The One Who Unites Ch. 05-09

*Authors Note:*

*This release has been some time coming and is a bit longer than what would normally be published. We are getting near to the finale of this first arc, and will be seeing Simons group begin to form as the adventure continues. I hope you all enjoy this latest entry and thank you for reading.*

**Chapter 5**

"Do not be alarmed," Aylin whispered to Simon as they walked down the forest path. "But it appears that someone is following us."

"So you've noticed it as well," He said, making sure to give no physical movement that gave away his suspicion. Aylin did the same. "They've been tracking us since we left camp this morning. I wonder what they could want."

There was the possibility that the rogue mage pursuing them could have sent another summon, or worse, been personally following them. Yet, there was a gut instinct Simon had honed throughout the years; the feeling of impending battle that weighed in his stomach and clung to the air when it was near. A feeling that was now suspiciously absent.

"You look unfazed," Aylin said. "Though I can sense their presence, they seem to be hiding from view in some way. You are the experienced fighter here. Is there any plan you have against such a thing?

"I have an idea or two," He said. A faint grin formed as his plan to catch their pursuer unaware manifested. "Just follow my lead."

Aylin gave a subtle nod of affirmation and Simon raised his voice loud enough for their pursuer to hear. "Hold on, we should stop here."

"What is it?" Aylin asked.

"Nature is calling," He said. "Best we take a break for a moment."

"I have not heard anything," Aylin replied in earnest. Idioms were not her strongest subject. "What is it telling you?"

"That's a secret between me and a nearby tree," Simon traversed a thicket off the road to escape from view. "Stay on the lookout. I'll be back in a moment."

He moved behind the cover of a tree and, with a quick flick of his hand, produced a spell.

*-Doppleganger: The user creates a visual illusion of themself that can walk, talk, and act as they would naturally. The spells duration is contingent on the amount of mana expended by the user from up to a few minutes to days at a time.*

A second Simon appeared and returned to Aylins side after a suitable enough time. "Glad that is taken care of," It said. "Lets keep moving."

Aylin looked complely fooled by the illusion which was a good sign to its believability. "Right, lead the way. Now tell me more about these messages from nature..."

He waited a few moments as they continued ahead before moving closer to the road as he waited behind cover.

It wasn't long before he heard the low scraping of footsteps coming up the road. Their pursuer still seemed to walk carefully, but made less of an effort to conceal their presence than if they knew they were being watched.

As expected, there was no person that he could see with his eyes, likely someone using an invisibility effect. By following the slight indentations in the earth as they stepped, Simon estimated the pursuers position as they walked past his hiding spot. He moved behind them with his sword pointed. "That's enough time hiding, don't you think?"

A woman manifested in front of him as if out of thin air. The silver hair and darkly tanned skin dotted in scales gave her identity away. She turned, a confident smile on her face.

"I should have known you would catch on," The kivari spoke with a tone of admiration. By her demeanor she did not seem upset at being caught.

"Invisibility is a nice advantage," He lowered his sword. "But it is only one factor in stealth. You need some work in concealing your presence."

"Do you plan to give me a lecture?" She arched an brow.

"I'd rather learn why you were following me first."

"For protection, of course," She said. "Its a lot safer to be near a mage who will attract and deal with most threats that come near."

"And why stay hidden?" He pressed. "Don't tell me its cause you were shy."

"Its more risk management," Her gold eyes studied him. "You never know who will plant a dagger in your back and someone with your powers could be especially dangerous. I wanted to keep a safe distance until I got out of this hellhole. Looks like that plan failed like all my others."

"You are not the kind of person that should fear me," He said. "But you may be more in danger close by than away. There are people hunting me and my friend which makes having someone following behind me an issue. You are lucky I did not mistake you for an enemy."

"Perhaps we can find a compromise," The Kivari said before being interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Hold still," Aylin approached with her bow drawn. "Who are you?"

It seemed Simons illusion spell had faded and Aylin ran back for him.

"Speaking of mistaking people for an enemy," He sighed. "Aylin, I can explain."

"We were having a lesson over idioms before you suddenly vanished into thin air," She said. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Sorry, I had to trick you for my plan to work," He said. "This is the prisoner I told you about."

After returning to camp that night Simon had debriefed Aylin on everything, including the escaped prisoner. Her eyes jumped between him and the woman.

"From the bandit attack?" Aylin recalled. "Why would she be following us?"

"We were just getting to that point before you interrupted," The Kivari said.

"Aren't you friendly?" Aylin forced a smile. "I don't particularly trust you near Simon. You reek of dishonesty."

"Says the Elf who likely washes once a month."

"Simon, Permission to fire?" Aylin readied her bow again.

"Not granted," Simon massaged his temple. These two were already getting off to a bad start.

"This is your woman?" The Kivari asked, amusement in her voice. "She seems quite protective."

"I have no *woman,*" Simon said. "And you two should both remain civil." His words seemed to be drowned out as the exchange between the two escalated.

"I can be more than protective," Aylin warned.

"Is that a promise?" The Kivari dared

"Try and test me."

"How can I say no to a challenge like that?" The Kivari woman smirked before suddenly fading from view. Aylin hesitated to fire without a clear target. She had hardly more than a second before her opponent reappeared behind her.

The woman stretched her limbs around Aylins arms and legs, locking the elf from movement while latching to her back. This was the other one of the Kivaris rumored abilities, being able to bend and extend their limbs freely; sometimes to constrict foes.

"Careful making threats you cannot keep." She whispered into Aylins ear. The Kivaris sharpened teeth could have gone for the neck if she wished. "I like your leader, but you I do not know."

Aylin could not move, but managed a gust of wind magic that brought an arrow from her quiver and hovered it towards her opponents head.

"You will keep your distance from him," She said through gritted teeth. "And I do not make promises unless I am certain. You'd do well to remember that."

Their eyes met as they dared the other to make the first move. In seconds, the situation had rapidly fell from control as the two were set to simultaneously kill each other at first sight. Simon felt annoyance building at the exchange. He would have none of this continue.

*-Flash jump: The user breaks down their body into energy, reanimating at a set point within their visual range. Its application is akin to teleportation but without the ability to go through solid surfaces.

Simon closed the gap and pulled Aylin and Kara from each other, seperating the two as he stood between them. A nondamaging jolt of energy surged through his hands that inhibited their movement.

"As interesting as it would be to see you two fight it out, i'd rather not have my efforts to keep you both alive end so pointlessly," He kept his voice friendly, but his message was clear. "There are real enemies out here that may just do that job anyway. So,

how about we all put our weapons down and take a second chance at introductions?"

There was silence before they stubbornly gave in.

"If that is your order," The Kivari said.

"As you wish," Aylin begrudgingly agreed.

The two at the least followed his directive, much as they seemed to distrust each other.

The group settled in a clearing off the main road. He offered the Kivari some water and food that she eagerly ate. By her apparent hunger, it seemed that her situation was far more desperate than she originally let on.

"We found you at the right time it seems," He spoke first, trying to start conversation that would break the awkward tension from earlier. "Any longer in spotting you and hunger may have been your undoing."

"One of the few times getting caught has been an advantage for me," She said between bites. "Best not to make it a habit. Seems I may have to ask for those stealth lessons after all."

"That can be arranged, judging I trust you enough," Simon may have sensed no danger from the woman, that did not mean he was without suspicion. There were many types that traversed these roads. "Lets start with the basics. What is your name?"

"Kara," She said. "I am from the Idros Isles. Up until last night I was travelling in a merchant caravan to keep myself alive."

"The Idros Isles?" Aylin became curious. She had taken an interest in learning about the other countries and cultures of the world, often asking Simon questions both obvious and obscure.

"You've never heard of them?" Kara scoffed.

"Aylin has lost much of her memory," Simon explained the situation to her.

"I see," Kara said, her voice lost some edge in a minor show of sympathy. "It is a a set of islands south of here. We are known for being a hub of tradespeople, though that is not my preferred profession. I wanted no part in this journey from the start."

"You were not here by choice?" Simon asked.

"No," She said plainly. "I advised my group to take this trip by boat, but there is a blockade to Haldstrom by sea. My Senar made the decision and was quite adamant about pushing through on land. What a fool he was."

