Converging Two Sides of The Same Race. (Alexandria94 & BennyQ)

[Alexandria94]

We started off as a strong nation. One that could be thought twice about when wanting to go to war with, but that was many, many years ago. The Contallid were proud people. They are at the head of the light elves and they used to be well known in the realm. They were always able to take down any foe who dared to challenge them and now it caused turmoil within itself. They were no longer able to take care of themselves the way that they needed to and without help they feared they would fall prey to those that posed a deeper threat outside of the elves. They had already searched as far and wide as accepted resources would allow and now they had to reach out to those that were known to be ruthless. Today was the day when they would arrive to give the help that was so desperately needed.

Aspen sat in her chambers, looking out the window. She wasn't sure how today was to go and what exactly would happen. Only a few days ago she had been wondering where her life would take her and now it was no longer hers, not really. In order to get help she was to marry the son of King Tuniel, Prince Lanzarac. She didn't know much about him, she heard that he was a good fighter and that he could be ruthless when he wanted to be. She would leave with him tonight and tomorrow she would be by his side in his kingdom. It made her nervous and she wasn't sure how she was to react.

Since the marriage was mostly a secret and no one outside of the royal family knew she knew it would be tense. The dark elves coming to help the light ones. She didn't want to come down but when she heard her hand maiden calling to her she knew it was inevitable. Looking out her own window for the last time she watched them as they approached her home, not knowing which was her betrothed. Sighing, she moved around the men carrying her trunks down and walked downstairs. Inside her chest her heart was beating wildly because as scared as she was of the dark elves she knew she couldn't run. Saving their kingdom was too important to her father and it brought a light smile to her face knowing she was the only one who could save it.

 

[BennyQ]

Lanzarac Vilmadia rode his horse briskly into the courtyard of the Contrallid Palace. It was a grand complex, with long rooms, towering spires, and decorative art embedded into the very walls. Behind him came a long column of Asovan dragoons, stern looking Elves in rich uniforms armed with flintlock rifles and golden hilted sabers. All around them there was a feeling of mutual dislike and even hostility. The people had given them sharp looks and in turn, his men had ridden on with snarls of contempt for their distant kindred. But that dislike and hatred was rooted in centuries old prejudices and could not be mended so easily. Attempts have been made, though mostly rebuffed, and this marriage alliance was just another try in a long list of failures. His father had ordained that his only son should be married and who else but the Princess of a rival kingdom on the other side of the continent.

An orderly stepped forward and took the reins of Lanzarac’s horse as he expertly dismounted. Behind the hussars, who were now crowding into the courtyard, came a carriage pulled by six white horses with plumed helmets of their own. The carriage was lavishly designed, with excellent leather for seating and curtained windows. It was meant for his new bride, a certain Aspen Contrallid. Lanzarac was dressed in black riding boots, with red striped trousers and a dark red surcoat. He had a cape fastened at the shoulder with a medallion that depicted the shining star of his people and his dark hair hung freely about his head. He observed the “light” elves with a cool look of curiosity, for he had been too young to remember the original schism between the races and had grown up fully on discriminatory teachings. Now he was to be married to someone of whom he had been indoctrinated to mistrust and despise as weaker.

The Prince waited calmly for his bride to appear, tapping his foot with impatience even when another servant asked if he liked refreshments of any kind. He bluntly refused, desiring to be gone as soon as possible. He had a long saber at his side as well, and he tapped the hilt in unison with his foot as his annoyance grew. “Well, where is she?” He suddenly demanded of the orderly, a young Elf would could not have been older than two centuries. The boy immediately flushed red with nervousness and embarrassment and stuttered several times before the Prince gestured for him to shut his mouth. The boy would have little use had this been Asova and it didn’t occur to him that the boy felt out of ease in the presence of known kin-slayers, who referred to the “light” elves, and any other Elven polity, as race traitors.

 

[Alexandria94]

When Aspen reached the bottom of the stairs she looked around her once more at her home. She wanted to stay, she didn't want to leave with him but she knew in the end it would be for the better for both sides. Moving slowly toward her father she embraces him and takes comfort one last time in his strong arms; the ones that always protected her. When she leaves with her Prince that will be it. She doesn't know whether or not he will protect her or just throw her to the wolves. It made her more nervous that she already was and pulling away from her father she moved to a small table next to the stair well and took the smallest knife.

She wondered if it would be silly, to have some kind of protection against her husband, but she had no way of knowing how he was and she could always heal herself quickly should something happen to her. Pulling up her red dress she stuck it in the liner for her stockings and then quickly put her dress back into place. Taking deep breaths she turned and motioned for her father to open the door and her men with the trunks to take them to wherever the prince wanted them.
She thought it odd that there was to be no ceremony, she just had to walk outside,leave with him and then it would be done, her father as her witness. She thought it might be because of the differences between the two and as much as she wanted to ignore it, she couldn't. It was time for her to leave with him and she couldn't delay it any longer.

After saying good-bye to her father and kissing him on the cheek for the last time she moved out the massive doors to the future that awaited her. The sun blinded her and for a moment all she could do was focus on the door shutting behind her, but as her vision focused she stared at who she presumed to be Lanzarac.

