The Child of Destiny

[Nouh_Bdee]

Darian was almost as shocked to see Talia tumble out of Aubree’s chest as he was to notice how he felt about seeing her. He thought he would be worried, that he would think she should be home resting and recovering, and safe. Instead, he was just happy to see her. He didn’t hurry over to her, letting her get in her hellos with her friends, even letting Tarilon get in some sibling teasing.

“Oh, cool, you’re here, sis. You didn’t happen to bring my blue sheathe, did you? I think I left it at home.”

His heart clutched in his chest. He was just so intensely grateful that he didn’t have to undertake this mission without her. He was glad Tarilon, Shianni, and Aubree were here, but they hadn’t been through what Talia had been through with him. They also weren’t here to bring back their children. That made a difference.

Darian just smiled at her and waited for her to look at him. He hoped they got some time to talk.

He didn’t know what he would say to her. He hadn’t been lying when he told what he thought was a figment of his dream that he loved her. The one thing this ordeal made him realize more than anything else was that he loved her. He still didn’t know whether he could act on that love while free to do so, though. He was still a paladin of Emmaryn. Or, at least, he thought he was. He hadn’t prayed or tried to use any of his holy magic in several days.

Sigh. He would have expected being freed from an evil witch’s pseudo-dream-conjured skeletal bonds to make his life less complicated, but apparently not.

Either way, he was still really happy to see her.

 

[Emstar303]

Talia rolled her eyes at her brother's question, but in truth, she was grateful to have him here. Tarilon had a knack for cutting tension and was good at making light of things.

"No, sorry, but that didn't cross my mind when I was sneaking through the castle," she responded with a smile, rolling her eyes.

"Look at this!" Aubree interrupted. She'd brought over the bag of holding and pulled out the communication pendants and spheres to show Talia. She explained how they worked then demonstrated the bag of holding. Aubree reached into the bag and withdrew a sack full of arrows that could not logically fit into the bag from which they'd come. "Pretty cool, right? It can hold anything."

"Wow!" Talia exclaimed. She looked at Tarilon. "Mom's been holding out on us!"

"Well, maybe she was afraid you'd lose it. She said it's quite rare," Aubrey explained.

"Yeah, she did specifically hand it to Aubree," Shiannia chimed it. She nudged Terilon in the arm, a playful excuse to touch him. "Your mom probably wouldn't trust the pair of you with it."

Talia would have been offended but she knew they were right. Talia was not the best at keeping track of things. "Har har very funny," she said sarcastically.

After hugging her friends and brother, Talia went to Darion and hugged him too. It felt a little strange after all they'd been through. Past hugs between them had been swift, friendly hugs. Last night's embraces had been lustful, desperate. This hug felt warm, comforting, more like home than how she'd felt locked in the castle. Talia breathed him in gratefully and held him for longer than she'd hugged the others. She felt like she had a million things to say but now that she was holding him so tightly against her, they all faded away.

At last, she pulled away and looked at him. "Happy to see me?" she asked with a smile.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

Darian felt flush after Talia’s warm hug and warm smile.

“Er, I am.” He cleared his throat. “More than I know how to say.”

He found himself wanting to keep holding her, touching her. Anything to keep in contact. He felt closer to her than he’d ever felt to anyone. The last several years spent as friends was a large part of that, as was Darian’s orphan past. He had also been inside her, for Goddess’s sake. Oh, and he also loved her. So, there were several reasons.

He smiled at his own thoughts, and at Talia.

“It’s strange, I’m not sure I know what to say. There seem to be too many words, all trying to get out at once. All I know is that I want to be near you.”

Tarilon’s elven ears could pick up a bit of what Darian was saying, and he felt a bit awkward. Besides, they’d been setting camp up before Talia had so rudely interrupted. He turned to Shianni and Aubree.

“Hey, ladies, what’s for dinner?”

 

[Emstar303]

Talia smiled at him in understanding. "I don't know what to say either. I just know... I need you," she said. She blushed, remembering how she'd said those same words last night in a very different context. She reached for his hand.

As Talia and Darian had their moment, the other three stood awkwardly to the side. Talia had been making starry eyes at Darian for the past several years, but nothing quite beat the awkwardness of the latest 24 hours!

Tarilon asked them what was for dinner and Shiannia laughed. She almost answered with a sexual innuendo but thought better of it. Though Shianni was blunt she did have some tact, not that Darian or Talia would hear them over their infatuation with the other. "Yeah, I guess the food we ate when we got here was really just a snack, especially for a spoiled Prince like you," she teased.

"I guess I can go hunting," Aubree thought aloud. "Get in some practice."

The sun wasn't quite set yet, so she had some time.

"Do you want me to go with you, just in case you hurt yourself?" Shianni asked. This was a serious offer but Aubree rolled her eyes and shook her friend off.

"The worst that will happen is I'll miss. It's not like I'm going to shoot myself in the eye."

Shianni was silent for a moment and flashed Aubree a questioning look. The pair of them burst out laughing. "I'll be fine," Aubree said. She flashed the pair of them a smile then left the group.

Once she'd collected her bow and arrow and set off into the woods, Shianni turned to Tarilon.

