Disgraced

[Maka]

De'Senam looked delighted, his chest swelling.

"So pleased, madame! Such an honour! Any friend of Master Will's is an honoured guest at our performances..."

He went on, his usual flow of bombast and good cheer quite undiminished by the lack of response from his audience. Will was abstracted, thoughtful. At last, the time came for them to make their goodbyes and make their way out of the Cloisters' grounds.


"Will? Will?"

Areta was standing at the edge of the gardens, waiting for him. She glared once again at Alex, then despairingly at Will, before slipping away, leaving the two alone once more.

 

[Lady_Gamer]

The sight of Areta, the sound of her sweet voice speaking Will's name...it had a great impact on his noble companion. Alexandria Vaelyn felt the weight of her house on her shoulders as her boots pressed themselves firmly against the cold ground below. With an expression veiled as well as the swordsman's own, the young woman glanced towards her friend. "Please, Will. Don't let my presence keep you from alternate company. Areta seems a fine young woman - and it is obvious she has affection for you."

Her eyes trailed to where the actress had been standing just moments before. "As your friend, I would highly recommend that you go after her."

It pained her, certainly. But she knew her choice of words were appropriate. She and Will could never be more than friends. Alex couldn't - or wouldn't - force her disgrace upon him. The lady would rather take the wound upon her own heart than drag Will in to the depths of regret and shame.

She gave a soft smile as she turned her attention back to the handsome swordsman. Any woman would be lucky to have him, really. Alex just had to stop standing in the way. A slender hand fell softly upon his shoulder. "Thank you, Will. I had a wonderful time. But - as it is late, and I've had a long day of travels - it is for the best that I take my leave, I think."

The young woman allowed her hand to slip from the man's shoulder as she awaited his response. She was somewhat surprised to find herself hoping that he'd take her advice - thinking, perhaps, that he could find some happiness. As for her? Perhaps seeing him with someone else would cement reality on to her often lofty imagination.

 

[Maka]

Will was held motionless for a moment. He had always politely disregarded Areta and never responded to any of her increasingly less subtle invitations. Why? She was pretty, talented and seemed pleasant enough. He had never admitted the reason, even to himself. The reason stood before him, her slender loveliness outshining Areta as the sun outshone a candle.

But he couldn't have her. He burned to even just lay a hand on her perfect face, brush the smooth golden hair away, to place his arm around her shoulders... his thoughts went further. But she was forbidden to him. He should work out his lust, his burning desire, on Areta's willing form and perhaps his love for Alex would fade, would be replaced by something more manageable and gentler, something more like the respectful friendship a man of his standing should have for a woman of hers.

A decision had to be made. He opened his mouth.

"Rebellion! Rebellion in the south!"

The quiet side-street they were standing was suddenly invaded by a great rush of people, all shouting and talking at once. Instinctively standing in front of Alex, Will collared the shouting man, a redfaced butcher still in his bloodstained apron.

"What's this about the south?"

The butcher reacted immediately to Will's calm, confident air of authority.

"The south, m'lord..."

"I'm not a lord."

"The south... ah, sir. It's risen up in rebellion. They say an army of southrons is on its way to Enderthal City right now. The king is ordering the Guard south as soon as possible."

 

[Lady_Gamer]

Just as it seemed that Will would make his decision in the matter, his conclusion was cut off by a not-so-distant shouting. The repeated word echoed within Alex's mind as Will placed himself between her and the sudden swarm of people marching down the narrow street -- Rebellion! Rebellion!

It wasn't completely unexpected, surely. Still, the young noble suffered a short moment of shock and she entirely missed the exchange of whether Will was a lord or sir; instead, lingering on that word. Rebellion.

Within mere seconds, Alexandra recovered herself. She distinctly heard the explanation of events from the butcher - she spared only a moment to place herself abreast her companion, turning her face to look upon his handsome features. "Well, then. It seems I'm not as tired as previously thought," she remarked with a smile. And - truly - she hadn't been fatigued in the first place. Still? She wasn't sorry for the earlier insistence of such. It had given Will very little ground to stand on refusing to abandon her company from a gentleman's standpoint. "I'm certain we will see each other in the field."

She turned to take her leave, having little time to waste in preparing herself. As it was, she was horrificly unprepared to take up arms - equipping herself would require her to return to the Emerald Dragon (where she had placed her sword, unbeknownst to her friend, in Will's room - for secured keeping) as well as a trip to the Royal District. Her formal armor was being kept for her in the time of uprooted circumstances, within the holdings of an old classmate. No doubt she'd secure a horse to ride across Enderthal City - but for now, she had to rely on her own ability to be fleet of foot. A few quick paces nearly made it seem that she would take off at a sprint immediately...but she slowed and turned to glance at Will over her shoulder. She looked as if she might say something - instead, she merely gave him a soft smile before turning to continue on her journey.

