The Maiden of Kiaben

The yearly festival at Lom Hareth was possibly the most important week of the year for the surrounding villages of Quiem, Shardose, and Lethcurn. The Sacred Stones in on the Lom Hareth plateau were of significant value to the religions of all three villages, and although their traditions were different in ceremony and holidays, the week long celebration of Kiaben was key to all three and had been since their founding. The fact that the three villages had come to celebrate the same week in the same way so many years ago formed a certain brotherhood amongst the people and made it easy for the cultures to mix and mingle.

Not only a religious celebration, it was a most magnificent party and a wonderful place for youths to meet and relationships to blossom. Six months after Kiaben was often the wedding season. The blood ties in the various villages were far reaching, and every family had some relation in one of the neighboring villages. Kiaben was a time of reunion, of renewal, a welcoming of spring and life.

The tents were set up the week before, and the flat, grassy plains would be decked out in brightly color pavilions. Merchants came from all over to set up shop on Lom Hareth, and while the majority of the visitors were from the three villages, there were always plenty of strangers who traveled from far and wide to see the wonders that went on there. It was a magical time, after all, and every night of that week the mystical lights and sounds of the Life Queen would play about the plateau.

It was believed that she slept during the cold winters - or maybe she was dead and the stones marked her grave - but that during the Kiaben, she awoke and favored her children with her radiance. That was the legend, anyway, and no sage or warlock had any other explanation for the phenomenon, and poets and bards came from across the world to experience what so many of their brethren had written about in verse.

The old castle that sat on the edge of the plateau had long ago been converted into a tavern of sorts, and travelers often paid a pretty coin to stay in the comfort of the stone walls. The most of villagers, especially children and elderly, would return to their homes via carts and wagons that volunteers would drive back. Some stayed the night in the field, sleeping in a huge tent set up for just that purpose. Outsiders were not welcome in the tent, but it was a comfortable place to sleep - especially for those too drunk to make it home or young lovers seeking a little more time to be together. It never rained during the week of Kaiben, never once was there a sudden cold, or anything that would make it a less than perfect evening and that was counted amongst the goddess' blessings on the faithful.

To say that the fair was large would be an understatement. There were few from the three villages who were not there - most of the shop keeps relocated their wares to the fair and the farmers would not start tending their fields until the week after. It was an amazing spectacle of sights and sounds and crowds.

But there were two people who stood out in this over-whelming crowd, two that, when someone would begin to describe them, the others would nod and say they knew exactly who was being talked about. Two that everyone knew of, even if they had never spoken to either of them.

She was Joressa, and she had been crowned Princess of Kiaben once again. It was her fourth year as the princess, and, being seventeen, she had only been allowed to be crowned such for four years. No one under thirteen was permitted. It was an honor to be given the title, and one every young girl dreamed about. The princess was said to be the living avatar of the Life Queen. Crowned on the second evening of the seven day celebration, she was to be the embodiment of beauty, grace, civility, modesty, and kindness. Virtuous, honest, and chaste - few girls were ever the Princess more than once for most were married soon after.

Not Joressa, much to her parent's dismay, and that of all the other girls who coveted the crown. A maiden still, she could have had any man she desired, but her heart had gone out to none of them, though they still tried. She blushed again when the crown had been placed on her head, and she told the officiator that she did not deserve such an honor, as she had done the last three years. The marriage proposals would come quickly now, and she had been besieged the rest of the week to dance and flirt. She was glad that the week was coming to an end.

Joressa was beautiful, of that there was no doubt. Her auburn hair flowed in wavy tresses down past her shoulder blades, the red high-lights catching the light and glowing like hot coals in a dark high. Her eyes were green, deep dark emerald green, and gleamed like polished gemstones. Her skin had a honey hue to it, a warm tan that would grow a bit darker as spring ebbed into summer. She was thin, but strong from working on her father's fair, solid and yet curving. Her breasts were round and full, and many elderly women shook their heads at her not having children yet, saying her curving hips and hour-glass frame was perfect for birthing. She was everything the Princess of Kiaben should be, and every man wanted her for his bride.

The other one that everyone knew was a stranger. Few had caught his name, but all had seen him. His clothes were the finest of quality, unlike anything seen in this area before. A noble to be sure, and a handsome one at that. Though nobles had been seen at the festival, none were like him. He had no entourage, no servants, not even a carriage or horse, if the rumors were true. He simply appeared on the plateau on the evening of the third day and had been there since.

He was tall and broad, obviously very muscular under his silken shirt and leather jerkin. He walked with authority but with a light step, his head high, but his eyes seeking and aware. He did not look down on those around him, but met there gaze with a bright, cheerful smile. He was pleasant in conversation, engaging and well-informed about events near and far, and a comforting voice, deep and resonating especially when he laughed. His face was chiseled and tan from being outside, and he had a bit of trim stubble about his face, giving him the look of a traveler. His hair was black, and long and thick, pulled back in a pony-tail to keep it from his face - and odd hair style for the men of this region. His eyes were pale blue, like pools of liquid sky. He was unlike anyone who had attended the Kiaben, and the rumors about him spread very quickly through the celebration. After two days, he was said to be a traveler from across the great sea, and the day after that, he was king of a great nation far away.