"Do you want to walk with me a little bit? Give them a moment to themselves?" Shianni asked Tarilon. Give us a moment to ourselves... The tips of her ears were a light pink. They always got that way when she was one on one with Tarilon.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

Darian had so many thoughts running through his head. He wanted to sweep Talia off her feet—to propose right then and there. But, he didn’t know if he was ready to forsake the order, to reject his Goddess’s commission.

“I need you, too, Talia.” He reached down for their hands. “I’m still a paladin of Emmaryn. At least, I think I am. I don’t know anymore, and I don’t know what that means after our dream together. I just know I need you.”

Darian shook his head. “That doesn’t make any sense. I love you, Talia. I don’t have any doubts about that. I’m just not sure what we do about that right now.”

An awkward laugh slipped between his lips. “That was a terrible profession of love. I’m sorry, princess.”



Tarilon was processing Shianni’s words.

“Oh, so they can…? And you and I...Okay, let’s go for a walk.”

He held out his arm for her, turned toward the forest.

 

[Emstar303]

Talia accepted his hands, squeezed them tight. Darian said he needed her too, but he was still a paladin of Emmaryn, probably. Talia didn't understand how that was possible, but she'd accept anything he said as long as it meant she got to be his. Then he said he loved her! Her heart soared. She squeezed his hands tighter. But he also referred to their time together as a dream. Talia shook her head, "But it wasn't a dream. That really happened. Darian... " she hesitated. Could she really admit it? Could she really say how much she'd enjoyed it? Surely he already knew... she swallowed hard.

Though it pained her to say it, she had to give him an out, an opportunity to return to the faith.

"Darian... I loved having sex with you, even though it was forced, I - I love you, but you have to know it wasn't your fault what happened.... and I’m so sorry about your vow. It wasn’t your fault that you had to break it and I think your Goddess will understand... if you want to go back to your church I'll understand... well... that's a lie I won't understand, but I'd try to accept it because I love you," Talia said. She had the urge to lean forward and kiss him, but she wanted to give him this chance to go back to his faith so she resisted.

The look on her face was very serious. She didn’t mention anything about how amazing it had felt being joined with him like that, how she was devastated her virginity had not been her own choice to lose, but relieved that it was with him, and that she’d always wanted it to be with him. How she’d fantasized about him, and how for a while in the beginning she’d suspected he might even want her too.

She had to give him this choice. She hoped beyond hope he would chose her. If he didn't... she wasn't sure how she'd react.

***

Shianni grinned when Tarilon held out his arm for her to take. She took it happily, her stomach fluttering in response to touching him.

Damn, she really wished she didn't like him this much. Shianni had had sex with many people, but Tarilon was the only one who was able to set her ablaze with just the touch of his hand.

As they walked through the forest, Shianni marveled at their circumstances. They were on this adventure together for his sister and her best friend... it was almost seemed like fate was pushing them together.

Shianni took his offered arm and they set off deeper into the forest, in a different direction than Aubree had went.

She liked the way he'd said walk, like he knew she was had an alterior motive, like the knew she was up to no good.

Once they were a half mile from camp, Shianni deemed it far enough. She turned to him, a little over excitedly. "So, you're an uncle! How does that feel?" she smiled at him. Just looking at him set her ablaze but she wanted to talk to him first. She wanted him to take her seriously, and not like one of his one night stands.

Shianni and Tarilon had never had sex, despite what Talia and Aubree may giggle about. The most they'd done was make out and fondle the other desperately through their clothes. They'd both decided it wasn't a good idea to keep teasing each other since Tarilon was engaged, but now they were on this quest together... Shianni couldn't help but hope he'd make a move on her, even though she may get her heart broken in the end.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

“I love you, too, Talia. I always will. No matter what. I know that now.” Darian squeezed Talia’s hands, rubbing his thumb softly over her knuckle. “I—I’ve never doubted my Goddess before, but I don’t understand how I could be forced to choose between my faith and being with you.” He took a deep breath. “It made sense before, when sex sounded indulgent and love sounded selfish, but it doesn’t feel that way with you. It feels right. And we have children together! I’m supposed to raise children with a woman I can only shake hands with!?” He took two more deep breaths, trying to calm down. He hadn’t planned what he was going to say. He hadn’t even planned to have this conversation at all right now. “Here’s what I know. I know I have to choose, even if I don’t know why. Also, if I choose right now,” he looked into her beautiful eyes pointedly, “I know who I will choose.” Holding her hands, standing so close, he could feel his body ache for her. He had to be strong. “But I think both of us would wonder if I should have considered abandoning my faith more deeply.” He let go of her hands, and put his head in his hands. “I don’t know, maybe it’s just me. I just—I don’t...want to have doubts. Not about anything to do with you.” He gently squeezed her shoulders. Goddess, she was so beautiful. “Will you be patient with me, Talia, my love?”


***

Tarilon really enjoyed walking with Shianni. She was beautiful, and sweet, and he really liked her. Why couldn’t she be the princess of Eldergrove? He sighed to himself, and then he answered her question.

“The uncle part’s not much different, but I’m excited about going on an adventure with everyone.” He smiled at her. “Especially you.”

