The Adventurer - Spring in the Valley - Part 2

 

Winter changes to Spring, and you are comfortable with what you are doing.

You kept warm and dry for the worst parts of the year. Annie appreciates having you around, helping and teaching the kids. You even managed to save a few coins and to care for your horse, which you keep in the town stables.

But in the back of your mind you kept feeling “We need to be doing something else.”

On a warm afternoon, while you were practicing your archery, Master Tanner approached you. “Madam Swordlady,” You fire your arrow and hit the center of the target, then you turn to him, bow still in hand.

“Master Tanner. I have not seen you for a number of weeks.”

“Months is more accurate.” he responds. “The other Craftown merchants have decided it is time to return home. The weather is good, we have made a tidy profit, and the roads through the Great Forest are clear. Can we hire you for the trip home?”

“According to what travelers have been saying in Annie’s, there has been little bandit activity. I think if you travel as a group, you will be safe. Craftown is not my home, so I have no reason to return there.”

With that, you draw another arrow and shoot it next to the first.

He takes off his cap and bows a bit. “Thank you for your time, Madam Swordlady.” then turns and leaves.

You continued target practice, then do a few sword drills. But in the back of your mind you keep thinking “Why shouldn’t I leave? But who will protect Annie and the kids? This is a quiet town, do they really need protecting? Am I lazy? Is this too easy of a job to leave?”

The late Spring sun was warm on your skin as you finish. Sweat streams down your body as you unstring your bow and sheathe your sword. You reach into your tunic and pull out the small star. Gripping it you think. “I wish you were here. We only were together for a short time but I felt more alive with you.” Tucking it back in your tunic. “And if wishes were fishes, I would never go hungry.” you say aloud. You head for the stables to care and feed your horse. “Maybe we should just ride around the edge of the valley, from time to time.” you say as you brush him.

That night you dream of being with the elves. Moving through the Great Forest, then stopping and resting. As you rest in the dream, Aladan’s hand caresses your skin. You reach under his cod piece and play with his hardening shaft. “Ride me Milady Scout.” he whispers and kisses you. You feel his hardness as you lower yourself on him. Rocking back and forth, taking him deeper and harder. He reaches up and grips your nipples, pulling them firmly. You can feel him thrusting under you. The wave of pleasure moves through you, and you wake alone in your small bed. The star on your chest is warm and glowing in the dim morning light. “Thank you Milady Scout” echoes through your mind. Your nipples are still hard, and you feel wet and raw between your legs. Taking a wash rag and the basin near your bed you slowly clean yourself. Annie’s Public House has a large bathing tub, but it takes time to heat and fill, so for now you just want to wash away the night.

During the day, as you help you, you feel a little distracted. “Has it really been months since you came here? The last time you enjoyed the pleasure of another was when you were with the elves. Is that what caused the strange dream?” you think to yourself.

Lee helps you carry in the day’s firewood. “Mistress Peacekeeper. are you okay?” he asks.

“I am. Though a little distracted.” you answer truthfully.

“Why is that?” His eyes look so innocent and curious.

“Just a dream I had. I keep thinking about it.”

“Was it a bad dream?”

You smile softly and shake your head. “No it was a very good dream. Do you feel like sparing a bit? Maybe that will help me focus?”

He smiles and goes to get the wooden practice swords. When the children showed an interest, you had a local wood carver make a few practice swords. They are a little thicker and heavier than most swords, but you know that will help build and maintain the muscles needed when using a metal blade. That, and if the kids need to defend themselves, these could hit hard enough to cause blunt wounds or even break bones.

Both Mary and Lee showed respect and enthusiasm when learning the basic blade forms. They are good. Not as good as professionals, but better than most their age.

Lee hands you yours, and you both start off with the warmup exercises.

He focuses on trying to match your moves. The first series is done slowly, then you do a second one faster, with a third one done at dueling speed. He is sweating harder than you showing you how hard he is working.

“Good. Are you ready to spar?” you ask as you wipe sweat away with the sleeve of your shirt. He does the same thing. “Ya, I’m ready.” he says and takes a two-handed defensive stance.

You do a light one-handed thrust which he parries, then you continue the movement around to strike on his other side. He quickly blocks it. You step in to strike with the pommel but he moves his blade almost hitting your hand.

“Good job,” you compliment as you step back.

He then tries a low strike, towards your leg, but you block it, pushing it away and thrusting at his middle. He tries to move back but you score a light tap.

“Good try. Keep going.” He backs up and takes a defensive pose again.

The two of you continue this for a while, working up a sweat again.

You stop and drink from a waterskin then hand it to him.

“You are improving. You almost struck me a couple of times, and all of my strikes on you, you either almost blocked or dodged. At this pace, by the time you are an adult, you will be able to protect yourself and your family from most bandits and troublemakers.”

He gasps as he takes a deep drink of water. “But won’t you be here to save us?”

Taking the skin back from him and drinking again, you shake your head. “Maybe not. I like your family but I think I need to travel again. I spent years as a soldier and scout, and I feel a little restless.”

He sets down his practice sword and hugs you. “I don’t want ya’ to leave. An’ Ma likes you too.” 

You place your hand on his damp hair to soothe him. “I will stay for as long as I can.”

The trees and plants in the valley were blooming. The children were excited. “Soon it will be the Blossom Festival.”