Joressa had heard the tales and rumors, but she did not believe them so much. This happened every year, and in the end, the truth was far less grand than the fairytale. However, she still sought out the stranger - as Princess of Kiaben, she was expected to greet foreigners and welcome them and explain the ways and customs of the celebration. Usually, foreigners sought her out - she guessed to see the one who had been picked as Princess and see if they would have better luck winning her than the locals. This man had not - in fact, it was the seventh day of Kiaben now, and he had been here for four days, and she had not seen him once. Surprising and yet not so. It was a large place after all, but from the way people talked of him, she would have thought him easy to find.

It was just before lunch on the seventh day of the ceremony when Joressa saw him. It took a good ten minutes to finally make her way to the man - the crowd seemed to open up to let him pass but close soon after he walked by, and Joressa found herself pushing past people - some who tried to stop her and engage her in conversation - in order to pursue.

When she finally got to him, his eyes were already on her, and she curtsied politely. "Greetings, traveler, to Kiaben. I am sorry I could not greet you sooner, as is my duty. I am Joressa, Princess of Ceremonies, and I thank you for coming to this celebration."

The man, who stood a full head taller than the girl, and she was not short for her age, smiled. "Pleased am I that you found me, then, if it is your duty to do so. You need not have wasted your time, but I thank you all the same." He bowed politely then turned to go about his business, whatever that may have been.

Joressa was stunned. No one had ever said so little to her and turned away; no one had ever dismissed her so lightly, especially on Lom Hareth at the Kiaben. She was not offended by his words, just shocked at them. She rushed to follow, staying at his side. She held the skirt of her red dress to keep from stepping on the hem. The cream-colored bodice was tight around her waist and squeezed and lifted her breasts, exposing her amble cleavage. Most men seemed to be unable to keep their eyes any higher than her chest; the stranger's never seemed to roam lower than her eyes. She was bewildered.

"Milord, I beg you, let me accompany you awhile. If you have any questions about the celebration, I would answer them."

"Milady," he said, turning and bowing to her again. He was polite and sincere, not a hint of annoyance in his voice, just plain truth. "You need not bother with such trivialities as entertaining a wanderer such as myself. I have learned all I need know about this place, the villages, the ceremonies, and the festival. I have gotten to see your beauty with my own eyes, and for that I am grateful we met at last, Princess Joressa, but surely you have a better way to spend your morning that exchanging dutiful pleasantries with me."

He turned to leave her once again, and though she wound normally have let someone leave after so gently and explicitly saying that he did not want her company - no, that he did not need her company; he never said he didn't want it - something compelled her to speak again. "But, Milord, we have not yet met. I have introduced myself, sir, but I still do not know your name."

He chuckled, and shook his head. "Forgive me, lady, for I have done you a great disservice, indeed. You have played the fair and gentle hostess, and I, it would seem, have been the poor guest." He faced her directly and he flourished a bow, flaying his velvet cape out with one hand in a wide, sweeping gesture and he lowered himself before her. "I am Lycar of House Moonsong, which I have no doubt that you know nothing of in these parts."

"Nay, gentle sir, I have never heard of your house and family."

Lycar nodded. "I am far from home, Princess, and very far indeed."

"Why do you come to these distant lands? I would imagine that there is little here that could interest someone who has traveled so widely."

He laughed again. "Nay, good lady. There is much in the world that still holds delight for me. Every new place, a new reward. The Kiaben, for example - I have been traveling many years now, and never have I seen anything like the Night Spectacle. It is truly a thing of beauty and wonder."

"I am glad the festival has pleased you, lord."

"It has at that."

"It is close to the noon-time meal; would you allow me to accompany you at least till then, Milord?"

"Lady, I would be honored." He offered his arm to her, and she took it, hooking her elbow around his thick, strong forearm. His body was like stone, it was so dense with hard muscle. "But please, no more of this 'Lord' nonsense. Call me Lycar, or Moonsong if you need be formal with me. I have a name, after all - it would be a pity for it to go unused."

She smiled at him, her white teeth sparkling in the day light. "And I am Joressa. One week out of a year does not make royalty out of me, sir."

"It suits, you though, Joressa, royalty does. You have a regal baring and the making of an excellent wife. But I embarrass you!" he added, noting the flush in her face. "I apologize. I do it often, it seems, without meaning to."

"Do not apologize - it is that I do not take compliments well."

"Never-the-less," he said, patting her arm with his hand, "I should not have spoken so familiarly. After all, the way rumors fly about this place, if we are not careful, by tonight, people will be speaking of our wedding."

At that, Joressa laughed. It was the truth, and Lycar spoke it plainly. She liked that about if, and grew to like it all the more as the minutes they spent together stretched out to hours. They took lunch together; he bought their food, paying with a few gold coins from his heavy money pouch - paying double what was needed, but leaving before the merchant could make change.

They took their meal a bit of a ways from the festival to sit amongst the grass and flowers that were beginning to bloom on the plateau. It was a bit of a walk to get away from the crowd and the noise, and no doubt rumors were already spreading about how Joressa was seen leaving the celebration with the stranger, but she didn't care.

