Disclaimer: The Phantom of the Opera does not belong to me (though I think if it were up to him, he wouldn't belong to anyone), only my own characters do.
Author's Note:
To foxgodess07: Poor thing is stuck in the past and spends way too much time alone. Anyway, Erik seemed to make it through that pretty well. We'll see what happens to our hero in the coming chapters.
To LittleMargarita: I'm so happy you loved the chapter, some parts were very hard to write and it took a while to get them the way I wanted. And if Christine thought her attraction for Erik was wrong, then what does she think of what Erik and S'ray are doing upstairs? Oh and just between you, me and the lamp post; don't call Erik hunkalicious, you'll give him an ego (and it's bad enough already). And hey, you know why those two are so steamy? It's summer in the glen! Anyway, doing the voices for the little people for this chapter was a hoot. Too bad I don't have a way to record them and put it online to share with all of you.
To Nonnihil Scelestus: Thanks for the praise, authors live for it. As you can see he prefers S'ray over Christine and likes her just the way she is – sassy.
To phantommistress: Glad you like Erik's new look for his new life. And the little people are causing a lot of mayhem in this chapter as well. Ah Christine, I think S'ray feels the same about her as you do. Enjoy this chapter and the pictures.
The picture of S'ray and Erik that you all requested is up on my Deviant account which is Tamster73. There are also pictures of my guy dressed up as the Phantom (though he has short hair) on that site.
And as soon as this arc is over, I'll be doing the chapter with the review contest winner in it.
Thanks to all who have read and reviewed; the more you review, the faster I write the next chapter. Now, on to the next chapter.
Phantom of the Glen
Chapter 24
War Council
S'ray sighed and opened her eyes when she felt Erik's warm mouth close over her breast. Her hands slid into his hair and held him there while he pleasured her. "Good morning," she smiled when he lifted his head from her breast.
"Good morning my Alve beauty," he replied, caressing her other breast with his hand.
"Mmm Erik," she sighed as warm pleasure flowed through her.
"I love you S'ray," he smiled kissing her and pulling her body against him. "And I need you so much S'ray." His mouth descended on hers in a possessive and passionate kiss.
His body was already over hers and she could feel him at her entrance. She let her eyes close as his hungry mouth moved down her throat and shoulders. His mouth trailed back up her neck to claim hers again, his growl of desire rumbling into her. She gasped into his mouth as her legs slid around his slim waist. "S'ray please," he moaned against her.
"Mmm, aren't you just full of passion this morning," she smiled with a chuckle.
"You have no idea," he purred kissing every bit of her that he could.
"So what are you waiting for lover?" she asked opening her eyes again.
He claimed her mouth again and slid into her. S'ray gasped and arched against him, fingers digging into his neck and shoulder. He groaned in pleasure at being wrapped in her warmth again. Erik started moving immediately; hard, fast thrusts that left her gasping for breath. She wrapped her legs around him tightly, trying to slow his already fevered pace.
Erik's breath was hot against her skin, his golden gaze fixed steadily on her. His sounds of pleasure were stoking her desire for him. Pleasure coiled tightly within her, a promise of bliss only he could give her. She was so close now, only a little more and she'd go over the edge only to find herself wrapped in his embrace when it was over. Then she felt him stiffen above her and groan long and low as he found release within her.
Slightly disappointed, she continued stroking his hair as he came back to his senses. S'ray held and caressed him as his breathing slowed back to normal and he regained control of himself once more. "S'ray," he whispered, lifting his head to look at her.
"Yes Erik," she smiled caressing his cheek.
"Did you come undone?" he asked, slightly embarrassed by the question. "I had to have you so badly this morning that I couldn't tell."
"No love," she smiled and softly kissed his mouth.
"I'm sorry," he groaned burying his face against her neck.
"Shh," she cooed, stroking the back of his neck. "Don't be, it's all right."
"But you didn't enjoy it like I did," he said moving to lie beside her.
"Says who?" she smiled pulling him close so that his head rested against her breast. "I gave you pleasure and that makes me happy."
"I don't deserve to have someone as wonderful as you," he sighed, enjoying the feel of her soft skin against his marred cheek.
"Yes you do," she replied combing her fingers through his mussed hair. "And don't argue with me on this."
Erik sighed resignedly, not wanting to debate that particular point so early in the morning. He slid his arm around her, caressing her side and stomach. S'ray smiled and kissed his forehead, enjoying his gentle caresses. His eyes closed and he relaxed as he stroked every bit of her naked flesh that he could reach.
Long minutes later he heard her gasp and shudder against him. "S'ray?" he asked opening his eyes and looking up at her.
Her eyes were closed and her full lips were parted. She was also breathing quicker though she was trying her best to hide it from him. "Yes Erik?" she almost gasped.
He turned his head and lazily licked the nipple of the breast his head had been resting upon. Now she did gasp in response to him and tightly grasped his hair, holding him to her breast. "Oh Erik," she gasped as he suckled her.
"I should have spent more time on love play, I see," he chuckled, rising up onto his elbow.
"Mmm, are you going to make love to me or not?" S'ray smiled opening her eyes.
