The Knight and I

[Armphid]

He felt a rush of sensation as her hands gently gripped his head, her fingers running through his hair. Ahhhh, it felt wonderful. He'd had women toy with his hair before, and he loved the way it felt. This was differnt somehow. Not playful or idle, but insistant, empassioned, directing, as if somehow making her ownership of him more of a reality. He did not think on it much, lost int eh slick heat of her sex, the taste of her sweet flesh, her moans of pleasure and the way she pressed herself into his face. He knew it was not chaste, that it was lust and base, but he could not deny that he liked it. A lot.

Suddenly, he felt the muscles of her sex tense, and a moment later, she came. Her juices squirted out over his lips, into his mouth. Glenn was stunned for a moment, unprepared for anything like this, nor for the great cry of pelasure that escaped her as her climax rippled through her. Only a moment though, as he opened his mouth, lapping at her still dripping pussy.

Even as the ground shook, he kept his face pressed to her, tongue busy in her sex. Though his hands now grasped her hips out of fear of this sudden earthquake, which he was aware was some sort of reaction to her orgasm.

His eyes met hers as she pushed him back, his own gaze amazed. He smiled shyly, a blush on his face. "I am glad I could please you, Mistress." "I wish to give you all that I can." He hesitated a moment, "I do not think that now...I should ever wish to go." Even as he said it, he knew it was true. Through his lust, through the odd, worshipful feeling he was beginning to have for her, that fact scared the hell out of him.

So light-headed was he, even more so as she kissed him once more, that he hardly noticed her pulling him into the air. Though once he did, he reached his arms about her, the feeling of the levitation strange and alarming. As they settled back to the ground, he eagerly put his arms aobut her, pulling her close against his chest. He could feel his erect member against her legs, and flushed with embarrassment at that, and at her praise. "Thank you, Mistress...though you are too kind." "You are the wonder here, not I."

He leaned his head down, nuzzling at the top of her head as she rested against his chest. "For as long as you wish, Mistres...may it be long indeed." How he loved to hold her thus! The smell of her sex was still in his noxe, now blending with the scent of her hair, an herbal smell that stirred his amour, though not as much as the feeling of her divine body against his own.

 

[MistressAthena]

I coudld feel his manhood quite excited against my legs. I wanted him to experience sweet relief now. I looked up to him and smiled, "Glenn.... It is your turn now. We will go to my chambers. You will make love to me. You will fill my body with your manhood. To others you are my slave. But, we both know that we belong to each other." Before he could even speak I teleported us to my chambers. When we appeared I said, "As you can see, I have my full energy back." I pressed a firm kiss to his lips and used my magic to lock my chamber doors.

With the kiss broken I boldly reached down to grap his penis. I then asked, "Glenn, do you want to make love to me? If so, take me as you want." I had never in my life felt such passion and desire for someone....

 

[Armphid]

He gasped as her hand caressed the length of his member through the rough fabric of his borrowed clothes. She was so bold! And it felt so good. For several moments he could not find speech, her touch and the want in her eyes stealing his wit away.

Then, his cheeks reddeding, he nodded. "Yes, Mistress." "I-I do want to make love to you, t-to be inside you." His hands were trembling, and as such it took him a moment to undo the simple lacing of the too large pants he had been given. They fell free, forming a pool of fabric about his feet. He stepped out of them, away from her so that his arms were free. In the next moment, the worn tunic was cast off, and he stood bare before her as he had only a short time ago. Unlike before, his phallus was fully erect, and it felt as though it was throbbing with need to bury itself into her.

Glenn took her again into his arms, kissing her, her lips responding to his hungry ones. He knew what she had said...but he couldn't being himself to...not without her permission. "M-may I d-disrobe you, Mistress?"

 

[MistressAthena]

I was full of such passion that I had never known. I had never needed anyone. But, at that moment I needed him. I felt as though I would quite literally lose my mind if I did not have him. That molten lava was stirred up in me again. I was an agry volcano preparing it's self for the explosion. I knew Glenn could take me to that cresendo.

As he stood before me in his naked glory I gasped from the wonderful sight. I was finally able to express what I felt the first time I saw him naked. Intrigue, sexual hunger, approval and even awe. His penis stood at attention like a Knight prepariing to enter the battle field. I thought to myself, "I would expect no less my Knight. My Knight.... Yes, my Knight."

When he timidly asked if he could disrobe me I smiled. Even in such mutual desire he still remained noble. I so adored him. I wondered how someone could be so innocent yet so manly at the same time. I had never known any like him. I told myself that I would never let him go even if I had to cast a binding spell on him.

I kissed his lips sofly and moved away just enough to allow my lips to softly caress his as I spoke. I smiled to him and said, "Yes, disrobe me. Touch my nakedness. Hold me close. Make love to me. I must have you."

