Warning: Chapter contains smut...
Tony and Pepper are going to "go all the way" soon, very soon. I promise Lol..
Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under 't.
- Macbeth, William Shakespeare
It was such a beautiful day. She took a deep breath, filling her lungs with the fresh clean air. She shucked off her shoes and felt the grass tickle the undersides of her feet.
Holding her shoes in her hand, she walked in the sunshine casually, waving at passersby, on her way to the Miào. As the familiar structure loomed in front of her, she felt as she always did when she gazed upon it, peace settling within her.
In my two years as a guardian, it never fails to calm me with its humble presence.
The Miào was nestled in a dip in the valley, on a treeless patch of land. A small stream of water encircled the building. There was a foot bridge to cross the stream. Because of the water, the grass surrounding the building, was lush and green.
Little lilac bushes and rose plants grew. The building itself was a bright blue with red columns and a rectangular tiled roof with pointed ends that extended upwards. It did not have grand statues or golden decor. Just an ornate stone bird fountain, which was placed at its entrance.
The Miào was small and simple but beautiful. More importantly, it housed a very special inhabitant and she was proud to be one of its guardians.
She crossed the bridge, put her shoes down on the grass and was going to enter the building, when she saw something dart into the forest from the corner of her eye.
She turned and looked at the hilly forest that grew beyond the Miào.
It is getting late, I should not go into the forest now...
But she was curious as always and slipped her feet back into her shoes. Then she bounded into the forest. As she pushed the shrubs and small bushes back to make her way, she heard the soft murmur of voices coming from her left. She moved in the direction of the voices and came to a small clearing of stones.
She could see two people sitting on the little stones, heads bent towards each other. From the clothes, the slender build and the golden hair, she knew one of them was Arora.
But who is the other? I must get closer, I cannot see her clearly.
She wasn't looking where she was going and she stepped on a twig that snapped loudly.
Arora jumped to her feet, shielding the other person. "Who is there?" she cried out angrily.
The other person stood up and she was curious to see, that it was a tall slender woman, wearing a blood-red cloak. The woman's face was covered by the hood of the cloak.
Arora saw her staring and said irritably, "It is just you... humph! What do you want? Go away!"
Then the woman said in a low sweet tone, "Now, now, my dear, there's no need to be rude... come here, my young friend, come closer."
For some reason, she felt drawn to the woman and moved closer. The young woman pushed back her hood and she gasped at the bright red hair, that glimmered in the dim light of the forest. The woman had a youthful, delicate, regal face with pitch black eyes that sparkled at her.
The woman smiled and said, "Another guardian! I am honored to be in such exalted company. And I know Arora is the Goat, so you are?"
"I am the Crow." she whispered nervously.
The woman shook her hand, a soft and cool touch on her skin. "Pleased to meet you, young Crow. Let me introduce myself, I am Ninea, Queen of the forest."
"Queen?" She asked softly.
The woman grinned widely. "Yes, young Crow, see, here are some of my subjects."
She turned around and gasped as a small brown boar entered the clearing, followed by a pink pig. What shocked her, was that the animals were walking upright on their legs, as if they were human. They came towards the woman and bowed deeply.
"What on earth?!" She exclaimed and turned back to the young woman. "How?"
The young woman laughed softly and said, "I have many tricks up my sleeve. I shall show you if you'd like. Do you like flowers?"
Without waiting for her answer, the young woman closed her eyes and then opened her fist and handed her a blood red flower out of nowhere.
She took it hesitantly, feeling the soft wide petals of the flower. It had a black stigma and small white stripes on its petals.
"I've never seen a flower like this before..." she said in wonder.
Ninea threw back her head and laughed. "My young friend, there is some much I can show you, so much I can tell you. Would you like to sit and talk with us, for a while?"
She was scared, instinct telling her to leave and leave now. So she said stammeringly, "I... I must... I must go. There is cleaning to be done and my practice... sorry."
The young woman tilted her head curiously and said softly, "Some other time, then, young Crow. It was nice meeting you."
She turned on her heel, giving the pig a wide berth as it approached her. It glared at her meanly and squealed hoarsely, so she ran away as fast as she could.
