Part 16
AUTHOR'S WARNING: This chapter contains adult material of a sexual nature. The material is within the R rating here on but consider yourself warned. You now read at your own risk. The full scene is available at my mailing list. See my bio for the link.
After just two days of travel, Avress had decided she absolutely hated deserts. Books in the great library of Candlekeep said that elves were supposed to endure extremes of nature with aplomb. They had been lying. Heat plundered her skin from above and roasted her from the sands below. Even the shade afforded by their specialized travelling garments did little to protect her. The sand was another discomfort she had been unprepared for. It worked its way everywhere including very uncomfortable places. There was little use in removing it, let alone the opportunity. Jaheira seemed to endure the arid heat far better than the rest but even she was affected. Unsurprisingly, it was Viconia that was most affected. The drow was struck nearly blind by the glare of the sun and was wilting in the heat.
Avress was just thankful she didn't wear armor. Only three hours of travel over the desert, the rest of the group had given up trying to endure their personalized ovens. It might have been risky to go without the protection of armor in a hostile environment, but there was a far greater risk of dying of heat exhaustion.
She was just grateful for Cespenar's ability to provide them what they needed for travel over such a barren atmosphere. Without the little imp they would have had to spend a great deal of time locating and buying the required equipment. They were just lucky that Keldorn had experience traversing the region. Jaheira's druid instincts and powers allowed them to cross without a guide but it had been far from easy. Melissan had also provided them with a very detailed map. Avress guessed she didn't want them dying before they ceased to be useful.
Doing her best to walk next to Viconia in the shadows cast by Keldorn and Sarevok, she longingly eyed the dense wall of green that was growing larger as they neared the oasis. It was the biggest oasis in the region and was well traveled by merchants and adventurers alike. They would have perhaps encountered more people as they traveled, had war not loomed over the countryside. Avress was rather looking forward to the thick, cool green tangles of plant life. It would be pleasant not to have to share the momentary pause in their travels with strangers.
As the party neared the verge of the oasis, her hopes were dashed by the glimmer of steel behind the trees. Whispering warnings in her mind, the taint stirred. Avress stopped abruptly. Body tense she extended her senses forward. The taint thrummed with the memory of lifeblood spilt on the oasis' sands. It was merely an echo of long ago death but Avress also felt something else. It was the tension of murder waiting to occur. The others noticed her pause and looked at her with speculation.
"There's something at the oasis. I saw light reflected from armor. The taint feels something, too. It's an ambush," Avress spoke softly.
"Damnation! We are in no condition to fight," Jaheira spat. "We are not even armored!"
"Perhaps the wiser course is to parlay?" Keldorn suggested.
"You assume they will listen to reason," Viconia snorted delicately. "It has been a long time since we have met reasonable foes."
"Jaheira, Viconia, do what you can to aid us but nothing overt. I don't want to provoke violence if it can be avoided. Let me go in front and keep your hands away from your weapons."
"That is suicide," Sarevok growled.
Her eyes flashed molten saffron at her 'brother'. They had remained at odds with each other since their argument. If anything, tension had only increased between them. The others had said nothing but Avress knew that they had noticed. Several times she had caught Jaheira looking at her with a slight frown. It was no time for an argument but she couldn't let his comment pass. They needed confidence, not doubt.
"It will be suicide for certain if we go in with swords swinging. We don't even know what is waiting for us. It is better to try a peaceful solution that will allow us to pass without harm," Avress returned as calmly as she was able.
Viconia and Jaheira began to chant, adding their support. They were soon blessed and the men protected with skins of bark. Keldorn had also called upon his faith to armor him. Avress was tempted to summon stoneskins but they were clearly visible. She hoped that not using her magic to protect herself would be a gesture of goodwill. Their foes would know by now that they had sensed the ambush. Once the praying ended, Avress moved forward with her friends behind her. They passed through the screed of green and Avress felt her stomach drop. An army was arrayed before her in the colors of Tethyr.
"Hold! I am General Jamis Tombelthen, representative of the King and Queen of Tethyr. You, Avress of Candlekeep, Sorceress and Child of Bhaal, are accused of crimes against our nation and, indeed, all of humanity!"
