05. The Orc Council

*See chapter 00. Intro and chapter descriptions*

I stayed alone in Zyre's tent, lying on his pile of skins and furs trying to understand what I had done, and what had just happened. My feelings were mixed; I was content to have been marked, that he was willing to give me that. On the other hand, I was feeling slightly humiliated by being bathed in cum. It was dripping off my body everywhere. Neither he nor Melee had lied or exaggerated, I was truly covered in his seed. It was dripping off my face in rivers, running off my breasts, down my stomach, onto my thighs and legs, from there to the floor, pooling at my feet. Perhaps it was my life at the palace, as an envoy, and a daughter of a king; perhaps it was the difference in Elfin ways as opposed to Orcish ways. I know not, only that the feeling of humiliation was real. I had asked for this, nay begged him to mark me, and I would still have it so, I would still be his, and him, mine. In the moment I cared not what he did, that he came in a river flood upon my body, turning my pale blue skin white as driven snow; wet, sticky, viscous... and he had given me satisfaction. By both marking me, and using his fingers until he brought me to orgasm more than once. But the feeling would not leave, and all would know. Those who knew what an orc marking was, would know that I, Analea, untouched by a man before, had been flooded and covered, dripping, bathing in Zyre's orc cum. I needed to reconcile these feelings, but there was no time now. I needed to bathe; Zyre had a tub of water and I put my hand in it, it was cold, very cold. Very well then, an experiment, I would warm the water with my hand. As I began to focus my thoughts and my hand heated and began to glow, I heard raised voices outside the tent where the council was holding not far off.

"What of the elf girl, Zyre? Why are you keeping her protected? Why has she not been given for use?"

"She is not for free use. She is no commoner, but the daughter of royalty, and she has the blood of the fae."

"He would make her his consort without the acknowledgement of the chieftains!"

"Unless you claim her, she should be of use to any who would have her. You cannot claim her without dispute."

"It is too late. She has been marked and chosen. Do you wish to dispute it with me?"

I can only imagine what Zyre was thinking, the anger that must be rising in him.

"You marked her? When? Who witnessed? When a chieftain marks, or claims one for his own use, it must be public. Orc law does not allow private marking or claiming."

"She is ashamed of our orc ways! She would deny orc law and customs! The elf would claim power and rule without orc consent or by orc laws! She should be made a whore for the camp, like her companion already is. And if she is bold enough to accept my challenge, a whore she will certainly be."

"Xeela. Enough. Your hatred of Analea will soon be quenched in blood and dirt. She accepted your challenge and will appear shortly. As for her marking, I gave her a choice, I marked her as I would, where I would, when I would.

"As for you, your dispute is with me Grung, not her. Again, do you wish to dispute it in combat or no? Then silence."

"Zyre, I am loyal to you. But orc law should be upheld. There are many who would not obey you if you violate the old ways. I am not Xeela, nor one of Syrte's clan. I was loyal to your father, as I am to you, but if violence is what you wish, I will face you in combat."

I heard these words and understood the situation I had put him in. It was predictable that an elf consort would be an issue, even tho there was a human woman several hundred years ago, still it was not common for a different race or species to be chosen as consort; harem, yes, but not consort. But the bigger problem was the marking not being public. What have I gotten into? The marking left me conflicted as it is, but to do that publicly? To be bathed in his seed in front of all? I do not know if I can take hold of his manhood and be the entertainment for these orcs, or anyone, as he showers me with his cum, covering my naked body again for all to see.

"Neither Analea or myself are doing away with, or trying to rule, without orc law or tradition..."

"Then bring the elfin whore out, and mark her before us, or give her over for free use among the chieftains, that will be good enough for a half breed of royal blood."

Xeela was pushing this hard. Enough, I must bring an end to this. She wants me humiliated before all, defeated and broken. I must prove my worth, and willingness to follow orc law. So be it. I will show her, and all of them, my willingness, then I will put her in the dust.

"Mistress! Things are not well at the council... oh.. my... he marked you?!"

"Yes Melee, he did. And I hear what is happening. I must go, and show them, and defeat Xeela."

"I don't like it, mistress, but I will help you bathe, and dress."

"I think not, Melee. I will appear as I am taking only my blade, so I may end Xeela's insolence."

"Are you certain? Naked, for all the orcs to lust after, covered in orc cum? You will only incite their lust."

"I shall. Tho I only wish to wash this drying seed off me, I feel I must. And after I am re-marked by Zyre, who would dare attempt me? And I most certainly shall end Xeela."

