A/N: Guan: Raistlin-torture seems to be the favorite hobby of the female fans. I guess I'm not an exception to the rule. ;)
Hilary: Ok, I'll wait until you get your computer fixed. Just tell me when it works again. I hope that will be soon. Author's note based communication is not the idea substitute for mails ;)
Pmacca: Thanks fort he kind review. :) By the way, I sent you a message regarding your suggestion but it came back to me saying you quota was full...
Dally: No, no Dalamar is not concieted. I think I even gave him some altruistic qualities in this chapter and the next... ;)
Humble Master: I promise that they will meet. The scene is already planned. But some interesting things will and need to happen beforehand. grin
Thank you all for reviewing. (Now enjoy two more chapters of the kender and her personal dark elf before we continue with our favorite black robe.)
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Today's episode is brought to you by Reorx' Finest. The ale even gods can't resist.
Chapter 29 - Seduction and the Virtue of House-Keeping Magic
One week after Dalamar and his master had left Palanthas they stopped at the Inn of the Laughing Unicorn. The Laughing Unicorn lay near to a crossing of two main trade routes and was therefore a popular place to stay among traders of all kinds, vagabonds and adventurers. Though frequented by dubious folk, the Laughing Unicorn had accommodated rich tradesmen and noble travellers plus their guards. Likewise it had seen numerous young swordsmen and fortune seekers of all professions resting within its walls, dreaming of a glorious heroic future, while shadowy hooded figures dealt in clandestine business in the darkest corners of the huge common room.
Maybe it was due to this spicy mixture of nobility, daydreaming, unsolved mysteries, and a slight odor of danger that the Laughing Unicorn had a certain reputation even far beyond the borderlines of the local area.
This night the common room was filled with customers, when the door opened and a hooded black-robed man entered the tavern. Though most of his face was hidden in the shadow of his hood his graceful movements revealed the newcomer's elven heritage to the experienced eye. The elf was followed by another black-robed man, with golden skin and and an even more disturbing golden gaze. The latter watched the room open mouthed, plain excitement written on his face. However, the elf didn't bother to give him time to look around in the room and satisfy his obvious curiosity, as he swiftly approached a free table in a corner and sat down, motioning for his comrade to follow him. Both visitors ignored distrustful glances and hushed whispers following them when they passed and, having seated themselves comfortably, ordered a room for the night and wine and a meal.
Tonight the Laughing Unicorn was very busy; during the summer months many travellers journeyed along this route. It was still an early evening and most of the customers enjoyed the amenities of the common room. That included a talented young bard, lively wenches and best of all: a delicious creamy ale from the mountain dwarfs. These attractions were enough to direct the general attention away from the two dark mages in the corner. It worked. Almost.
Freya, a handsome lady of easy virtue, had set her eyes on them. And likewise her hopes for a profitable bargain. She had earned her living in taverns since she had been old enough to run away from her drunkard of a father and she usually needed only one look to determine a man's state of income. These two definitely looked wealthy; the fabric of their robes fell in smooth curves like only expensive velvet could. And when one of them had paid the barmaid, Freya had gotten a glimpse of a round piece of finest steel. Yes, these two men looked as though they were able to buy themselves pleasant company. Adding to that, they had a certain aura of mystery around them. On the one hand it was probably due to their obvious demand for solitude -they had chosen the most remote and least central table in the room, thereby avoiding communication with fellow travellers- and on the other hand they both looked fascinating. The elf, or maybe half-elf, had not discarded his hood yet, very likely he didn't want too many strangers to recognize his nature. Freya could only guess how the elf looked like but probably strikingly beautiful, since elves always looked beautiful. Consorting with travelers from all corners of Ansalon, Freya had met diverse elves, she had even bedded a half-blood once. They all moved in a manner only elves could, Freya didn't need to see a face or pointed ears to determine that.
The elf's comrade could only be described as utterly exotic. Though being human in features and movement, his hair had the same color as the rooftops during a northern winter, his skin shimmered like finest gold and his amber eyes seemed to be not human at all. Apart from that his features were almost appealing. His nose and chin were well-formed, it was only his way too frail stature that diminished is attractiveness. But he definitely had a catching smile. Just now he was telling the old joke about the Solamnic Knight and the Blackmage to his quiet companion. His amber-eyes sparkled in excitement and his lively smile was so cheerful it was nearly impossible not to join in his chuckle as he told the witty final line of the joke. The elf however managed to keep solemn and reserved. He answered something but spoke slightly too soft for Freya to grasp it. The two blackrobe's conversation ended with the golden man raising and shaking his head at the other man.
