by Jack Bessie
Amein walked a block without touching Rasten, before he grabbed her and goosed her tight butt crack. Her shriek of surprise was loud, and she turned, looking harsh and ready to fight.
“That was uncalled for!” she whispered.
“I don’t like being ignored...perhaps I should find someone more eager to be close?” he demanded, holding her tight. This caused a fit of tears.
“Apparently I have all these cuts because you gave in to being jealous?” he whispered. “And that’s why you gave poor Corieinia such a brutal workout? That seems more like a bitchy human female, than a nice, compassionate Elvin Princess, doesn’t it?” Rasten whispered. Amein slapped his back, but nodded, still sniveling.
“I’m sorry! Rasten...I’m a mess! I’m...now...I’m starting to look at others, and I want to have them...but then...I’m choked by a feeling of guilt! I feel like I’m losing my mind! I just want to be a normal elf! Worse...I’m terrified of losing you!”
“As in me being killed or...”
“As in you falling for another of our slutty Elvin females! I never once feared such a thing! This is making me feel crazy!” she moaned.
“It isn’t doing a lot for me either!” Rasten sighed, hugging her tightly. “We need to stop ignoring this, and find a way to fix it!”
“I’m not sure I want to fix it...at least sometimes?!” she confessed, peeking at him smugly.
34
“The Elvin are accursed and overwhelming, yet only a fool might directly oppose them!” Coudrien hissed.
“So tell me something less well known!” the one sitting near him demanded. Both appeared human, but neither one was, they being Coumaderini, shape shifters, hiding well. “Always you complain, but do nothing! Tell me...what might we do, to harm them? Attacking them would gain any of us a swift death!”
“I have at last found a better way!” Coudrien whispered.
“Really? You are well filled with plots and plans, yet none have come to be! Why should I listen to more of the same?” Eimarien demanded.
“Because! I have found a way to do them harm...and better, it is a way which will keep us free from suspicion!” Coudrien insisted. This seemed to intrigue the other one, who appeared a chubby merchant.
“Speak to me!”
“Very well. Have you never wondered what it might be like to know in advance the Elvin’s plans, especially regarding what they might be intending, as to attacks on our friends? Do you not think the Eridians...would they not be well able to use such information? Much of the Elvin’s success against them is from the surprise they bring; if the Eridians knew where they might appear, they would be able to welcome them better!” Coudrein laughed.
“Such seems reasonable, but the Elvin are not inclined to blow the trumpets and announce their battle plans!” Eimarien declared, scowling.
“That may be true as far as we are concerned, but within their place, many are privy to such planning! Why should we not be likewise informed?” Coudrein suggested slyly.
“Have you suddenly been invited to dine with the Elvin? Or are you merely talking to hear yourself?”
“Neither...there are Coumaderini within the Citadel,” Coudrein replied.
“Loyal to the Elvin! Such are unlikely to send word to us! What?” Eimarien demanded, seeing his fellow snicker.
“We now have one friendly to us within the Princess’s staff...and I know how to turn another to our will!” Coudrien insisted. “Are you interested in aiding me in such a venture?”
Eimarien sat, stroking his chin, this possibility suddenly striking his fancy. He nodded.
“I know some who might be willing to ferry such information to the Eridians...for a price. Do you know one named Alaradan?”
“I have heard of him...what makes you inclined to trust him?” Emarien wondered.
“He is trusted enough by the Eridians that he has Shocara’s ear. If he fails to please them, they would likely kill him, and they are in no position to come here, and visit the same fate on us!”
“No, but the Elvin are! Should those within betray us, we would be doomed! Still, I judge it worth the effort...I for one am tired of pretending to like the Elvin!”
“Good! Then we agree. How might we compromise the one within?” Eimarien asked, shifting to get more comfortable.
“That is the easy part, my friend! She has no idea whom the other of us is. She will only believe that she is Elvin. You are aware how much the Elvin frown on dishonesty and falseness?”
