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In The Mist Of The Erie Isles

By Mantrid Brizon

Episode Sixty-One: A Volley Of Passion, Pt. 4

“They look happy together.” Harokian remarks, leaning against a wall and watching Salman and Lutala from across the room.

“They make for an attractive couple.” Kirsta says with a little sigh.

Harokian turns to her and raises a golden eyebrow.

“You don't sound happy very about that.”

“I'm not jealous of them...” She turns her sapphire eyes toward the towering elf. “I'm a woman, and he is a handsome man, but I care for Lutala. I'm happy that they can reconnect. I just... I sometimes miss what I lost.”

“Oh... I miss what I lost, too.” Harokian murmurs, returning his attention toward the couple across the room. “I wonder what they're talking about?”

Kirsta turns her head and looks toward Steingar, who stands next to her. He hasn't spoken in some time, content to watch. Noticing the human's gaze, he shifts his glowing, golden eyes and shrugs his shoulders.

“Oh, come now! We both know you can hear them.” She chuckles.

“Perhaps...” Steingar murmurs.

“Oh, Sal!” Lutala embraces him, nuzzling his face with her snout. “Do you sincerely mean it?!”

“Of course, I do.” He wraps his arms around her.

“I will stay here, if you don't wish to leave your people.”

“I admit, much of my concern is for your well-being. Seeing you here, now, it makes me fear for your life. I worry about losing you. If something ever happened to you, I don’t think I could survive...”

As he speaks, her skin darkens as her cheeks flush. He certainly isn't holding back his emotions. His hands begin to rub her back, softly stroking her through her robe.

“But even if I wasn't so fearful, I'd want to go with you. This is too important, and I need to see it through. I should speak with King Albrecht and guarantee the true heir's protection.”

“As you wish, Sal. I admit, I'd be delighted to have you with us.” Lutala coos.

“I'm delighted already.” Salman gently sways as he holds her in his arms. “I've missed you so much.”

“I've missed you, too, Sal.”

They pull back and nuzzle each other. Salman's lips caress hers, and they share a rather soft, short kiss. Rising from the bench and leaving the table, Salman searches for Naemen, who has hastily finished his original debriefing. To Naemen's shock, Salman once again leaves him in charge, opting to join the crew of the Arona-Dahl in taking Harokian, the true heir to the Empire's throne, to Ogrodin, where the kingdoms of the mainland will be able to protect him. Though Naemen asks him to stay, arguing against the decision, he knows it's a futile effort; the half-breed quickly surrenders to Salman's will.

“Don't worry, my friend.” Salman says, embracing the green-skinned man. “I trust you more than anyone else, except for Yashuva and Lutala, of course.”

“Of course.” Naemen cracks a faint smile.

“I love you like a brother. I have complete confidence in you. Do your best, Naemen, and stay safe. I'll be back soon enough.”

Finally ending the long embrace, the two men look to each other for a moment. Naemen bows his head and nods, accepting the charge. Salman turns back, motioning to the others to leave. He races to catch up, slipping an arm around Lutala's waist and walking beside her as they return to the small docks. Reaching their craft, Steingar jumps in first and begins to untie the rope that moors it to the dock.

“What a lovely little boat!” Salman chirps.

“It's a skiff.” Steingar smirks.

Upon returning to the Arona-Dahl, Salman sees the damage done in the skirmish. The ship has several holes in her frame, and the wind blows through shattered window the forms the rearmost wall of the lounge.

“Is she at risk of sinking?!” He turns to Steingar.

“No.” Trellan's spirit appears above an onyx plate. “But she's certainly not as pretty as she once was. We may have to be careful with the propulser, though. The dented stacks may have sprung small leaks, and that could affect the internal pressure.”

“I know a place we can go, a place with a dry dock. It's a smaller, insignificant island, but it's right on the edge of the isles.” Salman begins.

“Out of the way?” Valan asks.

“Of course!”

“How do you know of this island?” Steingar asks.

“Do you have people there?” Kirsta steps forward.

“You could say that. I'm friendly with the new owners.” Salman says with a warm smile.

“Undeveloped land is good. They won't know there are people there, and likely wouldn't bother to search it.” Irzain remarks.

