Just For a Stupid Sword! Part 1

by Serenanna

Part 1 | Part 2

Part 1

We walked out of the portal and back into the temple's main hall. I was still shaken from our experience last night. Finding out the one you love is also the one you hate the most could shake anyone and their relationships. But by the time we were walking in, I was done dealing with it. Justina sighed as she gazed at Blade, looking happy to be away from the dark Maximillian castle. I smiled too as I snuggled against Kelladain's chest. I looked up to his face, expecting to see him smiling as well. Instead, he was looking away, as if he was thinking of something depressing. The expression of pain was clear on him face. He was troubled. I poked him lightly. He blinked then shook his head, before smiling briefly at me, and continued to look away. "Are you ok?" I asked as I looked up to him again.

He blinked once more, and rapidly nodded before saying, "Yeah, I'm just thinking."

Kelladain looked away again, frowning as winced once or twice at the thought of something. "Are you sure?" I asked, more than a little concerned. He ignored me. What was this about? Well, whatever it was, he didn't seem to want to talk about it as his eyes flickered in thought. I began to ponder this until my thoughts were broken by the sound of arguing from the other side of the hall. "Listen! You can't do that! We won't have enough people to win!" bellowed the voice of Draconhurst from behind us.

We spun around quickly to see the Arch Lich and Draconhurst in a heated argument. They didn't even look up as we watched. Veronica sat between them, looking bored as she gazed at the map on the table between the two debaters. "Excuse us! But what is going on?!" yelled Blade from where we stood.

Draconhurst and the Arch Lich suddenly stopped, and stared at us as if we were ghosts. "Ah, good to see you made it back in one piece," said the Arch Lich, motioning us to join them at the table.

We walked over and took seats, each one of us eyeing the other. "The Cloak?" the Arch Lich asked.

"Destroyed," I said curtly. I wasn't in a good mood. From the events of last night, to Kelladain's trouble that he seemed to not want to talk about, I was beginning to worry about my fiancee. I wanted to talk to him about it, but we had to get through the proceedings first. I looked over to Kelladain as he stared at the table. He seemed totally oblivious to what was going on. I had never seen him like this before, yet then again, he never acted deeply worried before in my presence. He was purposefully looking away from me, and the more he looked away, the more concerned I got.

The Arch Lich noticed too as he tilted his head, then looked to Justina who said, "The Knight of Maximillian Castle was absorbing the Cloak's power, he said it would be done in the morning, but that night, the Cloak possessed one of the group members, we managed to destroy the Cloak and save the group member by tricking it into drinking wine from a holy chalice."

The Arch Lich, dispite the troubling part of the Cloak controling one of us, seemed satisfied by her response. "Good, then you won't mind helping me yet again," he said grinning.

The group collectively gave an audiable sigh, exasperated by yet another task. I wondered what we were going to go after now. There couldn't be much more. The Wyrm was still on a rampage along with all the dragons of Drexlar, and we still had to find the egg to end this whole mess.

"What about the egg?" I asked.

"It'll have to wait, Lady, this matter is of the most urgency," said the Arch Lich before he continued, "The situation has changed in the last days, the Dragon army that has surrounded Drexlar Castle has left."

We cheered, finally something good has happened. Blade and Thorn were ecstatic, elbowing each other while Justina looked at the both of them in semi annoyance. "I wasn't finished!" the Arch Lich bellowed, the purple flames around him leaping up.

We instantly quieted down. "Even though the dragons have left, they are far from gone, It appears the Dragons are getting aid from the Orcs of the North Mountains. An army of them is moving down and is marching on the providence of Carebiggensworth as we speak, the King, sensing the danger with the Dragons was over, has sent the Drexlarian army to take care of them, I've just learned in my day's scryeing that the Orc army is a ploy to distract the Drexlar army, The dragons were circling away from the castle, but as of today have started to head back, They'd be ready to attack it again in two weeks, We have to find a way to turn the Drexlar army around and move back to defend Drexlar Castle against the Orcs and the Dragons," the Arch Lich said as his voice was filled with gloom.

"But there isn't enough men left in the army to defend it from both of those armies, it would be a massacre either way, and we'd lose the castle!" yelled Blade. He looked very afraid. His home was about to be attacked, and he could do nothing now to defend it.

"It would work if we had another army," said Kelladain coolly, breaking out of his thoughts.

"And where do you suppose we get that? Not a single city in the whole kingdom of Drexlar has gone untouched by these blasted dragons! There's no more men to fight with," Blade said with gloom.

"You neglect to look at cities not under your control, Cele is a major Vel city in the country, even if you don't rule over it, prince, it also has not had a single dragon attack due to it's location, we could rally the Veles there and join the war," said Kelladain with confidence. I wondered what he was up to. Rallying the Veles of Cele would not be easy. They were self-centered, pampered, and had a superiority complex that rivaled that of the Veles of the Homeworlds. Joining a human war would probably be thought of as degrading. I'm glad I wasn't raised like that, and neither was Tempest and Kelladain. But if that was his idea, I wondered how he would be able to pull it off.

"It's an idea, better than any of the one's I've heard from Draconhurst," said the Arch Lich as he looked sourly to Draconhurst, who grunted, "But we'd need more people than that to make this work."

"The Doravan mining towns of the north haven't been touched, but it'd take some negotiations with Brigander to get their aid, but we could do it," said Bradock. Brigander was a large corporation that specialized in providing heavy weapons and artillery. They were known for their tanks and cannons, even in the Vel Empire. The towns Bradock spoke of were the company towns, which were all Doravan inhabitants. The idea was scary, Vel laser cannons, and Brigander heavy artillery. This would be a real battle for those menacing dragons. I almost grinned at the thought. But getting both races to co-operate would be another problem since a war between the two had ended only 100 years earlier. "We only have two weeks to do this, so I'll go with Blade and Thorn to turn the Drexlar Army," said Justina as she stood.

"I'll go with Jenna and Tempest to Cele," said Kelladain as he clasped my hand. I smiled back weakly, but I still wondered how he'd pull this off, and why he was acting so strange.

"I'll take the rest to Brigander," said Bradock as he reached for some beer. Veronica looked to Draconhurst and said, "Dear, I think we ought to go with Justina to the army."

Draconhurst coughed, loudly, as he turned a red color. I think it was because she just called him dear. I tried to suppress my giggle but it didn't work. It was weird seeing the two of them act like this since Draconhurst had swore before he would never like her. Now they were almost acting like a couple, well, at least Veronica was acting that way. Draconhurst glowered at her then nodded. At that point, the Arch Lich stood, and said, "This is going to be difficult, so in that case, I'll make a gift to each of you, plus since you will be leaving tomorrow, dinner will be made a little extra special tonight."

With that, he stood and walked to the door. He then motioned for us to follow. We all stood and followed him to the room that I remember finding the Arch Lich in two nights ago. He walked to the vault, and opened it before he said, "Each of you may take one piece, no more, no less, everything you see here was given to me by people loyal to the country of Drexlar, old heroes and king, warriors and women, by the end of this adventure, I want whatever you took back, that is the only condition."

Everyone got to take something, but Veronica, Kelladain, and Draconhurst all declined the offer, and left to return to their rooms. I decided to trade in my heavy armor for something that would allow me to move faster, but still gave good protection. I told this to the Arch Lich, who then pulled out a suit of chain mail, cut exactly to fit a woman. I examined it, noting it was Vel work, expensive, and old. It looked like a piece commissioned long ago for some Vel Lordess. "Who's was this?" I asked the Arch Lich.

"Remember the Vel Queen I told you about, this was her suit of armor, she was very special, she gave that suit, the gown, and other things to this temple at the time of her death ... the loss of her was great," the Lich said looking solemnly to the floor. I nodded to him, feeling sorry I asked. But still, I wondered what kind of woman she was to be remember as a Queen, and to get this emotion from the old mage.

I quietly thanked him, and walked out as the others got their things. I looked down as I walked, pondering what had come over Kelladain. He was acting the same towards me this morning, only now he seemed troubled. I didn't know what happened between leaving Maximillian Castle and arriving here, but he seemed different because of it. Like he was thinking of something that depressed him. Knowing him, it was probably me that caused it. If he didn't want to talk to me about it, I didn't blame him. But I still wished I could talk to him, for what ever his problem was, it was beginning to bother me more than him.

As I neared my door, I looked up to see a figure in black leaning near it, his hand on the frame. The familiar fall of black hair was a give away. He looked like he was waiting for none other than me. It looked like my wish was granted. I smiled at him as I approached, trying not to blush. But my smile soon faded as I saw he was not smiling at all. I stopped right in front of my door, staring at him curiously. "Hello, my lord," I said politely as I turned away and reached for the handle on the door.

I felt him move behind me, and then his arms circled around my waist. I blushed, my hand shaking on the handle. He didn't move, holding me still as his head rested on my shoulder. I couldn't see his face, but the way he held me was almost apologetic. I was even sure I heard him whisper an "I'm sorry" into my ear. I leaned my head against his, trying to give him some form of comfort. If it wasn't for the fact that we were in the hall, I could have spent more time standing there with him, but I looked down the hall to see Justina and Blade walking closer. I turned around in his arms, and asked, "What do you want, Kelladain, cause we're about to have company?"

"May I talk to you?" he said bluntly as he frowned, pulling me towards his door. Well, this was exactly what I wanted, so I nodded, clasping his arm. He quickly opened the door, escorted me in, closed it, and cast a silence spell on the room. I looked at him. He looked the same as always, the black stands of his hair in place, his skin the pure and clean golden color I remembered. He had changed his cloths though. He was wearing his Lord's Plate last time I saw him, but now he was dressed in all black. A black linen shirt hung loosely from his frame topped with a suede leather vest. My eyes traveled down, looking at his leather boots, then up his leather pants. I blushed. His pants held nothing to imagination, hugging every muscle as well as his Underskin would.

I quickly averted my eyes. What was I thinking?! I wanted to talk to him, not drool all over the marble floor. I sighed, clearing my head. "What's on your mind?" I asked, hoping he didn't say me.

"You probably think I'm crazy don't you?" He said with a smirk.

"For what?"

