"Haha, sleep well sweetheart, tomorrow you can clean up the bed" Gratia said with a smile as he closed and locked the door.
"I got to get out of here.."* Chloe thought as she curled into a ball and softly cried herself to sleep. "Chloe! Get up and start cleaning! If the house isn't clean when I'm back from the market you won't get food for the rest of the day!" Gratia shouted through the door as he unlocked it. She waited till she heard the front door close and scrambled to get her things, *" I'm running away, I can't stay here.. if I do ill kill myself"* she thought as she pulled her hood up and exited the house. "What the hell are you doing outside?" Gratia said with a growl, Chloe looked up and said "i- I'm leaving, Gratia.. and you can't stop me.." Gratia chuckled and said "don't be silly love, I can and will overpower you" Chloe squinted her eyes and kicked him in his balls, Gratia dropped to his knees and went unconscious as Chloe kneed him in his face. *"You won't see me, ever again"* Chloe thought as she ran away.
"Chloe? Is that you?" Max said, Chloe turned to him and said "yeah.. it's me, still on guard duty I see.." Max nodded and said "did your uncle send you out to look for mushrooms again?"
Chloe shook her head "no.. I'm running away.. I can't take his abuse anymore.." She said with a sad smile as she walked past him out the gates.
"Chloe! Wait! You can take my horse" Max said as he grabbed Chloe's hand, Chloe pulled her hand out of his grip and said "p- please don't touch me.." Max nodded and smiled saying "I understand Chloe, just follow me then"
Chloe nodded and followed him silently.
Max patted the shoulder of a white horse saying "this is Luna, you can have her. See it as compensation for all the times I couldn't help you, and please. Be well Chloe, don't let what Gratia did to you rule over your life" Chloe nodded and cried softly as she said "t- thank you Max.. this means a lot to me.." getting on the horse Chloe waved Max goodbye and disappeared into the forest.
The sun was setting and Chloe set up her camp, Luna had already laid down and Chloe cuddled up next to the horse. "You're sleepy as well huh?" She said with a yawn as she fell asleep. Before she could fall into a deep sleep an old male voice said "hey girl, mind if I join you in your camp?" Chloe opened her eyes and saw a Jiang Jun standing at the edge of her encampment, "w- who are y- you?" She said with a tremble in her voice, the Jiang Jun smiled and said "my name is Hu, what's your name?" Chloe rubbed her eyes and sighed saying "my name is Chloe.. why are you here, Hu...?" Hu chuckled and said "well I'm traveling, and I was looking for somewhere to sleep. Now color me surprised when I find a girl, completely alone without a weapon, sleeping next to her horse" Chloe stammered as she said "i- I didn't think of bringing weapons! P- please.. don't hurt me.." Hu smiled and said "I won't, but tell me, it seems like you were in a hurry, am I correct?" Chloe nodded silently as she said "I ran away from my uncle.. he abused me for five years and today I finally got the courage to run away..." Hu scratched at his beard and said "I'm sorry that happened to you, would you like to stay with me for a while? At least until you can defend yourself"
Chloe nodded and pulled her blanket up to her chin as she said "you promise to protect me?" Hu nodded silently, a comforting smile crept onto his face as he said "I will, it's been long overdue since you've had someone protect you from what I hear." Chloe yawned and said quietly "thank you Hu.. I'll be sleeping now, you can wake me in an hour or so" Hu chuckled and said "alright Chloe, sleep well. I'll be here if you need anything"
A couple of days later.
"Blacksmith, can you make my niece an armour set and weapons?" Hu said to Goto, an old blacksmith. Goto nodded and said "I'll have to take her measurements, are you comfortable with that lass?" His eyes locked with Chloe's as she said "erm.. only if my uncle is near.." Hu nodded and said "of course, I'll be right outside the door sweetie" Hu left and Goto said "I'm very sorry, but I have to ask ye to undress. I'll turn around so you can undress in peace" Chloe swallowed her fear and nodded timidly, after she made sure he was fully turned around she took off her shirt and pants, leaving her only in her black dyed underwear. Goto turned around and said "armour is tailored to the body, I need you to take this measuring lint and wrap it around your chest tightly, but not uncomfortably tight, understood?" Chloe nodded and did as he said.
"Hmm, a nice B cup, alright. Now don't freak out, I'm carefully wrapping the measuring lint around your waist" he continued as Chloe felt his fingertips softly touch her waist.
"S- sir.. are you almost done?" Chloe said as she felt her anxiety swell in the pit of her stomach.
Goto smiled and said "almost done lass, just gotta measure your hips and then you can get your clothes back on" Chloe nodded silently and took some deep breaths as Goto's fingers softly pressed the lint onto her hips, "there, I've got your measurements. Now judging by your lithe frame I'm thinking leather armour with metal reinforcements and a dagger and shortsword for weapons, shouldn't take me that long" Chloe nodded and quietly put her clothes back on.
Some hours later.
"Alright, here you go lass. One armour set tailored to you, and weapons. Use em for good"
Goto said with a smile as he handed Chloe her armour and weapons, Hu nodded and said "you can put it on later, right now we have to go to the market and get food for tonight"
Chloe nodded and followed Hu, but before he closed the door Goto said "Hu.. keep her safe, I don't know what she went through, but it's bad. Stay safe old friend" Hu smiled and said "I'll keep her safe, don't you worry about that"
After dinner Chloe crashed on her bed, crying softly as she traced a long scar on her inner thigh. *knock, knock* "Chloe, can I come in?"