"I don't know," he smirked rubbing his calloused thumb over her nipple.
"Tease," she pouted and turned her back to him.
"I never said no," he frowned pulling her onto her back again.
"You never said yes either," she still pouted as he pulled her into his arms.
"Then let me make love to you, my beautiful S'ray," he said ghosting his lips over hers. "Let me take you to the heights of pleasure and then hold you breathless and spent in my arms."
"Yes Erik," she sighed as he caressed her again.
"Let me make your body sing of passion and your voice cry only my name," he smiled barely touching her throat and shoulders with his kisses.
She gasped and trembled beneath him.
"Let me worship you my love, my goddess, my Venus," he tempted with his rich voice. "Let this mere man cover you in the softest and warmest of kisses. Let this unworthy creature caress your wondrous body and give you exquisite pleasure."
"Yes Erik, yes," she sighed looking at him with eyes darkened by desire.
"Does this goddess before me truly desire the touch of a beast such as myself?" he asked sitting up next to her. "Does she desire a fiend like myself to give her all the pleasures of the flesh?"
"Yes," she hissed softly as he trailed his fingers down the valley between her breasts.
"Do you wish me to lay these blood soaked hands on your soft skin?" he continued, holding up his hands as if they still dripped with the blood of those he'd slain.
"Yes," she whispered pulling one of his hands down to her lips and covering it with kisses.
"Oh, she kisses the hand of the assassin, the torturer, the beast," he sighed watching her.
"No," she sighed, looking up at him. "I kiss the hand of my generous and gentle lover."
"Do you wish to have this cold, scarred, and tortured body next to your warm and perfect one?" he asked indicating the scars that crossed his body.
"Yes Erik," she softly answered, holding his hand over her heart so he could feel it beating for him.
"She gives this creature of death a boon, she lets him feel the life beating strongly within her own breast," he sighed leaning closer to her.
"No, I let the one I love feel how my heart beats for him," she replied caressing his hand.
"Do you wish to look upon my twisted features and know that it is a monster that loves you and now makes love to you?" he asked as she pulled him down on top of herself.
"Not a monster, a man and one I love with all my heart," she smiled and kissed him.
"Good morning," S'ray smiled from the stove as Christine entered the kitchen.
"Good morning," she smiled going over to the table.
"I'll be back in a bit after I feed Erik," S'ray said loading Erik's breakfast onto a tray. "Then I'll make our breakfast."
Christine nodded as she covered a yawn with her hand.
"There's fresh coffee in the pot, sugar and milk are on the table and cups are up there," the Alve said indicating the appropriate cupboard before walking outside.
Christine raised her arms over her head and stretched before taking a cup down from the cupboard and filling it. She added sugar and milk and stirred the steaming coffee. Taking a sip, she watched out the window as S'ray walked to the barn.
Two young sheep bounded out the door to join their fellows in the pasture. Erik followed them and shut the bottom half of the door to keep them from going back inside. He easily leapt the fence and joined S'ray under a nearby tree.
She watched the Phantom eat and chat with the Alve. Christine felt more than a little jealous when she saw that his eyes never left S'ray as he ate. She watched him set the tray and empty dishes to the side and then pull the woman close for a kiss. S'ray laughed and playfully pushed him away. The Phantom lunged at her and brought her to the ground beneath him. He leaned down and kissed her then. She watched the woman reach up and pull his mask away.
Christine was amazed, there was no angry outburst and he didn't push the Elf away. Instead he continued to kiss her and say things that made her smile at him. She watched S'ray caress his right cheek and then press her lips against it in a soft kiss.
The young woman shuddered inwardly; she knew she'd never have been able to do that. It had taken all her self-control and acting ability to not throw up when she'd kissed him while he was unmasked so she could save Raoul. She wasn't sure how the Elf could look at him unmasked, let alone kiss and touch him there. Christine turned away from the window, unable to watch the couple any longer.
"Quick, while she's distracted," a small male voice said.
"I'm going as quickly as I can," another replied. "Do you want me to drop it?"
"No, you'll drop it on me!"
"Then don't rush me."
Christine looked to where the voices were and saw the two Brownies stealing eggs from the basket on the counter.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes, drop it here."
She watched the egg fall and hit the Brownie with the rat skull hat right in the head. The egg cracked open and covered the little creature with its contents. Christine covered her mouth with her hand to keep herself from laughing at his look of complete outrage and utter disgust.
"Brule, you idiot!" he scolded, shaking his fist at his companion. "You dropped it on my head!"
"Don't blame me," the other replied, holding another egg. "You told me to drop it."
"Yeah, but not on my head!" he yelled wiping yolk from his face.
"Erik!" S'ray called as she approached the barn.
"Just a moment," came his deep reply as two of this spring's lambs bounded out of the barn and toward their mothers. Then Erik also came out the same door and latched the bottom portion.
S'ray went over to their favorite tree in the morning and waited for him. "Hungry?" she asked as they sat down in the shade.
"Do you really have to ask?" he smiled before taking a drink of coffee.
"No, but I like to," she laughed leaning back into the soft grass.
