Chapter Seven: Thank You
Chung and Eve sat at the long dinner table early in the morning. They were praying for Elsword's safety, and that his hunch would work. Delilah was worried; she was frantic after she had heard what happened. They looked up as the doors opened, and Rena and Raven entered, followed by Aisha.
"Good morning Aisha." Chung greeted warmly. Aisha curtsied awkwardly.
"G-Good morning...your majesty." Chung sighed.
"Please, call me Chung. Come on, sit down." Aisha sat down next to Eve, and the servants brought out breakfast. Aisha didn't touch her food, feeling it wrong to eat food intended for royalty.
"Aisha, please eat." Eve said, but Aisha shook her head in protest. Eve sighed, "Then I won't eat until you do. And I'll have you know I'm quite hungry." Aisha hesitated, and slowly began to eat, "Thank you dear." Chung had finished her food early, and stared out the window. Elsword, what is your plan?
Everyone finished eating, and Aisha walked out into the garden maze. She wandered for hours, and the sun was beginning to set. She couldn't find her way back, and stumbled into a large field with a tree statue. No one else was here, and she walked up to the tree. It was beautiful, and it made her sad for some reason. She sat down on the grass, and stared at it in the fading light. She heard someone walking up to her, and saw Raven.
"Oh...Raven." Despite Raven's calm appearance, he was furious. This part of the maze, not even the gardeners came to tend to it. Raven cared deeply for this field, and he never tolerated anyone besides himself in here. Raven was giving Aisha some space, as she had lost her memory.
"Hello Aisha. What brings you here?"
"I saw this tree statue, and I really liked it. It's so pretty. Does it mean anything?" Raven froze, and sighed.
"To me, yes. It means a lot to me." Raven got onto his knees, and closed his eyes in prayer. Aisha felt awkward, and felt she didn't belong here. She got up, and silently left the field. The sun had set, and she gotten lost again and wound up in an empty courtyard. She saw the city outside the castle gates, and her curiosity compelled her to take a walk in the city. She walked through the gates, and walked out onto the streets.
Elsword reigned in his horse. He stood on the edge of the forest, and gazed at his final destination. The wind was cold, and the vast plains stretched far and wide. Patches of trees and small forests littered the landscape.
"I'm finally here." Elsword kneed his horse, pushing it into a fast canter. He rode into town, and many of the townsfolk gasped as they saw him. He paid them no mind, his business was with a particular person. He rode up to a merchant's house, and dismounted his horse. He knocked on the door, and the owner answered it.
"Oh...Elsword. It's been a long time since I last saw you."
"Hello Hoffman." Elsword greeted, and walked inside.
"What brings you to Elder?" Elsword sat down.
"There's something I have to find."
"Aisha!" Rena ran through the hedge maze, trying to find her friend. She had not returned to her quarters after dark, and Chung and Eve were worried she had gotten lost in the maze. She had only left one spot unchecked. She braced herself, and stepped into the field.
"I've told you before." Raven said coldly, rising with his sword drawn, "I won't allow you to be here." Rena however, was in tears.
"Raven! Please, for just this once, help me! Aisha's missing and Chung and Eve are worried sick!" Rena pleaded. Raven stared at her, and sighed.
"She's not in the maze Rena."
"What?"
"The gardeners saw her leave awhile ago; she was wandering around the castle, heading for the courtyard. I think she may have worked her way into town." Rena grasped Raven's hands, making him jump.
"Thank you! Thank you so much Raven!" Rena turned and ran off, leaving Raven standing in front of the tree. His fist clenched tightly.
"How...why..." In a fit of anger and confusion, Raven slammed his fist against the floor.
Meanwhile, Rena ran across the roofs of the city. Her expert eye scanned the area for Aisha. She leapt off a two story store and landed in the city square. She saw someone on the other side of the fountain, and thought it was Aisha. She ran over to the figure.
"Aisha?"
