A Dragon’s Tale

Chapter 24: Compersion

* * *

Night had well and truly fallen by the time Kendra had finished listening to the story that the dragon and his wives told.  She kept thinking that she’d reject it wholesale if she had an ounce of sense. 

Men in dragon’s bodies?

Travel to other worlds? 

The amount of self-sacrifice they appeared to have engaged in? 

It was all preposterous; ridiculous.  It was absolutely ludicrous to believe a single word of it.  She hadn’t heard such far-fetched tales since living at the orphanage where they read fables.  It seemed the chances of the story being true were about the same as the sun failing to rise in the morning. 

And yet...

She frowned. 

A significant part of her training had been in lie detection.  Being able to tell the truth from lies had been important in her previous line of work, and she was better at it than most.  She hadn’t seen anything to indicate they were lying.  Occasionally leaving things out?  Yes.  But given how many times she’d attacked them she didn’t blame them for keeping some things back.  As far as she could tell, they were all being perfectly honest and truthful about their story. 

And if they were... 

If they really were the people they made themselves out to be...

She frowned.

She didn’t like the idea that she had been the bad guy.  If they were telling the truth -- and that was a big ”if” -- then she certainly had been.

”Kendra?” 

The dragon huntress realized her attention had wandered from the threat at hand and her eyes snapped up.  It was Taloni.  The Fey girl had walked up to her at the ship’s bow, but the rest of the Argo’s crew had remained near the quarterdeck. 

”I thought you’d like some food.”  She said, offering her a plate. 

Mid-way through the story, the high elf pilot had told the burly crewman to pull the firepan up and she’d started dinner.  It was just roast venison and biscuits cooked over the firepan with some mulled wine, but it smelled good to her.  Much better than the steady diet of dried food she kept on her airship.  Dried food kept longer, but wasn’t nearly as appetizing.

”I’m fine, but thank you.”  She replied as her stomach growled slightly, wishing that she trusted food from the dragon’s proverbial kitchen.

Taloni gave her a piercing look.  ”We didn’t poison it.” 

Kendra smiled.  ”How’d you know I was worried about that?”

”I heard your stomach growl.  The only reason I can think of that a hungry woman would turn down food was if she thought it was poisoned.” 

”You’re very perceptive for someone so sweet.” 

”Thank you.”  She beamed.  Then she grabbed the fork on the plate, took a small bite of everything, and again offered the plate. 

Kendra took it but didn’t take a bite. 

”I promise, it isn’t poisoned.”  Taloni said once she’d swallowed. 

The dragon huntress nodded, not adding that there were a few poisons that were deadly to humans that didn’t affect the Fey at all.  She took a small bite of the salt venison.  It wasn’t bad, and certainly better than the dried cuisine she was used to.

”Why are you all being so nice to me?”  She asked after swallowing her first bite. 

”I think Ethan is nice to you because you saved my life.  He’s really protective of his wives.” 

”I heard.”  She replied, remembering all the points in the story where his protectiveness had caused problems. 

”Could someone who’s that protective of his wives be all bad?”

”I once knew a crime boss who was that protective.  If anyone so much as said an unkind word about his wives or kids he would...”  She thought better of relaying the specific details.  ”Well, they were never seen again.”

”Hmm.”  Taloni mused.  ”Ethan isn’t like that though.” 

”Oh?” 

The Fey nodded.  ”If someone insulted Alana, Beth, Rachel, or I-- ”

”Wait.”  Kendra interrupted.  ”Rachel?  Why Rachel?  I don’t remember him marrying Rachel, or even bonding to her.” 

”No, he hasn’t.”  She cocked her heard to one side.  ”I don’t know why people keep doing that; including her when they think of Ethan’s wives.”   She shook her head.  ”Anyway, Ethan is protective, but he could let a comment pass.  He wouldn’t like it, but he’s not so...  so...” 

”Over-protective?”  Kendra offered.

”Yeah.  He let me fly out to talk to you even though he was worried about my safety.” 

”I would never hurt you Taloni.”

”I know.”  The Fey beamed.  ”I hope one day you’ll feel the same about Ethan and the rest of the crew.”  She made a thoughtful sound then added.  ”Well, maybe not Raklan.” 

Kendra made a non-committal noise in response.  A part of her wished for that too.  She wanted to believe their story.  She wanted to believe that she’d found a few truly good and decent people in this world.  She didn’t think it likely, but she wanted it to be true. 

Her mind wandered back to Luminar Kossel’s prediction that the dragon was her last chance to have real friends in this world.  If their story was true -- and that was still a big ”if” -- then she could almost see that, except with Ethan of course.

She shuddered. 

However nice the rest of them might be, he was still a dragon.  She wouldn’t be friends with a dragon.  Ever.  Maybe his wives, maybe his crew; but not with the dragon himself. 

* * *

Selene had managed to keep her mouth shut while Yvonne and Smithbond questioned Hailey.  Yvonne did most of the asking, shooting pointed looks at Smithbond whenever he asked a question.  He would always fall mute when she did this, seemingly cowed into silence by the purple-haired woman.

Selene knew better.

This was all a ’good cop, bad cop’ act.  She had considered pointing this out a few times but didn’t think doing so would help Hailey, Jason, or Melinda.  The willowy woman explained all about what the Ten Kingdoms were like seemingly without reservation.  She refused to even mention Ethan or anything pertaining to him, but otherwise was an open book.  Hailey also seemed to gain strength from having Jason and Melinda there too.  Selene guessed that the ex-slave wouldn’t have been this forthcoming without her two best friends next to her. 

Brilliant.

She realized this was another layer of the interrogation at work.  Smithbond had maneuvered things so the interrogation took place in a location he could control, but with people that Hailey was comfortable around.  Plus, it wasn’t in an interrogation room at all.  It was a much more relaxed, casual setting.  Or at least, as relaxed and casual as it could be in a prison cell. 

He was certainly brilliant at manipulation, but that was just one more reason not to trust him.  He had a very ’ends justifies the means’ attitude which Selene didn’t share.  She was willing to bend a rule occasionally for a good cause, but he had crossed several lines that she wasn’t willing to cross.

Ever.

”Okay, I think that’s enough for tonight.”  Yvonne said as Hailey paused to take a drink of water.  ”I don’t have the authority to move you out of this room or release you, but at least I can make you more comfortable than he did.”  She shot Smithbond a look.

”Sergeant!”  She barked towards the door, summoning a man in military BDUs.  ”Get these people a hot meal; the best you can get from the mess hall.”

”Yes ma’am.”  He replied. 

”Oh for God’s sake, don’t call me ’ma’am’, you’ll make me feel old.” 

”Yes sir.”  The sergeant corrected himself. 

Yvonne opened her mouth to correct him again but apparently thought better of it.  She glared at Smithbond again before turning back to Hailey.  ”Look, only he can order your release, but if you’d be willing to talk more tomorrow, I think I can convince him to have you home by the end of the day.” 

”Really?”  Hailey and Melinda said at the same time.  Jason looked skeptical. 

Yvonne turned to Smithbond with a glare.  ”Right.”   It wasn’t a question.

He nodded mutely. 

Hailey and Melinda smiled; Jason narrowed his eyes but didn’t say anything. 

”Okay, sergeant, get them that meal on the double.”  Yvonne ordered, then turned back to them.  ”Enjoy and sleep well.”

They left without mentioning Selene or even looking at her, so she stayed where she was.  Hailey and Melinda looked very relieved, but Jason didn’t.  He glanced at her and she guessed that he had noticed what she had.  She had almost said something, but if Smithbond was telling the truth about letting the three civilians go, saying something might jeopardize that.  Even if he wasn’t telling the truth, then saying something could make Hailey clam up, resulting in him resorting to more violent methods to get the information out of her.  Saying something didn’t seem like it would end well, but keeping quiet might.  Hailey and Melinda both seemed oblivious, so she decided to let it go, and Jason apparently did too.

The food arrived several minutes later, complete with flimsy plastic utensils.

Having not had a meal all day, all four prisoners tucked in with gusto and it was pretty decent food.  There was a medium rare steak that was decently seasoned, mashed potatoes that she would’ve eaten seconds of, and some steamed veggies that all but a dedicated carnivore would appreciate.  It wasn’t 5-star, but it was good.

”I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m beat.”  Selene said with a wink as she thought about her recently-healed injuries. 

The others chuckled slightly, then most nodded.

”Yeah, been a long day.”  Jason agreed.  ”Now, there’s just the matter of sleeping arrangements.” 

Everyone looked around at the two cots that were provided for four people.  Each cot was wide enough to fit two people, but not comfortably. 

”I can take the floor if I have a blanket.”  Jason offered.

”Absolutely not.”  Melinda and Hailey said together. 

”You’ll catch your death of cold.”  Melinda fussed. 

”And you’ll wreck your back.”  Hailey added.

”No one should sleep on the floor.”  Selene agreed. 

Melinda and Jason had been sitting on the same cot most of the day, while Hailey and Selene had been sitting on the other.  The couple had been sitting close together, while Selene and Hailey had maintained a respectful distance. 

”Well, these arrangements seem like they’re working to me.”  Selene had noticed some tension between Hailey and the couple and thought dodging it might help.

”Um...”  Melinda glanced at Hailey, then Jason.  ”This particular cot is actually...”  She looked at it.  ”Um, I think the baby might not like it so...” 

Selene raised her eyebrow. 

If they’d had a contest for the flimsiest excuse of all time, that might be a contender. 

Apparently, Jason thought so too because He looked at Melinda with a reproving expression.  ”If you have something you’d like to say, then please just say it.”

”Um.”  The Latina woman looked a little put in the spotlight, then turned to Hailey.  ”Can I talk to you for a moment?  Like, in the corner?” 

”Okay.”  Hailey said, suddenly looking nervous.  The two women got up and walked to the far corner, both looking nervous and unsure.

Selene looked at Jason, suddenly wondering if Ethan’s... ’unique’ living arrangement was more common than she’d thought. 

She mouthed at Jason: ”Are you...  with both?”

He raised his hands in a classic ’I don’t know’ gesture and then mouthed.  ”I think I’m about to find out.” 

* * *

Kendra finished her food while chatting with Taloni.  The little Fey girl was delightful company, even though Kendra had to keep deflecting questions about herself.  The girl wasn’t prying and seemed genuinely curious.  After the first several questions, Kendra had taken the lead and asked about her life growing up, making sure to keep the focus off of herself.

”Why are you so private?”  Taloni asked after a while. 

”It was very important in my line of work.”  She replied as she set her plate down. 

”What line of work was that?” 

”I helped people with problems.”

”Problem solving?”  The Fey looked confused. 

”More of a...  problem eliminator.”  Kendra replied diplomatically.

Taloni looked confused for a moment, then her eyes got slightly wider.  ”Oh.” 

Kendra nodded.  ”Yeah.” 

”Anyone?” 

The dragon huntress shook her head. ”Mostly dragons, and a few others who...”  She trailed off.  ”You’re a nice girl Taloni.  You don’t need the details of how the emperor keeps the peace.”

The Fey girl opened her mouth to respond, but then stopped and cocked her head to one side as if listening to something.  ”Master would like to come talk to you.” 

Kendra’s eyes flicked to the dragon. 

He seemed to have relaxed quite a bit compared to his initial tension when she’d stepped onto his ship.  It seemed that once he’d decided that she wasn’t going to attack without provocation, he’d let his guard down slightly... but only slightly. Right now, he was watching her carefully. 

She nodded in his direction and he walked over; he still stopped a good ten feet away from her though.

”Enjoy dinner?”  He asked coolly.

”Enough.”  She replied as she stood.  She didn’t want to be caught sitting down if he tried something. 

”You’ve heard our story, what are you going to do about it?”  He asked. 

She shrugged.  ”I can accept it without evidence, reject it without evidence, or I can go find some.” 

”Find some?” 

”If what you said is true, there are a few people in your story I could talk to so I can confirm it.” 

”Fair enough.”

”You’re leaving?”  Taloni asked as she also stood.  She looked rather disappointed. 

The dragon’s suspicious gaze, plus the furtive glances from the other crew members made it clear that they didn’t share the Fey teen’s disappointment.  She didn’t blame them -- quite the contrary because she would do the same thing in their position -- but she could recognize where her presence was being tolerated, not welcomed.  The only exception was the Fey girl, who seemed overjoyed to have her on board. 

”I think that might be best.”  Kendra replied. 

Ethan made a thoughtful sound.  Not quite agreeing, but also not disagreeing either.

”Oh.”  Taloni said as her face fell.  She looked dejected for a moment, then she brightened up a bit.  ”Will you two please do something for me?” 

”What?”  Ethan and Kendra asked at the same time. 

They eyed each other for a moment while Taloni giggled.  Her amused giggles stood in stark contrast to the serious expression on her husband’s face, and the apprehension that Kendra herself felt.

”Could you two please just talk for a few minutes before Kendra leaves?”  Taloni said, biting her lip and looking hopeful. 

Ethan looked at her incredulously, taking his eyes off of the dragon huntress. 

That was the moment.

That was the precise moment when she realized that she couldn’t kill this dragon.  She realized that she probably wouldn’t ever be able to, despite having the perfect opportunity.  His attention was diverted, she had her throwing knives, and she could bury one in his throat before he reacted...

...but she couldn’t.

Not because she didn’t possess the skill, but because of what it would do to the Fey girl.  She would be crushed; devastated beyond belief.  Kendra couldn’t do that to her.  She just couldn’t.  Unless this dragon did something horrible, something truly foul, she wouldn’t be able to lay a finger on him because of what it would do to Taloni. 

She couldn’t bring herself to. 

She just couldn’t. 

Ethan and his Fey bride looked at each other for several seconds.  She wondered if they were talking telepathically, because their expressions were changing like they were having a conversation, but there were no words.

”So, you just want us to talk?”  Kendra asked after several seconds. 

”Please master?”  Taloni said aloud.  It was a true request, and Kendra got the sense that she would accept whatever he did, even if she was sad about it.  However, she also got the impression that he had a hard time saying no when the Fey teen asked liked that.

Ethan looked skeptically at the dragon huntress. 

”Please Kendra, just talk to him for a few minutes.”  The Fey girl pleaded.

”Okay.”  Kendra replied, not having the heart to say no.

”Sure.”  Ethan nodded.

”Thank you!”  Taloni beamed, then turned to the other woman.  ”Please don’t leave without saying goodbye.” 

”I won’t.”  She promised, hoping for another hug.

The Fey teen jumped up to kiss her husband on the cheek, using her wings slightly to control her movement, then she grinned at Kendra and nearly skipped over to where everyone else was. 

An awkward silence fell.

Very awkward.

”So, anything you want to talk about?”  He asked. 

”Not with you.”  She replied, then realized that would come off as a little cold.  ”I didn’t mean it to sound that way.” 

”Understood.”

Another awkward silence. 

As she stood there, it was strange to think of how surreal this experience was.  Less than a week ago she had been feverishly trying to kill him, now they were awkwardly talking.  Though, awkwardly not talking was more accurate.

”So, you can actually read your wives’ minds?”  She finally asked. 

”Not really.”  He shook his head.  ”They can send me their thoughts and I can sense their emotions, but I can’t know what they’re thinking unless they send those thoughts to me.  It’s like a conversation, but telepathically.” 

”Oh.”  Kendra replied. 

Yet another awkward silence.

”You have a nice airship there.”  Ethan said after what seemed like an interminable silence. 

”Thank you.  I’ve had it since I struck out on my own.” 

