by Eden Redd
Edric nodded. “Any way we can speed up the process?”
Ralis kept his gaze forward, “Feeding and connecting with the mother will quicken the process by a day or two. How many Wyvern towers will you create?”
“Three,” Edric said as the tower grew taller. “Each tower can hold six Wyverns and should be enough for a force to go through the portals and reach the Serpent Throne.”
“Only three? You can create a field of towers and have an army,” Ralis said.
The summoner turned his eyes to the troll, “The bigger the force, the bigger the target. I’d rather slip in unnoticed then let everyone on the western coast know we’re coming.”
Ralis nodded. “Prudent.”
“We will need to come up with a plan for once we are there,” Sonja said loud enough for everyone to hear.
The group turned to the blue knight but it was Edric who spoke.
“The city will need to be repaired and the wyverns will need to be grown and tamed. Lady Pearl and Jinn Frost will return in a few days. Once they’re back, we can come up with a plan for the Cursed Coast.”
The summoner smiled. “Since we have a little time, we should rest up and make sure we are ready.”
Edric looked to Rayna and Faye, “Can you two create two more wyvern towers?”
Faye nodded.
Rayna eyed the summoner, “Us? You’re doing so well.”
Edric’s eyes half closed but he kept his smile. “I want to tour the damage and make sure the underground levels will be ready for Lyndra to arrive.”
Edric looked to Thalia, “Make sure the farmers return to their fields and have Dumadin reopen the mines. Sekka informed me that if we are going to build a portal, we will need a lot of runic stone.”
The lamia bowed in acknowledgement.
“Ralis, continue overseeing this tower. Leeta, you’re with me,” Edric finished.
Sonja and Lance eyed the summoner. Edric caught their questioning gazes and looked back at them.
“Is there anything else?” the summoner said with attitude.
Lance remained quiet but Sonja crossed her arms.
“You seem distracted,” the blue knight said with a cutting edge.
Edric kept his gaze and his face blank.
Sonja continued, her eyes softening. “I mean no disrespect. We are in your kingdom.”
Edric mustered a kind smile, “There is a lot to do.”
Before anyone could say anything, Edric began walking away, Leeta behind him. Uncomfortable silence filled the area as the summoner walked off without looking back. Faye and Juna watched the summoner, their hearts breaking.
Lance looked to Sonja and the blue knight’s stern gaze returned.
Faye could see the knights speaking with their eyes and decided she needed to put the doubt to rest.
“He lost someone special,” the wood elf sighed.
Sonja’s stern gaze faded, “We all have lost someone special but he should pull it together.”
Lance stepped closer to the blue knight, “You’re being unfair.”
Sonja looked up to the handsome knight, “Am I? We have been searching for Jason for so long and now that Juna is alive, we all should be together. We are so close. I won’t let our family split again!”
Lance gave a sad smile, “I know you’re frustrated but they are doing everything they can to help us. Jason will return and we will save Oksuna. It will just take a little time.”
Sonja looked away, her eyes settling on Juna. “It has been so painful since your father left.”
The half-troll stepped closer, eyes on the blue knight. “I know when he comes back, he will stay with us. I also know he’s sorry.”
Sonja blinked away wet eyes. “I hope you’re right.”
Lance hugged the blue knight fiercely, “I’m sure we will have a lot to talk about. Until then, let’s prepare to bring Oksuna home too.”
Sonja pressed her hand to Lance’s chest, “How do you do that, make me feel better when I’m upset?”
Lance smirked, “Could it be my mysterious charm and charisma?”
Sonja let out a small laugh and pressed the side of her face to the white knight’s chest. Juna watched them, warmth filling her digital body. The rest of the group looked on, knowing the hard part was yet to come.
Rayna took several steps back and slipped away. Turning, she caught sight of Edric entering the northern gate. The bard picked up her pace, reaching the gate and walking into Elora.
Eyes glancing to the side, she caught sight of Edric and Leeta stepping into a small dwelling. Following, she reached the dwelling and silently climbed the set of stairs. The door was left slightly ajar and the bard slipped in. Glancing about, she could see the home belonged to a family but they had not yet returned. The bard knew the celebrations last night went well into the morning and chances were the owners were sleeping it off.
