Chapter I. MiLady

The Lower bailey was filled with activity. Men training, animals being tended, servants going about their chores. Two men stood looking up "I'll have her one of these days, she won't be so haughty and cold then." He rubbed his crotch, his cock all ready half erect at the thought. Kurlew, looked at his second in command and sneered obscenely. "We have our orders, The Count wants her bent to his will and broken, The bitch still refuses to marry that ape of a son he has. but I haven't even started my persuasion." His laugh was a vicious sound, heard even by the Lady in the Tower. She shuddered as she heard the sound, backing away from the window. For a moment her resolve wavered but with a deep breath she straightened her back and walked to the door. As she stepped out into the hallway, Mathew the guard stood up with a look of regret. The dice game would have to wait.

"She looks thinner and more worn everyday." he thought, such a shame for her to be treated thusly. Not daring to show any kindness, for others were watching. He glared at her, "and I suppose yea be's wanting to go wandering round the forest again, dragging me along to fall over every log there be's!" His fellow guard laughed and he turned and glared again. "You need not accompany me, Mathew. I only go for a short walk, the air is fresh from last nights storm and I only wish to check the flowers in the garden." He knew better but said nothing. "That be the rules, MiLady. Your not to go anywhere alone." Once again keeping a stern look on his face. He watched her go down the steep tower steps, grumbling, he followed her. As she passed thro the kitchen the maids and cooks smiled at her until they saw her ever present shadow, Mathew. They went back to their tasks not daring to speak to the Lady. Harriett the head cook motioned to one of the girls, with a wink. Mary stood and sauntered over to Mathew and with a provocative look and a flip of her hips she smiled. "Your looking very fine today, Mathew. Her hand slide down the front of his breeches, very fine indeed." Mathew blushed as he felt his cock hardening and shifted from foot to foot. "Mary, your a bold wench to be sure" stuttered Mathew. Mary ran her tongue over her lips "Indeed I am, Mathew would you be caring to sample my sweet lips and not the lips I speak with either." as her wandering fingers grasped his hard cock thro his breeches. Mathew looked around wildly at the females in the kitchen as if for someone to save him. When he realized they were enjoying his discomfort. He backed away from Mary "Now don't be given a poor fellow idea's there Mary girl, yea's surely will find yourself with your skirts tossed over yea's head and a babe in your belly if yea don't be good." Mary grinned and made a motion as if to touch Mathew again, he stumbled back trying to get out of her reach. While the others were busy watching Mary and Mathew, and laughing Harriett, slipped a small bundle to the Lady with a nod and a smile, not saying a word. MiLady smiled softly and the bundle disappeared into a pocket. Whispering her thanks MiLady walked out the kitchen door. She heard Mathew running to catch up, she looked over her shoulder and couldn't help chuckling as she saw the very flustered Mathew and heard the laughter coming from the kitchen.

She walked out through the back to the gardens, she tended to them faithfully, one of the few pleasures still left to her. For some reason she felt restless and wandered further and further towards the forest. Mathew called to her but she kept walking, finally she turned. "Please, just let me go for a short while. I promise not to run off." Mathew looked undecided for a moment, "If yea promise then I can't be denying yea, MiLady, but don't be gone long, yea's don't want to get killed now do's yea? She promised over and over again she wouldn't be long as she slipped through a break in the wall. She danced through the forest, feeling the cool breeze on her face and the moisture from the rain seeping through her slippers. Quickly she went to the small glen, only she knew existed. She bent down at the small brook and drank deeply, then sat down with a soft sigh, at last a moments freedom.

"Please help me, please will you help me Lady." She looked around not sure if she had actually heard anything, shaking her head "it must of been the wind." "Please help me, Lady" she heard again. She looked around, up at the tree's, down at the water, she saw nothing. A leaf rustled on the ground, partially covered by a small branch. She leaned down and moved the leaf then pulled her hand back with a startled cry, there laying under the branch was a fairy. She shook her head, No this can't be, fairy's are nothing but tales told to frighten children. With a single finger she gently touched the fairy on the arm. It gave a small cry of pain and she shook her head again, do fairies cry? I thought I saw a tear. "Lady, don't be frightened, please, the branch fell and hit me during the storm last night. Can you take it off my legs, please Lady." She carefully picked the branch off the fairy and tossed it aside. Gently she scooped the fairy up into her hand, brushing off the dirt she looked carefully at the little creature. It shivered, she could feel it through her fingers. MiLady dipped a fingertip into the brook and touched it to the fairies lips. Reaching into her pocket she pulled out the small bundle Harriett had given her, inside was a piece of cheese, some bread and a tart. She shook these out onto her skirt, wrapping the soft cloth around the fairy trying not to cause any more injury to the small thing, she felt tears in her eye's, to be so small and helpless seemed to echo her own life in her heart.

The fairy tried to get up but fell back with a moan of pain. Knowing she couldn't ask the lady to return her to her forest home, thereby giving away the secret to its location. Bitsy was in quite a quandary and a great deal of discomfort. Suddenly glancing up MiLady let out a cry. "I've got to be going if I'm late we all will be punished and severely", she looked down at the fairy and made her decision. Tossing the food out for the forest creatures, she stood up and carefully tucking the fairy into her pocket and headed back to the Keep. As she drew closer, she warned the fairy, Please be very quiet and still or it will be horrible. Bitsy responded to the sound of terror in the Ladies voice and made not a peep.

Mathew paced at the wall, hurry MiLady hurry, its getting late. He could already feel the lash biting into his back for this. He urged her to move faster. Racing up the stairs and into her room, she stopped and took several deep breaths, not even pausing, she threw off her cape and carefully drew the fairy from her pocket. She looked around wildly and spotted a large jewel casket, empty now. Opening it she unwrapped the fairy, finding a soft cashmere shawl, she put it in the casket and lay the fairy inside. As she rushed around getting ready for supper, MiLady explained to the fairy that she would be safe there. Picking up the casket and making sure the lid was not down tight or clasped, she took a small candlestick and placed it inside wedging the lid open. This should allow you plenty of air and some light, please don't try and get out while I'm gone, she warned. Placed the cask high on the large mantle over the fireplace, hoping it would help keep the small delicate creature warm.

Suddenly a loud knocking came at the door and it was thrust open. Standing at the door was Dame Agnes, looking every bit the dried up old crone she was, at her side stood one of the dogs from the bailey below. It snarled and snapped rushing into the room, with a start MiLady backed away from the animal. It seemed to sniff the air and growled menacingly, then suddenly lunged at the cloth from the kitchen she held in her hand. Ripping the cloth to shreds the animal shook its massive head and turned its eye's towards the fireplace. Speaking in voice filled with frosty elegance "Control your cur, Dame Agnes!" MiLady swept out the door. Dame Agnes looked about the room with a suspicious look and followed, dragging the hound behind her.

MiLady shuddered in disgust as she entered the dining hall. The beautiful tapestries on the walls were covered with soot from the filthy chimneys, the rushes on the floor were old and rotting, the stink almost unbearable from unwashed bodies, animals and food thrown on the floor. As always she straightened her back and walked in. Soldiers leered and called crude comments, a few reached out grabbing at her skirts, she slapped their hands away bring more laughter from the soldiers. MiLady stepped up onto the raised platform and took her place at the table. She sat between Captain Kurlew and his 2nd in command Bruce. Next came Dame Agnes, sitting down with a tittering comment "do you think she will forget her fine manners again and actually raise her voice?" With a sneer "I certainly hope so, I enjoy punishing the wench." Kurlew replied. Dame Agnes laughed her high pitched witches laugh and called for supper to be served. Not daring to raise their heads the serving girls brought out the food, if you could call it that. Tasteless, unseasoned, poorly cooked it looked as bad as it tasted. MiLady knew Harriett was an excellent cook but could only work with what little she was given.

As MiLady took a sip of her wine, a hand reached under the table grabbing her thigh, jerking away, her wine spilled. Dame Agnes reached out and pinched her hard on the arm "such a clumsy little thing aren't you." MiLady winced but said not a word. Kurlew picking up a napkin from the table leaned forward and started to wipe the wine from her bodice, his fingers brushing against her breasts, she tried to move back but was already pressed against the hard back of her chair. She pushed his hand away "keep your filthy hands to yourself, Kurlew!" She knew the instant the words left her mouth that she would pay and pay dearly for that comment. He slapped her across the mouth, snapping her head to the side. He grinned at her, knowing she was thinking of punishments to come. As the ale flowed more freely, the men became louder and fights broke out. A girls scream filled the hall as a soldier grabbed her and threw her to the floor, throwing up her skirts he pulled open his breeches and fell up her, shoving her legs apart he thrust into her, ripping her dress open he bite her breasts and laughed as she screamed with pain. She knew better then to fight and lay there waiting for the drunken sot to finish. As she tried to get away another soldier grabbed her, soon she was being passed from soldier to soldier. No one dared to interfere. MiLady kept her eye's lowered and tried not to hear the noises coming from the soldiers as they laughed and commented on the girls raping, She dared not try and stop it, she had done that once and her stomach clinched remembering the look of pleasure on Kurlew's face as he beat her. Dame Agnes sat and made obscene noises as she licked her dinner from her fingers, she watched avidly, enjoying the scene in front of her. Her small beady eye's gleamed with each grunt and scream of pain. MiLady thought to herself as she looked at Dame Agnes, "the old bitch has probably never had a man between her thighs and is more then likely imagining herself being used so cruelly."

Finally supper was over and she could escape to her tower. MiLady stood up and a large rough hand grabbed her arm and pulled her back down. "Did I give you permission to leave?" Kurlew snapped. She shook her head No. She looked at him and cringed, seeing the lust on his face. He leered at her and leaned closer, she tried to turn her face away, his breath stank as badly as his person. He grabbed her face and forced her to look at him. "Soon you will marry Lord Barnard and he will use you like the bitch you are." Bruce choked on his ale laughing, "Do you really thing that fop will know what hole to fuck?" He almost fell out of his chair laughing at his own warped sense of humor. She pulled her face away and spoke very slowly and calmly, even though her insides churned and knotted. "I will NOT marry, Barnard. Before my fathers death he promised I would have a choice in who became my husband. My Uncle can not force me to say wedding vows before the Priests." Kurlew grabbed her by her hair and leaned even closer "You think not, we shall see how long you hold to your convictions, once I am finished with you." She bite her lip trying not to cry out as he grabbed her hair. "You have tried starving me, beating me, locking me in the tower for months, what more do you think you can do? I will not consent to this marriage!" He let go of her hair and grinned an evil horrid smile "our nights entertainment brings a few things to mind". With that he reached out and shoved his hand down her bodice and grabbed one of her breasts, squeezing until tears came to her eye's and she cried out struggling to get away from him. Her hands slapped at him, trying to pull his hand away from her. "You foul beast, you don't dare rape me, My Uncle will kill you for such an insult, he insists on a virgin bride for his son!" He threw her from the chair, she picked herself up and stood proudly as everyone in the hall watched. "You naive little bitch, I will train you in tricks that will even make that fop Barnard's cock hard and eager to be fucked." He laughed as he saw her go pale and tremble. She ran from the hall, followed by his and the others sneering laughter.

She gained her room and rushed in, slamming the door shut, she leaned back against it and took several deep breaths. She looked around wildly, then ran to the large chest at the foot of the bed. She pushed and tugged and pushed and tugged. until it was lodged against the door. While MiLady was doing this, Bitsy the fairy was holding onto the candlestick and watching over the rim of the casket. Bitsy sensed the fear radiating from the Lady and being a curious little creature she wanted to understand more of what was happening. Looking around again MiLady ran to the desk that sat under the south window, she tried to move it, pulling and tugging, it only made a scraping noise and moved a few inches. She almost sobbed in frustration as she looked around again, the chairs, yes, the chairs she thought and ran to one, they were large and made of heave stout wood. She managed to drag one chair to the door and pushed it against the chest. She sat down in the chair and put her face in her hands. How long do you think this will actually keep him out? you little fool, why not just accept the inevitable marry Barnard and get it over with. She shuddered thinking of Barnard, the last time she had seen him, he minced about in his pretty clothes, making up his face and even wearing a beauty patch. But what disgusted her even more, she had chanced to turn a corner in her Uncle's castle and saw Barnard and his lover groping each other in the open for any servant to see. When she saw the face of his lover she turned and fled down the hall, getting outside just in time, she vomited in disgust. Bernard's lover was Father Dominion's alter boy, a young man in training for the Priesthood.

MiLady was suddenly startled out of her thoughts by a large banging at her door. she jumped up and stood in the middle of the room clasping her hands and trembling. She heard Kurlew yelling at her through the door. She watched in horror as the door slowly moved in, pushing the chest and chair with it. She backed away, looking around she glanced at the window, if I threw myself from the window this shall all be over, she thought, then she heard her fathers voice from day's long past as she sat on his knee. Honor, always live with Honor daughter, no one can ever take that from you, only you can give it away and lose it forever. Duty, daughter, you have a duty to care for those less privileged then you, you have a duty to the people who rely on you for their livelihood. You can lose pride, you can be as the humblest peasant but still live with honor. Her thoughts were pulled back to the present as Kurlew and Bruce shoved their way through the door. She stood and watched them almost fall into the room. "Waiting for us, were you MiLady" sneered Kurlew as he advanced into the room, followed closely on his heels a leering Bruce. "It's time for your first lesson in pleasuring a man, remove your clothing and be quick about it." ordered Kurlew. She shook her head and told him, "I shan't make this easier for you, Captain. you will have to force me to do your bidding." He reached out and grabbed the front of her bodice and grinned, with a jerk he ripped the front of her dress from neckline to hem, MiLady gasped and tried to cover herself, but they would have none of that. Bruce came around behind her and grabbed her arms as Kurlew ripped off her undergarments. He stood and looked her over, his eye's filled with lust as he saw her high firm lush breasts, her tiny waist and full rounded hips. she tried to pull away from Bruce, jerking her shoulders and arms. As Kurlew reached out and grabbed her breasts, she pulled back trying to avoid his cruel touch but only bumped into Bruce who laughed spraying her back with spittle. she shuddered and he laughed again. "Soon you'll be begging for our touch, Bitch"

Kurlew ran his hands over her body, she tried to keep her knee's pressed together but when he realized what she was doing, reached up and pinched one of her nipples until she screamed with the pain. He roughly shoved his hand between her legs and grinned at Bruce "such sweetmeat for the tasting." MiLady shivered as she heard Bruce actually giggle, once again she tried to pull away, only to be back handed across the face. Kurlew grabbed her long thick braid that hung down to her hips and wrapped it around his fist, he yanked her to the floor and pulled her to the chair by her hair. She tried to rise and was slapped again. With one hand he undid his breeches and pushed them down to his ankles, then sat in the chair, opening his knee's, he pulled her between them. "now suck my cock you slut, bite it and you will regret the day you were born" he said, his voice thick and harsh with lust. She tried to pull away again and shook her head, not daring to say a word. She wanted to hit and slap him but was afraid to touch him fearing to make things worse. Kurlew pulled her hair forcing her face against his hard cock, he rubbed it over her face and lips, she tried to stop him no longer fearing reprisals, she drew back her arm and punched him as hard as she could in the groin, having once heard that was the only place a woman could really hurt a man. He howled in pain and doubled over, letting go of her hair, his face was mottled red with fury, she scrambled back thinking to get away but had forgotten Bruce. She turned and tried to get out the door but he caught her and threw her back into the room. Grabbing her, he backhanded her, knocking her to the floor, her forehead struck the corner of the chest and dazed she tried to rise again, feeling the blood trickling down the side of her face. She lay on the floor, tears mingling with the blood.

At that moment Dame Agnes walked into the room and made tisking noises. Men are so inept she mumbled to herself. she looked at Bruce and handed him a pair of shackles and a long length of rope. "you might find these will come in handy dealing with her." She cackled and walked over to Kurlew, she nudged him with the toe of her slipper. "Looks like she brought you to your knee's, I thought it was supposed to be the other way around." Kurlew groaned and glared at Dame Agnes, slowly standing up, he held his now limp cock in his hand and turned to MiLady "You will pay for this you bitch." Bruce walked over and shackled MiLady's wrists together, he grabbed her breast's and rubbed them, then squeezing hard, he giggled as he heard her moan in pain. Tying one end to the shackles at MiLady's wrists the other end he threw over a rafter, her arms were pulled up over her head until her toes were barely touching the floor. He tied the other end to a post of bed, knowing such a huge bed wasn't going to be moved easily. She tried to shake her head to clear it and pain lanced through her, she tried not to cry out in pain, the blood dripped from her face falling on her breast. Kurlew walked up to her and grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. Not so high and mighty now are you, Bitch. He then licked the blood from her breast and bite her nipple. She screamed and he smiled, he always enjoyed hearing a woman scream, it made his cock hard. He knew he couldn't leave scars but he had every intention of making her suffer for the injury to his cock and his pride. With that in mind, he beat her over and over again until she was no longer aware of what was happening. Kurlew rubbed his sore knuckles and turned, looking at his second in command and Dame Agnes. "Leave her there until she begs to do our bidding, she is to have nothing to eat or drink." with that he left the room, followed by the other two.

Curled up in the casket, Bitsy took her hands from her ears and listened for a moment. she had heard of the cruelty humans practice on each other but this wasn't just cruelty, this was brutality at its worst. Ignoring her own injuries she crawled to the candlestick and pulled herself up, biting her lip so she made not a sound. Peering over the edge of the casket, she looked at the lady and tears filled her eye's again. Bitsy wondered if the lady was dead until she saw a slight movement, Bitsy cursed the human race as she saw the damage done to the lady. Clutching the candlestick she sobbed. She wondered how she could possibly help the lady, the branch that had crashed into her, had left one wing injured, her leg broken and a multitude of cuts and bruises. She was a very young fairy and her magic still limited. Mary crept in the door, looking over her shoulder, she whispered "keep a watch out Mathew, if anyone comes, cough." He nodded, crossing his arms over his chest, leaning against the wall as if bored with his guard duty. Mary pressed her apron to her mouth and tried not to cry out (knowing Mathew would come running) as she saw her beloved MiLady hanging from the shackles. "The bastards have gone to far this time!" she swore. She went to a chest and pulled out a soft linen sheet and carefully wrapped it over MiLady's shoulders, trying to touch her as little as possible. Turning she ran out the door, ordering Mathew not to let anyone enter. "that bad is it? Mary" he asked, she only nodded as she hurried past. In the kitchen they all gathered round to hear from Mary as she scurried here and there collecting soft rags and healing balms for her poor lady. Harriet slammed a cleaver down chopping off the head of a chicken and muttered to herself as she listened to Mary, with each word the cleaver slammed down harder. Finally she looked about the kitchen and growled out, girls its time we took matters into our own hands, seems to me we have a potion or two laying about that will turn these worthless sots inside out. Remember tho we will have to be very careful and do it slowly so nothing is suspected. They all nodded in agreement and set about gathering certain herbs from the kitchen garden. With everything stuffed into her pockets under her apron, Mary headed back up the stairs to the tower rooms. She smiled sadly at Mathew and entered MiLady' chambers. Carefully removing the sheet, she gently washed MiLady's cuts and bruises, paying close attention to the cut on her forehead. "Don't cry, Mary" whispered MiLady. "It could have been worse." Liar her mind screamed at her. She tried to smile and winced at the pain from her split swollen lips.

