The Road Least Traveled(Fogu and Aiko-chan)

[Aiko-Love Child]

((This is a continuation of a game we'd started elsewhere. I will be pasting his last post to establish my new starting point))
The eyes of the drivers focused on them, then they all became very aware as the two moved into the lot itself. Friendly gestures and polite comments
were given but Demetre had a regular driver when he came into this place. Some of the drivers knew this but still held their hopes.
"Excuse me ladies, gents. Have you seen Min?" he asked putting a few gold pieces out for his friends as he knew the few who actually came up to them.
some left with a friendly greeting, but one stayed.
"Shmeal!" One femme called out, run and get Min for mum." A young boy hopped to atention nodded and ran fast for the building.
"Keoff! He's really grown that much!" Demetre exclaimed.
"Yea. Just like his father too. So who's your friend, D?" Keoff asked.
"Yes, yes, how rude of me." He turned to Brielle. "Brielle, this is Allandra Keoff. We go a way's back, her, her husband and I."
"Keoff, this is Brielle Nattan. More than a friend I should say." He kissed Brielle's cheek and Keoff smiled.
"Good for you, hon, you've got a good male." there was a whistle and Keoff turned. "Well, I've got a fare, you take care of him dear."
She bowed to Brielle and trotted off.
"She likes you." He said patting her bottom.
"There's Min. She doesn't talk, but she can be such a great entertainor. she reminds me of an old silent movie." He explained as the asian looking
demon strolled up casually with a cigarret hanging from her lips. Her chinese style suit flowing, a bowler hat on her head. She gave a bow and
motioned fotr the two to follow, leading them to a rather plush but plain open air cart.
Demetre helped her in and then helped Min in. Pulling himself up he said in a happy tone. "The usual please." she flicked the reigns and they were off.
it wasn't long and the sounds of the city had faded, the smooth roads gave way to cobble stone paths through a lush green park with a victorian feel.
English style gas lamps lit the way, giving a soft romantic glow and illuminating the roses and vines that grew near. Willows whisping in the breeze
would shade black iron benches, more like love seats, from the harsh desert sun.
The cooling mists of the spring and stream would spray the passer by with a fine touch of heaven, and they would play a beautiful bubbling song
for the lonely or the couple. near bridges and certain curves beautiful yet dangerous thistle grew, further adding to the delightful scene with a range of
hues upon rich dark green stalks. The water would reflect the stars and one would swear that the sky had fallen into the mirrored pool.
It truely was a place for artists, romance and the lover of nature, and Demetre was glad he could share it with someone. He slipped an arm
around the healer and pulled her close, the night was warm so he need not worry about her feeling a chill.
After about an hour the hobbling cobblestone gave way to the smooth wood pannel bridge, signaling that the ride was about half over. The cart passed
over the liquid blue mirror and reflected back to the trio a view from a portrait.
Demetre never knew what kept the water so calm here but knew most definetly why the bridge stood where it was. He pointed out the Fire flies
starting to light up the distance before them. The field of flowers which awaited their arrival with the few lingering couples who found this colorful
and fragrant spot the richest in the night.
The well traveled road greeted them with an awkward bump as they left the oak planks and brielle shifted into his arms with the slight jolt.
Without the dim gas lamps the stars and moon shone though with heavenly delight and the quiet on this side allowed one to hear the faintest giggling
as the couples enjoyed themselves far from the path.
The park seemed to have a spell upon it, as the couple basked in the silent wonder. Fire flies illuminated the kindred spirits and demon kissed the
young healer, softly and with a passion for the briefest of long moments. he moved a hair from her face and took her hand in his own, there for it to
stay clasped for the rest of the small journy.
The cart exited the field and proceeded to a lone building standing white against the red and black of the city. As they moved closer, one could tell that
this was pure white marble, and like most of the buildings in this quarter, was carved out from the volcanic rock. A sign out fron read in several
languages simple reading "The Pillar".
The cart slowed as they reached the entrance, a red stone path shone with welcome to all who stayed here. As the cart stopped, Demetre slipped
Min several rubies and a few silvers. "Thank you my friend." He said stepping from the cart, Min nodded and gave a smile to Brielle, as if saying have fun.
The gentle dae held out his hand an helped the healer down. Min flicked the reighns and the horse started up and began it's return trip.
"So. How'd you like it?" He asked guiding her up the walkway and inside.