"What specific crimes am I being charged with? I am aware of nothing I have done to warrant such accusations. Is there to be a trial? May I defend myself?" Avress asked as her mind whirled.
On occasion, she might disregard the law but nothing like what the General was suggesting. Beads of sweat trickled down Avress' back, matching her growing tension. This was far more serious than she had expected. They had sent an army for her. She didn't know if she was hurt or strangely flattered by how dangerous they thought she was.
"You are guilty, Avress. Of this there is no doubt. And we will not risk your further endangerment of us all. You are spawn of Bhaal and responsible for the destruction of the city of Saradush. Your execution has been ordered, Avress."
"General, I beg of you, please explain how it is that I have been found guilty of Saradush's destruction."
"My Queen knows of your actions to instigate unrest and outright war against the peoples of Tethyr. Even now you flee to join the other Spawn you have included in your conspiracy," Jamis replied with certainty.
"I fear that your Queen has been misinformed. The conspiracy you name is none of my doing. Indeed, they seek my death and I have destroyed two of their number. The second I killed was Yaga-Shura a fire giant that laid siege and finally overran Saradush."
"Cease your false protestations. Your kind is quick to lie and deceive. Will you submit to your execution, Child of Bhaal?"
"She will do no such thing!" Sarevok growled advancing on the general.
The General's hand went to his sword as the larger man advanced. All around them was the sound of steel being bared and bowstrings drawing taught. They would be dead in moments if she didn't do something. Panic jetted through her system and Avress grabbed at Sarevok's shoulder.
"No, Sarevok!" Avress cried, halting Sarevok's advance.
"Foul necromancy!" the General snarled as he recognized both the name and the visage of the man before him. "If nothing else your guilt is proved by this!"
"Hold! I will not stand by and see this travesty unfold!" Jaheira spoke up. "I am Jaheira a Harper of good standing. I swear to you as a Harper and servant of Silvanus that Avress is innocent of the crimes you have named."
"You would have me believe you, Harper? You travel in the company of one of unholy blood!" Jamis retorted.
"Then would you take my oath that neither of them are polluted with darkness?" Keldorn advanced. "I am Sir Keldorn Firecam, paladin of Torm and long-time member of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart."
"Sir Keldorn... I have heard of your reputation," Jamis hesitated. "It would sadden me greatly to think you had fallen to evil but I cannot risk it. My duty is to my Queen and the protection of her realm."
"Have you no-one in your army that could verify my words?" Keldorn asked.
The General clearly hesitated as he considered Keldorn's suggestion. The drumming of her heart in her ears filled the silence. Avress swallowed hard, her hand still clawed on Sarevok's shoulder. If the General decided to attack they would probably die. They were strong but they were ill prepared and against the full might of an army. Killing innocents brought her no joy but Avress knew she would fight. She had no desire to die and the Five could not be allowed to return her sire. Finally, the General motioned over a woman in the robes of a cleric of Selune.
"This is Cheldri, a priestess of Selune. She will test all of you, starting with Sir Firecam and then the druid. You, Avress, will go last. When she tests each of you, my sword will be at your throat. Any attempt to attack and I will draw it across your throat."
"We accept your terms," Avress said with a tense voice.
Cheldri advanced with Jamis by her side. The General placed his blade at Keldorn's throat and the priestess took his hand. For several moments she murmured a prayer under breath with her eyes closed. Finally she finished. The procedure was repeated with Jaheira. When Cheldri moved to Viconia her face screwed up into an expression of loathing. Avress swore under her breath. Shar was Selune's eternal rival and their clergy regularly clashed. In response to the other priestess' disgust, Viconia only sneered and extended her hand disdainfully. As soon as she was able, Cheldri dropped the drow's hand. She then moved to Sarevok.
After giving Sarevok a steady look, Avress released his shoulder. She stepped away from both the cleric and General, not wishing to seem a threat. This time the priestess' eyes popped open with surprise and she shot Avress a look of mingled surprised and horror. Hurriedly the priestess returned her features to a clam mask and released Sarevok's hand. It was finally Avress' turn.
