4 comments/ 21580 views/ 1 favorites The Arts Ardane 01 By: Darkniciad AUTHOR'S NOTES: This story is erotic fantasy, set in a world of magic. This tale may be the beginning of a sporadic look into Devan and Danica's history, or it may be a one shot story born of pure inspiration at work today. This tale takes place *many* years before my core Danica story here on Lit, when Danica was still a teenager and her sister Devan had just reached her majority. This story centers on Devan, who makes only rare appearances for quite some time in the core tale, most of which are just references. This tale is a turning point in her life, and thus in Danica's as well. I'm trying to utilize the feedback I've received on Lit to improve my writing, and hope to continue to do so. Please do comment, either in public or private. I would prefer public, but that's just me hoping to give my stories another opportunity to be noticed in the feedback portal. Anyone who leaves a means for me to contact them, either by being logged in when commenting or giving an e-mail addy with feedback, will get a reply. Constructive criticism is also most welcome, feel free to point out anything that detracted from the story in your eyes. I hope you enjoy this foray into the past of the sisters Ardane. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Two figures stood in the shadows of a small, dimly lit structure. Their faint silhouettes and their voices betrayed them as male, but an observer would have been able to determine little else, were one present. "Exactly as always, no changes at the last minute, agreed?" "Of course, I just thought I'd add a little variety to my life with the changes last time. I had no idea you would have such a fit over it." "Two days each, no more." "Yes, yes, two days, you may as well give me the coin now, because it is as good as done." "Nothing until you succeed." A note of nobility, with a great deal of sarcasm attached, crept into the man's voice as he spoke, "You wound me with your disbelief." "Whatever." "Two days is an eternity, I'll hit my first mark before the night is over, a few hours at most." "Not if you stand here bragging all night." A quiet chuckle was the only response to that. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ "Stop hogging the mirror Devan, I can't see what I'm doing!" "I'm almost done Danica, don't push, I'm in a hurry." As usual, the auburn-haired younger sister deferred to her flame-topped older sibling. Danica moved back a bit, pulling a brush through her hair and waiting until she could see in the mirror again to work on arranging it. Devan plucked a final errant hair from her eyebrow, twitching both and smiling into the mirror when she liked what she saw, "Okay Danica, I'm done." Devan stepped away from the mirror and winked at her sister in it before going to her clothes chest to decide what she was going to wear tonight. A smile came unbidden to Devan's face as her younger sister scowled and pressed at her breasts. Danica's boobs had started to come in three years ago, and at sixteen, they showed no sign of stopping yet. Danica was at least twice as big up top as she was, and had some difficulty coping with her new attributes. She knew her little sister would learn to deal with them eventually, but it was amusing to see her fiddling with them and trying to keep them out of her way. Devan thought it was a good thing they had grown into very different figures as they aged, because as kids they had looked too much like twins for Devan's tastes. She knew Danica would eventually come to appreciate the attention those big boobs would garner from boys. Devan pulled a white cotton top with a button neckline out of her clothes chest, smiling a little wantonly as she looked at it. The material bordered on scandalously transparent. When she wore it, the dark circles of her areoles were plainly visible from close distances. Her small blister-like nipples also pressed against it because it could barely contain her firm, rounded breasts. Pulling on the top, Devan rubbed her nipples slightly to stimulate them, generating exactly the effect she wanted. Over this went a more modest blouse, something to keep her mother from having heart failure upon seeing her off. It would quickly be lost as Devan went on the prowl for her prey this evening. Devan also pulled on two skirts. The outer skirt had the same purpose as her second top, protection from her mother's wrath. The one she would actually be wearing was short enough that an errant breeze, or just the right amount of bending, would reveal her thin cotton panties to whomever she chose to show them. Devan was on the prowl tonight, having just finished a difficult week of study in magic school. There was little more her master could teach her after her success this week. Soon she would have to seek another teacher or her fortune, and she wasn't sure which she wanted to do yet. One thing she was sure about was exactly who she was trying to lure tonight. She and the young man had both told each other they would be at the square tonight, neither quite ready to ask the other to step out. It was a date though, despite the lack of formality. Serhan was handsome and witty, his family was wealthy, and there was an interesting bulge in the front of anything he wore. Devan had only been with a couple of men, but those two had shown her the difference between what a big dick inside her and a smaller one was. Bigger was certainly better. It had also shown her that once a man had the prize, he often lost interest. Devan was determined to keep the prize in his vision, but just out of reach for a while. It wasn't going to be easy, because even as she thought about it, Devan was ready to unwrap that gift right now. Devan decided she was going to end up making a longer stop in the barn than she had originally intended to stash the 'safe' clothes she wore for her mother's benefit. She was getting too aroused just thinking about what she wanted to do with Serhan, and she needed to quiet that part of her mind if she wanted to keep her concentration and her plan. Her fingers held the key to that quiet, and she would take care of it as soon as she had dispensed with her modest clothing. Devan tried to shake her head to clear it, knowing her panties would be getting wet soon if she kept thinking like that. She looked over at her sister and pursed her lips in an expression of sadness for Danica. She knew Danica was setting herself up for disappointment tonight, because their mother would not let her leave since she was still on punishment for trying to sneak out a few weeks ago. Their mother had become very much aware of Danica's flowering and had started acting overprotective of her lately. Devan finished dressing, almost absently sliding a small silken bag that contained her spell components onto her belt. Now she was ready. A quick kiss on her mother's cheek was all that was required for her to leave the house. She was over eighteen now, into her majority, and could make her own decisions. There were still some rules since she yet remained at home, but not as many as when she had been a 'child' only a short time ago. It took only a moment to reach the barn, which she knew would be abandoned save for the animals. Her father would be out finishing the weeding, taking her brother with him. Her mother would be busy explaining to a raging Danica why she couldn't go out tonight. Devan climbed quickly up into the hayloft and moved a loose board. From behind this, she pulled an old blanket and spread it out on the straw covered floor of the loft. Devan had been compelled to use this spot regularly over the last few years, and she had grown tired of having the impression of straw in her bare skin. She pulled off her extra clothing first, stashing it in a sack hidden under the hay for exactly that reason. Then she lay down on the blanket and flipped her short skirt out from under her and over her abdomen. Her panties came off in a quick, practiced motion, and her legs parted to give her fingers access. Devan licked her lips and moaned quietly as she ran a fingertip over her already wet lips. Even her closely trimmed patch of hair felt slightly damp. She traced the parting of her lips for a few strokes, and then brought her finger to her mouth. Not for the first time, Devan wondered if every woman tasted as good as she did. The spicy, somewhat sweet taste of her juices on her fingertip made Devan's head swim. The taste aroused her even more as she wetted her finger and then put it back between her legs. She continued to stroke her nether lips, now starting to wiggle her finger back and forth slowly and penetrate between them slightly. At last, her body refused to be denied any longer, and Devan stiffened two fingers to slide them into her wet depths. Her back arched slightly as her fingers penetrated her, and another soft moan escaped her lips. She moved her fingers in a quick pumping motion, needing to reach orgasm quickly. She had to avoid being caught, and the need to cum felt like it was burning her alive from the inside out. Devan brought two fingers of her other hand to her lips and wet them in her mouth. These she lay over her hood, which she began to rub it in quick circles. Her breathing was starting to pick up now, and her hips hunched back up at her stroking fingers with every pump. Her wrist began to get tired, so Devan added a third finger and buried all three into her depths, curving them upwards. She worked her wrist muscles slightly, rubbing all three fingers over her walls and the sensitive spot behind her mound. All the while, the speed of the rubbing fingers on her other hand increased by the moment. Suddenly she stiffened and squealed against her tightly clenched teeth and lips. The hands working between her legs would spur into motion for a few moments during the ebbs of her orgasm, only to press tightly against her with each rolling spike. When the climax finally released her, Devan brought the fingers of both hands, completely slick with her juices, to her mouth, and sucked them clean. The taste and scent were even more intense now, and it caused Devan to shudder with an aftershock that arched her back up off the blanket once more. She gasped as she sat up and used an edge of the blanket to wipe off her soaked nether lips, then an opposite corner to clean up a few drops that had dribbled or smeared around her mouth. She rocked back and forth slightly, letting the feeling of afterglow hold her in its embrace for a few moments, then pulled back on her panties and smoothed her skirt. Devan stashed the blanket once more, and then climbed down out of the loft and hurried through the normally five minute walk to town in half that time. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ The large central well of town was the traditional meeting place of young people, and had been for years. Devan's mother and father had met near that well, as had most of the parents of her friends. The daylight was slowly fading, and with it the summer heat. Devan was not the only lightly clad young woman sensually strutting toward the well, and several were already there lounging on the edge of the well or talking with one of the young men that had already arrived. Devan spotted Serhan leaning against one of the posts that supported the roof that helped shield the well from the elements. She waited until their eyes met, then smiled and started walking in his direction, hips swaying. "I was starting to wonder if you were coming," Serhan said, as he stood up straight and smiled. "Parents, you know how it is. Mom is all worried about the killings, even though they've been happening so far away. I convinced her I could handle myself," Devan said wiggling her fingers in an exaggerated pantomime of spell casting. "People say you're pretty good, and that the boys at the school don't like you much." "They don't like being beat by a girl. If they weren't so busy hiding in the library looking at pictures of succubi they might have time to study." The confusion on Serhan's face was obvious, and Devan laughed, "Succubi are demons that prey on men. They're quite beautiful, always nude, and the people that illustrate the books spend a lot of time putting detail in those pictures." Serhan smiled weakly and shrugged, "Sorry, I guess I don't know much about things outside town and dad's business." "It doesn't matter; I get enough of that at school every day. I'm not here to talk about magic." The tone in Devan's voice hinted that she wasn't here to talk at all, and the crooked smile that decorated her face hinted even more strongly that direction. Serhan perked up, and took just the slightest glance at Devan's breasts while trying to hide it, which let Devan know he had picked up the signals she was sending. "You want to go sit down?" Devan twitched one of her freshly plucked eyebrows and her smile became even more suggestive, if that was possible, "Sure, there's a bench over there." He looked where she was pointing, and smiled when he saw that the bench was away from the torches that would illuminate the night in a short while. Once the sun set, the bench would be almost invisible in the darkness. The pair went and sat down, chatting and edging ever closer to one another. Devan batted her eyelashes and blushed when Serhan started laying on the compliments, and let her musical laugh echo through the night when he told an off-color joke he had heard that day. Night had fully descended, and the couple now sat in the gloom just outside the dancing light of the torches. Many of the people gathered around the well had gone home, or off away from the circle of light as well. Faint sounds of pleasure, evidence of heavy petting going on just out of sight, echoed through the square. Devan and Serhan were holding hands and looking into each other's eyes. Devan smiled and blushed, then parted her lips slightly. They both leaned in close at the same time and their lips met. Devan felt a tingle run all through her body. It seemed to center upon her lips, in the tips of her breasts, and between her legs. Devan moaned quietly into the kiss and stroked Serhan's face. They broke the kiss and Devan blushed again, "That was nice." "Uh huh." "Maybe we should do it again, just to make sure?" Serhan laughed and then leaned in to kiss her again. Devan's tongue snaked out from between her lips as they kissed, just brushing over his teeth. She felt him stiffen in her embrace and knew she had caused exactly the reaction she had wanted to. Their lips parted, and Devan was pleased to notice Serhan didn't try to take any liberties, even though she had relented to her desire slightly. She could see in his eyes that he wanted more, but he wasn't making any move to try to take it without a signal from her. She was fighting hard to *not* send more signals than she intended to, because at the moment she wanted a great deal more as well. One orgasm brought on by her fingers simply was not enough to dull her desire, and that had been a couple of hours ago. "I should go; I still have to walk home." "I'll walk you home if you'd like me to." Devan gave him a last peck on the cheek and stood, "No, then you'll just have to walk back here. I'll be fine, it's only a short walk, and I can conjure light to see. You would have to walk back in the dark." "I'd like to see you again tomorrow." Devan smiled brightly, then put on a coy expression, "I might be here." "I hope you will." Devan waved and started back toward the road home. As she had suggested to Serhan, she conjured a bright light to guide her on the path home. When she neared the farm, she doused the light and cast another spell, one of ultravision, which allowed her to see in the dark. She needed to be able to see well enough to enter the barn and put back on her more modest clothes. There was something else she needed to attend to as well, because she was soaking wet and aching from resisting her desire to drag Serhan off somewhere dark and see what he had hiding behind that attractive bulge in his pants. Once Devan's orgasm cooled, she dressed and exited the barn. She went back to the side of the barn that faced the road and conjured her light again. Her mother would be waiting up for her, and she would be watching for that light approaching. Her mother's excuse tonight was mending. She always gave some reason why she was up waiting on her daughter, even though she knew that Devan knew better. It was a little game they played, and they both actually enjoyed it. Devan's mother could be quite creative with her excuses when pressed. When Devan reached the room she shared with her sister, she could tell that Danica had cried herself to sleep. Devan shook her head and offered a smile of pity, knowing exactly what her younger sister was going through. Their mother had very strict rules, and when you broke them, you were punished. There were no second chances, and there were no early reprieves. Danica would be homebound for the remainder of the week still, except to go to school. Devan stripped off her clothes and put on a nightshirt, then sank into her bed and soon fell fast asleep. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Devan heard something rare when she awoke the next morning, the sound of her father's voice still in the house. She looked over and saw Danica, still clad in her nightshirt, listening at the door to their room. Danica heard her stirring and turned to put a finger in front of her lips to indicate a need for silence. Devan crept over to the door and listened with her sister. "... too close, dear. Devan was out last night, it scares me. She tells me she can take care of herself, and I've seen her use strong enough magic to believe it, but it still scares me." "We can't watch her every minute, and she's a smart girl. When you put the fact she can toss lighting bolts on top of that, there's not much to worry about." "But the killings are getting closer. Arenwood is only a little over a quarter of an hour away walking, and it's always young girls. I'm afraid to even let them off to school." "I know dear, it bothers me too, but we can't let it rule our lives. The girls just have to know about the danger and make the right decisions. We can't lock them up here." "Why not?" "Because they aren't going to learn how to take care of themselves here hun, we aren't going to be around forever." "We do well enough." "Devan and Danica aren't us. They don't have the love of this life we do. Like it or not, they use the magic, and it's their calling. They can't learn anything about that here." "Go get about your work dear, I know you're right but I don't have to like it. I'm still going to try and convince Devan to stay in tonight, and Danica isn't going anywhere anyhow." "She still on punishment?" "I told her that first day before school that if she ever tried to use magic to break my rules, it would go hard on her. Trying to sneak out of the house invisible is exactly that. She'll finish her month of punishment, and she'd best not do it again. Her sister learned, and she will too." Devan turned away from the door, "Sorry mom, I'm going out tonight whether you like it or not." Danica turned and scowled at her sister, then hurried away from the door in case anyone came to investigate so she wouldn't get caught eavesdropping, "This is so unfair. I just wanted to go to the festival, and mom was all worried about me getting drunk." Devan stripped off her nightshirt and started to wash with a cloth she wet in the basin in the corner of the room, "Well, you did come home stumbling the last time you went to one, so what do you expect?" The Arts Ardane 01 "I'm not doing that again, I was so sick I wanted to die when I woke up." Devan laughed, "I said the same thing, and then got drunk again the first chance I had. Mom knows that." "Oh, you're as bad as she is!" Danica stomped off and flopped down on her bed to pout. Devan finished washing and dressed, then headed to the kitchen to get something to eat. She knew Danica wouldn't be pouting long, because she had to get ready for school as well. Devan didn't even know why she was going really, as there was little to nothing the master could teach her. She had learned all of real value he had to offer, and everything else was meaningless herb gathering and grinding. Devan sighed and pushed those thoughts out of her head, turning instead to the more pleasant thoughts about meeting Serhan that evening. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Devan left school early, finding that she was bored to tears now that she had exhausted the spells in the limited library there. She knew she was going to be stuck in a long discussion with her mother before she could get out of the house this evening, so the more time she had, the better. The master was trying to convince her to stay and help teach, allowing him to expand the school, and thus was willing to let her do about anything she wished. As she left the school, she found Danica standing at the edge of 'the bowl', a huge old sinkhole that had sides steep enough to shield the surrounding area from the eruption of spells. Devan knew what Danica was here for. Her sister had been working hard on the fireball spell now for nearly a month. Devan could not figure out why her little sister had not already learned the spell, because she obviously had everything down. It seemed as though each time she tried, she made a mistake in a different part of the spell while everything else was perfect. Danica started to gesture and chant, and Devan stopped nearby without moving into Danica's range of vision. Devan crossed her fingers, encouraged that everything was coming out perfectly thus far. Danica finished intoning the chant in a loud voice and moved her arm in a throwing motion. Devan whooped a cry of delight when the fireball manifested itself and exploded in a bright flash, engulfing the bowl in its expanding flames. Devan ran over to her sister, who had dropped to her knees and looked a little weak. Devan gathered Danica up in her arms, congratulating her. Danica absolutely beamed from her sister's praise and from the applause of the other students when she finally heard it. "I told you that you could do it Danica! Now will you stop complaining and just study?" Danica smiled up at her weakly, "Did you want to take a nap the first time you did that?" "Not with the fireball, but the first lightning bolt turned my knees to water." The master approached then and offered his own congratulations, as well as his arm to lean on to assist Danica in returning inside. Devan waved to her sister and a few other friends, then started walking home. While she walked, she alternated between planning her argument with her mother, and thinking about what she was going to wear that night. She also found she spent a lot of time thinking about Serhan, and not all of those thoughts were born of arousal. Several times during the walk, she shook her head in an attempt to push those thoughts away. Falling in love was the last thing she wanted to do at this point. That was something she would *think* about once she had determined whether he was worth it or not. She was decided she would never again give her heart to an ass that would just cheat on her or leave her. Try as she might, she still found a smile on her lips as she thought about Serhan's smile, or his arms wrapped around her, or any number of little things she had barely noticed consciously. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Once more two male figures stood facing each other in the dim light of an unknown, non-descript structure. "I told you, I always hit my mark." The sound of coins jingling was the only answer to the words. "I'll get to the next tonight, well ahead of schedule. You'd better have the coin." "I think you're dangerously overconfident. It's going to get the better of you some day." "Jealousy is unbecoming. Just watch, and have the coin ready. You might learn something." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ The argument with her mother had become heated near the end. Devan was ready to head into town, and her mother just kept arguing in circles. It was only her father's intervention that ended the argument and gave Devan the break she needed to kiss her mother goodbye before leaving for the evening. As she had the night before, she stopped at the barn to get rid of her 'safe' clothes. Because her father was in the house, she only stashed the clothes and exited the barn's back door to walk into town. She was going to have a tougher time resisting her desires tonight, not having cooled them somewhat with her fingers in the loft. While she walked, Devan popped the top two buttons on her powder blue dress. The result was that the upper globes of her breasts, tightly constrained by the intentionally undersized cut of the dress, were exposed along with an ample amount of cleavage. She was already somewhat aroused, and her nipples pressed against the material of the dress to good effect. The hem of the dress stopped just short of her knees, offering a good view of her long shapely legs. Devan knew she was going to have a nightmare of a time getting the thing clean later, but decided it was worth the effort to draw Serhan's eyes. He was watching and waiting for her when she arrived at the square. There were fewer people around the well this night, evidence of the fear the murders in surrounding area was causing. "You look beautiful," Serhan said when she reached him. "You look quite handsome too. Is that a new shirt, just for me?" Serhan smiled and plucked at the fabric, "You like it?" "Mmm hmm, I never noticed all those muscles before," she said with an exaggerated raise of her eyebrows. The old man who lit the torches was already approaching, since it had taken Devan much longer to escape the house this evening. He glanced about warily, giving concerned glances to each of the young people that had chosen to venture out despite the news of the killings. Devan sauntered toward the bench they had shared the night before, smoothed her gown, and sat down. Serhan sat down, very close to her, looking into her eyes and smiling. There was little conversation that night and the kissing quickly progressed into heavy petting. Devan was barely restraining her desire for the young man, and she could sense the urgency in his touches as well. The only roaming journeys his hands took to her more intimate spots involved a few soft caresses of Devan's backside, carefully disguised by his hands spending a lot of time on her lower back as they kissed. Devan couldn't help but encourage him a little, and she wondered if she didn't need it even more than he did. She guided his hands to her ass, drawing an aroused smile from him, and then the tongue wrangling kisses continued. What little restraint Devan had left was beginning to wear thin. She was intensely attracted to Serhan, and he was showing a gentlemanly restraint that only made him all the more attractive. Her hand found its way between his legs of its own violation, and she didn't offer the slightest resistance when one of his hands started to caress her breasts. They were startled out of their aroused trance by a commotion in the square. They both stood up and Devan instinctively put her hands into her spell component pouch, preparing to unleash her magic if necessary. Most of the young couples scattered, but Devan was pleased to note that Serhan stood his ground, though he looked nervous. Eventually, a couple of the town's militiamen approached them and told them they should go home immediately, as someone believed they had seen a dark clad person creeping around the town. It took a great deal of convincing to keep Serhan from trying to follow her home. They promised to meet again the next night if circumstances allowed and Serhan finally turned toward his home after a final kiss. It took a threat of using magic on the man to prevent one of the militiamen from trying to follow her home as well. Devan wasn't truly worried, as it all seemed like paranoia to her, but she kept what she needed to hurl lightning bolts close at hand as she hurried home, just in case. Devan gathered up her safe clothing without incident and listened with amusement to her mother's excuse of sharpening the scissors. When she entered her room, she found Danica dead asleep. It was hardly surprising, as Devan remembered being utterly exhausted the night after she had first cast the fireball spell as well. She stripped down and pulled on a nightshirt, then slid into bed. The sudden interruption and somewhat tense walk home had cooled her passions somewhat, but lying in her bed, they returned. Devan glanced over at her sister, knowing that if she had been knocked out after her first fireball, Danica would be lucky to get up in the morning. It was unlikely that she was going to notice anything going on in the room until well into the morning. All the heat Devan had felt with Serhan that night returned to her in a rush. Reaching beneath the sheets, she bunched up her nightshirt just below her breasts. With another wary glance at her sister, she pulled aside her panties and parted her legs. Her pussy was already soaked, and she rubbed that wetness into her folds with a slight shiver. Two fingers rubbed up and down the parting of her lips, penetrating between them slightly. She wiggled those fingers back and forth slowly as she stroked them, rolling her wet folds with gentle pressure. Devan's thumb rolled the erect bud beneath her hood with every few strokes of her fingers. Her hips began to hump rhythmically upward toward her fingers slightly as she caressed the aching need between her legs. Her pleasure mounted slowly, beginning as a faint tingle in her depths and slowly building with every stroke of her fingers. As her pleasure grew in intensity, so did the speed and pressure of her fingers. Her other hand moved between her legs as well, taking over for her thumb and rolling her throbbing clit with increased speed and pressure. The fingers of her other hand began to penetrate deeper with each stroke, eventually pushing deep inside her. Devan could almost feel Serhan's cock penetrating her as she drew nearer to release. At last, the pressure within her seemed to swell to an almost painful intensity. Devan buried three fingers deep within her, moving them back and forth slightly. Two fingers of her other hand rubbed her clit in tight circles until the bubble within her burst. She choked back the squeal of pleasure that threatened to escape between her lips as she came. Her entire body stiffened, arching her back up off the bed slightly for a moment. As she sank to the bed once more, her orgasm rolled through her like an earthquake, causing her to tremble for nearly a full minute. Devan pulled her fingers from her depths once her quivering died down. This set off a powerful aftershock that caused her to clamp her legs tightly together and arched her back once more. Devan brought her sticky fingers to her mouth, cleaning them and moaning quietly from the taste of her sweet wetness. She lay slightly panting for breath for quite some time, finally pulling her panties back over her still quivering sex and straightening her nightshirt. She drifted off to sleep with a smile of contentment on her face. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Devan heard her parents talking about the slaying the night before when she awoke in the morning. Another young woman had been found murdered, a young man who had apparently been coupling with her unconscious nearby. It had happened at a cluster of farms that could almost be called a village, which were less than a quarter of an hour away at most. Danica was still sound asleep, and Devan proved to be right in her estimation that her younger sister would not be up to go to school at the regular time. The master expected such when a student mastered a strong new spell, and would not be surprised by her late arrival. Devan had to spend a lot of extra time washing, finding that her loins were covered in the dried evidence of the previous nights masturbation. She could not remember having ever been that wet before, and the soft, intense orgasm that she had experienced was something that was entirely new to her as well. Devan knew there was no way she was going to convince her mother to let her leave that evening without a fight, so she decided to circumvent the argument. She waited until her mother was busy with chores, leaving her a note stating that she was going to stay in town with a friend that night. A bag of clothing and other necessities in hand, she hurried away before anyone could see her hasty departure. Calling upon a few of her friends, Devan found the town abuzz with the news of the murder the night before. The young woman had a loose reputation in the area, and thus she was well known to nearly everyone through that infamy. It hit closer to home than the previous slayings, and all Devan's friends were in a virtual state of panic. Devan was about ready to just surrender and go home, thinking there was no chance Serhan or anyone else would be out tonight. She walked toward the wagon yard where Serhan worked and all thoughts of returning home fled from her instantly. Serhan was lifting a heavy load into one of the wagons preparing for departure. He was bare-chested, glistening with sweat, and every firm muscle in his body rippled as he worked. Devan instantly felt her juices flowing and knew there was no way she was leaving town without seeing him tonight. She also knew there was little chance she would be able to resist her desire to couple with Serhan this night, carefully laid plans be damned. He had a hold on her heart, and her body seemed a complete slave ready to satisfy his every whim. A woman a few years older than Devan approached while she stood enraptured by the sight of Serhan at work. Erin had been a student at the school, but had never really acquired the drive or skill to work the Art well. She had eventually dropped out upon marrying, but was still close with many of the students, Devan included. Devan managed to break away from her trance, walking along with Erin to the well to draw some water. Erin had hardly missed Devan's state upon encountering her, and they talked in low whispers about Serhan, giggling often, as they returned to Erin's house. When Erin discovered that Devan meant to stay in town that night, she asked if Devan wished to stay with her. Her husband was away from town, and she certainly welcomed the company, especially with the news of a killer on the loose. Devan agreed, glad to have a place to stay so she would not have to return home, and the pair chatted throughout the day. The closer it got to evening, the more Devan anticipated meeting Serhan, and the more intensely aroused she became. As during her walk, her arousal was mixed with troublesome thoughts about Serhan that pointed to her heart trying to weasel its way into her plans. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Once again, the sound of coins changing hands broke the silence of a shadowy structure. "I told you, I'm that good." "Well, you'll have to wait now before you'll have a chance to try your luck for the last. Everyone is on edge and there isn't likely to be a soul outside tonight. You'll not make your mark this day, and I doubt you'll do so in time to meet the agreement." "We'll see about that. Haven't you learned yet not to underestimate me?" "Know this; if things start getting out of control, I'm gone. I'll not be left in any situation that puts me in danger." A derisive snort pierced the silence, "You're a coward." "I'm practical." "I suggest you practice that practicality, and don't try to cheat me of what I'm owed." "I don't owe you anything yet, but I know better than to go back on my word." "Just remember that. The night creeps up on us, time to get to work." ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Serhan was easy to spot in the square this night, because he was the only one there. The sense of fear in town was absolutely palpable, and not a single one of the other young men and women who usually frequented the square had dared to come this evening. Devan sauntered up to him, wearing a cream-colored top that was scandalously transparent and a matching skirt that was scandalously short. She was walking quickly, and doing little to hide the desire in her eyes. Spending the better part of the day daydreaming about Serhan had left little doubt in her mind where she would let things go tonight. "It looks like we have the square all to ourselves," Serhan said when she reached him, lifting one of her hands, and kissing the back of it while looking up into her eyes. Devan blushed and cast her eyes downward demurely for a moment. Her heart had leapt in her chest when he made the gesture, and that frustrated Devan more than a little once she realized her heart was trying to take over the situation. She decided there was one quite simple way to overcome those softer feelings, and it was something just as intense within her at the moment. Devan let all the desire and arousal within her show in her expression as she spoke, "Maybe we should let the square have a break from being trampled on tonight and go somewhere else." "Did you have somewhere in mind?" "Somewhere private," Devan suggested with a crooked smile. Serhan perked up, and Devan noticed something else was perking up as well. That interesting bulge in the front of his trousers was getting even larger, and even more interesting. "I think I know a place," he replied and offered her his hand. Devan smiled and allowed him to lead her away from the square and toward the edge of town. She soon guessed where they were going, to an abandoned house with a few ramshackle outbuildings that had stood empty for a few years now. The family that had lived there had simply packed up and left one day without a word. The townsfolk had considered tearing down the one room dwelling and its outbuildings several times, but had always hesitated thinking perhaps the family might return. They reached the small dwelling and Serhan led her toward it, confirming Devan's suspicion. Rumor had it that many a young couple had used the old tumbledown house as a place to have their first sexual encounter. It was far enough on the edge of town that sounds of pleasure, even loud ones, would not carry with any volume to any other house in town. When Serhan opened the door, the light of the full moon shining through the dingy windows revealed numerous makeshift pallets covering the floor of the building. Most looked like they were well used, to say the least, but a pair seemed to be newly put together. One even had a blanket upon it that seemed a recent arrival. Devan's coy smile as she spoke revealed beyond any doubt that she was kidding and knew exactly why they were there, "Hmm, no chairs. Where ever will we sit and talk?" Serhan smiled back, obviously knowing what she was thinking, "We could sit over there, it's pretty clean," he said gesturing toward the pallet with the newer blanket. Devan sauntered over to the pallet and knelt down, Serhan right behind her. When he knelt down, Devan pulled him close and kissed him with a hot passion. The kiss lasted for some time, their hands roaming over each other's bodies, and they broke from it hesitantly. The Arts Ardane 01 "I think I want to do more than talk," Devan said in a husky, passion-laden whisper. "Are you sure you want to?" The question was surely only for Devan's benefit, because his arousal was obvious in his manner and the evidence of his erection showing through his trousers, "Gods yes Serhan, I want you." They leaned in and kissed again simultaneously, and Devan began to tug at the hem of his shirt. She moaned into the kiss as her fingers ran over his rippled abdominal muscles. He broke from the kiss and pulled his shirt off, any self-control he may have been exhibiting now utterly drained away. Devan ran her hands over his bare chest, his well-defined muscles twitching from her touch. She twirled a finger through his small triangle of chest hair, then leaned back and started slowly popping the buttons on her top. Serhan stroked her leg and watched with rapt attention as each button revealed a little more of her soft skin. When the third button came undone, Devan's breasts popped free of the cloth, the rock-hard nipples pointing straight at Serhan. Devan unhooked the last three buttons much more quickly, letting the cloth pool to the floor behind her with a shrug of her shoulders. He reached out and cupped her breasts in his hands, causing Devan to moan and let her head loll back. The action also thrust her breasts forward toward him slightly, and he rubbed her nipples with his fingers in response. Devan pulled him close and kissed him again, her breasts pressed firmly against his chest. When she pulled away from the kiss this time, she used the hands that were on his cheeks to guide his head down to her breasts. He needed little guidance, suckling her left nipple between his lips only a second after she indicated her desire. He looked up into her eyes as he teased both her erect buds with his lips and tongue. Devan gasped quietly in pleasure, from both the feeling and the intensity of the passion in his eyes. Devan reached down and pressed her hand between his legs as he continued to send electric pulses shooting through her whole body with his practiced mouth. She moaned deeply as she traced the line of the bulge in his trousers with her finger. He was ever bit as big as the last man she had been with, and she remembered very well how good he had felt buried deep inside her. After a few rubs of Devan's fingers over his member, Serhan released her nipple for a moment to stand and remove his now quite constrictive trousers and underpants. His cock throbbed inches from Devan's face, and she couldn't have resisted if she wanted to. She wrapped her hand around the shaft; still leaving a long expanse uncovered both above and below, and started slowly rasping her hand over his flesh. With a look up into his eyes, she smiled and kissed the head of his cock. He laid his hands on her shoulders with a growl of pleasure, one that intensified in the next moment as Devan's lips wrapped around him. She sucked on just the purple head, swirling her tongue over it, while continuing to rasp her hand over his shaft. A drop of pre-cum oozing from him caused her to shiver when its flavor filled her mouth. She had only taken this to its ultimate conclusion once, and the first drop he offered made her all the more hungry for him to explode in her mouth. That desire was warring with another inside her, however, and the other was quickly winning. Her pussy was dripping, aching to be filled, and refused to be ignored. At last, she could bear the intense heat of her need no longer, and let him slip from her mouth. Devan stood up next to him and raised a finger before her face, instructing him to wait a second. She worked her fingers in the gestures of a spell, speaking the words in the spidery language of magic. When she finished the words, she laid her hand over her tummy and looked. She could see a cool blue glow beneath her hand, and moaned in anticipation knowing what that meant. He looked a little confused, but it was all forgotten when she jerked her skirt down off her hips and kissed him harder than she had yet this night. She kissed her way toward his ear and whispered, "My spell says I can't get pregnant now. I want you to cum with me Serhan, take me, please." Serhan's eyes were immediately drawn to the closely cropped patch of flame-red hair between her legs. When her words finally registered, he looked back up into her eyes, his own eyes wide with wonder, "Inside you?" "Yes, so deep inside me," she whispered breathlessly, reaching out and stroking his throbbing member with one hand. Devan then began to kneel down and lean back, begging him with her eyes. When her back reached the blanket below, she parted her legs and ran a finger along the glistening part of her labia moaning, "Please Serhan, I need it." He snapped out of his trance of anticipation, seeming to realize it was only his continuing hesitation that was keeping him from fulfilling the very desire he anticipated. He dropped to his knees between her parted legs and edged forward until he was poised at her entrance. She parted her lips slightly with her fingers and moaned, "I can't wait, please don't make me wait." There was only the slightest evidence of youthful inexperience as he penetrated her, getting the angle wrong only once before the flared head of his cock slid between her slick lips and inside her. A long, low moan erupted from Devan as she felt him push against her walls. Her muscles contracted and trapped him about half inside her at first, but after a gasp and a pair of quick explosive breaths, she relaxed enough to allow his long cock to fully enter her. Serhan groaned, and a quavering gasp erupted from Devan as her body quivered beneath him. A much louder, higher-pitched gasp escaped her as he withdrew and then pushed back into her depths. Devan looked down, watching as Serhan's shaft pumped in and out of her, coated in a creamy sheath of her wetness. He was alternating between watching her breasts bounce under his thrusts, the look of ecstasy on her face, and the same fascinating sight of his pussy-slick cock thrusting into her depths. Devan had never felt her inner fires surge so quickly. He was just slightly thicker than the biggest of the two men she had been with before, and the regular rhythm with which he stroked her revealed a level of experience she certainly had not felt before. It almost felt as though she literally had a fire within her, a hot sensation that was slowly spreading from her depths throughout her body. She gasped with every powerful thrust of his hips that drove his steel home within her. When he withdrew to thrust again, every indrawn breath she took had a high-pitched squeal of pleasure within it. Soon her breathing outpaced his thrusts as the heat within her reached an almost painful intensity. Her eyes opened wide as she experienced a sensation as if she was hovering off the pallet, suspended in the air for a moment. Her ears seemed to close and she could hear the fast pace of her own heartbeat echoing within them. Then the hot pressure which had built up inside her was released, every ounce of the energy surging toward her sex in a rush as she came. She screamed her pleasure to the roof for a moment, and then her body contracted, pulling her head and shoulders up off the pallet as the scream continued. She sucked in a breath and then screamed, "Yes, yes, yes," as another rolling wave of climax gripped her body. When she opened her eyes, she could see a strain in Serhan's face. He gripped her thighs hard and started slamming his cock even harder into her. Devan's upper body dropped to the pallet once more, and her screams turned to staccato yelps as he pounded her. With a growled scream of release, Serhan slammed into her depths one final time. Devan loosed a loud moan as she felt his seed spurting into her, bringing a delightful, rapidly spreading warmth with it. She lay her hands over her mound and tummy, continuing to moan, closing her eyes and shuddering from the intensity of her orgasm and the incredible feeling of Serhan's hot cream filling her full. Serhan leaned forward, gasping for breath. Every twitch of his cock within her caused Devan's walls to contract around him, which in turn caused him to throb powerfully. The chain reaction continued for several moments before it began to die down. He pulled from her with a loud gasp, and then collapsed next to the still quivering Devan. Both were having trouble catching their breath, and so they lay in silence save for their gasps for long minutes. At long last, Devan was able to regain control of her voice, "Serhan I love...d it." She barely caught the near slip and corrected it just in time. She had almost said, "I love you," and that was the last thing she was ready for at the moment, regardless of how wonderful she felt. "I can't... can't believe how good it felt to cum inside you." "Mmmm, me too. It’s so warm," Devan moaned, and then put her fingers between her legs to gather up a dollop of their mingled juices that was seeping from inside her. She brought her fingers to her mouth and sucked them clean with a shiver, the taste so intense it spread a chill through her for a moment. The chill was rapidly pushed away by the still glowing warmth in her belly, however. Devan turned toward one of the dingy windows, thinking she had seen a glimpse of movement there. She stared for a few moments, and then decided it was her imagination. At this point, she didn't care if anyone saw her lying naked with Serhan's cum dripping from her anyway. Serhan rolled over on his back, and Devan noticed he was still about half hard, "Can you go again?" He shrugged and said, "I don't know, I've never tried." Devan's face broke out in a wicked smile, "You never know what you can do until you try." With that, she leaned over him and engulfed his cock in her mouth. She moaned as the first stroke of her lips cleaned their juices from him, drawing a loud gasp from him. Her head bobbed rapidly over his lap, and she moaned in delight as she felt him start to surge to full hardness once more. As soon as he was fully hard again, Devan released him and got up on her hands and knees, "Take me!" Serhan let out a short grunting moan and moved behind her. He used his hand to guide his cock to her entrance and pushed inside her with a single thrust. "Oh YES," she gasped as he once again filled her with his wonderfully thick erection. Every thrust of his hips caused Devan's breasts to swing, and she growled her pleasure as he stoked her fires once more. Devan felt one of his hands release its grip on her hips, and then felt a gentle smack on her ass, "Mmmm yeah, I like that." Serhan chuckled and spanked her ass again, a little harder this time, "Oh yes, take me," Devan growled. He gave her a few more spanks, the last one reaching a point where it was almost painful, and then gripped her hip once more. When his hand closed on her, he started slamming home into her depths even harder. He was hitting her even deeper than before now, and the feeling caused Devan's eyes to roll up in her head as she moaned, "Oh, oh yes, don't stop! I'm almost there! Don't stop! Oh, harder, please harder!" Serhan adjusted his stance slightly, spreading his knees a bit farther apart, and managed to do as she asked. The speed and power of his thrusts actually caused her hands to slide forward slightly, and she barely managed to maintain her balance. "Oh yes, I'm going to cum," she gasped out, and then exploded into orgasm. She let her hands slide forward and her upper body rest on the pallet as she screamed in release. The change in angle caused his still rapidly thrusting shaft to hit her in new places, and her scream spiked higher even as did the power of her climax. The tight grip of Devan's pleasure released her slightly, and she rose back up onto her hands once more. She turned to look back at Serhan, flipping her hair out of her face, "Oh YES! Take me; I want to feel you cum in my pussy again!" Serhan let out an animal growl and smiled, "You're going to get it. Damn your pussy feels so good!" "Mmmm give it to me!" Devan's pleasure was once more mounting under his assault, and she watched his face as he continued to pound her. They were both dripping with sweat now, and loud slapping sounds echoed through the building as their flesh clashed together. "Here it... Ahhh!" Serhan gasped as his balls tightened, squeezing jets of hot cream into Devan's warm embrace once more. When the heat of the first spurt exploded within her, Devan's orgasm followed. For long seconds, neither of them could do anything but gasp as their bodies twitched from the electric pulses of pleasure running through them, then Devan's strength drained from her and she collapsed to the pallet. Serhan collapsed atop her as well, still buried deep inside her. Devan started to fidget slightly a short while later, and Serhan pulled his almost completely soft member from her with a gasp. He lay down next to her and she rolled over on her back. They looked at each other smiling for a few minutes, just basking in the afterglow. Serhan was obviously starting to get drowsy, and had difficulty keeping his eyes open. Devan rose up to her knees and patted his cheek, "Wake up sleepy head. You should probably clean up and I need to go pee." He sat up as Devan stood up, "What if someone sees you?" Devan shivered and smiled at him, "You know; I really don't care at the moment." He laughed and started to look around for something he could use to wipe off the slippery juices coating him. Devan walked outside the small run-down dwelling and squatted to pee. Her eyebrows rose when she saw how much cum was dripping from her as she did it, "Oh my," she muttered and then chuckled. When she walked back in the building, Serhan was staring at her with a wide smile. She smiled back and strutted toward him, snatching the semi-clean rag he had used to wipe the evidence of their lovemaking from his member. She rubbed it over her outer lips gently, just trying to get the biggest part of the sticky cream off her. The rag wasn't *that* clean, and she didn't feel comfortable touching her pussy with it more than necessary. The next time she did this, she decided that she was bringing her own blanket, and her own rag to clean up. "I should probably get home, my folks were worried enough about me leaving tonight," Serhan explained as he bent to pick up his clothes. "Erin will probably be worrying about me to." "Who is Erin?" "A friend here in town, I'm staying with her tonight," Devan explained as she bent to retrieve her own clothes. When she looked back at Serhan as she spoke, she saw him staring with a smile at her bottom as she bent. She chuckled and spanked her ass, drawing a laugh from him. "So you don't have to go all the way home tonight?" Devan shook her head, "No, I don't have far to walk at all really. I'll be fine; she lives on this side of town." Serhan tugged on his shirt and straightened his clothing, "I probably should hurry home, if you're sure you'll be fine?" "I'll be fine, but don't go running off until I've gotten a kiss." He waited while she finished dressing, then walked over to her and enfolded her in his arms. They kissed deeply, for the first time without heat of desire for each other behind it. That need had been sated for the moment, and it allowed Devan to feel something a little different. It scared her a little, because she had been hurt once before, but at the moment, it felt right. They left together holding hands as they walked, parting with another kiss when their paths diverged. Devan had almost reached Erin's house when she noticed something odd about the way her spell component bag was hanging. Opening it, she found that the small amber rod she kept there was missing, "Damn, I must have dropped it when I was getting undressed." Devan sighed and turned around, heading back toward the run-down building where she and Serhan had made love. Something caught Devan's attention off in the darkness as she neared the structure. She could have sworn she saw something moving, but after staring for a minute or two, she decided it must have been her imagination, or some animal. She kept her fingers wrapped tightly around a small packet of bat guano, ready to hurl a fireball, just in case. Devan found her amber rod exactly where she had expected to, lying on the floor near the pallet she had shared with Serhan. She giggled and blushed a little when she saw the enormous wet spot on the blanket, not having paid enough attention to notice it earlier. This time, the movement she saw outside the window was accompanied by the sound of a twig breaking. Devan stood perfectly still, staring at the window and the door both equally, now becoming frightened and wondering who or what was following her. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ "I believe that fulfills our bargain? You saw me take her, I trust?" Coins clinked, "Yes, I underestimated you and overestimated her, okay?" "I underestimated her; she fucks like a bitch in heat! I may just have to keep fucking her until the next wager." Outside the door, Devan fumed. She had finally grown tired of standing in the dilapidated house waiting for whatever was stalking her and went outside. She had seen nothing, but she had heard faint sounds coming from the storage shed, like the sound of an old rusty-hinged door opening. She had recognized Serhan's voice the moment he spoke. She was just about to kick the door open and claw his eyes out when she heard the sound of a twig snapping behind her. Devan spun and saw a man in a dark cloak behind her, holding a knife, "You a pretty one. Maybe you be nice and I not have to cut your throat first?" Fear and revulsion both warred in Devan's gut. When the man took a step toward her, she spat out the words of the magic missile spell. The man's eyes went wide and he growled when the missiles slammed into him. He staggered slightly, and Devan ran back toward the house. When she turned to look, the killer was running toward her with his knife upraised. Reaching into her silken bag, she pulled out the first thing she found, some peppercorns. Quickly intoning a spell, she hurled the peppercorns toward the approaching man. They transformed into small fireballs in flight, and knocked the man to his knees when they exploded against his chest. Now more angry than afraid, Devan pulled out the amber rod she had retrieved only a short while before, as well as a small tuft of rabbit fur. While the killer tried to rise, she spoke the words of the lightning bolt spell and rubbed the fur over the rod. He almost got to his feet when the lightning bolt struck and hurled him backward several feet. He lay on the grass, his cloak smoking, and his knife hurled a dozen or more feet away. Devan started the chant again, pointing the rod at the prostrate form on the ground, but not finishing the spell. She saw his chest rise and fall, and knew he was alive. She kicked at him, rod still aimed and ready with only the last word of the spell to speak. He groaned slightly, and that was all. The door to the storage shed opened then, and Serhan came out. He ran over to her quickly, and put his hand on her arm, "Devan? What are you doing here, are you alright?" Devan turned and scowled at him, then brought her knee up hard into his groin. His breath exploded from him and he dropped to his knees coughing. Another young man, whose name Devan couldn't remember, was peeking out from the storage shed. She scowled at him too and he put his hands up before him in a defensive gesture. The Arts Ardane 01 She looked down at the still pale and groaning Serhan on his knees in front of her. Devan drew back her arm and slapped him hard across the face, "Bastard!" She drew back her leg again, thinking to give him another crack between his legs but decided against it. The sound of shouts and running feet caused her to turn back toward the town. A pair of militiamen approached with torches, having heard the explosions, and seen the flash of light from the lightning bolt. They stared at the scene before them when they skidded to a halt. One man down in smoldering clothing, another cowering in a shed, and one holding his family jewels and looking as though he wished he were unconscious like the one in the smoking cloak. Above them all stood a beautiful, young, red-haired woman who looked extremely angry. Devan walked away from Serhan and the unconscious murderer, "There's the killer who's been about lately. Better tie him up before he recovers from my lightning bolt. He's been raping those girls too, because he said he was going to do it to me. Make sure whoever judges him knows that." One of them gestured as if to block her without actually barring her path with his arm, "Are you alright miss?" "I'm fine," Devan snapped and walked back to Erin's house without another word to anyone. ~~~~~~~~~ * . . . * ~~~~~~~~~ Devan stood in front of the wagon, her father sitting above on the seat holding the reins and wearing a smile that was a mixture of sadness and pride. Standing in front of Devan were her teary-eyed mother, sister, and brother. "I can't believe you're moving away," Danica sniffled. "I can't learn anything more here, and the reward gave me enough coin to live on my own now. I can find an apprenticeship in Destindale and learn more powerful magic. It's not that far away sis and I'll come visit. You can come see me too, you know?" "I know," Danica responded with a weak smile and hugged her sister. Her little brother stuck out his lip and said, "I'll miss you Debin." Devan laughed and tousled his hair, "I'll miss you too, you little weasel, but I won't miss you hiding my things! You'd better be a good boy; there are more than enough bad ones around." He laughed and went to hide behind his mother's skirts. "You're all grown up now, and Danica won't be long behind you. It'll just be us and Daniel soon," Devan's mother said with tears rolling down her cheeks. Devan hugged her mother, "I'll come visit, and I'll stay for a few days on every holiday, I promise. I love you mom." Her mother wiped her eyes and sniffled, then said, "Now go before I change my mind and get a switch to chase you back in the house." Devan laughed and climbed up in the wagon next to her father. He gathered her up in a hug as well, and then waved to the rest of the family before clucking his tongue and twitching the reins. The family watched the wagon recede into the distance, even as Devan watched her childhood home do the same. When they topped a rise, Devan turned in the direction they were traveling once more. The future was in front of her. The Arts Ardane 02 The Arts Ardane: Kampar's Wand AUTHOR'S NOTES: This story is erotic fantasy, set in a world of magic. This tale takes place many years before my core Danica story here on Lit, when Danica was still a teenager and her sister Devan had just reached her majority. This story centers on Devan, who makes only rare appearances for quite some time in the core tale, most of which are just references. This tale continues the molding of Devan from a naive farm girl into the woman she is "today". This story more or less immediately follows the first Arts Ardane. These tales tell of important turning points in the sisters' lives, and will emerge as inspiration strikes me with respect to one of those turning points. My world makes use of "modern" measures, which just might distract some people who regularly read fantasy. I hope it doesn't detract too much from the story for the readers, but my world simply refuses to change its stripes, and those are the common measures of the time in my world. Some just might recognize what the Halfling character Darmok in this story truly is. They're one of my favorite creatures in all the known worlds, and they were quickly imported into my world as soon as I encountered them. For those who understand, hold tight to your belongings and don't "drop" anything ;) This is an edited version of this tale utilizing what I've learned since starting at Lit, the services of my editor Roust, and feedback from readers. Unlike most of my edits, this one actually makes a few minor changes to the actual storyline. They aren't large, but these changes address criticism brought up by readers about the original draft. I hope you enjoy this foray into the past of the sisters Ardane. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ Devan rose up from her dirty, aching knees with a groan, picking up the wooden pail full of quickly wilting weeds as she stood. Half a dozen horses could have stood end to end across the width of the herb patch she had just finished weeding, and it was just as wide in the other direction. If it were not for magic, tenacious, unwanted flora would have taken over the huge herb garden in days. There was no way she and Lorelle could have possibly kept up with it. Looking around, Devan saw that all the plants were doing well. They grew tall, and flowered or bushed out, as they should, well beyond what was average for each plant. Devan wiped the sweat away from her brown eyes, glad that it was Lorelle's turn to do the earlier weeding when the sun was near its zenith. A breeze blew a few errant strands of her long red hair into her eye, and she snorted in annoyance as she brushed them away, trying to tuck them back into the scarf she wore over her head. Devan looked down at the bucket in her hand and sighed. She had studied magic, and left her family's farm for the purpose of avoiding exactly the sort of work she was doing now. As she walked toward the compost pile to dispose of the weeds in her pail, she thought about the last month, which had turned out far different than she had expected it to when she stepped down from her father's wagon into Destindale. She had a talent for magic, and learned quickly. With plenty of coin in her purse, she had expected to be accepted into one of the two schools here or an apprenticeship quickly. That dream had been dashed on the rocks almost immediately. She found it impossible to get past the door of the two schools, and it seemed that every wizard worth speaking of in the entire city already had as many apprentices as they could handle. Every time she walked up to one of the schools, they had some excuse why the Master could not see her. She was always told to return later, and it was really starting to irritate her. She had seen other people admitted, and as far as she could tell, they had no special appointments. Her most recent visit to one of the schools had really set her teeth on edge, because she had overheard one of the senior apprentices speaking about how women had no place working the Art. Dumping out the weeds, Devan went to the wooden basin near the back door of the herb shop where she lived and worked, to wash up. She thought the dirt ground into her knees was never going to come off, and it felt like washing the sweat from her body was a waste of effort when it coated her as fast as she could wipe it away. Her blouse was so soaked with sweat that she might as well be wearing nothing at all. The pale, cream-colored cloth was nearly invisible, clinging to her breasts and showing every detail of the firm globes and the small blister-like nipples. She knew it was an unwise choice even as she had put it on, but the remainder of her laundry was still drying at the time, and she had no other option. Fortunately, the shop was far on the outskirts of town, and the fence around the garden would have obscured the view of anyone not looking through a crack or knothole. Her skirt was likewise soaked, though it at least didn't display her to the world. The hem was filthy from kneeling down while weeding, and she knew without looking that her bottom was outlined in dirt as well, from where she had sat down on several occasions. She gave up on washing, deciding that getting the worst of the filth off her knees would have to suffice. She planned to get in the bath immediately, anyway. She pulled down a freshly dried skirt, blouse, and panties from the clothes line nearby, careful to avoid letting them touch any part of her that would get them dirty before she even put them on. Opening the plain oaken door to the shop, Devan breathed a sigh of relief when she felt the effects of a Cooling Comfort spell. Lorelle must have cast it when she had gone inside after her shift of weeding. Devan's nipples hardened in the cool air, pressing tightly against the damp cloth. She shivered and turned into the bath room that was only a step down the short hallway from the back door. Devan could still feel the effects of the spell in this room, but it was lessened. Lorelle might not have much magic, but what magic she did possess, she had mastered. Laying the Cooling Comfort spell over the entire dwelling and varying the effect it had by location was not an easy task. Devan lay her clean clothes on a small table near the door, and then stepped around the round tin tub to a narrow door opposite where she had entered. The stove inside was cold, as it was only used to heat water in cooler weather. The barrels inside were full of water, warmed by the heat of the day, and would be the perfect temperature for bathing. She carried buckets of water to fill the tub, taking care not to step in the trench used to drain it. The tub wasn't large, but it was far too big to carry outside and dump, and thus had to be drained. Once finished filling the tub, Devan stripped off her dirty clothing and put a fresh towel over the back of the chair that sat near the tub for exactly that purpose. She lay her clean clothing in the seat of the chair where it would likewise be within reach after she finished bathing. A look of irritation crossed Devan's face when she saw how out of control the hair between her legs was. She usually kept it closely cropped, shaved down to a triangle above her nether lips, the hair surrounding her lips just long enough that it wasn't prickly. Now, she had long stubble everywhere and her triangle was a tangle. She and Lorelle had been so busy in the shop that Devan simply had not wanted to bother with it for the last week or so. It had been even longer since she had trimmed her triangular patch. She picked up her razor and scissors, laying them on a box sitting next to the tub, which already supported a washcloth and soap. Stepping into the tub, she reached for the scissors and trimmed the hair down to an acceptable length once again. She put down the scissors, picked up her razor, and then sat down in the tub. The water was shockingly cold against her sun-warmed skin, and her nipples immediately stiffened. The initial shock only lasted a moment or two, as the water wasn't really that cold. As soon as the shivers died down, Devan stood back up again to shave. She squatted down when necessary as she shaved her legs and mound, keeping her skin lubricated to avoid irritation from the razor. With practiced skill, she completed the task quickly. She dried the razor off on the washcloth so it would not rust, and then brought the cloth into the tub to wash. When she stepped from the bath a short while later, she felt refreshed and invigorated. Walking over to a mirror, she parted her legs slightly and made sure she hadn't missed anything as she shaved. Manipulating her labia to make sure she hadn't missed long hairs in the crevices caused her body to tingle. This was one of the reasons she was ready to make the effort to trim things below today. She hadn’t lain with a man in days, and her body was rebelling. Her first night in town, she had stayed at one of the inns, not feeling like looking for a place to live right away. She had met a handsome merchant in the common room that night, drank far too much wine, and had let him bed her before the night was over. Contrary to feeling ashamed, Devan had thought the arrangement was perfect. He gave her a wonderful orgasm, and the merchant had continued on his way the next day. No courting, no need for games – it was pure, simple pleasure for them both. The traveling merchants didn't stay around to spread rumors, so as long as she was discreet in her late night encounters, she wouldn't develop a reputation as a tramp in town. Not that she really would have cared. Having a clean reputation meant that she could possibly find a decent man or two amongst the locals that could take care of her when no merchants who struck her fancy were around. Thus, she did her best to avoid anyone seeing her going into or coming out of the men's rooms and wagons. Two relationships ended by the man cheating on her, and the final cruel nail driven into her heart by Serhan bedding her on a bet had killed every romantic thought that had ever nestled in her mind. Men were pigs, and if she didn’t needed more than her fingers between her legs on occasion, she wouldn't even have bothered with them. She found it easy enough to track down a handsome man with a nice sized cock who could treat her right for one evening, though. She had bedded ten merchants since she had arrived in town, and had her eyes on two or three locals that might just come in handy as well. Lorelle had no problem with her nocturnal activities. The older woman often came home quite late at night and looked worn out the next morning. The two often discussed their trysts, comparing cock sizes and lovemaking technique between work and customers in the shop. Lorelle did have a reputation as a tramp, and she didn't care. Devan walked out into the shop to take over watching the counter while Lorelle went into the back to prepare more herbs and spell components to replenish the stores in the front of the shop. Once the sun started to sink low in the horizon, Devan closed down the shop. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ With the shop finally locked up tight, Devan walked back into the workroom. Lorelle sat in the chair behind the table, apparently finished and relaxing. Lorelle was an attractive woman, and she had aged well. Anyone would judge her ten years younger than her forty-three years. The work in the shop and garden kept her body firm and toned. Her sandy blonde hair showed no signs of grey. Her breasts and bottom still stood up firm and proud, and she was free of the wrinkles and other blemishes usually arising with middle age. Devan knew there was a bit of magic involved, but it was mostly lucky parentage. Lorelle had told her that all the women in her family had aged well. It gave Devan hope that she would be so lucky, because her mother was still a beautiful woman, only a few years younger than Lorelle. "Did you notice anything odd while you were working?" Lorelle offered a bright smile as she asked the question. Her voice had just the right hints of sultry tenor to make everything she said sound almost suggestive. "Not really," Devan replied with a shrug. "Not surprising, really. I don't have to dig out that Wyvern Tongue very often, and I know it hasn't been touched since you started here." Devan gasped out with surprise, "You sold some Wyvern Tongue?" "Not just some – all of it. I had a wizard walk in and nearly wet himself when he requested it, obviously not expecting to hear a yes, and I pulled out that box." "I never thought we would sell a sprig of that. How much did he pay?" Lorelle lifted a heavy purse and jingled it. "Let's just say I'm going to do well this year even if everything in the garden dies tonight." "I guess you can finally get that work done on the place, then. It will be nice not to have pots and pans catching the leaks from the roof when the summer storms kick up." "We might just do better than that. Our benefactor was impressed with the quality of my wares, and the selection. He's going to be recommending me to colleagues. I told him to give me a few days, because I'm going out to replenish that Wyvern Tongue. I'd like you to come with me if you don't mind. You're a lot better with offensive magic than I am, and I'd feel a lot more comfortable knowing you could toss lightning bolts at anyone accosting us." "Of course I'll come with you. It will be nice to get out of town for a while. Maybe I’ll even stop thinking about how frustrated I am at not being able to get into either of the schools. I know I’m being blocked by some idiots with delusions of grandeur, but there’s nothing I can do about it.” Shrugging, Devan added, “It can never hurt to know how to find Wyvern Tongue in case I ever need it, too." "True that. You'll probably be able to use spells strong enough to need it. I'll never have any use for it myself. You’re never going to get into one of those schools the traditional way. I know you want to get into Markline’s Academy, but I guarantee you that he is the reason you aren’t getting in there. The whole sentiment against women working the Art around here comes form him." Lorelle then stood up and declared, "Tonight, though, we celebrate! No slaving over the stove for either of us tonight. We're going to the Bright Blade!" Devan smiled just as wide as Lorelle. The Bright Blade was the best inn in town, and had a reputation of serving the best food and wine in the entire Barony. "Dress to impress. We're going to eat our fill, get nice and drunk, and then break hearts all night." ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ The pair did exactly what Lorelle had suggested, driving the men in the Bright Blade to distraction with flirting and the suggestive clothing they both wore. Two men didn't have their hearts completely broken, because Lorelle and Devan followed them up to their rooms to share their beds as the evening wore down. The merchants they had chosen were traveling companions, and thus had adjoining rooms. Lorelle had gone upstairs a little earlier with the older of the two – still a decade or more her junior – and Devan could hear the sounds of their passion through the walls. The man Devan had separated from the herd – Traxen something or another – was ten years her senior. She had quickly discovered that there were fewer games and problems with older men, now that she was out in the wider world. They also seemed to know a great deal more about how to please a woman. He didn't immediately start tearing off her clothes, which made Devan happy. She may have told romance and love to go to the hells, but she could still appreciate a man who took his time warming her up before getting between her legs. He kissed her with obvious hunger, but showed just enough restraint to make Devan want more. His hands roved over her back as he kissed her, every so often letting them slip down to caress her bottom. Devan was actually moving faster than he was, her hands cupped firmly under his buttocks, pulling the bulge in his trousers against her body. She slowly ground her sex against him as their tongues continued to wrangle, growing more impassioned by the moment. Devan slowly guided him around until she was standing with the bed behind her as they kissed. He now held her tight against him, in order to feel her firm breasts pressing against his chest. Devan gave a little tug, indicating she wanted to go to the bed, but let him finish guiding her toward it once he understood her subtle suggestion. When they reached the bed, Devan broke from the kiss and spun him around, pushing him with light pressure down toward the bed. He sat down on the bed, his erection bulging between his legs and causing Devan’s passions to flare even hotter. With a sultry smile, she unbuttoned her blouse. She did it slowly, revealing her flesh in a torturous tease. He reached down between his legs to shift the bulge there, the throbbing obviously becoming uncomfortable as he watched the show. At last, the final button popped open, and Devan shrugged the blouse down off her shoulders, fully revealing her breasts. He put his hands under him, preparing to rise, but Devan lay a hand on his head and shook hers, indicating he should wait. He relaxed again, his eyes locked on her breasts, which were flushed a light shade of red in her excitement, the tips pebble hard and pointing toward him. She reached down and slid the skirt off her hips, again revealing her skin and her thin white panties in a slow, tantalizing tease. There was an obvious spot of dampness on her panties when she let the skirt fall to the floor, and the thin panties revealed a vague silhouette of her sex, especially her triangle of red hairs. She turned and slowly pulled down on her panties, revealing her taut bottom. Devan watched him over her shoulder to see him breathing heavily and rubbing the bulge between his legs. Devan heard Lorelle screaming in climax from the next room, and that pushed Devan over the edge. She was done teasing, and needed to be touched, now. She bent over and pulled down her panties, pushing her ass and her wet sex in close to Traxen's face. She stood back up, kicked the panties off, and then spun around. Almost immediately, Traxen grabbed her buttocks and pulled her toward him. Devan parted her legs slightly and purred when he pushed his head between them to lap the already abundant juices from her nether lips. Devan moaned and put her hands on the back of his head as he licked her. He had certainly done this before, and he quickly stoked her fires. After a few more licks, she grasped his shirt and bunched it up to pull it free of his trousers. Once she had gathered it up in her fingers, she pulled it upward to remove it from him. He reluctantly removed his lips from her to let her jerk the shirt off him. Devan sighed and stroked his bare back when he returned to licking her as soon as the shirt dropped to the floor. She ground her hips against his face, quickly building toward release on his darting tongue. She gasped as she felt him concentrate on her clit, sending little jolts of pleasure shooting up her spine. She grasped the back of his head and pulled it hard against her, thrusting her hips forward at the same time. Devan trembled, her gasps punctuated by a long moan as her orgasm built inside her. She hovered on the edge of release for a moment, and then screamed as her depths contracted when she came. Her hands gripped his hair as she continued to scream, her juices flowing freely from her onto his lapping tongue. Her knees went weak, and the only things supporting her were his hands on her buttocks and her hands on his head. The Arts Ardane 02 Devan pushed him away when an especially strong spike of pleasure shot up her spine to cause her legs to wobble even more. She sank down to the floor, dripping, and softly rubbed her folds as her climax slowly played out. He unbuttoned his trousers as Devan continued to quiver on the floor. He kicked off his shoes at the same time, and then raised his ass off the bed far enough to pull the trousers down, the underwear beneath going with them. Devan was still shuddering in orgasm when he revealed his throbbing member to her, but the sight of it in front of her was irresistible. She rose up higher on her still weak knees, and then leaned over him to swirl her tongue over the purple helmet. He rewarded her with a clear drop of pre-cum, which she lapped up with a moan. His tip now glistening with her saliva, she engulfed the head of his cock in her mouth. She sucked it and let her tongue continue to swirl over it, bobbing her head up and down. Slowly, she took more of him into her mouth, looking up at him and moaning as she sucked him with increasing speed. He started to gasp, and she knew he was rapidly approaching orgasm. Devan released him with a slow final suck, and then stood back up. She slid onto the bed, and lay down with her head on the pillow. She parted her legs and rubbed her wet lips. "Take me," she said in a low, sultry whisper. Traxen moved to his knees in front of her even as she spoke, taking his cock in his hand and knee walking until he was in position. He rubbed the tip against her slick opening, and then pushed inside. He and she both moaned as his hard manhood penetrated her. He soon buried his cock to the hilt, groaning in pleasure even as Devan's moan increased in volume and pitch. He stroked her at a measured pace, looking down to watch his pussy-slick cock slide in and out of her saturated sex. Devan rubbed her bud, steadily increasing the tempo of her circling fingers. His big cock stretching her with delightful friction and her rubbing fingers quickly pushed her toward the edge. Devan thought that it was a good thing she was so excited, because she could tell he wasn't going to last much longer. His thrusts increased in speed and power, and she yelped as this swelled the building pleasure bubble inside her. Her fingers rubbed at a furious pace on her clit as she neared her peak. He watched her breasts bounce under the power of his thrusts, grunting and growling from both the physical exertion and the mental battle to keep his seed in his tight balls. Devan knew he was teetering on the edge, and wouldn't be able to resist much longer. She had cast her spell and determined she couldn't get pregnant right now, so she gasped out, "Come inside me!" She perched on the peak of her pleasure, and knew she would climax at any moment. His eyes widened and he smiled, then growled, putting every ounce of strength he had into the thrusting of his hips. The tip of his hard rod pushed against Devan's cervix, and she loudly gasped with every thrust. She was right on the verge of orgasm, but had not yet crossed the line. She remained in the sweet moment of ecstasy just prior to climax until he slammed home with a loud growl to spurt his semen into her. Devan's walls clenched tight around him as he spastically rocked his hips, emptying his balls into her. She screamed as the pressure bubble inside her ruptured with her orgasm. Her fingers gripped the bedclothes, bunching them up into her clawed hands. Devan screamed in release, and then gasped and moaned as her orgasm continued to rock her. The couple twitched as their orgasms played through their bodies, his throbbing causing her to tightly clench around him, and her clenching walls causing him to throb. The chain reaction of pleasure lasted for long minutes until he had to pull from her and collapse to the bed. Devan slipped a finger between her lips and swirled a dollop of his cream welling up from inside her onto it. She brought it to her lips with a moan, and then reached down to gather up more. He watched her, shuddering while she did it. Once she had settled down from her heights enough to walk, Devan rose and let the rest of his seed drip from her into the chamber pot in the room. When she ceased dripping, Devan crawled back into the bed with him to kiss and caress him, telling him how good his hot cum had felt spurting inside her. Devan tried to coax his cock back to life, but had little success. After a short while, she lay back and slid three fingers into her depths. He watched as she finger-fucked her pussy, rubbing her clit fast and moaning. Just before she climaxed, she looked over to see him stroking his nearly hard cock and watching her. She came with her fingers buried deep inside her, screaming her pleasure to the ceiling. She had barely spiraled down from the initial peaks when he moved in front of her. Devan pulled her fingers from inside her, and Traxen quickly replaced them with his cock. He was desensitized from his previous ejaculation, and thus could take her hard and fast. Devan screamed once, twice, and was on the verge of a third explosion when Traxen slammed into her a final time, once again filling her with his seed. He was sound asleep when Devan recovered from her orgasm this time. She climbed out of the bed, cleaned up as best she could, and then pulled back on her clothes. Walking back down to the common room, she found it nearly empty and had no difficulty seeing Lorelle sitting at a table near the bar, sipping a drink. Devan walked over and sat down heavily in a chair across from Lorelle with a long sigh. "It sounded like you had fun," Lorelle said to her with a grin. "You too," Devan replied and laughed. She signaled to one of the barmaids, who politely but firmly reminded her that the common room would close in less than a quarter hour. The pair finished their drinks and returned home feeling very good. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ They didn't open the shop the next morning, only letting in the old healer who was their best customer to replenish a few things that she needed early in the morning. Instead, they packed up what they would need for their journey, which Lorelle said would probably take about three days. Once the two women finished packing, Lorelle said, "Now I just need to find some stout man with a bright sword to guide and protect us." "Why do we need someone along? We can take care of ourselves." "Of course we can, but having some man along will discourage quite a few people who would otherwise think we’re an easy target. I'd rather not have to stop along the way to blast bandits and rapists a dozen times. We'll have to travel through a bit of woods that have a reputation for housing unsavory sorts." Devan shrugged, understanding the logic and agreeing with it. "Who, then?" "I don't know. Let's just go find someone. There are bound to be any number of unemployed caravan guards lounging about. Odds are we can find one who is new or past his prime and will take the job cheap. It's not like we need him for more than show anyhow." The two women shouldered their packs and headed out the door into town, moving toward a wagon yard where sellswords commonly lounged looking for work with the caravans. Lorelle almost immediately spotted the perfect man. He was a little past his prime, but obviously still competent. He simply had what could only be called a warrior's stance, even leaning up against the building he looked ready to spring into action. Scars showed wherever his flesh was exposed, and his face had the leathery look of one who has lived much outdoors. "He's the one." Devan was eyeing a strapping young man telling a group of other young sellswords some tale of grand adventure – half of it probably lies. She gestured toward him and asked, "What about that one?" "No, that scarred-up old warrior is perfect. The boy wouldn't be a bad choice, but he's too excitable. He would drive you crazy babbling along the way – when he wasn't buried inside you at night, that is." Lorelle had obviously guessed what Devan was thinking as she looked at him. Devan considered it for a moment. "You're right. His voice is actually starting to get on my nerves already." "So let's go gather up our stout warrior and hit the road then," Lorelle declared as she started toward him. The mercenary looked them over as they approached. It was obvious that they were dressed and packed for the road, and that meant they were potential employers. With all the young men around today – and his other little problem – he was willing to take the job, which probably wouldn't pay much. Normally, he would have refused a walking escort, preferring to ride in a wagon on caravan, but he was low on coin and needed the work. Lorelle walked up in front of him and said, "We need an escort through the woods. You look like a man of experience and valor – what would it cost us to commission your sword to protect us on our journey?" Devan kept her face impassive, but she was thinking that Lorelle was laying on the charm just a little thick. "Just the two of you, on foot I suppose? To the Southern wood?" "Yes." "Two crowns a day, plus enough in advance to fill my food kit for however many days we'll be out." Devan thought the price sounded reasonable, but knew Lorelle was aiming to spend less coin. She was thus surprised when Lorelle accepted the bargain. He looked pleasantly surprised as well, and they sealed the bargain with a handshake. "The name is Matusen," he said as they shook hands. The two women followed him to a general store and paid for him to fill his kit with enough food for four days. When the group emerged from the shop, he looked around and breathed a sigh that Devan thought had a distinct sound of relief. "If you're ready, there's no time like the present. We can be a fair distance into the woods by nightfall if we move swiftly." "Let's go then, stout warrior," Lorelle agreed, laying her hand on his scarred arm and smiling at him. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ Only a short distance outside of town, Devan thought she heard something behind her. She turned to glance back and saw a small figure approaching, perhaps four and a half feet tall. The approaching creature was all waving arms and bouncing pouches as it ran toward them. "Hey! Wait up Matusen!" Matusen turned and groaned when he saw the figure approaching. Devan echoed his groan as the figure drew nearer. It was a kampar, a member of a halfling clan that was a bane over the entire world. They were incredibly excitable, insatiably curious, and oblivious to the concept of personal property. The fountain of long hair springing from a leather thong tied at the top of the little man's head gave him away, as did the numerous pouches – likely filled with pilfered possessions – bouncing at his waist. "I thought I'd lost him," Matusen lamented as the Kampar approached. "You almost did, Matusen! I'm sorry I was gone longer than I said I would be, but some rude man accused me of being a thief! The city guard was chasing me all over the place, and it was a lot of fun, but they weren't very good. I lost them after only a few blocks." Lorelle chuckled and Matusen sighed. The Kampar seemed to notice the two women then, and thrust out his small hand toward Devan, "Hi ho! Darmok Tinkettle here. Pleased to meet you." Devan just raised her eyebrows and looked at the diminutive creature with barely masked disgust. Nonplussed, he turned to Lorelle with his proffered hand. She shook it with a little laugh. "So, where are we going, Matusen?" "Probably straight back to the wagon yard," he muttered under his breath. "We're going to the south wood, Darmok. I'm pleased to meet you as well," Lorelle offered. "I like her – she's nice. That sounds like fun. A nice spooky woods filled with bandits and trolls. Maybe there are even ghosts there! My dad met a ghost once, he was off..." The kampar launched into a rambling tale about his father and a ghost, the other three more or less ignoring him. "He started following me a few months ago, and I can't get rid of him," Matusen explained with a sigh. "That's quite alright, Matusen – he's funny. I think he'll make the trip go faster. So shall we continue?" Lorelle offered the warrior one of her bright smiles. Matusen looked surprised, but quickly recovered. "Yeah, sure, let's get going." The group started walking again, the kampar continuing his tale, which he used as a springboard for another. His chatter proved a constant stream of annoyance for Devan throughout the entire day. Lorelle actually talked to him, making remarks about his stories and laughing on occasion. She spent a lot of time talking to Matusen as well, frequently touching him as they walked. Devan tried to concentrate on the road ahead and ignore the incessant babbling of the kampar. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ The group did penetrate the woods a fair distance before the sun dipped toward the horizon. The thick canopy of oaks, maples, and walnut trees caused the light to fail even quicker as they continued on. Finding a good, level spot with a nearby stream not far off the obviously well-trodden trail, the group stopped to make camp for the night. The kampar scurried off to gather up wood, and the rest began the work of setting camp. Matusen emitted a pleased snort when Lorelle proved competent in setting up the small tent she had brought for Devan and herself. He had worried that he would have to give up his own tent in a chivalrous gesture, and upon seeing she had a tent, had guessed she probably wouldn't have a clue what to do with it until she started setting it up. The kampar returned with a stack of wood that obscured his vision and threatened to tip him over. Still, it wasn't much and would really only serve as kindling to start a real fire. The little man proved adept with his flint and tinder, and soon had a small fire burning cheerily as the light continued to dim. Matusen went off into the woods with a hatchet, returning shortly and dragging a large deadfall limb that looked well dried. He immediately chopped it up to provide them some real fuel for their fire. Lorelle picked up a few of the wood chunks Matusen had chopped and brought them to the kampar, who fed the fire and soon had it blazing to an acceptable height for light and cooking. Devan sat down, not really having any skills to provide as the others set camp, and fighting off a throbbing in her head from the kampar's never-ending story on the road. Once the fire was going well, Lorelle brought over a small tin pot and some vegetables to Devan. "It's your turn to cook," she said with a wink. Devan stood up, the throbbing in her head having finally subsided to a dull tingle that she could ignore. She dipped water from the stream and cooked vegetable soup seasoned with some spices and beef stock Lorelle also provided. Matusen sniffed the air, smelling the soup as he approached from where he had just finished chopping firewood. It was fully dark now, the light from the fire the only illumination in the camp. Outside the wood, it was probably still before sundown, but the thick vegetation blocked out that fading light within its confines. He put down the armload of wood and looked into the pot where Devan was cooking. "Vegetable soup. I thought we might have some decent food for at least tonight and tomorrow morning before we have to resort to trail fare. I have eggs and some bacon for the morning," Lorelle explained. "Smells good, and it'll be a damn sight better than hardtack and jerked beef," Matusen remarked. "Relax for a while, you've been working hard. Devan is a wonderful cook," Lorelle suggested and patted the ground near where she sat. The kampar wandered off into the woods to look for ghosts, letting a blessed quiet settle over the camp. He returned shortly thereafter, crestfallen that nothing more interesting than an owl had accosted him, and then was thankfully silent again as he ate. Lorelle edged closer to Matusen as they ate, once again touching him frequently as she discussed the next day's journey between bites of soup. When Matusen walked off into the woods to relieve himself, Devan walked over and whispered to Lorelle, "Aren't you being a little too nice?" Lorelle chuckled and said, "Watch and learn, Devan. Trust me." Devan shook her head and said, "Okay." Matusen set watch for the night, and the kampar actually proved a welcome addition to Devan in that regard. It reduced the amount of time each of them had to stay awake. Devan was given the first watch because she had never done it before, which would provide her with uninterrupted sleep. She was still fighting to stay awake when her watch at last ended and she awoke Matusen for his turn. She crawled into the tent next to Lorelle and wrapped her blankets around her, surrendering to blessed sleep. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ Devan felt Lorelle moving next to her some time later, roused slightly as the other woman crawled out of the tent. Devan moved into a slightly more comfortable position and almost immediately drifted back off to sleep, assuming Lorelle had went to answer the call of nature. Shortly thereafter, Devan half-roused again due to some sound she couldn't quite place. Peeking outside the tent, she was surprised to see Lorelle on her knees, bare breasted and with Matusen's cock in her mouth. The sound Devan had heard was Lorelle’s mouth slurping up and down the man's shaft. Matusen let out a quiet gasp as Devan watched, and from Lorelle's reaction Devan guessed that the man must be coming in her mouth. When his knees grew wobbly a moment later, it more or less confirmed Devan’s suspicions. Devan pulled her head back inside the tent and wondered what had prompted Lorelle to warm up to the scarred old warrior. He was hardly her type from what Devan had seen. Lorelle crawled back into the tent a short while later – licking her lips – and curled back up in her blankets. When Devan looked at her through sleepy eyes to ask the question in her mind, Lorelle put a finger before her lips and winked. She then curled up in her blanket to sleep. Devan just shook her head and did the same, too exhausted to care at the moment. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ The kampar awakened Lorelle for the last watch, and as it drew near a close, she started breakfast. Everyone else rose shortly thereafter as the scent of bacon filled the air in the camp. Once everyone finished eating, they set out on the road again. Darmok had eaten more than his fill, and remained relatively quiet – at least for a kampar. That of course meant that he occasionally paused for a quarter hour or so. Darmok constantly tried to engage Devan in conversation, but she pointedly ignored the creature. The only time she didn't ignore him was when she noticed him walking along close to her and found his hand in her spell component pouch. She slapped his hand away and scowled at him. "Sorry, that little funny smelling bag was trying to fall out of there. I didn't want you to drop it, so I was pushing it back in. I didn't mean to startle you, but I had to move quick to catch it before it fell," Darmok explained to her with a bright, cheery smile. Devan rolled her eyes at him and adjusted her pouch around to the front of her body. They passed a few people going through the wood in the opposite direction. The strangers were wary as they approached, but were more or less friendly as they passed upon deciding the small group was not a threat. Everyone tightly held their purses and packs when they noticed the kampar, however. The Arts Ardane 02 Lorelle carefully scanned the sides of the trail, judging the conditions right for Wyvern Tongue. It only grew under very specific conditions, and the plant that grew from the root that was the prize they sought looked like any number of other plants that shared the undergrowth of the forest with it. Around noon, Lorelle spotted something and walked off the trail to examine it more closely. She smiled and called to the rest of the group, "I found some!" Devan walked over as Lorelle dug up the plant. Lorelle pointed out the features of the plant, which looked much like a dandelion, except it had red veins running through the leaves of the plant. She carefully dug up the two plants she had found, and then explored the nearby woods for more. Darmok wandered off to look for ghosts or bandits again while Devan searched the area as well. Matusen just sat down on the trunk of a fallen tree, not really having anything to do. Lorelle found four more plants, and Devan found one before they paused to eat the noon meal. Lorelle said the location was perfect for the plants, and they could probably find all they needed in this area. It took them a few hours, but they eventually filled their sacks with the long taproots of the plants. They now had twice as much as the amount Lorelle had sold a couple of days before. Each root was carefully wrapped in cloth as soon as it was dug up, because exposure to sunlight for more than a few moments destroyed the potency of it. That and the difficulty in locating the plant was what made it so hard to find in many herbal shops. The traveling companions were about to have an evening meal of trail bread and dried beef when Darmok returned to the camp with a brace of squirrels he had brought down with a sling. Lorelle gratefully put away the trail fare and roasted squirrel on a fire instead. Once everyone finished eating and Matusen extinguished the trailside fire, the group backtracked to a more suitable location to set up camp for the night. Roasting the squirrels had extended the time they would be on the road, but all felt it was worth it. The group managed to set up camp in plenty of time before darkness settled over the woods. Matusen suggested the same watch as the night before, and once again, Devan noticed Lorelle creeping from the tent shortly after Devan returned to it. Devan was not quite as exhausted tonight as on the previous night, so she plainly heard the sound of Lorelle slurping on Matusen's manhood this time. Even though the man was completely unattractive to her, the thought that Lorelle was sucking his cock only a few feet away made Devan wet. The sounds stopped for a moment, and something new replaced them. Devan couldn't help but peek outside the tent to see what had caused the change. What she saw was Lorelle's bare bottom bobbing up and down over Matusen's legs. The new sounds was the squishing of his rod sliding into her depths, and her ass bouncing off his legs in an ever-increasing tempo. Those sounds were soon joined by quiet moans and groans from the couple. The firelight reflected off Matusen's slick member every time Lorelle rose up to impale herself on him again. Devan's hand found its way down between her legs, her sex screaming for attention and refusing to be ignored. She couldn't take her eyes off the scene before her, her fingers pulling her panties aside and slipping between her moist lips. Devan stroked two fingers into her depths, the fingers of her other hand rubbing her bud. Lorelle started to slam down harder on Matusen's cock, her sounds of pleasure growing louder. Devan's hands moved faster in pace with Lorelle's hips, and she bit her lip to trap her own sounds of pleasure. Lorelle suddenly sat bolt upright, a low moan emerging from her throat as she sat impaled on Matusen's shaft. She pinched her nipples and pulled them outward, her body shuddering. Devan's hands moved rapidly now, the growing heat of her impending orgasm swelling in her loins. It was all she could do to remain silent, her eyes still locked on the couple fucking in the firelight. Lorelle's hips bounced spastically over him a pair of times, and then she gasped, falling forward. His hands found their way to her buttocks, tightly gripping them. He thrust up into her, causing Lorelle to gasp and bite off a yelp. Matusen's hips thrust up at Lorelle fast, and Devan heard the woman release a moan that she attempted to choke off as she obviously reached another peak. Matusen's movement suddenly stopped and Devan heard him groan. Devan could almost feel his hot cum flooding her depths as his seed spurted deep into Lorelle. Devan's body stiffened and it took every ounce of her will not to cry out as her own orgasm gripped her. Devan curled up into a ball as her orgasm refused to let her go, pulling her head back inside the tent. She stroked her fingers inside her a few more times, causing her to curl up even tighter and emit a quiet, choked off yelp of pleasure. She jerked her fingers out of her depths and brought them to her mouth, sucking her wetness from them, and covered her quivering sex with her other hand as she slowly spiraled down from her peak. She had only just managed to pull her panties back into place and regain her composure when Lorelle returned to the tent. The scent of Devan's arousal hung heavily in the air, and Lorelle smiled knowingly at Devan feigning sleep. Lorelle curled up in her blankets and drifted off to sleep. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ The group packed up their camp and set out early, believing they could make it back to town before nightfall if they didn't dally. Matusen seemed to have an additional spring in his step as he walked. Unfortunately, so did Darmok. His constant chatter gave Devan a feeling as if a bee was hovering next to her ear from the moment she started walking. The kampar constantly darted off the trail, bringing back this or that interesting – to him – objects and trying to draw everyone into conversation about them. The traveling companions made good time, and Devan estimated that they were perhaps an hour away from the edge of the woods. Darmok had once again darted off the trail into the underbrush, and while Devan was glad for the brief respite in his chatter, she groaned knowing that he would trot back soon enough with a deer antler or some other piece of junk to annoy her again. "Hey everybody, wait up! I found a dark and spooky staircase leading down into the ground over here!" Devan rolled her eyes and grumbled under her breath, "Good. Go fall down the stairs." "A staircase? The Kampar has lost what little mind he had. We're in the middle of the damn woods," Matusen grumbled, shaking his head and turning to continue down the trail. "Maybe we should go take a look," Lorelle suggested. Devan and Matusen both stopped walking and turned to look at Lorelle in surprise. "It could be an old cellar or something similar. The conditions around here are perfect for Dwarf Beard fungus and a few other types of fungi we don't have in the shop. An old cellar would be the perfect place for them to grow." Devan considered for a moment and realized Lorelle was right. Finding some Dwarf Beard would provide a welcome addition to their stores. It had uses in both magic and herbal healing. "Maybe we should check it out." "I don't have any torches," Matusen offered as an excuse to continue on their way. Lorelle smiled. "We don't need them. Show us this staircase Darmok." Darmok's face sprouted a huge smile and he pointed. "It's right over here, just a little off the trail. Follow me!" The little man bounded off into the undergrowth, and the other three followed. When they reached the spot, Devan saw that there was indeed a moss-covered staircase leading down into the earth. Matusen kicked at a mossy stone nearby. "These are worked stone. There was a house or something here at some point." "A little light, Devan? Yours are always brighter and last longer than mine," Lorelle requested. Devan cast her spell, and a brightly glowing orb of light appeared in her hand. She sent it drifting down into hole, illuminating more of the stairs. Peering down, she could see the landing at the bottom and little else. "Wow, you can do magic! Do some more!" Darmok exclaimed, clapping his hands and staring at the globe of light. "How about I turn you into a toad and look for a snake?" Devan mumbled. "That sounds fun! Could you make me a purple toad with green spots? I don't think I'd like being a regular old boring toad." Devan groaned and walked down the stairs. The Kampar bounded down after her, with Matusen and Lorelle following. Once the four emerged from the staircase, they found themselves in what must have been a true basement, much more than a simple cellar. The walls, floor, and ceiling were worked stone, supported by columns. Devan saw a few pieces of collapsed and rotting wooden furniture, but other than that, the basement was empty. "Look – Dwarf Beard," Lorelle exclaimed and walked over toward a rotting desk that was covered in spots of fuzzy fungus. Once again, Matusen was lost. He sat down on the last step while the women gathered up the fungus. The excitable halfling moved all around the room, peering into cracks in the walls and under the crumbling furniture. Lorelle and Devan had just finished scraping away the fungus when they heard Darmok say, "Hey, what's this?" The sound of stone grinding on stone startled everyone, the volume of the noise and the echoes it produced in the basement causing everyone’s teeth to grind. Looking over toward the kampar, Devan saw him standing in front of a hidden door. "Wow! A secret passage!" He exclaimed and immediately darted inside. Lorelle stepped into the room after him and quietly said, "Oh my, what have we here?" She knew full well what the room was, in truth. Devan likewise immediately recognized a wizard's lab and library when she stepped through the door. The room was just large enough to contain the bookshelves, a pair of work desks, and a few chairs. These had been protected from the elements, and everything was in good condition. Matusen at least had the luxury of sitting in a chair while the women gathered up things this time. The women were constantly forced to slap away Darmok's hands as he reached for things. Darmok protested when Devan snatched something out of his hands, "I was just going to look at it! Have you ever considered being a prison guard instead of a magic user? You're really good at taking all the fun out of life, and that seems to be what prison guards are best at." "I might consider being a kampar hunter," Devan growled under her breath. "You could accidentally release magic from something, Darmok, and we have no idea yet what some of these things might do," Lorelle tried to explain. The warning hardly discouraged Darmok. He stood up on his tiptoes and bounced on them. “Wow! That sounds like real fun!" "You could accidentally set yourself on fire, or melt all the flesh off your bones," Devan warned, trying to frighten the halfling. The Kampar cried out, "Oh, wow!" Running over to Devan he said, "I bet I would make a really scary skeleton. I could hide out in graveyards and jump out from behind tombstones and make scary noises. Better yet, I could go to jails and scare the pants off of prison guards. Do you really think I might turn into a skeleton?" Devan rolled her eyes, groaned, and turned away from the kampar. She then held up something she had found to show Lorelle. "Recognize this?" Lorelle laughed in delight. "A Rift Window! I was worried we would have to come back here and get all this, but we can send it right back to the house with that." "We can probably get some real food from the house too, before the magic burns out. It has to be getting dark. We'll probably have to camp again for the night," Devan suggested. "Good idea. Let's get all this into a pile on that work desk so we can get it through quickly." ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ Once Devan and Lorelle deposited all the things from the room into their home with the magic item's power, they used it to acquire food from the pantry as well. The meal of ham and vegetable soup made for a much more cheery camp that night, and Lorelle would have bacon and eggs to cook again in the morning. Once again, they set the same watch, and once again, Devan could not help but peek out when she heard Lorelle and Matusen coupling in the night. This time, Lorelle stood bent over with her hands braced on a tree, and Matusen pounding her hard from behind. Devan's fingers brought her to climax as Matusen grunted and emptied his seed into Lorelle, a repeat of the previous night. After breakfast the next morning, the group broke camp and started down the trail. It wouldn't take them very long to exit the woods from where they were, and they would soon reach home. Devan saw Darmok fiddling with something and immediately recognized it as a magical wand. She walked up and confronted him, reaching for the wand. "Where did you get that?" Darmok snatched the wand away from her grasp just in time and told her, "Back where we found all those books. It's pretty isn't it?" "Let me see that," Devan ordered and reached out toward the wand. A tiny spark of electricity shot from the wand and zapped Devan's hand. She snatched it back with an exclamation and scowled at the kampar. "I didn't do it!" Lorelle looked at the wand. "It must have bonded to him. I've never heard of any magic item bonding to a kampar – or any halfling – but there's no other explanation. I guess it's his now, though it won't be much more than a curiosity without the command word." Darmok asked, "Command word?" "A special word that makes the wand work. They are all different, and unless you know the right word, it won't do much." "Oh, I could guess! This will be fun!" Devan and Matusen both simultaneously groaned and started walking down the trail again. Darmok pointed the wand at helpless trees and bushes, saying random words and phrases all the way. "Abracadabra! I heard a magician say that at a fair once. Humph, doesn't work." "Alakazam!" "Poof!" "Make magic!" Devan tried to ignore the constant stream of words, knowing it was as about as likely lightning striking you for the kampar to guess the right word. That was certainly a comforting thought, because it was obvious in Devan's second sight that the item possessed great power. The thought of that much magic power with a kampar commanding it was enough to make any person's stomach knot up in fear. The two women started when Matusen and Darmok both pulled up short a few minutes later, the kampar immediately going silent. The annoying creature's silence served to give Devan a feeling of foreboding. Matusen moved over and whispered, "Something is out there. It wasn't anything natural. Something out there is flanking us." Devan and Lorelle reached into their spell component bags, preparing to hurl magic at any foes that might appear. Matusen suddenly looked around, and the women heard sounds out in the woods as well. Matusen sniffed the air and cursed, "Shit! Goblins – lots of them. We've got to run." He punctuated the statement by pushing the two women down the trail. Devan ran, and heard the sounds behind her increase. When Devan glanced over her shoulder, she saw dozens of the ugly goblins boiling out of the woods, running toward them. There was no time to cast any spells to try to slow them down. The only hope the traveling companions had lay in escape, or finding a place that they could defend that would keep too many of the monsters from reaching them at once. "Hey, you wood troll's butt warts! Over here!" Darmok's voice erupted from the trail behind them. A few of the creatures turned toward the voice and snarled. "That's right, I'm talking to you. Is that your face, or are you walking on your hands, butthead? It's hard to tell when your breath smells just like your ass!" More of the creatures skidded to a halt, and the rest slowed to look around, searching for Darmok, who was hidden somewhere off the trail. Matusen screamed, "There!" Devan turned to see him pointing at a spot where deadfalls and a few boulders made a natural barrier. She hurried into it, the goblins that had not stopped to look for Darmok fast approaching. Darmok continued to shout insults at the goblins. "I've seen better looking heads on an ogre's nut warts! They were probably smarter too!" The other three vaulted quickly into the tangle. Matusen stood ready to defend against the approaching goblins while Devan and Lorelle cast their spells. "Hey you! I think I've met your mother! She oinks a lot, but she still smells better than you!" Lorelle completed her spell and magical missiles felled one of the approaching goblins. The monsters all dived for cover then, frightened by the use of magic. Devan's lightning bolt, which almost immediately followed the missiles, sent three more goblins to the ground. That display of power completely panicked the monsters. The goblins all ceased advancing, and many turned to run the other way. "Horse dung is smarter than all of you put together! I bet... Uh oh." Darmok's voice rang out, the last preceded by a sharp crack. Darmok appeared then, hanging precariously from a limb as the one he had stood on previously dropped to the ground. He scrambled to climb up on the limb, the goblins growling and moving toward him. Devan didn't really like Darmok, but she hated goblins. She started to cast her lightning bolt again, and heard Lorelle chanting as well. Darmok managed to get back up and perch on the limb from which he had been dangling. The goblins reached the base of the tree and starting to climb. "Uh oh," Darmok said again. He looked around, but didn’t see any way he could climb higher or jump to another tree. He pulled out the wand, pointed it down toward the goblins, and screamed, "Work!" Both Devan and Lorelle's spells were ruined when the roar of flame coming from the wand startled them. The goblins climbing the tree dropped to the ground as burnt husks, trailing smoke. The little kampar laughed and aimed the wand at another group of the monsters. "Work!" He hollered with glee. Bright balls of magic leapt from the wand and streaked toward the monsters. These exploded in bright flashes of light, dropping at least a dozen goblins to the ground – many of them in several pieces. The three in the tangle watched in open-mouthed awe as Darmok continued to aim his wand and shout, "Work!" The wand discharged a myriad of magical attacks. Everywhere goblins were falling, or running for their lives back into the woods. Once all the goblins had fled, Matusen and the two women emerged from the tangle to see Darmok dropping down out of the tree with a wide smile on his face. "I should have a better name, since I'm a great and powerful wizard now. How about Darmok the Magnificent? Darmok the Amazing?" Devan shook her head. "Gods save us all – a kampar with a powerful magic wand. The world as we know it is going to fall apart." Matusen covered his nose. "Let's just get out of here. Goblins smell bad enough when they're alive. I never thought anything could smell worse, but burnt goblin is exactly that." Darmok put away his wand. "I should really find a nice wizard robe. A great and powerful wizard should have a robe." The other three all shook their heads and turned to follow the trail out of the woods. Darmok mused about being a wizard and skipped merrily all the way. The Arts Ardane 02 ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ The remainder of the trip was uneventful, and the group soon walked into town. Darmok wandered off, again talking about acquiring a wizard's robe. Devan and Lorelle walked back to the wagon yard with Matusen. A man selling cherry tarts from a cart nearby caught Devan's eye, and she stopped to purchase one while Lorelle continued on to the wagon yard with Matusen. When Devan finished her tart and walked into the wagon yard, she saw Matusen climbing onto a wagon and Lorelle waving to him. Lorelle blew him a kiss as the wagon started moving out of the yard. She turned and saw Devan, and then walked toward her with a wide smile. "I got away with one crown per day, and a promise to bring us back some good wine. I recommended him to that caravan that's heading toward some good wine country," Lorelle said when she reached Devan. "I wondered what all the flirting was about." Lorelle's face broke into a sly smile. "And the fucking?" Devan actually blushed, something she had not done in many months. Lorelle laughed. "You've picked up on one of life's cold hard facts. Love is a lie. The only good thing that comes from it is the sex, so you may as well skip to the good part." Devan chuckled, agreeing with Lorelle wholeheartedly. "Here's another lesson. The reason you can't get into the schools is because you're a woman. Men rule this world, Devan, and they only look at you as a brood mare and a servant because you're a woman. They'll ride you and expect you to make them something to eat afterwards, if you let them. Men do have their own ruler though, and it lives between their legs. "Once that thing gets hard, all the blood in their heads drains into it, and they think with their cocks. These...” Lorelle cupped her breasts. "And this..." She continued while laying her hand over her loins. "They are your tools and your weapons to make men do what you want. They're good for more than just pleasure. In fact, I'd say this is more important than a few minutes of orgasm." Devan considered her words, understanding the logic. "All of that just to save a few crowns, though?" Lorelle laughed. "Well, that's how it started out. Once I got a good look at that hard dick under his trousers, it was a lot of the other, too. In the dark, I couldn't see the scars much, and he sure knew how to use that big cock. I'll probably let him ride me a few more times and keep him wrapped around my little finger." Lorelle gestured and Devan followed her back toward the house. The two talked about what they were going to do with the haul of books and other items from the basement in the woods as they walked. A short walk from home, they passed near one of the magic schools. It was the one where Devan had overheard someone talking about her as unfit for magic because of nothing more than her gender. It reminded her of what Lorelle had just said. Devan's brow furrowed as she thought about it. "I think I understand what you were talking about with men," she said with a growl. Lorelle laughed. "Good. You're a smart girl, and good with magic. If you learn to use that body, you'll be able to go far in this world." "Hey, where's Matusen?" Devan and Lorelle both groaned when they heard Darmok's voice behind them. They turned and had to suppress a laugh when they saw him. He had purloined a woman's summer dress from somewhere, and had modified it with pins into a faded yellow approximation of a wizard's robe – with a very low neckline. "Matusen got a job with a caravan. He had to leave with them immediately," Lorelle informed the halfling. "That's too bad. I wanted to say goodbye to him. Say, you wouldn't know where a good place is for me to begin my new life as a great and powerful wizard, would you?" A mischievous smile – bordering on evil – spread across Devan's face. "That magic school there could probably use some instruction from a great and powerful wizard," she replied, pointing toward the school. "Why, thank you. Come by there any time if you want me to teach you a thing or two about magic. I should get going – I'm sure they're expecting me." Darmok skipped away toward the school, and Lorelle leaned in to whisper to Devan, "That was pure evil – I like it." Both women laughed and watched as Darmok approached the place. "Hi ho! Darmok Tinke... Err... Darmok the Incredible here! I've come to teach you all about magic. I'm a great and powerful wizard, you know." "A thieving kampar! Quick – get rid of it!" One of the wizards at the entrance of the building exclaimed. Darmok stammered, "T-t-t-thief! I'll show you lot! Tremble before the might of Darmok the Incredible – you sons of a goat's dingleberries!" Another wizard joined the one in the doorway, both laughing at Darmok as he pulled his wand from inside his robe with a flourish. One of the wizards worked his hands in spell casting gestures, preparing a spell that would teleport the little man far away. Darmok raised the wand and said, in a loud voice, "Work!" Nothing happened – at least nothing that anyone could see with his or her eyes. What happened was that the protective wards on the building, and every magic item the wizards had on their person immediately lost all magical power. Devan and Lorelle could both sense it, and the wizards in the school could as well. Darmok looked at the wand. "Huh. Must have been holding it wrong. Let me try that again. WORK!" Great gusts of wind issued from the wand, blowing the wizards off balance and back into the building. Shouts erupted from inside, dominant amongst them the word thief, whenever someone saw Darmok for the first time. The kampar fumed in indignation at so many minor wizards daring to call him a thief. He walked into the school, wand upraised, determined to teach these rude wizards a lesson. Devan and Lorelle both laughed as sounds of screaming erupted from within the building. Every so often, the sounds of explosions and crackles of magical power punctuated the cries of alarm. Occasionally, Devan heard Darmok shouting the command word of his wand. Still laughing, she and Lorelle went home to clean up. They then dressed and prepared for another night of celebration at the Bright Blade. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ According to rumor, Darmok had simply vanished in a flash of light, sparing more damage to the school, which was now in need of extensive repairs. Devan and Lorelle had celebrated at the Bright Blade, both bedding a handsome merchant before returning home. It took forever to catch up on the weeding, and even two weeks later the two women had barely made a dent in cataloguing the books and items they had taken from the basement in the woods. A few of the items were already selling, wizards recommended by the first who had purchased the Wyvern Tongue already showing up in the shop. Devan hovered over the bed on her hands and knees, furiously rubbing her clit while a middle-aged man humped her from behind. He wasn't very big, and was hardly imaginative, but he certainly had one thing going for him – he was an assistant to the Master of the magic school Darmok had not cast into chaos. He had promised to arrange an audience the next day after Devan had charmed him for a week. She had slowly built things up, letting him look and touch a little, but only offering up the prize once he had made the promise. It was more the thought of getting into the school that stoked Devan's fires than his cock thrusting into her. Devan exploded into orgasm with a scream a few moments later. The clenching of her walls was too much for the man, and he pulled free of her with a loud grunt, stroking his cock and spurting ropes of cum onto her back and bottom. Devan moaned and slipped her fingers inside her to keep her orgasm going as he collapsed to the bed next to her. She kept her body spiking to new peaks for a minute or so before letting her fires die down. Once she recovered, she looked over and saw the man was sound asleep – even starting to snore. Devan slipped out of the bed, cleaned off her back, and then set out her finest wizard's robe for her meeting the next day. Finally, she slipped back into bed next to the spent and snoring man. Tomorrow was going to be a good day. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ I hope you've enjoyed this tale, and that you'll take a moment to vote/comment. That's the bread and butter of a free author. :: Shakes his tin cup :: The Arts Ardane 03 The Arts Ardane: Teacher's Pet AUTHOR'S NOTES: This story is erotic fantasy, set in a world of magic. This tale takes place many years before Danica/SOTM, when Danica was still a teenager and her sister Devan had just reached her majority. This story centers on Devan, who makes only rare appearances for quite some time in the core tale, most of which are just references. This tale continues the molding of Devan from a naive farm girl into the woman she is "today". These tales tell of important turning points in the sisters' lives, and will emerge as inspiration strikes me with respect to one of those turning points. My world makes use of "modern" measures, which just might distract some people who regularly read fantasy. I hope it doesn't detract too much from the story for the readers, but my world simply refuses to change its stripes, and those are the common measures of the time in my world. I hope you enjoy this foray into the past of the sisters Ardane. © Copyright Darkniciad 2007 ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ Devan took a moment to wipe sweat from her brow and brush aside a strand of red hair that had strayed in front of her face. Taking a deep breath, she glanced around the room to relax her eyes, after staring at her worktable for several minutes to mix the ingredients of the fire-breathing potion. Although she found potion making tedious and felt it was a distraction from learning real magic, she knew that she had little choice but to follow the curriculum of the school. Deep down, she understood the necessity of the study and how it would prove useful to her in time. The rigid instruction of the school was the price she had to pay in order to learn the advanced magic available here. Taking another deep breath, she tried to chase away the edges of exhaustion still plaguing her. She should have completed this potion yesterday, but instead, she'd chosen to put it off in favor of finding some intimate companionship with a merchant passing through the town. Now she had just enough time to finish the potion before presenting it to her instructor at the start of his class. Picking up the vial containing the final ingredient, she poised it over the bottle to add the two drops that would complete the potion. As soon as she tipped the vial, she knew something was wrong. A drop fell before the liquid reached the lip of the vial. Stifling a curse, she tipped the vial back upright – too late. The bottle erupted in a hellish conflagration, obscuring Devan's vision and forcing her backwards into the wall of her room. As the flames died down, the twinkling light within a ring on her finger caught her eye. She'd only put on the ring of fire shielding because she liked how it looked. That bit of vanity had saved her from burns that would have penetrated the spell of fire shielding she'd prudently cast around her. Unfortunately, her room didn't have the same protections. The table smoldered, and her bed was in flames. Quickly speaking the words of a spell, Devan smothered the fires with blasts of ice-cold mists. Opening her hand, Devan examined the vial she still held. With the illusion now broken by the magical firestorm, she could see the carefully masked hole in the vial. "Aristel," she growled. One of her chief rivals in the school, he also had access to the storage cabinets each student used, due to his position as the instructor's assistant. Just as she knew who had caused the accident, she also knew why. She'd mastered the chain lightning spell before him, and he hadn't even attempted to mask the hatred on his face. Likewise, she knew she would never be able to prove his guilt in this, his most dangerous retribution so far. Even though he had access to the cabinets, so did many others. The hole could also be explained away as an imperfection in the glass that she had overlooked. Walking over to the table, she put down the vial on the scarred surface. The finish was ruined, but the table was otherwise undamaged. The bed, however, was a complete loss. She would have to replace that with her own funds. The sound of laughter prompted her to turn toward her door. She wasn't surprised to see two of Aristel's bootlickers walking down the hall outside. He wouldn't allow anyone to see him in the aftermath of his revenge, but he wanted witnesses. When Devan narrowed her eyes and took a step toward the door, the two young men's mirth immediately faded, and they increased their pace. By the time Devan stepped out into the hall, the mocking apprentices were already turning a corner at a speed just below a jog. She considered chasing them down and confronting them, but let out an irritated sigh and decided it wasn't worth her time. "What happened, Devan?" Devan turned at the sound of the familiar voice to see Mistress Lauren approaching from down the hall. A new instructor, recently arrived, Lauren was the only female on the staff of the school. She was also one of the few who understood – or cared about – the trials Devan endured as the only female student of the school. "The bastards drilled a hole in my vial and my fire breathing potion blew up in my face. They masked it with an illusion, and I should have noticed it," Devan answered. "It's fortunate that you're wearing the ring I gave you, then," Lauren remarked, nodding toward the band on Devan's finger. Devan nodded. "I've got to replace the bed, though. This isn't some harmless prank. If I hadn't been wearing this ring..." "We'll talk about it later. I'm afraid that a summons is about to sound." As if on cue, the magical chime echoed throughout the school. This chime ordered every teacher and student to the central courtyard. Devan had never heard it used in earnest, and it didn't bode well. Smiling, Lauren said, "I'll walk with you, and brush out your hair before we walk out into the courtyard. It's a bit of a fright." Devan shrugged and said, "I'm not all that worried about it right now." "I am. There are only two of us here, Devan. We always need to make an impression. Besides, you have such beautiful hair. It's a shame for it to look all frumpy." Devan nodded her acceptance and sighed. Lauren then took Devan's hand and led her down the hall toward the courtyard. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ "She looked like she was about to explode, too," one of the young men informed Aristel. "Good. Too bad she didn't singe all her hair off," Aristel grumbled under his breath. "I don't know. I think this is going too far, Aristel," one of the young wizards said with obvious caution in his voice. Turning on his toady, Aristel fixed him with a hateful stare and said, "Are you going soft on me, Willard? If you breathe a word of this, I'll make sure..." Holding up his hands defensively, Willard quickly responded, "No. I won't say a word, I promise." "You'd better not. If I get caught in this, they'll start looking at other things. You'll all go down with me. I promise you that." Quick promises to maintain their confidence from Aristel's court of hangers-on were cut off by the sound of the summons to the courtyard. Letting out a little chuckle, Aristel waved and said, "Let's all go pretend to be surprised." ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ The Master of the school waited a few moments to give any stragglers time to reach the courtyard, and then ascended the dais at the head of the space to address the students and staff. "As you may or may not have heard, there has been a recent rash of theft within the town and surrounding area. All of the stolen goods are magical in nature, and the thief leaves no trace of his or her presence. Magical wards of all sorts have proven no more effective than common locks to prevent this thief from reaching his goal. "What you likely do not know is that this school now stands in suspicion of those crimes. I have been informed by the mayor of Destindale that accusations against us have surfaced, and are deemed credible by the city council. While I truly believe that none here are guilty of these crimes, I have chosen to assist in proving that to the city council." "He doesn't know some of his students very well," Devan muttered under her breath, staring daggers into the back of Aristel's head. Without even turning her head, or appearing to move her lips, Lauren admonished, "Now is not the time. You'll have your opportunity to expose him for what he is." Still fuming, but understanding the logic of remaining silent in light of the gravity of what she was hearing, Devan pushed her anger down. Raising his hands to call for silence, the Master of the school continued as soon as the murmurs from the crowd died down. "Therefore, I am closing this campus. I and two trusted Masters will attain necessities from outside the school. Everyone else is to remain on grounds, and not leave under any circumstances. Everything – and everyone – going in or out of this school will now be carefully inspected. Even as I speak, wards are being established to prevent teleportation, illusion, and any other such magic which might allow someone to enter or leave without detection. Once we have proven that none here is involved in these thefts, we will resume normal operations." Devan let out a frustrated sigh. She'd purposely avoided engaging any of the other students sexually, and had not done so with any of the staff since using her body to gain an audience with the Master in order to enter the school as a student. Now, she would have either to amend that personal rule, or suffer without any sexual satisfaction. In truth, virtually none within the walls struck her fancy, which only made the revelation all the more annoying. "We will need at least this day and night to lay in the necessary supplies to self-sustain within the campus. Until that time, no personal requests will be honored. Additional information is provided in documents which each of you shall find in your rooms upon your return. I trust this necessity will not last long, but it will be strictly enforced so long as necessary." With that, the Master stepped down from the dais. "Come, Devan," Lauren instructed. "What am I supposed to do now? My bed is a burnt up husk. Something tells me that they aren't going to consider that a necessity right now," Devan grumbled as she followed Lauren out of the courtyard. "You are correct. I do have a solution, however, if you are willing to share my quarters?" Lauren turned to Devan with a smile. "You have an extra bed?" Lauren chuckled. "No, but my bed is far larger than those provided to the students. I transported my own when I arrived here. It should be large enough for us to share until you can move back into your quarters. We could discuss magic and your troubles with Aristel more frequently, as well. I also have a bath – a real one that you can stretch out and relax in." "That's a hard offer to refuse," Devan admitted. "Then don't." "Thank you, Mistress Lauren." Reaching the door to her quarters, Lauren opened it and said, "I leave Mistress hanging on the door in my private quarters. Here, I am simply Lauren." Reaching inside to a table, she retrieved a key and handed it to Devan. "Until you can return to your own quarters, consider mine home. Go fetch what you need from your room, and then we'll work on completing your fire breathing potion before Master Clurent calls you to class again." Devan accepted the key and said, "I'll be back in a minute. I'll just throw enough things in a bag to get through the night and worry about the rest later. I want to finish that potion so I can actually work on something worthwhile." "I'll have everything ready when you return," Lauren said as she walked into her room. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ "There. Finished with nary an explosion," Lauren said as she sat back in her chair. "Thanks for the help. I'd have needed three hands to finish this so quickly." "It is my pleasure. Why don't you take advantage of my bath? I should say that you've earned it – and you still smell a bit of smoke." Lauren's crooked grin indicated that the last was as much jest as truth. Letting out a little laugh, Devan said, "I think I will. I haven't had a real bath in a long time." "I believe I'll turn in and read for a while. I haven't taken much opportunity to relax of late, either." Seeing Devan walking toward a bucket, Lauren laughed and said, "No need for that. I only keep the bucket for carrying vegetables from the market. The tub is powered by magic. You only need to touch the red and blue rune marks to fill the tub with water of whatever temperature you desire." "You'll have to show me how you made it. I'm going to have one of my own some day, when I've made a place for myself." Lauren scoffed and said, "Such is not my area of expertise. This was a gift. I will be glad to tell you her name, however." "That's even better," Devan said and laughed. It took only a few seconds of experimentation to discern the workings of the tub, and Devan soon had it filled with steaming water. Turning back to her host, Devan saw Lauren turning down her bed after preparing a glass of water and a bowl of fruit on the bedside table. Reaching for the ties of her robe, Devan had to fight down a moment of self-consciousness. Inwardly, she chuckled at the absurdity of her feelings. If Lauren were a man, she wouldn't have even thought twice before removing her robe. She knew that her body had a power over men, and thus felt no hesitation in letting one see her unclad. Alone with a woman, however, she didn't feel the sense of power and succumbed to the natural feelings of awkwardness instilled in her by her conservative upbringing. Finding the whole thing ridiculous, Devan fought through the feeling and removed her robe. Letting it pool to the floor, she then stepped out of her panties and stretched out the kinks in her muscles before ascending the two short steps to enter the tub. Across the room, Lauren drank in the sight of Devan's body. From the moment she'd arrived here at the school to teach, she'd sought to find a way to discern whether the redhead harbored any attraction for members of her own sex. She well knew Devan's hunger for men, and wondered if she might have an equal appetite for a woman. Now, she felt she had the opportunity to look for those signs, and perhaps nurture them. Beneath her robe, Lauren's nipples stiffened to pebble-hard points. Between her legs, an aching tingle assaulted her. The momentary glimpses of Devan's full, firm breasts and the fine view of the redhead's heart-shaped bottom stoked Lauren's passions to a roaring flame. When Devan bent at the top of the stairs to test the water once more – revealing her sex trimmed in short red curls in silhouette against a light beyond the tub – Lauren could not suppress a slight shiver of desire or the need to touch her own tingling sex. As Devan sank into the water with a content sigh, Lauren untied her robe. As she let it fall to the floor, she said, "I know it isn't easy being a woman and using magic. I experienced much of what you are enduring when I was a young woman studying the Art. I believe you have the strength of character and skill to succeed, however." She dropped her panties to the floor as she finished. Looking up as the older brunette spoke; Devan couldn't help but notice the woman's body. Though Devan knew Lauren was at least forty years old, she hardly looked it. Her perky breasts still rode high and firm, with the tips sticking out – from the sudden shock of the cooler air, Devan assumed. When Lauren dropped her panties and reached into a drawer for nightclothes, Devan's eyes were drawn to the brunette's smooth-shaven sex. The sight was somewhat disconcerting, and yet somehow intriguing. Devan absently wondered how she might look with the carefully manicured curls removed from her own mound. It was only when Lauren turned back with her nightgown that Devan realized she was staring and hadn't responded. "I know I can do it. I'm better than half of the other students already." Her first test having yielded a positive sign, Lauren smiled and pulled on her nightdress. The thin material did little to hide the evidence of her erect nipples. "That's the spirit. You have to have more confidence and skill than most to manage in such a male-dominated world." Propping up a pillow against the headboard on one side of the bed, Lauren slipped beneath the covers and picked up a book. Putting on a pair of glasses, she said, "Just touch the silver rune when you're finished, it will drain the tub. You can stay up as late as you wish. I'm capable of sleeping through a calamity, let alone a guest." "I'll probably just go to bed. I have a test in targeted spell casting tomorrow," Devan responded as she wet her hair. "A wise decision. Enjoy your bath." Though appearing to read her book, Lauren actually watched each and every moment of Devan's bath, relying upon the enchantment of the glasses to mask her actions. As the magical glasses hid her eyes, so too did the mundane bed coverings and the bend of her legs hide her hand as it crept between her legs to massage her folds. She knew that she would push the boundaries even more in the days to come. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ In a hissed whisper, Aristel urged, "Hurry up." "We're going to get caught. We should just wait until the Master lifts the restrictions," one of the other apprentices suggested as he oiled the hinges of the old cellar exit. "I'm not waiting," Aristel replied. "We're not going to get caught. Nobody even remembers that this is here. The wards won't prevent us from using invisibility once we're outside in the bushes, and you can't see anything through them. Now stop acting like a woman." "Fine, you go then. I'm not risking it," the other apprentice whispered. "Me either, it isn't worth it." "Go back to your beds then. Perhaps the Master will come tuck you in like the little girls that you are." Pushing upward on the cellar entrance, Aristel found that it made only a momentary squeak. Raising and lowering the door several times after the initial push confirmed that the oil had worked to silence the rusty hinges. Turning back to the other two young men, he said, "Don't forget to sweep away our tracks with a cantrip and put the boards back in place under my bed. If I get caught because of you two idiots, I'll make sure that you go down with me." With that, Aristel climbed up out of the cellar and closed the door behind him. A few whispered words later, he crept through the night under the cover of an invisibility spell. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ Word quickly circulated through the school the next morning that another theft had occurred in the night. "So, do you think that the Master will let us out now?" Lauren shook her head as she combed her hair. "No, I'm afraid it will take more than a single obvious example to convince those who accuse us." Devan didn't suppress her exasperated sigh. "Wonderful." "I know it's frustrating, but perhaps something positive can come of this unfortunate confinement," Lauren offered, hoping that something very positive might occur between her and the beautiful redhead. "I'm not going to hold my breath," Devan muttered as she pulled out a clean robe and panties from the bag she'd brought from her chambers. "Your nightgown is rather daring," Lauren couldn't help but say, loving the way the thin material hugged Devan's buttocks and breasts. Now feeling at ease with Lauren, Devan twitched her eyebrows and struck an outrageous pose. "The boys like it, when they get to see it." Lauren laughed and said, "Ah, to be young again." "You're hardly a crone," Devan said in an offhand way as she pulled off the nightgown. "You're only as old as you feel, and I've seen more than one man watching you as you walk down the halls." The Arts Ardane 03 "Oh, I know. Some of the lusty glances I've noticed are rather distracting. There are several handsome young men studying here. Have any caught your eye?" Devan smiled as she pulled on her panties. "I decided I'm not going to get involved with anyone studying here." What about someone teaching here? Lauren silently wondered. "A wise decision, and exactly why I make a point not to encourage those glances, no matter how flattering. It has made for some rather interesting dreams, however." "Well, dreams don't count," Devan said and punctuated it with a chuckle. She then sighed and said, "That may be all that I have for a while." Not if I have anything to say about it. Checking her hair one last time in the mirror, Lauren then said, "I'll see you this evening when I've finished with my classes." Devan nodded as she finished tying her robe. Lauren left for her classroom while Devan fixed her hair in preparation for her test. Even though the test would be outside in the courtyard, and her hair would likely be a mess by the time it was over, she had no intention of letting it start that way. As soon as her red locks were in place, Devan picked up her sack of spell components and made her way to the courtyard. A few of her fellow students were already present, but the largest group was arriving at the same time as Devan. As soon as the stragglers arrived in the courtyard, the instructor in offensive magic ascended the dais to begin the test. Student after student took their turn, most performing well, but none hitting every target in the timed test. Devan watched Aristel and his two hangers-on as much as her fellow apprentices hurling their spells. The three young men leaned in close, whispering and frequently glancing around to ensure nobody was listening. Glancing about as well, Devan inconspicuously touched an earring she wore – a gift from a lover – activating its enchantment. She let out a little snort of frustration when some ward around the three young men prevented her eavesdropping magic from working. She noticed that Aristel looked weary, as though he had not slept well. Devan's lips curled up into a smile. If her nemesis was tired, he might not have an easy time with today's test. Well-rested and confident in her ability, she believed that she might just have an opportunity to show up the arrogant wizard today as a measure of revenge for his vial-swapping trick. When Aristel's turn arrived, Devan thought at first that she had somehow misread the young man, as he hit every target with skill and speed. Hope surged within her when his final magical missile missed the target, just grazing the edge. While no other student had managed to even touch the difficult target, which required the caster to guide his or her missile in flight through a series of obstacles, Aristel's miss was still unusual. Devan's call came last, of course. This instructor shared the view of Aristel and many others in the school – women had no place studying the Art. He always made a point to call her first or last, to ensure that any mistakes she made stood out. Much to his chagrin, she usually disappointed him. He wore just the faintest hints of a smug smile today, as she had yet to succeed in hitting the final two targets in this test previously. Devan took her place wearing an equally smug smile. She had been practicing – frequently – and had rarely missed a target in the last few weeks. The words of her spells tumbled from her lips in strong, confident tones. Her gestures were flawless, and performed with the grace of a dancer. Each of her missiles struck the target dead center, and she had extra time remaining to take care with her final two difficult shots. She ignored the chance to take a breath and launched into her spell immediately. Her next missile also struck the target in a cascade of sparks at the bulls-eye. Once again disregarding the time available to her, Devan launched her next missile. Concentrating, she guided the mystic bolt through the obstacles, striking the target. The shot was a little off-center of the bulls-eye, but easily as close as any strike Aristel had ever made. Surprised – and in some cases reluctant – applause rose up from the gathered students. Devan nodded to her fellow apprentices, and then took a bow, ensuring that she made eye contact with both her instructor and Aristel as she did. Aristel's face was red with rage, and Devan could see the veins standing out in his neck even from across the courtyard. Oh, this is better than an orgasm, Devan thought as she swept the hem of her robe in a flourish while walking back toward the doorway into the school. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ "Well done, Devan," Lauren whispered as she watched the redhead stride confidently back into the school. Turning away from the window, she crossed the room to her assistant. When she reached him, she said, "I have some private business to attend to this evening, so you will need to take over the last half of my final class." "Of course, Mistress," he acknowledged with a nod of his head. Lauren returned to her place at the head of the class, finding it difficult to concentrate in the face of the private business she had planned for this evening. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ Devan returned to Lauren's room after her final class in a fine mood. She carried with her a scroll scribed with a new, powerful offensive spell – her reward for her performance in the test. Though excited by the prospect of studying the spell, that feeling was overshadowed by the state of arousal she always experienced whenever she proved her abilities as she had in the courtyard at the start of the day. She had little doubt that her panties would require extra scrubbing due to her almost constant state of arousal since her magical missile struck the final target. Normally, she would have dropped the spell scroll in her room and immediately sought out a merchant or other handsome man in the town to fulfill her sexual needs. Because of the order to remain in the school, this was impossible. Knowing that Lauren's final class lasted over an hour after hers, Devan planned to do something she had not found the need to do in some time – pleasure herself. She had contained her needs all day, and she could no longer ignore them. Opening the door, Devan was surprised and slightly irritated to find Lauren already in the room taking a bath. "Welcome back. I decided to skip my final class today and treat myself to a leisurely bath. I just need to shave, and then you can have the tub if you wish." Managing to contain her irritation caused by sexual frustration, Devan responded, "Take your time. It's your tub, after all." Hearing a slosh as she sat down her scroll and bag, Devan glanced over to see Lauren lifting one shapely leg from the water to shave it with quick, practiced strokes. Devan had to wonder if Lauren knew some magic that reversed the ravages of age, because the woman's legs were as toned and smooth as her own. The second leg followed as Devan carefully stored some of her spell components that required special care. She couldn't help but look toward the tub on occasion, both fascinated and intrigued by the secrets that kept Lauren looking young. A stronger slosh of water caused Devan to turn toward the tub. Lauren stood up from the water and brought the razor to her mound. Though she couldn't see any from her vantage point, Devan assumed that the brunette was removing nearly invisible stubble. Lauren's pink folds just peeked from beneath her labia, catching Devan's eye. Like he rest of her body, Lauren's sex looked fresh and young. Feeling a tingle between her own legs caused Devan to feel uncomfortable. She pointedly averted her eyes and said, "I don't think I could shave down there. I get nervous enough when I get close while shaving my legs." "It's no different than that," Lauren argued as she parted her legs and manipulated her labia. "You just take your time at first, and it becomes second nature. I've fallen in love with the feeling ever since I was introduced to it. I just feel cleaner." She paused and looked around as though seeking eavesdroppers before continuing. "And the men absolutely devour it." The irreverent tone reminded Devan of her friend and former employer in the city, Lorelle. "The look – or it?" "Both," Lauren replied, and then laughed. She ran her fingers over her once again baby-smooth labia, parting them slightly in the process to reveal the pink folds beneath. "Much better." She then sank down into the water once more to rinse before standing up to exit the bath. Devan suddenly felt very self-conscious as the older woman stepped from the bath, droplets of water running down her skin. Larger drops hung from her stiff nipples for a moment, before falling against her taut tummy to run down to her sex. "You should try it, at least around the lips. If you've ever had a hair caught in your teeth, then you know how much of a treat it is for a lover not to worry about it." "I'll think about it," Devan responded without much conviction. Even as she said it, however, the thought did appeal to her in a way. She knew she would never shave completely bare, but she couldn't help but feel curious about how a man would react and how it would feel. "Feel free to use my razor. It's enchanted and will never lose its edge." "That I'll probably do. Mine is getting dull, and I can't even get a new one right now. My legs will end up looking like I ran through a briar patch," Devan said and rolled her eyes. "Well, we can't have that happening to such lovely legs. As I said, feel free. I'm going to relax and read something for pleasure tonight." Lauren smiled at Devan when the redhead nodded. She also had not failed to notice the slight flush in Devan's cheeks at various points during the conversation. Though she slipped into the bed with her book, she wanted nothing more than to cast caution to the wind and slip in next to Devan instead. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ Devan awoke, tingling all over. Opening one eye just a sliver, she glanced over to see Lauren still asleep and almost breathed a sigh of relief. Sliding carefully out of the bed, she pulled on her robe over her nightgown and crept toward the door. The well-oiled hinges of the portal made no sound as she opened the door. Leaning up against the jamb, Devan had no idea where she was going – only that she needed to go somewhere. While erotic dreams were far from strange to Devan, the one that had awakened her was. In her dream, Devan had writhed and moaned under the ministrations of Lauren between her legs. Having never even considered such a thing before, the dream left her disconcerted. She could not, however, deny the tingling that continued to raise goose bumps on her flesh, or the wetness between her legs. Thinking about the dream only caused those sensations to grow stronger. Stepping away from the door, Devan walked toward her own room, having no real destination in mind. She simply felt the need to walk, and time alone to sort out her odd feelings. As she approached her door, the image of Lauren's tongue snaking out between her legs still flashing through her mind, Devan heard the hushed sound of voices. Recognizing the voices, if not the words, Devan increased her pace to reach the corner of the hall a few steps away. Upon reaching the turn, she risked a glance to see Aristel's two lapdogs walking away from his room alone, whispering to each other. Devan touched her earring, a wide smile spreading across her face when the enchantment worked. The two young men were not shielded by protective magic this time. "I'm not risking it." "We're missing out on our turns, though. Aristel might decide to cut us out completely. You heard him tonight." "Aristel might be able to talk his way out of it if he's caught. We would just pay the price without a chance to even explain... Shh!" Devan had heard the sound of a door opening as well, and ducked back around the corner. The action broke the spell of her magical earring, and by the time she peeked back out into the hall, the two apprentices were out of sight. She saw no sign of anyone else in the hall, and tiptoed toward Aristel's door out of curiosity. She noticed almost immediately that the wards on her nemesis' door were not active. For some reason, he had not restored the protective magic when his two cohorts left the room. If he's even in the room, Devan thought. Biting her lip, Devan glanced up and down the hall, carefully listening for any hint of a sound. When no evidence of anyone else presented itself, Devan whispered the words of a spell. With Aristel's wards down, she could spy into his room with a clairvoyance spell. The magic worked, revealing that Aristel was not in the room. His chambers looked much like her own, utilitarian with little evidence of his personal taste. As she was about to dismiss the magic, something caught her eye. While the bed was made, one side of the coverings was rumpled and out of place, as if someone had recently rummaged under the bed. A closer look also revealed some dust and bits of cobweb on the floor near that side of the bed. Raising her eyebrows and letting out an almost silent, "Hmm," Devan took one last look around the room. When nothing else struck her as out of the ordinary, she let the magic lapse and walked back around the corner to the door of her own room. Pausing, she thought, You're up to something, you ass, and I'm going to find out what it is. With a goal in mind, Devan forgot about her troubling dream, and took the opportunity to mull over the possibilities as she gathered up more of her clothing. Once she finished filling the bag, she returned to Lauren's room and slipped into the bed, drifting off to sleep with all sorts of schemes running through her head. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ Feigning sleep, Lauren wanted to slide back beneath the covers to drink in Devan's scent again. When the redhead had awakened and left the room, Lauren had pulled the covers over her head to fill her lungs with the scent of arousal. When Devan's sounds of pleasure awakened her, Lauren knew that the younger woman was dreaming of something erotic. Aroused to almost maddening levels now, Lauren could only lie next to Devan, feeling the younger woman's warmth, and wonder what sort of dream had sparked such excitement in her temporary roommate. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ A loud banging on the door awakened both Lauren and Devan a couple of hours before the normal start of the day. Lauren threw on a robe over her nightgown and answered the door. After a short conversation, she closed the door with a sigh. "We need to get dressed. Someone was just spotted skulking about in town, and our accusers want us all accounted for. I suppose we can hope they will find us all here and end this, but I doubt it." Devan thought, I wonder if they will find us all here? I think I could live with seeing Aristel taken to task if he doesn't answer his door. With that pleasant thought in mind, she rose from the bed to hastily dress and fix her hair. A few minutes later, she joined Lauren and several other heavy-eyed students in the hall. When the group turned the corner where Devan had listened the night before, she couldn't help but smile upon seeing one of the elder instructors banging on Aristel's door. From the small crowd gathering, including Aristel's two nervous looking hangers-on, Devan assumed that the instructor had been knocking for some time. Damn, Devan silently cursed when the door opened. "Why did you take so long to answer the door?" The instructor asked. "I sleep deeply, and unclad. What is the meaning of this?" While the instructor explained in clipped, irritated tones, Devan examined her nemesis and noticed a few cobwebs clinging to Aristel's robe. Pretending to walk past toward the room designated for the meeting, Devan glanced into Aristel's room and observed that the coverings of the bed were even more mussed than before on one side. One glance told her that the bed had not been slept in. With even more evidence, Devan proceeded to the meeting with the edges of a wicked smile turning up the corners of her lips. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ As her final class wound down, Devan let out a little chuckle upon seeing Danell's stunned stare in her direction. She'd inconspicuously dropped a note in front of him as she passed, asking him to meet her near her room late in the night. While most young men would have thought the note pointed toward the possibility of a fine evening, Danell's expression revealed that he expected something far different. Shortly after entering the school, Devan had discovered that she had a nocturnal visitor. The mouse frequently perched at her bedside, and sometimes crawled beneath the covers with her as she slept. This all culminated in her awakening to find the creature attempting to drag off the panties she'd shed before crawling into bed. Casting a quick tracking cantrip, she followed the mouse back to its master, Danell. She'd found him stroking his fingers over the crotch of her panties and inhaling deeply of her scent. Upon confronting him, she'd agreed not to reveal his actions in exchange for the return of her panties and his performing some of the tedious tasks of the Art for her, such as herb grinding. No doubt, he expected that she now planned to extract additional conditions in exchange for her silence. Lauren offered a curious glance when Devan said she felt like walking for a while so late at night, but didn't ask any questions. Devan found Danell nervously walking near her room, exactly as the note had instructed. She crooked her finger and walked into her room, closing the door behind them when he entered to stare at the floor. Moving in close to him, Devan quietly said, "Relax, I'm still not going to tell anyone what you did. I'm wondering if I could convince you to send your little mouse friend somewhere for me, and not tell anyone about it." "Why?" "I just want a good look around without having to actually go in there. It took me a while to catch your little mouse, and I should only need once to find out what I want." Furrowing his brow, Danell said, "It wouldn't be easy to do because you would have to tell me what you want to see, and I'd have to explain it." "You could give me the spell," Devan suggested. "It's my brother's spell. He made me promise to never teach it to anyone." From the tone of his voice, Devan knew that even blackmail wasn't going to convince him to give up the spell. Danell obviously held a great deal of respect – and fear – for his brother. Devan turned to her most potent weapon, lifting his chin and smiling at him. Though she'd made a personal pact not to become sexually involved with any of the other students, she was willing to partially break that rule to get what she needed right now. "I think I can persuade you," she said in a soft, sultry voice. With her free hand, she reached down to untie her robe. His quick, hopeful glance at her hand let her know that she had him right where she wanted him. "I'll give you the panties I'm wearing. You just can't tell anyone about this. If you do, I will tell everyone what you did. This doesn't mean anything, and it's never going to happen again. You have something I want, and I have something you want – an even trade – that's all. Deal?" Danell's eyes popped wide open as Devan parted her robe to reveal her bare breasts and thin cotton panties. After a few days without any real satisfaction, Devan could feel wetness gathering between her legs as she tempted the younger apprentice. The thought of him sniffing her panties and touching himself only increased her level of arousal. Slipping her thumbs under her panties, she again asked, "Deal?" The Arts Ardane 03 Snapping out of his stunned state of disbelief, Danell managed to mutter, "Deal." Feeling needy and a little wanton, Devan sultrily pulled down the cotton cloth in a slow tease. Danell's eyes moved from her bared breasts as she revealed the red curls on her mound and her moist folds. Even as the thin undergarment dropped to her ankles, Devan realized that she would need some small animal to cast the spell on once she got it. Stepping out of her panties with one foot, she lifted them from the floor with the other, giving Danell an even better look at the hidden pink treasure between her nether lips. Transferring her payment from her toes to her hand, she held the panties out to Danell. He didn't hesitate in the slightest when he took them, rubbing the slightly damp crotch between his finger and thumb. "I'm going to need something to cast the spell on. I suppose I'm going to need to borrow your mouse, too." Reaching down between his legs, Devan's eyebrows arched upward in surprise when she felt the size of his swollen manhood. She nearly gave in to her own need at that moment, but knew that he couldn't possibly resist bragging to someone if she did. Having always harbored some curiosity about whether she could make a man come with just her hands, she thought she had the perfect solution. Wriggling her fingers into his robe, she traced her fingers over his erection through his undergarments. "Okay, you can borrow him," Danell said in a rush. A sly smile spread across Devan's face. "That was a little quick. I haven't offered anything in trade yet." "I thought..." His face flushed with color, even as his manhood throbbed beneath her fingertips. "Too late, you've already made the deal. I don't think you'll consider it a bad trade, though." Tugging on the tie of his robe, she loosened the knot and parted his robe. When she pulled down his underwear, the sight of him confirmed her estimation of his size. Once again, she nearly succumbed to temptation, and once again, she resisted. Wrapping her hand around the swollen organ, she slowly stroked it while cupping the dangling orbs beneath in her other hand. "Not a word to anyone – ever – or we stop right here." Danell nodded enthusiastically and let out a long groan. "And be quiet," Devan admonished. He clamped his mouth closed and nodded again, his hips twitching and his cock swelling in Devan's stroking hand. Letting her hand rasp over his turgid flesh a little faster, Devan leaned in to whisper, "Does that feel good?" "Yes," he responded in a stifled grunt. "Good," she