Queen Aurora of the Amazons (50)

     Time flowed at what felt a slow pace but before I knew it I had been back on Atlantis for about three months now. The last person I needed to speak with was Ambassador Kachek who had returned to his fairy mound before my return. Three months later I was on the deck of the Atlantian navel battle cruiser “The Herald” under command of captain Destine. Sert and Meli accompanied me in what felt natural but we also had Cole along. The Council forced our hand by claiming diplomatic business with a string of mystic races that Annianka was sending me to visit. The list included a fairy mound, a goblin enclave, and a phoenix aerie. Unbeknownst to them I had arranged a meeting with representatives of the second race created, the original dragons. I received their acceptance to meet as I completed preparing for this trip with my team. To Atlantian, they were seen as non-magical dragons because of how well they hid their true abilities. They agreed to meet me on the road in the human world between the enclave and the aerie while they wore perfect human guise.

      We barely cleared the protective reefs of Atlantis when Little Thunder's squawk sounded from the sky. I did not look up as I raised my arm to give him a landing perch. He chirped, squawked, and peeped his message to me. Aurora requested a visit from her Brother immediately.

     “Tell her we will make landfall at the same place we dropped our crimson wielding friend.” I whispered to the kestrel. “Have her people play savage and I will make sure no one jumps ship this time.” I stated with a chuckle. “Once that is delivered, check on Crimson for me.” I added. I had only received one message since their departure and feared Crimson, Marina, and their Amazon escort had faced problems.

     “What word did he bring you?” Sert asked. Thanks to his level of respect, he waited until Little Thunder was airborne before approaching me. “A message from Crimson and Marina?” he added.

     “No.” I replied softly. “The Amazon Queen requested my presence.” I explained. “Best to keep everyone on board ship during this meeting to avoid disruption and accidental death.' I told him. “I will let you know if it is regarding Crimson's plight.” I added quickly. He nodded his acceptance to my request.

     “I will inform captain Destine of this change of plans.” he return calmly. “Where will we be making port for this meeting?” he added.

     “Same beach we deposit Crimson upon.” I said. “They have built a small village there for possible trades with Atlantis through me.” I explained to him. “It may only be a rickety wooden dock but it gives them ocean access.”

     “I will make the arrangement including the isolation orders.” he replied. With a quick salute, he left me to gaze once more at the sea. The Herald may not have the special speed of the Leviathan but it moved faster than any other ship upon the wave. It glided on the water in a fashion that would not come to humans for a few millenniums. Driven by great fans that lifted the ship leaving only the smallest portion touching the water made this ship appear to fly over the water. I felt Cole approaching because of his annoyance and mild nausea from being at sea.

      “I do not want to hear your complaints.” I retorted before he could speak. “You know I have duties outside of the ones I have to Atlantis.” I reminded him. “This would be one of those duties to the Amazon Queen Aurora Nightshade.” I told him bluntly. “No chance I can postpone it.” I added.

     “How long will this take?” he grumbled.

     “Unsure.” I returned. He groaned as his shoulders slumped. “An hour or two if we are lucky.” I added. He grumbled under his breath as he nodded to me and he slunk away. I was lucky spending the rest of the trip in quiet contemplation. Sert new habit formed that day as he sparred with off duty sailors.

     The mariners of Atlantis were a separate military that report to both the Council and Annianka but were not under the control of either. Admiral Pierce was their leader but he refused to bow to anyone but the King and Queen of Atlantis. So far he had shown favour to Her Holiness in her words of peace. It was the reason I received the Herald as my private ship if needed. With it at my disposal, I could get to the other world faster while using to warn them of where to collect me when I returned. The rest of the time it could do it's normal patrol and escort other ships while I was land bound in or away from Atlantis.

     We glided in slowly into the roughly built port. The three dozen Amazons were primitively armed with crooked spears and clad in coarsely sewn leather and fur. Our ship stopped at the wooden dock carefully to not make too forceful a contact avoiding to knock it over. I held back my laughter at see them playing this role that was even more primitive than they normally showed outsiders. Two Amazons received the ropes to hold the ship in place while the others stood on the dock pointing their spears toward the ship.

      “Keep your crew and passengers on board and everything will go peacefully.” I warned captain Destine again. She nodded back to me.

      “Stand down marines!” she bellowed. They all relaxed while moving away from the rail ready to defend the ship. “None but Lord Kestrel may disembark.” she shouted. Sert and Meli were at my side nodding their grudging acceptance to this event.

      “The Amazons will not hold back defending their lands.” I continued louder. “Trespassers will be killed on sight.” I added bluntly. A ring of murmured rebukes rose at my words was ignored by myself as I vaulted from the ship to the guarded dock below. I landed gently in the middle of a half dozen spear points.

     “Brother Meakita?” the closest Amazon whispered.

     “I have been summoned by Queen Aurora.” I proclaimed. The half dozen spears aimed at me snapped to attention. The remaining visible Amazon warriors' spears remained aimed at the Herald and those sitting upon it. “Guide my feet to her my sisters.” I added calmer. A ring of six warriors escorted me from the dock and between the mud and straw splattered huts.

     “Is this primitive enough to be overlooked Brother Order?” she asked as we walked. She flashed me a quick hidden smile.

     “It may cause thoughts of an easy conquest Sister Pestilence.” I returned quietly. “What word from those escorting Crimson?” I asked. We walked pass the false village to disappear into the jungle treeline.

     “No word since they reported landfall in Thiruvananthapuram India.” she answered. “We both worry for our distant friends and family.” she continued. “My sisters spread wide across the world.” she stated.

     “North and east of the Greco-Roman lands keeping the stories of the Valkyrie to be written.” I returned calmly. “Across Africa and the southern part of the grand triple continent that will be called the Americas.”

     “A needed venture.” she retorted. “Does not hinder my fear of them losing their way.” she continued.

     “Is this the reason you called me here?” I replied. I stopped as we entered a small clearing that held Aurora's royal tent. “I refuse to blow the horn of gathering before the appointed time.” I remarked angrily. The five other Amazons melted into the treeline as they retreated from us. “It is my right to refuse you.” I interjected. She stared blankly at me ignoring my anger.

     “I would never call you here with such a trivial request like alleviating my worries.” she slowly told me. “Everything has its proper point to exist in Universe.” she continued stiffly. “Be it a single lone life or a thousand lives unending.” she concluded. I bowed deeply before her.

     “Forgive my short sighted words my Sister.” I said softly.

     “You are always eternally forgiven my Brother.” she returned easily. “Best we hold our tongues until we are in private.” she suggested. I nodded my agreement before following her into the empty tent. The five guards remained behind as shadows in the treeline.

     Once alone, she removed the headpiece and mask that hid her dusk coloured skin. Aurora could easily be mistaken for a native Lemurian because of her skin tone and above normal height. Meli who sometimes complained of her short stature among Atlantians was barely and inch taller than the Amazon's Queen.

     “How has the name 'Kestrel' been replaced upon your shoulders?” she asked. She let the badly sewn leather and fur drop to the ground without fear of my seeing her naked flesh.

