by D. R. Rosier
Or perhaps they enjoyed it as much as I did and we would do it again someday.
Who knows, the female mind was still mostly a mystery to me after a thousand years, the only thing I was sure of was it was a first, and a night, that I’d never forget.
There was one more thing I learned tonight when Ari and I were in danger. The thought of losing her was terrifying to me. It was not lost on me that it was fear of loss in Sienna’s case as well that impressed upon me the same truth. I didn’t just love Ari as a friend; I loved her much more than that.
I kissed them both and told them I loved them one at a time. It was the first time I’d said so to Ari. Ari’s eyes widened and she smiled at me with a twinkle in her eyes when she said it back.
Was it possible to be in love with two people at once? I thought it was. I would do anything to make these two women happy. I would die for them. I would certainly kill for them and protect them, and had already done so. This society, and the two women on my arms, seemed to think it was okay, more than that, it was thought to be normal. I wasn’t a philosopher but that didn’t sound all that selfish to me.
The life I had led on earth had been a lonely existence. The connections to other people were frail. It hadn’t been them though that limited the connection, it had been me. I was an undead vampire, old and strong. I was also relegated to the dark, constantly fighting my bloodlust. Not because I especially cared if I killed a victim, but to keep my cattle healthy and from getting wary. To stay under the witches radar had also been important, not that it helped in the end.
This new world and specifically these two women had pulled me out of that darkness, taught me to love again and to remember the important things in life. I fell asleep quite sated and comfortable, between the women I loved.
Chapter 17
The next morning we woke up early. Ari was doing some stretches and body poses. It was a little like yoga but more extreme. I shook my head as her apparent limber and extremely bendable body was giving me ideas. She looked over and smiled, though she seemed out of sorts.
“What’s wrong?”
She blew out a breath, “One of the things I hate about the city is it’s hard to find a place private and large enough to do my sword training. The small villages are easy, just slip out. Here thought the gate is closed at night, and it’s not worth the trouble trying to get out. I was told the mage training and quarters building has a separate city exit, so hopefully it won’t be too much trouble there.”
I smiled, “And you miss feeling the nature around you with all this brick and pavement?”
She stuck her tongue out at me but still nodded in agreement.
I snickered, “How old are you?”
She waved a finger at me, “Much younger than you, that’s all you need to know…”
Damn… I was curious. But she went back to her alternate morning workout, and I wasn’t stupid enough to interrupt her again and just enjoyed the show. Beyond the obvious thoughts, there was a beauty of motion and form that undeniably drew my eyes.
The three of us took another bath, washing off the evidence of last night’s pleasures. We opened the shutters to air out the room a bit and then we headed down for breakfast. I felt a mage on their way here, this time I wasn’t nearly as worried.
Linden came in and walked over to our table.
“Would you like to join us?” I asked.
He said, “I ate breakfast already, but I’ll take the chair.”
He sat down and said, “I trust Amy with my life, but we verified your story through James and sent word to the capitol about the mayor, James, and Clayton’s treason. There all in an uproar over there about the possibility of there being more traitors over there. Besides letting you know you’re all in the clear, I wanted to ask a favor.”
Ari asked, “What do you need of us?”
Linden said in a frank voice, “I’m sure the goblins are still watching us, or more specifically, you and your man here. Would you mind staying for another four or five days before moving on to the capitol? The king dispatched three replacements this morning and they will be riding hard to get here. Until then… if you leave the goblins will inevitably attack.
“Since you haven’t taken an oath yet I can’t offer you rooms in the government house, but I’d be happy to cover the cost of your rooms here for a week.”
Sienna smiled, “I could use a slow week without worrying about what’s chasing us or what we’re running at.”
I nodded, “Can you let the gate guards know to let us out right before false dawn every morning for about an hour or so?”
Ari looked at me and nodded. I translated that to her big smile in public since as usual she was hiding her emotions and her face. I knew it would be a restful week for Sienna and I, but Ari needed nature around her. If she was unhappy this morning after just a day I could imagine after four or five she would lose it.
He didn’t seem to understand the need, and I didn’t explain it to him, but he agreed quickly enough since we were staying. Technically we didn’t work for anyone right now, not until the oaths.
He got up and thanked us again, then went over to the owner, I assumed to arrange payment for our room and food for the week. The first day we cleaned our clothes and replaced the ones that were a lost cause, seemed like every time I was in a fight or battle I’d have to buy new ones. I looked at swords as I had enough gold to buy a nicer one, but decided against it. The one I had was simple, but it was perfectly balanced and held a good sharp edge.
We bought a score of new arrows to replenish Sienna’s stock. Sienna also used her share of the gold to buy a number of dresses and nicer clothes for when we were in the capitol. I wasn’t looking forward to that, where most of our battles would be in the social and political arena.
That night I made love to both of them, but separately. At first it was a little strange with the other being there, just watching, but I admit it added an additional element of excitement to it. They both seemed to enjoy watching the other one with me, so I wasn’t going to argue. The better they got along the happier I would be.
