"Because we want to bear children."

Teresa's eyes widened in disbelief. "Impossible! How did you know?" Treni leaned forward, her voice sharp. "Ah, my lord, you must have bedded quite a few half-elf girls. You scoundrel! What happened to being faithful to your wife? All lies, it seems." She made to pull away.

But Tyler drew her back into his embrace. "That's not true, Miss Treni. It happened only once, and for good reason."

"Oh? Do tell. Let's see if this reason meets my approval," Treni's lips curved into a teasing smile.

(Gods, this is difficult to explain.) "I... I have a wife, but she couldn't conceive. Seeing her try so hard, I began to wonder if I was the problem... so... I sought out a half-elf girl..."

"Ah, I see," the younger sister's eyes narrowed as she prodded his chest. "Thought if you could get a half-elf with child, you'd know you weren't the problem, didn't you?"

"You misunderstand, Miss," Tyler protested, suddenly defensive. Teresa pressed a finger to her lips, urging silence. "I just heard tell that half-elves were so damn fertile, they could get a stone pregnant!"

"Hmph," Teresa's laugh held no mirth. "What a clever jest. But do they realize we're as barren as those same mules?"

"They likely don't," Tyler said, stroking her cheek. (Like silk beneath my fingers. Truly, they are the Creator's finest work.) "Forgive my bluntness, but the world sees half-elves as vile, tainted fruits of forbidden love. They think you're just gaudy creatures in fancy dress, all dramatic gestures and no substance."

Treni rolled onto her stomach, chin propped on her hands, elbows resting on Tyler's thigh. "You call that blunt?" She kicked her feet idly in the air. "I once had a Godma soldier toss me onto a garbage heap after he'd finished with me, called me 'trash beneath trash.' Your words sound almost kind in comparison."

"Let's return to your tale, my lord," Teresa steered them back. "What happened? Did your lady conceive?"

"No, sadly."

"Don't be so gloomy," the younger sister cupped Tyler's face. "Why not try with me tonight? Perhaps I'll be round with child come morning." She burst into laughter at his horrified expression. "Oh my! Such shock! You look so mature and gallant, yet inside you're like some blushing virgin." Treni could barely contain her mirth. "I jest, my lord, only jest."

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Her mockery stirred Tyler's pride. He seized Treni, fingers grazing her cheeks. "Oh? A pity. I usually take pretty girls at their word." He drew her close until their breaths mingled. "Perhaps I should see what screams this 'virgin' can wring from you. Maybe you'll bear my firstborn by dawn." His hands found the ties of her silk blouse, baring snow-white shoulders to the firelight.

"Well? Continue," she challenged, eyes locked with his. "Come on then, make me scream. Strip me bare." Their noses touched as Tyler wavered. "What are you waiting for? Be rough, ravish me. Ha! Stop playing the brute - it doesn't suit you at all." As Tyler opened his mouth to respond, she wound her arms around his neck and claimed his lips. "But that's why I like you," she whispered between hungry kisses. "You're gentle. That's what draws me to you."

Tyler found himself responding, unbidden. (Her lips are soft as petals... sweet as honey.) he mused between gentle nips. (She melts against me like morning frost, carrying the faintest hint of flowers. Is this divine temptation? Or are they avatars of the Triad of Destiny?) His tongue sought hers. (No, just two mortal women...) Each brush of her silk-soft tongue sent lightning through his body. (I'm betraying Cherry with these kisses, yet why does my heart race with joy? This is wrong, so wrong, but why do I crave more?)

Reason fled before desire. Tyler moved with purpose, stripping away her garments, pressing her to the earth. She lay before him in only a thin white shift, black lace visible beneath. Breathing heavily, he reached for the matching undergarment, but her hand stayed his.

"Remember your vows, Lord Tyler," Treni's face grew serious. "Remember your wife."

"You tempted me first," he countered fiercely.

"Yes, maybe I am cheap. I've lured men to my bed for a few coins, even those with wives waiting for them. Those who offer themselves freely... they're beneath even my contempt. But you, Lord Tyler, you're different. My heart led me to kiss you. And you've shown me how much you love her. So let this be your line, and mine." She sat up, brushing his lips softly. "Unless you command it, I won't cross this line. I pray you won't either."

Tyler's emotions warred within him as his passion drained away. He collapsed beside Treni like a discarded cloak. She settled next to him, both gazing at the star-strewn sky.

"I envy her," she whispered. "Is she beautiful?"

"Not as beautiful as you," he answered honestly.

"Still I envy her. Envy that she has such a husband."

"So you wish to be my wife?"

"Of course, isn't it obvious?" She playfully struck his chest. "What girl hasn't dreamed of her knight? Especially one so gentle and true." She turned to study his profile. "Why not take my sister as well? We could both serve you, bear children faster." All three shared a laugh.

"Could you two flirt more quietly?" Teresa smiled tenderly, gesturing to Carl. He mumbled in his sleep, turning to nestle against her belly.

"Are you tired, my lord?" Treni asked, noting Tyler's closed eyes. The night had waned, most soldiers who'd sought pleasure with the camp followers had departed, save a few still sporting in the woods. "No, just thinking," Tyler replied. "If you're weary, rest. My tent is yours, if you wish."

"And where will you sleep?"

(With you, if I could.) He smirked. "By rights, the wooden bench. But if you don't mind, then perhaps..."