She could hear the woman and Arora laughing at her. But she just kept running until she was back at the Miào.
She caught her breath as she saw Suadh stand at the shrine's steps, calling her name.
"There you are!" Her friend exclaimed worriedly as she drew nearer. "I was looking for you! I need your help! We need to heal him!"
She was confused and then she saw what Suadh was holding in her hands and gasped in horror.
A small red panda, lay in her hands, blood dripping from the deep gash on its side. It was breathing harshly and Suadh said sternly, "There is no time to lose, open the door and let us use the Fire of Hokai! Only It can cure him."
She pushed open the door, they walked in and Suadh gently lay the panda by the altar. They knelt down before it and bowed their heads, beginning to pray.
They saw the altar light up with a bright blue flame that glowed eerily in the darkness.
Suadh intoned reverently, "Noble Hokai, we bring before you, a wounded creature of the forest. Kindly help us."
She pleaded mentally too, willing the fire to move through her. She felt the light travel within her and she joined hands with Suadh, trying to pool their energy.
She could hear the gentle roar of the Fire surge through her and she stood up.
The voice of The Hokai whispered softly in her head, Come to the animal. Touch the gash.
She obeyed and felt raw energy flow through her towards the panda. The animal cried out and she softly petted its head, whispering soothingly, "There , there, I am not going to hurt you, it will heal, don't you worry."
Suadh had come to stand by her side and she was also holding the panda gently.
Then they watched as the fire washed over the animal with a bright blue light. The Hokai was humming loudly now and the panda levitated upwards gently.
The fire throbbed and the panda was slowly lowered into her hands. She cradled it tenderly and saw that the wound was completely healed.
She was awed as always by the blessings of The Hokai and bowed deeply. "Thank you, oh mighty one."
The Hokai huffed gently at them and the Fire went out, engulfing the shrine in darkness.
She walked out of the building, Suadh behind her and bent, to set the panda down on the grass.
The little animal stood up, gingerly shook its legs out and then walked away. It looked back at them and raised a paw as if to say goodbye.
She stood up, smiling with happiness and turned to Suadh, who was standing beside her.
"The Hokai never says no to healing, no matter how small or big the creature is. It is truly a wonder."
But Suadh was thoughtfully staring at the panda, running ahead in the distance. Then Suadh spoke, "The Hokai told me, the gash was not natural. It was caused by some malicious magic. Who or what could have done that?"
She kept quiet, thinking. The young woman, the Queen... she has some power... wait! The flower, red with white stripes... it looked like... it looked like the panda.. it can't be! How did she...
She gulped hard and then shook her head, to clear it of the horrible thoughts going through her.
It is just a coincidence. The color of the flower matching the panda's fur... just a coincidence. I'm being fanciful.
She snuck a glance at Suadh, who was still gazing into the distance.
I cannot tell her anything... Arora could get into trouble. And I do not have any proof that the young woman actually performed such an act. They might think I'm crazy. It is just a coincidence.
She turned back to the Miào and pulled Suadh along. "What is done is done." she said brightly, "The Hokai came through and that is good."
But the niggling doubt remained, a frightened whisper echoing in her mind. What if the young woman did this? Who is she and what is her power?
Tony opened his eyes, suddenly conscious. He was breathing evenly. He clearly remembered the dream but it hadn't scared him. Rather, it had made him think.
He sat up and pushed off the blanket. Surely these dreams mean something? I must analyse them.
He stood up and began to pace. Then he heard a sleepy voice murmur, "Tony, what is it?"
He had put Pepper to bed, then she had snuggled up to him so cozily, that he couldn't resist taking off his jacket and pants and lying down with her, just for five minutes. But somehow, he had also fallen asleep.
Tony turned to see Pepper slowly sit up on her bed. The sight of her, all rumpled and sleep soft with bed hair, made him smile.
"It is okay, Pepper, I just had a dream. Go back to sleep."
She yawned cutely and then blinked hard, her slumber-filled blue eyes suddenly focusing.
"A dream!" She stood up and came to him hastily.
