Tales from Talor

The Firstwalker by Colleen Thomas Misscolly@aol.com

Tal'Marin stooped in the deep snow and carefully examined the ground. There were drifts up to her eyes or higher in places, but here under the firs the snow was not as deep. She was surrounded by the huge boles of ancient fir trees in a primordial forest that stretched away for leagues in any direction. The snow here was fresh, which was usually a help to her in exercising her craft. Tal was a ranger and tracking wild beasts was as much a part of her daily life as protecting the forest. Snow was usually her ally, but this snow was very powdery and the whipping wind blew it around so much that tracks were gone in minutes. This time she could only make out the faintest outline of her prey's track. The track was nearly filled with snow and only the keen eyes of an elf enabled her to make out the indistinct outline. She was at least a half hour behind the beast, maybe a little less; it was so difficult to estimate because of the uneven nature of the winds in this forest. It was hard to see beyond the next tree because the wind was whipping up now and gusting hard enough to dump snow from the fir boughs. The sun was still shining and would be for several hours even though she had been on the trail for over thirteen this day. This far north there was never really a night during winter, just a brief period of semi twilight.

"Soon Snowclaw," she said to the winter eagle that perched restlessly on her gloved arm. He was one of the rare breed of eagles that made their eryies in the inaccessible peaks of the Spine of the World. They were small birds, but extremely quick and sharp eyed. Kept as pets by many aristocrats they were prized above almost all other breeds for their intelligence and trainability. Snowclaw was not tame, but he was her friend. She spoke his complex language of shrills and whistles, another skill she had picked up along the way and they had traveled together for many years. Snowclaw knew her better than anyone alive save perhaps her best friend, T'Larin.

She was in the Freyareth, the eternally snow covered land that was the farthest north you could go on the continent of Talor. Here the craggy mountains known as the Spine of the World rose in unbroken majesty to dizzying heights and fell to the icy sea in sheer cliffs no man could scale. No elf had passed this way in many lives of men, for this was a land of snow covered forests and dangerous creatures. Demon haunted was the term men used to describe the cold wastes, but the elves knew what monsters lay here and demons were the least of the many perils.

Once her people had made their homes here, but that was before the coming of the Shaggarath. The Shaggarath were a race of semi intelligent barbarians related to, but different from humans. They were dark eyed, light skinned, and ate the flesh of their enemies. Tall and fierce in battle they had driven the Northern clans completely out of Freyareth in a time beyond reckoning to all but the most ancient of her people. Their onslaught had been so swift and brutal that only a handful of the snow elves had escaped. Over time this remnant had joined and interbred with the high elves until only a handful of pure bloodlines remained. Now she dared venture into this icy domain seeking one of the north's most fabled beasts, the Sha'logan.

The Sha'logan were almost mythical creatures and were feared even by people who had never ventured into the snow. They were large, typically weighing in at over thirty stone, but some had been seen that reportedly weighed up to one hundred stone or even more. They walked on four legs, but could stand on their hind ones alone and could be as tall as thirty hands. Their fur was thick enough to turn sword blades and as white as the snow, providing excellent camouflage. Each foot ended in five claws that could tear through chain mail and their mouths were full of razor sharp fangs. Enchanted shields and armor made from their hides were among the prized heirlooms of her clan's noble houses. They were not natural beasts, but some evil mage's experiment gone awry and they were innately resistant to all forms of magic save the very strongest. Rumor held that arrows bounced off them and swords would not bite, but Tal'Marin had yet to face a creature that could not be. She took these rumors with more than a grain of salt and relished this opportunity to return to Hoarfast in triumph yet again.

Her best friend's brother, Dei' Nolan Aviandore was a mage at the school in Hoarfast. Long ago he had won an ancient tome in a wizard's duel and found a very old and powerful incantation within. The spell would grant life everlasting to one of the lesser races of Talor, but the components for the spell were so rare and hard to obtain that it was unlikely he would ever cast the spell. It was even more unlikely that Dei, who hated most of the lesser races, would ever grant such a boon even if the components were as plentiful as the snow. It had been of little consequence to him and he had forgotten about it soon afterwards, but he had mentioned it to Tal when he was fresh from his victory and in a bragging mood.

Tal had never forgotten it so when she received a letter from her best friend T'Larin with strange tidings it immediately came to her mind. T'Larin had fallen in love with a human and even though they had been together but a short while she was now afraid of loosing her love to the ravages of time. She begged for any hope Tal might be able to provide from her years of wandering. Remembering the spell book and against her better judgment, Tal had gone to T'Larin's brother with the news. Dei was appalled, but mindful of the legend of Da'miel he had dug out the old book and started a quest to find the components. Tal'Marin was his sister's best friend and daughter to her protector Ral Nir Thronin. She was also one of the greatest wanderers of her age and was a natural that she should try to acquire the most rare of the components, a Sha'logan's heart. She had readily agreed, but had kept one secret of the letter she had received from T'Larin. Only she knew the truth about T'Larin's love. Dei would have been incensed to find his sister had chosen a woman as her lover.

Tal'Marin found the news strange, but had not reacted with the outrage most of her peers would have. While she found humans repugnant she had never found the males of her tribe attractive in the least. She was known as the ice maiden among them, more for her steely rebuffs of any suitor than for her obvious lineage from the snow elves of old. She was short for an elf at only five foot six inches and delicately built. Her skin was a soft white, like the sun on new fallen snow. Her long legs were trim and well formed, but not bulky or heavily muscled. Slim hips and a narrow waist made her full breasts seem larger than they were, an effect not lost on the males she encountered. Her eyes were usually blue, but turned to smoldering green when she was angry. Her long blonde hair was worn down and nearly reached to the small of her back.

She had set out from Hoarfast three months ago and now she was less than a half an hour behind her prey. She stood and hurried on through the snow, alert for any sign of the beast. Alert and yet, too careless, for she failed to notice beady red eyes following her every movement. She knew she was closing the distance when she found fresh spoor in the snow and the tracks became less indistinct. This one was a monster; even for its kind and she started to draw her longsword now that she knew the end of the chase was near. She would have been well rewarded had she heeded the legends of the Sha'logan. Not truly intelligent, but possessed of a terrible cunning, the stories often told of hunter becoming hunted.

She never realized that the creature knew it was being followed. It never crossed her mind that the tracks she followed doubled back not far from where she stood, or that the act of drawing her sword would bring forth an attack. She never had the chance to use her weapon for as she drew something incredibly heavy smashed into her back, knocking the sword from her hand.

If she had underestimated her opponent drastically it could be said the beast had done the same. This small delicate creature seemed only a tasty morsel and its initial attack should have left the meal lying in the snow. Instead, Tal rolled on her shoulder and came up facing the beast. She could see nothing, in the swirling wind and snow; only the creature's eyes gave it away and it was cunning enough to know that. What followed was an hour of cat and mouse, with the creature rushing suddenly from the snow and Tal'marin dodging away. Several times she escaped only due to shrilled warnings of Snow Claw. The little Eagle circled constantly and to his eyes, even the snow was no deterrent. As time wore on her strength began to ebb as the brutal cold, constant vigilance, and hair's breadth escapes from flashing claws and snapping fangs sapped her stamina.

Her cloak was ripped from her shoulders, her stout chain armor hung in shreds over her shoulders and she was bleeding from several wounds when the end came. A particularly heavy gust dumped snow upon her from an over hanging limb. As the falling snow knocked her off balance she realized with despair that the beast had maneuvered her here, under the tree line on purpose, with just such a result in mind. She wondered fleetingly how many others had died in such a way when she felt a great weight slam into her unprotected back, driving her to the ground.

She rolled over quickly, but not fast enough to regain her feet before it was on her. She looked up only to find a face of nightmare bearing down on her. Red, beady eyes stared at her with hunger and cunning deeper than any animal had a right to have. A maw filled with yellowed fangs and dripping thick saliva was descending to her throat. She threw her arms up desperately, but its strength was incredible. She felt the jaw lock about her throat and the world faded into darkness.

Her vision swam and she cried out in a strangled voice, but there was no monster on top of her. There was no sky above either, instead she found herself staring at a ceiling made of cunningly cut and fitted, but unadorned beams. She sat up and looked around, wondering fleetingly if this was the afterlife she had heard philosophers debate so much about. In the stone fireplace to her left a cheery fire popped and sizzled. A simple table was set up in the middle of the room with four sturdy chairs made of roughhewn logs. A few cabinets were placed against one wall with a small counter and in the corner closest to the fire a simple rope bed had been built into the wall.

