The Choice is His

The girl wandered close to the cart. Her staff ticking softly on the ground in front of her, it connected with the wheel with a louder clunk which made her adjust her direction. The village children watched from afar, suspicious of the blind girl. She lived near the haunted forest and they had all unanimously decided that she must be some kind of witch. A very small ten year old witch in training but none the less a witch. Sometimes when she had accompanied her grandmother into the village for supplies they had thrown stones but somehow she always ducked them or somehow deflected them with her stick, definitely a witch.

The girl continued to slowly circle the cart, she knew the village children were watching her. She could feel their attentions rather than see them directly. She had been told long ago by her grandmother that no one must see her eyes; if they were to see her yellow eyes she would be instantly cast down as a demon and stoned. She sighed softly, impatient for her grandmother to finish so they could go home. She longed for the forest where it was quiet and nothing cared what colour her eyes were, she sniffed the air as a breeze came from the direction of her forest. She smelt the green, the moss growing on the ancient trees, the moisture in the leaves scattered under foot… “Get in the cart girl!” her grandmother had returned, she quickly felt her way around and hopped up into the back of the cart, almost falling over bags of food. She heard a snicker from one of the village children, quickly she adjusted herself as she knew from experience her grandmother would not wait for her if she slipped.

The grandmother struck the horse and they were on their way. The girl sat quietly listening to the sounds of the village fade as they got further away. She waited till all sounds of human habitation were far behind, she asked quietly “grandma may I sit up front please?” She heard a gruff noise she knew meant the negative so she sat quietly in the back till she could smell that they were home. She opened her eyes but kept them downcast, looking at her grandmother was a sure way to get slapped and sent to bed without dinner. She knew it reminded her grandmother of the loss of her child and the demon child that had been spawned from her.

The girl quickly took all the goods into the house and packed them away. She started preparations for dinner and began cooking. She prepared a meat stew with lots of vegetables, spooning it out so that grandma got mostly meat and the girl got mostly potato. Quickly wolfing down her food longing to be finished and free to go out, she knew she was free to go into the forest. She also knew that if one day she didn’t return that her grandmother would happily move back to the village and forget that she ever existed. The first thing she would do when she moved into the forest permanently would be to find a name. It seemed everyone else had a name and she refused to use the name her grandma had given her, no one deserved to be called demon child no matter what colour their eyes.

The girl finished washing up and with a wave of her grandma’s hand she ran out the back door and headed straight into the forest. It only took a matter of minutes to get to her special tree where she hid her blanket, her knife and a length of rope. Everything else she was sure she could find in the forest, food and shelter was easy enough once she had explored the bigger trees in the heart of the forest she had already picked out one to make a home in near the center. It was a huge tree that had been struck by lightning many years before so it had a very large sheltered hollow in the center. It still grew so she knew it would eventually heal around the wound but for now it was a perfect living space for her. She grabbed her things and prepared to trek to her home tree, it would take her most of the night to get there and back by morning.

She alternated between walking and jogging, her little legs surprisingly sturdy for her size. Earlier than she had expected she arrived at her tree and she climbed up with her package to make it safe within the tree. Once up the tree she stashed the goods within the hollow making sure nothing else had set up home within. She looked out across her soon to be new home, the trees bright silver in the strong moonlight filtering through the leaves. Something caught her eyes, a glint of light further into the forest. She knew there was a clearing new that point, curiosity got he better of her so she climbed back down her tree and headed to ward where she saw the light.

When she had gotten closer to the clearing she could also swear she could hear music. More and more curious she snuck up to a tree near the edge and peered around. What she saw mystified her, she saw small figures sitting around in a circle playing tiny instruments. The light was caused by a number of glow beetles of such incredible size that she had never before seen. Overlooking the entire scene with her back to her seemed to be a woman with long pale hair wit golden tips. She watched quietly as the scene continued. The small being presented something to the women and she bowed politely. She watched for hours as they sung and chanted in some strange lilting language that seemed subtly familiar. Eventually the smaller creatures bowed in turn and left the women alone.

The girl was wondering how long she had been there when the woman spoke, “You can come out now”. She said it with such quiet authority that the girl stepped out before she even thought about it. The woman turned and the girl saw the most wonderful sight in her life. The woman had yellow eyes glowing in the moonlight, the girl almost fell over herself in the haste to reach the woman. The woman stood calmly waiting for the girl to arrive. As the girl got closer she realised the woman also looked different in other ways. She had her pale hair tucked behind small pointy ears and her skin looked like pure moonlight it was so pale. The girl smiled shyly up at the woman, “May I ask who you are?” The woman smiled brightly down at the child, “the more important question is what are we and what was your father?”