Pictures hung on walls and furniture dotted the main floor as Rayna moved in further. Sounds rose up as the bard moved to the kitchen door but stopped. Turning her head to her right, a small hallway stretched out and another door stood slightly ajar.
Rayna made her way as the sounds grew louder, rougher. When she reached the door, the bard peered in. Leeta was bent over a table, her tight black dress pulled up. Edric was behind her, robe open and thrusting his hips against the ogre’s firm ass. Flesh rippled as he punished her, the ogre biting her lip and low moans filling her throat. The summoner’s hips slammed into Leeta, a desperate need taking over.
Rayna watched, a sadness caressing her heart. The bard stared as Edric grunted and continued to take the ogre, forcing himself deep with each thrust. Rayna’s eyes lowered, a distant memory taking hold of her own pain. The bard pushed down the faint memory, not wanting to relive it again.
“I’m coming…” Leeta hissed as the table shook.
Edric increased the tempo, his body moving to a fevered pace. Leeta arched her back, moans spilling from her open mouth. Edric groaned loudly, thrusting his hips to the hilt. Heat rushed into Rayna’s cheeks as the pair grunted and moaned together.
Edric was breathing heavy as he pulled back. Rayna stared as confusion filled his eyes. Leeta basked in the moment, come dripping down her inner thighs. Edric seemed to come back to his senses, closing his robe and not saying a word.
Rayna bowed her head, shadows covering her eyes as she slipped back into the house, concern painting her heart like it never had before.
***
Elora’s citizens slowly began to return to their homes and businesses. Elementals moved through the streets, repairing walls and broken homes. The day spun on and a peace flowed over the damaged city.
Faye returned to the city, the wyvern towers complete but a dull ache in her heart. The wood elf made her rounds, checking in on the citizens and families before returning to the keep. Weariness took root and for the first time in a long time, the monk felt exhausted. No mind over body techniques could hold off true exhaustion.
The day became flashes of moments. Lance, Sonja and Juna went off to talk. Ralis stayed outside the city, inspecting the wyvern towers. Thalia made her rounds, ensuring directives were carried out. Rayna had disappeared and soon the wood elf found herself alone.
Sorrow rippled through her mind as memories played out from the previous night. She mentally watched again and again as Elora was slain before her very eyes. The monk remembered the confidence she held, thinking she could save Edric’s true love. It gave her purpose to think of another and not just her own selfish desires. Faye felt the need to do something wonderful for another and it was dashed against the rocks right in front of her.
The wood elf soon found herself walking down a side alley, the sun beginning to set. Pressing her back to a wall, eyes looked down as she worried about her friend. Edric had become special and it clawed at the monk. The way he spoke to her about Elora, opened Faye’s eyes to the possibility of real love. It burned that she never knew it before but seeing it in her friend ga
ve her a chance to think it might become real.
“Edric, I’m sorry,” Faye whispered to no one.
The wood elf stood up and slowly made her way back to the keep for a much-needed rest.
Faye didn’t notice the world around her until she stepped into her bed chamber and closed the door behind her. The large bed called out to her like a siren on the rocks. Faye stepped closer and flopped into bed face down, buried in furs and sheets. Sleep touched her mind and she was about to drift off when the door to her bed chamber opened.
Dumadin walked in, a silver tray in his thick hands. A bottle of wine with a plate of fruits and cheeses filled the tray. The dwarf hummed a tune as he made his way to the side of the bed. Faye turned her head to face him, her body still lying on the bed.
Dumadin put the tray on the small table by the bed and looked to the wood elf. “I thought after a long day, you could use some wine and food. I didn’t bring you a glass because after everything that has happened, you should be drinking from the bottle.”
Faye blinked almond shaped eyes and a smile bloomed, “Thank you.”
Dumadin grinned, “No thanks needed. I live to serve.”
Faye turned and sat up. Scooting to the edge of the bed, her legs hung over the side and she grabbed the bottle of wine. Taking a deep guzzle, the normally proper elf wiped her mouth on her wrapped arm.