"Trying to rally the Veles of Cele," Kelladain said bluntly as he leaned his back against the wall. I had wondered at it. It seemed like an impossible thing to do, knowing how stubborn they would be. "Well, slightly crazy, but how do you plan to pull it off?" I asked.

"I think I had better explain to you what happened after I killed your Lord," he said as he walked closer and sat on the bed. I sat next to him, turned to face him. I began to feel out of place. He looked so handsome as he sat there, and here I was still in my armor and another suit of it resting in my hands. Kelladain frowned slightly as he spoke, "I followed you after the attack, wondering where you'd head, what you would do, I wanted to make sure nothing would happen to you, but when you reached the Lyl church, I was called away for reassignment, I was to become Lord Kelladain, and secretly go and find a long lost artifact of the Empire, I thought I'd never see you again, Jenna, imagine my surprise to see you in the City of Goldrimar as a dragon hunter."

I blushed. It was weird. I had felt I was followed from the time after the attack to when I reached the Church, but I never felt that way again. But this was beside the point. Following me didn't have anything to do with rallying the Veles of Cele, did it? And what was this about an artifact? I closed my eyes as he continued, "I digress though, my mission after following you was to find the sword Kelsair."

My eyes shot open. Did he say Kelsair? Kelsair was the symbol of power in the Vel Empire. It was wielded by Malachi, the man who lead the Veles from the slavery of the Dragons, and formed the Vel Empire. Malachi held the sword as he continued to rule to the present day as Emporer of the Vel Empire. Every Vel child had heard of it, every Warrior and Lord wanted it. But somewhere in time, Kelsair was lost to antiquity. Any knowledge of the blade was forever gone from Vel records or eyes. How could it be on this backwater human planet called Earth? I stared blankly at him, not truely believeing him. It couldn't be real. It couldn't be here. He was either crazy or lying.

"Yes, Jenna, I may be crazy, but I'm not lying, it is on this planet, even in this country, I was sent to get the location of it or to bring it back, just think of how the people of Cele would act if they knew that blade was going to led them into this war? If we had Kelsair, all of Cele would have to listen to us and rally around that," Kelladain said as his voice teemed with excitement, sounding more like an over-eager child than the proud man before me. Being my normal paranoid self though, I wasn't so easily convinced, "We don't even know where it is?! How can we look for it in two weeks, and still be able to gather and lead an army?!"

"I know someone who saw it last, we'll leave tomorrow to go talk to him," Kelladain said, nodding confidently. I sighed, crossing my arms. This whole plan seemed like a crack pot idea, especially coming from him. But what if it was here? An artifact that legendary would grab the attention of every Vel in Drexlar if it were found. I prayed it would work. For the sake of this country, it had better. My mind floated back to the original reason I came in here. His actions this morning upon our arrival back, and just then in the hall still had me guessing at his problems. He was looking at the floor again, lost in thought. I stared at him, trying to figure out how to breech the subject.

**********

Kelladain

As we fell silent, I was reminded of the feeling I had since this morning. It weighted heavily on my chest, bringing pain with each thought. Could I discuss this with her? The way I felt, I didn't want to even look at her right now, so how could I talk to her? Why I didn't dismiss her till I sorted this out, I didn't know. I had to do this on my own, I knew that, yet it felt safer having her sitting there. Yet she was part of my problem. It wasn't exactly her that caused my dilemma, it was what I had done to her, and what was yet to come. She said she had forgiven me last night for everything I did to her. And I believed her. Yet I couldn't forgive myself.

I saw last night the pain in her eyes as she found out the truth. I realized then how much my lie had hurt her, and it made me feel like the most horrible man in world to do that to her. After two nights ago, she meant everything to me, and then I had to inflict on her the worst pain imaginable. Yet, she forgave me, and still loved me. And as much as I loved her, I couldn't forgive myself.

Yet there she was sitting beside me, looking at me with her eyes, so full of worry. She was the most beautiful person I ever met, inside and out. She was so pure compared to me, and even though she was strong willed, her emotions were fragile. She was everything I always wanted, yet I almost broke her already. I didn't feel worthy of her and her love. There were still things about me she had yet to learn, and things she never would know. And one secret was left that could destroy not only her trust in me but my relationship with her. I prayed I would never have to tell her. She deserved someone who she could trust, not someone who made a career of lying and killing. She was worthy to be the wife of a Lord, but I wasn't him, even though I pretended to be.

Yet she was still here. Why she was I'll never know. For everything I had done to her, she was still here, and she still cared. Why did she put up with all this? And would she continue to endure it till this was all over? She says she loves me but why?! I did nothing to deserve her love, but she gave it?! She loved me so freely that I admit I was jealous of how she could and I could not. I shook my head, trying to conceal tears that threatened to spill over. I couldn't show her my weakness. Shadow's aren't suppose to have them. But then again, she was my weakness. I knew that loving her was an endangerment not only to my path, but to my life and to hers as well. Not to mention the secret I harbored. I was risking everything if I was still with her ...

I looked to her again as she looked back, deeply worried, "What's wrong, Kelladain? You've been acting weird since we came back, like you were distracted by something, worried, and it's scarring me."

I closed my eyes, trying to find how to answer her. Should I? No, I couldn't tell her, not now, "I'm worried, Jenna, I'm unsure of why you are still here? Why you are still with me?"

"The answer should be easy enough, I love you," Jenna said, sounding surprised by the question. Well, it was an easy enough answer but was it enough?

"Why do you still love me?" I asked as my voice cracked. I held back the feelings within me, staring blankly at the floor. She blinked, taken aback. "That's the only thing I can't understand about all this, you say you love me, but why?! I've done nothing to deserve it! I nearly killed you, ruined your reputation, lied to you, made you cry, and then almost broke your heart! And I'm sure that if ..." I trailed off.

"I love you because you are still who you are, you may be a Shadow, the man in black, but I still see the good in you, I still see the man I fell in love with when I look into your eyes, I wouldn't care if you were Veneti himself, if you still love me like you do," she declared as her lips formed something between a pout and a smirk

"Like that's ever going to change," I said under my breath. But as much as she admitted it, I still couldn't believe what she was saying. I didn't feel like a good person for everything I had done to her. I shook my head. She sighed, gazing at me tenderly. I frowned, staring away. "You may forgive me, but I can't forgive myself, I love you, yet I keep hurting you in the end, I'm terribly sorry for it, but there's nothing I can do to repent for my crimes, maybe I should ..." I said with gloom. I didn't want to do it, but ...

Her eyes widened. She knew what I was thinking. "Don't even think it!" she spat at me, "I am not going through that again!"
Jenna glared at me, and then with a huff, looked away while crossing her arm. "I don't know why you're being so persistent, the lady you love still loves you, be happy!" she said flailing her arms.

I turned away from her as we both sat in silence again. I contemplated what she said. She could have been right, but I was always sure of my feelings, well except now. I should be happy, I wanted it, yet I couldn't bring myself to feel that way. The weights of the past and the future were heavy to bear. I nearly growled in frustration. The more I thought about it, the more I hated myself as my mood grew darker. The pain in her eyes still flashed through my mind. Why did I have to hurt her in the first place?!

That answer was easy enough. I had no choice. I had to lie to her then as I had to now. I was on mission as Lord Kelladain, and that was who I was when we met. She didn't even know me then, let alone fall in love with me. If she learned then that I was a Shadow, her man in black, I could bet I would have met the business end of her Ion Blade. I cringed, remembering her retelling the death of her Lord, and the inflection on what she would do to his murderer. Yet there was still a chance that she would put it through me if I ...

I didn't want to think about it. She never had to know, and hopefully she never would. I was about to turn to her again, when I felt her presence over my shoulder, and heard the soft clinking of chainmail onto the sheets. I furrowed my brow. She was up to something. I quickly turned my head, hoping to catch her. Yet she wasn't there. I then felt a delicate touch on my neck where it was exposed as I turned my head. I nearly jumped as my mind screamed at me to stop her. I turned to her, actually to where her hand was, my mouth hanging open in shock. Before I could sound a protest, I felt her lips brush against mine, then covered my mouth completely.

"What do you think you're doing?!" I asked in distress after we parted.

"Making you feel better," she said bluntly as she kissed me again, silencing anymore words. I cursed myself as she insistently pressed against my side, her armor digging into me. I gripped her shoulders, trying to get a, um, handle on the situation. But it was to no avail. She wound her arms around my neck, pinning me. I couldn't help but respond back to her as her tongue darted into my mouth, her fingers weaving into my hair. I kissed her back with the same passion, wanting to sear myself with the heat of her kiss. I almost felt I was going mad as her hands then ran over my chest, her nails raking the skin through my shirt. I couldn't help myself as I pulled her closer, trying to fit my hands into the splits on the sides of her plate armor. She pulled my vest from me, and threw it across the room.

At this point I was mad, literally burning with need for her, as if she was a cure for all my pain. But as I felt her delicate hands tug my shirt from my pants, I suddenly knew I couldn't do this. The image of her pain flared in my mind again. I was the source of all her troubles, even the ones yet to come. I didn't deserve to touch her like this, as much as I wanted to, as much as she wanted me to. As long as I was with her, I brought her pain.

I abruptly let go of her, pulling her hands from me. Jenna looked at me, a mixture of shock and bewilderment playing across her face, but it quickly melted into mild annoyance. I looked away from her, and said coolly, "Jenna ... you better go."

"But I ..." she said as her brow knitted. Her hands quickly tried to break my control as she moved closer. But I grabbed her wrists, and pushed her back to arms length. I glared at her, silently pleading for her to leave. She shifted back as if she was hit, closing her hazel eyes. Then she nodded. "I understand," she said, not covering the hurt tone of her voice.

She quickly grabbed her new suit of armor, and bounded off the bed. Jenna quickly glided across the room, never turning around to stare back. With a soft squeak from the hinges, she left, closing the door as softly as she had opened it.

