Ch 12 - The Lich King's Demon Pact
Commander Ventris Greenhorne sat on a log near the barricade. It was quiet in at Light's Hope Chapel. The Argent Crusade under the direction of Highlord Tirion Fordring's friend and one of his loyal seconds, Commander Eligor Dawnbringer, had become more defensible and had made a proper cemetery for the several thousand dead whom made this site holy ground.
Ventris, now in his forties, had mellowed some with his age. He had become less reckless. Fatherhood seemed to do that universally to men. Highlord Fordring had told him so when his wife Samantha was expecting their first born. The baby had come easily without complications and the mother was well. That was in part to her paladin husband and the priests of Cathedral Square. They had later had three children together before a fever took his beloved wife and his youngest son whom had still been in a cradle. His new wife, Ginger, named for her thick red hair and fair skin had taken her new step children in hand and somehow befriended them. She too bore Ventris a child and she was in Stormwind caring for it and the teenage children.
He sighed. It was interesting to him. He once volunteered for missions that had risk to them, but now he went where sent. At least this assignment had him on the same continent as his family. The Queen of Stormwind, the Lady Rhenn herself, had offered to watch over his family should something happen to him in battle. She considered there to be a debt there for his help when she had been so young and pregnant. He had saved her life and she seemed never to forget it.
It was odd going from having Rhenn as a friend in court that could sway the king and guilds. Now she had the full power of her station and could force her point. Though she rarely had to do so, she was a Queen and she would be heard. She was more pacifist than many, including the King wished to be.
Ventris admired her. She was an orphan left for dead, had been adopted by the sea faring tuskarr, nearly was again orphaned, and went to seek aide for her adopted clan. These events had shaped the world. She was a woman who had shaped history and was as they even now called her in Stormwind, made her the Queen of Ages. Thrall had remarked in a public ceremony in Stormwind that he had never been so moved by a woman in history since Taretha Foxton. Tari had been his friend when no one else was when he was growing up. The Queen remained his friend even when it was not popular that she was. Now the former warchief was fighting to control the elements. Rhenn was fighting to keep the Alliance at peace and stable, but even she, Ventris reckoned, knew war was looming.
He shifted hearing something. He rose to his feet and then looked up at the wall battlement. Two men were also looking out. "What is it?" He called up.
"Scourge. They appear on the move sir."
"We drove them from this place. How have they returned?"
"They do not look ready to attack. They are moving toward something."
"Tyr's Hand?"
"That direction yes."
Ventris ran up the stairs and looked through his spy glass. He took a breath. "Such foul things of the earth. Pray to the Light that the heretics can deal with them. Either that of this will be the end of the Scarlet Crusade." He shrugged. "Perhaps that is better."
"Perhaps they will kill each other and we can finish off who is left?" Suggested a young cadet.
Ventris smiled. "We can engage Scourge, but not Scarlet Crusader unless we are attacked. We have an uneasy peace with them and they seem to be respecting it…for now." He looked again at the line heading toward the fortified town. May the Light have mercy on their souls, Ventris thought.
He climbed down to send a courier to Stormwind to inform the King of the Scourge on the move. He would not be pleased their presence was back in the Plaguelands, but his mind was elsewhere. He was fighting back the Lich King and making plans for the birth of his coming child that the whole city was looking forward to.
Z
Rhenn was in her still room doing some embroidery. She had three ladies with her and a guard stood near the door. Kallin was busily answering letters to the Queen and Rhenn would stop her needlework to read and sign the papers. Lady Jonathan herself was carrying a baby, but it was less visible on her body, at least for other two were mending the King's shirts and talking softly to themselves.
The Queen felt the baby rolling within her as she sat in front of the window. The first snows had come and stayed on the trees outside her window. She watched the sun flash off the ice crystals. The fall had been warmer and longer than many had anticipated, but now that winter had arrived, a week from Winter Veil, people seemed to be settling into winter life of making crafts by the fireplace and shoring up placed in that the elements were coming in.
