Prodigal Son

[Perspex the Opaque]

NB: This fanfic story is based on BG. It tells the story of Talwyn Aureliano, a Bhaalspawn & paladin of Torm. It will wander in & out of familiar BG territory but will also move over other parts of the Realms.

Comments are most welcome.

 

 

 

 

 

Sweat stung Grentham’s eyes as he hoed the hard dry earth of his field, turning the rich soil of the Amnish countryside over for the new crop to be planted. The sun was high over head and spring was a fading memory as witnessed by the browned weeds and grasses. He paused at his labours, pushed his sweat stained hat up and leant against his hoe to rest for a moment as he wiped the sweat from his eyes with the back of his rough calloused hand. He sighed to himself that the task at hand was backbreaking work. A dry slow breeze blew, rustling the leaves in the nearby trees while a few clouds dotted the otherwise clear blue sky.

 

As he gathered himself to set to work once more, a glint off in the distance caught his attention causing a momentary feeling of disquiet within him. He squinted against the glare raising a hand to shade his eye as his gaze tried to penetrate the shimmering haze of the midday sun. The flash of metal now shone through the haze as now he could make out two distinct figures slowly moving his way through the countryside.

 

Grentham, a simple peasant but wise to the world, began to grow a little uneasy. Who were these people he wondered? Like most peasants, he was wary of strangers and now that the two people had come a bit nearer, he could quite clearly see that the gleam of metal was due to the armour being worn by one of them. It sparkled brightly, sending forth the suns reflection in a myriad of dazzling rays & beams.

 

He looked over the two figures as they crossed the stone wall that enclosed his field. The armoured one, definitely male and big man to boot whilst the other was slighter and defiantly smaller was wearing a hooded cloak. Grentham was a little uncertain but could wager that it was probably be a woman under that hood. He briefly considered fleeing from these two as often men in armour often meant raiders, bandits or worse. Yet these two seemed not to be charging like most bandits would nor had they weapons drawn. So there was no point in running now, he sent up a silent prayer to Chauntea that no harm would come from this encounter.

 

As they grew closer they appeared to be in a whispered conversation which he couldn’t hear. Grentham thought for some reason it seemed like almost like a sort of argument but the one which a married couple would have. It was not a blazing row but more of a contest of wills or as he put it when describing the conversations with his wife, “an intense affectionate discussionâ€Â. The pair seemed to come to some resolution and quieted down as they approached Grentham.

“Hail unto you good farmer. What fine day it is, eh?†waved the plate armour cladded man with a wide friendly smile as he strode up towards the stationary peasant.

 

He was a tall, broad shouldered man with a tanned face an intense sea green eyes that seem to read you soul. Along with his armour, he was wearing a simple sweat stained battered straw hat but had a functional helm belted to his waist. He appeared to be well equipped for battle with a scabbarded long sword and pinkish looking throwing axe was strapped to his belt and a bow and shield were slung over his shoulder alongside a large pack. His companion was completely covered in a simple green coloured hooded robe which obscured facial features in darkness.

“I am Talwyn, a simple paladin of the True god and this is my wife, Vicki. We seek water, food & a place to rest and can pay you for your troubles.†He reached into a small leather pouch that hung from his belt and removed a few large gold coins and held them out to the farmer.

 

Grentham couldn’t believe his luck. This paladin was offering him the equivalent of half a years harvest in gold. He studied the pair before him but his attention quickly returned to the shining coins on offer. The woman had said nothing yet remained close to his side, keeping her features hidden under her robes. Odd behaviour he though to himself but mentally shrugged as it was not his business to wonder why the lady choose to hide under a robe in the midday sun.

 

“Hail t’ye then Sir Talwyn ‘n yer good lady Vicki,†he said respectfully & politely as he quickly took the gold. “I be Grentham, farmer of these lands ‘n ye be welcome t’ spend night in me hayshed. Ye be lucky ta find me here in tha fields as normally I’d be at tha market in t’ village.â€Â

 

“Just call me Talwyn good farmer Grentham for I am not an ordained knight of any order, just a simple humble servant of Torm,†replied Talwyn with a faint smile. He looked about the field which Grentham had been working on. “Tell me farmer Grentham, why do you hoe at these fields? Do you not have a plough and oxen to pull it?â€Â

 

“Aye I do but they be sick with some pox. Talona must have cursed ‘em and now they be dying but I still have ta get me crop in else I can’t pays me tithes ‘n taxes ‘n me family will starve when tha snows come,†he said dejectedly.

