"Weakness to all forms of magic."

"We've already had this discussion, soldier."

"How did you get this curse?" Deimos said as he sharpened his blade, preparing for the conflict on the horizon. Both he and Eldlasa sat together by a fire in the middle of the Faaran woodlands, close to their destination. A pack of wolves were terrorizing livestock and the elf had been overwhelmed while attempting to dispatch them so they returned to finish the job. The elf was clearly using him to accomplish meager errands and he knew little about her but he had no alternatives to his goal. "I risk much by travelling with you. I need to know who I am fighting alongside, elf."

"You risk much? What could you possibly mean?"

"Why are you being hunted by those assassins? What paladin cowers in fear?"

"You oaf, I was just caught off guard-- simple as that."

"Liar. You have no honour and would have left me to die after I saved you!" Deimos said, visibly angered by the elf. "I risk death travelling with one such as you!"

"Am I also not at risk travelling with some...beast. Exiled from a legion made of thieves, murderers and rapists!" Eldlasa said, getting up to point at him. "Now what could you have done to be cast out of that ghastly legion I wonder, you aren't a bloody thief and you avoided killing the assassins as well. What remains is--"

"Mind your tongue, elf." Deimos said as he put his sword down to give Eldlasa his undivided attention. His marked face tightened as he looked directly into her eyes.

"I always heard stories of soldiers who were exiled from the Legion. I even heard of one particular soldier betraying his own general. She was left beaten and bloody."

"Elf...You will cease this--"

"It was you wasn't it! You disgust me! She tried to bring you out of the muck and shit and you took advantage of the woman!"

Deimos felt his chest tighten and his head grow light. "Eldlasa...enough. You do not under--"

"They should've put you down, scoundrel. How dare you!"

Each word lashed deep and Deimos' heart began to gallop. He started to tremble as he grabbed the red scarf hung around his neck and used it to hide his face.

"You know nothing of honour you motherless son of a whore. How da--"

"RAAAAHHHHH!" Deimos shrieked as his eyes began to glow bright yellow and he tackled Eldlasa to the ground, grabbing her neck and squeezing as hard as he could. "Liar! I will kill you! You know nothing!"

Both warriors violently tussled as Eldlasa tried to push Deimos off but he was far stronger. She stared in horror, gasping for air as the soldier tightened his grip, determined to kill her. As she drew closer to unconsciousness, her vision grew blurry, all sounds began to fade and her resistance slowed. "I cannot die here, I refuse to die here!" Eldlasa thought to herself as she approached the brink of death.

Kishukk!

Both warriors paused their tussle as the sound interrupted Deimos' seething and Eldlasa's choking. The eerie yellow glow left his eyes as Deimos looked down to his abdomen to see a bright blade of golden light had skewered him, piercing straight through his armour and flesh. Eldlasa held the weapon of light-- her Cipher Weapon that is.

Eldlasa then twisted the handle while it was anchored to the ground and with a metallic clank it extended into a long pole, anchored itself into the grassy earth and launched Deimos off her into nearby bushes.

Eldlasa rose to her feet, coughing and gasping, tears streamed from her bloodshot eyes. She used her spear of light to prop herself up and hobble over to the bushes he fell in. Deimos rose from the bushes holding his abdomen.

With a loud CLUNK! Eldlasa cracked Deimos in the chin knocking him back into the bush with a left hook of her now bright glowing gauntlet. One of the Lutean Paladin specialties was an ability to infuse their armour with light magic to strengthen their resilience and power. The smaller the area infused, the stronger it became.

"How dare you lay hands upon me you filthy mongrel! You forget your place!" Eldlasa said as she loomed over him, coughing and gasping for air. "Is this how you plan to regain your honour! Were you raised by fucking wolves!"

"I tried to stop..." Deimos said as he sat bleeding. "She wouldn't... She-- she gave me no choice."

"I have no ear for excuses," said Eldlasa as she stepped on him and agitated his wound. Twisting her heel slowly, angrily.

A pained groan escaped Deimos' lips as he winced and grabbed her foot. "You need to kill me."

"Is that a bloody challenge or..?"

"I deserve to die, elf. She trusted me and I disobeyed her command. What soldier can't follow orders?"

"What are you on about? Tell me what you did? Why did your eyes glow?" She said as she lifted her foot from his wound and backed away cautiously.