Lycar carried it all, their meat and fruit and cheese and flagons on a large tray. His arms never tired from holding it, and not a drop was spilled from their cups even as he set the tray on the ground. She apologized for not having a blanket for them to sit upon, but Lycar laughed at that. He was a wanderer, he said, and very used to lying on the ground. He was unlike anyone she had ever met - so rich and refined and yet so at ease and practical.

They chatted away the afternoon, both very comfortable with the other's companionship, and it wasn't until the sun started to dip lower in the sky at Joressa realized just how late it had gotten. "Lycar, I must be off," she said, rising quickly to her feet. She started to scoop up the empty dishes as she spoke, "I must get myself ready! The masquerade is tonight, and I must lead the dance -"

She was getting frantic, worried that she was being a terrible hostess, but she knew well the duties she needed to perform this evening. He grabbed her arm in his hand, his strong grip hurting her for a second before he loosened it some. "Mind not these dishes, Joressa. This is not so base a job that I cannot do it myself. You have your responsibilities this night. Go to them."

She looked into his eyes, about to argue, but his kind smile and gentle gaze warmed her and she could not help but smile herself in return and acquiesce. "Okay. I will be off then."

"I have a gift for you, if I may. A token for you," he paused a moment, then added, "to assure that I get at least one dance this evening."

His displayed his hands to her, large, strong, yet empty. He flourished them about, an elaborate, whimsical gesture, and then, suddenly, he was holding a flower, like a rose, but unlike any such bloom she had ever seen. It was a large, bulbous flower, with large, soft petals of a most delicate yellow-orange color. It was fragrant, the rich perfume reaching her nose even from a distance.

"It's a magic thing, my dear," he said, as he offered to her. She took it, marveling at its beauty and wondrous scent. "I cut it two years ago from a bush in an enchanted garden, and it had not wilted or dried, not one petal has fallen or bruised. And I have kept it all that time in my pouch," he said, tapping the leather pouch that rested on his hip.
"Nay, good sir Lycar. That is not possible." Her fingers ran over the cut base of the flower stem, and as she thought, it was still wet. "This flower had been cut not more than an hour past, if that."

"But how could I have done this, when you were with me this whole time? And where around these parts could I find such a flower?"

"When you strolled off not half an hour ago - was for but a moment, but a moment is all it takes. And while I have seen many of the blooms in this area, even I cannot say what might live on this plateau and grow during the Kiaben."

"Fair enough, sweet creature. Doubt it, if you will, but I speak true. Some hours from now, if I lie, it will be drying and falling away, and I will not have assure myself a dance - "

"Nay, Lycar. You will have assured that you get no dance at all," she teased him, not really meaning it, but showing that she would not be played by his tales.

"But, if the flower is as strong and sweet-smelling this evening as it is now, then I shall have my dance."

"If it is as you say, Lycar Moonsong, then I shall wear this flower in my hair tonight, and you will have every dance." She turned and started to skip away, a joy in her heart unlike she had ever known before. She clutched the flower to her breast, enjoying the pleasant smell, and even his tale, wishing it could be true. It was a beautiful present, one way, but a truly remarkable and rich treasure the other.

"I will hold you to that," she heard his voice call out to her.

She turned back briefly and called back, "You need not hold me to my word! I would look forward greatly to keeping it!"

* * * * *

It is not known how word spread through the festival, but whispers began soon after Joressa returned from her long lunch bearing the unusual blossom in her hands and beaming so happily. Rumors exploded - "In love," they said. "Betrothed," others swore. The stories roared like wild fire, and everyone had their own version, but all were focused on the young lord who had spent the country maiden off her feet. Most people agreed that it was about time that Joressa chose a man, and while the stranger was pleasant enough by all accounts, many shook their heads at such an arrangement. Of course, there were plenty of men who were disappointed that she seemed to be taken.

Nighttime darkened the sky to black, and soon after the last rays of the sun flickered and died from the few clouds, the Night Spectacle began once more for the last time this year. Bright lights leapt and twirled in the sky, showering the plans with color and twinkling sparks. There was no need for torches or fires, the lights were bright enough to illuminate the field in a gentle glow, and they stretched across the tire plateau, leaving no dark shadows or patches of gloom. They were warm, and they eased the soul to watch. The world was awash with the gentle sounds of singing, a sweet woman's voice. There were no words, at least not that she sang, just a touching, gleeful melody.

Musicians played in time, their songs specially written to accompany the angelic voice that flowed from the earth. Bards and minstrels tried their skills here every year, playing to the Life Queen's song. Some wrote lyrics and joined in the singing, others just played their music. It was quite the time for all.

And on the last day, the masquerade. All but the Princess of Kiaben wore masks and met in the fields to dance away the last evening. Most of the festival cleared out during the day, all the shops removed leaving only the food and drink pavilions still standing.

It was customary at the dance for singles to wear very elaborate masks, like a peacock flaring his feathers to attract a mate, and for couples to only wear plain ones since they would come together and most likely not leave each other's side, not for long. It was a simple distinction, but tradition. Everyone carried a candle as well, for the dancing continued long into the night until the Night Spectacle exploded into thousands of tiny sparkles at drifted to the ground and disappeared and the Life Queen's presence left these hollow grounds - usually only the young ones managed to stay that long - and when the lights were out and darkness consumed, everyone would remove their masks and light their candles to reveal their partner's face and to share a kiss with that person, the one with whom you ended the Kiaben.