"No, no, Dalamar, I will just get us a portion of that tasty dwarven beer and more of that stew. I'm still hungry and besides I can't sit still for too long anyway. I'll go."
Then the elf rose, too. Another short discussion followed which they ended by exchanging a short nod. The elf said something that sounded like:
"Just stay out of trouble, Shalafi."
They both left the table, the human strolling into the direction of the counter, the elf leaving the room. Freya smiled, that was her chance. Most of the customers sat or stood next to the counter, thus being nearest to the precious barrels of ale. The black robed man had to work himself through the crowd until he reached the counter and yelled his request for another portion of ale and stew at the inkeeper. Somehow, the inkeeper managed to understand his customer through the overall noise of drunken and not so drunken voices surrounding them. While the man waited for his meal to get prepared to take it back to his table, Freya positioned herself on a promising spot that would allow her to bump into him 'accidentally' on his way back. She watched him as closely as possible. She had to get him before one of the other wenches made up her mind to go for him. Competition was hard these days and the big spenders were rare. She wasn't sure, moving bodies occasionally thwarted her view on her prey, but hadn't his hand just glided into the pouch of the patron next to him? No, probably not, a man of his standing wouldn't make a living of pick-pocketing. She surely was mistaken.
The moment Nima turned around, balancing a jar with ale and a bowl with stew, a perfumed female body brushed against her chest. The strange women reacted quickly, steadying Nima's hand and preventing her from accidentally spilling the ale all over herself. The women, a handsome brunette in a red dress that showed her white shoulders and hinted nicely on her female curves, apologized politely. She smiled, tossing her hair and for some reason Nima didn't understand, she batted her eyes at Nima. Maybe the women had gotten something into her eyes. Before Nima could ask, her new acquaintance took the beer out of her hand offering to bring it to her and Dalamar's table. Dalamar had left complaining about the thick, smoky air in the room and had gone for a little walk. Maybe the elf also wanted to have some time for himself, Nima understood that. And by now she also had made a new friend. It wouldn't get boring.
They both settled down at the table. Nima went at the stew and invited the female to help herself to the beer. With the kender being busy eating, -it was like Nima's new body burned every piece of food before it even reached the stomach- the wench got a chance to introduce herself and ask some hinting questions. She was slightly irritated, though. So far the man had shown no obvious reaction towards her female charms. He treated her politely, and was very friendly, but his gaze missed the inviting, longing component that always accompanied the glances of a young man who was attracted to a woman. They chattered a bit over the weather, the growing of the crops and the conditions of the roads, when Freya realized that even subtle hints slipped into the conversation were not noticed at all. Maybe she had to get more blatant, since he seemed to be interested, nevertheless. If he wasn't, he would have surely sent her away by now. However, he followed her stories with a focused gaze, feeding Freya's hopes again. After a while though, she noticed that he didn't keep his eyes on her for long. From time to time he just looked shortly into another direction as if he tried to avoid watching her too closely. Strange...
Eventually, Freya decided to become more direct, maybe that would help. She leaned over the table towards him, thus forcing him to inhale her perfume. With perfect lascivious slowness she took one of his hands into her own pressing it softly against her cheek.
"You know what I always wanted to know?"
Confused he shook his head.
"No. What?" He finally asked.
She moved closer, granting him a generous view on her well-formed bosom.
"I always wanted to know..."
She leaned forward even more, he did the same, anticipating her question.
"Yes?"
Their lips nearly touched, this was a crucial moment. Now she would know if he was attracted or not. Her breath brushed over his lips when she finally spoke again.
"I always wanted to know... what wizards wear below their robes."
Freya pouted coyly, long training caused her mimic to express utter innocence. This should give him the rest, no man had ever resisted the innocent-child-tour. This very moment he should close his eyes and press his mouth on hers. That was what should happen. Only that it didn't happen. Instead he leaned back, thinking.
"Well... I think that depends on the season. I mostly wear some kind of trousers underneath. That's more practical when you are travelling." he finally answered.