*psssssssstttttt* lady, Mary heard *psssttttt* lady. Mary looked around the chambers with a startled glance. MiLady whispered, in the casket, Mary. Looking over her shoulder repeatedly, Mary walked over to the casket and lifted it down. Setting it on the table, she carefully opened the lid. "A fairy, Lord above protect me, its a fairy." Mary backed away slowly. "Please, I wont hurt you" Bitsy called out, "let me help your mistress, please, I can ease her pain and set her wounds to healing a little." Bitsy knew that by helping the lady, she wouldn't have enough magic left to heal herself, but the lady had helped her when she needed it, now she had a favor to return. Mary looked closely at the fairy and said "you hurt my mistress and I will wring your scrawny fairy neck!" Bitsy chuckled at the blustering maid and nodded. Upon closer inspection Mary realized the fairy was a bit worse for wear herself. "Looks to me like you need a bit of tending yourself there, fairy, what happened to you? One of the dogs get yea?" Bitsy just shrugged and muttered something dire about tree limbs. What is it you want me to do then? Fairy asked Mary, still watching the fairy for any sign of bad magic. "Just carry me over to your mistress and let me touch her, where she is hurt, that's all you need to do" responded Bitsy, enjoying Mary's discomfort at being so close to her. Wary as an old hen watching the barnyard dog, Mary picked up the fairy and carried her over to MiLady, Bitsy shuddered seeing the lady up close and the damage that had been done to her, MiLady opened her swollen eye's and looked at Bitsy, wondering what was going on. Bitsy reached out with a fingertip and gently touched each of MiLady's injuries, blushing as she touched her breasts and nipples. A warm glow seemed to spread through her body, MiLady gasped slightly as she felt the heat of the fairies touch on her body. Slumping down in exhaustion, Bitsy could do no more. "I'm sorry lady, my magic is slight, but hopefully your pain is less and you will be able to heal quicker." With a deep sigh of relief, MiLady realized the pain was almost gone, only a strong ache remained. "I am in your debt, dear fairy, by what name shall I call you?" "My name is Bitsy, lady, I am a fairy of the forest glen, you owe me nothing, a favor for a favor is the way of my people." MiLady looked at Mary and added her thanks for her help, she then told Mary to mend the fairy as best she could. Realizing had the fairy been able to heal her own hurts, she would surely have done so by now.

She wondered how long they would leave her hanging like this, her calf muscles and thighs ached from standing on her toes, her arms felt as if they weighed three times as much as they really did. She tried shifting from foot to foot, slipping once she dangled from the rope, then regained her footing, but just barely. Finishing with the fairy, Mary turned her attention to MiLady, bringing her a drink of water, she held the cup for MiLady to sip from. "I dare not let you down, they may return at any moment" she said sadly. MiLady shut her eye's tight for a moment not wanting to think of what might happen when Kurlew returned. Mary looked at her mistress and with firm resolve, put her hands on either side of her face and spoke earnestly. "You must do what they want, MiLady, else one of these times, that bastard will go to far and kill you. Let them think you have given in, do as they say, no matter what it is. At least that will give you time, time to heal fully and if possible escape this place. You know we will help you as much as we can." She wanted to shut her ears to what Mary was saying, she wanted to cry out, I can't. I just can't give in to such villains! but in her heart she knew Mary was right, if she gave in, then she would live long enough to escape. The only thing she could not think on, was if she did escape, everyone here would pay and pay dearly for it, they knew it, she knew it. She could only nod in agreement to what Mary was saying. A tear slipped down her cheek. Just then she heard Mathew who had stuck his head in the door, groaning as he saw his mistress. Mary quickly grabbed the sheet and covered her. Mathew charged into the room, like a maddened bull, he headed for the post where the rope was tied. Mary grabbed his arms trying to pull him away. "Mathew, listen to me, you can't let her down, if you do, they will know who did it and punish you, then they will replace her guard and we won't be able to help her anymore." Mathew tried to shake Mary off, but she hung on like a pit bull. He turned to her with a look of disbelief. "Yea want to leave her like this?" but even as he spoke, he knew what she had said was true but didn't want to listen, his heart still filled with rage. He headed for the door, Mary grabbed his shirt pulling at him to stop. "Please, Mathew, don't do anything rash, meet me in the kitchen after everyone has gone to sleep, I will tell you of a plan than". He glared at her as he walked out the door, he had plans of his own to make, he wasn't going to leave this to a silly, flighty woman.

Chapter II Trink

Still filled with rage, Mathew stormed across the bailey, heading for the stables, anyone getting in his way, were shoved aside, he couldn't believe he had walked out of that room leaving his mistress like that. He threw open the stable door, taking a deep breath he looked for Drapper, the Stable Master. Drapper, a small, wiry old man came out of a stall and looked at Mathew, he had rarely seen Mathew this angry. The two of them had been friends for years. Drapper had watched his friend grow from a gangly child to a strong man, hiding his soft heart behind bluster and gruffness, he also knew that Mathew had a soft spot in his heart for Mary and wondered if the two had argued. Drapper waited for Mathew to calm down, he sat on a wooden box and calmly chewed a piece of straw, Mathew took another deep breath and looked at Drapper. "We've known each other a long time, and in all those years, I ain't never asked how yea knew things, how yea seemed to understand the animals and the weather. I've always suspicioned that yea knew the small ones in the forest, but thought it best not to be know. Well I'm askin now, if it be true!" Before Drapper could say a word, Mathew rushed on, "they say the small folk have magical ways, That they can even turn a body invisible. That they can cause people to wither and die for no reason. I want to find them and even if I be tradin me soul to the devil, I want Kurlew to die a foul slow death." Of all the things Mathew could have said this was the last thing Drapper expected, he looked at Mathew and continued to chew on the piece of straw, as if thinking things over. Mathew knew you couldn't hurry Drapper, he did things in his own good time. Finally, Drapper asked, what has the bastard spawn from hell done now? he watched Mathew's face turn red with anger and knew he wasn't going to like what he was about to hear, but hear it he must before he could come to a decision. "He beat her again, this time worse then ever before, he strung her up from those tiny wrists of hers and left her hanging from the rafter, like some piece of meat." He then went on to tell about what had occurred the night before in the dining hall. Drapper had already heard but said nothing. He let Mathew get out the words and the rage. At last with another deep breath, Mathew was done, his rage had burnt out, leaving him feeling tired and helpless, a feeling no man cares to deal with. "You bounced her on your knee when she was naught but a babe, you taught her how to sit her first pony. Many's the time yea picked her up off the ground and tossed her back in the saddle. Yea watched her grow into a lovely woman. She ain't never hurt nobody in all her days, everyone knows how kind and good she is, she don't deserve what's happening to her." Drapper nodded, he spit out the piece of straw and said "I can only ask for their help, lad, they give it as they see fit." With that he stood up and clapped Mathew on the shoulder. He turned back to the stalls with a thoughtful look on his face. Well he had done the asking, there was no more he could do, for a moment his shoulders slumped forward, then he suddenly sat up and grinned, hadn't Mary said something about meeting her in the Kitchen? Drapper slipped out the side door of the stable and ambled down along the wall, he whistled a special tune as he walked. If he had been heard, they would let him know, in their own good time.

Supper was over and the dining hall empty except for the drunken soldiers who had fallen asleep on the floor, the dogs sniffed through the rushes looking for a bone or scrap of meat. Mary joined everyone in the kitchen, she picked up a piece of bread to munch on, then suddenly stopped and looked at Harriett, with a chuckle Harriet told her that it was safe to eat. The herbs that had been added to the nights meal would take about 12 hours to work and it had been added mostly to the wine and ale. Harriett then showed Mary where the safe ale and wine was being stored, as the girls in the kitchen wandered off to their beds for the night, Mary and Harriett talked of the days happenings. They both knew that they had done everything they could to help and tomorrow would be another long day. Mary kept glancing at the door, Harriett watched Mary and finally laughed. "Should I be headin off to me cottage, you look like your expecting company." Mary turned and grinned at Harriett, "I'll get that man yet, Harriett, don't you doubt it." Harriett laughed loudly, her ample bosom jiggling, she gave Mary a hug and still laughing told her. "Dearie, you've had that boy eating out of your hand for over a year now, but he is just like all males. contrary as hell. Maybe its time to give the boy a taste of good lovin, so he knows for sure what he is missin." With that parting comment, Harriett left the kitchen for the night.

Drapper sat in his small room in the back of the stables and listened to the sounds of the bailey settling down for the night, he thought back to the years before the Duke had died in a riding accident. The Duke had been a good man, he had loved his family and was deeply grieved when his lovely wife had died in childbirth. Lord, how proud that man had been of his daughter, most men would have curse the fates at not being given a son to carry on his name, but the Duke had taken the babe in his arms and proclaimed her his heir, then spent the next 17 years teaching her what would be expected of her. Drapper smiled to himself remembering the little girl running and tripping on her skirts as she tried to keep up with her fathers long strides as he inspected his holdings. the Duke would laugh and toss the child onto his broad shoulder and the people smiled. The land was good and the Duke generous in his giving, a good life even for the serfs. As the years went on, the daughter grew to be as kind and generous as her father.

Back in the kitchen, Mary washed up and fluffed her hair out, she banked the firepit and smiled as she turned and saw Mathew standing in the door. In a moment they were both grinning as he came into the kitchen, Mathew stood and looked down at Mary. the day had been long and filled with such rage and despair he needed Mary but didn't know how to tell her of such things. Mary touched Mathews face with her hands "Come to me, my fine man, let me wipe away the thoughts of the day." Mathew didn't say a word, just pulled Mary into his arms, crushing her against his chest, Mary grabbed his hand and pulled him into the storage room off the kitchen. The two of them fell to the floor, ripping off clothes in their haste. Rolling on top of Mary, Mathew pushed her thighs apart with his knee's and thrust into her, deep and hard, he groaned and closed his eyes as he felt her hot, wet, womb take his hard cock, Mary wrapped her legs around his waist and arched up her hips, her nails dug into his bare buttocks urging him on. With another groan he started to slam into her over and over again, his hands at her hips pulling her tighter with each thrust of his cock, his mouth suckled her breasts, a thought flashed through his mind, More then a mouth full, and he sucked harder. Mary moaned out Mathew's name and urged him on, her leg tightened around his waist and she matched his thrusting motions, she felt his balls slapping against the cheeks of her bottom and moved faster. Her hands pressed his head against her breasts wanting him to suck even harder, her eye's flew open as she felt Mathew shudder and groan loudly. She wanted to slap at him and yell, "nooooooooo not yet, I'm not done" but she said not a word. With a silly look on his face, Mathew kissed Mary, then collapsed on top of her, Mary held him close and slide her legs from around his hips. "I'm sorry Mary, to be so quick but its the truth I've been wanting yea for so long, I just couldn't wait." Mary giggled at Mathew "We will just have to train that fine fellow of yours, just like your soldiering, thrust and parry, you have to build up endurance for a good tumble." Then with a gentle look she told him, "and its the gods own truth, Mathew, I've been waiting and wanting you for just as long." He laughed, the rage of the day gone for the moment, "well yea's got me now and I won't be letting yea go any time soon, Mary me girl." "Mathew, I saw the most wondrous thing today, I know I shouldn't be saying this, for you more then likely won't be believing me, but I need to say the words out loud. I saw a fairy today and even touched it!." Mathew stared at Mary, wondering if he had heard aright "a fairy, yea say? Now where would yea have been seeing fairies, they be nothing more then silliness and imagination." She looked hurt that he hadn't believed her and grabbed his shoulders "its true, in MiLady's chamber, she had a injured fairy hidden away in her jewel casket. I even tended the poor things broken leg and hurt wing." Mathew made an odd choking noise and suddenly leapt up and ran out of the room trying to pull on his pants, hoping from foot to foot, he feel down and cursed getting his pants on. Mary lay on the floor with a shocked look on her face, her legs still spread wide. Swearing the whole time she got up and dressed, having every intention of letting Mathew know exactly how she felt about such odd behavior, she followed him out of the kitchen, wondering why he was heading for the stables.

Drapper at that moment was sharing a bit of ale with a very old friend. they idly chatted about the weather, the lack of a good crop this season, the taste and quality of the ale they were drinking. It was an old game, the one trying to out wait the other, in saying what was really on their minds. Finally as they both knew would happen, Drapper gave in and told his friend that his help was needed and explained what had been happening of late, in blunt terms he told all. His friend shook his head sadly and with deep regret told Drapper "I would be happy to help you, old friend, but it will be a while before I can give my full attention to it. We have a fairy gone missing, no one can find her, the forest has been searched repeatedly. No trace has been found of her, if an animal had caught her, we would have found something, but it's as if she vanished. she is a young one and hasn't learned yet to use her magic to contact her kin, if she is still alive." With a loud bang, the door to Drapper's room flew open and in rushed Mathew, talking at the same time "a fairy, MiLady has a fairy, Mary saw it with her very own eye's, we can get the fairy to help MiLady. You can convince it to help our Mistress, Drapper" With a startled look the men in the room rose to their feet. Mathew's mouth dropped open as he stared at the little man standing next to Drapper. He blinked his eyes several times as if to clear his sight. Standing before him was an elf, an ancient elf by the look of him, his skin wrinkled, with long laugh lines at the corner of his eyes. He had long gray hair pulled back and tied behind his head, his beard was braided and tied with a green bow. His clothes were the colors of the forest and neat as a pin. For a moment Drapper looked flustered, never had anyone seen his friend before, he collected his wits about him and turned to Mathew "Mathew, I would like to introduce you to an old friend of mine, Trink." Trink, chuckled to himself as he watched the one called Mathew, wondering when it would occur to him that his mouth was hanging wide open. Trink, sketched a bow and smiled kindly at the man. This was the one who had asked Drapper to call for help to aid his mistress. Just then Mary came rushing in slamming into Mathew's back, she looked over his shoulder and gasped. "Lordy be, its an elf, Mathew!" she suddenly sat down on her bottom and started to laugh. Elves, fairies, what next a dragon, she said, Drapper and Trink just smiled at each other. Mathew looked at Mary as if she had suddenly become a member of bedlam, he tried to hush her, fearing the elf would become angry and turn her into a wild animal or something. Trink, once again bowed to the lady and walked around Mathew to look at her he offered her his hand to help her up off the floor. Mary with a shaking hand let the elf help her stand up. "Sooo, you've seen a fairy, have you, me purty, would yea mind telling me about it, ol Trink would be mighty interested in hearing about this fairy." he said in a soft sing song soothing voice. Suddenly calm, Mary started to tell Trink about the fairy in MiLady's casket. Mathew looking from one to the other started to step in front of Mary, Drapper looked at Mathew and shook his head, waving him over to the pitcher of ale. Trink listened intently to Mary's tale, nodding his head occasionally encouraging her to go on, when Mary was done, she held out her hands as if pleading, I did the best I could, to fix her up, truly I did. Trink touched her hand and smiled, "I surely do be knownin it child, for this yea and your Lady have the gratitude of all the forest dwellers." He turned to Drapper, "I must go and inform the people of our missing fairies where abouts. I will return on the morrow, we shall speak then." With that the elf was gone, Drapper spoke to Mathew and Mary, "I don't need to warn you, not to mention any of this. I know you will keep it a secret." Mary laughed with a touch of hysteria, as if anyone would believe them. They would be carted away to bedlam should they even hint at such things as fairies and elves being about.

The fire had burnt low and the room took on a chill, MiLady shivered, covered only in the sheet. She couldn't help moaning as she hung from the rope, to distract herself she called out "are you all right, Bitsy?" Bitsy, wrapped in the warm cashmere shawl, looked out at the lady. She concentrated hard and was pleased to see the fire flair back to life. "I'm much better, lady, in a couple days, I should be able to fly again, then I will be of more help to you." "You must help yourself, Bitsy, as soon as you can fly, you must flee this place, return to your forest and your family, don't ever look back, the evil is too strong here." Bitsy started to say something, then suddenly hunched down into the casket, as the door was thrown open. This was the evil, not the place, only some of the peoplle in it, she muttered softly. Kurlew staggered into the room, he ripped the sheet off MiLady and licked his wet slobbering lips. He reached out and twisted one of her nipples and laughed as she cried out in pain. Going over to the bed post, he untied the rope and watched as she fell to the floor, landing on her hands and knee's. MiLady rolled onto her side and curled up into a tight ball and tried not to scream as the feeling started to return to her hands. Kurlew kicked her and demanded to know if she was now willing to do as she was told. MiLady tried to move away from his kick and groaned as his booted foot landed on her hip. Mary's words seemed to echo in her head and in dejection she nodded her head. Kurlew reached down and grabbed her hair pulling her up and grinned, "I didn't hear you, what did you say?" She gasped at the painful tug on her hair and with tears in her eye's she answered him, she would do as she was told. He slapped her and laughed, rubbing his crotch, she was just like all the other sluts, they just needed a bit of persuasion, still laughing he grabbed her and pulled her up on to her knee's. Suddenly a loud clanging noise was heard, Kurlew rushed to the window he saw men and women running about, hearing the cry of fire, he ran from the room. In the lower bailey two of the empty crofters cottages were a blaze. MiLady looked towards the casket, "Bitsy?" Bitsy called out, "twasn't me lady." They both let out a sigh, whoever or whatever had caused the fires has given them both a reprieve. Trink smiled as he proceeded on his way. It had been a most productive night so far. He was looking forward to the rest of the night, it should prove very, very interesting. He set his cap at a jaunty angle and with a little skip, started to whistle a tune, rubbing his gnarled hands together in glee.

Virlane lay on the warm stone floor, his tail curled around his body, he rested his head on his paws, he appeared to be sleeping, only the occasional swish of his tailtip gave away that he was not slumbering. Virlane knew they were coming, he could feel their anger, their excitement, he could also tell Trink was in a high good mood. Which considering the activities of the day was odd. If they had found Bitsy, why the anger, that seemed to flow through some of them? all in good time he would find the answers to his questions, Virlane waited.

At the meeting in the glen, Trink had explained everything to the forest people, Bitsy's parents cried with relief to hear their daughter was alive, but at the news of where she was, they stood up planning to go remove her immediately. Trink held up his hand for quiet. "There be's more to this then just ah goin and bringin Bitsy home, she was saved by a human woman, then tended to by another human woman, both with kind hearts. The one woman is in deep peril, we are in their debt, Drapper has asked for our help in aiding the woman." At that the glen turned quiet, they all knew Drapper, never had he asked for the peoples help just always offered friendship and help if it was needed. Cransmure, the Leader of the Fairies stepped forward, "these women have given aid and comfort to one of our own, we will decide how best to help, who is the woman so greatly in peril?" Trink looked at his friends and sadly said, "It is MiLady of the Keep." With that there was much muttering and discussion between themselves. They had all seen her, either in her gardens or in the forest, they knew of her kindness and gentle heart. He then went on to tell them about the abuse MiLady was suffering, bringing angry cries from the fairy and elven women and shouts of anger from their men. Cransmure and Trink exchanged a glance, each thinking the same thing, Virlane.

They stood outside the cave, Trink, Cransmure, Bitsy's parents, and many others that wanted to lend their support tto the scheme at hand. Trink entered the cave and made his way to the back rooms, he had been here many times and thought of the dragon as his friend. But he also knew something else, he knew of Virlane's feelings for the human woman, MiLady and was worried about the response he might get, when Virlane heard the news. Trink stood before Virlane, he doffed his cap and cleared his throat "Virlane?" why this is silly he thought, and wandered over to help himself to a goblet of Virlane's excellent wine, he sat down in a large chair and returned his gaze to Virlane. Elven brown eye's met the fiery green eyes of the dragon. Virlane could have read Trink's thoughts but centuries ago, the two had agreed to respect each other's privacy, so only said with his deep resonant voice, "You found Bitsy?" "Yes, in MiLady's room, hidden in a jewel casket." Virlane's deep rumbling laugh filled the room "That little one will surely be the cause of many a gray hairs on her parents head, she seems to fall into more misadventures then all of us put together," his laughter stopped abruptly and he raised an eyeridge at the look on Trink's face "lets hear the rest of it Trink!" Trink slowly and very carefully explained the situation to Virlane, he left nothing out, so it was understood exactly what was happening to MiLady. Truth be told he wanted his old friend angry, in the last 60 or 70 years he had become more and more closed up with his magical studies, more and more complacent, the fellow needed a good wake up call.