A tiny tear streaked down the girls face as the woman pulled her into a hug, she had never felt such care before. The woman took her hand and smiled, “My name is Nuala and you will soon find a name for yourself, your grandmother was wrong to call you what she did, she did so out of pain” Nuala led the girl to a large tree and they disappeared together through a hollow that suddenly opened up. From across the clearing arrived a darker shadow, it watched as they disappeared then in turn disappeared back into the forest. It’s last thoughts it ‘must report to the prince that the princess had found a new foundling pet, this one was part human.’

Time passed, many summers through winters came and went. Years turned into decades and the grandma passed away, the village long forgot the strange little blind girl. One day the tree opened and a young woman and an elf stepped out. Nuala and Sera strolled hand in hand into the clearing, heads almost touching as they walked. Behind them walked a taller male elf, clearly watching protectively over Nuala. They stopped and turned to each other, they spoke in a lilting language “Nuala I knew this day would come but so soon?” Nuala smiled softly “in this world it has been a lifetime since you left, you are not safe with me any longer and this is the forest that is truly your home. I will miss you, please take care and live long” They embraced and cried quietly on each others shoulders for some time before the male made a small clearing throat noise” Your majesty we must leave, it is not safe for you here.” Nuala made a small nod towards him and Sera stepped back, “I will remember you forever, thank you” the rest of her words she held back, she new that Nuala knew how she felt.

Nuala turned and went back to the tree, her guard only two steps behind. As she stepped out of sight Sera took a deep breath and wondered where to start making a life back in this world? On the edge of the clearing a small ugly creature woke and started, it thought ‘it is time to tell the prince’ as it moved off through the forest. Sera moved toward her old tree to see if it still had the lightning gap inside it. Climbing up she was pleased to see that yes the gap was still there and as she leaned into it she discovered what was left of the stash she had left as a child. The rope had long since rotted, the blanket had been shredded probably to become nesting materials for some creature long moved on and the small knife was now solid rust inside a mostly intact handle.

Sera put the old belongings back where they had been, reaching into her pocket she brought out a small silver egg with very intricate designs laced across it's body. She spoke softly into it, one word in the lilting language "Home" then she placed it inside the gap and stood back as far as she could within the confines of the tree. As she watched it unfolded into a small tent like structure, the structure slowly grew within the confines of the gap until all that could be seen was a slightly brighter green patch where the darkness of the gap had been before. Sera stepped forward and placed her hand on the green 'door' and it silently slid open to reveal an entry way. Sera stepped inside hoping that the magic had sufficient space to hold all. She was pleasantly surprised to see that it had indeed reproduced itself in full. The full entryway led into a large sitting area, off this area were three rooms she knew they had used for sleeping quarters. Finally there was another entry to the bathing area, a spring that had crystal clear water that somehow constantly cycled to stay clean and of course an area for other bodily functions so it was unnecessary to go outside. She had always been amazed at this structure, Nuala and Sera had used it as a home when they had needed to travel. In fact Sera had often spent days inside when Nuala had needed to attend Counsel meetings as the 'half elf' caused much strain and talk amongst the royal watchers.

Sera didn't mind spending her time in the 'tent' as it gave her time to learn languages and when she could convince one of the guards she tried to get a little weapons training in. She wasn't particularly good but she could at least defend herself should the need arise. Now that she was back in the human world for the foreseeable future it may become more necessary for survival. Sera stepped back out into the open air and inhaled deeply, 'hmm' she sighed 'time to prepare for winter'. Sera climbed back down the tree and began exploring the world again gather food stuffs and bringing back to her new home. Sera did not notice that a few hours later a small ugly sprite appeared new her tree and began it's watch, a day later another took it's place and so it went through the autumn days and nights. Outside the tree it also continued through a long harsh winter, Sera meanwhile was oblivious as she lived her life quietly inside her home.

Spring finally came with a rush of new growth in the forest, almost like the world had woken from a long sleep and wanted to get moving. As soon as the first thaws had come Sera began again to explore her surroundings. One day she trekked as far as the edge of the forest to see if her old house was still there. All that was left was a chimney amongst a small pile of rubble. A tree grew where her cot had been near the back door, apple tree by the looks, perhaps even from one of her meals? She didn't regret leaving that day, now she knew how large the world truly was and how small her grandmother had made it seem. She smiled as she took one last look and moved back into the forest. As she arrived back near her tree she sniffed the air, something new was nearby. Sera can an odd feeling of familiarity as well as fear combined. Sera moved quickly and quietly towards the clearing wondering if perhaps it was a messenger from Nuala come through the travel ways.