 

[BennyQ]

Finally the doors of the Palace swung open and out came the Princess who was to be his bride. Lanzarac immediately began to walk forward and met her halfway, staring intently at her as if to discern her very soul. She certainly was beautiful, with her flowing red hair and lady posture, with eyes that shone with a bright gleam that was not afforded to members of his people. He felt almost envious towards that, jealous that she could appear so much more nobler than he. He felt his anger spiking and he took a moment to calm himself before addressing the girl, “I, Prince Lanzarac of the House Vilmadia, patron of the people of Asova, do hereby greet you, Princess Aspen of House Contrallid. Welcome to your new home, and life.” He finished, almost not wanting to say the word. To the Elves who carried out her various trunks and chests, he gestured for their attention and wordlessly pointed towards the carriage, indicating they should be loaded there.

“I hope in the coming years, our marriage will forge a new bond and a new unity between our peoples that will heal the rift between us, the Sundered folk, and yours. Let this be an end to civil strife between us and a dawn of a new age of friendship.” He then said, though this piece had been well rehearsed in advance. Or rather, ordered to be stated by his father, who was keen on garnering new alliances and treaties. When the Contrallids had approached him asking for aid and protection, King Tuniel instantly recognized the potential in having influence among the other Elven kingdoms. Lanzarac then extended his hand, offering Aspen to take it and be led to the carriage where they might be off together to his home. He intended to ride with her part of the way and perhaps gain a little insight to what type of woman she was.

 

[Alexandria94]

Aspen thought she felt her breath catch in her throat when she first saw him. He was handsome and it made her nervous. Following his example she walked forward and met him, the walk in slow motion as she took the final slow steps to leaving behind her world and entering his. She watched as he addressed her and she was a bit relieved to find that he looked this way, but yet not at the same time, because she had never been around handsome men so she wouldn't know how to act. She bit the inside of her lip slightly while she waited for him to finish and when he did she did a small curtsy, trying to be respectful of him even though she was a little intimidated.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Prince Lanzarac, I hope that from this marriage we can get many things, all of which that will hopefully treat us kindly." Her voice wanted to shake but she wouldn't let it, she didn't want him to know how she reacted to him but she wouldn't be able to hold it back long; she had never been excellent at hiding what she felt. For a moment she looked behind him at all of his fierce men and the way they took their stance. It was no secret that the things these men were capable of when they had to protect their royals so she knew she had to keep the knife she had stole hidden at all times, or face what she hoped could only be quick.
Looking back at who was now her husband she slid her hand into his, trying to ignore the way it made her heart nearly jump from her chest.

 

[BennyQ]

Lanzarac felt her tiny hand slide into his and he grasped it tightly, though he meant it to be reassuring rather than painful. He could sense a bit of edginess and fear in her words and actions, even her hand was devoid of warmth, and figured she was entirely frightened of the prospect. And why not? Married off to a Prince of a disreputable people far away from her home, never to return except with his permission, the outcome for true happiness seemed like a bleak notion. To him, Aspen was an unnecessary burden, a forced labor in a sense, thrust upon him by his father’s diplomatic manoeuvring. Much like his grandfather, who millennia ago did not hesitate to wage war upon his fellow Elves, his father cared little for the feelings and emotions of others. It seemed that demeanor passed on in the family in the same way that eye color and looks did.

He tried to smile, coming out as an evil grin, and began to lead her towards the carriage where much of her trunks and chests had been loaded. Useless baggage, he thought, for soon she would be dressed in the styles of Asova and her own life left behind. He helped her board the carriage, showing a degree of chivalry, and got in himself. The room inside was spacious enough, and they had room to stretch their legs and even lie down if they put them up on the other bench opposite them. Lanzarac pounded on the wall behind their heads and soon the crack of a whip was heard. The horses responded and carriage lurched forward, turning and departing the courtyard in silence. Some of the mounted Elves fell in behind but the majority remained, fulfilling the terms of the treaty to strengthen the Contrallid armies with their own crack troops.

They rode through the city in silence and were soon on the road. It was a two day journey to the river by road, where they would then board a ferry that would take them downriver, into a wide sea, up the coast and to the capital of Asova. They had plenty of time to get acquainted, and for Lanzarac to see what his new bride was capable of. As they rode in silence down the paved roads, Lanzarac, who had yet to speak or even look at his wife, finally turned to Aspen, “Very well.” He said suddenly, as if coming to a conclusion, “I’ll begin. I’m six hundred and twenty-two years old. I hate the color green. I hate figs, dates, and olives. I like to shoot every morning so if you’re a late sleeper, well you’re just going to have to adjust. Now, your turn.”

 

[Alexandria94]

Apsen wondered how bleak she was and how easily he could pick up on everything she felt. If she were to be honest with herself she dreaded the ride back with him and she wasn't sure how she would feel once they arrived. A part of her thought it might get slightly better but a bigger part of her knew that if she didn't keep her head up and keep her wits about her then everything would lose hope. She told herself that she was doing this for the goodness of her people and that the ruthless troops would help to keep them from harm. She could tell from the way he smiled and held her hand that he thought of her as inconvenient, someone who he didn't need. She knew once he found out that she could heal, among other things, with just the touch of her hand that he would then find her useful.

