black romance

                                                Black Romance



                With a swift swing, I drove my hammer into his chest, and sent him flying back. They come into surround me, so I charged. I held my hammer high above my head as I ran. I seen one coming at me in the corner of my eye but I did not change course. His sword swung, but I jumped. I flew at my prey with deep hatred, I narrowed in. I dropped down closer and swung my great hammer. I lain my mark on his head and snapped his neck, with force my arm jerked to the side as I hit the ground and rolled to my feet. My stance was ready to spring, I waited for them. One man charged me, then another, and another. I ripped my hand from the ground and griped my blade as I ran at them. My blood boiled, rage took forth. I yanked out my sword harshly and crossed my arms as I bolted at them. I swung my sword, then the hammer, and kept flailing arms as I went through the mob. My eyes burned a hellish craze, my heart pumped to a molten fury. Their blood splattered me and I devoured up every drip. Crisscrossing arms with a slash and smash every move. One left, I sheathed my blade and gripped my hammer tight and drew it high to the sky as if it were Lord Thor himself. With great power my hammer dropped like lightning to the ground, as it drove into him. Crackling noises of the bones breaking and screams of horrible agony emit from the field like the thunder of the storm. "Meet the goddess of storm, and tremble before my mightiness." My rage is intense; nothing will stand in my way of getting her back. My heart pounded loud, drowning out everything around me. My breathing was hard and heavy. The scent was putrid yet sweet, everything was dead quiet. The whisper of an arrow brushed my ear. I turned to see a Calvary of archers and soldiers. Before I knew it, a row of arrows came rushing at me. I tried to dodge them but one hit me, then another, then I dropped. Everything is getting dark, everything is getting cold. The coat of pain began to numb to nothing my veins turned ice and went frigid, getting darker getting colder, getting tired, I'm done, its over.



            I woke up wet and frozen. My heart raced and my breathing was deep and course. I looked around in panicked trying to grasp for breath. That dream, that day, what happened that day? Why am I still alive? I died, how am I still alive?



            The sky shinned silver with her blessing, and star fire that lined the lengths of the heavens. She ran the depths of my mind, I longed for her soft caress of nirvana, and to once again know the pleasure-filled touch of her lips, so delicate and sweet. I crave to gaze into those beautiful jade eyes of hers, and hold her tight, breast-to-breast. I will go to all lengths to get her back. I would rather be dead then live without my sweet Triana. I swear to the gods she will be mine again, when I have the bastard dead before our feet. Blood will reign in my conquest for her.

            The night was muggy warm and sticky sweet. The grass was damp and stagnant with the perfumed scent of lunar flowers that glow a pale blue to the silver moon. The smell was refreshing and sweet, I wanted to roll all over it and smoother myself in her essence. The night grew hotter as the moon went by. Sweat dripped down my neck and met with the sweet moons dew, when I forced myself down. It swarmed me with passionate arousal, I tingle with desire. Her essence of lust, I would lick it off her inch by inch. I would devour her with intensity, and fill her desire same as mine. Hands clamped her back and head, arms wrapped. Bites and moans as I nibbled her neck, teasing with fangs sharp enough to pierce flesh. Breathing gets short and heavy, laced with passion. Hands slowly trailing down her shoulders to her back and to her hips, tracing her delicate curves down. I bite down harder with the taste of blood. She screams with sweet desire, and her nails dig into my back tight. Fangs unlock and I drink her up. Her sweet nectar of life, its taste is pungent with desire. Her grip gets tighter as I plunge my fangs farther and screams rise up. Nails slowly burrowed out as I slowly drew my fangs out of her then pulled my head back. Staring longingly into her eyes, blood drips down my lips before she licked it up, then shoved her tongue into my mouth. She wrapped her arms and pulled my hair as she forced her lips down on mine. My hands reached lower and teased at her skirt. She ran her fingers up my blouse and began to fondle me. Tongues twinned, caught up in the moment of passion that burned intense with our fire. Fingers creep deeper into her skirt. I grabbed her head and pushed my lips harder against hers.gropping and moaning intense and loud for a night of sticky sweet passion.



            The light was bright and burned my eyes as I opened them, I looked around quick but I could not see her. "Damn it was another dream, it seemed so real though." I stood up, wet and sticky, and welcomed the new day. Such a lovely day with new promises ahead, I have a lot more travel, but I will find her, ripping my sword from its' sheath. I lifted my sword and held it high to the sun," I will find you Triana; I will free you from that bastards grip!"