 

[Aiko-Love Child]

Brielle followed her demon guide and she blushed when the she-dae said she had a good male. He didn't correct her, so what did that mean? Were they...*mates*? She shook her head slightly, to rid her cheeks of thier rosy blush, and to clear her mead and lovey feelings clouded mind. She relaxed into the open cart, lined iwth thick silk-covered cushions, the dark laquered asian styled pullcart, slight bell-like tinkling sounding from some bells on red silk cords, hung for luck. Brielle breathed in deep and smiled, everything seemed so beautiful, clean and safe. She leaned back into the cushions, ignoring the slight sting of her quickly healing scars.
Then, her demon escort slipped his arm around her and she smiled, sweetly and cuddled up next to him. He was really something else, unlike any demon she'd ever met. She watched the eerily calm pool, his unusual coloring made him stand out in the darkness, but his comforting arm around her made a strong visual impression in the water.
The large, lush park wasn't lost on her despite it being evening, in fact, her other sences made it seem more magical, the whisper of leaves, the steady clip-clop of thier horse's hooves, the faint fairy-like sound of luck bells on the cart. The heady scent of night blooming specialty flowers were a delicious perfume for Bri's sences. She slipped her arm around DEmetre's waist and snuggled in as close as she could, like a love struck girl.
At exactly the perfect moment over the bridge, he turned and kissed her, she felt like she wanted this moment to stay forever. She melted into him, her hands moving slowly up his chest, marveling at the soft fabric over his chill skin.
He took and clasped thier hands together resting on his thigh, she smiled. Surely she must be somthing to him? Perhaps he even considered her his mate? She blushed furiously, because they'd only know each other a short time. But she'd traveled with many guards, human and dae alike, and none had ever sparked her personal interest like Demetre.
She gasped in amazment at the strikingly white marble Inn they arrived at, her aqua eyes huge, like a child.
She didn't see the exchange between Min and DEmetre, but she took his hand, almost as if in a daze and she stepped down from the carriage. He asked what she thought and she laughed and twirled around, carefree as a child, her eyes all aglitter "Oh, It's beautiful!We get to stay here?"
She ran to him and hugged him, pressing her face into his broad chest.

 

[Fogu_s_Tofu]

Demetre smiled happily as he watched her and when she hugged him he returned the gesture with no hesitation, letting out a happy laugh. "Of course." He stroked her hair and urged her to move. If she was thrilled with the outside, he knew the inside would simply amaze her. "Come my dear, let us get a room." He said leading her to the large mahogany door.

"And don't think I'll spare a single exspense, If you want something just get it." He let her know as he opened the entrance fully and stepped aside allowing her entrance. "After you my dear." He gave a bow. As she passed he followed right behind, closing the door after them.

 

[Aiko-Love Child]

When Demetre pulled open the doors and the golden light from within poured upon her, she gasped again. It was like he'd opened the doors into her own fantasy world, filled with glowing white marble and gilded with the finest gold. The lobby was enourmous with vaulted ceilings. Carpets of marron and gold led thier way past several clusters of plush chairs, arranged for close conversation,lining each side of the main hall, with a warm crackling fireplace as the centerpeice of each grouping. Some had people in them, enjoying an evening drink and conversation.
Bri and Dem made thier way to the main desk, itself a huge affair, built of well polished mahogany, ornamented with tasteful sculpture and three bells. The desk itself comfortably could take care of several guests at once, and it seemed well staffed enough to do so. Even the Inn workers had uniforms, men black slacks, whiteshirt and blood red sleeveless tunic, emblazoned with the Inn's crest. Females wore very full black skirts, mid thigh, with white stocking, a sweet white blouse and red necktie.
Brieele wandered up to the desk and an adorable gnome-girl, short and round, with cheery brown eyes and dark brown skin.
"May I help you?"
Brieele was about to speak when a sound caught her attention and she looked up, slack jawed. The slight tinkling sound was the enormous chandaleir, thousands of perfect crystals and even precious jewels, bound with the finest gold and lit with electricity hung above thier heads. That's when she noticed that the main desk was in the first third of the entire first floor, behind it were more gathering places and even lively bars, eateries, and game areas even a dance floor. More chandaleirs lined down the main hall, and to each side, great arching starcases curved so gracefully up and down both sides.
The gnome girl was used to this from first times visitors and she smiled, courtiously for a moment, then shifted her feet. The slight movement brought Brielle back to her sences.
Her breath exploded from her in an astounded gasp "My Goodness! What a beautiful Inn!" she exclaimed, the gnome smiled with pride
"Yes, Miss. Thank you kindly, we are very proud of our lovely Inn. What can I do for-" she looked up at the human's comanion and stopped. Never had she seen such a handsome demon, and a skad, to boot! She blushed her apple-round cheeks and she stammered,"I...I.. um, welcome, L'mous Dae, please forgive me, I..I,uh.." she fumbled, not understanding that DEmetre and Brielle were equals, and more- lovers.