"As you wish, mistress. I will follow you, but at a distance."

"Very well. But I shall have another guard. If it is a display of power and authority and worthiness they want, they shall receive. I am bringing Tiamat with me."

I took my blade and slung it across my naked body, over my shoulder, the strap riding between my breasts, the sheath at my back, tied my hair back, and exited the tent, making my way towards the bonfire that lit the night and the council. I gave a whisper of a whistle, and Tiamat came bounding from the pen.

"Keep a distance Tiamat, and circle the council in the shadows until I give command."

She snarled at me, raising her snout and took step at my heels as into the night we strode.

I approached the council from Zyre's back, and none saw me coming until I entered the glow of firelight, and all voices fell hushed at my approach. Zyre turned his head and saw me, I glanced and nodded slightly, he looked upon me questioningly.

I slipped my blade from my shoulders and rested it against Zyre's seat, touching his shoulder, I briefly ran my fingers down his massive arm, and moved away from him, eyeing every orc in the circle, especially Xeela. I moved slowly and deliberately, letting them see me in the fire light. They were all staring, the males growing huge erections, some even grunting and at least a few drooled. They sniffed the air, smelling his seed and scent upon me. I did not stop, and with a slight nod, a low growl came from the shadows, causing most to turn behind them, only to see a huge direwolf stalking the shadows, keeping pace with my slow walk inside the circle.

"You orc chieftains do not trust the worthiness of an elf woman to uphold either your laws, or your traditions. I choose to be Zyre's consort, and I choose to uphold your traditions and your ways. You see and smell that I have been marked, willingly, and (I looked directly at Xeela) I take pride in it; nay, revel in it. And I am here before you now to show I have no shame in your ways."

I circled back round to Zyre, who sat in his chair, legs partly spread. Walking behind him I ran my fingers across his broad shoulders and back, coming around his other side I stood in front of him, facing him, before placing myself on my knees between his legs. I took his manhood in my hand and held it, feeling it. Even flaccid his cock was gigantic, both my hands together still couldn't cover his shaft.

Stroking him in front of me I locked my eyes on his, trying to distract myself from the fact there was an audience of 15 chieftains watching me. I brought his large bulbous head to my lips and nervously took him in my mouth, but just his head, while I stroked his massive pale green shaft with my hand. Once again trying to coax his cum out to cover my skin.

The more I stroked him, the longer I felt and tasted him in my mouth, the more I wanted. Slowly the intimidation of being watched left me and I took more and more of his shaft into my mouth, stretching my lips and jaw for the second time tonight. Stroking him faster, what shame I felt earlier dissipated, and my focus was only on him, only on this huge orc cock in front of me, in my mouth deeper and deeper. With every stroke my desire and want grew, my wetness grew, running down my crouched legs.

His breathing grew heavy, and eventually his hands were on my head as I sucked and stroked his cock in front of the council. There were no sounds, no words, just some grunts of approval and I presume lust, as they watched this elf woman suck this orc cock deeper and deeper, taking almost all of it before I felt him tighten.

He pulled himself out of my mouth and began stroking himself, but I took his hand off and did it myself. A greater show of power if I stroke his cum out myself, splattering myself with his seed, marking myself with his cum.

He grunted and growled, and I felt him harden in my hand even more just before his first spurt. I aimed his cock head at my face where I took his first few bursts, already covered in dry cum, layering more on myself. Repositioning slightly, I held and stroked his bursting cock to my chest, letting his cum recoat my heavy, heaving breasts, over and over he shot cum on my pale blue body, his rock hard cock pulsing and throbbing in my hand with every burst of cum covering me. Once again tonight, my lips and face, my tits, heavy and firm, my hardened nipples, were dripping his cum and seed, this time for all to see.

When he finished cumming, I released his heavy cock, letting it fall, before putting my head down, licking his shaft, and scooping the dripping white thick fluid off my face and swallowing it. I realized then, I cared not that any saw. All that mattered was that I was marked, I was his, and in a moment, I would let all know that he was mine. I would not be the only one being marked and scented. I had made a decision, one they had never seen before, like me.

Facing him, I mounted his lap placing one hand upon his shoulder, the look of surprise on his face made me smile, along with the mumblings and gasps I heard behind me. I leaned into his ear.

"I will let all know that you are mine, as well as me being yours."

