Pleasure Kingdoms: Second Attempt

[NyghtRayne]

Logan stayed on the edge of the camp, listening to the sounds in the woods. He could hear Zarl and Eeve talking softly. He was far enough away to here the sound of their voices but not their words.

He listened to the others as they spoke, not listening to their words, as he didn't feel comfortable listening in. He grazed on the grasses near the edge of the woods.

A noise caught his attention and looked up and out into the darkness. He kept his ears forward for a time, just listening in the direction the sounds had come. Figuring it was an animal of some sort as the sounds continued but moved away from the campsite, he went back to his grazing. Happy that he preferred the grass to the meat the others had eaten.

He was not too thrilled to head into the caves and he was sure the others we not as well, but he would go. His friends needed him, so he would go. He figured Taren's words were true and he would not have to change, but he didn't think he would be able to manuever too well in there like this. He would be at a definite disadvantage if something were to attack them while they were inside. He figured he would change when he needed to.

 

[katalynn]

After sometime Lavastine felt herself calm enough to think again and be focused. From the sounds of it, it was just in time as well for she heard the sounds of laughter ringing in the trees. At first she thought nothing of it, it was good that someone was happy here, perhaps a few of them.

Stood up and moved to where it was grassy and a little more quieter. Having to deal with how to rid this poison and the worries of the elven shadows, Lavastine had to plan out how things would go with all this. And being around camp was just a bit to distracting, Zarl hadn't returned, Evee was where ever. Taren and Ritsuko sounded like they were in the trees somewhere. Dreant and the Mage girl were talking about various things, it was in that moment she realized she didn't know where Logan was either.

But at the same time she figured he was just as safe as the others were. Soon Lavastine found a peaceful spot, keeping just the sounds of the others near, but not enough to be distracting anymore. Some leaves crunched as she layed down and stared at the stars, thinking of what her next move would be of how to either ask the others to help, or if she should go seek Daemon out herself.

 

[Armphid]

Taren listened to her, though it was hard to hear her over the pounding of his heart. His cheeks burned as she spoke of the good qualities she saw in him, he wasn't used to being praised by anyone. Let alone someone of her quality, or her nobility. Both in blood and spirit. He should say something, but her brief silvery laughter had stolen his voice for a few moments.

Taren stood as she did, his eyes widening when she pulled her scabbard free and offered him the weapon. He wasn't sure what it meant to her, but to him...to give up your weapon to someone like this was a sign of ultimate trust. Between a man and a woman it meant, well, something of much greater significance. Her smile, more heartfelt that the half-smiles she had favored him with, struck him to the quick and he gazed at her in wonder at her beauty. He started to speak, but then...

"You do have permission to court me, Taren Orlandau."

He'd hoped that was what she'd say, felt it was what she was going to say, but part of him had still been sure she would reject him. As though he knew he couldn't have this kind of happiness, that such things...just weren't meant for a half breed abomination like him. Nervous, shaking fingers wrapped about the lacquered scabbard, a deep sigh of relief escaping him.

His eyes looked to hers, the usually guarded green orbs warm and open. In that instant, he felt as though he were flying once more, though not astride the bulk of Evee's dragon form. His heart soared and his soul sang at the possibility of ending the lonliness that had always been with him.

Then she twirled away, laughing merrily. He was shocked back to his senses as she called teasingly, "But only if you can catch me."

Taren blinked once, then his laughter mingled with hers. As she blew him a kiss, he sprang into motion, moving with speed that would have been surprising for his size had she not seen him fight. "Challenge accepted, Ritsuko of Clan Hitari."

He felt an oddly bubbly elation as he raced after her retreating figure. They were soon among the few trees that came this far up the mountain, shadows shifting in the dark as he pursued her. Grinning broadly, Taren fought back a laugh. Shouldn't get too carried away.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan looked up at the sounds of Taren and Ritsuko running, instantly set on alert, until he realised they were playing and not running from anything.

He watched them a moment until they moved into the woods. "Taren do not go too deep into the woods.. I have heard some rustlings and they may not be just woodland creatures."