There was a large, moss-covered log laying across the path, and Tarilon held out his arm, gesturing for Shianni to sit. “Maybe we can sit together for a minute?”

They climbed onto the log, which made a surprisingly comfortable seat. “How do you feel about leaving Bala Faresha?”

 

[Emstar303]

Darian's words were the words of her fantasies... at least until he said maybe he should consider abandoning his faith more deeply and that he didn't want to have any doubts. Talia bit her lip hard to keep it from shaking. She wanted a vow from him, a promise of undying love, but he hadn't lost his religion quite yet. Talia took a deep brief; tried to put herself in his position but it was difficult as a carefree elf with such a different upbringing.

"Of course I'll be patient," Talia said.

"Well, as patient as I can be," she said, laughing lightly. She was a princess after all, used to getting what she wanted in a timely fashion. But she would wait for Darian. She needed him. She couldnt's stand the thought of losing him without bawling.

She hugged him again, she couldn't help herself. Oh, how she wanted to kiss him and make love to him, but he'd asked her to be patient, and she would try.

***

Shianni grinned at Tarilon's words. He was excited about going on an adventure, he said, especially with her. He led her to a large moss-covered fallen tree trunk and they sat together on the squishy moss.

He asked her how she felt about leaving Bala Faresha. Shianna had to think for a moment. It was hard to define her bittersweet feeling.

"To be honest, I am pretty excited about our adventure, though I do wish it were under different circumstances," she said honestly.

They sat side by side, hip to hip. Shianni couldn't help herself but ask, "You know we're going to pass through Eldergrove..." she hesitated, looked at her feet and rubbed her fingers over the back of his hand. "Are you... excited to see Sarissa?"

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

Darian wrapped his arms around her and squeezed. Maybe hugs would be okay while they waited for him to make up his mind. He would like to find a chapel, or at least a shrine to Emmaryn. Even if he needed to just go into the woods and find a quiet place for prayer, he would do so as early as possible. He had no desire to test Talia’s patience. In the meantime, he hoped they could just enjoy their time together while they figured out how to find the children.

Darian smiled, hoping to lighten the mood. “Would you like some helping setting up your tent?

***

Tarilon was dreading that question. Sarissa was, all but officially, his fiancé. She was wealthy and beautiful, a princess who would make a formidable queen. He just wished he liked her. Or rather, he wished he didn’t have to marry her.

“Gods, no. She reminds me of Talia when we were little.”

He saw Shianni’s expression and decided to clarify. “I love my sister, Shianni, and now I also really like her, as a person and a friend, but she used to be a real brat, alright? I mean, you remember. Although, try not to remember how much of a brat I was, okay?”

Tarilon laughed, bumping Shianni with his hip. “I mean, remember when I used to put bugs in your hair?”

 

[Emstar303]

Talia felt so warm and safe in Darian's arms as he held her tightly. It was wonderful to hold each other of their own free will without the threat of phantom limbs dictating their movements. She sighed into his chest happily. He pulled away too soon and asked if she'd like help setting up her tent.

"Yes, please. I've never had to set one up before," Talia said. Though Talia often went exploring in the surrounding forests around home, she'd always come home to sleep in her bed.

She noticed her friends had brought along a fair amount of supplies and a tent for each of them. That was a good call, everyone needed their privacy, especially on what was bound to be a long journey. Not all the tents were set up yet. Of the 4 tents they'd brought, only 3 were set up.

***

Shianni laughed at his response. She was both amused and relieved by it. Apparently, Sarissa's attitude reminded him of Talia's and his own when they were younger. Shianni had not met Sarissa personally, but whenever Tarilon spoke of her he always got a sour look on his face. It sounded like the heir to the Silver Forest had a whiny attitude she never grew out of.

Tarilon bumped her with his hip and reminded her how he used to put bugs in her hair. Shianni bumped him back and groaned, "Of course I remember. And I'll still never forgive you for it!"

Though her words were scolding, her tone was not. She couldn't help but smile when she looked at him. Long, blond hair, striking green eyes, sharp, angular features... he was the stereotypical handsome prince. Sarissa was so lucky.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

Darian helped Talia set up her tent, and then they sat next to each other by the fire, waiting for their friends to come back. Darian poked at it with a stick, sending sparks dancing into the air.

“Talia, are you worried? About the children?” A weary sigh slipped out of his mouth. “I’ve barely seen them. They didn’t exist last week. And, still, I feel like a part of me is out there, at the mercy of that evil woman. I...the others are wonderful, but I don’t feel like they would understand.”

***

Tarilon could tell Shianni was kidding. She always made him feel at ease. She was so pretty, too. They laughed together, and when the laughter ebbed, Tarilon was left looking into her shimmering green eyes. He knew he should keep things platonic between them, with his betrothal to Sarissa, but she was so beautiful, and sweet, and fun. He leaned in for a kiss, stopping a few inches from her face, hoping she would meet his lips with her own. They’d already kissed before, right? Surely one...or two more kisses wouldn’t hurt. Or three. Right?