Erik merely rolled his eyes and started eating his breakfast. "I never thought of this, but how are we going to feed Cyd?" he asked between mouthfuls.
"Mmm, don't worry about him, he's a dragon and doesn't need to eat everyday like we do," she sighed stretching. "Besides, he's probably gorging right now anyway so he'll be good for about two weeks, depending on how much energy he uses up."
"You know there was a time when I would go for days without eating or sleeping because I was working on a piece of music," he said putting down his plate.
"I don't doubt that," S'ray smiled. "You still tend to forget all about me and going to bed when you're composing in the study."
"I'm sorry love," Erik sighed setting down his empty coffee cup. "Will a kiss forgive me?"
"Just a kiss? I don't think so," she teased.
Erik pushed the tray away and pulled her into his arms for a kiss. "Don't toy with me, you Elven temptress," he said and kissed her.
"Oh no, you don't get off that easy," she laughed and pushed him away.
"Mmm getting off, sounds a lot like coming undone," he grinned. "Come here S'ray."
"Oh no Erik," she said backing up.
"I will come to you then," he said getting ready to grab her.
"But I thought . . . "
She never got to finish her thought as he picked that moment to tackle her. Pinning her beneath his body, he held her face in his hands and kissed her. S'ray's arms went around his neck and she pulled off his white half-mask.
"There's only one reason you pull my mask off," he smiled down at her.
"And what's that?" she asked, gently caressing his right cheek.
"Love making," he whispered and kissed her waiting lips.
"Oh, I don't think so lover," she smiled up at him.
"Mmm, why not?" he asked kissing her.
"Because my darling Erik, I am feeling a bit sore this morning," she sighed kissing his marred cheek.
"I'm sorry love, you should have told me," he said with a note of regret in his musical voice.
"Mmm, I'm fine. I didn't realize it till I was getting dressed anyway," she replied playing with his ebony hair.
"Are you certain?" I can sleep on the couch in my room tonight," he offered moving to lie beside her on the grass.
"Yes, I've already taken care of it and before you go blaming yourself, I have an equal share of the blame," she replied. "And you are not sleeping on your couch; I don't trust her to not sneak in there by you."
"Is that a note of jealousy I'm hearing from my Faye love?" he chuckled stroking her jaw line. "I thought I was supposed to be the jealous one."
"More like possessive," S'ray smiled playing with the open collar of his shirt. "But then all Faye are possessive of their mates."
"Mates?" he asked quirking an eyebrow.
"Lovers," she sighed, stroking his chest.
"Those are not the same thing my love," he replied kissing her. "Though I am very intrigued with the first title."
"I imagine so, though that involves a commitment that I don't think you're ready for yet," she sighed snuggling closer to him.
"Let me guess, that would be children," he replied kissing her forehead.
"And a formal marriage ceremony," she smiled kissing his neck in return.
"You're right, I'm not ready for that just yet," he said wrapping his arms around her.
"I know, I can wait," she smiled. "Besides we've only been together for a short time, we have plenty of time for those things."
"We'll talk about this some more after I settle this business between myself and the Vicomte," he sighed, relishing the feel of her body pressed to his.
"You seem very happy this morning," Christine observed as she and S'ray ate breakfast. "Your smile seems to just glow."
"Mmm, don't tell me that a newlywed like you hasn't smiled like this?" she asked sipping her coffee.
"What do you mean?" she asked nibbling on her toast.
"Has your husband never given you a smile that lasts all day?" the Alve asked.
She shrugged, not sure what the other woman meant.
"Are you telling me that your young husband has never made love to you so well that you smile about it all day?" S'ray continued.
"Oh that," she blushed.
"Hmm, apparently French nobility is not what it used to be," S'ray sighed.
"So you and the Ang . . . I mean Erik are intimate?" the young woman asked.
"You could say that," the Elf smiled.
"And you enjoy it?"
"Of course and so does he."
"Oh," she blushed again.
"Christine, are you saying that your husband has never made you come undone?"
"I'm . . . not sure."
"You're joking."
She shook her head. "What happens?"
"Oh my, how do I describe this? Have you ever felt a knot or very, very warm here?" she asked indicating her stomach.
"A couple times," she answered.
"So what happened?"
"Well, it felt like something was building and then nothing," she sighed; now realizing she was missing out on something very important.
"Nothing? What do you mean nothing?"
"He finished and he kissed me and then he rolled over and went to sleep."
"That's awful!"
"Doesn't Erik do that?"
"Certainly not, he always makes sure I've come undone first. Then afterward he's usually hungry, so I feed him and that often leads to more love making," S'ray smiled. "Doesn't your husband touch and kiss you before you make love?"
"A little," Christine sighed.
"Does he ever touch your secret place?"
"No, never."
"Did you ever ask him to?"
"No, why would I do that?"
"Because it feels good."
"You tell Erik to do that?"
"No, he does that on his own," she smiled, "with his hands and his mouth."
"Oh," she blushed brightly.
"And your husband never did anything like that?"
"No," she replied shaking her head.
"Oh honey," the Alve frowned. "You have to start taking charge in the bedroom; don't let him have you till you're ready."
"I don't know if I can do that," she said hesitantly.