“They are most unpleasant regarding such...what has that to do with this?
“The one we wish to bend to our will is also a Coumaderini, and thinks herself perfectly hidden. She is devoted to the Elvin, but would not wish to be revealed! She would would likely not wish to be found in possession of the Princess’s things either...that would have unpleasant consequences!”
“Does she have such things? How do you know?!” Eimarien demanded.
“She will have help acquiring them...if you understand me...” Coudrein insisted. “She will find passing on a few bits of information to be less wicked than being revealed as a thief! Or as a Coumaderini! Naturally, once she betrays the Elvin even a tiny amount, we will have an even stronger grip on her!” he snickered, before laughing wickedly.
“You are evil and conniving, my friend...this may work. If it does not, I will disavow that I even know you!” Eimarien sighed, slapping the other’s back and grinning wickedly.
Tierina had been much occupied with tasks for the Princess, being tasked with the keeping of Amein’s affairs. It fell to her to know where the Princess was, where she was going, and when she might return. Everyone depended on her to be informed, a difficult task owing to Amein’s tendency to be spontaneous and free of constraints. Amein hated having to maintain a schedule of any sort, ruling much by wandering around. She dropped in to visit, see and inspect any and all randomly, as the urge moved her. This made Tierina nearly crazy at moments, trying to keep up with her mistress’s lack of discipline.
In spite of the challenge, she loved serving the Princess, and took great pride in being so important. Being proud to be so trusted, at a young age, her position was not something she wished to give up. This proved a problem when Amein was off on maneuvers with a large group of warriors.
A member of the staff, one who worked within the Princess’s private apartment, as well as attending to those quarters of the staff came to her, and insisted she follow her in the afternoon. Gishari led Tierinia through the halls, silently, taking the young woman to Tierinia’s own room. Inside, with the door closed, Gishari looked sternly at the young one.
“How is it you think to take the Princess’s possessions?!” she demanded. Tierinia stood, mouth open, stunned.
“How...that’s a lie! What makes you say such a thing?!” Tierinia demanded. Gishari merely stared at the other, and then stepped to a chest. Throwing it open, she rummaged through some towels and other items, and withdrew an intricate tiara. Tierinia turned even whiter than normal, speechless.
“Apparently you have an eye for things which are not yours?” Gishari angrily demanded. She rummaged more, and withdrew several more items; necklaces, rings, and a jewel encrusted bracelet. All were clearly expensive and something no servant might own.
“Someone must have placed them here! I swear, I took nothing that is not mine!”
“Shall I display them for the Princess? Are you willing to face her truth sense? You have no guilt...none at all? Whom do you think she will believe...when I say what I found?”
“Please...Gishari! I didn’t take any of them! Put them back, and I will do anything you wish!” Tierinia sobbed. “You have access to her quarters, and I do not! Please?”
“Really? You would make me an accomplice to your thievery? I should suffer as much as you, if word of such was ever revealed! Still, perhaps I might agree, should you be willing to do one thing for me,” Gishari suggested.
“What?! I will do anything!”
“G
ood...then here is what I require...you will keep me informed whenever the Princess intends to go off to fight.”
Tierinia gasped at this, instinctively knowing this was improper.
“Why would you wish to know such a thing?” she demanded, suspicious. “I can’t do that!” she complained.
“Tierinia! Are you suggesting I’m somehow disloyal? I’m not the one with the Princess’s things in my room...am I?” Tierinia turned red, and hung her head. “You must understand that I have no evil intent...someone wishes only to surprise the Princess, and I wish to help them!”
“Really?”
“Of course. You would hate for the Princess to know what you really are, wouldn’t you?” she added.
“What are you saying?!” Tierinia demanded.
“You’d not wish Amein to know you’re a Coumaderini?” Geshari asked slyly. “Now, will you aid me, or should I seek out the Princess, when she returns, and have an honest chat, regarding what I found in here, among other things?” Gishari asked, looking at Tierinia sternly. Tierinia looked like she might pass out.