     “I was renamed Kestrel by my little bird healer.” I reported. “She sits upon the religion throne of Atlantis.” I continued. She turned to face me before collect a swat of silk to slowly cover most of her nakedness. “Thinking of living up to that name once more Aurora.” I added. She laughed softly as she stood with the silk draped over her right shoulder to her left hip leaving one breast, the opposing hip, and leg exposed.

     “Would it be wise while housed in Atlantis Meakita?” she returned coldly.

     “Why did you wish for us to meet?” I retorted bluntly.

     “How dare you run off to Atlantis without any of us there to help you?” she growled at me.

     “Is it concern for my safety that truly prompts you?” I mused. “Or do you fear I will have too many playthings for me to play as is normal?” I continued. She glared at me as with a wave of my hand I pointed out her present dress. “Jealousy has never been one of your healthy motivators.” I added softly.

     “Would your little bird healer not be jealous of our intimate moments?” she stated. She moved to stand nearly touching my body with hers. “I wonder who will protect you if those shadows decided to assault you when you are away from its protective network or nodes?” she whispered. I sensed the worry escaping her iron walled mind.

     “I have my sword, my armour, and my wits.” I replied softly. “It makes me the most dangerous being alive no matter what body I rest in.” I continued. I raised my hand between our faces as it shifted into a claw tipped talon blazing with tendrils of lightning running over it. “I am not as impotent away from centres of power as everyone has been lead to believe.” I added. A ball of mixed bluish white flames and red-edged black flames spun in my talon hand. She shook her head as she giggled.

      “You always hide a trick or two up your sleeve for when it is needed.” she stated calmer. She pushed my hand out of the way to gently kiss my lips. “I could never fake powerlessness like you.” she admitted.

     “Simply learn that even if you have a power, you need not always use it.” I whispered. I gently returned her kiss. “And you may still have your chance to come to Atlantis to help me if my vision speak truth.” I continued slower. “Order, Famine, and Pestilence sitting on Atlantis while War, Death, and Chaos harboured in Lemuria as the next set of events come together.” I explained.

     “I am ready and willing to come to your call my Brother.” she answered. She wrapped her arms tightly around me. “Hopefully I will have time with young Chichi while we are there.” she added with a lewd chuckle.

     “He may be your mission.” I admitted. “Holding his fervour in check my Sister.” I returned chuckling with her.

      “I will wait patiently for your call.” she told me softly. She hugged me tightly to her one last time before stepping back. “Good parting Great Lord Genin.” she concluded.

      “Good parting High Lady Nightingale.” I answered. I turned and walked back toward the ship in silence. The five Amazons reappeared at my side as I crossed through the treeline. They marched with me between the mud and straw huts, to the dock, and stood in military stance as I vaulted back on board with the help of invisible wings. My team waited for my return which with a mental touch, I knew all the thoughts they had formed during my absence.

     “What was that about?” Cole asked sneering. “What would a bunch of savages have to gain from your visit?” he snarled at me.

     “Nothing that concerns Atlantis.” I retorted at him. “Still no word from Crimson's group once they entered India.” I informed Sert and Meli calmer. Cole moved away grumbling about useless savages.

     “Should we plan to verify on them personally?” Sert suggested.

     “It would not take much for the Herald to carry us to India once we dispose of Cole at the Fairy Mound.” Meli clarified. Both looked expectantly at me as I sense the worry they felt for the absence of Crimson's messages.

     “I must bring words of Her Holiness to the fairies, goblins, and phoenixes.” I reminded them. “I doubt She would be impressed if the Council's lackey was left alone to speak for Atlantis.” I warned them. Their shoulders hunched as they sighed in exasperation. “Little Thunder has been sent to see if they require assistance.” I admitted.

     “We feel more at peace knowing you are as worried as we are.” Meli returned sadly.

     “Are the Amazon acting for the sailors' benefit?” Sert whispered to me. I glanced around us leery before speaking.

     “It is how they appear simplistic to avoid conflicts with others.” I replied.

     “And a good way for them to be underestimated.” Meli whispered. I glanced from one to the other.

     “I have trained you too well.” I muttered. They both smiled back at me. “I am just happy no one tried jumping ship this time.” I continued. “Amazon justice is swift and final no matter if it is a woman or man involved.” I informed them. “Men simply have the chance to be kept as slaves if they appear of hardy stock.” I added.

     “So tossing Cole to them would not assure ending his life?” Sert remarked.

     “But I am sure he would be a good slave after a month or two of whipping.” Meli returned. They giggled at the thought of leaving Cole to the mercy of the Amazons.

     “He would not have been whipped.” I whispered to them. “He would have been violently raped multiple times a day until death freed him.” I explained quietly. I read from their mind that it would be acceptable as long as Cole expired. “And the children produced with mixed Atlantian blood?” I suggested. Their eyes widened at the thought. “Worse part ...” I interjected mildly. “Of Cole's bloodline?”

     “Now I feel happy I did not toss him to the women.” Sert confirmed. “I would not wish to contaminate my wife-to-be’s family.” he added with a boyish grin. Blush touched his cheeks as I stared at him slightly confused. Sert held up a tightly folded piece of paper.

     “Aurora had me visit so you could receive a love letter.” I remarked. I started laughing out loud as we sailed away for quiet time upon the open seas.

Claiming territory (49)

     Miss Hope, Annianka and myself waited in the dining room with Sert and Cole standing guard at the doors into the foyer. A half dozen of each of the four Royal Guard divisions were in place lining the walls of my study. All that was left for this to start and be done with was Princess Trixie of the pixies.

      "I am still worried regarding what you have planned.” I muttered. Annianka still wore the mischievous grin. “Have the Royal Guards present been warned of her plan?” I asked miss Hope.

     “Everything will be explained after that pixie departs from here.” she purred back.

     “Just play along and everything will end wonderfully.” Annianka remarked again. “All will understand and turn the pixie's rumours against them.” she added. I could feel the mirth-filled sparks playing along her skin as she held my arm tightly against her.

     “Why do I sense a Valhalla moment from your sister Joy?” I whispered mentally to her.

     “We do share a familial streak.” she returned calmly. A soft knock at the doors announced that Trixie was in place. Annianka giggled in glee as she straightened on my arm. She nodded once to miss Hope signalling the start of this play. The door opened slowly. We followed miss Hope across the foyer in a slow regal pace to the door of my study. Sert and Cole drifted with us in silence to take position of matching bracketing statues at the entrance of the study.

     “Guards to Princess Trixie!” miss Hope growled. They came to attention in ranks beside us. “In the name of your Captains, I order you to patrol the perimeter of the estate.” she told them directly. A group salute was their only answer. “You will be informed when she is ready to depart.” she ordered. “Explanations of her condition will follow at a later time.” she added in a purring chuckle. The Guards rushed out the door with nothing but the sound of their booted feet against the marble floor.

     “You know what is about to transpire?” I exclaimed in feigned shock.

     “Yes!' she interjected. Both woman wore matching mischievous smirks. “You may see it as Her Holiness marking Her territory.” she continued with a deep purring chuckle. Annianka giggled as she snuggled tighter to me. “Now.” miss Hope added. Cole held the door open for us while Sert held a Royal Guard salute to us. As miss Hope entered, the two dozen Guards came to attention drawing Trixie's attention to the the door. The pixie lounged on a low back divan placed facing my desk and new oversized chair.