*'Senar.'* Simon felt he recognized the word. "By Senar, do you mean your husband?"

"You are knowledgeable on Kivari culture," She smiled. "That is correct. We travelled and worked together for a time, him and I."

He remembered seeing another Kivari slain at the camp, likely her spouse. The rest of the group seemed to be humans.

There was another detail about Kivari marriage he remembered hearing. What was it? Simon felt it was important but could not recall it to his mind.

"To lose someone so important to you," Aylin said. "It must be difficult to have the will to go on after such a thing."

"We were not especially close, but my heart mourns him in its own way," Kara shrugged. "Marriage and love are different in my culture. He died because of his own choices and weakness. Now he is only one of my past Senars."

"You have had multiple?" Aylin deadpanned.

"With practice comes experience. I hope to not lose the next one." She laughed, Aylin did not seem to share in the amusement and remained stone-faced.

"I find it better to avoid discussing dead husbands more than necessary," Simon found it a suitable time to shift the topic. "There are many questions I have about this bracelet. Its a strange item to be travelling with."

He pulled out the artifact from inside his cloak and held it up. The object was heavy in his hands, and he had discovered etchings in it in from an unknown language.

"That bracelet was the main purpose we were traveling to Haldstrom," Kara gave a weary look as she recounted. "My Senar said that we would become rich after selling it there, but refused to tell me what its purpose was. I didn't fully believe him in truth, he was always one to exaggerate."

"Hauling artifacts is illegal in many territories," Simon made a point to bring up. "Movement of magic items are heavily regulated for safety."

"Rules don't matter when you don't have coin for food or home," She said. "It was our only important item. The rest of the trading equipment was fluff to conceal it from patrols. There was a man who was going to pay a high price for this in Haldstrom, all under the table of course."

"You were in a smuggler group?" The realization made sense to Simon. From his investigation of their camp, her party hardly seemed to carry any of the major exports that merchants normally stocked themselves with.

"Were?" She carried an easy tone. "I didn't know I had given up my life of crime."

"Then consider it on hiatus for now," Simon said. "Judging by your position, you're out of options for safe passage through this place. Am I correct?"

Kara winced. It was the first time her confident demeanor slipped. "Yes, that is right."

"Let's make a deal then. In exchange for this bracelet, i'll keep you under my protection until the next safehaven we reach."

Aylin rose up in protest. "Are you certain that's wise? How can we trust her?"

"Though her past casts some doubt, i'm not one to turn away someone in need."

The idea was not ideal to him either, but after everything Kara had been through he could not just leave her to die in this forest. She only looked a year or two younger than Simon, and her petty crimes didn't warrant a death penalty. Giving her a chance at life while keeping this potentially dangeous artifact out of the wrong hands made for a good trade in his eyes.

And though she put up a tough front, he could see a vulnerability hidden underneath Kara's facade. No one simply walks away from their friends being killed without feeling something, Simon new that better than anyone. Perhaps that was a hidden spot his sympathy for her lied.

"Considering I am dead on my own, that is an agreeable tradeoff," Kara extended a hand.

"It is settled," Simon met her touch gently, sealing their offer. "Then you have my sword, so long as there is no more fighting between you and my partner here."

"Partner?" Aylin perked up at that, seemingly forgetting about her previous frustration with Kara.

"I like that plan," Kara seemed to light up a bit. It seemed that the offer had eased some of her worries. "I'm sure we'll all get along great."

Simon hoped that were the case, but judging by the glances exchanged between Aylin and Kara as they began travelling again, he doubted things would be so simple.

**Chapter 6**

Eliander stretched his arm out from the window of his private chambers. His eyes tracked the sky following a flying a black blur that soared towards him. The raven widened its wings to slow its advance and landed its clutched claws on his finger.

"You have done well," He mused. Looking into its eyes, he recounted the results of its patrol.

The summoned birds sights and memories were linked to his own. Its reconnaissance abilities were used not only to track the Enchanters advance, but the happenings of his tribe.

Its eyes had been set on the Queen's palace located at the center of the Orisan village where a team of messengers had been dispatched, one of them headed directly towards Elianders home.

He looked out on the village below. The Elves here had learned to used magic to bend the wood of Sage Trees into their buildings. The art had been improved to the point it became increasingly impressive the architecture they could create in short periods. Their ability to create thriving communities within a few days of work allowed them to be nomadic while maintaining complex city designs. It was said that their village in the forest was as big as any of the human made towns of Haldstrom Kingdom.

Still, the Elves paled in comparison to humans with their numbers and military strength. That would eventually change under Eliander's control. With his powers he could lead them to the heights of their old kingdoms.

"In due time," He spoke to the bird. "For now, I must play politics and fit into the roles I am given."

With a gust of wind the presence of the royal page appeared behind him. The raven fluttered from his hand at their arrival. "Lord Eliander, I have message from the queen."

"What is it?" He faked concern in his voice. "It must be serious if she is to send summons directly to me."

"Another Demon attack," They said.

"We have already lost a few soldiers. The Queen knows there is no one that can handle this as effectively as you."

By their demeanor, the messenger seemed to agree with this sentiment. The Orisan tribes deference to Eliander had evolved to full trust, just as he wanted. Little did they suspect that these attacks were perpetrated by him. The forbidden magic he wielded allowed the summoning of more than just birds, but powerful monsters of the underworld.

The Elves have been battered by attacks from these demons. Their forces were little match for their strength and exposed a weakness in their strength. The only one who seemed capable to do anything to help was himself. Eliander was now hailed as a hero of his people due to his many daring rescues from these monsters.

"I suppose there is no time to waste," He gave a confident smile before brandishing his blade and leaping from window of his home. The wind carried him as he soared just above the trees.

It did not take him long to find the Demon. It had advanced from the secluded forest spot it had been summoned from and was now advancing through the defensive magic barrier the Elves kept around their home.

*Icari:* that was what the Demon was named as in the summoning book. A being of rot, it had innumerable, tentacle arms that expanded out from a spherical mass at its center that acted as a heart. The core of the monster was where its energy came from, attack that and you kill the Demon. The tentacles were used defensively to slash and grab anything that came within close range of its weak point.

A company of elves had formed a defensive line and were doing their best to keep the Demons advance slowed. Archers fired magic imbued arrows while Casters protected them with shield spells that created a barrier from attacks; but cracks had already begun to form in the shield and their morale was faltering. Once again, their only strategies relied on Eliander. Without him, they would be clueless on dealing with the Demonic threat.

He grinned. This was happening exactly as planned. If he was the only one who could protect them, then they had no choice but to follow him.

Obedience was not enough, however. He needed to be revered as well, and that was only gained through acts of heroism.

Eliander dropped himself down right between the Elven army and Demon. The Earth had crumbled beneath his feet as his two handed sword became alit with flame.

"Looks like I came just in time," Eliander scoffed. "I'll take this from here."

The Elves watched in quiet awe. They knew that the battle was won.

The Demon hesitated for a moment in front of him, resistant to attacking its master.

*Pretend to fight.* Eliander sent the order from his mind to the Demons.

There was never any verbal confirmation, but he was just able to feel that it understood. advancing forward, it lashed at him from all directions.

Eliander dodged easily. Perhaps too easily. *Make it closer.* He ordered. *Give them a show.*

The massive, snake like arms plunged into the earth inches from his own body. Eliander picked himself up with a gust of wind and ran along the arms towards the core. He jumped between the tentacles with more than a few dashes and flips to show his style.

At the finale of his performance he launched himself at the Demons heart with an arcing overhand swing. There, his plan reached its first and only setback.

These Summons were not always inclined to follow orders. It was said that the stronger he made these Demons, the more prone to rejecting commands they were. He had played with this by slowly increasing the level of summon to test the limits of his power. This had been the highest rank demon he summoned to date.

One of the arms was trained right on him, poised to pierce him mid flight. There was no time to pivot. For the first time since receiving his powers, Eliander felt fear.

*Stop.* he pleaded.

Nothing in response.

*Sareth commands it.*

There was a hesitation as the arm recoiled. The invocation of their Gods name was enough to sway the demon back to submission. The attack shifted course and flew harmlessly by his head as he completed his swing. The flaming blade cut through the demons heart without resistance and the monster dissipated into a glut of dark liquid on the floor.