I took his manhood in my hand again and holding his erection straight up, pressed it against my wet lips and began grinding my hips into him, moving up and down along his shaft against my wet slit. The pleasure was almost more than I could stand, and it was with great difficulty I did not slide him inside me. I had to satisfy myself with feeling his girth on and between my lips, as I spread my juices on his hardening cock, over and over, my moans getting louder, my breathing heavier. I cared not that others were watching, the look on his face, his eyes burning orange, the pleasure I received, made everything worth it.

He grabbed me from underneath, placing his hands under my soft round cheeks, lifting me, lowering me, helping me maintain my rhythm. I could feel the pressure building within me, as his cock rode between my lips, now dripping, as his shaft hardened, opening my lips as his girth expanded between them. I could only keep moving on him, eyes locked on his, my heavy chest heaving in front of him, his eyes going from mine to my chest. I loved that he wanted me, loved how he looked at me with lust burning in his eyes. The pressure of his hands gripping me from behind, squeezing the soft flesh of my ample cheeks.

Only a few moments more... I moaned, loud and high, squealing as his hard orc cock riding between my petals made me cum, sending me to orgasmic bliss as my cum came pouring out of me, covering his shaft, my juices marking and scenting that cock I so desperately wanted inside me, bathing it in my own juices. Again and again, my body that had never known a man, poured my liquid orgasm over his shaft, covering his manhood, running down his leg, dripping from his heavy sack below.

I rested after my orgasm settled, my head against his chest, my hands on his shoulders, but I was not done yet... I would show them just how willing I was to be marked by him and to be one of them.

I turned myself around, and repositioned myself, now facing the council, my naked body exposed, and took again his shaft, now the top side, and repeated what I had already done, stroking him again against my soft wetness, lifting myself, sliding him more, my ass grinding against him, his hands now on my curving hips, my breasts bouncing and hanging for the council members to see, all the men of which were now watching intently, touching and stroking their own hard cocks, I came on his cock again, and this time I let it go. Screaming in pleasure, rocking against him, my back arching to him, pushing my ample chest out, I took his hands and put them on me, squeezing my soft mounds, pushing them together, his hips pushing up, riding his hard cock between my lips, as his shaft exploded cum all over me again, rope after thick white rope. I leaned forward, taking all of it on me that I could, even taking my hands and smearing it on my body, covering any skin that did not have his wet thick salty cum yet. He let out a satisfying grunt and roar as he came on me for a third? fourth? time tonight. My moans and whimpering echoing across the council and the silent camp beyond.

When he finished cumming, and I with covering myself with it, and catching my breath, I rose from his lap and took hold of my blade, unsheathing it, letting the flames glint and shine off its polished steel. It was now time to finish this, and silence any doubts as to my worthiness and intentions.

"Ha! You think whoring yourself in front of the council will win you consent to be consort? Enough! Elfin whore, face me in combat. No magic, none of your witchcraft, only steel. I will feed you my blade as Zyre just fed you his cock, slut, whore. By sunrise every orc in this camp will have had you."

"I will speak, but only after I put you in the dust. Come as you will, traitor, ally of Syrte, betrayer of your hegemon and true lord."

In her rage Xeela charged hard, blade of iron held high, swinging in a long downward arc, simple enough to deflect and dodge. I simply went on the defensive, letting her tire herself, while building her rage and frustration. Soldiers like her look for the quick strike and kill, unable to remain calm and clear in heated combat, one difference between a soldier and a warrior. She pressed me hard, and with her advantage in size and strength, she almost disarmed me twice. But almost will get you killed in combat. She made a hard sweeping cut for my head, a simple drop, a quick flip of my wrists and blade, a sweeping spin, and I cut thru the tendons of both her legs, right at the calves. She dropped to her knees, howling in pain; she would be crippled for life, never walking again, for no medicine can heal that; in all reality it was a death blow. I rose to my feet, and paced around her, considering if mercy was appropriate as all eyes watched carefully. I was considering what the orc council would expect, when she suddenly propelled herself at me with what force she could, locking on my leg, biting down, trying to tear my flesh just below my knee. I screamed in shock and pain, raised my blade, and with all my force impaled her thru the back and into the earth. Her body grew slack, releasing me, as she slid down my blade, bleeding out on the dust.

I eyed the council, silent around me and their fallen member. I circled the fire, and with a wave of my hand, summoned Tiamat to my side. With one bound over the heads of the seated orcs she was at my side, letting a low growl escape and her back slightly arched, hair raised, ready to pounce. My power move had been made, now I needed to speak my will while the council was still in shock, and maybe even a little awe.

