There were few things in life as purely satisfying as proving someone utterly wrong. No part of his magic before was supposed to be possible, according to Geyrt's description of the limitations of wielding Ceraun. They were doing something wrong, had to be. He wondered if it had to do with ignorance on what the nature of the electron, of what charge was?

He wasn't a quantum physicist but he'd studied enough of it to know that waves and particles liked to trade places when you looked at them. That particles were just excitations of the underlying quantum fields, collapses of probability. And that electromagnetic force was described in some circles as the exchange of a virtual particle, a field perturbation, though short lived, between the collapsed waves, the particles. He was willing to bet that the missing piece of this interaction, the unmeasurable virtual particle, was mana. More things in heaven and earth indeed, he’d do well to remember that there were likely completely novel interactions at play on Varda than ever he’d known on old mother Earth.

Having this kind of intimate knowledge was like holding the keys to the castle keep. The spellcasters of this world could access the walls and battlements by force, they just jumped over them, so to speak. But he could open the doors and walk inside. It produced a qualitative difference in the result of their magics. It also removed some of the dangers and traps that touching these spells involved. Geyrt hadn’t been all wrong to criticize him though; for every major thing the sorcerers of this strange sylvan magic were wrong about. there were probably a thousand small things they were completely right about. Hence the pressing need to study magic with these people before trying to reinvent the wheel.

Before Ulric could start to explain this to Geyrt the door to the room echoed from two loud knocks, then opened. Into the room stepped a staffer, Ulric was deliberately thinking of them that way instead of "servant", an older man of refined features and a warrior. It was, in fact, the very same warrior with whom he'd spent the previous evening. They both looked like business but he got a quick smile from his not so paramour which was reward enough.

He didn’t know why, when they themselves were so outlandishly attractive, she was interested, but some ladies dug ugly and he was totally fine with that. Maybe she had a thing for wide shoulders, he was certainly a little less balance beam and a little more still rings than the average Iriel’en. Especially given that these were all their more combat ready peoples roaming the fortress.

His guests took in the room, not destroyed. Geyrt, not harmed but clearly unhappy, so nothing new there. Seeing nothing too apparently amiss, other than the damaged table top they relaxed slightly.

"Please excuse our rude interruption, Glade Chief. We were on our way to inform you of the arrangements for the fulfillment of agreements made and heard a loud noise. We hurried to ensure that no one had been harmed." Said the liveried, grey-haired Elf.

How the hell old did he have to be to have grey hair?

The Warrior, Hal'et? Hal'et, spoke up, her low melodic voice full of teasing.

"We were not sure that you hadn't gotten overly enthusiastic disciplining your [Shadow Panther]. It can take time to teach them to keep their claws up." She said grinning.

Huh. That was nearly the first time anyone had mentioned Geyrt who wasn't direct kin. And, judging by Grey's sniff, it was considered a faux pas, to do so casually. Hal'et merely shrugged at the elder man, unperturbed.

Geyrt's ears reddened slightly, though she glared at the Warrior without saying anything. Huh, would you look at that, somebody who knows how to get under her skin better than him. That she was embarrassed, rather than merely angry, meant the prod had hit something sensitive. Come to think of it hadn't her father called her his little [Shadow Panther] in jest? So maybe it was a running joke. Old friends maybe?

Ulric decided he'd better not pry. Sometimes ignorance was bliss. Other times it was survival. Nope, he was going to just move things right along and hope for the best.

"Welcome, the both of you. Nothing to excuse, you were looking out for my safety and the safety of my Shadow. We were just having a conversation about Ceraun and I was making a demonstration to prove a point. Come, make yourselves comfortable. Juice?" He asked casually as he could.

Grey seemed almost surprised at the invitation. But he recovered quickly and smoothly.

