Chapter 10 A Day of Discovery
Lynn awoke with resolve. The awful feelings hadn’t gone away. Today they felt even worse. Inside her was a painful mixture of guilt, shame, and desire. She had to make the feelings go away and she knew of only one way to do that. She got dressed quickly and walked carefully down the stairs, listening for Eliza’s voice. She and Petrov were seated at a nearby table. They were talking in hushed tones. Petrov seemed angry. They stopped as Lynn approached."I wouldn't suggest eating here.”, Petrov said sternly, “Food will be provided when we arrive at the Cathedral."
Lynn sat down at the table. Her robe was a little cleaner than last night but she still looked like a mess. Her mud stained hood was pulled down over her face. Soon she was joined by Weamar and Marinae.
"I want to apologize for yesterday.", Lynn began.
"You cannot change what was done.", Petrov said curtly. He didn't sound at all conciliatory.
Eliza frowned "Petrov, that's enough."
"Damn it Eliza, it's because of her you almost died in that defiled pit of a place.", Petrov said growing angrier.
Marinae glared at Petrov. She’d had enough of his crap. "You're an arrogant little shit, you know that?", she hissed.
Eliza quickly tried to calm things down, "We were down there because of the storm.", she said quietly but forcefully, “None of it was anyone's fault.”
But Lynn contradicted her, "It was my fault.”, she quietly conceded, “I did something wrong."
"I don't believe that.", Eliza protested.
Petrov rolled his eyes and stood up, "Eliza, I'm going to arrange your meeting with the Sentire. I suggest you come soon as well."
Petrov stalked off. Eliza was silent and a few patrons nearby turned to see what all the commotion was about.
Lynn continued to confess, "They tried to stop me. But I had to know."
Eliza looked down at the table. "I don't remember anything.”, she admitted, “Petrov said some horrible things but..."
"Did he tell you about the Chapel?", Lynn asked.
Eliza looked up at Lynn, "I remember waking up there and seeing you on the floor and...Petrov said that there was a room below the chapel. Something about an evil book and demons."
"Yes.”, Lynn said quietly, “There was a book, and a shadow man that the others fought."
Weamar interrupted, "Lynn, can you remove that ring now?"
"I can.", Lynn answered.
"That's odd. I wonder if the ring will only do that in that place, or whether it has a more general enchantment.", Weamar looked at Marinae with raised eyebrows.
Marinae nodded and whispered a few magic words. The familiar shift slid across her sight. She saw a faint glow surrounding one of Lynn's hands. Violet and red colors intermingled, roiled, and stirred. She couldn't make out the exact nature of the enchantment but it definitely had a familiar feel to it, like the book and circle in the room underneath the chapel.
"I see a faint glow around that hand.”, Marinae said pointing to Lynn’s gloved left hand. "Violet and red. It feels like the book and circle."
"I read from the book.”, Lynn continued, “I released the magic. The man in between came for me.", then Lynn turned her hooded head towards Eliza, "You tried to stop him. That's how you were hurt."
"And your fate was avoided, Eliza", Weamar added.
Eliza brightened a little, "So it was the creature. It wasn't your fault."
"That's what I've been trying to say.”, Marinae chimed in, “It’s not your fault, Lynn."
"I led you all there. I read from the book.", Lynn lowered her head, "I knew that it was dangerous. I didn't listen to you. It was my fault."
Eliza looked to Weamar. "This is all so frightening."
"When I first saw you I recognized you, in that fight, from a dream.”, Weamar searching through his memories, “No, perhaps you didn't avoid your fate, I thought you died in the dream, but, recalling it now, perhaps not."
Eliza turned back to Lynn, "Maybe you were enthralled? Under some spell?"
"No. I had to know.", Lynn whispered.
Eliza didn’t believe her, "There must be something in the history books about that place. When we meet with Marius, he'll be able to explain. He has to."
Weamar nodded, "It would be good to know, particularly since we've opened a new route to the chapel. A route that a certain 'Squeeky' knows about."
"Maybe I should have made him into boots after all.", Marinae grumbled.
"What did you find out." Eliza asked Lynn, her trepidation at asking was plain.
"The man in between, he...", Lynn paused and breathed deeply.
Eliza leaned over the table and slid a hand towards Lynn. "I'm sorry. You don't have to, here. It can wait until we aren't in public."
Lynn didn’t wait, "I'm who he wants.", she whispered.
Lynn fell silent. Confessing hadn’t made her feel any better. But Eliza wasn’t angry at her. She paused, then put her gloved hand over Eliza's. Eliza didn’t pull away. Lynn’s emotions began to stir.
A boy not more than eleven years walked up to Weamar, "Are you Weamar?", he asked.
Weamar looked surprised, "Yes, what do you want with me?"
The boy handed him a letter, "Petrov asked me to give this to you. He was in a real hurry at the Church."
"Oh, thank you", Weamar said, handing the boy a silver piece and wondering if he had over tipped.
The boy smiled. "Thanks!", he exclaimed and ran out the door.