"Pardon?" It wasn't Aisha, but a short old man. Rena knew this man; she had met him before after Chung and Eve got married.
"Oh! I'm sorry." Rena apologized, and the old man laughed. His head was cloaked by thick white hair, large eyebrows where his eyes should be, and a sliver of skin showed the location of his lips.
"Oh...Rena. It's unusual to see someone running around at this time of night." The old man replied.
"I'm sorry Pops." Rena apologized again.
Pops has been in Hamel since the day it was carved from stone. He was an elf, and was well loved in the community. He had a little house in the town square, and always would let people talk to him about their problems.
"It's good you showed up dear. I appear to be in need of some help from a strapping young elf like yourself."
"What is it?" Rena noticed he didn't have his oak cane with him. Pops pointed to the nearby canal.
"While I was heading home tonight, a young man stole my cane and threw it down into the frozen canal. I don't know why, I don't remember doing anything to provoke him. But then again, I'm old." Pops laughed.
"I'll go get it. Can you keep an eye out for Aisha? She's gone missing."
"The young mage causing problems again? Always did like a prank that one."
"No." Rena sighed, "She lost her memory to demonic corruption." Pops was silent, staring at Rena. He nodded, and spoke in a hard tone.
"I'll keep an eye out for her." Pops was no stranger to demons. His late lover was lost to him many years ago to a demon outbreak. Rena walked over to the canal, and leapt into it. Luckily Pops' cane was undamaged from the fall, and she quickly picked it up and scaled the wall. When she saw Pops, he was pointing to his right. Rena nodded and returned the cane.
"Thank you."
"Go and find the little troublemaker." Pops laughed, and began to hobble over to his house. Rena ran in the direction Pops had indicated, and found Aisha sitting in front of a large ice statue in the main canal. It was a statue of herself, and she was wondering why it existed. As she thought, Aisha had began to ponder her own existence. Why am I here? Who am I really? Am I really important to anyone? What happened to me?
"Aisha!" She turned at Rena's voice, and suddenly began to cry. Rena knelt down next to her, and held her tightly.
"R-Rena...who am I? What am I supposed to do? I want to know..." Aisha sobbed into Rena's shoulder, and she rubbed the young mage's shoulder.
"I don't know what to do Aisha. All we can do it hope for Elsword to be right." Rena let Aisha sit on her back, and she carried her back to the castle.
"Are you certain Elsword?" Hoffman asked as Elsword readied his horse by Elder's eastern gate. Elsword nodded.
"If I can get it, it can save her." Hoffman smiled.
"It seems to me...you don't really dislike this person." Elsword looked at him coldly.
"It's the right thing to do, hate or not. My duty to the crown forces me to do this." Hoffman just smiled wider.
"Very well. You're doing Elder a favor in this act Elsword. Thank you."
"Bandits don't deserve mercy." Were Elsword's parting words, and he rushed away from the city. It was nice to see Hoffman again, as it had been a long time since he had last been here. His sword was in his hand as he rode, ready for anything as he rode into hostile territory. He arrived at a large cave, and left his horse, "Stay alert Gireeth, I won't be long." Elsword patted his faithful steed on the head, and vanished into the cave.
Two days later
"Any word from Elsword?" Chung asked, pacing in the back courtyard. Eve sighed.
"Chung, it has only been a few days since he left."
"Rena?" Chung pressed her question.
"Nothing ma'am." Rena stared at Aisha, who was asleep on the fountain, her head resting on Eve's lap. Eve smiled.
"It feels like she's my daughter." Eve sighed, dreaming of maybe one day adopting or conceiving a child. They all turned as Raven walked up to them from the dining hall.
"Any news?" Chung stared as Raven nodded his head. He said nothing, and simply stepped to the side.
"Elsword!" Eve greeted him warmly.
"Did you succeed?" Rena pressed, only to be greeted by Elsword reaching into his pack. Chung and Raven stared at the object he withdrew.