"Tony, are you alright? What happened in the dream? Or was it a nightmare?" she said with concern, catching his arms tightly.
He chuckled lightly and pushed her wild hair back. "It wasn't a nightmare, sweeting. Just a dream."
Pepper took his hand and pulled him towards the bed. "It is cold. Come back to bed and you can tell me about it."
Tony sat down on the edge of the bed, then watched with amusement as Pepper cutely settled herself on his lap.
She lifted the blanket and wrapped it around his shoulders. Then she looped one arm around his waist and laid her head on his shoulder.
"Comfortable?" he asked with a laugh and she sighed contentedly. "Very comfortable, Tony, please continue."
He explained the dream to her and Pepper was quiet for a long minute. Tony thought she had gone to sleep but he felt her warm fingers move absently on his chest.
She asked softly, "You mention a girl, is it the same girl as in the previous dreams?"
"Yes... it is... but she said..." he closed his eyes and tried to recollect the dream. "She said two years as a guardian..."
Pepper looked at him curiously. "Why do you think that is important, Tony?"
"Because" he said quietly, "I distinctly remember dreaming about a ceremony where I think... she was made a guardian."
"A guardian of what?"
"In my dream, I saw a shrine... at least that's what I think it was... an altar." Then he gasped. "Blue fire! I remember now."
Tony shifted, holding Pepper to him. "Pepper! I saw a bright blue flame come from the altar! It healed the injured animal!"
She looked at him, eyes wide. "Is it... is it like your flame?"
"My flame cannot heal wounds, especially not one as deep as the one on the animal."
He took a deep breath and whispered to Pepper, "The Dragon is silent anyway, so I cannot ask it."
"Have you asked where does it go?"
He shrugged sadly and she stroked his beard. "It is alright, Tony... we will get to the bottom of this. You said a name, Hokai... does it sound familiar to you? Have you heard this name before?"
Tony was trying to focus on what she was asking because Pepper had moved her fingers under his shirt. She was gently caressing his Arc.
He exhaled hard, determined to concentrate. "I have never heard the name before. I know the Dragon's name is Ryunn. And I do not know the girl's name either."
Now Tony held himself perfectly still because Pepper's nimble fingers had moved downwards to his stomach.
He murmured stiffly, "You should sleep, Pepper, it is late."
Then Tony gasped loudly because Pepper rubbed the base of his cock with the palm of her hand. He growled at her as her eyes gazed sensually into his, sapphire pools of light.
He felt her palm gently press him and Tony tightened his grip on her, even as he thrust upwards, desperate for more contact.
"Pepper..."
"Tony," she said seductively, "I do not want to sleep." He watched as her pink tongue moved over her soft open lips and he felt himself harden painfully.
"Sweetheart..." he growled out as Pepper smiled at him, 'You have had a long day and..." he stopped because she palmed him again, "and you are foxed."
"Tony," she said slowly, "I appreciate you being a gentleman and not taking advantage of a lady, when she is foxed but..." she trailed her fingers downwards and he stopped breathing. "I can assure you, my lord, I am completely in my senses now."
He exhaled heavily as she stroked the head of his cock with her fingers and she looped her other hand around his neck and nipped his jaw tenderly.
Pepper whispered against his beard, "You may remember that I ceded victory to you... and to the victor, go the spoils."
She touched her tongue to his lips and he said raggedly, "I do remember but Pepper... I cannot just dominate you..."
She pulled back and looked at him in confusion. "Why not, Tony? I am very willing."
He tightened his jaw, not wanting to ruin the sensual mood by explaining his dilemma and bringing up unpleasant memories.
I can't tie Pepper up! She's been tied up and drugged by those sanding priests! If I do the same, it will upset her and I do not want to do that!
He sighed and then had an idea.
"Okay... let's try something new. As the victor, I get to tell you what to do and you shall do it."
Pepper had a very sensual gleam in her eyes and asked casually, "You are going to tell me what to do? And I have to obey you?"
"Yes." he nodded firmly.
"Alright, my lord. Command away."
He said with a smile, "Go to sleep, Pepper."
She pouted and asked softly, "Tony, do you really want me to sleep? Are you tired?"