Salman reveals the location, pointing to a former mining colony on one of Trellan's many maps. It was abandoned over a century ago, when Trellan was still flesh and blood, and a young Vizhek. Setting a course, they'll be there before noon tomorrow. With the Arona-Dahl chugging along, making her way to the edge of Vashalak's kingdom, the exhaustion begins to set in. Lutala had pushed the crew quite hard in her search for Salman, and the Lord of Mishgan has been ceaseless in his efforts to return to the rebel base. Standing in the corridor, the cabins behind them, they rearrange their rooms.

Valan and Jarae continue to sleep together, unsurprising to everyone. Still upset with Mairlynn, whose previous apology was callous and filled with sexual innuendos, Irzain opts to sleep alone. Kirsta would rather not surrender her privacy, and with a loaded crossbow pistol and a sword perpetually hanging from her hips, no one argues against her. In short order, the rooms are chosen, and though they stare at each other with longing, Salman and Lutala do not share a room. Instead, Harokian, who has asked for privacy, claims the only spare cabin, leaving Salman to bunk with Steingar and Lutala with Mairlynn. Entering Lutala's room, which still contains a second bed, Mairlynn sits on the edge and stares at Lutala.

“So... Why are we here?” The dainty Falmun suddenly asks.

“Huh?”

“Don't pretend to be deaf or a fool. After that speech you gave me in the lounge, you and I both know you're dying to have Salman in your bed. Even if cuddling is all you can manage, you don't want to be here, with me.” Mairlynn explains.

“That's true enough...” Lutala murmurs.

“Then why not ask to change rooms?! If you share with Salman, then I can return to Irzain. I can throw myself at his mercy, be 'nice', and share his bed, then you get what you want, Harokian still has a private room and everyone can be happy.”

“Suddenly, you're the wise one.” Lutala smiles.

“This feels more like common sense to me. I know how much you claim to love him... Despite out differences of opinion on that matter, you want him. Are you worried about what they'll think?!” Mairlynn raises a brow. “Because caring what others think is a mistake. If you are unhappy, then take action to become happy. Don't ever worry about the looks that other people, who are not you and do not live your life, will give you.” Mairlynn replies.

“Oh, Mair... And you say you aren't wise.” Lutala softly chuckles. “I suppose I'm just preparing myself.”

“For what?” Mairlynn cocks her head.

With her little smile seemingly permanently plastered onto her face, Lutala doesn't answer her. Instead, she merely pulls off her brown robe, leaving on her white top and orange panties as she lies back in her back.

“Uh-huh!” Mairlynn smirks. “Well, really prepare yourself. Salman is substantial.”

“I know.” Lutala flushes.

After a somewhat rough sleep, passing through choppy seas, the winds and waves calm and the sun peeks over the horizon, gazing upon the battered ship. As they suspected, they find themselves looking upon the outline of the distant island as they sit down for breakfast. By the time they've finished, they're nearly ready to moor the ship and set foot on dry land. As a precaution, the crew load and assign the weapons, while Steingar puts on his plate armor. They've come too far to risk Harokian now. Entering the hall, his plate armor clanking, he holds a spare pistol and turns to Valan.

“Where's your brother?”

“I don't know.” Valan shrugs.

“I want to give him this, just in case.”

“Aww! Diid you want to ask him something, Steiny?” Jarae teases him.

“Rrrr... No! I just think he could use a firearm!” The Helngar angrily growls.

“I don't know. You're very pretty like this.” Valan looks over Steingar's pink and yellow dyed fur. “He might say 'yes'.”

“Shut up, already!” Steingar barks.

“I saw Salman.” Harokian remarks, gaining their attention. “He was heading to the main deck, with Lutala.”

“Figures.”

Racing up to the main deck, they find Salman standing side-by-side with Lutala, leaning against the railing and watching the people on the shore, who hastily prepare the docks for the large ship.

“Here. You might need this.” Steingar approaches and holds out the single-shot, wheellock pistol.

Salman turns around and raises a brow, looking Steingar up and down.

“You won't need all of that, and I certainly won't need a weapon here.”

“Why not?! After all we've been through, you, of all people, shouldn't throw caution to the wind!”

“This island... It's a Yashuvanite colony.”

The group stare with wide eyes. Even Lutala wasn't expecting this news. She turns to him, her mouth agape.

“How did they manage to establish themselves way out here?!” Irzain scratches his head.