"I have been marked by the lord you have sworn your allegiance to. You have witnessed him pouring his seed and scent upon me. I have no shame for it, nay, I am proud to be marked by him. You have witnessed me marking him with my scent for my own. I would have no other, and I will not accept him having any other. I do not crave power, or to rule over you, nor to change your ways, but to be one of you, and gain your respect and loyalty as his consort. I have proven myself in combat against one of your own and repaid her insolence and insult to me. If any other would dispute, rise and I shall answer."

Silence, but only for a moment as they considered. Before they could answer, a shout and yelling rose up behind the council and a band of orcs pushed their way thru. Xeela's band; this could be a problem, and Zyre sensed it as he rose behind me to his full height.

"The elf has killed our chief! We demand she suffer the consequence. No foreigner can kill an orc and escape punishment! Take her, or hand her over to us."

Zyre's wrath was apparent. Even behind me I could feel his anger and rage, I did not need to see it, I knew it. But before he could speak an orc of great age rose up and entered the circle standing between me and the band.

"Xeela was a chief of some renown, none dispute it. She challenged the elf and lost. By orc law, her band now must swear loyalty to the one who defeated her in a fair challenge, or suffer banishment, or death for disloyalty."

Zyre's rage was, as I said, obvious and made plain by his words.

"The old father speaks a truth. And I hope you choose disloyalty. You will not suffer banishment, but only death by my hands. Feel fortunate the council sits here, or your Fate would have already been decided. Now choose. Drop your weapons and kneel before her, or I destroy you all. Now!"

"We kneel."

They had grumbled and looked around them, they had no support. The council was with Zyre, as was every orc in the camp. Zyre was well on his way to becoming the hegemon. The choice they made was the only one they could make. I, Analea, was now a chieftain of an orc band, my old life was certainly passing away quickly.

"Ceremony dictates you swear fealty to your new chief. Do so, and let us have peace, so we may conclude the council business."

"We swear loyalty to the elf maiden as our chief. May our death come swiftly if we forswear."

"I accept your loyalty, and the responsibility of being your chief. Now return to your camps and feast and drink. We speak in the morning."

As they parted taking with them Xeela's weapons and body for preparation of the burning pyre, the old orc spoke to the council again.

"Mistress Analea. We have witnessed your marking, and we saw no shame upon you. Tho your combat skills are impressive, you are unproven in war. If Zyre claims you, you cannot rule or command, only warm his bed, excepting with your new found band. No orc is under obligation to obey your orders until you are proven in war. Is this understood?"

"I understand, Old Father. Your words are clear, and will be respected. I will prove myself worthy of not only Zyre, but worthy of being counted among you, as one of you."

"Zyre? Is the law I have spoken understood?"

Telling an orc in his prime, and one that is perhaps the best warrior breathing, that he must conform to this council's words, was certainly hard for him.

"It is clear, and I accept the council's decree. I will claim her by the next full moon. By then her worthiness will be apparent to all, as it is to me now."

"Very well. At the next full moon we shall gather the horde for the claiming."

"Now my orders. Prepare yourselves and your bands. In three days we ride at dawn to circle the north end of the mountains. I will claim leadership over those bands and deal with those who betrayed my father; Syrte's clan will perish, and the others will swear fealty, or die. Now feast!"

The council broke up and myself, Zyre, Melee, Gilead, and the old orc watched them depart, that is when the pain hit and my leg gave out from under me, bleeding profusely. Zyre bent low and picked me up, cradling me in his massive arms. I was angry at the show of weakness, but loved the gesture.

"Poryx, go grab your medicines and herbs; Gilead warm the water in my tent so Melee may help her clean the wound and bathe. And Gilead? After that go bring the other elf envoys to your tent; I will speak to them now."

After gesturing for Tiamat to return to the pen, I was curious as to what he wanted to see them for, but before I could ask he carried me to his tent and set me on his pile of furs and skins. He took my leg and looked at it closely.

"You will heal fine. A little scarring is all. Poryx will see to the bleeding and pain. I will be with you shortly, but I must go."

"Thank you Zyre. And yes, my elf body will heal itself quickly. But why the envoys I would ask?"

"I want to speak to them before they flee on their own and report what they witnessed here tonight. That announcement to the elf king should be diplomatic, not hearsay or rumor, mere gossip. And I want it stated in a particular way. Do you object?"

"I do not. And I will confess I hadn't thought that thru entirely, but also it matters not to me what he would say."