He was happy his friends were relaxing enough to have some fun. He knew they all had alot ahead of them once they entered the caves and went to face Wain and the other threats he had laid out for them.

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee giggled for a moment.

"That's funny. My clan uses the stars as guidance when we trail. There is one cluster we pray to because the dragon spirit reside there."

She lifted her hand and pointed to a star constallation for a moment.

(Think of the Draco cluster from "DragonHeart", if you've seen it.)

"It's named Draco, which stands for Dragon. The Great Dragon spirit watches over us and keeps us safe in times of danger."

She dropped her hand once more before she slipped from the shelf to tread water as she closed her eyes.Her hair floated on the water's surface around her like a red halo.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

Zarl did not raise the objection of how a dragon spirit could live in things so far from the world, and each other. All people had their beliefs, and Zarl knew that they did not like people questioning them. After all, what would people think if they knew about what happened behind the thick double doors at the end of the Hall of Graves.

He smiled. He sank into the water, and sighed. He looked up at the heavens, eyes scanning the stars. "Long ago, when the Fae came to us and upheld the Bond, they told us of spirits or stories told by the alignment of the stars. We were, I admit, not that worried about what they had to say. We try not to overthink beauty when we find it."

He sighed. "But then again, for the longest time that is all we did: think. We moved from little better than the most idiotic of monsters to creatures of understanding as deep as the Fae. And then we were betrayed, the Bond broken. Since then, we have not been the people we once were. We die off, have little children, and our males wander the earths in search of Fae for our pleasures."

He chuckled. "And to think, we were once worried about the sky..."

 

[katalynn]

After what seemed like long moments of taking wild shots at guessing her next move, she suddenly felt it was better to seek the help of her ..... friends.... It was still hard for her to go to the females in the group. And a tad bit hard to go the males, now that she has had a chance to get to know them. This made things far more difficult than she wanted.

Lavastine stood and glanced around, it seemed a bit quieter now, as if the others either have gone to sleep or perhaps in just in quiet conversations as to not disturb each other. Either way, she knew they were all safe. Turned, looking in the shadows, listening to make sure everything was calm. Thats when she caught the glimpse of Logan grazing in the cool grass.

Closed her eyes a moment, trying to keep her own task at hand for she can't go around with unwanted substance running through her viens. And as long as the shadows think it still runs threw her, she has the element of surprise.

Took a deep breath and began walking towards Logan, feeling as her heart began race, not wanting to ask for help, but not having much choice in the matter. It was this, or go back to the one that is trying to summon her. Rather do it this way.

Stepping up to logan cautiously, not wanting to startle him.

"Logan... ummmm.. I wish to speak with you... and perhaps ask something of you."

it was rare that she faltered in her words, it was even more rare that she would ever ask for help in anything. Being alone for long you tend to depend on yourself and asking for things was almost forbidden to personal rules. This one time though, this time it was out of her hands.

Knelt down in the grass, lowering her head, mostly because in this moment she couldn't look him in the eyes.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan turned his soft amber gaze upon Levastine as she approached and began to speak. He watched as she dropped to her knees in the grass.

"What is it you wish to talk with me about, Levastine?" His voice was soft in her mind. She could feel he was concerned about her, as when he linked mentally the one he was linked with could pick up his feelings thoughts and emotions so much easier.

He noticed she was not looking at him but the grass by her knees. "Levastine, raise your eyes, there is no need to look away. You have nothing to be ashamed of in asking anything of me." He had not been sure of her at first, but as time passed and the group grew comfortable together, he had grown to like the attitude she carried.

He had never met any women like the ones he travelled with now, the ones he knew were more than happy to stay settled and raise lots of children. They were meek compared to the companions he travelled with now.

 

[katalynn]

Smiled softly at the concern she felt from him, though it took some force to look up and face him.

"This is just hard for me is all. Not used to turning to people.... but.. I have thought long and hard about this... and.."

fell silent a moment, trying to think of the best way to say this.