     “You're definitely not the Envoy.” Trixie commented petulantly. She half rose on her dragonfly wings. “Where is this mystery Envoy that speaks for beings supposedly above the gods?” she remarked arrogantly.

     “Presenting Lord Kestrel, Envoy of the Ones On High and Right claw of Her Holiness!” miss Hope proclaimed at the pixie. Trixie was winging her way at me as miss Hope stepped aside to reveal me entering sideways through the door. The pixie Princess' wings froze dropping her to her knees before me. I saw a perverted series of thoughts form in Trixie's mind making her lick her emerald lips with a pointy bluish tongue. I turned to face her directly as she inched closer. “And Her Holiness Annianka, Living Heart of Atlantis!” miss Hope added purring. Annianka's knee rose to cover Trixie's chosen target forcing the pixie to look up. Trixie's eyes widened as they meet Annianka's gaze.

     “Best I take my chair so you are not forced into such an unseemly position for our discussions.” I stated casually. This earned me a warm giggle at my neck from Annianka. I walked around giving the pixie a wide berth even in the small space left with the Guards standing in the room. I thought a second chair would be moved for me to sit upon while Annianka used the throne like new seat. She hooked her leg behind mine tripping me into the large chair while moving to sit across my lap with her legs over the arm rest. She snuggled her head against my chest with an arm placed around my neck and the other across my body as she ran her fingertips on my other arm. I smiled at Trixie as I used my free arm to pull Annianka closer to me. My hand rested on her hip where I ran a finger in slow patterns against her skin. “And why did you wish to meet with me?” I asked casually. I ignored that Annianka's see through wrap dress barely covered her privates as she sat on me but it was an ordeal. Miss Hope moved to join us before Trixie even moved from her knelt position. “If you have nothing to say while remaining on your knees, please leave before I decide to order this noble Guards to remove you.” I stated bluntly. The Guards moved forward a step with weapon suddenly in hand. “Princess?” I added softly.

     “Right Sir!” she yelped. I barely saw her wings flickering as she flipped back to the divan before me. “I wished to meet you since you are a new noble upon Atlantis.” she explained. “Discovering what type of things you could offer me and the pixies.” she added. She still leered at me while she spoke making Annianka rub against me harder. I could see in the pixies mind that a new flavour idea formed which included Annianka in her menu.

     “Your thoughts are not on the type of things I would be willing to offer in the name of Atlantis.” I retorted at her. My hand gripped tighter at Annianka's exposed hip.

     “She could not compare to your skill.” Annianka half whispered in my ear. At her words, Trixie was even more focused on me with lust-filled thoughts spiralling nearly out of control.

     “All others have been disappointments.” I returned. “Too weak to play long.” I muttered. I left a solar flame form in my left hand which Annianka plucked with her own fire. “So weak in comparison to you my sweetness.” I added nearly purring the words.

     “I know.” she replied in the purring sounding voice. “Just hand her the list of available goods and possible trade items so we can speed this up my little bird of prey.” she stated dismissively. “Would rather have more time alone with you.” she added. She began kissing at my cheek and neck leaving little lip shape flames as markers. The sudden silence in the room made the gulping sound from Trixie sound like rolling thunder. The half sneer I wore as I slide the page across my desk to her caused her to rage under the friendly mask she now wore.

     “Please read through it once and let me know if anything catches your eye.” I remarked offhandedly. She took the page in her hand slowly eyeing the list as a little smile formed on her emerald lips.

     “This kohl for eyes is what?” the pixie returned. With her curiosity piqued, all lustful thoughts had vanished from her mind.

     “Grey to black powder used to decorate eyes.” I replied. “Many of the items listed are decorative items for the face and body.” I continued calmly. “They come from humans that wish trading with Atlantis for any quality goods.” I added.

     “Quality dyed gold, pigments, and tricks to move the heavies stone with ease for one tenth of its weigh in these flesh decorating products?” she countered quickly.

     “I will have word sent to them requesting a prompt reply.” I answered. “Can you open the window miss Hope?” I requested. She did not reply as she reached behind herself to unlatch the window at our back. The frame yanked outward from a deft peck of my Little Thunder. He hopped from the windowsill to my chair and once again to land on my desk at my left hand. He stood straight as an arrow waiting to receive the message I slowly began writing. “I will send word to you of their decision but I warn you that Atlantians must act as transferal agents.” I explained slowly. I rolled the note and attached it to the leg of my kestrel. It darted out the window winging away in complete silence. “These human wish to keep its dealings secret from others and Atlantis is their chosen method for this.” I added.

     “I see no problems with this.” Trixie returned easily. “I await word of when Atlantis will need our half of the trade items for delivery.” she continued in a rush. “I'll return to my lodgings in Atlantis immediately to send word to my people of this great boon offered to us.” she stated smiling. I saw her mind bubbling with ideas on using these product to make them more irresistible to others which was their way of winning allies.

     “Send word to have Princess Trixie's Guard ready to escort her home.” I ordered. One of the Ferret Guards by the door poked her head outside the room to warn Sert and Cole. “It is unfortunate that you rush away without tea or delicate snacks I had prepared.” I stated with a false sigh.

     “This is too import for me to observe proper etiquette.” Trixie returned. “The sooner I send word, the more my pixies can have ready to transfer.” she told me. “Pixies may be small in stature but we're fast at accepting something good.” she continued smiling broader still. “Good parting Lord Kestrel and may all your trades be this profitable.” she added. She darted from the room proving that pixies gained speed from their distinctive wings. We waited until Sert entered to inform us she had left.

     “And it is done.” Annianka giggled. Miss Hope help her back to her feet next to me. “Now was that as insufferable as you thought it would be my kestrel?” she asked. I sat laughing holding my sides as I read the thoughts that spiralled around the room. “It was decide that it would be best to show Lord Kestrel as beyond Princess Trixie's reach.” she explained to the Guards. “I could not trust any other to perform this play at Lord Kestrel's hand.” she continued. She blushed as they all looked at her realizing what Her Holiness feels for me. “And I doubt Lord Kestrel would trust touching any other woman.” she added. She looked at me as I sat still chuckling as I smiled up at her. I pulled her hand to my lips for a fleeting kiss at her palm.

     “None could have performed this role as perfectly as you Holy Annianka.” I replied softly. “Nor would I have wanted another attempting it.” I added. Her blush deepened as she held her hands at her back shyly swaying. Meli entered at this moment burdened with a large tray that held two tea pots, cups, and a well stacked layer of the quartered treat remaining from earlier that morning.

     “And the Guards will be very polite and accept this kindness.” miss Hope told the Guards. “We will not break with etiquette by rushing away.” she added. A cheer rose from the ring of Guards as each came forth to collect a cup of tea and a piece of fruit covered toast. They had all taken miss Hope's words as authorization to be at ease and gather in small knots within the study and the foyer.

     “We have done a good thing here.” I whispered. “Atlantis has stepped toward reconnecting with the world that surrounds it.” I continued in the same hushed tones. “One step closer to becoming the shining jewel to gleam in the darkness.” I added.

     “Is that not what Atlantis' honour orders it to stand for?” Annianka remarked.

