Euphoria
The crescent moon gradually rises.
Stars appear in gossamers of surprises.
You and I lay within forest of pine,
I pull your face ever closer to mine,
I feel a tingle running down my spine,
As I lay you gently down in supine,
I succumb into the state of sublime,
While you whisper soothingly to my mind.
Our lips touch in a moment of peace.
Our bodies relax as if in ease.
Our desires fuse in a torrent of motions.
Our hearts beat in a wave of emotions.
Our kisses, they drown the endless oceans.
Our embrace, the embodiment of devotions.
Eternal lovers, we snuggle arm to arm.
I move closer, to shelter you from harm.
Like slow mellow love songs,
We breathe each others lungs.
Dwelling deeper into the passion we long,
Wanting everlasting this moment we belong.
Epilogue: Delight
On the road to Candlekeep
Imoen's POV:
Imoen rubbed the lustrous ruby on her ring. It was Ironic, really. She never would've thought that she'd be the one to rescue Devin after all they've been through. Since he was the first one to rescue her from Jon Irencius years ago, it just felt awkward. With the torture he'd been through, it was like déjà vu. Never did Imoen had to take care of Devin so diligently before. He was basically at death's door after the fight with Rezeren. Yet he managed to attack that half-orc with such an astonishing frenzy. Though Devin was resilient, all the afflictions he sustained from that disgusting cell and the battle, had drained both his mental and physical faculties.
Only after a week under Imoen's intensive care, who fed him, helped him relieve himself, and pretty much took care of all his primary needs, did Devin finally feel restored. Korgan left shortly after the battle in the temple, content with all the loot he had acquired. Keldorn hastily left the scene as well, but for more noble reasons. He was to return to Athkatla's temple district and report the events of the past few weeks to the Order of the Radiant Heart. Only Jaheria and Minsc stayed behind. Both were friends of Devin for many years and neither were willing to leave until Devin was finally able to recover. Jaheria even presented a Harper's lute to the bard as a gesture of goodwill from her organization and as a goodbye present from herself.
Imoen glanced down at her glowing ring. She bought this from an old merchant when she traveled back to Athkala. For two people very close, when you both wear the rings, you will know each other's presence, your feelings, your everything. You will bond your minds together, but only for an instant. Though, as long as you wear it together, it will glow forever. The closer you are together, the greater the glow. Use it wisely, child. The old lady had said that. Imoen wasn't fully convinced it would work, until she tried it with Devin, that is. It was truly remarkable how she felt that sudden union with him the instant he put on his ring. The rings were the major players of the plan. They provided precision and accuracy. They were a lifesaver.
Now fully recuperated, Devin helped Imoen set up camp at night. Just a few days ago, Devin had insisted they travel back to Candlekeep, where they could finally settle down from all the adventuring. He said he was exhausted from being chased and perhaps their bad luck would finally disappear, if they tried to live like normal people. However, he hadn't mentioned anything about the "ancient" issue of their feelings for each other and their current relationship. In fact, Devin had been trying his best to avoid any conversation that may lead to intimacy. If was as if he were reverting back to his downcast and reserved mood.
But
tonight, he seemed quite cheerful.
"Hey Immy, I'm gonna try out Jaheria's
lute tonight. What song do you want me
to sing?"
"Hmmm…" Imoen thought, then she remembered. "Hey I know! How about the one we sang when we were kids! Yeah! The one about the local boy, the girl and the beholder! It's been so long but I think I still remember the lyrics, don't you?"
"Oh, who wouldn't remember that song? It was so popular back in those days. I used to hum the tune during Gorion's class sessions. It annoyed the hell out of him, I tell you." Devin chuckled. "Ahh, those were happier times." He sighed. "Alright, I'll play the tune and you sing it with me, like we always did in Candlekeep. Devin smiled.
"Of course, it'll be like old times." Immy leaned on him, beaming that wonderful smile she'd often sent him.
Devin cleared his throat and began to play the cord.
Together, they sang, harmonizing with each other's voice.