 

[Armphid]

"Yes, Mistress." I need to touch your body, to feel you, to be inside you." He breathed the words as he pulled her close, then kissed her fiercely, his tonuge seeking hers. His hands began to travel over her body, caressing, touching, eager to explore the lushness of her form.

God, how he wanted, needed to feel her skin against his own! Just to see her, just that, would be a glory beyond all others. He forced himself to slow, he had to treat her with respect and care. As much as he wanted to let his desire loose upon her, he would not. He would not take her, she had commanded him, urged him, to make love to her.

Desire and hunger burned in his gray eyes as he moved back, fixing her lustful gaze to his own. His hands trailed up her sides, then he took a deep breath, before moving with a gentle touch along the curve of her perfect breasts. He loved the way they looked, and to touch them, even through the fabric of her dress...was incredible. He ran his hadns lightly over them, then squeezed them carefully, marveling at how they felt. Then his hands slid up, gliding along her pale skin, over her collarbones, to grasp the royal blue material of her dress.

He licked his lips, the gesture unconscious, then slowly pulled the dress off her shoulders, peeling it off of her. He let the fabric fall after it came free of her hips, and stood, his eyes wide and staring. She was magnificent. Her skin was fine and flawless porcelein, the smooth perfection of her legs, the flat firmness of her stomach, her ample breasts...large and firm, jutting toward him, her nipples hard. "Good God..." He raised his wondering eyes to hers, "Mistress...you are gorgeous...lovely and lush beyond words..."

Glenn couldn't hold himself back. He pulled her into his arms again, loving the feel of her body agaisnt his. He could feel her nipples stiff agaisnt his chest, and the sensation of her breasts pillowing against him was heavenly. His hands roamed once more, exploring her body, gripping, teasing, her flesh. They came once more to her breasts, and he began to massage them, loving the way they felt in his hands. "Oh, Mistress...I've never...it feels so good." God, he wanted to do this forever...but there was another urge mounting. "Mistress, I wish to please you." "I want to touch you, to explore your perfect body...but I want, I need to join with you." "May I?"

 

[MistressAthena]

I melte din his arms. Time seemed to stand still all around us. His hands brought me desire and shivers. I looked into his eyes everytime he spoke. I could see nothing but truth. As he admired my body my skin seemed to burn under his gaze. I wanted all he had to offer. I hoped we could stay like this for eternity.

His body was worthy of awe as well. As he found himself admiring me, I found myself admiring him. I kissed his lips with no shame. He was the object of my desire and I had no problems with him knowing it. When he asked if he could join me the wetness formed between my legs again. I rubbed his chest muscles with my hands and said, "Yes, join with me. Join with me now. Love me, Sir Glenn."

I realized I called him Sir but did not care. I decided when we were alone like this, I would never again call him servant....

 

[Armphid]

Glenn felt a ripple of pleasure through him as she used his title. It was a small thing, really, a silly thing...yet the way she said it made his spirit soar. "Yes, My Mistress, My Lady..."

He kissed her once more, his hands giving her firm breasts one final lingering squeeze before he pressed her flush against him in a tight embrace. His control was slipping away, little by little, driving him with the almost maddening need for her. Yet there was a lingering fear also. Once he passed this threshold, there was no going back. His virginity was a gift he could give only once. It was something he had always had, one of the few things that truly were his, his soul and his honor being the other two. Once given, it was lost to him forever.

She was worth it, he knew. He felt it in his very center. It was all he could give her, besides his faithful service. He wanted her to have it. To have him. He closed his eyes a moment, then opened them, the fear mostly banished. "I am a virgin, Mistress, and I offer up my virginity to you to have as you have me." "Please, Mistress, take it and me."

They kissed once more, and as they did so, he lifted her carefully off the floor, walking back with her in his arms until they both fell onto the softness of her majestic bed. He could feel himself trembling as her legs parted, giving him access to the wet heat of her sex. His heart was pounding so hard he thought it would burst from his chest, and he trembled slightly as he lifted himself up off of her. His gray eyes locked on hers, and he licked his lips, and then smiled shyly.

Glenn ran the length of his shaft along her slit, then carefully, slowly, poked the head of his manhood through her folds, pressing against her entrance. He pushed his hips forward gently, feeling resistance for a moment before his phallus began to sink into her. He gasped loudly, the raw pleasure and sensation shocking him with its intensity. "Oh!" "OHHhhhh." "Oh, Mistress!" "I never thought I could feel something like this...." So good...so unbelievably good. The silky walls of her sex were tight and slick, grasping at his cock. He began to move once more, slowly, carefully filling her, afraid of hurting her when he wanted nothing more than to pleasure her as much as he could.

 

[MistressAthena]

As I laid on my back I looked into his gray eyes and smiled lovingly. I brought one hand up as he pushed into me. I pressed the palm against his cheek, "Glenn, I accept your gift and will treasure it. Always." It was then that I was full of sexual energy and lusted for more of him.