It was not difficult or unusual for many young people to find the one person they wanted to be with and dance with them until the festival's end in order to receive that kiss. It was also not unusual for these couples to share more than a kiss that evening; the fading lights were said to contain the Life Queen's essence and it filled those it touched with vigor and passion - or so the rumors went. Parents often frowned upon their children staying until the end of the Night Spectacle since many of them remember those times when they, themselves, stayed, but it was part of the tradition. It was a common belief that the Life Queen blessed a marriage that blossomed from a kiss at the end of the Kiaben. There were some who said that the Life Queen blessed more physical unions, and that blessing was a child which is why weddings were so quick to come after the Kiaben. A few understood that one was simply a kinder way of saying the other.

Joressa, as the Princess, was honor-bound to stay to the end and dance, though with whom was of her choosing. Even still, as the night waned, it was common for brawls to spring up from the men trying to get the Princess to dance with them. Since none knew when the Kiaben would end, it did so suddenly with no warning and never at the same time, man struggled to be dancing with the Princess as much as possible in order to win the kiss and, they hoped, her hand. Joressa had awarded three kisses to date, but nothing more.

She wore white, as was the tradition of the princess. It was a beautiful dress of shimmering, flowing silk, trimmed with lace and sparkling white jewels. She did look the part of royalty, done up as she was. In her hair, the only splash of color, she bore the flower that Lycar had given her.

Joressa stepped out into the empty field just as the lights and music began; the crowd partying to let her pass and take her place. There was a wide circle around her created by the crowd as all eyes were upon her. She began to dance, alone, letting her body twist and bob as the Life Queen's soul bid her. She dipped and weaved, and the crowd watched in a hush. Each year Joressa was able to let go more and more. She could feel her body moving, but she had no control over the step of her feet and the sway of her hips. It was the Life Queen who danced before the crowd in all her glory - the first time a human had so invoked her spirit so completely - and everyone there stared, wide-eyed, realizing that they were seeing something unique, something special.

Joressa danced for some time like that, and no one moved at all. Her revelry ended, as it always does, though this one lasted far longer than any before, and Joressa was left standing in a wild circle all alone. She looked out into the crowd, waiting.

Some minutes passed as they always did, before the first courageous man stepped forth from the crowd and approached her. He flourished a cape - albeit clumsily as one not used to such a motion - and swept his hat off his head, bowing low to the Princess. He held his free hand out to her and, offering to take her hand and start the dance. She curtsied to him, but shook her head. The man, thus rebuffed, stood back up and stepped back into the crowd.

This was not uncommon - it was part of the tradition. It was rare that the first one was chosen, which is why so few would attempt it, but there was the chance. The Princess of Kiaben, after all, was often swayed by the Life Queen with whom she should dance. Of course, that is to say that the Princess did not, herself, consciously make the choice, either.

A few other men tried their luck - they approached, bowed, and held out their hand only to receive a shake of her head for their efforts. When he stepped out of the crowd, a hush fell. Most had assumed that Joressa was waiting for him to approach, and they were curious as to why he waited so long.

Lycar, for they all knew it was him behind the mask, was dressed in regal finery. He was the only one who seemed to fit with Joressa, the way she was dressed. He stepped up to her and bowed low, his strength and grace evident in his every move. He impressed the crowd with his elegance and poise.

Joressa curtsied and took his hand. The band started up, joining in with the Life Queen's voice, and the two began to dance together. The crowd watched for some moments, amazed by how they looked so good together, before slowly the mass broke into pairs as couples moved in to join with Joressa and Lycar.

"I see that you found my story to be true," Lycar said as he swept Joressa gracefully around the field.

"I did, and I was amazed. I am sorry I doubted you, Lycar. I never should have thought you anything but true, especially after your gracious manner, and yet I questioned your word -"

Lycar laughed. "Think little of it. Why should you believe me for such a fantastic tale. It was true, but not believable."

"I have difficulty accepting such a rare and wonderful treasure."

"It is a token of my appreciation to you and your duties as Princess. You have already accepted it graciously, Lady. Let us not ruin that."

Joressa smiled at him, amused by his words. "I will."

They danced for hours, taking a few breaks for food and drink, but being true to her word, Joressa turned away any other man who tried to cut in with her dance. Some took the rebuke harshly, but most realized their efforts were in vain before even trying. It was most strange for the Princess to dance with only one person all night, but it was not against any rules or traditions. And more than just her own desire, Joressa felt the push of the Life Queen for her to remain by Lycar's side. Every feeling in her body told her that this was right.

And then, Kiaben ended. The lights exploded suddenly and silence descended upon the plateau as the showers of sparkling, twinkling dust rained down upon everyone, gently coating everything in colorful glitters that faded into total darkness. It was a truly awe-inspiring sight, and it was so every year. Then a flame lit up, and another, then another. Candles burst to life, revealing a face in the dim orange glow, and then faces leaned in, lips met, and couples kissed.

