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Portal Ch. 01

By: tenicka



A/N -- Thanks for starting my new series. I hope to have at least 4-5 chapters maybe more. This is NOT a stroke story, and things probably won't heat up until a few chapters in as I plan on this being plot-driven first, erotica second. I hope you decide to take this journey with me despite that fact. Thanks for reading!! Ten

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Chapter One

"Working late again, Kendall?" 

I glanced up to see Dave Harrison, the procurator of the Boston Natural Science Museum, standing at my doorway. I twisted my wrist over to note it was well after six already, but that was not anything new for me. I had no life. What did I have to go home to? An empty apartment with my two cats? A night of TiVo'd reality shows? Exciting stuff! Not.

"Yep." My clever retort impressed him enough to make him shake his head.

"You should go have some fun on a Friday night; a young lady such as yourself shouldn't be wasting your evening behind a desk." Dave's muttering was of no consequence to me and I went back to putting my nose in the reports that I was typing up for him. Yes, they were due in a month or two, but might as well get a start in case something happened like a bus accident, or my eyes fell out, that sort of thing.

It was approximately twenty-three minutes later when I decided to go home. But first, I had to visit my favorite part of the museum -- the Celtic section. The museum had just gotten in on loan a new exhibit for the section and I was eager to inspect it and admire the ancientness of it. So, I moved swiftly there, stepping over the roped wall so that I could get a good look at the object. It was huge, made of rock -- an actual standing stone from Stonehenge on the British Isles. I gaped at its size and admired how interesting it was that someone had made it and set it up with its brothers in that place. 

"Hmmmm...what's that?" I examined the smooth stone by circling the base, but I happened to note a couple of symbols carved into the side. Had that been there before? I boggled at it since I did not think I had seen it just minutes earlier. Perhaps my eyes were playing tricks on me? I did wear glasses after all. I sighed at the thought. If you could get any plainer than me, you'd be hard pressed to find her. My body held no curves and I stumbled over my two left feet every chance I got. My hair was long, stringy and a terribly embarrassing carrot coloring. My complexion held a million freckles that I hated with a passion. The only thing that did not match my appearance was my temper. I was very mild in that aspect, one of which my coworkers appreciated greatly, I was sure. 

And you didn't want to get me started on my stupid name.

I decided to put my going home off a few minutes longer and went to the old tome we had re-created of ancient Celtic and Druidic speech and symbols. I copied the words down that I thought matched the symbols and brought it back to the stone. Touching the symbols on the side so that I was getting them right, I began to read off the words they represented. I was not certain I was pronouncing each one right as it was a very ancient tongue, but I did my best.

"MMMMMMMMMMM" A loud humming noise crackled into my brain the moment I finished followed by a bright light that caused me to step backwards quickly. I became tangled in the rope, clumsy me, and fell hard onto my butt, gasping in shock as the room flooded with the brightness. What was happening? 

The light cleared almost immediately to reveal a swirling pattern in place of the stone. Where had it gone? What was the swirly thing? Of course, most sane people would have fled to get help. But not me! I had to step back to the swirly thing and reach out to touch.

Would it hurt? What was it? How did it come to be there instead of the stone? I had no answers for my questions!

The moment I touched the colorful swirl, I felt an odd sensation in the base of my stomach, almost as if someone had dropped the floor from underneath me. I shut my eyes as light blinded me once more, and before I knew it was faded from consciousness -- falling, falling...until I landed on something quite squishy and soft in some places and hard in others.

"Uhh! Get off of me!" The squishiness turned out to be a person and I struggled to right myself and take in the scenery around me. It was daylight, and thick trees surrounded me. What was going on? Where was I? What had happened to the museum? What had happened to Boston for that matter!

"I'm sorry." I apologized, my face flaring into redness as I did. How did I come to find myself in such a strange place? I knew immediately that the stone had to have done something to me. Was I dead? I stared at the man as he gathered himself up and when our eyes locked, we both froze, gasping in surprise. First of all, the man was not any man I had ever seen in my life. His skin was a purple-ebony color, almost like a opalescent coloring gone bad. His head was full of thick, white flowing hair that fell loosely around his shoulders. His eyes were dark as night, no whites showing except for slivers in each corner. His face was molded in such a pleasing way. In a word, he was beautiful. 

I could only gape at him until I noticed we were not alone. 

"What manner of intrusion is this, Vytex?" Another man stated irately in a majestic voice that told me he was important, at least in his own mind. I stared in awe at him as he blinked down at me. The harsh anger-lines of his creamy white brow smoothed almost immediately and he stared at me speechless as I did the same. What sort of crazy universe was I in? There was no mistaking the fact that the second man's ears were shapely and pointed, his gorgeous white hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. I had to be dreaming. I had to be dreaming!

"I claim no responsibility for this one, Anithis." The black-skinned one stared insolently at his direct opposite, glowering angrily as if he were on the verge of jumping the pale-skinned man. Wait, were they even men? They reminded me of the movies -- only Legolas never looked as hot as either of them.

"What have we then?" A third voice piped up and I was actually oddly relieved to see that the new one was human through and through. He stepped closer, staring at me with the same shocked expression as the other two did. I was clearly out of place and realized that my clothing was quite different from theirs. The creamy elf and brown-haired, brown bearded man looked to be wearing some sort of golden plate armor, while the black-skinned elf wore silver chain linked armor. Chain mail from the books I had read and exhibit displays I had seen. All three had swords hanging at their sides. I felt as if I had stepped out of my reality and onto the set of a fantasy movie.

"P-pardon me, but can you direct me back to Boston. I think I might be lost." I couldn't believe how frightened my voice sounded, but I truly was out of my element. I was lost. It was at that moment I missed my simple life. I missed my boring, simple life.

"Baaast-un?" The white elf shook his creamy-maned head and stared at the human beside him. The man merely shrugged back. They both looked to the black-skinned one, Vortex or whatever they had called him, who shook his head in denial. Were they mocking my accent?

"By the stars, but you must be the errant Princess." The human man spoke finally, after an uncomfortable silence. I nodded, uncertain of what would happen if I denied it. The two elf-men were glaring at each other, but it was the dark-skinned one who made the first move. A small dagger was unsheathed and put under my neck so fast I could not even see it, as I was suddenly his prisoner. The white elf and his human companion froze hands up in alarm as they realized what had happened.

"You dare to betray me this way, Vytex?" The pale elf barked at the dark one and I was terrified, feeling the sharp edge of the blade biting into my neck. 

"I do not betray you, Anithis, but save the Princess from a fate she does not deserve." His words were cryptic to me but I knew I did not need any saving, so I thought about complaining. But with the blade there, I could not do anything except wait to see what happened to me. One move that was false on my part and I would be whistling out of my throat. 

"You must release her. It is for the best." The human tried to plead, but I had a hunch the nasty black elf would not release me for any words. Maybe some gold or something?

"I shall, but under my terms." Vytex glowered at each face, ignoring the fact that quite a few human and white elf men had come up to support their apparent leaders. "I will be taking her. I will contact you with my terms soon. Fare thee well." He did a half-bow and I felt his body move backwards, pulling me along with him. We walked backwards for a few yards until the shrubbery of the forest ate us and I could see the good guys no longer.

"Please don't hurt me." I begged him, fearful that he would do something nasty to me now that I was alone with him. But he snorted derisively and stuck two fingers into his mouth, whistling softly as he did. From nowhere a lizard-like thing came from the sky, landing before us with a loud whoosh of air. The black elf had dropped his knife from my neck by now, but I was still captive within his strong grasp, else I would have run from the monster before us. 

I wanted to struggle against Vytex when he began to push me to the monster, but I did not when I noticed the thing had an actual saddle on its gray, scaly back. It was his mount? How strange this place was! Vytex pushed me onto the saddle and leaped gracefully behind me, wrapping his arms around my body as he grasped a pommel there. It was very odd but I felt secure and protected within them. I was glad I had forgone the dress I normally wore to work and was wearing my black slacks instead. But where were my glasses? I had lost them in the fall, but did not seem to need them for some reason; I could see clearly. Strange!

"I will not hurt you as long as you keep your spirit to yourself, Princess. Do we have an understanding?" Vytex's sexy voice purred into my ear and I felt myself becoming turned on. Now how did that work? I was captive in a very strange place, being held tightly by a non-human entity, riding on the back of a monster. How could I be aroused by his arms around me and his voice in my ear? Magic? 

"Spirit?" I could not help but ask shyly as we flew. 

"Yes. Do not call upon it." He would not say any more than that and I did not have a desire to push him, so I just left it and waited to see where he was taking me. Would he hurt me? Would he rape me? I felt myself tremble, which was bad, as it caused Vytex to wrap his arms tighter around me. I took in deep breaths as the landscape swirled underneath us, turning from thick forests, to long winding rivers and finally mountains. 

It was in the center of a mountain that he dropped the lizard thing down -- almost as if we were entering the center of a volcano. I hoped it was not full of lava and felt my stomach lurch angrily as we descended rapidly. I saw a massive amount of dark figures roaming the surrounding area, which was full of small cottages among what seemed to be a verdant valley -- a paradise within the mountains.

Once we had come to a stop, which seemed to be behind a thick wall of a palace-like place, Vytex dismounted and pulled me down gently so that I was standing beside him. At least he had put away the dagger. He grasped my wrist tightly and ignored another dark-skinned elf-like person as they came to tend the lizard creature. I had no choice but follow and did my best to keep up until he led me deep within the fortress, full of dark halls lit only by candles and sconces. I was a prisoner. Would he put me in a dungeon?

I tried to thrust in the heels of my work shoes, unwilling to go further until I had answers.

"Where are you taking me? Why did you bring me here?" I asked, not trying to be querulous but truly wanted the questions resolved. But my new host said nothing, just continued to pull me along at a fast clip until we stopped before a double-door guarded by two dark-skinned elves guarding it with tall spears. They both pounded their chest and pushed the door open to reveal a very opulent room, which we entered within. The walls were decorated ornately and the bed was canopied with mesh tied loosely and dyed the same color as the bedspread -- a maroon gold mix. It was lovely and I could not help but gape in awe. It was like out of a dream.

"These are your new quarters, Princess." Vytex stared at me as if appraising me. "I hope that you will be comfortable here. Knock on the door and the guards will gather whatever you need. Now I must depart but will dine with you in a short time. I will send in some servant women to attend you shortly." He did a bow and dashed out of the door before I could protest or do anything to stop him. Sighing, I went to the armoire and glanced inside to find four beautiful dresses that were full of velvet and looked as if they'd be floor-length. Like what a princess would wear. 

"My lady?" It was not long after when two women of the same race of the black elf variety entered, bowing at the waist and curtsying constantly until I shrugged at them. 

They immediately set to work, helping me change out of my clothes and preparing my hair, twisting it into braid after braid. I had attempted to protest at first, but they continued to tend to me, more fearful of the master of the palace rather than my weak threats, I supposed. When they finished and I was wearing a maroon floor-length dress that was very tight around my chest, I moved to the full mirror and gasped in surprise.

I looked like a princess!

The twin black-skinned elf women nodded in satisfaction and bowed at me as they left.

I continued to stare. How was it that my freckles were not standing out so much anymore? Why did my eyes seem to be highlighted as if lit up by makeup that I never wore? My lips seemed fuller. Heck, even my waistline seemed slimmer! Must have been the dress? But what about my appearance and the fact that I did not need glasses anymore? I glanced down at my watch, which I had made them leave alone, to note it was still showing almost seven in the evening. Stopped? I groaned as the watch was my grandmother's and I could not part with it, broken or not. I chose to continue to wear it and it was elegant enough it did not detract from my new appearance.

It did not seem too long after that when I was summoned by one of the guards standing outside of my door. They said nothing, just led me to a large room that held a huge table full of food. The smells were incredible and the fruit was normal such as bananas and apples, which was quite a relief as I was expecting it to be oddball alien food. At the foot of the table was Vytex, looking dashing in a silver-laced tunic that went to his mid-thighs, underneath were tights. Hard to believe, but he made them look good. The dark one motioned to the chair beside him, never taking my eyes off of me and I dipped politely in a brief curtsy like I had seen the maids do, sliding into the ornately carved wooden chair more gracefully than I ever had in my life. What was it with this world that made me so smooth?

"Thank you for joining me, my lady." He spoke softly, watching me as a cat would study a mouse that was playing too close to it. The stares made me nervous so I focused on watching the servant begin to dish him some food and then move to me, dishing me a good portion of what seemed to be (and ended up being) roasted venison and baby carrots. The meal was so delicious! I couldn't stop eating and enjoyed every bite. Apparently these dark-skins knew how to cook. I finished, dabbing my mouth daintily and then laughing mentally at myself as I did. I was quite the lady in this guy's presence it seemed!

He had spoken very little to me during the meal, but when done, he held out a hand, which I took and let him lead me to the next room over which held a small band of his kinsmen holding instruments. They began to play music and before I knew it, Vytex and I were dancing around in small, tight circles. Me? Dance? Impossible! I knew there had to be some kind of magic in the place, as I didn't even know how to dance! Yet, I twirled easily under his arm, twisting in the right places. It was so very, very odd!

At one point, Vytex dipped me low and I saw his eyes take in my neck. For a moment, a brief moment, it looked as if he wanted to kiss my neckline. My heart hammered against my chest as he stared into my eyes and told me, "You are beautiful, Princess." He lifted me easily back up and added, "For a human." His words reminded me of the situation and I sighed softly as he led me to a balcony over looking a beautiful little lake, surrounded by weeping willow trees. The air was thick as if it held a tang of volcanic ash, but it was not unpleasant. He began to point out the different places of his land, giving names to them such as "Spring Lake" and "Mole Hill". Time began to flow and before I knew it, we were watching the sun set in the horizon. The air began to chill and I rubbed my arms for warmth.

I felt my face heat nicely when Vytex wrapped his arms around me, his torso pressed tightly against my back. I knew he had recognized my lack of comfort and was simply trying to warm me, but I enjoyed the feeling of his body against mine. I began to tremble, not from being cold, when he pushed aside my hair on the left and began to nuzzle my neck. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the touch of his soft lips as they caressed my skin, sighing in bliss as he lavished kisses there. What was it about him that completely turned me on? I felt warmth between my legs and gasped mentally at myself. Magic? It had to be! He was a stranger and I was a meek, lowly girl from Boston Straights that never had a date, much less got laid. It was true -- I was twenty-two and a virgin, something that had haunted me since high school. Having to listen to the other girls as they bragged about it had been unbearable.

I stared at him as he studied the setting sun and wondered what would be so bad about giving him my virginity. It wasn't as if it would matter. And he seemed to be the first male in a long time that had shown any interest in me. At all.