     “More so than you could ever imagine.” I answered quietly. I received a giggle as answer before she take my hand to draw me to my feet so we could join with the others. The rest of the morning was spent slowly sipping tea, nibbling on fruity morsels, and talking with Annianka at my side. I still believe it was the greatest day I spent while upon Atlantis but that night proved Trixie's promise as genuine.

     I wasted the afternoon on our training field with Sert, Meli, and eight of the Royal Guards present for the morning play. The Guards were surprised by how quickly Sert had progressed over the five years I had become his trainer. Meli only problem was her non-aggressive technique. She feared striking at me and seemed to hold back while facing the others she sparred against. My body felt spent by the time I saw our extra Guards off. I disregarded eating to hasten my path to bed. I ignored Meli's reprimands that I should eat by claiming my fatigue as overpowering. I went directly to my room and stretched out mostly naked on my bed before noticing I had a guest.

     “That was a bit of a dirty trick you pulled on me.” Trixie whispered. I snapped a layer of silence around the room by emptying an inch of space from the walls, window, door, floor, and ceiling essentially sealing the room.

     “It seemed acceptable at the time.” I returned calmly. She fluttered over to sit upon the edge of my bed. “But I doubt you are that angered by my innocent game when first we met.” I told her. I sat up to look at her in the pale moonlight that glowed in the room.

     “Not anger.” she said. “But feeling cheated by your bonds to Her Holiness.” she continued. I could sense the annoyance that course through her body. “Hard to believe a Holy personage is so naughty in front of dignitaries.” she added with a sly glance at me. I could have formed clothing on my body but ignored it allowing her to see what she wanted most.

     “Annianka could surprise you with her tastes.” I mused. “It is like dealing with four different women.” I explained. “Each with their own unique method of gaining and giving exquisite pleasure and pain.”

     “Making my offer to you for helping me meet Lord Kestrel invalid.” she retorted. “You made that very clear to me.” she added. She turned more fully to look me over. I could feel her eyes like fingertips running slowly over my bare chest.

     “I stated the fact that I would not willing share Annianka with you.” I corrected. “We did have a pact, did we not?” I whispered. Her face snapped up to look into my smirking face. “Or are pixie oaths not binding?” I continued. She stared at me slowly running her pointy tongue along her upper lips. I tilted my head to one side. “I did find your thoughts while on your knees as something I have not experienced.” I suggested. Her eyes went down my body as she licked her emerald lips nearly moaning at the thoughts forming in her mind.

     “And doesn't Her Holiness wish to keep you for herself?” she asked haltingly. I had already shielded my mind to not receive the same berating comments from Annianka that Meli had spoken to me. In silence, I reached out to gently take her wrist to move her hand to the target of her thoughts. “Not answering?” she purred. She slowly began kneading with the hand I gently held in place. Her other hand reached up to untie the string that sat between her over-sized breast. With a shrug of her shoulders, the top of her scantly covering dress glided away to reveal her flesh. “I have heard that She sees all that happens on Atlantis.” she added. I felt her weak attempt at removing her hand from my grip before accepting what I offered firmly in hand.

     “She only look upon me when I allow it.” I whispered softly to her. Her wings flickered moving her body to disrobe fully. I released her wrist to remove the light cloth loincloth that was my only covering. Her hand returned without prompting to the spot she wanted to touch. I ran a lone finger along her cheek, neck, shoulder, and down her arm which she mirrored on my body. I had kept my head tilted exposing my neck to her which she moved in to lick gently then kiss hungrily with her burning lips. I let the chill of space run down my tongue as I returned the licking kisses at her neck. She hissed as she bit harder at my neck. It was easy with her airborne to flip her to float upside down in front of me as I sat on my bed.

     Her hand that had remain attached to her lower target tightened with every icy nibble of my mouth. It was a pulsing heart beat which my body responded to easily. She crawled down my body leaving little flaming green lip and tongue marks while forcing my head with the other hand to her ample bosom. Our tongues flickered and we kisses in unison against the others chest. Finding each others nipple with tongue and mouth, we licked rougher, kissed slower, and bit harder as I felt her passion flaring in the room. Now I felt magic from her to stifle noise that was escaping her mouth. Icy white marks from my mouth formed on her body as I forced the spell to fail her. Her moaning whines filled the space around us as more flaming green marks from her mouth appeared as she drifted farther down my body.

     As her tongue flicked fire at the tip of my manhood, I had one hand tangled in her bluish-green hair while the other snaked up the side of her body to firmly grasp at her buttock. She yelped as my ice tongue flickered along the joint-lines toward her inner thigh. Her legs separated with another icy flicker as she released a whining moan as my manhood entered. With a few teasing flicks her legs opened wider as I pushed her lower. She now began suckling while still moaning in the back of her throat. It felt the heat increasing to that of a bonfire in her mouth. I licked slower with an ending flick of my frosty tongue at her sensitive spot drawing deeper whining moans from her. The cold from my mouth enticed her fiery mouth to work harder as both tried to push the other over the edge of pleasure. She yelp and bit gently down on me as my finger touched with frost slid inside her while my tongue flickered faster leaving alternating ice and lightning on her.

     She forcibly yanked her pelvis from my face and gasps as she released my manhood. With a spin she was facing me letting me see the emerald flames playing on her lips and in her mouth. Holding my manhood in position she teasingly rotated to brush the tip against her wetness. My hands moved quickly to grapple on her hips guiding her lower. She gritted her sharp teeth as I entered her. I felt her stretching to fit my size size into her smaller body. The bonfire of her mouth could not compare to the volcano release as I filled her. Her wings snapped shut dropping her fully on me as I pulsed rings of arctic blasts through my manhood to meet her blazing eruption. Her lips locked on mine letting her flame tongue battle with my ice tongue. I toppled to my back and used my hands at her neck and hip to force her rhythmic pounding against me. Her muffle scream of pleasure filled my mouth as her heat rose exponentially as my cold dropped to match her. She collapsed on top of me with my manhood's fiery ejection from her body. Trixie clutched at me breathing hard as sweat dropped from her to be lost in the sweat that coated my body.

     “Let me know when you feel capable of continuing.” I remarked with a chuckle. Her head snapped up to look at me wide eyed. The flood of swears and praises ran through her mind as she stared in disbelief at me. “Or have I broken you?” I whispered. I smiled hungrily as frost formed mist wreathing up from my mouth. She smiled back licking more flames on her emerald lips. I tumbled her to her back as I reentered her still fully hard. She gasped as our fire and ice battled once more inside her with each driving thrust. I let my power shift my shape growing both in thickness and length inside her. She grappled her mouth onto mine to stifle the screeching moan that escaped her. Her internal space stretched without fail to encompass my increasing size. The night was spend as we used each other body in a meshing of fire and ice eruptions until slightly before dawn. We both learned and thought each other many new tricks and positions before laying spent with the bed soaked in our combined mess of mixed bodily fluid we had expended.

     “Sun will rise soon which means I should disappear.” she whispered. She snuggled against me purring. “But whenever you are in the mood, call me or any other pixie that catches your eye.” she purred into my ear. “All the women in my race would not know living without a night with you handsome.” she continued. We kissed one last time before she sparkled and disappeared from the room.

