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The Luck of the Draw

By: Lady_Blackhawk



Finding The Deck Of Many Things had been a terrifying experience for the group, just as knowing they'd come to a place such as Barovia, a place they weren't sure they could escape from. They'd sought out a room in the castle they had deemed safe and barred the door from the inside. They'd readied a few defenses against whatever may come and hoped to get some rest during the daytime whilst Lord Strahd slept.

Callia watched in anticipation while her friends examined the deck and drew their cards. Electing to only draw one each, she could sense the rogues were sweating bullets as they picked their one card. Shaad had chosen the Comet card and Lorna the Gem card. So fitting for a rogue who loved shiny things to find the card that gave jewelry or gems. Tordrith breathed a sigh of relief as he picked up and turned over the Vizier card.

Callia breathed in a heavy sigh as her turn came next. I'll chance it, she thought.

"I'll draw three," she said confidently. She heard the gasps of her companions and perused the shocked expressions on their faces.

"You tempt Fate," Strykar said, his stony voice imbibing his displeasure.

"I can't change my mind now. What will be will be." Callia replied as she smiled into the hard face of her boon companion. She watched as the deck shuffled and spread itself before her on the table. She drew the first card she laid her eyes upon. It was the Moon card. Callia squealed with joy. Three wishes were now hers, anything she desired would be hers just for the wishing.

A wicked grin crossed Callia's face. "What to wish for," she muttered, knowing she only had a short time to use the wishes.

A thought entered her mind and she leveled a wicked glare upon Shaad.

"I wish for the three diamonds that I found in the Red Knight Temple on Fire Island to be back in my possession," she wished with a wide grin. Her eyes glittered like the stones as all three reappeared in her hand. She quickly stowed them in her backpack, shooting a warning look at both Lorna and Shaad.

Drawing in a deep breath, she began to speak again. "I wish for the death of...."

"No, Callia. I cannot let you do that." Strykar intervened as he grabbed Callia and shook her. "I will not be party to this evil of yours. Wishing for someone's death, no matter what they've done to you, is evil."

"Even if that person is evil?" Callia questioned. "My clan brother, Amakiir, is evil. You have no idea how he used to torture me with his magic."

"This is not the way. Wishing for his death in this manner is cowardly. Can't you see that? Or are you blinded by your own greed? Your own desires? Think, Callia." Strykar replied, as he held her tightly in his grasp.

Callia let out a sob, for she knew Strykar was right. "Callia, my dear, I know your hate for him runs deep, but to give into it only puts you on his level. There are many good things to wish for. Ask your heart's desire."

Callia nodded, knowing Strykar spoke true. Her heart's desire. Callia thought hard on something she'd really want to come to pass. Nathan's love perhaps? No, that would only lead to bitter heartbreak when he grew old and died way before her. Perhaps to be the most feared yet loved and celebrated 'Wrecker' in all of Faerun? That would certainly suit her ego well enough, but no, that she wanted to earn on her own skill and merit. Perhaps she should wish for a weapon to help her achieve that goal.

"I wish for a highly magical vorpal vicious mercurial greatsword to appear in my hand." Callia announced as a wider smile crossed her face. The beautifully crafted weapon appeared in her hand.

She gasped in awe. "Was that better?" She asked Strykar.

He shook his head at her, "Your chaotic nature sometimes gets the better of you, but yes, wishing for something to kill someone with is better than wishing for that someone's death."

"I'm so glad you agree, dear friend."

Callia paced back and forth while she considered her last wish. What did she really want? Ask her heart's desire.....She knew that time was running short on this last wish and if she didn't make it soon, it would be lost to her. She didn't want that to happen, but she didn't want to wish for just anything. It had to be meaningful. Why did Strykar have to stop her while she was wishing for Amakiir's death?

That was something meaningful to her. The paladin had stuck his nose where it didn't belong, but she knew that was what made him who he was and straying from that would cost him everything. She didn't want to be the cause of that.

Callia let out a heavy sigh once more. She didn't know what else to wish for. A thought niggled at her heart. Long had she wished to know who her true father was, but she couldn't ask for that. She couldn't bring him to this accursed place. She couldn't risk losing him after newly finding him.

"What would you wish for, Strykar?" Callia asked, her voluminous blue eyes sparkling with fresh tears. "What would any of you wish for?"

"It is not for us to use your wishes, Callia. They are for you. It is you who drew the card. Therefore, our wishes come secondary."

"Geesh, Strykar, you are far too noble for your own good." Callia retorted as she continued to think. Her heart's desire. Callia whispered her final wish to herself, hoping it would come to pass. "I wish for the love of a truly honorable man that will fill me for the rest of my days."