In preparation for the festival, the town hung banners and pennants. Cloth flowers decorated doors and windows.

You even had a couple of the men approach you, “Bein’ you is a maiden an’ all, would ya’ be wif me at the festival?” You turn them down but thank them for the offer.

Annie told you that Elves do show up for the festival sometimes, and that you shouldn’t lose hope of seeing your friends again.

As it got closer to time for the festival, and more and more traveling merchants arrive. Parking wagons and setting up stalls at the end of Merchant’s Row. You also notice that your star glows at night. You dream of Aladan, Malwen, and Caranar.

Sometimes the dreams are of just one of them but not always. Tonight you feel them in your room. Aladan is softly kissing your mouth, as Malwen caresses your breasts and sucks your nipples. You feel a mouth and tongue between your legs, which has to belong to Caranar. “You cannot really be here?” you say. “We are always with you, just as you are always with us.” they say together. Warm lips press against yours. Soft hands caress your body all over. You open your mouth and taste Malwen’s warm quaynt as she rides your face. Your legs are spread wider as you feel a hard cock thrust into you. You hear sucking noises, and moans as each one is giving and receiving pleasure.

You are about to orgasm and feel each one withdraw from you. Light, soft lips kiss yours once again. “We will see you again soon, Milady Scout.” They say together.

You wake in your bed, excited and a little frustrated that you had not reached your climax. Still lying on your bed your use your fingers, imagining that they belonged to your elf friends. You thrust into yourself harder, biting your lower lip to stifle your moans, but soon you are moaning openly in pleasure, as you tighten your thigh around your hand and orgasm.

Knock-Knock. “Are you sick?” you hear a small voice at the door.

“Leave her be. She ain’t sick. Give her time, an’ she’ll be out to help.” you hear Annie tell the child.

You must have spent more time enjoying yourself than you thought. The star on your chest was warm and bright in the dark room. You wash and dress. There are cloth flowers on all of the tables and streamers hanging from the ceiling.

The kids had been busy. “Tonight the festival officially starts.” Mary tells you as she puts out more cloth flowers. Her hair is decorated with them too.

You walk into the kitchen and Annie is making breakfast in the big iron pan.“Ya’ sounded like you was busy this morn, so I let ya’ be.” She says with a wink and a smile. 

“I apologize for being loud.” you say as you fill your mug from a flagon of cider.

“Ya’ never mind ‘bout that. I understands. Its been a few years since me Bruce died in th’ Forest while hunting. There’s nights when I gets rid of th’ loneliness, once the kids are ‘sleep. Can’t take no man here, or they’d want what’s mine. So I do meself as I needs.”

She puts a fried egg on a plate for you. “You don’t have to get pleasure from a man. Many a woman has given and received from another woman.” you remind her.

She fries a piece of ham for you. “Ooo I knows that. I ain’t found one tha’ I wanted nor wanted me.” You nod at hearing that. The kitchen smells so good as you eat your ham and egg.

“Tell me more about the Blossom Festival.” you say finishing your plate.

“It lasts for th’ week. Tonight will be a bonfire of th’ ol’ dead wood. Couples will dance and sing around it. Those who lost can throw a token on th’ fire t’ remember ‘em.” She points to a dried branch with the name Bruce carved into it. “At th’ rise of ‘morrow’s sun. The youn’ins’ will cheer an’ gather flowers from th’ field. Then march down th’ main street showing what they picked. Merchants can then open their stores an’ stalls an’ th’ celebration has truly begun.” You nod and finish your mug.

You spend the rest of the day, helping prepare the public house.

Later, you walk around the town. There are cloth flowers and ribbon everywhere, though most shops are closed. Continuing on down the Merchant’s Row, you see a few familiar faces. Some of the teamsters and merchants from Craftown. They unpack their wagons and set up their stalls. “When you traveled through the Great Forest, did you have any problems?” you ask.

“Nay, Swordlady. We did not encounter anything.” one of them answered.

“Did you see any sign of Rangers or Elves?”

He shakes his head, “Nay, but we did not have a skilled tracker such as you. We only traveled with men at arms.”

“Thank you kindly.” you say as you continue walking the Row, back towards other end of town where the wood for the bonfire is already stacked. Large barrels of water and buckets are stationed close by. You nod and smile at the wise precaution.

Walking back to Annie’s, you stop and look to the Great Forest Road. “I wish you were here my friends.” you say in a low tone.

Then as if in answer to your call, you see a large group of elves emerge from the forest and onto the road. They had moved so silently, that when they appear on the road, it is almost as if by magic.

Before entering town, they stop, organize, and their leader says something in Elvish that you can’t quite make out. Then the separate into small groups and enter the town. You pull the star from under your tunic and rest it openly on it. The elves who see, nod and give a wave of friendship. You do the same, waiting to see any of your friends.

Then, pulling back the hood of her cloak, Malwen walks directly up to you, hugging you tightly. “Milady Scout. You came to greet us. Hazzah!”

Tears fill your eyes as you feel the joy of seeing her, and hug her fiercely. “I did not know if you were coming. I only hoped…”

“But we said in your dreams, we were coming to see you and join the Festival.” she says in a slightly puzzled tone.

“Did Aladan, not explain how the Elf Star works?”

“No. He said it was the symbol of your people.” you reply.

“I did not know if we would be able to use it, so I neglected to tell her.” He says walking up behind you, with Caranar next to him.

