A Reluctant Pact (RetroXBlueLurker)

"I guess, if you like it... you'd be the one wearing it, so I guess if you like it, we'll just make the deal. I can't deny you anything, can I?"

He would smile and squeeze her hand. He would look around, and looked around the surroundings. It was a clean enough store, he supposed, but at the same time, well... part of him was wondering if they shouldn't have gone further afield to sell. He'd risk it, though- they needed the extra money, and with any luck, they'd be out of town before anyone was the wiser. It would work if the general idea was that they were heading north instead of east- but you never could know...

"That money ought to give us some extra once we're done paying off what we need to pay off- it'll be nice to know we'll be prepared if something comes up. Do you see anything else that you like?"

He taps the toe of his boot, simply waiting, one hand in hers, but the other loose and free, just in case. He was trying to come down from the shock before they came here, but in the end, it might take a while before he was really able to relax.

There was nothing else that she needed. It was a wig store, after all, and she could not fathom needing another wig. One would be difficult enough to maintain on the road. She didn't want to imagine taking care of two of them would be like. A shake of her head likely told him that she was not interested in anything. Thea turned her eyes towards the painting. She wondered how the man got the painting or if it was a common thing; her mother had been governess for a long while. It would not shock her if some paintings hung of her here and there but this one seemed very personal. Almost as if the painter knew the subject very, very well.

"I suppose we should go," she replied when she finally snapped out of her silent reverie. "We still have some things to attend to."

By things she meant food. It had been a long while since she ate as well and she was feeling sluggish. A full belly was just as important as anything. As she waited for Kieran's response she began to put the wig on, stuffing her thick curls beneath the netted cap as carefully as she could imagine.

He'd thank the merchant, and then would pocket the gold, and then gently escort her out of the shop, allowing her time to catch her breath.

"What would you say to a light repast, my dark-haired darling? Though now that you've changed something about yourself, I guess I should change something, too- nothing like being too careful, I suppose."

He would offer her his hand again as they walked along the street again, looking up and down at the people walking around.

"...what do you want to eat? We could go back and have a meal sent up to the room, or we could try to find something out here... what are you in the mood for? Food is usually food to me, and as long as it doesn't taste bad, I don't have a problem with it... but if you smell something you like, then by all means, we can check it out."

Anything sounded good at the moment. Despite the horrible rumors she heard about tavern food, she was tempted to go back so they could go to sleep as soon as she was done eating. Yet the thought of being back at the inn with the strong bodied Northern slavers was terrifying. What if they decided to try and kidnap her while she ate? No. The best thing was to get something while they were out.

"Why don't we sample some of the local cuisine. I've never been outside of my city before so it should be interesting," Thea said softly.

After doing some last minute adjustments to the wig she walked towards the door. She was going to have to find a magic spell that would affix the thing to her head as if it were real hair; the only way to remove it would be with the counter spell.

"If they have an arcane library, I would like to stop by there as well. I have an idea to make this disguise even more convincing but I am not sure how to execute it."

"I like your thinking... let's see... library or food, library or food... let's go get something to eat, first. You can't do much of anything on an empty stomach. I think there should be one near here..."

Sure enough, the smell of something cooking was bold in the air, as they walked. It was an open place, but at the same time, the smell of the roasting meat was pulling him like anything.

"That could suit me... but at the same time, I don't know what you like to eat... do you have any preferences? We might want to avoid the local water as far as drinking, too... hopefully they'll have something that won't leave us both numb to the world."

He would keep looking over at the door the smell was coming out of, and it was obvious he wanted to head over that way- but at the same time, well, he didn't want to push her until he was sure there was something she'd eat. He just hoped she knew her limits when it came to partaking- one of the most obvious things that would draw attention is someone half-pickled while the sun is still out...