“Disease eh? Well...I might be able to aid you with that,†Talwyn said. There was a slight hiss of displeasure from his wife.

 

“First you pay him too much and now you are going to heal his dam rothe for nothing,†she hissed at Talwyn in exasperation. Grentham heard what she said and thought her accent most was unusual for the area. Foreigners he thought but kept his expression neutral.

 

“Come now my love, money is easily found and we have more than enough and I am bound by the debts of the duty to help all good folk even if it means healing a sick ox with the grace of Torms’ touch,†he replied gently to her. “Farmer Grentham, lead us back to you home and let me see what I can do for your livestock.â€Â

 

“Just follow me them good lady and sir, we be no more than a mile from me homestead ‘n barns.†Grentham was still amazed by the turn of events and quickly lead them across his unploughed fields back to the homestead. On their arrival his wife, Marial, came out to meet them. At first she seemed alarmed at the site of her husband coming back in the company of a warrior in armour yet the smile on her husbands face belayed her concerns. She looked over the strangers that her man had brought back to their home. The warrior was a handsome fellow indeed and had a easy friendly way about him as he and Grentham chatted easily like long lost friends. The other one, hidden by the hooded robes was silent. There was something about that figure that made Marial uneasy but guests were an unwelcome burden they could do without.

 

“So Grentham, you bring guests home instead of working the fields hmm? Anything to get out of work with you ain’t it?†she said with a sigh.

 

“Hush your scolding Marial! The noble Talwyn here has given us gold for a night rest in the hayshed and food and drink. He is a paladin of Torm and may be able to heal the oxen from the pox,†chided Grentham with a hopeful look at Talwyn. If the mans boast was true, Grentham’s cares would be over, until the next crisis arose.

 

“May the blessings of the True god be upon this house and you good woman Marial. All we require is water in which to wash the dust from the road away, some simple food and a nights rest. If I can help you and you husband with your livestock, I’ll be more than glad to,’ said Talwyn. He looked Marial over for a long moment, his flashing sea green eyes staring deep into hers. She felt as though he was looking at her soul for some reason but dismissed it instantly with a shiver.

 

After a moment he broke the piercing gaze and sighed slightly. He spoke again but this time to Grentham, “All we require is some privacy. My wife Vicki does not want to be disturbed for any reason while she is resting. Now take me to your livestock and let’s see about those sick animals of yours eh?†He followed Grentham off in the direction of the barn, leaving the two women standing there.

 

“Well ye best follow me then milady,†said Marial with a sigh of resignation and a hint of resentment. Vicki nodded slightly and followed the stout woman towards the hayshed. Once there, Marial pulled open the double doors with a grunt and gestured for Vicki to enter. “I’ll be back with a tin bath and some water fer ye soon milady. Dinner will be at sundown and won’t be what ye be used to but that’s all we have, take it or leave it,†she said carelessly. Vicki said nothing again but stood for a moment looking into the hayshed for a long moment before entering it with a degree of reluctance.

 

 

To be continued...

[Perspex the Opaque]

“Filthy rivil flea infested hovel!†cursed Viconia under her breath in her native tongue as she stood alone in the hayshed after closing the hay shed doors. She waited, listening carefully to make sure the farmers wife gone before pulling back her hood and shaking out her long silverly blonde hair which was damp with sweat. She wrinkled her nose in displeasure as she could smell herself and the accumulated grime of many days on the road sleeping rough. Concentrating for a moment she began chanting softly, drawing on her inner power. Her violet eyes were glowing brightly in the gloom as the various insects and vermin fled the immediate vicinity. The glow faded as she finished her cantrip.

 

With a satisfied nod to herself she undid the straps that held a small pack that was under her robe and placed it on the straw covered ground. Humming to herself, she began to open the pack and remove a number of things that normally would have overfilled the bag. She laid out a large bedroll and a blanket on the low stacked hay bales. Satisfied that that would be comfortable to sleep on as compared to the ground, Viconia rummaged about in the bag of holding, withdrawing a long black silken dress with a small smile, then a small cloth towel and some tiny bottles of soap, oils & perfumes followed and were placed on the blankets. Uncorking one of the bottles, she inhaled deeply the aroma of jasmine with a contended sigh.

