[Count To Infinity]

14158

[The Great Sue Hunt]

Bronx slid her fingers into Myr's silvery hair, her back arching as she felt raw energy pulsing through her, the pulses of magic as delicious and arousing as the wicked fingers and clever tongue currently pleasuring her. As wonderful as it felt, Bronx was not about to let herself come just yet. She needed a few more Tzus to get closer first, to benefit from a nasty little trick Bronx had learned from a particularly rowdy group of elves.

In the meantime, however, Myr was writhing happily on Kelk's cock, and the scent of her arousal was enough to make Bronx want to shift into her draconic form. Lousy for sex, unless there was another dragon around, but it was that avaricious streak, and Myr smelled... collectible. Bronx gave herself a good mental shake. No collecting the other Authors, she reminded herself sternly. But if she couldn't collect them, well... she could still play a bit.

Bronx gently took hold of Myr's hand, freeing Myr's fingers from her own wet pussy, and stepping back before kneeling in front of Myr. Bronx licked Myr's fingers clean with a small growl of appreciation, and then lowered her head as she parted Myr's thighs a little more.

Kelk's cock looked gorgeous as Myr rode it, the purple shaft glistening and so very hard. Bronx gave another pleased little growl as she looked at Myr's clit, perfectly rosy and just needing a little attention. Bronx dipped her head and flicked her long tongue out, dragging it lightly over the tender nub, and Myr's moans increased, as did the magic that she was emitting. Bronx absorbed the magic happily enough, the raw energy combining with her own latent magical energy, almost like recharging an arcane battery.

Myr whined as Bronx's tongue stroked again, a little harder this time, tasting the ample juices flowing from Myr's pussy as Kelk continued to guide her as she rode his generous cock. Bronx could feel Myr quivering, and she could feel a party of Tzus approaching, identical outfits, identical braids, and over the top weapons.

Bronx grinned a little as she lowered her mouth and sucked hard on Myr's clit, the tip of her tongue dragging across it firmly as the same time, and Myr's moans rose to a scream of pleasure as she came hard, her pussy spasming around Kelk's cock as Bronx tormented her clit. The wave of magical energy that Myr released was easy enough for Bronx to redirect, and the Tzus screamed in unison with Myr as they were all wracked by stupendous orgasms of their own, feeling exactly what Myr felt as Kelk's cock and Bronx's tongue reduced her to a quivering mess.

Unfortunately for the Tzus, nothing in their training had prepared them for a combination of alien cock and a female's mouth. No, they were supposed to be bedded by Princes and Paladins, in a bower of roses, with little butterflies and unicorns all around. They were supposed to have delicate little bursts of pleasure that reddened their cheeks and made them moan prettily. They were not supposed to grunt and howl, and feel their pussies leaking enough hot juices to instantly soak their little pink panties.

The Tzus dropped in a collective pile of trembling limbs, and Bronx counted mentally to ten, waiting for the inevitable. She made it to six before there was a loud crack and the Tzus were reduced to a cloud of ink that dissipated before it reached the ground.

Bronx released Myr's clit, her eyes glittering wickedly as she looked over at 'Cune. "Why don't you come on over here and join us?"

[Count To Infinity]

14156

[Count To Infinity]

14154

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand looked at Kansas and Satoshi with shining eyes, his love for his two husbands making him look young and radiant. "Of course you can go first, alasse'amin. We've been sneaking in quick fucks since Satoshi got moved to the regular ward, but you've missed out. I can't be greedy all the time," Sand laughed, and shifted to one side of the bed to give Kansas and Satoshi room. His long fingers teased through Satoshi's hair, and he tilted his head to steal a kiss from Kansas as the slender little imp wrapped himself around Satoshi with a sweet moan.

There was something so tender and almost hesitant about the way Kansas touched Satoshi, an innocent feeling of newness, and Sand caught his breath with tears of joy beading his lashes as he watched Kansas kiss Satoshi softly. There was desire and need, yes, but there was a healing power to Kansas's gentle devotion, and Sand sent out a wave of love to them both, feeling like he was witnessing something magical.

Kansas moved to let Satoshi roll slightly on to his side, so they could entwine their bodies more closely, their lips touching in gentle kisses. Kansas withdrew from his bond to Sand, suddenly wanting to only feel Satoshi in this moment, and he could feel Satoshi withdrawing on his bond as well. Not closing it down completely, but only letting the faintest trail remain, his one thread to Sand.

"I love you, Satoshi," Kansas whispered between kisses, and Satoshi moaned into his mouth, his strong hands guiding Kansas to straddle his hips.

"I love you, Tatsuya," Satoshi whispered, his eyes perfectly dark, and his face radiant with love for the slender imp.

Kansas let out a sweet cry when Satoshi reached down and pressed a finger against Kansas's twitching pucker, then crashed their lips together in a deep kiss. Kansas reached out a hand and grabbed at the sheets, as if he was looking for something, never taking his eyes off Satoshi, or his lips off Satoshi's lips.

Sand pressed the vial of sweet oil into Kansas's hand, enjoying being allowed to watch his husbands as they renewed their love for each other. He pulled back on his bonds as well, understanding that they needed to feel only each other at the moment, and knowing it did not mean he was any less loved by either of them. What Sand could do, and did do, was to reach out to Hawk and send him a wave of calm reassurance, feeling his older brother's emotions settle.

Kansas was only half aware of Sand handing him the sweet oil. His mind was so completely focused on Satoshi at the moment that he could barely comprehend anything else. Satoshi seemed to be just as taken by Kansas, and they both moaned loudly when Kansas hurriedly dripped some oil on Satoshi's fingers, and the pierced imp reached down again, teasing the tight pucker with his fingers, before pressing one finger into the tight muscle.

Kansas moaned loudly, his voice keening slightly in his throat as his back arched, and his eyes fluttered closed, Satoshi raising his head to latch on to one small nipple, teasing the nub to hardness with gentle nips and sucks. Kansas started to press his hips down to meet the thrusting finger, and Satoshi smiled radiantly around the tight nipple between his lips. After a few minutes, Satoshi added another finger, and Kansas's hands fisted in the sheets on either side of Satoshi's shoulders, the little imp utterly lost to the sensation of being so carefully teased open.

Satoshi moved his attention to Kansas's other nipple as he eased a third finger into the tight pucker, making Kansas throw his head forwards and bury it in Satoshi's hair, and Satoshi whispered ever so softly, "It's alright, baby, I've got you. Just like the first time, I've got you. I love you. Let go for me."

Sand scarcely dared to breathe, watching as Satoshi tenderly opened Kansas up, the slender imp responding with such sweet need and desire that Sand wanted to reach out and stroke that black and blue hair. He was reminded of how appealing Kansas had been at the vacation, and how he had tried so hard to make up for his foolish lack of understanding. Of course, he had not known then what he knew now, and that was in the past, his inadvertent cruelty forgiven by a generous young heart, and Sand knew he would never make Kansas hurt again.

Kansas mewled loudly as he pushed himself down on Satoshi's fingers, lost to his sensations. Satoshi's eyes were bright with his love and adoration for the young man on top of him, and for this moment he could see nothing else.

Kansas mewled and jerked his hips in an odd way, which made Satoshi chuckle softly. He withdrew his fingers quickly and rolled them over gracefully, so he was lying between Kansas's spread thighs, the small imp keening softly, his dark gray eyes hooded and glittering with pleasure.

"I've got you, my sweet. I've got you. Just like the first time," Satoshi whispered, and Kansas bucked his hips, lifting his thighs.

"Just like the first time." Kansas whispered back, and threw his head back with a howl of pleasure when Satoshi moved, pressing the head of his cock against Kansas's loosened pucker.

Satoshi stopped when he breached his precious little imp, letting Kansas adjust to the intrusion, then he pressed in so slowly that he barely seemed to move. When Satoshi was finally buried balls deep in Kansas's ass, the little imp wrapped his arms and legs around Satoshi as tight as he could, and Satoshi kissed him deeply, waiting patiently for Kansas to be ready for him to move.

The love between them seemed to practically glow around them, so strong that it washed out of them in warm waves, and they only had eyes for each other. Finally after a long while Kansas moved his hips ever so slightly and Satoshi withdrew slowly, then pushed back in just as slowly, angling his hips so that he would drag over Kansas's prostate, drawing the sweetest mewls from the little imp. His own voice was lost to his moans and cries, and their lips never strayed further from each other than to necks and ears, only to find each other again, taking turns plundering each other's mouths with all of their passion.

Sand was lost in the sweet love between his beautiful husbands, watching them with loving eyes. He knew that somehow, on some deep level, Kansas and Satoshi were healing each other, ancient wounds finally closing thanks to the balm of their love for each other. Like Erion, Sand cherished this precious bond between Satoshi and Kansas, and vowed to nurture it and keep it alive for all their days.

Kansas mewled sweetly under Satoshi, his head thrown back against the pillows and his eyes hooded, his hands digging into Satoshi's back, trying to draw Satoshi closer. One of Satoshi's hands was wrapped around the back of Kansas's shoulder, while his other moved up and down his side, stroking his ribs gently, moving down to lift his hip slightly occasionally.

Kansas's eyes slowly filled with tears, but the smile on his face told that they were tears of pleasure, and Satoshi's smile was just as radiant as he plundered the young man under him with delicious slow thrusts, Kansas's whole body trembling with the intense pleasure.

Soon pearls of sweat were gathering in the hollow of Satoshi's back, and Kansas's forehead shone with glittering beads of sweat, their eyes glazed with the pleasure. Tears fell constantly from Kansas's eyes, the little imp mewling constantly, Satoshi mumbling loving words to him between panting breaths.

Satoshi slowly tugged one of Kansas's arms loose and laced their fingers together on the pillow beside Kansas's head, the imp crying out in pleasure as Satoshi thrust a little harder.

"I've got you, sweet love. Just like the first time. You're safe. I've got you. I love you," Satoshi whispered and Kansas cried out, his back arching into a tight bow, and the heavy scent of his cum filled the air, as he spilled himself between their stomachs, and his ass clamped down on Satoshi erratically, pushing Satoshi over the edge.

"I love you," Kansas whined loudly, his voice trembling, and Satoshi moaned loudly when he crashed their lips together and thrust in harder and more erratic. After a couple of more thrusts he spilled himself into Kansas, load after load of searing hot cum filling the little imp, and he ground himself down to milk every drop from Satoshi.

After long shivering minutes, they both sagged down on the bed, and Satoshi rolled off Kansas, the little imp hissing when Satoshi withdrew from his ass, then followed Satoshi to cuddle into his embrace, crying softly.

Satoshi stroked the black and blue hair gently, soothing Kansas with loving whispers, and then Kansas whispered, his voice filled with love, and strength, despite being a little wobbly, "Just like the first time."

Satoshi kissed the sweaty forehead of his young husband and nodded, whispering back, "Yes, my sweet love. My beautiful Tatsuya. Just like the first time." Satoshi's smile was radiant as he stroked his broken hand slowly over Kansas's cheeks, drying the imp's tears, holding him tightly, yet gently.

Sand watched as Satoshi held Kansas, the love between them so strong that he could practically see it as a golden light surrounding them. He smiled as they clung to each other, feeling no urgency. Satoshi would gain much needed strength from this time with Kansas, and that strength could only help him when it came time to head to the Spring to heal Satoshi properly. There would be time to make love to them both, his precious husbands, and then they could all heal a little more. Ardiel was right. They were what they all needed to heal.

Satoshi rested his head against Kansas's head for a long while, holding the imp tightly, the two of them murmuring softly to each other, but too low for the elf to make out any words, although it sounded a little like they were singing to each other. Kansas relaxed perfectly, and Satoshi lay him down on the pillows almost reverently, his eyes locking on Sand's eyes over Kansas's head.

"I love you, Masato," Satoshi whispered, crawling carefully over Kansas, the little imp mewling softly and curling up on his side, with the most radiantly sedate look on his face, his lips curved in a tiny smile.

"I love you, Satoshi," Sand replied, and he held his arms open for his beloved husband, his face radiant as he met Satoshi's lips in a tender kiss. "You're so beautiful together, you and Tatsuya. Thank you for letting me see that. I've watched you make love before but that was special, like he is and like you are, saiai." Sand ran his fingers over Satoshi's face, tracing the planes and angles and sweet curves as though he was memorizing the very feel of Satoshi. "May I love you now? I want to show you how much I love you."

Satoshi smiled radiantly, his eyes fluttering closed when Sand touched his face, the pleasure of feeling Sand's now scar free fingers on his skin heavenly. "Please love me. Show me how much you love me," Satoshi whispered, and let himself fall over onto his back, his thighs parting slightly, and his arms open to receive Sand.

"That was special, honestly. It felt so much like the first time," Satoshi whispered, sounding almost like he was talking to himself more than Sand.

"I don't think I want to try for our first time again as far as setting, but I do want to remember the feeling of you in my arms for the first time," Sand murmured, and he let his fingers wander down to Satoshi's shoulders, stroking down his upper arms and then drifting over to toy with Satoshi's nipple rings as Sand kissed Satoshi again. Sand explored Satoshi's mouth thoroughly, languidly, taking his time and nibbling on Satoshi's pierced lower lip.

Sand let his cock brush against Satoshi's cock, feeling the slender pierced man's generous length already hardening again, and Sand moaned into the kiss. Sand bumped his hips a little, gasping in pleasure as Satoshi's hand slid into his hair to tease one gracefully pointed ear, and his thick cock seemed to press a little harder against Satoshi. Sand inhaled deeply, breathing in the scent of Satoshi, and he released Satoshi's lips in order to bury his face in the soft cherry red hair that crowned Satoshi.

Satoshi mewled softly as he felt Sand's cock slide against his own, his body still tingling from his session with Kansas, but his cock thickening merely at the thought of having Sand within him.

"I love you so much, Masato," Satoshi moaned as Sand breathed him in, his heart hammering in his chest in delight, knowing that he was loved beyond measure by this beautiful elf.

With a shy smile he looked up into Sand's eyes, and whispered, seeming uncertain whether Sand wanted to know this, but he felt the need to share it anyway. "I didn't mean it felt like the first time I made love to him. It felt like the first time, when I took him home."

Sand nodded, understanding the difference immediately. "I remember gathering you up, wounded and ill, but so strong and unafraid as I carried you to my small shelter, there on a snowy mountainside. I remember looking into those dark eyes of yours, and seeing the reflection of something so amazingly pure, and feeling very humble."

Satoshi's blush darkened and he looked down to hide his embarrassment, his smile radiant with love for the elf. "It is so strange to remember that. It isn't just remembering something we saw. I can remember how it felt. The feel of your skin under my hands for the very first time, the way your hair fell to your shoulders when I released it from your knot. The way you smelled after we made love next to the fire in the dead of winter, the tea warm in the pot and the incense burning on the altar," Satoshi said shyly, his fingers walking slowly up Sand's arms, tracing every little flaw on the perfectly pale skin.

"The scent of the pine on the winter breeze, and the way your cheeks would glow after we'd been outside for a while," Sand laughed, and his eyes were so loving. "And the way your hair felt after we washed it in the hot spring, like silk through my fingers."

Sand reached for the sweet oil, and looked at the vial for a moment, his eyes still bright. "You used to rub sesame oil through my hair after I washed it, to keep it from tangling. I remember using the sesame oil when we made love, too." Sand coated his fingers, his lips seeking Satoshi's lips as one finger slowly circled Satoshi's tight pucker.

Sand pressed one finger past the muscular ring, feeling the way Satoshi resisted initially, and then relaxed, a small mewl escaping his lips as Sand sank his finger in slowly, coaxing the pucker to relax as he thrust a little. Sand kissed Satoshi with gentle passion, adding a second finger when he thought Satoshi was ready. Sand let his fingers slide over Satoshi's prostate, lightly, but it was enough to make Satoshi moan, his hips bucking a little.

Sand added a third finger after another minute, and Satoshi opened his thighs a little more, his hips bucking a little as he welcomed Sand's touch. Sand thrust slowly, not wanting to rush, the slower pace helping him to mend small hurts that plagued his own soul.

"Please, Masato," Satoshi whispered, his dark eyes filled with love and desire. "I need to feel you in me, my love."

"Oh, saiai," Sand breathed, and he withdrew his fingers, sliding over Satoshi's prostate again as he moved between those strong pale thighs. Even with the inactivity of his convalescence, Satoshi's legs were so powerful, the translucent skin covering well defined muscles, and Sand ran his hands down Satoshi's thighs appreciatively.

Satoshi parted his thighs wide, shivering a little as Sand ran his hands down his thighs, the feeling of being stretched and ready to receive his beautiful elf making Satoshi breathless with happiness. "Please..." he moaned, reaching out for Sand, his eyes almost black with pleasure. Satoshi raised his legs from the bed, spreading himself as open as he could, a look of blatant invitation on his face, and his tongue snaked out to lick seductively at his lips.

Sand positioned himself and looked into Satoshi's eyes as he pressed the head of his generous cock past Satoshi's loosened pucker, feeling the velvet heat of Satoshi's ass surrounding his cock as he pressed himself in almost leisurely. Satoshi's back arched as Sand pressed in, and Sand let his hands slide up to cup Satoshi's firm round ass.

When Sand had sunk in to the balls, he leaned forward and captured Satoshi's lips in another passionate kiss, waiting for Satoshi to adjust to his cock. After a moment, Satoshi bucked his hips a little, and Sand withdrew slowly, his cock sliding over Satoshi's prostate and setting off white hot sparks behind Satoshi's eyes.

"You're so beautiful, saiai," Sand murmured, and he looked at Satoshi with wonder in his eyes. "I love you, Satoshi. I've never loved anyone the way I love you, the way I've loved you for so long, and for so many lifetimes."