Hu said from behind the door, Chloe dried her tears and pulled the blankets up to her chin and said "Come in.." Hu entered the room and said "hey, are you alright?" Chloe shook her head and said "I'm not.. memories of my uncle Gratia and what he did to me are coursing through my mind.." Hu sat down on the foot end and said "want to talk about it?" Chloe nodded and said "I was f- fourteen when it started.. my mother wanted me to learn some knight culture, so she sent me to my uncle. But she didn't know he would abuse me sexually..."
Hu had a pained expression as he said "is there anything I can do for you right now? Like a hug, or some water?" A sad smile crept onto Chloe's lips as she said "some water please.. "
Hu nodded and stood up to get some water.
"Here you go sweetie" Hu said as he returned with a glass of water Chloe smiled faintly and said "thank you uncle" Hu ruffled her hair and said "of course sweetie, if there's anything you need. Just tell me" Chloe nodded and said "how long will we stay in this inn? The innkeep is making me incredibly nervous with his staring" Hu nodded again and said "we'll leave tomorrow, for now try to sleep. As you don't get enough of that as it is"
"That'll be ten gold pieces" The innkeep said with a smile, Hu nodded and counted his coins before dropping off the needed amount. "One more thing, with all due respect general, but how much money does it cost to have a round with your slave?" Hu turned around at the innkeepers question and said "she's not my slave, and we are going. Come on sweetie" Chloe nodded silently, and as they left she could feel the burn of the innkeepers gaze on her ass.
"Rude asshole.." Chloe murmured as she closed the door, Hu chuckled and said "don't mind him, I'll never let someone do that to you sweetie, not willingly at least" Chloe smiled faintly and said "thank you uncle.. where will we go now?" Hu shrugged and said "I think we'll go east, at least for a little bit" Chloe nodded silently and followed him.
Some weeks later.
"Hey Chloe, how do you see your future? Like will you have a family, or will it just be you with some animals?" Hu said as he leaned back in his chair, Chloe smiled faintly and said "I'd love to have a family, but I'm terrified of being touched" Hu nodded and said "after what you went through that's completely understandable, and I hope you someday find someone who you can start a family with"
Chloe nodded and said quietly "I hope so too uncle, erm... I need to show you something" before showing her wrists. "Oh honey.." he said as he pulled her into a hug, "I'm sorry uncle.." Chloe said as she hid her face in Hu's chest.
Hu rubbed her back and said "I know, I know. I'm not angry sweetie, just concerned" Chloe nodded and said "I don't know what to do, I feel like death is the only option I have left..."
Hu nodded, and said with a warm, comforting smile "I have an idea, first give me your dagger, I've already hidden every knife in the house as I had an idea what was going on. And secondly I'll be picking something up, it's a surprise for you, so you'll have to wait here"
Chloe nodded and softly said "I'll sleep until you get back, safe travels uncle" Hu ruffled through her hair and said "I'll be back soon sweetie, sleep well" before turning around and leaving the house.
Some time later.
Hu came home with a puppy, finding Chloe still vast asleep on the couch he placed the sleeping pup next to her and went to the kitchen. Eventually Chloe woke up and saw the puppy laying next to her, she smiled and carefully picked her up saying "well aren't you a cutie, let's give you a name. Hmm, how about.. hope, that's a good name" Hu entered the living room and said "I agree, Hope is a beautiful name. She is your hope, keep that in mind sweetie" Chloe nodded and hugged the puppy gently.
"Food is ready sweetheart, I've got something for Hope as well" Hu said as he put two plates on the table, Chloe nodded and sat down, a smile on her face as Hope tried to get on her lap. "No no sweetie, I'm eating, you have your own plate" Chloe said with a chuckle as Hope let out an excited bark, Hu chuckled and said "oh Chloe, I have one more surprise for you. I found work for you" Chloe looked up from her plate and said "really? What kind of work?" A comforting smile crept onto Hu's face as he said "the blackstone legion was looking for scouts, and you can use a job to put your mind onto something else. So I thought why not" Chloe stood up and hugged him tightly saying "thank you uncle.. when can I start, did they say that?" Hu nodded and said "you can start the day after tomorrow, so I can have your company tomorrow before you leave for duty"
Chloe nodded and yawned saying "alright uncle, I'm going to bed" Hu nodded and smiled saying "alright sweetie, sleep well. I'll talk to you tomorrow"
The following morning.
Chloe chuckled as Hope woke her with puppy kisses, "Hey there, good morning to you too little one" she said as she scratched behind the puppies ear, "Chloe, are you awake?" Hu said from outside her bedroom. "I'm awake uncle" Chloe answered as she put her clothes on.
After eating breakfast Hu and Chloe took a walk to the city, "Hey uncle.. I'll miss you when I go to the blackstone legion" Hu smiled and said "I'll miss you too sweetheart, please do try to visit me on occasion" Chloe nodded and said "I'll try uncle.. I hope I make some friends there as well" Hu nodded and said "I hope so as well sweetie, now then. I'll be in that store for a little bit, would you like to come with me?" Chloe shook her head and said "I'll wait here, see you soon uncle"
After a good five minutes Chloe sat down, waiting with Hope on her lap for Hu to return.