 

An approaching clatter of the sound of a tin bath being dragged along the ground broken her from her reverie. Viconia quickly donned her hood and stood facing the doors. Marial opened the door and dragged the bath and a large empty wooden milk churn.

 

“Yer bath is here Lady Vicki. I’ll be back with hot water in a few moments. There be a hand pump around t’ back of t’ shed,†said Marial as she dumped the tin bath and empty churn in front of Viconia. She peered over Viconia’s shoulder at the things that had been taken out of Viconia's bag of holding. The sight of the silken dress and the fine crystal bottles made her intake her breath slightly and she gave the hooded figure of Viconia another glance yet her eyes were drawn back to the beautiful dress laying on the blanket. Quite the lady muck high-pants indeed with all her fancy perfumes Marial thought jealously. But that dress, oh to have such a dress! That would make her the envy of all the women in the village.

 

“That will be all. You can leave me now,†Viconia said quietly, dismissing Marial as she picked up the empty churn in a gloved hand and waited for the silly woman to leave her alone. Marial was startled out of her covetous thoughts, sniffed haughtily and turned abruptly on her heel and marched out of the shed to fetch the cauldron of hot water from her laundry. Viconia followed her out after a moment and went behind the shed to get extra water for the bath.

 

She found the wrought iron hand pump around the back of the shed amongst a cluster of lush weeds. Muttering darkly, she placed the empty churn under the aperture and with a grunt started work the pumps handle. The handle gave a rusty shriek of protest as it hadn’t been oiled for quite sometime and was very stiff. Swearing and cursing lazy farmers to everlasting torment, Viconia struggled to get the pump going. My oh so noble husband should be doing this she thought gloomily as her arms began to ache from the effort. Soon the churn was full of clean water. She furtively glanced about making sure no one was in sight. With a quiet intonating chant Viconia called on the power of her goddess to give her the strength to lift the full churn. She lifted it without to much difficulty and quickly hurried back to the shed before Marial returned. Carefully pouring the water into the tin bath, Viconia began to smile to herself. At last, a real bath! Not some quick wash in a pond or a splash in a cold stream with Talwyn, not that she didn’t like their swims together but there was nothing like relaxing in a long hot bath.

 

 

to be continued...

[Perspex the Opaque]

Marial huffed and puffed as she struggled over to the shed with the cauldron of boiling hot water for her snotty lady guest. Marial had always resented those who had better things than her and this mysterious hoity-toity cow that lurked under a hooded robe all the time seemed to annoy Marial more than usual. Grentham always was telling her that they had a good life but what would he know? Marial had been married to him for 10 years now and had watched herself go from a pretty young girl to a now stolid woman of middle age. Harvests had been mixed and the riches she had thought that would have come from marrying a wealthy farmer like Grentham hadn’t materialised. Three miscarriages and only one sad sickly daughter who she secretly despised for her weakness only further served to darken her spirit. Grentham doted on their daughter who spent most of her time with Grentham’s mother back in the village much to Marial’s relief. She never liked the idea of children but knew that they were part and parcel of a marriage.

 

Arriving at the doors she called out with a slightly sarcastic tone, “Yer bath waters’ here yer ladyship. Me hands are full so you’ll have ta open tha doors.†She heard something mumbled about hopeless rivil then the doors swung inwards letting Marial stagger in with the cauldron. Heading over to the bath, she careless poured the hot water in, splashing some on Viconia’s bedding. None of the water hit the dress though.

 

Viconia clenched her fists in silent anger for a moment as she watched this woman act so blatantly oafish. It was clear to her the woman was of low birth and longed to rise above her situation. She’d seen the way Marial had gazed at her dress and knew that the woman wanted it. She watched silently as Marial stared at her challengingly for a moment before the farmers wife realised she couldn’t see the other woman’s eyes. With another snort of derision, Marial flounced out of the barn without another word.

 

Viconia breathed in deeply, then exhaled all the anger and rage she felt. She knew she could kill that foolish woman with a few words or a deft strike but that would be no joy from the act. It had been a long road leaving behind her violent and murderous ways but only for the love of her husband had she come through that madness and learned a different way. Her calm restored, she intoned a silent prayer to Eilistraee, her new goddess for more patience with people. She’d renounced Shar when she realised that she truly felt love for her man and no longer felt anger and loss that Shar embodied. Pausing for a moment, she reflected on how her life had changed on that fateful day she’d first met Talwyn. Fleeing from an idiot human warrior, she ran smack right into Talwyn and a bunch of his friends literally. Her nose stung and tears of pain formed in her eyes as her face bumped into Talwyn's armoured chest as she’d been looking behind her at her tormenter.