Deimos sat in silence nursing his wound and touching his bruised chin, wincing each time his fingers met the tender flesh.

"I need to know who I'm fighting alongside, human."

"Everyone in the Legions employ is not a criminal, elf. Lies they tell because they fear us. We are the last line of defense against the abyss!" Deimos said proudly as he used subtle ice magic to freeze the open wounds beneath his damaged armour. "As a legionnaire I--"

"You are no longer a legionnaire," said Eldlasa, cutting him short.

He rose to his feet and dusted himself off ignoring her. Eldlasa kept her weapon at the ready. He was stabbed in the gut and she hit him with her powerful magic and yet he still stood quite strong. Deimos began walking and she held her weapon closer, shaking as he approached but he walked right pass her. He then sat at the fire and resumed sharpening his sword as Eldlasa stood dumb founded-- and more than a little insulted as well. His face had hurt her hand and he walked as if nothing happened. He shouldn't be standing, something is off. No one can withstand such great holy power from a High paladin such as Eldlasa Andni-- and yet. Eldlasa deflated at the sight of the man and his candour.

After a brief silence Eldlasa collapsed her cipher and hung the small handle from her belt. She then carefully walked back to the fire and sat a small distance away from Deimos once more.

"I apologise, Eldlasa. I sometimes lose myself. I should hav-- Oden's fucking beard!"

Eldlasa removed her left gauntlet as Deimos spoke and revealed her arm. The skin was seared and red-- she could barely move her fingers. Deimos stared in horror.

"Weakness to all magic... Even your own."

"Quite a bloody lark isn't it? Can't even cast healing magic on myself."

"Eldlasa I--"

"Touch me again and you'll make yourself an enemy, soldier. I don't care how resilient you sodding brachens are, I will not forgive another transgression," said Eldlasa as she snapped a sharp look at Deimos.

She was dead serious he thought and he deserved it. He rarely loses control but her words bit like a desert viper. He didn't truly understand why he lost control, just that he did.

"It won't happen again...I don't know why I los--"

"Hold your bloody tongue and pass the damned ale you brought, I gave as good as I got, yeah?" Eldlasa said with a sly smile plastered on her face but her eyes searching his. Awaiting his reply.

"...Barely felt a thing," said Deimos, dead pan, still sharpening his sword.

"You...Fuck You. You didn't answer me you know. Why'd your eyes glow. What even are you?"

"Trying to sharpen my sword is what I am," Deimos said with a sigh as he passed the flask of ale to her and resumed his work.

***

"This isn't how I wanted this to be, little sprite," Giorgio said as he stood watching his daughter pack for her journey-- or rather, her punishment. "Promise me you will stay close to Dalrith and make use of him should you need any assistance."

"Y-yes Father!" Lorelei said to her father. With a click of her trunk she was prepared for her journey. Two burly manservants then lifted the trunk and carried it off, down the stairs of the porch of their large mansion, floor tiled in gold and walls painted white, out to an opulent and roomy carriage outside the gateway of their property. "I promise."

"Now that the packing is out of the way, we must discuss the specifics of this...journey," said Giorgio, lifting his shoulders and adjusting his posture. Both he and his daughter stood conversing just by the stairs.

"The specifics?"

"... Lorelei the world is a dangerous place. Especially for a noblewoman. I won't be there to guide you and I have instructed Dalrith to only interfere when absolutely necessary," said Giorgio trying to hide a pained expression.

"Your carriage leaves with a merchant caravan shortly and you both will accompany till you cross the border into the Lutean crown lands. The Dawn has excellent schools and will aid you for the right price," said Giorgio as he rubbed his chin in contemplation. The tall man then crouched down onto the golden tiles before his daughter as he resumed his musings.

"The sorcerers in the capital are some of the best in all the realms and through them you'll master spellcasting with more potency and efficiency. The forests are teeming with simple monsters, with a bit of care you'll be able to hone your skills against them as well, and should you have trouble I have faith a patrolling paladin will aid you. if no capable or suitable assistance is available, Dalrith shall, only then, come to your aid. The experience will shape you into a more competent and independent woman."

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"Father..."

"I can't let my failure be the end of you, little sprite. Your mother wouldn't approve of these plans of mine but her approval be damned," he said as he held Lorelei's shoulders firmly.