"Why hello there dear Chloe, it's been awhile" a rather familiar voice said from behind her, Chloe went wide eyed and turned around in a hurry saying "G- Gratia!" Gratia smiled a filthy grin as he said "indeed sweetheart, now follow me. We're going back home" Chloe shook her head and said "like hell I am, I'm not afraid of you Gratia" Gratia laughed and said "then I'll punish you right here, right now" lunging forward he grabbed her and bent her over the wooden couch. One hand held her wrists while his free hand pulled down her pants and grabbed her hip, "scream and I'll kill your dog, nod if you understand" he said as he tried to enter Chloe's vagina. She nodded but before Gratia could do anything Hu had come back and said "unless you want to die, I suggest you let Chloe go. Gratia." He let go slowly and said "I won't stop looking for her, she's my wife. Given to me by her mother." Hu scoffed and said "yes you will, Chloe is protected by the blackstone legion, as she is their newest scout starting tomorrow. Go, dissappear. Chloe has all the reasons to murder you, and from what she's told me, I'm surprised she hasn't done so already" Gratia growled and said "fine, I'll leave. You can have her if you want her that badly"
Chloe trembled as she watched Gratia turn a corner and leave, "i- is he really gone?" She said as she hugged Hope in an attempt to calm down, Hu nodded and said "he's gone, you won't have to worry about him any longer honey" Chloe nodded and cried softly, Hu smiled and said "let's get you home and in a bath, you certainly deserve that after what just happened" Chloe nods and dries her tears as Hu wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
Later that evening.
After her bath Chloe dried off and dropped down on her bed, Hope wagged her tail and turned on her back. "Aww do you want belly rubs? Alright then" she said with a chuckle as she rubbed the pups belly. Chloe yawned and said quietly "sleep well Hope, I'll give you more belly rubs tomorrow" before falling asleep.
"Chloe~ are you asleep?" Gratia said as he entered her room, Chloe groaned as she opened her eyes. "I'm awake now uncle.. what's wro- why are you naked?" Gratia chuckled and said "because I love you, and I want to make love to you"* Chloe awoke screaming and cried as she hugged her pillow, Hu entered the room and said "hey, what's wrong?" Chloe dried her tears and said "I.. I had a nightmare..about my first night with G- Gratia.." the tremble in her voice unmistakable, Hu sat down in front of her bed and said "I'll be right here, close by, but not in your personal space." Chloe nodded and said quietly "thank you uncle.." Hu smiled and said "of course sweetie, remember to breathe properly. Slowly in through your nose, hold for five seconds, then out your mouth." Eventually Chloe calmed down and said "uncle.. can I sleep next to you tonight? I'm still scared.." Hu nodded and said "of course sweetheart, anything so you can sleep properly" Chloe smiled faintly and hugged him saying "thank you so much, I wouldn't be alive without you.."
Hu gently rubbed her back and said "I know.. I know, just sleep sweetheart. Tomorrow you're off to the blackstone legion, and you need sleep." Chloe nodded, and allowed herself to be carried to his bedroom. "Sleep well uncle Hu"
She said as she fell asleep in his arms.
Some days later at a destroyed iron legion camp.
"My lord, here's a live iron legionaire, do you want to question him?" Charles said amongst the ruins of an old blackstone camp.
"Yes, let me speak to him." Richard said with a sinister tone emanating from his voice, Charles chuckled and said "bring him to the castle"
Back at the castle Richard made his decent into the dungeons, the darkness of the underground cells enveloped his face in a natural shadow.
Opening the door to the iron legionaires cell he said "this can go two ways, I don't have to torture you, ya know" the lawbringer shook his head in defiant silence. "Very well" said Richard as he grabbed a branding tool from the fire, it's metal near its melting point.
"One last chance" said Richard as he brought the branding iron to the lawbringers chest.
"Go fuck yourself" said the lawbringer stubbornly, "as you wish" Richard said as he pressed the hot iron bar on the lawbringers chest. Causing the man to scream out in pain, "one down, twenty more to go. Just tell me... what.. I.. want.. to... KNOW!" he twisted the branding iron with the last word, shredding the burnt skin as it stuck to the branding iron.
"Ah.. oh God.. please stop" the lawbringer pleaded, it was in vain. For Richard pulled out another branding iron and said "where is your group located?" The lawbringer pissed himself as he said "they'll kill me!" Richard narrowed his eyes in rage as he hissed "correction, *I*will kill you. I'll just do it a whole lot slower. Now tell me what I want to know" holding the branding iron in front of the lawbringers crotch Richard snickered at the lawbringers screams, "WAIT! NO! ANYTHING BUT THERE, PLEASE!" Richard tilted his head and said "you're going to tell me where the rebels are?" The lawbringer shook his head again, "well, you used to be a man then" Richard said as he pushed the branding iron onto the lawbringers crotch.
"Done already my lord?" Said Charles as he stepped out of the dungeons shadows, Richard shook his head and said "no, he merely fainted. Wake him, he still has to tell me where those rebels are" when he left for his room he heard Charles nearly vomit at the sight of the lawbringers mangled body.
"My liege, the lawbringer is awake" Charles said as he entered Richard's room, "thank you Charles. Keep him awake for me, I'll be there in an hour" Charles bowed and headed back to the dungeons. Looking over his maps Richard thought out loud "where oh where could you people be...?"
An hour later.
"Well then let's hear it" Richard said as he walked into the lawbringers cell, the lawbringer looked up, his voice pitched high as he said "Please just kill me..." Richard grabbed his chin and said "only if you tell me where your camp is" the lawbringer shook his head "I can't do that" he said, though it sounded weak compared to before. "Hmmm, Charles? Bring me the nail cracker" Richard said with a grin as he watched the lawbringers eyes grow wide in realization.
"Here you go lord" Charles said as he handed Richard the torture device, it was small, like nail clippers. But large enough for the entire finger or toe to get in, a small spike presses on the nail as the lower side applies pressure causing the nail to crack. "Well let's get the truth out of you then" said Richard as he cracked one of the lawbringers nails, the lawbringer cried out "TO THE NORTH! THE NORTH! I SWEAR!" pressing the nail cracker on another nail Richard said "where in the north?" The lawbringer breathed heavily as he said "near the border to valkenheim, in an old fortress. Now please, you promised to kill me" Richard turned to Charles as he said "did I? I don't remember promising such a thing... I'll leave you here, you'll probably fall to your wounds. But I'm not putting you out of your misery" and as he and Charles exit the dungeons they could still hear a faint *you promised* amongst faded sobs inside the vast darkness of the underground cells.