F#m
This story at an epoch where dragons breathed flames
G
and when most the young lads, were dreaming of fame
D
D7
Kelsian was like them, he wished to be a hero
F#
F#7
but in his small town, he was seen as a zero
Fm
But on this special day, the peasants ran in terror
Cm
settling near the village, was a tyrant beholder
Ab
C
Without proper help, the small town was doomed
C7
Fm
No one will still live by the next full moon
Em
Kelsian pulled his helm on and adjusted his armor
Am
his decision was made, for glory and honor
C
C7
In a great battle, the beast will show true color
D
B7
No use for fears, no regrets after
Bm
F#m
The farmer's daughter was at the edge of the door
G
D
Lysa ran to Kelsian, to stop him at the floor
Em
D
"You fool, don't go there, 'cause you will surely die!"
F#
F#7
Kelsian disregarded her worry, looking to her eyes...
-----
(take a fast beat there, battle is coming )
Em
Am
"Lysa, now understand, my decision is made
C
It's the circle of Life, there's nothing to change
G
And whatever happens, have faith in the Light
D
B7
but don't worry my dear, everything will be alright
Then he left Lysa's hand (Em
1x)
To rush at the cavern (Em 1x)
to confront the beast... (G 1x)
the source of the problems (G 1x)
he thought to himself: (Am 1x)
why must we pay the price of blood (D 1x)
to perserve beauty, (D7 1x)
passion, life and love... (D7 1x)
Em
Kelsian confronted the beholder in that night
Am
The beast glared, before Kelsian could strike
C
C7
Petrified Kelisan was, overwhelmed with fear
D
D7
He feared for tomorrow, surely the end is near
(slowly)
Am(5th fret)
G(3rd fret)
He resented the foolish decision he made
F
Em
But for him, no doubt, it is surely too late
(take fast beat again)
Em
Am
Against all odds, Kelsian felt to his knees
C
C7
Looked upon his foe, to see no pity
Am
D
Alone and broken, and away from his home
F#
F#7
And a final prayer, for soon he will be gone
(Fast 1 stroke Em, Am, Em,
Am, Em, B7)
Bm
F#m
Outside in the rain, Lysa ran in anger
G
D
As she knew that somehow, Kelsian was in danger
Em
Am
She was getting closer, she could now see the light
F#
F#7
She entered the room, then was stunned by the sight:
Em
She saw the scenery, and gaped in disbelief
Am
Kelsian was groveling, begging on his feet
C
she only turns her head, it was such a travesty
B7
At that moment, she felt for him pity
G
D
Still she came forth, her mirror in hand
F#
F#7
And the hideous beholder, exposed his fangs
Em
The mirror reflected, showing his image
Am
So terrible to behold, he saw his ugly face
D
D7
The beast fainted, stunned as if hit by a mace
G
G7
Drawing out her dagger, Lysa quickly struck
C
B7
The blow killed the beast, bested by wits and luck
C
Kelsian was allured, awed by Lysa's courage
D
G
"You are beautiful, it's so true! it's so true!
C
D
Tis' foolish of my part, if I knew, if I knew...
D7
G
But I have learned something, I am in love with you!
Bm(7 fret)
F#m
Calm like a whisper, Lysa was amused
G
D
"what a foolish boy", the heroine mused.
G
D
And Handsome he was, in love she was as well
F#
F#7
But prove his love he must, and all will be well
Bm
F#m
"If you really love me, you'll carry the treasures;
G
D
It ¡s money before love, and business before pleasure!"
Em
D
"Yes my queen, I am your humble servant!"
F#
Lysa drudged proudly, with Kelsian behind
Am
D7
Together they traveled, toward new adventures
G D
To face new challenges, to battle beasts and kings
F#
Bm
Then they all went home, cause' they needed pumpkins...
"Then- Huh? Pumpkins?
I don't remember the song ending like
that..." Devin said, confused.
"Yes...Pumpkins, I love pumpkins! Orange, big, round… All young couples love pumpkins!" Imoen giggled.
"Eh? Isn't the song
suppose to finish in a more coherent way, Imoen?"
"Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins!!" Imoen said, Ignoring Devin's bewildered expression. "Heh, it even sounds better!"
With their song now disarranged, both of them started to laugh out loud. This was one of their more joyful times together, since the countless misfortunes and battles they'd endured. This moment, this beatitude, this was just like Candlekeep…
As their laughter subsided into chuckles and finally into silence, Imoen and Devin continued to stare at each other. Their gazes locked on one another. For a long time, they did not move. Unable to think of anything to say or do in this awkward situation. But slowly and surely, their faces moved toward each other until they were just inches apart. Imoen was very anxious at this point. However, she could not subdue her feelings of rapture any longer. Sighing, she leaned closer to kiss Devin passionately. Devin, surprised at Imoen's intensity and willingness to throw herself into his arms, was taken aback at first. When the kiss broke, his breathing quickened. "Woa…" Was all he could come up with in response.