Dumadin was about to turn and leave when Faye’s lips parted.
“I never truly thanked you, for coming to our rescue,” the wood elf smiled.
“It was all in the line of duty,” the dwarf bowed.
Faye smiled. “It was more than that.”
“The world would be a dark place without your radiant beauty, even if it was only for a few nights.”
Faye eyed him, “Step closer my courtesan.”
Dumadin’s thick eyebrows went up. Stepping closer, he looked up to Faye as she sat on the edge of the bed. Faye leaned forward and kissed the dwarf. Dumadin’s eyes widened for a moment before they half closed, enjoying the sweet taste of Faye’s lips. A moment slipped by before Faye pulled back and took another swig of wine.
“I see that your bed is empty. I could stay and massage your sore muscles,” Dumadin said slyly.
Faye gave a genuine smile, “Tempting but I’d rather we not get ahead of ourselves.”
The dwarf kept his smile as he bowed his head, “I understand my lady.”
“You can stay for a few drinks,” Faye said as she handed him the wine bottle, “I wouldn’t mind the company of a friend.”
“Lass, nothing would make me happier,” Dumadin said as he climbed onto the bed and sat beside the stunning wood elf.
The evening wore on as the elf and dwarf talked about love, loss and funny stories; the moon rising into the black sky.
***
The digital world fell into place as Claudia appeared on the battlements. Night covered the kingdom and the lancer took in a deep cleansing breath. Looking around, she saw that the kingdom looked repaired and the streets filled with people enjoying the night.
Thoughts shifted to a summoner. The lancer bent her knees and launched into the air. Body soaring, she came down and hit the street before bending her legs again and jumping high into the sky. Eyes on Gray Haven Keep, the lancer moved like a jumping ghost until she landed on an empty balcony. Stepping into an empty room, Claudia made her way to the inner hallway and walked toward the stairs. After a flight of stairs and a few twists and turns, she stepped to Edric’s bedchamber door.
The last few days in reality were bittersweet, her mind racing with unknowns. It took twenty-four hours before she placed her trust in her friends. The fact that the city was still standing relieved the lancer but her mind filled with thoughts of her friends, especially Edric and Rayna.
The lancer couldn’t lie to herself any longer, her heart singing at the thought of them. The summoner and bard opened doors that were always there. A sliver of pain crisscrossed her spirit as she felt she lost so much time being shy about who she was and what she wanted.
The lancer stepped close to the door, listening. Moans and grunts whispered into her ears and pink colored her cheeks. The lancer hoped Edric and Rayna were both there. Taking hold of the door knob, she pushed the door open.
The room was dark except for the light from the fireplace. Shadows danced as the lancer looked to the bed, Leeta on her stomach and arching her ass up. Edric was over her, driving himself down to the hilt. Claudia slipped in and closed the door behind her. Seeing Edric inflamed her desires and she would have to make time for Rayna afterwards. Crossing the large chamber, she pressed her palm to her chest, clothes fading from sight.
Edric turned his head as he drove his member deep into the moaning ogre. Catching sight of Claudia caused him to pause. The lithe lancer climbed into bed, her finger to her lips. Leeta squeezed the summoner, begging him to continue. Edric’s shock drifted away as his hips moved once again. Claudia smiled as she crawled up next to them, hands touching Edric’s lower back as he pushed his member into the moaning ogre.
Leeta’s valley tightened around the summoner, holding him inside her as she came. The orgasm caused her to buck before she flopped down. Edric’s cock pulled free for a moment before Claudia took hold and closed her lips along the shaft. Edric watched as he moved to stand on his knees, the lancer suckling on his shaft with vigor. Hand reaching down, he touched her head as it bobbed. The lancer sucked on his cock like a hungry animal. Leeta turned on her side, sultry eyes on the lancer as inches appeared and disappeared between luscious lips. The ogre’s fingers snaked between her thick thighs, massaging her glowing clit.