"I want to be like you father, I want to have courage and I want to travel the Realms like you did, and meet new people and, and--"

"This isn't a game, Lorelei!" Giorgio said, gently shaking her. "Now is not the time to dream of dashing rogues, charming heroes and adventures to the six moons... Rarely is life as ideal as the stories I've told you. The roads are fraught with danger. Abhorrent Beasts prowl the lands poisoning everything with the filth of the abyss and you can expect all manner of evil from the people you'll meet. Travelers are just as likely to help you as they are to...take advantage of you, child."

"Hail, House Tyrannis!" A man yells as he walks towards Giorgio and Lorelei up from the slightly inclined walkway of tiles, gliding across them somehow weightlessly. He was tall and stood apart from people in Larois Vitale. He wore thick, blue leather armour with belts and pouches fitted to it. His arms weren't covered and showed the hard earned results of a man who took his training and health seriously. His dark red hair flowed gracefully in the wind as he walked with his chest thrusted out along with a grin on his face that reached his eyes and revealed near perfect teeth. Giorgio always said this man was selfish and believed he owned the world. Lorelei on the other hand found it hard to believe a man who always smiled so widely could possible be uncouth and conceited. His pants were also tight and left precious little to ones imagination.

Lorelei's head grew hot at the very sight of this man whenever he graced her with his presence. His deep green eyes and how he loved to wink was one of her favourite things about him. They seemed to see right into one's soul whenever he would look at you. Leaving her feeling naked and yet, safe, maybe even understood-- he saw who she was and maybe who she wanted to be. Lorelei had only ever seen glimpses of his body in all its masculine splendour. Each rippling muscle and healed scar somehow a feast for the eyes. His abdomen was a work of art, chiseled by Oden, the creator himself. Lorelei's heart raced whenever she daydreamed about being able to just touch him, with her hands, gently, slowly, how soft and firm he must be. He also had an odd tattoo on the left side of his wide chest. She could only dream about what meaning it may hold.

Giorgio shot up from his crouched position with his daughter to walk to the man, out of earshot. They both walked just outside the gate of the large mansion, where the golden tiles that lead to the doors ended and the deep blue, pearlescent tiles began on the footpaths of Larois Vitale. Palm trees that bore flags and insignia of House Tyrannis, lined the outer walls and shaded the men from the heat of the sun.

"Dalrith! Late as ever I see. I aught to have you killed!" Giorgio said, his mouth in a grin but his brows furrowed tightly. The two men shook hands and then embraced each other with pats on the back and loud laughter before Dalrith rested a heavy hand on Giorgio's shoulder.

"Now you can't seriously expect me to want to be around that tyrant of a wife you have, I heard the senate were congregating so I just waited a time, before making my appearance. Surprised the witch hasn't devoured either you or Lori yet Ha!"

"That's my wife you're talking about, idiot!" Giorgio said both annoyed and cheerful in the same breath.

"Right, right she wouldn't dare do that, cares too much about her figure, no?

"Dalrith...enough."

"You should be on the road with me, fighting, fucking, feasting and fucking some more. I've been to the Crimson Empire again you know. Reilea still fucking moans your name after all this time, fucking whore hahahaha! The Realms miss you Gio," Dalrith said with a grin, winking at Giorgio, pushing his chest out and tilting his head.

"A man of the Tempest, like yourself, can gallivant and experience such flirtations with as many women as he sees fit Dal. I have a life now and obligations. Continue freely like the very air itself for both of us. Oden knows no woman would have you for a husband either way so best not to try."

"You wound me brother. But worry not I will be sure to keep you in my prayers as I bed more voracious wenches in your honour Patelli!"

Both men fell silent.

"Dalrith, you will address me appropriately or not at all," said Giorgio as his face darkened and silence pierced the moment.

"Right, right. Apologies, Lord Tyrannis. Women reign in Larois Vitale and the men bend over."

"Hmph," said Giorgio as he folded his arms and rolled his eyes.

"Oh! I must tell you more about the demon I--"

"That is enough Dalrith! You can regale me of your exploits of animals and all else when next we meet. The caravan will be leaving soon."

"Look, that was only once and I was in a stupor, I had no idea it--"

"DALRITH! Enough."

"Ugh, right. You wish to have me accompany your daughter as penance for some crime I've committed."