"Ha! Nor to me. But discretion is advised, and in case he did not betray my father, I would not have him believe I would deceive him. It is only politics Analea. Within three weeks you will be my consort and an orc queen regardless of anyone's thoughts, and that includes tonights council. Sometimes you must appease, at least temporarily. No one will stop me from being hegemon, nor can they stop me claiming you."

With that he left; Gilead did as he was told and set a fire to the water; Melee wrapped me in a robe and began to help wash me and tend to the wound. It was not long before the old orc Poryx returned with his medicinal bag.

"I hope my words at the council did not offend Mistress Analea?"

"No. Not at all. Your simple statement of law and tradition was most welcome. And Zyre seems to hold you with great respect. Have you been with him long?"

"I knew his father when we were quite young. I was there when his fae mother brought him to his father. So long have I been with him."

"Who was she? Do you know?"

I wanted to know; I have no information about my own, and was hoping for some knowledge.

"She was a fae. She seduced his father when he was hunting in the forest alone. No one believed him until she brought Zyre to the camp. She was beautiful, not unlike you, only without the blue skin and mortality, ha! No, she was a creature divine, and I do not think she revealed her identity. You would need to ask him, perhaps his father told him. He can be very reticent you know."

"Yes, I have learned that about him."

"And you? You are no true blood elf. I have never seen an elf with silver hair, and I hear of your 'witchcraft'. What is your parentage?"

"My father is the elf king of the central kingdom. My mother I do not know. Like Zyre's father, mine was seduced, and I was delivered to him as an infant. He never said who she was and I know nothing else. His queen when she still lived, who raised me told me she is the sun, but I know not."

"Well do not concern yourself too much with it. The fae always have reason for what they do, that I know. You are not alone. It is odd, tho. Around a hundred years ago, there were stories everywhere of fae women seducing and mating with the mortal races. Elf, orc, and human; there were even claims of dwarfs as well. Ah, time will tell I suppose."

"Yes, I have heard of many half blood of the fae, but only met a few. And most hide themselves, for most fear us greatly."

"Demi gods should be feared, if you cross them. You should be feared, for Zyre tells me your power may be the greatest he has seen."

"Demi gods? What do you mean? The fae are not gods."

"Were they not? Are they not? There was a time when they were worshipped as gods, and warred with the demons. Simply because they are not worshipped as gods does not mean they are not. Well, your wound is bandaged, I will leave you to bathe and rest. I must tend to the body of Xeela yet tonight. Mistress."

He bowed his head to me, then to Melee, who had remained oddly quiet thru all this.

"Thank you Poryx, for your attention and tending my wound."

"It is a pleasure to serve my future queen, and Zyre's future consort. Good evening."

With that he left, leaving Melee and I alone. I began washing my body of the seed and cum that I had been bathed in twice earlier tonight, drying and crusting over my skin everywhere. From my hair and face, my breasts, stomach, thighs, and legs. Everywhere. I do not think there was a spot upon me that did not have drying cum upon it, except in me, my womb, my mouth having taken much, but that did not count in orc law, as obviously his seed could not implant itself in me that way. A gift, really, for at least I could receive his seed that way until he claimed me.

"You may speak freely Melee, we are alone. Speak your mind."

"Are you well, Mistress?"

"The wound will heal quickly, and the pain isn't that great. The herbs he gave me will help."

"Actually I was speaking of your marking. Are you well? It can be overwhelming, and before everyone no less. You are not like me Mistress, and I remember how it was for me the first time I received a 'bath' like that publicly."

"I am well Melee, thank you. It is overwhelming, and I was at first conflicted, but I would do it again if I had to. At least the public marking was not as much as the private one earlier. I only did it in front of the council out of necessity. But I realize now, I care not. And the claiming will be public, and yet I feel no shame of being taken and fucked by him in public. Indeed I look forward to the day."

By now I was lying across Zyre's bed with my head leaning off, my hair in the tub of water and Melee was washing out the clumps of dried, crusted cum out of it, and off my face. My hair was no longer silver, but white, all of it, there was so much from earlier in the night when he came on me in the tent.

"Melee? What do you think Poryx meant when he implied Zyre was a demi god?"

She grew quiet and nervous, hesitant to answer. Like she was at the river only the night before.

"Melee? You are quiet again, as at the river. What do you know?"

"Only whispers and rumors. Your father fears you, fears your mating with another fae half blood. Something about a prophecy, the end of the true blood lines, the rise of demi gods. That is why you were made an envoy, to be sacred and untouchable. He probably didn't figure you would love an orc. He fears these prophecies Mistress, why I do not know."