Virlane suddenly stood up to his full height and roared with rage, his razor sharp talons raking down the walls of the cave. His wings spread and batted the air, it was as if a huge wind had just blown through the cave. Trink fell to the floor and covered his head as smoke and the smell of sulfur filled the air. His huge jaws snapping, Virlane arched his neck and such a cry of vengeance filled the air, the folk waiting out side ran and hide behind tree's and bushes. Cransmure, chuckled. He was disappointed not to see Virlane flying out of his cave, wings furled and out for blood. Virlane turned and looked at Trink, the look in his eye's made Trink shudder and for just a second feel sorry for the evil humans. He gathered himself up and brushed his clothes off, with a hand that shook slightly he poured himself another goblet of wine. He knew Virlane would be upset but he really hadn't expected such a violent reaction from his usually easy going friend. Virlane headed for the entrance of the cave, with a startled cry Trink ran after him, grabbing his tail he yelled at Virlane, "get a holt of yourself me boyo, you can't go charging out there, what are yea goin ta do, burn down the keep and have the soldier's chasin dragons all over the forest for the next 20 years? trampling everything in sight? bringing in hounds to kill the forest folk? is that what you want to see happen?" Virlane spun around and reached out a paw to catch Trink as he went flying off his tail, he gently set Trink down and started to pace the room, every once in a while stopping to snarl and glare at the walls. "No, I don't want that Trink, you know me better then that, thank you for your quick action, I haven't lost my temper like that in many a century." Virlane hunched down in thought, his tail swishing from side to side. He looked at Trink then stood up again "I will retrieve Bitsy first, then handle the other matter in my own way, with magic, they will rue the day they were born. but it must be done in such a way as to not alert the Uncle to what is happening. If he gets wind of strange doings, he might instruct Kurlew to bring MiLady to his own castle, then things would become much more difficult and complicated." With that Virlane turned and went back into his study, shutting the door firmly behind him. Trink heard a bolt thrown shut with much finality.

Trink sauntered out of the cave, as if nothing much had happened, he waved at Bitsy's parents and told them that Virlane would be returning her to them soon, and that he would be dealing with the other problem. With many nods and everyone chattering at once they all started to return home. Cransmure, walked up and grinning like a loon, started to laugh uproariously, "Trink, old friend, come join me for a good strong cup of wine, why your as white as a lily and the bow on your beard is askew" with that he slapped his knee and started to laugh all over again. Trink muttering about obnoxious fairies followed him down the mountain path.

chapter III. Virlane

Virlane sat quietly in his study, slowly he went over to a special bookshelf and took down a large old dusty book, flipping through it he finally came to the page he wanted, he reread the spell several times until he was satisfied it would work. He set the book aside and made a list of the things he would need for this adventure. One that just might be the most important thing he had ever done in his long life. But first things first, Bitsy! Virlane adjusted his size for the dimensions of the tower room, as he appeared without a sound. He looked towards the fireplace and saw the casket sitting just where he had been told it would be, he walked over to it not making a sound and quietly lifted the lid. Hearing the lid open, Bitsy had tried to hide under the shawl, she didn't move a muscle, hoping whoever had opened the lid would close it and go about their business. With a talon, Virlane lifted the shawl off of Bitsy, she looked up in terror then suddenly cried out, "Virlane, oh Virlane, I'm so happy to see you." Virlane motioned her to be quiet and gently lifted her out of the casket, cradling her in the palm of his paw, he proceeded to use his magic to mend her injuries. Bitsy flew into the air, then hugged Virlane "We have to leave here, Virlane, you don't know the evil, we have to leave and right away. If they catch us we are done for, come on, Virlane." She tugged at his wing, trying to get him to move, but he was looking at the figure laying on the floor next to the bed. Sometime during the night MiLady had tried to reach the bed but had collapsed next to it, she had managed to pull the coverlet off the bed and over herself, but had gotten no further as the events of the day finally caught up with her. Bitsy saw Virlane looking at the lady, and with another tug at his wing said, "take her with us, Virlane, you can make her all better, later at your lair. Come on Virlane get her and lets go."

Virlane ignored the tug on his wing and walked over to look down at MiLady, he gently reached for her and picked her up. For a moment her eye's flicked open and she looked at the dragon. "You are real after all," she said, barely above a whisper, her shackled hands reached out and touched his arm, he felt warm and smooth like soft leather, not the rough, hard, scales she had expected. MiLady smiled softly as her eyes closed once more into an exhausted sleep. Virlane snarled as he saw the shackles, he raised an eyeridge and they fell from her wrists to the floor. Bitsy, who had been tugging violently at Virlane's wing upon hearing the snarl was so startled she let loose at full tug and went somersaulting through the air, hitting the wall with a very unladylike **ooofffhh** she slide down to the floor. She muttered things about dragons not warning a girl about snarling and flew back to where Virlane still stood and to Bitsy's eye's seemed to be cuddling the lady.

As he stood holding the lady in his arms, his thoughts went back to other times, he had watched her grow up, dancing through the forest and meadows. He smiled as he remembered the time she had fallen out of a tree and with the wind knocked out of her and her hair full of leaves and twigs, he had almost gone to her then, but she had gotten up with a giggle and gone running off to her papa. As the years went by he continued to watch her, it had become almost a ritual. Then the day had come when she was no longer a gangly girl child, but had budding breasts and the indent of a waist, Virlane had chuckled then and thought to himself, our little one is growing up. One afternoon during an extremely long hot summer, she had, as always come to her special place, but this time she slipped out of her dress and lay in the brook, to cool off. As Virlane watched she played in the water and with a sudden jolt of realization, he felt his shaft slipping from its sheath within his body. He shook with the need to possess her, as she stepped out of the brook, his talon's curled as he resisted the urge to go to her and lick the drops of water off her body. He watched her use her scarf of green and gold to dry off her body, imagining his paws in its place, he groaned. After she had left the small glen, he saw she had dropped the scarf and picking it up had smelled deeply inhaling her scent, committing it to memory he closed his eye's and crooned for her and his need. He never went back to the glen when she was there, simply watched from a distance, but the ache for her never went away. The idea that somewhere in her mind she had been aware of him, had felt his presence made the love in his heart stronger.

He felt a tugging at his ear an Bitsy fussing at him. "What's the matter Virlane, are you all right? we have to go now, Virlane, lets go!" He flicked his ear sending Bitsy flying off. She came flying back, fluttering around his head. Bitsy looked at Virlane and didn't understand the look on his face. She fluttered around him trying to get his attention not paying attention to where she was going she flew into the bedpost with a thump she landed on the bed. Virlane looked down at her with a startled look on his face. Bitsy stood up rubbing her head, then put her hands on her hips, "ya well, so I wasn't paying attention to where I was going, it happens, ok!" Realizing it was almost dawn, Virlane gently lay the lady down on the bed and covered her carefully with the blankets. His paw touched her, as softly as a butterflies wing. He saw a tear slip down her cheek and leaning down licked it gently from her face. Bitsy stood on the bed watching with a stunned look on her face "your not taking her with us are you? Virlane" Virlane reached out and wrapped a paw around Bitsy, he suddenly had the urge to stuff a gag in her mouth, instead he just shook his head and the two of them vanished from the tower room. Virlane gently set Bitsy down in front of her parents and the fairies that had gathered waiting for her return. He sat back watching the hugging and rejoicing, then slowly turned to leave, he felt a tugging on his ear and chuckled, Bitsy fluttered around his head and giggling kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, for helping me, of course I would have been perfectly fine in a few days and been home in a flash, but it was very nice of you to come for me." Looking at Bitsy's parents he winked and started to laugh as he waved goodbye and headed for his lair. He stopped and turned about, "will you send Trink to me please" then he was gone.

As the keep started to wake, Mary slipped into the Kitchen and smiled at Harriett. then started to help prepare the morning meal, the two of them would glance at each other and chuckle from time to time. Mary and the other girls carried the food out to the soldiers as they filed in. Dame Agnes sat in the mistress's chair and drummed her fingers on the table. Her face scrunched up as a small cramp hit her stomach, she yelled at Mary, "hurry up, girl my stomach is empty and needs filling." Mary set a bowl of gruel and a pitcher of mead in front of Dame Agnes and with a small curtsey backed away. Kurlew and Bruce joined Dame Agnes at the table, they both had a sheen of sweat on their faces and looked a bit off color. Never dainty in her eating, Dame Agnes began spooning the gruel into her pursed mouth and looked at the two men "if you didn't guzzle your drink and wench the night away, you would be in better health" she commented as she made slurping noise's drinking her mead. With a pained look on her face, Dame Agnes suddenly stood up, her hands clutching her stomach. She tried to leave with haughty dignity but with each step she moved a little faster, every eye in the room was turned watching her, for with each step she took another loud fart was heard. She suddenly picked up her skirts and tried to run from the room, the cheeks of her ass clinched tight. Unfortunately Dame Agnes didn't make it to the jax on time and soiled herself terribly. She heard the loud laughter from the dining hall and swore viciously as her stomach knotted again. Kurlew sneered at Bruce, intending to make a comment when he doubled over grabbing his stomach, he moaned and yelled, "Harriett, you bitch, you've served us spoiled meat, you'll pay for this, mark my word on that!" He pounded his tankard of mead on the table but couldn't say another word as he quickly stumbled out of the hall making for the jax. A wide stain spreading on the seat of his breeches. Bruce hadn't even heard Kurlew, he had been to busy rushing out of the room, shoving other's aside, fighting to get the door of the jax. As he was shoved to the back of the line, he bolted out the side door running around a corner, dropping his drawers as he ran.

Mary and the girls watched from the kitchen door as the hall quickly cleared, men ran stumbling and groaning from the room. Pressing their hands to their mouths, they tried not to burst out laughing, Harriett hushed them, with the warning, "if they hear us laughing and see we aren't sick, it will be the worse for us, so you girls just stop your giggling and get on about the business of being sick, she winked with a grin, we could all use a day of rest." Harriett fixed a tray for MiLady and handed it to Mary, "I doubt anyone will notice this morning" she said and grinned widely. Entering the tower room, Mary set the tray on a table and seeing that her lady was still sleeping went to check on the fairy. Seeing the lid of the casket open, Mary peered inside, not seeing the fairy inside she started to scour the room, looking under tables, chairs, in drawers and under the bed. "Mary, she's gone" whispered MiLady, "he came and got her, to take her home." "Who came and got her? MiLady" whispered Mary back, feeling totally confused, wondering who HE was. Thinking it might be the elf, she was talking about. "The dragon came and got her" she answered. Mary quickly felt MiLady's forehead for a fever, then with a look of bewilderment on her face she whispered back "don't tell me there's a dragon running about these parts too?" MiLady nodded slowly and smiled "it's magic, Mary, the magic of the universe, he's always been here, We just couldn't see him, only feel him in our hearts." Mary made a dismissive noise as she helped MiLady eat her breakfast. Mary had seen the shackles laying on the floor earlier and had thought those curs had been back, while she slept. MiLady saw Mary looking at her bare wrists and shook her head, she had no idea who had taken them off but she was glad they were gone. MiLady kept looking towards the door, Mary grinned at her and laughing told MiLady she need not worry, it was doubtful that anyone would be bothering her for the next few days. Mary explained what had been done, still chuckling and giggling, she went on to describe Dame Agnes's hasty departure from the hall. Laughing softly, MiLady wished she had been there to witness such a sight, it would have made her day. MiLady closed her eye's, a smile on her lips. So he was really, real, all those times in the forest when she had sensed a presence, an aura, of someone or something watching her, she used to lay pretending to be asleep in the glen on the soft moss, with one eye partially open hoping to catch a glimpse of "the other" as she called him then. She never saw him, but always knew when he was there. Only once had she been frightened, the day at the brook when she had stepped out of the water after a long cool bath. She had felt an awareness that had not been there before, it was almost as if some unknown heat had suddenly run through her body. She had quickly dried herself and headed home, the feeling had never come again, in time she had almost forgotten about that one day.

Mary found Mathew in the Stable watching Drapper curry MiLady's mare. she sat on a bale of hay and listened to the two men talking, after she had given Mathew a saucy wink and watched him blush red. Drapper grinned watching the couple and laughed out loud at the sight of the full grown Mathew blushing. "Don't guess Trink was able to get aholt of anybody, or we woulda heard by now, don't ya think? Drapper" asked Mathew "It was late when he left, Mathew, it might take a few days to talk to all the folk and come up with a plan." responded Drapper as he made soothing noises to the dainty mare. Mathew turned to Mary and still blushing asked her how MiLady and the fairy were doing. "The mistress is better today, her spirits seem to be up a little, everything considered, and well the fairy that's another story." Both men looked at Mary waiting for her to continue, Mary enjoying the attention took her own sweet time. "The Dragon came and got her!" Ahhh thought Drapper, this becomes more and more interesting. Virlane had gotten involved. Mathew just slapped his knee and laughed, "Mary, me girl that's a good one." still laughing, he stopped when he saw that Mary and Drapper weren't laughing but grinning at each other. Mathew looked from one to the other and back again, he leaned forward "a dragon, a real live dragon, did you see it? Mary, me girl?" Mary shook her head and not wanting to admit she probably would have fainted dead away, had she really seen the dragon, "no, I didn't, but MiLady did." Drapper with a casual comment, asked if the dragon had said anything to MiLady. Mary told him what MiLady had said, he nodded his head and with a thoughtful look went back to the little mare. Mathew grabbed Mary's hand and waved goodbye to Drapper, thinking it was a fine morning for a spring walk. Drapper grinned and waved bye to the couple, noticing Mary hadn't put up much of a fuss, after he mentioned he might have a dragon story or two for her later that night.

Virlane finished his preparations and waited patiently for Trink to appear. He once again checked his calculations and satisfied put the ancient musty book back on its shelf. Trink whistled as he entered the lair, wondering what Virlane had up his sleeve, should be fun to watch. He stood at the door to the study, "You wanted to talk to me?" Virlane indicated a chair and waited for Trink to sit down, he filled a goblet of wine and handed it to Trink. Then sat down and explained his plan. Trink shook his head at Virlane, "why me? why do yea be a needin me along? yea know I don't get along well with horses, those beasties scare me. Surely you can come up with something better then this, Virlane." Virlane patiently explained again to Trink exactly why this type of plan and exactly why he need the help of his friend. Finally with a great gusty sigh, Trink gave in, he muttered dire warnings about what happens to an elf's superior parts when they ride horses, but realized that Virlane wasn't listening anymore. The Dragon and the elf left the cave bound for adventure.

Chapter IV. Collin and Jack

The Knight and his groom followed the road leading to the Keep. It was late afternoon as they approached the front gates of the Keep. There should have been a guard on duty to warn of riders coming but none could be seen as the two rode through the open gates. People stopped and stared at the two, The one a very fine gentleman, astride a huge black stallion, the other a small older man, dressed in the livery of a groom, rode what looked to be a donkey. they rode into the center of the bailey and stopped. When no one come out to greet them the gentleman swung down from the saddle, he stood holding the reins of the stallion, then turned and looked towards his groom. The groom climbed down off his donkey, and reached for the reins of the large stallion, who started to prance and paw the ground as it looked at the groom. The gentlemen gently touched the horses mane and leaned down as if whispering to the horse, then tossed the reins to his groom. Drapper came out of the stables, just in time to see the groom catch the reins and look around as if wondering what to do next. He walked up to the gentlemen and bowed, introducing himself as the stable master and apologizing for lack of a formal greeting from the residents of the keep. He suggested the gentlemen go inside and take a seat in the hall, someone would see him and find Captain Kurlew or Dame Agnes. The gentlemen turned to his groom and instructed him to go with the stable master and see to the animals, then join him in the hall. For a second the groom looked as if he would argue the order but muttering under his breath he turned and followed the man. The Stallion had other idea's and pulled back, rearing on his hind legs, Drapper laughed and reached out taking the reins from the groom. "a very spirited animal your master rides" commented Drapper as the stallion calmly followed. The groom leading his donkey, with a few tugs and muttered warnings followed Drapper into the stables. He was shown what stall to put his donkey in as the stallion was lead into a larger, sturdier stall. Drapper didn't want the stallion kicking down the stables if it got out of hand. After getting the animal settled in, he stood watching the groom rub his backside. Drapper chewed on a piece of straw and suggested the groom remove the donkey's bridle and saddle, which the groom did with much fumbling and muttering. Dropping the saddle on his foot the groom started to swear long and loudly. Drapper couldn't contain himself any longer and started to laugh, holding his stomach from laughing so hard he looked at the groom "I gather that's Virlane now sitting in the lady's hall, I knew this was going to be fun to watch, but I had no idea, it would mean seeing you as a groom" he started laughing again. The groom walked over and punched Drapper on the shoulder, "You think its so funny, well me arse bounced all the way up the mountain and that beast of a stallion has already tried to take a bite out of it. I don't know how I let Virlane talk me into this!" Trink headed out of the stables and turning told Drapper, "You can call me Jack!" He left to the sound of Drapper laughing and muttered about rude stable masters.

Virlane walked into the dining hall and took a seat at the head table, he looked around, not missing a thing, the stench was enough to make a dragon gag. Virlane had always been very fastidious and this filth offended him greatly. A scullery maid came out of the kitchens and skittered to a halt as she saw the man sitting at the mistress's table, he turned and looked at her. "Would you please inform your mistress that she has company, child" her mouth hanging open, not saying a word she nodded and ran back into the kitchen. The girl ran up and started to shake Harriet's arm, babbling about handsome knights and the main table. Harriett gently cuffed the girl on the side of her head and told her to get ahold of herself and speak plainly. Loosing patience Harriett headed for the dining hall, stomping in she saw the man and advanced on the table, Harriett curtsied as this was to her eye's a very fine gentlemen and of high rank. Virlane had just given Harriett the same message he had given the young scullery maid when Trink ambled into the dining hall. He wrinkled his nose and looked at Virlane "Pheww this place stinks to high heaven, your sure this is the right place? Me Lord" He then turned and looked at Harriett "Me Lord and I have been traveling long and hard, a cold mug of ale and a bite to eat, would be nice right about now, my good woman." He then winked at Harriett, suddenly flustered Harriett bobbed a curtsy and went back to the kitchen. She sent a maid scurrying to find Dame Agnes and Kurlew, then ordered another to fetch ale, bread and cheese ot to the men in the hall. The girl was just setting the ale and food on the table before the two men when Harriett suddenly came flying from the kitchen, she grabbed the pitcher and platter, trying to think of something to say Harriett blurted out "this isn't fancy enough for the likes of you." Virlane chuckled and informed the flustered woman that plain fare would do them just fine. Harriett nodded and ran back to the kitchen still clutching the pitcher and platter, the girl following on her heels. Virlane and Trink looked at each other and grinned. Lord have mercy cried Harriett as she threw down the platter and pitcher "We almost served his Lordship the tainted food and drink." with that she sat down and fanned herself furiously with her apron trying to calm her nerves.

Dame Agnes arrived in the hall at the same time Kurlew did, they looked at each other wondering what was going on. Dame Agnes seeing the fine gentlemen sitting at the table brushed off her skirts and in a sickening sweet voice walked up, curtsied deeply "My Lord, have you lost your way? We would be delighted to provide you with a place to stay for the night and directions to your destination on the morrow." The man raised an eyebrow and looked the woman standing before him up and down "You are the Duchess of St.Clair, Katrina DeLancy St.Clair? I was led to believe she was a much younger woman of gentle refinement and a delight to look upon." Dame Agnes with a startled glance at Kurlew pursed her lips "No indeed, My Lord, I am the Lady's housekeeper and companion, pardon my impertinence My Lord but you are?" Virlane stepped down from the table and walked around to stand in front of Dame Agnes, he inclined his head and introduced himself. "I am Collin O`Donnell, Laird of the Clan O`Donnell and Duke of Virlane." he turned and indicated the other man "This is my groom and man of affairs, Jack Bentwood." "I am not here by chance, but by direction of the King, he remembers fondly the daughter of his old friend The Duke of St. Clair and having heard some odd disturbing reports sent me to make sure the Lady is well and happy." Dame Agnes felt the color leave her face and thought she would faint, as she heard what the man said. She stepped back and looked up at the man opening her mouth to say something, she was shoved aside by Kurlew. "MiLady is feeling a bit poorly at the moment and unable to see you, but we will give her your regards and tell her that you had been by to give her greetings." blustered Kurlew. Collin smiled politely "My man, Jack is considered to be a fair healer and would be more then happy to care for the Lady St.Clair." turning to Dame Agnes he said "be so kind as to show Jack your Mistress's chambers." Dame Agnes felt herself go even paler, she smiled a sickly smile at the Duke "it's nothing my Lord, the clumsy child tripped and fell down some stairs, a few bruises that will heal quickly." "Good, then I shall look forward to meeting the Duchess at the evening meal, now if you would be so kind as to direct my man Jack to our chambers, it has been a long ride and I need to change and wash the dust of the road off." Dame Agnes screeched at one of the scullery maids passing by "quickly wench, air out the Dukes old chambers and put fresh linens on the bed." She ran after the girl hurrying her along. Turning his gaze on Kurlew, Collin commented "Your guards are not on duty at the gate, Is there a reason for such lacks of attention to the safety of the keep?" With an angry look on his face Kurlew told the Duke that the guards had been ill with the stomach gripe as had half the keep, and would be back on duty that night. He left the hall with the comment that he must return to his training.