Sand began to move again, long steady thrusts and languid withdrawals, gliding over Satoshi's prostate with every movement. Sand let himself fall forward, catching himself on his strong arms as he leaned over Satoshi to lap at his nipples before plundering his mouth again.

Satoshi mewled when Sand breached him, his eyes rolling back in his head as his mind emptied of everything except the glorious feeling of Sand stretching him and filling him. Satoshi had always loved just this moment more than everything, ever since that first time with Sand, because the elf filled him so perfectly, the burn just the right side of deliciously painful, and Satoshi somehow knew that they would always be like this. He bucked his hips, and arched into the licks to his nipples, whimpering into their kiss as Sand began to move, and the worlds all disappeared as Sand plundered him so slow and delicious.

"I love you, Masato," he moaned, his eyes sparkling with delirious pleasure, his voice raw and heated.

"The feeling of your coarse futon, and the blankets. And how we still preferred those after we returned to the court, and got to sleep with silk sheets, on thick futons. How we used to sneak quick encounters, in the stables, or down by the river."

Sand moaned wantonly as Satoshi surrounded him with molten pleasure. "Those stolen minutes were sweet, but not as sweet as our winter on the mountain, when I could love you without shame, watashi no samurai. That humble little hut, and that coarse futon was better than any palace."

Sand continued to thrust, feeling the heat in his belly expanding as he continued to plunder Satoshi. Satoshi mewled a little, his cock proudly erect and straining to find some friction, and Sand shifted to lower himself a bit, to press his belly against Satoshi and grind his cock between them.

"I'm so close, saiai. Come with me," Sand murmured, his hair falling over his shoulders like a glossy curtain. "Fall over the edge with me, watashi no kokoro."

Satoshi arched his back off the bed, his head falling back as he cried out in pleasure. Suddenly he grabbed Sand's hips and cried out, "Stop. Please stop. I want you to take me from behind. I want to feel that ring in your cock. I love that ring. And I love it when you make me come with your hands."

Satoshi pushed at Sand's chest, all but squirming under the elf, lifting his leg so he could turn around without letting Sand's cock slip from his ass.

Sand moved with Satoshi, helping him to turn and making sure he did not slip free, and when Satoshi had gotten his knees back under himself, Sand wrapped strong fingers around Satoshi's left hip and reached around Satoshi with his right hand, teasing his fingers up the length of Satoshi's cock. Sand pressed his own cock into Satoshi's ass, the ring in his cock riding Satoshi's prostate mercilessly, and Satoshi pressed himself backward, grinding his ass against Sand.

Satoshi's breath came in short gasps as he rolled over onto his knees, the feeling of Sand moving within him making him shiver uncontrollably with pleasure. Once he had his knees under himself, and Sand pressed into him, he rose up on his hands and knees, grinding back to take Sand in as deep as he could with a soft cry.

"Oh, fuck, Masato!" Satoshi howled, and grabbed the headboard to lift himself up on his knees, finding just the right angle to let Sand ride his prostate continuously, the thick ring in the head of Sand's cock setting off fireworks in Satoshi's head.

As Sand wrapped his hand tightly around Satoshi's cock, and stroked it, in time with his hard thrusts, Satoshi cried out with every movement, his head falling back onto Sand's shoulder. Then Kansas reached out and grabbed one of the steel rings in Satoshi's chest, giving it a slight twist and a tug, and Satoshi screamed. "Oh, fuck, I'm coming."

Sand fastened his mouth on the back of Satoshi's shoulder, where the neck met his shoulder, and he worked the mark he had begun earlier, darkening it as he felt his cock gripped by Satoshi's tight little ass. Sand's balls drew up as well, and he growled a little as he ground himself into that delicious heat.

"Oh, fuck, Satoshi, I'm going to come," Sand managed to gasp out, his hand stroking Satoshi's cock. Sand could feel himself hanging on the edge, and he knew he would spill the moment Satoshi spilled.

Satoshi shivered and whimpered, hot tears spilling from his eyes as his mind went utterly blank with pleasure, and he sobbed when his balls drew up hard and his cock twitched in Sand's hand. Long thick spurts of cum flew out over the pillow and Satoshi's ass clamped down around Sand so hard that Satoshi thought he could feel the shape of Sand's cock within him. He pushed himself back hard to meet the elf, still sobbing with pleasure and his muscles started to tremble with the intense orgasm, his ass rippling around Sand, drawing the elf in deeper.

Sand howled as his balls emptied convulsively, and he filled Satoshi's eager little ass with what felt like an endless stream of hot cum, his hips bucking as he pressed himself in fully, letting Satoshi milk him of every drop of cum. Sand buried his face in the hollow of Satoshi's neck where it met his shoulder, all but sobbing with the pleasure of his release.

Satoshi shivered convulsively as he felt Sand empty himself, grinding himself into Satoshi, his face buried in Satoshi's neck. Satoshi sobbed quietly as his muscles all went limp at the same time, and he slumped back against Sand, his head falling forwards and he could no longer hold himself upright.

"I love you, Ishikawa no Masato," Satoshi mumbled, his voice barely audible.

Sand eased Satoshi down to the bed, his cock slipping out of Satoshi. "I love you, Mori no Satoshi." Sand helped Satoshi to settle on the pillows, leaning over Satoshi to feather kisses across his damp cheeks tenderly. He curled up around Satoshi's back, his arms cradling Satoshi and he urged Kansas to nestle against Satoshi's chest.

"So beautiful, my loves," Sand murmured, one arm reaching out to drape across Kansas as well. "I'm so lucky to have you both in my life. I love you both, my sweet dragons."

Kansas smiled softly as he snuggled closer to Satoshi, kissing Satoshi's collarbone gently, his hand reaching around Satoshi to tease Sand's ear.

"I love you, Satoshi," Kansas whispered, nibbling the softest of kisses from Satoshi's lips and Satoshi moaned softly, hooking his leg over Kansas's thigh.

"I love you, Tatsuya," Satoshi whispered back, stroking Kansas's back, and Kansas looked over Satoshi's shoulder, smiling brightly at the elf.

"You've kept your promise to me. I love you, Masato."

"I love you, Tatsuya," Sand replied, his eyes filled with joy. "I'll always keep my promise. Always." He lifted his head, leaning over Satoshi's shoulder to kiss Kansas sweetly, tasting his youngest husband's mouth and loving the slightly minty taste that was uniquely Kansas. "If I ever don't, kick my ass hard, okay?"

Kansas moaned softly into the kiss, and giggled when Sand asked him to kick his ass if he ever broke his promise.

"Oh, I'll do worse than that. You know I will. The same goes for you, too," Kansas said, and crawled sinuously over Satoshi, into Sand's arms, his slim tattooed thighs straddling Sand's hips, and pearly white teeth teased the sensitive shell of Sand's ear.

Sand moaned happily under the assault on his ear, and his hands slid up along Kansas's ribs to tease Kansas's tight little nipples. His generous cock was already hardening, and he bucked his hips a little to press himself against the silken little ass that waggled so pertly on his thighs.

Kansas moaned a little and thrust his ass down to meet Sand's hips, grinding himself down on the thick cock that slid between his cheeks. For a moment he thought about taking Sand, and fucking him into next week, but he glanced over at Satoshi, noticing the longing look in Satoshi's eyes, and he decided against that. He realized that Sand and Satoshi both needed this, they needed this first time to be between themselves, their fresh start, their new beginning.

Kansas grinned a little wickedly at Sand, and grabbed the sweet oil and dribbled a generous amount into his palm, reaching down to stroke Sand's cock tightly, slicking it quickly. Then Kansas lifted himself up on his knees and smeared the rest of the oil over his slightly loosened pucker, grabbing Sand's cock again, and pressing himself down on the thick length with a loud howl. Kansas slammed his ass down, taking Sand in to the root in one swift plunge, his eyes filling with tears and he gasped breathlessly, his chin wobbling slightly with the intensity of the burn, as he sat prettily on Sand's cock.

Sand's hands wrapped around Kansas's slim hips, and he searched the little imp's face for signs of pain or unacceptable discomfort.

"Breathe, my sweet," Sand urged, not wanting to move until Kansas was ready for it. Their first time together had been far too rough on Kansas, and there was no way that Sand wanted to duplicate that. He knew Kansas had forgiven him completely, and he no longer dwelt on it himself, but Sand would not repeat mistakes if he could help it.

Kansas started to rise again, but Sand's hands on his hips stopped him, the elf urging him to breathe, and Kansas looked down into the dark blue eyes. Four years ago, they had been filled with longing, and a feral desire, and an appreciation for the beauty that Kansas was, and Kansas had screwed that up royally. Now those beautiful eyes were still filled with that desire and longing, but also with love. A deep never-ending love that belonged only to Kansas.

The little imp relaxed and ground his ass down a little, sighing as he adjusted to the thick girth, his eyes dancing when he smiled down at Sand. "You're still being smart for me. Here I go again, trying to take on something that's too big for me, too quickly," Kansas said with a slight giggle, splaying his hands on Sand's chest, and wriggling his ass around a little as the tight round muscle relaxed slowly.

"I want us both to enjoy this, my Kansas. It's been too long since we had a chance to play," Sand said with a radiant smile, looking at the beautiful slender imp and falling in love with him all over again. He reached up and ran his fingers through the black and blue mane that so perfectly framed the pale face of his youngest husband. "Look at you, so grown up and so gorgeous. I love you."

Kansas purred softly, his head automatically following the hand that ran through his hair, exactly like a loving puppy would do, his eyes fluttering shut for a moment, but then focused back down on Sand, the imp unaware of what he had just done.

"I do enjoy this, you know. I like it rough sometimes. I just need to remember that I have a limit. And the size of your cock is toeing the line, especially if I'm not prepared for it," Kansas said with a soft giggle, and sank down on Sand's chest to kiss him sweetly, whispering between nibbles, "I love you, Masato."

As the short imp reached up to kiss Sand, his ass moved so that Sand's cock withdrew almost all the way, and Kansas moaned softly, lifting his chest a bit from Sand's chest as he slid back down on the thick cock, taking him in to the root. Kansas's generous cock skidded lightly against Sand's scarred abdomen, leaving behind a small trail of precum, and above the throbbing length, there roared Migime, his golden eyes now dull and looking just like any other human tattoo, the colors slightly faded.

Sand ran his fingers over Migime lightly, feeling a brief sorrow for Tatsuya's loss and remembering how wounded the young god had been. There were promises to be kept there as well, and Sand knew he would have to bring Satoshi to meet Tatsuya soon, when Satoshi was healed. Sand smiled up at Kansas, his smile tender and sweet.

"I know you like it rough sometimes. I do, too, but I don't like hurting you, not really hurting you. The burn, well, we both enjoy that." Sand laughed a little, his fingers teasing along the length of Kansas's generous cock to swipe a bit of precum. He licked his finger and smiled radiantly.

Kansas made a small playful growl deep in his chest and then barked at Sand, lifting his hips until only the head of Sand's cock was within his ass, and slammed down again, hard enough to make skin slap against skin. He sat up again, his hands splayed on Sand's chest, long slender fingers prodding at Sand's nipples, and he set their pace hard, his eyes rolling back in his head as he plundered himself on Sand's cock with wild abandon.

Sand moaned wantonly as Kansas's deft fingers toyed with his nipples, and he wrapped his own hands around the slender imp's hips, guiding him as he slammed himself down on Sand's thick cock. Sand's hips rose almost of their own accord to meet Kansas's frenzied bucking, and Sand could not bite back his moans as his cock was buried in that tight little ass. Sand shifted his angle, and he could tell by Kansas's shout that he had found the imp's sweet spot.

Kansas cried out deliriously when Sand hit his prostate dead on, and for a moment white light filled his head and his vision, his mind blank except for the heavenly pleasure that coursed through his small body.

Kansas could feel tears of pleasure pearling in his lashes, and he had lost his voice completely, the most coherent thing that came out of him a string of moans and cries. His whole body was singing with the pleasure that Sand was creating in him, and his heart felt light as a feather.

He opened up his bond to Sand as wide as he could, and his soul reached out to touch Sand's soul, allowing the elf to feel exactly how wonderful this all felt. Kansas's head lolled back as he arched his back, his mewls sounding a little bit like a little puppy's.

Satoshi stirred beside Sand and chuckled softly, nuzzling Sand's ear as he whispered, "I used to be able to make him mewl like that once."

Sand turned his head slightly to nibble a quick kiss from Satoshi, his love for Satoshi filling his eyes, and then he turned back to look up at Kansas, so close and so beautiful. Sand released one slim hip and wrapped long fingers around Kansas's cock, stroking it hard and fast.

"That's it, my joy, alasse'amin," Sand murmured, his voice husky with desire. "My beautiful little husband, my Kansas. Come for me, my love."

Kansas shivered slightly when Sand's hand wrapped around his cock, his back arching in a gorgeous arch, and his head falling back as he howled. His whole body twitched and his arms went limp, the imp so lost to his passion that he lost all control of his body, and his thrusts became terribly erratic. He started to mewl constantly, a long quiet string of nonsense, his eyes rolling back in his head and small tears trickling from his lashes, as he cried out and arched his back so hard that his head and arms were thrown back.

His balls drew up suddenly, and thick hot spurts of cum flew over Sand's chest, painting the pale chest with long glistening lines. Kansas's tight ass clamped down on Sand's cock painfully hard, and Kansas bucked his hips down almost hard enough to hurt, grinding down on Sand's cock as the tight passage rippled around the elf, drawing him over the edge with Kansas.

Satoshi sat up quickly and grabbed Kansas around the back so he would not fall backwards, his slender body utterly limp in Satoshi's arms, his hips unconsciously grinding down on Sand to milk him dry.

Sand screamed, his back arching as Kansas's tight little ass clamped down on his cock like a fist, and his balls emptied all at once, hot cum filling Kansas's spasming passage. Sand reached up for Kansas instinctively, stroking the beautiful pale skin as Satoshi supported the limp youngster. Sand could not even form words, so overwhelmed was he by the powerful sensations that gripped him, and he cried out as tears of pleasure leaked from the corners of his eyes.

Sand shuddered, his orgasm finally easing enough for him to focus his eyes, and he carefully lifted the limp Kansas off his softening cock and took him in his arms to ease him down in the bed. "Beautiful Kansas," Sand murmured, brushing sweat-damp tendrils of hair back from Kansas's forehead and kissing him tenderly. "Sweet little husband of mine, you're so gorgeous."

Satoshi helped Sand lay Kansas on the bed, then lay down beside his little lover, stroking his cheek gently. Kansas stared up at Sand with wide, innocent eyes, utterly lost to the power of his orgasm, his muscles trembling ever so slightly and his lips quivering as he smiled happily up at the elf. He was utterly unable to move, completely worn out by the explosive orgasm, and he could feel Tatsuya within, purring happily with his own release. Satoshi's arms around his small body felt wonderfully perfect, like home, and having the elf on his other side, only compacted that feeling even more. He felt a tiny pang in his heart when the thought flashed through his head that this would be perfect if he had his little silver haired star elf in his arms, but the thought was quickly replaced by the thought that he would be going home to his Erion only the next day.

Kansas licked his lips quickly, and tried to say something, but his brain would not cooperate, so he only managed a soft little moan, and his hand reached up to stroke Sand's cheek lovingly.

Sand cupped Kansas's cheek in his hand and leaned in to kiss Kansas's plump lips, his face radiant with love for his young husband.

"Thank you, my Kansas. Thank you, Tatsuya. I love you, watashi no ai. You're so perfect." Sand opened his bond with Kansas to share his own joy and love, the sated bliss of their lovemaking still sending small shivers up his spine. "Rest now, my beautiful imp."

Sand reached over and pulled Satoshi into a kiss, looking into those gorgeous dark eyes and smiling his radiant smile. "Let's cuddle this sweet imp for a bit, and then, if you feel up to it, will you fill me and make me yours?"

Satoshi shivered into the kiss, his hands fisting in Sand's hair and he moaned softly, his eyes sparkling with desire. When they broke the kiss, he licked his lips nervously and blushed sweetly.

"I'm sorry, I'm kind of exhausted. Maybe if we had some of those crazy wines you always make me drink, that keep me going like an elf, I'd have more in me. I'm so sorry. I really want to. I'm just too tired," Satoshi whispered, and his bond opened up to Sand again, to let Sand feel how Satoshi's muscles ached with the exertion, and how he really just wanted to lie down and sleep with his two most beloved husbands.

"Do you really think the Elverquisst would help?" Sand asked. "I don't want to push you too hard, saiai. Really, I don't, but I so want to feel you in me. I know we have Elverquisst here."

Sand reached out to stroke Satoshi's cheek tenderly. "I'm being greedy, aren't I? But I feel like we're being given a whole new chance. I'm being an idiot." Sand gave Satoshi a sheepish little look.

Satoshi leaned his head into the touch and smiled, his voice husky with his desire, and their bond pulsed with his longing for his elf.

"I'm sure. I'm just tired. I've been tired ever since I woke up from the coma. I'm not going to be able to fuck you to kingdom come, like you did with me, but honestly, I just want to make love to you now. And the Elverquisst would give me enough strength to do that," Satoshi said quietly, his hand reaching up to cup Sand's hand where it lay against Satoshi's cheek. "I love you, so much. I can feel it now. It's still buried deep, but I can feel it a little bit."

Sand gave Satoshi a radiant smile. "I know that you love me. I can feel it, saiai, even when you can't. I'm going to go and get the Elverquisst. You cuddle our little husband, and I'll be right back." Sand pressed a kiss to Satoshi's lips, his blue eyes bright with love. He slid off the bed, grabbing for his loose pants and slipping them on. He leaned over and kissed Satoshi one more time before dashing out into the main house, to the liquor cabinet in the living room.

Satoshi snickered a little when Sand all but jumped out of the bed and ran for the door. Satoshi snuggled down on the bed, gathering a softly snoring Kansas into his arms, and pressed a soft kiss to the young man's temple.