"So my lord, to the north we go. Should we sent a scout ahead?" Charles said as he hoisted himself on his horse, Richard nodded and said "yes, that's a good idea" Charles chuckled and said "well let's send our newest scout then" Richard tilted his head and said "newest scout?" Charles smiled mysteriously and said "you'll see my lord, you'll see"
"Alright then" Richard said as he climbed on his massive frisian black horse.
As Richard lead his army of black priors to the north a white horse sped off from the group, a small brown haired woman rode on top with a big smile on her face.
my first mission* she thought as she rode into the snow ridden north.
Sentinels keep was hidden in a blizzard as Chloe sneaked past the guards, *lots of people here, too many even* she thought as she crept up the stone staircase. After a little search she found what she was looking for, the plans of the iron legion. She smiled, *these fools really think they can attack castle Dragonspire, they won't get the chance, creeping down the stone stairs she turned a corner and got spotted by a warden. *shit!* she thought as she drew her weapons, the warden laughed cocky and said "well well, a peacekeeper. From the blackstone legion, we'll have some fun with you" drawing his long sword he lunged forward, parrying the blow Chloe slipped her dagger between the small iron plates causing heavy bleeding. "You whore!" The warden said angrily as he tried again, staining the floor red as he moved. Chloe avoided the blow entirely, spinned and slashed at the tendons in his leg. Causing the warden to fall to the ground, "mercy plea-" he said before she cut his throat. She couldn't permit anyone to have heard that, how likely it may have been. *now to escape, I can't be seen by anyone else* she thought as she disappeared into the snow.
Back at camp.
"I wonder how our scout is doing" said Richard as he grabbed a grilled chicken leg from the fire, Charles did the same and said "she should be back any minute now" Richard raised an eyebrow and said "she?" Charles chuckled and said as he bit into the tender chicken meat "yeah, our most recent addition to our army is a peacekeeper" Richard was silent until a female voice caught his attention. "Commander? I'm back from my scouting mission" the peacekeeper said as she took her helmet off, Richard was dumbfounded. He had never seen such a beautiful woman in his life, after shaking his head to clear his mind he said "I'm sorry, go ahead and tell me what they are planning, and please. Grab something to eat as well" the peacekeeper chuckled and said "thank you commander, they are planning to attack your castle. Probably thinking to take out one of the most threatening part of lord Apollyon's army.. little do they know we found them, hell I don't even think they suspect anything because I got away easily" Richard smiled, grabbed the base of his helmet and took it off saying "well, they'll get what's coming to them soon enough. But right now I just want to talk to you, Charles? Please leave" Charles left with a stunned look on his face, *he never takes off his helmet, for no one* he thought as he exited the commanders tent, leaving Richard and Chloe alone.
"Eh.. am I in trouble, sir?" Chloe said as she looked at her feet, "not at all, I just want to get to know you" Richard said as he glanced a view of her beauty while drinking his wine.
"O- oh, alright then what do you want to know commander?" Richard smiled and said "well your name first of all, I can't keep on calling you peacekeeper or scout" Chloe smiled and said "my name is Chloe, happy to meet you"
Richard shook his head and said "no no, it's my pleasure to meet you Chloe, my name is Richard" *oh shoot, I think I'm falling in love* thought Chloe as she locked eyes with Richard who unknowingly thought the exact same.
Chloe stood up, walked over to Richard with a seductive smile and said "do you, like me.. commander?" She could see it in his eyes, he nodded. "Then you won't mind if I sit right here, on your lap... right?" Richard chuckled and said "not at all" and opened his arms to give her space, sitting down on his lap she said "this feels safe, especially when you wrap your arms around me. Thank you Richard.." Richard chuckled and said "don't mention it.. now then, I think it's time to sleep. Or at the very least lay down in bed"
Chloe swallowed at that, and with all of her confidence gone she said "I eh.. I've never shared a bed with someone before, at least not with someone that wasn't family.." Richard had a comforting smile on his face as he said "don't worry, I won't do anything you don't want me to" Chloe nodded and bit her lip as she held back tears, "Hey, hey.. what's wrong? Did I say something or do something wrong?" Chloe shook her head and said "n- no.. I'm just trying not to think about something bad that happened to me.." Richard gently grabbed her cheek and caressed her with his thumb as he said "talk about it, if you want to that is. I won't force you" Chloe took a couple of deep breaths before she said "I need you to know this.. I- I was raped by my biological uncle for five years.. only just a month ago was I able to break free from him.." Richard's heart broke, pulling her close he said "oh sweetheart... I'm so, so very sorry you had to go through that.." the sadness in his voice not going unnoticed by Chloe she gave in and cried into his shoulder.
"I know, I know.. I'm here for you" he said as he gently rubbed her back, Chloe nodded silently and purred softly as she calmed down.
"T- Thank you Richie.. usually it's uncle Hu that would calm me down, but not like this.. this feels.. different, safe even." She said shyly as Richard pressed a kiss on her forehead, Richard chuckled and said "I'm happy you feel that way, I've seen plenty of women that have been through something similar to you that freak out at just the sight of a man, let alone laying next to one. Now please, sleep. Tomorrow will be busy" Chloe nodded silently and fell asleep in his arms.
The following morning.
Charles wasn't sure of what had happened last night, but one thing was certain. His friend and commander had changed, he seemed happier. Giving Richard a soft slap on the back he said "who knew getting laid was the remedy to your darkness?" Richard chuckled and said "we didn't have sex actually, we just talked, and cuddled" Charles raised an eyebrow saying "you talked... and cuddled... who are you and what have you done to our commander?" Richard laughed and said "hey, I'm just taking it slow with her, she seems... different, then all my other relationships."
