Choose Your Chains (Closed for haremfaery)

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Phyrra laid the dress on the bed. She wasn't like her brother and couldn't go stone-faced as he did. If looks could kill, Desire would be dead.

Her voice was practically shaking, she said, "You should know, my father intends to have you guarded on your trip, so you'll arrive safely at the Freeholds. That is, of course, if you willing to see to it that our ambassador is introduced to whatever leaders you have, so our people can try to unite with yours and wage war on the Empire."

Phyrra wasn't sure if she should tell Desire Siora would be that ambassador. Would it hurt her to know that? If it would, did Phyrra want to be the type of person to weaponize that knowledge? She left that unsaid, figuring Desire would know soon enough.

-----

Cillian knew what he was doing was a bastard move. Siora had been through so much that she deserved to be more than a revenge fuck. But maybe he was a fool to think he could have a life with Desire. A relationship couldn't be built on so much distrust, no matter how much passion there was. A spy and a honey-pot assassin wouldn't be able to stop hurting each other like this. Maybe he should stay with Siora. But even as they shed their clothes on the way to the bed, he didn't know if he could trust her. Did she know about his father's plans?

That was a problem for future Cillian to deal with. Right now, he had a wife of 30 years to bed. She was beautiful—stunningly so. He was aware of that the day there were married. Like most mature elves, her looks hadn't changed since he saw her last. That wasn't true. There was something in her eyes that was different—a lack of naivety that had been there that day. Then, she was expecting this all to work out. Now, as she lay with him now, he thought he could see some distrust there.

He kissed Siora as his hands trailed down her body. She was a new lock to pick, and he used his deft hands to do so. They had over an hour before dinner—more than enough time. He was going to make swift work of opening her up and make this worth her decades of waiting. He'd figure out if she liked her breasts massaged, roughly handled, nipples sucked, pulled, or pinched. Then he worked his way down slowly, seeing if there was anything along the way down to between her legs that made her gasp or moan.

When he had just about reached the juncture of her thighs, he stopped. He slid almost off the bed so he could kiss the top of one foot. He worked his way up her hip, before starting the process again on the other leg. Then torturously slow, he pushed her thighs apart and began tasting and testing her as he'd done with so many women. He had entertained thoughts about Desire being the last of them, but perhaps that would be Siora—sweet and innocent Siora. She was still a virgin, and he knew he had to go slow. Being thick meant it could be difficult even with someone practiced like...

He banished the thought of Desire from his mind and concentrated on the woman in front of him. He'd take his time here to make sure she was ready before they were joined.

 

[haremfaery]