Eliander kept to the air, using a last burst of energy to propel him back from the corrupted liquid on the floor.

The Elves sang chants of victory as Clerics advanced forward to dissolve the corruption around him.

He fell to his knees, breathing heavily from his chest. "It almost killed me this time." It was important to make a show of his exhaustion and sense of fear to avoid any accusations.

The cheering Elves suddenly silenced and turned. Eliander rose to see the Queen Regent approaching as the crowds broke to make way, bowing as she passed. She walked with her son, the prince, at her side.

"You have come to the field of battle," Eliander rose to his feet and made a show of trying to shield her from stepping forward. "Please, hold your advance my Queen. There might be the chance this demon is not truly dead, or that it has reinforcements in waiting. You should not endanger yourself here."

"Even now you think of our safety," The Queen smiled. The approval in her voice told him he had succeeded once again in impressing her. "There is no need to worry yourself. We are assured of our safety with our champion present."

The Queen was tall, regal in her appearance in the fine dark green robes she wore. She had the aura of an experienced noble that could command a room. She only had one fatal flaw, her deeply trusting nature.

"I doubt that," The young prince refused to meet Eliander's eyes. "He couldn't even protect my sister."

Eliander looked down at the dark haired Elf, veiling his anger under a forced smile. The prince had never taken to trusting him, just as his sister, and was a constant thorn in his side.

With the King dead he should have taken the throne, but luckily he was too inexperienced and the Queen now held the position until he became of age.

"Watch your tongue Davith," The Queen snapped. The loss of her daughter proved to be a sore subject. Those outside of the royal family were forbidden from talking about it. "There was nothing Eliander could do. Your sister was always stubborn, and it cost her life on that tragic night. We do not move forward by casting blame."

"I thank you for your understanding my Queen," Eliander bowed. "The Prince's apprehension is also understandable. I could have kept her under closer guard. If I only did more she may not have disappeared..."

"Do not allow yourself to feel guilt," The Queen reassured before snapping a warning glare to the prince. "I would advise you to keep your conspiracies to yourself. It is unfitting of your station. What should be a happy occasion of good news is now being tainted by short sighted conflict."

The prince grumbled something incoherent at that, but wisely avoided escalating the conflict.

"Good news?" Eliander cocked his head, careful not to sound overeager.

"Yes, after your actions today there is no more doubt. You will become adviser to the throne and work beside me in leading our people," She said. "In the meantime you will mentor Davith into position of leadership for when he ready. I trust no one better for this role."

"If you believe me worthy then I would take the offer graciously," Eliander bowed again, this time to one knee. "My sword is yours for all days to come."

"And I will trust you at my darkest hour," The queen finished the elven phrase. She placed a hand on his shoulder and invited him to rise."Enjoy today and rest, you've earned it. In the next week, there will be an official ceremony to celebrate your promotion."

"As you wish, lady Orisan," Eliander bowed and gave his thanks. "Your kindness knows no boundary. I only ask that you allow me to continue my scheduled patrols of the forest until the ceremony. I cannot rest while there could be dangers lurking near our home."

"Your dedication is admirable," She said, approval in her voice. "It shall be as you wish, but I order you to at least slow yourself for the day. I worry our hero will overextend himself one of these days."

"If it is an order I am bound to follow," Eliander smiled.

Despite her command there was one last task he needed to complete today. With the issue of satisfying his deity's bloodlust under control, the other task of dealing with the Enchanter now needed to be addressed.

While the Elves celebrated their victory and feasted in the village center, the hero of their battle would be absent. By the time anyone noticed he was gone, Eliander was already halfway to the cities prison.

He had gotten word from his patrol team earlier that there had been a human bandit found naked and thrashing through their territory a few nights back. The scouts made note that he mentioned an Enchanter in his ramblings.

There were not many that were taken captive by the Elves. Most were either killed outright in battle or released under the Queens orders. Their prisons were not Elven made, but steel cages that had been taken from slaver caravans they ambushed.

The bandit stumbled back in his cell at the sight of him.

"Calm yourself," Eliander gestured the human to relax. "You seem to be fearful of something."

"Elves and humans are hardly friends," The prisoner stammered. "I've heard the stories. You probably don't have my best intentions in mind."

"Elves are also said to be highly orderly and moral," Eliander smiled. "I give my assurance you will be treated correctly. All that I require is that you tell me the truth and you will be set free. You can do that, right?"

The Prisoner nodded. A weak smile formed on his face and he seemed to calm down. "Y-yes sir. Anything you ask and I will tell you."

"Good," Said Eliander with a soft tone. "They say you saw an Enchanter. Tell me everything about him, now."

"We had just raided a group of lizard people-I mean Kivari," He stuttered. "Me and Boss got into it over a girl we took hostage. Next thing I know, that black cloak is standing tall behind him. He was inhuman, Massive and terrifying. The Enchanter killed him with just a single punch."

"Did he have any magic you saw?"

"Lightning in his hands," The prisoner nodded and replicated a fist. "Never saw anything more than that. He only used his sword on me."

"Interesting," Eliander rubbed his chin. "Would you recognize this Enchanter if you saw him?"

"Recognize him, sir?"

"Yes, you idiot," Eliander snapped. He hated people that repeated questions back.

The prisoner recoiled like a wounded animal. Eliander had no love for humans and their stupidity, but he needed to stay calm until he got answers. He softened his voice again and explained as if talking to a child. "As in, could you tell who the Enchanter was if you saw him again?"

"I'd recognize that cloak anywhere," The man said. "I also did see his face for a moment. I could describe more if you'd like."

"No, what you told me is perfect," Eliander turned. Now was the time to use his *gift* from the Dark Lord. A black mana sphere formed in his palm, and out oozed a dark substance that dripped into the prisoners cage.

The man tried to flee but there was nowhere to escape.

"Why?" He cried and pleaded for his life. The mass of darkened energy crawled up his legs and began to slowly progress up his body until it jumped within his mouth.

"Sorry, I guess we Elves are not as kind as I thought," Eliander laughed. "Or maybe I am. This really is a gift in my eyes. You will transcend your pathetic form into something greater."

The man retched as the inside of his body rejected the foreign invader. He turned pale as the veins popped at his neck and his eyes glossed over.

A few moments later the transformation completed. The former human said nothing, only looking at Eliander with expectant eyes. The incubation period took a remarkably short time for this one. It was understandable as his spirit seemed especially weak. Now he was fully under Eliander's control.

"Find the enchanter," Eliander ordered. "Kill him."

With that, the newly formed Demon dissolved to a black puddle on the ground and slithered from between the cage rails. It zipped along the floor as it set off into the forest in search of its target.

"Good luck, Enchanter. Let's see how you respond to a real test from me," Eliander laughed. He had a surprise ready for Simon Greydance, one that would also bring Aylin back and avoid all questions of her disappearance. "If only you had not shown mercy to that fool. Without knowing it, you just gave me everything I needed to win."

**Chapter 7**

Simon advanced with his sword drawn. A team of monsters stood at his front.

Two black blurs dived at him from above. Bloodbats were about the size of a mans head and could latch on to a person easily with their enlarged canines, sucking out their blood and causing minor poisoning. Before they could make contact with Simon, both were near simultaneously pierced by arrow.

"Watch out, kobold on your right," Aylin called from behind.

The kobold snarled, raising a club to strike. Simon met its eyes. A terribly ugly creature with the face of a dog and a humanoid body. They had the intelligence of a small child and the anger of a full grown man.

Kara appeared behind the beast, cutting at the creatures throat before it could finish its attack. "Not a problem with me around," she said as Simon advanced.

The final monster stood ready with its blackened sword drawn. Donned in rusted armor with the skeletal face that was once a human, it met Simons blade.

Shades were warriors that passed with a purpose strong enough to keep their spirit alive. Their bodies decay, but they are still driven forward by desire. Simon pitied them in a way.

This one was a skilled swordsman. They fought well, but Simon was clearly more experienced. They may have been a captain in the guard or a hedge knight during life.

Simon parried an overhead strike. There he found an opening and pierced at the monsters center. His blade surged electricity that caused the Shade to finally rest, its cold sockets lost their soul as its skeleton crumbled to the ground.