            I followed the path that was much like the paths of every other. Paths that are led by the word and rumor all this time. I could have been going the wrong way and I wouldn't know it. I followed the road that ran so long, through horizons of similar planes. My weary eyes grew more cheerful as I arrived upon a city. It was bright and cherry with strange colored buildings and people that wore very unusual, bright-colored, loose-fitting clothes. I felt like an outcast walking through here in my dark apparel, women walked by wearing wide, colorful skirts and loose blouses. These people dress a style I never seen before. This town is strange to me, and so festive and joyous. It is a town of nature, houses made of giant mushrooms and trees and weird colored bricks. I walked down a path lined with bright stones that led further into the town. It was a sight of splendor as I walked down the path, all kinds of plants and flowers that aroused the curiosity. The aroma of the area was an orgasm of delight. Butterflies fluttered everywhere and birds chirped their joyous tune to the brilliant life of the day. The path led closer and closer to the whimsical tune of lutes and pipes accompanied by harpsichords and the gentle beating of drums. I walked down the vivid path all the way to the city square where I was greeted by the grand melody of a band of musicians. Unknown trees and flowers lined the paths and streets of the city and grass lined every open space of court between every avenue. Men and women walked around baggy tops and flower-like skirts. Girls ran by wearing hooped skirts and bracelets made of Moon Lilies. I walked to the middle of the square, which stood a large statue of a beautiful woman surrounded by flowers. Bordering it is a large pool of water with four fountains surrounding the statue. The water was crystal clear and shinned brilliantly to the sun light.  This city is magnificent; it is like nothing I have ever seen before.



            Tap. Tap. Tap.

            "Hey! Are you lost or something?" I looked back to see the girl who said that to me. She stood at my level, but she would probably be shorter if she took off those unusual looking shoes. She didn't look like many of the people of the city, but it's clear that she is from here. She wore a vivid plate-skirt that resembled the flower-like skirts of the city, and a loose-fitting robe that was vibrant with eye-catching colors. Her top was short covering only the upper part of her torso, her physic was slim and slender yet strong. She gazed at me with inquisitiveness within her dark green eyes. They looked like an old evergreen that hid deep in the woods. She looked at me with big open eyes and a very cheerful smile. "You look very out of place here; your appearance is very dark compared to our style. Where are you from?" "Ravenholt, it's a town far away from here near the Height of Grim. The land there is in darkness basically, nothing like here. The sky there is in blight even on a sunny day. There we wear dark colored clothes; our style is more gothic then whimsical like here. The lack of light there has basically killed all the flowers and plant life you'd see here. Our skin is mainly a deep pale and the climate is normally hot because of the volcanic heat from the mountain. Ravenholt is nothing like this place, this place is so vibrant and pulsating with life." Well that's because this is the City of Bloom, so what brings you way out here?" "A group of people dressed in strange robes and armor kidnapped my love. I swore on the day that she was taken that I would get her back." "Kidnappers! Well I did actually see a group of strange looking people come through here recently, they were with a woman who dressed somewhat like you. They told me she was a fugitive and that they were bounty hunters on their way to make their claim on the bounty. They said they were heading towards Spring Valley." "Okay thanks!" "Wait! The voyage is not easy to get there, I could take you there if you'd like!" "Sure it would be nice to have someone accompany me the way there." Okay, excellent, we'll leave for there tomorrow morning, in the mean time, I could show you around the city. I'm Merielle by the way." Charmed to meet you, I'm Reina."



            Merielle had shown me all around the city and all its beauty. We just left the market square filled with hawking merchants and humble apothecaries. She led me down a lonely road cast away from the market. We walked down the beaten dirt path until we came to an abandoned pathway. She exploded into an excited splendor of vibrant emotions as she grabbed my hand and yanked me down the narrow path. We ran through branches that hung low and grazed skin, until we came to an abandoned meadow filled with magnificent flowers and medicinal plants.

Her grip became lax as we took in the moment of serenity, then she locked my hand to hers again and pulled me further down the way. "We're almost there!" she shouted at me over the sound of running water that got louder as we ran. The ground was soft and loamy, and full of budding plants. We ran the lengths of the meadow until we came to a lake surrounding an island, bordering the lake was many patches aromatic grass. "That's where we're going!" Merielle shouted at me, pointing toward the island.



            "How are we supposed to get there? I don't see any crossing stones or anything we could ford with." "Watch this then", she yelled out dropping my hand from hers. She raised her staff to the sky and shouted out a set of words I have never heard before." Icama Ganz Hein Swill Heltz!" her staff smashed to the ground and it started to glow a dark shade of red. The ground shook and the water rippled quickly. Pillars of rock shot from the water going all the way back to the island. "Come on!" she shouted to me, trembling with joy.  "Let's go Reina!" she yelled as she grabbed my arm and pulled me to the island, skipping stones along the way.