Desire frowned. What had Phyrra so upset? "Is that what Cillian wanted you to tell me? To be frank, I had planned to just leave on my own tomorrow. Cillian has a wife to attend to and I want to go home as quickly as possible." She had talked to Cillian about the possibility of Norstina and the Freeholds joining forces against the empire and here was Ailred trying to make that happen. She had to put her personal feelings aside and think of defeating the empire. "As long as Cillian isn't going, I'll be fine."

~~~~~

Siora moaned and sighed as Cillian learned her body. She had imagined this so many times, Cillian returning to be her husband. She had changed in the 30 years they were apart. Immersing herself in various projects, acting as chatelaine of House Farceran. But she had never taken a lover, never wanted to. She took her vows seriously even if Cillian did not.

She was compliant letting him take the lead, because in truth, she had no idea what to do, to him, for him. But Cillian did't seem to care.

Her thoughts scattered as he mastered her body. Building her anticipation, then finally her pushing her to the peak of pleasure. She cried out his name. "Cillian, I want you. Please."

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Phyrra took Cillian's ring out of her pocket and threw it at Desire.

"He'd wanted me to give that to before everything went to shit. He'd hoped it would have meant something to you and would have shown he had a reason for acting like he barely cared for you. Our father would have used that against him—turned you into a bargaining chip."

"If you gave him the time to explain before you hopped on my other brother's dick—" Phyrra made a disgusted face, "He could have told you it was an arranged marriage. He had no choice. He didn't love her. Which was one of the reasons he left BEFORE they even had a wedding night." Phyrra was pissed. "I had to be the one to tell him I heard you two. I didn't want him walking in on that. You couldn't have waited and given him—"

"You want to know what he said to me, as soon as he could without our father overhearing? He said you were the love of his life. He wanted to be the one to explain all this to you. He didn't choose her. He chose you. But you couldn't wait to hear his side of the story. Obviously, there was something between you two. And you didn't give him a fucking chance. Maybe you just didn't love him as he loved you. For all his manufactured stoicism, he's a hopeless romantic who believes in things like love."

"If I didn't think it would break his heart more, I would strangle you with my bare hands." Phyrra turned and stormed out. Muttering the word "Bitch."

-----

Cillian looked up from between Siora's thighs. "Anything you wish."

He moved until his shaft lay on top of her clit. He wanted her to know what to expect. Then he said, "We're going to start slow. You're in charge here. You tell me if it's too much or not enough. This is about what you want, what you've been waiting for."

He guided the tip of his cock to her entrance and waited for her to tell him if she wanted more.

-----

Vudiun had been summoned to join the family for dinner tonight. It wasn't the first time. He wasn't just a guard. He was a family friend. This was the first time he felt a sense of dread. There were whispers about something going on—a tension that was brewing. Servants and maids saw everything. There was yelling and sex and scandal. And there were rumors of something big to be announced at dinner. If Vudiun was being invited this time, he was sure it wasn't just for a friendly chat.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

(Posted on behalf of haremfaery)

Desire crossed the room and blocked the door, “No! You don’t get to be angry. Cillian has asked me to trust him again and again and then pulls the rug right out from under me.” She clenched and unclenched her fists. “He never said his family lived in Ulfamel. He never said he was married! And now he returns his ring. Do you know what that means? It means we’re over! We were over once he saw His wife. I doubt I ever was the love of his life. He just wants it both ways: his beautiful Cold wife and his Lusty mistress. Isn’t that what your father did? Your father called me a whore to my face. I might as well act like one. Seven Hells, maybe I’ll fuck him, too!”

She raged. If she were angry, she wouldn’t cry, and these damned elves were not]/i] going to make her cry.

“Tell Cillian I’d return his ring but do doesn’t need it, and I plan to hock it the first chance I get. I need the money—since I never charged him for the sex.”

She stepped away from the door.

——-

“I want you, Cillian. I want all of you. Please.” She put her hands on his biceps. “I ... Will this hurt the first time? You know that I never ...” Her heartbeat like the flutter of a bird’s wings.

She thought of creating a baby with Cillian. She hoped they didn’t. Things were too tentative. She wasn’t ready to bring a child into this. She wanted to get to know her husband.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Phyrra's eyes flared. "He wasn't GIVING it back to you. He wanted you to hold on to it until you were both safe. If my father or one of his men found it on him, they'd know. They'd know you were more than just a whore to him. But I guess he was wrong. You go ahead and sell it if that's all it ever meant to you." Hot tears of rage began to rain from her.

"You hurt him. He won't show, and he won't say it because he's fucking idiot. But that fucking idiot apparently loves you. Do what you want. I wanted to help you. I wanted to like you because I thought if Cillian, who, yes, does have a bad habit of not sharing all of himself, was willing to tell me, without hesitation, that he loved you. But like I said, he's a fucking idiot."

"And you're a fucking idiot. He left here so he wouldn't have to do what our father did."

If Desire had nothing more, Phyrra was gone.

-----

"Siora, I wanted to make you ready, and we're going to take our time. If we do, it shouldn't hurt, or if it does, it will only be brief. But if you want to stop at any time, you only have to say so. We can always try again later."

Cillian kissed her roughly as he entered her gently. She deserved better than this. She deserved better than him. But this was where they found themselves, so he'd do his best to live up to her expectations. True to his word, he went slowly and carefully. He kissed her lips and her neck. Then he bit her shoulder gently, testing her reaction. If it was positive, he would try it harder until he found the sweet spot for her.

He continued to gently thrust forward before drawing back a little, working into her slowly. Unless she told him to stop, he went to the hilt before waiting a moment and, using a languid pace, began moving in and out of her, at least until she asked for more.

He could give her all of himself in this way. But he'd always have to hold some of himself back if he was to be her husband. He'd spare her the pain of knowing that his heart belonged to another.

 

[haremfaery]

"Beshaba's Bleeding Fucking Cunt!" Desire wanted to scream. She wanted to cry. She wanted to run out of this house and never look back. She watched Phyrra leave then sank onto the bed. What in Seven Hells had she gotten herself into? How could she forgive Cillian? How could she forgive herself? They just weren't fated to be together. The sooner they accepted that, the better.

She sat thinking for what seemed like a long time, then stood and got dressed.