"Come." He held out a hand and I slid mine within, letting him walk me back to my new room. Together we entered within and I stared at him, wondering what he would want with me now. Was this the part where he cut my heart out and ate it? I shivered at the image in my mind. So far Vytex had been a gentleman, seemingly caring about my feelings and comfort. Why would I picture him as a bad guy? Well, he did pretty much kidnap me at knife-point and take me who-knows-where. But other than that, he didn't seem like a bad sort, really.

"Lady," Vytex's black eyes smoldered as he stared down at me. "Would you let me put you to bed this night?" I gulped at his question. Was that the slang in this world for "doing it"? I nodded, unsure of myself. What would happen if I did let him take me? I had lost my hymen from years of masturbating and using vibrators, so I knew I wouldn't have to worry about the pain, but the next morning? He was practically a stranger still. Even though all the negative thoughts raced through my head, I didn't care. Finally I had someone to show me attention. Finally I had someone actually interested in this ugly duckling. He had called me 'beautiful'! I didn't care if it was a line, it was effective.

He smiled, the pureness of the expression nearly took my breath away as he began to unlace the strings of my bodice one by one. I wasn't sure how someone could make unfastening a dress sexy, but he managed to do that. 

After I was unlaced, I let him push the dress down, leaving me in the under slip which was just a thin cotton shift. I was trembling from both excitement and nervousness as he lifted the slip up by the hem and pulled it over my head revealing my body to him.


Portal Ch. 01



I could see the bulge in his tights, pressing against his tunic, which flattered me and told me he wanted me too. The place between my legs was beginning to grow wet at the thought of having him inside of me and I let him admire my body for a few moments before he leaned in and took my lips for the first time. It was not the first time I had kissed a man, but it was definitely the best. I closed my eyes and grew into his lips with my own, until it felt as if they were one. 

"Stars above but you are incredible, Lady." Vytex's voice was low, sexy, sultry and moved me into a state of ecstasy almost as much as his kisses, especially when he was complimenting me and my body. I had never felt so desired in my life.

"Kendall. My name is Kendall." I told him softly and gasped when I felt my legs swept from underneath me as he lifted me into his arms. He carried me to the bed and placed me there, pulling the sheets back as he did. The black-elf was gentle as he pushed my head back onto the pillow and he kissed me again. I began to tug clumsily at the top button of his tunic, but he grasped my hands, holding them tightly within his.

"I am flattered that you would desire me as strongly as I desire you, Lady Kendall, but I cannot let this go any further." His words were full of sadness as his face was warring between disappointment and loss. Vytex pressed his lips on mine as he pulled the covers up to my neck, stroking my hair gently as he did. "Sleep well. I shall look forward to breaking the fast with you on the morrow, my lady." He kissed my forehead and stepped back, struggling to keep his control in line with his actions and words. I felt a severe pang of disappointment as I watched his back move to the door. He blew out a few candles and shut me inside. The man had truly put me to bed, just like he had said. Literally!

It took a long time for me to achieve sleep after that. I was so high from his kisses, aching from desire, that I could not let my body relax. Finally sleep began to claim me after I ended my struggle with trying to race out of the door and find Vytex, knowing that whatever honor he had, it would hold even if I threw myself down at his feet and begged him to make love to me. I sighed in my sleep as I turned to my side, the excitement of the day waned to the end.

But my sleep was not to be. In the middle of the night, or at least it was still dark, I felt a hand press down over my mouth, startling me awake. Someone was in the room with me -- someone was in the bed with me! Was it Vytex? If so, why would he not want me to speak? The moonlight shone in from the open balcony door and I caught a glimpse of something white standing at the doorway. Was that a horse? On the balcony?

"I have come to take you to Mera Lethas, my lady." The voice was soft, kind and I instantly trusted whoever it was. He pushed something into my hand and stepped back, giving me room to change. I pushed on a silk dress under the covers, uncertain if he could see in the dark or not, (being overly paranoid, I realized), but once I was dressed, I whispered that I was done.

"Come now; let us be swift before first light appears on the horizon." The man took my hand and led me to the balcony and I gasped in surprise when I saw the horse standing in the moonlight there. It was not a normal white stallion though -- no, this one had wings! It was not long before I found myself sitting on its back, the man, (the brown haired guy from before) with his arms tightly around me to keep me in place. Soon with a small trot to start, we were flying up and away -- racing back to who knows where.

I cast a glance over my shoulder as we soared into the dark twinkling sky and found myself disappointed that I was actually being rescued from Vytex's palace. After all, he had not treated me poorly. Quite the opposite in fact. If they believed I was a Princess, then he of all had come the closest to making me truly believe I was one. I bid Vytex farewell in my mind and held my breath as we flew to my new destination.

To be continued... 



Portal Ch. 02



"Welcome to Mera Lethas, my Lady." Anithis pressed his lips against the top of my hand as he led me into a building that seemed to be made of pure marble. It was as if someone took an enormous block of stone and carved from the inside out, as the floors, walls and ceiling were all made of the material. I followed him to a spiral staircase and down we went. He was a very soft spoken man, this cream-skinned elf-like man, and I found myself growing rather fond of him. Not in a sexy type way, but more like a friendly, almost brotherly way. "The Drow scum will pay for what they have done to you, my lady. I assure you that much." His words did not assure me though. Apparently Anithis and his fair-skinned people did not call themselves 'elves' but "people of the old" or "Old ones" for short. Vytex and his dark kin were called "people of the mountain" or "Drow" for short. 

"Really, Anithis, Vytex didn't hurt me." I had to repeat myself once for him as they were still having a little trouble understanding me with my thick Bostonian accent. Ah well, it did not matter where I was from anymore. This place, this Mera Lethas, was apparently my new home. "And you can call me Kendall if you want." I added as we stepped onto a large landing that held quite a few more marble-carved buildings along it in a row. One of them was my new place and I wondered if I would ever get used to seeing so much white marble. It was almost blinding in fact, but I knew I'd adjust. I just needed some time. Anithis, when he was not away on hunting expeditions or treatsing with the fairies to the west and the dragonkin to the east, would spend as much time with me as possible.

I appreciated his attentions, but my heart seemed to be pulled to the mountains. I found myself wondering if Vytex missed me. Why didn't he make love to me when he had the chance? Was it because he thought me pretty but not pretty enough to do much else but kiss? The though was painful so I tried to not dwell on it. The fact that I was parading around as a princess bothered me as well. The elves... er Old ones as well as the humans both seemed to treat me as such, which meant plenty of "my lady" comments and bowing, scraping at my skirt's hemline. And the clothes they gave me as gifts -- they were simply gorgeous and made me feel elegant and princess-like. Each night we'd have feasts and I'd dance with Anithis. I wondered if there had been a spell cast on me because each time I danced with him, I'd find myself thinking of Vytex instead. It troubled me.

The brown-bearded man, called Trendon, shadowed me always. He was Prince Anithis' bodyguard and best friend, never leaving his Prince's side except when he was with me.

I regarded him as a large teddybear-like man, with rippling, bulging muscles and a smile that was easy to put on his face. It was good to be me.

"My lady?" Trendon's question brought me to attention as I was sitting in one of the many courtyards, contemplating the way things had worked out for me. I stood, staring at him questioningly. "Prince Anithis has requested that you dine specifically in his quarters with him. Do you accept?" The man seemed a little nervous and I wondered what the deal was. After I nodded, he seemed much more relieved, which I thought was cute. It was almost as if he was nervous for the Prince. But the only thing that would cause that would be first-date jitters. Oh. My. Was it a date? Wordlessly, I followed Trendon into the Prince's outer chambers, waiting while he checked on his master.

My fellow human opened the doors wide for me and pecked me affectionately on the cheek as I entered. I was blushing when I stepped inside, admiring the golden decorations that surrounded the marble within the Prince's chamber. It was truly a place fit for a king.

"Ahh, my Lady Kendall, I am so grateful you have decided to join me tonight." Prince Anithis rose gracefully and took my hand, kissing it politely as he led me to the small table set up for two. It was cozy and I smiled at the gesture, sliding in to the chair opposite of his. We began to dine, making small talk. I never spoke of my homeland because I knew it would be too odd for them. How could I possibly explain such contraptions like cars and airplanes? It would boggle their poor medieval-like minds!

As soon as dinner was done, the Prince led me to the courtyard that was set just outside of his bedroom. A tall, thick wall surrounded us, granting both of us complete privacy. He encompassed his arms around me, pressing me gently against his chest. He was wearing a robe and I could hear his heart thudding like crazy under his ribcage. Placing his forefinger under my chin, he lifted so that I was staring up at him, into his startling azure blue eyes. He leaned in and pressed a kiss against my lips, which made my heart flutter. I soon felt my eyes close in bliss as we began to kiss passionately, lips becoming one just like it had happened with Vytex. Only something was missing this time. I couldn't put my finger on it and tried to not worry about it. But still, it ate at my subconscious, needling me until I finally had to pull back.

"I am sorry, my lady, am I pressing too swiftly in my affection for you?" Anithis' words were eloquent, but I didn't think they were sincere. That's what was wrong! Anithis seemed to have a hidden agenda behind everything he did. It was almost as if he were hiding secrets in every action or word. It troubled me, but I tried to just enjoy myself and not dwell on it. No reason to worry. The Prince had done nothing but treat me perfectly.

"I feel as if I have known you my entire life." His voice was filled with affection and I smiled at him, appreciating his words. "How could I get so charmed as to have such a beautiful woman in my arms?" The Prince certainly knew how to push my buttons with compliments like that! "Lady Kendall, I want to take you as my wife. Will you marry me?" I smiled blissfully as I took in his question... until I comprehended what he had just asked me.

"Um, what?"

"Will you be my bride?" Prince Anithis smiled warmly at me, pressing his lips to my left cheek and then my right. "I want you to be wed to me. We can have the ceremony as soon as possible. I want you to be my wife." I gasped at the suddenness of it, stepping backward and out of his grasp as I did. The pain I inflicted from the action made me feel bad but I wasn't ready to marry some stranger! And yet, I would have been so ready to jump in the sack with Vytex? What was the difference? Marriage was binding in the new world I had found myself in, and so I knew I had to be careful with such a proposition.

"Er, that's a little fast for me, Prince." I backpedaled, uncomfortable with the idea. "I need time. I need to get to know you more." He took my hands within his, stroking the tops gently with his thumbs.

"Take as much time as you need, but I want you as my wife by the next full moon." His words were soft, but there was an implication there -- my welcome would be worn if I did not accept. Uh oh. And Vytex probably wouldn't want me back after I had been away so long. I really didn't see any option.

"How soon until the next full moon?" I queried, paling when he told me four days. Four days! I had four days to decide to marry the Prince or be turned on my ear. I knew by the look he gave when I asked that he meant business. Uh oh! 

"I would want you pure, of course." Anithis continued as if I had told him "yes". "You are pure, correct?" I hated the look he gave me then. It was point-blank accusatory. As if I were a slut. I nodded, blushing bright pink at the affirmation. He wrapped me into his arms and sighed in relief. "I knew you were. I knew it." Despite the softness of his voice, I felt myself resenting the question. So what if I wasn't? Would he have married me still? Why would that have made the difference? 

"Then I shall walk you to your quarters now, my lady, and be left with thoughts of our joyful union." He held out a hand and I put mine on top, letting him escort me back to the marble hole I now called 'home'. He kissed me a few moments just inside of the door and I felt my insides turning to mush. What was it with these men that they made me feel so gooey inside? "Until we meet on the morrow." Anithis kissed me once more, smiling warmly as he exited my room, shutting the door behind him. I felt as if I could float as I turned to walk in the darkness of my room. I went to a candle and began to light the wick, shedding flickering shadows on the wall as I did. The back door was open, which was odd. I did not recall leaving it that way and went to close it as it was bringing unnecessary chill into the room.

I was smiling to myself when I began to pull the soft silk dress over my head, but grunted when it became stuck on my fancy hairdo that one of my maids-in-waiting had prepared for me. I began to mutter unsavory words as I struggled with the stupid thing, until finally, as if hands were helping, it came off of me, leaving me to shiver in my under-slip. It was at that point I realized I had actually been helped and I jumped, startled at the presence of my visitor. But I relaxed the moment I saw it was only Trendon. 

"Oh man! You scared me." I groused, slightly ill-tempered as I pushed the dress in front of me to cover my body. I knew the slip was slight enough that it left nothing to the imagination.

"My lady is quite fetching." The feral look in the human male's eye was new to me. I had never seen him look so aggressively at me before. Backing up slightly, I cast a quick glance to the door, but knew I'd never make it in time if he attacked me. But then again, why would he? Trendon knew I belonged to the Prince! He would never betray his master that way. 

"T-thanks, Trendon." I stuttered, mind trying to work up a plan to prevent anything negative from happening between us. "Look, I'm really tired. Do you mind?" I nodded to the door, hoping he would get the point.

"Not at all, my lady Kendall." He stepped closer and I knew I was in trouble. 

"Trendon? I belong to the Prince. I'm gonna wed him in like four days." I stretched the truth as I had not really decided on marrying him yet. I had some thinking to do about that first. 

"I am going to save you from the plans he has set, Lady." Trendon's face twisted into an animalistic grin. I backed up each step he took forward, hoping to keep myself from being pinned by a wall or worse -- the bed. "I will make you my woman. Once I lay with you, the Prince will no longer want you and you will be safe. Then I will take you to be my wife." It sounded as if he had spent hours planning, but I had to disappoint him on so many levels. 

"I don't think so." I put myself into a defensive stance, knowing how to take care of myself. Somewhat. 

"Oh yes, lady." His grin split his entire face by whatever deviant thoughts his brain held. "I will spear you like a rabbit." With his words, he leaped at me, intent clear. But I was quick and I was able to dodge his outstretched hands. I raked my fingernails against one side of his face, drawing blood in an attempt to protect myself.

"Ahhhgh! Foul wench! Insolent bitch! I will make you pay for that!" Trendon, once labeled a 'teddy bear' by myself, was now a raving grizzly and I feared not only for my virginity but my life. It was this fear that caused me to start ranting, calling him every name I knew that was not a positive one.

"Speak my tongue or do not speak at all!" He snapped as he prepared to leap again. I began to chant words, words I did not understand. They just flowed from my mouth and the moment I finished, another colorful swirly thing appeared beside me. My way home? Or a way to a different world? I was not sure. I did not hesitate though, as I knew if I stayed, I would become a victim and so I jumped into the swirl, leaving a cursing, yelling Trendon behind me.

*************

When I stood shakily on my feet, I sighed in relief upon noting I was in the museum's Celtic display area once more. But then again, I had lost something in the transfer. I looked down to see I was in the slip and nothing more. At my feet lay my glasses, a slight crack in one lens, but salvageable, so I put them on and looked down at my wrist.