Freya leaned likewise back, terribly disappointed. He was a hard nut to crack, and he confused her. What did he have in his veins? Ice? No way, his touch was hot against her skin. Or did he just make fun of her? No, he looked at her not in the least amused or ironic, just curious and if you could say so, serious. He couldn't be that naive, could he? He just had to have understood her point. Well, fine, one last try. Now she wanted to know.
"Lets stop playing games." the frustrated wench finally demanded. "I don't have time all night, do you want me to keep your bed warm or not?"
Nima was surprised at this new turn of their conversation, but that sounded interesting. Keeping a bed warm. How would you do this? Maybe Freya was talking about... yes, she must be talking about... House-keeping-magic! Maybe she could do the same with blankets what Dalamar did with water. Yes, surely that was it. Oh what a great idea! Nima was eager to learn more about house-keeping-magic. If this girl knew any spell, why not?
To Freya's great surprise the golden mage nodded enthusiastically. She was utterly astonished, not having expected this kind of reaction anymore.
"Yes, please show me how to keep a bed warm. I would love to see that!"
"Only see?"
"Well," he got even more excited now. "If you could show me one or two tricks I wouldn't mind."
Freya smiled. Of course I can show you some tricks, handsome." Freya knew her expression probably just matched that of a cat over a bowl of cream. "I know the Palanthian Fingermove. I bet you'll die for this one. Everybody does."
He jumped up grabbing his and his comrade's baggage.
"Never heard of that, but I wanna learn. Lets go." he said, already marching towards the sleeping quarters. She followed in his trail shaking her head. At first he didn't seem interested at all, now he couldn't wait another minute. What was wrong with this man? He was just plainly weird. This was probably why other working girls had warned her to take mages or priests as customers. They had strange tastes. And this one acted strangely as well. And, most disturbingly, Freya still missed the intoxicating vibrations of lust and desire between them.
When they finally entered his room, Freya noticed two beds. On request he explained that all single beds had been already taken, he and the elf had to share a room this night. Freya didn't like the idea too much.
"Hm, I don't know how you two keep it, but I don't serve two customers at the same time, if you get my point."
He just waved away her objection and sat down on the bed expectantly.
"You needn't to show Dalamar." he stated. "I'm sure he already knows all the tricks."
She snickered.
"I bet he does."
"Dalamar is very good at these things." he stated convinced as if speaking of experience.
Freya raised an eyebrow. She hadn't expected the elf and his human companion actually to be that close. They hadn't looked like a couple at all, and besides she was here now, so he wouldn't have a taste in men, or coud he? Well, as long as he paid, she was not here to ask any questions.
"If your friend wants to watch, the tarif goes up, you know?" she explained. "Usually I don't like to have an audience."
"Oh you needn't to worry about that. He went for a walk and I'm sure we have enough time to show me everything you have in mind. But I can understand. You surely need to concentrate..."
"Concentrate? Well... I guess it also involves concentration... yes... You do ask strange questions, mage of mine."
"You also asked me a lot of strange stuff!" he defended himself.
Freya was eager to get down to business.
"How about you laying down that I can take your boots off." she suggested. He shrugged and obeyed.
"If you say so."
She got rid of his boots and then she blew out the candle on the night stand. She would get the rest off his body very well in the dark.
"Why did you turn out the light? Then I won't be able to watch what you do."
She chuckled amused.
"Don't worry. We'll find other means of teaching."
"Oh."--
Ladies and Gentlemen, this episode was brought to you by Reorx' Finest, the official sponsor of this story. The ale even gods can't resist. Exclusively available for you at the Laughing Unicorn and every good Inn on Krynn.
(Legal disclaimer: We have to inform you that our dwarven beer is exceptionally strong. If you are no dwarf and especially if you're under age, which includes everybody under 60, we recommend you only to buy and consume our product under the supervision of the older people in your environment who think they are responsible for you. We would say 'your parents' but according to our statistics, the percentage of orphans is extraordinarily high amongst the ranks of heroes and heroines in Krynn. In case you're a kender, we don't recommend the consummation of dwarven beer at all. If you' re of age and you let a kender consume our product we take no responsibility for the damage done to your property.)
We wish you a good time. Enjoy Reorx' Finest. The ale even gods can't resist.
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