I placed both of my palms against his back and craned my head up to kiss him. I kissed him with a kiss that could shatter worlds. I wanted him so bad that I trembled. When the kiss was broken I said, "Glenn, ravish me. Only don't impregnate me. You may release your seed onto my belly." I pulled him tight against me and with urgency shouted, "Ravish me!"

I knew that what we were doing was wrong. And I feared how things may change between us. Perhaps I could resit him after this night. Perhaps I could force myself to see him only as a servant and expect him to act like one. Even if we never again had sex, this was one night I would forever more adore....

 

[Armphid]

Her kiss was so strong, such passion and feelig in it, that it stunned him for a moment. Only a moment, before an answering passion rose in him, and he responded to her hunger with his own, frightened within himself at the depths of his lust for her.

How things would be in the morning, he did not know. He did now this could change things. If she could not see him as a servant...she might send him away. As much as he wanted to be able to gain glory and honor for his name and his line, he found that the thought of being seperate from her was appaling to him. He could only hope and pray that she would keep him by her side, if not in her bed.

Her urgent words, the pressing of her hads, of their bodies together, gave the primal urges he felt within strength to overcome his control. "Yes, Mistress," he half gasped, half snarled. He slid into her all the way, pushing until he felt his balls against her flesh. Then he pulled back until only his head remained inside her, to plunge himself fully back in once more. "Oh, Mistress," he cried, rolling his head back. Gripping her shoulders, he began to move faster and with greater force, ravishing her as she had commanded him.

 

[MistressAthena]

There it was. The thing I desired almost more than air. Sex with him. He was magnificent in every way. His body felt so strong and tight under my wandering hands. His skin felt smooth and soft.... Flawless....

His cock thrusted into me with matching passion. It was clear that he had as strong of a desire for me as I did him. I did not want to have sex with him if he was only doing as told. It was clear that he wanted this.... wanted me.... He made me feel like I was the only woman in the world that he wanted.

Through the mind shattering pleasure came fear. In the back of my mind I was terrified fo falling in love with him. If I did, that love would most likely take away most of my magical might. My magic was a huge part of me. Losing it would almost be like living without a soul. Would love alone be enough of a consolation? Perhaps....

I tried to force myself to see him as a servant and a sexual object. I had to make myself not fall in love with him.

I moaned into his neck and he took all of me. As he speared me like a fish over a spit. I told him to ravish me and indeed he did. He did with unmatched enthusiasm. I soon found my body writhing under his. I was on the edge of a mighty orgasm. But, I had to hold myself. I could not allow the reaction that happened by the fountain. Suspicion would definitely be aroused. And I may have damaged my castle.

With a rushed tone I said, "I am so close, Glenn.... So close.... I must get us out of here in time...." With that I held him close and teleported us deep into the forest. Just as we reappeared on a pile of leaves my orgasm came. My reaction was much like the time before. But, this time I did not push him away. I held him tight as the explosion of light and wind was released all around us. The leaves that littered the ground surrounded us as if we were in the eye of a hurricane.

I could feel him swell and throb within me. I knew he was close. I realeased him so that he could pull out when the time was right....

 

[Armphid]

Glenn arched back as the whirling leaves formed a tunnel around them, a tunnel of spinning green that rose above the trees. His smooth skin was wet with sweat from the heat of their bodies, glistening in the light that had erupted from her in the moment of her climax.

He could feel the muscles of her sex spasming around him, that with the rush of her fluids over his member enough to drive him to the edge. He gasped at the sudden cold as he pulled out of her, then trust forward, his phallus over her stomach. His eyes closed as he felt the dam within him burst, and a roaring wave of sensation swept through him. He cried out in a wordless shout of ecstasy as the world seemed to be momentarily wiped away by the white heat of his orgasm.

His first spurt of cum splashed on the underside of her breasts, his cock pumping again and again, strands of pearly white semen splattering over her the flawless skin of her stomach. More and more it seemed, Glenn shocked at just how much there was, how much he was shooting onto her.

Then it was over. He felt his strength suddenly rush out of him. For a moment he hung there, risen up, back arched, hands clenched into fists, eyes slowly opening to stare down at her. Slowly, he toppled forward, catching himself with his hands before he struck her. He could feel his strength returning, but was still aghast at how weak he had felt in those few moments.

Glenn's breath came in ragged gasps, and he felt a strange, nameless joy. He lowered himself onto her, his arms going about her as he buried his face in her shoulder. He moved his head, looking into her face, "H-have I pleased you, Mistress?"

 

[MistressAthena]

I was amazed at his amount of seed. He would surely prove to be very fertile. And seeing such pleasure wash over him brought me satisfaction as well as desire to see it again. With labored breathing I said, "Glenn.... Glenn.... You have done more than please me. I hope to be one with you like this many times. You are magnificent! Sexy, intelligent, noble and a wonderful lover. And thus far I would call you loyal as well."