“Scouts.” she says in an irritated tone, then looks deeply into your eyes.

“It is an Elf Star. Yes we all wear them, but they allow us to communicate through dreams. We rarely sleep as you do, but we can alter our habits if we know we want to contact you and enter a dream state of our own. It is a bit of mage craft. Useful when separated by great distances.”

“So that is why it only happened sometimes.” you say with understanding.

The three of them nod. You hug Aladan and Caranar, then the four of you walk back to Annie’s.

They explain that they at first only entered the dreaming one at a time, to see how you responded, and then did more as the connection grew stronger, including your feelings for each other. You spend the afternoon talking, eating, and drinking. Annie and the kids are happy to see you so happy spending time with your friends. They pay for a large room for the entire duration of the Festival. Canadar offers to help Annie in the kitchen, teaching her some elvish recipes. Malwen points out that his skill as a “trail cook” is unsurpassed among her group, which is part of why she stays with him, she jokes.

As the sun descends, the bonfire is lit. Everyone, town folk and travelers, gather around it. The locals start singing a few traditional songs about the end of winter and beginning of spring. Songs of sorrow of passing and joy of new hope. During one song, Annie throws her stick into the fire. You see tears in her eyes reflecting the flames.

After a few moments of silence, the elves start singing. The words are unfamiliar, but the tune is easy to follow. Everyone hums along until the elves switch to common language, and people sing along. It is a song of never dying blossoms and eternal green. The tune is happy but with a serious tone too. When it ends, everyone applauds.

Some of other travelers begin another song about spring and hope. After a while people are dancing too. Holding hands and dancing around the fire, first one way and then the next. You loose track of how long this goes on. Slowly you notice folks leaving. Those with children first and then couples. You and your friends return to Annie’s, walking hand in hand in hand. The Elf Star each of you wears glows faintly in the darkness. You accompany them to their room and do in-person what you have done so many times in your dreams. Feeling them and tasting them is so much more vivid than in your dreams which you thought were already intense. They laid out their bedrolls in the middle of the room and you all hugged, kissed, licked, sucked, thrusted, and rode each other until you were all satisfied and exhausted.

Waking up on the floor in a tangle of arms and legs, you try to get up without disturbing them, only to discover they were lying there, watching you sleep. You kiss each of them “Good Morning. If you were already awake, why didn’t you get up?” you ask quietly.

“We did not want to awaken you.” Aladan says.

Then you understand, “Because elves do not sleep as humans do. Okay. Shall we get up, have breakfast, and enjoy the first day of the Festival?” They all nod, get up, use the wash basins in the room, then dress. It always amazes you how graceful they move, especially since you are feeling a little sore from such an enthusiastic and vigorous night.

Once you are all down the kitchen for breakfast, the children have returned and hand each of you a small bundle of wildflowers. You and Malwen place them in each other’s hair. Annie looks at all of you and smiles. “Tis a gran’ way to start th’ Festival.”

You smile back at her and the children, “Yes it is.”

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The Adventurer - Spring in the Valley - Part 1

 

You arrived with the trade caravan in time for the Mid-Winter Festival. The weather in the valley was comfortable compared to the winter storms that raged around the mountains.

The bag of coins you earned was enough to get you space in a nice public house, and to afford food and drink for a while. You wanted to enjoy the Festival and maybe find some companionship. At first you continued to enjoy being with Aladan, Caranar, and Malwen. Elves approach to making love is different than those of humans.

While with them, you never sensed any jealousy or competition. Only a desire to share themselves with you and to have you share yourself with them.

The first night of the Festival, Aladan, Caranar, and Malwen had you join them to be their fourth for dancing, eating, and drinking. Later, you asked Aladan if he minded you dancing with the others. He smiled, kissed you softly and reminded you that they each offered only what they were willing to share. If you were not comfortable sharing, they would understand and go elsewhere. You then reminded him that you accepted their offer in the spirit in which it was given.

By the end of the fourth night, you not only shared your body with each of them, but you also learned some of what pleasured each one. So, by the end of the week, when you asked if all four of you could share each other together, they happily smiled and hugged.

You knew you enjoyed watching Malwen sucking and being entered by both Aladan and her mate Caranar, but you never thought that you would get just as much enjoyment watching Caranar and Aladan giving pleasure to each other. Watching their thin bodies move against each other, and their long flowing hair was something exciting to see. Especially as you were pleasuring Malwen at the same time.

You lost track of the days and nights with the elves.

Then the Festival ended. You found that Master Tanner and the rest of the Craftown caravan were going to stay until Spring, when the roads and passes would be easier to travel. The elves were leaving. Aladan came to you, “Milady Scout, we need to return home now. The Festival is over. Human towns are welcoming places during festivals, but when the celebrations end, their fears and prejudices return to the surface.”

You kissed and hugged him. “I understand. I wish could accompany you, but I will wait until the men of Craftown, leave, so I can protect them again.”

As a parting gift, he handed you a small metal star on a length of cord. “This is an Elf Star, the symbol of our people. If you encounter others of my kind, show it to them and they will know that you are a friend.”

You placed it around your neck and under your tunic. “Thank you. I graciously accept your token. I hope I encounter you and your people often.”

After hugging you again, he grabbed his pack, joined his friends, and you watched them leave the valley.

The first night afterwards, was not as empty as you thought.