She heard the unmistakable sound of a door opening and it cleared the last of the cobwebs from her aching head. As she turned her head to find the door and started to sit up, the blanket slid down and her chest was exposed. It was only then that she realized she was nude. She quickly snatched up the blanket and pulled it tightly over her chest, but not before the person at the door got a good look at her pert breasts. The stranger was an elven female of indeterminate age. Her hair was long and black as a raven's wing. She was taller than Tal'Marin, perhaps five foot seven or eight and more athletically built. Beneath her red hose the muscles of her legs stood out in bold relief, especially those in her thighs. She wore a white shirt that readily displayed her plump breasts and trim waist. A broad girdle of red encircled her tiny waist and from it a strange curved sword hung, along with a dirk and several small pouches. She held a long bow in her hand and a quiver of arrows rode at her shoulder. Her skin, what little of it was exposed was a queer red color, not the ruddy red of someone stepping in from the cold, but an almost metallic red. All of these things impressed themselves upon Tal's consciousness at once, but they all paled in comparison to the woman's eyes. They were incredibly intense and felt as if they were boring into her body, dark red eyes which seemed like banked fires, ready to explode into flame at a moment's notice. The woman's stare seemed to reach out and grab her, holding her pinioned on the points of those eyes.

Tal'Marin felt a shiver pass through her body. Not from the cold that had come in with the stranger, but one of raw excitement. She could get lost in those eyes, just trying to plumb their unfathomable depths and her tiny nipples hardened in response to that stare. It was elemental, powerful and on some level highly erotic.

"I see you have awakened," the stranger said slowly. The language was an archaic form of high elven. The high elven tongue was only spoken among the noble houses now and Tal'Marin had never learned it as child. She had picked up a bit of it over the long years, but many of the words had changed with time and she had to concentrate before she spoke.

"Who are you? Where are my clothes!"?

"I'll ask the questions here," the woman said imperiously. She leaned against the table, but Tal'Marin's practiced eye saw that it was only lightly and the bow was still in her hand. The woman could easily fit an arrow to that bow and strike Tal down before she could close the distance, even if she could avoid that arrow, she was naked and weaponless while the woman had both sword and dirk.

"What are you doing here?"

"I was hunting a Sha'logan," Tal said. The woman burst out laughing.

"You are either a fool, a liar, or recklessly brave. The question is which. Hmmm? But I shall find out."

"I'm no fool, nor a liar, nor has anyone called me reckless in many years" Tal said defensively. The woman chuckled but said nothing else.

The woman's eyes traveled up and down her body and Tal felt naked even with the blanket. She clutched it tighter and searched the room for her clothes.

"At least let me have my clothes back."

"Why would I do that? I like you naked."

"You what!"

"I like you naked. Does that surprise you? It shouldn't, you have a delightful body. I was hard pressed not to posses myself of it before you awakened."

Tal'Marin was speechless. She was angry and humiliated, but she also could not help but wonder how this woman thought to posses her. Deep down she wondered if it was something she would have enjoyed. For a long time now a feeling had been creeping into her; it was a yearning for someone to share with, someone to spend time with, someone to love. She had never had any feelings for the men who approached her. Tal'Marin had cultivated a reputation for being callous, but in reality it was not dislike, just . indifference. That wasn't to say she had ever had feelings deeper than friendship for women either. She had always been a loner who was more comfortable in the wilds than with people. This train of thought brought her back to her friend Snowclaw and she suddenly realized he was nowhere to be seen.

"My bird! Have you seen my bird?"

"Is that your animal? It has refused to be shooed away. I considered killing it for dinner last night, but I was not in the mood for it."

"If you had I would kill you."

"Brash words for a naked Snow Elf in my home," she observed dryly.

Tal'marin blushed as she realized how hollow her words were. She was at the mercy of this strange woman. She realized now that it was not an elf, while the skin tone and stature were right, the woman lacked the delicately pointed ears that denoted one of the elven race. She felt that she should be scared or at least nervous, but found she was neither.

"Why do you seek the Sha'logan?"

Tal saw no reason to lie so she explained everything. She told the full story, even divulging that T'Larin's love was a female. She seemed incapable of stopping once she opened her mouth and also incapable of being prudent. When she had finished the woman smiled at her and Tal realized for the first time that she was a beautiful woman when she smiled.

"You are only half a fool, but definitely recklessly brave. The Sha'logan cannot be killed by your weapons. Only flame can damage them. It is apparent to me that much of our lore has been lost over time, truly the elves have entered a dark age. The Sha'Logan are magical beasts and the heart of one would decay into a foul black smoke long before you could return to Hoarfast even if you managed to defeat one."

Tal'marin started to say that she did not know these things, but the words that left her mouth were a shock to her, "Your so beautiful."

At first she did not believe she had said those words, and then she blushed deeply when she realized she had. The elf looked at her quizzically and then a smile tugged at her lips.

"There is a clear stone beneath you. Place it on the hearth and you will find you have better control of your tongue."

Tal reached under the blankets and found the gemstone, it was about the size of her thumb nail and clear as the finest quartz. She placed it on the hearth and then looked at the woman questioningly.

"It's a truth stone. A minor trinket with a simple glamour on it. Anyone in contact with the stone must answer questions truthfully. A hedge mage's bauble but, useful for determining the intentions of uninvited guests."

"Why did it make me say that?"

"It didn't make you say it, not really. I did not ask you a specific question so when you spoke it simply allowed you to say what you were really thinking. Thank you by the way," she said and winked. Tal blushed deep crimson and stared down at the floor a few moments, unwilling to meet the woman's bold gaze.

"Who are you?" Tal asked to cover her discomfort.

"My name is Da'Rithnial Chalandor, but most call me Rith,"

"What are you doing here?"

"Hmmm. That's a long story. I am one of the Firstwalkers."

"Firstwalkers?"

"Truly your knowledge has fallen if children are no longer taught of the Firstwalkers?" she said. When Tal stared at her blankly she sighed and continued, "In the beginning time when the world was newly formed and the powers of the maker were still upon the land the Firstwalkers were created. I say created, not born, because we sprang to life from nothingness, knowing neither mother nor father. Each of us was formed to be the embodiment of one of the principal elements of magic. Fire, water, earth, air, light, darkness, life, and death. For ages we walked the earth and watched as the elves were born and grew to a strong people. We walked among you and where ever we went we subtly changed you. The various races of your kind all show the touch of one of us. We were one with you and on occasion mated with your kind to keep the bloodlines strong. Many of your greatest hero's are the offspring of one of us and one of your own. Over the ages some of us became weary of the world and ceased to do our appointed task. Those who tired sought the element they were associated with and fell into a deep slumber from which they cannot be awakened. Only four of us still walk the world."

"Then you are fire?"

"Yes, that is my element."

"What do you do here?" Tal asked, not bothering to doubt the woman.

"I fight the forces of my brother Irgonte. His sister Tala was a delicate creature who loved light, but she wearied first and has slept the longest. Like the elements in magic we were formed to counter each other. Without her light, his darkness has grown and now is mingled with an even more ancient power. It has become evil and threatens to overwhelm the light altogether. This is not the time for a lesson in history however. You were grievously injured and while I have some skill, you must rest."

Tal did feel tried and sank back onto her pallet. Rith blew out the candles and moved silently towards her bed. Tal'marin was lying on her back, staring up at the ceiling, but she found herself fighting the urge to peek at the proud Firstwalker as she disrobed. The quiet rustle of her clothing was unnaturally loud and the temptation became almost unbearable. Tal found her self becoming as tight as a bowstring and sweating as she fought the impulse that seemed to be becoming an over riding compunction. She breathed a heavy sigh of relief when she heard the blankets being pulled up and her body sagged, totally limp. In moments sleep claimed her.

She awoke to the sound of the wind howling like a living thing. The fire had burned low and the room was still cloaked in shadows. Rith sat at the small table without a stitch of clothing on. Her hands were clenched and sweat coated her body. Tal'marin rose painfully and moved hesitantly towards the table. Outside the wind howled even more fiercely and she became aware of strange noises that before she thought were just the wind. A queer scratching at the shuttered and barred windows which now sounded like clawed hands searching for an opening. A heavy banging against the stout door that moments earlier had seemed no more threatening than the wind, but now she had the impression of something monstrous trying to get in. The shadows in the corners of the room seemed to hold a menace now that was absent moments before and Tal shivered. For the first time in her life she felt fear and it was growing stronger by the moment.

Rith's face was blank and her eyes had rolled back in her head, so that only the whites showed. It was extremely eerie and Tal'marin felt the nameless fear clutching at her heart become stronger. On the table before the oblivious Firstwalker was a white gemstone. It seemed to glow and pulse with a light of its own, but that light was growing steadily dimmer. The shadows in the room seemed to take the shapes of evil creatures, their eyes glowing red with malice. They slowly closed in on her and Tal'Marin began to panic as a deathly dread stole upon her.

Shadows! her rational mind said. You have faced death a million times and never felt fear and now you cower from shadows? Yet her rational mind was only a small voice in a gale compared to the fear that welled within her soul. This fear was a living, breathing thing that threatened to freeze her heart and seemed to choke the very air from her lungs. She whimpered and fell back to the table her hand involuntarily clutching at the gemstone, which suddenly went dark. With the fading of its light all hope fled and she screamed in a choked voice as the world spun away from her.

Tal'marin found herself in a nightmare world of horror. The very ground was bloody living flesh that writhed beneath her bare feet. Grotesque creatures that were only vaguely humanoid reached out to her with blood stained claws. She ran from them, but they followed. She entered a dark forest of decaying trees and deep shadow, behind her she could hear the feet of the creatures but she dared not look back. Limbs clutched at her face and stung her cheeks as she raced heedlessly past. She could hear them, so close behind now that they must surely pounce at her next step.