Cooperating as much as she could, Avress extended her hand and tried to ignore the sharp edge of steel at her throat. Unwelcome memories of Irenicus' torture stirred but she pushed them away. As she did so, Avress became aware of a soft power stroking against her awareness. While the touch was delicate, it held a core of iron. The taint writhed with distrust and the desire to swat at the alien caress. It did not like the presence of the holy power and liked its intentions even less. Avress steadily refused to grant its request. Instead she let the priestess free rein to delve into her soul. Moments passed before priestess was satisfied. When Cheldri dropped her hand, Avress felt strangely violated by the examination she'd undergone.
"I have seen into their souls, General. Who do you wish to hear of first?" Cheldri asked.
"Report in the order you examined them," the General replied curtly.
"The paladin is untainted and his soul glows with faith. The druid is likewise free of tampering. The drow is a Priestess of Shar and that is all I will say on that matter," Cheldri spoke.
"And the... others?"
"What I have seen in the warrior disturbs me. He is neither living nor dead. The Child has returned him using her very soul. Such a thing is beyond my understanding. I did feel evil within him but I also found conflict."
"What of the Spawn Child?"
"She is not untouched by her parentage. The taint that Bhaal spread to his children is uncommonly strong within her. Yet... yet she commands it and has not fallen to its temptations. She follows the balance of all things but strives to do good."
Avress tensely waited for the general to speak. She didn't know what the General thought of the cleric's findings. He might yet decide to destroy them. The priestess was very clear that there were two of their group that harbored evil in their hearts. Steadily she watched the General and then met his gaze as he frowned in contemplation.
"I am left with a dilemma. By my reckoning I can accept the word of both Jaheira and Sir Keldorn but that does not negate my duty to the Queen. She desires your death, Bhaalspawn."
"I understand your duty, General Jamis. Your Queen rightly wishes for her people to be safe. Executing me, however, will not grant safety to her subjects. Those that I hunt intend to return Bhaal."
"Grave news indeed but again, this does not alter my orders," Jamis replied with a shake of his head.
"You have served your Queen for many years, yes?" Avress asked and received a nod in return. "She clearly trusts you or you would not be charged with such weighty orders. Surely she trusts your judgement and grants you some leeway in how perform your duties?"
"You are asking me to tread the line of treason."
"Perhaps so," Avress admitted. "Your Queen made a decision on the evidence she had at hand. I do not think she would fault you for staying your hand after she hears what you have to report."
The muscles of the General's jaw clenched and then released.
"I still do not trust you, Avress of Candlekeep. You have not fallen to your father's blood but who is to say that you shall not in the future? Regardless, what you say is true. The Queen will hear of what has passed this day. If she commands me to find and execute you once more, I will do so. Until then, I shall stay my hand. I would, however, like to speak to Harper Jaheira and Sir Firecam."
"Thank you General."
Although she had been hoping for a reprieve, Avress was amazed when it was granted. Strain ebbed from her shoulders and her heart slowed its pounding. Looking back at her companions she could see the relief written on their faces. Doubt lingered however. They were still outnumbered and vulnerable. Avress also disliked that Jaheira and Keldorn were being separated from them. Fear spiked. Was Jamis separating them for a reason? Would he attack once those that had a 'pure' heart were safely out of harm's way?
No, she couldn't think that. If she began to think that way, she would begin to see things that weren't there. Then she would do something foolish. The General was clearly an honorable man. Such a deception did not seem to fit his character. There was little they could do but trust. Finally she turned to her companions.
"Keldorn, Jaheira, we'll set up camp while you speak to the General," Avress said with a calm found only in her voice.
"Cheldri will show you where to camp," Jamis spoke up.
Despite herself, Avress felt another spike of fear. The General wasn't hiding the fact he wanted to watch over them while they were at the oasis. Hesitantly they followed the priestess to a clearing several yards from the oasis itself. Tents belonging to the army surrounded the clearing. Avress doubted she would sleep well surrounded by an army that had been sent to execute her. Every movement they made would be easily observed.