**********

Jenna

I leaned my back against the door, going over what just happened. I could tell he was in pain, and for some reason he was trying to push me away. As I came to that realization, I nearly cried. How could he do this? He said he loved me?! I knew he still did, I saw it in his eyes as he kissed me. But why was he torturing himself like this? It not only hurt him, but me as well. And he seemed very well pleased to let it continue, unless ... I growled in frustration, as I felt my body betray me, a heavy reminder of the past couple of minutes. I shifted uncomfortable, remembering his demanding kisses before he stopped. My cheeks were still flushed thinking about it. I growled again. I wasn't getting anywhere by this. I opened the door to my room, and walked in to the sight of Justina sitting on her bed, engrossed in her Genvan bible. Not paying any attention to her, I threw my new armor onto my bed, and quickly strode to the bath room. The High Priestess of Genva quickly looked up from her book, and asked, "Is something wrong?"

"Talk to me again in ten minutes," I said before slamming the door. I was panting by now, waves of heat still rolling over me. I quickly turned the bath water onto cold, filling the tub. I stripped off my armor, letting it clatter to the floor. Then I peeled out of my Underskin, nearly tearing the suffocating thing off. All the while, my mind flashed pictures of him in very suggestive situations, which was not helping me at all. I growled again, and finally dipped in. I nearly screamed from the cold, but settled on a whine instead. Any desire in my body quickly fled. I grumbled to myself. He was going to pay for this, I swore to myself.

I sat in the tub, pondering exactly what to do. I wanted to curt-tail his depression as fast as possible, for I could tell the more it ate at him, the more I'd lose him. That was the last thing I wanted. I would never recover if I lost him again. But what was I going to do to solve this? Apparently I couldn't use my charms on him, and talking didn't get us anywhere. I sighed in hopelessness. Now he was getting me depressed.

Maybe I should just let him sort it out? That wouldn't work. He'd work himself into a more depressing dilemma, and try something desperate. He nearly had that same thought today. My mind suddenly filled with all the terrible results of this situation. He could leave me, or worse. I nearly cried again, holding back my tears. I looked to the ring on my finger for reassurance. After all the events of last night, it was still there. And earlier today, I saw that his was still with him as well. I prayed to Nanai that it would still be there the next time I saw him. I also vowed that no matter what, as much as he pushed, I wouldn't leave him.

Just as I was about to climb out of the tub, I heard a knock on the door. "Justina?" I asked.

"Yeah, you're ten minutes are up, can I come in?" the voice of the Genvan asked.

I quickly ducked back under the water, staying close to the side of the bath, "Come in."

Justina walked in with a whirl of her robes. She stopped and stared at me sympathetically, like a mother that just caught one of her children with their hands in a jar. The high priestess of goodliness sighed, and asked, "Now, something is wrong with you, and your significant other, What is it?"

"How do you know?"

"I saw you go over there remember, and you looked like you would almost burst into tears when you came back, I hope you feel better now, but what's going on?" She asked, painfully blunt.

"Kelladain has been acting depressed since this morning, he says he can't forgive himself for hurting me, he seems determined to distance himself from me, and I'm scarred because of it, nothing I do seems to get through to him, and I'm not sure but there's something else he isn't telling."

"Does this have anything to do with last night at Maximillian?"

"I don't know, I'm not a damned Mentalist!"

"Ow! Calm down, girl! And don't curse! . . Now, what have you tried?"

"Talking to him doesn't work, and I tried to make him feel better ..." I said trailing off as I blushed bright red in embarassment, despite the cold water. Justina glared at me accusingly, making my blush deepened as I smirked back at her, "He's a little hard to resist!"

The priestess sighed, rolling her eyes at me before she suggested, "Why don't you try leaving the poor man alone?"

"I can't! I'm afraid that if I do, I'll lose him!" I yelled, deeply worried as my voice cracked. Justina's gaze softened, seeming to sympathizing with me.

"Then you better think of something and fast, but what I say is leave him alone for now, and try talking to him again at dinner, if it doesn't work, um, try some desperate measures," Justina said hastily as her cheeks flushed. I frowned as the high preistess left, thinking over what she just said. He was trying to close himself off from me, just like before. Then it clicked. That was it! If it worked once, it could work again! I nearly jumped out of the tub, and quickly dried off the cold water. If I was going to make this work, I had to be perfect. Without further ado, I set about the task of fixing my hair.

**********

Kelladain

I watched Jenna retreat with heartache, hearing the soft closing of the door. I fairly crumbled, flopping back onto the bed. I felt terrible. I had just hurt her ... again. I cursed myself out loud, swearing enough to make a Venetin blush. I was being so stupid. My fiancee literally threw herself at me, and I refused. But I was right in doing it. As much as I was hurting her now, I knew I'd hurt her worse if I was around her. I stared at the ring on my finger, maybe it was better this way. The image of her pain flashing again in my mind, as if in warning.

I growled, covering my face. My mind was screaming at me. Who are you kidding? It taunted. You need her like a parched man needs water. Yet you are throwing her away?! Snap out of it! Grab her before it's too late! My body quite agreed with my mind as the stiffness in my groin pressed harder against my pants. I groaned inwardly, remembering the softness of her lips. This wasn't helping me. But I had to suffer through this, for her sake. As much as it hurt to lose her, I had to. I painfully got off the bed, and wobbled into the bathroom, stripping as I went.

I turned on the cold water, and waited. I gazed at myself in the mirror above the sink. I looked as terrible as I felt, my features weary and haggard. What she saw in me, I'll never know. I grumbled to myself as another bolt of pain shot through me, a reminder of her. I cursed again, and climbed into the tub. I cringed as I sat. All the heat in my body quickly evaporated as I shivered. This was utterly pathetic. I'm a grown Vel in the path of the Shadow, yet I was puddy in her hands.

I frowned, staring at the surface of the water. What was I going to do? As much as I wanted to be with her, I kept feeling that to be with her would put her in far worse pain. If I loved her, I should let her be. But that would be a hard thing to do, as my mind reminded me of the last time I tried to push her away. The situation lasted for many months and ended when she gave herself to me, thus proving I have no control when it comes to her. I had done something that night a Shadow was never suppose to do, I opened myself to her. It went against all my training, but it was too late, the door was open. And now I had to close it again, as if I could after the events of that particular night...

My mind played tricks on me again, inserting images of her that night. And with barely that thought, I felt a wave of heat wash over me as my manhood again rose to prominence, despite the cold water. I nearly cried, angry and miserable at the same time as I splashed my fists into the water. I hastily cast a silence spell on the closed bathroom door, and then let out an ear-piercing yell, born of anger and frustration. This was insane! I couldn't live like this! I let out a long stream of curses, angry at myself and at her for affecting me like this. I couldn't think straight, I couldn't even walk straight because of her. I nearly ripped my hair, my fingers digging into my scalp.

I sobbed, thinking to myself of how this wasn't me. I never acted like this before. I was a grown Vel, a Shadow. I was always suppose to be in control, I was trained that way! Yet she unknowingly had this power over me. A reaction like this to just the slightest erotic thought of her was purely juvenile. I had the hormone problems of an unpathed male just discovering female pulchritude. Yet the more I thought about it though, the more it made sense. She was hands down the most beautiful example of Vel female beauty I had ever seen, even if she didn't agree. As pathetic as it sounded, I guessed it was a natural reaction. Natural indeed, I thought smugly. I couldn't help it. The way she walked, the way she fought, the grace in stature, her poise, her delicateness, her ...

I was jolted by another shot of yearning pain, my being calling for her. I tried squashing the feeling to no avail, yet I resisted the urge to hastily get dressed, run after her, and just take her. To do that would hurt her and me. I couldn't wait. I needed whatever she had that draws me to her at that moment. I needed to end my pain, and neither her nor the cold water could help.

I closed my eyes, relishing in the memories of two nights past. I could still picture the way she looked as she stood at my door. She looked as soft and innocent as a Vel princess in the Emperor's Court, yet the way her dress clung to her was more alluring then anything I'd ever seen in my life. My body had clamored for her then as it was now. Why else did I put the bottom of my armor on but to hide the evidence of a very painful arousal from her.

I could almost remember the burning kisses she trailed on my body, and was almost feeling again exactly how they felt. Her hands gliding effortlessly. Her skin as smooth as silk rubbing against mine. Her lips soft as roses. And her eyes ... the look in her eyes was beyond description. The swirling pools of brown and green were as fathomless as the ocean. The feelings shown in them were beyond the description of mere mortals. I remembered again the way she smelled, the delicate lavender scent of her hair. My nostrils flared as I thought I was smelling again that lingering scent. The image of her was so vivid, I could have sworn I was seeing her for real. But I knew I was dreaming.

Even if it was a dream, I didn't want it to end as I felt her kissing me, traveling lower with each second. Then the touch of her hand on my member was like an angel's soft touch, but as much as I wanted it to be her hand I knew it wasn't. I didn't care whose it was, all I needed was the illusion of her around me. Then I felt her impale herself on me, arching her back to press into me. I let out a chorus of moans and pleads, gripping her as I felt totally out of control, feeling her around me, on me, and in me. I didn't want it to end, but all too soon it did, and I wept.

I jerked my eyes back open as my spasms subsided. I groaned with exhaustion. My battle was over, and she had won. I couldn't live like this without her. Beyond any reason that I should have left her, I couldn't. I finally decided that my place was with her, even if it hurt her or me or the both of us. I may have hurt her before, but it was in the past now, and she had shown forgiveness for it. That was what mattered. I could beat on myself about it forever, but it didn't really matter since she already forgave it. I knew the secret I kept would be known eventually, and when it was, I was willing to accept the punishment she deemed fit. And now for once since I left that dark castle, I felt I could be happy living with her for whatever time I had.

But now that I realized this, how was I going to get her back. My pushing her away this afternoon had not helped our relationship. So how could I get her back? I grinned to myself, half-chuckling. That was easy, I wouldn't try to get her back. Knowing her, she would seduce her way into my bed for another night, trying to entertain me out of my now extinct depression. I grinned, knowing I would love every minute of it, almost eager for her to try. In fact, I almost bet she would be planning something for after dinner.

I relaxed in the tub, pondering what she would do this time. My mind though was starting to convince me that I should, at least, try to tempt her as she would most certainly tempt me. I quite agreed with it as I jumped out of the tub, nearly sliding on the now wet marble floor. I quickly dried off while deciding where to start ...