The next morning Ari and I went outside the gates. The soldiers were polite and seemed to be expecting us. She was especially vibrant as she worked through her sword dance that morning. I could tell her heart was singing as she reconnected with the nature surrounding her.
By noon however, the worst enemy made itself known. We were all bored. We had been working so hard and constantly driving forward the last two weeks and we didn’t know how to handle it. We did enjoy just talking and chatting, but I think we were all itching to move forward or do something.
In the afternoon Ari and I did a little magic training, just reinforcing what I already knew how to do. She stressed I had the basics, and all that was really left for non-spell mage craft was experience and imagination on what I could do with my affinities.
The third day we walked around the town and looked for a distraction after the room started making us feel closed in. I imagine it was even worse for Ari and I was going stir crazy.
We did manage to find a dance hall, and a theatre which had a play. Ari and Sienna seemed excited about the idea of a night out. We ate an early dinner at the inn and then I watched them get ready for a night out. It was quite instructive really. They both looked ravishing when they were done with their hair and makeup and they slipped on some very sexy dresses. Ari was torn about not covering her face, but eventually decided just showing no emotion would be good enough.
Dresses on this world were not as revealing as current Earth styles, but if anything they were more alluring because they hinted at the delights under the fabric, leaving some things for the imagination. Regardless, they both made it very easy for me to stay attentive.
Ari kissed me, then Sienna.
Sienna sounded excited, “Ready to go?”
I just nodded. All I’d had to do was shave my face and make sure my nails weren’t too long. I was ready ages ago. I escorted them both,
each holding one of my arms, and we went to the play. It wasn’t bad. It was more like a musical play, there was a lot of singing, and they were good. Not anywhere close to Ari, but I’d never heard her equal before or since.
It was about a young man who left his new love to defend the city against the goblins. There was an epic battle where he slaughtered scores until he was wounded and dragged off. He was assumed dead. Of course, at the end he came back and sang about his outrageous adventure, and then the happily ever after.
It wasn’t Shakespeare, but what was?
I did have a lot of fun after the play when we went dancing. Between the two of them I was dancing all night. I was glad I had immortal stamina as I never got a break. I also found I didn’t mind at all, they were both having a blast, and of course that meant so was I. I caught a few other men eyeing them, but as they didn’t do anything more than that, I allowed them to live.
Who could blame them for looking? Ari and Sienna were both absolutely stunning. I was used to seeing them all day and I couldn’t take my eyes off of them for very long.
They were both pretty tired from dancing when we finally left and made our way back to the inn. My theory about keeping a woman happy to be happy was once again born out when the ladies got me in bed. It was a good night…
The fourth morning we were talking over breakfast.
Ari said, “I had fun last night, but I can’t wait to get out of here. The morning work outs help, but I miss the tranquility of days out in the fresh air. It’s also a little selfish, but when it’s just the three of us I feel free to be myself.”
I nodded, “Hopefully Ciren will be better? Not sure how it can be unless we spend a few hours a day out of the city. Maybe we can do that since we will only be learning the spell half of things? Once I convince them of that anyway, that you’re my teacher and I have no interest in doing it their way.
“I would have suggested a few hours in the woods here, but I figured if we were gone for more than an hour, or too far away from the city, they goblins would have attacked again. I miss our three way training sessions too.”
Ari squeezed my hand in lieu of a smile.
Sienna nodded, “I’m not sure what I’ll be doing there outside of anything like that you set up. I mean, I’m your wife, but there isn’t really a household to oversee yet. I’ll go crazy sitting in one spot like that all the time with nothing to do but keep our room up.”
I cringed. I hadn’t thought of it that way. On the road she was an integral part of our group and had things to do. What would she have to do at a mage training? I wouldn’t ask her to do anything menial, like join the staff; she definitely needed something to do that was worthwhile and important. Keeping up after our own stuff was a duty she had taken on, but if it was limited to that it would shrivel her independent and powerful soul…
I shrugged, “I’m sure you’ll find something important to do with your time outside of training and doing upkeep stuff. Don’t forget we have a good chunk of gold, so maybe an investment? Possibly create a business, or something? I guess the point is, you have my support to do whatever you want.”
Sienna looked at me, “You think I could run a business?”
I shrugged, “Of course, it’s not much different than running a house, keeping the books, organizing and overseeing servants, choosing others worthy of me… Those duties sound a lot harder to me than running a simple business. I have no doubts in you love; you’re more than up to any task you set yourself. Plus, who knows, I’m sure there will be a number of other wives or mistresses to spend time with, hopefully they aren’t too vapid for you.
“Point being, don’t hesitate to do something you want to do or that will make you happy.”
I winked, “Just don’t work so hard you forget about us. It’s only worth it if we can enjoy it.”
She looked thoughtful as she kissed my cheek. I hoped I hadn’t just talked my wife into disappearing all day every day. I felt the magic coming toward us and let Sienna know. As I guessed it was Linden.
I asked him to sit but he shook his head.