Simon looked at the fallen warrior. Could he himself end up like this some day? "You had dreams," he said. "Goals and loved ones too. Where do they go once you are gone?"

As he silently mourned the spirit, he felt something embrace his side.

"Some water for you," Kara said, handing him a flask. "I figured you would need it after that fight."

He noticed the Kivari woman was growing more affectionate to him. Simon did not mind the attention. A part of him secretly enjoyed it, though he'd never say so.

He had not gotten a clear view of Kara the night of the attack and was surprised when he first laid eyes on her. She kept her silver hair in a short cut at the length of jaw, her round face and small nose gave an innocent look that was contrasted by the mischievous smirk she often wore.

Simon could never tell what she was thinking, but she seemed to have taken to him. The way she looked up at him as he sipped gave Simon a feeling he had trouble describing. The exchange excited him in a way he hadn't felt since the ritual with Aylin.

"Thank you," He lowered his drink and turned from both her and that feeling. "That was a good move on the Kobold. It gave us an opening to finish the battle quickly."

"Coming from you that is quite the compliment," She said. "You know, Kivari believe that after battle, a warrior should rest and lay with a woman as a reward for their success.

Simon choked on his drink. "A reward?"

Before more could be said, a strong gust of wind flew by that tangled Kara's hair and set Simons cowl back.

"I think we should practice a little restraint," Aylin approached, her expression and tone even tempered as ever. "We would not want to seem desperate for attention, would we?"

Aylin and Kara locked eyes. They seemed in contention about something, but about what, Simon could not tell.

"Jealousy is an unattractive trait," Kara replied.

"Jealous?" Aylin said. "Of what?"

The Elven woman approached Simon, turning

him with a gentle touch. Her hand reached for his cheek. "You have some dirt here," she said. "Allow me to help."

Simon felt speechless as she met his eyes. They had done nothing with each other since the ritual, but its effects still lingered in their relationship. The two still were spiritually bonded in a way that he felt emotionally in tune with with her. From Aylin he felt a brief flash of both concern and care.

"You are not hurt are you?" She spoke softly. "I made sure to protect you as best I could."

"Not at all," He said, entranced at her serene beauty. "I am far better now. I trusted you to cover me from attack."

"Good," she seemed to glide past him in her flowing robes. "Then we should keep moving. We wouldn't want to waste too much time on humorless jokes."

"Showoff," Kara hissed before continuing down the road. "I will teach her that I am not joking."

The tension between the two was palpable.

"Gods help me," Simon swore under his breath. "I truly have no idea what is going on with them."

The last few days of travel had been like this. In battle, they had great chemistry as a team. Kara and Aylin followed each others attack effectively, and their overall coordination was equivalent to a decently skilled band of adventurers.

At camp, that cohesion was lost. Simon had become the main communicator for the opposing women during down time. Neither of the two wished to talk more than needed to each other and it felt like they had begun using his attention as some sort of competition. This eventually manifested in requests for personalized training.

Kara had taken his hints at offering stealth lessons quite literally, rising early to sneak into his morning training where Simon practiced swordplay.

He first sensed her presence as he finished a combination of attacks, stopping to catch his breath. "Is this how we are going to initiate all of our meetings?" He said aloud.

Kara appeared, a playful smile on her lips. She looked both healthier and happier after the last few days in the camp, a sign her conditions had improved significantly from her past travel group.

"You are quite good," she said. "I even made sure to keep my footsteps and breath quiet this time."

"If you wish to get better at concealing your presence, you must work on closing your mana channels," He explained. It was the way both him and Aylin were able to sense her the day they met.

"How do I do that?"

"That is a good question," Simon said. "One you should learn for yourself."

"But I want to learn from you," She said.

"Why would you gain from my teaching?" He swung, continuing to practice as they talked. "I am a mage first and warrior second. You are neither, no offense."

"Being defenseless is not an option," Kara said. "When those bandits attacked my camp I was outnumbered and helpless to do anything. I heard them talk of what was planned for me. My life would have taken a drastically different turn had you not intervened."

"My arrival was mere luck," he said.

"Which is why I wish to learn, so I do not rely on luck," She stepped a little closer to him. "You're powerful. It's what allowed you to take on a group of enemies by yourself and save me."

"Power achieved from a lifetime of training and experience," He said. "Nothing worth teaching could be taught in our short journey together."

"So I shouldn't try?" She asked. "You were the one who placed a sword in my hand. That was the first time I felt in control of anything in my life. I want that feeling again."

Simon stopped his practice and turned to her. Those words made him reconsider the request for teaching.

From a glance Kara was unassuming for combat, skinny and small in frame. Teaching magic or swordsmanship did not suit her strengths, but she could potentially benefit from being taught stealth and use of daggers.

He began to turn to the idea, but needed to ensure she was sincere. The last thing he wanted was his teachings to be misused.

"Then what would you want this training for?" Simon asked. "To control others?"

"Only to control my own life," She said. "Seeing your friends die has a habit of changing your perspective on things. If I leave this place alive, I wish it to be into on a new path of my own choosing."

He studied her. Gone was the easy expression Kara often wore, no hint of smirk or playfulness in her demeanor. The determination he saw in the depths of her eyes convinced him.

"You've made a solid argument," Simon relented. "Alright, I will teach you some basic skills. Just don't expect a miracle from me."

"Really?" She looked surprised he accepted.

"You need help and I am your best chance to keep living," He said. "Letting you die would be bad for my conscience."

"Thank you," she ran and hugged Simon so tightly that he felt his back pop. "I quite like you, Enchanter. I hope you do not let me down."

"Simon is more preferrable," He gasped. "It is... a little difficult to breath like this."

"Sorry, I forget you humans are delicate in your bodies," Kara loosened. "Show me where to start then, Simon."

He sat down cross legged on the ground and invited Kara to follow. She appeared hesitant but followed his instruction nonetheless.

"We'll start work on shielding your presence like you asked," he said. "Close your eyes and imagine a flame at the center of your chest. Then picture something containing it, anything will do."

They sat their in silence, meditating. Kara lasted only a few minutes before losing patience. "I feel nothing."

"You'll have to work longer than that," Simon said. "Mental imagery itself is a skill that needs to be trained. Like a muscle, it will take time to perfect. After a while it will become second nature."

"I'm trying but it won't work," She said. "I envision the flame but it never lowers."

She was not a mage. Its likely her sense of mana control was poor, making concealing it a difficult task. It was not an uncommon setback. He had difficulty himself with it at one point.

"There is one way to help with that," Simon brought energy to his hands and hovered above her chest. "May I?"

"Since you asked so nicely." She smiled and kept her eyes close.

"That is not my intention," He touched down on her skin as she let out a breath. He ignored the fact his hand was on her breast as he pressed the spot of her heart.

"I feel something activating inside me,"

Kara said. "What is this?"

"Love?" He said. "Or the fact I slowed your energy points, making it easier to contain. Focus all your attention to the spot of my hand and try imagining covering the flame again."

With renewed confidence she took a deep breath and attempted again.

"Its dissipating, getting smaller," She said. "I can feel it shrinking within my body."

He could feel it working. Her heartbeat slowed with the suppression of energy. At greater intensity she would enter a state of heightened concentration that would increase her reflexes.

"This was a trick that helped me learn," He said. "My mentor showed it to me when I had started training."

"I didn't know you had a teacher," Kara piqued with interest.

"Most mages do," Simon tried to wave of the conversation. "It is irrelevant to our work today."

"Is that all you have to say about them?" She pressed. "They must have been quite powerful."

"The answer to both those things is yes," Simon regretted bringing up the topic. Talk of his teacher was not something he shared with most. "We can discuss my past some other time. You still need more practice, and I have to continue my own."

Kara threw her hands up. "Fine, keep your secrets," She smiled. "One of these days you'll open up."

That was a unlikely prediction. He would be travelling with Kara a week or two more at their current pace. After that he would be on the road again, back to the way things were before.

Looking at this from the perspective of a short term experience, this situation had definitely added an interesting layer to his journey. He enjoyed the company of his new travel companions, but it was never meant to last.

While Kara worked on the meditative practice, Simon ran through rotations of sword combinations, fighting against an imaginary opponent. He felt sweat forming on his brow as he kept a solid pace before feeling Kara's presence disappear for a second before returning.

