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Shades of Gray

By: Diezi



The roars of the terrible beasts carried above the high pitch of the wind, which shook the shutters over the window. Rain hit and dripped down the slats to pool on the dark wood of the sill. In the dim light of the lantern, Selene thought the liquid looked very much like thinned blood. Her reasoning being, of course, that the death of her personal bodyguard, Brennan, was too fresh on her mind.

Brennan had been a strong, loyal man- a natural swordsman and trusted companion. Selene might have thought of him as an older brother, or at least a dear uncle, if his appointment as her guard had not been a constant cause for conflict between them.

Selene pulled Brennan's cloak more tightly around her shoulders, shivering involuntarily as another whine rattled the shutters. 

When would the beasts leave? 

Outside the inn, at the wall surrounding this secluded town, the inhabitants fought to repel the beasts, which had followed Selene's expedition from the wilds. By sheer luck, they had lost only Brennan to the beasts, though others had perished earlier from other perils along the two-month trek.

The sound of footsteps on the stairs made her turn from the window. There was a light knock on her door before it opened and Veridias entered. She knew he carried news by the serious look in his gray eyes. She'd noted, after first meeting him, that his angular elvish features rarely changed expression. His body language was usually subtle, leaving his voice and eyes alone to convey his feelings. 

"Where is Madris?" she asked, speaking of the group's leader. She expected he would be along shortly with a report of his own.

"He still meets with the magistrate, my lady. Our arrival has caused quite a stir, as you can well imagine."

Selene nodded, sneaking another peek out the window. The shouts of the men at the wall were nearly as loud as the beasts now.

"My lady," Veridias said, drawing her attention back to him, "to appease the magistrate's anger, Madris has had to meet some conditions." Selene noted a flicker of strong emotion in his eyes that he quickly suppressed. 

"What manner of conditions?" she asked evenly. She had faith in Madris to make everything right with these people. The town was small enough to benefit from some of the group's supplies, if not their coin.

"The rest of the men have been sent to the wall to help defend."

"Good. Their skills will be useful," she said quickly.

"However," he added, "the magistrate does not believe the beasts will be turned away by force alone." He hesitated, but did not look away as he said, "According to the townsfolk, these beasts are drawn to the blood of innocents. It drives them mad with hunger."

She could tell that he was trying to make a point by not looking at her too firmly, yet not looking away either. 

"Innocents? Like children?"

"Virgins, my lady," Veridias corrected her. "They say that the older the innocent is, the harder it is for the beasts to resist."

"That's foolishness," Selene hastily responded. There was a noticeable squeak to her voice, hinting at her instant discomfort. "Those things took down Brennan; and I happen to know that he had two young children."

"But, my lady," Veridias quickly interjected, before she could go on, "Brennan was not their target. None of us men were." He made a passing gesture at the cloak she wore over her shoulders. "Brennan merely got in their way."

Selene felt a hardening in her chest as his meaning became clear. "You assume..." she began, sounding angry.

"No, I do not assume," he said gently. "Madris asked the others; and all spoke truthfully of their past relations."

She went silent, turning back to the window and the cries beyond. Surely, she was not the sole cause of this siege.

Almost as if he could read her thoughts, Veridias said, "There are, of course, some children here, but the beasts rarely come for them. The wall is quite formidable and the people determined. In fact, they are so determined to maintain the safety of the town, that they have appointed guardians to..."

When he did not continue after a long pause, Selene prompted him. "To what, Veridias? What do these guardians do?"

"Relieve young adults of their virtue," he responded, looking away from her for the first time since he had entered.

The hardness in her chest felt like it had gained considerable mass and weight. A similar clump was building in her stomach as well. Nausea threatened as she sought out the support of a nearby chair. "Barbaric," she uttered, gazing at the floor in front of her.

"It is a solution that has worked quite well to insure their safety, Lady Selene. They are alone out here, you realize." His words were softly spoken and certainly not as supportive of the issue as they seemed.

"So, do you mean to say that these beasts will not leave as long as I am here?"

He did not answer, leading her to believe she was correct in her reasoning.

"Madris has made an arrangement," Veridias said after a lengthy, uncertain pause. His features had hardened more than usual. He appeared to wait until she met his eyes before turning back to the doorway behind him and opening it.

Selene watched as a new figure passed into the room. It was a handsome man with modest eyes and dark hair. He stood quietly beside Veridias, shorter than the elf by only a few inches, but much broader. He immediately started to take in Selene thoughtfully.

"No," was the first thought to enter her mind and then slip from her lips. She stood, clutching even more tightly to Brennan's cloak. 

"My lady," Veridias began calmly, "we have no choice in..."

"No, Veridias. Send him away. Now!"

A hint of guilt was spreading on the elf's features, though the silent man seemed oddly calm. "Selene," Veridias said, dropping any attempt at formality as he tried to convey the seriousness of their situation, "they will cast us out if you do not comply."

She stared at him and the swirl of emotion in his gaze. It seemed Veridias did not wish for this any more than she did.

"My lady," the guardian said in a tone meant to convey calm and comfort, "it is not important who I am, only that I am...familiar with the task. I promise to be gentle." Selene looked away from him as fear quickly brought tears to her eyes. She shook her head, wanting to keep up her protest, though she doubted her feelings carried much weight now. He moved slowly toward her, bringing his arms up from his sides as if to collect her in an embrace. "I can have this over quickly."

Selene stepped away from him, her eyes growing wide and the beginnings of a scream caught in her throat. He followed, but did not rush at her. He continued to use his calming tactics that failed to work on her as they might a naïve, bright-eyed youth. 

Circling the room, it did not take Selene long to come within arms reach of Veridias. The elf snatched her around the waist, causing her to release the waiting scream; and did something most unexpected- he pushed her behind him then stood rigidly between her and the pursuer.

"My apologies, Guardian," he said immediately, sounding diplomatic yet firm. "I'm afraid this arrangement will not be acceptable."

The guardian's expression changed very little. It seemed he had met with similar difficulties in his work before. "I will inform the magistrate of your decision," he said uniformly and moved toward the door.

"Tell the magistrate," Veridias said, "that the lady requires more... familiarity... than you can offer."

The men exchanged a look that Selene could not interpret, but the guardian nodded as if he understood and slipped out the door, shutting it behind him.

Selene let out a sigh of relief and hugged the elf from behind. She buried her face against his long dark hair and the back of his tunic, wiping away the majority of her tears in the process. "Thank you, Veridias. I thought you were really going to let him."

"Do not thank me," he said impassively.

Selene looked up, trying to peek over his shoulder to see his expression. "Why should I not? You..."

"Got rid of him? Yes, but the dilemma still remains." He turned to face her; and her arms dropped from him at the sight of his colder-than-usual expression.

What was he getting at?

Veridias extended his right arm, taking her hand in his. Selene smiled at the gesture, wrongly believing that he was comforting her. Then he began to back up, pulling her forward. Her cheerful expression faltered as she caught sight of the bed behind him. With great urgency, she tried to pull her hand from his grasp and drag her feet at the same time.

"No! Please, no," she begged. 

"I'm sorry," was his emotionless reply. "There are too many lives at stake."

Despite her attempts, they shortly reached the bed. Selene screamed as his other hand caught her at the waist to draw her against his strong, slender body. With the same grace and skill he showed in battle, Veridias flipped them onto the bed, grabbed her wrists and pinned her beneath him.

The first real sob escaped Selene's mouth as she became aware of his weight on top of her. He was supposed to be one of her protectors, appointed by the High Lord himself. How could he do this to her?

"Stop crying," Veridias said shortly, his tone a bit more sharp than it had been a few moments previous. "I have not hurt you."

She looked up at him through streaming eyes. "How can you be so heartless? I thought I could trust you."

"You can," he insisted. "There is nothing to fear from this."

"Perhaps not for you," she sobbed, struggling futilely against his superior strength. "The choice should be mine."

"And whom would you choose?"

She did not respond, continuing to fight him for a while longer before falling back against the blankets.

"Why are you so scared?" he asked, leaning close enough for his breath to hit her cheek as she turned her face away. "I have never hurt you, my lady. I would not have put myself in this position if I didn't think it a better option."