*****​

Lady Vaelyn didn't waste time going to the Captain directly - she knew he'd be swarmed with questions from people who didn't know exactly what they were expected to do in such a crisis. Once dressed and equipped to serve, the woman made her way to the southern gates of the city. Upon the back of a fresh horse, she urgently spurred her mount to a gathering of officers. There were few - she imagined many were still within the heart of the city, no doubt overseeing the distribution of armaments to the lower ranking Guards. In short order, Alex demanded a status report and found herself attempting to assist the order in any way possible. She couldn't help but keep an awareness about her in regard to those who were around - indirectly, she was seeking to find Will.

 

[Maka]

Will knew his father would want to see him as soon as possible. He had known this trouble in the south was brewing. He should have been able to predict it bursting out like this, but he had allowed himself to become distracted, by the most bewitching distraction imaginable.

The south. The territory of Enderthal for centuries now. The bloodlines of the old southern kings, the fierce wild chieftains of Braelak and the mountains, they had long been extinguished. And still southerners didn't consider themselves a part of Enderthal. It drove his father mad. His father liked people to know their place.

Will's first stop was the armoury, where he collected his duty sword and the light but deceptively resilient Enderthal guard armour. Then he headed to the dark stone Palace of Mors, along the Royal Way -a one-time temple to the long-forgotten god of sleep, now his father's headquarters. The Palace was much smaller and less beautiful than the royal palace. in fact, it was smaller than many nobles' town houses. The Warlord had little interest in beauty or displays of wealth and power. He saw what Will saw when he looked at the Palace of Mors -a place that a handful of good fighters could hold against thousands.

The wood-lined corridors were filled with running aides, moving back and forth with papers in their hands. Will walked through four guard posts on his way in to his father's offices, the guards letting him through unquestioningly.

He found his father, as he knew he would, in the Map Room of the old library, the nerve centre of the Warlord's operations. He was surrounded by the men of his inner circle, hard and cold-eyed veterans, most of whom had been with him since his first campaigns, who had fought with him in the war that put the father of Enderthal's present king on the throne. He looked up.

His father was greying, but still radiated the power and control he had had all his life, the personal strength that was his son's one inheritance from him.

"Ah. My son."

Will bowed silently.

They had been studying a map of the south. It was huge, covering all of the vast, circular marble table in the map room, and exquisitely detailed. Every tiny stream and brook was detailed in limpid blue, every little wood or grove of trees in lush green. It was, Will decided, a beautiful thing -just as a weapon could be beautiful. The map was a tool in his father's hand, just as he himself was, and with them his father would go about his business: killing.

"You know your post. I have certain sealed instructions for you here... don't open them until you're fifty miles south of Enderthal City."

Will bowed, took his sheaf of orders. He was preparing to leave when his father spoke again.

"Do you recall a certain Alexandria Vaelyn?"

Will was startled, but his face was schooled to a total blank. He nodded.

"I recall you knew her well. She has been assigned to your company. Make sure that she survives."

Will would already have moved heaven and earth to accomplish just that. He paused.

"May I ask why, sir?"

His father hesitated -uncharacteristic of him. He glanced at his retinue, then beckoned Will closer.

"Our real enemies are not in the south, do you understand? There are many at court who say the Warlord has too much power. They already have the king's ear. If the southern campaign is anything less than a glorious victory, they'll be strengthened tenfold. We need all the allies we can secure to ride this out... and House Vaelyn needs allies too. Young Alexandria needs to contract a marriage."

Will almost went against a lifetime of experience and dared to allow himself to hope. Although his face never changed, a battering ram seemed to smash against his ribs.

"... so I'm negotiating with her father now. If all goes well, she'll be married to your brother Liam by the end of the year."

Liam. His half-brother. His trueborn brother, more to the point.

"Her father seems to have no control over her. Not much of a man, by all accounts. But you know her well. I want you to do everything you can to arrange this match, even if it means picking her up and carrying her to the altar yourself. All of our lives are on the line here, Will. Everything we've fought to achieve."

"Yes, sir."

Will made his bow, walked away. It occured to him that he could never remember his father ever calling him by his name before. But that hardly seemed important now.


He quickly found his unit at the southern gates of the city and began giving orders with calm, practised efficency. Within moments, a confused and fractious group of men, women and horses had become a military force, listening attentively to Will's next command.

Alex was thre, looking around. Somhow, she looked just as glorious in her armour as she had dressed for the theatre. Will gave her a nod.