As they moved into the carriage she was relieved to find that all of things would at least travel with her, she thought of it as almost taking a piece of her home with her. She would be able to find comfort in the small trinkets she brought and that even if he couldn't bring happiness to her than she could herself. Once she sat down she was thankful for the room and once her husband sat down next to her she wasn't sure if she wanted to be so close to him. He was intimidating and so much bigger than she, but she tried to promise herself that she wouldn't let that get in the way of anything her mind thought of.

The silence seemed almost deafening as they rode. It was hard to tell how long they went before anything changed. She knew where his kingdom was and she knew it would take a long time to get there, hopefully in that time something would change between them and they wouldn't arrive in hostility. When he turned to look and speak with her it brought his leg closer to hers and she moved away about an inch so he wouldn't feel her hidden blade. "Fine," She told him as she looked up at him relieved to find that he really wasn't that much older than she, "I am five hundred and fifty years old, my favorite color is green because it reminds me of going outside. I don't eat meat and lucky for you I am a morning person. I can be very stubborn and I can help greatly in battle." She wasn't going to tell him how she could be useful, she wanted him to wonder a little bit about her.

 

[BennyQ]

Lanzarac clinched his fist when Aspen mentioned her favorite color was green. Was that a deliberate challenge to him? Already? Or was this some snide attempt to remain stubborn and proud because of her rank as Princess? Maybe in Contrallid, women were allowed more freedom and independence, but things were different in Asova. There were different expectations of what was required of her. But when she mentioned she could help him in battle, he roared with laughter. “Haha! In battle. You? Help me? That is just ridiculous to the highest degree, and then some. What could a little Princess like you really do? Perhaps you could nag the enemy commander to death.” He continued laughing, even slapping his knee in amusement. “Warfare is a lot more bloody and less personal than it used to be. Any fool, from the lowest beggar to the dirtiest shopkeeper can become a soldier nowadays. But why not a Princess too? They just have to remember the nine steps in loading a rifle, point, and shoot. No swinging a sword or shooting a bow anymore. I never knew Contrallid was that far behind.” He mocked, smiling at her.

He noticed the way she fell back from his touch, as if repulsed by his very presence. Smiling, he thought of an excellent idea to further make her feel awkward. Suddenly, he threw an arm around her shoulder and brought her towards his chest in a gentle but firm head lock. His bicep and forearm were like iron compared to her soft skin, “Stubbornness is not one of my favorite traits in a woman. But that can be remedied quite easily. I think it would do you some good to be taken down a few notches.” He whispered into her ear, before releasing her and resuming his strict posture. He continued smiling but said nothing after, and began to hum a tune to himself as he opened the side curtains a little and looked out over the countryside.

 

[Alexandria94]

Aspen easily noticed how he reacted when she mentioned her favorite color. She knew he wouldn't like it because he hated that color but she didn't want to start off this arrangement by lying to him. She looked at him and when he started to talk about her she felt almost offended. Given the chance she would show him exactly what she was capable of. Her father never had any other children besides her and her mother had been a faerie. It was the ultimate love that they shared and because of that her abilities only worked on someone until she started to have feelings for them. It was a curse that her mother had told her about in a journal she had left for her, but she had never tried it, didn't even know what she could do. The only thing she did know was that healing would work on anyone at anytime, but she had a feeling that should her husband continue to nag her it wouldn't take long before she found out what was possible with the touch of her hands.

Her hand almost came up and touched his arm but as soon as they headlock started it was over. It irritated her, that just because she was now his wife he thought she would change. She glared at him when he looked out the window. "You can try to bring down my stubbornness, but it won't be easy. Nothing physical can hurt me." She could feel the palms of her hands starting to warm directly in the center as she got more and more irritated. She took deep breaths trying to calm herself, she couldn't let him find out about the only thing that could save her from him should he act out.

 

[BennyQ]

Lanzarac didn’t speak to Aspen again for a moment after she attested to her stubbornness. She certainly was...stubborn, he smiled, before wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. The day was certainly getting hot, or at least within the carriage, and he felt more beads of perspiration over his body. “It’s hot in here, don’t you think?” He said finally, speaking in a casual tone. He opened the curtain and allowed air to flow freely into their carriage. But still there was unexplained warmth emitting into the area which puzzled Lanzarac. At about midday they stopped for a rest and a quick lunch, and Lanzarac exited the carriage and helped Aspen as well, “Don’t trip now. You won’t be able to change in peace until later.” He teased her, even going as far as to mock-push her towards a ditch before grabbing her tightly and holding her. He released her with a laugh and went to speak with the captain of his escort.

Already a short fire had been started and horses were being walked around a short field next to the road. Some of the men found a pond and let the horses drank a little. Over the fire a small pot was placed, the smell of vegetable stew emitting from its contents. Lanzarac returned to where Aspen was and led her over to a log where they could sit, while some guards brought them wooden bowls of the stew accompanied by spoons and flasks of water. Well, water for Aspen. Lanzarac’s contained watered down wine which he drank deeply from before offering it to Aspen, “It is our marriage day. Drink with me!” He said in an uncharacteristic cheerful manner, before delving into his meal.