"No, thank you, Glade Chief, that won't be necessary. I won't disturb your peace for long. Lord Bald'rt has arranged for space to be made for you in an instructional hall, that you may receive instruction alongside our…people…to assist in your learning of Iriel. This is to be at Midsunsrise. At Sunscrest you are invited to join Idra'se for drilling and instruction of arms with his men. Then at Midsunsfall you have been requested to appear for training in the mage arts. My Lord Bald'rt says not to be late or his wives will be displeased at tardiness. I would heed him on this Glade Chief. That will be all, arrangements would normally have been made for a guide, but your Shadow should be able to lead you. I will be going now, have a good evening." Grey said bowing himself out of the room smoothly.

He was like a professional butler or something. Had that whole "I am serving you so you will do exactly as I say" vibe Ulric thought. A movement at his side turned him back to see the Warrior woman had not left, instead she was standing next to the table looking at the lightning burns. She smiled down at him and winked.

"I will accept your offer Glade Chief. Thank you for helping me wet my…throat." Hal'et said in a smoky tone.

She took a cup and filled it before downing the entire thing in one gulp. She licked her lips when she was done, and made a show of it. Ulric was suddenly glad he was sitting down at the table.

He heard a cough and saw that Geyrt was looking a little less overtly hostile. At least towards him. She didn't seem thrilled with the current situation, but was unable to scold anyone over it, given her new status. Not that that had seemed to stop her much before but she was clearly as distracted by their guest as he was, if, maybe, for different reasons.

Clearly the earlier conversation was on hold, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to put socks on correctly with Hal’et over there, a predatory gleam in her lime-colored eyes. Certainly, the unexpected visit had also distracted Geyrt from her shock at seeing his supposedly impossible spell casting, for which he was even more grateful for the interruption than just on account of the heavy come hither getting thrown his way. Not to discount the come hither, mind, that was a ton of hither. Ulric had no idea what to do here.

When in doubt, Be Polite.

"Ladies, would you like to sit? It's been a long day, we might as well relax." He offered, hoping his limited Elvish would hold up.

"I will stand." Geyrt said instantly.

"I'd be glad to sit on, I mean, with you." Hal'et answered only slightly behind his Shadow, using that same husky voice.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Ulric didn't miss the frown being leveled at both him and the incredibly obvious warrior woman. What the hell had he done now? He also did not miss the pretend mistake, especially not in her native tongue. In spite of the juice, Ulric's mouth was going dry. No Casanova was he, but the buxom Elf was just about lighting road torches up her thighs.

He cleared his throat gently and noted that the room temperature was going up every time the elf-at-arms over there moved or spoke.

Hal'et took the chair opposite Ulric, ignoring the gaze leveled at her back, and he noticed that her armor flowed with her motion. The protective cuirass consisted of small, leafshaped, scales that reminded him of fish if they had a shimmering blue green color. It created an almost liquid effect where every movement was permitted as the scales shifted. It also meant that the cuirass did very little to hide Hal'et's curves. Va voom. Those were emphasized when she crossed, then uncrossed her legs and leaned forward to smile at him.

She had a lighter tan complexion, similar to Shor's. Distant kin? Same clan? A distinct redness to her dark, glossy braided hair, and a solid, thicker build than many of the Elves he'd seen, broader shoulders and thicker legs. That also translated to wide, round hips and a full bust. Eyes that were more yellow than green, with copper flecks were gazing playfully at him. She was definitely cute. Not as absolutely breath taking as Geyrt, or as imposing as the Dragons, but every bit the testament to whatever the hell magitech bioengineering was responsible for these wondrous Elves. Way too pretty for him, and he had to summon his courage not to go all stiff legged and mumbling. Too late for that, Old Man, she’s got you in her sights and you can’t run fast enough to escape.

The atmosphere was definitely a little odd. He wanted to finish his conversation with Geyrt but he couldn't just ignore the woman in front of him. The way she sat though put Geyrt behind her like a barrier. A sexy barrier that was making definite eyes at him. And Geyrt was still radiating disapproval, for some reason. Nothing for it, Ulric decided. He wasn't going to be able to make conversation with her at this point and she was making his skin crawl glaring at everybody like that. And he was most definitely not going to suggest that Hal'et go anywhere anytime soon.