The time of year was her favorite and though her child would not be born in time for the holiday season, it would come in time to celebrate the planting. She pressed a hand to her belly as the baby shifted within her.
She sighed and rose to her feet. The ladies were used to their mistress moving about. Though she was months away from giving birth the child and her enlarged girth made her uncomfortable to sit or stand for any length of time.
She walked to the window her skirts rasping among the floor. She had adapted to thicker clothing since the days were becoming cooler and shorter. She looked out over the city and then sighed. The sun in the spot was warm and she waved her hand a little and then moved to step away.
She walked back toward her seat and her eyes began to blur and she wavered. She then took a few more steps and her knees gave out. Her vision swam as she vaguely heard her ladies come to her side. She still wavered, but something or someone caught her before her head could hit the tiles.
"You majesty!" Remy cried.
"Your majesty!" Ellsa gasped.
Kallin gently dropped to her knees and cradled Rhenn's head in her lap. She looked at the queen as Rhenn tried to focus. She tapped her face lightly and then a little more forcefully. "Your majesty! Rhenn!" She said.
Rhenn's eyes snapped up at her and she blinked. "What…what happened?"
"You nearly passed out." Kallin said. Rhenn inwardly smiled. Her orderly in private was her best friend and spoke to her as such. She helped the queen sit up. She stayed sitting for a few moments. Her skirts were in disarray as she sat there looking about.
Remy and Ellsa watched her wearily.
"I am well ladies. If you would help me to my feet, slowly, I would be thankful." Rhenn said.
The ladies slowly helped her up. The Queen seemed stable as she dusted herself off and smiled lightly at them. Her demure nature returned and her handmaidens seemed to be convinced she was well. Kallin remained watchful. The queen and the one time orphan Rhenn had picked from dozens to be a maid to her twins were about the same age. Kallin knew the Queen was not feeling at her peak.
The queen left the still room an hour later in search of food. That was another amusing side effect to this pregnancy that even her husband had noticed. Rhenn had taken to snacking more. Even though it was often on apples and thick creamy cheese slices, she ate something every couple of hours. She did not eat full rich meals, but had her meals spread through the day. One of her hungriest times after her morning sickness had worn off was in the wee hours before dawn. The cooks had taken to leaving a loaf, a small wheel of cheese, and apples on a platter so the sleepy handmaidens did not have to search for a snack to feed the hungry queen. Sometimes the King himself would venture down and being his beloved wife her small meal in order to pacify her and the baby until it was fully morning and the kitchens were running.
The queen had a small basket and made her way into the large garden of the castle. She passed the guards who saluted to her before she continued and dropped into the shade of the great evergreen. It was the only evergreen within the city walls, but had survived because it had been planted by Queen Tiffin in honor of the birth of her son, Anduin.
It was Anduin's favorite spot to sit and think and as it happened the Crown Prince came up and smiled seeing his step mother eating and looking up into the boughs daydreaming. She often seemed far away as her pregnancy dragged on. He had come to terms with it as one of the many symptoms of carrying a baby.
He often courted Ellsa under the tree. It was a public place and so the Prince and handmaiden did not require an escort. Anduin brought Ellsa here when Rhenn was indisposed in some way. The Prince and Ellsa normally met together in the Queen's rooms so they could talk freely under the "chaperon" of the queen herself, whom often was in a different room. Anduin suspected she listened in, but he had not caught her. Not that he particularly carried that his stepmother heard the words of love he spoke to his beautiful Ellsa of Gilneas.
The Queen was finishing her apple as he came to her and smiled. "Hello, mother." He greeted.
"Anduin. How are you?" She asked smiling up at him.
He dropped beside her. He took a piece of cheese and grinned impishly at her as she attempted to glare. He knew full well she would share anyway, but he only would take the once piece of the fine aged cheddar. He would not steal from his sibling growing within her belly. He also knew his mother was partial to Stormwind Brie, but there did not appear to be any.