A light lit up Lycar's face, and Joressa, the only on the field without a candle, leaned in towards him, rising up on her toes to bring her face closer to his. He leaned down a bit, and kissed her sweetly upon her lips. It was a soft, gentle kiss - pure like freshly fallen snow and silken like a flower petal.

But neither relented their kiss, even as others around them began to cheer and laugh - often such amusement over-took the revelries after their kiss ended. Lycar and Joressa's did not end. Her hands slid across his rough cheeks, savoring the feeling of his skin before slipping up into his dark hair. Lycar reached around her with one arm and lifted her into the air, holding her face level with his own and squeezing her body tight against his. There lips didn't part, and their kiss grew and burned hot, like a small flame exploding into a wild fire. Soon her airs were about his neck, and in her passion, her tongue flicked across his lips and into his mouth, free his own from between his teeth. She had never kissed a man with such fervor before, and she could only feel hot elation as emotions welled up within her. It was wild, like electricity bursting inside of her and rippling through every inch of her flesh. She had never before felt so moved by a man, by being in his arms. Pressed up against him so, and her only thought was how much closer she wanted to be to him - and she blushed as she realized the only was to satisfy that need for closeness.

The crowd was thinning, but they were not the only couple left, lingering in their passion when Lycar set her down. Joressa stroked his face again, gazing dreamily into his eyes. She wanted to say something but knew now what words she should utter. She was embarrassed to be forthright, but she didn't doubt that Lycar would be too proper to try to suggest anything.

"Milady," he whispered. "I will regret the loss of light for it will mean no longer being able to gaze upon your face, but I fear I need to extinguish this flame."

His words surprised her and she looked down at the candle in his hands only to see that the wax had melted over and was covering his hand. "Lycar!" she shouted in surprise and quickly blew the flame out. She knocked the candle from his grasp and broke away the hot pieces of wax. "That must hurt terribly."

"No," he said. "Not so much."

She brought his hand to her lips and gently kissed the singed flesh. "I wish I could do more to ease the pain. You needn't have kept old of that."

"You have eased all my pain, Princess, and I was glad to do so to see you longer."

She smiled. The was little light left, most of the candles had been extinguished and only a few small pin-pricks drifted in the dark sea of night, and they were disappearing one by one. The sounds of kissing was obvious in the darkness, and soft moans of pleasure from couples who had already moved beyond kissing. There was moment all around them as they stood in the field as more and more bodies succumbed to the temptations of flesh and desire.

"Does this always happen here?" Lycar whispered. Joressa could hear the smile in his voice.

"Truth be told, I have never lingered past the end of the ceremony. I had never felt compelled to stay with the one I had ended the dance with." Joressa suddenly blushed as she realized how he might take what she had said. She had meant it, but she felt like she had been terribly forward.

"And you felt like staying tonight," Lycar spoke, his hand stroking her hair.

"Yes," Joressa whispered. "I want to stay tonight."

Suddenly she was scooped up as he lifted her from her feet into his arms, easily holding her weight. "I wanted you to stay as well." He leaned in and whispered. "I do not care much for the company, though, my dear. I would prefer to be with you alone."

She beamed and kissed his cheek. "And I with you, milord." She did not want her first time marred by the presence of others. "I feel, however, that escape may be difficult."

"Nay," he replied. "I see well enough in the dark." He was moving, then, twisting and turning and he strolled through the throng of coupling bodies that sprawled across the ground. Mostly they were in pairs with some distance between one group and another, but every so often, several pairings came together in a mix of arms and legs squirming and mingling as passion drove men and women to seek each other. Joressa had heard of such things, where women and men switched partners during the night or would even start joining efforts with one another, turning a couple into a threesome or more. In the end, everyone ended up curled up with one person and waking with them in the morning, but it was not always the same one that they first started with.

Lycar seemed to have no problem negotiating his way through the field, and while his movement was graceful and gentle, Joressa felt as though he was moving tremendously fast. Then they were in a forest, and he was ducking and weaving under branches and around brush; Joressa was amazed by his swiftness and his ability to maneuver in the prevailing darkness. She could see nothing but shadows.

He lowered her to her feet. "I think we have escaped prying eyes."

Joressa was a little embarrassed, not quite knowing how to proceed. She understood the basics of sex, and her body was telling her what it wanted, but she didn't quite know how to get there. Would it be improper of her to remove her cloths? Was Lycar ready for such a thing? She was nervous about being naked before his eyes, but at the same time she wanted to expose all of her to him.

He took the next step, stripping off his cloak and gently laying it upon the ground like a blanket. He stepped out of his boots and stepped onto the thick cloth and held his hand out to her. Her eyes were adjusting to the darkness and she could see the shadowy outline of his large frame. She took his hand and stepped out of her own shoes onto his cloak.

He drew her close and kissed her again, and Joressa just let herself be swept away by her feelings, letting her body what felt right. Her fingers, shaking a bit with fear and excitement, unbutton Lycar's vest and then pulled it down and off of him onto the ground, then started in on his shirt. His hands were around her, and once his vest was off, he was working the clasps on the back of her dress. By the time she had his shirt undone, her gown fell away from her body, leaving her naked before him.