 

[Alexandria94]

Aspen watched him as he got hotter and when he opened the curtains she realized the heat wasn't coming from outside but it was actually coming from her. It made her nervous so she tried to take a deep breath and calm herself. She couldn't afford it if he found out about her this early, hopefully he would never make her mad enough to actually burn him, or accidentally catch something on fire. Being with him in the carriage for so long was making her more uncomfortable than before and the silence was so thick that she felt she could cut through it. As they stopped she looked out the window and was so relieved when they exited for some food.

She thought she was getting calmer and cooling down some but when he mock pushed her she felt them get hotter than before. She wondered why he had to be so cruel to her but she figured if he wanted to spit fire then so she could she. She would have no trouble holding her own, she had all her life and she wasn't going to calm herself just to please someone she didn't even like.

The food was good and she was thankful for it as they sat and ate. She thought she would eat alone, or as alone as one could get setting next to the Prince. When she was offered the flask she knew it would transfer heat easily so she reached out and took it from his hand, knowing he would feel the slight burn on the flask but she couldn't help it, she wanted what the wine would offer. She ate what she wanted and then downed the other half of the flask, enjoying the warmth it gave her stomach and the courage that came along with it.

 

[BennyQ]

Lanzarac smiled when Aspen drank deeply from the flask and he knew she was no stranger to wine and intoxication. He imagined scenes of them getting drunk together before the intense ravishing that usually came after such acts and smiled lustfully just at the thought. He didn’t say anything to Aspen but continued to slurp his stew in peace, drinking down the flavored water and wiping a streak on his lip. “Aferial! Some more please! Would you like some more?” He turned to Aspen, giving his bowl to the Elf that was called, and before she could answer, he took her bowl and handed it to the elf, “Bring her some more. She’ll need it.” The Elf bowed and turned to get some more for the couple. Already, the fifty or so mounted troops were lounging about, laughing and joking as they ate their midday meal. A cool breeze flew over their makeshift camp.

The horses that were drawing the carriage were removed and exchanged with other horses, this time four brown horses in place of the previous four white ones. Their next serving was brought and Lanzarac hungrily devoured his in an instant. He took the flask of wine back from Aspen and had a confused look on his face when the container felt warm to the touch. “Hold on to this any tighter and you might have cracked it opened.” He jested to her, thinking it was only warm because she was clutching it so tightly. “Now eat your soup while you still got your belly. Our next stop isn’t until night fall and you won’t be getting any food until then. I want to get home as quickly as possible. Your land makes me feel...sick.” He explained, though he didn’t mean it in an offensive way. The way the locals would glare at them from windows or mutter silently under their breaths made him feel uneasy. He was too young to have been involved in the old dispute centuries before his birth, but he still felt as if the burden was thrust upon his shoulders to continue that legacy.

 

[Alexandria94]

Aspen watched out of the corner of her eye and listened to everything that Lanzarac did. She didn't trust him and her father had warned her of him. She wanted to hate him more, if it were possible, and she wanted to be as cruel to him as he was being to her, though she knew she wouldn't be able to. She was never the type to act out because she was mad, but this one had a way to get under her skin, she hated it and she wanted him out. She saw him smile and the way it curved at the ends, she decided that she didn't ever want to know his thoughts. She looked out at the rest of the elves, jealous of their laughter as she sat in nearly complete silence with her husband, though what wasn't silent was usually a snide comment.

As her bowl was yanked away she looked at him, thankful for the breeze that helped cool her off. She didn't want anything else to eat, if she had she would have asked herself, but the tiny elf was gone before a word even came from her so instead she turned to Lanzarac. "I could have done that myself, there is no need to be so rude all the time, to everyone you ever speak to." After the elf came back, gave them the food and wondered off again she ate her food in silence. She only took a couple more spoonfuls before setting down her bowl and looking at everyone else. She was pleased to find them packing everything back up, and getting ready for their second departure.

 

[BennyQ]

Lanzarac didn’t like how Aspen ignored his advice and figured he had annoyed her sufficiently for the day. With a smile, he stood up and gave her what she finally desired. He moved away and went to look for the Captain of the escort, giving him instructions that they should be ready to depart at once. Soon the entire camp was in an uproar as men scrambled about, getting their horses and moving into formation. Lanzarac came back to Aspen after a few moments and grabbed her by the arm. He lifted her onto her feet and led her towards the carriage without a word. He opened the door and kicked the stand down, allowing her to climb in. But rather than get in with her, he shut the door behind and went around to the front bench where the driver sat. Climbing beside the elf, he gave the gesture for them to depart and soon they were rumbling down the road once again.

The driver hummed quietly to himself and tried to engage his Prince in small talk, though Lanzarac only replied with single words and in a monotone voice. It’s not that he wasn’t friendly with his own troops, he was simply too preoccupied by his new bride to be able to interact properly. She certainly was a stubborn one, of a sort he had never experienced before. Was it because his people were sundered from the rest of their kin? Or perhaps she assumed he was a kin-slayer like the older generations that came before him. Sure, he had teased and mocked her a little but that’s just how life was in Asova. You had to be able to take a joke if you wanted to advance into the higher circles. He thought back to the way she had answered his comments and wondered if she would have that type of tone when he was ravishing her.