Sera did not immediately step into the clearing, something told her to stay in the shadows of the trees. She watched silently, as she did she realised that the forest also seemed to be waiting for something, like the trees were holding there breath. She tried to shake the uneasiness but the longer she waited the more she felt as if it was her that was being watched. Hours went by, the something still not revealing itself. Dusk came with a last cool winters breath, Sera shivered and carefully made her way back to her home. Prince Nuada stood as a statue watching her go, 'not what I expected from my sisters pet, the half breed seems to have favoured the elven side'. Nuada turned his head and spoke to a large shape hidden amongst the foliage of the tree to his left "Go home, meet me here in three cycles of the moon. Do not disturb me otherwise unless the news is dire" his last words had enough emphasis that it was clear he wished to be left alone unless it meant a death in his family or the consequence would be death for the messenger.

Nuada waited till his minion had left then he moved swiftly yet silently towards the tree. He had already had a look around the inside while Sera had been away, her meagre possessions giving away little of what had happened during her stay with Nuala. He frowned, he had hoped that this pet would have been like other humans and hoarded or stolen artifacts of his sister. No such luck, all she seemed to own was the bare necessities for a barely comfortable lifestyle. He quickly found the entry again and paused, maybe this creature needed more watching? As he contemplated what to do the entry opened and he heard a voice within, "Come in, time for us to meet face to face". He noted the small quiver in her voice and it brought a tiny raise to the edges of his mouth, he stepped through. "You know who I am?" Sera watched as he entered, the way he walked and stood, the economy of movement, familiar somehow, her eyes widened as she recognised from where she knew, he even tilted his head in the same way although on him it looked menacing, "Your Prince Nuada". He smiled as he saw the recognition in her eyes, then pursed his lips slightly "You say my title as if it is just a name, I am still royalty child"

Sera straightened, half expecting a blade in her throat at any moment "Yes you are indeed royalty but we are in my home, in a forest outside of Elven influence and if my memory serves me correctly you left your family a very long time ago." Nuada had several thought flutter through his head 'kill her for her rudeness' 'kill her because she was obviously correct' and 'watch and listen a little longer but there better be a damn good reason to leave her alive'. He decided to go with thought number three "Yes, I left but I have always been close."

Sera's eyes darkened as she answered "yes I know". Nuada was at her throat in a second, he lifted her with one hand and pinned her to the wooden wall. As he held her he suddenly felt a wash of emotion. He quickly grabbed her hand and clenched it tightly, waves of fear and wonder washed over him as he saw images of his sister long ago through the eyes of a child, then later as the child grew the loving bond that formed, then later again that love being expressed physically. Nuada's knees almost buckled as he watched and felt the relationship continue. He was torn between jealousy and curiosity of what could happen between two females. In a matter of minutes all his questions were answered and then some, then he realised the pictures were getting blurry. He eased the pressure on Sera's neck and felt her breath again. Sera softly slid down the wall and rested against it gaining her breath back, Nuada's hand still holding her pressed back. He let go of her hand and stepped back, "You loved her?" Sera nodded unable to make a sound. Nuada looked her up and down with half curiosity, half horror at what had become of his sister in his absence. He turned and walked toward the entry, he muttered over his shoulder "I will return." Sera was in no doubt that he would, something in the way he had looked at her. She waited until he left and quietly slid down to the floor, she cried quietly clutching her arm to her body. Outside Nuada stood near the door trying to figure out why he had lost control so quickly, why had this woman gotten to him within minutes of meeting in person and why was the sound of her crying bothering him so much. He leaped down the tree and stalked around the forest till the moon was at it's peak. All the forest animals could feel his dark mood and stayed well clear.

Sera finally fell asleep where she had fallen, she curled up against the wall just as she used to sleep when she was a child. Nuada reentered the abode well after midnight, he moved silently inside and instantly saw Sera curled up against the wall. He could see marks around her wrist and her neck, already they were turning black and green from bruising. Not exactly the first impression he had been aiming for, he stealthily moved past her into one of the rooms and found what he was looking for. The came back and gently covered Sera with a warm blanket and placed a pillow near her head so she would hopefully shuffle onto it in her sleep, he remembered that his sister had appreciated things like this after they had fought. Although he had never dared lay a hand on his sister, he knew that would have gotten him banished long ago. He sat across from her and began his nightly meditation, two hours would negate the need for sleep. He found himself distracted by the female sleeping across from him. Occasionally she would make small whimpering noises in her sleep and he wondered what she dreamt ? It was close to dawn before he finally gave up trying to meditate near this female, instead he moved into the bathing area and cleaned his clothing, then sat in the pool again trying to clear his mind.