"I am well." He smiled looking at her. "How are you two?"
"Good." She said. She patted her belly. "I feel like a ball though."
He laughed and stooped to kiss the swell. She playfully shooed him back, but he knew she liked the attention and acceptance from him. With his father's marriage to Rhenn and the baby he quickly made in her, his father had calmed somewhat and for that Anduin was thankful. He was far more a diplomat and pacifist as she was.
She threw the core back into the basket and ate the two other cheese slices and sighed. "I think I need a bit of a rest." She said. "It is odd, but I am more tired today than usual." She admitted.
She got to her feet a bit awkwardly and stood there a moment. Her hand went to her head as she stumbled into the tree trunk. The branches were cut up so that even the king could walk under without stooping. She blinked the inky haze from her vision as Anduin was gently holding her upright as he held her elbows.
"Mother!" He barked at her. "Are you well?"
She looked at him dazedly and blinked in non-recognition.
Anduin did not wait for an answer. He wrapped an arm about her back and bent down wrapping the other under her knees. He swung her into his arms and held her close as she tried to focus. She shut her eyes against the swirling visions of the room before her eyes.
As Anduin was making his way toward the door being careful not to jar or bump her, she went limp in his arms. He shifted her head to his shoulder to keep it from flopping back over his arm. He was alarmed by her lack of response even as he shook her lightly in his arms. She had fainted and that alarmed him.
Anduin carried her quickly toward the hospital wing calling for a guard to find his father. One bowed and scurried off to find his majesty. The Prince entered the private rooms away from the soldier treatment area calling for a healer.
A healer came running with is assistant as Anduin laid his stepmother on one of the beds gently making sure she was not in any odd angles. Her body was so limp he was disconcerted. He sat at her side on the edge of the bed holding her hand as the healer entered.
Brother Alan was a paladin, though today instead of the plate armor he wore in the field, he was in the soft robes of a priest of the Light. He gently laid a hand on her brow. "She has a mild fever." He said. He looked up at the prince. "How long has she been unconscious?"
"Five minutes or so." The Prince said anxiously. "Is she well?"
The healer lifted his hand and Rhenn shimmered in Light and then it faded. The paladin nodded. "A simple cold, but the babe is robbing her of her resources to fight it off." He nodded to the prince. "Fear not, they are both well." He turned. "I will make her a potion to strengthen her body to fight the infection." He smiled reassuringly before he set to work.
A few moments later a ruckus was heard at the door and Varian came in nearly at a dead run to his queen's side. She had stirred at the noise. Anduin pursed his lips, but Varian ignored him as he knelt at her side and took her free hand. Her eyes fluttered before the gaze focused on Varian. His look of concern as he kissed her hand made even Anduin smile. He knew his father loved her with all his heart and even had before when she was yet married to Grekko, but it times like this when the King forgot all sense of decorum and was a tender husband to his wife that Anduin understood the caring side to his often rough and violent father.
Rhenn was pale, but she managed a weak smile. "Varian." She said weakly.
"I feared you were in early labor." He whispered feeling her brow. Feeling the heat there he reached over and lifted a rag from a basin filled with cool fresh water. He wrung it out and placed it on her brow. The water had herbs within it to add to the cooling and calming effects.
Brother Alan returned and bowed to the king who looked up at him. "She is well, majesty. She just requires more rest and more food. What has her diet been?" He asked
"Quail eggs, apples, cheese, thick beef broth with barley, pears, tea, bread, fish…" Varian recounted.
"Give her more of the broth and the fish. It will strengthen her majesty. This cold is not deadly, but her body has been taxed and it is manifesting itself in fainting spells." The paladin said. He lifted a small corked bottle. "Mix three tablespoons of this into tea three times a day." He smiled and looked at his patient. "I am going to allow the king to take you to your own bed. Rest and gain your strength back, majesty. May the Light protect you."