”When was that?” 

”A while ago.”  She deflected. 

Yet more awkward silence followed.

She wasn’t sure what to say.  She didn’t want to tell him about all its features, or that it was among the fastest airships in the Ten Kingdoms, or anything like that because she still didn’t trust him.  That was the same reason she didn’t really want to talk about anything else either.

”I should be going.”  Kendra said after another long, awkward silence.  ”Would you let Taloni know?” 

His eyes went slightly unfocused for a moment, then the Fey girl turned her head their way. 

”Done.”  He replied.  ”You’ll forgive me if I walk backwards instead of turning my back to you.” 

”I would do the same.”  Kendra nodded, the edge of a smile on her face.

Likewise, the corner of Ethan’s mouth momentarily twitched up as if in a smile.  She couldn’t decide if it was odd or fitting that their mutual mistrust of each other was the one thing they could agree on, and even smile about. 

Irony.

As he started backing up and Taloni started walking towards her, a thought struck Kendra.  Even though she wouldn’t hunt him, others definitely would.  If one of them ever managed to kill him, would Taloni be okay?  How would she cope?  More importantly, would she recover?  Somehow, Kendra didn’t think she would.  Not really.  The Fey teen loved him with all her heart and if something happened to her husband...

She frowned.

That would likely cause a wound that would never fully heal.  She would go on, but would almost certainly lose that spark of joyful innocence that she possessed that was so precious and endearing.  The dragon huntress wanted to prevent that if at all possible, even if it meant...

She sighed.

”Ethan.”  Kendra called before he had taken more than a couple steps.

He was looking right at her, but seemed surprised that she called his name.  ”What?”

”The most powerful dragons I’ve fought didn’t have hard scales or strong muscles; they had swift limbs and fast reflexes.”

He eyed her suspiciously for several moments before he cocked his head to one side and seemed to consider her words.  He made a thoughtful noise, opened his mouth, then closed it again and cocked his head to the other side. 

”Why tell me this?” 

Kendra pointedly flicked her eyes toward Taloni.  ”Take care of her.” 

Ethan nodded slowly.  ”I intend to.”

A strange sort of silent understanding seemed to pass between them.  They could actually agree on two things: their mistrust of each other and their mutual desire to protect the Taloni.   Kendra supposed there were worse things to agree on, and it was enough that they probably wouldn’t be mortal enemies again.

”Did you and master have a good talk?”  The Fey girl asked as she arrived. 

”It was...”  She hesitated while looking for the right word. 

”...illuminating.”  Ethan finished and she nodded. 

He continued his retreat as Taloni walked closer.  ”Do you really need to go?” 

”I do.  I need to confirm the story I just heard.   It’s...  it was pretty wild.” 

The Fey nodded.  ”I hope we see you again.”

”You very well might.”  Kendra said, thinking that she owed Ethan and the rest of the crew a serious apology if their story checked out. 

”We’re going to the wood elven capital next.”  Taloni said.  ”I’m not sure how long we’ll be there, but if you finish confirming that our story is true before we leave, I’d love if you could visit us there.” 

”I might.”

”Then may Illuminar guide you on the path of light as you travel.” 

”And you as well.”  Kendra replied.  ”I hear there’s a mountain in the wood elven kingdom where you can actually talk to Him.” 

”Mount Ianis.”  Taloni nodded.  ”I’ve heard the stories, but only the king can give access.” 

Kendra nodded, having heard the same thing.  ”May Illuminar guide your path as well...”  She hesitated and then added.  ”...and the path of those you travel with.” 

The Fey beamed, and then walked up to the dragon huntress and gave her a huge hug. 

It was wonderful. 

Better than the first one. 

Given the choice, Kendra would’ve given up everything that she’d ever owned and everything that she currently owned to get just one hug like that every day.  She blinked again, desperately holding back tears. 

Taloni gave her a little extra squeeze, and then let go.  ”You know, life doesn’t need to be lonely Kendra.” 

The dragon huntress smiled as she managed to keep her tears at bay.  ”I’ve heard that, but never seen it.” 

The Fey teen smiled and then glanced back at her husband and fellow wives before looking back at her.  ”Now you have.”

Kendra glanced towards them and felt herself get slightly choked up.  Was it really possible?  Were they really what they seemed to be; what their story made them out to be?  It seemed both impossible to believe and yet also impossible to deny. As she looked at them, her eyes landed on Ethan.  He was looking at her with a strange expression that she didn’t quite recognize. 

It was almost sympathy. 

”I have to go.”  She walked quickly to her airship and hopped in.  Seconds later, she had untied the mooring ropes and pushed off against the Argo.  Seconds after that, her mast had cleared the Argo’s side and she activated all of the ballast logs all at once.   Consequently, her ship rocketed skyward for a moment until she deactivated them.

Then, safe from prying eyes, she let the tears silently fall.

* * *

Hailey’s stomach was way past butterflies.  It felt like there was there was a whole Irish dance team doing a jig in her stomach.  She stood in the corner of the small, concrete cell with Melinda, neither woman saying anything. 

”Um, you wanted to talk?”  She finally said to her Latina friend. 

”I was always jealous of you and Jason; did I ever tell you that?”  She said softly. 

”No, I never knew.  Jealous of what?”

”You two always seemed so close.  There was this spark between you that I was always a bit jealous of.  He was so excited while he was going engagement ring shopping, and even more so when he found and bought one.” 

”Oh.”  She didn’t know what else to say.  ”I mean, he got a ring for you too, remember?” 

”Yeah.”  The Latina conceded.  She was silent for a moment before speaking again.  ”He didn’t ask me out, I asked him out.  Did I tell you that?”

”No.”  Hailey said hesitantly, not sure where her best friend was going with this.

”It was about a year ago and I’d had a little too much to drink.”  Mels continued.  ”He had spent the previous three years pining for you Hailey.” 

”He did?”

She nodded.  ”You’d been gone three years and on that first date, you came up more than once.  I dressed up as beautiful as I know how, and even with me in front of him, you still came up.”

”Mels, I’m sure that--”  Hailey started to say, but the Latina held up her hand.

”I know he loves me.”  She looked like she did know it, but that didn’t change the anxiety on her face.  ”He’s so good and thoughtful, and he adores me; I know he does.” 

”But...?”  Something in her tone made Hailey think a ’but’ was coming.

Melinda looked down for a moment before meeting Hailey’s eyes again.  ”But I’m worried that...  that since you’re back he...  he might...”

She swallowed.

”Oh.”  Hailey said as she realized what the other woman was thinking.  ”Mels, I would never, ever come between you.  I wouldn’t do that to you.” 

”I know you wouldn’t, but that’s not it.”  She shook her head.  ”Our world isn’t set up for how Ethan and his...  his wives do things.  I’m worried that if he had to choose between us, that he...”  She got a bit choked up and the words died on her lips.

”Oh.”  Hailey took a deep breath and let it out slowly. 

There was a tiny part of her -- a part she wasn’t proud of -- that was glad Jason might choose her if he was forced to pick between them.  However, that part was completely subsumed by concern for her friend.  She knew exactly how wonderful it was to be loved by Jason.  If she had to face the prospect of losing that, especially to another woman...

”I mean, it’s not like we’re married.”  Melinda continued, then put her hand protectively on her very pregnant stomach.  ”I know he wouldn’t leave me, but if he really had to pick only one of us, I....  I’m not sure that...”  She choked up a bit.

”Mels, I’ve seen the way he looks at you and I know him; he’d never leave you.” 

”I know.  But you’re here now, within his reach, and for all those years he...”  She swallowed.  ”I’m just worried that if he was forced to choose between us...”  Her voice faltered.

Hailey paused for a moment, deciding if she really wanted to voice the thought that was in her head.  It would certainly alleviate Melinda’s concerns, but it would be like ripping her own heart out.  Even so, she couldn’t stand to see her friend hurting like this; not if she could help. 

Hailey took a deep breath.  ”I...  I don’t have to stay.  I could leave--.”

”No, no please don’t.”  Melinda interrupted looking horrified.  ”Don’t do that.  We just got you back and I don’t think either of us could take losing you again.” 

Hailey managed a half smile.  ”I was hoping you’d say that.”

”There might be another option.”  Mels said quietly.  ”That’s why I wanted to talk to you.” 

”Oh?”  Hailey was all ears. 

”If I’m honest with myself, my biggest fear is losing him.”  The Latina said.  ”I can think of a way to deal with that, but it’ll be hard and complicated, but maybe possible.  Maybe?” 

”How?”  Hailey asked with bated breath. 

”Um.” The Latina woman took several deep breaths, as she always did when she was steeling herself.  ”We could...”  Another deep breath.  ”We could take a page out of Ethan’s book.” 

Hailey’s jaw dropped.

She felt her eyes get moist as her best friend’s words washed over her.  ”Really?  You’d do that?” 

Melinda bit her lip, then nodded slowly.  ”I think I could.  I can’t lose him, and I know I’ll never stop worrying about that unless either you leave -- which we would all hate -- or if...”  Another deep breath.  ”...if we made it so he didn’t have to choose.”

”You realize what you’re saying though?”  Hailey asked with bated breath. 

”I think I do.”  Melinda took another deep breath and let it out slowly.  ”You’re my best friend Hailey, and the three of us have always gotten along perfectly.  I think it could work; at least, I’m willing to try if you are.”

”I am; I so am.”  She could feel her face slowly breaking into a wide smile as tears of joy collected at the corners of her eyes.  ”But are you sure you’re okay with it?” 

”Honestly, I’m not sure.”  Melinda gave her a slightly pained smile.  ”But I’m less okay with the other options.  I can’t lose either of you.” 

”I promise you never will.”  Hailey said.  ”I couldn’t bear having him to myself if it meant hurting you.” 

Melinda almost smiled.  ”Yeah, that’s what I was thinking too.” 

”So, a pact then?”  Hailey offered.  ”Either he gets both of us, or neither of us.”

Melinda smiled wryly.  ”We might need to twist his arm.”

Hailey half-chuckled.  ”Together, I think we can.” 

”We can.”  Mels nodded.

Hailey breathed a sigh of relief, feeling like an enormous weight had been lifted from her heart.

Melinda followed suit.

”So, in the spirit of our new pact, I was going to suggest...”  Melinda glanced at Jason, who was determinedly looking elsewhere.  He probably wasn’t even trying to eavesdrop; he was good that way.  The Latina looked back at Hailey.  ”I was going to suggest that you...  um, that you sleep with him tonight.  Not like, sleep with him.  Just, you know, sleep next to him.” 

Hailey could feel herself getting choked up again.  ”Really?” 

Melinda nodded.  ”I know how wonderful it is to be held by him, and I’m guessing you’ve missed that.”

”So, so much.” She said with longing in her voice.

”You know me, I’m not very good at sharing.  But if this is going to work...”  Melinda glanced at Jason and took a deep breath.  ”I think I’ll need to get better at that.”

”You mean it?”

”I mean, I’m going to try.”

Hailey hugged her, which was a little awkward as she had to bend over slightly to avoid smooshing the Latina’s very pregnant belly.  She knew her friend’s motivation was partially fear of loss, but she hoped that Melinda would see that neither she nor Jason would ever intentionally hurt her. 

”Let me talk to him for a minute, then you two can, um...  you know.”  Melinda said as their hug broke. 

Hailey nodded and went back over to sit on Selene’s cot while Melinda waved Jason over.

The drop-dead gorgeous ex-FBI agent gave her an odd look.  ”So, did I miss something?  Is it becoming normal for a man to have two women?” 

Hailey shook her head.  ”Just in the Ten Kingdoms.  Well, not ’normal’, but not rare either.” 

Selene nodded slowly.  ”I see.” 

”What?”

”It just seems like someone would get jealous and things would fall apart.” 

”I hope not.”  Hailey said quietly. ”Ethan made it work, so I’m hoping...”  She glanced toward her two best friends.

Selene shrugged.  ”I would hate it, but good luck.  I hope it works out for you three.” 

Hailey took a moment to look at her.  She was easily one of the most beautiful women that Hailey had ever seen; in person or in pictures.  She had the classic look of a Brazilian supermodel with a hint of oriental ancestry, probably Japanese.  As a result, she not only looked drop-dead gorgeous but also slightly exotic.  That only complimented her perfect figure, perfect face, and perfect--  well, perfect everything. 

Her legs were long, her waist thin, her breasts were perfectly proportioned and made themselves known without being too large.  Her long hair seemed to shine and fall in gentle, silky waves.  Her lips were full without being huge, her nose was small and cute, and her face was slim and very feminine.  This woman had absolutely won the grand prize in the genetic lottery; no doubt about it.

Hailey wasn’t attracted to women but, under different circumstances, this near angelic goddess might’ve made her willing to experiment.

”Hailey.” 

She turned to see Jason standing there with his hand extended in invitation, his face a mix of delight and a hint of concern.

”Shall we.”  He said glancing at the empty cot that he and Melinda had occupied not long ago. 

”Really?”  Hailey swallowed hard and she felt her cheeks spread into a wide smile as her eyes got watery.  She knew that all they could do was snuggle, but that was more than she’d done in so, so long.

”Yeah.”  He nodded.  ”Four years is long enough, don’t you think?” 

He offered his hand again, which she took and he led her over to the cot.  She sat down first and he next to her.  She bit her lip.

”I talked to Melinda, and she told me about your pact.”  Jason said, then smiled lopsidedly with a mock-resigned expression.  ”It took some convincing, but she finally strong-armed me.”

Hailey chuckled.

”We’ll just be sleeping though; nothing else.” 

”I’m okay with that.”  She nodded. 

He laid down and pulled her down next to him in the classic spooning position, with him being the big spoon.  Moments later, Hailey felt the sensation that she’d been dreaming of -- literally -- for four long years. 

He wrapped his arms around her.

She couldn’t decide if she wanted to leap for joy or cry in happiness.  She snuggled a little closer to him and in mere moments, it felt like the intervening four years hadn’t happened.  They still fit perfectly together.   She was using his bicep as a pillow and his strong arms pressed her closer into him.  It wasn’t a sexual move, but it was intimate; endearing.

”I missed this.”  She said softly.

”Yeah.”  He replied with a contented tone.

”I um...  Do you do this, with Mels?”  Hailey asked.  She wasn’t sure why, but she wanted to know.

”Not usually.”  He said quietly.  ”I’m usually on my back with her leaning up against me.  She prefers the pectorals to the bicep; says they make a fluffier pillow.”

Hailey chuckled.

He could always do that, make her laugh anywhere and anytime at almost anything.  She smiled and snuggled closer to him. 

”Which do you prefer?”  She asked sleepily.

”To have a woman I love in bed with me.”  He replied diplomatically.

”Which woman?”  Hailey asked before she could stop herself. 

Without missing a beat, Jason replied: ”Which would you rather have, food or water?” 

”You want us both?”

”I do.”

She sighed contentedly.  ”No saying ’I do’ yet; you haven’t even proposed.” 

He chuckled.

”Maybe we need to become Mormon.”   Hailey said as sleep slowly began to overtake her. 

”I’ve heard that parts of Utah have good weather.”

”Yeah...  that’s...  that’s nice...”  She replied, but she didn’t hear his response because she’d already slipped off to sleep, held tightly in the arms of the man she loved.

* * *

”I think I saw it.”  Ethan admitted in response to the question. 

”Really master?”  Her energy was palpable. 

”Yeah, right at the end there.”  He nodded.  ”She did seem rather lonely.”