Sera woke remembering what had transpired. She wondered if Nuada had felt badly about what he had done considering she was now covered and pillowed? She decided what she needed now was a good soak in the pool, that always helped her feel better after a bad night. Sera put the blanket and pillow back in her room. She peered into the other bedroom, no sign of anyone sleeping in the bed. Sera checked the other room but she suspected he wouldn't be there as she had been using it as a food store so the bed had long ago been converted into a larder to keep dried goods. Nope no sign of him in there, she assumed he must still be storming around somewhere. Hopefully he was blustering at a tree somewhere, taking his frustrations out on an inanimate object rather than her. Sera walked into the bathing area and began unlacing her shirt when she noticed dark clothing on some of the rocks. Her hands froze as she then scanned across and saw who was in the water. He was sitting on a shallow edge with his legs crossed and eyes closed. The level of the water barely covering him to his hips, Sera blushed deeply and stepped gingerly backward. Nuada heard her enter and with one swift movement he stood, threw the knife that sat on the edge of the pool beside him. Sera let out a small squeak as the knife whizzed past her ear and she was suddenly confronted with a view of all of Nuada, tall, strong, wet and very naked. Sera's blush now covered her body as she turned and ran back out of the room. She hid in her room till she heard him go outside, he returned a few minutes later and she heard the swish of curtains as he searched the rooms.

Sera curled into a tiny ball trying desperately to hide behind her pillow when Nuada stepped into her room. He was wearing a drying wrap around his waist which really didn't help her state of mind, she scrunched her eyes shut so she wouldn't be looking at him any longer. Nuada sighed, "This isn't how I planned our meeting at all." Sera felt the weight of him as he sat on the edge of her mattress. She waited but he didn't move, she tried opening one eye just a tiny peek. Sera was then confronted with an odd sight. Nuada was politely sitting on the edge of the mattress with his arms crossed, wearing what on someone else she would consider to be a smirk. She opened both eyes and cuddled her pillow hard to her chest, "I'm sorry I should have suspected that you may have been in there..." her voice trailed off as she felt the blush rise again.

Nuada uncrossed his arms, "I didn't mean to scare you with the knife, it's an automatic response when I'm away from home. Lets start this again..." Nuada took a deep breath, "Sera, may I join you for breakfast so we may get to know each other?" Sera realised she was sitting there with her mouth open, she closed it and thought for a few moments "Yes, certainly, breakfast is a lovely idea". Nuada sat there for a few minutes watching as Sera didn't move any further, "Do you intend to serve breakfast in here?" Sera shook her head, "No certainly not but I do need you to move first as this room isn't big enough for me to get past you". Sera was actually thinking to her self that if she had tried to move past him and knocked the wrap from his waist she would definitely wish the world to bury and forget her with embarrassment. Nuada stood with one fluid movement, he half turned "I don't suppose you have a change of clothing that would fit me, a recent altercation has meant my clothing required washing?" Sera thought for a moment, "I may have some wrap pants that may fit but my shirts would be far too small across the shoulders." Nuada nodded, "The pants will do" Sera rifled around in a small trunk at the end of the bed and produced a pair of black wrap pants, a guard had given them to her when he had been teaching her some self defence stances. They had been easier to manoeuvre in than skirts, but soon she had made a pair of her own as the waist in these were too big even wrapped and tied around her. Nuada seemed to approve, he took the proffered pants and made his way to the other room.

Sera waited till she heard a swish of more curtains then just for good measure waited till she heard the swish again which hopefully meant he was dressed. She peeked carefully around her curtain, yep there he was standing in the middle of the entry room. Wearing nothing but a pair of pants and his long white hair dripping slowly down his marble white back. She sighed and shook her head, thoughts like this were not going to get her closer to breakfast. Sera stepped out of her room, throwing her pillow back into her room as she realised she was still clutching it. Sera scooted quickly past Nuada to her store and quickly made her usual breakfast of fruit and nuts, made sure she had enough for two, then added enough for three and reentered the main room.