Cheldri quickly explained the army's sanitary measures and told them to report to a large striped mess tent for meals. Avress nodded and said nothing about the growing restraints around them. Viconia stirred uneasily beside Avress and Sarevok glared at the priestess. Like her, their position was tenuous. The three of them were most aware of Cheldri's watching eyes as they set up their sleeping arrangements.
"May we refresh our waterbags?" Avress finally asked the priestess.
"Certainly and I'll introduce you to some of my companions."
"I'd be delighted," Avress replied, lying through her teeth.
"Do you wish our company, abbil?" Viconia asked.
"No, enjoy the luxury of the shade," Avress said with a smile.
With her hands, she discretely signed for them to stay and be inconspicuous. Again, Avress was pleased to retain the knowledge of the silent drow tongue. Viconia smiled and nodded in return. Cheldri guided Avress towards a clearing where groups of people lingered and relaxed. It was very public and Avress suspected that Cheldri had brought her here for a reason. Avress was guided by the priestess towards group of robed individuals. Some of them were clearly clerics of differing faiths and others were mages. Avress wondered if they were normally part of the army or if they had been recruited specially. From their less than uniform attire and equipment, she guessed the latter. Upon seeing her arrival, most made polite excuses but five remained.
Two were clerics of Selune like Cheldri. Another was a priest of Helm and the last two were mages. They regarded her with neutral but guarded faces except for a mage in purple robes. The mage looked at her with ill-disguised contempt. Partly it was the arrogance that many arcane practitioners seemed to develop but there was something else that Avress couldn't quite make out.
"Avress, the priestess of Selune is Alina and Gerda is a priestess of Sune. Torbin is the cleric of Helm. Yalen and Bendris are mages."
"So you are the reason we've been dragged from the comforts of civilization to this wasteland. You don't look like much. I could do you in with one round of magic missiles," Bendris sniffed.
"Bendris is one of the mages at court," Cheldri replied with a frown. "The Queen requested him to accompany the General. The rest of us volunteered."
To learn that they had volunteered to slay her, didn't improve Avress' opinion of them. Bendris also reminded Avress of a pale imitation of Edwin. Unlike the insulting but witty Edwin, Bendris was something of a bore. Avress also guessed that the Queen had probably ordered Bendris to attend due to his annoying personality.
Avress looked at Cheldri wondering why she had been introduced to them. Her answer was quickly supplied by a covert look about her. The casual conversation of the groups of soldiers around her had ceased. They unsuccessfully tried to look as if they weren't listening in. Cheldri must have organized this 'meeting' to help quell some of the rumors that would inevitably be circulating. The cleric's diplomacy was admirable. Hopefully, this would reduce any future possibility of conflict. Avress' introspection was interrupted when Alina asked if any of her party snored as they were camped on the other side of the clearing.
"No, none of us here snore," Avress replied with a real smile as she thought of Minsc who snored like a bear.
"That's a relief. I was worried Yalen's nightly din might be doubled," Alina giggled.
"Bhaalspawn, tell us of Saradush," Beldris demanded with arrogance. "You claim to have killed the one responsible?"
"Yaga-Shura attacked the city to destroy the Children of Bhaal that had taken refuge within. The city had tried to attack him directly but he had used ancient magics to make himself invulnerable. They were broken and we killed him," Avress replied flatly, watching the faces of the five before her.
"If Bhaalspawn are so easy to exterminate it makes me wonder why the Queen went to so much bother for you," Beldris sneered.
"My brother was a guard in Saradush," Torbin spoke up. "If this giant destroyed the city as you said, you have my thanks for killing him."
"You are welcome," Avress replied sincerely. "I had hoped I would have been in time to save the city."
Conversation strained by Beldris' infrequent but rude comments eventually ground to a halt. Avress answered the questions the small group posed to her. Cheldri might have arranged the meeting for the soldier's benefits but the other irregulars were hesitant to fully accept her story even having been in earshot of her conversation with the General. Even Cheldri who had seen inside her soul had her reservations. Avress didn't resent their concern. Hopefully by answering their questions, Avress had won some measure of safety for both her friends and herself.