She turned back to him, the tears taking a visible toll on her features. "Better than what?" she asked. "You plan to rape me. How do your actions make this any better than what Madris and the magistrate propose?"

"There are at least a half-dozen good reasons; and if you'd make yourself calm down and think straight, you'd realize them too." The intensity of his gaze had softened, but Selene hardly noticed under the circumstances.

"You're not going to let me go, are you? No matter what I say or how hard I cry?"

"No."

Selene whimpered and closed her eyes to take in several deep breaths. Obviously, her screams had not achieved her aid from those gathered in the dining area below. It appeared that she was out of options. 

"If you can keep yourself calm, I will not have to hold you down," he said, capturing her gaze long enough to convey the seriousness of his offer.

Though the clump of anxiety ached in her chest, Selene nodded her understanding. She had seen enough of his talents in battle to realize that he could catch her easily enough should she attempt to escape; and overall, she hoped to cling to any shred of dignity that she could.

He released his grip on her wrists then eased his weight to the side. He looked neither pleased nor disappointed when she failed to move away from him. Perhaps considering her lack of action to mean the bargain was struck, he reached for her skirts with his hand and pulled them up to peer underneath. "Remove all these layers," he said, indicating all the billowing material beneath the outer dress. "No, actually, remove the dress as well. Then it will not be soiled."

With a listless nod, Selene sat up then moved unsteadily from the edge of the bed to her feet. Most of her strength was gone, sapped by her tears and struggle. Her legs felt shaky beneath her and she nearly stumbled, reaching out to steady herself with the chair. 

Veridias moved behind her, making just enough sound to let her know of his approach. He took her gently by the waist and touched his lips to her ear as he spoke. "I will do it." His hands moved to her throat to untie and pull away Brennan's cloak, which he let fall to the floor. Next, he went after the dress itself, working the ties with great skill and dropping it layer by layer at her feet while she shivered and tried not to start crying again. In no time, she was nude, wrapped only in her own protective arms. Veridias made no effort to turn her round, suggesting instead that she climb into bed to wait for him. Selene scampered into the bed sheets, welcoming the concealment though they lacked the warmth of previous body heat to chase away her shivers.

Veridias undressed while she settled in the bed. He currently wore neither armor nor weapon, making his task far less complicated than hers. At the first glimpses of his flesh, Selene closed her eyes, deciding to focus more on taking deep breaths.

The blankets rustled as he climbed into the bed. She held her breath, set her jaw and tightened her muscles, preparing for the first intimate touch. 

"You are still afraid, I see."

"Do not criticize me," she pleaded, again on the verge of tears.

"Open your eyes."

"I do not want to." She wanted to control this situation, but knew she could not. At least this way, she did not have to watch him take her. 

His hand suddenly touched Selene's stomach and she jumped, unable to control herself. She felt a wave of nausea from the sudden nervous twinge in her stomach. His body shifted towards her and she called out in a panic, "Wait! I am not ready."

Her screams did not deter him in the least. He climbed on top of her as she struggled, applying strength and body weight to his advantage in pinning her down again. His knee wedged itself between her thighs. Then he grabbed her wrists, pulled her arms above her head and held them there. "Then I suggest you get ready," he said. His tone was more neutral than angry, meaning he was distancing himself.

"You are hurting me!" Selene cried. She turned her face away and tried to roll out from under him, but his knee between her legs made that impossible.

He continued to hold her down, but his muscles slowly became less tense. He lowered his head next to hers, resting it on the bed. Selene stopped struggling. She listened to his breathing and pondered what he was thinking. She hoped he was having second thoughts. Finally, after what seemed like a very long time, she could take it no more. Turning her head toward his, she opened her eyes to look upon his features. The fear was evident in her tone as she asked meekly, "What happens now?"

His dark gray eyes, the color of storm clouds, shifted to look at her. Flecks of silver within his irises flickered in the low light of the lantern hanging from a hook in the center of the room. It was an unusual effect, looking deceptively like bright lightning flashes within the swirls of gray.

"It is not my wish to hurt you," he said, his features still emotionless. "Our companions are in danger. Can you not willingly make this sacrifice for them?"

Her heart ached to hear him put it that way. "It is not that simple," she whispered, partially disbelieving her own words due to her guilt. "I am to be married...when I reach Salden."

"I know, but we will not survive the journey out of these lands with those beasts on our trail. They are surrounding the town as we speak."

"And what shall I tell my intended, that it was my duty to sacrifice my innocence? My virtue is almost all I have to offer this man for his protection." She was an orphan of a noble family lost to plague and misfortune. The High Lord arranged this union out of pity for her. Madris was aware of her situation, but she did not know if Veridias was as well.

"That is not the real reason for your hesitation." His eyes studied her a moment before he continued. "It is the act that frightens you, but I cannot tell why."

She was very mindful of every place his body touched hers. "I am just not ready."

"I have no choice. This has to be done."

Whimpering, she turned her head away from him again. Frightened tears returned to her eyes. "Then get it over with!" she said angrily. 

"Selene, please..."

"Do not talk to me anymore. Do your duty and be gone."

He took in a very deep breath, letting it out slowly as he lifted himself into a kneeling position that straddled her left leg and inadvertently cast off their blankets. Selene tried not to think of him looking over her exposed body.

After a moment of silence, he said, "We should not do this too quickly, lest I hurt you more than is necessary."

"There will be no enjoyment in this for me," she insisted with great vehemence.

"Of course there will not," he said softly. "If you do not seek pleasure, I cannot give it to you."

"Do not get sentimental. I will hate you until the end of my days." She had resigned herself to what was happening, trying to convert her fear into anger. 

"If that is what you wish," was his cool reply.

He parted her legs and moved between them, getting only minimal resistance from her. He touched her with his palm, gently rubbing her pelvis. Selene gasped, holding back another whimper. He was exploring body parts that were practically a mystery to her. He continued to caress her; and she slowly found herself becoming more used to the sensations. Then, in time, his long fingers spread her nether lips to touch her warm skin underneath and apply direct pressure to her clitoris. Very quickly, the sensation became too much for Selene. Instead of pleasurable, his touch was becoming painful. With a distressed cry, she bucked her hips to the side and away from his hand.

"I'm sorry," Veridias said, leaning closer. "I did not realize you could be so sensitive."

Her eyes still clamped shut, Selene tried to scoot herself up toward the headboard so she could have room to turn on her side. She hoped by closing herself to him, she would have a chance to recover her wits, but he halted her attempt by gripping her waist and gently pulling her back.

"I said I would not enjoy it," she said, feeling a tinge of disappointment that her prediction was coming true. Selene had long ago decided that it was every girl's dream that her first time in a man's bed would be magical and perfect. Of course, magic, it seemed, was reserved for the elves. They were the only creatures left in the world that could harness its qualities.

"My purpose was to arouse you and lessen the pain when I enter you." Again his hand touched between her thighs and he slipped the end of one long finger into her wetness. "You are ready," he said softly, removing the finger.

Selene held her breath. Her features bunched up in frightened anticipation. She wanted very much to tell him again that she was not ready. She felt the tip of his penis touch the inside of her thigh as he moved forward. The hardness of it made her jump and her eyes opened. She looked at his face, surprised to find that he was watching her. "It is all right," he said automatically, but his words did nothing to comfort her. Selene's gaze shifted down past her body, catching a view of his erect member. To her it looked huge, having no prior experience to compare.

"It is all right," Veridias said again, reading the fear in her eyes.

Selene pulled her attention away to meet his gaze. Pleading at this point would be as pointless as it was previous. She had little choice, but to trust him, in light of the circumstances. She gave a weak nod and shifted her gaze to the ceiling. She prepared herself for the pain she knew would come.

Veridias used his hand to guide the head of his penis into her. Selene inhaled deeply at the gentle intrusion, but did not move as he pushed forward, stretching her inner walls. Suddenly, there was an increase of pressure inside her, followed by a shock of intense pain, which caused her to cry out. Tears formed in her eyes; and Selene could not help grabbing onto the elf.