I craned my neck up slightly and gave a soft kiss to his lips. With a smile I said, "We should bathe now. I know just the place." I then teleported us to the middle of the expansive river. The water was deep and a bit chilly as our bodies plunged in. I closed my eyes as we bobbed in the water and used my magic to lightly warm the water around us. I opened my eyes back and said, "Glenn.... I have never feared anyone. But, I fear I may be falling under your spell. I don't know what tommorow will bring, but this night will forever more be the most memorable." I then moved through the water to be closer to him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my left cheek against his left cheek.

 

[Armphid]

Glen held her close, shivering from the cool air on his wet body, even as the water warmed about him. How miraculous her magic was! "Mistress...I am glad that you think so highly of me." They floated along with the current, entwined together for a few moments before he spoke again. "I pray you, Mistress, do not fear me." "I have no magic that could hold one as miraculous as you." "Indeed, a magic that had nothing to do with your power...already begins to bind me to you beyond oaths of loyalty and service."

He shifted so that he could look into her wise eyes, his own open and honest. "In the war, we always said that now was all the time we had, for tomorrow we would die." "I do not fear tomorrow, all that matters is now." "This night, this place...here with you, Mistress." "A night that far outshines any I have known in my little time in creation."

 

[MistressAthena]

OOC: Sorry had to post again (the below post). This post was not showing up correctly for me. Was unsure if others could see it. So, I copied and pasted the post into a new post.

 

[MistressAthena]

His words were like honey and I was a worker bee that was drawn to the honey. Touching his body was like touching a piece of heaven. We made love and in my mind I would never forget the images, the sounds, the feelings, the tastes.... He was a wonderful lover. I knew I would want him over and over. Never had I felt for anyone what I felt for him. Never had I even desired another.

I pulled away enough to look into his eyes and asked, "Would you still up hold an oath to me if I had no more magic? And would you still desire me if I was without magic?" He would not know why I was asking the question. However, I had a real reason behind the question. If I fell in love with him (I think I had already started to) I ran the risk of my magic strength being severely diluted. If I was brave enough to fall in love with him and lose my magic, I wanted to know he would still be there.

 

[Armphid]

Hoping he was not being too bold, Glenn reached up to brush a few wet strands of white hair from her face, tracing his fingers along the curve of her jawline. "My oath is to you, Mistress." "Not to you r magic." "I made it freely and willingly and will keep it." "I do not understand why you have asked this, but I will not forsake my oath to you." I am yours and will stay by your side for as long as you will have me." "Even should all the heavens and earth arise against you, and the swords of your enemies rain blows upon me, I would still be your loyal servant."

Those warm steel gray eyes never left hers, sincere and sure as he spoke. A blush then came to his cheeks as he went on, "Mistress...I feel as though my desire for you will be eith me until the end of my days." "Your power is part of your allure, but only a part." "You re so noble and worthy, so beautiful and lush, so wise and intelligent...My want of you is little connected to your magic, and more strongly joined to the wonder that you are to me."

 

[MistressAthena]

I knew it. It became very clear to me what was happening. I was falling in love with the handsome and devoted Knight. Though most women dream of finding that perfect love, he had quickly become my nightmare. To love was to lose for me. The loss would be my magic. The very essence of myself was magic.

I looked to his eyes as if it were the last time I would look into those hypnotic gray eyes. The most beautiful eyes I had ever seen. I looked into his soul and saw that he was true and honest. He meant what he said. And although he dared not say it, I knew what he felt for me. I came to my senses and wrapped my arms around his neck and softly kissed his cheek. With a smile I said, “We must be going now. You will sleep on your cot and I in my bed. It will not do well for us to be seen by the other servants in the same bed.” I then closed my eyes and brought us back into my chambers.

Before he could say a word I pressed one finger to his lips, “Do not say a word. It is time to rest now. In the morning we must not allow the others to know what we have been up to. Dress yourself and go to sleep, my wondrous Knight.”

I then turned and dressed into my nightgown with my back to him. Without offering him even a glance I crawled into my bed. I felt sexually satisfied. Yet a mixture of fear and joy intertwined within me as well. I soon fell asleep. What was Glenn thinking of? Would he dream of me? Would he regret our actions in the morning?

 

[Armphid]

Glenn said nothing, still feeling the sensatin of her finger on his lips. He merely bowed low, and walked to the sturdy cot in the corner of her room.

Sensing she wanted privacy, he forced himself not to watch as she dressed and climbed into bed. The lights went out and he sat on the cot's mattress, having pulled the linens back, the coolness of the stone chamber chilling the water on his pale skin, bring a shiver as he was left alone with his thoughts. There was nothing to dress himself in. The servants clothes he had been given were back on the wooded path, and he knew that it would not be feasible to go and fetch them.

He lay back on the cot, pulling the thin linen blanket up to cover his naked form. His Mistress was troubled, he could feel it. She hid it well, but to one raised to take part in court, and to watch for body languge in combat, he could see the signs. She was pleased with him, and yet, afraid. Why? Why fear him?