His shirt was off, and the rest of his cloths fell away into a pile on the ground. "If you don't mind, Joressa, I would like to be able to see you better."

"And I, you, love," she whispered, confused by his words.

Lycar held out his hand and mumbled something Joressa could not understand. And then the forest lit up. There was a small globe of light in his hands, glowing like a small flame but slowly the light grew until it shed the illumination of a small campfire.

Joressa stared in awe at the light in his hand, taken my the wonder of it all.

Lycar smiled, amused by her surprise. "I have traveled far and while, my dear. It is a simple thing to learn such tricks as this. I know far more."

Joressa's eyes drank in the sight of the man who stood before her. He was actually bigger and broader without his cloths, it seemed. His body was thick with muscle, his arms thicker and more defined that even her town's black smith. Lycar looked like he could lift a horse above his head if her so chose.

His eyes fell across her in return, and though a little embarrassed, she did not shy away of cover up her nakedness. She stood there before him as she was, on display for him.

And they were together again, swept up in a passionate embrace, and then on the ground, their bodies rolling across on another, lips and fingers becoming familiar with the shape and taste and feel of each other's bodies. Though slow at first, both seemed fueled by an incredible urgency to explore and discover each other.

Joressa's hands caressed the Lycar's hot organ, amazed by the size and hardness of it. Having lived on a farm, she knew of the coupling of animals, but this was her first experience with a man's cock. She found it strangely exciting to have in her hands, to slowly stroke it and make him moan from her touch.

She loved the way he touched her, carefully as if afraid he would break her. His lips sought out her breast, suckling her and causing her body to arch to his touch as she called out her pleasure. She had never known anything to feel so right and so wonderful as being her with him, letting him touch her as no one had.

And they continued their foreplay until the fire in her loins could be denied no longer. Lycar was on his back when Joressa could wait no longer, and she threw her leg over his prone body and positioned herself above his cock.

"Are you sure you want this?" Lycar asked her as he rolled her young firm breasts in his hands, arousing her passion.

"More than anything," she replied as she lowered herself onto him. She held his shaft in her hands, keeping it inline with her body. She moaned when the head grazed against her skin, and she held it there for a moment, sliding the tip across her slit to get it slick with her juices. She had a friend who had been married for a couple years who once confided in her that this was the best way to have sex. It was all Joressa knew to do.

She lowered herself onto his, his hard cock sliding inside of her. It stung a bit to feel her narrow passage widen to accept him, but she went slowly, and as the pleasure inside of her swelled, the pain was replaced by sheer delight. She took all of him inside, actually amazed that she could do so. It felt wonderful to be filled by him, to have him inside of her - the most delicious feeling in the world, this fullness.

His hands went to her ass as he raised himself up to suckle once more at her breast. He lifted her some, and by the strength of his arms and the thrusting of his hips, their coupling began. Joressa was overwhelmed by the feeling of him moving inside. What she had thought as wonderful was soon completely over-taken by this new pleasure.

She was quick to react and began to move in time with his thrusting, her pleasure mounting with every moment, like her body was filling with it and it spread through her like fire, heating her from the inside. His hands where all over her, sliding around her soft skin and through her hair, his very touch exciting her. He was breathing hard beneath her, thrusting his hips with more and more force.

Joressa exploded and her voice ripped from her body in one long cried of ultimate pleasure and desire. She was trembling as lightning coursed through her. She didn't understand what this sudden, amazing feeling was, but she did know that thrusting back against Lycar only made it continue and feel even better. She hollowed her lust and desire, bucking wildly above him. His hands squeezed against her, but even as hard as he was squeezing, it only made her feel more wonderful.

Her world was a blur as she came. She was slow to come down from her amazing orgasm. As awareness slow came to her, Lycar's hands clutching her began to hurt. Her hand one on her ass and the other was squeezing her right breast. Not only was pressure too much, but his nails were biting sharply into her flesh like daggers. While the feeling of fullness had once been incredibly pleasurable, his felt like it was swelling inside of her, stretching her taunt flesh painfully. He was panting hard now, but it sounded of strain, not pleasure.

She looked down at the man beneath her, and horror filled her eyes. His face was contorted into a look of agony and even as she watched, his jaw was stretching and japing out through his skin, elongating. His eyes were wild with a madness, and his flesh was darkening. His already broad chest expanded as course hair sprouted from his skin. His was growling and snapping at the air like an animal.

Joressa scream. Her pleasure and passion disintegrated instantly as she pushed herself off the thing beneath her. It was not hard to escape his grasp, but damn if it hadn't hurt her even more. His claws left shallow slashes cross her boob and her ass where he had been holding her. She was up and running into the forest, but the darkness was overwhelming. Her eyes were used to the soft light of Lycar's spell, and now everything around her was black, except for the orange glow she was fleeing from.

A bestial howl killed the silence that had settled. It was a wild, angry sound, a monster on the hunt. She had the head start, but she could hear the thing charging up behind her, crashing through the trees and brushes with ease. She was in tears, scared for her life. Loose twigs bit at her bare feet, braches raked her naked skin, and brush tripped up her legs, slowing her escape.

It was behind her and gaining, there was no escape, she knew that. She wasn't even totally sure where she was or how she could get back to the plateau. She didn't know which way to run, except away from the crashing behind her. Even if she got to the plateau, would anybody save her? Could they?