Kurlew charged up the tower stairs and threw open the door to MiLady's chambers. Both women turned as the door opened, Mary who had been unbraiding MiLady's hair, picked up the hair brush, thinking to beat Kurlew senseless with it. He simply pushed Mary aside and grabbed MiLady and shook her "You have a visitor downstairs, a man sent by the King to check on your welfare. You say one word about what goes on here and I will claim Mary is a thief who has stolen from me and see her hanged in the bailey!" Mary gasped, knowing that Kurlew could and would do what he threatened. MiLady touched Mary's arm, calming her "I will of course do as you say Kurlew, you know how fond I am of Mary, I would never do anything to put her life in peril." "See that you do!" snapped out Kurlew as he started to leave, he then turned back, "be in the dining hall for supper, and if asked, you fell down the stairs." As soon as Kurlew had left, Mary grinned at MiLady, this is our chance, why we could slip the man a note, pleading for help. You know how to read and write, MiLady, hurry write a note and I will slip into his room and leave it for him. After a few minutes thought, MiLady shook her head, we know nothing about this man, he could be worse then Kurlew, or a simpering fop like Barnard, lets wait and see his measure first and try to find out as much as possible about him before we do something that could get us in deeper trouble then we all ready are. Now come Mary we have to be quick and get ready, I must look some what presentable.

In the dukes old chamber, Jack was helping Collin dress for the evening, Collin winced as Jack tightened his belt and jerked the scabbard for his sword into place. "these clothes are an annoyance to say the least, how do you stand them? Jack." Jack grinned "We elves have a bit of modesty about us, we keep our parts covered, not to mention a stray branch or thorn could unman an elf" shuddering at the thought Jack handed Collin his sword. Collin laughed at Jack and the look of horror on his face at the thought, "you worry to much about those family jewels of yours, Jack" chuckled Collin as he walked to the door, he turned and spoke earnestly, "eat with the servants, listen to what they say and for what they don't say," grumbling Jack nodded and followed Collin out of the room and down to the dining hall. Collin entered the dining hall with long bold strides, his black boots gleaming in the candle light. Every man in the room knew a full fledged Knight when they saw one and bowed respectfully. Dame Agnes curtsied to Collin and indicated a chair at the table, next to Kurlew and Bruce, without thinking she sat down in MiLady's chair, Collin simply raised an eyebrow at her. She jumped up realizing her mistake and with a small ugly laugh took a seat further down the table.

MiLady gracefully walked into the room, her skirts making a soft whisper as she moved, Mary had brushed her hair out until it gleamed molten deep dark red, then braided it around her head, fastening it with a small gold circlet. Her gown was of deep dark violet with and over skirt of lilac, her dainty slippers matching her dress, a scarf of lace covered her shoulders and was tucked into the bodice of her gown. Collin stepped down from the table and met MiLady half way across the room, he held out his hand and she placed the palm of her hand on the back of his, with slow grace she dropped into a low curtsey. Collin bowed over her hand then lifted it to his lips and barely brushed his lips over the back of her hand, then introduced himself. At the touch of his lips on her hand, MiLady's eye's flew up to the mans face, Collin felt a shiver run through her fingers and smiled, MiLady's soft lavender eye's looked into dark green eye's and she felt a fission of awareness run through her body as his deep, soothing voice washed over her. "Your Grace, I am pleased to at last have the pleasure of meeting you, the rumors of your beauty do not do you justice." He lead her to the table and her rightful place there. Once she was seated he sat down and turned to Dame Agnes "you must be more careful of your charge, it's a pity to see such beauty marred by bruises and cuts." MiLady touched Collins arm, once more feeling a shock of awareness run through her body, "it is nothing, My Lord, I was in a hurry and stumbled, taking a small tumble down the stairs." Suddenly Dame Agnes screeched out for dinner to begin, Collin winced and looked at MiLady, she smiled a small smile at him for some reason she couldn't seem to stop the warmth that flowed through her body, just sitting next to the man, sent all of her senses tingling. "Please forgive, Dame Agnes, she can be a bit loud on occasion." Collin wanted growl with anger and swear never would he forgive the woman for what she had done to MiLady, but he simply nodded.

Harriett herself served the head table, wanting another look at the Lord. MiLady looked at Harriett, then at the platter she had laid before the Lord. Harriett with familiarity born of having seen MiLady come into the world, reached out and patted her hand. "safe as can be, MiLady, seems a bad bit of meat got into the kitchen by mistake." Bruce who was still feeling the effects of the bad food felt his stomach muscles cramp and he threw a bone he had been chewing on at Harriett, cursing her poor cooking skills. Collin stood up and walked up to Bruce, grabbing him by the back of his collar, tossed him from the table "Poor manners are never acceptable, return when you have learned a few." Never taking his dark green eye's from Bruce, he returned to his seat and apologized to MiLady and Harriett. Bruce slunk out of the hall, then bolted for the jax again. Harriett with a wide grin on her face went back to the kitchen, rubbing her hands on her apron, she well pleased, her opinion of the fine Lord very high in her marks but that man, Jack, was something else, the nerve of the man giving her such a wicked wink thought Harriett.

Pleasant conversation flowed back and forth between the Knight and MiLady. It was wonderful to have intelligent discussions again, she thought, She asked questions about how the King and his young heir fared, about the state of the country and of the ladies at court. As dinner ended, Collin stood up and once more bowed over MiLady's hand and smiled, thanking her for a delightful evening, MiLady smiled and bid the Lord good night, she knew when she was being dismissed, as she left the hall she turned the corner and stopped to listen. "Dame Agnes, Captain Kurlew, I am not pleased at what I see, I doubt the King would be pleased either to hear of the state of affairs here. The Keep is in a wretched state of filth, the food lacks spices, the men slovenly and look barely able to hold a sword. Tomorrow, I will expect to see the ledgers, and will be touring the rest of the holdings. This keep and its lands were once one the richest of all the Kings men's holdings, I find it disturbing that it has fallen into such disrepair." So saying Collin strode from the room. Rounding the corner Collin ran right into MiLady, reaching out and pulling her into his arms to keep her from falling, he looked down at her and grinned "hear anything interesting? MiLady" realizing he was still holding her, Collin let go, only to have to catch her again as she stumbled back. MiLady trying to find a little dignity, straightened her back and with a haughty toss of her head said "Not a thing, My Lord" he smiled down at her and she found herself once again smiling back. Collin placed his hand at her elbow walking her towards the stairs, as they stood before MiLady's chamber door, Collin reached over her shoulder and opened it. For a second he saw fear flash through her eye's, with a gentle push on her back sending her into her room, he once again wished her good night and firmly shut the door. Mathew coming up the stairs, stopped and shivered as he saw the anger in the Knights eyes, this was one man a body didn't want to cross he thought. "No one is to enter her room unless it is her maid, is that understood" ordered Collin. Mathew nodded and with a jaunty little salute, took up his guard duty by MiLady's door.

With a deep sigh of relief Collin entered his room and sat down quickly removed his boots, then began stripping out of his clothes, he was standing at the basin washing when he heard a knock at the door, thinking it was Jack, he called enter, he turned as he heard as gasp. Mary stood in the door, clutching a hand full of towels, her mouth hanging open as she stared at the naked man, Jack slipped around Mary and took the towels from her, then with a thanks, shut the door. Laughing uproariously Jack tossed Collin a towel. seeing the look of surprise on Collins face Jack explained. "Humans have a slightly different idea on the subject of nudity, yea need to keepin that in mind." Mary stood on the other side of the door, her mouth still hanging open, she quickly headed down the hall. A huge grin split her face, why the man was hung like his stallion, and muscles, lordy, did he have muscles. She doubted there was an ounce of fat on that amazing body. Stopping outside MiLady's door Mary winked at Mathew, then making sure no one was about, she pressed up against him and gave him a deep passionate kiss. With a sigh of regret Mathew stepped back from Mary, "I'm on guard duty all night, Mary me girl, so don't go gettin me all riled up." Mary gave him another quick kiss then went inside to help her Mistress undress and get ready for bed. Mathew might not be largely endowed like some men, nor the most polished, but he was hers and she was satisfied with what she had. She giggled, but it never hurt to get a good look at something amazing, now and then.

After slipping into her nightshift, MiLady sat and only half listened to Mary chattering about the handsome Lord and the happenings of the day. Finally dismissing Mary, MiLady climbed into bed, she wracked her brains trying to remember where she might have met him before, he seems so familiar, yet he doesn't. She closed her eyes and half asleep kept seeing those dark green eyes looking at her as if they could read her very thoughts. She remembered the green and gold scarf he had tied around his sword hilt, she had once owned a similar scarf but had lost it several years ago, shaking her head at the coincidence, she feel asleep. Once during the night she woke to a sound outside her door, she huddled under covers, when no one entered her chambers, she sighed with relief and fell back asleep. Further down the hall, Collin lay awake, listening to the sounds of the night, he to heard the noise down the hall and started to rise, but then decided to let Mathew handle the problem. He fell asleep seeing laughing lavender eye's.

Chapter V. The Forest Glen

Days slipped into weeks as Collin kept an eye on things, he had Dame Agnes and Kurlew scrambling to account for the missing funds in the ledgers. Harriett was given the keys to the extra storage rooms, where all the spices, good wines and other stores were kept, the meals improved over night. Dame Agnes ran the girls ragged, cleaning all the rooms, the old rushes were taken outside and burnt, new rushes were put down, the fireplaces were scoured and things began to look much better. In the bailey, Collin oversaw the daily training of the men, he worked them until they dropped, but at least they would know one end of a sword from the other. Jack, Drapper and Mathew hide in the stables, trying to avoid being caught up in all the activities. Drapper had never allowed the stables to become run down and dirty, so he didn't need to worry about Collins censoring eye.

During all this time, MiLady hurried here and there, overseeing everything, she hummed to herself as she helped bake bread in the kitchen, smiled as she sprinkled fresh rose petals in the linen closets. Each morning she tended to the gardens, watching as they came to life with the spring sun and rain. More and More she sought out Collin, skipping along beside him as he walked about the Keep, she loved to talk with him, listening to his advice and laughing at the stories he told, but she also just loved to hear the soothing sound of his deep voice. Often she would be seen reaching out and touching his hand or his arm, showing him something, or to get his attention. Everyone watched, wondering how it would all end, whispered words of an engagement were heard, people sat with their heads close together discussing what they thought would happen. Most of all Drapper and Jack watched and listened and worried. "He isn't leaving I tell you, he keeps saying, in a few days, in a few days, but he makes no move to go, he has that bitch Agnes firmly cowering in her place, Kurlew is afraid to fart without permission and Bruce has just up and disappeared" fussed Jack. Drapper nodded at his friend "You know he loves her, he always has, if he leaves now once again he can only watch her from the forest, here he can touch her and protect her." Jack groaned loudly "what if he decides to stay, can he become human for good? which to my way of thinking would be a terrible thing." Drapper sighed again "your the elf, you tell me, can he become human for good? would he want to? could he give up all that he has known as Virlane?" Jack shrugged his scrawny shoulders "I gotta talk to that boy, knock some sense into him. Make him see reason." Drapper laughed "that will be the day, you knocking sense into Virlane, I also seem to have noticed you've been spending a fair amount of time in the kitchen these days, you sly elf." With a wink Jack grinned "that sure do be's fine figure of a purty, Drapper, I do like them buxom and with a sense of humor, an elf could die happy smothered in those tits."

Collin stood in the study and without realizing it paced the floor, he looked out the tall windows, his hands clasped behind his back. He was finding it more and more difficult, the limitations of this body, he wanted to spread his wings into the night air and soar. He wanted to roar with the pleasure of feeling the air on his wings. The constant turmoil and bustle of the keep sometimes drove him to distraction and all he could think of was escaping to his warm quiet lair. He had seen the looks on Jacks and Drapper's faces and knew he had to make a decision soon, the spell would only last for 2 moon risings, then either he spoke the words to cancel the spell or remain as he was to live out his life as a human, with all their frailties and short comings. In his heart he was a dragon that loved a human woman, he had to make a decision, the door to the study burst open, "My Lord, My Lord, you have to hurry, MiLady has gone out to wander the forest and Kurlew followed her, the cur has been to quiet of late, he will hurt her My Lord!" Mary wept "Mathew has gone to try and stop him but he is no match for Kurlew." Buckling on his sword Collin ran out of the door, he ran to the courtyard, calling for his stallion Collin met Drapper half way across the bailey and swung up onto the huge horse, the guard seeing Collin riding almost at a full gallop, quickly swung open the gate. Jack came running out of the kitchen demanding to know what was going on, as Mary appeared, babbling about MiLady, Kurlew and Mathew, Drapper patted Mary on the back and looked around wildly for a woman to come and calm her, this was no work for an old confirmed bachelor like himself. Harriett drawn outside by all the noise, clucked at Mary and wrapping her arms around her took her back into the kitchen. Drapper started to walk back to the stables then turned and walked back to Jack, he leaned down and whispered in his ear "Your breeches are done up crooked."

Collin pushed the stallion faster and faster up the mountain, he knew where she was going in the forest and had to cut Kurlew off before he got there. Just as he entered the forest, he heard her screaming, riding in the direction, he roared with anger as he saw Kurlew throw her to the ground and fall on her ripping her clothes and pulling at her skirts. Swinging down from the saddle Collin pulled his sword and advanced on Kurlew, Kurlew looked up and saw Collin sword drawn and leapt to his feet, Mathew came running through the tree's puffing and panting, he stopped dead when he saw Collin and leaning back against a tree, slide down to catch his breath. Kurlew pulled his own sword then thought better of it, he had seen Collin at practice, Collin didn't give him a choice, "fight or die, you coward" snarled Collin, MiLady pulled herself up and stood, clutching the front of her dress closed, edging towards Mathew as the two men fought. The forest rang with the sounds of swords clashing, fairy folk and animals fled, far back into the deepest recesses of the forest. With one swift slash of the sword, Kurlew fell to the ground, dead. Collin for a moment hung his head, breathing deeply, he had never taken a humans life in such rage and anger, he could still feel it coursing through his blood, his knuckles white on the hilt of his sword. MiLady touched his arm and whispered softly "Collin?" He looked down at her and pulling her into his arms resting his forehead on her hair. "Forgive me, Katrina for showing such violence infront of you" "Collin, there is nothing to forgive, if any man deserved such an end, it was Kurlew." She turned to Mathew and indicating Kurlew with her head, instructed him to take the body back to the Keep, "take your time Mathew, if we aren't back right away don't worry. Use My Lords horse, we will walk back."

She took Collins hand and saw a cut, bleeding slightly, "I know where there is a small brook, come with me Collin and let me wash that for you." As if leading a small child she took him deeper into the forest, to her special glen, she took her handkerchief and dipped it into the water, then gently wiped the blood off the cut. She leaned down and kissed the cut, pressing her lips to it, with a groan Collin pulled her into his arms, at first he only touched her lips with his, then as if possessed by a deep hunger, started to kiss her over and over again, his tongue pushed gently at her lips, he moaned as her lips parted and his tongue swept into her mouth. Startled for a moment she opened her eye's with a of questioning look, then touched her tongue to his, her hands slide up to wrap around his neck, his arms tightened around her waist pressing her to him. His kisses became more bold and demanding, he pulled his mouth from hers and started to kiss her neck, then down to her breasts that lay exposed by her torn dress. MiLady shivered as she felt his mouth on her breasts, she knew she should be stopping this, instead as if having a life of their own her hands slide into his hair, pressing his mouth closer to her breasts, she threw back her head and moaned as his lips closed over a nipple. Collin pulled away from her and took deep gulping breaths, trying to get himself under control, he felt as if he had run miles his breathing coming in pants. He looked down at her swollen lips and groaned, running his hands through his hair, he tried to speak coherently "forgive me lass, I lost control, it shouldn't have happened, please forgive me." MiLady leaned back against a tree and stared at Collin trying to make sense of his words, all she could hear was the pounding of her heart echoing in her ears, the only thought running through her mind was, she didn't want him to stop, ever, she wanted to feel this wild emotion again and again. She held out her arm's to him and whispered his name, Collin pulled her into his arms again "Do you know what your doing, Katrina, once begun I won't stop, I will make full and total love to you." His dark green eye's stared down into hers, MiLady looked into his eye's and begged "Please Collin, I want you to make love to me, here, now, please. Collin."

Collin leaned down and kissed her deeply and passionately, his hands sliding her dress from her shoulders then down off her hips to pool at her feet, she fumbled with his shirt ties, their lips never parting. He pushed her undergarments off her hips and groaned as his hands brushed over her bare skin, Collin moved MiLady's hands from his shirt front and stepping back, quickly stripped off his clothes. She stared at his naked body feeling a rush of heat spread through her own body and she squeezed her thighs tight with a soft moan, he picked up her torn dress and his shirt laying them on the soft moss, turning back to her, he swept her into his arms and laid her down on the makeshift bed. He lay next to her, holding her in his arms, she reached up and slide her arms around his neck pulling him down, wanting to feel his mouth on hers, he kissed her deeply, his tongue licking her lips then thrusting into her sweet mouth. His hand cupped her breast gently stroking and squeezing, as his thumb brushed over her nipple she moaned again, her hands sliding into his hair, her body turned and twisted, pressing against his the deep ache between her thighs growing. His hand slide over her belly rubbing gently, then slipped between her thighs, her body arched and trembled as she felt his fingers brush against her nether lips, she squeezed her thighs shut around his hand, moaning, her hand reached down to push at his, grabbing his wrist, she blushed, trying to wiggle away, then moaned again as his finger slipped into her. Collin felt her wet, hot channel and almost lost all control, his fingers, rubbed and stroked, hearing her moans only adding to his need. He kissed her breasts then brushed his teeth over her hard swollen nipple, at the same time thrusting two fingers into her channel "easy, lass, its all right, I just have to make sure your ready for me" he told her as he felt her hand trying to pull his from between her thighs. Whispering hot erotic words to her, he pressed her thighs apart with his knee's, her nails dug into his shoulders as she felt his hard cock rubbing against her wet nether lips "open your eye's Katrina, I want to see your beautiful eye's as I make you mine." She opened her eye's and looked into his as he thrust into her, with a single full thrust he broke though her veil of virginity and filled her to the end of his hard throbbing cock. He didn't move as he heard her cry of pain and felt her whole body shudder at the shock of being taken, he gritted his teeth and tried not to move, giving her body a chance to adjust to his being inside her. Collin kissed the tears off her face "it's done now, you are mine, fully and completely, my sweet lass" then kissed her deeply. She hadn't been prepared for this, no one had ever told her it would hurt so much, actually no one had told her anything about the sex act, her mother having died birthing her, she had never thought to question Mary about how one went about making love.