In the darkness, Glenn frowned. Perhaps before he paid attention to her feelings he should sort out his own. Barely her servant for a day and already he felt such devotion, such adoration, such want..such...love for her. It was frightening. How could his emotions have swung so far to her so quickly? He knew himself well enough not to doubt it. He was in love with her. Deeply, perhaps inappropriately, dangerously so. It had happened so fast.

Although, he'd always been interested in her. As a child, he heard stories of the beautiful and powerful but cruel sorceress. The description of her beauty had always fascinated him, as had the songs and stories told about her in the dark hours of the night. He'd never understood exactly why she was to be feared. In the tales, she only was cruel and merciless to those who betrayed her. Was that not fitting?

He smiled suddenly, a long forgotten memory rising to him...

******************
"...and thus Zarl came to his horrifying end, and the terrible power of the Sorceress was shown to all." "Fear her, and her power, for should she come for you, there will be no salvation save death."

The group of children shivered as one, a few of them looking nervously at the long, reaching shadows cast by the fire that burned in the stone hearth. The nursemaid who had been telling the story got up and the children dutifully went to theri small beds. She went around the room, tucking them in.

As she was tucking in the last child, a small boy with red hair and eyes the color of steel, his small but firm voice broke the silence. "Manora, why is the Sorceress bad for hurting Zarl?" "Didn't he do a bad thing by breaking his oath?"

"Oh, Glenn!" "Always questions with you, young lordling," she scolded, but her wrinkled face had a kind smile on it. "Zarl did break his word, and he had to be punished, that's true." "But what the Sorceress did was...harsher than most folk thought he deserved." "No one questions her right to take justice, but such cruelty and such power used...it makes people afraid...it's too much." "You don't hear about the King doing such things to people do you?"

The small face was very thoughtful as Glenn considered this. "No...but the King's knights dispense justice." "The Knights even kill people if they've done bad enough things." "So, how is it different?"

"Because she isn't a king, little lordling." Manora was making sure the blankets were tucked in tight as she spoke, "She does it all herself, and all she has is her magic." "A lady, even a noble, doesn't do justice herself, even thoug she should announce it." "That's for knights and lords, their husbands, to do."

Glenn was quiet for a few moments, and Manora hoped that he was all questioned out. "So," his little voice piped up, dispelling her hopes, "if she had a knight or was married to a lord, and he took care of it...no one would think bad things about her?" "I mean, it's just not fair, Manora."

Manora sighed, "No, I suppose it's not." "If she did, then maybe she'd be better thought of...but folk don't like magic or those who practice it." "She would be better thought of though, you are right." "But there's no knight alive who would swear fealty to her, nor any lord bold enough to seek her hand."

"That's not fair either." Glenn grappled with the problem a few moments, his childish mind seeking a solution. "She's not bad, but people think she's bad because she has to punish bad people herself...no knight alive..." His small eyes lit up suddenly, "I know!" "When I become a knight, I'll be her knight!" "That way she won't have to worry about those stories!"

The old nursemain chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Not so fast, little lordling, you owe your fealty to the king." "As your father before you, and his father before him." "Your service as a knight is taken."

"Oh...." He frowned a moment, before another idea occured to him. "Okay, then I'll marry her!"

Manora began to cough, choking at the very idea. After a few moments, she regained control. "On my...I don't think so, my dear little knight to be." "She's not the marrying kind, and I think that the king wouldn't quite approve." "Now, that's enough for tonight." Her voice had become crisp and no-nonsense. "Just go to sleep, little lordling."
******************
In his dark corner of the room, on a servants cot, with no clothes to call his own, Glenn stared up at the ceiling. He'd been so proud when he'd been knighted...old Manora lived long enough to see him return to Mac Anu in his armor, and he remembered the smile that had lit her kindly old face. She'd been so happy, so proud of him...they all had been, his younger brothers and sisters, the people of his little land. Thier young lord was one of the King's Knights.

He'd gone to his parents grave, and prayed there. He knew they were pleased. The Einlanzer came free of his father's tombstone, comign to his hand, accepting him as it's bearer. A sign of his worth.

Now the holy blade was in a closet, along with the blade that his dying friend, last of a line of knights had given to him with his last breath, locked away. Perhaps fifteen feet. As good as a mile if they weren't by his side. For the first time since he had come to his Mistress's magnificent home, Glenn thought of what he had lost. All the hopes and dreams, not just his bot of so many others. cast away. Almost as though Sir Glenn of Mac Anu, the Knight with Two Swords, had never been.

In the deepening gloom, Servant Glenn closed his eyes, refusing to shed tears as he mourned what he had lost. When sleep fnally came hours later, he welcomed it.