"Of course you can," S'ray smiled. "Just tell him you're not in the mood and roll over and go to sleep."
"And if he persists?" she asked.
"Get angry, kick him out of the bedroom and lock the door if need be," the older woman explained.
"And that works?"
"Of course."
"I never thought of that."
"And here's something else for you to think about," the Alve said standing.
"What's that?" she asked looking up.
"If I see or hear of you acting inappropriately with Erik again, I'll make sure that you'll regret it for the rest of your days," S'ray smiled and walked to the door.
"So what's happened?" Tavlyn asked as he and Daklu walked up to Erik who was grooming one of the horses.
"She found me," he said nodding toward Christine who was sitting in the shade and petting one of the dogs. "And to get to me, her husband had friends of mine abducted."
"That's the girl eh?" Daklu asked, standing next to Tavlyn. "Bit thin for my tastes, but pretty enough."
Erik and Tavlyn just looked at Daklu.
"What?" he asked.
"A bit thin?" Erik asked.
"You've seen the women I'm partial to, I like big hips," he grinned.
"Why?" Tavlyn asked.
"More cushion for the pushin' of course," he replied still grinning.
Tavlyn stared at the other Alve with a horrified expression on his face. Erik buried his face against the horse as his shoulders shook with suppressed laughter.
"Oh and you don't like girls with big boobs," Daklu frowned motioning with his hands.
"Then why the attraction to Luniana?" Erik asked, trying not to laugh.
"What attraction to Luniana?" Daklu repeated, remember the other's adamant refusal of any personal carnal knowledge of Pixies.
"Tavlyn! Tavlyn, my Tavlyn!" they heard Luniana shriek. She landed on the Alve's shoulder and threw her arms as far around his neck as she could.
"Someone told you that Pixies taste like peppermint eh?" Daklu grinned.
"He found that out by himself," Luniana trilled and began licking Tavlyn's ear.
"How long has this been going on Erik?" Daklu asked.
"Since Beltane," Erik chuckled.
"At least we picked a nice, private spot, unlike you and S'ray," Tavlyn retorted, trying to ignore the stirrings the Pixie's attentions were awaking within him.
"What?" Daklu asked as Erik colored in embarrassment.
"You didn't know?" Tavlyn said still trying to ignore the Pixie's attentions.
"He had her against a tree," the Pixie chimed in.
"Well not any details like this. So it was right in front of everyone?"
"We were not in front of everyone," Erik quickly replied.
"Then who were you in front of?" Daklu asked.
"We weren't in front of anyone," Erik repeated.
"Well, no one that you saw anyway," Tavlyn smirked.
"I know, I know, little people," the Phantom groaned.
"Yeah, we like to watch big people," Luniana piped up as she nibbled on Tavlyn's ear and ground herself against him.
"You didn't even take your trousers off," Tavlyn continued.
"How did you know? Oh right, you were one of the little people that night," Erik laughed.
"What?" Daklu asked surprised at this turn of events.
"She shrank him down to her size," Erik grinned.
"Uh-huh Tavlyn," Daklu said looking at him sideways.
"He's even sexier when down to my size," she trilled ruffling his hair.
"So he makes a cute Brownie?"
"Especially when she's clinging to his back and pulling his clothes off."
"Don't worry sugar lips, I think you're drop dead sexy any size you are," the Pixie cooed loud enough for all three men to hear.
"Sugar lips?" Daklu asked.
Erik's eyes grew wide and he tried not to laugh at Tavlyn.
"Uh-huh, his lips are as sweet as sugar when he's nomming me," she purred.
Tavlyn's ears now turned the same shade of red as his face at the Pixie's revelation. "Thanks Luniana," he almost groaned.
"Always glad to brag you up," she squeaked innocently.
Erik and Daklu looked at each other and realization of what the Pixie meant suddenly dawned on them. "So that's how you know what Pixies taste like," Daklu laughed.
"I told you he found out on his own," she repeated, still grinding herself against the hapless Elf.
"I did not need to know that," Erik groaned.
"You already know about that, I've seen you and S'ray together," Luniana said. "You're always moaning about her honey pot."
Erik turned a bright shade of scarlet, enhanced even more by the stark contrast of his white half-mask. His mouth opened and closed, but he didn't say anything, having been struck speechless by Luniana's frank words about his sexual habits. He finally shrugged and gave up trying to explain himself.
Then they saw Luniana arch her back against Tavlyn and gasp softly. "See you later hot stuff," she trilled and took to the air. "And then it'll be your turn."
"Tavlyn," Erik said clearing his throat.
"What?" he groaned.
"You've got a damp spot on your shoulder," he replied trying not to laugh.
"Oh wonderful," he groaned, rolling his eye.
Daklu doubled over laughing.
"So I assume you already have a plan of action in mind," Tavlyn said, trying to ignore the other Alve.
"Of course," Erik replied.
Christine was in the guest room freshening up when she heard the beating of great wings. She ran to her window, but only saw a large shadow descending on the glen. Eager to see what was arriving, she ran to the kitchen and the back door. Before she could make it outside there was a 'whump' as though something very large hit the ground.