“After my conversion, I wrote a letter... I contacted the order. I told them of some islands, places I knew that the Empire would not consider to be priority targets... I gave them a donation, to fund their move.”

“Oh! So, this will be a friendly visit!” Mairlynn chirps. “Finally! All this drama grows tiresome.”

The Arona-Dahl slowly creeps into the modest harbor, and Trellan's spirit drops the anchor. Tossing the ropes to the men on the docks, they tie down the ship and await the gangplank. Still in their armor and bearing weapons, Steingar and Kirsta leave the ship first. They make no mention of who Harokian is or speak of their mission, merely asking for a place to stay and for a crew to examine the structural damage to their ship.

Steingar stays behind with Irzain and Harokian, having agreed to abandon the rest of the crew and flee at full-speed to Ogrodin, should the Imperial Navy ships suddenly appear. Kirsta accompanies Mairlynn on a brief trip inland, to gather more supplies for their journey. They’re especially low on wine. The twins, Salman and Valan, head inland with Lutala and Jarae, to visit the islands leadership.

As a Yashuvanite colony, this island is controlled by the temple's high priest. It isn't a very large island, and after a ten-minute march, the two brothers and their female companions find themselves standing before a large, stone-built temple. With a unique architecture, a giant, circular window of stained glass crowns an arched doorway, with two massive doors leading inside. Statues of angels and demons depict a fanciful battle between good and evil, and pointy spires on all four corners reach into the sky.

“Oh, my!” Jarae gasps.

“I have never seen such a beautiful temple.” Valan remarks.

“Neither have I. This is my first.” Salman comments.

“This is the standard style for a temple on the mainland.” Lutala says, turning to Salman and resting a hand on his back.

“Look at those statues and those spires! ... It would be an easy task to break into a building such as this.” Jarae thinks aloud.

Turning toward her, the Lahnyt priestess and the human brothers shake their heads.

“What?” The Jaliscan looks innocently at her lover. “I'm just worried about their security!”

“Of course you are.” Valan drapes an arm over her shoulder and gives her a kiss. “Control yourself, my beautiful little thief.”

“Aww... I mean, 'alright'.” Jarae smirks.

Making their way inside, they find the structure filled with more statues, and lined with hundreds of candles. A hallway wraps around a central room, leading to more rooms in the back, and a staircase that climbs to a second floor. At a podium near the back of the central room, the place of worship, a Lahnyt in elegant green and gold robes prepares incense. Noticing the odd group, he pulls back his hood and narrows his eyes.

“Salman?!”

“Hello!” He chirps.

“Of course he knows you...” Valan sighs.

“You really get around, don't you?” Jarae teases.

“I write a lot of letters.” Salman flashes an innocent smile.

Jumping down from the raised floor and passing a series of pews, the temple's high priest makes his way toward the group. He has a startling appearance, with his dense, black hide being accented by a fiery orange chest, barely visible beneath his loosely fitting robes. Splotches of orange line his head, like a pair of broken stripes, and cover his hands like gloves. He looks over the group with cobalt blue eyes. Approaching Salman, who stands beside Lutala, he carefully examines the strangers.

“It's good to finally meet you, Salman.”

“Likewise, Brother Teric.”

“And is this Sister Lutala?”

“Y-you've heard of me?!” She gasps.

“Yes. Brother Salman was very flattering in his letter.” Brother Teric replies. “And you must be his twin brother, Valan, and his love, Jarae.”

With wide eyes and raised brows, the couple look to Salman, who merely shrugs his shoulders.

“Please, Brother, we were hoping to have our ship repaired.” Salman begins.

“Quickly, if possible.” Jarae interjects.

“And perhaps a place to stay for few nights?”

“On your way back to the mainland?” Brother Teric asks.

“Yes, Brother.”

After a brief pause, Brother Teric extends his arms and embraces Salman.

“You are children of Yashuva. You will always have our protection.”

“Thank you, Brother.” Salman pats Brother Teric on his back.

“Yes, thank you.” The others chime in.

“Perhaps you and Sister Lutala could accompany me? I'd like to discuss the finer details with you.”

“Of course.”

Salman turns to Valan and Jarae, who are visibly uneasy about separating. Resting a hand on Valan's shoulder, he glances between the two of them.

“It'll be alright. Stay close and I'll find you when we're done.”