She smiled and anxiously awaited the day that wish would come to pass.

The deck shuffled itself and she proceeded to draw her second card. Sweat glistened on her brow and she shook as she turned it over, fearing something as terrible as her first card had been wonderful. It was the Throne card, which provided her with a small keep. Where would it stand though? Callia thought hard. Perhaps back in The Moonwood? No, too secluded. Waterdeep, perhaps. No, she could never live in such a large place. She thought over all the places she'd been since she had left home almost a year ago. She smiled once more. "My keep shall be located outside of Shepherdstown. It shall be called Blackhawk Keep." Callia decided proudly.

One more card, she sighed. So far, so good. She reached for her third and final card as the deck reshuffled itself. Sucking in a deep breath, she turned over her final card. The Knight Card. Callia let loose a shout of joyous relief. She had gambled the odds and nothing bad had happened to her. As she danced around in utter triumph of her good fortune, she noticed a deep honey blond haired wild elf dressed in chainmail had appeared before her.

"I have been called to you. I am here to serve you. I am called Chevelle," she said as she knelt before Callia.

Callia's eyes widened as the beautiful female stood up before her. "Where did you come from?" She stammered, in disbelief of her good luck.

"I was plucked like a star from the Astral Plane. I am here to serve and protect you." Chevelle replied.

Callia looked around, noting the frown on Strykar's face. "Then I am truly honored to have you," she replied, as she circled the beautiful wild elf female. 

She reached out her hand to touch Chevelle's hair and back as a delightful shiver coursed through her to pool with her loins. Looking back up at her companions, she also noted the look of hunger in Onis's eyes and shot him a nasty look, warning him off.

"She's mine," Callia mouthed at him and shook her head. She touched Chevelle's arm.

"Let's go find somewhere quiet to talk. I'd like to get to know you." Callia grasped Chevelle's hand and lead her into a nearby bedchamber they'd cleared out and barred. Lavishly appointed beds lined the walls. "Let us have a seat and get comfy."

Callia crawled onto one of the canopied beds and sat Indian style. She beckoned Chevelle to do the same. "You said you are from the Astral Plane. How long will you be here?"

"I will be here as long as you have a need of me or until death. If I die here, I will be sent back to the Astral Plane." Chevelle replied, as very little emotion filled her words.

"And then you are gone from me forever? There would be no way for me to bring you back?"

"None."

"Not even a wish or a miracle?"

"Not even a wish or a miracle."

"That is awful." Callia quipped, as she eyed the beautiful blond elf. "I'll just have to make sure you don't die."

Chevelle chuckled. "Not even you can hold back to the hands of time, but it is refreshing to know that you would try to save me from death."

"I would do that for any of my friend's. They are all very important to me." Callia said, then changed the subject. "Have you ever been called to serve and protect before?"

"Yes, once before, but it was a long time ago."

"What form did you take then?" Callia asked, curiously.

"I was an elf then, too. Not a wild elf as I am now, but a high elf...what you would call a moon elf. The one I served was a wizard. She was quite haughty and very work minded. I served her for many years and became a valued companion. We were there during the fall of Myth Drannor. She came upon a foe too powerful for either of us to handle. I was banished back to the Astral Plane and she was disintegrated." Chevelle recalled as a grimace crossed her face.

"I'm sorry to hear that." Callia replied, as she recalled her own deaths and reached out for Chevelle's hand. "You've been to Myth Drannor, huh? That must've been quite a place. I have only heard tales of it. I have heard stories of the treasure within its great halls and of terrible monsters."

Chevelle looked past Callia's cryptic words and peered deep into her soulful eyes. "You speak as one who has experienced much," she said, feeling the pain Callia felt from her past death's as she gripped Callia's hand.

"Yes, I have, but things are looking up." Callia replied, bestowing upon Chevelle a glorious smile that radiated her happiness. "I have you now. I also my wonderful companion Strykar and how can I forget the equally wonderful group I adventure with. I know you will fit in with the rest of us."

"I'm sure I will. How many are there?"

"Let's see. There is Onis, a moon elf wizard. I think he developed a crush on you upon first sight of you. There is Shaad and Lorna, our halfling rogues. There is Squib, a forest gnome ranger, and Tordrith, a half orc cleric of Uthgar. He may look scary and fearsome, but he has earned much respect in my eyes. He will do anything to help a friend. There is also Barack, our dwarven fighter. Lastly there is Strykar, my boon companion. He is a human paladin. He is quite stern and forthright and honorable, but his friendship has been quite a gift. Despite our differences, I love him very much. He keeps me from getting into too much trouble and I keep him from being too serious and grim. Altogether there are eight of us. Nine if I count you."

