In the slumber of the morning, Mariah lay in her bed. Her head throbbed like a pounding stallion. As she rose, gazing upon herself in the mirror, she saw the state of her tangled hair and bruises from her brawl with Xinghia. Her emerald eyes flickered with the memory of the battle. She hesitated for a moment, but then spoke to herself, "Perhaps I am capable of defeating him."
Soon after, she dressed herself in a sleeveless shirt and trousers and asked one of the guards of her companion's whereabouts. The guard pointed towards the forest where Phillip had gone, leaving Mariah in charge.
As she journeyed further into the woods, Mariah was taken aback by the sight of Phillip transmuting from the man she knew into one younger and more effervescent. She struggled to comprehend the sorcery before her, then halted as she overheard Phillip conversing with what seemed to be no one.
"Mariah's abilities continue to evolve. Her potential is greater than I anticipated," Phillip uttered, the sound of his voice drowned out by the wind-carried words of another.
"Stay true to your calling- your duty is to assist her," instructed the voice.
Phillip voiced an objection, saying, "It would be far simpler if I didn't have to deceive her about myself."
"Is that your own voice, or the passion that you have for Mariah? Remember- love has no place when fulfilling your obligation. And beyond all that- she does not reciprocate the same level of feeling that you do."
An urge to resolve the secrecy overwhelmed Mariah and she stepped out into the open, unhidden. She questioned the invisible voice, "Who are you to say how I feel about him? I don't even know this man yet."
The entity's presence vanished without a trace. Mariah locked her gaze on the man she previously believed to be her friend.
"Who are you?" she inquired.
"I am an immortal," he replied.
"Yet Phillip is not your real name, is it?" Mariah queried.
"No, my true name is Michael," he responded.
"Why the lies and elusion? Why couldn't you just tell me the truth?" Mariah asked.
Michael gave his explanation, "My kind does not generally meddle in human affairs, we only observe from afar. We guide those in need with an unseen hand."
"I understand that, but why now? Why me?" Mariah questioned.
Michael avowed, "You are an unusual case. One that requires a more direct approach."
Mariah probed further, "But why me? What is so special about me?"
Michael looked down and pondered his response, "Truthfully, I do not know myself. The ones in charge have revealed nothing except to watch over you."
A final question lingered on Mariah's mind, "What did it mean when the voice said that there is no room for the feelings you have for me?"
Michael revealed the nature of his kind's peculiarities, "Our type perceives love differently from humans. A man or woman may encounter many loves during their lifetime. But my kind, we only have one opportunity for that significant love; thus, the majority of us ignore our feelings. But since we live forever, we yearn for companionship."
Mariah sought clarification, "So how does it work?"
Michael revealed the truth, "My kind only have enough love to give to one person. When we fall in love, that's it."
Mariah's supposition was confirmed, "So you like me."
Michael spoke the truth, "No, Mariah. I don't like you. I love you."
As the bell rang in the distance, Mariah and Michael headed back to their campsite, both awestruck by the information that had been revealed to them. As they walked, they silently contemplated what it meant for them moving forward. When they finally reached their tent, Michael turned to Mariah and spoke up, "I understand if you need time to absorb this news. If you like, I can sleep in a different tent tonight."
Mariah was shaken out of her own thoughts by Michael's words. "No, it's alright. I just need to sleep on it. But we will talk about this tomorrow," she replied without looking at him. Both of them retired to their cots, their minds in disarray.
As Mariah lay restless on her cot, trying to process everything, she realized how uncertain the future was. The following morning, she walked over to the table where Michael sat, sipping his tea, and sat down in front of him. Her nerves got the better of her, and she broke the silence, "I have a few questions before we discuss what all this means."
"How would our relationship work with me being a mortal and you being an immortal?" Mariah inquired.
Michael took a moment to consider this and answered, "To be honest, I don't know. This has never happened before. Most of my kind tends to end up with others of their own kind."