**********

Jenna

I walked out of the bathroom, humming as I went, to see Justina wrapped up again in her Genvan bible. Not paying her any attention, I went through my cloths, trying to find something alluring to wear. I knew I wouldn't find anything, and of course I didn't. It was all dirty, burnt, sliced up, or ragged. No wonder I stayed mostly in my armor. I glanced over to Justina, blushing profusely, but asked, "Um, you don't have a dress or anything I could borrow?"

She looked up, blinked, then shook her head before saying, "I don't keep any dresses, beside, I don't think they would fit you, what do you need one for?"

"I just wanted to wear something special for dinner, since it is our last night here," I said, grinning to myself.

The Genvan arched her eyebrow in my direction, and asked, "How special?"

I flashed her an impish grin, before bursting into a fit of giggles. She rolled her eyes before proclaiming, "Why do I even bother?"

Justina sighed, then said, "Well, I know I have nothing to fit you, but the Arch Lich did show me something in this room."

"What?" I asked as she peaked my curiosity. The Genvan High Priestess bounded off the bed, moving to the closet door. She opened it up, then disappeared inside only to return dragging a heavy trunk. She kicked the door closed, and pulled the trunk into the center of the room. With the flip of two clasps, the top of the trunk flew open as I saw pile upon pile of cloths. The trunk was full of woman's cloths. I sat there, utterly amazed, as I turned to Justina, "How does an Arch Lich have a trunk full of lady's cloths?"

"He didn't really say," she answered, "He just said we could take whatever we want as long as it fit ... I remember him saying something about most of the things being left by other female visitors to the temple, but why would ..."

I saw the Genvan high priestess blush, quickly sitting down on her bed as she burried her nose again in her bible. "But you were ..." I asked, trying to figure out why she stopped.

"I don't want to even think about it, I swear, this adventure gets sicker by the second, call me when it's time for dinner," Justina said hastily before she totally ignored me. I sighed, then blushed, realizing what she meant. The Arch Lich and ... ?! I could see why the Genvan priestess didn't want to talk about it as I pushed it from my mind. I sorted through the piles, not knowing what I'd find.

Nothing seem interesting to me till I saw a pair of brown doeskin pants. At first, they looked like they were too small till I saw the strings on the outsides. Apparently, the outside of the pants were held together by the crisscrossing ties and not sewn, revealing a slight amount of the skin of the outside leg. If I didn't wear my Underskin, the pants were sure to grab Kelladain's attention, if not that of every male in our group.

I rummaged through the trunk again, this time pulling out a pure white shirt and a green suede bodice. The shirt was loose, made of lightweight cotton. It had a scooped neckline, and short sleeves that ended at my elbow. The bodice was soft, hugging my waist and chest, yet not pushing it anywhere. It was also tied in the front with suede ties, the color of my pants. I quickly got dressed, and pulled on my favorite and only pair of boots. They were soft brown suede, flat heeled, and reached to just under my kneecaps, lacing in the front.

When I was done, I pushed the trunk back into the closet, and looked at myself in the mirror. The pants revealed a strip of flesh about an inch and a half wide, just enough to be tempting. I nearly giggled to myself, reveling in it. Kelladain was going to be in trouble, I thought smugly. Without waiting further, I told Justina it was time for dinner. The priestess walked out, not even noticing me as I finished getting ready. I was hoping this would work. After all the finishing touches, I walked out the door and down the hall, knowing I was late for dinner.

********

Kelladain

I had finished getting ready, and was currently standing in front of the mirror in the bathroom. I looked a little better as I adjusted my shirt. I wore the same leather pants and boots as before. The pants were the most comfortable pair I owned and the most durable, but I didn't wear them just for that. I had seen her gaze earlier when she sat on my bed, undressing me with her eyes and her gaze locking on my pants before she turned away. I decided to wear them again with her gaze in mind.

My shirt was made of pure white linen, and hung loosely from my frame. It was long sleeved, and banded to my wrists. The neckline stopped at my collarbone, and was wide enough to show some of my shoulders. This had to get her attention, it was about the best outfit I had left. I could have worn some of the cloths I wore for the part of Lord Kelladain, but I didn't want to. As handsome as that finery was, that was not me. If I was going to be myself around her, I'd rather dress like myself.

I redid my ponytail, brushing out the tangled mess that was my hair. As I gazed into the mirror, I felt a bitter pain shot into my heart. The image of the pain in her eyes last night resurfaced. It still hurt to think about, and hurt worse to think about the future. There had to be something I could do to relieve my guilt, something I could do for her. I pondered this, and then it hit me. There was something I could do. I walked out of the bathroom and over to the pile of my gear that sat near the bed. I rummaged through it, and pulled out a long and delicate gold chain. I pulled my engagement ring off my finger and slid it onto the chain. With the ring dangling from the chain, I held it up to the light, knowing what wearing this would mean.

I had studied it during the months of house arrest in Goldrimar castle. I was as in love with her then as I was now, only back then I had the control not to show it. It was for her love that I studied this, to prove to her what she meant to me, to never be away from her again. And now I was determined to commit myself to this, not for my own forgiveness, but to prove my love. I placed the chain around my neck, and hid it inside my shirt. Feeling better already, I straightened up the room and prepared some of my things for tomorrow's departure. Knowing I was early, I left and walked down the hall to the main room.

I arrived shortly to see Tempest and the Arch Lich talking. Everyone else was nowhere to be seen. I exchanged greetings with the both of them, and poured myself some wine. "You haven't said anything, my Lord, about how you plan to convince the people of Cele to fight for Drexlar?" asked Tempest.

"I'll tell you in the morning tomorrow, my friend, I want to enjoy dinner, and please, I'm not your Lord anymore, so there's no need for the word," I said, then cringing as I noticed the Arch Lich had a peculiar glare. I must be getting old cause my tongue had slipped. I rarely slipped. How was I going to cover this one? He didn't looked perturbed as I suspected, but was grinning as if he knew something. I glanced back at Tempest, who looked guiltly at his cup, "You didn't?"

The Elementalist frowned as I sighed hopelessly. He had told the Arch Lich about me. "I'm as good as dead if everyone's tongue slips as easily as yours, Tempest," I said, glarring at him threateningly.

"Kelladain, relax, I pulled it out of him after the unusual scene I saw this morning between you and Jenna, your secret is safe with me, beside, I knew something was fishy about you," the Arch Lich said as he chuckled while sipping his wine.

"And I thought I wasn't that bad of an actor," I commented with a smirk.

"You're only bad around her," said Tempest who also chuckled. I rolled my eyes. Tempest had been my friend for a long time. He had known about me being a Shadow for a while, and had kept my secret since, only slipping up just now. That's why I had him appointed to be my bodyguard, so I had someone around me I could trust, but there were others. But that is a whole other topic. "Speaking of secrets, how is she taking it?" asked the Arch Lich.

"Jenna's taking it better then I expected, after the beginning shock of course, I just don't know if I can forgive the fact that I hurt her by telling her," I said frowning at the glass in my hands.

"She's a lot stronger than she looks, I can tell," the Lich said with a grin.

"And how do you know?!" I asked suddenly perturbed. He seemed to know an awful lot since he never left the temple. He may have been a mage, but if he ... I jumped up from where I was seated, silently cursing myself for not bring one of my daggers.

The Arch Lich sighed, and said, "It's not what you think, I have had the privilege of meeting a lot of women over the years, a good amount from your race, I know the type, and I can tell by looking at Jenna that she is very strong willed, in fact, she reminders me heavily of another Vel woman."

I calmed down, and seated myself again, but still glaring at him without trust. He did speak some of the truth, Jenna knew what she wanted and always got it, especially from me. "And just who is this mystery lady, and what does she have to do with my Jenna?" I asked feeling a pang of jealously flare.

"Ask your own lady, for she heard about her from me," the Lich said as he stared blankly at his glass. I decided to not pursue it as I took another sip. I looked back to the Arch Lich, who winced as he sipped his own wine. I knew that reaction. It was that of remembering a painful memory. I should know. My face had that same expression dozens of times.

Not wanting to open old wounds, I took another swig of wine, and thought back to her. Just as I was going to continue the conversation, more members of our group trickled in one by one. Each started with greetings and added to a new topic, but as each one arrived I became more eager to see Jenna walk through the door. I had managed to save a seat for her next to me on my right while Tempest sat to my left. We waited till there were only two people missing, Justina and Jenna, before the meal was served. Justina had arrived shortly after it began, saying that Jenna was taking longer than usual to prepare for dinner. I grumbled to myself, muttering that it had better be worth it. How little I knew.

**********

Jenna

I walked down the hall briskly. I was late and I knew it. But I was doing it on purpose, so that everyone knew I was late and would look at me when I entered. I grinned devilishly to myself, thinking what his reaction would be. I stopped just short of the door to fix my outfit before I went in. I breathed deeply, trying to calm my jittering nerves. I hope you know what you are doing, Jenna, cause you're about to stir up a hornet's nest of trouble. There was no backing down now. Then without a second thought, I walked in and announced, "Sorry, I'm late but I ..."

I trailed off as I scanned the room, noting the expression on all their faces. The Arch Lich was grinning as if he recognized something. Bradock had his face buried in his food, devouring it as he typically did, I didn't expect him to notice me. Draconhurst was glaring daggers between me and Kelladain, only stopping when Veronica taped him. The Lady Veronica on the other hand was smiling at me as if she knew what I was up to. Blade and Thorn both had twin expressions of lust, Thorn's though was more severe.

Justina had the look as if the green-eyed dragon of jealously had just reared up and bit the priestess in the butt. She thwrapped Blade on the shoulder, breaking his gaze to realize what he was doing. He blushed profusely, then smacked Thorn on the back of his head, who quickly looked away, but I could still see his eyes gazing at me. All the other men in our group looked equally enthralled. Tempest nearly spurt out half of the wine he was drinking, managing to catch that which dribbled down his chin.