"Eight companions, you say." Chevelle nodded, "I have never been with such a large group. During my time in Myth Drannor with my former companion, there were other elves around, but I kept to myself quite a bit. Lydra liked to remain in her lab, concocting magical potions and items. There was, however, an elven bard who dwelled in Myth Drannor that I liked to pass the day with. He had a voice that angels would be envious of. I rather enjoyed listening to him. Ah, but that was another lifetime ago and this is now. You know about me. Now tell me about you."

Chevelle responded to Callia's smile and scooted closer to her. Callia summed up her life so far by telling her about her clan, her brothers and some of what the group she adventured with had seen and done. She sighed dreamily as she told her about Nathan and how she hoped to meet up with him again.

Chevelle rose to her knees and knelt before Callia. "You are a beautiful woman, Callia. He would be a fool not to desire you. I desire to take his place in your bed, to hold you in my arms as he would, if you would so desire me?" she offered, her voice low and sensuous.

A wave of lust washed over Callia, flooding her senses. "As beautiful as you are, Chevelle, how could I not desire you? I must admit that I have never been with a woman before, but the very moment I set my eyes on you, I wanted you. I only hoped you'd feel the same."

"Then this shall be a first for both of us," Chevelle replied as she threaded her fingers through Callia's hair.

Callia pulled herself to her knees and wrapped her arms around Chevelle. Metal clanked against metal as their armor touched and their bodies meshed in embrace. "You were never with the wizard you served?" Callia asked as she peered deep into Chevelle's icy blue eyes.

"No, never. She was not like that. She was never ruled by physical desires, only the desire for power. In all the time I traveled with her, she only took a lover a few times. Sharing her passions with another wasn't important to her."

"I know people like that. Strykar is one of them. His passion lies in destroying evil. I would stay in bed all the time and share my passions endlessly if I could," Callia admitted as she drew Chevelle's lips to hers.

"I know. I could tell when I first met you. You ooze sensuality and sex from every pore of your body. I am lucky to have been the one called to you."

Electricity crackled between them as they gave into their heady kiss. Callia had never experienced anything so intense...not even with Nathan. Heat flooded Callia's veins, pooling between her thighs. She moaned, parting her lips even more, allowing Chevelle's seeking tongue even greater access. She felt herself grow even wetter as her arousal increased.

"I want you naked," Callia purred against Chevelle's lush lips. Impatiently, she began to remove Chevelle's armor, dropping piece by piece of the chainmail to the floor. Beneath the armor, Chevelle wore silk and skin tight breeches that emphasized her lush curves. She peeled both off quickly, taking pains not to rip them from Chevelle's body. She didn't want to appear too hasty.

Callia licked her lips as her eyes feasted upon Chevelle's perfectly rounded breasts. She loosed a husky moan. "You are even more beautiful in the flesh," she whispered, and sent a silent prayer of thanks to the fates for gifting her with such beauty. She pressed Chevelle's body down to the mattress and arose, removing her own armor and silks.

Chevelle rose to her elbow, drinking in Callia's naked form. Her eyes twinkled and she smiled in admiration. "You are quite beautiful as well. I am truly lucky to have been sent to you. Now come to me. Let me taste your luscious body. I hunger for you."

Callia moaned and rejoined Chevelle on the bed. Soft as the downiest fur yet as hard and potent as steel came the want between them, materializing and coming to full heady life. They entwined their bodies, hands seeking the other's body and lips seeking lips, as they gave into their deepest, most intimate desires.

Breaking off their steamy kiss, Callia took control. She nipped at Chevelle's ear, eliciting soft moans from her parted lips. Moving lower, she nipped and suckled her neck, leaving behind a mark to show she had been there. Lower yet she moved. She flicked her tongue across one dusky pink nipple while caressing the other. She nipped, licked, and suckled each taut nipple, feeling Chevelle writhe beneath her.

Callia's name slipped from Chevelle's parted lips with a husky moan. A squeal of delight followed as Callia's hand parted her thighs and dipped into the cleft of her wet, aching snatch.

"Like that, honey?" Callia purred against Chevelle's hardened peaks.

Her body bucked, giving into the sweet torment of her lover's seeking hand. Another loud moan escaped her lips as wetness coursed and flowed from her willing flesh.

"Yes....yessssss," Chevelle panted, her fingers entangling within Callia's silken strawberry blonde mane. "Please, Callia....more....please."

