by Jack Bessie
“What secret might the Elvin not know?” Elaradan wondered, frowning.
“That there are shapeshifters appearing as Elvin, living yet among our enemy.”
“How can that be? There are no more of such! I thought your people put an end to them many generations ago!”
“So the Elvin and most believe. It is a most wicked secret, that one hidden among the Elvin would be loath to have revealed. Thus we can bend such a one to our will!”
“How can you know this? I have never heard such a thing?!” the trader insisted.
“Ah, Elaradan, your mother was not a shapeshifter, as mine was!” Shocara declared, eyeing him sternly, as he sat, stunned. He found the point of her sword at his throat. “Keep well this secret...only you know it! Give me your hand!” she commanded, and when he did, she placed several coins in it. “You leave in the morning! Seek the one called Coudrien in the lesser market place. And when the young one outside is well pregnant, and you tire of her, bring her to us! We can always use another female, especially a pregnant one!” she sighed, nodding at him.
16
When Rasten and Amein were finally finished questioning their captive, and were well out of hearing, Amein asked for his observations.
“She was not prepared for you!” he laughed. “She was shocked and amazed to be under the scrutiny of the Elvin Princess, instead of some flunky.”
“But was she honest? What did your truthsense tell you?” Amein insisted, giving him a stern glance.
“I felt that she was being honest...her emotions were utterly disarrayed, and she vacillated between shock and fear. Embarrassment too! But I have no idea why she’d be embarrassed...”
Amein thought this funny. “The Eridians are afflicted with a seriously overwrought sense of modesty. The men are a good bit that way, but the women are much more afflicted with it. Partly that comes from being vulnerable to being raped, should an Eridian female be foolish enough to display herself!”
“Really? Elves aren’t that way!” Rasten observed.
“Foolish man...it’s hard to rape a female that’s always willing for one thing! Also, we have no fear of getting pregnant, unlike the Eridian females do. The females never get any cleaner that the males either, as a nice smelling female is doomed to being had; smelling nasty like the men works to keep them from being had, at least enough to make it worth smelling bad most of the time! Be thankful Koharilla had been well scrubbed!” she laughed slyly.
“I heard you mention the name Shocara several times. What did you learn of that?”
“Much! Certainly more than she thought she was telling me!” Amein grinned.
Amein had let Koharila sit, nervous and unsure several moments, while she gently caressed her face. To the Eridian, being touched so gently by a woman seemed somehow scandalous and improper, no matter that it felt nice. Amein watched, reading the young human’s emotions easily.
“Perhaps I should send some of our females to pleasure you?” Before Koharilla could erupt in a heated repudiation, she found her mouth covered with Amein’s hand.
“I am well aware that such is considered both unacceptable and utterly improper within your society. Yet still you would find such a touch to your liking. You lack for gentleness and the soft touch of another, don’t you?” Her captive looked completely lost and bewildered.
“Such a thing would only weaken us, and make our people less hardy!” Koharilla declared, but felt much less sure than she was trying to sound.
“Nonsense! The Elvin are awash in touch, from family and friends, lovers and even casual partners! How have we proven to be on the battle field? Are we weak and easily undone?” Amein wondered.
“Hardly...we seldom prevail against your kind!”
“Then perhaps you should try our way?” Amein teased. This caused a small smile.
“Koharilla, what do you know of the one named Shocara...have you been in her presence?”
“Princess...I have seen her many times, both in our village and again in battle. I am from her village...and grew up under her eye. I have admired her much of my life, and hoped to be considered worthy as she is. She is quite fearless and unbeatable with a sword!”
“She has fears,” Amein softly suggested, sparking more outrage.
“How might you know such a thing?!”
“Dear girl, I command the might of the Elvin people, yet I too have private fears, which I am loath to share with any other! All who lead wonder if their decisions are wise, if their people will follow them to their doom. We can never be sure our insight and understanding are all they might be. Yet we must move forward, not sit, paralyzed and unable to make choices. None wish to fail, or have people who are dependant on us die needlessly. One with no such concerns, no such worries or cares is no leader; they are a monster, doomed to be destroyed!”
“I understand little of such things. Shocara seems to me to be both brave and strong, untroubled by any doubts. If she cries and moans, she does so in her bed, alone!”
“I have many times. You cried yourself to sleep last night, just from the strange new feelings being had by our males caused you!” Amein accused. Her captive blushed deeply, and hung her head.
“You know my shame too deeply!” she sobbed. Amein pulled her close, and kissed her, shocking the woman too much for her to even react.
“You shall learn that there is no shame in desiring another, or in being pleasured. You want to have more of the joy you experienced last night, don’t you? That is why you will stay and be ours!” Amein insisted.
“So, did she admit to that?” Rasten wondered, having heard all of Amein’s recounting.
“She will in due time, just as she will eventually beg for the touch of another! It’s too bad we can’t get every Eridian naked and have them...” she sighed. “Come...I have much to do, and you need to see the city; I will have one of our people take you about!”
“Male or female?” Rasten wondered. Amein jerked his hand, spinning him around to stand nose to nose with him.