Shades of Gray Ch. 02



Selene slipped into the hot spring, relishing in the feel of the very warm water on her skin. She quickly began to wash away the sweat and dirt of two weeks of hard riding to escape the wilds and the terrible beasts which pursued them nearly every step of the way. After what she had endured as of late, the caressing warmth of the hot spring was a treasured discovery. 

Selene's thoughts were very much on recent events and on the days yet to come. She was weary, yet grateful that her companions had successfully brought her this far across lands of unforgiving terrain and numerous dangers. Their expedition was now within known and charted territory, which put everyone more at ease. Salden, the kingdom of Selene's soon-to-be husband, King Jaren, was only a few days off; and soon the expedition would disband.

Moving to the edge of the hot spring, Selene picked up the bundle she had left on a ground and untied the twine around it. Within the cloth was an egg sized piece of soap- all that remained from the block she had started out with in Gerra over two and a half months ago. Lightly dipping the soap in the water, Selene ran it across her arms, underarms, shoulders and breasts before placing it on a rock while she dipped beneath the surface of the water.

When she came back up, she collected the piece back in her hands, working it across her palms to create enough lather to wash her face and work into her terribly dirty and oily brown hair. Oh, how she missed her bottles of fine oils and soaps- each with a separate use and exquisite scents. It was something to look forward to again when she became King Jaren's bride.

As thoughts of her future union filled her mind, Selene found the enjoyment of the bath begin to wane just a bit. She knew nothing of him, other than what the High Lord had told her. King Jaren was a widower with no children. He ruled a vast and prosperous kingdom bordering the lands of the Elves and Ogres.

"Veridias?" Selene said softly, knowing that the elf would be nearby and on alert.

"Yes, Lady Selene?" came his quick, yet casual reply.

Selene turned in the direction of his voice, scanning the area until she caught sight of his black helm leaning against the side of a sizeable boulder a full body length away. That was the only visible indication that he was indeed close and watching over her. He had taken it upon himself to stand in as her protector since the death of her bodyguard, Brennan.

"I have been wondering..." she began, but quickly faltered.

"About?"

"What you said...at the inn...that night."

"I believe I said many things that night, my lady," he said softly.

Selene flushed just a bit and looked away from the boulder while she once again submerged to wash the soap from her hair and face. When she resurfaced, she still could not see him; and decided he was sitting behind the large stone.

"You said there were half a dozen reasons that you were a better choice than the..." her voice shook a bit as she said, "guardian."

"I might have overstated," the elf said, his deep voice conveying a sense of rising discomfort. "Though, there were good reasons."

Selene thought about his confession, trying to decide just how much she wanted to hear those reasons. "Will you tell me?" she asked weakly.

"You have not thought of them?"

"No," she admitted. "I suppose I have been too distracted...and angry."

"That is to be expected. Ours has not been an easy journey."

She nodded in agreement, though it was unclear if he could see her or not. "So, will you tell me your reasons?"

"Is it really that important to you? Or do you now crave my conversation after fifteen days of silence?" There was heartfelt emotion in his words; and Selene knew that was a sign that her mistreatment of him since their night together had taken a toll on him. Her flush deepened, spurring a flicker of emotion within her chest. Though she now regretted her actions of late, at the time, she had felt quite justified.

"Would you prefer we continue not talking?" she asked, showing signs of her distress on her features and within the tone of her words.

A short pause followed this question before the elf responded. "No," he said, mimicking her tone. "I do not want that."

"If only you had let him take me, then perhaps my anger would have died sooner as we left him and that pitiable town behind us. Instead, I am faced with the memory of it every moment of every day since."

"You know my stand on this already," he said. "I did all I could for you under the circumstances, my lady."

Selene fought the urge to snap at him as anger once again claimed her senses. She had been fighting the same hard battle since he took her innocence. "Will you tell me or not?" she asked desperately. "Do I ask so much? Or are you unwilling to explain yourself?"

She nearly jumped with fright as his tall, slender form appeared atop the boulder. He stood rigid, staring down at her exposed body through the clear water. Her arms twitched, responding to the sudden need to conceal herself, but Selene did not follow through on the shameful action. She tried to stare back at him with as much determination as he stared at her.

"Very well...if you truly wish to know, I will tell you." Veridias took a step forward and dropped down from the boulder and beside the hot spring. It always awed Selene to watch him move so graceful and quiet- even when armored. The brightness of the setting sun, now blocked by the boulder, no longer muted the fine details of his black leather armor and handsome, angular features. His waist-long, dark hair swayed as he moved toward the pool and lowered himself to one knee before her. His dark gray eyes honed in on her bright blue ones holding them within the intense gaze.

"The guardian was not a bad man," Veridias began. "I'm certain he would have been as gentle as he could. However, his methods were ineffective in calming you. Precious time would have been wasted in reaching the end result if I had allowed him to continue chasing you around that room."

"So, you thought it better to throw me on the bed and let me scream and cry?" Selene said bitterly.

"It was not my intention to hurt you," Veridias insisted, an edge to his tone. "Was the act so terrible- really? Only a little pain and it was over."

Selene did not reply. She lowered herself neck-deep in the water and contemplated his words. She did not recall the pain being so miniscule, but she knew it had only lasted a few short moments. 

"Another reason," he continued, "was I thought it best that your first experience be with someone you knew and could trust. Once we had done what was necessary, I gave you the choice to end the encounter or continue. You made your choice; and I abided by it. That kind of trust cannot be placed in a stranger."

"True," Selene whispered, her hands emerging from the water just long enough to push loose pieces of her hair behind her ears. "You did let me choose."

"Also," he continued, hardly noting her admission, "since you are to be married, it is worth noting that the probability of you conceiving a child with the guardian was substantially more likely than with me."

Selene stared at him, wondering why he thought that way. Was there a reason that he could not have children? Or was it something to do with their difference in race? 

"Why is that, Veridias?" 

Her question seemed to amuse him. The gray within his eyes began to swirl. "Because most humans do not have an aptitude for magic. Elves are magical beings, Lady Selene. Our children cannot thrive without its nourishment."

"Has that been proven?"

"It is a widely known fact," he said, firmly.

"You sound a bit smug, Veridias," Selene said, finally looking away from him. "Does it please you to know you can seduce human females recklessly with no need for concern or propriety?"

The amusement left his eyes. Selene suspected that her words had been too harsh. She waited for him to express how angry he was at her.

"I think you know me better than that," he said, pushing to his feet. He turned and walked away from her, disappearing around the side of the boulder again.

Embarrassment warmed her features as she finally wrapped her arms around her naked body. She did not know what prompted her to say such mean things to him.

"The others are probably tired of waiting to bathe by now," Veridias said from behind the rock. Selene thought he sounded a bit aggravated.

"I will hurry," Selene said, once again lowering her voice to a near whisper. She moved to the edge and slipped out to perch on a rock, which was still warm from the day's exposure to the sun. She ran the piece of soap over her legs and across her middle before attempting to lather her back with a series of precarious stretchings. "I will let you bathe before we head back to the camp," she said. "You must badly want out of that armor after so many days."

"I am fine," was his curt reply. "Magic allows me to move comfortably while encumbered as well as keep myself clean."

"Can all elves use magic that way?" she could not help asking.

"Yes, though our magic differs somewhat from each individual."

She looked back toward the boulder, realizing that she was truly interested in hearing more about Elven magic. "I've heard of sorcerers among your people. Do the warriors use magic as well?"

"Of course we do. Elves use magic for just about everything."

Selene slipped back into the water, glad to be immersed in its warmth again as she washed away the soap.

"I have never seen you cast a spell," she said.

"My kind of magic does not require words or gestures," he said, his voice once again sounding closer. Selene looked up, catching sight of him as he approached the spring from the opposite side. He was carrying her robe.

Selene admitted, "Magic sounds very complicated." She tried not to think as she exited the water and stepped into the robe that he held up for her. She tied it quickly and turned to face him. "Have you ever cast a spell on me?"

He considered her thoughtfully, holding back his words for a while, causing them to have greater meaning. "Yes...I have."

