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Subject: {ASSM} {ASS} The Quest 1/4 (mf nosex)
Date: Thu, 17 May 2001 11:10:04 -0400
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Disclaimer:  this sotry contailns representations of graphic sex acts,
if you find such material objectionable or you are not an adult do not
read any further.  This story may be archived or distributed through a
web site only so long as the site is not commercial, and this notice is
left intact and unaltered.  I also ask that I be contacted before the
story is posted.

I write these stories for personnal enjoyment and for the comments.  If
there's something you think I need to work on or something you like
please let me know.  Flames will of course be ignored.

The Quest

Farleven farleven@yahoo.com
http://www.angelfire.com/ct2/farleven/index.html
2000

Part 1/4  (mf nosex)

"You have a destiny."

Elshana absorbed the words of her master.  She had known it for all her
life, but to hear him speak those words was the final culmination of her
life's work.  Elshana had spent the last ten years proving herself and
preparing herself for this day, for her master's final acknowledgement
of her purpose in life.

Master Morgan looked down at the young woman before him as she accepted
his words with the grace that marked her as Ashari, as a chosen one.
Elshana had been sent to him when she was but seven, sent because the
local priestess had seen the spark within her.  Morgan had spent the
next ten years helping his pupil turn that spark into a flame, and
temper it with wisdom and control.  He had trained Ashari most of his
life, and few had possessed the spirit and the raw power Elshana carried
inside her.  Morgan knew the challenge that awaited her however, the
same challenge that had consumed all Ashari before her.  Elshana had a
dangerous path to take, one that she would walk without guidance, but it
was only an Ashari that could complete the task that lay ahead of her,
only an Ashari could save the land of Hosul from the darkness of Telain.

Elshana knew of the dangers ahead, of the path she must walk to save her
people.  It was her duty to her family and to herself to fight this
battle.  The Ashari had once stood guard over the whole of Hosul,
guarding the land from the barbarians to the east and south.  Then came
Telain and the legion of Ashari fell before him and Hosul stood defense
less against him.  Little was known of Telain, as no one who traveled to
his land returned.  Only the story of his confrontation with the King of
Hosul many centuries ago says anything about the man.  He was said to be
as handsome as any man in the whole of Hosul and that his eyes could
sway a woman's soul.  Telain had came to seek the king's surrender, and
when the King refused, Telain took hold of the Ashari guards of the
castle and led them away.  Since that time, the Ashari had been sent to
reclaim their lost sisters and vanquish Telain.  None had ever returned
from the quest, but no Ashari could remain in Hosul while her sisters
were under evil's spell.  Elshana was just the latest Ashari to begin
the quest, and she anxiously awaited her chance to challenge Telain and
free the Ashari and Hosul from his grasp.

Morgan looked down at the young woman again, holding out his arms.  He
closed his eyes and opened his hands to complete the incantation and
Elshana's gifts appeared in his hands.  "Take these items, Elshana.
You're journey will be long and difficult and I have these words of
warning for you.  Beware the dark man of the highway and never forget
your true feelings for him.  Remember as well that love is the
expression of the mind and not the flesh, trust your heart, Elshana, and
you shall fulfill your destiny."

Elshana bowed her head in thanks for his words of warning, quickly
burning them into her soul as she took the items offered.  Morgan gave
her a pendant, a small pouch and a short sword.  Elshana recognized the
items as soon as they appeared in her Master's hands.  The pendant was
the mark of Ashari, and a focus for her power.  The pouch contained a
sacred mixture of elements, a source of energy for an Ashari as she
traveled far from home and the power of her homelands.  Finally the
sword, it was more than just a weapon, but a wand and focus for her
powers as well.  While some spells could be cast by words or a wave of
the hand, the most powerful spells needed a stronger focus then just the
pendant and the sword provided that focus.

"I have done all I can for you, Elshana, take with you my warnings and
my lessons.  You are Ashari and you are prepared for what awaits you.
Good luck." Morgan spoke his final words to his pupil.  He gazed upon
her one more time with longing and hope.  She was about to begin a
journey so many had never returned from, and her Master could only wish
her well.  He waited for her eyes to meet his one last time and he then
dissolved into the mist, returning to his home and setting his charge
free on her journey.

Elshana stood there pensively for a moment, letting the significance of
Morgan's departure diminish.  She would miss her teacher, he had been
with her for most of her life, but now she had to begin her journey.
Elshana placed the pendent around her neck and strapped on the sword and
pouch.  She was alone on the open plains, in the empty spaces that
divided the remaining lands of Hosul from Telain's kingdom.  Elshana had
nothing but her master's gifts and the clothes on her back as she set
off on her journey.  It was already mid day and she had many miles to go
before she would be able to sleep.  Elshana needed to be at the border
of Telain's land before setting down to sleep and it was going to be a
long walk.