Talwyn, the ever noble human male, had seen her first as a woman in distress and naively defended her against the warrior who sought her death. Yet it was when she first looked into his eyes and saw the resolve and strength there that even he was not aware of, she felt something stir in her heart that she’d thought had been destroyed over a century ago. It was the feeling of hope.

 

Her reminiscence made her smile as she began to pour in some of the fragrant oils into the bath. She inhaled deeply as the scent rose from the hot water. Shedding her travel worn robe and tunic, she scooped out some water with her hands to quickly wash herself before relaxing in the tub. The feeling of the hot water washing the sweat and grime away lifted her spirits and she quietly began to hum a soft sweet melody, one that she’d heard Talwyn sing to her when he began to court her.

 

He was so full of surprises. For a start he could sing and play a lute, something that she’d not expected a mere warrior to do. And when he sang for her, she would feel like she was the only one there in the place, even if it was a crowded inn full of roistering drunks. He was no bard but by the goddess, his voice would soothe her and melt her heart out of any icy rage she’d be feeling. At first she’d been overwhelmed by her feelings, often running away or lashing out to hurt him but he was like a rock that withstands the sea’s fury immutable. On one particular day, after a very passionate afternoon, he’d got up and left her for a while. She’d felt confused again, feeling he had withdrawn after using her for pleasure. When he returned she was about to explode in one of her rages when she stopped and saw he’d brought his lute with him. He sat on the bed in front of her and began to play a song that washed away all the doubts and fears that held her heart in chains. She just sat there listening to him as his gentle words soothed her soul, filling her heart with a love she never thought possible, especially for a human male.

 

Softly she began to sing the song he’d made just for her as she slipped into the bath and let the reverie of that perfect moment wash over her.

 

In a warm and cosy space, the glitter from your face is falling all around me.

And when I’m broken and disgraced, I long for your embrace, as the winter winds confound me.

 

Together, together, our light will shine so bright when we’re together, whatever,

we’ll take our place to stand and face and I,

Won’t worry about what could have been,

‘cause what could have been survives,

in what we have today.

 

In the temple of your warmth, I take shelter from the storm, of all my pain and sadness,

At the alter of your smile, I find sanctuary awhile, from the whirling madness.

 

Together, together, our light will shine so bright when we’re together, whatever,

We’ll take our place to stand and face and I,

won’t worry about what could have been,

‘cause what could have been survives,

in what we have today.

 

Now each day I recreate, this blessed and holy state, of loving you.

Let the sun break on the skies, dry the tears from both our eyes,

so we can see our love anew.

 

Together, together, our light will shine so bright when we’re together,

whatever, We’ll take our place to stand and face and I,

Won’t worry about what could have been,

‘cause what could have been survives,

in what we have today.

 

Talwyn stood quietly outside at the door listening to his beloved sing quietly. He’d been able to remove the pox from the oxen much to Grentham’s delight. The animals were weak but would recover soon with good feed and some rest. He’d returned after helping lift some heavy bags of grain for Grentham and as he approached the hay shed, he could his wife’s voice in song as she relaxed. He smiled to himself and bowed his head briefly in a moment of quiet prayer.

“Loyal Fury, I thank you for giving me this day and the strength to help the good farmer Grentham. Most of all my lord, I thank you for allowing me these precious moments with my love. Your light and example have helped guide her away from evil and on to the better path. Your strength helped me to overcome the taint I carried inside, to become a better man in which to serve your glory.

Your will be done lordâ€Â

 

He could feel his god’s small joy at the end of the prayer. Talwyn had renounced his divinity that came from being the last Bhaalspawn in order to serve his god and to love his wife and that made him special in Torm’s eyes. Still, even rejecting godhood leaves one with more than just being a mere mortal. Talwyn sought to use the remnants of that divine power as a force of good.

 

Viconia had finished singing and he knocked quietly on the door calling out to her,

“Its just me my love, I’m coming in.†He quickly opened the door to see his beautiful drow wife reclined in a large tin bath. The shed had the heady and intoxicating smell of flowers and exotic oils. Viconia languidly smiled up at him from the bath.