“Oops.”, Weamar thought, “A few copper pieces next time.”
Weamar read the letter to himself, “Weamar. There has been a delay. Sentire Marius will be occupied for the rest of today. He may be able to see you tomorrow but it is not certain. I have been assigned certain tasks I must complete. Please look after Eliza for me. Don't forget about William's blade and the wizard. Signed, Petrov Nichola.”
Eliza smiled a little and squeezed Lynn's hand. The awful feelings inside of Lynn got worse. She felt a powerful desire wash over her as well. In her mind Lynn could feel Eliza’s hand on her bare skin sliding up her arm and down her back. She felt Eliza kissing her lips, then her neck, then her breasts. She knew that she couldn’t fight the urge, it was too strong. She had to feel Eliza’s touch. She had to make the feelings go away.
Lynn whispered to Eliza, "There's something more that I have to tell you."
"Yes?", Eliza said, sensing the urgency in Lynn’s voice.
Lynn fell silent. She felt that she was about to make a terrible mistake. For a moment she didn’t know what to do.
Weamar frowned as he read the letter and passed it to Eliza. Eliza glanced over the letter and frowned as well. The next thing she knew Lynn had stood up and was pulling on her arm. She was surprised but didn't resist. Lynn took her to a quiet part of the Inn next to a table in a corner out of sight.
"Eliza. I have to confess something else too.", Lynn paused, "I love you."
Lynn braced herself for rejection. There was no turning back now. Eliza froze. She had no idea what to say. She swayed a little and had to sit down.
"What?", was all that Eliza could get out.
Lynn sat down next to Eliza. She removed her gloves and took Eliza's hand.
Eliza trembled, "I don't know what to say."
Lynn felt Eliza's soft skin. It soothed the yearning feelings inside of her. "Say what you feel.", she said with a glimmer of hope.
“We should probably check the ability of the stable hands.", Weamar said to Marinae.
"Um...yes, that sounds...fine.", Marinae agreed.
They both got up and headed for the door. Outside it was still overcast. People moved up and down the street going about their business. The stable boy was brushing down Eliza's horse when they entered.
"I hope she doesn't get hurt.", Marinae said quietly to Weamar.
Weamar looked confused.
"Lynn.", Marinae added.
"The room seemed fairly safe to me", Weamar said, completely clueless.
"I mean by Eliza, or vice-versa.", Marinae explained.
“Tsk. Men can be so dense.", Marinae thought to herself.
"Do they have sex where you're from?", Marinae asked.
Weamar 's frown deepened. Marinae just shook her head and checked on her horse.
"Of course. But...", Weamar answered. The lights were slowly starting to come on.
Eliza’s breathing was shallow, "I've never felt anything like this before. It can't be love, can it? The teachings say that is only supposed to happen between a man and a woman. But when I'm near you...", her voice trailed off.
Lynn's heart beat a little faster, "Love isn't something that's taught. It's something that you feel."
Eliza's trembling grew more intense and she drew an uneven breath. Then she reached up and pulled back Lynn's hood. Lynn put Eliza's hand on her cheek.
Eliza's voice was barely audible. "If anyone found out, I would be excommunicated. Someone might even try to kill us."
Lynn didn’t even hear what Eliza said. She felt Eliza's hand on her face. It felt so good. She didn't want to hold back anymore. She lightly kissed Eliza's fingertips. Eliza's breathing and pulse quickened. The thumb of her other hand slid across the back of Lynn's, caressing it gently.
"I think Lynn's falling for Eliza.", Marinae continued to explain, "And people aren't well-known for accepting such things."
Weamar looked even more confused for a moment, then he shrugged in acceptance. Marinae wondered just how much of that he understood. She turned to their horses. Dry and Maelstrom were alright. The stable hand's ministrations were only mediocre.
"At least the horses won't founder from awful care.", Marinae grinned, tipping the stable-person in the hopes that it would give him some incentive.
Weamar was relieved to be talking about something that he knew a little about. He pointed out a few things to the stable boy, making it obvious that there were several small things the he would prefer to be done better. The stable boy nodded, then went about his business tending to Eliza’s horse.
"How long are we going to be here?", Marinae asked.
"Oh, sorry, Petrov's note said we probably wouldn't get to see Marius until tomorrow.”, Weamar revealed, “So a few days, I guess."
Marinae spoke to Weamar, loud enough for the stable boy to hear, "If the hay isn't changed out soon, the horses will be standing in their own waste."
"Aye, but I'm sure they'll see to that", Weamar answered at equal volume.
The boy glanced up and sighed. He went and grabbed a pitchfork from the wall and started picking up the soiled hay. He looked miserable. Weamar winked at Marinae.
"Blessed are the martyrs, hmmm?", Marinae said.
"Or those too stupid to run at the right time.", Weamar replied.
Marinae laughed, "Those we call 'missionaries' back home."
"I knew you were different when I first saw you.” Eliza confessed, “At first, I thought it was because of your dream."