He was sitting in the captain’s cabin with his Fey bride sitting on his lap, her back was against him and his arms around her.  Alana and Beth were chatting with Rachel outside, but he had wanted to spend a little time with his Fey wife because he’d been away from her on Earth for almost two days.  With all that had happened lately, it was hard to believe that he’d come back from Earth barely more than a day ago.

”I told you she was master.”

”And you were right.  I’m still not sure how much I care given all she’s done, but I think you’re right.”

”I think she could really use a friend.”

”You suggested that she should be a bit more than a friend this morning.”  He pointed out, remembering her suggestion that Kendra would make a good wife for him.

”I think that would be wonderful.”  She beamed.  ”But I realize neither of you are ready yet.”

”You talk like it’s a foregone conclusion that she’s going become one of my wives.”  He chuckled.

”Oh.”  Taloni cocked her head to one side as if she’d just realized something. ”I guess you’re right; I guess it’s not a foregone conclusion.” 

He laughed.  ”Wow, you need to be reminded that it’s not an absolute certainty?” 

”I think she would be a great wife for you master.”   The Fey teen said, fluttering her wings against his torso as she leaned her head back onto his shoulder. 

”And, you do realize that if I marry another woman, I’ll have less time for all my current wives, right?” 

Her face fell slightly.  ”Oh.  I suppose so, but I still think...”  She smiled sheepishly.  ”...I still think that she’s really lonely and needs someone like you to love her.” 

He turned her on his lap so she was sitting across his legs, then looked her in the eye.  ”You want me to marry Kendra for her sake, even though it will mean I’ll have less time for you?” 

”Well, I don’t want you to have less time for me, or Alana, or Beth, or Rachel, but...”  She bit her lip, then nodded. 

”You’re an incredible woman, you know that?”  He said, a wide smile creeping onto his face.  ”Not many people would be so selfless, and I’m incredibly proud of you.” 

From the look on the Fey’s face, you might’ve thought that she was just crowned queen of the universe.  

”Thank you master!”  She flung her arms around him, seemingly jubilant at his praise.

He hugged her back.  ”You’re welcome, and it’s the truth.  In fact, you’ve been especially wonderful today, did you know that?” 

”I have?”  She looked surprised as she drew back.

”You were very insightful this morning, clever about how to approach Kendra, caring with her earlier, and selfless just now.” 

She snuggled into him.  ”Thank you master.” 

”Thank you for being so delightful.”  He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a squeeze.

She sighed and relaxed completely into him.

”I think I’ll do something special for you tonight to say thank you.” 

”Really?”  She looked up at him. 

He nodded.  ”Yup.  Now tell me, how long has it been...?”  He traced his finger up her side and brushed the edge of her breast. 

She moaned, instantly molding herself to him.  ”Too long master.  It was before you left for Earth.”  She seemed almost desperate to get closer to him, and he recognized the signs of a woman who was very horny.

”Oh wow.”  He replied, realizing it had indeed been a while.  ”I hope you took care of yourself then.” 

She shook her head right before she started nuzzling his neck.  ”No master, I can’t without you.” 

”What?” 

She started kissing up his neck, adjusting herself so that her legs were spread for him as she straddled his lap.  ”I can’t seem to finish without you there master.”

”Really?”  He ran his finger along her shoulder, which elicited a shudder and moan from her. 

”Not without you touching me.”  She pressed her entire front against him.  ”Please keep touching me.” 

He did, slowly running his fingers over her exposed skin anywhere her dress wasn’t covering her nubile flesh.  As he did so, he had an idea.  A wonderful, horrible, terrible, devious, awesome idea about how he could reward her for being so wonderful.

”So basically, you’ve been edging for a few days?”  He asked. 

”What’s edging?”  She said as she kissed his face and neck and rocked her hips against his now hard cock. 

”It’s when you stimulate yourself to the edge of orgasm, but don’t orgasm.”  He explained.  ”It makes a person rather hornier than normal.”

She groaned. ”Yes...”   Kiss   ”I’ve...”   Kiss   ”been...”  Kiss   ”much...”  Kiss   ”hornier...” 

He pulled her back and she sighed in frustration.  ”Please, please...” 

”Oh, I definitely will, but I need to take care of a couple things first and then you’ll have my undivided attention.”  He cocked his head to one side as his idea got even more developed.  ”Actually, you might have more than just my attention...”

”Oh?” 

”Yes.”  He grinned as his plan finished forming.  ”But you’ll have to wait just a bit longer.”

”Okay, I can wait.”  She nodded, then adjusted her dress and he realized she might actually be dripping right now.  He could certainly smell her arousal and the scent was very strong.  He had a plan to fully satisfy her, but was planning to use a bit of help...

* * *

”I think the biggest problem would be getting tomatoes.  They aren’t in season right now.”  Rachel pointed out as she considered it. 

”Good point.”  Beth nodded.  ”I don’t really know how to make a crust like that either.  Do one of you?” 

Both Alana and Rachel shook their heads.  The redhead couldn’t help but notice the contented smile on her best friend’s face.  She looked even more beautiful than usual tonight.

”Yeah, I’m not much for baking.”  Alana said as she leaned back on the Argo’s railing.  ”I’m not bad with an open fire, but I never liked the oven.”

”I wonder if Ethan knows how pizza is cooked.”  Beth mused as she leaned on the Argo’s railing next to Alana, brushing lightly up against her in an undeniably affectionate way.  The wood elf smiled slightly and leaned up against the taller blonde.  Something about their easy familiarity with each other seemed so natural, like old friends or perhaps close sisters.  It was a surprising amount of affection, especially given they had been rivals not long ago. 

Rachel felt the specter of jealousy creep up.

She was happy for them.

She was.

But she wanted that too.  She wanted that close, affectionate bond also. 

In the back of her mind, she remembered the two dreams and realized that one dream would virtually guarantee that she would have it, the other would virtually guarantee that she wouldn’t.  How she wished there was a third path. Knowing herself though, there really wasn’t.

She sighed. 

”What’s wrong?”  Alana asked. 

”It’s...”  She hesitated with Beth there.  ”It’s what we were talking about earlier.” 

”Ah, well perhaps--”  The wood elf stopped as both she and Beth stared into space for a moment. 

”Ethan wants to see us in the captain’s cabin.”  Beth said, eyeing the two of them.  ”I’ll go ahead so you two can talk.”

The blonde gave the wood elf an affectionate nudge and then walked towards the captain’s cabin. 

”She’s gotten quite perceptive.”  Rachel commented.

”Apparently, dying will do that to you.”  Alana chuckled and then looked at the redhead.  ”So, what’s bothering you?” 

”Are you sure you can talk?  Ethan did just summon you.” 

”I asked and he said he can wait.  He wants you to come too if you don’t mind.” 

”Me?”  Rachel felt a slight flutter in her chest, but tried to ignore it.  ”Why?”

”I think he wanted your opinion, but you’re dodging the question; what’s wrong?” 

”I just noticed how...  how tender and affectionate you and Beth have been with each other lately.”  She glanced away for a moment and lowered her voice slightly.  ”It’s good to see.” 

Alana eyed her for a moment.  ”...and you’re jealous?” 

”Is it that obvious?” 

”Only to someone who’s wanted that for years.”

Rachel leaned up against the railing next to Alana, though not as close as Beth had done.  She looked out across the endless fields of tall, golden-brown grass that looked almost blue in the moonlight. 

”I think it’s partly because of what happened on Ethan’s world.”  Alana said, scooting almost imperceptibly closer.  ”Ethan, Beth, and I um...  ’celebrated’ together the night she came back.   Ever since then, I’ve... well, I’ve felt closer to her.”

”And by ’celebrated’, you mean...?”  Rachel prompted, pretty sure what the answer would be, but wanting to make sure anyway.

The wood elf smiled sheepishly as her cheeks turned pink.  ”We um...”  She cleared her throat.  ”Well, I found out that she’s a good kisser anyway.” 

”Ah.”  Rachel could feel her cheeks start to get warm as she tried to decide if she should ask anything more.  She wanted to, but wasn’t sure if she’d be stepping over the line. 

After a slightly awkward silence, Alana turned towards her.  ”You really want to know?” 

”I mean, only if you want to tell me.” 

”I don’t mind telling you.”  The chocolate-haired elf nodded.  ”She almost kissed me in the shower, and then she did kiss me after you went into the bathroom, and she was...  um...  I mean, we were both...” 

”Naked?”  Rachel offered, not sure if she really wanted to hear the rest.  For some reason, she was finding herself very jealous of Beth right now.

She couldn’t figure out why.

”My lips weren’t the only place she kissed me though, and it was...”  Alana closed her eyes for a moment and soft, almost imperceptible sigh escaped her lips.  ”It was amazing.” 

”Where else did she...?  Never mind.” 

”Um.”  Alana touched her chest, right around her breasts.  ”And um...  lower too.” 

”Lower?”  Rachel felt her eyes bug out, even though she had almost guessed already. 

Alana nodded very slowly.  ”Lower.”

”You mean?”  Rachel glanced down at her friend’s hips, right where her legs met. 

”I do mean.”  The wood elf nodded. Curiously, while the wood elf was clearly turning red, she didn’t seem ashamed at all, merely a bit embarrassed.

”Oh, by Illuminar...”  The redhead breathed. 

”Uh-huh.”  Alana nodded.

”And you liked it?”  Rachel asked, not able to stop herself. 

Her expression said it all.  ”Oh yes.  Dear Illuminar in heaven yes.”  She leaned in a little closer and whispered.  ”If you ever get the chance to experience it, with a woman you’re comfortable with, of course, I wouldn’t turn it down.” 

Alana only leaned back slightly when she’d finished, and for a moment it seemed like they were the only two people in the world. 

”Okay.”  The redhead nodded, not sure who she would trust to be that intimate with.  Obviously Alana, but no one else.  Something told Rachel that Alana wouldn’t even consider it unless she was married to Ethan.  She didn’t know why, but she was certain. 

The redhead herself found herself curious, but nothing more of course. 

Not a bit more.

Not at all.

Rachel really didn’t have much of a thing for women, though she knew that some women did.  Alana was really beautiful, and wonderful, sweet, and kind, but she wasn’t attracted to her in that way.  Okay, a part of her was curious what it would be like to kiss her -- purely to indulge her curiosity of course -- but she didn’t want to do anything else.  Not even the revelation that the lovely wood elf had enjoyed bedding another woman changed her mind, though for some reason she found herself slightly jealous of Beth.

She wasn’t sure why.

Now that she thought about it, it seemed too much of a coincidence that both Alana and Beth were interested in other women, especially since she doubted they were before bonding to Ethan. 

Hmm.

That was probably another way he’d changed his wives. 

She hated that.

She hated that she couldn’t have the husband she wanted or child that she’d dreamed of without also giving herself to Ethan to mold as he saw fit; whether he realized it or not.  That’s when she realized that Alana was watching her with an amused expression. 

”What?”

”You have a beautiful brain, but it does wander sometimes, doesn’t it?”  The wood elf chuckled.

”Yeah.”  She admitted nodding her head.  ”I can get lost up there sometimes.” 

”Well come on.”  Alana said standing up straight.  ”Ethan could use a beautiful, slightly wandering brain to give him some advice.” 

”Let’s go.”  The redhead smiled as she started walking towards the captain’s cabin, once again loving the fact that he always included her with his wives when he was looking for input.

It made her heart happy.

* * *

It had taken Selene a few minutes to work out a comfortable way to sleep on the cot with the very pregnant Melinda.  She didn’t mind, but she did have less bed than she was used to.  Eventually, they had lain down so each one had their head on opposite sides.  Thankfully, Melinda’s feet didn’t stink.

The ex-FBI agent lay awake for quite a while, probably the result of sleeping so much earlier in the day while recovering from her now-healed wounds.  On the other cot, Jason and Hailey were both snoring very quietly and in unison.  Selene couldn’t decide if that was funny, fitting, or strange.  It was probably all three.

”Are you awake?”  Melinda whispered. 

”Yeah.”  Selene whispered back. 

”Can I talk to you for a minute?  I don’t really need advice or anything, I just need someone to listen.” 

”Sure.”  Selene said sitting up. 

The lights had been dimmed a while ago.  While it wasn’t dark, it was roughly the lighting level that a Christmas tree would illuminate a room, though a far less cozy hue.

”Have you ever heard of ’compersion’?”  Melinda asked.

”No, what is it?” 

”It’s like the opposite of jealousy.”  The other woman explained.  ”You know how most women get really jealous if they think their man is attracted to someone else?” 

”Sure.” 

”Well, compersive women don’t.  They feel happy for their man because he’s attracted to someone else.”

”That’s a thing?”  Selene raised her eyebrow.  If she had a man and he was interested in another woman, she’d throttle him.

Melinda nodded.  ”I heard the term a while back when one of my friends was stupid drunk.  She confessed that she really gets off on thinking about her boyfriend sleeping with other women.  I thought she was nuts.” 

”No kidding.”  Selene agreed.

”I did some looking and it seems like that’s a real thing.  Apparently, a not-insignificant number of women are compersive.  And it’s not just a sexual thing.  Apparently, it’s like how you feel happy for a good friend when she’s found a wonderful man, even if that man is your boyfriend or husband.”

”Compersion huh?”  Selene mused.  ”Yeah, that’s totally not me; I’d kill him, and maybe her; probably both of them.”

”I kind of wish it was me though.”  The Latina woman looked sad as she glanced at her boyfriend sleeping on a cot with another woman. 

”So, not to be insensitive, but didn’t you just push them together?”  Selene asked quietly, so as not to wake them.

Melinda nodded.  ”I want to be compersive.  I want to be happy for them.  I want to be happy that she’s back and he still loves her.  I really want to be, but I’m not sure I am.” 

”You’re not happy for them?”  Selene asked to clarify.

”Does that make me an awful person?” 

”I can tell that you’re conflicted, but are you really sure that you’re not happy for them, or is it something else?” 

Melinda swallowed hard.  ”I’m worried about losing Jason.” 

”To Hailey?”

The Latina nodded. 

”Okay, but really, what are the odds of that?”  The Brazilian woman pointed out.  ”The man is clearly in love with both of you and what man in his right mind would reject a woman he loves after finding out that she’s fine with him sleeping with another woman that he loves.  Isn’t that some kind of male fantasy?” 

”I mean, yeah.  I see your point.”

”And do you think Hailey would ever try to steal him away?”

Melinda shook her head.  ”She actually offered to leave so she didn’t come between us.” 

”So then, it seems to me that the odds of you losing Jason are near zero, right?” 

Melinda made a thoughtful sound.  ”I mean, I think so.” 

”Then if the odds of you losing Jason are effectively zero, then are you still not happy for them?” 

Melinda cocked her head to one side and looked up at the ceiling.  ”I don’t know.” 

”That might be worth considering.”

”Hmm.”  The Latina mused. 

She was silent for several seconds while Selene considered the strangeness of her situation.  How in the world did she end up counseling a pregnant woman about her boyfriend’s relationship with another woman? 

Melinda was silent for a few seconds before she replied.  ”I don’t know that I am, but I think I could be happy for her.  I mean, maybe?  Hailey would be so miserable without him, and I don’t want to do that to her.  I know she wouldn’t do that to me either.” 

”Hmm.”  Selene mused.  ”It sounds like you both want to be with Jason, and it also sounds like neither of you would be happy if the other wasn’t also with Jason.  Do I have that right?” 

”Huh.”  Melinda cocked her head to one side.  ”I guess...  I guess you do.” 

”Then what do you have to worry about?”  Selene pointed out.