She had not expected an affirmative answer to her question. A twinge of nervous energy shot through her chest as more questions surfaced. "When? How?"

He sighed, perhaps regretting his admission. "That night, when you finally opened your eyes, I was able to...affect you. I eased some of your pain."

Selene's skin seemed to crawl at his words. He had used magic to lessen the pain. Meaning, it could have been worse. Another question came to mind and she voiced it before she had given it careful consideration. "If we had continued...would you have used your magic to make me enjoy it?"

Veridias stepped closer, reaching out to touch the side of her face with his hand. "I cannot give pleasure," he said. "You must want it. Only then can we become connected in our gratification."

The combination of his touch, words and closeness made her heartbeat quicken. "But most humans do not have magic," she stammered, trying to think clearly as her body warmed of its own accord.

"I can connect mentally with a willing partner, Selene. They can be human, elf or any other humanoid. A mental connection allows you to share thoughts, feelings and sensations. I would feel your pleasure as well as my own."

"And I would feel yours."

"Yes."

His eyes were trained on her features, studying her expressions. Selene's skin felt warm beneath the robe and her legs trembled. What was happening to her? Was he using his magic right now to cause these reactions? Her chest began to tighten and her head seemed to swim with images. She recalled his nude form and the strength of his limbs as he held her down. The memory of his body heat and intimate touches nearly caused her to black out from waves of vivid sensation.

"Veridias..." Selene called out in panic, reaching for him to steady herself. 

He pulled her to him, lowering them both to the ground. "Do you want this?" he asked her, trying to meet her fearful eyes. "Are you willing?"

"I do not...know. I am scared," she admitted, hardly hearing her own words over the sound of dual-pounding heartbeats. "It is happening so fast."

"We are connecting. Your body is willing," he said, leaning close to place his cheek against hers and whisper in her ear. "You do not have to be afraid."

Selene felt like she was quickly losing all control of herself. It was so overpowering. But did she want it? 

"Salden. King Jaren," she said, her breathing quickly turning into a pant. "I should not do this." Her mind was trying to reason as images and sensations flooded through her. She felt the softness of her own skin through his touches and the stirrings of emotion within her, no, his breast. They were melding and still she tried to deny the emerging arousal they shared.

Selene felt his mouth at her throat, kissing and caressing her flesh. His hands slipped under her robe to knead gently at her breasts. Her head fell back as a moan escaped her lips. At that moment, she could think of nothing more torturous than for him to stop touching her.

Yes, I am willing, she thought, casting out all guilt to make room for the sharing. Veridias was not feeling guilty. His emotions and thoughts were laden with raw desire. She saw conjured images in his mind as he thought of the many ways he could have her. These images drove them deeper into their shared passion.

Magic or no magic, he was becoming uncomfortable in his restrictive armor. Selene pulled back as he released her. Together they worked feverishly to remove the black leather pieces and the cloth garments underneath. Then his erection swelled in anticipation as they came together once again in a desperate embrace.

"Is it always like this?" Selene asked, clinging to his muscular body and laying a trail of kissed down his neck, chest and stomach as she lowered herself to a kneeling position in front of him. She pulled from his mind what he wanted her to do. He was also panting as she gripped his erection in her hand and began to pull lightly on it. 

"Each connection will be different." 

He moaned loudly, working his hips against her hand. His pleasure flooded through Selene and her vagina also ached as if she was touching herself too.

"Oh, oh," she screamed, finding herself building up to some big explosion that she had never experienced and, therefore, could not describe. Her need was deepening- the need to feel his touches all over and inside of her. "Please," she pleaded, never imaging before now that she would beg a man to invade her womb.

Veridias moved quickly to join her on the ground as she stretched out before him and spread her legs. As he had the previous time, he guided his penis to her opening, but paused to look up at her. The swirls of gray within his storm cloud eyes were whipping about in a frenzy. "This will hurt," he told her, "but we will endure it together."

With a nod, Selene accepted his length as he drove it greedily into her warmth. They both shook with the impacting pain, working through it slowly as Veridias made his thrusts. Selene reached up and grabbed him, pulling him off balance and down onto her. She bucked against him, marveling in the simultaneous firing of their nerve endings. They were moving too quickly toward a climax. They both realized it would be over soon, but could not exert enough will power to slow down in their desperation to reach the height of their passion.

Moan after moan escaped them as they moved in unison, amplifying their desire with each harried movement. "Aaaaaaaaaah," Selene screamed, as Veridias orgasmed, spilling his seed inside of her. A few moments later, as he was continued to pump savagely against her cervix, Selene climaxed with another scream of pleasure that was echoed by Veridias.

The world seemed to slow down then as they lay together in a tight embrace. Their minds began to part, pulling back slowly from the other in a sad, mournful fashion. Veridias's softening penis slipped from Selene's opening, furthering their separation; and finally they met each other's gaze. Selene saw the calming of the storm clouds in his eyes as the last of their connection faded away.

"That was...very powerful," Veridias said, looking equally satisfied as well as disappointed in the wake of the encounter. "Are you all right?"

Selene studied him, unsure how to express the mixture of her emotions now that he was no longer reading them directly from her. It was obvious that they had become caught up in something that neither of them expected to happen. "I'm sore," she admitted, feeling the telltale signs of embarrassment writhe in her chest and deepen the flush on her features. "I am all right though."

He nodded, also looking uncomfortable. Looking toward the hot spring, he pulled away from her and moved to a sitting position. "The others will probably be looking for us."

"They should not have trouble finding us," Selene said, also sitting up. "We were...loud."

Veridias nodded, but did not look directly at her. Perhaps feelings of guilt and regret were settling into his thoughts.

"It is all right," Selene said immediately, reaching to touch his arm. "It just happened; and you said it yourself, we were willing." Her words helped to ease her own pains of guilt, even if they did nothing for him.

"That is true," he said, offering a smile. "It was not my intention to..." he began.

Selene interjected, "I know. It just happened." Their minds had combined long enough for her to know his motives. He had been driven by attraction as much as she.

She watched him climb to his feet and start to dress in his cloth garments. She stood also, moving quickly to the hot spring as his sperm dripped down the inside of her thigh. In moments, he was collecting his helm and the other pieces of his armor. Selene washed herself quickly, scampering back into her robe and adorning her slippers just before familiar voices called out in the distance. Veridias returned the calls of their comrades, reassuring them that all was well. Then the couple walked back to camp together, feeling oddly alone. 



Shades of Gray Ch. 03



The hallways were long, dark and unfamiliar. Considering the lateness of the hour, Selene would have given up and returned to her own room if it was not for the great need she felt to be close to him. Odd as it seemed, some unseen, and possibly magical force, was guiding her through the castle to the guest suites...to Veridias.

Finally she reached her destination, where she hesitated, clawing at the robe she wore and closing it over her nightdress. "What am I doing?" she whispered, staring at the dark wood of his door. She wondered if he would be sleeping. Her time with him on the journey here to Salden from Gerra had led her to believe that the elf rarely slept. Even when she glimpsed him resting, he always seemed completely aware of his surroundings and capable of instantaneous action.

She reached out a fisted hand, preparing to knock, when she again hesitated. What would she say to him when he asked why she was out of bed? Could she explain the restlessness to him, the longing, or the images that kept visiting her mind- images of their love-making beside the hot spring? Oh, how impressionable she knew she was. Surely this would all fade away once he was gone, returned to the Elven homeland.

Selene still did not knock. Her mind was undecided. Perhaps she should find her way back before some servant caught her out of bed. Tales travel quickly, she knew; and the future queen caught visiting an Elven ambassador in the middle of the night, was sure to be a topic of interest- especially for the king.

Yes. She really ought to return to her own quarters and put this foolish infatuation behind her. Surely she could get control of herself. Her need was not so great. 

Or, was it?

The click and scraping of the door latch made her startle and step back. The door opened slowly, spilling lantern light into the hall and revealing Veridias's emotionless, Elven features and lengthy, black fount of hair. She noted that he wore the same fine attire he had donned for dinner. He took her in with one quick sweeping glance before tilting his head to the side giving meaning to an unvoiced question.