But of all these reactions, it was Kelladain's I liked the most. His jaw had dropped so far, I was beginning to wonder if it would stick that way. Then he blushed, all the way to the tips of his ears while he still stared in mute shock. But then his shock melted, his eyes speaking of passion and longing. He looked like he was resisting the urge to rise from his seat. I bit my lip trying to hold back my appreciative smile, and turned to walk to the seat next to him which was obviously meant for me. Of course, my turning exposed the sides of my pants, and the legs under them. This sent some of the men into soft groans, causing me to nearly trip from hidden laughter.

I continued to gaze at Kelladain as he studied everyone else's gaze. When it locked on Thorn's expression, I could see the veins in his neck pop with anger before he turned back to me. I approached Kelladain and the chair, stopping just short of it. "Is this seat taken?" I asked with a grin.

He blinked, and shook his head, hastily standing to grab the chair. I was rewarded with the sight of him before me. He looked like he took some care in grooming himself, noting his clean shaven face and the change of shirt. I also noted a slight bulge in his already tight pants. I blushed, biting my lips to hold back my smile. I grinned instead, and sat in the proffered chair, crossing my legs while looking up to his face. I heard Kelladain whimper softly as he got a better view before he pushed me in as close as he could. It was working so far. He moved away, muttering something about wishing he had a cloak to cover me. I giggled as he turned beet red, sitting down as quickly as he could.
The conversations quickly picked up around the table. I listened in to some of them briefly, the only interesting comments though came from Thorn as he whispered to Blade. It was low, but not low enough for a Vel not to pick it up as Thorn said, "I hope she doesn't wear those pants around Castle Drexlar, she might get picked up for indecent exposure."

"And you would pick her up of those charges?" asked Blade, knowing Thorn also had a position in the guards of Castle Drexlar.

"Most definitely, I'd even have those pants registered as a dangerous weapon," Thorn said as he took a sip of wine. He quickly spurt it back out as Justina clocked him on the back of his head. Blade chuckled till Justina clocked him too. I nearly giggled, but choked on it as I glance at Kelladain. He was glaring at Thorn with an intent on death, trembling with fury. I cringed, I guess he heard too.

I placed a hand on Kelladain's shoulder, trying to calm him. He did relax, but glared at me sourly before he resumed eating. I moved my chair closer to him, barely leaving any room between us. "That isn't proper manners," Kelladain whispered softly in Vel.

It seemed he wanted to keep this conversation a secret. He only used Vel at those times and always in hushed tones, or when he cursed, which was another matter. Kelladain probably wanted to avoid the eavesdroppings from Tempest. "I have a right to sit close to the one I love," I answered back, almost purring into his ear in Vel.

He flinched, his face trying to not show any concern. Somehow I could tell he was battling with his emotions, but didn't show it. I grinned. "Still mad?" I asked as I looked down the table to Thorn, and smiled as he grinned back.

Kelladain glared at me, then took a heavy sip of his wine. "Gee, I wonder why?" he asked, his voice dripping in sarcasm.

"Then don't be," I said as I gazed at my ring. Kelladain got the drift when I heard him chuckle lightly, shaking his head. I smiled, well, he was lightning up as compared to his actions this afternoon. Being reminded of this, I leaned onto his shoulder, pressing myself into him as my mouth was inches from his ear. I nearly giggled as I saw his ears point straight up and turn bright red. I forgot to mention this before. When Vel ears pointed like that, it was an obvious display of arousal in all Veles. His ears and mine pointed like that when we made love two nights ago as they had earlier today in his room. Now it appeared that my outfit was having the desired effect. "Feeling better than this afternoon?" I asked lowly in Vel. In fact, our whole conversation continued in Vel.

"Yes, I think I came to grips with my demons," Kelladain said with a frown. He still seemed troubled as I leaned on him, yet he wasn't avoiding me.

"But you're still not happy," I said moving away from him slowly with a pout. His ears turning back to normal as his face relaxed, until I planted my hand on his leg. He immediately tensed back up, grabbing for my hand. I grinned, and whispered into his ear again, "I'm going to have to make you happy, aren't I."

His face froze, staring at me with scarred eyes. "What do you think you are doing?" Kelladain asked, his voice not wavering.

I slowly inched my hand up his leg, pulling away from his grip. "This," I purred as my hand stopped to squeeze his thigh through the black leather pants.

Kelladain didn't fight me as he sat silent, as if resigning to his fate. He didn't even show any emotion, other than staring blankly at his plate, and occasionally closing and opening his eyes. My hand was just about to his hips, and there was still no reaction from him. Half angry and half disappointed, I asked him, "What's wrong?"

He closed his eyes, and said, "I'm trying to concentrate. We are in public."

"On what?" I asked, and placed my hand right on his groin. He teased again, his sapphire eyes widening briefly as he stared away. Now that was a reaction I wanted. As I began to rub, he closed his eyes, and answered harshly in Vel, "Anything but you."

"You're doing a good job, I almost thought you didn't feel anything," I said, increasing the pressure of my hand. His eyes widened again as he shifted in his chair, trying to press further into my hold. "Shadow training helps," he said as he reached for his wine glass, and nearly drained the whole thing.

"And how's that?" I asked as I grinned, rubbing him faster.

"How to ... concentrate ... under pressure," Kelladain breathed through his teeth, sweat pouring from his brow. His face locked as he put his glass back, seeming oblivious to everything. The only things I could see that looked out of place with him were his ears which were discreetly hid by his hair, the sweat, and his breathing. I could see his chest rise and fall in a steady rhythm that increased with each pass of my hand. He was close. He flinched, and breathed softly, "Almost ..."

I withdrew my hand. Kelladain flinched harder, and turned to glare at me. Before he could even protest, I placed my hand on the ties at the fly of his pants, tugging lightly at the strings. If that didn't get his attention, nothing would. His eyes widened again as he swallowed hard when I finished untying it. I grinned to myself as I felt my fingers brush against his hard flesh. I guessed he came prepare since he conveniently forgot his Underskin. It wasn't till I dug my hand into his pants did he finally respond. I heard him curse softly before he pulled his napkin from the table and placed it over my hand. He then quickly leaned forward, leaving little room between himself and the table. I looked away, trying to make my actions less obvious. I couldn't believe I was doing this, here of all places. It would be a miracle if we didn't get caught. I managed to pull his member free, hearing a soft shuddered breath from Kelladain as he closed his eyes.

They quickly shot open again as my hand tentatively slide around the head, feeling the liquid from it spread on my fingers. I bit my lip to keep from groaning at the feeling of him in my hand, the feeling of the silk-like skin compared to stone hard firmness, to speak nothing of the heat it radiated. I almost wanted to pull my hand away for fear of being scalded. Wrapping my hand lightly around him, and I stroked down, enticing a flinch from him. Kelladain closed his eyes again as I increased my pace. I could see his lips twitch as he resisted the urge to cry out. It didn't take long for his breathing to rise again or for the sweat to start to roll down his back, almost soaking his thin white shirt. From the twitching of his ears, I knew it wouldn't be long. I could already see him start to shudder as he tried to stay still in the chair. "Please ..." he pleaded softly as he twitched.

I withdrew my hand again. Kelladain inhaled sharply, then coughed. He glared at me, looking hurt, silently pleading with me to continue. I grinned at him, watching his face fall. I wiped my hand on my napkin, and whispered, "Better finish your meal, you'll need your strength."

He stared at me with shock and almost anger as I stood. He almost rose as well, before quickly seating himself again, cursing softly in Vel. I turned to the Arch Lich, and said, "It was a wonderful dinner, and I thank you, but I have to get ready for tomorrow, good night everyone, I'll see you in the morning, excuse me."

I bowed to the Arch Lich, and walked to the door without looking back. I could tell Kelladain would be mad at me for this, but it was worth it. I couldn't believe I managed to pull that off. The point of that whole action was to torture him. The Venetin devil in me wanted to get him back for leaving me hanging that afternoon, not to mention giving him a taste at the upcoming activities of that night. Hopefully, that little stunt didn't drive him overboard. I waited a few paces from the door, knowing that once he had control of himself, he would seek me out. I had to wait longer than I expected as I tapped my foot impatiently. I didn't know if that was a good or bad thing, if he was mad at me, or if I had affected him enough so that it took longer for him to handle his dilemma.

Then Kelladain finally appeared, almost running out of the dining room. He looked down the other side of the hall first, then turned and looked straight at me. I could see his eyes sparking when he saw me, glowing in hungry. I slowly backed up, half afraid of what I saw in them. I couldn't tell if it was desire or anger that I saw, but there was enough of it in his eyes to make me doubt my actions at dinner. He then began to advance on me, moving with confidence and speed. Before I could turn to flee, even if I wanted to, he quickly wrapped his arms around me, locking me to him. His hands grabbed the back of my head, holding me still as his mouth clamped over mine.

I quickly fought back as I felt his tongue slip through my lips, seeking the back of my throat. He groaned into my mouth, pulling me hard against him. I felt like I was drowning as he continued to kiss me relentlessly, refusing to let go of my lips. Then suddenly he broke away, leaving me to stand there dazed, his arms still wrapped around me possessively. I had enough time to gasp as he quickly turned me around in his arm, pressing his chest to my back. My head quickly snapped up to look at him, only seeing him grinning ferally at me.

What did I just get myself into, I asked myself as I groaned inwardly. I swallowed hard as he slowly licked the outer edge of my ear. Whimpering, I shifted in his arms, rubbing against him. "What games are you playing with me?" he asked threateningly.

"I could ask you the same thing, trying to push me away, and toying with my heart, What am I suppose to do? Let you go without a fight?" I asked, pressing my hips against him. I was rewarded with a strangled growl from him, as he tightened his grip. "I'm tired of this, Jenna, I love you, but you're really beginning to frustrate me," Kelladain said as one of his hand began to travel lower on my body.

"And what do you think you're doing to me?" I commented, feeling my knees start to give way. His hand was just above my mound, trying to pulling the leather of my pants away. I felt the fingers of his hand slowly inch past the material, stretching the already straining fabric to the limit. They tangled in the soft curls of hair covering me, the tips of his fingers barely touching my skin. I wanted to cry out, but muffled them by trying to bury my face into his cheek. I was about to fall, my knees buckling as one of his fingers brushed against my clitoris. I could feel myself slowly start to sink to the cold floor, almost melting in his embrace. He suddenly pulled me straight up, pulling his hand free of my pants, and turned me round again. He kissed me again, his face and eyes smiling on me. Pulling me away, Kelladain purred into my ear, "I'm doing something I should have done this afternoon."