“Just come by to say I got a message. They made good time and will be here in a few hours, so feel free to move out any time after noon, unless you want to stay a few more days, the rooms paid up for the rest of the week.”
I replied, “I think we’ll probably move out then, spend the morning getting stuff ready.”
We did exactly that, by noon we had everything packed plus fresh foodstuffs that would last a week, three days longer than we needed. We were all excited to move on out of here. When we left the city gates I felt it, it was good to be moving again. Even the horses seemed energetic and cantered for a few miles before settling down. Downtime is fine and good, but not for too long.
I turned and saw Ari was already relaxed, I wondered at Elven society, it must be a burden to always be suppressing her emotions. I shrugged, it was what it was. It occurred to me at that point, that I was happy about rushing headlong into the unknown, not to mention more danger. Or perhaps I was just happy about the trip itself, settling into a city life after the freedom of it wouldn’t be easy…
Chapter 18
After a long ride we decided to break early and set camp mid afternoon. I don’t think any of us were overly fussed to get to the city fast. We were on the lookout as well, we were sure the rest of the conspirators knew what happened in Hunter’s Ridge, although we thought they would wait for us again. Try and get us in more subtle ways. Although the damage was done, the king knew about it, so maybe we weren’t that big a threat anymore and they had other things to worry about.
We did our training and made dinner. Ari sat close, our arms touching as we ate. Everything was going so fast since I arrived here, but asking now felt right.
I asked, “So how do Elves do the marriage thing, is it similar to humans or?”
She laughed, “A little different and the same. There is a ceremony but the person just gives their blessing over our lives. Then we exchange third names in private. We call them mates, not husbands and wives.”
I grunted, “So does that mean we… can’t?”
She grinned teasingly, “Are you asking me if I want to be your mate?”
I took her hand and said clearly, “Yes, that’s exactly what I am doing, but I also don’t know anything about it really, or if it’s even possible between us.”
Sienna also looked very interested in her answer.
Ari grabbed my hair and pulled me down for a long kiss, then let me go.
“Yes, it is possible, although we will have to be promised for now. It will have to wait until after our training, maybe up to a year or two depending on how things go. It is rare for a human and an Elf to mate. To trade third names you must first have one yes? It won’t be easy; you and Sienna will have to come back to Arinith with me. You will need permission from the king to leave the kingdom at that point because you will be in his service, perhaps by requesting to be a diplomat.”
She frowned thoughtfully, “If my parents approve of you, and my chosen co-wife, they will make you both part of the family… become second parents of a sort. That will mean learning and following my customs, at least when on Elven land. I believe the humans call it adoption. At that point they will hold a ceremony and grant you both a second and third name as the elements dictate.
“Then you see, you will have a third name to share with me, and so will Sienna. So tell me Marcus, am I worth going through all that trouble?”
I could see Sienna nod out of the corner of my eye which was a relief. I had no idea it would be so… involved. But it sounded good actually.
I grinned, “I love you, and yes, you are undoubtedly worth that and so much more. I like the diplomat idea, since you already are one, maybe we could spend a half year here, and a half year in Arinith.”
It was an idea, but it was clear to me I’d be under someone else’s control. Would the king see a benefit in that, or fight me on it? Would I leave Cirenthia behind foreve
r to become Ari’s mate if I had to? In a heartbeat, but would Sienna? I hated feeling out of control in any way, but I was learning more each day, it would take time in the city before I truly understood how things worked, and how to work them.
Ari got tears in her eyes and looked to Sienna. Something passed between them and then they were hugging.
I asked surprised, “Did you think I wouldn’t?”
Ari turned and shook her head, “I knew you loved me, but I thought we would just be… together. I never thought…”
My eyes narrowed as something clicked, “So wait, if I’m adopted does that mean you can teach me the sword dance?”
She agreed, “Yes, you’ll have to wait until then of course, and it may actually be my mother or father who teaches you. It will be their responsibility to you as a parent.”
She grinned, “Come over here with us,” and patted a spot as she moved away from Sienna slightly.
We sat there holding hands and simply enjoying each other’s company in the solitude of nature’s environs watching the sunset. I got roped silently into giving them each a massage, not that I ever minded doing so. When the sunlight faded we got a little more intimate than a massage…
The next morning we got an early start, after the normal sword dance followed by breakfast we packed up and hit the road as the sun rose in front of us. I wished for sunglasses for the hundredth time, and then grinned as a thought occurred. I experimented with the magic, trying to filter out certain light wavelengths. It was hard at first to get the concept across to my elemental, but I eventually hit on the right combination.
It took very little magic, I was absorbing more than I was using. Right after noontime I detected a large caravan in front of us, and as we turned the corner I snickered.
I turned, “Look familiar?”
Sienna chuckled, “They must have passed us when we were in the city for five days.”
We rode up slowly not wanting to spook anyone, and spent about an hour chatting with Niol, Jace, Terry, and the three guards that replaced us and Kendra. Our greater pace left them behind in a short time when we took our leave.