"What happens to you if I reject this?" Mariah asked.
"If you do, I will continue to watch over you from afar, if that is what you wish," Michael responded.
Mariah took a moment to let this sink in before asking her final question, "What about having children?"
Michael was taken aback at this question and accidentally spit out his drink onto the table. Slightly embarrassed, he replied, "If you're asking if we can have children, the answer is yes. I am capable of impregnating a mortal."
After a few moments, Mariah looked Michael in the eye and said, "I'm willing to try." She then went to her side of the tent to get ready for the day, leaving the weight of their decisions hanging in the air.
As Mariah finished getting dressed, a small but hopeful smile graced her lips. She was excited to see what the future held for her and Michael. When she emerged from the tent, she noticed Michael still sitting at the table, his face blank and unreadable. Mariah knew what she had to do to get his attention.
Walking up to him, Mariah stood on her toes and planted a kiss on his cheek with a sly grin before making her way over to her chest and beginning to armor up. Michael was stunned, snapped out of his daze by the sudden gesture. He watched her as she strapped each and every piece onto herself with quick precision.
As his gaze traveled up her body, taking in the curve of her hips, the swell of her chest, and finally resting on her face, he noticed her appraising him right back. There was a glint in her eye, a silent promise of what was to come. Michael felt a flutter in his stomach and an uncharacteristic flush on his cheeks.
As Mariah strode out of the tent with the grace of a warrior queen, she was keenly aware of Michael's eyes upon her. Knowing full well that he would follow her, she made her way to the training yard, her thoughts and heart racing with anticipation. She stepped into the open sparring pit, stripping off her chest armor and leaving it hanging on a nearby pole. She wore only her sleeveless undershirt and armored trousers, her sword held firmly in her hand.
For ten long minutes, Mariah moved with fluid grace, her sword slicing through the air like an eagle in flight. She sweated profusely, her body burning with exertion, but she did not falter. Soon enough, she saw Michael standing at the edge of the pit, watching her every move with a hunger that set her blood aflame. She made no move to acknowledge him, instead focusing her attention on her exercises.
When she finally turned to face him, she saw the intensity in his eyes that she had expected. With a teasing glint in her eye, she spoke, " You going to watch or are you going to join." Michael, sensing the challenge, wordlessly removed his shirt and drew his sword. He entered the pit, his gaze locked onto hers, sword at the ready.
And so they circled each other, like coiled serpents waiting to strike. Michael grew impatient and he advanced, swinging his sword fiercely at Mariah's neck. But she was no ordinary fighter. She brought up her sword with a fluid motion, blocking his attack with ease. As she moved in and out of his range, dodging and weaving with preternatural ease, she began to purposefully brush past him, igniting a fire in his heart.
Mariah's touches were electric, tantalizing Michael until he was almost consumed with frustration. But he fought on, determined to best his opponent. In the end, it was Mariah who emerged victorious, her sword at Michael's throat. But she offered him no scorn, only a smile and a hand up.
The two warriors stepped out of the pit as the sun began to set, their bodies bathed in sweat and their hearts full of passion. As they stared each other down in the midst of the sparring pit, Mariah and Michael felt a fire igniting within them. But before they could act on their desires, a clear voice shattered the moment, announcing the arrival of a messenger bearing a sealed scroll.
As they turned to face their unexpected visitor, a soldier stepped forward and handed Mariah the message. The contents of the scroll furrowed her brow deeply.
"It seems the village leader requires our presence," she spoke with a deepened sense of concern.
Without hesitation, Mariah and Michael readied their gear and made way for the village leader's tent, briskly nodding at the watchful guard stationed outside.
Upon entering the tent, they saw the leader standing over a map, with a grave expression on their face.
"Thank you for coming," the leader began. "Our supplies are rapidly dwindling, and we will be left wanting within a month's time."
Michael wasted no time, interjecting with a keen inquiry. "And what do you desire of us?"
