My Girlfriends Are Pirate Elves! 2

by Eden Redd

  Jon’s knuckles grew whiter along the steering wheel. “That’s not the point. We can’t always go out and expect danger around every corner. If we always expect it, it will be there, waiting. We should try to have a simple, normal evening. I think all of you might like that.”

  Lilly’s gaze was relaxed as she saw Jon’s white knuckles. “You seem tense. Are you concerned about the date?”

  Jon turned the steering wheel. The car turned onto a small, empty side street. He pulled the car over and shifted it into park, the engine still running. Turning around in his seat, he looked to the beautiful elves in turn. Zelda ducked her head down sideways to see what was happening.

  “To be honest, I am a little tense. I know everyone here looked at the book and read what a date is in the normal sense. I’m sure we will have fun, but I would like to keep the potential for violence to a minimum. That means, no weapons on the date. We should treat it like a normal evening where we are out on the town. Can we all do that?”

  Syndra, Zelda, and Cora turned their attention to the captain. Lilly blinked before she closed her eyes and nodded.

  “If we are going to understand this realm, we should listen to our Shullkar.”

  Jon smiled. “Thank you. Now, everyone out.”

  Jon didn’t wait as he pressed a button, opened his door and stepped out of the car. The other doors opened and everyone stepped out, Zelda the last one to duck her head and stand tall on the street.

  Jon stepped to the now open trunk. He lifted the trunk lid wider as the elves moved to either side of him.

  “All weapons into the trunk,” Jon smiled.

  The group hesitated.

  Jon looked to Lilly, “Trust is very important in a relationship.”

  The sun elf gave a small nod before her hands moved to the small of her back. Pulling out her pistol, she laid it in the empty trunk. Her hands moved again, taking hold of hidden pockets and pulling out small knives, spell rounds and a small rope that suspiciously looked like a garrote.

  Syndra was next. The shadow elf stepped to the trunk and pulled out two wicked looking daggers. She placed them down, next to Lilly’s weapons and stepped back.

  “I am the weapon,” Zelda grinned.

  Jon shook his head and turned his attention to Cora. The thin elf began pulling out throwing knives from what little clothing she wore. The more they seemed to appear in her hands, the wider Jon’s eyes grew. Cora placed groups of them down in the trunk. Jon counted twenty-four before he closed the trunk shut and it locked into place.

  “Thank you, everyone. It will make the evening a little lighter,” Jon smiled.

  Syndra crossed her arms. “This is a mistake. If we are attacked…”

  Jon stepped closer to the shadow elf and took her hands into his. Syndra’s hard stare softened as she looked at him.

  “Here on Urth, danger doesn’t lurk behind every corner. There are many people here that are not armed and can have many evenings out without worrying about violence. I want to help make this night special because it’s important to us. Let us have a night where we can have our hair down and relax with a nice meal and some dancing.”

  Syndra pulled a hand away to take hold of her ponytail when Jon gently grabbed her wrist.

  “You don’t literally have to have your hair down. It’s a figure of speech. It means you get to relax like we are at home.”

  Jon let go of her and Syndra’s hand drifted to her side.

  “This is very difficult, but I am willing,” the witch said with a frustrated edge.

  Zelda fingered her shark tooth necklace, “Do we not defend ourselves if violence is forced?”

  Jon shook his head. “That’s not what I’m saying. What I’m saying is, there are a lot of police and people downtown. Enemies would be foolish to attack us in crowded areas.”

  Syndra opened her mouth, but Jon was quicker.

  “I know! The Boardwalk was an odd occurrence and it backfired on the enemy. I doubt they will try it again. The sea serpent also heightened security so I doubt any of the Empire’s assassins will make another move like that again.”

  Lilly nodded. “It’s true, the Empire may not try such a public display of capture again, but we should put some trust in Urth’s protectors and defenders.”

  Jon smiled. “Besides, a date is supposed to be about us focusing on each other and not spending our time worrying about attacks and violence.”

  Heads gave hesitant nods.

  Zelda scratched at her head. “Are we getting back into the car?”

  Jon turned to the tall sea elf with a knowing grin. “No need. The restaurant is just around the corner and across the street is the club.”