A soft chuckle escaped Callia's lips as a perverse sensation took hold of her. She strummed a sensual beat on Chevelle's swollen clit. She stroked her, caressing softly while feasting on the lushness of her soft breasts. Callia kissed her way down Chevelle's body, stopping to flick her pick tongue in and out of her navel, teasing her unmercifully. It was a tender prelude of what was to come. Chevelle bucked and groaned even louder. "Touch me, please. I want to feel you."

Sliding all the way down, feeling the erotic friction that sparked between their bodies, she eyed her new lover's snatch, smooth and hairless as all elves were. She sniffed, inhaling the heady scent of desire. Chevelle was wet, her moist pouty lips begging for something more. Callia nuzzled her thighs, parted her nether lips and lapped at her, beginning her erotic assault. Her fingers stroked the swollen nub that was Chevelle's clit before dipping lower, teasing her. She dipped lower still, nipping the clit, running her tongue up and down the length of Chevelle's heated flesh. She lapped at her slit, teasing and poking her tongue within. Then she moved back to the clit and plunged three of her fingers into Chevelle's juice slicked pussy. Stroking her, she pumped her hand in and out, feeling her inner folds and centering upon a raised mass of nerves located on one of the inner walls. Callia strummed and flicked while sucking and licking.

Chevelle's breath came in harsh pants as she cooed and moaned, begging for more. Calling upon her own instincts to please her new lover, Callia used the knowledge of what she liked to please Chevelle. By Chevelle's own moans, Callia knew she was indeed doing something right. Chevelle's flesh quivered as Callia focused on the little spots that made her jolt and moan. She bucked her hips wildly as her body blossomed, rupturing in ecstasy. She squealed and left out a lustful scream. Wetness flooded from deep within her as Callia pushed her tongue deep into Chevelle's erupting snatch. She felt the wetness coating her lips and face and lapped the sweetly pungent juices up greedily, eliciting more cries from Chevelle.

"Mmmm...," Callia purred against her hot snatch before she attacked her again, bringing Chevelle to another intense orgasm that filled her senses with utter pleasure and sated her body's longings. She shook, quaking in response to the blissfulness she'd just experienced, and moaned even louder as the sensations ceased to invade every inch of her.

"Callia....oh, Callia....that was ever so amazing. You are truly gifted. I never knew it could feel like that. I never knew it could feel so good."

Callia licked her own lips, still tasting Chevelle's juices. She exulted in the praises of her passionate lover. "I aim to please," she quipped as she nuzzled Chevelle in her arms.

"Rest, my sweet, for this has not even begun to become pleasurable." The two lovers cuddled together, kissing and whispering soft endearments before sleep washed over them, claiming them both in its sublime caress.

It wasn't until much later that Callia heard a soft knock on the door. She looked up as Onis poked his head into the room.

"Callia!" he exclaimed and shut the door behind him. He shook his head. "Strykar and I both figured I'd find you like this. Must you pervert and sleep with everyone you meet?"

"No, not everyone. I haven't slept with Strykar. Why? Are you jealous that you didn't get to sample her sweet charms first?"

"No!" he sputtered, annoyed at her suggestion.

"Well, dear Onis, if she is interested in you, she'll make her move. She's quite bold and so talented," Callia purred. "Perhaps if you are a good boy, we'll allow you to join us sometime."

"That I'd be a fool to turn down," he chuckled, as he leaned against the door. He took a deep breath and tried to adjust without Callia noticing.

"What brings you in here?" Callia asked as she stretched and gave Onis a view of her naked body.

"We were going to check out some of the other rooms on this floor. You know we are here to find a way to get back to Faerun." Onis replied, shifting uncomfortably.


The Luck of the Draw



"We'll be right there, dear Onis." Winking, she blew him a kiss before gently shaking Chevelle awake. "Time to wake up, sleepy."

"What?" she drawled, sleepily.

"Time to get moving, my sweet." Callia cooed, stroking Chevelle's hair. The blond elf nodded and searched out Callia's lips. She kissed her softly. A groan came from the across the room.

"Onis, go away."

Chevelle turned and looked at him. "Good morning."

"Good evening. It's time to go. Though I would rather join you," he stated, boldly.

"Onis!" Callia exclaimed, "OUT!"

Chevelle hushed her with a kiss and climbed off the bed. She glided over to Onis with an inherent grace that far surpassed that of an elf's. Lifting her hand, she stroked his cheek and peered deeply into his eyes. "I can feel your desire for me. It is potent and takes on a life of its own. But what you must realize, I am here to serve another. I can only act with her consent."