By the time she returned to the clearing, Jaheira and Keldorn had returned. Avress breathed a small sigh of relief. They explained that the General had questioned them further on what had happened at Saradush. He had also requested that they send letters to the Queen confirming their observations. To Avress this suggested that the General did intend to let them to leave unmolested. Not that they would sleep without their weapons. Had it been any cooler she would have asked them to sleep in their armor, as uncomfortable as it was.
Dusk fell and they endured an uncomfortable meal at the mess tent. The soldiers gave them suspicious and hateful looks. Rumors would be wild within their ranks. Not all of them had been close enough to hear what had passed between the General and herself. Avress was glad their discipline stopped them at dirty looks. The officers were certainly keeping careful control over their men.
The only opportunity for privacy came when they availed themselves of the officers' bathing facilities. With so many people the resources of the oasis would have been put under too much pressure had they not been magically enhanced. Cheldri had explained that the clerics and mages summoned water for the army's use. Separate bathing tents had been created for men and women. Several privies had also been dug well away from the water. Upon leaving, they would be carefully purified as not to contaminate the oasis.
Accompanied by Viconia and Jaheira, Avress was neck deep in the large magically produced tub. Prior to relaxing, Viconia had warded the tent for privacy. Then they had scrubbed themselves of dirt and grime before submerging themselves. The cool water was a boon to her overheated flesh.
"What happened once we left to speak to the General, child?" Jaheira asked.
"Cheldri introduced me to a group of mages and clerics. I think they will be our primary guards while we are here. Did the general ask how long he wanted to detain us for?"
"No. I suspect we can leave when we wish. I would like to leave as soon as possible. The General is intelligent and honorable but the common soldiers... they could cause us problems," Jaheira advised.
"Then we will leave at dawn. Would you inform the General? I do not wish to provoke him by simply vanishing," Avress sighed.
"I too will be pleased to leave," Viconia commented. "I do not trust those moon worshiping fools."
"That goes without saying," Avress laughed.
"Well, the sooner to bed, the sooner we leave. I shall see to informing the General and then I will find my rest," Jaheira said and left the water.
Avress sighed knowing she should find her own bedroll soon. That, however, meant leaving the privacy of the bathing tent and enduring more suspicion. Viconia's red gaze met hers with understanding. They had both suffered persecution for what they were. The Realms were varied and diverse but so was prejudice. It was something that they had learned to accept but this situation was unusual. So much for her hopes of a relaxing night in a less hostile environment!
"What I would give for a skilled male to pamper me," Viconia murmured. "The drow were not built for the desert."
"Nor was I, it seems. I wouldn't mind a massage," Avress admitted.
"That is what I miss about my people. The drow know much about sensual pleasures. Surfacers seem to lack such refinement. Don't you miss those evenings in Ust Natha," Viconia asked with a wicked grin.
A chuckle worked its way from her throat. She remembered. Their time in the drow city had taught Avress a great deal about herself. Without her soul she had indulged in things she might have not even considered before. Viconia had been her guide. The priestess had somehow known just how to sate the growing darkness within her so that she would not be consumed. Avress had indulged in many drow pleasures. That included the sensual and erotic skills of specially trained males. Avress had also unleashed her bloodlust fully for the first time in the drow arenas. For all the torment she experienced without her soul, she had been wild and free in the city of webs. Yet by the time their stay had concluded, Avress knew without a doubt that she did not desire the life of her evil cousins.
"It seems I must suffer without but perhaps pleasure is not so impossible for some?" Viconia teased.
"How so, dark sister?" Avress asked, using the pet name she had used for Viconia while in Ust Natha. "The last time I found someone worthy was in Suldanesselar."
With fondness Avress remembered her liaison within the elven city. It had been with a much older elven mage. Illandon had been something of a mentor as well as a lover. She had greatly enjoyed their conversations about magic. As he still loved his wife who had died during Irenicus' first bid for godhood, Avress did not fear he would form too great an attachment to her. They had parted easily and on good terms.
"Have you been struck blind, abbil? It seems our moody warrior prefers white flesh to dark," Viconia smiled.
"It seems you are up to your old tricks again," Avress replied shortly.
"Am I? I have seen his eyes rove over your form when he thinks no one watches. He isn't your brother anymore, Avress. Not that he ever was by blood."