 

[Emstar303]

Talia was grateful for Darian's help in setting up her tent. Well, it was more like he had her help in setting up her tent. Afterward, they sat by the fire, side by side. Talia concentrated on watching the sparks swirl and fly into the air so she didn't laugh too bitterly at Darian's ridiculous question. She threw a stick into the fire a little aggressively.

"Of course I'm worried about our babies, Darian! Of course our friends can't understand. I can barely understand! It all happened so fast... I hope we find them fast too. They're so small right now but..." Her voice broke. "I don't want them to grow up without us! I know I wasn't ready to be a mother, but they're ours Darian and I hate the thought of that wicked witch raising them to be little demons or turning them against us!"

***

Tarilon was giving her that look that made her heart beat faster. Shianni found herself leaning in to meet his lips with hers despite her better judgment. It was like he had a magnetic field she could not resist, nor did she want to. She kissed him back, squeezed his hand tightly. She teased his lower lip between hers, and the kiss quickly turned passionate. Shianni let out a soft, pleasured sigh as she danced her tongue with his.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

Darian reached out to squeeze Talia’s fingers. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” He sighed, wanting to reassure her but not knowing how. There was no sugarcoating the situation. “We’ll find a way to get them back, Talia.” He wished he was that confident. He shared her concerns about the children. He wanted them to grow up knowing and being loved by their parents. He was out of words, so he just sat, holding her hand, watching the fire.

***

Shianni’s kiss heated up quickly. Tarilon melted into her mouth as they kissed, hand in hand. He brought his other hand to her face to cup her cheek. Her skin was soft and warm, and her sigh sent a jolt through his body.

He pulled away to whisper into her mouth. “I know we’re supposed to stop doing this but I don’t know if I can.”

Then his tongue was back in her mouth, caressing and exploring her own. She was addictive, and Tari was hooked. His hand roamed, and it was completely unintentional on his part that it gently stroked her side, sliding up to tentatively cup her breast over her dress. Completely unintentional!

 

[Emstar303]

Immediately after raising her voice at him, Talia felt bad, and she felt even worse at his response. He was apologizing to her for upsetting her. He was such a gentle, kind person. She hoped her fire wouldn't drive him away. She squeezed his hand back and looked into his eyes. "I'm sorry I snapped at you, Darian, I'm just... I'm all messed up! This is all still so surreal. I'm just glad I have you by my side." She threw another stick into the fire. "We will get them back. You're right. We have to believe that."

***

Shianni knew she was torturing herself, but it was hard to give something up even though you knew you were going to lose it. Instead of weaning off of the idea of their romance, a great part of her wanted to lean into it, wanted to show Tarilon what it could be like.

“I know we’re supposed to stop doing this but I don’t know if I can," he whispered against her lips.

His whisper sent a delicious shiver down her spine and Shianni moaned into his mouth, pressed her lips harder against his. They kissed heatedly, tongues caressing. His kisses made her feel so good, the touch of his tongue on hers, the pressure of his lips...

He was feeling her up, running his hands from her hips to her waist and finally to her breast. Shianni's hands explored his back, then grasped his shoulders to pull him closer, encouraging him to keep touching her.

"I don't think I can stop either," Shianni whispered against his lips. Her hands wandered from his shoulders to his chest. "And I don't think we should."

It was easy to ignore his inevitable future making out with him in the middle of the forest at twilight. It was easy for Shianni to just focus on how she felt in the now, and right now she felt tingly and fiery and needed him to keep touching her.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

Darian smiled at Talia, a weary and bittersweet smile. “I forgive you.” He took a deep breath. “Will you forgive me?”

He tried to keep it together, to keep his emotions in check, but with Talia all the guilt and shame he had kept buried under the surface came rushing back. His heart clutched in his chest. Tears threatened to fall from his eyes. His cheeks were red with grief. “For everything that you’ve been through. For letting all this happen. For not stopping Cybene somehow. For not catching her and getting our babies back. For not…” He choked back more tears, his face twisted in ugly despair. “For not fighting harder that night!

***

Her hands were like lightning dancing over his lean and muscular body. Tarilon was so glad Shianni didn’t want to stop either. He wanted to do more than they’d done before, to see and feel more of her body. He broke their kiss for a moment, just to pull off his loose, linen tunic. In a flash he was back to her, melting against her. He gently pulled her dress away from her chest on one side, looking down to see one pert little nipple. He wanted to kiss it. He reached up to pull her dress off one shoulder, intending to expose that luscious breast to his eager lips.

He didn’t notice the eyes that saw them from the forest behind her.

 

[Emstar303]

Talia could hardly stand to listen to Darian’s words. She wanted to interrupt him, to insist none of this was his fault immediately, but she felt it was important for him to get his feelings out, though it pained her to see him blame himself. She grasped the sides of his face, stared into his vibrant, watery eyes.

“There’s nothing to forgive. You have nothing to apologize for. We fought as hard as we could. None of this is your fault, Darian. None of it.” Talia spoke fiercely and with great certainty. Her hands clutched his face desperately, willing him to forgive himself. She let her words hang in the air for a moment, let them sink in before continuing.