”I suppose...  nothing.”  The Latina woman smiled.  ”Thank you.”

”Happy to help.”  Selene returned the smile and laid back down.  She was happy that she helped, but also really confused.  What woman in her right mind would want to share her husband?  If she ever found out a future significant other was wooing another woman, she probably would practice her considerable martial arts skills on him.   She was definitely glad that there was no chance of that happening with her. 

None whatsoever.

* * *

Rachel preceded Alana into the captain’s cabin and immediately wished that she had let the wood elf go first. 

On the bed, Ethan was laying over Taloni in an undeniably sexual way, but without touching her.  Beth was touching her though, and quite intimately.  One of the blonde’s hands was resting on the bare skin of the Fey girl’s exposed shoulders, and their lips were rather close.  The moment the door opened, both girls jumped and Beth reflexively jerked her hand away while Taloni made to sit up. 

Ethan was unperturbed.

He had a wide smile on his face and was clearly not embarrassed in the slightest.  He had been watching his other two wives with interest.  When he glanced up to see who’d come in, there was still a powerful remnant of desire in his eyes.  The abject lust with which he’d viewed his two teenage wives didn’t disappear when he looked at Rachel herself. 

If anything, it grew stronger. 

His eyes flicked up and down her body the way men tended to do when undressing a woman with their eyes.  His smile grew wider and slyer, almost like he knew something that she didn’t.    There was something dragon-ish about his expression too. 

He had looked at her appraisingly once or twice before, but never like this. Never like she was a succulent morsel that he wanted to taste.  For a brief instant, she wanted to let him.  She wanted to strike a pose that displayed her best features in an alluring way.   No one had ever looked at her like that before; absolutely unapologetic and with abject lust, yet somehow without any creepiness.  This certainly wasn’t entirely Ethan; his dragon side had clearly come out to play. 

Literally.

As he sat up, she got her first glimpse of his fully aroused, fully hard cock.  She blushed as her eyes grew wide.

He was huge.

Massive.

Her petite forearm was larger, but not by much.  The shaft was nearly as thick as her slender wrist and the head was larger still.  She couldn’t imagine how something so large could even fit inside of a woman. 

Then she realized she was staring.

She snapped her eyes shut and turned her head away.  ”Um, Ethan; your...  thing is showing.”

Alana giggled behind her and then whispered.  ”Pretty impressive, isn’t it?” 

Rachel was pretty sure she blushed scarlet because her cheeks were hotter than the sun, but her best friend wasn’t wrong.  The redhead’s previous glimpse in that bathroom on Earth had only been for a split second, and apparently he hadn’t been ’full size’ at the time.  She had thought it was too large then.

Now?

Now she wondered how he was ever going to fit it inside of her. 

Wait, what? 

Where had that thought come from?  She realized where moment later: the dream.  In order for her to have a daughter, at some point she must’ve...  But with Ethan?  With his ’equipment’ being so large?  How was that even possible?  Unsummoned, she felt the area between her legs start to tingle.  She knew without a shadow of a doubt that she would be getting wet down there soon if she didn’t change her train of thought. 

”Are you decent?”  She asked after a moment, adding as much annoyance to her tone as she dared.

”I’d like to think I’m always a decent fellow.”  Ethan replied with a chuckle, and she was glad to hear the primal tone she associated with the dragon wasn’t in his voice

”He activated the disguise gem...  I think.”  Alana offered, sparing her from having to ask again. 

”Thank Illuminar.”  She said, intentionally rolling her eyes and making sure her tone sounded slightly annoyed.  ”You all really need to stop calling me into the room while you’re doing that.” 

”Sorry Rachel.”  He said.  ”I sort of...  I went dragon there for a bit.” 

”I noticed.”  She said dryly.  ”Now, you wanted to talk about something?”

”Yeah.”  He nodded, sitting down as his wives all made to sit down on the bed near him.  She noticed they automatically arranged themselves in a semi-circle around him, with him at the center, all facing her. 

He waited until she was seated on the desk chair, then spoke.  ”It was something that Kendra said, and I wanted a second opinion on it.”

”What did she say?” 

”She said.”  He closed his eyes as if remembering.  ”The most powerful dragons I’ve fought didn’t have hard scales or strong muscles; they had swift hands and fast reflexes.” 

”That sounds like enchanting advice.”  Rachel mused. 

”Did she say why she gave it?”  Alana asked. 

”I asked her.”  Ethan replied.  ”She glanced at Taloni and told me to ’take care of her’.” 

”She did?”  Taloni looked like she was about to cry tears of joy.  ”I told you she was a good person master.” 

Rachel resisted reacting to the Fey teen’s pet name for Ethan.  She didn’t like it, especially compared to how she’d called him ’my lord’ in her dream.  It seemed too similar to be coincidental and she definitely didn’t want a lord over her.

Ethan looked at his Fey wife fondly.  ”She seems a bit protective of you; did anyone else notice?” 

There was a general chorus of agreement. 

”So, was her advice real advice, or just trying to get me to enchant myself in a way that wouldn’t be helpful?” 

”I think she was trying to help.”  Taloni beamed, wiping her slightly watery eyes.

”She might be right.”  Beth said.

”Agreed.”  Alana nodded, then added.  ”Besides, who couldn’t be protective of our wonderful Fey?”

”Aww.”  Taloni, who was sitting next to the wood elf, turned and gave her a huge hug.

All eyes turned to the mage.

”Any thoughts, O wise redhead?”  Ethan said with a wink. 

Suppressing a smile, Rachel replied in a mock imperious tone with a mock-dismissive wave of her hand:  ”Yes, but none that mere mortals such as yourselves would understand.” 

Everyone laughed.

”I know this sounds strange because it came from her, but I think it’s good advice.”  Rachel answered when the laughter had died down.

”I agree.”  Alana replied.  ”It would take a long time and tons of mana to harden all your scales to the level of Kyrupto.  However, improving your reflexes would allow you to avoid attacks, and it would probably take a lot less mana, judging by the fact that you’ve already done it.”

Ethan nodded, then cocked his head to one side.  ”What about precognition?” 

”Come again?”  Rachel asked.

”So, there’s this fictional character from my world with a superpower.  He can sense danger the instant before it hits.  Is that possible?” 

Rachel shook her head.  ”Predicting the future is the most difficult of all magical arts; even more difficult than telepathy.  Even the greatest seers struggle to predict anything accurately more than a few days out.” 

”But what about a few seconds?”  He countered.  ”I don’t need to predict days out, what if I could only do a second or so?” 

”That’s probably more doable, but it would be incredibly hard.” 

”Hmm.”  Ethan mused, then put on a strange accent.  ”He can see things before they happen, that’s why he appears to have such quick reflexes.  It’s a Jedi trait.” 

All of the women stared at him.

”Never mind.”  He shook his head.  ”I just think it would be very helpful if I had a Spidey-sense.” 

More staring. 

”Spidey-sense?”  Beth asked. 

He explained about a ’superhero’ from his world called ’Spider-man’ who could sense danger just before the threat would hit him.

”So, this Spider-man is a Jedi?”  Beth asked looking confused.

It was Ethan’s turn to laugh, though no one else got the joke.  After he was done, he explained about a story of a war in the stars that these ’Jedi’ came from. 

Then he added.  ”I’m just thinking, it would be cool if I could sense incoming attacks like arrows.  With some super reflexes, I could maybe dodge them, or deflect them with my hammer or a sword or something.” 

Alana gave him a smoldering look.  ”That wouldn’t be cool; it would be hot.” 

Taloni and Beth agreed, and suddenly Rachel felt a palpable change in the air.  Suddenly all three women changed from being the most delightful, innocent, lovely women that she’d ever met into being sensual seductresses.  They were fully clothed, but the looks they gave him -- and each other -- were enough to make anyone blush. 

”That’s my cue to leave.”  She said, realizing that the tingle between her legs that had appeared when she saw his cock was now becoming a full-blown itch. 

”Thanks for the insight.”  Ethan called after her as she turned to leave.

”You’re welcome.”  She glanced back and saw all three of his wives waiting patiently, presumably for her to leave so they could...  you know.  For a moment, she wished that she was on the bed and going to join them.

Then she stepped outside and closed the door. 

Unfortunately, the wish didn’t go away.

* * *

The moment the door closed, Taloni snapped her eyes towards Ethan.  Her entire body was alight with sensation and she was dying to feel her husband again.  It had been too long and her body was complaining loudly about not feeling him against her and inside of her. 

He looked at her and his eyes twinkled devilishly.  ”My beautiful Fey bride; how would you like something extra special tonight?” 

”Oh yes please master!”  She gushed, feeling her heart swell. 

”Then take off your dress and lay back.”  He instructed as he beckoned his two other wives closer. 

She was naked in three seconds flat, barely sparing a thought for the fact that this would be the first time that either Alana or Beth would see her truly naked.  Right now, she was so horny that she simply didn’t care.  She laid back on the bed, and as her head hit the pillow, she realized that Ethan was whispering to both Alana and Beth.  After a few moments, they both got wide but embarrassed grins and looked at her. 

”What?”  She asked, resisting the urge to spread her legs as wide as possible to make things easier for Ethan, and only because his beautiful other wives made her feel slightly self-conscious.

”You’ll see.”  He gave her a devious smile and nodded to Alana and Beth.  ”Ladies.” 

As one, both of his other wives dropped to all fours on the bed and crawled sensually towards her. 

She froze. 

She looked at Ethan, eyes wide.  He gave her a reassuring nod, then slipped off the bed and sat down on the desk chair that Rachel had recently vacated. 

”Master, what--”  She started to say, but was interrupted by the sensation of a smooth feminine hand brushing her naked side. 

It was Beth. 

The beautiful blonde was running her fingertips up the Fey teen’s side in an undeniably sensual way, almost as if her intent was to arouse her.

”We were interrupted earlier.”  The blonde said as her fingers brushed up at the edges of Taloni’s breasts.  ”Do you mind if I try again?” 

The Fey girl’s mind flashed back to their almost-kiss of earlier that day, and of just before Rachel had entered a few minutes ago.  She wanted to nod or otherwise ascent, but it seemed her body and brain weren’t cooperating.  

Her eyes went wide.

”I’ll take that as a yes.”  Beth said. 

She leaned over the smaller teen and suddenly all Taloni could see was a beautiful face framed by stunning blonde hair.  The other teen’s face was so close that their noses bumped.  Beth smiled and shook her head just slightly so their noses brushed each other a few times, in what Ethan had once described as an ’Eskimo kiss’.  Taloni’s brain seemed to unlock slightly at the cute, adorable gesture. 

”Hi.”  Beth said, and then bit her lip. 

”Hi.”  She replied, then glanced at those soft lips.  Her Fey curiosity burned brightly and she leaned up and gently touched her lips to the blonde’s. 

It felt strange; wonderful, but strange. 

While Ethan was raw, primal power, Beth was all soft sensuality.  The blonde kissed her back and their lips molded together.   Moments later, Beth pulled back slightly. 

”Was that okay?”  The blonde asked tentatively. 

”It was wonderful.”  Taloni replied softly.  ”Could... could we do that aga--” 

She was cut off as Beth kissed her again, tenderly at first and then with a bit more passion. 

It was a wonderful kiss.

When it broke, the blonde leaned back so she was sitting on her heels.  Alana started to gently stroke Taloni’s other side, sending shivers through the Fey teen’s body that seemed to always end between her legs.  However, Ethan wasn’t involved.  He was still sitting in the chair watching with a massive smile on his face. 

”Master, aren’t you going to...”  She couldn’t finish the sentence because Beth’s fingertips had just brushed her exposed and hard nipples.

He grinned devilishly.  ”I will, but not yet.  I thought Alana and Beth should test the limits of your pleasure first...  without me touching you.” 

Taloni’s eyes went wide.  ”But master, if you don’t touch me then I can’t...”  Her jaw dropped as she realized what he intended. 

”But master, I’ll go insane!”  She protested, though her curiosity was burning and she felt a surge of moisture between her legs at the idea.

He looked at his two other wives.  ”Ladies, would you like to start?” 

Taloni looked alternately at Alana and Beth.  They clearly did.  They both had smiles that were devious, or excited, or embarrassed. 

Maybe all three. 

As one, they both leaned in towards her...

* * *

Rachel could hear them.  Well, Taloni anyway.  For such a small girl she had an impressively loud set of pipes.  The sighs and moans that came from the captain’s cabin sounded like there was a full-blown orgy happening, not that she would know what one sounded like. 

Her hearing wasn’t an accident either.

Instead of going to bed as would make sense, she’d stopped at the bottom of the stairs on the Argo’s lower deck when she heard Taloni’s first loud moan.  She hesitated, then heard another one followed by a sigh, the latter from either Beth or Alana; she wasn’t sure.

Instead of going to her hammock, she’d snuck onto the rear hold which was directly under the captain’s cabin.  She could hear better from here, which definitely wasn’t what she wanted.  She decided to leave, but the sounds coming from above her made the itch between her legs even worse. 

She wanted to go to sleep and ignore it, but it wouldn’t be ignored and she wasn’t leaving. 

Another loud moan.

She thought that one might be Alana, but wasn’t sure. She sighed softly as a small burst of arousal spread through her at the sound of the lovely wood elf in the throes of passion.  She’d done this before; listened to them while taking care of herself.  If she’d done it at the apartment on Earth, why not here? 

She bit her lip and hesitated. 

Moments later, she’d closed the door and moved three fifty-pound bags in front of it so she wouldn’t be disturbed. 

She felt silly.

Embarrassed.

Almost humiliated.

This shouldn’t be happening.  She shouldn’t be this horny and certainly not because her best friend, her best friend’s husband, and his other wives were all bedding each other right above her head.  It didn’t make sense. 

As she flopped down and reached for the drawstrings of her pants, she paused.  She checked her mana to see if the bit of mana that Ethan had given her was still there.

It was. 

She breathed a sigh of relief, not even sure why she was so reassured and comforted that it was still there.  It was certainly smaller than before, and slowly growing smaller all the time.  But the protection she’d erected around it had greatly slowed its erosion.  For that she was grateful.

She loosed the drawstrings on her pants and slipped her hand down the front, trying not to imagine a much larger appendage finishing the work that her fingers began. 

* * *

Ethan let out a satisfied growl as he felt Beth’s nubile body begin to shudder in front of him.  She was on her hands and knees, lips fastened around Taloni’s slit and the blonde’s attractive bubble butt up in the air as He thrust deeply into her from behind. Moments later, her oral ministrations on his Fey bride faltered as she gasped for breath while her entire body began to tremble.

Knowing that because of his dragon physiology, he could easily cum once in each of his wives, he didn’t hold back and emptied his balls deep inside his nubile teen wife.  He dearly wanted to fill the teen’s womb with his child, but knew it would be a horrible idea.  The dragon inside of him protested, but he won out. 

Beth collapsed, probably feeling worn out after that orgasm. 

”May I take a turn sir?”  Alana asked, taking a momentary break from French-kissing Taloni while gently kneading her breast with one hand. 

”Be my guest.”  He replied, after which the chocolate-haired elf climbed on top of Taloni, and started kissing down her front, stopping at every sensitive spot along the way. 

The Fey teen herself was incoherent.  She seemed nearly mad with lust, which of course was the point. It seemed she truly couldn’t orgasm unless he was touching her.  Since he wasn’t, she was stuck at the very brink without being able to go over the edge.

Judging by their bond, she loved it.

She hated it.