            I sat on the ledge dipping my toes into the still waters of the lake, Merielle sat next to me twirling a blade of grass between her fingers. "So Reina, why'd these people take your friend?" "Hell if I know, but im going to get the bottom of this though. Or else die trying." "Well it's a good thing you have a magician on your side now to help you out." "Triana was a magician too, except she harnessed darkness instead of light. Merielle, why do you want to help me out? I mean what do you have to gain from this?" "I don't really know, it's kind of boring around here, I mean this place is real nice and all, it's just boring." "Listen sweetie this aint no walk in the woods here, you can die!" "Well if I can die then that means that there will be some excitement then!" she turned to me eagerly with a big grin. It seems like Merielle seeks danger, it looks as if we will make a good team.



            Merielle shot up and stamped her staff to the ground. "Let's get going, there's still more to do!" we walked halfway across the pillars when the water started bubbling. "What is that?" Merielle shouted with excitement. The water bubbled more and more until it began to show itself. Out of the azure waters shot an enormous blue tentacle that flew at Merielle. I ripped out my sword, and drew it back far behind my head. It flew closer at her, my hands gripped tight then I swung hard. The tentacle dropped to the ground and writhed on the stone. The beast rose from the depths and popped it head from the water. "What the hell is that thing?" "It's an octopus! Nevertheless, they never get that big! It must be a demon!" Merielle exclaimed to me. Three more tentacles burst from the water and drove right at me. I split one down the middle with my sword but the other two wrapped me. It wrangled its slimy arms around me and pulled me into the water. I tried to free myself enough to slice it but its grip was too strong. The monster forced me up through the water and flung me into the air. I shoved my sword back into its sheath and whipped out my hammer as I fell. "Reinaaaaaaaaaaa!" she screamed out, but I could barely hear her over the cries of the beast. I dropped down falling to its mouth, my hammer was drawn back and ready to smash. I missed the mouth when I fell to the big blue beast, driving my fearsome hammer into its skull. Blood spayed everywhere as the beast was driven into a wild rage. It went crazy, flailing tentacles everywhere. It smacked me against the head and sent me flying into the water. I descended slowly watching the bubbles rise like spirits. I drifted down to the darkness and its getting darker. My eyes are heavy and I cannot breathe. No breath, no life, just darkness. Black out.



            Light crept in slowly and everything was faint. I heard a voice so soft and sweet echoing through my ears as it called my name, "Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeina." the light got bright and the voice got louder,"Reeeeeina! Reeeeeeeeeina! Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeina! Reina!" whose voice is that, whose calling for me? Is it my ancestors? Am I dead? "Reina!" the lights so bright my eyes burned and I forced my eyes open. "Reina!"



                        "Merielle! Is that you?" "Yes! Oh, man! I'm so glad you're alive; I was scared the anti-poison didn't work." "Anti-poison? What happened? Where am I?" "When the octopus hit you it stabbed you with its poisonous needles. I dove in and got you just in time too, you almost drowned down there. You are lucky I got you in time I almost was not able to get all the water out of you; you were so close to death. I was so worried, I was lucky enough to make a potion out on the field out of basic anti-poisons. Then I took you back to my house for you to heal up. I'm so glad you're alive; I was so scared the anti-poisons wouldn't have worked with the octopus poison." "Did I kill it?" yeah im pretty sure that blow to the head killed it, I need to head out there soon to pick it up. That thing must have some kind of magical or alchemic properties to it, and if not then it has to be good roasted." She giggled as she mashed some more herbs up in her mortar. "Here drink this, it'll help with injuries," she said in a peppy voice as she handed me a cup filled with a vibrant blue liquid. The drink was thick but sweet. My mouth went numb and the feeling quickly spread through out my body. My eyes went heavy and my body became weak. Everything faded out then it all went black.



            I woke up shortly after I passed out, still numb from the potion. I looked for the wounds the octopus had left on me, but I found nothing but nearly healed scars. "Damn, those healed nicely I see." I looked the quiet room but found no presence of her. "Merielle!" I cried out still weak from the potion. "Merielle where are you!" I rolled over to the edge of the bed and positioned myself to sit up. "Merielle are you here!" it was hard to stand but I managed to get up and walk to the door. The door opened easily and I found myself in the kitchen. "Merielle!" still nothing. I walked over to the table and sat down. Hmm I guess she is not here, I cannot hear her joyous tune of her humming. I looked down at the table and found a note lying there with a dagger stabbed through it. "Dear Reina, I went to the lake to get the octopus, be back later, Merielle." Hmmm I wonder why she did not want me to go with her. I guess she did not want to wake me. Well im up now maybe I should go give her a hand I bet she could use some extra muscle moving that thing. The walk out there is going to be hell though. I examined the table and seen a potion labeled strength next to the note. I grabbed the glass bottle and gulped down the dark purple liquid. "Ugh! Sick! It is so bitter! "My tongue pulsated as the weakness slowly began to leave. Hmm… I feel so strange," I said as I rose to my feet and clenched my fist. Well I should probably get dressed and head out.