“As you wish, Sal.” Valan nods.

“We'll just entertain ourselves.” Jarae winks at her fiancée.

“Of that, I have no doubt.” Salman smirks.

With Salman and Lutala following Brother Teric into the back room, Valan and Jarae look to each other. After a silent stare, they hold hands and begin to wander through the temple, admiring the statues and the stained-glass windows. As they traverse the hall, walking toward the rear of the building, they find a room separated by a red, velvet curtain. Emerging from behind the curtain, from the darkened room beyond, is a Lahnyt. A pureblood, like Lutala, she wears identical, brown robes. Her skin is a subdued white, with a soft yellow front and accents, similar to the orange that accentuates Lutala's blue and black hide.

“Oh, hello!” She chirps, seeing the strangers in the hallway.

“Hello.” They wave to her.

“I'm Sister Azula. May I help you?”

“I'm curious. What's with this 'Brother' and 'Sister' thing? I've been around Lutala for months - she's a priestess like you - and I've never heard her use those terms before.” Jarae asks.

“I don't doubt that. It's just something we Yashuvanites like to do. It's what we call each other. We're children of Yashuva, brothers and sisters in his family. Unless you encounter several Yashuvanites at once, such as being in a temple, then it's not something that would ever come up in conversation.” Sister Azula replies.

“What is that room? Why is it so dark and hidden away?” Valan asks, pointing at the closed curtain.

“This room is for those seeking penance, to ask Him for forgiveness for sins they've committed, for wrongs they've inflicted on others.” Sister Azula replies.

Thinking back on the day they'd fled with Harokian, Valan can hear the gunshot and the screams of the little girl whose father he'd killed by mistake. His heart aches, imagining the little half-breed going through her life without her father. His eyes begin to well with tears.

“Does... Does Yashuva forgive serious offenses?” Valan suddenly asks.

“Yashuva forgives all sins, so long as we have the strength to ask for His Grace.” Sister Azula replies, a warm smile on her face.

She motions for the pair to step closer, then pulls back the curtain. Inside the dark room, lined with candles and filled with aromatic incense, are strange furnishings. Padded bars sit on the floor, meant to be knelt on, and attached to these bars are little pedestals for resting your elbows. They discern this from two other figures, who kneel and pray. The tips of their tails and the claws of their colorful feet reveal the robed and hooded figures to be Lahnyt.

“Those two women over there...” Sister Azula points to the praying figures. “They're making penance for something very serious as well. They hurt a man some time ago, in unspeakable ways. Yashuva can see their hearts, and if they are sincere, He will forgive them as well... Please, take a knee. It doesn't hurt to ask.”

“Alright.” Valan murmurs, stepping into the dark room.

Following along, Jarae walks beside her fiancée, who finds a padded bar along the floor. As he begins to take a knee, one of the women turns her head and glances back.

“In His Holy name!” She gasps, leaping to her feet.

Turning his head, Valan's eyes grow wide with shock and horror. He too bolts to his feet, his mouth hanging open. Sister Azula and Jarae look with confusion as the second woman joins her companion in her horrified stare.

“Cicera?! Indana?!” He gasps.

Valan takes a step back, nearly tripping over another kneeling bench. The two women, both standing and facing him, are, in fact, Indana and Cicera, the women who drugged and raped him months ago, when they were still trying to cure Irzain's amnesia.

“Valan?” Jarae steps closer, her brow furled with worry. “What's wrong, my love?”

“It's... Them...” He chokes out.

“Who?” She turns to them.

“Valan...” Cicera reaches a hand down. “I never thought this would happen... Seeing you again.”

She rests her hand upon her abdomen, drawing both Valan's and Jarae's attention. To their horror, both of the Lahnyt women have swollen bellies. They're quite pregnant. It finally dawns on her as to who these women are, and what they mean to her fiancée. With her mouth agape, Jarae turns her shimmering pink eyes toward Valan, then to Sister Azula, who covers her gaping maw with a clawed hand. It's clear to her that the priestess had no idea who these women were to them.

“He certainly works in mysterious ways.” Cicera murmurs, her hand slowly rubbing her belly.

“Is... You mean, that... I...”

“Yes...” Indana speaks softly. “They're yours.”