Varian nodded and handed Anduin the bottle as he bent to lift his wife. She did not seem to weigh anything as he carried her to her rooms softly scolding her the whole way.
Z
King Varian Wrynn poured over his maps. He was deciding on who and how many to send to the Plaguelands. His army was stretched nearly to the limit with those in Northrend. There were two legions here to guard the town. He could send one and leave the other guarding the town.
He was also distracted utterly by his wife's visit to the healers. She had fainted twice today and yet the healers urged him not to worry. The baby was sitting on some blood vessels they had explained and with the proper resting and massage to allow it to move, her majesty would be fine. She also was fighting a mild cold which gave her a fever which only added to sapping her strength. Even now Hartley was with her trying to maneuver the child away from the blood vessels in her hips.
Varian had already cut back her appointments and even now had people clamoring that they were not being heard. Varian did not have time to go to such meetings either and so he sent letters asking for patience while the Queen grew closer to her time. Varian himself, due to her history, feared miscarriage and had ordered her to bed for the rest of the day and into next. She was not keen on the idea, but lay down none the less.
"Highlord Darion Mograine." The chamberlain said as he entered.
The King looked up to see the Death Knight leader walk in. His plate armor made a metallic sound as he walked and he removed his helm and held it under his arm. He bowed to Varian. "Greetings." He said.
"Mograine." The King said. "There are some interesting tales coming from the North in the Plaguelands." Varian said. "Have you heard?"
"Aye." The metallic voice said. "I stopped here before going to Acherus after I set my affairs here in order." He stepped forward to look at the maps. "The Risen?" He asked.
"That is the name that they are calling themselves. From what SI:7 have gathered for intelligence it appears that most of the Scarlet Crusade have been killed and raised as these Risen." Varian said.
Darion looked at the maps. "It would seem to be a good measure to strike early and keep these Risen at bay."
"I need a commander I can trust. I would battle myself, but my queen is ill and I do not dare leave her." He looked down. "The warrior in me wishes to crush them and the husband in me refuses to leave my wife's side."
"The Plaguelands directly affect Ebon Hold and so I could lead this war party if you wish."
Varian looked relieved. "You would be better than I would hope for."
Darion nodded before turning to leave. "There are a few matters to take care of first. I must send notes to Thassarian explaining my absence to Highlord Fordring and allow Thassarian to govern in my stead for now."
Varian waved dismissively. "My thanks, Highlord Mograine."
Z
Varian sat on his thrown. Today was the unavoidable day that he had to hold court and hear complaints from the people of his Kingdom, agree to the marriage of nobles, land disputes, and other such matters. Varian hated such things, but he was the king and it was his duty to oversee such things and pass judgment. Normally, Rhenn would be at his side, but she had been feeling poorly as of late. He did not expect her to show.
A stir was heard and he looked toward the door. He covered a smile and a look of total love when he saw his queen at the door. The people were flocked around her asking about her health and if she were well. She wore a dress of scarlet with her hair in a loose braid. The dress was a velveteen material that looked very much like a second skin. On her head sat a silver tiara with rubies and pearls.
Her belly was very visible and full. She was holding it as the nobles opened a pathway and allowed her to move forward. The king smiled and stood up from his throne and walked down the dais steps to the queen. He dipped and kissed her hand as he took it. "My beautiful wife." He said softly. He then smiled and looked about. "Thank you for joining me, my lady."
She sat down in her bowl chair beside him and he joined her. He kissed her cool fingers and looked at her. "Are you better, my love?" He asked looking at her. She looked at him and offered him a smile. His eyes held concern as he looked at her. He turned and pressed a hand to her belly. "I trust you are both well."
"We are." She said. He nodded and caressed the knuckles with his thumb as he held her.