Lynn moved Eliza's hand back onto her cheek, "Touch me.", she said softly.
Eliza's fingers traced Lynn's features. Lynn sighed and trembled a little. Eliza slowly pulled the cloth over Lynn's eyes down.
Lynn kept her eyes closed, "Run your fingers through my hair.", she said breathlessly.
Eliza ran her fingers through Lynn's hair. "You're so beautiful.", she said wistfully.
Lynn moaned silently. She smiled warmly and bowed her head. "Kiss me.", she said, lifting her head again.
Made heedless of the possibility of discovery by the passion of the moment, Eliza leaned forward and placed her lips over Lynn's. Lynn fell into a state of bliss. She let go, losing herself in Eliza's kiss. She softly kissed back. Eliza cradled Lynn's head in her hands as she continued to kiss her. An occasional moan escaped her lips.
Suddenly Eliza seemed to come to her senses and she pulled back letting out a little gasp. "We should go somewhere.", she suggested.
"Yes." Lynn answered standing up slowly. The real world was getting further and further away from her.
Eliza took Lynn's hand, stood up, and headed towards the stairs. Lynn followed as though she were walking through a dream.
"Do they feed you or pay you for your work?", Marinae asked the stable boy, being as polite as she could muster.
"They let me stay here and they give me some of that greasy foulness they call food.", he answered.
"We won't be here for very long, but I'll double what you'd normally get in tips if you care for our horses well.”, Marinae offered, “And I'll try to get you some good food."
Weamar put a couple of silver pieces into the stable boy’s hand. The stable boy stood slack-jawed. Then he smiled broadly "Thanks. I'll do my best."
"I'll pay it.", Marinae objected.
"You pay what you want, I'll pay what I want.", Weamar countered.
"Fine.", Marinae said with a shrug.
"Can't expect the lad to care better for animals than he's cared for himself.", Weamar said smiling.
"True. I can't imagine why people treat each other like this!", Marinae mused.
The stable hand swiftly removed the old hay and began laying down fresh a fresh cover.
"Well, seems things are taken care of in here, shall we go back in?", Weamar asked.
"Let's get back inside and see--er, yes.", Marinae answered.
They entered the Inn just in time to see Eliza and Lynn, hand in hand, going up the stairs.
A haggard barmaid came over to them. "Can I get you anything?"
"No, looks like we missed the people we were meeting.", Weamar said.
The barmaid shrugged and went off to other customers.
"Well, it looks like Lynn has taken Eliza out of my hands. ", Weamar said wondering how Marinae had known what was going on between them.
"Shall we wander the town together, or do our own thing?", Weamar asked.
"Let's explore the town.", Marinae said with a smile.
"Sounds good, I'll bring Cujia with us, she needs the exercise."
Eliza led Lynn upstairs to her room. Once inside she locked the door behind her, but she remained facing the door, one hand on the key, her other hand shaking. Lynn took her hand and said nothing. Eliza backed away from the door and released the key. She didn’t know if she was doing the right thing. Part of her wanted to run away but the other part of her wanted to stay. She stepped back and reached for Lynn's other hand. Still facing the door she pulled Lynn's arms around her. Lynn held her close and swayed back and forth. She leaned down and kissed Eliza's neck. Eliza tilted her head to the side, exposing more of her neck. Lynn buried her nose in Eliza's hair and took a deep breath. It had the scent of wild flowers. Then she rubbed the tip of her nose against Eliza's neck. Slowly Eliza’s doubt were fading. Only one more remained. She turned around and wrapped her arms around Lynn.
"I want to see your eyes.", Eliza said.
Lynn turned her head away slightly. "I, I can't...”
Eliza kissed Lynn's cheek "Please."
Lynn slowly opened her eyes, but she looked far to her left as she did so. Eliza reached up and touched Lynn's face, gently trying to move her head forward. Lynn moved her head to face Eliza, but she lowered her eyes. Eliza was growing frustrated. She had to look into Lynn’s eyes. It was the only way that she could know if Lynn truly loved her.
With heart wrenching desperation Eliza whispered, "Please."
Lynn was torn inside. She knew what was going happen if she looked Eliza in the eyes, but she feared what would happen if she didn't.
Finally Lynn conceded, "I will. But you have to promise me that you'll stay with me."
Eliza was confused at first. She wondered if she was making a foolish decision, but her emotions steeled her resolve. She ran the back of her fingers along Lynn's cheek. "I promise."
Lynn swallowed hard and slowly raised her eyes. She gazed into Eliza's and Eliza looked deeply into hers. For a moment all seemed wonderful. Then the pain rose up within Lynn faster than she could handle. She reached down and grabbed her stomach, then doubled over on the floor.
Eliza followed her down. "Lynn! Oh goddess, what's wrong?"
Lynn cringed and rode out the pain. Minutes seemed like hours, but soon she recovered. With her eyes tightly shut she struggled to her feet.
Eliza rose with Lynn and held her closely. On the verge of tears she asked, "What was that?"