 

“Ahh husband of mine, love of my life, I feel so much better,†she sighed with a smile of contentment. “Come and give me a kiss my vallabha mrannd'ssinss,†she said with a sultry look in her eyes.

 

He walked over to her and leant over to kiss her but she quickly shot out her arm to block him.

 

“Gods you STINK m'ranndii!†she wrinkled her nose in disgust. “Did you roll about in rothe dung or something? Go outside and wash off you wretched rivvel before I allow you back into my presense. There’s a pump behind this shed so go and get some water and wash that stentch off before you come back in here†she decreed imperiously waving him away from her and opening another bottle of scented oil which she waved in his general direction. Laughing he nodded at her antics.

 

“Sorry sweetness but healing animals means you have to stand in the pen with them,†he replied with a smile as he headed out to the door with the empty milk churn.

 

 

to be continued

[Perspex the Opaque]

“Stand in the pen? Wallow in it more like you suingmc nesst! Wash that armour of yours as well, it reeks of your odour,†she commanded as he closed the shad doors. He shook his head with a rueful chuckle as he made his way around to the back of the hay shed. He knew that Drow females had a keenly powerful sense of smell and Viconia could be waspish even when she was in a good mood. He found the rusty old pump and soon had it going despite its metal groans of protest. Once the churn was full, he emptied the contents over his head not even bothering to remove his plate armour. The water was coldly invigorating and he gave a small gasp of delight as it flushed away the heat and sweat from him. Tearing off some grass, he wiped off the dirt and muck from his leg greaves and boots then set about filling the churn again. It only took a couple of minutes to refill the churn after which he began unbuckling his armour. Greaves and shoulder plates were placed on the ground, followed by the breast plate and gambeson came off leaving him stripped to the waist.

 

Across the homestead courtyard, Marial watched furtively from with the recess of the laundry as Talwyn washed himself and cleaned his armour. Her breath caught in her throat as her eyes travelled over his well muscled body. His skin was pale from being under armour for so long but she could see that he’d tan well if he didn’t wear that plate all the time. She studied him closely, he was over six foot that was for sure and by the size of him, would no doubt weighed well over 200 pounds. A far better man than her old husband she thought idly. Musing to herself she pictured what it’d be like to have a man like Talwyn but then shook her head for having such foolish notions. He was already married to a much lither woman than herself. Even if she hid under a robe, Marial could see that Lady Vicki was of slight stature and size, probably no more than five foot and a half at best. Tiny compared to her husband indeed. She watched as he poured another churn of water over himself then refilled it again. Afterwards, he ran his hands through his short wet sandy blonde hair to give it a quick clean. Whistling a merry tune, he gathered up his things and headed back around to the front of the shed and from her view. She sighed again as she turned about to get back to her chores with a melancholy resignation that life was unfair and that she should have married a man like the one she’d just ogled and not be a drudge of a farmers wife.

 

Balancing his gear on top of the milk churn, Talwyn reopened the shed doors and ducked inside quickly. Viconia looked up at him and sniffed loudly.

 

“Hmm…better,†she said in a falsely grudging tone. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she saw him bend down and carefully place his gear on the ground. “You may approach and kiss me now mrannd'ssinss,†she said with a coy smile playing on her lips.

 

“As you wish my sweet one,†he said with a grin. He knelt down next the tin bath and leant over as she arched up at meet his kiss. His arms enfolded her and he inhaled deeply the mixture of scents that she’d used in her bath. “Mmm you smell so good darling,†he said as they broke the kiss and stared into each others eyes, their faces close to each other.

 

“Of course I do, I am a drow princess and not some dung splattered peasant girl. Be thankful that you are being graced by my kisses male,†she said archly with a haughty air as her eyes stared into his with a mischievous glint in them.

 

“Oh, playing the imperious matron now are you eh? You are deigning to suffer my touch and kisses for want of nothing better on offer hmm?†he quizzed her with a cheeky grin.

 

“Of course my ssin'urn male. I know I lower my standards just being with you but the quar'valsharess teaches us to be kind and charitable to hopeless cases,†she said with an impish grin.

 

Suddenly she squawked and squirmed as he began to tickle her and nuzzle her neck. His hands probed her ribs, digging in but not so roughly. She squealed in mock outrage and thrashed and splashed him with the bathwater before dragging him down to kiss him fiercely again. Panting, she broke the kiss and smiled at him with a mixture of adoration and mild annoyance.