She wanted it to climax, she wanted it to go on forever.  Or at least, that’s what he could make out over their bond.

Eventually, Alana had slid all the way down the Fey teen’s body and turned around, occupying the position Beth had moments before, and was now making her first attempt at going down on another woman.  Judging by the Fey teen’s sudden increase in volume and writhing, she was doing a good job. 

Alana had her butt sticking up in the air, wiggling it slightly in invitation. 

He was happy to accept.

He repositioned himself and was about to reach down and line himself up, when a feminine hand gently grasped his cock.

”Please let me Dominus.”  Beth said with a smile as she lay on her back, hips tilted up as if trying to keep his seed inside of her longer. 

”Absolutely.”  He replied with possibly the biggest grin he’d ever had in his life. 

She pointed him right at Alana, and he pushed forward.  God, she was so tight.  The wood elf was the shortest and smallest of all his wives, and also the tightest.  Her inner folds had grown to accept him, but it was very tight and there was no mistaking the feeling.

It felt like coming home.

She pushed backwards as soon as he entered her and gave a light sigh of contentment as he bottomed out.

”I will never tire of that feeling sir.”  She said, then returned her lips to Taloni. 

The Fey was a mess by now. 

She had been constantly horny for a couple days and now was being subjected to the dedicated treatment of his two other wives for the better part of an hour.  She was a puddle of pleasure that was aching for release, which he was anxious to give, as soon as he had finished inside of Alana. 

”Use me sir.”  Alana moaned, apparently sensing his intentions through their bond.  ”Use me -- use my body -- to get yourself ready for her.  She’s been so wonderful and needs your attention soon.” 

”Take her Dominus, I want to see what it looks like from here.”  Beth said, moving so her head was between Alana’s legs, directly below where Ethan’s cock was now slowly thrusting into his delightful first wife, so his delightful second wife had a perfect view.  He took her advice and thrust inside the wood elf with long, powerful strokes.

After a few moments, Beth sighed contentedly. 

”What?”  Alana asked as she came up for air, before diving back into the whimpering puddle of pleasure that was his delightful third wife.

”It’s a great view.”  Beth said.

A moment later, the blonde teen lifted her head and kissed the wood elf right between the legs.  The additional stimulation drove the elf right over the edge, and Ethan followed moments later, feeling the occasional lap of Beth’s tongue as he spent himself inside Alana.

”Scoot over.”  The wood elf panted to the blonde as she started moving her legs, so Ethan could get to Taloni. 

”It’s time for the main event Dominus.”  Beth said to him with a smile glancing at Taloni, then she opened her mouth and pressed it to Alana’s slit, catching his cum which was slowly leaking out of the chocolate-haired elf.

Moments later Beth’s eyes went wide as Alana’s upper lips met her lower set, returning the favor.  Unless Ethan was much mistaken, he heard some soft sucking sounds from the both of them.  Remembering that he had cum in both of them very recently, the thought of what they were doing made his cock even harder, if that was possible.

”Master, master please...”  His Fey wife begged. 

He intentionally hadn’t touched her since they started, and he was almost one hundred percent sure that she would begin the biggest orgasm of her life the moment he did. 

”Spread your legs and pull them up.”  He said as he moved closer. 

She did. 

Spectacularly.

He had no idea she was that flexible.  She straightened her legs and pulled them up so they were up against her shoulders, spread so he could still see her breasts and stomach.  She looked like a champion gymnast. 

He whistled. 

She looked pleased at his response, then reached down and gently spread her nether lips with her fingers in invitation.  A tiny drop of wetness slowly rolled down and she looked pleadingly at him.   ”Please master.”

He leaned forward, being careful not to touch her as he positioned himself at the perfect angle.  He wanted her first sensation to be absolutely overwhelming.  He smiled at her and she smiled back, their arousal momentarily taking a back seat to an intimate glance; an affectionate gaze between lovers. 

Then he thrust forward.

He buried himself inside of her up to the hilt in one smooth thrust as he also wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close so they had as much contact as possible.

She came. 

She came like a freight train being powered by a nuke.  Her cry of pleasure was almost earsplitting as her entire body convulsed with more force than he ever would’ve guessed her tiny body possessed.  He was right behind her, unloading the last of his balls; the one that only ever worked for her.  He thrust inside of her with strong, deep, loving strokes.

She came. 

And came...

And came again... 

He wasn’t sure if she had a single long orgasm or a series of shorter ones that all ran together.  He didn’t care, and judging by their bond she didn’t either.  He could feel her through their bond, and she had literally never been happier.  After a long time, she lay still, seeming to have passed out.  He took a deep breath and pulled out, his cock only now starting to soften. 

”Wow, suddenly I wish I was a Fey.”  He heard Beth say from beside him. 

”No kidding.”  Alana agreed.

He glanced at his two other wives, who were both still arranged in the 69 position, but neither was paying attention to the other.  They were both staring at him and his Fey wife with awed looks. 

He smiled, suddenly feeling tired.

”Mmm, master.”  Taloni said, returning to consciousness.  ”Thank you so much mas...  mast...”  She yawned contentedly.  ”Thank you master, that was wonderful.”

”As are you.”  He said moving up to lay beside her, then looking at Beth and Alana.  ”All of you.” 

His two other wives slid up the bed, Alana next to Taloni who was cuddled up in Ethan’s arms, and Beth behind him, cuddled up to his back.  He would’ve called it spooning, but for some reason that didn’t seem to quite fit what the blonde was doing.  The position was right, but the feeling was different. 

His arms were occupied with his Fey bride, so he stretched out his wings, one resting on Taloni and Alana while the other encircled Beth.  He tugged both of them closer and they happily obliged. 

It felt good.

He closed his eyes, ready for this extraordinarily long day to end.  Yet the three women in his bed made the idea of prolonging it attractive too.

”I can’t decide if this is better than sex.”  Beth said as she snuggled closer to him. 

”Oh?” Alana asked, and then yawned.

”I couldn’t choose between them.”  Taloni said softly; sleepily.  ”The sex is wonderful but this...  I couldn’t live without this.” 

”Thank Illuminar we don’t have to.”  Alana mumbled as her eyelids drooped.

”Amen.”  Beth yawned. 

”One hundred percent Agreed.”  Ethan mumbled as his brain fogged over.  He’d been in this world a few days shy of two months.  Two months ago, he couldn’t have imagined his life being this wonderful.  His life had literally never been as dangerous or hard, but also never so incredible. 

The whole reason -- or rather ’reasons’ -- were currently snuggled up against him.   He wouldn’t trade them for the world and all it contained.  They were that wonderful. 

That was his last thought before he drifted off to sleep. 

* * *

”That damn dragon.”  Kendra murmured to herself as she lashed her ship to the bollards of Arcanum’s dock.   Dawn wouldn’t break for another hour, but thanks to a perfect wind from the ideal direction and her insanely fast airship, she’d made good time through the night.  Plus, the Argo hadn’t been that far in the first place because traveling from the necromancer’s camp towards the wood Elvin capitol meant they had to pass somewhat close to Arcanum anyway. 

She paid the dockmaster for her berth, annoyed that the man seemingly hoped for another gold coin like the first time. 

She rolled her eyes. 

Men.

She stalked through the city in such a mood that not a single person didn’t avoid her.  She didn’t care.  Apparently, she was giving off such an aura that people actually moved out of her way if they saw her coming.  Again, she didn’t care. 

It was that damn dragon’s fault.  All of it.  She wished she’d never heard of him, never met him, and certainly never fought him.  Her life had been happy before.  Okay, not happy; but certainly less miserable.  She could feel her anger being directed at Ethan, but honestly, she wasn’t sure who she was angrier at: Ethan for what he might not have done, or herself for what she definitely had done.

She stalked into the Great Temple of Illuminar, drawing raised eyebrows from more than one Luminar and plenty of early-morning parishioners.  She assumed that it was so full because the dawn service would begin soon.  Of course the God of Light would have a service at dawn.  She stalked through the various hallways, arriving at the Luminar’s only area.  Two of them tried to stop her entrance; they would wake up with a headache soon, but without any permanent damage.

”What in Saidow’s lair Kossel!”  She said as she barged into his room. 

He was awake.

He was up.

He was sitting in a meditative pose and didn’t seem at all surprised to see her.  His white Luminar’s robes looked as clean and pristine as ever. He was definitely older -- maybe late fifties or early sixties -- but also clearly in very good shape.  His balding head was covered in a small round cap and the long white robes he wore had a blazing sun on the front.   He looked happy; content.

Jerk.

He smiled at her ”Good morning.” 

She glared at him.  ”Who is that dragon and what do you know about him?” 

”Almost nothing I’m afraid, except that he truly loves that wood elf.” 

She raised her eyebrow.

”My dear Kendra, if you think I’m all-knowing, I would remind you that’s my Lord, not me.  I only know what He tells me and He tells me very little, and even then, only occasionally.” 

She resisted the temptation to roll her eyes.  Great, the one time she wanted him to be an insufferable know-it-at...

”Actually, most of the time He has told me anything, it concerned you or the dragon.”  The Luminar mused.  ”That has probably given you the impression that I know more than I do.” 

”Fine, tell me everything you know about the dragon; leave nothing out.”

He shook his head and clicked his tongue.  ”I hope you don’t take that tone with your future husband... or children.”

Kendra stared at him. 

He chuckled.

She narrowed her eyes.  ”Did you scry the future and see me married?” 

He shook his head.  ”Merely a joke, pay it no mind.” 

Kendra let it pass, but it seemed like more than a joke to her.  He had seemed too sure of himself to be merely joking.   She wondered if he knew something that she didn’t, or had received some special insight.  Predicting the future that far out was unheard of, but Kossel had a knack for knowing things he shouldn’t -- and couldn’t -- know.

”Now, you were about to politely ask me to tell you about Ethan.” 

”Fine.”  She grimaced.  ”Would you please tell me everything you know about him?” 

”I would be happy to, have a seat.”  He indicated a chair in the room and then started talking.

His story matched perfectly the story that Ethan and his wives had told her, which annoyed her greatly.  She wanted the dragon to be lying.  She wanted him to be every bit the selfish apex predator that all other dragons were.  Alas, at least according to Luminar Kossel, that wasn’t the case. 

”You seem bothered Kendra.”  He said when he had finished but she hadn’t responded. 

”Do I?”  She replied evenly.

”Let me rephrase; you sound mad as hell that he might be telling the truth.” 

”What’s a ’hell’?”  She asked.  She thought Ethan had used the term once, but otherwise she’d never heard it before. 

”Sorry, slip of the tongue.”  He replied.  ”Why does the fact that he’s telling the truth make you so mad?”

”I’m not mad.”  She said as the volume in her voice grew.

He outright laughed this time.  ”I can see that.” 

She jumped up from the chair.  ”Look just because--”  She stopped dead as she realized that she was indeed mad; worse, she was showing it. 

”You were always so good at keeping your temper in check.”  He said consolingly.  ”Feeling a little guilty perhaps?” 

She glared at him.  ”Whatever for?”

”You might’ve tried to kill an innocent man -- err, dragon -- several times.”  He replied.  ”Any good person would feel guilty about that.  If you didn’t, I’d be worried about you.” 

”Oh.”  Was all Kendra could think to say.

”You’re doing the right thing by verifying his story.”  He said kindly.  ”In fact, I think I can help you with that.”

”Oh?” 

He nodded.  ”Arch mages are hard to get an audience with.  Fortunately, I’ve known Elder Goman since, oh before you were born.  If you like, I can invite him here; trust me, he’ll come if I invite him.”

”How would I get anything out of that senile old fool?”  She asked, not understanding.

”Ah, so they didn’t tell you.  Good for them being discreet.”  He smiled.  ”Regardless, he might surprise you; shall I invite him?” 

”Sure, but how do you know an Arch mage?  Where did you even meet?” 

Luminar Kossel smiled.  It was the satisfied smile of someone who knew something that no one else did.  He seemed to be recalling a fond memory as he replied. ”We met a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...” 

* * *

Beth woke up with the muscles in her cheeks almost aching.  She didn’t understand why they would be aching until she felt Ethan’s back touching her and smiled, after which they ached worse.  She must’ve been smiling in her sleep all night for her ’smile muscles’ to ache like that.

She took a deep breath and stretched, trying not to wake Ethan next to her. 

She needn’t have bothered. 

”You’re awake.”  He said, turning towards her.  Behind him, Alana and Taloni poked their heads up and both smiled at her. 

They were all naked; naked and unashamed.

Strangely, and in contrast with the previous night, there was nothing remotely sexual about their nudity.  It seemed intimate because they were literally baring all, physically anyway, but it didn’t have the same effect that it had the previous night.

The blonde sat up and smiled in return.  ”Good morning.” 

She was quite conscious that her own small breasts were sticking out toward all of them.  She wasn’t bothered by that for some reason, which was nice; strange, but nice.

”We were just talking about Ethan enchanting himself.”  Alana said. 

Ethan held up his hand.  ”First things first.” 

He turned to Beth and beckoned her forward with his finger.  She fell into his arms and he kissed her tenderly on the lips.  Not an arousing kiss, but an intimate one.  For a moment, she felt like the only woman in his world, despite the two other naked ones. 

”Hi.”  He said with a grin.

”Hi.”  She smiled back widely, feeling that slight ache in her cheeks from smiling so much. 

Then she looked around and wiggled in his arms so she fell on his other side with Taloni and Alana, accidentally half-landing on top of the Fey girl in a demonstration of clumsiness that made her go red. 

”Oof.”  The honey-blonde grunted before wrapping her arms around Beth and giving her a hug, which Alana joined moments later, and Ethan moments after that.  In the aftermath, Beth ended up between Taloni and Alana, with the Fey teen snuggled up against their husband and Alana at the edge of the bed. 

”We were just thinking that it might be a good idea for Ethan to enchant himself whenever his mana gets full, but then only use part of it.”  Alana explained. 

”Oh, good idea.”  Beth replied.  ”That way he gets stronger regularly, but has some mana in reserve in case we get attacked.” 

”Exactly.”  Ethan said.  ”I already did a bit of enchanting on myself today, but I think I’m going to do it just before bed in the future.  That way I can replenish my mana while I sleep.  It seems like the best way to do it.”

”I agree master.”  The Fey teen said as she wiggled her butt against him.  ”Do you have any thoughts on the best way to spend the morning?”

”Hmm.”  Ethan said in mock confusion.  ”I’m really stumped there.  How will you girls keep yourselves occupied?  Man, that’s a tough one.” 

”Um, I could keep...”  Taloni blushed.  ”I could keep Beth occupied while you...  um...  you know, with Alana.” 

”I suppose if I had to.”  Ethan said with a wink and a heavy sigh, then cocked his head to one side.  ”So question, I know I enjoy watching it, but do you ladies get intimate with each other because you want to, or because I like it?” 

”Why do you ask?”  Alana ran her hands through her chocolate-brown hair. 

”Well, because I’ve noticed you don’t seem to ’get involved’ with each other when I’m not around.  I also noticed you girls have a tendency to do things I like just because I like them.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I really appreciate that.  I just want to make sure you don’t feel pressured to do something.” 

Beth looked at her two fellow wives, realizing that her ’playing’ with them was different than with Ethan. 

”So, I hope this doesn’t sound bad.”  She said glancing at Alana and Taloni.  ”But while I really enjoy doing that with both of you, I’m not sure...  I mean, if Ethan wasn’t there I don’t know if...” 

”It wouldn’t be the same.”  Alana finished, a pensive look on her face.  ”Yeah, I see what you mean.” 