purred and once again increased the speed and pressure while stroking her fingers over his jewels in her other hand. The pace of his breathing steadily increased, as did the frequency of the pulsing throbs in his manhood. A dribble of pre-cum dripped onto Devan's hand, prompting her to lick her lips and nearly bring her hand to her mouth to taste him. Once again, she resisted. Noticing his eyes locked on her breasts, jiggling from her ministrations and tingling from her own arousal, she huskily whispered, "You can touch them, but that's all." He reached out almost before she finished speaking, sighing as his fingers brushed over the firm globe of her right breast. His fingers moved to her nipple only a moment later, relieving some of the almost painful tingling from her arousal that Devan felt. After a quiet moan, Devan said, "That feels good." From the sounds of his rapid breathing and the look in his eyes, she doubted he even heard her. Devan stroked him even faster, her mouth watering as she watched the purple helmet of his cock swelling above her pumping hand. She'd never actually watched a man reach his peak before, and found the thought exciting. Hearing him groan, she looked up to see his eyes and mouth both tightly closed. She looked back down as his muscles tensed, just in time. A thick stream of semen spurted from him, arching up to spatter over her hand and leaving a sticky trail on his chest. A second spurt followed, and then a final welling of his seed coated the tip of his organ and her still slowly stroking hand. His knees were wobbling, and his whole body trembled. Fascinated by the sight, Devan kept stroking his shaft until he had to remove his hand from her breast to catch his balance. She uncurled her hand from around his shaft and brought her fingers to her lips. Still panting for breath, Danell watched her lick his semen from her hand and shivered. Her own aching need overwhelmed her, and she grasped his hand to pull it to her sex. Extending two of his fingers, she thrust them into her depths. After a pair of instructional tugs, he caught on to her desire and stroked the digits inside her. Still licking his cream from her fingers and savoring the bitter, salty taste, Devan rubbed her bud with her free hand. Only a few seconds later, she bit her lower lip as she too climaxed. As her strength left her, she and Danell both sank to their knees to fight for breath. Devan let out a sharp gasp as his fingers slid from inside her in the process. Grasping his wrist, Devan pushed Danell's fingers upward toward his mouth. He sucked them, tasting her juices. At the same time, Devan picked up her panties, now lying on the floor at his feet with a dollop of his cum decorating the cloth. Careful to avoid his seed, she rubbed the cotton over her damp folds to coat them in her milky nectar. Pressing the panties into his hand, Devan struggled back to her feet. He remained on his knees, still fighting for breath and staring at her sex right in front of his face. The temptation to pull him between her legs was almost irresistible. "N-not a word to anyone, and you go fetch me the spell and the mouse now," Devan managed to get out. Danell nodded and struggled to his feet. "That was..." Devan shook her head, pulling her robe closed at the same time. "Just go. This isn't going to happen again. You should really get over being shy, because you have a nice cock and a soft touch. Now get dressed and go." Danell swallowed and nodded his head, bending down to pull up his shorts, also spattered with his semen. He managed to force his trembling fingers to function well enough to close his robe, and then walked slowly toward the door. He glanced back when he opened the portal, but Devan gave him a stern glance and waved him on his way. As soon as he closed the door, a quavering sigh bubbled from Devan's lips, and she let her robe fall open once more. Tightly pressing her hand over her sex, she shivered once more and brought her fingers to her lips to taste her own juices. After licking her fingers clean, she properly tied her robe and sat down to await Danell's return. Danell had mastered his breathing upon his return. He placed the mouse in its small cage and a copy of the spell on the table in front of her. He cast his eyes downward for a moment and said, "Thank you." He then hurried toward the door and out of the room. Devan smiled, imagining that he would likely come again in his own room very soon, probably with her creamy panties pressed to his nose. Mouse and spell both forgotten in the face of that image, Devan's robe opened once more. She reached another orgasm in her chair before returning to Laurel's room to sleep for the night. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ Devan skipped her classes for the day, a little surprised when Lauren offered no scolding whatsoever. The older woman had simply said, "Everyone needs a break now and then," before leaving. After feeding the mouse, Devan sat down to study the new spell. Only taking breaks to relax her eyes and for a quick meal, she felt the warm tingle that signaled she had mastered the spell in late afternoon. Although tempted to try the spell out immediately, she knew that a brief rest would help her recover from the strain of studying the spell, and that in turn would give strength to the magic when she unleashed it. Hoping to speed up her recovery, she lay down on the bed for a rare, brief afternoon nap. Though she slept longer than she had intended, Devan still awoke well before the end of classes for the day. She couldn't remember anything from it, but she'd obviously awakened from an erotic dream, considering the way she felt. Deciding that was the last distraction she needed at the moment, she walked over to the table to cast her new spell for the first time. Centering her mind, she took the tame little mouse out of its cage. The creature curiously examined its surroundings, but made no attempt to flee. It likewise didn't react when Devan cast the spell, obviously used to the odd words and gestures. When the magic sprang to life, Devan closed her eyes and concentrated. A little laugh and a smile marked her success when she could see through the mouse's eyes and direct its movements. She could sense that the magic worked especially well with the highly trained mouse, and decided that she would ask Danell to train a mouse for her to use with the spell. If he managed to stay quiet about their last transaction, she thought that she would enjoy the trade for that service as well. Shaking those thoughts out of her head, she nudged the mouse into motion. It crawled down from the table with the tenacious skill of the species, scurrying across the floor toward the door. Devan then discovered that she had some limited contact with the creature's mind when she sensed it seeking out a means to leave the room. After she gave the mouse free reign to explore, it quickly located a hole large enough to squeeze through to reach the space between the walls. From there, Devan offered general directional guidance, but otherwise let the mouse follow its instincts. If she had found this spell during the course of normal studies, she would have dismissed it as nearly worthless. Having found a need for the spell before gaining the magic, she had to admit that the way she judged the value of spells was rather narrow. In the back of her mind, she made a note to broaden her horizons. If other minor spells such as this could prove so useful, she would do well to study them. The mouse navigated the school with remarkable speed, rarely entering the areas where humans dwelled in favor of the hidden spaces of the building. Soon enough, it found a way to enter Aristel's room. At that point, Devan assumed tighter control, sending the creature directly toward the side of the bed she'd seen disturbed in her previous observations. Though naturally dark beneath the bed, Devan found she could utilize all of the mouse's senses to see perfectly. The creature naturally gravitated toward some loose boards beneath the bed. Devan nudged her charmed rodent toward the boards, and it quickly found the means to squeeze beneath the floor. Though far too long a drop for the tiny mouse, Devan knew that the distance was easily within reach of Aristel to access the long-sealed cellar below. At first, she could see no evidence of anyone having entered the cellar. Then, she recognized broken cobwebs and a single, partially obscured footprint. Deciding that she'd learned all she could at the moment with the mouse, Devan ordered it to return to her. When the creature arrived, she put it back in its cage and sat down to consider how to proceed. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ Lauren returned that evening to find Devan pacing the floor. "You don't look like you spent the day relaxing," the brunette observed. Devan shook her head and said, "I learned a new spell, but I'm finding it has irritating limitations." Seeing the caged mouse on the table, Lauren guessed, "Animal control?" "Yes. I suppose I could find a different animal to charm, but I don't want cages full of animals to take care of all the time to deal with different situations. If I wanted to look after animals, I would have just stayed on the farm." A slight smile tugged at the corners of Lauren's mouth as she responded, "I suppose that has something to do with your lack of interest in herbs as well." Devan let out a short chuckle and continued to pace, lost in thought about how to overcome the barriers she'd encountered. The mouse had shown her enough to prove that Aristel was up to something, but she needed to get closer to find out what. Lauren asked, "Exactly what problems are you encountering?" Devan answered, "Well, I would either need to teach a mouse to fly, charm some sort of flying bug, or have some way to cast spells with the mouse as a focal point from a distance." Lauren knew immediately that Devan wasn't pondering possible problems she would encounter with the spell. The redhead was attempting to find a solution to something she'd already encountered. "The last is possible. You aren't the first to lament the difficulties presented by that spell, and one found a way to deal with it. There is such a spell that does exactly what you described as your last solution. It will allow you to cast spells over the charmed animal from any distance that you can control it, and even cast spells through the creature as though you were present in its location." That stopped Devan in her tracks. If she could work her magic through the mouse, she could disable the wards on Aristel's door and unlock it with ease. While such things were difficult – and nearly impossible to hide – from the outside of the door, they were simple from within the room. "Do you know the spell?" "Oh, of course," Lauren responded and winked. "I used to have a positively charming cat that everyone adored when I was young and prone to interest in gossip. The spell is very difficult. It wouldn't normally be considered within your ability for several years now. I have the feeling that your skill and determination will allow you to overcome those barriers, however." "So you'll teach it to me?" Lauren walked past Devan to the cabinet where she kept her spellbooks, patting the redhead on the bottom as she spoke. "Of course. You'll need to keep up with your regular studies, however. I won't allow this to interfere with the school curriculum. No matter how stifling I find the course of study here, I'm obligated as one of the instructors to follow it." "I understand," Devan said with obvious excitement in her voice. The older woman pulled out the appropriate volume and flipped to the page with only the slightest glance, the pages of her spellbooks so familiar to her that she could almost determine what page she was on by the simple touch of her fingers. "We'll copy the spell this evening, and you can look over it a little. I would suggest that you don't attempt to start on it tonight, however. I have a few bottles of wine stored away, if you'd like to take the opportunity to relax a little tonight?" "Sure, why not," Devan responded, hoping it would take her mind off her steadily building sexual frustration. She'd gone longer without sex before, but never because she had no choice. A short while later, while examining the copied spell, Devan had to agree that the inflections and gestures of the spell were going to prove difficult. Like Lauren, she had confidence that she could overcome those barriers to learn the spell, however. When Lauren returned to the room with her wine and two glasses, Devan put the spell aside for the evening. Lauren guided the conversation, starting first with the common ground of things magical. After a while, she moved the conversation on to womanly discussions, eventually turning the topic toward sex. The brunette instructor could barely contain her desires as Devan relaxed enough to openly discuss intimate details of sexual encounters later in the evening. Lauren took many opportunities to touch the younger woman during their conversation, and found that Devan didn't flinch away or react at all. In the end, she had to excuse herself as Devan prepared for bed, quickly making her way to her private office to tame the heat between her legs with her fingers. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ Devan kept her promise, maintaining all her normal studies while concentrating on the new spell in all her spare time. As she watched the redhead study, Lauren had to amend her original estimation of the young woman's ability. Devan was picking up the difficult spell with ease beyond even Lauren's genuine endorsement of the young woman's skill. This revelation only increased the older woman's respect and desire for Devan by the day. Word arrived two days later that another theft had occurred on the road just outside town. Much to Devan's irritation, the Master of the school still did not relax the restrictions upon the campus. Concentrating on the difficult spell helped to distract her from that reality, and so she did so in every spare moment. Early in the evening of the following day, Devan pronounced the last word of the spell. She stiffened and trembled as a hot sensation of near orgasmic energy seemingly flooded her every pore. The feeling was far stronger than that accompanying any other spell Devan had ever mastered, leaving her feeling as though she were floating above her seat in the sensual caress of the magic. When the sensation finally faded, she slumped forward with a loud gasp, which caused Lauren to look up from her work. The older woman quickly crossed the room and asked, "The spell is yours?" Devan could manage only a weak nod, feeling as drained as if she had spent the entire day hurling the most powerful spells she knew. Covering the redhead's hand with her own, Lauren caressed Devan's fingertips and said, "Congratulations. That spell was far more difficult than anything you've previously studied, and you'll likely feel weak for an hour or two. Why don't you let me help you into the bath? I've always found that helps to speed my recovery." Her eyes heavy and feeling as though she barely had the strength to sit up, Devan muttered, "Okay," willing to try anything that might get her back on her feet sooner. Lauren had to assist Devan to stand, and support her faltering steps to the tub. The brunette then helped Devan out of her clothes, finding it nearly impossible to prevent her hands from straying to the younger woman's revealed skin. Devan sank back into the water with an exhausted sigh, letting her head rest on the edge of the tub. Lauren had to close her eyes and take a deep breath as she watched the water gently lap around Devan's breasts, the peaks breaking the surface of the water like two small islands. She turned and said, "I think it might be time for some wine. That always helps me recover as well, and I believe a little celebration is in order." Devan smiled and gave a small nod, letting the warmth of the bath seep into her body. Lauren returned with the wine and held out the glass to Devan, who took it and sipped with a moan of satisfaction. In her weakened state, it felt as though the alcohol went directly from her lips to her head. The warming sensation added to that of the bath to give Devan a little energy. Lauren took a sip of her wine and said, "As I said, I believe the curriculum is too restrictive – especially for one with as much talent as you. If you think you are up to the task, I would be willing to continue teaching you advanced spells. You will still have to keep up with your normal studies, of course." "That might keep me from feeling so bored and stifled around here. It will probably just make the rest of the men even more jealous for me to have private instruction, though," Devan said, and then rolled her eyes before taking another sip of wine. Lauren scoffed and waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. "Let them be jealous. Perhaps it will spur them on to greater achievement. You may very well be the best thing that ever happened to this school. The Master might just come to understand the advantages of teaching according to a student's skill, rather than an intractable set of norms." The Arts Ardane 03 Devan laughed and said, "Let's do it then. I really do want to learn some truly powerful magic. I have no intention of being a footnote in history. I want people to remember my name." Twitching her eyebrows, Lauren said, "I have the perfect thing, then. You show a lot of promise in illusion magic. We'll start on the improved invisibility spell tomorrow. Tonight, we're just going to relax and enjoy each other's company, though." As her strength returned, the arousal Devan always felt when accomplishing a goal crept into her, building as well. "I'd like to go into town and enjoy some company about now. I always feel so hot when I master a new spell." Lauren already knew what Devan was feeling, evidenced by the stiffening of the redhead's blister-like nipples. Running her finger along one of Devan's legs, she said, "You would have a little work to do if you could go into town. You've neglected your legs a little the last few days, and they're rather like a briar patch." The slight touch of Lauren's hand sent a chill up Devan's spine and triggered a tingling between her legs and in her stiff nipples. "I bet I could make a man ignore it, but you're right, I'd never consider it." She then let out an exasperated sigh and added, "I wish they'd catch that thief." "The tide is turning. The other school is our primary accuser, and the townsfolk are now becoming suspicious of them. We've been under restriction, and yet the thefts continue." "I suppose I should shave while I'm in the bath anyway. It will only get worse if I exhaust myself studying every night again." Putting down her nearly empty wine glass, Devan reached for Lauren's ever-sharp razor, but felt her head swimming. Catching Devan's hand in her own upon seeing the wave of weakness pass through the redhead, Lauren offered, "Why don't you let me? That's a rather delicate operation as weak as you are now." Devan shrugged and relaxed again. The thought of another woman shaving her legs was more than a little odd, but now that Lauren had brought it up, the long stubble was bothering Devan and she wanted it gone. She absently wondered if she might be able to teach some man to shave her legs for her. The thought of such pampering brought a smile to her lips. "Let me fetch something to make it easier," Lauren said with a wink and turned to walk toward a box that Devan knew contained all of the brunette's magical jewelry. Lauren turned back and slipped a ring on her finger. When she reached the tub again, she said, "Just relax. I'm going to use this ring of telekinesis to lift you up in the water a little so you won't be at an awkward angle." Devan nodded and then let out a surprised yelp as the magic lifted up on her bottom and legs, leaving her sitting on a perch with just an inch or two of water lapping over her body. Lauren laughed and said, "Are you comfortable? I can adjust it if necessary." Experimentally lifting her legs, Devan found that the invisible support felt softly relaxing beneath her. "It's fine. How did you manage such a complex telekinetic construct so quickly?" Lauren winked and said, "I've practiced with this magic quite a bit." For exactly this reason, and I've studied every contour of your body until mine ached, she added silently. Devan chuckled and took her last sip of wine. Before reaching for her razor, Lauren refilled Devan's glass and said, "Just enjoy a little rare pampering. You've earned it." "I won't argue with that," Devan said with a smile. Lauren lifted one of Devan's legs and drew the razor downward, leaving a stripe of baby smooth skin behind from the redhead's knee to her ankle. She then pushed outward, parting Devan's legs slightly to make another stroke. In the moment that Lauren pushed her legs apart, even such a short distance, Devan's memory flashed back to her dream of the older woman. As color flooded her cheeks, she also felt a sharp, urgent tingling in her sex. Though Lauren was clothed now, and not nude as in the dream, the two images merged in Devan's vision. No matter how hard she tried to ignore the sensations, they only grew stronger with each passing moment. By the time Lauren finished with her lower legs, Devan's heart rate had nearly doubled. She also had to carefully manage a starved breath to avoid gasping when she realized that she'd been holding her breath for some time. Lauren's excitement built even as she saw the signs of the same in the younger redhead. "You have such perfect legs," she softly said as she ran her fingertips over the redhead's freshly shaven calves. "Of course, they're simply a small part of a rather perfect whole," She looked up into Devan's eyes after speaking, but lingered just long enough on the redhead's sex and breasts as she glanced upward to let the younger woman notice. She then smiled and returned to her task without further comment. Devan had indeed noticed the glance, and felt her body responding to it. What is wrong with me? I really need to find a man if I'm getting worked up over a woman touching me. It's not as though anything could happen... Even as the final thought formed in her head, Devan remembered a night at the inn not so long ago. She'd had far too much to drink and sat chatting with a woman. As the conversation progressed, Devan recognized the signs she'd always seen in a man interested in her coming from the woman across the table. As soon as she'd realized what was happening, she'd retreated back to the school immediately. She'd awakened the next morning in soaked panties from a night full of erotic dreams. Though she'd tried to rationalize it as the result of not finding a man to bed that night, now she vividly remembered the stirring of her loins as she understood the other woman's desire. Devan's first instinct now was to take the razor from Lauren, finish shaving, and find some excuse to leave the room. As the brunette placed a hand on Devan's thigh, however, the words she was prepared to say would not come. Instead, she could do nothing but watch as Lauren shaved her upper legs, parting them far wider than before to reach every bit of stubble with the razor. Devan felt almost numb as she watched Lauren lift and manipulate her legs to shave them. The faintest hints of a shiver passed through her body when Lauren at last let her leg back down into the water. Putting down the razor, Lauren picked up a pair of dainty scissors and held them out to Devan. As much as she wanted to take the initiative in light of the signs she believed she was seeing, Lauren managed to curtail her desire. "I think you need a little trim. I can do it if you still don't feel up to it." Devan accepted the scissors and said, "Thank you," in a tightly controlled voice. With a last short glance at the curls between Devan's legs, Lauren moved away from the tub, fighting her instincts to take things one step further. Devan went to work with the scissors, finding it difficult to have her fingers so near her sex without sating the uncomfortable and disconcerting need there. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ Devan tucked away her copy of the improved invisibility spell, saying that she didn't want to start on another difficult spell so soon after mastering one. Lauren agreed with the logic, and didn't question Devan's stated desire to take a walk before retiring. Though Lauren hoped Devan was struggling with strange newfound desires for another woman, Devan had other things on her mind. Her walk took her no farther than her own room, and she quickly closed the door behind her. Moving to a chair, she sat down and pulled her borrowed pet from a pocket in her robe. The creature protested slightly, having enjoyed its ride in the warm compartment, but perked up to examine its surroundings once more. Devan cast the animal control spell first, following this with the animal surrogate spell she had just mastered. Her lips curling up into a smile, Devan hoped she would be in time to actually catch Aristel in the act this time. She closed her eyes and sent the mouse on his way. Having traveled the path once before, the creature made far better time, and emerged in Aristel's room in less than a minute. Yes! Devan thought when she saw Aristel still within his room. She ordered the mouse to remain in the shadows under his chest of drawers. Through her magical pet's eyes, Devan watched the young man pull off his robes and the undergarments beneath. Her lips pursed when she saw his generous endowment, and she thought it quite a pity that he was such an ass. She might have very well reconsidered her rule about other students in light of such a nice cock otherwise. He redressed in close-fitting dark clothing, pulling on a pair of soft-soled shoes. Once again, Devan smiled. His dress spoke of stealth, and that pointed toward her suspicions. Once he finished dressing, he moved to the side of the bed she had seen rumpled in previous observations. When he slid beneath the bed, Devan directed her mouse to scurry across the floor to the opposite side of the bed and observe from behind one of the supporting legs. He removed the loose boards and lowered himself down exactly as Devan had suspected. A second later, the boards magically slipped back into place. Devan immediately launched into the second part of her plan. Ordering the mouse to the door of Aristel's room, she made quick work of the wards and lock on the door with her magic and the assistance of the animal surrogate spell. Now that she only needed to turn the knob to enter, she ordered the mouse to return to its cage in Lauren's room. Before the mouse had even reached the hole it used to enter Aristel's room, Devan exited her own door and moved down the hall. Taking a moment to ensure the hallway was empty behind her and around the corner, Devan returned to Aristel's door and slipped in without hesitation. She closed the door with a quick sigh of relief, and then crossed to the bed. She found the boards easy to remove, and cheated a little with a featherfall spell to cushion her landing below. An attempt to maneuver the boards back into position with telekinesis proved frustrating, and Devan gave up with an irritated wave of her hand. She decided that she would either return before Aristel and replace the boards by hand, or have information that would mean he couldn't say anything about the intrusion in his room anyway. The cellar was black as night, and Devan cast an infravision spell in order to see her surroundings. While Aristel had swept away his footprints in the dust with a spell, even the tiny amounts of heat left by his footfalls were still plain in her heat-seeing vision. Devan followed the path, noticing the glowing footprints growing brighter every few feet. She paused and ducked down upon hearing a faint clunk of wood-on-wood ahead. After waiting a few seconds, Devan moved cautiously forward and noticed faint moonlight filtering in through cracks. Seeing evidence of Aristel's presence near the light, but not the man himself, Devan hurried forward to the spot. She froze upon reaching the cellar door, hearing the sound of muffled chanting from above her. Even though she couldn't make out the words, the cadence of the chant sounded a lot like invisibility, which made a great deal of sense considering everyone within the walls was banned from leaving. Though Devan