Nuada was sitting politely crossed legged on a cushion, he patted the cushion next to him and gave her a half smile. Sera almost tripped over herself in her haste to sit down, she wasn't sure which made her more nervous, the speed at which he could kill her or the speed at which he seemed able to look so boyish and comforting? The conversation didn't exactly flow between the two comfortably. Sera felt like she was being slowly interrogated in the most lovely way but she had this feeling in the back of her mind that if she said anything wrong then Nuada would have her against the wall and this time his grip would not lessen until her breath was gone. Nuada tried to be reassuring but this was also strange to him. He was sitting in a strange tree, talking to a halfbreed about his old life in court and somehow this felt right and even enjoyable. He was quietly enjoying how much Sera had squirmed at his nakedness, it had been a long time since he had any female attention and captive attention was quite heady he was discovering.

Sera politely answered all his questions and quietly munched her way through breakfast, she noticed that he finished first and seemed to be looking around for something. "What are you looking for?" Nuada looked at her and stated "the rest of breakfast". Sera almost choked on her mouthful of berries, "That's it, that's all I have been living on." Nuada looked shocked, then he smiled "If I'm going to train you then we need to add more meat to your diet, I will hunt later." Sera looked sidelong at him, firstly when had she agreed to training? secondly she wasn't sure she liked the look he had in his eye when he mentioned hunting. Sera silently finished her breakfast and cleaned up. Nuada in the meantime cleared the entry room of cushions and the lone chair. He grabbed a silver short spear from his belongings and began what looked to Sera to be a dance with the weapon, the spear spinning and seeming to wrap around him. As his speed increased so his movements so he was spinning and turning in time with the weapon. At some point he tapped the spear end on the ground and it extended into a long spear. Sera watched from the doorway in wrapped fascination. He looked so graceful and deadly all at once, Sera couldn't take her eyes off him.

Sera also noticed after an hour of this Nuada was just beginning to work up a slight sheen, as close as he came to sweating she guessed. Gods he was so beautiful she thought. Nuada stopped suddenly, Sera wondered if she had stupidly said something aloud. Nuada walked up to her, "this is what I can teach you should you wish to learn?" Sera exhaled "yes, I would very much like to learn." Nuada nodded, "now you show me what you can do". Sera stomach sank after that, now he wanted to see her clumsy attempts, ah well better get it over with. Sera quickly gathered her staff from her room, a five foot oak staff hand carved by her many years ago. Carving the staff had been one of the things she did when she was left alone in the tent. She went through her moves carefully making sure she remembered all the advice the last guard had given her. Nuada watched with narrowed eyes, his arms crossed. Sera had no idea what he was thinking and tried not to guess while she was trying to at least look like she knew what she was doing. Her demonstration lasted about fifteen minutes before she was completely out of things to show. She stopped and looked at Nuada hopefully. Nuada saw her look and decided to tone down his comments, "the one who taught you lacked skill but I can reteach you."

Sera contemplated the comment for few moments and came to the conclusion that it was probably as close to a compliment as she was going to get, ok she may have learnt well but her teacher wasn't any good. She nodded, "shall we begin?" Nuada seemed pleased that she didn't react badly to his comment, he nodded, moved forward and began explaining the first stance. As he explained he turned her around so her back was to him, he held his hands over her hands as he spoke softly into her ear. He moved her staff as he explained what each part of her should be doing, knees soft, back straight, weight on back foot... Sera desperately tried to take it all in but she was having a difficult time concentrating. She could feel his warm chest against her back, his legs moving prompting her to move her legs and feet, his breath softly whispering against her ear. Sera felt like she could just fall back and melt into his arms but she daren't try anything, she still had no real idea if he even thought of her in that way? It had been years of living with his sister before anything physical had happened, she just didn't know what it was like in the real world. Nuada coached her through several moves before asking her to repeat them without him, she seemed to be a very quick study, this pleased him greatly. They practised for a few hours till it was obvious Sera was getting tired, her moves became clumsy and she started to mutter at herself when she got a move wrong. Nuada smiled, "That's enough for today, now you can show me what you do in this forest all day?"

Sera soundlessly thanked the gods, she nodded and put the staff away. When she arrived back in the main room Nuada had put on a shirt and his black boots, he also had a bow and quiver with him, Sera was about to ask where did he procure them from but she realised from everything his sister had told her he wasn't the kind to ever travel anywhere without weapons. They set out into the forest, Sera automatically headed to areas she knew fruit and berries were in season. Nuada walked beside her seeming to enjoy the time outdoors but Sera suspected he didn't normally spend so much time outdoors considering how much he squinted when the sun blinked through the trees. When they were close Sera pointed out some boar tracks that she knew would lead to an old boar that no longer seemed to have a mate, not good hunting for Nuada but at least she would feel less guilty about him killing for meat. He nodded and stepped into the shadow of a tree then disappeared. Sera stood for a moment trying to spot him amongst the foliage, after a few minutes she realised he would be long gone by now and continued to her forage area.