~~~~~

Siora tensed at anything rough or even mildly painful that Cillian tried. But his gently kisses brought sighs and moans.

She hissed in a breath when he entered her. But he was slow and gentle and she relaxed. She began moving with him, stroking his shoulders and arms. She closed her eyes and arched her neck.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Siora wanted gentle, and so that's what Cillian gave her. Roughness was for other women—another woman. Siora was delicate, and he treated her as such. He remained going at the languid pace and kissed her.

"Is this what you've been waiting for?" He asked. "What else do you need, Siora? Tell me what you want."

He could learn to be happy with this. He could survive on this. He could settle for this.

He wanted more. He wanted the roughness, the passion. But if Desire was done with him, he'd be the husband that Siora deserved. After this, no more lies, no more secrets. He'd tell Siora everything. He'd already destroyed a good thing by not being honest. He couldn't let it happen again, especially if he was to remain faithful.

He trailed his lips down to her neck and shoulders, then along her ears.

 

[haremfaery]

Siora made a face and turned her head. "Not the ears. Kissing my neck is nice though." She ran her fingers through his hair. She sighed and moved beneath him. It was good to have him back. Things would be good between them. They would make it work. She refused to think about the who--woman he'd arrived with. She'd helpped him escape. Siora should be grateful for that.

She realized she was distracting herself from what Cillian was doing. She pulled him down to her so she could kiss him. She moved with him, "Teach me."

-----

Desire put on the dress Phyrra had brought for her. It wasn't her color or style, but it fit well enough. And had the elegant beauty of all things Elven. She pulled the front lacing tight. She was slimmer than its owner. She was also shorter. She used the scarf that came with the dress to tie around her waist. The she gathered up each side and tucked them into the scarf. Now she wouldn't trip when she walked.

She sat at the dressing table and found creams, perfumes and makeup. She didn't care of any of the perfumes--too flowery. With her natural scent that carried the hint of bonfires, the perfumes would make her smell like a cremation site. She put kohl around her eyes and applied lipbalm. She used a light touch. She didn't want to look like the painted whore they all thought she was.

Would someone come to call her for dinner, or should she go back to the main hall? She waited.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

"Well, I heard she was a courtesan for some high lord in the Empire, and Cillian stole her away," Elduin, a servant for house Farceran, said to his compatriots.

"That's ridiculous," Faelyn laughed. "You can't just waltz a courtesan out of the Empire."

"Master Cillian could," Qamara countered, as she lay out the silverware.

"You're only saying that because you want him to tumble you," Faelyn snorted.

"That's not true. I do want to be tumbled by him, but that's not the only reason I think he could have done it. He's always been quick-witted and fleet-footed. I can't imagine his skills haven't improved under the guidance of the spymasters."

"Quite the lot of ya," Renna, the old matron who oversaw the servants, hissed. "I'll have no such talk while we lay out the master's table. You can all gossip all you want as you wash the dishes tonight."

"I don't know if Qamara will be there to help with dishes. She's got a date with the young master." Faelyn knew he was treading on thin ice already.

Qamara didn't say a word. She thought Cillian had been handsome before he left, but even more so now that he had some years on him."

"Faelyn, I swear if you don't concentrate on your duties, I'll have you cleaning the latrines with your tongue."

Faelyn giggled but said nothing.

Renna looked over the table. These fools and dreamers could handle the rest by themselves. She would fetch Desire.

-----

Cillian looked down at his wife. "Raise your hips to meet mine."