They turned to the audience chamber. They heard a guild wishing to expand, listened to a farmer complain about gnolls, and then a woman came asking to be free of her contract of marriage due to her husband beating her. The man was present and pleaded he would never hurt her again, but her two black eyes suggested he was prone to violence. Rhenn took pity on the woman, who like her was expecting and had a toddler holding her skirts. Varian allowed the request to be granted and the man had drawn a knife aiming to kill one of the two females near. The Royal Home Guard quickly disarmed and removed the man. The young woman was sobbing and Rhenn nodded to Kallin to take her to another room to compose herself to fill out the divorce papers.
"Highlord Darion Mograine and Lady Helene Ambrose- Wrynn." The chamberlain's voice called out.
Rhenn had returned to her chair and it was only then that the King realized his stepdaughter was missing from the Queen's entourage. Darion was without his helm as he walked forward with Helene's hand on his. He bowed formally to the King and Queen as did Helene.
"Highlord Mograine. To what do we owe this pleasure?" The Queen asked.
"I have come to request the hand of Lady Helene Ambrose-Wrynn in marriage." Darion said fluidly. Varian and Rhenn looked startled. Varian was about to speak when Darion spoke first. "Know that I ask merely as a formality. I will marry her regardless." He said his look defiant.
Rhenn smiled. "I am hardly one to stand in the way of a love match." She looked to her husband.
Varian was still stunned, but nodded. "My wife is correct. Love finds a way into the hearts of the unexpected." He chuckled. "You have our blessing." He said rising and pulling Helene into a hug. He leaned to her to whisper. "I am glad you have found happiness, but if you ever have a problem with him you…"
She smiled and lifted her head. "I will father."
Varian hugged her close again and again, for likely the thousandth time, prayed his child growing within Rhenn was a daughter. Rhenn then rose to her feet and embraced her daughter and Darion.
Z
King Varian Wrynn woke suddenly.
He was not sure what had caused him to wake, but he had. Beside him Rhenn lay asleep with the sheets to her waist. She looked so beautiful with her hair tousled from their last round of love making. She seemed to be sleeping peacefully. He wished he could join her. He looked at her belly. It looked like a veined fruit in the soft moonlight.
He sighed and pulled on a pair of loose linen breeches. He walked to the balcony and looked down over the city below and out toward the harbor and to the Great Sea beyond. The moon played with the small waves of the water making a captivating dance.
The cool night breeze was a welcome comfort this night. He laid his hands on the stone masonry wall that surrounded the balcony. He sighed. What was he going to do for his people? How could he stay true to his allies at a time like this?
He sighed and closed his eyes.
His eyes only opened when he felt two willowy arms wrap about his waist. He looked down and saw the pale skin in the moonlight. He felt his queen press her body against his. Her upper body was bare and he guessed the rest of her was as well as he felt her breasts press into his back. He then felt her belly against him as he shifted. He lifted a hand and encased hers in one of his large ones. He felt her pressing small kisses along his back trying to comfort him. His back was covered with scars from his gladiator years.
"Did I wake you?" He asked softly looking out at the night.
"No." She said. "I woke feeling cold and found you were not in our bed. What is troubling you, my king?" She asked him. She pressed her brow to his shoulder blade. She sighed.
He brought a hand to her lips and kissed it before holding it to his heart. "I am deep in thought is all." He said. "You need not worry yourself." He said gently. He hated himself for disturbing her. She needed rest.
"I always worry for you." She said.
He turned in her arms then and looked down at her his hands going to her back. She was nude and he felt the gooseflesh on her skin from the cool night air. He gently pulled her to him to warm her and to comfort himself. "I love you." He whispered. Varian though he had two sides was always gentle with her. Though Lo'gosh had the upper hand after his unification she knew she loved both sides. It was the way of loving Varian Wrynn.
"As I love you. Tell me what is in your heart and mind, Varian." She said.
He shook his head. "I will speak to you later." He promised.