"I love you more than anything too, you know, Tatsuya. We've survived so much, and seen so much. I don't ever want to lose you, and I'll try my very best not to make you lose me. I promise, I'll try my best. I just wish I could let you feel it how much I love you, like I can let Masato feel it. Then you would never have to doubt me," he whispered softly, hoping that Kansas could feel his words, even if he did not hear them.

Santhiel looked up, startled, as Sand ran past him with a bright smile. "Masato? Is everything alright?"

"It's glorious," Sand replied over the clinking of bottles. "I know we have some here. Atara bought most of the production of Elverquisst for our wedding, and I brought some here. Aha!"

Sand leaned back, holding up a bottle triumphantly.

"I don't want to ask, do I?" Santhiel watched as Sand stood, his hair tousled and hanging loose, his pale skin marked with love bites, and his eyes glowing with joy.

Sand grinned and dashed back toward the apartment, his bare feet making no sound as he raced back into the bedroom.

"I have it, saiai!" Sand shimmied out of his pants and bounced into the bed, still holding the Elverquisst.

When Sand came hurtling into the bed again, Satoshi laughed softly and rolled Kansas to the side, tucking the little imp in with the blankets tight around his small body, and he smiled a little when Kansas stuck the tip of his thumb into his mouth, and curled up into a tight little ball, purring happily in his sleep.

"You are insatiable. Have I ever told you that?" Satoshi said with a giggle, falling back onto the pillows and licking his lips seductively, as he tugged on one of his nipple rings.

"You've told me, and I am, and it's because I can't get enough of you, my Satoshi." Sand leaned in and kissed Satoshi, nibbling his lower lip as he opened the bottle of Elverquisst. He handed the bottle to Satoshi as he reluctantly broke the kiss. "I forgot glasses."

Satoshi laughed brightly, and grabbed the bottle, huffing a little."Who needs glasses. I say they're overrated," he said with a snicker and took a long swig of the bottle, his eyes widening a little, then he moaned and his eyes fluttered closed as he chugged a couple of swallows before he handed the bottle to Sand again.

"Fuck. What is that wine? It's so weird. It tastes so... so... so... edoooo," Satoshi scratched his head as he tried to find the right words but when nothing came to mind he continued sheepishly, "Magical?"

Sand took a deep drink himself, savoring the flavor as the Elverquisst sent sparks up his spine and warmth through his veins. "I suppose it's magic," Sand replied with a grin. "It's the essence of a perfect summer's day, or so we claim, anyway. The fruits used to make it are only grown in a few carefully tended plots, and they ripen and need to be harvested in a single tenday." Sand shrugged. "Magic or masterful winemaking, either way, it works."

Sand leaned in and captured one of Satoshi's nipples in his mouth, teasing the little nub and scraping his teeth across it lightly.

Satoshi giggled and grabbed the bottle, chugging a few more sips, moaning softly between swallows as Sand teased his nipple to hardness.

"Okaasan is going to kill us for drinking this stuff like it's sake, though. I have a feeling that she does not approve of this being used as a pick me up so I can fuck some more, when I'm supposed to be recovering," Satoshi giggled, taking one more long swallow, before he reached out and put the bottle on the nightstand, precariously close to the edge, and tangled his hands in Sand's hair to pull the elf over to his other nipple. He could feel the warmth of the wine spreading through his body, reviving his muscles, clearing away the small aches and pains, and making his cock stir, waking up again slowly.

"Well, then, we don't have to tell her," Sand murmured between lapping at Satoshi's nipples. He moved lower, nibbling and licking his way down Satoshi's stomach and belly, heading for Satoshi's cock with singleminded fervor. "You taste delicious, do you know that? I love the way you taste."

Satoshi burst out in a giggle, knocking the back of his head against the headboard as he threw his head back. "Ow! What, you like the taste of sweat and haven't taken a proper bath in weeks? That's lovely. I think your tastebuds are broken, dude."

Sand started to giggle helplessly, but he still dragged his tongue across the head of Satoshi's cock with delight, tasting the velvety skin of the head with great delight. "No, don't think anything's broken. You taste like Satoshi, with a little hint of Kansas. Very nice."

Before Satoshi could say anything, Sand slid his lips over the head of Satoshi's cock, rubbing his tongue stud over the tender little cleft underneath. He purred around his mouthful, his hair spilling over his shoulders like a curtain as he began to lower his lips.

Satoshi moaned and banged his head against the headboard again when Sand lowered his lips over Satoshi's cock.

"Stupid headboard," Satoshi growled and smacked it with his hand, wincing slightly at the pain that shot through his broken hand. He reached down and fisted his hands in Sand's hair, pushing a little to urge the elf to take him in deeper, wanting to bury his cock in Sand's mouth, and press the elf's pretty nose in the black curls at the base of his cock, much like he himself enjoyed doing when he went down on Sand.

Satoshi mewled softly, and lay his head carefully against the headboard so he would stop banging against it.

Sand purred louder when Satoshi fisted his hands in his hair, and he obligingly lowered his mouth, his tongue stud teasing its way along the thick vein that ran down the underside of Satoshi's generous cock. Sand slid down until Satoshi's cock hit the back of his throat, and he purred again as he shifted slightly and let Satoshi's cock slide down his throat, his nose buried in the soft black nest at its base.

Sand's cheeks hollowed as he drew back slowly, sucking hard the entire way, and Satoshi's hands cramped in Sand's hair as he writhed, his cock fully hard. Sand's tongue stud pressed firmly along the underside of Satoshi's cock and teased the cleft as Sand swirled his tongue around the head, teasing the slit with the very tip of his tongue.

Satoshi moaned loudly when Sand took him down to the roots, his hands pulling on Sand's hair a little to push the elf's nose into the curls at the base of Satoshi's cock. When Sand withdrew again, Satoshi growled a little bit, still tugging on the raven hair, but his growls quickly changed into a loud howl when Sand teased the cleft under the head.

"Oh, fuck. You're too fucking good at that," Satoshi mewled, his eyes glazed and his hips twitched as he tried to keep from thrusting into that tight mouth.

Satoshi groped around the bed until he found the vial of oil and reaching down to tug on Sand's shoulder he ordered in a husky voice, "Turn around. Let me taste that ass, while you suck me."

Sand shifted his position, straddling Satoshi's torso as he knelt and presented his ass to his pierced husband, never letting go of Satoshi's cock as his tongue continued to tease the slit and cleft. The position had the benefit of spreading Sand open for Satoshi, and Sand purred as Satoshi spread his cheeks even more.

Sand lowered his head, his agile tongue pressing against Satoshi's cock as Sand took him in to the root again, his nose pressed against Satoshi's balls this time as Sand swallowed around the generous cock in his throat.

Satoshi moaned as he felt Sand's nose press against his balls, the sight of the dark patch of skin before him utterly enticing. Satoshi purred like a cat and spread Sand's pale cheeks as wide as he could, swiping his tongue over the tight pucker.

"Oh, fuck, Masato," he moaned softly, twirling his tongue around the round muscle, flicking the tip of his tongue against the twitching opening, then pushed in hard. The ball stud in his tongue caught on the puckered skin and he twirled his tongue a little before he pulled out again and lapped at Sand's hole a few times, before pushing in again. He purred again, this time louder, and so hard that his chest vibrated, Sand's cock dribbling precum where it rested against Satoshi's sternum.

Sand purred as well, his throat vibrating around Satoshi's cock as he lifted his head, sucking hard as he withdrew. The sensation of being breached by Satoshi's tongue was maddeningly wonderful after so long, and Sand could not help pressing just a little into the strong muscle, feeling himself loosen in response. Mewling in delight, Sand sank down on Satoshi's cock again, his eager hole twitching happily under Satoshi's tonguing.

Satoshi's hips bucked a little, twitching with the longing to thrust into Sand's mouth hard and deep, and he tried to control himself by concentrating utterly on Sand's ass. Swirling his tongue around the tight ring of muscles, Satoshi dragged his lip piercings against the sensitive skin right behind Sand's balls, then pressed his tongue into the tight hole, breaching his elf and swirling his tongue a little. He pressed his thumb against the patch of skin behind Sand's balls and rubbed the elf's prostate from the outside, while he continued to fuck Sand's tight ass with his tongue. He could feel the muscle relaxing and pulled his tongue out to tease his thumb over the twitching ring, before pressing his thumb in and pulling slightly to stretch Sand a little. He chuckled faintly as the round muscle gaped a little at him, and he thrust his tongue in as deep as he could, suddenly wishing he had a long tongue like Vale did.

Sand drew back again on Satoshi's cock, his own cock twitching each time Satoshi pressed that wicked tongue into Sand's ass, and Sand had to concentrate so that he would not press back into that wonderful probing. His ass was loosening quickly, eager to be breached by the glorious cock he was sucking, and Sand mewled, torn for a moment between the pleasures of the cock in his mouth and the thought of that cock filling him perfectly.

Satoshi's thumb joined in the play, and Sand engulfed Satoshi's cock again, his nose teasing Satoshi's balls as Sand nuzzled them, the elf savoring the taste of Satoshi's precum as he swallowed. He could feel Satoshi's cock responding to the pressure of his throat, and Sand tried to focus on not pushing Satoshi over the edge too soon, a thought his ass seconded as Satoshi's tongue breached it again.

Satoshi pulled his tongue free for a moment and frowned with a slightly puzzled look, wishing that he had three hands because he wanted to touch that cock that was sliding against his chest so happily. After a moments hesitation, Satoshi left off rubbing Sand's prostate from the outside and wrapped his stronger left hand around Sand's cock, stroking it languidly. He pushed his thumb deeper into Sand's ass, stretching the willing muscle even more, and thrust his tongue in again, twirling it around and making sure that his tongue stud caught on the sensitive skin here and there. Sliding his thumb out slowly, he replaced it with his middle finger. Hooking his finger he found Sand's prostate, and teased the nub hard, while he fucked that wonderful willing ass mercilessly with his tongue, his hand stroking Sand's cock hard and tight.

Sand mewled, unable to keep himself from pressing back into the combined assault on his ass, his cock hard and leaking precum freely. He could feel his balls getting heavy, and the heat was growing low in his belly again, and he swallowed around Satoshi's cock almost desperately before drawing back and sucking hard. Keeping his mouth around the head of Satoshi's cock, he gave a needy moan, one hand fisting in the sheets as he shivered with the sensations wracking him.

Satoshi could sense how close Sand was getting, and he doubled his efforts, pushing his small tongue into Sand's ass as deep as he could, adding another finger to rub at Sand's prostate, and he tightened his fist a little around Sand's cock, despite the pain in his injured hand. His whole body longed to feel Sand come, just from this, and he thought to himself, Please, come, please, let go and come for me. Please, let me still be able to do it like this.

Sand shivered again, and then he gave a muffled howl as the heat in his belly spread, his balls drawing up and his ass spasming around Satoshi's finger and tongue. He released Satoshi's cock from the hot cavern of his mouth, his thighs quivering as he tried to refrain from pressing back too hard.

"Oh, fuck, Satoshi, I can't hold on," Sand moaned, his lashes beaded with tears of pure pleasure. "Oh, fuck..." His voice trailed off and then he screamed, his ass closing around Satoshi's finger as his cock jumped in Satoshi's hand, thick ropes of cum painting Satoshi's belly and his own chest as he screamed out his pleasure. Fireworks exploded behind his eyes as Satoshi pressed his prostate again, and Sand screamed even louder, his whole body trembling with bliss.

Satoshi pressed his fingers harder against Sand's prostate as the elf came so hard that he trembled, his tongue getting caught in the spasming muscle. Satoshi moaned as he felt the hot cum spread on his stomach, and he teased the spasming passage a little with his fingers while he withdrew them slowly, drawing out Sand's orgasm as long as he could, his hand milking every drop from Sand's cock.

Once he had the elf reduced to a shivering mess, Satoshi withdrew his fingers completely and gently eased Sand over onto his side, rolling him over completely and then crawled over to kneel between Sand's thighs.

Satoshi slicked his cock quickly with oil before lying down and pressing the head of his cock against Sand's loosened ass, breaching the elf in one hard thrust, making sure he jabbed Sand's prostate head on.

"Oh, fuck, my love. You are so perfect," Satoshi moaned and pushed in until his balls were snug against Sand's round globes.

Sand mewled as Satoshi breached him, his generous cock pressing past Sand's loosened pucker and making the elf's back arch in utter bliss as he was filled. Satoshi's cock hit his prostate, and Sand's mewl rose to a wail as lights exploded behind Sand's eyes again.

"Oh, fuck, Satoshi, yes," Sand managed to gasp out. "Oh, saiai, you feel so perfect." Sand's ass tightened around Satoshi's cock instinctively, the last echoes of Sand's orgasm still rocking the elf, and he spread his thighs as much as he could, welcoming Satoshi as his hands danced up Satoshi's chest to tease his nipple rings.

Satoshi stopped once his balls pressed against Sand's ass, and he rocked his hips a little to churn himself inside his elf, relishing the feeling of the prolonged orgasm that was still rippling through Sand.

"You are perfect, poldoramin. My perfect everything," Satoshi whispered softly, kissing Sand deeply as he withdrew slowly, and pressed in again, setting their pace mindnumbingly slow, and making sure he would drag over Sand's prostate in every stroke.

Sand looked at Satoshi, his blue eyes shining with his love for his slender pierced husband. "I love you," Sand whispered, tears of joy beading in his lashes as he gave himself over to the sensation of being filled, the slow pace drawing out the pleasure and amplifying the love that flooded Sand through his bond with Satoshi. It had been so long since Satoshi had even wanted to take Sand, and the sweet tender pace made it perfect.

Sand shivered every time Satoshi's cock dragged over his prostate, his own orgasm still sending faint tingles up his spine as Satoshi managed to prolong those final waves of rapture. Satoshi's dark brown eyes were the most beautiful sight as he watched Sand give himself over to the sweet lovemaking.

Satoshi sighed softly as he sank down on Sand, his head leaning against Sand's shoulder, his teeth nibbling on one sharp collarbone, his tongue painting delicate patterns on the pale white skin, his hips moving languidly.

Satoshi opened up to their bond, his soul reaching out to touch Sand's soul, and slowly the heat built in Satoshi's belly, as he climbed towards his own orgasm. Hot tears pearled in his lashes, his lips tickling up Sand's neck until he found that spot where he was used to marking his elf, and he nibbled on the soft skin, teasing it slightly until Sand lifted his chin to let Satoshi revive the mark.

The minutes ticked by, and after a long long while Satoshi's thrusts began to grow a little faster and slightly erratic, his balls heavy and full, and his body shivered with the pleasure that was building up deep within him.

"I love you so much. I can't tell you that enough," Satoshi whispered, looking into Sand's dark blue eyes, his hands stroking Sand's raven hair, and he pressed his lips against Sand's in a tender kiss, his hips moving a little faster, driving a little deeper into Sand.

Sand moaned in wanton bliss as Satoshi marked him again, renewing the dark mark that Sand wore proudly, his hips lifting to meet Satoshi's faster thrusts. His slim fingers slid into Satoshi's hair as he kissed Satoshi with tender passion, letting all his love flow outward to envelop Satoshi.

"I know you love me, saiai. I feel it, always, everywhere I am," Sand murmured into their kisses. "I love you, I've always loved you, and I always will. You'll never lose me, I promise."

Sand's hips lifted again, and he could feel almost a miniature orgasm building again, a heat in his belly and fireworks behind his eyes, and he gasped in pleasure as he kissed Satoshi again.

Satoshi moaned softly into the kiss and lifted Sand's hips a little more, driving himself a little harder into the tight ass. He could feel his muscles aching for release, his balls so tight and heavy it was becoming painful, and his cock twitched within Sand. Sand's ass spasmed around him erratically, suddenly squeezing him hard, and Satoshi howled as his balls finally jumped up and he emptied himself into the velvet heat of Sand's ass.

"Oh, fuck," Satoshi screamed, his entire body as good as convulsing with the intensity of his orgasm, an endless stream of cum filling the willing elf, and Satoshi could feel some of it spilling out as he ground himself against Sand. Satoshi's arms and legs gave out on him, and he fell down on Sand's chest, his hips bucking against Sand as he milked himself dry. After long drawn out minutes Satoshi finally stopped writhing, his cock softening slowly still in Sand's ass.

Sand wrapped his arms around Satoshi, his lips seeking Satoshi's lips as he kissed his beloved imp tenderly, his tongue teasing the pierced lower lip. "My beautiful Satoshi," Sand murmured, nuzzling the soft cherry red hair. "I've missed this, being yours. I know we'll get better now, both of us, because we still have our love."

Sand eased Satoshi over onto the bed, curling against Satoshi, cradling Satoshi against his chest. Kansas made a small and utterly adorable snort, wrinkling his small nose and then turning to wrap himself around Satoshi's back, one leg thrown over Satoshi as he snuggled close.

Sand managed to drag the covers up over the three of them, his entire body limp with relaxation. Kansas's arm as resting across Satoshi, and Sand laced his fingers with Kansas's thin fingers. "Let's sleep a bit, watashi no kokoro. I love you."

Satoshi pushed his arm under Kansas's neck and pulled the little imp closer, relishing the feeling of being squished between his two lovers. His husbands.

"Yes, let's sleep a bit. I'm exhausted," he whispered, pressing a soft kiss against Kansas's forehead, then turning to press a kiss to Sand's lips. He snuggled down, leaning his head to rest against Sand's head, and his eyes fluttered closed, sleep claiming him within minutes.

[Count To Infinity]

14179

[avatar problem]

My recommendation is to upload your avatar picture to a free hosting service like Photobucket, and then simply copy and paste the url of your photo to the appropriate field. This will work for both the forum and the archive.