He'd give her simple instructions, though didn't shift positions yet. She was still a little fresh to try something like taking her from behind. He didn't know if she'd be scandalized by the suggestion. He didn't know much about her. He'd have to learn it. They'd get to that if she'd still have him after he confessed to her. But that was a worry for later.

"All it is experimenting, Siora. Half the fun is the discovery." He took one of her hands. "Though that doesn't mean I can't give you a little help." He guided between them, placing her fingers on her clit. "Just because I'm here doesn't mean you can still help yourself along. I won't be offended." He smiled down at her before he thought, What if she's never touched herself? No, that ridiculous. She's had to have done at least that.

 

[haremfaery]

"Oh!" Siora squeaked when Cillian guided her hand to touch herself. She moved her hips which made her fingers slide back and forth over the top of her slit. The sensation made her gasp and shiver. It wasn't the same as when Cillian use his tongue and fingers on her, but it did add to her pleasure. She pushed away the thoughts of the women he must have learned these things from and kept her eyes on his.

She put her feet flat on the bed and moved her hips faster. "Is this better?" She wanted to please him, she wanted him to be happy with her.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Cillian brushed his hand across her cheek. "This is for you, Siora. Yes, it's better, but let's focus on you right now. I wanted it to be better for you. I want you to feel good."

Before I shatter everything by being honest.

"Siora, I want you to come for me. Okay. Just let go. Stop trying to be perfect. Be a little selfish. Or a lot. You've waited so long. You've been so faithful. Now take what you want. Tell me what you want."

Cillian was already getting close himself. But he wasn't going to orgasm. It wasn't that he thought that he should punish himself. Well, not entirely. He was certain Siora wasn't taking herbs to prevent her from getting pregnant, and he wasn't sure that pulling out and spraying her with cum was the best way to end her first time.

 

[haremfaery]

"I don't know if I can ..." She had before from his tongue and fingers, but this was different. She tried to use her own finger the way Cillian had. "I think if you go faster ..." She gasped when he did. "Yes. Oh." Finally, she stopped thinking and let her body take over. She pressed her knees against his sides and rocked her pelvis. "Faster, please ..." She made high-pitched but quiet cries with each of his thrusts until she tensed and shuddered.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Cillian stopped when she shuddered and waited a brief moment before pulling out and laying beside her.

"Siora. I need to tell you something. And I'd like you to let me get it all out before I can talk myself out of being honest. I came back here angry because I learned my... companion had just slept with my brother, whom I despise. I tried to use you as... I don't know what. For that, I apologize. I've pretty much fucked everything up since the moment I met you. I'm a liar. I'm a scoundrel. I'm a thief. I'm a killer. I'm not a good man. You deserve a better man than me, but if you let me, I will try to be a better man for you."

-----

Renna showed up outside Desire's door and knocked. "Miss. Desire? I'm here to escort you to the dining room. This place is built like a maze. I think it's supposed to deter invaders, but mostly it just makes it inhospitable to guests."

-----

Phyrra was trying to make it look like she hadn't been crying. She decided she hated Desire and would never forgive her if she didn't apologize to Cillian and make amends. But that was something she wasn't going to accomplish right now. So she instead put on enough makeup to give herself a rosy glow instead of a splotchy red.

 

[haremfaery]

Siora blinked trying to process what Cillian had said. "So she is your whore." Siora laughed, "And you were angry, so you slept with me--chested on your whore with me? And now you want to be a better man? How can I believe a single word that comes out of your mouth?" She pulled the sheet around herself and got out of bed. "You will have to do better than that."