     “And don't forget to visit again you tricky pixie.” I stated into the empty room and into her mind as she reappeared in her empty room. I gave it a moment before dispelling the layer of silence I coated the room in. I closed my eyes and centred myself while spelling away the smell of sex that perfumed my room. This had been a very profitable day that ended in a pleasant night of release. We would have to wait and see what other troubles I could turn into successes for the betterment of Atlantis.

Alternate Journals: Marina and the Amazon (3)

     It was odd being surrounded by other women. It made me wonder how Crimson, the lone man here, was handling it. For me, I was already seen as an oddity most of my life being a rare breed as a female sailor in a paternally driven world. Only a quarter of the Leviathan's crew was female but the men treated us like equals. After a week of travel through splatters of jungles ending each night at a small satellite camp housing a dozen Amazon warriors, I felt out classed by the quality of women that surrounded us.

     “What is it like living with men?” Rena whispered to me. We sat alone by the central fire pit. “Will you tell me little sister?” she added. I looked at this woman that was no more than a year younger than me who had gained the warrior title on the day Crimson returned to the ship.

     “Would that be prior to becoming a sailor on the Leviathan or after?” I asked stalling her. Ashstar assigned her to me as my teacher of the Amazon Way. I felt no insult by receiving the lowest member of our travel group as my superior.

     “Both!” she exclaimed. She smiled easily which I saw as impossible for a person trained only for a life of battle. I had much still to learn about what being an Amazon truly meant.

     “My life before the Leviathan is only a half remember mix of dreams and nightmares.” I answered truthfully. “Fighting along side men that expect you to protect them with the same dedication they have to protect you sums up my life on the Leviathan.” I explained. “Those men see women as equal without reservation.” I admitted.

     “I must believe men away from your ship look down upon you.” Rena commented.

     “But that behaviour is mirrored in how Amazons see men.” I retorted without anger. “Either women or men can be physically weak while possessing other nimble gifts such as their mind.” I added.

     “Which shows in ranks same as the ones created within the Amazons.” she countered. “Strength of arm is not the only way to defeat an opponent.” she continued. It was not the first time she recited this litany to me. “It is when you combine your gifts that victory is yours to grasp.”

     “Which is true for individuals as well as for groups.” I stated the last line of this lesson. “You are a good trainer big sister Rena.”

     “And you learn easily little sister Marina.” she replied quickly. “But I still wonder if you truly wish to be an Amazon in your heart or simply doing this to feel equal to brother Crimson?” she said slowly. “You refused taking a separate tent making some believe you plan to claim him upon becoming a warrior.” she added as explanation.

     “If he wish me to be his, I am willing to take him as mine.” I told her in a whisper. “He has as much right to chose as I do.” I continued. “Is that not the right of a Free Man of the Amazons?”

     “Yes, even if that title is honorary instead of earned in the Amazon Way.” Rena returned. “Just know that while you share his tent no Amazon will ask or accept mating requests.” she whispered. “I am just warning you little sister that you are blocking his chances at taking a mate.”

     “And if he tells me that he seeks a mate from the other Amazons, I will take another tent.” I retorted. “We do not even sleep on the same pallet at night.” I told her. “He is truly honourable in giving me as much choice as I give him.” I continued. I felt my cheek redden at the thought of being curled against Crimson's body. “Maybe I do want to be a warrior simply to claim him as mine.” I admitted.

     “Tell him your feelings.” Rena reported. “It would not be the first time a little sister claimed her mate before gaining her warrior title.” she stated. “And you need not do it in Amazon fashion for us to accept it.”

     “I am still unsure of his heart.” I confided to her. “I see him treating all the women here with equal respect and acceptance.” I continued. “And Thea is assigned to him which is odd.” I added. I remembered Thea's pale face and the fear she admitted to me while helping me strap on my armour.

     “It made sense to me because of her past.” Rena returned. “Ashstar would want Rena to overcome her fear of Blood Mages which brother Crimson can give her.” she explained.

     “He is not a Blood Mage!” I snapped at her. “He cannot control the blood in others body unlike those Blood Mages.” I retorted. My anger flared at Rena's lack of understanding.

     “It does not matter who's blood he manipulates.” she returned. “Seeing his gift regularly helps her control her fears.” she continued. “Making Thea less likely to suffer battle shock if she faces a Blood Mage.” she explained. “And it is her wish to find and defeat the monster that murdered her family and friends before her eyes.” she added in a conspiratorial whisper.

     “But she need not face it alone.” I countered. “She has sisters to stand with her.”

     “Who may die at the monster's hands if she is too frighten to act.” Rena returned. “You must be as dependable to your sisters as they are to you.” she told me. “An individual weakness causes all in the group to be weakened.”

     “I can accept that.” I replied softly. “As a member of the Leviathan, we must protect and depend on each other during battles as much as during the calm times.” I told her. “It is the only reason we can survive while destroying the rift beasts.” I confided in her quietly.

     “It is still hard seeing him with another woman at his side.” Rena remarked. I nodded back to her in silence.

     “To bed for me.” I said. “We remain in place tomorrow to practice and test our skills before proceeding to the harbour town.” I stated. She smiled at me slowly nodding her agreement. “Good night and dreams big sister.” I added.

     “Good night and dreams for you also little sister.” she returned calmly. “Dreams of your man in red.” she added with a shy giggle. She stood quickly to dart away before I could say anything to her. I moved slowly to the tent I shared with Crimson. With nothing but a simple candle for light, he sat writing what appeared to be notes reflected in three columns.

     “I am setting a translation guide from common, Amazonian, and my true language.” he explained without looking up. He finally looked up at me when I stood in the tent in silence. “You look flushed.” he remarked. He moved quickly ignoring the scrolls he was writing upon that scattered around him. “What happened?” he asked gently. He place his left hand on my shoulder gently as all I could do was stare back at him. When his right hand raised to his face, I spotted the same disk of reddish light floating in his hand before his right eye.

     “What is that device?” I forced out. “What does it do?” I added. I felt my chest tightly holding my breath while my mind raced to think of words to say to him.

     “It is a medical aid.” he replied softly. He gazed through the circle of light at me. “What has you speechless before me since you appear in full health?” he said softly. The disk disappeared from his hand as he moved to place it on my other shoulder. “You offered to be my aid which means I must be of help to you as well.” he added. His touch was so gentle for such a large man with great physical prowess made me melt as I stood facing him.

     “Sorry.” I whispered. “I must be more spent than I believed I was.” I continued. I tried stepping passed him but only succeeded in falling into his arms. He scooped me into his arms as I saw the concern creasing his face. He moved me gently to my sleep pallet. He laid me down upon it before making his medical device return to his right hand. I know I must have blushed a deep shade of red as he looked at my body from head to toe through that red hued disk. “I am fine.” I muttered but I am unsure if the words were spoken in the real world.

     “I see nothing wrong with your health.” he report. “Simply rest and I will examine you again in the morning.” he whispered his order to me. “It is good that we remain here an extra day.” he added.

     “Sleep will cure me.” I assured him. Once again, I could not tell if my words were out loud or simply in my mind. He ran his hand caressing the side of my face before standing once more. I held back attempting another speech that I did not know if he heard. He covered me with a light blanket. He returned to his pallet to lay down and blow out the candle light. I gazed at him in the half darkness feeling without seeing that he looked back at me with those crystal blue eyes. I drifted to sleep while my eyes remained glued on him.