My watch was working again and by the date stamp it showed the same day I had jumped into the first swirl -- ten minutes later. What had taken me a week in the other place, only ten minutes had registered on this side of the swirl? Interesting.

But I was home, which was both good and bad. My shapely figure I had grown so accustomed to was gone. I was back to 'A' cup breasts instead of 'C'. I felt like mourning! I was back to being plain-jane me and I hated it. But I knew that if I had stayed, I would have regretted it worse, so with a heavy heart, I went back to my office, tossed on my coat and went home to my apartment. Back to my mundane, ordinary life.

For the next few days, I existed as if in a daze. My heart physically ached to be back in the other world. I longed to feel warm elfish-like arms around me, soft lips against mine. I realized I had to go back. After tasting such ambrosia, I could not settle for spam! I wanted that life back and thought that perhaps if I went back, I could figure out a way of protecting myself against Trendon. So, after purchasing a dress that was supposed to be a Halloween costume for "Romeo and Juliet", I went back to the Celtic display after museum hours and read the same words as before. 

I was not sure why I had been able to speak them so easily back in the other world, so just chalked it up to being under duress. My subconscious must have known the words and had spoken them for me. Now, though, I had to re-read from the book. I touched the stone as I did and just like before, the swirl appeared. I was so delighted I nearly forgot to take off my glasses. I put them on the edge of the tome's table and jumped into the colors, anxious to be in the meadow once again just like before -- my new home.

But I did not end up in the meadow this time. 

I was back in my old marble-carved room. And there was no soft body to land upon, so down upon the hard rock floor I landed.

"Ouuuch!" I cried out as I landed hard on my hip. That would be a nasty bruise for sure! I scrambled to my feet to find the bedchamber looking as if it had not been used in a while. There was no dust, as I knew the servants would have kept it clean like the rest of the royal palace. I paced for a few moments, wondering why I was having difficulty breathing. I was huffing and felt as if there was something tight and constricting around my chest. I stared in the full-length looking glass and realized the dress I had worn to get here was ill fitting for my large boobs. Laughing happily at the dilemma, I quickly changed from the smaller gown into one that had been made for me, still hanging in the armoire. 

"Ahhh, much better." I nodded happily at the full-figured, buxom girl in the mirror and began to formulate a plan to get me to the Prince without a run-in with Trendon. I had no doubt he'd eliminate me before I could "tattle" on him. Peering out the door cautiously, I began to walk with a purpose to the main part of the marble palace, hoping to catch the Prince in his quarters. What I found instead was that he was just leaving that part of the palace as I approached on the stairs. 

"My Lady Kendall?" Anithis was definitely shocked to see me and could only stare for a few moments as if not trusting in what his eyes were telling him. When Trendon stepped beside him, I grimaced. The man did not look pleased. 

"Is it true, Lady? Did you attempt to seduce my man?" The Prince's tone was accusatory and I knew Trendon had filled his head with nonsense. 

"Not at all! It was the opposite, your highness—" I was going to verbally defend myself, but Trendon pulled out a nasty curved mini-sword and would have sliced me if it weren't for the Prince. He put a hand up to stop Trendon before he could advance.

"Let her speak, Trendon." His stare was not friendly to his man, but it was less than that to me. "The fact is, the lady has returned. If she is guilty of all charges, I do not believe she would have shown here again." 

"Unless she is here to kill you!" Trendon growled through clenched teeth, sending me a warning glare. 

"Of course not!" I retorted in resentment. I was the innocent here! Except for pretending to be a princess of course. "Trendon attacked me. His exact words were 'I will mate you like rabbits'!" I purposefully misquoted and like I had hoped, Trendon showed his lack of brainpower in his reply.

"It was 'I will spear you like a rabbit', you buffoon!" The moment he barked the words, Trendon knew he was in trouble. HE was the buffoon! "I mean, that is what she had said to me, sire!" I smirked at him as he stammered for mercy, but the Prince showed him none and quickly sliced his own sword against his best man's throat. I looked away, not wanting to see him suffer, despite the animosity I felt towards the man. I looked up when I felt a gently force pull me forward until I was completely embraced within the Prince's arms. But he was wearing his thick golden breastplate and so I began to squirm uncomfortably against it. I rapped against the plate and smiled up at him, causing him to laugh an attractive laugh. 

"Come, I shall postpone my trek to the Wetlands for another time. I missed you sorely." Anithis wrapped an arm around my waist and led me into his chambers, sitting me down on a bench so that he could sit with me. He wrapped me within his arms and kissed my forehead a few times. We were silent for a long time until we both spoke.

"Look, Prince Anithis—"

"My Lady Kendall, I want—" 

We both laughed nervously at the collision of words and I motioned him to go first.

"I missed you so greatly, Lady Kendall, but I had a feeling within my gut that you would return to me." His words sounded sincere, but I was not completely certain they were true. If he thought me an evil temptress, wouldn't he hate me? Even a little? At least not trust me anymore? 

"I missed you too. I could not stay away." I told him honestly, but for some odd reason, the image of Vytex appeared in my mind. Stupid girl! I had something good and I couldn't blow it! 

"There is a full moon tomorrow night. It is a special full moon too -- a harvester's moon. Will you marry me then?" Anithis' stare was piercing and I could not tear my gaze away from him. Slowly, my head began to move until I found myself nodding in agreement.

"Wonderful! I shall begin the preparations immediately!" His joyful voice sounded throughout the entire room as he pulled me into his arms in animated glee. "You have made the right decision, my Lady!" 

How come I didn't feel like it? 

How come I felt I was walking down a road that would lead to my death?

To be continued... 



Portal Ch. 03



I plucked at the floor-length lace gown I wore, grateful that I had been able to get the nerve to go through the wedding ceremony to Prince Anithis. Within moments I would be Princess Anithis Kendall, co-ruler of Mera Lethas. Already the instruments were playing in the main antechamber where we'd be wed. My stomach was a bundle of nerves, butterflies having a field day within me. I couldn't believe I was getting married to an elf-man in a strange world, and actually felt comfortable doing so. I knew it was a desperate measure – a way to keep myself involved in this land so that I did not feel the tug to return home to Boston. No, it'd not be something I'd actively pursue any longer. Going home was not an option for me. 

I turned from the mirror to face the main door of my chamber. Any second, a servant would be retrieving me for the ceremony. I took in a deep breath, nervous anticipation filling me to my core. I was ready. Wasn't I? Yeah, I had come to realize I still had a thing for black-skinned Vytex, but he was not my future. Prince Anithis was.

But before I could watch the door open, I felt a hand clamp over my mouth and I sighed underneath it. How many more times would I have to suffer men putting their hands on me uninvited? I brought the heel of my slipper down on my would-be kidnapper, hearing a groan of pain, and spun around to confront him face to face. 

It was Vytex!

"Vytex?" I questioned in disbelief, eyes wide in surprise at his presence. He wore a black tunic, silver chainmail glittering over the top and he looked as I remembered him, incredibly handsome; stunningly so. 

"My lady Kendall looks ravishing in her wedding dress." His words were full of pain and I could not help but wonder why. "I am here to take you from this place. You cannot go through with the ceremony." I took offense at his insistence to keep me from Anithis. The petty jealousy they had against each other tore me apart on the inside. 

"No!" I pushed at his chest, touching the metal links and making them jingle as I did. "I don't want to go." I knew I sounded like a petulant child, but why should I go with him? They'd just try to steal me back again. I was tired of the idea of playing ping-pong against each side. I had to put my foot down and choose. And so I was going to marry Anithis.

"You do not understand, Lady!" Vytex must have seen the determination in my eye as his voice took on a pleading tone. "Anithis will kill you." I began to glower at him at his words. He would stoop so low as to tell me such a lie just to stop me from marrying so he could have his way? And what way would that be? The man could have made love to me that night, but he chose to just tuck me in – like a child! 

"You are a Princess, yes, but you are also a Druid Priestess. A Druidic prophecy said a Princess who was also a Druid would fall from the sky bringing prosperity on whomever married her, pure of body. And if they sacrificed her at the light of the full moon on their wedding night, the one who offered her to the Moon Goddess would inherit her powers. Anithis plans on marrying you and then he plans on sacrificing you after the ceremony. It is for your life I take you now. I want you to live, Lady Kendall." His black eyes smoldered, locked on mine and I knew it was not some strange story he had made up. Anithis truly intended on killing me for some stupid ceremonial sacrifice!

"I'm scared." My voice was soft, so soft I was not certain he heard me. But he must have as he gathered me to his chest and held me tightly there, bringing me comfort in an attempt to ease my fear. 

"I will not let them do this to you." Vytex released me, much to my extreme disappointment, and pulled me to the back of my room, out of the open door, onto the small courtyard outside. The monstrous winged lizard was happily munching on the roses there and I nearly yelled at the thing for it. Vytex pushed me onto the saddle, but an arrow pierced his shoulder before he could climb aboard behind me. 

"Vytex!" I cried out, watching in horror as his face contorted in pain. His hand had grasped at the arrow shaft, the vicious pointed head sticking out, bloody and deadly, making me feel agony in sympathy for him. 

"Go on, my sacrifice will be worth it to save you!" He gasped, swatting the lizard on its side. "Vaaaa vaaaa vaaaa!" He cried at the thing, which must have been like clicking a tongue at a horse as it began to flutter its wings, lifting me upward. I thought I had lost Vytex, but the lizard made a sweep back, grasping the Drow within his enormous claws and lifting his master along with us, flying up and away swiftly into the horizon.

I tried to lean over to see if I could get a glimpse of Vytex, but when I did I became disoriented and dizzy, so held onto the saddle's pommel as tightly as I could, scrunching up my eyes so I didn't throw up all over the great beast's back. It was a nerve-wracking journey as I constantly worried about Anithis' men following us. I didn't have the guts to open my eyes and look behind us, for fear of seeing their white flying horses on our tail. Literally.

When we arrived at the Drow palace, it became alive with servants and guards helping ease Vytex from the beast's claws and put him in a sling to carry him to his chamber. There were human and Drow there to fuss over him, doctors I presumed, so I waited in the outer chamber, wringing my hands with worry. They refused to let me see him and he was out of his mind with pain, so I waited anxiously for any word at all.

When it seemed as if I had been in the outer chamber for hours, I finally was called in to see the dark-skinned man. Once more Vytex's beauty struck me as I sat on the edge of his bed, staring down at his purple-black but pale face. He looked as if he was suffering and I sighed in worry for him. When he felt my light touch on his face, his eyes fluttered open and he smiled weakly up at me.

"Thank you." I told him, realizing the cost he had paid to get me freed and keep me alive. The corners of his eyes wrinkled and the edge of his lips rose slightly. "I'm sorry you were hurt." I knew he saw the sincerity in my face, heard it in my voice. I was sorry.

I really liked Vytex. 

"You are worth it, my lady." His words came out in a rush and he rested from the pain it had cost him to speak. I saw that he wanted to say more but I put my finger on his lips to stop him. He had suffered enough for me. 

"I'll come back when you are feeling better." I leaned down and put a kiss on his forehead, hoping he would take the gesture as a 'get well soon' kiss. His lips twitched again and I smiled back and made my exit, taking up a position on one of the couches in the outer chamber. I parked my legs under my body and waited. I knew it'd be a dangerous time as Anithis would want me back. But I felt as if I were safe, surrounded by his men. We were well protected deep in the bowels of his fortress. 

I must have dozed off when I felt a hand on my shoulder, waking me fully. It was hours later and it had to be night by that point. I glanced up to see one of the male servants staring down at me with a mixture of curiosity and mistrust in his eyes. 

"My lady? Prince Vytex would see you now." I nodded and followed him back into the chamber, surprised to see the dark Drow sitting up, his bandages making him look worse than his injury apparently was. 

"Ahh, Lady Kendall." Vytex reached out a hand and I took it, letting him guide me onto the bed's edge. He wrapped his good arm around me, making me lean against his uninjured shoulder. "Thank you for staying so near. I am heartened to know you care." I twisted around so that I could stare at him.

"Of course I care! You saved me." I replied, smiling to soften the words. "You saved me twice now, if I'm not mistaken since Anithis must have wanted me only to sacrifice me." The Drow prince nodded solemnly and I wondered where we would go from that point. Would he have to keep me under lock and key every second of the day, for my protection of course? 

"I felt so helpless when they took you from me. I was quite angry at first, but then I realized how much I cared for you." He winced as he spoke too animatedly, pulling at his injured shoulder. He removed himself from me and pushed me down onto the bed, stroking my hair as he did. I lie atop his bed, head resting on his pillow, staring up at him with a smile, hoping to taste his lips. But instead of the softness of his kiss, I felt a twinge of cold metal upon my left breast, over my heart. I lifted my head slightly to stare down and see an ornately decorated dagger resting there, poised to strike.

My eyes grew wide in wonder and at that moment I knew I had been tricked. He had not saved me to prevent me from dying to Anithis' sacrifice. No, he was going to sacrifice me instead so HE could have the power. If the story was true, of course. If it was not, I was dead meat no matter what. 

"Please no." I whispered, begging him with my eyes as I did. Surely he had some speck of humanity within his cold chest? I had no way to defend myself. I was trapped and I could not save myself this time. I closed my eyes and knew that even if I somehow could remember the words to make that swirly portal, it still wouldn't help me get out from under him. My mind thought rapidly of anything that could help me, but I came up blank. Nothing could save me now. I was going to die.

When the sting of pain failed to happened, I opened my eyes and stared up at Vytex's dark face, relieved he had stayed my execution for a moment longer. Was he going to gloat first? Of how he tricked Anithis and myself? I felt the absence of his blade and heard the tale-tell 'clank' of metal upon the stone floor as his dagger dropped there, freeing me of the danger. For the moment. Instead of metal now, I tasted his lips on mine. He pressed hard as if making me pay for not granting him the power he obviously had wanted, but the kiss softened finally and he broke it, staring down at me for a long time before speaking.

"I... I could not harm you, Lady Kendall." Vytex frowned and looked as if he were going to be sick. "I could never harm you." Overcome with emotion for the man hovering over me, his shaking good arm holding his entire body up, I pushed him gently over onto his back and straddled him as best as I could around the long gown I still wore. I kissed him with all that I had within me, which was quite fierce. He moaned from the enjoyment and I ran my hands up and down his bare chest, sliding them down to touch his outer thighs. I was surprised they had stripped him completely, and as I did, I felt his manhood begin to rise underneath me. 

I had my wedding dress off faster than I had ever undressed in my life and just in my thin slip, I climbed back on his body and kissed him again. I slid my mouth down his neck, swirling my tongue over each black nipple on his chest as I made my way downward. 

I had never touched a man like I was touching Vytex. I had never taken a man's sexual organ into my mouth like I was doing at that point. I sucked and pulled, enjoying the feeling of his hardening as I did and sliding it down my throat as it grew to an enormous length. 