Elshana enjoyed herself as she strolled through the open rolling fields
of Hosul.  It was already fall, and the fields were tall with grass,
which waved gently with a cool breeze.  Line of toppled stones ran
through the fields, the only evidence that this had once been plentiful
farmland.  Elshana confidently walked on her way to her fate.  She had
been in training most of her life, learning how to be Ashari.  It was
hard work, and she struggled with the tests set before her.  Only the
most worthy, the most dedicated, could be sent into the domain of
darkness, and Elshana wanted more than anything to prove herself capable
of the task.  No matter how difficult the challenge, she persevered and
prevailed.  Now those many hard years had paid off, and the young woman
was on her way to save her people.

As dusk approached, Elshana noticed smoke from behind a hill ahead of
her.  She approached with caution, already she was close to the border,
and did not wish to alert any of Telain's subjects so soon.  As Elshana
reached the top of the hill she crawled to its peak, being careful not
to reveal herself to anyone nearby.  In the valley below was a simple
farm, a small house with a pigpen and a few small buildings scattered
about.  Not wanting to risk herself, Elshana cast a discovery spell, and
peered into the spiritual energy of the farm and it's inhabitants.  She
was relieved by the results, she was still in Hosul and these people
were her people.  Elshana was still surprised by the powers she now
possessed.  It had only been two years ago that she was introduced to
the magic of the Ashari, and the power was still hard for her to fully
comprehend.

Satisfied of her safety, Elshana strode down the hill towards the farm,
determined to reach the house before the sun set.  She barely made it,
and knocked on the door of the home just as the last of the suns rays
passed below the horizon.  Elshana hoped to spend her last night in
Hosul with her people, one last night of peace before she walked into
darkness.

Elshana stood back and waited patiently as she heard someone shuffle
over to the door.  She bowed her head humbly as a weathered old man
pulled open the door.

"Well, aren't you a lovely site for mi' sore ol' eyes.  I'm sure you
ain't standin' on my door step for the fun of it, why don't you step
inside so I can have a better look at ya." Greeted the wrinkled old man,
grinning with a toothless smile as he looked over Elshana with a
lecherous stare.

Elshana blushed as she felt his gaze trace her body.  In her many years
of training, her master was the only man she had seen, and he had never
reacted this way around her.  Elshana knew she had grown into a lovely
young lady, but her training had kept her from considering the
ramifications of her flowering femininity.  Indeed she was a beautiful
young woman.  Her face was soft and round with a small button nose.  Her
eyes were a soft brown that nearly matched that of her long hair that
framed her face and flowed down to nearly the small of her back.  Her
body was equally lovely, curving gently from her ample breasts to her
slender waist and finally flaring at her hips.

"MORT!  Don't be scarin' off the girl, can't you see she's Ashari.  Now,
show her a little respect." Yelled an old woman as she shoved her
husband away from the door and turned to Elshana.  "Don't mind him,
every time one of you Ashari stops by he takes leave of his senses.  We
don't get many visitors this close to the border 'cept for your
sisters.  I'm sure you'd like to rest for the night before beginning
your quest so come on in."

Elshana bowed in gratitude.  "Thank you, ma'am.  I appreciate your
kindness."

"None of that, call me Naru and come inside before you let in too much
of that fall air." Naru scoffed and pulled the girl inside by the arm.
"Now, I'm sure you haven't had anything to eat since you set off, I'll
get you a bowl of stew off the fire."

Elshana stood there slightly stunned at her hosts.  Mort was still
appreciating her curves as his wife drew a bowl of warm stew from a
kettle beside the fireplace.  Elshana had certainly never expected this
kind of welcome, and these were far different people then those she
remembered from her childhood.  Mort and Naru were unlike anyone she had
known, and she wasn't certain at all how to handle them.

"Mort!  If you don't stop starin' I'm going to have to poke you're eyes
out!" Naru yelled, and then handed Elshana the stew.  "Here you go,
dear."

"It's not like I have anything worth starin' at here!"  Mort yelled back
with a toothless grin.

"So you're saying I'm a hag, are ya?  Well, I say you're sleepin' with
the pigs tonight!"

"I didn't know you're sisters were coming by!"