Ah yes, the consummation, Lanzarac thought while licking his lips. Dusk was beginning to fall and it looked as if it would rain that night as well, as clouds were brewing in the east and heading their way. The horses were starting to sweat and foam and the soldiers seemed tired and disinterested as the day’s march came to an end. Raising his arm, he gave the order for the column to halt and for tents to be thrown up on the other side of the ditch. They would rest along the roadside and continue their journey in the morning as soon as possible. As he climbed out of the driver’s bench, men were already setting up picket lines and officers were shouting where the night’s watches would be located. The first tent that was being set up was a red tent meant for the royal couple, which would consist of three sleeping rolls thrown together and a small desk set in the corner. Striding over to the door of the carriage, he pounded three times, “Time to come out, Princess. Bring whatever you intend to sleep in as well.” He shouted through the window, and waited to help his bride climb out safely.

 

[Alexandria94]

Aspen could tell that this marriage was going to have problems outside of their views and opinions. She watched as he moved to get all of his men together in a formation that would work for their travelling. She had no problem with sitting by herself on the log, she had been lonely all of her life, so why not just a little bit longer. After a few moments she noticed another of the dark elf men coming over to her. She wondered if he was coming to her to also say something rude and to make fun, but he didn't. She was so pleased when all he did was smile and say hello to her, so she waved and smiled back to him. It made her feel more welcome and the sad part was that it came from a complete stranger and not her husband.

After she was pulled up by her husband she moved with him swiftly to the carriage enjoying that he isn't speaking to her. She figured he might be mad at her, but let him be she told herself, she had no reason to want him to like her other than for marriage reasons and none of that really required much conversing. As she walked into the carriage she was under the impression that he would at least set with her while they rode until nightfall, but when he didn't she was almost relieved to have time alone with herself. When he moved up and sat with the driver she knew for sure now that he wasn't coming back so she made the time for herself.

Bending down she removed her shoes and placed her legs across the bench and decided to just relax for the ride, since she couldn't really do much else. She thought about her new life, and what it might hold, but after a while it got tiresome and she found herself quickly falling asleep with her head laying against the side of the bench. It was a peaceful sleep, until her husband decided to bang on the door. She woke up with a groan and as much as she wanted to scream back a reply, she figured she would just rile him up more.
Slowly she sat up and put her shoes back on, then moved to set net to the bench and pulled out the chest which held her night clothing. She might really dislike the man, but she would have to sleep next to him tonight and she knew it wouldn't go well for either of them should she wear anything green. Going through her night gowns, she found a red one that her hand maiden always described as a little indecent, but she decided to wear it. Picking it up and holding it in her arms she exited the door to her husband.

 

[BennyQ]

Lanzarac helped Aspen exit the carriage and noted her red gown in her arms, bright red and long. Preferably, Lanzarac liked to sleep shirtless and without any covers, so he guessed the dress would be appropriate to sleep bare within the tent. The clouds were gathering and already a few drops fell about them. He led her towards the makeshift camp up and down the road and was pleased to see his tent rise just as he approached. Two soldiers exited from within, bowing to them and indicating everything was set and ready. Inside, a tarp had been laid across the grass and a single folded blanket sat in a corner, with two pillows on top. A grouping of soft furs was in the opposite corner, instead as a mattress, with a small desk to the right of the entrance. Lanzarac immediately released Aspen’s hand when they were inside and closed the flap behind her. Then he took a seat at his desk.

Though there was no work to do, no dispatches or bulletins to read, it was still a routine he enjoyed at the end of every night. Reflection, meditation, and planning for the next day. He sat quietly for a quarter of an hour, saying nothing and sitting perfectly still with his arms crossed over his chest and eyes shut. He thought of his life up until now, of the future burdens of having a wife and all that was entailed with it. No more drinking and gambling into the night, no more rushing off to halt a goblin raiding party, no more explicit flirtation with the daughters of elf lords. The thought seemed to depress him as he could only now honourably sleep with one woman, Aspen. Eyes jerking open, he looked down at the table and cursed himself for not having any form of distraction from his thoughts. He did have a map, though somewhat outdated, and used a feathered pen to trace how far they had come so far. They were several miles behind where they should have been and he immediately thought of all the excess baggage that Aspen had brought. Without looking to her, he muttered, “You have too many things. Do you really need all that stuff? It’s going to be cold tonight, let’s burn some of it to keep ourselves warm.” He meant it as a jest of course, but he didn’t have the tone of voice to indicate it was so.

 

[Alexandria94]

Aspen enjoyed the rain, she always had but she had never really been allowed outside in it. Her father always told her that it would give too much about her away, now she understood why. A single drop landed on her neck next to her, on the opposite side and while her husband couldn't see what was happening she could hear it. It sizzled slightly because she knew her nervousness was starting to make her hotter than the normal body temperature. She was thankful that her husband was on the other side as they walked to where they were to spend the night. It was a well made camp, one which had watches for enemies and she liked knowing that she would be safe even though she knew she could protect herself; what she didn't know was her capability and because of that she was almost afraid of herself.