 

[Fogu_s_Tofu]

When clerk looked at him he smiled letting her finnish her clumsy apology. "Hello, Iva. It's been about a year now hasn't it?" He asked. "How have you been?" He was going for his coin purse as he waited her response.

"Yes it has." She started to go through the clutter on the counter to find a registry. "I've been fine, just a little busy lately. There are alot of northerners here lately. Quite a few wearing dusters akin to ashlander military garb, but I don't quite know the markings." Demetre's interest was perked as she filled him in on some news. She paused a moment and looked at Brielle with an exasperated and sorry face. "Ma'am, could you give me a moment, Dae Manhunter is on the VIP list and I would be terribly reprimanded if I do not tend to him first." Then a look of surprise came over Iva's face as Demetre slipped his arm around Brielle's shoulders, hugging her close to him. "Iva, this is Brielle Natan. She is with me."

"I - I." She became flustered and stuttered, Demetre smiled and spoke kindly. "Iva, it's okay." He reassured her putting his hand on the little gnome's. It seemed to calm her and she gave them both a smile. "So a room for two then?" Her cheery demenor coming back, though you could still tell she was slightly embarrassed.

"The usual arrangement only for two." He let her have her hand back as she found the ledger and brought up the room listings on a computer. "Ah yes, Room 415 on the eighth floor."

The warrior pulled out some folding money and counted out a few hundred in Skad bills and two ashland marks. "If i've over paid, please consider the rest a tip."

She didn't say anything but typed in the ammount and pocketed the change that was dispensed from the register. She put the ledger on the counter top. "Will you both please sign here." She pointed to a blank line and went for the key, calling a bell hop along they short walk.

The bell hop and Iva arrived at the same time both smiling. "Here you go. And thank you for everything Demetre. It was a pleasure meeting you ma'am." She gave a polite nod and big grin to Brielle before moving to another guest.

"Dear Iva. She works so hard." He turned to the bellhop and motioned for him to lead the way.

 

[Aiko-Love Child]

Brielle watched the interaction between the desk girl and Demetre with awkward concern. When the Ice Skad slipped his arm around her and introduced her, she smiled, if a bit weakly, and when he said they were together, added a blush to the shaky smile. Her full name, so, they weren't mated, and now, her heart hammering, she felt like the desk girl would think she was just Demetre's travelmate, or worse, a prostitute. She swallowed hard and bowed her head as the bell boy approached. They had little baggage, and she never let just anyone carry her haversack, so she withdrew a little inside herself and let Demetre lead her away, after the bellboy, a spritely green looking elvishkin, she wasn't sure of his race.
It didn't matter, she supposed, what anyone else thought, right? Demetre admitted his feelings for her. Maybe he just wanted to spend more time with her before making anything official, just like her matching gold rings. Maybe he was waiting for her to see about making it official? She shook her head slightly, it had only been a short time.
The belboy took them to the elevators, gilded cages on pullies. She'd never been on one and her fear was quite apprent, she gripped Demetre's arm tightly as the door swung shut and the tiny cage started to be pulled upwards. The sights of the beautiful Inn still astounded her and she gazed around her, wonder after wonder appearing to her big blue eyes.
At the proper floor, the bellboy walked them down the hall, this floor was decorated in white marble with silver and sapphire blue. The bellboy unlocked thier door and stood back as it swung open. Clearly the best suite in the entire Inn, it was huge. The main room was bigger than her entire house, back on the mountains. It was tastefully decorated, with a fireplace and sitting areas, a seperate bath, and the biggest bed, she'd ever seen. This room was done in natural straw wicker colors, golds and tans. She just stood inside the door, eyes wide and hands clasped together at her mouth. She was unaware of any interaction between Demetre and the bellboy.