"I got it," Kara exclaimed, looking happier than he had ever seen. Again she tried and concealed her energy presence for even longer this time.

"Good," Simon finished a swing. "Now we can move to the next step."

"Next step?" Her voice betrayed surprise.

"We'll play a game of cat and mouse," He kept down a smile, enjoying catching her by off guard. "You'll attempt to avoid me while obscuring your movements. Catch me by surprise and you win."

"That hardly seems fair," Her eyes widened in shock. "You are absolutely going to win in those conditions."

"You asked for my training, didn't you?" He said. "Being able to use this skill under pressure is essential. It might even save your life some day. Oh, and I should mention there is no invisibility allowed."

If he was going to train her, it would be done holding nothing back. Simon did not believe in doing things halfway.

"That's impossible," She said. "For such a challenge there should at least be some reward."

"Your invisibility *is* a crutch we have to overcome." He said. "Though, I suppose we can make some sort of wager to motivate you."

He looked to the sky, scratching his chin while deep in thought for an idea. In near perfect timing, Kara's stomach growled loudly.

If there was one thing he noticed about her, it was that she had a greater appetite than he had ever seen. During the previous nights dinner he had offered her some of his portions after Kara devoured the original meal he had cooked.

"How about if you can win, I will personally cook you a meal as big as you'd like," he said. "Within reason of course."

He felt the need to add that last detail in. She would take the lack of limit in the bet as a challenge.

"Really?" Kara snapped at attention. "The dinner you made last night was still on my mind when I woke up today. And its just for me? Not the elf?"

"I will not starve Aylin, just be happy to be fed extra," Simon said. "And this is all *if* you are successful. You'll have five minutes to find a suitable spot."

"No problem," Said Kara.

"Time starts starting now," Simon said.

"Good luck," She smirked with renewed confidence. "I'll have you in beat before the sun fully rises."

Despite her best efforts, Kara went hungry the rest of the morning.

It was as Simon suspected, Kara was overly reliant on the invisibility she wielded and was easily found by her tracks and poor ability to muffle her movements.

Simon spent much of his time teaching her about tracking and the physical aspect of stealth she was missing. Though Kara kept a level of playfulness some might find excessive, she showed aptitude and a genuine willingness to learn at her core. It wasn't long before she was genuinely challenging him in their competition.

They trained every day in the mornings until the sun rose where they would then resume travelling the forest.

His work training was not done with just Kara. Aylin was adamant about lessons on magic and would enlist Simon to help her practice after they settled into camp in the afternoons. They both refused to practice near or at the same time as each other.

After mastery of the mana ball, Aylin had next moved to improving her chanelling of wind. She conducted the air with her hands, trying to control a building current that went astray and blew into Simons face.

"I can never get the wind to move the way I wish it," Aylin slumped her shoulders in resignation. "Anything in large amounts goes off course instantly."

"You are thinking more than necessary," He said while straightening out the locks of his dark hair back into place. "Magic should come naturally."

"The way that I am trying *is* natural," she could not hide frustration in her voice. "Nothing I am doing is working."

Aylin hid much of her stress under the calm exterior she wore. Around Simon she confided more of her emotions and troubles than around others.

Through their talks, he had noticed her becoming increasingly hard on herself in regards to just about everything. From her role as guide to training, there seemed to be a frustration in the Elven woman that was mostly directed inwards.

"There is something on your mind," Simon said. "You have not been the same since Kara joined us."

"Yes, the snake in our midst," she balanced another gust of air into a small whirlwind. "That has done something to affect my mood."

"I think if the two of you talked, you would be find common ground."

"Out of the question," Aylin did not hesitate. Her eyes travelled to the distance as she lost control of the wind again. "But it is not her that is troubling me."

"Then what is?"

"I am not strong in magic like you or outspoken as Kara. Besides my understanding of the forest, I am worth little."

"That is not what I see," he said. "You are more capable than you know."

"I have trouble believing that," she said. "When there is a real danger I am left behind. It is difficult to not think I am a burden."

There was a tinge of pain in her voice he picked up on. It was true he had left her behind in a few key moments; the night of his fight with the bandits, and when he tricked her to catch Kara unaware.

It had only been to protect Aylin. He never meant it to demean her or her importance.

"I will not put you in a situation you have a poor chance of success in," he said. "You are valuable, but you are not ready to fight the threats i've seen."

"You still do not understand," She said. "I do not want to be left behind. You deciding on your own what is safe or unsafe for me shows you have no trust in me."

"It is not a matter of trust," he said.

"Then tell me what it is a matter of," she shot back.

He hesitated. For Simon, dealing with people was complicated. It was far from his study of magic, which was mostly a defined science, a set of rules he could learn and perfect. The same could not be said for the workings of emotions.

How could he just go out and express his fears? That was weakness, a failing as a leader. If Kara or Aylin saw that side of him then how could they trust him to protect them? Still, she deserved an explanation. He needed to be honest with Aylin and himself.

"I... I don't want to lose you," he said as he let his words come freely. "My orders have lost the lives of those important to me. I've buried friends and I never wish to do so again."

She was silent a moment, her body turned away from him. "I am sorry that you have faced such tragedies. I did not know."

"You could not have," he said. "I never shared them with you. Just know that my actions stem from experience. You have a potential I see that is worth protecting."

"You see potential in me?" Her demeanor and voice softened. "For what?"

Simon stepped behind her, close enough to embrace her. "Allow me to show you," He guided his hands to Aylins shoulders. She invited his touch, relaxing and leaning back into him. "Try controlling the wind like before."

She obliged, picking up a current as her hands guided its direction.

"Wind grows quickly in strength," He said while guiding her body through the movements. "But you must start small and build it. Pick up a single wave of air and guide it into others."

Aylin gave him control, following along his movements. Eventually she gained confidence as the wind stirred into a growing tornado in front of them, building speed as she began to move on her own.

"You are talented," he spoke softly into her ear. "Brave and smart as well. In time your strength will grow and one day you may surpass me in magic. Allow me to protect you until then."

The sounds of wind whipped in the air, and the trees rustled violently all around them. She had far surpassed the power of her channeling attempts before and only continued to build further.

She maintained it as the force of the growing whirlwind threatened to send them flying back. Aylin finally relented and fell back into his arms, looking up at him with a smile while breathing heavily in her chest. The increased output of power had pushed her limits. "I did that... all with your help. Do you really believe what you said?"

"I would not lie to you," He said, lost for words at the sight of her. Aylins green eyes spurred him forward, he wanted to hold her tight and meet her in a kiss right then and there

Yet, Simon felt frozen. They had become friends, close allies in their adventure together. Could they become more?

He had not been in a relationship in some time, not since his first love passed. Fear gripped him of taking the next step.

"You hesitate," she said, her brows furrowed and her smile weakened. "Is there something wrong?"

"It is nothing," He regained his composure and moved away from the embrace. "I should not allow myself to get carried away."

"Carried away?" She repeated. "So those feelings are a mistake?"

She looked at him and their shared empathy sent waves of confusion and something akin to a smouldering, aching pain in his chest.

"If that is your decision then I will not bother you any longer," Her voice was cold. Aylin now returned to the superficially calm and collected air she carried when they first met.

"Aylin, thats not what I meant," he tried to explain but she was already was turned and ready to walk away.

"I am going out to hunt," she said. "I need some time on my own. I will be back at camp later tonight."

"If that is what you need," he said. There was no arguing with her. She needed space, and Simon needed time to think. He was left alone, but now he no longer wanted to be.

"I wish there was a guidebook for people," he gave a weak laugh to himself. "As if it were that simple."

Connections always complicated things, another reason he was reminded of not being an issue with travelling alone.

He looked up to the sky. The sun would be setting soon and Simon was tired both physically and mentally. Now seemed the a decent time to bathe and wash away some of his stress.

**Chapter 8**

Simon felt the cool water rush around his head as he plunged under the rivers surface. Its cold temperature was initially a shock upon first contact, but he soon found his body adjusting to match. The aches and weariness of the days work dissipated as he allowed himself a moment of peace.

He savored the moment, just gently floating with his eyes closed. He tried to forget his fight with Aylin by distracting his thoughts elsewhere.

