by Eden Redd
“You haven’t won,” Mad Morgan spit as black liquid oozed from the corner of his mouth.
“It sure does look like we won,” Thorrin smirked and drove a glowing fist into Mad Morgan’s twisted cheek.
A burst of light filled the area. The dread lord’s body went flying out the entrance and landing on his back in the dirt. Thorrin gazed down with Lyra by his side. Mad Morgan spit out more black liquid, a small laughter spilling from his lips. The laughing grew louder as he sat up and stood up, axe in hand.
“You…you can’t kill me! We are the masters of death! Beat us and we will regenerate. Stab our hearts for they no longer beat on the mortal plane! I am but one of eight who will snuff out the light! We will defile your holy places and lay waste to this world. The war will bring all living creatures to their knees, so sayeth the true masters of Lukken!”
Thorrin’s eyes widened as the dread lord lifted up his axe with both hands. Already moving, he took hold of Lyra and forced her down as Mad Morgan heaved his axe and threw it. The black blades spun through the air, missing Thorrin by an inch. It spun on until it buried its self into the destroyed altar. The black axe blazed into a tear drop shape of flames before crumbling to black dust.
Thorrin sat up as Mad Morgan advanced, his axe reappearing in his hand. He heaved it up once again when a shadow melted into view behind him. A dagger point penetrated his back and blazed. The dread lord turned his head to see a dark-haired elf, smiling at him. Another dagger punctured his back. The elf flipped away as both daggers leaked holy light into the dread lord.
Mad Morgan sank to his knees. More daggers twirled through the air, inches sinking into his back, neck and head. From around a corner, a green dragon came into view. Mad Morgan let out a tired sigh as the dragon opened her mouth and bellowed a stream of fire.
Thorrin and Lyra were to their feet, stepping down the stairs. Flames engulfed the dread lord but his shoulders bounced to insane laughter. Vass watched as Emma’s body shifted to her human form. Talisa and Saldor came up behind Thorrin and Lyra. All eyes were on the burning dread lord as he laughed in flames.
“Well played…..I look….forward…to….our…paths meeting…again…” The burning dread lord managed before he crumpled into a heap of black ash and flames.
Thorrin stared down, heart beating with charged excitement.
+1 to the Sphere of Light
As his heart slowed, blue arms wrapped around him, hugging him close. Thorrin lifted a hand to touch Talisa’s strong arm. Emma climbed the stairs and joined the embrace. The player looked to her as she pressed her lips to his. Lyra joined in, hugging the paladin, snuggling her head into his neck. Saldor finished it with a hug of his own and a pat on Thorrin’s back.
Vass looked to the paladin as they showed their affection and relief, a small smile appearing on her lips. A proud heart beat as her little brother enjoyed basking in the glory of doing the right thing. Stars shined on as the heavens glowed in the purple nighttime sky.
Thirteen
Flowers adorned heads while townspeople wore their best clothes. Thorrin stood off to the side as the celebration was in full swing. The sun blazed high in the clear sky and fiddles played in the background. The paladin watched but was happy to be out of it for a little bit. The constant praise was a too much and he needed a quiet moment to get away.
Saldor danced with Talisa while his wife Shella and his daughter Nyte clapped to the rhythm. Pyke and Emma danced next to them while Melina clapped along. Rosk played the fiddle and Lyra sat in the background, a small smile on her lips. When people weren’t dancing, they were waving to the paladin who leaned against a tree.
Thorrin smiled. He knew it was all a game, a fantasy, but it still dug deep into his soul. In the real world, he was simply a student but now it felt he was more than that. Now he would know that whatever he did, he could make a difference. Classes and studies would only aid him to be more then what his family’s history would dictate. Even if it was a hard road in reality, he could always come here and know he helped people to survive a great evil. The thought made his heart soar.
A shadow melted next to him. Thorrin turned his head to see Vass leaning against the same tree, eyes closed and a blade of grass in the corner of her mouth. Elf ears perked up as arms were crossed.