Thea agreed. Getting something in their stomachs was the more important of the two. Without proper nourishment she would not be able to concentrate on even writing down the information for the spell let alone practice it (though she would not be able to practice it until she got a little more sleep anyway). The scent of the meat made her stomach grumble a she placed a hand to her stomach, a tint of embarrassment showing red on her pale cheeks.

"The city is very clean. I am sure their water source is sparkling." she told him. It would not surprise her if they had a mage or two responsible for the drinking water there. That was how her mother did things. Magic could do many of an amazing things; it was just finding the right adept for the job.

Instead of waiting for his reply she followed the scent of the curing meats. Usually she was not attracted to flesh. She much preferred greens and fruits but she was just so hungry. Anything was going to taste wonderful in that moment. Even greasy, slimy stew made with an ambiguous portion of meat.

He would lead her in through the front, pausing to give the room a quick scan. It looked safe enough, at first glance.

"I know this won't be what you're used to... but it'll be filling, and that's what counts. As far as the water, well... I don't trust it except for washing or bathing. I wouldn't go near it, and no, I'm not telling you this to get you drunk or anything. It's just a little bit of a numb feeling is worth not risking several hours of internal discomfort, if you get my meaning. I've been there."

The smells were stronger inside- it wasn't going to be anything grand, but from the scents swirling, it seemed to not be mush they were serving, either. So far, it looked pretty clean- and there wasn't anyone to worry about that he could see.

"Let's sit down and see how busy it is."

It may have not been the normal fare that Thea allowed herself to eat but it did serve the function she wanted and that was to be full. After thirty minutes of eating and making casual if stiff conversation with her partner, she was feeling more energized.

The trip to the library wasn't as agonizing as she assumed it would first be and she was actually excited to take some notes on the subject. After bugging a rather uppity librarian, she managed to write down a few pages on appearance changing magic before becoming exhausted again.

Finally they made it back to their room and she practically collapsed on the bed, tugging off the wig with a yank. The damned thing was so itchy!

"Well, we managed to make it back without further incident... but if I catch you staring at any more strangers, I might just have to take you over my knee nest time..." he says, half in jest.

He'd secreted a good portion of the gotten gold into his emergency fund, and was weighing the small pouch in his hand. He could always claim to have lost it, he thought- they could really use the money, and there was no sense in letting one person carry it around- especially when that person could just as easily turn their back upon them.

"You know, you haven't snapped at me lately, so I guess that must mean I'm doing something right. Or maybe I ought to do something to irritate you just so you don't get out of practice, yes?" His lips quirked into a smile as he walked towards her, looking over his shoulder at the door.

"...or at least, I'd like to do it without you snapping or sending lightning coursing through my nethers- or even if you didn't really mean it."

When he spoke to her, Thea turned around on the bed to look at him. An amused smirk crossed her lips. That was true. He hadn't said anything that made her angry in the last pass few hours. Aside from that frightening, yet exciting, alteration the two had in the alleyway their sailing had been relatively smooth. With some of the tension gone from being pursued and some extra money in their bags, she seemed a lot more relaxed and good humored. While spoiled and headstrong, the half elven girl was not without her charming qualities.

"Would you really want to interrupt this peacefulness we have now?" she asked. "I am sure you'll give me plenty of reasons to be mad at you later on our travels and I'd rather enjoy this moment of quietness we're-"

Moaning could be heard from down the hall and a 'thud, thud, thud' sounded through their rooms. Her cheeks turned a bright red at the sound. There were people coupling. Very, very loudly.

"Did Mercutio actually get someone to..."

"What's life if not exciting? Besides, you have to keep that fire kindled inside you or it'll all go to waste. Besides, it's not like we'll be getting any sleep for a while, and I bet he knows that."

Kieran would smile as he looked at the door, and then answered her last question.

"It sounds like it. Walls can muffle voices, but at the same time, no mistaking that thumping sound..."

He would shake his head, but at the same time, give her a bit of a grin.

"Some would say that the best answer for something like that would be to try and outdo him- but looking at you, well... I'd love the idea, but there's no way you'd ever be up for such a thing. Look at you, you're blushing like a princess who just heard the first one about the milkmaid and the fruit peddler."