With a frenzied burst of energy she lunged into an opening between two obscenely twisted trees and found herself in a dale. The many men who had tried to seduce her stood in a circle around her. No longer the beautiful elves they had been in life, they were now gross caricatures. Faces distorted with lust they wore no clothes and their bloated organs pulsed obscenely. They slowly closed in on her and every move to escape was blocked as the circle slowly tightened around her. They clutched at her and she was suddenly enveloped in a sea of hands, mouths and other body parts. She felt as if she would go insane under the mass of unwanted caresses, yet she could not even move her limbs in the press of bodies, nor hope to escape. She was about to give up hope when she first heard the voice.

A delightfully melodious voice was singing very softly, the melody was familiar, but the words escaped her. She tried to find the source of that calming sound, but it was nowhere to be seen. It called to her and she tried with the last of her strength to break the grip that held her so tightly. She nearly fell when her lunge met with no resistance at all, the trees, the men, the creatures were all gone. Before her lay a stair that ascended in unbroken spiral far beyond the range of even her eyes. The voice seemed to come from the top of that endless stair and she despaired, but the song subtly changed, bringing with it renewed hope and energy. She started up the stair and for a timeless period she trudged ever upward. Light grew steadily brighter as she ascended and at last she reached a doorway from which it streamed. She hesitated, but the song urged her on and she stepped into the light, closing her eyes as she did so.

The song was still there, but it was closer now and less ethereal. A gentle hand caressed her face and Tal'Marin hesitantly opened her eyes. She was sitting up in Rith's bed in the small comfortable cabin. The shadows were gone and the bright red light of a roaring fire filled the room. She was seated between the Firstwalker's legs and leaning back against her body. She could feel the soft pillows of the strange woman's breasts on her back and the velvety softness of her skin where it was touching her own. She also felt the hard points of the woman's erect nipples.

"Wha.??" she managed, but her voice was a croak, like that of a frog.

"Shhhh," Rith whispered in her ear as the song stopped. A sudden panic seized Tal' and she tried to escape Rith's embrace. Those wonderfully soft gentle hands clamped down with the strength of a steel vice.

"Relax," the soft voice cooed in her ear, "You are safe, nothing will harm you,"

As the sudden panic subsided Tal'Marin let go and slumped in Rith's arms. She relaxed against the Firstwalker and felt the arms that held her so powerfully change back to the most gentle of things, holding her as a mother would a newborn. The fire crackled and the wind still howled, but the air of menace was completely gone. As her heart slowed down she became aware of other things. The soft, but pleasant feel of Rith's skin against her own, the comfortable feeling of having her strong body so near, the gentleness of her embrace all became apparent. She had walked so often alone that she had forgotten how good it could feel to be with another. She found herself relaxing, really relaxing, letting down her defenses totally. She was over matched by this woman and had been since they met. If the Firstwalker had intended any harm to her she could have done so long before now. Rith's arms were about her waist and she could feel the even rise and fall of her chest. Tal'marin pressed back into the comfort of the embrace and sighed softly.

Tal'marin would never know if that sigh was taken as an invitation or if something else triggered what happened next. She felt Rith's body shift slightly and then her soft lips on the point of Tal's shoulder. Rith just held them there a moment, but when Tal did not protest she seemed to take it as assent and they parted to tenderly kiss her. Rith's lips were soft, warm, and felt incredibly sensuous against Tal's skin. The next kiss was only millimeters closer to her neck and this time Rith's soft tongue played over Tal's satiny skin. The intimate caress sent a shiver through her body. Another followed and another each moving slowly towards her neck. It was a languid, unhurried progression that slowly awakened desire in the small elf.

She was confused by the flood of feelings and the welter of emotions. She felt she should put a stop to it, but could not fathom why when it felt so good. Her head told her that it was wrong, but her body told her nothing had ever been so right. While her mind fought with her body those soft lips continued to move closer and closer to her neck. Suddenly they were there, kissing the delicate juncture of her neck and shoulder and the shockwaves it sent through Tal's system were intense. Those lips pressed against her sensitive skin and parted, drawing some into the warm mouth. Rith's teeth gently bit down and her tongue grazed along the trapped flesh. Tal'marin felt as if that skin were connected directly to her spine and her whole body tensed as a spasm of pleasure ran through her.

Rith's teeth released their hold and her mouth moved upwards, each contact sent shivers through Tal's body and began to awaken feelings that were unfamiliar to her. The muscles in her stomach tightened perceptibly and it seemed like it was harder to breath. She opened her mouth to ask Rith to stop, but at that instant the Firstwalker's lips made contact with the small space behind Tal's delicately pointed ear. Instead of words a soft moan escaped her parted lips. Rith's tongue slowly swirled over the skin and Tal's mind became fuzzy. It felt so good, too impossibly good, nothing was supposed to feel like this. Was it?

Her nipples hardened as they often did when it was cold, but she did not feel cold at all. If anything she felt as if she were on fire from the inside out. Rith's hand slid up her body and cupped her face, turning it aside to pull her ear within easier reach of the Firstwalker's lips. Tal's own hands fluttered at her side, seemingly unsure of what to do. If she was unsure, Rith seemed totally confident, the tip of her pink tongue traced along the very outer edge of Tal's earlobe. When the Firstwalker expelled a single warm breath into her ear Tal's body spasmed and she felt herself get weak. Her hands went to the arm imprisoning her waist, but they simply closed on the warm soft flesh, not even attempting to remove it.

"You like that don't you?" Rith's voice purred in her ear. Tal tried to think, to put together something close to a coherent thought, but the soft tongue continued to worry her earlobe and she could not concentrate.

The hand cupping her face moved to her lips and the long delicate index finger pressed against them. Sharp little teeth nipped her ear and when her mouth opened to gasp the finger slipped in. Her lips closed over it involuntarily and the voice in her ear purred.

"That's it little one, now suck on it."

Tal was frozen. It was one thing to receive another woman's caresses; it was something entirely different to return them. Another soft breath in her ear and that amazing tongue returned to gently exploring her ear. She felt a tiny tremor run through her body, but this one seemed to emanate from her groin rather than her neck. The thrill was sharply in contrast to shocks of Rith's tongue; it was a warm, tingly sensation and her mind focused suddenly on her pussy. Her attention was jerked back to her earlobe when Rith's tongue darted into it for just the briefest of seconds.

"Mmm, yes darling, like that," Rith whispered. It was only then that Tal realized she was sucking hungrily on the finger in her mouth.

Rith's legs wrapped around her waist and she returned her lips to Tal's shoulder. The hand around Tal's waist drifted up across her flat tummy. The finger in her mouth disappeared and slid downward, tracing the rise of her breast. They met at her ribcage, just below her breasts and began to lightly stroke her sides. Tal was caught between a moan and a giggle. She had always been extremely ticklish, but this wasn't a tickle. Well, not exactly a tickle she thought. It felt good and at the same time made her want to laugh. Rith's spread her fingers wide and gently dragged them up Tal's tummy until they were each cupping a breast.

Rith bit her neck, not hard enough to draw blood, but hard enough to make her gasp and before she could assimilate the sensation the Firstwalker's hands gently squeezed her breasts. Tal'Marin's sharp intake of breath sounded unnaturally loud in the quiet room. Rith's hands continued to fondle and stroke her breasts while she continued to kiss and suck on Tal's neck. Tal arched her back and moaned as the gentle ministrations of the Firstwalker began to have the desired effect. Tal felt a tension that began to build in her chest and slowly moved into her breasts. As the stimulation continued it finally felt so strong she was sure it would burst out of her body from the inside.

While her breasts were full, Tal'Marin's nipples were very small and the pale aureoles barely the size of Rith's thumbnail. Now they were so hard they were drawn up into tiny points and the aureoles were puckered. As the stroking continued the pressure inside her body built and seemed to center in her aching nipples. Each stroke became a torture, each caress sent waves of pleasure into her system that had nowhere to go. Tal'marin gasped like a fish out of water, she could not control her wildly beating heart or ragged breathing. Rith seemed to know exactly what she was feeling and she kept it up, working the elf girl into a state bordering on hysteria. When Tal's hips began to buck the Firstwalker took the hard pebbles of Tal's nipples between her thumb and forefinger and began to rhythmically squeeze them. It was too much for Tal'marin. An indescribable wail was torn from her throat and she arched her back so violently that Rith almost lost her hold.

Fire! Fire flowing through her veins, burning out all other feelings save the quivering in her pussy. When the first contraction hit her Tal shrieked. Raw pleasure, undiluted by any dampening force tore through her body and threatened her sanity. Another hit her and another, an endless rolling wave. Like breakers smashing against the rocks each wave seemed to be stronger and more unbearably pleasurable. Nothing in her experience had prepared her for it and her mind seemed unable to assimilate all that was happening. She was powerless to fight it and rode the crashing waves until they became only ripples in a still pond.