"Elsword...is that..."
"Conwell." Elsword nodded.
"So that's your plan." Raven smiled. It was smart.
"What?" Eve was confused, actually never having heard of Conwell before.
"Conwell absorbs demonic energy. It might reverse the effect on Aisha." Raven explained. Aisha woke up then.
"Let's get her to her room."
Everyone waited in the hallway outside Aisha's room while the royal wizard extracted the demonic essence with Conwell. Eve sat next to Chung, both comforting each other. Rena paced back and forth, praying things ended well. Raven was silent, and Elsword leaned against the wall, thinking deeply about something he refused to talk about. They all looked as the door opened.
"Elsword?" The royal mage greeted them, "She wants to see you." Everyone began to move, but she shook her head, "Just Elsword." They all looked confused, and Elsword entered the room and closed the door behind him. He heard Aisha crying softly, and her face was in between her knees as she sat on the bed holding a pillow tightly. She heard Elsword walk up to her, and she looked at him.
"How're you doing?" Elsword asked. Aisha sniffed.
"Elsword...I'm...so sorry..." Aisha wept, and Elsword sighed as he hugged her, "But...why did you...help me? You hate me..."
"Aisha." Elsword looked at her eyes, "I...never hated you. Sure, you always annoyed me, but I never hated you. I was...looking for the words to say." Aisha stared at him.
"You...like me?" Elsword nodded.
"You're different from other girls. You don't need anyone looking after you, and you're such a strong individual. You're so...attractive." Aisha blushed. No one had ever called her attractive, at least no boy. Most guys didn't like her average appearance. Maybe...I was right about Elsword all along.
"Elsword...I..."
"Hmm?"
"I always...made fun of you...because I felt...ashamed that I couldn't...tell you the truth." Aisha's tears stopped, and she looked directly at Elsword.
"You mean..."
"I...really like you." Aisha said, and held his hands, "But I know...I've been too much of a jerk for that to-"
"Aisha, did you even hear what I said?" Elsword brought their faces closer, and Aisha felt her heart beat faster, "I...love you." Before Aisha could speak, Elsword held her face in his hand, and brought their lips tightly together. She sighed, and they closed their eyes as they finally understood one another. They had both liked each other since they first met, but neither knew what to say, so they fought. As they kissed, they didn't notice Chung and Eve spying on them in the doorway.
"Aww...I'm so happy now." Chung sighed. Eve smiled, happy Aisha finally found someone worth her time. Raven and Rena however, glared at them, at each other, and then walked off.
Dinner was served, but Rena and Raven did not attend. Eve and Chung were worried, but were happy for Aisha and Elsword. As they sat at the table, they stared into each other's eyes. Chung smiled.
"Elsword."
"Ma'am?"
"Why don't you and Aisha take a vacation? In celebration of your get together." They stared at her, and smiled.
"I think we'd both love that. Thank you." Elsword looked back at Aisha, "Want to go now?"
"But where?" Aisha didn't know what Elsword had in mind.
"I'd like to take you to my hometown." Aisha smiled.
"Sure. Thank you again Chung." They all smiled.
"Have fun, alright?" Chung waved as they left the dining hall. Elsword and Aisha quickly packed, and were soon on their way to the harbor to catch the next boat. Aisha smiled, and fell asleep while waiting for the boat on Elsword's arm. She dreamed of their future together, and of the possibility of having a child. She hoped that from now on, she wouldn't have to be lonely anymore.
Elsword and Aisha rode into the small village of Ruben at a slow canter. Aisha had never been to Ruben, and didn't expect the beauty of the forest. Elsword escorted her through the thick trees to a clearing filled with waist high grass. On the far side was a large house. They tied their horses to the post, and Elsword lifted a flower pot and picked up a spare house key.
"Pretty big for one person." Aisha said, raising an eyebrow suspiciously. Elsword smiled.