[Why was my story deleted?]

Hi,

I've just checked, and your story is visible in the archive. Your disclaimer is perfect, and the review request issue was cleared up, so you should be fine.

[The Great Sue Hunt]

Bronx looked at Kelk and arched a brow, a rather feral smile curling her lips as she considered the prospect. Myr was undeniably attractive, and the magic that seemed to ripple along her skin was both dangerous and delicious. Kelk was equally dangerous, and therefore equally delicious.

Bronx turned to 'Cune with that feral little grin that 'Cune was beginning to find worrisome. "Do us a favor. If anyone shockingly perfect wanders in, aim for around the midsection, unless it's Apollo. If they look slightly frazzled, don't shoot. The frazzled ones are either civilians or other members of our team."

"What – why do you need me to – oh!" 'Cune looked over at Myr, who was completely lost in the sensations that the purple-skinned Kelk was arousing with his all too deft fingers. She looked back at Bronx and gulped. "If I run into any trouble, can I – because I'm not really good at this sort of thing."

Bronx chuckled. "Everyone has to start somewhere. Just yell loudly. I'm prone to being inattentive when otherwise... preoccupied."

Bronx turned back to Kelk and the softly moaning Myr. Kelk was still wearing his stormtrooper helmet, although Bronx was sure he was wearing an amused expression underneath it. Her grin widened as she morphed her catsuit away, only the suggestion of delicate scales covering her as Bronx slid herself along Myr, tilting the smaller woman's chin up.

Magic was pulsing as Bronx lowered her head, her lips covering Myr's lips as her tongue danced along them. Myr could feel the stud in Bronx's tongue as Bronx moved to nibble Myr's jaw and up along the shell of her ear. The magic crackled on Bronx's tongue and sent a shiver down her spine, and she slid her fingers into Myr's silver hair as she turned her head to plunder Myr's mouth until the pinned woman was breathless. Myr returned the kiss with equal heat, and Bronx all but purred as she rubbed herself against Myr, sinuous and predatory.

Bronx finally let Myr up for air, looking into the other woman's eyes with pure lust. "Well, well. I think this could just about make up for missing out on that tasty man in the chainmail loincloth. You're right, Kelk. She's definitely lively. And very, very sexy. And all this magic, too." Bronx nibbled another kiss, sucking a little on Myr's lower lip. "I almost want to tuck you away in my hoard, so I can take you out and play with you whenever I want."

Myr's response was lost when Kelk stroked deft fingers across her swollen clit, and her head fell back as she moaned and whimpered, needing more than just the teasing little touches. Myr sent another pulse of energy into Kelk's cock and she heard Kelk click in amusement or pleasure, she could not tell which, and that was when Bronx's greedy mouth covered one of Myr's nipples, sharp teeth scraping with precise delicacy over the sensitive peak. Bronx nipped, enough to sting a little, and then lapped with her tongue to soothe the tender flesh before suckling Myr's breast with an appreciative growl.

At the same time, Bronx slid one hand along the hard muscle of Kelk's thigh, her fingers teasingly light as she moved her hand upward. Myr was still trying to coax Kelk along, her hand stroking his generous cock through the kilt he still wore, and Bronx chuckled as she let her own fingers ghost along his length and watched Kelk's mandibles twitch.

"You know, this could be a lot more fun if you'd let her off the wall," Bronx suggested. "And lose the kilt."

[Congratulations to a newly published author!]

Many, many congratulations! That is utterly fantastic!

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[The Great Sue Hunt]

Bronx looked up and 'Cune, and she grinned, not one of her more feral grins, but a grin of genuine amusement. She reached up and grabbed the spear that was pinning 'Cune to the wall.

"I like you. Not sure I can do dickgirls nearly as much justice as I can do for highly oversexed and utterly depraved elves, but the elves have an edge. I like them, mostly naked and in pairs." Bronx yanked the spear out of the wall easily, catching 'Cune as she fell forward. "Now, you're off the wall, but in return, I'm asking you to not disappear. If one Tzu found you interesting, chances are others will, and I'm a lot less worrisome than a Tzu. That should give you some idea of what we're up against if I'm your safer choice."

Bronx looked 'Cune over and frowned. "I keep forgetting no one goes armed around here." She dug in the small red pouch on her belt, a pouch that seemed to hold a great deal more than it should, and 'Cune's eyes widened as Bronx pulled out a cloak and a hand crossbow with a quarrel of bolts.

"I'm going to trust you here. The cloak is a piwafwi, and its main advantage is concealment. Pull the hood up and step into a darker area, and you should be a bit safer. The bolts for this are loaded with a sleeping poison. I doubt the poison will kill the Tzus, but it might slow them down. I'd give you the ones loaded with Oil of Impact, but I don't know you well enough. Yet. If you make it through this and Foe doesn't kill you, I'll consider it."

"If Foe doesn't... KILL ME?" 'Cune squeaked, growing paler.

Bronx looked thoughtful. "Well, he did kill Kelk in the last 'verse we were in." She shrugged. "Thank the gods for spare bodies."

'Cune moved a step away from Bronx. "Maybe you should put me back on the wall. In case Foe gets mad or something."

"In that case, he'll be looking to kill me," Bronx said. "I'm not seeing the problem here. Unless you really don't think Sues are a bad thing?" Bronx chuckled at 'Cune's look of outrage. "Didn't think so. So, tell me what happened earlier. Why'd you two kill that civilian?"

[Looking for the story "Deep"]

The author has an account here, but has no stories posted on AFF at the moment. As far as I can tell, the stories were not removed by AFF staff, which means that the author chose to pull them for reasons they have not disclosed.

[Letter to my 16 year old self]

Dear 16 year old me:

Write. Really. All else be damned, pound the keys of that old Royal typewriter until they bleed. Other people can define success as they want to, but you have a voice and it should be heard.

And while we're at it, take that old Argus, and the black and white film that Harry gives you, and go take those photographs. Maybe you can't draw a straight line with a ruler, but you do have an eye for composition and form, and those tiny details you see? They work.

Laugh, a lot. They're right. Laughing makes for much better wrinkles than frowning, and more people are willing to laugh with you than are willing to sit around stewing in a pool of angst.

And lastly, you don't have to marry them. Sleep with them, sure. You can even live with them. But dear sweet gods on hairy pogo sticks, try to remember that you are a unique and free-spirited person who does not flourish in captivity. Unless he's willing to treat the ring on your finger as something other than a noose around your neck, RUN AWAY.

Love yourself,

Me, aged 55

[Haven't received my confirmation email]

@lara black:

AOL may have sent the validation email to the Spam or Junk folder. Check there, and see if it's been redirected. AOL is quite zealous in treating unknown senders as spam.

[The Great Sue Hunt]

Bronx spared a quick glance at 'Cune, pinned to the wall, as she muttered, "Oh fuck me."

"Civilians," Bronx growled. She reached into the bag of holding and pulled out the dagger Sanura had gifted her with, the red dragon blade she simply called Haurach--Fate. As she had feared, the pinned 'Cune attracted the attention of a Tzu. "And it just gets better and better. Foe wants to talk to you, and I'm going to assume he'd prefer you breathing for that, so you're in luck."

"Oh, you poor dear!" the Tzu said to 'Cune. "Let me dispatch this evil... person, and I can tell you all about the wonders of our great Mistress and the joys of self-insertion."

"I'm sorry, but did you just refer to me as a person?" Bronx said, her tone deceptively pleasant.

The Tzu arched a perfectly plucked brow at Bronx. "Well, yes, I did, you evil... person."

"Let me guess. Teen rating, right?" Bronx arched her own elegant brow, the faintest smile beginning to curl her lips.

"Well, yes, as a matter of fact, I do specialize in Teen fiction for the greater glory of our beloved Mistress. I bring the joys of inserting one's own self into fiction to hordes of impressionable young girls everywhere," the Tzu chirped proudly.

"I see," Bronx said, and her faint smile grew a little more. 'Cune shivered, not liking that smile in the least little bit. "And you called me evil?"

"Well, yes!" The Tzu gestured. "Look at you! That outfit is practically painted on, and those heels just scream loosey goosey."

"They're fuck-me heels," Bronx said dryly, and the Tzu flinched. "Please don't mince words, since I'm hardly a teenaged girl. I'm dressed to entice, and that's because I do enjoy a pretty man with a hard cock and a desire to use said cock to make me scream loud enough to wake the fucking Pope."

The Tzu gagged a little and tried to move around Bronx toward 'Cune. "Please don't use words like that. They're offensive and totally unnecessary."

"Oh, really? I suppose that means you wouldn't want me to mention that I like the feel of a thick cock in my pussy, although I also enjoy taking it in the ass, and preferably at the same time, because two dicks are better than one. I like to suck cock, too. And I swallow the cum because spitting is really unladylike, and I would hate to be mistaken for a mannerless cunt." Bronx smiled cheerfully as the Tzu doubled over and began to vomit great gouts of black ink.

"But you know, the one thing I really never did like was inserting myself into my stories," Bronx continued, moving her foot out of the way of the spreading puddle of ink. "No, I prefer writing slash, and having all my pretty men fuck each other into a stupor, with cum slicking every possible surface and lots of asshole slurping. Tongue fucking, too. I really do like that. It's even better when I have men fucking elves, and the elves happily fucking the men, with big fat dildoes stretching assholes until they gape like barn doors."

The Tzu was twitching feebly as she dry heaved, the last few drops of ink wrung out of her. Her eyes were dull, the light fading as Bronx looked down at her. Bronx gave her a slightly anxious look.

"Do you think I'm too focused on slash? Do you think I should give dickgirls a try?" Bronx grinned as the Tzu collapsed and disappeared slowly.

Bronx looked over at 'Cune. "That one will need a good debriefing before she's ready to come back. But these Tzus... they're not nearly as tough as the first batch we encountered. I'm not so sure I'm happy about that, either. If they're not buffing the Tzus, who are they planning on throwing at us?" She examined Haurach pensively. "I wonder what you'll be able to tell us?"

[Probably an elementary question but how do you get notification of new reviews?]

It will be over the course of a few months, as I understand it. We would rather do this in stages, and deal with issues as they arise rather than do a sweeping change and perhaps wind up doing more harm than good.

I'd suggest keeping an eye on the monthly news announcements, since Apollo, our site owner, will be giving everyone warning before the next changes are rolled out, especially if there is anything that our users need to do to prepare.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

Sand looked at Satoshi and shook his head, smiling a little. "Saiai, anything we have forgotten, we can get from the house in Neverwinter. We will stop there before going on to Evereska."

"Did I pack my favorite hoodie? I can't go without that hoodie. It's my most comfortable one." Satoshi looked up at Sand, his pink tongue peeking out to poke at his piercings. "Maybe we shouldn't even be going. Maybe this is a bad idea."

"Nonsense, this is a marvelous idea," Sand replied, unruffled, as he leaned in to nibble a kiss. "And you are wearing your favorite hoodie, as you insisted you would." He reached past Satoshi to close the bag of things Satoshi had insisted he required.

"How will I keep up with my physio?" Satoshi asked, a fretful note creeping into his voice. "I need the swimming, Masato. That really helps, and it tires me less than other things. And I have to take my laptop."

Sand smiled angelically. "The point of going to Evereska, watashi no kokoro, is so that you will be healed and not require physio. Vale has asked his sister Ardiel to meet us there, to supervise the healing. He has also worked with the gnomes in Neverwinter to create a solar powered battery charger for your laptop. Mist and Santhiel have a lovely pool that is at our disposal, and the weather in Evereska is balmy. Yuji has put the Hayashi estate at our disposal as well, and there is an equally lovely pool there, as well as the onsen."

"Stop it, Masato," Satoshi said, glaring up at Sand. "Stop being so fucking reasonable."

"Would you prefer it if I put you over my shoulder and hauled you off like a sack of grain?" Sand chuckled. "You should know by now that I am not going to be put off by your grumblings."

"Masato." There was an entirely different note in Satoshi's voice, and Sand turned and dropped to his knees to face Satoshi. "I'm sorry. I'm just scared. I want to believe that this is going to work, but it's hard."

"I did not expect it would be anything less, saiai," Sand replied, reaching up to stroke Satoshi's cheek tenderly. "It is hard to believe in such things. It goes against everything you have known, and everything you have been taught to expect. But that was then, and this is now, and you deserve this and so much more."

"I know I should be used to what you can do by now, but I'm not, and you're right. It's hard to believe that it will work for me." Satoshi looked into Sand's eyes, his dark brown eyes utterly serious. "I want to believe. I'm trying." Tears beaded in his lashes. "I'm trying."

Sand pulled Satoshi close, kissing him tenderly. "You are doing marvelously well, cormamin. Let us go and get settled in at the estate in Evereska. We will deal with this like elves, one day at a time."

"And what if I can't deal with it? Or if it doesn't work?" Satoshi's lips trembled. "What then?"

"Then we try other things. Saiai, there is always another option. We are trying elven healing magic. Humans have their own magics, just as powerful, and that is what healed Yuji. This is not our only chance, and we will find a way that works. I am certain of it." Sand wiped the tears that had spilled over and trailed down Satoshi's cheeks. "Hawk and Sora are meeting us in Neverwinter, and will travel with us to Evereska. Duilin'ai is with Mist, and we will see them when we arrive. Now, do you think we should take the folding wheelchair?"

"I suppose so," Satoshi replied. "If we're really doing this, then let's just go. I want to get this over with." He looked sidelong at Sand, fighting to keep his lips from trembling. Sand could hear the rest of the sentence as clearly as if Satoshi had spoken it. Not that it's going to work anyway...

"I think that would be a wonderful idea," Sand replied, taking a deep mental breath. "Shall we walk over to the portal?"

"Yes," Satoshi said, standing and taking Sand's arm with grim determination. They walked down the hallway, to where the family was gathered to say goodbye.

Satoshi sighed under his breath as they approached the family, Satoru smiling at him with an encouraging smile, and Eryn had her "silly bird" look on her face.

"Have a good trip and make sure that you are fully healed before you come back. And don't push yourself too hard, Satoshi-kun. You need to do this slowly," Satoru whispered and held Satoshi tightly, kissing his temple gently.

"Yeah, I know, tousan. I'll be careful," Satoshi answered with a tone of defeat, and gave his father and Eryn an epically fake smile, his eyes almost black with sadness.

Eryn snorted a little, and pulled Satoshi over to kiss him. "The only thing you will need to be careful of is that Vanyaduilin doesn't wear you out. The Spring will work, Satoshi-kun. This is what I've done for well over five hundred years. Go and heal and come back to us with your beautiful smile back in your eyes as well as on your lips." She stroked Satoshi's hair with tender motherly love.

Satoshi blushed and ducked his head, nodding as he mumbled something that was supposed to be a promise, but not even the elves could hear it properly.

Satoru lifted Takara off the floor, so she could slip her arms around Satoshi's neck, and kiss his cheek. Satoru did not dare to let Satoshi hold the little girl himself, so Satoru held her as Satoshi wrapped his arms around his daughter and kissed her hair.

"I love you, wildcat. I'll see you in a few weeks," Satoshi said with a loving smile and Takara's chin wobbled a little bit as she nodded her head, trying very hard to be brave.

"You go and get fixded, and hurry home, chichi. And be careful with toufan, becaufe he ifs not very happy now. I will hold down the fort. And I promife to be good." Takara sniffled and kissed Satoshi on the lips, being careful of his piercings and Satoshi stroked her hair gently, nodding.

"I'll be good, too, and I know you'll hold down the fort. I love you, Takara."

Willow reached out and grabbed him into a tight embrace, kissing him with passion, and Satoshi moaned softly into the kiss, taken utterly by surprise. "You better get your pretty ass back here, all healed up. I've missed you way too much, and I'm going to miss you while you're away. And your children miss you even more than I miss you, so hurry back."

As Sand handed Michi back to Willow, the small half elf held out her arms to Satoshi, her little face bright as she chirped, " 'San!" Willow laughed and scooped her youngest daughter up, and brought her to Satoshi, Michi giggling in pure delight as her adored tousan came close enough for her to pat gently.

Satoshi's lips parted in a small beautiful smile, completely unconscious as he felt Michi's soft hands on his face, and he leaned in to kiss her cheek lovingly, whispering to her, "I love you, little bit. You be good to your mama, while I'm gone, and don't grow up too fast. I'll try to be back before you start talking and walking, alright. My pretty little bit."

Willow smiled, stroking his cherry red hair, and he nodded at his wife as he moved over to Yuji.

Yuji put his hands on Satoshi's shoulders, and stared at him for a few moments, until Satoshi blushed and looked down, to avoid Yuji's stare.

"I love you, Neko. It's as simple as that. And I trust these cracked elves that we're married to, you know. I trust them with my life. Please do the same. You trusted them with my life, and I trust them with yours. They would not promise us something they can't do. So, please, just believe them. I love you. And I'll miss you," Yuji said quietly, then pulled Satoshi into an embrace and Satoshi sobbed softly against Yuji's shoulder.

"I love you too, Yuji," he whispered and Yuji nodded, one hand tangling in Satoshi's hair for a moment, and they held each other for a long while, before Yuji let go of Satoshi, and they both nodded at each other.

Aika came over, her beautiful face solemn and her perfect eyes as serious as they had ever been. "You go and get better, keifu, because we all need you. Tousan is right, and you are our heart. I know, because mine hurts when you're not here, so hurry up and get better. I love you, keifu." Aika's chin wobbled just a little as she let Yuji lift her to kiss Satoshi, her arms going around his neck.

Satoshi's chin wobbled a little when Aika put her arms around his neck, and he wrapped his hands around her small back, giving her a tight squeeze. "Please don't be sad. I'm going to get better. I promise. I don't want your heart to be hurting. I'll hurry home, I promise, our little love song. I promise," Satoshi whispered, his voice trembling and he had to blink his eyes rapidly to stop his tears from overflowing. He sniffled a little as he let go of her, and stepped back.