"Sometimes I love...too much.", Lynn answered, her voice filled with both shame and yearning.
Eliza knew that Lynn had spoken the truth. Her heart went out to her, completely.
Outside, people were bustling about. Cujia sniffed about at all the strange smells.
"I want to see if there's an Elvish restaurant around here.", Marinae said.
"I don't expect you'll have much luck, but sure.", Weamar, replied, "I need to stop by a smithy, and someone mentioned an alchemist. But we have all day."
They couldn’t find an elvish restaurant but Marinae did manage to find a merchant's fruit stand. Some of the foods were elven, but they were pitiful specimens. Marinae wrinkled her nose at them as she went by.
The merchant called out, "Fine Elven Delicacies from the land of Sithicus. You'll find no finer save upon their Lord's tables."
Marinae gave him a fake Courtly smile, "I've been to Sithicus, you're not far from being right."
The merchant winked at her and tossed her a fruit. Marinae thanked the merchant and took a bite. It wasn’t half bad. Leaving the merchant behind she and Weamar began to enter a more run down section of town. Up ahead they saw a sign hanging by only one chain, swinging in the breeze. 'Aselid's Potions and Elixers' The building the sign was attached to was boarded up. One of the windows had been broken along with the boards covering over it. Marinae raised an eyebrow. Weamar frowned.
"Wonder if anyone knows where he is now?", said Weamar.
Marinae nodded at the building, "Someone knows.", she said ominously.
Marinae cast a spell. A sight familiar to her glowed on the ground. It was a trail just like the one at William's house and it led through the broken window.
"They went in through the window.”, Marinae said, “A magic trail goes right inside."
Weamar walked up to the broken window and peered inside. The damage looked like it was only a few days old. Inside there appeared to be a little water damage near the window, but everything looked fine. Weamar looked about the room. It seemed too small for an alchemist’s shop, and there was no lab that he could see.
"What do you reckon?”, Weamar asked Marinae, “Go in, look around the back, or find someone who might know what went on?"
Marinae walked up next to Weamar and peered in the window as well. She didn’t see any magic. Other than the trail, it was clean. Too clean for a wizard's place. The trail circled the walls and then went back out the window.
"It's sterilized in there.", Marinae said, “Let's look around a little, then find someone who can talk."
"OK, sounds good. Looks to me like whatever came here arrived too late, Aselid had moved already."
"Kiss me again.", Lynn said.
Eliza kissed Lynn softly. Warmth seemed to flow into Lynn from Eliza's lips. The longer that Lynn kissed her, the better she began to feel. Lynn felt the passion growing inside of her. She embraced Eliza and kissed her deeply. Their simple kiss grew more and more intimate. Eliza kissed Lynn with increasing fervency as she slid her hands up and down Lynn's back. Lynn tried to make the kiss last forever. She ran her fingers through Eliza's hair and down her body. Eliza was melting in her arms.
Lynn released Eliza and backed away smiling. She slowly took off her robe, then her armor, and then the clothes underneath. Her nude body looked breathtaking. It was so unlike the drab rough clothes that she wore over it. Eliza gasped in awe. Her eyes flitted over every inch of Lynn's body. She stepped forward and placed her hands on Lynn's hips. Lynn took Eliza's hands and moved them over her skin. She slid Eliza’s hands upwards along her ribs, then forward to cup her breasts.
"Put your lips on my nipples.”, Lynn asked softly, “Suck them, gently. Bite them, lightly."
Eliza leaned down as instructed and wrapped her lips around a nipple. She suckled and nibbled lightly. Lynn moaned with pleasure.
Lynn slowly moved over to the bed and stretched out on it. "Feel me, all over.", she whispered.
Eliza laid down next to Lynn and ran her hands all over her body. She started at Lynn's neck and worked her way down. Lightly she placed her hand between Lynn's legs. She kissed and bit at Lynn's neck. Lynn writhed in pleasure at Eliza’s touch. The passion that had built up within her over days was finally finding release. Lynn wanted Eliza to touch her everywhere at once. She guided Eliza's hands and pushed the fingers of the one between her legs inside her.
There was enough light coming from the window to see into the alchemist’s shop. Inside it was completely empty. The place had been cleared of all furniture and merchandise.
"Nice place.”, Marinae said wryly, “Love what he did with it."
Marinae looked closer at the magic in the room. There seemed to be a slight pooling of magic along the trail at one point along the wall. It was as though whatever made the trail stood at that point for an extended period before moving on. Marinae pointed the place out and Weamar took a closer look. He studied the wall next it closely but didn’t find anything. He turned to face Marinae and shrugged his shoulders but Marinae was looking past him. He moved aside as she stepped forward and watched her slip her fingers into a crevice in the wall. There was a click and the wall along with the floor immediately in front began to rotate with Weamar, Marinae, and Cujia standing on it. The next thing that they knew they were standing in a hidden passage. The wall sealed again with a thud. Marinae smiled smugly.
A long straight staircase led downwards. Small glowing beads were embedded in the wall. They provided enough illumination to see by.