Selene stared at him, still deciding her course of action as her heartbeat calmed from the sudden start. "Am I intruding?" she finally managed to say, though her words were spoken at barely a whisper.

"No. I have not retired yet," was Veridias's factual reply. "I have been looking over some documents that King Jaren requested I deliver to the Sovereign."

"I see," Selene said. Her already shaky confidence was fading quickly. He was a man of importance with responsibilities. He was no longer her protector or travel companion. Now that they were in Salden, he wore the title of ambassador again, just as she would eventually be queen.

"You look troubled," the elf commented, pulling the door open a bit farther to allow him to step a little closer to her.

"Well...I..." she felt the last of her bravery leave her and her words fell quickly into babbles. "I decided to walk about a bit- to tire myself out. The castle is so big; and I am trying to get used to everything."

Something in his look made her fall silent. Feeling like she was under scrutiny, Selene pulled her gaze from his, dropping her head and clutching even more tightly to her robe. She immediately decided that coming here had been a mistake. Now she would have to conceive a plan to get away without sounding like a complete imbecile.

"I think I understand," Veridias said softly. The hint of a smile, that she thought she saw forming on his features, did not quite materialize. He backed up and bid her to enter. 

Selene stepped into his suite, feeling both relieved and unnerved by the invitation. She looked around, realizing that it was much smaller and simpler than she had imagined. The suite did have a sitting room; and there were documents laid out on a nearby table- just as Veridias had said. Directly to their left was an open door with a view of the bedchamber beyond.

"Do not think critically of your intended, My Lady. I requested something smaller than the usual guest suite. All that time traveling has made me appreciative of the simpler things," Veridias said as she inspected his accommodations. He closed the door to the hallway and moved back to the table. He took another quick glance at the papers before he began to carefully gather them.

"You read my mind," Selene teased, her tone light-hearted. "As you wish, I will not make an issue of it to Jaren."

Veridias placed the papers in his leather satchel and turned his full attention on her. "King Jaren is not what I expected," the elf admitted, looking a bit humbled. "His father was much more stubborn and opinionated. I was not well received when I first visited Salden. Hence, I moved on to Gerra, offering my services to the High Lord."

Selene knew little of the history of Salden. However, she did know that Jaren had ruled the kingdom for the last five years. "How many years have you served as an ambassador?" she asked.

"Twenty-three, if I recall correctly," Veridias said. He gestured to a red, velvet-covered divan, offering her the most comfortable seat in the room, while he instead seated himself on the hard, high-backed chair beside the worktable.

Selene lowered herself onto the divan. "Twenty-three? Goodness! It seems that I have forgotten about elven longevity." She stared at him openly for just a few moments before adding, "I never did ask how old you are, Veridias. Dare I ask now?"

He shook his head slowly, watching her fidget with playfulness. "After so many months of travel, is it not a bit late to be asking that question now, Selene?"

She shrugged, keeping up the façade. "It is just a question. I was not trying to offend you."

"I am not offended by the question," he said simply then fell silent. There was something there to be interpreted, but Selene did not feel motivated to put more thought into it. The uneasiness had not completely abated within her. It toyed with her thoughts and emotions as she admired the elf's dazzling gray eyes. She had discovered before that his eyes were the key to interpreting his feelings, as well as being linked to his magic. She decided that he was also feeling uneasy.

"You have been away from home a long time," Selene observed, thinking the new topic might be a bit more fruitful in getting him to talk.

There was a flicker of emotion in his eyes and on his features before it was quickly suppressed. She seemed to have hit upon a delicate subject. This realization made her curious, but more sorrowful. Again she considered taking her leave, feeling that she was making a mess of the whole situation and furthering herself from her goals, which truthfully, were a mystery to her conscious mind.

"Selene," Veridias began, his tone sounding serious, "I intend to speak with the king before I leave tomorrow. I wish to be completely truthful with him about us."

It felt like a massive boulder suddenly dropped into the pit of Selene's stomach. She stared at him, speechless and physically frozen.

Veridias was quick to continue, wanting to explain his thoughts on the matter. "I believe it is the best course of action. He might have heard something from Madris or one of his men before they left; and we should not make the situation worse by trying to conceal it."

She heard his words, but did not feel anything resembling relief or confidence. Would King Jaren be angry with them? What would this mean for her? At least Veridias could retreat to the safety of the Elven lands and hide behind his diplomatic immunity. Where could Selene go? Where could she hide? The answer was simple and frightening- nowhere. King Jaren and Salden were her only future now.

"I have upset you. I apologize for presenting my intentions in such a troubling fashion. Please do not be vexed, Selene. I would not be so willing to go to him if I did not have faith in the king's character. Jaren is a negotiator and strategist at heart. He accepts situations as they are, taking the steps necessary to improve them."

"You think he will forgive my indiscretion?" Selene asked. She dared another glance into the elf's eyes. "And for not coming to him pure?"

Veridias suddenly stood, crossing the short distance to drop to one knee in front of her. "Selene," he began slowly, reaching out to grip her shoulders, "the first time was not your fault. If he is angry, it will be directed at me- not you."

"And the second time?" she asked weakly. "Was that not my fault?"

There was pity in his gaze as he tightened his grasp on her shoulders. "That is not how you should remember it. Our sharing was very special- very powerful. I know you felt it too."

"It was only lust and curiosity," she said, sounding critical. "I wanted to know what it felt like."

"We made no plan. It just happened," the elf argued, keeping his tone gentle. "Even I did not have time to fully reason out what was happening. The need was too great."

Selene took several moments to think through her own emotions and thoughts. The feel of his strong hands upon her shoulders, barred from touching her flesh by thin layers of material, stirred up the images and feelings that had sent her in search of him in the first place.

"You say I was not at fault for either encounter, yet...what about now?" The skin on her face and chest flushed even as she tried to put to words the desire that was building within her being. "Would it be my fault if I asked you to take me into your bed one more time? Could Jaren forgive such an indiscretion within his own castle?"

She had seen Veridias's pale features look cold and calculating before, as well as the storm clouds swirling within his irises; but there was something in the way his hands suddenly lost their grip, sliding down to clasp hers. She expected to hear some excuse- some reason that they could never be together that way again. Instead, his answer surprised, excited and scared her all at once.

"If you truly wish it, my lady, we can make love again."

"And what of the king?" she immediately asked, casting out the stone that she half-hoped would shatter this scheme before it was actualized. If their last encounter was forgivable for being an act of impulsiveness, what excuse would they offer the king in this case?

"This is not about the king," he said, catching her gaze in his. "We both have obligations- expectations that await us. If we do this, it is for us. So we can say goodbye."

His words deeply touched her; and she smiled in response, tightening her grip on his hands. "I will miss you," she admitted, knowing she must sound childish. Somehow, in that instant, he had become dearer to her than an accidental lover. She felt that he was her friend.

"I almost believed you when you promised to hate me forever. I am glad that you have relented," he said simply, keeping any show of emotion from slipping out for her to view.

Selene nodded, accepting that his nature allowed him to distance himself from others more easily than she could. They were silent for several moments. Selene enjoyed the stillness of the room and the feel of their warm hands clasped in support.

Then Veridias asked, "Is this what you want? Truly?"

Even with the opportunity to back out presented before her, Selene did not stop to contemplate. She leaned forward, closing her eyes just as her mouth pressed against his. It was a soft kiss that built in strength and urgency over several moments.

Veridias moved all at once. His arms reached out, gathering her closer as he rose from his kneeling position, transforming their embrace into a carry. He curled Selene against his chest, breaking their kiss only to allow him to navigate through to the bedchamber, where he gently laid her out on the bed. He then eased down beside her, stretching out completely before transferring some of his weight onto her.

They cuddled in silence for awhile; and Selene enjoyed the closeness. Veridias's long fingers traced up and down her side and played in her hair while he planted soft, slow kisses along her jaw, neck and shoulder.

The longing that had chased Selene out of her own bed, began to flare again within her chest. It was so raw and powerful that it tickled her senses and warmed her body with anticipation. She almost confused it with the mental bond they had shared during their previous encounter; yet, she quickly realized it was not the same.