Katrina lay trembling beneath Collin trying not to sob, she thought it would be so wonderful, she had been so sure, MiLady looked up at Collin and saw the look on his face and cried harder, its hurting him too, she thought. She whispered, "are we done with it then? Collin" he looked down at her tear stained face and whispered back in a strained voice "Not for a long, long time my sweet one, we've only just started" so saying he moved his hips and watched her eye's flair with beginning awareness. As he slowly thrust in and out of her, he slipped his fingers between them t caress the little bud above her nether lips, at his touch she moaned and her body arched up against his, pushing his cock deeper. "Wrap your legs around my waist lass, hold me tightly to you" he whispered erotic instructions, using words she could only imagine what they meant. As her body started to match the thrusting rhythm of his, the ache she had felt before started to spread through her lower body, she moaned and clutched him tightly to her, her hard swollen nipples rubbed against the hair on his chest making them even more sensitive, adding to the wild feelings coursing through her. His kisses became more urgent, his tongue thrusting into her mouth over and over again, she gasped breaking the kiss to moan out his name over and over again "Collin, please, ohhhhhh Collin, please help me" her head thrashed from side to side, as her nails raked down his back. Collin heard her calling his name and slide his hands under her bottom, pulling her up as he started to thrust harder and faster into her tight channel. He felt her tighten even more around his cock and as her orgasm rocked her body she screamed out his name, the most wonderful sound he had ever heard. At her scream he let go of his hard fought control, his cock throbbed and pulsed he threw back his head and with one final hard thrust, felt his seed pouring out into her welcoming womb. MiLady's cried out frightened by the emotions that rocked her body, she shuddered, her thighs quivering, she gasped feeling as if she had exploded into a million pieces, her eye's flew open as she heard Collin groan and then suddenly roar with his pleasure. Collin opened his eye's and looked down, smiling softly, he kissed her swollen lips resting his forehead against hers he took a deep breath, laying down on her he felt their hearts beating wildly. His hand gently caressed her face as he kissed her closed eyes, holding her tight, he rolled to lay on his side, he reached down and slide his hand behind her knee and pulled her leg over his hip as his hand slide up the back of her thigh and over her bottom to gently rub her back. "Are you all right, Katrina? I tried to be as gentle as possible" he said in a worried voice, she tenderly touched his face, then kissed his lip, "it hurt terribly at first, but then it was amazing" she blushed vividly, tucking her head under his chin Collin chuckled, he put a finger under her chin and lifted up her face for another kiss. He heard himself say "next time will be easier for you, there is only pain the first mating, then only pleasure with each new time" she saw the worried look on his face and felt like crying again. "You don't want me again? was it so bad? Collin, did I not do it right?" he heard the tears in her voice and kissed her "I shall always want you, Katrina, MiLady, Duchess of St.Clair, no matter what ever happens, take that as a pledge." She smiled at him with trembling lips "and I you, Collin, My Lord, Duke of Virlane" so I pledge.

Collin as gently as possible moved, he rolled her onto her back with every intention of making love to her again, but at the slight grimace that flashed across her face, he knew she was still to tender and sore for another bout of love making and withdrew from her with a reluctant groan. A slight pain streaked through her as he withdrew and she moaned softly trying not to let him hear, she closed her thighs as Collin got to his feet, Collin had heard her moan and glanced down at her with concern. He reached down and picked up her handkerchief and dipped it into the brook then gently spread her thighs, she blushed a bright rose and tried to push his hand away from her but he wouldn't let her as he tenderly cleansed the blood of her virginity from her thighs and nether lips. Suddenly Collin looked up, MiLady seeing Collin looking at the tree's looked around also "what is it Collin? did you hear something?" Hearing the worry in her voice he reassured her "it was nothing, a deer more then likely." He then pulled her to her feet "we must be going Lass, they will be sending out search parties soon" Collin helped her dress, pulling the edges of her torn dress together, he kissed her deeply as she tried to tidy her hair, Collin dressed quickly. As they started to walk out of the glen, he turned "One second Lass, I forgot something" he walked back and bent down retrieving the handkerchief, looking at it he tucked it into his shirt, then shot an angry glance up at the trees.

They walked hand in hand for a short while, then he swung her up into his arms, kissing her softly he smiled thinking this was where she belonged, always pressed close to his heart. As they entered the bailey the people who were gathered around Kurlew's body, which had been tossed onto the ground and left, for the time being, came running, Collin as he walked past them, barked out instructions for the disposal of Kurlew's body. He strode into the keep and headed for the tower stairs, Dame Agnes, screeching at anyone who would listen "it was all her fault, she enticed Kurlew, lead him on, the man was weak." MiLady gasped as she heard what Dame Agnes was saying, she pressed her face against Collins chest, "don't worry, no one will believe her, she is just scared because her cohort has been killed" he reassured her. Gaining the tower room, he laid her tenderly on the bed, just as he bent down to kiss her, Mary came bursting into the room "are you all right, MiLady, did that bastard hurt you? Mathew is so gleeful that Kurlew has been dispatched to the devil, he rambled on and on about the sword fight and just said you looked to be fine." Mary came to a quick halt, looking from Collin to MiLady and back again, she grinned to herself and thought "I know the look of a well satisfied man and he sure has that look." Mary shooed Collin out of the room and sent a maid to have bath water brought up, so MiLady could bath, then she shut the door and turned looking at MiLady, her hands on her hips, then with a giggle she helped her mistress undress asking embarrassing intimate questions the whole time. MiLady her face rosy from blushing so much, tried to shush Mary, but that only made her giggle more.

Collin wanted nothing more then to have a moments quiet to think, but still had things to attend to, after seeing to the burial of Kurlew, Collin sat in the study and called for Dame Agnes. Dame Agnes slunk into the room wringing her hands together, she immediately started to spew out blame for Kurlew's actions on Milady, Collin held up his hand and with a hard, quiet voice rasped out "silence! Dame Agnes, I banish you from these lands, you are to be gone by morning. You can go to MiLady's Uncle the Count and speak your lies and false tales, whereby I will provide sworn statements from everyone here including your mistress that you helped Kurlew in his schemes and pilfered monies from the accounts of the late Duke. OR you can remove yourself to live with your family if you have any, it makes no difference to me, as long as I don't see you cold vicious face again!" With a snarl Dame Agnes fled the room, thinking of the humiliation she would have to put up with returning to her brothers family but she had no choice, if she went to the Count he would more then likely throw her in his dungeons and leave her there to rot. Collin stood up tiredly and went to his chambers, he slowly started to strip off his clothes, the handkerchief fell out of his shirt to the floor, he bent down and picked it up, looking at it, he tried to remember something, some old forgotten words read one late night but he couldn't seem to recall what they were and shook his head angrily, he tucked it away for later as he heard Jack entering the room. Jack bustled into the room muttering about being left out of sword fights and the daring do of the day, he looked at Collin, then looked him over again more closely "I've got them bringing you up bath water, a good long soak wouldn't hurt right about now, I would be guessing." Jack handed Collin his dressing gown and muttered something about being right back then hurriedly left the room. Jack returned to the room just as Collin stepped out of the bath, Jack watched Collin towel himself off, his movements slow and methodic. Jack walked behind Collin and with a chuckle, started to apply some salve to the scratch marks running up and down Collins back. Collin jerked at the stinging and looked over his shoulder at Jack. Collin said nothing, Jack bite back a witty remark as he watched Collin sit down infront of the fireplace with a deep brooding look o his face, quietly slipped from the room Jack headed for the stables.

Mary tucked her Mistress into bed and smiled as she saw the sleepy look on her Lady's face, it was about time some happiness came into her life, she deserved every bit of it. Drapper was waiting for Jack and motioned him to go back to his room, after sending the stable boys off for the day, Drapper joined Jack, pouring them both a good dose of ale, he sat down and waited for Jack to fill him in on what was happening. Jack took a long drink of ale then slapping the tankard down, looked at Drapper "keep an eye on things here, I have to go talk to Cransmure. Collin done went and made love to the purty, he now sits brooding, ol Trink don't like it, don't like it at all!" Drapper nodded and drank deeply watching Jack slip out the side door. Jack sat in the council of Fairies and Elves, he told them of everything that had transpired, since the day he and Collin had arrived at the keep, they all started to talk at once, Cransmure held up a hand for silence "We must listen to the elder's first." Each Elder spoke in his turn with careful thought and consideration to the situation, the only decision that could be made was Collins, Dragon or Human. That was his choice, they all knew that no matter what choice Collin made it would destroy him, if he became Virlane again, he would long for the woman and to be the human male that could hold her and love her. If he stayed as Collin the need to be the dragon Virlane would tear him up inside and eventually make him so discontent he would never be able to live in peace. A small voice from the back of the room asked "why can't the woman love the dragon? if she loves the man, she should love the dragon." An Elder looked at Bitsy with a frown "a human love a dragon, its unheard of, they fear and hate dragons, they don't love them, now be off with you child." Bitsy with a dejected sigh left the fairy clearing, she knew that she would hear about her impertinence later from her parents. She flew off not paying attention to where she was going, Bitsy saw the opening to Virlane's lair and went inside, she could close her eyes and saw him in her minds eye curled up sleeping, then opening one eye and quietly rumbling out "what mishap have you gotten yourself into now? Bitsy, that needs fixing?" She went into his study and curled up on his chair, but most of all she remembered the look of anger, as he looked up into the tree, she put her face in her hands ashamed of herself and wept softly. She should have left the glen, she shouldn't have stayed, over and over again she had started to leave but stayed watching avidly. She sobbed knowing she had lost her dearest friend this day.

The ancient dragon stood watching the tiny fairy sob, her tears sparkling crystals on her cheeks "Surely life is not so painful for such a little one such as yourself" a kind rumbling voice spoke. Bitsy's turned quickly to the voice, "Virlane, virl.., your not Virlane!" the ancient dragon laughed, seeing the disappoint on the child's face. "No, I'm not Virlane, as you can see, my ancient bones creak to much" laughing at his own joke, he padded in and sat down on the other side of the desk, looking at the little one he smiled "such loveliness is sure to cause many a broken heart, in a few years" he thought. "Now child tell me, why are you crying and where is Virlane, I have business with him" Bitsy poured out the story in-between sobs, the old dragon listened to her words and listened to her mind and heart. Nodding he to himself, interesting, very interesting, he said to himself, then looking at the worried fairy, he smiled at her reassuring her everything would be fine. Difficult yes, impossible not for an old crusty dragon of his centuries. "Virlane took the handkerchief with him, didn't he?" Bitsy looking very guilty because she had left that part out nodded, her chin down on her chest, her little wings limp. A gentle talon tipped up her chin and the dragon smiled "true you shouldn't have been there, and we will talk of that later. Now go find Trink and tell him Marluxion will talk to him later tonight, then off to slumber with you, I expect you will be dreaming very interesting dreams this night" Bitsy blushed scarlet and flew out of the room to the kind laughter of the ancient one.

Chapter VI. Decisions

Jack paced back and forth in Drapper's small room until Drapper was about to grab him and toss him out on his no longer pointy ears "will you sit down!, your making me dizzy with all your pacing and mutterings, he will be here when he gets here." "Marluxion!! of all the dragons to have to show up, why him, why couldn't it have been some other dragon? why Marluxion, the most ancient of them all." "He will blast us all, we'll be charred embers, one glare of his silver eyeballs can make an elf wither and never recover" moaned Jack, covering his most precious parts. "Worried about something? Trink" rumbled a deep voice, Jack whirled around and almost fell down, "I would like to meet the two of you out in the gardens" echoed the voice. Jack ran out of the room dragging Drapper with him heading to the gardens "see what did I tell you, we are gunna be daisy's." Drapper knew about the old dragon and his reputation, Marluxion believed in justice, which he dealt out swiftly and could at times be a terrifying sight when angered, legend had it that Marluxion was the most powerful of all the dragons, his command of magic could not be matched, Virlane had been his pupil for hundreds of years. They said one day Virlane would be as powerful, if not more powerful then the ancient one.

He sat patiently waiting in the garden, two choices, dragon or man, it always came down to two choices, good or bad, right or wrong, walk away or stay. Many tried to take the middle road of never making a choice, but ultimately life made the choice for them, whether they realized it or not. Marluxion watched Trink running into the garden, Drapper close behind "Trink had always been an amusing elf, even more so as a human, one day many years from now he would have to remind Trink about the hay stuck in his beard. Trink stood before the dragon and smiled his most winning smile, "You can try that smile another time, Trink" lets discuss the matter at hand, then I shall speak to Virlane. The ancient dragon listened to the two recount what had been happening, what they said, what they didn't say, he glanced several times at the tower. He questioned the two closely, asking quick questions, not giving them time to think over their answers, he wanted to hear first reactions not, muddled over conjecture. Marluxion asked Drapper many questions about MiLady, her people and about the Count her Uncle, finally as the men finished speaking, Marluxion stood up, "I will go and speak to Virlane, does the Lady's maid sleep in her chambers?" After finding out that Mary slept elsewhere and about Mathew guarding the door, he seemed satisfied with what he had heard. Turning to Trink, Marluxion looked at him, Trink shook in his boots, muttering to himself that he was to old to put up with all this nonsense, he was an old respected elf! Well not that old he corrected himself. "You have done well, Trink, you have stood with Virlane, even when you were afraid that he was making a mistake, you show your love and concern with every word. A dragon could not ask for a better friend" then he turned to Drapper and spoke once again "many years the forest people, have trusted you, you have never failed in that trust. The day will come when you will be given that which you most desire, you have earned it, the dragons and forest people thank you." Then he was gone, the two men stared at each other. Trink grinned like a silly loon and clapped Drapper on the back "see that wasn't so bad" a voice spoke "Oh and Trink, we will talk again later, I have a few chores, for you" Trink groaned "here we go again." Laughing Drapper and a muttering Trink returned to the stables, wondering what would happen next.

Marluxion stood next to the bed looking at the sleeping woman. He listened to her dreams and nodded satisfied, then held a paw over her and ran it above her body from head to toe, paying close attention to her womb. He frowned and made a decision, he left the child to grow within her, it maybe the only thing she would be left with when all was said and done. Making another decision, Marluxion gave her a new dream, one of fairies, elves, unicorns and gnomes and a specific dragon. The dream told her of the dragons life, his achievements, his kindness' and his cruelties. He left the room, now for Virlane, this was not going to be easy, but it had to be done.

Collin still sat in the chair, looking into the flames flaring up in the fireplace, he closed his eyes and saw her face, felt her body under him, heard her moans and calling his name, his body tightened, wanting to go to her and make sweet love to her again and again. He heard himself once again pledging to always want her, but could he keep her, that was one of the many things troubling his mind. He spread his hand on his bare chest and listened to his heart beat, this body wasn't so bad, it was fit and trim, Collin stood and walked to the full length mirror, a luxury for a human in this day. Slipping off the dressing gown he looked at himself, for a moment startled not to see the dragon looking back at him. He touched muscle, hard and strong, he saw human features many would consider very pleasing to the eye, his hand slide lower touching his penis, remembering the feel of thrusting into her hot, wet channel, his hand tightened around his now erect, throbbing hardness, he was shocked as he heard himself groan and felt his seed spurting all over his hand. With a sound of disgust at himself he went to the basin and cleaned himself off. He strode back to the fireplace, resting his arm on it, he stared once again into the flames, looking up he said without speaking "Marluxion, I could use your company right about now and your advice." "And so you shall have it" spoke Marluxion, appearing in the center of the room, Collin strode across the room and greeted his old friend with enthusiasm, with a look of embarrassment a thought occurred to Collin. Marluxion looked at Collin and walked over to the fireplace, sitting down on his haunches he said "spare me your human blushes they can be very tiresome, I have always respected others privacy, we will not even venture down that path." Marluxion indicated the chair "sit down and compose yourself, we have a great deal to discuss before dawn comes."

"Through the eons mortal man and dragon alike have fallen helpless before a pair of lovely eyes, you won't be the first nor the last, but love can be fleeting, many times mistaken lust for love, the age old desire of a male to possess a female, the need to mate can be overpowering, sending common sense flying. You, Collin must now decide, which it is, lust or love. the desire to possess or the desire to cherish forever." Marluxion watched the emotions in Collin's eyes, watched the changing expressions on his face, with a cry of anguish Collin spoke "it isn't lust, I don't want to own her, I only want to possess her love, her caring, I want to spend my life with her, I need to hear her soft laughter, feel her gentle touch. I want to close my eyes at night with her the last I see till morning, then wake to see her laying by my side. I've never lied to you my old friend, even when I've tried to lie to myself. Yes! I want to mate with her till there is no breath left in my body, until my talons are to tired and old to reach for her. Is that what you wanted to hear? Marluxion" "Yes, Virlane that is what I wanted to hear, now listen to me and listen carefully, even though you may not like what I am about to say. You will return to your lair, there speak the spell to return to your true self, once again become Virlane the dragon. Spread your wings and fly to the very heights of the universe, roar with the pleasure of being a dragon feel once again your dragon blood coursing through your veins. From one moon rising to the next, you will do this, then at the end of that time, I will once again come to you. Then and only then will I help you, to be whatever you decide. "You ask to much of me, I can't leave her now, not now, not when I have yet to speak to her of my love, my wanting, my need." cried Collin. "Then what? Collin, will you stay and speak of love and wanting, giving her hope for a future, then one day disappear as your dragon need becomes too strong, to wander the land as a man searching to become once again the dragon? Is this just? is this fair to the woman laying asleep in the tower?" Knowing what he was next about to say would be the final blow, Marluxion spoke quietly "did you think of the woman or the dragon when you planted your seed in her belly?" Two days hence you will return to your lair, you will take Trink with you or I will take matters into my own paws, don't force me to that measure, Virlane. With bowed head, Collin nodded his agreement, his fisted clinched, taking deep breaths, trying to control his rioting emotions. Marluxion read the joy at the news of the child in Virlane's heart and was pleased "two days, Virlane, you must ride from here on the dawn of the third day, remember that, now I understand you have a handkerchief in your possession, I require it." With a startled look, Collin retrieved the handkerchief and handed it to Marluxion "how did you know of this? ahhh I should have known Bitsy, she has much to answer for." Marluxion placed a paw on Collins shoulder "leave the fairy child to me, Virlane, she loves you dearly and her heart is breaking thinking she has lost your friendship. Have you become so human that you have forgotten the curiosity of being young, the thirst for knowledge, it was that curiosity that brought you to my lair asking to be taught." Marluxion spoke a few soft words and Collin slipped to the floor in a deep sleep, picking him up, Marluxion disappeared only to reappear in MiLady's chambers, he removed Collins dressing gown and placed him in the bed, placing Collins hand upon her belly, he filled Collins dreams with human children, laughter and loving, with the wonder of holding the woman and child in his arms. Then spread his wings, satisfied with the nights decisions, he once again disappeared.

Chapter VII. Partings

Collin pulled her closer against his chest, his hands softly caressing her breasts, he heard her moan, he came awake, for a moment confused, looking at the sleeping woman in his arms he smiled softly at her. This was what he wanted, to feel her warm body and see her sweet face as he woke each morning, to hear her gentle breathing and feel it against his skin. His hand lay on her stomach, he gently rubbed his hand back and forth, A hatchling, no he corrected himself, a child, a human child, grew in her womb, he smiled, imagining her with a babe suckling at her breast. He couldn't in this form see if it was a male or female child, but that wasn't important all that mattered was that it thrived and grew strong. Once born, then he would teach it to survive in this harsh world of humans. Thinking once again of a child at her breast he leaned down and kissed her nipple, his hands caressed her body, his hard cock rubbed against her hip with a soft sound she turned to him in her sleep. He slipped between her thighs, wanting to see her wake to his entering her. Her eyes slowly opened, she looked up at him and murmured his name, her arms slipping around his neck, she gasped as he slowly thrust into her, he leaned down and kisses her "good morn, MiLady" he smiled as his hips moved, slowly, savoring every movement, she returned the kiss and smiled softly back "good morn, My Lord." Collin heard the door open and looked over his shoulder to see Mary standing holding a pitcher of hot water, her mouth open as if to say something. She blinked several times, then quickly turned and left the room, shutting the door firmly behind her, she giggled and headed for the kitchen, just wait till Harriett heard the latest news.