  Jon held out his arm to Cora, “Shall we?”

  Cora’s face lit up as she hooked her arm onto Jon’s arm. The young man shifted her arm so they were both comfortable and started walking. Lilly, Syndra, and Zelda smiled as they followed.

  The last rays of sunlight disappeared behind the horizon. The sky flashed with color before night’s shroud cascaded across this side of the world. Jon and Cora walked, arm in arm down the small street and soon onto the main street. Downtown Southvale was busy, many bodies crowding the sidewalks as they moved about to their evening plans.

  Cora leaned into Jon as they walked, her arm nearly clutching to his. Jon gave her a reassuring smile as they led the group.

  Syndra walked next to Lilly as Zelda took up the rear. The witch glanced around to people on the street, seeing some eyes dart in their direction. The witch’s brow furled into confusion as some people smiled and a few even waved.

  “Any one of them could be working for the Empire,” Syndra whispered to her Captain.

  Lilly nodded. “True, but we should attempt to blend in. This date is important to Cora and we should support her and Jon.”

  Syndra’s eyes scowled. “I want a date with Jon next.”

  “I’m sure we will all have our dates with Jon. For now, our dear Cabin Mate wants the full Urth dating experience and we will ensure it happens.”

  “Captain,” Zelda chimed in from behind, “I can go back to the car and pick the lock. I could be back soon with your weapons?”

  Lilly shook her head. “No. We have to trust in Jon. If he discovers that we retrieved our weapons, he will never trust us again. No matter how difficult it may be, we have to show him that we trust him. If there is violence tonight, we will overcome it with our wits, magic, and strength.”

  “Yes, Captain,” Zelda said as she bowed her head.

  “Yes Captain,” Syndra whispered and bowed her head.

  Lilly nodded and looked ahead, her mind swirling with doubt, but her heart beating true for her Shullkar.

  Cora leaned her head against Jon’s arm. “Thank you for going on a date.”

  Jon smiled. “I’m happy to go out with you and the others. Just so you know, you didn’t have to tackle me to the floor. If you had just asked, I would have said yes anyway.”

  Cora looked down as they walked. “I apologize. I read about dating, but was a little confused on how to proceed. I thought a direct approach would be sufficient.”

  Jon nodded.

  Cora looked up as they walked. “Even touching your arm is exhilarating. No one is allowed to touch royalty in the palace. If any of the guards saw us like this, they would chop off your arm.”

  “The whole arm?”

  “The whole arm,” Cora smirked. “It is against the law to touch anyone of royal blood. My grandfather put the law into place a long time ago to keep our lineage pure. My father took it a step further. The first warning is losing a limb. There is no second warning since you would be killed on sight if you stand too close.”

  “I see,” Jon said as he tried to wrap his mind around such a medieval law.

  “It’s barbaric,” Cora hissed lightly.

  “I don’t think you have ever talked this much since you arrived here.”

  Cora’s small smile faded. “Is it not to your liking?
”

  Jon placed his hand over hers and smiled. “It is very much to my liking.”

  Cora’s face lit up as she leaned her head against his arm again and let out a pleasant sigh.

  The group reached the Gilded Duck. A maître d’ manning the door smiled when he saw Jon and Cora approach, three elves following them.

  “Welcome to the Gilded Duck. Who is dining this evening?”

  “Jon Song, party of five. I made a reservation earlier today.”

  “Ah yes, I see your reservation here,” the maître d’ smiled as he grabbed a few menus. “Please, follow me.”

  The group followed into the restaurant.

  Jon smiled to himself. His luck was in full effect. He never had to wait for a reservation. Every time he called, there always seemed to be an opening. The Gilded Duck was as fancy as they come in downtown, but Jon knew he would score a table with little to no effort. For that, he thanked his luck as they were shown to their table.

  The elves looked around as they followed. Lilly kept her eyes on Jon and Cora as Syndra eyed the people sitting and eating. Some looked up with nervous glances. Others smiled to the shadow elf. Zelda ignored the stares as her head missed chandeliers by a few inches.