 

[MistressAthena]

I laid there and could not sleep. When I heard soft manly snores coming from his corner I knew he was asleep. I sighed as I realized something, "Oh no! His clothes were left on the path!" I quickly teleported myself to where his clothes were, scooped them up and teleported back to my chambers. I tiptoed to the still sleeping Glenn and sat the clothes down neatly in a chair next to his cot. But, I could not walk away. I stood there and watched him sleep for awhile.

As his chest rose and fell, I wanted to lay beside him with my head on his chest. I would have loved to of slept in his arms through the night. But, I didn't want risk the other servants seeing this.

In his sleep he turned to his side facing me. I sighed as I admired his handsome face, soft lips and muscular arm. There was a longing to be in his arms that was almost too much to bare. I decided to give him a gift and then return to my bed. I wanted to cast a spell on him that would bring him dreams of achiving all of his goals. If he could not achieve these as a result of being a servant, at least he could dream about it.

I waved my hand in a circular motion over his head and softly chanted, "Dream of your desires. Dream of being higher than all the Sires. All that you want will be yours in your dreams. There will be no blasphemes. This dream you shall remember. You will awake with much Valor." A soft purple aura radiated from around my hands and moved down to his temple. The aura dissapreared into his head and I stepped away with a smile. I crawled into my bed and thought to myself, "This should be the best dream he ever had." I soon fell asleep, finally.

I awoke in the morning to a female servant bringing breakfast to me. I sat up, yaened ans stretched. She sat the tray of food on my lap and smiled, "Good, morning, Mistress. Do you need anything else of me this morning?" I nodded my head, "Yes. Bring food for servant Glenn as well. And tell my scribe to report to my chambers." She bowed respectfully and hurried from the room.

On this day I would converse with some people who owed me in return for my services. My scribe kept a record of all debts. I wanted to be refreshed on those that were scheduled to present themselves to me on this day. I feared that some may die today. But, I hoped it would not come to that. It is then that I decided to take advantage of Glenn being a Kinght. I would ask his opinion of each situation. Perhaps with his help I could save face without killing.

I looked over to him and smiled, "Good morning, Servant Glenn. Do you sleep well?"

 

[Armphid]

Glenn slept prehaps an hour past dawn, a thing that had not happened in almost five years. As a squire and as a kngiht during the war, he'd always awoken with the sun. Even as his most tired and fatigued, he always arose at first light.

His eyes fell upon the bundle of cloth at the end of his cot and he smiled. His clothes...the same ones as yesterday. His Mistress had retrieved them, or sent a servant to do it. With practiced stealth, he slipped off the cot and hurriedly dressed. Not sure what to do, he made an effort at making his bed, then sat down onthe stone floor, facing the window, clearing his mind and praying for a good day, that he would serve his Mistress well and faithfully, and forget all but his fealty and love for her.

Then he shifted and watched her sleep. She looked ethereially beautiful in slumber, her form caressed by the pale light of the early morning. As he did so, he thought of the dream that had come to him as he slept. He was still a knight then, in service to the King. The Sorceress had saved the kingdom, and he had entered her service as a knight to repay her. Years passed, and in ser service and the King's he fought many battles by her side, and came to love her and she him. Thier marriage was a beautiful ceremony, and the night as they lay together a heaven that he was sure would haunt him in his waking hours. There was more...all so detailed, all the very fulfullment of his desires. Was this a sign of some kind? That he chose properly, and served well...and so would have come comfort in his dreams?

As His Mistress awoke, Glenn bowed low to her, then turned so that she could eat and dress in private. At her words, he smiled. "Very well, Mistress, thank you for asking." "Indeed...I have not slept so deeply in many years, nor ever had dreams that were so sweet." "If I am not being impetuous or insolent, may I ask what your schedule is today Mistress?" "So that I may prepare myself to best serve you this day." He then blinked, "Ah...perhaps more important, Mistress...what should I be doing now?" "Forgive my ignorance."

 

[MistressAthena]

I could not help but chuckle when he asked what he should be doing. I said, "Well, I am not sure myself. I guess for the most part you will serve as my shadow. You will serve as my confidant when I ask for it. You will also serve as my protector if there is ever the need." I then chuckled to hide my deep fear that it may come to that one day, "But, I think we need not worry of the ladder."

I sighed, "You asked of my schedule. Today debtors are due to come before me. I fear they come without fulfilling their end of the deal. I may have to take lives today. As my personal servant I expect you to stay out of my way, offer no objections and assist me if requested. This may prove a difficult day for such a noble trained Knight. After today you may lose that twinkle in your eye that you have for me. You will have to learn my ways and adapt to them without question. You do not have to approve but you will accept and adapt."

A servant entered and I felt the need to put on a show. As if asserting my command over him I said sternly, "Do not cross me, servant Glenn. Do not speak a word this day to me unless spoken to first and a response is requested. Speak to no one else unless I give my permisison. But, you shall not ask for such permission." The servant took the tray away and bowed, then left my chambers.