MiLady groaned and pushed at Collins shoulders, "ohh, Collin, she saw us" blushing vividly, Milady pressed her face against his shoulder, Collin, chuckled "so she did, lass" kissing her deeply, his hips moving once again MiLady moaned and forgot Mary. A long time later as he lay holding her in his arms, he heard once again Marluxion's words and turned, kissing her lightly "Katrina, we must talk" she saw the serious look on his face and heard the concern in his voice, sshe looked at him and touched his cheek "what is it? Collin" his hand softly caressing her face "I have to leave, Katrina, I will be gone a month" not wanting to say it but knowing he must, "I may be gone longer, I don't know yet, if I am, I will send you a messenger, to let you know." He saw the look on her face and pulled her tightly against him "I don't want to go, Katrina but I have to, this is something I can't put off, it has to be taken care of." She wanted to cry and hold onto him, never letting him go but she nodded and kissed him softly "a month isn't such a long time, mayhaps your business will conclude even sooner" she said more to reassure herself. Collin said nothing only kissed her hard, then slapped her on her sweet bottom "I had better return to my room before Mary comes back and Jack starts looking for me." As Collin was pulling on his dressing gown, which he found laying over the back of a chair, he tried not to watch her getting out of the rumpled bed. If he did, he would end up tossing her on her back and loving her again. MiLady slipped her robe on and seeing the casket sitting on the mantel, she smiled, Collin seeing the smile and where she was looking, raised an eyebrow. "I had the most amazing dream last night Collin, there were fairies like Bitsy, and elves and even Unicorns" she said wonder filled her voice. She started to tell him of the dragon in her dream but stopped, for some reason she didn't want to mention the dragon, she had been oddly drawn to it, she knew it was the dragon, she had seen that one time, as she lay hurting in its arms. She remembered his gentle touch and the feel of him on his fingertips, warm and like smooth fine leather. Remembering his own dream, Collin only smiled at her, he wondered what Marluxion had been doing, giving such dreams. Two conflicting dreams, he shouldn't have put such dreams in her mind or perhaps it was better this way, better to have her dream of what she thought were fantasies, then dream of the man who was leaving, perhaps to never return. Not liking the direction his thoughts were taking, Collin pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately then left the room.

Collin entered his room to see Jack sitting waiting for him, "We have today and tomorrow, to finish things here, if you have any good-byes to say, best get them done with, we must be on the rode by dawn of the third day" Collin told Jack, as he washed and dressed for the day. Seeing the unhappy look on Collins face, Jack asked "I gather you didn't send for Marluxion, I'm wondering how he came to know about this whole thing, not that the old dragon doesn't have ways of finding out everything, just caught me by surprise it did." Collin rasped out "No, I didn't send for him, although I did wish a time or two that he were here, I do have my suspicions though about how he heard what I was doing." Jack unable to control himself any longer jumped up and idly folding Collins dressing gown several times looked at Collin "Marluxion didn't happen to mention a chore or two he might be having for me, did he? Collin even though preoccupied with his own thoughts heard the worry in Jacks voice and shaking his head, told him that Marluxion had not mentioned any chores, but then he rarely told anyone anything except in his own good time. "I'm sure he will let you know soon, Marluxion doesn't keep people waiting needlessly, and if he called it a chore, well it's probably something minor, or he would have used the word task" Collin said trying to ease the look of worry on Jack's face. "You should be dancing with glee at the idea of getting out of that human body and back to your old self, my friend." Jack grinned, "it's the truth I won't miss this scrawny body and being back to my good hearty superior elf self, why the ladies must be missing me something fierce" preened Jack, thinking of a grand homecoming.

Collin and Jack entered the dining hall, they turned as they heard feminine laughter coming from the kitchen and watched MiLady rushing out into the dining hall, her face rosy with blushes, composing herself, she smiled at Collin, then wished Jack a good morning. Jack couldn't help grinning and told her "some better then others, MiLady" then laughed as Collin glared at him. They sat next to each other, finding excuses to touch hands, smiling at each other, every once in a while Collins hand slipped under the table to rest on her thigh. Everyone in the hall watched and smiled, please for them both MiLady was well loved and over the time that Collin had been there, the men had grown to respect him as a fair man and a worthy Knight. After the morning meal, Collin went into the study, he sent for several people to join him, Marcus was the first to enter, an older Knight, a 3rd son who had earned his way and knew how to conduct himself, he bowed to Collin "You sent for me? My Lord." Collin informed Marcus of his impending departure, and gave him numerous instructions, appointing him Commander of the guards and Keep. Marcus was well pleased and assured Collin everything would be run as it should be. Collin dismissed Marcus as Henry entered the room, Henry was a very thin slight man, who had tried to eek out a living on the old Dukes land as a farmer, he was a miserable failure at farming and had it not been for the help of those at the keep he and his family probably would have starved long ago. "Henry, I have to leave for a short period of time, I can't leave the keep unattended, I need someone to do the ledgers and see to assisting MiLady in the running of the place, would you be interested in the position?" Henry almost fainted with relief, he had been so afraid that he had finally worn out his welcome and would be told to take his family and leave. Henry beaming with pleasure took the position offered, he had always been good with numbers and unlike most of the farmers of his day could read and write, he ran out of the room in a hurry to tell his family, then came running back into the study, apologizing for having left without leave. Collin smiled and dismissed the man, knowing he had made the right choice.

The day went by quickly, too quickly, but Collin wanted everything taken care of, he tried to think of all the things that needed to be done and wrote page after page of notes planning on leaving them for Henry. He didn't want to leave anything to chance, one part of him said he would be back in a month, the other said this was a final last act as Collin the man. He wrote four last letter's and sealed them then sent for Drapper, the sun was setting as Drapper entered the room, he nodded to Collin and sat down in the chair infront of the desk. Collin looks tired thought Drapper with concern, "Drapper, we've been friends for a long time, I have a favor to ask you, if you refuse I will understand, but let me say what I have to first, then if you want, think it over and let me know, no later then tomorrow at noon" Drapper settled into the chair and listened carefully. "I have here four letters, one to the king, explaining the death of Kurlew and the banishing of Dame Agnes, also the hand the Uncle had in the whole affair. The second is a letter to MiLady's Uncle the Count, telling him about the letter to the King and advising him to find another bride for his son and that I have suggested the King appoint a new guardian for Katrina. My suggestion is that you be that guardian" Collin held up his hand for Drapper to wait, seeing Drapper about to say something. "I know you're the old Dukes brother born on the wrong side of the blankets, I also know it was your choice as a young man to remain here. I also know that Katrina is your daughter, that you and her mother loved each other but she had to marry a man of wealthy, that her father gave her no choice. I also know you have never loved another woman but her. The old Duke never knew of his wife's love for you, he also never knew that Katrina was not his child. Drapper walked to the window and looked out into the gardens, he took a deep breath, Collin waited "and the other two letters?" Drapper asked quietly not looking at Collin. "The one is to Katrina, explaining why I couldn't return, of my love for her and how this whole thing came about. The other is a letter to my unborn child, speaking of my love for his mother, my deep pain and regret at not being here to see him grow to adulthood" Collins voice broke but he continued on "these letters I entrust to you Drapper, only to be sent and given at the end of a months time, if I can't return. You will know which it is to be, if I do return I will still send the letter's to the King and Count, then with relief cast the other two into the fireplace to be burnt never needing to be read." Drapper turned from the window and looked at Collin for a long time. "A child? You can't know if she bears your child or not, its to soon, Collin, as to the rest, I will do as you request and keep the letters safe. You aren't returning are you? The dragon in you is to strong." With a weary sigh Collin put his head in his hands "I don't know, Drapper, I just don't know, but I have to find out, as to the child, yes, there is a child growing in her womb" Drapper actually smiled, amazed he could still smile after all he had heard. "Marluxion, told you?" Collin nodded, then smiled back at Drapper, a pleased male smile, he started to say more but the door to the study opened and MiLady came in smiling at the two men.

She held her hand out to Collin "supper is about to be served, you must be hungry after staying hidden away in your study all day" neither man missed the reference to YOUR study. Collin took her hand in his and bowed gracefully, kissing the back of her hand, he smiled, then stood tucking her arm in his. They left the room followed by Drapper, who watched the two with grave concerns. Supper was a merry affair, with much laughter and good natured jokes passing around, MiLady was determined not to let Collin see how unhappy she was at the idea of his leaving. Collin smiled and leaned over whispering to her "tomorrow the day is yours, we will spend the day doing whatever you wish" he wanted her to have good memories of him, hoping bad one's wouldn't over shadow the others. She smiled at him and wanted to hug him but they were in the dining hall and there was enough talk as it was. She looked around the hall noticing that Drapper was no where to be seen "didn't Drapper come in to supper behind us? I don't see him, do you think everything is all right, perhaps I should go out to the stables and check on him, he looked rather pale" Collin touched her hand "Drapper will be fine, lass, he probably is thinking up new ways to make Jack annoyed" he left it at that and said no more about Drapper. MiLady stood up after the meal was over and looked at Collin with an inquiring look he smiled at her, "I still have a few things to see to, lass, but I will join you later." She sat in the large chair by the fireplace, sewing and chatting with the serving girls and scullery maids, her glance kept going to Collin as he spoke to some of the men, with much masculine ribald laughter. Sitting there quietly, she looked down at her sewing but didn't see the cloth in her hand but a dragon, flying, soaring through the night she didn't understand why the dragon should keep returning to her thoughts again and again. MiLady bid the men goodnight and entered the tower room, Mary was there pouring a touch of scent into MiLady's bath, after her bath, MiLady sat and let Mary brush out her long, thick hair. Mary started to braid it and MiLady shook her head "leave it loose tonight, Mary" Mary watched MiLady blushing and kept up her chatter, then realizing she wasn't going to ask, Mary thought it was time for a little womanly instructions. MiLady tried not to blush and look like she knew what Mary was talking about, then finally gave up and with a brightly blushing face started to ask Mary questions, by the time Mary wished her good night, MiLady was giggling wildly to herself. She sat there thinking of all the things that Mary had told her and giggled again, taking off her nightdress she got into bed waiting for Collin, she fell asleep to once again dream of fairies, elves and a dragon. Collin slipped into the bed, looking down at her sleeping form he smiled tenderly as he watched her smile in her sleep and wondered what she dreamt of. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her softly, she smiled in her sleep and murmured "yes, please, kiss me again." Collin chuckled and kissed her a bit harder this time, her eye's slowly opened and for a second he thought he saw disappointment then she spoke his name, her voice sleepy and warm. He forgot what he had seen in her eye's as he made love to her. He fell asleep with her held snug in his arms, his dreams were filled with her, laughing in the garden, playing with a small child, then his dream changed and he was a dragon, holding the woman in his arms.

She woke during the night and lay watching Collin sleep, she carefully pulled down the covers to look her fill of his body, leaning over she softly kissed his chest, she tried not to giggle as she thought of some of the things that Mary had said. Her tongue touched first one nipple then the other, she slide her fingers through the hair on his chest, then let her finger tips follow the line of hair to his groin. Hesitating just for a moment she slide her fingers through the hair around his penis, she was startled to see his penis jump in response, she quickly looked up at Collin and seeing his eye's still closed, she put out a finger and ran it up and down the length of him, watching him harden even more, she touched the tip of his penis watching it jerk at her touch again. Wrapping her hand around his now rigid penis she started to slide her hand up and down its length, she heard Collin groan and quickly pulled her hand away, he reached down and took her hand and placed it back on his penis "touch all you want, lass" She became bolder in her touch until he was clinching his teeth and about to explode. He rolled her onto her back and quickly thrust into her, as he heard her moan and clinch around him he shuddered and let go, he moaned as he felt his own throbbing release flood her womb, taking deep breaths he rested on his elbows and kissed her, pleased at the look of satisfaction on her face, Collin rolled to his side and held her as they both once again fell asleep.

The day dawned bright and sunny, Mary rapped loudly on the door before entering, not wanting to get caught again with her mouth hanging open like a demented fool. Hearing Collin call for her to come in, Mary grinned and opened the door, taking the breakfast try from Mathew she winked at him, "you need to start doing guard duty during the day." Mathew grinned back at her "I just might be doin that Mary me girl" she winked again and went inside. Placing the breakfast tray on the table she smiled not looking at the people in the bed "since it's to be a day all to yourselves, I thought you might like to breakfast here" MiLady smiled and thanked Mary for her thoughtfulness, before MiLady could say another word, Mary also informed her that the bath water was on it's way up. She grinned at MiLady "I don't think you'll be needing me to help this morning" she bobbed a curtsy and left the room, laughing to herself. They spent the morning laughing and loving playing as they ate, Jack knocked and entered the room bringing Collin his clothes, he carefully avoided looking at MiLady who had hastily pulled on her dressing gown at his knock. Jack informed the two in a gruff voice, I will be in the stables if you need me" then left the two alone once again. The two lovers spent the rest of the day hand in hand, wandering the keep, walking through the bailey, Harriett sent a picnic basket out to the gardens, where they sat on a blanket and ate, feeding each other, laughing and kissing often. Collin spread the blanket beneath a large tree and the two napped in each others arms. Soon the sun was setting and they returned to the keep, later sitting at supper in the dining hall, they continued to smile and talk even though it became harder and harder to smile, to laugh. Later as the fire burnt low in the great fireplace, she stood and bid everyone a good night and left the room, she ran up the tower stairs, gaining her room just as the tears came. Collin walked into the room and took her into his arms, holding her tight "no tears lass, a month is not such a long time, I will be riding back in the gates before you can even miss me." She turned a tear stained face to him and kissed him "promise you will be back to me, please promise that you will come back, Collin, I need to hear you promise." He gently cupped her face in his hands and returned her kiss "I promise I will return to you, no matter how or in what form, I will come back." She thought that an odd way to put a promise but those thoughts quickly left her as he kissed her passionately and started to remove her clothes. They made love, wildly, franticly. all night long. He with thoughts that this would be the last time he made love to her, held her in his mortal human arms. She with thoughts that this was the last time she would ever have to love him, even with his promise she was so afraid he was going out of her life forever.

They heard a knock on the door and Jack calling "its time Collin" then his steps walking away, Collin crushed her in his arms, holding her, looking out at the sky. "I will dress and walk out with you" she spoke softly, trying not to cry. He kissed her "no, lass, stay here, let me take the sight of you, well loved and warm in bed, with me until I return." He dressed quickly, buckling on his sword and picking up his riding cape he turned and strode back to the bed, he leaned down and kissed her hard, hugging her tight. Then he left the room, not noticing a gold and green scarf falling from where it had been tied around his sword hilt. Collin walked out into the bailey and took his stallions reins from Drapper, "you have the letters safe?" Drapper nodded, Collin touched Drapper on the shoulder "take care of them for me, Drapper" he then swung up into the saddle and turning waved to those watching him leave. He turned to watch Jack climb up onto his donkey, then rode out of the gate, not daring to look back. She stood at the window watching him ride away, clutching the scarf to her breast, she watched until he could no longer be seen but still stood staring out the window.

Chapter VIII The Dragon

Virlane stood outside his lair, he spread his wings and stretched, his neck arching, he flexed his talons and sighed with pleasure, he turned to watch Trink heading down the mountain path muttering about donkeys and his most treasured assets. Virlane entered his lair, prowling around, looking, touching, smelling, it was all there, just as he had left it, not that there had been any doubt, Dragons are just rather possessive about their hoards. He went into his study, touching his books that had taught him so much, that had allowed him to become the man Collin. Something shiny caught his eye, he went to his desk and touched the tiny crystals, fairy tears. I will set things straight with Bitsy later, but not now. He walked further back into his lair and entered a chamber, it was misty and very warm, he slipped into the hot pool of water with a deep sigh, after washing himself he climbed out of the pool and went to another, this pool he carefully slipped into, it was filled with warm oil, he felt the oil on his scales, on his wings, he rubbed it into his neck and over his snout. He lay in the oil, growling with pleasure, humans didn't know how to pamper their bodies, bathing in small cramped tubs. He stepped out of the oil pool and stood on a special pad, that absorbed the dripping oil, he used another special absorbent cloth to wipe the excess oil from his body and stretched again. He padded into his sleeping chamber, physically and emotionally worn out. Virlane slept for a full 24 hours, waking feeling refreshed and with a sense of well being, after breakfasting on fruits, bread and cheese, he really wasn't overly fond of meats and felt the light fare was much healthier. He went to his study and started to read, he heard her come in but didn't stop reading or look up from his book. She flittered here and there, touching, this and that, looking at Virlane, waiting for him to yell at her, she bumped into a candle and grabbed it, trying to set it up right. With a sigh Virlane set the candlestick back, still not taking his eyes off his book "sit down Bitsy, before you hurt yourself." She fluttered to the edge of the desk and sat down, wringing her tiny hands, "I'm so sorry, Virlane, I know you can't ever forgive me, but..but..well I just wanted you to know I didn't do it on purpose, well, not at first, I didn't know you two were there, really I didn't." She reached out towards Virlane, lost her balance and fell off the desk. He looked over the side of the desk and seeing that she hadn't hurt herself went back to his reading. A very dejected Bitsy left Virlane's lair, "sometimes the harshest kind of punishment is silence" he firmly believed. When he was ready he would talk with her, not before.

He spent the day reading, working on some of his magic experiments and napping, then after eating he left his lair, unfurling his wings and took to the skies, he soared, higher and higher, then with a sweep of his wings, dove towards the earth, spreading his wings and swooping up just before he smashed into the ground, he laughed with the pleasure of it. He threw back his head and roared with the delight of being a dragon, with the feel of the wind rushing over his wings. Through out the land the forest folk heard the roar of the dragon and slept peacefully, their dragon had returned to them. Virlane flew through the skies till dawn, then returned to his lair and slept long and deeply. Virlane managed to stay away from the glen for almost a week. He knew she had been there, he could sense her presence, feel her, feel her sadness and loneliness. He thought long and hard over what he was going to do, then went to the glen. He watched her sit at the edge of the creek, her bare feet playing in the water, she pulled her skirts up to her thighs and splashed water on them. Standing up she slipped off her dress and stood in the water in her undergarments. Virlane stood several feet behind her and made a small rumbling noise "its very warm today, is it not, my dear" she whirled around at the voice, staring at the dragon, she gasped "You, you're the dragon in my dreams, the dragon that was in my tower room." He lay down and curled his tail about his large body "don't let me interfere with your play." MiLady sat back down and put her feet into the water, watching the dragon, she felt safe in his company, remembering her dreams, she didn't think the dragon would hurt her. She chattered quietly as she played in the water "My name is Katrina, what are you called?" she asked. "I am Virlane, and I will call you, Kat, if it pleases me, or perhaps simply, wench" he said with a smile that showed his fangs. She gave him a startled look "do you think me a wench then?" He leaned forward and nuzzled her neck just behind her ear, purring softly "you tell me, are you a hot wench, or one of those cold icy Ladies of the manor?" She shivered at his touch, shocked at how quickly her heart started to beat and the sudden ache between her thighs. With a regal toss of her head, she stood "I am neither, sire, but I am a lady and not some wench to be tumbled at will." He slipped his talon in the front of her chemise, so sharp was it she didn't even hear her clothes being cut, he flicked his talon and her undergarments dropped from her body "shall we put that to the test" his deep voice rumbled.