Sitting in the back room with Brother Teric, Salman and the high priest come to a simple arrangement. Salman hides nothing, freely admitting to the importance of their mission. Even Lutala is surprised that he takes to the tenets of his faith so seriously, unwilling to lie to the high priest. For as faithful as she is, she may have simply omitted certain facts, for the safety of the mission, which she can now appreciate, as she and Salman are no longer apart.

The crew and their cargo, Harokian, as family and friends of Salman, are given safe haven, for as long as they need. The repairs will also be done, gratis. Salman has proved his loyalty and devotion to his faith, and has earned their loyalty in return. This doesn't even mention the positive changes that will likely occur once Harokian sits on the throne, changes that will be good for not only the Empire, but the persecuted citizens and the Yashuvanite faith. With the deal made, Salman rises from his seat.

“Thank you, Brother Teric. Words cannot express how much I appreciate this.” He says, shaking the high priest's hand.

“Don't worry, Brother Salman. You're always welcome.” He says with a warm smile.

“Well, I'd better find Valan and Jarae, and one of us should return to the Arona-Dahl and inform them.”

Lutala rises from her seat to follow him, but the high priest extends a hand.

“Please, Sister Lutala. If I may have a moment of your time?”

“For?” She cocks her head.

“I'd like to speak with you in private.”

She turns to Salman, her gaze silently seeking his response.

“It's alright, Lutala...” He gives her a warm and loving hug. “I'll find Valan and come right back for you. I’ll always come back for you.”

She nods her head and turns to Brother Teric. The high priest extends an arm and leads her deeper into the room, while Salman leaves to search for his twin brother.

“What did you wish to speak to me about, Brother?” Lutala asks.

“You and the human... You have quite a love for each other.” He suddenly begins.

Lutala feels her cheeks flushing, a nervousness washing over her.

“Is this what you wished to talk to me about?” She softly asks.

“No!” He chuckles. “I just couldn't help but comment. I think it's rather cute!”

“It doesn't bother you?”

“Why would it?” Brother Teric raises a brow. “He's a faithful servant of Yashuva, one of our Brothers, and he loves you. What more is there to worry about? What I wanted to speak on is your status in the order...”

Pulling back a curtain, Brother Teric leads her into a smaller room, nestled deep within the temple. The room is dark, lit only by a handful of candles. There are no windows inside.

“What about it? I am a priestess. Nothing more.”

“That's my point...” He stands before a large armoire and grips one of the handles. “You're just a priestess, but your actions have gone above and beyond. You've done more for our faith than I ever have, and yet I outrank you. That cannot stand.”

He pulls open the doors and looks inside, digging through the contents on the shelves.

“What do you mean, Brother?” She leans closer.

“You're long overdue for a promotion!” He chirps.

Removing the artifact from the armoire, he presents her with the beautiful and vibrant robes and hood of a high priestess. Lutala's fiery eyes bulge at the sight of the white, blue and gold trimmed garment, which is as elegant as it is expensive. These are the robes of Brother Teric’s female counterparts.

“Are... Are you certain, Brother?!” She gasps.

“You're a powerful magician, you serve Him well, and if it wasn't for you, for what you did to save Salman and show him the path, we wouldn't be here today. The broken and fearful people who've come here seeking shelter, the people whom we've helped escape from the tyranny of Vashalak's rule... None of that would've occurred if not for you... Take it, Sister. You deserve these robes far more than I do.”

Overcome with joy, Lutala embraces the high priest, giving him a chuckle as he holds out the robes.

“Be careful not to wrinkle them!” He laughs.

“Thank you, Brother! I will wear them with pride!”

“Don't you mean 'humility'?” He raises a brow.

“Er... Yes! You know what I mean! Oh, I can hardly wait to show Sal!”

“I can only imagine.” Brother Teric smirks.

Lutala's cheeks flush and she bows her head. Brother Teric. isn't wrong. She's already devised her plan. Now she just needs to execute it.

“I will draft a letter and send it with the next ship to our homeland. You will be added to the registry of the higher order.”

“I appreciate that, Brother. If there was a way I could repay you!”

“Just continue to do what you’re doing.” He replies.

Closing the armoire, Brother Teric leaves the small room, letting Lutala take her time as she gazes upon the neatly folded robes in her hands.

“Why you dirty little whores...” Jarae growls, glaring at Cicera and Indana. “Do you have any idea what you've done to him?!”