She ran out the back door and saw a man walking toward the house, not the great creature she expected. He was tall and carried himself with a regal manner. His hair was the color of steel and he was dressed in green. She wondered if he were some kind of Elven royalty.
He was talking with the Elves and Erik; she was unsure if she should approach or not. Christine saw Erik look her way and motion her over to join the group.
"This is Christine, the Vicomtess DeChagny," he said after she'd joined them.
"This is Cydqx'xy-Ti Afz'hi Vxep'lyt, you just heard him arrive," S'ray said indicating the newcomer.
"A pleasure," he said and bowed.
"This is Sir Tavlyn Night-Hawk, Prince of the Emerald Line," she said introducing Tavlyn.
"Madame," the one-eyed Elf smiled, inclining his head toward her.
"And this is Sir Daklu Hailstorm, from Odin's Peak in Norway," she finished.
"Enchante," the second Elf smiled and kissed her hand.
"I'm telling you Tavlyn, there is no way I can land in an alley," Cyd replied.
"What about here in this park?" Erik asked and then glared at Tavlyn. "As I originally suggested."
"That I can do," the dragon nodded.
"I still say it's too open and we could be seen," Tavlyn protested. "And in case you haven't noticed, dragons tend to stick out in a crowd."
"We'll certainly be seen if I get stuck between two buildings while trying to land in an alley," Cyd replied.
"But we could be seen," he said adamantly.
"At two in the morning?" Daklu asked.
"The Opera is right over here," Tavlyn said pointing to the map that was spread out on the desk. "What about the people leaving for the night?"
"There are no performances right now and anyone who is still there will be in their rooms asleep," Erik replied.
"I still don't like being that exposed," the one-eyed Alve frowned.
"We know, you only like being exposed when you're alone with the Pixie," Brandji chimed in from S'ray's shoulder.
Tavlyn only glared at the Brownie and went back to arguing over the map with Erik and Cyd. S'ray looked at Daklu, who rolled his eyes at the argument over the landing spot.
"Gentlemen," she finally said, interrupting the argument that was rapidly going nowhere but in circles. "Seeing as Cyd is the one with the most flying and landing experience, we will defer to his judgment for a landing spot."
Tavlyn frowned, but obeyed his commanding officer anyway.
"Daklu, Erik and I talked this over last night and we want you to stay here in reserve and in case the Vicomte foolishly sends men back to my forest again," S'ray said.
Daklu nodded in agreement, already planning booby traps for foolish humans.
"And of course, Christine will also stay behind," Erik added.
"However, Luniana, Brandji and Brule will be coming with us," S'ray continued. "Luniana will go with Erik, Brandji with me, and Brule will be with Tavlyn."
"So Pixies really taste like peppermint?" Daklu asked Tavlyn when they were alone in the hallway.
"Yes they taste like peppermint," he sighed leaning against the wall.
Daklu looked at him skeptically.
"Fine, if you don't believe me, then," he said motioning to his shoulder.
"You can't be serious," the Alve frowned.
"Dead serious, see for yourself," Tavlyn replied with a sigh.
Daklu put his hands on either side of Tavlyn's shoulders and leaning down, tentatively licked his shoulder where the Pixie had been sitting. "Nothing," he said raising his head again.
"Well, it's dried, you may have to suck on it more," the one-eyed Alve instructed.
"Fine," Daklu said and leaning over again, sucked on Tavlyn's shirt.
It was at that moment that Cyd strode down the hallway. He stopped dead and quirked his head to one side, contemplating the two Elves.
Tavlyn looked to the side and started when he saw Cyd standing there. "Cyd, this isn't what it looks like," he said quickly. Daklu quickly stood upright and wiped his mouth off on his shirt sleeve.
"Tavlyn, you have no idea what this looks like," the dragon replied.
"He was just proving to me that Pixies taste like peppermint," Daklu explained.
"Fine, just keep whatever you two are doing private from here on and not in the hallway, you'll give Erik a heart attack for sure," Cyd said and continued down the hallway.
"Well, I have learned one thing tonight," Daklu said after Cyd had disappeared.
"What's that?" Tavlyn asked.
"Pixies do taste like peppermint," he grinned.
"Are you sure we should be doing this?" Brule asked.
"Of course I'm sure, they're all in the house and the dragon is sleeping," Brandji replied.
"But what if he wakes up?" Brule continued apprehensively.
"So what? Like he'll notice us anyway," he answered.
"But what if he's hungry? He might eat us," Brule said worried.
"Ah, he's probably been gorging himself all morning, he won't be hungry for weeks," Brandji said sagely as they picked their way though the garden. "Here we are, green beans."
"I know, start climbing," Brule sighed and started up the vines.
"Get some tender ones this time," Brandji called.
"I know, I know," he sighed and pulling out his tiny knife started cutting off young beans.
"Good ones Brule, keep going," Brandji encouraged.
"Daklu," Luniana trilled flying into the kitchen.
"Right here," he called from the chair by the hearth.
"Can you make a sleeping draught for Christine?" she squeaked.
"Is she having problems sleeping away from home?" he asked.
"More to prevent problems," she replied. "Her room is underneath S'ray's."
