*Benjamin*

Benjamin heard his name, almost as if in a dream. His ears rang, and a gritty dusty sensation filled his mouth. His right arm hurt and his first attempts at moving it failed him. “Benjamin!” the voice repeated his name. ‘Viola’ he thought, recognizing the tone. Benjamin groaned softly, opening his eyes to see what the commotion was. His body was being shaken, but Benjamin did not remember lying down. Every joint throbbed, and his first view was that of a very sideways, and equally unamused Elvin instructor crossing a pair of arms at him. Quickly realizing that he, in fact, was the one lying sideways; Benjamin rolled to his back with a second groan. “Ooow” He got out just as Valtrya scrambled into view. She had stopped shaking him when he began moving and moved to his side. “Benjamin, are you hurt?” Viola pressed, still somewhat frantic.

Benjamin tried to move his right arm again, and the limb slowly began responding. “My arm fuckin hurts…. Oh, that’s why”. Benjamin’s right arm was now in view, and long tendrils of charred black skin wound their way up his forearm to his elbow. His mind rewound the last few moments, reminding him of what had just happened. The target dummy was in splinters spread across several square yards, and its original position was now a smoking, char-scored patch of earth that was still smoldering along its edges. His arm fared little better than the dummy, and he was having trouble getting it to follow his commands. “Well, Benjamin. I presume that you saw?” Yilaaran asked less than patiently. It was obvious that she had seen several variations of this incident play out over the years. Benjamin touched his forearm gingerly and winced, “I…. did….” He murmured, “I… I might need a healer. My arm is not… moving right, at the moment.”

Yilaaran snorted, “I’d surmised that when you called down a god light. Go, I’ll send you with one of my guards to lead.” Benjamin nodded, “Thank you,” He tried to stand, and stumbled twice before he felt petite, yet sturdy shoulders under his arms. Val was at his right, taking extreme care to avoid his electrical burns, and Viola was at his left. “Thanks.” Ben murmured and the three of them began making their way towards the Mother Tree. It was slow-going, but they were led to what appeared to be an infirmary of some kind. ‘At least they don’t use leaches here’ The thought brought a darkly amused chuckle to Benjamin’s lips as one of the nurses fluttered up to him.

“Oh, I see we’ve had an accident on the martial grounds again.” She gently lifted Benjamin's arm by the fingertips to avoid touching as much of his seared flesh as possible, “Come, sit Mister...?” Benjamin laughed properly this time, “Just Benjamin will be fine. Are you sure you can fix me? I’m not what you would consider normal.” The Nurse paused in confusion, “So, you’re not an Albino Orc?” Benjamin’s amusement disappeared instantly. It was quickly becoming apparent; the Queen was keeping his identity close to the chest. “Well, I… um… I’m..”

“I’ll take it from here, Vivanin” a familiar voice cut Benjamin off, and he turned to see Vilora float into the room. The nurse quickly backed away and bowed deeply, “Of course, my lady.” She hurriedly responded before spinning in place and making herself busy elsewhere. Vilora wafted up to him, “So, what did we learn?” she asked sweetly, even as her wings and eyes began to glow green. Benjamin felt his entire body relax as the pain receded from his arm and the electrical scoring began to fade. “I… I don’t think I am ready to say…” Benjamin said slowly, “It’s… complicated…” He spoke again at the unspoked question Vilora looked at him. “Well, I guess I should not be surprised. Many a young Maje has stumbled upon knowledge he fears. When you are ready lad, I will listen.” Benjamin sighed, looking down as the pattern began shifting from chared black to a pinkish-white hue of scar tissue, “Wait.” He said, holding his hand up. Vilora paused her healing, looking at him before following his eyes to his arm. “Ah, I see. A lesson such as this deserves to be remembered, in both flesh and mind.” She met Benjamin’s eyes, boring into them for answers for a moment before sighing and releasing his arm, “You’ll do fine, Benjamin. Come, my sister wishes to see you.”

The three followed Vilora through the winding corridors until they arrived at their quarters. Benjamin raised an eyebrow at the presence of the Vailin standing guard with one other guard at the door, and the Farie gave him a thoroughly unapproving look as the group passed through the door. Inside sat the Queen, and the Queen alone. “Come, sit.” Her tone was cordial, but the words lacked request in their utterance. Vilora settled into a chair next to her sister, and Benjamin sat down on the couch, the Areesin sisters on either side of him. He rubbed his forearm absently, feeling the fresh scars coiled around it. “What can we do for you, Your Majesty.”