Onis shifted his eyes to Callia and sent out a silent plea. She smiled. "Remember what I said, dear Onis."

He nodded, drawing in a deep breath. "I'll just leave you two alone to dress. We'd like to get going so please be quick."

"Yes, Onis." Callia replied, rolling her eyes at him. "I suppose next you'll send Strykar in here to roust me from bed."

"That wouldn't be a bad idea."

Callia growled at him and hopped up from the bed. "I'm up, okay?"

Onis laughed and left the room, closing the door behind him. "He is quite attractive." Chevelle stated, as she turned back to Callia.

"Yes, he is. I coveted his attentions for a long time. Even now, there are times I still want him," she replied. "He wants you and perhaps he will have you. If you want him, I give you permission to go after him. I told him that if he was a good boy that I would allow him to join us. Would that please you?"

"Yes!" Chevelle exclaimed.

Callia smiled and stood up, laughing as her heart swelled with joy. "So be it then. I do wish, however, to enjoy your lush charms and attentions for a while longer. Let us hasten to dress and join the others. I do not relish my boon companion coming in here and giving me a lecture."

Chevelle looked at her inquisitively, taking in the tone of Callia's voice and her body language as well. Interesting, she thought, sizing up the matter. Callia wanted her boon companion, but as she could glean from the subtleties of her demeanor he did not share the same feelings. Or did he? Chevelle knew she must keep a watch on both of them, taking in what they said and didn't say. How they dealt with one another, what their body language revealed about their friendship.

Callia wasted no time donning her armor and helped Chevelle into hers. They walked out of the room together and joined the others.

"So where we headed?" Callia asked, as she leveled her gaze unto Strykar's stormy visage. She took instant note of the tumultuous glare in his eyes. Curiously, she studied him, noting the rigid stance he took and how he clenched his fists at his sides. Was he mad at her? She wondered. She arched her brows in silent askance. He shook his head and looked away. She wondered if anyone else noticed it, for the tension was thick enough to be cut with a knife. It was palpable and tangible, taking on an almost lifelike quality, humming between them like a living current. Chevelle gasped as she felt it, and nudged Callia.

"We need to find a way to the upper levels of this castle. We are here to find a way to rid this cursed place of the evil that plagues it. Strahd still lingers within this castle. Perhaps if we destroy him and his evil minions, it will provide a gateway back to Faerun." Strykar replied, his voice hard and stony.

"I am definitely all for that. This place sends chills down my spine and makes me feel like I'll never be warm again." Callia grimaced, as an icy shiver coursed through her.

"I think we keep these rooms in mind when we need to rest. We know we can bar the doors." Squib suggested.

"How much of this floor have we not covered?" Callia asked, recovering from her bout of chills.

"There are several rooms down the west hall and we still don't know what lies to the south," Onis replied.

"Plus we haven't found the way up to the next level." Shaad offered.

"I can see another tower to the east that I know we haven't been in." Lorna added, "It looks dark and spooky, though."

"This whole place is dark and spooky." Strykar scoffed, tersely.

Callia nodded in agreement. "How are we on supplies? Have we plenty of wooden stakes? Is there any more furniture we can bust up to make solid stakes? Are your holy symbols at the ready? Do we still have any holy water?"

"Yes, I have all three." Tordrith replied, brandishing his silver holy symbol of Uthgar.

"What kind of creatures have you encountered?" Chevelle asked.

"The worst kind...undead." Strykar growled, grimly. "Wraiths, Vampire Spawn, Shadows."

Chevelle's eyes widened in horror. It had been an undead creature...a lich...that had disintegrated Lydra.

"No," she gasped.

Onis stepped up beside her and rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll look out for your well-being. We have been fighting all kinds of undead ever since we came to this accursed place."

"Thank you," she smiled, touched by his concern.

Loading up their packs and weaponry, they set out, leaving the safety of the barred rooms to explore and clean out the entire floor of vile undead creatures. They fought another shadow and several zombies who were in a room to the south. Strykar and Tordrith showed their true mettle by turning and destroying the shadow and zombies.

Days passed, flowing into each other until they started to feel endless. Battles were fought and undead creatures destroyed, but without certain casualties. Though no one died, members of the party had strengths and resiliency weakened. Callia ran afoul a nasty shadow that drained her until she no longer had the strength to hold her axe.

Retreating to hide in a dark room, she watched as Strykar stepped up and held out his holy symbol. The creature recoiled and incinerated from the holy light.

"Callia...." he yelled as he sought her out as she cowered in the dark room. Brandishing his lantern, he knelt beside her. "Are you alright?"