Even though you slept alone, you dreamed of the elf band moving silently through the snowy woods, feeling the cold and the wet as they traveled.

In the morning you woke, warm and dry, but still felt as if you had been traveling through the wild country.

The next evening you are sitting in the common room of the public house, sipping a mug of ale and eating a bowl of stew, when you hear a drunken man loudly telling his tablemates, “Yeh, she was the one wif all o’ them Pooftas.”

There are half a dozen of them, drunk and laughing. “I wonder if they fucked her or if she fucked them?” At that point they are all making rude gestures and comments about a woman thrusting into a bent over man.

You try to ignore it, but they are getting louder and more drunk. Shaking your head, walk over to the large keg and ask the Mistress of the house, in your most formal and polite tone, “Madam, do you have a peacekeeper for your establishment?”

“No, but theres times whens I wish I did, ‘speclly whens thems local boys gets rowdy.”

You slowly nod. “Do I have your permission to eject these men from your establishment?” you ask with a sad smile.

“Ooo that would be a kindness, ‘specially If you can do it wifout breaking thin’s.” she says.

You nod as you pick up a large bung starter and walk to their table. The heavy wooden mallet is well used and smooth to the touch as you carry it.

“Aww Here she comes now.” one says in a mock scared tone.

“Comes or cums.” another responds laughing into his tankard.

You hold the bung starter in your hand, slowly smacking its head into your other hand. “Good Sirs, the Mistress of the House has informed me that it is time that you left for the night.”

The loudest one looks at the mallet in your hand and asks, “Did ya’ use that to bugger the pooftas?”

“Aw bet she did.” another responds.

You sigh for a moment and ask nicely once more. “Good sirs. Will you kindly get up from your table and leave for the night? Or do I need to assist you?”

“What if we’re no’ done yet?” he asks.

“If you do not leave nicely, then I am empowered to assist you.”

You pound the large mallet on the thick wooden table. It echoes through the room.

The shock of your strike has a couple of them up and running to the door. But of course, the loudest of them has to show his bravery against you. You know how this ends. You have handled too many drunks.

“You fink that just because was wif them pooftas, that you is somefing special. I’m gonna show you what a real man can do.”

He tries to hit you with his tankard, but you anticipated it, smacking it out of his hand with the bung starter. Then you jab him hard in the midsection causing him to double over. You feel the solid thump of wood against flesh with your thrust, as you force all the air out of his lungs.

There are footsteps behind you, moving fast. Turning you hit another one on the side of the head, knocking him to the floor.

All of the others scattered. You place the large mallet on the table, grab each man by their neck and hold them.

“You need to apologize the Mistress of the house for being loud and rude. And I do not appreciate you referring to my friends with slurs. In the future, you will refer those who are not human with proper terms. If I hear you using terms such as “pooftas,” “stunties”, or the like, I will use lye soap and a wash rag to clean the dirty words from your mouth. Do you understand?”

Continuing to hold each one by the throat you drag them to the Mistress of the house. “What do you wish to say to her?” you ask as you release them and they are on their knees.

“Mistress, we is sorry, tha’ we was rude an’ loud.” the one said.

“Yes Ma’am, won’t do it again.” said the other still holding his head.

She smiles at you. “Ok. You boys go home. Do better, an’ you can come back.”

They get up and leave. You place the bung starter against the large keg.

“Was that good enough for you?” you ask

She nods and hands you a wash rag. “Tha’ was fine. Clean up th’ table, and ya’ has a job if ya’ wants it.”

“I have worked as a peacekeeper before. What are you offering?” you ask

“Ya can stay wifout havin’ to pay. Durin’ th’ day, I can use a hand in th’ kitchen, settin’ up th’ common room. Durin’ mealtimes, ya’ sit by th’ keg and keep th’ peace. Meals will be free, if ya’ help me make ’em. Ale or stronger ya’ got to pay for, but cider an’ water are free. If ya’ brake anyfing, ya’ pay to replace it. At end of th’ week, I pay ya’ a coin from th’ profits.” she says holding out her hand. “I’m Annie”

Thinking it over, it seems like a good deal. Your pack is already here, and you could use a warm job during the rest of winter.

“If I agree, can I move from the large, shared room I was in, to a smaller private room? And if I want to leave and return to guarding travelers and merchants, will you have a hold against me?” You ask, waiting to take her hand.

“That seems fair. Festival ended and we has empty rooms. Pick a smaller one, and it’s yours. An’ time comes, ya’ want back on th’ road. Ya’ be free an’ clear.”

You shake her hand as you both smile broadly. “It’s a deal.”

Taking the rag over to the table, you wipe it clean, gather the plates and mugs, and throw them into the wash tub. Your own tankard is still half full, but your stew is cold. “Can I get more stew?” you ask, moving your bowl and mug to the small table near the keg.

“Ya’ can serve ya’ self. Th’ pot ’s on the stove.” she says.

Emptying your tankard, you carry both into the kitchen. A large iron pot is sitting on a large stone and iron stove. The heat from it fills the room. You ladle some stew into your bowl, then look for the cellar door. As you open it, you feel to cold air through your leather leggings. There is a keg for cider that is already tapped and you fill your mug. There is also a barrel of winter apples. You grab one. The last fruit you had that wasn’t dried or sugared was from Aladan when he shared elvish travel rations.