Giorgio grabs Dalrith by the back of the neck and brings him in close. His face now quite serious. "You are no slave, all I ask is that you keep an eye on her and ensure she returns safely, I beg of you, Dal."

"It will be done my brother. I love her as I love you."

"As I, you..."

Dalrith shaped up, wiping the grin from his face, walked over to the carriage and began inspecting its wheels as well as the lesser drake that would pull it. Horses were for commoners and those afraid of luxurious beasts. A carriage moved by a lesser drake was always slower but stood as the better option if you could afford it. The beasts are much larger than horses and couldn't fly but they would defend themselves and their masters if need be. This particular lesser drake is named Belisarius and is of a breed native to Vedinne of the Verdant continent. Legionnaires were known to ride them into battle and they are a largely common mode of transport there as well.

Dark green scales lined its body aside from its brown, soft under belly. Their bellies were typically too low to the ground to be a true weakness as lesser drakes are crouched low as they move. Dalrith grabbed a large cut of beef from his pack, wrapped in thick yellow paper. Beef was a drakes favourite meat. He looked the creature up and down scornfully as it looked at him curiously, opening its large maw to threaten him or just to yawn. He signaled a manservant to feed it in his stead, tossing the hefty load of flesh to them.

"Father, must I go so far away? Will I be alone with our viceroy for the entire journey?" said Lorelei as she walked towards her him, taking care to keep her voice even toned as her heart continued to dance.

Giorgio turned towards his daughter with his arms folded "Your mother has already made the decision. I only facilitate her wishes remember? This is our best course of action I promise you."

"B-but what if things go wrong. What if we're attacked?"

"Dalrith has a few things up his sleeve, I have full faith in him and his...monster," he said while looking towards Dalrith who noticed, raised one hand and gave another wink. "That whoremonge-" Giorgio cleared his throat, "Viceroy will protect you with his life."

Lorelei looked towards her feet, now pointed inwards, subtly shaking. Giorgio crouched slightly and placed his hands on her shoulders once more as he looked seriously into her eyes. "If all else fails... You must find a trustworthy adventurer, one who is blunt with his words but careful with his blade. I fear you may not survive on your own otherwise."

"Blunt and careful. I understand."

"Yes, little sprite. He must also be strong and kind but not too much."

"...but not too much?"

"If they are too kind they are hiding something. Always fear those who offer only kindness and ask nothing of you in return. Out there I can't protect you. If all else fails, find someone who can, stay close to them and make yourself useful."

"Surely I can find a kindhearted warrior, father. Like Dalri--"

"Avoid anyone like him. Having him accompany you is already a cause for concern... Sigh."

"I have faith in him, father and I know I will meet many interesting travelers and eat exotic meals too," she said with a grin on her face as she looked into her fathers weary eyes.

"I pray you will--"

Giorgio pauses as he sees his wife walk towards them and he proceeds to stand at attention, looking away from his daughter. "Any means necessary, Lorelei."

"Y-yes father. Any means necessary."

Lady Eleanora with an entourage of four burly manservants walked pass the carriage as she kept her head straight, paying Dalrith no mind as he waved. She wore a beautiful teal gown, with an assortment of feathers in her headdress. The manservants were clad in deep blue attire that fit them closely and revealed their wide chests and arms. Their trousers were also rather tight and emphasized the size of their penises with a noticeable bulge. A manservant's true value was based on his diligence, strength and sex appeal. A Vitalesian woman is meant to have at least one reason to enjoy the presence of her manservants.

Eleanora glided across the beautifully tiled ground of deep blue tiles, barefoot. It was natural in Laroi Vitale as the manservants of the country were charged with cleaning and maintaining the tiled roads incessantly. Eleanora approached her husband without a word, pressed her body and then her lips to his. "I need your touch. Once she is off, I want you to break me," she said in a whisper as she bit her lip and her fingers ran across his chest, grazing his nipples beneath his shirt.

"Understood, Ela."

"Do hurry, I can't stand that thing you used to gallivant with being so close to my home."

"Dalrith will always be a valued member of our house, Ela," said Giorgio, failing to hide his scowl as he snapped back at her while he looked towards his friend."

With one finger, Eleanora caught his chin and guided his eyes back to hers. A look of worry rested upon her face as her tired shoulders lowered before him. The senates gatherings were hard on her and he immediately understood upon seeing Eleanora soften her cold, hard exterior in his arms.