"No, I feel so weak," she whispered.

"Can you walk?" he asked as he held out his hand to her.

"No, I don't think I have the strength," she shook her head and touched his proffered hand. "Are we going to rest?"

"Yes, we are all going to rest. Let me carry you back to the rooms we've been holing up in for safety," he said, as he lifted her up into his arms. "I'll take care of you."

Callia smiled weakly and turned her head as they followed their companions back to the two safe rooms.

"Callia, are you alright?" Chevelle exclaimed, as she ran over to Strykar.

"The Shadow drained most of her strength. I will do what I can for her and she'll have to do some recuperating on her own." Strykar replied. "She's very weak."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked, concerned.

Strykar looked down at her, begrudgingly. He noted the pleading look in her eyes. "Yes, I'm sure there will be some way you can help her," he reluctantly agreed, despite the fact he wanted a few moments with Callia alone.

"Thank you, oh, thank you. You don't know how much this means to me," she chimed as she stroked Callia's hand.

"Actually, I do." Strykar replied, exhaling deeply. Emotions warred within him. He felt torn between all that he stood for and all that he held dear. Callia was one of the few women to ever break down his barriers with little effort. She was almost an enigma to him, so very different in her beliefs and ideals. Her very nature was as foreign to him as the feelings he felt and fought against. He didn't want to feel such blind love for her. She reveled in carnal lust. She was wild and hedonistic, but as he gazed down into her pale face, he realized he loved her more than life and would fight to the death to possess her.

Chevelle stared into his ruggedly handsome face and studied him thoroughly. She saw the emotions flicker within the depths of his eyes. She silently gasped and held her breath. He did love her, she thought, clearly reading it within his eyes. They mirrored his soul and Chevelle knew this man held Callia in high regard, despite their obvious differences. She could almost feel his heart swell with the love he felt as he dared to stem the tide of his feelings. She followed them into the room, where he gently laid her down on a bed before securing the door. He gaze passed over Chevelle. "I am going to try to heal the damage done to her," he said, softly.

She nodded, watching as he lay his hands upon Callia's body and channeled a force of positive energy through his own body to bestow upon her. Heat infused her body, chasing away her weakened condition and restoring some of her strength back to her. Her fingers gripped the luxurious bedcovering and she moaned. Her eyes flickered open and she took in the sight of Strykar leaning over her.

"What happened?" She murmured, noticing Chevelle standing behind Strykar.

"Do you not remember?" Strykar asked.

"Vaguely...didn't we encounter another shadow?"

"Yes, but I saved you from it. You are safe now and nothing more will harm you this night. I will stay here by your side." Strykar pledged as he held her hand and stroked her face.

"May I have a word with Chevelle?" Callia asked, her eyes pleading. Strykar nodded, sighing heavily. He had saved her yet all her concerns were centered on Chevelle. He left the room, his shoulders slumped in near defeat. Callia beckoned Chevelle to her, patting the bed beside her. 

Chevelle sat down. "How are you feeling?"

"I'll be fine. I'll be back up before you know it." Callia quipped.

"What did you need to have a word with me about?"

"I wanted to tell you that I appreciate your concern. You mean a lot to me, my sweet. I have so enjoyed you." Callia started. "I have noticed the looks and unspoken need lingering in Strykar's eyes, though."

"As have I. He loves you." Chevelle stated.

"I am very aware of that. My feelings are the same for him. I don't know when or how it came to be, but it has taken hold of me and won't let go. It is somewhat terrifying to me, though. I have never felt this deeply about someone. He looks at me and I melt. It's not purely sexual like in the past. Chevelle, my sweet, I want you to know that even though you still are here to serve and protect me, I do not claim ownership over you. Follow your heart's desire. I have." Callia smiled and leaned toward Chevelle for one last kiss.

"Thank you so much!" Chevelle squealed, kissing Callia back.

"Do me a favor?"

"Anything!"

"Help me out of my armor and then send Strykar back in here to me." Callia asked and Chevelle eagerly set about the task, removing Callia's studded leather armor and the silks she wore beneath it. She winked as she headed for the door. 

"Strykar?" she called. "Callia needs you."

Meeting him in the doorway, Chevelle touched his arm, a wicked grin gracing her face. "She's all yours."

Stepping from view, Chevelle let Strykar enter the room.

"Strykar?" Callia called as she turned and saw him leaning against the closed door. His eyes narrowed as he took note of her naked form. He had saved her yet she had selfishly turned to her female lover.

"Yes, Callia?" He asked, placing one foot in front of the other and slowly stepping toward her. "Come here to me. Join me. We need to talk."