Charles hummed and said "alright my lord, I won't judge. I hope for you that it works out"
Richard watched as Chloe trained and said absently "I hope so too my friend, I hope so too..."
Charles walked to the barracks of the black priors and said "who here is ready to quell this rebellion?" The black priors roared and marched off to their horses. Charles noticed that Chloe sat atop her horse next to Richard, who was on his massive frisian black horse, this time he did wear his helmet.
"Rain arrows upon them" said Richard as he pointed his sword forward.
Arrows came down like lightning during a thunderstorm, turning everyone outside into a pincushion. No warning was given to the iron legion, and none lived long enough for it to even matter. The ones inside were even less lucky as their only way of escape was blocked off.
"Let this ruined fortress be their tomb forevermore" said Richard as he rode back to his castle.
"Why didn't you kill them?" Asked Chloe as she rode next to him, "they are going to die either way" said Richard in an attempt to close the uncomfortable conversation before it went on further.
"Exactly, so why leave them to starve?" Said Chloe, she didn't judge him. In fact quite the opposite, she felt pity. Both for his victims and Richard himself. Though it didn't ring through her voice.
Richard sighed and said "I want to tell you, I truly do. But I don't feel comfortable talking about my past yet" Chloe smiled comforting and said "thats fine Richie, ill be here when you feel comfortable talking about it"
They rode on in silent, New found respect and love for each other.
The night was dark with thunder clouds blocking the moons light completely.
Richard rolled around in his bed, "CHRIST ALMIGHTY" shouted Richard as he sat upright, sweat dripping down his brow and matting his long brown hair. "Richie? Are you alright?" Richard shook his head and said "it was a nightmare" Chloe nodded and quietly said "can I hug you? Or do you want me to just lay next to you?" Richard hugged her silently and placed gentle kisses on her neck and jaw before saying "thank you sweetie.." Chloe ran her fingers through his long brown hair and said "of course, you were there for me when I needed it, so I'm there for you when you need it. It's what partners do for each other. But eh.. what was your nightmare about?" Richard nodded and said "I was back in my old bedroom when I was still a child, my father hated me, and, to be fair. I think he hated my mother too he beat me often, usually as a punishment for me or my mother. when one night he stood at my bed end with a knife, if I didn't kill him then and there I wouldn't have been here"
Chloe nodded and said "I understand Richie, and I'm glad you are still alive. And even though I don't know you for that long, you've been nothing but loving and kind to me. And I'm thankful for that" Richard smiled and said "I don't need to know you for long to know that I absolutely adore you, and you deserve love. Lots of it actually."
He gently gets on top of her and said "I want to love you, with all my being Chloe. I know you're scared, how could you not be after what that monster did to you? But I want to show you that being intimate doesn't have to be painful, or brutal. Will you.. let me?" Chloe bit her lip and said "o- only if you s- stop when I tell you to.." Richard nodded and said "of course, I don't want to hurt or scare you. We'll go as far as you think you can handle, alright?" Chloe nodded and took off her shirt, revealing a fit body. Richard drank in the sight of her and said breathlessly "simply divine, you're so gorgeous Chloe" She looked away and tried to cover herself up as she said "a- aren't you going to undress?" Richard smiled and said "no my love, tonight is all about you, and how I can get you as comfortable as possible. So let's start shall we?" Chloe nodded nervously, Richard leaned in close and pressed a kiss on her lips, going down her jaw to her neck, he eventually found her sensitive spot near her collarbone. Which he sucked and nibbled on until goosebumps spread across her body. Chloe let out a soft gasp as Richard went down further towards her breasts, "do you want me to stop love?" He said as he looked up at her, Chloe blushed deeply and shook her head. Gasping and moaning softly as Richard kissed, sucked and nibbled at one of her nipples while his free hand gently massaged her other breast.
Chloe panted, her breathing got faster as Richard went down towards her hips.
Richard looked up one more time and said "are you sure you want me to continue? I can stop now, I won't be disappointed if you don't want to continue" Chloe nodded silently before saying "yes please.. I- I want you to stop Richie"
Richard nodded and pulled her close saying "you're so brave for letting me go that far, you know that right?" Chloe nodded again and laid her head on his chest and said "I love you Richie" Richard kissed her forehead and said "I love you too fun sized, we'll try again later. Just remember, there's no pressure on you to be intimate with me, none at all. Now sleep tight, you're safe in my arms"
The following morning.
Chloe groaned softly as she woke up, "good morning fun sized~" Richard said as he wrapped his arms around her waist, Chloe chuckled and said "good morning Richie, did you sleep well?" Richard nodded and said "I did, how did you sleep?" Chloe smiled and said "this was the first night in forever that I didn't had a nightmare.. so thank you, you truly make me feel safe enough to just sleep through the night" Richard pressed a kiss on her lips and as he backed away for air he said "I'm glad you feel safe enough to sleep soundly, what do you want for breakfast love?" She yawned and said quietly "some toast with cheese sounds good, but I want to cuddle some more first.."
Richard chuckled and said "fair enough fun sized, I'll cuddle you until you feel hungry"
Chloe pressed a kiss on his jaw and said as she laid her head on his chest "I'm still sleepy.." Richard smiled and gently caressed her cheek saying "then sleep honey, the day can wait for all I care" Chloe nodded and fell back asleep.
After Chloe and Richard had breakfast they took their horses to gravesburg.