”I suppose I wouldn’t mind it without you there.”  Taloni said to him.  ”But I don’t feel...  I don’t think I’d be very into it if you weren’t there.” 

He looked at them confused.  ”So, you’re saying that you like having sex with each other--” 

”We love it!”  All three corrected him at the same time.

He grinned widely.  ”I’m sorry, you all love having sex with each other, but only when I’m around?” 

Beth nodded, and her fellow wives did the same. 

”That makes no sense.”  He looked confused. 

Beth shrugged.  ”Maybe not, but it’s the case.” 

”Master, I’m not sure I understand it either, but I enjoy it.” 

”We enjoy it.”  Alana and Beth corrected kindly.

”Are you suggesting I do the same?”  He asked. 

”As long as you enjoy us too.”  Beth grinned.

”Now that, I can do.”  He said as Beth felt his arousal begin to rise with hers. 

She grinned, feeling her smile muscles ache just slightly.  Oddly, it was a good ache.

* * *

Rachel had been lying awake in her hammock for nearly an hour before she felt like getting up.  She’d woken when it was still dark, and now it seemed that dawn had come.  She had spent the morning remembering those two dreams with near-perfect clarity; she just didn’t know what to do about them.  Round and round she went in her mind, remembered the loneliness of the second and contrasting it with the contentment of the first.  She knew which one she wanted, but she also knew she would never be able to choose it.  She wanted to choose it, but she knew she’d never be able to choose it no matter how much she wanted to.

It didn’t matter how much she liked Ethan. 

It didn’t matter how wonderful he was.

It didn’t matter how amazing it had felt to have a daughter and be carrying another child too.  It didn’t matter how much she dearly wished she could choose it, or how desperately she wanted it.  No matter how much she wanted it, when the time came to choose, she was pretty sure she wouldn’t be able to choose what she really wanted.

She hated that.

But she also hated the lonely, empty feeling of the second dream...

Round and round she went until her head was spinning and she needed to get up.  She rolled out of the hammock, also remembering how it had felt to wake up next to Alana the day after Taloni’s wedding.   If she passed on marrying Ethan, she’d be giving that up too. 

She sighed and went to grab some clean clothes.

As she looked through the endless array of practical blouses and slacks that she’d bought, she found herself growing bored of them.  They were all too practical, which is what she liked about them when she’d bought them.  Now...  now she wanted something less boring. 

 As she looked through them, a bit of red stood at the very bottom.

She pulled it out, remembering the one single piece of attractive clothing she’d purchased in Arcanum.  She almost hadn’t bought it, but she’d loved it so much that she hadn’t been able to resist.  She ran her finger over the fabric, trying to justify wearing it.

Then she realized; she didn’t need a justification.

She wanted to wear something pretty, so she was going to wear something pretty.  It only vaguely crossed her mind as she pulled it on that Ethan might appreciate her more in this dress, but that wasn’t why she was doing this.  She was doing it for herself, not so he would think that she’s attractive.

She certainly wasn’t doing it for him, or so that he would see that she could be beautiful like his other wives. 

That wasn’t it at all.

Not at all...

* * *

”Damn Rachel, you look amazing.”  Ethan wolf-whistled at the gorgeous vision that had just walked up from the lower decks, who was illuminated in the soft light of the just-risen sun.

The redhead blushed, which was fitting considering the color of the dress she was wearing. It was a darker true red, but not quite to maroon, perfectly matching her hair at the roots before it started fading to blond.  Because the dress wasn’t bright, it didn’t scream ’notice me’ like most red dresses that he’d seen.  Instead, it was muted and understated.  However, on closer inspection it was stunning.

It was conservative enough that no preacher would have an objection but hugged the teen mage’s figure perfectly.  She had a great figure which the dress did nothing to hide and everything to emphasize, yet it didn’t cross the line into being slutty, or even slinky.  It was a subtle, understated sexy.  It came to just below her knees, the sleeves ended mid-bicep, and it only showed the barest hint of cleavage.  Rachel was rather more amply endowed than the rest of his wives, at perhaps a full C cup.  While this fact was obvious from the dress’s cut, it didn’t make her look ’top heavy’ either.

”Thank you.”  She replied, looking pleased with herself. 

Alana, Beth, and Taloni immediately rushed over to gush at the dress.  Ethan chuckled as he continued eating his breakfast, which the redhead had interrupted by coming up from the lower deck.  He took another bite, smiling at having yet another beautiful woman on board, and her being clad in a fantastic dress was the cherry on top of a delightful sundae.

He looked back to see Raklan staring.  No, ogling.  At least he was until Serif smacked him upside the head.  Thereafter, the burly crewman restricted himself to furtive glances. 

Ethan’s eyes fell on Anthiel, who gave him a strange look. 

”What?”  He asked. 

She walked over and sat beside him.  ”Wife number four?” 

”Who, Rachel?  She made it perfectly clear that she’s not interested.” 

The elegant high elf gave him an indulgent smile.  ”I’m sure she did.”

He gave her a look. 

”That dress isn’t an accident you know.”  The high elf said.

”Come again?” 

”You use worms for fish, cheese for mice, and...”  She nodded at Rachel in her dress.  ”...for men.” 

He raised an eyebrow. 

She gave him a knowing smile then stood up and called to his Fey bride.  ”Taloni dear, the wind today is great for learning how to tac into the wind.” 

The Fey teen seemed torn but eventually joined the high elf who started explaining how to fly an airship directly into the wind.  Apparently, it was done by alternating moving at a forty-five-degree angle to the right and left of an oncoming wind.

”Is that why we changed directions so much on the way to Arcanum?”  Ethan asked. 

Anthiel nodded.  ”We were flying almost directly into the wind.  Usually that trip would take half the time with a favorable wind.  Alas, there’s often a wind from the north this time of year.” 

He nodded. 

A few minutes later he’d finished breakfast and turned to Serif and Raklan.  ”Did you guys want to spend some more time sparring?  I could really use the practice.” 

Serif nodded, Raklan grinned wickedly. 

Ethan got up and headed towards one of the stairs to the rear hold where they kept the blunt training weapons.  Alana, Beth, and Rachel had disappeared from the top of the steps, probably discussing fashion somewhere.  He opened the door to the rear hold and was two steps inside before he realized there was someone else in there.

It was Rachel...

...and her dress wasn’t on her body; it was in her hand.  They both froze for a split second and starred at each other.

”Sorry!”  He said as he closed his eyes and turned around.

She wasn’t naked. 

She had been wearing a cloth wrap around her breasts -- which he assumed took the place of a bra -- and was also wearing a thin undergarment that looked like long shorts.  He guessed it was to prevent her from being accidentally exposed while wearing a dress.  He couldn’t help but notice that she had amazing skin, and he’d just seen a lot of it.  His cock reacted almost immediately, and -- being glad his back was turned -- he clicked on his disguise gem to hide that fact.

”I didn’t know anyone was in here.”  He explained with his back turned. 

There was a pause before she replied.  He heard the rustling of fabric after several seconds and then another silence. 

”You really think I’m beautiful?”  She asked.

”What?”  He replied, not sure where the question came from. 

”You just turned on your disguise gem, but you still look like a dragon.”  She replied quietly.  ”You only do that when you...  I mean when your...”   She trailed off.  ”I’m decent, you can turn around.” 

He did, peaking through his partially shut eyes to make sure she was dressed. 

She was.

In the red dress.

”I was just changing because Alana...”  Rachel looked down, then at him again.  ”I liked the dress so much that she volunteered to enchant it to be like her dress.” 

”Self-cleaning and self-repairing?”  He asked. 

She nodded.  ”Do...?”

For some reason, she seemed slightly vulnerable right now.  She was uncharacteristically shy and even a bit bashful.  Her walls seemed down right now, much like they had been the previous day when she’d made it very clear that she could never marry him.

”Do you really think the dress is pretty?”  She asked. 

For some reason, he got the impression that she was asking about a lot more than the dress.  Once upon a time, he might’ve taken the easy route and just said yes.  But being married to three wonderful women did wonders for his confidence, and he replied with what he actually thought.

”I think the woman wearing it is beautiful; the dress merely showcases what’s already there.”

”Oh, wow.”  She said, seeming to tear up.  ”That’s a good answer.” 

That’s when he noticed that she had a pair of her usual slacks and a blouse lying nearby.  ”I’ll let you change so Alana can start working on that dress.”

She nodded, looking uncharacteristically unsure of herself.  He wanted to say something, but somehow didn’t think it would be wise.  He gave her a lopsided, slightly embarrassed smile and then left, closing the door behind him. 

* * *

”Damn you Ethan; why do you have to be so wonderful?”  Rachel whispered after he had closed the door. She blinked her eyes, trying to hinder the tears that wanted to fall.  She’d never received a compliment like that before.  Ever.  It was so honest, so genuine, and so heartfelt she didn’t know what to do. 

If he would’ve asked her to marry him right then, she might’ve actually said yes. 

She was really starting to hate how wonderful that damn man was. 

* * *

”You can’t possibly be serious.”  Kendra said as her jaw dropped. 

Luminar Kossel chuckled as he leaned back in his chair.  To his right, Elder Goman had an amused grin on his face.  It had been surprising enough to learn the famously powerful and senile old arch mage wasn’t actually senile.  But the rest of it... 

She shook her head.

They were still in the Luminar’s spartan room.  He’d sent a runner to fetch Elder Goman, who had come so quickly that she guessed he’d already been in the temple for morning services.  That wasn’t surprising because nearly all the influential people in the city were, whether they cared about Illuminar or not.  It was helpful in a political career to be seen as pious, especially if you weren’t. 

”Seriously; you must be joking.”  She repeated. 

”My dear girl.”  Elder Goman said, jumping up from his chair with four times the energy anyone had credited him with for at least a decade.  ”I have plenty to amuse myself.  I needn’t add teasing an ex-dragon huntress to the list.” 

”Ex?  Ex-dragon huntress?”  She raised her eyebrow.

”Ex.”  The Arch Mage nodded.  ”I do believe your disposition towards dragons is likely to change in the near future.” 

Kendra didn’t like him.  He was a pleasant fellow, but he always seemed to know something that she didn’t.  She rarely trusted people who knew a lot more than she did; that was a good way to end up dead.

Kossel smiled.  ”You’re letting your emotions show again Kendra; you were always so good at hiding them.  What happened?” 

”Nothing happened.”  She said through gritted teeth. 

He raised his eyebrow looking quite amused. 

She eyed Elder Goman.  ”So, you’re saying that Luminar Kossel is from another world -- a place that’s only accessible by portal -- that you were there once briefly as a prisoner, and that not only is Ethan from the same place, but he’s actually telling the truth about being from another world and what happened there?”

That was the single most far-fetched part of the story.  If that were true, she didn’t see why the rest of it couldn’t be true too.

”We weren’t present to hear what he said, but I would bet a full, complete, illuminated copy of the Book of Light that he was.”  Luminar Kossel replied.

”I’d wager a spellbook.”  Elder Goman added. 

Kendra whistled. 

Seeing as all books were copied by hand and it could take a skilled scribe months or years to accurately copy one, that was saying something.  Both items would cost equivalent to a couple of year’s wages for an average working man. 

”You put that much faith in him?”  She asked.

Elder Goman nodded.  ”How much do you know about Lord Delmar?’ 

Kendra shrugged.  ”He’s more powerful than he appears and has garnered influence with so many lords that he wields considerable influence.  Or at least, that’s what it was like when I last was in the game.” 

”He rivals the emperor in influence, though not military power.”  Luminar Kossel said.  ”Worse, he has the backing of a dragon and one of my old colleagues.”

”Old colleagues?” 

The Luminar nodded.  ”Perhaps you’ve heard of Lady Ekthros?” 

”Isn’t she one of his advisors?”

”She is, and her knowledge is both vast and dangerous.”  Elder Goman looked serious.  ”But even more dangerous is the black dragon.  He rivals a Drago in power, and has been working to increase Lord Delmar’s standing for many years now.” 

”A dragon working with a human?”  She frowned.  ”I’ve heard the rumors, but that doesn’t sound likely.” 

”It’s not likely, and so the truth of it makes it all the more dangerous.”  Luminar Kossel countered.  ”Something strange is going on.”

”What does all this have to do with Ethan?” 

”It takes a dragon to stand up to a dragon.”  Elder Goman said matter-of-factly.  ”No mortal army is enough against an elder dragon, and certainly not one as powerful as this black dragon.  Frankly, how he became so powerful is a mystery.  We need another dragon to stand against him, unless you want to see Lord Delmar ruling the Ten Kingdoms.” 

She shrugged.  ”He’s a bit stern and a little fanatical, but he keeps the peace well and isn’t a cruel tyrant.”

”But he’s backed by a dragon.”  Elder Goman countered.  ”Would you really see a dragon -- especially this black dragon -- ruling by proxy, or even having a say over what Lord Delmar decides?” 

”I see your point.”  Kendra shuddered, then she realized what they were getting at and laughed.  ”You think Ethan could fight him?  Seriously?  He nearly died the last time he met a Drago.  What makes you think he stands a chance against Lord Delmar and this black dragon?” 

Kossel and Goman sat up straighter and exchanged a worried glance.

”He’s already met a Drago?”  The Luminar grimaced.

”Who?”  The Arch Mage asked. 

”Kyrupto.”

Both men breathed a sigh of relief. 

”At least it was one of the weaker, kinder Dragos.”  The Arch Mage said, relief in his tone.

”Weaker?  Kinder?”  Kendra’s jaw dropped. 

Kossel nodded.  ”Yes.  Not the weakest certainly, but far from the strongest.” 

Kendra had heard the stories of what Dragos were like and thought Kyrupto fit them perfectly.  It sent shivers down her spine to think of a dragon that was even more powerful.  It was equally disturbing to think of a more powerful Drago with a less pleasant disposition; Kyrupto certainly hadn’t been a ball of sunshine.

”Kendra, I think Illuminar has been preparing you for this your whole life.”  Luminar Kossel mused.  ”You are uniquely qualified to help Ethan against this threat, and your assistance could mean the difference between victory and defeat.” 

”Well, it’ll be defeat then.”  She replied matter-of-factly.  ”I might stop hunting him if his story checks out, but I’m a long way from helping him.” 

No sooner had the words left her lips than she realized they weren’t true.  She’d already helped him; twice.  She’d helped in the fight against Havorleth by shooting the larger dragon, and again the previous night by suggesting that Ethan enchant himself to be faster with better reflexes before increasing his strength or the hardness of his scales.  Plus, just the previous night she’d realized that she wouldn’t be able to continue hunting him for Taloni’s sake.

”I mean, maybe he isn’t as bad as other dragons, but he’s no saint.  I’d sooner wed a necromancer than help a dragon.  It’s okay if he doesn’t die, but I’m certainly not going to help him.”

The two elder men exchanged an amused, knowing glance.

”What?”  She asked. 

”Methinks the lady doth protest too much.”  Luminar Kossel said, and it sounded like he was quoting something. 

”Huh?”

”It’s from his world; a playwright named ’Shakespeare’.”  He explained.

Kendra rolled her eyes.

Luminar Kossel just smiled.  ”It’s wonderful to see you starting to loosen up Kendra; I haven’t seen you show this much emotion since that time with that amethyst--”

”Hey!”  She said sharply to stop him from starting that highly embarrassing story.  Amethyst was by far her favorite gemstone and color, but that was not a story that she wanted told.