Vale held out his arms and held Satoshi for a long moment, his face buried in Satoshi's soft hair. His voice was full of love when he finally spoke. "Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuva, mela en' coiamin." Vale cupped Satoshi's face between his hands and kissed Satoshi with tender passion, not holding back on the wild love that filled the bond between them. "Sweet water and light laughter until we meet again, love of my life. My beautiful love, my sweet Satoshi. He's crazier than anyone I know, but trust him. He loves you without limits."

Satoshi managed the faintest of smiles as he looked up into Vale's eyes, and nodded his head. "He has to be the craziest for loving me so much. I left you a little gift on your pillow. It's only a demo, but I think you, Eryn and Yuki will get a kick out of it. I love you."

Hikaru let Vale scoop him up so he could press a sweet kiss to Satoshi's cheek. The little blond stroked Satoshi's cherry red hair. "I love you, pretty keifu. Get better and come home to us. I'll miss you. I'm going to practice Chopsticks on the piano with tousan, okay?"

Satoshi giggled softly at Hikaru's words and nodded his head, "I love you too, kame, turtle. You practice hard so you can be as good as tousan on the piano. I'll miss you, too. Keep being so nice to Takara, while I'm gone, alright, because she really does love you a lot." He leaned in and kissed Hikaru's blond curls, stroking his smooth cheek.

Erion stepped up next, wrapping his arms around Satoshi with a ghost of a sob. "I love you, Satoshi. Aishiteru. Come home healed and happy, because I'm going to miss you every day until you do. And I'll take good care of Kansas, and make sure he's okay," Erion promised, his silver eyes filled with love for Satoshi.

Satoshi nuzzled Erion's neck and kissed him softly, whispering into the fragrant skin, "Sukoshi otto. Little husband. I'm going to miss you. Make sure that you take care of yourself, too. I don't want you to fall apart thinking about Kansas too much. I love you, baby."

Erion nodded emphatically, not quite ready to let go of Satoshi. "I'll be careful, and take care of myself, too. Don't let atara fuss over you too much. She gets broody when she's pregnant, and starts mothering everyone half to death."

Satoshi chuckled mirthlessly, and shook his head, kissing Erion lightly on the lips. "I'll be careful. I'll probably just irritate her until she's about ready to throttle me, but I'll be careful."

Erion nodded, and released Satoshi, stepping back to give Kansas a chance to say goodbye, shrinking back into Eryn's arms.

Kansas slid into Satoshi's embrace when Erion let go of him and stared into the dark brown eyes intently, staring deep into Satoshi's soul. "There is nothing that I can say that will change your mind, Satoshi. I know it's hard to believe, and that you don't want to, but please trust us. You've never doubted us before, so please trust us. All of us, not just the elves. That is the one thing you have ever demanded of us, that we not break your trust. Now use that trust, my love," Kansas said, his voice sounding far older than his twenty-four years, and his granite gray eyes sparkled with a deep wisdom that only came with age.

Satoshi nodded his head slowly, unable to look away from Kansas's eyes, and his voice trembled ever so slightly when he answered, "But I do trust you all. I don't trust myself, on the other hand."

Kansas nodded, and leaned in to kiss Satoshi, slow and tender, the passionate love between them plain to see. When they broke the kiss, Satoshi was slightly breathless and Kansas whispered, "Then trust us when we tell you that you will be healed. If you can't trust yourself, then trust in us."

Satoshi nodded slowly, his chin trembling and small tears pearled in his lashes, his hand lingering on Kansas's cheek. They exchanged one last look, their love for each other obvious in their eyes, then Satoshi let go of Kansas and looked at Ryuu.

Ryuu stared up at Satoshi with a stoic face, then stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Satoshi's waist, holding him tightly, his face buried in Satoshi's abdomen.

Satoshi bent down unsteadily and kissed the top of Ryuu's head, his voice low and trembling. "Watashi no ryu," he whispered and Ryuu nodded slowly.

"Watashi no ryu no chichi. I love you," Ryuu whispered back, looking up at Satoshi with his dark brown eyes, and a tear fell from Satoshi's lashes, landing on Ryuu's cheek.

"I love you so much. You are my little bronze dragon. My son. You always make me proud, and I love you so much."

"I know, chichi. And I love you. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. You are the best chichi in the whole world, and I could not be who I am without you. So, please don't be so stubborn, and listen to tousan. You know he would never lie to us. I will take care of the kids and sofu while you are away, and I'll make sure the girls behave themselves. Then you can come back for the new year's and we can start a new year together and be happy," Ryuu said softly, his arms tight around Satoshi, and Satoshi nodded, more tears falling from his lashes to land on Ryuu's cheeks where they mingled with Ryuu's tears.

Satoshi bent down again, even more unsteady on his feet now than before, and pressed a lingering kiss to Ryuu's forehead, the little boy stretching up on tiptoe to press a kiss to Satoshi's cheek.

"Now go, chichi, before I start really crying, and can't let you go," Ryuu said softly and patted Satoshi on the hip, waving at Sand to kiss him good bye as well, and Satoshi took a step back with a small wry smile.

"Yeah, we should get going, or I won't be able to leave," he said with a small mirthless grin, and looked at Sand, asking, his voice trembling, "Shall we, poldoramin?"

Sand thumbed the runestone that activated the portal, Satoshi's bag resting on the wheelchair. Satoshi took a deep breath, gathering his resolve, and he stepped through the portal, Sand right beside him.

The house in Neverwinter was quiet and familiar, everything in its place, and Maela could be heard in the kitchen, scolding Sorien about something or other while the wood elf just laughed at her. Hawk looked up as they appeared, and called out to Sora in delight.

"Sora! Miramin! They're here!" Hawk called out, and hurried over to embrace Satoshi and Sand. "Toror'ae, it's so good to have you both here, at last." He lowered his voice dramatically. "Sora's been checking the portal every few moments, and she's fussing more than she did when she was pregnant."

"I have not been fussing, you big idiot," Sora said, smacking Hawk's arm gently as she came into the room. "Why are you making Satoshi stand around? Come on, let's get you sitting for a bit. Knowing you, you stood around and said goodbye to everyone and got yourself all tired."

Sora had managed to get Satoshi tucked into a comfortable chair, and his bad leg elevated on a cushioned stool. Maela breezed in with a tray with tea and mochi that she had made herself.

"Hello, Satoshi-san," Maela said in her increasingly fluent Japanese. "It's so good to see you again. You rest a moment, and have some tea, and then you can head off to Evereska. Master Nathe has the portal all set up, to take you from here right to Yuji-san's estate there."

Satoshi waffled as he was all but manhandled into a fluffy chair, his leg moved onto a footstool, and then Maela came swooping in with the tea and mochi.

"Thank you, Maela. That looks really good, but honestly I just ate. And I'm really not that tired, hibaba. I got a good nap after my swim..." Satoshi started to move as if he meant to stand up, but Sora pushed him back down and ordered in her most grandmotherly tone of voice, "Sit, and drink your tea. You have to keep up your strength."

Sora glared at Hawk as she spun around to follow Maela to the kitchen again, and ordered, as if she was ordering a private in her own personal army, "Keep him sitting and no funny business. You're supposed to be the oldest and that should make you the most responsible. So, make sure he sits and eats his tea."

Satoshi stared after Sora as she sashayed out of the living room, then he looked up at Hawk and grinned impishly. "Did she hit her head and forget who she married, or...?"

Hawk burst out laughing. "Do you honestly think I'll cross her when she takes that tone of voice? She's a slip of an elf, but I'd rather take on a clan of orcs single-handed. Well, male orcs. Orc matrons could give Sora a run for her money in the 'scare the shit out of me' race." He winked and yelled toward the kitchen, "Of course, miramin!"

Sora peeked around the corner and glared even more at her husband, and if a tone of voice could glare, hers did. "Don't take that tone of voice with me, Hawk Iradil," she said then disappeared back into the kitchen, as if Hawk should know exactly what she meant.

Satoshi snickered and grabbed one of the sticky mochi balls, and bit into it, the sticky candy gluing his mouth closed, so all he could do was snicker through his nose.

"There, you see? And that's why I utterly adore her, and no other elf could measure up to her. She's magnificent," Hawk said happily, and the look of love he turned toward the kitchen was wonderful to see. "But that's good, you're gluing your mouth shut with sticky things, and Sora will be happy. These are really good, though." Hawk grabbed a mochi and popped it into his mouth while Sand snickered.

"You are quite the conversationalist, toror'alta," Sand teased, pouring tea for Satoshi and for himself. He waved the teapot at Hawk, who nodded vigorously.

Satoshi snickered some more, struggling to unglue his mouth by trying to chew. Eventually he managed to roll the bite of mochi into a smaller ball in his mouth and took the tea gratefully, to help dissolve the mochi.

"They're really good. A bit on the sticky side, but they're good," Satoshi said and licked at his fingers, biting into his mochi again, and snickered helplessly as his mouth glued closed again.

Sand reached over and helped himself to one of the candies, biting into it and promptly snickering as he too was silenced. Sora stuck her head in, grinned, and ducked back into the kitchen, announcing loudly, "You see, Maela? I told you, sticky is perfect. You make them that way, and feed them to the damned gnomes, and you'll get some peace."

Sand sipped his tea, freeing up his mouth, his expression one of amused outrage. "We were an experiment? Truly?"

"It's no worse than you and your potions, toror'ai. Mist still hasn't forgiven you, you know." Hawk grinned and reached for another mochi. "Me, I know what side my mochi is sweetened on."

Satoshi growled indignantly as he struggled to swallow his bite of the mochi, and eyed the two elves suspiciously. "Seriously? Did my hibaba just use me for an experiment? Me, her poor broken up great grandson? How cruel," he said in a slightly mock indignant tone, his chin wobbling dramatically.

Hawk began to laugh, or to at least try to laugh around the sticky mochi, tears streaming down his cheeks. Sand thumped him on the back helpfully, and Hawk collapsed in a heap, his shoulders shaking as he struggled to free up his mouth.

"Really, I have no idea why Maela has such a problem with the gnomes. They are quite helpful," Sand said with utter innocence.

"They never stop talking!" Maela yelled. "Never! They talk in their sleep!" She popped out of the kitchen with a new plate of much less sticky mochi. "Ask me how I know that. I dare you." She glared at Sand.

Satoshi grabbed the front of his sweater and buried his face in the neckline to try and hide his laughter, then suddenly piped up, using one of his many cute voices, from underneath his sweater. "Because one night they decided to sleep walk, ended up in your room, and decided to hold the annual gnomish debate about the efficiency of steam powered back scratchers."

Maela whirled around to look at Satoshi, trying to hold on to her outraged expression, but her lips were twitching, and she began to laugh. "You peeked!"

Satoshi roared with laughter, and yelled back, "Peeked at what?" His face turned beautifully crimson and he buried his face even deeper in his sweater, his eyes sparkling with his laughter.

Maela sank to an empty chair, laughing delightedly. "You know you like those back scratchers."

Sora came in and poured herself a cup of tea, looking at Hawk who had managed to get himself off the floor and into a chair. "More of a handful than Duilin'ai, you are." She seated herself on the edge of Hawk's chair, and he lifted her gently and sat her on his lap.

"Amin mela lle, miramin," Hawk said, his eyes shining.

"Mela lle, faralinamin," Sora replied, leaning back into her husband with a happy sigh. "Now, when we're done, we can pop over to Evereska. Taren's at the estate, and she'll be looking after you two. Don't say a word, Mori Masato. I've seen you in a kitchen."

Satoshi snickered as he popped his face out of his sweater again, and reached for another, less sticky mochi, and glancing apologetically at Sand he said, "She's right, Masato. I'd rather have Taren cook for me than you. Honestly with your skills in the kitchen, I'd be scared you'd poison me before you'd manage to scare up something edible. And no, rice does not make a good meal for every meal of the day."

Sand threw his hands up and laughed. "I surrender, saiai. I will not go near the kitchen, with the exception of tea. I can manage tea."

"Does he really make rice and call it a meal?" Hawk asked, beginning to laugh all over again. "Please, toror'ai, even I can manage more than that."

Sora looked at Hawk and snorted. "You cut up fruit for our daughter and think you've cooked. Although the grilled rothe on skewers was quite nice."

"No, he doesn't actually. It's just the only thing he can do right, so Willow lets him do the rice usually. He is good at cutting up fruit, too, and his tea is excellent. But anything involving the stove or the microwave he's banned from. Although given how well he's driving now, that might change. If you want to, that is," Satoshi turned and smiled lovingly at Sand, his eyes sparkling with his love for the blue eyed elf.

"Soup," Sand said with a laugh. "I am permitted to heat soup in the microwave, although Vale has left the note on the front reminding me to remove the spoon. But I do not think microwaves and stoves will be an issue here, and I am quite comfortable with braziers –"

"No!" Hawk yelled, sitting up and nearly unseating Sora, who smacked his chest reprovingly. "Please tell me that you won't cook on braziers. Do you remember trying to toast pieces of celarta in your room? Stick to microwaves, please."

Satoshi coughed into his tea cup and his eyes were wide when he looked at Hawk, his tone unbelieving when he asked, "What happened then? Please don't tell me it was worse than setting the microwave on fire, or exploding it like a fucking firecracker."

Sora quirked an eyebrow at Satoshi, and he automatically responded, "Sorry I cursed, hibaba."

"He never told you this one?" Hawk asked in disbelief. "Really, Masato, I had no idea you never shared this one." Hawk looked anything but sorry, however, and he leaned forward a bit. "You can ask atara if you think I'm exaggerating, but we needed to rebuild an entire wing of the house."

"It was not quite that bad," Sand protested.

"My little brother here loved celarta slices fried up and dipped in honey. So, one night, he decided to make a snack for himself, but since he was caught up in a particularly engrossing tome, he simply grabbed a celarta and a pot of honey and headed back to his room." Hawk grinned. "The first slice wasn't so bad, and he dipped it in the honey. But then he decided the honey would taste better if that was heated as well, so the next slice was heated, dipped and then he went to heat it again. Flaming drops of honey everywhere, on his desk, and trust me, his desks have looked the same all his life."

Satoshi started to laugh and imitated something going up in flames with his hands as he made a loud "Whoosh!" and roared even louder as he looked at Sand. Tears started to pearl in his lashes as he laughed and he gasped out between bouts of laughter, "Oh, man, Willow would skin you alive for that."

Sand shook his head and appeared about to protest again, when Hawk continued.

"Well, Masato here decided to do something about the flames that were engulfing his desk, and being who he is, the first thing he decided to try was, you guessed it, magic. But magic is tricky when you're first learning it, and it's really hard to concentrate when all your careful notes are going up in flames. He thought he was conjuring an ice spell, or even a water spell." Hawk began to laugh. "He conjured a fire mephit, who proceeded to set fire to everything the flaming honey had missed."

"In my defense, my masters later told atara that conjuring a mephit was quite advanced," Sand said, looking indignant.

Satoshi roared even louder, gasping for air, and tears flooded his cheeks, but somehow he did manage to squeeze out of himself. "Why does it not surprise me that that's the first thing you think of?"

"It was a magnificent blaze," Hawk confirmed gleefully. "It took three mages to put it out, and there was a rather irritated water elemental to be placated, but that was when Masato here learned his first mending and cleaning cantrips."

Sand shrugged lightly. "Atara did say that the storerooms probably needed cleaning out."

Satoshi was hanging sideways over the armrest of his chair, gasping for air and sort of twitching with his helpless giggles, his eyes bright with laughter. "Oh, I don't blame her. I wish I had been there to see it," he said between giggles and Sora snickered a little bit on Hawk's knee.

"I remember hearing that story. Although the way I heard it, it involved massive fireballs and at least two mephit," Sora said with a giggle, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

"It grew in the telling," Sand said with a smirk. "But now, if you are feeling up to it, saiai, shall we go visit the scene of the crime? Or at least the general vicinity, since we are staying at Yuji's house?"

Satoshi drew a deep breath and wiped his tears from his cheeks, looking up at Sand plaintively.

"Can't. He wore me out by making me laugh too much. I can't walk," Satoshi griped and pointed an accusing finger at Hawk, only to have Sora reach out and slap his hand lightly, telling him, "It's rude to point, Satoshi. Now go on, you're not an invalid even if you are little gimpy at the moment. Masato can help you."

Satoshi grumbled a little more, but he allowed Sand to help him stand, leaning on Sand while Hawk took charge of the wheelchair. Hawk kept giving Satoshi sidelong looks and snickering, until Sora smacked Hawk's arm and told him to stop distracting Satoshi.

Maela added a bundle of meat pies, sandwiches and a large flask of cool sweet tea, despite Taren being at Yuji's estate already, insisting that they would have enough to do settling in without thinking about a meal, and it would give Taren a break as well. She hugged Satoshi gently, her pretty eyes bright with friendship as she wished them swift healing.

Nathe had indeed arranged for the Neverwinter end of the portal to be in the house, and it was only a few steps down the hall to the playroom, where the portal waited. Satoshi held Sand arm as tightly as he could manage, his steps slower than his injured leg would need to make them, and Sora shot Sand a quick look of concern behind Satoshi's back. Sand looked back with a small nod, trying to reassure Sora that Satoshi would be fine, but she frowned a little to indicate her concern.

Hawk picked up on the exchange of looks, and set about distracting Satoshi. "We've moved your bed down to the first floor, and set you up in the guest apartments there. This way, you have your own bathroom attached to the main bedroom. Vale sent over a bathing stool with handles as well, for the shower, and the pool and onsen have been freshly cleaned. It should be pretty comfortable, I think."

Satoshi nodded, his dark brown eyes paling a bit as they approached the portal, and Sand could feel his apprehension rising through their bond.