 

“Look what you made me do you brute! All out bedding is wet and my dress is splashed to,†she groaned in mock indignation as she looked over at their things.

 

“It’s alright sweetie, they needed a rinse anyway. I’ll wash them later and then hang them out to dry. Now hop out of the tub and let me have a quick bath,†he replied as he stood and removed the rest of his clothing.

 

“Get out of this bath for you? By all the gods you ask too much male. Why I should flay you alive for your impudence! Such disrespect, such blatant selfishness on your part, denying your poor wife a few moments peace so that you can drag her out on the miserable road like harlot slave,†she pouted as she berated him with a malicious glee.

 

“Hush woman and get your skinny ass out of the tub now before I’m forced to tickle you into submission,†he bellowed with a sardonic grin.

 

Viconia stood up slowly, stretching her athletic body whilst coyly pouting at Talwyn. She ran her hands down her body sensually knowing how her naked form enflamed him. Teasing him was a huge thrill for her, it made things so much more fun. He could be serious at times and she couldn’t abide it when his sunny disposition was not there but he was mostly in a good mood.

 

He gave a toneless whistle as he admired her as she lithely stepped from the bath into the clean gown he held out for her. She kissed him briefly then gently pushed him in the direction of the bath. He got in gingerly as it was the water was still quite hot and made small yelps as he sank slowly in.

“Ahhh…that’s better,†he said.

 

“The way you carry on getting into hot water, I can scarcely credit that you routinely suffer grievous wounds in battle without a sound and yet carry on like a whimpering baby when it comes to a tepid bath!†She rolled her eyes with a smile. “It’s totally obvious that males are utterly inferior as you are living proof!†she said smugly as she sat down on the bedding and began to brush out her long damp hair. Talwyn poked out his tongue while making a rude gesture back at her.

 

“Huh! I’ve married a charlatan. I’m saddled with an obscene oaf who knows nothing of courtly behaviour or manners and makes schoolboy rude gestures at ladies of quality. It’s a small wonder that Torm bothers to keep you in his service, you overgrown lout. He must be scrapping the bottom of the privy to keep you on. Sad really how desperate some human gods are,†she sniffed primly as she continued brushing her hair. She could see he was enjoying their banter by the size of that grin.

 

She would swear sometimes though that he was just a naughty boy in a mans body by the way he played up like one sometimes. Shaking her head she smiled to herself because that was one of his most endearing qualities. She’d met other paladins and found them, on the whole, a stuffy bunch that were too wrapped up with their bloated sense of self importance. Her husband though was a cut above the rest. He actually did embody his vows but with a sense of joy which was more important that following the code to the letter.

 

Talwyn quickly washed himself and stood up as Viconia came over with his towel from his pack. He dried himself while she fussed over him, straightening his hair with her fingers then stood back to look him over critically. Standing there naked, he placed his fists on his hips and puffed out his chest and stuck out his jaw while assuming an expression of heroic resolve, staring off into the distance. She tried not to laugh but quickly dissolved into gales of giggles at his silly posing.

 

“Mock me do you wench? I have you know that people would erect statues in my honour! My deeds are many and great, my renown travels the realms,†he said loftily while she giggled helplessly at him.

 

“Enough of this mockery strumpet! Honour must be satisfied! Have at thee! Ha!†He grabbed her in his arms as she shrieked with laughter. He whirled her around in the air before cradling her in his arms. Her hands snaked around his neck as she dragged him down to kiss. He carried her over to their bedding and laid her down gently. She sighed with gentle smile and caressed his cheek tenderly.

 

“Come love, lay beside me,†she whispered in his ear as she nibbled on his earlobe as she pulled him down to her.

 

Marial had heard the couple’s laughter and felt a rising sense of jealously. What a cheek those people had! Carrying on so shamelessly in her hayshed like a pair of besotted teenagers she muttered with growing indignation. How dare they? It was sinful, grossly obscene. This man called himself a holy warrior of Torm now did he indeed? A con man, a liar that must be exposed she thought. Why, she should tell the village priest, old Father Nathel of Helm. He wouldn’t stand for this sort of nonsense. She determined to confront the pair first, to remonstrate with them and to say in no uncertain terms that this sort of tomfoolery would not be tolerated on her farm.