Vytex's moans were loud and I feared his attendants would come and investigate, but they let us be. I could tell he was getting close to release, but he stopped me with his good hand. I worried about his shoulder then. Was I causing him more pain than pleasure? It was not my goal, if so. 

"Come to me, lovely Kendall." He watched as I made my way up, kissing and sucking his body as I did until my mouth landed on his again and we exchanged kisses for a time. I felt his good hand roaming, exploring me, and rubbing between my legs where the ocean had erupted from my arousal of just being with him like that. 

"I would have you now, Lady." He was asking permission and I nodded, gasping when he guided me onto his thick, black shaft. I stared into his dark pools for eyes as he let me impale myself on him. Up and down I pushed myself, my moans growing in loudness as the intensity grew within me until I was screaming from the pleasure of it, his swollen rod filling me to capacity. My buttocks slapped hard on his groin over and over as we fucked, no, made love as I had always dreamed it to be like.

Finally I felt a pulsing within me and he came with a cry and a soft sigh. As I felt him explode inside of me, I began to mindlessly chant words, not having any clue what I was saying, only knowing that I wanted him healed so that we could make love again. I clapped my hand over my mouth when I realized I was doing the same thing that had opened the swirly portal. I looked around us, but saw no swirls; who knew what I had just done? I gently collapsed on his good side, wrapping my arm around his waist as I slid off of him, wanting to enjoy the afterglow of our lovemaking. But we gathered no rest, for two Drow guards burst into the room, spears at the ready.

"My Lord, we are being invaded. The Old Ones have come." I did not need to look at Vytex's face to know he was staring at me - it was for me they had attacked. 

"Tell them they are too late. Gather the forces at the main chamber and prepare for battle." Vytex ordered with a commanding voice, waiting until the guards had left us before attempting to extricate himself from my arms and prepare for the fight.

"What are you doing?" I pushed him down by his good side and glared at him. "You are in no condition to fight! You have to rest, Vytex." I knew he was only trying to be a good leader, but he was injured! And he had expended any energy he had left making love to me. But once more he rose and gently pushed me onto the bed this time. He began to unwrap his shoulder, carefully at first, then gaining momentum after until he pulled the bloody bandages completely off. He touched his shoulder with an amazed expression on his face. I gasped as well when I realized there was no trace of the wound. It was healed completely!

"Thank you for healing me, my Lady." His coal eyes locked on mine for a few moments. He thought I had done that? I shook my head, but then realized with no wound, he had no reason not to fight. 

"Don't go, Vytex." I held onto his arm with both of my hands to stay his dressing. "Please? I don't want to lose you." He stopped movement and stared sadly into my eyes as he did. 

"I have no choice. I will fight to keep you safe." The Drow pushed his hand against the back of my head, forcing my face to his where he pressed a fierce kiss upon my lips.

"I will return and we will warm my bed once again." It was a wonderful promise, but one I did not think he would be able to keep. Not if he were dead. 

'Don't go." I pleaded one last time, but he shook his head sadly, walking out once fully armored in his chainmail. How could the mail withstand their swords? How could his own sword penetrate their tough armor? I dressed quickly in my slip, but eyed the wedding gown with disdain. How could I help by wearing such a big and bulky thing? I wondered if I would find a dress in his chest of drawers but I did not, only a few clean tunics and pairs of deerskin pants. I put a set of them on quickly, ignoring the fact that I looked like a boy and after stepping into some of his boots that were quite a size larger than my normal footwear, I realized I could not go on. I sighed as I began to rip the wedding gown. It was a pretty dress after all, and I hated to ruin it, but I needed to stuff the boots so that I could walk without falling on my face.

Once I was finished I began to walk down the halls, doing my best to avoid being detected by any of the many guards and servants running around in preparation of the attack. I had one goal in my mind – find Anithis. If he knew I was no longer a virgin, he would have to stop the attack. If he only wanted me to sacrifice for the power, he was not going to get that power now. And if I beat Vytex to the Old One's side, perhaps he'd take his ball and go home before Vytex could be injured or worse, killed.

But I was too late; Anithis and Vytex were squaring off, facing each other in combat just outside in the largest courtyard of the fortress. Shadows flickered as the torches lit the grounds, weaving funny patterns on the walls around us. The clang of the fighter's swords rang throughout the area and I boggled at the strength it must have taken to fight with so much effort. I knew Vytex was at a disadvantage, being just freshly healed and worn from our lovemaking. I couldn't bear to watch. I covered my eyes, but only for a moment. I had to look up when I heard my dark lover cry out in pain. He was on his knees, his hands pressed against his side and I knew he had lost. It would be mere moments before Anithis took his life and that I could not let happen.

"Stop!" I cried out, running as fast as I could. I ignored the glares from Anithis' troops as they parted to let me through. I pushed myself in front of Vytex, holding out my arms protectively as I did.

"Don't hurt him anymore." I growled at the Old One standing before me. "There's no reason to fight. I'm not 'pure' any longer. Your ploy to sacrifice me this night is a failed cause, Anithis." 

"I know he has taken what was to be mine." I saw the anger and hurt flash on Anithis' face, but he covered it by grimacing as if he were contemplating striking me down with his upraised sword. "You must know one thing, Lady Kendall." He stared down at the freshly wounded Drow. "He lied to you about the sacrifice. I wanted you as my wife and nothing more. I wanted you to bear me many sons. It would have united many people." I tried to gauge the truth behind his words, but could not see it. Why would he want half-blood sons? How often had he spoken to me and I felt the insincerity in it? So much so that now, I could not determine whether he was lying or not. 

"Come, Lady, be my wife. I still want you, sullied and all." Anithis held out a hand, lowering the sword slightly. "Despite knowing you have been used by this monster, I will gladly be your devoted husband and father to your children. I will make your dreams come true." In theory, it sounded good. Vytex had never made any mention of any sort of commitment to me. In fact, he had put a dagger on my heart, intent on taking my life despite pretending to be so nice and loving to me. Both men had done enough to me that I should have denied both, but instead of running. I shook my head.

"I'm staying with Vytex." I hoped I wasn't making a mistake by saying the words, but I had no choice – it was what I wanted. 

"Then so be it. Your fates shall be intertwined." As Anithis raised his sword to strike me, I began to chant. It was almost as if I had been taken over by some force that knew what to say as immediately, the swirly portal opened. I was not sure what to do about Vytex as I knew I had seconds, but the choice was taken from me as I felt a shove come from behind me, pushing me through. 

"Vyyyyteeeexxxxx!" I heard myself scream as I faded into the portal, away from the man at that instant I realized I loved. 

And now, I would be worlds apart from him, his fate undetermined. 

I would be alone again, in my own world...

Nooooooooooooo!

To be continued...



Portal Ch. 04



When I gathered my senses to me, I knew I was back in the museum and I had to return as quickly as I could. 

Each second was an hour. 

Each moment was a lifetime.

I stared at the stone as I touched it, chanting the words, but nothing happened.

No spark. No lights. Nothing.

"Oh Vytex..." I breathed, frantically thumbing through the tome for maybe a different set of chants that might work. But no matter what I did, the power of the stone did not evoke the swirly portal for me. I stared at my watch in horror. One hour I had tried to return. One hour would mean at least a week had passed in the other world. He would have to be dead by now.

I covered my face with my hands and felt a sadness that shook me to the very tips of my toes. Why had it happened that way? Why couldn't I have lived happily ever after? I pushed my recovered glasses up on the bridge of my nose and sighed loudly as I failed at the chant yet again. I was not going to stop. I would not give up!

It was near midnight when my body nearly gave out on me. I had been chanting for hours upon hours and knew I had to rest to continue. So, I gathered up my coat and purse and made my way back home to my apartment. It seemed as if I had been gone for ages, when in reality I had not been gone long at all. My cats didn't seem to notice anything different about me, other than the odd clothes I was wearing. I stepped into the bathroom and flicked on the lights, startled at the appearance of the boy in the mirror. But it was just me. I pulled off the borrowed tunic and held it to my face, breathing in the scent of the other world. I pretended like I could smell Vytex's scent upon it, but it had been too freshly laundered too recently for that.

I stripped off the pants and stepped into the shower, washing away any reminders of what had happened only a seemingly few hours earlier. As I washed between my legs, I felt a soreness within my vaginal cavity from my first sexual encounter. It wasn't unpleasant; it simply served as a reminder of what I had given away and what I had lost. And that was when the tears began to flow.

"Oh Vytex." I wept, holding myself up in the shower as I cried for the man I had grown to love. "I wish I had your arms around me now." I was so desperate to have him with me, but he was literally a world apart, and it only caused me to weep harder. 

Finally, drained, I exited the shower and climbed into my bed. Sleep did not come to me for a long time and when it did, it was filled with nightmares of the man I had lost and left behind. 

I went in early, intent on making the portal again. But I was side-tracked by Dave.

He called me into his office and sat me down at one of his guest chairs. He studied his computer screen for a while, as I sat fidgeting, stressing about time wasting. Already it had to be weeks in the other world as long as I was taking to return and so each second that I sat doing absolutely nothing but waiting was driving me crazy.

"I've gone through our security files, Kendall." Dave began, face grave as he spoke. "It looks like you've been having some mighty odd visits here after hours." I grimaced, unsure of where he was heading with his comments. I knew there was not a camera in the Celtic section, so knew he couldn't be seeing the swirly gate.

"You can explain this, right?" He turned the screen around to show me entering into a lit hallway wearing my Juliet costume I had wore the last trip to the other world. I knew I had to think fast. No way could I lose my job now - I'd lose access to the tome and stone. 

"Uh yes, I was doing a... self study of the pre-medieval era and felt it better to be in costume to truly take in the time period. I hope you don't mind." I studied his face to see if he was buying my lies. His bushy eyebrow rose. "I should have checked with you first. I'm sorry." I continued glibly. "If you want me to check with you in the future, I will gladly do that." I had to remind myself not to freak out. Being home was so completely different. People were able to be condescending to me. They wouldn't curtsy or bow. I was not royalty.

I hated it.

"Yes, well, do that then." I wasn't sure if I had him convinced. "And for crying out loud, get yourself a man." He smiled to show he was teasing me and I relaxed, sighing subtly in relief. 

"Yes sir!" I stood slowly and saluted him, turning to go.

"Wait, Kendall." I turned back around, dread creeping up my spine. "You look different today. I can't put my finger on it. You're actually glowing." His eyebrows rose in surprise. "You got some!" I laughed at him, knowing he'd take it the way he should -- as if it were an impossibility for someone like me. But in reality I laughed because I knew it was true. I HAD 'got some'. And from a pointy-eared Drow, no less!

As soon as I was dismissed, I rushed to the Celtic display. But it was occupied by visitors to the museum. All day I watched, waiting, agonizing over the time that had passed by.

Every second ticked away was as if Vytex's life was bleeding out to me. I knew he had to be dead, but the not knowing was driving me near-insane. I was relieved when it was near time to close up and people were exiting the museum. It was my chance to try and open the portal without an audience. But before I could reach out and touch the stone, I heard footsteps behind me. I spun to find Dave there, staring at me curiously.

"Kendall, are you staying late again? Studying?" He went past me to reach out and touch the stone, patting the rock as if to reassure himself I hadn't done anything bad to it. 

"Uh yeah, is that okay?" I asked him, marveling at the way I had kept my cool around him all day long. Normally I would have been stuttering and stammering, at a loss of words to say.

"Sure. Just try to not stay too long. You need your beauty rest." His words were not meant to be callous, and I knew that. An outsider would have winced at the comment about my beauty rest, but I knew better. Dave was just being Dave. But before he exited the display area, he turned to me and asked, "Have you seen Marcella in the last few days? She's not called in. I hope she didn't ditch us without notice. I hate that." 

I shrugged and watched him leave, not carrying about the pretty teen part time co-worker of ours. She led tour guides in the afternoon after high school was done and in all of her time there, I had always been so jealous of her youthful beauty. She was gorgeous in every way. My opposite. The blonde girl was the shy, innocent type that attracted the older lechy type men. No wonder Dave was missing her. The bitterness that I had felt with the thought of her surprised me. It also made me want to go to the other land immediately so that I could feel pretty again.

I set my glasses down and began to speak the phrases to summon the portal. I knew them by heart now, having repeated them over and over again. 

Approximately twenty four hours from the time I had come back through the swirly portal, I managed to summon a returning gate. I wasted no time in jumping into the portal and scrunched up my eyes as the disorientation took over. I should have known to brace myself, knowing I would have a possible harsh landing on the other side, but I was unprepared when I landed on broken stone. I fell on my side, landing hard upon the crumbled rock and heard something snap within me as I dropped. Fortunately, I had covered my head this time and my skull was unharmed. 

When I sat up, my side caught and my breath became ragged. I was grateful to be wearing loose clothes as my new body shape molded into them easily. Hiking up my shirt, I saw my side was an ugly reddish color and knew I must have cracked a rib on impact. Ouch! Each time I breathed it felt as if my lungs were on fire and I wondered how I could find Vytex if I could barely move. Closing my eyes, I put my hand over my side and thought about having no pain, no broken bones. The strange words flowed from my mouth just like when I was healing Vytex. Almost instantly, I felt relief and checked the wounded area once more. It was free of any sign of the harsh landing -- I had healed myself! 

Amazed at the fact that I could heal, marveling at the magic that encompassed the world I now was a part of, I took in the surroundings of crumbled ruins. When my mind started putting shapes together, I gasped as I recognized I was not in a set of ruins, but the Drow Palace! At least what used to be the palace. It looked as if a tornado had torn the place apart, vines had latched onto stone in various places and I wondered what had happened. That was when I noticed the birds. 

There were so many! When I approached a group of them and they flew away from me, I knew what they were -- carrion eaters. There were bodies everywhere wearing the Drow armor - something had completely wiped out the entire Drow protectors. With the knowledge, I felt my heart crush again. Surely Vytex was a corpse among the bodies strewn haphazardly here and there. So much death! I shook my head at the carnage, wondering once again what force could have done such a thing. 

I made my way into what looked to be servant's quarters and found an old servant girl's clothing, generic in color and style. I had to blend in if I was to find out what had happened and see if I could help stop it in some way. At least I knew I could heal the wounded. It was too late for the Drow, but perhaps moving on to the Old Ones and Humans there, I could aid them before it became too late for them. If it wasn't already, of course. The dress was a little snug, but I was satisfied with it as well as the boots I had found that were a little too big, but worked. 

Soon I was walking on a path that looked as if it would take me through a mountain pass and the gravity of the journey struck me. I stopped, staring down the long road ahead. I had always been flown to and from the Drow palace. Judging from the bird's eye view I had always seen, it had to be an enormous distance between the lands. How was I going to get there before night fell? How would I get there in a month for that matter? 