"It is alright, saiai," Sand said quietly. "We will give it a day or so when we arrive before we begin anything. I know you need a little time to relax."

Satoshi looked at Sand mutely, the grief and pain in his eyes making Sand want to wrap his arms around Satoshi and shelter him. That would do nothing to help Satoshi for the long run, however, and letting Satoshi hide was a luxury they could not afford. Sand firmed up his resolve and managed a small smile of encouragement.

"You are walking so much better, saiai," Sand said, pouring all his love through their bond. "Just a few more steps, and we will be home."

"I'm tired, Masato," Satoshi replied, his voice as dull as his eyes, and Sand bit back a sob.

"I know, cormamin, and you can rest when we get to the house. I will take you straight to the bedroom." Sand wrapped his arm around Satoshi's waist, sending strength through their bond along with his love.

They stepped through the portal, into the small guest apartment at Yuji's Evereskan estate, and Sand guided Satoshi to the side of their bed, the beautiful wooden platform from Suldanessallar already set up with a futon and pillows, silk comforters folded neatly at the foot of the bed.

Hawk busied himself delivering Maela's food offerings to Taren, while Sora helped Sand to get Satoshi settled in the bed, the slender pierced man rolling away from them and curling in on himself. Sand's expression faltered a little, and Sora reached out to squeeze his hand.

"Sleep for a bit, Satoshi," Sora instructed, her voice soft but firm. "You have a little time before dinner, but then I want you up to eat a proper meal. You can't hide in the bed, magomusuko."

"I know, hibaba. I'll get up." Satoshi's voice was flat and emotionless, and Sand leaned over to kiss him gently, lowering his eyes to hide the grief in them from Satoshi.

"I will come back for you, saiai. Rest well. Aishiteru, watashi no kokoro." Sand stroked Satoshi's hair, and Satoshi turned a little to look at Sand.

"I know, Masato." Satoshi's eyes warmed a little when he looked at Sand, the moon elf's head bowed slightly. "Aishiteru, watashi no tsuyo."

Sora tugged Sand out to the kitchen, where Taren handed him a glass of wine. Sand sank into a chair and took the wine, sipping it with a grateful smile.

"He's been doing this a lot?" Sora asked. "The mood changing like that?"

Sand shrugged helplessly. "He is afraid, Sora. He fears that we cannot heal his hands, and that he will never be able to make his music again, that he can never again pick up a guitar and coax beauty from it. I will do whatever it takes to give that back to him, and I know we can do this, but he is afraid to even hope."

"And you're at your wits' end trying to figure out how to make him hope," Sora said with gentle sympathy. "The thing is, Masato, as you well know, he was never given any reason in his life to hope. I have no idea how he's hung on this long, really. He just keeps pushing back against the crap life throws at him. He does love you, though. Just hold on for his sake."

Hawk rubbed Sand's back with brotherly love. "Any time you need to blow off some steam, toror'ai, I'm here. I might not have answers, but we can drink enough whiskey to paralyze a dwarven clan and I can listen."

Sand smiled at Sora and Hawk, taking a deep breath and letting the very air of Evereska fill his lungs. Being home did give Sand added strength, and he let himself relax for a moment, in the company of elves, in the land where he had grown up.

"I will be fine," Sand said, his smile stronger. "What I do need to do is to finish my research on something I am working on. I believe I can create a shield to protect Satoshi's back from the effects of the Spring. He does not ever wish to lose those burn scars. He has come to see them as too much a part of who he is, and I respect that, utterly. If I can protect those, all the better. If not, then we will have to bathe Satoshi by hand with the waters. It will take longer, but I will not take this away from him."

Sora patted Sand's hand. "Thank you, Masato. It's taken him a long time to come to terms with that, and I'm glad you understand and respect his wishes." She reached up and smoothed Sand's hair. "I'm glad you two found each other. You complete each other perfectly. I love him like he was my own great grandson, and you make him happy."

Sora stood, her smile sweet. "Now, go do your research, Masato. I'll be here if he wakes up, and Hawk can go fetch Duilin'ai later, for dinner. She may cheer Satoshi up a bit. I think a quiet dinner tonight is best. We can drag him to Mist's house tomorrow."

[Probably an elementary question but how do you get notification of new reviews?]

Hi!

If you had already indicated on your archive profile that you wanted email notification of new reviews, I am told that you should still get such email notifications. I believe that this option will be added in the future phases of the new code rollout.

The number of reviews on a story is still shown in the story listing in the archive itself, although it does not show on your author profile page. But anyone viewing your story on the main listing pages will see the number of reviews as usual.

I hope this helps!

[The Great Sue Hunt]

The woman in the red and black looked at Bronx, her eyes widening. Bronx grinned back, her smile predatory and her pupils looking just a little more like slits than a moment ago.

"What the fuck were you playing at down there?" Bronx asked, tapping her booted foot as she considered the women.

"What are you talking about?" the woman in red replied, trying to brazen it out.

Bronx looked around at the empty ballroom and grinned again. "First rule of the Game. If you want to Hunt, clean up your own godsbedamned messes." Bronx began to shimmer a little and the next thing the woman knew, she was being observed by a red dragon, a delicate plume of smoke trickling from her nostrils. "What do you think people are going to do or say if bodies with their hearts ripped out are found here at the Con?"

The other woman found her voice. "You're smoking."

Bronx barely spared her a glance. "I don't smoke, I smoulder. And if you piss me off, I do a lot more than that. Now, if I've made my point, I'm going to shift back to a more appropriate form for Earth."

Bronx shifted back to her human guise, smoothing her silver hair into place irritably.

"We're here for a reason," Apollo continued. "We believe that the DragonCon is being infiltrated by a high level MarySue and her minions. It's bad enough that they threaten the existence of fandoms all throughout the Multiverse, but to threaten Earth? Most of us have ties here, and we're not about to let that happen."

Foe nodded, his blade not wavering in the slightest. "I've been hunting Sues for some time now. Over the years, I've picked up a few companions, and as Authors, we're committed to preserving the integrity of the written word. But the first rule is not to fuck with the rules of the 'verse that we're in, and here on Earth, it means no drawing the attention of the authorities."

"So that bring up back to the big question," Apollo said, folding her arms under her perfect breasts, her peplos accentuating her curves superbly. "Bronx says there was other magic in play, some kind of pheromone thing directed at males in the vicinity. What do you know about that? What's your game, and who was the dead woman?"

"She sure as fuck wasn't a Sue," Bronx snarled. "She bled real blood, not ink. That's another rule, ladies. Don't kill the civilians."

Kelk clicked, Tarenth laughter, and Bronx looked at him for a moment, one hand resting on her hip as she turned back to the women.

"There's another rule," Bronx added, narrowing her eyes. "I just missed out on a very nice treat in a chainmail loincloth, which is bad enough. What I want to know is why you were following Foe and Kelk? Particularly Kelk?"

[Why was my story deleted?]

Thank you! Your story is visible once again in the archive!

[Why was my story deleted?]

Hi.

Your story was not deleted. It was hidden because of the self review that has not yet been removed from your review boards. You would have received an email at the time the self review was first noted, and I emailed you earlier today regarding the story being hidden for the self review.

In the email I sent to you today, there is a direct link to your review board. The subject line of the email contains the id number of the review that you need to delete. Once you have done that, you can either post here or reply to my email, and we can restore your story to visibility.

Thanks!

[Looking for a Dragon Age: Origins fic]

As best I can tell, the author pulled all their stories from the site with no indication as to why.

The current profile link is here.

[Sandcastles and Fireworks]

"Khaleth," Haedrith whispered urgently, standing outside the bedroom window of his dearest friend and nearly hopping in agitation. Overhead, Selûne and her Tears made their stately progression across the night skies of Evermeet. Most sensible elves were deep in reverie, and although Khaleth was often far from sensible, he had apparently decided to behave that way tonight.

Haedrith, on the other hand, was normally the most sensible of elves, and yet the quiet librarian was hovering like a nervous shadow in his friend's garden, attempting to wake Khaleth without waking Araira. Haedrith peered through the gauzy drapes at the sleeping forms within, and tried one more time, desperation creeping into his voice.

"Khaleth!" Haedrith hissed the name as loudly as he dared, and all but moaned when the figures in the bed remained still. His shoulders slumped, and Haedrith bit back a sigh as he decided it was going to have to wait until morning after all.

Haedrith was about to turn to leave when he felt a hand on his arm, and he let out a quickly muffled shriek. He turned around swiftly, burnished golden curls flying and turquoise eyes wide, coming face to face with an irritated Khaleth.

"What in the Nine Hells are you doing skulking around my garden in the middle of the night?" Khaleth demanded. He wore only sleep pants, and his hair was tousled, the pale strands hanging down over bare shoulders. From behind one shoulder, Haedrith could see Araira, her moss green eyes filled with concern as she peeked around her husband. "Seldarine, Haedrith, you're acting like you're moon-addled."

Haedrith took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment. "I was at the Tower late tonight. I've been re-categorizing some scrolls – don't say it – and the next thing I knew, it had gotten so late. I hadn't even noticed."

Khaleth reached out and grabbed Haedrith by the arm, none too gently. "Hold that thought. Sweetest of all elves, do you think we can have tea?" Khaleth turned to Araira, his smile tender and loving.

"So you can talk about your little mysteries that I'm supposed to pretend I know nothing about? Of course, most cherished of husbands," Araira replied. "Take our poor Haedrith inside, and I'll bring tea and something light to nibble." She pressed a loving kiss to Khaleth's lips and glided away, her diaphanous nightdress floating around her delicate ankles, her auburn hair silvered in the moonlight.

"I don't deserve her," Khaleth muttered, watching his beautiful wife walk across the damp grass. He turned back to Haedrith and his expression changed, growing grimmer. "I definitely don't deserve you, either. What now? More dead elves, or have you managed to top that?"

Haedrith yanked his arm away, looking slightly hurt. "You know what, I'll just go home." He turned away and began to head toward the gate, and Khaleth hurried after him.

"No, wait, please," Khaleth said, catching Haedrith's arm again, gently this time. "I'm sorry, mellonamin. It's late and you took me by surprise. Come in and have tea, and we can talk."

Haedrith turned to face Khaleth again, mustering his shredded dignity. "I wouldn't come for anything small, and I certainly wasn't looking for trouble."

"I know, really," Khaleth said contritely. "Please? Araira will hang me if you don't."

Haedrith seemed to slump again, this time in relief. "I feel like I'm always coming here with bad news. I am sorry, honestly, but it's been so quiet, and I was on the verge of forgetting what's been going on since Erion was attacked. Tonight was just an awful reminder."

Khaleth guided Haedrith into the living area, settling the librarian down on a silken cushion as Araira came in with a delicate wicker tray holding a pot of tea, two porcelain mugs, and a plate of lacy little cookies that smelled of celarta and cinnamon. She set the tray down on a low table, and leaned over to kiss Haedrith's cheek with affection before bestowing a slightly more lingering kiss on Khaleth.

Khaleth watched in rapt delight as Araira sauntered off to the bedroom, her hips moving like poetry under her sheer gown, the fine mithral chain around her hips glinting softly. Haedrith watched Khaleth, his eyes softening as he recognized the depth of the mage's love for his pretty wife. Khaleth finally turned back to Haedrith, his cheeks slightly flushed.

"Tea, and cookies. Perfect. Nothing bad can happen when you have tea and cookies." Khaleth poured tea for them both, and Haedrith accepted a cup gratefully, wrapping long fingers around the porcelain and sipping with relish. "So, what happened?" Khaleth demanded, taking a bite of a cookie.

Haedrith nodded, feeling a bit calmer for the tea and the company. "I was leaving the library, and as I headed for the back stairs, there was someone who just seemed to come out of the shadows. You know how dark it is back there, just beyond where the stairs are? Where they store the extra scroll cases and such? Anyway, I managed not to jump, but you know your pendant? The one that senses faerzess magic?"

Khaleth's eyes widened. "You still have that thing? And it still works?"

Haedrith nodded again. "Oh, it works, alright. It went absolutely mad under my robes, warming up and glowing bright enough to be seen, and the person who came out of the shadows most certainly saw it. Whoever it was wasn't amused, either. He hissed at me."

"Hissed?" Khaleth repeated.

"Like an angry cat," Haedrith confirmed. "I was startled, and I took a step back, and he lunged at me the moment I moved."

"Lunged?" Khaleth's eyes grew wider.

"Please stop repeating everything I say," Haedrith said sharply. "You sound like an idiot, you know. I think it was the fact that I moved that made him come at me like that. If I had stayed still, he might not even have noticed me."

"So you think," Khaleth retorted. "You were in the light. How could he miss you?"

Haedrith gave Khaleth a withering look. "I don't think he was paying any attention to his surroundings, until I caught his eye with my movement. Still, it was very disconcerting to be lunged at like that." Haedrith smoothed his robes with a nervous gesture. "He stopped, and then took off in the opposite direction quite briskly, but I was very sure of one thing."

"I'm not even going to try and guess," Khaleth said, reaching for another cookie. "Your logic more than escapes me tonight. It evades all attempts to corral it."

Haedrith sniffed and leaned in to take a cookie. "Whoever that was, it was no elf. I'd stake anything on it. That wasn't even a drow. That, my friend, was our balor, and I think he knows I know it."

"You're overreacting," Khaleth said, his eyes widening anyway. "Think about it. You're being hasty in assuming that the person you saw even realized that you knew he wasn't an elf."

"Well, what else would he think? I jumped backward like I was afraid," Haedrith protested.

"Your reaction was entirely normal for anyone taken by surprise late at night, and the glow of the amulet could've been any one of a number of protection spells flaring to life, not an uncommon sight in a mage tower," Khaleth replied reasonably. "Most mages wear a handful of protective amulets, after all. We tend to need them."

Haedrith nodded slowly, the explanation easing the knot of fear that had been twisting in his belly. "I forgot about that," he admitted. "But I'm not a mage myself."

"That doesn't mean you don't need protection," Khaleth said. "In fact, why don't you wear amulets of protection? Don't you have any idea what kind of things go on in the Tower?" He frowned at Haedrith and leaned over to open a drawer in one of the small tables nearby, rummaging industriously.

"I think I have a better idea than you do, since I actually spend time in the Tower every day, while you spend your time avoiding it," Haedrith said acerbically. He arched a graceful brow as Khaleth shoved a jumble of amulets at him. "What is all this?"

"Your new jewelry," Khaleth snapped back. "Seldarine know why, but if you won't look out for yourself, I'll have to do it. Now, do you want to reverie here or do you want to go home?"

Haedrith examined the amulets, touched to see how many of them were actually quite powerful. "I think I should go home. Herenith will worry if I'm not there in the morning, and I hate to get him upset." He smiled and stood gracefully, embracing Khaleth when the other elf stood to walk him to the door. "Thank you, for the welcome and for setting my mind at ease, mellonamin. I'm starting to see shadows inside shadows these days."

"Just don't go poking around, and you should be fine," Khaleth said, but he watched for as long as he could still see Haedrith, the graceful figure finally fading into the night.

Erion and Kansas hurried down the quiet streets of Neverwinter's Blacklake District, heading for the Cloaktower. It was a Friday evening by Tokyo reckoning, and they had decided to steal away to Evermeet, to spend a couple of nights with Haedrith as a surprise. It had been some time since they had seen their elven lover, and both Kansas and Erion truly missed the company of the graceful librarian. It did not hurt that Haedrith loved surprise visits, and from his sweet young lovers most of all.

Spur of the moment or not, Kansas was more than happy to learn from Nathe that Shaevran and his ship were available to take them to Evermeet. The battlemage and his crew were the only ones Kansas trusted to get Erion and himself to and from the elven island sanctuary without incident, and Shaevran looked forward to serving the young Captain, as he referred to Kansas. And while Shaevran was certainly aware of Erion's bloodlines, he treated Erion with the same grave courtesy he would show to any other young elf of a respected House, which Erion appreciated greatly.

Nathe met them just inside the Cloaktower, looking surprisingly unharried. Erion realized that Nathe looked exactly like Vale looked every time Erion had visited him at the Cloaktower, the startling efficiency of both elves masked by their air of tranquility.

"Hello, you two," Nathe said as he walked over. "Shaevran has your ship waiting for you, and he said to tell you he's found a shortcut that will have you there tonight. That way, you can have two nights with your pretty lover." Nathe grinned at Kansas as he gestured gracefully toward the stairs to the private dock of the Cloaktower.

"Checking up on us, Uncle Nathe?" Erion teased, his silver eyes bright.

"Thank you, no," Nathe retorted quickly. "I have a full time job already, and Mirwen is ready to strangle me for neglecting her as it is. And when did I get promoted to uncle, you little handful? Are you hoping to confuse your parents with your vast collection of newly minted relatives?"

Kansas snickered and patted Nathe on the shoulder, winking as he moved out of range of Erion's arms. "Be thankful it's only uncle, Nathe. He might decide to propose marriage to you, so he can even things out between us, in terms of husbands."

Kansas giggled louder and moved so that Nathe was standing between him and Erion, and added with an even louder giggle, "He's still short two elves to even the score."

Erion burst out laughing and hugged Nathe. "Well, I do need one moon elf and one sun elf, so if I can convince you to marry me, I just have to find a pretty sun elf."

"And your librarian doesn't count?" Nathe teased, putting one arm around Erion and the other around Kansas with brotherly affection.

"No, because he'd marry Kansas, too, so I'd still be short an elf," Erion explained cheerfully. "Although it would even me out nicely, with three humans and three elves for husbands."

Kansas gasped playfully and leaned into Nathe from behind, standing on tiptoe so he could rest his chin on Nathe's shoulder, saying with mock seriousness, "That won't do at all. That means that I'm short a human. I should have three human husbands, too."