Tal's head had fallen on her chest and she was still breathing hard. She could not seem to get enough air and her whole body was limp. Her legs quivered and she couldn't even raise her arms. Rith's hands had never left her nipples and continued to roll them between her fingers. Her lips continued to nibble on her neck, sending ripples through her body that seemed to be echoes of the pleasure she had just experienced. The Firstwalker unwound her legs from around Tal's waist and gently laid her down on her back. Tal was still not totally sure of her surroundings as the Firstwalker moved to her feet.

The next thing she became aware of was Rith's soft lips on the bone in her left ankle. The Firstwalker's tongue swirled around the bone while her hands gently stroked Tal's calf. Tal lifted her head and looked down her body. A light coating of sweat covered her skin, her nipples were still taut and the breasts seemed to be standing out more than normal. She could feel wetness between her legs and at her feet she could see only Rith's raven hair.

Rith seemed unhurried as her fingertips blazed a trail from Tal's ankle towards her knee that the Firstwalker's soft tongue followed. It seemed to Tal that every inch of her skin was receiving that soft tongue's attention and she groaned when contact was broken off just short of her knee. Rith returned to her right ankle and the slow progression began again. Feathery caresses, soft but firm massaging and always a trail of fire where Rith's warm tongue made contact with her sensitive skin. This time she did not stop at the knee, but continued upwards, kissing all around Tal's knee, paying particular attention to the crease at the back before moving to the skin of her thigh. It was sweet torture and Tal chewed fiercely on her bottom lip to keep from moaning.

As the Firstwalker's tongue inched upwards Tal unconsciously opened her legs more, allowing the raven haired seductress better access. The fingertips reached her smooth mound and gently toyed with her slick lips causing Tal to shudder, but the tongue stopped at the juncture of her leg and body and after a few swirling caresses dropped back to her left knee. Tal groaned in frustration, barely even conscious of the fact that her hands had stolen to her breasts and were now squeezing the soft globes.

Now came an eternity of torture. It seemed the Firstwalker's tongue would never complete the trip up her thigh to her now soaked pussy. Her whole being seemed to be drawn downwards, down into the bubbling cauldron between her widely splayed thighs. Minute contractions from muscles deep within wrung little whimpers and squeaks from her lips despite her best efforts to staunch them. She was squeezing her nipples now in sync with those contractions and her head was tossing from side to side.

Rith's tongue had reached the crease where her leg joined her body and made several soft exploratory trips up and down it. Her fingertips traced over Tal's slick lips and slowly up to her navel. With a suddenness that took her breath away all stimulation ceased. Tal opened her eyes and looked down her straining body to see those red eyes, no longer banked fires, but blazing majestically and powerfully. Rith's aquiline nose rested at the top of Tal's pouting nether lips, almost but not quite in contact. A softly exhaled breath caused Tal to arch her back and a long hiss escaped her lips.

The need was so strong within her and she desperately wanted to feel the Firstwalker's lips upon her own. Rith did not move, merely watched her with those blazingly intense eyes. It dawned on Tal then, what the Firstwalker was waiting for.

"P..please?" Tal stammered, her voice thick with lust.

No more was needed as Rith's long soft tongue immediately began to lap at Tal's swollen sex. Her nose was pressed tightly to Tal's body and with each movement bumped her now straining clit. The pleasure was unimaginable, the intimate caress so powerful and the shocks flooding her body so undeniable it could not last long. Tal's head tossed from side to side, her face becoming lost in a sea of blonde tresses. Her body arched upwards, trying to make the contact with Rith's lips and tongue permanently and her hands convulsed upon her small breasts.

Rith's finger slipped almost effortlessly into her tight channel and Tal felt her muscles clamp down upon it. That reflexive contraction was followed by something so all encompassing that it blocked all else from her mind. A single jolt, centered in her pussy but quickly running the length of her small frame. It was followed by another and another, each less powerful, but all beyond anything she could have ever imagined. Nothing should feel this good. How could she have gone so long without discovering this bliss? Could she ever go another day without it?

Her mind seemed divided, such serious questions juxtaposed upon waves of mindless pleasure. Like a marionette upon a string she jerked and convulsed. Her string was Rith's tongue, and until the puppet master finally ceased her ministrations Tal could not stop. Bathed in sweat and panting heavily she found herself in Rith's arms. The screaming pleasure was followed by a relaxed contentment that kept even the questions at bay for a long time.

Tal'marin lay basking in the afterglow. The small cabin no longer looked Spartan, it was beautiful. She realized that the world might never look the same to her again. A sudden loud thump on the roof caused her to jump, but the Firstwalker's strong arms pulled her close and in those arms she just could not be afraid.

"It's only snow," Rith whispered.

"I know. I am not like this normally. I have never been afraid before."

"You have walked in the shadow realm, while I called you back, forever will a piece of you be darkened."

"What happened? Truly?"

The Firstwalker was silent for a long time and Tal was beginning to suspect she would never get an answer to anything from this enigmatic woman when she began to speak.

"Irgonte is the embodiment of darkness. Centuries ago he entered a dark cave at the base of Tremlos, the king of peaks. Why did he go there? None can say now, but I suspect he had become tired of the world and was searching only for a place to sleep away the long ages until the world is unmade. Whatever his purpose something else already slept under the mountain. It awoke and they fought in a battle that must have been epic for he was a cunning warrior. Their battle brought Tremlos down around them and the cave was forever sealed. Yet within that tomb Irgonte still lived. That which fought him must be terrible indeed, for it has captured his mind and bent it towards evil.

That which you experienced is what my brother plans for all of Talor. He sends the ill wind that brings shadows at me now, for alone of the Firstwalkers I oppose him. As long a I stand between him and the greater world he cannot prevail."

"How do you know?" Tal asked. She snuggled unconsciously deeper into the embrace. Rith chuckled and kissed her neck, causing her to wiggle in delight.

"It is ordained little one. Shadow can never defeat fire. In the world of magic and mages it is called a natural law. The weakest spell invoking fire will defeat shadow."

"You are opposites then?"

"Nay, the opposite of shadow is light. Those spells do not loose one to another but cancel each other out. Even the most black hearted of evil mages will learn some spells of light. Not to cast them for their purpose, but use them as a foil to the dark spells of his enemies."

"You know so much about magic, are you a mage?"

"Yes and no. I have mastered the mystic arts, but I do not follow any school of magic, nor do I make a living as a spellcaster. I am the embodiment of fire little one. All spells that draw upon my element are mine to command with only a thought. Spellbooks, components, intricate movements, these are all comical to me. I need only wish it and the power of the spell is unleashed. "

"Was that a magic crystal then?"

"Magic Crystal? Oh, the light stone. No, the stone isn't magic."

"But I saw it pulsing with light," Tal said twisting in her lover's embrace. A look of pain so deep that it moved her passed over Rith's face.

"Tala's stone isn't magic. It's what mages call a focus. The stone meant a great deal to Tala when she walked the earth and that emotional bond links it to her. A good mage can use that link to draw some of her power into the stone for short periods of time."

"How did you come to posses it?"

"My, you are full of questions."

"I'm sorry,"

"No, you have a right to know. You would not have been here and in harm's way if I had not brought you here. I took on the responsibility to protect you and I failed. Tala was my first lover. My only lover. We were inseparable and I loved her as desperately as any wild-eyed young human when he first realizes what love is. When she chose to sleep and leave this world I was devastated. I wandered for years alone and bereft of hope. Of all the Firstwalkers I and I alone have never taken a mortal lover, until now."

"Why me?" Tal'marin asked. Her voice sounded small and confused and she regretted the question before she was finished asking it. Rith looked at her with a measured gaze. Tal could almost see the Firstwalker's mind going over wording, thoughts, what could be safely revealed and what must remain hidden.

"When you touched Tala's stone you broke the link I had established with her. I found you lying on the floor with your face deathly pale and your skin cold. I picked you up and carried you to my bed. When I realized what had happened I called you back from that world. Yet, when you returned the shadows lay heavily upon you. Were you human I could have simply touched you, for fire has great sway over the hearts and minds of men. Over elves fire holds less dominion, for you are creatures of air and your inner fires are cool, not hot. I knew of only one way to rouse in you the fire that burns away shadow and brings healing. There were other reasons, but of those I will not speak."

Tal'Marin nodded and curled back up in Rith's arms. She had so many questions, but something told her she was intruding into areas that Rith had closed off and she did not want to anger the Firstwalker. There would be time for questions later she though as she drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

It turned out that there was time, but no more discussion. For the next week she languished in the cabin. Rith was gone more often than not and took to sleeping out. The stated reason was so Tal'Marin could have the bed, but she did not believe it. In the first place she would have gladly welcomed the beautiful woman to share the bed. Since that first encounter she had begun to hunger for Rith's touch, for her attention, even just for her company. The proud Firstwalker seemed to be avoiding her however and Tal'Marin had to admit it was beginning to hurt. She hadn't done anything wrong and did not deserve the cold shoulder she was getting.