Before I could say anything, let alone ponder what he meant, Kelladain hefted me up, and literally threw me over his shoulder as if I weighed nothing. I was barely able to brace myself, grasping his shirt for fear I'd roll off his shoulder. He strode down the hall, bouncing me with each step. "Put me down!" I protested as I tried kicking my boots into his hips.

"If you insist," Kelladain said chuckling as he lifted my legs up into the air. I screamed, latching onto his butt as I felt myself slipping. He laughed harder, letting my legs down to hit lightly against his chest. I struggled against him, pounding my fist angrily into his back. "I don't think this is very funny," I protested as he began to walk again.

I struggled further, trying to get down without serious injury. He growled, putting his arm round my waist and holding me still. "If you don't stop moving, I will drop you, you're going to make me lose my balance," he said tightening his grip for effect.

Before long we stopped. I couldn't see anything, but I heard the click of his door, then felt my feet push against the wood, swinging the door wide. He strode in. I screeched, and ducked my head before it hit the top of the door. "Would you watch it?! I almost hit my head!" I complained.

"Sorry!" Kelladain said with concern. He quickly swung around, causing me to nearly loose my dinner. I heard the door slam close, and Kelladain softly murmuring the words to a silence spell. He turned around again, started to walk to the bed. But as he was half way there, I felt him wobble under me, tripping. I barely had time to squeal before we toppled over. I felt myself land on the bed, which nearly bounced me back up. Kelladain was kneeling in front of me, grasping my legs. He grimaced, painfully trying to move.

I couldn't help but laugh, the moment just striking me as funny. apparently he thought the same as he laughed too, holding his head in his hands. It was some time before we calmed down, trying to stare again at each other without bursting out in laughter. "You ok?" I asked, concerned about how he fell.

"Yeah," Kelladain answered as he grimaced, trying to stand up, "Just a little stiff."

I tilted my head, not quite believing him. He grinned, shaking his head before he looked back to regard me. There were no illusions on where this was heading, and that was exactly what I wanted. I smiled as I moved back into the bed, turning so he got a good look at my legs. Kelladain must have liked what he saw, for I could see the feral grin curl his lips as his eyes and ears burned once again. He slowly lower himself to the bed, and crawled over to me. I squirmed as he looked at me, the pit of my stomach turning to mush. I now knew what a steak feels like as it's served for dinner.

Kelladain kissed me again as I savored the feeling of being close to him once more. It felt like an eternity since I was last with him like this, even if it was only two nights ago. Somehow I knew that after tonight, he wouldn't ever try to leave me again. And if he did, I'd have to stop him yet again. He pulled away, leaving me to tremble from the emotions running through me. I couldn't take this. Just looking at him made my heart hurt. I was so achingly in love with him I wanted to cry. If anything did happened, I didn't know what I would do. I placed my hands on his neck, slowly caressing there as he nuzzled his cheek into my hands. Kelladain must have seen what my eyes held cause he smiled blissfully, his sapphire eyes shining with promise and love.

My hands ran lower, feeling the play of his muscles through the soft material of his shirt. My gaze followed, noting the painful looking erection that was reined in again by his pants. I tugged at his shirt, unsuccessfully trying to wrench it free from his pants. Groaning in frustration, I pulled harder, nearly tearing the fine fabric. Kelladain chuckled, then moved away my hands. In one swift movement, he pulled the shirt free and over his head before dumping it off the bed in disregard.

As he lifted the shirt off, I heard the soft clinking of metal hitting flesh. I focused my eyes to see the glitter of a necklace on him. I instantly sat up, reaching for it. I stared at it, glaring at the ring that hung from the chain. It was his engagement ring. I blanched. What?! But this meant that ... ! My eyes widened as I stared up to his face. He was smiling. I was scarred, looking from his face then to the ring and back. He was serious, and that frightened me. I dropped the ring clutching my head, this was a serious problem. He had committed, or at least thought he was, to one of the oldest of Vel traditions when it came to love. It was also the one with the longest history of causing death.

To explain further, Kelladain's wearing of the ring on a chain around his neck signified that he took part in the Oath of the Ringbinding. The ceremony is taken during the engagement and made final at the wedding, when both rings are placed on a chain. The male in question agrees to break all physical contact with any female, no matter the race, other than his mate. He cannot commit any adulterous acts. Any such acts committed are sentenced with immediate death of the male, no matter the cause. Hugging or kissing the cheek or more of any female is considered adulterous. So is seeing him naked, or him seeing another female naked. There are exceptions to the rule though. Females of blood relation can, so can unpathed girls before the age of 50 since they don't learn of the ceremony till then, also Service path doctors for obvious reasons.

The ceremony was rarely taken by new couples for how easy it was for tragedy and misfortune to strike. Yet people still committed to it for the honor that was bestowed onto those that survived. In Vel society, it was the purest symbol of true love. Many were attracted to it for that reason, but mostly they were plain crazy for doing it. But there was a rare few who were devote and lucky enough that did make it. I furrowed my brow, gazing at him with worry. "What's wrong?" he asked as his eyes matched my worry.

"Are you serious about this? You know what it means?!" I asked as panic rose in my voice.

"I know," Kelladain said as he clutched the ring, "You think I haven't thought about something this serious? I know what I'm committing to."

"Why?!" I asked as my voice cracked, "You could die if something happened, I couldn't live with myself if it did!"

"But I want to do this, not for the glory or the honor of the ceremony, but prove that I love you," Kelladain said gazing away from me.

"You don't have to do this to prove you love me, I already know," I said touching his cheek.

"I need it to prove to myself, maybe to prove to the world how much I love you, this is the only way for me to do that, nothing is going to happen, I'll make sure of it, if it does then I deserve to die," Kelladain said as he rubbed the back of my hand, "I don't want to hurt you ever again."

I was uneasy. Kelladain sounded sane enough, but I could see there was no way to argue him out of it. When it came to love, Kelladain always knew what he was doing, most of the time anyway. "At least don't wear it now, not till there is an official ceremony," I said with a frown.

He shook his head, and said, "I have to get used to it, besides we can have the ceremony now."

He grinned as I stared at him, shocked into silence. "What?! How?!" I asked after I was able to use my voice again.

"Well, a Lord is needed to preside of the ceremony, and if I was going to play a Lord accurately, I needed to learn everything a regular Lord needed to know, including the Oath of the Ringbinding, I studied it during my lonely months in Goldrimar," Kelladain said with a grin.

"You were planning this!" I accused him before thwrapping him on the shoulder. He howled in pain before laughing as he grabbing his shoulder. "I guess I've been caught," Kelladain said between chuckles.

I held my head in my hands, trying to figure out what to do next. Even if I didn't like it, he was going to do this. It was somewhat exciting that he would go to this length to show he loved me, but I was still frightened. Sighing, I asked him, "What do we have to do?"

Kelladain smiled, and removed the chain and ring from his neck. He motioned for me to be across from him, sitting on the back of my legs. He sat the same way, placing the ring and chain on the bed. Kelladain then grabbed my hand, and slid off my ring, dropping it next to his. "Don't we need witnesses for this?" I asked.

"It's not needed since a Lord is present," he said before muttering, "Even if he isn't really a Lord."

"Are we ready?" I said nervous about this whole thing. He nodded, before closing his eyes. He started slowly, reciting a Vel poem of eternal love, a typical way to start the ceremony from what I remembered about it. Once he finished, he grabbed the two rings. In formal Vel, Kelladain said, "These rings symbolize the oath between these two, and their love."

"Always together," he said as he brought the rings together. Somehow they magically slipped together, interlocking. "Even when they are apart," he said as the rings were separated. I stared, pondering how he did that.

Kelladain placed the rings back onto the bed, and picked up the chain, spreading it between his hands. "The chain symbolizes the oath of the male, to remain faithful to his love, as the world will try them both, and to die with honor if he breaks his oath, for he loves enough to commit himself to the ties that bind," he said slowly as he stared straight into my eyes.

I squirmed under his gaze while biting my lip, trying to keep myself from commenting. He then picked up his ring again, slipping it onto the chain. With a faint tinkle of metal on metal, the ring slid down to the center of the chain. Kelladain then placed both ends of the chain in one hand and dangled it between us. "The ring and the chain together binds the male to his oath, let all who see it know what he commits to, and honor him for it, for he gives up the world of women for the love of just one," he said solemnly.

Kelladain then motioned down towards my ring. I pick it up and placed it near my finger before looking at him for approval. He nodded and I slipped it back on. He then held the chain before me, motioning for me to take it. I grabbed it hesitantly, spreading it between my hands. He leaned forward, bowing before me. I gently placed it around his neck, trembling as I tried to clasp it. Gritting my teeth, I finally hooked it together. With a sigh, I closed my eyes, thankful to be done with it.

**********

Kelladain

I rose slowly, my head lowered. I purposefully wasn't looking at her. I could tell my decision worried her. I didn't need to look in her eyes to confirm it. I knew I wanted to do this, and it was too late now to change it. I didn't regret my choice, and I'd do it all over again if I had to choose. She would understand eventually. I steeled myself up and looked at her. Just as I had figured, Jenna's eyes were filled with doubt as she looked away, a pout marring her face. I hated being right. But as I looked closer, I saw that it wasn't my decision that bugged her, it was the future. It was plain to see on her face, everything was always plain to see with her. I nearly chuckled, she always was a worry wort. Then again, I wasn't any better.

I guess she had a right to it. The future was beginning to bug me as well. There was so little time left, and I knew it. I could tell my secret would be out before the end of the week, at the rate we were going. It was only a matter of time before she knew, and then it would make or break us, despiste everything we had been through already. If I was going to lose her, if this was the only time I had left with her, I wasn't going to let it go. And wasn't about to let her spoil it either.

Without a second guess, I kissed her, determined not to let her go. As delicately as I could, I brushed my lips over her, trying to retain some semblance of control. That didn't last very long as she soon clamped her mouth over mine. This wasn't exactly what I expected as Jenna pressed herself against me. I nearly caved, groaning into her mouth as her suede-clad body rubbed my bare chest. It was enough to send a fresh rush of blood through my system, along with the tingling sensation of my nerves. My head was almost swimming as she kissed me, forcing her way into my mouth.