Claudia grew rougher, hands taking hold of Edric and pushing him down. The summoner landed on his back, next to Leeta as Claudia followed him. Lips sliding down his veiny shaft, he watched with dark eyes. Claudia closed her eyes, enjoying the taste. Bobbing faster, the summoner’s cock thickened. A moment later, come painted her throat and the lancer quickly sucked it down.
The lancer looked up, pulling every drop from his member. Edric kept his eyes on her. Claudia could see the pain rise even in the hearth light painting his shadowed expression.
“Keep going, I want to come again,” Edric commanded with a low tone.
Claudia stayed, slowly sucking on his cock, breathing new life into it. She knew his pain and wanted to be there for him. Cock hardening again, she continued, trying to heal his broken heart with every suckling lick of his member.
***
Lance, Sonja and Juna sat in a large chamber, several empty wine bottles on one of the tables and several full ones on the other side. The evening filled with stories and heroic adventures. Juna listened, eyes glassy from the wine. The last few days had been wonderful. The half-troll spent time with who she considered her aunt and uncle. They eased into each evening, talking and drinking about relationships and adventures. Juna could see the sweet edges in their eyes as they spoke about Jayson like he was in the room with them. He had become a mythic figure, not only in Lukken but to his friends who missed him.
The door to the chamber opened and a figure stepped in. All eyes turned to the man in black, white hair covering his head and chin. Jinn closed the door shut, dark eyes on Sonja and Lance.
The blue and white knights stood up. The very air became still and Juna was not sure what would happen. The stillness was broken as the three rushed to each other and embraced. The half-troll watched with tears in her eyes, the three of them kissing and holding each other like their worlds would fly apart. When the embrace seemed like it would last forever, they broke apart, eyes drinking each other in.
“You’re looking a little butch these days,” Lance smiled.
Jinn smiled.
Sonja eyed the assassin, her wide eyes narrowing and brow furling.
Jinn looked to the blue knight, hands up to his chest, “I’m sure you have questions.”
Sonja looked down for a moment before staring into his eyes, “Why?”
Jinn bo
wed his head before stepping past them and picking up a wine bottle. Filling a glass with red, he put the bottle down and turned around. Taking a deep sip, he savored the taste before holding the glass to his chest. Juna sat up, eyes wide as she watched the reunion, her heart swelling.
“I needed time,” Jinn began. “I didn’t want my pain to infect what we had. The months we spent together in real life were the best I ever had. I didn’t know where I ended and we all began.”
Jinn took another deep sip. “Then I began thinking about Oksuna between those bright moments. I knew my avatar would keep her safe but it wasn’t enough. I wanted to see her again. I…had a crazy thought we could even have another child.”
Jinn turned his attention to Juna, “If I knew you could come back, I would have simply waited. Instead, the woman I loved was trapped on the Cursed Coast and my daughter was dead. I thought if I could end the war, I could bring Oksuna back. I thought I could convince the Sormir to let her go if the war was over.”
Jinn drank down the rest of his wine and poured into the glass again. “I couldn’t be distracted. It became my mission to end the war. I entered Lewd Saga again, this time with purpose. I created my character and began making him stronger while doing my part to end this stupid war.”
“We could have helped? You didn’t have to move and not tell us,” Sonja said softly.
Jinn sighed. “No, you couldn’t. I couldn’t ask my friends and lovers to help me change a war for my lost love. How long before you resented me, chasing a digital dream?”
Lance shook his head slightly, “With the time we spent together, how could you think we wouldn’t understand?”
Shadows covered the assassin’s eyes, “I knew you would…it was how I couldn’t understand. I needed time to heal. I needed to be away for clarity. I needed to focus.”
Jinn leaned against the table with shoulders sinking. “Then, time began to run out.”
Sonja and Lance glanced to each other before returning to the white-haired assassin.
Jinn continued, “My sources told me that this game…world…had become more then what it was intended. The media is only getting a glimpse of what is really happening. The awakened AI’s have become a threat. People from politicians to high ranking military officers and down to people who control large businesses have fallen in love with other players and awakened in the game. It has caused a breach to every society across the planet. Many are using love to gain secrets. Even some awakened, wanting to live, are trying to affect the game and real world.”