I then stood and dressed myself in a black dress that had been laid out across a nearby chair. The dress had a collar that covered all of my throat up to my jaw and completely covered my arms. It was long as well, revealing no flesh. It was fitted in the waist and thin golden chair wrapped around the waist. I then donned a black cloak over top of the dress. My head was fully covered down to my eyebrows and my white hair dripped out over breasts. I definitely looked like a magic user in this outfit. And quite possibly even evil. I was sure this was the image burned into the minds of the people.

After fully dressing I turned to Glenn, "So, is this more like the image people have of me?"

 

[Armphid]

Glenn's eyes widened very slightly as her tone became stern and scolding. What had he done to earn such anger? She had said he was doing well...why this sudden push of her authority? he'd done nothing to deserve it. He felt a need to say something, demand to be treated with respect...but he could not. That was no longer his right.

He kept his face impassive, a gleam of hurt anger in his eyes the only sign of any emotion, and bowed low to acknowledge her orders. As she dressed, he pulled ont he clothes from yesterday, wishing the tailor would ahve the ones she ordered for him ready soon. He wolfed down the provided food, finished by the time she turned to him and asked for his opinion of his dress.

It was hard to keep his anger when he looked at her so garbed. True, the look was designed to intimidate, and it did that, but her beauty was still so striking that he could not help but gaze at her with open admiration. "Yes, Mistress." "The color is that of black magic, and the cloak is a very good touch." "You match the tales usual description well, it should prove very effective in intimidating those brought before you." He was silent a moment, "It is very striking, Mistress, you look both beautiful and terrible."

 

[MistressAthena]

I wanted to keep some distance between Glenn and I in a futile attempt to stave off any feelings of love. But, when I saw the pain in his eyes I almost broke. My heart ached as I wanted to pull him into my arms and tell him I loved him. I wanted to tell him my secret. But, I was afraid. I had never known fear before Glenn. If you wish to frighten a fisherman, you destroy his boat. If you want to frighten a religious man, take away his faith. If you want to frighten a sorceress, take away her magic. My magic was always the one faithful thing that I had. My magic was a large part of myself. I shivered when I thought of not having it.

And then I could not help but chuckle at Glenn’s response about my clothing. I slyly said back with a raised eyebrow, “Well, that is the look I was going for. Although we both know I do not need clothes to convince others of my magic. But, sometimes this looks serves to intimidate so that I do not need to use my magic.” And then the tailor walked through the open doors with arms full of clothes. He bowed respectfully and said, “Mistress, I have the clothing you requested.” I then said, “Rise to your feet and give servant Glenn his clothing.” I had given him until sundown but he came much earlier.

With a shocked yet grateful tone I said, “Ah, my good man. You are early. You must have toiled through the night. I will reward you for such diligence in your duties.” I believe my servants knew when I was pleased with them. I rewarded them for diligent and faithful service in small modest ways. With the reputation I had, I could not afford to be blatantly kind and appreciative of my servants. I could not allow too much of my heart to be known. If it was known that I had a heart, I would surely have to destroy more because they would challenge me.

The servant did as I said and then said, “Mistress, the shoe maker will arrive for a fitting this afternoon.” I smiled and said, “Thank you. You have done well. That will be all for now.” When he left I turned to Glenn, “Use the basin in here to clean yourself. Then, dress yourself and meet me in the main hall. As my personal servant you will stand to my right yet behind my guards.” I then turned and left my chambers. I hurried down the hall. I could have teleported to my throne but chose to walk so that I may have a moment to myself. As I turned the corner to go down the stairs I pressed my back against the wall and took a few deep breaths.

I felt terrible about the obvious pain I caused. Yet, I could not put my fear aside. I had to keep up appearances and keep a distance between the two of us. I was beginning to feel weak. I did not feel as charged with energy as I usually did. I actually felt fatigue. The only time I felt fatigue was when I fought off the horde of demons for the King. So, I began to wonder if this was the beginning of the end for my powers.

After I regained my composure I continued down the stairs and to the main hall. I then sat upon my throne. My throne was an oversized arm chair covered in black silk. The material had a design of crescent moons all about it. The two step platform was made of black iron. They platform appeared dark and cold. The whole image of me bedecked in my black upon a black throne which sat atop a black iron base was quite cold and perhaps foreboding.

I then retrieved my scepter that was made of rose wood topped with a golden crescent moon. At the bottom of the crescent moon white owl feathers hung down over the staff. The scepter had some magic abilities of its own that helped me to reserve my own at times. It had the power to levitate it’s target (usually people or animals- anything larger weighed too much) and it could shoot lightening or static (which ever I chose).

I sat upon my throne and banged the end of the staff to the floor twice and said, “Scribe!” As he hurriedly rushed before me and bowed I looked out into the main hall to see a few peasant men who remained on one knee a little in the distance. Because of their position I knew they were there to see me. I was surprised to see a Minor wizard bowed behind them.