He quirked his eyebrow in a playful manner and pursed his lips as if he was thinking very hard. Suddenly Kansas burst out in a radiant smile and exclaimed, "Oh, Yanagi-san is single now! Maybe I'll just ask him to marry me. That way I'll have three human husbands and three elven ones, too." Kansas grinned cheekily at Erion and his hands tightened in the back of Nathe's robe, just in case he would need a human shield, or in this case an elven one.

Erion looked at Kansas for a long moment, and then burst out laughing. "Yanagi-san? Really? Well, I suppose I could share you with Yanagi-san. Hmm. Maybe I could ask Shaevran to marry me! He's a sun elf!" Erion ducked a little and peeked at Kansas from around Nathe.

"Rascals," Nathe laughed. "There's Shaevran now, waiting for you two. Go have fun with your librarian, and try not to break the pretty elf."

"And how do you know he's pretty?" Erion asked, kissing Nathe's cheek with careless affection.

"All elves are pretty," Nathe retorted. "Almost as pretty as your Kansas."

Erion looked around Nathe at Kansas, and his silver eyes were bright with love for his beloved imp. "Never as beautiful to me as 'lokiamin." Erion let go of Nathe and slipped his arm around Kansas, the two young lovers fitting together perfectly as they waved goodbye to Nathe and greeted Shaevran, boarding the elven vessel with light steps.

The journey was both uneventful and as fast as Shaevran had promised, and the docks of Leuthilspar were brightly lit under the light of Selûne. The streets were busy enough that Shaevran and a few of his crew were able to form a discreet escort to make sure the young Captain and his lover made their way to Haedrith's house safely.

Kansas shook his head a little as Erion opened Haedrith's door, stepping in and calling out brightly, but when Haedrith came flying over to the foyer to hug and kiss his lovers, Kansas embraced the sun elf eagerly, plundering his mouth with passion.

"What are you doing here? I thought you were Herenith for a moment. Can you stay long? I'm so glad to see you both." The words tumbled out as Haedrith lost himself in even more hugs, and sweet lingering kisses.

Erion had wrapped himself around Haedrith from behind, slim hands stealing up to slide beneath Haedrith's tunic, the sun elf's skin silky and warm. Erion buried his face happily in the mane of red-gold curls, breathing deeply to revel in the scent that was uniquely Haedrith. Kansas's thin fingers were tangled in that same mane of hair as he kissed Haedrith breathless, Haedrith holding Kansas close and relishing the sweet assault on his mouth.

Kansas finally let Haedrith up for air, turning the sun elf so that he faced Erion, Kansas's thick cock already hard in his tight elven breeches as he pressed against Haedrith's round ass. Erion was already nibbling on Haedrith's lips, his fingers tracing the delicate edge of Haedrith's ears.

"Hello, melindoamin," Erion murmured between kisses. "I've missed you, my beautiful elf."

"Herenith is coming?" Kansas asked, his cock aching to be buried in that perfect ass.

Erion let Haedrith up for air long enough to respond. "He's at a friend's house, and I really don't expect him until the morning."

Kansas and Erion exchanged a predatory grin over Haedrith's shoulder.

"Bedroom," Kansas said firmly, and Erion laughed in delight as they maneuvered their captive lover into the bedroom, bits of clothing left in a trail behind them.

Haedrith looked around his cheerful kitchen the next morning, smiling as he heated the water for the tea. He even hummed a bit of a tune he had learned from Kansas as he prepared the tea pot and waited for Herenith to come home with the sweet rolls from the market, as they had agreed before Herenith left to stay at his friend's house. Haedrith knew Herenith would bring enough for a pack of starving elflings, which meant that with some fruit and cheese, he had a decent breakfast offering.

Haedrith smiled again as the water reached a brisk boil, and he took it off the flame of the brazier and set it aside for a moment to calm before he poured it over the tea. He set mugs and a pot of honey on the table, and turned around to get linen napkins and a tray for under the tea pot, but he forgot what he was doing as slim arms slid around him from behind.

"All done worshiping, my sweet Erion?" Haedrith asked, leaning back into the embrace.

Kansas strolled in and Haedrith turned around so that he could hug both his sweet lovers at once,

"All done," Kansas confirmed. "You know you're always welcome to join us afterward. We'd love it, actually."

"Maybe tomorrow," Haedrith replied, pleased and he leaned in to kiss Kansas tenderly before turning to kiss Erion as well. "Did you find what you needed for the shower?"

Erion's answer was interrupted by the sound of the door banging open, a muffled sob accompanying the noise, and Haedrith turned in alarm. Kansas immediately moved to a position to defend Haedrith, as did Erion, both youngsters alert and tense.

"Atar! Atar! Ron naa tulien!" Herenith rushed in, his blue eyes wide and shimmering with unshed tears. He threw himself into Haedrith's arms, clinging to his father with a fierce desperation. "Tua!"

"Utinu'amin, what's wrong?" Haedrith asked, his arms wrapping around Herenith, holding the elfling close. "My sweet child, breathe. Come and sit, and catch your breath." He looked at Erion and Kansas, worry in his turquoise eyes.

Kansas looked at Erion with alarm when he heard Herenith's cry, and dashed out of the kitchen to the front door. He peered out quickly, to make sure there was no one there, then closed and locked the door tightly. He grabbed the long dagger that he always carried with him to Evermeet now, and quickly checked all the windows of the house before he returned to the kitchen, locking the backdoor as well.

Haedrith guided Herenith to the table, and Kansas pulled out a chair. Herenith mewled a little, clinging to his father so tightly that Haedrith gave up and sat, pulling Herenith into his lap, something the elfling had not done since Elenwen had passed to Arvandor. Haedrith stroked Herenith's thick chestnut hair, so much like Elenwen's hair, and he waited for the elfling to calm down enough to speak.

It took several minutes for Herenith to stop shivering, and he finally lifted his head from Haedrith's shoulder, his eyes damp and red. "I'm sorry, atar. I was so scared."

"What happened, my sweet boy? Tell me everything." Haedrith pressed a kiss to Herenith's forehead, his stomach churning already.

Kansas moved over to stand by Haedrith's side, keeping his dagger sheathed, but he quickly tightened the belt around his hips, giving Erion a meaningful look over Haedrith's head. He lay a hand on Haedrith's shoulder, and listened with growing fear to Herenith's story.

"I went to the market to get the sweet rolls, and I was coming back when these cloaked elves surrounded me and dragged me into an alley." Herenith sniffled a little. "I couldn't see their faces but they asked me if I was your son, and they told me that they had a message."

Haedrith felt a surge of rage that completely overpowered the fear that had made his stomach churn only a moment ago. Kansas's thin fingers tightened on Haedrith's shoulder a little in support, and Haedrith flashed him a grateful smile.

"What did these elves say, exactly? Try to remember," Erion said, his voice gentle as he reached out to stroke Herenith's hair. Herenith sniffled a little, and Erion was reminded that he was younger than Falon, just an elfling still.

"Let me think a moment," Herenith said, his smooth forehead furrowing in concentration. "First they asked me my name. They said, 'You, efling, give us your name.' One of them had something in his hand, but I couldn't tell what it was right then."

"That's good," Erion said encouragingly.

Kansas sank down on his haunches, laying his hand gently on Herenith's knee, his look softening and he reached up to stroke Herenith's arm gently. His voice was soft and warm, filled with friendship and reassurance when he spoke. "It's alright, Herenith. You're safe now, and no one can get you in here. Just take your time, and try to remember as much as you can. Do you want some juice or something to drink?"

Herenith looked at Kansas, and managed a small and grateful smile. "Thank you, Kansas. I know you'll keep us safe. I'm so glad you're here, you and Erion. Could I have some juice?"

Erion grabbed the carafe of orange juice and poured a glass, handing it to Herenith, who sipped it gratefully. Herenith took a deep breath, and then fastened his eyes on Kansas's eyes before continuing, taking courage from the slender young man's presence.

"I told them my name, and the one holding something said, 'You are Haedrith's son.' I nodded at him. I was so scared by the way they were acting, all whispery and secretive. Then he said, 'You will bring him a message from us.' I was shaking by then." Herenith stopped, looking at Kansas to see if he was doing alright.

Kansas gave the young elf an encouraging smile and reached up to brush back a lock of his chestnut hair, stroking his shoulder gently as he encouraged Herenith to go on, the touch almost fatherly in its gentleness.

"Go on. Just take your time and breathe. There is no need to rush, Herenith. You are doing great. You can hold my hand if you want to. But you are very brave," Kansas said, his gray eyes filled with warmth and pride in the young elf. He lay his hand on Herenith's knee again, with the palm up, offering the elf to hold his hand, not assuming anything.

Herenith reached out and took Kansas's hand, Haedrith's arms warm and tight around him as well, and the elfling visibly relaxed as he laced his finger with Kansas's thin fingers. Erion moved closer as well, and stroked Herenith's other shoulder, his strong fingers soothing the elfling. Herenith took a deep breath, calmer and steadier.

"He moved, and I could see what was in his hand finally. It was a dagger, and the blade was odd. It was wavy, and the metal wasn't mithral or steel. It glowed, sort of, or at least it was dim enough in the alley that it looked that way. I must have jerked or something when I saw it, because he sounded really angry when he spoke. He said, 'There's nowhere to hide that we can't follow. Tell Haedrith to remember that if he keeps prying into things that don't concern a librarian. Tell him he has a lot left to lose.' " Herenith's eyes welled again with tears. "I was so scared that I just nodded. I couldn't even talk."

Kansas glanced up at Haedrith and Erion quickly, his face still warm and friendly, his eyes full of understanding, but through their bond, Erion felt a surge of fury and apprehension come from Kansas.

"It's alright that you got scared, Herenith. Honestly, I would have been too if that had happened to me at your age. Did the man threaten you with the knife, or did he just let you see it? Did they hurt you at all?" Kansas asked gently, his thumb stroking over the back of Herenith's hand in soothing circles, and his gray eyes were trained on Herenith's blue eyes.

Erion watched as Kansas soothed Herenith, calming the elfling with such skill and assurance that Erion realized why his boss used Kansas so much, and wanted him at all hours to work the hardest cases. There was something about Kansas that inspired trust, and brought out hidden reserves of confidence. Erion wondered briefly if he would ever be that good himself, and resolved to work even harder to become that good.

Herenith looked into Kansas's eyes, utterly confident that Kansas was going to make this right. "He lifted the knife and he touched it right here." Herenith tilted his chin back and indicated the pulse point under his jaw. "It was cold, and it felt tingly where it touched, but I touched there later and there was no blood. I didn't know then that he hadn't cut me, and I was scared to even breathe for a moment, until he took the knife away."

"It sounds like an alchemical silver dagger," Erion said quietly. "Mages use them routinely, because they can hold enchantments powerful enough to make up for the fact that mages can't wear normal armor." Erion looked at Kansas somberly. "Fuck, Kansas. This is my bastard, isn't it?"

Kansas looked up at Erion, giving the faintest shake of his head, his look telling Erion to chose his words wisely, but the warmth and reassurance in his look did not falter for a second. He continued to stroke the back of Herenith's hand, reaching up with his other hand to stroke the elfling's cheek, keeping his voice calm.

"You've been very brave, Herenith. I can assure you, there is no cut and no blood. He was just trying to scare you, and you did the right thing not to struggle or cry out. He could have hurt you more if you had done that. Sometimes it's more courageous to just not do anything. Especially when there are weapons involved. You did exactly the right thing, Herenith. Do you want some more juice, or do you think you can go on?"

Kansas reached out through his bond to Erion, sending out his love, trying to reassure Erion that he was not angry, but that his only thought was to help Herenith calm down and that they could discuss this later when Herenith was not listening.

Erion sent back a quick wave of understanding and reassurance, coupled with a quick surge of conviction that they were indeed dealing with the bastard who had kidnapped Erion. He turned his silver eyes back on Herenith, long fingers combing through the chestnut hair in a soothing gesture. Erion's other hand was stroking Haedrith's hair, and he leaned in to nuzzle Haedrith reassuringly.

"Kansas is right, utinuamin. You did everything just right, and you were very brave." Haedrith held Herenith tighter, relief that his son was unharmed mixing with the fury that filled him as he realized they knew exactly where to strike to stop him.

Herenith took another big breath. "He took the knife away from my neck, and said one last thing. He said, 'This is the only warning he will get.' Then he made a gesture, and the others moved away, and there was an opening. I could see the market, at the end of the alley, and they weren't blocking me anymore, so I ran for it. I ran right home, but right before I began to run, I heard another one talk. He said, 'Should we follow?' The first one just laughed and said, 'Why?' But that second one, his voice was funny."

Kansas stroked Herenith's arm reassuringly as he rose to his feet, and gently untangled their fingers. He poured some more juice into the glass and handed it to Herenith, touching his hands gently as Herenith took the glass and sipped.

"You're safe now, Herenith. We will not let anyone in here. No one can get you in here.," Kansas said with a reassuring smile, his hand lingering on Herenith's arm. He looked up at Erion and Haedrith with a slightly questioning look, not quite sure what the significance was, but decided to press the issue nevertheless, in the hopes that one or both of the elves would know what it meant.

"What do you mean his voice was funny, Herenith? Can you describe it?" he asked gently, still keeping his voice utterly calm and reassuring.

Herenith nodded, looking at Kansas confidently. "He sounded like he was hissing his words, or had some sort of hissing accent," Herenith replied, squeaking a little when Haedrith's arms tightened involuntarily. Haedrith looked to Kansas, his turquoise eyes filled with recognition.

"Are you very sure?" Haedrith asked, taking his cue from Kansas and keeping his voice gentle and calm.

Herenith turned to look at Haedrith. "I'm positive, atar. I've never heard anything like it before, so it stuck in my head." Herenith paled a little, and Erion moved closer instinctively.

"What is it?" Erion asked softly.

"I dropped the sweet rolls," Herenith said miserably. He looked at Haedrith. "I know you won't care about that, but I was starving and I really was looking forward to those."

Kansas chuckled softly and made a mock shocked face, asking with a gentle humor, "Oh, no! What are we going to eat now? We'll starve."

When that coaxed the tiniest of smiles from Herenith, Kansas smiled and reached up to stroke the chestnut brown hair gently and told the elfling, "Don't worry about the sweet rolls. I can go and buy more, if you want some. Are you feeling better now? You want some more juice?"

Herenith smiled again, a little more this time, and he looked at Kansas steadily. "I'm okay now. I'm really glad you were here, though. I know atar will always keep me safe, but it's good to have you two around. I'll go with you to buy the sweet rolls. I know which baker makes the best ones, with a nice icing on them that's so good."

Erion leaned in to kiss Herenith's forehead. "You've been amazing, Herenith. You have a perfect memory for things, don't you? That's a very useful talent, you know." He stood up and held out a hand to Kansas, offering him a hand up. "Tell you what, if you two go get sweet rolls, I'll see if your atar has any cinnamon. My atararim taught me a really good secirna porridge, but you really need cinnamon for it."

Haedrith released his hold on Herenith, who stood up, looking at Kansas with his wide blue eyes. "Go on, you two, you run to the market, and Erion and I will make a mess of the kitchen so Aira can yell at us later."

Kansas rose to his feet, shaking his legs a little to get the blood running again and he beamed at Herenith with an impish smile. "That sounds just fantastic. Maybe we can find some other sweets too, just for a treat," Kansas said and walked to the front door to pull his tall leather boots on. He threw his light cloak over his shoulders, making sure that his dagger was concealed but easily within reach, should he need it. He hesitated for a moment, but then he reached under his tunic and pulled his Dragon's Tear out, drawing the chain off his neck.

He leaned close to Herenith and slid the chain over the elfling's head, tucking the jewel under his tunic, saying quietly, "I want you to wear this while we go to the market. It's a protective amulet. It protects those I ask it to. Just as a precaution, Herenith. I'll take it back when we get home again, alright. You are just too precious to me, for me to let anything happen to you."

Kansas opened the door and peeked out, making sure that there were no strange elves about, before he stepped outside and held out his hand to Herenith, offering the elfling to hold his hand while they walked to the market.

Herenith bowed his head to let Kansas slip the amulet on him, and then took Kansas's hand with the same unselfconscious happiness that Hikaru would have shown, smiling up at his father's lover with perfect trust.

Haedrith watched quietly as they left, and then tugged out the mass of amulets Khaleth had given him, sorting through them quickly and choosing two that he intended to give to Herenith when he and Kansas returned. Erion watched quietly, and arched a brow at Haedrith, who blushed faintly.

"My friend Khaleth wanted me to wear protections in the Tower. It seemed like an awful fuss over nothing at the time, so I shoved the amulets in a drawer." Haedrith looked at Erion. "That was a Dragon's Tear he put on Herenith."

Erion nodded. "It was a gift, actually, from the Lady Adalon herself. She and Vale became friends a long time ago, and she takes an interest in Kansas, and the family." Erion shrugged lightly, trying to downplay the fact that a draconic demigod was a family friend. "Will you tell us about him later? The hissy one?"

Haedrith's eyes widened and he nodded. "Later, without Herenith around. He doesn't need to hear this, but we should wait for Kansas to be with us."

Kansas held Herenith's hand tightly, much like he would Hikaru's or Ryuu's hand as they walked, and he was secretly grateful that there were no surging crowds of people here, or large traffic streets with speeding cars and train crossings, all of which scared him mindless whenever he went outside alone with the kids. Especially the boys, who were far more likely to suddenly run off on some whim than Aika was.

He asked Herenith how his studies were going, trying to keep a light chatter going between them to keep Herenith's mind off his ordeal, but his gray eyes were constantly aware of their surroundings, Tatsuya lending Kansas his power to keep the young elf safe.