Sighing, I shook my head and began to walk anyway. I knew it was probably a stupid idea and that I should just call up the portal and return home, but I still felt like Vytex's world was my home. He might be dead, but I felt drawn to him still. Perhaps some sort of essence had been left behind at his death. I'd not let his memory fade, for sure.

It did prove to be a bad idea. About half way through the pass, less than an hour or so, I had to rest. My feet hurt and I realized just how much of a wimp I was. I couldn't do it. I simply could not walk the probable days it would take me to get to the other side of the mountains. And when I came across a rockslide in the path, I knew I was finished. I could not traverse such a large obstacle! The wall of stone that surrounded three sides was stories tall and would take me a day just to climb it. And there would be no guarantee that there wouldn't be more mountains beyond the next peak if I did make it over.

"This is hopeless." I grumbled, turning around to return back to the ruins of the Drow palace. Perhaps I could scavenge something to eat so I could formulate a different plan. I began the relatively short journey back and fretted as it was getting late in the day by the time I arrived back at the destroyed courtyard. I had bigger problems than food or darkening skies though. Once I entered into the open area of the ruins, I froze. Ahead of me, sniffing the ground was one of the winged lizard things. My heart began to race as I knew I'd be in trouble if it saw me. Without a Drow to control it, I'd be an easy meal. I contemplated calling the portal once more when the thing turned its head to me. But I hesitated. It did not seem aggressive. It stared at me as if it were lost and began to whimper like a puppy. 

"Hey there, big guy." I spoke in soft tones, hoping it wouldn't bounce over to me and eat me in one big gulp. "I won't hurt you." I told it, feeling ridiculous for the words. Like I could hurt it! "Easy. Easy." I stepped closer, but the lizard beast lifted its head in alarm at me. It seemed almost as if the creature was afraid of me. The thought made me want to laugh but I kept tight control over my emotions. I could not afford to spook it. Not if I wanted to use it in some way.

"I would be careful, miss." A soft voice trilled in my ear and I spun to see a Drow maiden standing behind me. She had moved so silently, I had not heard her. I'd have to work on that! 

"What happened here?" I asked her, but the moment I had turned, her eyes had grown wide in alarm and wonder. She must have thought me another Drow at first. "Hey, it's all right. I am on your side." I told her, lifting my hands slightly to disarm her alarm.

"You are part of the palace staff?" She inquired, eyeing my servant's dress with wary curiosity. 

"Not exactly. I'm from another world." I told her, not wanting to lie. I'd not want to lose her trust by lying and being caught in the lie. "Please tell me how all of these Drow warriors were killed?" I sat on a broken bench, trying to keep my balance so I didn't fall on my butt.

"It was the Prince of the Old One." She sat on the grass near by, turned in a way so that she could keep an eye on both me and the large lizard beast. "He was pushed back in defeat at one point, but then the Druid Priestess fell from the sky and was sacrificed. He took her power and has rained destruction on all people of all lands." She covered her face as she said the next words, "It was terrible."

I scooted a little closer, folding my legs under me, mostly because I was about to fall from the broken stone. 

"It's all right. I'm here to help." I felt so minuscule, knowing my words were just that -- words. But a thought struck me from what she had said. "Wait, you said the Druid Priestess was sacrificed?" She nodded and I scratched my head. But I wasn't. I had slept with Vytex, which should have nullified my 'pureness'. Plus I was fairly certain I was still alive.

"Can you tell me about this Priestess?"

The peasant girl shook her white-haired head. 

"Nay, I am just a farmer's daughter and was away in the fields gathering when it all happened." I nodded at her reply. It would be up to me to find out then. "Oh, but I have heard her described from the surviving farmers. She was young, golden-haired. Like straw." 

My heart leaped into my throat. Blonde? Fell from the sky? Could that have been...?

"Uh was she pretty? Do you know her name?" 

The girl just shrugged. 

"I am sorry, miss. I know nothing more." She climbed to her feet and looked to the darkening sky. "I should return back home before it gets too late. My father will need me back at our farm. Our fields are in disarray. We will be hard-pressed to get the harvest done before winter falls." I watched as the Drow bowed her head and began to walk away. She stopped briefly to stare at the lizard monster. "I would give him roses if you can find them." 

I began to search the grounds, but they were a mess. Stone upon stone was overturned, buildings collapsed within themselves. Vines clung to everything as if no one had been in the area in a very long time. I knew I had to hurry. I did not want to remain in the cemetery of the Drow, which is what the place had become for Vytex's warriors, when night fell. At last I found what the lizard beast must have been searching for -- a solitary rosebush. I plucked a few buds and brought them to the large creature's mouth, shutting my eyes in pure terror as it approached me. I held the buds out on a flat palm, hoping against hope I'd be able to keep my hands. I could see the thing take a chomp and my arms along with the roses.

When I felt a soft touch on my palms, I opened my eyes to see a long tongue extended from the beast's mouth as it gathered the roses carefully and brought them to its huge maw. Munching on the roses, the lizard thing looked as if it were actually contented and I relaxed slightly. Perhaps it was not carnivorous. I nearly screamed when the lizard beast rubbed its head against my shoulder, sending me backwards onto my rump. I stood slowly as it stared down at me curiously. If I had been prepared for it, I would have stayed on my feet. Blushing I began to reach out hesitantly, hoping it would let me pet it. 

"Mmmmmmm." It sighed as I patted the scaly hide. 

"You like that?" I patted more, both hands rubbing and scratching as it made happy noises at me. I began to make my way down its neck, patting as I went along until I touched its back. I wondered if it would let me ride it. As I patted, all thoughts of riding were put aside as I felt something push me from underneath my foot. I glanced down quickly to note his head flattened against the ground, nudging me up so that I was pushed very steadily onto his back. The beast actually wanted me to ride! So, on his back now, without a saddle this time, I sat, watching in terror as he began to flap his wings and lift us up into the air. 

"Whoa! Whoa!" I grabbed his neck and held on for dear life, never being much of a horseback rider. The wind began to whip my face, but I noticed we were not moving. We just hovered over the ground. I had to make him go, but how? Then I remembered what Vytex had told his beast when he had been shot with an arrow.

"Vaaaa vaaaaa vaaaaa!" I tried to imitate the sounds Vytex had made when he had rescued me from Prince Anithis' chamber. It worked and soon we were sailing off into the sunset. Well, I was more or less hanging on for dear life as we sped into the horizon. I did not know how to direct the beast, so I just told it "Old ones! Go to the Old ones!" hoping it could understand me. I kept my eyes closed until I felt the movement slow and the wind stop trying to rip me from the lizard's neck. He had landed us in rows and rows of rosebushes. 

"You stupid beast!" I ranted at it, angry as it began to dine on the plants. "I said Old ones. Does this look like—" I stared off into the distance, recognizing the marble buildings. It had brought me to the Old ones territory after all. I slid off of its back as carefully as I could, still landing in a puddle on the ground with a grunt and patted its shoulder as I stood. "Thank you, lizard friend. You did well." I spent a few more minutes patting and praising it before heading to the main grounds. I had to confront Anithis and make him pay for his actions. I didn't care if he had somehow got a hold of power, I had to do it.

And if he had murdered my co-worker, Marcella, who had somehow gotten herself to these lands like I had, he would pay.

"Halt! You there!" I froze when I heard the harsh voice behind me. When I turned, I stared curiously as one of the Old ones approached, sword out at the ready and pointed at me. When he came closer, he must have recognized me as he gasped softly. 

"Forgive me, my lady. I did not realize it was you." He pointed to the largest of the marble buildings. "King Anithis is expecting you." 

Uh oh... King? This should be interesting, I thought to myself as he began to escort me to the palace...and to my fate.

To be continued...



Portal Ch. 05



"It is so wonderful to see you again, my lovely Kendall." 'King' Anithis kissed my hand as he spoke the words, rubbing the place where his lips had touched after. He was still as handsome as I remembered but nothing like Vytex was. At the thought of the black-skinned Drow, I felt my heart sadden. And reminded myself that the man standing before me was the one who had taken his life.

"I can't say the same, Anithis." In my attempt at making my voice thick with disgust, I think I might have accomplished it too well as I was backhanded for my effort.

"Address me as King, foolish wench." His voice was imperiously close to being obnoxious and I struggled not to snicker at the insult he had tossed my way. The term "wench" made me think of a pulley and tow-cable for some reason, which made me want to laugh. But something told me I should not do that. Not now. Not until I figured out if I would be in danger or not from his temper. "Now, shall we discuss your future, my lady?" 

"I suppose we should." I nodded as I rubbed my stinging cheek, wondering exactly what he had planned. I had been brought to his chambers upon my discovery and forced by a couple of servants into a long, flowing black gown with golden embroidery on the edges. It was quite lovely and I felt regal despite it being black in color. 

"I will have you as my wife. I will have your full loyalty." He went to a marble throne and slouched into it, one leg dangling over loosely. The pose was that of one so assured of himself that he knew nothing could oppose him, that his demands of me would not be denied. 

"I don't think so." I crossed my arms, hoping I wasn't inviting myself to a death sentence. "I won't let you touch me, you douchebag." His expression twisted into something borderline explosion as well as confusion over my insult. He sat up at least. 

"What did you say?" His tone was dangerous.

"Are you deaf? I will say it slowly for your addled brain. I-will-not-let-you-touch-me, douchebag." 

"Fasnas virana vuu soruniti!" The words he spoke were foreign yet familiar and the minute he finished saying them, I felt something wrap around my legs, moving upward and I glanced down to see sickly green vines crawling up my body, grasping me tightly within a vise-grip. 

"Ahhhh!" I cried out in shock as the vines moved swiftly to my hands, and by sheer force lifted me into the air, until my entire body except for head was surrounded by greenery. I was a good four feet from the ground and unable to move. How the hell had he done that? "Put me down!" I struggled in vain against the vines, fighting with all I could.

"I do not believe you are aware of who you are dealing with now, my dearest." Anithis stood slowly, taking his time to walk over to where I was hovering over the marbled floor. "I met a companion of yours a fortnight ago. Her name was Marcella and she was a charming, albeit ugly woman. She is dead now, but I am grateful for her sacrifice. You see, she gladly accepted my marriage proposal and during the fullness of the moon in our marriage bed I took her life. I am now endowed with the power of the Moon goddess. I am now the most powerful druid of all of time." As his grin split his face, I felt myself saddened by the loss of Marcella's life. She might not have been my friend, but she was human and alive once. He was a double murderer in my mind. Not to mention all of the Drow warriors he had a hand in destroying. 

"Now, knowing my power, how could you possibly reject me?" He stepped closer, bringing me down to eye level with a wave of his hand. "I will ask only once more. Shall you marry me and give me your loyalty willingly?" I met his questions with a reply of spittle flying into his face. As if I'd let him bully me into anything like that! The only thing he'd get from me would be my undying loyalty at making his life a living hell. It was the only vow I could possibly see myself making.

"I see." He dabbed the edge of his tunic sleeve, which hung just past his elbow, against his face where my spit had landed and turned. Facing two of his guards, he told them orders, something I could not hear, which made them leave the room swiftly, closing the door behind them. I winced in my mind as I knew sending guards away could NOT be good. Either he was going to do something to me he knew the guards couldn't stomach or he felt confident enough to be without them. I felt myself moving and struggled once more against my bonds, especially when I felt them tighten and move across me in such a way that my clothes were literally being shredded from my body.

"Stop! Stop it!" I protested, unwilling to be undressed in such a fashion. But the vines continued until I had not one shred of clothing left on me. I was then unceremoniously dropped onto the bed nearby. Relieved that I was free, I scrambled under the covers, to hide my newly naked body from Anithis' gaze. Wrapping the sheet around me did absolutely nothing as a tendril of one of his vines yanked it from my grasp, leaving me naked as the day I was born.

"Ahhh!" I would have attempted to cover myself with my hands except that four vines whipped from the slight crack in the ground and wrapped themselves around my hands and ankles, pulling me apart on the bed. I was spread-eagle on my back, helpless and without any way of summoning the swirly portal thing. I was trapped! I growled under my breath as Anithis approached me and I began to struggle against my new bonds when he dropped his robe revealing his naked body underneath. There was no disguising the hard-on that was now on display. 

"Oh, do shut up." He snapped as I verbally abused him with as many bad words as I could come up with in a short time. "Else suffer me to put a vine through your tongue." I snapped my mouth shut tightly when a tiny tendril of green began to sneak up my chest, sliding between my breasts. It retreated after a few tense moments and I felt his hand cup my pubic area, which brought a gasp from my throat. 

"I will not rape you, Lady." Anithis' voice was soft now. "I would be a weak man to do such a thing against a woman. Rape is not about sexual pleasure - it is about power. I have plenty of power now. I crave your body willingly. I want you to give yourself to me on your own volition." I wanted to laugh at him, but I was too afraid, so I just stared up at him, flinching when he moved closer, straddling my body without touching me. "Please do not fight me anymore, Princess." The tone was that of a man pleading, which really surprised me, that he would do such a thing. "I do not want you to hate me."

"Too late." I muttered at him, which caused a frown to form on his handsome, creamy face. 

"I regret that you feel that way." He cupped both of my breasts within his hand and began to stroke the nipple tips gently as he spoke. "You know you have it all wrong. I did not kill Vytex. When he saw you leap into the portal, he pierced his heart with his own sword. I suppose the fact that you had abandoned him brought him much distress. He could not live without you." His hands moved together in a circular motion as he slowly made his way down my body. I hated to admit it, but the touch felt nice. "After seeing your beautiful body, I can understand why he did it. I too might have done the same, had I been in his position."

He began to stroke me between my legs again, which sent shivers down my spine. I struggled to try to stop him, but could not. I was his to fondle. "And my bride Marcella was madly in love with me so much that she sacrificed herself willingly. She was so devoted to me that she let me take her life so that I might live with the power I had always craved. I will probably never find a woman as wonderfully brave and devoted as she." He sniffled and I wanted to look him in the eye to see if he was being sincere with me or not. But then again, when had I ever been able to tell that with Anithis? 

"So, you see, nothing I have done has truly been evil as you have me painted inside of your mind." His eyes locked on mine as he spoke. "I love you, Lady Kendall. I have since the moment you fell from the sky in the meadow. I want to be devoted to you now. I want to show you just how much I love you." As soon as he finished, not giving me a chance to retort back, he thrust his mouth between my legs and began to eat me out. He focused with apparently well-trained skill on my clit and sucked there gently, building me up and up until I was literally gasping. The waves of pleasure were nearly overwhelming and I thrashed and moaned as he brought me to the peak of orgasm time and again. Over and over again he licked, slurped and rubbed, often sticking a finger inside of both holes as he did. My orgasms erupted over and over until I had tears streaming down the sides of my face and my throat was hoarse from the moaning and screaming.