"I lived here with my older sister." Was all Elsword said as he opened the door. Aisha felt like it was a sensitive subject, and stayed quiet about it. As Elsword closed the door, Aisha turned on her heel, placed her hand on her hip, and stared at him. Elsword was confused, "Aisha?"
"You think I didn't notice the way you've been looking at me?" Aisha stepped up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder, "That hopeful gaze, eyeing me as if I was stripped bare." Elsword blushed.
"I...er..." Elsword felt like he had screwed up, and then Aisha kissed his cheek.
"I'd be happy to do it. On one condition."
"Which is?" Elsword asked as he picked her up and began to walk up the stairs to the bedroom. Aisha just smiled, and let Elsword lay her down on the bed.
"No foreplay, no fooling around, and," Aisha pulled him on top of her, and whispered in his ear, "Absolutely no, pulling, out."
"You..."
"I have always dreamed of having a little boy or girl. Someone to care for and fawn over. You are going to give it to me." Aisha kissed him, and began to undo the straps holding his armor in place. In return, Elsword began to ease off Aisha's robes, kissing her neck as they stripped each other. Soon, they were both naked, and staring into each other's eyes. Aisha looked down at Elsword's erection, and was surprised at its size. Elsword saw doubt creep across her face.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" In response, Aisha rolled on top of Elsword, pinning him to the bed. Aisha raised her hips, and became increasingly nervous as his tip pressed against her pussy. Elsword stared at her in worry, but she focused on preparing herself.
"Do you mind...if I do this?" Elsword nodded.
"Whatever you desire Aisha. Whenever you're ready."
Aisha took a deep breath, and began to lower herself down. She winced in pain as his dick began to break its way into her cunt, and gasped as she suddenly sunk down as it broke into her. Her eyes grew wide, her mouth hung open, and she was overflowed with pleasure. She sunk down all the way, not caring that it hurt.
"Oh..." Aisha moaned as she began to bounce up and down. She was not prepared for this, and wondered what it would be like if Elsword did the work. She saw Elsword's eyes were tightly closed, and was worried she was doing it wrong. He groaned then.
"Oh man...you're really tight Aisha..." Aisha wasn't sure if that was a compliment or not, but thought she knew when Elsword placed his hands on her hips. Aisha placed her hands on his chest, leaned forward and kissed him, and raised and lowered her hips faster. She clenched her cunt around his dick, and heard him groan.
"Is it good? Am I good enough for you?" Aisha whispered, and Elsword rolled on top of her.
"You're more than good enough for me. But what about me for you?" Aisha was losing her mind. She spread her legs, and held her thighs in place for him.
"Oh Elsword...make me happy." Elsword held her waist tightly, and began to thrust slowly. As Elsword moved faster, Aisha noticed he was moving around inside her, as if searching for something. She was then greeted by a jolt of pleasure. She felt like she had been shocked by lightning. Elsword stayed in that position, and thrusted hard and fast. Aisha lost it, moaning loudly and her tongue hanging out of her mouth. She saw Elsword's strained face.
"Ah...Aisha..." She thought he was going to pull out, and wrapped her legs tightly around him.
"Come on...give it to me baby!" She felt Elsword pull almost all the way out, and slammed as deep as he could go. She felt him breach her womb, and she felt a flood of warmth as he came, "Ah! Oh...ah..." Aisha moaned as he filled her to the brim. She couldn't believe it. As Elsword finished, he fell on top of her. She was worried, and smiled as he suddenly began to snore, "Men." Was all she said as she wrapped them in the sheets. At long last, I found a man perfect for me. I never thought I would one day have a child. Aisha held her womb, and sighed. I hope...that Rena will one day find a man worth her time. I'll feel selfish if she doesn't.
Vayne: Section two is done! Shorter than the first section, but two and three are more of a "Bonus" thing, but I digress. Hope you enjoyed, and I hopefully will have the next chapter up soon.