She picked up her dress and went behind the screen to put it on.

~~~~~

Desire opened the door. "Thank you, ...?"

"Renna, Miss."

"Thank you, Renna."

Desire following the maid, who was probably the oldest-looking elf she had seen, still was a handsome woman.

She memorized the turns to get to the formal dining room--an old and useful habit, especially if she had to make an expeditious retreat.

They were nearly at the door when Tarron greeted her coming from the oppostie direction.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

"Don't call her that," he said in a quiet voice that had a cold steel edge to it. "She saved my life several times over. I wouldn't have made it out of the Empire without her. If you are at all happy that I've returned, you owe her that at the very least."

Cillian—not intending to, but just by his nature—snuck up behind Siora and seized her wrist.

"I could have said nothing. I could have pretended like my father had until his lies killed Kythaela. People keep telling me they want me to be more honest, but I can't tell if that's true, or maybe I'm just doing it all wrong. Honesty is a skill that I haven't cultivated for three decades. I'm going to fuck this up, even if I have the sincerest intentions. That has been my problem. My intentions are good. I just don't know how to carry them out."

He released her.

"Every decision I've made... except that callous, unthinking moment when I offered to bed, I thought I was doing what was best for you. Even after that, once we started... listen, it was arrogant of me to think that I knew what was best for you without having met you. I don't want to make decisions for you anymore unless that's what you want. I will do what you ask, Siora. If you want to keep me around like a trophy to maintain your position or just to have my head betwixt your thighs, I'll be obedient. If you never want to see me again, I'll walk out that door, disappear, and no one will ever find me again. If you want me to fake my death so that you can remarry, I'll do that. If you want me to slit my wrists right here, I'll do that. I have caused you enough pain in life already. I want to try to repair some of the damage I've done."

He stood back, naked before her in more ways than one.

"All I ask is that you give me a chance, whatever that chance looks like, to do better by you than I have."

~~~~~

The dining guests were gathering. Phyrra glared daggers at Desire. Vuduin saw her and started, seemingly stunned by her beauty. Tarron smiled as she entered. Ailred did as well, but his smile never reached his eyes. Councilwoman Imra Iartoris gave her a cold accessing glance. A half-elf, wearing dark robes who gave accessing glance was more appreciative.

The diner would start soon, but Cillian and Siora had yet to arrive.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

(Posted on behalf of haremfaery)

Siora sneered a bit and said, "As you wish."

Cillian almost hurt her the way he held her wrist. His offers were all ones that she had wished for over the years. Except for killing himself, “I do not want you to kill yourself, we’ve scandals enough to contend with. I want us to try and be husband and wife to each other, Cillian. Give us time to know each other. If we still cannot have at least an amiable marriage, then we can talk about alternatives. Can you do that? Can you try?” She paused, then added. “And send your tiefling away as soon as possible. I do not want her under my roof. I will see to it that your father gives her letters of transit and guards to accompany her for her safety until she reaches The Freeholds. Can you do that for me? Will you?”

She went behind the screen and started dressing while she let Cillian think about his answer.

——-

Desire schooled face to a placid mask. She would treat this like any other job. Her goal was to get home safely. Everything she did from now on would be to further that goal, and Cillian be thrice-damned.

She entered the room as if she were a queen. These elven snobs would not belittle her. She smiled at everyone as if there were her adoring subjects. It usually unnerved her marks—they thought she knew something they didn’t or something about them they didn’t want known.

She was seated on the left between Tarron and the half-elf who she suspected was some type of magic user by his robes. Allred was at the head of the table with two empty seats on his right, then Phyrra. An imperious-looking elven woman had the seat of honor at the other end of the table. Vuduin sat next to Phyrra. Desire had thought this would be a “family” dinner. Perhaps the woman was the matriarch or Ailred’s mistress, but she didn’t sense a connection between in that way.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

"Siora, in my attempts to be an honest husband, I should tell you that I thought you knew my father's plans for Desire, the tiefling. But, I guess if you're asking that, you don't know. I'm still uncertain when he thought it up—if it was before or after I returned."

"Yes, he's going to send her to Freehold with guards to protect her. But he's sending an ambassador with her as well to negotiate an alliance against the Empire." Cillian started to get dressed. "You're to be that ambassador."

 

[haremfaery]

"What? Travel with Desire?" She laughed ruefully, "We're more likely to start a war with the Freeholds than ally with them." She came out from behind the screen and sat at her dressing table. She tried to tidy her hair and freshen her makeup. but there wasn't enough time.

"We should go. I'm sure there will be alot to talk about over dinner."

She looked in the mirror and decided to pull a few more tendrils of hair around her face trying to make it look on purpose instead of a post-coital mess.