"Well, this poison that runs through me... Theres few things that cure it and magic isn't one of them. Specially yours, but..... umm.... the blood of a purifying ..... animal.... such as the blood of the unicorn that flows through your veins.. Or even the dragon that is in Evee..."

"The other choice I have is... is to go back to the one that made it. Seeing how I know who it is and torn between not wanting to go to him, nor leaving this group behind..."
"Either way, I don't need much. And I know its a lot to ask for. I will understand if you choose to say no."

heart was racing with each word, partly afraid and partly expecting his rejection. Wasn't sure of what to do at this point, the request was made and its far to late to turn back now. Closed her eyes a moment,

"I've tossed all sorts of things in my thoughts, and it came down to this no matter what way they went. Blood is the only true cure for this, whether it is from you... from Evee... Or.. From the one that made it..."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan knew his answer before she finished talking. "Levastine, you are a friend and have put your life on the line for each and every one of us here."

He paused a moment, knowing it had truly been hard for her to ask this of him. "I am sure Eeve would be willing to help you as well, but since you asked me first, I would be honored to help you. If it takes some of my blood to do it then so be it."

He moved a little closer to her. "Tell me what you need to do. If it will rid you of the poisin that runs through your veins, then lets do this and get it done, so you can get some rest with the others before we enter the caves." He was a little nervous, but he was willing to help her, he was willing to lay his life down for any one of his companions and he would if it was necessary.

 

[roleplaylifer]

"Challenge accepted, Ritsuko of Clan Hitari."

In a flash of speed, he was up and racing after her, still clutching to her honor blade in his pursuit.

Ritsuko's laughter preceded her as her lithe form cut a shimmering trail across the night's dark backdrop. The treeline looming ever closer, the samurai darted forward to tease her half-elven pursuer from between the trees, always keeping a certain length of foliage between them.

Her smile was honest, as she took a personal joy in the persistance of her pursuer. Secretly she began to ready herself for the final confrontation, and constantly kept a steady eye out for a good place for its occurance.

The distraction of such scrutiny took away from her concentration on evading her amorous pursuer. He had almost come within reach when she snapped back into focus once more, her decision made. She had reached a decision, hearing the calm lapping of water nearby, and hoping that the stream she imagined lay there would be suitable for her plans.

Laughing amiably, not able to resist teasing Taren for just a minute or two longer, she leapt over a thick hedgerow of thorny gooseberry bushes. A wink and a soft chuckle was swiftly interrupted by a startled squeal and a loud splash.

Obviously not having expected to find the stream THAT close, the elven maiden looked down at her sodden robes as she now stood waist deep in the stream. The shimmering fabric clung nicely to her soft curves now, leaving hardly anything to the imagination.

She threw herself to the left at the last moment as the thought of Taren possibly joining her shortly in a similarly spectacular fashion occured to her.

When she finally had wiped the last of the water away that was streaming down her soaked scalp and into her eyes, she blushed furiously as she noticed the dimly lit forms of Evee and Zarl farther downstream, silhouetted in the moonlight.

Despite her extreme embarrassment, the frivolity of the evening could not be beat.....and once more the woods came alive with the sound of elven laughter.....

 

[katalynn]

"I will recieve no rest tonight, that is the least of my concerns."

Lowered her head a moment just as the tears started to well in her eyes.

"I wish for this to be pleasant for you as well, I can heal the wound just as easily. As I said, I don't need much. At the same time, the blood can't be mixed. Though, that shouldn't be a problem."

Paused a moment, thinking that perhaps he may have never heard of a certain breed of demons, thinking of the best way to go about this.

"Well, there are certain creatures out there that will take it straight from the neck or wrist. I guess, doing it from the wrist would be easiest, and more pleasant for you. I'm not like those creatures obviously, but I've been around them long enough, I know what to do. You don't have to do anything."

Looked up at him a moment, almost smirked a moment seeing how he was still in the unicorn form.