He swallowed, knowing he couldn't sleep either now because he was semi-aroused. So Tony sighed and kissed her gently.
"I'm just kidding, Pepper... I want to touch you."
"And I get to touch you too." She whispered excitedly.
"I thought I was commanding you," he said gently, then chuckled as she nodded guiltily. "It is alright, Pepper, I want you to touch me as well, so ..."
He stood up, so she had to stand as well. Tony threw another log on the fireplace, so they would be warm. Then he came back to the bed and moved his hands to his waist to take off his braies. He raised his head and looked inquiringly at Pepper when she cleared her throat.
"My lord," she murmured, looking deep into his eyes, "may I?"
He nodded dazedly and then gritted his teeth as Pepper slowly undid the strings of his braies, the movement of her fingers torturing his already eager crotch. Once they were removed, she stared at his semi-erect member as he stood bare before her.
Tony was trying to pace himself because he wanted to give her pleasure as well but Pepper's fascinated gaze was making it difficult.
"Tony," she said in wonder, "how does it become so stiff?"
Before he could answer her, she gently brushed her hand against it, making it twitch and Tony groaned. He caught her hand and said tightly, "Pepper, sweeting, now is not the time for a science lesson. Get on the bed on your knees."
She giggled and then raised her eyebrows at his command. Not breaking eye contact, Pepper did as he said.
"Now, Pepper, spread your knees and raise your shift to your hips. Bunch it around your stomach."
Tony felt his chest tighten as inch by inch of her tantalizing smooth flesh was revealed to him.
He pushed at his own cock. Hold there by, hold! as Pepper's beautiful thighs were bared to his view.
She bunched up the shift and twisted the fabric into a knot at her waist, so she would not have to hold it up.
She stared at him curiously as he mimicked her pose on the bed, kneeling in front of her.
"Okay, Pepper," he said with a grin, "here is my command, I will touch you and you can touch me at the same time."
She nodded eagerly and he said, "Wait, you need to do as I tell you and... no one comes until I say so. Agreed?"
"Agreed."
"Okay, ladies first." And he suited action to word by gently moving his index finger between her legs.
She parted her lips silently and moved her hand towards him but he caught it and whispered, "Sweeting, remember, you do as I say and I didn't say touch me. Patience, little one..." as she took a deep breath because he added another finger to his stroking motion, "Patience."
Tony gently stroked Pepper with two fingers, feeling her core soften and swell slowly to his touch. He pushed one finger into her and then withdrew it quickly. He watched as Pepper's breathing began to grow harsh with his caresses, so he gently pushed two fingers into her and resumed the slow thrusting motion.
"Alright, Pepper, you can touch me."
She moved her hand towards him and he closed his eyes at the sensation of Pepper's soft fingers circling his member. She moved her hand up and down the length of him and he whispered her name slowly.
Then she cupped his tip in her palm and he thrust blindly into it. At her soft gasp, Tony opened his eyes and remembered he was supposed to be touching her too.
So he resumed his stroking and Pepper nibbled her lip between her teeth as Tony added a third finger. She felt slick with arousal and he looked down at her hand and suppressed a loud groan as the sight of Pepper's hand moving over him, excited him even more.
"Harder, sweetheart, touch me harder."
She obeyed him, firming her grip and Tony closed his eyes as he felt himself grow even more stiff in her hand. He enjoyed the way she was touching him for a moment.
Then he opened his eyes when he dimly realized that Pepper had let him go. He looked at her to see she had thrown her head back and closed her eyes. She was flushed and sweating lightly, holding herself stiff, hands firmly grasping the mattress. She let out a long moan as he thrust his fingers deeper and crooked them in her.
"Rock into my fingers, Pep." He said and she listened to him, moaning again as he timed his thrusts with each swaying motion of her hips.
He realized she was very close to release, thanks to his intimate stroking and caressing, so Tony murmured softly, "Hey Pepper... look at me, sweeting."
She raised her head and gave him a very dazed look, eyes drunk with passion.
He told her gently, "You can't come right now, alright? Not until I saw so."
