Dumb Luck

by J G Jerome

  “So Oren,” I say. “We were discussing Green Lords. How do you explain the glowing eyes when I have such a low percent of Verdic heritage?”

  “I don’t, Jack. Based on everything I know, you should not have that ability. When did it first manifest?”

  “I don’t know, O’ren. I think I’ve only seen my eyes turn color one time in the mirror. No one ever mentioned glowing until today.”

  O’ren thinks for a minute and then asks, “So since you became intimate with Moira ab Liam Mac Nessus?”

  Okay, now I’m confused even more. “You mean Myra?” He nods. “Well, yeah. Trina said she first saw it on the battlefield earlier today. That’s the first I heard of it. Myra and I were - intimate last night.”

  “I’ll say,” Trina grins and adds loud enough for everyone to hear. “She was screaming her orgasms loud enough to wake the dead through half the night.”

  I hear a feminine voice in my head, *I want some of that, Lord.*

  I think back ‘L’liana?’ I hear no response, but I see her nod slightly. ‘Minx!’ She flashes me a beautiful smile full of promise. *If you only knew, Lord! I can’t wait to show you!* I roll my eyes at her. ‘Learn to respect boundaries before I’m willing to discuss it.”

  While L’liana and I are chatting, O’ren draws my attention back, “Maybe the timing is coincidental. The Verdic children matured differently than humans. The earliest recorded age I recall was in the 30s, but most were around age 50. That is your age, right Jack?” I nod. He continues, “Then I’m going with that as a happy coincidence. That still doesn’t explain it, though.”

  I nod to him. He asks, “Have you had any other powers manifest?”

  I shake my head, and then pause with a frown. “I was lucky to survive that battle this morning. Despite getting the drop on Prince Douchbag, I faced two trained opponents with blades and was surrounded by five other douchettes with firearms. I should have at least been hit. Is luck a power?”

  O’ren shakes his head, “Not that we’re aware of. Well, unless you’re a leprechaun. There have only been eleven of those documented throughout history.”

  “Really?” I ask. “Why so few?”

  O’ren explains, “Leprechauns are the result of a very specific genetic case. A Dwarf, which is a Fae race, breeds with an Elf which is not. The resulting hybrids generally are sterile, we think the genome map of the two species does not work out quite right. However, in some rare cases they have been able to have children with someone of one of the parent races or a Verdic. In those cases where the other parent is Verdic, a Leprechaun may be born. We don’t have Leprechaun DNA to map; so, the mechanics of it are a mystery.”

  “Interesting. Okay, then.” I squeeze Trina gently and rock back and forth for a minute. She just watches me.

  “So what does this really mean? You think I’m the Green Lord, but so what! What does this change? I need to make a living. I still have the body of a 50-year old human man. What good does that do for me or anyone else?”

  L’ric responds first, “I think first of all you shouldn’t share this with anyone you don’t trust implicitly. The Sidhe are historic enemies. I don’t know how the others will react.”

  O’ren jumps in, “There were cases where the primary wife of a Green Lord was Sidhe. Always of the Seelie, but I don’t know that the court matters. They were always times of peace and prosperity. In those cases, the Queen of each of the courts bowed to the wife as the true ‘Queen of the Fae’ - another instance where T’rold based his fiction on a grain of truth. Regardless, L’ric is probably right. You should be very careful about revealing your burgeoning powers until you are better informed and prepared to deal with fallout. There will be some.”

  “Makes sense,” I respond. “O’kay. Anything else you can impart that won’t blow my mind any more?”

  O’ren responds, “Only this. We are at a time when all peoples are at each other’s throats for the most minor of provocations. Where the earth is wailing from the damage we have done to it. Where once renewable resources and species of life are disappearing. If there was ever a time when we needed a Green Lord, it is now, Jack. I don’t know if you have the power or not. I suspect as is the case with all beings, a great deal of what determines your ability to make a difference is about deciding to make a difference. The rest is just work.” He smiles at L’liana, “similar to what you said about L’liania.”

  Tr’niel says, “Enough of this serious talk. We promised refreshments. Let’s relax a bit before our guests have to leave.”