Once you are seated back in the common room, you look around as you finish your meal. The few guests in the room are just talking amongst themselves and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Once the room is emptied for the night, you help lock up. Annie shows you a small room that is near the kitchen and on the ground floor. “These was th’ scullery’s room, when we had one. I fink you’ll like it. Its warm in th’ winter because of th’ kitchen, near th’ lower privy, an’ you can react if we gets trouble in th’ night.”

You look it over. It’s small but comfortable. It is far better than life on the road, this time of year. “I will take it. Do you have a scullery? I had not noticed one.”

She nods “Me kids helps out. Me girl an’ boy. I sents ’em off to bed for now. I’ll introduce ya’ in the morn.”

You yawn and stretch. It has been a busy evening and you are tired. After moving your items to the small room, you check the locks, make sure the coals are banked in both the fireplace and stove, then set a bucket of water near the fireplace as a precaution.

Your sleep is light but good. That same kind of sleep you used to get while on patrol. Eventually you will fall into more restful patterns.

Annie’s children are young but helpful, probably seen 10 or 12 years each. The boy, Lee, appeared to be younger than the girl, Mary, but it was hard to tell. They both look like younger versions of their mother.

To help earn your keep and maintain your skills, you chop firewood daily. The children are amazed how you split logs with a single blow. You show them that it isn’t arm strength alone, but leverage and movement of your body.

“Axe calluses are the same as sword calluses. Never forget that.” you remember the master of arms teaching you when you were a recruit. “Never let your hands get soft, you never know when you’ll need to fight.” You show them how to best wield the axe, a staff, a sword, and shoot a bow. They quickly improve with your lessons.

Apparently, the word went out that you were the peacekeeper for Annie’s Public House.

Most of the time things are quiet. Once the weather outside of the valley moderated a bit, travelers arrive more often. Veterans recognize you as one of their own, and nod or throw you a coin from time to time. Even wearing only your scout leathers and tunic, you still look like a soldier.

No, the troublemakers are typically younger men who try to prove their manhood. Especially after a few pints.

They see you, in your shapely leathers, looking attractive without trying to. Others notice Mary, wearing a comfortable dress, serving and cleaning up, as Lee helps her.

Some men try to proposition you or Mary, which you kindly refuse and remind them that Mary is Annie’s child and under your protection.

Sometimes someone tries to grab you, Mary, or even Lee. But using either a quarter staff or the bung starter, you are able to knock them down and put them out the door with minimal damage to furniture or disturbance to the other patrons.

(Come back for Part 2. If you enjoyed this; Clap, Highlight, and Comment. I you really enjoy my writings, Follow and Subscribe.)

The Adventurer - Traveling to the Winter Festival - Part 2

 

After a few minutes, the music and noises of the camp are loud and clear. You yell, “I am coming back into the camp, and I brought guests.”

The music and movement stop for a minute as you step from the deer path into the meadow lit by the cookfires and the elf’s magic sphere. “Master Tanner, we have a group of elves who are also traveling to the Valley for the Festival. They wish…”

The one carrying the orb steps forward, “We wish to get some water at the well, rest for the night, and would enjoy sharing your fires. We have wine and food, which we are willing to share.”

Master Tanner stands up and extends his hand in a sign of peace and friendship. The Elf grips him by the forearm in a manner very familiar to you and they exchange greetings.

The Elves introduce themselves as Aladan, Caranar, Malwen, Tathar, and Kalglin, who is the one with the light orb. They quickly move to the well and refill their water skins.

Aladan, the one who you first encountered on the trail, sits by one of the firepits, opens his pack and pulls out a wineskin and package of travel rations. “Scout, Will you share food and drink with me?” he asks. You recognize immediately his offer as a sign of respect between peers. If you had any alcohol, you would have made a similar offer.

“Of course.” You say as you set your bow, and your sword next to your pack and saddle, then sit down near him. You notice that Kalglin is moving around the edge of the meadow and setting wards. “Is Kalglin a mage?” you ask Aladan.

“Of course.” he responds as he fills a small copper kettle from his waterskin and sets it over the fire. 

“Why is he setting wards for the night? Isn’t it better to just post guards?” you ask as you keep watching him.

“Have you worked with mages before, Milady Scout?”

“Not in a group this small. Only battlemages when I was in the Queen’s Army.”

He takes the kettle from the fire and pours some hot water into small wooden bowl and adds a dried fruit cake. The smell from the bowl is like sweet oatmeal with fruit. He stirs it with a wooden spoon. “Have you had elvish travel rations?”

You shake your head, “No, but I accept what you offer in the spirit in which it is given.” Remembering to use the universal code phrases that scouts and soldiers use when encountering other races. Upon hearing your response, he smiles and hands you the bowl,

“As a fellow traveler, I offer you food and drink that you may rest and be at peace.”

You take the bowl “May I borrow your spoon? Mine is packed up in my kit.” He nods and smiles again.

“Milady Scout, how long were you with the Queen’s Guards? Were you part of the Diplomatic Corps?” You take his spoon, shaking your head.

At that moment you hear Kalglin claps his hands over his head, and a glowing dome covers the entire meadow. “Master Tanner, all in the meadow are now protected for the night. Nothing can enter nor exit without our consent.” He announces.

All of the elves cheer and visibly relax. You notice that Caranar and Malwen kiss and strip off their leather armor. Tathar is offering elvish wine to Master Tanner, and apparently asking what kind of leather goods he sells.