His mind wandered back to when he first took this contract, it felt so long ago now. The mission was requested to him by a high ranking noble in Haldstrom, Baron Leuwin, a man Simon had not the seen since childhood when he undertook training at his manor.

There had been little pleasantry exchanged in the message. The Baron spoke of a corrupt group opposing him and increasing threats to his life, enlisting Simons protection as a trusted ally. His warnings were direct:

*'I do not know if my messages are being intercepted, but you should go under the assumption they have been. The group challenging me has an unnatural ability to read my movements and their influence grows rapidly. Take care, should you accept this mission, and be wary of dangers along the way.'*

Simon did accept, for better or worse. Though, the warning at the end had become more significant than he had originally expected. There was already someone seeking his head, and there would be more waiting in Haldstrom once he arrived.

He waded to a set of rocks that rested on the waters edge and sat down on one. All of his equipment to bathe was there, sitting in a pile on his change of clothes. He lathered up soap on a cloth and began to scrub his chest.

The threat of battle was not something that fazed Simon in truth. He even looked forward to finally clashing with this mage that troubled him this far. Fighting is easy when it is just himself and nothing to lose, success or failure being entirely attributed to his own decisions.

His mind wandered to Aylin and Kara. The situation of battle was different with them. They were relying on him. In one part of his mind he wanted to get them where they needed and be rid of the responsibility, on the other he had become increasily accustomed to their company and flinched at the thought.

Eating, sleeping, and training together had the effect of forming quick bonds. Through this time he come to know the two a lot better, quirks and all.

Aylin was serious, but she also cared deeply and almost read his mind with how well they worked together. In her, he had found a reliable partner both in battle and out.

Kara was relaxed and carefree, but her presence brightened up the dull moments of travel. Simon felt himself finding more humor and reasons to smile with her around.

"Damn it," He swore to himself. The realization struck like lighting, fast and deadly... they were becoming important to him. "This complicates things."

"And what might that mean?" A soft voice appeared behind him and felt a cool body press against his back.

"Kara," Simon nearly jumped up but the Kivari woman was surprisingly strong enough to keep him planted. "How did you get here?"

"I followed you of course." She rested her chin on his shoulder and whispered to his ear. "It is not like the Elf missed my presence at my camp."

"You know, this was not the reason I taught you this power," He said. Simon somehow knew something like this would happen when he taught her to conceal her movements.

"You didn't hear me approach, did you? I guess I won this time."

"I don't have any prizes for you now," He sighed.

"I disagree," Kara's words were slow as reached for the cloth he used to clean. "Mind if I get your back?"

"No, I can reach it myself-" he paused, feeling two soft cushions along his back. "Are you naked? Please tell me you are not."

"I am," Kara said. "It's no big deal. We are just two people washing together. There's nothing wrong with that, right?" Her fingers danced around the hairs of his chest in playful circles. Her breath felt hot against his neck in a way that made started a reaction in his lower body.

It had been a long time since the ritual with Aylin, and as much as Simon tried to fight it, his body had yearned for the feeling of sex again. Kara was playing dangerously close to awakening that pent up energy.

Still, there was always the chance that she was playing a game with him as Kara often did. That was likely what this was, a test.

"Not at all," Simon placed the cloth in her hand, trying to keep his composure. "Make sure to dig in deep."

"What was on your mind?" Kara asked as she cleaned. "You looked to be seriously in concentration. It must have been important."

"I was just worried about my mission," Simon gave a half truth. "There is a lot on my mind regarding what I need to do."

"Oh, really," Kara kept a playful tone of surprise. "Are you sure it wasn't any lewd thoughts about the Elf? She is quite beautiful, isn't she?"

"I'm surprised you'd bring her up. Why do you care how I feel about her?" Simon could barely rationalize his feelings himself, much less share it to Kara.

"You forget that I was watching you both before getting caught," Kara said. "She clearly is in love with you, but she dances around the point. I think we should all make our intentions a little more clear if we're to work together."

"She is not in love with me," Simon laughed off the claim. "We are working together is all. Nothing beyond that is established."

"You are a genius on the battlefield, but clueless to a womans heart."

"That's not-"

"The way she looks at you is that of a lover," Kara emphasized. "Its the real reason she can't stand me. The Elf bathes in jealousy while I make my intentions clear."

"She is jealous?" Simon was confused. He had treated the two mostly the same, dividing his time evenly.

"Why do you think she is so tense all of the time?" She said. "Her lust is nearly overcoming her."

"Its because she is stressed," Simon said. "She told me herself."

"A convenient excuse," she chuckled. "So there is nothing in your past together? No instance of romance or sex?"

Simon was silent and Kara seemed to take that as an admission of guilt, which it was.

"You really should make things clear to her," Kara sighed. "Go and take her for your own. Elven woman love when a man is the initiator. She probably thinks that you do not like her for avoiding doing so."

The way that Kara explained it made sense. Aylin changed ber mood quickly after their moment together during training. His hesitation to her was definitely seen as a blistering rejection.

"I care for her," he said. "I hadn't understood my thoughts at the time. Things happened so suddenly." Now that it was explained so clearly, he realized he felt the same as Aylin. Simon wanted to rise and rush back to camp that moment and set things right.

"I need to tell her how I feel."

"Not so fast," Kara had finished cleaning his back and now handed him back the cloth. "Now is your turn to clean me. I'll consider that my prize for catching you."

Simon hesitated. He hadn't turned around yet, and had forgotten Kara was naked behind him.

"Hold on," Simon tried to reason. "Are you sure you want that? it may cause some problems. You just told me Aylin was in love with me."

"I did," Kara said. "And I am as well. Now hurry up before the sun fully sets. My body slows down in the cold."

Simon turned and rose, taking in the sight of her body. Kara's slim frame was filled in all the right places now that he saw her without her baggy clothes.

She looked up at him from behind, her head at level with his hardening erection. Realization of her words finally hit him. "Wait, you can't just drop that on me."

"I am not Aylin," She smiled, eyes tracking along the length of his penis. "Kivari don't believe in hiding such feelings. I fell in love with you the moment you freed me and handed me that sword. You are like a gift from the heavens to me."

Her tone had changed, she was being earnest. Simon reluctantly sat down behind her and began applying soap to her back. Her scales bumped against the cloth in tiny ridges centered around her shoulders and lower back.

"You are mistaken," Simon said. "You do not know me well enough to love me. If you did, you would change your mind."

"I am the judge of that." She leaned back, resting her head against his chest. The whole front of her body was exposed to him in this position. Her plump breast were dotted with droplets of water and were a lighter tan where her shirt had covered her body. She looked at him as his eyes took in all of her. "That gaze tells me that you are not opposed to this."

"I cannot have both of you," Simon said. He wanted to, but this could hurt both Kara and Aylin if he was careless.

"Why not?" She invited. "Aylin and I have been open in our competition for your affection anyway. We both don't care about you being with the other, Aylin only has fears you do not want her back and thinks I have somehow effected that."

"You both have discussed this?"

Kara gave a slight nod, taking far too much joy in the shock on his face.

Was this really happening? Simon felt himself hardening to a full stiffness, one that only increased as Kara invited hand forward to her breast.

Soapy clouds formed on her breast as he felt her through the cloth, and he found his hands moving instinctively against his better judgement. Feeling through the curves of her wet body only further enticed lustful desires. He wanted more.

"You said that it was better I take initiation,"

Simon said. "Yet you have no trouble bringing yourself to me."

"I don't wait for what I want," Kara gasped as he threw down the cloth and took hold of both her breast. "But I do appreciate when you take control. I want the man I saw that night, the one who who saved my life."

Their lips met as he leaned into her kiss and was greeted another prominent trait of the Kivari, their long tongues. She easily wrapped around his own tongue and tugged softly as the sensation increased his pleasure.

Simon circled his hand around her nipples, appying slight pressure that made Kara tighten in his mouth. She released before softly nibbling at his neck, suprisingly gentle enough not to break the skin. His hands traveled down her lower body where he now slid his fingers between her folds.

Though he was not experienced in sex he had read through a few books on the subject out of academic curiosity. Specifically, he had read about pleasuring a woman with his hand.

From Kara's reaction he was succeeding.