  L’ric and O’ren both nod. L’ric calls out, and the ladies and children return with low tables laden with a variety of food. I see a variety of flatbreads, fruit, olives, cheeses, hummus, meat skewers, and what appear to be small sandwiches. Pitchers of water, iced tea, wine, and juice came out on trays with ceramic tumblers. The ladies set the tables out, and the kids bring in more pillows for the ladies and themselves. We chat about the community here in Cherry, my business, and the kids accost me and ask me questions about growing up in Kansas. Apparently they were listening from somewhere. Trina goes to sit with Tr’niel for a while; they hold each other’s hands and whisper to each other as they catch up. I actually begin to relax and have a good time with these people that I now think of as friends.

  After we slowed down on the snacking a bit, L’liana came over to kneel behind me and knead my shoulders and neck. ‘Okay, that’s a good way to win favor.’ She responds, *You know what I would like for a reward, Lord.* I smirk but try to keep my thoughts schooled.

  Trina gives Tr’niel a warm hug, then returns to kneel next to L’liana. She leans towards the Elven girl, then I hear someone getting a swat on a firm bottom followed by Trina’s whispered voice, “Me first, girlfriend, but be patient. I’m sure you’ll get a turn.” L’liana giggles as I feel her hands leave my shoulders, and I stand up to see the two girls hugging each other on their knees. I stomp my feet to get circulation into my feet.

  “Well, we need to get going,” I say to the group. “You have spoiled me wonderfully. You are fantastic hosts.” The elder ladies beam at my praise. I look at L’ric, “May I have phone numbers to reach you?”

  He responds, “L’liana will give you all of our contact information.”

  The ladies begin to bow again, and I say, “Whoa, stop.’ They all look up in surprise. “Everyone on your feet. If we are going to be good friends, then we will part with hugs rather than bows. Deal?”

  Of course, the kids are the first ones to collect hugs, then the adults. I hugged them all and tried to send them all a blessing as we said our ‘good byes.’ If I have powers of creation, I definitely want to bless these people. They are wonderful.

  L’liana walks Trina and I out the door and to the SUV. I see she is now holding a phone in her hand. I give her my number, and she texts me. I text my email back to her. “Send me an email, and I’ll send you a full contact card, okay?” She nods to confirm she received it.

  She looks at me for second and then steps up to wrap her arms around my neck. She keeps looking into my eyes for a moment and then kisses me warmly. As I return her fervor she jumps up and wraps her legs around me, grinding into me. I catch her legs and slide my hands back under her sundress to grab her firm, round naked bum. She moans her appreciation.

  “Okay, you old perv. Stop molesting the child!” We break the kiss and look at Trina.

  “She’s 26, Trina.”

  L’liana adds, “I want him to molest me, Trina.” We all break out in laughter at that. L’liana unwraps her legs, and I adjust my grip to grasp her waist outside her dress to set her gently on her feet.

  I tell her with a smile, “Patience, you minx!”

  “Yes, Lord!” she says. Then she turns to Trina and wraps her in a hug.

  Trina smiles, “Congratulations, his eyes turned green!”

  L’liana gleefully says, “I know, you first.” They laugh. Then L’liana kisses Trina with the same passion as she did me.

&nb
sp; Trina blinks as L’liana pulls away and says, “I would happily be your lover too, Trina.”

  Trina caresses her cheek saying, “We’ll see what happens, beautiful. It would definitely be my honor.”

  They smile at each other, and then Trina says, “Let’s go old man. We’re burning daylight.”

  “Yes ma’am,” I tell her as I head to the front passenger seat and mount up.

  Looking at my phone, I see we spent a little over an hour and half. It seems like an woefully inadequate amount of ‘Green Lord Orientation,’ but it’s about all I can handle.

  “Hey Trina, let’s save over the mountain for another day. Can you reverse us back out to the highway and get to I-17?”

  “Of course, Jack.” Something has changed. She says my name like a prayer - like Myra does. ‘Interesting times ahead! I sit silently as I stew in my thoughts.