Elshana just watched in awed silence, eating her stew as the couple
continued their banter.  At first, Elshana though they were fighting,
but quickly realized it was their peculiar way of showing their love.
She didn't pretend to understand it, but saw no need to interject
herself into their conversation either.  In fact, she enjoyed the stew
too much to bother interrupting the couple as they continued to poke at
each other.

By the time Elshana had finished off the last drop of broth, the couple
had ended their argument, and Mort was snoring loudly on their bed.
Naru tidied up the room and then sat down beside her young guest.

"We don't have much in the way of comforts, but you can use that mat to
sleep on.  Mort and I'll be up early in the morning to feed the animals,
so you'd best get some sleep yourself."  Naru warned as she set off for
bed.

"Thank you, Naru." Elshana was grateful for the stew and a warm place to
sleep.  In the days ahead, she wouldn't have such easy access to even
these basics.

"I'm happy to help, dear." Naru replied as she lay down to bed beside
her snoring husband.

Elshana sat and considered the scene for a moment before she pulled out
the mat and lay down to sleep.  As she drifted off, the young Ashari
thought this was a very strange way to begin her quest.

***


The next morning, Elshana was woken by the smell of bacon and eggs
cooking.  She lay there for a few minutes enjoying the smell before
pulling herself up.  Elshana had slept amazingly well for being in such
a strange place and she felt well rested and ready for the trials that
awaited her.

"Good morning, dear.  Sit yourself down and I'll serve you up a fine
breakfast." Naru said as she made up a plate for her guest.

Elshana did as she was told and eagerly enjoyed the hot meal.

"I trust you slept well?"  Naru commented as she sat down with her own
plate.

"Yes, Naru." Elshana replied simply.

"Good, now let me give you a piece of advice.  I know you're going into
Telain's Kingdom and its best if you don't go showin' that you're
Ashari.  Wear the pendant under your shirt and don't go using your magic
when anyone can see.  Mort goes over the border from time to time and
they don't take kindly to Ashari."  Naru warned.  She had hosted
countless Ashari over the years on their way to Telain, and every time
she hoped the young woman she sheltered would return.

"Thank you for the warning, Naru." Elshana bowed her head in thanks.  In
truth she hadn't even though about taking such precautions.  The thought
that being Ashari could be considered a bad thing just hadn't occurred
to her, but she realized quickly that she had many more lessons to learn
before she could successfully defeat Telain.

Naru acknowledged with only a nod of her head left Elshana alone in the
house.  Elshana finished the meal and then went outside to bid farewell
to her hosts.  As she passed through the door, she felt something flow
through her, and quickly turned around.  The well-kept little house was
now run down, and looking for all appearances as if no one had lived
there for years.  The rest of the farm was in similar disarray, looking
long since abandoned.

Elshana stood there in shock, then slowly backed away from the building
and the strange feeling that was coming from it.  Morgan had told her
stories of ghosts that took in weary travelers only to disappear the
next day.  She had never fully believed the stories until now, as she
stood outside the clearly abandoned farm that had seemed well lived in
the night before.  The thought sent shivers coursing through her, but
Elshana still bowed her head in thanks to the two spirits that had given
her shelter the night before.

Elshana took the advice Naru had given her as well, placing the pendant
under her shirt as she continued on and across the border into Telain's
land.  The border was far more tangible than she had expected.  Elshana
came across it in another abandoned field, a cold, dark feeling suddenly
engulfed her as she walked.  She stood there for a moment, recognizing
that she had stepped out of Hosul.  Elshana turned her head and looked
forward and back.  To the naked eye, nothing seemed amiss, but she could
feel the difference between her homeland and that of her enemy.

Elshana appreciated the difference for only a moment before she
continued on, heading for a thick patch of woods ahead of her.  As she
approached the edge of the field, she saw a weather beaten path forged
between the trees.  Lacking any better choices, she decided to follow it
and find where it led.  Nothing was known of Telain's land, and every
Ashari was forced to find their own way in his domain as they sought
their fate.  Elshana was no different, and warily started on her journey
as she descended into the thick woods ahead.

The woods seemed to go on without end and by mid day Elshana was well
familiar with the sights and sounds of the forest she was traversing.
The woodland noises and the darkness of the shaded path combined to make
her a bit jumpy.  She was a stranger in this land and didn't know its
dangers.  The fact that she knew trouble was waiting for her somewhere
ahead did little to help her contain her fear.  Instead, Elshana
concentrated on the noises around her, identifying them and tracking
them, to help take her mind off what lay ahead.

Hearing the sound of crunching brush beside her, Elshana drew her sword
and swung around.  A very surprised young man stood there with the point
of her sword jabbed into his throat.  As he stood there, clearly
unwilling to provoke her, Elshana studied the man before her.  She
figured he was not much older than herself, handsome but fresh, and
clearly unarmed.  "Who are you and what is your purpose here?"