"Cept, that it might be easier for you as well if you were in your other form. Would be slighly hard to do it from the wrist in this form.. also, doubt it would be very pleasant on your end."

Really didn't want to do it from the neck, least the wrist, or even the hand she would be able to control it, but the neck was far different. Only having done this about 3 times in her entire life, the neck would be far more pleasant, but this was one who claimed to be her friend, one that she couldn't hurt.

"If you so disire though to stay in this form, I can do it from the neck and still be able to heal it. though, that would be far to much trust on your end than I'm willing to ask of you. The choice is yours. Even a cut in the hand will work just as easily."

Spoke softly and still with some hesitation, it was impossible to ask of such of thing, let alone not be able to seduce him first to make it pleasant for him. Doubt very seriously that it would be any near pleasant for him, but she would try, just to not hurt him.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan listened to her as she spoke. So she needed blood from either his neck or wrist. The words stating that it could be pleasnt for him, sent doubt through him, but he trusted her.

"I can change it is easy enough to do. The thing is I need my pack to get some clothes out of it. They kind of do not change with me." He would have blushed slightly at revealing the fact that if he changed he would be nude, if he had already been in his human form.

"If you can get it for me, then I will change and you can take the blood you need. I do not care which way you need to do it, whichever is easiest for you." He had not heard of the race she spoke of, and had no idea of what to expect of this. He trusted her though so would let her take what she needed so she could rid herself of the poison running through her veins.

 

[Armphid]

Goddess, she was driving him mad. But he found that he rather liked it. Taren couldn't outrun her, but she was easy enough to follow, the larger warrior trying to close the distance when he could. She darted in and out of the trees, her silvery laughter and her teasing, pleasant smile encouraging him onward.

He wore a smile as well, his eyes never leaving her. How she moved! So agile and lovely was her every motion! Every laugh, every smile, every twirl of her long hair and glitter of amusement in her eyes made him want all the more to catch her. To hold her in his arms. Normally, such a thought would have him blushing and stammering. Now, he delighted in it.

Taren almost caught her as she seemed to notice how intently he was looking at her, how warm his eyes were and how the admiration he had felt since they met shone brightly in them. Just as his hand was about to close on her slender wrist, a peal of laughter escaped her once more and with a wink she leaped over a hedge of thorn laden bushes.

He skidded to a halt at the splash, with a widening grin. "That's closer than I thought it would be," he whispered to himself. He paused a moment, to unbuckle the harness that his shotels were on, take his magic pouch from his belt, and slide his weapons and Ritsuko's blade into it.

He snuck a few yards upstream, then silently climbed a tree, the branches taking him over the hedge. There was a very slim bank and the wide, lazily flowing stream. His half-elven eyes saw well by the light of the moon and stars and he spied Ritsuko a moment later. Leaf-green eyes went wide, his mouth gaping. "Goddess," he breathed.

She certainly looked the part. Her hair was plastered to the pale skin of her face and neck, the now soaked fabric of her kimono clinging to her body in a way that stole his breath. Moonlight washed over her, the water turning into silver, illuminating her form in pearlescant brilliance. He watched for a moment as she began to alugh once more, his face openly adoring. How could she see him as a worthy suitor? She was so magnificent, so capable in every way that mattered. What God had he pleased to have even a chance with such a wonder as her?

Taren shook her head, clearing the vision away. He was going to have a little fun too. He touched down on the slin bank, silent as a shadow, makinghis way out onto the few rocks that stuck out of the slowly flowing waters. He made his way from rock to rock, as quiet as he could be though he did have to jump twice, until he was behind, scant feet away.

Setting the pouch down carefully on the rock, he slipped into the water, crouching down until he was beneath the surface. For a few moments, he stayed there, adjusting to the cool water. Then he rose up behind her, arms boldly wrapping about her slender waist, though his hands shook as they did so, afriad that he was doing the wrong thing. "By right of catching you, I assume you accept my suit," he purred in her ear. He couldn't hold that for long though, and he felt himself blushing, "I hope I'm not overstepping my bounds, Ritsuko." "But...I've wanted to put my arms around you for a while, and I just couldn't resist." "You look so beautiful and in the water..." He trailed off, shaking his head. Let her speak. He then chuckled, "You ran well...but I almost think you wanted to get caught." "At least I hope so."