“How can...” she began, but stopped, realizing that it made no difference; her secret was known, and could be well used against her. She felt doomed and vulnerable.
“No...please...I will have no choice but to trust you. You know I love the Princess, and could not bear to be sent away! Thank you. I will do as you ask,” the young one sighed, feeling helpless to do otherwise.
Later, when Gishari was free of her duties, she went out of the Citadel, wandering through several shops, and buying small treats, such as most of the Elvin were wont to do. It was at a small market stall, where she stopped to haggle over some candies, that she had a quiet conversation with the one who tended it, having been told to seek out the propriater by Coudrein.
“Master, how much is this?” Gishari casually asked, giving no sign that she was anything other than a normal Elf.
“Two coins. How has your day gone, my dear friend?” Eimarien asked, as he might speak to anyone.
“Mine has been most successful, good sir. One I wished to persuade has seen the wisdom of my argument, and has well understood the need to be supportive! I am thrilled to have her assistance!” Gishari replied, confident that no other might divine her true meanings. The one she was addressing nodded.
“How wonderful! To help you celebrate such success, I am inclined to give you a small bag of candy! May you enjoy it well, and return often, with exciting news. I am always eager to hear of our friends, and their doings!” the fat merchant declared. He had picked up a small bag, from under a low shelf, and scooped up an assortment of treats to add to it.
Gashair took the bag, only peeking in as anyone would, and withdrawing a small candy, she slipped it in her mouth, smiling brightly.
“Your goods are sweet, as always, Master Eimarien! I look forward to enjoying many more!” Gishari declared. She wandered more, looking to determine if any might be following or observing her, before heading back to the Citadel. When she reached her quarters, she emptied the bag on a small table, before putting the candies back in the bag. What remained were a dozen coins, the value of which were nearly a half years wages.
Gishari held these a moment, before hiding them under a drawer in a small cabinet.
Not only do I get to aid those who fight the Elvin...I get compensated well for my risk! she thought. As long as Tierinia does her part, this will work well! She walked to her window, and looked out at the city.
If the Elvin discover my treachery, I hope they merely kill me, swift and painless. At least they are less brutal than the Eridians! she thought, this seeming to make her service to the Elvin’s enemy look utterly foolish.
I should not do this, if our people were not so neglected and oppressed! she though, clinging to this thought to justify her actions.
35
Amein had been gone a week conducting raids against the Eridians. Rasten had returned from another hard day of training, eager to soak and relax. He was well ensconced in a warm pool, well attended to by his Elvin attendant, having a drink of wine as he lounged. He was nearly asleep when he detected the calm water being disturbed, and when he peeked, he was shocked to see Amein’s sister Nacein, completely bare, slipping into the pool.
“You look shocked? Don’t tell me that you won’t share a simple bath with an Elvin female?” she teased.
“I scarcely think you’re inclined to confine yourself to a simple bath, Nacein!” Rasten suggested, frowning. Nacein, having submerged herself to her shoulders, worked to move sideways, until she was almost touching him.
“You’d be mean and unsociable, and reject me helping you? My skill at massage alone is worthy of your indulgence!” She had put her near hand on his thigh, and was lightly raking it with her fingertips, almost but not quite touching him intimately. “You find me quite desirable!”
“You are an attractive elf, like all are, being much like Amein and the rest of your family.” He soon found her, holding his arm, her chin touching his shoulder.
“I am like all of our family, deeply attracted to you! You should feel unconstrained, and free to share such pleasures as you would with all of us. You find us all worthy and desirable, do you not?” she whispered. Slipping her left hand under the water, she soon held his erect organ in her hand, and gave him a smug and sultry look. “This says you do! Please...give in! You are not helping Amein to end her jealousy by catering to her ridiculous and...strange feelings! She will not be cured, and be able to be a normal elf until she is forced to overcome her weakness! Even our mother, Haveiri suggests this to be so!”