"Then why raise me? Why let me live? There is no sense here."

"Again all I know is rumor. The fae compelled him; for what reason or how, I do not know. Perhaps Cyllian knows."

"And you never saw fit to tell me this?"

"Forgive me Mistress. These are rumors. I know nothing for certain. I would not betray you for anything. Lord Cyllian only said I was to protect you from any enemy; those without as well as within. He said he only trusted me with this, but would not say why. I swear it."

The look on her face told me the truth. Whatever the truth may be, I will not think that Melee would betray me. I must speak to Cyllian, and Zyre, for certainly he knows more than he has told me.

"Very well. I believe you. We will speak of this more later."

I let the matter drop and rose from the bed feeling refreshed after, and hungry, and my throat was parched. I stood carefully testing my leg, but it felt fine; just a slight throbbing and nothing more. I slipped my leather breeches on, my leather halter, boots, my knife belt over my wide hips, and a sheep skin jacket. No more being naked and exposing myself before all, at least until my claiming.

"Put these things from your mind Melee. Enjoy the night and the feasting. I have been marked by Zyre, my desire, we should take the night to celebrate. Soon I will be his consort, and if you wish, this life shall be our new life; no more palaces and stone walls, just the forest and the plains and freedom."

"I will be happy to serve you where ever, but I certainly prefer this life. And I am happy for you Mistress."

"But?"

"You know me too well. I have a concern about all this with you and him."

"And that is?"

"You know the story of Anis, Black Anis. What they did to her a thousand years ago, and her orc lover. What if the king your father is displeased with all this? What if you become hunted? What if he decrees the cleansing ritual for you? Every elf in all the lands, every mercenary, will be hunting you."

"Things are different now. There is no elf/ orc war; Zyre has, or will soon have, a horde at his command and the elf kingdom is not strong enough to resist that. Anis had no power, she was a true blood, a princess of royal blood, set to inherit when she married. Draag was a chieftain of a small band and also a true blood. Things are different now. I cannot inherit anything, and most true bloods, except for the royalty, care not if an elf and orc, or any other race, breed together. And if the king were wise, he would see the wisdom of this."

"Be careful Mistress Analea. I know of your intention to return to the palace. The kings' anger is great, and he has power. He still hates the orcs, and looks down on everyone else. And he fears you, and probably Zyre as well. Be cautious, I trust him not. Gilead told me of the possibility he betrayed you to Syrte already. Although I do not believe it, perhaps you should be wary of Cyllian as well."

"I will trust Cyllian until he proves I cannot. There has never been anything but love between us. He would not betray me. Melee, you know I appreciate your worry, but we must return to the palace to find the truth, there is no other way. When we return we act as tho we know nothing. It must be done, and I need you with me."

"I would never leave your side, you know this. Especially when I know you are walking into danger. My blade and knives are always yours."

"I know. Now, let us put this behind us for now. Let us feast. You can find your Gilead, and I find Zyre. The fires are lit and the stars are above. Be the Melee I know and enjoy yourself."

"Ha! My Gilead?! You speak as he would have you speak of me, ha! I am not his, but find him I will, and others of course. Seeing you tonight covered concerned me for your sake, but made me jealous as well, hehe."

"Ha! Enjoy yourself tonight then. When you return I will bathe you as you have me."

"Promises, promises. You will be too caught up in your own orc, ha! Still, it is good you both have this time together, I truly am happy for you."

"Thank you Melee, come, let us go."

We exited the tent and immediately saw Gilead and Zyre. They were speaking to a dwarf, ancient by the look of him. He had a long white beard and was dressed in ragged brown and green clothing; woolen by the look of it. Zyre leaned down and handed him a bag of what I assume was coin, then he left alone disappearing into the forest. When we joined them Melee, ever curious, asked about him.

"And what of the dwarf? I haven't seen him before, is a part of the camp?"

"Ha! No, he is a servant of... someone. Discretion forbids any further comment. Come! There is a table with mead, wine, food, and more mead!"

Melee and Gilead walked ahead, Zyre and I behind. I looked at him questioningly and he knew what I was curious about.

"He is the servant of the witch of the woods. We have been summoned. You and I will ride before dawn."

"Summoned? Why?"

"I do not know. She will tell us when we arrive."

"Just us, or?"

"Yes. Just us. It is a three hour ride by wolf into the heart of the forest, which is how we will go."