He moved his hands in a V on the outside of her lips, applying a slight pressure as he massaged up and down.

"You are moving so slow," Kara quivered. "Hurry and give me more."

"No," Simon tilted her head back into a kiss. "You have far too much fun teasing me and Aylin. It's time I taught you another lesson."

"That's evil," She huffed. Though she acted annoyed, the wetness he felt when slid his finger along the inside of her lips told him another story.

"I was thinking about you earlier too," he said, testing further.

Her gasps had increased to moans as he placed his first finger inside of her. He curved up, pressing against the top of her inner walls.

"You can't just say that while you are teasing me down there." Her voice was shaky now and her hips began to move on her own. "You'll make me do something we'll regret."

"You want me to stop?" He slowed. "I was going to tell you more."

"No, please," she begged. "Don't stop anything you are doing."

His first finger was all the way in and her body begged for more. Simon felt himself in an almost animalistic frenzy. He realized now that he wanted her. No, he wanted both of them, Aylin and Kara. He denied the feeling for as long as he could, but there was no more hiding it.

"I was thinking about you..." he whispered. "Because I am in love with you as well."

His second finger slid in, and Kara gasped; opening her mouth in a expression of pleasure.

"Its only been a short time, but I love everything about you," She said. Kara had fully melted and was in a passionate frenzy.

"Tell me what you love," he urged her by arching his fingers upwards and increasing the rate he entered her.

"Your voice, your patience, your cooking..." she moaned. "You are perfect to me."

She admired him more than he thought, more than Simon did for himself. Kara had fallen for him hard. He was a fool not to have seen it for her or Aylin.

"And you bring my life a light that was not there before," he said. "I am glad I found you that night."

His fingers reached a soft bump inside her. Kara's pussy tightened as he continued to press against it.

"I feel something coming," Kara said. "My legs are going numb."

"Let it out for me," He urged her. "Embrace this feeling."

Simon brought his mouth to her breast and teased them with his tongue, furthering her towards a rising peak. Her body tightened as she jerked back, quivering as hot, wet liquid drenched his fingers.

She gasped, chuckling softly "No one has given me such a feeling."

"None of your past Senars did this for you?" He asked.

"None," she said. "They were concerned with their own pleasure only. You were meant for this, to be the one to satisfy me."

"Everything has its reason."

"That's true," she brought a hand to his cheek and invited him to another kiss. Kara moved down in a line of soft pecks to his neck where she clamped down a little harder than before. "Which is why I want to repay the favor."

"Careful now," Simon laughed. "Do not pierce me."

"It is only a small opening." She giggled. "I released a substance that will relax your body and enchance your pleasure."

Simon thought he had reached the climax of his arousal, but whatever Kara had supplied must have increased his length by another inch he did not know he had. It now throbbed and he felt a intense need to release this urge.

"Inside I can adjust my body to perfectly match yours," She spoke softly. "It is why we Kivari are saught as partners. I want you to use me how you wish."

Her eyes dared him, and he would make full use of that command. She was fully in submission to him, allowing herself to be moved and ordered without any restraint. Simon rose to stand with his hard cock rested in front of her face.

She kept eye contact with him as she took the tip into her mouth. He gripped his hand at the back of her head and pushed deeper inside. he thrusted in, then retreated out, giving her ample time to breath between pumps.

"Do not worry about breaking me," She teased.

Kara wanted all of it, and opened her mouth wide with tongue stretched out as if to invite him all in.

"That's exactly what I wanted to hear," He said.

His dick slid all the way to back of her throat with little resistance and her words about adjusting her body were proven true. Kara's throat and mouth tightened to hug the shape of his penis perfectly. Every part of him from tip to shaft was stimulated in the warm embrace of her mouth.

They spoke no more words, only their increasingly heavy breaths and gasps were exchanged.

Kara's tongue had extended and was now cupping both his balls in a spectacular grip as he found himself completely latched to her, his hands gripping her silver hair into a clenched fist at the back of her head. A strong surge rose in his penis as he pumped. Kara, sensing the feeling, matched his quickening speed and invited him with her eyes.

He released his pent up energy deep inside. She gagged, but did not recoil back, taking all of his cum and holding still until he removed himself from her. A trail of saliva followed and fell down her lips as she wiped water from her eyes.

Kara fell back, splayed on the rock they were resting on. Her chest heaved up and down as she recollected herself.

"That was exactly what I wanted," she said. "You were bigger than I had guessed."

He laid beside her, caressing her cheek to direct her to his eyes. They were closer now than they had been before. There was an odd mixture of understanding and even surprise at their sudden revelation. He had been honest with her, opened up in a way he had only done once before with Aylin. Only now, he did not hide from the feeling.

"I enjoyed every second with you," he said. "You opened my eyes to something. I have to thank you for that."

"It looks like the Enchanter has a soft spot for me now," she smirked, teasing with her voice. "I'm honored."

"What did I say about sounding so official?" He playfully kissed her. She turned onto him, hugging his side. "Call me Simon, we are beyond that title now."

"So we are," She said. "But your work is not done tonight. There is someone else you must give this energy to as well."

"Aylin," he said. "Why is it you are invested in me making up with her? I thought you did not like her."

"I play games with her, but there is no hatred,"

Kara said. "I think we will get along more if she knows I am not threatening her relation with you. This is better for all of us. Besides, she might hunt me more food if I help her."

"I was completely oblivious to this," he said. "How could I not have known?"

"Men often try to see miles ahead, but miss what is in front of them," she laughed and pushed off of him. "Go ahead to her. I need a second wash anyway and you two need a bit of privacy. I shall meet you back later."

"Are you sure?" Simon rose. He felt conflicted about leaving her alone after all of this.

"Go," she said. "Just be ready for our training in the morning. I look forward to seeing what you have to teach me. Perhaps we will move on from only using our mouths and hands.

There was more playful implication in her voice, but that was something he would need to find our more of tomorrow. He put on his clothes and gave more than a few parting kisses to Kara before returning back to camp.

Aylin would surely be back from her hunt by now. It was only a matter of time until he reached her and finally cleared the air of their relationship.

**Chapter 9**

Simon returned to camp to find Aylin sat beside the fire. She had a knife in hand as she whittled an arrow, always taking care to stay stocked in ammunition. Her eyes flicked up at his approach.

"Aylin, there is something I need to tell you," Simon said. In the light of the fire she seemed to glow. Gods, she was beautiful.

"I have something to say as well," She said. "Leaving you earlier was unfair. I should have stayed and been direct in my intention."

"Do not worry about that," Simon approached. Before she could say more he wrapped her within his embrace and kissed her. Her eyes widened before she finally realized what had just happened. She pressed forward as they kept together until they both were out of breath.

"It is me who should apologize," Simon said, caressing her head in his hand. She looked up at him with a genuine fondness and relief. "I played at my interest with you without fully committing. It was cowardly."

"None of that matters anymore," she said. "I am just happy that you kissed me. Please,

stay with me here, just the two of us."

He felt relief in that moment. Simon wanted nothing more than to be in the comfort of her company, so why did he feel there was something wrong?

A heavy weight filled his stomach, and the air turned acrid. Simon snapped his head up to the darkness creeping just outside the fires

light. Something was approaching.

Aylin sensed it too. "Simon, what is that?"

"Grab your weapon," he defensively moved in front of her and drew his sword. "It seems they have found us."

From the shadows emerged animals of all shapes and sizes, blackened corruption matted their bodies and altered their forms. Deers with a fifth leg, wolves with multiple eyes, and all other kinds of deformations gave the approaching monsters a terrifying appearance.

"So many have been corrupted," Aylins voice cracked. "There are too many for us to face like this."

She was right, they had encircled the two of them. Simon had warded up the camp up and down, but there were so many that they likely just walked through the traps and accepted the casualties that followed, corruptions did not think outside the orders of their hive mind host.

Simon thought through his options. There was the potential to use a chained lightning spell to take out the group quickly, but that would be costly in mana, and brought the danger of hitting Aylin by accident; electricity was difficult to control once summoned.

If they fought directly, there was the chance of transmitting the corruption to Aylin or himself. An outcome that was not particularly desirable either.

Then an idea came to him. He turned to Aylin. "You can get us out of this," Simon said.