 

[Fogu_s_Tofu]

Demetre stepped into the cage, blissfully unaware of the scenery he'd seen so many times. He watched Brielle with amusement as they passed different floors, but felt a little bad that she was frightened by the elevators movement. She gripped his arm, and he was glad that she trusted him so. As they got off on their floor they were led to the room and as the door opened the young healer seemed shocked. He gave the bellboy a tip, and the young male was off to work again. He coaxed Brielle a little, kissing her neck, letting her know she wasn't being rushed. As she stepped foreward he did as before and closed the door behind them.

His few belongings made it into a nice heap on the floor and he removed his shirt tossing it to a hamper, which it didn't land in. His eyes were on her the whole time as she grew accustom to her surroundings. He sat in a small chair and took off his worn boots and grey socks. "So, it's nice isn't it?" he asked. standing again, he undid his belt and removed his pants leaving him now only in his shorts. "Shall I run you a bath?" He asked walking to the bathing rooms. He turned waiting for her answer a happy and relaxed look on his face.

 

[Aiko-Love Child]

She heard the door close and it yanked her back into reality. Now that they were alone, her earlier concerns didn't press so hard upon her heart. She felt his chill lips on her neck and her eyes drifted closed. Her heart pounded again, and she clutched her shirt in her hands. He was so amazing, like no one she'd ever met. She opened her eyes and looked about the room as he shed his traveling cloak and boots.
"So, it's nice isn't it?" he asked.
She whirled around to look at him, he looked like a travelworn prince, sitting in that chair, eyeing her. Memories of thier times together surfaced and she smiled, slightly, nervously tucking her hair behind her ear.
"Yes, it's beautiful, Demetre. This is so much more luxurious than I have ever seen. Thank you, for um... you know.." she blushed, remembering that she was supposed to be the empoyer, and he the employee, but there was no way she could've ever afforded this room.
He removed his shirt and asked about a bath.
She was nodding before the words left her lips, "Yes, please! I haven't had a decent bath in such a long time..." she paused, wondering if they'd share the tub... she blushed and looked down at her dusty boots.

 

[Fogu_s_Tofu]

"Right away." He said setting his pants on a dresser, he turned hurridly and didn't notice his pockets losing a few contents to the mercy of the floor. A small white figuring of a woman wearing an open windblown robe. a few coins in plastic wraps and a bag of mint leaves not far from it.

In the bathroom he busied himself with prepairing her bath first, making sure that the water was warm, but not too hot as to burn her fair skin, and warm enough that it would still be so on her arrival. He layed out a towel and several fragrances that could be added to the bathwater if she wanted, some bath salts and a washcloth. once he had finished with her preperations he drew his own, deciding on a earthy wooden smell of cedar. he called out to her. "It is ready when you are my dear." 'It's a pitty that the tubs are so small.' he thought as he climbed into the cold water. his shorts now abandoned on the floor.

 

[Aiko-Love Child]