“My little brother saved a town. I would say good job but there are bigger evils in Lukken.”
“Then I will fight them too. It’s my duty,” Thorrin smirked.
Vass nodded, “I decided to take back the contract and escort the trolls to Talon Guard. I don’t want a black mark on my record for not completing a contract. Do you want to come with us? I will still split the reward.”
Emma’s head turned from her troll dance partner, eyes meeting Thorrin’s.
“I think I might check out the dragon cities to the North. We could meet up there.”
“Sounds fine,” Vass shrugged.
Thorrin’s face darkened a shade, “Vass, I have to ask…..”
The elf sighed, “Cindy was a regular of mine. I knew she was depressed and I was going to cut her off but I needed the money, plus I thought she wanted the pills to feel better. If I thought she was going to kill herself, I never would have sold them to her.”
Thorrin listened intently as Vass continued.
“I feel awful but I cannot do much more than that. She’s gone and we’re still here. If I go to the police, they will never let me go.”
“Can you live with that?” Thorrin asked in a low voice.
Vass moved the blade of grass up and down with her tongue, “I’m not sure. I’m taking some time to soul search. Are you going to turn me in?”
Thorrin closed his eyes and leaned his head against the tree, “No. After some time, I’m sure you’ll make the best decision for yourself. Just know I will always be there for you.”
Vass rolled off the tree and kissed Thorrin on the cheek, “Thanks little brother.”
Thorrin opened his eyes and smiled.
“Now I’m going to rob a few houses while everyone is celebrating. See you in the North,” The elf rogue smiled and sauntered off.
The music changed and more townsfolk joined in on the celebration. Thorrin turned to see Emma, Talisa, Melina, Pyke, Saldor and his family walking toward him with happy smiles. The paladin stood up, looking to them and returning their smiles with his own.
Melina broke from the group and raced up to the paladin. Arms went wide as she hugged him close. Thorrin returned the hug as she buried her face in his chest. The rest stopped and made a semi-circle around the paladin as he gently let go of the troll.
“Thank you for everything!” Melina nearly cried. “We will never forget you!”
“Neither will I,” Thorrin smiled.
Saldor stepped in closer, “You will always have a home in Apple Shire.”
“Thank you Saldor,” Thorrin looked up and grinned.
Pyke bowed and Thorrin returned with a nod of his own. Talisa stepped closer as Pyke helped uncurl Melina’s hands from the Paladin’s waist. Thorrin stared at her beauty as she gave him a light smile.
“You can come with us to Talon Guard. I….I mean ‘we’ would love to have your company for the journey.” A touch of shyness glowed in the troll’s eyes.
Thorrin gazed at Talisa as red touched her cheeks. His gaze shifted to Emma who eyed him and then back to the beautiful troll.
“I may come to visit. Vass will see you all the way there but I will very much miss your company.”
The troll took a step closer and leaned her lips to his ear, “Now that you have my faith, call on me for anything. I would be happy to fight by your side or warm your bed.”
Talisa’s hand touched his and slipped away. Thorrin looked down to see a summoning crystal. He clutched it in his hand as he looked up. Talisa pressed her lips to his, tongue slipping in. The paladin was stunned for a moment before his tongue swirled with hers. The kiss went on a little longer then deemed appropriate. Saldor’s smile les
sened a little before he took hold of his wife and daughter and ushered them back to the celebration.
“Let’s give them some time,” The farmer said with a smile.
Talisa pulled back with a hungry look in her eyes before standing up, turning and walking back to the party. Melina and Pyke said their final goodbyes and followed their protector. Emma was last as she stepped closer, pressing her hips to his and leaning the paladin against the tree.
“Here we are,” Emma said with playful eyes.
“Here we are,” Thorrin echoed with a sly smirk. “How’s your wing?”
“Still not healed, I think I will need an escort back to the dragon cities. Now who can I ask to accompany me on such a dangerous journey,” Emma said as she tapped her cheek in thought.