“Were I less jealous, I could choose a dozen females willing to guide you. But that would just be asking for trouble, at least for me! I shall have one named Kalida do the honors. Even should he seduce you, I would be less dismayed!”
“I have little likely hood of that!” Rasten hastily declared. Amein gave him a wicked grin.
“Foolish man, your prejudices are those of a barbaric and unsophisticated world! Were I not plagued as I am, you’d find yourself easily enmeshed in a tangle of sweaty, naked ones, with little regard for what sex they might be. Elves are a playful and easily seduced bunch, both male and female. You’ll get over your backwardness in time, likely easier than I will overcome my...problem,” she sighed.
Rasten might have wished to argue, but upon meeting Kalida, he had second thoughts. The elf male was stunningly attractive, as were all of the Elvin, and he had much the same feminine beauty that Amein and her sisters, cousins, mother and nieces all exhibited. That Kalida was as tall as Rasten himself, and even though he seemed slender, there was a subtle sense of strength about him, that belied him being female. That he was a distant relative to Amein, gave him a certain ease with her.
“The Princess is too busy to play guide? Or she merely wishes to conserve her time for more sweaty pursuits with a certain one?” he began. Rasten expected Amein to have a fit, at this snarky and insinuating comment, yet instead she laughed, delighted.
“Try not to copy his manner...you’ll get your butt kicked! I only indulge his mouth because of an old and deep friendship!” Amein sighed.
“You slept with him, when you were young!” Rasten declared, positive this was so. Kalida laughed uproariously, as Amein kicked Rasten’s shin, and shrieked.
“Rasten!” she turned to Kalida, hands on hips and with a wicked eye she spoke. “Don’t you dare make fun of my ignorance!” she scolded.
“What ignorance?” Rasten wondered, puzzled.
“The...maybe ignorance is too strong? Foolishnes
s then...the foolishness to fall for someone with an outrageously strong truthsense! You’re done being diplomatic or evasive, aren’t you?” Kalida continued.
“I’m a perfectly honest and forthright Princess, I’ll have you know!” Amein insisted, trying not to say anything more improper. Rasten had discovered little tendency to be vulgar or to swear within Elvin speech, but the few words considered such were wickedly offensive and sharp.
Rasten could not have asked for a better guide or companion, Kalida being utterly knowledgeable about Elvin matters, but more importantly, having a fine sense of how much or little to impart. He seemed utterly forthcoming, but only gave Rasten enough information to make sense of things. Elvin life and their complex affairs, not to mention their convoluted relationships would take a lot of time to absorb.
Rasten quickly noted that Kalida seemed to capture many of the Elvin females’ eyes. That he was likewise being frankly appraised seemed more awkward to deal with. Kalida found this very amusing, when Rasten broached the subject, startled when an incredibly luscious female actually reached out and fondled his butt in passing.
“How often does that happen?!” he wondered, having stopped and turned to see the cute one giggle and wave invitingly at him.
“Oh, constantly. We aren’t like the poor humans!” Kilida laughed. “You could stop on any corner, and drop your trousers, and have at least a dozen females offer to have you on the spot! Elves are a slutty bunch, as I’m sure you’ve discovered! Have any of Amein’s family had you yet?”
“They’re afraid to, even though I suspect they all want too. Even her mother is willing!”
“You’d like Haivieri...she amazingly skilled!” Kalida sighed, a sly smile gracing his face.
“You’ve been with her?!”
“I’d bet the Clan Home that just about everyone in the place has done so...she likes variety...especially since she healed a bit over the loss of your father. She’s a marvelous female. Don’t say no to her, if you get the chance!” Kalida suggested. “You’re overwhelmed by Amein, yes?” Kalida wondered. Rasten merely looked glum.
“I had no idea what I was getting myself into! Are all females like her?”
“Pretty much...she was a bit more inclined than some, to be had and to play. She got her cute butt addressed more than once for neglecting her studies or training, so she could play!” he laughed.
“So she declares. Her nieces seem pretty eager too. Was Amein like them?”
“Worse...I’m a hundred years older than her, and still, I was awoken dozens of times, by her nakedness, eager to play, after just wearing out some other elf! If you can handle her urges, any other female would find you a god!”
“Great...she’s not much inclined to let that happen!” Rasten laughed. Kalida gave him an odd and searching look, before sighing heavily.
“That is quite...strange? She’s actually jealous of the very idea of you having another female? That’s quite unlike an elf!”
“So I hear,” Rasten replied, shrugging. “I’m not complaining...I can barely keep up with her! Madarini suggested that she might get over it in time. I’ve got too much to do anyway!”
“Feeling a bit overwhelmed?” Kalida teased. “You know...I was on Earth long ago...maybe...eighty years or so?”
“Really? Why?”
“Looking for something...an old relic....something left there thousands of years ago. Our people once passed that way frequently. Are there legends of such?”
“We have many myths of elves. They are regarded as imaginary or quite magical. No one said they were so...oversexed?” Rasten declared, grinning. They were walking past a line of shops, side by side. Rasten had been glancing to the side, seeing a cute Elvin female arranging goods. Kalida patted Rasten’s butt, before giving it a strong squeeze. Rasten quickly turned to look at his companion, who was grinning wickedly.