The sound of rushing water from the bathroom must've drown out the sound of his pants sliding slightly on the dresser, causing it's contents to spill forth. Brielle moved cautiously over towards them. She leaned over, daring not to touch. She gazed at the beautiful ivory figure of the woman in billowing robes, Bri was no artist, but she could appreciate the work that went into that peice. The woman's face was so beautiful, almost ethereal. Her gaze glanced over the coins, some of them strange, not from this region, or... maybe not even from this time period.
She heard him i the bathroom, calling for her and she backed away from the tiems, ever curious. She slid around the heavy door and glanced around. Two porcelain tubs were fixed on either side of the washroom, thick plush rugs made it nice of the travel weary feet. She looked at her steaming bath and saw there were scented oils set out. She sniffed a few, suddenly a little shy to strip in front of him. She selected white gardenia, a sweet exotic floral. She smiled and keeping her head down, started to unbutton her shirt, kicking her boots off. She knew he'd be watching her, and while it pleased her, she felt a little shy. She was turned slightly to one side, not blocking him from veiw complelty, after all they had lain together. Her shirt fell off her her snowy white shoulders and firm round breasts, but alos her back, the fen's slashes have mostly healed and seem at home among her many scars gracing her curveous sides and waist.
She slowly slid her hands down her hips, pushing her pants and underpants down along with them, until her rounded rump and smooth silky thighs were in veiw, before the slack cloth fell to the ground, her smooth calves and even pretty little feet stepped out of them. She glanced over at him, for a moment, smiling shyly.
"Yobrogen, Demetre.. " she purred as she turned and stepped into the twin tub next to his. The water was warm and the scent relaxed her greatly, she heaved a big releived sigh and sunk into its depths.

 

[Fogu_s_Tofu]

He watched like an aligator watching it's prey, looking just over the tubs rim. Every movement she made was followed by keen blue preditory eyes. He felt himself stirring some but fought back the feeling. There would be time enough for that soon, for now he wanted to rest easy and, enjoy the view while it lasted. The way she could do this to him so easily after such a short time... yet he admired her now as if she were a great work of beauty, scars or not, that's how he saw her.

"Is it okay?" She seemed comfortable but he still wanted to ask.

 

[Aiko-Love Child]

Bri could feel the demon's eyes boring into her, and she suprised herself that she liked his attention.
She rolled over onto her tummy in the tub, the warm water sloshing over her skin, her round bottom like a little peach floating in the water. She stretched lazily.
"Oh, this place is so delightful! What a terrific bath!" she purred softly, rolling onto her back and smoothing her hands down her leg, which she extended upwards with the scented oil and water making it shimmering and slick, her toes pointed. She slid down so she could submerge her head and to rub her scalp and her hair well, getting clean and smelling good.
"How is yours, Demetre?" she commented as she stood up in the tub, grabbing the big fluffy towel and wrapping it expertly around herself so he didn't even get a peek at what lays beneath. She stepped lightly out of the tub and pulled the drain.

 

[Fogu_s_Tofu]

He watched, mindlessly washing himself, as she obvioulsy put on a display. He'd never got such a good look at her before, both times in which she had been exposed, they were preoccupied. Her cute little rump enticed him, he wanted nothing more than to join her. as she stepped out she quickly covered herself.

"How is yours, Demetre?" she asked and it took him a moment to register. "fine, thank you for asking." He replied. "I'll just be a moment more." He added giving her a warm smile.

 

[Aiko-Love Child]

Feeling a bit playful now that the warm water had left her feeling relaxed and squeaky clean. Her doubts from before seemed to lessen and she walked slowly, her hips tiltingf rom side to side as she approached his tub.
"Oh, Demetre, why don't I wash your back for you?" she purred as she knelt behind his tub. She picked up a cloth and the bar of whatever soap he'd been using, sudsing it up, she put her hand on his shoulder, indicating he should lean forward. she used both her hands to slowly push the cloth up and down his muscular back, roving over his shoulders, and down to his waist.
"Does this feel good?" she murmured softly.

 

[Fogu_s_Tofu]

He watched her saunter over answering her question with a simple yes please. she disappeared behind him and he watched her gather the cloth and soap. He followed her instructions and leaned foreward with her coaxing hands. The feeling of the soap, cloth and the smooth skin on her hands felt amazing.

"Does this feel good?" she murmured softly.
"Yes." He mumbled back to her. As she finnished he handed her a cup of water to wash the soap off of his back. "Next time I want to wash your back." His voice was low and pleased. He leaned his head back eyes shining up at her. "Thank you." He pushed himself up and stepped out of the tub, pulling the stopper as he did so. He grabbed his towel, covered himself and turned to face her. In a few short steps, he had his arms around her and his lips upon hers, a deep passionate embrace. one hand fell just below the towel on her thigh, the other rose to tangle in her hair He stopped kissing her, taking a deep breath andletting it out slowly. He moved no more, just held her, gazing at her beatiful face while enjoying her feel and scent.