Later in the afternoon they both arrived back at the tree, Sera with fresh fruit, berries and some tubers for cooking and Nuada with the boar. Nuada had already skinned and dressed the boar by the time Sera was ready with the tubers. She watched as found an appropriate sized branch and promptly skewered the boar end to end. He laughed as he saw the expression on her face, "don't worry, he is long past feeling any of this". They set up a fire in the clearing near the tree and Nuada set up a spit for the pig. They sat quietly watching the stars come out as the boar and tubers cooked, Nuada slowly turning the spit as it cooked. The tubers cooked quickly so they ate those and some fruit as they waited for the meat to be ready. Sera hummed tunes she had learnt in the Elf lands and Nuada closed his eyes as he listened. Finally the boar seemed to be cooked, the smells even making Sera's mouth water. Nuada cut large chunks off the side and nodded that it was indeed ready, Sera fetched the berry sauce she had made to go with the meat. Nuada cut off a leg and handed it to Sera, she sat there staring at the huge chunk of meat wondering where to start? Nuada laughed again and handed Sera a small dagger, "so you can make ladylike bite sized pieces". Sera heard the slight condescending tone so stabbed the leg and tried to take a bite out of it. She succeeded in dribbling boar fat all down the front of herself and Nuada almost fell over laughing. Sera realised how silly she must look and began to giggle, soon both of them were munching pieces of meat amongst laughing and the occasional bone being thrown at the other person. By the end of the meal they were both breathless and covered in boar splattering, berry sauce and bits of bone and gristle.

They both cleaned up the leftovers and Sera stored them properly so they would be good for the next day. They vaguely cleaned them selves, picking what they could from outfits and hair. Sera noticed some very cute smudges of pink sauce around Nuada's mouth but stayed silent about them. Nuada saw her look and slowly licked his lips, he got the blush he was aiming for an happily began preparing to bath the rest of the dinner off. Sera stopped him stepping into the bathing area, "This time ladies first." She was about to sidle past him when he said in a low tone "surely there is room enough for two". Sera's breath stopped, it hadn't sounded like a question, more of an inevitability. She looked up at him questioningly and she saw the look in his eyes, she now had no doubt as to whether this relationship would become physical. She gave a short nod and softly clasped his hand as they moved into the bathing room. Nuada softened as he felt how small and soft her hand was in his. He followed closely as they moved inside, Sera began to slowly remove her clothing, he watched till she was ready to get in the water. Then he waited till she slipped into the water, she sank under then rose up till it only came to her waist her chest glistening. He undressed and slid into the water near her, he sank and she waited for him to appear. When he didn't immediately reappear she moved forward only to have him rise out of the water behind her and circle her waist and shoulders with his strong arms.

Sera sank back into his chest savouring the feeling of skin against skin. Nuada softly kissed her neck getting a soft sigh from her. He reached out to the side of the pool and grabbed the hair soap, he lathered it through her hair and his own, enjoying the strong smell of sandalwood from the soap. Sera turned and they helped each other rinse long hair and wash away the last remnants of food. When they were clean they stood in the deeper part of the pool, the water coming up to Sera's neck. Nuada again began to softly kiss Sera's neck and gently moved his way up to her mouth. Sera in turn began to kiss him back, pushing a small insistent tongue into his mouth. Nuada had never had such enthusiasm in a first encounter so this took him pleasantly by surprise, he delved deeper into her mouth as his hands began to from her shoulders down to her breasts, he felt hard nipples against his palms and his kissing became a little fiercer. Where he expected her to pull away instead she clung to him harder, her fingers beginning to dig into the flesh of his shoulders. He let his hands slide down her body and around her hips to her buttocks, he lifted one leg and wrapped it around his waist. As his hand moved back to her buttocks he curled his fingers in so they caressed her womanhood as his hand passed.