"Now, my love, do you see just how much I care? I have not given any thought of taking you, only bringing you pleasure. You cannot deny that I am trying to please you. I will be releasing you and you will be given a position of honor. I will never touch you again unless you ask. I will never lay with you until you are ready. If ever." As he began to move away from me, I felt loss. I couldn't let him stop. Not now, not when I was so turned on and needed a good fucking. 

"Please..." I begged and he stopped moving from the bed. "Please don't stop." I felt dirty, but I had to have it. Vytex was dead, I couldn't return back home and live my boring life as an ugly nobody. A part of me became selfish at that point, even knowing what kind of man he was. "Please take me. Now?" I begged him with intensity, desperate for him to enter me and get it over with so I could berate myself for being so weak.

"What would you want from me, my lady?" His tone was curious and I cursed him mentally as he knew what I was asking.

"Take me now?" I tried again and failing to control myself, I shouted, "Fuck me! Fuck me now, dammit!" I was being aggressive, but from the look of his half-limp dick swelling almost instantly, he got the meaning and wasted no more time. Within seconds his nice-sized cock was filling me, pounding in and out slowly and then quickly. I sighed with relief as he ground himself a few times, looking forward to a long session of lovemaking as I was extremely wet and ready. But Anithis let out a strangled gasp and then slumped down upon me so quickly I thought he had been killed or assassinated. He lifted his head slowly to stare at me with a triumphant look in his eye.

"Thank you, my lady. That was as pleasing as I thought it would be." His words were full of arrogance and approval as he slid out of me, letting the vines release me almost immediately as he did. When his robe was pulled up and put around his body, that was when I realized what he had done. They had been lies. All of them! They had to have been. I wanted to kill him at that point. How could he have done such a thing to me? He might not have raped me physically, but I felt as if he had mentally. But he surprised me. Instead of swishing out of the chamber like I assumed he would do, Anithis stepped close to me and wrapped me within his arms. 

"Thank you, Kendall." He repeated, rubbing my back gently. "I appreciate what you gave up for me today. I know you did not want that, but I need you to know that I enjoyed you and do love you." When he leaned down to put a kiss on my lips, I turned my head, so he kissed my cheek instead. "I would like to dine with you later, if that pleases you? Whatever you would like to sup upon, I shall have it brought for us. Anything that you fancy for dresses, I will have my seam-mistresses make. I want you happy." I watched his robed back as he exited, feeling as if I had been used. His words confused me though. If he had simply wanted to fuck me and go, then why promise to spend time with me and get me nice clothes? Why say he wanted me happy?

As I approached the door that led to the courtyard, I scratched my head in confusion still, trying to work out why I felt both loathing and loving towards him. I knew I should hate him, but my body craved his touch again. It made no sense to me. Once I opened the back door, I closed it again as the way was barred by thousands of vines so thick I could not even see the light of the afternoon sun. I dashed to the bed when the main door began to open, wrapping the sheet around me that had been pushed to the marble floor. It was two serving girls, carrying water for the marble tub that rested in the corner of the large room. They ignored me and poured the water quickly, followed by a couple more servants, pouring more water into the tub. The armed guards standing outside told me I would not be able to exit the room that way without notice. I was trapped.

As soon as the door was sealed, all servants but two females gone, I stared at them almost in an unfriendly manner. They waited patiently. "You can go now." I told them, forcing myself not to be rude about it. They were only servants and I knew I shouldn't take my anger out on them. 

"We were told to help tend you. We will bathe and dress you, my lady." One of them spoke in a very soft voice, full of fear and I realized it had to be the fear of retribution if they did not do what they had been ordered to do. Sighing, I nodded and dropped the sheet, moving to step gingerly into the piping hot water of the tub. I sat in the center while one of them washed my hair and the other used a sponge to wash my body. I did not let them touch between my legs or my chest as that'd be too weird. So after I did those areas myself, I let them rinse me and stepped out, waiting with a bit of humility for them to dry me with two warm, soft towels. 

They dressed me in an elegant white silky dress that flared around my hips downward. It was gorgeous and I suffered through letting one of them prepare my hair, after rigorously drying it with more towels. When they finished, I stared for a time at myself in the mirror. I was struck by the beauty in the reflection. It seemed like some other red-headed girl staring back at me with a fierceness that would rival a tigress stalking the jungle. I tried to soften my expression, knowing it would do me no good to dwell on what had happened in the past or what could have been a good future with a certain Drow Prince. 

"My lady?" I spun to see King Anithis standing before me. He wore an identical matching tunic and leggings, cloak as well and looked extremely handsome and regal. "I would like to ask you something important." He stepped closer to me, first taking my hand in his and kissing each finger. The king's eyes never left mine as he did. "Would you do me the incredible honor of being my bride?" His expression was serious, as if he had given it much thought before stepping in and asking. It took me only seconds to shut him down.

"I don't think so." I shook my head along with my words to emphasis I had no interest in being his Queen. Not now and probably not ever. 

"I understand. I have pushed you too much in one day. The vines were a cruel act and I apologize. I will never use them on you as long as you are my guest." His words were laced with forced sincerity as usual and I had no doubt he would turn on me in less than a heartbeat if necessary. 

"Apology accepted." I made sure there was plenty of insincerity dripping my reply; I wanted him to know how it felt. His right eyebrow twitched upward slightly as he rose to his full height and for a moment we just stared at each other, as if at an impasse. He laughed then, a rich, deep laugh that was attractive as it was infectious. I was unable to stop the corners of my lips from twitching, but managed to refrain in smiling fully. He did not deserve it. 

"You are truly an amazing woman, Kendall." Anithis' voice was filled with admiration and for once I saw truth in his azure blue eyes. "That is just one of the things I love about you -- you challenge me." He bent me over forcefully, balancing on his arm backward and placed several soft kisses along my plunging neckline. It was sexy and it did not take long before I felt myself grow warm between my legs. I had to stop that! I couldn't let him get his way. From that point forward, I had to look out for me. He would just continue to use me. Marriage, babies, who knew what else after. 

"I shall enjoy this evening's pleasures with you, my dear." The king helped me back up and wrapped his arms around me, pushing his torso gently into my back as he did. It reminded me of when Vytex had done it and I stepped out, forcing him to release me. I turned to the back door, pointing as I did.

"I would like to take a walk with you." I curved my arm as if linked with an invisible arm, hoping he would release the vines. I had no place to run away to, but I wanted the option open just in case. Anithis took a moment to study me, as if judging my motives. He then nodded and I thought perhaps he felt that he had me -- there was no place I could run where he could not catch me. He also knew that I could have slipped away through a portal had I truly wanted to leave. I cursed myself for not making a gate and getting away from him. But the lure of being beautiful and having a man really want me made it difficult to do that. Actually, it made it impossible for me.

Taking my hand within his, Anithis led me to the back doors and pushed them open, stepping us out into the warmth of the sun's rays. I sighed in relief, feeling a little bit of freedom as we walked slowly out into the courtyard beyond the doorway. The flowers were fragrant, the roses full in bloom and I wondered if he had done some sort of hocus pocus like with the vines to make them so pretty and opened. I paused when he released my hand, putting it on my belly to stop me. The elf-man took a few steps to the side and brought a beautiful white-streaked blood-red rose to me. It had been snapped fairly short at the stem and I waited patiently for him to tuck it between my breasts, the blossom end sticking out. I glanced down as he did it and gasped when I realize he had left the thorns on.

I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction to see me cry out so I bit the inside of my mouth and waited for him to finish. He took my hand back in his and I forced my feet to move, knowing he probably would drag me along if I didn't. He had to have known the thorns were there. Why? Why did he do it? To ensure I knew he was in charge? As we turned the corner, I pulled the rose out and tossed in front of us, making sure he saw every movement I made. I stepped purposely on top of it as we walked, grinding my heel down as I moved. I dared to not look at him, but kept my eyes focused straight ahead so I did not see whether he was pleased or angry at the action.

When we approached a shallow pond that had a few brightly colored lily pads floating serenely on top, Anithis stopped us. He turned to me and smiled, reaching out to begin unfastening the bodice of my dress. I stared at his nimble fingers as they worked, shocked he was thinking of having me naked once more. I had to make it clear I did not want his lousy affections, especially when it felt as if they were selfishly given. Putting my hands on his to stop him made him halt his actions.

"My lady? Do you not want me to bring you satisfaction? I regret my haste in my release, after all." Anithis made it seem as if he was doing it unselfishly, but I knew better. I shook my head.

"No, I'm satisfied enough." I declined, watching the slight wind blow ripples on the top of the pond water. "But thank you, my lord." I tacked on for good measure. His hands moved once more to my dress and I scowled at him as the lacings were untied quickly. "Anithis! Your own words were that you would never touch me again unless I asked. Remember? Well, I ask you to follow through and be a man of your word now." I pushed his hands away and watched the emotions flit across his handsome face as he took in my words. He had made that statement to me and now he was regretting it, I could tell.




Portal Ch. 05



"Alas, despite my honor, I was in fact letting my desire run away from me." He bowed low. "Forgive me lady." He began to re-lace my top as I sighed in relief. "I will abide by my word now, but I request something from you. Teach me the words to make a portal. Do this and I swear to you I will never lay another finger upon you...."

Of all things to ask, why would he want to know that?

To be continued...



Portal Ch. 06



I waited until Anithis had completely re-laced my bodice to my dress before responding to his request. There was no way I could let him know the words to make the portal to my world. If he was able to carry 'druidic' powers with him, who knows what kind of mayhem he could cause there? I wouldn't do it. 

"I can't tell you that." When I gave him my answer, I knew it was not what he was expecting. As if he thought I'd just bend to him like I did to him in bed! Remembering giving in so easily, I felt like kicking myself in retrospect. What power he had over me now was of my own doing. Once more vines crept up my legs and arms, holding me in place where I stood. Anithis stood glaring at me, his expression overflowing with anger as I struggled against my newest bonds. 

"You tell me or I will have them slowly pull your limbs apart!" His words were so full of cruel anger that I was dumbstruck for the moment.

"You... you promised you'd never use the vines on me again!" I tossed back at him, angered that twice he had gone against his promises. The man would have made a great politician, I thought humorlessly as I fought against the bonds with all I had. 

"Tell me, you stupid whore!" He slapped my face hard, my head ringing from the blow. But the term 'whore' hurt worse. He did it once more and I felt it shake my body as his hands were brought to my head. Once there, they grasped double handfuls of hair and pulled, causing me to yelp.

"You tell me the words or I will rip you apart. I am not toying with you so TELL ME!"

When he bellowed in my ear, I was so angry tears began to leak out of the sides and I felt my bottom lip begin to tremble in fear and loathing. He slapped me a couple of times until I could taste blood.

"Stop it!" I screamed at him, continuing to struggle against the vines. "I will never tell you!" My words brought a few more smacks against my cheek. 

"Tell me now!" His voice was losing steam, which encouraged me. I was holding fast against his brutality and he knew it. With a few soft words, I felt my feet free of the vines, but my arms were still tied tightly. I struggled to remain on my feet as he pushed me back to the main part of the palace. We walked through his room and down the hall. The looks the guards gave was one of shock and fear, which made me wonder just how bad my face looked that they would react that way. I knew I was bleeding in several places, but I still felt strong enough to try and fight him as we walked the halls, heading to some unknown destination.

Once we traveled down a spiral staircase, which caused me to nearly fall twice without any way of stopping myself until Anithis caught me roughly and righted me both times, we entered into what appeared to be under the palace marble as it was made of dirt instead of the hard white stone. Was it a dungeon? There were torches not made of the orbs that normally lit the grounds, giving the place an eerie and frightening look to it. Once inside, I saw the entire place was made of dirt -- dug from underneath? I was not sure how it had been created, but it was dark, dank and smelly.

Anithis snapped for a couple of the guards to unlock a cell and inside we went, the men brought lanterns to hang on the walls to grant us light as we did. At the very back of the cell, lying on his side was a naked man with long pointed ear and black skin so dark it nearly blended into the chambers dark dirt walls. He stirred at the sound of our entrance, which had not been soft, and I gasped when I recognized the swollen face of the prisoner.

"Vytex?" I would have rushed to him, but Anithis held on to one of the vines that held my arms tightly in place so I turned to the pale man and screamed, "Let me go! Now!" The look in Anithis' eyes was that of amusement; he was obviously enjoying my suffering. When I felt the vines shrivel and fade into dust, I shoved the pale elvish arm away and dashed to the injured Drow's side. He was not truly conscious of what was happening around him, having been beaten badly during his stay. There was an ugly, puckered, festering wound on his side and I grimaced at how bad he looked. It was a wonder he was even alive.

"Oh Vytex." I bemoaned and then began to chant softly, touching the places I could and letting the druidic magic flow as I healed each place until he was lying with his white-haired head on my lap, sleeping peacefully for once. 

"Wake the fool." Anithis snapped, but I just glared at him. "We shall add that healing spirit spell to the list you shall teach me. I do wonder what else you know." He tapped his chin and then snapped his fingers, waving them in the air. From out of thin air water splashed upon us, drenching both Vytex and I; this caused me to shriek in surprise. It did the intended job and the Drow woke with a start, sitting up in alarm as he did.

"K-Kendall?" His voice was a welcomed treat and I wrapped my arms around him, holding him tightly to me. I could feel myself tremble with emotion as I struggled not to weep on his shoulder. Touching his skin was like magic and I decided right then and there I would never let him out of my sight once free of Anithis' grip. "Is it really you?" He frowned when he squinted and saw my face. I looked down at my dress to note it was torn and raggedy from the vines. If I could have had a choice of reunions with him, it would not have been like this. 

"I'm sorry, Vytex. I thought you were dead." I felt the blood drain from my face when I realized I had so readily slept with another, other than the one I loved sitting before me.

"I am glad to see you, my lady, but now is a grave time for you to have returned to my world. I was so relieved to see you set free of it through the portal. But to see you next to me now makes my heart sing with joy, I will not lie." He sighed softly and then glanced beyond me to his enemy. "Anithis." The word was spoken like a curse and it was all I could do to hold him down so that he did not endanger himself more. "We must escape this place together." His black eyes were filled with shadows from more than just the lanterns' casting and I nodded, knowing what to do.

I chanted the words I had memorized so well from when I had so desperately tried to get back to the new world that I had considered more home to me than my old one. The irony of it was that now I was attempting to go back to that place, instead of leave it. 

The moment the swirly portal appeared, I held on tightly to Vytex and together we stood quickly, leaping to the center of the gate. I thought it strange just before my mind bled into unconsciousness that I did not hear any complaints behind us from the King and his men. 