He was right about her showing her emotions though.  She had been letting them show far more than she ever had, at least since starting her training.   She took a deep calming breath and remembered that training, then let the emotion flow out of her face and body language. 

It wouldn’t do to let these things show.

Not now anyway.

”And now she tries to conceal her feelings.”  Elder Goman chuckled.  ”Go, finish investigating his story and find out what he’s really like.  I’ll lay odds you join his cause before the season is out.” 

”I’d say a month or less.”  Kossel countered.

”I’m not going to.”  Kendra said firmly.

They ignored her.

”The usual bet?”  The Luminar asked.

”Of course.”  The Arch Mage replied. 

”Guys, I’m not joining him.”

”Of course you aren’t.”  Elder Goman said dismissively.  ”Now, run along and keep confirming his story.  I have a bottle of mulled wine riding on you holding out past the end of the month.”

She glared at them.

* * *

”Yeah, this is all very doable.”  Alana said as she held Rachel’s dress.  She had been pretty sure it was, but not entirely sure until the redhead had handed it to her.  She could now feel the fibers and ascertain how much of an enchantment they could take.  It was high enough quality to hold a self-cleaning and self-repairing enchantment, but nothing else that would be useful.

”Good.”  Rachel replied, but there was a bit of hesitancy in her tone. 

”You don’t want me to?” 

”No, I do.  It’s just...”   The redhead looked pensive.  That wasn’t unusual, but she also looked conflicted and more than a little unsure of herself; neither of which were natural looks for her. 

The mage looked at her.  ”Have I changed?” 

”Changed how?”

”I don’t know?”  She shrugged.  ”In any way?  Especially the last week or so.” 

”Hmm, what happened a week ago?”  Alana asked trying to remember.

”We made grenades and Havorleth ambushed us in the evening.” 

”Wow.  That was only a week ago?”  She sighed.  ”It feels like so much longer.  You know, I’ve only been married for...”  She counted it out.  ”...ten days.” 

”Wow.”  Rachel nodded.  ”It feels like a lot longer.” 

”It does.”  The wood elf nodded.  ”I don’t know that you’ve changed in the past week though.” 

”Really?  No change?” 

”Well, I was a bit surprised that you agreed to help get payback on Ethan’s ex-fiancée.”   She admitted.  ”That might’ve been a bit out of character.” 

”Hmm.”  Rachel nodded, but didn’t say anything. 

”And you snapped at Ethan yesterday; that was really surprising.  But other than that, no.  What kind of change are you worried about?” 

”Who said I was worried?” 

The wood elf raised her eyebrow. 

”Okay.”  Rachel nodded.  ”I’m worried that I’m changing and I don’t like why.” 

”Why?” 

”I...”  The redhead hesitated.   ”I’d rather not say if that’s okay.” 

Alana felt a tiny bit disappointed but tried not to let it show.  ”Of course it’s okay; you don’t have to tell me anything.” 

Rachel hesitated a second longer, then cocked her head to one side.  ”So, me wearing this dress isn’t out of character?” 

”Of course not. It’s...  Hmm.”  Now that she thought about it, the wood elf didn’t think she’d ever seen the redhead in a dress.  Beth, Taloni, and Anthiel yes, but not Rachel.  She had always worn pants and a blouse.  She didn’t look un-feminine, but dresses were rather out of character for her. 

”Okay, so maybe it’s a bit out of character for you to wear a dress.”  Alana admitted.  ”Why did you put it on this morning?” 

”You’ll think it’s stupid.”  Rachel chuckled nervously, which again was very out-of-character for her.

”I won’t.”

”I wanted to look pretty.”  The redhead admitted, averting her eyes. 

”That’s not silly at all!”  Alana beamed.  ”I feel that way all the time.  Mostly because I want to look pretty for Ethan, but still.” 

Rachel flicked her eyes in Alana’s direction, and she looked like a kid who’d been caught with her hand in the sweet roll tin.  She looked...

Vulnerable. 

Even guilty. 

”Wait, you didn’t...”  Alana trailed off.  ”Did you?”

Rachel bit her lip and looked down, letting her hair partially conceal her face from view.   The wood elf felt her heart leap in her chest, just before it swelled to about ten times its normal size.  She had known that Rachel was attracted to Ethan, but for her to do this?  For her to dress up for him; that was unprecedented. 

Alana walked up to her friend and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.  ”Rachel, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look pretty.  Nothing at all.” 

”But I feel like I’ve changed.  I feel like I’m...  I’m less ’me’ than I was before.  I would’ve never done that before.” 

”And that bothers you?”  Alana asked. 

”It wouldn’t bother you?” 

She shook her head.  ”No, not at all.” 

”Why?”  The redhead’s question was almost pleading.

”Because changing your clothes doesn’t mean you’ve changed who you are.”

”Doesn’t it though?”  Rachel countered.  ”That’s something I never would’ve done before.” 

”If you got married in the future, would you like it if your future husband did things for you -- things he wouldn’t normally do -- just because you like them?” 

”Yeah.”  Rachel admitted.  ”But I wouldn’t want him to change who he is.” 

Alana resisted the urge to laugh.  ”You’ve heard Ethan say that most people will become like the five people they spend the most time around, right?” 

She nodded.

”Do you agree?”

She nodded again.  ”Yeah, it makes sense.” 

”Then you’re going to change no matter who you’re around right?  You’re going to change to be more like them.  It’s elven nature -- human too -- so why not choose to be around someone who you want to be more like?” 

”I suppose I can’t escape changing because I’m around someone.”  Rachel admitted.  ”I just don’t want to change for someone.” 

Alana grinned.  ”Someone like Ethan?”

Rachel hesitated a moment, sighed, and then nodded.  ”It just seems like a lot to ask.  It seems really unfair.  He gets all of you, he sleeps with all of you, he gets all of you focusing on him and changing for him, while you all get....  what?  What could you possibly get that’s worth all that?”

Rachel looked at her almost accusingly, as if daring her to disagree.  The wood elf just smiled back, letting the joy that she felt show in every aspect of her being.  She touched her hand to her womb and then grinned broadly at her best friend. 

”I’m happy.” 

”Oh.”  The redhead seemed to deflate slightly as she looked down.  ”I’m not sure I could be happy living like that.” 

Alana wanted to gently grab her friend and shake her until she just admitted that she was in love with Ethan and wanted to marry him too.  She didn’t think that would help -- much less be something a good friend would do -- so she resisted. 

”Think about it like this.”  She finally said and then gestured to the dress.  ”You like feeling pretty, right?” 

”Yeah.”  Rachel admitted. 

”And the dress makes you feel pretty?” 

”Yeah.” 

”Then why wouldn’t you wear it?”   The wood elf pointed out.  ”Isn’t not wearing the dress because Ethan likes it on you changing just as much as wearing it because he likes it on you?” 

”You make a good point.”  The beautiful teen conceded.

”So then, why don’t you just wear the dress because it makes you feel pretty?” 

”Okay.”  Rachel smiled.  ”That’s a good idea; I’m going to do that.  The fact that Ethan called me beautiful while wearing it isn’t the reason, it’s just a nice bonus.” 

”Of course.”  Alana replied, but couldn’t keep a knowing smile off her face. 

Rachel gave her a look and then rolled her eyes.  ”I promise I’m wearing it for me, not for Ethan.” 

”Uh-huh.”  The wood elf replied, purposely not trying to hide her skepticism.  ”Now, let’s go up on deck where the lighting is good.  He’ll be able to see you better up there.”  She with a wink.

Rachel gave her another look but smiled anyway.

* * *

Kendra managed to control herself as she walked through Arcanum towards the docks.  Kossel had been right; she was letting her emotions show a little too much lately.  She needed to reign it in, and going to see her old teacher was great motivation.  That is, assuming his airship was still docked in the Arcanum docks.

It was.

The Midnight Sun looked much as it ever had.  The navy-blue paint had faded but it was in good shape otherwise.  The rigging looked like it had seen better days, but was still strong.  The man himself was much that way. 

”Kendra.”  Falkaan nodded to her as she stepped onto the gangplank.  ”Welcome back.  How was the information hunt?” 

”I’m...  I’m not sure.”  She replied honestly.

The dark elf motioned her onto the ship with his right hand, his left sleeve ending at the elbow to match his arm which ended in the same place.  He wore his trademark black tricorn hat and sailor’s coat.  He also looked tired.  Not like he could use a nap, but world-weary. 

”Let’s talk below.”  He said, nodding towards the door to the lower decks. 

A few minutes later, Kendra had a glass of mead in her hands and was sitting at a small oak table with her former mentor. 

”That’s quite a story.”  He said when she’d finished giving him the short version of what she’d personally seen since they last talked, when he advised her to follow the dragon to see what he was like.  She ended it just before Ethan recounting his own story.

”Yeah.”

”And that must’ve been some hug for you to risk facing a Drago.”  He added with an appraising look.

She sighed.  ”Am I that obvious?” 

”Not usually, but lately...”  He took a sip of his mead.  ”Lately you’ve become a lot less controlled.  Less rigid and more....”

”Emotional?”  She suggested, remember the talk with Kossel and Goman.

He shook his head.  ”Human.” 

She raised her eyebrow. 

”You know that in our line of work, you need to be more than human -- or elven in my case -- to survive.  It takes discipline the likes of which few possess, and you’re losing that discipline.” 

”I am?”

He nodded.  ”You’ve sighed twice since you arrived and I’ve never seen you get so emotional as when you mentioned that hug.  You’re trying to hide it, but you just aren’t anymore.” 

”Shit.”  She said and then took a sip of her mead. 

”If I might be frank, you were never cut out for this work.  Never.  You’ve mastered all the skills, but the personality...”  He frowned.  ”It takes a certain detachment to survive very long in our profession, and you’ve always struggled with that.” 

”You’re not wrong.”  She nodded.  ”I’d love to change that, to find a real connection, but I’m afraid that’s hard to find.”

”How did this dragon find it?”  Falkaan asked. 

Kendra gave him a brief synopsis of the story Ethan had told her, stopping at the point where they reached Arcanum, just before Lord Borden’s daughter was killed. 

”What happened in that alley?”  She asked. 

”The men I hired decided that they’d make more money ransoming Lord Delmar’s daughter than collecting the bounty on the dragon.”  He replied.  ”I had as much control over them as the dragon did at that point.  From my vantage point, it looked like he provoked them.” 

”He said his ’dragon side sort of took over’.”  She said.  ”Does that make any sense?”

”If you accept the impossibility of a man inhabiting a dragon’s body, then sure; anything is possible.”  He said evenly. She couldn’t tell what he thought, and she never had been able to unless he wanted her to know.  Apparently, he didn’t right now.

”Hmm.”  He mused.  ”There did seem to be a rather abrupt change in behavior.  That’s all I can say for certain.”  He looked at her.  ”And the rest of his story?” 

Kendra gave him a short-ish version, but her mind was preoccupied.  There was only one other person that she could think of who could confirm other parts of Ethan’s story, but she wasn’t looking forward to making a trip to Gralden. 

”Kendra.”  Falkaan said, shaking her out of her reverie. 

”Sorry, I was just planning the next leg of my trip.”  

”Gralden?” 

She nodded. 

”You’re getting out of the game.”  He said matter-of-factly.

”What?” 

”The look in your eyes; I’ve seen it before.  You’re getting out of the game, out of the life.  Just be careful.  The past doesn’t always let go easily and with a past like yours...  watch your back.” 

”I wasn’t planning to get out.  I was planning to keep hunting freelance once I’m done verifying Ethan’s story.” 

Falkaan smiled.  ”And now it’s ’Ethan’.   Not ’the dragon’, not ’he’, and certainly not ’it’ as it was less than two weeks ago.  Don’t deny that this fellow has made a profound impact on you and the way you see dragons”

”I won’t, but one good dragon--”  She stopped herself.  ”One not entirely evil dragon doesn’t mean that the rest aren’t from Saidow himself.  As long as there are dragons, I’ll have work.  And there are other targets to hunt as well.” 

He stared at her for several seconds.  She could tell he was pondering something but had no idea what he was thinking. 

”No.”  He shook his head.  ”No, you won’t.  I know that you think you will, but when you get to be my age you recognize the signs.  I’m glad you’re getting out.  Of all the people I’ve trained, you were always the most likely to escape.”

”You talk as if I’m already gone.”

”Aren’t you?”  He took another sip of his mead and let that hang in the air.

”You’re not wrong about one thing; I’d like to be.”  She admitted. 

”Finish confirming the dragon’s story Kendra.”  He advised.  ”I have a sneaking suspicion that when you do, things might start to line up for you.” 

Kendra nodded; his intuition was rarely wrong.

* * *

Hailey hadn’t felt this wonderful in four years.  She had slept perfectly.  Not merely ’good’, not ’great’, not even ’incredible’.  She had slept perfectly.  She owed that all to the man who was very quietly and very softly snoring in her ear. 

She smiled. 

He wasn’t very loud, but was just loud enough to be slightly annoying.  She’d given him crap about his snoring for years, but right now it was the best sound she could possibly hear.  They were both lying exactly as they had fallen asleep, spooning with his arms around her.   She sighed contentedly and snuggled closer to him. 

He made a grumbly sound and pulled her closer. 

Hailey’s heart felt full.

She knew their situation wasn’t ideal.  She knew they were basically imprisoned and might be there for a long time if their captors didn’t keep their word.  However, right now she didn’t care.  Right now, everything was perfect.  Jason made another grumbly sound in his sleep and then mumbled something she couldn’t understand.  She had missed that. 

He made an appreciative sound and then got slightly more handsy.  His fingers started roaming around her body, cupping her breast and feeling her sides.  That’s when Hailey felt something that she hadn’t felt in a very long time.  Years of living in constant fear had all but killed her libido.  Now, with Jason’s hands roaming over her body, that familiar itch between her legs began to creep back. 

She moaned softly, unable to stop herself despite knowing that they weren’t alone.

Jason made another appreciative noise and then mumbled.  ”Mels.” 

Hailey froze.

Did he just say that? 

While he was snuggling with her? 

She didn’t know what to think.  Did that mean he loved Mels?  Of course he did, but why did he call her name when he was snuggled with her?  Was it just habit?  She had been gone for several years so maybe it was that? 

Those thoughts and a dozen others chased themselves around her head for several seconds before she heard the other cot creak.  The cell was almost perfectly quiet, aside from four people breathing.  You could almost hear a pin drop.  She heard someone walking over and the Latina woman herself came into view and crouched down in front of Hailey. 

Her friend smiled faintly and whispered.  ”He would call your name in his sleep too.” 

Hailey felt her heart soar.  ”He did?” 

The other woman nodded.  ”Most nights for as long as I can remember.  It sometimes made me wonder...” 

”He really loves you Mels.”  Hailey whispered, aware of the irony of her saying that while Jason’s arms were wrapped around her and them having just spent the night sleeping side-by-side. 

”Yeah...  yeah, he does.”  Melinda smiled.

It was a true, genuine smile.

Maybe it was because of their talk the previous night, or maybe it was because Jason had whispered her name while holding Hailey, but the Latina woman seemed much more at ease. Something had definitely changed.  The worried woman from last night seemed to have given way to the calm, content woman in front of her.  Something had apparently calmed most of her friend’s fears. 

That’s when Hailey knew it was going to be okay; when she knew that somehow, she and Melinda could work this out.  And in that spirit, she decided to offer an olive branch.

”Switch?”  Hailey offered. 

Melinda smiled even wider.  ”Really?” 

Hailey nodded.  ”He still sleeps like a log, right?”