His long tail suddenly wrapped around her waist and he lifted her up bring her towards him, she wiggled and hit at his tail trying to get loose "let me go, how dare you do this, why are you doing this, I've never hurt you" she wailed. He smiled another toothy smile, "I want you, I desire you" then still using his tail, he lifted her above his snout, his paws slide between her thighs, spreading them "wiggle all you want, wench, it will make it all the better for both of us." He nuzzled between her thighs, then his forked, slightly rough tongue started to flick back and forth over her most private parts, she squirmed harder slapping at his tail but his tail held her tight and his paws spread her thighs wider. He carefully rubbed his teeth over her clit and smiled as he heard her moan, he spread her nether lips careful that his talons not cut her and quickly thrust his tongue deep inside her, he flicked the tip of his tongue and felt the sides of her womb clinch grabbing at his tongue, his tongue thrust in and out of her. He smiled in satisfaction as he saw and felt her hands no longer slapping at him but clutching his tail, her back arched and her head thrown back, she moaned deeply over and over again. He pulled his tongue from her and licked across her nether lips, then started to flick his tongue over her clit, as he felt her thighs start to quiver, he thrust his tongue deep inside her again as her orgasm shuddered through her body, he drank deeply of her juices. He felt her go limp and smiled, then lowered her until her face was in front of his, his paws slide up her back, he nuzzled her lips then thrust his tongue into her mouth, her eye's flew open, startled, she stared at him, he licked her lips then smiled "taste yourself on my tongue, your juices are sweet as wine." Laying her down on the soft grass, he watched her taking deep breaths her breasts heaving, dragon satisfaction coursed through his veins, he smiled to himself. He curled his body around hers and waited for her to recover, he licked her lips once again "are you lady or wench?' he asked watching her closely. She suddenly pushed at him and rose on trembling legs, she grabbed her dress and put it on with shaking hands "I am a lady, sire!" and ran from the glen to the rumbling of dragon laughter.

Virlane relaxed from his bath, curled up on is bed, he fell asleep with a smile of satisfaction on his face. Hours later he woke and once again flew out into the skies, his roar to the universe was rich and full and carried the full weight of the dragon. In her bed MiLady tossed and turned, her dreams filled with the dragon, her body once again responded to the dragons touch and she moaned in her sleep, then her dreams turned to Collin, his face, his body, his loving and she moaned again. For a full week Virlane did not return to the glen, he busied himself in his study and smiled, he knew she had returned to the glen twice. He heard a tiny knock at his study door and without turning around "come in, Bitsy" she went and stood in the middle of his desk, not daring to move for fear of knocking something over, or breaking something. She placed a tiny scroll on the desk, then with a sob flew out of the study and Virlane's lair. He walked over to the desk and carefully picked up the scroll, with a touch of magic it grew until it was large enough for Virlane to read. "Please forgive me Virlane, I know you don't want to talk to me or ever see me again, so I wrote this so you would understand. I went to the glen to watch the lady, I found her so fascinating, she moved with such grace, she never knocked anything over, or fell down, or tripped over her own feet, all I wanted to do was watch her and see why that was. Everyone is always laughing at me and making fun of my clumsiness. Then when you and the lady started touching, even though I knew I should have left, I didn't because honestly Virlane, I wanted to know how humans had sex, even though at the time I wasn't real sure exactly what that was. I hope you can forgive me one day, no matter how many hundreds of years it takes. Goodbye my very best friend in the whole world, I hope everything works out well for you and your lady. I love you. Bitsy" Virlane charged out of his lair, everyone heard his roar "BITSY!" and wondered what she had done now. They looked for her for many days, but no one could find her, using his magic Virlane tried to find her but nothing worked. Marluxion let them worry for a short while, he wanted them to learn the lesson that even the most faulty among them was to be loved and cherished. Then he sent her parents word that she was safe and sent word to Trink of where Bitsy could be found and that he was to bring her to him. Trink left muttering about chores. Virlane heard about Bitsy and felt a great relief, he had felt that his treatment of her had lead to her running off and it had and still was a burden he must deal with.

Mary watched MiLady carefully, she looked tired and worn out. She tried to reassure her mistress that Collin would be returning in no time at all. MiLady staring out the window seemed distracted and turned to Mary "I think I will take a picnic to the forest this afternoon, Mary, will you please tell Harriett, please make sure it something light, I haven't been feeling all that well and things don't seem to be staying in my stomach. It must be the worry over Collin" Mary gave MiLady a startled look then asked several very pointed questions. MiLady went out the door wondering why Mary would ask such embarrassing questions, but she answered them knowing Mary would just keep asking until she got an answer. Mary stood in the middle of the room and watched MiLady leave "ohh lordy, lordy" and she went flying down to the kitchen.

Virlane watched her sitting on the blanket munching on a pear and grinned, then stepped into the glen "you look as tasty as that pear, wench" his deep voice rumbled. She bristled and he chuckled as she snapped out "My name is Katrina! or you may call me MiLady" He simply smiled at her and sat down next to the blanket. He stabbed the pear with his talon and licked it, with long sensual movements of his tongue, knowing she was watching every motion. He took a small bite, then leaned down and put it in her mouth, she ate the piece not saying a word, her eyes wide watching him. Again he licked the pear and offered it back to her. "would you care to take a taste wench, dragons can be very tasty." Without realizing it her eyes went down his body, her breathing came faster. He laughed as he saw her lick her lips, her eye's flew up to his face and she blushed scarlet. He touched her bodice with his talon "You might want to remove your clothing, I wouldn't want to have to ruin another article of cloths" She shook her head back away slightly, he noticed that she was still staring at his lower body, turning slightly he lay down and stretched out his body and flicked his tail slightly. She jumped seeing the motion of his tail.

She licked her lips again, staring at him, then her eyes widened as she saw his cock slip from his body, he leaned over and picked up another pear and started licking it, she looked from his mouth to his cock, her breath coming faster and more uneven. Her trembling hands quickly removed her dress and undergarments she fell to her knee's next to his waist, her hands reached out and grasped his large, slick, hard cock, she started to stroke it, her mouth slightly open she licked her lips again, she felt his paw at the back of her head slowly pushing her towards him. She shyly reached out with her tongue, touching him, remembering the motions of his tongue on the pear she started to lick him, first with small little stokes of her tongue, then longer licks. She heard him groan "take me into your mouth, wench, suck until my juices flow, as I drank yours." She opened her mouth, wondering for a moment if she could even fit the tip of his large cock into her mouth, her mouth closed over the tip, her tongue licked at him, her hot breath on him as she panted. His tail curled around and the tip of his tail slipped between her thighs, she moaned around his cock as his tailtip started to caress her nether lips, then entered her slightly, moving to match the motions of her mouth. He groaned deeply and clawed the ground as his cock started to throb deeply, her hands stroked him harder, his paw at the back of her head gently urged her to move faster, she sucked harder and faster, her hips rocking against his tailtip, she clinched her thighs tightly and moaned again. He knew he should warn her but couldn't get the words out in time, his orgasm rocked his body and he came into her mouth. She jerked back shocked as his cum filled her mouth and then splattered her face and chest. She swallowed finding the taste erotic and not at all unpleasant. Virlane reached out and scooped some cum off one of her breasts and put his talon in her mouth, he smiled at her as he took his tailtip and sucked on it. He stretched as his cock slipped back into its sheath "You're very good with your mouth, wench." Gasping, she jumped up and ran to the brook and splashed water on her face, she washed her chest off, glaring at him, she started to dress "you, you, you bastard!" she cried at him. He laughed out loud, the sound rumbling through the forest. She started to toss things in the picnic basket then grabbed it up. Virlane held out the pear "You forgot this" she glared at him again "keep it to remember me by, I won't be back" he grinned at her "yes you will, you find me very fascinating and you love what I do to your body." She ran from the glen, he swiftly got up and was standing before her "no need to run, I thought Ladies walked sedately, if you fall down and hurt yourself, then you won't be able to come back and enjoy my body and wit," she tossed her head and slowly walked away. He sighed as he watched her go, he didn't want her to do anything rash that might hurt their child, he should have thought of that before he pushed her to the point that she felt she needed to run from him.

As Virlane flew high in the night sky, he thought about what he was doing and why he was doing it, he wanted her to love Collin, she already thought she knew Collin, his gentleness, his kindness, his masculinity. He also wanted her to not just see the physical difference, but the emotional differences between the man and the dragon. Virlane wanted to see if she could come to love him, the dragon, even after pushing her to dislike him, almost hate him for his treatment of her. He didn't want a timid mate, he wanted a mate who spoke her mind, who could be just as sexually aggressive as he was, if not more so. But most of all he wanted her to realize no matter how angry she got at him, he wouldn't hurt her Virlane set down on a high lonely mountain path and waited. It wasn't long before Trink, muttering the whole time and Bitsy trailing along appeared. Trink didn't especially surprised to see him, Bitsy on the other hand, looked as if she wanted to be anywhere but there and flew behind Trink. He smiled "Trink take a short walk up the path, Bitsy will catch up to you when we are done talking." Trink nodded and headed up the path, he had known Virlane would make things right for the small little fairy. Bitsy stood wringing her little hands and shuffling her feet, then promptly got them tangled together and fell on her bottom. She sat in the dirt and looked so dejected, Virlane stifled his laughter and gently picked her up and set her on a rock near his shoulder, he brushed the dirt off her then tipped her chin up with his talon. "Bitsy, no matter how angry and hurt friends get at each other, they don't stop being friends, they just try harder to understand and forgive. Friends don't stop loving each other, just because one or both of them made a mistake. Yes, I was angry with you, not because you stayed in the glen, but because I saw a little bit of your carefree innocence lost that day." Chuckling he touched her tiny pert little nose "your clumsiness is one of your most endearing qualities, your zest for life will take you on many adventures. Just remember that you have friends if you ever need us. Listen and learn well from Marluxion, you will find no better teacher. Now off with you, Trink is probably muttering up a storm waiting for you." He gave her a gentle nuzzle, and smiling for the first time in many days, she hugged him and gave his cheek a tiny fairy kiss then tumbling down from the rock, she started up the path. "Oh and Bitsy" she turned and looked at Virlane "the grace is all ready there inside you, you just have to find it and learn what it really means" then he was gone once again into the night skies.

He sat waiting in the glen and watched her slowly carry up a basket and set it down, she looked at him, a brooding, angry look. MiLady spread out the blanket and sat down staring at the dragon, suddenly she put her face in her hands and burst into tears, the dragon curled his large body around her and in a soothing voice purred "tell me why you cry?" All the anguish came pouring out, her love for Collin, his leaving, the waiting for his return, "and you, I can't seem to stay away, I keep coming back again and again. You make me feel things I never thought possible but, so did Collin, you make me feel wicked and wanton, and it frightens me. Each time I leave you, I'm so angry I can barely speak and spend the rest of the day stomping about." He licked the tears from her face and looked at her debating what and how to say it. "while your being angry at me, you aren't thinking of how much you missed Collin, when your busy stomping around your exercising and moving about the keep, not sitting in your tower room wasting away waiting for Collin. Your body was first awakened sexually by Collin, I'm teaching you there are many ways to express your sexuality, a woman can be as wicked and wanton as she desires, or she can be shy and temptingly innocent enjoying making the male work to bring out the wanton desires he knows are there waiting for him. This teaches you to be a better lover, a woman who knows she is pleasing to her mate." MiLady looked at the dragon "you aren't as cruel as I thought, I felt so disappointed, thinking you were only a cruel beast taunting me and my fears" she touched his snout softly, "I'm so glad you really are the dragon from my dreams and from my room that night so long ago." He nuzzled her hand "I can be as cruel as needed, I can strike out viciously to protect myself or those I love, never doubt it for one moment." He saw the exhaustion in her eyes "now rest, I will watch over you and keep you safe, as I always have" he saw that she wanted to say more and made soft soothing sounds "shhhhhh, now Katrina, sleep." She fell asleep to the comforting sounds of his deep purrs. MiLady woke to Virlane's gentle nudge "it's late, you must return to the keep now, before they come looking for you, return tomorrow and we will talk again." With a start MiLady realized she had slept most of the afternoon away. She stood and gathered the blanket and basket, only nodding in agreement she didn't understand why she was feeling suddenly shy before the dragon. Virlane chuckled and tenderly licked her lips, "yes, wench, I still greatly desire you" she blushed smiling feeling for a moment reassured. Once again he watched her leave the glen.

Later that night MiLady sat eating her supper in the dining hall, she smiled and listened to the room buzz with conversation, Mary and Harriett watched her carefully. They both had agreed it was best not to even hint to MiLady that she might be with child, she had enough to worry about with Collin gone, no need to add to her worries. They were pleased to see that she had eaten well and not just picked at her meal like she had been doing lately. After the meal, Henry and Marcus would join MiLady each evening as she sat in her chair in front of the big fireplace and fill her in on how the day gone, any changes they thought needed to be made. She always listened attentively and offered her advice or suggestion. She didn't realize it but all the others did, MiLady was finally coming into her own as the Lady of the Keep. Over the next few weeks MiLady and Virlane met often in the forest glen. They talked and played, he wouldn't allow her to be shy in her questions, he pushed her to express her needs and desires. He would laugh at her blushes while instructing her how to please him. Often they spoke of the Keep and Collin, his carefully asked questions and her honest answers, told him that her love and need for Collin had not dimmed during his absence. This pleased Virlane greatly. One afternoon as she dressed, trying her hand at teasing him as she put her cloths back on, he laughed at her attempt at seduction "perhaps you would like to try that in reverse on the morrow, wench" he laughed, then with a serious look on his face "tomorrow I would like to show you where I live, you might find it interesting, meet me here and I will take you there." She smiled and finished dressing, "I would enjoy seeing it, I've often wondered where you go when I leave." He nuzzled her goodbye and watched her part. That night Virlane flew, beating his wings fiercely against the winds, he flew until he was exhausted and flew even more, higher and faster. Time had gone to quickly, tomorrow he had to tell her, tomorrow he would keep or loose her. Tomorrow he would see joy or hate on her face, he was actually scared, the great dragon Virlane was frightened and he didn't like the feeling one bit. Hours later as he slept, a restless, exhausted sleep he heard Marluxion's voice "even in your loneliest hour, you are never alone."

Virlane paced waiting for her to join him, with a sigh of relief, he heard her approach. Seeing him, she smiled and ran forward to kiss him, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply, passionately. Whispering "close your eyes" he watched her, when next she opened her eyes she was standing inside the entrance to his lair. She looked around in wonder "explore all you want, any questions you have, just ask" he told her. They went from room to room, entering the pool room she looked with interest at the pool of oils, she bent down to put her hand into it. "one moment, let me change the heat level, I keep it very hot." When he nodded at her, she touched the oil, rubbed it on her fingers and hands, smiling "perhaps later you can help me rub some oil on my back" she said, enjoying the thought. She loved his bed chamber, the huge inviting bed, with covers of black silk, candles every where, it was a very romantic, seductive room. The last room they entered was his study, she looked around in awe, books, thousands and thousands of books, she could tell they were very old. She wandered over to his work bench, seeing things she didn't understand, odd instruments and jars and jars filled with she didn't know what. "This is where I spend most of my time" he indicated the work bench, "I dabble with my magic there" he smiled slightly at the look on her face. "Do you practice magic often? Virlane" "quite often, magic can benefit or hurt, one just has to know the difference and be careful not to release forces that could be destructive." Soon the moment he had been dreading came, he couldn't put it off any longer "Katrina, I have something to say, I would only ask that you listen to what I have to say, before you pass judgment and that you would weight your decision with great care." She heard the tone of his voice and felt frightened, she sat in the chair he indicated, folding her hands in her lap she nodded, preparing herself for whatever this serious business was he wanted to speak to her about. He sat and looked at her for what seemed a very long time, "Virlane?" she spoke softly. He proceeded to tell her of how he had watched her grow up, of the years leading up to that day in the glen when she had taken a bath, cooling off from the days heat, about the scarf she had dropped as she left. He spoke of Trink coming to the fairies and elves, asking for their aid in helping her. He told her of the night he had appeared in her room, of returning Bitsy to her family. She watched him closely as he started to pace the study, she said softly "go on, Virlane, what else did you do?" he took a deep breath and turned to look at her "I could not use my magic to stop Kurlew, and Dame Agnes, it would have caused to much comment and brought your Uncle and cousin to the keep. Knowing your Uncle and the cruel, ambitious man that he is I could not chance them arriving to take up where Kurlew or Dame Agnes left off. He looked into her eyes and spoke quietly, "I became Collin, I rode into your keep and your life, I used my magic to become a mortal man, I have always loved you, Katrina, and my only thought was to save you from the cruelties of Kurlew. As the days went by, I loved you more and more, I also knew that the spell would only last 2 moon risings. Had I not spoken certain words then, I would never again be the dragon Virlane, the dragon you see before you now, I left knowing I had one month to make a decision, to become Collin till the day I died a mortal man, or stay the dragon I was hatched and have been for many centuries." Whispering she asked "and what have you decided?" She heard the pride in his voice "I'm a dragon Katrina, first and last I am the dragon, Virlane. As a mortal man I can not fly to the heavens, I can not spread my wings and feel the night air rushing over them. As a mortal man I can not practice the magic I love, as a mortal man my life span is short and would be filled with disease's and strife." His paw swept the room "I can offer you all this Katrina, my vast wealth, my knowledge, my love that would last an eternity. We could soar the skies together, there is so much I could show you, teach you. You would be my dragoness." She started to speak, tears streaming down her face, he held up a paw, "there is one last thing I must tell you, before you make your choice." He reached out and placed a gentle paw on her stomach, he listened to her body "you are carrying my child, Collins child, even now a son grows and thrives in your belly." With a gasp she placed her hands over his paw, the look of wonder and joy on her face made him want to roar with happiness but he knew there was more to come and slowly pulled his paw from under her hands.

She sat there, her hands over her stomach, a child, Collins, no Virlane's child grew inside of her, she looked up as he offered her a soft handkerchief, she saw him as she had never seen him before and felt so many conflicting emotions. Her thoughts racing, skittering from one thought to another, "did you love me as Collin? or was that all pretense for the dragon." He spoke quietly "Collin loved you and adored you, as only a mortal man can love the woman he has chosen to be his for life. The dragon loves you and adores you, as only a dragon can love the female he has chosen as his mate, for eternity, they are intertwined, the love, the emotions, the need, the caring, Katrina, be it Collin or Virlane, the love was always there. "If I do this, Virlane, if I become your dragoness, what of my people, what of the keep, the lands, the responsibility of keeping it safe? What would happen if I just disappeared one day, never to be seen again? My uncle would take everything, think of the harshness he would impose on all the people I have known and loved all my life." She touched her stomach again, rubbing it softly "what of the child, who has a right to the lands my family has owned for many many years. What would happen to our child, if I became your dragoness, however you think to do such a thing, would it harm the child?" He was pleased that she showed more concern for her people and for the child she carried then she was for herself. Resisting the urge to take her in his arms and love away all her doubts and fears, he said quietly "I will do everything in my power to ensure that the keep and people are safe, entrusted to a person who would be fair and who cares deeply for the land, one who understands the all that needs to be done and will see that it is kept safe for our son, if he one day wants to step into his rightful shoes as Duke of St.Clair. Katrina, my wench, my love, MiLady, never would I for a second put you or our child in peril, the transition would be as easy as I can make it for you both" he said as he took her small hands in his large paws. "What if you don't like me as a dragoness, what if I make a horrid dragoness, and you don't want me anymore? I don't know the first thing about being a dragon, Virlane" she wept. "So speaks the eternal female" chuckles Marluxion from the doorway.

continuation Chapter VIII The Dragon

MiLady stared at the dragon in the doorway, he smiled softly at her and slowly padded into the room bowing to her, with an elegant sweep of his neck, "hello my dear, I am Marluxion, an old friend of Virlane's." The two dragons hugged each other "I see you haven't made as much of a muddle of things as I thought you might, I'm pleased, Virlane, although you have left out a few facts, I think the lady needs too make her a final decision." Virlane turned and looked at his old friend with an inquiring look "and what facts have I missed?" "Oh this and that" he smiled as he put his paw over MiLady's stomach, not touching her, he smiled warmly at her "ah, good the child thrives." She looked at him in surprise "you know also, about the baby?" He chuckled again "of course, my dear, who do you think told Virlane about the child, now as to those other facts I mentioned. "If you leave the keep and its lands for good, the man left to care for them, would be Drapper, he more then anyone other has that right, since he is your Uncle, bastard though he may be, he is still your Uncle and I'm sure you've noticed his love and care for you and everyone on the land. A look passed between Virlane and Marluxion that MiLady did not understand, before she could ask any questions, Marluxion started to speak again. "I am here to offer the two of you another choice, one that I think would work better for everyone involved. I'm offering to make you both human and dragon, to be able to switch at will, after learning some basic magic commands," he mentioned the last to MiLady "there is no time constraint on this type of magic, it will last forever or until a reversing spell is spoken, and even then it must have my approval or my successors approval to be uttered. There are of course certain rules that must be followed."