"It seems as though we'll be serving together, Lady Vaelyn.

 

[Lady_Gamer]

Alexandria visibly brightened as her gaze fell upon Will's form, even before his words caused for a soft smile to grace her lips. She had yet to be informed as to which company she'd been assigned - the officers at the southern gate had been surprised enough to even see her (no doubt assuming that her personal matters would have her staying in Sunvale for more than a few days) and were much less than prepared for her presence. It was not a matter of worry for the young woman; her ability to serve would not go to waste, she knew.

She took Will's words as an indication that she had found her place among the ranks. He wouldn't mislead her in such a way if it were to be otherwise. "It will be my honor," she spoke before giving him a bow. Her eyes lowered for only a moment before raising with the rest of her body. She looked upon him, attempting to restrain her want to tell him just how much it meant to her to be assigned to his company. With the order that had been brought upon the scene, their conversation was of no doubt interest to more than a few of those awaiting the man's next command. There was little time for Alex to acknowledge her own feelings in the matter, much less a desire to distract Will from his present duties. She'd give him a small nod to indicate that she was well aware that he had better things to do than focus his attention on discourse with a friend.

As she fell into line, the woman briefly reflected on the evening the two had shared. A sudden realization struck her and she immediately motioned to one of the nearby messengers. Borrowing from the man's reserve of supplies, she scripted a quick note. The paper and pen was passed back to the messenger's awaiting hand, along with triple his price to deliver the note across the city. "Be sure that Lady Arianna gets this. It is very important to me."

The man nodded. "Of course, my lady."

*****​

In due course, the forces of the King had begun their journey south. Alexandria seemed to be in her element - she wore her armor like many ladies wore their gowns. Indeed, to look upon her was to see a warrior. Her expression had been trained from the best; she showed no signs of fear or distress at the prospect of riding into battle. Her golden hair gathered back into a fuss-less arrangement, her gleaming and custom designed armor hugging to her curves like an over-protective lover: this was the vision of Lady Vaelyn that was known.

She took more pride in her private armory than she ever had her wardrobe. It was for this exact reason that her appearances in court had ever been in field dress. Several sets of armor had came and went as the woman sought for the perfect arrangement. Prolonged wearing was really the only way for one to discover the limitations imposed by their weighted plates and chain. Alexandria had worked directly with Enderthal's most respected armorsmith in the development of what she considered the perfect balance of maneuverability and protection. Chainmail had been replaced as the base by dragonscale, which had been skillfully arranged at the joints so as to slip over each other to allow for a greater range of movement. Unadorned plates covered the most vital areas of her body, accompanied by arm guards and the like.

She had chosen this particular armor over full plate primarily because of the weapons she presently employed. A set of twin blades rested against her back, their hilts peeking well over her left shoulder for easy drawing. The young woman had always shown a preference to dual wielding over protecting herself with a traditional shield - despite the insistence of her instructors that a such thing was foolish. Alex would argue that she parried better than she ever could block. And with her newest set of armor, there was no reason to hold back on her offensive style. She was carrying far less weight than she was accustomed.

Their company had traveled a considerable distance - in which time, Alex rode in quiet reflection. She could see Will, riding ahead, being at the front of the line herself. A sudden desire caused her to urge her mount forward, urging the strong creature to close in the gap between the two riders. "Will!" she called out as she approached. Her horse fell in to a pace that allowed her to ride alongside the skilled swordsman. Looking over at him, she had no reason to suspect the conversation he had had with his father. "I must inquire. Did you request that I be part of your company or is my affection for you common knowledge?"

 

[Maka]

Will's expression did not change as Alex rode in beside him. A natural horsewoman, she rode as easily and calmly as though born in the saddle. In her close-fitting armour and with her weapons at her back, she looked every inch as lovely as she had in the dress she had worn for the theatre. Will knew how to judge a swordsman from the way he carried his blades. Sometimes, even the best never adjusted to the weight and heft of a sword, they sat stiffly, awkwardly, too ill at ease and too aware of the weapon. Others made too great a show of it, trying to ensure that the hilt of their sword was always at hand. Alex, like himself, was neither of the two extremes. The blades on her back belonged there, an extension of her being.

His consideration of Alex's poise was a distraction from her question. He didn't want to tell her, not yet at least. They'd have this campaign together, in some sense.

"My father's decision, Lady Vaelyn. Perhaps he thinks I'll keep you out of trouble."

A dry smile accompanied his last remark.

The farmland they were riding across was typical of central Enderthal -long acres of plantations and ploughed fields, the farms constantly worked to provide food for the city. Farmers and hired hands stood up from their labour to watch the column of riders pass by, shielding their eyes from the sun. Their gaze lingered on Alex appreciatively, nor could Will find it in himself to blame them.