"Richie, where are we going?" Chloe said as she rode next to Richard, he hummed and said "to gravesburg.. why do you ask?" Chloe trembled as she said "p- please don't make me go back!" Please Richie.." Richard stopped his horse and said "hey.. Chloe? Can you tell me what's at gravesburg?" She nodded and said quietly "it's where my biological uncle lives.. I don't know if he still does. But I don't want to find out.."
Richard nodded and said "alright sweetie, we'll go home" Chloe cleared her throat and said "thank you Richie, I'm not ready to go back to that city. And I don't think I ever will" Richard nodded and said "I completely understand sweetie, let's stop here for a little bit. You're shaking like a leaf" Chloe nodded silently as she got off her horse,"come here sweetie, you look like you need a big hug" she nearly jumped on him as she cried softly into his hug.
"Thats it, I'm here. Breathe Chloe, I got you" Richard said as he ran his fingers through her hair, Chloe sobbed softly as she said "I'm sorry I r- ruined our trip.." Richard shook his head and said "you didn't ruin our trip sweetheart, we can just go somewhere else" Chloe looked up and said "anywhere? Because I know where we could go to.." he smiled and said "and where would that be?" Chloe chuckled and dried her tears saying "to uncle Hu's tea house" Richard smiled and said "then we'll go there, lead the way love"
Chloe smiled as Richard grabbed her hand, entering the tea house Hu turned around and said "ah, customers. Welco- Chloe! Hello sweetheart, how are you?" She chuckled and said "I'm fine uncle Hu, I eh.. I want you to meet someone, this is Richard." Hu went wide eyed and said "you found a lover? Oh I'm so happy for you, and you, young man. Might I have a word with you?" Richard nodded and followed Hu to the kitchen.
"Alright, Richard. I want to know one thing, do you know what she's been through?" Richard nodded and said "yes, I was heartbroken to hear about that." Hu scratched at his beard saying "don't break her heart, she's had it broken enough by that monster as is" Richard agreed and together they brought tea to the table Chloe was waiting at.
"Had a good talk uncle Hu?" Hu chuckled and said "it was a good talk, but how are you Chloe? It's been a while since you went to the blackstone legion" Chloe smiled and hugged Richard as she said "I don't think I've been happier in the last five years than I have been these past days" Hu smiled brightly and said "does that mean what I think it does?" Richard looked puzzled and Chloe blushed slightly, she shook her head saying "oh n- no uncle, I'm not pregnant. Richard just makes me feel safe, and incredibly loved" Richard chuckled and said "you deserve all of the love I can give fun sized, all of it and then some" Hu agreed and took a sip from his tea, "you two are so lovable with each other, I'm getting teary-eyed from happiness" Hu said as he wiped away a tear, Chloe stood up and hugged Hu saying "thank you uncle, and thank you for being approving of Richard" Hu smiled and said "of course sweetie, now it's time I close up shop, you're welcome any time to drink a cup of tea"
Chloe and Richard said their goodbyes and went on their way. "Hmmm, it's getting dark. We might have to get a room at a tavern" Richard said as he steered his horse towards a rather familiar tavern, Chloe nodded silently and followed him inside. "Ah welcome, I still have a room left." Richard placed a bag of coins on the counter and said "we'll find it ourselves" locking the door Chloe said "I dislike the innkeep, back when I was traveling with uncle Hu that man asked him how much money it cost to have sex with me..." Richard pulled her close and said "if he so much as asks anything of the sort I'll have him thrown in jail, now then. Let's sleep sweetie" she nodded and nuzzled into his chest as she fell asleep.
Later that night.
"Hnngg, Richie.. did you see a toilet pot in the room when we got here?" Richard sleepily shook his head and mumbled "I saw a dedicated toilet room downstairs..." Chloe yawned and said quietly "sorry to wake you up, I'll be right back Richie" putting on some night clothes Chloe tip toed downstairs and did her business, leaving the toilet room the innkeep stood in the hallway with a filthy grin on his face. Chloe swallowed her fear and said firmly "leave me alone, if you don't I will break your knees" the Inkeep chuckled and said "I'm not scared of a girl without weapons, now don't scream. We'll have some fun if you keep quiet" he took a step forward and tried to grab Chloe, only for her to take a step back and land a retreating punch on his chin. The Inkeep growled and said "don't make this more difficult than it needs to be, girl!" He managed to get ahold of her shirt but before he could land a punch Chloe pulled her knee up into his crotch, the Inkeep collapsed onto his knees and Chloe said "and that's for being a creep! You filthy, good for nothing pervert!"
Storming up the stairs she entered the room and Richard was fully awake, taking her into his arms he said "I'm sorry I didn't go with you" Chloe trembled as she said "n- no.. don't be, it's not your fault that the Inkeep is a creep.. but please, just hold me.." Richard nodded and placed a kiss on her forehead saying "alright sweetheart, I'm right here. I love you"
Chloe nuzzled into his chest saying "that was scary.. luckily I got trained in hand to hand combat when I became a peacekeeper.. but still, I felt my anxiety go through the roof" Richard rubbed her back and said "I know love, I know. But you beat him up for it, all on your own! I'm proud of you, and I love you so, so much" Chloe nuzzled into his chest and said "thank you Richie.. I love you" before falling asleep.
The following morning.
Richard woke up first and smiled as Chloe held onto his arm like a koala, he chuckled and said "hey love, mind giving me my arm back?" Chloe groaned softly and said "no.. it's mine now.." Richard chuckled and said jokingly "I'll tickle you, fun sized" Chloe giggled and let him go saying "I wanted to sleep longer, Richie"
He chuckled and said "you can sleep again when we're back home, but right now there's something I need to do"
Richard had arrested the Inkeep, and soon they were riding back to castle Dragonspire.