I awoke the next morning to a partially filled tent. Crimson, Ashstar, and Talon stood in a tight triangle near the tent flap. Thea and Rena were near to them standing at attention waiting.
     “What outside of maladies and poisons could cause this?” Crimson asked in a hushed voice. Sailors hearing must be keen to note the smallest of warning whispers. I made my ears sharpen by closing my eyes to listen to their whispered conversation.

     “Pregnancy?” Talon suggested.

     “It would be in effect prior to my presence.” Crimson retorted stiffly. A soft giggle escaped Talon.

     “I do not believe sister Talon was placing paternal culpability upon your shoulders.” Ashstar stated. “But, neither of you would be opposed to that eventuality.” she told him. I heard them chuckle and giggle. “Your blush proves that you agree.” she added.

     “I did not see internal signs of pregnancy.” he continued softer. “I will verify that possibility closer during my next examination.” he added.

     “If she is pregnant, we may be forced to delay sailing.” Talon returned. “Possibly two years for the child to be ready to travel.” she added quickly.

     “If she does not regain enough health, I must agree that sailing is impossible for her or the child to survive.” Ashstar commented. “It forces us to consider taking the Silk Road.”

     “Please explain this silk road to me?” Crimson replied quickly.

     “It is the land path that passes through the northern part of India.” Thea answered.

     “Increasing our journey by many months through troubled lands.” Ashstar confirmed. “Which will be harder on little sister Marina walking the distance and on the child born at the roadside.” she explained slowly. “But boarding a ship before she regains her health may kill her and the unborn child.” she added.

     “I am not pregnant!” I screamed at them. I looked at them to see no reaction. I sat up quickly calling their name as loud as I could. I believe luck was in my favour that Rena glanced in my direction.

     “She's awake.” she announced. They moved to my side kneeling by my sleep pallet. I tried once more to speak to them gaining nothing but confused and worried glances. Crimson had his circle of red as he force my head back with a firm grip on my chin.

     “There is nothing there to cause her muteness!” he growled. I noticed from my prone position both Ashstar and Talon peered through the circle.

     “That appear proper to most throats I have opened.” Talon muttered. I snapped my fingers at Crimson as I notice Crimson moving the reddish disk to examine my stomach. I touched my stomach shaking my head violently at him.

     “I believe she is telling us that she is not pregnant.” Rena stated for me. “Could this be an infection?” she added softly.

     “What is an infection?” Crimson muttered. Rena shock her head as she touched my forehead with the back of her hand.

     “I feel a bit of a fever.” she proclaimed. “Open your mouth very wide?” she asked. As I opened my mouth, Rena tilted my head as she examine inside my mouth. “Reddish striation of the inner throat and begin of mucus around the uvula.” she reported. “Show me the blood flow around this area.” she ordered to Crimson. He held the disk before Rena's eyes who grappled his wrist to slowly scan from her neck to her ears and nose. “I believe it is a mild throat infection.” she stated calmer. “Have Menes search for the needed herbs while we confirm little sister is not pregnant.” she added. Thea had taken paper and quill from the pile on the floor carrying it to Marina.

     “Can you write?” she asked gently. I nodded with a half smile making her force the paper and quill into my hands. “Why are you sure you are not pregnant little sister?” she added. It was easy for me to explain.

     “I have not been with a man for many years.” I wrote. I held it up to Rena who shrugged before passing it to Crimson. I tried to grapple it before he could read the words but both Rena and Thea held me from moving.

     “Just relax until we can get the healing herbs into you.” Rena ordered. I blushed as I pointed toward the paper. Crimson glanced at the paper before crumpling it up.

     “She cannot be pregnant.” he informed them. He glanced at me and nodded. I must have turn brightly red since I received many curious looks.

     “Could her discolouration be caused by this infection?” Talon asked.

     “I believe it is the words she wrote that causes her redness.” Rena returned. “I will teach you our written language so we need not show to brother Crimson your private words.” she told me. “We will not be leaving here for a week to assure you have recovered fully.” she added.

     “I am still waiting to understand what an infection is?” Crimson reminded them.

     “It is that same as a wound that goes bad.” Thea reported. “It can cause fever, weakness, pain, and other effects depending on the type.” she explained. “It is seen as a disease which is why we did not mention it earlier.” she corrected.

     “What are the chances of it being contagious?” Crimson asked slowly.

     “Very low since none have shared water skins or eating implements.” Rena returned. “Have your lips touched hers?” she asked. I could feel my face redden once more as I tried avoiding looking at Crimson.

     “It is beautiful when man and woman share their colour.” Thea remarked.

     “Enough teasing!” Ashstar snapped. “They will make their on mind and path without us pushing them together.” she added. She nodded at us before signalling in silence to leave. Rena stopped at the tent flap to gaze back at me.

     “I will return once we have the herbs prepared.” she said. I was alone once more with Crimson. He returned to kneel at my side while I sat on the pallet.

     “I does not matter to me if you had been with another man.” he told me softly. “If you had been pregnant, it would not change how deeply you have touched me.” he said slowly. “I will find a way of sending word to the Leviathan since this infection may have started there.” he continued. I looked at him slightly confused by his change of subject. “Do not look at me confused since I know the crew of the Leviathan is family for you.” he added. I reached up to take his hand and touch his cheek. I gently turned his head to see the papers before pointing at the mess. He turned back to look at me. I held up the quill to him. He rushed on all four to the papers grabbing blank sheets to bring back to me. I covered my mouth as I giggled forgetting he could not hear it.

     “Thank you for knowing what would make me worry.” I wrote. “It shows that you think of me as important.” I added.

     “You followed me into an unknown adventure because you wanted to help me.” he returned. “You make it impossible for me not to see you as important.” he continued. “The most import person that I have been with in a very long time.” he whispered to me. He placed his hands on my shoulders and gently pushed me back to laying down. He laid next to me on the dirt to look into my eyes. It is at that point he told me the story of his last love, the huntress Elana, including how she died to save him. “Promise me to never sacrifice your life for me.” he muttered softly. I shook my head at him. He laughed mirthlessly. “I could not continue living knowing you are gone from my life.” he added. He brought my hand to his mouth to half kissed half bit my wrist. I sighed before shaking my head at him again. We stayed staring at each other until I drifted back to sleep. I am happy that a week later we boarded a ship to sail the Indian Ocean passing the top of Madagascar to the southern tip of India. But still I am unsure if he choice me as his or if I am but his dearest friend.

Knowing the Tricky Pixie Princess (48)

I returned home to find Meli and Cole still bickering. Deas remained behind probably to explain how our newest device functioned but had been caught by the entertainment offered. Sert stood with him staring at the scene of our bickering companions. I joined the audience of two without being noticed.

“Did they even take time to break since I've been gone?” I commented. Deas twisted in shock to face me while Sert simply half turned to look calmly at me.

“Welcome back sir.” he said. “I doubt they have taken a breath between launching barbs at each other.” he commented. He smiled mischievously while Deas stared blankly at me with red-cheeks. “Thought it more prudent to remain here than attempt following you.” he continued calmly. His smile turn more into a smirk as he spoke. “It is normal for them to go into hours of tirades of insults at each other.” he informed Deas. “Both are good enough not to physically harm each other.” he added.