She seemed satisfied by that. She shivered a little and he rubbed her arms gently to warm her. She was so small and the night, though warm, was much cooler outside than the shelter of the bedchamber. He worried for her and the baby within her. It was becoming cooler at night and though it had been refreshing for him he realized it was cooler than he had first thought.
He then bent his head and pressed a kiss to her mouth as he tipped her chin up. His hands then wandered down her back. Her naked body was what his required at this very moment. They would speak later, but now he needed physical comfort. It was another part of his gladiator side. Conquest and satisfaction were both something he needed and relished, even more now that he was married and could have a physical relationship again. He pressed forward, his hands keeping her close so she would not fall as she walked backwards. At the threshold he bent and lifted her in his arms. Her belly shone in the low light and he smiled at her feeling her thick tousled hair on his arm.
He walked to the great bed and laid her down upon it. He stripped watching her as the woman he loved transformed into another. He watched as she moved up the bed seductively locking eyes with him. He crawled on top of her his mouth against hers. Her legs were open and her hands moved up and down his back caressing him.
He shifted her legs around him before he surprised her and rolled onto his back. He looked up at her as his hands fell to her hips. She straddled his hips, but they still had not merged. She could feel him against her buttocks and she smiled as she lifted herself slightly. Her hand reached between them and she felt him enter her as she held him in place. She was still slick from their previous encounter and he slid in easily. She sat back burying him to the hilt within her as she rest against his hips. Her belly looked like a veined fruit in the low light and he touched it gently, almost reverently.
He looked up at her and smiled. She looked down at him a seductive look on her face as she began to move. One hand caressed her hip as the other moved up her body to her breast and then her face. She kissed his palm as she rocked up and down on him her own hands braced against his chest.
Z
Rhenn stood at the altar in the Cathedral of Light. Her dress was very formal and heavy, but at least she was warm in the drafty cathedral. This day was very windy and the Queen had spent much of the day in front of her warm fire when she was not in bed resting. She and Varian would stand as witnesses to the quiet ceremony of marriage of Helene to Darion Mograine. Very few were in attendance. Jamiy and Highlord Fordring were pushing hard to Icecrown and both sent their regards and congratulations to the couple. Archbishop Benedictus preformed the ceremony, though he had to be coaxed into it. After all a woman had never married an undead and so it was unconventional to say the least.
Words were spoken, but it was much a blur for Helene. She said her words and looked up at Darion Mograine who was watching her equally as captivatingly. He held her hand gently. This was the first time she had seen him dressed in the clothing of a noble, but his plate mail he wore most often. He looked very handsome, though she privately she could not wait until she was alone with him.
Darion put a titanium ring with a simple stone within the setting on Helene's finger. She slipped its mate onto Darion's finger and she then became Countess Mograine. She smiled as he kissed her softly and then the hall erupted with applause from the gathered spectators.
Helene smiled as Varian walked to her and kissed her cheek. He took Darion's hand and smiled at him. "Congratulations, Highlord. Where will you be honeymooning before you head north?" He asked
Mograine shook his head and took his wife's hand. "I am bringing Helene with me to aide against the Risen."
Varian's eyebrow's lifted.
Rhenn stepped in. "Helene asked for leave and I granted it. I cannot separate her from her husband." She looked at Varian, daring him to contradict her.
Varian's look was darkened for a moment, but became thoughtful. "It is true I would never ask her to leave his side unless you required her." He looked to Darion. "Take care of her. I do not like my stepdaughter out in the Plagueland wilds, but at least I know you will keep her safe."
Darion drew his wife into his embrace. "Yes." He said. "You can count on that." He kissed her brow and then looked to his wife. "Pack what you will need my sweet and make your goodbyes. We leave at first light." He took a step to Rhenn and dipped to kiss her cheek. "It is an honor to have you as a mother-in-law."
Helene smiled at her mother and hugged her before turning to leave.