Queen Victoria regarded the three of them for a moment before speaking, “I need to begin by asking you whether or not you have given any further thought to the possibility of this hidden land mass, Ur-Aze-ee-ah I believe you called it.” Benjamin visibly stiffened squeezing the hands of Vi and Val before taking a deep breath, “I… have. Or rather, it has been confirmed as truth to me.”

Victoria’s eyes narrowed slightly, “I see. Have you been gifted any further revelations?” Benjamin shook his head, “On Eurasia’s location or population, no; Just that I was correct.” He paused for a moment, “The rest is more… personal, and I am unsure about what it means.” Benjamin finished, sitting back in his spot on the couch. Victoria nodded, “I see. This revelation is unpleasant but not entirely unforeseen. Benjamin, do you remember what I told you of the four realms?” She waited for him to nod, “Well, what I chose not to divulge; is that very little news or information crosses between borders, but it is worse where the Principality is concerned.”

Victoria leaned in, “The Orctorese cling to the old ways, and tend to stamp out progress where it does not benefit them.” The Farie queen looked at the Aereesin sisters in the eyes, “You are correct about the Principality, and I’m sure you’ve told him about the problem that resides in freeing you in Meridia.” The two nodded, but drew closer to Ben as they did, “There are other options. The Vin are not universally forgotten. The Ascendency is one such realm. They are also the most accomplished seafaring realm of the four. We’ve a tenuous but cordial relationship with their monarch, Hirak the 13th. He was a young Aquilar when he spent a good portion of his youth among us in hiding during their latest civil war.”

“Uh…” Benjamin mumbled, and everyone looked at him, “I… uh… I haven’t met an Aquilar, have I?” Vilora snorted at his confusion but quickly recovered to answer, “No, dear Benjamin. There were no Aquilar in the village. The Principality is far too warm for their people to prosper in that portion of FeralWood. Do not fear, The Aquilar are more open-minded than most.” Victoria nodded in agreement with her sister, “There will be little risk of your women being immediately pressed into servitude, but it would be wise to keep some form of documentation.” Viola squeezed Benjamin’s hand before he could speak, “We’ve no intention of leaving Benjamin, and he has agreed to have us.” Victoria turned to Benjamin who nodded heavily, “I still don’t know how I feel about it, but I’ve also been forcing them to do something they do not wish. I will not force them to leave; and in truth, I don’t want them to leave.” Benjamin smiled down at each of them in turn, “What that means legally, I still don’t know. How ‘open-minded’ are these Aquilar.”

Vilora hummed for a moment before answering, “With their own, the sexes are considered equal. Legally, it goes the same for most other races within the Ascendency. The main problem is the Aereesin. An Aereesin must be considered of “good moral standing” to be considered free inside of Ascendency borders. One must be sponsored by a citizen to be given the chance to prove one’s character. As you can imagine, that puts incredible power in the hands of the sponsor.” Vilora’s voice rang with disappointment, and Victoria nodded sadly, “Outright slavery is outlawed there. However, in the case of visitors, the Ascendency honors servitude contracts from other Realms. With the three of you, my letter of introduction should remove any problematic issues.”

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“An introduction letter?” Viola asked in a worried tone. Queen Victoria nodded, “It is the other reason I wished to speak to you. As I said before, your revelation of a missing land mass fits a piece into a relatively recent puzzle. The Aquilar are the only peoples who widely ply themselves to the sea trades. They have provided the four realms with a coastal merchant fleet since the H’mure wars. In the last 300 years, they have begun exploring further afield. Most of their vessels returned without issue. It is tragically expected to lose souls to the deep from weather and accidents, but in the last decade, they’ve not had a single exploration voyage return.”

Benjamin’s stomach sank as the implication hit home, “You think the H’mure are…” Victoria only nodded. “We fear it. I would like to send my sister, her bound, and the three of you to the Ascendency to find the truth. This orb is not united as it once was. If the H’mure are truly back, we need to know. Goddess help us if we must fight them again.”