Imoen giggled. "Ya like that?" She cooed. "There's more…" She kissed him even more ardently this time, her arms curling around his neck.
When their lips finally parted, Devin was on the verge of tears. Imoen was perplexed at this unexpected reaction. "What's wrong?" She asked.
"Immy I… I was so lonely without you. And I'd been so ashamed… of loving you. The taint, our father-"
"Shhh. It doesn't matter anymore. It's just us now." She pulled Devin close to her breasts as she stroked his auburn locks gently. Then she pulled his head back up to stare at him, at his green emerald orbs, confounded with anguish and sorrow but at the same time holding something else. It was happiness.
Both of them quickly began to undress themselves. The exigency and the longing for coalescence made the process of undressing a tedious and difficult labor. When their clothes were finally off, they embraced so impassionedly that nothing could have separated them at that instant.
Devin kissed Imoen's cheeks, tasting the salt from her tears of joy. Then he kissed her forehead, her nose and proceeded down to her neck. Imoen could feel his beard tickling her as he traced his mouth throughout various parts of her anatomy. It was sending chills all through her. She tingled with blissful contentment.
He touched her everywhere without losing the warmth produced from their loving making, lingering at all the places he knew well, and all the places that had been hidden from him. Finally, his fingers decided to rest on the swell of her hips while his hand lay in the hollow under her arm. He kissed her lips then, clumsily, but fervently. Imoen shivered as she yearned to press hard against the man who was once her childhood friend, her half-brother, and now her lover. She held her hand out to touch Devin's face, to gentle him, and reassure him that she wanted this just as vehemently as he. When their hands locked, they saw the rings glow more intensely, blanketing them in an aura of warmth.
As they shared breath, and whispered to one another words of endearment from time to time, Imoen could only compare this to a kind of joyous, almost drunken madness. Their arms were locked around each other and their faces pressed against each other. In the heat of their reciprocation, nothing could be heard, aside from the rustle of the wind and the urgent hiss of their breathing.
Devin's POV:
Devin awoke groggy. The sky was scarlet red, a sign of early dawn. He touched the grass, wet from the morning dew. Though his surroundings were still obscured by partial darkness, the air was clean and crisp and sparrows were already chirping their morning symphony. Devin knew it was a start of a good day. But yesterday seemed like a reverie to him. Such an effusion of emotions was displayed that evening, he'd surely thought it was a dream. But now fully awake, Devin realized the still sleeping Imoen was lying naked beside him. It made him feel more relieved than ever of reality.
He watched her sleep, serene and relaxed. She had been left drained and fatigued, obviously from all the attentive care she'd provided him in the previous week. She was not about to wake up just yet. He, however, had an urge to ambush her with one of his old pranks, but he thought better of it. The last major mischief he had pulled on her was in Candlekeep during their teen years. He vividly remembered the consequences.
Devin had discovered Imoen still sleeping that distant morning. Weeks before, she had received praise for her excellent marksmanship at archery practice. He, on the other hand, had stank. To take advantage of that, she had persuaded Devin to accept a one on one archery match where the winner would have the rest of the loser's allowance for the month. Of course, being the stubborn boy that he was, Devin had to accept the challenge and, naturally, he lost. What was worse however, was her insistent attitude that she was better at archery and always will be. That facetious teasing really got on Devin's last nerves. He thought for a suitable revenge ever since. Hence, finding Imoen sleeping that morning was the perfect opportunity to get back at her. He had collected numerous bugs the days before. His jar contained all kinds of creepy crawlies including roaches, spiders and worse. He had moved discreetly to her bed side, trying his best not to wake her. When he was sure she wouldn't stir, he began to periodically free his bugs. He placed some gently on Imoen's toes, then moved to her arm, and finally placed some on her face and even on her hair. Now, Imoen was a sound sleeper, but no sane person would be able to ignore such extreme discomfort. She woke up abruptly, and without even looking around she knew what was on her, tickling her, biting her.
"AHHH BUGS!! I HATE BUGS!!!" She screamed then, all the while sweeping and scrabbling at the tiny creatures on her delicate skin.
Her reaction was so satisfying that Devin convulsed into a fit of hysterical laughter.