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

Zarl turned at the sounds of underbrush and splashing. He blinked, watching what happened upstream. He chuckled, and turned back, relaxing in the water and gazing at the stars again.

"Ahh, innocence. I barely remember it. Well, I've had a good soak, Eeve, so I think I'll go back to camp and get some rest. Keep an eye on the lovebirds, ehh, Eeve? Make sure they don't wander off and get themselves killed by being filled with that youthful excitement and not remembering we seem to have three enemies closing ranks around us."

He pulled himself out of the stream, and stretched with a yawn. He pulled his pants on, and gatherd his things together. He smiled at Eeve, and bid her goodnight. H even waved at the couple, though he doubted they saw him.

He didn't care. Probably best not to spoil th moment for them. He moved back to camp, thinking about them, about the abstract concept of 'love'. He shrugged, and dismissed it as he got to the camp. He lay his things down near the fire, and curled up near in on the ground. He yawned, and settled himself in to the uncomfortable earth, ready to bed down for rest.

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee had lifted her head up at the sound of slaphing and gave a little smile at seeing Ritsuko. She looked like she was enjoying herself so Evee gave a little wave to her. Evee looked towards Zarl as he mentioned heading back to camp and for her to watch over them.

"Sure, I can do that. I'll try not to watch too closely."

She gave a little giggle before walking out of the water. She paused on the banks and spread her arms wide for a moment. Fire leaped up to engulf her slender body for a moment and then was gone, leaving her dry. She pulled on her robes before picking up her staff and turning to Zarl.

"And please check to make sure Lavastine is doing alright. She seems to be better, but I just want to make sure."

 

[katalynn]

Smiled up at him, hearing the slight shyness in his tone when mentioning his need of clothes.

"If it is clothes you desire, I will retrieve them. Though, I could just lend you my cloak."

wanted to say more, but it probably would have embarassed him a little more. Held back the words and only said;

"I shall return in a moment."

with that she stood up and walked quietly back to where his things were, seeing how Zarl was settling down for the night. Wanting to be in his arms at this moment, also needing to get this over with. For some reason she was begining to have feeling for Zarl, ones that she couldn't admitt to having but they were there none the less.

Quickly went back towards Logan befor she would disturb the others by her moveing around.
Upon reaching Logan she set the pack down, smiled teasingly at him for a moment.

"I will turn around and try not to peek."

With that she turned her back towards him.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan would have accepted her cloak as cover, but before he could reply she had moved off to get his pack. He waited there patiently for her return. She did not keep him waiting for long.

He chuckled mentally as she mentioned trying not to peek, not that he would have minded. "It won't take me long to change, I promise."

As she turned away he began to picture the shift in his mind. It was getting easier and easier to switch between his forms. He would have to learn to focus the power and see if there was a way to transform his clothing as well.

She could hear the rustling as he removed his clothing from his pack and began to dress. When he had pulled on his pants he spoke quietly. "Levastine, it is ok for you to turn around now." He stood there before her, his hair abit touseled, and his feet and chest bare in the moonlight.

"I guess I am ready when you are."

 

[katalynn]

Though she did try to steal a peek, it failed for the most part. Not wanting to make it so obvious, so the angle didn't allow for a good peek. What she did see, she liked. His voice broke her thoughts for a moment, this was entirely to akward in this moment. Something needed to be done to make this whole thing more at ease and diving in to bite or cut him was not that thing.

Hesitated a moment before turning around, seeing him in just his pants slightly aroused her. Its been a long a time since shes had fun with a human, then again, this wasn't that time either. So the wait would be even longer. Couldn't help but giggle at the thought as she moved closer to him.