"Who is she Zyre? This witch of the woods. You say all people who live here fear her, and it is said she is cannibalistic."

"I don't really know. No one does. She has ever been here, and ever shall be. As for the rumors, believe what you will. But it is not wise to cross her; those who do are never heard from again."

"You have seen her before, then?"

"I have. I was young, very young. She summoned my father, and I learned much about who I am."

"There is talk of demi gods. Are you a demi god, Zyre?"

"Perhaps. And if I am, so are you, and all who were born of the fae. Fate demands we two come together. Perhaps that is why your face has haunted me all these years. Perhaps that is why you are drawn to me as you are."

"So we have no agency in this? You do not believe our love is of our own choosing? I would have it so."

"I know I would choose no other, as you would choose no other. Is that not enough?"

I fell silent for a time, considering all this. Summoned by the witch of the woods. A figure I assumed was a myth. The fae as gods, and myself a child of the gods, making me a demi god. All I wanted was to bask in his love, and give him mine. Now I was beginning to feel I'm a part of something more, a Fate that will not be denied.

Melee and Gilead found a fire with a group of orcs from the band, and we drank and ate. The orcs offered their fealty to me as Zyre's chosen mate, and offered to 'handle' Xeela's band. I found the gesture kind and flattering. Gone were the leering looks and the self stroking when I was near. Fear probably, of him, and perhaps word of my power. Zyre and I stayed a while before moving on throughout the camp, leaving Melee and Gilead to their mirth, and whatever pleasure Melee had in mind.

"Come Analea. We should pay our respects to the fallen. They will be lighting the pyre soon, sending Xeela to her ancestors."

We walked thru the camp, reaching into the plains that stretched for miles beyond the woodland, and there away from the camp many orcs had gathered for the farewell. Poryx was there, officiating the rites, surrounded by my new found band. The pyre was built high of thick branches and flowers were strewn about. Poryx was sprinkling herbs and sweet smelling spices over the body and the pyre.

"It is custom for the new chieftain to honor the fallen by lighting the pyre themselves."

He looked directly at me as he said this. I was not expecting this.

"Zyre, this should be you, or a member of her band. Not I."

"No. It is your honor to set her free from here, let her spirit go. The fight was honorable, the terms agreed upon. This is your honor, your responsibility."

Poryx was holding a firebrand for me to take. I took a different approach. I walked up to the pyre, and closed her eyes with my own hand, whispering words in elvish I shall never tell. I put my hand to the pyre and closed my eyes, heating myself and the kindling around. Soon the blaze erupted and quickly spread. I stood back by Zyre and watched as the fire and smoke consumed the enemy I did not choose, nor hardly knew. All of it seemed such a waste.

As the fire spread and consumed its fuel, Zyre lightly pulled my arm, leading me away. We walked a short distance away from the camp and into the plain, stopping on a low rise I gazed at the night sky above. I love the stars and the dark night. Looking up I realized I was looking at a constellation; Anis and Draag. Zyre noticed.

"Anis and Draag. The elves, humans, and dwarves fear her, even speaking her name. The curse she cast upon all, the prophecy spoken. What happened to them shall never be forgot. Only the orcs honor them, with some fear, but awe and respect as well."

"In elfin lands it is almost forbidden to speak her name. Those who do, do so only in whispers, and even then the listener runs in fear, fear of her curse. Do you think Zyre, the king will try to punish me as she was?"

"If he even thought it I would rip every rock and root of the earth to find you. And he would be dust for even thinking it. My vengeance would be like nothing ever seen Analea. Whether he succeeded or not against your power."

He said this without ever looking at me; only looking at the sky above us.

"Melee fears it; she says the king fears me, always has, but none can explain why he let me live and raised me in the palace."

"Because all mortal beings fear the wrath of the fae, even more than the demon enemies, even more than the goblin threat. We do not know what promise your father was made Analea. Nor do we know for certain that he did or would betray you."

"Speaking of which. Did you speak to the other envoys?"

"No. Gilead looked for them but told me they fled after witnessing your public marking. The king will know in a few days what happened here. Prepare yourself for it if you insist on returning."

"He would have known the moment I arrived regardless. It matters little. I will have to convince him it is my will, and not a betrayal to him."

"I don't like it, Analea. There are other ways."

"You ride to secure your hegemony. I will be detrimental to you in Syrte's territory, and I will not sit idle. Besides, I must see Cyllian. There are things I need to know."