*******

I landed on the carpet of the museum, as expected, with the fall shaking and waking me from my unconscious state. Groaning softly, I stood as swiftly as I could under the circumstances and pulled out a wicked-looking sword from one of the displays. It wasn't authentic, but it was sharp and strong enough to pierce Anithis through if he had followed us. I stood prepared, facing the big stone, ready for him if he were to show. Would I have the guts to kill someone? I did not know, but I'd not hesitate to find out if he did show there. I'd do anything to protect myself, my man and my land.

"Kendall?" Vytex's voice was weak and I instantly remembered the Drow had come with me to my world. I lowered the sword to the floor and turned to stare in shock at the man I loved as he lifted himself from the carpet. He looked different. His hair was still long and white, but now his body was a dark ebony color, instead of purple-black. His mouth was fuller, his nostrils flared in an incredible pleasing way, and his eyes were now white with black irises and pupils. I had thought him handsome in his own land, but in mine... it was almost painful to look at him; he was so perfect in every way - a black Adonis if ever there was one. 

"Wow." It was all I could say as captivated as I was. 

"Is this your world?" His eyes flicked around him as he took in the room full of the mock-ups of Celtic and medieval life. It must have seemed similar to his own but I knew he'd have some adjusting to do if he were to survive in this place. 

"Yes." I replied, unwilling to stare too long at his naked form. His physique had gone from muscular to absolutely ripped in this world and it took every ounce of willpower within me not to jump on him and beg him to rock my world right there on the carpeted floor. Despite my best efforts, I began to feel aroused by his naked perfection... until I remembered my own normal appearance and felt the ragged dress sagging on my lumpy unattractive body. Fear began to seep into my heart as I realized that I was no longer pretty. I no longer was someone he could possibly enjoy looking at. I cursed my ugliness and stepped a few feet back from him so that he was slightly out of the distance of my eyesight, making him fuzzy so that I could barely see his naked body to be tempted. I turned my back to him so that he did not have to look at my face and be pained by it.

I knew we had to wait before returning as it seemed the portal had to reset. I figured we had about twenty-four hours until we could return, which would be a week or two in his land. That would be perfect. Except that I would have to figure out how to keep him from looking at me. I wondered how he would feel about sitting in the dark for those twenty-four hours and then laughed mirthlessly at myself as I contemplated the situation. It was not long before I felt a strong pair of arms wrap themselves around my waist, pulling me so that my back was leaning against his firm torso.

"What do you see that is so humorous, my lady?" His voice was the same as I had grown to adore and I felt my body shudder at his touch as he held me close. 

"N-nothing." I dared to not tell him of my ugly state in case he hadn't noticed yet. But how could he not? My boobs were tiny now, and I knew most men preferred a handful over a mouthful any day. I felt quite a bit of self-pity at that moment. If he had ever felt anything for me, sexually or otherwise, seeing me like this now would certainly cure him of that. I felt like running away, but I knew I couldn't do that to him. I couldn't leave him alone in my world. I glanced around for a mask to wear or something to cover my face with, but of course, there were none. There was nothing to hide the fact that I was just a hideous blob of human tissue, shaped in the most unpleasing way possible. I knew I couldn't just stay with my back to him, frozen and unmoving. We would need food, water, rest, so I turned to face him. Might as well get it over with.

"I know I am ugly in this world, Vytex. I don't expect you to love me, but I do hope you'll consider the fact that I prefer your world and want to return as soon as possible. All I am asking is that you put up with this face," I pointed to my cheek as I spoke, "just for a little while until we can return." I flinched when his dark hand caught mine and then moved to my chin, cupping it tightly as he studied me as if trying to decide which tunic to wear for the day. Was he mocking me? Unwelcomed tears began to form in my eyes as he grinned at me. When the once-Drow saw my tears, his smile faded quickly into a frown.

"My lady, you are confusing me. I see nothing amiss with your appearance. It seems to be the same as before. Beautiful." 

"Are you blind?" I searched his face for honesty. I could see nothing but some form of adoration, which boggled my mind. "Can't you see—" I paused, remembering how many blows I had taken from Anithis' hand. My face must have been swollen and bloody, hiding the fact that I was hideous from him. I sighed in relief, but still, I could not disguise the fact that I had no size 'C' breast size any longer. I wondered if I could wear bulky clothing the duration of the time, if he would notice. Above all, I could not let him see me naked. The thought reminded me that he was without clothing and so I scanned the room for something that would help. There was an authentic robe, but it was so old I knew it would fall apart in my fingers if I tried to remove it. I did not see Dave appreciating me ruining something so old and on loan like that, so I continued to search until my eyes were once more drawn to the dark man in the center of my world.

"Vytex, I'm going to take you to my apartment, er to my quarters now. We will have to return tomorrow to go back. I'll do my best to help you, and if you have any questions, just ask. Okay?" I put a hand on his smooth chest, enjoying the warmth and softness of it. I smiled when he placed a hand over mine, weaving his fingers where he could. 

"Thank you, my lady. I have no doubts that you will tend me well." His tone was soft, sexy and I wanted to wrap my arms around him and just hold him, but feared that touch. What if he could feel my lack of boobage through the embrace? I could not risk it. When he leaned in to kiss me, I flinched, turning away, ignoring the pained look in his eye.

"I'm sorry, Vytex. My face hurts." I lied, knowing he knew I was lying. I couldn't help it though -- I couldn't let him get physical with me and risk being naked before him. His face was a mask of concern as he studied me closely as if I were a rabid dog. "My lady? Why you do turn from me? Am I hideous to look at?" His words stung as I thought he was mocking me again, but his hurt expression made me think again. 

"No, it's me. I'm the ugly one here. You are perfect." I told him honestly and was shocked when he pressed his lips against mine, crushing them. When his hands looped my wrists, holding them captive against his chest, I knew was in trouble. I tried to fight myself and him, but began to slip into the kiss, shutting my eyes tightly and sighing in bliss at the touch. He began to nibble his way down my cheek and neck, which allowed him to bend low enough to grasp the loose part of my ragged dress and pull it up. He would have pulled it off of me, but I protested and fought him.

"I'm ugly! Don't you understand!" I exclaimed as I began to cry, tears racing their way down my hideously freckled cheeks as I struggled against the removal of my dress. He gave up for the moment but brought his lips back to mine, kissing me with as much heat and fire as I felt inside of me to match. It was not long before he began to push me up against one of the display cases, lifting me up so that he did not have to lean over and I allowed him full access to my mouth. His hands supported my back for a moment as I let him slide his tongue inside of my mouth, exploring, probing, desiring and craving. It was sexy erotic and I had an explosion of wetness between my legs to prove it.

"Oh Kendall, my Kendall," Vytex's soft proclamation was followed my his hands roaming under my dress, touching my inner thighs as he caressed every speck of skin he came in contact with there. I shivered deliciously when his probing fingers landed in my soft, wet folds and began to stroke my clit and labia gently. I knew he had to be uncomfortable contorted that way, but the man did not seem to mind. I felt a loss when he removed his hands and returned them to the small of my back, but gasped in surprise when he thrust himself at the edge of my soaking wet folds with his rock-hard cock. My dress was bunched up so that he had access and for once I did not fight him.

I slid my hands down to cup his firm butt cheeks as he pushed himself inside of me, pulling out slightly and entering again. He did this gently, an expression of sheer ecstasy on his face as he made love to me ever so slowly with much adoration in his eyes as he did. Our lips joined as he continued but when I heard a soft gasp behind him, I broke the kiss to look around his head. Lindy, a co-worker and fill-in tour guide at times, was there staring at us in horror, a bunch of people on a tour with her, mimicking her expression. Without my glasses they were fuzzy, but I could still see the look on their faces and it was not that of amusement.

"Uh oh." I pushed Vytex gently from me, sad to feel his dick slide out without either of us finding release and slipped in front of him to hide his nudity as Lindy sputtered in complete embarrassment.

"Um, uh, oh my, okay folks, let's go to the Egyptian display. Right down that hall, please." I could tell she was totally taken by surprise especially since she had recognized me as the one getting fucked on the Celtic necklace display and knew I'd probably be the last one ever to have been found doing that there. Once they were gone, I could not help myself but begin to laugh. It was a slight nervous laugh at first but it turned into a loud, full-hearted belt out and Vytex chuckled along with me, embarrassed himself for the situation. I ripped the skirting from one of the carvings tables and wrapped it around the dark man's waist, trying to keep my eyes off of his package and on the goal -- to get us out of the museum before the cops were called.

"Come on, sexy." I growled playful at him as I took his hand within mine and darted out of the room into the hall. I pushed my slightly cracked glasses onto my nose and led him to the back way and down the alley, where the afternoon's sunlight hit us and we had to shield our eyes. We had to be careful where we trod as we were both without shoes, but we managed to make it home by bumming a ride from an off duty cab driver who was heading our way anyway.

Once I led Vytex inside, ignoring the stares and catcalls that we had to endure since stepping outside of the museum, as well as trying my best to explain the "metal beasts that carried people within them" to the man, I relaxed on the sofa, relieved to be home and out of the public eye. I felt the couch quiver as he joined me and smiled when Mimsi and Meatheat, my two cats, jumped onto my lap and began to meow.

"Hi darlings, you miss mommy?" I patted each and spent a moment introducing my guest to my pets. He spent a moment patting them after letting them sniff his hand and I heard our stomachs growl almost as if synchronized. "Let me prepare us something to eat." I stood and went into the kitchen, feeling very strange being in my little apartment after spending most of my time in a whole different world. It was almost surrealistic in a way. As I opened a can of tuna, the cats went crazy around my feet and I felt bad for them. Suppose I never had returned? Would they have starved? Frowning I decided that I would let Mrs. Kowplonic in 2B have them. She had two cats already but always had told me she'd take mine if something happened. I would call her out on that favor before the day was done.

As I prepared us a tuna-ful lunch, after feeding the cats first so they could leave us in peace, I sat the plates at my small kitchen table and told him, "It's ready." But when I got no response from the slumped-over man, I went to his side and realized he was snoring softly, completely worn out. Smiling lightly, I went to the table and began to eat, letting him rest. He stirred, waking after I was nearly finished with my food and joined me at the table as I ate my last nibble. 

"I apologize, lady. I must have fallen to sleep." His words were accented by a gentle smile as he sat at the table and began to eat the food I had provided for him. It was awkward sitting with him like that in my kitchen. I was uncertain of what to say. I knew he was being nice to me by pretending he didn't care about my looks, but that'd last only so long. And I knew I'd have to figure out how to entertain him long enough for the portal to reset so we could return. Perhaps it would be a good time to show him my world. I rested my head on a curled palm and asked, "Would you like me to take you around my town and show you where I have spent my life?" 

Vytex paused mid-chew and smiled at the suggestion.




Portal Ch. 06



"My lady, I would love nothing more so. Your iron carriages intrigue me as do your housing constructs. Your world is glorious!" I grimaced at his enthusiasm, mentally willing him not to get too comfortable. We would not be staying long.

"All right then. I'll show you Boston Straights as soon as I go buy you some clothes from Wallymart." I grinned, feeling completely odd for talking about my neighborhood to an elf-man. I leaned over as he finished his food and parted his long, snow-colored hair just above his left ear. Instead of it being long and tapered like normal, it was rounded. Interesting. His hand followed where mine had been and he touched his ear and lobe, feeling it as if for the first time. When the Drow's eyes grew wide, I knew he'd want to see for himself and so I led him into the bedroom where the full length mirror resided.

He gasped at seeing his appearance and that's when I saw my own.

"Ack!" I gasped as I stared at my reflection. I was hideous! My face was black and blue in places but I looked just like I did before I had found the portal the first time. I was so ugly! Ugh! My dress was completely tattered and ragged and was very ill-fitting on my stick-like frame. I wanted to vomit at the sight. How could he like that? My hair...ugh! My lips! I wanted to bawl like a baby! I pointed to the bed while he checked himself out, obviously intrigued by the reflection of his new self, and told him, "You can rest while I get you some clothes." I gathered a shirt and pants along with some underwear and went into the bathroom, locking the door behind me. 

Once inside of the room, I began to cry in earnest. I couldn't do it - I could never remain in this world! I had to return and as soon as possible! I let the water of my shower wash away the tears as I bathed and soon I was dressed, with only minimal redness and puffy eyes to show of my display of emotion. When I exited the bathroom, Vytex had crawled onto the bed and was nestled in between both cats, all three completely zonked out.

I could not help but smile and leaned over to kiss his ebony cheek in farewell. Gathering my keys and some money, I locked the door behind me hoping it would keep him safe inside while I shopped. 

It did not take me long to buy him some clothes, although I had no idea what size so just bought XXL hoping it would work. When I got home and unlocked the door, I found Vytex still sleeping soundly, so I removed my glasses and crawled on the bed to join him, soon deep in the grasp of sleep myself. 

I was completely oblivious to what was happening around me. 

I had no idea of the chaos and trouble that was brewing outside of my front door. 

All I knew then was contentment as Vytex wrapped an arm around me and held me as we slept.

To be continued...



Portal Ch. 07



"Lady Kendall?" I woke to the sound of Vytex's voice breathing in my ear, tickling my lobe as he spoke. I felt as if I had been run over by a train and groaned as I sat up to stare at the clock. The numbers read 8:32 but as I crawled slightly closer I could see it said it was "AM" instead of the "PM" hour I was expecting. We had slept all afternoon and night? Whoa!

"Aww man." I mumbled as I crawled off of the bed. We must have both been exhausted to have slept so long, but then I tried to recall the last good sleep I had, but couldn't. I supposed our bodies needed it. Stretching, I caught Vytex staring at me with a grin on his face and instantly became self-conscious in front of him. I had to remember, I was still the ugly girl with the flat chest in this world, and no matter what he said or did, that wouldn't change the fact that it was true. I tossed him a brief smile in return and slid into the bathroom, sitting on the toilet to relief myself. 

As I did, I wondered if Vytex would stand out with his long, snow-white hair. When resting against his black skin, it made quite a statement and would draw attention to him. But I couldn't see myself backing out on my promise to show him my world. 

I had an idea: I would tuck his hair under an old baseball cap I had up in my closet. That should do it and I nodded in satisfaction as I stepped into the shower, feeling the urge for a short bathe to help wake me. As I washed, trying to knock any remaining sleep from my body, I did not hear the bathroom door open or the shower stall door until Vytex slid into the shower with me, nearly sending me through the ceiling from the surprise of it.

"Vytex! Ugh!" I spun and would have chided him except for the fact that there was a naked man standing in the shower with me, his cock swollen and hard and calling for me.

I recalled that I had been left without a climax the last time I had been with him. I wondered what would happen if I tried to have sex – would I hit more frustration? Not to mention that I was sore from the previous encounters as well. My recently deflowered body protested against the idea of having his manly shaft shoved inside of me so soon. But who was I fooling? I was ready. I wanted him as much as he apparently wanted me. 