Benjamin’s heart sank, ‘so much for finding peace’, “You got us out of the Principality, and gave us a chance. What do you require of us, Your Majesty.” Victoria’s eyes widened slightly at his formal tone. “In due time Benjamin. I cannot send you the way you arrived here. I have no envoy in Hirak, and the pass is frozen over for the winter. I will send an emissary with the spring thaw with your introduction letter. She will open a gateway once we have the permission of Hirak. It will be at least another 4 months until you depart.” Victoria smiled at the relief on Benjamin’s face but continued, “Until then, I hear that you are a Forge Master. My Royal Forge Master has seen your work through my captain of the guards rather miraculously repaired armor. I’m sure I can make the introduction.”

“If she is ok with all three of us, I would be grateful. The sisters were becoming quite accomplished before we had to flee.” Benjamin responded, “I would like to continue their training.” Victoria nodded, “Of course, I will tell her to expect you in the morning.” With that, she stood, “Enjoy your evening. My sister and I must take our leave.” Benjamin raised an eyebrow at Vilora who only shrugged and followed the queen out. Soon the three of them found themselves alone.

The moment the door closed, Benjamin sagged visibly and let out an explosive sigh, “Well… That was… yea…” He sat there a moment before he felt Val’s hand on his arm, “When, Sol… talk to… you? Tell you… H’mure land… real.” Benjamin smiled down at her before pulling her into a momentary passionate kiss that both women felt. “She pulled me out of my body last night while I slept. She said something about a.. realm between realms… I still don’t understand it. That’s when she told me about the landmass out in the ocean.” Val scrunched her face, clearly trying to put words together, “What else.. you said… told… more…”

Benjamin nodded. “Yea… She told me that I needed to protect you.” he put a hand in the middle of her chest, “Here. Both of you are somehow important in all of this. That’s all I know, and it terrifies me.” Val reached for his hand with hers, pressing it to her chest as she leaned in for another kiss, “Val.. keep Ben… safe.” She held him against the back of the couch as their tongues danced. Both women stood, taking one of Benjamin's hands apiece, “Come to bed, my Benjamin.” Viola’s voice dripped with desire. “Let tomorrow's problems for tomorrow.” Benjamin stood, letting himself be guided towards their lavishly large bed. The sisters reached for his clothes, Viola pulling at his belt and pants while Valtrya pulled his shirt over his head. “My turn. To… be first.” Val smirked as her dress fell. She stepped up to Benjamin, pressing her body to his, and she kissed the nape of his neck as she began pulling him toward the bed. Benjamin slipped between her thighs as Valtrya pulled him with her onto the bed, but he didn’t take her. He could feel her bucking against him, but he gave her a wink and a smile before beginning to kiss her on the neck. She felt the tip of him tease her, but he still did not take her. Then his lips reached her collar bone, then her breasts, which left both women panting at his touch. Val was still recovering when she felt his lips travel past her belly button, and she looked down at him just as his tongue found her womanhood. Valtrya gasped as Benjamin kissed and sucked and swirled his lips and tongue between her thighs, “Ben… What… You…. OH!” Benjamin had never done this with a woman, but he quickly found what made Val squirm and buck against him. Viola lay panting on the bed, and Benjamin gently coaxed her closer to Val. The two of them lay side by side, and Benjamin's fingers began to wander Viola’s body until he felt them sink into her. Ben began working his fingers and his mouth in time, and both women responded. Val could feel Benjamin's fingers through her sister, and Viola could feel Benjamin's tongue through Val. Benjamin waited to switch positions until each of the sisters climaxed. Then it was Viola’s turn to feel Benjamin's lips between her thighs, and Valtria to feel his fingers stirring inside her. The two sisters were already close, and it did not take long before Benjamin felt Viola’s fingers dig into his firey locks, pressing his face against her woman hood as she bucked against his lips in climax.

The two women were breathless as Benjamin stood, following the sister’s request. Valtrya moaned as he took her at last, and she wrapped her legs around him as he sank into her. Benjamin began to pull out to thrust, but felt Valtrya’s legs holding him tightly against her, “No… Ben… Stay… deep.” She whispered. She began rolling her hips against his, keeping him tightly wrapped with her legs. On a whim, Benjamin slipped his fingers back into Viola, teasing her sensitive spots with his fingertips.