Z
It was a long two days by gryphon. They stopped for only a brief time to allow Helene to eat, stretch, and do other things a living being required. At night the still journeyed, but Darion summoned his boned gryphon for the long night hours. The undead beast did not care about weight, but had to rest after eight hours of travel much like a normal gryphon. Darion held his wife across his lap then and watched her sleep secure and safe in his arms.
He planned the journey to make a stop in the Wildhammer fortress of Aerie Park. It was there where he would allow his wife to sleep in a real bed. They were greeted by the innkeeper who showed them to a private room away from the barracks. The bed was made from a stone block covered with furs and pillowed that turned out to be quite comfortable.
Helene stood looking about the room. Before her was a mirror. Darion had left to fetch her some food from the larder, but had promised to return to her. She had been brushing her hair out before she would go to bed. She felt something behind her, but was not alarmed as she felt cool hands envelope her body. Normally the unearthly cool hands and skin that never warmed to the touch would disturb and frighten a mortal being, but Helene had learned it stirred her even more deeply than the living lovers she had known. She set down the brush as the large cool body surrounded her.
Darion had entered quietly and set the tray of food down. The music from the main hall had covered the noise from the heavy door opening and shutting once more. He then had removed his armor softly. The music was softer now, but still covered his movements. Dwarves were such merry creatures.
She turned her head back and to the side to receive his cool kiss on her lips. She smiled as he broke the kiss, his hands gently wondering her body and loosening the ties of her clothing. Highlord Morgaine seemed to have only one thing on his mind at this moment and she was all too willing to oblige him.
"Darion." She whispered.
He smiled and nuzzled her neck. "Helene. My Helene." He said against her flesh. His possessiveness made her shiver.
He had had countless lovers as a young man before his life was stolen by the Lich King. But somehow he made it seem she was the only one and the great love of his life. He nipped her neck flesh as her dress pooled at her hips. The undead man felt it remarkable that she could stir such passions with him, passions he once believed, like his soul, were dead. He knew different now. Helene was his savior, the savior of the scraps of his being. She had shown him friendship, kindness, and what it was to be in love once more.
He looked at the mirror before her admiring her full pert breasts that filled his hands as they lifted to cup them. The dark nipples were already hardening which made him smile. He brushed the nipples with his thumb and smiled as she shivered against him. He could smell her excitement. One of the virtues of being a Death Knight was the heightened awareness of everything, touch, smell, and hearing. Her small gasps and the smell of her excitement made him harden. He never would have guessed that as an undead he could have been a lover, but he found he his body remembered the way of it and he was astounded by her total surrender to him. She was his heart, body, and soul as he was hers.
He bent his head after looking into her eyes a moment and pulled one of her breasts into his mouth to suck lightly on it. His mouth was cool and wet and an interesting sensation for her. She quivered. He was always tender and gentle with her for fear of causing her fear or pain of memory from when she had been raped.
His white eyes shifted upwards to watch her expression as her finger tangled in his hair shoulder length blonde hair. He smiled and gave a final lick before straightening and pressing his mouth to hers. His hands pressed the remainder of the dress and petticoats from her hips leaving her bare and unashamed. His hands caressed upwards from her buttocks to the small of her back. He drew ideal patterns with his cool fingers.
"Darion." She whispered. "Make love to me." She whispered her voice almost begging him as she quivered.
"Soon, my love." He smiled. Their marriage had to be consummated to make it legal, though who actually cared about such an archaic thing. More to the point, what kind of man would not be all over his wife as a newly wedded bridegroom.
"Now." She said looking up at him. She was exhausted and sore from the travels and yet she felt part of her stir.
He chuckled at her impatience and he pressed her backwards toward the bed. Her knees bumped the end and she fell backwards. He fell with her, but landed keeping his weight light. It was then she realized he was dressed in cloth, not his plate armor. She grinned and
After she lie in the blankets and pillows feeling sated and even more exhausted. He let her sleep in the warmth of the bed and looked out the narrow slit in the mountain. The moon was rising and cast its eerie light on the pine trees.