"I think we have more control this time," the elf breathed to her between kisses. "Do you trust me?"

"Yes," she whispered, soaking in every flicker of sensation as if it was desperately needed to sustain her.

Again he broke off their kisses, but made certain to keep a physical connection with her as he shifted his body closer to the foot of the bed. He touched her right shin, curling his long, lean fingers around her calf and gently rubbing at the muscle. After some time, he moved his hand up and under her nightdress to knead at her thigh, pushing the material up as well. Then, just when his hand was close to touching between her legs, he withdrew the hand, moving it to her left shin and slowly working his way up her other leg. 

Realizing that her nightdress was almost at her waist now, Selene opened her eyes, curious to know what he was going to do next since he had an unobstructed view of her pelvis. She watched him touch her knees and carefully part her legs. Her eyes shifted to his features, trying to read his intent as he scooted forward again, laying on his stomach between her legs. She observed a few gentle caresses to her stomach before his hands eased slowly down to her vagina where he applied some pressure against her nether lips. He massaged the sensitive area with small circles, spreading out his fingers, to tease at her pelvic hair.

"Oh, Veridias," Selene cooed, gripping at handfuls of the blankets to help contain herself, resisting the urge to buck against his hand as her eyes closed again.

"Still trust me?" he asked, releasing small puffs of air through his speaking, which skimmed over her nether lips and caused her to jump just a bit.

Though she was uncertain what he had in mind, she re-voiced her trust in him and momentarily loosened her grip on the covers so that she could return the blood flow to her tingling fingers.

Suddenly his tongue, warm and wet, slipped between her nether lips, parting them slightly and pressing down on her tender flesh. The unexpected intrusion caused her whole body to instantly stiffen and she grabbed at the nightdress bunched up at her waist, as if she had been reaching to fend off his attentions, but had instantly changed her mind.

"Veridias?" Selene said in a quick, uneasy tone. Though she was greatly inexperienced and unknowledgeable in situations such as this, Selene couldn't help feeling a rush of guilt in that moment. Somehow the thought of him licking her there was by far more sinful than the love act itself.

The elf responded to her distress by lifting his head and laying it casually on her left thigh. He placed his hand back on her mound, kneading it softly as silence filled the bedchamber.

A worm of guilt writhed in Selene's breast, keeping her from enjoying the feel of his fingers teasing her pubic hair and nether lips. Again she rushed to blame herself for making a mess of the evening.

"I am sorry," she said, feeling sincerely saddened. "I..."

Veridias rose from the bed, abandoning it completely for a few moments and silencing her before she could really put her thoughts into words. He discarded his overcoat and sat on the edge of the bed to remove his shoes.

"No," he said softly, shaking his head and turning just enough to meet her gaze. "I should have warned you of what I intended. Please forgive me."

Selene knew her face was hot with embarrassment. She debated covering herself, but felt that would only add to the shame of the moment. "Do you wish me to go?" it pained her to ask.

Veridias's eyes deepened their gaze as he slowly turned toward her again. He stretched out his long, slender body on the bed against her side and leaned closer to meet her lips with a warm, reaffirming kiss. Only after they parted a few moments later did he answer. "I want you to stay with me, but...only if you still wish it."

Selene smiled at him. In her chest, the guilt worm did not writhe quite so much now; and it bolstered her courage in the same instant that she noted the fact. "Can I touch you?" she asked, drawing up the edges of her smile in a look of recaptured innocence and curiosity.

Veridias seemed to study Selene's features for a time before nodding in approval. Then he eased onto his back among the pillows, keeping eye contact with the young woman as she began to rise up on her side and gather her knees beneath her. Soon her hands were on him, sliding under his tunic and across his muscled chest. She lingered there for quite a while, taking pleasure in the warmth and smoothness of his skin. Meanwhile, he had closed his eyes and relaxed his body.

Selene drew up the tunic to look upon the flesh beneath and boldly leaned forward to plant a wet kiss on his right and then left nipple. Looking up at his features, she was lightly disappointed to note that his controlled expression had not changed. So, with a bit more determination, Selene went to work, planting lines of soft, wet kisses across his chest and down toward his bellybutton, which she playfully tickled with her tongue before checking again for a reaction.

"Veridias," she said with a hint of a pout, "You do not look like you are enjoying any of this."

"Does that mean I am not?" he asked tentatively.

"Well, no, but..."

"Do not worry so much, my dear Selene," Veridias said, reaching out to caress her thigh, though his eyes remained closed. Even his disciplined voice was hard to gauge at times. Selene felt the whole situation would be much easier if she could stare into his eyes the entire time. They truly seemed to be the passages to his innermost feelings.

"This is more work than I expected," Selene admitted, settling down to trace pictures with her fingernail across his abdomen- only to quickly spy a noticeable bulge in the elf's trousers. With a flare of excitement at the discovery, she skimmed her fingernails across his exposed flesh until she met the waistline of his pants. Then Selene flattened out her hand and slipped it under the material.

The elf sighed expectantly as Selene's fingers reached his concealed penis. She took the reaction as a good sign and gripped the warm shaft in her delicate fingers while remembering their last coupling, during which she had fondled his erection and been able to share in the sensations. Just the simple combined act of holding him and remembering that day by the hot spring was enough to quicken her lust. The feelings that had drawn her out of bed a short while ago to search the castle for him were reemerging with desperate haste.

His hands lifted from the bed sheets, moving to his waist to remove the restrictive garment and reveal his manhood, which was still clenched in her hand. His hips settled back onto the bed; and Selene began to massage and lightly pull on the hardening organ. Multiple times her attention shifted from the growing penis to his features, still hoping to see a crack appear in his cool, unemotional façade. Finally, after what seemed like a torturous amount of time, Veridias let out a low uncontrolled moan and his body appeared to sink even further into the bed's softness.

Afraid to presume that she should do anything different, Selene continued to tend to him even as her own desires multiplied and sent vexing messages all over her body. How she was wishing for him to take her again- to feel his pulsing manhood pumping in and out of her opening and firing up her senses with indescribable pleasure. She longed for his strong hands on her breasts and demanding kisses at her throat. These thoughts swarmed in her mind, finally pushing her to take action. In a swift movement, she flung her leg over him and settled into a straddle directly below his erect penis.




Shades of Gray Ch. 03



"Enter me. Please!" Selene begged, forcing him to open his eyes and acknowledge her. His calm was quickly gone, replaced with a hunger that frightened and excited her all at once. Veridias gripped her hips and literally pulled her forward, flattening his erection between them as she settled. Then, as if he was indeed reading her mind, he sat up, pushing her robe off her shoulders and pulled the nightdress up and over her head in a fluid movement. He discarded them quickly over the edge of the bed and collected her breasts in both hands, guiding her soft nipples to his mouth for some skillful tongue teasing.

Selene could not stop the moan that escaped her. The feel of their hot flesh pressed together and her sensitive breasts prisoners of his whim were almost more than she could stand. She decided that she had to have him inside her right then. So, she pushed up on her knees, freeing him of her weight and felt his penis spring up to poke unguided at her nether region. Veridias's attention was still on her breasts and she pressed them against his face as she shifted her weight forward, trying to capture the tip of his penis at her opening. This tactic proved difficult and she quickly resided herself to taking matters into her own hands, so-to-speak. Reaching around below her bottom and between her legs, Selene gripped his manhood firmly in her hand and gently pressed it against her vaginal opening while trying to coordinate her own position. The alignment was off the first attempt she made to impale herself on him; and she was forced to push back up on her knees and try again.

Veridias made matters worse by moving his kisses to her shoulder and throwing off her balance at the exact moment that she thought she had managed to get their bodies set right. She growled in frustration, even as another moan attempted to take its place.

Then, all of the sudden, they were rolling and she was on her back in the soft pillows with him lying over her, biting gently at her neck. She could feel the pressure of his penis against the inside of her thigh, which seemed a great distance from where she wanted it to be.