As she was led into the tent she looked around at it, pleased with all the furnishings that it held. Soon her husband left her, just standing at the entrance and she watched him with curiosity. His long hair and how it flowed around his shoulders while he was meditating. She was already uncomfortable enough and now she thought herself stupid that her dress was so flowing and the little bow in the front which could easily be pulled to expose her breasts. She nearly scoffed, because if it was to be up to her, he was doing nothing to her tonight, he was too mean to her all the time just like he seemed cruel to everyone else. Quickly she looked at him to make sure he was still meditating and even quicker she undressed. At first she had slight problems with the buttons in the back but once they were popped she was able to slip out of one and into the other.
To a normal woman it would be cold, but Aspen didn't freeze so as her husband talked about her clothing and the night's temperatures she sat down on the soft furs, her legs bent underneath her. "You also have too many men, but maybe you like to overcompensate for something. As for the temperature, keep yourself warm. I never freeze." She started to pull the covers down because she planned on going to bed, and she wasn't going to wait on her husband to join her.

 

[BennyQ]

Lanzarac laughed at Aspen’s comments. “Overcompensate? What, are you used to fucking trolls or something then?” He knew the comment was utterly uncalled for, but she had struck a nerve by challenging his manhood. Underneath his cool exterior, his insides boiled with rage. He never insulted her appearance directly, but she had questioned his manhood and even hinted it was well below average. Not that he compared with other males, but perhaps she had experience with other males. The thought only enraged him more and for a moment he said nothing else as he tried to master his emotions. His fist was clinched and he wanted to do nothing more than to strike her. But to give his new bride a black eye on their first night together wouldn’t look good or reflect well on his person. He had a reputation to maintain after all.

“Overcompensate huh?” He said again, this time turning in his chair to look at her climb under the sheets, “You’re the one whose going to have to suffer the indignity of that.” He shot back, before rising. His anger wasn’t quite mastered yet, and in his haste his chair fell back with a crash. With a smile upon realizing his error, he bent over and picked the chair back up, and resumed his seat. Facing his desk, he ran his hand across the smooth oak that made up the small apparatus, until it came to a patch of wood that was darker in complexion than the rest. He pressed lightly on the surface and abruptly, the end shot up, revealing a hidden compartment. Inside was a small chest of coins for emergencies, a loaded pistol, and a pair of cuffs. The last item he withdrew as quietly as possible and hid in the inner pockets of his surcoat. Lanzarac then removed his boots and placed them neatly near the entrance before lifting his cape over his head. He unbuckled his belt and placed it on the desk. Then he rose again, this time in deliberate slowness and turned to her.

With slow strides, he quickly came to the bed, and knelt down as if he were getting ready to sleep as well. He threw back the covers a bit, intending to climb in, and in doing so, revealed her form underneath. Instead of getting in under her, he reached for her arms and abruptly grabbed both of them, holding her wrists tightly. They were warm to the touch and though this confused him, he had other things in mind, “Stubborn and stupid. You are alone and isolated and your husband is the only one who decides your freedom. Life is different for women in our country.” He said, smiling. He held both her arms now with one hand, obviously much stronger than her. With a tug, he pulled her out of the covers and flipped her body over, so that she was now lying on her stomach. He brought both her hands behind her back and cuffed them in one smooth motion. The entire act took less than four seconds. He then flipped her back over. “Don’t be alarmed. I am just taking what is due to me from a wife to a husband. The cuffs? Well, I’ve known to be a little unorthodox when it comes to the night time arts. Now tell me, and speak honestly wife, how many others have you been with? Sexually.”

 

[Alexandria94]

Aspen felt almost victorious as she watched her husband become upset, but the insult about what she had fucked almost hurt her. It made her angrier to think that her husband thought of her as a whore, when she wasn't, she had never been with a man and she wasn't sure if her husband would believe her should she try to explain. One of the advantages about being half faerie, was that she was easily able to sense someones aura. She could tell he was mad, from the clenching of his fists to the way his muscles tightened in his face. From the stories she had heard about the dark elves they hit what they wanted, even if it were a woman. When he didn't proceed to do anything else, she continued to crawl into bed, her previous plans for sleep still intact.

As much as she tried to ignore the sounds that were going on behind her she couldn't. When the sounds of a clashing chair found it's way to her ears her body started to get nervous for her safety and on instinct she could feel her palms warming. After the sounds diminished to only the soft stroking of wood, she figured he went back to mapping out their route, or trying to come up with a better plan. With the days journey and the stress of her husband, even with the small nap, it was making her a little on edge. She felt that their bickering was over, at least for now, because when she heard his belt she assumed he was going to crawl in and go to sleep with her, nothing else.

She heard him slowly walk to the bed and her eyes were closed when he pulled the covers slightly up. She thought that at least she would be able to sleep in peace but then he grabbed her. The tightness in the way he grabbed her wrists made her gasp as she was forced to listen. She knew everything he said was true but she didn't have time to respond before he had her cuffed and rolled onto her back. A deep breath left her because her only line of defense was behind her back and the only other one she carried was on her thigh on the inside of her stockings. What would he thank when he found a dagger, waiting there? Her only hope was to try and make him leave her alone. "If you think I am scared of you, then you are wrong." She told him while looking up at him over the arch of her breasts from her arms and back position. "I don't care how you do things in your country, but in mine the woman are not whores, so I am so sorry to tell you, dear husband, that I have been with zero men sexually in all of my life."