She nodded.

Hailey bit her lip, then reached down and gently lifted Jason’s arm off of her.  Luckily, the cot was close to the ground so then she just rolled off of it into a crouching position.   Melinda smiled at her, then laid down where the willowy woman had just been.  The moment she was there, Jason moved his arm around her. 

Hailey wasn’t sure whether she should feel happy for her friend or sad that she herself wasn’t being held anymore.  Regardless, she was a little jealous; not because she wanted to take what Melinda had, but because she wanted it too.  Perhaps with a larger bed, they could both have it.

Melinda smiled at her and whispered.  ”Thank you.” 

Hailey managed a half-smile back.  ”Anything for my two best friends.” 

* * *

Ethan jumped slightly as a combination of delighted squeals and giggles sounded from the quarterdeck.  He signaled Serif to pause practice and then looked behind him.  Alana, Beth, Taloni, and Rachel were all talking to Anthiel on the quarterdeck, and his two youngest wives looked like Christmas had come early, while his two older wives -- older wife and Rachel, he corrected himself -- were looking rather amused. 

*What’s the--*  He started to ask them telepathically. 

*Alana’s going to enchant dresses for us too!*  Taloni almost squealed in delight.

*I can’t wait!*  Beth added, sounding equally excited.

He smiled broadly just as his wood-elven wife glanced his way looking pleased with herself.  *Well, since I was doing it for Rachel it only seemed right.* 

*I have zero objection.*  He said chuckling.

He’d noticed that ever since they had set up the magical group chat, his wives almost always used it instead of the one-on-one.  They seemed to use the one-on-one as a more private, intimate thing, which he liked.  It was also a lot easier than trying to manage several separate conversations at once.

As he looked, he was again struck by how young his wives were.  Alana was the oldest by several years at twenty-three, but she was a wood elf, so he didn’t know how that translated into human years with their long life.  The next oldest at nineteen was Rachel, and--

He stopped himself. 

Rachel wasn’t his wife, though she would probably look the part when Alana was done enchanting her dress. 

Hmm...

Knowing the wood elf’s attraction to the redhead, he wondered if that was on purpose...

He smiled and turned back to Serif.  The man was brilliant with a spear, with any weapon really, and he’d learned a lot sparring with him.  He was hoping to learn a lot more in the week it would take to get to the Wood elves’ kingdom.

* * *

Selene had listened to Melinda and Hailey’s conversation with no small amount of confusion.  She literally couldn’t understand how they could stand to see ’their man’ in someone else’s arms.  If she ever saw a boyfriend of hers do anything physical with another woman, she’d dump him on the spot; no questions asked or explanations allowed. 

However, as far as Jason, Hailey, and Melinda were concerned, she was happy to apply one of her father’s favorite sayings: ”Not my circus, not my monkeys”.   She was just glad that she would never be in that position. 

Hailey came and sat down on her cot not long after getting off the other one.  A few minutes later, Melinda appeared to start softly snoring, again in unison with Jason.  Again, Selene couldn’t decide if that was funny or fitting. 

A few minutes afterward, Hailey whispered.  ”Are you awake?” 

”Yeah.”  The Brazilian woman nodded. 

”Did I do the right thing?”  She asked.

”If you want to share him, then probably.”  Selene replied evenly. 

”You think that’s a bad idea?” 

”I think I’d hate it, but you’re not me.”

Hailey made a thoughtful sound. 

Selene sat up.  ”Look Hailey, I think you three will all be okay.  I’m not sure how everything will work, but you all seem--”

She stopped mid-sentence as they heard the sliding of the exterior lock.  Moments later, the door opened and Smithbond entered.  He was looking the same as ever, well-rested and dressed in an impeccable suit with an unreadable face. 

”Miss Dawson.”  He said rather quietly, apparently trying not to wake Jason or Melinda.  ”Time to go.” 

Selene raised her eyebrow. 

”Don’t give me that look.”  He said in much the same manner as a parent would to a child.  ”You signed on and this is part of the job.” 

She eyed him, trying to decide if she trusted him more or less than your average con artist.   She had no idea what his deal was, and she certainly wasn’t happy with how things were turning out.  However, she was in a precarious position, being trapped in this strange bunker where he held all the cards.  Besides, he hadn’t given her much of a choice before, and she highly doubted he would now.  He seemed content to be pleasant as long as it would gain someone’s cooperation.  If it didn’t... 

She stood up.

”Say goodbye to your friends Selene; you’re going to be busy for the next week.”  He said in an almost condescending tone, again as a parent would to a child. 

She gave him a look and then turned to Hailey.  ”Sorry for dragging you into all this, and please tell Jason and Melinda goodbye for me.” 

”I will.”  Hailey said. 

With nothing else to say, Selene followed Smithbond out of the cell.  The man stopped and turned back before closing it though.

”Miss Oswald, I’ll be back in a few minutes to finish your debrief and then I’ll personally escort you and your friends back to your hometown.” 

Hailey gave him an icy look, but nodded.  Thereafter he closed the door, locked it, and started walking.

Selene fell into step beside him.  ”You’re really going to let them go?”

”We might need more intel from Miss Oswald.”  Smithbond shrugged.  ”Plus, the unexplained disappearance of a woman after a sudden reappearance after four years could make some people ask some questions that I’d rather not spend the manpower burying.  We’ll keep tabs on them in case we need more intel or they start to squeal, but profiling says they’re unlikely to leak anything.” 

The ex-FBI agent frowned; of course he wouldn’t do it because it was the right thing to do, but at least he’d do it.  With the others taken care of, she started thinking about her own situation. 

”Where are we going?”

”To the range.  How good are you with a crossbow?” 

She blinked as she followed him through the endless maze of concrete halls.   ”A crossbow?  I never fired one, why?” 

”I thought not, but you’ll need to be a near expert by the end of the week.”  He said as they passed yet another featureless steel door.  This place was huge and seemingly designed to be confusing. 

”Why?”

”Because you’ve been promoted to field agent.” 

”Field agent, what do you...?”  She trailed off as she realized what he meant.  There was only one reason why a field agent would need a crossbow. 

”You can’t be serious.”  She felt like she should be shocked, but somehow wasn’t. 

”Can’t I?”

”You want me to leave the planet?”  She asked.  ”I have a family here, and friends.” 

”No, you have family.”  He corrected without breaking stride.  ”Your ’friends’ are nothing more than a few work acquaintances and you know it.  Besides, I’ve already dispatched a few agents to tell your parents that you’re going on assignment and will be out of contact.  They’ll also make sure your parents are safe... very safe and very secure while you’re gone.” 

Selene resisted the urge to attack him. 

She could tolerate him threatening her, but her family?  That was way over the line.

”Ah, here we are.”  He said as if they were discussing the weather.

He pulled a larger-than-normal door open and led her onto what was clearly a firing range.  There were four other men there, all dressed in BDUs and looking like the military type.  A fifth man was dressed in a tweed suit and he looked rather nervous, like he didn’t want to be there.  He appeared to be instructing the other four men in how to handle a crossbow. 

”Mr. Abromowitz here will be your instructor.  He graciously agreed to help get the team up to speed on medieval ranged weaponry.”  Smithbond raised his voice and turned towards the man.  ”Isn’t that right Mr. Abromowitz?” 

The man jumped at the sound of his name, and calling his reaction a flinch wouldn’t have been exaggerating.  It didn’t take long for Selene to realize exactly what was going on.  She now knew exactly how Smithbond saw her.  There was really only one way she could think of to describe it:

She was cannon fodder.

He was going to use her as an advance scout for their reconnaissance mission to the other world.  She was competent, but he didn’t really care if she came back, which made her the perfect sacrifice for whatever his goals were.  And he was getting her compliance by threatening her family. 

It made her want to scream. 

Smithbond turned to her.  ”You’ll leave in six or eight days, as soon as they can transport the portal here and get it setup.  Make sure you apply yourself; your survival might depend on it.”  He finished pleasantly, and she didn’t miss the double meaning or veiled threat.

She nodded mutely, wishing she had the weapons and means to stop whatever he was planning.  For now, it appeared she was about to leave on a recon mission to another planet, possibly as a forerunner to an invasion.  Okay, ’invasion’ probably wasn’t on the agenda, but they certainly weren’t after anything good. 

For now, she decided to apply herself to learning the weapons she’d have at her disposal.  They might be her best chance of surviving in a world where dragons, airships, and magic existed.  From what Hailey had said, it could be a brutal place and she would only have a few men and a crossbow to protect her. 

She grimaced. 

* * *

Hailey took a deep breath as the van slowed and finally stopped.  Agent Smithbond had grilled her for almost two hours before abruptly declaring that the ’debrief’ was done and personally ushering herself, Jason and Melinda into the back of a large van.  She’d been looking at its bland, windowless, steel interior for long enough and couldn’t wait to get out, and especially away from the man sitting in the back with them.

The ride back to Jason’s apartment had been uneventful and almost completely silent.  Smithbond had opted to ride with them in the back, and Hailey couldn’t figure out why for the life of her.  His presence might as well have been a sound vacuum because no one spoke the entire ride.

He seemed fine with that. 

It was unsettling.

Now, he opened the van’s rear door and held it as if pretending to be a gentleman.  She couldn’t quite decide how creepy that was.  Without a word, Hailey hopped out and turned to wait for her friends.  Jason hopped out first and gave Melinda a hand while she stepped down.  The town hadn’t changed, though she supposed there was no reason for it to have changed since they’d only left the previous day.  It felt like a lot longer.   

”You kids be good now.”  Smithbond said both genially and in a slightly condescending tone.

”Don’t call us, we’ll call you.”  Jason replied evenly. 

”If we do call, it would be best for everyone if you pick up.”  The agent replied, and Hailey couldn’t tell if that was a threat or not. 

Without further ado, he closed the door and moments later the van started off, leaving them on the sidewalk across from Jason’s apartment.  Except for a few days ago when Ethan had dropped her off, she had never been so happy to see that beautiful old building. 

”Hi ladies, come here often?”  Jason said in mock flirtatious tone.

They chuckled nervously, still shaken from the last day and a half.

”Let’s go.”  He said, offering an arm to each. 

They both hesitated only a moment before each took an arm.  He led them across the street, up the stairs and to the apartment door.  Hailey smiled when she saw the tiny Christmas ornament wreath on the door.  For some reason, that made her feel a lot better.  Jason tried the door and Hailey was glad to see that it was unlocked because they had no keys. 

”Home sweet home.”  He said as he took a deep breath.  

”Amen.”  Melinda said at the same time that Hailey said. ”Hear, hear.” 

Jason closed the door behind him, walked over to the couch and flopped down in the middle.  The two women looked at each other for a moment, then glanced at him. 

”Well, I’m glad it’s not awkward in here.”  Jason said with an amused smile, then patted the couch on either side of him.   ”Come here.”

They did, settling on either side of him. 

”So, we never got to talk about the fact that I fell asleep with Hailey in my arms, but woke up with Melinda.”  He began.  ”I know we’re all tired, but unless I miss my guess, neither of you are going to be able to relax until all three of us have talked and gotten this sorted.” 

The two women nodded.

”Okay, so who wants to go first?”  He asked.  ”Just remember, be brutally honest.  We stand a much better chance of making whatever this is work if we’re honest right now.”

”I can go first.”  Melinda volunteered, but she averted her eyes as she spoke.  ”So, I had a talk with Selene last night and I’ve been doing some thinking ever since.  If I’m being perfectly honest, I’m going to have a hard time sharing Jason.”

She glanced at him as Hailey felt her heart plummet to somewhere near the Earth’s core.

”But.”  The Latina woman added hastily when she saw Hailey’s expression.  ”But I know how much you love him too and I couldn’t bear causing you that kind of pain.”  She turned to Jason.  ”I suppose my real concern is losing you.” 

”Mels, I would never--”  Jason started to say, but she put her hand on his arm and he let her speak. 

”I know, but I’m worried if I -- and I know you would never do this -- but I’m worried that if something made you choose between Hailey and me that you’d pick her, baby notwithstanding.” 

”Mels, I would never try to come between you two.”  Hailey said firmly.

”I know.”  Melinda replied.  ”I think the only way I’m going to feel secure is if there’s no chance of that happening; no chance of Jason ever being forced to choose between us.  Which means that I’m probably going to regret not having asked Ethan, Alana, and Rachel more about their relationship while they were here.  I can’t lose either of you, and that seems like the best way.  I have no idea how it would work, but I think we can make it work.  And I do mean long term.” 

”Really?  Long term?”  Hailey felt like all of her dreams had come true at once.  She felt a wide smile creep onto her face as her eyes began to get moist. 

”Really.”  Melinda said, though she looked almost scared.  ”I mean, I’m not saying I’m going to be perfectly comfortable with everything right away, but I think I can get there.  Is that okay?” 

Hailey nodded, the movement shaking happy tears from her eyes. 

”Well that’s a shame.”  Jason said in mock disappointment.  ”I was hoping we could work this out.” 

”I think we can, if you promise you’ll never leave me.”  Mels whispered sincerely. 

”Or me.”  Hailey added.  ”I’m not sure I could take it.” 

”I won’t.”  He smiled.  ”And I have just the thing to prove it.  Actually, I have just the two things, as I never had the heart to return the one four years ago.” 

”Huh?”  The two women said at the same time.

”I’ll be right back.”  He stood up and walked into the bedroom.  Moments later, Hailey heard the creak of the attic stairs being pulled down. 

”What is he doing?”  Hailey asked. 

”I have no idea.”  Melinda replied.  ”You know I hate that spider-filled attic even more than you do.” 

Hailey thought about it for a moment, trying to think which two things he could possibly mean, when the phrase ”as I never had the heart to return the one four years ago” jumped out in her head. 

He couldn’t mean...

Could he? 

Less than a minute later, Jason came back with his hands behind his back.  He knelt down on one knee in front of both of them, and they were still sitting on the couch.  He kept both hands behind his back and out of sight. 

”Melinda, Hailey.”  He said looking at each in turn.  ”You are the two most incredible women I’ve ever met.  I felt like a part of me died when Hailey disappeared, and I know I’d feel the same if something happened to you Mels.  My life really wouldn’t be complete without both of you in it, so I’d like to make that a permanent arrangement, if you’ll both have me.” 

Melinda caught on and covered her mouth with her hand, her smile visible even through her petite fingers. Hailey felt like nothing could ever top this day, not if he was about to do what she thought he was.

He was.

He pulled his hands out from behind his back to reveal two little black velvet boxes.  He opened them to reveal a small diamond ring inside of each. 

They both had a diamond of about the same size, and each had their intended recipient’s favorite gemstone on either side of the diamond.  They were similar, but different.  The bands themselves were also similar -- definitely Jason’s taste -- but also subtly different.  Hailey’s was wider with thin, artsy lines wrapping around it.  Melinda’s was slightly thinner and also had lines, but hers were etched in a slightly different pattern.  The rings looked different, but also like they belonged together.

They were perfect.

”Will you both marry me?”  He asked. 

”Yes!”  They both nearly shouted. 

It was perfect. 

He put the rings on both of their fingers, and they both could barely contain their excitement.  For the first time in four years, everything felt perfectly right.  True, there were still obstacles and life wouldn’t be easy.  Hailey had no idea how to make this work and she knew it would take lots of work.   However, she was sure that the three of them -- four when the baby came -- would overcome all the obstacles and make it work.

Together.

Note: This chapter began on day 56 of Ethan’s life in the Ten Kingdoms and ended on day 57.