The drow's words disturbed Avress. The idea of Sarevok looking at her like that send shocks of astonishment running through her. How could Viconia think such a thing? The roiling ball of emotions that always seemed to appear when Sarevok was the subject of her thoughts seemed to magnify. Avress greatly disliked the questions that began to form even as she quashed them.
"He might deny it to himself but he wants you. Why else would he refuse my overtures?" Viconia continued.
"Perhaps you're not as great a seductress you thought," Avress snarled and jumped from the water.
"Avress!" Viconia cried, all tones of teasing gone and Avress paused. "It seems my words were hasty."
"It's not your fault," Avress replied awkwardly.
"They were hasty... but perhaps you should think on them. He looks at you with speculation Avress, and it seems you too have wondered."
Avress left the bathing tent, hair still dripping and hurrying away as if a dragon was after her. Viconia's words had stirred something she had been studiously ignoring. So deep in her thoughts, Avress bumped into Cheldri on the way back. She struggled to control the urge to let out her temper on the cleric. Avress suspected the woman had encountered her on purpose but that did not mean she should take out her confusion on the woman.
"Avress would you mind if I speak with you for a moment?"
"Certainly," Avress said forcing her voice to be free of the landslide of emotion she was holding back.
The woman guided her to a less public location. Trees and shrubs enclosed them and hid them from the prying eyes and ears of the soldiers. There was something in Cheldri's manner that alerted Avress that this was not going to be a light conversation. Nor would it be the carefully crafted meeting of earlier. A strong desire to run washed over her but Avress suppressed it. It really was her day for difficult conversations, Avress thought with frustration.
"I heard you were leaving tomorrow so I thought it best to speak to you now," Cheldri spoke up.
"What is this about? I do not mean to be rude but I am rather tired," Avress said.
"It is about your choice in companions. I admire the strength with which you have resisted the taint. You have triumphed over the path your blood would set before you. That makes me wonder why you would accept one who gloried in the darkness his blood carried and that you justly killed."
Not again. Avress clenched her jaw closed around a deluge of less than complementary remarks. In response to her spike in emotions, the taint rose and surged. Blood pounded in her temples, and Avress struggled for clarity of thought and diplomacy. This wasn't something she wanted to discuss. Not now, and not with the well-meaning but somewhat self-righteous cleric before her. Viconia's words had pushed her to the edge and Cheldri's inquiry had just pushed her over it.
"I have my reasons. They are not easily explained," Avress managed to say knowing she had to end the conversation.
"Does that have to do with using part of your soul to return him to some semblance of life?" Cheldri asked with blunt disapproval.
"It might," Avress replied, again trying to impress her reluctance to continue with the conversation.
"His existence is against all the tenants of my faith. I also do not see why you would associate with the murderer of your foster father."
"You mean well but my life is none of your business. Nor does your faith have any dominion over the decisions I make. Please, this is not something I desire to discuss."
"Fine," Cheldri replied coldly. "I will simply give you a warning. Destroy the thing you created before it drags you down. Selune have mercy upon you!"
Once the cleric was safely away, Avress released a stream of magic missiles into a nearby tree. It did little good. The taint still sang in her ears in time with her heartbeat. She fairly vibrated with emotion looking for a release. From within, the taint seem to gather and call to something just outside of her reach. Avress shuddered helplessly for long moments struck with the power of that unknown summons.
At the touch of a hand on her shoulder, her skin prickled. The taint surged with triumph and relief as it overflowed and spilled out from her. Nerves were struck alight as the taint moved to finally sink into the one touching her. Knees beginning to buckle, Avress turned in shock and her arms were caught in familiar large hands. Vibrating between them the taint hummed its satisfaction. Her eyes glued to the brown orbs that were slowly bleeding to yellow. She hadn't seen them that color since their final conflict in the undercity.
The memories provoked another surge in the taint. It rippled from her into Sarevok and back into her. They both moaned at the sensation. Heat was pooling between her legs. The taint didn't crave violence. No, this time it craved something different. Hungrily, Avress drew in his scent and lifted her chin in challenge. His teeth glinted in the moonlight in an answering snarl. Then their lips meshed and grappled. She wasn't really sure who had initiated the kiss but it was bruising and feral. The sweet copper taste of blood bathed her tongue and urged her onward.