Tal'marin tried to re establish the intimacy of that night, but it only made matters worse. Rith seemed to have decided that she wanted nothing to do with her. The loneliness of the small cabin increased daily and Tal found herself loosing hope. She became lethargic and melancholy and this seemed to further drive Rith away.

One morning she rose early and dressed. Her chain shirt was ruined, but the jerkin that she wore underneath it was still serviceable. Her cloak she had mended over several nights alone in the little cabin. She was no seamstress, but stitch work was one of the many skills one acquired when you lived alone and far from people. She had just buckled on her sword belt and was stringing her bow when Rith walked in.

"Where are you going?" she asked. The words were harsh, not a question so much as a demand.

"To seek a Sha'logan," Tal said quietly.

"You foolish slip of a girl, I have already told you your weapons cannot harm them,"

"Perhaps, but I did not come here to spend nights alone in your bed and days alone in this cabin!" Tal burst out, her anger finally overcoming her.

"Get out! Let the snow demons take you for all I care," Rith spat and threw her bow down on the floor. Tal finished her preparations and started out the door, but she could not help herself and stopped to look back. Rith stood before the fireplace, literally shaking with some emotion Tal took to be anger.

"Thank you," she said in a whisper and turned quickly to leave. It would have surprised and perhaps unnerved the snow elf if she had looked back again. Da'Rithnial Chalandor, proud Firstwalker, buried her face in her hands and began to cry. Tears flowed down her cheeks as shuddering sobs wracked her frame.

How many times Da'Rithnial Chalandor? Will you never learn? No one will ever return your love. Those you care most about are destined to hate you, it matters not if you show it or conceal it. Now you have sent that little one to certain doom in the cold wastes.

Rith collapsed before the fire. Always it was like this, her brother's words and taunts invading her mind when her defenses were weakest. Always he sought to strike where she was most vulnerable and that ever came back to Tala.

She had buried the memories deep and had managed to keep them under lock and key for so long, but the petite snow elf had broken the locks and now they flooded back. Tala dancing naked in the moon light, so fragile and ethereal. The first time they made love and all of the false starts and hesitancy. The laughter, companionship and eventual love that grew between them. That night, beneath the swaying pines where she had professed her love and Tala had returned it. The exchange of gemstones, which had sealed their bond.

The happy memories gave way to those she truly wished to forget. The first meeting with the dashing elf that would steal Tala away from her. The deterioration of their relationship that had ended on a cold night when Tala threw her stone back, in a fit of rage at Rith's pleadings and left to join her new love. Watching them together from afar and in secret, forever the outsider now.

The final memory, the one she could least bear and yet the last she had of her love. Returning from a long journey she had been confronted by an enraged Tala. The horrible accusations still cut her to her very core. Murderer! Vilest of all creatures! How many others? Too many. She had not even been told of what she was being accused before Tala cursed her name. She had been found guilty without even being allowed to know what charges she was expected to defend herself from. Her stunned silence was taken as proof of her guilt and Rith had fled when her once love actually drew her sword and prepared to attack.

Years later on a cold morning she had awakened to the certain knowledge that Tala no longer lived. She knew not how she knew, but she did. As the other Firstwalkers took to sleep she would know they were gone too, but Tala was the first and so none of them had been prepared for it. Such pain and emptiness were unbearable and for a while she considered killing herself. She had hidden from these memories, hidden from the sight of men and elves.

Now a small snow elf on an insane quest had wakened them. Wakened within her something she thought long dead. Never had she thought to love again. Now she was repeating past mistakes, allowing the small ranger to go to her death. It was so hopeless.

The stone she wore round her neck pulsed with light and pulled Rith from the horrible memories. There was no hope for her love, but she could make some small amends for her past. Perhaps. She stood suddenly and snatched up her bow. It was twilight outside, but she did not dare wait for morning. She set out into the semidarkness, leaving the cabin a shambles, unaware of the damage she had caused in her fit of remorse.

Two days in the snow and cold had sapped her vitality more than they would have before meeting Rith. Tal could not say if that was because of her wounds, the long days of inactivity or the crushing loneliness. With only the eyes of Snowclaw to guide her she had finally found a set of tracks. They were fresh and led off into a deep grove of fir trees. The little eagle fluttered to her wrist and began to speak. Tal listened and smiled. He could see nothing through the tightly laced boughs and was against her going in after the beast. Tal and the eagle had a short argument, but he seemed to understand her urgency and relented, returning to the skies to watch over her and hopefully alert her of danger.

Tal drew her sword and plunged into the darkness beneath the trees. It was eerily silent, the snow and needles on the ground muffled even her footfalls. The trees grew closer together as she approached the heart of the grove and the tracks became so fresh that she could make an estimation of the creature's size. This one was not as big as the first she followed, but it was still enormous. Tal stepped into a small clearing and froze in place. Her prey stood before her. It seemed to sense her and reared up on its hind legs and snarled.

The Sha'logan charged and Tal set her feet to meet it. Even though she knew it was coming, the beast's speed surprised her and it was upon her before she was ready. Her blade descended in a deadly arc, but the Sha'logan was inside her guard and the blow merely glanced from its shoulder rather than splitting its skull. Tal was spun around by the impetus of the creatures charge and barely kept her feet. She could feel blood on her side and knew she had not totally evaded the claws, but she could not take the time to examine her wounds because the creature turned and charged again.

This time Tal was set, with her back to a large fir tree. She waited until the last possible second and threw herself out of the creature's path. Unable to cut that sharply he barreled on, striking his head against the tree with such force she heard it splinter under the impact. Tal leapt towards the stunned creature and brought her blade down two handed, with all the force in her small frame. The longsword whistled through the crisp air, the sun rippled on the polished bladed like fire, but it shattered like an icicle when it smote the beast's head.

Tal had only moments to register what had happened before a backwards blow of the creature's huge paw sent her sprawling into the snow. Lights danced in her head and time seemed to slow. The monster loomed over her now, blotting out the sun and she heard Snowclaw's warning scream. She knew she needed to move, to escape, but suddenly the melancholy that had seized her in the cabin crystallized into a certain knowledge that she no longer wanted to live. Best to pass here than to go on for ages alone and miserable. She sighed and closed her eyes and a soft smile graced her lips.

The monsters triumphant growl turned to a feral scream of pain in an instant. Tal opened her eyes to find it jumping madly around the clearing swatting at a smoldering arrow buried in its shoulder. Across the clearing Rith stood, bow in hand. She calmly drew another arrow and called out a single word before she released, the arrow burst into flame before striking the beast. It howled in animalistic rage and charged the tall woman, totally forgetting Tal in its blind need to reach its tormentor.

Rith dropped her bow and drew the strange curved sword. She spoke again in a commanding voice and the blade came alive with fire. The creature saw the flames and tried to halt its mad rush, but it was too late. The Firstwalker pirouetted out of its path and brought the blade down in a whistling arch that neatly sheared the creature's head from its neck.

"Are you all right?" Rith called as she ran to Tal.

"Yes, I am fine," the small elf said weakly.

"Fine my arse, you're a bloody mess," Rith groused, but Tal could see the relief flood her features as she examined the wounds. Rith dressed them quickly and expertly with dressings from the pouch she wore over her shoulder. Once done she stood and moved to the carcass of the Sha'logan.

Tal watched as Rith removed a strange crystal globe from her pouch and set it carefully upon the snow. It was perfectly round and so clear Tal had to look several times to make sure it was still there. The dark haired woman stood and then plunged the flaming sword into the creature's body. She seemed to be opening its chest cavity and after some work removed its black heart. A disgusting greenish black ichor dripped from the steaming organ. Rith's face showed disgust, but she placed the heart atop the orb and began to chant in a language that was unfamiliar to Tal. As the elf watched fascinated the organ slowly sank into the orb until it was totally encased in the clear crystal. Rith stopped chanting and wiped her brow with the back of her sleeve. She placed the orb back in her pouch and returned to Tal's side.

The Firstwalker gently brushed Tal's hair back and seemed on the verge of speaking, but her face hardened. She placed the pouch on the ground next to the elf and then sheathed her sword.

"Here is your prize. Your wounds are not deep, leave now and do not return," she said. Tal was speechless and could only watch mutely as the woman walked away and disappeared into the gloom under the trees.

Dei' Nolan Aviandore was excited to see her and had many questions about all she had seen and done when she returned to Hoarfast. Tal'Marin gave him an accurate account, but omitted the cabin and the Firstwalker. For some reason she could not bring herself to think of Rith without great pain and tears. Her anger had passed long before she left the cold forests and high plateaus of Freyareth. It had been replaced by a sense of emptiness and loss that seemed unplumbable and left her feeling like a shell of her former self with a great empty black void in her center. When she had finished her narrative Dei had the servants bring in wine and sat back.

"You have done well, better than any could have expected. I know you would have done this for T'Larin without any hesitation, but I have offered a fine reward for each of the components. You have but to name what you desire and if it is in my power I will have it for you,"

"Dei, what do you know of the Firstwalkers?

"Where did you hear of them?" he asked, suddenly he seemed very intense, his stare boring into her, but he relaxed and went on before she could answer.