The ground was shaking from the inpact of the thing rushing towards her; she could hear braches shatter and trees break as it plowed through them. It was growling and panting like a beast. Joressa screamed again, her terror peaking; it was only a few feet behind, it that.

It leapt and slammed into her, its great weight knocking her to the ground and pinning her there. The things arms support its weight by her head, and its knees were down by her feet. Her entire body was engulfed by the creature - it must have been some nine feet fall. The beast was covered with short, coarse fur, she could feel it against her back. The head lowered to her ear, but she did not turn to look.

"You can not escape me," it whispered, the voice deep and rough. "You would leave me so unsatisfied?"

Suddenly she was no longer fearing for her life. Not yet - the beast had other plans first. Her legs was stretched apart; she struggled against them, but for all her effort, the creature didn't even notice. It lurched forward, slamming it's cock home into her tight cunt, making her scream. It was at least twice as thick as it had been, and longer, too, the head slamming into her cervix painfully.

The beast fucked her hard and past, not caring if his rapid humping was hurting her - which he was. She tried to struggle free, but she felt his mouth close around her neck, sharp teeth grazing her flesh. She ceased her attempts at freedom.

She cried as he raped her, screaming in pain when a there was sudden extra explosion of pain. Its cock was still swelling, she could feel it at the base of her cunt, a thick bulge thumping painfully against her opening, sometimes slipping in and out, stretching her even more.

And then, when that bulge seemed to have swelled to too big, the creature thrust it hard, forcing it in. Joressa screamed once more; she sobbed into the ground, here pain and fear making her shake. Once the buldge was in, in would not budge from inside of her, and her abused cunt was now locked tight around the monster's cock. The creature was still shaking and jerking a bit, wiggling the massive lump around inside her.

The beast shifted, lifting itself to a kneeling position. Joressa was too weak to even try to crawl away, not that she could escape, locked to him as she was. Its clawed hands were on her back, the sharp talons tracing long scratches across her flesh. It was huffing and jerking, and then roared, the sound deafening Joressa for a few moments. Her cunt was suddenly hot as the monster unleashed its vile fluid into her. She could feel it filling her more and more as it pumped her full; the swell that locked them together also held the cum inside of her. As much as the enormous tool inside her was stretching her, as full as her cunt already was, it was just loaded even more, making her feel heavy and bloated.

"Ah," the beast growled. "I had tried to control myself, but I could not. Your beauty and passion unleashed the beast within me, Joressa. I have not lost my control like that in many many years. More than a few of your life times."

She cried in silence for some time beneath the creature, its swollen cock still filling her completely. It did not seem to be going down any time soon. It just supported itself on its hands and knees above her. Finally she gasped out between her sobs, "What now? Will you kill me?"

"Kill you?" the beast roared, its voice booming through the forest. It tossed its head back and laughed. "No, I shall not kill you. You are coming with me."

That shocked her even more. She didn't know what was worse. "Why?" she shouted out, crying even more.

"A gift of the Life Queen, my dear. Surely you know the blessing she bestows. A child upon you, our child from this union."

The words pierce her heart, a cold painful stab of anger and sorrow. "Leave me be, then, demon! Come back for your hellish child after it is born - I would gladly be rid of the child - but do no take me with you to your hell!"

The beast laughed again. It shifted itself, and then her, turning her from her stomach onto her back. It hurt her to be moved so, but not too badly. She looked up at the creature before her. Huge, far broader and thicker than Lycar had been, covered with black fur. A muzzle like a dog, and canine ears and eyes. Her breath caught in her throat.

"Yes, Joressa," Lycar hissed, his lips snarling up to show his fangs. Without trying, he looked very savage. "Not a demon, but a werewolf. I cannot leave you behind. A child in your womb, your body and blood share with the babes - it is as I am and so shall you be. If I left you, you would never be able to control the beast you will become. During your pregnancy, you would become a beast by night and stalk down and hunt your food for your child. Or children, I should say. Twins I would guess. You would slaughter your family and friends, devour their flesh. Hunting as such, you may even hurt the children. We would not want that."

"Why?" she screamed, beating his chest with her fists. Her blows where like raindrops on solid stone. "Why have you done this to me?"

"The witch told me. My pack has grown weak, and I sought her council ages ago. She said to seek the one who had been the Life Queen's daughter through the four quarters of the moon. Her brood would bring glory back to my people. I have waited long for one who would be picked to be the Princess of the Kiaben four years in a row. This is not typical. It was fate that brought us together! The witch told me to mate with you on the last night, and I have done so. I am a lord amongst my kind, and you now my mate. You will no longer be a princess, but a queen to my people."

Joressa laid quiet and still under him for some time until his cock shrunk and they were unknotted. She thought to run, but she was too sore for that, too weak, and it was already shown that she was incapable of escaping him. He lifted her up, gentle with her once more, and carried her back to the light.

He was a man again, the beautiful, wonderful Lycar that she had met that morning when he set her down on his cloak. She didn't know where he got it from, but he had a back as well, and he made a small camp, even unrolled a thick blanket for her. "I had my things stashed here for tonight," he explained.