  The maître d’ showed them their table. Jon was quick, pulling out Cora’s seat. The elf sat down just as the seat pushed her in. Jon glanced at the others and moved like lightning. He pulled out Lilly’s seat and slid it in under her. He did the same with Syndra and Zelda. When everyone was seated, he made his way to his seat next to Cora and sat down, Syndra on the other side of him.

  “I know how to sit,” Syndra said plainly.

  Jon smiled. “Since we are on a date, I thought I would give the full date experience. There are all these little customs that go with dating. Holding open doors, sliding in seats, ordering expensive wine.”

  “Do they have rum here?” Zelda asked with a wide, sharp smile.

  “I’m sure they do, but wine is usually for special occasions.”

  Cora looked at the rows of utensils on each side of her plate. “This reminds me a little of home. I assume each fork and spoon has a role to play in dining.”

  Jon nodded. “My mom taught me that each utensil set is for each meal as you dine. The smaller ones on the outside are for dessert and the inner ones are for the appetizers and main courses.”

  “Your mother is very wise,” Cora said as she studied the utensil placements.

  Lilly watched with bright eyes. Cora’s entire demeanor seemed to change. Lilly knew the blank gazes and saying little were part of elven royalty. It was drilled into her by her mother and father. The elite were not supposed to show emotion of any kind for lesser people. They had to stay strong and unfeeling or the populace would grow bold.

  Lilly’s eyes looked down to her plate at the sudden rush of memories of her mother and father. It stung like an Urth bee and she quickly pushed it away. Turning her gaze slightly, she watched Jon as he explained how dining proceeded here on Urth. His kind smile and interested eyes sent waves of bliss along Lilly’s spirit. He fell into his element, showing them the strange and odd traditions of his world. It was sweet and endearing as he treated Cora like an equal. He talked to her with information, but never showed frustration or annoyance at her questions. When he opened the menu and began telling her about the different meals, Cora listened with fascination.

  Syndra eyed her menu, “Beef is from Urth cows, but what is steak?”

  Jon smiled. “It’s pieces of meat cut from cows. Certain cut meats taste better than others.”

  “I want a steak,” the witch commanded.

  “I want one too,” Zelda grinned.

  Jon smiled. “Good choices, but we should also look at appetizers first. Pick something you like and we can share so everyone can have a sample.”

  “We will follow your lead,” Lilly gave Jon a warm smirk.

  Cora, Syndra, and Zelda nodded and smiled.

  Jon nodded.

  The waiter approached with a smile. “Are we ready to order?”

  “Yes, we are,” Jon said as he began ordering for the table.

  ***

  Zelda sat back, her webbed hand on her stomach and eyes sparkling. The fullness she felt and the rare bloody steak sent spirals of bliss from her stomach into her very soul. Her pupils turned black and larger as digestion kicked in. A happy smile filled her face as she nearly slumped in her chair.

  “That was… incredible,” Zelda whispered before licking her lips and eyeing Jon like her next meal.

  Plates were gathered up and taken away as dessert menus were placed before each person at the table. Syndra’s eyes slowly closed and opened, the same full feeling crashing into her and weighing on the shadow elf like thick chains. Lilly picked up the menu with one hand while placing her other hand on her own belly.

  Jon watched the beautiful elves before him with a satisfied smile. They had all taken to the meal with curiosity and ended the main course with full bellies.

  Cora leaned closer, her own sigh filling his ear.

  “It was exquisite,” the thin elf whispered with red cheeks.

  “We have to have dessert,” Jon grinned.

  “I don’t know if I can eat any more,” Cora said in a low tone.

  Heads barely nodded in agreement.

  Jon picked up a menu. “There’s cheesecake, chocolate mousse, and ice cream.”

  “Are you trying to fatten us up?” Syndra asked with a smirk.

  “Just giving the full date experience. Since we are going dancing after this, we can burn it off on the dance floor.”

  The waiter arrived and looked to Jon.

  “We will have one of each of the cheesecake, chocolate mousse, and the ice cream,” Jon said and gave back the dessert menu.

  “Will you want some more wine?”

  “What we have is fine, thank you.”