"I'm called Orin, and I don't see what business you have asking my
purpose." The young man replied with as much confidence as could be
expected with a sword against his throat.

"Well, Orin, it's not wise to defy a lady who has a sword to your
throat.  Why are you here?" Elshana asked again, pressing her sword
slightly harder against his throat.  Her master's warning was loudly
ringing in her ears, and she wasn't about to let her guard down yet.

Orin considered the woman before him for a moment before deciding it was
not a good idea to defy her.  "I've came in search of my sister, she
disappeared a week ago and I was sent to find her.  My family was afraid
she may have gotten lost and stumbled into Telain's kingdom so I have
came after her."

Elshana let her mind touch his aura, and confirmed that he wasn't trying
to deceive her.  She pulled the sword away from his throat and returned
it to its sheath.  "I'm Elshana, it isn't wise to travel these roads
alone and unarmed."

"Tell me about it, it's not every day a beautiful woman puts a sword to
your throat.  My I ask what you're doing here, Elshana?" Orin asked,
relieved that he no longer had a sword at his neck.

Elshana blushed at that, not expecting the compliment.  Still, she knew
little of this man, and had no wish to reveal too much of her quest just
yet.  "No, I can't tell you that.  I can tell you to turn around and
return to your home.  I'll keep an eye out for your sister and send her
back as well.  It isn't safe for you to travel deeper into this land."

Orin considered the options for just a moment.  He already assumed
Elshana was Ashari, there were no other reasons that a young woman would
travel into this land or have the obvious skill and control with a sword
as she had amply shown.  "I told my family I would not return without
her, and I will not break my word.  Besides, it can't be safe for a girl
like you to be traveling in this land armed or otherwise."

Elshana scoffed at that thought, but realized that for a normal girl
this would be true, and unless she wanted to tell him that she was
Ashari, she wouldn't be able to convince him that she would be able to
take care of herself.  Besides, she hadn't had the company of men in
some time, and she was curious about them.  "Alright, just don't get in
my way."

"You'll never even know I'm here."  Orin replied, pleased that she
wasn't pushing him away.  He wouldn't have listened to her anyway, but
was glad that he could stay at her side.  Even if she was Ashari, she
could use an extra hand, and she was quite fetching as well.

"Good."  Elshana said, and quickly returned to the path.  "I suggest we
get going if we have any chance of finding some place to stay for the
night."

The two travelers then set off together and delved further into the dark
woods.  Elshana was content to walk behind him as they strolled down the
path.  It gave her both the chance to study him and left her in the
right place to defend herself if her tried anything.  By dusk they were
still in the woods, but they found a small clearing and settled down for
the night.  Orin had brought a small pouch with basic supplies and soon
they were dining on bread and meat over a warm fire.

"If you can't tell me anything about why you're here can you at least
tell me about who you are?"  Orin asked as he ate.  Their conversation
had been very sparse so far, and only about the possible perils in the
woods surrounding them.

"I'm a blacksmith's daughter from the town of Lorin.  There really isn't
much to tell, I've been in school for most of my life and now I'm taking
this journey." Elshana answered, careful not to reveal too much about
herself.  Unfortunately, she didn't have a great deal of experience with
which to lie, so she settled with keeping her past brief and
uninteresting.

Orin nodded his head in understanding, not really expecting a better
answer from her.  "Can I assume that it was an all girls school you
attended?"

"Yes, why do you ask?" Elshana replied.

"Well, you don't seem very comfortable with me, and a lovely girl like
yourself would normally be married with a couple children already.  Not
going off on some journey into Telain's Kingdom." Orin replied simply.

Elshana blushed again at the thought.  In all her years of training she
had never really thought of herself as a woman, pretty or otherwise.
She hadn't really considered having a family either, the quest ahead of
her had consumed those desires and she had forgotten them over time.

"I just don't know you, Orin, and in this land I don't trust everything
I see." Elshana responded, trying to skirt the questions of her
femininity.  In truth, she didn't know how to handle him, the masculine
side of his aura was beyond her full comprehension, having not dealt
with a man before.  Because of this, she kept herself at arm's length to
him and studied him as best she could.

Orin nodded again and they finished their meal in silence.  After that
they lay down on opposite sides of the fire and drifted off to sleep to
the sounds of the forest at night and the crackling of their fire.

-- 
Pursuant to the Berne Convention, this work is copyright with all rights
reserved by its author unless explicitly indicated.
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