“At least you won't need your rock.", Marinae joked.
Weamar took Cujia off the lead, freeing both of his hands. With Cujia in front they descended the staircase. It went on for quite a while, finally ending at a plain wooden door. The door stood slightly open. Weamar opened it the rest of the way. Beyond the door was an expansive laboratory. The place was in shambles with splintered furniture and broken glass spread across the floor. Scorch marks covered the walls.
“No signs of a disturbance here.", Weamar chuckled.
Marinae laughed, "None at all."
Eliza's hand moved about, pushing in and out of Lynn. Her amulet was cold against Lynn's skin. Lynn gasped and threw her head back as her juices began to flow. Her breathing quickened. She moved Eliza's head down along her body. Eliza was surprised at first but swiftly went along, kissing Lynn’s body all the way down. Her hands roamed along Lynn's legs and up her abdomen. Lynn guided Eliza’s lips between her legs. Eliza's licks and kisses were inexpert but were backed by passionate enthusiasm. Lynn moaned with pleasure.
"Eliza.", Lynn said breathlessly, "Please don't stop, ever. Oh, I love you so."
Eliza intensified her movements. Lynn was awash in ecstasy. Eliza’s warm body felt so good against hers. Lynn had an orgasm, and another quickly after. She kept pleading to Eliza to never stop and Eliza obliged. Eliza shifted a little to gain a more comfortable position and continued to lick, kiss, and nibble between Lynn’s legs. Lynn completely let go. She felt wave after wave of pleasure flowing through her. Nothing else existed in the world, just her and Eliza.
Marinae saw that the magic trail did not come down the stairs. Whoever made it didn’t get past the secret door. As they entered the lab, Weamar told Cujia to stay near the door while he looked around the shelves. Burnt papers and books were everywhere. One lay at Marinae's feet. She picked it up. It looked like a personal journal. It was damaged but the last entry was still legible. It was written in Mordentish. The entry was dated a little less than a year ago. Marinae read it aloud.
"Ethan Reid, a companion of mine, suffers from a most peculiar affliction. He is unable to produce body heat, existing at a temperature several degrees below the ambient. In defiance of all known scientific and arcane wisdom, Ethan is quite alive. He is not, counter to some speculation, a member of the living dead though he would describe his condition as such. He breathes and requires food and sleep, though each to a lesser extent than is normal for a man. His mental state is analogous to that of his body. He is cold and distant most times. He claims that his emotions have been extinguished. I believe he overstates the matter but there is no denying that, psychologically speaking, he has been damaged.
"Ethan related to me a vague tale of how these abnormalities came to be. He refused to elucidate on a number of key details but it did involve a journey to the Ilse of Sourange and an encounter with the shaman 'Chicken Bone' (See journal entries circa 728BC for my previous dealings with this individual). Do to his general lack of enthusiasm and unwillingness to fully disclose the origins of his affliction, my efforts to formulate a cure have failed thus far.
“Markson and Serena Raye. William's light hearted tales and Serena's affection seemed to return some semblance of life to the man. However, upon Serena's death during the battle with Count Von Zarovich (See journal entries circa 750BC), Ethan's state worsened considerably.
"Ethan has informed me that he will be leaving Levkarest. I have affairs here that I must attend to so I cannot go with him. I will continue searching for a cure for him, as I am able. He has saved my life on more than one occasion, I owe him at least that.
"In other matters, I have made some progress in tracking down the location of the Fatebound Rings and their relation to the Eye of Rastinon (See the Codex of Enchanted Objects and Devices Volume III). My source informs me that he saw them in the possession of a travelling merchant. This merchant was last seen entering the city of a Port-a-Lucine. I leave for Dementlieu tomorrow."
Weamar noted that the damage to the room looked as though it had occurred about one year ago.
"Kind of a long walk.", Marinae said.
"Yeah, a year seems a long time to be gone.", Weamar agreed.
Weamar walked over to the other door in the room and opened it. It opened into a bedroom. The bedroom was in a much better state than the lab. Everything was orderly and clean. Weamar looked around the bedroom and found a chest at the foot of the bed. The key which apparently went with it hung on a hook near the door. Weamar fetched the key and opened the chest. Marinae peered over his shoulder. Inside it they found a short sword with a sheath, a blue-black robe, an amulet and a large book. Marinae noted that all four glowed with magic. Weamar’s interest was drawn to the short sword while Marinae’s eyes widened when she saw the other three.
"Magic toys.", she said excitedly.
Marinae carefully picked up the book. It was a spell book. She didn't recognize what animal the hide cover came from but the texture was smooth and supple. The first page of the book read, “'To my Apprentice Aselid. May the World's Mysteries yield before you. -T'lisioth of Solamnia”.
"I don't know if I can use this.”, Marinae said, “But I can't leave it here."