“Yes.” Cicera speaks softly, her head bowed in shame.

“And now you carry his seed as if you earned it... I should cut those babies right out of your wretched wombs!”

“Please! Don't hurt the innocents!” Sister Azula steps forward.

“Innocents?! They're the spawn of rape!” Jarae snarls.

“They didn't choose to be. It's not their fault.” Sister Azula pleads.

“We've come here to seek penance. To beg Him for forgiveness for what we did to you, Valan.” Cicera begins.

“Why are you even here? I thought your ritual was for...”

“It was.” Indana takes a step forward. “We belonged to the cult of the mother goddess. That ritual was ancient. We used you to father our children.”

“Once we... Enjoyed you...” Cicera's green flesh darkens as she flushes. “We fled to our cult and waited. When we showed the signs and knew that we were with child, that's when the leader revealed the truth.”

“Our babies were to be sacrificed to the mother goddess, for the fertility of the entire cult.” Indana covers her eyes and sighs.

“We didn't know. They lied to us and made us do evil things to you, for the sake of sacrifice. I couldn't do it. I knew I couldn't kill a baby, so Indana and I agreed. We fled during the night, but without family to turn to, we only had our people, and our people are almost all Yashuvanites.” Cicera takes over.

“We found a temple, which took us in. After a time, they moved us here. We will soon return to the mainland, to have our children and live in peace.” Indana continues.

“Rrrr! How dare you! After what you did, you don't deserve peace!” Jarae growls.

“I have seen the error of my ways, and for my past sins, I am sorry! Please, Valan! I beg you to forgive me!”

Cicera begins to weep, and Sister Azula is quick to comfort her. Valan takes a step back, a hand holding Jarae's wrist and pulling at her. She looks back, wondering why he would try to stop her. After what he's suffered through, revenge is only natural. His eyes are glossy with tears, breaking her heart. Her rage only grows. How dare they hurt her beloved in such a manner! She turns and pulls away, eager to make these vile women pay for their crimes, but Valan won't release her wrist.

“Val, let go!”

“Wait!” He pulls her closer.

She turns back and watches him. He struggles to keep from crying as he looks to Sister Azula, who cradles the now bawling Cicera in her arms. Indana sheds no tears, though she hides her face and cowers from him. She's certainly afraid, for herself and for the child she must now spend her life raising. While she claims to be sincere, Valan cannot help but question it. He looks to Jarae, who waits for his word. He knows that if he gives it, she'll draw her weapons and kill them, right in front of the horrified priestess. He opens his mouth to speak, trying to sort out his emotions and thoughts.

“I... Have the scars from that night...” He begins, speaking carefully. “The bite on my shoulder and the lines on my back... And I've suffered nightmares for a long time afterward.”

“We're sorry!” Cicera begs.

He holds up a hand, silencing her.

“If it wasn't for you, Jarae, I may have gone mad from the pain they'd caused me.” He says, stroking her cheek and wiping away a tear. “I'm not a good man. I've made mistakes, too... Grave mistakes. I've done things I can never take back... I know their pain, Jarae.”

Her eyes grow wide and her mouth hangs open as he speaks.

“I don't want to hold this pain inside, forever. It's time to let it go...”

“You can't be serious!” She growls.

“I forgive you, Cicera, and I forgive you, Indana... Go to the mainland and live good lives. Raise your children to be better than we are.”

So overwhelmed by the awe-inspiring turn of events, Sister Azula sheds tears with Cicera. Hearing her absolution, even Indana drops to her knees and weeps. With a weight lifting from his shoulders, Valan pulls at Jarae's wrist as he walks backward, slowly leaving the room. Nearly dragging her down the hall, Jarae begins to struggle with him.

“What's wrong with you, Val?! Why are you letting them get away with it?!” She yanks her arm away.

“I didn't. They're broken, Jarae. Broken people never escape.”

“What are you talking about?” She furls her brow.

“I know your life was harsh before we became close. You told me once that you slept with people in exchange for food.”

“Val...” Jarae shies away.

“I don't judge you for whatever you did to survive...” He rests a hand on her cheek, directing her to look at him. “We all have a past, and sometimes it's very dark. I murdered a man when I was a boy, because my stepfather forced my hand. This same stepfather used Vella, my first love, as a concubine. My love was made into a whore. It tore me apart. Though I tried, using pleasures to distract me, I never truly escaped that pain, not until we met... I love you, Jarae.”