 

[BennyQ]

“Haha! You really are a sharp one. Keep talking, I’d like running commentary during these activities.” Lanzarac said, and he began to complete his undressing. He unbuttoned his coat and threw it aside, landing over the chair as he began to undo the straps of his trousers. Now only in his undergarments and undershirt, he removed his top garment and stood before her. He was well muscular and hairless, with strong arms and toned abs. Lanzarac had cooled down quite a bit now, his anger dissipated when Aspen confessed she had never been with anyone else. Of course, he knew that already, so why had he allowed her to get under his skin? With a smile, he got on his knees and crawled over to come on top of her. “Let’s see what’s hiding under all this.”

He grabbed one of the strings where her gown came down in V over her chest and pulled, loosening the straps and lessening the slack between the two sides. He then slowly folded each side over, revealing her firm breasts, pink and erect. He ran a hand over one and massaged it slowly as he watched her reaction. “I was expecting red nipples.” He joked, though pink was close enough. He then bent over and began to suck on the other breast while massaging the other, pinching and squeezing the nipple. In the other, his tongue teased and traced the outline, making it stiff as well. With his left hand, he began to trace a path up her leg and to her thigh. It passed over her stocking and felt a strange budge there. He suddenly broke off all his motions and sat upright over her, “What the hell...?” He muttered as he pulled up her dress a little to see what it was. With a glance to her, he reached into her stocking, and his found the hilt of a knife. He pulled it and brought it before them.

Lanzarac suddenly looked to Aspen with murderous eyes, “You treacherous whore! You meant to kill me in my sleep, didn’t you? You think you could escape this marriage that easily? You, your father, and all your pathetic race will pay for this.” He suddenly grabbed her jaw and squeezing painfully, lifted her head towards him while he held the knife to her throat, “Confess, you fucking spy and maybe I won’t torture you. Who put you up to this attempt? What did you hope to gain by killing me? Speak!” He shook her fiercely, his eyes bloodshot with anger and rage.

 

[Alexandria94]

As much as Apsen wanted to stay away from the man and hate everything he was doing to her she was still a woman. With each peeling layer that came from him her eyes watched him. Followed every curve and dip that his muscles offered her and she drank them greedily. Even if he was someone that she wanted to hate the site wasn't unpleasant. As soon as he was finished she ripped her eyes from him so he wouldn't know she had been looking and only when he started to approach her again did she dare to look back. She didn't like that he was climbing on top of her and that she was completely helpless at this point, it made her nervous and she could feel the cuffs heat through her back, knowing that if anyone were to touch the silver they would burn.

No one had ever seen her without any clothing besides her handmaiden and when the top opened exposing her breasts she squirmed slightly. When he touched her she bit her lip to keep from gasping, she didn't want him to know that it felt good to her and when he started kissing and licking on them it only made everything harder. She had never felt like this, didn't know what would happen to her body should he continue, but a part of her, the woman and not logic part, wanted him to continue. It wasn't until his hand started to snake it's way up her leg that she knew now it would only get worse for her.

When her weapon was jerked from it's position she watched his eyes as they turned on her. It scared her, everything she saw there, and she knew that was the reason she had brought it, she had no idea what his kind were capable of or when they would snap. Behind her she worked the cuffs with her wrists trying to get them to loosen enough for one hand to break free still while trying to look up at him, even when he grabbed her jaw, so he wouldn't notice. "I am no spy and I do not mean to kill you. I had no idea what you were going to be like, so I had to take some precaution. I wasn't going to kill you in your sleep, I was going to take it out when I changed clothes but I forgot, honest." She swallowed and she could feel the blade prick slightly at her throat, only enough for a small line to dribble down. She could feel the heat start around it and she knew it wanted to glow because it was instinct for her body to heal itself. It took a lot of will to hold it back from doing it.

 

[BennyQ]

Lanzarac listened to Aspen’s explanation and his first thought was to wring the truth out of her by torture and other means. But at the same time, his instincts told him it was true. He wasn’t naive in the least bit to think his people were well-loved, trusted, or even admired in any way. She had been thrust into a marriage with some as reputable as him, to be given over to his folk despite their relations with other elves. Having a knife was justified then, he assumed, and slowly pulled it away from her neck and released his hold on her hair. He saw a dribble of blood leaking from her neck and felt a pang of regret for having damaged something so beautiful and exotic. He got up off her and grabbed his undershirt which lay nearby, and used it to wipe her neck clean of the blood. It wasn’t a napkin or anything, but it was effective enough to halt the bleeding. He held it there for several moments, a strange sight but he didn’t want her to bleed all over their sleeping area either.

Despite believing her that she wasn’t a spy or an assassin, she still carried a blade meant to be used against him. For exactly this purpose, for he had already cuffed her wrists and most likely caused her harm. “Even so, you still meant to use this knife against me. Tell me would you have used it against me now if you could? For the position I put you in? I’ll tell you what, keep your answer in your head for now, and when we’re finished tonight, I’ll release you and you can decide if you still want to use it.” He smiled, placing her blade a few inches from the side of her head before returning to what he was doing before. Her breasts were still exposed but her nipples had lost their stiffness. With a shrug, he crawled a bit lower and started raising her dress up, exposing her legs. Outside the tent, the rain started to fall and soon there was a soft stream of noise as the rain collided with the soft material of the tent. But elves made their equipment work to perfection and no water entered into their tent.