“Unlike yourself if Cole would accept your challenge to spar.” I remarked. He nodded as his smile widened to show his teeth in a vicious grin. “Have you explained to Sertian how this device works?” I asked Deas.

“I started but we were distracted by Lady Mekiliean and Colêsträ.” he answered. He blush redder with every word. “I am sorry for failing you Lord Kestrel.” he added quickly. Tears streamed down his face as he drop to his knees before me.

“You take your offence too seriously.” I returned. “Meli! Cole! Enough!” I ordered in a bellow. Both gulped loudly into sudden silence. “Front and centre in silence so Young Deas can teach you to use our new toy!” I told them. They came to stand nearly at attention next to me all staring unblinkingly at the technician. Deas spoke slowly as I felt his nervousness of having all of us staring at him. I knew it would take not much effort for my team to learn using this tool. My fears lay with the information centre that would be added to my study which locking when I was not using it would be unseemly. I would have to remember to have the codes altered to control the information my companions could retrieve from it. I listened only partially to the lesson since I had read the technical schematics already and learn more than Deas would be teaching us. I waited the full hour it took for his explanation before speaking to my team.

“Now that this is done, we must have words about another possible problem coming our way tomorrow.” I stated. “If you have knowledge about pixies, I would ask you to join us Deas.” I requested softly.

“Pixies?” Sert and Meli interjected in unison. I judged the depth of their knowledge and experience by seeing their reaction. Cole's face paled to near white while Deas looked absolutely confused. Meli gritted her teeth as I felt her anger rising through the trembling earth under my feet. Sert's face turned passive as a hint of a blush flushed his cheeks.

“Good parting Young Deas.” I stated calmly to him. He bowed to us and exited quickly from our home. “Conference in the dining room.” I ordered gently.

“Shall I fetch tea since this may take some time?” Meli returned calmly. I felt her anger boiling under the calm facade she presented.

“Yes.” I interjected back swiftly. She was off to the kitchen as the word escaped me. I looked to my other two companions waiting for the next comments I sensed in them.

“The inner garden might be more appropriate for this discussion.” Cole suggested. No emotions emanated from his surface thoughts but my deeper probe showed worry directed at Meli.

“I do not see a difference changing locations.” Sert remarked slowly. “The extra space and natural surroundings might be helpful.” he hazarded. I sense the same worry more clearly in Sert than Cole's mind. “Should I inform her of the change?” he added. He was half turned to follow her as he spoke.

“I am thinking it would be prudent.” I answered. I could still sense her rage level anger rushing through her as Sert rushed to reach her. I considered her level of power released in anger would be destructive indoors making me agree with them. “Easier for me to counteract her if needed.” I whispered to myself. Cole stood unmoving with me in the foyer. “Shall we?” I added motioning him forward. He nodded before leading the way to our inner garden.

“Pixies are known as very sexual but most keep it from public view.” Cole told me. Sert entered in silence carrying the tray of tea and cups followed by Meli. Her hands were clenched in fists at the end of her crossed arms. “Their appetite in that respect is voracious especially with a new race.” he continued.

“Would that make them latch to a stranger publicly?” I asked calmly.

“As a race, they would flirt casually until they came into more private a place to attempt seducing their chosen target.” he answered.

“Unless it was her ...” Meli retorted. She stood with clenched teeth, armed crossed on her chest, stiff-backed, and glaring at Cole. “Their Princess is an absolute slut ready to jump males in public if they suits her fancy.” she continued biting into each word. “We should remain clear of her.” she added.

“So you have meet Trixie before.” I stated calmly. “She ran across me looking for a way of assuring a visit with the Envoy Kestrel.” I remarked. I felt the earth of the inner garden tremble and heat under my feet. “She did not recognize me as him.” I added. I used my ability to chill and hold the ground in place while channelling her powers thousands of leagues deeper into the earth.

“How physical did she get with you?” Cole asked. I felt more anger pulse through Meli at his words.

“She did nothing too open.” I reported. “In other words, my privates are still private.” I added with a smirk.

“I will kill her.” Meli growled under her breath. I glanced at her noting that her anger equalled deeper blushing from Sert.

“What happened between you and Trixie?” I asked her. I moved to stare directly in her eyes. “Tell me what happened!” I ordered bluntly.

“Leave her be sir.” Sert announced softly. “I will reveal the story to you alone as long as you leave Meli out of it sir.” he stated. I glanced at him noticing his cheeks a deep shade of red as his thoughts were protective over Meli.

“Leave the tea.” I ordered bluntly. “Sert and I need privacy.” I told them directly. Meli growled as she departed instantly. Cole looked from Sert to me without moving. “Now Cole!” I grumbled annoyed. He nodded before taking a cup of tea and following Meli out of the garden. With a flick of my mind, I latched the door locked and settled a muting zone against the inner wall and windows. I waved to one of the benches in silence to Sert.

“She is not one to believe that age is a barrier for action.” he murmured. “I was about a hundred and fifty and Meli much younger when we unfortunately crossed paths with the Pixie Princess.” he explained slowly. “She was hanging off a Royal Guard assigned to her when she spotted us walking out of a side street.” he continued in that same slow pace. “She released the Guard to come attach herself to my arm.” he said.

“Tell it to me as one of those tales you created.” I suggested. He nodded before continuing with closed eyes. I watched the events in his mind seeing what he could not say out loud.

“It did not seem strange since many of the girls from the orphanage would grapple my arm saying it made them feel safer when walking. Meli walked on the other side of me and did not notice her at first. Trixie cuddled tighter to my arm with every step until she had her body pressed against my side with her one leg wrapped around mine. Her other leg slid up and down my leg and buttocks making me realize what she was tempting me with. It is at that moment Meli noticed her.

“You should not do that in public!” she told her. She was not angry at that moment.

“But he looks so tasty that I just need to savour him.” Trixie returned mostly in my ear. She began licking and kissing my neck to a point of nearly biting me. Meli came around to try and remove her from me but her Guard arrested her motion. The Guard was whispering to Meli when Trixie moved from my side tripping me to the ground under her. I had no chance to stop her as my clothes were pulled aside and her skirt rose to her hips as she mounted me. She kissed me and her lips felt like fire against my skin arousing me and ...”

He blushed redder as he could not state the fact he had slid into her at that moment. He did not wish to state what followed as he experienced his first sexual adventure by force. I gave him a few minutes before asking him to continue from after that point.

“Meli broke free of Trixie's Guard and pulled her off me by her hair.” he reported. “This would have caused a diplomatic incident if we were not exposed as we were.” he continued with a chuckle. “Before her Guard could capture Meli, my clothing was off as I distracted him by having Trixie chase me from the scene to a more private location.” he explained. “I let her catch me a second time giving her a chance to finish what she had in mind and left reattached to her Guard's arm.” he concluded his tale.

“Meli was unhappy that Trixie had her way with you?” I asked a little perplexed.

“She is angry that she could not protect me.” he replied. “And she has butted heads with that tricky pixie ever since.” he stated. “Nearly fighting over every man she becomes interested in when Trixie visits Atlantis.” he added.