"I see, of course I'll do that," he smiled. "Send her in for a cup of tea in a few minutes.
"Will do," she trilled and flew back to her charge.
The Phantom looked out the window at the dragon sleeping on the other side of the garden. The great beast had rolled onto his back and every now and then he would kick his left front leg. Then his back right leg would also kick a couple times and a wing would flutter, finally followed by his tail twitching. A smirk spread across his face and his shoulders shook with silent laughter.
"What's so funny Erik?" S'ray asked where she sat brushing her hair out.
"Oh nothing," he grinned still watching the dragon sleep.
"Are the Brownies getting into trouble?" she asked.
"No," he smiled turning away from the window and toward her. "It's Cyd; I just realized that he twitches like Sasha would when she slept."
"Who was Sasha?" she asked putting down her brush.
"She was a dog we had when I was a boy," he sighed putting his arms around her. "Some boys from the village killed her one night."
"I'm so sorry Erik," S'ray said covering his hands with hers.
"It's alright, it was a long time ago," he replied.
The quiet of the room was broken by a rumble from outside.
"Thunder?" Erik asked. "I don't recall seeing any clouds or lightning."
"That wasn't thunder, that was Cyd," she said. "You may want to close the window before it's too late."
"Too late for what?" he asked puzzled.
The quiet was again broken, but by the horrified shrieks of two Brownies.
"Was that thunder?" Brule asked as he paused in picking green beans.
"I don't think so, I didn't see any lightning," Brandji replied picking up their stolen produce.
There was another low rumble and a breeze blew through the garden.
"Ohhhh, what is the horrid stench?" Brandji demanded covering his nose.
"It's coming from the dragon," Brule yelped and then fell out of the beans as another breeze came from the dragon's direction.
"Oh good Lord, that's absolutely awful," Erik groaned, covering his mouth and nose with his hand.
"I warned you," S'ray sighed as he slammed the window shut.
"Is he going to be doing that all night?"
"Hopefully not," she replied pulling some incense from a drawer. "This should help."
"I thought the sewers smelled bad," he groaned sitting in the chair by the fireplace.
"As they say in America, Cyd would knock a buzzard off a gut wagon," she laughed lighting the incense.
"I don't know what you see as funny in the whole situation," Erik groused opening up his book. "How am I supposed to sleep with that going on outside all night?"
"Just relax love, the smell will go away," she smiled and began massaging his bare shoulders. "Then before you know it, you'll be falling asleep."
"Mmm, not if you keep this up, I won't fall asleep," he grinned.
S'ray huffed in indignation and smacked his shoulder. "Wicked man," she said and went to their bed. "Just for that, I'm going to sleep and leave you there by yourself."
"Good night S'ray," he chuckled putting his feet up on the foot stool.
"G'night Erik," she mumbled from the bed.
"I love you," he smiled.
"Love you too," she sighed.
"Oh, it smells like rotting meat!" Brule yowled from where he was tangled in the bean vines.
"My nose and eyes are burning," Brandji groaned as he tried to hold his nose with one hand and grab beans with the other.
"What are you complaining about? I'm stuck, get me out of here," Brule yelled trying to squirm out of the vines.
"Oh no, his belly is rumbling again!" Brandji shrieked.
"If he farts again, he'll kill us!" Brule wailed as he crawled out of the bean vines.
Another breeze blew through the garden.
"Aaaahhhhh!" Brandji screamed and passed out.
"Brandji!" Brule yelled before he too, passed out from the smell.
Erik put his book down; the air had finally cleared of the smell of a digesting dragon. He looked to the bed and saw S'ray lying on her side, facing away from him and sound asleep. After putting out the candles, he went over to the bed and slid in behind her. He slowly put his arms around her and pulled her close to his chest.
She sighed and wriggled in his arms, settling into this new position against him. He squeezed his eyes shut and bit back a groan as her movements caused his desire to flare to life. Then she wriggled her backside against his nether regions again, making him gasp as he grew hard against her.
Tomorrow would be very busy, so Erik brought forth every foul image he could think of to kill off his passion and get some sleep. S'ray was even wearing a nightgown to discourage him and it wasn't working. Every movement she made in her sleep was driving him mad with desire and the cotton gown had become hiked up to just below her backside. Even an image of a naked Khanum failed to kill his desire for the woman in his arms. Knowing it was no use to try fighting it anymore; he pulled S'ray's hair back from her neck and kissed her.
His hand slid down her side and to her hip where he started pushing her nightgown farther up. Her skin felt so soft and smooth, he couldn't stop touching her. He gently caressed her as his hand worked over her hip and across her belly.
"Erik?" she asked sleepily as she felt his hand slip between her thighs.
"Yes my love," he murmured between kisses.
"Mmm, we should be sleeping," she sighed as he caressed her.
"I know," he replied and pressed her against his erection. "But something came up."
"But Erik," she protested softly, turning her head toward him.
"I know, I tried my best to ignore it, but you kept rubbing your bottom against me," he explained moving his hand up to caress her backside.
"I what?" she asked.