"Geyrt, you don't have to wait around if you don't want to sit with us. We can always finish our conversation tomorrow. I promise I'll explain how it works, right from the beginning." Ulric said evenly.

Don't fuck this up. Don't fuck this up. Don't. Fuck. This. Up. He begged the universe silently.

The dark woman stiffened before returning to her almost at attention stance. She actually looked a little relieved. Was she forced to stay in the room until he dismissed her? Gods this Shadow stuff was going to be tiring. They ought to give you a rule book or something.

"Thank you, Glade Chief. I will retire and make preparations for the morrow. You may summon me if you have need. Have need of me tomorrow, I mean." She finished, stumbling a bit there at the end.

Huh.

His Shadow turned on her heel and strode off. Did she slam the door behind her? Maybe a little.

"She refuses to let that pride go, even a little. It's a wonder she doesn't set herself on fire burning like that all the time." Hal'et said, a little wistfully.

Suddenly the playful gaze turned serious, even a little regretful.

"It is rude to speak of another's Shadow, but we were close for many years. It is a sad thing to see that, even now, she has not learned the lesson of not holding onto everything too tightly. I would not have thought it would lead her down such a road, but disaster, of some kind, was assured. She probably would have thrown herself away in the first clashes with Prespang; this is, in many ways, a kinder fate. You will have a hard time, at first, with her stubbornness; be patient, and, eventually she will see sense. Don't ever let her think you weak, or you will suffer for it." the woman instructed softly.

An old friend then, maybe part of those rings? If so, they had likely known each other for decades. Probably the only reason she'd acknowledged her was for old times' sake, to see her friend cared for properly. The advice was good, and he fully intended to take it.

Tossing her head, the Elf woman leaned forward, that smoldering look back on her cute face. Business was, apparently, at an end.

"But enough of that. We are alone now. I have my rotation duty starting tomorrow and it will be a long time before I can relax again. I would like you to peel me like a jamfruit and eat to your hearts content. What do you say?" She said, a hint of challenge in her low voice, though she laughed at the end.

"I say you're on lady. One peeled jamfruit coming up." Ulric announced reaching for the giggling woman.

The hand reaching for her arm found only air. She spun away from the table with the effortless grace of her kind to stand a few meters away. Her hands ran down her bust, stomach, and thighs and she spun to arch her back, pushing her rump towards him. Looking over her shoulder she taunted him and undid the swordbelt that held a wide bladed scabbard and long belt knife, letting these lie upon the top of a dresser.

"The winds blow strongly this time of year. I am afraid I can be a difficult catch, Ulric Glade Chief. You will have to be quicker than that if you plan to dine tonight."

She rocked her hips back and forth at him to further throw down the gauntlet. Of course, Elves made this into a challenge. But, for once, this was a game Ulric was ready to play; the rules were clear and the rewards were well worth the effort. He had a feeling that just because this nymph wanted to be caught, she wouldn't make it easy.

Ulric stepped away from his seat with deliberate slowness. He kept his feet light, ready to move to cut off her movement as he advanced steadily. When he was within striking distance, he launched himself forward but she backstepped and then suddenly moved to the side, like she was levitating. It was an effort to stop himself and try to move to intercept and he was too slow to prevent her from reaching the open floor. He probably could have gotten there but he was hesitating, worried about colliding with all this armor. It would not do to smash your partner's face on a bone plate.

Having escaped, Hal'et was now lounging on the foot of the bed, kicking her legs. Fine. Be that way, Ulric thought as he removed the pauldrons and pulled the lorica off, bearing his upper body, as he dropped the gear to the floor and lightly kicked it out of the way under the table.

"Ohh? You were supposed to be peeling me, not yourself. Or is it that you are the only one in this room who you can catch?" The woman teased.

"These jamfruits move easily in the breeze. I would hate to bruise them in the catching. Besides, you appear to enjoy the sights." He returned, smiling.