Thorrin raised his hand to his chest, palm out.
“Well that settles that,” The green haired dragon woman grinned.
Thorrin’s voice took on a serious edge, “Mad Morgan?”
Emma’s smile waned a bit, “He will return. Dread Lords cannot be killed, only imprisoned. It’s important I go back and tell my kind of the growing threat.”
“Then, it is my duty to help you on this quest,” Thorrin’s grin returning.
Emma leaned in close, pressing a hand to the paladin’s chest, “Thank you for helping me. It means everything to me. Without you I would have….”
Thorrin ran his fingers through her lustrous hair, “We can talk about it on the journey. Right now, we should get back to the party.”
Emma hesitated before nodding. She was about to turn away when Thorrin grabbed her by the hips and brought her in close. His lips touched hers and warmth flared between them. Eyes closed and their embrace burned brightly. When lips parted, the paladin and dragon gazed into each other’s eyes.
Holding hands, the couple turned to the party and began walking. After about ten feet, an arm slid around Thorrin’s waist. The paladin and dragon turned their heads to see Lyra walking along, hand curled around him. Eyebrows raised, they stared as they walked, Lyra moving alongside them with a small smile.
“My work here is done. I think I will join you both on your journey north,” The cleric stated simply.
“Do we have a choice?” Thorrin asked.
“No,” Lyra said matter of fact.
Thorrin turned to Emma and they smiled. The three walked toward the celebration, greeted with cheers and wide grins. Music played on and soon everyone was dancing. Thorrin twirled Emma as she laughed along. Birds sang along with the music and the sun shined its light down on the happy celebration. On and on it went as wicked eyes stared out from a nearby bog.
A hag grinned as she watched the paladin dancing along with many others. Long fingers curled and flexed as corners to a wide mouth pulled upwards and a hideous giggle fell out.
“You will give me daughters, paladin. I will make sure your seed fills my belly over and over until I have a whole tribe once again, to the shadow gods I swear it.”
The hag let out a low cackle, drowned out by the music and the beautiful sunny day.
~Fin~
Lewd Necromancer: Raiding Hearts
One
Laura stared through the café window from across the street, cold winds biting into her fair skin. Heart beating, she ignored the wintery afternoon as she watched Lucas sipping his cup of coffee, eyes glued to his cell phone. Despite the chill, Laura stayed rooted to the spot, unwilling to cross the street and meet him. He called her earlier and asked to meet for coffee but Laura knew what was really happening. She saw it over the last few weeks. He had grown distant and seemed too busy to meet up. The wind picked up and this time, a shiver ran down her spine.
“It’s just for coffee. He’s not breaking up with you,” Laura whispered the lie to herself.
Taking a deep breath, the street light turned green. Taking the first step was difficult but soon she was walking with a steady stride. The closer she stepped to the glass doors of the coffee shop, the more her heart pounded in her chest. Clearing her mind, her delicate hand reached out and took hold of the metal handle.
A tidal wave of warmth splashed against Laura’s skin. The comforting heat relaxed her shoulders but only for a moment. The door swung closed and the tightly bundled woman turned eyes to the back of Lucas’s head. He didn’t turn as his thumb moved along the smooth surface of his cell phone, texting someone.
The urge to flee wrapped around Laura’s heart but she stayed. Instincts whispered what was to come but she kept positive, hoping that she was wrong. The sad part was they were never wrong. Every single relationship ended the same. More often than not, she would feel like everything was going right, but they soon grew bored and wanted to move on. Now it was happening again.
Ignoring the nagging thoughts invading her mind and heart, she stepped closer. As if possessed, Laura moved around the small table and sat across from Lucas. The young man tapped away at his phone for a few seconds, not even looking up. When he was done, he slipped his phone below the table and gazed up with a disingenuous smile.
“Hi,” Laura smiled, unsure what to say.