  Chapter 16 - Done for the day

  After Trina pulls onto I-17 she asks, “What did you think about the ‘coincidence’ of you making love to Myra and your eyes glowing?“

  “I don’t know. O’ren mentioned how a Verdic power is to inspire loyalty. Durec mentioned a couple of things to make me think maybe love is a critical part of the Verdic power. He mentioned something one Verdic heir said to one of his brothers, ‘they will love whomever takes on the mantle.’ He also mentioned that fighting for those we love is a characteristic of being a Green Lord.” I shake my head. “I know that I can build relationships without too much trouble, but my experience with Myra was a whole ‘nother thing. The connection came so fast, and it was so profound. It almost seems like magic.”

  I think for a moment and continue, “I keep hearing her ask me ‘what are you doing to me, Jack?’ We talked about it at the airport, remember? You asked me ‘what did you do to her?’ I recall saying that I just treat her with courtesy and respect, flirt with her, and listen to her. Is that magic? I don’t know. I hate the thought that I somehow coerced her into loving me. Maybe I’m doing it to you, too! You don’t even like guys! Am I that rude to drive you to me like that?”

  “NO!” Trina shouts. “Look Jack, just chill for a bit, and listen to me. First of all, coffee? We’re coming to Camp Verde quickly.”

  I shake my head, “Not after the last time. Maybe they have a standard observation post there. I’d rather not chance it after this morning.”

  She nods. “Good point. Okay, listen up. I can tell you that my preferences are still well intact. I think it’s your dominant personality that is messing with me more than any magic. Is it normal for me to grow to love someone in a day? No fucking way. But here’s what you’re not taking into account. You’re an unusual person. Not just an unusual guy, but an unusual person regardless of gender. You’re action oriented. You don’t complain - I can’t recall hearing you complain once through all the shit we’ve experienced today. You’re compassionate. Top that off with the courtesy, respect, listening, and yes the flirting. That makes you damned impressive to other people, and women in particular.”

  “Here’s another thing to consider. Myra has been all over the world. She has met all kinds of people. She doesn’t connect with anyone quickly and very few that she has connected with at all. Me, Corrina, Liesl, Marisol, and Daphne from the Ravens, Hob, Christoff, and her youngest sister, Megan. That’s about it. She quit trusting her father since he beat the shit out of her mother and left. Coincidentalltm she quit trusting her Mother when the Queen started pimping her out, not when her mom killed her father. She never trusted her elder sister, Morgan, because she’s homicidally bat-shit crazy. She never trusted Selene from the Ravens; I don’t know why. She doesn’t trust Charli, the newest Raven, but that may be because she’s new - maybe over time. None of the Knights of the court. Obviously no one from the Summer Court. And yet, she gave her heart to you in less than one day. That isn’t magic, that’s the way you make her feel - respected, loved, safe”

  “Myra and I grew up together. We met at 5 years old, and bonded as only two young girls can. I came to realize I was in love with her and desired her above all others when I was 14. We became lovers on my 16th birthday, a couple of months after hers when I declared my desire by kissing her as my birthday gift. We’re 34 now. In the 18 years we have been lovers, stealing moments between our duties, I have never once heard her scream her passion like she does with you. She and I know we are never safe. You are the only one to give that to her. I suspect that is why she fell for you so fast. You make her feel safe.”

  I sit and ponder that for a moment, then she whispers, “It’s making me fall for you too, and it’s confusing the shit out of me.” I reach over and caress her shoulder, then I drop my hand to rest on her thigh. I can’t reach her knee; so, I stay there and don’t move to ensure she gets the message I’m not trying to move in on her treasures.

  We ride peacefully like that through all the traffic circles, past the Out of Africa Wildlife Park, and into Cottonwood proper.

  “Left?” she asks. “Yep.”

  We make our slow way to Old Town, and she pulls into the parking lot in front of the hotel. We hit the jackpot. There is exactly one spot right in front of the door, and it is big enough to easily accommodate the SUV. Trina pulls in, much to the chagrin of the two cars that pulled in behind us. We get out, and I meet Trina by the tailgate. We clasp each other’s hands with a grin and walk up the stairs to check in. The reception clerk asks if we have been here before, and I let her know it is our first time. She gives us the full spiel on amenities, how to get to the room, and checkout times. We go check out the room before getting our bags.