 

[Lady_Gamer]

The lady's eyes found themselves trailing the curvature of her companion's lips, lifting their gaze just moments before the study could be considered an obvious fixation. A soft smile was given in return. "A valid assumption," she began before giving a short pause. In the briefest of moments, the woman considered what other factors could possibly be involved. Alex didn't dare to hope for the best case scenario - such as the Warlord having reason to desire happiness for his son, as if he was aware of the lesser noble's want to disgrace herself entirely and had no reason to oppose. It was an undeniably far-fetched musing. Recovering quickly, the woman spoke a truth as it came to her mind. "Your father knows very little of me," she said in a respectful tone that indicated there was no fault involved. "It is flattering to think that he'd have concern for my well-being."

Not nearly as flattering, of course, as assuming that these potential concerns could only be a product of the Warlord's private conversations with Will. Alex wouldn't pretend to know anything about their relationship - but she hoped that the bastard was loved as a son. That he may have shown his only real family member a glimpse of his caring for her. Surely, were it not for Will, the Warlord would not even be aware of Alexandria Vaelyn's existence. She was young still, and had not yet accomplished anything that would put her in a higher regard than her own father.

Redirecting her gaze to casually soak in their surroundings, the woman couldn't help but be reminded of her reputation at court. The farmland was much like Sunvale - the peasants akin to those she considered childhood friends. It was for them that she fought on the field and bench. Her political inclinations often left her to be considered unfavorably by those that cherished their power and wealth - and their ability to lord it over others. She could only assume more than a few were glad to hear of her loss of holdings and right to vote in such matters. Without Will, the Warlord would perhaps see her as less than her House: a noble amassing the support of the powerless while dancing on the toes of those in charge. Considering that she had no intention of leading a revolution, rather taking the path of persistent introduction of individual right concerns, it wasn't the best stance to hold.

Casting such thoughts aside, the woman returned her eyes to meet Will's. "In any case, I am glad for his decision. I trust we will make an excellent pairing."

 

[Maka]

Will's smile was brief but warm.

"I'm sure we will, my lady."


That night, the army was billeted in and around the market town of Glenald's Cross, some forty miles south of Enderthal City. Will's company was assigned quarters in a farm outside the town. Will's first act was to ensure that the farmer had recieved adequate warning and recompense from the Guards. Too often, crooked officers pocketed the sums assigned to them for such arrangements, and simply forced the landowner to quarter the soldiers for free.

The next job was making sure that the travel-weary men and women of his command set up tents, established picket-lines and watches, and attended to their horses' needs, before settling down to eat and sleep. This went smoothly -the Guards were well-drilled, Enderthal's elite, but took time.

After that, Will sat in his makeshift headquarters, the hay-loft of the barn, and drafted a brief report to the general: initial disposition of the company. Another note to the quartermasters -company food supplies were a third less than they were supposed to be. Will had noticed this in a routine check of the supply wagons. A little mental calculation -they were five wheels of cheese, fifty sides of bacon and sixty loaves of bread short of what they should have. He formally requested that the lack be supplied.

Oversight? Someone in the quartermaster's office on the take? Or could it be the Warlord's wife intriguing against him? He'd have to keep an eye out for more unpleasant surprises on the journey south.

Then an hours' sword-practise -going through the sword forms in the silence of the dusty loft. They were worked into his physical memory, as much a matter of instinct as walking and breathing was for other men. Within the circle he cut with his blade, he was untouchable, surrounded by death in steel.

He was exhausted at the end of it all, and had four hours to rest before the next day began. And yet still he couldn't sleep. He lay in his bedroll in the loft, listening to the steady breathing of men and horses in the barn below. He could no longer keep his thoughts on the business of making camp. They kept drifting back to Alex, to the gorgeous sight of her in form-fitting armour, so fierce and so feminine, riding her horse like one born to it. Her aristocratic beauty and her lithe body.

After half an hour's restless tossing and turning, Will got to his feet and climbed to the top of the barn. He sat beneath the stars, his army cloak wrapped around him, and his eyes brooding and distant.

 

[Lady_Gamer]

Alexandria took no exemptions from her duty - whereas she had often seen other nobles shirk lesser responsibilities, it had never been in her to pretend she was above the others of her company. Even if her family's honor were not in decline, the young woman was assured that she would've taken their present situation in the same stride. As she, with the assistance of some female comrades, worked to set up their shared pavillion tent, a call was heard from those who were creating an impromptu watch schedule. At this point in their campaign, it was easy enough to fill the necessary positions out of volunteers alone. Usually, the list quickly became filled with those that wanted to score points with their officers - or those that knew they could avoid less desirable watches if they got in on the action early. Alex was neither of these, so far as she knew. She volunteered on a whim without quite knowing what had motivated her to do so.