Weamar picked up the sword. The sheath and hilt were of finely tooled leather. He drew the blade. At the base of the blade on either side was the image of an eight pointed star. It was sharp and well cared for. The balance was almost perfect. Weamar tested the edge of the sword on a workbench, giving it a half strength swing. It sliced through the wood far more easily than a normal blade would. Smiling he started making space on his hips for his new blade.
Marinae put the spell book in her bag and picked up the amulet. The amulet was a snake consuming its own tail. It twisted around itself and into infinity. She put it in her bag along with the book and picked up the robe. Instantly she could see that there was something strange about it. Her eyes seems to slide off of the robe, like she couldn't directly focus on it.
“Interesting.”, Marinae thought to herself.
Weamar looked around the lab for anything else interesting. All of the bottles had been shattered. There were a few intact books but they all looked full of complex chemical formulae. Weamar couldn’t make heads or tails of them. He kept looking around. On one wall he noticed something odd about one of the scorch marks. It was in the shape of a person.
"Look at this.", he said to Marinae.
Eliza slid back up Lynn's body. She smiled and whispered, "My jaw was getting tired."
Eliza rubbed her thigh against Lynn, soaking her soft robe. Lynn came out of her state of bliss just enough to kiss Eliza. She opened her mouth and kissed her slowly and deeply. Eliza returned the kiss, moving her whole body rhythmically. Lynn flowed with Eliza's rhythm, and put herself completely into her kiss. Lynn wanted to pull Eliza inside of her so that they could be together forever. Eliza shuddered as an orgasm overtook her. She continued to move back and forth with her lips never leaving Lynn's. Gently Lynn rocked and kissed Eliza and pushed her thigh deeper between Eliza's legs. Feeling Eliza in ecstasy filled Lynn with a sensation of warmth and joy. Lynn wanted Eliza to feel the same pleasure that she had given her.
Eliza rocked her hips forward and backward. Then she felt the wetness of her robe against her skin. She broke the kiss and giggled. "I'm going to need a new robe."
Lynn moved her hands over Eliza's robe and then lifted them underneath it. Eliza gasped as Lynn touched her bare skin.
"Oh, Lynn." Eliza whispered as she nuzzled Lynn's neck.
Lynn caressed Eliza's soft body. She felt Eliza's tender lips on her neck and realized that the only thing that she wanted to do was to bring her pleasure.
"Eliza.", she whispered back.
Lynn put two fingers into Eliza and kissed her neck and shoulders. Eliza pressed down hard against Lynn's hand and moaned into her neck. She gripped the sheets fiercely. Then she sat up a little, supporting herself with her arms to either side of Lynn. She threw her head back and closed her eyes. Lynn slid her body down, kissing Eliza as she went, until her head was underneath Eliza's hips. Then she put her mouth over Eliza's clitoris and began to lick it and suck it. Eliza's breathing became terribly erratic. She kept her eyes closed tightly while she rocked. Lynn gave her as much pleasure as she was able and dropped into another state of bliss. She felt what Eliza was feeling and rocked as she rocked. A whimper escaped Eliza's lips just before her body was wracked with a powerful orgasm. She rolled to the side and collapsed onto her back. Lynn slid back up to her and took her in her arms.
"I love you, Eliza.", Lynn whispered.
Eliza smiled and touched Lynn's lips.
"I...", Eliza struggled with the words for a moment, then she let go, "I love you, Lynn."
Weamar studied the scorch mark. It looked as though someone had been blasted into the wall. Weamar was disgusted. The soot on the wall seemed to be all that remained of them. The scorch mark came out from the wall to the middle of the room, as though the blast that caused it originated in the center of the room. Cujia moved back into the stairway. She didn't like the smell.
"Doesn't look like there's anything more to be learnt here.”, Weamar said as he began to feel uncomfortable with being underground again, “We may as well be on our way, I think."
Marinae agreed. She scooped up the journal and tried to stuff it into her bag but it wouldn’t fit. She pulled out the cloak and squeezed the journal in.
"Think I should wear it all out?", she asked Weamar.
"Well, the cloak would hide the other things you’re carrying.", Weamar began, "But the cloak itself might draw attention.”
“Let's see, then.”, Marinae said, eager to try out her new toy.
Weamar watched Marinae don the robe. Slowly it became difficult for him to keep looking at her. He just couldn't seem to maintain focus. His eyes wanted to look everywhere but at the robe.
"I'll close my eyes for a minute.”, Weamar said, “Move around the room a bit, and then stop still"
Marinae did so while Weamar listened carefully. He could hear her every step she took no matter how careful she tip-toed through the broken glass. Then Weamar heard her stop. He opened his eyes. Marinae was nowhere to be seen. Marinae watched Weamar searching in vain. Then she peeled back the hood with a smile on her face.
"Cute. I couldn't see you, but I could hear you moving around.", Weamar told her, “The cloak doesn't stop sound escaping."
Weamar started looking at the floor near where Marinae was standing. He could easily see where glass had been disturbed, revealing her path.
"Nor does it hide footprints and similar indicators of passage.", Weamar pointed to Marinae’s trail. "So, even invisible, you're going to have to be careful."