"There is an old stronghold of Xinghia's two days journey from our village. The remainder of their army had been occupying it, and it is now an abundant source of supplies we need. But to secure it, we would have to claim it for our own purposes," the leader explained tersely.
Without hesitation, Mariah chipped in, "So, what do you propose?"
"We need stability and safety for our people. The stronghold will provide that. The problem is that it must be taken by force, and we do not have the strength to accomplish such a feat," the leader replied, their voice trailing off.
Mariah weighed the options in her mind, quickly realizing the fort would be far safer than their current camp. "When do we leave?" she asked resolutely.
"In an hour," the leader replied.
But Michael had a brighter idea. "Why don't Mariah and I head to the fort alone? We can easily take it with no extra help. In the meantime, you can get the camp ready for travel. By the time we finish, we will join you with cleared grounds," he proposed, with a sly glint in his eye.
The leader pondered for a moment before agreeing, "Ok, take two horses. We'll see you at the stronghold three days from now."
Without wasting precious time, Mariah and Michael galloped towards the stronghold, their mission clear as the day.
After hours of arduous travel, Mariah and Michael stood tall atop a hill, gazing upon the Xinghia stronghold that lay before them. The fortress appeared formidable, but they both knew that taking the fort would be child's play.
Michael, his eyes dark and questioning, turned to Mariah. "What do you see for our future, my love?" he asked.
Mariah, caught off guard by the unexpected question, could not help but laugh. "I'm not sure, my dear. I have pondered it myself, but I cannot imagine us living a life similar to others. I do not see us settling in one location and living a mundane existence," she replied candidly.
Michael looked at Mariah, considering her words. He too had doubts about what their future held. As they gazed upon the stronghold, their mutual excitement for the coming fight began to build.
After casting their trusty steeds into the shelter of nearby woods, Mariah and Michael approached the formidable stronghold with steely determination. They scaled the walls with consummate ease, finally landing on the top ledge of the fortress. As they looked over the edge, they espied guards patrolling the length of the wall. Nevertheless, they pulled themselves up and over the edge with utmost grace, slipping through the shadows and avoiding detection as they made their way to the main building.
Reaching the balcony of the throne room, they peeked through the curtains and noticed a troop of guards stationed within. Mariah and Michael charged into the room, swords at the ready, mowing down the first guards with ease. For hours, they battled relentlessly, working their way through the guards that had been sent to protect the realm. The pair fought as one, showing no signs of fatigue, even as their enemies continued to fall before them.
After conquering the last of the foes, Mariah and Michael stood proudly, their garments smeared with blood. Mariah turned to Michael, her heart pounding with the thrill of victory. Together, they reveled in their triumph, eventually making their way towards the bath house to cleanse themselves of the gore that clung to their bodies.
Entering through the door, the steam of the water greeted their senses. Mariah moved towards the water, disrobing herself with a seductive swiftness. As she slipped into the bath, she turned to Michael with an alluring gaze.
"Are you going to stand there all night, or are you coming in?" she purred.
Michael shook himself out of his reverie, quickly shucking off his clothes and entering the warm water. He stood behind Mariah, watching the water droplets that dripped teasingly down her neck, giving in to his desires. Finally, he wrapped his arms around her warm, wet body, kissing her with an intensity that left her breathless.
As they kissed, Michael and Mariah allowed their passion to grow, moaning with pleasure as their lips met in a sensual dance. Michael lifted Mariah off the ground, allowing her to wrap her legs around his hips, while her core ground against his body, causing her to make sounds of pleasure growing within her.
With each movement, the pressure between them built, until the friction was almost too much for Mariah to handle. She ground her hips against him, increasing the sensation of euphoria she felt. Michael's lips sought out her neck, allowing Mariah to cry out in ecstasy.
Finally, with one last surge of passion, Mariah felt herself lose control, her back arching as she was overcome by the intense sensations of pleasure that wracked her body.
