was it? No crushing? No maiming just...unimaginable humiliation! Catching her wits she rolled over to her discarded spear and pointed it into the air. Anger boiled back in her and she was ashamed at herself for what she had allowed it to do. "I will have vengeance!" she screamed gutturally through the forest. "I will kill you on sight! I will dip my bread in the juices of your beast turned meat! I will tan your skinned hide and make all of my tribe hats for the winter!" What else? ".... I will string your teeth and wear them around my neck! You hear me creature! Death is your only escape from me! DEATH!" She fell to her knees knowing the creature was of course gone by now and had heard nothing. Goodness, she had had an awful, awful day. More exhausted then she expected and yet filled with an unknown ache she carried herself to her tent. Lying in her soft furs she tried to ignore the strange feelings the day had brought. "Pleasured and molested, by...man and beast. Perhaps they are but one," she whispered. She didn't know, but she would find out. Then, she'd know how to fight it. And then, perhaps she could win. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 04 Chapter 4: Curses The first lights of morning shone through the thick light brown material of the tent. As the honey colored light spilled over Zyra's face she began to stir out of her slumber. She awoke slowly, wrinkling her nose as she gained concentration and centered herself. Morning, yes it was morning. Yawning she went to her grooming corner. Pulling out the tub of fresh water she dipped her bowl into it and began cleansing herself. After rubbing her teeth with her cleaning stick she bound her breasts, then pulled on her clothing. Unable to continue feigning the pretense of the celebration's "niceties" she wore a simple brown leg pant with a simple brown top. She slipped on her boots, also of matching color and made a note to remind herself to wash and hang up the soft boots. Looking at her face in the murky water she frowned and tried to flatten her hair down. It was no use, it was just one of those days. Sighing she stood up. It didn't matter anyway. No doubt Rell would have divulged to the man tribe her short comings and she would be scolded by Kyzu. It was a blow to her pride no matter what path she took, and she only felt irritating despair. For sure she would be thrown out of the tribe. She just could not give herself to man. Walking outside she saw she was one of the only members awake. "Probably still tired from the festivities," she mumbled bitterly. Closing her eyes, she tried to feel which way the wind was blowing. It blew towards the river. The scent of wild cloves and onions caught her nose. She had heard the men had been kind enough to bring the fatbird's eggs with them. It would be good to have the herbs of her own land to season her share. She was about to follow the trail when she remembered the man beast that had assaulted her in the forest. Gritting her teeth she put on a series of concealed knives and daggers on her person. She was well armed before she followed the trail. As she suspected, the herbs had grown right by the river's edge. Smiling to herself she dug basil and tiny onion's bulbs out and tied them together by their green stalks. Then she washed them in the river's water. She had to smell the grasses to tell which one was actually an onion, and the practice soothed her. Maybe her niece Nima would like some as well. Smiling at the thought of her little joy, she gathered more. After she had about 19 she heard a rustle in the trees. Without hesitation she hefted a dagger at the sound. Hearing a shout she turned and saw Hanto, the chieftan's son crouched down. Above his head impaled in the wood of a tree was her dagger. Slightly impressed he had managed to dodge it, she continued to twist the onions together. "What were you doing?" she asked eying him on occasion. He walked forward, coming to stand beside her, shock dusting his features. "I saw you crouched down. I was wondering if you were alright," he answered. She rolled her eyes. "You saw my crouched bottom. Of course you were wondering." He laughed in response but did not deny her accusation. She stood, 22 onions in total and began to walk off. "Wait, where are you going?" he asked, chasing after her. "To prepare for the morning feast." "The time is not near," he said running in front of her. "Perhaps...you could find something else to occupy your time." Zyra frowned. His bronze skin glistened with a light cover of sweat and the shade of the forest accented his already dark features. He was a handsome man, yet Zyra felt nothing. It only served to make her saddened. "Did you not seek out Firetoucher as I instructed?" "Yes I did," he said unable to avoid sounding pleased. "Our time was enjoyable, yet..." He put a hand on her shoulder and she forced herself not to flinch. "...she is still not what I seek." Zyra's frown deepened. The nerve of this warrior. "What makes you think I am the one you seek? You know nothing about me." "I know you are fierce and brave," he answered smirking. "You are like a nantuja, a wildcat." Zyra snorted and walked ahead. "Wildcats are not so fierce. My 6 yeared niece Nima has often taken one or two as pet. They purr and show her their underbelly for caresses. Not so fierce." "Unless threatened," he remarked raising an eyebrow. "They could only be the pets of true warriors. They would tear a normal man apart." Zyra frowned when he reached to touch her face. He let a finger trail down her cheek gently. He let it trail until he reached the tops of her breasts. She froze in shock until he reached for her again. Angrily she snapped her teeth at him and he retracted. Upon his finger was bead of blood. Looking at it he laughed, mirth shining in his eyes. "See? You felt threatened." He invaded her space suddenly, using his height to his advantage. "Tell me Zyra," he said huskily. "What must I do for you to show me your, underbelly?" She shook in anger, the frustration of the celebration bringing her close to stabbing him. "I tolerate you because you are from my tribe's sister," she seethed quietly. "But understand that it takes more than mere talk to earn my respect. Now move." He smirked at her, but obeyed. She felt his eyes on her as she walked away from him. "I'm the only one who could ever understand you Zyra!" he yelled after her. "You will never find one who is as worthy." Arrogance was his vice. Zyra felt betrayed by this duplicitous soul. He had tried to seduce her with silky words like a threadworm. The night before he came at her like a bear. And now, now he had tried some kind of mix. This troubled male desired her for unknown reasons, when and all was said and done, all she desired was to be left alone. Unsettled she went to hang the onions in her tent. It wouldn't be long now, the others should be awakening. She wondered if she should start the cook fires. No, it would be wrong to force her people from their warm embraces. She began wandering, trying to make the time pass. The time would go no faster and before long she found herself sitting under a tree back by the river. The water glistened with sunlight, rippling as it slowly made its way through the land. The ground by her feet was wet with the morning's dew, the sun was too low in the sky to bring heat. Zyra loved her tribe more than anything. All she wanted was to stay with them, to protect them. "It's just one thing," she whispered to herself. "One little thing." Yes, it wasn't that important. She recited it over and over until she almost believed it. She could do this. She would do this, she had to. A scream pierced through her thoughts. She stood tensing as she listened for the sound again. The scream repeated and Zyra dashed through the forest towards it. Tree branches whipped around her body flew underneath and over them, a lucky branch smacking her skin from time to time. By the time she arrived to the tents she saw a crowd was gathering by the Chieftess' tent. Her heart clenched as she pushed past them. "Move!" she growled shoving a gaping couple aside. She ducked inside the tent to see Kyzu kneeling beside Nima. On the other side the shaman from both tribes conversed with each other as they ground herbs. The Chief and Hanto stood looking in on Kyzu's panic. "Zyra," Kyzu rasped. Tears streamed down her face. Zyra looked at her in alarm and reached out to Nima. Her skin was cold. Shaking she felt the girl's pulse. It was weak, too weak. "What has happened?" Zyra whispered. Kyzu began to cry harder. "Sister, tell me," she demanded grasping her shoulders. "You have to tell me!" "There was a light..." Kyzu whimpered. "I went to see her. I went to check on her. There was a blue ball of light above her, and when I stood to chase it...it disappeared!" "This is a foul omen," the man's shaman said frowning. He came over with a bowl of green goo and drew symbols on Nima's face. "The child will not awaken no matter what we do." "What can we do?" Zyra asked. "Tell me." "Shaman Jot and I shall do our practice together," the Rovian shaman Pui said rubbing Kyzu's back. "Once the new sun rises we shall have news for you. For now, perhaps you should tend to your people." Zyra put a hand on her precious niece's face. Her face was pale, she looked almost dead. Zyra shook her head. "She will be fine Kyzu," she said firmly to her sister. "Now come, you must address the people." "No," Kyzu barked firmly. "I am a mother before I am a chieftess. I will not leave her side." Zyra looked at the thin quivering line that was her sister's lips and nodded in obedience. "Yes Chieftess. I shall...act in your stead." Kyzu jerked a nod and Zyra stood to look at the Chief of the Ursies. "May I speak with you please," she said solemnly. He nodded and she followed him out of the tent. Hanto went to follow but the Chief stopped him. "You wait Hanto, give us a moment." Hanto scowled but obeyed. They walked away from the crowd before stopping to face one another. "I know this celebration is something we prepare for and is considered a sacred ritual," Zyra started cautiously. "But being that the heir and future leader of the Rovian tribe is ill, finding a cure is most essential to us." "I understand," the Chief said pursing his lips. "Do you intent to halt the celebration?" "Not yet," Zyra answered. "We may continue the celebration, but if Nima does not get better by tomorrow she will become our main priority, celebration or not." "I understand young daughter," the Chief said giving her a kind grin. "You speak eloquently. I will pray for you to have guidance in this time." "Thank you." Bowing, Zyra went to address the people. After alerting them of Nima's sickness the whole village was sent to wash themselves and change their clothing. A cleanse was conducted to see if anyone else had contracted the strange illness. Then, despite her heart's protests she packed a large tent and had it pitched just outside of the village by the river. There Nima, Kyzu and the shaman would stay in case Nima had a spreading sickness. During this time she allowed the Chief to continue all rituals for the celebration. By the time things had resumed it was nightfall. The men had to work harder to raise the women's spirits. She appreciated their attempts in silence. Zyra's spirits could not be lifted. She sat on the edge of the village, staring into the darkness that was where she had placed her beloved Nima and Kyzu. She had to watch the village, but all she wanted was to be with them. What if the shaman's could not help them? What if Nima died? Tears began to gather in her eyes but she swallowed them. She had to be strong. She had to stay strong for all of them. A blanket was suddenly thrown over her shoulders. Looking up she saw Ginger giving her a sad smile. "I'm sorry," she said sitting beside her. Rell had come as well and sat on her other side. "We are here to comfort you," he said patting her hand. She looked at him wide eyed and ashamed. "Why? After I dishonored you...I mean, I am sorry I—" "It's alright Zyra," he chided. "I bear you no ill will." She turned her palm and let him clasp her hand. His warmth gave her courage. "Will you watch the darkness all night?" Ginger said putting an arm around her. "Just for a while longer." She unfurled the blanket, putting one end on Ginger, and the other on Rell. Then she lay on Ginger's shoulder. "It's okay honey," Ginger cooed. "We're here for you." Zyra nodded, and felt Rell wrap an arm around her. She liked him, he was a good person. "Thank you." She slept in Ginger's tent that night. Ginger had sex with Rell without use of her drugs. They didn't bother Zyra and she was grateful. They also made the bed warm which was questionably nice. Zyra dove in and out of sleep. She was awake when the sky lightened. When it did, she left to go into the forest. She flung the medical tent open expectantly. "Well?" she asked, her heart beating furiously. The scene before her made her breath catch. The shamans looked drained, older. Kyzu's eyes were bloodshot and haunted. She didn't react to Zyra's question, simply staring with despair at her beloved daughter. Nima had dark purple circles around her eyes and her skin had lost its glossy luster. She looked like she had been sick for years. Zyra gasped, falling to her knees. "How is this possible?" "Magic," Jot rasped. "Foul magic. This is not normal disease. The child has been jinxed with wasting. I am sorry." "Sorry?" Zyra shouted. "Sorry for what? What are you saying old man?" "She cannot be cured my dear, only prolonged," Pui sighed. "We are terribly sorry, our ways are useless here." Kyzu suddenly let out a loud broken sob and Zyra reached out to encircle her in her arms. This was not happening. "Could you be wrong?" Zyra yelled as she began to tremble. "C-could you be wrong?" "One or two shaman could be wrong," Jot said frowning. He reached behind him and got the spirit turtle rattle. He shook it over Kyzu and she hear the bones clank. Turning, he shook the turtle rattle over Nima's body slowly. "The spirits are never wrong. See?" There was no sound, no matter how hard he shook it. The turtle rattle was filled with bones and yet there was no sound. "The rattle only sounds for the sick. Kyzu is sick with grief, the child is not sick my dear. She is cursed." Zyra felt the tears run down her cheeks before she realized she was crying. Kyzu's heart wrenching sobs clawed at her tortured spirit. What had they done to deserve this? "What's going on?" Hanto entered the tent and she could find no words to say. Behind him followed Rell, Ginger and the Chief. Before the shaman could repeat their words Zyra put an arm under Kyzu and turned to Ginger. "Help me." Ginger rushed over and together they gathered up the woman. They walked until they were beside the river. Looking into Kyzu's eyes they could see that she was not with them. She had gone to a dark place to escape the pain. Ginger ran to her tent and came back with a change of clothes and a wash rag. Disrobing, Zyra went into the water with Kyzu and bathed her. By the time they were dressed Kyzu had stopped crying. They took her into Zyra's tent and there tried to feed her. She was limp and lifeless so Zyra laid her sister to sleep. She waited until she had closed her eyes to leave. Then Ginger watched after her. Zyra's grief threatened her with ever step she took. Nima had been cursed. Yet, the only ones who could give out curses were the witches. What crime had innocent mute Nima committed? She was born without so much a cry and now would die without a word. Crazy thoughts began to sprout inside her mind. She let them grow, consume her until one actually started to make sense. She would see the witches. She would ask for an audience with their magical coven and beg forgiveness. The chances of them killing her were great. She doubted they would let her live, but she had to try. With that resolve she went off to see to her tribe. They were in mourning, several of them coming up to kiss her on her cheek or kiss her hand. Black face markings scarred their beautiful features. Nima was the future Chieftess, she was as much the tribe's child as she was Kyzu's. The women could not be consoled and their cries permeated the air. Zyra found the men huddled around their Chief as he spoke to them in soft whispers. Her arrival made them pause. "Zyra," the Chief said. "Your Chieftess?" "She is in good hands." The Chief nodded respectfully. "I believe that due to the circumstances, the rites must be cancelled. The time for celebration is certainly over." "Thank you Chief," Zyra agreed. "Will you need help for your departure?" "If you would be so kind." Zyra gave him a weary smile. "I will have help for you to leave by tomorrow morn." "Thank you dear Zyra." With that she left the men and went to find her tracker. Firetoucher, was by far her best tracker. She found her sharpening a new stone head for a spear. "Firetoucher," she called. "Sister." Firetoucher looked visibly shaken despite her activities. "How fares our Chieftesses?" "Nima is with the shaman and Ginger watches Kyzu. I need your help Firetoucher." Firetoucher stood up and followed her out of the tent. She took her into the forest right where she had been attacked by that strange beast. "Tell me, do you smell anything strange here?" she asked. Firetoucher bent to the ground and touched the earth. Licking her fingers she stuck them in the air. "Faint. Points to the north, the smell of magic." "Do you know what leads there?" Firetoucher shook her head. "No, we have never ventured there in our hunts. We know the south is our land, but I believe the north...the north is the border." So the beast went back onto his own land. She gritted her teeth in concentration. "Firetoucher...if I am gone, you can lead the Hunters right?" Firetoucher put a hand on her shoulder. "Why do you ask me this sister?" Zyra could not lie to her and returned the trusting gesture. "I mean to find a cure." Firetoucher gave her a sympathetic look. "There is no cure Zyra." "There is one, just not one everyone has thought of." Slowly, comprehension dawned on Firetoucher's face. "You mean...?" "Yes." Firetoucher looked deeply into Zyra's eyes. She had been following her fearlessly for many years. She could see the determination in her eyes. She would not budge from this. "Does the Chieftess know?" "No, and she will not know." Firetoucher shook her head in disgust. "No sister. Whatever wasting curse those damned wretches have caused will torment our Chieftess. She deserves to know all she might lose or she will be undone." "She is undone!" Zyra shouted angrily. "I will not have her harm herself on my account! We need our Chieftess!" "And our Zyra," Firetoucher shouted back. "I will stay behind to protect the village, but you will take Gharla the archer and Enui the spearwoman. You will not go alone Sister!" Zyra glared at her fiercely. "My sacrifice is my own. Why should they forfeit their lives?" "Why should you?" "Because I love her!" she screamed. "Because I am selfish...and I love her." Firetoucher sighed and stretched out her arms to hold Zyra's shoulders. "When will you understand? We, your loyal hunters, would follow you across the border and back with our love for you. We know you would cross for any of us. Respect this Zyra. This battle is not yours alone." Zyra was touched by Firetoucher's words. Too often had she felt like the lone supporter of her tribe. She had been wrong; her sisters were with her all this time. "I understand," she said with a small smile. "Prepare them then. We leave at dawn." She went back to her tent to see Kyzu. Ginger was getting Kyzu to drink soup. It spilled down the sides of her mouth and Ginger fussed patting her mouth before it reached her chin. "I wish to go to my daughter," Kyzu moaned. "Let me be with her." Her voice broke in agony. "Let me die with her." "Nima is not going to die," Zyra interjected firmly. "Your sacrifice is in vain stupid sister." Kyzu looked up at her in surprise. "My baby...she is cured?" "I have found a cure," Zyra said grinning. "It is beyond the border. I go at dawn to ask the witches for their help. We will bring an offering and hope for mercy." Ginger dropped the bowl of soup. Kyzu stared at her in shock. "...Truly?" "Yes," Zyra declared. "Nima will not die. I will make sure of it." Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 04 Kyzu appeared to actually see Zyra and sat up. Zyra smirked. Perhaps one shock cancelled out another. She eyed her cautiously. "Can... can you be reasoned with Zyra?" "Absolutely not." "Are you certain?" "I certain I am beyond all reason." "Very well then, you have my blessing." "Thank you." Zyra kissed Kyzu on her cheek and winked at Ginger before leaving her tent. "Wait!" She turned and saw Ginger running after her. "That's it? You say a few twisted words and you have a blessing to kill yourself?! Have you lost your senses? You will die Zyra! Die off these lands!" "I do not fear death," Zyra laughed. The excitement of the quest made her giddy. She would not fail, even if she should die. "I will gladly die for my loved ones." "If you die and Nima dies who will protect the village? The Chieftess will be beside herself!" Ginger screamed. Zyra smirked. "You will Ginger. You've always had a firm head on your shoulders. And a firm head between your legs as well!" "This is not funny!" Ginger shrieked as Zyra walked from her laughing. _________________________________________ Nima appeared to have gotten slightly better in her absence. "We have given her herbs to improve and prolong her failing health," Jot mumbled. "We...have heard of your quest." Zyra sucked her teeth. Damned Firetoucher. "How long does she have?"she asked. "Six days at most, four if we cannot get food within her." Zyra bowed to them. "Please take care of her. I leave this to you." They bowed back and she ran straight into the Chief. His mouth was a grim line and he looked at her like an angry bear. "You insist with this foolish venture young huntress?" Of course he has heard. "Yes Chief," she said bowing respectfully. "I will not be dissuaded." He gave a long tired sigh that came from deep within him, then turned to usher behind him. From the shadows emerged Hanto and Rell. "Then you will take my two sons with you. Rell is a skilled healer and Hanto is a skilled warrior. They will aid you." Zyra frowned, opening her mouth in protest when he held up a firm hand. "Just as you are stubborn so shall I be Huntress Zyra. You will not receive my blessing without my son's aid." Zyra bowed again. "I humbly than you, but I do not need your blessing wise Chief. I will take your sons should they prove to not slow me down." "Agreed." They said their goodbyes and with that she went back to her tent to pack. Her sister and Ginger lay curled together in sleep. She watched their faces, thinking about what she was willing to risk for them. Anything, anything and everything. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 05 Chapter 5: Broken trust Zyra had managed to force 6 hours of sleep upon herself before restlessness seeped into her bones. She grabbed her weapons and laid them before her. Carefully she selected the best knives, spearheads, and daggers. Taking her cutting stone, she slowly sharpened each point to perfection. Sighing, she fingered the glossy buffed tip and winced when she pricked it. Zyra put it in her mouth, the copper dot staining her tongue. Good, it was perfect. Grabbing three spearheads she wrapped them in a deer hide satchel, and put that in her travel sack. She took her main spearhead and slowly tied it to a new staff. Then she put one end of the leather in her teeth and pulled until the strap shook. Knotting it, she weighed it in her hand. It was lightweight, but durable. She fastened her other weapons to her body and began to put on her hunting attire. Turtle shell guards, extra straps, and long soft boots. Her hunting skirt ended at her upper thigh, but she ignored it's appropriateness. This was a hunt, she needed to have freedom of motion. She wore a brown underpant that covered her more vulnerable areas and made sure to bind her breasts three times. Finally, she donned her brown hunter shirt and drew the sacred markings of victory and peace upon her shoulders. Since this was a mission of death, she drew them in black. When she had finished her preparations, the sky was beginning to lighten. Kyzu was lying beside Ginger. They were curled around each other like children seeking one another's warmth. She tried not to think that this might be the last time she saw them. Sighing she left the tent. If she could leave before they woke, that would be for the best. She made her way to the stream and found Rell already there. He was bent down collecting water in a large skin. She bent next to him silently and filled hers. They said nothing, acknowledging each other's presence, but each focusing on the journey ahead. She stood and saw Rell was looking at her. "Zyra?" he asked. "Are you sure about this?" His blue eyes glinted with seriousness. He knew as much as she did how foolish this might be. "Yes," she replied. "You don't have to..." "I know," he interrupted. "But I will come anyway." She could only smile at the kind fair-haired man. "Thank you." Then she went off to rouse the other. She went first to Gharla's tent, only to find her and Enui packed and prepared the same as she. "Huntress," Gharla said giving her a smile that vanished as quickly as it came. She was testing how taunt her bow string was. A length of spares corded around her shoulder. "We are prepared to follow you Huntress Zyra," Enui said giving a small head bow to her. Her six impressive short spears were slung on her back like a wooden fence. She was wearing a huntress skirt as well, her firm milky muscles curving in around her short but curvy legs. Cropped brown chestnut-colored hair curled in waves around a cupid face, her warm brown eyes giving her an air of innocence. She was open-hearted and people flocked to her as a result. Despite her appearance, she was very strong and capable, able to use her short spears to take down prey twice her size. Gharla was almost the opposite. Her sharp sky blue eyes watched warily at every movement that was made. Her body was a collection of attractive long lines that extended through her arms and legs. She stood about a forehead taller than Zyra. Gharla constantly tracked her surroundings, her keen eyes missing nothing. This was one of the reasons her archery skills were second to none. She could shoot the wings off of a bee. Gharla also had a nasty habit of not trusting people. Thinking on it, Zyra realized she was likely to be wary of the men whom would accompany them. Surprisingly, Gharla's hair was long. Most hunters preferred to have it shorn. A long blonde braid secured by many leather ties lay over her shoulder. Her skin was a honey color, dusted by the sun's rays. Together they would make a formidable force. The pride she felt looking at them could not conveyed in words. Her love for them consumed her like fire; the love for her village, for her sweet Kyzu and sweetest Nima. She would not fail them. "Meet by the forest's edge. I shall round up the Ursies and meet you there." "Their presence is not necessary," Gharla scoffed slinging her full quiver on her back. "We would be better off to leave them." "Gharla please," Enui pleaded. "We have bigger challenges ahead." "I agree," Zyra said smirking at them. "Do not worry, I have already promised to abandon them should they prove to slow us down." "Good." "Gharla!" "It is good." Zyra left them bickering and went to find Hanto. Being a warrior, she hoped he was ready as well. Heading towards their tent, she saw Hanto and Rell speaking to their father in hushed tones. Rell gave his father a hug, his large cumbersome pack made Zyra frown. How would he be able to move in such a thing? How would he be able to defend himself? Looking closer she realized he had no weapons. It suddenly occurred to her that Rell had no intentions of fighting at all. Even the healers of her village could fight need be. Rell would need to be protected? Doubt began to cloud her mind. Perhaps Gharla was right, kind or not these men might be burdensome. Hanto knelt in front of his father and received his blessing. The Chief's face was set in stone, but his eyes held deep sadness. Zyra took a deep breath trying to calm her nerves. She would be responsible for them as well. She made herself known to them then. "The hunt begins. We wait at the clearing," she declared quietly. She bowed her respects to the Chief whom to her surprise went up to her and clasped her hands. "Take good care of my sons Zyra. I entrust them to your wisdom." "I shall," she said squeezing his old hands back. He gave her a nod and released her. "Hanto, Rell!" "Yes sir." He gave them stern looks. "Take care of this young woman. And Hanto, you are to listen to her. Do not let your pride come before your sense." Hanto frowned but answered him. "Yes sir." With that, she led them to where Gharla and Enui were waiting. She tried to ignore the heated looks she felt from Hanto, and even Rell, as she made her way to the forest's edge. She tried to have patience with them. Now would be the time for compromise, not fighting. Gharla and Enui were found resting by a large tree. Enui was tightening her moccasin boots, but Gharla had seen them several steps back. She made no motion to greet them and Zyra could see her jaw clench in irritation. When they arrived she glared at Rell and walked up to him rather fiercely. "Do you intend to live with the witches?" she asked mockingly. Rell, startled by her animosity frowned. "No, why would you—" "Then why have you brought all of your belongings with you? Does the ground strike such fear in you that you would bring your tent for a four day hunt?" Rell's eyes widened and Zyra bit back a curse. She wanted to chastise Gharla for her behavior but in a way she was right. The Rovians went on hunts that could last for full moon cycles and did not bring their tents. To them the tent was a sacred thing. It signified safety and home. The Ursies believed differently. They saw tents to be a temporary shelter since they were by origin nomads, and so brought their tents with them. It was simply a difference in culture. "We have each brought what we felt necessary," Zyra interrupted. She looked between them folding her arms. "As long as we can carry our own, there should be no disagreement." Without another word she headed towards the clearing where she had met the strange beast. Gharla and Enui followed automatically but the Ursies hesitated for but a moment. "I move quickly," she shouted from ahead. "If you are not on my heels, you will fall behind." "ZYRA!" She halted and turned to see her sister running towards her. "Ky..." The air was forced from her lungs as she wrapped her arms around her. Her hair was undone, she wore no shoes and she was garbed in her sleeping gown. "Zyra," she cried. "Sweet sister, please be safe. Please return soon." Zyra's throat tightened and her eyes watered, but she blinked back her pain. Wrapping her arms around her she clung to her with all her strength. "I will sister," she replied raspily. "Please, wait for me." "Always. Forever! I love you Zyra." Goodness, this is why she had wanted to avoid this. If she did not leave now she would be undone. Prying her sister's desperate arms from around her she held her shoulders firmly. "I love you too Kyzu. You must be strong. No matter what happens, you must take care of the village." Kyzu let out a sob and shook her head. She was falling back into the hole she had made as her escape. Though it hurt her to do so, Zyra shook her. "Stop. Do you hear me Kyzu? You will not do this foolishness." Kyzu looked at her as though she was being victimized, but Zyra hid her feelings behind a mask of duty. Bending to her sister's ear she whispered to her in a gentler tone. "You have to be strong. For me Kyzu, I cannot do this if I do not know you will be strong." They heard a rustle and turned. Kyzu saw that Enui and Gharla were bent on a knee before her. "We will not fail you sweet Chieftess," Enui uttered quietly. "Your pain is our own," Gharla said stiffly, obviously fighting back her own feelings. Kyzu ran to them and picked them off the floor encircling them in her arms. They clung to her like children. "Forgive me my sisters. My love for you has not been forgotten. Come back safe my dears." Zyra looked to see Rell looking away respectfully. Hanto stood watching the display in surprise. When they separated, their eyes were dry. Kyzu went back to Zyra and gave her a weary smile. "Blood sister?" "Yes Chieftess?" "Thank you, for everything." "Yes my Chieftess." With that she bowed before her and led her team away towards the clearing. From then on the mission took on a more serious light. There were no teasing or arguments, only cooperation. Zyra and Gharla took the lead, Gharla tracking the land while Zyra kept an eye out for danger. Rell and Enui took the middle. Enui had non-verbally offered to be Rell's chaperone and Rell seemed to fall in easily beside the brown haired girl. Hanto had generously offered to take the flank and Zyra gave this to him. She understood he needed to prove himself and likely would be of good strength. They moved silently, stopping whenever Zyra noticed a member seemed to need a break. When she saw this, she made sure to never point that person out. It was another reason for why she was well respected. The sun had reached the highest point in the sky, but they were well concealed by the large green foliage that shrubs, vines, and trees offered them. Zyra saw a trickling stream and decided there, might be a nice spot to refill. "We'll take a break now," Zyra said leading them toward it. "Try to get your second wind. I intend to make the border by nightfall." Her hunters nodded and sat, drinking their full from their skins before filling them again. The men ate bits of what appeared to be dried meat. Zyra thought to advise them that they might cramp if they ate while on such a journey, but left them be. To each their own. Then she took Gharla to the side. "Suppose we follow this stream. Do you think we could make camp by it?" Gharla crouched by the sediment beds and shook her head. "No, I do not think it runs so far out." Zyra nodded settling beside her, trying to think about how they would find future water. She sucked her finger and put it in the air. There was no wind to dry it; the air was thick with condensation. "The air is moist yes?" Zyra asked to confirm her thoughts. Gharla looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "We are by a stream." "No I mean, with the trees. You suppose they might collect dew?" Gharla grinned as the idea dawned on her. "We can collect leaves in the morn and store them for chewing when our water runs out." "What a great idea you have," Zyra chided. Gharla laughed but her happiness died as she looked beyond her. Turning, she saw Hanto had been staring at her again. She soon realized her hunter skirt had risen up in her crouch, and was showing her upper thigh and the crotch of her underpant. Gharla growled and stepped to sit in front of her, blocking Hanto's view. "Ack na trussa et" Gharla whispered roughly. Zyra grimaced. It had been a while since they had needed to use the hunter's code. "I do not trust him," she had said. "Ack na. Zu ha, Feyta Gharla" "I do. So, have faith Gharla." Gharla shook her head in disagreement and waited to rise only after Zyra had risen. "Don't worry, I see everything," she exclaimed in common speech. She gave Hanto a dirty look and went to find Enui. Zyra sighed heavily and sat down, bracing her back against the tree. She crossed her legs, a meaningless act, but one that should help Hanto regain his focus. She sat there for a few moments in meditation until she felt strong again. Silently, she stood up and starting gathering her things. The others followed suit and they ventured on again. Sooner than she expected they reached the border. It was an undeniable distinction between the two areas. The Rovian land was heavily forested. Where the forest ended abruptly was where the land of the creatures of magic dwelled. The grass with literally greener, a lighter color that shined too brilliantly to be real. Looking out she saw a few sparse trees laden with fruit, some familiar, some strange. There was not an animal in sight, and the sun was setting. She thought about camping inside of the border, but instinctively rejected the idea. Overzealousness would do nothing to save Nima. "Let's make camp," she said firmly. There were several trees that they could sleep in and a wide enough clearing to dig a pit for a fire. "I was thinking the same," Hanto said smiling at her. She nodded and went off to mark off their camp ground. She took some wild berries and smashed them in her hand. When her hand was a sticky mess she marked the trees 20 steps around their camp, 4 in each direction. It would help them to catch their bearings should they get lost at night. They could feel the trees and once they felt the sticky seed would know to head straight in the direction of the tree for 20 paces. When she returned, Enui had found a water source and Gharla had killed three birds. Zyra tried not to wince at the thought of such clear separation between them. "The male hunts," Gharla said, seeing her disapproving look. "They will eat alone." Zyra sighed and began to help Gharla clean the birds for food. Rell came over and handed them some herbs which Gharla grudgingly accepted with a mumble of "thanks." Rell winked at Zyra, obviously amused by Gharla's hate. In his pack, Rell had a series of vegetables and herbs. Enui led him to the water source and he came back with a bowl full of water. "He brought a bowl?" Gharla asked incredulously. "Gharla leave him be," Enui snapped. They watched curiously as he dug the pit for the fire. He started it without assistance while they set up their nets in the trees. He put the bowl on the edge of the pit by the hot blackened embers. The water did not appear to be heating quickly, but when it did the bowl would not be broken. Rell looked at them with a smile and resumed to make his own camp. He pitched the tent, cut his vegetables, and then put his herbs into the water. The aroma took Zyra and the others off guard. It smelt wonderful, divine even. He appeared to have bread as well and was slicing up a loaf while they watched. Gharla cleared her throat, her eyes watching the soup lustily. "Would you like some meat for your soup?" Rell grinned. "Would you like some soup for your meat?" She gave him an dirty glare and turned from him. Enui laughed and gave Rell a sign of respect. Rell simply stirred the soup with a cleaned branch. "Do not worry Madam Archer, I intend to share," he quipped lightly. She gave him a distrustful glance, but Zyra noticed that she seemed to be less agitated with him. Perhaps like Zyra she saw him as no threat. Night had fallen by the time Hanto came back. The fire was bright and the birds were turning on a stick. Looking from the distance, Zyra saw that Hanto had come back empty-handed. Zyra felt for him. There was nothing that brought more shame upon a hunter then being unable to find food. "Were the animals too quick for you?" Gharla glared at Hanto with contempt, any respect she might have had for him gone. She made a point to take the stick from Enui and turn the three fat birds over. They were now brown and crispy. Appalled by her behavior, Zyra stood up and grabbed the stick off of the fire. The heat bit into her gloves but she ignored it. She bent down silently and using her knife, cut pieces of her intended bird into Rell's soup. When only the bone remained, she tossed it into the fire and replaced the spit. Rell promptly produced another bowl and filled it with soup and meat. He handed it to her and she nodded in thanks. With that, she took her spear and went into the forest. Zyra was unaccustomed to disagreement. Hunts were a time of focus and solidarity. She could not truly reprimand Gharla because it was their way. None of the hunters would return without food, meat or not. They would rather be searched for then come back empty handed. It was fear that drove them, the fear that the village could starve. The Ursies were primarily a planter society. They harvested and never hunted out of need. That was why they could never understand. Looking around in the darkness she found a tree and rested against it. She simply needed to clear her mind for a while. She didn't need this. Her body tensed with anxiousness as every inch of her skin screamed that she had to go, go now over the border. Nima lay dying and here she was, eating soup. She ignored it. It could lead to her death. Her soup was gone before her stomach realized it. She was still hungry. Perhaps she should catch a small creature or... A noise jolted her out of her thoughts. Hearing heavy footsteps she knew that someone was coming near. She willed her eyes to pierce the darkness, one hand on her spear. A sliver of moon lightened the face as he passed and Zyra relaxed. It was Hanto. He sat beside her and she closed her eyes, sighing heavily. "Thank you," he said softly. "It was very kind what you did for me back there." "I did my duty. I am sorry for what occurred," she sighed. He handed her a piece of bread and she finished it quickly. There was silence between them until she felt him shift again. Opening her eyes, she saw he had come to kneel before her. "I...really appreciate and respect you Zyra." He put a hand on her thigh.Her eyes widened in surprise. "What are you..." "Zyra," he whispered. He held her hand, rubbing the back with his thumb. "We go to the border soon. I know we may not return, surely I have shown you..." She pushed his hand off her thigh. "What? What are you saying Hanto?" Hanto stared at her then before she could react, bent over and kissed her. Her eyes widened as he pressed his lips to her. She froze like a deer and he pressed harder, trying to get her frigid lips to respond until she felt him bruising her. Angry, she pushed him off and stood up. "Hanto, my niece is dying, my sister is on the brink on insanity, my village may crumble and all you can think about is fucking?" He stood, huffing and sputtering in rage before to her shock, he grabbed her wrist. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 05 "You don't understand," he said pulling her to him. "You may die at any moment! You should make your memories sweet! How can you continue to rebuff me when I know you have feelings for me?" Zyra shook her hand but he held on, bruising her with his grip. "Hanto let me go. I am sorry, but I do not feel the same for you. Now stop before you do something you regret." He reached for her other wrist but she turned her body and elbowed him in the stomach. His grip loosened and she reached for her knife, but he tackled her to ground. She struggled, grunting as his heavy weight bore her down. "Hanto you fuckta! Stop!" "No," he growled bending his lips down to her neck. "I desire you! How could I resist you when you flounce about wearing almost nothing!" She felt his hand slide up her thigh and squeeze her. He let out a moan as her pressed his hard manhood against her. "Zyra, your skin is so soft. Melt for me...please." Panic set in as she recalled the accident in the forest. No, not again. Not more. She screamed and forced her knee between his legs. Gathering all her strength, she lifted her and his body up just to give her the leverage she needed to knee him in his groin. He shouted and she rammed her head into his, feeling blood, his blood run down into one of her eyes. He cursed venomously at her as she pushed him off her and scrambled up. She grasped her spear facing him but before he could full stand they heard the strain of a pulled bow string. Gharla stood behind Hanto with an arrow aimed for his head, murder in her blue eyes. They practically glowed in the moonlight. "Give me the order Zyra," she spat mercilessly. "Tell me and he will be no more." Rell and Enui ran through the trees and stopped short, seeing the scene. Rell gasped, and then looked at his brother whom nursed his bleeding head. "What have you done brother?" Rell demanded furiously. Hanto did not answer him, unable to take his enraged eyes off of Zyra's face. Zyra looked from Hanto and Gharla, trying to ignore the fury coursing through her own veins. He had tried to force her, just as she thought he might. He talked about understanding her, but really he was just a violent man whom had a lust for challenges. He would be a detriment to the team. Still, she had made a promise to the Chief. As a Rovian huntress, her word was her law. She was bound by it. Moving silently, she went to stand beside Gharla. Her muscles were still tensed with the quivering arrow waiting to be released in Hanto's head. "Gharla, stand down." Gharla bit her lip in frustration. She could understand her conflict. She sought to obey and protect. "Gharla...sister...peace'tdia." Gharla snarled like a wild thing, throwing crude hunter code curses but she lowered her bow. Zyra put a hand on her shoulder as she turned to the others. "Enui, grab your things. Gharla and I will make a separate camp." Rell looked extremely conflicted and confused but she spoke firmly to him. "We rise at dawn," she instructed. "If you are not ready when we come for you, we will leave you." Rell's lips drew into a thin line and he bowed, guilt in his gaze. Gharla watched him once again with contempt in her eyes. All Rell's work had been undone. They walked past him, Gharla positioning herself behind her. Even now she could feel Hanto's eyes boring her. "Hanto," she said without turning. "You disappoint your father." She let her words linger enough to soak in the tension filled air, then they walked away. A frightened Gharla could not be reasoned with. She showed fear through aggression, and worry through demands. Though she was the leader, Zyra understood that allowing your other hunters to lead sometimes showed you had faith in them. This made the group stronger. So she obeyed when Gharla chose their new camp ground, made them put their nets in higher trees, and made them sleep beside her. She was the eldest so her instincts were naturally protective. They ate a bit more while Enui checked her for wounds. She had nothing but Hanto's finger marks on her wrist. This still made Gharla angry, but she and Enui soothed her. Sleep did not come easy for Zyra who could not help but worry about what tomorrow would bring. Though Gharla was 5 summers her senior, she still was slow to reason. She could hear her soft child like snores behind her. "Enui," Zyra whispered. "Are you awake?" The shadow of Enui lifted her head. "Yes. What is it Zyra?" "I'm...worried." "Don't worry Zyra. You are not alone in this." "It is just...I do not know what I am dealing with. I don't feel...prepared for this." She didn't want to admit her weakness, but she needed to have one stable head around. Rell was as reliable as his loyalty to his brother. Gharla was loyal to a fault. "You are not supposed to," Enui said stifling a yawn. "We are going into magical land where universal laws pronounce we are dead if found. You could never have been prepared for what we are about to face, here or in the border." Zyra nodded, though Enui could not see her. She laid back down against the weightlessness of the net. Somehow Enui's words of perilous inescapable danger had given her comfort. This wasn't her fault. "Don't worry Zyra. I will support you," Enui mumbled. Sleep was coming to her. Zyra felt her own eyes growing heavy. Good time too, the moon was brightening, the middle of the night drawing near. "Thank you Enui," she mumbled. She was doing her best, she just hoped it would be enough. A night bird called in the distance, a strange dream began to unfold. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 06 Chapter 6: Foreshadowing or Innuendo Warm...cold...no warm, but dark. Where...where? So you really are coming aren't you? Zyra whipped around. She was in the darkness. Where was she? It wasn't the forest, she wasn't even sure if she was outside. "Where am I?" she shouted. "Show yourself!" "You should know. You brought us here." That voice...why was that voice so familiar. Wait... it was him. That creature from the forest! She whipped around, searching in her fury. "How are you doing this? Where are you coward?" She heard a dark chuckle before a pair of yellow eyes blinked, emerging out of the darkness in front of her. They seemed to crinkle in laughter, their inhuman gaze hammering steadily at her courage. "Why huntress, can't you see me?" She jumped as she felt hands on her waist. Turning to rip them away Zyra found she couldn't move. She was frozen in place, forced to stare at those horrifying yellow eyes. The hands moved sensually up and down her waist until it suddenly dawned on her that they were touching her bare skin. She was naked! She wanted to cover herself, squeeze her legs together. Her lips twitched in the effort she was trying to make to scream, but it was to no avail. She was trapped. The warm calloused hands wrapped around her upper body and cupped her breasts softly. She could feel his hot breath on her ear as he mumbled low. "Can't you feel me little huntress?" A shiver ran down her spine as he rubbed the nipples with his thumbs, squeezing and molding her breasts to his liking. She felt him press his hard body against her naked back. Somehow, the eyes were still in front of her, drinking in her vulnerability. "Can you feel this?" he breathed huskily. He squeezed her breasts more firmly then kissed a trail to the base of her neck. Slowly his rough, long tongue licked a line down to her collarbone and he trailed his lips back upward to nibble lazily at her ear. She tried to ignore the sudden throbbing between her legs, the insistent wetness that gathered at her groin. No, not by this creature. She wasn't aroused...she couldn't be. As though hearing her inner musings he released a breast and put his hand between her legs. Simultaneously she felt something hard and insistent poking near the soft flesh of her backside. With little difficultly his fingertips slipped between her thighs. He ran his fingers about in search of her opening before sticking a thick finger inside of her. She cried out at the intrusion, her voice suddenly free. His chuckle rumbled through her body. "Do you understand it? Do you feel it now?" "Stop it! STOP IT!" He ignored her and began to thrust it inside if her, his thumb randomly swiping her clit. With one hand firmly crested between her thighs he took her by her hair and leaned her backwards towards him. The eyes, the yellow eyes were there too. Craning her neck to look forward, she saw the other pair has not dissipated. As though by some horrible chain reaction, the darkness began to sprout yellow eyes. They opened over and over, above her and beneath her until not an inch of her lay unexposed. She couldn't close her own eyes, could only look into the depths of each sinful pair. In each set of eyes, she saw herself. She was bent waist over a rock, spread legged out in a field, bound to a tree. In each image a black mass with yellow eyes was defiling her, fucking her with its manhood. She saw it vividly, her bouncing butt, jiggling breasts, gaping mouth. She heard the sounds that escaped her. Those wanton shrieks of a beast borne for nothing but the next moment of pleasure. How, why were those sounds coming from her own lips? She hadn't realized it but she was shaking, whimpering. And her mouth was watering. She had all but soaked the creature's hand with her juices. He was grinning his white fangs an addition to his formless face. "If you don't feel it now..." he tutted, pushing two extra fingers deep inside of her. He clamped his thumb firmly on her clit and she was done. She shouted as she began to orgasm around his fingers. She looked into his feral, lusty eyes and felt fear. "...you will." __________________________________________________ Zyra jerked awake and looked about herself in a daze. Gharla popped up as well, taking in Zyra's crazed eyes with apprehension. A dream, it had just been a dream. Zyra's heart was racing and she was shocked to find herself in another personal predicament. Abruptly she climbed out of the tree netting and started to climb down. "I need to compose myself," Zyra whispered carefully. Gharla frowned but nodded. "Don't be long." She agreed and scurried off to the river. It would be dawn in a few hours. She could feel the air changing, see the sky lightening as it prepared for dawn. At the river, she waded until she was knee deep and shivering. The water was cold. Good. Slowly she peeled off her brown underpants that went under her skirt. They were soaked through with her arousal and had begun to drip down her legs. She tried her not drown in shame. Zyra washed herself and began scrubbing the panties with a rock before the cold forced her out of the water. Wringing out the pants the best she could she lay them on a lukewarm rock to dry. Sighing she forced herself to sit on a patch of moss. It was just a dream, just a dream. No doubt it was brought on by Hanto's advances. Even so, she couldn't get that last image out of her head. She had seen herself in her dream. What she had looked like in his eyes with three fingers in her pussy and a dribbling mouth spasming in completion. It was so base, so instinctual. An instinct she had long assumed she did not have. Could this creature really be appealing to her? This beast? Perhaps she had been hunting too long. The underpants were still damp as she made her way back to camp. She slipped them on and knew she would not sleep again. Gharla slept for two more hours until it was time for them to get ready. They woke Enui and took apart their camp. Gharla and Zyra went ahead to scout the border to see if any disturbances occurred. If possible, the other side looked even more beautiful than before. The light flecks of dew pearled on light green perfectly formed leaves. A mist of flowers seemed to suspend in the moist warm air. The fruit looked fat, juicy and inviting, and each tree was laden with it. Zyra frowned. Something was not right with this place. "Gharla?" "Yes Zyra?" She could see in Gharla's face that Gharla was also suspicious. "New plan. We don't leave right away. Let's gather some rations. Enough for 3 days. Then we set out." Gharla nodded and went toward the river. Zyra sighed, hoping that she wasn't making a bad decision. She had so little time, but she knew that safe food was an important factor in their survival. Going back to their camp she took Enui without Gharla's knowledge and headed toward the men's camp. Her spear readily available, she led them to the clearing.cRell was kicking dirt into the fire pit. The tent was already down and packed inside of Rell's bag. When he looked up it was clearly by accident because he seemed taken back. Naturally they were soundless as hunters. He stood up and immediately looked at Zyra with eyes full of regret. "Zyra..." he started remorsefully. "Save it," she interrupted. "Where is he?" Rell hunched like a child that had just received a harsh scolding. It made Zyra melt inside and she added a gentler, "Please?" to the end. He nodded, seeming to straighten ever so slightly and said, "My apologies. He went down to the river." Zyra nodded then as the knowledge really sunk in she ran towards the river. Enui and Rell were right on her heels, noticing the urgency in her stride. Just as she predicted Gharla was being aggressive towards Hanto. She had him in a headlock and was holding his head under the water. They watched as his muscled arms came up behind him to grab her shoulders. He tossed her into the swells herself and she was forced to release. She rose like a watery demon. Spitting foam her eyes were deadly, her hunting knife glinting dangerously in her hand. "Enough!" The two of them looked at Zyra in surprise. "But he..." Gharla protested by Zyra cut her off. "Did what Gharla? Attacked you with a water skin?" Sure enough Hanto had gone to the river weaponless. Truly he must not be a seasoned hunter to leave his weapon behind in the forest. Knowing Gharla's ability to hold a grudge made the whole incident clear to her. Hanto shook his dark wet strands and looked at her defiantly. "I didn't do anything." "I know. Silence," Zyra said dismissively. Then she pinned her gaze on Gharla. Gharla looked at her indignantly, pointing her knife at Hanto viciously. "You would choose his tale? Him, over mine?" "Did he attack you Gharla?" Gharla glared at her but Zyra looked at her calmly. Unable to tell the lie Gharla waded out of the water and growled in irritation. "Ack sis na trussa et!" I still do not trust him! Zyra ignored her. "Your behavior is inexcusable," Zyra said firmly. "The next person to step out of line Rovian or Ursie will head back to the Rovian camp alone. We will part ways for the completion of this mission. Know this." They looked at her harsh even gaze and all agreed, though some more reluctantly than others. Then she began to tell them her plan. They would gather food and drink until afternoon, and then they would cross the border. She deemed that they work together to do so. Rell would collect good roots, nuts and fruits within the forest as well as fill all 8 water skins. They would leave everything not food, weapon or medicine related in the clearing for now. Enui would fish, Gharla would hunt birds, and Zyra and Hanto would hunt floor beasts. Meats would be cooked and rolled in leaves to be preserved best as possible. When they met back together they were disappointed at the meat haul. For some reason few beasts dared come close to the border. Ennui had caught 5 fish, Gharla had shot 3 birds, and combined Zyra and Hanto had killed 2 hog beasts and 5 bushtails. One of the bushtails had led them to his nest of nuts. Zyra decided they take only half out of respect to the bushtails' family. He had kept a considerable distance and did not bother her with stupid talk. Perhaps Gharla's bath had done him well. Once they were packed, each of them carrying a sack of the divided roots, nuts, and berries and one water skin, they were ready. Zyra led them to the division. She felt apprehension at the lack of animals in the magic clearing. Gingerly she lifted a foot and let it dangle over the greener grass. Swallowing, she lowered it until her toe touched. So far nothing had harmed her. The others watched in anxious anticipation. Gritting her teeth she placed her whole foot on the ground. Behind them they heard a mass fluttering of wings. Looking behind them hundreds of birds that were unseen in their hunt flew up and out of the trees. They were jet black from head to toe, stark against the pale blue sky. The large locust like mass swirled up in the sky like a writhing snake before zipping to the far end of the magical land. "This is a foul omen," Rell whispered whispering a prayer. "It's too late to turn back now," Zyra said stepping both feet into the valley. "They know we are here." __________________________________________________ White cool marble blocked out the light. It was cold in that structure with no windows and doors, unless of course one needed to make one to see in or out. Three of the Gray fate witches stood huddled over what appeared to be a white marble bird feeder. They mumbled and cackled in hushed voices while silent footsteps walked overhead. One witch was in the library, another stood divining on a map in the corridor, others spoke of what to do with the ever growing population of humans in the area. It wouldn't be long before superstition wore off and one of them would be foolish enough to venture into their land. Suddenly there was a hum in the air, a note on a disharmonious frequency, a spatial disturbance. The fate witches pulled away from the spilling bird feeder as it grew in size. Etaceh an elder witch walked over, opening a door in the ceiling. They had a visitor. No sooner did she open it did a black raven fly in. She extended a pale paper thin finger to receive him. Her black flowing robe made arm seem like the branch of a tree. He landed like a butterfly before tilting his head and giving out a loud "caw!" She smiled at him with blood red lips, her floor length ebony colored hair curtaining around her. "What is it my dear?" she cooed in her languid slowly flowing voice. "What news do you bring?" She extended her hand to the bird bath and he hopped in dipping inside the water and ruffling his feathers. Black tendrils of inky reside spread to the edges of the bath. He did this until the whole bath was black. When he was done his feathers were completely white. He jumped back on Etaceh's finger and she gave him a stalk of red berries before kissing his beak. "Thank you my dear." He cawed in response. With a wave of her hand, black seeped back into his feathers. Then the ceiling opened again and he flew away. Etaceh directed her attention back to the bath. "Let us see what he has left behind," she said more to herself than the gathering witches. Four other cloaked figures sidled forward, all staring at the black swirls that began to form colorful images. Humans, humans had crossed the border. "We should kill them," one of the youngest witches said bitterly. "They bring nothing but destruction." "No. I've had enough of bloodshed," a deep voice intoned. It was Caligula. Like Etaceh he had been there for the purging. It had been a nasty wretched business. "Then what shall we do with them?" another asked. Etaceh examined each of the humans as they made their way forward. So far they had disturbed nothing but the ground. The blonde haired man looked weak and the black haired man one looked arrogant. The blonde woman seemed strong but angry and distrusting of the men, the brown haired one looked naïve. Then there was the one in front. Etaceh smiled as she put her hand over her. She writhed her fingers over her image with a vested interest. The girl stopped suddenly and to Etaceh's surprise looked straight at her with piercing green eyes. She withdrew her hand and the girl looked around a little more, her companions asking her questions. She shook her head and told them to keep moving. "What do you make of this?" Caligula asked frowning deeply at the girl with his deep purple eyes. Etaceh gave him an amused smirk. "Perhaps she has power. Have you seeded among the humans Caligula?" "She is not of my line," he snapped back. It was a millennia old joke that Etaceh never grew tired of. Not every brown skinned child with usual eyes was his seed. Etaceh snickered. She smiled at the girl caressing her image with her spidery fingers. "Let us find out what they want...perhaps she was sent to us." Caligula raised an eyebrow. "By whom? The monokeros? They have not appeared to us in centuries." Etaceh nodded, thinking the last time she had seen those mystical single horned creatures. "Let us test them." Etaceh dew back to a shelf of potions. She selected a green one that seemed to be coiling about itself inside the vial. "They are headed towards us, surely they seek us out." She uncorked the vial and a low hiss rose in the air. "Let us test her," Etaceh declared. She tilted the bottle and a drop fell inside the bath, hissing more as it touched the faces on the water. Venomous bubbles congealed into a single form, then that form dove down into the unsuspecting depths of the bath. __________________________________________________ Zyra couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. She tried to say it was due to nerves but she couldn't help but feel it wasn't. Her instincts were on fire. While hers seemed to intensify she noticed the others seemed to dull. Despite her warnings she had had to smack the strange magical fruit out of Hanto's hand and keep Enui from drinking of a beautiful spring that leaked between two blue rocks. Rell and Gharla were now guarding them. "Can we stop for a break?" Rell asked, his heavy pack finally taking its toll. Zyra looked about. There were still no animals and nothing but wide open nature. She didn't trust it. "A bit farther Rell, just until we find real shade for possible camp." The dusk was approaching. Sleeping here in the open seemed too dangerous for her liking. She heard more than one soft sigh as they ventured on. Looking back she could not see the border of the forest that meant home. She wondered if perhaps there was no way back to that solace. Suddenly she heard a peculiar sound. Gharla stopped dead in her tracks as did Enui. "What?" Hanto asked but Zyra put a finger to her lips. Kneeling to the ground Zyra put her ear to the grass. There it was again, like...something was moving beneath them. Gharla grabbed an arrow and went to stab the earth when the ground in front of them exploded. Chunks of dirt flew into Zyra's face and mouth as she fell backwards. A loud mix between a hiss and a growl burned her ears. She scrambled to get up, hauling Gharla by the hand. They stood in horror to face the giant beast before them. It was a snake, a sickly green in color with cruel clear eyes. Its fangs dripped venom and as it unfurled from the hole in the ground it only increased in length like a never ending rope. It hissed; a terrible sound that made her skin crawl. She held her breath as his rancid stale breath assaulted her senses. Gritting her teeth she faced her spear forward. With this motion the snake looked at her. An arrow caught into the folds of its skin and it hissed again, turning to the rapidly firing Gharla. It recoiled back and Zyra rushed forward, flattening Gharla just in time for the snake to bite where her body had been. It sprayed the surrounding area with purple goo that broke down the beautiful fruit trees into ash. She jumped off of Gharla trying to remember why this nightmare seemed so familiar. A giant snake monster that leaked venom... a giant snake monster that leaked venom... It turned to snap at Hanto but he stood his ground with a spear until the beast snapped down to crunch it with his fangs. The broken pieces dissolved in the goo. A giant snake monster that leaked venom...Basilisk....the Basilisk! Her mother had told her and Kyzu the story. She had heard about the types of creatures that lived beyond their world and had fought them in the distant war. "That is why you need to be strong Zyra" she had said."So you can face anything. Even a basilisk." She had asked how, and her mom had told her. Zyra surged forward with a growl as Hanto was thrown back by its massive tail. Her mother had not told her how to kill a basilisk, but she had told her how to put it to sleep. "We need the venom!" she shouted running around the beast. It was about to devour Hanto. She stuck it with her spear in its tail before it turned angrily, knocking her weapon from her hands. "Why!" Ennui shouted, using all the spear techniques to turn back its attention. Rell was throwing rocks with great accuracy at its head. Every time he did the Basilisk flinched and then attacked again. "We have to feed it its venom!" Zyra shouted counting the swaying time of its tail in her head. Oh Lord she was crazy. "The beast's mouth soaks with venom! Do you not see?" Gharla yelled shooting at its eyes. It closed its eyes at every arrow, the armor of its eyelids impenetrable. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 06 "It's not the same," Zyra spoke, though she was sure they did not hear her. Picking up a small rock she rolled her shoulders. Here went nothing. "Distract him!" she shouted. "What?" "DISTRACT HIM!" With a giant leap she leapt upon the back of the snake. It reared up, slashing viciously side to side. Her arms quaked with the effort to hold on, but she held fast. She felt like cursing her companions for their slow reflexes but Rell suddenly lobbed a large rock at the snake's throat. It pointed its gaze at him and Gharla followed up from the other side, using her arrows. Apparently while his neck was not a weak point, it bothered him quite much. They all began assaulting him in a way that he only twitched from side to side, knowing not whom he should attack first. Lifting her head off of his scaly skin Zyra began to climb up him. He didn't notice her weight; she might have been an ant really. Her muscles cramped as she hoisted her body on the gripless surface, but she propelled herself forward inch by inch. Then she was behind his head, just by his neck. His eyes and mouth were too close for comfort but she knew she needed to get closer. Taking a deep breath and launched forward and looked at her companion's fearful eyes. The snake hissed, sensing her presence. Gharla shot him in a previous spot and his jaw practically unhinged in anger. Hurrying Zyra pushed the rock against a sharp dripping fang and threw it down his throat. She slid down, letting momentum carry her and jumped to the ground, rolling away as he began to thrash and scream. She barely ran back into Hanto before the giant snake lurched forward and fell down passively. Its head was but an inch from her foot. Hearing a sizzle she saw that the venom was eating away at her glove. She ripped it off and watched as it ate itself out. Hanto gave her shoulders a comforting squeeze before walking in front of her with his knife. Looking into the snake's eyes she could see it was getting drowsy, but it was also looking right at her. What were those clear eyes saying? Why could a snake convey such emotion, such anger, self righteousness and...fear? "Stop!" she said pulling Hanto back. "It's fine," he said giving her an amused look. "You're cleverness had quelled the beast." "No," Zyra said shaking her head as the snake kept its eyes only on her. "We...we must spare it." Hanto looked at her like she was mad and stepped toward the snake indignantly. Against her better judgment she stood between him. She waited to feel the fangs in her back but felt nothing but a wave of bitterness and sorrow. What was happening to her in this strange place? Hanto shook his head trying to calm his raging anger. "Zyra," he seethed. "If we do not kill this thing now then it will kill us in our sleep." Zyra looked back at the creature. "Then we will die with honor," she exclaimed. She looked at Gharla and Enui who gazed at her with skepticism as well. "We have no right to be on this land and this creature has ever right to attack us. Just like how we have every right to attack his kind on our land. He has done nothing wrong." "It's a he now Zyra?" Hanto scoffed. Zyra gave him a stern look. "Kill him if you must Hanto. But turn back. You will not travel with me." She brushed past him turning to see what Rell was bent over. "Luck has you today piss serpent," Hanto snarled. He spit on him then turned away. Slowly the snake receded into the ground its eyes glued to the green eyed woman with eyes the color of his skin. Zyra clenched her fists in aggravation. During the fight they had all left their cumbersome objects in a pile to prepare. Now they lay disintegrating, covered in the purple goo that was the basilisk venom. "All our supplies and extra water," Enui moaned holding her head. "Do you regret not killing the wretch now Zyra?" Hanto taunted. Gharla flipped him a rude sign then frowned, reaching forward with a stick. "Perhaps if we can open the sachets..." "Don't touch it," Zyra snapped. "Don't touch anything." "Do you think we brought this on ourselves?" Rell asked quietly. "Yes," she replied. "But not in the way you think." Zyra looked off into the horizon. Two days, they had already wasted two days, or they would if they went back for more food. They had no supplies but Rell's gathering and the water skins they carried. "What will we do?" Enui asked in a soft but even voice. Zyra didn't turn, instead transfixed by the beauty of the dangerous awful place made of her fairytales and nightmares. How horrible a place to die. "I can't go back," Zyra mused almost to herself. "Nima will never make it if I go back." She heard nothing before she felt a hand on each of her shoulders. "We understand," Gharla said nodding. She had a limited quantity of arrows and Enui had only two spears. "As do we," Hanto agreed and he and Rell stepped forward. "We support you until the bitter end." Yes, it could very well be the end. Looking at them somberly she resumed the lead, knowing that this mission was increasingly becoming suicide. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 07 Chapter 7: Tested When night began to fall they still hadn't found shelter. It seemed that no matter how far they walked, the forest was as sparse as before. There was nowhere to hide. Zyra was sure that was the intention. They walked a bit farther until their exhaustion and hunger settled in. The fruit on the trees became thicker the closer to the center they ventured. Some dripped with succulent juices that smelt so enticing Zyra had accidentally bit the inside of her cheek and made herself bleed. She could tell the others were also affected. Enui and Gharla chewed a single piece of root between them and Rell bit his nails. When the time came for them to make camp they were unsure whether they should make a campfire or not. It wasn't cold and they had no food to cook. Generally fires were also good because they kept away animals. In such a strange land for all they knew the fire might draw the animals to them. With much debate it was decided that they would tie themselves into the trees, Rovian style. They would each get a separate tree so that they could fit comfortably without having to disturb what lay inside it. After finding the trees to be relatively safe, they strapped themselves in and tried to sleep. Sleep took her companions quicker than Zyra expected. As she felt her eyes preparing to close she heard a strange sound coming from the ground. Her eyes narrowed and she untied herself quickly. Slipping her spear into her hand, she slid down the tree trunk. She landed silently, crouched close by the ground. All she saw was the empty darkness. The sound came again, almost in her ear. It seemed to be on the other side of the tree. Then she heard it differently. It was a whisper, no, a hiss.Apparently Hanto had been right, the basilisk had come back. She thought about how large he had been, how easily he could snatch them out of the tree. Was he coming specifically for her? She had been the one to put his asleep. He could probably smell her scent best since she had been the one to climb over him. Calling her friends would likely pull them to danger. Gritting her teeth she charged behind the tree only to see a strange creature yards away. It hissed, the same low rumble the basilisk had made, yet softer. It carried over to her like he had hissed it in her ear. It wasn't the basilisk, it was humanoid with arms and legs.The creature before her was light green and glowed clearly in the dark. Truthfully she wondered if it was a ghost. It was naked but appeared to have no genitalia. He was bald and had pointed ears that blended into the light green scales that covered his entire body. The most disturbing feature was his face, how humanly shaped it was, yet how inhuman his gaze appeared. He had a chiseled face, angular features, and full lips. His green eyes pierced through her and his mouth was raised in amusement. He tilted his head at her curiously and put his hands behind his back. Standing, he stalked up towards her. When he stopped he was right outside of her attack zone, standing at least a head and shoulders taller than her. "What do you intennndd on doing with that?" His human speech made her start, but she recovered quickly. "It depends on what you came here for." His eyes held childish laughter as he regarded her. "You know you're not ssssupposssed to be here, humannn..." The way he looked at her with familiarity gave her pause. "It's you. You're the basilisk aren't you?" He blinked and took a step forward. He had a light swaying in his step reminiscent of his true nature. Zyra flipped the point of the spear towards him in warning and he let out a big sigh. "Give it a ressssstt human," he growled pushing the spear away.You are no match for meee..." He held the top of the wood and gave it a light tug. It jolted in her hands but she held onto it. Still, she had no doubt that he could take it from her. Even so, she didn't care. "Answer me," she snapped pulling the spear back. She put her spear behind her, knowing it would be too obvious a choice. She had other weapons hidden on her person. "A form of the basssilisssk," he lulled."That sssstill bringsss to quesssstion...how did you know the trick to putting me assssleep?" She grimaced, looking at him suspiciously. "Family secret." He grinned, all lips and came closer, but she retreated effectively backing into the tree. "Oh? And where doessss your family hail from?" She glared at him, balling her fists. "Why? Intending to make a visit?" He gave her a cocky smirk and slid a hand to rest beside her head. She frowned at him.He seemed to be toying with her. She turned her knee to get a better position for sliding off a knife strapped to her thigh. Then he shrugged. "Well, I sssuppossse one kindnesssss deservessss another." He grabbed her too quickly for her to move away and cupped her face in his hands. "Let me get a good look at you," he mused, his eyes carving paths along her body. She gasped and scrambled at his hands but couldn't pull them from her. She could feel his breath on her face and tried to control the panic that was fighting to surface inside her. "Don't worry," he whispered. He traced a finger lazily over her lips."I won't hurt you." She froze, refusing to acknowledge his presence. His head moved side to side in a hypnotizing motion before he grinned again. "Sssssssssss...such a pretty little thing aren't you?" He examined her lips with his finger again, his green eyes swimming. Then abruptly he released her, walking back a considerable distance to perch again. "And what a lovely pair of eyessss you have...yessssss...I like them very much." He had left her lips buzzing and she nibbled at her bottom lip to refocus her mind. How dare he? He must have sensed her indignation because he laughed, but the look he was giving her was remorseless. It told her he was in full control. This was his domain, she was an intruder. "I will tell you thisssss Green Eyessss. You and your ssslavesss are being tessssted." She crossed her arms. "They're not my slaves, they're my friends." He scoffed. Tilting his head he rolled onto his back."Realllyy? Evvveryone is your friend?Evennn...the dark male?" He let out a raspy laugh. "You didn't ssseeem to be friendssss to me."His eyes glinted dangerously,"But he wantsss you, doessn't he?" Her eyes narrowed. "Why are you here?" He rolled back onto his stomach and his eyes became predatory. In one slither he closed the distance between them and was back in front of her, pressing his hands into her face. "Why did you sssspare me?" She was beginning to wish she hadn't. "I had to." "Whhhhy?" "I-I don't know." His fingers dug deeper as his face lost all traces of humanity."Answer me!" She shook her head vainly as his touch became uncomfortable. "I just didn't want to kill anyone." He tilted his head again and opened his mouth. Four sharp fangs protruded from his jaw and he gave her his own strange version of a smile. "But you kill for a living don't you human? I can ssmeell their blood on your ssskkinnn." She had had enough. Grabbing her knife she kneed him in the stomach. He bent fluidly back with a rough hiss but she was ready. Pointing the knife in front of her she waited until he looked up to see it at his eye level. "You're about to smell your blood. Now leave. Now, and don't come back." He backed up, still grinning eerily amused. "Does that mean you won't accept my thanks?" She didn't answer him. He coiled around himself spontaneously making a slow turn, a fang poking out in his grin. "It'll help you ssssurvive pretty human. You musssst be hungry right?" She hadn't blinked but suddenly he had a small pouch. He threw it to her and she caught it without taking her eyes off of him. "Those ssseedsss will give your sslavess...friendsss energy." She nodded putting them in her skirt. "How many can we eat at one..." "Not you," he corrected. "Jusssss your friendsss. There are only four in the bag." She glared at him angrily. "Very well, what about me?" A mischievous glint shone in his eyes and he reach up to picked off a red fruit from the tree. "You can eat thisss." She paused for a moment in speculation then reached for it but he snatched it back. "Patienceesssss..." he chuckled."You can eat thisss,...only, if I feed it to you." She let out a frustrated sigh. "Why? This is ridiculous!" "I can nullify the fruitssss poisonousss affectsss on humanssss. Otherwisssse, if you ssssimply eat it, you will die." With that he bit off a chunk of the fruit and began chewing. When he stopped she extended a hand, her face twisted in disgust. Ignoring her intentions, he grabbed her and pulled her in. Then rather roughly he used his tongue to pry her lips apart and pushed the food into her mouth. She choked trying to orient herself but he held her fast. "Ssswallow," he commanded against her lips. She braced her hands on his naked arms, grunting in protest. She couldn't breathe. It could be poisonous. He could be killing her, but she couldn't breathe. She'd either die a slow death of suffocation or this death now. She swallowed and waited for his to pull back. He did so, slowly, his moist lips pulling apart from hers with deliberate sensuality. He seemed darkly satisfied. She was not amused. "Good," he praised. He released her to take another bite. "How doess it feel?" The minute the fruit hit her empty stomach she felt rejuvenated, like she had just swam and drank water in the river. "Good," she admitted. "Then ssshall I continue?" She paused, her pride going down a little harder than she'd hoped. "...yes." He grinned and pulled her down to sit in front of him. He sat cross legged and pulled her closer to his lap. Then he took a big bite of the strange red fruit. Juice ran down the corner of his mouth and his long tapered reptilian tongue swept it up. Then, he tilted her head back and closed his mouth over hers. It was a strange act between them. She wasn't sure if it was like a kiss. His tongue would sweep into her mouth and she'd suck on his tongue trying to squeeze him for nourishment. The fruit was extremely sweet and combined with his hot mouth it jarred her senses. Her brain told her it was pleasurable as well as nutritious to continue, so, she did. After he had gone through three fruits she was full and tired. She was somehow in his lap, his arms around her waist as he swayed gently like a raft. She looked at him imploringly. "Is there any way...you could just chew up a few more fruits so I can..." "No," he snapped, narrowing his eyes. "Thisss isss my gift to you." "But just one. For my..." His eyes narrowed. "I do not owe your friendssss sssuch a kindnesssss." With that he lifted up and pulled her to her feet. "The ssseedsss will do the trick. You will need to focussss the mossst anyway." She accepted his stubbornness with a touch of bitter resolution. "What will we face?" "Testsss." "What kind..." He shook his head and began to back away."Green Eyessss, I do believe we're even." On cue his color began to dim as he backed up into the night. "Don't worry," he clucked innocently."If you fail, perhapsss I ssshall find you and make you my pet." Then he was gone. The exhaustion had returned tenfold and she began to feel the weariness in her bones. Sighing she forced herself up the tree once more. As soon as she was in it, she fell into a deep dreamless sleep. __________________________________________________ "Did you see that?" Etaceh paced over the basin in shock. "Caligula did you see that?" The purple eyed man nodded, weary amusement on his noble features. Currently only the moon or night witches were awake. They should have been resting, but Etaceh could not ignore the humans. "It appears she had endeared the basilisk." Etaceh bit her ruby lip, grinding it anxiously as she watched the young beauty slumber. "Could that be her power?" "Perhaps," Caligula agreed. "Or Perhaps the basilisk is attracted by that which he has named her, by her 'green eyes.' Most snakes are horny narcissistic creatures." Etaceh shook her head. "No, this human is special, I can feel it." Caligula strode closer to the bowl to observe the woman Etaceh regarded so fiercely. In her sleep she looked little more than a child. "What do you intend to do then? End the trials? Kill her?" "No, I have a better idea." She strode over her a black vial and fingered it almost tenderly. She popped the cork and waved a hand to the ceiling. Like earlier it parted into a window. A flutter of wings was heard in the distance before a large owl swept into the Marble Tree. "Who!" It cooed, landing elegantly on the edge of the water basin. She smiled and dropped a single drop of the black elixir on the owl. Immediately its unfocused eyes turned to her, bright, glowing and alert. She chanted over it softly, waving her hands with calculated precision. "Investigator of night, lend me your light. Show me desires that strengthen mine might. Unfold marked plans that heroes dare boast dredge up the demons they fear the most." With that the owl tilted its head fluffing its feathers back like a dignified coat. "Who?" She smiled. "The humans." With that he jumped up into the sky. A single feather shone black, drenched in the ink of memories. She studied the basin and watched him land in each of their trees. His big eyes dilated and he turned to stare at each of their sleeping faces. He started with the blonde man first. The black feather pulsed as every detail she had requested was fished out of his head. His hopes and dreams, his feelings and encounters with the other members of the team, their mission, and of course, his fears and weaknesses. When the owl was done recording he moved on to the next one. "Shall I leave them to you then?" Caligula asked with a raised brow. It had been a while since Etaceh had felt the need to do such powerful magic. She didn't stir, too absorbed in the images before her. Caligula shook his head and went to retire. She didn't notice, waiting for when the owl would finish. When he finally completed the girl she noticed she actually twitched a bit. She grasped the edge of the basin. Would she wake? Did she...no, she turned back to sleep. The owl flew back slower, now laden with five lives. She rewarded him with longevity and plucked the black feather from his back. She summoned a scroll, her lips twisted in glee. Then she released the feather over it. It hung empty in the air before beginning to scratch words on the page. It touched the corner of the page and a picture of the young blonde man seeped out. R..e...l...l...of...Ur... Rell of Ursie tribe. Age 22...adopted, birth parents unknown...son of the Chief. She had a Chief's son in her grasp? How fortunate. The quill scribbled wildly writing random notes but connecting them with arrows and lines to the other humans. "Beautiful," she breathed. "Their end shall be glorious." She would know their all before day break. __________________________________________________ Morning was no big affair. As soon as they felt dawn on their skin, they had awoken. Day three. It was good if Nima could last the 6 days, but if she could only last the four... Zyra shook her head. No, she would not think about it. She watched her companions as they somberly trudged forward, hunger apparent in their gait. She was still full from that strange fruit exchange the basilisk had given to her. The seeds! She had nearly forgotten. Reaching into her sack she pulled them forward. How could she convince them to eat the strange seeds after she had said nothing here was safe? Maybe she could...oh goodness, she had no time! Striding towards Gharla she reached into her pouch. "Open your mouth." Gharla raised an eyebrow but obeyed. She put the milky white seed in her mouth and moved to Enui. Enui frowned. "What is..." "Open." She parted her lips and Zyra pushed it past her lips. Then she threw the seeds into Rell and Hanto's puzzled mouths. "They will give you energy," she reassured them, then started to set the pace. It was grueling at first but slowly she could see her comrades coming back to life. They drank sparingly from the water skins as countless time passed by. The sun rose to the highest point in the sky sooner than they expected. Then the heat came. It began to scorch their skin, leaning on their backs as wet salty sweat poured out of them. Rell was a bright red, suffering in silence that even Gharla found noble. As soon as it began to hurt to move they could see shade in sight. The first type of shade was a strange strip of forest. Directly beyond it was a barren field. In its center was the Marble Tree. They could see the top of it. It was covered with wet glistening white leaves, beautiful and inviting. Zyra had always thought the Marble Tree was actually made of marble. They shuffled hurriedly to the promise of shade but the closer they got the more Zyra's senses went on alert. It didn't feel right. There was something wrong with that forest. Feeling a wave of heat behind her she stopped. Looking back she saw the field and trees had caught on fire. She watched as the land seemed to consume itself. Pain jarred her and she saw that the corner of her skirt had actually caught on fire. She rolled to the ground and put it out as the others had to follow. There was no choice, they had to get in. "Run!" she shouted. She sprinted towards the forest, her companions keeping up beside her. Suddenly a wind blew from the forest knocking Gharla back. "GHARLA!" The flames licked at her hair as she struggled to get to her knees. Zyra and Enui ran toward her but another wind blew and Enui was knocked into Hanto. He fell to the ground and Rell hesitated, torn. It didn't matter because a second later he was sucked into the forest, airborne by a wind drift. "BROTHER!" Hanto rolled Enui off of his and charged towards Rell but he was somersaulted back. He and Enui were shoved into the far side of the trees. Zyra grabbed Gharla and hauled her up. She winced, limping from a burn on her calf. "I've got you," Zyra panted helping her to the forest. She was wrong. A moment later a strong wind flew her up in the air, ripping her away from Gharla's hand. "ZYRA!" Gharla screamed. She saw herself get higher and higher in the unnatural wind as Gharla screamed for her, then there was darkness. __________________________________________________ Her head was pounding, splitting as she tried to wake herself up. The effort brought about pain, but she knew she had to force herself. Finding strength she forced her eyes open. In front of her the light was blinding so she looked away. Where was she? Looking around she saw the forest was behind her. The draft had carried her over? Glaring into the light she saw that it shone because of the reflective surface of the stature. The Marble Tree! She had been carried over to the Marble Tree! She stood shakily, hammering in her skull as she shook. She was suddenly ravenous. It was as though the basilisk's gift had been sucked out of her veins. She swallowed, trying to get moisture into her throat. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 07 "Gharla...Enui!" she cleared her throat. "HANTO!" All she heard was her echo. "Looking for someone?" She whipped around and saw a cloaked figure. Reaching behind her she found her spear was gone. "Ah ah ah little warrior," the feminine voice chirped. She was wearing all black, her cloak rustled in the nonexistent wind and no sweat or exertion could be seen on her face. Zyra felt like a pig as she sweated, half dressed in front of the tall creature. In front of her stood what appeared to be a bird bath. "Who are you?" Zyra asked firmly. "Your superior," the voice spat. "You have trespassed." "I come in peace." "And you shall leave in pieces." Zyra gulped and fingered her thigh. Her knife was still there. "I'm not here to fight you," she growled angrily. "Where are my friends? What have you done with them?" The figure stepped forward, pale skin and blood red lips appearing from under the dark hood. "Did you think you could just stroll through the magical forest, waltz up to the Marble Tree, and dance to a free antidote for your dying little Nima?" Zyra stiffened. "How do you—" "Did you!" she shouted. Zyra's heart raced as she fought the tears gathering in her eyes. "Yes." The creature extended a hand towards the tree. "Well it appears you can," she said nonchalantly. "But..." She dipped a finger in the bath and stepped to the side. "...your friends will be the payment." "No!" Zyra shouted running towards her. The creature chuckled and Zyra stumbled to a stop when she disappeared in front of her. Now only stood the bath. "Take a look." Zyra gasped, the voice was now coming from inside her head. "See what is happening to them Zyra." Zyra looked down and saw that each corner or the bath had a different scene. In each scene were her friends. "You have a choice. If you go now to the Tree, you will have sacrificed your team and broken your promises to the Ursen Chief. But, if you go back...well, your niece and sister...Kyzu was it? They both won't last very long." "SHUT UP! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" Zyra shriek shaking herself wildly. She heard cruel laughter, and then nothing at all. Gritting her teeth she hauled her emotionally and physically weakened body to the edge of the bowl and looked down into it. The top left corner held Rell. __________________________________________________ Rell looked around trying to catch his bearings. He was dizzy. All around him were colorful intoxicating fruits and vegetables. Two small fuzzy purple animals played with each other on the ground beside him. They appeared to be grinning. They giggled and raced away. His tongue salivated as his stomach cramped. He was so hungry, what had happened? The forest top was so thick he could not see the sun and get a direction. Unable to stay near the temptation he began to walk. Each step brought a different agony. His rational brain was being devoured by his body. He passed a tree that smelled like his favorite food, and another that smelled like his own vegetable soup. He didn't know how long he had been walking. Carrying himself forward he forced himself until his vision began to blur. When he stopped he was by a stream. His natural inclination was to bury his face into it, but he forced himself not to. The water was the color of the sky and it glistened like stars. A cool comforting breeze blew off of it and the mist perfumed the air. It seemed so safe. How could such beauty be dangerous? No, Zyra said it was dangerous. She was a good huntress. Zyra would find him, or Hanto. He would be okay. Still...everything looked so appetizing. How he wished... "Why wish when you can have?" He jumped, looking around for the source of the voice. "Who's there?" "Just me." Turning he saw a beautiful maiden resting inside of the stream. Her hair was as white as foam and hung in long waves that floated in the water. Her eyes were a bright shining blue and her face was a perfect heart shape. She stood up and pulled herself out of it, her white dress embellished in ways he had never seen. "I am Nymare." She glistened, but she appeared to be dry. Kneeling beside him she put a cool hand on his burning cheek. He winced as her eyes stared into his soul. "It is fine to drink of this stream. This stream is mine and I give you permission." She held out a palm and he watched as it filled up with the glistening water. "Drink," she said, putting it to his lips. "Drink." His lips parted and she tipped her hand back. Suddenly something inside him made him close his mouth before the water entered. It dribbled down his chin. "No, no I'm fine," he protested. "No, you are not fine," her voice cooing in melodic tones. "You are unwell. You must drink or...eat." A fruit fell into her palm, one that smelled like home. "Eat this fruit. It will make you strong, then you can save yourself." She grinned at him. "Don't you want to be strong?" She was making him feel strange, but he wasn't sure if he should fight it. "Come now Rell," she pouted running a hand down his chest. "Don't fight this." He shook his head trying to clear the haze. The woman grasped his chin firmly and smiled at him. "You should eat Rell because you are weak. Don't you see that you can?" He looked at her, feeling a pull at his heart. "What?" "You are weak Rell. You will always be weak." She giggled. "That is why the chief intends to make Hanto Chief, even if you are the eldest. You could never rule the tribe. You are useless. Do you understand?" Rell closed his eyes shaking at her words. Her grip tightened. "You think Zyra will save you? Pick you over her niece? You can't hunt, you can't fight, you can't even use your dick! You could not even give her pleasure! That's why she pulled away. You disgusted her Rell. You even disgust me." He opened his eyes, seeing the same sweet smile. No, she couldn't be saying these things. Why was she saying those things? "Do you know why your mother died Rell?" "No..." "She died to get away from you." "Stop!" "The weak son whom would never be good enough. You are still weak. That's why Gharla hates you." She gripped the back of his head, her eyes burning cruel as her sugary sweet voice hissed in his ears. "That's why you should eat Rell. If you live you can redeem yourself, if you die, no one is worse off!" With inhuman strength she flung him to the streams edge. "Just look at yourself. You're so ugly Rell. What woman would even want you? The reflection showed a bone thin man with a gaunt white face and scraggily wheat hair. He touched his face and the sad man did the same. "No...it's not true." The woman gave him a sad look and patted him on the back. "It is. You've always known, deep inside." Tears filled his eyes as he gave out a sob. Why, why was this happening? The woman stroked his hair gently. "You probably should drown yourself in the river." She kissed his ear and left her hand tangled into his hair. "But, you're probably too weak for even that aren't you?" she whispered. The grip on his hair tightened. "Allow me to help." He screamed as he approached the water, face first. __________________________________________________ "Water...water..." Gharla was in sand, endless sand. The burning waste made her hallucinate. She kept seeing Zyra being eaten alive, or Enui crying out for her name. Her water skin had had water, but when she went to drink of it, it only held sand. She knew what was happening. This was the defense of the Marble Tree. She knew she had to stay sane. She wasn't actually here, she knew that. Yet, with each agonizing step her body disagreed. She wondered where she really was. Maybe this was all a dream. Maybe is she stopped walking and took a nap she could wake up. No...no! That was the plan. She knew she had to keep her wits about her. If she lost her mind, she would lose everything. Falling asleep meant not walking up ever again. __________________________________________________ Enui and Hanto fought viciously against the blue creatures in front of them. They were cerulean, almost see through in nature. They giggled in their naked obscene forms. Among them was only one male. Between his legs was what appeared to be a wooden phallus. They laughed and swiped at them with vines, intending on tying them up. No matter how many times she stabbed them, they disappeared into the ground and would return. "Hanto! There's too many!" "We can't run!" he grunted. It was true. They were surrounded on all side. Suddenly a jab left her spearless. She reached behind her to find no spears on her back. A vine wrapped around her shoulders and lifted her up in the air. Two others grabbed and separated her legs. Another set bound her arms. She screamed, but Hanto too was caught the vines tying his hands to his sides. The vines lowered her to the creature's levels. They giggled happily. Tons of them touched her face and hair, dancing around her savagely. Then one pulled down her skirt and underpants, leaving her exposed sex out in the open. She screamed, kicking to no avail. Her bound breasts were undone as she could do nothing. These creatures, no...no.. They weren't going to... "STOP!" Zyra shook her head trying to clear out the awful images. "You can't do this!" She turned and started to run towards the forest. "There's one more image Zyra." She paused then shakily ran back towards the fount. A tear ran down her face. It was Nima, purple, pale and sick. She was coughing up blood as Kyzu rocked her limp body. Then she saw it, Kyzu's pale face, lost weight. She was sick too...Kyzu was sick too.They were alone, quarantined away from the rest of the village. They were contagious and left to die. Her family, her sister and niece were dying. "So you see now little girl," the voice said. "You have no option." The voice began to fade. "You must choose." Then Zyra was alone. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 08 Hey guys! Before I start I just want to say that I really appreciate all your comments. INCLUDING the annonymous ones! ^^ Please keep in mind that I use your comments both as fodder for my storyline as well as an indication that I should put out the next chapter. If someone comments, it shows me that the chapter has circulated and everyone following has basically read it. So, PLEASE PLEASE COMMENT! Thanks, enjoy the chapter:P _______________________________________________ Chapter 8: The Consequence of Choice The sun bore hotter, burning past her skin. She could feel her bones reducing to embers, her soul turning to flame. Gharla could sense her body cooking itself, her face's sweaty juices dribbling onto her tongue. Damn, she kind of tasted like the fat fat bird. It was kind of terribly ironic when she had been one of the few to stock the Rovian cookfires. She wondered who would be there to pick her bones. Being full was always good for someone. Oh how ungrateful, how wasteful she had been, back when they were around warm glowing cook fires that spat black ashes like a protesting baby. How lovely it had been to revel in the debauchery of traditions, even the celebration. She herself had entertained 3 males, not discerning between them nor wishing for any actual connection with them. They were diverse lovers that worshiped her body with equal devotion. They were hoping perhaps for a blonde son, something she would never give. The celebration filled her with mixed feelings. Gharla had already been with child so it held no obligation for her. She was deep in her 20th years, close to her 30th. Back then she had never considered birthing a boy. She just wanted a baby girl so badly she had rutted like an animal for 3 celebrations until she had conceived. She remembered feeling the strange little pushes that came from inside her. Speaking to her daughter with kind promises of what was to come and making sure the babe knew her voice. For months she dreamed, but when the time came...her child had been a male. She remembered the beautiful blonde curls and brown eyes that peeked up at her. The adoration and love in his eyes. Even though she knew what he was, where he was destined to go, who he was destined to be, she loved him. Gharla was to care for him until the Ursies could. She nursed him and cared for him until he no longer hungered for her milk and her breasts ran dry. He was glowing and healthy with pink little hands that always stretched to her face. They had taken him from her in her sleep. They didn't understand why she was upset when she awoke. They could not understand why she had felt the need to say goodbye. Nor why she had shut herself away from the world for a year, until a brave bark colored girl had demanded that she track for a group of hunters she was forming. And that girl was a woman now. Her son was becoming a man. He would be six summers now, she didn't like to think of him in years.That made the pain worse. When she felt her legs give way the last bit of fight dried out of her. She crumbled to the hard ground. No more. She could not move anymore. Her body was surely a chapped husk. She could feel herself dying. It was disgraceful. Gharla had always thought it would be in battle or war, maybe in the arms of her long awaited daughter, maybe even her son. But this was honorless, shamefully so, and lonely. Not alone, she had never wanted to die alone. "..." She couldn't talk. Gharla had wanted to hear herself say that she had tried. "I tried." That was what she wanted to hear before the end. People had always pegged her as the strong silent type. A type that never needed to hear nother voice. She snapped on occasion and could be prejudiced, but she was content among her hunters in the forest. With those green bushy trees around them, the smell of their purity, and the filtered canopy sunlight she had felt life running rampant through her veins. It seemed so vital now to her existence. No matter, Gharla had been able to reflect as she traveled through the burning waste. She was done confronting the demons in herself. She hated to be alone. No matter, if she relaxed she was sure it would be over soon. Snap out of it... Oh? It seemed some part of her still wanted to fight. How vain. Gharla snap out of it. She fought against the panic of pointlessness as it wriggled in her gut. She was just prolonging the inevitable. No, this was right. It felt good. It was nice to stay here. Gharla come on! Wake up! She paused listening to the voice's urgency. It wasn't inside her? It wasn't. Who? "Gharla! Sister of the land, huntress and tracker of the Rovians, awaken now!" ...sister...? "NOW GHARLA!" Z...Zyra? Gharla jolted like a fish out of water as she came swimming to the conscious surface. Zyra held her in her arms and looked down at her worriedly. "Are you alright?" Zyra looked grave, so strange from the serious but normally jovial woman. She examined her sore limbs, saw they were whole, pink, fine! It had been a vision, no, a nightmare. "I...I will be," she admitted. Gharla raised herself up, meeting her very real thirst. "Here," Zyra said handing her a water skin. She drank ravenously until Zyra pulled it from her lips. "Slow, you'll make yourself sick." Gharla breathed heavily before eying her anxiously. "The water..." "It's safe," Zyra said. She diverted her eyes, burning anger in them. "I received it from...an unnatural place. Its danger lies in its reflection, not its taste." Gharla could tell something was wrong. Worry filled her as she held Zyra's hand. "Zyra..." Zyra turned from her, pain in her eyes. When she looked back the pain still stood, but so did an unyielding determination. "Gharla, the journey I take now is a pointless one. But even that shall not stop me. Our friends are in trouble, we must save them." Gharla shivered as she thought of Enui in the same place she had been. "Where are they?" "In the three corners of the forest. I met a witch who showed me four pictures in a basin. Walk with me, we haven't much time." Zyra helped her to her feet and they started to walk towards the east. "They didn't say where they were but when I found you here I knew that the location of the pictures was your location in the forest." "And the witch helped us?" Zyra's eyes hardened. "No." Gharla stared at Zyra questioningly. "...what did it do to you Zyra?" Zyra grit her teeth in response. "It's best that you don't know." Gharla nodded, but torrents of emotion began to well up inside her until she was stricken with grief. Trembling, she gave out a web sob and crumbled to the floor. "Oh God...oh God." She rocked herself back and forth as Zyra tried to help her rise again. "Zyra, I was so scared...I thought I would die. I was..." Abruptly she was forced to her feet. Two thumbs roughly wiped her eyes and she was Zyra looking at her with the same narrowed eyes she showed prey. "Gharla if you cannot be strong I must leave you. What is done is done." Zyra gave a long sigh and touched her cheek gently. "I have not given up. If you have to stay here, I will come back for you." Gharla nodded and tried her best to swallow her feelings. Shakily she followed Zyra in a run. "Who are we rescuing next?" Gharla asked. "Rell." __________________________________________________ "CURSES! CURSES!" Etaceh was raving madly as witches rushed around like startled chickens. She had had several lesser witches keeping Gharla in her trance when Zyra busted through the trees and shattered her illusion just by shouting like a brute. "Take care of the boy. Now!" she shouted to a water witch. Aguamem had summoned the Night Mare to drown him and was currently concealing its true form from him. It was a mix breed actually, part Kelpie and known to enjoy the drowning of humans. Etaceh was at least sure Zyra would not reach the boy in time. Even so, she reeled from the small victory the whelp had claimed. "Finding the human more difficult than you anticipated?" She turned, blood boiling to see Caligula smirking behind her. "Be gone, I have no time for your ridicule Caligula," she spat. He chuckled, combing a hand through his ebony colored hair, his purple eyes glittering with amusement. "Well Etaceh you must admit that taking the water was quite clever." Her rage consumed her anew. She had never thought the girl would take the water she had left there. She had been so busy taunting the girl that she had given away too much. She had forgotten how smart and adaptive the humans could be. Yet, she raged on. "How dare she? She defiled a sacred seer basin! She scooped it up like it didn't just contain visions and supped it down like a bear!" Caligula frowned at her in response. "You gave her no choice. She acted out of pressure." "Birds bathed in it!" "A fact she had no time to consider given her circumstances." He gave Etaceh a measured look. "You made sure of that." Etaceh bit her red lips angrily as jealousy awoke inside of her. "You like her don't you? You like this human girl." Caligula shrugged. "Yes, she amuses me. She saw through your words and made a decision that would give most pause. You like her too." He smirked, tilting his head in a roguish manner. "You wouldn't play with her otherwise." Deep inside Etaceh knew Caligula was right. He had been her friend for several centuries. She sighed dramatically, summoning a goblet of vitality elixir to her hand. "We shall she how she fares with Nymare. She should have the boy drowned soon." She looked back to check on the Ursie boy's fate. What she saw shocked her. __________________________________________________ Nymare had a good grip on the squirming pitiful human. Nymare was sure he would go limp in her hands soon. Then suddenly she felt herself being hauled forwards. Rell had pulled her over him and into the river. He was trying to drown a water horse? Nymare would have laughed if she didn't see him pull himself out the water. In her horse form he would have never been able to break free. Even if she was a half breed of creatures, she still was stronger than he was. Rell refused to die. He didn't care if the woman thought he was weak. He would rather die trying to live, than give in to such a horrid creature. "I know you're not what you seem," he sputtered. "You are beautiful to behold, but your insides are ugly." Nymare's eyes began to glow angrily. No one insulted Nymare, Night Mare and most beautiful of all creatures. "Silence ugly boy!"she snapped."Did you forget what Nymare said? The tears you wept when..." "Your head is rather large." She gasped and charged at the shoreline. "Nymare will drag your body to the bottom of the sea!" Her voice became cracked and rough as she lost her grammatical prowess. Truly showing him the beast she was inside. "Nymare will feast on your flesh and gnaw on your bones!" Her nails grew into talons. "Nymare will kill you! She came at him with large grinding teeth as though she would bite him in half. It didn't matter, Rell was ready to live or to die. Taking the cord that tied about his water skin he pulled it loose right before he fell back when she landed on him. As her face of teeth neared his he wrapped the cord around her neck and held fast. Shocked, she paused before fighting viciously. She began to buck and whiny, reaching out for him with lethal intent. His palms slit open as he leant back, using all his strength to contain her. "NO! NO!" She clawed at her neck, leaving deep bleeding gashes on her throat when suddenly, her fight left her. She looked at him with fearful eyes. Nymare could not change form with the cord or she might decapitate herself. Nymare could not escape from his cluthes, Nymare could not breathe. She gasped, her eyes watery. "...m-mercy...do not...kill...Ny...mar...e..." Rell glared at her murderously as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Who is weak now? Tell me monster!" "...p-ple...ase..." The evil that had bubbled from inside him froze as he heard her broken plea. He was killing her. Monster or not, she was shaped like a woman. Abruptly he released her and stumbled back watching as she shakily shuddered in lungs of air. She rolled onto her side before she forced herself up on wobbly legs. He watched her warily, wondering if she would kill him now. She appeared quelled, sullen but with reason. With emotionally charged blue eyes she backed up slowly into the water. Her lips barely moved as she spoke. "Awake." Suddenly he found himself on his back in a forest. Beside him was a cool stream, but not a fruit in sight. From a distance he could hear voices calling out his name. Gathering his strength he limped toward them. "Reeeeelllll!" "Rell!" "RELL WHERE ARE YOU?" A large mass fell into their path and Zyra had her knife out in a flash. Recognition came a second later and she bent down to the shaking man. "T-thank goodness," he croaked. Zyra put her water skin to his lips and was impressed by his slow measured sips. When he looked up at her his eyes looked haunted. "I knew you'd come," he said finally. Then, he passed out. Gharla bent down to him and checked his pulse. Then she looked him over. "Look at his hands." The once soft delicate fingers were slashed. Zyra looked down to see the bloody cord in his right. He had cuts from the rope. "He'll slow us down," Gharla said evenly. "Just like I'll slow you down." Gharla knelt down and placed his head in her lap. "Leave us. We'll meet you at the Marble Tree. Save the others but if you cannot you must go to the tree. Get there Zyra, for Nima's sake." Zyra nodded and went off to save Enui and Hanto by herself. __________________________________________________ Enui panted like a dog in heat, her tongue dangling out of her mouth. She didn't know how long it had been but she knew she was disappearing. Blue warm hands had ripped her covering away, vines had pulled apart her decency and exposed her to hungry gazes. She felt the naked breeze caress her folds and curves, tried to ignore the brief angry looks Hanto gave when he succumbed to looking at her ample firm breasts. The tall blue feminine figures in front of her had twigs and leaves for hair. They all shared the same face, males and females, and the face was a pleasant one at that. Unceremoniously they took turns stroking her breasts, running their hands along her thighs, and delighting in her foul language and struggling. They let out a peal of giggles when she cursed at them. Even with all her fight, she began losing the battle when the creatures became more sensual. Among them a tall lithe male stepped forward. Slowly, as though for a dance he began to turn. He was graceful and delicate, strange to see with the evidence of his arousal pointing at her. Between his legs was what resembled a thick tree branch except that it was smooth and shaped like a penis. His long wavy hair stopped right before his fine chiseled blue ass, deep blue nipples protruded vulgarly on his hairless chest, connected to arms that with small movements proved to hold power. Being completely honest with herself, Enui found him to be rather attractive. After he had made his turn he gave her a knowing smile. She panicked when he walked toward her, then behind her. His hands grabbed her waist and she let out a gasp as she felt him grind his warm wooden penis against her butt. The females let out high pitched shrieks as they began to assault her senses. Long soft fingers tweaked her nipples, forcing them into hardness. Another hand caressed the fullness of her breasts until a hand was replaced by a mouth that suckled them. Hands slid down her stomach, thighs, and arms in gentle caresses, combined with the heat on her behind. She could feel her pussy beginning to drip with arousal. The vines pulled her legs father, spreading wide her wetness so everyone could see. "STOP! NO!" They didn't listen. Suddenly she felt a finger slip inside of her. A hand stuck out of the ground and fingered her quivering cunt expertly. Another creature began to rub her clit with its thumb. Her body could not escape the onslaught of touches. She screamed as she came, her wet pussy juice running down her thighs or seeping into the ground. Curiosity caused her to look to her right. They were sucking Hanto's cock. He appeared to be trembling in his effort. His butt clenched causing tension on the finger that stroked him. Another was kissing him, rubbing her breasts into his chest. Suddenly she shouted. One had clamped its mouth over her clit and was sucking it. The long, hot draws that the creature gave her clit made sparks fly in front of her eyes. From behind another was licking along her slit. She sputtered, moaning as her tits were played with in unison. She was leaking like a fountain and trembled from the effort to refuse the delicious pain. The male began nudging his dick at her opening. She screamed, arching forward toward the clit sucker. She froze, paying for her mistake as the lips pushed her over. She could only moan wantonly as the juicy squelching of fingers twisted her ready pussy around. A ravenous hunger arose in her and her pussy burned, aching insistently. Hanto let out a moan and she watched as his cum spilt over the breasts of a creature as he watched her. He watched her with lust in his eyes. His taunt bronze muscles tightened as he jerked about. Abruptly she felt the hands fall away. Looking around she felt the male turn her head slightly towards himself. He was beautiful in his strange way. Deep cerulean blue eyes held her gaze and he placed a chaste kiss on her cheek. Then the vines pulled her hips farther apart, almost splitting her down the middle. Her nether lips dribbled with moisture and she screamed at him angrily. "NO! NO YOU STINK BEAST! GET AWAY FROM ME! HELP! HANTO HELP ME!" Hanto could do nothing but watch as the creature stepped to the front of her. Touching its penis to her slit it grunted as it rubbed her moisture around it's shaft. Enui fought but could not stop him when he pushed his hot thick manhood into her warm gushing folds. Enui cried out as he fed inch by inch of his hard cock inside of her until he bottomed out to his walnut looking balls. He let out a deep sigh of contentment then he paused, letting her curse and quiver around him. When she had partially relaxed, he tightened his hold in her waist. Moving just his hips, he began to fuck her. He hitting deep inside of, stroking her achy pussy walls despite her struggling. She felt full, so very full. He lifted her up and rolled her hips into his, forcing her to fuck his cock in a practiced steady pace. She was surely not his first victim, she would not be his last. The slap of his body against hers birthed a delirious sense of joy because of the itch inside her he was scratching.She didn't last much longer. Cumming on his pistoning cock she screamed in rapture. He grunted, pressing forward, squeezing her butt into her as he filled her with his seed. As it filled her she began to feel a strange sensation. The pleasure began to take her over, creeping over her skin and molding to her. The cock inside her did not diminish, it stayed rigid as firm. He pulled out and thrust in again forcefully. She let out a happy shriek. Oh, wowie. What a nice fat cock she had inside of her. She opened her mouth and he swept his tongue in, kissing her fully. Mm, he was sweet like sugar, addictive even. He pulled apart her butt cheeks and she noticed another male with a wooden penis that resembled a stump step closer. She was shocked by how calm she felt. The females intertwined, frenzied in their own orgy as they delighted in the sight of her rape. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 08 The male himself was becoming more aggressive. He bounced her up and down on his cock before bending her against his chest. The other male went behind her and with little difficultly pushed his cock up into her ass. They moved together, sandwiching her between their two fat cocks. Fingers stroked her breasts, crawled leisurely on her calves, lips sucked skin. Oh yes. Yes, there. Everywhere. She wanted it. Yes! Wait no. No! She had to...ahhh. She was limp with her perpetual orgasm loosening her up as they raped her. The world spun and she was on the floor. She was straddled on the males' cock, a female pulled a cock out of her slit and took a turn in her butt, a hot cock entered her mouth. She tried to remember her name. Her nipples were squeezed. She came again. She did not remember, and she did not care. __________________________________________________ Hanto tried to ignore what was happening to Enui. He knew his arousal was a tool being used against him. Even so, he was so pent up from Zyra's refusal of him. His first release had been a godsend despite its untimely arrival. Now, they were coaxing him into premature hardness, painfully trying to force him into mindlessness. He could hear from Enui's crazed shouts that she was already gone. The blue she creature slung her weightless body over him and with her magic was able to suck his flaccid penis into her pussy. She wasn't warm, but wasn't cold and she felt like a woman. Slowly she ran dainty fingers over his shoulders. The one riding him stopped giggling, her blue eyes glittering happily. Then she leant over to him and began whisper words he could understand. "Hanto don't you love me?" Love her? He gritted his teeth as she ground him in her pussy. "No. Get off of me. How did you know my name?" She pouted childishly. "But I love you. Why? You like it don't you?" She swung her long bark like tresses behind her and tightened her lower muscles. He hissed as she slowly lifted up and down on his now hard shaft. He wanted to lie, he wanted to throw her off, but he grunted, "Yes." "I know," she said grinning. "You are so handsome." She touched his face gently. "Love me Hanto. Stay with me. I like you. You don't have to go anywhere else." Hanto shivered as one of them sucked his balls while another arched his back by forcing his hands further behind him. "We can have all the fun you like." He shook his head. "I...I can't." "Why?" the she creature asked, sounding irritated. "Because of frigid little Zyra?" He stiffened in confusion. How did... "You wanted to fuck her didn't you?" She moaned sexily and called out his name breathily while the creature holding his arms bucked his hips forward, making him thrust into her. "Hanto...oh God Hanto yes, please more!" He let out a strangled cry as blood coursed through his groin. When she stopped he was just on the brink of release. "You wanted her to sound like that?" she asked softly. "I can sound like that." Sighing ,she licked his earlobe and nibbled it gently. "Can I tell you a secret?"she whispered. He watched her unfocusedly as the one beneath him stroked the base of his shaft. "Zyra made those sounds for Rell." He froze in shock before spitting on her. It landed on her cheek and he hissed angrily. "Liar!" She appeared to be aroused at his abuse. She clenched him as she wiped her face. She stuck out a blue tongue and licked her spit covered palm before extending it to him. "Want to see?" He frowned at her disgusting depravity and looked at her blue hand. Suddenly he could see Rell kissing that brown headed girl village girl in a tent. Zyra appeared all of sudden in all her hunter finery. Slowly he watched as she lay down, Rell coming to kneel beside her. The brown haired girl came up behind him. "Zyra is a virgin Rell. Isn't she beautiful?" He watched his brother take in Zyra with lust filled eyes. "Yes." Rell was her first? She had chosen Rell over him? No, impossible, he was the strongest, he was the most handsome. Rell could not compare to him. He was deserving of the best females. "See? She doesn't want you," the creature said closing her palm. She rubbed her breasts against his chest purring. "But I do. Let's..." "Show me more." "But—" "Show me more!" The creature took in Hanto's rage and opened her palm. Zyra was touching Rell with an innocent experimentation. Her fingers rubbed Rell's cock and Hanto shook. His brother hadn't even told him. Gently, they kissed with soft sensuality. Was this an illusion? Maybe it was, but he could not look away. His breath grew heavy as Rell removed Zyra's top. Surely this was an illusion. How could any virgin look so deliciously enticing? How could any woman be so perfectly formed for his own body? She would fit him like a glove. His loins twitched at the prospect and the creature moaned. Rell's white hand encircling her breast only served to infuriated him. It looked so alien, so unnatural and undeserving to be there. It was an intruder, Rell was an intruder. The creature began moving again, this time slowly and he watched the scene continue to unfold. Rell dove his lips to Zyra's breasts and she whimpered arching at his touch. She was enjoying herself, enjoying Rell when she had made it so clear she wanted nothing to do with him. Watching her body coil excited him as much as it appalled him. His desire attached to the creature he was inside of and he began thrusting back at her. She let out a surprised squeal before gladly rubbing against him. The brown haired girl had a nice form as well. She wrapped her naked body around Rell, sandwiching him between both women. He had been the recipient of such attentions before. More women as well, all leaving pleasured and sated. The village girl made sense but Zyra? How, why? Rell was no hunter, he wasn't even a fighter. He had protected his weak brother all his life! This was how he repaid him? Suddenly he was on his back. The vines dragged him to the floor and the creature went into a more comfortable position. Taking unspoken direction Rell dipped his fingers into Zyra and began rubbing her clit with his thumb. She began to wiggle and moan as his palm caressed the opening of her pussy. "No!" Hanto's mind and body quarreled as he thrust viciously into the mewling she creature. He thrust into her hot squirming body until he watched Zyra freeze and cum on his brother's fingers. "No...no." He shook his head. "This...this isn't real." Rell pulled away from her and with the brunette's approval parted her legs. She was so wet, sopping in fact. How could Rell make her so wet? Her round creamy thighs were glistening with sweat and cum. Then he saw Rell position his manhood against her. He pounded faster into the creature, who shouted his name reverently, but he did not care. He watched Rell rub up and down her soaked slit. "I won't hurt you Zyra," he lulled softly. "Relax, and I'll make you feel good." She arched and looked in space, but occupying that space was Hanto. She was looking right at him. Seeing her watching him as Rell thrust forward was his undoing. He came hard into the shrieking creature and she closed her palm, focusing on milking his strength. He let her, he had no fight left. "You'll be happy," she cooed. "You'll see." She twisted her body and slowly contorted her shape. Wider hips, a few curves here and there. Hanto noticed the difference. The creature was changing into a blue version of Zyra. "Be mine Hanto," she giggled in a strange version of Zyra's voice. "I can be all you need." He tried not to listen, but his bruised ego and weak body could not stand the strain of her promises. "Yes," he said. "Yes." __________________________________________________ Zyra could hear the giggles ahead of her and knew it was trouble. When she was close she peered through the brush to see what was happening. The sight before her made her quake in anger. Enui was glassy eyed, spitted between two of the creatures pricks. Several others fondled her and themselves fervently. Hanto was beneath a pile of blue bodies, one in particular riding him. In horror she saw the creature wearing her face. She backed up in shock. Those blue creatures were obviously sex driven. She was unsure what vices Enui could have that compared her to Hanto, but decided to ignore it. How could she defeat these creatures? They outnumbered her and as far as she could tell, they were nature based. Perhaps Enui had not fought, but Hanto had tried brute force and it had failed him. So she couldn't fight them. The blue water like creatures seemed to be controlling a tree and causing its vines to hold them down. She crouched to the ground trying to ignore the heat burning through her back. The sun was climbing with a vengeance. At any moment she might catch on fire. Fire... Fire. Fire! Falling to the ground she cut off a large section of brush with her knife. She scrambled on the ground and found a stone. Thanks to the sun it was hot. Striking her precious knife against the stone she directed the sparks to the brush. It caught fire quickly and she blew it to fruition. Then she creeped over to the tree that the creatures controlled. With a grunt she threw the brush high into the tree's limbs. For a tree it seemed incredibly brittle and dry. It burst into flames almost immediately and she heard an inhuman shriek that made her head ring. The creatures stopped their revelry and ran towards the tree.It's vines recoiled and in the chaos Zyra ran to her friend. "Enui!" Zyra shouted charging towards the abandoned girl. Enui looked at her with a silly smile that did not fit the situation and tilted her head. "Z-zyra? Oh how nice, are you ready for the celebration? Mm...I feel so hot." She went to reach between her legs and frowning, Zyra slapped her hand away. Looking behind her she saw the creatures were jumping into the tree. As each creature entered it the tree looked younger, more alive and the fire would abate as the fresh wood became harder to burn. Soon only one creature remained, the one riding Hanto. She seemed determined to keep him down. Running with her knife Zyra slashed her in the back. The cut was like slashing a pond and did not even leave a mark. The creature simply looked at her with annoyance, then recognition, and then jealously. It was strange to see these emotions on a blue body that was her own. In fact, it was incredibly strange. Nightmare strange. Hanto's eyes were closed and his body was limp. Zyra grabbed the creature's shoulders and using all her strength wrenched her off. The creature fought her, but her moistness had been her undoing.There was a loud squelch as she surged off. Turning on all fours the creature hissed angrily. "Try me," Zyra growled. "It will be the last thing you attempt." She didn't know how to kill her, but she would find a way. The creature could see her deadly intent and instead ran to the tree. Sparing a glance at them she turned back into her slender and pretty self, giving Hanto a seemingly sad look. Then she disappeared. Kneeling beside the naked Hanto she shook him trying to make him wake. his manhood was erect and pointing at her. She tried to ignore it. Putting an ear on his chest she checked for his heart beat. It was erratic, but it was there. "Hanto...Hanto!" she shouted. He moaned and turned his head seeming in protest. "Hanto you fuckta! Don't waste my time!" Zyra snarled. He eased his head back and opened his eyes. They were glossy with unshed tears as he took her in. "Hanto we have to get up," she said gentler trying to help him, but he was dead weight. He simply looked at her with a pitiful expression. Looking behind her Enui was humping the creature's tree. "For the love of...Enui stop!" Running over she pulled her away lest she summon them and reluctantly let her revel on another tree. "Hanto, we have to go!" she shouted. "Now, before they come back out." She wasn't sure if they would, but she knew that she didn't want to be there if they did. He abruptly grabbed her wrist and she fought the urge to throw him off. Everything in her said to lift up Enui, and leave him here to play with his sick twisted version of her. Still, she had made a promise and she could not allow herself to break it. "Tell me..." She looked down at his dry lips. He was dehydrated. She pulled out her water skin and put it to his lips. He turned his head in refusal. "Tell me...why you do not like me." She resisted rolling her eyes. "Hanto please, we must go..." "No!" he growled. "I'm not leaving unless you tell me!" There was madness in his eyes and Zyra looked at him harder. Madness, the creatures had made them mad. It had preyed on his mental insecurities and overloaded Enui's physical senses. "Hanto listen to me," she cooed holding a hand over the one that held her. "It is not that I dislike you, simply that I cannot focus on other things when..." "Will you want me when this is over?" She didn't want to lie, but maybe a lie was necessary. If she lied maybe he would come with her for now. "Yes, if you are brave." His eyes narrowed. "You are lying. You'll want Rell." He said his brother's name with such hatred that Zyra feared for Rell's safety. The hand on her wrist was starting to clench painfully and she gritted her teeth. "What would make you say that Hanto?" "Do not act coy Zyra," he said, directing his anger to her. "I know. I have seen—" "It was bewitchment Hanto," Zyra protested flexing her wrist in his grip. "Let go, you're hurting me." His face registered pain and he released her immediately. "I am...I'm sorry. It's just...I think I've fallen in love with you." The statement gave her pause and she put a hand on his head. No fever. He took her gesture as a sign of affection and continued to talk. "I know you are supposed to be the mother of my sons, that you would be brave and loyal in our time apart." Zyra looked at him with wide eyes. Hanto really had lost his mind, but she had no time to fight with him. "Hanto we have no future if we don't get out of here." The use of we seemed to wake him up. She needed to use that. Gently she put a hand on his face mustering up all of her feminine wiles. "You have to help me Hanto. I need you, the others are headed to the clearing and Nima's running out of time. Please get up Hanto. I need your help. I..." Am about to lie. "I cannot do this without you." He nodded, seemingly mystified by her sudden helplessness. Either way it was effective. He leant towards her with sudden elation before rising unsteadily to his feet. Silently he wrapped the remains of what were his pants around his waist as Zyra clothed Enui the best she could. Without a word he picked Enui up and together they began to run to the clearing. __________________________________________________ Etaceh watched as the last victims of her tests escaped and headed toward her domain. Despite herself she was strangely pleased at how things had turned out. That human, Zyra would be very useful to them indeed. She had proven to be strong, intelligent, diplomatic, and have a lovely way with words. It didn't hurt that she was easy on the eyes either. Another factor that she had not expected came out from the one named Rell. Based on her information she had though he would be the weakest link. He had surprised her by not only saving himself but finding the others unaided. "Etaceh!" A sky witch by the name of Juno motioned to her erratically. "The humans are approaching! We have widened the field and raised the sun but they continue on. What should we do?" Etaceh grinned. "Leave them." She eyed her newest prizes like a dragon mesmerized with gold. "Let them come." Juno nodded and relayed the message to the other lesser witches. Caligula drifted in from the darkness his purple eyes studying the situation. "You've done quite a number on them haven't you?" he clucked. He studied the nymph jinxed girl and her friend who respectfully bound her groping hands. The blonde female walked nervously with an arm wrapped around Zyra and a hand on the jinxed girl, as though they might be separated by another gust of wind at any moment. The blonde boy had awoken and seemed somber instead of his normally cheerful self. Perhaps the violence he had committed had affected him personally. What a pity. The only one who seemed fine was the other male. In fact, he seemed rather joyous. Humans were strange creatures indeed. Zyra, Hanto, and Enui had met Gharla and Rell resting underneath a tree. After they had met one another, they finished their roots and water before speaking in hushed tones. "The sun should have set already," Gharla said pointing at the shadows that stretched right beyond them. "I've been counting, it's been highest sun for several hours now." Zyra nodded not putting it past them. "Then it is night. Or perhaps next day. We still need to get to the tree." "We'll never make it in our condition," Rell said pessimistically. Then he looked at Zyra with suspicion. This gave her pause. Rell of all people? "You seem best off of us Zyra," he said in a measured tone. "You know what they did to us, what did they do to you?" Zyra felt her heart pound with panic but kept it at bay the best she could. She couldn't afford to lose her head, not now. If she did all would be lost. She would not run off to the Tree and leave her friends behind. She would not scream and cry the whole way there. She would not curl up in a ball and wish to die. "They showed me where you were," she answered. Rell's blue eyes seemed to be searching her mind. "That's all? No torture?" Gharla narrowed her eyes as she held a sleeping Enui. They had knocked her out for her own good. "What are you implying Ursie? Do you dare question your leader? I carried you here you wretch! And she just saved your brother!" Gharla spat. "Maybe," Rell stated. "Or maybe we are still in an illusion and the real Zyra is being tortured while we sit here." Gharla looked uneasy and then turned quietly to Zyra."How did you know where we were?" Zyra's eyes widened. "It was a basin, she showed me a vision of you being..." "She?" Hanto interjected dangerously. "You never mentioned a she. You said they." "She was one of them,"Zyra spat. "We don't have time for this!" "What did she say to you?" Gharla asked. Zyra stood up and clenched her fists. She did not choose their lives for this. "We have to save Nima," she shouted. "We have to go!" "We're not going anywhere until you tell us what was said," Rell shouted back. He stood stomping towards her. His trial had hurt him badly. "I was nearly drowned by a girl who told me my mother died because of me. Gharla nearly burned to death and Hanto and Enui were fucked out of their minds. What did she do to you!" "SHE TOLD ME I HAD TO CHOSE!" Zyra held her head, reliving the agony that she was trying to keep at bay. The fresh hell that opened its doors every time she thought about living in that village without them. "Chose what?" Rell asked softly. She looked at his miserably. "Who lived." They grew quiet and watched her in disbelief. Gharla stood up her eyes filling with tears. "But...but we're all here right? All of us are alive so..." Zyra turned her back on them. "She said...I had to choose whether you die or...Nima dies." She heard feet when she suddenly collided with the ground. Gharla stood over her with balled fists. Zyra stumbled back to stand. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 08 "Why did you chose us!" Gharla shrieked. She grabbed her clothes and shook her violently. "Why! Why didn't you leave us..." Her voice broke in sorrow. "W-Wh...y?" Zyra peeled the sobbing woman's fingers off her clothes and gave her a tight hug. "Because I made a promise," Zyra said, glaring at Rell and Hanto's grave faces. "You made a promise to Kyzu too," Gharla moaned, tears wetting Zyra's skin.. "I know," Zyra declared. "And I intend on keeping it." Gharla's red eyes went wide. "But you said." "I know what I said, and I know what she said but I still have to try. That's why I told you my journey is a pointless one." With that she started toward the clearing. "Go home. If I do not return...tell Kyzu I am sorry." For a moment she had forgotten that Kyzu was ill. If she did not return, she could tell Kyzu herself. Zyra made it a point to look unfriendly and unapproachable. She didn't look back. A little after her exit she heard shuffling and footsteps. Beside her Gharla appeared, her eyes dry and determined. Enui was tied to Hanto's back and Rell was on her other side. She didn't have time to try to convince them to go back nor the patience. The sun had made her skin untouchable and everything ached. She would reach the tree or die. Time stretched on and on like a drop of water that would not break to land on the soft green earth. For a while all she could hear was the panting of her friends, then her own panting, and then nothing but the swish of her dry tongue churning the sand in her mouth. Her legs were unsteady, her walk became more of a falling forward in the direction of the Tree than a walking towards it. Enui had awoken and was going through some kind of withdrawal. She would cry, giggle maniacally, passed out or scream on Hanto's back at any moment. Her giggling was actually the worst sound, it made Zyra fearful of her return.She gave Hanto credit for being able to hold her up and keep going. Even so she was not shocked when he collapsed. Rell followed a few yards after. The tree was right in front of her, seamless and beautiful, a perfect centerpiece for hell. When she heard another thump she turned and finally saw Gharla. She was on her forearms and had tightened up. "I can't go anymore," Gharla gasped. "Go Zyra, don't stop." Zyra turned stiffly and walked on. She walked for forever when an unsteady step left her face first in the dirt. She wanted to lie there desperately. She closed her eyes. Nima's sickly face haunted the darkness. No, she had to keep going. She stood up and walked slower. When her legs gave out she crawled. Her knees were bloody and she drowned in her sweat. She remembered a story her mother told her. There used to be something called paintings in the Old World. One of her mother's favorite stories was about a painting of a man reaching out with a single finger to touch the hand of God. When she reached for the cold white surface she could picture it clearly, perfectly in her mind. "God..." The cold chill ran up her arm. She had done it, she had made it to the Marble Tree. She placed a cheek against its surface and the darkness holding Nima, came. __________________________________________________ She awoke with a start. She was cold and in the dark, but she didn't hurt. Zyra touched a hand to her face and her knees. They were fine, the skin was soft and uninjured. Had...had it all been an illusion? The room had no door, no items, and no candles. Beyond the dark room was a dimly lit hallway. It resembled the blue ambiance of moonlight. A small black figure darted past the door. On her feet immediately Zyra ran after it. "Wait!" The figure giggled and turned a corner. She followed, seeing it was half her size. A child? "Please, stop!" The figure made a left and then a quick right down a set of stairs. Zyra slid a bit on the left but righted herself in time to run down the stairs. "Stop!" She chased it all the way into a circular room. When she entered it was nowhere to be found and no other door remained. There was no ceiling in this room, the moon glowing over the Marble and making it shine. In the room's center, glittering prettily was that accursed basin. It was even colder here, she could see her breath. She stepped inside, but no further. She waited several minutes before taking another step forward. Hearing amused laughter she saw the figure was on a balcony above. It pulled down the hood and she could see a fair faced little girl with blood red lips. "Come down here right now," Zyra demanded. "Why?" the girl said in a high pitched voice. "You know why I am here," Zyra snapped. "Do not play games with me." The girl pouted and jumped over the railing landing in a soundless black pile. She straightened nonchalantly and walked up to Zyra. "Would you hurt me? I'm just a little child you know." She gave her a sad look with her big doe like eyes. Zyra bent to her level and stroked a hand through the girl's silky black hair. She smiled at her bitterly. "You are no child." The child returned her look and began to stretch into the witch she knew from the field. "How clever you are indeed...Zyra," the woman said, languishing in the pronunciation of her name. "You're simply too clever for me. Perhaps I, Etaceh counselor of the first witch, writer of the seven scrolls and protectorate of this land should back down with my tail tucked firmly between my legs." "Maybe you should." Etaceh laughed and began to circle her with long even steps. "You must think you're special. Even when you're lucky to be alive right now speaking to me when you were dying just a moment ago." Zyra wanted to argue with her, to curse her for her tests and make her pay for what she was doing, but she could only muster up despair. "Please," she pleaded. "You know why I'm here." The witch rolled her eyes, disappointed that her fun was now over. "Oh you're a mood killer aren't you? You think I can help you?" Zyra nodded. "I know you can." "And what can you offer me?" "Anything." The witch's face turned cruel and she stepped forward until her face was just above Zyra's. She took her chin in her hand and leaned in with her bloody smile. "Anything? Or everything?" "Everything." The witch started to chuckle and pulled back from her like a retreating snake. "Well, you're bravery is in vain," the Etaceh said throwing a nonchalant hand in the air. She gave Zyra a small amused smile. "The child is dead." _______________________________________________ Wow! I can sense the hate/love you're feeling! Don't forget to comment!!! -Sincerely, Ms. Stubborn Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 09 Just a note, I did send in revisions on my earlier chapters so there should be a different format on chapters 1-4. The storyline is the same, but it might be worth it to revisit those chapters. On with the show! Chapter 9: Sacrifice "The child is dead." "The child is dead." The child is dead." The child is dead." The child is dead." The child is dead." She couldn't understand the words. Zyra couldn't begin to fathom what those words meant. Etaceh watched the glazing over of the girl's eyes, the defeat that was slowly sucking the life out of her. It was delectable. How easily she could be broken with four simple words. On the other side of the Marble Tree Rell, Enui, Hanto, and Gharla had begun to wake. When Rell felt the cold on his face he immediately thought of water and sprung to his feet. Where, where were they? "R-Rell?" Looking down he saw the dark outline of Gharla. The soreness in his limbs had gone and he helped her up with surprising ease. "Where are we?" she asked confused. "Where...where is Zyra?" They heard groans behind them and turned to see Enui clutching herself desperately in a corner while Hanto rose to a sitting position. Worriedly Gharla rushed over to Enui and tried to reach out to her. Enui wrapped her arms around her, shivering. "I...I don't know...w-what's happening to m-me... Oh gosh...won't somebody please fuck me. Fuck me!" Enui stammered tearily. "Don't worry dear one," Gharla said holding the trembling girl. "We'll get you the help you need." "We're in the Marble Tree," Rell said suddenly. The weight of his words rang through the darkness. Yes, that made sense. They had all been transported inside of it. "Then where is Zyra?" Gharla asked, feeling dread rise inside her. Looking out of the door-less room they saw the moonlit corridor. A tall dark figure garbed in black suddenly stood in the doorway. "Who are..." Rell started, but the figure turned and began walking away. "Wait!" Scrambling to their feet they rushed after it. __________________________________________________ "Zyra? Zyra darling are you trying to escape from me?" The girl didn't answer, instead looking straight ahead with a dead expression. Etaceh rubbed her chin in contemplation then reached out run her fingers through Zyra's hair. "Still think it was wise to follow me child?" she hummed. "Child huntress, strong warrior of human female tribe, the Rovians." Her eyes snapped up to look at Etaceh's, their deadened fire burning dully against the surface. That's right Zyra, don't give up without a fight. "Child who almost took pleasure from Ursie son Rell. Child who fears pleasure." The fire began to burn brighter and she saw her tighten her fist. "Child who failed her purpose here, who has no purpose. Would you like a purpose Zyra? Should I turn you into a bird? Or maybe a worm. Or maybe..." She ran a finger over Zyra's full lips. "Maybe I'll let the nymphs have you. And I can watch as your mind fades away, and all your memories of little dead Nima just disappear." Without warning Zyra grabbed her wrist and pulled her forward. Her other hand clenched around her neck and Etaceh was on her back, the girl, now a feral beast, perched above her. She squeezed her neck mercilessly and Etaceh let out gurgled laughter. "Yes! Revert...your— nothing... but an animal!" "Etaceh, stop before she actually harms you." The girl didn't flinch when she heard Caligula's voice, her fingernails drawing blood on her wrist. "A little...choking's never...hurt anyone." Caligula sucked his teeth and pulled the girl off of Etaceh by the back of her hair. She was a strong and he had to use actual force to get her off. He never expected her to turn her violence towards him. The minute she was raised she turned and punched him in his face. His hood fell down and she could see his purple eyes lighted with shock. "Wow," he said holding his cheek. It had already begun to swell. She heard a cracking noise and saw a white spark lick his cheek. Then he was fine. His eyes trained on her inquisitively. "You just struck a first witch of the Dark High Council and choked the protectorate of this valley. What do you have to say for yourself?" "You can all go to hell." Those were the first words she had spoken since she had learned of Nima's...she couldn't think about it. Caligula raised an astonished eyebrow. Maybe she was his offspring, they all hated him. "Ballsy little human isn't she?" Etaceh mused from the floor. "Quiet Etaceh," Caligula snapped. "Haven't you done enough?" "I want her," Etaceh proclaimed pulling herself to her feet. "I want you to make her ours Caligula." "You'll have to kill me first," Zyra hissed. "I'll never give myself up." Caligula smiled at her in response. "What if we said we could give you what you asked for? Is that worth your life?" "ZYRA!" "Gharla?" Turning they saw her friends arriving just in time. Before they could reach to the center of the hall, a wall of black fire erupted in front of them. They scurried back before the fire burned them when it suddenly spread, boxing them in. "LET HER GO!" Gharla screamed pressing to run into the fire. It was unaffected. It didn't burn, but it blocked. They were trapped. "LET HER GO!" Etaceh rolled her eyes and motioned for Caligula to proceed. Zyra looked at him, unable to hide the desperation in her eyes. "Zyra, is it? Do you know why you are here?" Caligula asked her. He was handsome with a richly colored voice, but his eyes held secrets that no human knew. She was terribly outmatched here. "I've come for a cure." "No," he interjected. "You are here because we let you come here." Etaceh slid to his side, leaning behind him as she smirked at Zyra. "Your fortitude impresses us." Zyra was confused. Then why...was this another test? Did she pass it? "Then...you will give me a cure for Nima's illness?" she asked hopefully. "You can't cure death kid," Etaceh said laughing. Behind her she heard a woman burst into sobs. "Oh shut up!" "What she means to say," Caligula said glaring at her. "Is that nothing is ever given freely. Your niece has passed make no mistake, but she only died this morning." Zyra stared at him, willing him with her eyes to explain. "She died early today. Now let us say that you arrived yesterday with a cure. Your dear Nima would be saved. What you need is not just a cure, you need time. A day in which you would be able to successfully make it to her and administer the elixir." From high above on a shelf she did not see, a small vial attached to a cord floated down into Etaceh's hand. Zyra reached out to it but Etaceh pulled it back. "But what will we have as payment?" Etaceh said smirking. The deal was a catalyst. All of a sudden a procession of witches filed into the room. Hooded figures in black stood to circle around them. The black flames rose to the ceiling. Five witches stepped forward, a purple pendant on their robes. They pushed the basin to line up with the skylight and it began to bubble up. "Zyra run!" Hanto shouted roughly. "Go!" The five witches threw handfuls of dust and leaves into the water until it turned a frothy white. They backed up as the sides spilled over onto the floor and smoke rose from its top. "What will you sacrifice?" Zyra stared the adorned witches down, their formless eyes probing at her soul. "What would you require?" Etaceh's face ripped in two with the broadness of her red smile. Her floor length hair seemed to shudder like an anxious animal. "Well...hm. What about your life for hers?" "Done." "NO ZYRA!" Gharla threw herself against the wall of black, delirious in her agony. "YOU CAN'T! YOU CAN'T!" Hanto joined in, telling her cliché "stay alive" phrases that rolled off of her like rain. She locked eyes with Rell. Through all the chaos he seemed to be the only one who understood. His hands touched the flames. He smiled at her and gave her a small supportive nod. "Take care of them," she said softly. Gharla yelled out to her saying how she didn't want to do that alone, but she hadn't been talking to her. "What about them?" she asked. "Will they be safe?" "You only have one bargaining chip my sweet," Etaceh said dismissively. "Your friends are adults, I'm sure we can make deals, but your dance card is full." "What's a dance card?" Etaceh frowned. "Wrong century darling. Not to worry." Caligula stepped forward and cupped her face in a long fingered hand. He looked deeply into her eyes for any wavering. "Would you really die for this child? Not even the fruit of your own womb?" "Yes." He pulled back and looked at the other witches. "Very well. We have keromedio! The witches exalted at his proclamation. They parted the path to the dribbling basin. "Bring forth the keromedio for Hecate!" the assembly shouted. "Bring forth alms for Circe!" "Bring forth sacrament for Medea!" They chanted or different people as Caligula guided her forward. Gently he put the elixir around her neck as well as a necklace with a strange leaf symbol upon it. "When you are ready, put your hand in the bowl and your life will be ours," he whispered. Then she was alone by the basin. She looked back at the flaming wall. Gharla had pulled herself together and was holding Enui. Together they watched with brave but trembling mouths. They would not dishonor her, she was grateful to have been with them. Hanto still yelled for her, his eyes red in anger and grief. She felt sorry for him, that he had ever attached himself to her. Rell smiled and gave her a simple sign for peace. She should have let him finish that night. It was too late though. She had no more time for regrets. Closing her eyes she prayed for peace and put her right hand into the bowl. At first there was silence. Then she felt the foam beginning to swirl around her fingertips. Opening her eyes she saw it was climbing up her arm. She watched as it started to take over her form, covering her until she was nothing more than a white mass. Then there was pain. Her right arm was on fire. She bit off her screams as best as she could but a few escaped, it's agony bouncing off the walls. The foam seeped in her eyes, her mouth, her nose, she couldn't breathe. Inside and out she began to burn until she felt like she was nothing more than a charred consciousness. The burning was replaced by a cold numbness. Was this what death was? No, she was still alive. She could feel that wretched foam from inside her forcing itself out, the foam in every part of her was receding. She forced her stinging eyes open. It was going back into the basin. Her sight had always been good, but suddenly she felt it amplified as though she could zero in on any part of the room. The Tree that was once cold and dark looked bright as the reflection of the rainbow prisms danced in her eyes. Looking at her right arm her eyes widened. Carved in black was a tattoo that ran from her shoulder to her wrist. It looked like her arm had absorbed dark shiny tendrils that curled around it wickedly. Every now and then there was a break between the lines. The symbols had meaning, just not to her. "From this day forward you are the keromedio of this land and the land you hail." She turned to look at Caligula who looked devastatingly handsome when the shadows were gone from his face. He helped her to her feet. "Your life belongs to us. When we need you, we shall call and you must come. If you do not, we will take back the life you have given to us. You will live and die by the coven. That is the role of the keromedio." Zyra nodded, still in shock that she was alive and...relatively whole. The tattoo on her arm had a strange metallic quality. The surrounding witches let out a strange chant before exiting, a few touching her on their way out. Her comrades were silent, watching her as though she was a ghost come back from the dead. "So...that's it?" she asked cautiously. "A lifetime commitment is not something to be balked at," Etaceh exclaimed. "Your life will never be the same. Be assured of that." Zyra was, in fact she was sure she was still in shock. She could come apart later. "So when will you turn back time?" "Anytime you ask." She looked at the others. The black wall of fire dispersed and she ran over to them. They enveloped her in a hug and she let them crush her to their content. When they had calmed she turned back to the witches. "We are ready." "What do you mean by we?" Etaceh asked tilting her head. "We never said they could leave." Zyra's eyes widened. "But..." "But what? Surely you knew there were going to be consequences." Etaceh looked over at her friends in disdain. "Only one of you is half worth interest. And did you forget about your nymph jinxed friend over there?" Zyra looked back at Enui who had returned to the ground and was rubbing fervently between her legs. Yes, somehow she had forgotten. There was something about near death experiences that promoted memory loss. "Can this cure her as well?" she asked pointing to the vial around her neck. "There's nothing to cure," Caligula said. "She was...playing with the nymphs right?" "Those blue things that raped her?" "...in a matter of speaking." "Then yes." Caligula strode over to Enui. He picked her up by her offending wrist like she was a small child being reprimanded, and examined her crazed eyes. "It appears she's turned into a nympho." "Well, can you fix it or not?" Gharla snapped angrily. He gave her an amused look, taking in her long tan legs and defiant face. Interesting. "You have to let the nymphs finish with her. Once they've finished she should be fine. Tired and ravaged yes, but sane." "So we have to take her back here?" Gharla said incredulously. "I wouldn't suggest leaving," Caligula answered. "The withdrawal she's going through is bad enough at the moment. It will only worsen." "What about their return?" Zyra asked. "Surely you don't expect all of our lives." "God no," Etaceh interjected. "Some of your lives are quite worthless." Hanto growled in response and she chuckled. "See? He knows it too." "We could use a retainer," Caligula suggested. Etaceh turned her eyes lustily to Rell. "Yes." She took long strides to stand before him. "Rell, son of the Ursie Chief. How about we barter for you and your brother?" "No!" Hanto shouted pushing himself forward and Rell behind. "I will barter with you." Etaceh rolled her eyes. "We have already established you have nothing to bargain with." She turned back to Rell. "How about being a substitute keromedio? If Zyra fails in her duty, then we shall transfer responsibility to you. If she dies of natural causes or is released, then it doesn't affect your life one bit. Oh, and it's a lot less ceremony." Rell looked at Zyra before nodding in agreement. "Excellent!" Etaceh said grinning. "We get them both. Like a tea pot set!" "Rell, this is foolish," Hanto whispered angrily. "Don't bargain with these tricksters." "You've protected me my whole life," Rell said gently. "I am prepared to do this brother. For you." He stepped in from of Hanto, a gesture he had never done before. The hate that had clouded Hanto's heart dissipated. Rell and Zyra's coupling was an illusion, Rell would never betray him. "Good," Etaceh said happily. "Zyra, link hands with Rell." She nodded and did as she asked. "The other hand...yes the one with the tattoo. Good." Caligula stood between them and lifted their arms into the air. "Squeeze hands." Rell and Zyra's grips tightened and they watched each other apprehensively. The black tendrils from Zyra's arm began to suddenly whip about and spread down into Rell's fingers. His grip tightened but he didn't let go. Slowly a black metallic tattoo wrapped a tiny bracelet around his pale wrist. When the symbols were done, then receded back into her arm. Then Caligula pulled their hands apart. "We have a retainer," he said nodding. "You and your brother may go." "And the others?" Zyra demanded. "You said I'm the keromedio of my land and this one. They are under my protection because they're from my land! You have to..." "Fine! Fine!" Etaceh said raising up her hands. "Are always so serious? You're so tightly wound I'm surprised you can move. Fine! Take your friends and go...goodness. But the nympho should stay behind and wait until she's well again to travel." Gharla lifted Enui up and looked at Etaceh and Caligula angrily. "...I'm not leaving her with you." Caligula's face dawned an easy smile. "Fine, stay with her. You can both stay and when the child is well, we can assure your safety back." He glanced at Zyra. "I promise." Zyra nodded and prepared to walk towards the brothers when Etaceh's shrill voice cut through her budding happiness. "Oh and we have a task for you. Starting now." They heard one of the witches snap their fingers before they the world began to spin around them. "Closing your eyes helps," Caligula quipped. Dizziness took over them as they tried to center themselves. Falling to the ground they squeezed their eyes shut as they held on for the ride. When it stopped they opened their eyes and saw daylight. The fourth day, it was the fourth day again. Nima died on the fifth. Zyra jumped to her feet and shook her head clear before quickly looking for an exit. "Calm yourself Zyra," Caligula said firmly. The two witches were in the same exact spot, unaffected by the shift. "You will have plenty of time should you follow our instructions perfectly." When the others rose the witches led them out of the Tree. Outside they saw the valley was once again it's beautiful majestic self. There, standing on the waving green grass was a crowd of figures. Two witches garbed in black stood on each side of a group of peculiar looking man creatures. They startled Zyra most of all because they were green. They had yellow eyes and varied faces and lengths hair. Their ears came to sharp tapered points and they had sharp gray nails on their fingers. Each wore tan shirts made of something that looked rough and uncomfortable, but their bright brown leg pants seemed to be spacious and well made. Careful stitches were visible on the sides. They were tall, some had shiny adornments in their hair or ears. As she studied closer she saw one woman standing closer to the back, a dark blue veil covering her head. In front of their number was one man creature in particular that caused her internal distress. He was tall, a good head or two taller than Hanto. He was a pale green with a full head of shocking red russet hair that waved carelessly in the breeze. His shirt had no sleeves, so she was able to see the powerful muscles that lay in his torso. Even relaxed he looked formidable. His face looked human, too human in fact for a green creature. He had full masculine lips and a straight thin nose with cheekbones like a nobleman. His eyes were closed. He was handsome, incredibly handsome and Zyra felt her heart skip a beat. He was also in shackles. "This is Kail ShaShanen Shyla," Etaceh said pointing to him. Her hood was back in place. The men behind him looked stern, some even looked upset, but they kept their eyes forward. "What...is he?" Zyra asked. The green men looked at her while the one called Kail stared forward. "He is an ogre," Caligula answered. "He hails from the Ogre tribe that serves Shyla. They are centuries old." Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 09 He put a hand on her shoulder. "We had been bartering with the ShaShanen to figure out how best to deal with him. Given that we now have a keromedio, it seems apt that we put him in your care." Zyra blinked. "...what?" Etaceh gestured to the green men and the stepped back, leaving the shackled ogre forward. "You will take him into your tribe land and care for him until natural death, or until we fetch for him," she said dismissively. "What?" "You can treat him as a slave or a servant if you like," Etaceh offered. "...but you must prolong his life." Him, they kept saying him. This creature was male and considered himself a man. She was almost certain in fact that she knew him, that he was the ogre that had accosted her in the forest. Now he was being delivered to her in chains. If she could just see that gold earring in his ear then she would know, but his hair covered his ears. To her surprise Hanto spoke on her behalf. "No," he declared. "Impossible, their tribe strictly forbids men and she is not Chieftess. She cannot perform this duty." "You refuse our first task?" Etaceh said with mock horror, glancing at Zyra. "Then perhaps the cure should..." "No!" Zyra interjected. "The Ursie does not speak for me. I...I agree." Hanto looked at her angrily. "Zyra..." "Silence Hanto," she barked viciously. He would need to put his pride aside or she would break it. "Good then," Etaceh said beaming. "Let us allow the Shashanen to say their farewells." The group enclosed the prisoner and spoke to him in hushed voices. When they parted the ogre woman stepped forward. Zyra saw she was old and hunched over, even though she was still taller than her. Her eyes were a cool amber and she reached out a hand shakily toward Zyra. That was when she realized the ogre woman was blind. She stepped forward and the woman's finger nicked her, but she didn't complain. The woman let out a strange sounding howl, obviously smelling the blood and Zyra could sense her pain. She enclosed her hand with hers and the woman immediately did the same. Bending over she kissed Zyra's hands, tears falling on her fingers. "Please," she whispered in a rough foreign tongue. "I will," Zyra answered squeezing her hands. There was no need to explain. The woman smiled and pressed a warm motherly kiss on Zyra's forehead. The loss of her own mother began to way on her and she was happy when the elderly woman released her hand. She noticed her tattoo flash white and saw that her wound was gone. Clearly, her life had changed forever. Caligula stepped toward her and gave her instruction on how to properly exit the border, to mash leaves and water with the elixir, and then drain the remnants in both Zyra and Kyzu's mouths. The pulp could be used for further fever. She would be immune to the contamination but the others had best stay back. "You may proceed," Caligula ushered. He put in her hand a small silver key. She added it to her necklace. The group dissipated and Zyra hesitantly stepped forward. She didn't want this. She didn't need this. Why... She reached forward to grasp the chain that held the ogre and he lifted his head. Diamond shaped cat eyes cut through her soul, glowing like the embers of a forgotten dream, forcing her back into the moments she feared the most. It was him. The chain jingled as she stepped back. It was several arms long. His eyes didn't leave her face as she turned from him to her huntresses. "Will you be alright?" she asked Gharla. She looked that saw Enui was gone. "Where is...?" "Being cured," Gharla said unhappily. "I will be fine. Don't worry about me." "Don't worry, we will not harm them," Caligula said, suddenly in their conversation. He eyed Gharla with amusement. "We cannot. They are under your protection remember?" She seemed to be protecting a lot of people lately. Zyra could only nod, holding back a heavy, world on her shoulders sigh. She gave Gharla a bone crushing hug, then without a word she, Rell, Hanto, and the ogre went back into the woods. __________________________________________________ The trip seemed shorter as she followed the witch's shortcut. In fact, in a matter of minutes they were back across the border. Apparently being welcome had its privileges. Now the real journey had begun. It had taken them a day and night with rest to make it to the border the first day. "We're not going to stop unless it's for water or relief. Minute stops only. " she announced. Her companions said nothing, Rell studied her whilst Hanto eyed the ogre. They travelled quickly and all seemed well at keeping their pace. Rell seemed in better shape, most likely a result of both their days of travel, combined with whatever enhancements he received from being her retainer. The ogre didn't look at her again, instead keeping his eyes forward, aware of the animosity that steamed off of Hanto. She was glad he was shackled in the front because he was able to meet his own needs. As they hurried through the forest she began to think of the unanswered questions left behind. What did he eat? Did he speak? He did, but how long would he pretend he didn't? Was he voracious? A danger to a tribe of women if his sexual appetite was not fulfilled? Or his other appetite? Could he be trusted? What was an ogre anyway? Zyra did not travel across the border just to bring back a plague upon them. Maybe he was meant to be a slave. Perhaps only a firm hand could handle him. Even so, Zyra had too much responsibility as it was. She had little desire to care for another life. Looking beside her she saw Hanto glaring at the ogre, then at her. Now that she had lost her helpless act it was evident that he was hopelessly confused. Hanto's hand surged out violently. "Hand me his chains!" She noticed the ogre stiffen from the corner of her eye. "No, he is my burden," Zyra said in a no nonsense tone. Hanto let out a sigh of frustration. "Let me just ease your toil for a few moments." She looked at him with disdain. He was beginning to get on her nerves. "He is walking Hanto. I am not dragging him. I can hold onto a simple chain." "I am simply saying..." She stopped dead in her tracks and released the chain of the ogre. She faced Hanto with a finger pointed vulgarly at his face. "Do not do this." She turned back towards the ogre and gathered his chain before storming off. If Hanto only knew how much she wished she had left him in that valley. She was not going to let Nima die again. The witches said they had time, but if they kept delaying they might not. The ogre was keeping up nicely. Truthfully she wished he'd run away when she'd given him the chance. When the sun began to set Zyra grew desperate. She knew where they were and yet it was still away from their destination. Panic pooled inside of her and her distress was noticed only by a pair of yellow eyes. When darkness fell Zyra broke into a sprint. She ran, content on releasing the chain if she felt it tug at any moment. It was unnecessary, as the ogre continued to keep up. She could hear Hanto yelling for her to slow down, or calm down, or some other down she didn't wish to obey. Rell spoke roughly to him which brought her some peace. Perhaps berating him for his selfishness. She was a bit surprised when she felt herself trip forward. She had readied her hands to take the scraping but was caught by a pair of bound arms. The ogre watched her silently and she responded in his fashion, mutely righting herself before resuming her run. The moon was high when she arrived to Kyzu and Nima's tent. The chain dropped from her hand and she tore open the flaps. Kyzu watched over Nima as they both appeared to be wasting away. They were alone as most contaminants were. Kyzu's eyes grew wide as she took Zyra in. "Zyra? Zyra...is that really you?" Zyra didn't answer instead reaching into her necklace for the vial. In the corner she saw what appeared to be healing sap in a small wooden bowl. She scooped it out and instead placed in the leaves she had gathered and the water from the skin she had carried. Using a stick she ground it up as best as she could before adding the elixir. Kyzu watched mystified as Zyra worked. She flinched when she touched Zyra's arm and saw the strange markings she now carried. Their eyes connected for the briefest of moments. Understanding. Then continuity. When Zyra finished a clear smoky broth rose above the leaves. Kyzu tilted up Nima's head and pried apart her dry lips. With a spoon they forced the broth down her mouth in tiny sips. Nima didn't respond, but the potion entered her all the same. Zyra gave her half of the potion before feeding Kyzu the other portion. Then they waited. It seemed like an eternity as they sat together in that tent. Rell and Hanto had arrived but they stayed their distance to avoid disease. When the birds began to chirp and Nima's eyes did not open Zyra felt her hope vanish. It was a trick. A cruel trick. Why had... A flinch, Nima's hand flinched. Then her nose twitched. Slowly her long eyelashes fluttered open. The first face she took in was Zyra's. Her pink lips parted. "Z-...Zyra?" Her first word, and it was her name. Zyra felt tears running down her face as Kyzu exclaimed, holding her child to her. "Oh thank goodness," she whispered. Then all her strength left her. She welcomed the darkness as a dear friend. __________________________________________________ When she awoke she could tell it was deep in the day because of how bright the sun burned on the tarp. Looking around she saw she was in Ginger's tent. Her tattoo had been covered up with a bandage and her body had been cleaned and adorned with new clothes. She was in a pair of brown leg pants and a white loose shirt. She stood, feeling ravenous and opened the flaps of the tent. Immediately she heard shouts. "ZYRA!" "She's awake!" "Zyra's awake!" In a frenzy, arms and lips embraced her. Her tribe condensed upon her filling her with their love and tears of joy. This is what she had fought for; this is why she kept fighting. With a smile that threatened to overtake her face she learned that she had been asleep since early yesterday. Kyzu and Nima had made rapid recoveries and since her utterance of her name, Nima had said several words. Mother and Auntie, being prominent among them. Rell and Hanto had filled in the villagers of certain details, and they accepted her and her huntress' sacrifices with pride. Hanto was resting, as they would venture home in the morn, and Rell was watching over the ogre. It was a bold move that Zyra appreciated. She stuffed her face while in the arms and laps of many of her sisters before she checked on Nima and Kyzu. The glow had returned to their faces and Nima's eyes were alight with childish glee. "Zee-raw?" she said in raspy, but warming high pitched voice. "Yes Nima." "Awn-tie!" Nima ran to her and she clasped her in her arms tightly, giving her all her love. "Yes Nima. I am your auntie." "Awnnie Z-ka!" "Close enough." This moment would no doubt chase away her nightmares. Zyra was reluctant to find the ogre. Even so, she knew that he was her responsibility and she could not let Rell cover her forever. She found them by the lake. Rell was staring at the glistening water with a frown while he absentmindedly fed the ogre. His hands were still shackled and the chain was looped around a tree. The big ogre was complacent, relaxed even in the company of the slight man that sat next to him. Rell didn't notice her approach, but the orge did, his eyes snapping to hers. "Rell?" Rell turned, startled once again. "Will you please not do that?" he asked exasperatedly. She hid a smile. "Yes, of course." I won't do that for the rest of today. He wiped his hands on his pants, the food gone. She spied his wrist, also bandaged. "They think it's best if they stay covered," he said touching the bandage that peeked out of her shirt. "Bad luck or something." "I've come to relieve you of your duties," Zyra said holding Rell's wrist hand. Slowly she enclosed his hands with hers. "Thank you." Rell held her head affectionately. "Thank you. For saving me. And...for everything you did back there." She released his hand and waited until he was a far distance away. Then she advanced on the ogre. She loosened his chain and led him wordlessly into the forest. When she was a decent distance away from the Rovian tents but close to the river she turned to him. She would not be afraid of his size. She had taken him down before, unaided in the darkness. Now, she was even stronger. "It was you, wasn't it?" There, she had said it. He watched her emotionlessly with no visible intent on responding. He acted like a dumb and deaf brute. "Answer me!" she snapped in irritation. "I know you can speak ogre. Answer me!" He remained passive and she gave him the nastiest glare she could muster. "I swore I'd kill you the next time I saw you. Now I'm responsible for prolonging your life. Incredible. It's just incredible. I should have speared you when I had the chance." Clearly her annoyance had been amusing enough. A smile slowly crept onto his face and mischief poured into his eyes. He tilted his head coyly. "I knew you wouldn't forget me." She could see the earring now; she could remember the low honeyed voice. It was him, no doubt about it. Not that she had had doubts before but now there was irrefutable proof. Yet there was no way to respond, she didn't know how to respond. Hey, thanks for fingering me in the forest can you not do that again? Oh and what do you eat? Not children right? All she had were questions, but more than that, she had the inkling that she had added a particularly large burden to her list. "I'm only going to say this once," she said narrowing her eyes. "I don't care about the witch's agreement. If you harm any of the members of my tribe, I will kill you." He nodded, a pointy tooth hanging over his lip. She could see now his mouth consisted of sharp interlocking fangs that were not huge as she had thought, but deadly none the less. "Of course." She watched him for another moment before reaching for the key around her neck. Silently she unlocked his shackles. The heavy manacles fell to the floor and he rubbed his wrists. She could see lines and pinkness around them. She steeled her heart to him, refusing to feel concern. She would not forgive what he had done, but she could move on. "The land to the south is Rovian land. North is back toward your home." She pointed to the stream. "Along this stream are several bushes in which wild fruit and vegetables grow. If you need to hunt, there are several animals that usually scurry about here. You can use anything you like, so long as it does not disturb us." Comprehension seemed to dawn on the ogre and his smile dropped. "You mean I am to fend for myself?" "Yes. Should you need anything you may come to me with your request." "What about your sis..." "You will not go near them," Zyra growled. The ogre's eyes narrowed and he bent over to study her. "So I am not to be brought into your tribe? As was the deal made with the Dark Council?" Her own eyes narrowed further. "He said tribe land, not tribe,and you are clearly on our lands. We had the option of making you our slave but we decline." She turned from him and walked back towards camp, back hopefully to a remnant of her happiness. "So that's it?" he asked angrily. She didn't turn. "Just try not to get in my way ogre. You'll regret it." He watched her back, the power in her stride, the sway of her bottom as she sauntered indignantly off. In her way...that was exactly what he wanted. __________________________________________________ Hope you liked it! Like always comments are desired strongly! Thank you! -Ms. Stubborn ^^ Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 10 Chapter 10: Lust When night fell Zyra felt she could not sleep. She stayed this way, anxiously awaiting some foul omen or trick that would send her back into the hellish realms she was now enslaved. In the moonlight she examined the markings that now ran along her arm. They seemed to glow, flourish in the supernatural light. Nature itself seemed to be calling to her. It was frightening to be able to sense everything she loved in triplicate, but part of it served to deepen her love. She was unsure if she had closed her eyes long, but when she opened them the first lights of dawn were drawing. Zyra walked to the stream and sure enough saw Rell. He too had become attached to it. Chances were he had spent the night in Ginger's tent. She made it a point to step on a twig and he turned to her. Giving a small smile at her indulgence of his whims, he sat down, beckoning a spot for her. She sat beside cross legged him and they gazed out into the new day. "You..." Rell's eyes didn't move from the stream as he spoke. "You can feel it too yes?" "Which feeling?" Zyra asked. "Quite frankly there are many." Rell nodded and searched to find his words. "They've...changed us somehow. They're inside us. I can feel them." Rell frowned and touched his chest, the sunlight dancing on the hay colored lashes of his eyes. "It's as if the whole of me is warm, but... they, the part of them is cold." Zyra put a hand to her own chest and closed her eyes. Yes, he was right. She too could feel it. Just beside her heart she could feel the foreign object replacing what was once her. "How did it feel?" Rell asked suddenly. He turned his blue eyes on her. "When the white foam consumed you...how did it feel?" Zyra sighed, the breath pulled from deep within her weary bones. She wanted to tell him he would never need to worry about feeling it. She wanted to assure him that she would never fail her duty, but she could not. "It felt like what I imagine dying feels like." Rell frowned, pulling up a knee to lay his chin on it. "Are you worried that your sisters won't accept the new you?" She blinked. Zyra hadn't really thought about it. She regarded her tribe with unconditional love and expected them to do the same. Even so, the fact that they had made her cover the mark had hurt her feelings just a little. How could any part of her be a foul omen? She felt alienated now more than she had ever before. She had never quite fit in, now she never would. "I never really fit in with my sisters," she admitted to Rell. "Even as a child. I had a lot of admirers but, very few friends. I was always...different, especially from Kyzu." She smiled at her memories. "She was always the delicate feminine one. Levelheaded and full of wise advice. I was the wild one." "I can relate," Rell said with a small smile. "Though I am more like your sister." She watched as his smile died and was replaced by a concentrated serious gaze. "How does it feel... to have your sibling be Chief?" he asked. She shrugged. "To be honest it doesn't bother me. Once though some of the villagers did try to contest that I should be Chieftess despite her being eldest." He looked at her with sudden interest. "What happened?" Zyra smiled at him. "Well, I said I had no interest in being Chieftess because it was Kyzu's job and not mine. Then I went off to play." He let out a chuckle and they looked at each other in companionship. He had never heard of such a thing. "Perhaps you were born to stand apart," Rell said affectionately. "That must be your purpose." "I suppose...what is your purpose friend Rell?" Zyra asked frowning. "Surely it's not to coddle your older brother for..." "He's not my older brother." His face had turned serious, tortured even in the span of seconds. Zyra was confused. It seemed apparent that the Ursies favored Hanto. She assumed it was because he was eldest and thus heir of the Chiefhood. "I am weak for Chief. I know." Rell said bitterly. "That is why Hanto is mostly uncontested in this." He began nibbling at his thumb, a habit she could see was developed from years of repressed emotions. She would not be shocked to learn this was the first time he had shared his thoughts on the matter. "You see, even though my Father does not outrightly say that Hanto will be Chief, I feel it is destiny." Zyra drew herself up, resting her hands on her crossed knees like a village elder. "Do you want to be Chief?" Rell paused then sighed. "Yes. Some pathetic part of me desires what cannot be mine." "It is yours!" Zyra said furiously. She had never heard of such a thing! "The eldest is the heir, it is written in the law. Contesting you is tribe treachery. If you want it you must proclaim yourself clearly! Let it not be unknown!" Rell laughed, amused by her righteous anger on his behalf. "Not everyone is blessed to have a sister like you Zyra," he mused. "In tribes less honorable they would have expected you to let both Kyzu and her heir die. You would take her position uncontested and with your own child the bloodline would run through you." Such thoughts appalled her, but she could see that Rell thought he might be right. "You're not weak anymore," Zyra pointed out. "This thing inside of us, it has taken from us but it also gives. We are stronger than before." She touched where he said he had felt the chill on his chest and looked at him firmly. "The only one keeping you weak is you Rell. You have the choice to be strong. Perhaps you did not before, but you do now. You must harness this curse." He scanned her for any sign of lies or deception, but he could see she was sincere and earnest. Gently he reached over to her and loosened her bandage. He unraveled it until he could see the brilliantly reflective tattoo that encompassed her arm. He loosened his as well. Then he took her hand. They could feel an energy running through them. Something that connected them in their souls, something as deep, and red, and true, as blood. "We are connected for all time," Rell whispered softly. Zyra nodded, love shining in her eyes. "It seems so." He gave her a kind smile and they walked back to the camp hand in hand. Nothing was said of their strange behavior nor as to why their tattoos were visible. Zyra tried to ignore the looks of distrust that were directed at her arm. It wasn't that they didn't trust her, they didn't trust the witches. They felt the same. She knew this. When Hanto came out with his pack she bid him the necessary goodbyes. She even indulged him in a lingering hug. "May you be safe," she said genuinely. He nodded to her with a coy smile. "Not to worry dear one. I shall return for you." She forced a smile on her face. Fuckta...I feared this. When Rell came forward she was struck by a choking of emotion. Attacked by her inhibitions, she was suddenly overwhelmed with the irrational fear that she would be alone! It wasn't true of course, she was in her village with her tribe, her sister, Ginger, and Nima, but no one from their fellowship would be present. She had spared her sisters the details of her ordeal. Until Gharla and Enui came back there was no one who could truly understand. Even losing Hanto became a strange thought to her. She grasped Rell, burying her face in his chest as the tears escaped her. Clutching him desperately she fought the panic, the violent necessary need to never let him go. He hushed her, feeling her shake in his arms, concealing her sobs, and waited until she forced herself to let her grip...loosen. "There there," he rumbled in a low comforting voice. She peeked up at him, wretched in her despair. Was this love for a brother? Or something more? Why did she feel so lonely? He pulled her hands forward and in her palm placed a cord. It was the same cord that had been bloodstained around his hand. Now, it was clean and adorned with a light blue stone. She had seen such stones by the valley stream's edges. They were smooth and beautiful, seeming to absorb the light. In its center was the scratching of the Ursie tribal symbol. "I couldn't resist," he quipped. "I...had to make sure it was real." He smiled. "This cord has soaked with my blood. It is a part of me." She reached the cord on her neck and gave him the cord and key that had bound the ogre. Gently she placed it in his hand. Silently he put the key around his neck as she put his stone around hers. With a kind smile he wiped the tears from her eyes and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. "Be safe my sister." "Be safe my brother," she warbled in an unsteady un-Zyra like voice. Looking on she saw Hanto watching furiously. Realizing her mistake would need rectification, she turned and ran to him, letting him take her into his arms. He hugged his form to hers. Uh, Vile. He held her snuggly, too snugly in fact but she bore it for Rell's sake. When she pulled back he crashed his lips into hers. She froze, trying to avoid undoing everything she had worked for. Vile! Absolutely vile! When she did pull away he looked deeply satisfied. He smirked at Rell as they both headed on the trail. She laughed when Rell rolled his eyes. Their bond was deeper than physicality. It was of kinship, a cutting from the same cloth, something Hanto may never understand. Even so, she walked back to the sounds of her sisters' jeers about her love affairs. She tried to be jovial, but she couldn't help but notice how they all kept their distance. Then Ginger grabbed her by her tattooed arm and glared at her sisters. She was shocked and numbly followed Ginger to her tent. Ginger spoke to her about something irrelevant as she curiously touched her marks. "It hums sometimes," Zyra remarked. "Do you feel it?" "No." Ginger nodded. Then she wrapped it for her again, tightly with two rolls of bandage. She watched the broken part of herself being patched up by her friend, and listened as she warned her again, to leave the symbols covered. __________________________________________________ A week had passed since Rell and Hanto had departed. They sent word that they had returned by word of tribe. The closest tribe to them, the Wakai had delivered the message. The Wakai were also all female and on occasion they would join them in joined hunts if times grew hard. Hard...right, she was in a hard situation. The ogre had been at the back of Zyra's mind, just where she had placed him. She tried to not dwell much on him. Since she had not sought him but she had not seen him. Part of her demanded that she accept that he was her responsibility and see to him at once. Most of her was hoping he'd die of natural causes. Both desires were slim possibilities. Nima had been talking in broken sentences, but she was picking up quickly and able to say pretty much anything she wished. Most of her sentences were questions. Thinking on Nima's wellness brought her back to her agreement. Yes, she was a keromedio...or something or another. She had to check on the ogre. She walked out into the trees and reluctantly began to call out. "Ogre...? Ogres?" How far had he ventured? "Ogre!" Was this blasted thing ignoring her? Before she could yell again a shout pierced her ears. "ZYRA!" She ran towards the source, knowing exactly where it had come from. Breathless, she tore open Kyzu's tent and saw that Nima was awake, but coughing uncontrollably. "Kyzu what happened?" Zyra demanded. Kyzu simply shook her head, once again escaping inside herself. "Not again...not again." "Kyzu!" "Oh lord no...not again, please not again." Angry she gathered Nima into her arms and rubbed Nima's back as she looked for the dried elixir pulp. Finding it she added water and ground it until it began to weakly steam. She slowly fed Nima between coughs. Looking up she saw Kyzu looking at her with a strange negative emotion. Why was she angry? Or was it...jealousy? Suddenly Nima retched. The elixir juice and splotches of red came dribbling out of her lips. Blood, Nima was bleeding from inside. She knew fear again as she wiped Nima's mouth and tried to apply the elixir again. "Come on Nima. Hold it down. You must do it for us yes?" Nima nodded weakly and they tried again. The results were the same. She sent someone to fetch new herbs, she had her chew settling roots before she gave her more but it was to no avail. Before long the elixir stopped giving steam, its potency run its course. A gnawing fear chewed up the side of her body. What if she was still in the valley? What if she had never left? Or if Nima had died and this was all an illusion? What if the witches had lied to her and preserved Nima just enough to get inside her and take away her life? Maybe she was about to die too. Hot tears forced their way down her face. She was powerless, powerless! She clutched at Nima frantically as she held her up so she would not cough blood upon her sheets. The red mix of bile and sickness fell onto her skin but she ignored it, needing to feel the realness of the girl. This was reality, this was reality. You're in your village Zyra, they are real. Kyzu reached her hands out, the unsteady look of anger and resignation drying up. Zyra was shocked to feel that she did not want to. That was when he came in. Big, green and silent as a huntress the ogre hunched over, suddenly inside the tent. She hadn't even heard him! And there was something in his hand. Kyzu gave a sigh and she watched her faint. The sight of him was her undoing. Laying Nima down Zyra shouted, pushing him out of the tent and away from her. "No! Get out! Stay back" "I won't hurt her Zyra," he said holding up his hands. He had a pouch of something in his right hand. Her mind would not listen to reason. "NO!"she growled. "You can't touch her!" This was she could do. She could fight, she could keep them safe. She wasn't a healer like Rell, this was all she could offer. She gasped when the ogre grasped her shoulders and shook her much like she had done to Kyzu before. "Listen to me," he said firmly, his yellow eyes boring into her. "I can help her. Let me help her Zyra. You want to help her don't you?" She nodded dumbly as her face screwed up in anguish. She could not stop her tears no matter how much she willed herself. But I can't. I can't. "Then move aside." He placed her on the ground and his big body filled the tent. When had he...he had lifted her feet off of the ground? And she... hadn't noticed? Perhaps she was out of sorts. She peered inside to see him open the pouch and pull out some berries, herbs and strange dusts. He fed Nima a few berries and to Zyra's surprise she stopped coughing. When she did, Kyzu awoke and her eyes widened as she took in the large green mass beside her. He moved slowly, a gentle giant to the little girl who watched him curiously from her nest. "Whuh are...?" "Shh," he shushed. "I'll tell you later." He gave her a long drink of what he had made and Zyra watched her eyes flutter closed. "She has to sleep it off." He addressed Kyzu who blinked rapidly in shock. He began giving her instructions on what to do to make the potion and when to give it to her. He explained that this was a normal occurrence due to the severity of the illness she had been afflicted with. In time, each outbreak would lead to its fade. He was purposely boxing her out. He was making her useless. Zyra pulled away from the tent. She had been useless. What could she have done? Make another trip to the valley? Pick up Gharla and Enui on the way? Play nice with Etaceh? She hated him! Hated that she had cried and shown weakness in front of him. He had shaken her and she had allowed it. She had allowed him to belittle her, but she too had belittled him. Why did he help her? How did he know she needed help? Before she could continue, he exited the tent and stood to his full height. He was like a tree towering over her. She heard Kyzu utter a weak but heartfelt, "Thank you." "You're welcome," he rumbled. Then he looked at her. She could feel the weight of his gaze leaning on her because she would not meet it. Shame, shame and regret filled her. She had wronged him by leaving him out there, and he had still come to their aid. She had silently wished his death, and he had restored what she treasured most. Oh the shame. Shame she became. She became her shame. When it became evident she was going to remain silent, he walked past her and back into the forest. She knew immediately when he was beyond her reach. Kyzu did not call for her to come back. After several moments she walked away and stalked into Ginger's tent. Ginger jumped up yelling since she had been pleasuring herself with another village girl, but Zyra ignored them. Sighing she went to a corner where she had piled furs and buried herself in it. She heard Ginger making apologies and asking the girl to leave. The girl scoffed and shot her a dirty look. Then she walked out. Zyra sighed again. She felt so strange. Why was she being so emotional? This was so unlike her, what had those witches done to her? "Zyra? Sweetie what's wrong?" Ginger pulled up a fur off her head. "I was useless," she mumbled. Ginger frowned. "In what? What happened? Tell me about it." "There's nothing to talk about. Only things to do." "Honey you have to give me more than that. She didn't. She closed her eyes and took a nap. __________________________________________________ When she woke she found that it was late afternoon. She could smell the fires from the preparation for the evening meal. Sliding out of the furs she found that Ginger had put a used wooden phallus next to her head. She frowned as she slunk away from it. Disgusting, Ginger's way of getting revenge for ruining her fun. Zyra supposed she was selfish but she wasn't sure. You couldn't be selfless and selfish at the same time. Would any attempt on behalf of herself seem selfish in her eyes? Yawning she stretched, knowing she would have much work to do. Chances of her finding sleep that night were bad. She peeked on Nima first. She was alone actually and sleeping well. She learned that Kyzu was off gathering the things the ogre had instructed her. She was a bit startled. Kyzu never left the tribe grounds. She couldn't even fight! She immediately sought to go after her but something inside her paused. Actually this was good. It was a step up from Kyzu lying beside Nima in restless agony. Yes, this was very good. Kyzu could gather herbs by herself, she wasn't completely clueless. She had never thought of her sister as competent in anything other than Chieftess. Maybe she could add Herb Gatherer to the list. Running along the village she began to gather supplies. A spare tent, rope, healing balm, 2 of the unshorn furs... "Zyra!" Oh boy. "Zyra Sister of the Rovian tribe you look at me right now!" Turning like a captured thief she saw Ginger charging at her like an angry bear. Stomping up to her she jabbed an accusing finger at her. "How dare you ignore me when you sought me out for comfort!" Zyra tried to stifle a grin. "Actually I found your comfort beside my head this evening, thank you. As for my own I am gathering it as we speak." "Planning to flee the village eh?" Ginger asked, eyeing up the pack she was filling. "You'll never make it past the stream. I'll personally assure this." "It's for the ogre." You incredibly insane woman. "Oh?" Ginger's anger seemed to vanish with this newest bit of gossip. "Why? Did you finally soften to him? You know for a green sharp toothed creature he's pretty handsome, and big. Do you know if he has a big..." Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 10 "It's to repay him for his help with Nima," Zyra interjected. She tested the strength of some twine with her teeth. "Besides, it's way overdue. A fault on my part." "He helped Nima?" Zyra paused. "Kyzu...didn't tell anyone?" Ginger frowned. "No. She's out gathering herbs. We assumed she found a solution." "The ogre gave her that solution," Zyra said a bit agitated. "Besides, didn't you hear her scream my name? It was clear as day." Ginger gave her a dubious look. "No. I didn't hear that. No one heard her scream your name." Zyra was beginning to feel uncomfortable. She had enough on her plate without questioning if she was crazy. "It matters not. Nima is well. Do you have any extra twine Ginger?" Ginger looked into the sack she was preparing. "I can spare some twine, a fire pit bowl, and another fur." "Thank you Ginger," Zyra said smiling. "I'm taking it from your pile." Zyra pouted in response. "Come on, don't do that!" she whined. Ginger crossed her arms, eying her mercilessly. "I'm doing it. Think of it as punishment." With that Ginger stalked off like a triumphant soldier to her tent. "You're not my mother!" Zyra yelled at her, a smile tugging at her lips. Ginger scoffed. "I might as well be!" When she had all that she needed, Zyra set out to find the ogre's camp. She hoped he was there. Then she could give him the supplies. Would it be rude to simply give them to him and leave? What if he didn't know how to use them? Well, then she would stay. What if he was lying? Why would he lie? She was over thinking this. About halfway up, the stream fattened out into a river. Then farther up it would thin once more. It was on the edge of the lake that she found his camp. It was a good distance from their camp ground and filled with noisy wild life. The first thing she noticed was the strange fence he was building. It was tall, taller than him in fact and he was using wood, vines and some clay to secure it. It seemed sturdy and it faced the river. She wondered if he was worried that there might be something in the water. The strange fence had a few large leaves over the top of it and it seemed he was planning on building another fence opposite of the first fence. Strange. The leaves seemed quite temporary though. Looking about she wondered where he had been lodging. Further in she saw a collection of leaves piled under a poor excuse for covering. It was quite literally 2 fat slabs of wood with vines and leaves binding them. One might curl up under it, but it seemed a close fit for her, regardless a creature his size. Rain would wash it away. Wind might blow it down. Zyra fought down her guilt to concentrate on her plan of action. She thought about calling him, but stopped herself. This was her responsibility, it was time to own up to that. She should just deal with it alone. Zyra put the pack down and cleared out a circle a little bit away from his fence. Then she began to set up. She hammered in the tent's wooden planks with a sturdy rock and made sure that each end was pulled tightly. Once the tent was up she crawled inside. It wasn't as big as Ginger or her tents, but it was the biggest one they had found. He couldn't stand in it, but he could lay comfortably with his full body inside. Quietly she set up the furs and the balm, and the cleaning station with the water basin, reflective stone, and rubbing sticks. Taking the twine she strengthened the tent against storms. With the rest she made a quick ugly looking net that might prove useful in hunting. He didn't seem to have any weapons. She wasn't sure if giving him one was appropriate or safe. Though much time had passed he was still gone when she had finished. Should she leave? Well of course, why would she stay? Walking away she wondered why the camp looked so strange. Then it hit her. There was no fire pit. She had brought the spit sticks too. She dug a small one using a flat stone, then lined it with the smooth slightly wet stones from the stream. When they got hot he could put things on them, or he could use Ginger's fire bowl. Gathering brush and wood she clicked stones together until she had a spark. The fire grew slowly with coaxing fanning and added brush. Good, she added the spit and watched the little camp she had made with pride. Fit for a Rovian Chieftess. When the fire rose to full height she let the remaining wood by the tent and turned. Her eyes widened when she took him in. He was looked as startled as she was. How did he move so quietly? Was this how Rell felt? Why was she asking herself so many damnable questions? In his hand was a skinned Perkadu, its beaver tail still attacked to its fat bird like body. Its black claws remained on its spindly arms. She wondered if he had plans for them. They stared at each other in silence until a hooting bird sounded in the distance. It was dark. Night had fallen? How was she not noticing these things? Fuckta! "Um...sorry," she choked off. She sprung to retreat into the forest. "Would you care to join me?" His voice halted her escape. She swallowed nervously. Why was she nervous? "Uh...no. I-I have ration at the tribe and I must not be wasteful." "Well, could you...sit for a minute?" She stared at his imploring eyes. It occurred to her that the first conversation he had had in a week was with Kyzu. Oh yes, she still owed him. She nodded stiffly, smoothing out the edge of her skirt. She had forgotten her weapons...again. Honestly, if he killed her she deserved to die. Hearing a grating noise she saw the ogre pull over two large logs and place them near the fire. He sat next to the one closest to the tent and began to use the spit on the Perkadu. She noticed he smiled to himself as he placed it on the two supporting sticks. It was easy. She could see the delight in his face from the simplicity of the action. Had he been living hard? "I'm sorry," she spat out hurriedly. He looked up at her, his yellow eyes honey colored against the fire light. "I know. You already said so." "No," she corrected. "I meant I was sorry for..." "You don't need to explain," he interjected. "Sorry is a human apology is it not?" She nodded, ignoring the strangeness of it all. "Then all is forgiven," he said lightly. He turned the Perkadu over, admiring its browning skin. "What is this?" She blinked. "What is what?" "This animal," he said pointing to it. "You don't know what it is?" she asked him incredulously. He smirked at her, amused. "Obviously not." She frowned at his chiding tone. "It's a Perkadu." "A perka what?" "Purr-kuh-doo. Perkadu. You found it in a tree right?" He nodded. "Well they're terribly confused creatures. They can't fly but since they're shaped like birds and have winged bones they always try. Luck for them they always land on their feet. They can swim because of their tail, but they're terrified of water." He laughed. "And how would you know?" She looked down forcing away a guilty grin. "Well...when we were young me and a few of my sisters would catch them and throw them in the river. They always swam back to land really fast and none of them drowned...it was quite harmless. They were just a tad...traumatized." He let out a throaty laugh then, amused by her childish cruelty. "I see. So your viciousness starts from birth?" "I am not vicious," she snapped viciously. "I was young." Somehow that excuse seemed to fizzle out of its own volition. The ogre smirked. "Are you old now?" he asked, turning the stick again. She wasn't sure how to answer that. "How old are you ogre?" He opened his mouth, a fang glinting in the night. She had forgotten, for a moment he had seemed normal. She still had no weapons. "Ogres live a long time." "Have you lived a long time?" "Have you?" It seemed evident that they would continue on in this silly game for as long as he wished. "Not for an ogre," she responded snappishly. His grin widened. "Well, me either," he conceded. "Though I am pretty sure I am your elder." She wasn't sure if she should scoff or remind him that he was in her care. She did nothing instead. An awkward silence took over the night's lighthearted conversation, with nothing but the cracks and sizzles of a roasting mammal to fill it with. When it finished cooking through he raised it towards her. "Want a bite?" "No thank you," she said. She had just told him... "Why do you care so much for that child?" Zyra hadn't been expecting that question. She felt the track of the conversation was foreboding and that she would dislike whatever followed. Still, she was trying to be polite. "She is my niece," she responded. "But you are not her mother?" he more or less stated. "No I am not." "But you want to be?" "No!" Zyra shouted angrily. To think she could replace Kyzu! "I would never..." "Then why are you taking care of the child for her?" "Will you stop cutting me off?" Kail smirked at the wrath that rolled over her in waves. It was a berry red and waxed around her like long hair in the wind. The more furious she became, the faster it swirled. In the darkness little could be hidden from him. He could see everything, even the color of emotions. "Of course," he said coyly. "I apologize." Her anger reduced, though it still remained. "I came only because I heard her calling for me. I do only what is necessary. Generally, my sister has a tendency to falter in times of great need. So I do what needs to be done." "So she is an unfit mother?" Kail asked. "That is not what I am saying." The red strands began to whip again. "You are saying that when the Chieftess hits a wall you must push it down for her. She rarely does things without you." Zyra paused. No, Kyzu was better at different things. She had never though Kyzu an unfit mother. She didn't want to take Nima away. "Is that why you didn't give me the instructions?" Zyra asked. "Have you been watching us?" He took a bite out of the Perkadu, his eyes still focused on her. "I gave her the instructions because your Chieftess is the child's mother. Not you." Zyra felt strangely insulted by this obvious fact. Perhaps it was the way he said it, like she didn't matter. Nima was alive because of her, not Kyzu. She had saved Kyzu's life too for that matter. Now it was like everyone was afraid of her. Kail observed the rainbow of emotions that began to pour out of her. The red still remained but there was orange frustration, blue sadness, white confusion. Suddenly the colors were swallowed up by black. Even the red swallowed up. Black loneliness. For the champion of her village, she appeared to be incredibly lonely. Looking at his own hand and the healing cracks from the shackles, he was reminded that she was not alone in this. "You are incredibly important Zyra," he suddenly said. She looked up at him innocently, trying to hide the interest in his encouragement. "You get things done. You have a drive that is essential to your village's survival." She seemed to perk up like a curious child. It was an odd gesture on her womanly body. He continued on. "I'm not saying it's a bad thing. I'm only saying that you should be aware of whether or not your contributions are helping or hurting. Or..." he gave her a pointed look. "...if they're truly appreciated." Before she could rant he gestured to the tent. "I appreciate this." She was stunned when he gave her a smile. It wasn't something she'd expected, that his smile would be full of such joy and kindness. Even with sharp teeth that smile made him seem like the kindest person you could ever meet. Surely this was a dangerous beast. To have lured her in so with his words. "I must take my leave ogre," she said standing up. "Kail." She frowned. "Wha..." "My name is Kail. Please use it," he said with a polite but clipped tone. So that irritated him. "Yes," she agreed hesitantly. She would grant him that respect, until he pissed her off. "Say it." She opened her mouth to protest him ordering her but he added a quick, "Please." Zyra glared at him by roughly muttered, "...Kail..." "Goodnight Zyra." She didn't respond, becoming a red haze that stomped away. "Zyra!" he called out. "You forgot something." He watched her reluctantly turn around to face him. He closed his right hand and stood up. "What?" she hissed. He held out his hand and started to loosen it. Zyra stepped forward and reached for the item when his other hand held the back of her head. "Your goodnight kiss." With that he kissed her. It was the lightest of touches, a brush really of his lips against hers, but she felt a strange thrill. It was a pleasant hum that concentrated on her most private places, firing up something she was unfamiliar with. She drew in a breath, unsure if it was for her nerves, or if she sought to taste his essence. Abruptly she pushed herself back, her fingers pressing against her tingling lips. She looked up at him, his predator eyes fixated on her. Then she ran as fast as she could, away from the feelings and the confusion. She'd run away from the silence of her empty tent, a tent once shared by her and Kyzu until Nima's birth. She'd run towards Ginger's tent where Ginger would be with someone, but they would have to leave because Ginger needed to keep trying to mother her. There she would climb into a corner, a safe warm corner with one less fur, where she could fall asleep to the sound of Ginger's yelling. A sound much more comforting to her, then the muted echoing sighs she released that lay buried beneath her tent. __________________________________________________ Kail watched her form disappear. She was fast, he gave her that. She was also soft. Her full lips were made for kissing and while he would have preferred her hair a bit longer, he liked the feel of it. There were benefits to short hair as well. Zyra was a naïve thing. He had watched her every day in between building his home and hunting. Her niece had spotted him several times, looking at him with wide curious eyes. He watched Zyra bid the brothers goodbye, the blonde one and the ugly one. He cringed when he saw him strangle her with his lips. She looked pained but took it anyway. He had to admit that when she called for him he was a bit shocked. Before he could answer he watched her dart off in the distance to the Chieftess' tent. He had learned through observing that Kyzu was actually Zyra's sister, not tribe sister. When he heard the commotion he knew exactly what the problem was. He had never expected her reaction of violence nor the irritation he felt when she tried to force him away. He could have left and let the child suffer. Instead he had gotten physical with her and to his surprise, she had rewarded him. Kail looked at the furs in the tent. He wondered what he'd have to do to get her in those furs. Despite his species Kail had very few problems with females, human, magical, the like. Normally if he was refused he moved on to the next one. He was good to his partners, sure to make their experiences exceptional and fun. He supposed thanks to his unofficial exile, those days were now over. He had seen one girl, that friend of hers that seemed to exude lust. Perhaps he could have fun with her. Regardless of these plans his mind always drifted back to the huntress beauty. No matter how fierce she thought she was, she looked like a woman beside him, and he liked that. He was excited to study her. She was complex little creature who's naivety had caused several conflicting roles upon her. How could she be mother, sister, friend, and daughter to the same person? Why would she accept such roles? He thought back to her lean muscles and ample curves. Would she be interested in accepting another role? Perhaps he could persuade her. No matter how she ignored him, no matter how dangerous she assumed he was, she had shimmered gold when he kissed her. Gold was the color of lust. __________________________________________________ Zyra's head was whirling as she made her way back to the tribe. Her guard had been down and he had taken advantage. Even so, she wondered why she wasn't angry at him. To be honest she was more shocked than anything else. She didn't know why she had felt so electrified by his touch. Rell's touches had been much more intimate, but that light kiss called to her. It made her go back to the forest and chills ran down her spine thinking about his practiced fingers sending her over in the matter of minutes. For that reason she could not speak. She walked out to Kyzu's tent to check on Nima. Inside Kyzu had a small candle and was grinding up herbs. Kyzu looked up at her with a hint of contempt that she was unable to mask quick enough for Zyra's improved eyes. "Have you tended to the ogre?" she asked softly. "Yes," Zyra replied kneeling beside Nima. She was still asleep, but she looked peaceful. Kyzu grunted and reached out to wipe a hair from Nima's face, forcing Zyra to lean back. It was clear from Kyzu's behavior that she was unwelcome. The ogre's words rang through her mind. She touched Kyzu's shoulder and she turned. Kyzu's eyes widened when she took in Zyra's angry look. "Kyzu, if you didn't want me to help you with Nima, why did you call me?" Kyzu looked at her with surprise. "Why are you looking at me that way?" They were silent looking at each other with sudden unfamiliarity. Zyra couldn't help but feel that things were different now. Their eyes drifted to her arm that was bandaged like an injured warrior. The tattoo hummed underneath her skin. "Did you call me today Kyzu?" Kyzu shook her head. "No, I didn't call you." __________________________________________________ Hey guys! Once again thank you for all your support. If you have any ideas about character relationships I'd like to hear them. Ex: Do you want to see the Basilisk again? Nymare? What about the other characters like Ginger and Gharla? Your comments can shape the storyline! SO PLEASE COMMENT! Thanks again! Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 11 Chapter Eleven: "Imagination" Gharla grit her teeth in annoyance as she watched cloaked witches bustle by her in scattered hordes. She had grown tired of the color, grown to hate it in fact. Her hate was only fueled by the white cloak she now wore. Caligula, the brown colored male had said that her current clothes were unfitting of their sanctuary. Without the right clothing, the creatures of the land might mistake her for an uninvited guest. She had been "recommended" this new attire. It was a dress with a hood for the most part. Her soft boots had been replaced by beaded sandals. Her hair had been magically braided into a strange circlet, and blue stones hung around her neck. Her lodging was a room inside the tree. It was perpetually night inside of it, blue moonlight shining from an unknown source. The room was simple, containing a strange feathery sleep setting and her own luminescent water basin.She stared at the face that stared back at her. The refined soft features dampened by a scowl. She hated it here. Every day she felt she was becoming less and less of herself. For the first few days she had constantly looked to spot Enui. Brief glances to ensure her safety turned into uncomfortable disturbing memories as the nymphs refused to release her from their debauchery. She had asked why they continued to defile Enui. "It's unusual actually," Caligula had said in response to her questioning. "Nymphs are fickle creatures. They usually detach themselves to their playmates in the matter of hours. Whatever is inside your friend must really be...perverted." Gharla bristled at the accusation. "How dare you suggest she desires such..." "How would you know what she desires young one?" His eyes were like glistening gems, sparkling with their indigo darkness. She wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but she swore she saw want in his eyes. She was unable to answer as he walked forward a hand sliding on the cold marble walls. He was backing her up into a corner. Gharla forced herself to hold her ground and shivered when he stood inches away from her. "What do you know of desire?" He ran a finger down a wheat colored braid and smiled to himself. "You are quite beautiful. You all were actually. An impressive group of humans." His head leaned down and she growled shoving off the wall. "Do not presume you may play games with me witch! I do not fear you!" He snickered and leaned against the wall, crossing his arms in delight. "Oh I am quite sure you don't. May I ask you one question Madam Gharla?" She glared at him, sick of the games she was subjected to day in and day out. "What?" He raised an eyebrow, his handsome face taking on a roguish quality. "Is the denial of pleasure a Rovian way?" he asked. She was about to snap when he added, "I have seen into your minds, all of you. You can thank Etaceh for that." Gharla had suspected that. How else would the witch know how to torture each of them? Yet, to hear it said aloud gave it new horrible meaning. He knew things that no one should know about her. "Your sister Zyra is a raging storm of repression. Her desires are practically childlike, she has no idea what she wants only that she wants it. The child is hopelessly confused and unaware of her effect of others. And...Enui was it?" He began to walk in an aimless direction, his footsteps resounding in the air. "Did you have any idea how trapped she was? Stifled under that innocent visage? She wanted passion in her pleasure, but all she received was gentleness. It makes perfect sense actually." He smirked. "How could one not go mad after sampling but a taste of ones true desires?" "She begged us for salvation!" Gharla shouted. "You ruined her! She was in pain!" "From the withdrawl," he corrected. "Now she's enjoying herself immensely. If anyone caused her pain, it was you." This caused the end of her patience. She charged at him with a raised fist aimed for his face. Before it could land he grabbed her wrist. She swung the other hand and he captured that as well, drawing her in so he could bear his height over her. "Ah ah ah..." he cooed, drilling his eyes into her. "Your sister already succeeded with that feat. I have no desire to heal myself again." He pulled her body closer so that she could feel the planes beneath his robe. He was muscular and his body molded against hers. Her cheeks flushed in indignation and horror. "Why do you try to control what is innate?" he asked softly. "You humans can try to, but you cannot remove yourselves from nature." His grip tightened and he bent his lips to her ear. "Nature's truest desire is to create life. In order to create energy must be exerted. Do you know how?" "Let me go." "With sex. Fucking. Desire. The whole world, our world, the air you breathe is the result of an universal orgy. You think it something to be hidden, when your food fucks out in the open. To deny your desires is to deny who you are." "Some desires are wicked," Gharla hissed, unable to wrench herself from his grip. "Some desires can get you killed!" He chuckled at her futile attempts. Turning he pressed her against the wall and grinned. "Sex is not one of them." Caligula's eyes wandered down her body and she felt like he could see through her robe. Her heart began to race as they trailed back up from their inspection. "I mean you no harm Madam Gharla. We witches are part of this land. What the land desires, we desire. We don't believe in being deprived. You too are now part of this land, thanks to your tests." He released her and let her scramble away. "If for any reason you have an urge..." he said narrowing his eyes. "You should follow it. You will not be punished for anything you do, and no one will try to force you to follow their desires. That'd be...unnatural." With that, he winked at her and left her by herself. She closed her eyes and forced her breathing to quiet. All she wanted was to go home. She ignored the tingling sensations that lingered inside of her. She did have a desire, but some desires were too strange to be natural. She was sure he had manipulated her in some fashion. She could only wait until Enui was sane and hope her desires did not outwit her sense. __________________________________________________ Now...ok...now! Now! Fuckta Zyra was playing a foolish game with herself. She needed to go into the forest to check on the ogre. It had been three days since she had last given him his provision. Still, she couldn't quite put his strange behavior out of her mind. It was illogical to think an ogre and a human could possibly perform...certain acts. Was he so desperate for touch that he would pretend to desire her? Regardless she couldn't deny the strange feelings he pulled so easily out of her. She had long ago abandoned her unjust anger. Now she was left with nothing but confusion, and something else. The something else had yet to be identified. Zyra looked up, judging the height of the sun. It was a hot day, she could feel the rays beating down upon her in fury. Several of the village women had taken to the stream, the thinnest part closest to their camp. They mended torn frocks on the bank with their ankles resting in the water. The children and young girls splashed each other in its shallowness. Her dear Nima was among them. Nima had recovered quite well. In fact, her speech had improved again. She spoke nonstop in perfect human tongue. The only problem was that all her question revolved around the orge. Who was that big green man? Where was he? What was he? On and on in a never ending torrent! Kyzu had kindly redirected Nima's questions with a jovial, "Ask your auntie darling." It made her want to shake her sister. They were unsettled at the moment. They spoke often as they were unaccustomed, but there was this big solid wall that built higher with every word unspoken. Zyra was hoping that within a few days Kyzu would cool down. Now she saw she was wrong. Kyzu could not cool down because Kyzu was not angry. That was the trouble. The ogres' words rattled like loose stones in her mind. Was Kyzu incompetent? Did this make her competent? What would Kai...the ogre say? Sighing she knew there was but one answer to this. She had to seek out the ogre. It was still midday. There was no chance of her ending up with him alone at night. Zyra was fully armed thanks to a quick hunt that morning. Holding her spear she padded quietly towards his abode. When she reached the camp she saw he had made a few additions. For one thing, he had dug a wider fire pit. Next, he had unraveled her net and made a series of lines where he held up dried herbs and meats. She could see what she believed to be Snaganips drying on flat rocks. She thought they had all gone into hibernation. She wondered how he had found them. They were one of the longest lasting stored meats because of the creature's sea water origin. Perhaps she could ask. The strange fences he built were finally even and a very good distance from one another. Perhaps he would move the tent inside? Another question to ask. Goodness, she was turning into her niece. She walked quietly, trying to figure out where he might be. She couldn't help but resort to a more primitive means. He was light footed, but his feet left faint tracks. She was no tracker compared to Gharla, but she could track. Following softly bent brushes, an accidental scraping on a tree from his talon like nails, the absence of a fruit, she walked steadily ahead. Soon she realized she was approaching the end of the river. On the far side she saw a flash of green amidst the sparkling reflection of the sun. She stayed low and peered forward. No, her eyes did not deceive her. There in the center of the river was the ogre, swimming about with nothing but his green color to swaddle him. She could feel heat rising in her cheeks and frowned heavily. Naturally this would happen. Naturally. She was Zyra, what was she expecting? Clothed civility? Granted she couldn't blame the ogre for being hot, but she could note his state of undress in the middle of the day was in no way practical. He bordered a village of women. What if a lone child looked upon him? She did not envy the mother who would have to explain the irregularities of his flesh. Looking back her heart skipped when she noticed him swimming closer to the shore. Great, he might see her. Somehow she could not bring herself to be noticed. He stood waist deep now, his russet hair was now a damp blood red. Water droplets glistened on his skin, dotting the muscles of his arms. He flexed his wide shoulders, running his hands through his hair. His solemn eyes looked like melted sunlight, burning with vibrant emotions. She wasn't sure when she had sat down, nor when she leaned in. Regardless of this, regardless of the sensible person she was she could not force herself to look away. A hunger attacked her. It sunk its fangs inside of her neck, immobilizing her before raking down her body. She wanted to see him bathe. She...she wanted to see him bathe. Her breath caught when he raised a cupped hand poured the cold water over the back of his neck. Goose bumps rose on his skin. The witches curse made it startling clear. With these eyes she could see everything. The gentle rise and fall of his broad chest, the routine ease he carried out his regime. The rise and fall began to match her own chest's as she became entranced by his movements. He moved slowly, purposefully with a sense of grace she didn't think he possessed. A bead of tempting water dangled on his bottom lip. He opened his mouth his wet pink tongue slipping out. It languished in licking it up before slidding back up his plump lips slipping inside his mouth. It reminded her of the basilisk slinking back into its hole. Her heart began to race. Voyeurism was not uncommon to her, but she was never the voyeur. She was spied on while bathing, not the other way around. Is this what it felt like to watch someone bare themselves in such a private moment? She could feel pressure building inside her, a want that spoke to the untested depths resting in her core. Her logic had gone long ago. Reason had become no more than a haze that fluttered several steps behind her intent gaze. Now all she could imagine was how those wet arms would feel wrapped around her scalding skin. A bead of sweat trickled between her breasts. She shivered as lust and imagination made the bead a finger. She bit her dry lip and then sucked the roof of her mouth for moisture. Her mouth was still sweet from the fruit she eaten that morn. If he tasted her lips, deeper this time, would he savor her taste? It was a shame really that the Maker had created this creature to be so beautiful and enticing. Had he been human, women and warriors alike would have fallen at his feet. Moistness gathered between her thighs and she squeezed them together. Was she trying to stop the fire, or stoke it? She held back a sigh. It would be shameful if he found he in this state. He walked closer to the edge. She could see the lines of the V that led down to his manhood. Ginger's words suddenly applied to her. Was it...big? He turned his back to her and she saw the top of his muscular butt, a fine attachment to his firm masculine thighs. She shook as her fingers slid down to grip the bottom of her skirt. Under, should she let them wander underneath? Just for a little while, just until...no. She shouldn't think this way. This wasn't real. He was a trick of the light, a mirage as real as the valley's wonders. Her lust abated as she had an obvious thought. He was from the valley. Of course he was enticing and beautiful. Underneath all of that was the true demon inside. He had to cooperate in hopes of improving his situation. Helping Nima had not been kindness, it had been survival. She felt used, foolish and naïve for thinking him a saint. One was not exiled for being a saint. There was something wrong with him and she would be stupid to get involved. Numbly she pulled back and crawled, letting her anger propel her away from his bathing place. She fought the vibrant images tantalized her baser senses. Her nipples began to ache as they scraped against her wrap and the heat grew, even without her coaxing touch. She swallowed hard. No! Bad Zyra! She would not do this. She dug her fingers into her hand. Moon shaped digs spit blood. The pain focused her mind and a light grey mist settled over her arm. Her hand tingled and she looked at it. The wounds were gone. Goodness, she needed to rest. Taking a quick drink from the stream she rose to her full height and ran back to her tent. Her huntress duties had been completed. Well...all but one. Sighing she lay in her light blankets, ignoring her desire to please herself. She had to wait. It was too soon after seeing him, it would spark want; but the fire had already grown to fruition, and she could not make herself stop it. __________________________________________________ Zyra checked for him the next day, closer to the night. He was by the fire pit, roasting some nuts and biting into a pomegranate. She winced at the sight of him sinking his teeth into the powerless fruit and the dark red juices that spilled down his chin. Noticing her approach and obvious distaste he produced a rag to wipe his mouth and set the fruit aside. "Good eve Zyra," he rumbled lowly. "Why so late?" "Are you in need of anything?" she said, blatantly ignoring his question. He eyed her as always with amusement. She avoided his gaze, the event by the river still fresh in her mind. "You seem nervous." Her eyes snapped to his in panic. "I am not," she exclaimed indignantly. "If you require nothing I will take me leave." She was on her heel when he interjected. "Well actually, I am in need of something." She took a precious second to compose herself and turned back towards him stoically. "What is it that you require?" He stood up, dusting his pants off and letting his hands rest on his waist. The action brought attention to the slight bulge between his legs. Up...pull your eyes up...ZYRA! Startling herself she looked back to his eyes. With a knowing playful look he continued on. "Purpose. I am nothing more than a fixture here, a spook for curious wildlife. I am in need of something to do. A purpose if you will." "We have no need for..." "Before you say this..." he said hurriedly. "...allow me to tell you what I might provide." Zyra let out an irritated sigh. "Proceed." "I was a blacksmith in my village," he explained. "As well as an acceptable healer. I can make poultices, slings..." "What is a Black Smith?" His nose crinkled as though she were an adorable baby fawn. "It is someone who makes weapons. Like your spear for example." "We each make our own weapons," Zyra said frowning. "How could you make proper adjustments for us?" "Well I would measure you, and the weapons I can make are unlike any weapon you have seen." "Then how would I use it?" "I would teach you?" "Okay, why would I use it?" He laughed and shook his head. "You would use it because it would be faster, lighter, and more effective and then your current weaponry." Zyra examined him suspiciously. "If this is so, and you are a maker of weapons, why have you not produced a weapon for yourself?" He took three steps towards her, closing the gap between them. "Would you have trusted me if I did?" She swallowed as her heart sped up and took a step backwards. "I have no need to fear trusting you," she snapped. He looked taken back. "You mean...you trust me?" She shook her head. "No. I know simply that it is in your best interest to be of use to us as we preserve your livelihood. You have no choice but to be the model of Rovian uprightness." "I see," he said, a smirk tweaked on his mouth. His yellow eyes stared down at her, as though challenging her in some unknown way. She didn't appreciate it. "Come ogre," she said turning her back on him. "I will have you examine my huntress' weapons. You will start with our archers. Should you make a decent bow, I will give you purpose." Zyra heard no footsteps behind her and knew he was most likely irritated that she had not called him Kail. She continued on, knowing that he would follow if he wanted his wish granted. He joined her a little after, a faltering in his step that suggested she had knocked him down a peg or two. Good, he needed to remember his place. She needed to remember her place as well. This was how things were supposed to be. She made it a point to pull her shoulders back and her head up as they walked through the village. It was the first time since he had arrived. She heard gasps, the dropping of bowls, even the hurried shushing of children who exclaimed or pointed too reverently for their mothers' likings. When she reached her fellow hunters she ignored the stupid dark shadow he cast over her. No, she was lead huntress. The hunters would treat him based on how she treated him. Stepping to the side she raised a hand in his direction. "This is Kail. He is a recent inhabitant of our forest." They said nothing so she continued on. "He claims to have skill in making weapons. I would test him by making a bow for us. Which of you will test him?" More silence. Oh how she missed Gharla. Gharla would have stood up immediately and offered her bow. Even Firetoucher looked at her mutely. They simply watched in silence, their eyes flipping from her to him in mutual distrust. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 11 Finally Henna, youngest of the archers walked forward. She looked like a mouse compared to him, but she bravely met his eyes and extended her bow. The ogre gave a small bow to her and then pointed to the ground. "May I have that rope?" Another huntress picked it up and passed it to him, allowing his fingers to touch her own. She looked back at her sisters in triumph. It appeared they did not wish to be outdone by the child. A new game? Who could get closest to the ogre? "Thank you," he said then turned back to Henna. "Will you please stretch out your arms?" She obeyed, her dark bony ebony arms stretching to the side. Carefully the ogre took one end of the rope and measured her from shoulder to middle finger. He nicked the rope with his talon where it met and repeated the process on the other side. "Which hand do you pull back the string with? "My right." He made another notch into the rope. Then she watched him circle her waist with it. Zyra could see the look on the girl's face. Her mouth was slightly open and her body subconsciously leaned up towards him. His arms were around her for a few simple moments. It was just the time it took to measure, but the feel of his body had obviously overcome her. She looked ready and lustful, a look that some of her huntress' shared. Zyra swallowed hard. "Good!" she declared, knocking a few of them out of their reverie. She looked at Kail sternly. "It will escort you to the edge of the village. How soon will you be done?" "If you wish me to modify this bow I will be done by tomorrow morn. If you wish me to make another, tomorrow evening." She looked at the girl since it was her bow. "Henna?" "First modify this bow," the girl said softly. "If it is satisfactory then..." Henna fluttered her eyes and smiled, "...you can make me another." Zyra didn't like the girl's tone. How old was she? Sixteen at best? Too young to speak with such inflections. "Fine. Let us depart." She turned on her heel, ignoring the ogre's parting bow and walked like she was trying to get rid of him. He kept up, much to her continual annoyance. She was almost in the clear when a certain obnoxious brunette blocked her way. "Why Zyra, you walk all the way here and you fail to introduce your visitor?" Ginger had a lecherous gaze that she didn't bother to hide and was biting on her finger suggestively. "I'm Ginger," she said, talking the hand that was in her mouth and extending it for a shake. Villagers watched curiously as he calmly took it. "Kail." He watched Zyra bristle in irritation and held back a chuckle. "Are you a friend of Zyra's?" Ginger laughed. "More than friends! We're practically lovers!" "No we're not." "Without all the sex and touching you know." Kail grinned at her antics. "I see." "So when will you return to us?" Ginger inquired. "That is none of your concern Ginger," Zyra said firmly. "I must escort him out. Please move aside." "That's my tent over there." Ginger pointed to it and smiled at him. "If you need anything, do let me know." "Thank you Madam Ginger." "Ginger stop this. I do not find this funny." "So Kail...what do you think of human females?" She couldn't believe this. They kept talking like she was insignificant. The village women looking on took note. They were like children mimicking whatever they saw. She could see the transformation in them as their respect for her crumbled and frayed. Didn't Ginger realize the irreparable damage she was doing? They saw her as foreign now, and now she would lose her right? "I AM NOT INVISIBLE!" Silence followed as they appeared shocked. The violence of her shout had even shocked her. Suddenly all eyes were on her. She was too visible. She just couldn't deal with this. She turned to the wide eyed Ginger. "You are to set an example to your fellow sisters. You offend and disappoint me sister." She glared at the ogre with genuine dislike. His jaw clenched in response. "I don't want to see you here when night falls." She could hear Ginger calling after her but ignored her. Maybe if she got a taste of her own medicine she would stop the awful practice. She walked out to the stream that she and Rell loved. When she sat she didn't expect to see the ogre right behind her. Being caught so off guard left her gaping at him. Was he really so quiet? Or was she simply that distracted? He stood there, watching her mutely. Quietly he crouched down, hinging on his toes. "When it is time for me to return the weapon...will I be allowed to come here, or will you come for me?" She closed her mouth. "You may come to the edge, but you may not step foot inside unless escorted by a Rovian huntress." "But you yourself said I wouldn't dare hurt anyone," he said tilting his head innocently. "I know that," she snapped. "It's not for you. It's to allow my non-warrior sisters peace. They may not trust you and I do not want you to frighten them." He sat back then, straightening his legs on the grass. "How noble of you," he chided. "Have you consulted your Chieftess on any of your decisions?" "You are none of her concern," Zyra hissed angrily. "You are my responsibility! I will not foist you off on my sister." The ogre grinned toothily. "Don't worry Zyra..." She watched him sidle next to her, leaning his mouth to her ear. "I am yours," he whispered. "There's no need for you to worry that I might forget that." "Stop," she snapped. Her heart began to anxiously beat against her chest. "Why?" She couldn't think of a reason. Gritting her teeth she pushed herself to her feet. "Why did you kiss me?" He grinned, his yellow eyes beginning to shine unnaturally as the sun began to set. They pinned her like arrows. "Why?" "Yes why!" "Because I wanted to Zyra." She huffed and folded her arms. "That is not a reason." "Sure it is," he quipped. "Have you never done something simply because you wanted to?" "No." "Are you...sure?" His tone hinted specificity, just like that night he knew she wanted pleasure. A chill ran down her spine and she looked at him with dread. "One...cannot be ruled by impulses. Discipline should come before wants." "Oh?" he asked, standing to his full height. "And who told you that?" "Myself." "And could you be wrong?" "Never." He began to walk forward and she stepped back, matching him step for step. "Don't forget yourself ogre," Zyra growled, pulling out a dagger in her retreat. "I have never forgotten who I am," he mused as they made a wide predatory circle. "It seems to me you've forgotten." "What? How dare you!" The ogre stopped and she halted, staring at him in disbelief. Had he gone mad? Surely bringing him to the village had gone to his head. "Do you know what color anger is?" He was mad. The ogre had finally lost it. Asking if emotions had colors. "Red," he answered. "Just a moment ago you were swirling red. And jealousy is purple. It was bit too light out to see if you were jealous. You see..." he began to walk forward again. "I can see your emotions at night. When it's dark I know exactly what you're feeling." Her back hit a tree and before she could scramble off he braced an arm above her head. Visions of Hanto ran through her mind and she tightened her grip on her dagger. "Don't stab me. Please. We're just talking aren't we?" He leaned back, giving her a bit more space but still remained above her. "I have one more need," his eyes bore into hers and she felt an ache between her legs. The corner of his mouth twitched up. "I think you'll like it." She gulped and dug the dagger into the tree, the resistant scraping distracting her. "What else do you need?" "Hm...how aboutyou?" Her eyes snapped up to meet his and she pushed him. He didn't budge, he was like a boulder. Seeing her apprehension he pulled back of his own volition. "I have carnal needs Zyra, just like your friend Ginger...and just like you." "Don't even think about..." "Approaching Ginger?" he interjected. "I won't approach her. I'm approaching you. I want you." She gasped when he put a warm hand on her thigh, the light touch burning her inside. "To touch...to kiss..." he kissed the side of her rigid neck. "To...enter." The word sent a shock to her system and she ducked underneath his arms. She pedaled back, raising the dagger in front of her. "One more step. One more word and I'll hurt you," she seethed. "Are you so offended that I find you attractive?" Kail asked. "That I, a green monster should want you. Do you find me so repulsive?" "No! I mean yes! I mean..." her panicked protest broke off at the sound of his laughter. "So serious," he chuckled, leaning against the tree. "I know that's not it Zyra. I know you find me attractive." She bit her lip and pulled it through her teeth. "If such fallacies keep you amused ogre, think so. Your delusions..." "Do you know what color you are Zyra? Right now?" The sky had darkened to its full potential, the dark blue sky birthing bright stars overhead. The distorted moon swam in the water's surface. One look was all it took for him to close the distance. Those yellow eyes were an inch away from hers. She was frozen when he reached out to hold her chin. He lowered his voice, speaking just above a whisper. His hot breath blew across her lips. "You're gold Zyra," he said softly. "You are shimmering like a star. You are even more beautiful than you know. And I..." his fangs glistened in the moon as his face pulled open a smile. "...want you even more." She closed her eyes in horror. Her pulse began to race in both pleasure and pain. "I will continue to pursue you as long as you shine gold at the thought of me." Their proximity was maddening. Her closed eyes brought forth images. Images of him pressing her body to his own, and then grabbing her butt and grinding his manhood against her. He lifted her against a tree and pulled up her skirt to tease the weeping hot flesh between her legs. She nearly groaned. "Stop." He didn't respond. "Leave Kail." Still nothing. "I said leav..." She opened her eyes and saw he had retreated into the forest. She was alone. How long had he left her? Was this all in her mind? She had let her imagination roam free and it had nearly cost her. The truth still freed itself from the mess. She knew what the color gold had to mean. She bet that right now she was nothing more than a gold glowing mass. Zyra knew her duty. She couldn't control these feelings but she could repress them. The light could grow inside of her, filling her to the brim with depravity and longing but she would not give it. She had long ago abandoned childish notions of freedom. Her destiny was not for the expressed release of any kind. She was captive of her fate. She was not to be released as Rovian protector, nor from the servitude of Kyzu, or her enslavement to the witches of the North. No, she was made to endure the strain of everything and let it fester inside of her. She was destined to explode. ______________________________________ NOTES: I actually didn't finish this chapter where I wanted. It occurred to me it was too much for one serving. Would you guys/gals, be okay with postings that were up to 3 or 4 pages? Or is this current amount good? (I'm still leaving cliffhangers regardlessXD) Love you all as always. I am humbled by your support, and you will see the Basilisk again. (As requested by popular demand) COMMENT COMMENT COMMENT!!!^_^ Thank you. *Oh and for the reader named Zyra. Really? I totally made up that name. (Made up Rell, Kyzu, Gharla, Enui, Hanto...everything but Kail and Ginger.O.O)So, if your name is actually Zyra, that's pretty of cool. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 12 Chapter 12: Denial The flap of her tent opened, milky light spilling in the darkness. She moaned as she rose up expecting to see Ginger. "Couldn't you have waited until morning?" Her breath caught when she saw who was leaning into her tent. It was a bare-chested Kail. Glinting auburn fire swept precariously over his owlish eyes, eyes that were stared through her. "No," Kail rumbled. "I couldn't." She was frozen stiff as he closed the flap behind him and crawled towards her. Her lips quivered to speak anything to covey her distress. "What are you—" "Shh..." he whispered leaning over her rigid nude body. The day had been warm so she was naked, the cool breeze of the night had helped her burning skin. Now it made her vulnerable laying her bare to the creature above her. "Kail you mustn't..." she tried, but he put a warm finger to her lips. "Relax love. I know what I'm doing." Suddenly he enveloped her in a kiss, holding her naked breasts against his own muscular bare chest. The overwhelming urge to bend to his strength overcame her. She leant back wantonly as he kissed her neck, a warm hand massaging her nipple. "Kail..." she whimpered. He lay on top of her, grinding his arousal against her moistening flesh. Her hands wrapped around his back, holding onto him desperately. "Kail..." His hand drifted from her face and trailed past her stomach to nestle just above her groin. "Do you want me?" he asked in a deep honeyed voice. "Don't tease me," she protested. "Tell me you want me. Say it Zyra." "Kail touch me. Go lower...please..." "Tell me you want me and I will." "Kail I..." "Zyra, wake up." "I..." "Auntie! Auntie Zyra wake up!" Wake up...? ... What the...! Zyra shot up like an arrow. She was sweating profusely, her skin covered by a layer of perspiration. Looking around her tent she saw she was alone. She was naked which she expected, but she was also very wet. Not all of her wetness was from her sweat. "Fuckta! Fuckta Fuckta Fuckta!" she cursed. "Zyra?" Looking up she realized that the person was outside her tent. "Zyra, mommy said you have a hunt." Oh, her hunt! She had overslept! For the first time in 15 years she had overslept! "Coming Nima!" she said as she frantically threw on her clothing and splashed her face with water. Grabbing her spear she sprung out of the tent, nearly colliding with the long lanky child. "How are you today Nima?" Zyra wiped a hand across her wet brow to push away the cool water that dribbled into her eyes. "Good," Nima replied happily. "And you?" "Good thank you," she said, avoiding the child's eyes. She was not good. She had dreamt that she and the...the ogre of all things were about to...and she had nearly...and she actually... Dear God. "Who is Kail?" Zyra halted. The sky was falling. The fucking sky was falling. Mortification wrapped Zyra up into a tiny ball of regret and shame. She gazed upon Nima in absolute horror. Zyra swallowed and cleared her throat, hitting her chest a few times. "Um...Nima, Sweetie...how— how do you know that name honey?" Nima looked up at her with her wide innocent eyes. "I heard you say it from outside. Is he mean to you?" Yes. "No honey, where did you get that?" Nima wrinkled her nose, seemingly in irritation. "You told him not to tease you." Zyra could only stare at Nima before she abruptly dropped to her level. "Nima honey would you like to know a secret?" Nima's whole face brightened as she nodded excitedly. "Then you have to keep it a secret between me and you." "Okay." "Promise?" "Promise!" "Good. Now um..." Zyra looked upward as though the sky might provide her an alibi. "Kail is...a friendly wood spirit and he uh...lives in...the wood. The woods around our tribe land!" "Wow..." "Yes wow. So he's mischievous, so sometimes he might tease me. But I'm not supposed to know he's there. If anyone was to find out that I know him, he'd have to disappear." "Oh no!" "So can you keep it a secret that I was saying his name? Or he'll have to go away." Nima nodded sternly as though she would take the information to her grave. This is why she loved this child. If Ginger had been sent to wake her all hell would have broken loose. "Good," Zyra said smiling. "The secret is just between us." "Okay Auntie." Zyra smiled and picked up the girl. Hoisting her on her back she began to run to the location of the hunt. Nima giggled as she held onto her neck. "Can I ask one more question?" she asked innocently. No. "If you must." "Why did you ask him to touch you?" "...he has...magic...powers. That heal!" "Oh wow." "Yeah, he's...something alright." When she arrived her huntresses were already assembled. They looked at her strangely. "Sy yah aya sisna?" "Are you alright sister?" Henna asked. Hah," Zyra said. "Yes." She wondered why they were talking in code when she saw the ogre standing by the edge of their land. In his hands was the bow. "You may enter," Zyra said gritting her teeth. The memory of him sent an uncomfortable chill down her spine. He walked forward and gave a slight bow. Then he presented the gift to Henna. She and the huntresses gathered around it. It was a bow, but it was different then their own. The string was still twine, the bow was still wood. Yet at the ends ornate curls were carved in it. It was slightly thicker than their original bows, but it was not heavy. Along the wood on side where Henna would draw the string was a cut notch for the arrows. "I also made you an arrow to try." They turned to him and he produced a wooden arrow that resembled a spike. The stone point was thin and instead of feathers at the end, there were two wooden splits. She could grab the splits to pull it back. "We shall try it during the hunt," Zyra declared. "We will give results when we return." She turned to Henna who tried to hide the grin on her face. Then they ran into the forest. The hunt lasted until early afternoon. The first kill had been a shot Perkadu. It had been a shot that went right through the heart, and it belonged to Henna. No one was more shocked then Henna about her kill. Henna had poor arm strength. She could not heft a spear but she had difficultly pulling back a bow string. She was only a huntress because she was incredibly agile and fast. She was able to keep up with prey and her shouts could keep them on the prey's trail. That morning Henna alone killed three beasts. Kail's bow was amazing. Zyra ended up cutting the hunting session short. They had enough meat and her sisters were too excited to focus. They were starting to make stupid mistakes. "Let's just go back now," Zyra said dismissively. Her eyes widened in surprise when her sisters grabbed up the meat and ran towards the tribe to pick out weapons for Kail's repair. Really? They had to run? She shook her head in embarrassment for them. If the ogre realized how successful he had been it would only go to his head. "So I'm guessing they like my work?" Figures. Zyra swung around and saw Kail watching her expectantly. His hands were behind his back and he feigned calmness, but she could see the pride glittering in his eyes. She was not amused. "How do you keep doing that?" she asked angrily. He raised an eyebrow. "Doing what?" Her eyes narrowed in annoyance. "Sneaking up on me! You're twice my size, how can you be so quiet?" The ogre laughed, his whole frame shaking in amusement. "Well, I am an ogre," he explained. "What does that have to do with anything?" He pouted before walking a few steps closer to her. "Do you really know nothing about magical culture?" "Of course I do. There are just so many sources available to me," Zyra replied sarcastically. "No need to be rude," the ogre chuckled. Zyra rolled her eyes and began to walk away. She listened for sound as he caught up to her pace and walked beside her. He was soundless. "I can teach you," he quipped. She frowned heavily and examined his chipper state. "They really made your day didn't they?" "My month actually," he corrected. "With so many weapons I'm sure to be quite busy." "Good for you," she grumbled. "Now what did you mean by 'I'm an ogre?' Is it common?" "Could we stop for a moment?" She gave out a ragged sigh and paused to turn to him. He gave her a mischievous grin in exchange. "Allow me educate you. Ogres like all magical beings have a few powers. We are strong but that is normal for most magical creatures. What sets us apart is our ability to see emotion during the night and our soundlessness. This could be vital in an instance where we are attacked at night. The enemy can't hide or sneak up on us, and we could fight or run away quite successfully." Zyra nodded, thinking about the times he had made noise. "But... I've heard you..." "Sometimes I'll make noise in order to avoid startling you," he said before she could finish. "If noise is made, it's intentional." "I see," Zyra said feeling sheepish. So he was humoring her? He could sneak up on her at any moment and she would be caught off guard every time. Maybe she should put a bell on him. "Do you...have any more powers?" she asked curiously. "A few," he admitted. "Why?" Her strange dreams suddenly came into focus. Back in the magical land he had spoken to her and showed her images of herself being defiled. Here she had another. Could he be the cause? "I'm just asking," she said walking back towards the tribe land. "I mean, you wouldn't happen to have more powers over the night, would you?" "Like?" "Like power over dreams for example." She didn't hear him respond and she stopped to look behind her. He was smirking, his lips twisted in dark amusement. "Are you having strange dreams Zyra?" She turned from him and stalked away. "Never mind!" she growled angrily. She heard him laughing before her right arm was grabbed and she was spun around. "Wait, wait. I'm sorry," he said chuckling. "I'm sorry. Please stay. I'll answer your question." Her frown turned into a grimace as she crossed her arms expectantly. His lips quivered as he tried to keep his laughter in. She watched him fight to keep a straight face. "These dreams...am I in these dreams?" She was seized by a fit of rage as she felt more and more that the ogre was making a fool of her. "Bun bú raw!" she screamed and turned again. Kail snatched her arm and turned her back again, trying to stop his chuckling in vain. "Wait wait wait! Hehe I'm sorry. I'm sorry Zyra. Just...hehe...give me a minute..." The time it took for him to compose himself was enough time for Zyra to make hatred her primary emotion regarding him. He cleared his throat, his hands still on her arms. "Wait, what did you just say?" She glared at him. Zyra had told him to burn in hell. When he realized how angry he was making her, his mirth hid itself. "Tell me Zyra, am I in your dreams?" "Are you sending them or not?" "No," Kail finally revealed. "But I can help you stop them." So there was hope? All she had to do was remain vague about the contents of the dreams. "How?" Kail examined her curiously. "Well, what are your dreams about?" She froze, guilt misting over her eyes. She swallowed hard, trying to repress the graphic images that lay in her subconscious. Before she could recover her poise, Kail saw through her. He looked down at her with sudden growing intensity. "Ah...I see." No! He wasn't allowed to see, no one was! Zyra yanked herself away from him, facing him defiantly so he would not feel the need to turn her around. "I dreamt that I banished you to the rest of human villages and lied to the witches' council about your health." Kail ran a hand through his hair and shook his head. "You are an awful liar Zyra. You must not tell lies often. How admirable." He took a step forward and she once again took a step back. After three steps she turned to make sure she wasn't backing into a tree. When she looked back he was almost touching her chest. Gently he clasped her chin and tilted it upward to look into his face. "Actually I've had dreams of you too," he said quietly. His eyes dragged lazily along her face, sliding like a hand down the length of her body. "Would you like to hear about them?" "No." Zyra pushed his hands away from her head, but he turned her face back like she was a fussing child refusing to eat. Why was she letting him touch her? "Zyra—" "I know what this is!" She smacked his hand away viciously and glared at him. "You're trying to manipulate me. You want to fluster me so I can't lead properly." He raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. "That is what you think? You can't accept that I desire you?" She shook her head in disgust. "You don't want me ogre! You're just desperate and lonely enough that you'd stick your prick into anything! Carnal needs? Please. How will a big green boulder..." "Let me show you," he snapped. "How will you know if you don't try?" She could see him losing his patience. It made her feel like she was gaining power. She could affect him. He wasn't invincible. "Why would I let you near me?" she asked scathingly. "I don't even know why you were exiled! In my tribe cowards and traitors are the only ones exiled. Is it easy to play brave now? When you're in a village of human women?" "Zyra, stop it." "Or are you planning on betraying us? Hoping to sneak in a couple fucks before you kill us?" "Enough!" The boom in his normally soft voice startled her. He glared at her angrily, the power of the burning sun in his gaze. Without a word he grabbed her by the front of her tunic and pushed her into the back of a tree. Her heart began to race as his feral eyes cut through her. "Don't you ever assume you know me," he growled. Her heart skipped a beat and dropped queasily into her stomach. She clamped her teeth together, refusing to show the fear on her face. "And I told you to call me Kail. Apologize, you've insulted me." He growled at her cruelly, his glistening fangs looked like menacing daggers. "You know how to do that much, don't you human?" She had never seen this side of him. Zyra started to wonder if she brought out the worst in people. Even so, her pride kept her silent. They stared each other down. She could see him getting tenser by the second. "You can't do that much?" he asked. "If you're not trying to manipulate me then what?" she shouted. "What?" Kail chuckled humorlessly, tossing his auburn head back and forth. "You really are thick headed." "Put me dow...!" She was cut off by him crashing his lips into hers. She squeaked when she felt his hands under her hips. In one fluid motion he lifted her up against the tree and pressed himself between her legs, keeping her airborne and trapped against his body. His right hand tangled in her hair and he pulled her head back to deepen the kiss. Zyra shook at the force of his passion. It was crushing her. She protested in loud angry moans that his lips swallowed up. With practiced skill, Kail spread her lips apart and swept his tongue inside her mouth. She froze, terrified at the thought of his fangs ripping up her lips. But he was gentle, he took his time in tasting her mouth. Sucking her hungrily he pressed harder against her. The thin tip of his tongue raked the roof of her mouth sending tingles down her throat. She struggled viciously at the sensitivity it caused her. Zyra began burning up as heat pooled in her stomach. Her clothes were too heavy, too cumbersome against her enflamed flesh. She was angry at herself for being so powerless, disturbed when she found that she craved him. For once she wasn't in charge. The thought sent fear into her heart and heat to her groin. He heard her whimper and his eyes narrowed He could feel her melting in his arms. She dug her fingernails into his shoulders, hoping in vain to injure him. Zyra was losing air. Her mind was becoming cloudy from lust and air depravation. She was getting dizzy. Her resistance had a new meaning. Stop! I can't breathe! You're going to kill me! Kail! Maybe that was his intention. She was sure she was going to pass out when he pulled his lips away from her abruptly. "Apologize!" he snarled. "Sorry," she huffed out breathlessly. She gulped air up like she had been underwater, shivering in his arms. "I...m...sorry..." He rested his face in the crook of her neck as he caught his own breath. She could feel her heartbeat racing in the veins of her neck. Zyra blinked in confusion as her reason returned to her. What had just happened? Before she could demand that he put her down, he grabbed her right hand. She watched dumbly as he pulled it towards him. Without warning he plunged the hand into his breeches. It took her oxygen deprived brain a few moments to realize what she was touching. "What the..." "Stop your shrieking and feel me Zyra." No. No no no! She was not touching it. She was not touching it. She was talking to Ginger about cloths and bra bindings. She was not touching the ogre. She was nowhere near his cock. Nowhere. Defiantly she clenched her hand in a fist. He grunted in irritation. "I am not putting you down until you do." "I did." "And what did you feel?" "Skin." "You barely grazed it. What else?" "..." She couldn't answer him. Was he looking for the obvious answer? "Try again," he demanded. He didn't move as promised. Letting out a large sigh she imagined Rell's manhood. It was just like that, Zyra told herself. It might be strange looking and all together harmless. It didn't have teeth or anything...it wouldn't tighten around her wrist. Or ooze something that would immobilize her...or snake up and dig against her mound...or...no, ogre members were just members... Yes? Yes. She flattened her hand against it and the first thing she felt was a pulse. Holy fuckta it was alive. "Ah!" she shouted pulling her hand away. He forced it back down and looked at her with unbridled rage. "You're embarrassing yourself," he said in calm even tone. "If you keep this up, I'm going to take you against this tree." "I'll scream," she threatened. "I'll be inside you before that." She gulped. There was too much promise behind that threat to risk it. Steeling her nerves she flattened her palm again. She frowned heavily but she noticed something crucial. He was hard, extremely hard, inches from being made of stone. He was also thick; four of the fingers on her palm clenched together were the width of him. Yet her pressed hand had not measured the full length of him and he was hot and throbbing. Her cheeks stained maroon. "Well?" he asked expectantly. "You're hard," she mumbled avoiding his gaze. "What was that?" "...I said you're hard." "I'm hard for you Zyra," he corrected. "I want to fuck you. To think that I would have an ulterior motive for seducing you is disgraceful. Even for a skeptic like you." Then he dropped her. She landed in a disgraceful lump on the ground. Pulling up she watched as he adjusted his pants to fit back over this hips. The v was as tantalizing as ever. "Another thing about ogres," he said tying the knot of his pants tightly. "We take slander very seriously." He began to walk away, leaving her like a whore in the middle of the forest. She refused to be insulted that way. "Fine, I believe you." He stopped midstride and looked over his shoulder in surprise. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 12 She stood up placing her hands on her hips. "But that doesn't mean I reciprocate your feelings. You constantly overstep our boundaries. My only obligation is to make sure you live. If you do something like this again there will punishment." "Really?" "Really." He opened his mouth, his fangs purposely on display. "And if you do something like this to me? Will you punish yourself?" She laughed mockingly. "I would never entertain such thoughts." She was so angry she didn't even feel like she was lying. "You would." "I wouldn't." Now it was Kail's turn to smile. "But Zyra, you And you're lying if you think otherwise." He stuck out his tongue into the air, the reptilian length causing Zyra to gulp in panic. That snake had been in her mouth? "I can taste your lust from over here," he quipped. "I did this to prove to you that my desire is genuine. Your desire however repressed is also genuine. The sooner you see this..." He grinned, a Cheshire smile, with fatal rows of teeth. "... the sooner I can make your dreams go away." She let him leave this time, too busy to wonder how much he said was out of arrogance or fact. __________________________________________________ The dreams did not go away. As time passed, Zyra found herself losing her carefully constructed control. Just as she had predicted Kail's ability to craft weaponry had made him a frequent visitor of the Rovian village. Zyra no longer had to search for his whereabouts. She found with disdain that he carried an easy charm that made him popular among her huntresses. While they had initially regarded him with scorn, Henna had developed a crush upon the handsome green monster. After crafting her marvelous bow she had asked him to make her a dagger. Before he could begin to work on the project, other huntresses offered him their bows in protest. He had decided it would be best to work on all their bows first then other weapons after. As a result there was an influx of deliveries made around midday. It was originally a quick drop off, but Henna had taken it upon herself to invite him to their mid meal. Since then they had been eating lunch together. Zyra couldn't stand it. She could not banish him from the village as he had done nothing criminal, and Kyzu found it no problem for him to reside among them. At the same time she could not hide her resentment for him in regards to how he made her feel, and how he had touched her. She was a haunted woman, living on the fringe of her own troupe simply because she did not have the patience to deal with the ogre. As the huntresses showed no fear to him, soon the other villagers began to regard him more openly. One day an old auntie asked him to carry a basket of herbs to her tent. Another bravely brushed by him, touching his green pigmented skin. They chatted late at the night cook fires about how brash they were being. Ginger, who was always intuitive, noticed Zyra's strange behavior. "Why do you dislike the ogre?" Ginger asked her one day. She was resting half inside Ginger's tent, watching the ogre laugh with her huntresses surrounding him in companionship. Ginger was out on a log working on a new pair of gloves for her. "Are you jealous now that we have a real man instead of you?" "He is not a man!" Zyra snapped angrily. "He is an ogre from beyond the border. You have no idea of the horrors that go on there." "You could tell me," Ginger suggested for the hundredth time. "Yes," Zyra concluded. She could tell her, but she felt no desire to talk about it. The events were still too fresh in her mind. Gharla and Enui were still not home. She had expected them to be back by now. It only gave her fresh anxiety. What if she was wrong about the danger of the ogre? What if he really meant harm? Could she do anything to stop him from ripping the throats of her sisters with those sinister teeth? She could not even control herself. She was overcome with strange emotions, hearing voices that supposedly, "didn't" call her, and hyper aware of her surroundings. Her huntresses had been impressed by her skills before, but now they regarded her almost like a supernatural stranger. To be honest, if she didn't hold back she didn't even need them to hunt with her. It was scary, and if she was scared, how could she blame them for their fears? The group in front of her began to laugh loudly. Nausea settled into the pit of her stomach. Now the ogre was more sister to them now? And because of what? A stupid tattoo that she had to keep covered up? An insecure sister who was acting against her to assert her uncontested power? This had all started thanks to that meddling ogre. How she hated Kail. "I think you are jealous," Ginger said giddily. "You know, even though you're glaring at him so angrily, he keeps sneaking longing looks at you." Zyra turned to Ginger. "You're delusional. He hasn't turned his head once." "He glances from the corner of his eyes," Ginger said smiling lustfully. "Something subtle that you would know nothing about. It's seductive don't you think?" "You don't want to know what I think." They were lost in silence for a while, Ginger giving Zyra a few minutes to decompress. Then she had to speak. "...do you suppose he likes human females?" "Ginger! It doesn't matter!" she shouted. Her former group of sisters turned with the ogre to see what the problem was. Before they could inquire she had ducked into Ginger's tent. Why was Ginger so damned annoying? If only Zyra knew how to sew. Then she could stay in her own tent clear on the other side of the village. She lay down among the furs in irritation when the flap opened. "Ginger, I don't have time for you," she groaned, throwing a fur over her head. "Then I suppose it's good that I am not Ginger." She shot out of the furs to eye an amused Kail bent over into the tent. "Why are you here?" she asked, glaring at him vehemently. "Your place is in the forest." He took a seat, effectively blocking the entrance and exit with his body. Great. "I am here because I have collected one weapon from each huntress." "Good," Zyra said dismissively. "What is the problem? Are you done? They have secondary weapons as well." He looked at her solemnly. "What I mean to say is, I have collected one weapon from each huntress excluding you. You have yet to give me something to work with." Give up her weapon? To him? Images of him purposely making the spearhead too loose or the bow string too tight filled her mind. In her head a caricature of him with a goofy grin on his face handed her a spear. She looked down at it, only for him to tackle her to the ground. Then when she tried to stab him, the point fell off and the blunt end knocked her out. He smiled widely and dragged her unconscious body by one leg into the forest with a large sign that said "Victor" floating above his forehead. "Zyra...Zyra...did you hear me?" She shook herself like she had awoken from sleep. "Um, yes. I thank you for your offer, but I find my current weaponry to be quite adequate." She didn't expect to see the flash of hurt in his eyes. "Do you doubt my ability?" he asked flatly. "No," she admitted slightly worried of his behavior. "You're quite good. It doesn't involve you." "Then what does it involve?" he asked snappishly. "I would at least like to know that." She sighed trying to find the words. "It's just...I need those weapons to remain the same. My huntresses could use some change, but I could use some familiarity. I need to feel that these weapons are Rovian, and...I deserve to wield them." After the words came out of her mouth, she found them to be more than an excuse. It was true. She needed her weapons, faults and all, to stay the weapons that Zyra the Rovian sister had had before the valley. Looking back at the ogre she saw he was gazing at her intently. He nodded to her, his eyes never leaving her face as though he might miss a vital clue. "I understand." "Really?" Why was she asking? He had already conceded! What part of her was so weak and lonely that she wished for his understanding? In a way, the ogre was the last link to the horrors of the valley. "Yes," he said softly. She believed him. He could understand. They said nothing, staring at each other as usual, each looking for answers to different questions. Zyra composed herself in a faster fashion. "Good. Then carry on. As always, you must leave before dark. No exceptions." "...Yes Maam." A ghost of a smirk slipped over his face and he exited, closing the flap behind him. Inside she could hear Ginger flirting with him. She supposed it was harmless. They wouldn't dare try anything when she was mere feet away. Sighing she decided to take a nap. She had been so restless lately, she hadn't been sleeping properly. Maybe she could finally get some rest. __________________________________________________ Gharla wrung her hands nervously as she walked on farther in the forest to the dwelling of the nymphs. A lesser witch had told her that Enui was living with them now, only partially engaged in their pleasuring. Part of her felt betrayed, but she aimed to be understanding. If Enui was still out of her mind then she could be forgiven. When she had first exited the Marble Tree it had taken her eyes several minutes to stop watering. The light of the sun was so bright. It didn't burn like it had before, but it shone white in color and sliced through the shadows. Heading back towards the thicket of the forest strip that separated home from this place, she began thinking about her previous companions. Zyra would have long ago saved Nima. Brother Rell would be gone, and hopefully the ogre might have killed Hanto. A happy conclusion once she and Enui returned home. Of course there was still the ogre. Kail seemed like a dumb mute brute when she first saw him, but there was too little time to form an opinion. He was large though, large enough to be a problem. She tripped on a stray vine that twisted around a luscious tree. The stumble upset her. She would have never been so clumsy in her huntress dress. As she reached closer to where the witch had directed her she began to feel her skin prickle. They were close, she could feel their eyes on her. Laughter rose like mist, starting from the ground in whispers and carrying off in the wind in horrid echoes. She jumped suddenly when she felt a hand enclose her ankle. When she looked down there was nothing there. They were playing with her. She walked until she was by the blue leafed tree that was the nymph's home. It was dry and gnarled which meant they were roaming. A gasp escaped her as a pair or cerulean arms encircled her waist. As the broad chest pressed against her back she cringed when he put his chin in the crook of her neck. She didn't resist. She had learned from the witches that she was safe from these creatures, but if she struggled too much they might take that as a request for foreplay. "I'm here for my sister Enui," she said firmly. She faced forward, ignoring the cold lips that pressed against her ear. "We know." Its voice was silky with no more timbre than a whisper. A green leafy tress of his hair fell over his shoulder. It was Vine. She had come to recognize this one as Vine simply because the hair at the front of his head were vines instead of branches and leaves. "Then where is she?" she asked firmly. He didn't respond to her, instead turning her around to face his impish gaze. In the corner of her eye she could see the others melting up from the trees and the ground. Vine was beautiful as were all the others, but for some reason he had formed a strange desire that included touching and bothering her. He gave her a slow easy smile and rubbed her shoulders in sensual circles. "Why don't you play with us while you wait?" She heard giggles in the background, her stomach flipped nervously. "Where is Enui?" "You'd never have to wonder where she was if you stayed here with us," he mused devilishly. She glared at him in response. "I want to know where she is. Now." The smile remained on his face as he backed up from her. He gestured to a female nymph who ran off, presumably to where Enui was. Then he stared at her brazenly, his exposed brown sex jutting at her accusingly. She made sure to never let her gaze leave his face. Any sign of curiosity or arousal would be seen as an invitation. So far she had done well avoiding her own rape. She had no desire to prolong she and Enui's stay. His hand interrupted her thoughts as it clamped onto her breast. His eyes were locked onto hers as though he dared her to protest. He was testing her, trying to see how far he could push her before he elicited some emotion from her. With that emotion, he would be able to take her. She acted like a stone and stared at his forehead. His finger began to stroke her nipple, hoping that it would bud for him and stick through her dress. He was gentle, so gentle that she... "Gharla!" He flinched back as Enui approached, wearing what appeared to be a dress made of leaves. It was surprisingly demure, covering her quite decently. She stepped forward to her, the corners of her mouth lifting into a smile. Looking to Vine she was surprised to see that he seemed disappointed and angry. He looked at her with such longing she actually felt guilty. Vine suddenly turned and abruptly grabbed a female nymph. He forced his lips on her and used his hip to part her legs as he slammed her into a tree. She let out a happy squeal and they evaporated into it tree. Enui walked to her happily engulfing her in a hug that she was hesitant to return. "Sister! How are you Gharla?" she asked happily. The glow in her cheeks was unnatural or perhaps, too natural. She was a beautiful sight, as though she was pregnant with joy. Gharla gulped. "I'm fine. How are... you Enui?" "Perfect," she said smiling to herself. "Come let me introduce them to you. Takh has really wanted to speak with you." Gharla tightened her arm against Enui's pulling. "Who is Takh?" Enui blinked innocently. "The one who always comes to greet you. Or so they say. He was just here. He thinks you're very pretty." Gharla frowned heavily. So it was Vine. No matter, Enui seemed to still be under their control, but she was able bodied. "Enui," she said taking her shoulders. "Look at me." Enui turned her shiny brown eyes to her expectantly. "We have to get back. To the sisters, the village. Do you remember the huntresses? And Zyra? We have to make sure everything is alright." Enui's face lost some of its radiance as obvious disappointment tainted her. "So soon?" "Enui we've been here for days! Almost two weeks or so I think." The valley's weather was so strange she had no idea how long it had been. A chill ran down her spine at the idea that it might have been years. No, impossible. Zyra would have come for them already. "But...I'm not ready to leave." Enui pulled from her, almost fearfully and began going back to the nymphs. "Are you saying you want to stay here?" Gharla asked angrily. "Do you never intend on going back to the village? We have responsibilities! Why are you being so selfish?" Enui took another step back and stared at her tiny bare feet. "I know I'm being selfish," she admitted sadly. Then she looked up at Gharla with a look she had never seen. Her face was the picture of defiance, and it was directed towards Gharla. "But what's so wrong about that?" The nymphs were closing a few steps behind Enui as though to remind Gharla that she was outnumbered. Gharla was stunned into silence as she became repulsed by the creature masquerading around in Enui's skin. "Are you really in your right mind Enui?" she asked slowly. Enui laughed and was grasped in the arms of a female nymph who purred happily. "I'm open-minded. You should be too Gharla. When you're close-minded you hurt the feelings of others. Takh? Takh honey come here!" Gharla watched as he came out alone from the tree, a frown plastered on his face, his brown wooden member sloppy from use. "Gharla, why don't you have fun with Takh? He's very kind. He can give it to any way you want. Gentle, rough, he'll let you decide." Takh looked up at her shyly a strand of hope hanging in his eyes. With Gharla's look it shriveled up and died. He retreated back into the tree while Enui remained oblivious to Gharla's rage. Gharla gritted her teeth. "Enui, just tell me. When are we leaving?" Enui rolled her eyes and turned into the blue bodies that began to surround her. "We'll leave after you have sex with Takh. Lots of it. See you tomorrow sister." Gharla shook with rage as she forced herself to go back to the Marble Tree. Those witches had some explaining to do. She touched the white trunk and the doorway appeared, allowing her to enter. It was unusually silent, which she loathed immensely. Of course they would vanish knowing she wanted help. Looking from room to room she searched for a sign of a single black robe. She called out for anyone to show themselves, but her echoes were her answer. Irritated she decided to return to her quarters. Before she could round the corner to venture up her stairs she heard a sound coming from below. Quickly she put her ear in the direction of the noise and began to track it. Yes, it was getting louder, some kind of mewing. She followed it down the moon lit corridor until she reached a brown wooden door that lay slightly ajar. She knocked three times. "Hello? Anyone there?" "Come in." It was Caligula, his voice was husky. She pushed the door open and froze at the sight. On top of a table was an oriental looking witch arching lewdly with spread open legs. Between those legs thrusting away was Caligula. They both wore their robes, but they were hiked up and she could see their undulating thighs. His purple eyes were locked on her as he continued to make the witch underneath him mew. She stood there dumbly, her eyes wide and surprised. "Yes?" he asked, holding the witches wrists down on the table. "I knocked," she muttered before turning on her heel. "There are no other witches in the tree other than Ahree and myself," he said raspily. "If you require something I would suggest speaking now." She refused to turn around. "I'll come back later," she replied stiffly. "There won't be a later," Caligula said letting out a breathless chuckle. "Witches can go for a long time. It won't be until much later. Not until the ceremony is complete." "What ceremony?" Gharla growled. "It is celebration? Why would witches need to mate?" The woman let out a moan and she heard a loud creak behind her. There was silence then a loud slapping sound as the woman began to whine pitifully. "We have no need to mate," he said sounding extremely pleased. "This is the ceremony of Bacchus. We are simply partaking in the physical rites." The slapping became louder and the woman shrieked in ecstasy. "You're free to join us Madam Gharla." Gharla jumped as she heard the whisper in her ear. She turned, swatting behind her when there was nothing but air. Caligula smirked at her. He was still at the table, the woman now being fucked from behind. Her face was red and her nails bit into the wood of the table. She panted, a goofy smile on her face. Gharla closed her eyes and swallowed before staring only at Caligula's probing eyes. "Enui is not well. You said giving her to the nymphs would heal her. Now she doesn't know if she wants to come home. She's under their spell. I want her out from under it!" Caligula pulled up the woman so she lay against his chest and lifted one leg up to bend on the table. She arched into him, rubbing her breasts as he thrusted standing up. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 12 "We said that she would be cured from the withdrawal," he said lustily glaring at her. "We never said it wouldn't change her point of view." "So she's brainwashed?" she asked angrily. She pressed her legs together. The way he was looking at her was like he was fucking her through the woman that straddled him. "Nymphs are simple creatures," Caligula said lifting up the woman. She turned to face him. He held her bottom as she wrapped her legs around him and bounced her up and down. The woman cursed and tossed her robe away in a quick motion. She was naked now, the flesh of her butt in Caligula's grip, the tips of her light brown nipples, taunting Gharla's white robed discretion. "They can only do one thing," he said spreading the woman's butt apart. She didn't know when she had started looking away from his eyes. Now she could see his member. It's impressive girth and width was glistening with the woman's juices as he sheathed himself inside her tiny pussy. She appeared absolutely stuffed. "They can only fuck Gharla." The voice sounded far away as Gharla's eyes were glued to the erotic scene before her. Suddenly the woman cried out and Caligula thrust harder into her. Her pussy quivered violently. She was orgasming on his cock, right in front of her. He let out a growl and with brutal strength he lifted the woman up and down on his cock three times while he pounded back at her. She became limp in his hands as she waggled her tongue, still in the throes of a powerful orgasm. Her eyes glazed over in satiation, a sheen of sweat layering her skin. Caligula pulled the woman down and Gharla watched as he emptied his seed inside of her with a guttural roar. Through every action his eyes had never left hers. He looked like a wild beast who wanted to devour her. She could feel the heat tingling at her entrance, the ache that started to rattle her bones. He pulled out of the woman and laid her on the table. His robe remained parted, his wet thick cock jutting out at her as he strode forward. Then he was standing in front of her. "We can't be responsible for how she responds to the fucking," he said tilting his head innocently. She gasped when he rubbed his cock against her groin. "Maybe she found something in her pleasure that you have yet to discover," he mused, eating up Gharla's shock. "Perhaps you should follow her example. I did tell you to follow your urges." He stepped away and went back to the witch who hadn't moved since he placed her on it. Pulling her back by her legs he lined her up with the edge of the table and pushed inside her. "You won't need to worry about food or drink. We've left a tray in your room that will never go empty. I won't be in this room for very much longer, but should you need me simply call my name." With that a strong wind pulled her back out of the room and the door bolted behind her. She stood there perplexed. She had no idea what was going on in this vulgar insane world. He had rubbed his spent cock on her attire and she hadn't even budged. She couldn't in fact. Gharla could not wrap her mind around what was going on here. Mollified beyond repair she walked slowly to her room ignoring the wet spot that kept flapping against her wet groin. She disrobed and washed the garment in the fount of her room. Then she laid it out to dry. She lay on her bed with no bra wrappings and a simple undergarment that could also use a wash. She wouldn't dare take it off though. It was moist with her desire and the only thing containing the itch she wanted to scratch... with something long and hard. She wanted sex, badly. She wondered if reason was the first thing to go when sex was involved. Lying on her bed made her woozy. She was burning in fact. She couldn't stay here. Slipping on her damp robe she exited the tree and made her way to a stream they had told her was safe. She needed a cold swim. That would make her feel better. Apparently time had passed again for it was night time. She quickly shed her clothes, the sweat on her back making it unbearable to even be in her own skin. She dunked into the cold water and shivered thankfully for the clarity it gave her. She began to relax when she felt something brush her between her legs. She shrieked and trudged as fast as she could to the shore. Looking back in a panic she saw the water coming at her and then realized it was actually a nymph. The nymph in question was Vine. Takh. Gharla felt too raw and shaky to deal with him. Her emotions began to well up as she felt hopeless frustration and arousal all at the same time. She crawled back ungracefully as he stepped dry onto the grass. "No. Stay back," she whimpered inching backwards hastily. Her eyes began to water as he knelt beside her, looking into her eyes curiously. She wasn't supposed to run, but she couldn't make herself. Taking a slim long fingered hand he gently placed it between her legs. "No, I ooh...ah." Her protest broke off as he slipped a slender cool finger between her burning lips. It felt good, better than she had expected or believed. She closed her eyes for a second as one of her problems began to resolve. He added another finger which caused her to open her eyes. He was watching her just like before to gauge her reaction. Then he slowly began to move his fingers in and out of her in slow measured movements. She wanted to purr at the relief that filled her but kept herself contained. For some reason she couldn't bring herself to fight back. Was this the nymph's power? Or was she finally on the end of some nervous breakdown? "Are there any more of you around here?" she asked cautiously. He stared at her and added another finger. "No." She watched him work in calculating silence as pleasurable release began to shimmer on the horizon. His thumb began rub sensual circles on her clit as his fingers wriggled inside her. She moaned in response. "We...I shouldn't be doing this. You should stop." "You don't get it. Do you human?" "Get what?" He paused and leaned over her. Gently he kissed her in a way that made her clench over his fingers. Then he pulled back. "Do you want to cum?" Gharla swallowed, confused by his seemingly blank emotionless face. Where was the lust and longing from earlier? Was he afraid he would scare her? Chances were that he was quite right about that. She would have run off if he hadn't approached so calmly. She wanted calm, that's why she had stayed. "Yes," she answered breathlessly. She allowed him to part her legs and nearly cried when he pressed his mouth between them. His lips sucked gently on her clit while his fingers thrusted as deeply as possible into her folds, curling ever so slightly to hit the pleasure within her. He licked up and down her slit. When he grazed his teeth over her clit she was done. She cried out brokenly as he stroked her orgasm out of her. It was a long seizing minute before she could honestly say that it was over. She bit her lip as sensitivity seized her body. Vine pulled back, slipping his dripping fingers out of her. She was a sopping mess between her legs. It was honestly shameful, or it would be if it didn't feel so good. She thought about what Enui had said about it being time to leave. She wondered if she'd keep her word if she did sleep with Vine. Looking at him she wondered if he had intentions of letting her leave. A rustle to her left startled her. There were vines from a tree that had come to rest beside her. Looking at Vine she realized the purpose of those vines as well as the answer to her question. "You don't have to restrain me," she said quickly. He looked at her in disbelief. "Really? You won't fight me?" She moaned as he reached out to tweak a hard nipple. "Could I win?" The pseudo face of calm slipped off of him and she could see the pent up desire and lust heating in his sea blue eyes. "No." His other hand began to massage her other breast, his hands covering them fully. "You can't." Her body began to melt into his touch. "Don't you care that...I shouldn't be doing this?" She was really talking to herself, but he answered for her. "Do you always do what you're told?" Maybe not. "Will I...go crazy? Like Enui?" He gave her a lusty grin. "What does it matter if you do?" He laid her on her back and began to suckle her nipples as he ground his tree bark looking phallus against her skin. Gharla tried to think. There were repercussions to this or something right? Right? He kissed her again, this time slipping his tongue inside her mouth. He grabbed her hips and ground her body to him. She watched the vines pull away back into the tree. Slowly she put her hands on his wide lithe shoulders. "Will you do as I say?" she asked breathlessly as he ended the kiss. "I suppose," he agreed nibbling at her throat. "Tell me what you want." "Get on your back." He rolled them, switching positions with her, his cock jutting against her stomach. She pushed back from him and held his cock. To her surprise despite its appearance it was warm and soft, aside from its rigidness. He let out a low continuous growl as she stroked him, assessing his size. His hands went up back to her breasts. "Ride me," he rasped impatiently. "I should be inside you by now." "You're pretty big," she mused teasingly pretending to him study how best to get him inside her. "It'll fit." Well there was no turning back now. Gharla spread her wet pink lips above his rigid cock and slowly rubbed the head around. Once comfortable she eased herself down. Before she could get halfway he thrusted the rest of him inside her. She shrieked in protest but he kissed her and rolled them over again. She was back on her back and the vines suddenly wrapped around her ankles. They pulled her legs apart, stretching them almost over her head. "I thought you wouldn't...tie me," she gasped uncomfortably. "I'm not," he said starting a slow steady pace. "I'm just spreading you open, just giving you what you want." His grin widened as the vine found her clit and began to rub it as he thrusted. "You want to get on your back and you want to cum." Gharla couldn't help but snort at the bastard nymph's gall. Then she began to moan as an exotic pleasure took her by surprise. He could bend far enough to suck her nipples and thrust, but was strong enough to hold her lower half up against him. It was like catching fire. So this is what it felt like. Perhaps this time, that troublesome witch was right. Some urges were not bad, sex was no one of them. __________________________________________________ Zyra was in a great mood. The days prior had started off rocky but things were resuming peacefully. A storm had hit them unexpectedly and they had been tent bound for the most part. The huntresses were exempt from that of course since food still needed to be gotten, but they had enough provisions that Zyra only took 3 huntresses with her. The heavy rain had soaked her to the bone and made her shiver, but she hadn't missed a shot. After a while she sent her huntresses back with the meat she had killed and set a few traps should the rain not cease. Out of conscience she went to check on the ogre. She expected to see him in his tent. Instead he was running about trying to pull his flying tent back together. She stood under a tree to shelter her eyes from the torrents. Apparently the travel tent was no match for the sturdy tents that they had at the tribe. She watched it fly away into the storm as brush and tree branches snapped off into the air. He turned and looked at her then, water trickling from his chin, his hair plastered to head, hers to her face. Her improved eyes adjusted well to the change. She worried for the weapons but saw there were none. Apparently he had finished, all that remained in sight were the belongings she had given him. Lightning cracked and she extended a hand out to him and pointed towards the village. He didn't hesitate in taking her hand and running through the rain with her. She was sure she could see better than him because he stumbled a few times, but their hands did not separate. When they finally made it to the partially illuminated camp Zyra pulled him into her own tent and closed the flap down tight. She made a Perkadu bird call to let her sisters know she was safe and heard it returned about 8 times from different members of the camp. She took a peg and nailed down the front flap. The rain splattered along the top of the tent but it would not penetrate it. Years of sap stain resin and melded furs had made the tent well equipped for the situation. Lightning flashed again, illuminating the dark of her tent for a moment. She saw the ogre's yellow glowing eyes staring at her. Reaching about she tried to place her lantern or flint box. She found both and pulled the shade off of it quickly. Then Zyra struck the stones and the lantern wick caught, the oil and fat candle burning well. She replaced the shade and the warm glow filled the space. The drenched ogre was panting softly, looking at her with unidentifiable emotion. Swallowing she grabbed the small fur she used for drying her face and tossed it to him. "Dry yourself." He looked at it before complying with her command. He was very wet, she wondered if it was possible for him to catch cold. She wrung out her hair into her morning bowl and with a sigh pulled off her tunic. She was wearing her wraps and it needed to be wrung as well. If she were alone she probably would have gotten naked and completely disrobed. Unfortunately she was not. She heard a loud plop. Looking back she saw he had pulled off his tunic and was drying his bare solid chest. She looked away and swallowed. Focus Zyra, focus. Looking to her corner of furs she pulled away 3 of the large ones for his use. "You shouldn't have been out there." She looked up at him with a frown. He was reprimanding her? "You could have gotten hurt." "I found you and pulled you out of the rain didn't I?" He frowned and tossed her the fur. "It won't matter much longer," he said sighing. "My dwelling should be finished soon." "Your fences?" she asked turning from him to wipe her face. She hoped that the resin on the bottom of her tent was enough to keep the floor dry. Thunder boomed loudly as he chuckled. "Think of it as a wooden tent that doesn't move." She nodded. It was a strange idea, but if he could stay in it then she was happy for him. "Well I hope you finish it before snow time comes." There was silence after as they both tried to dry. She heard him shift and jumped when she felt his fingertips lightly touch her back. "How did you get this scar?" Zyra gripped the fur in her hands tighter. "I have many scars." "No," he said. He pressed his finger more firmly and traced a line from her right upper back to the middle of her spine. "This one." She tried to think but the most basic thoughts were becoming hard to focus on. "I...I can't remember. I think...it was a changeling." His hand remained on her spine. "Why would a changeling be so close to your woods?" "Magic folk always stray near here," she said softly. "He had disguised himself as a tree while we were on his trail. I wasn't lead huntress then, just a huntress. He cut me...with his branch." He flattened his hand on her back and her heart skipped a beat. "I'm sorry," he whispered raspily. She cleared her throat. "No need to be. Are you a changeling?" she said with a poorly executed laugh. Zyra stood up and his hand fell down. She noticed his head was still wet. "You missed your head," she said pointing to it. He frowned. "It's fine. I won't get sick. " Sighing she placed the fur on his head. As if he was Nima she began to dry his head properly. "You should have come to us earlier. You wouldn't have wet so badly." "You told me not to come to the village," he muttered, his head in line with her thighs. "I said you couldn't come unless a huntress was present. You didn't even attempt to come. Don't make ridiculous excuses Kail." She felt him stiffen under her rubbing and wondered if she was hurting him. Those strange pointy ears of his could fall off or something. "Am I being too rough?" His hands reached out and gently encased her thighs. He held them with his broad hands, his talons lightly pressing her flesh. She wasn't sure what to say in her current state so she froze. "I would...like to thank you for your help tonight Zyra," he said in a soft but clear voice. "There's no need," she answered as she shivered. She really needed to curl in her furs. His lips pressed a kiss against her leg. The chilly touch of his lips contrasted with the hot steamy air that spilled out of his mouth. "Are you cold?" he asked caringly. He ducked his head under her skirt. "I can make you warm." He began to nuzzle her groin as though he could maneuver her undergarment off of her with sheer will. His hot breath teased her. Zyra had half a mind to let him warm her as his hands massaged her thighs. Wait...no. Zyra held his head and took two steps back. He allowed her to pull away and looked up from the fur on his head. "Zyra?" Zyra had to find the willpower deep inside her to refuse him. When it surfaced it was weak. "No Kail. No." "You don't want me?" he asked, stretching out his long muscular body. He had room in here to do so. There was room for a lot in here. A lot of crashing, and tumbling, and... She managed to shake her head before dropping to her knees to throw the furs to him. She put out the lantern and jumped into her furs as a violent shivering seized her. Why was she shivering so? She was cold, but she was also worried. What if he didn't listen to her? What if she couldn't listen to herself? Was she gold? She stripped fully under the furs and wrapped herself inside of them. She began to warm slowly, her toes still numb. She wanted all her furs, she wanted to be warm and asleep, she wanted him to disappear. Her shivering continued and she nearly screamed when she felt him press against her. She felt the skin of his thigh. He had taken off his breeches. Was he going to? "Kail I..." "I won't touch you in that way," he rasped. "You're shivering." She heard him sigh as he pulled her closer. He pulled the furs from her but she held onto one to cover her nakedness from his yellow gaze. She wrapped it around her and he rearranged the bottom furs. Then he pulled her back against his chest and covered them with the rest of the furs. He shifted and put an arm around her before settling in. His body molded to hers and her eyes remained open as she stared at the lightning that flashed beyond her solace. "Don't be afraid," he mumbled. "I won't touch you tonight. Close your eyes." Warmth seeped inside her and sooner than she expected, she drifted off to sleep. The next morning had been a silent affair of her dressing with the ogre faced away and him slipping on his dried clothing. The rain still fell and she wasn't sure what to do. She couldn't let him stay in her tent. Things were getting too comfortable for her tastes. She pulled out her rations and gave the box to him. "Take what you like, I'll be back." "You're not going in this are you?" "I'm just going to Ginger's tent and the rain has lessened. I'll be back. There's a water pitcher outside that should be collecting rain." With that she ran to Ginger's tent. Ginger was scandalized by the fact that she had let the ogre sleep in her tent. She was disappointed however that she had done nothing with him. "What should I do Ginger? Do you think we could set up another tent? Or perhaps I could share my tent with you?" Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 13 Chapter 13: Breaking Point PART I: __________________________________________________ The days that followed the ogre's departure were torture. Zyra could feel the animosity of the village all around her. She felt violated, painfully backstabbed, like meat on a skewer. She felt like she had been the blanket that had covered this village for years, and now, she had their little ungrateful fingers nipping at her seams, making her tears bigger and bigger until she would unravel into nothingness. Ginger was her only ally, but she refused to speak to her. She could not rid herself of the image of Ginger in physical bliss at the hands of Kail. He was physical perfection, strength personified to clash with Ginger's oozing sexuality. She couldn't blame him for playing with her. She only wished he hadn't put the idea that he wanted her into her mind. Zyra couldn't understand why the ogre's words had struck a chord in her. "Your sister has always been jealous of you, and your huntresses have always been selfish. This was destined to happen, with or without me." She had always been jealous of her sister. Her sister's beauty and grace, the easy charm she had when being diplomatic. Zyra didn't know how to bend or compromise. She could only lead, and she did this the best that she could. She had never been able to let her hair grow into the soft waves that Nima and Kyzu possessed. Zyra was ashamed to bathe with the others, not just because of their strange idolatry, but because of the nasty blemishes leadership had caused her. She recalled the ogre's feathery touch on her back, how he didn't recoil in disgust at her battered body. She did have many scars indeed. Her hands strained with the effort it took to carve the delicate little face she was shaping. She was making Nima a wooden doll. Nima had plenty of stick ones she had made herself, but she loved the wooden dolls because she could sew clothes for them. Zyra had been planning this doll for a while now. Handing Nima a deer patch here or there, a handful of colorful feathers, it had all led up to this day. Nima's birthday would be nearing soon, but Zyra was feeling more and more out of sorts. To her, it made sense to give Nima the doll as soon as possible. She couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was about to happen. She let out a long sigh as she thought about her current happenstance. Kyzu and she had bickered on occasion, but they had never been so far apart. Maybe they just needed to talk. Avoiding one another was childish, and she really wanted to reconcile. Nima was Kyzu's child after all. How could she avoid the mother while caring for the child? She took her half finished carving and headed towards Kyzu's tent. Zyra found her just behind it picking flowers. She was making wreaths, most likely for the young girls who would dance for Nima's birthday. So it was on both of their minds then. Good, it meant things had not changed too much. Kyzu didn't hear her coming, but she could sense her behind her. It was a warm hovering presence, a shadow cast over her that had protected, shielded, and hidden her most of her life. She said nothing, wondering how long she could remain quiet before Zyra engaged her. A few minutes passed and she was impressed by her fortitude. So it would be up for her to break the silence? Very well. She turned to her sister passively. "Yes?" Her sister frowned, her short hair billowing in the wind behind her. Her glimmering green eyes were almost feral in their beauty, carrying the spirit of the forest inside her. Her bandaged arm gave her the appearance of warrior and her beauty made her a princess. In old world she imagined she might be, but that made Kyzu the Queen. Zyra would be foolish to forget that. "We need to talk," Zyra said walking up to her. Kyzu stood from her kneeled position and walked to her, a basket of flowers on her arm. "About what dear sister?" Kyzu asked with a frown. She knew exactly what she wanted. She wanted things to go back to the way they were. She wanted... "Peace sister," Zyra exclaimed. "Peace among us. We have been divided for no cause. Can you not see that our bond is more important than any quarrel that may be between us?" "You have a quarrel with me?" Kyzu said bristling. "No," Zyra said frowning. "I am referring to your quarrel. With me." "I have no quarrel with you," Kyzu said, waving a hand in the air nonchalantly as she passed her. "Do you have a quarrel with me?" Zyra caught up to her, not missing a beat. "No! It's just that you seem irritable as of late and..." "I'm not irritable." Zyra stopped walking beside her and sighed heeavily. "Then sister, why have you been so...mean to me as of late?" Kyzu's heart clenched. The girl was pouting. Mean to her? Goodness, Zyra was little more than a child. The stale taste of remorse settled on her tongue as she felt guilt over her brash behavior. "I'm sorry Zyra," she said patting her sister on the head. "Perhaps I have been taking out my own frustrations on you. I never meant you harm." "I know," Zyra said warmly, taking her hand in hers. "That's why I wished to talk to you. I wanted to set things right between us." "They are right my dear." Kyzu plucked a flower from her basket and placed it into Zyra's hair. "They have always been right. I just felt that I needed to remind you that I am Chieftess. You know you're supposed to come to me when there are issues concerning the village do you not?" Zyra nodded. "I just did not wish to trouble you when the issues were so small." "No issue is too small Zyra," Kyzu said sharply. She paused, reattaching her smile. "I only desire to know about the happenings of the village. I know you make good decisions, I just worry about your feelings getting in the way." Zyra sighed, understanding her sister's concerns. "Yes sister. I am sorry as well." "No worry my dear." "Now, about the ogre sister..." Kyzu's eyes narrowed. "He will continue to be given access to our tribe. I refuse his exile." Zyra nodded slowly. "I understand your reasoning sister, but if you will only let me explain..." "Is this the reason why you wished to reconcile with me? Do you really want peace among us?" Zyra's face dropped as she began to panic. "No! I mean yes! I mean..." Kyzu let out a giggle and tucked a strand of hair behind Zyra's head. "I'm only kidding sister. Run along now. If you need anything let me know." Zyra watched Kyzu retreat towards the stream where she would get the reeds to make the flutes for the celebration. The conversation was over. "Me as well sister," Zyra quipped tiredly. "If you need anything, I am always here." Then she turned away. Kyzu watched her sister's back, her love warring with her dislike. Zyra was really too good. Too good for Kyzu, and too good for her own good. She knew the girl wasn't perfect, but the more she tried toe be normal the more she became inhuman. Kyzu knew her sister's heart lay with her, but for how long? How long would her naïve perfection last? She was like a freshly cut flower, the red one she had placed in her hair. It was beautiful and would bring joy to all who would saw it. Yet, sooner or later it would learn have to learn that it was dead. And nothing it would do could change that. Zyra sped off feeling much better about the situation with Kyzu. She still did not agree with her about the ogre, but at this point Kyzu was right. She was being too personal and letting her judgment become affected by her feelings. It was not something that had ever happened to her before. Regardless of this, if Kyzu wished to have control over the ogre she would give it. It would be one less burden upon her shoulders. She could go back to the days of being a simple huntress, living within the joy of the hunt. But could she really go back? To the days where old concerns and old problems were the only things that mattered? The more she thought about it the more she believed it could be possible. As she headed towards the grounds the huntress Rair stepped toward her. "My huntress," she said, clenching her fist and taking a small bow. Zyra inclined her head. "Yes huntress Rair?" Rair stood up straight, an inch or so shorter than her. Her black hair was shorn almost to her skull, accenting the sharp corners of her dark moody eyes, and her sun hued skin. She regarded Zyra passively. "I have come only to ask you when we shall hunt for the celebration." Zyra tilted her head in confusion. "Nima's birthday will only require the normal amount of ration." Rair stared at her before saying in a quieter voice, "I meant the other celebration." Zyra's eyes widened. "Has it been rescheduled?" "Yes. We have but weeks to prepare." Zyra was shocked. Kyzu had rescheduled the celebration and had not told her? She was lead huntress! That was simply irresponsible on her part. "We will have a large hunt then," Zyra said as she forced herself to think. What creature had finished spawning, or was fruitful at this time. "...Nemlocks. We could hunt nemlocks," she said hurriedly. "Tomorrow. Nemlocks and Snorri." Rair nodded obediently. "Shall we leave at dawn?" "Yes. And we'll ask a few of the village girls to come with us to carry back the provision." Rair bowed to her, her eyes staying on the ground as she leaned up. She was frowning. "Our Chieftess...did not inform you of her plans did she?" Zyra's jaw tightened. "No, she did not." "Your plans are well thought out for such short notice. I will inform the others." Zyra blinked. Rair gave her a compliment? Rair rarely spoke as it was. "Um...thank you," she said astonished. Rair nodded stiffly and excused herself. Giddy joy bubbled up into Zyra for a moment, but was quickly squashed by a concern. Had Kyzu intentionally not told her? Why would she? No, it was an accident, Zyra concluded. Her sister would never purposely hurt her. She knew that Nima's birthday was a big event, and Kyzu probably expected her huntresses to inform her. They did, so there was no harm right? She and Kyzu had just spoken and had a fragile peace. It was best to leave it be. Another problem came to mind. The celebration! This was her last celebration before her 21st year. It took almost a year to conceive. She could not remember the rites. Was it having had child by 22 if possible? Or having had tried to have child? Either way her time was running out. If this counted as the second celebration instead of a replacement to the first, she had only three tries left. Not to mention there was Hanto. Oh lord. She had forgotten about him. If he hadn't perished on the way back... He would be looking... For her... Fuckta. __________________________________________________ Kail sighed. Thick beads of sweat rolled over his shoulders as he worked closely to the blazing fire. He had done much to get it to the proper temperature, singed edges of his hair in the process. The ring of his patronage had heated and felt like a gold coal dangling from his ear. Taking his hammer he banged on the glowing red stone. By now it was more of a blade than a stone. It was long and straight, the curved point elegantly forged. He had made it in the style of the elven paladins. It had seemed the best style to suit someone so self righteous. Yet, like the paladins Zyra had sworn to put others before herself. Most of him wondered why he continued to work on the masterpiece for her. She would not take it from him.In fact he would not even offer it to her. Still, the blood of a blacksmith ran through his veins and he had started the sword, so he would finish it. He would have enjoyed trained her in its uses. He would have showed her how to place her feet shoulder width apart, one foot in front of the other. The basics would come first, and then he could give her a fighting style. Would she prefer the prowess of a dark drow? The quick subtly of a southern rogue? Maybe she would have had her own style. He would have liked to see that. Kail gritted his teeth as the gloves he made smoked, the fibers giving way to stray sparks. He had learned by now how to make a simple man a swordsman, but he had yet to learn of a better way to forge blade then having hell itself spitting in front of him. When he could stand the flame no more, he took a step back and watched as the red fire blazed. Then he hefted a bucket of water onto the smith. A cloud of scorching steam rose as the soul of the fire rose off into the sky. Good riddance. The blade was cooling, its shiny surface and sturdy edges remarkably clean. The humans had forgotten the old ways. The Rovians had no idea how useful the stones around them could be. Their land was surprisingly rich and iron, and with enough ore he could even create metal. Such things could shift the tide of their whole civilization. As a creature of the magical realm he had been sworn never to reveal the secrets of alchemy to the humans, nor educate them in the ways for the old. Kail didn't really care much for rules but he didn't believe he was breaking any by giving gifts to the humans. If they discovered themselves how his gifts were made, then so be it. He was not old enough to remember the world passed. He was already exiled, and he doubted the sword would ever get to its intended owner. His best blade could easily become a shelf ornament for the rest of its life. He took a deep calming breath as anger bubbled beneath his steely surface. The beast inside him rarely got its say, but it seemed like it wished to have a long discussion with Zyra. This discussion would likely not be between their mouths. Kail could not help but feel angry at himself for having entertained his fanciful notions. He could have understood if she was appalled by the sight of him, but it was the complete oppposite. She desired him, she wanted him, but nothing he said could change her mind. Zyra had made it startlingly clear that she had no intentions of coupling with him. Her body and mind were split down the middle, and her kindness was a form of duty. She was kind because it was in her creed, her make up as an individual. She did not have feelings for him. Or at least, those feelings were not strong enough to overrule her troubling sense of duty. He went inside his cabin and retrieved a water skin. Taking a long swig of the water he let out a sigh and pulled his head covering off. He was burning up and the smith was not all to blame. He had wanted to teach Zyra more than the arts of swordsmanship. He had wanted to teach her secrets, tricks that could only be explored in the arms of a willing wanting partner. Kail imagined her often against him, on her back, crying out his name. Abruptly the scent on the air changed. Someone was approaching. He frowned. He had intended to take a dip in the river and he had no desire to robe, thus ruining his only clean shirt. For a split second he imagined Zyra bounding through the trees. His pulse quickened as a figure stepped through. Disappointmemt followed shortly after. No, it was the child, Henna. Henna's eyes widened as she took in the ogre's body. He was shirtless, his powerful muscles straining with veins that suggested he had just finished rigorous activity. A thick sheen of sweat glistened on his body, highlighting every inch of perfection. She eyed a drip that trailed down the valley of his abs, to trickle into the darkness that lay underneath his low riding pants. His eyes were trained on her and for a second they seemed unfriendly. A second later they appeared curious, then amused. Henna was blushing, heavily. Even with her skin tone he might have been able to see it. She tucked her foot behind her ankle and folded her hands together as she forced herself to look into his face. "Yes?" he rumbled. His sexy voice nearly bowled her over. He was a gorgeous creation. "Um..." she couldn't remember why she was there. "Um...Um." He smirked then and took a step forward, then another and another until he stood towering above her. "Yes?" She ran a hand through her hair and stared at her toes. "Um. You have been summoned by Chieftess Kyzu. You are to appear to her tomorrow at second sun." "Second sun?" "T-two hours after dawn." "For what purpose?" The girl's eyelids fluttered as she tilted her tiny body up to gaze upon his face. "I...don't know." Henna unconsciously licked her lips and before Kail could stop her put a hand on his stomach. Her breathing quickened as he watched her in silence. Kail raised an eyebrow but she avoided his gaze, and placed her other hand on his body as well. He could feel her trembling. "Kail..." she whispered. "Do you...find me attractive?" Kail studied her in response. She had a petite body, small breasts and wiry legs. Her face was cupid like and held a childlike beauty that concealed her sexual maturity. It was though she was Zyra's foil. "Yes Henna, you are quite pretty." He felt her shiver and her fingers curled on his skin. She took a moment to gather her courage, then she turned to look at him, her round eyes hopeful. "Then Kail...will you...embrace me?" He smirked, fangs and all, and she looked away quickly like a frightened mouse. The girl was willing, ready and willing to let him crush her to his might. He tried to imagine teaching Henna what he wished to teach Zyra. No, even in his deepest desires he could not see it. Besides, the girl was much too young. Kail gently grabbed her arms and lifted them off his chest. "How old are you Henna?" Her mouth furrowed nervously as she sensed the impending rejection. "18 years." "Are you lying?" "No! I am of age!" Kail did not believe her, but he had no proof to accept or deny her claim. He smiled at her, the beast enjoying the tremble in her hands as she eyed his fangs. "Embrace you, you say?" With one hand he lifted her up by her arms to meet his eye level. "You're such a small little thing? I would no doubt break you. A small thing like you has only one purpose." Henna bit her lip, her small body dangling in the air. "Wh-what's that?" Kail ran his long tongue over his lips and watched as she recoiled. "To be eaten." Henna froze in shock. "Would you like me to eat you Henna?" he growled low in his chest. Henna stared at the ground, then back at him. "...yes...down there." Kail's smile dropped before he let out a loud torrent of laughter. He had to give it to her, she had guts. He placed her on the ground as he tried to quell his laughing fit. She pouted, unhappy that he refused to take her seriously. "Please do not mock me Kail," she whined. Kail managed to stop and nodded to the bold girl. "You are bold Henna. But far too small and human for my tastes. Do you understand?" Her face scrunched like she was forcing back tears, but she controlled herself, nodding dejectedly. "I understand." "I thank you for your kind flattery," he said genuinely. Then he proceeded to head towards the stream. "I.. I REALLY LIKE YOU KAIL!" He looked over his shoulder. She had shouted with all her might. "I...I'll grow up faster. I'll become someone you'll desire! You'll see!" He shrugged and gave her a sincere grin. "You can try." Then he walked off. Her openness was admirable, but he did not crave her. Kail craved another. __________________________________________________ "Mm...harder. Please, harder harder...yes." Gharla threw her head back in ecstasy as Vine took her to another orgasm. A little ways off Enui was being entertained by four other nymphs, three males and one female. Gharla had already established that she wished only Vine's touch, and in his desire to keep her he made the others comply. Some of the nymphs had gone off to celebrate Bacchus with a few of the witches. Others went off to tempt other magical creatures. For now, everything was peaceful. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 13 Gharla found that while she did not go insane to Vine's touch, she did enjoy it. As she asked him more questions she found out that one only became a nympho after being forced by several nymphs into orgasm. If the sex was consensual and monogamous, the risk went down greatly. She head Enui cry out and her pussy tightened around him in response. "On top," she groaned. "As you wish." He rolled them over and held her hips as she caught her balance. Her nipples were swollen and rosy from Vine's kisses and bites. She lifted up, the juices of their lovemaking sloppy against her thighs. Then she went back down, driving his sizable shaft down into her furiously. She couldn't remember sex ever being this good. He held her hips steady so that she could get a pace, and then reached up to caress her nipples. His blue smiling face was at first warm, and then turned mischievous. He squeezed her breasts then pulled her down to him, thrusting her butt into the air. Immediately she felt a pressing against her behind. She shrieked as a thin vine worked its way inside her anus and began to shallowly fuck her. Vine had been a better name for him than Takh. His control of the trees never ceased to amaze her. He spread his legs and began to thrust up into her roughly, just the way she liked it. "Your pussy is drenched," he remarked reaching between them. He pressed his thumb against her clit and began to make slow circles. "Do you like me that much?" "Yes" she moaned. "It feels so good..." "I like you too Gharla," he rasped smirking. "I'd like to give you a present." "Yes! Give it to me!" He arched her back and licked at a nipple. Another vine replaced his thumb and flicked lazily at her clit. She was going to cum again, she could feel the tell tale hum throbbing deep inside her stomach. "Are you sure?" he asked coyly. Gharla shouted, digging her nails into her shoulders. "God help me I will shoot an arrow between your fucking eyes!" He chuckled, used to her constant threats. "Fine. No need to get violent." He thrust balls deep inside her in unison with the thicker vine and then without warning gave her ass a rough slap. The sting made her tighten on both appendages. She saw white when he slapped her ass again and she howled shivering at the overwhelming of her senses. She vaguely remembered hearing him grunt before she blacked out. When she woke she was lying on his chest. He was stroking her back, running his fingers through her long golden hair. "Are you alright lover?" She pulled herself off of his cock and gasped when the remnants of her pleasure tingled through her. "I need a bath, badly," she mumbled bringing her arms around his neck. She curled against him, relaxing into the familiar and comforting strength of his arms. "Don't press me that way," he said snickering. "I'll want you again, and there would be nothing preventing me from fucking you to death." "Have you ever done that before?" "Yes, but it was a witch mandated. They asked to be executed in that fashion. Not a bad way to go though right lover?" She snorted and nipped at one of his dark blue nipples. He jumped and pushed her golden waves out of her face. Vine cupped her face in his palm. Leaning in he kissed her gently, nothing more than the light pressing of his lips. When he pulled back his eyes were once again desirous. "I want you again," he whispered. "Bath first, and food," she objected firmly. He frowned, but he released her and let her slip on her white gown. "Can you walk?" "Probably not." With strength that was not expected of his lithe frame he picked her up and began to carry her towards the water. She smiled as she thought of the time past. She had spent her days touring the valley, being frried up trees and at the bottom of streams. Her nights had been spent with a hot warm body between her legs, dragging out her pleasure like a skillful musician dragging notes from his instrument. And she had sung for him, oh how she had sung. Even her days were not safe from his hunger, their hunger. She found Vine to be a wonderful lover, just as Enui had said. Not only did he fulfill her needs, but he was funny, witty and caring. She could not remember a single time waking from sex without him by her side. His tenderness began to pull at the strings of her heart, and when she and Enui had decided on a date for departure, she actually felt sad. They were leaving tomorrow morning. Tonight would be she and Vine's last night. Vine floated in the water, could probably walk on it if he wanted. He held her to his chest and softly began to caress her breasts. Oh yes, his version of bathing was also wonderful. She could stay this way forever...no. No she couldn't. "You know that I will depart tomorrow?" she said stiffly. His hand slipped between her legs. "Yes." "Do you..." "Don't talk about it," he mumbled against her skin. He kissed her neck. "Could you not spend one more day?" Gharla leaned against him and sighed. "One more day added to another could last forever. I'd never leave." "Why do you want to leave?" Gharla's brow furrowed and she turned herself to face him. He seemed to disappear in the water. Only his touch reassured her, he was there. "Aren't you happy here? Aren't you pleased with me?" "It's more than that." "Answer the question." "Yes Takh." "Then stay," he said giving her a charming smile. "Stay, and I'll satisfy you every day. I'll show you every stone in this valley. I'll make you feel loved." Gharla looked at him, holding his wandering hands firmly. "Nice try, but the answer is still...No." His face flashed with frustration and he picked her up above the water. "Perhaps I should drown you," he suggested cruelly. "Perhaps I should fuck you to death underwater. Or maybe I'll just fuck you so hard you won't be able to crawl, let alone walk back tomorrow." Gharla raised an eyebrow at his attempt to be fearsome. He was nothing but a liar and a bad one at that. "Go ahead," she invited. "Try it." His face screwed up angrily before he huffed and eased her back into the water. "Don't worry Vine, there will be others." "What did you call me?" Gharla tried to hide her smile. She hadn't meant to call him by his special name. "Vine. It's...what I call you in my head." He looked up at a green wavy vine of hair that fell into the water. "I...I like it. It suits me. I'm not sure what Takh means anyway." "Didn't you ask your mother?" He laughed. "I have no mother. Nymphs aren't born that way Gharla." "Then how did you get your name?" He shrugged. "A witch, a long past lover." Gharla thought about him changing his name when a new girl came along and it make her feel jealous and mad. "You shouldn't change your name then. That person might be hurt if..." "She is long past Gharla. She died a long time ago." Gharla shut her mouth. "Don't be sorry," he said kissing her neck. "I have you now, don't I? Or at least..." He pulled back from her and gave her a sad smile. "I did." He washed her a little longer and by the time they reached the shore she felt energized and ready for another round. "Won't you have sex with the other nymphs?" she said stretching her legs. "It's not much fun," Vine admitted. "We're pretty much all the same. We come from the same tree. It's like having sex with yourself. Enjoyable, but to an extent." Gharla nodded and lay down with him on the soft grass. He caressed her outer thigh softly, his beautiful face gazing at her with undeniable affection. "You can have sex with the witches." "Witch sex isn't always fun for a nymph," he admitted. "If we agree to have sex with them they can control us and make us fuck them in certain ways. It's not very equal." "Well...maybe—" "Gharla." "Yes?" He ran the tip of his tongue over her lips. "Stop talking." Their lovemaking then was furious, desperate even as they savored each other. Lips and fingers tasted and explored every nook and cranky of their bodies. They sought to memorize each feature, the passion imprinting heated secrets on their hands. Vine skillfully took her in and out of the depths of consciousness, pulling her body in ever angle, never tiring of plunging wantonly into her moist welcoming jewel. When she finally knew she could take no more she could barely utter his name lest a protest, but he understood what she wanted. Gently he rocked her to one last orgasm, the name Vine breathily whimpered out her pursed lips. Then he took her into his arms, and held her. She groaned, pressing herself against him. When she caught her breath he was shivering. "Will I ever see you again?" he asked in a soft vulnerable voice. "I don't know," she whispered, emotion clogging her. "Say yes. Say you want to." Gharla held him tighter. "I do. I do want to." "Then in the morning before you leave, wait for me. Don't leave without seeing me." She nodded and cuddled into his warm embrace. It felt nice, even if it was a dream. Nothing in this valley was real, and so it could not last. Vine thought he loved her, but when the next woman with another name for him came along, she would be a past lover. Even so, she longed for the world he dreamed of, almost as much as she longed for the world of the huntress. To have both would be paradise. In the morning she and Enui were well packed with provision for the possible two days it would take for them to get back. Enui was laden down with gifts from her various nymph lovers, flowers that would never die, a fruit plant that once planted would always be in bloom. They shook the hands of the witches and thanked them for their hospitality. Now that Bacchus had ended, Etaceh could lead them back to the border. When they reached Caligula he was as graceful and eloquent as ever. He gave then each a bow before kissing their hand. "You must have made quite the impression on them if they bothered to dress," he said to Enui. The nymph going away party for Enui consisted of males and females, each with a smattering of leaves covering their genitals and for the females, breasts. "What can I say?" she said laughing. "We had our fun." "So you did," Caligula said nodding. "I'm sure they would welcome you back any time. If you are under their protection, you would not need ours." Enui smiled and Gharla frowned. She didn't know that. "Are you ready little girls? Mother Etaceh is ready to take you home." Etaceh strode forward, her black robe trailing behind. Her red lipstick and black hood added an air of over necessary glamour that contrasted sharply with their simple minimalist hunting clothes. Enui's had been mended. She grinned at them, ignoring their looks of disdain. "Oh! And I would love to check in on my favorite little problem child. Our link is so weak here. Daddy!" She turned to Caligula. "Daddy when are you going to bring my baby home?" Caligula rolled his eyes. "Do try to control yourself Etaceh, or I will go in your stead." She scoffed, sounding highly offended. "Why I never!" "Well try. Try to control yourself." "Fine. Let's go girls." Gharla began to panic. Where was Vine? Could she keep the witch waiting? "Just a moment," she said firmly. "I'm waiting for someone." Etaceh let out a dramatic sigh. "Gharla if you try Mommy's patience I might have to jinx you forward. Would you like your bottom to feel fire or ice?" "Etaceh, don't." "Caligula you're an awful spoil sport." Before they could continue to bicker a nymph burst through the trees. Leaves covering his manhood, Vine strode forward. Gharla could not help but smile in relief as she went to him. Etaceh and Caligula glanced at each other curiously. "I was afraid you wouldn't make it." "I was afraid you wouldn't wait." He was huffing heavily, he had obviously run. They stared at each other before lunging into a tight hug. The hug felt necessary and they were reluctant to disrupt the moment. Gharla was the one to break it. She fought the urge to cry. All the men in her life that had shared her bed, and she fell for a nymph. The emotion welled up, settling in her throat and making swallowing hard. Gravely Vine opened his hand. Inside of it was a blue stone. It was the color of his eyes and body, a beautiful cerulean blue. It lay on a black cord. She pulled back her bound hair and he tied the cord around her neck. The beautiful stone was smooth and cool to the touch. "Do you accept this?" he asked. "Yes." She reached into her bow quiver. Breaking the end of an arrow she undid the cord and tied the feathered cord around his wrist. "Do you accept this?" He smirked at her. "If I must." Then he kissed her forehead. Pulling back, his eyes shone with intensity and longing. "Come back to me...Serosta. Come back." A tear escaped her right eye and she mopped it up quickly. "I will." She forced a smile and marched to Enui. Enui gave her a comforting pat. "Responsibility and all right?" she said, her brown eyes twinkling. Gharla nodded. "Yes." When she looked back he was gone. Enui and Gharla walked up to Etaceh. "We're ready," Gharla said. Etaceh simply eyed Gharla with a widening grin. "You, my dear have just increased your worth." Gharla did not like the sound of that. __________________________________________________ Zyra counted her arrows for the last time. Thirty six...37...38...39...40 arrows. She had forty arrows and two spears. More than enough. Her sisters were also armed to the teeth. She had all her best huntresses. Only a few would stay back to care for the village. A pang of sadness pierced her heart. She was heading to a major two day hunt without her best tracker and her best spear woman. She missed her friends dearly. After the hunt if they had not returned she would go back to the valley and find them. Something bad could be keeping them. She refocused herself and went over to Kyzu who was watching preparations. "Sister, are you alright with the preparations? Do you require any more huntresses to care to you?" Kyzu shook her head and smiled at her. "No sister I will be fine. If all else fails we shall use the ogre to help us, alright?" Zyra felt that was a trick question. She was not alright with the situation at all. Regardless, she nodded. "Good," Kyzu said kissing her cheek. "Have fun my brave huntress." Zyra smiled back at her sister's chiding. She had missed that, a lot actually. It felt good to feel her love. "Um, my Chieftess?" Kyzu turned to her. "Yes my huntress?" Zyra took a deep breath. "Please...be careful around the ogre." Kyzu frowned. "You care an awful lot about that ogre thing don't you?" Zyra shook her head in violent protest. "No! Kail is a burden! I'm worried for you I..." She paused. Kyzu was giving her a funny look. "Goodbye sister," she said gruffly. Then she headed towards the front of the formation. She would be the lead point. Rair would watch her right while Imjah a more experience huntress would aid her left. Henna had proven useful so she would assist Zyra as a primary archer lining up a few paces behind her. Henna had been confused by the request then quite honored. She hoped that her happiness would equate to less tension among her huntresses. There would be a few huntresses after that, with the village girls in the middle and huntresses on the outside and back of them. Overall it would be smooth and safe. By third sun she hoped to have the girls situated at a temporary camp while they took down the Snorri birds first. Now all she needed was a tie to bind her hair back. She had not had the chance to cut it. "Does anyone have a spare..." "Here." Looking up she saw Ginger. Ginger looked solemn and desperate. In her hands was a beautiful hair band woven with the white colors of huntress bravery and the red of the sister bond. In the background she had sewn black trees. Among them, was a single huntress with a small white marking on her arm. Ginger was skilled indeed. "Take it. Please," she begged. Zyra looked at the miserable girl and sighed enveloping her in a hug. "Don't look so upset Ginger." Ginger hugged her tight and began to sob. "I'm sorry. You're my best friend. I love you." "I love you too Ginger," Zyra said separating from the girl. She wiped the tears from her eyes with her thumbs and extended a hand. "Now, will you let me start this hunt, or will you drown me in your tears?" Ginger let out a wet chuckle and passed her the headband. She put it on, her hair flaring back. "How do I look?" she said cheekily. "Like the lead huntress of the Rovians," Ginger said smiling. "Now bring me back some Snorri feathers. I want to look mouthwatering for the celebration." "With the amount of sex you have I'm shocked you are without child." Ginger scoffed playfully. "A woman must have her secrets." Zyra laughed as she headed towards her huntresses. "Alright sisters, forward!" __________________________________________________ Kail reported to the village just as Kyzu had asked him. What he did not expect were the demands asked of him. Kyzu was nowhere to be found. In her place were the villagers asking for certain favors around the village. He learned that the huntresses had gone off to prepare for an upcoming celebration. He had barely grabbed food and drink from Ginger before he was snatched into another direction. He didn't mind too much that he was helping them, he only wished that they had asked him and not Kyzu. Instead it felt more like orders to a servant. Eventually Kail had enough. It was one older aged woman with too many fruitless demands. She had nothing to do. Ordering him around was her chore. "Take that water jug and put it inside my tent," the older woman said. Two children played within her sight. Kail looked at her frowning. "Are you asking me or telling me?" She glanced at him before returning to look at the children. "I mean no disrespect ogre. I just need you to place that water jug inside." "Are you going inside your tent now?" "No, I might need it later." The jar wasn't light, but it wasn't something the woman couldn't have carried. He tilted his head. "Then may I respectfully ask you something?" She let out an irritated sigh. "You may." "Which water jug?" The woman looked at him like he was stupid. "There is only one water jug ogre." Kail shook his head. "No, there are two." She put her hands on her hips. "Then where is the second water jug?" "You are the second water jug." The woman, whom was pump glared at him. "How dare you speak to me that way! Would you like me to tell the Chieftess?" He grinned. "The human body consists of mostly water. Holding this water inside you is a very small amount of meat considering the composition of the rest of you. You get a little more since you're a female," he brazenly gestured to her breasts and she gasped, covering herself. "Most of your meat shouldn't be eaten due to the harmful things that lay inside it, but luckily you have a full set of bones that grinded, makes for a wonderful loaf of bread." She stared at him in mortification and he simply smiled at her, making sure to flash his fangs. "Do you like to bake?" He was not surprised when she stood up, gathered the children and hurried away. He chuckled, easily depositing the water into the tent. Humans really knew nothing. Ogres didn't grind bones into bread, giants did. Even that was technically a myth. You still needed flour because bone dust was so crumbly. So really, giants could only make bone flavored bread. At least, that's what his mother had told him. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 13 "Kail the ogre!" He turned and saw a huntress approaching him. She had her spear in hand. "You have been summoned to the Chieftess' tent." He nodded and followed the huntress accordingly. He would not apologize for putting an obnoxious woman in her place. He was not an animal, and he did not enjoy being toyed with. Zyra had not exactly treated him as a human, but she had never demeaned him. She attempted to appear to be doing so often, but her actions spoke louder than her words. Why was he thinking about her again? He snarled, unintentionally making the huntress in front of him start. A jumpy lot, he mused. He had snarled, growled, even snapped at Zyra and she hadn't so much as... He was thinking about her again. When he reached the Chieftess' tent the huntress pulled the curtain back and her crawled in. Kyzu was laid out on a bed of furs and pillows. He didn't know they made pillows. He had not seen a single pillow in either Ginger or Zyra's tents. Kyzu had four. Her long hair had been oiled to shine like obsidian and lay loose along her back and shoulders. She wore a thin white dress that appeared to be draped over her long lengthy body. It accented her graceful sexuality, the small tips of her nipples poked against the fabric. Her breasts were unbound. "Would you help me with an elixir ogre?" she asked. He eyed her warily. What exactly was she planning to mix? "What kind of elixir?" "One that will give me more energy. I want to be about more to perform my duties. I tire too easily." He looked at her for a moment longer then complied, going over to her cabinet of herbs. Seeing she had dried several of the cuts he needed he began to gather them. "You will need to find some more herbs, but these seeds here..." He stopped. She had come to kneel behind him, placing her hands on his back. "Go on," she lulled. Kail put the jars back and turned to her. "What are you doing?" Kyzu laughed, running a finger along the neck of his shirt. "Come now ogre. Let us be plain. Surely you know what I do." "Let's say I do not." "Well, would you like to quench your desires with me?" Kail pushed her finger off. "Thank you, but I'll kindly refuse." "You will not," Kyzu declared walking back to lie on her pillows. "Do not forget your place ogre. You will come here and draw your pleasure from my lips. Now come." Kail felt an enraged vein begin to pulse in the back of his head. He was not amused. Kyzu was a very rude woman. Perhaps it ran in the family. He noticed what Kyzu said was not echoed in her body language. Another foil? Another opposite to Zyra? He wasn't sure he could handle many more. "Will you just stare at me ogre?" He would. It was getting dark and he was waiting to see what color she would shine. When the sun tucked behind the land he was not disappointed. Just as he had suspected she was not gold at all. Kyzu was not even the slightest bit aroused. Instead she shimmered slivers of green indicating envy and dots of red hinting anger. Yet the brightest emotion was an ominous purple cloud that was drunked with jealousy. "What are you hoping to gain by this?" Kail asked her. Her calm smiliing face never betrayed the raging emotions inside her. "Why pleasure of course. I want you Kail. Let me accept you. I'm beautiful am I not?" Kail shook his head. "I decline. Excuse me." He made a motion to draw the tent and he heard a crash behind him. Kyzu had throw a jar of herbs at him and missed. "You will not leave this tent," she seethed furiously, red flaming through the tumultuous cloud above her. "You are on my land!" "This land is not yours," Kail interjected sharply. "You cannot control the forest. You are merely borrowing its resources. Even your younger sister seems to understand that." "MY SISTER IS NONE OF YOUR CONCERN!" Kyzu's scream confirmed his suspicions. "Your jealous is unbecoming," he snarled. "Did you think I would not notice?" Kyzu froze like a startled deer before her face finally betrayed her true emotions. She sneered at him evilly. "So the rumors are true. You do desire each other. Did you think I would not notice? How she tries to keep you away from the rest of us so that she can have you all to herself. She comes here pretending to be so "selfless" when she is really a selfish..." "Quiet." Kyzu looked at ogres face and he could see fear seep into her emotions. She was making him angry, angrier than he had been in a long time. He watched as her face became sensual again as she decidedly switched tactics. "Listen ogre, there's no need to make this personal. I won't tell her. I know you must be frustrated with her refusal. You might desire her, but that desire could easily be transfered for a night. Can't you see how beautiful and soft I am?" She held her breasts in her hands and smiled. "Compared to Zyra who struts about like a man, I'm a goddess." Kail smirked at her, his teeth glinting in the lantern light. "You'd like to be," he quipped. "But you're not. Your jealousy makes you ugly. You are not worthy to speak her name." Before she could pull her dropped jaw off the floor he exited her tent. He heard her running after him, cursing his name. "I AM CHIEFTESS!" she screamed. "I AM THE DECIDER OF YOUR FATE YOU FOUL BEAST! I OWN YOU! If you leave...you will be exiled permanently!" Kail chuckled and turned to face the flustered woman. "The only owner of fates is Zyra, our keromedio. In case you have forgotten, she saved your life and the life of your child. The owner of my fate is not pathetic Kyzu. And that is what you are." He disappeared back into the forest leaving Kyzu to stew in her hatred. __________________________________________________ Henna sighed dreamily as she stared at the stars. Somewhere under this same sky was Kail. He could stare at the same stars she looked at and no matter how far apart they were, they would always be together. "Hey Henna! Why are you sighing so much over there?" "Ooh I know who she's thinking about." The huntresses snickered as Henna blushed. "Oh quiet!" she snapped. They were at the camp resting before the hunting of the Nemlock. Nemlock were a nocturnal cross between a wildcat and a bear. They were vicious, but could be easily rounded up if there were enough hunters were with great precision. Nemlock were reliable because they were pack animals. Find one Nemlock find them all. As long as you knew their number, you could round them up. Imjah nudged Henna, handing her a flask of water. She took a swig, passing it on as she plucked a fistful of berries from a passing basket. Crunching on a red one she smiled at their sweetness. Sweet...sweet like Kail. "You know," Imjah said teasingly. "You've been sighing since you were sent to deliver that message to the ogre." All eyes turned to her suddenly. "Oh my...did you?" "You did, didn't you!" "Did it fit?" Henna smiled nervously, the attention addictive. She was about to tell a half truth and let the girls think she had slept with the ogre but Rair interjected. "Impossible." Henna looked at her in surprise. "Why is it so impossible?" Rair's mouth thinned and she turned from them. They waited a minute before realzing that was probably all the commentary they would have from her for the rest of the night. Paj gave her a rueful smile. "Well you know. It is said he only has eyes for one of us." "And who is that?" The other huntresses said nothing, but their gaze floated to Zyra. She was braiding the hair of one of the village girls who had come to help them. Her fingers were fast and deft. When she finished she put a small flower in the girl's hair and gave her a smile as the girl thanked her. Henna's blood began to boil. "Impossible," Henna snapped. "Kail doesn't even talk to her. She tried to exile him!" "That may be true," Imjah said. "But that doesn't mean he doesn't want her. It only means she doesn't want him." "Unless she's trying to keep him all to herself." "Yes that's possible." "What do you think Bellen?" "Well I think..." Henna was no longer the center of the attention, nor the focal point of the discussion. Henna looked over to Zyra who was now lying on her back. She didn't know why she was so special. Sure she was kind of pretty and a good huntress, but Henna would grow up to be even prettier and even more skilled. She had the drive and the determination. Zyra was short tempered and rude with Kail, she didn't even smile at him. That behavior would make his infatuation flaccid in no time. Still, she couldn't help but recall moments when he left the group to speak with Zyra exclusively. Of course that was because she was a leader. Yet maybe it was because they had a unique bond. Kail was abnormal, and Zyra was a freak. There was no doubt about it. She was above everyone, but still believed herself to be part of the group. She was in a league of her own, and she broke nails trying to dig down to their level. It was sick. Part of Henna was disturbed that she had ever look up to her. Her eyes drifted to her bandaged arm and she shivered. Kail couldn't want Zyra, Zyra was all wrong. When the Nemlock hunt began Henna had been told to stay behind. Zyra did not know that Henna took this as a personal slight. Zyra knew Henna liked Kail. She was trying to show how much better she was. Well Henna wouldn't have it! Logically it made sense. It was dangerous and she was slight in stature. At night the depth of everything was different. Not to mention that she had only recently become adequate in archery. Henna did not care. After the huntresses left she snuck off after them. She would show them, she would show them all. __________________________________________________ Zyra grit her teeth in concentration. Five paces down was the Nemlock cave. Outside it were three mature male Nemlocks. She, Rair, and Imjah had coordinated to shoot them at the exact same time. They had no idea how many of the Nemlock were in the cave. If the males alerted the inside before they could get a number, they might be overwhelmed. The bow string in her hand was held taunt as she judged which one she should take. She made an owl call and hooted twice. She would take the second one from the left. She heard three hoots on her right and one on her left. Good, they were all on the same front. Staying rigid she stood in the shadow of the tree. Her huntresses followed her, the others were ready with bows and spears. One...two...th... There was a rustle in the brushes. The males head popped up and their heads snapped in the direction. Far off Zyra could see the shadow of a small figure. She forced her sight to focus. It was Henna. The Nemlock began to growl and stood up menacingly. Their vision was perfect at night, they saw her too. The middle one lurched into a run and out of instinct Zyra took it down before it could charge the bushes. It let out a loud yelp and two others followed. A rumbling began to sound in the cave. It was a building crescendo, becoming louder and louder until the ground began to shake beneath them. There were too many. And they were coming out. "Run!" Zyra shouted. She launched herself through the trees, and her group followed on her ankles. A swarm of the Nemlock males burst out of the cave mouth charging towards the moving figures. One came up on Rair's right. Rair turned and shot it between the eyes. The others were doing the same, fending off the torrent of Nemlock that were trying to overwhelm them. "HEAD TO THE STREAM!" Zyra shouted. She hoped they realized there was no way they could head to camp. They might lead the Nemlock to the village girls. Dark purple Nemlock blood hit her face and she fought the nausea. Suddenly she heard a scream. Running backwards she saw Henna was trapped in a tree. "Help!" She was crying, screaming as four Nemlock scratched and growled the tree's bark. They stretched, trying to snap at her dangling foot. The branch that held her had no room for it. One lucky snap and they'd pull her down. Imjah grabbed Zyra's arm and turned her forward. "Leave her! She will be safest in the trees." "Help me! Sisters!" Zyra stopped. "Zyra no!" "Sisters!" Rair halted when she saw Zyra stop. Zyra glanced at her and Rair gave her a nod. Understanding passed among them. She took a deep breath as she crouched. Rair did the same in the opposite direction. Then they blasted off, Rair sprinting to take the lead and she going back to save Henna. Adrenaline pumped harshly through her veins as she felled the Nemlock over and over. She was cutting across diagonally. Violently she stabbed one and flipped over its body to cut another. She had never felt so light and athletic, never felt so deadly. Her shot of overconfidence was knocked out of her as she was rammed behind. She fell on her knees as one jumped on her back. Grunting she forced it overhead and felled it with an arrow. A white haze began to seek out of her arm. Looking down she saw her bandage coming apart. When the light burned through the bandage her tattoo was exposed, glowing silver. With impossible speed she shot four arrows into the Nemlock by the tree. The others around her retreated, blinded by the light's glare. "Jump!" Henna did as she commanded. Lunging forward Zyra ran with intentions to pass the tree. Henna landed roughly into her arms. Mid stride she set the girl down and grabbed her hand. Henna's breath was heavy and she kept tripping, but Zyra's hand kept her upright. They ran frantically the furious Nemlock behind. Finally they plunged head first into the water. Submerged, Zyra opened her eyes and watched as the Nemlock growled, pacing the shore. Nemlock could not swim. Zyra heard Henna whimper and hugged her closer. "Don't make a sound," she whispered. Finally they left. Zyra let out a relieved sigh. "Are you alright?" Zyra turned to Henna and saw fear in her eyes. Shocked she turned behind her to see the cause. Had a Nemlock tried to swim? There was nothing. There was only... Henna jerked her hand out of hers. "Henna..." Henna shook her head and swam to the bank. "I wasn't asking you," she said brokenly. "I wasn't asking for you to help me." Henna scurried up the bank, leaving Zyra hopelessly confused. When she arrived back to the camp the huntresses were chewing out Henna. The girl was shaken up, but the huntresses had little pity for her. Zyra decided to leave the situation be. She was heading to her sleeping place when a hand extended a stick of meat out to her. It was Rair. "Are you alright my huntress?" Zyra nodded and accepted the stick. "Yes, thank you." Rair looked at her like she wished to speak, then instead bowed her head to her and went off to her own spot. Zyra ate quickly and tried to sleep. She listened and heard each of her huntresses doze off. When the fire had blown out and they were enveloped by the darkness Zyra sat up. Sleep was pointless. The fear in Henna's eyes had been real. The fear of her was real. That look would keep her up all night. When second dawn came, they packed up and headed towards the Nemlock cave to see if the bodies were carried off. Sure enough a good set of the Nemlock were still there. Carefully they cut off the necessary parts and stuffed them in the salted bags to be stored for now. Once home they would dry the meats for storage and share out the dark blue and purple furs. The huntresses were shocked by the amount of bodies they collected in the clearing, but the trail of bodies that lead to the tree was atrocious. It was nothing short of a massacre, bodies on bodies mingled in sick purple blood. Zyra put a hand to her mouth. She had done...that? Turning to her huntresses she noticed they had all clumped together just a bit away from her. Uneasiness filled her. Why were they looking at her that way? She had saved Henna. It was... Her tattoo. She had not spied her arm since that night. The white tattoo was now purple. She stared at it wide eyed before she reached down and tore the mouth of a salt bag. Taking the tatters she bound her arm. Then she resumed her duty in silence. The huntresses and village girls, both wary followed after. Henna wouldn't even look at her. The way back was tensioned. It was building high and higher, on the verge of snapping. It wasn't her fault! Why were they blaming her? Her thoughts made her angrier and angrier. When the village was in sight she heard Henna say, "Zyra is so brutish." Zyra turned on her like a stepped on snake. "What did you say?" Henna's eyes widened, but she repeated herself. "I said...you're brutish." "And what right do you have to say that?" Zyra snarled. "You nearly got us killed! Yourself included! If I had not saved you..." "I would have been fine," Henna spat. "I was in a tree remember? I could have waited." "Then you shouldn't have called us then," Zyra said stepping forward into the girl's face. "Maybe." Henna defiantly put her hands on her hips, the attention forcing her to be brave. She would show everyone that was afraid of Zyra that she wasn't afraid. She was Zyra's equal. She was worthy of Kail. "But you didn't have to listen to me. That was a judgment call that a proper leader would have made." Zyra's blood ran cold as an uncontrollable fury held her in its grasp. She could feel her body trembling from the effort it took not to lay hands on the girl for the grave insult. In a voice softer than a whisper she asked, "Do you contest my leadership?" Henna swallowed hard but squared up her shoulders. It was too late to back out now. "Yes." A loud chorus of gasps met her ears. Zyra looked beyond her and saw that the village women were watching the scene. Of course. Sometimes she felt like she was surrounded by animals. Sometimes she hated them all. "Are there any more among you who feel this?" The village hum stopped as Kyzu stepped forward. Her sister was in a green robe, her hair pinned back in a long braid. She felt relief that dried,withering when she saw Kyzu's expression. "Then, how about a duel rite?" Another louder gasp went through her sisters. No one had had to enact a duel rite for leadership for over a century. It was no contest that Zyra was the rightful leader. Questioning it was a greater insult then the one Henna had given her. "That is highly uncalled for!" Zyra shouted. "I have proven time and time again that I..." Kyzu's eyes met hers in challenge. "If you feel you cannot complete the task, then perhaps they are right." She narrowed her eyes at her sister. "This is nothing short of an insult." Kyzu said nothing. It was true, what could she say. Instead she turned to the huntresses. "Which of you will compete?" Zyra's teeth clenched when Henna stepped forward. No one else moved. "We need two other champions," Kyzu said eying the huntresses. She stalked in front of them like a tigress. "Hm...Imjah, what about you? You are a seasoned huntress." Imjah nodded and avoided Zyra's gaze as she stepped forward. Kyzu went up the line again. This time, she stopped in front of Rair. She was staring at the ground. "Rair?" Rair's face grew grimmer, if possible. "...I would rather not my Chieftess." Kyzu's bony finger tilted up her chin. "Go." Rair stiffly went to join the line of competitors. "Is there any justifiable cause to have any member not participate?" Kyzu said to her as well as the crowd. Zyra could not respond to her, the depth of her betrayal bleeding the bonds that had made them blood sisters for so long. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 14 I apologize for the delay. Just wanted to note that you are the most supporting fans ever and I cherish every comment you have made, good or bad. Thank you so much. Chapter 14: Breaking Point PART II: "But I don't want you anymore Zyra," he stated. "I need you." It became a standstill, both of their attention locked on the other. Hearts thumped against chests and desires clashed for different reasons. "Kail I don't understand," she said quietly. The smile turned into a possessive smirk. "What I'm saying is this. I'm going to fuck you. Tonight. Now if possible. And if you try to run from me, I will catch you." Her jaw dropped and she shook her head in horror. "Kail, no..." "Yes Zyra. Yes." All was silent. Then Zyra abandoned the fur and began to run. He was after her in a flash. Her body dodged expertly away from trees and footfalls as she streaked towards the Rovian camp. She had never felt so vulnerable in her life. Her loose breasts hit heavily against her chest, hurting with each slap as terror propelled her forward. If she could only get towards the stream then she... Zyra screamed as arms wrapped around her waist and plucked her backwards. She threw her head back and smashed it into Kail's. He let out a pained grunt and his grip loosened giving her time to rip his hands away to run again. The forest felt like it was closing in on her. Branches snapped playfully against her behind. The heat of her body contrasted the cool forest air that ran between her legs. Their chase was a silent one until she heard a crunch behind her. It was the color. She had forgotten. Even though she was faster, even though she was quiet he would be able to see the color of her emotions. It made no sense to try running at all! He would no doubt catch her. Fear made her heart palpitate and she hugged herself close to a tree, kneeling down and trying to control herself. At any moment he could grab her. He could be right behind her. He... "Kail?" Her shaky voice was eaten by the darkness. "...Kail!" "...Yes?" The sound came from the right, maybe five trees away. "Why are you doing this?" She crept on her hands and knees to another tree farther away and slumped quietly against it. Would it do her any good if she was a bright swirl of color? "Doing what?" his rough voice echoed. "Giving us what we both want?" "This isn't about me!" she shouted as rage ebbed at her fear. "You're being selfish. You don't care about what I want." She heard a chuckle from her left and scrambled backwards to another set of trees. "Yes Zyra and you are so selfless. Selfless and naïve, willing to donate your soul to the next crusade at the drop of a hat. Yet surprisingly, unable to give up what I desire." "So you admit this is only about you?" she quipped. Silence; he was silent. She couldn't have him silent, not now. It was too soon. "So you only desire me physically?" she tried again. She caught a flash of yellow eyes by the group of trees she had been at. His voice came from that direction. "I want to teach you things. I want to make you realize the other sides of you." Good he was talking again. She tried to keep her voice from sounding too relieved. "Why?" "Because I can; I have seen these parts of you before however briefly they existed. You can be tender. Like...that time in the tent." She frowned, thinking of ways to buy herself time. "...my tent or Ginger's tent?" She heard a loud angry growl close to her ear and sprinted off in the opposite direction. She could hear soft curses trailing in the wind behind her. So that had been an involuntary action? She always thought his growls were like speech. That was a good question then. She shivered, rubbing a palm over her a nipple frozen with cold. It was a windy night and she was as naked as the day she was born. "Zyra I'm sorry," Kail said, his voice slowly approaching to where she was. "I'm sorry I went to her. I'm not used to this." "Not used to what?" she breathed. She heard him sigh. "I am not used to having a limitation of partners. Not used to being...trapped this way. Confined to my little corner of forest, or taking orders. But I truly do desire you. Genuinely, I do." "Do you love me?" It was a silly question, but she needed to keep him busy. Plus, she was curious as to what the ogre would say to justify his need to screw her. "No. I care for you, but I do not love you." So he would not outwardly lie. She could credit him for that. "Why do you care for me?" "I can't explain that!" he said exasperatedly. "Why do you care for Nima? Or Ginger?" "I care because I love them! If you don't love me then there's no reason to care!" She was catching her breath from her shout when a large hand clasped her arm. Kail stepped out from behind her tree, holding her in a firm grip. Whimpering she wrapped herself around the tree, refusing to let go, circling with each step he took to fully possess her. "If you have more questions you can ask me inside," he rumbled low, his yellow eyes transfixed upon her. "Come now, before you catch ill." "No! I can't trust you!" she shrieked, pulling her arm from his in vain. "You can learn." Hot tears began to prick her eyes as her abilities failed her. Where was her strength? Her speed? What about being able to hear the voices of those who thought of her? Why couldn't see have gotten away? "No! I don't want this! You're not listening to me!" "I won't listen because I can't trust you either." With a mighty tug her grip of the tree was broken and a piece of bark came off in her hand. She gasped as she fell head first into his chest. Arms of corded muscle enveloped her and this time there was no escape. Hot moist breath puffed in her ear. "Got you." She screamed, dropping herself to the ground, twisting, biting, digging her nails into his flesh until she drew blood but it was to no avail. He tossed her over his shoulder, her butt high in the air, breasts pressed against his back. Slowly but surely, he carried her back to his camp. When she could see the lights of his lanterns she bit his back. He cursed and pulled her off, placing her roughly in front of him. She teetered on her legs like a newborn as he rounded on her, making her backup as he advanced. "Your protests are not real Zyra. Your mouth says one thing but your body says another. Even now I can see your hardened nipples, your arousal leaking on the inside of your thighs. You're very wet Zyra. I can see it well. And I haven't even touched you yet." She yelped when she backed into his dwelling, falling towards the raised floor. He caught her by her waist and with one motion tossed her into the pile of furs. Zyra scrambled up screaming at the top of her lungs. "HELP! HELP! KYZU! GINGER! HELP ME!" "They can't hear you," he said, making the entrance close tightly. "We both know that." With a dying man's desperation she launched herself at him. Viciously she punched his back, pulling him back from the door he was trying to secure. When he stopped moving she knew it was not because she had stopped him, he was done securing the door. Zyra ran back, looking for his flint knife, or perhaps a club of some sort. He seemed immune to her panic, amused even as he shuffled to a box on his shelf. He looked at something, took one look at her and pulled off his shirt. "Kail no!" she shouted in command. Turning she grabbed the handle of an unfinished weapon. "Kail I will tell the witches' council. If you do this...thing you wish to do, you will die for this. Die Kail." He gave her an easy smile as he stalked forward, his shirt in hand. "I don't know Zyra," he said coyly. She thrust the handle of the weapon down at him and he wrenched it from her easily, collecting her wrists in one hand. "I think you're worth dying for." He lifted her body up then, ignoring her scream as he pulled her against him, her breasts smashing against the rawness that was his skin. "No! No Kail, please," she begged, but he ignored her. He pressed her nakedness against him, reveling in the comfort it gave him. He held her to him desperately, his strength buckling her arms against him. "You don't understand Zyra," he whispered into her hair. "I'm at my limit. I won't wait...not anymore." She could not hear his words anymore. Instead she drowned herself in her sorrow as thick tears spilled out of her eyes and sobs shook her frame. Why had her strength abandoned her? Why was this happening? "I won't hurt you." He cooed softly to her running as hand through her hair as he lowered her down onto the furs. She turned her face from his as he tried to stroke away tears. "Zyra I will not hurt you. Look at me...Zyra, look at me." When she opened her eyes he froze at the sight. His grip on her wrists automatically loosened and he was mute as she covered herself from him. She wasn't pretending. Even though her body wanted him, she was truly, genuinely afraid of him. She didn't want this, and if he forced it on her then he would be hurting her. Haunted by her gaze Kail pulled away, resting the back of his head against one of the walls. He closed his eyes as he heard her rustle about frantically. When he opened them he saw she had wrapped herself, head and all into the furs. His hand massaged the bridge of his nose as stress and tension in the upper and lower halves of his body caused him discomfort. "This isn't going to work is it?" He watched the bundle tighten as brown fingers pulled it in closer. "You have to come to me." A low uncontrollable growl of frustration made its way out of his mouth. "I don't understand you," he admitted angrily. "I just...I don't understand." "...understand what?" The voice was scratchy and watery, but Zyra had spoken. There was that. "I won't touch you again so come out," he said tiredly. "You have my word." She unfurled very slowly and when she finished only her head was visible. Her face was fixed in a glare of bitterness and hatred. "Your word is meaningless," she spat. "You're a pig! Now what don't you understand?" "Why you want me, but you can't accept me." "I don't want you! You're a twisted fuckta!" "Anything else you'd like to add?" He sat up straight and she pulled back defensively. "Go ahead, let it all out. I won't say a thing." She looked at him uncertainly but he opened his hands and spread them away from himself in surrender. "Go on." Zyra grit her teeth, and then she cursed him. She used every word she knew. She cursed his face, his mother, his family, his manhood, his lineage, even his soul. He simply observed her looking tired and uncomfortable. "...grow old waiting for hell with the rot upon your cock! Then die!" Kail watched her huff, catching her breath after 4 minutes of nonstop cursing. Several parts of him were extremely offended, but he figured it was one small way to atone after what he had done. Either way, she looked livelier and less afraid. "Finished?" Her lips thinned. He gazed at her as she stood, walking clumsily with the furs and drew his breath as she backhanded him. The sting nearly brought water to his eyes. Zyra really hit hard. "Yes I am finished you filthy green muck eater. Now, explain yourself." He rubbed his cheek, wondering if it was his fate to be tortured by her for the rest of his natural life. Even now after her abuse his arousal had not fallen. In fact, his member was still stiffly yearning for her as she sat soft and free in his furs. He controlled the urge to lean over and take her lips with his own. She might stab him in retribution. "I was saying that I don't understand how you want me but can't..." "I already said I don't..." "Zyra! We are past this!" Kail seethed, the frustration boiling inside of him. "You are naked, lying on my furs, and your pussy is wet! Spare me reasons to lose my restraint! We will not resolve this if we continue to lie to one another!" She looked at him blankly. He had expected some kind of blow, but instead she nodded her head. "Very well, you are correct. We must both stop lying to one another." "...yes. I agree." "So you admit that you are selfish?" Kail frowned. "How am I selfish?" She shifted to make herself more comfortable, each movement making Kail frantic with need. She had no idea of the effect she had on him. Or maybe, she just did not care. "You see something you want and you just aim to take it. Then you move on to the next desire. If something does not suit you, you ignore it until it suits you again." Kail scoffed seemingly offended. "Zyra I never expected that you would truly refuse me when I could see how you desired me." She looked at him sternly, as though she was lecturing Nima. "That doesn't change the fact that you're behaving selfishly. Even if you think I might benefit as well you are acting based primarily on your own feelings. That counts for listening to my orders as well. Or favoring Kyzu's when they suit you." "Is she not ranked higher than you? Should I not listen to her?" Zyra's shoulders tensed and her eyes narrowed. "Do...do you want to fuck Kyzu or me?" Kail lifted an eyebrow in question. "Is that a legitimate question? Your sister is insane." "Answer it!" "You." He watched her curiously as her colors warred with anger and embarrassment. "Then...then you listen to me!" she shouted. Kail tilted his head, a smirk working its way to his face. "So there will be fucking?" "No. You can't be trusted and I'm not ready." Kail shifted an inch closer to her and pulled back. Too soon then. He went back against the wall. "But you do indeed want me?" She licked her lips and sighed as she stared at her hands. He watched the now moist and red full lips mercilessly tease him as she spoke. "My body does." She looked up at him, internally causing him jolt from his thought pattern. "If I am only my body then yes...I want you. But...if I am my mind then...I need more time." Her eyes looked up at him in trepidation but there was something akin to hope as well. "Are you willing to accept this?" He had no choice. He could not take her as she was, and he could no longer do without her. "Yes." "Then you have to admit something." Kail crossed his arms. Nothing was ever easy. "What would you like me to admit?" "It helps you when you imagine confining me. You don't like being trapped, but that's what you want to do to me." Kail shook his head in protest. "No Zyra, I just want to have you." Her green eyes seemed to look deep within him. "No Kail you imagine being in control. To have me, you have to take me for yourself. Pinned to something preferably." He looked at her like she had caught him off guard with a dirty secret. Of course he did. To be honest it was the only way he knew. The best way to quell the protests of an ogress was to prove to her that you were worthy to bed her through physical prowess. After explaining his dislike of his happenstance he had never thought that he was attempting to do the same to her. For the most part the thought of dominating her had never filled him with anything but satisfaction. Something he was sure they would share, but it was clear that Zyra was different. Zyra was different from any woman he had ever attempted to court in his lifetime. He could not have her with force, but how else would he acquire her? "What is it that you want?" he asked finally. She sighed as images of steamy lovemaking clouded her vision. There was that yes, but after, after she saw herself being held and caressed lovingly by someone who truly did want to see her happy. She wanted to believe that could be Kail. "I want to be able to trust you." "You can tru..." "I can trust that you won't attempt to kill me. I can trust that you live in the forest, but I can't trust anything else." Kail bared his fangs as he took in her accusations. "You can trust that I will tell you the truth." Zyra wrapped her arms around herself tighter, his furs wrinkling beneath her. "I can't trust that you won't leave me for Ginger after you have your way with me. I can't trust that you'll listen to Kyzu instead of me when it suits you. I can't trust the important things. Truth is something that can be perceived in a variety of true ways." "So I am not to subjugate you, but you are to subjugate me?" Zyra sighed. "No matter what you say about this not being a fight, about us sharing this we clearly have no intentions of doing so." Zyra took a deep calming breath. The she bravely shifted closer to him, forcing him to stare into her bright green eyes. He cringed backward. This time it was he who was trapped. He noticed quite gratefully that his member had gotten the message and retreated to its flaccid state. At least he didn't have to worry about her screaming over that. "Don't you remember? You told me that not everything is a fight. That some things are meant to be shared. That was when I asked for the control, and you refused me. Why Kail? Be honest." Kail gritted his teeth in concentration, his heart thumping loudly in his chest. This was not how this was supposed to go. He was supposed to show her the error of her ways, not the other way around. It filled him with a sense of panic as he realized slowly that their union could never work if they could not both make a collective effort to change their ways. "I didn't want you to have it," he admitted. "I didn't believe that you would actually consummate anything. I felt you would do nothing." "You never gave me a chance." There was quiet then, as the both mused over the weightiness of the words that had been said. It ended with Kail groaning before he sprawled on the wood before her. He closed his eyes and she admired the body stretch out in front of her. He really was immense, but he was lean for his kind based on what she had seen. His head was close to the fur by her knees. Popping open a single eye he tilted his head towards her, his gold earring flickering in a brief appearance from under his unruly red mane. "Tell me what you want Zyra, and I will do it." Zyra tried to control her breathing as nervousness started to taint her earlier words of bravado. She knew that she wanted to give her body to Kail, but she could not give herself to him in his current state. Nor would she appreciate him forcing himself on her. "Promise me," she exclaimed. "Promise me you will never again try to force yourself on me." "...I promise." "Then you will have to be patient with me, and I need you to listen to me when I speak." "Will you do the same?" "What?" His golden eyes swirled with unnamed emotions are he regarded her. "Will you be patient with me? Will you listen to me when I speak?" Zyra nodded. "Yes." "Then I am sorry, and I will wait for you to come to me." He reached out and touched her hand. She gripped the fur tighter wondering how he could go back on his word so swiftly. He pulled her hand off and the other one compensated automatically. Instead of reaching for her fur he clasped her hand in his own. He rubbed the back of her palms with his thumb and closed his eyes. "Is this alright?" A sense of peace filled her with the gentleness of his touch. It filled her with a strange forbidden delight. "...yes." "...will you lie beside me?" Since she currently 'was' his bed of furs it made sense. Slowly she eased herself down, ready to pull away at the slightest appearance of a trap. When she was fully down he took away one of her furs but it made no difference. Wrapping that one around him he turned to face the wall, his hand still holding hers. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 14 "Would you blow out that lantern beside you?" She hesitated. She wasn't sure she wanted to be in the dark with him again. Before she could justify herself he interjected, "Never mind, just let it burn itself out. The wick is too low to start a fire. Good night Zyra." "This was an awful night." Kail chuckled and somehow Zyra began to fall asleep. __________________________________________________ When Zyra awoke she was warm. She felt encircled by something and a curious weight was upon her. Opening her eyes she saw the ogre's upper body was on top of her. His face was completely relaxed and his arms were underneath her. Looking beside her she saw that the candle had indeed burned itself out. Sighing she looked at him and tried to wiggle away. She found this was an impossible feat if she intended to keep her furs. Pulling an arm free she pushed on Kail's shoulder. "Kail...Kail get off! KAIL!" He groaned as he awoke pulling back from her. He gaze down, confused as he rubbed his eyes. "Kail why were you on top of me?"Zyra asked calmly. He grunted, still rubbing at his face. "I don't know," he said raspily. "Are you sore?" "...wait, what?" He seemed to catch himself and braced his hands on either the side of her head before pushing up to stand. As the fur fell off the first thing she noticed was the tent in his pants. She stared at the large obvious strain and looked at him in shock. "What have you done?" "If I did anything you would know," he grumbled. "Then...then why are you like that?" He shook his head yawning. "I'll tell you later. Stay in the tent for a minute or so would you?" She held the furs to her. It was silent, too silent. She strained to hear and her ability activated allowing her to find him. He was in the forest. She could hear soft pants. He let out a rough grunt and a moan. He sounded like he had been punched. What the heck was he doing? It sounded like... Comprehension dawned on her and her hearing snapped back like a bowstring. Her face burned and she turned side to side to find her clothing. He did say it was outside. He sounded far away, but he was still outside. What if she saw him and he took that the wrong way? What if he couldn't control himself at the sight of her? What if he couldn't control himself regardless? Before she could come up with a worse theory he strode in. He headed straight to his cleaning station and ducked his hands in the water. She watched the arch of his muscled back in admiration. He really was put together nicely. "Zyra, please stop it." She blinked in surprise. "Stop what?" He turned to her, irritation on his face. "You are not helping your cause. You're getting aroused again." She gaped at him like a fish. "I...I can't control it!" she snapped. "Well you didn't have to listen in." Her mouth closed and he looked at her bemused. "Yes I knew you would. You're far too nosy to do otherwise." "Well who told you to wake up in that state? On me no less!" she barked. He walked outside. When he came back he had her clothes, boots and all. He tossed it over to her and gave her a rueful grin. "That 'state' as you call it, is something I cannot control as well. We should have pity on one another don't you think?" She gave him a nasty look and he laughed, exiting his dwelling and closing the door behind him. Zyra dressed swiftly and when she exited the dwelling she saw that the ogre had gone. Curious as to where he might be it occurred to her that he could be at the stream. Walking slowly she found herself nearing the place where she had watched him all of those times. Her pace unintentionally quickened until she found herself running towards the stream. Huffing she halted just inside of the forest brush. Looking into the crystalline water, she found to her dismay that the stream was empty. Frowning she turned and jumped as her face hit a green chest. "Disappointed?" Her eyes widened as she took him in. On impulse her eyes dipped down and she caught a good look of his member. Naked... naked, naked, naked. He was naked. What was she supposed to do? "Close your mouth, you'll catch flies," Kail commented as he passed her. She watched bashfully but unable to help herself as he strutted confidently towards the water. How dare he be so comfortable in his own skin? That bastard. She watched as his hard muscular butt disappeared in the swells that his thighs made as he stepped into the water. He walked until his lower half was submerged then fully immersed himself. When he rose he threw his damp rosy locks back, the gold ring in his ear catching light. Zyra felt like she was having some form of heart attack just looking at him. It wasn't fair, it just wasn't fair. "Enjoying the show?" he said smirking widely. "Fuck you Kail!" she spat looking away and back continuously. "I wish you would!" he shouted with a grin. She covered her ears and moaned in irritation. This was going to be hard. "...ing in or not?" She released her ears. "What?" Kail gazed at her, his body glistening with moisture. "I asked whether you were coming in or not." Zyra stared at him dumbly. "You...you want me to join you?" Kail rolled his eyes and huffed. " Yes Zyra. I would like that very much." "Why?" "Why what?" "What are you planning?" Kail scoffed and paddled backwards, heading towards the deeper water. When only his head remained he leant against a large boulder that jutted out of the lake. "Why don't you come in and find out?" "I don't want to find out that way. Tell me now." "I recall a certain someone saying that there was no trust among us," he mused. "How do you intend to build that trust if you don't allow me to prove that I can be trustworthy?" She glared at him in response. "I have every reason to be skeptical of you Kail Shashanen Shyla." He grinned toothily and draped his shoulders over the boulder. "You are right, Zyra lead huntress of the Rovians." Hesitantly she stepped forward coming to the edge as he watched her. "What is it...exactly that you...want?" "A bath," he explained. "Only a bath." "Together?" "Together." "...but why does it have to be together?" "Zyra!" "Fine!" She sat down sullenly and pulled her boots off, mumbling underneath her breath. Despite herself she began to feel excited. She had never bathed with a man before, let alone an ogre. She supposed there were perks to being closer to him while he bathed. She could see all that she had spied on those weeks. Besides, if he tried anything she could always drown him. Her strength would not fail her this time, she was sure of it. She had rid herself of her skirt and her top before she became nervous. Kail's eyes had never left her and he continued to gaze at her expectantly. Trying to be brave she reached at the side of her bindings and fingered the knot that held it tight. She loosened it and was about to unravel it when she unconsciously focused in on his eyes and their intentness scared her. "Turn around," she shouted. Kail's brow furrowed. "Why? I have seen you already." "Then you can picture that image while you turn around." "Why?" "Because I'm embarrassed!" He looked at her, watching her lips as they twisted with her biting. "You have nothing to be embarrassed about. You're beautiful Zyra." She didn't respond to him. Sighing he turned around to face the rock. A few minutes later he heard a loud splash. Looking over his shoulder he burst out laughing as he watched her crawl forward, determined to remain submerged into the trickle of water. As the water deepened comfortably enough for her she stopped swimming. Kail dropped his arms back into the water and raised a finger towards himself. She took a deep breath and waded over towards him. She was an arms' length away and that is where she stayed. He reached her waist and pulled her to him with little difficulty. Her breath hitched and he stroked the side of her face shushing her. "Relax," he rumbled. "It's just a bath right?" She stared down, her hands pressed against his chest. Slowly, gently as though he might startle her he put his hand on her head and gently ran a hand through her hair. His fingertips stroked her back and he felt the shiver run through her. Zyra was not sure she had ever been as aware of her body as she was at that moment. The surface of her skin hummed. It wasn't unpleasant to feel his hands on her as he stroked her doubts backward. "Where's the soap?" she mumbled. She had given him a cake that Ginger had made with dried flowers in it. Did he ever use it? Instead of answering her she felt the circle on her head and the pleasant smell that could only come from Ginger's recipe wafted through her hair. Zyra felt herself relaxing as Kail massaged the soap into her hair. They sat in silence as he washed her, caressing down her shoulders and her back when the mood struck him. "You'll get used to my touch this way," he murmured softly. "Hm..." Part of her was still wary of him, but the feel of his firm hand of her back was undeniably nice. Nice enough that maybe she could get used to it. An hour and several insults, laughs, and embarrassments later Zyra was headed back towards the village. In the distance she could hear scattered shouts, mumbles, and exclamations. Frowning she headed to the source. She saw a crowd gathered facing Kyzu's tent. The memories of her sister made her frown contort into a grimace. It was then that a villager noticed her among the fringe. "Zyra!" They turned to her and ushered her forward. "What's wrong?" she asked warily. "Your sister has become inflicted by an unknown ailment," a village woman said briskly. "What kind of ailment?" The question remained unanswered when her sister stepped out from her tent. Looking up her she seemed as fine as yesterday. Kyzu simply looked extremely irate. "What's wrong?" Zyra asked agitatedly. Kyzu stared at her. "...well?" "She cannot speak." Looking to the side of her she saw Rair, her arms folded solemnly. "You mean she's lost her voice?" Zyra asked incredulously. "No," Rair responded. "It appears she has no voice." Zyra was unsure how to deal with this. Was this some kind of prelude to a more serious sickness? Or was this just the extent of it? "Do you feel physically fine Kyzu?" Zyra asked. Kyzu glared harder. "How am I supposed to tell you, you imbecile?" "Well you can nod if you feel fine and not nod if you don't," Zyra snapped. Kyzu's eyes widened. "...you can read my thoughts?" "Unfortunately." "You can understand her?" "Yes," Zyra said nodding to Rair. "Do you not remember that Nima was once mute? Where is Nima?" The girl heard her name and came scurrying forward. "Auntie! I was wondering where you were!" She enveloped her in a hug and she watched as Kyzu's eyes burned into her face. "Nima do you remember how you used to speak?" Nima nodded and looked at her mother. "Mommy is silent now." "Do you know what she wants?" "She hasn't said anything." Kyzu looked at the two of them and then mimed the action that Nima used to make for wanting water. "She wants water," Nima said. Kyzu nodded in agreement. A village girl went off to get some and the villagers looked at Nima in surprise. "Do you suppose that...Nima's muteness has come upon Kyzu?" Zyra glared at the woman who proposed it. "How would such a thing be possible?" "I don't know," the woman said offensively. "But...she was touched by the strange orb and after she gained speech. Where did her speech come from? Only Kyzu was with her..." "Nima did not steal Kyzu's voice!" Zyra barked. "How dare you insult your future Chieftess in that manner?" The village woman bowed her head and took a step back. "F-forgive me Huntress." "Ask for her forgiveness not mine." She asked Nima for forgiveness but Nima was silent. Zyra looked down at Nima, her wide eyes were filled with concern. "Mommy..." Kyzu's mouth was left gaping open as she stared wordlessly in horror. "Mommy..." Nima tried again. "...did I do something bad?" Kyzu shook her head furiously and gestured angrily to the woman. "Remove her from my presence. Now!" Zyra raised an eyebrow at her and folded her arms. Rair who watched Kyzu's actions took the woman by the arm and directed her to head back to her tent. "Kyzu is physically fine," Zyra declared. "We can do nothing unless her health declines." "So you will do nothing?" Imjah asked stepping forward. Zyra tilted her head. "What do you propose?" Imjah's mouth tightened as she realized her exclamation had no backing. "If any of you have any brilliant solutions I'd love to hear them. Until then, please return to your duties." She watched as the crowd reluctantly dispersed until it was just her, Kyzu, and Nima. Kyzu shook in her rage as she held Nima to her. "Why did you not say what I commanded? Zyra looked at Nima who was starting to get upset from her mother's shaking. "Mommy," the child said brokenly. "You can have my voice. I don't need it." "You didn't take her voice Nima," Zyra said firmly to the child. "Your mother just doesn't wish to talk for a while. Right Kyzu?" Nima looked up at her mom expectantly and her mom gave a jerky nod. "Then...then why did the woman say..." "That woman was a stupid lady. Some ladies are stupid and should be ignored. Others become stupid when they are scared. Don't worry, your mom's voice will come back soon." Kyzu rubbed her daughter's back and gave her cheek a kiss before gesturing that she go and play. Nima hesitated, and then proceeded to run off, her long braid whipping her back. "I know you did this to me. Zyra scoffed and looked at her sister with disdain. "No. I'm not like you. I wouldn't hurt someone intentionally." "Yes, you're perfect. I had somehow forgotten." "Goodbye Kyzu." She was turning on her heel when she hear her think out, "Wait!" "Yes?" Kyzu clenched her fists and stood up tall. "How do you propose we fix this? Zyra laughed. "We?" "Yes we." Zyra rolled her eyes. "As much as I don't care whether I get your forgiveness or not, I could have sworn you commanded me not to help you." "It's not the same. I was angry. I didn't mean... "I know what you meant," Zyra interjected. "I know exactly what you meant. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go attend to my duties." She heard a scuttling behind her that was probably Kyzu throwing a tantrum. "Ugh...what about Nima!?" "Don't worry," Zyra quipped. "I'll take care of her like I always have." Then she left her to simmer in her destructive loathing thoughts. Somewhere out there, and it was smiling down on her. Her grin was plastered on her face like a wood carving when she saw two dots in the distance. Narrowing her eyes she put a hand to her brow to shield her eyes from the rising sun. "Do...do you see that?" she asked to no one in particular? "See what?" "You see something?" "Where?" She pointed to the forest. Surely Kail had not... Zyra's heart skipped a beat and she ran towards the forest with open arms. It was then that she heard the call. "ZYRA!" It was Gharla and Enui. After all that time, they had finally come home. Gharla dropped her bags and ran towards her. They collided halfway, knocking the breath out of each other but too hysterical with happiness to care. "Gharla! I was so worried," Zyra warbled, holding the golden haired maiden close to her. "We were too." Her voice was watery and she pulled slightly apart to look into Zyra's face. "My dear sister, is our Chieftess and heir?" "Whole." When she looked behind her she saw Enui smiling at her. She clasped to Enui who looked older, wiser for some reason. She dared not ask why, could only luxuriate in the splendor that filled her. Relief had never felt so sweet. At long last, their peril was over. It took very little time for the entire village to learn that Gharla and Enui had returned. One minute Zyra was hugging them, the next she was recycled by dozens of hungry hands that sought to confirm the rumor with touch. Ordinarily Zyra would be irritated, but for once she felt all was right with her world. She could hear their plans of celebration, even as she retreated to Ginger's tent. "Let us prepare a high place for you," Imjah said happily. "Our Chieftess will be most pleased to see you returned safely." Zyra snickered. She couldn't recall Kyzu asking for them once. No matter, she had her own troubles to deal with. Sooner or later Kyzu would seek out the ogre, and his loyalty would be tested. __________________________________________________ Gharla's eyes watered as she took in the beautiful woman that had lead them through the valley safely. She felt as proud as a mother, as proud as a sister. Reuniting with dear Zyra was like finding a long lost part of her. Even with Vine still fresh in her mind, Zyra gave her comfort that this had been the right choice. This was her home. "How is..." her question was cut off when a group of her sisters managed to maneuver their arms and hands from underneath their grasp and pull Gharla away to the center. She frowned even as the kisses came and watched silently as Zyra smiled and walked away. It seemed rather odd, but perhaps her sisters were just excited to see her. "Let us prepare a high place for you," Imjah said happily. "Our Chieftess will be most pleased to see you returned safely." "Should not Zyra prepare our place?" Her voice was garbled as flowers we tucked into her hair, her baggage was claimed, and she was escorted to the Chieftess' tent with songs and laughter. Slightly behind her Enui suffered the same fate. "Chieftess!" The entrance of the Chieftess' tent rattled until an elegant brown hand peeked out from the inside. She made a sweep of the tent tail, throwing it like an elegant cape as she stepped forward. Gharla watched as she eyed them at first with surprise, and then walked to them with her arms wide open. She smiled from ear to ear as she took the huntresses to her bosom with great joy. "My Chieftess we have returned to you," Enui said, her voice thick with emotion. The Chieftess did not respond, but she held them tighter, rubbing their backs with her palms. Then she broke the embrace, holding each of their hands. "Is Nima well my Chieftess?" They watched as she frowned but shook her head yes. "Why..." "Mommy can't speak." The stared in shock as Nima ran up to them with a group of village girls. "Nima..."Enui gasped. "You can..." "Speak..." Gharla finished incredulously. "How can this be?" "Zyra cured me," she said happily reaching out to hug each of them. They hugged her back kissing the cheek of the girl they had saved. Gharla raised the girl in her arms, holding her tightly. "And you my Chieftess? How is it that your voice is lost?" "We know not, sister." Among the village girls, they noticed Henna among them. That too was a shock. Henna had been a young huntress. "We know only that it comes from an...unnatural source." Gharla placed Nima down and frowned. "What is this source you speak of?" Henna shut her mouth into a fine line and looked at the huntresses behind her. Gharla and Enui looked over their shoulder, but their people avoided their gaze. "Enough of that now," Imjah said laughing breathlessly. "Let us prepare to celebrate your return." __________________________________________________ Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 14 "Ginger?" "Yes Zyra?" Zyra turned on her side to look at Ginger whom was sewing something or another as usual. "May I ask you a question?" Ginger chuckled and made a wide stitch. "You already have." "An additional question." "Very well." Zyra scratched at the bandage that covered her tattoo. Perhaps the bindings were too tight. It had started to irritate her. Sighing she undid the knot that held it tight and began to unravel it. Ginger's hand froze in the middle of an upright motion to watch her. When she was finished they stared at her arm, the unfamiliar markings shiny with their silvery supernatural hue. "Why is it that you do not fear my marking as do the others?" Ginger looked at her and shrugged. "Well it is not that you alone carry tattoos. It is uncommon in our village, but women who were from other villages might have marking." It was true. Rair in fact was originally from another tribe. Her tribe had fallen into a land war with a neighboring tribe and had been wiped out. It was said that Rair wandered for countless days until one of their number had found her and brought her back. She had been a small child then. The sun tattoo on her back shoulder was the only indication that she was not born among them. It was hidden by her shirt. "Yes but, you do not fear it?" Zyra asked. "You would never hurt us Zyra," Ginger said firmly. "I know this is my heart." Ginger resumed her needlepoint while Zyra stewed over what she had said. "But..." "Goodness Zyra." "What if it was not me? What if it was a stranger with this marking? Would you be wary?" "Perhaps." Zyra sucked her teeth. "Well, could you tell me why?" Ginger placed down her sewing and sighed. "Well Zyra, it is strange to look at because it moves with your skin, and is the color of moonlight. It's not black or red like all other tattoos." "And?" "And...there are also the rumors." Zyra frowned. "What rumors?" Ginger looked around the tent and bit her thumb nervously. "Well Zyra, they are probably untrue if you have noticed nothing strange about you..." "Tell me Ginger. Please." She sighed heavily, shoving her brown hair back. "Well my dear answer this. On the night you saved Henna. The night you killed the Nemlock..." "So nothing is secret huh?" "...did your tattoo turn the color of Nemlock's blood?" She tried to think. Zyra didn't really pay much attention to her arm that night, yet she couldn't help but remember the carnage the next day. When they stood amongst the broken bodies of the Nemlock, the trees were splattered with their purple blood. Her tattoo had turned purple. "I'm not sure," Zyra said queasily. "It turned purple the day after, but I'm not sure if it was during because it was night." "Well, the rumor is that it changes colors when it steals the soul of what you kill." Zyra's sense of peace began to dissipate. She gulped. "What an enchanting notion." "Do you think...you might try it?" Ginger asked in a soft whispery voice. "Ginger I am not going to kill something just to see what happens!" Zyra snapped. "Well," Ginger said shuffling to the entrance of her tent. "Here, try this." Ginger undid the flap and pulled it slightly open. At the mouth of her cave a few stray dandelions grew in a twisted ball. "Pick one," she said briskly. "See what happens." Zyra gazed at her in disbelief. "...are you serious?" "Zyra! Just try it." "Fine! But this is a foolish idea. Plants don't even bleed." She fingered the gnarled weeds until she found the root. With a quick jerk she has the plant uprooted and clumps of dirt raining to the ground. They stared at her arm expectantly. "Nothing," Zyra said smugly. "Shall I try the grass next?" "It's not dead yet," Ginger exclaimed. "Take off the head of one." "Ginger..." "Let us see Zyra." Huffing she did as Ginger has instructed. She held the yellow flower head in her hand, staring at the ancient plant with disdain. "See Ginger? Nothing..." her voice was cut short when her arm began to tingle. She watched, mortified as her tattoo began to bleed from top to bottom the color green. The color bled away as quickly as it came and they were silent when the silver returned. Zyra dropped the head of the flower like it had burned her. "How could I not notice?" she said breathlessly. "My own arm...how could I not notice?" "You were too busy taking care of us," Ginger said firmly. "Besides it's still a rumor. Flowers don't have souls. So this proves them to be wrong." "But what if they do? "They don't." "But what if they do?" "Zyra..." "It just turned green Ginger! I took the life of a flower!" Ginger snorted loudly. "Is that such a crime Zyra? To be honest, do you hear yourself?" Zyra paused her tirade long enough to start rewrapping her arm. "I never thought about it before," Zyra said sighing. "I never thought that flowers could have souls." "Well then..." Ginger said walking to where she had left her work. "Your niece Nima is a positive death dealer! She should be ashamed! Why with all those flower chains she makes! Unholy carnage!" Zyra couldn't help but laugh. "Okay fine, I see your point. Still, this warrants looking into." "Or you could ignore it," Ginger quipped. "Sometimes things are best left unanswered." Zyra agreed, but the itching of her arm put her on edge. And she had been happy for almost an hour. Fuckta. "Well you never know," Zyra said sighing. "The answer might find me." __________________________________________________ Enui sighed as she nibbled noncommittally on the meat of a Perkadu. She half listened to her sister's idle chatter. Her childish face masked in an attempt to appear anything other than bored. She missed her nymphs already. She had long forgotten what it was like to pretend that you cared what everyone said about you. Enui knew the traits of this village. This praise would last for two weeks at most, and then it would be as though nothing happened. The village would be back to demanding things of her. It was not that the village was bad, simply that the majority could be very selfish. Thanks to Zyra they had never had to go without. She had spoiled them and so they acted accordingly. Yet, the thought of depriving them of anything had come across to Zyra as nothing short of murderer. Their vast land was well groomed and Zyra remembered the old ways. They had been taught by their ancestors how to avoid overworking the land by rotating what they hunted or when they planted. Each food had a season that would not damage its collection. The Rovians lived on a vast block of land with the closest tribe to the west, the Ursies, 5 days away and the closest to the east, the Cavikaa 6 days away. They were lucky, too lucky perhaps. There was something odd about this land. Enui focused on the chatter of a village woman and hastily withdrew her attention. Yet she was not lucky enough. She realized what leaving the valley meant. Part of her felt guilty for prolonging their journey home. Zyra had genuinely been worried for them. Even so, she knew that she would never be allowed to be as free with the nymphs as she was with her sisters. The nymphs knew no judgment, no shame. They did not doubt themselves so they had little need to doubt others. Their love was unconditional, and could not be earned. It simply existed because she was attractive to them, and she did not resist. Well she did at first, but as she lost her shame and insecurities she learned that she had wanted them to free her. For the first time in years, she had felt free. "...Zyra's dueling rite..." Enui gasped. "Zyra had to do a duel rite?" Gharla stopped mid bite. "What did you say Enui?" They looked at their sisters who went silent around them. Gharla stood. "Did Zyra have to fight for her right to lead us?" Enui could see the rage bubbling up from deep inside her. Zyra has saved Gharla's life, that was something she would never forget. Yet here, she and Enui sat, in the prepared place for their honor while others tried to sully her name. In fact, Enui had just realized something. Zyra was no among them. They were having evening meal, yet Zyra was nowhere to be found. "Things have changed since you have been here sister," Henna whispered quietly. Enui looked at her innocent face. Much like herself it was two sided. Unlike her, the other side was unpleasant to look at. "Zyra is not the sister you knew," Henna continued. "The valley changed her." There were mumurs of agreement that set Enui's teeth on edge. She kept a face of calm, while she could see Gharla balling up her fists. "And how could you possibly know the horrors that she endured?" Gharla spat bitterly. "How could you know the evil that tortured us whilst in our dreams?" "She told us the story," Imjah interrupted. "She told us that you crossed the border and managed to make a deal with the witches to..." "Did she tell you how we passed the border?" Gharla seethed. "Did she tell you how we were greeted by a giant monster? Or how we starved ourselves in the burning waste?" Looking at their faces Enui could see that Zyra hadn't. Ever the fretting young mother, Zyra has spared her ungrateful chicks of the details. In time she and Gharla would rectify that, but for now Enui was dead tired. "I believe we need to retire," Enui said gracefully stepping to her feet. "We thank you for your kind welcome but we are weary and light headed from travel." She took a stiff Gharla by the arm and they threaded out of the circle. She could feel their eyes on her back as their whispers began to congeal like fog. Perhaps Zyra was not the only one changed by the valley. Perhaps indeed. __________________________________________________ Morning had come and Kail felt irritable. It had been six days since he and Zyra had bathed together. He yearned to visit her at the village but that would defeat the purpose of their agreement. He was aware that she was testing his patience. A virtue he lacked large quantities of. Regardless of his shortcomings, he was at least comforted by the fact that she too would be suffering. A smirk rose to his lips as he threw branches into his fire pit. The feel of her under his skin was almost too painful to recall. The slippery wetness that had clung to her made her silk, and he yearned to wrap her around him. To feel her soft supple curves, the light weight of her delicate... "Eh hem!" He blinked in surprise. Looking up he saw a nameless huntress standing before him. He vaguely remembered her as one of the woman that had attempted to flirt with him. Now, she appeared steely and cold, even uncomfortable. "Yes?" Part of him wanted to build a fence around his camp. "You have been summoned by the Chieftess," she said briskly. "I am to escort you to her tent." Kail eyed her, a homely stocky woman with large breasts. A few inches shorter and she could have passed for a dwarf. She would have been quite popular as well. "Unfortunately I cannot comply with your request," Kail said kindly, bending to find his flint stone. The woman clearly has not been expecting refusal. She sputtered nervously. "B-But the Chieftess has fallen ill!" "Has she now?" "Yes. She cannot speak. She seeks an elixir that may cure her." Kail's smirk evened itself an turned into a gleeful grin. "Poetic justice." "What?" "Nothing," Kail said dismissively. "Tell me, who is it that summoned me." The woman stepped forward, squaring her shoulder. "I said, it was the Chieftess herself." "And what of Zyra?" Kail asked glancing back at her. The woman froze like a startled deer before she frowned heavily. "Zyra is of no..." "Did she summon me?" "No, but..." "Then I have no reason to journey to your village." Kail struck off a spark that finally took flame and he smiled at his handy work. There, he could get his smith running again in no time. He needed to keep himself distracted, especially if clumsy human women were sneaking up on him. He looked up and saw the woman staring at him, shifting in confusion. "Are you still here?" "I insist that you accompany me back," she demanded, her voice stronger than her stance. Kail dropped his stones and walked over to her. Their height difference seemed so much vaster now that he towered over her. "Or what?" She looked at him, overcome by everything but an answer. "I don't understand why you resist us," she said finally. He patted her head and with a twist turned her around and away from the direction of his camp. "Then do get someone to explain it to you. Farewell huntress." She was frozen, stunned at his gall until she stomped off angrily. He could only chuckle. Zyra had her work cut out for her. __________________________________________________ Kyzu bit the inside of her cheeks until she tasted blood. So the ogre was in league with Zyra too? Of course, what a wonderful ploy. Silence her so that they could freely run amok. It only worsened the blow knowing it had possible come from her own hand. Her head felt lighter as she sorted through her theories. She had ordered Zyra to not help her. Now Zyra was taking her quite seriously. She desperately wanted to get out of her own head. It was torture to hear some of her venomous thoughts. It made her wonder what kind of person she was becoming. Why did she think these things? Kyzu was not yet ready to face her demons. She lay in her tent, angry and bitter when her daughter's tearing face popped in her mind. "Mommy did I do something bad?" "You can have my voice. I don't need it." Her daughter's broken voice echoed in her mind. She was still confused as to what had happened. The village women were with her, but in an instant they had turned on Nima like a pack of wolves. Yet were they dim witted enough not to see that Nima was an extension of her? That treating Nima ill was the same as treating her ill. And if so, was her sister not an extension of herself? They were true blood sisters, a rarity in tribes. Their blood mother put the Rovian blood in their veins. She became worried the longer she sat in the silence. Her villagers had no loyalty to anything or anyone except her. That was how she had made it unconsciously. Now she was paying the price. A dark place inside her was okay with Zyra receiving backlash, but she would never be okay with Nima being hurt. She held her head in pain. The silence gave no escape from her thoughts. For that reason alone, it was torture. Kail kept himself busy with working on Zyra's sword. By the time he had finished tempering the metal just right the sun had begun to set. Sighing he put the blade where it could cool and be safe before ridding himself of ash and soot by the stream. When he returned he noticed the lamp of his hut lit. Surely they had not invaded his hut. He pushed the door open ready for confrontation when he saw Zyra sitting on a fur and toying with a metal trinket of his. "You're here," he said in surprise. "Should I have waited outside?" she asked cautiously. "No, no. This is fine." He glanced down at the small triangles of skin that lay exposed by her thigh. He watched as she pulled a fur over her lap. "Do you have no mercy?" "Kyzu summoned you today," she interjected. "Why didn't you go?" He frowned. Was she genuinely angry or was this a trick question? Her tone was rather flat, uninterested even. "I did not go because she was not you. Did you summon me?" "No," Zyra said shaking her head. "And I would not summon you with an unknown huntress. I would use Ginger, or my newly returned sister." "I see," he said giving her a small smile. "Are you happy then?" "I am," she said nodding. He noticed her scratch her arm. "I was worried about them." "I see. Well that leaves one question unanswered." Kail closed the door behind him and sat on a stool in the corner. "Why are you here?" She blinked owlishly. "...do you want me to leave?" "No. But you rarely do things without reason." She lowered her eyes, her lashes making lines of shadow on her face. "Well..." She bit her lip. Gosh he wished she would stop doing that. "Well what?" he snapped. He saw her questioning anger and uttered a quick "sorry." "I...thought I should..." Zyra sighed. She didn't think it would be that hard to come out and say it. Where was her courage? She was behaving like a child. "I thought I should reward you for your good behavior Kail Shashanen," she finally said succinctly. "So here I am." Kail's face was emotionless as he stared at her and tried to bat away the deprived carnal desires he wanted as a reward. "Well then, how good is good behavior?" he asked passively. "Oh. I-I didn't mean for it to sound like that." Her voice was panicky and abrupt as she rambled. "I never meant to demean you or make it seem as though you were less of a person. I simply wanted to express my gratitude that you..." Seeing no end to her tirade Kail closed the distance between then and sat beside her. "Its fine," he said, pressing a finger to her lips. "I know what you meant. So tell me. How good is good behavior?" She unconsciously pouted, her brow furrowing. "Good? Kail, what are you asking me?" "How big of a reward am I entitled?" "How much do you want?" She watched as he narrowed his eyes to reptilian slits and she rubbed the back of her neck. "Right. Poorly phrased. Well...what do you have in mind?" Kail's eyes shone with excitement as took her hand in his, rubbing the back of her palm with a warm coarse thumb. "Have I been good enough to touch you?" "Where?" Her voice lost its timbre and became wispy as he wrapped an arm around her waist. Gently he drew her into his lap. "Right here?" he said, touching her lips with a finger. Zyra could feel herself blushing but she nodded. His lips replaced his finger and the soft steamy touch of his lips sent tingles through her. He pressed harder, firmly covering her lips with his own, before he tilted her head back. "Push back," he mumbled, the bass in his voice echoing against her like a touch. Tentatively she followed his instruction. The hand on her waist travelled up and stroked her neck, loosening the tension that built from her strenuous day. His hand felt like heaven and she pushed against it. She moaned in his mouth causing him to freeze. His heavenly hand froze with him. "Don't stop," Zyra whispered impatiently. Her neck shoulders hadn't felt that good in weeks. She could feel his chest rise and fall against her as he took long forced breaths. His heart beat at his chest. "Stop what?" he asked throatily. "The kissing or the massaging?" "The massaging." He let out a laugh and resumed, pulling another moan from her. "You're supposed to say the kissing," he said smirking. "Or both. You can afford to be greedy." She let out a grunt that said she couldn't care less. He ducked his head underneath her chin and kissed her neck. "What about right here?" He kissed again, letting a fang trail along the curve of her neck. With a shudder she nodded. Her eyes glazed over as he placed warm kisses along her neck, down to the curves of her collarbone and back to her ear. Zyra held onto his shoulders as arousal and apprehension began to curl inside of her. What had once been relaxing was now beginning to rile her up. He placed a hand on her stomach and trailed it down to lay upon her thigh. "And here?" he whispered in her ear. Zyra closed her eyes as the sensation of his hard warm body underneath her weakened her will. Wasn't that too close? Wasn't it obvious where he was going with this? Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 15 Chapter 15: Used Zyra stood in shock as she was embraced by the blonde traveler. "R-rell?" "I heard the call 6 days ago," he said pulling back from her. She blinked owlishly as she took him in. He looked less slight, more muscled, healthier. He still possessed his sharp faerie like angles and his moonlight paleness. His face was still devoid of any stubble, but for some reason, he seemed more masculine. He was stronger, she was sure. Had he always been taller than her? "What call?" she asked finally. She wrinkled her nose to change her dazed expression. "My mark." He pulled up his sleeve to reveal on his hand the marking that mimicked her own. It was small in comparison but still shone with the same strange metallic light. "But why would you be called?" she asked surprised. "They said you were a replacement. That you would only be needed if I failed." Rell shrugged and looked over at Kail whom was waiting impatiently. "I don't know. I only know that it began to tingle and I knew that I had to return here. You are about to go back are you not?" She nodded gravelly, wondering why he would be needed. And why did he feel only a tingle? She didn't wish him ill, but that wasn't fair. Another dreadful thought occurred to her. "Where is your brother?" Rell's pinkish lips upturned into a smirk. "Back at the village. He did not accompany me on this journey." "Oh." Thank the Maker. "You sound relieved," he said in an amused tone. She frowned. "Is it so obvious?" "Very much so." It was then that Kail cleared his throat. She saw him watching her impatiently. Rair looked expectant. Nodding in acknowledgement to his silent demand she turned back to Rell. "Rell do you need to rest?" He shook his head and walked up to join the group. "No, I am fine." He gave her a brilliant smile. "You were right, I am stronger now." He proceeded to bow his head to Rair, then to Kail. He looked at Kail curiously. "Have you been adjusting well?" Kail wrinkled his mouth. "Well enough I supposed." "Wait, you know he can speak?" Zyra asked incredulously. Rell frowned. "Yes, he spoke to me while you were recovering." "He did...and you didn't tell me?" Rell's eyes widened. "I-i wasn't aware that it was a secret." Zyra narrowed her eyes at Kail and tried to fight off her indignation. Of course he had spoken to Rell. He had only played games with her. Then when he was done fucking with her mind he would try to fuck her. Classic, Classic Kail. Kail looked a bit taken back by the venom in her eyes. He had sworn that this issue had already been resolved. Besides, he was trying to change. It seemed that Rell was an ill omen. He was a character of the past, and with him he brought past problems. It was annoying to say the least. Kail glanced at the male who physically would not appear to be the slightest challenge to him. Kail was very much the alpha male in this combination. Nevertheless, Rell was in reserves for a keromedio. While he would not have Zyra's abilities he would inherit the same amount of magic, just over a slower period of time. In time, Rell could be quite formidable. Hm, perhaps his animosity was personal. Rell was the first male he had seen in months. Threatening or not, the testosterone that pumped through his veins was unsettling. Seeing his arms wrap casually around Zyra with her acceptance did not make him happy either. "Rell this is Rair, a fellow huntress of mine," Zyra announced turning to Rair. "Pleased to meet you," Rell said smiling at her. She didn't return his smile, but she nodded her head. "Are we ready?" Kail asked, trying hard to avoid sounding irritated. Zyra let out a sigh and ushered them forward. "Fine." The pace she set was brisk, but they kept up easily. Before nightfall they were at the edge of the border. Zyra was about to propose that they make camp when the air in front of them began to ripple. Zyra extended an arm out, automatically pushing Rair behind her. Rell grabbed her arm as though he intended to do the same. Strange, thought Zyra. "Relax," Kail snapped, glaring at Rell's hand. "They are coming." They stared in wonder as the air in front of them began to warp and widen like a burn. A thin sliver of translucent colorful light stained the edges of the hole and they flinched when a pale feminine hand reached through the opening. The disembodied arm swayed up and down and the burn widened until a slender cloaked body stepped through. Behind her another figure stepped forward, the gap behind them undulating like a gasping mouth. Horrible. "Zyra! My darling!" Zyra winced as Etaceh ran to her and scooped her up in her arms. "Oh my baby! How I've missed you." With a growl Zyra shoved the witch off and took a step back. "Back off Etaceh, I don't have time for your games." She watched the blood red lips of dark eyed woman quiver as though she were about to cry. "But...but Zyra. You're my keromedio. You're mine now. I'm practically your mother. We're practically sisters..." "I have a mother. And a sister," Zyra snarled, watching as Rair regarded the witches with both awe and suspicion. "I don't want nor need you." "But think of what I've done for you!" Etaceh shrieked mournfully. "Even after you left I..." "Etaceh," Caligula hissed. "Stop it." They watched as Etaceh roughly internalized her feelings. She appeared to swallow them back and they caught once, like a large lump was stuck in her throat. When it was gone, she became the sinister, jovial witch that had enjoyed torturing them. "Oh Caligula, you're no fun." Caligula didn't look at her, his eyes were instead focused on Kail. "You know you cannot go with them," he said firmly. "I know this," Kail said easily. "But I would ask to have a word with you." Caligula's face remained stoic and he peeled his eyes away from Kail long enough to looked at the others. "You seem to have grown," he said to Rell. "Good, you're more useful then." "I thought you did not need him unless I failed," Zyra uttered, glaring at him. Caligula smirked in amusement. "We don't. We need you, but Etaceh wanted to make sure that the call was strong enough to summon the both of you. Should you ever fail, we now know that the magic is well embedded into Rell." "So this was a test?" Rell said in disbelief. "I travelled for 6 days for a test?" Caligula's smirked widened, but he did not answer him. Instead he looked at Zyra. "Why is your arm bandaged? Are you injured?" Zyra looked at her arm. She had covered it again out of habit. "No, I..." "Then take it off," Caligula said frowning. "Why?" "It is our mark you bear," he said, his voice no longer amused. "To cover it means it shames you. This shames us, take it off. Zyra stared at him for a moment then began to undo the knot that held the bandages together. "Here, let me help you!" Etaceh said gliding forward. Zyra held her breath as the witches red fingernails twisted furiously to unwind her bandage. They moved so furiously it looked like two spiders were scratching and drawing blood on her arm. She shivered. When Etaceh had pulled it from her she looked up at Rair who was slightly behind her. "Well...hello there," she said warmly. "I don't recall having seen you before. What a pretty thing you are." She took a step towards her, a hand outstretched. Zyra stepped back from Etaceh, leaving the bandage in her hand. She immediately placed herself in front of Rair. "Leave her alone," Zyra said firmly. "What are you?" They both looked at Rair who had spoken for the first time all day. Etaceh and Caligula looked at one another before Etaceh laughed. "We are witches," she said smiling at Rair. "We are the ones whom Zyra has told you about." "She hasn't spoken about you." The witches turned their attention back to Zyra. "She hasn't?" Caligula said curiously. "No." An awkward silence followed until Etaceh clapped her hands. "Well, you'll learn plenty about us on your...visit young Rair." Both Rovians flinched when they heard Etaceh say Rair's name. They had never told her Rair's name. She had been toying with them. She knew exactly who Rair was. Rell looked equally as pained. "What do you want then?" he asked, glancing back at them. "Should we return to our villages?" "No you are needed." "But I thought you said." "All that will be explained inside of the Marble Tree," Caligula declared. He turned back to Kail. "Now go." Etaceh pointed to the rippling void. Peeking inside Zyra saw that it was a portal directly to the inside of the Tree. All they had to do was step over the border and through the hole. "Zyra!" She looked at Kail and swallowed hard. She wanted to touch him, to say something that would take that stricken look off his face. His yellow eyes burned into hers. "Do whatever you must to return," he gritted firmly. "Whatever you must. Promise me." "I will," she replied. She took a step towards him to say goodbye, but Caligula's back was suddenly blocking her way. He glanced over his shoulder, his purple eyes slitted. Dejected she turned from Kail and took Rair's hand. "Hold on," she said to the calm level headed woman. For a village huntress, she was taking this all rather well. Rell took her other hand and together, they stepped through the void. Etaceh disappeared behind them and the void contorted, twisting and turning until it sealed closed. Kail watched as Caligula's eyes narrowed, his lip upturning to a grin. "So, you have seduced our keromedio? Have you bedded her yet?" "What are you planning?" Kail said gruffly. "The magic inside her in unstable. It hasn't even been a year. Why couldn't you have waited?" Caligula snickered, his purple eyes raking over Kail with disdain. "Why? Not as easy as the other ones? Needed more time with this one?" Kail's hands balled into fists. "Why are you doing this?" Caligula raised a hand and examined his nails. They were black like his heart. "I noticed you crafted her a weapon." "Was that not allowed?" "No, it's good. Necessary even. Did you instruct her in it?" Kail's eyes narrowed. "Why would a keromedio need it?" Caligula let out a sardonic laugh and waved a hand as though swatting Kail's question away. "These are troubling times indeed Kail. If you knew the truth of the keromedio you would know that these are things that not even I have the answer to." "Then tell me," Kail protested. "Let me understand so that I can instruct her. Tell me what she needs." "Do not worry Kail," Caligula exclaimed waving a hand. The air began to burn as the void reopened. "You'll have your chance with her. She will return." "That's not why I'm asking!" Kail snarled. "What are you planning? Why..." He froze as Caligula's head snapped, his eyes cold. "You lost your right to ask me questions Kail Shashanen Shyla." Caligula took a step forward his whole being humming with old volatile magic. The force of the hum struck down his core, making him grunt in pain. The magical animal inside of Kail quivered, begging to back down to the superior strength. Trembling, Kail held his ground. "You know why I did what I did," Kail wheezed, sweat beginning to gather at his temple. Caligula made a wide circle around him. "Of course I do," he mused. "I was there remember?" "Then...why have you..punished me so?" "You know the law," Caligula barked. "You should be dead for what you did. It is by the skin of your teeth that you were spared." He touched a finger to Kail's chest. "Do not forget that." When he pulled away Kail let out a surge of air and fell on his knees. Relief from the strain filled his body. "You are alive because you prove to be useful," Caligula said heading towards the void. "It is in your best interest to be useful." "And how will I do this?" Kail seethed. "By teaching Zyra how to fend for herself and when you ask to stab her in the back?" "She is far too valuable to be disposed of," Caligula said rolling his eyes. He put one foot inside the void. "I'm surprised you even care. If you truly care for her as you appear to Kail it is your best interest to obey us. She will need armor. I suggest you craft some while you wait. Be a good boy and get to it." Then he was gone, leaving Kail wondering why a keromedio would need armor. And if what he had done had truly been so wrong. __________________________________________________ Zyra gulped as the cold chill of the Marble Tree overtook them. She could feel Rair shaking, her eyes wide as she silently took in the perpetual cold night that was the Tree. "Where are we?" Rair asked her quietly. "The Marble Tree at the end of the Valley of Magic," Zyra said tensing. Memories of the suffocation and the chants of her offering flashed before her. She fought hard to push them back. Her breath made a cloud of white in front of her. It was cold, but for some reason she didn't feel it. Rair however, did. She could see her shivering beside her. Rell's hand slipped out of hers and she watched curiously as he took off his pack. Setting it down he began to ruffle through it. Near the bottom he found what he had been looking for. Pulling it out, he produced a woolen shawl. He passed it to Zyra who in turn passed it to the shivering Rair. She looked at it longingly but shook her head. "No my Huntress." "Take it Rair," Zyra said firmly to her. "Me and Rell are less vulnerable than you." "...because of your marking?" "Because guest, you are the only one not getting a brand new fashionable outfit! Courtesy of mwa." They looked back and saw Etaceh twirling out of the hole with unnecessary flair. Arms extended like she was dancing, she glided in front of them and headed towards the center of the room. The pristine white marble fount stood in center, mocking her with its innocent appearance. Its proximity made Zyra nauseous. "Do you know what I realized?" Etaceh said reaching to a shelf. She picked out a magenta colored liquid and a green one before tearing off a piece of her cloak and tossing it into the fount. The water in the fount turned blue as she uncorked the vials. "You humans have no fashion. I mean, you used to be such creative things." She dropped two drops of the green one in. "Granted some of your creativity nearly destroyed us all, but your clothes! They weren't for survival they were for...expression. Oh I don't suppose I'll ever get over the loss of them. Especially New Gucci." The startled humans watched her work. "You mean...you used to wear human clothes? From the old world?" Zyra asked in shock. Just how old was Etaceh? As though hearing her thoughts Etaceh sucked her teeth. "Child I am not amused by your doubt. Besides, you have hurt my feelings most recently. I don't believe you deserve an answer." Zyra felt her blood boil with Etaceh's accusation. "How? How did I hurt your feelings? After what you did to me how could you feel offended?" "I'm warning you child." "Really?" she shouted. "What more can you take away from me?" Etaceh's eyes narrowed as she looked at her. Smiling she waved a clawed hand. Before Zyra knew what was happening all her clothes fell from her body in shreds. She gasped as she felt the chill on her skin. Rell's eyes widen. Covering herself insufficiently in stunned silence, she stood mortified as Rair pulled the shawl off of her body and pulled into onto hers. It was not quite long enough to cover certain parts of her, so she stuck her arms through the top where her neck was supposed to be. Then she pulled it down to the top of her chest. "Another word and I shall put a charm on Rell that will not allow him to come down from erection until he beds the both of you." "Etaceh are you really so ill behaved?" Caligula's arrival shouldn't have made Zyra relieved, but it had. Unlike Etaceh he could be trusted to act with some form of sense, though he had his own agenda as well. He looked at her and frowned. He waited a bit longer than she suspected he needed. Then with a wave of his hand her lengthened the shawl into a dress and gave her sleeves. "She insulted me!" Etaceh whined, stirring the fount with her finger. "Etaceh she owes you nothing," Caligula snapped. "Remember that." Etaceh's lips thinned but with a flick of her wrist she had Rell's body sliding towards the fount. "Fine. You are first my dear boy," she said smiling. "Wait..wait! No..." His clothes fell from his body in tatters and she and Rair looked away as his pale pink bottom was bared to them. Etaceh watched brazenly between his legs. "Oh...I didn't expect that my... dear boy," Etaceh giggled, her tone lewd. "Etaceh!" "Fine, fine. I understand." They heard a peculiar splash, then a bunch of shuffling. When the sound stopped Rell said, "You can open your eyes now." Pulling her hands away Zyra saw that Rell was now dressed from head to toe in white. He wore white leg pants with a white vested tunic. A braided gold belt was fastened around his waist and with it a strange obsidian dagger. He wore a gold circlet around his head and white boots on his feet. Zyra didn't know boots could be dyed white. Well with magic anything was possible. Despite looking extremely harassed, Rell's finery was well suited to him, and he looked quite handsome. "You're next my sweet," Etaceh said with a sickening grin. Her shredded clothes floated from the floor and dropped into the basin. Looking at Caligula she hesitantly stepped forward. "Shall I dye your shawl?" Etaceh asked. "No thank you." Etaceh snickered and the fount began to change colors. She frowned until it settled on green. Etaceh reached a bony fingered hand into the fount and pulled out a pair of pants and a tunic. "If you will," Etaceh said ushering to hand over the shawl. She glared at her and took off her boots so that she could pull on the legs pants. As soon as they were off her feet they flew into the fount. "Hey!" "Oh well, these things have a mind of their own," Etaceh chirped gleefully. She turned to Caligula who simply shook his head. His hand pulled her clothes away from Etaceh and into her hands. Quickly she changed under the shawl. The clothing was dry. The leg pants were tight fitting, forming right against her body. They stretched and felt warm despite the thinness of the fabric. Good for running. "I need a chest wrap," Zyra mumbled blushing. Caligula's chuckle rolled like a finger over her skin. "Just put on your tunic." Sighing she obeyed and was shocked to feel it possessed some kind of binding as well. Her breasts fell firmly in place. The tunic possessed only one sleeve, her tattooed arm remained exposed. It was then that she realized that Rell's sleeves were above his wrist. His tattoo was also visible. She pulled off the shawl and her boots came back to her the color black. They seemed harder and sturdier, resting just below her knee. The wraps that were her breast bindings suddenly floated out of the fount. They had formed a black hood and floated into her hand. "What is the meaning of this?" Zyra asked frowning. "You are to wear this whenever we summon you," Caligula said briskly. "Your outfits have purposes, one of which is to distinguish you as loyal to us." "They also will not embarrass you in front of the monokero," Etaceh added. Zyra dropped the hood. "A unicorn? We're...we're going to meet a unicorn?" Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 15 "A monokero," Caligula corrected. "The kero in keromedio comes from them." "What about Rair?" Zyra asked, watching as the woman stood in the background. "She will stay with us," Caligula said looking at the girl. He grinned when she glared at him. Zyra did not like the look in his eyes. "No. She's coming with me," Zyra said firmly. "She is a companion of my journey. I will not leave her behind." "And if we don't allow you to bring her?" asked Etaceh. "Then you will open the void and I will escort her back to my village. You will have to wait for me to return." Caligula turned to Etaceh and shrugged. Etaceh let out a big huff. "Come here. Turn around." Rair stepped bravely toward the witches and turned her back to them. "No. In a circle," Etaceh said grumpily. "And slower than that! Yes...that's fine." Zyra and Rell watched as a light blue cloth began to grow out of Rair's dull brown huntress clothes. Soon she was standing in a blue seamless version of their huntress attire. The thigh slits remained and a gold belt lay on her waist as well. "There. Good enough," Etaceh huffed. "Wait," Rell interjected. "Why did she not have to disrobe when we did?" "You didn't have to," Etaceh said nonchalantly. "It was just for my amusement." Zyra and Rell looked at each other in horror. Rair was the first to recover. "Thank you." Etaceh's lips twitched into a smile. "Well you are most welcome dear." Zyra felt a headache coming on. It was then that she remembered Kail's advice. "Caligula?" The purple eyed witch turned to her. "Yes?" "What exactly is a keromedio?" Caligula strode forward to join Etaceh's side. Together the pair looked otherworldly. "The keromedio is the mediator between the magical and human world. Your job is to maintain the balance between magical and human affairs. If a human is causing problems for us instead of dealing with them swiftly, we will allow you the courtesy of dealing with it first. In the same token, if a magical creature is causing your people problems, you will extend to us the same courtesy." He glanced at Rell to see if he was paying attention. "Lastly, if we require your assistance to deal with a magical problem outside of the realm you will be asked to take care of it." "Are the keromedio usually hunters?" Zyra asked. Caligula shook his head. "No. They are usually hermits and loners who live too closely to the magical realm. As a result they must be utilized or turned away. This is not the first time that a human has become keromedio after wandering on magical land, but it is the first time that human has belonged to a tribe." "Then...why did you choose me?" "You showed great promise." "For what?" Caligula grinned, his face masking his emotions. "You will see." Zyra really didn't want to. "Why have you summoned us here?" Rell's mouth had thinned as the suspicious words that the witches spoke troubled him. "A young monokero has appeared in human form," Caligula said sighing. "If you were a magical being you would understand the gravity of the situation. Monokeros rarely appear at all, but to appear in their human form is another thing entirely. The creature is young, older than all of you put together but infantile compared to its parents. It has wandered between this territory and the land that you call home. You must find it, inquire why it is in its human form, and help it to change back." "Why can't you do this?" Rair asked. "Our powers are limited outside of our lands," Etaceh said with unusual seriousness. "That is why the keromedio is necessary. The monokero only takes human form because it requires a human need. You must discover what that is." "How?" Zyra looked at the witches in disbelief. "If you cannot find him, how will I?' "You will use your powers of course," Caligula said sighing. "Have you not recognized their presence?" Zyra fingered the edge of her tunic and frowned at the blatant contrast between the clothing and her mark. "Just in case I haven't," she said warily. "Would you tell me what I can do?" Etaceh laughed and smirked at her, waving a bony finger in her direction. "Yes yes my coy little dear. For making me laugh I forgive you." I don't want your forgiveness you twice bitten hag. "Thank you." She strode over to Zyra, invading her personal space once again. "Tell me...""Can you hear what I'm thinking?" "Yes," Zyra replied. Rell and Rair looked at her confused but she ignored their looks. She didn't really want them to know about that particular power. "Anything else?" Zyra asked exasperatedly. "Are you feeling sexier? Are you a woman yet?" "You are stronger, faster, and your senses have been enhanced," Caligula interrupted, noticing Zyra's murderous glare. "These things will perfect themselves and strengthen with time. In addition the power of your tattoo remains..." "Why does it change color of blood when I kill something?" Rell turned to her in astonishment. "...Zyra. Does it really..." Etaceh's boisterous laugh scissored through his concern. "Oh relax," Etaceh simpered. "It changes colors because of the blood knowledge you've just received. You can borrow the power of whatever you kill depending on what you killed, and the quantity. Tell me, what colors has it changed?" Zyra sighed. So the rumors weren't that off. "Well, it turned purple after I killed the Nemlock." "Purple is the color of Nemlock blood yes? You probably received a better sense of smell, maybe an increase of adrenaline. A pinch more of...aggression." Zyra shuddered. She had torn through the Nemlock like the Nemlock would have torn through her. "Anything else?" Zyra asked quietly. "Is there anything else I can do?" "All will be revealed in time," Caligula intoned. "For your current mission, that is all you need." "How will we find the monokero?" Rell asked. "Assuming that I was summoned for a reason, despite what you said earlier." Etaceh's lips thinned. "Yes well, there is a certain basilisk by the name of Scallen. Reports from the ravens suggest he may know where the monokero intends to go next." "And what did he tell you?" Etaceh's lips dove downward and she walked briskly towards Caligula. Caligula sighed. "Unfortunately, witches and basilisks do not have the best rapport." "But you're witches," Rair declared.v"Are you not the rulers of this valley?" "It's more complicated than your human comprehension of rule," Etaceh sneered. "Besides, the basilisk has not outrightly refused to answer us. He simply hides. The basilisk tunnels are woven underneath the ground in all directions. It is vaster and more complex than even we dare know, and we have sworn never to interfere with them." "So we have to find him?" Zyra asked worriedly. She had not forgotten the strange basilisk, nor how unstable he had been. "No," Etaceh said flatly. "He will find you." Her smile made Zyra uneasy. So they were using her. "So you're using her as bait?" Rell accused. "Yes," Etaceh stated plainly. "She is ours to use. As are you. Or have you forgotten?" Zyra had forgotten. She had forgotten how much she had sacrificed. Would she ever be able to have a normal life? The answer was most likely no. "Don't look so down," Caligula said giving her a small smile. "There are always loopholes to our rules. If you remain in our good graces perhaps you will not always be keromedio. For now however, we require you to rest. You start your journey tomorrow." Reluctantly they followed them to a dark room with white walls and strange raised sleeping places. "Sleep," Caligula commanded. "It will be daylight before you know it. Just close your eyes." Zyra closed her eyes. __________________________________________________ When she opened them the witches were at the door. "It's time," Etaceh said solemnly. She looked at her companions beside her. They rose from their sleep as abruptly as she had. So the room was enchanted. Their sleep had not been natural. Nothing here was innocent. Repressing a shudder, Zyra tried not to run into Caligula's heels in her haste to escape as he led them towards the blessed outdoors. When she, Rell, and Rair were outside Caligula whispered a chant. Instantly she felt her skin tingle. Frowning she looked at him angrily. "You will now be able to eat the food of this land," he said, eyeing Rair who was rubbing her arms. "Or did you forget such crucial details?" "What do we do when we find the monokero?" Zyra slung her pack tighter over her back. The sun illuminated her green attire. She felt like she was wearing giant leaves. "You will do what he asks of you," Etaceh snapped. "Then he will return to human form and the order will be restored. Be off with you now." The witches disappeared back into the Marble Tree, leaving Zyra and her companions to brave the bewitching valley. "Well...that was very unlike Etaceh," Rell said rubbing his head. Zyra felt her heart skip a beat when his blue eyes glanced up from the sunkissed blonde wisps of his hair. She had forgotten another thing as well. Rell was still very handsome. Yet, this was a different Rell. The other Rell she couldn't quite take seriously. This Rell had grown out of his boyish looks. He was beginning to look like a man and Zyra was beginning to appreciate his growth. That night that she and Ginger had laid with him swam to the surface. His finger on her breasts, his mouth fervently... Shaking her head of such thoughts she turned to Rair. "How do you fare?" she asked her quietly. "This is a strange place," Rair answered honestly. "It disturbs me greatly that you are tied to this land." "I see." Did this mean that Rair was disturbed by her? She couldn't tell. Rair's face was as emotionless as ever. It mattered little though, they would have to work together if they wanted to find the basilisk Scallen. "Do you suppose it's the same basilisk?" Rell looked back into the wooded line that separated the Marble Tree from the empty plain that started the border. Rair's eyebrows raised but Zyra could only shrug. "I'm not sure." She avoided Rell's gaze. She was sure. She was dead certain that it was the same basilisk that had kissed her and had offered her protection in the form of slavery. It didn't sit well with her, but she felt better knowing she had Rell and Rair with her. Together, they would not be caught off guard. "We should head back through the forest," Zyra said reluctantly. "We might be able to find the hole in which he first sprouted from." Or the tree in which he stuck his tongue down my throat. "Good idea," Rell said smiling. Rair nodded curtly and followed beside her, falling into a practiced tracking formation. Rell unknowingly fell into line. The V formation ran swiftly through the trees, hoping they would not confront what dwelled inside. __________________________________________________ "Caligula." Caligula wrung his hands, Etaceh's voice piercing his concentration. A bead of sweat dribbled down his bow. He had not been so worried in over 500 years. Yet, here he was. Watching nervously as the keromedio and her two followers ran through the woods. "Caligula!" He was certain that the basilisk would find them. If not during the day then maybe, the night. Basilisks were too vain to avoid something they considered their own. Zyra had no idea that the basilisk had slipped her some of his venom when he had fed her the fruit that night. While it had not been enough to poison her it had been enough to mark her. His venom would never leave her system. He would know where she was, he would be able to find her until her dying day. Her return would not go unnoticed. "CALIGULA!" "What?" He turned violently the witch beside him. She swallowed, seeing his eyes glow with rare unchecked rage. "We must separate them," she said quietly. "The basilisk will never come if she has followers. He will only put those two in danger, and Zyra will never bargain with him if he has harmed her friends." She stared into his face as his eyes dulled to their normal pallor. "We must separate them." Caligula nodded. "Then I suppose we will need to split them for a day or so. Any ideas?" She shook her head. "Not one that is subtle. You?" Caligula looked at the fount and stared at Zyra's moving form. So young, so fresh and beautiful. If he wasn't mildly concerned that she might be of his line he might have entertained seducing her himself. What a fate awaited her. "Then subtly is not needed." Slowly he dipped a finger in the water of the fount. Her face became blurry and the pool caved in on itself. He watched the circling ripples. __________________________________________________ It was afternoon when they reached the basilisk's hole. It was still unearthed, but a trail of green vines and flowers had grown around it. Peering deeper inside she noticed it now possessed foot holds, carved into the dirty wall. "It's an entrance," Rair stated. She nodded and Rell kneeled down to look into it. The white tunic bunched on the slim muscles of his shoulder. Zyra gulped. "Its pitch black down there," Rell said unhappily. "We'll need a torch of some kind. Do you know if we can break branches from these trees?" Zyra was about to answer when there was a tremor in the earth. The others felt it too. Rair automatically drew her bow and Rell stood up, scrambling in front of them. Zyra was shocked. Rell was actually standing in front of them? Had he lost his mind? He drew the strange dagger and the ground shook again. Stepping around the hole Zyra drew her sword. "Do you think it's a basilisk?" Rair whispered. The tremor came again, this time it felt like a footstep from the right. "Could it be giants?" Rell asked in mortification. "Whatever it is, I am the keromedio," Zyra said stepping in front of them. "You are under my protect and the witches as a result. They can't harm you. They won't." Rair hissed as a thud shook her off balance. "Are you sure about that?" A loud boom was heard in the distance and the cried out as the ground began to ripple violently. "I don't think it's a basilisk!" Zyra shouted. "The earth is quaking!" Rell yelled. "I've heard of this! "Well what do we do!" "I said I'd heard of it! Not that I'd ever experienced it!" Zyra was about to thank him for his uselessness when they noticed the trees rising and falling in the distance. Squinting with her power, Zyra saw that a roll of earth was headed towards them. If the witches could see this and she knew they could, they would could stop this. She was doing this for them! Regardless she decided not to test their frugal natures. "Run!" she shouted. Clumsily and on unsteady feet they began to run towards the Rovian border. Their feet were like jello and they fell between steps. They couldn't walk let alone run, and the rolls of earth was still coming at them. The answer came to her in a flash. The witches were doing this. Whatever they had planning involved breaking them up. "Rell! Grab Rair's hand!" she shouted. They were closer to each other than she was so after a few jumps they managed to hold on to one another. When they were linked Rell stretch a hand out to her. The roll was as tall as the top of the Marble Tree and it still came forward. "Zyra! Grab on!" She looked at Rair who had lost her composure. "Don't let her go," she commanded. Taking a deep breath she let the quakes take her to the ground. "Zyra come on!" When Rell and Rair looked back at her she could see the terror in their eyes. "What are you doing?" Rair shrieked. Her own hand stretch towards her. "Get up! You can make it!" "Rell!...Don't let her go!" "ZYRA!" When the roll came it threw her into the air like a leaf. Her body cut through the clouds until it tilted backwards. She began falling to the ground headfirst. A high pitched terror coursed from her throat to her stomach. Looking from her unique vantage point she noticed that the roll had caught Rell and Rair. They were actually riding the top of it and it was carrying them off into a different direction. This was the witches doing. She had refused to separate before, now they were making her. Her weightless body twisted as it arched downwards. She fell down into the darkness that swallowed her, the circle of sky hovering above her. Down into the basilisk's hole. __________________________________________________ "We have to find her," Rair was still unsteady on her feet so she sat. Rell grit his teeth as rage made him see red. Those tricky conniving bastards. By the time the earth has set them down they were just inside the border. Then it dissipated. Even if they hurried now they would not be able to catch up to Zyra before nightfall. They were stuck. "Your village is just beyond there," Rell said standing up. He bent his back and heard a satisfying crack. "You can return to it if you wish." The woman looked at him with a grave expression. "I intend on seeing this through," she said stubbornly. "If you wish to return you may." Rell shook his head. "Fine, come. But I have more memory of this place. You must trust my words on it." Rair nodded, then went silent as she tried to lift herself up. "Stay down," Rell said sighing. "We'll never make it before dark. Besides, it's safer here then in the forest." "But we're exposed." "We can't hide from them regardless," Rell said mirthlessly. "You and I are not the keromedio. Even with your skills as a huntress and my newfound abilities we stand no match for what's out there. Zyra is the only thing protecting us. She'll be fine. We should be more concerned with ourselves." "You believe they will harm us?" Rair asked. Rell shrugged and walked over to his pack. "I believe that they see an end that we have no knowledge of. The witches will do anything to reach that end. All of us are disposable in that regard." He pulled out a roll of fabric that when he laid it out that was long enough to fit four people. They could rest on it. Rair stood finally and fingered her bow. "I'll hunt something. Please prepare a fire." Rell nodded and she went back into the Rovian land. He fingered the cord around his neck holding Zyra's key. Her smiling face came into view. It wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair. __________________________________________________ When Zyra awoke she was in the dark. It was moist, the air was earthy and saturated with the smell of rocks and dirt. She sat up and felt the ground. She was inside a blanket. Reaching around she touched beyond it. Dirt indeed, she was in the tunnel then. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath. It was okay. She was underground but she could breathe. "Hello?" she asked shakily. There was no answer. It set her on edge. Had the basilisk left her alone in this place? "Hello?" she asked, her tone more urgent. "Hello!...Scallen!" She heard a hiss behind her. She whipped around and tried to see him. This was not like nighttime darkness. This was true darkness. There was no light here. Forcing her power to the point where her eyes began to burn she saw the outline of a large snake. It swayed side to side towering above her. "I can see you," she whispered. Really? A loud hiss accompanied the thought. She nodded and pointed to where she believed he was. Zyra closed her eyes as the pain became too much. She heard another hiss and then felt a warm glow on her face. Opening her eyes she blinked at the light. He had lit a torch. When her eyes regained sight she saw that the basilisk had gone into his human form. The light green scales that were his skin circled around his strangely formed body. He had no nipples, no genitalia, no hair on the top of his head. Only the lithe and muscular body of a man. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 15 "Ssso...it'sss true then?" He tilted his head, his tapered ears elongating the gesture. "You are the keromedio." Zyra swallowed as she took him in. "Where are we?" she asked first. "You ssshould know," he answered, gliding forward. "Did you not enter thesse tunnelsss of your own volition?" "I was tricked." "Ssso you wisssh to leave?" "I need your help." "Ah, I sssee." He walked forward until he stood by the edge of the fur. Looking down she realized that she wasn't lying in a normal blanket. The outside was scaly. In fact it looked just like... She stood up, scrambling away from the material in a panick. "Is that a skinned basilisk?" she shrieked. The basilisk chuckled. "It is the ssskin of a basssilisssk, yesss." "You killed your own kind?" His green eyes glittered with amusement. He began to circle her, lightly swaying with each step. "Sssnakesss ssshed their sskin. Bassilisskss are sssnakes." Zyra gulped as she followed his footsteps backwards. "So...that's yours?" "Was it comfortable?" She couldn't answer him. It was just too disgusting to think about. Yes the fur was the animal's skin, but a snake's skin? It just wasn't the same. "Is this your home?" Zyra asked looking about. He smiled. "One of many." They were in what appeared to be a cave. It was a spacious area with a small set up of carved in shelves, a few candles and jars, and the sleeping place. The difference was that there were two large gaping holes on either side of the room. The darkness beyond no doubt was another passage. Beside them were two pieces of cloth. Seeing her gaze he slipped on his stomach toward the far one and drew the light pink cloth over the hole. He repeated this with the second, shielding her from the darkness. In a different setting she may have found his behavior threatening, but down here she knew the score. There was no way she was getting out of here without him. "I have to find the monokero who has entered human form," Zyra said firmly. Scallen looked at her then glided to her. She held her ground, letting him tower over her. "Whhhy?" he breathed, touching a finger to her cheek. It was cool, she had expected no less. "I have to help him return to his original form." She stared down until his finger lightly directed her face towards his. Before she could say more his lips covered hers. She let out a sound of protest but he deepened the kiss, his full lips overpowering her senses. His hand trapped her back to arch against him and his other hand held her pushing hand. The tongue in her mouth made her shiver and she thought of Kail. Kail! Savagely she bit on his tongue and he sprung back, hissing viciously. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and took a few steps back. Her weapons, where were her weapons? "Do you know what they'll have you do?" Scallen mused calmly. "Do you underssstand how helplesssss you are?" He stalked to her with predatory swaying and pulled her towards him with little effort. She pulled her hand back to strike him when she felt a sharp pain in her shoulder. He had bitten her. All of a sudden the fight went out of her. She felt dopey, drowsy even as the venom made it's way through her system. He held her up as she cringed, trying to fight the venom's effects. "Do you undersstand Green Eyesss?" the basilisk lulled. He placed her on the skin and took a step back. "The monokero could assk you for anything and you could not fight back. The witchesss want you to obey, and he could force you if necessary. You can not even besssst a lowly bassilisssk..." Zyra bit her lip as frustration filled her. Scallen stood over her, his two little fangs poking up from his lips. "What can I do?" she asked brokenly. "They have my life. What can I do?" The basilisk kneeled beside her and stroked the hair off her face. "You sssaved my life. I have not forgotten. I will asssisst you if I can. But..." He fingered the golden cord around her waist. It pulled free at his gentle coaxing. "I musst sssaaate my passsionssss..." "You can't," Zyra moaned. She was starting to feel funny. Less drowsy now in fact. She felt irritated, like everything touching her was only making it worse. "I...I have someone. I'm with someone." "You don't sssmmeelll like another man," Scallen chuckled lightly. "You're a virgin. I'm ssurree." He peeled back her leg pants, baring her thighs to his view. Her groin remained covered because of her underpants. Strangely she felt relief from this item of clothing being removed. She was growing hotter though. She squirmed uncomfortably. Scallen smirked. "Hot?" Her brow furrowed as she tried to focus on him. "Wait...wait what. W-what did you do to me?" "Don't you see?" Scallen said, running a hand on her thigh. "You've been usssed. They sssent you to me, bearing my color...knowing I'd find you and be unable to contain myssself. I'll tell you everything you need to know, but firssst...I mussst tasste you..." "t..." Zyra swallowed hard, her throat too dry to speak. She tried again. "T...taste me?" Carefully she watched lazily as he bent her legs and gently removed her underpants. Her slit was wet. The feeling that covered her whole body now had a meaning. Somehow, she was aroused. Her fingers twitched as the urge to touch herself heightened now that her pussy was exposed to the air. "What are you doing?" she groaned. "What do you think you're doing?" Scallen stared at her, his green eyes fixed onto hers. She could see her reflection in his eyes and knew he could see his too. He purred against her thigh at the sight of himself in her green eyes. "Nothing you won't like..." He kissed her knee and slowly trailed his lips and kisses down the inside of her thigh. His eye contact didn't waver and she felt her pussy clench in anticipation. It felt good, he wasn't lying. No, it was the venom. He was making her feel this way. This wasn't how she wanted to feel. But she wanted him to touch her. She needed him to stop the ache that was tormenting her. No! Think of Kail! What about Kail? He sucked off Ginger, this was her turn to get some pleasure. She couldn't act off of a "tit for tat" kind of ideology. She was a grown woman. They would get nowhere. Scallen's hands began to stroke her thighs firmly, his fingers pressing delicious curls of heat into her stomach. Looking down she watched his nonexistant genitalia. Well, he only wanted a taste. It's not like he could fuck her. Hump her maybe, but so could a bear during mating season. Scary stuff, but over soon. Or so Imjah had told her. And Kail said do "Whatever you have to do to come back" or something like that. She needed the basilisk to get out of here, find the monokero, and get back. If letting him taste her was the only thing she could do, why fight it? It was her obligation to get back home to Kail. There. Sorted. The hands traced up and rested on her stomach. He kissed her abdomen, rubbing her ribs as his hands pushed her tunic higher and higher until it came easily over her head. She didn't even care. Gasping as the cold air tightened her nipples she grabbed his hands and placed them over her breasts. Her grip tightened over his light green wrists. "Touch me." Wait what? What did she say? His hands didn't budge. His mouth was fixed in a confident smirk, but his eyes shone with animalistic lust. "What did you sssay?" "What did I say?" "That'sss what I'm asssking you." "Yes, say something." He laughed and squeezed her breasts causing her to cry out. "Are you or are you not ssseeing sssomeone?" Well the thing's not official. "Well?" SAY THE DAMN THING'S NOT OFFICIAL! "No," she breathed. "Please!" "Remove your handsss..." She pulled them away and moaned as he worked her nipples, rolling them in his thumbs. He opened his mouth, removing his hands from her peaks, and holding the fullness of her breasts. His long tapered tongue slid over her, tickling the tips of her nipples. She could cum from just that. She thrust anxiously at him, bumping her arousal against his lower half. He grunted, pulling back from her. She sat up in protest when her eyes drew to his groin. Her mouth gaped as she stared at what had once been a smooth genderless plane. The skin had pulled back in a strange vertical slit. The inside was pink and swollen. Wait...Scallen was a girl? What the hell? Scallen looked at her, the look no longer teasing. "You've ssstimulated me." "What?" "It'sss coming out." From inside the slit she watched as something pink began to poke out. A long, green, pink tipped penis pushed forward from the top of slit. It was covered in what looked like spines. "You..." she sputtered. "You." It wasn't done. Something was pushing out of the bottom. With wide eyes, she watched a secondary cock that was shorter and stouter poke out wetly. Scallen wasn't genderless, he had two cocks. Two fucking cocks. And she was still burning up, and she still wanted him to touch her. "You..." she squeaked. "You!" He pushed her on her back and spread her legs. Grinning at her speechlessness he bent down. "Yes. You asssked for it. His tongue dove into her pink weeping folds and she screamed as she came. _____________________________________________ *NOTES No notes, except comment..COMMENT!. And thanks for reading:P -SB Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 16 Chapter 16: Used (Part II) Agenda He pushed her on her back and spread her legs. Grinning at her speechlessness he bent down. "Yes. You asssked for it. His tongue dove into her pink weeping folds and she screamed as she came. Zyra felt like she floated, suspended by the coursing blood that pulled out that scream, straight from the tips of her toes. She was undone, unfurled by the puppeteer that had so expertly made her body weak. She lay in stunned silence as her body buzzed with sensitivity. Her skin tingled, pin pricks of sensation resonating like drops of rain drizzling after a thunderstorm. Fuckta. "Are you alright?" She tilted her head to the side, mute in response. His hissing chuckle razed against her hips sending a chill up her spine. She felt him spread her legs wider and she could see his face nestled between her thighs. He stared at her, his eye contact unflinching as she felt him reach under her and lightly trace her soaked opening. "Anssswer me. She was about to when a jolt of heat struck back down through her body. She groaned, twisting and coiling like a snake as she tried to escape the heat. Scallen held her hips firmly and frowned as he looked down at her. "Sssoo...you do want more... "No..." she moaned. "I can't..." Her response was cut short when his tongue dipped inside of her. It was the strangest feeling she had ever experienced. The shock of it stunned her. She stared misty eyed as his head remained still but his tongue seemed to stretch on and on until it nested deeply against the throbbing inside her. Then he paused. They looked at each other in silence. Zyra was about to speak again when his tongue tilted slightly upward. Words were forgotten as he pressed down hard on that delicious spot, sending torrents of pleasure through her body. She shrieked, closing her legs around his head but he merely chuckled at her poor attempt to decapitate him. In fact Zyra wasn't sure she had meant him harm. She was overwhelmed, the more he pressed, the more she felt she was no longer in control of this situation. Her body was becoming an entity onto itself. His warm tongue withdrew ever so slightly before he jammed it back inside her, hitting that spot with an accuracy and a pace that made her anticipate the next kick of pleasure. The wait, knowing that the pleasure was coming over and over was almost as satisfying as the act. She clawed the ground, the skin peeling against the scratch of her nails. This was ridiculous! Here she was a cave being tongued by a creature that wasn't even human. To her surprise the thought turned her on even more. Why? Was she not attracted to humans? Or maybe, did she have some strange fixation with green colored men? Did that make her any better than the basilisk who may or may not be taking advantage of her at the moment? At the moment, she was too aroused to care. "More," she gasped raspily. His green eyes seemed to smile as his busy mouth slowed before altogether halting the pace that she had grown to love. Was he going to stop? She couldn't take that, not now, not when another impending climax shone so temptingly on the horizon. "No..." she whined reaching to force his head back into her groin. His neck must have been made of rock because he didn't budge, only chuckled, sending teasing vibrations on her swollen clit. "Scallen!" "Calm yourssself." he demanded, the tongue gone, leaving her open, empty, and wanting. "I think you wisshhh for sssomething thicker." Fuckta, he was going to fuck her. This was bad. This was...bad? This was bad! Kind of... Oh she was so confused. Mind, come back to me please, she begged herself internally. We need to think, we need to... His finger pressed inside of her and she screamed like he had hit her. So good. It was long and thicker than his thin reptilian tongue. He inserted another finger pressing them together before thrusting them painstakingly slow back and forth against her soaked throbbing walls. Zyra closed her eyes, letting the feelings envelop her. "Open them," he hissed. "I want to sssee your eyesssss. She forced them open, unshed tears clouding her vision. It was too much for her. With all this sensation and confusion she was going to die. The pleasure was going to tear her apart. "Make it stop!" she gasped. "Please!" "Aasss you wisssh... His tongue coiled around her clit and he added a third finger. Bringing his lips down he sucked deeply on her bead and with viciousness thrust of his curled fingers. This time Zyra did not scream. She couldn't. In a wordless convulsion she felt the scales of the skin come loose in her hands. She had scratched the bastards off. For the briefest of moments she saw white and then her body fell backwards limply. Scallen slipped his tongue back in his mouth and pulled his hands away. His eyes narrowed as he stood up, his manhoods dripping with arousal. So was this it then? Was this how she was going to lose her virginity? Did she have any intention of resisting at all? Her cloudy mind was clearing, but she could still feel the effects of the venom in her system. "More..." she whispered, her eyes closing. "...more." She heard no response except a strange sort of shuffling. Then she felt two fingers pressed against her forehead. "Sssleeep. Then she knew no more. __________________________________________________ Gharla paced nervously around the camp ground as Enui tallied the provisions with a stick in the ground. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Gharla asked, halting in her stride. "Yes," Enui nodded. "That makes me feel better," Gharla said sighing. "Me too," Enui agreed. "We should get Fireroot—" "We should get Zyra—" They looked at each other. "That is not what I was thinking upon," Gharla simpered. "Neither I," Enui answered, reaching up to stand. "But the celebration approaches and Zyra left us in her stead. We have a duty to uphold, or have you forgotten?" "Zyra is our leader," Gharla groaned, "...but she is still a child. You yourself hold more years than her. She needs looking after." "When she returns we will look after her," Enui reasoned patiently. "But now she needs us to look after the village. Do you think she will be delighted to see our faces knowing we left the mute Chieftess and unruly huntresses in the hands of say...Imjah?" "Never!" Gharla snapped. "I would at least choose Firetoucher." "Firetoucher is pregnant," Enui said sighing. "She has not hunted since Zyra's return. Or have you forgotten her?" Gharla had forgotten her. Firetoucher had been the one to send them to Zyra. Then it had seemed she had just disappeared. No wonder, the female shaman must have been monitoring her quite closely. "Has she increased in size?" Gharla asked curiously. "Not much," Enui said shrugging. "But the demands of a huntress' body are too much for the child sickness." Gharla nodded with a frown. Oh yes, she did remember the child sickness. It came each morning without fail. It was a wonder it had not been a struggle to keep the weight on her. "How long has it been since she left?" Gharla asked, sitting down. "Two days." "It feels like ten." "It's not." "Well, Enui, I said it feels like it!" Enui could only laugh at her friend's sincerity. "What?" Gharla asked offended. "Why do you mock me?" Enui shook her head. "Zyra would be lucky to have a mother like you." The words touched her heart. She and Enui went way back, back to a time where she herself had been pregnant with hopes and dreams. Her thoughts drifted towards Vine. She really did miss him. With a frown she gestured that she and Enui should head back towards the center of the village. As they walked they began to heard hushes whispers. "Monster I swear...and in the...Nightlocks..." It was Henna. She was telling some kind of story. Gharla looked back and saw that Enui had already crouched down. She followed suit and they rested low next to a tent. Henna waved animatedly as she told her tale to the huntresses and the village people. The Chieftess was absent. "...she was like an animal. Her eyes glowed and she ripped through the Nightlock with her spear. She was sprayed with their purple blood and her marking began to glow. I fell in astonishment from the tree and she gathered me in her arms. The marking burned my skin and I could feel it clawing at my life force. It was terrifying." "She ran straight into the water, nearly drowning me in the process. The moon shone and the Nighlock called out to her in howls." Henna's voice went to a hush and she leaned forward to the leaning crowd. "It seemed as though she had run to save us from them. It had seemed they might still pursue us, but I think, no, I know that they wished for her to join their pack. She was more animal than human, and less human than Nightlock. Then Zyra turns to me with the blood dripping in her eyes and says..." "ZYRA?" Before Enui could stop her Gharla had burst from behind the tent. Her fury fixed on Henna who looked like a startled doe in the path of a bear. "You would dare defame her name?" Henna stood up, fear showing in her eyes as Gharla stomped up to her with physical intent. "You vile, loathsome, dung slinging..." "Zyra has changed sister," Imjah said standing abruptly in front of Henna. It was only because of the years that Imjah had earned as a huntress that Gharla did not strike her. "You know not of the things she has done," Imjah continued. "Do you?" They turned to see Enui walking out into the clearing. She seemed graceful, her step a glide as she stood proudly up to Imjah. "Do you know the things that Zyra has done in your stead?" "Of course," Henna mumbled, peering from behind her human shield. "She has told us the stories." "I am certain little pup she didn't tell you everything," Enui bit off viciously. Henna cowered like a beaten kitten and the others looked at Enui in shock. She had never held such a tone. "Sit, all of you," Enui demanded. Gharla was rigid, her fists clenched. Enui put a hand on her shoulder and Gharla allowed herself to be led to the speakers spot. Enui sat next to her as the eyes of the women whom they loved and hated fixed upon them. "Let us tell you the story of what went on beyond the border so that you may all know," Enui declared. She tossed dust in the fire and it crackled and flared up in accordance to the ritual. The sister whom was the keeper of stories took that as a note to pay attention. She might be asked to retell the tale. "The ground was silent, no animals and no sound," she said. "Rell and Hanto of the Ursie tribe accompanied us. These men were supposedly sent to help protect us, but it was Zyra whom took the first step into the border." Enui drew a line in the ground and made her fingers into legs. "She stood here," she entoned, her eyes glazing as she was taken back to the moment. "We were just fools then. Brave silly fools. Her foot rested on the lush green grass of the valley. All of a sudden, thousands of black birds burst forth from the sky. Like a swarm of locusts they burned the sky with their image, covering us in shadow and darkness as they swirled towards the center of the beautiful valley." "It was then..." Gharla had spoken, her eyes fixed on the fire. She took could see it, that awful swarm. "It was then that the males began to pray. The Ursie called Rell said, "This is a foul omen," and he was right. We stood petrified in our fear, but Zyra stepped her other foot into the valley. "It's too late to turn back now," Zyra said. "They know we are here." __________________________________________________ When Rell awoke from a very nervous sleep he found Rair already awake. In fact she had put out the fire and she was stretching. She looked at him with her dark broody eyes and turned away to look off into the distance. Day had finally come and with it, hopefully answers. "You must be right." Her voice still had the ability to startle him. It was rough, possibly from disuse. Still it was very pointed and it carried authority and weight. The sentence had probably been repeated in her head a hundred times as she waited patiently for him to awake. It was not an "Oh, you must be right" that was said out of trust. No, it was a "You must be right," because if you are not... There had been murder in her eyes. How did Zyra get these fanatic followers anyway? Surely she lived a charmed life being so widely respected and worshipped. Sure Zyra was an attractive leader and admirable but to have those who will kill for her. Would he kill for her? He wrinkled his brow. To his surprise the answer had been yes. Was it her naïve charm? Her need to be the pure wild child of battle that inspired people so? Maybe she was what everyone strived to be. She wanted more than anything to be free, and it was her freedom she had sacrificed for love. "Let's go," he said rolling up their sleeping place. It was stashed in a few minutes and with a drink of water and some fruit they started on. He'd ask her when he found her. Rair was right, he must be right. Or he himself would gladly welcome Rair's revenge. __________________________________________________ When Zyra woke up she felt achy. Her eyes opened and she saw she was somewhere unfamiliar. And her head hurt. Where was she now? Did anyone have any idea how annoying it was to consistently awake in unknown places? Did they? "Did you sssleep well?" Her eyes darted to the corner. Scallen. The memories came back to her in a flood, exacerbating her pounding head. She closed her eyes to the onslaught. Zyra sensed more than heard him come forward. When he was beside her she cracked an eye open. He offered her a cup with a milky liquid in it. "Drink. She didn't argue, downing the glass in a few seconds. After she feel remarkably better. "What was that?" she asked. "Moon root." She dropped the cup. "You drugged me?" "Moon root is the antidote to my second venom. It will only drug an undrugged person." "Oh..." She swallowed her anger before it came surging back to her. Peering under the skin she remembered she was naked. Had she...after she had passed out has he...? "Your maidenhood ssstandsss Green Eyessss," the Basilisk chuckled. He could see the panic in her eyes. She took a deep breath and exhaled for a long time, and then with little decorum flopped backwards. His chuckle echoes through the cavernous walls. She ran a hand through her hair. "But you did drug me last night..." She brought the skin closer to her body. Where the hell were her clothes? "You bit me," she said accusingly. "And I'm naked." Scallen shrugged. "I warned you that I demanded payment. Besssidess, you ssshould be grateful. It iss only through the removal of your...enticsssing clothing that I refrained from taking you. You trusssst the witchessss too much. And I only wanted a tiny little tassstee..." "It was not yours to take," Zyra growled. "No..." He sounded close. She sat up and saw that he was beside her. His lips were adorned with a coy smirk. "...but, it wasss yoursss to give. Or have you forgotten what occurred lassst night?" She pulled the skin closer. "I did not," she barked bravely. "I did not forget how you poisoned me with your bite. How you made me crave your touch with foul play." "I?" Scallen pressed a finger to her cheek and she turned from him. He turned her face back. "I did no sssuch thing." "Liar!" "A bassilisssk'ssss venom carry many usesss..." he explained, stroking her face with his thumb. "One of which is to ssseduce one'sss prey. A small dossse of my venom is not a control, it is an aphrodisssiac. It only amplified the feelingsss you already had for me." He grinned, his seamless fangs shiny with their poison. "I believe it wasss you whom asssked me to touch you." Zyra wanted to say that she didn't mean it, but it was a lie. Now there was nothing left but for her to gather up her pride and get her job done. "The monokeros," she said firmly. "You will help us find him." "Don't you wisssh to know why you are still a virgin?" She looked between his legs. He was genderless once again. "Why do you have two cocks?" "Ssnakesss always have two cocksss. Matingsss are often with multiple partnersss." "You didn't want to fuck me." "I did." "Then why didn't you?" He grinned, finally achieving what he had been looking for. "If I were to fuck you, I would ruin you. You would no longer be able to be sssatisssfied with another male, whether it be human or not. No one would everrr compare." "Well you're terribly modest aren't you?" "Bassilisssks are not humble, but I am telling you a fact. Would you like to sssee?" "No." She didn't have the guts to say yes. Luckily the Basilisk wasn't expecting her too. Just like before a slit opened on his groin. Instead of them springing out like they had before he had to pull them out. She watched in fascination. It was unlike any penis she had ever seen. It was covered in strange spikes and tilted upward. "Don't the spikes hurt?" "They are sssoft and ssstimulate every inch of the woman." His eyes narrowed. "There isss no part of you that you could hide from me." She swallowed. Why did she feel he wasn't just talking about sex? "Deep inssside you isss a place that brings great pleasure," he continued. "It pointsss ssskyward asss does my manhood. Do you understand now?" "Sure." She didn't. He rolled his eyes. "Every part of me is desssigned for your pleasure Green Eyes. I can give you pleasure from anywhere even..." She gasped when she felt hand on her backside. "From your bottom." She smacked him hard before she could stop herself. He only erupted in laughter, withdrawing from her as he went into a chest. He wiped tears of mirth from his eyes as she turned red from anger. Tossing a bundle at her she saw that he had given her back her clothes. She shrugged them on under the skin and stood as quickly as she could. "Weapons." "I know." She watched him as he pulled out her things and made a neat pile on the floor. Zyra couldn't help but admire the smooth lines of his back, the muscles in his green bare bottom as he arched into the chest. His broad lovely shoulders that... It suddenly occurred to her that the basilisk was putting on a show. He was still trying to advertise himself as the supreme lover. That cheeky bastard; she turned to look at the wall and saw him eyeing her from the side. When he was finished he turned dramatically. "Satisssfied?" "Pass me my things you dickless bastard." He chuckled again and obeyed her. Strapping on her equipment she couldn't help but wonder what his intentions were. Did he think she was so weak willed that she would believe everything he said? True, he had done some amazing things with her body, but there was no way to tell if it was because of the venom. She didn't want to be drugged to receive pleasure. It was hard enough dealing with it on its own. "Tell me one thing Scallen," Zyra said facing him. "Why did you tell me all of these things? Why the taste? Why everything?" Scallen's eyes shone with lust, no, in fact it was greed. He looked at her greedily, gobbling her up with his gaze as he stepped just outside her comfort zone. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 16 "Your modessty is nothing ssshort of infuriating," he lulled, eyeing her in irritation. "You are attractive and I want you, Zyra the keromedio. I want to adorn you with my treasure and make you scream my name until tears run down your face." Zyra's heart began to race and she took a step back. "Why? Isn't there more to it? There has to be. Instinct..." "Your life is finite," Scallen spat. "I have lived a thousssand of your fretting lifetimess mussssed with formality. Out of all of them, you have chossssen the hardest one!" He seemed to be getting angrier as he spoke and she took another step back. This time he stepped forward. In one step he held her again, a hand on her waist the other in her hair. "You are a ssseed that thinksss it iss a flower! You are unripe sssZyra and if you live the life the witches have ordained for you..." His eyes shone with sadness and he gently combed her hair back. "You will never grow. It will destroy you." "You think you can protect me down here?" she asked curiously. "On their lands following their rules?" "I think out of all your comradesss, I have the healthiessst chanssce..." "I don't think you owe me that much." His lips quirked for a second. "I would, after I got through with you." Scallen kissed her neck and brought her in closer to his warm inviting body. "I can help you grow." His voice shook her, something wasn't right. "Scallen...the witches did something to you didn't they?" He pulled away from her, hissing like she was fire. His eyes seemed to flash fear before anger took them over. "Nothing clossse to what they will do to you," he snarled. "And if you think your preciousss ogre can sssave you, he cannot." Her eyes widened in shock. "How did you..." "Bassilisssksss hear everything. You come from a village of women Zyra," he said bitterly. "What other man could you have?" So he did believe that she was seeing someone, he just didn't care. "Kail was exiled by them," she said defiantly. "Do you believe he still holds loyalty to them?" "Ogresss have always been loyal to the witchesss," Scallen remarked. "They're a subssservient breed in terms of obeying the Dark Council. The Shyla clan is especially closssse. One of the reasonsss your Kail is still alive." "What do you mean?" Scallen's face turned cruel. "Has your preciousss ogre not told you why he was exiled?" Fear gripped her heart. "Don't..." "Are you afraid to learn of his true nature, or are you just afraid that it will chassse you into my arms?" She shook her head in disgust. "You're twisted." Scallen snickered. "We all are. Even your ogre. It isss the nature of placsse. Don't worry, you'll twisssst quite ssssoon." He tilted his head to the side and his expression grew concentrated. "Did you come with companionsss?" "Yes!" "Well...they are here." She watched him go towards the back the cave wall. "I need to change." She expected him to put on clothes, but instead she watched in horror as his body began to break. The distorted flesh made her scream and his tongue lashed the flame of the candle out. A mercy on his part no doubt. When the popping stopped she heard sliding on the floor. It stopped beside her. Without a word she climbed upon his back and closed her eyes, shivering as he slithered through the darkness. __________________________________________________ "There it is!" Rell and Rair ran to the hole which had begun to magically close over. A tiny pink sprite was closing it over with grass and flowers. "Hey! Get away from there!" Rell shouted. The thing tinkled in alarm and sped off, Rair pulling out the animated vines and tossing them behind her. "ZYRA!" she shouted. "...ZYRA!" Rell joined her and they paused to hear her response. They heard nothing. "How do we go after her?" Rair asked solemnly. Rell regretted his earlier words that smacked of leadership. He had no idea. Suddenly the ground began to rumble. "Get back!" Rell shouted. They pushed back and they watched as the giant basilisk slipped through the hole, spraying dirt everywhere. Rair turned her spear to face it but Rell held up a hand. On its back, blocked by its massive head was a figure covered by a black hood. "Zyra!" She took a deep breath of the fresh air and slid off of the basilisk. Going to them with open arms they expected a hug. Instead she turned them around and made them all face away from the basilisk. "What are you..." "Quiet," she whispered. They heard a series of pops and hisses that made them all uncomfortable. Then Zyra felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning she watched her comrades stare in shock at the humanoid basilisk. "This is Scallen," she introduced. "Scallen these are my friends, Rell the Ursie and Rair my fellow huntress." Scallen hissed, smirking as he circled them predatorily. Rair was in shock, her hand gripping tightly on Zyra's elbow. Her knuckles were turning white. "Youuuu..." Scallen said smiling at Rell. He suddenly stood nose to nose with him, his green eyes lighting with mischief. "You've tried to fuck her." "W-What?" Zyra whipped to Rair. "Rair..." she said uneasily. "And you..." He turned to Rair as she still held her spear, still at the ready. "You are quite pretty." His lips twisted into a grin. "But your eyes are stained with your sins." The hand holding Zyra went limp. "You can't..." she whispered. "I do know. It'sss written all over your..." "No!" Rair screamed, screwing her eye shut as she clasped her ears. "Scallen!" Zyra shouted, putting herself between them. "What the hell are you doing? Stop this now!" "A basssilisssk ssseess all," he said disregarding the panic he had caused. "It'ssss in their body language. It wass in yoursss last night..." Rell looked at her in horror and she grit her teeth. "Keep your promise or go back into your hole." He only smiled at her as usual. "It appearsss the witchesss have a sssenssse of humor," he said lightly. "Young man, do you know who'sss colorsss it isss that you wear?" Rell looked at Scallen suspiciously, but Scallen was content to wait patiently until he answered. "No." "You wear the colorsss of the Monokerosss. White and gold." They stared at Scallen. "And?" "Do you know what it meansss to wear the colorssss of a creature?" "We know nothing Scallen," Zyra snapped. "Please, explain yourself." "The young man isss an offering," Scallen said with a chuckle. Rell's eyes widened. "What?" "You are bait. Monokerossss do not have a preference for femalesss or malesss. I asssume they thought to lure it out using you, and Zyra would be the one to capture it. Or at least, interpret the message after it was...done with you." "They intended to have him sacrificed?" Rair asked in shock. "Not in the way you assssume," Scallen said smiling. "There are only two reasonsss why a Monokeross comesss into human form. It is either for one, to relay the newsss of something that could change the very core of the area itself or...to have sssex." "Monokeros can't have sex?" Zyra asked. "Monokerosss can only have sssex with other monokerosss. Unlessss, they enter a hybrid form. The young one I met seemed to be quite fusssssy. They ussually are. He didn't want a witch, in fact I'm quite sssure he wanted a human." "Are you telling me the witches were going to let him fuck me?" Rell screamed in fury, red veins popping out of his neck. Scallen dissolved in laughter. "It would have been interesting to sssee. You are a feminine man." Zyra had no idea what to say. She turned to Rair. "What does blue mean?" Zyra asked nervously. "Blue iss the color of the ocean, the ssky..." "Scallen! What the fuckta does it represent?" "Nymphsss and ssSelkies, though they hate each other viciously. Your Monokeros enjoys to bathe in a sssmall lake occupied by a sssSelkie by the name of Nymare. It is not far from here." Zyra's fist tightened. "How convenient. Why do I feel like everything was a set up?" "Because it wasss," Scallen said nonchalantly. "The witchess knew where the Monokeross wasss, but they could not sssatisfy his needsss. When they tried to approach him, he ran into Rovian land where they have limited power. That isss why you wear my colorsss. I am the catalyssst to your...'enlightment'." You had no choice but to follow their game. Rell's head snapped into Scallen's direction. His eyes narrowed in anger. "What did you do to her you monster?" "What you can't little boy." Rell surged forward with a fist but Zyra stepped between them. "This is no time to be infighting!" she shouted. "We still have a job to do!" "You would still complete their task?" The voice was Rair's. Rair had loosened her grip on her head, but her eyes grave. Zyra was used to having no secrets in this horrid place, Rair was not. Apparently Rair had some demons of her own. "I have no choice," Zyra answered her stoicly. "I lost that right." "There are thingsss you can control." They looked to Scallen whom had dropped his merry facade. His eyes pierce through her, but instead of probing they seemed as though they were trying to lend her strength. "You can control how you ussse what they have given you. You can control how to manipulate the elementsss they give. You can choossse how to go about your misssion, even if you cannot choossse what that isss. You can even control a Monokerosss by grabbing its horn." "Will you take us to the pond?" Zyra asked. "I cannot," he replied. "I too tread on ill ground with the inhabitantsss of the Marble Tree. I am sssure though that one of you shall remember the way. Use your witsss." He gave her companions an appraising look. "You humansss are a decent bunch, I am sssure you will pull through. Get usssed to disscomfort." With that he began to walk back to the hole. "Oh and,ssssssSZyra?" He arched to look at her with such fluidity she was sure he had no bones, her image danced on the shiny cover of his eyes. She felt entranced. "My offer? It ssstill standsssss..." The hiss did not let up as he jumped down into the hole. They didn't move until it was but a whisper. "What do we do now?" Rair asked Zyra softly. Rell realized he had been demoted once again. Good, he was glad. "I have a plan," she said confidently. "Come closer." __________________________________________________ Rell didn't like going back to the place where he had nearly been drowned. The memory of his insecurities riding up on him nearly made him gag. Yet, here he was creeping about where a rapist unicorn might be somewhere, ready to pounce on him. He really hoped Zyra knew what she was doing. He didn't like how exposed he felt. Rell was currently shirtless and the only thing that covered him was around his waist. He wore Rair's blue dress. Rair was currently wearing the shawl. "Nymare!" Rell called, holding the dress close to him. "Nymare!" A soaked hand grabbed his foot. He jumped back with a yelp, a torrent of giggles bubbling up as her head rose above the water. There she was, innocently evil. "I did not think you would come visit me, son of man," she said smiling. She had not bothered to hide her form, her teeth were pointy like stalagmites. "I must say I am surprisingly delighted to see you once more...and more of you as well," she said leering at his hind parts. "I need your help," he said firmly. Nymare blinked before a razor sharp smile reached up to her ears. "Oh? And why would I help you? If I recall you nearly killed me." "I spared you," Rell snapped. "And I'm sure that had I not done that you would have drowned me. Or did you forget?" "You weren't a keromedio then," she said wistly twisting her long flowing locks. "And you weren't much a man either. You are more a man than before. I will do what you ask." "Thank you." "For a small penance." Rell cursed to the sky. "What do you want?" Nymare looked up at him innocently. "I want to suck it." Rell looked at her in confusion. "Suck what? She twisted a finger in her cheek and smiled with her lips. "I want you to give me your penis and let me suck on it." Rell glared at her in response. "There is no way in this life or the next that I would let your teeth anywhere near my lineage." She giggled in response. "You are right. I just wanted to remark on how stubby and ugly I thought it looked." Rell's glare intensified. "Very well, if you insist on doing things this way I promise you this," his eyes took on an evil sheen. "I will poison every drop of your precious water with basilisk venom. Then I will take your land soaked body and drag you into the desert until you burst into flames or..." He ushered a hand to the tree behind him. He watched as Nymare's eyes widened in horror as three nymphs came out. "Or I can let my friends have their way with you." The nymphs looked over eager to enjoy the treat Rell had led them to. Nymare snarled at them as she pulled herself farther out into the water. "Don't you see what you've done?" she shrieked. "I will have to change water now!" She was hiding from most living things. She enjoyed torture and pain, the act of sex could no compare to the agony she could inflict on someone. Someone drawing pleasure from her was a kind of torture to herself. Much to her dismay she had had sex with nymphs before. They were depraved heathens that didn't deserve the element of water, and they had a fondness for bullying lone Selkies. Rell shrugged. "Well I guess my hands are tied. I'll just leave then." "No! I'll help you," she snapped. "What do you want?" "I want you to pretend to be a human and present yourself to the Monokeros," Rell said. "And wear this." He tossed her his white shirt. She caught it and frowned, sniffing distastefully at it even as she put it on. She wrapped it about her and it stayed dry, even as she floated in the water. "Then?" "Then you can go back to the chasm you crawled from." Nymare smiled at him. "You may dislike me son of man, but I do believe I'm rubbing off on you." "What can I say? Your spite is contagious." "Oh go on you charmer." Rell could only shake his head as he urged the nymphs to return with him. Rair had lured them in and Zyra had beseeched them for aid in Enui's name. Now came the hard part. "Rair are you sure you're comfortable with this?" Zyra asked her for the eleventh time. "Yes," she answered as she waited by the water's edge. "Are you sure? I can make Rell do it instead. Really." "Hey!" "I am sure Zyra. I would like to do my part," Rair said nodding seriously. Then she went into position. Rell's pants had been cut into shreds that now wrapped around her in a scant covering pattern. Zyra took her place inside the tree that Rair was to sit by. Rell lay in wait by the forest. Then all was still. They waited several hours in their positions, wondering if the Monokeros had somehow sensed their treachery. When they were about to come out of hiding, they heard a rustle in the trees. Zyra's eyes narrowed as she watched the figure emerge from the green brush. On two legs stark naked came a man. It was illuminated by its own inner light, shining like a man made of moon. The shimmering glare made it too hard to see much else, but they all knew it was the Monokeros. Nymare sat on a rock in the middle of the water that she had conjured up. With her human glamour she was naked underneath the pink shirt that fell to her thighs. She turned her back to the Monokeros as to seem a naïve human bathing. Her damp tresses whistled in the wind. She raised a smooth pink arm and washed it. A small perky breast pushed against the fabric, a posy colored nipple mystically visible despite the cover. She was beautiful. Zyra saw the Monokeros pause very deliberately as Nymare splashed her pointed toes. A second later it began to walk towards her. Without a word it raised a hand and swirls of golden light extended towards her. Nymare yipped as she was pulled by an invisible force into the water and towards the shore. Zyra had not expected that. Panicked, she looked down at Rair who was also astonished by the Monokeros' ability. How could they improvise if talking would give up their position? Nymare was no martyr. She had no intentions of following the ruse once she realized she might be in danger. As soon as she reached the shore she screamed, her sharp teeth and vicious face coming in view. Seeing that Nymare was in fact a Selkie the Monokeros let out a rough neigh and dropped her. He began to gruffly reprimand her in his strange language and she replied in soft supplicant mews. The Monokeros' voice turned in a harsh whisper and a stricken look marred Nymare's face. She appeared to plead but the Monokeros said nothing in return. Sullenly she bent on all fours. To their surprise she began to change, morphing and melding until what stood before them was a black horse. The Monokeros slapped Nymare on her behind and she galloped off into the trees. So this was the power of the Selkie. Not only did she drown the unsuspecting by appearing to them as a lovely maiden, but she could bring a foolish lost human straight to his death. He'd think he was lucky finding an abandoned horse, and off she would go with him. Zyra shuddered as she thought of why Nymare had been ordered by the Monokeros to go into her horse form. She really was a nightmare. The Monokeros sniffed the air before turning to walk away. Zyra's eyes grew wide as she tried to think of a plan. Instead, Rair tumbled into view. Holding her white rags to herself with trepidation in her eyes, the scared beauty looked ripe for the taking. The Monokeros let out a squeal of glee and ran to her, scooping her up in his arms. Rair lost her composure, screaming and beating at his glimmering chest. The Monokeros didn't seem to notice. Zyra instinctively leaped out of the tree onto his back, tumbling all three of them onto the green grass. Locking her arms and legs around him she shouted. "Rell! Now!" Rell ran from the forest with a vine that they intended to use as rope. The Monokeros bucked violently against her but she held on. Rair crawled away from underneath his body, breathing heavily as she did. "Grab his horn!" Zyra screamed. Rell was trying to bind the Monokeros' legs but a powerful kick sent him flying into the water. "The horn!" Rair was pressing into his scalp but shook her head in distress. "There is no horn!" "What?" With a might heave the Monokeros squashed Zyra against the tree, knocking the wind out of her. She sunk brokenly against the stump as the Monokeros grabbed Rair and charged off into the trees. Her vision blurred and she could hear Rell calling to her. Cold water jarred her senses and she jumped up, her head soaked as a wet Rell grabbed her hand and ran in the direction Rair had disappeared. "He has her!" Rell growled. "Snap out of it Zyra!" She did. She released his hands and launched herself through the trees. She inhaled deeply, pulling the power from deep within her. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 16 Make me a Nightlock. Make me strong, fast, and a good tracker. Like a bolt of lightning hit her she felt overly energized as her feet began to carry her faster, under the low branches and easier, over fallen trunks. She could see the Monokeros. With little effort she closed in on him and tackled him to the ground. Zyra made sure he landed on his back in order to cradle Rair from the fall. She pulled her pack member away and straddled the creature. Yes, now she could eat him. She had conquered this creature, she would now dine on its flesh! Zyra let out a loud howl to let her pack know that she had found food. She turned excitedly to her sister. "Do you wish to draw first blood?" she asked. Yet, Rair just looked at her in shock. "Well?" "Zyra, you're growling. And your eyes...Zyra snap out of it." She turned from her pack member, she was making strange noises. She couldn't understand her. The Monokeros laid still underneath her as defeated prey should. It seemed to be looking at her for the first time. What an odd white strange thing. Was it still good to eat? "ZYRA!" She felt a hard slap dealt to her face. Like awaking from a dream, Zyra gasped and looked around her. What in the world? "Sorry," Rair said, her hand being the perpetrator. Sensing her disorientation, the Monokeros began trying to disengage its rider. "Whoa!" Zyra yelped, gripping him with her thighs. The shift made the creature hiss and he bucked again, a different kind of buck that seemed less to free himself, and more to make her bounce. "Rair find that damn horn!" Zyra yelled as she forcibly held on the Monokeros. The Monokeros whined or whineyed, and its motion became more identifiable. "It's humping me...It's humping me! RAIR!" "Dammit Zyra, I'm trying!" "TRY HARDER!" "FUCKTA! Hold yourself together!" Zyra felt something hard poking her and groaned in disgust as she was bounced by hips thrusts again. Was she attracted to vulgar situations, or were they attracted to her? She had never thought herself the type of beauty to garnish such attention. Were they seeing something she didn't? Or was she just a warm body that found wrong places at wrong times? Lifting herself away from the offending appendage she noticed that the Monokeros' member looked awfully strange. It wasn't straight at all. In fact it was a long almost pointy swirl. A horrid thought occured to her. Sighing Zyra reached between its legs and held the member. As though she had sucked the life from him all at once the Monokeros plopped down, and stayed there. Rair held tuffs of hair in each hand and was looking at Zyra in shock. "Which hand is the right..." She suddenly noticed Zyra's hand was also holding something. A pink flush splotched her cheeks. "Oh...Zyra— " "Not...one...word." Rell came running through the trees a moment later. Seeing the two women were alright and the monokeros subdued he smiled. "Oh thank the Maker. I'm glad you're all..." It was then he noticed Zyra's hand. Zyra swallowed, refusing to meet his gaze as her own face heated up. "Um..." He didn't seem to know what to say. "...um..." "Hello Rell." "Um Zyra...?" "Yes?" "...what are you doing?" "I'm holding the horn." "Oh...ohum...wow." "Come here Rell," Zyra ordered. "Take the horn. "Excuse me?" "I wish to stand. Take the horn." "Absolutely not," Rell protested. "I am not holding another man's...lineage!" "I'm going to end your lineage if you don't get over here and take this horn!" Zyra shouted in embarrassment. "Let Rair take the horn," Rell suggested turning to her. She was always overly helpful towards Zyra. She would surely... "No." She stood up, yanked her dress roughly off of Rell's waist and walked off behind a tree. Rell shouted as he covered himself, now as naked as the Monokeros. Rell noticed the Monokeros craned up his neck and smiled at him. "Zyra... Zyra it's looking at me," he whispered roughly. She looked down and saw the Monokeros looking beyond her, then looking back, giving her an amused smile. The horn twitched in her hand. "He's looking at all of us," she said sickly. She wanted to fucking kill him. "Where's your shawl?" Rell thought back to his mad dash after Rair. It had gotten caught on a tree limb and he had let it go. "I lost it," he mumbled. "Give me your pants." "You can't fit my pants." "Zyra come on, have mercy." Zyra smirked. "Fine, hold his horn so I may give you my pants." He sputtered in dismay. "B-but if I'm naked now and I miss the horn he'll be able to...to..." "Rell..." Zyra said in a sickly sweet voice. She really was trying to be calm, but blood was about to be drawn, and it wasn't going to be hers. "It's a big, long horn. If you miss it, you're as stupid as that idiotic knock kneed stump, that you were blessed to have as your brother. Now, come here... and take this horn. Now." Or Maker help me I will leave you here to die. He glared at her in response. "Fine," he bit out angrily. "And my brother isn't that bad." Walking over he tried to ignore the Monokeros' intense eye contact. The Monokeros put his hands behind his head as though he was being serviced by slaves. Rell glanced at the horn from the corner of his eyes. With a shaky hand he took two fingers and pinched the head of the horn. When he had a hold, Zyra let go. Zyra jumped up, wiping her hand on the ground as relief flooded through her. Then she made some decent distance away from the Monokeros. Rell looked away but in his peripheral he saw the Monokeros giving him undivided attention. He began sweating profusely as the Monokeros smiled lecherously in his face. "Hurry it up Zyra!" he snapped. "I know you can understand us," Zyra said, glaring at the Monokeros. "And turn off your glamour if you will. It hurts our eyes." There was a flash and they could finally see the Monokeros clearly. Zyra was shocked at his looks. He was a lot younger than his glamour portrayed. Messy short white hair framed a darling and youthful face that seemed curious and stunned. Big eyes that were the lightest of blues colored in an otherwise colorless visage. His moon colored skin seemed powdery and he had no muscle mass. He was built like a youth and looked to be about the same height as Zyra. He looked very much like an child that had just become a man. "Surprised servant?" Zyra's brow furrowed as the gravely voice of a middle aged man came from the youths pale lips. "Servant?" she said offendedly. The Monokeros nodded, innocent to her emotions. "You carry the mark of the keromedio," he looked at Rell who was pointedly avoiding his gaze. "You both do...but you are acting keromedio. The other is a regent." Zyra nodded, looking to and from at the strange situation. What was taking Rair so long? "I have been sent by the Witches of the Marble Tree to ask why you have entered human form," she said bravely. The Monokero smirked, "I have a human need," he said raspily. Zyra gulped and Rell moaned a desperate inaudible sound that roughly translated to an "Oh no," or a "No no." Either way, 'no' was said. "What is your need?" Zyra asked. The Monokeros pursed his lips. "I needed common speech to deliver a message." Zyra sighed in relief. "Okay, what is your message?" "Once I give the message I will return to my true form. I have another need that must be fulfilled before I give my message." The Monokeros sat up, something they didn't think he could do. He stared hard at Rell who was glaring hard at Zyra. "Zyra..." he hissed. "We will take you to the witches to fulfill that need," Zyra said hastily. The Monokeros pouted like a petulant child. "No." "Then the nymphs would love..." "No, and I have yet to say what my need is." The Monokeros reached out and put a hand on Rell's shoulder. Rell began to shiver violently. "We'll give you Nymare," he squeaked. "We'll find her for you." "I have already sent her to wander in her horse form," The Monokeros stated dryly. "I mistook her for a human because she neglected her duty as a Selkie for too long. I could tell that she practiced her glamour too long by the skill she had acquired. It is a Selkie dishonor to don one form and ignore the other. She should be off to be mounted by another Selkie west of here." "You sent her off to..." "Socialize, and breed yes. She has not conceived in over 50 years." "You knew her?" "I knew her by touching her. Just as I know you Rell, heir to the Ursie man tribe." The Monokeros brazenly reached between Rell's legs. "And I would wish to know you more..." Rell shouted, batting away the offending hand while still trying to hold the horn. "No! Get away from me!" "Why?" "I don't give consent! Damn you old bastard, stop it!" "Hold the horn tighter," Zyra suggested, strangely aroused by the sight. It was just good advice. That he should hold that long hard horn tighter. And squeeze it, squeeze it good and hold onto it. Like good advice. "It's not working!" Rell growled. Zyra stared at the scene and tried to look objective. "Maybe you should change hand position. Grab the bottom or something." "Why?" "I don't know I'm trying to help you. Maybe...maybe you should..stroke it or something?" "...! What kind of sick fantasy..." The Monokeros managed to get a hand underneath Rells thighs and his finger probed for Rell's butt. The hand was too far gone to be stopped. The minute the finger touched his hole he released the Monokeros and scrambled back. They heard laughter as the Monokeros disappeared from sight. Then they stood there stunned. "He was playing you," Zyra said mutely. "He was playing you...and you fell for it!" Angry she hit his bare shoulder. "You let him escape!" "He tried to put his finger in my butt!" Rell barked. "What was I supposed to do?" "Tough it out like a man!" "Oh right Huntress 'Why don't you stroke him?' I misjudged you! You're heartless!" "Well he actually humped me! His stuff was all over me! Did you see me releasing him so he could skip off into the damnable forest? I don't believe so!" she snapped. "Yes well you had clothes on, and you were supposed to give me your pants! Or did you forget while you were fantasizing?" "Oh yes," Zyra scoffed. "Poor baby. I get groped almost every day for your information!" "It couldn't affect you how it affected me!" Zyra's eyes narrowed. "Are you saying it's okay for me to get violated?" Rell took a step back, seeing her murderous gaze. "Of course not. I'm only saying..." "What are you trying to say Rell?" A peal of laughter interrupted their argument. Stepping out from behind a tree, the Monokeros smiled at them. "You humans really are quite entertaining." Zyra took a small step forward but the Monokeros held out a hand. "Come now. If you attempt to pursue me now I will simply use my magic on you." A swirl of gold rustled Zyra's shirt up and she pulled it down with a gasp. The Monokeros laughed as though it were a child playing a prank. Holding his stomach in glee he seemed so. "You're a child," Zyra said frowning. "You're a youth aren't you?" "I am a youth among monokeros," he replied giving her a sweet smile. "But I have outlived all of you combined." She nodded and turned as she heard a sound. Rair came from the trees, dressed in her blue dress. In her hands was the shawl. She noticed the Monokeros standing away from them and didn't even respond to Rell's reverent "Thank you." She looked at Zyra who shook her head. "It wasn't me. Rell released him." Rair turned to him and frowned. "He was molesting me," Rell protested. Rair's frown deepened and she stared down at the ground. Zyra had had enough of this. She just wanted to get home. "Tell me what we must do to return you to human form," she said sighing. The Monokeros tilted his head as his pale eyes examined her. After a moment or two he said, "You do as well." "Wait, please repeat that?" Zyra said confused. The Monokeros looked at her quite seriously. "You do as well. To satisfy my second need, you too will do." "Do?" The Monokeros gave her a charming smile. "Suffice. Worthy to join with me. You will fulfill this hunger in me that I have only just begun to harbor. Carnality is a first for me," he admitted sheepishly. "I have only just hit the apex of my adolescence," he explained. "Once I master the rites of carnality I will ascend into adulthood. The human body is the most visceral and malleable of all my forms. If I can have sex as a human and experience the sensations that accompanies that, I will have graduated onto another state of my growth." "So..." Zyra said slowly. "You need to have sex with a human...in order to become a full fledged monokeros?" He smiled and nodded excitedly. "Yes! It is something I have been most eager to do. I have been scouting the forest for many days now, seeking a suitable candidate." Zyra looked at Rell. "Don't look at me," Rell snapped. "I would rather brave the fires of hell." Zyra suddenly thought of Ginger. Ginger might actually be able to help! "I have a friend," Zyra said excitedly. "She might be able to assist you." The Monokeros looked at her curiously. "Where is this friend?" "In my village." "Take me to her." Zyra's plan hit a rock. "What if..."she said warily. "I bring her to you? If you would wait..." "I tire of waiting," he snapped, impatiently stamping his foot. "I want to be satisfied. Now!" "But my friend isn't here ye..." "I changed my mind." Zyra shouted as she was suddenly raised in the air by a torrent of golden air. Heavy winds began to billow her shirt and it seemed as though it would rip off of her. As the wind tried to rid her of clothing she was being floated towards the Monokeros. Yelling her name, her friends were unable to get past a barrier of wind and the Monokeros watched the frantic scene with relative calm. Zyra landed, fully clothed on her knees before the Monokeros. She reached to grab his horn but her caught her hand pull her up to stand. She was right, he was her height. He grabbed her leg and pulled it around his thigh, his eyes boring into hers. Zyra breathed in the strange gold mist and felt her strength waning. She felt weak as though all of her power had been drained. No, in fact...she felt normal. She felt the way she had before the valley, before becoming the keromedio. Had she actually been this weak? Or had she become so frighteningly strong? He braced her again a tree, still holding her hand up. "Wait," she said desperately. The Monokeros and most of these animals had no shame. If she didn't stop him, he would take her against the tree. "Please, listen." "I'm listening," he said, sounding offended. "I do have that ability." "Then listen closely. I can't do what you ask. I'm sorry, but please understand." His eyes narrowed. "It is the job of the keromedio to do what the monokeros asks. Have you forgotten that the kero is keromedio comes from..." "I am aware," she interrupted. "But I'm asking for your mercy. Let me speak but a moment longer. I know you're tired my dear and I'm sorry." The Monokeros studied her for a long time before releasing her. She had spoken to him the way she spoke to Nima and he seemed to reciprocate. How odd. She rubbed where he had held her hand. It hurt. To her surprise he took it and kissed the inside of her wrist. A second later the pain was gone. "Thank you." "You can thank me by speaking. Quickly I might add." Zyra sighed heavily. "I chose the role of the keromedio in order to save my family. The witches chose to send me to you, when they knew where you were, in order to save their honor. You now try to choose to take me against my will, so that you might become a full monokeros." He nodded, confusion on his face. "And?" "And," Zyra said firmly. "...we have become a circle of sorts. Everyone has an agenda that they wish completed. You know I cannot refuse you because I would forfeit my role as keromedio and thus my life. Running from us was pretense; you had no intention of taking Rair. You wanted me." The Monokeros' face was blank before a mischievous grin broke out on his face. "Or Rell, whom detests me so." She looked back at her friends who were somehow made quiet by the Monokeros' magic. "May I ask why?" "I..." his eyes dropped down. "I don't want to go back just yet. I enjoy being human," he admitted. His eyes lit with enthusiasm. "You feel so many things! Sometimes at the same time. I want to feel more and more, but...but one of those feelings..." he pressed against her and his face flushed pink. If he wasn't naked and touching her, it might have been a cute gesture. "Is...to join with you. Please?" he pleaded gently. His change in tone startled her. It was like he was asking her to carve him a new toy. "Give me a chance," she declared. "Allow me the chance to find someone that is suitable to you. If I cannot, then...then I will accept responsibility. That is all I ask." He gazed at her with a pout, then shrugged. "Very well." The golden wind disappeared and she could hear her friend's voices. Turning she saw they looked rumpled, but otherwise fine. "I made a deal...." "We heard," Rell said darkly. The valiant part of him wanted to take her place but the practical part just could not stomach the thought. Rair was silent. "I suppose that means we have to take you with us," Zyra said. The Monokeros grinned and linked arms with her. "I have never ventured inside of a human village before. This excites me!" "Oh no," Zyra warned. "You will not be staying in the village." He tilted his head. "Then where will I stay?" "With a friend." "What kind of friend?" "A soon to be very irate ogre." "You have a pet ogre?" "He's not a pet." "Can I play with him?" "He doesn't play well with others." __________________________________________________ It took them an additional day to reach back to the village. They stayed in the forest until nightfall, then proceeded to Kail's hut. A faint yellow light shone on its inside. Zyra swallowed deeply before reaching to knock on his door. She had managed a single knock before the door burst open and she was scooped up in his arms. "Zyra," he breathed, holding her closely to him. "Kail," she answered shakily. Guilt left a bitter taste in her mouth and she tried to block out images of her and Scallen. He looked up to see the others and his jaw dropped as he took in the Monokeros. "A baby Monokeros?" he said in shock. "I'm hardly a baby," the Monokeros sniffed. "I am an adolescent of proper age." Kail turned to her. "Why is there a baby Monokeros outside of my hut?" "We would like him to stay here," she said avoiding his gaze. She attempted to pull farther out of his embrace but he held her arms. His yellow eyes narrowed. "Why?" "It's only for a few days." "Why?" "I require human needs met," the Monokeros interrupted. "My keromedio will attend to them." Rell noticed the ogre's face rack with tension and Rair patted his arm. He looked to her and she pointed to the village. "I will alert the sisters of our return." He nodded and she silently slipped away. A second later he realized she had abandoned the drama. "Hey, wait for me!" he shouted. He promptly ran after her, not wishing to be between whatever Zyra and the ogre would have. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 17 *AHHH! I'm so excited!O.~ ok ok, on with the show -SB) Chapter 17: The Return "She did what?" Etaceh was turning purple and the lesser witch before her quivered because of her rage. "We watched the Moon Mirror as you asked," the witch said shakily. "The monokeros has left the circle. He...he is gone." "Gone?" Etaceh shrieked. "How could he be gone? He should have taken Rell at the..." "Calm yourself Etaceh." Caligula brooded in the corner. His purple gaze was filled with dismay. "It appears that the humans outsmarted us." "Not without help no doubt," Etaceh growled, kicking the cowering witch out of the way. She yelped and promptly scurried to the side. "We underestimated the snake's fondness for her. I was sure it was mere narcissism but it seems...the ground crawler has actual feelings for her." "I wouldn't go that far," Caligula said dismissively. "It is possible she reminds him of his dear lost Zatannya." Etaceh's lips quirked up. "Perhaps we should arrange a visit." Caligula let out a chuckle. Etaceh was truly a twisted and wicked witch. "Very well, if it pleases you." Etaceh nodded, but her face went grave again. "And the Monokeros?" "I wouldn't fret too much," Caligula said sighing. "Zyra is still bound to obey him, even if it is outside of our walls. The monokeros will be sated." "But how will we catch the prophecy?" Etaceh groaned. "What is she forgets? What if it's what we think? What if C..." "Don't you dare say it," Caligula seethed in his darkest voice. It sent chills down Etaceh's spine. It took a moment for his rage to calm down, but when it did, Caligula still looked angry. Even though his eyes boiled with rage there was a smile on his face. "We can only wait my dear," he tutted lightly. "Perhaps it would be best to waste time in a more...erotic manner," he suggested. The violence in his eyes made Etaceh step back. "Caligula...I..I am not sure you are in the right state of mind to..." "Do you refuse me Etaceh?" Caligula asked in a sweet voice. Etaceh swallowed hard. "No...never my lord." __________________________________________________ Zyra awoke confused. She was warm and an arm lay about her waist. Her first instinct was to attack whatever was gripping her so tightly, but she relaxed when she gazed upon the pale white arm. The Monokeros, yes they had spent the night by the stream. Gently she peeled his arm off of her waist and looked down at his slumbering face. He looked angelic in the low brown light that shone through the top of the tarp. He looked so comfortable she was reminded of the aching in her bones from the travel she had endured. Was it necessary that she get up right now? She could lie back down and be as comfortable as the Monokeros. All she had to do was ignore her sense of duty for once in her overly valiant life. Ignore her sense of duty? Zyra frowned. Her subconscious had chosen the wrong set of words. Now she had no choice but to rise. She sat up, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes and began to crawl out of the tent. She had loosened the flap when she heard a raspy voice ask, "Where are you going?" Inquisitive ghostly eyes met hers and for a moment she could not find her words. They were just so...strange. Finally she responded. "It's day time." He looked at her with disbelief. "You abandon me because the sun has risen?" Zyra's brow furrowed as she tried very hard not to box the powerful youth behind his ears. "I'm not abandoning you. Merely, it is my duty to check on..." "Your duty lies with me," the Monokeros said defiantly. "Need I remind you that you have promised me..." "It is too early," Zyra interrupted pointedly. "...and I am too hungry for such a conversation. Go back to sleep if you are in such miserable spirits. I will return to you." The Monokeros opened his mouth to say something, but he was interrupted again, this time by his growling stomach. He looked down at it with alarm. "What was that?" he asked. "You are hungry," Zyra said frowning. "Haven't you eaten since your transformation? Don't you know what hunger is?" "I am aware of the mechanics of hunger," the Monokeros said snottily. "Merely the food that I attempted to ingest did not sit well with me." "What did you try?" "Fresh and dried grasses." Zyra's mouth twitched as she restrained laughter. "You...you are not a horse anymore," she said smirking. "You can't eat those things." "What is it that humans eat?" he said, sitting up. His naked chest came into view and Zyra was reminded of another reason she needed to go into the village. The Monokeros needed clothing. "I will bring you food," Zyra said inching out of the tent. "However, I need you to stay here. I will be back. Please do not leave." She didn't wait to hear his response. Abruptly she began to run towards the village. Ginger was still asleep in her tent when she went up to her. She stirred, grunting as Zyra shook her awake. "Why...why do you torture me," she moaned loudly. "Where are the leg pants and tunic I outgrew a summer ago?" Zyra asked her. She rubbed her eyes and drowsily pointed towards a box in the corner. Zyra nodded and went to sort through it. "You know Zyra," Ginger said yawning. "You have no hunt today. Waking up at the crack of dawn like some herald of war is not necessary." "What do you know of wars?" Zyra asked sardonically. "The land wars are west of us. We are safe here." "You know what I am saying," she said grumpily. The Rovians were lucky to be a considerable distance away from their neighbors. They had never had land disputes, and for the most part there was peace amongst them. She fished through the box until she discovered the items that Ginger had saved. She had asked her to save the cloth just in case Nima chose the path of a huntress before becoming a full fledged Chieftess. She felt a tinge of regret thinking that the clothes would never go to her, but she let it go. It was better to live in the present and she could ask Ginger to sew a new pair. "How fares Rell?" she asked her quietly as Ginger tried to slip back into unconsciousness. "Decently," she mumbled under her furs. "He is sometimes in a tent on the outskirts since he is male, and the celebration is not yet here. Though it will be very soon..." "What?" Ginger's head popped irritatedly from the furs. "You aren't going to allow me sleep are you?" "What did you mean it will be very soon?" Gingers nose wrinkled. "Zyra, don't you realize? The snow time is almost upon us. We took away a moon cycle in consideration of the cancelled celebration as well. Don't you remember?" Zyra shook her head as she tried to count. No, this was all wrong. She had three days, plus the week and one...or two... No...Oh no, Ginger was right. "The preparations," she exclaimed frantically standing up. Ginger pulled her down, glaring at her angrily. "What? Do you intend to hunt down all the forest by yourself?" she snapped. "But the provision..." "Don't bother," Ginger said, mid yawn. "...Enui and Gharla have been gathering in your stead. And we prepared the provision from the trip you had before. Most of the main preparations bode well." "Okay," Zyra said, still unable to ease the tension in her gut. "Tell me, how many days more do you think it will take for them to arrive?" Ginger shrugged. "I would ask your sister for specifics, but by my calculation it would be one more moon cycle. In three weeks time the moon will complete it's course once more." Zyra nodded and prepared to leave. "Zyra..." She paused and looked at Ginger. Ginger's face was uncharacteristically serious as she gazed upon her sister. "Zyra my sister," she said solemnly. "You know what the celebration will bring. Your 21st year will be closer than you know. The tradition...you know the tradition." Stress started to pile on her as she thought about what that would mean. Hanto would be looking for her, and she would have to accept him or risk offending the Ursies. Other than his arrogance, Hanto was a fitting match in the eyes of the villages. "Do you suppose I could wait one more celebration?" she asked Ginger sighing heavily. "I don't think you can," Ginger mumbled giving her a brief hug. "Do not worry Zyra, things will be much easier soon." "I do hope you are right." Ginger nodded. "Of course I am. Now, about your virgin unicorn..." "Monokeros." "Yes, Mono-care o's." "That's not..." "About him! When will he be...you know," Ginger smirked lecherously. "Visiting me?" "Most likely today," Zyra said. "I go to visit with Kyzu, then I aim to feed him. After I suppose I shall fetch you." "Very well. Say hi to the village girls for me, and don't keep me waiting!" Zyra shook her head. Where had she heard that said? Oh yes, from everyone. She rushed towards her sister's tent and she noticed she was not the only one awake. Imjah was easing out of her dwelling with her spear. "Good Morning," Zyra said to her, nodding in her direction. The woman looked stunned as she looked at her, then she rushed forward to catch up with her. "Wait!" Imjah rounded in front of her, her hands out in a passive manner. "What is the worry Imjah?" Zyra said concerned. "I wanted to apologize," Imjah said firmly. Zyra watched as the proud huntress went on her knee and pressed her fingers to her lips. She offered the kissed fingers to Zyra's knee. "I am not fit to stand beside you, but I kiss your knee that I might learn to kneel before your power and brace upon your strength," Imjah chanted in the old ways. The legacy, she hadn't heard that since she was a child. It was the highest display of loyalty a huntress could bestow. "What is the meaning of this?" Zyra asked incredulously. "I have wronged you," Imjah said woefully. "We all did. But..." Her sorrowful eyes rose to Zyra's. "How were we to know? When you shielded us and told us nothing? When you kept the horrors to yourself?" Zyra looked at the woman in shock. "Gharla and Enui...they told you didn't they?" "Not just me," Imjah remarked, her eyes now to the ground. "All of us. We all know." Zyra sucked her teeth. This was exactly what she didn't want. Before they treated her like a leper, now they were groveling. Was there no balance in her life? She reached down and extended her hand to Imjah. Imjah went to place it to her forehead, but instead she lifted her to her feet. "Zyra please..." "Imjah I respect you," Zyra said gently. "Thank you for your words, but they are unnecessary." With a quick smile she began to walk off. "Is there no way to gain your forgiveness?" Zyra turned to Imjah, the woman who called after her. The woman who had tried to take her title away. Her life away. "You have my forgiveness," Zyra said quietly. Imjah's face looked relieved. "Thank..." "But you do not have my trust." Her face fell but Zyra was cold to her response. "If telling a tale is all it takes for you to follow me, than you are not a loyal follower," Zyra said simply. "You are talented and Rovian blood runs through your veins, but I can only trust those who trust me. Even without proof. I have never given you reason to doubt me Imjah. You of all people should know that." Imjah wanted to protest, she could see it in her set jaw, but Zyra's words were true. Instead she asked, "What must I do to earn your trust?" Zyra could only shrug. "Become trustworthy." Then she left her, tired of such games early in the morning. Knowing that it was inevitable, Zyra slowly made her way towards' Kyzu's tent. When she arrived there she heard Kyzu stewing in anger. Sighing heavily she opened the flap of the tent. Kyzu was mixing something green in her bowl. It was already the right consistency, but she could see that Kyzu had long ago stopped mixing from necessity. It was now a form of stress relief. "You're over doing it," Zyra said sitting before her. Kyzu glared at her, her hand still swirling in a crazed manner. "Ah dear sister. I had heard that you had returned from your perilous journey, only to let your only sister know that you were safe by word of mouth." Zyra shook her head, smirking. "Why sister, it almost sounds like you're upset." "I am upset!"Kyzu screamed mentally, banging the bowl and allowing the green juice to spatter onto the tent floor. Zyra studied her sister who had told her weeks previously that she had hated her. "I'm sorry then," she said finally. "I'm sorry Kyzu." Kyzu's eyebrows furrowed and she began to stir in the bowl again. Her thoughts were empty, only projecting a wave of frustration and sadness. Zyra sat with her sister in the silence, wondering what there was to do now. There was so much unsaid, yet, was it the time to say it? What if it could ruin everything? What if there was nothing left to ruin? That was what scared Zyra most of all. "So is this it then?" she asked. "Is this us?" Kyzu looked simply looked at her. "Answer me," Zyra snapped. "I don't know. "Sure you do! You have to know." "Why should I know?" Zyra shrugged. "Because you're Chieftess." Kyzu snorted. "The Chieftess is in charge of the tribe's population, our nutrition, negotiations among neighboring tribes and the creation of rules as needed. I'm also a keeper of the laws made before me..." "And as lead huntress," Zyra interrupted. "I enforce your rules. If we were at war I would be your general." "But we're not at war," Kyzu scoffed. "This tribe hadn't been to war since we settled here. That's why we have stayed. This is the only place where the land is vast enough that three tribes could intermingle without stepping on each other's toes." She gave Zyra a dry look. "That being said, there is nothing in that description that says I should know." "You're also my elder sister," Zyra quipped. "Doesn't that mean anything to you? Isn't there some kind of...maternal instinct that..." "Would you like me to be more like our mother Zyra?" Kyzu asked scathingly. Zyra stopped. They rarely spoke about their mother. Even now, her loss cut like a blade. "I...I never said..." "I know you never said," Kyzu spat, placing the bowl away from her. She had reduced it to a pile of froth. "But when we were little. I know you were hoping that I would look after you. That I would make you feel safe. But I was too sick wasn't I?" "I wasn't your fault," Zyra said, trying to put a hand on her sister, but Kyzu turned from her. "No," Kyzu breathed. "I felt guilty nonetheless. Jealousy and guilt are two very difficult emotions to swallow Zyra." Zyra raised her hands up in surrender. "Well, it's not like I pried open your mouth and fed them to you. Are you always supposed to be the victim? It wasn't easy for me either. When you say these things I don't think you ever think of me." She could see the shock in Kyzu's face but instead of feeling crushing guilt she found it quite funny. "Kyzu, I want things to be better between us. I know we will never go back to the place we were and I'm glad. We were lying to one another. I was jealous of you and you were jealous of me. We were so wrapped up in pretenses that we believed it." She heard Kyzu briefly think "You were jealous of me?" in wonder, but knew this was a side thought. "I simply came to pay my respects to you," Zyra said lifting up. "And I wanted you to know that I will always be your general...even when we're at war with one another." "Zyra...wait." She turned back to her. "Yes?" Kyzu's mouth wriggled from side to side, then like magic it slowly straightened into a small grin. "While you were gone, I made you an outfit for the celebration." Zyra's eyes widened. "Honestly?" Kyzu's lips quivered into a wicked smile and she nodded. "Oh yes my pretty sister. It approaches and I know you care too much for this rotten tribe to allow yourself to be expelled. So I made you something that should allow you pick of even the most exclusive and choosiest of the men. Even your snarl won't keep them at bay." Zyra rolled her eyes. "I think it's disgusting that you have somehow managed to be caring and make me suffer simultaneously." "It's a gift." "A curse more like it. May I see it?" "I don't trust you with it. You'll try to shred it." "So you can see my intent?" "I wasn't made your sister yesterday." Zyra chuckled and shook her head as she left the tent. Somehow that went a lot better than she expected. Now to deal with the monokeros. She hurried off to Ginger's tent. Ginger was waiting for her with Gharla and Enui. As soon she was in sight the air was crushed out of her lungs. "HOW DARE YOU MAKE US WORRY!" Gharla shouted as she clung to her. "WE WAITED FOR WEEKS!" "...but, I was only gone for..." "SILENCE!" Zyra let out a rueful sigh and patted Gharla's back. "I missed you as well sister. Though I feel I must address your talkative lips." The hug slackened and Gharla pulled away looking rather guilty. "We both opened our mouths sister," Enui said stepping forth for her hug. Zyra hugged her, but it was simple and contained. "And what details did you spare them?" Zyra asked skeptically. "None." "Not even the basilisk? Or your rape?" "Certainly not, you saved us both times remember?" Zyra wasn't sure how to feel about that. She could feel a powerful headache coming on. In her head she had a list of things that needed dealing with. It only made her feel queasy. "So what damage did this do?" she asked, sitting on a log Ginger's camp. Ginger was squeezing berry juice into her cheeks and her lips. She was currently garbed in her best dress and her hair had been braided. Ashes lined her eyes and small fertility markings lined her forehead. She looked quite lovely. "Why do you assume we did damage?" Gharla asked curiously. "Imjah approached me today and asked for my forgiveness with the legacy." "You consider that damage?" "Imjah would not apologize to me if she had shot an arrow close to my heart. Whatever you said must have shaken her." "You are too kind to them," Enui said firmly."We did what was necessary. I hope you will understand that and do not interfere." Zyra's eyes narrowed as she took in Enui. She looked the same, but the girl was noticeably different. It made her wonder if her Enui was replaced by some magical spy. "Enui, what present did you give me for my coming of age ceremony?" Enui stared at her then gave her a bright smile. "A single white flower." Zyra sighed. "Forgive me I just feel..." "I understand," Enui said comfortingly. "We all do." "I don't," Gharla quipped. "Why did you ask..." "I'm ready!" Ginger stepped out, her hands containing a basket of food as well as a set of clothes they believed would fit the youth monokeros. "Where are you going?" Gharla asked suspiciously. "Into the forest," Zyra said grabbing Ginger's hand. "There's no time. Ask Rair if you want more details." "Ask Rell," Ginger said smirking. "He came to visit me and...he's inside." That caused Zyra to pause. She opened the flap of Ginger's tent and saw a bare-chested Rell sleeping soundly in her furs. That quickly? "Ginger...you didn't." Ginger simply smiled. "It's good to stretch before an important game Zyra. Surely you know that." Zyra shook her head. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 17 "You are incorrigible." Ginger simply giggled. They headed into the forest then, walking, and then running as Zyra's terrified thoughts began to get the better of her. What if the monokeros didn't listen to her? What if he wandered off and ended up in the village? Would he rape one of her sisters? What if Nima ran into him and saw a male member for the first time? What if she asked questions about it? Zyra wasn't ready for that. And Kyzu damn it all would tell Nima to "Ask her auntie" as soon as the question arose. "I can't keep up," Ginger panted. "I am a village girl you know!" "You better keep up!" Zyra snarled grabbing her hand. "Use your natural stamina!" Dragging her along, they made it to the stream and Zyra yanked open the tent flap. To her horror she found it empty. "Oh no," Zyra moaned. "No, no!" "What's wrong?" Ginger asked huffing. Zyra looked around furiously. "He couldn't have gotten far." Maybe she had some Nightlock still in her. If she could track him again... she heard a splash in the distance. Looking off in the direction, she saw a glistening figure swimming towards the shore. The monokeros. When he reached the shore his white hair was plastered to his face and his pale gaunt skin gave the impression that he had been a body that had longed drowned. It was only his animated eyes and movement that suggested otherwise. "There are no Selkies in your water?" he asked curiously. "None," Zyra said irritated. If only he knew how angry she was. Ginger stared blatantly at the monokeros' horn and looked at Zyra, her eyes serious. "Did I ever tell you how much I love you?" "Ginger, just stop it." "I really do mean it though. More and more each time." "I am hungry KeroZyra! Feed me." They looked at the monokeros and realized that they had been ignoring him. Ginger stepped forward with her basket of food, cooked meats, an unmashed roasted earth baby, and a few greens. She lay the basket before him and the monokeros looked at it strangely. "Go ahead," Ginger said warmly. He stared at her with undisguised suspicion as he frowned. "What is it?" "It's food," Zyra said sighing. "Are you or aren't you hungry?" "Are you the one who prepared it for me?" the monokeros asked Ginger. Ginger nodded. The Monokeros picked up the roasted earth baby and gave it a sniff. "Then...I will hold you personally responsible." "For what?" He didn't answer her. Instead he took a big bite of the vegetable. They watched his face squirm as he tried to resolve whether he liked or disliked the food. "It's tasteless," he finally said. "Add this," Ginger said eagerly, showing his the herbs that lay in the bottom of the basket. He pinched some in his fingers and Ginger guided him to sprinkle it on the inside. He took another bite less hesitantly and they could see that this time he did in fact enjoy it. "Good," he said nodding. He began to savagely tear into the basket in a way that turned Zyra's appetite. His hearty devouring seemed to have the opposite effect of Ginger. She smiled at him, her eyes glazing with dreams. Looking up she saw Zyra's face. "What? I like a man with a good appetite." "Ugh." "What?" Zyra rolled her eyes. "I'll leave you two alone to...work out your differences." She wrinkled her nose and picked up her spear. "Where are you going?" the monokeros said midbite, bits of food spraying out of his mouth. "To see Kail," she said frowning. "And don't talk while you're eating. It's considered rude in the human world." The monokeros tilted his head and she felt him communicating in her mind. "Why do you leave to see the ogre? Shouldn't you be finding your replacement?" "You're looking at her," Zyra snapped shaking her head. "And stay out of my mind!" Ginger watched Zyra stalk away and was suddenly aware that the monokeros had stopped eating. Instead he was staring at her with a gaze that rivaled dissection. "What is your name?" he asked finally. "Ginger," she said softly. He stared at her for a few minutes more his eyes wide. Then they narrowed. "You're lying," he accused. Ginger scoffed. "No I'm not. Ginger is my name." "But it wasn't always," he snapped. "What is your real name human?" Ginger's eyes widened and her heart palpitated. "How...how did you..." "Answer me." "Ginger is my name now," she said firmly. The monokeros shifted as he stared into her brown eyes. "I can see that you were young, that you remember almost nothing. Your human mother gave you most of her attributes but your father..." He held her chin firmly in his grasp before tilting her head up. She gasped as he laid a kiss on her neck. A warm tingling nuzzled at her breasts. She was aroused. "Your father also left his mark," he said plainly. "So sensitive." "What are you saying?" Ginger asked angrily pulling away from him. "How do you know my father? How did you know my mother changed my name before she abandoned me?" "It still surprises me how ignorant you humans can be," he said reaching back toward the basket of food. "Even after all of these years. You pick apart any difference you can see, but once the secret is beneath the surface it does not exist." "Stop talking in riddles," Ginger demanded, her hands beginning to shake. "Tell me! Tell me now or I'll call Zyra!" "You should call Zyra," the monokeros said coldly. "You are unsuitable. I want a human." "I am human!" "Half human," the monokeros corrected. "You should have noticed at the very least that your sex drive in usual for a female of your species." Gingers mouth dropped open. "No, I'm just..." "Obsessed with sex? Constantly aroused with no preference for males or females? Greedy?" the Monokeros suggested. "You have your father to thank." "Then what is the other half what?" Ginger whispered, cold dread filling her. "My father, what was he?" "A nymph." Tears began to fill in Ginger's eyes and she held herself as the shock tore through her. "You're lying," she whimpered. "You're lying!" "I am not lying, little Azmaria." Ginger's head snapped up the monokeros who had stood up to look down on her. "Yes I know your name, the name your father gave you before realizing you were more human than nymph. There's no need for tears human. You belong in the human world, and if this name, Ginger allows you solace, then so be it." Ginger wiped her tears and saw a golden wind wrap around her. It felt like a warm embrace. A sense of calm filled her and the panic left her. When she had settled down the monokeros started back for the tent. "Wait, where are you going?" Ginger asked. "I will await Zyra," he said firmly. "Go fetch her for me Ginger." Ginger stood up and walked toward the tent. She pulled the drape open and began to crawl towards him. He watched her passively. "Zyra has someone," Ginger said softly. "She doesn't want to..." "It doesn't matter what she wants." Ginger frowned and reached a hand out to touch his face. He caught it in his hand and glared at her. "I already said you were unsuitable." "You said I'm mostly human." "Mostly. If I wanted to fuck anything nymph, I would have done so already," he spat aggressively. His tone made Ginger recoil. "Now go. Before I lose my patience." With her heart burdened and lifted by the information, Ginger backed out of the tent and began to walk towards Kail's dwelling. The monokeros waited until she was out of sight. Then he pulled himself out of the tent. His keromedio was weak, too fresh to even tell if a person was fully human. It appeared that the only way to sate his lust would be to find a suitable female himself. Curiously he began to walk towards the village. __________________________________________________ Zyra bit her lip nervously as she neared Kail's dwelling. It was still light out, but Ginger had told her that pleasuring could be done then too. Her pulse raced at the prospect of what was to come. Ginger should be well into her seduction and she had already seen to her duties. The rest of the day and night, was theirs. She was about to knock on the door, but it opened before she had the chance. Kail stood at the door. His eyes were already alight with lust and he held a fur in his hands. "I've been waiting for you," he said raspily. A delicious tremor ran between her legs. "I can see that," she said offering a shy grin. "What are you planning?" He closed the door behind him, not allowing her to see into his hut. "I thought we'd take a swim," he rumbled, his face full of desire and mischief. Zyra noticed she felt a mixture of anxiousness and excitement. It was frightening, but also exhilarating. She had to remind herself that she wanted this. "I see," she mused. Kail chuckled, watching the expressions on her face. "Come on." He took her hand and she followed him rather timidly to the water's edge. When they reached there she was unsurprised when he began to strip immediately. His tunic went over his head in a fluid practiced movement. Kail's arms arched like a swimmer and she watched his muscles expand and contract with such force she wondered how such power was contained in a single figure. When his chest was visible he began to undo his britches, watching her with a bemused expression. He kicked the pants off casually, freeing his springing manhood to the open air and causing her eyes to flicker back to his. "Are you undressing?" he asked calmly. Right, she had to undress. Zyra was about to ask him to turn around when she noticed how intently he was staring at her. No, she couldn't ask him to. She had appreciated his body; fairness dictated that it was his turn. The urge to revert to her old ways was strong so she began ripping off her clothing before she could change her mind. Her boots, top, and were tossed against a tree in a manner of seconds. Zyra paused slightly, staring at the floor. She could feel his gaze on her. Attempting patience when impatience radiated off him like heat. Gulpin,g she quickly undid her wraps and tossed them to the floor. When her breasts hit the open air a sense of panic hit her and she stepped out of her underwear like it could bite her. She lunged forward in her nakedness to get into the water but she ran into Kail's arm. He pulled her in but he didn't press her against him like she was accustomed to. Instead he stood her in front of him, holding her firmly by her arms. His gold eyes darkened as he drank in the sight of her and she shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot. "Kail—" "Quiet," he breathed. "Please...let me look at you." She could practically feel the heat rising off of him and it made her mouth, among other things, water. Sighing she placed her hands on his arms and his grip lessened. Kail watched her nipples tighten under his gaze and his manhood began to throb. It lifted, straining with blood as he took in the woman that had tortured his dreams since he saw her. "Are we going to bathe?" Her question made him smirk. "If we must." "It was your idea," Zyra grumbled irately. Her face was flushed and her pulse was racing. "I am known to have stupid ideas," he hissed. He was no longer in a bathing mood. He wanted her. Now. "You seem to have lost your wits," Zyra said rolling her eyes. "Maybe a cool plunge will do you some good. You did have a plan remember?" "I have a revised plan with fewer steps." Zyra responded by giving him a hard shove. Laughing she ran towards the water and dove in before he was able to sit up. He watched her taunting bottom tread on top of the water and felt a primal urge to track her down. He squashed it best he could. This was her first time. He mustn't forget that. She was right, he could use a cool plunge, but first... Reaching into the fur he took the toy he had made for her and dove into the water. She was almost by the set of raised rocks. Her strong arms carried her to them rather quickly. She heard the splash that indicated he had joined her and felt her pussy clench in anticipation. Her pace consciously slowed and soon he caught up to her, grabbing her foot and pulling her under. She shrieked when she came up and he pulled her into his lap, his hot manhood nestled against her thighs. "Kail!" she sputtered. "You could have drowned me!" Despite the venom in her words her eyes betrayed her joking. "I think you're overreacting," Kail chuckled molding his hands around her round full butt. "Besides, I think you let me catch you." "Why would I do that?" Zyra challenged. She felt her back touch the rock and felt his feet find purchase underneath. Her legs settled around his waist. "You want this." He closed his eyes and took her mouth, starting the kiss with his tongue, stroking a decadent fire inside her. She returned the kiss as best as she could but Kail's lips made her gasp and whimper. His lips slipped down to her neck and he began to massage and mold her butt against his thigh, making her arch her pebbled nipples against his chest. He moaned, the sound thrilling her like a finger stroking at her clit. The cool water did nothing to shield her from Kail's heat as he lifted her up higher and took a breast in his mouth. She gasped and groaned, squirming against his thigh as he suckled her like a newborn. Taking her other breast in his hand, he twisting the nipple and rubbed it until it tightened in pleasure that bordered on pain. She cried out and shivered as he pulled his lips away. The moist nipple that his mouth had heated was struck by the chill of the water and the sensation made her yell. Smirking, he took the other nipple in his mouth. His tongue swirled around the outside of it as he sucked and she pressed harder against him. She could feel his manhood poking around and reached between her legs to hold it. His eyes flashed open and her grip faltered because of the savage look in his eye. Seeing the flash of fear he kissed her again, gentler and guided her hand back to his dick. "Sorry," he whispered. "Sorry. Please continue." Zyra took it, feeling it pulse in her hand. It was thick and considerably long. Thicker than Scallen's, of that she was sure. How would she ever get this inside of her? The thought of him thrusting savagely, filling her trembling pussy with his pulsing meat set her off. "Stop teasing me," she gasped, pulling his head away from hers. "Put something inside me." "What?" "Anything." Kail growled and his manhood twitched but she watched him fight against it. Instead he produced something she had not seen him hold. "I made this for you," he said showing her the object. She would have thought it a wooden phallus, but instead of thickness it was thin and long. The top however was thick and rounded like a man's penis. The piercing head could have matched Kail's. "It will help you adjust to my size quicker," he said darkly. "And I would like that very much." "How—" Kail plunge a finger inside her and he grit his teeth. She was so hot, so wet and ready. He added another and felt her tighten around him. Pressing his palm against her clit he began to grind it up inside of her. "Oh! ...k-Kail...mm" Zyra squeezed her legs around his arm mewling as it drove deeper within her. His pace increased and her breasts shook wildly as he moved her entire body against the rocking of his hand. She felt herself getting closer, closer. Kail's other hand was under the water working furiously as well. He was stroking himself? Seeing her gaze on him made him rock her harder and she gushed against his hand. She let out a moan and froze when she heard a distress voice shout, "ZYRA!" Ginger? Why was she here? The shock had made her loosen her grip on Kail and he was able to delve deeper into her. With one gesture he picked her up, his hand still between her legs, and moved her to the back of the rock. Hidden from Ginger's gaze he renewed his assault, focusing solely on her. "Zyra! I see your clothing I know you're here! There's a problem! The unicorn won't accept me!" "You're kidding," Zyra whispered harshly. Her arousal began to wane at the prospect of taking the monokeros inside her like Kail's finger. Kail could see he was losing her and lay on top of her. He nibbled at her nipples and added another finger inside of her wetness. His other hand pinched her clit and she was back with him, back inside the pleasure he was giving her. "ZYRA!" "I won't let you go," Kail growled. "Cum for me Zyra. I won't stop, even if she sees us." The thought of Ginger seeing her was an unexpected thrill. Breasts shaking, short of breath, and glistening wet with Kail pleasuring her. Ginger's adorable little tent foray would pale in comparison. "I know what you're thinking," Kail whispered roughly, trying his best to drive her over with his skill and his tone. "You want her to see you claim me. You want her to see you clenching around my cock screaming in ecstasy while she stands empty and jealous." "Don't say that," Zyra cried. "ZYRA?" "I'm going to fill you Zyra. Maybe I should take you now." "No..." "Take you so she can see me enter you. Take you so she can hear your cries." "Oh..." "ZYRA! DAMMIT SHOW YOURSELF!" "Show her Zyra. Show her your burst." His thumb clenched over her clit and she bit back a scream. Her orgasm splashed over her violently and she jerked like a fish out of water under his arm. Hot white desire pierced her vision and she wanted nothing more than to feel him inside her. Kail felt her quiver around him and when she went limp he flipped her over. She was still cumming when her face rested against the stone. Feeling something hard against her swollen leaking lips her eyes flickered open. A loud cry escaped her when she felt it penetrate her. Kail's penis was inside her. Her eyes began to tear as the pleasure and pain coursed through her but as the pain lessened she realize that it wasn't Kail, it was the toy. It didn't hurt much and for that she was grateful. It stretched much longer that the husks she had played with and she felt it hit against the luxurious spot the basilisk had touched. When it bottomed out he pulled it back and began to fuck her with it in a slow and steady pace. A few flecks of blood washed away with the water and he bit his lip. It should have been his penis. His mouth watered as he watched it enter her, knowing he would soon do the same. She splayed her legs open wantonly, her spread butt pressing back towards the penetrating tool. Glaring at her he gave the top of her butt a light nibble. She moaned and looked back at him. She was too aroused to be offended. He needed no dirty words to drive her over this time. His pace increased as Ginger shouted profanities and she gripped the rock. Zyra peered over and watched Ginger, knowing these dirty things were happening to her and the girl was oblivious. She came again, not bothering to hold back the sounds coming from her mouth. She heard Kail grunt and looked back to see him holding his cock. He placed it against her butt and pulled the toy from her. She felt him rub it against her soaked opening and shivered in anticipation. The real thing. "ZYRA!" It was a different voice. This one gave Kail pause. "Zyra are you here?" It was Rair. "The monokeros has taken siege of the village!" "WHAT?" Zyra shouted. FUCKTA! WHY? she wailed inwardly. Zyra looked back at Kail with a no nonsense glare, "Move." Reluctantly he pulled back and she dove into the water. "We'll finish this," he said, in an attempt to gain some kind of control, but she was already swimming strong and naked towards the shore. He didn't bother hiding. They had both seen him. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 17 Aroused beyond decency he punched the rock and watched a crevice splinter into creation. He was cursed. This village was cursed. Zyra herself was probably cursed. Sighing he began to stroke down his raging hard-on. If Zyra did not come to him tonight, he would find her. __________________________________________________ Rair had been watching the huntresses with disdain. Throughout the course of Zyra's absence they had succumbed to a radical change of heart. They sought Zyra out like roving animals, seeking just a whiff of her scent so they could allow the guilt that chewed at them to feed. Zyra was right to stay out of their path. Still, part of Rair was still shaken by the events that had occurred. To think that such things like basilisks existed beyond the fireside stories passed down from legend. It was unimaginable, but true. It was common knowledge that the legends held truth, but to see that truth uncoil before you? A different manner all together. Feeling the weightlessness of her floating body suspended by the monokero's magic had left an unnatural tingle in her bones. That tingle remained. It was probably all in her head at this point, but Rair could not help but feel unsettled. "What are you looking at?" She turned to see the fae like man step towards her. Out of respect for the village's normal customs he had resigned himself to stay towards the fringe of the village. Even so, he had been spotted at Ginger's tent several times. In the back of her mind she wondered if he was any good at sex. Rair was staring out at the forest. "Nothing yet," she responded passively. "Oh." The conversation died as quickly as it began. With nothing else to do Rell sat on a stump opposite of her. Despite the frozen stoic expression she carried he could see that she was quietly dealing with the revelations that had come too quickly for her to process. Her sisters rarely saw her emotions and so did not notice the slight lag in her step, or how she would stare off into space when she was troubled. "You know my first time in the valley..." he began quietly. He noticed she didn't turn to him, but he knew she was listening. "...it took me a while to understand...what I had actually experienced. There's a sense of loss, similar to the loss a child feels when it realizes it is no longer a child." He saw Rair stiffen and he angled his body towards her. "There is a lot more to the world than we are aware, even as we are now. It may seem like we have lost something, a blissful ignorance maybe, but...because of this loss..." He smiled at her and she took notice. The light pink curl of his lips was wet and soft. His blue eyes sparkled with joy. "...we have access to so much more." Rair frowned, her dark gaze clinging to his. "Is it worth it?" she asked softly. "Is it worth it to have access to this world?" Rell shrugged. "I wonder the same thing. The only answer I can give you is contingent on your love for Zyra." Rair raised an eyebrow, wondering if her loyalty was being challenged. "Explain," she said curtly. Rell smirked, seeing that his words were being misconstrued. His face became serious once more when he began to speak. "The Zyra you know now is different from the Zyra you knew before. The other huntresses will never understand her, just as those in your village who have never wandered past the tribe's edge will never understand her, or you as well for that matter. Only those who have been into the valley will ever know her like your "sisterly bond" dictates. You have been granted access to her, and all of the trust she had to offer you." The stunned expression on Rair's face was the first emotion he had seen since they arrived back to the village. "It's...it's what I wanted..." "What?" Rell asked, unable to hear her whisper. "I wanted to go so that I might understand the meaning of true loyalty," Rair said louder. "Now there is no doubt that I have achieved my goal." With that Rair stood and in a rare moment, she smiled. Rell's eyes widened at the sight of that small trusting smile that sprouted from Rair's lips. It held life and hope and it was filled with happiness despite its size. For a second, his heart fluttered. "Thank you." She left before he could say "You're welcome." It would have been a good moment had it not been sullied by the pierce of a scream. Rair ran to the source and saw the monokeros. He was using his magic to lift up the women of the village. Afraid to be ensnared she crouched down and ran to the forest. She had to find Zyra. __________________________________________________ Nima skipped innocently along the path. She enjoyed skipping because she was light on her feet. For the briefest of moments she felt suspended in flight like a little bird. Her birthday had passed and with it the festivities. She had gotten many lovely gifts, new tunics, a grass doll, shiny beads that her mother could sew into her clothing. The loveliest gift however had come from her mother and her auntie. Her auntie had carved her a wooden doll. Its form was close to hers and the wood was soft. With it came pieces of fur that she could cut and wrap to make into clothing. Nima was learning to sew, a few pieces she saved for her lessons. Finally, she would not need to replace her doll over and over as the wheat stuffing fell out of the careful binds. She had longed for this doll, and Zyra had carved it beautifully. As for her mother, she had woven the most beautiful flower headdress. Nima wished the flowers would not die and that she could keep it on forever. She tried to prolong it by lying it in the basin of water inside their tent. One day she imagined the headdress of feathers that would adorn her head. That was a long time from now though. The flowers suited her well enough. As she skipped she began to hear shouting. Curious she ran towards it. There was a golden swirl that stung her eyes. Her momentum carried her forward and she stuck her hands out, blindly flailing as her feet carried her forward. Nima walked and walked until she crashed into something soft and felt the legs. A person! "I can't see," she whined, burying her head into her thigh. "Sister I can't see." She felt a hand touch the top of her head and the glare began to abate. She rubbed at her watering eyes and forced them open. When she did she was shocked to see a milk colored man standing before her. Was it a spirit like Kail? "Who are you?" she asked curiously. The man didn't answer. Instead her eyes widened when she felt weightless. Floating up to his level she stared into his blue glowing eyes. He put an arm around her and began to carry her away. Despite this, she felt calm. In fact, she felt quite sleepy. Yawning she put her head on the man's shoulder and promptly fell asleep. Zyra ran through the forest faster than she ever had before. There was a spiteful part of her that longed to lag back and let her sisters have whatever fate was designed for them. She ignored it, telling herself that the monokeros would be too fickle to take those who she might have been impartial to. Rair had thankfully said nothing about Zyra's indiscretions. Her face had been as emotionless as ever, something she was very thankful for. Still, she couldn't muster up the reserve to feel shame. The only emotions she felt were exhilaration, lust, and...Irritation. Why the fuckta did the monokeros have to interrupt her every time? It was like the jealous bastard was watching her. Maybe he was. She flew into the center of the village and was immediately surrounded by the villagers whom she had pointedly been avoiding. "ZYRA!" "Oh thank the Maker!" "Oh sweet Zyra!" Sweet? Since when was she sweet?" "Zyra how we wronged you!" "Yes we were bitter fools!" "Yes you were," Zyra snapped over the chaos. "Now, where is the pale man?" It appeared they hadn't expected that reaction from her but nevertheless they responded. "The man of stars came and swirled us with his golden magic," Imjah said standing forward. "Whatever he was looking for he could not find. He glowed bright like the moon and when he dimmed he walked away." Zyra rubbed her temple. The monokeros would be the death of her. "Great. I suppose I should expla...." "Nima is missing!" Turning she saw Kyzu stumbling forward in a state of undress. "I cannot find her anywhere! She's been gone since the pale man left." Kyzu stared at her with a wild haunted quality in her eyes. Fear drenched her features and Zyra's heart felt like it had stopped. No, Nima was just a child. The monokeros wouldn't... With that Zyra closed her eyes and tried to harness her power. She had to drag the dregs deep from within her. The Nightlock was for the most part out of her system but she could feel globs of purple darkness, blood that had been tainted with flowers and Perkadu. She pushed, feeling the pain from doing this necessary action and began to run. Her senses took her towards the dwelling of the ogre. A thin vine sprouted from underneath her finger nail and she tore it off in disgust. She got a strong craving to fly but shook it as she ran. The sensations ran out halfway but she could see the destination in her mind. The pale head of the monokeros came into view, the brown clothing jutted out like a hideous deformity. As she ran closer she saw that Nima was in fact with the monokeros. She was asleep in his lap. A rage seized her that was too powerful to be her own. A guttural growl worked its way out of her throat, jerking Nima awake as she neared. The monokeros looked at her calmly. "This child. Has she ever..." He didn't get to finish as she pick up Nima and placed her to the side of him. Her hand closed over his throat and with unnatural strength she lifted him out of the air. "How dare you!" she boomed, slamming him into a tree. "How dare you even think to defile a child you sick evil..." She felt the gold tendrils try to push her back but she crushed the monokeros into the bark of the tree, refusing to budge until he died. The blue cool of his eyes began to show panic as he realized his powers weren't working on her. His hands tried to pry her away and he lifted himself up to speak. "...you're...scaring....her..." Zyra glanced over her shoulder and saw Nima shaking as she watched her with watery eyes. She could see what she looked like in the surface of her eyes. With a gasp she let the monokeros go. He fell to the ground wheezing, the bruised imprint of her hand darkening on his neck. She watched it pulse black then fade, and took a step back, horrified at what she had done. "Nima...I am so sorry," Zyra said softly to the trembling girl. She couldn't bare that, to have Nima look at her with fear. She could bare anything but that. Nima didn't respond to her, simply wiped at her eyes, brimming with tears. Her auntie, she had looked like...the rumors... "You misunderstand," the monokeros coughed as he sat up. "The child is too young to be chosen. I wished to examine her. She's been touched." "Touched?" Zyra breathed. "By who?" "What," the monokeros corrected. "She was touched by foul magic. Its trace never leaves you, even after the effects are gone." He gave Zyra an accusing look. "I was trying to find out why." Zyra fell to her knees, the overwhelming relief, guilt and griefs making her lose her balance. Nima wouldn't look straight at her. "Nima I'm sorry," Zyra said sniffing. "I...I was so scared. I thought he was going to hurt you and I..." "I forgive you," the monokeros said standing up with a grunt. He made a series of pop and he looked unscathed once again. "I forget that the human world is full of formalities. In the magical world my actions would not be questioned." He turned to Nima. "You do understand she came to save you yes?" Nima looked at him and after a minute, slowly nodded. "I understand." "Then you should forgive her." Nima looked over to her aunt. She didn't look scary or monstrous. She only looked depressed and sad. Nima forgot her fear stood up, walking over to Zyra. Slowly she closed her arms around her miserable aunt. "I forgive you," Nima mumbled. "I know you didn't mean to scare me. Please don't be sad." Zyra hugged her back, so grateful that Nima understood. "Thank you Nima. I won't be sad anymore." Wiping her eyes she stood and gave Nima one last squeeze. Then she looked back to the monokeros. "What were you doing in the village?" "I was trying to find someone suitable. You seemed otherwise occupied." She didn't want to know what he meant by that or how he knew that. "And what did you find?" "Nothing," he said drowsily. "None are suitable. This child interested me because well...she's alive, which is curious." "Why is that curious?" Zyra said numbly. "I was given the antidote by the witches in exchange for my life. Of course she should be alive." "Still," the monokeros said staring at Nima. "She was touched by an aural of death." "An aural?" Nima asked. He looked at Zyra who nodded that he should go ahead. "It is an old form of dark magic sent forth to strike fear into the hearts of an enemy. Or to send reminder why revolt or war is unwise. It was most commonly used to make someone an example during the Purge. Against hu..." the monokeros looked at Nima's innocent face and coughed. "Against our enemies," he finished. "What ene..." "Nima," Zyra interrupted. "I think you should go back to the village now okay?" Nima looked as though she wished to disobey but she nodded and proceeded to skip back. "Go straight to your mother you hear?" she said loudly. "I will!" "You trust her to go back by herself?" the monokeros asked curiously. She did, though she wished she didn't. Unfortunately this situation was more impertinent. Nima was known for wandering the forest. Something she and Kyzu were well aware of. The arrival of the monokeros was the only thing that had triggered that panic. "My sister told us that before Nima became sick she saw a strange orb floating above her. Then it disappeared." "It was the aural," the monokeros said firmly. "What surprises me is that a random child in your village was targeted. Have any of you aroused the anger of a necromancer or a dark wizard?" "No!" Zyra protested. "We had never stepped foot on magical land until Nima's sickness." "I see," the monokeros said firmly. "I wish I could tell you more." "Why can't you?" "My powers of prophecy are limited to my departure," he explained. "I cannot give you the message until I intend to return to my true form. I cannot do this until my needs have been met." His face took on a serious appearance and he walked up to her. Zyra gulped as he stood inches away from her, his light blue gaze making her feel cold and foreign. "You do know you are the only one now, right KeroZyra?" His hand tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and she flinched from his touch. "You may detest me now," he said softly, "But I will not harm you, nor take from you more than is owed to me." "Owed?" Zyra scoffed. "We had a bargain, did we not?" Her lips thinned. "Tomorrow. Not a second before than." "What time?" "Mid-morning. I'll meet you in your tent by the stream. Are you hungry?" "No." "Good." She turned from him and stalked towards the forest. The sun was low in the sky. Night would fall soon enough. "Where are you going?" the monokeros shouted. She didn't slow her stride. "Do not go back into the village." Then she began to run, her heart pounding in her ears, blood coursing through her veins. The moment was now. No more hesitation, no more waiting. Now. __________________________________________________ Kail had been straightening up his dwelling the best he could. He had cleared it of clutter, gathered flowers and woven them in the ceiling. Back in his days of courting he had found that the women liked such things. It was romantic, something that they could stare at when the sight of their lover was too much for them. When darkness fell he began to get anxious. The center of the floor was piled with furs of different shapes and sizes, all soft and warm. Patience had never been one of his virtues. A darker part of him wondered why he had relented his taking of her that night when she had lain prone before him. The memory of the haunted abused look in her face dissuaded such thoughts. Things were different now. She was comfortable with him, something he thought he'd never see. The curl of her fingers on his skin, the arch of her back as he gave her pleasure, it was enough to set him hard again. Knowing what she was going through, the responsibilities she was being forced to endure, would he really make her leave them all behind? Was it because she needed to, or was it because he wanted her too? His thoughts were interrupted when he heard rough knocks on the door. His mood soured. Zyra had never knocked so brashly. It was probably a messenger coming to inform him that she would not be coming. The knocking continued and he cursed underneath his breath. Best to deal with reality now. He stood up and crossed his threshold and unlatched the door. As soon as it opened it was pushed wide and a feral looking Zyra pressed towards him. "Zyra!" he said shocked, delighted, and astonished all at the same time. She pushed the door closed with her foot and before he could speak threw herself at him. "Take me. Now!" she demanded, stripping him of his shirt with such savagery he was sure one of her nails had left him with a cut. "Wait...wait," Kail said trying to still the squirming minx. "What are you...?" "I want you," she mewed huskily, running a hand through his auburn curls. "You can have me," he said gruffly, carefully clearing his throat. Please don't be a delightful dream. "But take your time," he suggested. "...we have all the time in..." "We don't," she protested. Pulling away from him she shucked her shirt off and threw it away. The rest of her clothing followed suit until she stood as naked as the day she was born. She didn't allow him time to stare as she pressed herself against him once more. Her hardened nipples poked at his chest and he hissed. Gripping her arms with an intent to find out what was wrong, he felt his valor falter when her fingers stated to wrestle at his britches. He froze with tension. "Will you tell me why you're in such a hurry?" he gritted out. "We'll be interrupted again," she breathed, smacking kisses down his neck. He was frozen, unresponsive to her attempts to arouse him. She felt silly and unattractive until she noticed the tenting in his britches. He had locked his thighs together. Try as she may she could not rid him of his pants. She'd cut them off if she had to. "Zyra stop." "I never thought I'd hear those words coming from you," she chuckled. "Zyra I'm serious." "No." "Stop...stop." With a might heave he lifted her up and placed her on the furs. He followed down with her, pressing her arms above her head. His golden eyes struggled to maintain her gaze. Zyra's succulent peaked nipples on her full breasts tempted his primitive senses. How he could taste... No. He had to focus. Her gaze, focus on her gaze. "Don't do this," she whispered desperately. "Don't stop me." "You're not in the right mind," he rumbled gruffly. "What's wrong?" "We'll be interrupted," she whined. "Then I'll wait until I can take you properly," Kail said, screaming loudly on the inside. "No!" she shouted, struggling against him. "It has to be tonight!" Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 17 Her nude twisting body was too much. "Why?" "It has to be!" "Why?" "Because...I failed..." A desperate look filled her features and his stomach twisted in knots. "So...you and the monokeros..." "Tomorrow." Her green eyes locked onto his with a focus he could not hope to break free from. "Kail," she said. "You're the first man I have ever desired. The first man that gave me this thing that I call desire. I don't want to give my virginity up to the monokeros. I need you to take me first." Kail's grip on her hands loosened and his eyelashes hooded his golden stare as it travelled over the length of her body. His right hand trailed down, caressing the whole of her breast. "Do you trust me?" he asked gently. "Yes," she breathed, completely relaxing for a man, for the first time in her life. "Do you want this?" He knew now it wasn't enough to shimmer gold. A woman was more than her body, she was her mind and her soul. He could never hope to truly have Zyra if she wanted it otherwise. He knew that now. "Yes," Zyra panted, anxiousness and anticipation burning through her. Kail's eyes filled with lust and he traced her lips with a finger. "Do you want me?" "Yes Kail. Yes" The kiss he gave her then should have scared her. She felt the clash of fangs and teeth, tongues and lips in a frenzy of animalistic passion. She forgot herself. His kiss upended her. When she found herself on top of him she wasn't surprised, nor did she really care. His lips didn't relent as he trailed his hands down her back, smoothing the path down to the curve of her backside, gripping it and massaging it with the strength of his hands. The hard firm planes of his body made her feel like soft mush and she melted, cooing breathily in incoherent sentences that all translated to the singular greedy thought, "More...More!" But they were both greedy. Kail grabbed her butt and lifted her up his body. The heat of his skin drew a gasp from her and he positioned her breasts in front of his face. Kail's long tongue slid in between the nipples of her breasts, making their pleasure one as she struggled to keep balance above him. She felt a finger probing her from beneath and she spread her legs to allow it access. Zyra heard and felt the low rumble of Kail's growl as he tested just how wet he had made her. Her breath quickened as he played just beyond her clit and her opening, fingering her lips with a light feathery touch. It was infuriating. She jutted her hips backwards to force his hand closer but he evaded her, driving her fury higher and higher. Her mouth opened to curse him when his finger dove inside her and she let out a wail, his thumb clamping down on her throbbing pink clit. She was too delicious, Kail thought ruefully, and much too easy to read. Kail moved about grinding the hand into her pleasure. She humped at it, unable to feel shame as her pleasure rose higher and higher. She felt his teeth close gently around her nipple and she tensed. His tongue licked and sucked with vigor. He pulled it towards him before releasing it, the jiggling breast radiating with pleasure. Zyra gasped as he treated the other one with equal care. Another finger was added to the sweet torture, and she desperately ground her sopping throbbing groin against his hand. Without warning she fell over, screaming as her arms grew weak and she fell on top of him. The sweet shrieks of her pleasure bounced back and forth in succinct chops like a broken echo. When she quieted he rolled on top of her, resting her in the center of the furs. She watched with nervous eyes as he undid the straps of his pants and pulled them off of his broad thighs. Zyra shivered as the smooth green limbs came into view. He was build like a warrior, or a War Chief, strong and full of the muscle that could only be gotten through sweat and labor. The tool that lay between his legs was a mockery to that labor. He wasn't built for work, just sex. Was Kail so blessed as to be able to work and play in a never ceasing circle? Veins pulsed in his manhood and the thick long appendage pointed at her, as though blaming her for its furious state. The pink head shone with his pre-cum. Kail kept his body open, allowing her eyes to roam over him for anything that alarmed her. He watched her take him in with a sense of pride. He could see she liked what she saw. Apprehension marred her face as she stared at his cock. "Here," he said directing her hand to his manhood. "Feel it. Tell me when you're comfortable." She touched it again; surprised by how different it had felt underwater and how different it had felt when she had been forced against that tree. It was definitely bigger than Rell's. Shorter than Scallen's, but thicker. Zyra ran a thumb along the head and Kail let out a moan. She paused then did it again, rubbing her rub in circles along the head of his cock. She did this for a few minutes, going so far as to finger the strange sacks that lay underneath his shaft and lowered her face for a closer inspection. "I would love to teach you how to make me cum that way," Kail stated raspily. "But I fear you might unman me. Are you comfortable yet Zyra?" Zyra nodded, tension filling her. This was it. She lay back on the furs and closed her eyes. Zyra felt Kail shift above her. The ache in her pussy had intensified and it resounded deep inside her. It begged to be touched in a place only a man could reach. Kyzu's words tried to play inside the moments of her doubt but she tried her best to fight it off. It was normal to be nervous. She wouldn't run from this. She wanted this. She wasn't scared. She wasn't. "Zyra..." Her eyes shot open and she saw Kail perched above her. His locked shoulders resembled corded rope. "Zyra, it's okay to be scared." She frowned. "How did you..." Kail smirked wolfishly. "The colors remember?" Zyra snickered. "Right. Well tell me, what colors am I now?" "Gold. Most obviously," he said smiling as he gently parted her legs. "There's maroon, it a darker kind of red. This red is passion and it blazes within the gold like the heart of a fire." "Tell me more," Zyra whispered as he placed himself between her legs. "You're a little frightened. Speckles of gray that line the maroon like ash..." he kissed her breast and placed a hand beside her head. His other hand bent her knees. "And?" "And the center of the maroon is like a rainbow of colors. There's blues, yellows, greens, you're anxious, eager, excited, agitated, the list goes one. But there is one color that truly excites me." The look he gave her calmed her raging heart. It was a kind of fondness that she had never quite seen before. He was like a gentle storm, strong and renewing. She felt a lightness in her chest and her worries went away. "What?" she asked. "Pink," Kail said smiling. He pressed his face into her shoulder. "I do believe you're beginning to love me Zyra." He kissed her, and then with one motion he entered her. His distraction had caused her to relax and with one powerful thrust he filled her to the hilt. The pain had been so unexpected and unwelcome that she had begun to scream and fight him. Tears filled her eyes and dribbled over onto her cheeks as she looked at him like a wounded animal. "Shh," he cooed, stroking her hair. "It's better in one go. The pain will pass. I promise you, the pain will pass." He stroked gently at her clit and stayed extremely still as she tried to become accustom to the massive girth that filled her. When she was no longer full of justified anger she relaxed a bit more. It occurred to her that he was inside her. She, Zyra, Leader of the Huntresses, Sister of the Rovians, Keromedio to the human lands that bordered the Valley of the Marble Tree had a man inside of her. Curiosity got the better of her and she leaned up to see where they were joined, but Kail pressed her back down. "You can see yourself later," he said, hiding a grin. "Right now you'll just injure yourself." He gave her a quick smack on the lips and kissed her ear. "Besides...shouldn't I be fucking your pussy by now?" The thought made her clench down around him. The pain wasn't as bad as before, and she was shocked to feel something beyond the feeling of being full. There was something that could be achieved, something she longed for. The strongest of her orgasms. She didn't need to tell Kail that she was ready for more. It wasn't his first time deflowering a maiden and the colors that swirled around her were a great aid as well. Slowly he pulled out from her, grunting from the restraint. She was so tight, too tight to have miraculously fit him, yet she did. With very little blood she fit him perfectly. Kail moved an inch out and in, then two inches, then three until he build up a reputable pace. The feeling of his hot thighs meeting with hers began to send tingles up her spine. For every gasp she let out, Kail let out a moan or a grunt that reminded her that he was as affected as she was. Her throat became dry, and then it began to water as the feelings became better and better. Moving inside her was becoming easier. He could see the crazed lusty expression on her face and her pussy began to weep enough to lend music to their union. The sloppy slap of his body crashing into hers was driving her insane and she desperately wanted him to hit the place that would make this experience monumental. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and held onto him as he continued his pace. "Kail," she panted. "You're not...doing it right..." "Excuse me?" he growled, the words barely discernible. "That's not the place," she gasped. "Not there. Deeper, lower." "Here?" "No..." "Here." "Ye—OH...oh...oh MY...!" Zyra cried out to the Maker as the sweet button the basilisk had only toyed with was now being pounded into oblivion by a lusty ogre. She wrapped her legs around his waist and arched as the sensation grew hotter and more violent. Zyra was sure she was about to fall over but was repeatedly tricked over and over by her senses as the pleasure climbed, so high she was afraid of it never stopping. Could you die from pleasure? She forgot where his body ended and her body began as he lost his decorum and thrust inside of her like a wild beast. Kail's senses were on overload and his vision began to blur as the feel of her, the smell, scraped the barrel of his baser instincts. She was intoxicating, a drug that had no antidote. The soft feel of her skin, the screams that he had caused vibrating against his chest. It was more than he had ever imagined. "Kail!" she wailed dragging her finger nails along his back. She bounced against the furs, the hairs sticking to her moist back. "I'm..." What was she doing? Exploding, dying, bursting from ecstasy and leaving nothing behind but a fist full of duties and her screams? Her sentence was never finished as she watched Kail's jaw unhinge as he let out a colossal roar that shook the entire room. A vase fell off the shelf and shattered by the door, his glittering fangs and slitted golden eyes made him look like he was going to rip her apart. Her heart skipped a beat in fear but she joined him with a scream of her own as he drove her over with him. Halfway though her orgasm she could scream no more, just writhe silently as her body forced her to endure the pleasure. Kail pressed his head to the floor and continued to thrust, emptying himself inside of her, refusing to relent even as he went soft. When her orgasm ended Zyra fell limply to the floor. She couldn't move. Fuckta. Kail pulled out of her gingerly and tossed himself to the side of her. He was soaked and breathed heavily as though he had run for miles in the rain. She too was catching her breath. He glanced at her in between breaths. "Sorry about the roar," he apologized. "It's been a while." She nodded. Not able to form words quite yet. As their chests heaved Zyra thought about how funny it was that two creatures with such monstrous stamina could be huffing and puffing after one round of sex. She began to laugh, the sensation bring life back into her sore body. Kail snickered and then joined her and they laughed at each other, facing each other unashamed. When they stopped Kail pulled her into him. He laid her on his chest and draped a fur over their bodies. He placed a kiss on her forehead and she relaxed against him, feeling peaceful and content. "Are you alright?" "Fine, just wondering," she said flashing him a smile. "Wondering about what? Me? Or how you're going to get up tomorrow for the monokeros?" Zyra let out a yawn. "Both." She could feel herself drifting away in the strength of Kail's arms. It was a nice feeling to feel held and adored. For once, since she had entered this crazy life of magic and danger she wasn't unhappy to find herself falling asleep in an unknown place. For once, she welcomed the unknown. ________________________________________ *NOTES: WOOT! Suffering suckatash that was crazy. I think this was a good place to stop. Can you imagine if I had stopped when she went into the forest to visit Kail? It would have been overkill and even I know that. Anyway just wanted to say THANK YOU for the shoutouts and support from those of you that spoke to me about Sandy. It really meant a lot to me to know that you don't just see me as a computer face popping out chapters like a pregnant lady. \O_O/ Thanks for seeing me as a person with issues similar to yours and caring. That means the world tear tear. So I will try my best not to let you down.^^ So on that note, Check out my happy Holiday contest entry "Christmas in Eden" (I hear it's hilarious and slightly bawdy.) And as always, the Troll Queen demands tribute in the form of COMMENTS. 5...I need AT LEAST 5 comments to be happy. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Merrily, -Stubborn Dreamer Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 18 Chapter 18: Falling Apart- Part 1 "Mm..." Zyra felt warm and comfortable. With an out of body detachment she noted that she was naked. She didn't panic as she might have done in the past. Her mind was hazy but the arms around her, the smell of forest, and the warmth she felt were unmistakable. She opened her eyes slowly half expecting him to be looking back at her. He wasn't. His sleeping face was so beautiful. It was odd really how relaxing his face had taken away all of his maturity. There was an innocence about him that made her heart melt. He breathed hot breath on her face and his arms tightened around her. Her body pressed against his and she blushed. That wasn't the only thing that was attempting to melt. She rubbed her thighs together. Zyra was sore, but it was nothing that lay over unbearable. In fact, she found she rather liked the feeling. It reminded her of the night they had shared. The fullness that had becomes hers, the comfort of giving in to seemingly selfish desires. She held in a sigh, not wishing to wake the ogre. Unfortunately duty called. She placed her hands gingerly on Kail's chest and slid down past the opening of his arms. Quietly she slipped from under the fur and carefully began to dress herself. She watched his face as she did this, wondering and almost wishing he would wake up and stop her. The monokeros would be waiting for her. Zyra didn't want to think of the battle that might ensue should he come to retrieve her in her current state. Frowning she turned to herself and quickened her dressing pace. When she was fully dressed she looked back at Kail. Desire and a fondness for him caused her to creep to his side. In a crouch she studied the quelled beast beneath her. That was what he was after all. He was a male beast, any notions that he had been a man were washed from her mind after the roar he had made the previous night. In fact she could see the broken shards of the vase he had unintentionally destroyed. Even so, she didn't really mind at all. He was man enough for her. Smirking she leaned over him and pressed a chaste kiss against his lips. Standing, she headed towards the door. Zyra let out a startled yelp when she felt her foot catch on something. Turning she saw it was a clawed green hand. Kail's red rumpled head lifted up, his eyes drunkenly taking her in. "Good morning," he rumbled. Her heart began to race as she took him in. She swallowed. Why did she suddenly feel so nervous? His mouth crooked into a smile and his hand gently stroked her leg. "Gone so soon?" "I didn't mean to wake you," she said softly. His golden eyes swept over her like a cool breeze. He sat up and released her leg. The fur pooled to his waist, his chiseled chest stirring her thoughts once again. "Come back," he said gently. "Please." Zyra tried to resist the smile that threatened to blossom on her face and crossed her arms. "If I go back how will I be able to get away from you when you fall asleep?" "I'm shocked you got away at all," he mused with a chuckle. "It really was a long time for me. You turned me into mush." Zyra was unable to escape the grin that lit up her face. "Well, I'm not surprised. You weren't that hard to begin with," she chided coyly. "Really?" Kail rasped, his eyes betraying his carnal desires. "Would you like to test that theory?" Zyra looked at him in all of his gorgeously naked glory and her insides twitched. She wanted to go back to him. But there was more than that, more than the twitch. Zyra wanted to feel him holding her, cradling her like nothing else in the world mattered. Like she was precious and beautiful, and she was his to protect. What an odd feeling. Kail couldn't protect her anymore than he could protect himself. "I have to go," she said dismissively. She stared down at her feet, ignoring the press of his eyes against her. "Stay," he urged her. "For a moment longer." Shafts of sunlight caught the black threads of her eyelashes, dusting over her nose and sprinkling its remains on her full soft lips. Shyla she was beautiful. She stroked her hair behind her ear and shook her head. "I can't have sex right now if I am to fulfill my duty." She wrinkled her nose. "In fact I need to bathe." "We don't have to have sex," Kail said rolling his eyes. Her eyes widened. "We...don't?" "Later," he said with a promising smile. "What do you say Zyra?" She looked to the door with a twinge of guilt. Then she looked back at him and made up her mind. Pulling off her boots she allowed him to pull her into his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. He kissed her then, with a longing hunger that she understood all too well. He rolled on top of her as she clung to him desperately. She never wanted this moment to end. His kissed her neck and caressed her back. Kail's arms wrapped around her waist and he simply held her in silence. She wondered. If she didn't speak a word, would they ever break the silence? Zyra closed her eyes and lay on his chest. His heart beat was steady and strong under her ear. What foolish thoughts, of course she would break the silence. "Kail?" "Yes Zyra?" She tightened her grip around him. "I changed my mind. I want you. Now." He let out a long sigh and pulled her pants down. "I'm glad you asked." __________________________________________________ Ginger snuck towards the streams edge as quietly as she could. She wasn't stealthy or very athletic. In fact, she rarely went out so far into the forest without being accompanied by a huntress of some kind. Thinking back, maybe she never had. It didn't matter though, what did matter was her mission. Zyra her sister in everything but blood needed her help. Ginger had always tried to help Zyra but her help had been minute compared to the feats Zyra had performed in her stead. A dress or a necklace mattered little. Here though she could make a difference. It reminded her that no heroine was without their faults and weaknesses. Her parentage had blessed or cursed her with a power Zyra had yet to harness. It was this she full intended to release upon the monokeros. Crawling on her knees she reached the front of the brown tent. Taking a deep breath she slowly pulled the flaps apart. There he was, curled under the furs. His face looked peaceful. Ginger smirked and slipped inside. Sealing the tent back behind her she gently slid underneath the bottom of the fur. As she suspected the monokeros had pulled off his clothing. Ginger saw the large phallus laying limply against his pale milky thigh and her mouth watered. Good. Grasping it she began to stroke it up and down, slowly, methodically. It pulsed and the monokeros stirred. She added her other hand to cradle his balls and she felt him jerk. A second later the fur was thrown off. Staring at her with disorientation, then rage the monokeros began to glow gold. "What are you—" At that precise moment Ginger put the head of the monokeros' horn into her mouth. He let out a gasp and the gold dulled like a blown out flame. The head was much bigger than Ginger was used to but she forced her mouth over it. She began to salivate and shiver, her nipples tightening as she imagined the horn inside her. The extra lubricant allowed her to place most of it in her mouth. Using her talents, she eased him into her throat and began to bob up and down on him, her lips squeezing tightly around his cock. The monokeros yelped, gasped, and whimpered as the new unfamiliar sensations took hold of him. He couldn't speak as Ginger held his horn, his one weakness. Even if that hadn't been his weakness he doubted he would have been able to speak a word. There were no words in his tongue, nor letters learned that could create something to describe this sinful or, heavenly mixture of pleasure to the point of pain. When Ginger felt him pulse she knew he was ready to blow his load. Pulling off of him she stroked him tightly while she caught her breath. "...accept me dearest monokeros," she said breathily. "Allow me to sate your desires." "No," he gritted out stiffly. "You are not fit!" He glared at her, but the attempt was short lived when she began to resume her play with his balls. He let his head drop back, sighing in sweet agony. "I am human," Ginger said firmly. "Whether you believe that or not. I am worthy." "...lies..." he gasped. "...re...release...me." He was about to blow. Just when she was about to brink him to completion she released his cock. The monokeros knew he had given her the order to release him, but he couldn't understand the crushing disappointment that suddenly filled him. His heart beat against his chest and he turned to look at the brown hair minx when she resumed her stroking. He leaned back on his elbows and glared at her as she looked defiantly back at him. He chuckled, realizing that he was ensnared in a game. "What is it you hope to achieve Azmaria?" he asked, feigning calm. "Ginger," she snapped. "My name is Ginger." "Ginger," he corrected. "What do you want?" "I want you to leave Zyra's innocence alone," Ginger said firmly. "You have no right to ask that of me," he spat viciously. Frowning she squeezed his cock a tad too hard for his liking. It was hard like stone, he could barely bear it. "I would like you to take some of that timbre out of your voice," Ginger said politely. "Since it appears we're at a stalemate I would ask that you treat me as your equal adversary." "You are no adversary," the monokeros snarled. The disrespect of being compared to a human female outweighed his arousal and the gold shimmer around him began to glow again. "You are nothing! Your feeble, human body could be crushed with a single word if I so wished it. You have noth...." He shrieked when she began to suckled his balls, popping the sacks out wetly as she rubbed the head of his horn with her thumbs. So he was a balls boy? She felt him tremble underneath her and could feel herself growing wet. Sighing, she tossed off her shirt, her rosy nipples tightening even more in the air. The monokeros' eyebrows furrowed as he took in her naked breasts. Before he had time to speak she resumed her mission. Licking to and from his sacks as she stroked his shaft up and down with her hand. Then she straddled him from behind. Her bottom waved seductively into the monokeros' face and he sniffed the air. The smell of her arousal was quite inciting. Taking her breasts, Ginger rubbed her nipples along the monokero's groin and listened to his wanton moans. Rocking her aching pussy against him she cupped her breasts together and began rubbing them on each side of his horn. Then she sucked and licked the head. It took ten seconds at most for him to cum. He let out a tortured yell as he felt his body light on fire. He had never felt something like this before. He clawed at the ground as he felt his human horn spurt out seed, Ginger still sucking it. She held his bucking hips tightly with her arms and waited for him to empty himself before she moved. Wiping the back of her mouth with her hand she turned back to him. He lay panting on the ground, staring at her with confused, annoyed, but sated eyes. "Ugh...what did you do to me?" "It's called an orgasm," she said brightly. "It's the pleasure one has while having sex." "I have had centuries of sex," the monokeros growled. "I have never split seed in such a violent manner." "Violent," Ginger agreed. "But unpleasant? No." She grinned at him and shook her head. "You adored it. I can tell, and I can make it happen over and over again." The monokeros' eyes widened as he imagined that sensation repeated. To Ginger's surprise the deflated penis began to once again point weakly skyward. "I know you desire me," Ginger said plainly. "Well, at least you desire what I can do." Leaning over him the monokeros watched her suspiciously as she placed a kiss on his lips and stroked a hand caringly through his hair. "You know I really do like you," she said grinning. "You're very attractive, and your cock well...at that size it couldn't call to me more if it had lips." She kissed him again and he groaned, his face still scrunched in protest. "Zyra can give me an orgasm," he said firmly. "Zyra will attend to me." "Zyra can't," Ginger snapped, suddenly serious. "You know she is a virgin. She knows nothing about the arts of pleasuring. She is beautiful yes, but as far as sex that is all. Zyra doesn't know how to make you feel like I can..." She rubbed her leg against his groin and he hissed. "I know all kinds of tricks," she boasted proudly. "Zyra is mine," the monokeros huffed angrily. "You will not take her away from me! Even if you seduce me, even if you take me now I will still have rights to her body." Ginger looked long and hard before to his surprise she gave him a smack. He touched his stinging cheek and stared up at her. "How dare you..." "You were misbehaving," Ginger said crassly. "Be glad I didn't spank you." "Are you mad?" "You're still a boy," Ginger said rolling her eyes. "No matter how old you claim to be you still think like a boy. You need to be made into a man." "Zyra will make me into a man." "Zyra doesn't want you," Ginger snapped. "Get this through your thick skull. No matter what you think you own, no man can force a woman to accept him." "I don't have to force her," the monokeros said sitting up. Ginger slipped down on his waist, her clothed groin touching his free one. She could feel his heat and he could feel the wetness of her soaked panties. He struggled for thoughts. "W-We made a deal. And she is keromedio. She is bound..." "Do you care about her?" Ginger asked him. "At all. Do you care about her?" "Of course I do," he declared, stunned at her audacity. "She is my keromedio! How could I not..." "Zyra wishes to give herself to another." Ginger began to grin as she thought of Zyra's physical happiness, Zyra's freedom from the bonds of a virgin goddess. It was fine time that Zyra got down and dirty with the rest of them. "If you take her," Ginger said seriously. "She will not like it. It will be like making love to a dead person. She won't respond, she won't do anything but lie there. That is her only duty. She has no duty to love you or make you feel good. If you take her...she will resent you, possibly for the rest of her life." The monokeros fell silent as he thought of what the human had said. He had caught a glimpse of her sadness and desperation when she had agreed to meet him. Yet, could he not make it go away? Was he not a magical being of colossal power? "I can please her," he said. "I can satisfy her." "She doesn't want you to satisfy her." "Then who?" the monokeros shouted exasperatedly. "The replacement keromedio? The ogre?" "Yes," Ginger said nodding. "The ogre." The monokero's eyes widened. "Impossible. They're...they're not even the same species." "Love has no limits," Ginger said sighing dreamily. "They can have no children!" "Love is to be free like the heart of a child." "There won't be any children!" Ginger chuckled and ruffled his hair. She lay on top of him and he frowned. "Will you leave her be?" Ginger pleaded. "For her sake as much as your own?" The monokeros growled and laid back. "What good is a keromedio if she cannot follow direct orders from her master?" Ginger smirked. He could protest as much as he wanted but she knew that for all his gusto he had relented. Zyra was safe. He was silent, unsure of how to proceed. It reminded her of Rell's first time. Oh the favors she had done the women of the world, training these men how to truly treat a woman. She could only hope it would come back to her someday. "Now," she said smiling. She traced her hands on his chest. "While I did give you a nice lesson on love, I never said a thing about lust." "Lust?" he said sardonically. "The water dripping between your folds?" "A sign of lust," she answered grinning. "Like the poke of your erect penis. Come on, let me please you." "I'm fine." "Are you being cranky?" "I said I'm fine!" "I'll do whatever you want. I'll even pretend to be your keromedio if that turns you on." He raised an eyebrow. "What?" "Tell me what to do master," Ginger hummed lustily. "Make me feel good." The monokeros tilted his head in wonder. "Even though we are of different species...you still desire me?" "Yes," Ginger said. "And it has nothing to do with me being part nymph." He wrinkled his nose curiously. "You find me...attractive?" "Very." "Why? How?" "I think you have beautiful eyes. Your skin is a pretty color, and your face is adorable." The monokeros shrugged trying to keep the emerging smirk off his face. Cockiness won. "I see," he said raising an eyebrow. "Then... I suppose there's nothing that must be done. Your lust for me is too strong for your own good, and I am unable to consummate with my keromedio." He eyed her authoritatively. "Strip down Ginger. I want to see all of you." Giggling, Ginger took her clothing off and sat in front of him. Carefully, slowly, the monokeros reached out and brushed her skin with his fingertips. She arched at his feathery touch. Sliding down her body he tilted his head, caressing the beauty of her womanly lines. She wasn't gorgeous, but she carried a dignified beauty that was all her own. It was simple and surprisingly, he liked that, prefered that even. He touched her a few more times before looking up at her desire filled eyes. "Tell me what to do," he whispered. Ginger smiled. "Mm...Yes master." __________________________________________________ About an hour after another fervent session of lovemaking, Kail was helping Zyra put her clothing back on. She noticed with a hidden giddiness that he seemed content to remain as bare as a babe. Ugh, he was such a rogue. She sat on his lap as he laced up the leather binds on one of her hunting boots. His warm chest braced against her and she let out a sigh. It hurt less that time, was more urgent than they'd have both liked, but it still sated them. For now that was. "Kail," Zyra mumbled. "I...have to go see to the monokeros." He said nothing, only finished her boot and patted her leg when it was done. She stood up, looking at his brash nakedness, forcing herself to focus above his shoulder to look into his eyes. The allure there was no better. The two cooled liquid pools of heat that dared call themselves eyes, watched her passively. "Are you sure this is what you want?" She combed a hand through her hair and frowned. It had gotten longer and shaggy, she needed it cut. "I'm sure this is what I need to do." Kail gave her a light smile and crossed his arms. "Well, I'm not going to stop you Zyra." Zyra nodded, the taste of dread coating her mouth. "Kail, there's more..." she said anxiously. "The Cele..." "Why is it that you choose to ruin our most pivotal moments?" Kail interrupted, a lazy smile on his face. "Can your tragic news not wait until after I bask in the glow of your conquered virginity?" "Conquered virginity?" Zyra scoffed outraged. "You act as though it came at you with a knife." "Knives would have been easier," Kail teased, his eyes alight with mischief. "Your sense of duty and overall prudishness could outlast any Shyla fortress." Zyra kicked him in his thigh and he laughed. "Come now Zyra," he said lightly. "You cannot pretend that I did not have to struggle for your affections." "I will admit that you came off to me as a cad, and you still do," she snapped, putting her hands on her hips. Kail's brow furrowed and he tried unsuccessfully to repress a smirk. "Are you honestly angry at me? Or are you teasing?" Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 18 "I haven't decided." Kail chuckled and his eyes took on a predatory look. "Come here. I'll help you decide." "No." "No not now or no never again?" "Never again Kail Shashanen Shyla." If he hadn't seen that coy grin on her face her declaration might have upset him greatly. "If only it were that simple Zyra," he languished, standing up in all his glory. She took a step closer to the door. "You're no longer a virgin," he said taking a step forward. "And you've proven that I can give you pleasure..." His eyes took on a dangerous sheen. "I could accept a temporary denial of my presence but to deny me all together?" He smiled, teeth bared like a Nemlock. "I cannot allow that." "Oh?" Zyra asked, her heart rate accelerating as she tried to feign indifference. "So you intend to just take me anytime it suits you?" "You've made your bed. Lie in it." He walked up to her and put an arm behind her, pulling her up against him. She stared back at him in challenge. "Whether I want you or not is entirely up to me," Zyra declared. "Lust goes both ways," Kail rumbled, trailing his hand up and down her back. "If you don't want me when I want you, I can make you want me." "And me? Can I make you want me?" "I always want you." The confession startled her and suddenly the game was over, only Kail wasn't aware of that. He bent down and kissed her neck, slowly stroking her back. "Even when you're not near me..." he whispered, kissing her collarbone, "...even when you infuriate me..." she gasped when he nibbled at a spot in her shoulder that curled her toes. "I am filled with wanting for you huntress Zyra." She gripped his arms, dizzy with longing. "Will...will this wanting ever fade?" she whispered uncertainly. Sensing the change in her Kail looked up and saw she was being serious. He stroked the side of her face with a thumb and he swallowed heavily. He wasn't sure. "I don't know." She placed her hand over his and took a deep breath. "Then, as long as you want me I will never deny you." Zyra stood up on her toes and planted a chaste kiss on his lips. Kail remained frozen by what she had said. He watched her gather her spear and without a word she was out of his hut. He stared at the spot that she had been and let out a long weary sigh. He had never felt this way before. So enthralled by a woman who was everything but her own, and now she was his as well. How far could Zyra stretch? Somehow it didn't matter. Kail could only wonder if his want for her, his need could ever go away. And if it did, why would it stop? Zyra ran, her mind racing with questions and worries as she headed towards the monokeros. She hoped it would be over quickly. Thoughts of Hanto and the monokeros began to make her question herself. There had to be a way to regain at least part of her life. When the tent was in sight she took a deep breath before splaying the flap open. "Hey!" Zyra could only stare as Ginger, hair down and naked sat firmly on top of the monokeros, whose face was pink and sweaty with exertion. "Do you mind?" Ginger said coyly. "We're kind of busy." Zyra looked at the monokeros, wondering if she dared to feel hope. He opened his eyes and looked at her sternly. "I have no need of you." Zyra felt a smile stretching on her face, a full one, one she rarely used. Ginger felt herself getting emotional at the joy on Zyra's face. "You heard the man. Shoo!" she shouted. "Yes maam," Zyra beamed brightly. Smiling from ear to ear she ran all the way back to Kail's hut. She saw him outside with a towel draped around his shoulders and pants on. "Oh, hey!" he managed before she jumped on him. He caught her with wide eyes as her smile made her previous beauty a pale shadow in comparison. "What—" She swallowed his question with her mouth, wrapping her arms around his neck. He mumbled helplessly against her lips before deciding the "what" was irrelevant. With one hand tucked firmly beneath her he fumbled for the door. He bumped them into the side of his hut and she made a small noise of protest, but she didn't release him. Finding the door at last he pushed it open and ducked them inside. She pulled back breathlessly, smiling, giggling and it was contagious. He kicked the door closed and tossed her onto the furs. __________________________________________________ The next day Zyra walked with a bounce in her step. She had spent the night at Kail's again, and then escaped him just before morning. The temptation of sex was too strong right now. It was addictive, a sweet and potent drug that only got better with time. She wondered if that's why the tribes were separated. With men and women living together, how would any work get done? She giggled at her thoughts as she headed towards the village. When she entered she saw her hunters sharpening their weapons. Rair saw her immediately and stood, inclining her head in a sign of respect. Zyra did the same before the rest of her hunters converged on her like wild beasts. Enui and Gharla cut through the gibbering crowd with a firm but humble question. "What do you ask of us my huntress?" The others quieted and looked at her expectantly and she nodded curtly, signaling they could all get up. "The celebration approaches in 12 days time. The bulk of the hunting has been done, but we now must finish our preparations. Understood?" "Yes huntress!" Zyra nodded approvingly. "Good. Imjah?" She stepped forward briskly and pressed her forearm against her chest. "Yes huntress." "Take three of our number and go to the preserved Nemlock. Assign half of its number to the women on the east of the village and let them roast it and wrap it in leaves. Dispose of any meat that has spoiled." Imjah nodded and took a few with her before heading off into the direction Zyra had told her. "Gharla." Gharla stepped forward. "Ha sisna?" Yes sister? Zyra smirked. Leave it up to Gharla to show off. "Go to the west of the village. Repeat my instructions with the Perkadu but collect its feathers. Tonight we will distribute them evenly among the village women so they may use them to adorn themselves for celebration." Gharla nodded and went off, gesturing that Enui come with her but Zyra raised a hand. "Wait Enui, I need you." Gharla looked wounded for a moment then sucked up her emotions and took another huntress. Zyra gave the group instructions until it was only her and Enui left. Some were off cutting wood to supply the fires, some were taking orders for materials for the village women, another was seeking council with Kyzu. She would relay Kyzu's orders and they would act accordingly. Looking at Enui Zyra let out a sigh. "Wan trulia yah sisna?" Enui whispered, her eyes darting to where Rell innocently stood. He saw them and waved. They returned the gesture. What troubles you sister? "Ack a oot ta na somlia ack shalla regret." I am about to do something I shall regret. Wan?" Zyra sighed. "Beeblia Henna," Enui blinked in shock. "Seriously? Are you sure?" "Yes Enui," Zyra said sighing. "Bring Henna. To me, as swiftly as you can." Enui nodded and went to fetch her. A moment later Rell strode up to her. "How do you fare?" he asked, biting into a sweet red tree fruit. "Decently," she said stretching. She noticed his eyes wandered, but it was far cry from lechery. "What was that strange language you spoke in? Is it the same from when Hanto and I..." "Yes," Zyra said, not wishing to think of Hanto. She did not want him near her. How could she refuse him without offending the Chief? That could damage their allies and their trade. How would they continue their line? It wasn't like they could grow other women. "Zyra?" "Right. Um, I hope we didn't offend you Rell." He shrugged. "I understand there are some things you do not wish me to hear. I am after all not a villager." "I trust you Rell. With my life," Zyra said giving him and smile. She put her hands on his shoulders and gave him a comforting squeeze. "It was nice to hear it though. I didn't think about your feelings. It's just...been a while." The code was necessary around outsiders; otherwise it was only discussed among trusted friends." Zyra eyed Rell with fondness. Was he not a trusted friend? Pushing on his shoulders she made him sit beside her on a log. Enui would not be back yet. Henna would no doubt wish to come kicking and screaming. "What I tell you, you must never repeat around anyone but me understand?" she said firmly. It wasn't against the rules but it was implied that no one save a Rovian ever speak or learn the hunter code. There were village girls who didn't know it, let alone an outsider. Nima had been taught the code by Zyra herself. Rell nodded understanding the weight of her words. "Good. Now..." she dropped her voice to a whisper. "Say ack." "Awlk." "No," Zyra said shaking her head. "Look at my lips. AH-k...Ack." "Ack." "Ack is I. Now a...ah." "...a." She pointed to herself. "Ack a Zyra." Rell furrowed his nose. "I am Zyra?" "Yes!" Zyra said, her heart racing in anticipation as she taught him the code. "So to say I am Rell, you say..." "Ack a Rell." "Ha." "What?" "Haw, Ha means yes." "What is no?" "Neh." Rell nodded, a small smile spreading on his lips. "Thank you Zyra." Zyra nodded and held his hand. "You know you are among my most trusted friends. The hunter code is for that, for us." They jumped when their tattoos lit up and they yanked their hands from one another frowning. "Why do you suppose they interact?" Rell asked her. Zyra shook her head. "Probably so that when I die, you will know." Rell's mouth thinned into a grave line. "You won't die Zyra. I won't allow that. Enui, Ginger He held her hand again, this time firmly. "And friends." Their tattoos flashed again but they ignored it and sat in companionship. The special bond between them didn't break with distance or time as Zyra thought it might. They understood the curse they were both inflicted with. If nothing else, it assured they would be bound for life. It was up to Zyra to assure that Rell had a normal life. A plan suddenly occurred to Zyra. It was wrong to test the bond, wrong to ask what she planned to ask, but she had to. She needed to. She would. "Rell." Zyra released his hand and he looked up at her in surprise. She avoided his gaze. "Hah Zyra?" She snickered. His code was so rough. He made it sound like a cough more than a soft question. "Rell...in 11 days time I will ask you a favor. You have the right to deny or grant me that favor, but understand that it will come to a great cost to us both." Rell shook his head. "You can ask me now Zyra. I will not deny you." "Do not say what you will and won't do now," Zyra snapped. She locked eyes with him and he started at the feral look in her eyes. "In 10 days time, you will meet me at our spot after the sun sets. Do not forget, do not mention this conversation again. I trust you." Then she stood up. Enui was coming back with Henna, she could hear Henna's venomous thoughts. Rell watched her walk away with growing dread. What could Zyra have to ask him two days before the celebration? Henna's eyes spit fire but her body shook before Zyra. She was like a tiny animal backed into a corner with nothing but pride to keep it fighting. Zyra actually felt bad for her. "Have I displeased you huntress?"Henna asked calmly. "Not yet," Zyra chided lightly. "Though if you think about slapping me once more I might be tempted to break your arm." Henna gasped and shook harder before spitting and baring her claws in vain. "You're a monster! I don't care what you do to me. You'll only prove it!" "I am a monster," Zyra said grinning at her. Henna's eyes widened as she took a step towards her. "But even monsters need reinforcements." Her hand snatched up Henna's delicate heart shaped face and she gave her a toothy smirk. She squeezed Henna's cheeks and the girl squealed more out of outrage than pain. "There is a herb that grows at the tops of the Bell Bark trees. When grinded it soothes the friction of..." "I know what it's for," Henna mumbled. "Hn, I bet you do." Zyra released her and crossed her arms. "You will go and gather these things until you have collected 100 of these plants. You will give them to Kyzu at the end of each day." "They lie beyond the path of lone village girls," Henna said, her emotions ranging between bitterness, spite, and sadness. Zyra tucked a strand of hair behind the insolent girl's head. "Then I suppose it is good that you are a huntress." Henna looked up at her, her eyes betraying the weakness of hope. "You...after all..." "I don't hold grudges," Zyra said shrugging. "At least not small ones. You were always the quickest and lightest huntress. You could easily scale the trees." Henna flushed with the compliment as she struggled to fight against her gratefulness. "If you complete this task I will reinstate you as a full huntress," Zyra said firmly. "Until then you are to report your progress to Enui and she will assist you if you need it. She will tell me if you are ready." "I understand." Enui coughed and Henna bowed her head. "I understand...my huntress. Thank you." "Do not stay out past dark," Zyra commanded. Henna nodded and went to change her clothing. "Oh and Henna?" Henna looked back at her. Thoughts of Zyra telling her it was all a joke ran through Henna's mind and real fear flashed on her face. "If you stay out past nightfall, climb a tree and stay in it. No one will come look for you. Though, I'm sure you can manage." Henna bowed again before rushing off, embarrassed angry thoughts and all. "Why did you not let me do this task?" Enui asked in a clipped tone. "I need you for other things." "Zyra, you know what I mean." Zyra gave Enui a smile. "I can't keep her from being a huntress forever. Her punishment was to understand her place. Our job is to benefit the people. If a prolonged display of my power harbors the development of what could be a fine huntress, how could I defend myself when they turn against me once more? How could I prove that I am most qualified to lead us?" "They will not turn against you," Enui said, her face grave. "And they will not question what is rightfully yours. Never again, me and Gharla will not allow it." "They might not question it with a duel rite," Zyra said, "but they will question it. It is in their nature and it cannot be stopped. It is my duty to protect that." Enui shook her head, her brown locks bounced around her face. "Then why do we stay? Why do we live in such ungratefulness and mistrust?" Zyra chuckled and gestured that they move on. "Where else could we go?" Enui fell silent then as she trailed behind Zyra. The voices of the nymphs haunted her dreams. There was a place, a place they could all go. But knowing Zyra, knowing who she was and what she stood for, would she ever leave? __________________________________________________ "So...what's your name?" "My name?" Ginger lay against the chest of the monokeros, her naked back lightly stroked by his arm. She purred and ran a hand through his hair. "Mm...you are so beautiful." "I don't have one," he rasped. He was amazed at the strange peace he felt with her against him. The human form was the ideal form for his transformation. He could have turned into his adult form at any moment and left Zyra with the message, but something held him back. It was odd to be so old and so confused. He of all knew that knowledge was infinite. Yet, how could he not be surprised? Ginger was...she was...amazing. "How could you not have a name?" Ginger asked, lifting her head up. Her hair cascaded around her shoulders, her raw sexuality and hungry eyes igniting him again. "The monokeros name themselves. Some name themselves earlier in their lives. I had chosen to name myself as part of my coming of age." Ginger nodded and gave him a small smile. "Well I have to call you something. Calling you Monokeros is the same thing as you calling me Human, and you know how much I hate that." "Why?" he asked curiously. "Is that not what you are?" "All that I am, all that I'll ever be is Ginger," she said kissing his chin. "Names have to be lived up to. My name is a plant that grew in the Old World, and now grows wild in the most remote of places. I have never tasted it but..." she eyed him coyly. "I know it must be bursting with life." He stared at the creature before him in wonder. She was so human, so frail and whimsical yet was she not precious? Perhaps the burden of the human message was the one that he was to share to his people. Humans, no one knew what to do with them. Perhaps their violent blood could be tamed with interbreeding. Was Ginger not an ideal human? Nonviolent, loving to a fault, and a comfort to those around her? Even with a nymph father? "Call me what you will Ginger," he said guiding her beneath him. She smiled, feeling his arousal against her once more. "I do adore a lover who never tires," she said breathlessly. "But I have to call out something. How about...Lune?" "Lu-nay?" "No," she chuckled. "No, Loo-n. It's moon in the huntress code, only you didn't learn that from me." The monokeros struggled to wrap his lips around the word and she watched them pucker and purse. "Loo..nn..eh?" He looked at her with such expectation it broke her heart. "Yes, we'll call you Luneh. For the moon you remind me of." "I see." He smiled at her and kissed her lips. His body shone as the emotions of desire flooded him and she wrapped herself around his light. Tilting his hips he drove his horn into her and she cried out his name. "Luneh!" A shiver ran through him. "Yes Ginger, Luneh." __________________________________________________ A week had passed since Zyra had been spared from the monokeros. The village was bustling with life as girls cooked, cleared the land, and prepared themselves for the celebration. Rell helped them by teaching them a few Ursie customs that assisted them in helping the men feel more at home. Tired as they were the Ursies did not wish to wait a night for the celebration to begin. They wished for it to start almost instantly. It was thus changed that the night of would mark the start. That way there would be no forcing the start because of a horny couple or group. Rell's ability to cook and clean gave him several admirers and Zyra noticed with amusement that he sought out Rair who almost always regarded him with chagrin and scorn. "You cook well for a man," a village woman named Tuyu said smilling widely. He nodded as he cut up fruits that would be boiled into sweet syrups. "We have no women to cook for us," he said shrugging. "You hunt well for women do you not?" "We hunt well for anyone," Rair snapped, appearing out of nowhere. "Oh, Rair," Rell said waving a hand to her. "Come try this syrup. It's for..." "Have you seen Zyra?" she interrupted, glaring at him. He sighed and shook his head. "No, but I heard she was with Kyzu—" "Thank you." He watched her turn on her heel. Goodness that woman was prickly. "Rell, will you carry this water jug for us?" He turned and saw two young girls with a large jug in front of them. He wondered why they had carried it to him instead of their destination but shrugged. "Sure. Where to?" They pointed him in the direction and with relative ease he lifted it. Zyra was right, he was getting stronger. He heard the girls giggle behind him as they walked and shook his head. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 18 "You're very strong," one of them gushed. "You must be quite the warrior." "I'm a warrior of soups," he said chuckling. "That suits me quite fine." __________________________________________________ "Zyra, what do you think of this?" "Too bland. You are Chieftess after all. You should wear your bright turquoise head dress. It brings out your eyes." "You don't think it's too gaudy? "I think it is meant to be gaudy." Kyzu laughed, a noise she could still make. "How do you suppose we will explain to the Chieftan my lack of voice?" "Shall I say you are under an oath?" Zyra teased, helping her sister adjust the headdress. Kyzu shrugged. "It would not bother me. I dislike talking to the Chieftan anyway." "Really?" Zyra said in a shocked voice. "But you always seem to get on so well." Kyzu rolled her eyes as she sorted through her cloth. "Diplomacy dear. He's a handsome man but has the convoluted notion that since we are both leaders we must entertain each other and each other alone. He is old and frankly I am bored with his routine grunting and groaning over me. I've had to sneak lovers like a thief in my own village!" Zyra frowned, suddenly growing angry. "Why didn't you tell me?" Kyzu gave her a knowing look. "I didn't tell you because I'm a peacekeeper and you are a war mongerer. Peace comes at a price my love." "You will pay no price you see unfit," Zyra said firmly. "I won't allow it. You are my sister, not a pack animal waiting to be mounted." "I never said he was unkind," Kyzu said rolling her eyes. "Don't be so dramatic. Besides, he has a big cock and what he lacks in endurance he makes up in experience." Zyra laughed and shook her head at her sister's bawdy behavior. Then she picked up a red curtain of cloth that was to be draped around the shoulders and fall to the ankles. "What about this color?" She paused waiting for Kyzu said think something but she just looked at her funnily. "Sister..." she began quietly. "Since when have you become so open about the workings between man and woman? Zyra tensed and looked at her sister in surprised. "Sister, whatever do you..." "Come now Zyra. You know you are the first to cover your ears when the subject is not hunting or food. How is it that..." She paused, looking at the glow in Zyra's skin, the sudden assured way she moved, the graceful bounce in her step. It was almost as though she had lost her... Zyra looked away from her and studied her clothing as she made her face plain. Kyzu was thinking too close to the truth. Like she had...No, impossible. There was no one here. "Well, I am supposed to attempt this time am I not?" Zyra said quietly. "Before the snow time, before my birthday, yes?" "Your birthday," Kyzu said somberly. "It's passed." "I bare you no ill will for forgetting," Zyra chuckled lightly. "I forgot myself." "I did not forget," Kyzu said sighing. "I merely could not face you. But that is neither here nor there. I have a gift for you." Zyra watched as her sister dug past her things. She found a long thin box and she presented it to her. "Open it." Zyra watched her and took the box from her. Opening it she gasped. It was the color of the sun, a long pin with earth stones, ones she had never seen assembled on it like a cluster of flowers. "It was Mother's." She looked up at Kyzu and the beautiful pin in shock. "B-but...you're the eldest." "It was meant for you," Kyzu thought softly. She pressed a hand against her cheek. "Mother gave me life, gave me a village to rule, and gave me the sister I had begged her for but this..." Kyzu curled her hand around the box. "This is yours." Zyra wrapped her arms around her sister and let out a wet sob. "I...I miss her so much," she whimpered. Kyzu held her and stroked her hair. "I know my dear. I do too." They held each other until their eyes were dry and began to laugh at the state of themselves. "It's from the Old World," Kyzu said marveling at it. "It's made of a precious thing called gold. The people of the Old World killed for it, died for it." "Why?" "I don't know." Zyra nodded and held it against her. "I will treasure it." "Good," Kyzu said. Her eyes took on a mischievous glint. "So tell me sister, which male shall catch your eye?" Zyra's smile fell and she looked to the ground. "Hanto has designs on me. According to Rell he has even made claims on me back in the Ursie village." "He has no right to do so Zyra," Kyzu said. "You are your own person." "He is their heir," Zyra said dully. "You cannot tell me that my refusal of him will not offend his father. He loves his children too much for that, and no man loyal to him would dare take me knowing that Hanto wants me." "You are no mare that must be mounted either sister," Kyzu said firmly. "I won't allow them to do whatever they please. This is my village, our village. You are safe here." Zyra nodded, worry still on her face. "Kyzu, do you promise to support me? No matter what?" "I do," Kyzu said solemnly. "I swear." Zyra nodded and they smiled at one another. Happily they went back to discussing clothing and preparations, their sisterly bond stronger than ever. As Zyra walked out of Kyzu's tend she saw Ginger walking towards her. She hadn't seen her in a while. She looked pretty, with flowers growing in her hair, no doubt the monokeros' touch. The monokeros was fully clothed and a light pink stained his cheeks. Was he blushing? "Zyra my love," Ginger proclaimed loudly. "Can we help?" Zyra smirked at her and crossed her arms. "Ah my sister. You've finally surfaced for air I see?" Ginger laughed gleefully and she watched the Monokeros blush deeper. "Luneh has the gift of growing things. He can help the village girl harvest their crops. Maybe flowers," Ginger said rubbing the monokeros' arm with affection. "Luneh?" Zyra said. "You have a name?" The monokeros nodded. "She gave it to me." Zyra nodded, a sly smile slipping onto her lips. "I understand. Well if you wish to assist us I would bear you no ill will." Ginger gave her nod and dashed off, dragging the monokeros behind her. That reminded her of a little errand she had to run. She walked through the forest trying to still her racing heart. She wanted to run, but she had to stop herself from acting like a rash child. When she arrived to Kail it felt like it had been an eternity. The warm glow of his fire guided her and the promised warmth of his cabin invited her. She knocked on the door three times and he opened it with a smile. "Back for more I see," he said toothily. "Or did you leave something this morning?" "Oh quiet," she reprimanded. "I am here on official business." He stepped back and held the door wide. "Then, by all means." She walked inside with her arms crossed, her nose stuck firmly in the air. "It is customary for the celebration to make the experience injury free as well as joyous," she said staring at him with a nonchalant air. "I see." "We grind a special herb to dull the pain of joining for the women and increase their pleasure. Normally our Chieftess who is second only to our shaman is the maker of this potion, but she is burdened with duties and our shaman is against all potions that she deems unnecessary." "Really?" He raised an eyebrow as she circled his room like it was an unfamiliar place. "Really. I ask you to make the potions in her stead." Kail rubbed his chin and appeared to muse. "Well you flatter me lead huntress, but I must say it is not a precise process." "What do you require to make is more...precise?" "Well nothing out of the ordinary," he quipped lightly. "A few more bottles, a good set of the plants, and perhaps, a specimen whom would allow me to test its...effectiveness." "What kind of specimen?" she teased, resisting her grin. "A curvy one. With short hair. And a bad attitude." "Oh yes, the bad attitude makes all the difference." "It's crucial." Zyra stared at him lustily before lifting up her hands. "Well, I suppose I'll inform you when I have such a specimen." She began to walk past him out of the door and he snatched her up with a playful growl. Zyra laughed pushing at him. "Kail the ogre! This is highly unprofessional." "Consider it my payment," he chuckled laying her on his furs. "You for the batches." "Am I something you desire?" she asked breathlessly as he pulled off her clothing. "You are the only thing I desire," he uttered sucked a nipple into his mouth. She moaned wantonly and rubbed her groin against me. "And the specimen? The batches?" "My specimen and I will test them out later." "You'll have to tell me all about it," she moaned as he dipped his fingers inside of her. "Oh don't worry," he chuckled. "You'll know every little detail." She laughed. Then she moaned, gasped and eventually screamed. This was going to be one hell of a week. It was six days before the arrival of the Ursies. Zyra had been spending her nights at Kail's and her days in the village. The preparations were almost complete. Kail was in the village currently showing Kyzu the finished product of his labor. Henna was reinstated as a full huntress and trailed after him like a duckling. Zyra had learned to think nothing of it. When she mentioned it Kail had fucked the jealousy out of her. She snickered just thinking about it. He had pulled her arms behind her back and faced her away from him on his cock. Thrusting his hips she had helplessly been plundered over and over as she rose and fell on his throbbing member. She felt herself getting wet just thinking about it. Maybe she should find him and test out the batch one last time. "You're getting sloppy you know." Zyra turned to see Ginger peeking her head out from inside her tent. "Bringing him into the village was risky." Zyra's eyes widened as Ginger ushered her to come inside. Sighing she obeyed. When the flaps were shut they began to whisper. "How long have you known?" Zyra asked quietly. "Right away," Ginger chuckled. "A sex glow is impossible to conceal or fake." "Have you told anyone?" "Oh no. I wouldn't dream of it. Though I am upset you didn't tell me. It's me Zyra, how could I judge you?" Zyra giggled and hugged Ginger who blushed. "You were right. Sex is wonderful." "I know I'm right," Ginger snapped. "Your sister wanted to deprive you from it. It's sick thinking how she twisted something so beautiful." "Don't talk of her that way," Zyra said sighing. "Yes yes, I nearly forgot you still cling to her dress tails," Ginger said pouting. "Though she is of little help to you. If I recall, she is the only person who you keep near to you that has yet to assist you in any way." "She gave me something of my mothers." Ginger's eyes widened. "She...she did did she?" "Yes." Ginger was silent for a while before shrugging. "Well it took her long enough." Zyra chuckled. "I know you look after me. I love you for that, always. I just needed to come to some things by myself." "I understand," Ginger said patting her. "It's just I'm so jealous Zyra. I hate sharing you. Hey! Now that you like sex..." She eyed her lecherously. "Let's try it sometime." Zyra shook her head as she began to laugh hysterically. "Haha! You...are...ridiculous!" "Hey! Don't laugh at me." Zyra shook her laughter off and smirked. "Besides I could have sworn you had a partner to finally match you," Zyra said coyly. Ginger blushed but not for long. "He's amazing Zyra. He can read my mind so he knows exactly what to do all of the time. And do you know how long we can go at it without rest?" "I didn't see you for a week, so I'm guessing...a week." "A whole week Zyra. I'd mate with him if I could." "You'd never tie yourself to one person," Zyra chided. She shrugged. "I don't believe their mating is like ours. You don't have to move away to the mixed villages, nor must you commit yourself to just one partner. It's like...after all is said and done, you belong together. You are one." Zyra looked at Ginger in astonishment. "Are you...are you and Luneh actually..." "Enough about us," Ginger said dismissively. "Why don't you tell me about Kail? How big is he?" "Well..." "Zyra...Zyra!" Zyra stood up and dashed out of the tent to see Gharla looking frantically for her. "What's wrong?" she asked worriedly. "The monokeros! He has collapsed!" She heard Ginger gasp and they all ran to where he was lying on Rell's lap as Enui, Rair, and Kyzu tried to revive him. "He won't wake," Enui said, trying to put water into his mouth. "Do you think he has collapsed from the sun?" Zyra asked crouching beside him. "Oh Zyra do something!" She looked back to see tears pricking Ginger's eyes. Reaching for his hand she grabbed it tightly and squeezed. Her tattoo began to glow and she sucked in a hard breath as she felt a stab of pain. He was taking something from her from her. She held on regardless and when he weakly opened his eyes Ginger rushed in front of her and threw her arms around him. "Oh Luneh, I was so worried." He held her with one arm while trying to get off of Rell's lap. She lifted off and helped him sit up. Kyzu nodded to him and looked at Zyra. "I leave this to you." Then she walked off. "What happened?" Zyra asked the monokeros as Ginger helped him to his feet. "I have overstayed my welcome," he said gruffly. He looked at her companions one by one. "My human form is beginning to waver. I am reaching maturity." Zyra nodded and noticed Ginger clutch to him with desperation in her eyes. It made her wince. Ginger had really fallen for him. It was doomed from the beginning. "What must we do?" Rell asked softly. The monokeros looked down at Ginger who refused to meet his gaze. "You must return me to the border. The magic inside me is unstable. Only the magic of that land can contain my change." "I see," Zyra said somberly. "When must we go?" His blue eyes pierced through her and she was shocked how human they seemed. "Now." Zyra nodded and went to take his other side by he waved her off. Instead he leant on Ginger and with Zyra and Rair up ahead, they began to walk toward the border. Ginger was silent as she bore Luneh through the forest. It was the farthest she had ever been from the village. Enui and Gharla flanked their back, while Rell stood behind Luneh in case he should fall. Their walk was quiet, almost like a death ceremony and Zyra felt the waves of Ginger's grief battering her thoughts. Unknown to the others Ginger and the monokeros were talking. "Please don't leave me." "I must Ginger. You know that." "When will you be back?" "I will never return here." "Didn't I mean anything to you! Luneh! Please " "Please Ginger, don't cry." Zyra gritted her teeth as they walked on and on. The sun lowered in the sky, threatening to make their return a night travel. When they reached the border it was evening. Zyra stood beside the monokeros and the others backed away. Ginger helped the monokeros gingerly remove his clothing. He stood on his own as though gaining strength from the border's proximity. When he stood naked Ginger broke down and began to sob. "Luneh," she cried desperately. The others not counting Zyra watched in astonishment as the monokeros gathered her face in his hands. He wiped her tears and without warning kissed her. The kiss made Ginger's mouth glow and they saw the shadows of their tongues whipping between one another. When it ended it was nothing sort of startling. It seemed too brief to contain such passion, but it had. Ginger's rosy runny face scrunched up and they watched as the monokeros bent towards her ear. Whatever he was saying was not meant for them. Even Zyra could not hear. He moved his lips in a whisper and Ginger's eyes widened in shock. He pulled away from her, their hands the last piece of them that parted. Then he stepped over the border. "I thank you for your kindness," he said, as his glamour increased. "You have taught me much and given me more than I expected. My blessing is upon you all." Luneh grew brighter and brighter until their eyes began to hurt. Squinting through the light Zyra watched amazed as he grew into a full fledged human shaped adult right in front of them. He grew taller, reaching just above Kail, a feat in itself. He increased in muscle mass, putting on a layer of strength and muscles that took a lifetime of hard work to cultivate. His hair grew down to his waist, and his prominent horn grew longer and thicker as well. Zyra knew Ginger had it bad when she hadn't bothered to even look. The glamour faded and his blue crystalline eyes clouded over until the whole of his eyes was an inky black. The finished product of male adultness stood before them, massive and full of strength. Ginger said nothing, simply staring at him in awe. He took another step back and gave them a beautiful smile. Ginger laughed, tears spilling out of her eyes. "You still have dimples." He chuckled, a low booming sound. He lifted his long flowing white hair in his arm and tossed it behind him. In a flash he suddenly turned into a majestic white stallion. The horn on his head was sharp and curled just like the one that had served him as a human. His hair moved with no wind, flickering in and around him like fire. The intelligent darker than night black eyes focused in on Zyra and she froze as her entire body tingled. Such power, it was incredible. She heard her friends groan and watched as everyone including Rell shielded their eyes and fell to their knees. "What's happening to them?" she said shaking. "They cannot receive my message nor stand my sight," the voice said loudly in her mind. "It is my power in you that allows you to stand as you do. Zyra my keromedio, are you ready to receive my message?" She nodded. "Yes, I am." "Come closer." She obeyed, her head resting just inside the border. His horn touched her forehead and images began to flash as his voice spoke through them. A stone tower, purple eyes, her village, the wall. "Here is my message Zyra: Secure the border the wellspring wall, but understand that it will fall. The time of reckoning approaches, the Third blade cut seeks its reproaches. Forgotten ills that lie at night will claw out lines to let in light. And should you fail to quell this flood, the price you pay will be your blood." She clutched her head and squeezed her eyes shut as the words were etched into her mind. It repeated over and over until she knew she could not forget, would never forget the monokero's message. "Be well my child. I know your desires and I have pity. This is my gift to you." A cold chill seized her and she felt as though a wind had run through her entire body. It curled around her and burst open and she could only gasp as it pulled away. What had he done? She heard a loud neigh and cracked open an eye. Rearing on his hindlegs the monokeros stretched to the sky. Then he raced off, vanishing without a trace. With the light gone her comrades recovered. Zyra went to Ginger who stood up shakiest and gave her a hard long hug. "What did he say to you?" Zyra whispered, holding her dearest friend. "I...I don't remember," she stuttered. "I don't think I'm supposed to remember, but...it filled me with hope Zyra. Hope." Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 19 Chapter 19: Deal with the Devil "I desire her." Rell's proclamation stunned everyone. Zyra felt her spine sag from the relief. Looking at Hanto caused the relief to be short lived. Hanto was practically frothing with his anger. He looked between them, wondering if this was some sort of elaborate ruse. "You cannot be serious." Hanto growled gravely. "You cannot." "I am," Rell replied calmly. "And she acknowledges me." Rell turned to her and Zyra nodded briskly, stepping forward. "I do. I acknowledge Rell." She looked at the Chief, meeting his eyes for only a moment. She was unable to hold both his stare and the lie. "I want Rell." Surprised, the older man nodded rubbing his chin. "I see." He searched her face inquisitively with his gaze. "So...you will bare Rell's child?" Zyra coughed, hiding her grimace. "I—" "Lies!" Hanto spat viciously. "All of it, lies! How could she pick him over me?" "Settle down Hanto," the Chief cooed patiently. He went to touch his son, but Hanto shrugged the hand off. Instead he walked until he was toe to toe with Rell, glaring at him with pure hatred. Rell did not back down. "You would betray me? Your own brother?" he whispered gruffly, his nose brushing his. "I will not let you force her into accepting you brother," Rell stated plainly. "You know as well as I that what you feel for her is not love, and it is not requited." "You have no right." "I have every right." Hanto's eyes widened in surprise, and he took a step back. It was impossible. Rell was spineless, he always had been. How had he changed in mere weeks? And what did he truly mean by his right? Surely... "Do you...challenge me Rell?" "I am merely stating facts brother," Rell declared evenly, his blue eyes piercing his. "Zyra is not yours." "Then I challenge your claim, in combat," Hanto growled. "I propose a challenge that will prove that I am stronger and worthier of Zyra than you." "Come, there can be no challenge if she has accepted him my son," the Chief spoke gently to him. "Strength is not a factor here— " "I accept." Every man looked at Rell with shock. The deeply troubled Chieftain's lips thinned and his dark eyes found their way to Zyra. She could see that he believed she was to blame and he was not at all pleased. He tore the accusatory glance away slowly, as though pulling splinters from a wound, and then he looked back at Rell. "Are you...sure my son?" "I am sure," Rell stated firmly. "I will do what you ask Hanto. When and where?" "Here and now." "Hanto my son..." "This is not your concern old man! Stay out of this!" Hanto barked. The village gasped in uproar. Hanto had disrespected his Chief and Father in front of the two villages. Rell's eyes hardened in righteous anger. "Have you forgotten yourself?" he hissed at Hanto. "How dare you disrespect our Father in such a villainous manner!" As though waking from a dream, Hanto sobered from his rage. At that moment he realized his mistake, but it was too late. With a look that indicated a great disappointment, the Chief turned from them and began to walk away. Kyzu, ever the faithful hostess, took his shoulder and silently led him to his quarters. The tribes made room as a distraught Hanto retrieved his knife. Rell kept his obsidian knife sheathed beside him. Angry, curious, and even lecherous looks were directed towards Zyra without shame or attempt at discretion. She instantly knew the Ursie tribe thought this was her fault as well. It reminded her of how she had treated Kail when things between her and Kyzu escalated. It was easy to be blind, especially when you belonged to a group. This was destined to happen from the beginning, with or without her. "First blood," Hanto declared, readying his stance. Zyra watched Rell worriedly. He was no warrior. What stance could he have? He glanced at her then to her surprise took her fighting stance. She wasn't sure whether to be flattered or worried. Could he really pull it off? Hanto's eyes narrowed and he flicked his gaze to her. Apparently he recognized the stance. She could hear him mentally accusing her of conspiring against him. Considering his unsavory goal and the measures she had taken to assure he had not achieved it, it that was something she would be unable to deny. "Zyra. Count to three," Hanto commanded. He cracked his neck, watching as a man behind him flinched. He was still powerful, still strong. He would revel in Rell's defeat, using Zyra's own voice to deliver his punishment. And once his traitorous brother Rell knew his place, he would take Zyra and make her scream his name throughout the entire camp ground. His mouth watered with violent lust. The madness in Hanto's eyes made Zyra swallow heavily. He radiated violence, flashes of her in his mind made her want to run from the perversity inside of him. Rell could get hurt from a man as damaged as him. It wasn't too late to end it. She looked at Rell to see how he was reacting. His face was determined, his countenance calm. He was ready. Looking at him now, a frail bud grown into a healthy boisterous flower, she felt motherly pride. And she knew she couldn't stop this. It would do nothing but bring shame to him if she defended him against Hanto. Rell had to defend her, to be honest none of this was even about her. It was about a brotherly power struggle that had raged inwardly for years. She had merely provided the spark for the room filled with kindling. Licking her lips she opened her mouth. "One..." Hanto rocked back and forth on his heels in a tactic of intimidation. Rell's cool eyes trained on his face. He stood completely still. "Two..." A lump caught in Zyra's throat. Her hands began to tremble. She swallowed, forcing her fear down. May the Maker protect him, she thought. Rell you've come so far, and now Rell... "Three!" ...it begins. Hanto let out a loud war cry and charged towards Rell savagely. Rell didn't move as Hanto came speedily toward him. When Hanto lifted his knife overhead, Zyra saw that Hanto intended to slash Rell's face. He would draw first blood in a way that everyone who saw Rell would remember what had happened here. Hanto was truly an animal. "Rell!" she cried. Hanto was an arm's length away when Rell moved forward like a serpent. Then there was only silence. Rell had moved fast, fast like Zyra, inhumanly fast. She herself had seen what had happened clearly, but she could see the others were confused. In a fluid move Rell had side stepped Hanto's blow and countered with a blow of his own. Blood dripped onto the dusty camp ground. That blood was Hanto's. Rell's obsidian blade had cut a thin line on Hanto's shoulder. It was cut so precisely, it barely bled. Hanto pressed the wound in disbelief, staring at the dewy red moisture on his fingertips. No one made a sound, unable to believe that Rell had actually beat Hanto. Zyra swallowed and watched as his metallic tattoo glowed a ghostly silver, and then flashed red. Apparently Hanto had something to offer, and now Rell had the dormant ability to use it. So this is what the villagers saw. For a moment Zyra could understand their wariness towards her, it looked terrifying. Everyone regarded Rell with awe but inside it, at its core, there was a measure of fear. "I have won brother," Rell said softly. He sliced the air. The blade was so sharp that with the flick of his wrist the blade was pristinely clean. Rell could have chopped his arm off. He gazed at Hanto with cold eyes. He knew what Hanto had tried to do to him. Hanto said nothing, struck mute by the impossible feat. There was nothing to be said. Sheathing his blade Rell walked up to Zyra. She yelped when he put an arm behind her back and lifted her up. Sighing, he carried her away, taking her to where her tent was. Since the celebration had officially started she was unsurprised when she heard several of the men cheer bawdily. She frowned at a couple shouts that suggested he "give it to her" and tried her best to keep a straight face. Hanto's silence continued to follow them like a plague and their march felt more like a funeral then a romp. They could hear the women resuming their jovial mood behind them and they passed the Chief who lifted his head. Zyra missed his reaction because of the speed at which Rell walked. Even so she could imagine it, and imagine how the look of utter disbelief in the Chief's eyes probably hurt Rell. When they were at the tent he carried her all the way in before placing her down on the furs. When he closed the tent Zyra felt more awkward than ever. "Rell..." she said her voice sounding apologetic, but he cut her off by shaking his head. "What's done is done," he said gravely. He reached behind her and opened the tent flap to spy outside. There was a couple whispering loudly as they settled into the tent across from them. Based on the pitch of the girl's voice Zyra assumed it was Lala. Sealing it once more she watched as he collapsed heavily onto her furs. He covered his face with his hands and let out a sorrowful sigh. "He will never live that down," Rell groaned. "He will never forgive me." Zyra shifted nervously, unsure of what to say. "He...he might one day." Rell chuckled bitterly. "Bless your naïve spirit Zyra." They sat in silence for a while and slowly but surely they heard the bustle of the village spread out to where they were. It was a while before they heard singing and laughter, but when they did it lightened their hearts. "You were right Zyra." She looked at him, one blue eye regarding her while the other stayed masked by his palm. "About what?" "That time you told me I could become stronger. That I could become Chief. You were right." Zyra wasn't sure what to say. She understood now that birthright did not always mean ascension, but she still could not wrap her mind around the doubt of a worthiness that was clearly yours. Instead she had another concern. "Will you be safe traveling back with them?" He shifted, leaning on an arm to face her. "What do you mean?" "With Hanto. Will you be safe?" He raised an eyebrow. "Are you offering that I might stay permanently?" "No no!" Zyra said quickly. "It's just..." "I know. I was teasing you. Not a good time?" Zyra wrinkled her nose. There had to be something she could do. Just to appease her guilt and Rell's misery. "Rell," she said firmly. "I want to help you become Chief." He sat up and looked at her curiously. "Really? How? By bearing my child? Oh what a glorious honor! Shall we raise him in the village sweetie or the valley? " She shoved him with a scoff and he chuckled. "Now that was better timing yes?" Zyra chuckled, then took his hand and squeezed it comfortingly. "I will help you by teaching you how to fight." Rell looked at her and raised an eyebrow. "You honestly think that with my oafish balance I could fight as gracefully as a huntress?" "I think you can do anything you believe you can do," she said warmly. He nodded and shrugged, a small smile already tugging at his lips. "Then I will try to believe in myself." Nodding she ruffled his hair. "Much better my brother." When night fell, Zyra and Rell reluctantly joined the others. Their arrival to the campfire had been greeted with a visible divide. Half with joy and enthusiasm, half as though death itself had come to sit among them. Gharla ushered them over as she made space by her and the others. They sat there quietly and Rair passed them the roasted Perkadu. Rell thanked her with a longing look in his eyes and they began to eat. Slowly but surely they pressed themselves into a corner, hoping that their presence would be forgotten. It was, by all but one. When the happy joyous chatter and sexual tension resumed Rell was left to eat in peace, but Zyra was plagued by the thoughts of two tribes. "How dare she simply sit there..." "What a prize..." "Two brothers..." "Never knew he had it in him." "...sickening how greedy..." "Was to be mine." She paused and focused into the last strain of thoughts. It was clearly Hanto's thoughts. Looking over at him she saw he was carving a piece of wood with careful precision. His face was angry but his thoughts were saddened. Biting at her lip she decided to use Kail's power. She took a deep breath and stared at him. The air around him began to waver and flicker. Slowly colors began to bleed around him. Yellowy greens, purples, blacks, a few other colors she had no hope of identifying. What she did notice was that among all that emotion, there was no pink. Instead there was a thick layer of gold wrapped into a dark flowery maroon. It troubled her. What if his feelings were indeed love? Was maroon not a darker form of pink? But if this was his love it was ill, sickened by his covetous heart. She needed to ask Kail very soon. Sensing her eyes on him, Hanto looked up and caught her. For a moment he thought her eyes looked gold but when she blinked they were green again. With his gaze he pleaded with her so that he could understand, but she broke it. That deliberate refusal was too much for him to bear. He stood up, unable to take it anymore. "Zyra..." She swallowed, looking down at her uneaten Perkadu. She had lost her appetite. "Zyra." "What do you want brother?" Rell interjected firmly. Hanto was silent as he regarded them both. The fireside became quiet again as their entertainment for the night changed. "I want nothing from you Rell," Hanto said dejectedly. "But Zyra, I would like to speak with you." She frowned, forcing herself to look at him. "You are free to speak." "Zyra please." Rell's eyes widened. He had never heard his brother beg. Not for anyone, and most certainly not for a woman. Rolls of grief tumbled over his face and Zyra felt pity on him. Sighing heavily she stood. Rell paused her with a tap on her shoulder but she nodded at him comfortingly. "It's fine." With that they walked off to the edge of the village, and she tried to keep their thoughts from weighing her down. "...so sad that—" "Wouldn't know what to..." "...full breasts. Bet she—" "...freakish monst—" When they were secluded, Zyra turned to him. Once upon a time she might have worried that he might make a move on her, but she was so much stronger now that the thought was comical. He couldn't hurt her, their relationship had changed. Now, he was the victim. She had him against a tree. She was hurting him in the most innocent and painful of ways. He was stolid as he regarded her face in the moonlight. It made him ache. "You've slept with Rell before." Zyra grit her teeth. He wasn't asking, but he expected an answer from her. She sighed, "Yes." He swallowed and looked at her. "So when we were in the valley, and the nymph showed me that scene, and you told me it was an illusion..." "I lied to you." Hanto couldn't seem to understand her betrayal and she watched him flounder for words. "But...why?" "You wouldn't have come with me," she said simply. "You were too controlled by your avarice and pride to see reason. I had to get you away from there before you lost your mind." Hanto had never regarded their meeting in the valley as a rescue. Instead he had imagined Zyra helplessly begging him to fight off the demons. He would have to have the strength to save her. He had saved himself so that he might save her. Yet now he saw the truth. 'Imagined' was an ideal word. Zyra had never really needed him; she had never really needed anyone. She was the only one who had actually bested the valley, and despite her friend's attempts to help her they had done nothing but get in her way. Zyra had indeed saved them all. "I understand now why I am not seen as worthy in your eyes," he said nodding. "I can see the reason, but what I do not understand is why Rell is worthy." He turned to her, raging on the inside. "He has done nothing that I cannot do to get into your grace. If lovemaking is the only criteria, then allow me to show you my worth." "I have given myself to Rell, Hanto," Zyra said firmly. Her lips were creased into a frown. "I know, I know," he agreed raising his hands up. "But...if I must...share you with Rell, I will—" "That's what sets you apart," Zyra snarled, furiously pointing a finger in his face. "You think of me as a thing Hanto. Something to be won, something to be shared. Something to be passed around! Rell has no more say in my life than you or any other man does. I am not a pet!" Hanto's eyes widened. He had not been expecting such a reaction when he had made such a sacrificial offer. The idea of sharing her was repulsive, but the idea of not having her... "I did not mean..." "What?" she snapped angrily. "You did not mean to continually embarrass me? To try to trap and force me to acknowledge you?" "I thought you already had," he said testily. She would not turn this on him. She was the liar. She had betrayed his trust, not the other way around. Zyra put her hands on her hips and smirked at him disdainfully. "Oh? You truly believed that?" "Yes," he declared. "If you had not lied to me I would have never misunderstood." "Then why pray tell, why you made it so that I could choose no one but you?" she shot back. If Hanto believed his own lies, he was truly far gone. She stepped forward as his face hardened and to her surprise he took a step back. Feeling sadistic, she advanced. "If you truly believed that I had accepted you, then there was no reason to make sure you were uncontested," she declared. "The only reason for such cowardly actions, would be if you had some doubts." "But I—" "Doubt does not belong in faith Hanto. You are as much a liar as me." With that she turned on her heel and left the flabbergasted Hanto to his thoughts. She was almost out of earshot when she heard him plead, "Wait." She gritted her teeth. The grief in his voice was pitiful, pathetic really, and she had caused it. It made her hair stand on end to feel anything towards Hanto other than disgust. "Wait," he said stronger. With a sigh she turned and looked into his tortured black eyes. "Please," he pleaded. "I love you Zyra. I have never felt this way before. Believe me when I swear...it threatens to tear me apart." He dragged his fingernails along his chest as though the pain of her was breaking him at that moment. "When I think of you...when I imagine you with anyone else I grow mad! I feel insane...desperate." He walked towards her, standing in front of her with a measure of fear, contempt, and awe. "Will you not know me Zyra?" he begged her. He took her hand as emotion clogged his throat. "Will you not try to know me?" Zyra let out a heavy sigh, Hanto's noxious maroon vapors almost making her choke. He was going to cry if she refused him. She was going to make a grown man cry. For once, Hanto's thoughts and words were aligned, he was telling the truth. "I'm sorry Hanto," she whispered, unable to look him in the eyes. "But I was never yours to begin with." She pulled her hands away and forced herself to look into his crushed gaze. "I don't love you," she breathed. "I...love someone else." She turned, and knew that Hanto would not try to follow her. With that remark Zyra left him, his thoughts screaming at her in agony. Whatever it was that Hanto felt it was strong. Even though she had spoken her words with hopes to put an end to their games, she knew that Hanto's fury was far from over. When she returned to the campfire Rell did his duty and put an arm around her. It reestablished the fact that she was still loyal to him. Hanto did not return. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 19 After forcing herself to eat, she watched the campfire disperse. The sounds of the celebration's revelry rose high like the curls of smoke that rose from the fire's embers. Rell and Zyra looked at one another awkwardly and spoke in hushed tones as they were among the last to leave. "Which tent should we go to?" Rell asked quietly. "I'm thinking," Zyra said sighing. Rell was near the men's tents. To be honest most of the men might be in the woman's tents, but for those who decided to join the men there would be a loud vocal chant from each tent. If they decided to go to Rell's tent, they would either be completely secluded, or have to fake moans for a few hours. Zyra didn't know how she'd manage without laughing. She shared her ideas with Rell and he agreed. "Yes, I doubt I'd be able to keep up with the ruse," he mumbled. "I'd probably just repeat 'oh darling' over and over." "Zyra snickered. "I'd probably repeat something like...how romantic." Rell smirked. "Oh? How romantic." "Oh yes my darling." "How romantic!" "Oh darling!" Laughing, they headed to Zyra's tent. In Ginger's tent, she noticed the shadows of more than one person. So Ginger had decided to join in after all. She was about to enter her tent when she heard another female voice speak. Curious, she shook the tent entrance and heard Ginger say, "Come in." She pulled away the flap and saw Gharla and Ginger had convened together. "What are you doing?" Zyra asked curiously. Gharla too had decided to refuse? "Nothing," Gharla said, her hand wringing something. It was that blue stone again, the one she wouldn't talk about. "May I come in?" Rell asked, peeking his head in. "Sure," Ginger replied. "You can work on all of us while we chat. You don't mind right Zyra? Since you and Rell are so madly in love." "Oh silence Ginger," Zyra said rolling her eyes. "He is not your slave." Ginger raised an eyebrow. "Only yours then?" Zyra responded by giving her a shove. Ginger giggled, "Oh please, everyone with half a brain knows it's a ruse. Besides...I would know." She gave her former lover a look and he blushed. "I...must admit I was very impressed by your fortitude," Gharla quipped absently to Rell. He looked up at her in shock, and then smiled. "Um, thank you Gharla. Truly." "You are most welcome," she said nodding stiffly. "Anyone who protects my own is a friend of mine." Something unspoken passed between the blondes and Zyra beamed. Gharla had finally accepted Rell. There was silence until Rell broke it. "Does anyone else know?" he asked quietly. "Know what?" Rell fidgeted under their gaze. "That...well, you know. It's not real." "No one who is a danger to us," Ginger quipped. "But the others," Rell said insistently. "Like Enui and Rair, they know yes?" "Why the concern?" Gharla mused inquisitively. "Do you care for one of them?" Rell closed his mouth but then opened it again to chuckle. "Well if I was so bold as to do so, I must report distressingly that the feelings are not returned." "They probably won't ever be." "Gharla!" "What? I'm telling the truth!" They chattered on for a while until Rell decided it would be best to retire. He went into Zyra's tent and stripped before lying in the furs. If anyone such as his father decided to check on them, it would appear that they had indeed consummated. He closed his eyes and sighed. He almost wished that they had. At least he would be off to sleep at that moment. Turning on his back he looked to assure that the flap of the tent was closed. He looked for the fur he had brought from his own tent and placed it by his side. Then, slowly he began to thrust himself against his hand, aiming to keep his voice as quiet as possible. His mind filled with images, breasts he had imagined, bodies he had seen, bodies he wished to see. He let out an inaudible cry as he came, jerking the fur into his lap. Hissing he wiped himself clean and discarded it in the corner. There, much better. _________________________________________________ Zyra looked at Gharla curiously as she squirmed. She had watched her fiddle, twisting the twine of the blue stone between her fingers. "Gha..." Zyra began, but she hesitated. She could clearly see that the woman before her was uncomfortable, and she did not wish to prod that discomfort. Something had happened to her in the valley. Yet, if it was traumatic, why would Gharla hold the stone so lovingly? Ginger, who was sewing a pattern, looked at both of them and let out a long loud sigh. "We should form a sisterhood," Ginger declared. "A sisterhood?" Gharla asked, lifting her head up. "For what?" "For support," Ginger said coyly. The observant village girl saw more than others dared to know. When Gharla caught her eye, a chill went down her back. "Ginger..." Gharla warned, but Ginger waved her off. "We are among sisters," Ginger said proudly. "More importantly, we understand one another's grief in more ways than one." "And what is this grief?" Zyra asked, blinking owlishly. Ginger shrugged. "The grief that only inhuman lovers bring." ______________________________________________ Her body contorted like a rippling tide, the arms that rested on her breasts massaged and pinched her into pleasure. She hissed as the man underneath her drove gently inside her, frustrating her more than pleasing her. "Harder," Enui barked. "More roughly." "I don't...want...to hurt you," the man panted, growing even harder at the sound of such a bawdy request. In response Enui reached up and slapped him. This was the third time she had heard that, and she was tired of it. Unsurprisingly, her slap only made him moan. "I know what I can take," she growled. "Now give it to me." The chastised man obliged, but as he built up the rough shivering rhythm, she knew his jerky shallow thrusts were an attempt to preserve himself. She would unman him very soon, and she was still not satiated. "Stop." The man looked at her with shock and a mix of horror as she pulled him from her. Then she placed him on his back. His excitement returned and she straddled him, placing herself firmly on the pulsing stout cock. She rode him hard, his hands on her hips steadying her powerful descents. When her orgasm washed over her it was barely enough to scratch the surface of her hunger. It abated, just for that silver shining moment of bliss, pulling straight from her toes to make her heart clench with anxiety and love. Then it was gone. The man emptied himself and flopped breathlessly on the mat. "You are...amazing," he breathed out, his body slick with sweat. She had had him for only an hour. He reached up to caress her but she felt stiff and unfriendly. Enui lifted off of him, her center sore and achy, and threw on her clothing. "You don't have to—" "Thank you Olt," she interrupted. He was clearly a lover, and that was not what she wanted that night. She looked at him, forcing a smile. "I may call on you again sometime." With that she made a hasty exit and returned to her tent. She washed up for the fourth time, the four men she had been with giving her very little in return. Enui's hunger seized her like a wild thing, crawled upon her, coated her in lust. The fire could not be put out. The feelings required water like beings to quench her thirst. The nymphs had surely ruined her. She had been unwise to spend such time there. Gharla may have entertained Takh, but she had entertained them all. How could she go back to human love making when she had been ravaged by as much as seven nubile creatures at a time? She felt trapped in her body. Did she regret it? Regret the love she and the nymphs had shared? The lazy pleasurable evenings and afternoons? Or those long painful sadistic nights, where they ignored her pleas of "stop," and "no more," knowing she could take, would take, all they gave her like a greedy suckling babe. She lay in her tent crossing off names. Anta, Jin, Graz, and Olt. There were two others who had propositioned her that night. It was futile to seek them out, but she had to try. She licked her lips as dirty deeds floated in front of her mind. Maybe, just maybe she could convince them to both take her at the same time. There would be no need for enmity between them for fear of her producing a questionable son. She was barren anyway. ______________________________________________ Zyra and Gharla looked at one another, both shocked by what they had heard Ginger say. "You?" they uttered in unison. There was a curiosity between them that abashed their fears of judgment. Gharla wasn't disgusted, and neither was Zyra. The sudden revelation made Gharla, who had been tense all evening, snicker. "The basilisk?" she asked curiously. Zyra was about to shake her head when Gharla gasped and pointed at her playfully. "No! I know...it's the ogre." Zyra blushed, but simply shrugged as Ginger shrieked into her furs. "Even the thought of Zyra with a man gives me goosebumps," Ginger said chuckling. "Granted, she never told me the particularities." "First I want to know who gave Gharla that stone," Zyra directed, turning the attention away from herself. Gharla blushed and opened her palm. "Please tell me it wasn't Caligula," Zyra mumbled. Gharla scoffed. "That shameless muck ash? Never." "Then who?" Ginger demanded. "I can only work out so much." Gharla looked at the stone and it reassured her slowly, but surely. "His name is Vine. It was Takh, but I sort of, renamed him. He's one of the nymphs that live in the enchanted tree." "A nymph?" Zyra asked in shock. "You mated with a nymph?" "You mated with an ogre," Gharla said defensively. "But ogres didn't rape Enui," Zyra grumbled, her eyes cutting in annoyance. "This is why I didn't tell you," Gharla barked. "I knew you wouldn't understand." She closed her hand around the stone and turned from her. Zyra sighed. "Wait, I'm sorry," she pleaded apologetically. "Forgive me. I want to understand my sister. Tell me, please." Gharla looked over her shoulder then faced back towards her sisters nervously. "To be honest, I am unsure how to make it plain," she confided. "I too had my reserves about the nymphs. They are a philandering bunch with not a drop of shame between them, but Vine...Vine was different." She looked into the air as though she could see him. A smile crept onto her lips. "At first I was disgusted by him, but the way he made me feel when he touched me. So gentle but strong, so giving. It was physical at first, my need for him. But we talked. I laid upon his chest and we just talked for hours. I don't know when things changed," Gharla admitted sighing. "But...I began...to love him I think." "How romantic," Ginger said dreamily. Zyra held back a snort. "A stubborn young hunteress goes into enemy territory and finds love!" She pretended to swoon onto her furs and Zyra let out her snort. "Honestly Ginger, you're incorrigible." "Oh?" Ginger said coyly. "Jealous that you share a story? "Hardly," Zyra grumbled plainly. "I was invaded at home. Plain and simple." "Your conflicts were anything but simple," Ginger quipped. "Do tell," Gharla demanded, scooting forward. "I will try to be as open as you were, though I reserve the right to act in any way I see fit." "Then reserve the right to act open," Zyra chuckled. "I met him once before in the forest," she explained. "Our meeting was..." She paused. Could she really tell he sisters that Kail had forcibly molested her? She glanced at them. Gharla and Ginger's faces were bright with curiosity. "Well?" Gharla would stab him. "It was brief. I met him again in the valley as you know Gharla." "How could I forget?" Gharla chuckled. "The massive thing that he was, being led by you on a chain. And that strange large group of them in all the shades of grass." "They are the Shashanen," Zyra said. "They are a tribe I believe, and they serve the Dark Witch Council." "They serve them?" Gharla shrieked. "Yes," Zyra huffed. "As do I." "Reluctantly!" "Gharla!" "What?" "So how big is his cock?" Ginger's interruption made them stop their squabbling. Zyra turned red and rubbed her head. "I...I don't know." "Oh ho. Yes, you do." "B-But...?" "Bigger or smaller than Rells?" "Ginger!" "Bigger...or smaller...than Rells?" "...bigger." "Wait," Gharla shouted. "You've both seen Rell's—" "You should ask him to show you," Ginger encouraged nonchalantly. "He's a very giving talented young man. I should know. Taught him myself." She turned back to Zyra, ignoring Gharla's outrage. "Show me on my arm. From my elbow, where does it end?" Zyra looked between her sisters, and then pointed it out. "Fuckta..." Gharla breathed. "You lost your maiden head to a branch? "I knew it," Ginger proclaimed. "I had to know based on Lune." "Are you sure?" "How thick?" "Ask Gharla!" Zyra protested. She did not enjoy feeling teamed up against. "Vine can change his length and thickness to any degree," Gharla sidestepped coyly. "He has no measure." "Well I declare that Lune is the thickest," Ginger said, rummaging through her sewing chest. "Before he left, I made this." She pulled out a piece of cloth with a circular large hole in it. The name Lune was embroidered at the bottom. She brandished it proudly. "See? This slipped right over him." Her sisters watched her slack-mouthed. "Ginger...for what...purpose have you made this item?" "Oh? For my own amusement of course." "This amuses you?" Zyra asked incredulously. "To no end. And I learned something." "...You're a pervert?" Gharla deadpanned. "No!" Ginger snapped. "Something else!" "What?" Zyra asked worriedly. What else was there? "He told me of my father. He said...he was...a nymph." Ginger waited for their gasps and reactions, but her sisters simply looked at each other. "To be honest I'm not surprised." "Nor I." "It makes so much sense." "Too much sense. We should have known." "Well we did not know of nymphs back then did we?" "Sisters, this is not funny." "Trust us Ginger. We are not joking." "You are a rampant lecher." Ginger pouted in response. "You've hurt my feelings Zyra." She crawled closer to her a grinned mischievously. "Let's kiss and make up." "Ginger!" Zyra shouted as the girl launched herself at her. Gharla tried half-heartedly to remove the smooching girl, but soon the group dissolved into a pile of giggles. Oh friendship. _______________________________________________ As the night wound down, Zyra returned to her tent. Rell was sleeping and she tiptoed to her side of the bed. Sighing she slipped in. After the talk turned to more perverse things, she found herself wanting Kail's company. She wondered if she would be able to see him at any time in the long week. Still, the celebration was less daunting now. She could show her Chieftess the loss of her virginity and that would prove that she had done her duty to the tribe. Rell would confirm it. She was free, even if it was just a moment. Content, she lay beside her brother and tried to get some rest. As the days went on it became increasingly harder for Rell and Zyra to interact. The very air was saturated with lust. Couples sat closely together, they had stumbled upon more than one lover going at it in the tall grasses, and the very breeze smelt like sex. They spent their mornings with drills that Zyra conducted with Rell solely for increasing his strength. In the afternoon she instructed him with the spear. "Thrust," she commanded. He jabbed it forth. "Thrust." Jab. "Thrust." Jab. She pushed his right leg in with her foot to correct his stance and placed a hand on his shoulder to lower it. "Even. Shoulders even, and feet evenly spaced. When you thrust you must aim between the eyes. Where your vision flicks to meet is where you thrust. Do not search for it, know it. Understand?" "Yes," Rell replied breathing heavily. "But Zyra?" "Yes?" He looked at her tiredly. "Could you use a word other than thrust?" Before she could stop herself, Zyra's eyes flickered instinctually at his groin. He was erect. Swallowing she attempted to act as though she had not noticed. Her thighs rubbed together, irritatingly slick. "Yes of course. Um, strike!" He jabbed weakly. Zyra looked up at the sky, pretending to judge the time. "It's almost midday. Perhaps we should take a rest." "Perhaps," Rell said gruffly. "I'm heading to the stream." She didn't watch him leave. Zyra knew Rell was suffering as was she, but they both knew that having sex would cross a line. Zyra wished to be faithful to Kail, and Rell wished to be faithful to the image they portrayed. Nature began to give out its last rays of warmth and the days were hot and sweaty. When night came, Zyra wore her wraps, Rell, his loincloth. They didn't speak to each other, a mutual hatred running through each of them. Eventually Zyra couldn't take it anymore and she stood up. "I'm going to Ginger's tent." Rell made a sound of affirmation and she slipped into the night. Opening Ginger's tent she was startled to find a man putting on his clothing beside her. He nodded to her and slipped past her as she entered. Zyra frowned. "I thought you and Lune—" "We are," Ginger said, cutting her off. "But before he left we both talked about our natures. The monokeros are as sexual as the nymphs, should they choose to be. I don't know when he will find me, nor do I know when I will see him. We agreed that we'd be open. Our hearts will belong to each other, and we will have no fear of things like jealousy." Zyra nodded, crouching down. She needed Kail at that very moment. "So you can have sex then?" "That is what I said." "Will you do me a favor?" Ginger's eyes lit up and she put a hand on her mouth. "You mean...really? You finally—" "Rell Ginger. Go fuck Rell." Ginger's face dropped and she sucked her teeth. "I was so happy for a moment. Entirely happy." "Ginger..." "Yes yes of course I'll take care of little suntop. Secrecy?" "Always." Ginger winked at her and wrapping herself in a fur she went to comfort Rell. At first Zyra heard a loud yelp and a muffled, "Hey! What..." but after a minute she began to hear his thankful moans. Good, everyone was happy. Running at top speed she headed towards Kail's dwelling, finding the entire space to be dark. She ran to the door and pulled at it. He had locked it. Furious, she knocked on the door roughly. She sensed more than heard him get up. The door swung open and she pushed him forward, locking the door behind her. "I want you. Now," she demanded. "Hello to you too Zyra," he rumbled as she pulled down his pants. He was already topless. "I'm losing it Kail," she said seriously. "They've driven me mad." Breathing heavy she pulled off her clothing and thrust his hand between her legs. He grunted at the amount of wetness there. Without another word he thrust a thick finger inside of her and worked his hardening member with his other hand. Moaning she wrapped her arms around his neck and let his height elevate her. Wrapping legs around his thighs she let him work it in, deeper and deeper. "Yes Kail. Please." When he was three fingers in, he lifted her up against the wall. With a violent jerk of his hips, his full member was seated inside of her. She screamed, his thickness stretching her beyond words. He began slamming it into her and she dug her fingers into his back, gasping and crying out. When she came her eyes rolled into the back of her head. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 19 He paused then, thrusting shallowly and waiting for her to regain herself. When she came down he lifted her and placed her on his furs. He flipped her over and ravaged her from behind, sliding a hand around her waist to rub against her clit. Unable to bear his weight she curled flat on the ground, shouting foul Rovian obscenities. He rutted harder and harder as his own pleasure came closer and closer to filling her. With a growl he impaled her, pumping all of himself inside of her. She screamed, cumming from the sheer bliss of being so full. They remained locked for several minutes, traumatized by their effect on one another. Slowly, Kail pulled out and collapsed on the side of her. Sighing he pulled her on top of his chest. She breathed heavy and mumbled, her fingers flexing. "So..." he mused with a grin. "I take it you missed me?" She yawned. "Mm...something like that." ________________________________________________ When Zyra returned to her tent it was almost daybreak. She was smiling happily until she saw Rell sitting in the corner. When he saw her she saw relief and anger. "What is wrong?" Zyra asked. "Are you insane?" Rell hissed lowly. "Are you trying to ruin everything?" Zyra closed the tent. "I don't understand. I thought you and Ginger..." "This is not about Ginger," Rell snapped. "This is about you sneaking off into the woods! What if someone found you? How would that look? Did you think of that?" "It was only for a night," Zyra pleaded. "Zyra!" "Besides, it is not like I could bring him to Ginger's tent," she said accusingly. "We were both suffering! It's been an awful couple of days. Admit it!" Rell rubbed his temples and nodded. "You're right, these days have been awful, but if you get caught you'll make it all for nothing. I stood up to my brother for you." "You stood up to your brother for you," Zyra corrected, narrowing her eyes. "You pretend to be my lover, that is what you have done. You chose to fight your brother, you did not have to. Do not forget that Rell." Rell's fire diminished a little and he took several deep breaths. Finally he cooled. "You're right. I'm sorry. I'm just...very stressed." "Understandably," Zyra agreed. "Although." "I still don't want you to see Kail." "What?" "Just wait until this is over," Rell begged. "If you want I too will remain celibate. We can complain to one another, but I do not want this to end in disaster. Can you understand this?" Zyra didn't want to. Everything inside of her wanted to rebel, but Rell was right. How would it look? "I understand," Zyra huffed. "Though, there is no need for you to deny yourself because of me." "I will take a lesson from your steadfastness," he said chuckling. "Besides, we both survived may years without coupling. Surely we can go back to that time?" Zyra gave him a doubting look. "Would you go back?" Rell laughed. "Not unless dragged. Tell me, how fares Kail? Is he aware of our predicament." "Oh, well actually..." _________________________________________________ Henna ran as fast as she could toward Kail's dwelling. She had entertained a man that night and went to the stream to wash. Whilst in the water she had seen Zyra running out of the woods. It had startled her at first, but whatever had been on her mind dulled her senses. Finding herself undetected, Henna decided at once to follow her. Supernatural power or not, Henna was a fast runner. Zyra's speed was easy at the moment so she could, for the most part, keep up with her. She watched her disappear into her tent only to hear Rell bark, "Are you insane?" Crouching her stomach against the ground like the huntresses had taught her, she sidled up the back of the tent and listened in. What she heard twisted her stomach. Zyra, Zyra had Kail? So that was why he had refused her. Zyra, the selfish spread legged whore that she was juggled not only Rell and Hanto, but Kail as well! Henna could not understand how she could attract these formidable men. She supposed with Rell it might be Zyra and him striking common ground. They were both freaks. As for Hanto, the tall dark and handsome son of the Chieftan, she could understand that as well. Hanto was a handsome brute. Zyra was a pretty brute. It made sense for her to end up with them, but Kail? Zyra had not even liked Kail! She treated him like a common slave, using him to make weapons and banishing him whenever she felt like it. Henna jumped over a log, stretching her thin powerful legs through the air like a deer. It couldn't be true, and if it was...well, Henna knew what she would do. She ran through the path to his campsite and looked around. Whatever he had made was finished. She knocked on it, waiting for entrance. Inside she heard rustling and a long groan. As the sound came closer and closer to the door, Henna found herself afraid. Her eyes widened and her pulse raced out of control. When the door swung open she gasped. "Back so soon?" Kail stood drowsily in the doorway, completely naked. His forest green skin clung to every muscle seamlessly like a glove. His limp heavy manhood hung between his legs underneath a scarlet bush. The olive green member was huge. Kail eyed Henna as her unhinged jaw gaped at him. Irritated he grumbled and walked back into his home. "Hm, I thought you were someone else," he rasped. Henna closed her mouth and swallowed. She had the power here. She had the control. Stepping forward she walked inside and closed the door behind her. Kail who was tying the strings of his britches frowned. Henna could see the tantalizing V of his waist just above his pants and she could feel her mouth water. "I didn't say you could enter," he stated dryily. "I wasn't asking," Henna retorted, her voice slightly unsteady. In response Kail smirked and narrowed his eyes. "You're in over your head kid. Go home." "I am not!" Henna shouted. "And you have no right to keep saying those things to me! I am a grown woman. A full woman in body, soul, and mind. Just because I'm not dragging sacks in front and behind me does not mean I am a child!" Kail let out a tired sigh and sat on one of his stools. It was too early for this. Even thin women had a certain air and sensuality about them that suggested adulthood. Henna did not have that. "Very well. I was wrong. Now, what is it that you want?" Henna ground her teeth together then licked her lips. "Is it true that you were with Zyra last night?" Kail's yellow eyes drilled into her as he sat up. "And who told you that?" "Answer me." "Why?" "Because I know it's true! You thought I was her didn't you?" Kail's expression was blank, then inch by inch a coy devilish smile stole onto his face. An exposed fang glistened. "Then why, pray tell, are you even asking me the question? Jealous little one?" "You villain..." Henna simpered striding forward. She boldly went to sit upon Kail's lap. "If you wanted to make me jealous, it worked. She leaned in to kiss him but he stopped her. Sighing, he pushed her off. "No. Henna, this game has gone too far." "I'm not playing." "You are. With fire." "You dare mock me even now?" she shouted. "Do you not realize the gravity of your situation?" "Enlighten me," Kail challenged, standing up. Henna flinched at his overwhelming frame, but trudged on. "Zyra has sworn herself to the Chieftan's son Rell. She has lied to you and used you. You know nothing about what she truly is. She is not good enough for you..." "You know nothing about me," Kail said scathingly. "You don't know how good I am." "I know enough to—" Kail grabbed her by her collar and she yelped as he brought her toward his face. "What is it you want? Do you imagine that I'd care for you? Caress you? Love you?" He chuckled darkly. "What does a bitter will-o-wisp of a girl like yourself have to offer me?" he growled. "Stop it Kail! You're hurting me!" Henna clawed at his hands but it was to no avail. He was too strong. Subtly he loosened his grip, though he knew he wasn't hurting her. "You think fucking makes you a woman? How many men have gone between those legs only to find themselves disappointed?" "Shut up! Just shut up!" She had begun to cry. Kail loosened his grip completely and pushed her towards the door. Tears streaked down her dark cheeks. She looked up at him finally with the appropriate emotion, hatred. "I will tell you this one the last time," Kail growled lowly. "You are nothing to me and you will remain that way. Now go, and do not come back here." "You can't," Henna sobbed. "You can't treat me this way!" "I am. Now go." "You think you're so special," Henna spat venomously. "You and that whore you fuck with. Well we'll see about that. You'll pay for this. I swear it." "I have no doubt I will," he said evenly. When she stormed out she slammed the door and broke a jar on his shelf. Cursing he checked to make sure the contents weren't poisonous. They weren't. One bottle over and he would have had problems. He bent down to clean, sleep still in his eyes. His mouth tasted of dread and Zyra. Perhaps Henna would punish him, but he didn't care. It would no doubt be worth it. ________________________________________________ While Rell was benefiting from Ginger's lack of propriety, Zyra was dying inside. So much for sharing in the sacrifice. Rell has lasted three days before he dove into the comfort of Ginger's bosom. She could have sworn that the celebration was a lot shorter than this. Maybe the problem was she wasn't doting on Kyzu like she used to. Kyzu would give her several instructions to carry out and fill her time. That was back before she had come of age. Or after, she focused on hunting and avoided the camp as much as possible. Now she was supposed to be with Rell. "It's almost over," she said aloud. "Almost over." "What's almost over?" She turned and saw her sister at the mouth of her tent. Surprised she jumped, "Nothing. Sister...I—" "It is very bad that a huntress of your caliber is being caught off guard," Kyzu thought rolling her eyes. "What troubles you must be great indeed." "No," Zyra protested. "I'm fi—" "Lie to me once more and I shall make you clean furs," Kyzu threatened. Zyra winced. Cleaning the furs during the celebration was the nastiest job anyone could have. She had drawn that duty two years ago and still could not forget how filthy she had felt. "That's very cruel of you," Zyra said frowning. "Why have you come?" "I've come to check on you," Kyzu simpered, taking a seat on Zyra's floor. "Where are your pillows?" "I've never had pillows," Zyra chuckled. "Has it been so long?" "Yes, indeed," Kyzu nodded. "I am so accustomed to you coming to my tent that I have not seen yours in such a long time." It hurt Kyzu to see her sister living with such menial means. It was as though her rank gave her no comforts, just trouble. Zyra looked at her musing sister curiously. "Does it still bother you that we separated?" Kyzu sighed. "Sometimes. Other times I think it would have killed us had it been otherwise." That made her laugh. Sitting she ushered her closer in to sit beside her. "How is the Chief?" Zyra asked, patting her sister's hand. "Disheartened by the quarrel of his sons," Kyzu admitted with a sigh. "I have not taken him into my arms. I can hardly complain however. There are many eager younger men who desire a flower like myself." "Your modestly is breathtaking." "Ha. You talk to me of "modesty," painted spear wielding warrior." The laughed in each other's company before a tangible silence fell over them. Zyra frowned as she broached it. "Sister, is there...another reason for why you have come?" Kyzu looked up at her, her eyes piteous. "Yes. I know that you have chosen Rell. I also know that Rell wishes to become Chieftan of the Ursie tribe." "Yes," Zyra agreed. "What of it?" Kyzu took her hand and held it firmly. "I know that you care for him, at the very least as a friend." Zyra frowned. "Yes? Please complete your thoughts dear sister." Her hand squeezed tighter and Zyra wondered what was the matter. "Sister...?" "It is Firetoucher," Kyzu said stiffly. "She had given birth. To a son." "Oh..." Zyra said sadly. He would have to go the Ursie tribe. "Does she take this news ill?" "She takes it as she must," Kyzu stated. "But the child's father...is Hanto." Zyra's breath caught in her throat. She released Kyzu's hand and stood up shakily. "You know what this means yes?" Kyzu said as calmly as she could. "The Ursie law is different than ours. Hanto has provided his tribe with an heir. This makes him a stronger candidate than Rell for Chief, even though Rell is the firstborn." "Stop it." "Now that Rell has made claims to you—" "Stop." "It will be expected that you and Rell must..." "Enough!" Kyzu looked at Zyra as she held her head and knelt. Zyra knew holding her ears was futile, but it felt better. Kyzu wasn't speaking so she couldn't block out the thoughts or images. She could only breath as evenly as possible and try not to panic. "Zyra...look at me." She turned to her sister and saw the determined look upon her face. "Whatever your decision is, however you stand in this, I will support you. I will protect you." "Don't say that." "I mean it Zyra." They stared at each other like strangers. Zyra fought the watering in her eyes. "You've...never protected me Kyzu. Never." "I know." Kyzu's eyes shone as well. The wave of emotion that washed over Zyra showed her Kyzu's need to have her trust, and to prove herself. She wanted to help her for a change. But Kyzu had hurt her before. It would be stupid to hope, and so she chose not to. "Very well," Zyra uttered dismissively. "Have they announced it?" Kyzu sensed her dismissal and stood. "No. Hanto will wait until mid-meal." Of course, Zyra thought bitterly. He would want a crowd. ________________________________________________ "So it is with great pride that I present to you your grandson dear Chief and Father." Hanto raised a hand and the pregnant Firetoucher waddled forward with a tiny baby swaddled in cloth. All of the Chief's animosity towards Hanto disappeared as he saw the continuity of his tribe wiggling wide-eyed in front of him. Words were not enough for him. His eyes shone with unshed tears as he clapped his son's back and firmly embraced him. His son's first child, and it was a boy. "Well done," he gruffly rasped. "Well done my son." Hanto looked at Rell who had gone pale. After a long elaborate diatribe concerning an announcement and an unveiling, he had the baby presented. He smirked inwardly at this triumph but did not see his goal among them. Where was Zyra? If what she said was true, Rell had a long length of time to give Zyra a child. He had spent three nights with Firetoucher and he had produced an heir. He now had another thing Rell did not have, virility. The Chief looked at Rell and ushered him over to hold his nephew. Firetoucher stood stiffly amongst them, knowing that the bundle in her arms would soon be an Ursie. Their arrangement for population had been crude but effective. She imagined some men might regret not seeing their daughters grow up. Combining the tribes was too risky. There were power struggles, rapes, crimes and culture that gender divided almost evenly down the middle. The Awaquai tribe was for those who loved one another. She and Hanto did not love. Firetoucher tried not to despair. She would have her son all to herself until he was able to survive without her breast milk. Her child would grow up to be a Chief son, or be the Chief himself. He would have a good life. At least of that she was certain. Zyra watched the proceedings from inside a tree. She couldn't be down there, not when she knew what would happen. It had been foolish to put on this elaborate ruse. She and Rell had two choices, neither pleasant. She thought about escaping to Kail's when she saw Rell's eyes connect with the distant tree. He saw her. Turning, he pointed to his necklace and started walking off. So he wanted to meet at their place. Sighing she followed after him, headed for the stream. When she arrived, Rell was pacing back and forth. She walked up to him and tried to put a hand on his shoulder but he pulled away. "No!" he snapped. "Rell calm down." "He's taken it Zyra," Rell snarled, inches from some violent display of emotion. "He's taken the Chiefdom. I am finished." "No you're not," Zyra cooed, but he turned on her with angry eyes. "I am," he snapped. "Our father has wanted many things from us in the past, but none call to him like an heir, a male heir. The only way to compete with Hanto now is to have an heir of my own." "Then go forth!" Zyra said waving her arms. "Be virile!" Rell paused in his pace and glared at her. "How am I to exercise my virility whilst attached to you?" Zyra winced at his tone. "Well, cast me off. I do not care for my romantic reputation. Say you found me unfeeling and unemotional. You are handsome enough to find other mates." "And leave you to Hanto?" Rell grumbled tiredly. "No person is deserving of that fate." "I have already "consummated" with you remember?" Zyra said chuckling. "I believe that renders my duties complete. If I must never fuck another human male again so be it." Rell laughed and shook his head. "You make this sound simple. I fought for you Zyra. How would it look that I would defy my brother for the first time for a woman, only to cast that woman aside? My one positive feature that my father acknowledges is that I am more level-headed than my brother. If I start to become impulsive now, I lose more ground." "What about if I refuse..." Before she could finish he gave her a look. Zyra was on thin ice. If she refused Rell, that would mean she accepted Hanto. No other male had shown her interest. Besides, if she did not complete celebration with a steady stream of sex, Hanto could easily argue a failed consummation and win a chance to contest her barrenness. In other words, he would win by default. "What are we to do?" Zyra asked him softly. "Pray, hope an heir will fall out of the sky." She watched Rell sit down as guilt clawed at her. When she could not stand it anymore, she spoke. "Why have you not asked me yet?" she snapped. He looked up at her. "Asked you what?" She glared at him. "You...know what." It would be unthinkable, and yet she thought of it as did Rell. If they actually tried...the real way, the proper way, to consummate in hopes of an heir... In tribe law once a child was had by a bound couple, they could split without shame. It was actually encouraged for the pool of talents to be recycled into diverse offspring. If Zyra produced a child, she would no longer be bound by loyalty to Rell. But Zyra loved Kail, nothing would change that. How much was she willing to risk for her tribe? "I won't ask you yet," Rell said finally. "I will hold it in until my insides hurt, and then hold it in longer." He locked his blue eyes upon her and she swallowed. "I will wait until there is no hope. Until I have no chance but one. And if I am abject and lowly, if I am forced into a corner from where there is no returning, if I am desperate and selfish enough to change our relationship forever...I beseech you, to dare not refuse me." "How could I?" Zyra breathed looking at the ground. Unsteadily stepped back from him. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 20 Chapter 20: "Locat Nazu requiem...Naza locat requiem...locat nazu..." The chant had been going on for seven days. The witches of the pure elements, water, earth, fire, and air continued their location chant in vain. Caligula stood over them, staring at the marble basin and its odd stillness with disdain. Despite their best efforts, despite his immeasurable strength, they could not find him. That could mean one of two things. Either it was a good sign because he was too weak to register enough magic to be found, or a bad sign because the Mage did not wish to be found, and he had the power to hide himself. Creedon, even now it brought a shiver down his spine. Part of him always knew that this day was coming, and yet he could not bring himself to recognize it fully. He knew even in his weakest, Creedon could destroy everything. Caligula gritted his teeth and focused on all his assets. What did he have that Creedon did not? Could not? The lesser witches, numerous as they were, could easily be matched by the right summoning of demons and sprites. Loyalty among the ogres was valuable, but they were not a warrior class. What good was a weapon without a wielder? Caligula's eyes cut to the basin once more. How foolish of him. In all of his confusion he had forgotten a valuable piece of the puzzle, his wielder. "Etaceh?" he called. The witch appeared from the shadows. She too was surveying the lack of progress uncomfortably. "Yes Caligula?" He smiled at her warmly. "I believe it is time." A sharp red grin slashed across Etaceh's face, twisting the beautiful witch into an image of alluring horror. "Until the end?" Caligula nodded with a small smile, "Yes, until the end." _________________________________________________ "Now!" Zyra thrust the spear at Rell and he firmly blocked it. She let out a fierce roar as she spun it high into the air and thrust it downward. Stepping backward, Rell met it overhead and twisted the spear under to counter strike. Zyra flipped back with a grin. Chuckling she threw the spear at him. He ducked, turning wide eyed to watch it impale into a tree. "Hey! Are you serious?" he shouted worriedly. His shock turned into a series of grunts and a startling change of scenery. In the second it took for him to look back, Zyra had disarmed him and tackled him to the ground. Coy, she sat her knees into his chest, her lips curved in a catty grin. "Rell! What is the first rule?" Rell coughed trying to push her off. "Ugh, I think you bruised something." "First rule Rell!" He frowned. "Never turn your back on an opponent." "Good," Zyra stated contentedly. She jumped up and offered him a hand up. "May your bruises be a reminder to you my young disciple." Her disgruntled pupil groaned as he took her hand. "Are you punishing me for something?" he asked sardonically. "Punishing you?" Zyra chuckled. "Of course not." "Well you seem to be enjoying this," Rell snapped, rubbing his aching back. This was the third time he had ended up sprawled on his back because of her. Zyra shrugged. "Very well, let us take a break." She skipped happily off to their provision as Rell complained all the way there. "Honestly Zyra, can you...and don't know why...Your sisters would...training. Even so..." Eventually she began to tune him out. If she was being completely honest with herself, she knew that he was right. She was enjoying herself, immensely. There was something great about not having to go easy on someone. Rell had no skill, but he had the durability of a keromedio dormant. That is what she decided to call him. Sure he bruised and cut easily, but he healed twice as fast. She wasn't trying to hurt him, but if she did, she knew he could take it. "...and make sure you try! Okay?" Apparently he had finished his diatribe. What noncommittal thing could she say to cover herself? "Rell, you know I have only your best interests in mind." "That's not the point Zyra," he declared. "I want to have skin when this is done!" "Alright," she promised. "You will have all the skin your heart desires. Unless your customs have had it removed prior to our training." "Your sarcasm is duly noted," he scoffed. He took his knife and sliced the large green fruit from his land and passed half of it to her. Curiously she sucked on it and hummed her approval. The red juicy inside was sweet and succulent. "Don't swallow the seeds," he said as the sliced into his half. "Why? Zyra asked, juice dribbling down her chin. "It is rumored that the fruit will grow in your stomach." Zyra coughed, the black seeds spewing from her mouth. "Really? What is this called? Why would you eat something so dangerous?" Rell chuckled. "I have yet to see it happen. It is only a myth." "Even so!" Rell laughed harder. "It is only a fruit Zyra. It is called water melon." She eyed the fruit suspiciously until hunger gave way and she ate once more. Zyra wiped her moist chin and took another watery bite. "I can see why," she slurped. After they had finished eating, they headed back towards the camp. The celebration was almost over. There would be two more days of revelry and one day of farewell. Zyra smiled at Rell as relief and sadness came upon her. It was almost over. Rell would go home, taking his awful brother with him, and in half a year they would see each other again. She tried to imagine day to day life without Rell. It was strange that he had so quickly become a fixture of their lives. It wasn't that she would miss having to share her tent. Simply that she would miss seeing him, bent by the fire cooking, or running after Rair, Enui, or Gharla like a doting pet. With a long sigh she took his hand and held it tightly. He looked down at her curiously and she gave him a weary smile. "I will miss you brother," she said earnestly. "It is not like we will never see each other again," Rell said squeezing her hand back. "But, I too will miss you sister." She smiled and threw an arm around his shoulder. "Alright, now let us go back to my tent. You're going to fetch my buckets, fill them with water, and carry them back." "Is that for strength training?" "No. I just need water." _________________________________________________ "Scallen...Scallen! Scallen!" His eyes snapped open as he heard the sound of his name being called. Frowning he uncurled from his comfortable nest. "Scallen...Scallen!" The green eyed basilisk frowned, or he would have had he lips at the moment. Yes, something was calling him. He hissed as he transformed into his humanoid form and slid towards the sound. As he slipped through his tunnels he eventually found one that appeared to be directly below the call. He licked his tongue out. The weather was decent enough, as for the species of the creature, he was unsure. The air had no taste of the living or dead. Something or someone was tampering with his senses. "Scallen!" Rolling his eyes he lifted up out of the earth. Very little could contest against a basilisk. To his amusement he found himself under the Reverence tree. The last time he had been there was to tease delicious Zyra out of it. He sniffed as his green eyes scanned the area. Nothing, he saw nothing. He hissed in annoyance. A foul trick then? To disturb him out into the open? For what purpose? "Scallen." He turned sharply to apprehend the assailant when the sight made his blood freeze. Scallen gasped, unable to understand what it was he was seeing. "ssZ...Zatannya," he breathed. "Scallen." The breathtaking woman walked towards him and he took a step back, his eyes filling with tears. Her long brown hair curled around her in soft curls. Her skin was rosy with life, but most important, most alluring, were her eyes. That vibrant vision of green that matched his, that matched the current keromedio, looked up at him with love. "Scallen," she declared in relief. She grinned at him brightly. "I was looking for you everywhere." Zatannya lifted her hand up and showed that she had a basket filled with his favorite fruit. "We can share them," she cooed waltzing up to him. He bit his cheek and the pain made the tears receded. The woman whom he had loved pressed her cold cheek against his chest. "I love you so much Scallen," she said warmly. Scallen shook in response. "No...no." He closed his eyes and felt the presence recede. When he opened his eyes, Zatannya was walking out from the shadows, watching him with concern. "My love what is wrong?" He looked at the figure with pure hatred. "Why? Why have you done thissssss?" he asked softly. "Done what—" "Do not lie to me!" he growled viciously, his mouth filling up with deadly venom. Zatannya's face pouted. With a twirl she was gone, in her place was the witch Etaceh. "Scallen!" Etaceh tittered happily. "It's been quite a while. Eat anything appetizing lately?" Scallen spat out a mouthful of venom and watched the spot on the grass sizzle and die with some measure of contentment. "Oh...you mean, like your keromedio? I found it interessssting that you thought I would rut with hhher like a mindlesssss beasssst. sssSurely you've forgotten who I am." Etaceh giggled girlishly in response. "Well you can't blame an old friend for trying to hook you up. But Scallen, sweetie. You and me, we go back. I don't believe that you left her completely alone. Did you Scallen?" She walked up to him, curling around him in a way that mimicked his reptilian nature. "Lovely thing like her. You didn't sample her? Not even...a taste?" Scallen smirked in response. "Like I ssssaid, I'm not a mindlesssss beasssst. But all men can be beastsss, especially when women are consss...cerned. Right Etaceh?" He licked his tongue out and tasted the air. "I taste Caligula on your ssskin. How isss the old man? ssStill treating you like hiss whore?" "You watch your tongue," Etaceh spat viciously. Scallen smirked wider, glad he was able to at the very least get under her skin. "What isss it like to have all that power, and ssstill nothing to ssshow for it?" Etaceh looked at him in disbelief before her face exploded in mirth. "Ha! You tell me! You had everything once upon a time. Power, riches, even love. Tragic isn't it? You even had these." Scallen stiffened as Etaceh opened her palm, revealing the clear globe in her hand. Dark purple magic clouded around it, and Scallen swallowed as Zatannya reappeared. "Scallen." She grinned at him brightly. "I was looking for you everywhere." "ssStop," he demanded to Etaceh. H e tried to tear his eyes away from Zatannya, but he could not. She showed him the fruit basket. "We can share them." "Etaceh ssstop." "I love—" "ssSTOP," he snarled. Etaceh cupped her hand and the image went back into the globe. "Why do you do thissss?" he barked. "To remind you of your place," Etaceh said, licking her blood red lips. "You forgot yourself basilisk." "You are sssick," Scallen spat. "You are sssick to ssstill have that in your possession!" "Do you want it?" "What?" Etaceh strode forward, her black robe flowing behind her delicately. Her hand outstretched the glass globe in its center. "Do you want her remembral?" Scallen's fingers itched to snatch it out of her hand, but he didn't even look at it. Instead he drilled his eyes onto the witch. "What do you want?" "I want you to take it," Etaceh declared silkily. "I want you to take this remembral. I want you to take this frozen fracture in time from my late Zatannya's life." "sShe wass mine." "She was yours," Etaceh corrected. "And in the end, she was mine. They're all mine. Take it." She placed the heavy globe into his hand. "Don't worry. I have many more. I can even pick something out if you like, more significant than this snippet. The moment where you first made love? That's one of my favorites. I didn't know you were so virile. Well, then again you are a basilisk. Or the first time she said, "I love you." Really romantic thing wasn't she? You remember the rose petals? What do you think Scallen?" "I think...not even the Maker himself could ssave your twissssted ssssoul." "Oh ho, so serious darling? Like the Old Ones used to say. Take a chill pill." Her smile turned deadly and her hand lashed out and knocked the remembral from his hand. Before he could react, the globe ensconcing that precious memory, was broken. He could not stop himself from kneeling and watching the white swirl shimmer with her face for mere moments before disappearing again. Gosh if that wasn't like losing her again. "Scallen," Etaceh cooed, touching a finger under his chin. "Chin up." He grabbed her finger, crushing it in his hand. He stood, pulling her into him. He could kill her for that, for everything. "Do you dare?" Etaceh chuckled, the fingers in her hand bruised, if the bones were not broken. "I'll get you another old friend. Was it not you who asked me to capture and make them?" "Destroy them," he demanded. "Destroy them all. That wasss a different time." "You can destroy them when I give them to you," Etaceh jibed, pulling her hand away. "If you can." She huffed, turning her hand over. He had broken bones. She remembered that the last time he had done so. He was holding her hand for comfort and it was an accidental casualty. With a wave of her other hand, everything was in its right place. Good as new. She smiled brightly. "I'll give them to you on nights like tonight. When you need to be reminded of true power. You might have knowledge and age like us basilisk, but your power is nothing like ours. Do not interfere sweetie." "ssSo you're making your move," Scallen hissed. "You want to make sssure I ssstand idly by!" "Don't forget Scallen. We were friends once. Do not get involved," Etaceh warned him. He scoffed. For a moment she sounded genuine. Then she grinned goofily. "But if you do, I will remind you my sweet." Scallen spat out another mouth of venom, this gob sizzling at her feet. "One day," he vowed. "I will have my revenge Etaceh." Etaceh chuckled as she sunk into the darkness. "I know old friend, but today is not that day." Scallen eyed her evilly, remembering a vital fact. "And Etaceh?" "Yes?" "Do not forget. You sssummoned me into the valley to kill the hhumansss...you owe me...a favor." Etaceh halted, all mirth gone from her face. He smiled. "Did you forget? Or were you hoping...I would forget?" "Shall I slit my wrists for you?" she said as lightly as possible. "I have sssomething more painful in mind." Watching him Etaceh left seething, unsure if she had accomplished what she came for. This is why basilisks were so irritating. They were powerful and they could not be intimidated. When she left he jumped down into his dark tunnel. Stumbling he tried to transform back into his snake but he couldn't concentrate. This form was able to feel everything and so, he felt. Scallen shouted loudly, bitterly into the echoing cave, surrounded on all sides by misery. Falling onto his knees, he put his face into his hands, and he wept. ________________________________________________ When Zyra went to Kyzu's tent, her sister was startled at her appearance. She had been pointedly avoiding her place. "Are you alright?" Kyzu thought curiously. "Fine," Zyra said, giving her a smile. "You?" Kyzu nodded. Then they talked. It was an enjoyable exchange, one they hadn't had for a long time. At the end, Kyzu said she had one more surprise for her. "You didn't think I had forgotten did you?" she asked teasingly. Smiling Kyzu produced a dress. "I said I had made you something for the celebration did I not?" Zyra took the fabric into her hands. It was a crimson red dress with green embroidered vines on the bottom hem. It had been made in a traditional style, floor length with slits on both sides that would show when one walked. The top portion had long flowing sleeves, and the top was cut to accent her cleavage. Overall it was a very lovely, very uncomfortable, very seductive choice; perfect for the celebration. "Kyzu...its..." "You know Zyra," Kyzu interrupted. "I have always secretly thought of you as a wild rose. Your wild prettiness was always a source of envy with me, but no longer. I want you to look and feel your best always." Coming closer she put a hand on her sister's shoulder. "I will not insist you wearing this dress, but if you do, consider it a secret pact between us. A joke that we can share." Zyra nodded, looking down at the dress. "Thank you. I will consider it earnestly." Kyzu nodded. It was all she could ask. Silently Zyra departed, wondering if it would be so bad to wear the dress. Her sister was trying. She should have faith in her. Walking back to her tent she placed her dress back inside and turned to walk straight into Henna. Before the girl could fall, she grabbed her wrist and pulled her back up. "Yes?" Zyra asked frowning. Whatever she wanted had to be bad news. "I didn't mean to disturb you," Henna said in her classically grumpy fashion, "...but I have been sent by Nima to fetch you." "Nima?" "Yes." Zyra smiled as she thought of how the girl must be fussing. She and all of the younger children, boys and girls, were together under the care of the elders. During these times, Nima was prone to whining for her and Kyzu. "Take me to her." Henna nodded and led her away, hiding the smile on her face. _________________________________________________ "Nima!" Henna saw the little girl pressing something in the ground. When she saw her, her brown eyes filled with guilt. Henna's brow furrowed. "What are you..." A little boy reared up, his face brown with dust and dirt, crying he ran off. Henna's eyes widened. Nima had been holding his face to the ground. "Ni..." "Auntie said I could!" The girl's outburst made her jump. She was still not used to her speaking. "What?" Nima stood, dusting her dirty hands off on her white and blue dress. Her chin jutted out proudly. "Auntie Zyra said that if a boy tried to lift up my dress I should press his face to the ground! As...an example to the others of what happens when they test me." Henna was at a loss of words. "Do...do you even know what testing you means?" "No! But-but Auntie Zyra was very clear!" Henna snickered. She bet that Zyra was. She bent down to the brute in training and lifted her arms out to her. "Come here Nima." Happily Nima accepted the arms that wished to pick her up. Henna took her back toward the camp beyond the supervision of the elders and sat her in a field of sunflowers. Sitting her on a log she rummaged through her bag to find what she needed. "Why are we here?" Nima asked curiously. She knew Henna was a hunteress, and Zyra told her that huntresses could be trusted. "Do you miss your auntie?" Henna asked, pulling out a water flask. "Yes!" Nima shouted. Henna recoiled. Did she have to scream everything? "Well, she told me she misses you too." Opening the flask she poured in a few drops of the first potion. Then she closed the flask and began to shake it up. "So I decided it would be good if you saw each other." "But I'll get in trouble," Nima stated pouting. "Mommy said no kids at the celebration. She visits me, but Zyra can't she said." Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 20 "She can if it's out here," Henna said comfortingly. She reopened the flask and handed it to the little girl. "Do you know what kind of flowers are around you?" Nima nodded. "Sunflowers!" "And in this is water," Henna said handing it to her. "It's for Zyra." She gave the girl a charming smile. "You know the Berryflower right?" "Yes." "What happens when you put Berryflower in water?" "It tastes like berries," Nima answered. Henna made her voice take on a wondrous tone that would entice the girl. "So what would happen...if you put sunflowers in water?" Nima sat there thinking for a moment before her eyes went wide. "It would taste like the sun!" "Yes!" Henna agreed. "Zyra has never tasted the sun. She told me so. Wouldn't it be a nice surprise if you made her some sun tasting water while I go get her? That way there's no way she'd be angry." "Can I have some?" "No!" Henna snapped. The girl looked alarmed as Henna slipped back into her smile. "No. I'm sorry, but only adults can taste the sun. If little girls taste it...they'll never grow." Henna gasped. "I want to grow!" "Then don't drink that water," Henna cooed. "But Nima, you have to do me a favor if you want me to let you give Zyra this water." "What favor?" "You can't tell her I told you about the recipe. If she knows it's from me, she won't like it as much as if it's from you. Do you know why?" Nima wrinkled her nose. "Cause I'm her niece and she loves me most?" "Exactly," Henna said, happy the kid had filled in the blanks. "Shall I bring Zyra now?" Nima nodded. "Ok." Standing up she began stripping the flowers of petals and dropping it into the water. "Perfect," Henna mumbled insidiously. Then she went off to find Zyra. Most likely, she'd be at her tent. _________________________________________________ Rell stomped around the camp sighing as his aching muscles protested with each step. Zyra had told him to practice a bit on his own. To be honest he thought about using the time to sleep, but considering he would only have her instruction for a few more days, he decided to obey. Walking down by the stream where they often frequented, he took his stance. Looking into the water's reflection as Zyra had suggested, he adjusted his stance and then faced forward. The wind carried the faint scent of flowers and moisture, indicating that it might at any time rain. The blue expansive sky was tufted with white clouds as fluffy as sea foam. The sea, he wondered if Zyra had ever seen it. Back in their village the Ursies could hike half a day and spend the rest of it by the sea. They knew how to swim, could fish, didn't hunt in forests like the Ursies. If you could hunt in their sparse forests, you called yourself a hunter. When Rell really thought about what being a hunter meant to the Rovian's, their secret language and their code of morals and ethics, the Ursie hunter was a child's game. Part of him was filled with excitement as he ran through the exercises Zyra had taught him. It was like he had been initiated into a special world where no one but himself had previously gone. If he could hone this knowledge, if he could be half as good as any huntress, he would be doing his tribe a great service. If he was Chief he could combine some of the Ursie ways with the Rovian types. Ursies farmed, so there was no shortage of food, but knowing how to hunt could be to their advantage. The tribes often stayed to themselves, but maybe if their food had surplus they could trade for the items they needed. Fish for clothing, fat fat bird for knives. "Who taught you?" He jumped, startled by the voice. Turning to his left he saw Rair. She was standing by a tree, her dark eyes emotionless, her arms crossed. He fought the lump in his throat as he saw her for the first time in what felt like years. "Rair. I-I didn't see you there." She didn't respond, waiting patiently for him to answer her previous question. "Right," he declared, as though her dismay had been audible. "Zyra. Zyra's been teaching me." "You had her stance." She was referring to him and Hanto's duel. "Yes," he agreed. "But she hadn't been teaching me then." She walked forward, and then strode in a lazy circle around him, scrutinizing his posture. After a minute or so she stopped to face him. "I am not sure how I feel about this," she said evenly. His heart sank at her words. So she still viewed him as an outsider. "I'm sorry," he said, crestfallen. "I wanted to learn how to fight—" "I'm not talking about that." Rell frowned, trying to understand what was going on behind her shielded expression. "Then...what are you talking about?" Rair's eyes flickered to the side of him, and then casually made their way back. "I am not sure how I feel about you leaving us. I will miss you." Rell's jaw dropped open as he watched her nod to him and begin to walk away. His muscles were confused as his brain shouted, "Go after her!" insistently. When he was able to move he dashed behind her. "Wait!" he called. Rair looked back at the oddly handsome man curiously. She had said her piece, what more did he want? "What do you mean?" he asked breathlessly. His cerulean eyes filled with expressive emotion. His look took her aback. She said nothing, waiting for him to elaborate. "Well?" he asked again. "I do not understand," Rair uttered plainly. "What do you feel?" Rell begged desperately. "Why do you feel unsure?" Rair honestly wanted to know why he cared, but another question would require more words. Instead she chose to answer him. "You have eaten with us and slept with us," she began. A violent shiver ran down Rell's back. She did just mean sleep right? "You have provided for the village, shown loyalty to us, you have been protected by us and in turn have been a protector." Rair looked over him with a twinge of admiration. The first time she had seen him, almost a year ago he had been frail. Being with them had surprisingly made him into a man. Yet, he was still himself. Rell was gentle to a fault, giving, and prone to relationships where he was being taken advantaged of. He knew these facts and yet changed very little; he was okay with receiving nothing in return. To be frank he was a fool. Still, Rair knew he was a good fool, and the huntress in her wanted to protect him. "You are more Rovian now than you have ever been Ursie," Rair stated, lifting her gaze back to his face. He had seen her appraisal of him, and to her amusement a light pink blush dusted his cheeks. "How would you know that?" Rell mumbled, scratching his head. He had never thought he would hear such high praise from the huntresses, let alone Rair. "I watch," she answered. "I have never seen you once hang among your kindred. You flock to those who have been in the valley, and you used to flock with your brother. Now you have only us." Rell's blush faded as he realized the truth of her words. She was right. When they were gone, he would ultimately be alone. He was not as popular among his tribemen because Hanto was the more masculine figure. He had been coddled by his father and when they separated, he stayed behind his brother or by himself. How could he have lived so many years among them and not realized he had not one ally? "You worry now," Rair more or less stated. "I have thought of what you are thinking, and I do not want you to go. It is not safe." Rell heard that she did not want him to go, and nothing else. "You want me to stay?" "You cannot stay. You are a man." "But if I could?" Rell insisted. To his shock Rair graced him with a small smile. "I would welcome you as my brother." Rell dropped his spear and walked up to her. Quietly he took her hand and held it between his own. Looking neither for nor against his actions, Rair watched as him curiously. "I have the uttermost respect for you huntress Rair," Rell exclaimed, his palms threatening to shiver. "I have always admired you, and I wish to bestow upon you an honor an Ursie male may only give to a woman, The Trading of Items." He had traded items before, giving Zyra his necklace. The Trading of Items was a promise that the two parties would meet again. Generally it was meant to be romantic, but his time with the huntresses had taught him that there were different types of love. He loved them all, each in a different way, and he wanted Rair to know that she was no exception. Taking his circulet he bent and pulled off one the golden circles. He looked to her hand again. The perfect size; smiling, he slipped it upon her finger. "With this, I make you my sister. It is a promise we will meet again. I your brother will be under your protection no matter our distances, and you shall be under mine." Rair let out a snort. Under his protection, right. Rell ignored her, a smirk tugging at his lips. "If you give me something of yours, the Trading will be sealed." "Zyra has such an item around her neck," Rair stated looking at the golden ring on her finger. "And you have a key." "She does," Rell quipped, happy that she understood. "She was my first." Rair raised an eyebrow and observed Rell as he began to sputter. "No! N-not my first...M-my first sister! Just sister!" he shouted. Rair said nothing, looking back to her hand. Then slowly she reached behind her ear into her short cropped hair. Rell looked longingly at the smooth curve of her neck until she produced a beaded feather. Silently she tied it into his hair. His breath caught as her fingers twisted and turned against him. His crush on her burned anew with a stronger flame. He had underestimated her, she could have feelings for him if he was brave enough to nurture them. "I know Rell," she whispered quietly into his ear. He shuddered, swallowing the warm saliva gathering in his mouth. "You do?" His voice had gone raspy, and Rair inwardly started when she saw the desire pooled into his eyes. As the string tightened she took a step back. Rell touched the string that was hidden behind his ear in his hair, but his eyes did not leave her. Whether Zyra's courage had rubbed off on him, or he was getting his own, Rell decided to act. Cautiously, he took a step forward. That step was all it took to set Rair back in stone. Detaching, she gave him a stiff nod. "Farewell," she said walking away. "I do not know if I will see you off because of the formalities you owe Zyra." "Wai—" He stuck out an arm, but she was already into a light run and before he knew it, she was gone. "So, this was goodbye," Rell spoke out loud. She had come to bid him goodbye. Sighing he picked up his spear. He didn't feel like training anymore. Instead he stripped down to nothing and went for a cold swim. Not knowing that a pair of eyes had watched. _________________________________________________ Zyra followed Henna until they were on the outskirts of where the children should have been. "She's over there," Henna said drily. The unamused girl glanced back at her. "I tried to make her go back but she said she wouldn't unless you carried her." "Really?" Zyra was shocked. Nima was many things, but fussy was not one of them. "Do you want me to just take her back anyway?" Henna asked as they reached the clearing. Zyra's heart melted when she saw Nima. She had adorned herself in a halo of yellow sunflowers and sat picking the petals off of another. She looked so beautiful and lovely Zyra's heart ached with pride. "No, it's fine," Zyra said smiling. "Thank you." Henna nodded and walked off. When Zyra entered the clearing, Nima's head swirled into her direction. Her face burst into a bright smile and she stood up, her white dress stained with dirty hand prints. "Auntie!" Running towards her, Zyra couldn't help but run too and she scooped her messy little girl into her arms. Nima clung to her neck so tight she threatened to suffocate her, but Zyra simply held her, rocking her in arms. "I missed you," Nima spoke against her shoulder. "I missed you too," Zyra choked, surprised at the tears that threatened to fall. She had been so good at blocking out emotions she had not realized how much she had missed her niece. Walking over to a log, Zyra placed her down beside her. Cute as she was Nima shouldn't be too spoiled. She needed to be reprimanded. The forest was no place for a young girl, let alone one as unprepared as Nima. "Now Nima, what have you been doing in the forest?" Nima's look of jubilation tempered a bit as mischief and guilt warred in her face. "Promise not to be mad?" "I promise." "Well..." Nima began a long tirade about a boy who had been picking on her friend Canai who everyone called Carrot. Carrot had untamed curly red hair, and this boy seemed to go out of his way to pull it. Every time he did, Nima defended Carrot to the best of her ability. As Zyra listened she tried to keep herself from bursting out into laughter. Poor Nima did not realize that the boy was only picking on Carrot to get her attention. Granted she wanted to put him over her knee and spank him, but as Nima told her the abuses she had done to dissuade him, she felt he had been tortured enough. She had pushed him, pinched him, slapped him, and finally after he was foolish enough to lift up her dress, she had pressed his head into the ground. That was when Henna found her. "Are you mad?" Nima asked, her big brown eyes worried. "Not at all," Zyra said, giving her a hug. "I'm very proud of you. You did as you were told." "Oh! Go—" "But..." Nima shut her mouth as Zyra continued. "You need to also learn how to resolve your problems without violence. The next time this boy tries to pick on you or Carrot, you tell him you don't like it when he's mean and if he doesn't stop, you won't play with him." Nima's mouth pursed and wiggled as though she was chewing up Zyra's words. "And if he lifts my dress again?" "The other rule still stands." "Okay." "And Nima, no matter who you're chasing, you must not go into the woods without an adult. Do you understand me?" Nima nodded. "Yes auntie." "Good." Nima stood up with a grin and ran to the center of the field. To Zyra's amusement she came back with a flask of water. "Here!" Nima said brightly. "This is for you." "Where'd you get that from?" Zyra asked curiously. "Henna gave me water." "Did she now?" Suspiciously, Zyra opened it and looked down inside the flask. To her surprise she found a large quantity of sunflower petals. "Henna put flowers in it?" Zyra asked incredulously. "Nuh uh. I did!" Zyra's brow furrowed her mouth gaped. "...why?" Nima smiled with her adorable trademark grin. "To make it taste like the sun." When Zyra didn't respond Nima took it upon herself to elaborate. "Berryflowers make the water taste like berries right? Sunflowers should make the water taste like the sun. Have you tasted the sun before Zyra?" Her eyes sucked Zyra in until she was trapped by her. Say yes, say you have. "Uh..." Lie! Lie to her! "No," Zyra said dejectedly. She couldn't lie to that face. As though proving her point, Nima's face brightened. "Then here! Taste some!" "I'd love to," Zyra said half-heartedly, "But we don't know where Henna got the water from, it could be bad. Let's just pour this out and-" "No!" Zyra huffed. "Well why don't you taste some, and tell me how it tastes?" Zyra suggested. "I can have some?" Nima gasped. "Of course." "Yay!" Nima shouted. "I'll try it after you!" Fuckta. "Nima..." "It's a present," Nima cooed, mixing the petals with her finger. "I want to give you nice things too. You always give me nice things." Well what was she supposed to say to that? Sighing heavily Zyra took the flask and sniffed it. Well it didn't smell strange, at least from what she could tell. The pungent sting of sunflower pollen clung to it. Groaning Zyra replaced the top and squeezing her eyes she took a swing. The minute she swallowed it she felt like hurling. What an awful creation. "How does it taste?" Nima asked excitedly. Feeling evil she gave the bottle to Nima. "Here. You have a swig." Nima grabbed the bottle excitedly. "Yay! Thank you auntie!" As the nausea hit her she snatched the bottle away. "Nevermind I change my mind," Zyra snapped. "Hey! That's not fair!" Nima protested, reaching for the bottle that was at arm's length. "I want it all for myself," Zyra said smiling at her. Nima frowned then smiled again. "Okay. So you'll drink some more?" "Maybe later." Maybe never. "Alright love," Zyra said picking her up and swinging her behind her. "Let's take you back." On the way to the camp Zyra had 'accidentally' spilled the sunflower water. Consoling Nima that she "didn't really like the taste of the sun anyway," she left the girl to the care of the elders with strict instructions to be more vigilant about the children's whereabouts. Losing the future chieftess of a tribe would not be taken well. On the way back Zyra noted that she felt funny. It was a subtle wooziness that she didn't like. She tried a few times to heave up the quick sip, but she could not bring her body to do so. Sighing she decided it would pass. When she went to her tent she found Ginger inside, going through her things. "Dare I ask?" Zyra grumbled. "You never told me you had anything lovely!" Ginger turned to her with a look of jealous disdain. "Why do I sew you new things when you have this lovely thing you've never worn? Here I came to see if I could scrounge you up an outfit for the feast and I find this!" "Calm yourself," Zyra grumbled, lying to her furs. "Kyzu just gave it to me." Ginger went back to a normal temperament almost immediately. "Oh. Well why didn't you say so?" "I just did." "She must have crushed a lot of berries for this. Or had the village girls crush a lot of berries. Hey are you listening?" Zyra looked up at her in annoyance. "Yes. She probably did. Ginger, I need to rest." "Feeling ill?" "Sort of." "Sort of?" Ginger knelt to her and felt her head. "You feel fine. Is it your stomach?" "I just drank sunflowers in water." "What for?" "Nima—" "Say no more." Ginger went into her tent and came back to Zyra with mint leaves for her to chew on. After chewing them, Zyra felt much better. In return she braided her friend's hair and let her yammer on about her outfit until she chose one she liked. When night fell they could smell the special meats being cooked over the fire. Zyra's mouth watered as she took in the savory spices and succulent smoke. "Lift your arm up and stop dreaming about meat," Ginger snapped. Zyra obeyed as Ginger helped her into the dress. "It smells like heaven,"Zyra mumbled. "And I won't be able to eat a bite with this...this restraint around my body." "Relax," Ginger tutted as she pulled the strings tight. They were laced up on each side and stopped at the slit. As a result, the ties had to be tight, or more skin than what she intended would show. "How can I relax?" "I mean your shoulders," Ginger huffed. "This dress needs to be tighter." "Oh no." "Oh yes." Zyra felt a thick limb in her side and grunted. "Is that your foot?" Ginger responded by pressing her foot against her and heaving the strings in line. Zyra gasped as the dress was tied into place by Ginger's nimble fingers. "Well you look stunning," Ginger said factually. "Now you help me into my dress." Zyra glared at her with a touch of insanity and reached for her knife. "Don't you dare!" Ginger shouted, diving for it. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 20 "I can't breathe. I have to get out." "You don't need to breathe! You're talking aren't you!" "Ginger I will cut my way out if you don't loosen this!" "I put my heart, soul, and foot into getting you in this properly! If you touch a single strand I'll cut you off once and for all!" "I'll cut you off! With a knife!" Rell opened the tent to see Zyra and Ginger rolling around and shouting. He swallowed his smirk, irritated that he found the situation both hilarious and arousing. "I see you haven't finished dressing," he said respectfully. "I'll come back." "Rell...help," Zyra coughed. She could feel her lungs failing. "Yeah Rell help!" Ginger snapped. "Get that knife away from her!" Seeing the knife made Rell pause. "Are you trying to kill each other?" "She's trying to kill me," Zyra coughed. "I can't breathe." Being sensible, Rell immediately went to her side and started undoing the strands. To a man, couldn't breathe was a genuine threat. Ginger did not take this very well. "Fine," she growled. "See if I help either one of you!" She leaned in, whispering in venomous tones. "No sex for you and no clothes for you." She pulled closer to Zyra. "I hope your dress slips and you trip butt naked into the fire!" Then she stormed out. As if on cue, Rell managed to loosen out the first side. Sighing in extravagant relief, she braced against Rell's chest as he undid the other side. "Bless you," she breathed thankfully. She could feel that if Ginger in her infinite wisdom had kept her stuffed in that dress she might have gotten welts. "Not a problem," Rell said dismissively. "I'm good for something." "I never said you weren't," Zyra chuckled. Rell sniffed as he undid the other side. All too suddenly he became aware that Zyra was pressing against him, her brown hips slowly becoming more exposed as he undid her dress. His heart began to race and his fingers fumbled as he tried to release her quicker. When she was free she turned unabashed and began stretching herself. "Ugh, thank you," she sighed. "I thought I would actually have to harm her for progress." It was then she heard his heart. Turning to look at him she saw he had diverted his gaze and was fumbling with his own clothes. The setting sun highlighted his fine features. Light feathery eyelashes adorned his blue soulful eyes, thin but full pink lips paired elegantly with an upturned nose and a pointed chin. His muscles had given him a princely air instead of a mousy air. She grimaced when she looked down at his long thin fingers and thought about their uses. Kail's hands were bigger, his fingers longer, but she couldn't help but wonder what the differences between men were in pleasure. She had only been with Kail, and she had been scared out of her mind when she had half consummated with Rell. Her experience with Scallen was still fresh in her mind and served as one of the most erotic memories she had ever known, even with Kail's talents. Kail was very lucky that she loved him. "Zyra?" Looking from his hands she saw that he had been staring at her, possibly for some time. "Sorry. I was distracted," Zyra mumbled, heading to her corner. She looked into her mirror, another gift from Kyzu, and saw that before Ginger's temper tantrum she had put her hair up and wrapped it around her head in two massive rolls. These rolls were secured at the back of her head by a tight bead. "Nice," she said to herself. "Ginger might be insane, but the woman knows her aesthetics. One day someone will make her pregnant, and one day she will be a great mom...but we'll never know who the father is." "Zyra, may I ask you a question?" Zyra looked back at him, unnerved that his gaze had not left her. "Yes?" "Why did you choose Kail?" The question made her eyes widen. "Rell, I—" "I'm not asking for me," he interrupted, slightly offended by her alarm. "I just wanted to know, what attracted you to him? You know, from a huntress' perspective?" Zyra rubbed her chin in thought. What had attracted her to him? Well there was always his looks, but Rell and Hanto were attractive as well. And she despised Hanto. "He saved Nima, which I appreciated," she said, mentally contradicting herself with the fact that she hadn't wanted him at that point. She went back into thought with a pause so long, Rell had to ask again. "Is that all?" "I'm thinking." "You have to think that hard?" Zyra huffed. "It's not that simple." Rell chuckled in response. "No, I suppose nothing is ever quite simple with you is it?" Zyra hit him in response and he took it unflinchingly. Zyra noted that in that back of her mind. Suddenly he doesn't flinch? He beckoned her over with a finger and she went to him, curious as to his intentions. Reaching up from his seated position he began tightening her strings again. "Tell me if it's too tight alright?" "Oh I'll let you know." They sat in silence until Zyra spoke again. She had thought long and hard. "I think I was stunned when I learned he wanted me. He was the first man that I wasn't fully repulsed by that had actively pursued me. To be honest I didn't feel attracted to anyone for a long time, but there was something about him that lured me to him. Something that called to me." Rell nodded, finishing the right tie with an expert knot. "Have you ever felt that way with anyone else?" "Felt how?" "Attracted." Zyra avoided looking at him on purpose. Rell, with his strange faerie-like beauty had called to her at some point in the past. He was so weak though she could not truly respect him. He was Kail's antithesis, but it felt like the lines of their relationship were constantly blurred. Rell had met her for the first time as a lover, then her dependent as she saved him from harm. He had been her enemy when he suspected her of treachery, been her friend and sharer of the curse, and lastly he had become her brother. Rell understood that this conversation would have a lot of silences, so he simply finished the other side and patted her when he was done. The pat seemed to startle her out of her revere. Looking up at his and Ginger's handiwork he couldn't help but envy Kail just a tad. Zyra was truly beautiful, and he wished he had someone as loyal as her to call his own. His thoughts went Rair. If only he was lucky enough. Zyra tried to ignore it, but since Rell was thinking about her she had heard everything he just thought. She had never told him about that power and for now she was grateful she never had. Every bone in her body was asking that she run to Kail, but she knew it would be too costly a mistake. Besides, she could survive two more days without the ogre. Couldn't she? Yes, now was not the time for mistakes. "Yes, I have," she admitted finally. "But never as strongly. I needed someone who would reach me. I didn't have the self-esteem or self-worth to reach for someone knowing they might reject me. Kail wanted me from the beginning, and on some level I also wanted him. He worked for me, and because of him I feel like I'm...more...loving." To her surprise Rell began laughing. "What?" she demanded. "What about my heart is so amusing?" "I did not mean to offend you sister," Rell said, stifling his chuckles. "But reaching lovers or not, no one could make you, more loving Zyra." His comment was completely genuine and Zyra couldn't help but feel touched. "You do seem like you'd be an exotically interesting pair," Rell added. "Kail is in fact handsome, I have no denial in that. I simply envy you." "Why?" Rell sighed. "I...I have feelings, but they cannot be defined. You are lucky to know you are in love and with the proper person. I feel like I could fall in love, but I can't do it knowing I will flounder on my own." Zyra patted him comfortingly. "With whom?" "I have admired Rair for some time," he sighed heavily. "I was worried that "we" would deter her, and she was never fond of strangers to begin with. Today she spoke with me and told me she regarded me as a Rovian." "Really?" "Yes. You look as shocked as I was. The problem is that she runs from me." "Then you should chase after her," Zyra suggested. "That's what Kail did." "There's a difference," Rell pointedly remarked. "You wanted to be chased. Rair...I don't know what Rair wants. For a long time I thought I disgusted her. Even now, it feels like she has only acknowledged me because I've been protecting you." Zyra winced. It almost felt like her fault, though she knew it was nothing close to it. "Maybe you should speak with her," Zyra suggested. "Maybe if you are honest and open you can get an answer. Yes or no, it should be better than constant worry." "Then there is you." "What about me?" Rell's frown became more prominent as he looked at the irritated woman before him. "You understand me quite clearly Zyra. Don't play games with me." Zyra wasn't sure what to say; somehow honestly always caught her off guard. "You can't tell me you've never thought of it," he said uncomfortably. "When we first met, it was for me to take your virginity. It's not something I'll likely ever forget, sister." "Well brother," Zyra snapped back. "Even if I have, it's only curiosity." Rell shrugged his shoulders and lay on her floor. "Hm." Zyra leaned in to read him mind. She found his thoughts to be startlingly blank. He was either not thinking about her at all, or hiding his feelings very carefully. As a result, paranoia set in. "Well what does Hm mean?" Zyra demanded. "It's just a sound Zyra." "It's not just a sound!" Rell raised an eyebrow. "Are you angry that I told you?" "No.I just..." "Don't know what to do with it?" She nodded. "Yes, I feel about the same way," he admitted. "Sometimes I feel like you're the only one who understands me, truly understands me. We even bare the same curse." He lifted up his wrist to show her his mark. "We both share a lot of things, and I can't help but want to be close to you. But does that make us brother and sister? Sometimes I feel nothing for you but a relative's or a dear friend's love, and other times..." A flash of erotic images swept trhough his mind and Zyra swallowed. He remembered that night quite vividly, especially sucking on her breasts. "Other times I am thwarted by my humanity." Zyra groaned mirthlessly. "That is certainly a clean version." "I have learned one thing though." "What?" "We can never try to have sex ever again." Zyra blinked owlishly. "Not that I'm complaining, but why is that?" "Isn't it obvious?" Rell declared, a smirk appearing on his face. He stood up and patted his clothing flat. Night had fallen during their chat and the celebration was beginning. He held her upright as she slipped on her sandals and she followed after him, her hand automatically in his. They passed the other couples and waved cheerily as they had practiced. "You never answered Rell," Zyra whispered. "Well if you are going to be my sister, I probably shouldn't sleep with you," he stated plainly. "Ginger is your sister." "True, but there's also the fear that you shall fall madly in love with me should I ever grace you with my vast talents." Zyra snorted. "Right." "And," he said dramatically. "I value my life. You might be training me to fight like you, but I'm far from taking on a murderous rampaging ogre." "But Rell,I'm sure you could take him. So what he's twice your size. Let my love carry you through." "And I'm relatively certain that if we have sex, I'll probably fall in love with you." Zyra halted midstride, causing Rell to laugh loudly. "I'm not in love with you yet Zyra, and if we have any luck I won't be. Besides, I still think Kail might rip my head from my shoulders." Zyra rolled her eyes and pulled him to the fire. "Come on you hopeless romantic, I want to eat meat until I puke. And if I get drunk you have to carry me." "Of course. And if I get drunk, you carry me." _______________________________________________ "...And then. The Great Turtle rose with the water upon its back. The oceans formed, and the rivers ran. High above the turtle back, mountains! And the Great Turtle..." The Ursie Chief told an old creation legend while a few dancers danced around the fire to his tale. They threw colored dust into the fire to make it jump as he told of blue oceans, and green trees. He had even told of a story of the Old World, one his great grandfather had told his father, about a land of men who rode in the bellies of beasts, and made the ground move to take them to new places. Fermented berries and fruits that had stored for years made them dizzy with merriment. Gharla had her hair twined in a blue ribbon and she wore a short white dress. The liquor had warmed her, and she swayed to a chant with Rell as he tried to impress them with his Ursie dance of jumping. "See? I'm light on my feet!" Enui clapped happily while Ginger sat on the lap of a large handsome Ursie who was content to kiss her in between sips and bites of food. Happy, Zyra watched as the community intertwined together as lust, love, and friendship blurred in a euphoric pattern. For some reason she felt more affected by the merriment than usual. Normally she didn't participate much in the revelry, but she now felt like an idiot for doing so. This was so much fun. The world began to spin and she wondered if it was because she was dancing. Looking down at her feet she laughed; apparently she was. She lost her balance and fell into the arms of someone who caught her and held her tightly. Looking up she found herself staring into the face of Hanto. "Oh!" she hiccupped. "You've caught me." He said nothing, his furious face doing nothing to the unaware keromedio. His rage didn't ring any bells, his bruising grip didn't seem to mean a thing either. It wasn't until she was pulled away by Enui and Gharla that she remembered she wasn't supposed to go near him. What was his name again? Wait, what was her name again. "I love you guys," she slurred happily as her equally unstable friends sat her down. "I love you too," Gharla moaned. "I love everybody. But Hanto. I'd shove a stick up his toned ass." "Wait...you like his ass?" "Shove a stick up my ass," Enui groaned, lying on her lap. "All these dicks here suck." "Nobody is shoving...no sticks up...no ass," Zyra commanded. "Dats nasty." "Don't you knock it til you try it," Enui mumbled, then she fell asleep on Gharla's lap. "Mm," Gharla grumbled. "I am drunk. Those Ursies can make good drunk...I mean drink. Ugh..." Being the most sober she shook her head. "Ok. We need to um...wait where's Rell? First thing, I'm going to put Enui to sleep. You stay here okay?" Zyra gave her a smile and a nod as she swayed in place. Gharla lifted Enui onto her back and unsteadily carried her off to the nearest of the four's tents. Zyra sat for 3 minutes, then remembered that Gharla had said Rell was missing. Filled with no alarm, but a sense of purpose, she stood up and began stumbling around the fire. After a few minutes she found him lying on his stomach, passed out by a log. Crawling on her knees she went beside him and poked him. "Wake up....wake up! Rell. You gotta...be up now...Are you dead?" Sighing she bent her head down and listened to his heart. No he was still alive, and he was apparently drunker than her. How? He had been dancing a minute ago. "Promise is a promise," she groaned. Slowly she sat him upright and was about to place him on her back when a hand tugged her up. "Hey! What..." One of the dancers pressed a cup to her mouth and she sputtered as it went down. She tried to make her mouth cooperate and close, but she was unable to figure out that function. In the end, to avoid drowning, she swallowed. Immediately the dancer grabbed her hand and sat her down. Zyra groaned as the edges of her mind grew fuzzy. What was going on? Something was wrong, she had never been so drunk before. Or was this...uneasy? She had drunk quite a bit, she should never have felt so out of it. The dancer returned with something white and grabbed her hand. Forcefully they pulled her into the woods. "Wai- where are you..." The dancer didn't respond to her question. Instead it pulled her, stumbling as weak as a baby through the dark dim forest. When they were far enough in she felt herself pushed down. She landed hard on the ground and moaned. Pushing on her arms she tried to get up and found she couldn't. The dancer started to retreat. "Wait...don't leave me," she pleaded, but she could already hear the footsteps receding. Then it was dark. As though the dancer had lit her on fire she began burning all over. She was hot, too hot to be wearing such a restricting dress. Rolling around in agony she cried out, trying with uncertain fingers to pull the strands open. She failed as the sweat rolled down in heavy beads all over her. Tears began streaming out of her eyes as she rolled miserably, unable to settle her feet underneath her or pull off her dress. Suddenly she felt hands on her waist. They flipped her over onto her back and pushed the hair from her face. Alarmed yellow eyes stared down at her and promptly lifted her up. "Zyra? Are you alright? What are you doing here?" "Take it off," she begged, hissing at his proximity. The friction of his clothing was added pain. "Please!" Swiftly he settled her over his shoulders and took her towards his campsite. _______________________________________________ Henna smiled as she watched the ogre take Zyra away. She was in the trees, far away from his eye level. Running to the selected tree she went to tie the white cloth, but was scared by a hand closing over hers. Looking to her left she saw Hanto come from behind the tree. "I saw you," he said stiffly. "You were careless. Others could have seen." "They saw a dancer," Henna snapped, pulling back from him. "There were many." Hanto looked into the forest, a fist clenched. "So, is she..." "Not yet," Henna grumbled. "But she will be." "How are you so certain?" "I am certain. That is all you need to know." Hanto bit his lip, trying to contain his rage. The idle confused look in Zyra's eyes made him feel guilty, but that warred with his feelings of being wronged. She was wronging him. He had no need of guilt. "What did you do to my brother?" Hanto inquired. He had seen Rell suddenly fall down after a drink or two. Before he had gone to the tree, he had lifted him up and placed him inside his tent. They were brothers after all. "I just gave him something to make him sleepy," Henna said quickly, seeing the anger in his eyes. "He'll sleep it off and be fine in the morning." "Speaking of that," Hanto mused. "When you wake the villagers tomorrow...don't include Zyra's sister." Henna shook her head. Hanto didn't understand. Kyzu wasn't a fan on Zyra either. "But she's the Chieftess," Henna protested. "She needs to see..." "She is family," Hanto interjected. "No matter how she acts towards Zyra, she is her sister. That bond is obviously something you can't understand." Henna glared at him hatefully. No, it wasn't. Henna had no one, not a single person in this entire tribe. She was an adopted orphan, and so she stayed with a ragtag group that all sought the attention of the huntresses or the older village women that had adopted them. It was cutthroat to find attention. Loyalty required fitting in, and so Henna knew nothing about loyalty. Zyra constantly threatened her place in the tribe, especially when she demoted her from huntress whenever she pleased. Zyra had to be stopped. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 21 Chapter 21: The List of Importance "Your village is that way." The Chief was at a loss for words. He had not known Kyzu, not truly known her as he had supposed. She was cordial, elegant, and docile, willing to listen to him ramble about when he was younger or take his teachings with clever remarks of her own. Never had he imagined she would be so...bold. Looking at her sister beside her, who had first greeted them with war paint and viciousness, he began to finally see the family resemblance. "You...would sever our bonds?" the Chief breathed? "You would end the treaty that has been in motion for the last 100 years?" "If that is what you wish," Kyzu replied unshakably. "If you can see no other way to resolve this problem then so be it. You may leave now if you so choose." The Chief looked at his son who stood beside Zyra, noticing for the first time that he had not joined his people. "My son..." "Has been wronged," Kyzu agreed. "And we will right this according to Rovian laws." Kyzu turned her head to Rell. "Rell, do you demand reparations?" Rell hid his smile. "No." "No!" Hanto snarled, stepping forward. The sharp drawing of knives and spears accompanied his outburst, the ends pointed to the belligerent fool whose jaw clenched with fury. "Quiet!" Kyzu snapped. "You are a guest. I have extended you every courtesy and this is how you repay me? You drag me from the warmth of my bed to look for my missing sister, only to bask in her shame? And who reported her missing?" There was a silence as the villagers looked amongst themselves. Never once thinking such a question could be relevant. "My son called me," the Chief said stolidly. They looked at Hanto expectantly as his merciless eyes drifted down the line of Rovians until they settled on a particular girl. Henna's heart began to race. Surely this fool would not give her up. Didn't he see what was happening? It was a trap! They were trying to divide them. If he gave in— "Henna was looking for her this morning," Hanto stated. "I saw her wandering and asked her the cause." Kyzu looked at Henna for answers. "I-I went to her tent," Henna stuttered. "She wasn't there. I was just looking around the campsite when I remembered seeing her wander into the forest last night." "You saw me wander into the forest?" Zyra shouted angrily. "Why didn't you get me then?" "I-I wasn't sure if it was for relief or-or something..." "You could have told a huntress before you called a Chief!" "I was worried about you!" That statement uttered from Henna's mouth made the Rovian's entire party pause. Henna being worried about the one person she openly despised? The blatant lie made Henna lose all credibility and the Ursies watched the instant change curiously. "So...you led them to the ogre's camp," Kyzu seethed. Her knowing eyes cut into Henna who could not believe what was happening. Yet she could not give up, would not give up, when she had been so close. She clenched her fists, her nails drawing blood. "I did," Henna blurted. "And how came you upon such information?" "I..." "You knew where she would be," Kyzu answered for her. "Whether you admit it or not you had a hand in this. Do you deny it?" Henna gritted her teeth, her eyes wavering in Kyzu's sight. "I do." Kyzu sucked her teeth in anger. "And with that you have lied to me for the last time. You will be punished." Kyzu reached into her pocket and began to slowly glide towards the girl. Producing a white piece of clay she pressed it to Henna's quivering forehead. Carefully, she began to draw a large thick X. "I hereby strip you Henna of the huntress honor. This is your third slight that has caused us shame. You sullied the name of your sisters, you disobeyed orders, and now you turn our allies against us. This is the last time. Never again will you ever become a huntress. You will live your life in the village and the village alone." Henna let out a wet sob and rubbed her tear filled eyes. In a quick movement she looked at Hanto to see if he would say anything, but he said nothing. In the end they were both cowards and thieves. Gritting her teeth, she ran from them in agony. Kyzu turned back to the stunned Chief. "I will not ignore that Zyra is in the wrong," Kyzu said frankly. "But there is no Rovian rule against the using of slaves. Kail is her conquest which she may use as she sees fit. Rell is her chosen and she has stayed by him as the celebration rites demand. If she has fulfilled her duty to Rell, she has committed no wrong." "No wrong?" Hanto's voice grated against Zyra's moral code like stones. "No wrong?" He looked at Zyra, his eyes filled with hatred, longing, anger, sadness, simply, too many emotions for one face. Zyra could see his mind turning, plans, schemes; revenge intermingled into a ball that he was going to throw at her. When a single thought formed, Zyra's hand clamped onto Kyzu's arm. Startled, her sister turned to her. "Zyra?" "I want to enact Shino Shuen." Rell's mouth gaped open in astonishment. "Brother...how could you..." "It doesn't have to be me," Hanto declared. "Or our father," He glanced at Kyzu, "...or her sister. They simply have to be impartial. One ritebearer who both tribes can trust, or one from each tribe." Hanto turned to the Chief. "Human law states that when a chosen couple are involved in dispute during celebration, the truth of their consummation may be tested if wrong is done." Hanto faced Kyzu. "You yourself have admitted that Zyra has wronged my brother. He may not seek reparations, but the Ursie tribe is not satisfied." Hanto turned back to his father, his eyes pleading. "May I speak for us father?" The Ursie Chief looked between his sons. Zyra could see his thoughts. He had been embarrassed by another Chief, his back was against the wall and his son, Hanto, was aiding his escape. Without even understanding the gravity of his actions, the Chief made a choice. "Yes," he declared. "And state your reasoning." Hanto stepped forward, his eyes drilling into the Rovians and his brother. "The rite of Shino Shuen is not to test the loyalty of the mates, Rell has already accepted her faults. However, since the goal of the celebration is to produce an heir for either tribes, we must make sure at the very least that the mates have consummated, and that the possibility of a child is still apparent." "But we have already consummated," Rell began. "But no one, can confirm it," Hanto snapped. "You say you have been together, but no one has seen. It stands to reason that if you were truly consummating, Zyra would have no need of her ogre slave. Why is it that on the last night of celebration, Zyra was found away from you?" Rell could find nothing to say. Before Zyra could plea the Ursie Chief took Hanto's argument, and ran with it. "If you truly care for my son, this should be of no embarrassment to you," he exclaimed. "You may choose a female representative if you wish, but I find what Hanto says to be true and fit. What say you Kyzu? Can you think of anything else to right this wrong?" Zyra released her sister's arm and stared at the ground. So it was finally happening. Kyzu had warned her over and over about the tribe's law, she had drilled into her fear of consummation, she had encouraged her to ignore her hurtful lies, but now Kyzu had a duty to the tribe. Even if she knew Zyra had been lying, even if she didn't, the Rovian tribe law stated that Zyra needed to have a successful celebration attempt or she would be exiled from her tribe. Kyzu was silent, her mind racing with things to say, or ways to best serve her sister, but she was only a Chief. She could not make Zyra undo the past, and she did not have the power to change the written human law, the highest of the old order, the order that had kept them alive. "What you say...is fair," Kyzu said finally. "We will arrange this carefully. I will speak with both parties and assure to their security and comfort during the rites. No one but their ritebearer or ritebearers will bear witness to their joining. With Shino Shuen we will consider this matter resolved. Agreed?" "Agreed," the Ursie Chief proclaimed. Zyra took a shaky step back, staring at her feet. She knew her eyes would betray her. A pale hand reached for her arm. "Zyra," Rell breathed. His hands brushed her arm and she recoiled. Not wishing to disgrace him she bowed to him in front of the camp. "I must make myself clean for the rites," she uttered. "Zyra!" She ignored his call, running for all she was worth. Stumbling on a broken limb she fell forward, her arms aching with tension. Her breath quickening she forced herself up and continued on. She had to see Kail. She needed to, to tell him that— With a shout she ran into a body that cut off her path. Pressing her fingers against the chest, she pushed herself up to look into the eyes of Hanto. "Where are you going?" His nostrils were flared, his eyes wild. "Get out of my way," Zyra commanded. "Or I will move you." Hanto smiled at her cruelly, his dark eyes narrowed. "Going to run to your slut? Tell him how little he means to you? That you go off to sleep with another man under the eyes of your fellow humans?" "Why?" Zyra shrieked. Unshed tears made her vision waver. "Why are you doing this to me?" Hanto's face contorted, writhing into a frown, into pity, into hatred and back. He took a step forward, placing a warm hand on her face. Her jaw trembled in his grip. "You think it's so easy don't you?" Hanto whispered painfully. "You think you can affect all of our lives...affect me...and just walk away?" He stepped closer, his palm pressing against her throat. She grabbed his arms, her teeth clenched in fury. "No," he seethed. "No. You want to be selfless? You want to play the hero? Then be the hero, Zyra." Zyra peeled his hands away from her and turned her face away, leaning on a tree to steady her nerves. She felt Hanto lean over her, his lips moving in her hair, his demeanor curled with cruelty. "Even if you can't be mine," he breathed. "Even if you will never be mine, I will never let you claim that ogre. If you are to be Rell's than so be it. But you will never escape me. I will be watching, waiting to pull you back from your mounting pedestal." "Stop—" "I will trap you..." "Stop it!" "Until you have no choic, but to be all that you boast." Zyra turned in Hanto's arms and looked into his intense eyes. A sickness churned inside of her, coaxed higher and higher by the hot breath that puffed against her skin. Even now, Hanto looked like he wanted to kiss her. He leaned in, trembling with weak restraint. "How can you say that you ever loved me?" she whispered. He halted, just before her lips. "You have no love in your heart to give you understanding." A harsh blow sounded through the air and Hanto's head snapped to the side. Blood dropped from the side of his mouth and he grinned. "Hit me if you wish..." She struck him again, this blow staggering him backwards. He began to chuckle as he looked up at her from beneath his reddening brow. "But you will not pass. I will tell them where you have gone and I will demand nothing less than the ogre's death." Zyra could see in his eyes that he would rather die before she wounded his pride anymore. Unsettled, she turned on her heel and ran. She was headed toward the stream when she realized Rell would look for her there. She ran along it, farther in towards where the monokeros Luneh had pitched his tent. She had told the villagers that she was planning to cleanse, and if she could not walk to Kail she would swim. Pulling off her sandals she dove into the water, striking the surface powerfully. She could see the embankment in her mind, the places where Kail had lovingly held her, caressed her, taken her; this water held many memories. But her loyalties were frayed. How could she... She froze mid-stroke. All was silent on the cool crystalline surface as she bobbed in the currents dusted by the wind. They were calling her. They were calling, and it was not like the times before. This time, she could tell something important, something vital had changed. She bit her lip and shook her head in protest, diving back into her swim. No, not now. She couldn't go now. Come. I can't. Zyra...Come to us. "No!" Suddenly a searing pain wrenched her side and she gasped in a mouthful of water and air. Spitting it out, she found herself unable to avoid sinking towards the bottom of the river. Bubbles sputtered from her mouth as underwater she saw a cloudy vision of Etaceh, beckoning her with a red fingered hand. Come my child. Come to me. Don't be difficult. Zyra shook her head, fighting towards the surface and against her uncooperative limbs. The magic inside her was mutinous, threatening to drown her. If you drown me I'll never come, she thought angrily. Then we won't drown you. Zyra felt herself jetted towards the surface. As she broke through she sucked in dry painful gasps of air, her lungs creaking gratefully. Then, she was pulled back down. Wide-eyed she felt her chest burn from lack of air, to surface again, only to be submerged again. Do not disobey us. Over and over, the torturous cycle brought Zyra to tears until finally, she could take no more. "Where are you?" she screamed. She felt her tattoo burn and in her mind saw Caligula standing at the border. "You have until sunset disobedient keromedio," he said pleasantly. His smile did not touch his purple eyes. She weakly paddled towards shore and collapsed on her stomach, her feet dangling in the water. "And hurry," he whispered in her head. "We do not need water to drown you." Black spots dotted her vision and she felt strong arms pull her out of the water, before all went black. ________________________________________________ Kail heard the knocks on his door and rushed to it. He threw it open to find a worried looking Ginger standing outside. "Where is Zyra?" he demanded. Ginger blinked quizzically in response. "I-I was coming to ask you." "She has gone missing?" "She ran off," Ginger stated, "After...the judgment." "Is she to be punished?" Kail inquired stepping outside. "No," Ginger answered. "The curse of Kyzu is broken, and with her regained speech she stood up for her." "Then what was the judgement? Why would she run? What—" "It is not within my rights to tell you these things," Ginger replied. She averted her gaze as though something weighed heavily upon her mind. It made Kail nervous, an emotion he was not overly fond of. "If you see her...tell her that we are looking for her." "Wait, Ginger..." "No," she snapped. Her brown eyes looked at him with pity as she shook her head. "No." Stoically she walked off, leaving Kail with an unbearable sense of dread. Zyra moaned, tossing and turning as she fought her way back to consciousness. When she opened her eyes she found herself inside of her tent. Looking down she saw that she had been wrapped inside of her furs. Her hair was dried and her wet clothing had been taken off and was hanging outside, the shadow of Kyzu's dress staining the tent. She jumped when she felt a warm hand placed on her head. Above her, Rell frowned and felt her cheek. "Hm, no fever. You were chilled when I found you." Zyra's throat felt raw, so she used that as an excuse to remain silent. Instead she looked at Rell, who above all, looked tired. He took out a waterskin and pressed it to her lips. "Here, drink this." She sat up and drank slow measured sips before passing it back. He crouched before her. "So...did I catch you trying to end it all? Or can you not swim?" Ugh. Why did they always think that? Her lips shrugged into a half-hearted grin that flinched away with her next movement. "The call..." "I felt it." Zyra frowned. "What? When?" "Well, not exactly," Rell corrected. "They didn't call me, not this time. I know this call was for you, but I felt you, calling out I mean. When... when what happened, exactly?" "I tried to refuse," Zyra mumbled. Rell's lips thinned. "Could you have not chosen to do so on land?" "I was trying to reach Kail." She saw Rell's frown deepen. "I saw Ginger leave a bit before. I'm sure he knows you are fine." "Your brother wants to trap me." Zyra ran a hand through her hair, holding the furs against herself. "Would you hate me if I killed him?" Rell raised an eyebrow. "Would you hate me if I killed Kyzu?" "Point taken. Turn around." He obliged her as she found her clothing and donned it, wearing a spare pair of boots. She rolled her shoulders, feeling achy and tense. It reminded her of her precarious situation. "They want me to come to the border," she said, strapping on her huntress gear. "When?" "Before nightfall." She looked at herself in the reflection of the water basin and smeared two huntress stripes along her face. "Are you leaving?" "Yes." "Zyra, the rite." "I don't want to talk about it." "We have to." "Not now." "Zyra..." "Rell." The uneasiness between them escalated each moment they stood there stubbornly. Rell could see her strong front, knew it was a front, knew that if he pushed her she would crumble. But he couldn't do that to her, he owed her that much. "Very well." He moved to the side as she gathered her spear and walked out. As the flap lowered she paused. "Thank you." Then, she left. Zyra strode with purpose toward the huntress gathering point. She saw her fellow huntresses there together, laughing, sharpening weapons, sparring, and no men were in sight. When she arrived they hushed, looking at her garb and demeanor. "Rair, Gharla, Enui," she barked. "With me." They stood and followed her as she headed towards Kyzu's tent, understanding that what was occurring was serious. Ginger swooped in from nowhere and grabbed her arm. "Zyra! I've been looking for you everywhere!" Zyra's expression didn't change as she patted Ginger as she passed her. "Follow us." Ginger's eyes widened. 'What's wrong?" Rair turned her head forward to follow behind them. They heard rough hushed whispers and saw Kyzu standing outside her tent by the Chief. Kyzu looked up, greeting the small party with a terse nod. "Yes?" "I have been summoned." The Ursie Chief looked at Kyzu suspiciously. "We did not summon you." "Not by you," Zyra snapped. She looked at Kyzu whose face began to blanch. "By...them?" "Yes." "What do you refer to?" The Chief demanded irritatedly. "I suppose Rell and Hanto told you no stories," Zyra said dryly. "They told stories," The Chief repeated. "But they were far-fetched and riddled with impossibility..." "Well this is reality," Zyra said as respectfully as she could. "I am being summoned by the witches of the valley. I am to go there before nightfall, or my life will be forfeit." She was threatened to mention that Rell's life would be forfeit as well since he would take her place, but kept her mouth shut. Zyra bowed to her sister. "May I have permission to go my Chieftess?" "You may." "But Shino Shuen—" "Will be postponed," Kyzu stated firmly to the Chief. He glared at her angrily before storming off. Never before had the tension been so high between their tribes. It made Zyra uneasy. "Enui." Enui stepped forward. "Yes my huntress?" "Tell the others that I want two sets of eyes on Kyzu at all times. Tell Imjah that I give her discretion whilst in my absence. Meet us at the ogre's dwelling." Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 21 Enui nodded and ran off to carry out her orders. "Would you prefer for me to stay my huntress?" Gharla asked uncertainly. She did not like the idea of giving Imjah power, but she was sure that Zyra would not have called her had the issue not been important. Zyra looked at her for the briefest of moments, her vulnerability flickering like a doused flame. Gharla's sharp all seeing eyes caught it. "I would like you by my side Gharla." Gharla nodded, her heart warmed and chilled with a battle between love and fear. The men watched the war-like troupe curiously as Zyra marched towards the forest. As she expected, Rell and Hanto appeared as she was on her way out of the village. "Where are you going?" "I'm coming with you." Zyra glared dangerously at Hanto. She would not stand to be bullied, not again. "It is not your concern." She glanced at Rell, her insides twisting. "It is not...an Ursie concern." The hurt on Rell's face made her inwardly wince but she ignored it. "This is a Rovian hunting party. If you interfere, you will insult us." "You have rites to keep," Hanto growled. "You purified yourself..." "I have permission," Zyra stated. "And I have business. Check if you like." She shoved past him, roughly jarring him as her huntresses side stepped him in a similar fashion. I'm sorry Rell, she thought sadly. I've involved you enough. You cannot join me on this journey. Enui joined them silently. Zyra took point while the huntresses took their stances. Ginger stood in the middle, striving to keep up with their brisk pace. As they arrived at the ogre's dwelling, they found Kail was already outside. When he saw her he strode forward with the intent to embrace her, but she willed him with her eyes not to. He paused jerkily. "Come with me," she commanded. Tensing his lips he nodded and followed. The trip was a silent one. As they walked farther towards the border, understanding dawned on Kail, and he was unable to keep his mouth shut. "Zyra...I—" "It's alright," she said evenly. "We are going to the border. We won't cross it." He gazed behind them at the disapproving Gharla, the emotionless Rair, the sympathetic Ginger, and the unreadable Enui. As the distance between Zyra and her party widened, Kail could find himself becoming more and more anxious. "Please tell me what happened," he begged quietly. She didn't look at him, but he knew she had heard him. "Zyra are you ignoring me?" "Kail, do you love me?" "What?" "I asked if you love me?" Kail wanted to grab her and shake the answers out of her. "Why do you ask this?" he rumbled. "Is it to tell me to trust you?" "I want to know...if you would love me no matter what." His dread began to rise, choking him with its potency. "What? Did you sell me Zyra?" he asked curiously. "What could be so terrible?" She shook her head, eyes staring forward. "I sold myself." "How?" "I—" The ground began to shift as a loud ringing banged along the walls of her mind. She let out a cry as she lurched forward, Kail barely catching her. "Zyra!" Her friends ran forward in worried unison. "What did you do?" Gharla shouted. "She is being called," Kail declared, lifting her. He looked down at her as she gritted her teeth, the world swimming before her. She felt dizzy, disoriented, confused, just like last time. Kail shook his head. "But why does it hurt? You should be fine unless..." His eyes widened, and then narrowed accusingly. "You refused them. You tried to refuse them didn't you Zyra?" She didn't answer since she knew he wasn't asking a question. Growling, he stormed off toward the border, the huntresses rushing after him. They were fueled on adrenaline and so only took one break, and resumed again. The sun had just begun to touch the horizon when they arrived. Kail placed Zyra on the ground and allowed her to grab his arm to steady herself. She pulled away and stumbled forward so that she could see the pristine clearing before her. There it was; unchanging, immobile, perfect, and yet wretched, the valley of her horror. "Oh! Darling, it's been too long!" Their heads snapped in the direction of the unmistakably saccharine voice. Etaceh stood in her classically black attire, a long slit on her thigh revealing the deadly pale skin of her legs. She wasn't wearing shoes; in fact her toes matched the same blood red of her fingernails. Her hair had grown even longer, now wrapped around an arm like fabric to keep from touching the floor. "You look a little out of it sweetie," she cooed. "Step forward." "You step forward," Zyra challenged. She saw Etaceh's grin slip before a wave a dizziness made her stumble into the woman's chest. The witch held her, stroking her hair lovingly. "Aw my poor stumbling baby. All bravado and nothing to back it. Or maybe too much..." Zyra jumped back from her back into Kail when she felt her squeeze her butt. "Stop!" "Hubbba Hubba!" "Behave now Etaceh." Caligula stepped forward out of nothing, the air rippling in his wake. She heard Ginger gasp and snarled when his eyes went to her. "Oh...look what we have here." "I don't remember that one," Etaceh said, Caligula's interest peaking her own. "Now who are you?" "She's a Rovian," Zyra snapped. "Who she is doesn't matter. What do you want from me?" Etaceh looked back at Caligula who gave her a nod. She clapped her hands happily. "Why, we want you to come home." "Zyra is home," Gharla declared. "Gharla..." Caligula simpered. He looked her up and down in a way that made her skin crawl. "I see you have recovered well enough. The last time I saw you...well, you are well aware where you were." Gharla felt her face burn red in anger. "How dare you..." "You are sending for her." Caligula looked up and seemed to see the looming ogre for the first time. He looked at him with distaste. "Yes," he spat. "We have come to collect what is ours." "What do you mean?" Zyra asked. She was displeased to find Kail and Caligula were locked in a stare down. After several moments, Caligula tore his gaze away reluctantly. "We have need of you. Your main task. We will give you time to collect what you need. In two days time you will come to this border, and you will enter alone." "What is this task?" "Not an exile's concern." "How long will I be gone?" Silence... She looked at Caligula and waited for an answer, but he said nothing. "Etaceh?" she shouted. "You always have something to say. Answer me!" "For as long as we have need of you," Caligula stated. "Be it days, months, years—" "Years?" "However long it takes for you to complete your task." "Don't tell me you didn't see this coming," Etaceh tutted pompously. "You are well aware that you belong to us. How could you forget?" She made a slashing motion with her claw like hands and Zyra grabbed her arm in pain. The bandages on her arm began to burn and she ripped them off. When her tattoo was visible, the pain left. The black metallic symbol engrained in her skin seemed to hum with perverse joy. "I thought we told you that covering that is a dishonor," Caligula tutted. "You would do good to obey us." He reached out as though he would cup her face and she stepped back with a growl. Caligula smirked and shook his head. "No matter. We will see you very soon Zyra. Don't forget to wear your keromedio clothes." The air around the witches began to ripple and burn until a gap appeared. Looking through it Zyra could see the huddled masses of the minor witches inside of the Marble Tree. "Chow darling," Etaceh shouted. "We'll always have Paris!" Then they both stepped through the ripple and it closed. The silence was deafening. Gharla put a hand on Zyra's shoulder, her mouth quivering with the words that would not form. "Z...Zyra..." "Please," Zyra sighed. She stared at the tattoo on her arm and made a fist. No pain, they had taken their punishment with them. It was finished. They were done. "Let's go," she ordered. She started for the village. "But Zyra!" Ginger protested. "In silence," she snapped. Reluctantly, the party fell in line. The last vestiges of sunlight said its farewell, leaving fireflies in their place. When Zyra was sure the others excluding Kail could no longer see, she told them to make camp. They did this quietly, all of them uncomfortable with the grim news they had received. Kail collected wood and built a fire. He knelt beside it, coaxing the embers with a practiced hand. His russet locks shivered in the light and it seemed like the fire had spread within him. But it burned low, resolute, unlike the fire he had sprouted before him. His fire was dying, and it pained Zyra to see that. "We can't just pretend nothing happened." Zyra looked up to see Rair staring at her. If she didn't know better she would have sworn it had been her imagination. Zyra forced herself to look about the circle and all of her comrades who looked at her with worry. "What will you do?" "What can I do?" Zyra asked. "What about Rell?" Ginger added. "What about Rell?" Kail interjected. Ginger cringed, realizing her slip of tongue. Zyra let out a long sigh. "Kail, come with me." He stood up, blocking the fire with his shadow and followed after her as she walked into the forest. Then she began to explain to him the rite of Shino Shuen. She didn't look at him as she spoke, facing her eyes forward as they walked through the mellow wood. Her gentle voice seemed to draw wildlife. The glowing eyes of animals reflected in the dark. She didn't mind, it was almost like they were giving her courage to continue. When she finished her explanation they were too far out. She turned to continue back to the camp but Kail grabbed her shoulder. She stopped and placed her hand on his, bowing her head in shame. "What will you do?" Kail asked. "I don't know," she answered. "If we do the rites things will change forever. What if I never return to the Rovians? What if I do get a child? What about..." She looked up at him. "Us?" Kail let out a mournful sigh and pulled her into his chest. He placed his chin in her hair, his yellow eyes glaring into the darkness. Then he caressed her and she leaned into his strength. After many moments he spoke again, his voice raspy with emotion. "I was sure we had a year, two at least for our happiness. We weren't supposed to fall in love. It wasn't...meant to end this way." "End?" Zyra pushed away from in, her eyes filled with hurt. "What do you mean end?" "I can't go with you Zyra," Kail whispered. "I can't help you. I can't be with you for who knows how long. The assignments...the things the witches do to their keromedios. It changes them. When this is over you won't...I'd be surprised if you'd want to even look at me. Magic will sicken you. I will sicken you." "Don't be ridiculous," Zyra snapped. "Besides, I'm not gone yet. Don't try to get rid of me." Kail looked as though he wanted to retort but he said nothing. Instead he let out a long heavy sigh. "Tell me," he said, pulling her back to him. "Was it worth it? For that child? Do you feel it was all worth it?" Zyra clutched to him. Things had been so clear once upon a time. She wanted to say she didn't know, but she did. "I would have never met you Kail," she mumbled into his chest. "Of course it was worth it. I would have given everything." "You did," he declared leaning down to kiss her. "You did." _______________________________________________ When they arrived back to the camp, the others had the decency to pretend to be sleeping. Enui and Gharla had put Ginger in the same tree net as them, each on either side of their village sister. Zyra began to feel guilty as she watched the only actual sleeping member. She must have been exhausted. Ginger was only trying to support her, as were the others. They were probably equally devastated. She shut her thoughts off as soon as Kyzu and Nima came into her mind. The thought of leaving them... She shook her head and walked to the tree she and Rair shared. Kail placed his hands together and gave her a foothold to push herself smoothly into the net. Soundlessly she slipped beside Rair. She heard the woman's pulse race. So she was awake. Kail placed himself at the base of the tree and leant his back on the bark closing his eyes with a sigh. Following his example, Zyra willed herself to sleep. The more she told herself to be strong, the more she felt like a scared frightened girl. What a fine leader she pretended to be. In a moment of weakness she reached for Rair and leaned against her back. The woman tensed and then, turned to her. To Zyra's surprise she pulled her towards her chest and put an arm around her. Rair had never shown such affection to anyone before, at least not that Zyra knew. It almost made her cry. Taking a deep breath she allowed herself to feel Rair's warmth. It was comforting. Slowly she felt sleep come to her and she leapt gratefully into its arms. _________________________________________________ In the morning, Rair detached herself from Zyra wordlessly and began to assist her in taking down their nets. After food was eaten and the fire was snuffed out, they headed back towards the village. It was late morning when they arrived. Kyzu was in the center of the village with a basket of fruit speaking to a seemingly depressed Rell. When she saw them she smiled in relief. "Zyra! I was beginning to worry." "I'm here sister," Zyra said bowing respectfully to Kyzu. She looked at Rell and saw how miserable he seemed and immediately felt guilty. The villagers came from their duties to see what was happening. Men and women came together, the squabble among the tribes temporarily settled for lust. Kyzu waited for her sister to speak but got testy when she simply stood there. Impatiently she handed the basket to another villager. "Well? What did they say?" "It is a long story." "So? Tell me." Zyra's lips curled under as expectant eyes raked over her and her party. She felt tired. "They want me." Kyzu nodded. "When?" "In 7 days time." "For how long?" Zyra looked into her sister's expectant brown eyes. "Zyra?" She responded by handing Kyzu her spear. She took her pack off of her shoulders and dropped it to the floor. Then she walked away. Rell watched Zyra retreat towards the tents and felt anger surge within him. Kail stood on the edge of the forest, glaring at him with intense dislike. He saw this and frowned, knowing all too well the reason for the ogre's sudden viciousness. Suddenly Rell's father came forward, Hanto behind him. Seeing this, Kail retreated slowly back to his dwelling. "Where is Zyra?" Hanto demanded. "What happened?" Gharla stepped forward and picked up Zyra's pack. "It would be best if Zyra told you." Kyzu ignored the urge to wring the truth out of them even though it was her right. "Very well. Come then, you must be tired," she said with false warmth. "Villagers? Bring refreshment for the party." Rell stood up and raced to Zyra's tent. Despite her head start she was traveling at a slow tottering pace. He was behind her shortly and watched her climb into her tent. He tossed the flap open after her and stepped inside. Eying him briefly, she flopped onto the floor, covering her eyes with her arm. So she would continue to ignore him? Seething, he closed the tent behind them. "You are acting like a spoiled petulant child," Rell snapped. "We were worried about you. I was worried about you. Do you have nothing to say to me?" To his astonishment Zyra shook her head no. Enraged, Rell leaned over her, pulling her arm away from her face. "Look at me!" He flinched when he saw that her face was wet. When his grip slacked she rolled onto her stomach leaned her face on her arm once again. "Zyra, what happened?" he asked. "You're going to hide in here without an explanation? This is not the right thing to do and you know it." Zyra responded, but her words were muffled. He leaned closer to her. "What did you say?" She sat up, wiping her eyes. "I said...why do I have to do the right thing?" Rell's eyes widened. "What do you mean?" "Why should I care about your reputation?" she said crassly. "Or Kail's life? Or Nima's and Kyzu's? Why should I give myself up and do what's right when I get absolutely...nothing in return? Hm? Why should I?" Rell stared at her as she looked at him, angry at the world. He sighed and placed a hand on her cheek. "Because Zyra, you are the hero. It's who you are. If you changed any part of you, well...that wouldn't be you would it?" "I have changed," Zyra stated. "I'm not the same from when I first met you." "Not really," Rell chuckled. "Not your beliefs and principles. Not the things that truly matter. Of all the sins you can be guilty of, why should doing the right things make you more damned than the rest of us?" "I am damned," she cried. Rell of all people should understand how she felt! "I am damned and cursed and broken!" "No." He reached up to touch her face, his thumb pushing away a tear. He wasn't sure whether to be more shocked that he was doing this, or that she was crying. "They can never break you. Not unless you let them." The tears began to fall steadier as Rell's words tugged at her heart. "I feel so..." Her voice cracked in the middle of her sentence. Weak, she was going to say weak. And weak felt terrible. With a sympathetic sigh Rell pulled her close and held her tight. "I know. It's okay to cry Zyra. You're owed that much." No, she thought. I am Zyra, the brave Rovian huntress, Zyra the strong, tougher than man and woman, sister of the Chieftess, daughter of... Zyra of...repeating this did nothing for her. No matter how strong she was, she was crying now and she needed that. She held onto Rell as she sobbed, crying at the violation she felt at being used by forces she could never stop. She cried for the loss of her life, the loss of her family, the loss of her tribe and lover. The more she cried the more things became clear, and the more she mourned for her losses. She felt bad for Rell's tunic. If Rell could sense the change in her he said nothing. When she was finished crying he took her hand. "Now Zyra, tell me what has happened." She told him every detail, from her sister's reactions to her talk with Kail. He sat and listened, his face unreadable. When her tale was finished, her eyes were dry. "So what will you do?" he asked. "I don't know." "Yes, you do." His reply startled her. "What do you mean?" His blue eyes did not waver as he regarded her solemnly. "You know what I mean. You have already decided what to do, you just can't acknowledge it. That's why you were ignoring us Zyra, you want to spare us from the truth. You want to draw out the inevitable." "Then please, enlighten me oh Great Ursie Sage of the age, as to what the truth is," she teased. He shook his head with a smirk. "Come on. I'm not upset Zyra. I'm stronger than you know." Zyra small smile faltered and her head bowed. "I don't want you to lose the Chiefdom." "If I lose my title just because I fail to bed you, I don't think I ever truly had a chance," he confided. He patted her back as she pulled away. "But what about you?" Zyra shook her head ruefully. "If I leave here for years I don't even know if Nima will even remember me. I won't be the lead huntress anymore, I won't be able to fulfill my duties, and I won't help my village that way." Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 21 Rell's brow furrowed in worry. Maybe her thoughts were worse than he thought. "Just because you're leaving does not mean you're not a Rovian Zyra. This is your tribe. You love them and they love you. You intend to leave forever?" "You make it sound so final," Zyra grumbled. "But not being a Rovian...would be easier. It would be easier to start my journey that way." "For who, you or them?" Zyra shrugged. "I'm the hero remember? I do what is right. It is not right for them to wait for me long after I'm dead." "Don't say that," Rell warned, quite serious. "Sorry," she apologized, seeing his face. He sighed. "What about Kail?" Zyra had no answer for that, but she wouldn't ponder it at the moment. She had cried all the tears she would shed that day. "I don't have an answer, but he does. For his sake it would be best for me to leave him be. Let some village girl take him off of my hands and let him live the rest of his life in the arms of another. But..." She stood up with sudden determination. "But I am still a simple human woman, and I am not without my selfishness. Kail and I will find a way. And I will see my family again." She looked at Rell with genuine love in her eyes. When had this man become so precious to her? It seemed ages ago that she had looked into his shy blue eyes and wondered what manner of man could be so pretty. Rell had grown so much. He was still very pretty though. "And I'll see you. I wouldn't miss that for anything." She laughed as Rell blushed and threw a fur at her. "Hey! Don't laugh at me! And have you learned nothing about your word choice? You should just strike "anything" from your vocabulary completely!" "If the Great Sage advises it, so shall it be!" "Oh shut up!" "If the Great Sage advises it." "Zyra!" Zyra laughed all the way out of the tent. In higher lighter spirits she ran to her sister's tent. When she spotted her she grabbed her hand. Rell was right, no matter what she had to be absolutely resolute. "Kyzu," she said earnestly. "You have to trust me." "Beginning a conversation with those words is not the most comforting start," Kyzu said snappily. "But you have much to disclose. Now explain yourself sister." Zyra kissed her sister on her cheek. "I love you Kyzu." Her sister's eyes widened and they sat as Zyra told her sister everything. __________________________________________________ "Do you suppose we were too hard on her?" Caligula looked at Etaceh. Her normally jovial face was serious and her demeanor was still. The purple eyed witch scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "Really? You think of this now? We have hardly begun to bend her to our will. Remember Etaceh..." his gaze pierced her and she could not refrain from a shiver. "...she is ours. We will own her soon enough, mind...body...and soul." Etaceh summoned a chalice of red wine and sipped it slowly to steel her nerves against the Dark Council witch. She couldn't help but notice how he drawled the "body" portion of his declaration. She knew that some part of Caligula lusted for the girl, as he did for anything attractive. The only thing keeping him at bay was the origin of her father...and the possibility that he might share a relation with her. After all, a green eyes girl of her color was unusual. Even so, it did not sit right with her. She knew better than anyone how powerful and persuasive Caligula could be. He liked breaking things, spirits among his favorites. Etaceh liked Zyra because of her spirit, she did not know how he would feel if Caligula broke her completely. "Maybe...we should soften her bonds. Make them less painful to...sever?" Caligula raised an eyebrow. Currently he was enchanting a necklace for Zyra for when she arrived. Seven days should be more than enough to let the spells soak. "Why?" "She will resent us," Etaceh explained. "We may have her obedience, but her loyalty would be more valuable. Especially for one as valiant as she." "What do you suggest?" "If she were to perhaps...find herself in love with someone from the valley. A handsome witch perhaps...?" Caligula laughed rambunctiously, spilling a chain link in the process. "Ah Etaceh, you flatter me. Unfortunately I don't believe I am outfitted for the trappings of love, strategic or otherwise." "Forgive me but I wasn't talking about you," Etaceh said softly. Caligula's joyous mood dropped and he looked at her in irritation. "Then who?" "Leave that to me," Etaceh chuckled. She had just the person in mind. "But the ogre must go." "I agree that their infatuation is no longer amusing," Caligula stated. "She obeys for her family and friends without question, but for him...she dared disobey us." "What do you suggest?" Caligula chuckled and walked to the water basin. He dipped a finger inside and watched the tribe of Shashanen. The ogre's mother sat knitting something, her fingers swift despite her age. She would never see her son again. "I suggest we tell our sweet little keromedio the truth," Caligula growled. "Let us see if she finds her love so precious, once she finds out the reason why her beloved ogre, was exiled." __________________________________________________ Enui watched the men of the Ursie tribe in disdain. Not only were they a sheepish silly bunch, they could not satiate her if their lives depended on it. After everything that happened, she was still approached by individuals that wanted her to slide onto their cocks. She wanted to burst out laughing just thinking about it, or crying. Part of her almost envied Zyra. She would have loved to have a reason to return to the valley, or at the very least a large ogre to fuck. Enui had no blood family. She was born from the same generation as Kyzu, and both their mothers had died, leaving the elder members of the tribe to care for them. A Chieftess' death was rare, but the children of huntresses often grew up without them. Enui never knew why someone would hunt once their ability had faded, nor could she understand how death could be noble. Enui admired Zyra because she was not like Zyra. Even before the nymphs had liberated her, she knew who she was. She was not going to sacrifice herself, not if there was any other option. If there was no other option, then she had failed, she would not charge on and fight until she yielded some impossible result. She was a good follower. Sacrifice was always Zyra's first option, and for that she suffered, but it also made her brave and forthright. Enui respected that. Kicking a rock, she walked over to where Gharla was sitting, carving an arrow out of a long piece of wood. "What's on your mind?" Enui asked her. Gharla sighed. "Zyra is telling our Chieftess of what occurred. I heard Kyzu shouting as I passed by. She's going crazy." "How so?" Enui said sitting on a rock. "She spoke of fighting them. Of charging the valley with the combined force of the tribes." "War?" Enui gasped. "Did she forget about the Old World? The stories of the Great Purging? The wars amongst ourselves? We are not fit to fight a human village, let alone a magical one!" "It is but a heat," Gharla declared nonchalantly. "Zyra reasons patiently with her. She will not let us go to war. Our Chieftess is speaking out of pain. We do not know what it would be like to lose a blood relative." "You mean I don't know." Gharla sighed. "Time heals wounds that we allow to close. I pretend my wounds don't exist and so I never heal, and so...I know not what you speak." Enui nodded solemnly. Few knew how Gharla truly grieved the loss of her son. Still too young to be seen for celebration and too old to know her. Enui had lost her mother before she knew her well. Effectively, she had been raised by her friends and the others. "Gharla?" "Yes?" "If I left the Rovians, would you miss me?" "Of course." Gharla turned to her with worry. "We can't go with her Enui." "I know. This isn't about her." Gharla frowned and shifted her weight to look at Enui closely. She hadn't been the same since the valley. The nymphs had changed her. "You miss them," Gharla stated. Enui looked at her, her eyes answering for her. "How could you be happy with them?" Gharla rumbled. "Is it because they shower you with love? Do you need someone to love you Enui? Or is the touch of a simple man too drab in compare?" Gharla asked. "You are chasing a dream." "I'm chasing a feeling!" Enui snapped. "I am chasing the affection and ultimate satisfaction that cannot be given by humans and their self serving ways!" She put a hand to her throat, her eyes watering as she thought about them. "I want to drown and choke and lie inside their love. I want to become them." "You can't," Gharla said to her sadly. She took her sister's hand and squeezed it. "We are humans. We were never meant to be in their world. It's not real. It's as real as a fantasy." "What about Vine?" Enui asked rakishly. "Was that not real? I could have sworn you..." She paused, seeing the pain on Gharla's face. Gharla squeezed her hand tighter and shook her head. "That too is but a fantasy. But even fantasies...Even fantasies can make you hurt." She smiled sadly. "Vine was my savior in a time I needed love, I will always love him for that. But..." She took Enui's other hand and held it tight. "But this is our reality. The Rovians are not perfect, but they are our people. We can't drift away, not now. If Zyra...if Zyra..." So Gharla could not say it after all. Enui looked and saw her sister as her heart broke. Sighing she hugged the closest thing she had to family. "If Zyra does not return, we will take good care of our people," Enui said firmly. Gharla nodded, hugging her back. "Gharla?" "Yes?" "I know what we said but...if you could go back to our nymphs, for just one day, would you?" Gharla bit back a sigh. "In a heartbeat." ________________________________________________ "I don't understand." Kyzu was many things. She was a good leader, a compassionate sister, a source of wisdom, and a dedicated mother. Of all these things, rational was not among her strong suits. She stared in disbelief at her sister, who eyed her with stupid naiveity and dubious expectancy, like a child who was awaiting instruction, or an animal that had dropped a dead rodent in from of their master and was foolishly waiting to be rewarded. "What don't you understand?" Zyra asked. Kyzu felt her eyes twitch as pressure settled between her eyes. Her sister had just told her she would be gone...indefinitely into a place full of danger and deceit, and she did not know what she didn't understand? "What about Rell?" Kyzu asked. "Will you settle matters with him? You still need proof of your duty Zyra." "I understand," Zyra said nodding. "I feel I may have been too quick to judge. I assumed the worst. The witches have an awful sense of humor. For all I know they could have me back within weeks. It seems their goal to torment me." Kyzu bit her lip in annoyance. "I would like to meet them." "What?" Zyra's eyes seemed to float in front of her with shock. Kyzu rolled her eyes. "You heard me silly girl. I would like to meet these fearsome witches. I will not hand you into the arms of strangers. You are my lead huntress sister, you owe me that. You will give it to me." She dared her sister to argue but watched Zyra gracefully bow in acknowledgement. "Yes, my Chieftess." Kyzu looked at her with watering eyes, trying to keep the panic at bay. "What will I tell Nima?" she whispered. "If you're gone long?" Her sister's sharp green eyes flashed upward, her lips a grim line. "What would you have me say?" Kyzu shook her head and sighed. "What would be easiest? That you've gone on a trip? For how long should I keep such words?" "Let us cross that bridge when we come to it," Zyra mumbled. Kyzu watched the girl fidget nervously and frowned at her curious behavior. She watched her work up her nerve and waited patiently until she spoke. "Sister..." "Yes?" "The ogre." Kyzu nearly scoffed. How could she forget him? He was becoming a major nuisance, and when Zyra left, he would be her nuisance. "What about him?" Kyzu moaned, not bothering to hide her agitation. She laid onto her pillows, relaxing her achy muscles into their warmth. The celebration was at its last, and instead of entertaining a man, she was mothering her sister. "He can fend for himself. If you want my word that I will assist him you have it. Unless of course, you want him banished for your troubles." "I think...I love him." Kyzu jumped up. Her blood ran cold as she watched Zyra stare shyly at the tent floor. Her fidgeting increased under her scrutiny. This was unbelievable. "What did you say?" Zyra's lips wiggled in protest, but she responded again. "I said, I think I love him." "You think or you do?" "I—" "Nevermind, either answer is irrelevant," Kyzu dismissed, reaching into her chests. She needed wine, strong, plumberry wine. "How could you call my feelings irrelevant?" Zyra shouted audaciously. "He's an ogre!" Kyzu hissed, pouring into deep wide wooden chalice. She got another and filled it as well. "I can understand trying out the novelty, I mean the creature is handsome enough, but you're not even from the same world! Let alone species." "But he's an exile!" Zyra argued. "He's not going anywhere!" Kyzu raised an eyebrow, passing her the drink. "Drink. If you're going to talk nonsense you might as well be drunk." Zyra accepted it and took a long swig. The purple juice dripped down her chin and she pulled back to swirl her tongue around her lips. Kyzu contemplated her sister inquisitively. "Tell me Zyra, was he your first?" Her sister let out a long sigh. "And what if he was?" "It carried weight," Kyzu snapped. "And watch your attitude. Your first will always have a special place in your heart. If that's confused with love..." "I'm not confusing it!" Zyra growled. "Quiet!" Kyzu hissed. "Do you want the entire tribe to know?" Zyra simmered down begrudgingly, taking another drink. She emptied it and brazenly wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. Kyzu grabbed the bottle and poured her more. "Haven't you ever been in love Kyzu?" Zyra asked lightly. Images began to come forth of a life she might have known. Had she ever been in love? What a foolish question, Kyzu was still in love. "Do you remember Nima's father?" Kyzu asked, sipping her wine. "Vaguely," Zyra answered. "I remember the shape of his eyes. Nima has them." "She does," Kyzu chuckled. "I met him when I was about the same age as you. I had just become the Chieftess, and you had become lead huntress." "So a few years after mother died?" "Yes. He was a Paotao. The chiefson of the male tribe the Rovians used to celebrate with." "And you loved him?" Zyra waited for her answer. Smiling at her memories, Kyzu chuckled. "Zyra, what does love mean to you?" Her young naïve sister frowned. "I don't know how to describe it." Kyzu laughed. "Well, do you love Nima?" "Of course!" "And your sisters?" "Unquestionably." "And...the ogre?" Her sister looked at her. "Yes Kyzu." "I see," Kyzu stated. "But would you sacrifice Nima for him?" Zyra's face filled with horror. "How could you ask me such a..." "What about your sisters?" Kyzu added. "Or your friends? What about...me?" Zyra shook her head in disbelief. "I can't..." "True love knows no bounds Zyra," Kyzu explained. "Your love for him might be real, but is it true? You may be willing to sacrifice yourself for him, but you lean towards that strange mentality normally." "Hey!" "No sister, I know you all too well," Kyzu lulled. She leant over and kissed her sister's cheek affectionately. "Your love for Nima is so strong that if the time came for you to chose between me and my child, you would choose her. No don't argue, I am quite glad that you would do so. For you Zyra, it is not a matter of how much you would sacrifice...it's who you would sacrifice first." She winked at her sister as she stared at her dumbly. Sometimes she could see the remnants of the child she had been in her eyes, learning things about herself and her world for the first time. Zyra was still growing, each and every day. They sat in silence as Zyra processed Kyzu's poignant epiphany. Was it true? "So is that it then?" Zyra asked. "Am I to list those I love in matters of importance?" "If that would be best, yes," Kyzu said nonchalantly. "I sound cold to you and I understand this, but I did not become a good leader by embellishing the truth," Kyzu stated coolly. "No matter how you try to shield me from the truth Zyra, I know your situation is dire. I know I have finally lost you sister." She gave Zyra a sad smile. "I should not have wished you away. Now I have no choice but to stand on my own feet. Now you must do the same." Kyzu stood and pulled up her sister with her while she still had the strength. Somewhere inside her, Kyzu couldn't help but blame herself. If only she had been stronger, if only she could have found a cure, none of this would have happened. Still, the past was long gone, the damage was done. "Listen, and listen closely," Kyzu commanded. "I want you to cast aside your giving manner. Put yourself at the top of that list of importance. You have lived in a fantasy for too long. If you behave in that self sacrificing way you do now, you will not be able to make the difficult decisions required to survive. Survival is a selfish act Zyra. You must survive." Zyra's shoulders slumped under her hands and she knew the girl understood she was right. Kyzu's face was stern, and she tightened her grip. "If your feelings for Nima and I make you weak, forget us. I will protect us because Nima is the only thing higher than myself in this world. I will care for us. I wish I could care for you..." Kyzu sighed. "But I am many years too late to raise and protect you. The ogre...Kail. He cannot follow you on this journey. Your love for him is dangerous. Look at your list of importance Zyra, see where he lies. Then decide if he is worth sacrificing the items before him." Zyra nodded stiffly at her sister's teachings and pulled away. "Goodnight sister. Thank you." With that she departed. Kyzu could see what she had said weighed heavily on her heart. She flopped onto her furs and let her grief roll upon her. Kyzu was trying very hard to do the best she could for Zyra. She wanted her to understand all the sides of the burden she bore. Harsh advice was what she needed, she had many friends to give her comfort. "My sister...my friend...oh my love..." Kyzu sighed as the tears came, gathering in shallow pools beneath her pillow. _________________________________________________ "Today we were to depart," the Chief boomed. Zyra stood next to Rell as his father spoke his complaints gruffly. "I extended our stay a single day so that the rite of Shino Shuen may proceed, but I grow impatient," he snapped. "Zyra, Rell, have you chose your ritebearers?" Rell looked at Zyra and gave her a half-hearted smile. Behind his father stood Hanto. He was glowering down at them while Firetoucher rocked their child in her arms. She had chosen to name him Feyta, which Zyra had told him was the hunter code word for Faith. Rell wondered if Hanto had what it took to become a good father. "My son!" Rell jerked out of his thoughts with a frown. "Oh, sorry father," he apologized. The Chief's frown grew even more prominent. "Well?" Rell sighed. "Zyra and I...we decided..." Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 22 Chapter 22: The Exile "Ogre..." Kail tossed and turned in his bed of furs, lightly growling as the familiar and hated voice called to him. "Ogre...I know you can hear me." "Go away," Kail barked. "I want nothing from you." He could almost feel the quake of Caligula's anger strike out at him viciously. Unfortunately for him, his magic was weak outside the border. Caligula was only able to call to him because of his origin. He was a part of the valley and so, Caligula still had his call. "It's about our little keromedio," Caligula teased. "I have a little wager I'd like to strike up with you." Kail sat up from his furs and sighed. It was late at night. The moon shone brightly against the uninterrupted sky, slipping slits of light through the sides of his home. Part of him despised the gaps in his house that made him visible to wandering eyes; the other more practical part realized that if he had made it any more airtight, he might have made a coffin. Not that those were used anymore. Death was not as solemn and revered as it had been in the old days. Death was simply part of life. "Well Kail?" Grunting, he slipped on his clothing and strode out into the night. "What do you want?" "Come closer." "How close?" "As close as you can. Kail began to run towards the edge of the border, moving quickly and quietly through the forest. His eyes were suited for this nocturnal work, and he moved through the forest with ease. It felt almost nice to run at night again. Zyra had not visited him since that night. If only he had resisted. His stomach churned at the thought of her fucking that pale, blonde human. He supposed that being in the same species might make it natural, but Zyra was all he had. He shared her because he did not want to lose her. Now it appeared he would not get a choice. As he neared the border he could feel that dawn would be on his tail. "Hurry." Kail ran faster and faster until finally he was mere feet away from his home. The valley called to him like air to a collapsed lung, like life to the dying. It was a cruel temptress. His heart raced just at the thought of placing a single foot on the perfectly pristine green grass, or just picking it up to smell it, smell home. He swallowed. No, he could not. He knew what would happen if he disobeyed his exile. He would be lucky to be killed on the spot. "I see you haven't lost your speed." Kail watched as the darkness sprouted two glowing purple eyes. He regarded them critically with his own. "What do you want?" Kail asked. "Haven't you already taken everything from me?" "Not...everything," Caligula lulled sadistically. "We could have taken your speech, or changed you into something more...tasty for the humans. And from what I know...you've gained something rather interesting since you crossed the border. Something pretty." "Is that why you're summoning her?" Kail inquired. "To separate us?" Caligula glared at him in response, unused to the sound of defiance. "Don't flatter yourself," Caligula stated coolly. "Your bond is easily broken but regardless of why, your bonding is a nuisance to us." Kail laughed bitterly. "What would you have me do? Send her to you with a gift basket? Put in a good word?" Kail looked at Caligula with cocky disapproval. "It appears your natural charm hasn't been enough to impress her. Angry that she prefers someone as lowly as me?" "She is young and stupid," Caligula said scathingly. "She is ignorant of the true merit of power. Not to worry..." he grinned mischievously, "I'll have plenty of time to teach her." A low threatening growl rose deep from the bottom of Kail's throat. "She could be your own daughter," he growled, pleased when Caligula's smile dropped. It was one of Caligula's only fears, that he would taint his own line. "I could find out, that is of the least importance," Caligula said a matter of factly, "...but that is entirely up to you." "How so?" "I brought you here for a wager remember?" Caligula's easy smile went back into place as he materialized fully in front of him. The man's chiseled features cut through the dark, his demeanor condescending. "What would you say...if I told you I would relieve Zyra of her keromedio duties?" Kail could not help his jaw dropping open. Never had he ever heard of such a thing. "I'd think it was a trap," he responded honestly. Caligula laughed rancorously in response. "Ah, I did like you. Well Kail for old time's sake I'll tell you the truth. Yes, it is a trap. You see, if you can convince Zyra to run away with you and leave her family and friends behind, we will let her go. If you can't, nothing changes and we will rip her from all of you." "What about the girl?" Kail asked. "If she goes will you curse her?" "Her niece? We'll leave her be. We won't interfere with anything we didn't already have a hand in." "So the boy?" "Ours. He will replace Zyra as the new keromedio. Don't be greedy Kail." "Why are you doing this?" Kail sighed. "What would you do if she actually went away with me?" "That's why it's a trap," Caligula said coyly. He strode forward, his toes just resting at the line of the border. He regarded Kail with a smirk, his purple eyes mocking him. "You and I both know the type of person that Zyra is. She's an idealist. It's a trap because she'll never take you up on our offer." "So you intend to trap her..." "Not her," Caligula corrected. "You. She is already ours. You see Kail, I will let this wager stand," he said. "If you two run away together within the next 7 days, I will honor this agreement. You may not believe she will go with you, but..." Caligula smiled widely. "...you will still try. You want her more than life itself because she is the last thing you have left to hold onto. There's no guarantee we will bring her back," he said grinning. He gave Kail a knowing look. "And you know what happens to them at the end." Kail turned his head from him, flashes of his greatest shame shooting for him. What he wouldn't give to destroy Caligula once and for all. "I've trapped you into taking on this little wager Kail," the witch chuckled. "You will ask her, I know you will. I know you Kail. Better than anyone, better than you know yourself. I know who you truly are." "I know you too," Kail said angrily. The sun was starting to come up and Caligula was fading. "What do you hope to gain from this? What more?" Caligula's form was now a smoky brown mass with purple eyes, dissipating as the sun rose and his power weakened. "Revenge," Caligula hissed. "Reminding you how powerless you are, twisting your fate, showing you how little control you have is all I need." He chuckled, a dark and awful sound. "You should have known better than to steal from me ogre." Kail said nothing as the blob vanished. Instead, he made the mistake of looking out into the valley as the sun came up. The orange and yellow sun turned the landscape red. Fresh wet dew clung to ever leaf and blade, shining the most miniscule greenery to a polished magnificence and splendor. The smell of the grass tickled his nose just for cruelty's sake, reminding him of the days he spent lying in the fields, staring up at the bright vast sky while children played. It was right there, and he was not. He would never feel it again. Kail turned with a heavy heart. He bet that bastard planned for him to see that sunrise. No doubt he might make seeing it a habit now. "Damn you..." he grumbled. His body trembled as he forced it to turn around and away from the place he loved. His heart ached in agony. He couldn't take this, not for much longer. Caligula was winning. Kail had to ask Zyra to run away. He lived too close to the pain. ________________________________________________ "Ginger! We're all out of wine!" Ginger rummaged through the chest at the back of her tent. She looked through it diligently, finding more bottles of all shapes and sizes, and passing them around. "You have Ruewater?" Gharla said in shock. "How the hell did you get Ruewater?" Ginger snickered haughtily. "Oh I have my ways. I traded it the last time we spoke to the Wakai tribe." "I thought they didn't trade for cloth," Zyra said curiously. She and the others were in Ginger's tent, celebrating the last night they would have together before the Ursie's departed. The sounds of revelry filled the air and she wondered if the others had wanted to partake. Even so, she figured most of them were far too inebriated to care. "You do make beautiful things," Gharla slurred, always the first to feel the effects of alcohol. "Oh please you're making me blush," Ginger chattered. Ginger was a very skilled cloth maker, and her embroidery was second to none. Even so, their neighbors the all female Wakai tribe were more ferocious then they were. They were known for dealing with male tribes only three days out of the year. Instead, if there was a shortage of female warriors, they would kidnap the men from neighboring tribes and force themselves upon them until enough of them produced. As a result, no males lived near the Wakai outlands. Even the Rovians dealt with them sparingly. "Still, I didn't trade for cloth," Ginger replied saucily. She winked at Rell who sat beside Zyra and Enui and passed out wooden cups. "Then what did you—" "Don't ask Rell," Zyra interjected. She sighed. Some things would never change. Rair received her cup of first and reached for the Greenberry wine. Her face was dusted by a light blush that reddened more and more each second. Rell, being the gentlemen he was, took the bottle for her and poured her drink. She nodded to him in thanks. As cups and drink went around, Zyra began to think of what tomorrow would bring. Rell and the other Ursies would be going home. Then, in a few days, she would be going away too. She tried not to think in lasts, the last time they would all be together, or the last time she would see her brother Rell, or the last time she would be a Rovian. Even though she said she would return, there was no guarantee she would be welcome. The law had been written long ago, before Kyzu and before their mother. They had to set laws to protect their number. When the humans had nearly been wiped out and the only goal was survival, the people worked and moved for the whole. Now that things were more comfortable they had time to have identities, they had settled down. Yet, the fear was always there, the fear that they would fail to hold onto what their ancestors had worked so hard for. Betraying that law would take a strand of will that she wasn't sure Kyzu had. Zyra had to return in at least 1 year, or she would have nowhere to return to. A squeeze on her breast suddenly brought her out of her thoughts. "Hey!" she shouted in outrage. Looking up she saw Ginger with a cup outstretched. "This is a going away party remember?" Ginger snapped. "I don't want any awful faces! We have one night together, don't ruin it!" Zyra took the cup and took a long sip. Smacking her lips she began to feel better already. "Fine. That was no excuse to grope me though." "Look at my condition darling. It's a permanent excuse." "You think being half nymph—" "Do you care that I touched you Zyra?" "Yes!" "Then we're not drunk enough." Zyra looked at the others and they nodded noncommittally. "I could drink more," Rell offered. "Bit close in here though." Zyra laughed. "Then let's get out of this crowded tent!" She tumbled out with a grin, still sipping the strong beverage as it sloshed out the sides of the cup. Gharla followed after, landing on her elbows in the dirt. "Hey, back up!" she protested. "Sorry," Rell grumbled, stumbling out. Rair and Enui followed, the last of their party in sync with a tipsy sway. The slightly inebriated party followed Zyra as she led them to the stream. She and Rell had fond memories in this place, it seemed fitting that they send him away here. "I didn't know the stream ran through here," Enui giggled. "It's hidden by the trees," Rair said softly. Ginger gave Rell a knowing smile. "It's a practical hideout. Good for all kinds of things." The group gathered down by the water and sat down in a circle, talking hurriedly about anything and everything while they drained their cups of the last of the Ruewater. "You remember the time—" "And you pushed him in the water! But he grabbed you!" "I wanted to beat you both senseless!" "Where was I?" "I bet you were sucking down unicorn b—" "Enui!" Speech dissolved into laughter as companionship and love encircled the party. Zyra watched in numb content as Ginger began to pull her tunic over her head. The shameless girl made short work of her clothing and dove into the water as naked as the day she was born. She bobbed up, her teeth chattering as she beckoned. "Come on guys! The water's cold!" "That's a good thing?" Enui chuckled. The brisk fall winds were sharp on this night, and the weather was bound to turn any moment. Even so, she looked over at the others and winked before tossing her garments off as well. Rell blushed, turning his head away before Enui's heavy breasts were freed from her wrap. She jumped in with abandon, laughing as her curls plastered wetly to her head. "Come on in Zyra!" Zyra shook her head. "No, I'm too drunk to swim. You go ahead." Actually she wasn't, but she had swum in enough water to last a lifetime. She was finding that water was not a good friend to her. To be honest, she wouldn't be surprised if drowning became a new fear of hers. She knew Rell, who had nearly been drowned by the selkie Nymare, felt the same. When given the invitation he refused it similarly. Rair looked at the two of them and with a light sway headed towards the water. Rell's eyes widened as Rair lifted her tunic above her head, her small tightly wrapped breasts pushed out. He swore he made out the outline of her tight chilled nipples when her back turned and she dove into the water. "You won't get much of a show out of Rair," Zyra chuckled. Rell blushed and scratched his head. "A man can hope." "Ha! Like being surrounded by naked women isn't living a dream." Zyra sighed and leaned back against the lone tree that grew beside the stream. She watched as her friends splashed one another joyously, all worries forgotten. She would really miss them. "Don't think about it." She turned and saw Rell looking at her. His blue eyes seemed to always cut through her bravery, down to what she really feared. He and Kail were similar in that way. "I can't help it," she whispered. "How do you stop thinking about something that is constantly on your mind? How do you prepare for when you have to face it?" "You're never prepared," Rell answered picking a leaf from the tree. "If it was something resolved simply it wouldn't be on your mind." She chuckled. "Enui said something like that to me." He put the leaf on his palm and blew it into the stream. They watched it drop, tiny ripples starting and ending quickly and quietly. It was very much like their lives. Zyra doubted the new generation save Nima would even remember her. "There you go again. Stop it," Rell chided. "Your face is too telling Zyra. You have to work on that." "What should I do then Rell?" Zyra asked with a sigh. "About what? I thought you had decided." "Not about everything." Zyra let out a long sigh and allowed herself to lean on Rell's shoulder. "I can feel him pulling away Rell. Kail...I don't want to lose him." "He's trying to make it easier for you," Rell stated. "Sound like anyone familiar?" She laughed in response. "Still...what if he's not? What if he...doesn't want to lose me? So he's running scared." "None of us want to lose you Zyra," Rell said softly. He placed an arm around her shoulder and pulled her in close. "None of us, Rair, Ginger, Enui or Gharla...none of us are cutting our ties because of fear. Why should he be any different? When the time comes, you'll know how the people in your life truly feel for you." Rell smiled at her with a warmth that made Zyra's eyes tear. She sniffed trying to hold the emotion back. He snickered and she punched him in response. "Ow!" "You deserved it!" Rell let out a sigh and shook his head. "I won't be distracted Zyra. I'll tell you this alright? If he loves you as you say, he will be waiting for you when you return. Then, even if you are no longer a Rovian, you will always be loved." They sat in companionable silence. The churn of the stream made a rhythmic lullaby and Zyra felt herself falling asleep on Rell's shoulder. Her eyes grew heavy, she was about to close them when a moan interrupted her. Snapping her eyes open, she and Rell looked down towards the stream. Inside, they saw Ginger standing behind a bent over Enui who rested her breasts on the grass. She moaned again as Ginger rocked forward, holding her waist like a man. Gharla, no doubt the drunkest of their party, had her back towards the shore and was moving her finger rapidly under the water. Shocked, Zyra sat up and looked at Rell who refused to meet her eyes. Ginger paused from her phallic thrusting to look at them ruefully. "No spectators! You either clamber down here or you go back." She shoved the whittled dick deeper into Enui who arched her back, baring her full supple breasts to the blushing Rell. "Go ahead," Zyra said, tilting her head towards them. "I'm going to go." "Off to Kail?" he asked curiously as she stood. She shook her head. "I don't want another close call. I'll wait until after tomorrow. Enjoy yourself, alright?" She gave him a wide smile, ignoring the guttural sounds of sex and Ginger's annoyance. "Oh come on Zyra! It's not like you're a virgin anymore!" She shoved Enui back down on the ground and increased her pace effortlessly. Enui shrieked out, no doubt cumming on the relentless cock. It was almost frightening how good at this Ginger was. Zyra raised her hands up and walked off. "No thank you." "Oh come on! Live a little!" "Vine...oh Vine, harder," Gharla moaned, lost in a world of erotic delusions. Zyra was almost jealous. In any other circumstance she would have ran to Kail's tent like she was escaping from someone. After everything that had happened, she had the self-control to at the very least, wait a night. Besides, she still had her husk and her imagination. She could see him over her. Easing his green body above her. How lewd it seemed, for him to position his green penis against the folds of her pink, wet, dripping— "Zyra!" "Ah!" She jumped, glad that Rell could not see her colors. "I startled you huh?" he said coyly. "You must have been very deep in thought." "Not so deep," Zyra mumbled, ignoring her oncoming blush. Perhaps Rell didn't need that power to know. "Well that's none of my business now is it?" he chuckled. "Why aren't you—" "It got very weird, very fast," Rell supplied. "Ginger wanted me to...penetrate her behind whilst she continued with Enui, but Gharla...we really shouldn't let her drink. She thought I was...Vine? I don't know anyone...well anyway, she thought I was him and just...the things she was asking for..." "Got it! Got it," Zyra interjected swiftly. "Repress it, forget it?" "It's probably for the best?" "It is probably for the best." They walked on, the night guaranteed to wane at any moment. Zyra let out a long sigh. "You know, you really should go get some sleep. Your journey tomorrow is a difficult one no?" "I don't get as tired as I used to," Rell said shrugging. "To be honest I don't know where my own hard work begins and the valley's power ends, but I'm grateful, for everything." Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 22 They walked to Zyra's camp ground and ended up lying on their backs, staring at the stars. They were content in the tranquility of the night. Considering that it was the Ursie's last night to mate, it must have been rather late for the stillness to be so thick. It was a nice way to say goodbye. It was nice. "Zyra?" "Yes?" "Can I ask you a question?" "Sure." "Why...don't you talk about your mother?" His question caught her off guard. She turned and looked at him as he contemplated the stars. "It's not that I'm trying to avoid speaking about her." "I know. It's just, you know about my father. The Chief adopted me and I told you what it's been like. I've never heard about you and Kyzu's mother, other than...well, you know." Zyra lay back again. It had been a long time since anyone had asked about Mama. "Her name...was Kyzyra. You might laugh at that but yes. My mother's name is both my sister and I's name combined." "It's pretty," he said chuckling. "Kyzyra. It's like she knew she'd have two daughters." "I think she did," Zyra mused. "That's why she always groomed Kyzu to be a mother figure. It was more than being a Chieftess. It was about taking care of a younger daughter if...she couldn't be around." They were quiet for a time, but the curiosity won out against the sensitivity of the subject. "How did she die?" Rell asked softly. Zyra smiled. "She saved us. All of us." "How?" Zyra sat up. "Are you sure you want to know?" Rell nodded. The memory of her mother was still fresh in her mind, or at least so she believed. She had been 12 when she died. Her sister Kyzu was unfortunately of age. At 20 she became the Chieftess, and Zyra found herself quite alone. Her sister was thrust into a huge responsibility. She had no time to raise her sister. Coupled with the loss of her and Zyra's semblance to her had been too much. In an attempt to find stability, Zyra had joined the hunters. Imjah had been lead huntress then. She learned from her for four years, and when it was clear that she had the ability, at 16 she became the lead huntress of the village. "As you know the Rovians were once a nomadic tribe," she said smiling. "We would "rove" the land, looking for sustenance. Hundreds of years prior my ancestors decided that the roaming should end because the tribe wars were dwindling. The new generation was more understanding and less primitive. My mother Kyzura was Chieftess at the same time as your father—" "Are you his daughters?" he interjected in horror. "Absolutely not," Zyra spat. "Do you see any resemblance? At all?" Rell let out a sigh. "I apologize. It was the first thing that popped out at me. Considering the seeming "tradition" among the Chieftans at celebration." "That, is a creation of your father's design. It's how he keeps her fucking him." "Gross." "Apparently he's skilled." Rell covered his ears and protested feverishly. "Stop. No. No. Why? It's in my head now. Ugh...why?" Zyra laughed. "Well anyway, she was not mating with him. In fact, she was in love with a man from another tribe. During this time, there was a tribe called the Akeera that we shared this vast land with. They were splintered off from our neighboring female tribe the Wakai. In those days we avoided them because they were cruel." "Cruel? How so?" Zyra grimaced just thinking of it. "They were a warrior tribe that could not stand the war being over. They treated their members like soldiers, no matter how little they were. They tattooed the mark of their village into the backs of their children so that no matter where they went, they would know they were ostracized. No one but the Akeera would associate with an Akeeran." "That's terrible," Rell whispered. He couldn't imagine living like that. "It is," Zyra agreed. "An Akeeran child grows without love or kindness. They are brought into the world to be soldiers, and if they run they find the world to be an unfeeling place. To take an Akeeran child in is to declare war of their tribe. They were merciless, but my mother was a good Chieftess." A smile broke out on her face. "She could not bear to hear the stolen children of the Akeeran cry. So she went to negotiate with them the release of the ones that had been swiped. She was willing to open our celebration to them, so that they might make their own children. She hoped to resolve the matter with peace. They could not afford to fight us, nor us them. We traded amongst ourselves because the land is divided in riches. Unfortunately they did not take the words of my mother as wisdom. They took it as a sign of disrespect." Rell put a hand on hers, giving her his strength. "What did they do?" "They retaliated." "...how?" "They kidnapped my sister and I." Zyra paused as the memory came flooding back. A rough rope tying her wrists together, her sister fighting and being smacked so hard she passed out, and then loneliness. The bitterness she felt towards Kyzu for escaping inside herself and leaving her to her captors. They teased and taunted the daughters of the woman who dared defy them. She had not cried, not given them the satisfaction of her tears when they had bounced her precariously on their hard shoulders so it would dig into the tender flesh of her belly. These women were not women, they were animals who could smell fear. "We were lucky to be alive," Zyra recounted vividly. "I was sure they would kill us. Instead, they had planned to take us as their own. They would use their methods to...convince, us to become like them. I supposed they knew they would have to give back Kyzu being that she was my mother's heir, but they beat us first. When my mother arrived with the huntresses in white war colors, they agreed to give her back, but it was me that was to pay the price of her insolence. I was to stay, and forget my mother, or die." Rell squeezed her hand, his eyes full of sorrow. "I didn't know...you and the Chieftess had been through so much." "It was not meant for you to know," Zyra scoffed. "You mustn't become so disheartened," she said squeezing his hand. "What happens now is this." Imjah had made it a habit to tell the story over and over until both children could recite it by heart. She was good in that way, she kept the oral tradition alive. She was a follower, but she always had the Rovians at heart. "Our tribe hunter, but we did not hunt for other humans as the Akeerans did. So with a hunting party, she journeyed to the Wakai tribe. My mother was a quiet Chieftess with silent action and great presence. Her words convinced them to join us in our fight. The Wakai tribe was only too eager to have a reason to strike down the Akeerans, and knowing what they had done to the heir of our tribe, felt a deep insult had been dealt. With her, we first began our treaty with the Wakai." Zyra released Rell's hand and stood. She reached up high, taking a long breath of fresh air. "You should sleep Rell," she said lightly. "The moon will be gone soon." "I want to hear the rest," he insisted. "You can't stop there. What happened?" "Well..." "Yes?" "We..." "Zyra!" She laughed. "My mother hid the members of the Wakai tribe on our land. She did this with a series of hunting parties. They had given my sister back and so under the pretense of a welcoming back feast, she sent the huntresses out. When they returned, she would add one member of the Wakai to each party and subtract one of our own, that way they Akeerans would not see a change in number and get suspicious. That member would be painted with our war colors, so they would not seem suspicious. This continued until all of the Wakai we needed were in the village, then and the huntresses came back. The next night they attacked. The Wakai wiped out all of the Akeeran warriors, save the Chief. Venya abandoned her tribe. When the bloodshed was done the Wakai took the bounty of the Akeerans, but they would not take the children. They were afraid of them you see." Rell frowned. "Where are they now?" "Here," Zyra said happily. "My mother took them into our tribe. Those who chose to stay live in this tribe even now." "Wow," Rell said breathlessly. "Like who?" "It is not my place to say," Zyra said. "My mother saved my sister, myself, and dozens of children." "But...how did she..." "I did say one Akeeran survived yes?" Zyra's face was cold and she spoke without inflection. It was as though she was a puppet and her words were not her own. "Venya wanted her revenge. In the middle of the night she stole to our tents and grabbed us. She had the strength and evil to drag us to the cliff that lies at the far end of this camp. It was like she was...possessed by a demon," Zyra declared. "There are no words in common tongue or hunter code to say how I felt that night. I watched as she tossed the girl off the cliff." "Kyzu survived that?" "It was not Kyzu. She thought it was Kyzu because she slept beside me. In her rage, she did not look. She killed a huntress named Iridis who was there to watch over me. Then, she went to toss me over. It began to rain. I cannot forget how the mud felt between my toes." She sighed mournfully. "Never. My mother came from out of nowhere and she grappled with Venya. Venya was too powerful, and I was too weak. When my mother understood that she could not defeat her, she threw herself off of the cliff, holding Venya tightly with her. They both disappeared into the churning rocks and water at the bottom of the cliff face. We planted flowers in her memory, the same field that Nima plays in to this day. My mother was a hero and a true friend." Zyra grew silent then, staring up at the stars with a sense of peace. It was always painful to tell that story, but she was grateful that she had it. Her mother would live on in her words and deeds. It was the very least she could give to the woman who had given her life, and given it to her again. Rell watched Zyra as she stood bathed in the starlight. At first he had thought of her willingness to sacrifice herself as naivety. It was almost foolish. After hearing her story, he wasn't so sure anymore. Whether Zyra realized it or not, she idolized her mother. She had become her in more ways than one. She was an amazing woman destined for great things. It was this that scared him the most. What was Zyra going toward? What kind of life would she lead if her mother's sacrificial nature was the idol she aspired to? She would die. "I understand you," Rell said softly. Zyra looked down at him in confusion. "What?" "I finally understand you." He stood up and walked in front of her. "Zyra," he started. "Tell me you know you are important." She looked at him with wide eyes. "Rell, I don't understand what..." "I want to hear you say it Zyra," he stressed. He watched the struggle he feared within her eyes as she opened her mouth. "I'm impor—" "You don't believe it," he said exasperatedly. "All the things you've done and you don't believe it." Zyra wanted to lie to assuage him, but she could not. "I'm not that important," she said shrugging. "I am not Chieftess and there are several huntresses to replace me." "She died for you," Rell said gravely. He held her shoulders and made her focus on him. "Kyzyra died for you Zyra. Does that not show how important you are?" Zyra's eyes widened as she took in the irate blonde man before her. "I-I..." "You don't feel important because you were never the coveted one," he said. "When Kyzu was rescued, you were left behind. Being second born makes you feel as though you are unimportant." "I never said—" "You didn't have to." Rell hugged her then, holding her tight. "Listen to me. Please Zyra," he said in her hair. "You can't sacrifice yourself. You are not your mother. If you die, your mother's death will be in vain. You are important. You must make yourself important enough to keep alive, or you will die." His words struck a chord in her heart. What if she was running down a path to oblivion? What if her selflessness really was about to lead her behind her mother, down the face of that cliff? Kyzu had told her to make herself important, but she had never told her why. Now she understood. She had to make herself important or her survival was in danger. "Thank you Rell." She held him tighter to her. "I needed that." He stroked her hair with a gentle hand. "Please be safe. Promise me you won't do anything reckless." "I'll miss you," she said, tears beginning to gather in her eyes. Her voice began to waver with emotion. "I will miss you very, very much." Rell pulled back from her to see her scrunched up face, and without a word, leaned down and kissed her. It was a chaste kiss, compared to the ones Kail had given her, but she was stunned by the warmth of it. It was close lipped, gentle, soft, and then gone. With a small smile Rell pulled back and released her. He stepped backwards, his expression unreadable. "I'm sorry," he said with a small grin. "I'm going to sleep at my own tent tonight. Thank you for the story." "You're welcome." "And Zyra?" "Yes?" "Thank you for everything." Then Rell turned away and walked off. Her heart pounded as she ducked into her tent. She considered pondering what the kiss had meant, but sleep began to push aside those worries. Single unshed tears leaked remorselessly out of the corners of her eyes, and she lay down in her furs. She had always wanted to be more like her mother. Maybe that was the problem. Zyra needed to find who she was. She would always be her mother's daughter, but she needed to stop emulating the actions of the dead. ________________________________________________ Kail could not fall asleep after his visit with Caligula. Instead he sat by his fire pit, staring at the blackened meat he had put on the fire ages ago. He watched it burn, knowing that when it had been perfect, he had had no appetite. Still, it seemed like a waste. Perhaps he would give it to some wayward tiny carnivore that would be friendly or greedy enough to accept it. Kail could use a pet, it might give him some peace. He let out a long heavy sigh. Today the Ursies would return home. He would be lying to himself if he didn't admit that he was rather glad that Rell would be returning. Whether the boy realized it or not, he had strong feelings for Zyra. The problem was that their dynamic kept changing. Until he was certain that Rell saw Zyra as a sister and only as a sister, he would not be comfortable with them being together. Not that he had much choice in the matter. He let out a loud yawn, his sharp fangs peeking out from under his lips. He thought about heading to the village but decided to be patient. Zyra would be coming any minute now. All he had to do was... The sound of someone interrupted his train of thought. Normally he would have been ecstatic to hear Zyra, but this was not her. This person was not heading towards his dwelling, they were sneaking up to it. Frowning, he stood up and walked towards his house. There was a dagger just by his door frame, if he could just— Suddenly an arrow whizzed past his head. He took a step back, his eyes widening as another came towards him. He dodged it and fled to the house, locking himself inside. He grabbed the knife as the person approached. Hanto dropped the bow and picked up his spear, his blood-lust mounting with each step he took. The cowardly ogre had run. He chuckled at the thought of it. "Stupid beast," he hissed. "I know you can hear me. Come out! Face me!" There was no answer. A smile broke out on his lips as he eyed the burning fire. "Fine," Hanto seethed in a sweet saccharine voice. He walked over to the fire and pulled out one of the branches. The heat from the fiery branch threatened to burn him, but Hanto was too enraged to feel fear. "Have it your way." Hanto tossed the burning branch onto the top of Kail's wooden dwelling. The natural breeze of the land encouraged the fire to spread and Hanto watched his handiwork with pride. "Chose your death," Hanto shouted. "Fire, or me!" Inside, Kail tried to find water, but the small collection he had gathered was useless. So the hateful brother had come to kill him? Kail wasn't sure what he could do. If he killed Hanto there would be no one to tell the story but him. He was already on shaky ground. A move like that could end his life, but he couldn't just let Hanto kill him. As the shack began to fill with smoke Kail's eyes narrowed. At the very moment he could no longer tolerate the smoke, he would go out and fight. If Hanto died, so be it. Zyra would have even more incentive to run away with him. He discarded the dagger and reached for a spear he had finished. He gave it a twirl. It would have to do. Zyra woke up with the sense that something wasn't right. She figured it might have something to do with her current emotions. She was not happy that Rell had kissed her, but she was not happy that he was leaving either. And part of her had...felt something when he kissed her. There was no doubt in her mind that she loved Kail, but the fact that he kept pushing her away weighed heavily on her mind. Then again, Rell was leaving. Forget her affinity for green men, what if her true fault was that she liked men who could not be kept? Disturbed by that notion, she freshened up and dressed. Stepping outside her tent, her senses were instantly assaulted by the smell of burning. She sniffed curiously, wondering if the farewell meal was being prepared at the fire pit. Sniffing again she saw that the smell was coming from the forest, deep in the forest, near... The feeling increased tenfold and she abandoned her logic for action. Sprinting with all her might, she headed towards Kail's campground. "Rawr!" The ogre jumped out of the burning building with a spear in his hand. Hanto jumped back from the strike and charged with a war cry of his own. They locked spears, pressing their might against one another. Hanto sucked in a breath as his feet slid against the ogre's superior strength. He locked eyes with it, furious to find defiance and amusement in it's yellow depths. "Die!" Hanto screamed, pulling the spear back. "How?" the ogre teased him. "Is a fool like you going to kill me?" "Your sins must be purged with blood," Hanto hissed. They began to circle one another slowly, the dwelling becoming more and more engulfed with flames. "You sound like a witch," the ogre growled, the undertone of his voice raspy with savagery. Sensing that he had been gravely insulted Hanto launched another flurry of attacks at him. The more he attacked, the more he realized the ogre was holding back. In truth there was no contest among them. The ogre was the stronger brute, but Hanto understood that the beast had sense enough to know what it might lose. "You'll have to kill me!" Hanto barked as he thrust the spear towards his chest. "Or I'll kill you!" The ogre blocked it with practiced skill, his eyes angry. "It won't be long now. Do you realize what you've done? You've gone mad! They will see the smoke." "I don't care if they see," Hanto stated dryly. "I don't care if they know I have killed you. I just want you dead. You will die before they come to this dwelling." Kail gritted his teeth. "You're really going to make me do this aren't you? Does pride mean that much to you?" The mad man in front of him quivered with hatred, his tense body over the edge. "I have nothing left to lose." Kail could see that this man actually believed that. "You blame me?" "I blame all of you. But once you are dead..." he smirked, "I will make Zyra pay too. In a way that only a woman can." If Kail had understood that this man was insane, he might have understood that he was being tricked. Hanto was not the smartest or stronger warrior, but he understood a few things that proved very useful in his battles. He knew how to sense weakness, and he knew how men thought. The civilized man and the primal beast were not too different. It was hard for a normal man to control it, let alone a beast man like, an ogre. So when Kail heard what Hanto said, he snapped. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 22 The roar the ogre made raised the hairs on the back of Hanto's neck. It was terrifying, and yet, exactly what he wanted. He would show them all, that he was right. Kail was a monster, and now, they would have the proof. As Kail rushed him he prepared his spear. He needed him close. Closer... Closer. There. ________________________________________________ A loud guttural sound jolted Ginger right out of her sleep. Beside her, Rair, Enui, and Gharla stirred up beside her. She found them all to be in her tent, quite naked, and knew that Gharla was suffering from the day sickness. "What was that?" Ginger asked. The others groaned their confusion. She handed Gharla a drink as she tossed on her clothing. Rair did the same beside her, refusing to meet their stunned gazes. "That's funny," Ginger remarked saucily. "I don't remember having you last night." "You didn't," Rair stated. She slipped on her shoes and grabbed her spear. "I had you." Ginger blushed when Rair gave her a surprisingly content look and smiled wickedly to herself as Rair walked outside. Taking a swig of the drink herself, she followed swiftly after her. The others followed suit as best as they could. Rair was already gone. Looking around she saw the sound had woken several of the villagers. Kyzu appeared in the crowd in a tossed on gown, looking disheveled and irritated. A handsome young man followed after her. "What has happened?" Kyzu demanded. "Where is Zyra?" "Zyra is gone," Enui said, looking into her tent. She was nowhere to be found. "But that sound? What could have caused it? We have no animals that would—" "The ogre," Gharla breathed. When the realization of what they had heard came to them, they dashed into the forest. ________________________________________________ Blood leaked from the tip of Hanto's knife. He stared out disbelievingly at the spot where his blade had taken purchase. He was pleased, mortified, and most of all, confused. "How?" he asked with genuine curiosity. He pulled back and watched her wince as the stunned ogre stood behind her. "You're very conspicuous," Zyra said, gripping her aching hand. She had arrived just in time to stop the tip of Hanto's knife from sliding into the flesh of Kail's ribs. Kail had charged him blindly, not considering that it was to draw him in for a hidden attack. Zyra knew Hanto cared less about Kail dodging his spear. His form had been too poor. That should have been a good give away that the deadlier weapon lay hidden. Zyra had slipped between them and gripped the knife, the sharpened blade slicing her deep. "This is between the ogre and me," Hanto said with an eerie calm. "It's over Hanto," Zyra said as Kail took her hand and examined it. She could feel him becoming angrier and angrier behind her. She patted his thigh with her good hand in comfort. "I will kill him," Hanto promised. "It may not be today, it may not be tomorrow, but your cur will die by my hand." "I will never be yours Hanto," Zyra snapped harshly. "Even if you were the last man alive. I would rather let the human race die out, than lie with a murderous wretch like you." Hanto's face turned red and he charged at her without restraint. In seconds, Kail stepped in front of her and grabbed Hanto by his fists. He raised them above his head and pressed Hanto towards the ground. Hanto's muscles strained and he shook from the effort to keep his knees from buckling. "Let me promise you this," Kail rasped, his face menacing. "If you ever, lay a finger on her, I will personally see you strung up by your toes and carved up, piece by piece, until you die from the loss of blood..." He forced Hanto down on his knees with a growl. "Or the shock." He gave him a dangerous smile, and Hanto struggled against his might, but could not manage to lift himself back up. Feeling himself under the ogre's control, Hanto was ashamed to feel fear. "Zyra!" Turning they saw villagers rushing over. Kail released Hanto and he bowed over with a groan. "He attacked me!" Hanto shouted. "The ogre attacked me!" "Zyra you're bleeding!" Kyzu yelped. She stared at the ogre's smoldering home with shock and immediately grabbed her villagers. "Go! Fetch water! NOW!" They obeyed, rushing towards the village to retrieve their buckets. "You as well!" Kyzu snapped at the Ursie bystanders. "Make yourself useful!" They obeyed fearfully, Hanto standing dejected on the side of the action. Hastily Kyzu pushed past the dispersing crowd to cradle Zyra's hand. "What happened to you? What did they do?" "I'm fine," Zyra huffed. "It wasn't..." She cursed herself as her vision became scattered with spots. Surely she wasn't going to pass out from such a minor wound. As her head began to swing, she realized that she was. "No..."she moaned, low in her chest. Her body felt light and when her knees buckled, Kail caught her, lowering her to the ground. When she touched it, she was unconscious. "Zyra," Ginger cried. She tore the wraps from Zyra's tattoo and began to bandage up her wound. "She'll heal, don't worry," Kail whispered to her. "Don't believe it. He's a monster," Hanto cried, pretending to struggle to his feet. "He sliced her with his fangs." "Liar!" Kail snapped. As the villagers came back with water, Kail's dwelling was doused amply and deep gray smoke began to spout from his roof. The villagers worked together as the huntresses and few more men arrived. A fellow Ursie assisted Hanto to his feet. As his story circulated, they glared at the ogre with murderous intent. "We heard the growl," Imjah said, striding forward. When Zyra was not "present," she became the lead huntress. She looked at Kail suspiciously. Kail could have rolled his eyes. Some of the Rovians truly had no loyalty. When the fire was successfully put out, the villagers began to gossip as they took in the scene. "Did you hear it?" "It woke us up!" "Look at her hand!" "You weren't here when the real fire was here. You should have seen—" "Did he bite her?" "Enough," Kyzu ordered. The village quieted around her and she looked about. "Where is the Chief?" "He is a remarkably heavy sleeper," one of the Ursie boys professed. "I am aware," Kyzu grumbled. "Fetch him. Now." Two Ursies and one huntress went off to obey her. She turned back to the two parties. Looking back at them, she knew the issue could not be resolved by her. Kyzu was aware that the ogre was innocent. Unfortunately, it was not her place to punish the son of a Chief. "Lift her," Kyzu instructed. The ogre obeyed, and she ushered for her to be taken towards the village. Ginger followed, frowning and fretting with each step. "I thought you said she would heal ogre," Ginger sighed, her voice riddled with apprehension. "The wound is still bleeding. Doesn't she clot faster than this?" "She's fine," Kail assured her. When they arrived at Kyzu's tent, he laid her gently among the pillows and furs. Kyzu went to pour some fresh water into the bowl that lay from her storage and offered Ginger a cloth. As Kail looked through Kyzu's herbs, she made herself useful by cleaning Zyra's wound. "Apply pressure," Kail instructed. "Hold it until you believe the bleeding has stopped." He turned to look for the ingredients of what would be a pain reliever. Ginger was right. Zyra should have healed already. To be honest, Hanto's weak strike shouldn't have inflicted so much damage to her. That could mean but one thing, the witches were somehow sapping her power until she returned to them. While their reach was limited, their power of Zyra was not. He wondered what they hoped to gain by making her more vulnerable, more human. He supposed that Caligula might believe the power to be an alluring factor for her to return to the valley. He might believe she would be unable to stand normal human limitations now that she had felt the true grasp of power. No matter, Zyra was unconscious and thus had no part in this moral dilemma. Instead, the dilemma was Kail's. Without the power of the keromedio, would he and Zyra's dynamic change? Zyra might have been a strong warrior before her change, but Kail was an ogre. Without her keromedio durability, would she be able to handle the onslaught of passion he could hurl at her at any moment. He didn't want to hurt her and he never had. If Hanto's blade could dig deep enough for her to lose that much blood, what could one of his fang's do? "She's waking up," Kyzu breathed. Kail looked down at his hands. He had gathered one ingredient. Hurrying to procure the rest, he combined it in time to see her eyes flutter open. She looked beside her at her sister, and then Ginger, and finally her eyes rested on Kail. "Tell me I didn't," she moaned irritated. "It's alright to pass out once in a while," Kail chuckled as he knelt beside her. "I wake up somewhere I wasn't before at least once a week," Zyra snapped. "It is the most annoying truth of my existence." "Oh shush," Kyzu chided. "There are worse things." She placed a kiss on her sister's head and headed for the tent flap when a sudden thought occurred to her. She paused, looking at the ogre. "Kail." "Yes, my Chieftess?" "We need to have a chat." Kail raised an eyebrow, but nodded in agreement. "Very well." Kyzu turned, her carelessly adorned gown whipping in a flourish behind her. Zyra groaned. "What? What's wrong?" Ginger asked worriedly. "Everything," Zyra muttered. Sighing, she laid back as Kail gingerly applied the pain reliever to her wound. ________________________________________________ "Tell them what you saw brother," Hanto shouted. Rell looked at his brother. He had no idea what had turned him this way, nor if there was anything he could do to make it undone. Maybe he had never noticed his brother, never understood the truth of his villainy until now. His brother would sacrifice anything to avoid placing the fault on himself. "Tell them!" Hanto insisted. Rell watched the Ursies anticipation with a heavy heart. His father was nearing, irritation and drowsiness etched in his face. Rell looked at Hanto one more time and hoped that his foolish brother could see how sorry he was, and how much he pitied him. "What is the meaning of this?" the Chief boomed. "Again! Again I am accosted from sleep? For what purpose? And why does the air smell of ash?" He took in the burned roof of the wooden home in front of him with outrage. "Rell." Hanto glared at Rell with a cold, deadly intensity. "Tell him." Once upon a time that would have been enough for Rell to act. Now, things were not so simple. Rell had a mind of his own. He was not his brother's shadow. His dimwitted brother was the only one who had failed to notice that their relationship had changed. Rell took a deep breath into his lungs, and released it slowly. He could feel the tension roll off of him in his exhale, the freeing feeling that choice gave. Shaking his head dismissively, Rell walked past Hanto and back toward the village. "Hey..." Hanto began, "...what are you...?" Rell walked to his father and nodded in greeting. His father returned it, puzzled. "My son, are you..." Rell walked on, past all of their problems, back to the camp so that he could pack the remainder of his things. "Rell!" Hanto shrieked in fury. "Don't you walk away from me!" "That is exactly what I'm doing," Rell stated. "I am walking away from this issue brother." He gave his brother a knowing, pleading look. "I suggest you do the same, brother." The Chief looked at his older son's back and noticed the resolute strength in his shoulders. It made him proud to see that, even though he was still confused. Why was his son walking away? Looking to Hanto, he tried to understand the flurried words and accusations he threw. It was rhythm less nonsense that indicated a non-truth, but he had never known Hanto to be the type of man to lie. And yet, he had never know Rell to be the type of man to condone fools. He surveyed the damage done to the ogre's home, and considered how his son might be involved. He might be led to believe that the beast had in fact attacked his son, but the fire? Why would the creature destroy his own home? That could only mean one thing, Hanto had come to initiate struggle. He looked back at the disappearing tuff of blonde threading through the trees. While he had doubted the behavior of Rell, his son had continually proved that he wasn't changing. He was wise. Hanto had only proven...what he was proving now. He was impulsive, and he was becoming a liar. That was not good for a man, let alone a Chief. "Enough," the Chief spoke. Hanto's tirade ceased and he looked at his father expectantly. The Chief let out a long heavy sigh. "We have overstayed our welcome. I want every Ursie to gather up their things and prepare for the journey home. We will bid our sister's goodbye." "Father." "Now." He turned from his child, hoping that he understood the great gift he was being given. If he was to take this matter at heart, if the Rovians wanted justice for their property, Hanto would have to pay the price. Walking away was cowardly, but it was the best he could do for him. The wild look in Hanto's eyes was missed by his father as he and the remaining Ursies headed towards the camp. The rage inside Hanto threatened to eat him alive. He was sure that...if he had only just... Too much, his pride had been injured too much. Rell had done this. Rell had abandoned him, his own brother. Stiffly, he moved away from the ogre's dwelling, aware the Chieftess was still inside. Fine then, he would wait. Hanto would not forget what injustices had been done to him. Everyone had a moment of weakness, everyone had vulnerability, and when Zyra and the ogre slipped, he would be waiting. He turned away from the wretched Rovian forest with its twisted lies. Hanto would change his strategy. If upfront tactics didn't work, he would plot in secret. ________________________________________________ "My sisters and brothers, family and friends. It has been many days and nights that we have shared a homeland. Like any family, there were a few squabbles, but they were resolved quickly and with great wisdom and patience. Our bonds have grown fruit. I must give thanks to the Maker for my grandson, who at the next celebration will be strong enough to be received into the Ursie tribe. The love of..." Zyra wasn't paying attention. The thin scar on her right hand itched uncomfortably and it was very hard to avoid scratching and reopening it. At the Chief's request, she was standing beside Rell as he gave the Ursie goodbye speech. She was dressed relatively well, donning a white dress with blue embroidery. It was actually Ginger's, and she tried very hard to avoid picking out the lines of sewing from sheer boredom. As her will power against the scratching began to wane, her fingers curled towards her palm. Rell's hand found its way inside of hers. She stared at the pale long thin fingers and exhaled. Zyra squeezed the hand tighter. "...year. May we have better fortune for my son Rell next year." A cheer of oohs and ahhs brought Zyra out of her thoughts. Based on the looks on their faces, they were still talking about babies. "Let us say our goodbyes," the Chief proclaimed. The two tribes smoshed together one last time to hug and kiss. Gharla grabbed Rell from Zyra and crushed him against her. "You be good you hear?" she snapped. "I swear to the Maker that if I hear anything has happened to you—" "I'll be careful," Rell promised, chuckling. Zyra nodded respectfully to the passing Ursies who reached hands out to her. Behind her she saw Ginger smack the ass of a stray Ursie man and throw a wink to another. "Young lady...a word." Zyra turned to face the Ursie Chief. "Yes, my Chief?" she said respectfully bowing her head. "You must care for yourself in this strange land you go to," he said. He ushered her closer to him and she obliged. Placing a hand on her shoulder, he gave her a warm smile. "I may not have been the most hospitable man, but I am old and cannot be bothered with pleasantries. Know that all I say is truth, true impulsive truth that means always to bring the best for those around me." "I understand," Zyra said. "Good." He pinched her cheek affectionately. "I feel you have grown even more since we first met. I know not of whether it is my Rell who has turned you into a woman, but I dare say it was you who turned him into a man. Take care of him my sweet daughter. Be kind to him, and I know my son. He will follow you to the ends of the earth." Zyra swallowed the guilt that clotted in her throat. Her eyes watered with emotion as she looked at the Chief's face. Wow, she wasn't sure what was wore, that she knew it was true, or that she was touched. "Thank you," she said. She gave the Chief a bright smile and she gasped when he encircled her in a hug. Zyra had never had a father, none of them had. It was weird to feel the arms of a man around her in such a tender nonsexual way. It was nice. She closed her eyes and eased into the Chief's arms. When she pulled away he patted her head. "Be well." "Thank you again. May you have a good winter." The Chief kissed her forehead and walked off to say his other goodbyes. "Hm, I guess he's not so bad," she mused. "Who's not so bad?" She yelped as she was grabbed her by her waist and pulled into her group of friends. "Did everyone say goodbye?" Zyra chuckled as she watched Ginger cling on Rell. "We should just keep him," Ginger pouted. "We should make him stay. Let him live in the forest like Kail. We'll give you all the food you'd ever want." "Oh so we'll just feed him?" Zyra stated dryly. "Oh we'll fuck him too," Ginger quipped. "All the food and fucking your little blonde heart could desire. I bet Rair might even give you a go, right Rair?" "Ginger!" "Right." "Rair!" Zyra and Rell watched Rair's normally expressionless face turn into a coy smirk. She walked over to Rell whose eyes grew wide. Gently she tucked a strand of hair of hair behind his ear and placed a slow soft kiss on his cheek. Rell grew bright red. "You take care of yourself Ursie," she chided. "You too," Rell breathed. The Rovians watched, mystified as Rair disappeared into the forest. "I think you're the first man to win us all over," Zyra taunted him playfully. "Maybe," he said, his face still glowing from Rair's kiss. "Now give me a hug. All of you." The Rovians crowded around their brother and squeezed him tight. Despite herself Gharla began to shed fat tears and that started Ginger off as well. "Oh you'll see me soon," Rell teased. He waved them off as men started on the long road home. Then it was just him and Zyra. "Walk me to the edge?" he asked. She nodded and felt him hold her hand. They walked beside each other, staring at their feet. Zyra kicked up the dust and watched the first mark of grime appear on the spotless dress. Oh well, she had made it very far as a clean elegant lady. Ha. "I'm going to miss you." Zyra peered up at him. His hair lay carelessly in his face. "Whatever happened to your circlet?" He shrugged. "Ginger, unicorns, witches. I don't know. I could have been any combination of those things." She forced a laugh and grimaced at the sound of it. She watched as the point where the Rovian women stopped following their lovers drew closer and closer. She had to say goodbye. The sense of loss was overwhelming. If only her next words could show him how much he meant to her. If she never saw him again, she'd want him to know. "I don't know what to say," Zyra breathed. "I..." Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 23 Chapter 23: Expediency Vine pressed a moist leaf to his Sister's brow. Kalia groaned under his fingers, her near identical face staring back at him with unfocused eyes. "Shh," he cooed. "It is over." Kalia smacked her lips for moisture, a strange action for a creature deriving from water. "We must put her back in the Mother Tree Takh. She is too weak to go on her own." Vine looked over to his Brother, Dew-El, his blue eyes filled with grave worry. Together, they lifted the nymph and pressed her back inside of the pure essence. The tree was the corporeal representation of their spirit. Thousands of water nymphs could fit inside of it, allowing themselves to dissolve into its comfort for the earth's blessing and wisdom. In this case, it was for healing. "The witches have gone too far." Takh turned to Dew-El. Despite his fierce tone he was shivering in fear. Long had they been used for pleasure by the witches. Nymphs reveled in pleasure, they lived off of it, fed off of it. It was a way of life. The witches perverted it into a power struggle, destroying the core of it, mutilating it into a punishment, a slavery. It was one witch in particular who was nasty. They knew not her name, simply called her, Dull Eyes. "What would you have us do?" Takh asked. Dew-El looked around at their nest. No one was being intimate. They were standing, waiting for something. "Where is Caleem?" "They did not return him," a Brother whispered. "They will destroy us." "No." Vine looked at the tree. How he loved it. They could not leave it without dooming themselves. Not unless, someone helped them. "We must...we must appeal to the witches, those of the elements might have mercy on us. Until then, we should scout for a new dwelling." "We would leave the Mother tree?" The nest began to rustle with unrest. Vine could feel all of their emotions. Nymphs were telepathic after all. That was what made this so painful. Hurting one hurt all. "You know how I feel," Vine sighed. "We cannot keep caring for the injured until one of us goes mad. The witches are unchecked in power. The Monokeros has not been seen since the rites of carnality. I fear...we are hopelessly outmatched." He was about to say something else when he felt a weak voice call out in his mind. "Brothers...help..m-me..." "Caleem!" "Brother Caleem!" "Some will stay to—" "...watch the young ones and..." "Takh will..." "Yes." The nymphs were in agreement. Vine sat by the tree and watched the nymphs that slipped into the ground, headed towards their injured brother. "Takh...?" Talia's slender blue hand reached out of the Mother tree. Vine held her hand. "I'm here. I'm here." --- "Get up." Caligula pulled Zyra to her feet. She rose ungracefully, yanking her arm from his grip. She turned to him, tears streaming down her face. "You had no right..." Etaceh walked up to embrace her. "Zyra, darling..." "No right!" Zyra shoved her away, Etaceh's eyes widening as she stumbled back. "I hate you." She rounded on Caligula like an animal, her face painted with rage and misery. I hate all of you!" Blindly, she ran at him, tumbling to the ground when he vanished in front of her. "Enough." Caligula stood behind her, his purple eyes glowing. Etaceh gasped. Zyra noted a twinge of fear in her face before a smile slid onto her blood red lips. "Let us show you your room!" Etaceh bounced happily, forward, her black skirts trailing the floor. She pulled Zyra to her feet and put a hand on the small of her back, ushering her forward. Zyra looked back at Caligula as he radiated with power. She turned back, rubbed her eyes, and followed Etaceh. Zyra took a deep breath. She had to stay calm. She needed to stay calm. Etaceh took her down a winding corridor adjacent to the Marble Basin. They passed a few witches in grey garb that shuffled quietly in a line. She stared at them, but they did not acknowledge her. She wondered if they could. "Here." Etaceh gestured to a room without a door. It was very much like the room Zyra had found herself in after collapsing before the Marble Tree. It was dark, cold, and made white of marble. Etaceh waved a hand. A long line of candles began to light. As the room illuminated, Zyra saw the candles made a complete circle around the bed. It had a strange sheer netting at the top, which hung like a tent above it. Inside were fluffy gold pillows and a thin white dress. In the far corner sat a wooden table with a gold jug and cloth. "Oh how lovely," Etaceh cooed. "A canopy bed. I always wanted one when I was a young girl. I have one now, but it's never quite the same now is it? Tell me dear, have you ever seen such finery?" Zyra shook her head. "No. I suppose not." "You see the candle bases? The jug? Solid gold, and there's gold thread in your sheets as well." Zyra walked up to the bed and ran a hand along it. Cloth, thin white cloth and not a fur to be seen, and the gold. Gold, the color of Rell and Gharla's hair, the color of Nima's field of flowers, the color of lust, Kail's earring, and Kail's eyes. "I sewed it myself," Etaceh quipped. Zyra's silence was unsettling. Zyra turned. "Why?" "Well if you want something done right you have to do it yourself—" "Why gold?" Etaceh blinked. "Why...it's the color of the monokeros. White and gold." Zyra looked back at the bed. She could ignore the white sheets, but not the golden pillows. She strode over, picked them up, and handed them to Etaceh. "I don't need these." "But...darling—" "Please." Etaceh stared at the emotion swimming in Zyra's eyes. "Please take them away." Etaceh's lips thinned as she made the pillows dematerialize. "Anything else?" "A door." "Oh, well that's a quick..." "You can make a door when you are strong enough." Caligula stood in the doorway. Zyra didn't like the way he was looking at her. His face was calm, his eyes were not. He could not fool her, no matter what he believed. "Get some sleep," he continued. "You have a big day tomorrow." Etaceh gave her a tight smile. "Goodnight darling, we'll wake you in the morning." With that, the witches turned and left. Zyra stood alone in the circle of golden candles. She didn't like sleeping in a room without a door. She thought of the trees in the nymph dwelling. They had broad bark. With enough force, she could peel it off. If they weren't going to give her one, she would just have to make one. Zyra put her pack down and slipped off her shoes. Pushing the dress to the floor, she climbed underneath the strange covers. Then she closed her eyes, and the candles blew out. --- A shift, a faint throb, but present, so present. Scallen knew that something was different in the Valley. He knew the witches had gone to the border, and they had brought something back with them, to be specific, a human. He was relatively sure who that human was as well. He couldn't see Caligula allowing the Rovians anymore of the initial pleasantries he had given, when he was still trying to lull them into a false sense of security. He supposed the old witch thought he was clever. Scallen's mind drifted off to human in question, Zyra. He still remembered how her green eyes had glittered as he thrust his tongue inside of her. She contorted like a wild thing, pleading for more. He could have done anything he wanted with her, and she would have begged for it. Granted, his venom had given her a little help. Scallen was curious to see what state she was in. He doubted she was pleased to be here, and chances were she was alone. Something akin to care stirred inside of him. He did owe her a debt, one that he had repaid, but could never truly be resolved. He had underestimated her and her party, it had nearly cost him his life. Scallen sniffed the air. It was night, too late for a visit. Poor thing would be exhausted. Scallen smiled to himself. He would wait until tomorrow. --- "Zyra...Zyra honey, it's time to wake up..." "Um...Ginger?" "Oh sweetie, you do sleep like a log." Zyra rolled around, fighting her way out of the cloths. When her head surfaced, she saw an amused Etaceh smiling down at her. "Come, I will take you to the hot spring," "The wha—" "It's a bath darling. You'll refresh yourself there, bring your clothes. Or don't. Whatever your preference, comfort, or level of self-esteem permits." Zyra hopped out of the bed, hissing when her feet touched the cool floor. Sighing, she put on her boots and rummaged for her huntress garb. Etaceh looked at the primitive outfit with disdain. "If you require more clothes..." "I don't want anything." The witch looked visibly annoyed but shrugged with a dramatic flourish. "Never say I didn't try to care for you dear. It isn't a crime to wear more than one color you know...and with a little class." Zyra didn't answer her. Etaceh led her down the dark corridor, still filled with the moonlight from a perpetual night. At the end of the hall was a painting. It was a picture with three stone towers, a flag on two. The third tower had a scorch mark where its flag was meant to be. "A castle," Zyra whispered. "Yes," Etaceh said surprised. "How do you know that?" "I've heard stories." "From who?" "My..." Zyra paused. Etaceh looked too intent. She shrugged, choosing to keep her mother secret. "My elders. They tell folktales, of the ruins that were swept by the magic after The Purging." The magic users had destroyed all remnants of human civilization, all technology was lost. The humans truly began anew. Etaceh knocked on the painting three times. It swung open to reveal a steamy white room filled with candles. "Well dear, it might please you to know that not all of the ruins are gone. There are...a handful left." Zyra followed her. The witches appeared to have a lake. It curved around a corner, past the point of her vision. Zyra touched the water. "It's hot." "Now you know why it is called a hot spring. Now, take a bit of this." Etaceh's empty hand soon held a bar of soap. From a distance Zyra could see it was smoother and sweeter smelling than any soap she had ever used. She didn't trust it. "I don't..." "You will use it," Etaceh commanded. "Soak yourself thoroughly. A towel will arrive shortly." "A what?" Etaceh walked off. Zyra sighed. The woman was crazy. She took off her clothes, putting her belongings in the driest place she could find. Then she submerged herself. To her surprise the water was incredibly soothing. Her aching muscles began to unravel and she let out a coo of appreciation. Perhaps not all things would be terrible. After several minutes of floating, Zyra decided to see what was around the bend. Taking a deep breath, she began to swim under the water, her open eyes disliking the warm water. Zyra continued, not wishing to swim too close to the surface. She disliked Etaceh enough without having her see, and as a result comment, on her naked body. The bend was actually farther than she had anticipated. The place where she had been bathing was shallow enough for her to stand. Now, she was swimming, the bottom too murky for her sight. Silently, she crept through the water. Ahead she saw a large cropping of rocks jutting in the center of a rippling pool. At the far end were three waterfalls, each the same height, churning the lake with foam. She remembered the Akeeran land had a waterfall. They used it in their coming of age ceremony. If a child did not pass the test they would be given a second chance. The Akeerans would throw them down the waterfall. If they survived, they were forgiven and accepted. And if they did not... Zyra shook the images out of her mind. The Akeerans were no more, her mother had seen to that. Zyra swam quietly towards the rocks. They were gray, made of something she had never seen. A light seemed to glow from within them. She drew closer and closer, until her hand rested against the rock's rough surface. The rock pulsed with a strange energy. It made her fingertips tingle. She watched in wonder as it turned a light yellow. What a peculiar— "You're curious." Zyra shrieked and struck out. Her hand missed its target, instead splashing it with water. She retreated while it sputtered, her face filled with embarrassment, her eyes, rage. "Who are you?" she demanded, an arm around her breast, the other holding onto the lake's white edge. The figure seemed to glide through the water as he came closer, wiping his face. A pair of dark eyes looked at her, his black wet hair jutting out wildly against the pale pallor of his skin. He was even paler than Rell. He looked as though he had never seen sunlight. She could see a blue vein in his neck. "I didn't mean to frighten you," he said. "I was merely taking my bath." It suddenly dawned on her that both she and the stranger were naked. Her face burning, she gave him one last dirty look before diving beneath the water. She swam as fast as she could, back to the place where Etaceh had left her. The woman was nowhere to be found. "Damn it all," Zyra cursed. Forget Etaceh and the...towel. She pulled herself out of the hot spring and tossed on her clothing. When she was in the process of slipping on her boots, the pale stranger appeared, watching her curiously. "Wait. I meant no offense." "Zyra..." Etaceh's sung rendition of her name did not help her temper. Another cloth was in her hand. This one resembled a fur. The Valley had so many names for so many cloths. "Oh, Zyra. You didn't wait for..." "I'll dry outside." Zyra strode past her and out of the room. She had been submerged right? There was no way he could have seen her. How long had he been watching her? If he had been there when she was heading towards the stone he had probably seen her breasts. Zyra saw a white marble vase on her right. She struck it to the ground. This wasn't fair. One day and she already felt violated. No door, no privacy, and not a single fur in this Maker forsaken nightmare. Zyra saw another vase, broke that one too. By the time she reached the Marble Basin she had knocked over five vase, three paintings, and two candle stands. She found Caligula waiting for her. "Done with your tantrum?" Zyra stared blankly at him. With little emotion, she pushed down a tiny white statute. It head cracked against the floor. "Goodness darling, you could have waited." Etaceh strode forward, a hand waving by each item she had upended. Zyra watched as the items floated up into the air, mending themselves before settling back in their positions. Etaceh was about to go to the pillar but Caligula held up a hand. "No. Leave it." He returned Zyra's look with a smirk. "I like it better this way." "Shall I make the others match?" "That won't be necessary. At least, not yet." Caligula walked until he stood in front of her. "I think it is about time we talk about your training. Perhaps over food?" Caligula smiled. With a gesture, the Marble Tree opened. Outside she saw the Valley's lush green grass was sprinkled with tiny red and yellow flowers. Caligula walked outside, plucked a yellow flower and tossed it in the air. Before it touched the ground it grew in size until it was a large table. Caligula walked over and sat beside it, in mid-air. Etaceh did the same. They looked at her expectantly. "Well? Aren't you going to join us?" Ugh. Zyra walked out, the Marble Tree closing behind her. She stood beside the table. "Well? Sit." "There are no seats." "Oh but there are," Etaceh gushed. "Go ahead. Sit down." Zyra rolled her eyes and eased herself downwards. She was shocked to find something beneath her. Gently, she sat, both disturbed and amazed that she was sitting on what appeared to be nothing. "Rule one," Etaceh said. "Your eyes will deceive you. Your senses are more reliable. Your eyes are always the last to know. It means your enemy has gotten too close." "What will you teach me?" Zyra asked. "And why? What do I have to do?" "Patience," Caligula said. "All in time. I will answer this, the first thing we must do is teach you how to manage the power of a keromedio." Etaceh nodded in agreement. "Physically you are in great condition. Your magic however, is rough and instinctive. The first thing you will learn will be how to channel it, focus it into actual spells and not just lucky coincidences." "There are several division of magic," Caligula continued. "That much you can see from the different witches in the Tree, however it is most important that you know four types. When we are done, you will know Elemental magic, how to resist magic attacks or Defensive magic, Offensive magic, and of course, Practical magic." "Practical magic?" "Yes. Making water safe for drinking. Healing a wound. Things like that." Zyra wanted to ask why she would need any of those things, but she knew the witches would not answer her. Instead she asked, "What about light and dark?" Her question caught Caligula off guard. "What?" "Light magic and Dark magic?" Caligula and Etaceh chuckled. "No such thing." A large assortment of foreign food appeared upon the table and Etaceh chirped in glee. "Finally! You'd think we had conjured the fruit instead of summoned it." She selected a purple thing and began to eat. Warily, Zyra followed suit. Biting into it, she found it juicy and cold. It tasted like...what flowers smelled like. Hm, not bad. When the meal was done, the table reverted back into a flower, and they lead her towards the edge of the dwelling of the nymphs. "For expediency we have decided to pair your lessons together," Caligula said, pointing to a small clearing. Zyra didn't like standing in it. The odd juxtaposition between the heavily wooded thicket and the open field suggested it had been cleared, for her. She felt queasy. "We have decided that your Offensive magic will more often than not be a combination of blocks and counterstrikes. In other words, it will be a more...active, Defensive magic. And we will ally your practical magic to your elemental magic. Etaceh will teach the later, I will teach the former." Caligula's expression foreshadowed a grueling process, no doubt a punishment for her insubordination. "We start your elemental training today," Etaceh said happily. "I believe that Earth is a good element to start with, considering how comfortable you seem in the forest." Zyra nodded. "Very well." "Oh, and one more thing..." Out of nowhere, a witch strode out of the woods. It was the man from the hot spring. He startled her twice, she, a Rovian huntress, twice! He was garbed in a fitted black robe and wore black gloves. Unsurprisingly, he carried a black stick that had a cloth stretched upon it, keeping the sun off of his form. "This is Medean, a dark witch from another coven." "I thought you said there was no such thing as Dark magic." Medean stepped forward, bowing. "I am a user of black magic. When I cast, my aura turns black, thus why I am called a dark witch. My magic itself is not Dark." Zyra nodded in his direction and looked away. His face continued to have that same pleasant smile. She wanted to punch him. Instead, she turned to Etaceh. "Shouldn't we begin?" Etaceh smirked at her. "Are you ready?" "Yes." "Good. Boys, do you mind?" "Not at all. I will see her for my lesson soon." Caligula and Medean walked off, and Etaceh and Zyra were alone. "What do I have to do first?" Zyra asked. She began stretching. Maybe she would have to climb trees and get magical dust, or perhaps she'd have to dig to increase her hand strength. "This is your task." Etaceh bent down and scooped something up. She extended her hand to Zyra. It was a seed. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 23 "Make this seed grow." Zyra frowned. Very arduous indeed. "How?" "Focus. Imagine it growing, push your mind. Feel the magic in your hands, and force it into the seed. Make the seed grow." Zyra took the seed and stared at her palm. Fine, no problem. How hard could it be? --- "Ah! Fuckta! Fuckta tis leecee! Bun bú raw yah leecee ka Satan!" "Cursing the seed won't help it grow Zyra, though I am not curious as to what you are saying. Did I hear you say Satan? Do your people still believe in the Devil?" "Tis leecee ee, da Devil." "What?" "Nothing. Just...I-I need a break." Zyra wiped the sweat off of her brow. All morning...all morning she had tried to make the seed grow. Nothing had happened. Her hands had tingled with so much magic they hurt, and the seed remained unaffected. Her tirades in the hunter code had started as mutters under her breath. Then soft spoken words, and then finally full out shouts. Zyra was not one to use too many of the colorful words used when one was displeased with a situation. She liked the basics, fuck and burn in hell. The seed, the leecee, was bringing out a side of her she wasn't too happy about. She didn't care to entertain what Etaceh was asking. She didn't understand much of her probing anyway. Satan was just one of the worst things you could call something. She supposed it might translate into something like, "Shit-Maker," or "Bowels Dweller." "Alright, I'll give you a little time to catch your breath." Etaceh sighed. "I really thought you would be farther along today dear." With a toss of her black robes, Etaceh walked out of the clearing. Once she was gone, Zyra collapsed. Her body would come to need that strange soothing water. She should have known that it would come with a price. Zyra closed her eyes, trying to keep tears from forming. She missed her sisters. It was a lonely feeling, to speak your native tongue with no one around you to understand. She would die before she taught the witches the most sacred of Rovian traditions. There were Rovians who did not know the huntress code. She had already transgressed by simply teaching Rell. She smiled at the thought of him. She supposed he was at home by now. She wondered if he still practiced what she had taught him. Rair should be preparing the Rovians for the winter. The snow time would be right around the corner. They would need more furs, salted meats, and work shifts to keep the water from completely freezing over. A tear slipped out of her eye. She had never felt so alone. "Hm...I thought I ssssmelled a hhhhero..." Zyra's eyes popped open and she jumped up. Coming out of the trees was Scallen. "Scallen!" Zyra ran towards the basilisk and wrapped her arms around him. Scallen's lean frame was surprisingly sturdy. Zyra's force had not budged him, but he was clearly surprised by her reaction. Soon, he returned the hug. "Wasss it you whhho cleared thissss land?" "No. Most likely the witches. I am...oh..." Zyra pulled from Scallen's embrace and began to comb through the grass. "Damn it all!" "What'ssss wrong?" "I dropped my seed. I've been trying to make it grow all morning." She patted the ground frantically. "Come on, come on!" "Calm yourssself. I can ssssee it." Zyra let out a sigh of relief. "Oh thank goodness." "Open your eyesss...ssssZzyra. I won't ssshow you whhhere. You ssshould be able to ssseee it. You are the keromedio, after all." Zyra stood up, ready to give Scallen a piece of her mind, but before she could, he turned her to face the ground. "Look. Usssee your gift." Zyra let out a sigh. Tiredly, she squinted, trying to focus her power. In seconds, she saw seed, lying innocently on top of a blade of grass. She scooped it up and smiled. "That was easy. Easier than growing this, that I can tell you." "hhHm...let me sssseee." Zyra obliged, handing the seed over. Scallen turned it over in his hands. He stared at it a moment before started a long round of hissing. It took a moment for Zyra to realize he was laughing. "Hey! What's so funny?" "Caligula hhhasss been rubbing off on her...in more waysss than one." "Ew. Didn't need to know that." "You couldn't grow thisss ssseeed if you trained for ten yearsss." Zyra blinked. "...what?" Scallen smirked widely. "It'ssss dead ssssZyra. The...ssssseeed hasss been boiled." Zyra didn't know what to say. She had been training with Etaceh for five hours straight...and the seed was dead. "...I'm going to kill her." "With what? Your looksss?" Scallen rolled his eyes, the slitted green orbs resting in the sharp corner. "She hhasss taught you a lesssson, Green Eyesss. The witchesss cannot be trusssted." "I didn't need to be taught that." "And..." Scallen continued, with a pointed look, "...in order to sssurvive, you mussst be two ssstepsss ahead." "Like you?" "I knew you'd be hhere, didn't I?" Scallen smirked at her, and then popped the seed into his mouth. He moved it from cheek to cheek before removing it and extending it towards her. Slightly disgusted, Zyra stretched her hand out to receive it. "Now...be ssure to give it your bessst effort from now on. The witch approachhhessss..." "What did you do?" "Be ssure to keep my pressssence a sssecret sszZyra. Witchesss don't like to ssshare." Zyra nodded, her heart sinking a little as the familiar face disappeared into the woods. We'll keep in touch. His mentally channeled message was like a warm kiss on her forehead. Zyra felt better. "Zyra darling!" Etaceh burst through the trees, a wide smile on her face. "Happy? Refreshed?" "No." "Oh, let's begin anyway!" Etaceh gestured for her to begin. Zyra nodded, opening her palm. If Etaceh noticed anything different about the seed she said nothing. Before Zyra started she decided to sweeten her odds. "Etaceh, when are my next lessons?" "Caligula's lessons will take place closer to dusk. He prefers it, Drama King and all." "So then, I could have the afternoon off?" Etaceh laughed. "You still haven't made the seed grow Zyra." "If I make this thing grow, can I leave?" Etaceh smirked. "Of course." Zyra took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Focus, focus on the growth of the seed, the energy flowing into it. Feel the magic in your hands, the tingle, and let the seed grow. She heard something that sounded like sand pouring to the ground, and her hand grew heavy. Opening her eyes, she saw the seed was now a beautiful red flower, unlike any she had ever seen. Inside of its center the petals formed a tiny cup, yellow dust spilling out from it. The more Zyra pumped into it, the more dust spilled out onto the grass. She could see red curls bursting beside her feet. By the time she had learned to pull back her magic, she stood in a circle of red flowers. The roots of the flower had curled around her fingers. She thought about pulling them away but the plant, which moved on its own accord, almost felt like it was purring. She left it be. Etaceh's face was in absolute shock. Zyra gave her an innocent smile. "Wow. That took long enough. I did it, didn't I? I made the seed grow." "Yes...yes you did." Etaceh strode forward, her toes just out of reach to the flowers. She raised a hand to touch the blossom in her hand and to Zyra's surprise, it pulled away. She smirked. Zyra was liking this plant more and more. "Well...may I go?" Etaceh looked over the plant a moment longer, and then gave Zyra a tight smile. "Yes. Your lessons with me are done for the day. Head back to the Marble Tree. Don't wander." Zyra nodded tersely and started towards the Tree. She was annoyed that she could not go to see Scallen. She felt the blooms at her feet brush her, as though to say "bye" and "thank you." Perhaps the clearing would not be such a terrible training place. "Zyra?" She turned. "Yes?" "Did you...happen to run into anything while I was gone?" "Anything?" "Or anyone." "No." "Alright." Etaceh's calm expression cracked as soon as Zyra turned around. That bastard of a basilisk. Of all the things she could have summoned in his place that fateful day. If only she had used locusts or mud monsters. She could smell him in the air, basilisks left a certain earthy vapor, no doubt because of their time underground. Scallen had been here, and her keromedio was covering for him. She would have to speak with Caligula. Things were off to a rough start. --- "Brother!" Vine turned to see Talia racing to him. She stumbled into him, her eyes filled with joy. "There has been word Brother." "Of what?" "A human! A human in our valley. It could be the adopted ones!" She embraced him. Vine's heart began to race at the thought. The adopted ones, Enui and Gharla were precious to the nymphs of the valley. They had given and received, had loved and been loved. Gharla in particular had made his heart soar. It had been a long time since he had felt anything other than uncontrollable lust. Even now, Talia's proximity stirred desire inside of him. He supposed if he was human they would be of the same tribe. If he was a witch, they'd be of the same clan. Nymphs were not so picky with their brethren. Any nymph, no matter size or shape, was a sister or brother. "You smell of lust brother," Talia whispered. He felt her body reshape under his arms. When he released her, she was the blue image of Gharla. "Will this ease your suffering? Shall I exchange one kindness with another?" Vine sighed. He wasn't sure how to explain to the young Talia that there was a difference between the copy and the genuine article. Talia had never been in love. At another time he might have indulged. Now was not that time. Besides, what need had he of copies when the real Gharla might be close? "I must speak with our cousin to confirm this," Vine said evenly. "Forgive me. This is more urgent." "It must be," Talia agreed, shifting back. "For you to refuse pleasure you must be quite troubled. But...must you speak to her?" Vine chuckled, patting Talia's head. "She knows all of the happenings of the valley. I know not how, but if something must be known, she is the one to ask." "But I hear she is sour. After the monokeros..." "She is always sour. It makes no difference who caused such feelings." Talia chuckled and Vine sunk into the earth. He travelled through the roots of trees until he was where he needed to be. Pulling himself up, he strode out to see her bathing herself in the water. Her breasts poked up provocatively, the hard pink nipples glistening with water. "Hello cousin." Hearing his voice made her whip around. Seeing he was not enticing prey made her drop her glamour. Nymare the Selkie glared at him angrily. "Distant, cousin." "Cousin nonetheless," Vine answered. Walking towards the edge. "We are both children of the water." "What do you want?" "Information." "On what?" "A human." The Selkie swam farther back into the water. She didn't trust him, and had good reason not to. The nymphs thought it most fun to play with her, especially because she was so sensitive. There was nothing funnier to them than to hear her curses turn to pleas. "Why should I tell you?" Vine smirked. "I could always persuade you." Nymare brayed, her eyes darkening. "If I could drown you I would." "Well, you can't," Vine said. He was waist deep into the water, closing in on her. "And you know you do not have any other methods." He was closer now, and he could see the panic in her eyes. Vine wasn't sure how to feel. As a nymph the first thing he paid attention to was the arousal she emitted. All other feelings were secondary. Arousal was permission. Was it sadistic to ignore her fear? "Tell me, and I will leave." "I tire of this pool," Nymare snapped. "I tire of being ambushed and forced to do things." Vine stopped. "I take it you didn't enjoy your mating?" "I didn't conceive. I will never conceive. I am a hundred years old this year and I have no child." Vine put a hand on her shoulder, his eyes sympathetic. "Do not fault yourself cousin. Give it time." Nymare shook her head, smacking the hand off of her. "What would you know? Ruled not by mating but by primitive greed? I despise your kind. I despise all of you!" "And so you share this place alone," Vine said. "Now tell me what I need to know so you may be alone once more. Or shall I accept your invitation?" Nymare froze, knowing what he meant. She blushed, unhappy that her body betrayed her so. Vine tried not to take offense to her dismay. No matter how many times they had lovingly instructed her on the innocent guiltlessness of pleasure, she never learned. "She is where all humans end up," Nymare said. "The Marble Tree." "Which one is she? Is she..." "Your Serosta?" Nymare laughed, her point teeth twisted and cruel. "Why don't you go yourself and see? But wait...haven't the witches been hurting your kind lately? Not worth it now, is it? Distant cousin?" Vine didn't want to hear her anymore. He emerged from the pool and slid into the tree. He could get as close to the Marble Tree as possible using tree walking, then he'd have to stand in open field. His brethren wouldn't like it, but if it was Gharla he had to try. He needed to see her. He only hoped that she had kept her promise, his lodestone, close to her heart. He fingered the feathered cord from Gharla's arrow for luck, and then proceeded to tree walk. --- "You're not focusing Zyra." "I am focusing!" "Then prove it. Block my attack." Caligula sent another wave of magic at her and she tried to make a wall. Instead, she fell again, landing hard onto the ground. "You disappoint me Zyra. I never thought you would be so...weak." Caligula walked in a slow calculating circle as she sat up. Zyra had enough of him. If only she had brought a weapon with her. She'd show him how weak she was. "You are not thinking of a wall," Caligula said, watching her stand. "You are distracted. You lack focus. Now...focus." A wave of purple cut through the air and Zyra tried to block it. She went flying, landing roughly on top her bed of flowers. Caligula had knocked the breath out of her. Zyra trembled, her powers healing her rapidly, but doing nothing to prevent the pain of broken bone. The flowers' leaves rubbed at her sore back, trying their best to comfort her in their own way. "Does it hurt?" "Yes." "Then do better." "I'm trying." "Try harder." "I said I'm trying!" Zyra forced herself to sit up, and glared daggers at him. "I can only try my best!" "Your best would succeed." He bent beside her, his eyes swimming with malice. "You need incentive." Zyra's breath caught when he leaned over her. She was about to punch him when she realized his hands were tangled in the flowers. High pitched sounds pierced her ears, and she looked down to see a mass of black spreading on the plants. They were screaming. "Stop!" Zyra shrieked. "No!" She found she could not move. Caligula held her down with magic. She tried to fight him but it was to no avail. When he stood, half of the flower circle was black. The other side was silent, stunned. "I have killed half of your flower bed," Caligula said nonchalantly. "This wave of magic will kill the other half. Unless of course, you put up some kind of...blockade. A wall, perhaps?" Zyra pulled herself up, hatred inside of her. Caligula waited a minute, then sent his attack. Zyra shouted as she forced her energy forward. For one shining second the wall appeared, faint, but there. She would have rejoiced if it wasn't so weak. The moment Caligula's magic touched it, it collapsed and the wave sent her into the flower bed. Zyra laid there, bruised and silent in the mass of dead plants. The first flower was in her room. She had thought about putting it in the flower bed this morning. It had been a sentimental thought, reuniting the mother with her children. These plants were more than flowers. They had feelings and a tiny, but powerful voice, and she had failed them. Zyra failed. "See how well you do under pressure?" Caligula looked over her immobile form. What a lovely form it was. "It's a shame that your best was not enough." Zyra didn't speak. "Nothing to say?" Caligula chuckled. "If that's isn't a first for the brave Rovian huntress? Let me give you something then. To ruminate." Caligula's lips brushed her ear, and she felt sick to her stomach. "You might have been special in the human world, but here you are behind. You will work harder. Your supposed best, will have to be better. Or every day, for how many days it takes, you will grow a new bed of flowers with Etaceh, and your failures will kill them." His lips lingered, then he withdrew. "Well, that's enough for today. Be sure to take another bath. The hot springs have healing properties. Even with your powers, you might need a dip to speed things up. I will have Medean prepare your meal." Zyra closed her eyes and willed him to disappear. When she opened them, it was dark. Night had fallen. She stood, dusting the black, brittle remains of the affectionate flowers off of her shoulders. The moon rose about the Marble Tree, making its properties more unearthly than Zyra thought possible. Zyra looked up at the stars. The stories about The Purging spoke about humans who had run to the stars. They were never heard from again. She wondered if they were even alive. She wished she could run that far. Zyra turned to the flowers and cried. "I'm sorry," she wept. "I failed you." Zyra stood there, thinking of the Caligula's cruelty, Etaceh's dishonesty, her family and friends, and Kail. Then she wiped her eyes. She wished someone from those stars could give her answer to the question that burned inside of her. What do you do when your best is not good enough? She gave everything, and here she was. "What do you do when your best is not good enough?" The stars didn't answer. Maybe that was an answer. You do nothing, everything had already been done. You cry, and then, wipe your eyes. Zyra swore to the moon that the witch Caligula would never reduce her to tears. Never again. Medean watched as Zyra bowed solemnly to the decimated flower bush, and headed back towards the Marble Tree. Etaceh, who was disappointed that she had missed dinner, had instructed him to fetch her. When she spoke, he had almost thought she was speaking to him. Her eyes however, far away and filled with sadness, suggested otherwise. Medean slid back into the darkness. When she walked into her room she met him placing her tray down on her table. "Good evening. Your meal is warm and waiting for you. I used a spell to keep it so. I also have prepared night clothing for you." He gestured to the bed. On it was a white long sleeved top and bottom, much more decent than the garment Caligula had left out for her the previous night. She gave him a dirty look, and reached for the towel and soap that Etaceh had set out for her. Medean clasped his hands. "Miss, if I have offended you in any way..." "Your very existence offends me." She turned to him, grinning bitterly. "How will you correct that Medean? I don't suppose you'd kill yourself for me now would you? I think its best you drop this cordial masquerade. You think I'm weak don't you?" "On the contrary Miss. I think you're quite strong." "Liar. You muck eating, fuck." "I'm not lying Miss. I do not think you are weak at all." Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 23 Zyra scoffed. "Then I suppose you must be a weakling yourself, to end up as some human's nanny." Medean smiled pleasantly and bowed. "It is an honor to serve the keromedio." "You are as significant to your beloved keromedio as the dirt in her boots." "I sincerely apologize. I shall try to be more useful to you in the future." "Then die so I can use your body as a footrest." She spoke harshly to him in a strange tongue, no doubt cursing. She was on her way out when he stopped her. "Miss, since it is dark, would you like me to take you to the hot spring?" "Why not? If I leave you here I can't be sure you won't steal anything." Medean's smile never left his face. It only made her want to abuse him more. She had insulted him about three more times before they reached their destination. She stepped in, placing her clothing in the dry place and the towel close to the spring's edge. Looking back at him she had the urge to say thank you, but she held it in. The witches had already proven they were not to be trusted. Especially the ones that smiled at you. "What are you standing there for?" "I was merely making sure that things were to your liking, Miss." "I don't recall ever telling you I liked anything, making you the most unfit person here to see if things are to my "liking." "Yes, how presumptuous of me. Forgive me, Miss." "No." He stood there, smile and all until she had to ask again, "Why are you still here?" "I apologize once more, but you didn't dismiss me. I was unsure if you required me to re-escort you back to your room." "Oh yes, it must be difficult to find the only room without a door." "I can procure one for you if you'd like." "You get on that." Zyra pulled her boots off and tossed them in the corner. "Oh and Medean?" "Yes?" "You can get the fuck out now." Medean bowed and walked out. So, he would be her punching bag? Interesting. _________________________________________________ *Notes* See? Patience is a virtue. For those who have complained about the lovable minor characters being absent, do understand that the story follows the location. You talk about Henna to death when you're in the Rovian lands, you talk about to death Scallen when you're in the Valley. ECT. Now that Zyra had switched zip codes, we'll see a lot of old pals. And don't worry... Henna and Hanto are supposed to piss you off. (Mwahaha.) I also wanted to address my...inconsistency. I apologize sincerely and I want to do better. I have my reasons, but I want to try deadlines (something I despise.) If anything else, I'll suffer as much as you do from my cliff hangers, and we'll call it even. -.- Starting from this chapter, I will try to post every two weeks. Be aware that since I am on a deadline, some chapters may be shorter than others, (This is 3 pages...the last was 6.) especially if I feel the standard of work is lower than I am okay with. That being said, Please, continue to support me with your comments and concerns. ^^ It does make me a better writer. So thank you. Until next time... Much love, -SD. P.S. Do you prefer the three dashes or the line breaks for the changes in POV? Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 24 Chapter 24: Loyalty "So...I suppose you spat in this?" Zyra glared at Medean across from the tiny wooden table in her room. On it he had just laid out her breakfast. It consisted of a different strange fruit this time. It bore a startling resemblance to a watermelon, but it came in clusters and was about the size of grapes. She watched as he set down a flask of water, carefully placing the pitcher down beside it. "Never Miss." She rolled her eyes. Always polite, always cordial, always with that fake smile on his face. "Whatever, I wouldn't be able to tell. Most of this stuff tastes like spit anyway." To her surprise, Medean laughed. A tiny smile found its way onto her face before she realized what she was doing. She quickly frowned, unhappy that his eyes had no doubt caught her slip. Over the few days she had come to associate with Medean she had learned two things about him. Firstly, Medean had an annoyingly high level of patience. Despite her best attempts to get under his skin, he remained unfazed. Her worst insults and her most scathing remarks bounced off of his impenetrable veneer. At first it was the perfect way to blow off steam. He didn't fight back so she won every time. For once. Eventually she had come to realize that she was being irrational. Medean was a witch so he could not be trusted, but that did not mean she had to abuse him. Now, all of her jabs came from the precedent she had set. To be honest, she was getting tired of it all. "Have I forgotten anything Miss?" Zyra looked up. He was looming. "No. You're dismissed." "Forgive my forwardness," he said politely, "But I would like to ensure you enjoy your meal. Would it be a great inconvenience to allow me to stay until you have finished?" Zyra snarled. She had found that some of her less human noises frightened the lesser witches. Too much time with animals and ill-tempered huntresses gave her a wide range of animals to choose from. Once again, Medean didn't react. "Forgive me Miss. Was that a no?" She sighed. "Do whatever you want." Scooping up the tiny watermelons she popped them in her mouth. Crunchy, sweet, tastes nothing like a watermelon. She could add yet another odd, magical fruit corrupting her body. Once she began eating, Medean backed off. Oh, that reminded her, Medean's second and most irritating fault was his attentiveness. Medean saw everything. He noticed everything. He paid attention to detail. Since taking care of Zyra was his only job, all of that obsessive behavior was trained upon her. One time, one time she didn't feel like eating, so she dumped her food out of the window. When he came to collect the plate, she said she ate. Since then, he didn't leave the room until she began eating. Perhaps he was afraid she would start starving herself in some kind of sick self-mutilating protest. For someone so submissive, he certainly knew how to get his way. "Do you have the necessary equipment for today's lesson with Etaceh?" "Probably." "Would you like me to check?" "Not really." "Very well Miss. I shall bring an extra set of equipment should you find your own lacking in any manner." "Maker's mercy! Don't you ever stop?" "Stop what Miss?" Zyra let out a tortured groan and gripped her hair. From the corner of her eye she swore she saw Medean smile. In response, she upturned the table. By now Medean had replaced her glass dinnerware with a wooden set. "I'm done." Zyra stomped out of the room, Medean behind her already picking up her mess with his magic. To be honest Zyra had nothing against him, but she wasn't sure what to do with him. She couldn't confide in him. He had no power, no backbone, and no will. He was merely an extension of Etaceh and Caligula. Since day one that had made it apparent that they were trying to break her, each in different ways. Caligula was hoping to do so with brute force. Etaceh... "Zeedee darling!" Zyra grunted when Etaceh wrapped her bony arms around her and squeezed. She coughed from the strength of the woman's grip. Etaceh used love. Zyra pried her arms off and stood back angrily. How was it possible that those skinny twigs could inflict so much pain? "I asked you to stop calling me that." "Oh but you have to have a nickname." Etaceh folded her arms in thought. "What about Ra ra? Or Z? Or Yra?" "Zyra is fine." "Not even Zeedee?" "Especially not Zeedee." Etaceh shrugged with a theatrical sigh. "Oh poo. Never say I didn't try darling. Zyra rolled her shoulders. "Wouldn't dream of it. Now, what horrors have you cooked up today?" Etaceh grinned. "Well let's see. You've finally gotten used to channeling your magic into a straight current and you can make a full garden of flowers in 10 seconds. Now that you can channel into a still object..." Etaceh took a seed from her pocket and blew on it. Zyra watched as it grew tiny wings and began to buzz around in the air. "Let's try a moving object." "You couldn't have put it on the ground?" "Who knows, if we're lucky you might learn how to fly while we're at it." Zyra had no words. Today was going to be horrible. "Are you ready darling?" Zyra took a deep breath. Well, at least that wouldn't be anything unusual. ***---***---***---***---***---***---***---*** Today, today would be the day Vine infiltrated the Marble Tree. He had scouted out the terrain for three days, hoping that the human, his Gharla would be visible. It appeared however that the witches were keeping a tight rein on her. That was the only additional thing he had learned, the human was female. Nymare had been taunting and hostile at best when he tried to go back for details. Since Talia's rescue no other nymph had been apprehended by Dull Eyes. They were constantly on edge, jumping into a tree if a rabbit so much as passed by. Vine was not their leader, they had no leader, but he knew something had to be done. Deciding that night would be too dangerous and morning too reckless, he chose to make his attempt in the afternoon. When the sun began to descend and a golden glare hit the land he would use his translucent nature to his benefit. Vine waited patiently in the shade of a tree until he saw the sun dip half-way into the horizon. Then, Vine ran, out into the open land, out into the sight of any witch that might pass by. His heart raced as the tree grew nearer. He came closer and closer to it with each moment. Almost...there, he was at the tree. His hand touched the cool white marble and he tried to think of what to do next. Was it foolish to enter? Or more foolish to wait outside? Before he could make his decision he felt a hand on his back. "Well...I didn't expect my lovers to come visit me...how nice." Whipping around he saw a witch. Her red fingernails were filed into sharp talon like points. She was a short Asian beauty with slick black hair and an attractive smile, but her eyes were dead. They looked vacant, soulless, dull. Clearly, this was the one the other called, Dull Eyes. Vine stumbled as he backed away. "No..." The brown robed witch chuckled and flexed her cruel hands. "Come now. I know you want it. You all do. Your bodies were made for this. Just look at yourself." "Please. Don't." "And I suppose you and your kind got upset with me for playing rough? You hid from me when I wanted a lover. I haven't touched a cute blue body in days. What do you have to say for yourself?" "Please Mistress. Don't—" "Other words." Vine let out a loud cry when Dull Eye wrapped a hand around his limp member and squeezed. He dropped to his knees, stars dancing in his eyes. Nymphs were so sensitive, too sensitive, that's why they fought with vines. Direct contact, direct altercation could do more than wound, it could kill. She looked at his leaf shirt and rolled her eyes. "Modesty? In a nymph. What a rare catch you are. I want to hear you say other words to me...nice words," she cooed. Tears welled in his eyes as she stroked his wounded penis with her thin dangerous nails. "Or would you like me to punish you?" "Please don't hurt me," Vine panted. "You mustn't be so rough. I'll give you the pleasure you ask, but you can't..." "I can do anything I please!" Another squeeze made the edges of his vision black. While he was disoriented, Dull Eyes shoved him to the ground. He could feel her binding him with her magic. He closed his eyes, seeking to escape her. A harsh slap jarred his senses. "Don't you look away from me!" she screamed. "You should be grateful you get to partake of such delights!" He could feel a wetness on his cheek. He was bleeding, her talons had cut him. Vine was numb as she tried in vain to make his flaccid penis hard. When she found she could not, she grew furious and dug her fingers roughly into his hair. Dull Eyes gave him a bruising kiss, ignoring the pain she was causing him. It became clear to him why she was so feared. Dull Eyes wasn't just a rough lover, she was trying to hurt him. She was a sadist, and none of the nymphs could ever appreciate that. "Damn you!" she shouted. She slapped his member down. He looked up at her through teary eyes as her dull gaze scratched over him. Her smile suddenly widened. "Oh well," she sighed. "If I can't have my fun with you this way..." To his horror, she turned him over onto his stomach and spread his legs apart. "There's always this way." Vine turned his injured face back to see her pulling a double-sided phallus from her brown robes. The phallus meant for her was of a proportionate size, the phallus meant for him was too long, too thick and too wide to belong to anything short of a horse. "No..." he whimpered, struggling under the magic. "You'll rip me apart. Please!" "Quiet." Vine clawed the grass as she rubbed the end against his dry anus. She poked at it, and then began to push forward. Vine screamed as pain wracked him, his vision darkening as his body refused to remain conscious to his defilement. "Gharla!" he screamed. Suddenly the pain stopped. He heard a large bang. As his mind slipped away he vaguely felt someone turn him over. A hand touched his face. "Gharla..." he breathed. The gentle hand lifted his head, and he allowed the darkness to claim him. ---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---*** "Honestly Zyra, how many more of your flowers do I have to kill for you to learn a decent square shield?" Zyra picked her sore body off of the ground and dusted herself off. "Well, considering that I just learned a basic shield three days ago, I'd say that I'll have to kill at least three more days worth." "Are you being snide Zyra?" "Wouldn't dream of it Caligula." Caligula chuckled, his dark eyes giving her a look that she would have considered to be lustful it wasn't so filled with amusement. "One day you'll thank me Zyra. When you're at the bottom of the ocean with nothing but this square force field keeping the air in your lungs, you'll think of me, and you'll thank me." "And I'll be at the bottom of the ocean...why?" "Come now Zyra, you know more than I do that life isn't always what you expect." Zyra set up for another oncoming blast. As Caligula stood there silently she began to become more and more annoyed at his hesitation. What was he waiting for? "Are you ready?" "Yes." "Are you sure?" "Yes." "Really?" "Just do it!" Caligula smiled. "I do believe you're ready. As ready as you can be I suppose, considering today's training with Etaceh. I think we're done for today." He placed his hands behind his back. "Go freshen up. Meet Etaceh and I in the dining hall in twenty minutes. You're dismissed." Zyra frowned and began walking back to the Marble Tree. "Oh, and Zyra?" "What?" She turned just in time to see a wave of purple magic heading for her face. With wide eyes she deflected it out of instinct with a wall. It bounced back at Caligula who absorbed it with a chuckle. "Just making sure all our lessons stick." She didn't reply, turning on her heel and stomping away. Zyra wondered how Kyzu was doing. She better not be grieving. Zyra didn't grieve much. The only good thing about the witches' training was that it exhausted her enough that she fell soundly asleep. Still, there were times when she'd feel lonely before that. She had not forgotten the pain she felt the night of Caligula's first lesson, or the vow she made that they would not make her cry. Somehow, some way she would find a way back to her... Gharla. Someone had called out to Gharla. Her sisters were here? Finding reserves of energy, she sprinted towards the sound. She arrived to find a small witch with her robes hiked up, and a male nymph whimpering beneath her. Normally Zyra would have disregarded such vulgarities, but she could see that the nymph was in pain. She was pushing something in him, and he was bleeding from long cruel scratches. When the creature let out a broken cry Zyra reacted. Grabbing the witch by her shoulders she pulled her from him and shoved her into the side of the Marble Tree. The witch turned to her, her eerie pupiless eyes staring at Zyra with rage. "How dare you..." "I am the keromedio of this valley. Back off. He is under my protection." "I don't care who you are!" The witch directed a torrent of lightning towards her and Zyra made her shield. To her surprise not only did it hold, but it deflected the magic and sent the tiny witch flying. Not willing to take a chance, Zyra ran after her. Grabbing her by the collar with her left hand, she pulled her head up to meet her descending right fist. The witch's head snapped back, and she fell to the ground unconscious. Zyra smirked. "Nothing like the old ways." A low moan brought her out of her small triumph. Running to the injured nymph she flipped him over and put a hand on his cheek. "Was it you? Did you call?" "Gharla..." The nymph passed out. So it wasn't her imagination. Zyra put an arm around his waist and slowly but surely hoisted him onto her back. As quickly as she could, she pulled him into the Marble Tree. She ran into her doorless room that now had a tarp flap courtesy of Medean. Placing the bleeding nymph on her bed, she began to tear her room apart looking for something to help him. Where were the herbs? The ointments, bandages, salts? What kind of room was this? How could anyone survive without basic toiletries? She needed wine and all she had was a towel and an assortment of rainbow colored soaps. What the hell could she use? Her eyes drifted to the flask of water that Medean left that morning. Running over, she hoped that her stupidity hadn't left it empty, or at least Medean's will to serve had refilled it. Looking inside of it she found the later had prevailed. It was filled to the brim. She took a quick sip and then took the towel and the flask. Gently she began to clean the nymph's wounds. It wouldn't be enough though. She still needed bandages and ointments to stave off infection. She looked up at the canopy that Etaceh so adored. Then she looked at the sword that had done nothing but lie in her room since the beginning. With a smile, she unwrapped it and pulled together one side of the canopy. A spiteful sense of joy filled her as she cut it down and began to slice it into strips. It wasn't a thick material, but it would have to do. She wrapped the pieces around his face wound, then the ones on his chest, and lastly the ones on his waist, from where the witch dug her nails while trying to enter him. She wasn't going to examine his bottom. She was relatively sure she stopped the witch before she raped him. Hot anger filled her just thinking about it. Witches thought they owned the world, that they were accountable to no one. It made her so mad she could spit. Remembering that Caligula expected her, she tossed her sheets over the nymph and arranged the pillows over his head to hide him. It was a poor job but it was the best she could do. She washed her hands using the remaining water and dashed some on her face. Then she ran to the dining hall. Etaceh and Caligula were already there waiting for her. Medean was placing food on the table. "Ah, Zyra darling. We were beginning to worry." Zyra sat in her chair, trying to appear as normal as possible. Medean was already giving her that subtle look that indicated he was checking the appearance of her fingers, looking to see if her boots were unlaced, or if her face showed any signs of stress. "Are you alright Miss?" "Forgive my tardiness," Zyra said sarcastically. "Not having a door slows down my routine." "But you don't look refreshed at all," Etaceh heralded. "I was only allotted 20 minutes," she said. "And that was before I left the training ground." Etaceh turned to Caligula with an over abundance of chagrin. "Why Caligula, how could you expect a young woman to be both prompt and pretty with only twenty minutes? No wonder the dear looks distressed." Dammit. Why was her face so easy to read? Zyra should have practiced less hunting and more useful, practical things. Like lying. "I'm in distress because I'm exhausted." An honest and unexpected yawn found its way out of Zyra's throat before she could contain it. It was so big it made her eyes shut. When she opened them, she saw Caligula and Etaceh exchanging a look. "Today's lesson was...rather advanced," Caligula admitted. "In addition to Etaceh's lesson, mine may have been too drastic." He looked at Etaceh who nodded to a silent question. "You may retire if you need. Medean?" Medean nodded from his standing position beside Zyra. "Yes sir?" "Please take Zyra's dinner to her room." "Of course sir," Medean began to quickly and carefully compose a platter with a portion of everything. Zyra tried to keep the panic off of her face as she stood up from the table. "Take your time. I'm going to bathe first. Goodnight." She nodded to Etaceh and Caligula who were both surprised by her greeting, and stormed out. Caligula frowned. "Follow her." "That was my intention, sir," Medean said with a bow. Then, he walked off. Zyra ran into her room and pulled up the covers. She cursed when she saw that the flimsy canopy bandages hadn't stopped the bleeding. They needed to be changed. She began to worry that the nymph was losing too much blood. What would happen if that crazy witch woman came back? What would happen if he was given back to her? What if Medean— "Miss, I..." "GET OUT!" Zyra threw the sheets over the nymphs and sat on her bed, seconds before Medean froze at her doorway. He stood behind the tarp, his hands carrying her tray. "I've come to deliver your food, Miss." "I'm not hungry." "But Miss, you must eat." "Then leave it there." Medean was silent for another moment and she began to feel that he might disobey her for the first time. "Don't come in." Medean waited another moment, and then stepped inside. Zyra sat on the bed, trying to look more outraged than nervous. "I gave you an order Medean," she said. "How dare you disobey it?" Medean didn't answer, simply placed her tray on her table. He looked at the empty jug, picked it up, and then proceeded to leave. "Forgive me Miss. I simply cannot allow you to go without nourishment. It is my job to take care of you." "Fine, whatever. I could have been naked just now, you heathen." Medean's eyes cut to the bed. She knew he could see the person inside it now, but he didn't say anything. "Well, I am very glad you were not, though I am sure that it would not have garnished any shame on your part Miss." The nymph stirred behind her, but Medean pretended nothing was there. "I will return with a flask of water," he said evenly. He touched the tarp on his way out, but paused. "And, is there anything else you might require?" Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 24 Zyra's heart raced as she thought about what he truly meant. "Like what?" "Anything. Anything at all." Zyra was about to ask for ointment and bandages, but she was no nurse. She could patch a person up in an emergency, but she was far from a shaman or a wise woman. She was a fighter, not a medic. Medean took her silence as a rejection, and he turned to leave. "Wait." Medean turned back. With shaky palms, Zyra stood up and pulled the blankets off of the nymph. Then she stepped to the side. "Help him." She studied his face, waiting for a reaction, but there was none. He looked him over, then turned on his heel and walked out. Zyra stared at the door in trepidation, wondering what he was going to do. What if he was going to get Caligula? What if he knew the witch that the nymph belonged to? She picked up her sword. She didn't know this creature but she knew it needed protecting. If he wanted her to give him up, he'd have to fight for it. Medean walked into the room, nearly rushing into her sword. For the first time, Medean displayed another emotion aside from docile subservience and amusement. Medean gave her a look of irritation. He walked around her blade and placed his load on the bed. He had brought bandages, and tubes that she believed to be ointment. Quickly she placed the sword down. "Take off his gauze." Zyra was sure he meant the canopy bandages. She began to gently peel them away, pained at the cuts she had to reopen because the bandages attempted to fuse to the healing wound. Medean prepared various crèmes to the side of her. When she was done, he instructed her to wipe his wounds with a liquid that wasn't water but was for injuries. The nymph moaned softly as she did this, but remained asleep. When she was finished, she watched Medean perform magic. She didn't care when he animatedly told her of enchanted warm meals or bottomless washing basins. Watching him close the terrible cuts the witch had given this nymph until thin lines remained was worth watching. "Now we apply the cream. It's for scarring. Nymphs find beauty in sameness. A scar could harm his reputation." "I don't care about his reputation. I'm just glad he's alive." "The wounds weren't incredibly serious. They could have been dire with infection." Zyra nodded as she applied the cream. They covered the cream with bandages and then gave the nymph some water. He already began to look much better. Zyra covered him back up in her bed as Medean washed his hands. "I would suggest strongly that he be released back to the nymph Mother Tree within the next two days. He's going to need to spend some time into the tree to heal his internal injuries and the bruises on his genitalia, but he should be fine. I imagine the pain must have been too much for him. Nymphs are very sensitive creatures." Zyra frowned. Well, that explained Ginger's overreactions to hugs. "I'll bring your water now." Medean gave her a smile and prepared to walk out again. "Medean." He turned. "Is there anything else you require?" "No. I mean...I-I just..." Medean tilted his head. "Yes Miss?" "Thank you," she spat. "Thank you for this." Medean's eyes widened before he gave her a wide genuine smile. "You are very welcome Miss." The dazzling beauty of his smile transformed the face she had wanted to punch, into a handsome dream. She stood there stunned as he departed. The sound of the nymph stirring brought her back to her senses. Quickly, she pulled the pillows away from him and a shock of azure blue eyes stared back at her. The nymph smacked his lips, trying to moisten them. She turned, remembering that her pitcher was being filled, but saw it suddenly appear upon the table. Without questions, she picked it up and filled a cup of water, giving it to the dry nymph. When he was done he motioned for another glass which she gave. Then, she watched cautiously as he sat up. "You..." His voice held the same watery undertone as the she-nymph that had taken her form and screwed Hanto. She tried not to feel disgust. "You're not..." "You called out to Gharla," Zyra interrupted. "Is she here?" The nymph's eyes grew sad and it caught her off-guard. She hadn't expected that. "No," he said. "I suppose not. You are the only human female here." "Yes." "I know. I wasn't asking a question." The nymph tried to get out of bed and she put a hand on his shoulder. "You're...Vine, aren't you?" The name Vine made his attention refocus, and his head snapped toward her. "You know of me? Gharla told you of me? She speaks of me?" His eagerness broke her heart. What could she say to him? Gharla was trying to forget him now that the Rovians had to deal with their own problems? "She...told me about your time together. She confided in me." "And she sends word?" Zyra couldn't lie to him, but she couldn't say the truth either. Instead, she narrowed her eyes and leaned in. "Why did that witch do what she did? Why are you here?" Vine looked down at his wounds. He was lucky, luckier than Talia had been. Now he understood how she had sustained some of the damages she had. Dull Eyes was truly a monster. "I came to find Gharla," he said evenly. "I also came to appeal for help. The witch you have seen...we know not her name, but we call her Dull Eyes. She is cruel, as are the members of her coven. They have been hunting us down like animals and treating us how they enjoy for sport. We can't fight back. We have no weapons outside of the forest, and even those are limited." "Dull Eyes. It seems appropriate." Vine nodded. "She has already injured a few of our brethren. If she is not stopped we will lose our home." Zyra sighed. Trouble just had a fine way of ending up in her bed. "Very well. I will see what it is I have rights to do. I am the keromedio after all." "You are?" Vine's eyes widened and Zyra noticed how he seemed to see her for the first time. It disturbed her, and yet, made her curious. "Yes. Is that important?" "Of course it is important!" he shouted. Zyra shushed him and he apologized before starting again in a whisper. "How else will we have mediation between the lands? How else will the power of the witches be checked? "Checked power? But...I thought that I have to obey..." "Maybe now," Vine said. "You are too weak to pose much threat, but later, when your power matures you will have the rights bestowed upon you that can only be given by the monokeros. You are of them, not the witches." Zyra furrowed her brow. "But...why would the witches not be their own keromedio? Or choose someone they know?" "They witches cannot be keromedio because they are tainted by old ways and are no longer human. Only a human can be a keromedio. The first keromedio was a small girl, chosen by the monokeros before The Purging. I know little of their ways, but I know them to be a just race. That must make you a just person." Vine fingered the bandages on his face and bowed at the waist the best he could. "I thank you for saving me, and for tending to my wounds. I am in your debt." He looked up at her, his eyes filled with hope. "But before I offer repayment, please, tell me. Does Gharla think of me?" Zyra sighed. "Yes, she does. Sometimes she'll be beside us and she'll start staring off into the distance, fingering a blue stone around her neck..." "My promise!" "Keep it down! Goodness...yes, it is yours. And she speaks as though what you two...did was quite beautiful." The nymph smiled at her. "It was. I wouldn't trade it for anything." A different kind of pain hit Zyra. It was most painful because it confused her. Kail's actions just didn't make sense. Maybe she didn't know him the way she thought she did, but surely there was a reason for his actions. He wasn't a killer. It occurred to her that the nymph might know something about the incident. "You can repay me now," Zyra said softly. "Do you know of the Shashanen Ogre Tribe?" Vine nodded. "Yes, of course. They are old." "Then you know the ogre that was exiled?" "I know of him, yes." "Do you know why?" Vine's lips thinned. "The ogre killed your retired predecessor. A man by the name of Rowrain." Zyra leaned in. "Do you know why?" Vine shook his head. "I have heard nothing but rumors. My keromedio, do you find it appropriate to discuss such things while in the witches' lair?" "Call me Zyra. And yes, I want to know. Tell me the rumors." "Let me ask you this first," Vine said. He was old enough to know that look on Zyra's face. It was a hungry and desperate as his own. "Do you have affection for this ogre?" She was startled by how astute he was, but supposed it made sense if the all-seeing Gharla had fallen for the creature. Zyra nodded. "Then out of principle I cannot tell you what I have heard," Vine answered. "Your faith need not suffer more." "Please." "I will owe you a favor, but I cannot repay you in such a manner. Do not ask me. Often, we ask questions we do not truly want answers to." Vine gave her a bitter smile. "Who would I be if I did not shield you from the truth as you have shielded me? Gharla...she...doesn't think upon me anymore, does she?" "She does." "And our love? She doesn't believe in it anymore?" Zyra took the nymph's hand in her own. "You know, I have never trusted nymphs. Not after what I saw when I first entered the valley. I saw my close friend raped and watched her suffer under a lustful delirium, I watched a nymph turn into my form, and whisper terrible things into my enemy's ear as she rode him. I cannot say I have always tolerated, let alone liked your kind." "I know," Vine snorted. "You tried to burn down the Mother Tree. You could have killed us all. I have not forgotten who you are. I simply did not know what you have become." Zyra smirked. "And what have I become?" "A healer. A healer who will bring peace to the two lands." "Then allow me to bring you peace," Zyra said. "Gharla is very intelligent. She tries very hard to do what she feels best. She has suffered much in her life and she mourns the loss of things she cannot have. She fears loss. That is what keeps her from sending word, fear. But she loves you. I know that." A shiny tear slipped out of Vine's eye and dribbled down his cheek. His smile was beautiful. "Thank you, Zyra." Zyra smiled. "You are most welcome. I am going to take a bath now. Rest." Vine nodded and in seconds was back to sleep. Zyra covered him back up, and rushed towards the hot spring. She needed to soak this day away. When she had come back she was unsurprised to find some of her food missing, mostly the fruits. Zyra finished what remained and then looked at the bed. She didn't want to hurt him anymore by moving him. Vine appeared to be fast asleep. Sighing she took a pillow and made a place for herself on the floor. What she wouldn't give for netting. The cold ground did nothing for her, but she was too tired to fight sleep for very long. Soon, she was out. When she woke, she found herself in her bed. Not only was she tucked in the covers, Vine was on the ground, in a bed of his own. Medean, this had his meddling mitts all over it. She was surprised when the thought of him actually made her smile. What a strange witch. Zyra threw off her covers and quickly put on her boots. Kneeling by the side of the sleeping nymph, she saw that he was much recovered from the previous day. Did all creatures have the ability to heal quickly? Or was it the work of something else, in this case, Medean? "Vine... Vine, wake up." Pale blue eyes looked up at her and she motioned towards the door. Zyra poked her head out to make sure the path was clear, and then she took the nymph's hand and pulled him closely behind her. Together they snuck through the corridors of the Marble Tree. Pulling him through to the outside, she saw that it was early morning. The sky was dark, it had not yet lightened. The moon hung low in the sky, making the Marble Tree shine with bright strands of silver iridescent light. It was beautiful really, something that Zyra never attributed to it. It disturbed Zyra greatly. They moved silently, running through the open field with less urgency than before. When they reached the trees, Vine began to unravel his bandages and she assisted him. Just as Medean had said, there were no scars. Behind him, she could see identical blue faces peer up with wariness and curiosity. She was about to wave greeting to them, but was afraid they might consider that an invitation. She kept her hands by her sides. "Thank you." Vine bowed lowly to her and she returned the gesture quizzically. He laughed in response. "I owe you much. Maybe even my life. If you are ever in need, if we can assist you, we shall." "I'll see what I can do about Dull Eyes. Don't worry Vine. I'll do my best." He gave her a warm smile. Its warmth began to infect the other nymphs. Soon, countless blue faces had a look of love and encouragement on them. "Friend Zyra, I must take my leave. Farewell, dearest keromedio." Then, Vine and the nymphs went behind the trees and disappeared from her sight. She was alone again, but this time she didn't feel alone. So this place could hold good. This wasn't just a cursed place filled with strange creatures of evil intention. Even the danger could have a good side. Did Scallen not try to kill her and then save her? Were the nymphs not grateful to her for her deeds? Did Medean not help her when she asked? As she stood there, between the day and night, on the crux of something bigger than her, but so much a part of her existence and purpose, she felt peace. She could survive this. She would. Her feet knew what to do with this information. Zyra ran with it. She sprinted, ducking and dodging the branches through the foreign but familiar trees. She jumped over a fallen log and felt a thin vine graze the side of her cheek as she barely avoided it. The exhilaration was like laughter. For a moment, she felt powerful and in control, strong and free. It was like being home again. "Heading home? She skidded to a stop and turned. "Scallen." He was in a tree. Scallen slid from his perch down to her level, a small smile on his face. "Sssuch a wild thing....you're...beautiful, really. It isss sssuch a pleasssure to watch you run." "Run with me," Zyra said grinning. Scallen shook his head, the smile saddening. "I can't." "Why?" "They've been keeping me at bay with ssspellsss. And now, they're here." "Who?" "Sstay wild ssZyra...losssse it, and you will losssse your freedom." "Scallen—" "You!" Zyra whipped around to see Caligula charging her. His eyes glowed with anger and her foot slipped backward. Looking back she saw Scallen was gone. "How dare you." Caligula grabbed her by the arm and pulled her towards him. His grip was rough and she cried out. "How dare you!" Scallen's advice kicked in and Zyra struggled, dropping herself to the ground, writhing in protest. Desperate, she bit Caligula's hand. Not expecting such a primal response, he was caught off guard and shouted, releasing his grip enough for her to pull free. Zyra ran now, with a different purpose. She could feel the power radiating off of Caligula. She had been the recipient of it in training. In its full fury she stood no chance. Her body had darted off towards the Marble Tree before she could think. Maybe she could find Etaceh to calm him down. Maybe Medean would protect her. All she had to do was get there. She was almost at the Marble Tree when a wall of earth rose and blocked her way. Another two walls erupted on either side of her, giving her no choice but to face him. Caligula had caught up to her. She turned to him, wishing she had her weapons again. This was the final straw. She would never be unarmed again. "What do you want?" she shouted. Caligula's eyes narrowed. "You wander from the Marble Tree at this godforsaken hour to meet with the basilisk. We train you, feed you, clothe you, and this is how you repay us? By late night visits with Scallen D' Arbalis? A snake who would no sooner fuck you than eat you?" Caligula drew closer into the custom prison, and Zyra studied how personal his rage sounded. "You don't own me," Zyra said. "We do own you. You are our keromedio. Your life, your spirit and body, live to serve us. To serve me!" As he reached out to her Zyra grabbed a handful of dirt from the wall behind her. She dashed it in his eyes and ran again. This time, the wall built around her leg. Shouting as she fell face first, she heard slow methodical clapping from beyond. Looking up, she saw Scallen perched in yet another tree, staring at Caligula with endless amusement. "Well...third timesss the charm...issn't it, witch?" Caligula's anger redirected itself towards Scallen, and his eyes bubbled over with purple light. "Snake," he spat. "Witch." "What do you think you're doing? Who do you think you are?" Scallen rolled his green eyes. "I have no interesssst, in anssswering quesstionsss...inssstead, allow me to remind you that you introduced usss...and then, sssent her flying into my houssse wrapped in a pretty green parc...ssssel. ssSo...you of all people, Caligula, sshould underssstand why ssshe'ss come to ssseeek me out." "I'm warning you," Caligula said. "Stay away from her." "Empty threatsss. "I am more than willing to fulfill them." "Zyra darling!" The earth that held her legs dissipated, and Zyra was pulled to her feet by Etaceh. At first she was confused. Etaceh was wearing white, a floor length white nightgown. Somehow she had always thought black was her only color. "Sweetie, why on earth are you out here?"She pulled her into her chest as though she was a found lost child. Zyra allowed it, knowing she needed people in her corner. "I wasn't trying to run away." "Of course, not. That's ridiculous, but it's night, and dangerous. You could..." "Hello...Eta...ssss...ceh..." Etaceh looked up, seeing Scallen for the first time. Zyra felt her grip tighten. "Why are you here?" "You've enchanted the training groundssss againsssst me. How elssse will ssZyra and I, catch up?" Etaceh glared at him, and then ushered Caligula away. "Come along Caligula, you know we cannot hurt him." Caligula stared at Scallen for a very long time. Unable to fully accept defeat, he evaporated the tree Scallen sat upon. He landed onto the ground gracefully, his arms crossed. "You can't cage a bird for very long witchesss," Scallen said grinning. "Eventually you'll have to let it go...or watch it die." He winked at Zyra, reminding her that no matter what they were about to do to her, she was not alone. Scallen understood her as a Rovian, and the nymphs understood her through her friends. She watched Scallen disappear down a hole that she could have sworn wasn't there, and allowed herself to be led back by Etaceh's firm hand. Etaceh took her to her room, and all but shoved her back into bed. "Don't leave this bed until we come to get you." Etaceh didn't wait for her answer. She rushed out of Zyra's room. Zyra didn't have time to think about what occurred. She was tired now. She closed her eyes, and fell asleep. ---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---*** The next morning she was woken by Medean who informed her that there would be no training today. Zyra attempted to speak with him in a less vindictive manner, but he rushed in and out. Sighing, she ate her breakfast and prepared her things so that she might bathe. When she was ready, she found she could not leave. There was nothing but air, but somehow the witches were keeping her inside. Zyra would have lost her mind, but figuring this to be expected, she controlled herself. After eating she fell back into a restful sleep, her body catching up on knitting the abuses she had suffered in the last week. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 24 Zyra woke in a panic. Her eyes snapped open and she jerked up to find herself inside of a circle of candles. The grey witches chanted around her in low murmurs, the sound pulling at invisible strings in her arm. She looked down at her tattoo and found it glowing eerily. Before she could scream, before she could fight, it was over. When Zyra blinked she found herself in her room. She was in bed, where she had been last. "A nightmare..." Zyra wasn't sure. It had felt so real. Her mind told her that she was simply stressed and this was the result. No, she was smarter than this. Instinct had kept her alive all of these years. Zyra knew something was wrong. She tossed the covers off and threw her boots on. She ran out of her room, past the Marble Basin, to the only entrance and exit of the Marble Tree. She could see the plush green grass outside and the sky was dark. She ran...and fell back. Zyra's eyes widened as she stretched her hands out to touch an invisible wall. She couldn't get out. Something was keeping her in. "Your intuition is as impeccable as usual." Caligula and Etaceh stood behind her, each wearing a different emotion. Caligula looked stern and prideful, Etaceh seemed nervous. Zyra snarled at them. "So...you've made a wall?" "It's not a wall keeping you in," Caligula said, stepping forward. "It's a charm imbedded into your tattoo. You do know you can absorb the abilities and magic of creatures yes? Well we gave you something to absorb." "The grey witches...the dream—" "It was no dream." Zyra stared at Etaceh who was pointedly avoiding her eyes. The feeling of being trapped nearly overwhelmed her. No, not again. She refused. "Why?" Caligula raised an eyebrow. "Why what?" "Why are you doing this?" Zyra shook her head in disbelief. "I have done everything you've asked. I came when you called me. I have trained under you. I have suffered under you. I have obeyed your every command. Why are you treating me like a prisoner?" "We commanded you away from the lizard," Caligula snapped. "You disobeyed us. You are naïve. We do this only for your protection." "I know what you want," Zyra retorted. She looked at Caligula with honest eyes, assessing the dark truth she had tried to shield herself from. She could see it now, in this moonlight, the heavy swirls of gold lust and purple jealous. "I am not naïve. You are not doing this for me." Caligula's smugness evaporated as rage began to stain his features. Etaceh stepped forward, her eyes saddened. "Zyra please. You won't give us a chance. You've...you've given us no choice." "You could trust me! You could choose to trust me! Have I not earned it?" She looked between the witches. "Haven't I?" "Zyra..." "Tell me!" "You have done things without our say so," Caligula stated. "We know about the nymph. We know about Scallen, who ruined Etaceh's lesson with his meddling. Had you continued to work with that dead seed, you might have progressed on schedule with my lessons. You do not trust us Zyra, and as a result, we do not trust you." "How can I?" "I have had enough of this." "Don't walk away from me!" "Zyra sweetie..." Caligula turned his head from her. "Medean." A second later Medean strode forth, his face emotionless. "Yes, sir?" "Please escort Zyra back to her quarters." Medean looked at her and strode forward. "Yes sir." Zyra silently followed him as he led her by the arm to her room. Once inside she turned to him, hoping, praying he would say no. She put a hand on his shoulder, her eyes pleading with him. "Medean, please tell me you didn't tell them about the nymph in my room." Medean stared down at the floor and he clasped his hands. "Medean." "I am sorry Miss Zyra." She took a step back from him and looked at him in confusion. "Why?" "Why what Miss?" "Why did you tell them about the nymph?" "They knew about him, long before I told them." "Then why did you have to tell them?" "It was necessary Miss." His words left her cold. "So, I guess witches can't be trusted." Zyra numbly pointed to the door. "I believe your duty has been fulfilled. You may leave." Medean unclasped his hand, his expression pained. "Miss..." "Leave." Zyra jumped in bed and pulled her covers around herself. The spell the grey witches cast had taken all day. She could feel it. The magic inside her was braided like a rope, chaining her down to this miserable place. Now, even Scallen was out of her reach. She lay in bed waiting for sleep to take her, but it refused. Finally she decided to take a swim. She needed to refocus. She would not let them win. Not now, not ever. Grabbing her towel, she began to head towards the hot spring. ---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---*** "Caligula, we will never win her this way." Etaceh let out an exasperated sigh. "What do you possibly hope to accomplish by making her despise us even more?" "She is too strong willed," he snapped. He was rarely questioned, especially by Etaceh. "She will be no use to us if we cannot control her." "But we do," Etaceh said. "We hold her life, her tribe, her family and friends, all in the palm of our hand. What more do you want from her?" "Everything!" Caligula's shout made Etaceh recoil. She stared into the madness that tainted his normally cool visage. She could see it in his eyes, in that strand of possessiveness. His desire to control Zyra was personal. "Caligula," Etaceh said gently. "Remember why we need her. Remember why we are here. She has a purpose. A set purpose." "I am more than aware of that, "he hissed, his eyes narrowing. "Are you implying I have other plans?" "Do you?" "And if I do?" Etaceh's lips thinned. "It matters not what plans you have concocted, so long as they do not interfere with the bigger picture. Your rage blinds you Caligula. You are not acting like yourself. Continue, and we will lose everything." Caligula's anger started to abate as he listened to Etaceh's council. Somewhere inside of his arrogance, he knew she was right. "What do you suggest?" he finally asked. Etaceh's face lit up and she grabbed his hands. "Let us endear her to us. Let us befriend her. If she comes to care for us, her loyalty will know no bounds. Surely her love would be more favorable than her hatred." "You do not remember the humans Etaceh. They have no love for us." "You forget the past my dear," she said. "We used to be them." Caligula shook his head. He could not remember a time before being what he was. "How shall we do this then? She is difficult. More human than a witch, and more animalistic than a human." "She can be soft," Etaceh said. "She softened for the ogre did she not? We must indulge her. Allow her to explore and feel freedom in her new home—" "Let her run wild?" Etaceh released his hands and clasped her own. "Yes. If that is what must be done." Caligula's eyes pierced her as he searched for her motivations. He could find no answers. Etaceh was well protected, even from him. Well, at least if he wasn't trying. "Fine." He turned, heading towards his chamber. Someone would be waiting for him there. ---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---*** Cursing under the water felt nice. It wasn't effective because all that could be heard were the gurgles and popping bubbles that jumped to the surface, but it didn't matter to Zyra. She knew what she was saying, and she didn't have anyone around to reprimand her. There was not a single Rovian to ask her who she thought she was speaking to and threaten to fight her. Not a single person who could understand. Zyra had never considered herself to be foreign, until she ended up in this foreign land. Never before had she been so acutely aware of her differences, her culture. Never before had she craved this much for home. She lifted her head up when she heard a splash. Gritting her teeth, Zyra began to swim to the farthest edge of the pool as possible. Only the witches would find it appropriate for men and women to bathe at the same time. Did witches even have mates? Or Celebration for those mature enough for the rites? Did they even have children? For a people that believed themselves to be better than the humans, they were barbaric in their own ways. "Is anyone there?" Zyra gritted her teeth. It was Medean. Of course, who else could it be? He rounded the corner, in time to meet her angry gaze. "Miss! Wait! You shouldn't—" Zyra dove under the water and began to swim faster. Not this time. He would not force her out of this water. She could faintly hear some kind of speech above her but she paid it no mind. What could he possibly... Her heart jumped into her mouth when she was suddenly yanked by the back of her head. She grabbed the hair, her face zipping towards the surface as something pulled her. When it stopped she was against the wall of the pool. She tried to pull away, but found whatever held her hair to be too strong. Panic seized her and she yanked. The pain from the strands ripping out her skull made her scream. "Miss!" Looking out through teary eyes, she saw Medean swimming towards her. The water barely covered the tops of her breasts, and the wall kept her trapped. She couldn't help but imagine what Caligula would do in this situation and she fought to get free. "Get away!" Zyra held her hair and struggled. "Stay back!" She had done nothing but abuse and be unnecessarily cruel to him. She refused to be at his mercy. "Miss, please calm down..." Medean was moving slowly forward, his dark eyes filled with worry. "I said get back!" He was getting closer. Too close. Close enough to reach out. "Miss Zyra, I'm not going to hurt you." "No!" "....Zyra! Look at me!" For the first time, Medean yelled at her. The feeling of helplessness washed over her anew and she struggled to keep her tears at bay. Her vision blurred, and when she blinked she knew she had failed. "I'm not going to hurt you Zyra," he whispered. His eyes were pained, as though it hurt him to know she distrusted him to that extent. "I am sworn to protect you. From anything..." He was in front of her now. They were inches apart. "...and anyone." His eyes were earnest. She wanted to believe him. To be honest, she didn't have a choice. "Please let me help you." With a shaky sigh, she released her hands from her and covered her breasts. "Thank you," he said. Medean drew in closer. Her eyes widened when his body pressed against her hands. The feel of his skin against her made her flush. Medean didn't notice. As he reached behind her she was unsure what he was doing, but the pressure on her head began to abate. When he suddenly pulled her forward into his arms, she yelped. "Stay still," he said. "Just wait a moment." Medean held her back and gently carried her through the water, allowing her lower half to remain in the murky depths. When they were back at the pool's entrance, he released her. "Wait here." She stood numbly, as he strode up the steps and out of the water. The back of her head felt oddly light, something that made her number each minute. Behind her she could hear rustling. Medean suddenly draped the towel over her and pulled her out of the water, onto the ledge. Stunned that he had been so forward, she said nothing as he re-tucked it beneath her arms and knotted it at the front. Zyra wasn't sure what to say. Words failed her. It was this failure that allowed Medean to carry her without protest to her room, to slip a robe onto her, forced her to drink some terrible concoction, and sat her in front of the big mirror Etaceh had placed inside the room. "Goodness," He sighed. He was dressed from head to toe, no doubt with the assistance of magic. "I told you that you shouldn't go near the drain pools. It's dangerous, even for witches." "Is that what took my hair? A drain pool?" Medean gently stroked back her wet choppy locks, relieved that she had spoken to him. "I'm sorry. Severing it was the only way to free you. The drain has done some damage, but don't worry. You'll be fine very soon." She nodded, closing her eyes. Her scalp began to tingle and she reached up to scratch it, but Medean placed a hand on hers. "Please bear it Miss." After about five minutes of wanting to tear her scalp apart, the tingling stopped. "Now," Medean gently pulled the hair that he had slicked back towards the front of her, draping it across her shoulders. Zyra's hair was longer than she had ever had it before. It hung in wavy chocolate brown waves, almost as long as Kyzu's. "How would you like it cut?" Zyra stared at her reflection. There were so many things she had always wanted to try. She had always wanted to have the luxury. "Cut it the same." Unfortunately Zyra could not take two gifts from Medean in one night. It was not about pride, it was about atonement. "Are you sure?" "Yes." In this way she would punish herself for the way she had treated him. She knew better than to abuse someone who was caring for her, even if he was a witch. Medean's reaction seemed informed, almost as though he knew her thoughts. Despite this, he picked up the scissors and comb, and began to cut. Zyra closed her eyes, her mind drifting off to the last pair of fingers that had so caringly threaded through her hair. Kail, she wondered what he was doing now. She couldn't get him out of her mind, even if he was a murderer. There had to be a reason right? Zyra wanted to believe that, but did she really know Kail? What did she know about him other than the obvious? Could you love someone you didn't know? Does that mean that her love wasn't real? "Done." "Thank you..." "...would you like to see it?" That Kail and her, everything they shared... "I'm sure it's fine thank you. You can go." Was a lie? Zyra didn't hear any response. She waited for what felt like forever, and when she opened her eyes, the tears fell down her cheeks. Medean was standing by the wall, his arms crossed. He didn't look happy, though she was unsure what she had expected. She crossed her arms and laid her head down. "Miss." "My hair is perfect Medean. Please enjoy your night. You can go." Again he was silent. He was beginning to get infuriating. "I said you can go Medean. I mean it." Silent. She pulled up, her eyes puffy and red with emotion and now rage. "Medean! I said..." "Zyra." Medean's ability to move around silently was beginning to unnerve her. He was kneeling beside her. She had almost turned into his face, into his lips. "You can confide in me. I won't betray you." "Why?" she demanded. "Because I'm the keromedio?" "Yes." "So any keromedio would have..." "Not any person is chosen to become the keromedio. Only a special breed, a heart that is pure and just enough to look at a world unlike their own without prejudice can be a keromedio." "Then I'm not a keromedio." Zyra's voice broke as she spoke. "Haven't I treated you with prejudice? Haven't I abused you?" "You have also been abused," Medean said gently. "Something I will remedy if it continues to affect you in such a manner. You needed an outlet. I didn't mind. I still don't mind." Medean reached up and with his thumbs wiped away the tears from her eye. "You have so much potential to be unlocked. You've been very brave. Bravery does not always come with a sword Zyra. It's alright to cry." "You're a soft idiot if you think that's sound advice." He chuckled, putting a hand on her shoulder as she wiped her eyes. When she had stopped crying, he turned her head towards himself. "You want something," Medean said. "Please ask it." Zyra swallowed. All she wanted right now was... "...Hold me." Medean put his arms around her. "Like this, Miss?" "Tighter." Zyra leaned onto his warm chest. If she closed her eyes it could be Kail, or Rell, Ginger, Kyzu, anyone. She closed her eyes, and for the first time since she arrived, fell into a heavy sleep. Medean lifted her up out of the chair. He undid her robe and slid her nightdress over her towel. Then he pulled her towel off. Sighing, he tucked her in the bed, performed a protection spell on her, and left the room. He wasn't shocked to find Caligula waiting for him. "It's a bit late to be roaming the halls, even for a dark witch." Medean smiled. "I wasn't roaming as you well know. Forgive me but I've had a difficult day, and I require rest. If you have something you wish to say to me, I suggest you say it now." "Know your place," Caligula spat. "I am a witch of the high council. A lowly witch like yourself is barely fit to serve the keromedio, let alone get in my way." His voice dropped to a low hiss as he walked up to Medean until they were nose to nose. "Tampering in my affairs will cost you child. I could end you with a single word. Stay out of my way. Is that understood?" Medean's smile remained perfectly in place. "Perfectly." Caligula smiled back "Good." "But understand this..." Medean clasped his hands in front of himself firmly, a quiet strength in his presence that annoyed Caligula to no end. "I was sent by my Master, your Master, the Head Witch of the Witch Council, to serve the keromedio. My loyalty is to her. No one else." Medean's easy smile didn't touch his eyes. They were hard and dangerous, threatening. "Is that so?" Caligula chuckled darkly. Without a thought he lobed a torrent of pain giving magic. Medean didn't move an inch to protect himself. Caligula saw the spell hit, but the boy didn't move. "It is," he said calmly. "You know where my loyalties lie. Now, if you'll excuse me." Medean brushed past him. ---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---*** Zyra brushed at her hair. It was silkier now, for some reason. It was so odd how easily the comb went through. She was fascinated with it. She couldn't stop brushing it. "Your hair looks fine Miss." Zyra glanced up. For a moment she had forgotten Medean was there. Etaceh and Caligula had opted to pretend that the night incident had never occurred. Now they had their lessons and Zyra ate her meals in her room, refusing all invitations for inclusive dining. Medean often stood by her side for long periods of time while she ate. Sometimes he reminded her of Rair, well, minus the bad attitude. "That's not the point," Zyra said, attempting an even and unforced tone. "I'm not trying to look nice." "Then you enjoy the sensation?" He stepped forward. "Shall I bru—" "Stand back." Medean went back into his previous position. Zyra sighed. "You know you can go right? I'm fine." "On the contrary Miss," he said politely. "Pardon my forwardness, but I do feel my services are still required." "For what?" When he didn't answer, Zyra put down the brush. "What?" Medean's dark expressive eyes urged her toward action. "What?" she asked softer. What need did he foresee that she didn't? "Ask and it shall be yours." "Ask for what?" "Anything." "I don't want anything." Well that was a clear lie, though she hadn't intended it. She picked up the brush again. "Well, I don't want anything you can give me." "Would you like me to leave, Miss?" No, she pretty much wanted anything other than that. She hadn't seen Scallen since the confrontation with Caligula. That had been a week ago. Not to mention the other people that haunted her. "Miss?" Zyra turned, staring hard into Medean's eyes. What did he want from her? What was there to gain? Even lovers wanted something from one another. Would he be heralded as a hero after she did whatever keromedio's did? Were there perks to keeping your keromedio in tip-top shape? Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 25 Chapter 25: Trust me "More!" "Rawr!" Zyra ran, her sword drawn. Purple sparks flew into the air as the blade skidded over his shield. She took another step and jabbed, swung, chopped, anything to pierce skin, to draw blood on him. "That's not good enough!" "RAWR!" Her breath gushed out of her with the effort she made to charge at. She came at him from the left. She missed, but she wasn't done. Zyra took a step, and with a flick of her wrist sliced backwards. There, she saw it. A thin line of red, just on the cheek. He jumped back, glared at her as he touched his face. Caligula looked at the blood staining his fingertips. Then he smiled. "Finally. For a moment I was afraid you were all talk Zyra." Zyra didn't reply, too busy catching her breath and waiting for the repercussions of her actions. It had been two weeks since the incident with Scallen. She hadn't seen him since, not that she had any choice in the matter. When the sun set, the spell inside of her activates and she could not leave the Marble Tree. Etaceh had moved up their lessons and as a result Caligula's. It gave her an hour before the sun set. The witches told her that she could wander the forest for this time freely. She knew better. They were watching. Zyra was beginning to come to the conclusion that Scallen was nocturnal. She had only seen him at night, when the sun was setting, or when she was underground. Besides, she doubted it was wise to see him now. Caligula's wound knit in front of her and she wanted to hack him to pieces. It was a scratch at best, insignificant, something Nima might get when playing in the field. That was her best, a scratch. She wanted him to suffer. She knew, just by looking into his violent purple eyes, that he knew what she was thinking, and it amused him. "Well, I suppose your lessons are over for today," Caligula chuckled. "Unless of course, you'd like to take another stab at me. But you look like you might need to catch your breath." Zyra didn't answer again. She stood from her undignified bend and forced herself to stop huffing. It was so hard. She had forgotten what hard was like. Even before the Valley's magic, she had done all the training a lead huntress needed to do to excel. The magic made it easy, too easy. Now, she felt clumsy and foolish. She was progressing at what felt like an embarrassingly slow rate. Medean always disagreed with her complaints, saying she was progressing at a remarkable rate. Medean was a kiss-ass. "I still don't understand how it works," Zyra spat. "The sword is solid. How can it pass through magic?" "You don't need to understand it to do it," Caligula scoffed, putting his hands behind his back. "You just proved that. Why so intrigued in the mechanics?" His eyes twinkled, like a child with a new toy. "Are you considering wizardry?" "This is wizardry isn't it?" "It is spell-casting. Any creature can do it." "Why are you getting closer to me?" "Does it bother you?" "I...Oh, Etaceh I didn't see you there." Caligula turned to look behind him. When he looked back, Zyra was out of the training ground. He laughed. "Zyra." She hissed. It was Caligula, sending a message into her head. "You can't hold a grudge forever. I'm only trying to help you. You'll understand one day." "One day..." She froze, inches from running into Caligula's chest. "One day," he repeated, his voice a whisper, "You will need me. You will need my power, and you will have to trust me." "One day I will have to die," Zyra snapped, side-stepping the irritatingly close witch, "but I am not looking forward to that either." Caligula laughed and followed her into the Marble Tree. She turned the corner, growing more and more anxious as she neared her room. She was about to walk in, but stopped. Had she made a wrong turn? She looked behind her. No, the symbol on the wall indicated that this was her room. But she... Zyra put her hand to the handle, and pulled open the door. Medean was sitting on her bed, deeply reading a book of unidentifiable runes. When she entered, he stood, immediately snapping the book shut. "Ah, Miss. I see you have finished your lessons today." "I have a door now?" "Yes Miss." "You got me a door?" Zyra could have cried. Medean shook his head. He was wearing his glasses today. After explaining what they were in great detail and then explaining that he usually used a correction temporary spell but was running late, she no longer felt inclined to knock them off his face. Mostly. "No Miss. Actually it was a gift from Etaceh. She wanted to congratulate you for your time here. She said it's been a month since you first arrived. She plans a dinner in your honor tonight to celebrate your...um, the term was month-aversary." "Are they common?" Zyra asked, touching the solid door with an appreciative hand. "No, Miss. Anniversaries are known, a one a year celebration between life mates, but otherwise, I have never heard of such a practice." "What is this door made of?" "I believe it's made of Blue Bark Miss." "You have blue trees here?" "We have several shades of tree, Miss." Zyra sighed. "Well, I'm grateful to her. I suppose this means politeness would have me attend this dinner? What time is it?" "In two hours' time Miss." "Great." Zyra tossed her sword in the corner, ignoring Medean's wince at her blatant disregard for her things. She yanked off her boots, threw her top off, and slipped under the covers, her bound breasts sinking into the soft bedding. "Miss! Please," Medean huffed, picking up her discarded items. Will you have a bit more respect for your things?" She snorted, and under the covers wiggled out of her hunter skirt, throwing that into a far corner. "Leave it," she demanded. "I want to know where that skirt is later." Medean didn't answer her, knowing the keromedio had found another weakness of his. Medean liked order, too much, to the point where disorder caused him great distress. Having a spotlessly arranged room wasn't enough if he knew in the corner laid a sweaty, and most likely dirty piece of clothing. "I'll have to change your bedding at this rate," he sighed miserably. "You did not take a bath. You are usually so conscientious Miss—" "I am exhausted," she replied. "I spent all day learning how to channel my magic into my sword with enough accuracy to cut through a magical barrier. I imagine I will do the same tomorrow, but Etaceh will be flying. These things have a nasty way of repeating themselves." "But Miss, you could have asked me to charm you with a clean—" "I am a huntress Medean, not a sunflower. I can risk a little dirt. Even flowers need soil." "Miss...you are not a plant." "Medean, please wake me in an hour. Other than that you are dismissed. Go on. It'll give you a little time to fix your eyes." Zyra could feel tension rolling off of him in waves. She hid her laughter in her pillow. "Yes. Miss." She smiled as she heard the pale dark witch retreat. "And lock the door behind you." "As you wish." The satisfying thud of wood against the marble walls filled her with ecstasy almost sexual in manner. She moaned happily against the silky sheets and sighed as her tired body drifted off into sleep. She woke, in a panic. "I told you to wake me in an hour!" "I apologize Miss, but you looked as though you needed the sleep—" "What kind of servant are you? I give you an order and you blatantly disobey me? How will I bathe now? "I have a cleanliness spell—" "To hell with your spells! Unless it shoots soap and water I have no interest! Ugh. Move aside!" Zyra snatched up her toiletries and clothing. Running as quickly in her undergarments, she tossed her things down, stripped, and jumped into the hot spring's boiling waters. Already she could feel the grime of the day bubbling off of her. She dared a spell to do that. As she surfaced, Medean strode through the door, a look of chagrin on his face. "Forgive me Miss. I should not decide what is best for you. You are not a child." "I forgive you. Thank you for your attempt to look after me, but I can look after myself." Medean raised an eyebrow, dripping with disbelief. "Miss?" "Medean, you are aware I am bathing yes? Just because I am submerged, doesn't mean I am any less naked." He nodded, and began to roll up his sleeves. "Yes, I understand. Please turn Miss. Allow me to reach your back—" "Medean, I'll say this once nicely. Get out." "I have a drying spell." "Out!" He left, his cool demeanor chipped with obvious frustration. Whomever he had served before had been a spoiled brat. It wasn't as though she invited his intimacy. Well... Zyra had asked him to sleep beside her a few more times, but otherwise that was it. Perhaps she shouldn't have. Medean was becoming confused as to the nature of their relationship. He was under the assumption that they were closer now, that she trusted him, and she was comfortable around him enough for him to expand his duties. True, she trusted him more than the witches, but that wasn't saying much. As for comfort, well, she didn't have much of a choice, did she? Medean tried to infiltrate her world in stages. He had started with the bath. First he had wished to wash her hair. She had allowed that, her hair still silky from the potion and begging to be played with. The next thing she knew he was offering to assist her in "properly" bathing. Apparently her method just wasn't good enough. Scrubbing was, after all, a highly advanced art. Slowly but surely, Medean was turning into a monster. He went from washing her clothing, to picking out her clothing, handing her new garments she refused each time. He put flowers in her room to brighten the gloomy atmosphere she had spent so much time cultivating. He had gotten her a new canopy. This one was a hideous shade of yellow. Medean's desire to please her was becoming a problem. She would have to speak with him very soon. For now, she needed to get dressed. Zyra jumped out and shook herself as dry as possible, and then she dried her body. Slipping on her green keromedio outfit, she ran towards her room in order to retrieve her discarded boots. As she flung open the door, she caught Medean in the process of picking up her skirt. "You have the self-control of a parched Perkadu." He turned to her, but did not release the garment. "What does that mean Miss?" "It means you're a bird who is likely to drown." "What?" "In other words, your obsession over things that are not good for you will, surely be your undoing." Medean slid a polite mask on. "Surely there is nothing wrong with tidiness Miss." With a wave of his hand, he cleaned the skirt and placed it neatly on the table. Before she could protest, he took out his wand and aimed it at her hair. A dark burst of magic ran by her ears. Her hair was dry, no, more than to that, he put his touch into it. When she looked in the mirror she saw he had somehow snatched enough hair off her head to braid a ringlet. Another wave and she was in her boots. Zyra's jaw clenched. "You've gone rogue, haven't you?" "I'm sorry Miss. I assumed you were in a rush." "I am going to replace you Medean of the Shadow lands. I'm going to trade you for a nymph servant!" "Are you indicating you have needs I haven't met, Miss?" "Yes! Privacy for one. And another—" Medean's dual meaning to his question hit her late. She stared at him, unable to process the smug look upon his face. She almost missed his previous persona, the unfazed man of porcelain cloaked in subservient politeness. Zyra considered her next stage of action. The next few moments would be crucial. How she handled this would determine how far he would be pushing her in the future. It was like disciplining a child. Did she take away privileges? Issue threats? Violence? Yes, she liked violence. Should she overturn things? It had worked well enough in the past. There was only one issue with that. Zyra had begun to view the things in her room as her own. She didn't want to mess up her own things. That left one option. Zyra walked up to Medean and slapped him soundly on his face. His head snapped to the side from the force, his glasses flying across the room as a pink hand mark appearing on his cheek. "Watch your tongue servant." Medean turned slowly back towards her, his feelings masked with civility. "Forgive me Miss. I was too forward." She narrowed her eyes. Not so much as an ow? She hadn't been trying to hurt him seriously, but she had given that slap some backswing. "You were forward," Zyra said, taking a step away from him. "And that's coming from the person you just offered to bathe." She sighed, heading towards the door. Feeling guilty, she scooped up his glasses and extended them towards him. "I—" "But if I may, Miss." Medean did not take his glasses. His all-seeing eyes were fixed on her. She wasn't sure what he was searching for, what he was seeing with those dark orbs of his. Did all witches have a gaze that bore into the soul? Was that a pre-requisite? Gharla would pass it with flying colors. "I must insist," He continued, "that you take my job seriously. It is my duty to care for you. I swore on my life that I would protect you from all dangers, assist you in all you desire, and please you to the best of my ability. If you require anything from me. Anything at all, you should feel obliged to ask. That includes spiritual, mental, and physical needs Miss." Zyra's lips thinned and she handed him his glasses. "Thanks. I'll let you know if I need a sparring partner." "Zyra." She glanced back. "What Medean? What do you want?" "Slap me if you must," he said, "but do not misconstrue what I am saying nor twist my words. You understand me. You know what I am offering. If you wish to disregard me, then that is your choice." "I do owe you a slap," Zyra said, pulling open the door. "And I will disregard you. You may be many things Medean, but you are still a witch and you are still a stranger. And I—" She paused, and then glared at him. "I am taken." She stomped out of the room, and headed towards the dining hall, Medean's eyes peering at her from behind closed doors. ----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----* "Zyra darling! Don't you look fetching in your keromedio clothes. Have you lost weight? You look so slim!" The hall was garbed in black and red, a long string of candles on the table, while lesser witches placed platters of food on the table. Etaceh was wearing her giant black feather headdress, Caligula, shimmering purple robes. "I'm glad you put forth some effort," Caligula said. His eyes traced over her in an unsavory manner. Zyra sighed, and took a seat at the table. "Good evening." Her mind wandered as Etaceh began speaking. Plates of food appeared in front of her and disappeared, mostly untouched by her because of their strangeness, and her lack of appetite. "So Zyra darling. Enjoying your flower salad? It was all the rage in the Delicatessen I used to frequent in France in the sixties you know. I swear, you humans were self-destructive but you knew how to dress a plate. And dress your bodies. Oh how I miss the product! Right Caligula? Right? Were you around in the sixties? Do you remember corduroys?" "Sure." "Oh! I had these maroon ones back in the day. I was an apprentice then of course, green behind the ears. Lived in a cave for a while my mistress Lady Isabel—you remember Lady Isabel don't you Caligula? Bless her heart. Lady Isabel was teaching me how to..." Zyra and Caligula shared a glance. For once they shared similar thoughts. Etaceh as the only person Zyra had ever known that could sit in a room of people, and talk to herself. Her questions, generally yes or no, were her way of allowing them brief participation, maybe to assuage the guilt of excluding them from what was supposed to be a discussion and had turned into a monologue. "—enjoying this little soirée?" Zyra flinched when Etaceh looked at her expectantly. "Wait, what?" "Oh sorry dear, you wouldn't know that word would you? It isn't Common Tongue. You know witches were around for a long time. Long before the Purging, we coexisted with you. Ate your food, fucked your men and women, wore your clothes..." "But all of that changed after the Monokeros?" "Oh yes, all of it. There is a border for a reason dear Zyra." Zyra wrinkled her nose. She could eat with a witch. They didn't drop their jaws and shovel in their food like the legends said. She didn't see a single eyeball in her...what was it called? Her...calid. No...salad. She couldn't imagine living with a witch let alone letting one wear her clothes, or... Caligula cleared his throat. She turned to look at him, his purple eyes glimpsing through her with amusement. His hands were in front of him, fingers interwoven under the weight of his chin. He grinned like he knew a secret. Zyra wouldn't be surprised if he could read her mind. Good. Then know you have absolutely no chance. He looked away. That's right. Look away. Grey witches filed in, their arms laden with platters. Their forever hooded visages made her curious. Were they human under there? Well, human looking? Her fingers itched to yank off the hood of the one closest to her as he set down the tray, but she was interrupted. "Zyra, you've hardly eaten." Zyra looked up at Caligula, then down at her flower salad. It was just an assortment of flowers she had never seen with a sauce drizzled over it. The sauce was sweet, but something about eating flowers seemed...wrong. Especially since there was a flower that could feel in her room. She often found herself talking to it in the dead of the night. For a week or so it had been depressed. She understood. She was depressed too, having allowed Caligula to kill of its children. Eventually they both healed. It was growing too, becoming larger and prettier. Medean watered it for her, the only useful thing he did in her room. Stupid witch. "Zyra?" If he really wanted to be useful, he could have found her some furs instead of that hideous canopy. "Zyra!" "Yes?" She blinked, the witches still shuffling about. "Are you alright dear?" Etaceh asked. Zyra nodded. "Sorry. I wandered off." Caligula smirked, lowered his hands. "To where I wonder." "Wouldn't you like to know?" "I would." "Zyra, you two mustn't fight at the table!" Etaceh's face turned red as she shrieked. "We will be civilized at this monthaversary celebration. Civilized!" "We were merely teasing one another," Caligula chuckled. "Weren't we?" "Not really. I was serious." Caligula huffed in mock disappointment and waved a hand. "Then we shall cease our uncivil behavior. It is time for dessert." The gray witches lifted the cover of the platters and walked out in that same uniform manner. Zyra began to have her doubts that they were individual at all. Maybe they were like the nymphs, physically the same, moving with the assistance of some strange hive mind. "I'm sorry," Etaceh said pouting. "I don't think Zyra should get dessert. She didn't eat much of anything." Zyra raised an eyebrow. Was Etaceh seriously scolding her? "Come now Etaceh," Caligula said. "This celebration is for her, is it not? Is she to miss out on her own dessert?" "She hasn't eaten her Kavgra, her Juku rice or her flower salad. She didn't even eat her...what does she call it? Ground children!" "Ground babies Etaceh, and those were not, ground babies." "They were!" "They weren't. Etaceh, they were orange." "You pushed them around your plate! And they're called potatoes for your information! Oh Princess Zyra, I had no idea we were in the presence of royalty!" Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 25 "We will be civilized at this monthaversary celebration, right Etaceh?" Caligula interjected. He grinned at both women, obviously entertained. "What harm could a little desert do?" "It's just...I put so much effort into the planning of this menu," Etaceh sobbed dramatically. Zyra stared at her blankly. She was squinting. Finally Etaceh succeeded in spilling a few tears. Zyra sighed. "Oh, no. Please don't cry Etaceh," she stated half-heartedly. "This is my gathering, and I will cry if I want to!" "But you shouldn't." "But I'm so upset!" "You poor thing." "I bet you won't even like the dessert!" Caligula chuckled. "It's chocolate cake. What's not to like?" Zyra watched him slide a finger across the dessert's surface and collect its brown cream. He put it in his mouth and moaned. His eyes narrowed and he grinned. "Delicious." Zyra looked down and slid her finger on the cream. "Caligula!" Etaceh's voice climbed in octave as she ranted. "Do not teach her poor table manners! She is already a barbarian!" Zyra put the cream in her mouth. Milk, it was made of milk. She moaned around her finger as the flavor took her over. Chocolate, yes, it had to be made of magic. She swirled her tongue around her finger, forgetting herself in front of her company. "Oh great." Etaceh's voice cut through her enjoyment. She pulled her finger out of her mouth and looked at the witches. Caligula's eyes had grown dark. He leaned on and arm, watching her. "Oh please," he grumbled. "Please continue." Zyra picked up her spoon. She was supposed to scoop it. Right? She wasn't a barbarian. Warily she looked up at Etaceh. Etaceh shook her head, regarding her like a hopeless case. She put it down and picked up her knife. So it needed to be stabbed. How strange. Again Etaceh shook her head, this time putting a hand to her temple. So it was the fork. Annoyed by Etaceh's insult she sliced through the cake with her fork. Then she cut that piece in two. Gently spearing the piece she opened her mouth and as gently as possible, placed it in her mouth. She closed her mouth and chewed soundlessly, swallowing softly. Then, she patted her mouth with the dinner cloth. "Better," Etaceh approved. "You like it?" "Yes," Zyra said, surprised that she did. "It's...like nothing I've ever tasted." And I have the strangest feeling I can no longer live without it. "Enjoy," Caligula said, picking up his own fork. "Eat it all." She nodded. As though not finishing it was ever an option. Zyra ate the cake as civilly as she could and Etaceh continued on rambling happily. The gray witches came and took away her flower salad in the same manner they have removed the previous dishes. She found herself done by the time they came to her side. "Would you like seconds Zyra?" Etaceh asked. "Seconds?" "More cake." Zyra's attempt to avoid barbarism was circumvented by the discovery of "seconds." There was more? "Yes." When the next piece arrived, Zyra tore it apart. Etaceh coughed a few times to remind her of her surroundings, but soon gave up in favor of commenting on how enthusiastically she was eating, and how it was about time. "I know I haven't been human in a very long time but I do remember that everyone, everyone, love chocolate. I mean, how could you not? There was a chocolate factory, many, places devoted to the worship of chocolate. There were movies about chocolate, movies about the "men" who made chocolate. Holy days filled with the giving and receiving of chocolate." "More." "Well, there was also a man. I thinking they called the Easter Santa. He rode on a chariot of chocolate." "More cake." "Oh. Well you shall have both. Gray witch? Bring her more cake so I can continue my story!" Caligula chuckled, eyeing her with increasingly lust. "Careful Zyra, if you eat anymore, you might soon taste like chocolate." "Don cair..." she mumbled, through her mouth full. "Then again...maybe you already do." "Stuhl don cair." Etaceh paused in her diatribe and looked between them. She frowned, her fingers clenching. "Actually I think that's enough," Etaceh announced. "You're on your fifth slice. I'm cutting you off." "MMH!" "Don't protest! You'll get sick it you continue. Grey witch, tell them to stop bringing cake. Hello? Goodness gracious, must I do everything around her. Hold on!" Etaceh stood up to hurry after the witch that didn't hear her. "I'll just do this..."Etaceh tapped Zyra's chair. "And be right back. Don't go anywhere." Caligula and Etaceh traded a look, both of them reacting to what she had done very differently. Caligula chuckled. So the Witch of the Valley didn't trust him alone with poor little Zyra. "Would you like some milk Zyra?" Caligula waved a hand and a glass of completely white liquid appeared before her. Zyra stared at the glass, wiping the crumbs with the back of her hand. She before had never seen milk so pure. "It helps wash down chocolate. Anyone could tell you this." He slid the glass forward, but didn't hand it to her. Unable to hide her curiosity she stood up and lifted the glass. Gazing at it, she sipped. It was smooth and cold, full flavored, its froth resting on her top lip. She licked it away innocently, her eyes on her food, unaware that Caligula watched her like food. "Finish your slice. Drink," he encouraged. "You'd best finish it before Etaceh returns. She might think I'm spoiling you." Zyra nodded and drank deeply, incised by the heavenly combo presented to her. Milk and chocolate, light and dark, good and evil. It melted on her tongue. "Do you enjoy the tastes?" "MH." "You know Zyra...I'm curious about you." She looked up, watching Caligula lean forward. It was awkward, as though he dared not move too close. "You're so strange. Hungry, young, yearning for things you do not yet understand." Zyra swallowed. "What is there to learn?" Her cake was almost finished. Caligula laughed. "Perhaps you need to venture out and learn first what you desire to learn. Taste the world. I wonder..." Zyra downed the glass of milk, her plate empty by now. "...what you, taste like." Zyra let out a content sigh and placed the glass down. She rolled her eyes at him. "Probably the same as you." "Oh? By now, you probably taste like chocolate." "By now, your mouth should have—." She froze mid-insult. It was like being shocked. One instant she was fine, in the next her heart was racing. Zyra grabbed her chest, staring at the table. What...? She looked up at Caligula who retrieved the glass with his knife and made it vanish. "Something wrong?" She jumped when a rush of heat surged through her, swirled around her, settling between her legs. Impossible, surely she was not reacting this way. How was this possible? "I'm back!" Etaceh chirped. "Now. Who's up for an after dinner mint?" Zyra bent over, holding her waist. She groaned as Etaceh walked over to her. "Zyra darling, what's wrong?" "I...I don't feel so good." Etaceh glanced up at Caligula who shrugged, and gestured for a grey witch to come forth. "It's all that cake you ate," Etaceh fussed. "I knew we should have stopped you. Send for Medean. I believe this night is over." The grey witch nodded and walked off. Zyra sighed, as Etaceh leaned on her chair, rubbing her back in an oddly comforting way. Since when did Etaceh nurture? "Its fine," Zyra said standing. "I just need to go to sleep. I can go myself." "Oh Zyra, wait for..." "Goodnight Etaceh. Caligula." Zyra all but ran back to her room. Locking the door behind her she threw off her clothes and sat on her bed. The burning that over took her was madness, a madness that reminded her of a particular bite that caused her to allow unspeakable things to happen to her. She thought of Scallen's wet tongue stretching between her folds made her gasp. She was aroused, too aroused for someone who had just been at a dinner. Zyra wasn't sure what had come over her. Was the cake so delicious, the milk so pure that her reaction was a need to top it with orgasm? Zyra wasn't sure, but she didn't have time to figure it out. If she didn't do something she would go mad. She took the rag from her table and submerged it in the cold water jug. She patted her skin with the cool rag, hoping to alleviate some strain. When the water all but evaporated on her flesh she knew she would have to touch herself. She had not touched herself in any sexual manner since she arrived. Part of her was sure she was being watched. She tumbled underneath the covers and tried to control her breathing. Even the cover was too hot. She tossed it away. Grabbing her night gown, she put it on at the very least, the light white material hanging loosely above her. She laid back and sighed. Carefully, she pressed a hand between her legs. Her fingers trembled as need battled with practicality, until need won. Her hand met her pussy and she exhales a breath she didn't know she held. Her body arched into her touch as she petted herself feverish, writhing in the covers. "Zyra?" Medean knocked three times on her door. "Zyra are you alright?" "Go away!" she shouted, her hand still rubbing. "I'm fine! Don't disturb me!" She put a hand to her breast. Her door swung open. Seeing Medean, she froze. "Miss! I insist—" She had locked the damn door. She had locked the damn door. It seemed, a door didn't matter. The door was practically an idea of a door, an illusion, a curtain of beads, because it did nothing to stop Medean from entering her room. It had done even less to keep him from witnessing her hand up her gown and her hand at her breast. And less to keep him frozen, unable to look away. Hot embarrassment clogged her reason and she looked around for the nearest weapon. The only way to wash away her shame was with Medean's blood. Medean had been stunned by the sight for a few moments, more stunned as she stared up at him in recognition, but he unfroze when he saw that look in her eye. He knew that look. She was going to lose it. "Miss I—" "No! I tell you to go! I tell you not to disturb me! What do you do? You disturb me!" "Miss it's a perfectly natural—Miss, please put that down. Don't—" Zyra was stronger than Medean. At that moment, her strength was her weapon. She could not for the life of her find anything useful. When he began to tell her about "natural" she lost it. Gathering her pillows, she stood on her bed. "Miss, please put that down." He ducked as it flew past him. Looking back, he realized the first pillow had been a distraction. "Don't—" Zyra hurled herself at Medean, knocking the lean witch to the floor. With all of her strength, held him down, she straddled him, and covered his face with her pillow. When Medean was unconscious, she'd carry him to his room. If he awoke he'd think he had a very odd wet dream. If not, who cared? There, problem solved. He struggled, but she wasn't budging. It wouldn't be long now. It would take a miracle for her to— "Ah!" With a shriek, Zyra threw herself off of him and scrambled up. He had touched her. Touched her there! A full caress on her naked, vulnerable, flower. His grimy, hands had defiled her. "Are you out of your mind?" she screamed. "Are you?" Medean wheezed, holding his neck as he sucked in precious gulps of air. "Dammit Zyra! I'm only trying to help you!" "I don't need your help!" She wrapped herself in a sheet, and turned from him. "I don't want any of your help! Just leave me alone!" "You have to know by now that no one succeeds alone." "Save it. You can lecture me from the other side of the door." She turned, picking up her pillows when he put a hand on her shoulder. Pulling away, she found him stronger than she initially calculated. "Let me go! Fuck!" Medean stared at her, his expression grave. "Out with the Rovians you had family, friends, and lovers. Out here you have me Zyra. I can be whatever you need. You may not want me Zyra. But you need me." Zyra chuckled. "You sound just like this gold eyed muck-eater I know. In the end you'll turn out to be just as selfish. What is it about males that make you so presumptuous around me? What gives you the right to consider me naïve? Huh?" The desire and arousal still ran through her, her anger distracting it in bursts. It was too much like a sick twisted repeat of her and Kail's relationship. She had bedded a monster, an ogre, and now she was to be the bedmate of a witch? Just to fulfill her basest most savage desires? "I am not naïve because I fail to spread my legs every time I wish to. I will not be made a fool of." Medean bent into a low bow. "I'm sorry if I offended you Miss. It was never my intention, but I could help but notice that your distaste for me was not solely because of my species. You distrust men in general, which, based on your experience, is valid. Please do not take my offer as selfishness. I merely wish to please you and assuage your guilt." "What do you...know about my experiences?" Medean rose from his bow and looked at her. "Would you really like to know, Miss?" Zyra didn't. She walked out of the room, her mind racing, her heart thumping at her chest. Just the thought of another man other than Kail set her on edge. It hurt because of how she loved him, it hurt because of how he had chosen to reject her and push her away when he should have been fighting for their love. The Rovians would be waiting for her. Why couldn't Kail? Ah, what did it matter anyway? Medean was a nuisance, but she couldn't afford to have no one readily in her corner. She would rather have someone eager to please, than stand directly in the fire of Caligula's might. When she returned from her walk she found her room empty. Her pillows had been placed neatly on her bed, her discarded clothes were neatly folded, and there was a glass of light blue liquid on her table. Zyra closed the door behind her and stared at the drink. Snatching it up, she drained the glass and climbed into bed. The enchanted candles went out and she suffered silently until a cool air settled upon her. When the fire inside of her dulled, she fell into a deep sleep. ----****----****----****----****----****----* She didn't understand, but the grown-ups would not explain. Nima sat in the flower field, stewing in her thoughts as she made delicate rings out of dying dandelions. They were about to dry out for cold season. The huntress Paj stood a ways away, guarding her from the stray animals that might wander about. She had tried to persuade her to play with her, but she politely refused. Ginger was busy cooking the midday meal. If Gharla and Enui were about they might have played with her, but Rair had taken them into the forest for something. They were always busy, her mother included, finding things to distract themselves from what was so obvious to her. Where was her Auntie? She had tried to wait patiently like a good girl. Zyra would expect that of her, but a week went by. And then another, and another. Nima wanted answers, so asked her mother. They were in the tent, eating together. Kyzu was braiding her hair. Kyzu's fingers grasped every strand of hair and pulled it into the braid. Nima grimaced at the pain. Zyra knew to leave the edges out. It hurt otherwise. It hurt. "Mommy, when is Zyra coming home?" Kyzu stopped, startled by her question. "What?" "When is Auntie coming home?" Kyzu swallowed and resumed braiding. "Soon." "How soon?" "Just soon." "But when?" "Nima, please stop wiggling." "No! It hurts. Zyra braids my hair, you never braid my hair! Why are you doing it?" Kyzu dropped the braid and looked, horrified, at her child. "Sweetie...I. I just...I was never as good at braiding as Zyra. It's not that I didn't want to braid your hair. I was busy and—" "It's not about hair!" Nima shouted. "I want Auntie Zyra! I want to know when she's coming home!" Kyzu dropped her comb and held her mouth, shivering. "Am I...a terrible mother?" Nima's eyes widened when she saw tears drop from her mother's eyes. "Have I neglected you? Has Zyra...treated you like I should have?" "No!" Nima said, confused and frustrated. Why was she crying? Now she wanted to cry. "I just...I just..." Nima's eyes began to well up with hot tears and she rubbed her eyes with balled up fists. "I just. It hurts Mommy. It hurts." Kyzu gathered her daughter into her arms. "I know sweetie. I know. I miss her too." "Then when—" "I don't know baby. I honestly don't know." The mother and daughter held each other, joined by love and loss. They sat in the silence, wishing for the one who was lost to return. Nima still didn't understand, she would never understand, but at least she knew one thing. She was not alone. Her mother wasn't ignoring her, she was just hurt. Nima picked up a wishing flower. The round ball of white fuzz swayed in the wind. She closed her eyes, and blew. Her wish scattered in the chilly wind, off to where her Auntie was, wherever she might be. "My liege, the air grows brisk. We should depart." Nima nodded. The cold season was upon them. Ginger was making her a new winter dress. "Yes. We should go." The field of wilting flowers waved a goodbye. They would die now, leave her until spring. Nima whispered a silent goodbye and followed Paj to the campground. ---****----****----****----****----****----**** "Miss...Miss Zyra..." A voice called her from above the surface of the water. She looked around, her hair flowing out around her, her breath casing bubbled that ascended towards the light. "Miss...please wake up..." So this was a dream. That explained her ability to breathe underwater. The water was warm, she felt tranquil. Why should she wake up? "Miss. I know you can hear me. I insist you wake up." Zyra sighed. Slowly she swam through the heavy water current and broke to the top of the sea. When she opened her eyes, Medean was standing above her, his polite face on. So he intended to pretend last night had not happened? "Good 'morning Miss." Well, she was quite fine with that. In his arm he held a towel and what she assumed were her clothes for the day, but she had never seen her brown huntress tunic so clean. What she had thought was brown was actually a light crème. Or perhaps he had ruined it in some way. Yes, that was it. "What have you done to my garments?" "Cleaned them Miss." "With what? Milk?" "Magic, Miss." "So you've ruined them." "Not at all Miss." Zyra pushed out her bed and looked around her. While the Marble Tree was always a perpetual night, she was beginning to learn how to tell time within it. If she was correct... "Isn't it a bit early?" she asked. Medean nodded. "Yes Miss. You appear to be getting much more acclimated to your environment. Well done." "Thanks. Is there a reason why I'm awake?" Medean nodded, handing over her boots. "I have arranged a different morning routine in order to refresh you, as well as a special meal to be taken outside." Zyra didn't want him to know, but she was looking forward to stretching her legs away from the elder witches. With a nod she took her clothes and the towel. "Wait here," she commanded. Medean halted mid-stride and bowed. "Yes, Mistress." She smirked. "Do I detect a hint of defiance Medean?' "No, Mistress." "Good." Smirking, she walked off to the hot spring. While she bathed, Medean examined her sheets with disgust. Caligula had reached a new low. He was going to have to keep Zyra in his sight at all times. He frowned, just thinking of how she'd react. Still, it was less dramatic than how she'd react knowing Caligula had magically drugged her. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 25 Unfortunately Medean needed her to trust them. Despite their selfish reasons for enhancing her power, they were aiding her in some way. She would need the skills they helped her hone. He waited a beat, and then cast a spell on the flower in the corner of her room. "Offspring of light, lend me your sight. Show me desires that strengthen her might. Unfold marked plans that villains dare boast, reveal the demons they conceal the most." The flower quivered, whining at first at the foreign magic within her, and then she cooed, understanding that it was good. Her petals waved in acceptance of her purpose. Medean bowed in thankfulness. He gave her a protection charm should Caligula sense Zyra's ally, and walked towards the pool. He was about to open the door when Zyra flung it open. "I suppose, "wait here" was a bit vague." He bowed. "Not at all Miss, I merely wished to assure you would not be late for your breakfast. Zyra rolled her eyes. "Whatever Medean." She followed him out of the Marble Tree, her hands in fists by her side. When would the magic pull her back? Did Medean really have the witch's permission? She waited for the mark of her servitude to restrain her. When she was a yard out she stopped. Medean walked four more steps before realizing. "Miss?" She fidgeted. "Are you sure I can go?" Medean looked at her, his eyes filled with pity. She sneered. "Don't look at me that way." He walked up to her and took her hand. "Trust me." Zyra bit her lip and stared at the ground. She wanted to say something but she couldn't. Instead, she squeezed his hand. Medean led her forward, his eyes never leaving her form. They kept walking. The sky was a haze of blues blacks. He took her to the edge of the nymph forest. There was a simple log on its side and a blanket under a tree. He led her to sit on the log and with a wave of his hand food covered the blanket. "I know it's not Rovian," he remarked, "but I believe these have been your favorite thus far from your time here." He had picked out her favorite foods. He had given her as close as a Rovian setting as possible. She didn't know what to say. So she moved over. "Sit." "Miss..." "I said sit!" Slowly, he sat beside her. Then, she reached for the fruit that looked like tiny watermelons. As she ate she could see it lightening on the horizon. She and Medean had a perfect view of the sunrise. As the sun splattered the horizon with deep oranges, reds, and yellows, she felt at home. "I guess, no matter where you go, the sunrise will always be the same." "Of course, Miss." She took a vial of drink and poured a full glass and passed it to him. "So, what is the occasion again?" Medean wanted to protest because he had only brought one glass. She picked up the vial and raised an eyebrow. "Well?" "I never gave you a gift for your...month-a-versary." "You're joking." "Well it's a bit pretentious of me to say I did this for no reason." She laughed. "Yes, it is." "Then...I shall say it is an attempt to earn your forgiveness." Zyra looked at his cowed expression and felt herself soften. "Alright, you've caught me on a good day. I forgive you." Zyra raised the vial to him. "To the unchanging sun." He raised the glass. "To the merciful keromedio." Medean drank from the glass, ignoring that she drank from the vial like she was a common drunkard, and not a magical Rovian Princess. She wiped her mouth on the back of her hand and he winced. Then, she smiled at him, a precious rarity only accented by the rays of sunrise lingering in her hair. He smiled back at her. This was his keromedio. He would accept her. He wouldn't change her if he could. Well, maybe a few of her manners, but in some ways, her rough charms were...charming. "Hey Medean, are you gonna eat that?" "No Miss, this is all for you." "Oh thank you. I did not know I was such an insatiable pig." "I never meant—" "I can take a hint Medean, but I'm choosing to ignore it. I require vast quantities of food. If you wished to shame me you've failed. Feel free to take those weird yellow things and eat them. Unlike me, you're about one grape from dying." "Thank you Miss." "You are most welcome. And face the sun, you need some color." Medean chuckled. Zyra was colorful enough for the both of them. ---****----****----****----****----****----**** Caligula walked through the halls of the Marble Tree, trying with difficulty to hide his excitement. Zyra's servant had been asked to fetch stones for the hot spring's rejuvenating powers. He would be far from Zyra. He pushed past her door without difficulty. It hadn't been locked, not that if it had it would have mattered. As he eased inside he immediately sense remnants of her lust. So she was in fact attempting to rid herself of the sensations? No doubt she had fallen asleep unrequited, not knowing that the frustration would only build. It pleased him. She wouldn't resist him, no, not after a night of fervent wanting. He closed the door behind him. Chuckling, he took the cover in his hand, and slowly drew it back. His breath caught when he saw he bed was empty. "Impossible...B-But how?" The lust milk of Acaron was not a simple commodity. It was a rare item he had procured through much hardship. It not only aroused its recipient, but placed them in a tantric state, making them open to the advances of anyone skillful enough to give them their dark desires, which would be primitive pleasure. Once he drank of her moistness, he need only kiss her to be able to arouse her at will. A single gesture and she would be begging for him whenever he chose. But Zyra shouldn't have been able to wake. Not without assistance. Not without an elixir to numb the effects and a witch who— His eyes drifted to the glass on the table. He went over and smelled it. Fury seeped into his bones. Medean. Once again the meddling bastard had dared interfere. No doubt he had taken her outside to drink of the sunrise and cleanse the milk from her system. She'd be ravenous once it cleared. A man as thorough as Medean was sure to have quite a spread prepared. Caligula took several deep breaths. He grinned. Not to worry, it wouldn't be long now. Zyra was becoming more comfortable around him. The moment that she let down her guard he would be there to tempt her. How could a mere human resist his body, his sexual prowess, his power? It was a simple ordeal. He might not even require magic. Zyra was suspicious of him, but surely without Medean she would have no one but her instructors to guide her. Once he showed her the way, Zyra would kowtow just as all others did. Medean would not be able to change that. The dark witch had forgotten himself. Did he think he was special? Caligula chuckled and exited Zyra's room. Soon Medean would learn, there was no witch darker, than himself. ----****----****----****----****----****----* Zyra's lesson with Etaceh began strangely. She had been in the middle of her normal chipper greeting, when Etaceh stopped cold. "Zyra darling! What a lovely—" Etaceh looked at her with fear, and ran over to her. She looked into her eyes, opened her mouth and smelled her breath, and pulled down her shirt collar to look at her neck before Zyra pushed her off. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Zyra snapped. "Zyra. Did anything happen to you?" "Like what?" "Anything!" "That's pretty vague. Even for you Etaceh. What are you..." "Oh, thank the Maker." Etaceh enveloped her in a hug that would have touched her coming from anyone other than her. Since it was Etaceh, it left her unsettled. "Etaceh..."she mumbled, eyes wide. "What are you doing?" "You smell like..." The witch pulled back, composing herself as best as she could, but it was too late. Zyra had seen genuine emotion from Etaceh and it only served to confuse her. "Nothing dear," she chided. "Nothing. Now, on to your lesson. Oh and Zyra?" "Yes?" "Before you eat...do make sure Medean checks it first. There's been an outbreak of...sprite powder poisonings and I was afraid for a moment that you might have...well, you know." Zyra frowned. "What are you symptoms of a sprite poisoning?" "Has anything been out of the ordinary?" Zyra's frown flattered even more. No way would she tell Etaceh that she had gotten randy out of the blue, last night. "Not really." "Good. Now, your lesson." "Are you ready?" "Yes." Caligula's lesson was even stranger than Etaceh. Zyra couldn't help but feel he was going uncharacteristically easy on her. Not to mention he kept asking her questions like... "Do you need to take a break Zyra?" Questions like that. "Since when do we take breaks?" Zyra asked, her sword at the ready. "I've begged for rest in the past and you never allowed it." "You've progressed at an acceptable rate as of late," he said. "It must be the use of the sword. The dynamics are similar to a spear, though you will need better training. You hold it awkwardly, and you would never beat another swordsman with that grip." "Why would I need to beat a swordsman?" "I am preparing you for all possibilities Zyra, not some of them. Now, would you like a break or not?" Zyra shook her head. "No. I want to finish this lesson. I have plans this evening." Caligula raised an eyebrow. "Do you?" Zyra nodded. "Yes." "Doing what?" "What does it concern you?" "I'm simply making conversation Zyra." "Wonderful. Is that part of the lesson?" She hid a grin when he glared at her. He coughed and it was gone. What a carefully crafted façade. "Are you ready?" "Yes." "Then come." Zyra ran at him, her sword in front of her. The magically conjured targets appeared and she struck them before they could strike her. She fell on her knees as she was attacked from behind but an unseen foe. She rolled forward and sprung back to her feet, charging none other than Caligula. She sliced at his barriers as he chuckled. Zyra smirked. She would wipe that smirk right off of his face. She jumped up and let out a battle cry as she drove the sword downwards. Caligula created a barrier above him and she pushed the sword down with all of her might. His cocky smirk disappeared when purple sparks erupted from the barrier as it sliced open. Caligula abandoned it, stepping to the side as she landed, having cut it in two. She swung at him and he barely blocked. With a hand he sent a wave of magic that knocked her several feet backwards. "I thought we were practicing barriers!" Zyra protested, scrambling up. "You learned how to defend yourself from more than barriers, haven't you?" "You're a cheat Caligula." "My apologies Zyra. Next time, I'll allow you to chop my head off." "Thank you!" Caligula laughed, and some of Zyra's fury left her. It sounded genuine, without a dual meaning, or at her expense, for once. It was low, and soft, dare she say nice? His face lit up when he laughed, as though the evil inside of him had hidden for a bright sparkling moment of truth. She didn't know he could look like that. "Is something unsightly on my face, keromedio? Or are you admiring my beauty?" And then it was gone. "Nothing as unsightly as your face, Caligula." He responded by conjuring up five more opponents. They all looked like him. Zyra rolled her eyes. How wonderfully mature. She charged forward, happy to destroy them. When the lesson finished, Zyra was dripping in sweat and could barely stand, but she felt good. Caligula hadn't abused her in a cruel manner, and she had chosen to push herself. She could live with the repercussions of her own choices. "Good work," Caligula said. He strode over and patted her on the shoulder. He extended her a glass and she accepted it gratefully. "I expect the same amount of effort tomorrow. Enjoy your plans." Zyra nodded and began to take a sip, when a chill raced down her spine. She froze when her body began to feel fuzzy, strange. "Is something wrong?" "No," Zyra grumbled. She stared at the glass. "I mean...do you...what are the symptoms of sprite powder poisoning?" "Of what?" "Never mind. I'm done with this. Bye." Zyra handed the glass to him as he protested about how wasteful she was being. She ignored him. It had been water. Etaceh had warned her and she was so thirsty she'd forgotten. The poison was probably still in her system. Certain foods probably exacerbated it. Zyra ran away, unhappy when the feelings intensified. What the hell was wrong with her? Something inside her suddenly rang with arousing urgency, She hadn't felt so peculiar since...since well, Scallen had poisoned her. Her eyes narrowed. If that snake was behind this she'd turn him into a belt. She sighed. She had been planning to visit Vine this evening. Now, all she wanted to do was...well a visit to Vine would...no. How could she even consider... Ugh. She needed a bath. Where was a cold river when you needed one? Zyra rushed to the hot spring. Her quick, hot, bath only worsened her condition. When she went back to her room, Medean was setting down her dinner. "Miss, I was just—" "Medean, leave." The witch looked hurt. "Miss, I thought you had forgiven me." She forced herself to pause. "I am sorry. I did not mean to speak to you in that manner. You are forgiven, but I currently need space. Please leave." Medean tried to study her but she turned from him, and growled viciously. "I'm giving you an order! As your keromedio I demand you obey me. Now go! GO!" She was breathless by the end of her scream. "...yes, Miss." She turned and saw Medean withdraw. Stumbling, she locked the door behind him. Then she pulled the table over and blocked the door. There, she was safe. Running to the bed, she stripped and lay down, catching her breath. It was getting worse, like a diluted basilisk bite, but unlike that bite it wasn't peaking. It was only getting worse and worse with each moment. Zyra lay underneath the covers and urged her body to relax. "Calm down. It's alright," she whispered. "Calm down. You can beat this." Shakily, she put her hand between her legs and stroked. Zyra exhaled in relief. Gently, she rubbed her clit, wiggling her fingers in her soaking folds until she was begging for more. Time went by in droves of soft exhales that grew into muffled whines as her hand rubbed quicker, and quicker. The relief she initially felt did not last. She did everything, she usually did to bring herself off, but nothing works. Nothing. She pinched her nipples and stroked harder. Nothing. Groaning in frustration she put both hands between her legs and thrust with her fingers while she stroked. It felt good, so good, but she wasn't climaxing. She wasn't falling over the cliff. Why? Was it because she had felt the real thing? Were her fingers no longer enough? Zyra scanned around to find something bigger to play with. Nothing seemed safe. The closest things were the candles which were hot, for one, and melting. She would only create a terrible mess. She let out an involuntary cry, ringing the walls with despair. She closed her eyes and saw Kail, his charming smile, his roguish demeanor. In her mind she could see his thick, longer fingers as they touched her in the most intimate of places. She imagined his fingers digging into her waist. It had the wrong effect. Now she was horny, and sad. She hadn't cried for a while and now the tears threatened to come again. Why could emotions feel so painful? Zyra missed him, missed everyone so much. She felt so alone. She felt— Zyra let out a terrified cry when the bed beside her dipped. Her arms flailed out behind her as she tried to flip over, but a solid mass stopped her. A hand snaked over her top thigh and between her legs. Gasping, she jerked her head back and saw... Medean. His glasses were off, his gaze concentrated, as his fingers tried to slip between her squeezed thighs. "Medean?" she shrieked. How had he gotten in? His thin fingers managed to curl upwards and she shrieked when his fingers pressed her entrance. "N-No." Zyra yanked herself away to the edge of the bed, when she realized she was naked. In the seconds it took her to battle between pride and decency, Medean wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her back into his chest. With a more secure grip, he began to stroke her soaking center, slowly, up and down with three warm fingers. She shivered in his arms, her body feeling vulnerable against his clothed body. It felt so good, but it had stop. It had to. "Medean—" "Please bear it Miss." Medean's lips were on her ear, blowing warm, moist air. "I heard you. For hours. I know the signs. You've been poisoned." "P-Poi...the sprite powder poisoning?" Medean hesitated, and then asked, "Who told you that?" "Etaceh. She said that there was an outbreak. You were to watch my food before I—" "Fine." Before she could ask why he had spoken in that manner, he slipped a finger inside her. Zyra cried out, placing her hand on his to pull him from her. He had gone inside her with embarrassing ease. Zyra knew she was dripping all over his hands. She could feel her moistness leak between his fingers. She pulled at his arm and pushed him back with her other hand and he shushed her like a fussing child. "Shh...Please Miss. Let me relieve you. Allow me to give you pleasure." "I...I won't let you fuck me Medean." "I am not trying to fuck you, Miss." Zyra's eyes widened when Medean added another finger. Hooking his fingers upward, he began a slow delicious thrusting, pressing her clit with his palm. He reached his thin fingers deep inside her. She arched, letting out a shaky sigh of huntress curses. "Why are you...doing this?" she breathed. This wasn't fair. It was so easy for him. Her eyes were threatening to cross. "I want nothing but your happiness Zyra," he said in a clipped tone, his patience growing thin. This situation was getting out of hand. He was frustrated for allowing her to be taken advantage of twice, and she was irritating him with her distrust. Between that and her naivety, he wasn't sure whether to be impressed of her renowned feats, or incredulous. "You should know that by now." "But—" "Will you bear this Miss, or would you like me to stop?" Medean's hand stopped moving. Her pussy immediately clenched down on his fingers, as though her body was trying to coax him on, with or without her consent. Panic reared its ugly head as the heat began to flow through her again, worse than before. "Shall I stop?" Medean asked. Zyra didn't answer. Medean let out a heavy sigh and pulled back his hand. She grabbed it. Her heart had fearfully skipped a beat. The dark witch pulled his hand back, releasing her waist. She turned, holding the covers to herself. Medean's hand was covered in her sticky wet arousal. He spread his fingers to show her, his eyes lidded with a cross of irritation and tiredness. "I will not beg, Zyra," he said. "This is not for my benefit." He scanned her as she lay in the bed and took her hand. She was shaking, her fingertips pruned due to the amount of time she had spent stroking her sopping folds. Zyra pulled her hand back in shame. "I don't want to feel this way," she whispered, holding herself. "I am not here to quell your wants Zyra." Medean let out a sigh, softening his tone. "Zyra...what do you need me to do? Please tell me." Zyra closed her eyes and exhaled brokenly. Forget pride, what was she fighting for? Her virginity was long gone. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 26 Zyra had fallen to the ground a total of fifty-six times in the last seven days. Out of those times, Medean had failed to catch her four times. Two of the incidents occurred because she had bounced off an air current, causing her to fly off into a random direction. The third happened because Medean had been called away for a moment. "Go," Caligula said shrugging. "We will wait to resume the lesson." Medean gave him a look and shuffled away. Zyra might have been on the ground for a minute before he vaulted her into the air. The last time had been pure misfortune, Medean just wasn't quick enough. Currently she was lying on the forest floor, wondering what she had done to deserve this. Honestly Zyra wasn't sure whom this exercise was punishing more, her bruised and abused body, or Medean's sense of self worth. There was a haunted look in his eyes every time he had come to retrieve her as she cursed Caligula back through his generations. She had gotten pretty far. As of late she cursed his great great grandfather's father. "Mistress!" Medean burst through the trees that she had landed near, narrowly missing the trunks themselves. "Dear Maker...!" He reached down to her and pulled her into a sitting position. Zyra groaned pitifully."Medean...if you have any love for me at all, please..." "Please what, Miss?" "Kill him." "Aren't you dramatic? Clearly spending too much time with Etaceh." They both frowned as Caligula walked into the clearing. He waved a hand and Zyra floated out of Medean's arms to fly in front of him. Before either of them could protest, Medean made a claw with his hand and turned his wrist in a circle. She shrieked as her bones crunched. "There," he said smirking. "Back in place. That should do it, no?" He placed her on the ground and she stood shakily, glaring at him with hate. "Tell me one more time why this is important?" Zyra challenged. "Tell me just one more time." Caligula rolled his eyes. "If you don't learn how to get down, how could I teach you how to fly?" "Why...the fuck would I need to fly?" Caligula sighed. "Humans. One day it's all you can think about, and now you couldn't care less. Creating devices to fly, gluing wings to yourself, fickle. That's what you all are." Zyra hated when he talked like that. "What are you saying?" "Ignore it girl, it's beyond you." Zyra tried to strike him, but she was slower than normal. Caligula side-stepped her, snorting at her pathetic attempt. "Go rest Zyra. We will continue to do this until you get it right. Etaceh says you are progressing in elemental magic. It is in your best interest to learn flight. Then, perhaps we can begin preparations for your first mission." She growled at him, considering if she could muster a burst of energy. Medean's cool hand rested on her shoulder. "Come Miss," he said softly. "I will prepare dinner for you while you soak in the hot spring." Zyra looked at him and her expression softened. With a heavy sigh she followed him out of the forest. Caligula watched this exchange with disdain. There was something different about Medean and Zyra's relationship as of late. They had gotten closer somehow. The ease in which Medean touched her, in which he caught her without resistance or grudge from either party implied... No, he dared not contemplate what it implied. The idea that Medean could succeed where he had failed was impossible. He was power personified. Even Zyra could not deny that. Let her sow her wild oats. Soon enough she would be his. - "No...it hurts...do it slower...not like that...not like that!" "Miss, you need to hold still." "But it hurts." "Surely it doesn't hurt unbearably." "Almost!" "Which is why this is necessary." "...is that your elbow?" "Yes, Miss." Medean kneaded Zyra's sore achy back with steady purposeful hands. Apparently, their purpose was to kill her. She groaned, rolling her head side to side. "If I had known you were going to finish me off, I would have kept my clothes on." Medean chuckled. "Caligula was right. You have been spending too much time with Etaceh." The hot water of the spring lapped at her waist as she leaned on the moist stone edge. Medean pressed his hands into her back, easing up the pressure. Sleeping with him had lowered her guard considerably. Now Zyra no longer cared if he followed her to her bath. She wasn't open with him viewing her body, but she wasn't actively avoiding him either. They had long platonic talks that he quite enjoyed. Medean hadn't expected to have this kind of relationship with Zyra, but he could see she benefited from it. Above all her needs, Zyra needed companionship, someone to keep her grounded, to touch her, to hold her. The more she told him about upbringing, the more he understood that Zyra had never been alone. They were like a pack of wolves. Zyra could pretend to be a lone wolf, but she had no idea what being a lone wolf was like. He was jolted out of his train of thought when he felt Zyra wriggling in protest. "Have your hands always been this hard?" she whined. He rolled his eyes. "Fine, I release you." Zyra sighed in relief. "Thank you." She turned around, the tops of her breasts treading the water. Medean felt himself stir at the sight of her. There was one thing that had also occurred after he'd pleasured her. She hadn't let him enter her again. He wondered if she had lost all urges due to some misstep in his technique. The thought made him want to prove himself to her. He watched as she dunked underwater, shaking herself like a canine. "Do you feel better?" She glared at him. "Your elbow was in my back. What do you think?" He took a tiny step forward. "If you are sore miss I can apply a cooling spell." She scoffed. "I tire of you witches and your spells." She watched as he took another step forward and put a hand against the wall beside her. He put a hand on her cheek, his eyes filled with concern and...ill intentions? She wasn't sure anymore. "Are you in pain Miss?" She swallowed, his nakedness making her more aware of her own. "I'm fine Medean," she barked. She pushed his hand away and swam out farther. "Now lay off." "I believe you need something to help you relax," he hummed. "Perhaps a stretch would benefit you." Her head snapped in his direction. "I swear to the Maker and all that he stands for that is you make any such attempt I will not hesitate to drown you." Medean chuckled. "Are you not in pain Mistress? Or is it less severe than I supposed?" She narrowed her eyes. "I fell hundreds of feet from the sky. I should be dead! I hurt...everywhere." "Oh dear, everywhere?" "Yes everywhere you fuckta manu..." Her insults were cut off when Medean lifted her out of the water. She covered herself, furious. "Medean! Have you lost your mind!" The air was humid, but cooler than the pool. Her nipples pebbled immediately. Medean stepped between her legs, his head level with her pussy. "If I do not have leave to stretch you, perhaps I might offer my services in another way?" Zyra pushed a hand on his head. "Medean—" "Increasing your blood flow will assist your recovery, and flooding your system with endorphins will ease the pain." Her body began to sing with arousal. Dammit, not now. Medean's perfect mask looked up at her innocently. She wondered what he really felt. "Is any of your babble speak true? You just want me for you own selfish desires don't you?" Medean smiled. "Why mistress, you think so little of me." Before she could say the horrid retort he had set up so easily for her, he ducked his head between her legs. Zyra gasped, her body quivering in pleasure. She tried to glare at Medean, but she began sliding backwards. She placed her hands behind her, covering her breasts from his sight. Like that would make any difference. She must have looked ridiculous. Of course it was then that Medean decided to look at her. Eying her he chuckled, the vibrations humming against her clit. "Oh..." Medean lifted her legs over his shoulders and slid her towards him. He pressed his face down, his tongue swirling in her folds, his nose brushing her clit. She shook, her orgasm coming fast. "Medean..." Zyra breathed. "Stop...someone will see us." He didn't respond, continuing to work. She looked into his calm, rational eyes and groaned in frustration. It was like being pleasured by a slab of marble; emotionless, effective marble. It infuriated her. He was never fazed. He had barely blushed when he'd fucked her, and every time he touched her she cried out like a hungry child. He pressed a finger inside her and she hissed. "Mistress?" Damn him, damn him and his talented hands. She pushed him back down. "Less talking servant, more blood flow." "Yes, mistress." With her approval, Medean began to move in a hypnotizing rhythm, and she lost herself in it. Pleasure, its pure sweetness pulled gasps from the bottom of her toes straight through her spine. And back again. Medean had a way with her, she couldn't deny it. Zyra didn't know how to define her and Medean's relationship. Master and Servant didn't sum it up, no matter how he tried to assure her that's what it was. They weren't Lovers, she wasn't sure if they were even on equal footing. Or if she was the one above him. The selfish part of her luxuriated in the fact that he was dedicated to her pleasure. She wasn't sure about her guilt. He said that pleasure was a necessary part of life. But Zyra knew there were no emotions in what he did to her, no love on either side. She wondered if that made it wrong. Seeing that he was losing her to thought, Medean lifted her hips even higher and pressed three fingers deep inside her. Mechanically, he began pumping. She cried out, her thoughts killed in a fell swoop. Medean's free hand struck out, covering her mouth. "There is no barrier against the sound Mistress," he whispered. "And I cannot make one at this time. You must not be so loud." The feel of his restraining hand didn't help. It sent a violent shiver down her spine. "Mmfagh MMygh Mm!" "But, I thought you enjoyed it when I did that." "HhrgMm! Mmr GrhgRm!" "Hey!" "JBHMNAGUI MHM!" Medean's face took on irritation as he increased his pace. "There's no reason to insult me, Mistress." He released her and lifted himself out of the water, laying above her. Her eyes widened when she saw his pink member. "Medean, no." "Just put your face in my shoulder Miss. I'll finish you off now, sans the insults if you would." Medean reached down between her legs as she stared in indignation. Before Zyra went to show him what an insult really was, a potent wave of pleasure flowed through her. His lips dipped to her breasts, teasing the soft nipples with his teeth. "Ughh..." She buried her face in his shoulder, forcing him to pull away from them. Medean could feel her cries, her moans the hummed in the crook of his shoulder. Her pulse quickened as the passion that overwhelmed her. He wondered when her restraint would crumble. He slipped out a finger to circle her clit. Zyra let out a broken sob and came undone. He gritted his teeth trying not to look at her. Her eyes were watering, and her lips were moist from biting them. Suddenly Zyra pulled back from his neck, gasping like a fish. She shook wordlessly, her mouth wording screams, her fingernails scratching down his sides. She flopped onto the wet tile, and lay there catching her breath. Medean waited. She sighed, and turned her head towards him. "Get off me," she said breathlessly. "I'm serious." Medean didn't understand, but he supposed he wasn't supposed to. Still, he had to ask. "Are you disgusted by me Miss?" She didn't answer, catching her breath. "Zyra..." "No." She pushed away from him and scooped up her towel. "It's going to take more than magical dick to make me change." He shook his head, seeing a black blur from the corner of his eye. So someone did see after all. "I'm not trying to change you Miss. I am simply trying to please you." She chuckled, shaking her head. "You want to please me, you pleased me." "I can do a better job." She gave him an odd look. "There's nothing to improve. This isn't about you." Medean's lips thinned. He didn't believe her. "I understand. Forgive my forwardness. Please, allow me to fetch you clean clothes before you depart." "It's fine," she tutted, wrapping herself in her large fluffy towel. "If you want to fetch something, fetch my dinner." "Yes mistress." She watched as he walked forward, a cloud of black smoke engulfing him and dressing him in his robes. He walked out the door and she rubbed her temple. Oh boy. - Etaceh covered her mouth, a horrified gasp halted before it could pierce the air. She had heard that Caligula had done quite the number on Zyra and had intended to join her for some bonding. She had scented oils and tea ready, hoping to find some common ground with the moody human girl. Surely even Zyra could appreciate her advice while drinking healing tea in a hot spring. Etaceh opened the door and walked inside. Zyra was nowhere to be found. "Surely you haven't drowned," she huffed, walking deeper into the room. As she passed the narrow swirling pool, soft tell-tale pants came from behind the mood rock. She frowned, ready to shoo away the witches that were ruining her and Zyra's plans. She walked closer, her mouth open to scold. She was left with her mouth open, gaping like a fish. She saw Medean's pale, lean body, his butt resting above a pair of open brown legs, its owner quivering in the crook of his neck. His hand moved furiously between them, and Zyra tossed her head back and moaned. Etaceh took a step back. Dear God. She flew from the room. As she stood outside the door, she heard a rustle from inside. They were leaving. Etaceh teleported herself into her room and sat on her bed. So...Zyra was fucking Medean. And...apparently, the sex was good. Etaceh felt something crawl onto her face that she hadn't felt in a long time. Crimson heat, settling right on her cheeks. She blushed and began to giggle. "I do love it when a plan comes together." One point for the witches, zero points for the Ogre. Now all she had to do was bleed her for details. Etaceh waited until the evening before summoning Zyra. Then, with a combination of tears, begging, and threatening, she had her where she wanted her. Between her own legs. - "So, how is life treating you Zyra?" "As well as to be expected." "Ah. And do you find your accommodations comfortable?" "Not really." "And your...service?" "Your food is still strange, but I haven't turned into anything, so I suppose I should be grateful." Zyra sat on the ground in front of Etaceh. She had been forced to drink a hair growth potion so Etaceh could braid her long locks while they "shared." The witch's bony thighs lay on either side of her and she sighed. She wondered if anyone she'd been intimate with had been cut by them. Zyra sighed. "Is this absolutely necessary?" "You do not understand the significance of the braiding ritual," Etaceh snapped. "It has been passed from female to female for generations. During the sharing of secrets and council, women braided one another's hair to instill goodwill and faith." "What about for practicality? To keep one's hair neat and presentable?" "That is less important. It is more important that you entrust your friends to do so for you." "I see. Why are you braiding my hair then?" "Oh ha ha, your sarcasm is not lost on me Rovian." I wasn't being sarcastic. "You really are a clever one aren't you Zyra?" "...Thanks." They sat in silence, Etaceh humming to herself a simple repetitive tune. It began to catch Zyra's interest. "What is that song you hum Etaceh?" Etaceh's fingers stilled. "Oh, a song from the days before the Purge. It is very old, holding many secrets for life." Zyra's interest rose. She knew she was in trouble when she wanted the council of a witch. Still, she needed to listen. "What secrets does this song hold?" She could feel Etaceh's grin baring into her skull. "It's like this Zyra," she cooed. "There was once a human woman who traveled the world, an explorer who traveled the seven seas. She gazed over humanity and found but one truth. Her story was recorded in song. In fact, it is even sung today, sometimes in the farther valleys, ones with less...civilized tendencies. Do you want to know what she said Zyra?" Normally she would have said no, but this time Zyra genuinely wanted to know, and if Etaceh did decide not to tell her, for the first time, she would actually be disappointed. "What did she say?" Etaceh cackled, releasing the hair so Zyra could turn toward her. "She said this: "Sweet dreams are made of these. Who am I to disagree? I traveled the world and the seven seas. Every body is looking for something." "It sounds like bragging—" "I am not done! Hm...your manners Zyra, honestly. All you need to know is this of the song. She said this: Some of them want to use you, some of them want to be used by you. Some of them want to abuse you. Some of them want to be abused. Clever isn't it?" Zyra sighed. A waste of time. "It doesn't even rhyme. Aren't the wise fables supposed to rhyme? And who are them? And why are there only four options?" Etaceh let out a long sigh and turned her back, her spider fingers weaving their web on her head. "Zyra, I can never tell if you're exciting or dull." "Why thank you Etaceh." Fuck you too. "Done!" Etaceh took Zyra over to the mirror and allowed her to admire her handiwork. An intricate series of braids collected to form a flower on the side of her head. Zyra whistled. Even she could not help but be impressed. "Wow Etaceh...it's beautiful." Etaceh squeezed her in response. "Oh! Thank you! Finally, you understand the virtues of long hair!" "It is very pretty." "Oh! Just wait until tomorrow, I'll show you—" "Etaceh, I'm not keeping my hair this long." "—part of the London scene—" "Etaceh." "—cherry on top! Oh Zyra!" She hugged her again and Zyra sighed. In one ear and destroyed on impact. "You know Etaceh, you never explained you know. You never told me the purpose of the parable." Etaceh pulled back, her lips sliding into a smirk. "Well frankly it's obvious. Everyone is looking for something. You and I, Kail and Scallen, even your precious Medean. And when they say everybody, she means every body. Zyra's eyes widened. She knew. "What the traveler discovered was that there are two types of people Zyra, rulers and subjects. The used and the user. The abused and the abuser. Together, they complete the balance, and create a sweet dream." Etaceh put a sharp finger gently under her chin, her eyes dark. "So, tell me my dear. What are you?" Zyra stepped back, hating when this side of Etaceh surfaced. "Neither," she said. "And I'm not going to let some dead traveler tell me what I am." She opened the door, her hair swirling behind her. "I'd rather have nightmares." Zyra bowed to Etaceh and departed, leaving the witch cackling in glee. Zyra wasn't sure whether Etaceh was trying to warn her, threaten her, or just irritated her. The old bat was bored. Medean...well he hadn't been the same since she'd slept with him. Maybe that was a mistake. Or maybe, she was being irrational, but she didn't love him. And, she wasn't sure he even desired her. How could she be vulnerable with someone who was never vulnerable? Who always wore a mask? Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 26 She shook her head. She'd gone from two extremes, a passionate ogre with more emotions than Nima, to a competent witch with terminal delightfulness or irritation. And she'd fucked them both. Maker. Sighing, she went to her room and fell asleep. She was too tired for this. Besides, tomorrow seemed like it would be...worrisome. - "Get me down!" "Zyra, you must concentrate." "I'm going to die! You were supposed to wait for Medean!" "You are not going to die. Your body regenerates much too quickly for a fall to kill you." "You bastard piece of...mi...de...elp..." "What?" "I...elp!" "Sorry, I didn't get that last bit. You are quite far up Zyra." Zyra's heart had never beat so fast. She had tried everything, everything she could think of, and she could not for the life of her, get down. Caligula had decided she needed incentive to break this rut she had landed in. With a wave of his hand, Zyra was up in the air, but this time it was different. She wasn't just high up. Her height was climbing. From up high she wasn't sure whether to beg or curse. So she alternated. "Consider it encouragement he said. Think of it as a new lesson, he said. I swear if I ever get down I'll shove my spear up his...oh my!" As she rose higher and higher, panic broke through and she forgot all the lessons Caligula had taught her. Zyra had never considered that she might have a fear of heights, but as she rose into the air, she began developing one. If she survived this, she would never leave the ground again. "Please," she begged. Her eyes began to tear. I can't do this. I can't do this. I can't do this. "Calm down." "Fuck you!" She tried not to look down at the grass, and the trees, and Caligula's shrinking figure that was growing smaller and smaller as she rose. Looking to the north she saw the land that lay beyond the forested circle. She was startled by it, though she had no reason to be. Etaceh had said there were other places. Zyra calmed as she looked at the rolling patch of land. There was a place beyond it too, that was far though. "The grass is...purple," she breathed. The sky itself was a somber grey, the gray and purple rolling on in itself in a tranquil swirl. She felt calmed by it. There were structures, huge gray structures that she had never seen before. Made of stone. If she rose a little higher she could make out... Zyra's body jerked to a stop. "Ah." And then, began to fall. "WaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!" Zyra's eyes watered as she plummeted toward the ground, her arms flailing wildly. Her scream died out, silenced by the fear that clogged her throat. So this was it, this was how she died. Staring at her inevitable demise with soundless horror, she wondered if she deserved this. Poor Medean, he would never forgive himself. She closed her eyes. Poor Rovians, poor Nima, poor K... She grunted when she hit something. Opening her eyes she saw that she found herself staring into irritated purple eyes. "Really Zyra," Caligula grumbled. "Did you really have to fall so fast?" Zyra was too stunned to respond. Caligula caught her. She had fallen countless times, and he had never caught her. "You...caught me." "Zyra, you are stating the obvious." "But...but you never—" "Even a keromedio would have trouble surviving a fall from such heights. You are powerful, not a god." Caligula set her to her feet and she held his arms, steadying herself as her head swung. He held her up as her vision swam, trying to focus on his serious purple eyes. "So, now do you understand how to get down?" "Wait until I get to a ridiculous height?" Caligula sucked his teeth. "No. You put yourself into a contemplative trance, one that is devoid of all negative emotion, one that encompasses tranquility and the stillness of creation." Zyra rubbed her temple, releasing the grip she had on him. "You mean, calm down?" She watched him frown. "In simplest terms, yes." Zyra began to tremble. "Are you alright, Zyra?" "You're telling me...that all I had to do...was calm down?" Caligula took a step back, wary of the look in her eye. "Now Zyra, telling you to do something isn't going to help you. You have to learn these things on your—" "I have nearly died, over and over for the last few days...when all I had to do, was calm down? And you neglected to tell me this?" He raised an eyebrow. "Zyra I'm not sure you want to hear this...but I really think you should calm—" Caligula ducked, a fist aimed for his face. He had to sidestep the other which followed immediately after. "So, you've reverted to primitive ways?" he remarked, avoiding her blows. "Rawr!" Zyra's arm was engulfed by green magic that rippled like a flame and he narrowly missed her uppercut. The magic licked out at his skin and he hissed when it singed him. "Well, that's new. How did you learn..." "DIE!" He jumped up into a tree, a crater where he had just stood. "You can't do this to me!" she shrieked. "You can not do this to me!" She picked up her sword and swung herself into the tree, the blade engulfed by the owner's rage. Caligula would have stopped her immediately if not mildly disturbed by her hysteria, and despite himself, aroused by the situation. Magic wasn't always best performed with a clear mind, but his was. Caligula didn't have that at the moment, and Zyra's instinctive magic appeared to be emotion based. Which made Zyra the most dangerous she had even been. And he couldn't be more thrilled, and the wider he smiled, the more she wanted to kill him. "Zyra, you wild little thing, it was for your own good. You should thank me. Even now, your hatred of me lends you new abilities. Look at how seamlessly you channeled your magic into corporeal form." "I'm going to seamlessly slice you in half!'" She sliced with her sword, a wave of magic preceding her actual blade and Caligula flew into the air, flipping behind her. That was a little too close. "Zyra darling, this chase is starting to sour." She sent another blast that caused him to knock into the tree. His cloak ripped. Very well, fun or not, it was time to end this. He descended, intending to catch her off guard. Zyra turned without a beat and cut him in the shoulder. Caligula cried out, watching the blade crackle with his blood. So Kail had made her a blood sword, strengthened with every drop it drunk from its enemies. One day it would cut through a basilisk's hide. He held his bleeding shoulder, his eyes darkening as his bloodlust took over. "Well done Zyra, are you satisfied?" She answered with a roar, jumping against a tree to give herself leverage. Caligula licked his lips, his cut healing slowly, tainted with her angry magic. He wanted to fuck her, he wanted to hold her down and fuck her until she could do nothing but mew like a kitten. He tired of the tigress. She would curl around his leg. She would. His eyes narrowed. "You are in need of a punishment Zyra. Are you ready to be spanked?" "I won't take this," she hissed, her green eyes sharp with murderous intent. "I won't live this way. Not anymore! Prepare yourself!" She charged at him, full and ripe with abandon and he readied a wind to slice off her clothing. His member twitched. Yes dear, closer...closer to— "Zyra!" Both opponents turned to see Medean bursting out of the foliage. "What is the meaning of this?" Caligula grounded his teeth as Zyra skidded to a halt, her magic dissolving back into herself. He was going to kill that boy. "Your Master started it," he grumbled. "I tire of the charade anyway. I shall see you tomorrow Zyra, bright and early. Etaceh has other business to attend to." He teleported, leaving Zyra and Medean huffing in the field. Medean looked back at his Mistress, shocked by the power he felt emanating off of her, and how furious it was. He hurried over, putting a hand out towards her. "Mistress, what did he—" "Don't touch me!" Medean's eyes widened, his hand dropping to his side. Zyra sheathed the sword, her heart racing. She could feel her heart beat rising into her throat as her emotions tried to overcome her. It was happening again, this feeling, this thing she had sworn to ignore. Medean walked slowly towards her tense body, his hands out nonthreateningly. "Mistress...let us go inside." She didn't answer him, her shoulders rounded, her back turned to him. "Mistress...please. Let me help you." A harsh bitter sound came from Zyra. Medean realized she was laughing. "Help me?" she said mockingly. "Is that what you want?" "Always. That is always what I want." "Because I'm your Mistress." "Yes, Mistress," he reached out, now an arm's length away from him. "And what? You care about me?" "Yes Mistress." "You don't." Medean placed a hand on her shoulder. "You're wrong, Mistress." She glanced at him and caught his worried eyes. He did care, just not... Hot rage flooded through her. It didn't matter. Zyra whirled around and grabbed him by his cloak. Without a word she dragged him through the forest, into the Marble Tree, past witches watching on curiously, and into her room. He stumbled when she released him, staring as she locked the door behind her and braced it with the table. She ripped off her clothes, her breast bindings pooling by her feet, her boots on opposite sides of the room, until she was wearing nothing but her sword. She unsheathed it and pointed it at his throat. "Take off your clothes." Medean looked at her for a moment, and then obeyed. He took off his cloak, folding it into a neat pile and placing it in a chair. He did the same with the rest of his items until he was naked before her. She circled him predatorily. She smiled a smile that didn't reach her eyes. She felt cruel and wicked. Zyra bet that Etaceh would approve. "Do you like this game Medean?" He smirked, hoping to lighten the mood. "I'm not opposed to it Mistress. You are naked." "With a sword at your throat." "The fact remains that you are still quite naked." "Are you scared?" "No, Mistress." "Why?" His smirk dropped. Why? He took a step forward. "I know you would never hurt me Mistress." Zyra looked at him for a moment, and then sat on the edge of the bed, holding the sword like the hand of a friend. Medean walked up to her, careful not to touch her. "What is it...you need, Mistress?" She didn't answer him again, just like she hadn't the other day, just like always. It was starting to wear on him. He was wondering if all of this was starting to wear on her as well. How much more abuse could she take? "You promised not to ignore me," he said. "I'm not ignoring you." "Then tell me. Please." Zyra wouldn't look into his eyes, but she reached up a shaky hand to his chest. He stepped closer, and she pulled him down until she held him by his hair. Silently, she opened her legs and directed his face between them. Medean knelt before her and gently touching her. She shivered, clenching the sword tighter. He leaned in closer, urging her to fall on her back. She refused, remaining upright. She closed her eyes and didn't make a sound. Despite her resistance, she was getting wetter and wetter. Medean heard the sword crash to the floor. No sooner did he hear that, was he yanked up from the floor and thrown onto the bed. She straddled him and took his member in his hand. He tensed for pain, but Zyra was gentle, gentler than she had even been before. As she stroked him, her eyes were filled with confusion, lust, and pain. "I am your Mistress right?" Her voice was soft unsure. He looked her in her eyes. "Yes Mistress." "Say it." "You are my Mistress." She stroked him faster and his cock began to leak precum. "And I can do anything I want with you." "Yes Mistress." "You're mine." "Yes, Mistress." Zyra reached up and tore strips of the canopy down. Roughly, she bound his hands above his head. Medean looked at her passively, as though she was doing nothing out of the ordinary. She didn't dare look at him too long though, his eyes were probing. She swallowed her anxiety and touched herself to make sure she was wet enough. If Medean wanted to be an emotionless tool for her use then fine. She'd pretend he wasn't there. She'd keep his hands away from her. She'd use him. Zyra looked down and slowly lowered herself on his member. He let out a low moan as she took him into her, waiting until she was full with all of him to speak again. How long had it been this time? A month? She wasn't lasting as long as sure used to. All those celibate years shattered in one instance. Her body would never go back. Her pussy clenched around him, she felt full, warm, and much better. "Don't move." Zyra lifted her hips and began to ride him. She rode him hard, threatening to bruise his pale hips with the force in which she threw herself down on him. She dug her hands, nails and all into his shoulders, into his belly, into anything that would give her enough leverage to fuck herself. The pain mixed with pleasure was too much for the normally calm Dark witch. He strained against the bindings. "Zyra..." Medean grunted. "You're mine." Zyra held his hands and leaned over him, her nipples brushing his face. "You have to listen to me." Medean choked when her soft breasts began rubbing his face. He would have opened his mouth to please her, but did not. Zyra obviously wanted to be in control. The bed creaked loudly, as her strength made it slide back and forth. He was sure the witches knew what she was doing to him. This only made it worse. He wasn't sure he was going to last. "You hate this don't you?" she snapped. "You're probably not even attracted to me. That's why you last so long isn't it?" She was desperate to cum, but she was too sloppy to do it herself; and she was getting tired and bitter and upset with herself. "No Mistress," Medean rasped comfortingly. "I am here for you to use." She laughed again, a horrible sound. "You're such a liar. You must hate me then." That was too much for him. His arousal, though potent, tempered with her words. His eyes narrowed. "No, I don't. What do you hope to gain by punishing me?" "Tell me the truth Medean." "I don't." Zyra tightened her grip on his wrists. "You have to." "Why?" "Because I'm using you!" she screamed. "I'm making you feel like less of a person! I'm trapping you for my own means, and in that split second where you think you have me figured out, where you think you understand me, can reason with me, learn from me, I'll turn out to be nothing but a person who traps you. Who makes you feel hopeless and stupid. Who lets you beat yourself up for something, lets you get hurt, when there no reason for the pain. No...no reason, at all." Zyra's voice cracked at the end and she stopped thrusting against him. She pulled her hands away from him and closed her eyes. A tear landed on his face. Medean was furious, he didn't know that Caligula had given him the afternoon's errands so he could torment Zyra. He should have been there, protecting his Mistress. Now, he could only hope to undo the damage. "Mistress...Zyra...hey..." She ignored him, shaking her head as she tried to keep her tears at bay. "Zyra I don't hate you. Everything I have done, everything I have ever done for you or others, has been out of freewill. I want to be yours to use. And, I think you're beautiful." Zyra sniffed and began to rub her eyes. "I'm ashamed." "You don't have to feel ashamed." She shook her head in disagreement. "I wasn't raised to hurt others because others hurt me. I don't deserve your forgiveness." She pulled him out of her and he shivered. "Zyra, please look at me." "Did you know?" "Know what?" "Did you know that all I had to do was calm down to stop flying?" Medean gritted his teeth. That sadistic bastard. The whole time he thought she had to use a magical muscle she wasn't accustom to using, not something she had naturally. Dark Witches didn't fly. "No, I did not know." She cried harder, her shoulder's shaking. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for what I've done." Medean shushed her, wishing her could stroke her face. "Shh...don't apologize. I understand." Zyra opened her eyes, red rimmed with tears. "Then explain it to me, because I don't know where that came from and it scares me. I-I don't want to become like them—" "You will never be like them." Medean's dark eyes looked deep into her. What he saw alarmed him. Zyra was more than a pack animal, she looked to others to find her value. She led by example. If she continued to stay here, steeping in the witches' evil, she might very well become like them. But he wouldn't tell her that. Not ever. "Listen to me Zyra, Caligula hurt your sense of self-worth. He made you feel stupid and inferior. He took advantage of. You've been placing these slights in the back of your mind, unused to backing down when you feel injustice, but the physical pain coupled with this emotional slight pushed you over the edge. You wanted him to feel what you felt. You wanted to hurt him too, but you couldn't." Medean paused to see if she was listening. "So...what did I do?" Medean gently smiled up at her. "You went to the only thing you have complete control over. You went to reaffirm your faith that there is at least one aspect of your life you can control. One thing that will not change or hurt or betray you. That thing, whether you've acknowledged it consciously or not, is me." Zyra pressed her hands to her face, the tears flowing steadily. "You can't just say that," she snapped. "You can't just promise things like that. Everyone is capable of betrayal. I hardly know you." "What would you like to know?" "I don't know! But.. I...I don't...love you Medean." Medean chuckled, shaking his head. "I know Mistress. I had no notions to the contrary." "If I was just Zyra the Rovian you wouldn't be so forgiving. If I wasn't keromedio you'd think me a whore." "Mistress, you have many atrocities to commit before you begin to call yourself a whore, let alone be called one by me. Even as you sit, naked as the day you were born on my lap, you are still an overwhelming prude." Zyra's face twisted up like she wasn't sure if she should sob or laugh. Medean shifted his hips. "Please untie me Zyra. Let me hold you. You want that don't you?" Crying, she did as she was told, releasing Medean. He rubbed his wrists and sat up. Zyra wrapped her arms around him and he put his hands on her waist. Silent tears fell down her face, she was sure though they were the last of this flood. "How is that?" "...it's fine." "Just fine? I see. How about...now?" Zyra let out a startled hiccup when he thrust up into her. He kissed her neck, lifting her up and down against him, caressing her burning flesh, wiping away her tears. She shivered gripping him tightly. Seconds later Zyra came. As she cried out, Medean held her tight. She felt herself squeeze him with her entire body. He quickly pulled out, cuming on her stomach as she held him, lying limply on his shoulder. When he was finished shaking from the intensity of it all, his arms buckled. He fell back, her body on top of his. Medean pulled out, and wiped her stomach with the ripped canopy. Huh. Maybe that's what canopies are for. Medean stroked her back and she relaxed for the first time all week. This was...nice. "You can control me without my hatred,Zyra," Medean whispered, kissing her cheek. "Because not matter what you want me to do, it will always be out of a place of need. As long as you need me, you will never fully trap me, and I will always remain loyal to you." Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 26 Zyra swallowed her racing heartbeat down. Why was she sleeping with him again? She had never...she wasn't like—No, she didn't... "I'm just...confused," she said incredulously. She really was confused. "I don't know what my feelings are. I can't process them. I'm trapped by the witches and...my love for Kail. And my guilt. I feel like, maybe, this is wrong." "It is not." "I can't move on. I can't believe you just because you say you won't hurt me. Kail hurt me, and I actually loved him. No offense." Medean sighed. "You need closure." "I need something." Her eyes clouded with a vision of the man who was supposed to be holding her. Medean could almost see this formidable ogre. "I have to understand why Kail did what he did. Someone has to have the answer." Medean turned her to face him. "And are you sure you are ready for the answers, not matter what they might hold?" Zyra nodded. "I need them, in the same way I..." She blushed and he rose an eyebrow." "The same way I...guess I need you...for the moment...platonically. Or as platonic as one you are intimate with and are possible superior to can—" Medean's heart lightened as he listened to her ramble. "...once both parties agree..." He was necessary to her. "...in the most logical but unburdened sense of the word..." His Mistress had finally admitted it. He held her close and she sighed in his chest, warm and sated. "...parties in temporary and voluntary agreement." "I understand, Mistress," he said softly. He ran a hand through her hair. "Don't worry about it. For now, sleep. Sleep, and dream of a new tomorrow." "All tomorrows are new Medean. Don't be simple." Medean smirked. "I'm glad to hear you joke again." Zyra smiled. "I'm glad as well." - Henna's arms shook from the effort it took to drag the wild beast to the cave. The Rovian hunters were a useless breed, but they had taught her a few things. For one, a large beast with a fast heartbeat like the Nemlock would be more likely to bleed out from a wound than a smaller, calmer prey. The Nightlock, who were twice as ferocious, would spill too much blood to be useful to her Master. So Henna brought him, struggling and live, her legs sporting from the wounds the beast had given her. She had watched the cave front for a number of days to determine which Nightlock was the most fearless. A large purple beast with a black streak of fur at his chest hesitated the longest when going back in for the day. It was as though he was itching for one more fight, one more foe. So Henna baited him. She made sure to bait only him. When the others went inside, she threw a rock at him and ran. The Nemlock were pack animals, but a personal affront would overrule their pack mentality. The Alpha chased after her, her light body barely making it to the appointed place. With practiced skill she pulled the rope and the Rovian sleep net fell down upon the beast. She had covered it in sap, so the creature would only entangle more. A growl interrupted her regaling and she looked back at it warily. "Hush up," she snapped. She could see the animal was in pain, having been forced out into the day. It twisted, churning and yanking her small body down to get another swipe at her. She howled in pain. "Arg! I can't wait until you die!" She made sure to hit it against every rock and log until exhaustion made her hurry. When she reached into the cave she took out her knife and stabbed it. It cried out, far from dead. "I don't want you to get any ideas," she hissed. "I won't be able to light a torch and I won't allow you to get the best of me." Henna dragged the bleeding animal that glared at her in hatred, unaware that she was being followed. She entered the cave and pulled him to her master, to the glowing center where he laid. Creedon turned to her, resplendent as ever, eying the sack with amusement. "Did you not have the heart to finish it yourself my sweet Henna?" he inquired in his soft, powerful voice. "They bleed quick my lord," she said, dragging him to his feet. "I wanted you to drink your fill." He nodded and gestured to the beast. "Very well." Henna nodded and took her dagger, for a moment she felt pity for this beast. Then she remembered being chased by them, being half drowned and indebted to her enemy. Hatred welled up inside of her and she sunk the blade true. The creature let out a wail and she struck again to silence its human-like cry. When she was done, Henna was up to her elbows in purple blood. "Here," she said eagerly. "Drink my lord." Creedon kneeled to the beast and lifted it with a wave of his hand. The blood circled in the air in a swirl, vaporized, and he breathed it in. The blood on Henna's hands also pulled away, the creature flying higher and higher until it was drained, nothing more than bones and fur. Creedon's form flashed three times. Then it rippled as he regained corporal flesh. Henna watched in amazement. "Yes..." he chuckled. "Yes!" Henna could only kneel in the presence of his majesty as his face gained a warm flush, his impossibly beautiful eyes brightened, his hair fell in soft curls around him. Surely no man could be so gorgeous. This man must be a Maker. A hand blocked her view of the floor. "Rise, loyal Henna," he said. She took his hand and looked at him with adoration and lust. It had been such a long time since she had felt a warm touch. Since she had felt, the warmest touch. "My lord..." He smiled at her and she stepped into him, putting her hands on his chest. "My lord, I—" A low growl interrupted her. She whipped to look behind her. "A Nightlock!" she cried reaching for her dagger. Creedon patted her, chuckling. "Oh do not fuss Henna. Is your Master not beside you?" Henna gazed up at him. "Yes, Master." Creedon smirked and looked toward the creature easing its way forward. Henna saw its hesitance, which was uncommon for a Nemlock of any grade. "What is wrong with it Master?" Creedon looked at the Nightlock carcass beside them. "The creature is confused. It does not know whom to attack. It sees the broken body of its mate, but smells her mate's blood inside me. She does not understand if her eyes are fooled or her nose. The only enemy here is you Henna." Henna swallowed. The Nemlock was twice the size of her, the females were bigger, more vicious, and stayed by the cave mouth to guard the pups. In a time of famine a female might hunt, but it was rare. "This doesn't make sense," Henna said. "She's a female. She'd never leave her cave." "She's not like other females." Creedon released Henna and walked forward to the Nightlock, whom took a step back. "Are you?" She looked at him confused and bared her fangs before retracting them and baring them again. Creedon bent down and took her face in his hands. "Tell me...how is it I feel magic inside you?" He gazed into the creature's eyes and whispered words Henna could not hear. The creature suddenly went feral, trying to bite and scratch him, but he merely laughed. A wall of magic kept her at bay. "Come now," he chuckled. "Your mind had revealed to me your true nature. You made a blood vow with a beast, and now I have his blood." He stretched a hand to Henna. "Henna, welcome our newest addition. Call her...CoCree. I like that." The creature growled. "Silence," he hissed. "You are mine now." "You can understand her?" Henna gasped. Creedon nodded. "I would love to explain what I have learned about this..."Nightlock," but time is of the essence. We have time, but..." Creedon brushed a strand behind her ear and she shivered. "It is best not to waste effort." He walked around the animal, who sat miserably in the corner. It appeared to be crying. "I'm going for a walk," he declared. "I'll be back. Do behave yourselves CoCree, Henna." "Yes Master," Henna said bowing. She looked at the Nightlock. CoCree growled at her through tears. Heart-racing Henna yelled back at her. Then they stood, waiting for their lord in the cave's green glow. - "Mm...Kail get off...I said get off I'm trying to sleep." "Zyra." "Shh...shh, just, come back to bed." "Mistress, I must insist you awake now." Zyra sprang up. Medean stood by her bedside, clean and dressed. His face was a mask of porcelain. She wondered if he was offended that she had called him Kail. "Isn't it a bit early," Zyra judged, looking around the room illuminated with candles. "We have to make an early start." "Oh, for Caligula? For that sick, demented—" "No." "But why?" "I am taking you somewhere," Medean said briskly. "Somewhere I feel you need to go. It will take some time to make you presentable and to depart, so I have awoken you at this hour. If you would be so kind as to proceed to the hot spring I shall have your breakfast settled by your return." Zyra raised an eyebrow. "You aren't coming with me?" Was it her birthday? His mask cracked for a second when his lips twitched. "I am sure doing so would interfere with our schedule. Generally, when unaccompanied and freshly woken, you bathe for 8-10 minutes. After the end of a long day, 30-45 minutes, in which you must depart or become disoriented by the steam. If I come with you, there is an average of two hours. I shall fetch you should you break your pattern." Zyra sighed and tossed the blankets off. "You know Medean it's not normal to know so much about one person. It's strange." "I don't believe so," he said, handing her a towel and a basket of toiletries. "Please wear this robe while walking through the halls." She put it on and ran a hand through her hair. "I need a haircut." "When you return. Now Mistress, please begin your daily rituals." Zyra rolled her eyes and walked out. "One minute he's screwing me every waking moment for the sake of "duty," the next he's a stone with legs. Is everyone I know insane?" Then again, who was she to talk? Images of her behavior last night flashed before her eyes and she wanted to drown. What was she thinking? She went into the spring and eased into the water. Zyra moaned, the feel of the warm water still strange, but not unwelcome. In the winters they would warm the water gathered from a hole kept open in the river. If it froze, they use ice and snow. The water was never as warm as the spring though, never as bubbly. Zyra scrubbed herself quickly, wishing to be out before he came to fetch her. Medean was up to something. Something important apparently. "What are you planning, pale one?" No one answered her of course. She scooped up her things and headed back to her room. Medean was pouring an orange liquid into her glass. Her green keromedio clothes lay folded on the bed. Drying quickly she tugged them on, sniffing when Medean came to her side and retied the laces on her boots. "They were sloppy," he said without provocation. He led her to the vanity, where he began to brush and comb her hair down, tossing all manners of potion in she was sure. He cut her hair, but curled it inwards towards her face. She frowned. "Straighten it. I look too..." "Too what, Mistress?" Medean asked. "Is the word you're looking for approachable?" She stared at herself a little longer. "It makes me look like I have a fat face." "You don't have a fat face." "They won't know that." "Zyra..." "I do with this hairstyle!" Medean sighed and straightened her hair. Instead he added a cornrow braid above her bang, and secured it with a simple green pin. Damn, Medean was talented. "Complaints?" he asked, as he ushered her to the table. She looked at him grumpily. "No." "Good. Please finish your breakfast. I need to make a few more arrangements." He left her, the wheels turning in her head as she tried to think about what mischief he was intending. Medean was so straight-laced. This was very unlike him, and he seemed...cold, on edge. Was he taking her for a picnic on the other side of the valley? What else could it be? This was Medean. He was all about baths and picnics. She finished the last bite seconds before he returned. "Tell me you don't know how long it takes me to eat." His lips twitched. "Are you ready Mistress?" "Seriously?" "Allow me to grab your cloak for you." Medean placed the thick green cloak over her shoulders, and the hood over her hair. He put a belt on her waist, and slipped her sword on with a nod. Then he put on his own cloak. It was, of course, black. She noticed he had an odd looking staff on his back, and a basket on his arm. She didn't feel like asking. Medean escorted her swiftly out of the Marble Tree and they walked on, heading away from the training grounds and the nymph forest. Zyra had never gone in this direction before. She swallowed, nervously. "Medean...where are you taking me?" "Trust me Zyra," he said calmly. He took her a bit further into the forest when she heard a rustling in the trees. He stopped, putting out a hand to halt her. Zyra put a hand on the hilt of her sword. "Medean...is the place you're taking me dangerous?" Medean didn't answer, eyes trained on the woods. The dawn was breaking, but the sky was still splattered with stars, and the forest was still dark. Zyra took a step back and fully drew her sword. "Zyra, there's not need—" "Quiet." Zyra's ears picked up the distinct sound of horse footsteps, and her eyes widened. "The monokeros." Medean shook his head, his features relieved. "No." "Then who the hell is it? Selkies? Night Mares? What bedevilment approaches?" "Bedevilment? Oh, I do believe she speaks of you brother." Zyra's jaw dropped as the creatures stepped forward. In front of her was a man and a horse, who had obviously fused in a most unnatural way. The upper torso of a man jutted from where the horse's head would be. The rest, a brown horse of some kind. He smiled at her, a wicked smile filled with mischief. She took a step back. Another man stepped out beside him and he gave him a look. "Do behave yourself in front of the keromedio," he snapped. "Must you continually shame me with your existence brother?" She stared in astonishment as he kneeled very dramatically on his front legs. "My liege, I am May Son and this is my younger brother Gray Son. We are centaurs from the Nengen Shyla tribe." Zyra stared at them wordlessly. May Son and Gray Son were well built, their chests carved so perfectly they reminded her of a certain ogre. May Son had a pointy brown goatee, and Gray Son did not. Their hair was a mess of chocolate curls. They had massive shoulders and sun-browned skin which made them quite attractive for...horse...people. And their lilting accents were strange, musical in quality. Attractive or not, it was too much for Zyra, and her tact suffered. "Zyra, will you not introduce yourself to these fine gentlemen?" Medean urged. She tilted her head. "You have horse bodies." She heard Medean choke. If possible, Medean grew paler. Gray Son laughed goodnaturedly, his gray eyes crinkling in amusement. "Well said keromedio! We are indeed half-horse. I bow to your superior observational skills." He kneeled beside his brother, who looked at her funnily. "Am I to assume we are the first centaurs you have seen, my lady?" Zyra nodded, sheathing her sword. "...are there women centaurs?" With their breasts flailing about smacking bystanders? "No," May Son answered. "Why do you ask?" Who else would survive mating with you? "No reason." Gray Son stood, taking a small step that put him unnervingly close to her. "We have no shortage of mates, I assure you," he said smirking. Zyra's brow furrowed and she took a step to the side, to curious to be annoyed. "Hm." She walked behind them and stared at where human met horse, the thin blending of fur and flesh making him real and not a figment of her imagination. Gray Son turned to see what she was doing. "...Amazing." Gray Son's eyes took on an impure gaze. "Oh, I like her." May Son chuckled and stood up. "You flatter us keromedio. You have our thanks. It has been a privilege to be the first centaurs to have blessed your sight." "Oh, we can be many firsts Madam keromedio." "Gray Son!" "What?" "Have you forgotten why we are here?" Medean interrupted. Zyra looked back at him. If he was a bird, his feathers would have been ruffled. "Of course not," May Son said apologetically. He extended a hand to Zyra. "My liege, please allow me to give you the first ride." "What?" Zyra whipped to Medean. Who raised a hand to halt her tirade. "The place we are going is far and through very dense jungle. I cannot teleport both of us there. The Centaurs of the Nengan Shyla clan are loyal to the keromedio, as are all civilized creatures." "Where are we going?" "I contacted them last night requesting they aid me in your safe passage and they agreed. Centaurs have incredibly swiftness." "Medean!" "If you hurry, you should be there in twenty minutes, perhaps." Gray Son pushed his brother out of the way and held out a hand. "Perhaps you'd like to spend those minutes with me, my liege." Zyra stormed up to Medean, refusing to be ignored anymore. "Where are we going?" Zyra demanded. "I'm not taking another step until you tell me what's going on!" "That's fine. We're carrying you." "Gray Son!" "Hehehe." Medean let out a long heavy sigh. "Zyra...you told me what you needed. Despite my best efforts I have failed you time and time again, but I believe I can assist you in at least this. You told me you needed closure, correct?" Zyra nodded. Medean put a hand on her shoulder. "To the east of the Marble Tree lies the Shyla tribe. All those who worship Shyla, the 2nd keromedio who brought prosperity to the ogres, centaurs, fawns, and their like reside there. It is also close to the Nymph Mother tree, which was moved as a precaution after your first valley escapade." "Ooh. So you nearly burnt the poor bastards to death, eh Princess?" "Gray Son if I knew you would disgrace me in this manner, I would have left you home." Medean gave her a tired smile. "I am taking you for an audience with the Shashanen Shyla, the ogres who blacksmith for the witches of the valley so you may find your answers." "You're taking me to Kail's family?" Zyra's eyes watered and she hugged Medean tight. "Thank you." Medean patted her and pulled away. "I insist we begin moving. Caligula will not be the best of adversaries in such early morning." Zyra nodded and turned to the centaurs. "Um...are you sure you don't...mind carrying me?" "Well," May Son began. "It is rare that a centaur allows anyone but his captured female to ride it." "I see, but I still...wait captured?" "Yes. Since you are our keromedio, it is an honor you may ask of us anytime. Now, which of us will have the honor of your first ride?" Gray Son stared her down insistently, but she walked over to May Son and pressed her fingers to her shoulder in a show of respect. "If you would be so kind." "But of course." Gray Son glared at his brother as May Son extended a hand to the keromedio and hoisted her up onto his back. She sat awkwardly, trying to find a way to hold on. She had never seen anyone ride a horse before. Zyra put her arms around his back and tried to link her arms under his belly, her face smushed against him. May Son was unable to see what she was doing, but it felt odd. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 27 "WHERE IS SHE?" "My lord!" "BRING HER NOW!" "My lord... she-she is not here. We have searched every inch of the Marble Tree, and the witches search the valley now. We cannot find her." There was a vein at the back of Caligula's neck that threatened to burst. This, this was a direct act of defiance. And he would not be defied. He was being disrespected by not only his keromedio, but by her quibbling, lowly servant, who dared defy him, Caligula, the most powerful witch in all of the North realm. "I want her found." "Something troubles you, my love?" Caligula glanced over to the only witch that would dare approach him in anger. "Salurra." The cool Asian beauty strode forward. Salurra's blood red fingernails walked up his arm, reminding him of the many nights when she had dug them into his flesh in a fit of passion. The rites of Bacchus had been quite fun in her company. Still, she was weak, and he could never accept a mate who was so much weaker. Etaceh, despite her flaws, was closest to his equal. But...well, he didn't have time to think of why Etaceh would rather die than become his. He controlled her with fear, and he controlled Salurra with sex. "Has your keromedio been misbehaving?" she cooed. He frowned as she wound her arms around his waist, her dull eyes staring up at him with her best imitation of love. "Have you been leaving the nymphs alone?" The corner of her mouth twitched. "...yes, though I have no idea why you order it, my lord. Those beasts want to be fucked. I don't think they—" "I didn't ask you what you think." Salurra swallowed, and Caligula chuckled. Ah, a genuine emotion, fear. He put a hand under Salurra's chin and she shivered. "If you don't know where she is," he whispered. "Get out of my sight." He released her roughly, and turned toward the bath. "Where is Etaceh? This is her valley! I need a locator spell!" "I can perform a locator spell, my lord." "You can perform a weak locator spell. If I wanted that, I could do so myself." Salurra's fist clenched as she watched Caligula rage on and on about a stupid human girl. Her blood boiled as she thought of how the girl bested her. She had attacked her in a cowardly manner and had gotten the best of her. The human was rarely alone, she was protected, and it infuriated her that she could not sink her fingers into the pretty girl's face. To make her feel the pain she had felt on the inside when Caligula... "I can find her," she snapped. "I can bring her back to you!" She ran in front of Caligula. His eyes were unkind, but she pushed her fear back. "My lord, she defies you because of your mercy towards her. She has been coddled by your kindness. She believes she is powerful." Salurra put a hand to her chest and smiled. "Let me show the girl. Let me put her in her place. And then...she will not dare defy you my lord." Caligula said nothing for a minute or two, letting Salurra sweat, before a smile broke out onto his lips. "I knew there was a reason I cared for you." Salurra's heart skipped a beat and she beamed with a smile that never quite hit her eyes. "I will go right away my lord." She tossed her brown robe behind her and headed towards her chamber. "Oh, Salurra?" "Yes my lord?" Salurra gasped when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Caligula's violet eyes glowed ominously. "Do not fail me." Salurra nodded. "Y-Yes my lord." She strode away, determined to prove her worth. Caligula would mate with her, he would be hers, and under his care she would be the most powerful witch in the North Realm. And for kicks, she'd torture the nymph Mother Tree until the nymphs begged for her with their legs spread wide, kissing her feet. Then after that...well, there would be no use for Etaceh, or the human. She would paint her nails with their blood. - "What's your name, little girl?" Nima blinked owlishly at the tall man before her. The more she looked at him, the more uneasy she became. But she couldn't show fear. Both Momma and Auntie had taught her to always show a brave face. "I am Nima, daughter of the Rovian Chieftess Kyzu, niece to the Rovian Lead Huntress Zyra, and heir to the Chiefdom of the Rovian forest tribe." The man smiled. "What a long name for a girl so small." He patted her head and she jumped. "And pretty too," he added. "You must have a lovely mother. And...your aunt. What did you say her name was again?" "Zyra." "Heh. I see." Nima swallowed, and took a step back. "I have to go back to the village now. Paj will be looking for me." "I understand," he said warmly. "Go ahead." Nima took a few more steps, before asking, "Did you see Rell on your way here?" The man shook his head. "No, I didn't see her. But if I do, I'll let you know...Nima." Nima opened her mouth to correct him, but she could hear her Auntie's voice spitting, "Think before you speak." She walked, thinking about why a fellow Ursie wouldn't know the name of an Ursie heir. How could... A sick feeling settled at the bottom of her stomach. This man wasn't an Ursie. He was a stranger. And Paj should have found her by now. Nima took one look at the stranger, and ran. Creedon laughed, as the little piece of girl darted away. From behind he could hear the sullen shuffling of paws. "CoCree." The Nightlock's shoulders were slumped as she stood beside him. "Bring her to the cave. And kill anyone who tries to stop you." The Nightlock winced like she wished to resist, but her haunches buckled and she sprung into the forest. Creedon shook his head. Foolish thing. "Now, where were we?" Creedon walked back to the circle of flowers. The female huntress' lay unconscious, serene against the grass and flowers. Creedon sat beside her and pulled her in his lap. She stirred briefly, her eyes fluttering in confusion. "Hello darling." Before she could move he lifted her head up and pressed his lips to hers, pushing his tongue into her mouth, kissing her deeply. She woke from her paralysis and struggled against him in a panic, but he held her, amused by her vain attempts. Her struggles grew weaker and weaker, until she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Three-thousand, nine hundred and fifty-two years old, and he still had it. He pulled her closer and heard a little girl scream. One down, several more to go. - "Lies. Simpleton lies," Medean spat. "That is impossible." "It is not a lie," Mourabet shouted, jumping to her feet. "You witches are the only ones who are comfortable with lying!" Medean stood. "You're a slanderer!" "You're a hypocrite! You of all of us should know your own history!" "Oh, my own history?" "Yes! Of lies, and deceit—" "Wow, wow!" Zyra put her hands between the two parties, shocked that things had escalated so quickly. "Let's just calm down. Everyone calm down. Okay? Why is this so important?" "Ask the witch!" Medean's jaw clenched and he avoided her gaze. "Medean?" She watched him sink behind his mask of politeness, before taking a seat. "Forgive me, Mistress. Mourabet, I shall leave my comments until the end. Please, continue your story." "I shall continue my account," she growled, her fangs protruding threateningly. "And I will provide you with a tale so vulgar, so bereft of decency and morals, that you will not doubt its authenticity." "Yes, what a tall tale indeed." "You..." "Am I to endure this bickering much longer?" Zyra snapped. "Or will the parties who both claim to outrank me in years and maturity, start acting their age?" "Why Mistress, how you've grown in our brief time here. The dishes you've thrown at me would be proud." "As proud as..." Zyra took a breath. She would not be baited to sate Medean's passive aggressiveness. "Mourabet. Please continue." "Huh, maybe you are a keromedio," River chuckled. "You mediated that pretty well." "As I said, Creedon was one of the Three," Mourabet continued. "And he was the most powerful, but Creedon had a weakness that is intolerable in a witch." She glared at Medean. "He was a romantic. He forgot his place in our world." Zyra raised an eyebrow and looked to Medean. How did that apply to him? "Creedon ventured out into your world, the world of humans, and fell in love with a human woman. With the aid of magic the woman became pregnant with a son, but the woman died, leaving Creedon with a child that was neither human nor witch. Creedon had a choice, a difficult one. He could leave his son with the humans, most likely to never see him again, or, he could keep him." "Why was this so difficult?" Zyra asked. "Surely with all his power he could raise one child." "Witches do not have children," Medean said. "We have no need to mate. Witches are made, not born. A born witch...well, it would be a monstrosity, according to the law. Even a half-one." "So to care for him...was to sentence him to death?" "Yes." Mourabet sighed. "I know not how Creedon raised him for those first few years. It must have been incredibly hard, and there are not many places to hide a newborn in the uncivilized lands. When he grew older, he pushed back his memories. Valor forgot his father, his childhood, and was placed where he would be cared for. Creedon watched over him, and when the time was right, he revealed Valor's location, and he made him keromedio." "And he didn't tell him?" Zyra asked. "Valor didn't know?" "No," Mourabet said miserably. "Valor didn't know." She stopped talking, her body tightening as though she could hold her emotions in if she squeezed. River touched her shoulder and whispered a few words to her. Mourabet nodded. River leaned in, the newly appointed storyteller of this tale. "Valor was summoned by the witches for what would be a long adventure. He was gone for many months the first time. He was tired, but glad to see us. The second time he was gone for a year. Valor returned to us changed. He became a recluse, straying no more than 15 feet from his cave. He did not return to the village. We went to visit him, and he played with me, but his eyes were sad when he watched me. I can never forget them." River looked to see how Mourabet fared. She had crossed her arms, holding herself. "During this time, the village got word of a feud between the witches. To this day we do not know the exact cause, but we've no doubt that Valor's deterioration played a part. But—" "River..." The listeners turned to the ogress. Mourabet appeared to have called on some reserve of strength. "I will make this brief keromedio," she said stiffly. "Then I must ask you to leave." "Mourabet!" "No, River I am serious. I have already tampered with a keromedio," she looked at Zyra. "They have taken everything from me." Zyra didn't know what to say. Medean didn't speak. She felt the urge to reach out for his hand, to hold it, to know that things would be alright. For him to say that she had heard enough. He didn't say a word, and she couldn't ask him to. She needed to know what happened to him, and what any of this had to do with Kail. "We'll leave," Zyra said. "And never return." "Mourabet." "And never return." Mourabet nodded. "Valor was sent on one final mission. The Three had quelled their squabble, and he was to complete this task and be free of them for the duration of his life. Kanusha passed soon after Valor came from the second mission. He could never fully recover, and refused magical aid. It was as though he waited for his sons to all be together to leave this world. Valor left us for eight long months. What we did not know was that two of the Three had plotted against Creedon. This mission was not for the benefit of the valley, it was to obtain an item that would stop Creedon. Permanently." "But, his own son—" "Yes," Mourabet said. "They used his own son. Valor completed the task, and then went on a separate mission, not knowing the witch's purpose. When he returned, the witches had Creedon in a seal. Creedon understood what they were doing, and knew the only way to break the spell was to kill the bearer of the magic totem. He could not kill his own son. In his last moments, he removed the block from Valor's mind, and showed him who he was. Creedon's memories of his son flooded into him, and while Valor was distracted, the witches sealed Creedon into The Void." Zyra's stomach churned as she thought of the horror revealed to her. "What is the Void?" "It is a barrier of pure magic." Medean answered, his face grave. "The border that separates the magic of the valley from spilling out into your human world. It is toxic to all life, and spreads if not contained. No force, human or not can survive being thrust into such a thing. Nor could they bear to touch it without being tainted from the inside out." "Yes," Mourabet said. "And Valor touched The Void. He tried to save Creedon. The witches pulled him back, but he had already touched it. Valor was as dead as Creedon, and Creedon knew this. As he sunk into nothingness, Creedon swore he would return and wreak his vengeance. The witches left Valor to us, broken and mad. He lived in the cave, living off of...insects, and dirt. His mind was too gone, and the trees outside his cave withered and died. We tried to feed him and he refused. Kail mixed every kind of elixir Valor had taught him, and while some eased his pain, he could not be cured. He had moments of lucidity, when I spoke with him, and he cried to me. But we knew we were losing him. We knew he was gone." Zyra held her head, a migraine coming on. So, this was the fate of a loyal keromedio. "So then, Kail killed him as a mercy?" "No," Mourabet snapped. "Then Caligula came, summoning the broken boy for one last task. Valor snapped beyond repair. He grew violent, he tried..." She coughed, clearing he throat. "He tried to rape me," she said softly. "Kail wrestled him off and they both fell into the cave. There was a terrible noise, then silence. Only Kail came out. The witches came, saw Valor's body, and took him and Kail away. I have not seen him since. That was two years ago, two years before you came here." Mourabet stood and Zyra looked at Meela, who had been silent the entire time. The old woman was crying. Zyra had enough. "Thank you." Zyra stood, her heart breaking for this broken family. "I won't return." She bent to the old woman and wiped her tears. Zyra pressed a soft kiss on a wrinkled warm cheek, and she gave a small smile when Meela ran a hand through her hair. "Safe. Be safe." "Thank you." "Thank you." Zyra went to River and stuck out a hand. "River." He looked at her strangely, and then took her hand. She stretched out the other and he grabbed it. Then she gave him a Rovian shake of farewell. "Take care of your family, and should you ever need me, I will aid you." Two red splotches appeared on River's face and Zyra raised an eyebrow. "Yes, well. Thanks," he grumbled, pulling his hands away. Zyra turned to Mourabet. "Mourabet, I—" "I hope you don't misunderstand," she interjected. "We will not be asking you for help." Zyra nodded. Mourabet reminded her of a certain stubborn huntress who had been too blind to see reason. Brave, virtuous, and foolish to a fault. "I offer my condolences. May we never meet again. Let's go Medean." Medean bowed to the Shashanen, and they headed back to the square. "Keromedio!" Zyra turned. "Yes?" "Kail is not a hero," Mourabet shouted. "Don't think that what Kail did was noble. Valor was in pain, but the pain that Kail could not bear was his own. He could not bear Valor's condition. He was not killed only because he was the best blacksmith in our village and the witches depend on us for the tools of their trade. Make no mistake...Zyra. Kail is a coward. He gave up on his brother and fiancée. And I do not think you are here because you wish to be. Kail gave up on you too, didn't he?" Zyra ground her teeth, her heart clenching. "Goodbye Mourabet." "You know it's true!" "The centaurs are waiting on us, Mistress." "He's a coward!" "..." "A coward!" "Mistress?" "I know Medean...I know." - "Where is my daughter?" Kyzu had just finished mediating between yet another huntress dispute. Since Zyra's absence there had been a shift in power. Some did not side with Zyra's decision, specifically Imjah, who had a few huntresses in her corner as well. Rair did not argue, she simply performed her job and ignored Imjah. This only served to further infuriate the woman. No matter, Kyzu was done and wanted to feed her child lunch. "She has gone out to the flower meadow with Paj," a young woman said, handing her water. "Thank you." Kyzu sighed. "Have someone send for them. Have you heard any word about the ogre?" "Yes my Chieftess. He has not been spotted since Zyra's departure." "I see." Kyzu rubbed her temples. This should have been something good, something she should be relieved to no longer carry, but it unnerved her. Kail and Henna's disappearance did not bode well. She doubted the two were together, but she did not want Zyra to return and find Kail absent. She owed her sister that much. "Make sure the huntresses know they are still to look for the ogre. I want him and Henna found." "Yes my Chieftess." Kyzu watched the woman scamper off and groaned. Just the sight of her was irritating. She wouldn't need her assistance if Zyra was around. What a horrid time this was becoming. "Oh sister, when will you return?" - "LET ME GO! NO! NO!" "Silence you little brat. No one can hear you. The master wants you." "MOMMY! MOMMY!" "Ah! That's it!" Henna tore off a piece of her cloak. The girl was tied up and she still screamed. Glaring, she made a gag and sealed up Nima's mouth. "Maker I wish you were still mute." Henna glared at the Nightlock in the corner. The beast hadn't given her any warning. If she knew that the little heir was on her way, she would have hidden her face. It was too late now. Nima struggled, kicking up the dust on the cave floor, but she didn't cry. Henna was glad. Tears irritated her. "You. Nightlock," Henna snapped. "Watch her. I'm going to find the Master. Unlike you, I can't be summoned mentally. Our dalliances are much more...intimate." Smirking, she walked past the slumped Nightlock who eyed her with disgust. It made Henna uneasy. It was like it...no. No matter what it was like, it was a simple beast now. Nima watched as Henna walked off. Shaking, she turned to the huge Nemlock. It looked at her moodily. She had never seen a Nemlock, let alone a Nightlock before, but she had heard stories of giant midnight beasts with razor sharp teeth, and purple blood. For some reason, this one didn't seem that feral. It had grabbed her by her dress with its teeth, and ran with her so fast her feet didn't touch the ground, but it had placed her down unharmed. Now it just...seemed depressed. Nima wriggled her mouth until the gag settled underneath her chin. She huffed, the massive beast eyeing her. "You don't want to be here either, do you?" The Nightlock lifted its head and gave her a look that said, 'What do you think?' Nima sat up, trying to wriggle out the arm bindings. She strained and strained until she felt might hurt herself and gave up. They were just too tight. Henna was a huntress after all. "Don't worry," she said to the Nightlock. "My Mommy will come for me, and then Henna and that man will be in big trouble." The Nightlock snorted. "Hey! Don't laugh, I'm serious! And when they do, you can come with us. My Auntie Zyra is the keromedio—" Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 27 The Nightlock's head snapped to attention. She let out a low warning growl. Nima's eyes widened and she tried to sit perfectly still. The Nightlock continued to growl, pausing, then growling again more insistently. "I don't understand." The Nightlock stopped growling and began pacing back and forth. Finally it walked beside her. "Um...wha—?" And it pushed her down. "Hey!" Nima lay sideways on the ground as the Nightlock pawed in the dust in front of her. She coughed, dust flying. Finally it stopped, stood back, and eyed her. Nima raised an eyebrow. "What is it boy?" The Nightlock appeared to smile then as she correctly guessed his gender. He growled and she looked in front of her. In the dimly lit cave she could make out a drawing. It was rough, but it was unmistakable. "A tree?' The Nightlock growled enthusiastically. I waltzed over and pushed her back upright. "What about the trees? We're in a forest. The Rovian forest." The Nightlock patted the picture again. "Just one tree." It growled. "The Tree." It growled again. "The green tree?" It went silent. Nima tried to think hard. The Nightlock had started to behave strangely when she'd starting talking about being rescued. Maybe she could repeat herself to see what would happen. "My Mommy the Chieftess Kyzu will come for us. My Auntie Zyra..." The Nightlock put a paw on her lap. It was heavy and massive. If the creature's eyes didn't seem to plead, she would have been scared out of her mind. "Auntie Zyra," Nima repeated. The Nightlock growled and patted her again, her eyes growing more intense. "The...keromedio." The Nightlock howled, the sound splitting her ears and it pulled away from her, tramping in a circle. Nima didn't know what a keromedio was, but she had heard Zyra and the sisters say it over and over. Apparently it was important. Nima inched forward. "If you help me, my Auntie will help you," she said softly. "Auntie Zyra always keeps her promises, no matter what. She went away for a while, to another part of the forest, but if we go to her, she'll help us." The Nightlock stared at her long and hard, and then it pointed its nose to the tree. "I'm sorry," she said. "I don't know that Tree." The Nightlock shook itself and to her surprise grinned, revealing rows and rows of ridiculously pointy teeth. "Fine, little flower. We have ourselves a deal." Nima shrieked, scuttling against the wall. "You can talk to humans?" "No," he rumbled, laughter in his eyes. "It appears you can speak to animals." - "Are you alright Mistress?" "Yeah, I'm fine." "How do you feel?" "I'm glad." Medean walked beside Zyra, taking her around the Shashanen lands before she would be banished from them by her own doing. She looked out into the rolling grassy hills, the clear blue sky, and tried to see Kail lying on his back watching clouds roll by. Perhaps there would be a piece of grass between his teeth. Perhaps a woman beside him. "Then why do you look so sad?" Zyra stopped, staring at her feet until she had courage. She looked up at Medean, her eyes sad but her smile genuine. "I am glad. I know now. Really I am. Thank you. I just wish..." "You wish...what?" Zyra sighed and resumed walking. "I just wish he had told me. I suppose, even after everything, after all we went through...Kail didn't fully trust me, but he worked so hard to get my trust. I wonder how that works out." Medean shrugged. "Trust is a hard thing to earn, especially from one who has had their faith betrayed." "I suppose so." "I know so," he chuckled. "I experience it as we speak." Ouch. Zyra groaned. "Must you always stick the knife in Medean?" "My apologies Mistress. It was harmless observation." "Right." She yawned, stretching out her arms. "Everyone is telling me how terrible Kail is, how awful. He's no saint, but he's a good man. I saw that when I was with him, trying to make him a monster. I don't know. Did I make him my ideal? Or was I too blind to see the other sides of him?" "What do you think?" Zyra shook her head. "I think that I have enough closure, for now, but I have to see Kail again. Soon, as soon as I can get back to my village. I want the story from the horse's mouth. I won't let others decided whether I love him or not." "Is that why you let him mate with you?" Zyra turned to Medean, noticing his body had stiffened. "It's a half-mark." "I'm aware. I would have sensed a full mark." Medean rubbed his temples. "You do realize that nothing good will come from that mark, correct? You now have a tangible weakness to anyone sensitive enough to see it." "But he's on the human side." "He's in storage," Medean snapped. "If you defy Caligula, do you believe it inconsistent with his nature to use Kail against you? Did either of you think this through?" Zyra rubbed her shoulder. "He did it to protect me. He said that no magical creature would try to claim me if his mark was on me. He said I could use his powers." "You could learn his powers from a book," Medean sighed. "Once you both meet and discuss matters you could always mate once more, but at this time Zyra, while the witches are unaware of how deep your affection for Kail goes, I would suggest removing this mark." "No!" "Zyra, we have reason to—" "I said no Medean." Medean shook his head. "So you still do not trust me, even now." Zyra put her hand on his shoulder and smiled. "If trust was easy, it wouldn't be worth having now would it?" Medean chuckled. What wise words. "I don't know Mistress. I enjoy sleeping and that's easy. Incredibly easy these days." Zyra laughed, throwing her head back. "You know Medean, what I like most about you is—" Her words were cut off with the sound of a war cry. Zyra and Medean turned to see a centaur barreling towards them at top speed. "Trouble?" Zyra asked, reaching for her sword. "No!" Medean yelled. "He's—!" Zyra shouted as the red headed centaur grabbed her and ran towards the forest. "Oh fuckta." Kyzu's head began to pound. She had told her huntresses to find her daughter and she was still absent. At this rate she would be feeding her the evening meal had by the fireside. "Dammit, where is my daughter?" She heard a soft knock outside of her tent. Finally. "Come in, darling." Kyzu fluffed her pillows for Nima when she saw Rair kneeling by the entrance of the tent. "Oh," Kyzu sighed. "It's you. What can you help you with?" It was rare for Rair to visit her for any reason, let alone enter her tent. She eyed the woman curiously. "Rair?" "I have come to inquire about Zyra." Kyzu frowned. She sat up and folded her hands in her lap. "You know as well as I that we have not received word from her for..." "For several months," Rair interrupted. "She left us at the turn of the seasons, when the leaves began to curl. The snow time has come and gone. The flowerbeds have replenished themselves and yet we have no word." "I am aware..." "It has almost been half a year." Kyzu choked. That long, that long since she had blessed her eyes upon her precious sister. Oh how the weeks had flown by, so quickly that she had forgotten to count them. Her heart squeezed. "Oh no..." Rair continued, "Zyra would never of her own volition send us no word for such time. I believe we should venture to the border and request an audience." Kyzu let out a shaky sigh. Anxiety was pulling her down. No, she had promised Zyra she would keep it together. She had promised her. She— A warm hand touched her face. She looked up into the cool dark eyes of Rair. "You mustn't falter my Chieftess," Rair said softly. "We look to you." She put her hands on her shoulders. "Zyra entrusted me with the care of this village, and you are the village's leader. Just as she was your strength, so am I. Borrow my strength, use me as your tool, but do not falter." Kyzu sniffed, rubbing stray tears from her eyes. "I'm beginning to see why she chose you Rair." Rair stiffly nodded and pulled back. "I will discuss with the other huntresses the best course of action, and we will bring it forth for your approval." "Good." "Thank you, my Chieftess." With a boy, Rair walked away. "Half a year..." Kyzu mumbled. "I wonder how much you have grown, little sister." "Hey...Hey! You with the horse body! I am referring to you!" "Quiet dear one, we will arrive soon." The centaur's long red hair was knotted in long tendrils that smacked his back, seeming to urge him faster and faster. The centaur looked down at her with clear blue eyes, his steely arms crushing her against his solid chest. Zyra was almost upside down and he was running incredibly fast. "I'm going to be sick..." He chuckled. "Dear one you will learn to appreciate such rides." "Dear one? Oh...you have the wrong idea. I'm taken." "Yes," he agreed. "By me." Zyra sighed, becoming more and more infuriated with every forward gallop. "I'm going to only tell you this once, um..." "Galien, love." "Galien. Put me down, or I will make you." He brayed and squeezed her tighter. "Fine," she growled. "You asked for this." Galien had her by her waist she turned until she was facing him. Gritting her teeth, Zyra wrapped her legs around his human waist and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Galien chuckled. "Why dear one, we'll have plenty of time for..." His humor was cut short when Zyra tightened her right arm around his neck. His horse side panicked, braying as he began to rear up, his hands releasing her and flying to his neck. With her waist free, Zyra swung to the back of him, still holding his neck in her arm. She tightened even more, bracing her left hand on her elbow. Galien bucked wildly and she nearly lost her balance, but he was no basilisk. When he reared high in the air, she stood and jumped to the side, pulling the oversized horseman down with her. He fell to the floor with a loud 'boom.' She'd twisted her body in time to land on top of him. Frowning, she released him. Walking around him she unsheathed her sword and pressed it towards his neck. "Well, that was a nice brief courting but I don't think it's going to work out. So before this gets messy, why don't you take me back where you found me huh?" Galien lifted his upper half, staring at her in shock. "How...how could you be so strong?" "I'm the keromedio," Zyra declared. "Not that it's any of your business. I suggest you hurry before..." A loud crack made her jump and Medean appeared beside her, his staff out. He quickly pulled her towards him. "Mistress, are you alright?" "Great. Can't you see the vibrant pallor of my rosy cheeks? Perhaps you could use some kidnapping Medean." "I am not amused Mistress." "I was probably kidding," she said grinning. Medean shook his head. "I see." His eyes never left the young beardless centaur who began to look more and more afraid. "So, who is this hot-blooded colt who so carelessly manhandled you?" "Forgive me," Galien said, rising to his knees. "I did not know." Zyra heard the approach of more horses. Gray Son and May Son burst through the clearing. "My liege!" "Galien you dolt!" "Are you hurt my lady? "She is fine. Though I'm not sure I can say the same about your companion. "Galien, are you trying to make us look bad?" "Disciplinary actions shall be taken, yes?" "Lord May Son, Brother Gray Son, I meant no harm. I was...I was..." "Stop it!" Zyra screamed. She held her temples in frustration. She had never thought she would miss women so much. "I am fine," she seethed. "May Son, you yourself said that the younger centaurs are suffering from...matelessness. While I do not approve of your methods, I can only view this...slight, as a compliment. Thank you for considering me as you mate Galien. I bear you no ill will." Galien rose, only to bow low before her. "Beautiful dryad, I thank you for your kindness." "Dryad?" Gray Son tilted his head. "You thought she was a dryad?" Galien rose, furrowing his brow. "What else could she be?" "A human," Medean snapped. Galien's eyes went wide and he neighed. "Human? I've never..." He walked up to her, looking down curiously. "A human..." Absent-mindedly he reached for her. She smacked his hand. "Sorry." "Sure. Medean, take me home. May Son, Gray Son, it's been a pleasure." The centaurs bowed to her and Medean extended an arm out to her. "Are you sure you wish to journey back on foot?" "I actually have a reason for that," Zyra said. "I'd like to visit an old friend." "Who?" Zyra smiled. "Oh, just a salty old basilisk." - "Master!" Creedon stood up from the field of flowers and looked down at the huntress he had kissed. No, not a bad start indeed. "Master!" He let out an involuntary growl. Heading towards Henna, he was surprised that the clumsy girl had yet to be found by her fellow huntresses. There were newborns with more stealth. Still, she served her purpose, and she was loyal, for now. He walked into the clearing and she stumbled back. "Master, CoCree has brought back the Chieftess' daughter—" "I know," Creedon said. "I told her to bring her." Henna's eyes widened and she bowed her head. "I wasn't sure my lord, and since I can only speak to you in person I was afraid—" "Afraid?" Creedon bent towards her, his eyes lidded. "Afraid Henna? How do you expect to be any use of me when you are...afraid?" Henna shrunk before him and he smiled."Henna, you have not disappointed me yet. I expect great things from you." "Y-yes my lord." Creedon patted her on her head and turned to the east. Soft almost undetectable footsteps were headed this way. "Come Henna, we must depart. I've gotten what I came for." "My Lord, what were you..." "Do not question me. Okay?" Henna shivered and jerkily nodded yes. Creedon chuckled. "By the way..." He tapped her forehead with two fingers. "There. Now you can call out to me from a distance. I don't expect you to forsake your post anytime soon, understood?" Henna nodded. "Yes my Lord." "Good, now let's go." They walked back to the cave, the Rovians drawing closer and closer to the flowerbed. From the cave he could hear a sudden chorus of gasps, before frantic howls filled the air. Henna looked to him for explanation, but did not ask. They walked into the cave and saw CoCree pacing beside Nima, who immediately looked up at them with fear. Still, the little girl put on a brave façade and jutted her chin out defiantly. It made Creedon extremely happy. Henna saw that she had squirmed out of the gag and rushed forward. "You little..." "No," Creedon ordered. "Leave her." He smiled at her, sitting down on a nearby stone. "You know Nima, I applaud your bravery. It is very interesting to me. What is most interesting however is that I sense a trace of magic in you. Were you cursed recently?" Nima didn't answer, glaring at him. "She was my Lord," Henna supplied. "She had a strange sickness born out of an orb." "I wasn't asking you." A chill went down Henna's spine. "I was asking Nima," he chirped. "Now, tell me Nima, are you magical?" "No," Nima stated. "I'm not." Creedon chuckled. "Of course not. Then, you wouldn't mind giving me some of your blood, would you Nima?" Nima's eyes widened as she looked into the man's forever grinning face. "Why would you—" "I could tell you," Creedon said striding forward. "After all, its not like I would allow you to tell anyone." Nima didn't argue, afraid of what he would threaten her with. "You see Nima, I have been wronged most awfully by those who I once considered kin. In fact, those are the same people who took your precious Auntie away from you. Lucky for you, I have plans to visit them quite soon. All I need, is a bit of magic to jump start my...healing process." Nima gazed up at him warily, unsure what to say. All she had were questions, and she didn't feel like he was the type to answer anything specific. "Any questions?" "..." "Come on," he whined. "Surely you have one." "...are you enjoying this?" Creedon paused, his expressions going blank, before ever so slowly, a wide happy grin split across his face. "Immensely." He waved a hand forward and Nima shouted as she floated into the air. Her bindings undid themselves like an uncoiling snake, and fell to the ground. She cried out as he placed her on the hard, cold, glowing green stone. She tried to struggle, but her limbs lay heavy and useless to her side. "Don't worry," Creedon said, striding to her side. "It won't hurt for long." "Help me!" Nima screamed. "Henna help me!" Henna started, shocked that she had called her name. As tears ran down the girl's cheek she could take no more. "I'm going to survey the land, Master." "Fine." She ran out of the cave. "Help me!" Nima shrieked, her thin desperate voice filling the room. Creedon produced a dagger from the folds of his robe and strode over to her. He wasn't smiling. The rock beneath her began to hum low, vibrating as the pitch rose higher and higher. She was afraid. "Just...a little...cut." With no options left Nima turned her head to the Nightlock that trembled in rage. "I promise!" she whispered. Tears blurred her vision as she stared at the immense purple mass. "I promise..." Creedon took her hand. She screamed when she felt him cut her and squeeze. "HELP ME!" The Nightlock pounced forward, knocking Creedon into the cave wall. Its jaws clamped around the scruff of her neck and it dragged her outside the cave. It dropped her, surprisingly leaving not mark. "Get on." Nima forced her body to lie upon the purple beast. No sooner were her arms around it, did it begin running. "Where is your village? "That way." It changed positions and ran. Inside Creedon chuckled, licking Nima's blood from his hand. His eyes fluttered backwards as he tasted the sweet nectar of magic once more. He absorbed the blood from the rock and stood, licking his lips. "Well then, where did you go?" His veins roared as he performed a location spell. Smirking, he walked out of the cave. Rair was not many things. She was quiet, she observed, she was a leader if necessary. Above all things, she had a strict code of honor, given to her by her life experiences. Without it, she was nothing. That being said, as she looked down, looked inside the flowerbed, she could not help but feel like a complete and absolute failure. Her heart squeezed, panic welling underneath a face of cool and calm. Zyra had entrusted her with the village, and she had failed her. "Gharla, Enui, Imjah, Namai, you stay with me. The rest of you, go back to the tribe and form a perimeter. Nothing gets in or out. Jana?" "Yes, my huntress." "You are to go the Chieftess and report what we have found." "...what am I to say?" Jana's eyes shone with tears and Rair wanted to die. "Tell her that her daughter is missing, and that the huntress Paj is dead." "I am not sure this is a good idea Mistress." "Relax Medean, the nymphs won't harm us. We have a pact. They call me Friend Zyra." "You forget," Medean said, trying to keep up with her brisk pace. "Your concept of harm is not quite the same." "I am not the least bit aroused." "They stride about naked Zyra. Arousal is not the issue." "They said if I ever need anything to ask them. It's a fool-proof plan." Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 27 "Fool proof?" "Yes. Even you could not mess it up." Zyra and Medean trudged through the forest towards the Nymph Mother tree. Zyra knew that if she wanted to find Scallen, the nymphs, who were scattered all along the forest but kept a single consciousness, would be able to find him the quickest. All they had to do was go over and ask for Vine. Simple. Medean however, was not enthused. "Nymphs and witches do not have the best relationship Zyra," he sighed. "Witches don't have the best relationship with anyone! I would fear anyone whom the witches regarded as friend." "You offend me Zyra." Zyra sighed. "I'm sorry. I just...don't consider you to be like them. You're a witch but, you're a good witch. I'm sorry for being insensitive." "Then I forgive you Mistress. You will come to learn that you have seen a foul minority. Most witches are not evil. The world would not succumb to their rule if this was so. You must not judge a whole people due to a few—" "A few?" "Several, bad experiences, propagated by the same persons." Zyra nodded, thinking it over. "You are right. I have been wronged by two witches, not the entire race. It is pointless—" "Pointless?" Zyra whirled around to see the witch Dull Eyes, three brawny gray witches standing beside her. "Yes...it is pointless isn't it? So why don't you just die?" The gray witches sprung forward and Zyra jumped back, pulling out her sword. Medean twirled out his staff, pointing it towards the nearest witch. A burst of white magic hit him square in the chest and he fell back with a grunt. Zyra slashed one on the left, green magic ensconcing her sword. "Medean, watch your..." Dull Eyes grabbed her from behind, pulling her against her chest. "No!" Medean ran towards them but it was too late. Black magic covered them and the witch teleported them away. Gritting his teeth her twirled his staff into the face of the remaining witch. He fell heavy at his feet. He shook his head, looking towards the Nymph Mother tree. "A lone witch heading into an irate nymph nest. Heh, what could go wrong?" Nima shivered as the Nightlock rushed forward. She held onto him with one hand, her legs wrapped around his massive back. "Did we lose him?" "You cannot lose a witch" he growled. He leapt over a fallen tree trunk, his eyes burning from the bright sun. "Once we are inside the village, alert the others to spare me. They must take me to see the keromedio." "Okay." He ran faster, feeling a chill crawl down him. Creedon was near, but so was the village. Looking ahead he could see that the huntresses lined the perimeter. He paused, unsure if they would see tiny Nima, or merely a beast headed towards them. He took her as close as he dared before stopping. "Run! Nima jumped off and ran towards them, waving her arms. "Sisters!" The huntresses saw her and the Nightlock took a step forward. A blast of magic hit Nima in the face and she fell on her hands. The Nightlock's eyes widened as the huntresses pulled her to her feet. "Nima!" "It's Nima!" "Thank heavens..." "Is she alright?" She rubbed her eyes and looked up at them in confusion. The Nightlock's stomach sank. "What happened?" she asked. "Where am I?" They hurried her inside the perimeter and the Nightlock whipped around. Caligula stood behind him, grinning. "Oh come now, I wasn't going to kill her." The Nightlock's heart raced. It would find no help from the child. Her memories of him were gone, he was sure. "What do you want?" he asked finally. He would rather be dead, now that his beloved was gone. "You had a lot of promise CoCree," Creedon said shrugging. "But it appears you will be nothing but a thorn in my side. I shall have to get rid of you." He bared his teeth. "Do your worst." Creedon laughed loudly, holding his head. "Hahaha! Oh, sweet innocent beast..." his eyes took on a dangerous gleam. "You don't want me to do my worst." Creedon reached down and rubbed a hand on his coat. He took a step back in shock. "You know what I'd like you to do?" Creedon mused. He picked up a stone. "I...would like you to run. I'm going to throw this rock up high in the air, and by the time it drops I will come after you. It seems like a nice game. If you won't be my slave, I might as well use you for my amusement." The Nightlock didn't question id Creedon was serious. He darted towards the border. Zyra, that was the keromedio's name. If he could get to her, if he could at the very least cross the border, he might survive this. He charged on, knowing what he attempted was impossible. Still, he had to try. His ears pricked up when he heard an unknown sound. Blinding pain erupted in his side. He had been struck. Howling, he ran faster. "Keromedio...keromedio Zyra I need you!" - "Nima! Nima! Where have you been?" Kyzu scooped up her child, holding her close to her, rocking her to comfort herself more so than her. "What happened sweetheart? Where were you?" "I...was in the flower garden..."Nima said, holding her head. She had a funny dizzy feeling in her skull. "I was with Paj. Then, we got into an accident, I-I mean an argument. And then, I ran away...and I came here. I guess. I don't remember." "You don't remember?" Kyzu put her child down and looked her over. "What happened to your hand?" Nima looked at it as well. Her right palm was caked in blood. "What did you do darling?" She took a rag and dipped it in water and wiped her palm. Kyzu frowned. "No wound..." Nima's brow furrowed as her Mother regarded her. "Mommy...where is Paj?" Kyzu gave her daughter a final squeeze. Then she pushed her towards Enui. "Stay with Enui. She is your new best friend dear. Whenever you are not with me, you will be with her. Alright?" "Why?" "Don't question me Nima, just do as I tell you ok?" "Yes mommy." Nima shuffled behind Enui who had all her imposing spears. She smiled at her, and took her towards the tents. "You must be tired. Why don't you take a nap?" Nima wanted to object, but her head wasn't getting better so she nodded. "Okay." She closed her eyes and sighed as Enui ran her fingers through her hair. The soft rhythm lulled her asleep. Soon she dreamed she was racing through the forest on the back of a purple mountain. They had to get somewhere quick. They were running out of time! "Argh!" "What? What's wrong?" Enui was still beside her. "I...I had the strangest dream. Like...there was something important." "Don't worry," Enui cooed. "It was only a dream. Go back to bed." Nima sighed and laid down. The purple mountain came to greet her, and she climbed onto it. "Take me where we have to go," she commanded it. It rose from the earth and lumber off to the east. She closed her eyes, lulled by the rocking rhythm. - Zyra fell to the ground, her mind whirling as she scrambled to her feet. Dull Eyes watched her with sick satisfaction, her fingers possibly sharper than Etaceh's. "Remember me?" "How could I not remember?" Zyra sneered, taking up her stance. "Though it would be a better habit to forget the scum that I encounter." "For that I'll make you kiss my toes," she cackled, pointing a bare foot out beneath her robe. "Only then will I forgive you." "You seem big on forgiveness," Zyra said. They began to circle one another. Her eyes narrowed. "Whatever happens now should warrant no forgiveness. I will not apologize for what I'm about to do." Dull Eyes shook her head. "And I will not apologize for the scars." She pointed her fingers towards Zyra and to her surprise her nails began to grow. The blood red fingertips, filed like blades, elongated on each hand until she had herself a fine pair of talons. A slick green sheen covered them and Zyra knew they were poisoned. This was bad, Zyra was a close range fighter, and now she could not let her touch her. "Any last words?" Dull Eyes laughed. "I want you to know that I, Salurra of the Marble Tree defeated you." Zyra took a step back. Well, it's not like she ever backed down from a fight. Why start now. "Just one." "Which is?" "Three." "Three?" "Yes, three. The amount of minutes it's going to take to end your life." Salurra let out a full bodied laugh. "I want to see you try!" "Then I won't aim for your eyes." Zyra charged forward, Salurra matching her stride. She pressed her foot hard into the ground and flipped over her. Salurra ran past her. Zyra slashed her sword at her back but Salurra jumped back, turning around. Salurra's hand stretch out and Zyra shouted when two of the poison nails shot at her. Zyra dropped to the floor and saw Salurra charging again. She stuck out her leg and kicked Salurra's feet out from under her. "You filthy beast!" Salurra shrieked and Zyra rolled up. "I won't make you kiss my feet, I'll make you eat yours!" "Aw, really? But I was looking forward to it." Zyra sent a blast of earth elemental magic towards Salurra and flowers wrapped around her feet. "GRR!" the flowers burst into flames as Salurra's summoned fire. "Damn," Zyra hissed. "It had to be fire." The Dull Eyed witch launched towards her, burning everything she touched. Zyra summoned a purple shield and blocked the blows. Salurra pushed her back, scraping the shield, making sparks fly, Zyra's arms shaking. "Face...me! You...coward!" "I would. But you're so damned ugly." Zyra looked around trying to find a plan. She couldn't keep doing this wildly. First she had to get rid of that fire. "You need a cold shower." Zyra pulled the shield away at the same time Salurra struck, making her miss. She fell forward off balance, and Zyra shoved her as hard as she could with the shield. Salurra hit a tree, the wind going out of her and the fire. "Hm. That works too." Zyra wished she had a bow and arrow. She needed to start carrying one again. Running forward she put her sword level with Salurra's face. She didn't want to be too close for she knew the witch would not hesitate to strike, but she didn't want her to be able to rise either. "Can I let you up, or should I finish you?" Zyra threatened. Salurra spat at her. "You don't scare me keromedio. You think you're clever don't you? With your backhanded moves and your witticism." "I do alright," Zyra said smirking. "What I'd really like would be to go home far from the likes of you. Still, while I'm here..." Zyra sliced at the top of Salurra's head. "How about a haircut?" Zyra tried not to be overjoyed by the look on Salurra's face as she felt the short hair that lay in the middle of her head. She took several steps back, trying to keep it together. "Ah...Ah!...AHH! You sick bitch! I'll kill you!" Salurra lunged forward and Zyra went to answer but she found she could not move. Looking down she saw a gray witch had her by the legs. She looked back again, and threw herself to the floor, slicing Salurra's knees and sending a back kick towards her captor. He released her and she rolled, scrambling back as she faced two foes. "You said I was backhanded," Zyra snarled. "You saidI fought underhandedly. What is this Salurra?" "This is revenge," she spat. Another gray witch appeared and Zyra another step back. The gray witches materialized weapons in their hands. One had a spiked ball with a chain, the other, a large hammer. Salurra's nails were out and ready. Zyra swallowed. She had never fought in numbers before. How could you follow the rules, how could you not turn your back on an enemy when you had to see all around you? "Sssoo...this iss how a witch fightsss...dirty... Why am I not sssurprised." Zyra turned, her spirits soaring at the sight of a pair of green glittering eyes. "Scallen!" He nodded to her, coming to glide beside her. "Green Eyesss." She smiled, her eyes cut between her enemy and friend. "I am so glad to see you." He smirked. "I ssshould hope soo." Salurra's face grew hot with anger and she pointed a sharp finger towards him. "This isn't your fight basilisk," Salurra shouted. "This is a matter of witch business. I have been sent here by Caligula himself to—" "I doubt he wantsss her dead," Scallen mused. "And that isss what you'll do. Using sssuch a cheap variant of poisson. Tisssk...tisssk..." Zyra's nose wrinkled as she observed the mischievous basilisk before her. "Scallen, just how long have you been here?" Scallen winked at her. She gritted her teeth, her eyes watering, threatening to twitch. "You've been here for a while, haven't you?" "A tiny while." "And you never thought to intervene." "I ha...vvve intervened...havven't I?" "I'm starting to wonder why I bother with you." "Don't you dare ignore me!" Salurra's shriek made both of them whip around. Her hair had burst into flame, standing straight in the air. It rippled like a living thing, the red and orange flames licking out like it wished to consume them as it had already consumed Salurra. "How preciousss..." Scallen chuckled, his eyes cutting towards her minions. "You must know that I won't allow you to harm her without interferen...sssce." "So be it!" Salurra snapped. "A pox on the rules! A dead man can tell no tales!" The gray witches charged forward and Scallen's eyes narrowed. "ssZyra..." "I got it," she said, her eyes trained on the wicked witch. "She's mine." Zyra charged. She could feel the earth magic welling inside her, her hands buzzing with the richness of the element. True, she was no good at fire, but the earth was within her. She was born in the forest, she'd been weathered by its coarse touch and soothed by its beauty. It had soaked into her skin and she had carried its color in her bones. It was her everything and she loved it. As that love welled within she felt the power multiply more and more. Salurra's confident look began to wilt as she drew closer and closer to her. Zyra's Rovian war cry vibrated in her chest and she swung her sword down. Salurra blocked with her talons, her body encased with the fire. Zyra glanced at her hands and saw the green glow. They braced against one another, each refusing to yield. Salurra's arms began to quiver and Zyra pushed harder and harder. "Y-you can't defeat me!" Salurra screamed. "I've been training since before you were born! I'm the best fire conjurer in my coven! I won't let you—" "You...talk...way...too...much!" With a last burst of energy, Zyra pushed her back and she slammed into a tree. It disintegrated into ash. Her eyes were wide and Zyra surged forward a smile on her face. She slashed at Salurra and she gasped, her fingernails on her right hand cut short. Zyra swung again, severing the nails on the left. Horrified, Salurra tried to crawl away. Zyra sunk her sword into her robe and pressed her foot into her chest. Salurra tried to burn her but Zyra kicked her in the face. Her flame went out in a whoosh of air and she stared at her, her lip bloody. "How...how did you beat me with earth magic? Only water..." "Clearly you've never put out a fire," Zyra said bending down. "You use dirt." "Heh, I underestimated you. You filthy human." "Hey, hey..." Zyra cooed, pressing her foot closer to her neck. "I'm being nice. Convince me I can turn my back on you. Admit your defeat." "You can't trust her..." Scallen hissed. "Better finisssh...that one..." She looked up and saw the gray witches piled by his feet. "Scallen...you didn't." "They're alive..." He kicked one of them. "Sssort of." Zyra stood and looked down at the pinned witch. She knew her type. She would stab her in her sleep. She'd never let this slight go. Salurra would never stop. But, Zyra wasn't a killer. She was a huntress, there was a difference. "I'm not a killer." Scallen tilted his head and smiled like he knew a secret. He walked over the grey witches, and stood beside her. "Come out...come out wherever you are. It's safe." Zyra raised an eyebrow. "Who are you..." A blue face peeked out from behind a tree. She looked to Scallen, then Zyra a walked out, a small smile on her face. "A nymph?" "Nymphss...they travel in packsss.." Zyra watched as the forest became dotted with identical blue faces, their forms surrounding them in a sea of cerulean that made Zyra unsure if she should be nervous or grateful. Scallen watched as she edged towards her. She felt Scallen's laugh vibrate through her back. She jumped when he put a hand on her shoulder. "Frightened Green Eyesss?" She looked up at him. It had been a while since they had been so close. Zyra cleared her throat and turned down her nose to Salurra who was becoming more and more restless as the nymphs arrived. One of the nymphs came forward, his hair slightly different than the others. "Vine?" He smiled at her. "We heard you needed help." "From who?" "Zyra!" Medean came out of the foliage, his dark eyes hard, his staff in his hand. He walked up towards her and waved his staff to Salurra. She cried when white strings of lightning wrapped around her and stuck her to a tree. "You can't do—" He waved another hand and a band went around her mouth. "Zyra are you alright?" He rushed towards her, all but shoving Scallen out of the way. Medean fussed over her, taking her face in his hands and turning it side to side. Staring at the minor cuts on her hands from landing and clucking like a flustered mother bird. "What happened? What did they do to you? Scallen looked at her in amusement, his face lighting up as she blushed. Zyra grunted, pushing Medean back. "Stop! I'm fine, I'm fine! Geez." She stared at her feet. "Mistress..." "Ohh...how delightful." Medean looked up at the basilisk and frowned. "Scallen, I presume." "Naturally." Zyra could feel his eyes drilling into her. "Tell me...ssZyra...was the witch any good?" Zyra looked up, her blush still there. "Any good at what?" Scallen's eyes were laughing. "At sssex...sss." Zyra coughed, hitting her chest and pushing Medean away when he came to aid her. Damn, she had forgotten about Scallen's uncanny ability to know a person's secrets. "Enough," Medean snapped, regaining control of the situation. He put himself between Scallen and Zyra. He didn't care for the way the basilisk looked at her. "We need to bring Salurra back to the Marble Tree so that she can be tried for her crimes." "What crimesss?" Scallen chuckled. "ssShe told usss she was ssent by Caligula..." "That..." "We can't just bring her back," Zyra agreed with a sigh. "She won't be punished and I'll have to watch my back." Salurra grumbled something that seemed to concur. Medean raised an eyebrow. "What are you proposing Mistress?" "If I may..." Their attention went to Vine, who stood among his people with an air of authority. "This particular witch has caused our people much distress and trauma. While her attacks stopped, her wrongs were never righted. If possible..." Vine looked back at the nymphs and they nodded. "If possible, we might be best suited to deal with her." Zyra's nose wrinkled. "Why? I can't imagine you torturing her. Aren't nymphs nonviolent?" Scallen began to hiss loudly, brief pauses of base in his boisterous laughter. "What do you find so amusing?" Zyra demanded. She looked to Medean who was regarding her strangely. "What?" Scallen turned to her, wiping a tear from his eye. "Your friend...the well-endowed one..." Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 28 Chapter 28: Raw "ARRRGGHHH!" Kail jumped up from his sleep. He turned quickly to see if he had woken up his partner but she didn't stir. Of course she didn't. Why would she? She was no huntress. He strolled outside and held his eyes, a headache pounding in the front of his brain. Kail felt himself growing furious for no reason, his body filling with tension from the tips of his fangs and his talons, to his toes. Raging he dug his fingers into a tree and watched the curls of light brown bark splinter beneath him. Then suddenly the anger left. Exhausted, he slumped to the ground. He pulled his hand away, a sheen of sweat covering his brow. "Zyra..." The sound of himself saying her name made him feel how empty he was, how hollow he felt. Timing was indeed the cruelest of mistresses. A twig snapped and he glanced up. Leaf had awoken, striding out in nothing but his worn, frayed shirt. "Leaving again lover?" Kail looked over her long wiry limbs, firm and olive toned. Leaf was a hermit who lived alone in a cabin that laid right in between the Rovians and their sister tribe. She had escaped from the sister tribe, seeking a freedom all her own. There was a thin scar on her face that went from her eyebrow to the bottom of her nose. "A parting gift," she told him. Kail walked up to her and caressed her face. She chuckled, holding his hand. "Why is it that whenever you do that, I feel like you're looking through me?" "Hmph." He walked into her cabin and picked up his discarded pants. "I need my shirt." She threw it at his head. "Thank you." "You know you don't have to come back," she said nonchalantly. "I'd hate to keep you here against your will. Whatever it is that you are, fantastic lover." He scoffed, knowing she acted out of spite. "I thought you didn't care as long as I had a penis." Leaf shrugged on her dress and walked over to him. "Well that was the first few times. I can't help be curious now." Kail looked at the woman. She was an exile, like him. He had gone wandering after Zyra had been pulled away from him. The Rovian lands had too many memories. As he walked without food or water, he collapsed near Leaf's hunting ground. He'd woken in her cabin with rudimentary medicine placed on his miniscule cuts and scrapes. She fed him, gave him water, and welcomed him to stay the night. He asked if there was anything he could do to repay her. Leaf, brazen as Ginger, put her hands on her hips and grinned. "Well, I haven't gotten a good fucking in a while. You could help me with that." She might have been joking, but Kail nodded. "Okay." She blinked owlishly, an innocent gesture from such a weathered face. "What?" He spoke again, slowly. "I said okay...come here." Leaf's brow furrowed. "You're not going to eat me or anything are you?" "Just a little. If you're open to it." She was surprisingly open to accepting the arrangement, more so when he undressed, and even more after he'd taken her. The first time she blacked out. He intended to leave afterwards, but her body was warm and soft. He missed the sensation. If he closed his eyes. If he focused, he could feel... "Zyra, right?" He looked over at Leaf who tried quite hard to seem unaffected. She'd gotten attached though they spoke very little with their mouths. "You're going back to her aren't you?" "I can't go back to her," he said mirthlessly. "Then you'll be back?" Her hope made him wince. She was supposed to be taking him for a ride and she'd given him the reins. "I don't know." "I see." Leaf rubbed her nose and shrugged. "Well I'll miss your dick Kail. For someone so green you sure can fuck." Kail gave her a rare smile. "Thank you Leaf. Are you sure you don't want to come with me? You'll find a place with the Rovians. They are a nice group of humans. I get the feeling you do not want to be out here all alone." "It has its moments of uncertainty," she admitted. "I will always be lonely, but I will also be free. That's what we exiles are Kail, free." Kail slipped on his boots and walked outside. "That's where you're wrong Leaf." He looked at his hand which still quivered with outside rage. "I haven't been free for a very long time." He bowed to her. "Take care of yourself." "You too lover." With a sigh he headed back towards the Rovian camp. Zyra had needed his power. That was a bad sign. "What trouble have you gotten yourself into now Zyra?" -- "Uugghh..." She rubbed her head against her sheets, glad that they were so warm. Her naked body ached. Once again the repercussions of overexertion had come full circle. She lifted her body up and heard the bed giggle. Her eyes snapped open. She was lying on top of Scallen. "Good morning sszZyra. Sssleep well?" Her jaw dropped. Hurriedly she wrapped her arms around her breasts. His green eyes glittered with amusement. "Well?" "...what the fuck is wrong with you?" "Oh? What do you mean?" Zyra snatched up the basilisk skin that covered her lower half and wrapped it around her, tumbling back. "I'm naked! Why am I naked?" "I thought all humans ssslept naked." "Not all of the time!" "And thisss time?" She glared at him. A thought occurred to her. "Why was I on top of...?" Her face flushed. "Did you-d...did we?" "No," Scallen chuckled darkly, standing up with a wide smirk. His usual nakedness seemed lewd given the context. "If we did...you'd undoubtedly know..." Zyra blushed. "You're...you're...sick!" "I, am sssick?" Scallen pointed to the far corner of the cave. "You were sssleeping over there...and I am sssick? Honestly ssZyra, your ability to sseek out blame iss almost asss remarkable asss your ability to sseek out heat...Was I to turn you away when you sssought mine? Asss a friend?" Zyra glared at him and looked to where he'd pointed. Sure enough there was a bed of skins arranged in a far corner, and they were scattered in a manner that indicated someone had rolled. Rolled a lot. She blushed. "Well, next time just push me back okay? I don't want to wake up like this again." "Why?" Scallen teased. "You ssseemed to enjoy it...my touch..." He tilted his head. "You're quite affectssstionate in your sssleep, sssZyra. All those represssssed desiresss...you nearly came on my thigh you know. All that rubbing against it and sssighing...I should have put you out of your missssery..." He ducked, missing the rock aimed for his face. "Give me back my clothes!" Scallen chuckled evilly, but obeyed, handing her the clothing. "I'll be back," he stated sliding away. "Don't leave. Feel free to make yourself...de...ssscent..." "I hope you do the same!" Zyra watched him retreat and huffed. Mumbling, she began binding her breasts tighter than ever, hoping to be flat chested for the day. That miserable lout. He loved toying with her emotions, surely she would never be so... She put a hand between her legs and felt her wetness, and how a thin coating spread between both thighs. Like she had been rubbing on something. "...oh no..." Embarrassed beyond belief, she tossed on her clothes, grabbed her weapons by the cave's mouth and ran from the room. She ran until she saw light above her. Climbing up using the long roots she could feel but not see, she popped her head up and saw...the nymph tree. Immediately twenty sets of blue eyes snapped to her. Of all the terrible places to appear. She released the roots, falling downward, but a vine snatched her by her waist and pulled her up. She reached for the sword on her back, cursing, but before she could reach it, she was bound upside down in front of a Vine look-a-like. The blue creature with his fine physique had long vine-like tendrils that went down to his butt, his only distinguishing feature. He wore it half up and half down, his smile accented by dimples. Fuckta. "Friend Zyra," the soft masculine voice said. "So good of you to come to us." He waved a hand and she was suspended in the air upright. She waited for the blood to stop rushing backward before speaking to the handsome nymph youth. When the world stopped spinning, she saw that her shirt had slipped off. Oh, Maker. "It was an accident," she groaned. "I didn't mean to come here. I am disoriented and confused. So if you could just drop me back in that hole..." "There is no mistake," he said, gently touching her face. "You are Friend Zyra, protector of the nymphs, conqueror of Dull Eyes. I am Caleem. Had it not been for your kindness, I too would have been lost to the witch's cruelty. I owe you a great debt." Zyra could tell the nymph with his attractive face and long green hair was quite serious. She made sure not to look directly at the thick bark-like member protruding from a nest of what looked like soft green moss at his groin. "You owe me nothing." Zyra said firmly. "It was your people who dispatched Dull Eyes, I merely aided you. This is false hero worship and I insist that this be understood." "It is not misunderstood." Zyra looked to the nymph coming forward. "Vine?" "Yes, Friend Zyra." He stopped before her, seemingly unsurprised. "You confuse them," he said, looking amongst his brothers and sisters. "They do not understand the depths of human repression, nor do they understand the tone nor purpose of reluctance when the invitation has been given." He looked at her clothed thighs and smiled. "And it has been given." "But Vine," she pleaded. "You understand. You know what this will do to me." "I have a minimal understanding," he acquiesced, "Though the most prevalent is that this tendency in you humans is irritating. But with the right stimulation..." he gave her a wicked smile, "can be overcome." She grit her teeth, horrified at the heat she felt build in her stomach. What was happening to her? She had never been so...easily...what was the word? Caleem stretched out a beautiful long-fingered hand, and placed it on her back. Slowly he slid up, fingering her breast bindings. Her back arched and she forced it back down. So easily arched before. The invitation business was horrible. She wondered what the invitation was exactly. Zyra had a theory that the nymphs could smell desire, much like an ogre could see it. The more aroused she became, the bolder the nymphs would be, thus why they saw arousal as an "invitation." It was yet another thing that made their human features so deceiving. They were, for all their shape, animals. Caleem managed to undo her bindings and she felt her breasts come free. He pressed a warm palm on her breast and smiled at her when she shivered, kneading the full round mound. "Don't touch me! Get off! Now!" "Gharla and Enui were reluctant at first," he said walking to stand before her. "But after time in our presence began to understand the truth. You are understanding and caring when you choose to be. You will come to understand, but..." He leaned over and whispered, his warm lips circling her ear. "I have not yet forgotten the slight you dealt me and my people in your ignorance." The direct way he spoke no doubt endeared him to Gharla. "Ignorance?" "And I have not forgotten your promise to allow us to praise you in a celebration for your honor." He touched her other breast, seemingly more out of curiosity than lust. "Soft. I had always thought you'd be firmer...like a human stone." "Hey!" She cursed as four more nymphs approached. Vine released her, talking charismatically as though they were sitting beside a fire swapping gossip. "I was informed by my beloved that in order to prove one's truest devotion, your kind devise a strict monogamy with your loves. Is that correct?" Zyra was trying to control her breathing, Caleem's body radiated heat as he pressed behind her, his member sliding against her butt. His lips kissed her neck lovingly, too lovingly, as his fingers began to play with her nipples. In a moment of weakness she strained wildly against the vines. They tightened. She screamed as they spread her wider, her scent no doubt spilling over their land. Unsurprisingly her pants split, and Caleem merely tugged the tattered remains off. The nymphs appeared steadily now coming in to surround her, but Vine held up a hand. "Zyra?" She wheezed, overflowing with arousal and hatred. "What?" she spat. "You didn't answer. Regarding monogamy." "It is true. Now let me go. I am monogamous with my Ursie lover." "Oh? What is his name?" "Fenrir." Damn, why did you not say Rell? "When did you see him last?" "Surely you know—" "That you are a terrible liar? Indeed. It endears us to you." Vine looked to the nymphs and back at her, frowning. "Gharla and I made no such pact, but I do not wish to dishonor her in any way. Nor do I wish to seem ungrateful. To leave you in the care of the others who know very little about inhibited human females like yourself would be irresponsible. Enui's ailment was caused by a lack of understanding of human limitations. Gharla was mine alone." His blue eyes wandering over her. "It is my wish that your image of me and my devotion to Gharla not suffer because of your beliefs. Yet, you must experience the depths of our gratitude." "Vine—" "Surely as a keromedio you could withstand us. I shall watch over the proceedings and give instruction. Caleem?" Caleem pulled down her underpants, letting them fall to the ground. Her hands began to tremble as panic and arousal warred within her. She would use logic one last time. "She'll be hurt if you do this to me," Zyra shrieked."You don't understand her the way I do. I have lived my entire life by her side. What would you know after mere weeks in her presence?" Vine leaned against a tree crossing his arms. His eyes narrowed. Zyra bit back a whine when another nymph knelt in front of her. She felt Caleem's hand brush her womanhood and her fury reared its ugly head. "Get your paws off of me!" "But we have hands, Zyra." His snarky tone unhinged her. "Bun bú raw! You muck infested, rock addled, worm for brains, son of a Perkadu! You are not worthy of Gharla! You loveless—" To her horror a vine wrapped around her mouth. She tried to bite it, but it pushed harder, and for fear it might somehow enter her mouth, she grit her chin. Vine strode forward, stopping only when their noses might touch. "What would you know of love, Zyra? You who has never truly given your whole self to anyone? You who would play with the hearts of many? Whom could you claim to love?" She watched Vine transform into a very blue, very naked Medean. "Is it your manservant? The one who struggles in a way most unbecoming?" He strolled in a circle before her. "My skin crawls knowing it takes the form of a witch, but your love of the ogre...it is gone is it not?" "You shut your mouth! You shut your filthy mouth!" He could not understand her grumbles, but understood her intent. He gestured to himself, as pale a blue as he could muster to capture Medean's hue. "If this is what you require to unlock your mind and spirit, so be it." He reached for a female nymph who was busy feeling up herself and whispered into her ear. Without pausing her busy fingers, her body rippled into Zyra, body amplified with curves and wantonness in a lewd, unnatural way. Vine/Medean pulled her against him and they both gazed at Zyra as he caressed her. The air around her felt thick, hazy, and without warning began to smell of sex. The sensation of the fingers sliding down her skin, around her body almost innocently, put her in a trance. Then, a squeeze of a nipple, a flick at her clit would bring her back to her sordid reality. She moaned around the vine fixed in her mouth, fixing it open. Biting did not loosen it. She grew tired. All she could do was gasp and slobber over the vine, her body dangling in the air like a decoration. "Do you like it, Friend Zyra?" Her breath hitched when she felt Caleem's long blue fingers circle her opening. He pushed into her wetness and she shrieked, squeezing the intruders painfully. The nymph purred cooing against her burning skin. She wriggled in vain as the long warm digits began to thrust, each movement becoming easier and easier as she drenched his hand. Why? Why was she so wet? Damn, them. Damn these fools for arousing her. For that she was furious. One more word, one more push— "You do like it? Don't you human?" Vine's laugh echoed within the chambers of her ear. Zyra lost it. Viciously, she rammed he head backwards into Caleem's face. He cried out, stumbling in shock. The vine loosened. Twisting, she punched out, catching a female on the chin. She kicked and clawed and fought, mauling any nymph that was unlucky enough to catch the flurry of her blows, fighting harder and harder, causing injury and woe until she found herself bent at the waist and bound so tightly she could not lift her head nor wriggle her toes. The nymphs looked at her curiously as though they had never seen such a violent display before. "Where do you suppose she gets the energy?" Caleem asked Vine with more awe than anguish. "I have never seen beast or man wrestle against the vines of the mother tree so passionately in such a manner..." Vine had returned to his original form thanks to a well-placed kick. He looked at the human with contempt. "She has a wellspring of malice at the back of her spine," he snapped. "It would be good of us to drain it." Zyra glared at the ground, her thoughts dark and hateful. Beside her Caleem went back to his task. Reverently, he pulled down her underwear. The cool forest air cool on her groin and she blushed, her nipples hardening. She could feel the moisture between her lower lips returning with embarrassing ease. Before long Caleem put three fingers inside her. She knew what was coming. Her heart raced. She felt the vines on her shoulders loosen and Caleem tilted her chin up to look at him. He was licking his fingers still moist with her flavor. She could tell it pleased him. His bark-like member twitched uncomfortably, rigid like a tree, swaying gently under an invisible wind. She shivered. "Are you ready Zyra?" Caleem whispered softly. He pressed it against her, rubbing his member up and down, firmly teasing her soppy opening. She closed her eyes. She should have stayed inside the damned cave. She should... "I should have listened to Scallen." "...Yesss. You ssshould have." Zyra's eyes shot open and her head jerked in his direction. He stood there leaning against a tree, his pink cock jutting out wetly. "I did tell you to wait for me." Casually he strode over, the nymphs pausing, remembering that Scallen had some claim to this woman. Vine looked at him with obvious irritation. Scallen's response was his obnoxious grin. "Takhhh...or, isss it Vine? Hsss...you look terrible." Vine shrugged the guise of Medean off grumpily. "I have been entertaining your female friend." "ssShe hasss that effect on mossst people..." "MmH!" "Though sshe begsss... to differ..." Vine walked to him, his usually open arms crossed. "She has given the invitation Scallen. It is well within our rights to have her. Do not forget that you have interfered already, my friend. To interfere again—" "The sssituation iss more complex...sss than you realisse..." Scallen glided forward, his eyes looking over Zyra's body unashamedly. "For one, she issss...the keromedio," Scallen stated. "Ssshe is your protector...you would do well to not revoke sssuch protect...ssstion..." He stroked a piece of hair behind her ear, ignoring that her hair was in chaos, the unlucky casualty of her violence. She tucked her head down, embarrassed he was seeing her in such a state. Again. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 28 He chuckled, looking into her eyes and knowing her thoughts. "The woman isss incapable of ssseeing what you offer...to give it to her now would be...a wasssste." "You call it wasteful, but I call it a gift," Vine said. "If she can merely open herself—" "She will ressent you, nymph. ssZyra of the Roviansss does not open... Vine looked over at her, and she affirmed Scallen's words with her eyes. He turned back to Scallen. "And in her future?" "If sshe fallss into your clutchess and offersss the invitation...onssce more...I will not ssstop you..." Vine looked at Zyra who was focusing on staying completely still. Caleem had paused with his dick pressing against her. Stay calm... You don't want to accidently pull it inside you. You don't want to remind him that you're here. Scallen will protect yo— "You've teased us then." Vine shook his head disapprovingly. "I noticed you long before. You merely watched. Why did you not voice your disapproval then?" "YUFF WHUFT?!" Caleem took a step back. Scallen shrugged. "Sshe is young, and headssstrong. Ssometimesss, she needss to be punissshed..." "FUUNSHHD?? IMF GROIG TU KRIL OU!" Vine scoffed, amusement warring with frustration. "Then be kind enough to spank her yourself." Vine waved a hand in her direction and the vines fell away. Zyra crumbled to the ground, sucking up full heady mouths of air, her body trembling from the dramatic change of slight strangulation to forest air. Her shirt lay closest to her, torn at the bottom. She reached for it, holding it to herself, willing her body to calm down. Scallen's gaze was bereft of mercy. "Perhaps now you will learn to wait, sssZyra..." The nymphs gathered her clothes, rushing by her side. Caleem knelt, her underwear in his hands. "Friend Zyra, are you—" "Don't touch me!" Her venomous bark stilled the nymphs chatter. She tried to ignore the looks of hurt on their faces. Quietly they put her clothes by her feet and backed away looking dejected. They dared act like she had victimized them? She'd never understand these creatures. Zyra dressed and hesitantly looked around her. Vine's back was toward her, and Scallen's face was unreadable, a blank light green mask. It was Caleem whose visage held all of nymph's emotions. His bright blue eyes seemed dulled, and his hands hung limply by his side. "We disgust you," Caleem stated softly. Yes. She shook her head no. "No, it's not that. It's just I..." Their blue eyes bore into her, eager for an explanation. "I-I just..." "You just...what?" She swallowed the lump in her throat. I just can't stand what you represent. "It doesn't matter." Shaking her head she ran off into the woods. Vine let out a burdened sigh. "She's heading for—" "I know," Scallen hissed running behind her. "I know." -- Rair took another sip of the moon root to calm her nerves. Failing, you are failing. Her mind raced with all the possibilities, all the measures she could have taken to save Paj, to save the huntresses from this grief. Never, since Kyzu's chiefdom, had a huntress or villager been killed. Old age and sickness were the only ways to die. It was as though the earth felt the imbalance of leadership, of truth in the Rovian lands. Had Rair been so unfit to lead the huntresses, that a third way to die, murder, had infected the land? She sipped more moon root. The sky was lightening. She sat in the branches, staring down at the serene landscape. She had put a huntress watch on, stationed at each end of the village, but Rair could not sleep. She could not bring herself to see Paj lying there, floating in a field of flowers, an innocent smile on her face, cold, with a small trail of blood, dry blood, trailing down the corner of her mouth. Rair stared at the ground below her, feeling the weight of her soul's debt. "That should have been me." She knew she spoke the truth, no matter how dark or steep the price. She took a long swig, ignoring how the pleasure was gone and all remained was a burning in her throat. The world spun around her in a tantric dance. How enticing the shame made the ground seem. She could lean back, and pay blood with blood. She could... "Rair!" Her gaze jerked forward. Slowly, her unfocused eyes searched for the voice. It was Gharla. Rair wasn't happy to see her, but she wasn't unhappy either. Besides, it was a well-known fact that Gharla liked to stick her nose about. Gharla noted the disheveled state of the usually elegant woman. She glared with uncensored disdain. "Rair!" she called again. "Come down here!" "You are not on watch, huntress," Rair said evenly. "Why are you awake?" "I was relieving myself," Gharla lied unconvincingly. "I happened upon you. What are you doing up there?" Rair let out a deep sigh, and braced her body against the tree's hard bark. "I am a failure." "And failures belong in trees?" "This failure does." Gharla's lips thinned. "It wasn't your fault. We both know what happened was in no way natural." "I was in charge!" Rair shouted. Gharla jumped. Rair had never raised her voice before. If Rair noticed her reaction she didn't show it. She leaned forward, her knees raising. "I was the leader and I let her down. I let Paj down...I let Zyra down..." Gharla looked at Rair, wondering if she was seeing her, truly, for the first time. There was something dark and worrisome beneath her rock like surface. "Rair...there was nothing you could have done—" "Paj is dead and Nima has strange dreams. Zyra has not given word, Firetoucher and Henna are missing, and the ogre..." Rair took another swig, chuckling. "The ogre has run away. Took a few belongings and abandoned our lands. Beyond our reach, beyond our promise of care. Zyra will return home to find nothing but loss, and it will be I. I, who has already cost her so much who—" "Already?" Gharla shifted, crossing her arms. "What do you mean?" she asked suspiciously. Rair looked at Gharla, then looked up at the sky. Why was the Rovian sky so bright? "It is pointless," Rair said quietly. "My debt cannot be repaid." "What debt?" "You know who I am," Rair said. "But you do not." "The moon root has addled you," Gharla chided. "I was there, I was a village girl. We found you when you were a child." "I was not found sister." Gharla looked up at her. She reached a firm piece of bark and climbed her way up the tree. Cautiously, she sat beside Rair who leaned against the bark's brown surface for stability. Gharla put a hand on her so the woman would look at her. She did. Her black eyes were laden with sorrow. "I would ask that you make yourself plain now sister." "After a drink perhaps." "Let the earth drink it...pour a sip for beloved Paj." "..." Rair dropped the moonroot bottle and they watched it smash hard against the ground. She chuckled mirthlessly. "Fine, I will make it plain. Plain like a Rovian sky." She pointed to herself, a bitter smile on her face. "I owe Zyra because I, am the cause of her mother's death." -- Zyra stormed out beyond the trees, angry at the situation she had been put in. How dare they attempt to rule her fate? She still did not understand how the nymphs worked, nor did she understand why they were what they were, but she did know that in their twisted minds, they were attempting some sort of altruism. Perhaps what bothered her most about the nymphs was their ability to overpower her. Alone they were helpless, like children. If that, but together in their pack they were a force to be reckoned with, a force that she could not overcome despite her abilities. What good was it to be the keromedio if a pack of nymphs could best you? She was tired of the valley, tired of the witches, and most of all she was tired of that no good perverted Sca... "...!" Her heart leap out of her chest when she realized she was falling. Before she could make so much as a peep to sound out the last two vowels of her impending demise, she felt herself pulled back by strong fingers fisted at the back of her shirt. She turned on her toes, her heart in her throat, and she saw the no good pervert, Scallen. "I told you to wait for me." He released her and she fell to the ground. Without mercy or regret he watched her scramble up, dirt and sweat covering her. "Why would I wait? You were watching you piece of filth!" she screamed. "You are the lowest of the low. I don't know why you saved me. You should have let me die to allow me peace from this my embarrassment!" "You ssshould be embarrassssed..." he hissed. "You are acting like an ungrateful child..." "Why do you side with them?" Zyra demanded. "Why do you not see that they are not noble creatures?" He slid around her, his eyes slitting. "Of courssse...I sshould ssside with you, ssso the future will be riddled with cliffs asss far ass the eye can ssee...how could I deny you ssuch thingsss?" She tried to ignore his cheeky grin, always on the brink of slipping into a smirk. It was difficult to argue with him when he was like this. It was even worse that he had just saved her. It suddenly occurred to her that she had forgotten a very important detail. "Where is the Nightlock?" "Are you sso ungrateful that you fail to thank me for ssaving you twisssce?" She winced. "Thanks. Where is it?" "Isss that the bessst you can do?" She took a breath. "Thank you, Scallen, for saving me. We are officially even, one save repays when you tried to kill me, and the other covers me sparing your giant scaly life." "What about the battle in the valley?" "That was between you and Caligula. I was a lucky coincidence." "And the food? Have you forgotten our first kissss ssZyra?" "No. Just like I haven't forgotten that you drugged and molested me. Nor have I forgotten that I woke up stripped. Or how mere minutes ago you watched me being defiled and instead of assisting me immediately had a jolly ol' time!" She turned, poking him in the chest with each statement. "No amount of saving can ever repay the anguish your sense of humor subjects me to. And no good deed on your part will ever undo the future injustices I am sure to succumb to in our continued friendship. So thank you, for your continued penance. Take me to the beast, or I will feed you to him." Scallen tilted his head at the much shorter human woman whose nature was ever violent and his smirk finally unfurled. "Very well, my...liege..." Chuckling he tilted his head and began to walk off. Reluctantly, she followed, silently cursing him in her mind. He was quiet as they walked, which only served to unnerve her. He didn't nag like Medean, or tease like Kail, he just...irritated her...silently. "Where are we going?" He raised an eyebrow. "To the...Night lock..." "But where? What location?" "Afraid I'll take you back to the nymphsss...?" She grimaced, the thought never entering her mind. "I won't even dignify that with a response." -- Scallen's walk began to fill her with irritation. How dare he stride so elegantly, round his shoulders with such self-assurance and arrogance? He lived in a hole in the ground? What gave him the bearing of a Chief? She longed for the sweet sight of ungainly human awkwardness. When was the last time she saw someone stumble on nothing but air? Zyra sighed. She was so tired of magical creatures. She missed the creatures of her land, even the foolish Perkadu. Well, at least she was on her way to see a familiar face. The smooth baritone voice of the beast echoed in her mind. She frowned. As familiar as a savage animal given the ability to speak could be. -- "Who are you?" Rair leaned back, her face frozen with bitter amusement. "A curse to all who look up me." "I need you to focus Rair." "I am focused. Perhaps for the first time." Gharla waited for a moment, then smacked her. Rair's eyes welled up and Gharla's hand stung. Slowly, Rair turned back to her. "Thank you." "You are welcome. Now...sister, answer me." Rair pointed out into the distance, her eyes glazing over with memory. "Do you remember what was? What rested in the distance long ago?" Gharla nodded. How could she ever forget? "That was where the Akeerans dwelt." Rair nodded. "The tattoo of the Akeerans is upon my shoulder, but as time passed so did the significance of this symbol. There was a time when I, like Zyra, was ostracized because of a symbol sewn into my flesh. Now, the children have forgotten. The adults have forgotten, and the sins of the past lay beneath clothing, but what of the story do you know Gharla?" Gharla sat up, the oral tradition coming to her like a dream. "An Akeeran child grows without love or kindness. They are brought into the world to be soldiers, and snatched from the earth, the child seeds scattered to grow Akeeran hatred. If they run they find the world to be an unfeeling place. To take an Akeeran child in is to declare war of their tribe. But the Chieftess, Mother of goodness Kyzyra, could not bear to hear the stolen children of the Akeeran cry." "I was the child," Rair stated. "But we know this—" "No," Rair snapped. "No...I was the first Akeeran child that Kyzyra stumbled upon. I was running away." She shook her head mournfully. "I was tired of being beaten. I was weak with hunger and I saw a fire in the distance. But I was an Akeeran. I knew no kindness or decency. I took a stone in my hand and I crept up to the owner of the fire, and I brought the stone down to strike her." Rair shook her head at the memory. "But she was a huntress, the Chieftess Kyzyra, and she could hear a clumsy youth sneaking upon her. She caught my hand and gave me a look that bore into my soul. I trembled in her grasp." Rair touched her wrist, her eyes far away. "I can still feel her fingers. I was terrified." "I don't remember that." "She never told anyone I suppose," Rair said. "We were already said to be unworthy of trust. When she saw my condition the Chieftess had pity on me and fed me food from her fire. I ate my fill and she spoke soft words to me, huntress words and common tongue that I could not understand. The Akeerans taught us the Akeeran code. Without language we could not share our pains, we could not cry out to the neighboring tribes, but Kyzyra was a special woman. She heard my cry, she said, she could see it in my eyes." Gharla's heart filled with pity for the child Rair was, knowing that to carry the conversation of the dead woman until she could understand the tongue of her, must have been a difficult task. She put a hand on her knee. "Then what happened?" "She laid me down beside her, but I snuck away. I feared for her, the first good person I had ever known. I went back to my home, but your Chieftess found me. With a hunting party she scouted the area, I saw her sometimes, saying nothing as she observed our pains. Then, one day she came with the huntresses to appeal to Venya, the Akeeran Chieftess. Venya was unlike the other Akeerans, she was the bloodline of cruelty. She did not need to be raised without kindness, she was merely evil. And she was horrible to me." "Why did she resent you so?" Rair paused, her heart laden with the truth. "I was a reminder of her weakness. Of how in her drunkenness she fell prey to the charms of an Ursie. I was...her daughter." Gharla gasped. "But...you returned with that hunting party. You followed Kyzyra back to the Rovian lands." "Yes." "So when Kyzyra left with you..." "She had taken the Chieftess' daughter. Venya did not retaliate due to disrespect, she retaliated because I had been taken. It was because of me that Venya took Zyra and Kyzu. And it was because of me that Kyzyra had to fight Venya to the death to save Zyra." Rair pressed her palms into her eyes, trying to contain the throbbing behind her eyelids. "The Akeerans believed that blood must be paid with blood. Iridis was to be Kyzu's corpse, and Zyra was to be mine. Venya did not come for me that night. She could have, but the Wakai had killed us all. She could not bring herself to bring us to true extinction, to bring the last of the Akeerans by her own hand." Gharla grabbed Rair's hands, holding them tightly in her own. "Kyzyra was mother to us all. She saved you for a reason." "She did not know who I was or she would not have saved me." "Rair!" "At 10, I had undergone five years of torture and training. I was almost of age. The night of Kyzyra's death she came to me. Venya told me that I was to carry on the bloodline, that no matter how far I ran, no matter what tongue I learned, I would always be an Akeeran. I was mute then, wordless when I could have warned my saviors. I was mute about my lineage, and when Kyzu became Chieftess and Zyra cried alone, one overwhelmed and the other orphaned, I had no words." "What could you have said?" Rair looked at the blonde haired woman, and she pulled her hands back. "I could have said anything. I could have prevented the death, but the death follows me. I am the daughter of Venya, a true Akeeran." "You are a Rovian, Rair." "No longer." "Yes!" Gharla's sure gaze fixed Rair, forcing her to focus upon her. Despite her resistance Gharla could see that behind those sullen eyes was an ember, dying as it was, of hope. "Zyra trusts you enough to make you the leader huntress," Gharla said evenly. "She trusts your judgment and your reason and I agree with her. She knows her allies and their strengths and weakness. She takes great care with her closest companions." "But I—" "Quiet," Gharla chided. "You have been a keeper of Rovian ways for as long as any of us can remember. You have been loyal in your silence, and it was you who broke that silence, defying everyone, our Chieftess even! To prove your loyalty. Zyra could not blame you for your mother's death more than she can blame herself for being in danger and causing Kyzyra's death. You are a Rovian, sister." Rair's lips trembled. "...do you truly think so?" Gharla nodded with a wistful smile. "Is such petty behavior like our beloved Zyra?" Two fat tears brimmed in the corners of Rair's eyes. Her lip began to quiver, understanding the gift she had been given by both Gharla and Zyra, true friends. A sense of loss overcame her. "I miss her." Gharla nodded, and they embraced one another. "As do I." Rair allowed herself sweet release in the arms of Gharla, her drenched with sorrow. Yet in the darkness she felt her heart grow braver and braver. "We have to get word from her," she whispered. "We will, if it takes every breath in my body." Gharla nodded, half-hearing her words, and Rair's eyes stared defiantly towards the border, daring a witch to feel her power. Scallen led her to the edge of the nymph forest towards a place filled with rocks and rubble. It was obvious that there had been something here before, some kind of massive rock structure that had fallen prey to evil forces, or perhaps time. There in this ruin she could hear labored breathing, like a rasp inhaling sand, as the body of the abused Nightlock forced itself to heal. She approached it warily, her mind ill at ease. The creature had spoken her name, had it not? "Go on...", Scallen urged. She tiptoed closer. To be so close to a beast that's brothers she had killed so easily. She had done it for her tribe, but the carnage...she had not forgotten. It could not have forgotten. So how could it call for her? How could it think of calling for her? Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 28 Zyra knelt beside the creature, impressed by its massiveness. It was long. Standing on its hind legs it would likely reach her height, if not a few inches shorter. It was lean, but she knew from experience that the purple beast was pure muscle. Its eyes were closed as it wheezed. The sound reminded her of Nima, the pained exhale of one who was touched by magic and was the worse off for it. She pitied it. Zyra reached out and rested it upon the beast. Its eyes snapped open. She froze. The purple eyes pierced her with hatred, then realization, and to her surprise, amusement. It grinned, and the smell of blood assaulted her sense. Wincing she pulled her hand back. The gazed at one another, waiting for the other to break the silence. It became evident that the beast was not going to do so. She cleared her throat. "I heard that your name is CoCree—" The Nightlock interrupted her with a low growl. "CoCree is my slave name," it rasped. The voice was genderless, a low medium pitched rumbled that came deep within it. "I am no one's CoCree." Zyra leaned back on her heels. "I meant you no disrespect. It appears I owe you a great debt. My niece Nima, you mentioned her. Why?" The Nightlock scoffed, turning from her. "You are thinner than I thought you'd be. Have the witches been wasting you away?" "I eat fine. Now my niece—" "Is fine. Thanks to me. I saved her life. Do you intend to save mine?" Zyra stood, her pity diminishing. "You have already been healed. You are weak but your life is not in danger." "Not in danger?" They watched the Nightlock struggle to its forearms, blood spilling from its fur revealing the healing raw skin from beneath it. Zyra's heart ached. "I cannot go back" it rasped. "He will kill me. You know this." "But you no ordinary animal," Scallen more or less stated. "You have been touched by evil magic. You are dangerousss...". The Nightlock pulled itself to its feet, its body trembling from effort. "Then why have you saved me when you intend to kill me?" "We're not going to kill you." "You are not going to stop it either." "Tell me about my niece." "Guarantee my safety." "Then what good are you?" Succumbing to either pain or despair, it crumbled back into its resting position, back into the pool of blood. Zyra could not allow it. Without fear she reached to the massive beast and lifted it, the purple blood staining her as it had before back in her homeland. The smell threatened to make her sick. Steadfast, she carried the animal towards the forest. It was too weak to resist. "Where are you taking me?" it asked tiredly. "Tell me your name." "Where are you taking me human?" "Your name!" It went silent. Zyra turned to Scallen, her eyes silently asking for a favor. He nodded slightly and began to lead her. The fear gnawed at the Nightlock's muteness. It turned its head to the side, its eyes shining with helplessness and fear. "I have no name. To name us is to take away our spirits." "But you were..." Zyra paused as the beasts pained became known to her. This strange animal had a story, one that didn't quite seem...primitive enough to be from the Nightlock. What was it? Who was it? Zyra said nothing, feeling her garments absorb the warm sticky blood that had haunted her dreams. The Nightlock closed its eyes. "Is there nothing to be done for the bleeding?" "No." "Then how will it heal?" Scallen shrugged, his face reflective. "Ssslowly." -- "We need to find her." "Kyzu, you must calm down." "No!" The village was in uproar. Rair and Gharla had stumbled out of the forest, Rair dragging Gharla down as she leaned on her, fighting off the remnants of intoxication. No sooner did they arrive did a shout go out from Kyzu's attendant, a horrible wail that woke all of the residents immediately. "SHE IS GONE! THE CHIEFTESS IS TAKEN!" Gharla and Rair immediately ran towards the tent. Their eyes darted to a light set of footsteps heading towards the forest. Quickly they followed it, ignoring the sounds of the village mayhem behind them. Seconds later they found Kyzu, a white blur laden with her body's worth of supplies, a basket full of food, a large sack on her back, and a long stick she used to pull herself forward. "Chieftess!" Kyzu whipped around, her dark hair whipping in a functional braid. To both their surprise she turned and began, quite clumsily, to run. Without the stick to aid her she took five steps and tripped, skidding into the dirt, her dress ripping beneath the knees. Rair and Gharla looked at each other. Rair cleared her throat. "...Chieftess?" "Go!" she boomed, muffled by her vain struggle upward. Her arms flailed as she attempted to right herself without abandoning her load. "I am off to see Zyra! I will demand an audience with her!" "Chieftess." "I am a leader and I am her sister. I will demand and audience or so help me..." Kyzu rolled onto her back and sat up, her hair a nest of dirt and leaves. Without a word Gharla and Rair took Kyzu by both her arms, and dragged her back to the village. As their leader cursed them and did her best to struggle, both hardened huntresses were stunned at how light and weak Kyzu was. There were children that could have put up more fight refusing baths than Kyzu did on her holy journey. So now they stared at her, looking for signs of madness as she yelled at them, while Enui and the others brought the village back to rest. Rair sighed deeply, rubbing her face in disbelief. "Surely you knew you would never make it." "I have a very firm constitution," Kyzu snapped. Her hands were wet from cleansing herself in her cleansing bowl. She ran them through her hair, combing it with her fingers. "She has been gone for so long and sent no word." "If she could send word she would have." Kyzu pointed a long jutting finger towards Gharla, her face furious. "That is what I am worried about." Rair, gently helped Kyzu lower her finger out of Gharla's face. "What do you suggest Chieftess?" The huntresses looked at her, seeing a violent resemblance to Zyra that caused a feeling of nostalgia. Before Kyzu could launch into another tirade, Ginger burst into the tent. "I have an idea!" Gharla tilted her head. "Did you...were you listening the whole time?" "I was awoken by a shout that our Chieftess was missing. Of course I was listening." Kyzu straightened, looking at the infamous village girl warily. "Well Ginger, I am aware you are close with Zyra and as a result she has allowed you certain allowances with Rovian business, but you must understand that as a villager you do not have the authorization—" "I have an idea on how to get to Zyra undetected." Kyzu frowned. She didn't like how the girl inserted herself, but she was desperate. Sure she had helped her on occasion, but Kyzu wasn't sure whether the girl could be useful. "Fine. Proceed." Ginger beamed, giving a nod of acknowledgement to the huntresses who stared curiously. "It was revealed to me that I am of unusual parentage. My father was not a human." "What?" Enui walked in, her brown eyes wide. "The village has been quelled. What do you mean your father was not human?" Ginger smirked. "He wasn't. It accounts for my magically alluring good looks." "And you chose to tell us now?" Kyzu snapped. "It wasn't important until now," Ginger said pouting. She turned to see Rair's eyes boring into her. "What?" "What are you?" Ginger winked provocatively. "Guess, and if anyone knows no spoiling!" "Nymph." "Enui!" "So I was right." "I'm offended by that. I could have been something else." "Spare me this charade," Kyzu screamed. She gripped her head, her body and soul tired from the morning's stresses. "Either say something of value or return to your tent. It is early, and if I must be confined, I wish to retire." Ginger nodded, aware her production was now over. "Zyra told me that the valley can detect human presences, when you crossed over into the valley there was a commotion that rippled through it. Yet when Zyra crossed there was no such ripple." "Of course not," Gharla said. "Zyra is no mere human, not anymore." "Well neither am I," Ginger said coyly. "If I crossed over, maybe the valley might recognize me, the nymph part of me, and I could find safe passage. Tell me where to go. Tell me whom to see and I shall secret myself to Zyra and back. Should this endeavor succeed, I can act as a messenger. Would that not be wonderful?" The women in the tent dissolved in hushed discussion, Ginger waiting patiently for them to adjourn. Kyzu was the first to speak. "Absolutely not." "Chieftess!" "You are a village girl. You have no training in combat nor the ways of the forest." "I am sturdy for my position. If I wasn't lazy I could have been a huntress. I my own way I am a huntress." "So what do you intend to do," Rair said flatly. "Sleep with anything that tries to hurt you?" "If I must," Ginger said nonchalantly. "Or I could use one of my many poisons." "Poisons!" "It is a well-known fact that I am second to no one save the shaman when it comes to mixing elixirs. An overdose of moonroot could be a poison of sorts." She turned to the women, her face for once serious. "I just want to be given a chance. I just want to be useful." "You are useful. We are all useful in our own way—" "My huntress, Paj is dead." The room's liveliness died. Ginger continued on, her voice grave. "Paj is dead and the death was not natural. We know this. Nima came from the forest confused and mind-addled. This is the work of foul magic. The same that nearly took Nima from us a year ago." The brown haired nympho turned to her superiors, unafraid and in charge. "I fear as you do the return of our misfortunes. I fear that unless we do something we will be forced to suffer, or worse Zyra will suffer for us as she has always done. You all care for her don't you? Then let us try to help her." Ginger's speak silenced them. The tent was quiet until Enui stepped forward, the least moved of the group. "That is all fine and well, but it doesn't change the fact that you cannot fight." "Teach me." "It takes years." Enui gestured for Gharla to give her piece. She in turn, gestured to their huntress leader, Rair. "My liege." Rair's heart skipped with guilty joy. "I say we give Ginger one weapon and one week. If you can master it enough that I feel I won't send you off to your death even though your goal is to be undetected, you may go." "Thank you! Thank you!" Ginger cried. She jumped up wrapping her arms around the stiff women who patted her back awkwardly. Rair jumped when she felt a pinch on her butt. "Ginger!" "What? You heard Enui." She gave the girls a lascivious wink and sauntered out. Kyzu laid herself down onto her pillows. "What have we just done?" Rair's lips tugged to the side in an almost smile. "Initiated a family reunion." -- "Zyra!" Zyra's green eyes looked up from her sleeping Nightlock to see Medean rushing over. He waved a hand at the Nightlock and it rose from Zyra's arms, floating to the side of her. "You should be resting! Is that blood?" He lifted her arms and turned her about. "You weren't injured in anyway were you? Was the basilisk offensive in any way?" "Me?" "Medean stop!" Zyra snapped pulling away. She rushed to the Nightlock and pulled it from the air, holding it to her body. Both men noticed how fetching she looked, covered in purple blood and holding a wounded animal like a baby. The witch's heart raced and he bowed. "Forgive me. I did not mean to seem cold. Please, allow me to examine him. Perhaps there are salves to assist his healing. In the meantime I must insist you bath and retire. Your use of magic yesterday is unheard of in such a short time of training. I am surprised you can walk, let alone carry a beast that is your size." "It's a boy," Zyra said softly. "I saw it." "Saw what?" Zyra blushed and walked towards the Tree. As it dawned on him, Scallen dissolved into giggles. "Ssomething you do not have witch?...sss" Medean's moon pale face glared at Scallen. "I am sure you are aware that I do in fact have one." He looked at the young lovely huntress before them. "Perhaps you might ask Zyra. Scallen chuckled. "Perhapsss I will...she doesss sseem to be in charge of your manhood..." Medean gritted his teeth. "Listen here, basilisk—" "Zyra!" Zyra nearly dropped the Nightlock. The Marble Tree split open to reveal Etaceh rushing forward in the most absurd of gowns Zyra had ever seen her wear. It was black as all her gowns were, with a plunging neckline that accented the globes of her almost translucent chest, but more importantly it flowed behind her in a wave of fabric that seemed to have no end. A bolt so long it could have stretched around the valley and back. Cutting but the first few feet could provide the village with new garments for each tent. "My darling! Oh I've been worried sick! I even made new clothes to pass the time. What do you think of this? The fabric is called a 'train.' It was all the rage for brides. Oh poo, you people don't marry anyone do you? Or who could afford a diamond in a bartering trading economy anyway?" "You are speaking in tongues again Etaceh." "Oh Zyra how I've missed you, have you come home?" "Actually—" "sShe iss sstaying with me..." Zyra turned to Scallen, his face emotionless. He bowed to her ever so slightly "ssShould the keromedio choossee..." She waited for the cry of outrage but there was none. The witches and Scallen merely looked at her expectantly. Zyra was dumbstruck. "You would let me stay with him?" she asked Etaceh. The witch nodded. "If that is what you choose." Her eyes glanced over to Medean. He had his mask on, the face of cold formality. He too gave her a small bow. "I will care for you no matter where you go, but I feel you would be safer in the Tree." "Caligula will return," Scallen hissed. "I would rather not sssee you in this placcss...e." Zyra looked between the two of them, her arms shaking. "I...I mean." Scallen walked over and extended his hands. She looked at them, then gently placed the battered animal in his hands. "Didn't you have ssoome medicine?" he said to Medean. Medean's stiff body grew stiffer. He jerked to Zyra a bowed low. "Excuse me Mistress." He turned, his cloak flowing behind him and disappeared in a curtain of black. "Zyra?" Etaceh waited, her red fingers twiddling. "What do you want to do?" Zyra rubbed her temples. "I...I..." "I have an idea." Zyra jerked her head behind her, stunned at the voice she was hearing. How could they...even fathom coming to see her. The figure smiled at her. "Hello Zyra." -- *Notes* I want so many comments that my eyes explode from reading them all. I'll announce the finer details about how I'll be distributing chapters from now on (and for you "involved" fans, a bit of the low down on my personal biz) on my site most likely early next week. "Hsssss! ssShe cannot guarantee her own ssafety..." Happy Valentine's Day ^_^ Love, SD_ Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 29 Chapter 29: Emotion "Mourabet?" The curvy green woman stared down at Zyra with disdain. She looked between her and the men on either side of her and snarled. "On to the next ones I see. Human loyalty is so fickle." Zyra tried to hide a wince. "What do you want Mourabet? You made me promise to never come to the Shyla tribelands again, and here you are." She walked up to her, taking note of the ogresses' sweaty forehead and disheveled hair. "Don't tell me...despite your airs, you came to seek me out?" Mourabet's pursed her lips, crossing her arms defiantly. "So what if I have?" Zyra took a step forward, squaring off with her. "If you have then you would do well to address me with respect." The green of her cheeks turned darker. She glared at Zyra, her thin claws clinking as she struggled to keep herself from attacking, until her frustration won. Mourabet let out a long sigh. "I can't find him." "Find who?" "What is the problem?" Medean came to her side, looking at Mourabet suspiciously. He had not forgotten her slander. "River is missing," Mourabet said more firmly. "He went out last night to bring in the water and he never came back." She ran a hand through her curly red locks, and sighed heavily. "I thought he might be under the skirts of some loose village trollop, or that he was cowering from his overly eager betrothed, but when he did not come in to do his chores I grew worried. He is a lazy boy, but he has never failed in his responsibilities to me or Meela. I fear something terrible has occurred." "And you want me to help." "You are the keromedio aren't you? Or are you only useful to your men?" Zyra was about to slap Mourabet for her animosity towards her when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Scallen raised an eyebrow. "Zzssyra...have you forgotten that you were in the middle of sssomething?" Her eyes widened. Even if Mourabet was a monster she could no doubt use this to her advantage. "Scallen, Medean, while I appreciate your concern for my well-being I must before all else serve as keromedio of this valley and the human tribes. We can return to this issue after River is found." "Finally something sensible." Zyra laughed. "Oh Mourabet, the only sensible thing I've heard from your mouth is silence." Mourabet sputtered in shock but before she could retort, Zyra left, heading towards the Shyla village. "I'm going to see if anyone has seen him. You're welcome to come if you like." "You think me daft? I already asked half of the—" The men looked at the women, then one another, aware that Zyra was stalling. With an amused hiss, Scallen slid forward, halting when Medean stretched his arm out in front of him. The basilisk turned to the dark witch, his green eyes glittering with warning. "If you need that arm...I sssuggest you move it." There was a rattle in his voice, but the dark witch ignored it. "I don't know what you're planning, snake," Medean snapped, "but I want you to leave Zyra out of it. She seems sturdy but she's delicate, she's a flower growing into something hearty and bigger than both of us, and I won't let you stifle her growth with your fickle perversions. She needs guidance, not manipulation." "Really?" Scallen tilted his head to the side. Emotionlessly he opened his mouth and dribbled purple venom onto Medean's sleeve. The dark witch pulled away quickly, cursing as he ripped off the sleeve before the acid touched his skin. Scallen tilted his head the other way. "I'm painfully aware that you care for ssZyra'sss...flower. But I assssure you there isss nothing you can do to keep me from it. If ssZyra wants to be plucked, then ssso be it. And if ssshe wants guidan..ssce..." He leaned forward, his tiny sharp teeth twisted into his trademark smirk. "I can give it to her. Ssstay out of my way, pup." Medean's eyes flashed black. His magic became a solid, and a black swirling wind crawling over him and over his arm. A new sleeve emerged, clothing him without evidence there had ever been a tear. "You're not the only one with tricks snake." Scallen didn't answer. Medean cursed when he saw the basilisk beside Zyra as she and the ogress descended into the forest. "Follow them," Etaceh commanded. Her eyes were sorrowful, but her stature was proud and firm. "Yes my liege." He turned and ran after them. -- "Wait!" Kail turned. He had heard the soft footsteps following him for some time, but he had hoped they would falter. As he reached the river that would lead him toward the Rovians he thought he'd lost her. Instead he saw Leaf coming forward, a pack on her side, her breath coming in heavy gasps. She lived in the forest but for the most part it was a sedentary existence. His presence was possibly the first workout she'd had in years. Pity, he thought sadly. No matter where he went he was sure to make a mess. "Don't go." Leaf stood in front of him, her eyes full of desire and determination. A hazy outline of Zyra floated before him and it wavered when she moved. He growled. "I already offered to take you to the Rovians, there was no need to follow me in this manner." "I am not here for the Rovians," Leaf stated. She walked forward and took his hand. He stiffened. "Leaf—" "Hear me out," she pleaded. "Please." He didn't answer, which for her was confirmation. "I...I just wanted to let you know that when she breaks your heart in the end..." "Leaf." "If she does, I want you to return to me. I want us to live a life together. I...I love—" "No!" Kail wrenched himself from her arms and saw a piece of her hope shatter to the floor. Her eyes filled with tears. "I'm not going back for love," Kail said quietly. He still remembered the pain from Zyra pulling his power and felt guilty. He should have been there. He should have allowed her more of his strength. He could only hope she had come out of the ordeal. "I'm going back to finish this. I have been running my entire life Leaf. I have done things that would make your pretty skin peel to hear of it. There is a war coming, and I intend to fight it." "And after?" He reached out to her and tucked a strand behind her ear. "There is no after. I will not survive this." Leaf surged into his chest, wrapping her arms around him. "Stay!" she sobbed. "Stay." Damn, he should have known better than to approach someone who had been bereft of the simplest kindness. "Leaf just come with me." "No! I will not pretend to be nothing. You will ignore me. I will see her." She rubbed her face into his chest until she turned red and he had mercy on her. Gathering the poor woman in his arms he held her and stroked her hair, cooing to her all the while. "I will make you a deal," he said softly. "When this is over, no matter the outcome, I will come back for you." She paused mid-sob and looked up at him. "Truth?" He nodded. "If I am alive I will come, if I am not alive you will never see me again. But heed me, you may not like the person I am when I return." "But you will come back?" "Yes." "Forever?" He looked at the clawed fingers that dug so hopelessly into his shirt. "Leaf, please just come with me." She shook her head, her eyes feral. How had he missed this? How had he been unable to see that beneath her cool demeanor her sadness had made her feral? He leaned down and kissed her hoping that action would bring her to her senses. "Forever." She laughed through her tears, holding his arms with her hands, and kissed his again joyously. He returned it. Then she passed him her bag. "Here," she said. "Herbs from the deepest part of the forest, and a map. When it is over, you may use it to return to me. And I will wait. Forever." "Thank you." With the woman restored he walked off once more, keeping his ears sharp. No footsteps, she had stopped following him. Kail let out a tired sigh. It was true what he said, there would be no guarantee that he would come out of this alive, but even if he did, he remained haunted by a pair of green eyes. He grimaced. No, he had mourned the end of that. Perhaps he should return to Leaf, live a simple life. Or maybe he could finally return home to his brother, and his people. Maybe he would die. Or maybe, even if he lived he would never return to Leaf, and hope that she would take his absence as a sign of his death and live peacefully with her fantasy. If she investigated his death she would find the Rovians, and they would take her into the tribe whether she wanted or not. They would protect her. Kail shook his head. Were these once again the thoughts of a coward? He was not afraid of Leaf knowing they could never be, but what had scared him was the look in her eye, the threat that if he refused her she would lose all hope. The hopeless were often the most drastic. He didn't want her to harm herself, especially not for a wretch like himself. Sighing, he walked on. *** "Did you give the ogre the package?" A pale pretty woman looked up at Creedon and smiled. "Yes." "Good. You have proved your worth. What is it he calls you?" "Leaf, my lord." Creedon chuckled. "Well Leaf, would you care to shed your guise?" Leaf nodded. Thinking strongly about her original form she pulled from the stone Creedon had imbued with the little girl's magic. She could feel herself changing, shifting darkening. Before long, Henna stood in front of his grinning maniacally. "He carries it straight into the village. They will be unable to defend against it until it is too late." "Excellent." "And your promise my lord?" Creedon looked at her dismissively. "Yes, the ogre shall be yours forever, just as he promised." Henna fell to her knees. "Thank you my lord." "Rise. We have much work left to do." Henna nodded and raced behind her almighty ruler. She could still feel the ogres body against hers, rocking, touching with fondness and sweetness. She could only imagine how Zyra would feel to know that she too had taken Kail, who was more than willing, to her bed. Henna saw his divine green shape, felt his hands cover the planes of her body and shivered. Creedon glanced back at her and she controlled herself. No, now was not the time. Still she could not help but remember the ogre swearing up and down that he would never touch her. She smiled brightly. Oh well, things change. -- "Thrust!" "No..." "Stop whining. You asked for this." "But it's so hard!" "It's supposed to be. Now thrust again." "Ughh..." Ginger whimpered pitifully and once again thrust the spear forward. Her arms shook from exertion as the effort to hold the heavy wooden spear became too great. Beads of sweat poured down her body in streams and she resisted the urge to wipe it out of her eyes. Enui watched her passively, her teachings without mercy. "Hold...hold. Good, return." Ginger let out a sigh of relief as she brought her arms in and the spear back to the ground. She wiped her face, panting. Enui walked around her, shaking her head. "Ginger we gave you the lightest spear. Please tell me you are not this weak." "Well excuse me," Ginger coughed. "I am a village girl. We don't get out much if you haven't noticed while scaling trees each day." "That reminds me." Enui walked over to Ginger and snatched the spear out of her hand. Effortlessly, she threw it high into the air and into the tree tops. "Climb up there." Ginger could barely see the bottom of the spear wobbling among the leaves. "Are you insane?" "If we let you journey by yourself you will need to pitch a Rovian sleeping net. If it's too low there's no point. You have to be able to climb. Now go." "Can I have a break first? My arms burn..." "Go." Ginger groaned loudly, and then faced the tree. She took a deep breath and jumped, her arms and legs wrapping around it. It took all of her strength just to remain on the tree, how was she to climb it? "Ugh...Enui. I can't—Hey!" A sharp pain in her but halted her retreat. Enui stood under her, her spear point beneath her bottom. "I don't suggest getting down," Enui said calmly. "If you haven't realized yet this is going to be hard and you're going to have to push yourself. If your own life isn't incentive, then maybe my spear will be." "Are you crazy?" "Climb!" "Enui...gosh, let the girl down." Gharla and Rair stood observing Ginger cling pitifully to the bark. "Help...me..." Enui didn't move, looking to her fellow huntresses but leaving the spear be. "She needs to learn. She can't thrust a spear, she can't climb a tree. What is she good for? She's going to get herself killed." "Ahh...I'm slipping." "We have to teach her," Gharla said walking forward. "It's going to take time." "We don't have time!" "I say we let her dangle." "Rair!" "What?" "I'm...I'm falling!" Ginger's arms gave out and she plummeted to the ground. Enui moved her spear with an eye roll and Ginger fell onto a pile of leaves. She gasped, feeling her body for invisible wounds. "Oh...Maker be praised! I thought you were going to impale me!" "We can't do that," Enui snapped, twirling Ginger's spears between two fingers. "We need you. Though what for is beyond me." She threw it up and caught it effortlessly. "I need a break. Working with her is exhausting." Enui stepped over Ginger and headed towards the village, a frown on her usually calm and patient features. Ginger struggled up, every muscle in her body aching from Enui's exercises. "She doesn't like me very much does she?" Rair helped her to her feet. "No." "It's not that she does not like you," Gharla declared giving Rair a dirty look, "It is just that she is under a lot of stress and she wants results. You have been working with her for three days now, and you still cannot properly thrust a spear?" "It feels awkward," Ginger complained. "The thrusting motion feels so unnatural." "It must since you are not on the receiving end." "Rair! What has gotten into you?" "Ginger." "Haha, very funny," Ginger moaned, walking past her tormentors. "Make fun of the nymph girl." "Is there no ability the nymphs have given you other than an advanced carnality?" "I don't know. Let me go ask my nymph father. Oh wait. He's dead!" Gharla sighed and tried to think of ways to resolve the situation. "Vine, the nymph I met in the valley," she said for Rair's sake, "had the ability to control vines. As did all the nymphs." "That sounds interesting," Ginger said, working out a shoulder. "However I think you are forgetting that there are no vines in our lands. We cleared them out when we first settled here." "True, but have you ever tried to move the plant life around here?" Ginger shrugged, "It's worth a shot." She knelt down beside a flower and stared at it. "...Nope. Nothing." "You barely tried!" Ginger glared at the huntresses. "You are right Gharla. Why don't you show me how it's done?" "This is impossible!" Gharla growled. "You are impossible!" Without another word she stormed off, leaving Rair and Ginger in the clearing. Rair observed Ginger as she pulled the flower out the ground and threw it. Whimpering she plopped herself on the ground, closing her eyes. Rair walked up and stood over her, her eyes emotionless. "So, is that it?" Ginger opened one eye. "Yes I suppose it is. Unless you wish to ridicule me some more." "I was joking with you," Rair said. "I know you to be of a sunnier more jovial disposition. I had hoped to lighten the atmosphere." "Yes well practice makes perfect." The short-haired woman sat beside her. "The valley is not a place for humans," Rair said softly. "I have seen beautiful girls turn into monsters with sharp teeth, and men made of light. I have seen snakes stand on two feet that could look into my heart and know the things unspoken. We have all seen these things, and we were all unprepared for them. It may seem harsh, but we are trying to help you." Ginger scoffed. "Seems harsh. You all are a bunch of brutes! I thought you'd be just a bit daintier. I mean Zyra would have never—" the thought paused her, made her sit up as the grief was refreshed. "Zyra would never have pushed you so hard," Rair finished. "She would have encouraged you and praised you for your improvements no matter how small. But Ginger," she put a hand on her shoulder. "Zyra is not here." Ginger's lips quivered as she repressed her worry. "I'm scared," she admitted, sitting up. "That thing that...killed Paj, that Nima can't remember. What if it was just the beginning? What if Nima's sickness, and Kyzu's silence, and Zyra's absence are all things that will destroy us?" "Then we will fight to the bitter end." Rair stood and offered her hand to Ginger. "Will you stand and fight Ginger? Or will you just lie there?" Ginger scrubbed the tears out of her eyes and put a wet palm into Rair's. "Let us begin," Rair said firmly. "How about something lighter?" She reached into her hunting skirt and pulled out a knife from each thigh. She handed the shorter one to Ginger and took her stance. "Follow me, and only me. Do exactly as I do. Prepare yourself." Ginger looked at Rair and mirrored her image. "Move your arm in...closer...and point the blade with the serated edge to your left. Good. Step forward." Ginger did as she was told, Rair instructing her with patience with an undertone of mercilessness. She knew Rair would not let her stop, even if she fell down to the floor. She would pick her up and make her start again. She could only hope that Zyra would be proud. "Good. Step again. Shift your position so you are well balanced always." Ginger shifted and yelped when she found herself on the floor. "Not balanced well enough. Get up." Ginger scrambled up, her clothing caked with dirt. "Balance yourself." She tried harder this time and when Rair pushed her she did not budge. "Good. This is your foundation. This is where you start. Now Ginger, I want you to thrust." -- After walking through dense forest for what felt like an eternity, Zyra and Mourabet arrived at the Shashanen Shyla lands. After searching once again, Zyra felt that they had merely wasyed time. "He is not here," Zyra said sighing. "I can't pick him up at all. He is not in your village." Mourabet ignored her, continuing to ask her neighbors if they had seen River. Medean had appeared to her and said he would try to use the witch's basin to find him. Scallen had not returned. Still, she knew they would help according to their nature. As for Mourabet's nature, Zyra had finally blocked out the woman's venomous thoughts down to a buzzing in the back of her mind. One thing that never ceased to amaze her as she discovered these new races and their customs was how similar the curse words sounded. No matter what language, Zyra understood when she was being insulted. Despite herself she had spied upon Meela to see how the old woman fared. Being a blind woman of many years she didn't expect her to be entertaining anyone, but to her surprise an old man with red hair so light it appeared yellow was kneeling by Meela's feet. As she looked in from the window she heard him speak in cooing words that held no meaning to her but their overall tone of affection. Feeling to be a voyeur, she walked away from the window, half-wondering if the old woman's amused smile was directed toward her. She wouldn't be surprised, she was Kail's mother. As Mourabet threatened her fellow ogres with vile tortures if they were hiding River from her, Zyra decided her best bet was to try to retrace River's steps. She stood at Meela's front door and used her powers. Her eyes caught a scratch in a tree that looked about River's height. She went to the tree and further to the left she saw some flowers with broken leaves. Someone had stepped there. Gharla and Firetoucher would have been proud. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 29 Zyra walked, then jogged, then raced through the forest as the signs became easier and easier for her to detect. Perhaps she wasn't following River, but she was following someone. Or something. She jumped over a fallen tree and almost into the startled body that had failed to hear her. "My lady! The red-headed centaur took a few steps to steady himself, his hand poised to pluck off a handful of berries. "My apologies Galien," Zyra said kindly. She looked around him, wondered if his skittishness had corrupted her trail. He stood awkwardly observing her, waiting for her to strike up conversation. It became painfully clear within a matter of seconds that she would not. "So my liege..." She took a step forward. Maybe it was that fallen branch, or those trampled flowers...but she could see the hoof marks on them. But had that always been there, or just occurred? Damn, she should have known it would not be easy. "Yes Galien?" "Would it be out of turn to ask why you've ventured so close to the Nengen tribelands?" "I'm looking for someone." "Oh?" Galien noted her diverted gaze and how she walked lazily towards some flowers. So the keromedio was in fact a romantic! Galien ran a hand over his hair to tuck in his strays and wiped the berry juice off his face with the back of his hand, then his hand onto his back. Eagerly he cantered up beside her. Zyra watched the young colt's face lit up with hope. Splendid. "It is bad manners that this person keeps you waiting." "I don't think they expected to see me again to be perfectly honest." "As opposed to partially honest?" "As opposed to lying." Galien laughed, a funny girl, she was strong, and funny. He galloped in front of her and she stopped and crossed her arms. "Can I help you?" "I'm merely curious," he said smiling. "This someone you hoped to see. Did you find him?" She shook her head. "Unfortunately, no. But that's the downside of looking for a green ogre in a green forest." Galien brayed in dismay, tossing his human head back in a jerky nod. Of course, he had been foolish. And yet his matelessness would be the end of him. He liked this dyrad...no, human, and he figured that should be enough to court her at very least. "I envy my cousin, fair lady," he said, presenting himself by circling about her. She would see the rich fullness of his mane and the strength in his muscles. A strong boy or a beautiful haired boy would entice a short-lived human. "Surely any man you chose to track down must be formidable. Do you intend to mate him?" "Why would you say that?" "I mean, you hunt him down, do you not?" "Well yes but..." She tilted her head wondering how he could go from tracking to...right, Kail had explained it to her when he gave her the mark. The chase was a type of permission to mate, and the victim being carried off was expected to accept. And the magical beings had called humans barbaric. Consent was such a precious thing. The nymphs, ogres, centaurs lacked...humanity. "Human mating does not work like that," she said stiffly. "I have been tasked to find him." "Would you care for my assistance?" Galien tossed his fiery knotted locks behind himself and knelt so she could mount. "It would be much quicker if I escorted you." She smirked and took a preparation step back. "Why do I have the feeling that if I climb on you you're going to carry me away? "Because he will." Zyra turned and saw Gray Son approaching, unsurprised by his presence. She had heard him breathing behind a tree. Unlike ogres, centaurs were not soundless. In truth they didn't need to be, their prey could hear them and still it would make no difference. They were fast. Zyra tilted her head in respect. "Gray Son, I believe?" The bronzed centaur smirked. "I see you have not forgotten our brief encounter." "I see you are still part horse and therefore, unforgettable." The centaur chuckled, a deep rumbling sound. He turned to Galien whose face lost its pallor. "Galien!" "Yes?" "Depart." "But—" "I said...Depart." Galien stood up and forced a smile on his face. He elegantly bowed and took Zyra's hand pressing it to his lips. "Until next time, beautiful keromedio." Zyra nodded her head and the centaur darted into the forest. Gray Son snickered and strode forward, shoulders back, hands interwoven behind him. "So, what does bring you into our forest keromedio?" "I seek an ogre named River, son of Meela, brother of..." "Kail the Exile?" Zyra stiffed. "Is that what you call him?" Gray Son smiled. "Is that not what you call him keromedio?" "This ogre," she said, ignoring Gray Son's question. "River, a youth. Have you seen him?" "At what hour did he disappear?" "His caretaker knows not when he departed." "Her name?" "Mourabet." "Oh. The firespitta." That sounded like an insult. "What?" Gray Son shook his head. "Do not worry about our...phrasing. They are unique to our kinkind. I believe it in your best interest to return to a less dense portion of the land. You are not unwelcome here, but as you have seen..." he gestured to when Galien had been, "the matelessness is affecting their judgement." "Well I cannot be claimed," Zyra declared. "And I can take care of myself." "Why, because of the Mark?" "You...can see it?" "Of course." He circled about her in a similar way to Galien and she tried to recall if May Son had said if Gray Son was a mated centaur. "We children of the land, basilisks, ogres, centaurs can see it easily, but while it stakes a claim it is a weak one. The Mark is faint so your beloved is not here, so it must be the Exile. Furthermore it is incomplete. It will not protect you from wandering eyes. To think so your beloved must be arrogant." She would have defended Kail, but this entire business was beyond her. She succeeded in an aloof stature. "So what if it is incomplete. When I return I will complete it, and we will live our lives in the safety of the human lands." "And your kind would accept a brown and green child so openly?" "A girl? Yes. A boy would be complicated. My sister Firetoucher...she...what are you doing?" As he slowly made his circle, flexing as he did so, she frowned. "Why do you do that?" The centaur raised an eyebrow. "Do what, my lady?" "This! Circling, the strutting, the spectacle you're putting on. I have seen it from your people on three separate occasions and I know not why." Gray Son laughed. "I had hoped to be more subtle than an upstart colt, but perhaps my timing was too telling. I am presenting myself to you, that you might see I am without deformity and pleasing to the eye." "Why would that matter?" "It could matter." The centaur paused in front of her. He was much bigger than she realized. "I am courting you. Before the chase of course. You know not how long you will stay with us keromedio. Do you intend to live your life alone?" "I'll be returning to my village shortly," she said curtly. "Is that what you think?" the horse man tisked. "Then I feel sorry for you." "I'll be talking my leave." "It will be a waste," he continued. "You are a fine woman, brave and strong. A touch uncivilized, but you can be taught." "Hey!" "And it will take time to mend your heart. Shyla knows what it takes to break it. You could be made of stone." Zyra growled, her eyes narrowing. "How dare you insinuate what you don't know! Kail loves me, I know he does. And my heart is not—" "Save it. You know the truth." Zyra visibly recoiled at his words and his cold face melted when he looked at her. He coughed. "But that is my assumption, my liege." He changed his gait to a more casual one, and seeing her irate face, gave her some space. "Entertain this ideal if you must, but whether you choose Galien, or choose to live in your forest I fear either way I might be at a disadvantage," he said calmly. "As far as I have heard, you have a preference for green." "Excuse me?" How much did this four-legged muckash know? "And from whence does this omnipotent source come?" Gray Son brayed his brown curls tossing. "I would hardly like to be involved with a murder." "Then don't answer me and see what happens." "Oo...fiesty. Are you sure you don't feel in the mood for a brisk sprint?" "Positive, and your reluctance to get involved directly contradicts your desire to be involved with me," she said dryly. She wondered if May Son's boast about centaurian manners was more conjecture than fact. "You talk about it in such plain terms without your brother about to keep your manners present. I don't understand why you creatures abuse me, but I have had enough for the day." Zyra turned and ran back to where she had come. She was about to sigh in relief when she heard heavy hooves crash and Gray Son began running beside her. "How so? Tell me of your abuses sweet lady. " "You mock me." "No! I am sincere." Zyra scoffed. "You make a mockery of my feelings for amusement." "Me in particular?" "Everyone. You insult with false and selfish advances, and call my rebuttals unkind." "Everyone wants something. Is pursuing it selfish? You are exotic and powerful," he said. "Of course there will be suitors, even if their promises are empty. You are at least guaranteed a bed partner. You must be bored with the witch by now." Zyra stopped so suddenly she would have fallen on her face had Gray Son not caught her by the waist. "Are you alright?" She grabbed him by his hair and pulled him down to her eye level. His lower half sat to compensate, but he looked more aroused than offended. "I want to know how you know these things. Now." "Have you ever met a Selkie named Nymare? She like all the Aquatics was blessed with ability. Hers is to change shape." "I am aware." "Then are you aware of her pool?" "What pool?" "Well...let go of my hair, and I shall tell you." Zyra let him go immediately. Damn, her temper had once again gotten the best of her. "Apologies. Tell me about this pool." Gray Son combed a hand dramatically through his hair and tighten his abdominal muscles, arching back with a sigh. "If only I could dear woman, but I am gravelly injured. My head, my mind, my recollection! Surely you must do more than that to right your wrongs. I have just the activity to get back into my good graces-ow! How about I get in your good graces-Agh! Maker be you're strong. Gah!" She grabbed his hair again and again, silently delighted when he cried out. "It takes very little to get out of mine so I suggest you tell me how you know this before I tell your brother about your rudeness and flagrant perversity." "Tattletale." "I do not tattletale! You are tattletale!" "Do you even know what that means—ow! Her pool! It is like the basin of the witches. It shows all of the events in the valley, even inside the Marble Tree. She can see everything, and she's a gossip." Zyra released him, and he pulled back from her holding his head in pain. "That really hurt woman. You are a woman right?" She ignored his insults, a cold dread filling her. "So...you and others...know of my relations." He snorted. "Two. Nothing to be ashamed or proud of." "Why would you know such things?" "We're curious," he admitted. "The centaurs, the braver, younger ogres, the nymphs don't particularly care but they visit her and spy. We are curious about who you really are. And, excited that you are attracted to a nonhuman. It creates a...range, of possibilities." Zyra spat on the ground, mortified by the entire ordeal and began to scream. "Present yourself all you want, in any manner you want. I have a task and when it is completed, you shall never see me again! Any of you!" She panted, her nostrils flared and her eyes murderous. Gray Son grinned. "Come visit me sometime. I'll explain to you the mechanics of mating here, even if you don't intend to. Perhaps the knowledge of our cultural practices will ease your mind, bring you understanding, and perhaps our understanding of you will allow us to cease our offense." "No." "Suit yourself." He gave a graceful bow and Zyra felt herself impressed by his fluidity in what to her was a bulky body. "The pool of Nymare is that way. Follow the yellow flowers. It is a path she uses to lure the youthful. She lures children, but she never kills them. Either way, perhaps you could ask her where the ogre is. She no doubt can see him." "Thank you." Gray Son smiled. "Have I earned any favor with my good deed?" Zyra shook her head and headed into the forest. **** "Kail...Kail!" River looked out onto the human land. It had been too long since he had last laid eyes upon his brother. He had placed him in a dark, deep corner of his mind and left his memory for dead. It was better than the reality. Instead, he found that his brother had not only survived, but he had flourished. Surely he could be contacted then, with one of the women he had seduced. Surely his brother could be spoken to. "Kail!" Out in the distance he saw a slight red-headed woman holding a parcel tight to her chest. She moved gingerly as though afraid to make sound. He looked at the invisible line that separate the valley from the tribeland. If he crossed they would know. Meela used to tell his scary stories about what happened to boys who crossed the border, and how the humans used fires to boil their skin and eat it. Needless to say Meela had raised both her young successfully with no fear of him wandering to never be seen by her again. At least, back when she could see. "KAIL!" The woman snapped and for the first time saw him. She pulled the parcel in tighter in response. "Hey! Human woman, come here." She took one step and darted off into the forest. River would have been furious if he had not been impressed. "She's quick," he mumbled. "For a human." Now what could he do? Mourabet was no doubt tearing up the valley trying to find him. There would on doubt be... "Are you River?" He jumped and turned face to face with a nymph. It was a female. He gulped. Mourabet had forbidden him from nearing their lands, but they were one of the first lines of defense against intruders, driven mad by their own secret desires sent by Ny, to wetten them with their water magic. He bit his tongue. No, do not fall for it. "I am. Why do you ask?" "You are being searched for," she said smiling. She wrapped her arms around him and he felt her cold nipples press through his shirt. "I'm so glad we found you. How old are you dear boy?" "In whose years?" "Do you know nymph years?" She whispered in his ear. "N-no." "Then in your years." "Ni-nineteen." "Splendid. Well now that I've found you, I'm going to take my reward." "What?" The beautiful creature tossed long tendrils of green with flowers blooming in them over her shoulder, assaulting his senses with the aroma of flowers and earth. He felt his manhood rise immediately. "The one Friend Scallen promised. He said you would be easy." "Easy? I-I don't underst—hey! Don't touch there!" The nymph giggled and suddenly she was not alone. River found himself surrounded by bodies, male and female who looked upon him with lust and mischief. "He said if we found you we could play with you until he came to get you. As punishment for running off. So long as you gave the invitation." "What invitation. I didn't give..." his words died when he felt a warm hand encase his manhood. Startled he yelped when hands pulled down his trousers and the tree's vines wrapped around his arms and pulled them up and taut. "My name is Kalia," she said in a smooth sultry voice. He looked at her curvy, smooth body. She was so...the hand on his cock became a mouth, and thoughts were unnecessary. A finger probed at his butt, Kalia kissed him and began to finger a nipple. He became suspended into the air and his mother's warnings came to him. He was a bad boy, he had gone to the border, but though he had not crossed and his captors were not human, River found himself being eaten. ***** Firetoucher ran from the ogre that she saw at the border. She had been seen. She had been so careful to avoid the Ursies and her own people though it had hurt her. She missed the Rovians, and she knew the law, but she would not give him up. Her son was hers. She loved him more than she had ever loved anything, and she would not give him up to an Ursie savage who wanted him for power. She looked down on her light brown baby and his dark eyes, but he had her eyes, her nose, and her heart. "Do not worry my love. I won't let them take you." She ran again, farther into the Wakai tribe land. Firetoucher didn't want to make that mistake again. The valley was not a place for a human let alone a baby. As she wandered she stumbled upon a hut. Sneaking up to it she looked inside and saw it was barren. "Abandoned?" Cautiously she walked up to the door and peered in. On the floor she saw nothing there but what appeared to be a Rovian fur. She walked up to the fur and took a deep breath. It smelled of home. What Rovian would be all the way around here? She placed her baby on the fur and closed the door. She was tired, she could eat later. Her baby, could eat now. Firetoucher revealed her breast and presented it to her baby. He suckled from her and she felt at peace. She would stay here just for the night. Her son fell asleep at her breast. She pulled him to her and fell into a fitful dream. ***** **Notes** I loved your guesses on who she saw. It could have been Rell, but been there done that. Ginger was a close guess. In the first draft it was her, but plot wise it didn't work. She needed a longer training montage. They're Rovians! They don't half-ass anything. I've already written chapter 30, so expect it sooner than later. Love always, Stubborn Dreamer Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 30 Chapter 30: Recovery Creedon was not a bad being. He was not ignorant of the differences between good and evil. On the contrary. He was only too aware of that delicate balance. How the balance had tipped out of his favor. How he had to work to get it back. The powerful witch stared at the frazzled female village with curiosity. Currently he sat in a tree with the guise of a green bird. It hid him well against the trees. He began to see an order to the chaos. Women in shorter skirts were warriors, women in longer skirts caretakers, and in the sea of browns and blues the one woman clad in white was their ruler. She was called Kyzu, and the mother of the child who revitalized his power. He was grateful, almost to the point of feeling pity for the humans. Almost. A stern warrior sparred with a brown-headed village girl who progressed at an infantile pace. But she was learning, just barely. He wondered if she would be the replacement for the one he had absorbed. He let out a soft melodic chirp to see if it would break their concentration. They didn't budge. Everyone was so serious all the time. Especially since, well... Creedon had been in attendance to their farewell ceremony. They dressed her...Paj? In fine robes green robes. The huntresses carried her on a woven net of flowers down to the place where the river opened out into the sea. They placed her and the net onto a two-planked raft, and wearing black markings upon their faces, surrounded her. This same stern warrior swore upon her honor that she would do...damn...Pod...Raj...what was her—Paj! Right, she would do Paj justice. Her family came forward, a little girl and an old woman and accepted the Chieftess' offering, a single white flower. The Chieftess spoke soft words that his ears could not hear, but brought tears into the eyes of her people. Then they all began to give her flowers. Before long everyone had given the body a flower tribute, and she was surrounded by hundreds of them, every color they could find, until the very air scented the trees with their aroma. Unknown to them Henna was in attendance. She was disguised as a small child. Since he had given her that earring that allowed her to change form, she'd been quite agreeable. No doubt her conquest of the ogre put her role into perspective. She could have anything she wanted, so long as she obeyed. With that message in place she didn't ask. Didn't as why he wanted to know about the Rovian mourning practices, why after his inquiry he wanted her there at the funeral. She didn't even ask why he wanted her to take a flower of his own, making and drop it at Paj's feet. She wouldn't ask anything for quite some time, and that made him relieved. He could get some work done. With tears welling in their eyes, they lifted the raft and placed it into the water. A blonde archer and an older one stepped forward with bows in hand, and one arrow with tips wrapped in cloth and green leaves. A village girl brought forth a torch and lit each. Ah, now this part he liked. Each archer showed remarkable skill as their arrows hit not the tiny raft, but the opening into the ocean on either side. Two plumes of thick black smoke rose up into two pillars and Paj's body passed through. Henna hadn't mentioned that. Later that night in his lair he questioned her about it and she responded rather eloquently. "We call it the door of clouds, a doorway into the heavens. In this way her spirit can walk through and avoid the hardships of ascension, and should she lose her way, she can see the smoke and find her way back home." "Back home? You mean to her body?" "No. To the Rovian lands." "Why?" Henna looked uncomfortable, but only for a moment. "Well master, we want to arrive to the Maker's Paradise, but it is a difficult journey. Rovians believe it is better to return home to the smoke, to haunt and watch over the land, than lie in the nothingness between worlds." "Do you believe this Henna?" he asked, very amused. "I don't know, master," she replied softly. "I think I do." He stroked her chin and smiled. "Sentimental. I can see you have be lonely in your self-imposed exile. Leaf's anguish was not a full charade, was it?" "Yes master! I mean no master! I mean...I am content here." She hugged herself, eyes drifting. "No one respected me in the village. Here with you, with your power, I am more than I have ever been." "But still," Creedon said. "A girl your age ought to have a friend." "You are my friend, master." Creedon laughed. "Is that what you think? Dear girl you need a proper friend." He petted her hair and smiled. "I'll handle everything. Don't worry." Now Creedon stood watching the huntresses train, wondering when the ogre would arrive. He had so many things to coordinate, so many pieces in his puzzle. Arranging his grand design would take time. He spent a year in the void. His son had been dead for a year, and they replaced him like a ripped cloak. A year was a long time to think though, to plan. It was his plan that had kept the void from ripping him apart thread by thread. Sure he had unraveled, but he'd lost nothing important. Smiling he began planning for Henna's new friend. Creedon was not a bad guy, not at all. -- "I'll kill her. I'll strangle the life out of her until she's blue. Then I'll blow the life back into her and start again." Zyra stomped off into the forest toward the pool of Nymare. Or, at least where she remembered. The forest was dense, and for the most part all looked the same. She would have used her sense of smell to find her but she was tired. She had not been awake very long since her battle with Caligula, and furthermore she was hungry. "Mind over body Zyra," she snapped at herself. "You won't be hungry if you're asleep." And you can sleep when Nymare is dead. As she passed a tree that looked suspiciously familiar and paused. Was she going in circles? Had Gray Son not pointed her in this direction? She grit her teeth. She was going to wring that centaur's neck! Frustrated she let out a guttural roar. "How many things do I have to attack before something gets done around here?" She heard a twig crack behind her and drew her dagger. The figure darted away. From the looks of its wavering shape it was a nymph. Glaring she charged after it. "Get back here!" It was going to take her to Nymare's pool whether it wanted to or not. Vine and vines be damned. She ran on and on until she was certain she heard the bastard giggling. Anger fueling her, Zyra let out a Rovian battle-cry. Launching herself into the figure she was surprised to find herself on top of a certain grinning lizard. "Why ssZyra...if I knew you would missss...me ssso, I wouldn't have left you." A thought occurred to her. "You followed me?" "Sssort of...I did ssome invessstigating...found you ssspeaking with a centaur." "So you heard everything?" Scallen sat up and she fell to the side. She glared at him and he laughed. "Ssspare me the inquiries ssZyra. What isss it you wisssh to learn?" "You knew about Nymare's pool didn't you?" "Of course..." "And you never told me." Scallen tilted his head to the side. "About what? The possssibility of sssomeone...ssspying on you? Or that there are pla...sss...ces where one can look up the valley's happeningsss?" Zyra stood up and stared down at him. "Telling me my exploits were common knowledge open to anyone would have sufficed." Scallen slid up, rising inches from her face. His air blew on her forehead. "I thought you would know that by now." He kissed her forehead and she swung out missing him as he hissed in amusement. "Really sssZyra. I thought you'd learned patience or sssome other virtue while with the witch. It ssseems your fight with Caligula hasss you regressing back into upleasssant patternsss..." "You dare call me the beast?" Zyra scoffed, shoving past him. "I have better things to do than hear you lecture me. I am an adult, as you well know." He slid in front of her. "I am aware." Zyra could feel renewed rage bubbling up into her, and she tried to control it but found it running rampant through her veins. She didn't want to prove him wrong. She wasn't a beast. "Get out of my way Scallen." His lips split into a grin. "Or what?" Her fists clenched. She tried to step past him and he blocked her. "I need to have a little talk with Nymare." He didn't answer her, simply kept getting in her way. She could feel a lump in her throat now. "Scallen...if you don't get out of my way..." "You'll hurt me?" he teased. "How beastly. Oh wait..." He leaned in to her ear. "I mean...how human." She couldn't control her body lurching forward more than she could hide her surprise when Scallen grabbed her arm and shoved her against a tree. His green eyes stared into hers and she squirmed, barking curses at him so foul spittle spewed from the corners of her mouth. "Let me go!" He laughed. Zyra swung her other arm and knowing he would catch it launched her leg toward his groin, but the basilisk was faster. He trapped both her hands in one of his and pushed down her offending leg with little effort. She dropped herself down, pushed at him, tried to bite, claw, scream, yet without yield Scallen held her. He kept staring into her eyes like he could see some secret inside her until finally he grinned. "I ssseee." He leaned his lean muscular frame against her. "The ogre'sss power sssstill remains inssside you...Your naturally high aggression hasss been amplified due to hissss mark..." Zyra's eyes widened. She knew she was angry, but she was always this aggressive. Wasn't she? "It isss a sside effect of using ssuch raw power..." Scallen said. "Unfortunately, one can take on the attributesss of whoever iss usssed...and...the usssser...can feel the effectss as well." He observed her, her tussled hair and yellow eyes as she let that new information sink in. "So...Kail knows I used his power." Scallen nodded. "It is in your best inter...essst, and the interessst of othersss, for you to calm down." Zyra stopped her struggling and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath. "Okay, I am calm." Scallen's hissing laugh filled the air. "As if it was so eassy...you need release." "I'm releasing," Zyra said letting out another long breath. "I don't think you have." She felt the light touch of his fingers move from her knee to the front of her skirt and stiffened. "What are you doing?" A low rumble spread from his chest into hers. He was chuckling. She gasped when his hot mouth closed over her earlobe. "Do you want me to help your release?" He didn't wait for an answer as he began kissing down her neck, reminding her with carefully calculated caresses that this was not the first time he had touched her. Scallen's hand pressed on her thigh and his thumb rounded the side of her hip. His other hand, squeezed harder. Zyra bit her lip. "This isn't funny Sca..." His thumb brushed her core and he nipped her shoulder. She could feel herself preparing to melt, her body easing the tightly wound strings that came from the top of her head to the bottom of her toes. She cried when Scallen shoved her against the bark, lifting her, wrapping her around him. He ground against her core, his eyes predatory with hunger that was barely controlled. He released her arms and she wrapped them around his shoulders, her body yearning. Zyra remembered lying on the cave floor. She remembered the cold rock digging in her back while Scallen's warm tongue dug between her thighs. It was Scallen who had pushed her over the edge. Pushed her into mindless desire. Why was he so good at this? He began to ease her breast bindings off underneath her tunic, and his fervent kisses made her shiver. He stepped in closer and she wrapped her legs around him, when 'they' caught her eye. The flowers, the path of yellow flowers. Her anger surged through her like a storm. Even now Nymare and a group of perverts were watching this very dalliance. She was never safe, she would never have such pleasure again. Not without drastic measures. Zyra wrapped her legs tighter linked her arms behind Scallen's neck. He looked up at her, his eyes dripping with desire and excitement. "ssZyr..." She locked her legs and twisted her body to the side, and Scallen landed hard on the ground beneath her. He hissed, his eyes flashing dangerously and she pressed a hand on his throat in warning. "Do not touch me Scallen. I did not give you permission so don't you ever presume to touch me like that again." "Touch you?" He cocked his head to the side. "I licked your pusssy ssZyra..." She pushed harder on his neck. "I mean it." "I sssucked your sssoaked, quivering foldsss and you begged me not to sstop..." "Scallen, whether you can see it with your big eyes or figure it out with your small intellect, you are making me very—" "Angry?" He sat up with ease and pulled her into him viciously. Snarling, he pulled her wrists behind his back and pressed them into the ground, their faces forced nose to nose. He glared violently at her, his fangs glistening with venom. "You know what I don't like about you ssZyra?" She pulled at his hands. "Enlighten me," she gritted. He pulled her closer until every word brushed her lips. "You don't accept help, but you don't know what the fuck you're doing..." His curse sprayed hot drops of venom her face. She winced and he licked them off chuckling. "You want to talk to Nymare? You want to tell her to ssstop? Fine, but to assault her for her nature...that, isss not your place..." "She had no right!" "According to human ssstandards..." he stated dryly, gripping her wrists in a more uncomfortable manner. "You can hurt her...badly, but that would solve nothing...unlesss, you want to kill her." "I wasn't going to! I have never been a murderer. You of all people should know that!" Scallen rolled his eyes. "You don't know your own ssstrength. You do not know what you are capable of normally...sss...and now, you have pure ogre adrenaline and rage rushing through you every time you feel. " Zyra felt the anger. No, this was not her rage. She hated him for being right. As though sensing her epiphany, Scallen released one of her wrists and guided it to the front of her skirt. He turned his head to rest his warm mouth in the crook of her neck. "What would be the harm?" he rasped, "If I pulled assside your ssskirt...and fucked you here and now?" Zyra stiffened. "I would be the harm. The moment I could reach my knife I'd stab you." "...ssay I could live with that?" "Let. Me. Go." "Give me a reassson." "I'll never trust you again." He pulled back from her neck, his face twisted in an indescribable emotion. Was that hurt? Longing? Fury? Resentment? She didn't know. He stood up and she fell to the side as he walked off. "Release it...or I will, ssZyra..." By the time she'd sat up he disappeared. "Bastard." She didn't want his help, but she needed it. She could always turn to Medean, but she'd felt...estranged from the witches as of late. She knew Medean's loyalties lie with her, but she knew it was his duty. Did he truly want to touch her? Would he want to even if she didn't need to? Did he... No, that was unimportant. She knew it was an issue of trust. She trusted Scallen so long as he was a sexless platonic ally. The Scallen who bit her with his aphrodisiac, who had made her shake with abandon long before her beloved ogre had to be a fantasy. He was not real, because if he was, he scared her, and he knew that. Frustrated she plopped onto the ground.She knew an orgasm would make her feel light, airy, calm, but she could feel his eyes somewhere, beyond consciousness, instinctively leering. "Turn around." She bent her knees. No difference. "Turn around!" A "No." rattled through the leaves from every direction. She closed her eyes and called him every foul name she could think of in her mind. "I won't do it unless you go. So if you want to prove you're justified in this, leave." The feeling lingered for a few moments longer until the eyes left. Zyra took a deep breath. Men. High in the trees Scallen watched her rub feverishly at her body on the forest floor, a writhing ball of nerves arching to the promises of an unseen lover. He could feel his members coming out before he could will them back in. They pointed to her. Scallen did not stroke himself, instead he stared down at her every move, memorizing her technique, savoring her temporarily downed guard. Zyra would come, when she was ready. She pinched her nipples and rubbed her clit until in minutes she bent like a snapped twig and collapsed to the ground. When she opened her eyes she knew they were green again. Not that she had noticed they changed until Scallen told her. It made her ill. She didn't know herself like she used to anymore. Above her Scallen touched himself. The smell of her sex in the air incised him. Desire for another taste, another look into the ever changing, ever and elusive Zyra of the Rovians. He stroked them both quickly, for one could not die down without the other, and he made short work of himself. They retracted within him, and he wiped his juice upon the tree bark. He slid down to the ground and was surprised to find that Zyra had gone. She was headed to Nymare without him. Fine, let her flee. Scallen would have disappeared into his tunnels had a blue wrist not crawled around his waist. The nymph didn't speak, giggling as she wrapped her nubile body around him. He smirked. "Do you have sssomething you want?" "I know where the boy is..." she strode in front of him and wrapped a leg around his waist. "Ahh...and where isss he?" "I want payment." "Do you." "Yes. A kiss." The basilisk could smell Zyra's scent grow weaker and weaker. The nymph pressed herself against him with a grin. Oh well, he supposed it couldn't be helped. He was the best kisser in the valley. Wordlessly he lifted her up onto his shoulders, and put her back against the tree. "You'd better tell me before I ssstart..." he hissed. The nymph nodded. "He's at the border being held by Talia. She said to thank you for the treat." Scallen chuckled. Mourabet would find River sneaking out much more now. She walked a hand down his chest. "Now that I've told you, can I have my treat? I want you to kiss me, friend Scallen." He chuckled, gripping her thighs, and let his tongue slip out and brush her folds. She shouted. Already wet, and not due to her aquatic element. She'd been watching the both of them. "Hold ssstill if you can..." He smiled. "Hold on if you can't..." Then he began. The nymph tossed and turned like a maelstrom, his arms holding her up and into place. She phased into the tree once or twice but Scallen's onslaught was merciless. Over and over she thanked him, screamed for him, begged him to stop and never stop, until the wetness between her thighs dribbled down his chin. With a feral shriek the nymph convulsed, coming one last time, and slumped lifelessly to the side. Scallen gently lowered the unconscious woman to the ground. Instinctively she phased into the tree until he had nothing but a wet chest to validate her existence. He licked his lips. It was clear that he wanted her. Clearer that she was holding herself back. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 30 Oh well. Eventually, when she was tired of running, Zyra would come. -- "Alright, I'm ready. Thrill me." Kyzu sat on a log that had been cut down into a seat. She crossed her legs, her white robes barely above the ground. She didn't expect Ginger to impress her. The village girl spent considerable time with Zyra ever since they were young, and her dislike for Kyzu was no secret. It embarrassed her that she had more power to aid Zyra, than she, the Chieftess. In her dark heart she wanted Ginger to fail, but in her most secret heart, she feared such an event. Zyra needed to come back. She would know what to do, and this time Kyzu would help her. Ginger readied her stance as Enui stood before her. She pulled a spear from her back and twirled it effortlessly, all but smirking. Gharla stood to the side watching them warily. "I won't go easy on you." Ginger tilted her knife and the sun bounced against its rays. "I don't expect you to." Enui charged. Ginger barely jumped to the side as the spearwoman passed her like an angry boar. The spear slashed at her face and she ducked her eyes wide. "Enui! This is a spar! Are you trying to kill me?" Enui's eyes narrowed mercilessly. She threw her body into a forward flip, pushing the spear into the ground and Ginger took a foot to the head. She reeled back, her head spinning painfully. Enui threw a punch and Ginger lifted her arms to block. "Ow!" She rolled to the side and stood up, realizing that Enui was going to hurt her if she had to. "Focus," Rair snapped. "You can do this Ginger. Use your skills." "What skills?" Gharla said sighing. "I thought you said she progressed Rair. She's as graceful as a stump." "Focus Ginger," Rair said, ignoring her fellow huntresses. "You know what to do. Use your skills." Ginger stared wide-eyed as she blocked Enui's large horrible spear with her knife. For an unarmed opponent she would have been fine, but it was like a stick battling a tree. The jarring sensation made her bones ache, but she dodged again. Focus Ginger. She tried to think about what Rair had taught her. She regained her stance. It had to be muscle memory after all the torture she had gone through. Arms up and look for your opening. "I'm tired of this charade," Kyzu said annoyed. "If this were a real opponent you would be dead. Enui, end this." The curly-haired hellion shifted her grip and charged her again. Ginger knew she could not block this blow. "Use your skills!" Her skills? Right. The only thing she was good at was... Ginger dropped down to her knees. Unable to stop, Enui's legs crashed into her body and she tripped over her and onto the ground. "Yes!" Ginger quickly straddled her and pressed her knife at her throat. "How's that for skills?" Enui scoffed, but despite herself was mildly impressed. Maybe there was more to this village girl than she realized. She jerked her hips to unseat her, but Ginger didn't budge. She licked her lips and Enui's body felt a familiar tingle. Nymph blood was surely inside her. "I'm impressed," Kyzu said plainly. "You know the plant life of this forest better than most so I suppose food will be no issue should you need it." She turned to Rair. "Can your pupil pitch a sleeping net?" Rair gave her a small smile. "Ginger?" Ginger's muscles clenched. "But I just—" "In the tree village girl." "Aw..." -- The Nightlock felt himself in a perpetual haze. Often he was sleeping, his body trying hard to knit against evil magic. Underneath him was a permanent red stain that would no doubt remain after he was gone. Perhaps some wizard would find in a thousand years a bloodstone. Disturbingly enough the thought comforted him. Bloodstones were powerful. Surely to be powerful in death was more worthy than a life of powerlessness. "Is that what you tell yourself Illaria?" He snapped his head to the sound of his true name. In front of him he could see a figure that had long departed this world. Before him was his exiled lover, the one whom had once been a beautiful dark elf, the one who would ever hold his heart. "Gwain." The Nightlock chuckled to himself. "I must be close to death's door." The dark elf shrugged, his violet skin filling the Nightlock with yearning. And sadness. Gwain knelt beside him and stroked his face. He could almost feel his cool touch. "You should not be here beloved." "Dislike my accommodations?" he coughed. "They are temporary, you need not injure your noble eyes." "No," Gwain said sadly. "You should not be here...with me." "I want to be with you." "Illaria..." The Nightlock shook as he stood onto his legs, his body feeling frailer with every pump his heart made, pushing the blood through his body just quick enough to save him. "If I was with you..." he panted, "We could be together again, whole in body and soul. I could abandon this hideous body. I could...be yours again...Gwain—" A terrible pain wracked him and he fell to his side. Gwain reached for him and this time he felt nothing. He was going to make it. "It is not your time beloved," Gwain said, tears gathering in his strange maroon eyes. "You have much work to do, much indeed. You will find those who love you as I loved you. You will find hope—" "I will not. I have lost hope. No one gives me hope." The image of the little girl flickered in his head for just a moment. From his partner's reaction he saw it. "Interesting. You never lied to me in life." The Nightlock grinned. "There is a time for everything it seems." "I will be watching over you Illaria." Gwain kissed his head, and he appreciated the sentiment. The man he loved, the man exiled and turned into a Rovian creature. The man he had followed to hell and back. The only one he ever could. "Promise me you will wait for me," Gwain said standing. "If I see you a minute before your time I will kill you deader than I am." The Nightlock snorted. "Do not worry beloved. You have reminded me of what is important." Gwain smiled to him and faded away like mist. The Nightlock closed his eyes. "What were you?" He opened an eye to see his caregiver. The basilisk had been his companion and protector since he returned to this wretched place. He was stretched on his side, watching him with curiosity, his large green eyes hypnotizing, a gaze that drew in weak, needy, prey. What a gorgeous creature. He could almost hear Gwain cough to get his attention and point toward the basilisk's lack of...anatomy. He missed him. "I was in love with an exile," he said bitterly. "And you followed him." "Until the bitter end." The basilisk came forward with a moist cloth and put it on his temple. His feverish body cooled. Maybe he could get used to magic again, it did have its uses. Then the basilisk looked into his eyes, no...deeper, he felt him search inside him, and for no reason allowed him. To his surprise he grinned. "You have ssstrange tassste...it never bothered you?" Illaria let out a loud laugh. "Of course it did. But you knew that didn't you noble one?" Scallen smirked. "He wasss gone before hisss body died...Gwain became the beassst...and you remained hisss...?" Illaria thought of the last time his love recognized him as him, and not as a Beta to be mounted. The snake was right. Though it had little impact on his decisions. "Revenge will get you nowhere..." "You need me for the girl don't you?" The Nightlock took a deep breath. It hurt less now. "You wouldn't care for me otherwise. Revenge is why I shall. Without it, I will be useless to her." "You are usselesss..." Scallen stood and walked away from him, his hissing laughter dancing on the wind after his departure. "...for now." Illaria rolled his eyes. So dramatic, he must be old. He closed his eyes and dreamed Gwain was beside him. They made love on a bed of roses, each blood red petal falling from a slit in Creedon's neck. You are mine CoCree. He jerked awake. You will always be mine. "I'll kill you..." His laughter filled his mind and he screamed into the sky. -- Why do you want to find her so badly? Zyra's mind echoed this question over and over. For justice! ...Justice. Okay, so that's a lie. Even I know that's a lie. Great. Then what isn't? I want to find River. Is that all? She jumped over a root. Okay...it was the pool. Its allure was undeniable. She could see anything she wanted? In and out of the valley? Zyra took a deep breath and stepped over a vine in her path. The yellow flowers were becoming harder to spot. She had to be close. Was she going to rough Nymare up for her perversions? Yes. But what then? If she could access the pool, what would she do? What would she want to see? "There you are!" Zyra turned to see a disgruntled boar of an ogress charging for her. Her red hair was matted and filled with twigs. In fact, she was headed straight for the vine Zyra had stepped over. "Mourabet, careful!" "Don't you threaten me you pimifutta"! Zyra opened her mouth to retort but crossed her arms instead and watched in delight as Mourabet face planted right into the dirt. Hard. She laid there face down, no doubt embarrassed. "You deserved that," Zyra said. "You know you did." Mourabet didn't respond. In fact, she wasn't moving. "Shizu!" Zyra scrambled down and turned her over. Knocked out cold. The little idiot exhausted herself by wandering through the forest, insulted her, and then decided to pass out. "Well, not my problem." Zyra stood up and went back to the yellow flowers. Now, where was she...oh right, the deep meaning behind— An image of Mourabet waking up surrounded by centaurs entered her mind. She paused. Mourabet would deserve it. Shoot, it might make her happier to have someone dote on her, who could stand her nagging. Maker knows River had probably run off to meet some girl she didn't approve of. She took a step. There were nymphs too. She wasn't sure Mourabet would like that either, waking up naked and forced to enjoy their...culture. Zyra walked back to her, the short ogress' ample breasts rising and falling with each breath. Mourabet was too pretty to be left in a forest unguarded. She was still a woman, and Zyra knew she could not allow her to come to harm. "Fuckta." Zyra sat Mourabet up and tried to wake her by tapping her on her face. Nothing. She slapped her. Still nothing. At least she had gotten that out of her system. Silently she rolled her up and onto her back. It took her a moment to steady herself. Mourabet was heavier than she looked. Mustering up her strength she continued on toward Nymare's pool. Now...what did she really want? -- She was confused. She was more confused than she had ever been in her long life. Sure, she wasn't yet ten, but she was almost there, and mature for her age. Having lived almost a decade of life, Nima was sure she understood the world around her. Her mommy and auntie took care of her. She liked flowers. The huntresses protected the village. She was safe. Since that time she'd become sick nothing was the same. She braided Ginger's unruly hair as the huntresses quizzed her on what to do in various survival situations, and Nima couldn't help but wonder. Why could she talk? She prayed to the Maker many times, and he finally granted those prayers. But why now? She must have something important to say. She didn't know what, but she knew it had to be said. That it was there deep inside her. Something about Paj...about flowers. "Ow! Not so hard Nima!" "Sorry!" She loosened the braid and Enui teased Ginger for being sensitive to pain. "So this is all another part of training?Enlisting a child to torment me. You big-breasted beast!" "Don't think I won't hurt you just because you're going on a mission!" "Enui, Ginger, stop it! We are adults, remember?" Nima shook her head. They were all so silly sometimes. She looked to her mother who observed the scene with a detached grace, something she had once thought boring, but was becoming more and more admirable. Nima wished she had more friends. "Almost done there squirt?" Nima nodded and Ginger pulled her into her lap and started tickling her. "Hahahaha...no...stop! Hahaha...!" "You talk to me you hear! I want to hear a yes out of you dearest." "Yes! Yes!" Nima held her stomach in glee when Ginger stopped, there was one last braid to be done. "Mind your manners young lady." Nima laughed. "Yes Ginger." Nima wanted to be graceful, but she liked rolling around and getting dirty. She liked picking onions by the river like Zyra had taught her. She liked being able to beat up the boy who tugged her hair. Nima glanced at her mother and saw her delicate hands. No, she would not be her mother. She thought of her auntie getting in the faces of men with feral black paint of her face and shooting with such accuracy that she brought silence like rain. She would not be her auntie either. "Done!" Ginger ran her hands down her head and grinned. "Perfect." Nima pulled back and looked over Ginger. She had been given huntress robes. They were snug in some places but she looked well. There was a nice knife on her hip. With the provisions on her shoulders and a cloak on her back, she looked rather official. Well, other than the blue embroidery she placed on the edges. But Ginger had already been yelled at for such unnecessary adornments. Ginger tapped her nose and smiled. "I look good don't I kid?" Nima nodded. "You look beautiful!" "Why thank you," Ginger said dramatically. "I pride myself on looking great in anything. Do make sure to remember Nima that your body is your temple..." She lifted her up and gestured to the huntresses. "And people are peasants." Nima chuckled and Kyzu stood unamused. "Would you mind not filling my child's mind with drivel?" "You can share your love or be selfish with it, but everyone should worship you!" She lifted Nima high above her head and onto her shoulders. Nima shrieked as she turned her towards Rair. "Worship her!" Nima's eyes widened when Rair took a knee. "My liege." A chill ran through her tiny body as she saw how the huntress paid her respect. She'd never been bowed so deeply to. "Humility!" Gharla said. She hurriedly lifted Rair to her feet. "That, is what maketh the woman." She snatched Nima from Ginger. "Tell Rair thank you." Nima smiled. "Thank you Rair. Your gift honors me." Rair stood and Kyzu nodded approvingly. "Come my sweetling, let me teach you something." "We've got to get moving." Gharla put her down and Ginger smiled at her. "You're leaving so soon?" "I'll be back even sooner," Ginger said smiling. She kissed her and Nima wrapped her arms around her neck. She pressed her face tight against her. "Who will I play with?" Ginger hugged her tighter. "Anyone you want to kid." Kyzu stood, looking on at the relationship her sister and her friend had cultivated with her child. Now that they were gone maybe they could finally be closer. She was busy running a village, it wasn't her fault Nima wanted to run around instead of sit and embroider beside her. "We will return after she is taken half-way to the border," Gharla said firmly. "We dare not journey far. While we are gone Imjah will keep the perimeter. Please stay close to your tent my Chieftess. We will be back soon." "Let her go now Nima," Kyzu commanded. The two were locked in tight embraces. Nima didn't budge, nor did Ginger. "Nima...let her go." "Just a second," she said squeezing. She pulled back just enough to look into Ginger's eyes. "Bring back Auntie Zyra. Please." Ginger kissed her forehead. "You got it." "Don't make promises you can't keep," Kyzu snapped. She walked to her daughter and roughly scooped her up. Nima reached for Ginger again and she took a few steps back. "You may leave now." "Yes Chieftess." Ginger bowed, aware of Kyzu's jealousy. She gave her a pointed look. "Take good care of her." Kyzu's eyes widened in mortification. "Of course I will!" Ginger nodded, and followed the huntresses into the woods. She was about to demand she come back to pay for her disrespect when Nima wriggled in her arms. "Wait! I have to give you something!" Kyzu's arms shook as Nima squirmed to her shock she started to run after her. She grabbed her daughter, her eyes wide. "Nima! Stop this nonsense!" "But it's good luck!" "Then give it to me and I'll give it to her when she comes back." "No! It'll be too late then!" "Nima give it to me." "Mommy it's not for you!" "Nima—" "She's getting away!" "Give it to me!" Kyzu snatched it from her and saw it was a four-leaf. To her utter shock Nima pulled away from her crying and ran into the village. "Nima wait! Nima!" Her daughter didn't stop. Kyzu's heart hurt. No, this wasn't Ginger's fault. Or Zyra's. This was her own. She hadn't been the best mother. She would to change that. She looked at the flower and crushed it in her palm. She rubbed it on her forehead and bit the fourth leaf of the grass and ate. She needed more luck than Ginger by far. Nima ran and ran until she slipped onto the dirt floor, her white dress staining horribly. She sat on her knees and clutching the ground she cried. It wasn't fair. Why did they have to leave her here? Why? As she bawled she was surprised when a hand landed on her shoulder. Looking up she saw it was a red-headed girl who would often stare at her but never speak. "Whatcha crying for huh?" Nima rubbed her face. "You wouldn't understand." The girl crossed her arms. "Why not?" "Cause you just can't okay?" "Not okay." She put a hand out to her. "How old are you?" "Eight." "Well I'm 9 so that means you gotta listen to me cause I'm your elder." "Nuh uh!" "My name is Flameflower, but everyone calls me Flower. And you're Nima, the future Chieftess." Nima wiped her face with her dress and stood up. "Yeah? So what?" "So..." Flower said as though it was obvious. "You can't just be out here by yourself. Especially after...well, you know. My sister Paj—" "Your sister is...was, Paj?" Flower nodded. "Uh yeah, and she's still my sister you know. Firetoucher's cousin. Can't you tell?" She pointed to her bright red hair. Nima nodded. "Paj didn't talk to me much, but when she did she was always nice to me..." Flower stared at the ground twisting her foot in the dirt. "My mother says I'm not allowed to talk to you." "Why?" "Cause I could get in trouble." "For what?" "Promise you won't tell on me?" Nima wiped her eyes. "I promise." Flower looked around for prying eyes and gestured for Nima to come closer. "Can I ask you a question?" This seemed like a secret. Nima had never shared secrets before. "What is it?" "You can't tell anyone. Not even your mother." Nima hesitated, but nodded. "Come on, what is it?" "You were the last to see my sister alive," Flower said stiffly. "There's a village girl that said she saw you riding on the back of a Nightlock, but when you ran in the village you were on foot. You said you don't remember anything that happened, but is it true? Do you really not remember what happened to my sister?" Nima looked at the seriousness in the girl's eyes and felt bad. "No. When I try to remember, it hurts." "What does?" "My head." Flower reached up and put her hands on Nima's head. "Does it hurt when I touch it?" "No." "Then it's not real." Flower pointed to herself. "My cousin Firetoucher told me that there are two types of pain. Inside pain and outside pain. Outside pain needs medicine, but inside pain is fought inside. You have to make it stop hurting." Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 30 "How?" Flower was silent for a while then shook her head. "I don't know. Only Paj and Firetoucher knew." "Firetoucher is missing too," Nima said sadly. "My auntie hasn't come back to the village either." "My cousin isn't missing. She's taking her baby to the place—" Flower gasped and plugged her mouth. Her eyes were wide with panic. "Wait...Firetoucher isn't—" "Shh shh!" Flower grabbed Nima's mouth and crouched into her. "No matter what you can't say anything. You promised! Do you swear! Swear on your death arrows?" Nima nodded. The nine-year old released her and began to whisper. "Firetoucher is going to where they say Zyra is. She's going to ask her to hide her and the baby from that big fat Ursie loser Hanto!" "Really?" Nima was glad to hear that. She thought the baby was really cute for a boy. Though if she ever saw Firetoucher again that meant she'd been caught and the boy would be taken away. "She said when her baby was safe she'd come back for me, and we'd both live together." "What about your mother?" "What about my mother?" Flower said frowning. "All she does in gossip and try to have more kids when she totally can't anymore. My sister took care of me. Like the lead huntress took care a' you. I noticed. Now that she's gone..." Flower's eyes misted over, but she sniffled up her tears. Nima gave her a hug and Flower let herself cry. She patted her back, and felt awful that she couldn't offer the girl more. "Do you miss her?" The question was directed to Nima. "Yes. A lot." Nima let out a few tears of her own. "Me too," Flower sniffed. "My sister I mean." They cried until their tears dried up, then stood in silence, twisting and looking at each other. Flower screwed up her mouth. "So...what do we do now?" "What do you mean?" "Well, we hugged and stuff. So we're friends right?" Nima's lips quivered with hope. "Want...want to gather onions by the river?" Flower wrinkled her nose. "What for?" "I dunno." "Don't onions make your breath stinky?" "Kinda." "If we get them, will we eat em?" "Yeah..." "...Okay!" Flower took her hand, and she and Nima raced toward the river. -- "Henna!" "Yes my lord?" "How close is the ogre?" "About a day's march my lord." Creedon smiled as Henna stumbled over the new title. Yes, he was indeed a lord. It was a stepping stone to becoming King he'd said, to ruling over his oppressors, to becoming their god. "Henna..." The dark beauty looked at him, her eyes wide as a doe. "If I were a god, do you suppose I'd be a kind god, or a vengeful god?" Henna looked at his unreadable face, trying her best to anticipate his desired response. She could find nothing. "I suppose...it would depend on the person." Creedon laughed joyously. "Oh you are a funny one! You company is most welcome." Henna blushed, her master's smile highlighting his young attractive features. It was his eyes that showed how old he was, how long he had taken breath upon the earth. "Henna my dear, what a pretty color you've turned." Creedon strode up to her, clasping her face gently. "Well, well, have I brought you discomfort dear one?" "No my lord." Creedon smiled. "Good. I would hate to know that you would lie unblushingly with a beast, and would shy from your master's touch...I am your master, aren't I?" Henna tried her best to ignore the sinister glimmer in his eyes and nodded. "Good." Creedon went to his things and unfurled a piece of paper. Henna looked on with wonder and he remembered that his kind had banned all form of writing as a way of punishment. It was funny, without it the humans would never advance, and here he was parading the precious object like a walking stick. He'd made it from one of the Rovian trees. It was primitive, but strong enough for him to use. Breathing deeply he closed his eyes and envisioned the Rovian lands. He bit a finger, the blood beading up, and pressed it into the fibers. He could feel Henna's eyes drinking him in and sighed. He hoped she didn't ask any question. His blood began to spread among the paper, and he opened his eyes to see red lines pouring in. Perfect. When the red lines settled he had himself a very nice map, the only map, of the Rovian lands. This was to be his base of operations after all. He wanted the home front advantage, and he would have it. But first, a little help. "I need you to fetch me something Henna." Henna closed her gaping mouth and nodded. "Yes my lord." He noted she hadn't bowed. Scared to look away lest he bleed her next? The fool. "Tell me, if we had to choose someone from your village for our cause, who would you choose?" The human girl gave him a rare look of displeasure, but masked it swiftly. "The Rovians are not worthy of your love my lord. I know none who would defect to our cause, nor be useful to—" "I didn't ask for your objections Henna, only your opinions." In a show of defiance the girl stiffened her lip and shook her head. "I would choose no one my lord." Creedon laughed. So this is what his kindness had brought him. She was spoiled. "No one? Is that your answer?" "Yes, my lord." Creedon walked up to her and took her chin, his smile pressed into his face. "You live to please me, don't you Henna? For your glorious revenge." Before Henna could nod again, he pulled her in so fast she shrieked. The witch's cool hand trailed from her face, down to the side of her body, and she froze when she felt him traced the curves of her backside. "You know Henna, I've gathered much energy whilst being here, but transforming you taxes me so. Wouldn't it be logical for you to give some of that energy back?" He could feel her shaking, see the wheels in her eyes turning, trying to find a way out. "My lord, ...wouldn't that expend energy? I..." "You don't know what I'm thinking." His eyes turned deadly and Henna recoiled, feeling her dread grow. "All I want from you is to...well..." He tossed his hair back and with his free hand unloosened his robe. "I suppose I could show you." Before she could scream, Henna was against the cave wall, her arms above her head and her legs spread without his direct touch. He looked her over, his hands folded. Then he gently tugged her clothes and they came off without resistance, whole, and fell to the floor. This terrified her. She tried to scream, to cry out, but the more she tried to protest, the more her words were swallowed. He kissed her and a cool energy spread through her. She felt her body melting with just the touch of Creedon's lips. Was this his power? A warmth suddenly curled inside her, circling her nipples, stroking her wettening lips. The change in sensations, the heat and frost. He pulled back, and she felt intoxicated. "Master..." Creedon cracked his knuckles and inserted one finger inside of her. She shrieked as he immediately located her pleasure spot, and began to stroke at it undeterred by her struggling. "Yes Henna?" "Oh! Maker, st-sto..." "Come now Henna. I haven't touched a woman in years...well, not the way I'll touch you. I'm out of practice no doubt...but if you protest so you'll certainly hurt my feelings." "M-Master!" Creedon dug two more fingers inside. Henna convulsed and he chuckled, kissing her again to slip his tongue into her mouth and push her over the edge. She shuddered silently, and spilled over his hand. Her eyes rolled in the back of her head. "So much Henna. Didn't your ogre pet fuck you?" He pulled his soaked fingers out, his hand slick. Slowly, carefully, he put a hand beside her head and pressed his face against her ear. "Do you know why I'm doing this Henna?" Henna shook her head, tears collecting at the corners of her eyes. "No, Master I—" "Yes. Yes, you do." Creedon reached to the front of his robes and for the first time she saw him disrobe. He was a vision, every inch of his frame lithe muscle carved from alabaster. His body made her salivate, something she tried to ignore because her fear of him was greater. He was too beautiful, too cruel. When she closed her eyes, his fine chiseled chest laid in wait behind her eyelids. "Not a bad image to be burned in your eyelids huh my dear? Oh yes, I can see. I miss, nothing." He rolled her hard nipples between his fingers. "Where were we...? Oh, I was explaining why. Well, I like pleasure that's no lie, but more importantly, I need your loyalty Henna. You are a cute girl, and your search for revenge...I empathize, but I need more Henna. I need your body, heart, and soul." He pressed his member against her opening and Henna cried out for mercy, her soft bottom scraping the cool cave walls as she tried to escape, the pain heightening her senses. "We both know your soul needs searching for, and your heart belongs to the ogre, or whatever fantasy you've conjured up. Perhaps it belongs to Zyra." "N-never!" "Quiet, she's a looker." "Mercy my lord! Mer—" "Enough whimpering." Creedon released her breasts and spread her pulsing lips to his throbbing member. "We both know what you mean by mercy." Creedon grinned, his body humming. It had been too long indeed. "So as I was saying before you rudely interrupted me! I'll settle for your body then." He lifted her legs and began to sink inside her, inch by painful inch. Creedon was thick. Too thick, she felt him filling her more than any man she'd ever allowed inside her. It hurt so good. Why? "Master!...Master!" Henna shook her head but could only sob tears of frustration towards the uncontrolled pleasure he gave her. "Your body does most of the work anyway," Creedon grunted. "I don't care what you think. I don't care what you feel. All I want, is for you to understand something very clear." Creedon lifted her legs up in his arms. "When I say give me a name, I want a name." He tilted her and began to fuck her. Her body surrendered to the rough onslaught, knowing resistance could only bring pain. He was killing her. He was giving her life. He was pulsating inside her, getting deeper as she howled, her back arching forward allowing him to suck her pebbled nipples with abandon. Shocked, she came again, immediately trying to escape the intensity of his friction against her aching pussy, but he would not yield. Creedon kept going to the point of discomfort, and continued until her pain was pleasure again and again until her pleasure was pain. So the cycle went on, as Creedon spoke to her pleasantly, repeating, "When I say give me a name, I want a name," and making her cum endlessly, fucking her senselessly. When she could do nothing but take it, he spoke very slowly to her, very softly so she would hear. His hips were wet with her juices. "If you ever, want to feel this pleasure again, you will have to come to me. Your body is ruined for all other men. No one knows you like I do. No one can make you feel this way but me. If you ever want to feel such delights again, you will obey me without question, or I will toss you back to the Rovians and to your dull useless life so you can live out your days in self-hatred and pity. Is that clear?" Henna opened her eyes, her body exhausted and yet...awakened. Nothing could make her feel such bliss. Not meditation or training, nor sex or sleep. This was the source of good. Creedon was good and evil. Creedon was her god. "Yes my lord." "Yes what, Henna?" "Yes, I will obey you without question. I am yours to use as you see fit." "I wasn't asking you that, clever girl." Creedon freed her from the wall and she fell bonelessly into his arms. He placed her gently on his bed, and flipped her over to her stomach. Her pussy sung." "Yes to what, Henna? Tell me what you've learned." "Yes more, my lord. Please give me more." Creedon smiled. Studying nymphs in academy had been a great asset. Their ability to tap into the most primal of instincts was always a gift. "More what, Henna?" She whined and spread her legs. "More of you. Inside me. I'll do anything..." Creedon stroked her hair and gave her a soft kiss. "What a sweet girl." Then he lifted her onto her knees and violated her. Henna clasped his furs and ascended into a blur of ecstasy that ended with a scream in the darkness. When she awoke she was in her sleeping furs, and Creedon was fixing the sleeves of his robe. She leaned up, her body humming with a peace she had never know. He looked to her and slowly gave her a slow smile. "How do you feel?" Henna smiled. "Master..." "Call me Creedon. For now." Henna's eyes glistened in afterglow, and her lips trembled with excitement. "I feel...reborn, Creedon." He chuckled. "Good. I'm glad you enjoyed that. I was worried for a moment you weren't." Creedon ran a hand through his fair hair and looked at the crystal in the center of his cave. It hummed with power, but not enough. Not enough for his plans. Not enough for everything. "I need you to do something for me Henna." The crystal hummed and glowed a brighter green as the face of the huntress he had killed became visible. Henna grabbed her clothes. "Anything." "Good." He spread his fingers and the image floated into his hand. As the image wavered between her life and death, Creedon beckoned Henna forward and pressed the image against her forehead. Her eyes glowed as information magically zipped through her mind. "You remember Paj, don't you? She helped me out and for that I am grateful. In fact, I am so grateful, I want you to bring her back. Things have been so lonely since CoCree went on his special mission." "What do you mean bring her back?" "Look into your mind." Henna saw images zipping by of the two arrows from Paj's funeral. "Retrieve them for me. Bring those here." Henna's pleasure curbed as she thought of what that would mean. Desecrating the remains of her fellow huntress. Possibly cursing her own soul in the process. When this was over, who would she have left to light the arrows, to guide her out of the In-between? "Bring those, and I will reward you. Fail..." He walked to her and whispered in her ear. "...and I will never touch you again." The fear was greater than death. She realized now, Creedon had brought the In-between to the land of the living. Without him, she would already be trapped there. He was her arrow. "I will Creedon." She pulled on her clothes and began tugging her boots when Creedon stilled her. He kissed lightly on her lips. Even that light touch made her body remember how good he had made her feel. Creedon always kept his word. He had given her Kail, and she would have him when this was over. But maybe as a slave. The ogre was but a trifle. She could have anyone, Hanto, Rell, even Kyzu on her knees suckling at her core. Maybe Creedon was evil, but all she had to do was obey. How could anyone resist? "I will Creedon..." she cooed. She kissed him back and he grinned. "Good girl. Now call me Master." ---------------------- Notes* Comment... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE COMMENT. This is the 30th chapter, aka our 30th anniversary. Give me something nice won't you ^_^ This was a sexy chapter to pump out, hope you all liked it! Things are about to get complicated! -Love, The comment hungry, Stubborn Dreamer Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 31 Chapter 31: Children She'd met Zyra at the age of 8. Before that she'd been with her mother. Ginger mostly remembered the sound of her voice, and the soft catch in it as she told her "Stay here," and disappeared into the forest. Her hair was thick and brown like her own, the soft waves brushed her face more than rags and soap. She was a dirty child, and they were always on the move. She was not sure why her mother had abandoned her on the Rovian lands. She'd sat there in the forest for three days until Chieftess Kyzyra had seen her out the corner of her eye, curled up in a patch of wild onions, her face dirty and her eyes wild. One of the huntresses had to drag her from her little nest and throw her over her back. She had fought and cried. She told them she was waiting for her mother. They carried her in silence. That woman like many others had perished in the Akeeran raid. Sixteen years later Ginger was sitting high in a Rovian tree net, staring at her fire on the ground. She had not thought about it until now. This was the first time since then that she'd been alone in the forest. Heck, she'd never been in a Rovian net alone. She hardly slept alone either. Being alone was like being dipped in the river on a brisk morning. It was jarring, it cleared your mind, and when you looked at the vastness of the horizon, it made you feel very small. She wondered if Zyra felt that way. Ginger rolled onto her back. It was a full moon tonight. Her skin tingled with the memory of Luneh. The boy as pale as moonroot milk, who had stolen her heart, and run away with it when he became a man. Typical. Ever since he'd shed those blue eyes and fluffy white hair, he'd been lost to her. Not that she had ever had him. Still, her heart ached for him. She had no more interest in the Ursie men the celebration brought, only their extremities, and from her own exploits she had come to realize that the main joy of the celebration would not be hers. Her womb was cursed. She'd been fucking without restraint since she came of age. She had not been a mother, not even once, and furthermore she was not sure if she had it in her to be a mother. Taking care of Zyra was a tough job and they were close in age. Nima was like her niece. Perhaps that was good enough. She let out a sigh. The stars reminded her of a bright blue boy with bright blue eyes. She paused. Actually, they weren't blue anymore. In a way she had lost that boy already. She'd lost him the moment he crossed. She would not lose Zyra. Ginger turned on her side and squeezed her eyes shut. She should have brought a fur. She'd forgotten the key of the Rovian net was the shared body heat which made travel lighter. Oh well. With any luck this trip would disabuse her of romantic notions. Right now she had a mission. Find Zyra, tell her about the strange circumstances around Paj's death, and get her to come home. ---- It had been four days since Caligula left the valley. Some of the gray witches had left with him. Others were unsettled. Witches rarely fought and when they did, they upset the balance every time. Zyra had not slept in The Tree since the incident, and Medean did not sleep at all. Etaceh felt the emptiness of their beds. Her beautiful marble nest was empty. Etaceh stared into the pool and watched Zyra as she huffed, an ogress on her back as she trudged to the Selkie's pool. And for what? Some aimless quest to find a young ogre who was currently having the time of his life? How Zyra had come to know of the properties of Nymare's pool was unknown to her, but she hoped this day off would give Zyra the clarity she needed. It was a petty errand, one that could have been easily handled if Zyra had gone to her, but Zyra was smart. Too smart to believe this childish charade had any meaning. She was purposefully stalling. Zyra had as much certainty about whom to live with as Etaceh had about Scallen's underground network. She could map them all out and still stumble onto another. Scallen was in fact powerful, and Etaceh was the strongest witch in the Marble Tree, but neither of them could best a resurrected witch. Not even together. A witch was almost impossible to kill, and it was banned by the Dark Council for any witch to slay another. Yet they had found a loophole, and with it made him as dead as they could. He should have been ripped apart body and soul from the grief of his son, and the emptiness of the void. He should have gone mad as bit by bit he dissolved into the fabric of the universe, instead he had clung to a string, clawed his way back, and became a resurrected witch. A resurrected witch could not die. Any doubts of Creedon's return had been swept away. His gall at entering into the valley to speak with Zyra, going so far as to use an astral projection could have made the witch scream. He had shown himself and yet they could not seek him out. It made her ill, but she no doubt deserved this. Etaceh knew she was not stainless in this venture. She knew she would pay for her sins, but not the valley, never those under her charge. She was a sadist not a monster. She took a step from the pool and the water turned black. Outside the grass was glistening with dew, and the gray witches bustled about in the shadows collecting it for divination spells. I Caligula got a hold in the valley of the Marble Tree, they'd be the first to go. It was inevitable. She looked at her thin white fingers unmarred by callous or wrinkle. How old was she? How long had it been? Surely too long. She'd been careless. The peace those creatures felt as they charged about in revelry and sex was coming to an end. The only force that could defeat Creedon now was the GanMo. As if dealing with Creedon wasn't hard enough. Etaceh waved over the black water, and saw one of its four scattered pieces. She knew where the hilt was at least. The GanMo sword was the most perfect weapon ever to exist. Or it had been before it was deemed too powerful and broken. The GanMo was crafted piece by piece from four sacred implements, and she would need Zyra to retrieve them. The hilt was on cursed ground starved dry of magic and so desolate that a creature like her would be stripped of her powers the moment she stepped foot on it. The poor land would suck up her magic to repair itself and fail. Someone like Zyra was needed. She had magic, but spellcasting was not her primary power. She could use her natural human abilities to attain the piece. Unfortunately the other three pieces were a mystery. Legend said that the pieces called out to one another and the chosen one would be able to hear them. Legend also said that anyone foolish enough to touch the unfinished sword would be cursed by it and die a slow agonizing death. Legends were funny like that. Chosen one or not, they could use a locator spell once the first piece was found, but they were running out of time. Zyra still had to be trained in the four basic divisions of magic. She had progressed at a wondrous rate but her magic was almost entirely instinctive. Her offensive magic was great, but her defenses were weak. She could make a shield. Elementary. Soon Zyra would face real opponents, and if she thought her ability to take hits would win her a fight she was sorely mistaken. She needed elemental magic, defensive magic, and practical magic. She needed to be able to solve any problem that arose, levitate to a high window, create a bush to break her fall, deflect an attack or heal broken bones. She could so none of those things, but worst of all, the girl lacked strategy. Her strategy was to hit things. True her methods yielded results, but collecting the GanMo would take finesse and concentration. Once created the GanMo would pierce Creedon's hold to the physical plane, but also kill him in the afterlife. If a half-dead Creedon could not be allowed to exist, Creedon needed to be scrubbed from existence. Zyra was so unprofessional about all of this, so unpredictable. It was going to make managing her much harder alone. Etaceh held her head in exasperation. "This would have never happened in Paris." She needed help, just not Caligula's. She thought to Scallen and her blood boiled. That damned favor. If Zyra chose Scallen he would be in charge of training her. No doubt he could teach her adequately, but she was more concerned with the ideas he would put in her head. A week with Scallen and Zyra would never trust her again. Etaceh knew she had spent their first encounter torturing her, but that was before they'd become friends. Or she realized she was...well, a person. She hadn't seen a human in a few hundred years. She was a surprise, a new toy she'd wanted to play with. She regretted not protecting her more ot doing something when she'd come to her lesson smelling like the lust milk of Acaron. Etaceh suspected Caligula was up to no good and told lies to make Medean assure Zyra would not be drugged again. An "outbreak of sprite powder poisonings," how idiotic had she been? Well the time for ignorance was over. She strode back to the pool and waved a hand over it. Nymare was bathing herself, looking around her cautiously. Closing her eyes Etaceh dipped a pale hand in the pool. She felt her astral projection dive into the water, and when she opened her eyes, she stood in front of the Selkie. "Enjoying your bath?" Nymare jumped and hissed, her face contorting. It immediately became fearful as she realized whom she had hissed at. "My lady, forgive me! You startled me. I..." "Spare it Selkie, you're about to get a visitor." Nymare flinched and stood up, her back rigid. "If this is about failing to mate, I assure you my lady—" "I don't care about that," Etaceh scoffed. "If you intend to be the last of your kind so be it. There are other Selkies in the realms that will sire children. The Valley will be fine without you." The Selkie winced and lowered herself in the water. Eh, perhaps she'd been too honest. "What I mean to say is...you know what? It doesn't matter. Zyra the keromedio is going to pay you a visit. She is friend to Rell the Ursie if you recall him." "I do," she said. "Good. Then you will remember that she is a violent direct person. She comes to you to seek answers for a question she dare not ask. You will provide her with that answer. Quickly if you care for yourself." "How my lady?" Etaceh rolled her eyes. "Do I have to do everything? Make something up! Show her something that will ground her. This Valley is going to be destroyed if she doesn't get her well-defined ass in line! So show her something that will stop her distraction. Give her clarity or comfort, or common sense, a C-word! I want you to give her a C-word that will stop her foolishness, is that clear?" Selkie nodded slowly. "...Crystal." Etaceh smiled and waved a hand, dissipating her image. "I'll be watching..." --- "You remember what I asked you Henna?" Henna looked up at her Master who even now sent chills down her spine. "Yes, Master. You said I need to fetch something." Creedon adjusted a sleeve, and gestured towards the cave opening. "Night has fallen so this endeavor will be easy. I want you to go the river, when they send your deceased, and retrieve that black flower for me. You will no doubt find it...altered, but you will bring it here without question, understood?" "Yes, master." Henna gathered up her cloak and trudged out to the woods. The night was warm considering the season, and her footsteps crunched fallen leaves without fear. Nightlocks were the least of her worries, and she had no more desire to fear them. Especially after such a display of affection from Lord Creedon, and especially since he needed her. Henna had never felt more necessary in her life. She'd never known she had craved that feeling, to be of use and irreplaceable. Perhaps that was one reason why she hated Zyra. Zyra, who was the Rovian model of excellence, who with Kyzu banished her from the huntress life, who had given her no choice but to abandon her home and wander the woods like a beast of the field. She thought back to Kail and the pleasure he had brought her as he pounded her, touched her gently, softly, unaware to whom he fornicated with. Many times she had to restrain herself from dropping her guise. She always wanted to do it right before his orgasm. When he clenched and his face contorted in pain, past the point of stopping, she wanted to reveal herself. She wanted to laugh in his face. When she reached the river's edge she immediately noted that it appeared changed somehow more sinister. Dark shadows rocked on the river floor. Looking closer she realized that the water was in fact darker. She bent down, slowly put a hand and waited for a reaction, or pain. Nothing. Henna's fingertips extended, brushed the shadow and her heart jumped in her chest when she felt something soft. Gingerly she pulled at it and it came loose in her hand. "A black rose?" Roses were not indigenous to the Rovian lands, but Creedon had explained them to her. Yet this was unlike the ones he had shown her or the original one. Where were the thorns? It was a thornless rose. The entire river floor was covered in black thornless roses. "Huh." Henna turned it in her hands, admiring the water that fell off of dry petals, and the black stem. It was almost as— "Ow!" She dropped it and grabbed her hand. It had cut her! "What in Maker's name..." Her curses were silenced when the bloodied rose fell back into the river and in unison the flowers went still. Her eyes widened and she stumbled back, a low hum resounding in the air, growing louder and louder as the river thrashed and the flowers remained immobile. There in the center where scorch marks still remained from those fire arrows, a dark mass began to near her, covered in large black petals. Henna got to her feet and pulled out her knife, trembling in fear as it grew closer and closer. "S-stay back!" she screamed. "Stay back or else!" The figure was not deterred, and the flowers parted and bent out of its path. Dark water churned with every step as it defied the glistening moon, who was unable to cast even a beam of light on this damned shadow. When it reached the water's edge, Henna prepared to stab it, but the dark water rolled away from it and Henna fell to her knees. Hot tears trailed down her cheeks as she began to shake with sobs. "What...have...I done?" There in front of her with eyes as black as pitch, wearing the dress she had been buried in, was Paj. --- "...I dare...you...to ever make...a comment...about...my weight...again!" Zyra's patience was running thin. She'd been following the path for at least an hour and she didn't appear to be getting any closer. Instead, Mourabet was becoming heavier and heavier as she drifted farther and farther into unconsciousness. She had half a mind to put her in a tree. Tied up with some strips of her shirt, she'd be safe. She'd never seen a nymph climb a tree, and it seemed most creatures in this part of the forest were earthbound. Still, there was that nagging feeling in the back of her mind. "Don't leave her," it said. "Be patient," it said. Well fuck that voice. "Sorry Mourabet," Zyra huffed. She placed the ogress down against a tree. "Ride's over." She was about to make a comment about returning for her remains when she heard a giggle behind her. She whipped around and her eyes narrowed. The giggle came from the north this time and she glanced and saw that it was once again not there. She wondered... There had been a lesson with Etaceh or Caligula, she could not recall, where they had told her that her eyes would deceive her. She raised her hands, and slowly waited for magic to flow through them and show her the source. Her fingers hummed with energy, and slowly but surely she pinpointed Nymare's pool out of the corner of her eye. Turning with a frown, she hoisted Mourabet onto her back and trudged over. When she arrived to the idyllic glen, the Selkie was waiting for her. She was in her pretty form, her pink nipples puckered from the cold, her peach colored skin shimmering and her golden hair adorned with flowers. "I was wondering when you would stop circling around," she giggled. "I almost felt sorry for you." Zyra put Mourabet to rest against a tree and pulled out her sword. She pointed it at Nymare and her irritating voice cut off mid-chuckle. "My lady—" "Don't you 'my lady' me," she snapped."I have not forgotten what you did to Rell, and I do not trust you." Nymare cowered to the edge of her pond, arms raised in submission. "I was just doing what I was told." "You endangered my friend!" Zyra snapped. "You nearly drowned him." Nymare whinnied, a strange sound coming from her humanoid form. "Well...yes. I am a Selkie. I drown things." Zyra snarled and the Selkie winced bowing her head. "Keromedio, I would no sooner harm you or your followers than I would my own self. Things are different now. You are different now. You are one of us." Zyra spat on the ground with rage. "I am the daughter of a Rovian Chieftess, and a brave Ursie male. No foul additions can change the manner of my birth. I am nothing like you!" "Yes, I suppose violence is not in your nature." Nymare swam in a circle, her body gliding through. "Not as it is in my nature...but somehow your moral code seems to neglect such things. Such a high standard." She batted her long lashes playfully. "Or did you forget that code when you wandered into a nymph's den?" Zyra flushed, feeling the Selkie's eyes wander over her form. She resisted the urge to hug herself. "So you do spy upon me?" "I spy on the nymphs," Nymare corrected. "I like to know where they are." "Why?" Nymare didn't answer, her face twisting. To her surprise Zyra saw disdain. "You dislike them? Are you not kindred—" "No," the Selkie snapped. "We are water beings just as you humans are earth beings. We come from the same creator, but we are not the same." "I see." Zyra smirked, lowering her sword. Finally someone who understood reason, a murderous water horse. "I'm guessing you do not like their nature any more than I like yours." "It was amusing at first," Nymare said tiredly. "But one can only tolerate being ravished over and over for nothing at my age! Going to pick a flower, ravished. Going for a bath, ravished! And you know how they sense arousal. I am a water spirit! Whether I want it or not I am always wet. How can I dispute them when I always give the invitation?" "What is the invitation exactly?" Nymare shook her head. "Who knows? Each nymph can sense arousal to a different degree. For some they require to taste it in the air. Others can sense vibrations in the air, and merely a wince or a shiver going down your spine is enough. The wild ones on the edges require nothing at all. I have yet to know what sets them off." Zyra nodded. For reasons unknown to her, she sheathed her sword. It was nice, to talk to a woman who wasn't trying to mother her, or hated her, or wanted her, even if she had tried to kill a close friend. Zyra sighed, running a hand through her short, thick, hair. "So I'm guessing that you're wearing a bag of bones from someone you drowned?" Nymare scoffed and pouted, twisting her neck with a crack as she slid back into the water. When she emerged her skin was its deathly pale blue and her cruel lips were grey. "I suppose my true form isn't as pretty as your young nubile flesh, but it serves its purpose. I have not worn a skin of a victim in centuries! The form I assume was earned through extensive study. I assure you that in each form I have no end to my suitors. Something we share no?" Zyra stiffened. "You know why I'm here right? The boy. Where is he?" Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 31 Nymare chuckled and waved a hand over the water. Zyra saw the image and turned her head away in disgust. "Ugh Maker! Turn that off! He's a child!" "He is of age." "Not to me! He's Kail's little brother for Maker's sake!" Nymare smiled, her teeth dark and evil. "And he's having the time of his life." She waved a hand and amplified the image, Zyra cringing at the green skin that created a mix of feelings. "Look at those hips jut...his betrothed will be child blessed many times over." She closed her eyes and ears until the moans from River stopped and she dared look up again. Nymare was shaking under the water, having a laugh at her expense. "Well then, it seems I have to go. Can you please care for this ogress or should I restrain you?" "No need," Nymare chided. "Your green suitor knows where he is and is in pursuit. He will have the boy shortly." She cringed. Great, she had almost forgotten that once Medean or Scallen caught up to River, she would be forced to choose. "Go for the green one," Nymare chided. "He's got two cocks." Zyra scoffed. She felt uncomfortable with Medean and Scallen's attentions. Medean...well he'd comforted her and she had appreciated that, but he was so determined to care for her that she felt stifled by him. And Scallen...well, he'd always been a conundrum. He claimed to want her, but what did really want? What did she want? "No," Zyra said. "Scallen flirts but he does not desire me. Not truly, his obsession with me is a reflection of his obsession of self. He calls me Green Eyes. He wants my eyeballs more than my flesh." "Liar." "I am not lying." "Then you are a fool." "More foolish than a haggardly Selkie?" Nymare shrugged. "We were getting on so well keromedio. It is a terrible shame my dear. Why, if you want my assistance, the wisdom my years as a haggardly Selkie gives as it were, you should learn to play nice." Zyra rolled her eyes and walked back toward Mourabet. "I thank you for your regard in River's stead. There is nothing more I want from you so I'll take my leave." "Are you so sure?" Nymare swam to the edge, kicking her feet and the pool began to glow once more. "The witches would never tell you this but my pool is the greatest mirror of them all. The witches can see the happenings of the valley, but I can see the happenings of anything near any body of water that runs in this expanse of land. That means pools and buckets of water. That means cups of water and rivers." Nymare stepped out of the pool, her body soaked, and her form soft and dripping down the elegant lines of her limbs. She gestured toward the pool. "Care to see what occurred by this river?" Zyra put a hand on her sword. Her heart hitched when she saw a lone green shape walking through the forest. She'd know those shoulders anywhere. Her heart clenching, she walked up towards the edge. Nymare stepped beside her. "Look deeply, see what your heart desires. Seek your answer..." Did she dare hope? Was it worth running from anymore? "What do you want to see?" "Show me Kail." --- Paj turned and glanced at the river and the water calmed, the flowers dissipating with a hiss, like a horde of insects scuttling away. Paj turned back to her, emotionless. It was then that Henna saw there was a black rose growing out the back of her neck. "Don't tell me," Henna said wetly. "You're the rose?" Paj said nothing, her gaze forward and dull. "Are you the rose?" Henna tried again. She pulled herself to her feet. Paj once again said nothing. "I must be dreaming." She wiped her eyes with her arm and inched forward towards her former huntress. Gently she put a hand to her cheek. She was cold. No. She was dead. How was it that she moved about like the living? "This is magic," Henna said to herself. "But what magic could pull a creature from the Maker himself? Or did you...did you never get there?" Nothing was said by Paj, and Henna began to feel that nothing would ever be said by Paj again. Who Paj was, who Paj had been was gone. Standing in front of her was not a Rovian huntress. It was a shell. Henna thought about what Creedon was capable of and felt ill. What if she was wrong? What if he was— No one knows you like I do. She froze. Paj was dead. Dead because of her. If she hadn't given Creedon those animals to regain his strength, he never would have been able to take Paj or Nima. They would never forgive her, not after seeing what Paj had become. If you ever want to feel such delights again, you will obey me without question... Didn't she have a good thing? With Creedon? Wasn't it enough to feel needed and loved? If she went back to the Rovian's she'd be an outcast. Her life would be hell. No, worse than hell. For she would fear everything, every person, every animal, knowing that upon her death there would be no one to light the arrows for her. They would never want her back. You will obey me without question, or I will toss you back to the Rovians and to your dull useless life so you can live out your days in self-hatred and pity. No. "No...I won't go back. I won't go back..." Henna scrubbed her face with her fists and ignored the heaviness in her soul. "Come." The creature who was Paj followed her into the forest towards Lord Creedon. When she arrived he was making a bed for it, beside Henna's. It was a sleep setting, but it was entirely composed of dirt, patted up carefully into a cushion for Paj to lie on. "Come in dear, you must be tired," he said warmly. "It was a long trip." "Thank you my lord. But why would you—" She paused when Paj stepped forward into Creedon's arms and he stroked her hair. "Yes, you must be exhausted. Poor thing." He grazed a finger over the petals of her flower and to Henna's surprise she moaned. Creedon chuckled. "First thing's first. Paj was it? Well, I don't like that name. Very hard to remember. Let's call you something more appropriate hm?" He tapped her chin and turned her face to the side. In the dark Henna hadn't been able to see, but under Paj's chin was a long black vine with thorns curled under her skin. It encircled both sides, forming a ring that met at the flower on the back of her neck. "I like Thorn." Paj's black eyes shimmered and she blinked before turning back to him. "She won't respond to Paj anymore," Creedon said, for the first time looking at Henna. "She's Thorn now. I hope my two leading ladies will get along. You'll be seeing a lot of each other." "I don't understand," Henna said softly. "Is this what you meant by giving me a friend?" "Well she's a friend and fellow servant. I imagine you'll do most of the talking, but Thorn here is a great listener." He led Thorn by the hand and settled her down on her dirt bed. Henna's eyes watered as she watched her lay face down, and the flower on her neck shivered and drooped. "She's asleep," Creedon laughed. "The trip from the afterlife is a trying one, trust me." "Why... why would you do this Master?" Creedon's green eyes took on a dark glow that filled Henna with fear. He stalked forward, body rigid, hands behind his back. "You doubt me, Henna?" "She was at peace," Henna sobbed. "She...she wasn't my friend, and I know what we had to do, but we...we-we desecrated her body..." "She doesn't need her body," Creedon growled. "Her soul has passed on. What resides in her now is a spark, a piece we captured to tether her to this world, that you captured, when you threw that rose on her." "Master please..." Henna begged, falling to her knees. "This isn't right. I..I-I don't know what to do." "You do what I tell you." Creedon stepped in front of her and she winced from the violence in his eyes. "Hush, my dear," he cooed. How could his voice and face contrast so much? It was terrifying. "Paj was worthless. You were worthless. But I found you both, and made you better. I made you a promise which I intend to keep, I will take care of Zyra. I will give you your revenge, and you will obey me, which you have done. But I think you're forgetting something..." He bent to her level and she closed her eyes. Creedon's lips grazed her ear and she jumped. His hot breath, his cold soul, his warm words. What was she to make of this man? No. That had been her mistake. She had considered him a man. "You don't have to like what I do, but you will obey it. Remember what I can do for you. I can give you anything, everything. You can be upset, you can be afraid." He squeezed her face and she cried out, her eyes shooting open to see the ageless, mad, pools that sucked her in and told her there was no escape. "But you will obey." She would have done anything to avoid those eyes, to stay on the side of this force that could destroy everything, build anything, and bring a dead girl back to life. "Y-yes...master." "Do you love your master?" "I l-love you Master." "Prove it." He released her and Henna threw her arms around him. "I love you master." She peppered his face, his hands, his shoulders with kisses, chanting it over and over. "Iloveyoumaster...Iloveyoumaster...Iloveyoumaster..." Creedon's eyes became kind again as he sat back and observed his servant. "Iloveyoumaster...Iloveyoumaster...Iloveyoumaster..." Henna said it over and over, over and over. Until suddenly she believed it, and Paj didn't matter. --- "Wait!" Zyra's heart quickened when a small pretty female entered the frame. Kail turned toward her as the gasping woman threw herself in front of him. "Don't go." Kail growled and the sound brought tears to her eyes. "I already offered to take you to the Rovians, there was no need to follow me in this manner." "I am not here for the Rovians." The woman walked forward and took his hand. "Leaf—" "Hear me out. Please." Zyra swallowed, then swallowed again, and again, but the lump in her chest, the weight in her heart would not pass. This is what she had been searching for at the village of Shashanen Shyla. This is what she had hoped for, to truly know where Kail's heart was. To know if she was giving up too easily. To know if despite his cruel words and actions, he did still love her. Because she... "I...I just wanted to let you know that when she breaks your heart in the end..." "Leaf." "If she does, I want you to return to me. I want us to live a life together. I...I love—" "No!" Zyra watched as Kail wrenched himself from the clawing woman's arms and felt hope flutter inside her. He was rejecting her. He did not love her. He loved— "I am not going back for love." All the breath that Zyra didn't realize she'd been holding exited her chest at once. "No..." "I am going back to finish this. I have been running my entire life Leaf. I have done things that would make your pretty skin peel to hear of it. There is a war coming, and I intend to fight it." Her tears fell and they could not be stopped. They streamed down her cheeks in a path that became more and more traveled with every breath and every silent tear inside of her. Because, though she told herself it was an illusion, that what she saw was a lie from Nymare and she would be pushed to her watery death and her suffering would be over, she knew it was true. What she saw was not an illusion, and the woman's voice, brought form to the desperation she felt, and floated up to her like a sad song. "And after?" Zyra couldn't bear to look anymore. She turned from the pool, startled to see a stone-faced Mourabet staring resolutely at the pool. "There is no after. I will not survive this." "Stay! ...Stay." "He won't stay," Mourabet said softly. "He never will." The green woman's somber face looked war-torn. "He never could." "Leaf just come with me." Zyra fell to her knees, hating herself for this pain that she swore she'd overcome. Her tears streamed down her face and she gripped her sword tightly. "No! I will not pretend to be nothing. You will ignore me. I will see her." The woman began crying in earnest until Kail's soft words interrupted her blubbering. "I will make you a deal." A deal. Zyra summoned the strength to stand, wiped away her blurred vision, focused on the still glowing pool before her. Even Nymare dared not speak, startled into pity for a creature she thought too haughty to truly love let alone shed tears. "When this is over, no matter the outcome, I will come back for you." The woman paused mid-sob. "Truth?" Her Kail, her one and only, nodded. "If I am alive I will come, if I am not alive you will never see me again. But heed me, you may not like the person I am when I return." "But you will come back?" "Yes." "Forever?" "Leaf, please just come with me." Mourabet scoffed and spit on the ground, a low growl rising out of her that had Nymare standing an inch closer to Zyra. "Forever." Mourabet clenched her teeth and Nymare could see her fangs, frightened she dove into the pond disrupting the vision. Zyra didn't know what to say. She wasn't numb. It wasn't like before. Instead, she felt tired. Tired of trying, tired of holding out hope. A type of tired that one felt in the bones, that one felt in the soul. It was over. Not just for her but for him as well. It was finally over. Mourabet walked to her side and they watched the Selkie sink into the bottom of the pond, no doubt expecting violent retribution. Mourabet nudged her. "You think she's lying?" Zyra shook her head. "If she was she wouldn't have shown me...us this." Mourabet put a hand on her shoulder and Zyra looked at her in disbelief. She could see it now. The ogress had tiny tears in her eyes as well. She looked at the water like she could still see them. "Look at how he begs to that tiny pink meat sack. What does she have that we don't?" Zyra shrugged. "Location." Mourabet let out a hearty chuckle. "That's it! Location. It's all about location for that scatga. I told you didn't I? Kail Shashanen Shyla cannot love." Zyra sighed. "Then, I suppose my searching is over." "You were hoping to find out his past to discover if he truly loved you?" Mourabet inquired. She snorted. "And instead you found me? A scorned firespitta?" "What does that mean?" "So they do call me that." Zyra laughed bitterly. "It doesn't matter. I was looking for answers. Now I have them." She put her hand on top of Mourabet and saw the woman wince before relaxing. "I suppose I have them now because of this meeting. Looking for the kinkind of a scorned firespitta." Mourabet scoffed and pulled her hand away but without disgust. Zyra nodded towards Nymare who cowered under the water. "Thank you." The Selkie did not move until Mourabet and Zyra walked away, together heading out of the woods. In a comfortable silence, they spoke of a common hurt. The ogress was the first to speak. "Kail never loved me," Mourabet said softly. "Not physically, not emotionally. He never touched me and he was untouchable. After what happened to Valor, nothing ever could. I remember when..." The ogress' voice rose and fell like a gentle wind. Zyra listened without judgement or scorn. Mourabet kept talking. When they reached the clearing, Mourabet looked at her with a new level of tolerance, perhaps even admiration. Zyra felt the sentiment mirrored. "Where are you staying?" Zyra shrugged. "One of two places." "Ah. It is indeed time for male company. I myself have a few lovers who talk little and rut a lot. " "No," Zyra said. "I've rutted enough. Actually, I'd rather be alone. Unfortunately for me my choices are limited." Mourabet tilted her head. "Indeed?" She nudged Zyra and began to walk forward. "Are you certain?" Zyra nodded. "More certain than I have been in a while." Mourabet cracked a small smile. "Then come with me meat bag. It's time I repay you." Zyra took a deep breath. "We have to go somewhere first. It's time I resolve this. Once and for all." --- Ginger jumped down from her huntress net and fell hard to the ground. Luckily she'd become accustomed to falling, and so did not mind it. She gathered up her tent, and rolled it into her pack, kicked dust into the fire and ate of the fruit she had brought. When she was replenished she set out again, hoping she would reach the valley by the afternoon. The sun was low in the sky and the air was crisp, making it a rather pleasant journey. All she had to do was— Azmaria... That voice. Her heart fluttered with the forbidden feeling of hope, joy, and gladness. "Lu—" Go back Azmaria. Her heart crunched. She whipped around trying to find the source of the voice. "Show yourself!" "It isn't time Azmaria. Dark forces approach... "Show yourself you coward!" Azmaria. "Where are you hiding?" Ginger felt hot tears clouding her vision as the reality that Luneh didn't want to see her crashed over her. She spun around and tore through the forest until she fell to the ground and it was then she knew, Luneh wasn't there. He was far away, speaking to her from a place only he could see, or she was going mad. She covered her ears, cowering on the forest floor. "Go away, go away, go away, I don't need you!" "Azmaria it is not safe." Ginger scrambled to her feet. "I don't need you!" She bolted, sprinting as far as she could, the twigs snapping against her tender skin, the wind yanking her hair out of the braid, out of her scalp as the tendrils whipped wildly around her. His voice echoed from within her and she ignored it, she had to. Ginger pushed herself past the trees and did not stop when she passed the clearing. Time had no meaning. He had no meaning. AZMARIA! Her burst of frantic energy abandoned her when she neared another patch of trees. She fell to the ground hard, dizzy, the world spinning around her. Her eyes forced themselves shut and she breathed in the peaceful dark. Luneh walked out of the trees, his glittering form casting a shadow on everything behind him. He bent beside her, his black eyes taking in her form. She was still as lovely as ever, perhaps less plump and hopeful. He fingered a piece of her wild chestnut hair and sighed. "Oh, Azmaria. What have you done?" He put a hand on her and chanted a protection spell under his breath. Then he walked back from whence he came. Moments later blue faces peered out from behind trees, sensing the new presence that was kindred and yet strange. Talia who had just left the ogre River was first to find her. She inched towards her, eyeing her strange clothes. "A human?" Talia turned her onto her back and put a finger on her head. The girl shuddered and slowly began to turn a light blue. She gasped. "One of us..." The message carried through the link that a strange nymph had arrived, and others surrounded her. Gently they lifted her up, and took her to the Mother Tree. "Let us see," Talia said softly. "Let us see if she is our sister." She gestured to her fellow nymphs and slowly they pressed the girl against the tree. All was still and eventless until her foot slowly disappeared inside. Then the other foot, her arms, until she was fully absorbed into the warmth of the Mother Tree, a place within a place, the mother of us all. --- "What do we do now, my lord?" Creedon looked behind him. Henna had recovered from her bout of morality in record time. She was dressed, and eager for his orders. Besde her Thorn woke herself up. Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 31 She sat up straight in her flowerbed, and looked at him with admiration. Her last memories were of his arms holding her as she writhed in orgasmic bliss. It did good to power her loyalty. Over the years he had come to realize that a woman was the best type of henchman. If they were emotionally unstable, resentful, covetous, they could be convinced to do anything. With men there were power struggles, with women once loyalty was gained it could not be bought. Caligula and Etaceh had taught him that. He thought he could trust them, that he could trust Etaceh. Alas Caligula had won her loyalty, had manipulated her emotions. Etaceh's resentment of him, her beliefs that she was owed the world, her desire to be strong, all came to bare fruit at Caligula's table. Caligula had convinced his sister to betray him. For their 'love' for 'the good of all, for 'the land' some ignoble cause that made his teeth grind. In the end it boiled down to their past. His sister could never forgive him for what happened. For Salem. For their mother. He looked over to the women on his side. He didn't need Etaceh's forgiveness. "Henna, I want you to take Thorn to the border. She knows what to do." "My lord, may I ask you a question?" "Sure." "I heard stories...I mean, the Valley. Doesn't it detect those who enter?" Creedon gave her a slow smile. "It does," he said. "It detects non-magical creatures who enters the valley, and the two pools within it, the Basin of the Marble Tree and the Pool of Nymare can track down magical and non-magical persons. That is why I created Thorn." He ushered Thorn over and she rubbed her head into his chest, craving to have her flower fingered. "That'll be your reward," he whispered to her. She rubbed her face harder into his chest. "You see, Thorn is neither magical nor non-magical. She is barely even alive. They can't track her, they can't detect her, and they can't see her in the pool. When they do see her, it will be much too late. She is going to go into the Valley to do my bidding for me. And first..." He blew on the black rose and Thorn arched with a moan. "First, she's going to visit our dearest friend, Zyra. And by then, the Rovian village will be mine." He watched them retreat with a smile. That reminded him. "Oh and Henna?" She turned to him warily. "Yes, my lord." "Is anyone pregnant in your village?" Henna rubbed her head in thought. "I believe...two people are. A village girl whose name I cannot remember, and...oh actually she's already had her child." "Who?" "Firetoucher." "What was it?" Henna frowned. She had felt pity when she'd learned the news. "A boy, my liege." "Interesting. You may go." Creedon looked around his glowing cave, and smiled. --- Zyra first took Mourabet to where the Nightlock rested. He was asleep, mumbling under his breath. However, the fever had left him, and it appeared he was healing rather nicely. She had wanted to speak with him, tell him that she was going to avenge his injuries and that she would soon venture to the Rovian lands to visit her sisters. Surely without Caligula this was an option. Besides, she figured that Etaceh owed her. Zyra removed the cool cloth that lay on his head and freshened it, then using her magic, grew flowers around him to give him cover. She was glad when the flowers chirped and wriggled with vibrant life. There would be no lesson to destroy them. Mourabet watched her curiously. If she found what she did impressive she showed no sign. Together they walked to the Marble Tree where they found River sitting on the ground with a dark green blush on his face being sternly reprimanded. "...and don't you ever venture so close to the border is that clear! It isn't safe!" "But there was this girl—" "Not another word." Medean looked up and the irritation drained from his face. He smiled. "Zyra, I was just about to fetch you." Etaceh, and Scallen also stood in front of the Marble Tree. Etaceh watching the snake with her arms crossed while he waited amused. The sun was beginning to set and the glow made the Tree sparkle. She wondered how something so pretty could contain such horrors. Nymare was just a reflection of the valley. It contained beautiful monsters. Zyra walked up to them, her mind made up. She looked at Medean who's eager eyes searched her face. He noted her somber mood and met her halfway, taking her hands. "Zyra, are you alright?" Scallen perked up from the side, and his eyes boring into her. "I'm..." She was about to say fine, but she wasn't. "I'll survive. It's been a draining day. I want to rest now." Medean looked over her shoulder at the surly ogress who glared daggers at her brother and mouthed silent threats. "I can well imagine. Come, you must be hungry." "I'm not hungry." "Well you must eat something...unless something has happened. Zyra...what—" "Have you decided?" Scallen strode forward, his eyes never leaving hers, ignoring Medean's obvious disgust. "You've ssstalled enough." Zyra looked at the unusually quiet Etaceh. She kept gazing at her with a sad beaten look. Like her entire being was burdened with regrets. She hadn't said much since the incident. Zyra almost felt bad. Still, what had happened was in the past. Zyra was done chasing ghosts. She had to move on without fear. She had to survive. "I have," she said. She glanced at Mourabet and the ogress gave her a nod. Zyra looked back at them. "I'm going to live on my own." Medean's eyes widened. "What? Why would you—" "There's a small cottage near Mourabet's home that used to belong to her father and mother. It is clean and hasn't been used in years. She said I could use it if I liked." Scallen's face was blank, but she noticed he took a step back. She wondered if he too was hurt by her decision. "Zyra..." Etaceh walked forward, her black robe rippling around her. "Zyra I promise you will be safe." Her eyes sought forgiveness, but Zyra didn't feel ready to give it. She ran a hand through her choppy growing hair. "It's not about safety," she said looking at her companions. "It's not about you or what you can or cannot do. It's just...I want to be alone." The witches looked at her in disbelief. Zyra pressed on. "When the Nightlock becomes well enough for travel I will move him with me to lessen Scallen's burden. I will of course come when summoned, but I want to be alone." For the first time in my entire life. Etaceh sighed. She was getting too old for this. "Your lessons will continue as follows Zyra. Your first mission was to be this very week. We will not delay. I expect to see you tomorrow." "I'll be there. Don't worry. I'll be fine on my own." "Oh? Scallen looked at her without scorn or disappointment. Rather he seemed proud almost, looking at her in admiration. His lips forever turned up into a smirk, he slid past Medean and rounded her cheek with his finger, affectionately settling it under her chin. "You'll get awfully lonely..." Zyra gave him a small smile. "I'll visit." Scallen's smile split his face. He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear, his breath warm and wet. "Sssoon...I ssusspect you'll be visssiting...very ssoon. I'll ssee you then...ssZyra." He sent a shiver down her spine. Taking a few steps back, he winked at Medean and slid into a hole that no one had noticed. That sly snake. Only Medean was left to plead with her, sorting in his mind all manner of word combinations that would entice her to return to his care and safety. "Zyra...I know it's been difficult for you, but I beg you. Please, I can care for you. It is my duty to do so, and I know we have been through much together. If you just come back, come home—" The green-eyed huntress stiffened, all humor and light-heartedness lost with that word. Home. "Medean." She pulled her hands from his. "Thank you for everything. Really. Just...I understand your feelings and I apologize, but please do not ever call it that." "I...have made a grave mistake haven't I?" Zyra could not muster the energy to console him. "I'm sorry. I'll see tomorrow." "A few days? Zyra, come now. Let me at least inspect your living area, find it unfit and clean, bring you a few things to get you settled in—" "Mourabet has enough things for now. If I need more I'll send for you, I promise." "...my liege—" "Medean, let her go." Etaceh nodded in acknowledgement to her. "The choice is made." She began to walk back toward the Marble tree. "Then I'll escort her there." Etaceh waved a hand. "I don't care Medean. I'm going to get my beauty sleep. If I wait a moment longer I'll be ugly." Medean bowed to Zyra stiffly. "My liege." Mourabet grabbed River up by the ear and gestured for Zyra to follow her. Together they headed towards her new dwelling, and perhaps her new start. --- Firetoucher woke up from her nap. Looking around and seeing the dark she began to panic. The owner of this cabin would surely come soon. She looked to her son who could sense her worry and began to sniffle. She rocked him, cooing so that he would not make sound. It had been hard since leaving the Rovians, and she knew the Ursies would have gone, but how would they react to her disappearance? She remembered the faces of the women who had male progeny, the look of utter despair. If she returned the next celebration he would be taken as an Ursie. Hanto would raise him. He would be a Chief's son, he would be well cared for. But would he be loved? Firetoucher saw the way Hanto stared at her, looked through her like an object, a triumph that had been acquired. They had used each other for celebration, there were no emotions, but surely she had expected more for him than gloating. Never had he once congratulated her. Never had he once held their son. Firetoucher touched her son's soft head as his big bright eyes gazed at her and she cried. He was so beautiful. He was the best thing she had ever done, and she would die before his eyes went dead like those of his father. With that decided she chose to stay and face the owner of this lodging. Surely they would not turn away a mother and a baby. Her dearest son's cries could attract predators, and she had not yet fashioned a sling for him that would hold him close while she fought. The lodging was warm, it had furs and lanterns. She lit one and laid her baby on his stomach while she looked around the cabin for food. His head bobbed up and down as he drooled, looking curiously at the light. She found a basket tucked away in a far corner with fruit that was close to spoiling, but still good. Surely the Maker had led her here. She settled her baby to her breast and then began to eat of the fruit, feeling hope for the first time in a long time. Today she had found it. She had stumbled onto the Valley. The green beast that looked as Kail looked had shouted at her. It was startling to see another one, but their resemblance was uncanny. She wondered if he would know where Zyra was. She was one of Zyra's huntresses before her pregnancy and she knew she cared for her own. She was a good warrior. If she could get word to her, maybe she would help her. She had heard stories so she knew better than to actually enter the valley, but all roads and possibilities led to Zyra. The Awaqui tribe was not an option. She had never wanted to live with men, but maybe just maybe, her little boy was the man she had been waiting for. She smoothed his thin soft hair and smiled. "I name you small one." She pulled him from her breast and place him on her shoulder to burp him. "I name you blood of my blood, star of my star, heart of my heart. I name you infinite and forever." He let out a small burp and she laughed, tears running into her mouth. "I name you Glory." --- When Zyra arrived she saw that the dwelling had a dirt floor. She liked that. It had a strong straw roof that appeared to be protected with pitch. It was like a permanent tent. This was something she would consider bringing back to tell her Rovians. There was a bed in the corner, and Mourabet reached under it and pulled out a chest. She placed blankets on top of the bed and a candle, and pushed it back in. Then she went to the center of the room and unearthed a deep hole. "You can set stones here and keep a fire," she instructed. "It will keep you warm, and in the hot months you can open a thatch in the roof and it will keep you cool. It is away from our village, but close enough to walk to, and there is a lake with a waterfall to the north. It is a good home." Zyra took Mourabet's hands. "I know we've never seen eye to eye but..." "You carried me," Mourabet said. She squeezed Zyra's hands. "We are not friends. But you carried me. There is nothing else to say." Zyra nodded and they released each other. River rolled his eyes. "If you need firewood or want to come for supper, feel free. She's full of hot air." "Thanks for the offer River." Zyra was not going to eat with Kail's look-a-like. She watched them leave and began to arrange her sleeping space. "Medean when you visit next will you be so kind as to fetch my things? I need a fur. It's going to be..." She paused. He just stood there, waiting for her to acknowledge him. He looked tired. She wondered if he was tired of her. "Have I done something Mistress?" "No, Medean. For the last time no." "Then tell me..." his eyes glared into hers. "Why are you pulling away?" She knew they'd have to have this talk. She could still feel his arms around her giving her strength when she didn't have any. For that she would be forever grateful. "I have to do this Medean. For me." "I don't understand Mistress. Please, explain it to me." Zyra looked up at his sad eyes and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Medean, when I met you I was filled with rage and sorrow. I was trying so hard to be more than that, a frightened shell of my former self. You saved me over and over, and for that I am grateful. More than grateful. You are my brother." She brought his hands to her lips and kissed them, bowing her head in deference. He tried to pull them from her immediately. "Miss, no. Please—" "But I used you Medean. I used you to overcome my heartache and grief. I used you to forget when the truth is, you do not forget you...adjust." Zyra held his hands tight and willed for him to understand. His face was ripe with emotion, so different from the masks he wore. She had touched him. "I can't forget. I can't run anymore. Kail doesn't love me. He's moved on, and so must I. I can't keep latching on to the first warm touch. I can't keep looking for others to validate me. I have to like me. I have to learn how. And...I don't want love, not right now." She sighed, this was harder than she expected. "Nymare...she called you my suitor. She hinted that our dalliances were of a romantic intent. Is it true?" Medean reached up and traced her face. "You are my Master, Zyra. And I am your slave. I am devoted to you, but I like you and admire you, and I will give you anything you ask. So what is it you ask...?" He slowly pulled back, placing his hands on either side of her face. "I want to be happy Medean. I want to love myself unconditionally. I want to find someone who will do the same." "Shall I love you unconditionally?" She froze. She looked into his eyes, and what she saw wasn't enough. Gently she pulled away. "Medean...if you have to ask me that then you don't love me. And you've never been in love." Zyra took a step back, watching a flash of hurt before the dark witch's mask slide slowly into place. "I see. Well, forgive me for my forwardness." "I'm sorry, but one day you will see. One day, with the right person. You'll see. You think you're a slave now? You think you have a master..." Zyra laughed bitterly. "But you have...no idea." She laughed at how silly she had been, staring at Kail bathe and how coy he had been pretending not to notice. She couldn't pull away if she had wanted to. Love was painful bliss, a never-ending sensory experience that both overwhelmed and calmed the raging storm. It was like death. It was inevitable. She would find it again. She was sure. Zyra gestured to the door. "Medean, you are my friend and greatest confider, but I need you to leave." "As you wish." He didn't look at her. The dark witch bowed, and disappeared in a flurry of black skirts. The door slammed shut, and Zyra felt the weight of the room. And then, she was alone. --- The Marble Tree had an ability to suck light from every corner and draw darkness to darker places. That night it found itself swirling in a pitch black room, where a Dark witch was trying very hard not to fall apart. "Don't burden her...don't burden her...your feelings are a burden...don't burden her..." He played the message over and over in his mind like a punishment to be written till the end of time. How could he be so stupid? How had he been so naïve? What person would love someone who claimed to feel nothing? He wouldn't want to love someone who would be so cruel. A person that would truly use him against his will...damn, was it always so cold here? He was sitting on her bed in the Marble Tree, rocking back and forth, fighting the urge to teleport to where she was and tell her what...what he wanted. What he truly wanted. For a moment, when she'd been speaking... "Don't burden her...don't burden her." Being a dark witch meant learning to control elements and emotions that were by nature unstable. It was a promise to master oneself. Some chose to do this with strong emotions like greed or envy. Some had chosen to forsake all emotion. Yet here he was, floating in between, forgetting his lesson, forsaking his craft. His mentor's voice echoed from the caverns of his past, coming now to remind him who he was, or rather who he could never be again. "Do you accept your place as keeper of the keromedio boy?" "Yes Baba." "Then from this day forward, you are no longer my student. You are no longer Medean." He and four other students had been chosen and only he had passed the trials. He had been marked with black ash on his head. He had been trained alone by a strict mentor to serve the one who would one day restore balance as the prophecies foretold. "You have no wants, no needs, and no desires. You are nothing, but a tool, the righteous right hand of the keromedio, Maker save us. This is not a vow to be taken lightly, son. There is no going back. Should you fail, should she fail, the world of the dark witches will end, for there can be no dark without light. The darkness will fall and all will be consumed. Do you accept this mission? Do you embrace the keromedio's light and vow to be their shadow?" "Yes Baba." "Don't burden her...don't...don't feel..." She wasn't rejecting him. He had told her not to view him as a person. He had told her. This was the only way. His eyes were assaulted by a vision of her warm smooth skin sliding against his, her eyes that looked up and for a moment saw him, and only him. "Zyra..." The darkness exploded around him and he stared in shock at the light orb that appeared in front of him. Dear Maker above, he had used light magic. He fell to his knees. "What have I...done...?" "Then come child..." All those years, all that training and he had done the unthinkable. He had destroyed himself. "Embrace your destiny." The light orb fizzled out and the darkness came back into him. The room lit back to its normal hue and everything was as it was before. But deep in his gut he could feel the change. His magic would never be the same again. *****