Herenith kept up a stream of bright chatter, Kansas's company and the aura of the Dragon's Tear combining to make him feel utterly safe and protected. He took Kansas to his favorite baker, and the sweet rolls were indeed iced and smelled delicious, as did the almond cookies, and the custard pies with strawberries on the top, and half a dozen other sweets.

By the time Kansas and Herenith made their choices and strolled back to Haedrith's house, Erion had the porridge ready, the smell of cinnamon and honey making Herenith moan happily. They hurried into the kitchen to put their bundles down, and Herenith turned to Kansas and dipped his head a little shyly.

"Thank you for letting me wear the amulet, Kansas. I felt very safe." Herenith looked up at Kansas with all the adoration of a younger brother shining in his blue eyes.

Kansas smiled brightly and pulled Herenith into an embrace, stroking his hair and giving him a small brotherly squeeze, nuzzling his nose into the thick chestnut hair. "You're quite welcome, selen'ai'. Like I said, you are too precious to me, to let any harm befall you. It is a good talisman, that. It was given to me by a dragon. A great silver dragon."

"Really?" Herenith's eyes widened in delight, and he smiled at the affectionate nickname. "You know a dragon? Silvers are among the best of all dragons. They're guardians, and they are good of heart and pure and lawful." Herenith giggled a little as he looked at Haedrith. "See? I do listen, atar."

Haedrith laughed and kissed Herenith's forehead. "I know you do, utinuamin. I'm always proud of you." He handed Herenith some dishes. "Will you set our places at the table?"

Herenith grinned and hurried off to set the table, and Erion looked up from his porridge. "You're so good with him, 'lokiamin. Thank you, baby." Erion gave Kansas a radiant smile, and moved the porridge off the brazier. "Now, what kind of goodies did you bring back? I think I'm as hungry as Herenith."

Kansas wrapped an arm around Erion's waist and leaned in to steal a quick kiss. "Thank you, baby. It just felt like the right thing to do, to try and get his mind off this. We all need to talk later, when he's asleep," Kansas said quietly, glancing at Haedrith. He stole another quick kiss from Erion's soft lips and smiled.

"We bought up half the bakery, to be honest. We've got those glazed sweet rolls, and some almond cookies, and custard pies with strawberries. Honestly I wish we had some yuzu, so I could slice some up and put on them too. We should try to candy some yuzu slices and bring over next time, and get the baker to make some custard pies with those on top." Kansas smiled brightly and his eyes became hooded as he imagined what his creation would taste like.

"Oh, that would be so good," Erion enthused, and then spent half an hour trying to describe the taste of yuzu to Haedrith and Herenith, neither of whom had ever seen a grapefruit or a mandarin orange. In the meantime, as they talked, the four managed to devour nearly all the porridge and made serious inroads into the mountain of sweets.

Kansas did his best to help Erion describe the taste of yuzu, but his adjectives seemed to be quite limited to "mmmm," "aahhh," and a peculiar, almost sexual rolling of the eyes. And the word sour found its way in there somewhere.

Kansas and Erion shooed Haedrith out of the kitchen and cleaned up to keep Aira happy, and Haedrith gave Herenith the amulets he had chosen from Khaleth's bundle. After the kitchen was pronounced worthy, Herenith decided that he was going to study for a bit, and headed off to his room. Haedrith sent word to the Tower that he would not be there that day, and he dragged his lovers off into his small study, the walls lined with shelves of tomes and scrolls.

When Haedrith gave Herenith the protective amulets, Kansas drew his Dragon's Tear from under Herenith's tunic and let the clear crystal touch the two amulets gently, exerting all his will to leave some extra protection in those amulets. He gave Herenith a quick kiss on the forehead, then slipped the mithral chain over his own head again, feeling a little more whole once the Dragon's Tear was back where it belonged.

He sat down in the study with Erion and Haedrith, his eyes dark and finally showing the rage that he had been holding in all morning. "So. What can you tell us about the hissing one, and what was it that you wanted to say earlier, Erion, about the one who kidnapped you?"

Haedrith and Erion exchanged glances, and after whatever silent communication passed between them, Erion spoke first.

"The dagger, the wavy one. That's a mage's weapon almost exclusively, if it's alchemical silver. A mage can't wear ordinary armor. It interferes with spellcasting and accessing the Weave. So, mages enchant their robes, but cloth is only so much protection, and they craft insanely powerful weapons." Erion spread his hands. "How many mages in Leuthilspar are there who would be sneaking about and willing to harm another elf? The threat was clear, that if Haedrith didn't back off, they'd hurt Herenith. But it's our most cherished and fundamental law that an elf does not harm another elf. It's why what was done to Vale was so horrific to us, and why the cleric had to die by Yuji's hand."

Kansas nodded, his gray eyes cold, a fire burning in their depths, a fire that only burned for those he loved. "I understand that. I would have killed that witch myself a few times, if I'd been given the chance, and I wouldn't have done it as mercifully as Yuji did."

Kansas bit out his words, his voice bitter, but then he sighed and shook his head a little. "So, according to Herenith's description that dagger was most likely a mage's weapon. And given that, we are going with the assumption that he's the same asshat that elfnapped Erion, right? But what about the hissing one? You think it's that demon again?"

It was Haedrith's turn to speak, and the gentle librarian drew himself up a bit. "I know you'll probably have my head for this, but I've been sort of poking around the Tower. What was done, the kidnapping of Erion, is simply not permissible, not in the Tower I've worked in all these years. I started by trying to figure out who was showing any interest in demonic summonings. Erion clearly sensed a balor, and the language he heard, from what he repeated to me right after he escaped, was definitely Abyssal. If you want to summon a demon, you need to know the right rituals, and those aren't taught in most Academies, at least not as thoroughly as you'd need to summon a balor powerful enough to reach between Planes."

Haedrith paused, and reached into his desk for a flagon of wine. He opened it and offered it to Kansas, and then rummaged and found three mismatched glasses.

Kansas grabbed the flagon and took a swig off it without hesitating, then handed it to Erion and pulled out his cigarettes, lighting up with a small sigh, and rubbed at his eyes. "We told you to be careful. We can't protect you from where we live, and we have no idea whether they've been intercepting our letters or not. Even when we've resorted to codes, we still can't be sure whether they've figured us out. But I understand why you did it. If I were in your shoes, I probably would have been tearing through that damned tower like a hellion on fire."

Haedrith watched as Erion took a swig of wine and then passed the flagon to Haedrith, who took a deep drink himself. "We were as careful as we could be. I started out just trying to keep an eye on anyone showing an interest in Lower Planes lore. There was an apprentice who borrowed a tome on the Lower Planes, but no one seemed to know who his master was. I scared the apprentice, and he disappeared. We backed off for a bit, but it dawned on me that I have a charm to help me find misplaced tomes and scrolls that my friend Khaleth enchanted for me. It seemed a simple enough thing to go and look for that tome the apprentice had taken, since it was never returned. When I went looking for the tome, I found it. And him. Dead and gutted." Haedrith shuddered.

Kansas's eyes fluttered closed with a silent sigh, and Erion could see the muscles in his jaws tightening for a moment, then he opened his eyes again, and held out a hand for the flagon, ignoring the glasses completely. He took another deep swig and nodded at Haedrith, urging the elf to go on.

Haedrith's cheeks were a definite pink now, but he continued grimly. "The other night, I was working late, and when I left, I ran into someone near the back stairs. We store extra scroll cases and the like back there, nothing important, and it's usually darker. I was very surprised to see someone there, and apparently, he was just as surprised. I have this pendant. Khaleth made it, to locate faerzess magic, the magic used by the drow elves. They deal a lot with demons and we thought maybe they were involved. Anyway, the pendant lit up, and this person actually hissed at me. I jumped back a little and then they lunged at me. I think it was the balor, disguised to look like an elf. They can do that, alter their appearance."

Kansas stubbed his cigarette out almost violently, in the ashtray that had become a permanent fixture on any table within arms reach of Kansas, and his eyes paled slightly. He nodded at Haedrith almost impatiently and urged him to go on, lighting up another cigarette with barely a breath between them.

Haedrith paled a bit, but he continued. "I went straight to Khaleth to see what he thought, but he didn't think that the balor realized I was on to him. It appears Khaleth was wrong. But I'm done. I'm going to steer very clear of anything to do with elf-killing mages and balors and drow. It's not worth harm coming to Herenith. I'm sorry, Kansas. I wanted to help. I wanted to find the bastard that kidnapped Erion, and see him pay, but I'm a lousy spy."

Erion looked at Kansas, his expression grim. "I don't think it's going to end, not now. I think we need more than just us, 'lokiamin."

Kansas jumped up from the chair that he had draped himself over, and grabbed Haedrith around the back of the neck, pulling the sun elf possessively into his embrace, nibbling a sharp kiss to Haedrith's neck, hitting one of Haedrith's sensitive spots exactly. There was an intimacy in the touch that had grown between them when Erion had been away with Momo, and Kansas was not even fully aware how obvious it was.

"I know, my love. You only meant to help. But we do not want you to come to harm either. I am glad to hear that you have stopped, because I agree. It is not worth harm coming to Herenith. We will talk to Vale and Masato, and probably Nathe too. They will know what to do next. We will find out who did this, one way or another. If all else fails I know a pissed off dragon demi-god who wants nothing more than to raze Evermeet to the ground. Although that might have to remain our very very last desperate resort."

Erion watched the play between Haedrith and Kansas, sensing the deep intimacy between them, something that had grown when he was occupied in loving Momo and teaching Momo to allow love back into his heart. Erion could not find it in himself to resent such a tender love, and instead he smiled as he watched these two beloveds of his together, as content as when he watched Kansas and Satoshi touch.

"Vale's our best place to start. He knows more than enough about the Lower Planes, and I'm pretty sure he's dealt with balors himself. I'd leave Sand out of this for as long as possible. In the mood he's in, he's liable to decide that razing Evermeet is a splendid idea." Erion shrugged lightly. "If we talk to Vale, Nathe's in anyway. Vale and Nathe work together seamlessly."

Kansas let go of Haedrith when Erion spoke, and moved over to his star elf, sliding effortlessly under Erion's arm, and nuzzling his neck tenderly, right below Erion's ear. "You are right. Given Masato's state of mind these days he'll probably go with Tatsuya and wipe Evermeet off the map completely. Nathe and Vale it is. I just wish we could leave someone we trust here, to look out for you guys. Someone that would not stick out as a stranger. Someone that could have a logical reason for being here. And who knows, maybe these bastards will get complacent when you stop snooping and slip up somehow so we can find them."

"Ask Vale to plant someone. It's what he does. The Cloaktower is a mercenary mages' guild, and they specialize in infiltration and espionage, as well as taking out the enemy. The governing council makes sure they act for the good, but if this isn't a goodly cause, I don't know one." Erion purred a little as Kansas nuzzled him, his eyes silvery with bliss. "And any of Vale's people will know both how to protect themselves and others, as well as how to apprehend this bastard. The only question is whether we want him to disappear quietly, or if we want a big public fuss."

Kansas looked over at Haedrith, his eyebrow quirking a little. "Didn't Nathe, Vale, atar and Masato all say that the politics here were too fragile for something big and public? We don't want to cause a war, Erion. But I don't think I would want him to just disappear. Someone would have to be informed. But I don't understand your politics well enough. All I know is that I just don't want to cause a war."

"Well, I suck at politics. I get that from atar." Erion shrugged. "I don't care if it's public or private, as long as that bastard pays. He scared the shit out of all of you, and he would have let that balor play with me and then kill me. Just because he wouldn't have killed me himself doesn't make his fucking hands any cleaner. But Vale understands the politics better than anyone, since he deals with that shit all the time in Neverwinter."

Kansas nodded decisively, and kissed Erion softly on the corner of his mouth. "Then we will talk to Vale and Nathe as soon as we get back to Neverwinter, and we'll get them to send someone here to watch over you, Haedrith. I'll send you one of my encrypted notes to let you know what we decide."

Kansas moved over to the bookshelf and looked at it quickly, then pulled out two books, one a collection of Japanese haiku poems, written in kanji, and a beat up old paperback copy of Wind in the Willows. "We'll use these two for the code, alright? I'm hoping those bastards haven't mastered kanji yet," Kansas said and smirked a little.

"I was wondering if you two were going to let me in on this code," Erion said lightly, and nuzzled Kansas's ear to let him know that he was not upset, despite the code probably only having begun after Erion's kidnapping, after he and Momo had parted ways. Kansas had endured a great deal while Erion was partnered with Momo, and if Haedrith had eased that, then Erion could only love the gentle sun elf more.

Haedrith snickered at the question, and scratched the back of his head, while Kansas grinned impishly. "Well, isilmeamin, you know how I love patterns and strategy related things and all that? This sort of started when you were with Momo," Kansas said and Haedrith nodded.

"I was trying to teach Haedrith hiragana and katakana, and showing him like first grade kanji. And we started talking about secret codes, you know, anagrams and such. And I told Haedrith about this number code that has always fascinated me, where you pick a page from a book, find a certain line, and then a certain word within that line, and there you have a three digit code for just one word."

Haedrith started smiling, and a faint blush entered his cheeks as he interjected. "And given my passion for books, I was fascinated by that. So we started playing around with this code. The finished version is that Kansas writes me a long letter using kanji, and for all intents and purposes it just looks like a letter telling me about his day, or like in this case, discussing poetry. Using the haiku book means I'll get a lot of long winded letters with quotations from haiku poetry."

Kansas nodded and smiled, handing Erion the old paperback, continuing. "But it's the kanji that's the key. I use the kanji to mark each digit. It's the stroke count of the kanji that tells Haedrith what digit to replace the kanji with, and then he can decipher the number code, using Wind in the Willows. And since it's common knowledge around here these days that I come from a different Plane, and am his lover, he has the most legitimate excuse in the world to have these foreign books here. I bring them to show him the literary history of my world."

Haedrith snickered and nodded emphatically at Erion. "And everyone who knows me or even just of me, knows that I can talk anyone to sleep when it comes to literary history and books."

Erion started to laugh at his two beloveds. "Honestly, I can just imagine you two coming up with this. Naked. Please tell me you were naked. Wait, never mind. Let's just go get naked. Do you think Herenith will miss us if we do? Or will Aira think we're total barbarians for fucking before lunch?" He tugged both Kansas and Haedrith close, kissing them both with rising heat.

Kansas responded to the kiss with equal heat, slightly breathless when he broke the kiss to let Haedrith at Erion, his voice a little raspy when he answered, "With you as the sandwich filling, she'll just think it's a regular Saturday morning, love. But we'll need to be a little more quiet, for Herenith's sake. I don't want him to feel like we are too preoccupied with our sex life, that this scare of his doesn't mean more than this."

"Oh, true," Erion said, blushing a little. "Maybe we should wait until tonight, when he's in reverie. We can go look for a wand of silence or something to muffle the noise this afternoon. I wouldn't want Herenith to think we don't care about what he went through, and he was pretty damned brave today."

"I could ask my friend Khaleth to, um, alter my bedroom a little, the way Kansas says yours are altered back on your world," Haedrith suggested. "That would solve the problem of alarming Herenith, at least once the enchantment is in place."

Kansas quirked an eyebrow at Haedrith and asked plaintively, "Now why didn't you think of that when you were all but gagging me so we wouldn't alarm Herenith, last winter? I can tell you this, Erion, exploding feather pillows are anything but conducive for a good sex life."

Haedrith began to snicker, his turquoise eyes sparkling once again. "It never occurred to me to ask Khaleth. He's a good mage, but he tends to be a little odd. And surprisingly cranky, given what a good job he does avoiding his master. You'd think that would cheer him up."

Erion looked at his two lovers and shook his head. "I don't know, we've exploded a few pillows in our time and had fun." He grinned and hugged them both. "Send a message to Khaleth, and beg him, will you? Bribe him with sweets. Anything, Haedrith, please? We only have tonight and then we have to go back, and I really, really want to limp to the boat."

Kansas pouted at Erion and grabbed him around the waist, spinning him around and pulling him close so his ass was pressed tightly against Kansas's semihard bulge. He nibbled on the back of Erion's neck possessively, telling him, "Yeah, but those pillows did not explode into my mouth. Therein lies the difference. Haedrith, you want me to run over to Khaleth's house and ask him for a silencing spell or wand or something, while you warm this one up a little?"

"That sounds perfect, my love," Haedrith replied, and for a brief moment, Erion could have sworn that the glint in Haedrith's beautiful turquoise eyes was as predatory as the glint in Kansas's eyes. It was an utterly delicious thought, and Erion shivered a little with pleasure at the thought of the ravaging to come.

Kansas snickered as he saw the shiver that ran through Erion. He all but tossed Erion into Haedrith's arms, the sun elf catching Erion and easily hoisting Erion up on his shoulder, patting his ass soundly as they left the study.

"Don't finish without me." Kansas tittered, and waved at Erion and Haedrith, then ran to the foyer and pulled on his boots, running as fast as he could the few streets to Khaleth's house. There he stood on the doorstep for a good fifteen minutes, while Khaleth laughed himself breathless at Kansas's request, before inviting Kansas in, and taking all of seven minutes to produce a wand of silence for the lovers.

Kansas filled him in quickly on what had happened to Herenith, and Khaleth's face turned cold at the news. He saw Kansas off with a promise of being careful, closing the door behind Kansas with a gloomy look on his face, which was highly out of character for the usually jovial mage.

Araira wrapped her hands around Khaleth's waist, leaning into her husband as he watched Kansas hurry off after Khaleth had promised to come by and make the enchantment more permanent.

"What is it, most beloved husband?" Araira asked softly.

"Remember, back at the Academy, the old adage about staring too long into the Abyss? I have a very bad feeling about all this." Khaleth turned around to bury his face in Araira's auburn hair, the warmth of the sun doing nothing to melt the ice in his veins.

Elven:

Ron naa tulien! - They are coming!

Tua! - Help!

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