“I’m the one who should be sorry. Darian, I hate to admit this, because I worry you’ll think less of me... but I feel I must admit it if you are to make a decision between me and your faith…” Talia took a deep breath, bravely looked him in the eyes. “but part of me is grateful for what happened because at least it gave me a chance to be with you. And I know that’s messed up, and I’m so sorry. I just - somehow I feel like it’s my fault. Like the witch got into my head and prayed upon my fantasies of you and now… now we have babies and I don’t even know how to set up a tent!” Talia was laughing and crying at once by the end of her confession.

***

Shianni knew she was playing with fire, but she must like being burned. She kissed Tarilon eagerly, her tongue rolling along his. To Shianni, she wasn’t kissing Prince Tarilon, the next king of Bala Faresha. To Shianni she was kissing Tarilon, her friend and childhood tormenter, her best friend’s brother. He was the boy who’d put bugs in her hair and chased her around the forest. He was the boy she’d grown up alongside. Shianni was breathless by how fast her feelings for him had changed once they'd entered adulthood.

He broke off their kiss to take off his tunic, revealing his toned torso. Shianni grasped at his muscular chest as he resumed kissing her, rubbing his toned muscles. Tarilon’s hands grasped at her dress, a simple, flowing thing that was easily shoved aside. He pushed the top of her dress open, revealing her breast. Shianni moaned as he began kissing her breast, tongue swirling around her hardened nipple. They hadn’t gone beneath clothing before. The touch of his tongue was exquisite. She wondered how much more they could discover...

Overcome by lust, Shianni ran one of her hands that was exploring the planes of his chest downward to seek out his manhood.

***

Aubree stifled a gasp when she stumbled upon Tarilon and Shianni. She knew they were more than friends, but knowing and seeing were entirely different things. Bree steadied herself against a nearby tree as she lingered a moment longer, mesmerized as Tarilon revealed Shianni’s soft, supple breast and latched his lips over her hard nipple. Aubree couldn’t help but get a little aroused as she watched. She remained mesmerized for a moment, but when Shiannia started moaning from the pressure of Tarilon’s lips against her nipples she turned and left.

Aubree hadn’t meant to stumble upon them. She felt bad for even staying to watch as long as she had! Should she go back to camp soon? She was sure she’d likely walk in on Talia and Darian too. Probably not in sexual intimacy, but in an intimate moment nonetheless. She could probably hunt more. With a little jealousy in her heart, Bree resumed her hunt.

Bree was less outspoken than Talia and Shianni. They were women who got what they wanted; Aubree was a woman who watched and waited. She sighed. Maybe one day a handsome suitor would fall into her arms or she’d be forced into some bizarre ritual sex scenario like Talia. As soon as she had the thought Bree scolded herself for having it. She knew Talia and Darian had been through a lot.

She shook these selfish thoughts from her head and resumed her hunt. She hadn’t caught anything so far. She tended to miss when hunting animals for the first few rounds. She really didn’t like doing it. Maybe she would just shoot around them, and they could survive on their rations for now?

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

Darian stepped into Talia, wrapping his arms around her body and gently squeezing her into his. He whispered into her ear. “I don’t know why she picked us, but if that’s how then I’m just as much to blame as you are. You think I haven’t thought about you for years, wondering how it would feel to hold you like this, to kiss your lips? I wonder if, even without Cybene, my life as a paladin was doomed the moment I met you. So, if fantasies are to be blamed, then it’s ours, not yours.”

He almost kissed her, then and there, pressing his lips into hers, feeling her tongue again on his. He didn’t though. He held himself back, his weakened resolve holding for now. Instead, he just held her.

“We will find our children, and you will be the world’s greatest mother, because I know how much you’ll love them. And I’ll set up all the tents you need, forever.”

He meant it, too. In Darian’s mind, even if he remained a paladin, celibate for the rest of his life, he would still be a constant presence by Talia’s side and father to her children. It may have been naive, but even now he couldn’t imagine anything other than lifelong companionship between them.

It was easy for him to push his guilt aside and comfort Talia. He naturally felt compelled to ease any tears of hers. He supposed she was right, too. He didn’t know what he could have done differently. That was the point, though, wasn’t it? He should have found a way.

***

Tarilon pinched Shianni’s nipple between his lips, rolling it and pressing into it. His hands pushed the dress off her other shoulder, so his mouth could move to her other breast, drawn to touch and kiss more of her like a moth to a flame. Wouldn’t want to show favoritism, after all.

“More.”

Had he said that, or had she? He couldn’t tell, and he didn’t have long to think about it before lightning shot between his legs. Shianni’s hand had made it inside his pants, and her long, slender fingers brushed against his cock.

He whispered into her breast. “Oh, Shianni, you temptress! If I could’ve stopped before…”

He knew he should go slowly. Even ignoring the fact that they shouldn’t be doing this at all, he wanted to seduce her, to have her begging him to touch her, teased and wild with lust. He couldn’t wait, though. Tarilon himself was wild with lust. The prince stood up, breaking contact for a few agonizing moments to shed his princely pants. He put his hands under her arms, impatiently lifting her to let her dress fall to the forest floor. He groaned in want, sitting her bare ass back on the soft moss covering the log. His hands slid to her thighs, pushing them apart.