When she finally pulled away, I felt all my strength leave my bones with her. Why did I always feel helpless in her arms? It was a demonstration of more of her powers over me, powers I bet she didn't know she had. I didn't even protest when she pushed me to lie down, too weak and willing to deny her. Jenna quickly straddled my hips, pinning me as she sat. I nearly bucked her off, unconsciously arching my back because of where she was sitting. Jenna kissed me again as she leaned down to lie on top of me. I squirmed under her, trying to find something to hold onto till her hands pinned mine. I growled in frustration as she held me down, trying to retain control over myself as she sought to break it.

I gave in to her as she held my hands together above my head with only one of her hands, receiving another kiss for my compliance. She pulled away as I moaned. I rolled my eyes. I was gone, or at least my mind was. She then licked my cheek as I chuckled. The hazel-eyed temptress pulled back to smirk at me, looking annoyed. I groaned and looked away, blushing profusely. I heard her giggle as she planted small kisses along my cheek and down my jaw. I shifted under her, trying to wiggle my way to freedom. Then I froze, her lips resting at the base of my ear. I groaned inwardly, pressing against her. Oh, was I in for it. I steeled myself up for the rush of incoming feelings.

As said before, Vel ears are one of the most sensitive part of their body, in hearing and in touch. Licking the ears of a Vel woman was equal to licking her nipples, but in the men, it was equal to a soft touch all over the member. The tips of the Vel male ear's were almost equal in the amount of nerves to that of the female's clit. Nature plays in messed up ways as Vel men are cursed with the most sensitive ears in the universe, even more so than our own women. As experienced as I was, no other woman had ever done this to me. I didn't know whether to be frightened or aroused. My question was answered though as blood rushed not only to my lower regions, but into my ears. I could hear my heart beating furiously as I breathed heavily. Damn, and she didn't even touch me there yet.

I could tell she was enjoying my dilemma as she hardly moved over me, breathing lightly over my ear. Then she flicked her tongue over outer edge, barely touching the skin. My breath caught in my throat from the touch. I jerked my head away from her, moaning loudly. That felt almost too good as I gulped for air. This wasn't going to be good. As I was about to plead with her to stop when Jenna continued her assault, working her way up the edge of my ear. I whimpered under her ministrations, trying not thrash her off as the sensations rolled over me. I squeezed my eyes shut, cursing myself for letting her do this to me. Part of me wanted this to end, ripping the rest of our cloths off, and taking her right there. Yet I still felt weak in her arms, unwilling to do anything but react to her torment of me.

My thoughts were broken as I felt her reach the tip of my ear. She held it between her teeth before lightly rubbing her tongue over it. I let out a strangled scream, arching my back as my feet tore at the bed covers. I was almost beyond thought as I cried her name, my skin and loins burning with need. I couldn't take much more of this without going stark raving mad. Jenna still managed to hold me down despite my movements, her month still clamped onto the tip of my ear, nursing it. I calmed down enough to stop my fighting, each breath bringing pain to my tortured lungs. I shuddered under her as I felt her free hand grazed my other ear. I was almost ready to cry as her hand went lower, brushing one of my nipples. Her tongue then grazed the tip of my ear again as her hand rested on my member, grabbing at it through my pants. That pretty much broke my control as I arched again, my back hurting from the force of it as I yelled her name.

There was no release for my penned up emotions as she pulled away from me, releasing my hands and ear. I was shivering from the force of my need for her. Before she could move very far, I clamped my arms around her and crushed my lips against hers. Holding her captive, I sat back up, almost clawing at the back of her bodice. Any sense of control flew away from me as I kissed her, almost desperately. Her hands moved over my shoulders to tangle in my hair, knotting into the already wrecked ponytail. I was then pulled away from her mouth was she tugged hard on my hair, pulling the leather tie free. The action only served to heighten my passions as I pulled her even closer, lifting her off the bed before I reclaimed her lips.

Without even thinking, I pushed Jenna into the wall that stood at the far side of the bed, effectively pinning her there. I pried her hands off of me, holding them together above her head. She whined into my mouth as she pressed herself against me, trying to loosen my grip. I finally broke away from her lips, leaving the both of us to pant heavily. With my free hand, I grabbed at the suede ties of her bodice, almost ripping them in my haste to untie the damned thing. I unthreaded it entirely, throwing the laces from the bed. I pulled the leather away to see her white shirt plastered to her skin, moist from sweat.

By this point, I had managed to regain enough control over myself to not rip the shirt open as I stared at her. I grinned to myself as she squirmed under my gaze, her legs wrapping tighter around my back. I couldn't help but look at her, the emotions playing across her face. I pulled the shirt out of her pants, then released her hands long enough to tug both shirt and bodice over her head and off. Needless to say, the garments disappeared quickly from the bed. Why did she have to be so beautiful? No, maybe not beautiful to just anyone, but why she have to be that way to me? I could write pages on how she looked, and it still wouldn't do her justice. The way her skin flushed as my hands neared her. The movement of her chest as she breathed. Even the sweat rolling down her had a grace of it's own. I gently held her cheek as I stared into her eyes. The swirls and waves of the green and brown held there were once again beyond my description. But even then I could read what her eyes were silently telling me. I kissed her.

I almost wanted to hold her there all night, ignoring any and every protest from her. But it was pushed from my mind as she wrapped her arms around my neck, her hands moving to caress the tips of my ears. That was enough as I kissed her more urgently, almost trembling with need. Her hands stopped as I moved my hands from her face down her neck and shoulders, then continuing till I reached her breasts. She moaned, arching her back to move herself even further into my arms. I broke away from her lips only to replace my hands on her neck with my mouth. There was a scent no more enticing then that of her sweat mixed with the faint lavender. It was even stronger as I buried my face into the crock of her neck, nuzzling the soft skin. She breathed my name, rising up in my arms as my thumbs grazed her raised nipples. She then sank as my hands continued to move down her body, until they reached the band of her pants.

I grabbed the ties on both sides of her pants, then quickly pulled them apart before letting go. I slipped my hands between the criss-crossing stings, groping at her butt. Jenna squealed, succeeding in only pressing herself further against me. Much to her disappointment, I pulled my hands back, but not entirely. I then slipped one hand down the back of her pants, pulling the leather away. She stiffened in my arms as I brushed one finger along her crack. I didn't stop there as I pushed my hand lower, stopping when I encountered a hole. Of course I knew what is was, do I look that stupid?! But my problem was whether to play with it or get to my goal. I decided to let her answer for me. I experimentally pushed one finger into the skin, not entering her. Jenna screeched right into my ear, almost leaping onto my shoulders as she was stopped by my hand. I couldn't help but chuckle as she looked at me crossed, only making me laugh more. I snapped out of it as she thwrapped me on the shoulder, "Wrong hole, dear, now please get moving before I do it without you!"

I unconsciously blushed at her threat, then grinned before saying as smooth as I could at the moment, "As my lady wishes."

Not letting her register my words, I dug my hand down further, finally getting to the warm and wet area I was looking for. She sighed, finally relaxing in my arms as my fingers grazed her hairs. She almost seemed content with just that soft touch, but it wasn't that way for long. I separated the fold of her slit, wiggling my fingers further into her. Her grip on my shoulders tightened, her nails starting to dig into the skin. I could tell by her reaction that my back was going to look like a cat had scratched it in the morning. I buried my fingers deeper into her as Jenna threw her head back, a low groan escapeing from her lips. She quickly straightened again, this time burying her face in my chest as I continued to move my fingers within her.

I wasn't paying attention to her own movements on me, more concerned in giving her as much pleasure as she wanted. But the ache in my stomach jolted me again as I felt something brush against my loins. Gapping in surprise, I looked down to see Jenna's delicate hands tugging at the ties to my pants, fumbling over her own fingers. I retaliated by quickly pressing my fingers into her again. She growled in frustration, dropping the ties as she shuddered. I was going to chuckle, but it died in my throat as she gripped the waistband of my pants, pulling hard on the leather. I glared at her face, trying to read what she was up to. She glared back, her eyes smoldering as a smug grin graced her lips. I groaned softly, leaning in to kiss her, but she moved to place her head on my shoulder before I had the chance. She tugged at my pants threateningly again, then commanded in a husky voice, "The pants come off now, Kelladain, or I start ripping."

I unconsciously blushed again, my ears burning from her words. It seemed she was being demanding this night, but I wasn't complaining. Oh, but she was absolutely right. I couldn't take waiting anymore. Reluctantly, I pulled myself away from her, moving as quickly as I could. Without any concern what so ever, I loosened my pants and pulled them down in haste, nearly ripping them myself. I cursed to myself as they got stuck, then finally pulled them free along with my boots and socks. I tossed all the garments over the side of the bed in disregard. Panting heavily, I looked back to Jenna as she sat against the wall, her own boots and pants gone as well. I nearly whined as I stared at her, too paralyzed in my mind to do anything. My body however reminded me of my need as a series of jolts shot through me, all coming from a certain part of my anatomy. I held my tongue from cursing in frustration at my eagerness. She was too hard for me to resist.

I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, trying to remain calm and in control. Control? What control? You haven't been in control since you put that damned necklace on, my mind interjected. I silently told the voice to shut up so I could handle what I was about to do. I was about to move closer to her when she slide her hand around my member, barely touching the skin. I yelped in surprise, the touch nearly breaking any restraint left in me right there as her grip tightened, tugging to pull me closer. I finally agreed with my mind. I wasn't in control when it came to her, at least this night I wasn't going to be. I complied to her demands, pressing her back against the wall as I stared intently at her face. Her lips barely brushed mine as I slowly slide into her, shuddering as I went.

Jenna buried her face into my neck, muffling her voice as she barely whispered my name. I could feel my heart tug inside my chest as I heard her. Her grip on my back tightened as her legs did the same, pinning me inside her. She whimpered, nuzzling my chest as her hair brushed against my chin. "Just stay like this for a little while," Jenna said in a soft voice that I could barely hear over the beatings of my heart.