"Make haste, husband."

Eleanora then walked pass Lorelei without so much as a glance, nearly knocking her over in the process. Giorgio looked at his daughter wearily and sighed as his wife and her servants left them. It was at this point Dalrith decided to approach as well, walking, hands hidden in his pockets with a mischievous smile.

"Wel--"

"Not one fucking word about my wife, Dalrith."

Dalrith rolled his eyes. "Shall we go now, sweeting? Your journey awaits!" said Dalrith as he waved dismissively at Giorgio and placed his eyes upon Lorelei.

"Yes, you both should be off," said Giorgio glaring at Dalrith who looked away innocently.

Lorelei ran up to her father and hugged him tightly. Giorgio hesitated before returning the gesture and rubbed her head as it rested on his chest. Dalrith moved to board the carriage, giving Lorelei way after opening the door with a smile. She blushed as she climbed inside, hiding her face as Dalrith closely observed her.

"You mind yourself around her, Dalrith..." said Giorgio who stamped his feed and folded his arms with a grisly look upon his face.

Dalrith rolled his eyes once more and grinned at Giorgio. "Yes, milord!"

As Lorelei stepped inside the opulent carriage she noticed a woman sitting inside, she smelled of raspberries and soot. The woman stifled a small gasp as she noticed Lorelei before hardening her face and looking away.

The woman was oddly dressed-- dignified and yet somehow tribal. Her garb was mostly black with some yellow trimmings, stylishly torn and looked like raven's feathers. There were cuffs of metal with spikes around her upper-arms and a similar choker around her neck. Did she hate being touched? The garb itself hung off her shoulders exposing her upper-chest and much of her breasts, her midsection was clad in a spiked, metal half cuirass, akin to a corset. The only aspect of this garb that Lorelei liked was the skirt, still in tatters but long and lady-like.

The entire ensemble resembled a mature noble-woman's speaking gown-- if it were somehow evil and tailored more for war and deceit instead of diplomacy and candour, much like its wearer seemed to be. This woman had a mean expression on her youthful face. Her eyes were a strong, glowing violet-- perhaps she was a Dark Elf but her ears were closer to a humans and her skin was pale but certainly not an ashen grey or alabaster. There was a strange ornament, made of animal bone perhaps, above her ears going up like antlers-- no...horns maybe.

Her hair was a warm black and kept in a long ponytail. What shocked Lorelei however is this strange, dark woman bore a peculiar tattoo upon her left breast-- the same tattoo Dalrith had. Were they friendly, lovers, married, having children together, she was gorgeous... Lorelei's heart sank. Who was this dusky, dangerous beauty before her?

"Ugh. And who are you," said the scary woman, startling Lorelei. She folded one leg over the other and looked lazily upon Lorelei. Her eyes glistened with desire. Perhaps it was hunger.

"A-apologies! I'm Lorelei Anissa Delia of house Tyrannis, pleased to make your acquaintance!" Lorelei said, shouting as she began sweating.

"So fucking loud. Dalrith free me of this child," she said, shooing Lorelei without making further eye contact.

Dalrith chuckled as he entered the carriage, rubbing Lorelei's head as he passed her. He walked to the front of the large carriage and opened a small window towards Belisarius down below. "Mártios! Stupid creature," said Dalrith commanding it to march and the drake sprung to life with a guttural screech, pulling the cart down the street to join the other drake-pulled carriages and wagons in the caravan.

Dalrith spun around on one heel with a devious smile, childishly plastered onto his face, "Someone sounds starved for attention. Care for some love my dear, Nirgrin."

"Are we to also fuck this child you brought into our abode? I shall eat her afterwards since you neglect to feed me."

"Eep!" Lorelei squealed as her eyes shot open and her face felt like it became as hot as the sun itself. She stood deathly still in a corner of the carriage and avoided looking at both Dalrith and this woman, Nirgrin.

"That's not what i... hahahaha look at the poor girl's face!"

"Hmmm..." Nirgrin said as she pouted and looked out a window next to where she sat.

"Maybe I'll actually enjoy this journey with you Lori," said Dalrith, winking at her. She glanced at him quickly then resumed hiding in response, his words never failed to ease her mind. His...friend had a strange sense of humour but maybe she's a kind person too.