“Touch it all you want. It’s yours for the night, but first…” He leaned into her, unable to hold himself back. “I want to taste you.”

 

[Emstar303]

The love Talia felt for Darian was almost overwhelming. The way he held her tight but carefully, like something precious. His words comforted her, assured her she wasn't alone in her fantasies. She was sure Darian's fantasies hadn't gone as far as hers had, but the important point was that he'd thought of her that way at all. He admitted he may have been doomed as a paladin from the second he met her. Talia's heart swelled. She squeezed him tighter. She didn't dare look at him though, because she knew she wouldn't be able to stop herself from kissing him and she knew he still needed some time, so she pressed her face into his chest, arms around his back, holding him close.

He told her they would find their children, and she would be the world's greatest mother, and that he would set up all the tents she ever needed, forever.

Talia almost started crying at how sweet he was. She was still really emotional over everything that had happened. "Thank you, I don't know how I'd get through this without you," she said into his chest. Her tears gradually dried against his chest. She nuzzled into his chest, sighed softly. She held him still; she had no intention of letting go first.

***

Shianni moaned as Tarilon rolled har hard nipple between his lips. He slid the other side of her dress down at well, relieving both breasts to him. Shianni squirmed from the pleasure of his kisses. Her hand caressed his chest while the other slid past the waistline of his pants. His clothes were easy to slip aside as well...

With nearly no hesitation Shianni wrapped her hand around his cock, feeling its girth and hardness in her hand. He was already hard for her. She grinned in delight then smirked at his comments.

"Me? A temptress?" Shianna feigned shock then laughed. "I would never." On never she squeezed his cock gently, started slowly pumping her hand up and down. She was excited by how excited she'd made him.

He stood up and pushed his pants down, fully revealing himself to her for the first time. Shianni audibly gasped at the sight of his erection. She reached for him, the action almost seemed out of her conscious control and instead driven by a lustful need, but before she got a chance to touch him again he'd stood her up from the moss-covered log to take off her dress. Now they both stood naked together, surrounded by nature around them. Shianni was slender with a tiny waist and small, upturned breasts with rosy nipples. Her green eyes matched the shades of the forest around them and her ears were more prominent than most elves. She had long, flowing red hair that she kept braided with flowers.

He placed her back on the moss-covered log and leaned in close, pushing her thighs apart. Shianni parted them for him eagerly. He told her she could touch him all she wanted, but first, he wanted to taste her. Shianni nodded eagerly, breathlessly, trying not to think about the way he'd added: "for the night".

She hoped they wouldn't stop after tonight. Of course, she knew they'd have to stop... eventually... but surely they had some more time? They wouldn't reach Eldergrove for at least a week. That gave them plenty of time...

And Shianni was going to give him a time to remember.

"Wait," she said. She looked at him very seriously for a moment, staring down at his handsome face between her thighs, about to sample her glistening flower. She grabbed his shoulders then pushed him playfully so he fell down onto the forest floor. She giggled and grinned. "That's for putting bugs in my hair!"

Then she pounced on him. His cock slid against her vulva, which was covered in vibrant hair the same red as the hair on her head. She leaned down and kissed him, moaned, but before giving him too long of an opportunity to seal the deal she broke their kiss. "I want to taste you too. It's only fair." Then she spun around on him so she straddled his head and she faced his beautiful cock. Was it possible it was even harder than before? Maybe it was just the angle. Unabashed, Shianni positioned her glistening flower above his mouth, settling in.

She leaned down and grasped his cock again, then, very delicately slid her tongue along his cockhead. His scent was tantalizing her senses. That slowness didn't last long; like Tarilon Shianni was wild with lust. She needed to taste more of him. She opened her mouth and popped his cockhead inside. "Mmm," she moaned at the taste of him and the way he started licking her flower.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

Darian smiled, resisting the urge to lean down and kiss her. “I don’t know what I would do without you, either.”

He knew he should let go of her, but he didn’t want to. He just wanted to keep holding her, feeling her warmth and softness, letting her closeness and affection distract him from their trauma. So, he did.

***

Shianni’s mouth felt like heaven on Tarilon’s cock. Plus, her playfulness and aggression had him rock-hard. He almost forgot about tasting her. Almost. Luckily, Shianni reminded him by pressing her pussy into his face. His nose was buried in her red curls. He breathed in, experiencing her wild and feminine scent. It almost made him fill her mouth then and there. He slipped out his tongue, tracing her folds with the tip. She was wet with her arousal, and she tasted like summer, lush and vibrant, untameable. Tarilon craned his neck, burying his face as far inside her as he could.

The elf-prince’s tongue danced like his blade did in training with Darian, but this was much more fun, and they could both win. Tari had never been with anyone in this position (which gave him even more pause about his engagement—what were the odds he would learn any new sex positions from Sarissa?), so it was more difficult than he expected to find her clitoris without the aid of his eyes.

Once he found it, he attacked it relentlessly, flicking and circling it with his tongue and rubbing it with his lower lips. Shianni was wet from his attention, and he drank deeply of her essence. She was so good. Why did he have to be promised to Sarissa when Shianni was so wonderful! She was doing some wonderful work with her own mouth, and he felt like he was approaching his peak. He thought about interrupting her so he could be inside her, but he was afraid she would balk. Besides, her mouth felt so good.