"First and fore most no human can ever see you transform, unless it is an emergency that can't be helped, if a human does see you, as soon as possible, all memory of the situation and transformation must be removed. As always the location of your lair must be protected at all times. Finally the child must be born human and in the human way. The first month of the child's life it will not be able to change form and will be at its most vulnerable. There after the two of you will have the delight of trying to teach a precocious child to control its own magic." Don't glare at me Virlane, there will be many clutches for you to brood and worry over but this is the only way, if the child is born a hatchling the magic will not take hold and last for it's own children and their children. There are two more conditions, this transformation must take place in the room where MiLady was born, the tower room I understand, second the sooner this is taken care of the better for the child, it has already been imprinted with being human, it must now be imprinted with being a dragon. Also, MiLady you must think carefully on this, as a human woman, you will carry inside you a child that is in human form, but will at times have the temperament of a dragon. This may be very hard on your body, you must make the decision before we go any further, if you are willing to go through, with what an old male dragon, can only call extreme discomfort. Virlane turned to MiLady and started to speak "let her alone, Virlane, she has much to think about, now offer an old dragon some wine and a bite to eat, after she has made her decision and returned to the keep, then we can talk further." Virlane returned with a large tray of food, he placed it on the desk and poured them both a large goblet of wine, to MiLady he offered a goblet of cool juice.

She sat staring at the desk and absently sipped her juice, it was as if the old dragon was offering them the best of both worlds. She looked at him several times, what if something went wrong with his magic, what if he was wrong and it harmed the child, Drapper was her uncle, she shook her head, so much to take in, so much to think about. She wanted Collin and she wanted Virlane, could she have both and be happy? Was she strong enough to be both woman and dragoness? Katrina took a deep breath and made her decision, both dragons looked at her, "I will be your dragoness, Virlane. I will put my trust in your friend and do what I have too." As Virlane pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply, Marluxion tisked "not now Virlane! we have much to do before dawn rises. MiLady you must return to the keep now, eat a very light supper, then rest until we arrive." Marluxion placed a paw on her shoulder and smiled down at her "I would never have made you such an offer, had I thought it unsafe, for you or your child, and if it had been unsafe for you, I would simply have turned our pacing friend here into a toad and left him to croak for a few hundred years, for getting a human woman with child." He roared with laughter and MiLady started to giggle, then laugh as they both looked at the outraged look on Virlane's face. "Now I will speed you on you way." he said, still roaring with laughter. MiLady blinked then blinked again to find herself standing in the middle of her tower room, she supposed she needed to get used to this sort of thing. Mary walked into the room and with a look of surprise "oh MiLady, I didn't see you come in from the garden, are you feeling well? MiLady you look quite pale." "I'm fine Mary, just a little tired I think I will retire right after supper, I will be down shortly, I just need to wash up" Mary, gave MiLady a clean hand towel and left the room. After supper, MiLady went to her room and lay down, she had so much to think about, she couldn't fall asleep, but lay there thinking of what it would be like to be a dragoness, she just couldn't imagine and would just have to trust that what she was doing was right.

Marluxion left Virlane studying the scroll that held the final spell and the words used to turn dragon to human and back again. Drapper busy in the stables didn't turn as he heard a voice requesting they have a talk. He simply finished his chore and went out to the garden, wondering what was going on now, Marluxion didn't request he usually just stated a demand. Marluxion was waiting and when Drapper arrived said "sit down my friend, you and I need to talk. I once told you that one day you would have your hearts desire, your desire for a grandchild, that you can watch grow into manhood, that you can in some small way help to raise." Drapper didn't look surprised that the old dragon knew these things, he simply nodded and accepted. "Your daughter sleeps in the tower room pregnant with Collin's child. She knows you are her uncle but not that you are her father, that is your choice, if you tell her or not." Marluxion watched Drapper's hands curl into hard fists, his usually easy going face turn into a look of anger. "He doesn't plan on returning to her does he? he is going to leave her to bare this shame alone." sneered Drapper, he knew only to well the burden of being a bastard and it broke his heart that his daughter and grandchild would have to know the same shame and heartbreak. "No my friend, Collin is returning to his woman and his child, but so is Virlane returning tonight to claim his dragoness. Marluxion explained to Drapper what was going to happen this night, he saw the fear in Drapper's eyes and made an offer that would never be made again. "If you desire, you can be there to take witness, but you must tell her the truth. it is your choice, but you must be in her chambers one hour before dawn." Then he was gone. Drapper sat for a long time in the garden, a slow smile started to spread on his face, a child, he said into manhood, a male child, a grandson to watch over. Drapper decided there is no time like the present and headed to MiLady's tower room.

Mathew smiled and greeted Drapper "you be out wanderin late, Drapper, everything be aw right don't it?" Drapper assured Mathew that he just needed to speak with MiLady for a short while as he knocked on the door. She turned from the window "come in", she watched Drapper walk in the room, she was surprised at the surge of pleasure she felt, this was her uncle, this was family. She wanted to reach out and hug him, but didn't know if Drapper was aware that she had been told about their relationship. "You wanted to talk with me, Drapper?" she asked softly. Not knowing where to start Drapper nodded "I had a visit from Marluxion, a short while ago, he told me what is going on and what is going to happening, he also told me about the child. There was one thing that Marluxion didn't tell you, he left that up to me." Drapper tried several times to get the words out, this was so much harder then he thought it would be. MiLady handed Drapper a cup of wine and smiled trying to set him at ease. "You've even surpassed your mother in beauty, I never thought such a thing was possible, she was so lovely, so delicate, her smile could bring a man to his knee's. I loved your mother and it broke my heart when she died giving birth to you. Your mother loved me in return, long before she even met your father. Your the product of that love, your my daughter. I always thought god would curse us for our adulterous relationship, for going behind my half brothers back, instead he blessed us with you. Even though your mother never lived to see you grow into a full woman, she would be pleased to know how you have turned out. My half brother never knew that you were not his child, he loved your mother and after she died he passed all that love and caring on to you, I never wanted that to change. I could never be a father to you, I would hope to be a grandfather to your child, if you can allow that, everything considered?" Katrina sat down abruptly and stared at Drapper, her hand shook as she took a sip of her wine. This was all just to much, I can't take anymore tonight, I just can't hear one more revelation. Has the world gone mad or have I simply been kept hidden from all the truths that seem to have been swirling around me for years. "Can we talk of this later, Drapper, I just don't know what to say right now." Drapper stood up, suddenly feeling very old and tired, he had ruined it all. "One last thing, MiLady, if it won't bother you greatly, I would like to be here when you become Virlane's dragoness, I was denied being there the day you came into this world and your mother left it, I would like to be here for this, if you will allow it." He went to her suddenly "please don't cry, I didn't mean to make you cry, can you forgive me." She put her arms around him and hugged him, crying on his shoulder, for all the things that had been, for all the things she wished she had known, and for the pain she heard in his voice. she wiped the tears from her face and with a trembling voice said "please come Drapper, I want you to be there, Virlane, Marluxion, myself, we all want you to be there." She saw the tears in his eyes and with a watery chuckled handed him his cup of wine "I think we both need this tonight." Drapper left promising to be back later, reminding MiLady that she needed to rest. Mathew watched Drapper leave and wondered what was going on. Hours later as Mary was returning to her own room, she saw Drapper going up the tower stairs and frowning decided to follow him, Mathew had mentioned how odd everyone had been acting lately.

Mary slipped into the room behind Drapper and let out a startled scream, Mathew rushed into the room at hearing Mary's abruptly cut off scream. Drapper stood holding a fainting Mary, Mathew stood in the doorway staring at the occupants of the room, thrusting Mary into Mathew's arms, Drapper quickly shut and bolted the door. The two dragons looked at each other with a rueful look, Marluxion looked at Mathew "it's to late for you to leave now, I don't want to hear you utter a word, keep the woman your holding quiet also." he said gruffly, putting a little fear into Mathew. MiLady smiled reassuringly at Mathew as he tried to revive Mary, whispering frantically to her, not to make a sound. "It's all right Mathew, we are all quite safe, you just walked in on something you weren't supposed to know about." Mathew leaned against the wall, well out of the way and held Mary tight, his hand clamped over her mouth, so she couldn't scream again when she came around, Drapper went and stood next to Mathew, watching carefully. Marluxion was just about to work the spell, when a green glowing orb seemed to enter the room, it bobbed here and there, finally crashing into a pitcher of water, sending both tumbling to the floor with a resounding crash in the quiet room. Marluxion picked up a very wet, green Bitsy, his sigh was loud enough to blow the water off her soaking wings. He tossed her to Drapper, "you can explain later why your glowing green. Drapper, don't let her touch anything." MiLady and Virlane looked at each other and started to laugh, easing the tension in the room. Grinning Marluxion looked at the two "lets get this done with before Trink tries to knock down the door, muttering that he and his superior parts don't like being left out of all the excitement. So saying Marluxion started to speak, the room started to swirl slowly at first, he pulled out the handkerchief that he had been keeping safe, blood on blood, together as one, the dragons blood, the virgin humans blood, to become one, human and dragon, a wind started to blow in the room and a glow of gold shimmered like a thousand candles. Suddenly everything seemed to stand still, Marluxion with a worried look, glanced at Virlane, Marluxion spoke to Virlane with his thoughts "groan, the blood is not strong enough, why? Virlane responded in kind "I don't know why, then he gasped, the brook, the handkerchief was dipped in the water."

Marluxion for the first time in many years felt defeat at his paws and didn't like it one bit. He snarled out his rage as he stared at the handkerchief. Bitsy realizing something had gone terribly wrong, watched the old dragon, then suddenly twisted away from Drapper and frantically started to whisper in Mary's ear. Mary looked at the green glowing fairy, then suddenly screeched, in the clothes chest, that's where I hide it, in the clothes chest. Suddenly Mary was running to the chest, she threw it open and dug down to the bottom, Bitsy frantically telling her to hurry. Mary thrust the dress at Virlane, not understanding he stared at it, Bitsy suddenly leaned down and bite Virlane as hard as she could, drawing blood. Virlane roared and threw Bitsy off his paw, she flew back wildly, crying out to Marluxion, "the dress, they were laying on her dress, her blood is still on it, do it now Mar, do it now." The tiny fairy pushed at Virlane's paw trying to get his blood on the dress. Marluxion grabbed the dress and Virlane's paw and rubbed his bleeding paw on the dried blood stains, speaking quickly the words he had to say before dawn. The wind wiped through the room and the golden glow grew until it was blinding, a sound like a whispering of the wind moaned through the room, then the wind and golden glow were gone. All eye's turned to where MiLady had been standing holding Virlane's paw. There standing next to Virlane was a golden dragoness, her eye's a deep sea green, her wings streaked with a darker golden color, and just over her heart, a mark, two dark blood red circles intertwining. The old dragon breathed a sigh of relief and looked at the two dragons, one platinum, standing majestically next to the smaller golden one, he was well pleased with this nights work.

The golden dragoness looked up at Virlane, she felt so strange, yet still felt herself, "are you pleased? Virlane" surprised to her voice a soft deep purr, she turned and started to fall, Virlane caught her and smiled, from the look in his eye's he was more the pleased and planned on showing her very soon. A giggle came from under the bed covers, Bitsy poked out her head, laughing "balance, lady, balance, its all in the tail." A hysterical giggle came from Mary who had been hiding behind Mathew. Drapper and Mathew looked at each other and started to laugh. "Drapper, why are we laughing?" asked a dazed Mathew. Drapper shook his head not sure why he was laughing. Marluxion looked around the room, smiling, "it's been a long night, far to long for these old bones, I think we should all be heading to our beds." He looked at the dragon couple chuckling, then sent them off to their lair. Drapper quietly thanked Marluxion and slipped out of the room, still feeling overwhelmed. Mary and Mathew started for the door "one moment please" they turned and looked at him, thinking now they have had it, he would surely gobble them up. "I would like to thank you for your help tonight, Mary, had you not saved the dress, we would never have been able to complete the spell, we are in your debt, our dragons are going to need faithful people to watch over them and protect them, I think those who can be trusted stand before me. "Mary could only stare at the old dragon, she started to speak and Mathew pulled her out the door, "Later, Mary me girl, leave it for later." Finally he turned and looked at the little lump wiggling out from under the covers he held out his paw and she flew to him. As they vanished Marluxion was heard to say "Shall we discuss this interesting green color and how it came about, my dear."

Chapter IX The Dragons

Virlane and Katrina appeared inside their lair, she stumbled slightly and reached out for Virlane, holding onto him until she regained her balance feeling so disoriented and off center "will it take long to get used to this new body? Virlane, my head seems to be spinning and spinning." He picked her up and took her into their bed chamber and lay her on the smooth satin covers, "I think your just exhausted from everything that has happened, sleep now and when you wake up, we can start getting you used to being a dragoness." She curled up on the bed, with a deep sigh of relief, it felt so good to lay down and close her eyes for awhile, she was asleep in seconds. Virlane smiled softly down at his dragoness, then joined her on the bed, he curled his body around hers and lay there looking at her, so much to teach her, so many wondrous things to show her. He gently stroked her wings, her neck, he softly caressed the small crest running down her back so lovely and delicate as only a dragoness can be. He put his paw on her stomach and fell asleep listening to the heartbeats of his lady and his son. . Katrina woke slowly, stretching, feeling ravenously hungry, slipping from the huge bed, she steadied herself, smiling as she remembered Bitsy's words, balance, lady, balance, its all in the tail. As she was leaving the room, she passed a long gilt edged mirror, she stood staring at herself, touching her arms, her chest, her face, she turned and looked at her wings and long tail. "Do you like what you see? Katrina" asked Virlane who had been watching her from the bed, as he waited for her to answer, he got up and went to stand behind her, looking at her in the mirror. She smiled back at him in the mirror, once more running her paws down her arms "I'm all golden and tall, I'm very happy with the way I look, I just have to get used to seeing myself this way." Virlane gently ran his talons down her back then touched her wingjoints "spread your wings for me" she was startled for a moment, just thinking to herself, "spread my wings" and they unfurled, perhaps this wasn't going to be as difficult as she thought. Virlane moved closer behind her "purr for me, Katrina" he said as his talons ran down the length of her long, elegant neck her neck arched at his touch, she purred deeply, then laughed at the look on his face as they both heard her stomach rumbling. He chuckled ruefully then nuzzled her gently, I think my dragoness needs feeding. They ate side by side, every once in awhile Virlane would gently stroke his tail down her back or lean over to nuzzle her. After they had finished eating he gave her a serious look, he wanted nothing more then to play for the day but knew that wasn't possible. "We have to discuss how we are going to deal with the Keep and the people there, they are used to seeing you in the mornings in the dining hall, seeing you about the keep during the day. We have to insure that doesn't change, it will be no problem if we left for a few days at a time but as your pregnancy advances, that will become more difficult." She nodded thoughtfully "Collin is due back any time now, no one will be surprised if we spent a fair amount of time in the tower room for the first week or so. At night do we return here or do we stay at the keep?" Virlane took a sip from his goblet thinking of all the possibilities and the disadvantages "I will be making a few changes at the keep, an added room off the study and if possible a small room in the tower, we are going to need a nursery and this will just be a few additions I doubt anyone will comment on. I'm also going to give Mary, Drapper and Mathew a small bell, for emergencies, no one will be able to hear it ring but the two of us. Now you must start practicing, changing from dragoness to human, until you have it perfected." He gave her the special words and for the next few hours watched her change again and again until she did it flawlessly then he set about teaching her how to appear and disappear at the wink of an eye. Virlane turned from his work bench to say something and saw his dragoness sound asleep in his chair and smiled, he carried her to their bed and gently tucked her in, he knew he had pushed her hard today to learn many things, but he had to be sure she was going to be safe and could take care of herself if the need arose. He let her sleep for several hours then nuzzled her awake, she opened sleepy eyes and smiled at him, he felt a growl of lust and leaned down and kissed her deeply. Pulling back with a sigh he kissed her lightly again, "its time for you to return to the keep, it will be supper soon." Feeling rested she got up and gave Virlane a saucy wink, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately "tonight my golden dragoness, you will pay for that wink" slapping her lightly on her bottom with his tail and sent her on her way.

MiLady walked into the dining hall and smiled, everything seemed so normal, she ate her supper and listened to the chatter, other then the odd occasional looks from Mary the evening went along smoothly. She was just about to go sit by the fireplace when Henry came in holding a piece of parchment, Henry bowed then smiled "this came this morning, MiLady, I wanted to take it to you earlier but Mary said you were feeling poorly. I hope you are much better now MiLady" said Henry as he handed her the parchment. She read the massive, then smiling brightly she looked at everyone "Collin will be arriving in a sennight, he hopes everything is going well and looks forward to being back at the Keep" she announced, this brought great cheers from the men and smiles from the women. MiLady sat at the fireplace listening to Henry chatter, she smiled to herself it pleased her that Collin was so well thought of. Mary was as nervous as a cat, as she helped MiLady get ready for the evening, she kept jumping at every little noise "please Mary, everything is going to be just fine, stop worrying" Mary gave MiLady a skeptical look, "never have seen anything like that in all my born days, just about scared me witless for a while it did, why when that green blob came floating in the window, I thought it was the end for all of us." They both looked at each other and remembering a green Bitsy started to laugh until tears streamed down their faces. MiLady wished Mary a good night and firmly locked the door after she had left.

Virlane was waiting at the lair entrance for her, then she was standing before him, he leaned over and kissed her deeply, his golden dragoness. She returned the kiss and purred softly at him, he went to stand behind her and suddenly unfurled his wings putting his arms underneath hers and suddenly flew into the night sky. She cried out in alarm "unfurl your wings, Katrina, move with me" her wings unfurled and she felt the wind brushing over them, she felt as if she were part of the stars and night sky. He encouraged her with his body movements and words, he could see the amazement on her face and was pleased. Warning her just before he let her go, she plummeted down, he followed her, telling her what to do, suddenly with a deep sweep of her wings she soared upward. Katrina laughed with delight and dipped her wings once again, then went spiraling up, he could hear her laughter, he sensed the joy and freedom she felt and soared on, calling for her to join him. Virlane swept up behind and above her, then brushed against her, flew under her once again brushing up against her. Trailing his tail over her back as he once again flew above her, she watched him closely, then grinning tried the same thing, it took several attempts for her to judge her distance but she laughed as her wingtip slide along his stomach, she dipped away from him and then did the same thing up his back, then let out a startled cry as he nipped her tail. Giving her a wicked grin he flew above her, she felt him over her and looked up, just as he wrapped his arms and legs around her his tail curled around hers and held it tightly, he purred into her ear and nipped her neck as he thrust into her, her moans of pleasure filled the night skies, to be joined by his roar of pleasure. with each deep sweep of his wings he moved in and out of her, pushing them into a slow dive then suddenly a steep spiraling climb, feeling her climax he shuddered, flooding her with his seed. The forest people heard the dragons call in the night, husbands smiled at wives, lovers turned to each other in the dark, children snuggled down under their blankets. The dragons were back to stay and with them the prosperity of the land. A long time later the two dragons slept curled around each other, content to finally rest.

The weeks went by quickly, the nights for the dragons, the days for human matters. MiLady was sitting in the study, discussing the need for new roofs on the homes of the farmers with Henry when Mary came running in. "The Duke is back, My Lord Collin has finally returned!" Henry as usual rushed out of the room, MiLady followed at a more sedate pace, even though she wanted to rush out front just like the rest of the crowd that seemed to have quickly gathered at the steps to the keep. She watched him ride into the lower bailey, his fine stallion prancing and pawing the ground. He looked so handsome she thought as he swung down from the saddle, tossing the reins to a waiting Drapper Collin strode up the steps of the Keep bowed deeply before MiLady then swung her up into his arms and kissed her before one and all "I have returned to MiLady, the light of my life, never to leave again" a great cheer was heard through out the Courtyard. Carrying her into the Keep Collin winked, with a saucy grin MiLady winked back.