“Happy not explaining to her that Trixie mounted my hip and assaulted my neck with kisses.” I remarked. Sert laughed. “It is the fact that Trixie does not know that I am the person she seeks an audience with.” I stated softer.

“She would be seeking the Envoy of the Ones on High possible to taste him.” Sert suggested. “Or to make arrangement for some treaty letting the pixie mate with other races like the humans.” he added.

“Possibly since she didn't go fully into enticing me until she learned I was human.” I returned pensively. “Tell Cole and Meli to return since I would like to know what pixies as a race can offer in trades to other races.” I ordered.

“As you wish.” he answered. After three to four hours, I had a mental list of possible goods that could be traded from the pixies to humans as long as they allowed Atlantis to perform the exchange. It fell perfectly with the requested trade agreements received from the Egyptians including they did wish to keep a separation between themselves and Atlantis. Trading on open sea away from prying eyes of the world was added in their requests. I was happy not having to explain why the treatise was written in Atlantian as well as Egyptian.

“I have asked for a dozen female mixed Royal Guards to be present for the meeting in the morning with the pixie Princess.” I remarked over the evening meal. I stated this since Meli had complained that I would be defenceless since Sert would never harm a woman “even if she's a tramp of the pixie”. I laughed at her comment but did take it seriously. “Meanwhile, you are not to enter the dining hall during the meeting to keep things calmer.” I told her. I could sense her readying a rebuke to my idea. “I will have Sert, Cole, a dozen Royal Guards, and a Captain present to protect me which should suffice.” I informed her. She sighed as her shoulders slumped. “I do understand that you are worried for my physical safety but it is needless.” I continued. A knock sounded in the room from the foyer. Cole signal us to stay as he rushed to the door. “That was different from his normal behaviour.” I added.

“Very odd.” Sert exclaimed. He was half way out of his chair when Cole entered followed by Miss Hope.

“Yes?” I interjected.

“Her Holiness has heard of your morning visitor.” she stated formally. “She will be present to dissuade Princess Trixie's ideas.” she continued bluntly. “No room for argument on your behalf since it is her first action of freedom.” she growled at me.

“As Her Holiness Annianka sees fit.” I replied. “Please thank Her for Her concern in this matter.” A small smile formed on miss Hope's face before she nodded and walked away. “See Meli!” I nearly purred. “I even have Annianka's and Miss Hope's protection.” I added with a smirk. Meli shook her head before laughing.

“If Her Holiness is present, you could forgo the dozen Guards.” Sert suggested.

“And I believe Meli would behave with Her Holiness at your elbow.” Cole commented. Both men looked at each other before smiling merrily at the turn of events.

“Her Holiness would find it odd if I did not serve the tea during this meeting.” Meli reminded me. I sighed deeply before shrugging in helplessness to the situation.

“Fine Meli!” I retorted. “You are allowed to be present during this play as long as you behave.” I conceded.

“I will act like the perfect helping set of hands.” she returned quickly. “Best we all rest well for our impromptu performance in the morning.” she mentioned. A round of nods answered her before we slowly drifted to our respective bedrooms.

The morning dawned bright with only a few cottony clouds drifting slowly in the azure sky. Is was typical Atlantian skies and sometimes boring because of the daily monotony seen from the windows. I was already awake and in the kitchen preparing breakfast long before sunrise. I knew Sert and Meli usually came to the kitchen to start breakfast before waking me. The water for tea sat boiling while I cut slivers of cheese from its wheel. I had planned a different breaking fast fare for them. “Slices of bread toasted with mixed harder fruits chunks coated in cinnamon butter on top.” I recited to myself. Two dozen of these sat cooking while another two sat waiting to be placed in the oven. “Once ready, I place them to cool with drizzled honey and a sliver of a slice of mild cheese on top.” I continued reciting this simple recipe. “Any remaining can be sliced into quarters to serve as snacks during this morning's meeting or as light dessert for noontime meal.” I added to myself.

“Why do I smell baking apples?” Sert muttered from the back stairwell.

“Because I decided to fix the morning meal.” I announced. With nothing to protect my hands from the heat, I removed twin trays from the oven. I slid the second set of trays into the oven allowing my mind to close the door with a single afterthought.

“Tarts?” Meli stated. They stood waiting at the base of the stairs in awe at the sight. “And why make so many?” she added.

“Of sort.” I returned. “I thought what remained could be quartered as light snacks.” I answered. I glanced at them quickly before dripping honey threads and covering each with a slice of cheese. “A tea that compliments the cinnamon-butter-honey flavour or the apple-peach-pear flavour.” I muttered as I worked. Wordlessly Meli rushed to the other set of cupboards to select her ingredients by smell upon the board. “Verify if any of our guests wait at the door before rousing Cole to help us prepare.” I added toward Sert.

“Right away sir.” he responded. He darted down the back hallway to the foyer.

“Who would you expect here this early?” Meli remarked. As I completed decorating the last slice, I heard the rhythmic pounding of the pestle in Meli's hand.

“Her Holiness Annianka and miss Hope.” I replied softly. I knew she did not see the soft smile on my face. “She would make sure to be in place before our main guest arrives.” I explained. “And I mentally sent her the smells and sights of this meal.” I added. Meli giggled at my back as we moved.

“You are being thoroughly prudent about that deviant.” she said. “Very happy that everyone is charging to your rescue Kestrel.” she added with another giggle. I chuckled back as I placed a stack of plates near the doors into the dining hall.

“Have two to three tea pots ready to receive water while we drink from the fourth one with breakfast.” I mentioned. I set a large caldron of water on one of the hooks above the fire while moving the kettle of boiling water to the warm rocks. “The large caldron should cover our water needs?” I hazarded.

“Perfectly.” Meli answered without thinking. “Three pots ready for the meeting and on steeping on the hearth.” she informed me. Between our respective gifts, we danced around each other easily in the small space we used. I did not look up as Sert entered with Cole at his back.

“Her Holiness is here with her Honour Guard for breaking fast with us.” Sert informed me.

“Told you she would be here.” I commented to Meli. “Bring the plates out to them Sert while Cole shows them into the dining hall.” I ordered softly. “Bring the tea while I complete decorating the last two trays.” I told Meli. She nodded back to me before exiting the room with the tea pot and cups. It took but a few minutes to place the two new trays to cool with the honey and cheese topping slowly melting. I entered the dinning room with a tray in each hand finding my place occupied by Annianka with the chair to her right empty while miss Hope sat to her left. Sert was set at my right with Cole beside him while Meli sat by miss Hope.

“The Guard troop will arrive within the hour and the pixie an hour later.” miss Hope informed me. “I will be standing in for the Captains.” she continued.

“Best we have this gathering in your den forcing Princess Trixie to have a writing desk between the two of you.” Annianka stated. I saw the mischievous grin that sat on her face. “We will enter after she has been escorted into a room filled with female Guards.” she continued with that same grin. “Just play along and she will never dare trying to touch you my Kestrel.” she added.

“You have a very naughty plan in mind.” I remarked. I took my seat next to her as I placed the twin trays upon the table. “Best we eat and make Her Holiness' first day of freedom is joy filled.” I added. We ate slowly while talking about nothing of importance. I doubt anyone noticed the fact that Annianka held my hand under the table.