Logan gave off a confused look with her giggles, but before he could question what was so funny, their lips met. A kiss was always a tension a breaker. A soft, tender kiss that at first was simple, yet, it seemed to have deepened within seconds.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan was about to speak and ask why she was giggling as she moved forward and cut off his words with a kiss. He hesistated a moment caught off guard by it, but relaxed and returned her kiss.

Truth was he had been attracted to her as to the other women he travelled with, but his upbringing kept him from chasing them, especially in times like these.

Something tugged at him as he knew Levastine and Zarl had become close, quick friends and lovers. He did not want to step on any toes, but right now her soft, warm lips felt too inviting.

As the kiss deepened, he placed his hands on her hips and pulled her closer. There was just something about her.. that drew him to her, even if he was stepping into dangerous territory, right now he just didn't care.

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine was taken back slightly as his hands made contact, pulling her closer to him. Wasn't sure of what to do in this moment, for once hesitating on such things. Normally she would be pawing at him, pushing him down to the ground or something. But somehow this was different. Never really thought about others in such ways, there were split moments that didn't last long. Other than that.

Heart was pounding with new vigor, no longer of fear from the request or being rejected. It was from the desire that was building up as she trailed her nails down his back lightly, breaking the kiss for a moment. Wanted to pull away for some reason, yet her legs wouldn't move.

"I'm.... I'm sorry.. I .."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan looked into her eyes as she broke the kiss, a shudder going through him at the feel of her nails upon his back, and then she stammered an apology. Then he shook his head slightly. "No.. Levastine there is nothing to be sorry for. I shouldn't have assumed... "

He looked away a moment, "Maybe this is wrong, you need the blood and that is what we should do. I shouldn't have thought more from that kiss."

He smiled softly then, "Don't get me wrong I liked it.. I liked it alot, and of course more would be nice, but that would be wrong.. since.. well since you and Zarl.." He stopped and looked at her, not sure what her reaction would be. He would leave things up to her as he definitely did not want anyone hurt or any misunderstandings in all of this.

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine paused for a moment, some how stunned by his words. The fact that he assumed? Thought beyond just a kiss?

"I am sorry because I don't wish for things to hender the friendship we have. If things were to go further, I don't know. I just don't wish to hurt what we have now by doing something that perhaps you don't wish to do."

It was different on the simple fact that they were friends and she had respect for him. Not wanting to do something against his wishes would hurt that respect in some way, even the friendship they hold now.

"as for me and Zarl..."

closed her eyes a moment before turning her head towards camp, not sure as what she was expecting to see.

"We have the kind of relationship that most would not understand. We are close, aye, but we are not together, together. Such as...."

"a husband and wife would be.... What we share holds no ties. He does what he does, I do what I do. The time him and I spend together, is just that. Nothing more would come from that."

"If hurting Zarl is your concern, trust me there is nothing to worry about. I'm sure he cares for me... I know he does... but as I said, there is no tie between us."

 

[NyghtRayne]

"Levastine, if it were something I didn't wish for I could have stopped that kiss." Logan stopped then, he couldn't believe he had said something so forward.

"As for our friendship... I think it is a strong tie there or I would not have accepted your request to give you what you needed." He stopped and reached out placing his hand on her arm."I am sorry if I said something wrong, I didn't mean to. And as for doing something I don't want to.." He smiled and chuckled softly as he spoke, "As my mother would say I am a big boy now and can make my own decisions. I would have said to stop if that was what I truly wanted."

He wasn't sure what to say now.. he was sure if he said anymore it would upset her and that was something he wouldn't want.

 

[katalynn]

Smiled as turned and caught Logans gaze for moment,

"Aye, your right in all of which you said. Guess, theres just some things I'm not used to."

"Also, you said nothing to upset me... My thoughts have not been 100% as of late. I'm sure you can understand. but, lets not worry about that."

wasn't sure what was coming over her, not at all used to being easy on guys. At the same time, she was enjoying it. Slowly traced his face, over his lips lightly with her finger tips and soon brought their lips together once more. Wrapping her arms around him, pressing against him tightly.