He would chuckle at the thought, but at the same time, well... there was something else there. Was he testing his boundaries, or just making a joke?

She made a face at the suggestion. Sex was something that she rarely mused on and was taught to fear if not in the marital confines. Being in the position that she was in was more than a little complicated. Her status made her practically royalty on their continent and that meant responsibility for her gender that men would never know.

"I could never do that," she told him softly. "Not because I don't like you. Of all people I know, if I could chose to give myself to you, I think in time I would. I am just in such a delicate position."

Thea paused to look up at the ceiling and heave a sigh. "Once my mother is back in power, that means that I, too, will be in a seat of power. It is my duty to my land and my people to find a suitable nobleman and be completely pure for him. Its archaic but it is to preserve the bloodline."

"...you know what? Sometimes you just have to go tell the old ways that it's time to change. You're going to deny your heart simply because 'oh, traditions require I end up in a miserable marriage to become some nobleman's little toy wife'. When are you ever going to say that you want something for yourself, and damn the consequences, Thea? Or are you going to dance to someone else's tune for the rest of your life?"

Kieran would walk over and place his hands on her shoulders, softly holding her.

"Forget the rules and regulations, and follow your heart instead of your mind. What does it tell you to do- wait for some fat nobleman who's going to get a pretty little bedroom toy, or to take hold of your own life and do what you want to do?"

"I don't think I would be a toy," she explained through a heavy blush. "I'd just be a breeder to perpetuate the line. I'll likely be stuck in a miserable marriage but not as a toy. As soon as I produce an heir for him, I'll be pushed to the side."

She sucked in a deep breath when his hands rested on her shoulders. It wasn't a dreadfully intimate gesture but one that had her feeling a little uncomfortable with his closeness. Kieran had shown an interest in her before; thought she was beautiful and she agreed with him. Her mouth was dry.

"Maybe I will." She finally relented. "But not right now. I can't right now. You have to understand where I am coming from. I am tired, confused, hurt, and am feeling many other emotions that are making my head spin."

"I would hope you are simply not just hiding behind excuses..." he would say, looking into her eyes. He was being pretty insistent, it seemed.

"Where's that fire? That spirit deep inside you? Stop holding it back, and let it go. You're speaking like a toy wife right now- 'oh, I can't, for this and that reason.' If you really feel that way, then show me you feel that way- don't just keep saying what you think you're supposed to say. Out here, the only person you're accountable to is yourself- and if you're happy with your choices, then be happy, blast it!"

Unable to stop himself, he would look at her face... and then pull her in for a kiss, his lips meeting hers for a few seconds. The first thing that went through his mind was that she tasted like sweet fruit. The second thing was disbelief that he'd actually gone this far and finally done it. It was too late to take it back, but he hoped that if she did fry him, it'd be quick.

She could be happy without submitting to desires or even gratitude that was attempting to show itself in different means. Confusion swam around in her mind as he pressed her. Yes, in time she could see herself wanting to give herself over to him. In time. Right now they were barely a day into their adventure and of knowing each other. While he was eager to consummate their relationship, Thea was still apprehensive about many things.

The kiss caught her off guard and she attempted to push him off of her. This was not what she wanted yet. Her heart was still torn and, instead of helping her decide, this was just making everything worse for her.

"Listen," she said softly as he pulled away. Her cheeks were flushed and her heart was beating quickly. "You're going way too fast. We've only known each other for a day."

"I... I know... I just..." He would sigh and look at her, letting her push away- but lightly keeping hold of her hand.

"I just don't know. We could be dead or worse tomorrow- if I ended up bleeding out on the side of the road, would you rather dwell on a happy memory that we at least shared a night, or would you rather spend weeks like I did before- asking yourself what you could have done differently, what you could have done to stop it, and the questions and things that would never happen because you didn't have the skills to make it end differently. I would regret not at least pressing the issue at least once, I suppose- it may end up with me looking like a burnt log, but at least I can say to myself that I took the chance, and if it happens or not, well... at least I did what *I* wanted to, and not really cared what anyone else thought, because it was what I wanted."