Sera let out an involuntary moan as she felt his hand brush up against her and she almost bit his lip. Nuada kept one hand on her lower back then let the other trace over her hip again till it was sliding down her stomach to between her legs. She felt his hand move lower, his fingers deftly beginning to circle and stroke her. He whispered huskily into her ear "tell me what you like..." Sera obliged giving him directions till he hit the spot, then she was beyond speaking as he brought her to climax. She groaned loudly into his shoulder as it took her and left her shaking in his arms but he didn't let her rest for long. He found the place again with his hand but this time he did the work with his thumb as he pushed a finger inside her. This time she pushed her face into his neck as she alternated between kissing and biting his neck. He brought her to climax again feeling her insides clutch his finger tightly, he honestly wasn't sure she had enough room to accommodate him, he groaned into her neck, "can I? I want to be inside you," She managed a "yess" before wrapping both legs around him.

Nuada grabbed her buttocks with both hands as he guided himself to her entrance. He thought perhaps he was missing it when she tilted her hips and he felt the head of his penis slip just inside. His breath came quicker as he inched her backwards and forwards, each inward stroke penetrating a little deeper. He was almost delirious with pain of constriction versus pleasure of being inside her. She locked her heels behind him, encouraging him to move faster. He began to increase his pace as he delved deeper, her fingers were now embedded in his shoulders as she groaned in time to his inward strokes. He pushed her back against the edge of the pool and moved his hands up to around her back and shoulders, now he could feel all her flesh inside and out as he moved faster and deeper. Sera now groaned again into his neck, begging him to let her rest when she shuddered and he felt her climax around him. This was all it took for him to climax with her, his seed exploding within her. He tried to form words and failed miserably, he decided that clutching her was a much better idea until his vision cleared and the shuddering of his body stopped. She continued to spasm within and he almost bit his own lip as he was squeezed over and over. After several minutes he was finally able to pull out with only minor biting of lips and flashing of lights behind his eyes. They held each other in the water for sometime before Nuada tilted Sera's chin up so he could see her eyes,"are you ok with this, I know that this is fast..." Sera smiled, "this is perfect" Nuada looked deep into her eyes and knew that she was telling the truth, this made him happy and he again wrapped her up in his arms just enjoying the feeling of her warm skin against his.

Sera memories drifted back to times she had been with his sister, Nuala had always been so kind and giving but had never shown the passion she had just experienced. Nuada's eyes closed as he felt Sera drifting into memories, his head filled with images of Nuala being massaged, Nuala being brought to climax with Sera's tongue and Sera watching Nuala's eyes change as Sera's hands brought her to orgasm again and again. Nuada groaned deep in his chest. His penis again growing hard as he bit his lower lip. Sera began to enjoy his uncomfortable shuffling as she remembered more enthusiastic encounters with Nuala and also with young male elves soon after she had been rescued. She remembered a particular encounter where she had been taken from behind.

This was about all that Nuada could take, with a growl he opened his eyes and kissed Sera fiercely. His hands quickly cupping her buttocks and pressing himself against her. He rubbed hard against her as she gasped in pain as she realised that parts of her were now very sensitive and feeling bruised. She cried out "wait", Nuada had enough sense to pause as Sera turned around and put her back up against him. Nuada was confused till a small part of his mind went back to her last memory. Nuada leaned forward and groaned into her ear "your sure?" and when she nodded he didn't pause to wait for second thoughts. Sera clenched the side of the rock pool as Nuada held her hips in his steely grip. He pressed his penis against her anus and let out a roar as he entered her. Sera felt her entire body quiver as he moved into her, he was far larger than her first encounter of this sort. She could barely stop herself from crying out as she felt her body being impaled. Nuada was now in exquisite pain from being so constricted, his entire body tensing as he moved in and out. Too quickly he felt his body betray him as his seed burst from him.

Sera cried out as she felt him come inside her, felt his hot fluid gush into her. This time Nuada collapsed against Sera almost squashing her against the side of the pool. Sera recovered first as she felt him fall against her boneless, she manoeuvred his bulk around so that he was now leaning back against the rocks. Nuada was still inside her, she gently pulled away and felt his body shudder as they parted. Nuada puled her back against him and softly fondled her breasts as he let his head rest against her shoulder. Sera felt his hot breath against her neck and his heartbeat thumping in his chest. She felt weariness coming over her as the water lapped softly around them. What seemed to be a few minutes passed before Sera felt herself being gently washed all over then picked up out of the water. She nuzzled sleepily into Nuada's chest as he gently carried her to her room, dried her off before putting her in her bed. Sera woke again as he snuggled in behind her, soft warm flesh touching flesh and his hand caressed her hair.