The reaction was instant. Viola let out a low long moan that turned into a louder shouting cry of climax. Valtrya echoed her sister, and Benjamin felt her legs clench down on his waist as she bucked against him. Benjamin finally escaped Valtrya’s grasp while she was recovering and took Viola. He did the same to Valtrya that he had done to Viola, and this time he finished with them. The three of them slowly dragged themselves into bed properly. Benjamin stroked their sides as Val and Vi pressed themselves up next to him. “That was… woah…” Val murmured, “I loved… it.” Benjamin stroked her hair before lifting her chin to peck her on the lips. “I did too. I love you, Val” Benjamin had to resist laughing at the wide eyes stunned expression on Val’s face.

Viola had indeed left the surprise for Val as promised, and her thunderstruck expression had been worth it. “love?” She asked. Ben nodded, “Yeah, but we are waiting on the Kiss of Eternity until we know my body can accept it.” Something passed between the sisters and Val nodded in understanding. She slid her body up Benjamin’s chest and kissed him deeply. “I too… love…Ben.” She got out before settling back down into her warm pocket of bedding next to him. Ben felt Viola wiggling down next to him. She said nothing, only giving him a contented smile before closing her eyes. Benjamin blinked; he swore he only blinked. When he opened his eyes, the sun was just cresting through the trees the next morning. Viola was already up, and Benjamin caught a view of her firm ass as she slipped into her protective Forge clothing. Val was still snoozing in her little pocket of warmth, and Benjamin began bombarding her with little kisses and nips until she woke up. “Good morning.” He mumbled to her. “Morning.” She murmured back. “Forge?” she asked.

Benjamin nodded, standing up to reach for his Smithing clothes. “It will feel good to go back to just making things.” Benjamin followed the halls to the exit of the Mother Tree and began following the plume of dark smoke billowing from a small village outside of the tree. Half an hour later, the three of them stepped through the door of a cleanly kept, if a bit small, Smithery. The forge building was a bit short. Vi and Val could barely stand straight upright inside. Benjamin was forced to stoop a bit, and eventually gave up, kneeling on one knee. “OI! We’re closed for another hour yet!” A gruff female voice echo’ed from outside of an open back door. Moments later, what could only be described as a stocky Farie in leather overalls trundled in carrying a stack of wood almost as tall as she was. She heaved the pile into her forge before turning to eye up her visitors, “Oh, Hello. Might you be the Albino? The Queen Mother sent word ya’ might be stoppin’ by. Let me get this infernal forge started and I’ll come….” She never finished the sentence. Benjamin ripped the heat and fire from a lantern on the edge of the room. He kept the air in the palm of his hand hypersaturated with oxygen as he used his surroundings as fuel for the glowing ball of flame. In the next instant he flicked his wrist sending the burning orb into the kindling before blowing more air into the forge. In seconds, the forge flared to life; and the wooden logs began to blaze away. “Whell.. Ok, then.” The stocky Farie raised an eyebrow at Benjamin. She fluttered into the air and hovered over to where Benjamin was kneeling. She noticed a quickly fading green glow emanating from the scars on Benjamin’s right arm, and an equally fading otherworldly color from Benjamin’s emerald eyes. “So, you’re touched, and practiced at that. Considerin’ I ain’t either. I’m not sure what I can learn from ya. The name’s Varris. What can I do for ya Forge Master….?”

Benjamin took the offered hand with a smile, “Benjamin, just Benjamin will do. I would make use of your forge while I’m overwintering here. These are my students, Valtrya and Viola. I was completing their training before we needed to run from the Principality.” Varris fluttered over to look the Aereesin sisters over, “Hmmm, well, they look the part. Seem strudy ‘nuff as well. I’m not against it if you vouch for’em.” She turned back to Benjamin with a critical eye and an admirable poker face, “What did you have in mind for compensation?”

‘There it is.’ Benjamin grinned openly at Varris’ last statement. Qort had well acquainted Ben with the businessman’s side of Black Smithery. “I offer a trade. Knowledge of metalwork that I have only taught to one other soul in the four realms.” Benjamin watched Varris turn her undivided attention to him, “Oh? Think you’ve something special I can make without Cosmos?” Benjamin only nodded, drawing his stiletto dagger from his waistband and tapping it against one of her iron hammers where it lay on the counter before him. Varris’ eyes widened, and her jaw fell as the weapon sang its harmonics between them, “Mistress Forge Master, let us discuss something I call, Steel.”