Little by little, he pulled up Aspen’s dress, revealing her legs, then her knees, then her thighs, and finally her covered nether regions. He ran a finger up where he guessed her clit would be underneath the fabric and watched her reaction intently, before pulling her undergarments down and revealing her pussy at last. It was hairless and fully open to him, not once touched and now his forever, to be used in whichever way he desired. And he desired to do a lot to it, and to her other holes as well. With one last smile to her, he laid himself down so that his face was directly parallel to her pussy, and suddenly he dived in. He started by teasing her first, using the tip of his tongue to probe the outside of her pussy and occasionally running it up and down her clit but he didn’t enter. Not yet. He wanted to see how Aspen would react to this and if her stubbornness would come into play.

 

[Alexandria94]

Aspen wanted to close her eyes instead of look at him and she didn't want him to know how he affected her. She honestly thought that he didn't care what happened to her, that he wouldn't care about how she died or how she got hurt, just as long as she left his life. Her heartbeat was the only noise in her ears as she gauged his reaction to her knife. It took what seemed like ages before he laid it aside and got his shirt. It touched her slightly that he cared she was bleeding and about the wound he had caused, though she knew it wouldn't last much longer. Her will to keep the healing aura at bay was growing stronger by the minute and soon she would lose the ability to keep it halted.

She wanted to tell him that she hadn't planned on using the knife against him for such a pitiful thing as tying her up. She could get herself out but it would take time and most likely deal her a lot of pain, something she liked to avoid. She watched him as he smiled and it was the same smile that curved at the ends that she had seen him do earlier that day. It was a mischievous smile and she almost wanted to smack it off of his face, it made her heart thump more and she wanted to know his plans.

Thought Aspen never got cold, when he started to pull up her dress she could feel her legs cover themselves in goosebumps. It seemed to go on and on, almost in slow motion as the dress was pulled up to her stomach. She felt so exposed and she knew that her husband knew what he was doing with his finger so she bit down on the inside of her lip to keep from gasping when his finger slowly touched her sensitive sex. It was an odd sensation and she didn't have time to protest like she wanted to. She wasn't ready for anything like this to happen but when his mouth made contact with her she moaned. It was a sound she had never heard come from her before and she was almost appalled at herself for making it. Along his sides her legs tried to come in and close but were stopped by his broad shoulders and she knew that whatever he wanted to do to her, he could.

Behind her, her hands dug themselves into the furs and she let the will go. Her neck warmed and gave off a faint glow as it healed her neck. Since he was between her legs she hoped he wouldn't see it, it lasted only a few seconds and now she worried that he would notice the mark was gone after this session was over.

 

[BennyQ]

Lanzarac heard Aspen moaning and knew he hit her sweet spot. He continued to tongue fuck her pussy furiously, plunging in and out with skilled strokes that drove her intensely towards orgasm. Unlike humans who had shorter tongues and fooled around a lot, Elven lovemaking was more of an art rather than a mechanic of nature. Lanzarac knew exactly where to probe his tongue, where her sweet point was, and how to direct the motions of his tongue to give her exactly the max amount of pleasure she could receive. He knew of elves who could cause women to have orgasms with just a single stroke of their tongue and Lanzarac wished he could develop some skills with his new wife at some point in the future, if their marriage became more amiable. And when he meant amiable, he meant Aspen submitting to him totally and unconditionally. He tongued her vigorously, head buried deep between her legs while the end of her gown fell over his hair, covering him from sight of Aspen.

Her juices flowed freely into his mouth and he happily accepted the sweet nectar. It tasted wonderful and always his tongue worked to find new streams for him to enjoy. Already a streak was running down his chin and soon enough, he knew she would be at her first orgasm. What came after was already on his mind. Would he take her with his cock next? She was a virgin and the result would most likely be painful and bloody. A part of him argued that it wouldn’t matter, as red seemed to be her color anyways and he already made her bleed today. But the greater part told him it wasn’t right, or traditional, to take a bride like that unless it was in their bed they meant to share. There was no bed here, and unless they wanted to go old school and find a thick tree branch to do it on, it was likely he would be going without orgasm for himself tonight.

 

[Alexandria94]

After Apsen let the moan slip from her mouth she was almost afraid that he was going to mock her for doing it, but when he didn't and went harder between her legs she only moaned louder. She had never even touched between her legs and she wasn't sure if she would be able to keep from doing it here on out; that, or hoping her husband would do this more often. Even though her mind was screaming that she disliked this man, her body was screaming yes and she needed what he offered. The feeling of his expert tongue inside of her and the way his hair touched the sensitive insides of her thighs only created more delicious sensations and her moaning slowly continued to get louder.

It was easy for her to tell that she was wet. Her hand maiden told her that when a woman felt like this, sometimes what came afterwards would make her scream out. She doubted it could get any better than what was going on and as much as she wanted to push him away her legs came up to the sides of his head, holding him there. She felt it start slowly from the tips of her toes which started to curl and as it consumed her body she felt like it was exploding. She cried out, her back arching as her fingers dug into the rug even harder. It caused her body to spasm underneath him and even after the orgasm had passed, each aftershock made her cry out and her legs twitched behind his head. Her breathing was heavy, jagged, and she almost hated the way she wanted him to stay.