Urgently, her hands scored grooves on his flesh. Avress searched out the ties to his breeches and began to pull them undone. Sarevok pressed against her solid and warm, backing her to a tree where he pulled her legs about his waist. The bark bit into her back but she didn't protest. His wandering hands hastily bared her breasts and her robes were pulled up about her waist. Bruising and teasing, teeth scored the softness of her breasts. A long, sword-callused finger probed her slickness. The roughness of his skin abraded her tender flesh and she pressed into his palm in encouragement.
Eagerly, she finished with the ties of his breeches. For a moment she panted as he remained still within her. His presence within her bordered on the bruising but it was something she craved more of. Hips met his and she tightened her grasp on his shoulders. The taint leapt between them enhancing their craving as they hit their peak.
For long moments they sagged against the tree. Avress slowly felt clarity return and became embarrassingly aware of their intimate clasp. Almost in concert they pulled away from each other. For a moment their eyes collided before they jerked their gaze away. In that moment Avress saw that his eyes had returned to dark chocolate. She fought against a rising wave of shock and panic as they dazedly adjusted their clothing and hurriedly parted company.
Avress staggered several more steps into the thick vegetation before she found her knees buckling. Her breath came in panicked breaths. Hands trembling, she pressed them over her mouth and then jerked them away. Thoughts of denial fought with the overwhelming reality of what had happened. Never before had the taint acted as it had. It had always called for slaughter, not sex. Its influence had been intoxicating and urgent. The heat it had generated when shared between them was beyond even the finest of aphrodisiacs. Even as she thought about what had happened, the taint gave a small surge.
With growing frustration, Avress wondered how it could have happened. The taint wasn't something she fully understood. Its properties were as varied as the Bhaalspawn it was part of. Much remained unknown but Avress did know it was under her control. That was what frightened her the most about what had happened.
Sarevok had always inspired great emotion within her. At first it was fear. Then she had felt anger, resentment and hatred towards him. Since letting him join her small group, what she felt was far more mixed. She had acknowledged that fact but for all her worrying over it, she'd avoided fully examining those feelings, remarkably well. Avress wondered if she had done so purposefully. She didn't want this sudden attraction to the large warrior.
This was something she wasn't ready for but it seemed she had little choice in the matter. What was done was done. With a tired chuckle, Avress realized she hadn't even considered asking Sarevok to leave. Sending him away would solve so many of the difficulties that Avress faced. The disquiet in the group would disappear and she could ignore what had happened between them. Going their separate ways would solve much but she wouldn't even contemplate it. Indeed, the very thought ignited a fury within her. It was fed by the taint but that possessive rage belonged to her alone.
She might not know what her heart felt for Sarevok, but Avress did know what her body desired. Yes, her body's urgings were easy to recognize; she wanted him in her bed again. There had been much passion and pleasure between them. Even now, Avress felt herself flush as she recalled the feel of his hands and mouth.
Guilt tickled away in the back of her mind. He had killed Gorion, nearly started a war that would have killed thousands and he was not repentant in the least. She had killed him twice! Angrily, Avress clenched her hands into fists, ignoring the bite of her fingernails into her palms. Even now they argued more than they agreed. Sarevok was not the kind of lover she had ever envisioned for herself. Still, she couldn't pretend there wasn't something that pulled her towards her once enemy.
Viconia had been right, she thought with chagrin and then froze with sudden horror. There was no doubt that she was willingly but what of Sarevok? The taint had called to him and filled him. Had it taken away his will? No, Avress decided, pushing away her fears. If that had been the case, he would have coupled with her like an animal. They had been ungentle in their passions but she had felt the man behind his touch, not just a mindless body, ridden with forced desire.
Whatever was between them would not be a simple matter. She had not wanted anything as complicated as this. The few lovers she'd taken in the past were easily found and easily parted with. Nothing about Sarevok was ever easy and whatever was forged between them wouldn't be easily parted with. For now Avress could accept that.
TBC