 

[Emstar303]

When Aubree returned to camp she found Darian and Talia cuddling by the fire. "Hi guys," she said. She plopped 3 rabbits down in front of them. "Caught us some bunnies."

Talia pulled away from Darian as Aubree joined them on the log. Her friend's eyes were glistening a little bit. "Bree? Were you crying?" Talia asked.

Aubree sniffled, wiped her eyes. "It's nothing. I just always feel a little bad, you know? I'm used to shooting at targets."

Talia smiled at her kind-hearted friend. "Maybe you should have become a druid, I think you're too soft to be a hunter."

"Maybe," Aubree smiled lightly. "But that takes a lot of training and I'm decent with the bow and arrow. It's how I can help out right now."

"Thanks," Talia said warmly. "Do you know how to skin them? Because I don't."

"Yes, yes. I know all that gross stuff. I just usually let my hunting partners take care of the kill."

Aubree took out a hunting knife and starting skinning the rabbit in front of her.

"Oh, gross!" Talia said. She scooted away from Aubree on the log. "I'm surprised that doesn't freak you out as well," Talia observed.

"Well, they're already dead, so they're not in pain... I try to kill them quickly, but with this little guy, he was alive after my first arrow. That's the part I really hate. But I know it's the balance of nature and everything to hunt so I'll get used to it."


***

Shianni reveled in the prince's erect cock in her mouth. Her body twitched on top of his in excitement. She took him deeper, up and down, her tongue swirling around him. He seemed dazed for a moment by the talents of her mouth, his mouth not moving against her sex. Shianni slowed down. She couldn't have him blow his load this early! She wanted to make this last. She moved her hips on top of his face, grinding her flower against his lips until he started licking her. The longer he did the more enthusiastic he seemed to become. Shianni moaned lustfully when he found her clit with his tongue and started licking.

Now it was Shianni's turn to falter in her pleasure of him. Her mouth popped off Tarilon on her next upward slide. She pushed her body forward a little to angle his tongue just right against her clit as she grasped the base of his cock and stroked gently. "Mm, yes, Tarilon!" she moaned. She ground her hips on top of his face aggressively as she took him inside her mouth again, tongue rolling around his hard, warm flesh.

As the minutes passed and he kept massaging her clit with his tongue she could feel an orgasm approaching. Her flower began to flutter against him and she squeezed her muscles in response, urging her orgasm forward. She bobbed her head on his cock wildly and with impressive speed as it struck. One hand worked in tandem with her mouth while the other held herself up. Her orgasm washed over her with great strength. She pumped her hand faster, riding out her wave and moaning around his dick.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

Darian grabbed one of the other rabbits and started to clean it. He wanted to be useful, after the others had given Talia and him so much time to talk by themselves. Even if it hadn’t been intentional, he appreciated it.

“So, what are the prince and Shianni up to?”

It was only after he asked and he saw the small smile on Aubree’s face that he realized that maybe he shouldn’t have asked. They were probably making out somewhere.


***


Tarilon couldn’t believe he’d lasted as long as he had. Shianni’s mouth felt so good on him, and the taste and sensation of her pussy on his tongue and lips turned him on like he’d never felt in his life. He was hooked.

Then, when she moaned around his cock, vibrations travelling down his shaft, while her pussy dripped onto his face? How in the world was he supposed to hold off his orgasm with that going on?

“Shianni, I--I’m gonna cum!”

He did, and quickly, his milky seed filling her eager little mouth. He could feel her smile as she lapped it up, licking him down from his peak and recovering from her own.

Once they caught their breath, Tarilon pulled her around to face him, and kissed her deeply, not caring that he tasted himself on her tongue. “Shianni, I...I don’t want that to be the last time we do this. It was too much, too good. Okay?”

 

[Emstar303]

Bree blushed when Darian asked what the Prince and Shianni were up to. Even though their paladin friend wasn't exactly as virtuous as he once was, she wasn't about to tell him what she saw.

"Oh, I'm sure they'll be back soon," Aubree said.

Talia laughed. She had a feeling she knew what her brother and her friend were up to. She sent a small burst of fire into the dying campfire to keep it going. "Do you think the elves in Eldergrove actually know anything useful about Durmíndon
or is this just a ploy from dad to get Tarilon to meet with Sarissa?"

"Either way, Eldergrove borders the dark elf lands, so we have to pass through it anyway," Aubree said. "I'm sure your father is just hoping seeing Sarissa will change your brother's mind."

"Not when Shianni's around to tempt him," Talia said, laughing lightly.

***

“Shianni, I--I’m gonna cum!”

Tarilon's words elevated her orgasm higher. Excitedly she moved her mouth higher towards the tip of his cock so she could taste her sweet prince's orgasm. Her hand jerked the base of his cock. He was cumming by the end of his sentence and Shianni was gulping up every last drop, savoring the taste of him on her tongue. She smiled and moaned as she licked the tip of his cock, her hand slid up his cock, squeezing out every last drop. Her own sex softly pulsed as she came down from her orgasm.