Her watch was to begin immediately. She was grateful that caring for her horse had been her top priority, so that she had no need to burden another. Wasting no time in taking to the position she was assigned, Alex soon found that staring out into the distance brought her an odd sense of peace. She was not bored - and she did not allow her mind to wander. It was only at the end of her shift, which left her little enough time for sleep, that her thoughts became a distraction.

Walking across camp, she couldn't keep her eyes from drifting towards the barn. She knew Will would be there. Desperately wanting to see him, yet knowing better than to disturb his rest, each glance in that direction was an effort at self-torture. But just as she was about to enter her pavillion tent to change out of her armor, a last look caused her heart to jump. She could just barely see the silhouette of a lone figure against the night sky - immediately convinced that it could be none other than Will, she managed to dismiss her tiredness as she pivoted on her feet. Taking away from her own tent, the young woman started towards the barn.

Before entering, the woman removed her boots, taking them in hand. Silently creeping around those resting on the lower floor, she found the ladder to the loft easily enough. Once there, she allowed her eyes to fall on the empty bedroll - there could be no doubt, now, that Will was the one on the roof. Alex placed her boots down before looking for the exit to join him. It was a window, situated under an additional awning at the face of the structure, and the breeze from its open state gave it away immediately. She climbed out without hesitation.

"Will?" she spoke barely above a whisper as she approached. It wasn't so much a question as an indication to alert him to her presence - she knew better than to sneak up on such a skilled swordsman. Alex did not slow her progress, aiming to give the man little chance to break her heart by raising to his feet in the usual formalities. A hand would find his shoulder, acting to keep him seated as well as stabilizing herself on the slanted surface, before the woman eased herself into a sitting position next to him. She placed herself close, their hips nearly in contact, as she often did. Alex had wondered on several occasions if he found such things as an invasion of his personal space - were it not for their differences in societal ranks, he might had made a move to increase the distance between them. But, as it was, such a thing would no doubt be construed as disrespectful. She somehow felt that, now - as compared to previous times in their lives - he would not entertain the thought, regardless of her house. Alex wouldn't dare assume that he desired her company but, at the very least, she could sense that he would find no fault at a friend offering themselves to what appeared to be a session of brooding. "Trouble sleeping?"

 

[Maka]

Will would have known Alex's footsteps anywhere. For a brief moment he simply luxuriated in the feel of her hand on his shoulder, and then her toned and beloved form, so close to his that all he would have to do would be to reach out to run his hands through that golden hair, to bring her face to his and kiss it. How would it be, to make love to this blazing angel, to see that face transformed by love as it was with concentration in swordplay? He shook off his thoughts. His face, lit by the moonlight, was carefully neutral.

"Indeed. I'm always restless the first night of a campaign."

Will thought about sharing his suspicions with her, that somebody might be trying to sabotage the company. But he had little evidence of that, and no desire to sound paranoid or self-pitying. Instead he looked at her sidelong, and asked a question that had been turning over his mind all day.

"Have you ever met my half-brother, Liam?"

 

[Lady_Gamer]

The woman was surprised at the question but she tried not to show it. "No, I don't believe I've had the honor." She tried to guess why Liam would be a topic for discussion - the best she could come up with was the potential of him being recently lost to battle. Perhaps Will was close to the man and mourning his loss. Glancing in Will's direction, attempting to derive a conclusion from his expression (which was impossible), she nearly seemed to hesitate before continuing to speak. "...Why do you ask?"

In the brief quiet that followed, Alex tried to convince her mind to retrieve information about the man in question. She wasn't entirely unfamiliar with the name - but, truly, she was certain she had never directly spoken to Liam. Perhaps she had seen him, once? Or heard of him from a previous classmate?

It would make sense that she made no effort to know Will's noble family. It was well known how his father's wife thought of his by-blow, and Alex didn't care to find out if the woman had poisoned the minds of his half-siblings in that regard.

 

[Maka]

There would be time enough to tell Alex about his father's plans for her later. More than time enough. Somehow, it was as though telling her now would make it more real.

"No reason," Will said quietly. "Liam is a good man."

He was, although Will did not know him well. Part of Will would have liked him to be a swine like Kael or a snake like Rohar -but Liam was in fact just the kind of calm, self-contained man Will could picture making Alex happy. He told himself that was a good thing. It was. It wasn't as though the desires of a bastard amounted to anything, in terms of history and the rise and fall of great dynasties.