“And I love you too, Val. I just want to protect you. I want to make this right.”

“Then leave them alone. Please.”

“I don't understand.” She shakes her head.

“The day we found Harokian, I killed a man. It was a mistake. I shot a father in front of his daughter, and listened to her cries as you pulled me away. If I were in their place and that little girl walked into the room, all I could do is cry and beg for forgiveness... If you hurt Indana and Cicera, if you harm their unborn children, who truly have no say in their parentage, then all you're going to do is carve a new wound in me. The wounds they've caused have already started to heal, and you've helped me with that. I need to let it go. Maybe if I do, in the future, when it's my turn to beg, my victims will have mercy on me.”

Seeing the tears running down his cheeks, Jarae finally begins to comprehend. She reaches up and brushes the tears away with a thumb, then leans in and kisses him so lovingly on the lips.

“What a tender man I've fallen in love with.” She coos. “Alright, my love. I'll leave them be.”

“Thank you. You're going to make a wonderful wife.”

“I know.” She smirks. “Now, shall we look for you brother?”

“Val? Jarae?” Salman's faint voice echoes through the halls.

“Sure. Lead the way, wife.” He smirks.

“Learning quickly.” She winks.

Valan softly chuckles, then smacks her perky butt as she walks away, causing her to jump. Looking to and fro as he makes his way through the temple, Salman soon spots his twin brother and his Jaliscan lover, walking hand-in-hand.

“There you are! I have good news!” Salman chirps.

“Oh?”

“We have use of their dry dock, if we need it, and though time is of the essence, we can take a day or two to patch up the most damaged parts of Arona. All of this is free of charge.”

“Oh, well that is good news!” Jarae chirps.

“I'm sure they'll like it if we at least fixed that gaping hole in the lounge.” Valan smirks.

“I mentioned that, specifically.” Salman remarks. “Also, Brother Teric has given us rooms for the night. They're on the second floor, the main quarters. You're welcome to stay, if you'd like.”

“Thank you, Sal, but...” Valan hesitates and looks toward the floor.

“I think we'd rather return to our cabin, where it's more private.” Jarae quickly interjects, saving her fiancée from questioning.

“Alright. Well, Lutala and I will likely stay here.”

“If you're staying, she will, too.” Jarae winks.

“Yes, well... Anyway! See you two tomorrow?”

Valan and Jarae give Salman a hug and then say their goodbyes, leaving the temple and taking the news back to the crew, who wait for them on the Arona-Dahl. Returning to Lutala and Brother Teric, he doesn't see the robes, which she's decided to hide from him. They spend the day in the temple, walking together, eating together and growing closer. As the sun sets, they're shown to separate rooms. It was not a request but merely an offer by Brother Teric. Perhaps to see what they’d say?

“Well, uhm... I'll be just down the hall if you need me.” Salman says as he looks into Lutala's eyes.

“Yes, I know.” She stares back, a little smile on her face.

After an awkward moment, she turns and enters her room, leaving Salman alone in the hall. Removing the beautiful robes of a high priestess from beneath her own, she sets them atop a table and admires them.

“This is it... Don't be nervous.” She murmurs.

Pulling off her robes, Lutala trembles as she strips off her white top and orange panties, standing as naked as the day she was born. She sets the clothes aside, on a table near the corner of her room, and returns to the bed. Slowly and carefully, she pulls on the robes, leaving her flesh beneath bare. She takes a moment to admire herself in a tall mirror, smiling at the elegant woman who looks back at her. With a space made for her tail, it freely and gently sways. She turns toward the table where she'd left her original clothes.

Sitting atop the table is a large, silver goblet, filled with soil and big, pink flowers. She collects the goblet, acting as a vase, and smells the sweet aroma of the flowers. Walking back to her bed, she takes a moment to prepare herself. Setting the vase on the edge of her bed, she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. It's time.

“Sal?!” She calls out. “SAL!”

She can hear his footfalls as he races down the hall.

“Lutala?!” He knocks frantically on her door. “Are you alright?!”

He doesn't wait for her to answer before he opens the door and peeks inside.

“Are you hurt?! You sounded... Oh!”

“Hello, Sal.” She turns around and opens her eyes.