"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, you are well traveled and have had dealings with many queer folk. Only a few of us, those in the very highest circles of the Schools of Magic know their tale. It is forbidden to discuss them with laymen, but in your case I will make an exception," he said.

"Thank you."

"The Firstwalkers are the living embodiment of the elements of the planet. Their origins are unknown, but some say they are gods, others, that they do not exist at all, and some few that they are the source stone of magic and when the last ceases to be, magic and all that has been created with it will crumble. There were eight of them, one for each element of the universe. That is the general knowledge,"

"Tell me of Da'Rithnial Chalandor," she asked. Dei started as if a bee had stung him.

"Speak not that name aloud!" He shouted. Guards rushed into the room, scanning for some hidden assassin. Dei's face was ashen and he seemed to be fighting some terrible battle of wills, but at last he sighed heavily and dismissed the guards. His eyes returned to Tal, no longer did he look at her with just the brotherly love she had come to expect, his eyes now held respect that they never had before.

"You have authentic knowledge, be very careful with it. The true names of the first walkers are known only to a handful of the most powerful mages. Calling upon one by name can grant extreme power, but there is a price to pay for it. I will use the shortened forms which hold no power, for me to call them by their true names or to even hear them invoked in my presence invites disaster.

What I tell you now must not go beyond the walls of this room. A strange request, considering what I tell you is not even known to be factual. Actual contemporary writings about the Firstwalkers are prizes that wizards fight deadly duels over. It is a branch of lore that interests me, but not one I am willing to risk my life over, so what I know can best be described as educated conjecture. Do I have your word that nothing said here leaves this room?"

When Tal nodded he sat back, sipped his wine and then started speaking again.

"The story of Rith is long and tragic. She is the embodiment of Fire in all its forms. Hot blooded, fiery tempered, and a temptress as well as guardian of the hearth and keeper of the flame that burns within each of us. She fell in love with her sister Tala whose element is light. For ages they were inseparable but eventually Tala saw the error of her ways and fell in love with an elf. So long ago was this that his name is unrecorded and even his tribe is disputed hotly. My personal opinion is that he was a sylvan elf. Tala was the patron spirit of the fearie folk and the sylvan elves have many of their characteristics. Tala and this Elf had many children and Rith, true to her nature was insanely jealous. One night while Tala was away with the children their house caught fire and her husband was consumed. Tala accused Rith and she of course denied any involvement. Tala refused to believe it and cursed her name. Rith was crushed, she wandered away on long lonely paths that none have trodden since.

Tala repented of her words and deeds when it was discovered that her lover had been performing a summoning of a fire elemental and apparently he failed to take all the necessary precautions. By this time Rith was gone and Tala realized what she had done. She tried desperately to find Rith and apologize, but she never succeeded. Her grief and regret overwhelmed her and on a sunny day she ascended to the top of Tiargas. This peak is the tallest in the Spine of the World chain and the sun never wholly sets on it. There she lay down and slept, returning to the light that she was made of. Since that time light has been a weaker force in the world.

Rith has not been seen since, unless you accept the tales of some travelers lost in the cold wastes of being rescued from freezing by a beautiful elfin woman with red skin. That is all of her story I know. I can tell you she is still awake and walking the earth somewhere, for the power of fire magic still waxes strong. When the Firstwalker for a form sleeps that form becomes less potent unless you have a focus. But now I have left history lessons and begun on practical application. I know you have no interest in that,"

"She loved and was abandoned then betrayed," Tal said quietly. The words were for herself but Dei heard them and went on.

"Yes, but she is the embodiment of fire, and that inner fire kept her from choosing to abandon the world."

"I will name as my reward a sitting with Glendica," Tal said.

"Gods help me, my pockets are not that deep!" Dei protested with a hearty laugh. Glendica was the most sought after and thus the most expensive seamstress in all of Hoarfast. Her designs were lovely, but also intended to catch the eye of men. Tal was sure Dei' was wondering what elf had finally caught the eye of the ice maiden, but he was far too polite to ask.

Tal'marin set out from Hoarfast two months later on the first day of spring. She rode a black mare named Heidle and lead two pack ponies. All of her worldly possessions were on those ponies. She was taking a big risk, but she hoped against hope that the reward would be worth it. Even if she knew for certain she would fail she would have tried. Her heart had given her no peace since the day she walked away from Rith's cabin. Long nights of self-pleasure while dreaming of the Firstwalker had only increased her hunger and loneliness. Orgasms she could achieve quite easily, but they were so weak and pale compared to the explosions Rith had given her. Even worse was the lack of someone to curl up with and talk to in the afterglow. That she missed far more than the intensity.

The weeks alone gave her more time to think, more time to realize she was hopelessly in love. As she came closer she began to doubt herself and her purpose. Nothing seemed familiar to her and were it not for the unerring guidance of Snowclaw she would have never found the cozy cabin again. She was so scared of what she was doing she wondered if her subconscious were not leading her astray in an effort to avoid the terrible exposure of her inner feelings. She knew that she risked more than she would have ever admitted to anyone in this.

She reached the cabin in the early morning. As she had expected there was no sign of life, Rith was an early riser and while it was her home, Tal'Marin suspected it was also her prison. Tal stripped off her travel stained garments and carefully washed in the bitterly cold mountain stream near the cabin. Once she had washed the grime and stench of travel from her body she rose from the stream to quickly and thoroughly dry herself. From the carefully wrapped packages she removed her reward and dressed. More than anything she wished she had a mirror. No, that wasn't true, what she really wanted was to have this over with, hopefully to the good, but the suspense was killing her.

She made her way to the cabin and knocked hesitantly. No response. She breathed a sigh of relief and let herself in. Tal'marin was shocked. The place was a wreck, rotting food, buzzing flies, broken knick knacks. The bed had not been made or slept in as far as she could tell from the day she left. Tal sighed and went back to her horse. She got out her stockings and an old shirt and stripped right there. Once dressed for work she walked back in and grabbed the broom.

The labor was backbreaking and tiresome. She began by dragging out everything in the cabin. She opened the windows and door to let the chill air clear out the noisome stench that clung to every corner. Next she built a fire and added fir boughs to it, for their pleasant aroma. Often times she was sick from the smells of rotted food and other things. By evening she pulled the furniture back in and started setting the place up again. Tal wiped her brow and collected her bow from the saddle horn. She killed a deer and by the time darkness fell the cabin smelled of fir trees and freshly cooked venison. Tal sat quietly in her new gown. Time seemed to drag on into the endless twilight.

The door crashed inwards and Tal's head shot up from the table where she had fallen asleep. She found herself looking down the shaft of a drawn arrow into angry red eyes. Those eyes registered shock, then confusion. Rith relaxed her grip and the bowstring slowly returned to normal, the arrow hanging limply in her fingers.

"Tal?" she asked. The tone of her voice was so lost, so lonely and confused that Tal rose and moved towards her. She wished only to hug the Firstwalker and comfort her at that moment.

"Stop!" the Firstwalker commanded drawing the arrow again. Tal froze in mid step.

"Why are you here?" Rith asked. Her voice seemed to be trying to hold menace, but to Tal it sounded lonely and afraid.

"I...I don't know. I missed you, couldn't get you out of my mind. I feel like a part of me never left here and I am incomplete without it."

"What part of you?" Rith asked suspiciously.

"My heart," Tal'Marin said as tears began to flow down her cheeks.

Rith lowered her weapon again. She seemed to desperately want to believe it, but at the same time she seemed torn by doubt. With her anger abating she noticed Tal'Marin's clothes for the first time.

Tal'Marin wore a gown of purest silk. The skirt was a sky blue with tiny gemstones worked into the fabric that shone like stars. The underskirt was a violet satin and where it showed at her ankles it seemed like the twilight overtaking the sky as night fell. Beneath the skirt several petticoats stiffened the skirt so it fell in a semi bell shape. The bodice was of purest white and barely covered her chest. The gown was strapless and left her shoulders bare. Her long blonde hair was twined into a double braid and hung over her shoulder. Around her neck was a satin choker of azure blue. All of the colors set off her naturally pale skin and eyes which now sparkled with tears.

She was a vision of loveliness and it did not fail to send the Firstwalker's heart racing. Without a word the proud Firstwalker turned and stalked out into the night. Tal'Marin sat down and cried. Everything had been for naught. In her heart she knew this would happen, she was not destined to have anyone. Yet, she bemoaned her cruel fate, for now she had found the woman who she loved and that woman did not even wish to be in the same room with her. Crying was cathartic and once the tears ceased she made up her mind to leave at once. If she could not be a part of Rith's life then she knew she had to get away, get far away. She would go south, so far south that there would be no ice, no snow, no firs, nothing to remind her of Rith. Even as the decision crystallized into action the door opened and her head lifted.

Rith stood there in a simple dress of white doeskin. It fell to just below her knees with a scoop neck and long sleeves. Her boots were also of soft leather and her red skin stood out in relief. Her long black tresses were piled high on her head and held there by a comb of ivory. Tal'Marin had never seen anything as breathtakingly lovely in all her life.