"It would seem so.", Marinae said amusedly, "As long as I don't have to move through rooms of broken glass."
Lynn held Eliza and kissed her. She knew that the awful feelings would return soon, and so she tried to enjoy the moment as much as she could. She watched as Eliza fell asleep in her arms. Eliza was more relaxed than she had been in days. Lynn held her and tried to sleep but sleep wouldn't come. Slowly the warm feeling went away and the gloom returned, but it was easier for her to face now. With Eliza in her arms she felt as if she could rise above whatever was going to happen next.
After a short while Eliza woke up. "Lynn? What happens now?"
"Fate will decide.", Lynn whispered.
Eliza didn't seem comforted by Lynn’s words, "I wish we could stay like this."
"Yes.", Lynn replied. She began to sing a quiet love song.
Eliza listened to Lynn’s beautiful voice. When she finished Eliza confessed, "This was the first time I... Well, I've never done anything like this with anyone."
Lynn smiled, "It won't be the last."
Eliza giggled and squeezed Lynn, "I was hoping you'd say something like that."
"There are more things that I want to show you.", Lynn said provocatively.
Lynn looked down at the dingy bed sheets and her muddy clothes. Quickly her mood changed, "I need to clean up.", she said getting out of bed.
Eliza was jolted by the sudden change of tone. She sat up, looking at Lynn quizzically. Lynn bustled over to her things and made a bundle of stuff that needed cleaning. She looked for something else to wear and pulled out her black dress. Eliza watched Lynn's every movement with a little smile on her face.
Lynn started to put it on and then said, "I'd bet that you'd look great in this."
"I don't know.", Eliza said reluctantly. She’d never wore anything like it before.
"Try it on.", Lynn said holding the dress out, "It will go great with your dark hair and light skin."
Eliza hesitantly stood up. She removed her amulet and set it on the table. With a blush she pulled her robe over her head, revealing a cotton slip.
Lynn looked Eliza up and down, "You’re beautiful."
Eliza's pale skin flushed pink. "Thank you. Umm, should I just put it on over this?"
“Yes.”, Lynn watched her with a smile on her face.
Eliza slipped the black dress on and put her arms out, tilting her head to the side. "What do you think?", she asked.
Lynn looked Eliza up and down. She looked completely different in the black dress than she did in her frumpy priestess’ robe. The dress hugged her curves and revealed her bust line. She looked stunning.
“Wow. You look gorgeous in that.", Lynn said with a smile.
Lynn got out her white gown and put it on. "Let's go get cleaned up.", she said.
Lynn scooped up all of her stuff and headed out to the bath house. Eliza smiled, grabbed her amulet and her robe and followed. Quite a few of the remaining patrons in the Inn took notice of the two beautiful women walking through the Inn in their evening wear. Lynn was used to it, but for Eliza it was something new. Soon they were outside in the bath house. Lynn showered and washed her clothes, making sure that her katana was close to her. Eliza did the same, but she was having a terrible time trying to concentrate on anything other than Lynn. When they finished Lynn took Eliza in her arms and gave her another long tender kiss.
“I love you Eliza.”, Lynn said softly.
Eliza was lost on cloud nine for a moment, then she thought about Weamar and Marinae, "I guess we should find the others.", she said after Lynn finally released her.
At first Lynn thought, "what others?", then her mind was pulled back to reality.
"Yes.", Lynn said, then her mood changed again, "Is there a chocolatier in town?"
"Maybe.”, Eliza answered, “It isn't common in Borca but there are merchants from all over the place in the market."
"Let's go look.", Lynn said, "Oh, but we should switch gowns. You'd look good in white too."
Eliza and Lynn changed dresses. Lynn could hide her katana under the black dress. She smiled at Eliza as she did so. "Just in case.", she said.
"With the way things have gone so far, I feel safer when you do have it.", Eliza replied.
Lynn put on her blindfold and pulled the dark hood over her face. Although her black dress looked like an evening gown, it had other uses as well. As they walked through the streets Lynn and Eliza drew all sorts of attention. Cat calls and whistles sounded their entire way. Eliza was terribly embarrassed and she clung to Lynn's arm. Lynn ignored all the attention she was getting. She felt as if she would never need anyone else but Eliza.
Walking through the unruly crowd Lynn whispered to Eliza, "They think that you're beautiful."
"I do too.", she added.
Eliza smiled and squeezed Lynn's hand. "Thank you."
Weamar and Marinae managed to slip out of the window of the alchemist’s shop unnoticed. Weamar put Cujia back on her lead and they headed into the main market. There were merchants of all sorts at various carts and stalls. They were both hungry and looked around for a reasonably clean looking place to eat. Marinae went back to the merchant with the Elvish produce while Weamar looked for a sausage vendor. Soon they had acquired as much food as they wanted, and which tasted quite good as well. Before long they noticed a mild ruckus coming down the street which stopped at one of the vendors. They could see Lynn and Eliza, with Eliza looking quite different in Lynn’s alluring white gown.