“We are a bit slutty...that’s no lie!” he suggested, before laughing loudly at Rasten’s shocked look.
17
Rasten had been eager to meet and begin his training with the clan sword master, whom he had only heard mentioned by the name of Master Roien. Being still not sure of the rules of naming used by the Elvin peoples, he assumed this to be a short version of a longer male name. The manner in which he was incorrect did much to amaze him, when he arrived at the appointed hour, for his first meeting.
Kalida had escorted him, having been instructed by Amein to make no mention of certain facts. They strolled deliberately into the large practice facility, and were greeted by an Elvin woman, whom Rasten assumed was an assistant. Like most of the females he had so far encountered, this one was lusciously sexy and beautiful. Rasten wasted no time in speaking.
“I am Rasten; I have come to meet Master Roien. Might you guide us to him?” He was puzzled by the odd glance he received, and this one glanced at Kelida for just a second, a wry smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. Kelida cleared his throat apologetically, and turned to address Rasten.
“Rasten, might I present you to Sword Master Roien, also known as Sa Taren lo Roieniarian, whom we affectionately call The Princess of the Sword? Rasten stood frozen, his embarrassment sharp and overpowering. Roien, whose eyes had at first flashed annoyance, at his faux paux, had taken on a delightedly impish look. Stepping close, she spoke, her voice sultry and sweet.
“I am pleased to meet you Rasten, son of Sayarin...” she breathed, putting her lips on his for a quick and steamy kiss. Before he could even consider what to do, Roien used her right leg to hook behind his knees, sweeping him off his feet, as she pushed his chest back with one surprisingly strong hand. He landed helplessly on his back, as Roien swiftly drew the sword she was wearing, it having been discretely hanging mostly behind her, where he had failed to note it.
He suddenly had Roien’s boot placed on his chest, and the point of her blade was touching his throat.
“I should be more than thrilled to teach you the art of the blade...and maybe some proper manners!” she declared, her eyes wickedly stormy. Sheathing her sword, she offered Rasten her hand, and he was again shocked at her strength, when she pulled him up as easily as if he were a small child. He stood, captivated by her eyes, she being tall like Amien. His thoughts seemed lacking in order, coming as a random barrage of snippets. Roien had little trouble sensing his condition.
“I trained Amien, as you’ve guessed, and most of the others here. There is no one here who can over master me, with a blade. You find that...dubious?” she demanded. Rasten was desperate to pull himself together, and not repeat his blunder.
“No, Princess...forgive me! I was raised on a world where females were seldom accorded the freedom to rise to such levels of skill. The martial arts, such as they are there, are mostly the province of men. It is taking me a bit to get used to the difference here.”
“You’re used to having women be only playthings, for the amusement or service of males?”
“Something like that. It is changing there, slowly, but...”
“You find yourself confused by the Elvin female’s openness to naughty play? That makes it harder for you to accept us seriously? Wonderful! By the time I’m done with you, you’ll have no doubt as to our strengths and ability!” she insisted. Turning to Kalida, she gave him a stern look. “Amien told you to hide the fact that I’m a female from Rasten, didn’t she?” she pointedly accused. Kalida grinned and shrugged.
“Yes, Master Roien, she did. I’m sure we know why now, don’t we?” he asked, barely able to hide his mirth.
“You may go now! And tell Amien I owe her...” she said, ominously.
“Oh, trust me, I will!” he laughed, turning and heading off. Roien took Rasten’s arm in hers, to guide him.
“Come, we must choose a proper blade for you, then I can get serious about making you feel like a helpless fool!”
“I gather studying with you will be hard and painful?”
“It is better for me to make you cry in frustration, than for an enemy to mak
e you bleed on the field of battle!” she insisted.
“Oh,” he sighed, considering this.
“Master Roien? Are you...mad at Amien?”
“Princess Amien? It’s considered impolite to leave off a person’s title, unless you are close to them, and in private!”
“So you’re a master of form and etiquette, as well as the sword? In my native language, the term master would only be used on a man. A woman would be referred to as a Mistress of whatever...”
“How foolish! The Elvin term master is applied with no reference to the sex of the one who deserves such recognition!”
“Apparently I have much to learn about Elvin society and language, as well as weapons...” Rasten sighed.
“Any here could instruct you. The Princess likely wishes me to do so, knowing how bitchy I can be. She is too enraptured to you to be an effective teacher in some ways!”
“But how do you feel about her? You said you trained her...was she a good or bad student?” Roien glanced at him, a look of fond amusement taking hold of her features.
“The first day of instruction, I ended up paddling her bare behind with the naked blade of my sword! She was only fourteen years of age, but spoiled terribly. We got on well after that; I only gave her a few small scars for being a dunce occasionally. She is as good with a blade as anyone here!”
“I’ve seen just a bit of her work...on the transit back her!” he assured her.
“She says you have masterful instincts. If that’s true, it means you’ve inherited your father’s skill; he was the only one here to ever beat me with a blade!”
“Was that the only weapon he used on you?” Rasten asked, not considering how it might sound.