You take a spoonful of the elvish rations. It tastes like freshly made oatmeal with honey and various types of berries. The berries taste fresh, but you know they were dried before he added the water. “Mmmmm that is much better than my travel stew. Dried meat added to whatever root vegetables I brought with me. How is the fruit fresh?”

He smiles and offers his wineskin. “That is all part of Fae preparation. I am but a soldier and not a cook so I really do not know how they are made, only how to prepare and eat them. You said you had not been one of the Queen’s Guards, yet you know the diplomatic phrases? Why is that?” 

You sip the wine. It tastes sweeter than you normally drink but it is good. “I was simply a soldier. But I paid attention and learned whatever I thought would be of use. There are times, when as a sword-for-hire, diplomacy is the preferred answer.” As you hand the wineskin back to him along with the bowl and spoon. He takes a bite of the oatmeal and a sip of wine.

This goes on for a while. The members of the camp enjoying and sharing what they have. A couple of the teamsters had some bottles of whiskey, which they shared in exchange for elvish wine. A couple of merchants even opened their travel trunks and sold a few items to the elves. Mostly leather good and copper or tin utensils.

Soon Tathar starts playing a flute, and one of the teamsters joins with his guitar. Another starts beating rhythm on a hand drum. Music fills the meadow. Caranar and Malwen dance enthusiastically, and have merchants and teamsters join them.

“Would you like to dance, Milady Scout?” Aladan asks as he stands and extends his hand. “I would love to” you say. You feel the music moving through you as you dance.

The tempos of the songs change from joyous reels to something you aren’t familiar with. You see the elves rub their bodies against their dance partners. Malwen grabs a merchant and is sandwiched between him and Caranar. You are a little surprised when she kisses each of them and then Caranar kisses them both. But it all seems to go well with the music. Aladan holds you and slowly caresses your body. Even through your thick leathers, you can feel his hands. You caress him in turn, moving your hands up and down his body in rhythm with the music. The music drops off but the people are still moving. You have an uncontrollable urge to kiss Aladan, so you do, deeply. He holds you tightly. “This feels so good.” You think. He releases you and unties his shirt.

You had always heard that elves had bare chests but you are happily surprised to see that it’s true. You notice that Tathar is stripping off her clothing, as are the two musicians. You lost track of Kalglin, but for the moment you just feel sexual desire building, and you lick Aladan’s pale nipples. “Mmmm” he moans as he continues unlacing his pants. 

“Yes, I want his cod.” You think. “Wait! Why am I so filled with desire? Is there a spell? Did they trick us with the wine?” You stop and hold Aladan still for a moment. “I want you, but this doesn’t feel normal. It is a spell?”

He nods and kisses you deeply. “It is a spell of friendship and desire. It is part of the protection dome, that Kalglin placed. It prevents negative thoughts and feelings and, aided by music and drink, brings out sexual desires. It is how we express our close bonds of friendship. Please accept it for what it is and don’t fight against it.”

He removes his pants and you see his hardening member. It looks strange to not have pubic hair around it, but you have a strong desire to suck it.

You hear some moans from around the meadow. Malwen is sucking her merchant’s hard hairy piece, as Caranar is licking her ass. It looks so sexy and turns you on more.

You take a moment and remove your travel leathers. You get on your knees and notice that the hard brown winter grass is now soft and warm as if in late spring. Grabbing Aladan’s smooth firm shaft you slowly stoke it. The foreskin slides back and forth, exposing a pale pink tip. You lick it. The flavor reminds you of the wine. Not that it tastes like elf wine, but there is a smell and flavor that reminds you of it. You lick around the tip and then slowly lick up and down the shaft. You continue to stroke it as you take it into your mouth. It feels good as he places his hands on your head. As you suck him, your quaynt tingles with anticipation. “Have you ever been ridden by a woman?” you ask.

“What do you mean, Milady Scout?” You smile wickedly at him, stand up and playfully trip him so he is on his back. Grabbing his wrists and holding them firmly against the ground, you slowly lower yourself onto is hard cock. “Oh.” He says “Yes, woman on top, we call it. Yes, please ‘Ride Me’.” Using as much control as you can, you slowly rub your wet nether lips along his pillicock as it lies on his flat stomach. Going back and forth, teasing both him and yourself. You feel such sexual drive and desire growing in you.

Releasing one hand, you position yourself and feed his tip inside of you. Slowly moving down and up, you take him deeper into your wet cunt. Once he is fully in, you ride him in the same back and forth motion you used in the saddle earlier today. You rock back and forth harder and faster. “Oh yes, Milady. Ride me. Your wet quim feels so good on me.” He says as he reaches up and firmly pulls your nipples. That additional feeling is what you needed. You feel your orgasm building within you. “Oh Yes” you hear him say under you. Clamping your thighs tightly around him your cunt pulses around his hard shaft. You just realized that you are sweating a bit as you get off of him. His wet hard cock glistens in the firelight against his pale skin.

He hasn’t released his seed yet and you want to see and taste it. You grab him firmly and stroke it, one hand on the shaft as the other massages his hairless balls. After a few minutes of vigorously stroking, it feels even more slick with his juices and even harder. It spurts into the air and you lick the tip tasting his issue. It tastes similar to when you first sucked him, just sharper and more pronounced. You suck it firmly and he moans in pleasure.