She nodded sadly and Tony grinned and said, "Alright, sweeting, I won't torture you anymore. We both are at the edge as it is. Lower your shift."
Pepper did so as Tony lay down on his back. She grinned at the sight of his member jutting upwards proudly and he shook his head at her wryly.
"Alright, Pep, take my braies and spread them over my hips please."
She did as he said and he growled when her arm brushed over his erect cock. "Pepper," he narrowed his eyes at her, "you did that on purpose, didn't you?"
She shook her head in the negative but the look of mischief on her face made him laugh. Then she touched his night shirt and he nodded, so she pushed the shirt upwards to his neck. Pepper ran her hands slowly down his bare chest and Tony groaned loudly.
"Okay, temptress, now kneel between my legs."
When she had settled herself, he raised his hands and unbuttoned her shift to her waist, baring her beautiful breasts.
"You really are a goddess, Pepper." he whispered in wonder as he softly cupped one in his hand. She sighed and bent towards him, so he flicked his thumb over the erect tip.
Pepper pushed herself against his hips and Tony said tightly, "Lie down on top of me."
She widened her eyes but lowered herself over him, naked chest to naked chest and hips to hips, only the thin layers of his braies and her shift separating them. He could feel every inch of her through the material.
Pepper looked into his eyes as her flesh pressed to his and he murmured, "Rub your chest against mine."
She did so and they both let out a collective gasp as the sensation of his rough chest rubbing deliciously against her soft breasts, copper hard nubbin to pink nipple. "Again..." he said tightly, "slower. Wait! Be careful of the Arc! I do not want it to hurt you!"
Pepper murmured softly, "It will not hurt me, Tony, relax..."
Then she obeyed him and he heard his heart in his ears as the feeling became too much for him to bear.
Tony placed his hands on her backside and gently but firmly urged Pepper to move her hips against his cock. She did so and gasped loudly.
Then he held her still and raised himself lightly to rub and press against her. Again Pepper groaned and he whispered tightly, "Okay, Pepper, we have to move together alright."
She nodded quickly and they both began to rub their hips against each other, the cloth doing little to prevent the excruciating friction. Tony helped Pepper by angling her hips using his hands and urging her to press harder.
He knew his cock was rubbing her clit from the way she starting panting. He increased the speed of his movements, making her catch up with him. He kissed her lightly as she rubbed against him.
Tony was very close to release but wanted Pepper to be there with him, so he said tightly, "Alright Pepper, you can come, let go, sweeting."
She just kept thrusting blindly against him and he decided to help her. Tony slid his one hand between their touching hips and rubbed Pepper's clit as she thrust against his cock. She gasped, closed her eyes and went still and shuddered violently against him. Her fingers dug into his arms as Pepper rode out her release.
Watching her come apart so majestically, made him let himself go and he closed his eyes as he spilled his seed. Pepper was lying on him completely now but Tony did not care, he just hugged her to him as the last of his release left him.
As they came back to earth, they were both breathing heavily, moist with sweat even though it was cold. Pepper tucked her head under Tony's chin, nuzzling him and he stroked her soft hair.
She absently petted his Arc and he kissed her forehead tenderly.
"Pepper..." he said softly, "I need to clean us up, so we can sleep, so I am just going to roll you to one side." He looked up and grinned, because Pepper was fast sleep, lashes dark against her cheek.
Tony gently caught her and turned to his side, easing her onto the bed. Then he stood up and walked to his washing chamber to clean himself up. He also cleaned up the bed as best he could, without disturbing Pepper.
Tony put another log on the fire and then turned to tuck Pepper in. As he was arranging her blanket, she sleepily opened one eye and said drowsily, "Tony, come stay with me... I need you to keep me warm."
He sat by the side of the bed and stroked her hair., grinning at her words. Then he shrugged, eased himself into the bed, lay down beside her and wrapped his arms around her. Pepper snuggled into him and he drew the blankets over them both.
"Goodnight, my lady." He whispered to her and she murmured something back, kissing his throat. Then the room was silent, except for the crackling of the fireplace and the gentle breathing of the two lovers, cuddling each other as they slept.