Sweat beaded on his brow as he feared the worst. "Callia?"

She patted the bed, making room for him. "Please, sit down."

He did as she asked and took a seat beside her. Callia took a deep breath and looked up into his eyes. "You told me when I drew the Moon card to ask my heart's desire. I did. It was the one wish I whispered which I don't think anyone else heard. I think it has come to pass, and I couldn't be happier about it."

"You asked for a lover, did you not? You have Chevelle now. Is that what you wanted to tell me? Will you send me on my way if we ever return to Faerun?"

Callia let out a chuckle. "No, my heart, that is not what I asked for. She came with the Knight card."

"I told you that you tempted Fate."

"Shhhh....listen to me. I asked my heart's desire. I asked for you. For your love." Callia replied as she touched his face, her fingers gliding over his lower lip.

His eyes brightened, as did the smile on his face. "I am honored, but you needn't have wished for my love. You had but to look deeply enough into your heart to know it was there."

A blush colored her cheeks an enticing shade of pink. "Sometimes I am hopelessly blind," she admitted, sheepishly.

"I have fought it, though. I thought feeling this was wrong. I follow all the rules and you follow none, save what feels right at the moment. Your very nature is foreign to me, yet I find myself drawn to you like a moth to a flame. All I know is that when you are near me, I feel complete. I am not a man ruled by my physical desires, but with you, it takes hold of me and I can no longer deny what I feel," Strykar admitted, taking her hand in his. "I love you, Callia."

"I love you, too," Callia replied, her smile so glorious it reflected in her tearful eyes. Drawing her into his arms, he held her tightly. She squirmed against him as the full plate mail armor poked into her naked flesh. "Strykar," she squeaked, "Your armor..."

He chuckled and released her. "Is that a hint, my love?"

"Yes and no," she pressed her arms against his chest. "It was hurting me, but I also want to feel your skin against mine."

"If you hadn't divested yourself of yours, mine wouldn't be hurting you, my dear," he quipped as he gave her a wink.

"It was heavy," she retorted.

"I know it was. Though it denied me the chance to remove it from your beautiful body myself. I know I have seen your naked body often enough, but I wanted to undress you before I showed you how deep my feelings for you run. I promise I'll be gentle."

Strykar stood up before her and began to remove his armor, which took him several minutes to strip down to his shirt, leather vest and breeches. 

Anticipation flooded her core as she longed to see him in the flesh. She sucked in a deep breath as he pulled his shirt over his head. Muscles rippled with his fluid movements. She watched in awe at the beauty of his physique. He kicked off his boots, tossing them to the side. Lastly he dropped his breeches, peeling them down past his swollen cock, large and painfully erect. They, too, were kicked aside.

Wetness pooled in the cleft of Callia's thighs. She quivered at the thought of feeling his powerful form gliding over her and his large cock deep within her. 

As large and well endowed as he was, she had no doubt he would fill her as she'd never been before. Her heart pounded and she licked her lips, even as she felt her pussy lips moisten.

"Callia," he whispered as he joined her on the bed, enwrapping her in his embrace. "I will be gentle with you. Tell me if I hurt you and I will stop. I know in my heart I should wait until you have your full strength back, but I can not. Needing you is an ache that I must soothe."

"Your love will heal me and I rest afterwards," she replied as she nuzzled against him, reveling in the heat and protection his larger body provided. Strykar caressed her softly and sought out her lips.

The tender kiss, which started out slow and soft, soon gave way to deep and passionately demanding, just the way Callia liked it. She reveled in its intensity.

Strykar took his cue from her lead and slid over her body, pressing her firmly into the mattress. Her arms came up around him. She ran her fingers through his hair and down his back, tracing over sinewy muscles. She caressed his muscular arms, feeling their bulky strength.

"Tell me if I'm too heavy for you," he whispered as he broke their kiss. His hands skimmed her sides, eliciting soft signs from her. 

She purred softly, giving herself over to the heady sensations. The heat of his body scorched her flesh and left her aching for more. Tenderly, he sought out her breasts, suckling each nipple. Callia moaned, arching her body up into his seeking mouth. He teased her, swirled his tongue around her nipples, and coaxed them into taut peaks. Callia panted huskily and gripped his muscular biceps. Warmth flooded from her core. Strykar shifted to her side and slid one hand down her body, parting her thighs as she stroked her smooth, hairless pussy.

Spreading the folds of skin that hid her clit, he tweaked it then began to stroke ever so lightly. A loud moan slipped from between her lips as a jolt coursed through her, setting off sparks within her. He teased her, with his fingers plucking her clit and his tongue circling her rosy nipples.