"So it was all a lie," Joressa spat out, her angry overtaking her fear at this point. She was hurt and used and she despised the man who made her feel this way, who had abused her love for him. "You would have taken me one way or the other."

Lycar sat down before her, his eyes once more gentle as he looked at her. "No. I came to the Kiaben to seek you out. My plan had been to steal you away. But after the first night, after hearing about you from everyone, I decided I could not do this. I knew I could not kidnap you or take you against your will. Believe it or not, it is the truth.

"By this morning, I had thought that we had not met to be a sign that we should never meet, that either you were not the one the witch told me about or that it was the will of the Life Queen for my people to die out. I was going to stay to see the masquerade and the end of the Night Spectacle, but I would leave this place and alone and return home once and for all, no more seeking no more searching. I would stay with my family and we would all die out one by one.

"But then you found me, Joressa. I was surprised by it, resigned as I was, and tried to leave you. I didn't want to meet you by then, but you insisted. I wondered if maybe this wasn't our destiny. So I took lunch with you, and spent the happiest afternoon I have known in decades in your presence. I believed you were the one, a gift from the Life Queen to heal my family. So I gave you the flower, and you swore you would spend the evening dancing with me. I was delighted.

"I swear to you, the hours with you have been the best of my life. You wanted me as much as I you, and I have always given you the opportunities to leave my side. You did not. I wish I could have kept control, my love, I really do. I never wanted things to happen the way they did, but you unlocked the beast. While it is still me, my thoughts and actions are much more primal then they are now. I was mating and then you were gone - my sole desire was gone. I could not help but follow you and finish our coupling."

He hung his head. "I am sorry you are hurt, Joressa. I am sorry that I frightened you, and that you hate me now. But, in all honesty, I am not sorry that we were together, despite the way it ended. You will come with me, you will have our children, and my people will be restored. I wish it had happened differently, but it hasn't, and I will have to live with your hatred and scorn, as much as it hurts me to do so, but I will never leave you behind."

Joressa was moved by his story. Her fear and anger melted as his deep voice betrayed his emotions - his sorrow for the loss of his people who he was meant to protect, way he spoke of her with such love, and the anger he placed upon himself for loosing control. She knew she shouldn't, but she could not help but forgive him. She crawled to him and wrapped her slender arms around his thick body.

He was shocked to feel her against him. He turned to her and embraced her.

"I was moved by you, too, my love. I fear the beast inside of you, and I fear what future awaits me now with such a beast inside of me, but I felt the Life Queen, I felt her drawing me towards you. Every moment with you has felt right, even now. Everything except those moments of terror."

"I wish that I could take them back," he whispered to her.

She kissed him, silencing his words, his regrets. She laid herself down on his blanket and drew him down with her. He folded his large arms around her, pulling her against his body, her back to his chest. Her soft, round ass pressed into his lap, and she smiled as she felt a stirring in his loins.

Joressa was confused by these feelings, but she knew they were not quite her own. The Life Queen was influencing her once more. Joressa had never been very self-righteous, but she had always felt that due to her unique position as the Princess of Kiaben for four years, she was closer to the Life Queen than most, that the Life Queen took a greater interest in Joressa, and that she felt her presence more than others could. If this is what the Life Queen wanted of her, to be with Lycar, she - as a faithful daughter - would not argue. Once more her love for the man with her burned in her heart. She did not fear and she did not hate - there was no terror in her memories of the attack on her. She even felt a strange tingle in her to think of her lover as so strong and powerful to overpower her so. Just like at the end of the Kiaben, she was getting turned on. She let herself enjoy it.

"You seem like you would like more, my love," she whispered, turning her face to him and wiggling her ass against his hardening cock. Lycar's eyes showed his surprise, so she smiled at him. "We are mates, now, as you have said. When you wish it, I am here for you to mate with. We are all prisoners of our fate; there is no reason we should not find pleasure in it if we can."

"Are you not sore, love? I would not hurt you more than I have already."

"Nay, Milord Moonsong, I am not hurt." She, herself, was surprised by the realization. "I only want more of you."

Overjoyed by her acceptance of him, Lycar was quick to do as she bid him. They spent that night in each other's arms, making love until the early hours of dawn. They napped from time to time, but often woke soon after, invigorated and taken with desire. Sometimes he was able to stay a man and keep their sex gentle and sweet. Other times, his lust overtook him and roused the beast. Joressa never fear it, never once tried to flee or struggle against him, and she found that, even though his strength and size did cause her some discomfort, the amazing wildness and pleasure of their animalistic coupling was worth it.

After they dinned on a light breakfast, Lycar gave Joressa some traveling cloths that he had purchased of her after she had left him the afternoon before to ready herself for the dance. They started off, him leading her away from her village and towards his own land, where they might begin their life together and save his pack.

The people of her village were not surprised that Joressa never returned. They had thought she might come back to say goodbye and retrieve her things, but as the day passed, they knew she was gone for good. They trusted the Life Queen that she was safe and happy forever. She was remembered with great love as the loveliest and most perfect Princess of Kiaben, and every girl after always strived to show the same grace and perfection that she had shown. They never knew what had become of her, though, that the Princess had become a Queen.