You release him and he sits up. “My turn.” He says as he pushes you back and spreads your legs. His tongue licks up and down your quaynt still oozing your juices. He licks slowly at first, as if tasting you, and then hungrily devours you. His smooth, slick tongue moves faster than you imagine, and then he sucks you. You grab his head and hump his mouth in pleasure as you climax again. He licks your juices from your wet open cunt. As you release his head, you see his mouth glistening with your wetness. He kisses you and you taste yourself on his mouth, as he tastes himself on you.

The spell seems to have reached its crescendo, as you watch others finishing also. You get up, still naked and draw some water from the well. The area under the magic dome seems warmer than it was earlier. You look up and see smoke pass through the dome, but apparently heat is trapped and keeping everyone warm on this cold winter night.

The well water is still icy cold as you splash some on you and then pull a towel from your pack, to wipe and dry yourself. Aladan also goes to the well, carrying a wash rag, towel, and a small cake of soap. He quickly washes with the cold water. As you get dressed, you watch his thin but muscular body as he dries himself.

“That was enjoyable. How much of that was magic and how much was real?” you ask.

“It was all real. All the spell did was to help everyone relax and act on their desires. The energy raised by the music, dancing, and sex, strengthened the dome, and ensured that everyone will be safe all night. Speaking of which, I think we should get some sleep.” He pulls a small rolled blanket from his pack, unrolls it, and lies down.

You yawn, unroll your bedroll, use your saddle as a pillow, and close your eyes.

When you open them again, the elves are sitting in a circle having breakfast with a couple of the teamsters. You smell some bacon frying and get up.

Joining the others, you ask if you can have some bacon too, and then you check your horse and prepare to travel. Some of the others are still asleep, but others are readying the animals, and hitching up the wagons.

Kalglin stands near the well and speaks loudly, “My new friends and fellow travelers, as soon as the campfires are out, and everyone is ready, I will release the dome. You might have noticed that the air in here is warmer than what is outside of the dome. I only warn you, so you aren’t shocked by the rush of cold air.” He lights a long-stemmed pipe and quietly smokes, wearing his pack and leaning against the well.

When everyone is ready, he tamps out and empties his pipe, and puts it away in a pocket on his pack. He straightens up, mutters some words, and claps his hands over his head. The transparent dome glows brightly and then disappears. A cold wind blow from the forest road.

You quickly ride down the road to check to ensure that it is clear. When you return, the caravan is lined up and ready to go, with the elves spread out, in among the wagons. Aladan, near the front, Kalglin by Master Tanner, and the others spread out with Tathar taking up the rear.

You pleasantly chat while keeping watch. It is much easier guarding the caravan with the help of the elves. The rest of the trip is uneventful, aside from learning, during a rest and water break, that Caranar and Malwen would like to have you join them in celebration during the festival. “Milady Scout,” he says, “If you are amenable to sharing sexual pleasure with both myself and my mate, we would enjoy sharing ourselves with you, and try to “have you ride” each of us. Watching you and Aladan was very erotic, and gave us enjoyment as we shared ourselves with the merchant.”

You smile at the thought of exciting them as they watched you, because you were turned on watching them too, when you weren’t focused on Aladan. 

“I accept what you offer in the spirit for which it is given.” You say and they smile broadly, kiss quickly and then prepare to continue on to the Valley.

When the caravan arrives at the valley, Master Tanner, hands you a bag of coins. “Mistress Swordlady, thank you for the good luck you have brought us. We added a bonus to your pay. The teamsters and merchant all agreed that this journey was pleasant and even profitable. I hope you enjoy your time at the Festival.”

Taking the bag and placing it into a larger pouch, you look over his shoulder at the Elves, who look as happy as the merchants to be here. “Thank you, Master Tanner, I have a feeling I will enjoy my time here.”

(If you enjoyed the story of our Adventurer, and would like more, tell me in the comments. If you enjoyed this; give me a Comment. If you really enjoy my tales; follow and subscribe.)

The Adventurer - Traveling to the Winter Festival - Part 1

 You are an adventurer, a sword-for-hire, a mercenary, and a former soldier in the Queen’s army.

Drawing your thick cloak tighter around you, you look along the sides of the road as you enter the Great Forest. You nudge your horse to keep walking along with the rest of the caravan.

You were hired to provide protection to a caravan of merchants going from Craftown to the Winter festival in the Valley on the other side of the Great Forest. If you really had your choice, you would have spent this cold season in a warm tavern working as peace keeper. Most people don’t expect a female to keep the peace, but then again, they don’t expect a female sword-for-hire either.

You gently rock back and forth in the saddle, watching for signs of bandits or traps.

The road is well traveled and it is rare for bandit attacks, but the merchants are paying you well to guard and protect them. Paying almost double what you would earn at a tavern. The only thing that is a little frustrating is that you sleep alone at night.

As you slowly ride your horse, you sometimes feel your pussy rub against the inside of your thick leather pants as you move back and forth in the saddle. When you focus on protecting the caravan, it isn’t bad, but when things are quiet, you wish you were riding a hard cock. What makes it worse, is you don’t have a partner on this mission.

In the army, you had a couple of partners who, especially when you returned from guard duty or long patrols, you could use for both warmth and pleasure. Never while on duty, but you enjoyed taking advantage of off duty hours.

You could try to find some companionship within the merchant caravan, but there are already those who think that female sword-for-hires are just armed prostitutes.