"Mmm, I want you so much right now S'ray," he whispered and began kissing her shoulder after pulling down her nightgown to bare it. Then that same hand slid around to cup her breast and tease her nipple into a hard peak beneath the thin cotton.
S'ray gasped and closed her eyes under his erotic onslaught. She felt his hand leave her tingling breast and then yank open the tie on his drawers. He hiked her nightgown farther up around her waist and pulled her now bare leg up over his thigh. She gasped again as his hand slipped between her thighs again and caressed her.
He groaned against her shoulder as he felt her body come alive with desire under his caresses. Her soft gasps of pleasure and the way she pressed her bottom against him as he stroked her now slick sex were driving him mad with wanting her. Erik moved his hand from between her legs and firmly grasping the leg she now willingly draped over him, slid inside her.
The Alve cried out softly as he entered her from behind, this was a new position and she was enjoying it already. His hands clutched her urgently; one caressing her breasts, the other holding firmly to her thigh as he began thrusting. His hot mouth still moved over her neck and shoulder; teeth scraping and stubble scratching her now very sensitive skin.
"Oh God S'ray," he groaned as she moved back against him as he thrust into her.
"Mmm Erik," she sighed as her hand slid between her thighs.
He watched transfixed over her shoulder as she caressed herself. "I love watching you do that," he whispered between kisses.
She gasped in response and pressed herself against his chest.
"You feel so good," he murmured rubbing his right cheek against her. "I can't get enough of you."
"Erik!" she cried out as he bit her shoulder.
"Oh S'ray," he gasped, feeling her tighten around him. His breath came quickly and both their movements became frenzied.
Daklu rolled over and stared at the ceiling, now he knew why Tavlyn was sleeping in the barn. His comrade wasn't looking for some privacy with the Pixie; he was looking for a quiet place to sleep. Sighing, he got up and after wrapping a blanket around himself for modesty's sake, walked upstairs.
"Hey, you two," he called rapping on the bedroom door.
"What?" came Erik's terse reply, followed closely by S'ray's lilting laughter.
"Either hurry it up or keep down the noise, I'm trying to sleep," he said to the door; not really wanting to open it and see exactly what they were doing, but having a pretty damn good idea anyway.
"Go back to bed Dak," S'ray replied and then gasped as Erik did something to her.
"Not easy with you two making all that noise, now I know why Luniana had me make the Vicomtess a sleeping draught," he grumbled. "Should have given it to the both of you as well."
"I heard that," Erik answered.
"Good, so finish up and go to sleep," he snapped. "And then when this mess is over, marry her and make it all legal."
"Good night Dak," S'ray called as he stomped downstairs again.
"Now where were . . . ohhh," she sighed as he rolled her onto her stomach and thrust inside her again.
"Here, I think," he whispered against her neck.
"Mmm Erik," she gasped, arching back against him.
"Damn," he growled, "there's got to be a better way to do this."
"Feels fine to me lover," S'ray smiled, arching against him again.
"I know, one moment love," he said kissing her shoulder. Then he moved from on top of her and grabbed their pillows. "Here, put these under your stomach," he smiled.
"All right," she sighed sitting up and removing her nightgown before arranging the pillows one on top the other.
"Now lay down with the pillows under your stomach and hips," Erik instructed and slid his drawers off the rest of the way.
"Like this?" she asked when she'd settled herself on the bed again.
"Mmm, that looks perfect," he replied moving behind her. His hands slid up her thighs to her hips, caressing her and she opened herself further for him. Erik grasped her hips and slid into her again. "How's that?" he asked leaning over her.
"Wonderful," she sighed as he slid deeper within her.
"And this?" he asked as his hand slid around to stroke her clitoris.
She cried out softly and arched back against him. He kissed her neck and shoulder and began rocking into her again. "Ohh Erik," she moaned as he hit that special spot inside her.
"Thought so," he smiled and thrust harder into her.
S'ray threw her head back and gasped in exquisite pleasure.
"More love?" he tempted, licking her ear and nibbling on the lobe.
"Yes," she hissed as a shiver ran down her back.
He moved faster and her breath caught in her throat as a wave of pleasure crashed through her. He removed his hand from her and used it to hold himself up as he thrust within her. She cried out sharply and writhed beneath him as he stroked against her sweet spot.
Hot, liquid pleasure filled her belly, threatening to erupt at any moment. Every thrust causing it to burn hotter within her, she felt she would burst into fire if he didn't quench her soon. His urgent kisses and frantic bites to the back of her neck and shoulders only served to fan the flames higher. She cried out at the agony of the ecstasy he gave her.
She felt incredible beneath him; he didn't know why they hadn't tried this position earlier. As much as he enjoyed kissing her mouth and watching her expression as he made love to her, this position was incredibly erotic and also very liberating. He felt more of his self-imposed restraint slipping away as they moved together. His hungry mouth feverishly kissed her neck and shoulders.
His control slipped further as he softly bit her and rubbed his stubbled jaw against her. S'ray's gasps and cries of pleasure urged on that slip and they moved in a rhythm as old as time itself. Erik's eyes closed as primitive instinct took over for him.