Lynn smelled for chocolate as they walked through the market. Her keen senses soon led them to a stand shaded by a heavy tarp. The table had several different types of chocolates covering it. Lynn walked in, leaned her head back and inhaled deeply.
"Mmmmmmm.", Lynn was in a state of bliss.
An elderly woman greeted them, "Well don't you two look lovely. What can I offer you today?"
"Chocolate.", Lynn said exhaling.
"That we have, dear. That we have.”, the old woman smiled, “Choose what you like, you'll find our prices are most reasonable."
Lynn moved her head over the old woman's selection, sniffing at the candies, trying to find something wonderful that she'd never had before.
"Mmmm. How much for this one?", Lynn asked the old woman.
"Oh, that's one of our best. Two silvers each."
"I'll take two bars.", Lynn said happily. She reached into her bag and pulled out four silver pieces.
Lynn immediately broke off two pieces and gave one to Eliza. The other one she put in her mouth and let it melt as she savored the taste. Eliza munched away on hers, her eyes fixed on Lynn's mouth.
"This is wonderful.", Lynn said back to the old woman.
Lynn wrapped the bars up and put them away.
Eliza tugged on Lynn's sleeve "I see the others."
"What do humans say when they're amazed?", Marinae asked Weamar.
"Varies, from a gasp to a curse, via words like 'wow'", Weamar answered.
" 'Wow' ?!”, Marinae said with a mixture of shock and delight, “Oh, my."
"More like 'WOW!'", Weamar said, his eyes opened wide.
Marinae almost choked on her food, "That has a certain, um, unfortunate meaning to my people.”, then she started laughing, “It’s an insult to a person's entire female parentage.”
"You may find it exceptionally useful, then.", Weamar grinned wryly.
Marinae laughed helplessly, "I can just see the scandal in Court. 'WOW!!, Your Highness!' "
Marinae laughed so hard that tears welled up in her eyes.
Weamar raised his eyes to the heavens, "Elves.", he muttered.
Marinae finally wound down, with occasional giggles. She looked up and saw Eliza waving to her, smiling.
Marinae waved back.
"Looks like they haven't hurt each other too badly", Marinae joked, still smiling. "Petrov's going to, how do you say it? Have dogs?"
"'Have kittens'?", Weamar offered.
"Kittens! Yes, Petrov will have kittens when he finds out.", Marinae replied.
"Petrov having kittens would be worth paying to see.", Weamar grinned.
"No doubt."
"It looks like Marinae bought some new clothes.", Eliza said to Lynn.
"What's she wearing?", Lynn answered from behind her hood and blindfold.
"It's a robe, but I can't see anything else from this far.", Eliza said shading her eyes.
Eliza took Lynn's hand and pulled her over to Weamar and Marinae. Eliza and Lynn sat down next to them and exchanged warm greetings.
Eliza pointed to Marinae’s robe, "Where did you get that?" She asked, "It's strange. Like I can't look directly at it."
"We found a place much like the house near the Inn. There was a trace of magic. The building was empty. The lab was ransacked. We found a trunk.", Marinae explained, "It held a sword, this robe, an amulet, and a book."
"Whose house was it?", Eliza asked.
“Aselid's”, Weamar answered.
"He wasn't there?", Eliza frowned and bit her lip.
"No.", Marinae replied.
"Just like William's place.", Lynn said with a hint of suspicion.
Marinae looked around to see if anyone was watching and saw too many people nearby.
"I don't want to bring it out publicly. One learns in Court that there are ears under one's table.", Marinae began, "But I found a journal. It seems that he left here almost a year ago. Yet there was the shape of a person burned into the wall of his laboratory."
Under the table Eliza reached for Lynn's hand. Lynn took it in hers.
"From the journal, he left for Dementlieu.", Marinae explained.
Marinae watched Eliza’s arm move and lowered her voice, "How will, the powers that be, take your situation?"
Eliza looked at Marinae a little confused.
Marinae looked at Eliza and nodded towards Lynn, "Will you be in danger?"
Eliza realized what Marinae was talking about. A cold feeling passed through her. She began to think about what would happen if the church officials found out. The thoughts drained Eliza's face of what little color there was.
"I want you to know, I will keep your secret.", Marinae said earnestly.
Eliza gripped Lynn's hand tightly, "Thank you. If it became public knowledge there would be problems.”
Lynn lowered her head. Weamar sat there looking utterly confused.
"Don't beat yourself up over this.", Marinae said to Lynn, then she turned back to Eliza, "You're with her, so you're with us."
Lynn squeezed Eliza's hand. She wanted to stay hopeful, but it felt like everything was falling apart. It had only just begun between her and Eliza, and now it looked as if the end was near. She wondered how long it would be before the church found out. Lynn knew that it wouldn’t take long. People talked, and people loved to talk about scandals. It was only a matter of time. Lynn feared what would happen to her when they were finally discovered, but mostly she feared what would happen to Eliza, and she doubted if she could ever forgive herself if Eliza came to harm.