Will leaned forward, thirstily drinking in Alexandria's lovely features, as though this might be the last time he'd see them. He waited for her to speak next, perfectly content for his part to spend the whole night in silent companionship.

 

[Lady_Gamer]

Alex gave a small smile. "I'll trust your judgement in the matter," she concluded easily. She didn't attribute anything more than idle talk to the sudden mention of the man who was just as quickly dismissed from her mind. She had no reason to suspect Will would be hiding anything from her.

Sapphire eyes watched as Will leaned forward - studying the man's features as he did hers. She couldn't stand it anymore. Their close proximity, her desires...coupled with the very real threat that either of them could die on the morrow...Alex couldn't let what may be one of their last moments together pass without making another attempt at Will's heart.

"Will..." she spoke softly, staring into his eyes as her arms moved to wrap around the man's shoulders. Her lips found his, gracing him with a gentle and brief kiss. The withdrawal was accompanied with, "I love you. I've always loved you." Without giving him time to form a rebuttal, her mouth moved over his as she repositioned herself to straddle the man's lap. A hand worked it's way into his dark hair, her fingertips lightly brushing against his scalp. It was only moments before she was attempting to slip her tongue beyond the man's guarded lips.

She could only hope that if he chose to push her away, he'd be gentle - lest he throw her from the roof.

 

[Maka]

Alex's first kiss was light and tender but it was still enough to set his blood on fire. He barely had time to take in her whispered words before she was lowering herself gracefully into his lap, her arms around his shoulder and one hand trailing through his hair.

He could feel her generous breasts pressed against his hard chest, feel the hard nipples crowning them. Her lithe, toned body was straddling him, her hot and hungry mouth on his, her sapphire eyes alive with love and desire. Will would have had to have been more than human.

He opened his mouth to her tongue and, taking her delicate and beautiful face gently in one hand, he kissed her as passionately and thoroughly as a girl had ever been kissed, kissed her until her knees buckled and a little low moan of encouragement began to purr unbidden in her throat. With his free hand, he had gripped her firm, shapely rear end and pushed her even more closely towards him. Layers of cloth were all that now separated Alex and his raging, steely erection.

At last, Will broke the kiss and Alex rested her golden head on his shoulder, panting for breath.

"We can't do this."

 

[Lady_Gamer]

The world had melted - at the first indication that Will would not refuse her attentions, Alex felt a great disconnect from reality. Her head was beyond the clouds, her heart rate dramatically increased; she curled her fingers in his hair as he grabbed to pull her closer. As her thighs slid upwards, on to his lap, she was immediately aware of the feel of his hardened length pressing between her legs. She couldn't help but rock her hips against him wantingly - and she found that she was drenching her panties in the process.

When Will broke the kiss, Alex suddenly became aware of her need to breathe. She rested her head on his shoulder and shivered lightly as she took a few moments to regain herself. She couldn't have needed anything else in the world...until Will opened his mouth.

She raised her head and gave him an easily read expression. You'd think he had driven a dagger between her shoulder blades - she looked like one just betrayed by their most trusted friend. "Why, Will?" A few more breaths allowed her to nearly become angry. Still, her voice remained relatively quiet. "Don't you dare pretend that it's for my sake. Your crushing my heart, Will - and for what? So that I may live a life I don't want, instead? What do I have to do - or say - to prove to you that I'm fully aware of what I'm doing?" She tried to calm herself before continuing. "I know what is at stake. Still...I'd choose you a hundred times over."

 

[Maka]

The sweet scent of Alex's arousal, her warm body pressed against his, the memory of her soft, full lips... it was all conspiring to drive Will mad. It was all he could do not to push her on to her back and take her there and then in the moonlight. She wanted him. This beautiful, graceful girl with her smoky sapphire eyes and soft golden hair, she wanted him and would sacrifice anything to be with him. What man could not have his breath taken away by such an irresistible gift offered to him?

But Will had only ever known the path of duty and self-denial. His soul was at war. And yet, he still could not bear to see Alex in pain. He continued to support her in his arms, longing to wipe the hurt and betrayal off her beautiful face, replace it with childlike joy.

"It is for your sake," he said in low tones. "You would sacrifice your maidenhead here and now... it's too much. Perhaps you have no interest in marrying well, in rebuilding House Vaelyn, but what of your retainers? What of the farmers? For a single moment now, would you trade all their futures away?"

 

[Lady_Gamer]

"Their futures are not mine. Another lordling will come along, they always do...and, for the record? It wouldn't be for a single moment - it'd be for a lifetime with my beloved."