"Shall I help the lady?" His teeth stood out against his dark mouth as he reached into my hand for the soap bar and spun me around. I felt myself smirk as he scrubbed my back, spending extra time around the base of my tailbone. In fact, when he started to lather my anal opening, I peered over my shoulder at him. I could only see one of his eyes, which he blinked in a wink at me. The action caused me to snort and I shook my head, becoming extremely aroused as he stroked, rubbed and prodded both of the holes between my legs. "Me thinks you need some extra washing here, my lady." Vytex's voice was dirty and sexy and all I could do was nod in agreement as he continued his washing of my genitalia. 

When he was apparently satisfied with the state of my cleanliness, he turned me back around and lifted me up so that I was leaning against the shower and he had easy access to my lips. I began to grow nervous and did not know why. I had made love with him twice now, why was I suddenly insecure? And then I realized as he touched my left breast with his tongue, my body hadn't changed – it was the same ugly pathetic body that I had been born with. I groaned but he must have taken that as a good groan and he swirled the tip of his tongue around the nipple, bringing it up sharply into a tipped ridge. I was extremely turned on now, but sickened by my own body. The sensations warred against each other until finally I gave in to my vanity and put my hands on his head to stop him.

His eyes were smoky as he stared at me with a languid smile on his handsome face. 

"I am going to get out of the shower now, okay?" Immediately my words turned his expression serious. 

"Why, lady? Did I misstep in my advances?" His face twisted into confusion and I regretted stopping him, but how could I explain to him that I hated him looking at me when my body was so ugly? And why was he not getting physically ill at the sight like I was? I hated my body so much! 

"Oh, Vytex," I wrapped my arms around his neck, sad that I had upset him and made him think he was in the wrong. "I just can't let you touch me when my body is so repulsive like this. Let us get back to your land and I'll let you ... um... ravage me all you want." I smiled slightly to show I was happy with the idea and was shocked when he pressed his lips fiercely against mine.

"My lady Kendall, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever set my eyes upon. In this world or my own. Do not belittle yourself so. It makes me so very angry! And sad as well." He placed gentle kiss on my forehead. "I." He kissed my nose. "Think." He kissed my chin. "You." His tongue slid across my water-stained lips. "Are." He kissed my lips hard. "Perfect." And as he said that he spun me around and 'speared me like a rabbit'.

After he thrust a few times inside of me, Vytex removed himself, which caused me to complain bitterly. What was the deal? Was I destined to have constant frustration with my new-found sex life? I wanted to scream! Before I could say much, he put his finger on my lips and pulled me out of the shower. I hastily turned off the water as he pulled me to my bed. I wanted to complain again when he pushed me on my back since it was getting the top of my bed wet from the showering we had done. But when he stuck his tongue in between the folds of my labia and clit and began to lick me, I stifled any gripes.

"Ooooh." I sighed in bliss as he gave me oral pleasure by swirling and sucking gently, nipping the bud of my clit a few times and thrusting his tongue deep into my vaginal opening, tongue fucking me until my back arched in complete pleasure. And then he moved down to my anal opening and began to tongue fuck that too. He moved back and began to drink of my overflowing juices as if it were made up of nectar. The happy noises he made turned me on even more, adding to his drink of choice and I shook my head at the imagery in my mind of it. It was at that point I decided it was time for me to share the pleasure and so I removed myself, spinning around underneath him, hoping I was not making any mistakes since I was new to the whole sexual experience. I took his hard dick into my hand and guided it into my mouth as he re-positioned and attacked my clit with his tongue. Gasping from pleasure, I tried to focus on sucking his cock, but I was so inexperienced, I felt as if I were doing it all wrong, not making any progress at all. 

It only took a few more licks from him before I was screaming into his dick at my release; I could hardly believe how intense it was this time around. I really felt as if it were twice as intense as when Anithis had pleasured me orally and knew it had to be because I loved Vytex. Once I had climaxed, he continued though I was a bit sensitive. He seemed to know that fact and took it easy, which gave me the opportunity to focus on sucking his cock correctly. It did not take long before he was pressing downward so much that I thought I was going to choke. But it was effective and before I knew it, he was moaning and twitching, getting close to his own release. 

I wanted to have him continue since he was so near to climax, but he began to move up and out, taking his cock away from me. I wrapped my arms around, grasping his butt cheeks and pressed down, keeping him firmly in place and so he continued to fuck my mouth slowly at first, building up faster and faster until he groaned once and shot his load down my throat. I swallowed as fast as I could, struggling to not choke or spill any of his seed out of my mouth. It was a challenge but I managed to keep it down and stayed like that until he was cleaned out, finally allowing him to roll over and flip me gently up so that I was resting my head against his chest. He wrapped his arms around me and held me, stroking my back as we sighed together in sexual bliss and relief.

"That was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had, lady." Vytex's words were soft, kind and I believed him. It amazed me that he would still find me attractive and sexy despite the way I looked. He was not being merciful either. He had meant it. He kissed the top of my head and leaned down to whisper in my ear, "I love you, Lady Kendall."

It made my toes curl to hear the words, especially with my horrible appearance so strong in my mind. I lifted my head so that I could stare into his eyes, and well, honestly, I wanted him to see my face – to see exactly what he had just orally pleasured. The reaction was not what I expected. He leaned in and kissed my nose. 

"Show me your land now?" His arms loosened and I groaned, not ready to let him go. But I knew time was short and if I did want him to see it, then we had to go now. I nodded and crawled out of his arms, dressing as quickly as I could so that I could spare him from staring at my body for too long. He dressed as well and soon, we were ready to go. I gave my cats to the woman in 2B with the indication that I was going on a long, long vacation. I wanted to cry, of course, for leaving them behind, but I knew it was for the best. Hand in hand, with Vytex's hair tucked under a baseball cap to hide it, we began the trek through my neighborhood and to the local tourist traps so that I could give him the grand tour.

It was a blast. We spent hours walking and talking, enjoying each other's company with the great backdrops that Boston had to offer. I introduced him to ice cream, mustard-topped giant pretzels, hot dogs with relish and onion, and shaved ice soaked with rainbow swirled flavoring. It was an incredible morning and I was actually surprised at how much I had missed my wonderful city. I'm fairly certain that Vytex enjoyed taking in my world and he definitely asked quite a few questions, much of which I could not answer simply because I did not know how certain things worked or were made. I valued his open curiosity and enthusiasm and it made me proud to be part of it.

"Lady Kendall," Vytex stopped me just before we entered into the back door of the museum. "I wanted to thank you for taking the time to show me your world. It was incredible in so many ways. Your people are so open and friendly, warm and welcoming. I wished that the people of my world acted the same. We would surely have less war and squabbling. Of that, I am certain." He bent down and kissed me and we continued inside.

The museum had just closed and so I knew it would be safe to go to the room with the stone and make our way back to his world. 

Just before I led him into the Celtic section, I stopped Vytex. I wanted to explain that my people and his weren't that much different. After all, my world had its fair share of war and violence, but he spoke first. 

"Are you certain, lady, that you would have us leave this land? It seems so full of spirit and light." His eyes glittered with emotion and I knew it was probably because the world was so strange and new to him. If he hung around a few years, he'd grow mighty tired of it. Probably. Maybe. I sighed wistfully. Maybe my world wasn't so bad.

"I don't want to stay, Vytex." I stared into his eyes, memorizing them since they'd soon be mostly black once again. "It's for selfish reasons." I replied back honestly, meaning I hated my appearance here compared to his world. 

"You are not a princess in this land?" His question reminded me of the role I played on the other side of the portal - a role that mocked any real royalty there. I shook my head negative, feeling guilty for that lie. "That is all right, my lady. If at some point you feel me worthy of your future, perhaps you would consider becoming my wife. My family has ruled the Drows for many, many years. You could be my Princess." 

"Whaaaat?" I looked at him, studying his handsome face in confusion. Had he just proposed in some way? 

"Well, Prince Anithis, I and another share the governing of the lands so there is not one individual King. But being a wife to any of the three of us is a high honor." His dark eyes searched mine, as if seeking a reason why I wouldn't want to be married to him. I could not help myself but smile. I had been eager to marry Anithis simply to become a part of that world. How much better would it be if I were to marry a Prince of that land AND it be one that I loved? 

"Hmm... I would like to be somebody's wife some day." I teased him, enjoying the soft growl as he pulled me into his arms. But there were still a few museum guests milling around and so I stifled any loving he would give me by pushing him gently away from me after I kissed him lightly. I tugged at his hand, taking him into the Celtic section, where I asked him to stay put. I had to go tell Dave goodbye. 

But my boss was not in – he was gone for the day, so I sat at his desk and typed up a quick note that said I was going to be visiting friends overseas and that I'd be gone a while. I also told him that young Marcella was dead and to inform her parents. There would be no way to implicate myself or give details if I were in another world, so I had no problem stating the fact as I knew her parents would have liked to know the truth and that she had not just run away or kidnapped. 

I felt my heart lighten as I returned to Vytex in the Celtic section of the museum. I was going "home" soon and so I was happy. I stepped into the room to note Vytex off to the side, looking down at something. I went to his side and saw that there was an odd look in his eye as he stared down into one of the display cases. I watched him splay his ebony fingers on top of the glass and followed his gaze down into the case where a couple of hand-carved figurines from just before the Celtic period of time were supposedly made. He looked as if he were ready to smash his fist through the glass, so I grasped his wrist tightly to prevent that from happening.

"I must take a closer look at that wooden wolf head." His voice wavered with some strong emotion as he pointed to a crudely carved figure of what looked to be a wolf with tiny rubies set in for the eyes. I nodded, curious as to why it interested him so much. I bent down and unlocked the case using the code we had for the section and slid the back open. I reached in and grasped the carving gently, careful not to cause it to splinter since it was so very, very old. I brought it out and placed it into his extended palm, watching as he studied it.

"That's from my people's history." I told him in my most informational voice. "That rock is thousands and thousands of years old." I pointed to the Stonehenge stone. "The carving in your hand is supposedly thousands older than that magical rock." I realized his word for 'magic' was 'spirit' so added, "That spirit rock." Vytex was so entranced by the carving he spared no time to look at where I was pointing, so I stepped closer, peering over his arm to stare at the carving with him. I was not certain why it intrigued him so until I asked.

"My father carved a wolfhead for me when I was a boy. It looked just like this, down to the rubies he had chipped for me from the stone of our mines." His eyes pierced mine as I realized the coincidence of having something he recognized. How could it be?

"If this was given to me by my father, I shall flip it over. As a young boy, I often bit upon it to suffer through the rites of testing my people endured." Slowly, with gentle care, he turned it over to reveal a smooth back except for seven places in a crescent shape that looked as if they had been put there by very young teeth. There was no mistaking the bite marks - it was the same carving. I think we might have gasped at the same time as the implications of the object in his hand hit us simultaneously.  

"How? How can this be, lady? If you say this is from your ancient past and I see how old it is as the wood has long since rotted. Does this mean that our worlds are one in the same?" Vytex continued to stare at the carving, shaking his head from time to time in wonder. It was then when his eyes landed on the rock from Stonehenge. I could see recognition within, which surprised me, but I suppose it shouldn't have. He put the wolf carving down gently on the top of the display case and made his way to the stone. Hands hesitantly reached out and finally landed, the tips going over the surface as if touching rock for the first time.

"My lady, these are the Standing Stones of the Druidic people that once had inhabited my land. They have been in my world from before my father's father was sired." Vytex's face twisted into confusion. "How is this here? Is this a mock of it perhaps?" I stepped closer, staring at the rock as he continued to touch it as he circled it slowly. 

"This is the real thing, Vytex." The thought of having both objects familiar to the Prince of the Drow troubled me. How was it possible? His expression told me he was as confused and amazed as I was. But when he circled to the far side, I heard his exclamation of surprise and joined him. He was touching the carved wording in the side.

"Do you understand what that says?" I asked him, staring at it as he rubbed his fingers against it. He was quiet for a long time, his wonderful face twisted in confusion and alarm.

"I do." The Drow looked sharply at me. "You cannot read this?" I shook my head, curious as to why he thought I could. "It gives a warning, Kendall. I wrote it."

"Whaaaat?" I was saying that a lot lately.

"I shall read it then." His eyes caressed the writing as he began to speak the words to me. "It says 'Kendall, Do not return. Death awaits. Vytex'" I gasped softly, surprised that our names were on it. The dark man spun quickly, grasping both of my wrists within his hands. "You cannot return, Kendall. It is obviously written by me later than when we left for your world. I did not write that before now. I have no recollection of ever visiting the stones except as a young boy. I do not believe I wrote them then, so that means I have not written them... yet." His face was troubled and I bit my lip in consideration of the possibilities that it meant. Yes, it was a warning, but what kind of warning? What was it warning about... besides a death? Would it be immediate upon my return or when I'm nearly ninety years old and it was my time anyway? 

"I am not ready to die," I told him honestly. "But I don't want to stay here. I think I'd rather face whatever obstacle that is in my way in the future with your world, than to remain here and never return back there." I knew what I was saying to him; I knew I was pretty much writing my death warrant by requesting to return. But I couldn't stay in my world! It was at that point I made the conscious decision to return. But I would not go back unarmed and ill-prepared. I opened the display case that held the re-creation of the tome and tore a few pages out, tucking them in my pocket as I did. I hoped I wouldn't regret it later as I stared at Vytex, mentally preparing myself for what might or might not happen once the portal opened.

"Are you ready, Vytex?" I stared at him with a hard gaze, hoping he would not be the next obstacle. And as I feared, he shook his white-tipped head.

"I cannot let you enter the portal, Kendall. I shall not risk your life for some notion that you want to be royalty." He stepped close to me, eyes blazing. "I will not lose you." I sighed at his response, although it told me just how much he cared. I would have been hurt had he not thrown some sort of fit. 

"I understand. But I'm going and you cannot stop me." As I said the words, I immediately sifted my memory and recalled the words that would open the portal. I spoke them quickly and like I had hoped, the swirly portal opened, inviting me into its deceptively warm center. I would have leaped if not for Vytex's grasp, attempting to prevent me from taking the portal.




Portal Ch. 07



"Let go, Vytex!" I yelled at him, as the room had grown a bit noisy at the opening of the gate. He shook his head. 

"I cannot lose you!" I groaned at his reply. He was going to ruin it for me! I would not let that happened.

"Let me go or I will never let you touch me again! I swear it!" I snapped angrily, unwilling to spend another second in my world. Or time. Or whatever it was. I wanted my new life, however long or short it would be. Finally, he did not release me but instead pushed me forward so that we entered the portal together.

I was going home... 

To be continued