 

She marched over to the hay shed ready to give them a piece of her mind when she suddenly heard the unmistakable sounds of lovemaking. She heard a woman’s throaty moans of delight as she slowed down her approach. A rush of conflicting emotions swept over her. It’d been ages since she and husband had made love like that. Her steps faltered as she got close to the shed she began to grow curious. A sense of voyeurism over rode her feelings of outraged morality. She crept forward, sidling up against the wall of the shed, she peeked through a crack in the boards and her eyes grew round as saucers as she saw the woman's ebony skin and silvery blonde hair as she rocked back and forth astride Talwyn passionately. Her mind reeled as a sense of terror washed over her.

 

Drow!

 

Her hand flew up to her mouth as stiffled her gasp of fear. Drow! Her legs grew wobbly with dread as she watched Talwyn and this drow woman making love. Dear gods save us she prayed to herself as she tore herself away from the wall and staggered away from the hay shed. Her mind was a whirl with confusion. A paladin with a drow woman! How can that be? It was not possible, not natural. As she got further away from the shad she gathered her wits quickly. Talwyn must be enspelled, charmed, held against his will by this foul drow bitch. Yes that was it. That could be the only explanation. A plan began to form in her mind as she approached the homestead.

 

 

to be continued

 

For those wanting the drow language translated, go here:

 

http://www.eilistraee.com/chosen/language.php

[Perspex the Opaque]

Marial opened the door to the homestead slowly as she thought about the course of action she was about to embark on. A slow cold smile creased her lips as she began to see the opportunity that having a drow on the farm could bring. She would have it all, it would be perfect. She laughed to herself and felt a little giddy as she went into the kitchen and looked for the carving knife.

 

The back door rattled as Grenthem lent against it as he kick off his boots before coming inside. Having Talwyn heal the oxen was a real blessing and by Chauntea, that man was strong as an ox as well. He shifted over 3 dozen bags of grain into the wagon to sell at the village market with not a word of complaint. All in all it looked to be a great day now. No more backbreaking work in the field, he’d have the oxen ready soon and would enlist the help of his neighbours in order to plough and sow the fields. He opened the door and walked into the kitchen to find Marial turning about to face him with a smile. He rarely saw her smile these days and thought that perhaps she and the paladins’ lady may have talked and Marial had received some small boon from the encounter. He went over to the basin by the wall to wash his hands. Dipping them into the water, he splashed it into his face and started to wash. He heard Marial walk up behind him as he reached for the soap.

 

She moved behind him, holding the blade loosely in the right hand. She waited till he was no longer leaning over the basin when she suddenly grabbed his forehead with the left hand while slashing his throat with a vicious swipe with the razor sharp carving knife. Blood fountained out in a crimson spray, splattering the wall in bright red droplets. Grenthem gargled incoherently as he vainly sought to stem his life’s blood gushing from the ragged wound. Marial stood back from him careful not to get splashed with any blood. She was adept at slaughtering animals and dispatching Grenthem was just as easy as slitting a pigs throat she thought.

 

Grentham’s knees buckled as he folded down onto the floor, his eyes locked onto Marials in confused agony. He lay on the floor, kicking weakly for another minute before he stopped. Blood pooled around him quickly.

 

Humming a jaunty peasant song, Marial stepped away from the growing pool of blood and took the knife with her. He quickly scuttled back to the shed to see how the lovers were doing. It appeared that they’d finished and were lying entwined in each others arms on their bedding quietly sleeping. Perfect she thought. She went around the side of the shed and came to a part where some of the boards were loose. Carefully she eased on aside, giving her just enough room to squeeze in. Hardly daring to breath, she snuck in on her hands and knees. She felt that she’d gone far enough and could feel her heart pounding as she gently hide the bloody knife in one of the hay bales. With the greatest of care, she ever so slowly backed out of the shed. The couple slumbered on peacefully as she cautiously replaced the loose board.

 

She moved with stealth back away from the barn before quickly spinning on her heel and racing to get to where the horses were stabled. She quickly picked up a bridle and grabbed a horse from its stall. Throwing a blanket over its back, she led it over to a trough which she used to quickly mount up. Quietly urging the horse forward, she left the farm and once she felt that she was a safe enough distance, she dug her heels into the animal’s flanks and spurred it into a gallop.

 

Talwyn and Viconia slept for an hour before stirring.

 

 

to be continued

[Perspex the Opaque]

With a sleepy smile, Viconia slowly stretched her arms and rolled over to look at her husband. He looked so peaceful laying there sleeping. She reached out and gently brushed the hair back from his forehead. He stirred from his doze, his eyes opening as she caressed his cheek, tracing the line of his jaw. He smiled at her and took her hand, placed it to his lips and kissed her finger tips.