"As you wish, Analea. But come. We should return to the camp. Our journey begins early, and there is more feasting to be done."

"Is an orc never satisfied, Zyre?"

Of course I said this in jest, and laughed as I said it.

"Never, Analea. Like a lustful elf maiden, insisting she be marked, ha!"

"What?! Are you saying I am never satisfied no matter what you give me?"

"Huh. Tell me, are you satisfied with what I gave you?"

"In truth, no. I would have more. And since we are alone, I will tell you, a little ashamedly, that if you wish to 'freshen' your scent or mark upon me, you may, but I prefer in private, hehehe."

"Ah, Analea. I look forward to calmer times, when my hegemony is secure, and the claiming is complete. You will find out what it takes to satisfy an orc then."

"My hope Zyre, is that you will be satisfied enough to not touch another woman, but not satisfied enough to always want more."

"I already want no other Analea. You are all I desire."

"And you are all I desire. All you are, all you have given already. My desire is for more of you, as much as you can give, as often as you can give."

"Careful, Mistress Analea, envoy of the king, I am an orc. I can give non stop, as you witnessed earlier, ha!"

"I hope to receive more, as you wish and as you desire. I cannot help but to say it, even at risk of sounding like a depraved whore. I will take your seed and your manhood however, whenever you would. My body is yours Zyre. Now I have said too much."

I walked ahead of him, embarrassed at my own words and my own lust that over powered me whenever I was with him.

"Analea, slow your pace."

"I have shamed myself before you. My lust and need and desire uncontrollable when I am with you. I cannot stop myself. I want to touch you, feel you. I want to feel your manhood pressed against me. I want you to stare at me, look upon my form. See the orange fire of lust in your eyes. I love how you look upon my body. I long to feel you between my breasts, I long to taste you again, your seed, the feel of it upon my skin. I am insatiable with you. I know not why."

I was upset, visibly so, and he knew it.

"Analea, my desire for you is insatiable, you will know when I claim you...-"

"Yet you control yourself around me, satisfy yourself with gazing upon me. Your desire, tho real, is not, cannot be, as strong as mine. I still do not fully understand why you do not claim me now. Take me, make me your own. Plant your seed within me."

"There are things you still do not know. I already risk war just having marked you. Cyllian and I have plans, Analea. Plans unknown by any but us. This treaty of peace and cooperation is just the beginning. We want to join elf and orc together, to build an army, a force large enough to invade the mountain chambers. The caves and caverns and the mines. We have dwarf guides who still remember the passage ways. We want to end the goblin threat forever Analea. My marking you puts that all at risk. I know not if the elf king will make such an alliance if he feels this is a betrayal. Or worse, if he betrayed my father, and you and I. You needn't question my desire to have you. I would have you now; tonight, tomorrow, and all time. I would have had you in the palace and taken you from there as my consort. But there are things at work that are bigger than us. And I already put it at risk, and I would do it again, here and now."

That was certainly something to hear, and to consider. Have I just put peace at risk? Has my lust and love put the world at risk of another orc and elf war? Have I threatened an alliance that could end the goblin threat?

"I... I... I am sorry Zyre. I should not have pushed you to mark me. I should not have put you in that position. Now I am truly shamed before you."

"No Analea. I would have it no other way. I am content to have all know that you are mine. My scent upon you is certain death to any who would harm you, or touch you. I would have all know. And if he did betray us, and I am certain he has, it matters not, except you are in greater danger now returning to the palace. And..."

Here he paused and put his massive, strong rough hands upon me.

"I would mark you again, feel your soft skin on me, put my 'manhood', as you call it, upon you, between your breasts, here and now if you had already not been thru so much today. As I said, I am always ready to have you."

We were standing so close I could feel his body heat on my skin. I reached down and touched him, feeling his hardness. He was ready; actually leaking precum, I felt it on my fingers. I removed my hand and licked it off.

"Perhaps upon our journey tomorrow; upon our return, you will give me more of your seed. I crave it more than I can express. But you are probably correct. We should return to the camp before I ask, nay, beg, for more."

"Aye, that we should not, tho the fire in me burns fiercely. They will be looking for us, I assume."

"Ha! If you mean Gilead and Melee, I am certain they have forgotten us for this night. I am sure he is buried in her, probably with others, as I would have you in me. But enough of this, I cannot take much more of this, tho I enjoy it."

We returned to the camp in relative silence, Zyre stopping momentarily here and there when stopped by others, but the night passed rather uneventfully as we returned.