------

Siora and Cillian arrived at the dining room and entered together. Sioira was still a bit flushed and her perfect hair was not so perfect.

Desire had a noncommittal look on her face but inside she was seething. It was confirmed. Cillian was back with his wife. She should never have trusted him. She wondered what lies he had told Siora.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Phyrra had been ready to leap across the table and start swinging fists at Desire. Then she saw Cillian and Siora enter.

You fucking, asshole.

While Phyrra didn't feel as betrayed or as angry as Desire, she'd now have to apologize to the woman she'd started to hate. She'd defended Cillian, and he'd gone and fucked it up by fucking another woman. Though Phyrra could acknowledge how bizarre the situation was when 'the other woman' in this case was the wife.

-----

Vuduin had been doing his best not to stare at the tiefling. It wasn't easy. She was stunning. He tensed at the entrance of his old friend but was happy to see him. Vuduin had yet to bed a woman, but even he could tell something had happened between the two of them. A stab of jealousy hit him.

-----

Jassin Trasatra hadn't minded sitting next to the tiefling. Getting to know his soon to be traveling companion was part of why he agreed to attend this dinner. But he watched the interactions at the table. Phyrra's seething hatred of Desire he had been looking forward to this mission, but he was observant enough to know that there were too many crisscrossing interpersonal relationships here. This might make the trip a little more dangerous than he anticipated, but it was nothing he couldn't handle.

-----

As the servants brought out the food, Ailred said, "So, Desire, I understand you'd like to travel to the Freeholds. Imra and I have discussed it, and we'd like to make you an offer. We will see to it you're brought safely home if you could introduce an ambassador from the elves to the right people once you reach there. You must know somebody who knows somebody at least. Siora will act as your ambassador, while Tarron, Vuduin, and Jassin act as your guards." He pointed to each man in turn, even though Desire was already well acquainted with Tarron. "Hopefully, we can negotiate a peace that will help end the Empire and forge a lasting peace."

Cillian kept his face like stone, but he hadn't anticipated his father planned to have him stay behind.

 

[haremfaery]

Desire gripped her hands in her lap. She gritted her teeth behind her smile. She gave Phyrra an I-told-you-so look. She fantasized about telling Siora about all the ways Cillian was an lying bastard.

Ailred spoke, "We will see to it you're brought safely home if you could introduce an ambassador from the elves to the right people once you reach there. You must know somebody who knows somebody at least. Siora will act as your ambassador, while Tarron, Vuduin, and Jassin act as your guards."

Desire started to speak but stopped herself. She took a breath and composed herself. Think of them all as marks. You can get through this.

"I think I can get the ambassador in front of the right people. Defeating the empire has always been the goal of my work." But a lasting peace between the elves and the freeholders? Not when so many elves were untrustworthy assholes.

Then she realized that Ailred hadn't said that Cillian was going, perhaps that was for the best. If she heard Siora and him fucking she'd have to torch them both. She smiled at the three men she'd be traveling with saving Tarron for last and letting the smile linger. Fuck you, Cillian.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

The food was magnificent for all that it mattered. There was enough tension there to cut it with a knife, and the conversation was almost exclusively about the trip, and it's mission. The party was set to move out in the morning. Imra and Ailred, along with a few other High Council members, had decided on this plan quite quickly when presented with the opportunity when the opportunity presented itself. They decided that sending an army to march towards the freehold would raise alarm, and sending too many people might attract unwanted attention. They didn't know who might be an Empire spy.

As the dinner winded down and people began to depart, Vuduin walked up to Desire and said, "I suppose if we are to travel together, we should talk. I just wanted to see if there was anything you'd need of me. Or anything I should know."

Tarron nodded at Desire as if excusing himself as he headed to his chambers and walked down the hall trailing after his father.

-----

Later, after everyone departed and the servants were clearing the table, Qamara would wonder what had happened to the knife that had been at Cillian's place setting.

-----

"Siora, I'm going to speak with my father and brother about why I'm being left behind, especially if you're going, and we are just starting trying to make this work. You'd be gone a month, at least. I will meet you in our chambers later if you'll have me."