Shianni was content to lay like that with the tip of his cock in her mouth and his lips against her sex, but Tarilon pulled her around to face him. He kissed her, tongue sliding against hers. She tasted her potent, earthy scent on his lips and knew he was tasting himself on her tongue as well. She moaned into his mouth, enjoying their combined taste.

He broke the kiss to ask her to not let this be the last time they do this. It was too good. Shianni nodded enthusiastically. "Of course it won't be the last time, Tarilon," she assured him. She kissed him passionately, her hand threading through his silky blond hair, the other clutching at the muscles of his chest. She didn't want to stop kissing him. That warm heat was filling her belly all over again, but it was starting to get dark and she didn't want the others to worry. Reluctantly, she broke their kiss.

"Maybe we should be getting back... Similar log tomorrow afternoon?" she asked, grinning.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

Tarilon grinned at the gorgeous redhead. “Yes, please,” he said just before lunging forward to surprise her with another peck on the lips. He laid her body down on the ground carefully, and started pushing himself up. He slid toward her feet, stopping with his face right in front of her crotch. He placed another playful kiss on her flame-covered mound, addressing her perfect little pussy. “You hear that, friend? We’re not done here, you and me. We’ll have a rematch soon.”

Tari finished pulling himself off the ground and held out a hand to help Shianni up. Once that was done, he picked up his clothes and reluctantly handed her hers.

“Yeah, let’s go see what Aubree caught for us. As delicious as you are, I’m not exactly less hungry, if you know what I mean…”

He paused for effect, smirking at the cute elf. “I mean meat, like deer or boar or something, just to be clear.”


***

Darian looked up to see Tari and Shianni walk into camp, with leaves and sticks in their hair, both of them. He smiled. At least they’re in non-judgmental company, he thought.

As they put together dinner, Aubree roasting the rabbits on a makeshift spit, he wondered what their sleeping arrangements would be, with only four tents among the five of them. They were all more than comfortable for two, but who would share? Of course, he wouldn’t be surprised if all three girls shared. He wondered what would happen if he renounced his commission, and told Talia he wanted to be with her? Would she start joining him at night? He shivered in anticipation at the thought, but he still didn’t feel confident about what he would do.

 

[Emstar303]

Shianni giggled when Tarilon suddenly pounced on her, pushing her gently to the ground. He gazed up at her between her naked thighs, then kissed her vibrant flower, promised he'd be back.

"You're such a weirdo," Shianni said, laughing, but she was smiling and it was evident from the look on her face she liked it.

They dressed reluctantly and returned to camp.

***

Her brother and Shianni returned to camp with leaves and sticks in their hair, but Talia didn't tease them, not this time. She just shared a knowing smirk with Bree.

"What's for dinner?" Shianni asked. She sat with Tarilon on a log together, purposely pressing her thigh against his.

"Just rabbit, I'm sorry," Aubree said.

"Rabbit's great, Bree! I'm actually surprised you managed to catch anything," Shianni said with a smile. "I can't tell you how many times Aubree has asked me to heal injured animals she comes across in the forest. Never would have expected her to become a hunter."

"Yeah well, we gotta eat," Aubree said simply.

The group dined on the modest meal Aubree had caught them, plus some fruits they'd brought along with them.

 

[Nouh_Bdee]

After dinner, and a nice evening talking with his friends, Darian went to his tent. He peeled off his armor and collapsed onto the mat. He still hadn’t recovered from the ordeal Cybene put him through, so he was out like a light.

The next day was a busy one. Darian asked Tarilon to scout ahead with him, and they set some traps to supplement their meals. They pushed ahead pretty far, so by the time they got back to the camp it was late, and they were both wiped out. The next day was similar, as the two men collected the game they’d trapped. Their haul was impressive, and since Aubree was providing enough for them to eat, Darian prepared it for jerky that night. He wanted to make sure that they had plenty of food for the more meager stretches of the journey, when Aubree wouldn’t have the forest’s bounty to choose from with her bow.

The day after that he packed up the jerky, and it was a good thing, too, because it started pouring rain just as they were about to start packing up the tents. They all ran into the nearest tent to escape from the rain.

The furious pace of the last few days gave way to laughter as they relaxed, with nothing else they could do. The five friends spent the morning chatting with each other, teasing Aubree about her hunting and Tarilon about his engagement. It was fun, and Darian had missed having fun. He’d been so reflective ever since he and Talia had...all of it.

Despite the pouring rain, it was the best day of the journey so far.

After a light lunch, Darian pulled out the map and started thinking about their plans. There was a city just a small detour on their way to Eldergrove.

“Everybody, I’m wondering if we should detour over to Fandujo. It’s only a day out of the way, and it’s a pretty large city. We could get more weapons, some armor for the girls, maybe research some spells?” One thing he didn’t mention is that it had a temple to Emmaryn, where he could speak to a priest or at least pray at the altar. The free city of Fandujo had people from all nations and races, and Darian thought there was a good chance they could get some good supplies there. He had brought some gold from his savings to pay for things they would need, and he didn’t really think they were ready to face Cybene like they were. But, if the group wanted to go straight to Eldergrove, he’d come up with another way to outfit them. “What do you think?”