She cast her eyes away from his for a moment, taking a deep breath. It killed her to think of Will as some secret - as a lover that wasn't worth openly acknowledging. Like her male counterparts and their maids...and yet, when they were found out, it wasn't the same shame as a noble lady instantly being labeled a whore. "...I'll act as if there is nothing between us," she conceded after several moments. Her eyes sought to stare into his. "And...if you are truly so opposed to taking me for your own..." her hands trailed down his shoulders, on to his strong chest. "At least let me give you some pleasure. I want to be a cause of happiness for you, Will. You deserve it - and more."

Her lips found purchase on the man's throat as her hands continued to travel downwards. Trailing kisses down the side of his neck, on to his collar bone, her fingers worked to open his shirt before moving to unclasp the bindings of his pants. It soon became evident what her intentions were, as her lips suckled and licked at his flesh as they moved ever closer to his lap.

 

[Maka]

Alex's soft lips pressed against his throat were like burning coals. Will knew he should resist. Even this would be too much. It could be used against Alex if it ever emerged. But her eager, insistent kisses were at last too much for him to resist. Her quick, nimble fingers were undoing the buttons and stays of his shirt and breeches, as though she had done it a hundred times before. Now her gifted lips were slipping down the hard angles of his body, each spot favoured by a tender, lustful nibble.

Will had never known a woman give herself over to him so fully and completely. His huge cock emerged, hard and mighty, through the opening of his breeches. With an animal growl of desire, he undid the buttons of her shirt in turn, freeing her massive, proud breasts and feeling them tumble out to press against his legs.

 

[Lady_Gamer]

The growl that escaped from Will while he worked to open Alex's blouse was only comparable to the surge of excitement given by the sight of his enormous manhood. The woman drew back just far enough to fully appreciate the sight of his engorged rod, biting down on her lower lip as she gave an approving low moan.

She nearly verbalized her thoughts, but words were unnecessary between them. No doubt, he could see the lust within her eyes - her desire to have him absolutely emanated from her being. She glanced up at the man's face before reaching a hand to his chest, lightly urging him to lean back. Her fingertips would dance over his flesh as he slowly moved from their reach; rather than chase the retreating skin, the hand sought to return to it's owner.

Alex had repositioned herself on Will's legs, causing for her ample breasts to settle on either side of the man's hard cock. Pressing the pillowy flesh together with each of her hands, the woman wasted no time in moving her torso over the considerable length of the man's erect shaft. Propped up on her knees, she seemed to have an adequate range of motion for the endeavor.

The lady had never done anything like this before - she was innocent, physically, as would be expected of her. But she had imagined such things in great detail; dreamed of having Will's cock for her own. Truth be told: she had lusted for the bastard long before she fell in love with him. Her respect and reverence had to be earned, after all - whereas just setting eyes on the unbelievably handsome male had always caused a natural stirring within her. And to see him in motion? His lean, defined body...the graceful slice of his blade. Alex wondered if it was odd that she didn't have to imagine him naked to get a thrill thinking about his form.

A ragged breath escaped her lips as she continued to stroke his length between her firm D-cupped breasts. Keenly aware of the contour of his massive rod as it pressed against her soft skin, she could only imagine how amazing he'd feel inside of her. Gods, she wanted him. She'd do anything to convince the man to defile her - she wanted nothing more in the world than to be claimed as his.

But...until then? She could do little more than try to please Will - to revel in the ecstasy that she could supply him.

She moved her breasts to the base of his cock, bringing his tip within reachable distance of her mouth. She paused briefly, letting her hot breath roll over the sensitive flesh. Feeling light-headed for a moment, her body trembled gently.

"Tell me what you want, Will," she purred before giving a teasing lick on the underside of his throbbing head.

 

[Maka]

Will let out a rasping sigh as Alex carefully, lovingly placed his cock between the massive, wondrous mountains of her cleavage. She looked up at him with deceptively demure half-closed eyes, an appearance that was belied by the pure fiery lust that sparkled within them. This, he had dreamed of a hundred times.

As if to reassure himself, he let his hands fall to her breasts and knead them, hearing her suppress a gasp at his slow, stroking movements. He caressed her magnificent breasts, for once feeling like the luckiest man alive. Had he born the trueborn son of the king himself, he could never have hoped for anything as glorious as this night a day's ride south of Enderthal City.

Nor was it complete. Everything about her movements and imploring eyes was silently begging him to do as his primal instincts urged, to lift her up and fuck her ruthlessly, til her screams of pleasure woke the entire sleeping camp. For a moment, his hands ceased their movements and tensed on her ripe breasts, as though preparing to seize her shoulders. Then they resumed.

Alex gave a slow, teasing lick of his cock and coquettishly asked what he wanted her to do.