“Are those?”

“Yes. Brother Teric saw fit to promote me. Do you like it?”

“It's lovely, Lutala.” He steps inside and closes the door. “You're even more beautiful than before.”

He closes his eyes and taps his knuckles against the side of his head.

“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply that you weren't beautiful before! I-I just meant-”

“It's alright.” She softly giggles. “I'm glad you like it.”

“I do.” He smiles.

“... How about now?”

“Oh... I like that very much.”

He stares in awe as Lutala opens her robe, showing him her nude body beneath. The dark flesh of her chest faintly glistens in the waning sunlight, her blue nipples and nether lips peeking out at him. He clears his throat as she steps closer, leaving her garments open.

“I'm glad.” She coos. “I've thought about you so much, Sal... While we were apart, all I thought of was you.”

“So have I.” He steps closer. “You were always on my mind, Lutala... I love you.”

Though she could see it in his eyes, hearing him say the words makes her heart skip a beat. She gasps, her mouth hanging open.

“I love you, too.” She says with a nervous gulp.

Resting a hand on her cheek, he leans in and kisses her lips so softly. Her entire body trembles, and the only way she can make it stop is to shove herself against his chest. Her arms wrap around his waist as he kisses her. In short order, she can feel his tongue caressing hers. She'd thought about doing that. Was it her or did he act on his own? She's already forgotten! As their lips part, she reaches for his pants.

“Wait.” He pulls back.

“What?!”

“There's something I need to do, first.”

Leading Lutala to her bed, she sits on the edge as Salman digs into a pocket.

“Sal?”

Removing two rings, her fiery eyes grow wide. Made of silver and bearing large, blue pearls, a rare artifact known for their unique properties, they're matching in every way except for the size of the band. She brings a hand to her face, covering her gaping maw.

“Are... Are these?!” She chokes out.

Salman takes a knee, presenting her with the rings.

“Lutala... Will you be my bride?”

Her trembling hand reaches for the smaller of the two rings. She looks for a finger on the appropriate hand, testing several before slipping it onto her third finger.

“Oh, Sal!” She coos, admiring the ring.

“Is that a 'yes'?”

“Of course I'll marry you!”

She throws her arms around his neck, her large breasts enveloping his face as she nuzzles the top of his head.

“Mmfh. Mm-mmry-mmphy.” He struggles to speak.

“Oh! Sorry!” She loosens her grip.

Lifting his left hand, Salman looks to Lutala as he slips on the other ring. As soon as his flesh touches the inside of the band, she feels something strange. She can sense his presence, as if their very spirits were entwined.

“Sal?”

“These rings are enchanted. So long as we wear them, we will never feel apart.”

He takes his hand and grabs onto hers, their fingers weaving together. With her heart racing, she's never felt so loved, so desired. Rising to his feet, he looks down at Lutala, who gazes up at him with longing.

“Since we're to be married...” She says with an innocent smile.

“Yes?”

“Perhaps we could...” She slowly unbuttons his shirt.

After a brief but loving stare, the couple's passion overwhelms them. They lose themselves in the moment. Salman's hands caress her form, feeling her ample breasts and her toned belly, before coming to rest on her slender waist. She strips him of his clothes, only to take hold of the truly impressive manhood he keeps between his legs. She gives it a taste, marveling at the sensation. It isn't long, however, before Salman is ready for more. With his fingers massaging her womanhood, he leaves her robes on, spreading them open as he lay her onto her back.

Lifting her left leg high into the air, her ankle perched on his shoulder, her brings his manhood closer. Oh, how long she's waited for this. With a firm push, he spreads her nether lips with his girthy manhood, breaks her hymen and claims her virginity.

“Ahh!” She gasps, wincing from the sensation.

“Ooohh, Lutala... I love you so much.” He grunts.

“Nnn... Nnnnnn-AHHH!” She cries out as he begins his work.

As she adapts to her fiancée’s exceptional member, the pain begins to melt away, and pure, raw pleasure replaces it. His hands rest on her thighs as he rocks his hips, her tail whipping about so happily. The tip smacks the flowers which sit in the vase at the edge of her bed. Pink petals drift toward her hands as she loses herself in the moment. She turns her eyes and looks upon her lover, the best man that she's ever known. Now she is truly his, and soon they will be married. This was worth the wait.