Having sex with clients is bad for business. “I guess, I will just have to take care of myself, before I sleep. Maybe I can find some companionship during the festival?” you think and smile to yourself. The Winter festival lasts a week. There will be drinking, dancing, and sex to be had, as it is a celebration that the darkest and coldest days are behind you.

During the past few hours, you and your horse moved to different positions in the caravan. You rode in the front for a while, then slowly dropped back and rode at the rear for a bit. The carts and wagons of the caravan make a fair amount of noise, with squeaking wheels, jangling chains, and voices of the teamsters. These noises keep wild animals just out of sight. You were tempted to unsling your bow, but nothing seems to be amiss so you keep it secured but readily available.

Mid-day, many of the riders get off of their wagons or horses and walk them for a bit.

You dismount too and talk with the Elder who hired you. “Master Tanner, are you planning on traveling during the night, or are we going to stop at the Way Point Well and rest for the night?” Even though the weather is cold, he wipes sweat from his brown with a thin chamois, from the exertion of the day’s travel, “Madam Swordlady, I prefer to travel until I reach my destination, but we have clear weather and are making very good time. I had planned on poor conditions on the road, but we have been lucky. What would you recommend?” he asks as he takes a sip of water from his waterskin.

“I have been looking at both your teamsters and your animals. I think that the meadow at the Way Point Well would be a good place to water and rest your animals. It also has some protected areas where we can mount a good defense if we are attacked by bandits. I haven’t seen any sign of bandits. There might be some Rangers or Elves deeper into the woods on the other paths, but nothing that I have seen that pose a danger or threat to you. I recommend that everyone rest at Way Point Well for the night.” You explain and also take a sip of water.

“Thank you, Madam Swordlady, I will talk with the others and tell them what you advise.” He says and walks up the lead wagon.

“ ‘Madam Swordlady’ I hate when they call me that,” you think for a moment then mount your horse. “But that is probably better than ‘Guard Bitch’ or ‘Whore with a sword’ or some of the other derogatory terms you have been called over the years.”

The shadows in the trees are growing as the day slowly ends. When you are near the well, you ride ahead to ensure that the road is safe and clear.

You dismount just out of sight of the well and tether your horse. With your bow in hand and a small quiver of arrows, you slowly check the ground around the road. Looking for signs of disturbance and maybe ambush. The ground is cold and hard.

You don’t see any obvious signs, so you move closer. The area around the stone well looks to be clear. No animals tied or in the public lean-tos. You move quietly and slowly. You notice birds and squirrels in the trees. Signs of natural activity, so you get up and carefully walk to the well. The small public shelters are empty and the firepits are long cold. No one has been here recently.

You check the well. Dropping a small rock, you hear it hit ice. You see a larger rock and throw it down. An echoing crack and splash as you break the ice open. After dropping the bucket down, you pull it up, filled with icy cold water. It tastes cold and good.

Slinging your bow on your back, you walk back to your horse, then tell the caravan what you found.

Once everyone arrives, canvas buckets and troughs are set up for the animals, then they are brushed and fed. Cook fires are set up in the firepits and the teamsters are discussing who sleeps and who has to watch the wagons during the night.

Once the sun is down, the winter sky is dark and cold. Stars are seen in the sky between the branches of the bare trees. The meadow area is wide enough to park all of the wagons and still have room if other travelers arrive.

After a light meal of travel stew, you want to do a quick security check outside of the meadow.

You can hear some of the merchants singing and playing music, so you try to move quietly in the darkness. You follow a deer path that leads away from the well. You wish you had done this earlier, because the smell of smoke and food from the campsite makes it hard to tell if there is anything out of the ordinary.

The deer path connects to a wider forest trail and you stop. You can still hear the noises from the camp. You shake your head.

“Yes, people can be very noisy sometimes.” You hear a soft voice say. You look around and by a tree there’s an elf in a dark cloak. “I take it that you are the scout and protection for these men?” he says in his accented voice. You raise up to full height and put your hand on your sword hilt. If you had your bow with an arrow nocked you might have drawn it, but in the dark that probably would have made you a target for the elf. 
 He extends his open hands. “We mean you no harm. We were going to get some water at the well and rest for the night too.”

“What do you mean ‘we’?” you ask not relaxing the grip on your hilt.

Another elf, steps from a tree much closer to you. “We are a small group of elves heading to the Winter Festival in the Valley. We needed to ensure who you were before we revealed ourselves.” She says in a voice, similarly accented to his.

“Can all of you please step onto the path, so I can see you. It is hard enough to see in the dark, but you are all so silent, and …..”

One of them uncovers a glowing orb. It provides a dim but visible light. “This might help you, Scout.” Says a third one, who is a little farther back on the path.

With the glowing light you are able to count 5 elves in total, apparently 3 males and 2 females, but with elves sometimes it is hard to tell.

“May we have permission to use the well and spend the night at the camp?” The elf with the orb asks. You relax your grip on your sword hilt and exhale.

“Yes, let us all go together. In your travels, have you had any trouble with bandits or thieves?” You ask as the elves form a line behind you. 

“Our journey has been uneventful, but then we are a small group and can travel silently. Anyone who is unfriendly to us, we can avoid.”

After a few minutes, the music and noises of the camp are loud and clear. You yell, “I am coming back into the camp, and I brought guests.”