He couldn’t deny that a game of tag with stakes was turning out to be rather a great deal of fun.

He readied himself to close on her again and she bounced to her feet lightly stepping to the side of the bed to give herself room for evasion.

Ulric rushed forward suddenly and she fled giggling. She spun away from his line of attack forcing him to juke sideways. He nearly had her then because she had to jump an end table but she pulled her arm in close as she leapt and he wasn't willing to grab her hair. Not right now at least. She came down and did some kind of dizzying step that made her seem to flow around him. Ulric knew he wouldn't be able turn himself in time to pursue so he threw himself into a backwards retreat that closed off her path and kept her in front of him.

Whew. Agile. Quick too. He was suddenly not so very sure he’d be able to pull this off.

"You are doing better Ulric, but, alas, this fruit is yet dancing in the wind. You were right though, I am glad you shed the armor. Watching you try to catch me is almost as much fun as being caught. Those shoulders…and I imagine all kinds of things to do with your hands." Hal'et taunted again.

She punctuated her tease by raising her arms over her head and turning in profile like she was stretching. Her curves stood out clearly in that rippling iridescent armor. The black silk like undergarment, the same kind Geyrt wore, and indeed, the same kind that all the Warriors tended to favor, hid nothing of the definition of her limbs.

There followed another failed attempt and three rotations around the room in which he learned that Elves are fucking tricky and might not have any bones.

Both of them had returned to their respective “corners” and were breathing slightly more heavily from a combination of exertion and anticipation. No wonder they were all in shape, foreplay was some kind of Olympic event.

Ulric was determined that this next push was going to be the last. He had a plan. Their game had taken him towards a thin circular rug depicting abstract vines circling the twin suns and she, while still not cornered by any stretch of the imagination, had the large bed blocking one side and the corner of the room on the other. Hal'et moved like the perfect blend of a dancer and a gymnast. Even in this enclosed space, even quick as Ulric was, she was simply able to twist, jump, spin, and slide away. But she had a weakness Ulric had noticed during her flight. She naturally tended to evade clockwise.

Ulric feinted another rush, which spurred her to step towards the bed, no doubt she'd just jump across it, and Ulric kicked the thin rug to slide under the foot she was planting for her move. The rug slipped under her, her first sign of ungrace as she jerked, arms swinging, then turned to regain her balance and Ulric was nearly on top of her before she managed it. Looking back over her shoulder and seeing him so close, her cute face focused, and she planted both feet together in a crouch and launched herself in a high standing back vault that took her over him. Ulric was already spinning though, anticipating that she would escape being cornered, and reached out low in time to manage to grab an ankle, just before she dove out of her landing towards the center of the room.

Heaving, Ulric pulled the leg from under her and stood quickly, planting himself as he felt her weight settle on his arm as he rose. He had her then, dangling from his right hand while his body strained to hold her up one handed. Her yelp at losing balance and swinging face first towards the floor had turned into a giggling laugh as she hung there. Ulric reached, keeping his holding hand high to put his other hand to her side and rotated her to plant her standing in front of him, both hands on her waist. He'd seen cheerleaders and ice skaters do this sort of thing on television. Having done it himself now, he had greater appreciation for what a display of strength and coordination it really was.

Hal'et stood breathing deeply and suppressing her laughter. Ulric was breathing hard as well and found himself smiling. It had been a fine game and he'd only had to cheat a little. They stood there briefly enjoying the moment.

"Hal'et, thank you for the game, it was lovely and so are you. Would you mind showing me how to peel jamfruit? I confess I have no memory of the other night and the morning found you already in your skin. It is a marvelous skin I might add." Ulric said honestly, if haltingly, concentrating on the inflections.

The good-humored girl put her hands over his and leaned forward to whisper into his ear.

"I will gladly show you this and many other things. This time I will make it so you do not forget them, not for any amount of Elven wine, yes?"

And then she did.