"More," she groaned as she spread her legs to accommodate him.

Ignoring her demand, he focused on her clit, finding the spot on it that made her squirm. She bucked her hips.

"Please..."

Lightly, he slapped her thigh and nipped at her taut peak, telling her to be patient. He wanted to take his time pleasing her, making their first time together memorable. With feather light strokes, he flooded her with erotic sensations. She writhed, enjoying his touch. Dipping even lower, he traced his fingers over her moist slit, readying her for his penetration.

As wet as she was, he easily slipped in two of his fingers. Stroking them in and out, he added yet a third finger and emulated what it would feel like when he finally gave her his cock. Kissing his way down her body, he sniffed at her pussy, relishing the aroma of her wetness. Pulling away her fingers, he licked her swiftly, sending a sudden jolt racing up her spine. With a soft growl, Strykar plunged his face into her pussy. Callia squealed as his tongue found her clit then poked into her dripping slit. He devoured her, bringing her to an almost instantaneous climax. Relentlessly, he licked, suckled and plunged his fingers back into her. Callia bucked her hips as her breathing came on short gasps. She panted heavily and cried out. His name lingered on her lips as another orgasm washed over her. She shook uncontrollably, lost in the intensity of their passion.

Callia grasped his hair, running her fingers through it. She attempted to pull him up to her, but found her strength had waned.

"Strykar," she whispered.

He rose above her and captured her lips in a stunning kiss. Callia could taste herself on his lips. It fueled her desire even higher. She sought out his cock, touching, stroking him, feeling its hardened strength. Hard as steel yet soft as velvet, she noticed her palm barely wrapped around it. He was indeed as large and as well endowed as he had looked. She pumped her hand, feeling him from base to tip. Strykar let out a moan of his own. He nestled himself between her legs and pulled her cock out of her hand.

"Are you ready for me?" he asked, as the tip of his cock skimmed over her pussy.

"Yessssssss...." Callia moaned and spread her thighs as wide as she could to accommodate him.

Slowly he entered her, allowing her to adjust to his size. "Tell me if I hurt you. I do not wish to cause you any pain," he whispered as he slowly sank his entire length into her.

Callia moaned in sheer delight. This was what she had been waiting for. From the moment she'd laid eyes on him, she had wanted him. "Yes," she blissfully sighed.

Strykar let out a moan that echoed hers. "Ah, my love, you feel so good. You fit me perfectly," he whispered, feeling her tighten around his shaft. "I knew you'd feel like this. So hot, so tight...."

He kept his thrusts gentle and deep, rocking into her slowly. She met his thrusts, moving her hips in time with him. She moaned as he repeatedly grazed her inner pleasure spot. She could feel her orgasm building with his every thrust. Callia squealed and clawed at his back, gripping his cock with her pussy muscles even tighter.




The Luck of the Draw



"More...." she demanded.

Strykar immediately responded with a harder, deeper battering thrust. Callia moaned, urging him on. "Yessssss......"

She met him thrust for thrust, gripping him as tightly as she could from within, milking him as he hammered her pleasure spot. Wildly, she scratched her nails down his back, bringing to his lips a hiss of pleasure/pain. Nipping her ear, he gave her a harder and deeper thrust.

Callia cried out loudly as the flood gates within her burst and soaked him with her female juices. Her moans and squeals of pleasure continued as he thrust as deeply as he could, as fiercely as he could, battering her unmercifully, until the pressure within his balls became too great to hold back. Loosing his own feral scream, he felt his balls rupture, spewing his own cum into Callia's juice soaked pussy.

Pumping rapidly, he strained and grunted as he enjoyed the last vestiges of his release.

"Callia, my love," he moaned as he collapsed upon her. Resting his head within the sweat soaked valley of her breasts, he gasped for breath. Softly she touched him, stroking is hair and back. A glow covered her features. Strykar noticed it as he rose above her. "You are so beautiful. I hope I did not hurt you with my exuberance. It has been many a year since I last enjoyed the comforts of a woman."

Strykar slid to her side, removing his weight from her.

"No, you did not hurt me. You were magnificent, my love." Callia smiled, as her eyes fluttered shut.

A peaceful, dreamless sleep claimed her. Callia snuggled against Strykar, contented with his closeness. She didn't dare think of the future. Nothing was for certain at this point of their lives. Yet she had her good fortune to thank from the luck of the draw. It had brought her wealth, happiness, the love of Strykar and the friendship of Chevelle. What more could she ask for? (Except for a safe way out of Barovia??)

The End