I couldn't do anything but as she said, the tugging in my chest turning into a burning pain from her words. I tried not to move as she settled against me, her hands caressing the wounds she made on my back. Jenna then looked up to my face, her hazel eyes shining. My mind blanked as I smiled to her, trying not to look goofy while cursing to myself for being stupid. She then pulled my face down to her by tugging at my necklace, covering my mouth with hers. Then her walls clamped down on me, the feelings shooting straight to my mind. I groaned into her mouth, fighting against myself. When she rolled her hips, I knew she had had enough. My hands held her by the waist, pinning her to the wall in order to stop her squirming as I slowly moved.

It was a struggle to remain in check as her legs tightened around my waist, pushing me to move faster. Her voice was breathless as she arched under my grasp, crying my name over again with each movement. My head was buried in the crock of her neck, more intent on her reactions rather than my own. I was almost trying to make up for all the pain I caused her by satisfying her. But the fire in my stomach was too much for me to ignore completely. My breathing was labored as she thrust against me, pain laced with each gulp of air. Then without any warning, she shuddered around me before arching her back at a terrible angle. My movements ground to a stop as Jenna convulsed, her walls locking around my member as she thrashed. My mind worked overtime trying to holdback the storm of emotions that went through me as I held her.

Then her cries stopped, returning to a soft moaning. Her eyes were rolling in her head then closed as her grip on me loosened. She was out for the second. I was still breathing heavily, trying to calm myself as she was still wrapped around me. Still inside her, I pulled her from the wall then gently laid her down to the bed, being careful not to move too much within her or to crush her. As she touched down, her eyes fluttered open to look at me as I loomed over her. I was about to ask her how she was, when her arms tightened around my neck, pulling me down for a kiss. I closed my eyes, blocking out everything but the feeling of her lips on mine, the feeling of her tongue wrapped with mine. My eyes shot open again as her hips ground against mine, the feeling too good for me to ignore again. "Jenna," I whispered, half pleading, but still with a husky sound I couldn't hide.

I knew she was working against my control, forcing me to move faster. I didn't want to give in, afraid of seeing her in pain. But when her hand traced the tip of my ear, it was enough to snap my control as I rammed her hips into the bed. It was too late to turn back as I repeated the motion over again, with increased speed. If this was what she wanted, she was getting it as she arched under me, rising off the bed to counter my movements. My mind was both screaming at the incoming flood of emotions, and at my conscious for slipping up. Don't hurt her, don't frighten her with how much you want her, don't do this! My mind repeated but it was too late. I could hear her voice, but I could make sense of what she was saying. Whatever she was yelling, it rang in my ears, almost loud enough to be a scream. I had to be hurting her. I closed my eyes tightly to keep from sobbing. She didn't need to see my weakness. My mind was screaming again to stop, but as hard as I tried, I couldn't. At that point, I wanted it to end, almost letting myself slip.

That was when I felt her convulse around me, thrashing as her nails drew blood along my back and rear end. My eyes flew open to see her face contort to something between a scream and smile. My heart slammed in my chest as my mind figuratively beated myself over the head. Just as I was realizing how completely wrong I was, her legs pulled me in and held me as her womanhood clamped down on me. I reflexively held back the fire in me, as much as I hated doing it. Just one more, I told myself, even if it kills me. But as my face grimaced in effort, I felt her lips graze my ear, then breathed the words, "It's ok."

What?! What did she mean?! But I knew what Jenna meant as I felt her tongue gently lick the tip of my ear. That gentle touch was the end for me as my vision blazed. My head flew back as I cried her name like it was the last word I'd ever say, my voice cracking before it fell into a silent scream. The familiar feeling of the fire shooting through me crept up the base of spine then down as it shot out of me, leaving me to shudder in it's path. I wanted to collapse when it was all over, but didn't as I knew she was still under me. I just needed a moment to gather my strength, and a moment to actually breath.

But Jenna nudged me down to one side, to lay off of her. I crumpled, pulling out of her and falling to where she directed. I moaned unconsciously, half unbelievably happy, half dead tired, and yet another half still trying to comprehend not only just what happened a couple minutes ago, but the whole day. I had to be loosing it if I couldn't remember. My fingers and toes tingled as I recovered while parts of me simply refused to move. I then felt Jenna's body rest against mine, her hands clinging to my chest. I looked down to her head, her golden locks brushing my skin as she looked up. She smiled gently, blinking a few times as one of her fingers traced along my jaw. "You try too hard," Jenna said in a soft teasing tone.

I couldn't help but grin, "You push me too much."

"But I like pushing you," Jenna commented, matching my grin. I sighed, then looked down, frowning as I asked, "Are you alright?"

She giggled, kissing my cheek as I blinked at her. I sighed in relief this time, resting my head against the pillow. I shifted against her, rolling onto my back. Jenna climbed up to rest on my chest, our legs tangled together. "What's wrong?" I asked as her eyes were suddenly worried.

"Um, how many other women have you been with?" Jenna asked in a small voice. I furrowed my brow, pondering what she meant till it finally occurred to me. I chuckled and said, "Only one other person, dear, and she's long gone now, besides, Shadows get a check up every year, and they do check everything, so there's nothing to be worried about except ... "

My voice trailed off as I came to a sudden realization. I didn't! But I knew I did. She's ... She's ... She probably is ... Kelladain, you idiot! I sprang up in the bed, gasping for air before I proceeded to call myself every accursed name in the Vel dictionary. How could I forget?! Even if I remembered, I didn't have anything to help the problem. But I was going to be a ... No no no no no, this couldn't be happening! This is terrible! We can't! Not now! I put my head in my hands, groaning at I tugged at my hair in frustration. Geez, how was I going to break it to her. She's gonna kill me! "Kelladain, what's wrong now?" Jenna asked as I felt her hand place itself on my back.

Oh no. I looked down, not wanting to see her or her reaction. "Jenna, I'm sorry," I said softly.

"Sorry? For what?" she asked confused. Now I felt really bad, whining as I looked away from her. How was I going to tell her. "Jenna, you ... you're ... I ...," I sighed, trying to speak, but I ended up blurting it out, "You're probably pregnant."

I cringed, trying to shrink myself from her sight. Please don't let her cry again or be mad at me! I could tell the news was sinking as she sat in silence, her eyes wide in shock. I was going speak again when she squealed, launching herself at me. We both fell over in the bed as she clung to me, her lips raining kisses over my face. She was happy?! "This is great! I always wanted to be a mother! I hope we have a boy, and he looks like you! Girls are nice too, but I really want a boy! Though-" she rambled on ecstatically till I cut her off.

"Jenna! Get a grip!" I yelled shaking her by her shoulders. I could feel my tears welling up, geez, why now?! "We can't have a child, not now," I said trying to cover any emotion in my voice, but it didn't work.

"But I thought-" she started as I cut her off again.

"Jenna, please, don't get me wrong, I ... I really would like to be the father of your children," I said blushing unconsciously, "But we can't have one now!"

"Why not?" she asked, sounding offended.

"Use some common sense, Jenna, you said it yourself, two nights ago, one of us could die any day now, and my being a Shadow doesn't help, if I can't stand losing you, how am I going to react to losing the both of you, or what if I'm the one to go, do you want our child to grow up fatherless?" I asked looking away from her, "I'm really sorry, Jenna, I ruined everything again, why do I keep doing this to you?!"

I felt her face bury itself against my chest before she said, "Kelladain, everything is going to be fine, I know how you feel, but we can deal with this, I might not be with child anyway, Vel genetics remember."

"Yeah, it is somewhat of a long shot, but still, the way we've been going at it?" I asked her. What she and I were referring to was the fertility rate in Veles, which was no where near as good as humans. Some couples never had children. But still, there was a good possibility given my luck, and the number of times we've done this. She sighed, rolling her eyes before she said, "You're hopeless."

"Ok, I concede, but I still feel bad about everything," I said, grumbling as I frowned. Jenna grinned mischievously, running her hand down my chest. Oh great. I shifted under her, trying to ignore the sensation. "Do I have to make you feel better again?" she asked in a teasing voice.

I was a spilt decision on that one, too paralyzed to stop her as my mind screamed no while the rest of me said yes. I gave in, pulling her closer as I said, "You win."

"Good, cause there's no way I'm done with you yet," Jenna said as her voice almost purred. I realized something as I felt my body react to her hand. I realized that I was in for a very long night.

**********

Still Kelladain

It was roughly six hours later, making it the middle of the night. Jenna was out like a light, sleeping contently as she cuddled my chest. I couldn't sleep, too much in thought, and in too much pain. Yes, I was in pain, even in that part of my body. I wanted to moan because of it, but I didn't want to wake the golden-haired goddess sleeping beside me. The little witch just might ask for another round. Ok, I admit, as much as I was hurting right then, being with her was worth any amount pain. I also had to admit that the girl was downright insatiable, not that I was complaining too much.

There was nothing to complain about her. For all her faults and problems, Jenna was still the woman I fell in love with. I could feel my heart tug in my chest just at the thought of her. I brushed a wayward lock away from her face, her hair glimmering in the moonlight. Why was everything going to be so difficult for us? I stared intently at her sleeping face. She looked like an angel when she slept. Why was I going to have to hurt her again? No, not yet. As I kept saying to myself, she didn't need to know since it was behind us now. Everything would turn out alright, I assured myself. But even then, I knew it was going to happened. I'd slip up, and then ...

I didn't want to think about it, especially now. Instead, I rolled onto my side, curling her against me as she murmured in her sleep. My heart tugged again as I heard her whisper my name. Why? I willed myself to sleep, even as I felt a wayward tear slide down my face. How did that get there?

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::pants as it is finally finished:: I can't believe I finally got it done. ::cheers:: Sorry if this is too long, but I couldn't resist. I hope at least it all makes sense. Please send all comments, corrections, love letters, gifts, hate mail, death threats, marriage proposals, and complaints to serenanna@hotmail.com I hoped you enjoyed reading it! Stay tuned for part two of Just for a Stupid Sword! entitled Momma Said Never Deal With Dragons, They Overcharge!

Part 2 of Just for a Stupid Sword!