Cillian chased after his father and brother, pursued by Phyrra. The family needed to have a little chat. The half-elf walked up to his brother.

"Why?" Cillian asked.

"Why what?" Tarron smiled.

"You know what. Why did you fuck Desire?"

"Oh, little brother, you've fallen for a tiefling whore."

Quick as lightning, Cillian produced the knife from his sleeve. It was the same mauver he used when escaping the dungeon with Desire. He slammed Tarron into a wall, pinning him there with his forearm against his throat and the blade positioned under his brother's belly button.

"Cillian!" Phyrra cried, fearing he might actually kill Tarron.

"You call her a whore one more time, and they will never find your body. Before I left, you used to win every fight. But while you learned to fight when a platoon at your back, I spent 30 years behind enemy lines fighting to stay alive. If you think you can beat me now, you are dead wrong. You try me, and you'll just be dead."

When he backed away from Tarron, his brother was left gasping for air. Ailred watched on with a bemused expression.

"Cillian, this is why I'm having you stay behind. The tiefling has you all mixed up. You're attacking your own blood for a wh—"

Cillian spun the knife in his hand and raised it over his shoulder, ready to through it. The blade wasn't well balanced, but Cillian had killed men with less than optimal weaponry plenty of times. Ailred paused. Although there had always been tension between him and his son, he didn't think Cillian would hurt him. Well, at least the Cillian who fled from Ulfamel all those years ago. The man before him could very well be a stranger.

"... your own blood over a tiefling."

"Only half my blood," Cillian said, his voice cold. "And that particular connection wears thin."

Tarron looked on as though expecting Ailred to do... something.

"Just don't go spilling that half on the floor. I'm retiring for the evening. Please, children, don't murder each other." There Ailred walked away. Tarron glared at Cillian and did the same.

Phyrra walked up and kicked Cillian in the shin.

"Oh, by gods, sister. What did you do that for?"

"You slept with Siora?! Why I thought you said Desire was the love of your life."

"Phyrra, I've made so many mistakes, and I think the first one was running away. I'm trying my best to repair the first mistake. Obviously, I have— had feelings for Desire, but we were both spies. There's too much distrust there for a functional relationship. And Siora is... nice."

"But you said—"

"I know what I said, but that didn't matter, and I... I'm exhausted. I'm going to sleep, sister. Good night."

 

[haremfaery]

Desire didn't learn much about her traveling companions. Siora was aloof yet compliant to her father-in-law's will. Cillian was silent as a stone and didn't once look at her--at least that she was able to notice.

Tarron seemed amused by everything and occasionally let his leg or foot bump Desire's. Was he sending an invitation to bed him again? There would be plenty of time on the road for that.

Jassin spoke little and listened to everything. He would make a good spy, Desire thought. He gave up little and didn't miss a thing. Or perhaps it was because like Cillian, he had grown up among full elves--better to be seen and not heard. Perhaps she would bed him as well, but it wouldn't be as gratifying without Cillian there to witness it.

Vuduin seemed out of his element, although his contributions to the conversation about what weapons and provisions they should bring were well thought out. He did seem to become distracted by Desire's breasts. It made Desire smile to discomfit these elves so much.

As the dinner winded down and people began to depart, Vuduin walked up to Desire and said, "I suppose if we are to travel together, we should talk. I just wanted to see if there was anything you'd need of me. Or anything I should know."

"Thank you Vuduin, but I can take care of myself, if that's what you mean. I expect it's Siora who'll need looking after." She gave him a genuine smile. "I know there are empire spies here, just as the elves and Freeholders have spies in the empire, but do you think we need to worry about being attacked here? There's a better chance of that happening in the Freeholds, just because it's a bit more ... lawless. Regardless, I'll be happy to be home." And away from all things elven.