In the heat of passion, Mariah could feel the intensity of pleasure coursing through her veins. She leaned her head onto Michael's broad shoulder, her gasping breaths slowly returning to their normal pace. Eyes closed shut, she steadied her heart that was beating like a wild drum inside her chest.
Without warning, Michael picked Mariah up and set her down on the cold edge of the bath. She barely had time to regain her balance before he placed a strong hand on her chest, pushing her onto her back. Mariah gasped in surprise and anticipation, her heart racing once again.
As Michael's head descended towards her core, Mariah was unaware of what was coming. She gasped as she felt his mouth on her folds, his tongue gently licking and caressing her delicate flesh. She was lost in a sea of raw, primal sounds echoing through her body as Michael delved deeper and deeper into her depths.
His skilled tongue traced the outline of her folds, exerting pressure at her most sensitive spots, sending her to the heights of ecstasy. Mariah could feel her body shaking uncontrollably as Michael licked the tiny bundle of nerves that had been begging for attention. She cried out in pleasure, her sweet nectar flowing freely from her core, drenching Michael's face in its silkiness.
Michael savored every last drop of her sweet essence, his tongue moving back up her ravishing body. He latched onto one of her breasts, sucking it hard, as Mariah's moans filled the air with the melody of desire.
As Mariah basked in the afterglow, a strange feeling was stirring inside her once again. Her hand glided smoothly down her soft curves, sending shivers down her spine as her fingers reached the wetness between her thighs. Michael didn't shy away from Mariah's tempting curves, his hand encircling her breast as he caressed her delicate skin.
The sound of Mariah's moans was pure ecstasy, driving Michael wild with desire. As Mariah's body buckled under his touch, Michael leaned closer to her ear, whispering seductively, "Are you ready?"
Those words were enough to send Mariah over the edge. She could feel the building pressure inside her body as she neared the pinnacle of her pleasure. Her moans became louder and more urgent, her body convulsing in pure ecstasy as she surrendered to Michael's touch.
Michael took notice of Mariah's cries of pleasure and reveled in every moment of it. His hands traveled all over her body, coaxing out every last bit of desire she had yet to offer. As her body shuddered and her cries reached their peak, Michael made sure to give her all the pleasure she could handle.
Mariah and Michael were lost in a moment of passion, their bodies intertwined in the ancient Celtic tradition of love and desire. Mariah flipped them over, with Michael now laying on the floor of the bathhouse. Lowering herself down to her lover's pelvis, Mariah angled his member with confidence and slid her mouth over its head, bobbing her head up and down until Michael's juices erupted from his member into her mouth.
Mariah didn't waste a drop, swallowing every last bit of Michael's essence before releasing him from her mouth with a pop. Moving up his body, Mariah latched onto Michael's mouth, letting him taste his own passion. "Let's take this inside," she said, eyes burning with lust.
Michael rose to his feet, lifting Mariah as he carried her to the throne room. Settling himself on the throne, Michael welcomed Mariah onto his lap with her straddling him. But then, Mariah hesitated, her nerves almost getting the best of her. "I need to tell you something," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Michael looked at her seriously. "What is it?" he asked.
"I've never been with anyone before," Mariah admitted, her face reddening with embarrassment.
Michael smiled reassuringly, telling her that they'll go slow. He reached between their bodies, positioning himself before he slowly lowered Mariah onto his member until he reached her barrier. Counting out loud to three, he gently pushed his way through her maidenhood, eliciting a small sound of pain.
When Mariah signaled that she was ready, Michael began to move within her, stretching her and delving deep into her womb. The feeling of being filled completely by Michael's member was more than Mariah could have ever imagined. He moved faster and deeper, sheathing himself over and over again until he was close to climax.
With one final push, Michael sheathed himself completely inside Mariah as he emptied himself within her. It was a moment of passion and love, a memory that would last forever in their hearts and minds.