"I'm sorry I left so abruptly, I guess I haven't been taking care of myself lately and.well I needed a bath," she said with a sheepish smile.

Tal felt hope rise again in her breast, but she fought it. Now that she had decided to close her heart she feared opening it again.

"Dinner smells good, can we eat now?" Rith asked. She seemed embarrassed or at least nervous, but Tal could not tell exactly what emotions she saw in the woman's beautiful face.

Tal nodded, still not trusting her voice. Rith closed the door behind herself and Tal served the venison steaks she had prepared. They ate in silence, many times it seemed Rith started to speak and stopped herself. Tal started to say something on several occasions too, but in the end neither managed to say a word. When they were done eating Tal put the plates into the bucket by the counter and joined Rith on the rug before the fireplace.

The fire crackled and popped and for a long time they sat in silence. Tal stole peeks at the Firstwalker, admiring the way the firelight seemed to play on her supple skin. She occasionally caught Rith stealing glances as well. At last Rith seemed to reach some inner decision and spoke.

"Why have you come back?"

"I told you,"

"No, you did not. Tell me now, in simple words. Why have you returned?"

"Rith, don't make me say it," Tal said coloring furiously.

"Tell me, little one," she said in a voice barely above a whisper.

"I love you," Tal said. Her heart was hammering in her chest and she waited for the rejection she knew was coming.

"No one can love me," Rith said bitterly.

"Oh Rith, please. I am not Tala, I am myself and I can love you and do, desperately. Will you send me away again? If you do I will never trouble you again," Tal said as tears flowed again.

"Tears? From an Elf? Tis indeed strange. Perhaps you really do love me, perhaps even as much as I love you."

"You? Love me?" Tal whispered, scarcely daring to believe the words.

"Yes little one, I have loved you. From the day I tore that monster off you and carried you here I have lusted after you. Your body is so soft, so beautiful. I told myself I could make love to you once, that I needed it and so did you, but. the more you were near, the more I realized I had not just loved you, I had given my heart to you. Your gentleness, kindness, all about you is wonderful to me. I had to make you go, make you leave before I gave in completely to the desire to have you for my own. I have no right to that, I must ever stay here, in this frozen hell, until my brother is vanquished."

"We will free you together," Tal said as she slipped her hand into the Firstwalker's.

The Firstwalker smiled and brought Tal's hand to her lips. She kissed the palm and then sucked a finger into her mouth, sucking hard she swirled her tongue around the digit. Tal gasped; she had waited so long for that caress.

"And what else do you want?"

"Rith, please, I'm on fire," Tal pleaded

"On fire? Listen to yourself, you sound like a strumpet. Is that what you are? Are you my little strumpet?" Rith asked teasingly. Her lips returned to Tal's palm and as her tongue caressed her as those smoldering eyes held the elf's.

"Yesssssssss, I am your strumpet. take me please, I have missed you so much!"

Rith stood fluidly and caught the hem of her dress with both hands. The Firstwalker slowly pulled it over her head and tossed the dress aside with a flourish. Beneath it she was totally nude and Tal's eyes drank in her beauty like a man lost in the desert drinks in the cool water of an unexpected oasis. Her red skin seemed to dance in the firelight, capturing the flickering light and transposing its movement onto her very skin. Her breasts were impossibly lovely, beautifully sculpted and proud. They drooped slightly, not from any lack of firmness, but simply because of their weight. The nipples stood out, fiery red and thick. Rith's mound was covered in a forest of fine black curls. Tal wondered how she could have failed to notice it before, it was utterly strange to her, but fascinating. The lips that peeked out were also red, a deep red that she could not equate to anything she had ever seen before.

Rith smiled down on her and then laughed. She extended her hands and when Tal took them she pulled the elf to her feet. Rith's soft lips pressed against her own, the Firstwalker's tongue gently teasing, begging entrance to her sweet mouth, but not forcing itself in. Tal's lips parted and Rith's tongue explored her mouth, searching her teeth, her tongue, the roof and walls, gently ravishing her mouth until Tal's breath was coming in gasps.

When the kiss broke Tal stood there with her eyes closed and her lips still parted. Rith stood back and shook her head, almost like she needed to clear it after a blow. Rith moved silently to her bed and returned with a necklace in her hand. It was a simple leather band, but gleaming in the center was Tala's stone. Rith nodded towards her head and Tal lifted her hair up with her eyes wide. Rith fastened the necklace around the elf's long neck. The jewel settled at the nape of her neck and it seemed to Rith that a soft light emanated from it, casting the elf's features in soft white light.

"Gods, you are exquisite," Rith said shaking her head again. With a single fluid motion she scooped Tal up into her arms and carried her to the bed. She gently laid the petite elf down and fell on top of her. Soon their lips were locked again and Tal was kissing back passionately, her own tongue darting into Rith's mouth. The Firstwalker's mouth was hot and tasted of cinnamon; a kind of warmth that soon had her tongue tingling. The sensation was strange to her but vaguely familiar, it was almost like her mouth felt when she tasted strong drink. Rith's hands slid down her sides to her hips and back up, the caresses even more sensuous through the light material than Tal could have dreamed.

Rith broke the kiss and stared down at her. For a long time no words were exchanged, but so much was said in that long interval. Tal could almost see the depth of Rith's feelings in her eyes and she felt certain Rith could see those feelings mirrored in her own. There was so much love in those eyes, and yet also a powerful hunger. Tal felt the same hunger, the same driving need. More acutely than she could have ever described with words, she needed Rith's caress.

Rith rolled off her suddenly and pulled a pillow behind her head. She then pulled Tal on top of her and the kissing began again, there was a new tenor to it now, an aggressiveness and urgency that had been lacking before. Tal felt Rith's hands move to the back of her bodice and begin to undo the many ties that held it in place. Eventually she felt a lessening of the pressure on her sides and the warmth of the cabin on her back. Tal knew that there were only a couple of ties left and even as she thought it Rith's nimble hands undid them.

The sides of the bodice fell and lay trapped between their bodies. Rith caught it with one hand and pulled it from between them. Tal raised her self slightly and when she settled back her skin was touching that of her lover. Rith's skin was soft, smooth and warm, warmer than she could rationally explain. The elf's hard little nipples were pressed into the fleshy undersides of Rith's breasts and every time the Firstwalker moved that delightful skin dragged over her nipples sending waves of pleasure into Tal's body. Rith's hands moved to her hips, but the complex ties, and the surprise she wore underneath the stiff petticoats frustrated the Firstwalker.

"Take those damned skirts off," Rith finally grunted in frustration. Tal had to smile as she forced herself up and stood before her lover. Knowing the secret to the skirts allowed her to quickly remove them, but she decided to tease her lover a little. First she released the silk over skirt and wiggled out of it. The dark indigo of her under skirt shown in the subdued light and Tal felt a quiver of happiness when Rith licked her lips.

As the underskirt skid down the layers of stiff linen petticoats were revealed. These came off one by one until only the final underskirt remained. Tal undid it, but held it up for a few moments before she let it drop. She stood now wearing only the garment Glendica had created for her. It was much like a pair of pantaloons. They were trimmed in ruffled lace they hugged her hips, stopping just short of her knees in another forest of lace ruffles. The fabric was satin and colored in a rich vibrant blue that seemed to bring out the slightly blue coloring in her nipples and sex. The crotch was open to allow her lover to view her charms, but framed by more pale blue ruffles. Glendica was famous for her clothing designed to entice males to lust, Tal held her breath and hoped the effect on Rith would be similar.

The Firstwalker was staring at her, the red eyes luminous in the firelight. Her nostrils flared and her tongue again made a slow circuit of her lips causing Tal to shiver. With a sudden lunge Rith grabbed Tal and pulled her back to the bed on top of her. They both broke into laughter as Tal situated herself and sat up. Her legs were astride the Firstwalker's thighs, allowing for an unobstructed view of her charms.

"Where on earth did you get this?" Rith asked, as her hands gently fingered the smooth material that covered Tal's hips like a second skin.

"I had it made, just for you, my reward for returning with the heart. I had hoped you would like them," Tal said. She found herself blushing and suddenly shy.

"Like? I love them. You used your reward for this? Just to please me?" Rith asked, her voice filled with wonder.

"Yes," Tal said simply.

Rith's hands slipped into the opening at her crotch to gently caress Tal's already damp lips. The sensation sent shockwaves through her body, she had wanted this for so long now it seemed. Rith smiled up at her.

"Are you sure this is what you want Tal'Marin? I must stay here, you have seen what would be unleashed upon the world were I to leave."

"I know only that I love you Rith. Nowhere in the world can ever be beautiful to me if you are not there."

"Then I shall love you, with all that is me," Rith said and slipped a finger into Tal's tight channel. She slowly worked her finger back and forth, in and out, making occasional circular motions until the small elf was moaning. Rith was shuddering herself. She had dreamed of nothing but the snow elf since she had let her walk away. Rith could not find pleasure alone. Her nature was fire and the fire of passion could only burn when there were two hearts involved. At their only coupling she had given pleasure only, taking her enjoyment from the elf's orgasms. Now her pussy demanded attention and it was all she could do to concentrate on the elf's slit.