She paused and looked around for a servant. "Are you familiar with the rooms here? I''m afraid I don't know how to get back to my guest room." It was a lie. She knew exactly how to get back to her room, but she wanted to know more about Vuduin and his relationship to the Farcerans.

~~~~~

"You are my husband, Cillian. Of course I want you in our chambers." She watched him go then returned to their rooms.

She had a lot to think about. Finally reuniting with Cillian and now having to part for weeks and in the company of his whore. The Gods must be laughing.

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

Vuduin's eyes snapped up when Desire spoke. He was struggling to maintain eye contact and hoped she didn't notice. He knew it was improper, but she was a very compelling beauty.

"I don't expect us to face many dangers once we are further away from the border, but not all the elves and half-levs that live here are honest folk. We have our own lawlessness here despite the image of control the High Council likes to project. There are bandits and brigands aplenty in the interior. Some are just highwaymen, but we have a few more organized gangs and syndicates operating within our borders. Some would gladly work on behalf of the Empire for the right amount of coin. Times are tough, and morals are cheap, unfortunately."

When asked about the rooms, he said, "I'd happily take you. Yeah, this place can be a maze. My family has always been here, so I know my way around with my eyes closed. But I've rescued a few other guards when they've gotten turned around down there. If I hadn't grown up here, I'd probably find it a little inhospitable."

He offered his arm as he led her down the halls to her room. Vuduin was very forthright, answering most questions honestly, though he'd never knowingly answer a question that could put the Farceran's at risk. He'd happily walk Desire straight to her door, though he'd never be so presumptuous as to invite himself in or expect such an invitation, even as alluring as he found the tiefling.

~~~~~

Cillian left Phyrra to her own devices and returned to what he still considered as Siora's chambers. As he was walking in the door, before he could talk himself out of it, he said, "In my quest to be honest, ask me anything. But understand if you ask a question, you have to be ready to hear the answer. I can't go on keeping secrets if we are ever to make this marriage work."

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

(Posted on behalf of haremfaery)

There was an openness and innocence about Vuduin that made Desire forgive him for speaking to her breasts. She had no idea how old he was—elves looked the same for so long. Tieflings were fetishized as sexually exotic beings in most cultures on the continent. It was something she used to her advantage most of the time.

“You will find that I can hold my own in a fight.” She told him as they walked. “Just ask Cillian. What about Siora? I don’t doubt her skills as an ambassador—Lord Farceran would have chosen her otherwise. But Does she have other skills to help us on our journey?” Desire doubted that Siora would lift a finger to help her if she needed it.

They reached her room. “Would you like to come in? I’ve more of Lord Farceran’s excellent wine, and I would like to speak more about our route and dangers we might face.”

 

[HeyYoureThatGuy]

"I do not doubt that you can handle yourself." The more Vuduin talked with Desire, the easier it was to look her in the eyes. His mind started to accept her as a person... with nice tits, and not just nice tits. Her eyes were pretty too. Vuduin had only reached 100 years, which to a human or tiefling would be ancient. To the elves, he was just becoming an adult. He wasn't worldly, and Desire was quite beguiling without even trying. "Siora is a healer, though untested. I can help in that capacity as well, at least a little bit."

When Desire invited him into her room, he hesitated. He heard the buzz around the manor. He could refuse her... couldn't he? And even that she'd try could just be wishful thinking on his part. But if he wouldn't accept, why would he want her to offer. Just being in her presence got him spun around a little. Maybe this would only be an innocent chat.

"Sure, though, even if the conversation lasts longer, only one glass. I had one with dinner, and by three..." Vuduin let the sentence die on his lips as he followed Desire in.

~~~~~

When Cillian returned to the room, he walked up to Siora and said, "I have to come with you. And before you ask, no, this isn't about Desire. My father always has plans within plans. I don't know what he'll do if he has me around or if... him specifically naming you as ambassador... it feels off. At best, he's playing games with our heads. At worst... I worry about your safety. I'm telling you this because I'm trying this whole honesty thing out. Before, I'd have just come after you without you knowing. I hope," he let out a sigh, "I hope that you will keep this in confidence. I'm deciding to trust you like I should have when we married."

~~~~~

Phyrra retired to her room. She had her own plans. Tarron was in his chambers, expecting Desire to show up. Imra and Jassin discussed the trip, much like Desire and Vuduin, at least at the start. And Ailred lay in his bed and stared at the ceiling, his mind already working.