"Hey Richie.. mind if I take a break from black stone legion missions? I wanted to stay at uncle Hu's place for a bit" Chloe said as she pressed a kiss on his lips, Richard smiled and said "of course fun sized, just let me know how long you'll be away for" Chloe nodded and said quietly "for about.. three days, I think." Richard nodded and said "alright, I'll help you pack when we get home, I'd go with you to your uncle, but I have something to take care of"
The Inkeep got more nervous as they rode into the castle, hearing the black priors chanting in the church chapel he said "I thought black priors were ex-communicated by the church.."
Richard nodded and said "you are correct, and we still are. That church isn't a catholic church, but a church to the Veiled One. Now shut up and follow one of my guards to the dungeons"
After helping Chloe pack her stuff he watched her ride off from the castle wall before descending the dark staircase that led to the dungeon. Entering the Inkeep's cell he said "Charles, what do you think? He tried to rape Chloe, but I'm certain he has at least assaulted another woman. I mean, just look at this rat"
Charles chuckled and said "how about we start with boiling water, dip his feet in. Maybe he'll talk then" Richard hummed in thought and said "good idea, bring a vat and water. We'll let him watch it boil before we drop his legs in there"
Meanwhile at uncle Hu's tea house.
"Uncle, I'm home!" Chloe said as she entered the house, Hu smiled brightly and said "good to see you so soon again, I'll finish up with the last customer and then I'll join you for some tea sweetie" after getting his payment Hu sat down next to her and said "what brings you back so soon?" Chloe smiled and said "I missed Hope, and you.. so I asked for a break" Hu smiled and said "I'm glad you're here sweetie, Ferrum! You can close the store, we're done for today" a conqueror sat down at their table and said "hi, my name is Ferrum. Nice to meet you"
Before holding out his hand, Chloe smiled faintly and said softly "my name is Chloe, nice to meet you Ferrum. Erm.. I don't shake hands, sorry" Ferrum smiled and said "thats fine Chloe, completely fine. Well then, I'll be off to home, see you tomorrow Hu, goodnight"
After dinner Chloe got up and went to bed.
The following morning.
"Chloe, are you awake dear?" Hu said through the door, "come in.." Chloe said weakly, Hu entered the room and said "Chloe, why are you curled up in the corner?" She shook her head and said with a tremble in her voice "I had a nightmare.. a really bad one.." Hu sat down next to her and Hope saying "I'm so sorry, eh.. Richard is here as well. He said he needed a break too, shall I send him up?" Chloe nodded silently before saying "yes please.. can you also bring some tea?" Hu nodded and went downstairs.
"Chloe? Are you alright?" Richard said as he entered her room with two cups of tea, Chloe shook her head saying "no... I did something stupid.." Richard sat down next to her and said "what did you do sweetie?" Crying softly Chloe showed the cuts on her wrists, "I see, one moment. I'll get some bandages and something to clean those up with" he said as he went downstairs again before returning with bandages, a towel and a bowl of lukewarm water.
"Come here fun sized, I'll clean those cuts for you" Richard said as he gently pulled her close, Chloe cried into his shoulder as he cleaned and bandaged her wrists. "There you go sweetie, can you tell me what made you do this to yourself?" Richard said as he gently picked her up and carried her to the bed, Chloe dried her tears and said "I had a really bad nightmare about Gratia.. and what his two drunk friends did to me.."
Richard hugged her tightly and said emotionally "I'll have my scouts looking out for Gratia, I love you Chloe. So, so much!" She nodded silently before saying "I love you too Richie, thank you.. for cleaning my cuts.."
Richard rubbed her back and said "of course sweetheart, I'd do anything for you. Now then, let's have a nap. You look like you've been up all night" Chloe nodded and laid her head in the crook of his neck as she tried to sleep.
Chloe woke up as Richard brought lunch into her room, "good afternoon fun sized, did you sleep well?" He said as he handed her a plate of toasted bread, Chloe nodded and said "I did.. thanks to you.." Richard chuckled and got back into bed with her saying "good, I'm glad you slept good. Now come here sweetie, I want to cuddle you" Chloe nodded silently and sat on his lap, laying her head on his shoulder she said "thank you for being here.." Richard placed a kiss on her forehead saying "you're welcome sweetie, I love you." Hugging him tightly she said "I love you too Richie.. can we.. go for a walk today?" Richard nodded and said softly "of course sweetheart, but first I want to show you something" he stood up and took off his shirt, revealing long scars across his chest and back.
"My father used to beat me, you know this. But not how he beat me, he would use a whip on me, sometimes not even to punish me, but my mother. As she could only watch on in horror as he made me count the lashes out loud, a common tactic in torture to keep the victim from retreating into his mind. What I'm trying to say is this, please never feel ashamed of your scars, self inflicted or otherwise. For it shows how strong you are Chloe, and it shows above all how you deserve all the love you get. Both from me, as well as from your uncle Hu."
Richard continued while Chloe traced each scar, her bright blue eyes tearing up as she realized what he had said.
"Richie.. I- I don't know what to say.." She said as she hugged him, Richard chuckled and wrapped his arms around her and said "you don't have to say anything, now please, eat something. I am not having you faint on our hike" Chloe nodded and quietly ate her lunch.
After finishing lunch she stretched out and said "Richie.. I want to go to gravesburg, I- I need to show you how rotten that city is.."