 

“Mmm ladyfingers…very tasty,†he said as he nipped gently on her fingers with his strong white teeth.

 

“Hey! I’m no food scraps for you to snack off,†she said with a raised eyebrow as she withdrew her hand. She sat up, her fine long hair cascading down her coal dark shoulders. Talwyn lay back admiring her sublime beauty. She was close to perfection in female form he thought. She looked down on him with an askance smile.

“Do you wish to lay there all day and stare at my breasts then husband?â€Â

 

“Absolutely!†he said with a feral grin as his hand snaked up over her belly and latched onto her breast, tweaking a nipple quickly. She flinched and squealed with mock outrage.

 

“Oooohhh you vith vigh fuer’yon! I’ll have your n’abyl off if you dare do that again!†Her eyes blazed with amused outrage and her lips curled into a wry smirk as she rounded on him, launching herself on top of him. Her hands dug into his ribs and she started biting his neck and shoulders playfully as he thrashed underneath her. She tried to grab at his groin but he grabbed both of her hands very quickly and held him in his powerful grip and with a flick, he spun her over and was on top of her in an instant.

 

“That’s not fair! You’re too strong,†she sulkily pouted.

 

“Ahh but I thought you Drow respected strength,†he replied as he pinned her arms down with ease. She stopped struggling and gave him long sultry look, running her tongue over her lips suggestively.

 

“Yes my most nygurath m’randii. You are my senger lu’ jabbuk,†she said demurely.

 

Talwyn looked down at her underneath him, the feel of her skin was like silk and the contrast between his pale skin and her dusky coal dark skin always gave him pleasure.

 

“Powerful husband, lord & master, am I eh? That’s what nygurath m’randii & senger lu’ jabbuk mean isn’t it?†he said as he released his grip on her and sat back, letting her rise up and sit across from him. She nodded with an approving smile.

 

“Very good my love although your accent is most barbarous, your grasp of my language is coming along nicely. Perhaps there is hope for you yet? I may not have married a sex mad human moron after all,†she quipped with a sardonic grin. He rolled his eyes with a snort.

 

“Dos phu’ neitar aluin belbau ussa lil’ falduna nindel usstan rytho'le 'chev 'ranndi,†he said carefully, making sure he got the accent right this time. Her expression softened and her eyes glowed with love as she reached over to stroke his cheek with a caress as she knelt up, took his face in her hands and lowered it between her breasts, hugging him.

 

“Of course I am going to give you the praise you deserve beloved husband,†she whispered as she stroked his back lightly with her nails, sending shivers down his spine.

 

“That was perfect beloved, perfect,†she said with a hint of pride in her voice. She’d been teaching him her language now for almost a year and he’d made great progress. It was something she hadn’t asked him to do but he said he wanted to so that he could understand her better and it would bring them closer together. At first she’d been dismissive of it, thinking he’d not persist with her lessons but he was an attentive student and it wasn’t long before they could converse in basic sentences or baby talk as she irreverently said just to tease him. He lifted his head up from her chest and kissed her slowly. She soon pulled away and looked at him with a coy grin.

 

“Want to go again do you lover? Think you’ve got enough energy to satisfy a drow princess of a noble house hmm?†she said seductively as she looked at him with lowered eyes as she tilted her head to one side.

 

“Mmm…let me think about it for a moment. I suppose I could fit you in for another bout of dam good bonking my little dark maiden of desire,†he replied casually. “That is if no one better comes along.â€Â

 

“Huh! No one better indeed, what a cheek you have Talwyn Aureliano! Come here and I’ll show you there’s no one better than your wife,†she said in a throaty sensual growl as she pulled him down again. “No one better indeed,†she gasped as they began to make love again.

 

Marial rode hard, pushing the horse to its limits. She galloped into the village crying out,“Murder! A Drow has murdered my husband! MURDER!â€Â

 

She didn’t stop as people came tumbling out of their houses, she headed straight for the village chapel where Father Nathel would be. She hauled savagely and the reigns, stopping the exhausted horse and leaped off. Running up, she pounded on the chapel doors crying out her lament and for Father Nathel to come out. The villagers, came running up shouting out their questions to Marial but she ignored them all.

 

 

 

to be continued