"You did that on purpose," she accused him, trying to sound angry, but not quite managing it. "Do not tease me," Selene whined. The elf's mouth did not halt in its travels back and forth across her neck, throat and shoulders. Then, again, he went lower to tend to her breasts and nipples. "Veridias!" she nearly sobbed. "Please..." She wondered how he could be so cruel to make her suffer like this.

Painfully slow, the elf's gaze moved up her body to connect with her eyes. Then it happened very quickly, with a swirl of gray in his irises, their minds collided, mixing emotion, sensation and thought into several moments of chaos. Waves of information passed between the two minds, trying to establish understanding and cohesion. As this onslaught occurred, Selene felt her body go momentarily rigid and her head began to spin. In the seconds that followed, Selene's body was energized with not only her own lust, but that of Veridias as well.

Her vision cleared and Selene stared deeply into the dancing color of his eyes. "You are angry with me," she stated factually, having sensed the emotion in him. "I am impatient." Something in the moment was too amusing to keep her from smiling when he failed to respond. 

She knew that the smile further vexed him, but he quickly dismissed the emotion, reaching out to take her hand and place it on his penis.

"More play?" she asked, even as the answer came to her through his mind before it left his lips.

"No. You will have your wish," he said and gently urged her to guide him forward.

The guilt worm was back, burrowing painfully above her heart, but Selene pressed on, eager to complete this coupling and reach the desired climax. She pressed him against her moist opening, coating the tip with her juices before slipping the first inch or so of him inside. Despite her aroused state, the intrusion of him into her tight womb caused a ripple of pain that made her pull him back out again. Concern furrowed her brow and she looked to him for direction. 

"You are still new to this, Selene," he gently reminded her. "It takes time for your body to fully adjust."

Selene nodded, not trying to hide her disappointment or trepidation. "I guess I forgot how much it hurt last time," she admitted, feeling foolish.

"Let me," he advised, slipping his penis from her hand. "Lie back and take some deep breaths."

She did as instructed, filling her lungs completely with air before releasing it in a long, steady exhalation. Meanwhile, he spread her legs a bit further, pushing her knees up to allow easier access. Then he positioned himself and pressed forward at a steady pace that helped minimize the pain as his size stretched her inner walls.

Selene winced and her body tightened up. Yet, he persisted, pushing deeper into her. Finally, he was fully inside. Then his body went still; and Selene knew he was letting her adjust before he began to move again. She continued to take deep breaths, his scent filling her nostrils as she inhaled through her nose.

"I feel my heart slowing to match yours," Selene said softly to him. 

Veridias lowered himself to cover her with his warm body. "Each sharing is different," he said. "Last time we were almost instantaneously bound."

"At times I couldn't tell which sensations were mine and which were yours," Selene admitted.

He nodded wordlessly and something in his eyes registered an unspoken idea. Selene attempted to read it from his mind directly, but realized quickly that he was holding her at bay, perhaps to hide something. Before she had time to fully understand this possible revelation, he was speaking to her again.

"Are you prepared to do this?" he asked, planting a kiss on her sensitive neck and reaching down to hook his hands around her outer thighs.

Selene gazed meaningfully into his gray eyes. Already it was becoming clear that they could not relive the moments beside the hot spring. This sharing was not as powerful as that one; and, sadly, she was beginning to have regrets. This truly would be their farewell, for she doubted she could face him again after this night.

"Yes," she said, ignoring the ache that persisted deep inside her.

The elf's knees dropped back to the bed and pushed forward to scoop under her hips just a bit. This action also pulled his erection partially out. Selene, deciding not to watch, closed her eyes and threw her head back against the pillows as Veridias began his thrusts. He was gentle, moving in and out slowly and deliberately. Selene focused on his sensations during this time, finding it easier to enjoy the echoes of his building rapture than the pain in her own body. 

Slowly the pain eased away, replaced with intermittent sparks of pleasure. Selene tried to focus on their combined sensations, only to realize that they were not fully linked in that regard. As the moments passed and his pleasure intensified, Selene's frustration grew. Even with the link between them, she did not feel truly connected to him. Her own lust was not being abated with his unhurried thrusts, only teased. She needed something more from him, but she couldn't assume to know what it was.

Suddenly the thrusts grew even slower, eventually coming to a stop. Selene's eyes opened and she looked questioningly at Veridias. "What is it?" His look was too mixed to interpret, but it was not a happy expression.

Climbing once again off the bed, the elf discarded the few articles of clothing that still covered him before turning back to her. "You are so different from the other females I've had, Selene," he said. "Perhaps I cannot please you this time."

Even as his words registered, Selene found her eyes skimming over his muscled chest and down to his erection. Part of her still wanted him very badly, but it seemed likely that their chemistry was gone, left long behind at the side of the hot spring.

"Tell me what you want me to do," he said, sitting on the edge of the bed and reaching out to take her hand. "What can I do to please you?"

Selene's first reaction was to shake her head in dismay. How could she know what she needed? This was still fairly new to her. Wasn't he supposed to know what to do since he was more experienced? 

"I don't know."

"Then I have no choice, but to give you the control," he said, pulling up his legs as he twisted his body to lie down. He nudged her over gently so he could take up a more central position on the mattress. Then he spoke to her with gentle authority. "Ride me."

She stared at his erection for a moment, almost daring to remind him that she'd attempted to do just that before he'd thwarted her scheme. He took her wrist, pulling her toward him. So, Selene complied, once again straddling him, but keeping up on her knees as his hand moved between her legs to find her wet opening before grasping the shaft of his penis. She lowered herself slowly down to meet his tip, waiting for him to match them up before continuing. Again, his head penetrated her, pushing against her walls as her weight forced their bodies to accommodate the size of the other.

"Breathe, Selene," Veridias whispered to her, grasping her at the hips.

She took in a deep breath, surprised that she hadn't realized she was holding it and looked upon his exquisitely muscled body beneath her. She tried to smile, but the pain had returned and she fought the urge to free herself of his intrusion.

"A new position will always feel different," he said, reading her mind. "Try to relax your muscles."

Selene nodded, but didn't exactly know how to do that. Somehow she did eventually manage to relax a bit, which caused her to slip further down on his length, heightening the pain even more.

"Maybe this isn't a good idea," she said immediately, starting to lift off him.

He stopped her from retreating, holding tightly to her hips. "You need to move, Selene. I could thrust, but haven't got the best leverage on my back. This is a woman-dominant position. You must ride me and build up to your own release. Take your pleasure from me."

Her mind was clouding with doubts. It felt to her like the pain would never ebb, but surely it must. "I won't hurt you?" she asked with concern.

He shook his head. "Do not think on the pain," he told her. "I will take care of it." His intense eyes caught hers for a moment, eliciting another flash of magic from him. Immediately the pain within her womb began to dull just a bit.

With another deep breath, Selene began to move, pushing up on her knees, feeling his hard shaft slipping outward. Then she reversed the motion, claiming him again. She repeated these motions slowly at first, shifting ever so slightly back and forth to find an angle that felt best. She thought of him, trying to reach out and feel his own sensations, but gained no perspective.

"Our bond is gone," she said sorrowfully.

"My magic is not strong enough to manage your pain and maintain a sharing," he said gently as he rocked his pelvis up against Selene to encourage her to keep moving.

Selene continued on in earnest, slowing picking up speed and switching to more of a bucking motion, which caused more friction and hit a sensitive and increasingly pleasurable spot inside her.

"Breathe," he once again reminded her, sounding amused even as his own breathing quickened. Now that she had a rhythm going, he used his grip on her hips to aid in the efforts, relieving the added strain to her legs. They lost some of the lift she'd been achieving with her legs, but it proved more desirable as the lower position forced her clitoris and nether lips to rub against his lower abdomen, adding to the sensation.

"Oh, Veridias," she gasped in fear and wanting. "Look into my eyes. Link us. I want to feel you completely."

At her command, their eyes locked and again the color swirled in his irises and the light pulsed, opening the flood gates of sensation to flow between them. 

"Oh, by the gods," Selene moaned, absorbing him physically, mentally and emotionally into her very being. Her bucking grew more insistent, responding to the great need to push this sharing to its limits. Her insides were quivering, wanting release even as Veridias's climax grew. 