Richard smiled and said "sweetie, are you sure you want to do that? You nearly had a mental breakdown when we rode to gravesburg last time" Chloe nodded and said "I know, I just want Gratia to pay, and you're with me. As long as I can hold your hand while we're there, I'll be fine." Richard nodded and guided her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss on her hand he said "alright fun sized, if that is what you want. Then I'll go with you, but as soon as you feel like you're going to fall apart we leave, alright?" Chloe nodded and said quietly "alright Richie, I'm fine with that"
The journey wasn't long, and when Richard and Chloe walked into the city the first thing they saw was a man pulling a woman into an alleyway. Richard gently squeezed Chloe's hand, "sweetie, we can still turn back" he said as he ran his thumb lovingly over her knuckles. Chloe nodded silently and said softly "I know, but I need to do this.." Richard nodded and followed Chloe as she guided him towards a large home.
Sitting down on a bench she sighed and said "this is where Gratia lives.. i- I can't tell you how weird it is to see this house again.." Richard nodded and said "what's on your mind sweetie?" Chloe sat down on his lap and hugged him tightly saying "my uncle.. and how the guards were in on it too, only one of them wanted nothing to do with what happened here.." Richard pressed a kiss on her forehead and said "what's his name? I'd like to commend him for having such a good moral compas in such a vile city"
Chloe smiled faintly and said "I don't know if he's still around, but his name is Max. I hope he is, this city has the tendency to make good men disappear" there was a short comfortable silence, followed by a familiar voice saying "Chloe? What are you doing here? You do know Gratia is still looking for a way to get you back, right?" Chloe turned around and said "M- Max? It's been awhile.. and yeah, I know. But I'm safe, Richard is with me" Max looked nervous as he said "Richard, the same Richard that owns this province?"
Richard nodded and said "indeed, happy to meet you Max. Though I do believe it is time me and Chloe returned to Hu's tea house, our vacation was a bit side tracked" Max nodded and said "alright sir, have a good day Chloe"
Once Chloe and Richard returned to Hu's tea house Chloe said "uncle Hu, can I have a quil and paper? I need to write a letter" Richard smiled and said "to who?" Chloe turned to him and said "to my father, I want him to come to Ashfeld.. I- I want him to destroy Gravesburg.." Richard nodded understandingly and said "alright sweetie, I understand that. After you're done with that I want you to come to bed, it's been a long day for the both of us" Chloe nodded and said softly "alright Richie, see you soon"
Chloe crawled onto the bed and into Richard's arms, "what are you planning sweetie?" He said softly as he placed a kiss on her forehead, Chloe hid her face in his shoulders and said "I'm asking my father to come here.. then I'll tell him everything, he eh.. he's a viking. So once he finds out he'll probably raid Gravesburg and kill Gratia." Richard hummed in thought and gently let his hand go up and down her spine, "I don't know your father, but the way you smiled when you told me who the letter is for I can tell he's a great man. I'll be happy to meet him"
Chloe nodded silently and cried softly into his chest, Richard just ran his fingers up and down her spine and said "are you anxious about telling your father about Gratia?" Chloe nodded again, "I'll be next to you, holding your hand and stepping in if need be. And besides, he's your father.. he'll understand why you feel the way you do" Chloe dried her tears and said "i- I know, it's just that my mother will know too.. and I don't want to alter her views of her brother.." Richard smiled and said "thats commendable love, but your mother deserves to know.. if not from you, then definitely from your father." Chloe yawned and said softly "you're right.." Richard pressed a kiss on her forehead and said "sleep well sweetheart, I'll be right here when you wake up"
It's been weeks since Chloes letter was sent to valkenheim, and she had kind of forgotten about it when a long boat entered castle Dragonspire's harbor. Richard was alone that day as Chloe went on a scouting mission, "my lord, there's a man named Ragnar here for you" a servant said as he ran into the throne room, Richard nodded and said "let him enter"
Ragnar entered the room and said "Where's my daughter, I got her letter" *so that's Chloe's father, I wonder if she's so petite because of her mother then. Because he's huge, even sitting on an elevated throne I can't help but feel like he draws in all attention* Richard thought as he stood up, "Chloe is currently out on a scouting mission, she'll be back come sundown. But please, come sit with me. I'd like to know my lovers father"
Ragnar nodded and followed Richard, "I do have to tell you Ragnar, I'm surprised by how tall you are. I expected tall yes, but everything is tall compared to Chloe, I didn't expect a mountain of muscle" Richard said as he poured himself a goblet of whiskey. Ragnar chuckled and said "she's always been small, I guess she has it from her mother. But do tell, what is your name son" Richard smiled and said "my name is Richard Dracul, also known as lord impaler. But that has been some time.."
Ragnar stroked his beard in thought, "father? You're here" Chloe said surprised as she entered the room, Ragnar stood up and hugged her saying "hae Chloe, hvernig hefurðu það?"
Chloe hugged him back and said "father.. I want you to sit down before I tell you how I'm doing.." Ragnar nodded and sat down across her and Richard, "father.. i- I'm not doing good, I eh.. cut myself over my situation.." Chloe said as she held onto Richard's arm, she continued "I need you to know what G- Gratia did to m- me.." Ragnar's voice trembled slightly as he said "what did your uncle do sweetie?"
Chloe cried into Richard's chest, unable to say anything Richard stepped in for her and said "her uncle raped her, for five years straight.."
Ragnar stood up and sat down in front of her, tears streaming down into his beard he said "my sweet little girl, I will kill him, and anyone who has accompliced themselves to Gratia. As the allfather is my witness, I swear I'll kill them all!"
Chloe nodded and said softly "I know dad, i- I feel so ashamed.." Ragnar shook his head and said "don't be, you were robbed of a choice by a man you thought you trust. But now I must go, Gravesburg is a coastal town. And me and my crew are going to burn it" Chloe hugged him tightly saying "dad... t- thank you.."
Ragnar pressed a kiss on her forehead and said "of course sweetie, I love you.. and so does your mother, never forget that" Chloe nodded and hugged Richard as Ragnar left the castle.