I asked the Scribe, “Who are these four people and what do they want?” I knew they could hear me but, I acted as if I did not care of their presence (although that was not far from the truth). The scribe said, “Two are the Smithwell brothers who came to you for a fruitful harvest. The third is John Bogden who came to for a loan to help his impoverished family. The fourth is a Minor Mage named Kendros Miller. He is not a debtor. He wishes to speak with you about a matter he would not disclose to me.” I sighed, “Well, Scribe. Let them know we will begin soon. Have them sit on the benches to their right. I will call forth each when I am ready.” He turned and approached the men. He spoke softly and they did as I requested.

I looked to the side to see if servant Glenn was coming. I was very interested to hear what a Knight would think of the debtors I had to deal with on this day. I wondered how different a Knight and Sorceress would handle things. He had no clue that I planned to use him in this way…

 

[Armphid]

Glenn watched her go, his eyes clearly showing his confusion once she had left. He smiled at the tailor, truly glad he would now have clother that fit.

"I worked hard on these, lad." The older men set them on Glenn's cot, and sighed, not afriad to show his fatigue in front of a fellow servant. "They're as good as any rainment in the land, an' that's God's own truth." "How was your first night?"

Glenn shook his head, pointed at his chest, then put a finger to his lips, and pointed in the direction of the main hall.

"Ahhh, told ya to keep your mouth shut, eh?" As the young knight turned servant nodded, the old man chuckled a bit. "She does that from time to time with some of us, make sure we're loyal, a little test of our obediance." "You'd best get dressed and hurry on, she doesn't like to be kept waiting." The tailor paused at the door, then turned back to Glenn. "You seem a good lad...and I feel something about you...like her, you're important somehow." "Just remember to do as you're told, exactly as you're told, and as fast as you can." "You'll do fine." Then he was gone.

Glenn quickly pulled the too-big cast off clothes he'd been given last night off, still taking time to fold them and put them on his cot. His washing up was little more than a quick rinse, before he dried himself and donned his new clothing. The tailor was a master at his craft...Glenn wasn't sure he'd ever had clothes that fit so well, and for the first time that morning, he felt good as he left her chamber and headed to the main hall.

He entered though the servants door, moving quietly along the edges of the room until he came to the dias her throne was on. He moved up it, to stand beside her throne, behind the guards, a bit back from her right elbow as it rested on the arm of the magnificent chair. As she turned her head slightly to see him, he bowed low.

 

[MistressAthena]

When Glenn approached I just nodded in his direction to indicate that I knew of his presence. I wanted to smile to him but had to keep a certain demeanor while donned as I was. I looked back to the scribe and yawned. I said, "Ok... I am prepared. Bring for the first to arrive." The scribe called out, "Smithwell brothers, step forth."

The two brothers stepped forward and dropped to their knees and bowed their heads. I sternly said, "Stand." As they did I said, "Tell me of our agreement. I wish to hear from the younger brother first." The younger one cleared his throat, "That would be me, Sorceress." I then pretended to be impatient, "Very well, get on with it." He cleared his throat again and was visibly nervous.

He said, "You used agic to make our land more fruitful and we were to pay you half of what we earned at market." I said, "Now, the older brother. Tell me, where is my money?" He looked nervous, "We do not have it." I was angry because I thought I was taken advantage of again. I sent forth a bolt of static shock from the staff that was not enough to harm them, but enough to lightly sting their skin and make their hair stand straight. This was a show of force and an attempt to instill even more fear.

I shouted in an almost growl, "I want my money! Tell me why you have not brought my money here today!" The older brother then told me that he had fallen off of his horse resulting in a broken leg and an injured back. Thus causing his brother to harvest all by himself. There was too much for him to do by himself so much of the crops went bad before he could sell it. They made very little money and could not afford to give me half because they would have lost their home and land.

I released the static and ordered them to come before me and drop to their knees. As they were on their knees at my feet I said, "Look up to me. I need to see your eyes." As they looked up, I asked them both, "Is what you two have told me today the truth?" They both looked to me with fear and sincerity and swore they were telling the truth. By looking into their eyes I cold see they spoke the truth. I banged the end of my staff on the marbled floor, "Go back to where you were a moment ago." They did as told and I sighed, "So, you have broken your deal but it was without malice. Your true mistake in all this was not coming to me sooner. Your land belongs to me. I would have told my collectors to skip your property. Then, you would have been able to keep your end of the deal with me. Your deal has been broken due to stupidity and not malice. Death is usually reserved for those who break a deal with malice. But, your stupidity must still be punished."

I then called over my should, "Servant Glenn, Step forward so that I do not have to turn my neck to see you. Sit on the floor next to me." When he did as I said, I then said to the brothers, "Servant Glenn here was a Knight for the King until he was given to me by the King as a slave. I am intertested in how a noble Knight would have judged in this situation." I then looked down to Glenn, "Tell me, servant Glenn. Should I kill these two? Is there some other fitting punishment you can think of?"