“Is that so? I should wish to consult others, before listening to you!” he declared, laughing.
“You accuse me of being dishonest?” she demanded, looking away and seeming quite hurt. Rasten took hold or her chin and firmly turned her face back towards him.
“You forget who posses a strong truthsense?” he inquired sternly. Nacien’s shoulders slumped.
“Then you know the truth of my desires! I am helpless to my urges, as any of the Elvin might be! Please, have pity on me!” she begged, amusing Rasten by her amazing ability to slip away from guilt, and to try a new avenue, hoping to get her way.
“Are all of you so inclined to beg?” he wondered..
“Must I? Rasten, you know how Amein is...there is none who might be less inclined to share with you!” she sighed.
“There is none so eager to have my child as you, is there, dear Nacein?” His companion sat frozen, mouth open a long moment, before she blushed, and hung her head.
“I am undone by your powers! Is what I want so terrible?” she asked, pleading.
“From what I hear, it is not. Yet I also know that the Elvin do not do such unless their partner is in accord with such. If you can convince Amein of your desire, then I should have no hesitation to give you such a thing!”
“But she may not agree to such for years!” Nacein moaned.
“And? I hardly think a few years should matter to an immortal?”
“You are impossible!” Nacein declared, frustrated.
“Amein has said that more than once when she thought to be foolish regarding me...I’m sure I can endure being considered that!” Rasten gave her cheek a kiss, and she was soon gone, angry and frustrated.
When he arrived at the dinning hall for dinner, Nacein was frosty, and avoided him. Haiveri noted this, and remarked about it. Rasten spoke quietly to her, giving her a bit of what had transpired.
“You are amazingly wise, Rasten! Had you given in to her, you’d have done much damage to your relationship with Amein. She will no doubt allow such a thing in due time...but now is not wise. Nacein is a wonderful Elvin female, but she thinks with her femaleness a bit too much! There is much good reason why she does not command as Amein does, or many others within the family. She is a strong mother, and a good companion, but...foolish at times! How did you determine you should say no? Does she not entice you?”
“I was
dying to have her! My truth-sense guided me, and let me determine her self serving inclinations! I’m not sure I can turn her away again, should she be so bold,” he sighed. They had been speaking quietly, where none could hear.
“I will speak to her, and to Amein also, when she returns. I have no desire to see her hurt or bitter, should her older sister prevail! I wish Amein would give in to another...it would help her to get past her accursed jealousy, and free both of you to act like normal Elves.”
“I’m not sure I could deal with a bunch of willing Elvin females, on top of all my other affairs!” Rasten laughed.
“I have faith in your abilities, dear Rasten, and would be well pleased to show you myself just how able you might prove!” Haiveri insisted, smiling brightly, reminding him again how like Amein her mother was.
Amein returned two days later, late in the evening, having to go scrounge something to eat, dinner being well past. She arrived at their rooms, still nibbling on an Elvin sweet bread, and had to search for Rasten. She found him at the desk, in the room that he had made his small study, deeply absorbed in a book, reading by Elvin lights.
“You’re still studying?! How devoted!” she teased, sitting down in a comfy chair, beside the desk, turned to face him.
“I found a book of interest...it is a book on leadership and rule...written by one called...Harisanari. Our father marked passages and made notes, which seem especially appropriate,” Rasten suggested, showing her the cover.
“I don’t think I ever read that...anything interesting?”
“Listen to this; Should any one send others to do what they themselves lack the courage to attempt? How soon that would devolve into utter cowardice! It is one thing to ask others to do what you are unable to do, because of the constraints of time or space; one can’t be in more than one place simultaneously, or conduct war on multiple fronts, leading many bands of warriors personally. Yet all should be able to know, that their leader has the heart and will to do so, and does not lack the fortitude necessary. This is the mark of the true leader, that those who follow them might be content, assured that they follow one worthy and willing, not someone cowardly, sending others off to risk death or hardship, because their leader is too poor of will..”