could see the magic breaking barrier on the walls and the cellar door in her second sight, she guessed that there was no alarm ward on this forgotten door, or Aristel had broken it. Once the chant died down, Devan waited for a few agonizing seconds, listening intently for any other sounds. She played a dangerous game now. Not only was she defying the Master of the school, she risked Aristel seeing her if she exited too soon. On the other hand, she risked losing him if she waited too long. After a few more seconds of hesitation, she pushed up on the cellar door and peeked out. When she saw nothing except a wall of bushes, she climbed out into the hollowed out space between them and the building. Though fainter in the moonlight, Devan could still make out Aristel's tracks with her infravision. Quickly casting her own invisibility spell, she set out to follow him. Only a few dozen steps beyond the bushes, she ducked down behind a barrel upon seeing a town guardsman on patrol. Even though invisible, she didn't trust the spell to hide her when the town was on alert against a thief of magic. The guard didn't notice her, and moved out of sight down a side street. Devan could see Aristel's tracks fading, and abandoned some of her caution to catch up to him before she lost his trail. She succeeded, soon seeing the heat of his body despite the invisibility surrounding him. Slowing down and keeping him in sight, she followed to finally find out if he was the thief everyone was looking for, or if he was up to some other sort of mischief she could exploit to gain a measure of control over her rival. When Aristel moved toward a large, familiar house, Devan's eyes widened in surprise. You're an arrogant one, Aristel. I'll give you that, she thought as she watched him creep onto the school Master's lawn. Surely, he has some sort of wards to detect thieves. How do you plan to get past those? When Aristel didn't pause to work any magic, Devan raised her eyebrows in surprise. Either the Master hadn't put any wards in place, or they were somehow already disabled. As she moved to follow, Devan kept her eyes roving for an accomplice, which seemed more logical than a lapse in the Master's judgment. Devan saw no one else as she followed at what she hoped was a safe distance, using anything she could as cover to hide her own presence. Aristel moved unerringly toward the rear of the main building and a smaller structure there. Devan watched him enter the building and close the door behind him. Now quite confused – and curious – Devan waited for a short while, thinking that he might look outside for a time seeking anyone following him. When she felt it safe, she hurried toward the building, avoiding the side with the door and the one window she could see. When she reached the building, Devan listened carefully, but could hear nothing. She risked a glance in the window and saw nothing either in normal light or with her infravision, though the room the window faced appeared to be very small. Seeing a small clump of bushes nearby, Devan crept behind them for cover and decided what to do next. A spell almost immediately popped into the forefront of her mind. She couldn't use her earring unless she knew where she wanted to listen, and the building was too large to simply use it as the target of her clairaudiance magic. She could, however, use the thief's ear spell to amplify her hearing. As soon as she cast the spell, Devan could hear voices. At first, she could determine nothing except that one of the voices belonged to Aristel and another was female. Turning her head to adjust the focus of the spell, she at last managed to make out words. "Still fear the risk of capture, despite the sweet rewards," Aristel said in an uncommonly charming whisper. Devan then heard two distinct female voices offering their disappointment at this revelation. A third female voice then spoke. "That is their loss, though I fear the two of you will have to find some way to entertain yourselves." Devan's eyes widened when realization dawned on her. The third voice belonged to the Master's daughter, around two years Devan's junior. The tone of the woman's voice was unmistakable to Devan – seduction. Concentrating on the sound of the other two women's quiet giggles, Devan utilized the magic to determine the location of the speakers. As best as she could guess, the wall where she listened was part of the room where Aristel and the three women were. After a moment of consideration, she decided to take the chance on casting a clairvoyance spell to see what was going on inside the room. If she had estimated the location of the building's occupants correctly, she should be able to see them with the magic. Whispering the words of the spell while trying to put the odd sounds she heard out of her mind long enough to concentrate on completing the magic, Devan called upon her magical power. Once again, her eyes widened and she tilted her head forward in surprise upon viewing the scene within the building. Aristel was stepping out of the last of his clothing, while the three women were already nude. The sight of Aristel erect was even more impressive than seeing him flaccid earlier in the evening, but it was seeing the three women engaged in a combined embrace and passionately kissing while their hands roved over each other's bodies that truly drew Devan's eyes. When the three women parted from their embrace, the Master's daughter – Devan recalled that her name was Emelia – moved toward Aristel with a sultry strut. Now that she was not entangled with the other two women, Devan also recognized one of the other women as the one that had attempted to seduce her in the inn. Emelia pulled Aristel into a bed in the room, and the two women mirrored the action. Aristel and Emelia took the head of the bed, while the other two women fell into each other's arms at the foot. Aristel moved between Emelia's now parted legs and pushed into her depths with a pleasure-filled groan. At the same time, the brunette that had attempted to seduce Devan lay back and parted her legs. The other woman slipped her head between the brunette's thighs as soon as she could possibly do so. Devan felt her body tingling as wetness saturated her sex. Strangely, she found her eyes drawn more often to the two women at the foot of the bed than the sight of Aristel's measured thrusts into Emelia's depths. Almost without considering the action, Devan made a few gestures to tighten the focus of her viewing magic. Devan's range of vision now centered between the brunette's legs, where she could plainly see the other woman's tongue moving through an ever-changing, slow dance over the folds before her. The sounds of Aristel grunting from exertion and Emelia crying out her pleasure faded into the background, replaced by the soft mewling and moaning of the two women Devan watched with such strange fascination. The brunette let out a great sigh as the woman lapping her pulled away. The second woman kissed her way up the brunette's body, lingering over the breasts for a few moments before the two engaged in a passionate kiss. After a few shifts, the two women changed positions. Devan found it odd that the two women had traded positions before the brunette reached climax, and yet she felt her own passions rising to ever higher levels all the while. The world around her vanished as she found herself absorbed in the almost unimaginable sight before her. She didn't even hear the sounds of both Aristel and Emelia reaching climax at the head of the bed. Only when the two women shared a sticky kiss did Devan hear the labored breathing of the other couple on the bed. Aristel rolled over with a groan, his manhood already drooping and glistening with a coating of both his semen and Emelia's juices. A drop of his creamy seed dribbled down Emelia's folds, but it never had the opportunity to slip farther down the young woman's smooth skin. As Aristel watched through half-lidded eyes, the other two women moved between Emelia's thighs to lap up the creamy treat, and then delve for more with their dexterous tongues. Devan couldn't tear her eyes away from the sight, and pressed her hand over her aching sex as she watched, feeling the heat of her desire through her robe and the slight kiss of night air blowing up to chill the saturated material of her panties. Shortly after Emelia climaxed again under the ministrations of the other two women, Devan started when Aristel appeared within her range of vision again. He was fully clothed and Devan knew she was in trouble. The Arts Ardane 03 Damn it, she thought, realizing that there was no possible way she could move far enough away to be out of Aristel's vision unless he remained within the guesthouse for several more minutes. When he bent down to kiss the trembling Emelia and bid her farewell, Devan knew she wouldn't have those few minutes. Recasting her infravision and invisibility spells while fighting to control her other two magics at the same time, she didn't even have a spare moment to celebrate when she succeeded. Her mind whirled as the considered her two alternatives. She could either risk detection by hurrying back toward the cellar now, or follow Aristel instead and risk detection through the boards in his room. All the while, part of her wondered what she had found so fascinating and arousing about the play between the women. She couldn't deny her excitement, which caused her sex to continue to demand satisfaction, but the thought caused her to shiver with an emotion she hadn't felt in some time – shame. Devan banished her thief's ear and clairvoyance spells when Aristel moved out of the room, leaving the three women still lounging on the bed and caressing each other. Having no clearly superior course in her two choices, Devan instead chose a third alternative, one just as arrogant and risky as Aristel's in coming to this place. When Aristel exited the guesthouse under the cover of invisibility, Devan waited right behind the door for him. He saw her with his own infravision the moment he closed the door. "Well – hello, Aristel," Devan whispered with a smug smile. "What are you doing here?" Aristel hissed. "Gaining some leverage over you," Devan responded. "I'm sure that the Master doesn't know that you're taking advantage of his daughter, and I'm also sure that he'd be quite interested to find out about it." "You bitch, I'll..." He bit off his words and hunkered down low behind the railing of the small porch. Glancing in the direction he was looking, Devan did the same when she saw one of the town guardsmen walk out and look around. When the man vanished, Devan leaned in to whisper directly into Aristel's ear. "Not here. I'm not going to gain anything if we're caught out here." "Which is why I'm not going anywhere." "You can't risk it either," Devan said in response and stood. Aristel clenched his teeth, knowing she was right. When Devan started creeping back across the lawn, he reluctantly did the same. They both saw the figure at the same time, and ducked behind a small tree to avoid detection. After watching for only a few seconds, both of them reached the same conclusion. A glance at each other confirmed that they'd both determined that the figure was no guardsman, and was creeping through the night much as they were. In the second sight, Devan could tell that the man had magical items secreted all over his person, but something he carried in his hands exuded the brightest glow of all. What prompted her to do so would perplex Devan for many days to come, but she reacted instinctively when the approaching figure dropped into a crouch and pointed something in their direction. She could feel the heat from the dark fireball that exploded against her robe, but little more. The same enchanted ring that had saved her from Aristel's revenge tactic also protected her from the thief's attack. Because she had moved in front of Aristel, her magic protected him as well. Aristel's quickly worked a spell, sending a black bolt of force streaking toward the attacking figure. The unerring bolt struck the thief, but didn't appear to cause him any harm. Taking the cue, Devan cast the same spell, which wouldn't create any strange flashes of light to alert guardsmen or the people in the nearby homes. Her bolt fizzled, as did another Aristel cast moments later. The thief ran in a crouch, moving in an unpredictable pattern. Devan sent another bolt streaking forth, again striking her target as she stood. A moment later, Aristel stood next to her as well, his own bolt slamming into the thief. Devan hissed, "He must have protection, and we need to wear it down. Keep it up." Aristel only grunted in response, and then began his spell again. The thief continued to dodge, suddenly skidding to a halt and reversing course at one point. Though Devan and Aristel couldn't know it, the shadowy cutpurse had heard the sounds of booted footfalls. The thief understood the danger he now faced, as he could feel the protective magic items weakening under the continued assault of magical missiles. He took hasty aim with his wand, firing off another dark fireball in an attempt to distract the magic users, but neither flinched or ceased the gesturing that would conjure their next bolt of arcane energy. The two best targeted spell-casters in the entire school never relented, sending bolt after bolt into the thief as he used every trick he knew in an attempt to avoid them. When he felt his magical shielding fade, he abandoned all sense of decorum and ran at full speed away from the two magic users. Devan and Aristel's final bolts hit the thief at the same time, sending him tumbling head over heels down the street. When the cowled man popped back to his feet, he was within a few yards of an alarmed guard – and unmasked. Aristel grabbed Devan's hand, realizing that even the nearly invisible bolts of energy could reveal their location, to prevent her from casting another. Devan nearly slapped him, but then realized the danger at the same time. The thief actually turned toward them and growled before bolting past the guard and cocking his arm. Though neither Aristel nor Devan could see what had happened, the guard crumpled to the ground. The thief was long gone into the shadows, running as fast as his feet could carry him. Now that someone had seen his face and two magic users had repelled him, he decided that it was time to find greener pastures. Nevermore would he return to this region, when there were so many other places that didn't know what to look for yet. Once again, Devan reacted without thinking. She heard Aristel hiss a protest, but couldn't make out the words as she hurried toward the downed guardsman. Upon reaching the man, she saw a dagger protruding from his stomach. Cursing, Devan dug into her robe pockets, letting out a gasp of relief when she found what she sought. The small blessed stone was a gift from a lover, and one she found extremely valuable. The artifact healed wounds, and Devan used it to deal with everything from burns acquired while melting metals for spell components to nicks in her legs while shaving. Used for such small healing tasks, the stone would likely last for a lifetime. Looking at the wound, Devan knew that it would sap the stone's power completely – and might not even save the man's life. Kneeling down, she sacrificed the stone for the chance to save his life. Pulling out the dagger, she pressed the stone against the guardsman's wound. Though his groan sounded like a death rattle, Devan took it as a good sign, because he had made no sound and barely breathed until that point. A few seconds later, his breathing regulated. Devan saw the last wink of power vanish from her stone and pulled it away. While the wound remained, Devan could tell it was no longer life threatening. The man was still unconscious, but he would live. With the immediate danger passed, Devan now worried about her own predicament. Glancing toward where she'd left Aristel, she found him gone. A quick glance revealed him hurrying back toward the school. Devan shook off her irritation and followed. When a safe distance from the slowly rousing guard, she cast a spell of ventriloquism and used it to sound a shout near the guard. As soon as she did so, she sprinted the remaining distance back to the cellar door, counting on the guardsman to distract anyone from looking for anything else. When she reached the spot below Aristel's room, she could see him attempting to replace the boards. "Aristel," she hissed. He paused for a moment, and Devan knew that he was considering whether to continue replacing the boards. To her relief, he instead moved the boards out of the way and cast a spell to levitate her back up to the hole. "Get out," Aristel sighed when Devan crawled out from under the bed. "Not until..." "Just go. I'm no fool. We shouldn't be seen here together. I'm sure you can understand why that would look suspicious." Devan again started to protest, but understood the logic. She could also see defeat – and something else that she could swear looked like respect – in Aristel's eyes. With that realization, she knew he was beaten. Without another word, she hurried out of his room and back to Lauren's room. ~~~~~~~ *DD*********** ~~~~~~~ When Devan walked into the room disheveled, sweating, and obviously in an agitated – but not frightened – state, Lauren immediately asked, "What's wrong?" "Nothing," Devan replied with a wide smile. "Nothing at all." Lauren's eyebrows arched and her brow furrowed, but at almost that exact moment, she stiffened and cocked her ear as though hearing a voice. Quickly standing up and snatching up a robe, she said, "Stay here. Don't leave the room. Trust me." Confusion obvious in her features, Devan responded, "I trust you. I won't leave." Lauren hurried from the room, and Devan flew into a near panic. She had heard worry in the older woman's voice, and that feeling now assaulted her as well. After a little consideration, she decided to brush out her hair in an attempt to create a distraction to calm her nerves somewhat. The door opened again after only a couple of minutes, and the smile on Lauren's brought Devan a great sense of relief. "What happened?" "The thief in the city struck again, and this time he was discovered. A guardsman also saw the thief's face as he took a wound. He recognized the man as a strange hermit who skulked about the outskirts of town. I do believe our time of restriction should be over." "Finally," Devan remarked with relief. Lauren walked over to her dresser and pulled out a small bell. She struck it with an attached clapper, but the item made no sound. Devan could feel magic filling the room, however. Putting down the bell and then placing her hands on her hips, Lauren said, "Now that nobody can hear us, I would like to know what you know about this." "What I know about it?" Lauren glanced down at the hem of Devan's robe. "Grass stains and red clay. Don't worry, I'm not going to say anything, and I don't think you're involved – except by accident." Sensing that Lauren was telling the truth, Devan answered with the same. "Aristel and I came across him accidentally. He took a shot at us, and we fought back. I used a healing stone on the guard before I came back here." Holding up her hand in front of her, Lauren said, "Wait." She then pointed at Devan and continued, "You and Aristel?" "It's a long story, but I knew he was up to something. I followed him when he snuck out, and we just happened to be together when the thief fired a dark fireball at us." "So, what was he up to?" Knowing that if she revealed what she knew that she'd lose her leverage over Aristel, Devan replied, "I'd rather not say." Her brow furrowing, Lauren said, "I doubt you're defending him, so I'll wager that you discovered he's dallying with the Master's daughter." Devan's mouth dropped open with that revelation. "You know?" Lauren nodded and chuckled. "So does the Master. None of us thought he would be so foolish as to sneak out while we were under restriction, however. His two friends have been bedding two of the Master's servants as well." When Devan sighed and wilted, thinking she'd lost her hold over Aristel, Lauren was quick to add, "Aristel doesn't know any of that, however. I think I understand the reason for your smile now. I imagine you caught him in the act?" Though she didn't say it, she assumed that if Devan had actually observed Aristel coupling that she'd seen the women engaging each other as well, because that was also well known amongst the staff. The hints of a smile decorated Devan's face again when she realized that her hold on Aristel remained strong. This also reminded her of what she'd seen, and caused her cheeks to warm as she remembered the way her body had reacted to it. Her panties were sticky against her skin even now. "I think you've found the way to keep Aristel from attempting to torment you. If you manage to curtail his influence, I should imagine that many will not have the courage to do so. You should change your robe and get in the bath. It wouldn't do for anyone else to discover you were outside despite the restrictions." Devan nodded in agreement with the logic, and did exactly that. Though Lauren didn't look her way in any obvious manner as she undressed and settled into the bath, Devan couldn't help but feel that the older woman was watching her. She also noticed that she felt far less self-conscious of that scrutiny now. Lauren removed her hastily donned robe, and Devan unconsciously drank in the sight of the older woman's body, so well displayed in the short, transparent garment beneath. After witnessing the three women with Aristel engaging each other, Devan felt an almost unsettling level of curiosity assaulting her. Those thoughts were accentuated when Lauren asked, "How did you find out what Aristel was doing, by the way? I should imagine the animal control spell had something to do with it." "That's how I confirmed he was sneaking out. The thief's ear and clairvoyance spells are how I actually found out what he was doing." "Oh?" Lauren said with a sultry, crooked smile. "I imagine you saw a little more than you bargained for, didn't you?" "I was surprised," Devan answered. "I'm sure you were. Considering your conservative upbringing, the thought of women touching each other must have been a bit of a shock." Devan asked, "Did it shock you?" Lauren shook her head and said, "The first time – yes. That was long ago, however." "It doesn't bother you now?" Devan asked as she concentrated on quickly finishing her bath. Lauren chuckled and answered, "No, not at all. The two women were very good friends of mine, and I came to realize it was just an extension of their friendship. I was able to talk to them about it that same day. I can still hear Anna telling me that another woman knows things about you that no man could ever imagine. She knows what gives her pleasure, and she knows exactly how to do the same for another woman." Devan could hear something far more than simple reminiscence in Lauren's voice as the woman spoke. The tone of her voice told a story full of emotion, rather than of thought. The way Lauren was laying on the bed suddenly merged with an image from earlier in the evening in Devan's mind. Her temporary roommate lounged in almost the exact same position as one of the two women who had shared the bed with Aristel and his lover. Between the sound of Lauren's voice and the memory of what she'd seen, Devan suddenly became very aware of the brunette's body, barely hidden beneath her nightgown. "Am I making you uncomfortable?" Lauren asked when she noticed a distant look in Devan's eyes. Devan shook her head in the negative and stood up from the bath, reaching for a towel at the same time. No matter how much she wanted to deny it, she was looking at Lauren and feeling attraction – sexual attraction. Even though she tried to attribute the arousal to her victory over Aristel, knowing that she would be free to return to town soon, and any number of other excuses, each one rang false in her mind. She continued to struggle with the new and almost frightening feeling as she toweled dry, peeking over to see the hints of worry in Lauren's features. Once dry, she realized that she hadn't brought any clothing to the tub to change into. Walking back toward the bed where her clothing was, she saw Lauren's eyes fall on her for just a second, the bright blue orbs full of undeniable longing. Even though she'd done her best to steer Devan toward the subject, Lauren decided in the moment that she averted her eyes from the redhead's body that she couldn't pursue that course any longer. The potential consequences of a rejection, considering her position as an instructor, were simply too great to ignore. She knew that this was the moment to choose whether to reveal her feelings or not, and erred on the side of prudence. Feeling ridiculously like a girl engaging in her first experience with a man, Devan's pride asserted itself to overshadow her uneasiness. Though she didn't understand what she was feeling, she hated the thought of surrendering control to anyone. At the moment, Lauren was in control of the situation, if Devan's guess was correct. "Are you attracted to me that way?" Even with the rush of determination flooding through her, the words still surprised Devan. The sudden change in Devan's demeanor, coupled with the redhead standing nude just out of reach startled Lauren. As the words registered in her mind, Lauren realized there was nothing of accusation in Devan's tone, and a distinct note of curiosity. "Yes." A rush of warmth and wetness between Devan's legs greeted that answer, even as she felt a slight tinge of shame and aversion. Those flashes of emotion once again fueled Devan, causing her to push the weak feelings away. Sitting down on the bed, she asked, "Is that why you wanted me to stay with you?" Lauren surrendered, knowing that there was no way to turn back time now. In truth, she felt a sense of relief. "Yes, I wanted you here so I could see if you might feel as I do." Her desire surging within her, Lauren sat up and looked deep into Devan's eyes. "I ache for you. I have since the moment I first saw you." The passion and need in Lauren's voice caused Devan to gasp. She stared into Lauren's eyes, fighting away the impulse to bolt, angered by the weakness in her. The battle proved easy, as her passions were steadily rising. Lauren almost tentatively reached out to touch Devan's cheek. When the redhead didn't flinch, but instead drew in a deep breath, Lauren stroked Devan's cheek and drew her fingertips across the younger woman's lips. Devan's lips parted slightly, and Lauren let out a sigh as she felt the touch of wetness against her fingers. Lauren's touch was like an electric pulse through Devan's body. Her already hot desire flared to a bonfire of need. As Lauren's fingers continued their journey down the line of Devan's neck, Devan reached out to do the same. Lauren let out a shuddering sigh and trembled. Her fingers now tracing Devan's shoulders, Lauren sat up and leaned forward. She kept her eyes locked with Devan's until the moment their lips met. She felt resistance at first, and nearly pulled away, but then felt the redhead's lips soften and part. Her need overcoming anything else, Lauren let her tongue snake out to caress Devan's lips as they kissed. Devan had never experienced a kiss so soft or so intimate in her life. Even the softest kiss she'd ever shared with a man had the heat of barely restrained hunger behind it. Lauren's kiss seemed to seek only the closeness the intimate contact brought, and Devan responded in kind. Their tongues slipped over each other in a sensual dance until Lauren pulled away with a soft moan. Lauren edged closer to the redhead on the bed, sliding her right hand up Devan's neck to entwine in her red locks. Her next kiss held more passion, and she pulled Devan against her, as they once again tasted each other's lips. Their breasts pushed against each other as Lauren slid her hand down Devan's side to knead he redhead's firm buttocks. When they broke from the kiss, Lauren ran her fingertip over Devan's nipple, once again feeling the redhead stiffen for just a second before relaxing again. Inflamed with desire, Lauren leaned down and suckled the stiff bud between her lips a moment later. Devan didn't flinch this time, but instead arched her back and gasped. As with the kiss, the touch of Lauren's lips on her nipple was gentle, intimate, and arousing beyond anything Devan had ever experienced before.