  It’s a lovely room with a king bed, desk, a chaise, and a bench in the main room, plus a good sized bath with the shower in a separate room from the vanities. It’s all decorated in stylish finishes. I need to make a note to request this room if I come back.

  We go down to the car, and grab our gear and trash out of the back. Trina grabs her duffle and my guitar. I dump the trash in an outdoor bin, then I grab the two duffles in one hand and the amp in the other. We shuffle ourselves back to the room, laughing the whole way.

  Chapter 17 - Dinner and Dancing

  We get all our gear situated, and I kick off my boots. I ask Trina if she would like to shower first, and she accepts gratefully. I go to the open space by the window to do some yoga and martial arts stretches. I stand there breathing deeply looking into the middle distance. I hear Trina’s boots hit the floor one at a time. I start the fold posture, and when I stand after the first rep I catch a glimpse of her naked back. I fold a second time and finish just in time to see her perfect naked ass walk into the bathroom.

  “You missed the show, old man!”

  “I wouldn’t count on it, young lady. I have excellent peripheral vision!”

  “Perv!” And then the shower starts.

  I do the rest of the Sunrise salute, some kick stretches, and some twists. Then I ‘monkey around’ with some animal movements and handstands for a minute. After that I pull out a set of clean clothes on the bed. I strip down to my boxers and start the compact T’ai Ch’i routine, while I wait my turn. The shower stops before I finish. I close the form and turn around. There is Trina in all her glory leaning against the doorway, toweling her hair dry. “Shower is free.”

  I nod and step out of my shorts, and walk to the shower. She watches me carefully as I approach and slowly moves out of the way when I’m just about in arm’s reach. “Show-off,” she says.

  “Just following the precedent set by the lady. Besides, it’s not like you haven’t already seen it all today.”

  “Hurry up, I’m hungry!”

  “Patience, Grasshopper. Oh!” I turn around to catch her watching my ass. “Don’t get dressed if you would like me to massage you.” Then I get into the shower. I use the provided amenities like Trina did. I’m back out in about 10 minutes, and walk into the bedroom to find her lying naked face-down on the bed. I go pull my toilet out from the duffle, and retrieve a small bottle of grapeseed oil. �
��Towel?” She points toward the chaise.

  I lay her towel over her luscious bum, and then I sit on it suspending most of my weight from my quads to keep from squishing her. I warm a generous squirt of oil in my hands, and trail them gently over her back to lube her up. Then I start with long strokes up along her muscles. I stretch out the top of her traps after working them top to bottom. Then I progress to the back of her shoulders, and I quickly loosen her arms. Then I kneel beside her and remove the towel. I work the pressure points where the glutes hook into the lower back and sacrum. Then I dig into the big muscles that make that powerful motor. Finally I press into the pressure points on the sides, top, and underside of her bum. I finish with giving each leg deep penetrating long strokes and hitting the pressure points on the bottom of the feet.

  Having finished, I grab the towel and rub her down to remove any residual oil, so it doesn’t stain her clothes. I kiss her between her shoulder blades and say, “All done, Love,” before putting the oil away. I apply deodorant, then put on my clothes. I pull on my boots, and run a brush through my hair.

  I’m in a grey flannel plaid shirt, blue jeans, and boots. She looks radiant in a deep red version of the wrap around dress and the short black ankle boots. Her hair is brushed and gathered over her right shoulder. She has a matching black clutch much like the one Myra had today.

  “I could walk down the street naked beside you, and no one would notice. Everyone will be watching only you. You look glorious, Trina.”

  She gives me a small shy smile. “Thank you, Jack. You always make me feel special.”

  I walk over and wrap her in a hug. “That’s easy. You are special.” She gives me a squeeze.

  “Gun?” she asks.

  I lift the hem of my shirt to show her my clip holster. “You?”