"Me? What is that I can do?" Aylin kept at his back as the two covered each others blind spots.

"You have to make a dome of wind around us," he said, slashing at one wolf corruption that lunged forward ahead of the group.

"I can't hold something like that," she said. "I barely managed it in training with your help."

"I trust you," Simon showed no hesitation in his voice. He believed in her.

Wind whirled around them as Aylin attempted to create a circle of air around them. It caused the beast to slow a moment, before it dissipated.

"Its ok," he said. "Keep trying."

Aylin raised her hands again. This time the wind was stronger and he felt the air form a sharp cut that slashed wounds into some of the monsters. Again it fizzled out.

"Its not enough," she said. "Use one of your spells. Do not worry about me."

"Try again," Simon yelled. The distance that was separating them and the corruptions was getting smaller. Their slow, unrelenting advance threatened to mow the two over. "I'm not giving up."

Simon felt the intensity in this final attempt at her spell. Aylin let out a piercing cry that was only drowned out by the rapidly circulating air that encompassed them. The corruptions recoiled against the spinning barrier that cut through anything that attempted to pass. Aylin had done it.

There was little time to celebrate. Simon moved quickly, knowing that each second was costly to her mana and could cause the spell to falter at any moment.

He drew a sigil for a chained lightning spell and let it forth. The sparks shot from his hand and caught into the wind dome. There the electricity connected to the monsters that made contact with the barrier and spread through the closely packed group within seconds.

The corruptions fell one by one, the threat had been defeated. Aylin released the barrier spell, and fell to her knees as she gasped for air. Simon was not as exhausted, but felt the chain lightning had exerted a significant amount of mana.

Electricity was a costly magic nature by design, but became increasingly expensive when spread to multiple targets.

"You fool," she said between breaths. "Why did you wait for me? There was a chance I could have failed."

"But you didn't," Simon said. "I learned my lesson earlier. I needed to trust you and I did."

He extended a hand to help her up, and the two shared a moment of relief. Her eyes widened as something caught her eye.

"Simon, behind you," she yelled out.

In the mixture of corrupted monsters, Simon had missed one notable presence. He felt something lunging at him from behind.

-Flash Jump

He jumped to Aylin, grabbing her before repeating the spell a safe distance away, just as the attacker would have landed a killing blow.

The earth crumbled as the massive beast landed.

"Dear Gods," Aylin said, her voice was a low whisper.

"This is a corruption fully realized, transformed into a demon," Simon said. "That first wave was merely a warmup."

The monstrous form stood at least 8 feet tall and stared menacingly at the two. Corruptions took forms similar to the being they infected. In this case, that seemed to be the form of a large human with dramatically sized portions. Its body was round, like a ball, and the stench of rotted flesh was pungent as it approached slowly. Its round, crossed eyes seemed to be targeted to Simon.

"You..." It let out a deep, groaning voice. "Enchanter.... You did this."

There was something strangely familiar about the foe. They still had some of their humanoid features peek through, most prominently were its bulging blue eyes; permanently in a state of fear.

"It cannot be," Simon felt his stomach drop at the realization. This was the bandit he and Kara had let free. He had been too careless. They fell into another trap of the rogue mage.

"Simon, snap out of it," Aylin jerked him back to attention. "We need to work together to defeat this thing."

He looked to her. In this moment she had become his point of resolve, not weakness. He was thankful to have her beside him.

"You are right," he said. "But you must stay by me. We will take this Demon out as one."

"Its moving again," Aylin warned.

The Demon began to bounce against the ground, cackling loudly as it jumped higher and higher into the air. For a moment, its circular shape eclipsed the moon before rapidly descending to the spot they stood in.

Aylin quickly readied another dome that took the weight of the massive Demon, causing it to bounce backwards and rebound off of a nearby tree. The Demons body was malleable and gained momentum quickly with its weight."

Simon readied a spell of lightning, but the opponent moved to quickly for the shot to land.

The Demon zagged forth. It continually built speed by bouncing against trees and soon bounced back towards Simon. This time the demon rolled along the ground at an incredible rate, and Simon used his flash jump to move him and Aylin from danger.

"I can't direct an attack at it," Simon said.

"It moves too quickly."

"What if there was a way that I could keep it in place?" Aylin said.

"Possibly..." Simon thought to himself.

It was a good idea, but targeted attacks of electricity were difficult to hit. Once gone from his hands, it was near impossible to aim without great amounts of energy and precision.

That was unless there was a conductive point he could direct the lightning to.

The Demon rolled towards them again. Simon stuck his sword into the ground and readied a spell.

"Alright, I have a plan, but we have only one chance," Simon said. This attempt would likely drain the rest of his mana reserve and Aylin looked equally as spent. "Launch the Demon into the air and try to angle it above us."

"It will be done," Aylin formed a wind wall that shot upwards in front of them.

The Demon made no movements to change course, Its bloodlust was direct and thoughtless. It road the wind up as if it were a ramp and ascended to the sky above.

"Come on," Simon judged its position, holding the spell for the right moment. Aylin must have caught on to his plan because she sent more wind to adjust its spot in air. "Now."

*-Heavens smite: A bolt of lightning descends from the sky. This costly attack can fell most foes should you create the suitable requirements to aim its powerful energy.*

The lightning flew down in a line of blue to his sword and disappeared with a loud boom. In air, the Demon went limp and crashed to the ground some distance away. Its form began to melt, dissipating into a mess of black liquid that was corruption in its purest form. The strike had landed true.

Simon attempted to move to Aylin. "Are you, alrignt-" was all that he could muster before his legs buckled. He had been foolish, and moved to quickly for his own good.

Even in the hazy view of his faltering vision, he recognized Aylin. Her green eyes bore down on him as she knelt beside him and held him upright.

"We did it," he said with a weak smile. "Thanks to you."

"You are dangerously low on mana," she said. Her priorities were solely on him in that moment. He felt her worry. "I have to do something to help you."

"I have a few ideas," Simon said. Sharing energy was one way to fulfill both their needs in that moment.

"I'm sure that you do," she laughed softly and brought a kiss to him that siphoned a small amount of mana. It was not enough, but its feeling refreshed him like cold water in a hot day.

"Aylin," Simon tried to get out the message from his increasingly heavy headache. "I wanted to say that I lo-"

Her eyes snapped up once more as something approached once again. It somehow felt even more dangerous than the Demon they just encountered.

Simon managed to turn his head to see what looked to be a team of humans approaching. No, they were not humans upon closer inspection, but Elves. A golden haired Elf stood in the center as the team approached.

"I can't believe it," Aylin rose. "We have been found by my people."

"What is the meaning of this," The golden haired one snapped, looking around the destruction at their camp. Then he looked to Aylin and his demeanor changed.

"Wait, it can't be," his voice faltered and the rest of the Elves around him dropped to their knees to bow. "It is you, Aylin."

"You know of me?" She asked, now moving to stand in front of Simon protectively. "Tell me your purpose for being here, now."

The Golden haired Elf approached. "Aylin, you have returned," he said. "Words cannot express how happy I am to see you."

He moved to embrace her in a hug, but Aylin pushed back. "Answer the question," she snarled.

He looked incredulously at her, then his eyes trained to Simon. They were filled with disdain. "Do you not remember us?" He said. "This cannot be, we thought you had been killed. Who is this human with you?"

"I am alive, but my memories are lost," her voice was commanding. "This is my partner, Simon. Please help me get him to safety and explain everything you know of me."

"This man is your partner?" The Elves face twisted. "I saw the two of you close as we approached, but I had not known."

He snapped a finger and a team of his Elves moved to pick Simon up.

"Arrest the human," he said. "The Queen will want to have a word with him, and a trial for taking the princess."

"No, he has not taken me," Aylin moved to stop them. The Elves hesitated at her intervention. "He has only protected me this far. What is the meaning of this? Who are you?"

Simon felt confusion like never before. Did they just say that Aylin was a princess? His head swam as he clung to consciousness.

"You are Aylin, daughter of our tribes leader and next in line to rule," he stood in front of her. "And I am Eliander, your husband to be."

Those were the last words that Simon heard as the world became dark. In that darkness, he slept, this time he enjoyed the quiet it allowed. It would be some time until he would awake again.