In the morning Sera opened her eyes and was very pleased to Nuada looking back at her. He smiled softly "are you ok, I may have been a little over enthusiastic?" Sera shook her head, "I take partial responsibility, I knew you would be able to feel me and perhaps even see me, I underestimated your um, reaction" in her mind she was thinking size. Sera wondered if she would be able to walk today? Nuada smiled a small satisfied smile, "indeed my lady, I may have something to help in that area" Sera wondered if he was a mind reader, somehow she knew that he was meaning something to ease her discomfort. Nuada rolled over and got out of bed, he walked out of the room and Sera got a glorious view of him from behind. He was truly beautifully muscled and in proportion, at least from this angle. Nuada was only gone a few moments when he stepped back into the room holding a small bottle. Sera quietly thanked the gods that he hadn't thought of clothes yet as she now admired the front of him.

Nuada wondered at the smile on Sera's face as he entered the room then noticed how she was throwing admiring looks up and down his muscled physic. Nuada came as close as he could to a blush as he sat down on the edge of the bed, Sera giggled, a soft tinkling sound that Nuada liked the sound of. He whipped the blanket away as he said "lie down".Sera made a face as if to object but Nuada suddenly looked serious so she did as she was told. Sera lay back and Nuada took the lid off the bottle, it smelt to Sera vaguely of a flower that she was trying to remember the name of. Nuada used the stopper to apply some of the pinkish liquid to her wrists ad around her neck where he had bruised her the day before. It felt at first as if it were burning then quickly changed to an icy feel. Within a few moments the areas he had applied the liquid to now felt numb but she could see the bruising was gone.

Nuada now raised an eyebrow as his lips formed a half smirk, "now the other areas of discomfort". Sera parted her legs as his hand gently trailed down her stomach down between her legs. Sera let out a hiss of pain as the fire of the potion burned through bruising. Nuada lifted her leg toward her tummy so he could apply more liquid to her anus, he frowned as he saw that in his enthusiasm he had made her bleed. Sera saw his look and put her hand on his forearm, "I know you didn't mean to hurt me". Nuada looked inward and wondered himself if he hadn't wanted to hurt her, just a little for being the one to spend so much time with his sister. For having a bond with Nuala that was forever out of reach for him, even in elven society the kind of feelings he had for his sister had been taboo. "I will get you food" Nuada placed the blanket back over Sera and headed out of the room. Sera could feel that he was conflicted about something but thought that he would tell her in his own good time.

After breakfast in bed Sera felt very tired and snuggled back into her pillow for a nap. Nuada stayed by her side for a few minutes to make sure the sleeping draught hadn't been too strong. He was more used to sending things permanently to sleep than trying to keep them alive. Sera seemed to be a deep restful sleep so Nuada left her to rest. He got dressed and began pacing the floor of the entryway, he paced and thought for a few hours on everything that had happened in the last twenty four hours. He had been expecting some sort of 'pet' of his sister, something to be questioned if it hadn't given him the answers he wanted then tortured and eventually killed. Now he had discovered a half elf with personality and even worse the will to match his own. This new predicament deeply disturbed him, she was also half human. He knew that if the humans kept on their current path then he would be obligated to destroy them all whatever means necessary and now he was having sex with one. Nuada stopped dead for a moment and thought, 'yes and it was good, better than good it was mind blowing, damn!' he frowned and continued his pacing.

Eventually Sera woke up still a little groggy, all her bruises were completely gone. She still had vague numb feelings in some areas but that was far more attractive than the pain. She got dressed and wandered out into the living area, there was no sign of Nuada. She wandered outside and saw Nuada sitting on one of the tree branches looking out into the night. She thought briefly that she had slept overly long but she suspected that it hadn't been entirely a natural sleep. Sera climbed up and sat beside Nuada, she gently took his hand as they both stared out over the forest "I'm not what you were expecting?" Nuada nodded, "no your not, but maybe you are better, maybe you can show me that mankind can be redeemed?" Sera sat there for sometime thinking "so no pressure then?" Nuada laughed out loud and soon Sera joined him almost falling off the branch in the process.

Deeper in the forest something watched and listened. At the sound of the Princes laughter it turned and smashed a fist into the tree beside it, 'this will not do, when he is faced with the choice he must choose to destroy them!' It angrily moved deeper into the forest to the way tree it had used to get here, it was not only the elves who knew the ways of travel. It looked back toward where it knew the Prince to be, 'no we must find a way to change his feelings for her, this will not do!' It stepped into the ways as the tree it had hit slowly died from it's brief touch.