He would interlock his fingers with hers, and give her a look.

"Damn it, Thea, when are you going to realize that your life is in your hands and you can do what you want with yourself? Nobody knows who you are, except for me, and that ray of sunshine a few doors down. This isn't a time for tradition- this is a time for the doing of things that you might not get a chance to on your terms if something happens! Would you like your first time now, or under some barbarian or gang of prison guards, restrained by chains so you can't do much more than scream or struggle?"

He would gradually try to pull her to him, catching her other hand in his.

"...I know it's sudden, but I can at least offer you comfort. It will be a hard journey ahead, and I chances like this might not happen for some time. Better to take the chance now, rather than finally feel up to it around the campfire and have to put up with taunts as to how we seem like a pair of starcrossed adolescents."

That much was true. They could die tomorrow. What then? Would she be dead without knowing how physical intimacy between two people felt? Even if they did not perish during their ongoing quest, all of their travelling might have been fruitless. There was no way to guarantee that Thea was going to be returned to her proper place. What if there was nothing that could help them dispel the magic that Lord Firk had placed upon her people? Preserving something for preservation's sake came off as rather excessive.

She gasped as he pulled her closer, the heat from his body pressing against her. In her throat her heart beat rapidly. His strength was something she found attractive; more so when he had pinned her to the wall in the alleyway. Perhaps, deep down, she liked someone else pushing her around. A dominant personality like hers was overbearing... there needed to be a more submissive release. Her cheeks reddened when he asked how she would have preferred to be taken.

"I would rather it happen this way," she confessed in a soft whisper. "I am just frightened. I've never so much as kissed a man before you stole that first kiss."

Her mouth was dry and she licked her lips carefully.

"Then just let me take the lead... and relax."

He would gently press his lips to hers again, but this time, his hands would leave hers, traveling over her body, seeking out every curve she had. He would seek to learn every square inch of her he could reach, caressing her sides, her back, fingers traveling up and down her spine, up to her ears, and even pulling off and tossing aside her wig, so he could run his fingers through her soft hair. he would pull away from the kiss for a bit, looking into her eyes.

"By the time we're done here, I'm going to know every inch of your body... and you'll be lucky if you can muster the energy to walk." This was said with a grin, as his fingers came out of her hair, trailed down her shoulders, passing over the muscles there once, twice, three times- before they trailed down her front. His hands trailing over the top of her chest, fingers drawing warm trails over the exposed flesh before caressing the material, fingers slowly pulling on the knot in the bodice.

"So... against the wall, or flat on your back on the bed... or maybe the floor? Any of those sound good to you so far?" he would ask while he teased the knot loose, taking his time with it just to see how she'd react...

A searing heat spread through her body and chilly sweat broke out over her skin. Her heart raced. This was all happening so quickly. Her head spun as his hands caressed her sides. She tried to make eye contact with him but she could not bare the intensity of his eyes. They were devouring her hungrily. He yanked the wig off and her short curls tumbled out into his hands. His kiss was white hot as well and she simply trembled beneath him.

His promise of not being able to walk set the place between her legs to pulsing. The young woman bit down on her bottom lip and sucked in a deep breath through her nose. For a moment she wanted to bat his hands away from her chest but she had said she would rather it happen this way.

"Well... it's my first time, I don't want to go too wild with it." she shook more as she spoke. The knot came loose and the bodice fell away, leaving her in the thin chemise. "But, you know, you're the one with the experience."

"I won't go too wild with you... I said I'd leave you barely able to walk. I think it would be better if I left you with some breath, period. Maybe if we get an earlier start, perhaps..."