"Suck," Will said without hesitation, his voice the same rasp as when he gave orders in battle. "Put your sweet mouth on my cock and suck, you beautiful... "

 

[Lady_Gamer]

The tone of Will's voice - it was so...commanding. Considering Alex's constant and well-known conflicts with authority, it was a small wonder that she felt a fresh rush of liquid heat as it soaked into her panties. No doubt the man would notice a sudden stiffening of her already-hard nipples upon his flesh.

"As you wish," she whispered sweetly.

Another hot breath passed over the tip of his glorious cock. Immediately after, her tongue and lips followed - continuing to use her breasts to hold him, she gave him several open-mouthed and passionate kisses before sliding his girth into her maw. She began slowly at first, trying to acclimate herself to the sensation, taking only several inches. Her positioning wouldn't allow for her to take him completely, with half of his length being buried in her chest; she focused her attention on using her tongue while varying the level of suction she employed - all the while, remaining mindful of the placement of her teeth. It was her first time, after all: though she had no doubt that her determination in the endeavor would produce sufficient results.

Within half a minute of shallowly bobbing her head over Will's lap, she seemed to find her rhythm and confidence. Removing her mouth from him, she sat up only slightly as she reached for the hem of his pants - with an urgent tugging, she revealed her lover completely. As she lowered herself, she gave a passing run of her breasts as she tenderly kissed Will's stomach. She began to move down his body, her lips traveling beyond the head of his manhood - she continued until she was at the base of his shaft.

A hand moved to gently massage his balls as her tongue trailed up the entirely of his length. A whorish moan escaped from the woman's throat. As she lowered her face for another pass, her cheek pressed against his massive cock lovingly. Again, her tongue made a path from base to tip.

This time, Alex used Will's head to split her lips apart. She began pushing him deep into her mouth while a hand grasped at his base, the other continuing to fondle his jewels.

 

[Maka]

The muffled, obscene noises coming from Alex's mouth turned Will on even more. He stared down at her in rapt, lustful fascination. He watched her lick and suck, with every stroke gaining confidence and pleasure in giving pleasure. Her sapphire eyes, normally so brilliant and forthright, were now smokily sensuous, half-lidded and gazing up at him in hopeful adoration.

Will had dreamed of an encounter like this with Alex on countless occasions but the reality was simply beyond all imagination. The busty, golden-haired beauty was devoted to his pleasure, asking for nothing more than to serve his lust. She was an aristocrat, though by beauty and talent, she should be a queen, and he was just a bastard. His fingers curled in her hair, tender at first, then seizing compulsively as her loving licks reached the base of his cock.

He bent down to whisper, the same commanding tone mixed with love and hoarse with lust:

"Take your clothes off. Play with yourself as you continue."

For honour's sake, he would never be able to take Alex as he longed to, to throw her down and give her the relentless, exhausting fucking of her young life. But at last he'd be able to see the glories of her nude body and see the sight he'd often imagine -her clear, fair face light up with an orgasm.

 

[Lady_Gamer]

Sapphire eyes watched Will as the woman slowly lifted her body upright. Her hands abandoned their efforts as they were brought towards her own chest, where they pressed against her flesh before trailing down her curves to the top hem of her pants. Thumbs hooked under the material and she slid her grip towards the front clasp. Then, a pause.

Alex considered her companion for several moments. She had no reservations about doing as he wanted - she truly wanted to be obedient, only for him, and yet...

Her hands moved away from the material of her breeches, placing her palms gently upon the man's strong chest. Sliding her hands upwards, to find a resting point upon his shoulders, she stared into his eyes and softly spoke, "If you'd be so kind as to help me undress... I'd be more than happy to do as you ask."

Still straddling the man's lap, Alex was supported on her knees. It made for an easy reach to undo the barricading clasp - and if Will was to do as she requested, she would stand to allow him to slip off her remaining garments.

 

[Maka]

Will's cool eyes met the heat of Alex's bright-eyed blue gaze, fierce and proud and lustful and obedient all at once. It was a combination guaranteed to set ay man's pulse racing, even if the sight of her huge naked breasts, nipples quivering, and her wet, slightly parted mouth, was not. Will drew in a breath. His heavy, huge cock glistened from her attentions.

Without a word, he reached over and undid the clasp of her belt, his dextrous fingers making short work of it. Alex stood, allowing him to slide her breeches over her hips and down the long expanse of her slender legs. Now only her soaked panties still clung to that lustrous body. Soft golden bangs framed her delicate, gorgeous face. Her firm D-cup breasts looked even larger and more tempting on the slender frame of her body. She stood, proud and wordless before him and Will simply drank in the sight for a time.

At last he got to his feet too and slowly and almost ceremoniously brought her panties down to unveil the most secret and intimate of her feminine treasures.