  The waiter bowed before walking away.

  Lilly picked up her wine glass. The rest of the table followed suit. Glasses clinked against each other before everyone had a hearty sip.

  “Jon, a crew could get used to this,” Lilly winked.

  Heat touched Jon’s face as he smiled and took another sip. The way the sun elf eyed him spoke of desire and wanting. When Jon looked to the others, he caught the same hungry look.

  I hope I didn’t bite off more than I can chew.

  Jon chuckled to himself as he hid his smile with his glass in hand.

  Cora leaned in again, her eyes nearly closed and her hand falling on Jon’s leg. The touch was warm enough to blast through his pants and raise his temperature a few degrees.

  Jon put his hand on hers when the waiter returned with dessert. Plates were placed on the table with extra utensils. The elves eyed the strange desserts as Jon began cutting up pieces. When he scooped up a piece of cheesecake and fed it to Cora, the thin elf simply blinked before the piece of food touched her tongue. When it did, her eyes widened to the size of saucers. The taste was so overwhelming, she couldn’t speak as she delighted on the melting piece in her mouth.

  “Feed me next,” Syndra demanded as she leaned forward with an open mouth.

  Jon scooped up some vanilla ice cream and reached across the table. The cold ice cream touched Syndra’s tongue. At first, her brow scrunched up in bewilderment until the taste cascaded over her palette. Her crimson eyes glowed before she looked down at the bowl of ice cream, grabbed it and pulled it closer. Spoon in hand, she dug up another piece and shoved it into her mouth without another word.

  Zelda’s arms dropped to her side as she eyed the desserts and reactions of her fellow crew members. “I’ll pass. If it’s not bloody then it’s not dessert.”

  Jon nodded before his gaze met Lilly’s emerald green eyes.

  The pirate captain swirled her drink before leaning closer. “Surprise me.”

  Jon watched as she closed her eyes, opened her mouth and her tongue snaked out. A quick glance to the side, Jon noticed that many patrons were ey
eing the exchange, not in disgust, but in warm amusement. An older couple gave him the thumbs up and laughed quietly to themselves.

  Heat poured from Jon’s face as he scooped up a piece of chocolate mousse and placed the piece in Lilly’s mouth. The sun elf closed her luscious lips and pulled back. Her eyes still closed, she feasted on the morsel. A hum rose up through her before she swallowed. Opening her eyes, she gave Jon a sultry stare.

  “I never thought I would taste anything greater than Ambrosia Fruit,” Lilly said coyly as she gazed on Jon with wanton eyes.

  “There are… many new tastes here on Urth,” Jon said in a confident hiss.

  Lilly nodded. “Something new and then something familiar,” the sun elf said with a sultry edge.

  I think I opened Pandora's box and I’m not sure I want to close it.

  Cora picked up a dessert fork and began cutting away pieces of cheesecake. “I don’t think this is enough.”

  “It’s just meant for a taste. We still have a full evening.”

  “We could raid the kitchen and take as much as we want home,” Syndra whispered her idea.

  “No raiding,” Jon laughed.

  Lilly laughed, long and hard. Patrons turned to see the beautiful elf giving a deep belly laugh. It was infectious, many others smiling.

  Lilly leaned forward, elbows on the table and a hungry look in her eyes. “Jon, mark my words, your devilish deeds will not go unpunished.”

  Jon blinked.

  I don’t know what that means, but I’m very excited.

  Dessert was swept up into wanting mouths. Not long after, the check arrived and Jon pulled out his card. Paying and leaving a healthy tip, the group stood and weaved lazily through the restaurant and out onto the street.

  Jon took a deep inhale, savoring the night air. It was perfect, not too hot or too cold. It was just right. An arm snaked around his and Jon looked down to Cora’s smiling face. He had never seen her so happy.

  “The club is just across the street,” Jon said and led the way.

  The group followed at a slow pace, enjoying the same night air. Streetlights glowed against the dark evening. Neon signs above storefronts cut through the air with magical light. Zelda and Syndra walked arm in arm as Lilly trailed behind everyone. The pirate captain watched with a full heart, her crew and their Shullkar very happy.