His hands traveled over the front of her body as he spoke to her, his fingertips tracing every single curve there. He was obviously enjoying himself as he traced every small curve of her, before moving on to better things.

He pushes her back, pinning her against the stone wall of the room, and leans in for a deep kiss, pressing his body against hers, letting her feel the rough leather rubbing against her thin chemise. One hand would keep her held against the wall, pressing against her stomach, while the other worked at her skirts, pulling them down, then caressing the curves that emerge from under all that fabric.

Everything was blurred around her. Heat spread through her limbs, making a fine sheen of sweat break out across her skin. His fingers undid her bodice, letting it fall away to reveal her breasts. They were round and pert; topped with rosy little nipples that could be seen quite well through the thin material. Eager hands traveled her body and she sucked in a deep breath to steady herself. One day out of her home and this is how she behaves?

Well, it was better than the alternative he proposed and with his continuing attention her body was growing increasingly curious. She was pulled from the bed as well in order for his hands to better travel her body.

Roughly he pinned her against the wall, making sure she stayed put with one forceful hand. A powerful kiss was pressed against her and she stood a second in complete awe of what was happening before responding back. Her eyes fluttered shut. Her lips moved against his in need.

The curves that were revealed were lovely. Although she was petite, she was by no means completely flat. Her bottom flared out from a small waist and her legs were slender. Her cheeks burned a bright red as he exposed more of her. Like any elf or half elf, she was hairless from the neck down and that included in between her legs.

With her lower curves revealed, Kieran was free to finish undressing her. He pulled her away from the wall long enough to pull the chemise over her head, and then put her back against the wall again, his hands traveling over her body like he was inspecting a prize, his hands squeezing, touching and probing every part of her they could reach. He would take a step back, still holding her to the wall, and gaze at her body.

His eyes would travel over the swell of her breasts, fingers toying with one nipple, watching as it swelled and became hard as he worked it... down the smooth plane of her stomach, over to her hips, and then over the curve of her legs as he gazed at her sex, fingers lightly playing over the skin above it, drawing a pattern on the skin as he watched the effect he was having on her. Keeping an eye on her face, he would extend one finger and probe the folds, pushing its way through the warm skin, seeking her wetness...

"I almost did this back in the alley... if there weren't as many people around, I'd be doing the same thing out there that I'm doing here... letting the breeze play over your bare skin, pushing your nude body up against the wall of the business in the alley, letting you feel its texture up against you as I braced you against it, and showed you what I could do to you..."

Thea watched him carefully as he examined her body. It was almost as if he had won her; as if she was some prize for an unknown effort. A chill went through her body at the thought. He had wanted to dominate her and she realized this as he toyed with her nipple, making it harden into painful peaks. The thought was terrifying and tantalizing at the same time.

A sharp gasp rolled off of her tongue when his finger began to tease the outside of her sex. Against the wall she squirmed, a fine line of her arousal trickled down her thigh. She clamped her legs around the probing hand but that did little good. A finger entered her quite easily.

"I wanted you to," she admitted. "The way you spoke of those men passing me around. It excited me more than what it should have."

"You did, mmmm..."

He would respond by beginning to move his finger, pushing it slowly deeper into her, until she cried out or he met resistance.

He'd been pushing his luck for the whole day- Kieran figured that a good bit of turnabout was fair play. The finger would flick around inside her, working its way around her walls- the ones he could reach, anyways.

"I can see what your political meetings with them will degenerate into... you sign whatever they put in front of you, as long as they get to throw you on the table and take turns... waiting in line to use you, or just using every hole of yours at once?"

He would keep at it with his finger, trying to make her knees shake.

"Of course, that would only be after I'm done putting you through my paces, Thea... you and your firm little body."

The hand holding her to the wall started to explore on its own, trailing over her breasts, and then capturing one in its grasp. He would squeeze it, massaging it in his hand before capturing the rosy little nipple in his fingers, lightly squeezing and gently pulling on it. His eyes would continue to look at her face, enjoying her expressions and moans.