In concert, their bodies came together, Veridias adding his own strong thrusts to quicken and deepen their impending explosion. Selene's moaning grew louder, corresponding with the creaking of the bed. They were close, very close and pushed on with great fervor until they were lost in the race to finish, no longer seeing the room, feeling the coolness of the night or hearing their own grunts and moans.

Mind-seizing orgasms claimed them in unison, their bodies going rigid for an extended moment in time as Selene's spasming muscles milked the flowing seed from Veridias. Then the lovers began to relax, their energy and strength draining away to leave them trembling and tired.

Veridias gathered Selene to him, mingling their sweat and warmth as the effects of their coupling rippled through the link that was also fading. Selene grasped for his feelings and thoughts not wanting them to leave her. His erection was also softening and soon slipped from within her warmth.

"This is the worst part," Selene whimpered against his chest, still lightly panting.

His hand rubbed her back, kneading the flesh in soft circular motions. "Everything must end, dear Selene. We must not fear or hide from it."

She lifted up to look into his eyes. "You have something important that you are hiding from me," she observed, half guessing at the thoughts she was barely gleaning off of his mind.

He considered her for several moments, casting his eyes upon her flesh and inhaling the mixed scents of their passion. "No, it is not important," he said softly. "My mind wanders to obligations I must fulfill in my homeland."

"You don't really want to go home, do you?" Selene said instinctually, reading his eyes.

He shook his head, but said nothing more. A long silence followed, which gave her time to ponder what they had done and just how difficult achieving that one moment of exquisite release had been. As always, a deep carnal need seemed to pull them together, only to leave them feeling guilty and incomplete in the aftermath of the encounter instead of united and content. As her mind had insisted before, but her heart had not dared to listen, she knew he was not meant to be her companion in this life. They were just too different.

Even though their link had dissolved moments before, Selene could see from the tension building in his expression, that Veridias knew this too. Why had they allowed themselves to come this far? Even Veridias, in all his elven wisdom, had not put a stop to this farce.

Selene felt the awkwardness of the past few minutes slip away as he leaned closer, his lips meeting hers and pressing down with just enough weight to be both tender and demanding. When he withdrew from the kiss, he momentarily smiled at her- a gesture which elicited surprise and sadness from the young noblewoman as it was a foreign expression on his generally stern features.

"I should go," she said, feeling the beginnings of loneliness in her chest even before he'd released his hold on her form.

"Yes," he agreed, caressing her face one last time before she pulled away. Selene left the bed to collect her clothes and dress quickly. She knew she was going to cry from the heat building in her chest and cheeks; and wanted to be far from here when she began to do so. 

Keeping her eyes from meeting his, Selene fled the suite without uttering a farewell. The dark, drafty passages of the castle concealed her passage back to her own rooms, where she remained long into the next day- even as the armored figure of the elven ambassador disappeared into the shadows of the distant forest, his focus solely on the long journey still ahead of him.



Shades of Gray



Prompted by her sudden need to hold him, Veridias lowered himself atop of her and held very still while she recovered. Selene took deep breaths as the tears slid down the sides of her face. Finally, she asked, "Is it over?"

"Yes," he said, wiping at her tears, "if you wish."

She tried to read his neutral expression and the swirls of gray in his eyes. Why would she wish it to go on? As she considered him, she realized the pain was slowly dulling inside of her and wondered if this was a natural reaction for her body to have.

"What are you suggesting?" she asked, her anger returning. "I let you do this; and now I should just let you go on? Let you pleasure yourself?" 

"No. That is not my intention. I thought only that it did not have to end like this, Selene. When elves make love, it is so much more than a physical connection."

She shifted uneasily beneath him. "Why are you telling me this?"

"You made a sacrifice for your comrades. Do you not deserve to feel some pleasure in your good deed?"

His question embarrassed her, forcing her to realize just how self-important she'd let herself be about this whole situation. Therefore, the thought of continuing any further soured her reaction even more. It was bad enough that the whole town, including her comrades, would know what had transpired between them.

"I do not think so." She released her grip on him, sliding her arms back to her sides.

Veridias did not argue. He moved carefully to release her from his weight. His erection slipped painfully out of her womb, still noticeably hard. Selene avoided looking at him as he left the bed. She collected the blankets, pulling them up to conceal her body and turned to stare at the wall. 

The young woman felt conflicting emotions as she listened to him quietly dress. Should she continue to feel angry with him for what he had done? Or, should she be glad it was him and not some stranger? True, it had not been her choice to comply. Yet, he still had shown her understanding and gentleness.

"Goodnight, Lady Selene," the elf's deep voice said respectfully from the doorway.

Selene hesitated for several moments before answering. "Goodnight," she said, trying to convey through that one word that she had not forgiven him. A few moments later, she heard the door close, leaving her alone to ponder.

Outside the inn, the roars of the beasts and the howls of the storm grew quieter as the nighttime hours passed. Finally, both were gone; and Selene fell into a fitful sleep.



Shades of Grey



So where do we begin, well let's start with the words, Shades of Grey.

As you know there was a movie put out based on what most people in this forum call the lifestyle, it is based on BDSM, Bondage, Dominance, Sadist, Masochist. There are various levels to this lifestyle, but I won't get into that, and I just want to share my thoughts on what and who I am personally.

I grew up in a male dominate home, spent some time in the Canadian Military, and Navy, was a correctional officer for over 36 years, so based on that back ground, I have a natural dominant personality.

I found this lifestyle some sixteen years ago, through my sister, and found myself drawn into this world of sexual erotic play, with that said, what attracted me to it the most was how open and acceptance people are who practice this type of lifestyle.

I believe that I am a good, considerate person, who has a wide circle of friends from all walks of life.

I consider myself to be a leader, not a follower. I can communicate very well, and believe in total honesty. When meeting people, my view is you either like me, or you don't. I like order in my life, so I am very much in control of the life in general, I do however enjoy spontaneity with that special someone. I have a very soft side romantic side, and a good heart, I have old fashion values of Honor and Code.

I believe in treating that special someone in my life, with dignity and respect, and pleasing them, be it acts of kindness or little things that just pop into my head.

Based this on mutual chemistry, to me this means, you are physically and mentally attracted to one another, and share the same values in life. You your own time, but also look forward to spending time together physically, and at times crave it.

I enjoy a woman who is as strong mentally as me, who would be my wing woman, she is confident in herself to be submissive to that special someone in her life.

Someone who enjoys a man being a man, who enjoys touching and is a great kisser, someone who has control of her life, but who is also missing that special chemistry connection with someone who would be their best friend, and lover. We all have history and some level of baggage, but it should not reflect or interfere in your relationships with other people or your significant other. Sexually she would be open minded, I am very confident in my sexuality, and ability to know what turns me on and share that with my partner. I enjoy being sexually dominant and taking sexual control, but also enjoy knowing that what I am doing is also turning her on.

I enjoy it when she knows what triggers to hit in me to get a response, as to the mood she is in, meaning: If she is in a mood to be cuddling and close to me she would just slide over and be at my side. She would enjoy touching, and touching to me is a form of non-communication, and a way of bonding together. But if she is in a sexually playful mood she would know how to dress and behave to get that response from me.

What kind of sexual things so I enjoy:

I enjoy sexual chemistry, when that is in the air, there is nothing like it, be it slow gentle love making or just ravish sexual pleasure.

Well first off I enjoy a lady out of bed and a whore in, I like a woman that is comfortable enough with herself sexually to physically show that to her partner, can talk dirty in bed, who enjoys it when her man takes control, and turns her on to the point of orgasm time and time again.

I enjoy bondage, and having sex while a person is tied up is very much a turn on for me, I do enjoy spanking, but this does not have to be about pain, it can also be very playful.

I enjoy exploring sexually with my partner, and at times taking that play out into the pubic, where no one would know what was going on between us. I have a few remote electrical toys that can be fun, and love planting the seed in her ear as to what I am thinking at that very moment.

I enjoy suspension play, having my partner's hands suspended over their heads, half naked, blind folded. Bondage and playing with electronic toys.

All in all "Your body is my vessel of pleasure".