Lucas leaned forward, his hand out. Laura reached over; watching every movement like it was playing out in a movie. His fingers curled around her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Warmth bled into cold fingers as she savored his touch knowing it was going to be the last time.
“I’m glad you were able to break away from work to meet up,” Lucas smiled but his eyes held a shadow along the edges.
“I’m glad I could get away. It breaks up the work day when I get out,” Laura returned his smile with her own bright one. “Is everything okay? It seems like something is bothering you.”
Lucas was silent for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully, “I know I’ve been busy lately and we haven’t hung out much. I thought it would be good to have a cup of coffee and talk.”
The young woman watched him, mentally taking in his strong chin, thin face and light brown hair. A sliver of pain crawled into her heart as she went through the motions knowing a break up was imminent. She would observe how they looked and acted, hoping to commit it to memory so she could avoid it in the future. It was like the worse science experiment in the world because she never used the results to stop bad decisions. Instead she marked down the results and filed them away in dusty mental shelves, never to be used again. The thought dug at her like a rusty nail.
“What do you want to talk about?” Laura asked innocently as feelings clawed at her insides.
Lucas took a sip of his coffee, eyes pointed downward. He put the cup down and let out a tired sigh. Laura braced herself internally while staring at him. She pictured an emotional fist rearing back, ready to smash her face.
“I have been thinking about us….” Lucas let the words hang heavy in the air as he pulled his hand away.
Laura remained silent, observing the plane as the engines caught fire and began its death spiral.
Lucas continued, “I think Lewd Saga really opened our eyes to what we need in a relationship.”
Laura’s eyes narrowed but Lucas did not seem to notice.
“I think we should take some time to explore outside of our relationship,” Lucas finished.
A blaze of fire encircled Laura’s heart, calming her nervous stomach, “What do you mean, like have an open relationship in the game?”
Lucas kept still, barely making eye contact, “I was thinking more along the lines of an open relationship in and out of the game.”
The brightness is Laura’s eyes faded. Sitting back, shadows cascaded over her brow as lips parted, unsure what to say next. The emotional fist punched her heart and her instincts roared out, calling for blood.
“You’re a great girl but I feel we need some space to explore relationships before we can decide to be together. The last year has been amazing but maybe we should put ourselves out there to know if we are truly meant to be. You understand, right?”
Laura tilted her head forward, shadows
lengthening from her strawberry blonde hair. Fingers trembled but not from cold or sadness. Lucas turned his head to the glass window as if deep in thought. A nearby couple glanced over nervously as they listened in knowingly.
“What about the guild? We have a raid tonight,” Laura asked flatly.
“The guild,” Lucas said with contempt, his shoulders sinking, “I already quit the guild. I thought it would be best to leave with as little drama as possible.”
“Drama? We made a commitment together. They’re counting on us.”
Lucas let out another sigh, “I know this is hard but there are more important things in life then the guild or a game.”
“You just said that the game helped open your eyes to what we need in our relationship. Now it’s not that important?”
Lucas furled his brow, “You’re twisting my words. I know this can be upsetting but we can decide in the future if we should be together. We can still be friends.”
Heat and steam bled from the shadows covering Laura’s eyes. Memories rose up like several tornados. She wanted nothing more than to stand up, point her finger and scream how much of a jerk he was. Everything he did that she brushed off seemed to come back like horses on fire. A pit opened up and black tentacles lashed out at her heart, pulling it down into the abyss. Laura could feel the “I told you so’s” whip through her like flying monkeys as the trembling in her fingers grew.
A long moment passed and the trembling eased away. The shadows pulled back and profound sadness stroked the young woman like a family ghost. Laura let out a sigh, eyes tired and heart heavy. Dullness crept into the café, once vibrant colors turning a little gray.
“You’re breaking up with me,” Laura said in a low tone.
Lucas turned his attention to Laura as she sat, her eyes lost, “It’s just a break. You’re important to me and I don’t want to lose you.”