Something unexpected...
Crevan found annoyance in the stretches Pen insisted he do to stretch out his muscles. He was very much reminded that he'd neglected his maintaining of his body. He seemed to be sorer than he'd started after each session.
"...The point of this is?" He asked, laying on his back after she'd hip thrown him for the twentieth time.
"Flexibility..." She said. "one style will lock you in, knowing several will give you a chance to adapt."
He grabbed her ankle and pulled her down and rolled to pin her.
"And you were not paying attention."
She leaned up for a quick kiss and then had him pined and swatted him on the side of the head.
"...wench." He said and turned to pin her again.
She brought her knee up as he came down, he rolled off groaning. She sprang to her feet.
"No cup.." She said. "Tisk tisk...Your opponent isn't going to play by the "rules". I've ended up in more bar fights than duels..."
"...Don't break your toys." Nuada said as he came in. "I'll not agree to replace them..."
It took Crevan a few minutes to stand and limp to the bench to sit. The double meaning of what Nuada had said very clear.
"She went for the low blow didn't she..." Nuada said as he stretched. "...she'll use that until you learn to block or get protection from it." He grinned. "I'm just faster..."
"After I punched him..." She said, pulling out her practice weapons. "...ready to dance?"
Nuada grinned and adjusted a few things before picking up his shortened lance.
They made each other work for the blows they landed, ending with the tip of pen's blade under her chin, his was pointed at her leg. She would have taken him out, but not without paying for it. Crevan was surprised, if Ge'els could see this he'd back off. Pen was a sword dancer, control and grace.
"...Picking your targets again." Nuada asked, looking down her blade at her. "Good..."
She withdrew, sheathing the blades into their nested form.
"I've had enough of a workout." She said. "I need to complete a few things for the grand Council...one of you come find me if I'm not out in an hour..."
She headed off to the baths, both watched her not sure if it was an invitation or a tease.
"...Tease." Nuada said. "...Come on, the hot water will feel good."
Crevan got to his feet, groaning. Yes, the hot water would feel good.
Pen was finishing up actually washing when they arrived to do their own. She slid into one of the larger tubs and leaned to watch them.
"Milady sees something she likes..." Nuada asked as he soaped up.
"A lot of things..." Pen said. "...and a perfect view."
Nuada grinned as he took out his plaits to wash his hair. Crevan thought the same, noticing his hair was getting longer and needed to be trimmed again. The sage finished first, walking over to the tub. Pen looked up a wide grin on her face.
"An even better view..." She said, making room so he could get in.
He found the seat to sit just beneath the water, letting the heat soak in. The slight slosh said Nuada had gotten in. Pen was sitting beside him, the king on the other side.
"...Tomorrow we argue..." Pen said.
"Are you going to enter one of the contests?" Nuada asked.
"I had thought of it when you asked last, but I'll let Dain remind them the Singers were not always benevolent this time round."
"...You will have to defend your choice." Crevan said, opening one eye to look at the lover's knot on Pen's shoulder. "...This last incident says even my own people will have a problem with the Court of thorns."
"I think it is more that Ge'els in his righteousness does not think this fits you."
"I could have said no, to the oath and to my lady's bed." He said, turning enough to kiss the tattoo. "...but even you have said that there are times you cannot protect her."
"Says the male who would have been king." Nuada said., tracing the bramble at her hip. "but true..."
Crevan pulled Pen into his lap, smirking up at Nuada.
"..Now, pray why this..."
"Milady was very naughty...trying to kick my jewels across the sally..." Crevan said, holding her in place and sliding his hands up to her breasts. "I do think my lady deserves a..."
"A time out..." Nuada laughed softly and leaned to kiss her, as Crevan nibbled on her shoulder.
To say Pen was more than frustrated when the bath ended was an understatement.
Both looked like cats gotten into the cream for the duration of dinner. Pen became very aware of the two of them after she had tucked the twins in. It seemed they wanted to finish what they started.
Two sets of hands undressed her, each taking care not to rush. Soon a bed welcomed three bodies, touch, and pleasure. Male sounds of contentment as two pressed the third between them. Pen didn't know which way to turn, to touch and arouse. Both guided, touching her with warmth. Release became a near afterthought, but it came and she was left feeling like liquid between them.
Pen woke in the morning sandwiched between two bodies, both looking down at her as she slept. She could feel they were both aroused, and clearly neither was going to move enough for her to get up.
"Good morning, sleepy one," Crevan said.
She tried to wiggle out from between them, they pressed closer. She said some choice words and continued to wiggle.
"...She's grumpy before she gets her coffee."
Crevan frowned. "That foul brew..."
"...I would agree, but it does improve her temper."
"Which you'll both get a taste of if you don't let me up to go to the bathroom..."
Knowing his lady better, Nuada rolled away so she could relieve herself. A servant came in with a pot of tea and one of coffee. They said nothing and departed.
"...I could get used to this..." Crevan said. "...when all is done."
Pen returned and prepared her coffee, the mug was warm. She looked at Nuada and smirked.
"...Nice and warm." She said as she climbed back in and set the cup in Crevan's crotch.
The sage jumped, and again when she did it again between sips.
"...Hum. Fire in the forging..." Nuada teased until she pressed the still-warm cup to his. "One blade at a time my lady..."
She teased them both as she finished her coffee.
"...We will need to get dressed," She said and bounded away again.
Crevan frowned, remembering he had said he'd not to share her bed. No one had said anything of when she was in the King's. He rolled out and gathered up his clothing. Nuada stopped him.
"Crevan, this will not happen often," Nuada said.
"I know, it will carry me through." He said, then looked to where Pen was making another cup. "...Save some honey for tea..."
Nuada quietly dressed and joined them at the table for breakfast.