But the deathly glare Imoen shot at him told him of the imminent danger. Punishment was inevitable, but still he dashed out of her room as fast as he could.
Devin was panting in the open fields as he tried to escape, with an enraged Imoen pursuing close behind, shouting all sorts of curses and obscenities.
"I'LL KILL YOU DEVIN!!!" Imoen screamed.
"Gotta catch me first! Haha." Devin shot back.
All his life, Devin had known he couldn't outrun the more lissome Imoen. He lost his footing and almost fell thinking about that. Two quick hands tackled him as he fell to the ground.
"Oouch! He- Hey!"
"Oh ya in for it, I swear!" Imoen growled. Her thighs were latched firmly onto Devin's
pelvis as she straddled him, her hands jerked the collar of his shirt. No struggle would free him now.
"Help me! Somebody!" Devin shouted for help, but to no avail.
"Nobody's gonna hear you, Pigsbreath." Imoen said while leering at him.
"Ah oh." Devin squeaked.
Imoen began to pinch and punch him. Devin tried to block with his hands, but it was futile. Nothing could stop a furious Imoen from seeking her own revenge. In that morning, the only sound heard from miles away was Devin's wails of despair.
When it was all over, Devin received a pair of black eyes, a bloody nose, and numerous bruises, all thanks to his ingenious prank.
Devin couldn't help but smile after reminiscing about that particular event. Pulling a major prank on Imoen now would be unwise indeed, especially with her at the peak of the arcane arts. That thought made him shudder. He stared down at Imoen, who had turned over to a side position. Her eyes remained shut.
Devin revered both Imoen's beauty and sweet demeanor. During their times in Candlekeep, from childhood up to adolescence, they had caused so much trouble. Together, they fought, cried and laughed. And in due time, his sibling-like affection for her turned into sincere feelings of adoration. The bond they developed progressed, until they complemented each other like sugar and spice. They were inseparable, needing each other's company like they needed air and water. When they were separated, it was terrible hardship for the both of them. Nevertheless, together they survived through the horror of the Abyss, the Hells, and worse. But now with their divine lineage severed, and all their past ordeals behind them, it was finally time to mend the wounds they had suffered.
Cautiously, Devin slid down until he was next to Imoen. He stared at the curves of her body, at her cheek that glowed in the nascent sunlight. He let his hand fall across her waist then moved forward until his chest touched her back. Her reddish pink hair now made contact with his face. He could smell her natural, fragrant scent. It was a pleasant aroma that could only be distinguished as Imoen's. But Devin didn't want to breathe too hard, fearing he might awaken her from slumber and break this achingly satisfying moment.
"Hmmmm…what's that thing? Hey! Were you trying to take me in my sleep?" Imoen said all of a sudden, completely breaking Devin's train of thoughts. He was more nervous than surprised at the accusation.
"Huh!? No! I… It's morning I can't help it!" Devin blushed furiously, his dignity somewhat wounded and his attempt for an explanation was quite lame.
"Hehe. Yea, sure. I know I'm too cute to resist and all, but did you have to take advantage of me while I'm sleeping?" Imoen said through sporadic giggles. Her teasing was evident now.
"Umm uh. Anyways, it's morning, so shall we get going? Candlekeep shouldn't be too far off now, since we've been traveling for days…" Devin said, eager to change the subject.
"Oh alright. But we have to get dressed first. Or do you wanna freak out our friends there?" She snickered.
"Ah yeah, let's do that…" Devin blushed again.
They dressed up quickly, collected their provisions, and prepared to resume their journey.
"Well, do you even know which direction it is? I mean, it's been awhile." Imoen said while smirking.
"You don't think I know the way to our sanctuary? Our hometown? Our headquarters of mischief? Trust me Immy, I can find it with my eyes closed."
"Uhh, yeah right. Fine, Mr. I-know-where-I'm-going, you lead the way then."
"I sure will! And umm, Immy?"
"Yep?"
"Can I hold your hand? I really like doing that."
She could only smile at that request. She offered her hand up to Devin, granting her approval. Devin took the hand and kissed the back of it. Together they walked, hand in hand, on the road to Candlekeep, their rings glowing with that delightfully warm radiance to provide light in the still dim morning.
THE END
*Author's Note: Much thanks to Artanisk, who had written the original song that Devin and Imoen sang in this chapter. Though I did tamper with it a bit. ^_^