S'ray gasped in pleasure at the feeling of Erik's hot breath against her neck and shoulders. This must have been what it was like for her wild ancestors she thought briefly. Their joining tonight was urgent and untamed. There was no finesse in his caresses, only desire and a need for her body. As much as they were equals, she enjoyed and even craved his dominance over her right now; it all felt so right and so incredibly good.
She had ceased speaking either French or Elven and was instead crying out like an animal. He didn't mind, having been reduced to the same state himself some time ago. Driven on by need and instinct, he thrust deeper and bit her harder. Erik growled a demand against her and she answered with a mewl of pleasure.
Suddenly, white, hot pleasure erupted within her and she cried out incoherently beneath him. He kept thrusting, drawing out strangled cries of ecstasy from her. Her wild trembling drove him on, urging him to join her in the throes of passion. Then with a wild cry of triumph, he threw back his head and spent himself within her.
For a long while, the only sound that filled the room was their labored breathing. Erik finally found the strength to rise to his knees and then lay on his back beside her. He pulled the pillows out from under her now limp form one at a time. S'ray shuddered in pleasure as he softly ran his fingers along her back.
"Beautiful," he murmured as he lay on his side and gazed at her softly smiling face.
"Magnificent," she sighed opening her eyes and moving into his arms.
"Now I'll sleep," he smiled closing his golden eyes.
"Now we'll have our revenge," Brandji said quietly as they crept up behind the sleeping dragon.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Brule asked, eyeing Cyd warily.
"Yes, what could go wrong?" Brandji frowned.
"Well, as long as you're sure," he agreed.
"Of course I'm sure. Now light the match," Brandji ordered.
"Match is lit," Brule answered.
"Quick, stick it in the ground," Brandji said. "This will teach him to gas us."
Suddenly a rumbling was heard from the bowels of the great beast. The Brownies looked at each other with horrified expressions. "RUN!" they cried in unison.
"We'll never make it," Brule screamed as a rush of air was expelled from the dragon.
"Faster, faster," Brandji yelled as the methane ignited in a whoosh.
Erik's eyes snapped open at the sudden flash of light through the bedroom windows. He and S'ray sat up at the indignant roar of the dragon outside. "What the hell!" he cursed, dashing to the window and throwing it open.
S'ray joined him in time to see two small embers run screaming to the rain barrel and jump in. "Serves you right for harassing Cyd," she yelled out the window at the steaming barrel of rain.
"Please tell me they didn't do what I think they did," Erik groaned.
"Oh my aching tushie," Brule's anguished voice floated up the window.
"Your tushie? I don't have any hair left," Brandji moaned.
"They did," S'ray sighed.
"You're lucky I'm too full to eat you little menaces to dragon kind," Cyd huffed from the other side of the garden.
"Please tell me you can fix them up in the morning," Erik said trying not to laugh.
"We can," she said with a giggle. "Close the window before Cyd hears me laughing."
"That was pretty funny," he chuckled as they went back to bed.
"You know, I've always hated burned Brownies," S'ray laughed and threw herself onto the bed.
Erik burst out laughing and joined her. They lay next to each other, laughing for several minutes before they started calming down. "We should get some sleep," Erik finally said.
"You're right," she sighed and picked up her nightgown from the floor.
"Are those unicorns on your gown?" he asked as she pulled it on over her head,
"Yes," she smiled laying back down. "I wore this when I was a little girl."
"Now I feel like a pervert," he replied sitting up.
"Why?"
"You wore that when you were a child and I just fucked you in it," he replied.
"So, I'm not a child anymore," she said stretching out.
"I know, but I still feel like a pervert," he sighed.
"So put your drawers on and come back to bed . . . pervert," she giggled.
Tavlyn sat straight up when he heard Cyd's angry bellow.
"Ooof," squeaked Luniana as she was unceremoniously dumped from his chest and tumbled to the floor of the hay loft.
"Sorry Luniana," he sighed and scooped her up gently.
"What was that?" she asked rubbing her eyes.
"Cyd, I think Brandji and Brule lit one of his farts," he groaned lying back against his bed of hay again.
"Dorks," she frowned and curled up on his chest.
"I know," he whispered, closing his eye and drifting back to sleep.
Christine rolled over in bed, but didn't wake up. She sighed and then opened her mouth and began to snore softly. The ruckus caused by the Brownies went completely un-noticed by the young woman as she slept under the influence of Daklu's sleeping draught.
"And those two idiots wonder why they were kicked out of and banned from the Fransesca," Daklu groaned as he rolled over and pulled the sheet over his head. He closed his eyes and sighed, at least Erik and S'ray were quiet again.
He smiled, even though he hadn't appreciated being awakened by the sounds of their love making, he was happy for the couple. He had not failed to notice how Erik had looked at her when he'd first met him at the Fransesca. Ah love, he only hoped that they would be able to weather this storm and then they'd be able to weather anything.
Author's End Note: This chapter was a lot shorter till the little people got involved. Hope you enjoyed the humor, it may be hard to come by in future chapters.
Coming up in Chapter 25 – To Paris
Exactly what does one do with a pair of burned Brownies? Tune in to find out. And find out what happens when the group gets to Paris.