More than anything she wanted to spin Tal around and bury her face in that soft warm furrow while feeling the delight of the elf doing the same. Rith was well experienced in the art of love between women but she realized Tal was not. She did not know if the snow Elf would reciprocate and she had no intention of forcing the small woman to do something she wasn't ready for.

The Firstwalker fought down her impatience and began a through investigation of the snow elf's sex. Her fingers gently explored the elf's tight channel, feeling the silky walls envelope her finger. Pressing deeper she met with unexpected resistance. A quick glance showed the discomfort on Tal's face and Rith eased back. It had been a very long time, but she could not remember Tala's juices being so slick or her flesh so soft. Nothing about the elf maid was like her first love, but she was sure it was right. The Elf was approaching an orgasm as Rith's gentle exploration slowly worked her towards bliss. The soft satin that covered her thighs felt exquisite where it made contact with Rith's skin. Rith's questing fingers found only the texture of heated silk and the subtle musk of Tal's arousal filled the room.

Thinking of Tala brought a flood of memories back to Rith. Some were wonderful, others terrible and yet all were precious to her. She realized she was giving her love to another and she wondered how Tala would feel about that. Almost as if in response the white jewel shimmered once. Tal did not see it, her eyes were tightly closed and she was already seeing lights swirling behind her tightly closed lids as her orgasm approached. Rith did see it, she saw it and somehow understood what it meant. Tala was giving her blessing to their union. All reservation left the Firstwalker then, all the questions were answered, and she opened her heart fully and let the love that had lain there dormant for so many ages burst out.

She drove a second finger into the elf's tight passage and began to wildly thrust into her while her thumb pressed tightly against Tal's erect bud. The elf's soft moans turned to sharp barks of pleasure and with breathtaking suddenness her body spasmed. Rith did not slow until Tal collapsed on her chest. She withdrew her hand and wrapped the elf up in an embrace. For a long while they lay there. When Tal's eyes fluttered open she found herself staring into Rith's. The intensity of emotion she saw in those flaming eyes caused her to flush.

Rith wanted her, wanted her in a way she had never wanted anything before. She wanted to taste her, to posses herself of all of the elf's charms. More than anything she wanted release, it had been too long, but still the question of how Tal would react to such an advance lingered. Rith decided to pursue this cautiously, but she was dying to taste the elf again.

When Tal sat back up Rith raised her legs and placing them on the mattress pushed up her hips. She simultaneously slipped her hands between the elf's thighs and pulled her forward. Tal seemed unsure of what was wanted but scooted forward, until she was kneeling over Rith's face. The Firstwalker's hands held the soft half moons of her ass and pulled her down. Tal hesitantly pushed her knees out wards until she felt her pussy settle onto the Firstwalker's lips, chin and nose. She jumped at the contact, but Rith's hands had slipped to her hips and pulled her back down. Rith's tongue began by teasing the entrance to her channel. Tal could barely contain herself, her body was so sensitive after her recent orgasm. She closed her eyes and concentrated, allowing herself to imagine exactly what the Firstwalker was doing, matching a mental image to the feelings that she was experiencing. As Rith's tongue moved up along the sensitive inner folds of her pussy Tal began to wiggle, she tried not to, but the sensations seemed to shoot straight through her to her spine and staying still was quickly becoming an impossibility.

Rith seemed to be taking her time and enjoying Tal's moans and cries. By the time the raven-haired beauty reached her straining clit Tal was moaning constantly. The first contact of that soft warm tongue on her bud caused Tal's hips to begin to undulate. She wasn't sure what to do, but she realized quickly that trying to stop her bucking hips was as futile as trying to control her heart rate or breathing. She fell forward on her hands, but Rith's strong hands kept her soaked pussy right where it was. Her breasts swayed gently as her body rocked and the sensations gathered force within her body. Unable to break contact from that subtly maddening tongue she abandoned all reason and gave in. The rising tide of tension and pleasure quickly reached a peak when Rith sucked on her clit and gently bit down on it. The wildly fluttering tongue was almost relegated to the back of her mind as her orgasm crashed in on her.

Once again fire burned through her veins, seeming to touch every nerve ending at once. The first time it had been a wild ride, so totally undreamed of that it has seemed almost an assault. Now she was experienced and rather than fight it she simply rode the rising tide, floating unfettered in the eye of the hurricane of sensation. Vaguely aware of her surroundings she rolled off Rith when the Firstwalker's hands seemed to be less tightly gripping her hips. She curled up into a fetal position and felt the delicious relaxation that came after such a powerful orgasm wash over her.

If she thought that was the end of the evening's festivities she was shocked out of such a delusion by Rith's lips on her own. Her lips parted instantly and she was suddenly aware of her own taste upon the Firstwalkers lips. Her eyes shot open in surprise. Rith's face glistened in the firelight, and Tal blushed even as she kissed back when she realized that the Firstwalker's face was coated in her juices. The kiss deepened and became more passionate and the small elf wondered what Rith's juices tasted like. When the kiss broke the Firstwalker was staring intently at her. Tal blushed again, but couldn't find the words to ask.

Rith held her close and rolled over so that Tal was once again upon her lover's body. Rith was dying now, her body thrumming with pent up need. She still did not want to push the little elf. They kissed again and when it broke Tal unconsciously licked her lips, that was just too much for Rith to take. Rith's own nature betrayed her caution, the fiery lust and need that were upon her seemed to burn out reason and she rolled over tossing the elf onto her back.

Rith kissed her nose then turned her body and tossed her leg over the elf's head. She ended up straddling Tal's head with her face just above the elf's pussy. Rith marveled at the elf woman's smooth mound. The lips were a delicate almost translucent shade with only the merest hint of blue. They reminded the Firstwalker of icicles frozen in a wintry waterfall. They now gaped open and the even more delicately pigmented inner lips and folds were visible. All was covered in the clear, fragrant juice that Rith already knew tasted like honeysuckle. She licked her lips and began to gently lap at the girl's lips.

Tal was in heaven. Rith's tongue was driving her towards another one of those shattering orgams she had experienced the first time. This would not be like the previous one, she could tell by the tightening in her loins it was going to be one of those that left her doubting her sanity. Rather than fear it as she once would have she looked forward to it, that was one of the things she had missed so much. When Rith's tongue slipped between her outer lips Tal's eyes shot open. At first they refused to focus but when they did she was enthralled.

Rith's pussy floated a few inches above her face. The red lips were pouting open and the incredibly rich aroma impressed upon her senses. She could see the Firstwalker's juices glistening upon her lips and she wondered what it tasted like again. The question lingered even when she felt Rith's finger slide into her and her attention momentarily shifted totally to her own pussy.

Tal's mind returned to the beautiful sight hovering so tantalizingly close. Her arms slipped up around Rith's hips. At first she merely stroked the soft skin, but a thought was building in her mind, unvoiced yet to her consciousness, but building in intensity as surely as the storm between her legs was gathering force. Suddenly it became clear, in the same instant she hesitantly pulled downwards on Rith's thighs. Her gentle tug met with no resistance, almost as if Rith had been waiting for it and the Firstwalker's pussy settled onto her face.

Tal tentatively stuck her tongue out and immediately Rith's flavor filled her mouth. The flavor was like cinnamon and honey, but far sweeter than either of them. Not exactly sure what to do she simply began to mimic Rith's action on her own pussy. At first she simply slipped her tongue along the warm slit, but soon she began to feel the responses in her lover's behind and hips and realized somethings felt better than others. She quickly found the Firstwalker's clit and attacked it with her tongue; she was rewarded with a moan and Rith lashing her own clit in response. Neither could stand this level of stimulation for long. Tal fought her own orgasm as long as she could, but it broke over her in an irresistible wave. Rith seemed to let go as soon as she felt Tal's body stiffen and the small elf found herself nearly drowning in the Firstwalker's juices. Her mouth was open as she screeched through her own orgasm and before she could gain control of her senses her face was coated in Rith's spendings.

Her own hips were still bucking, but as they slowed Rith squirmed around and enfolded her in those strong arms. They kissed again, no longer was passion the master, but the kiss deep and meaningful, nonetheless. Tal curled up in Rith's arms and they talked for hours, nothing of any consequence, just idle talking to hear and revel in each other's voice and closeness.

A month had passed since that fateful night where Tal risked everything for love. Rith stayed closer to home now and Tal had become the de facto wife of the house. While she still journeyed with Rith to see the many wonders around them, she found herself happier to stay at the cabin and be waiting when Rith got in. For a ranger she had become far more sedentary than she could ever have imagined, cooking, cleaning and keeping the cabin neat as pin.

The sex was still addictively intense, but lately Rith had begun to talk of claiming her as her own. All this centered on some magic device that would allow Rith to act as a man in their bed, whatever that meant. Tal didn't find the idea very appealing and doubted such a fanciful artifact even existed, but Rith was sure that it did. She tried to steer her lover's imagination to other areas, but soon she would be on a journey to find this magic artifact.

But that, as they say, is another story.