            I walked over to the bed and sat on the edge of it, dragging my armor closer to me. I shot to my feet and slipped off merielles robe, revealing my bareness to the emptiness of the room. I picked up my breastplate and cupped it over my breast then I wrapped the leather straps around my shoulders and latched them in the back. I snagged my plate-lined skirt and slid it on. I strapped on my pualdrons bracers and leg mail then I latched up my steel boots all snug and tight on my feet. I grabbed my horned plated tiara and fitted it securely on my head. Hmm... That is it. I grabbed my sword and strapped it around my waist and I picked up my hammer. All right let us get going.



            I walked down the road to the city square admiring the beautiful sights and fragrant scents. I entered the square where many people were selling potions, herbs, and other goods. "Hey! Yeah you! Would you be interested in buying any potions, healing to mend damages and wounds, or maybe a nice intelligence or speed potion perhaps?" "A speed potion?" "Yeah that's right speed potions. Are you tired of it taking so long to get to your destination? Well a speed potion will get you wherever you need to go in no time at all. You will blow by everyone like a gust of wind with one of these little babies. So how many would you like?" "Hmm... how much are they?" "For one, 50 silver, but if you buy 10 it'll be 300 silvers, just for you cutie." "Hmm... okay ill take 10 then." "Here you are cutie." I thrown the silver down on the stall, ripped the potions out of his hands, and ran. I gulped down a potion, instantly I felt it kicking in. my legs grew stronger and my speed doubled, nearly tripled. I flew through the city like the gale of a tornado. "I'll be there in no time now!"



            I rushed through the once narrow path that has been broadened by tracks of wheels and paws. I bolted through branches and over boulders. My breath is running shorter, my legs are getting slower. I cut my speed and took myself down to a simple run. Not far now I shouted in a panting voice. "Not far now!"



            I ran through the tall grass of the enchanting meadow. The fragrance of floral delight ran strong in the air. The grass was bristled and soft; the touch was pleasant to my skin. I came into view of the lake, I ran closer to the island. The water splashed as she stood on the bridge, and it got more violent as I chased forth. She let out a loud scream as something shot out of the water. "Merielle" I shouted as I narrowed to the lake.



I grabbed a speed potion from the pouch around my waist. I pried off the cap with my thumb and chugged the brilliant yellow liquid. I charged forward with the speed of the gods, and the aggression of a beast that risen from the depths of hell. I smashed the glass bottle to the ground and gripped my hammer that resonated with shear fury and malice, it craved blood.



"Merielle!" "Reina! Its back!" as I got closer I could hear her chanting something but I could not quite make it out. Then out of the depths shot a large blue tentacle, it wrapped around her and pulled her into the waters. "Merielleeeeeeee!"



I screamed with a newfound anger that quickly grew into an intense fiery rage. I clenched my hammer tightly in my hands and rushed at the big blue bastard. My voice was loud and laced with the malicious cry of mayhem. I sprung into the air, and pulled my hammer back far as I glided towards my prey. Quickly I dropped, smashing my bloodthirsty hammer into the skull of the beast. The cerulean monster roared with anguish as I ripped my hammer out of its head. Blood sprayn wildly everywhere, it drenched me in crimson juice. I turned my hammer to its back and forced the giant spike into the head of the creature. Its tentacles thrashed in a crazy manner trying to knock me off. I grasped my hands around the handle snug as I slid down the side of the creature, dragging my hammer all the way down. It threshed and screamed as I yanked the spike from its head. Blood rushed the water filling it sanguine with victory, but the battle is not over yet. I whipped my hammer to the shore and I dove into the spring of blood. I kicked hard through the newly dyed waters, all the way to the bottom. There she is! I grasped the handle of my blade and tore it from my sheath. With one swift thrust of my sword, I cut through the enormous azure arm of the monster. I grabbed the tentacle wrapped around Merielle and ripped it off her. The water was covered red, suns rays shinned through the blood-soaked beauty guiding me to the top. I held her in my arms as I kicked up, she doesn't have much longer down here, I have to hurry , her life is in my hands . She saved my life already; I have to return the favor.



The light came closer, I kicked my legs harder. Almost there girl, don't give up now damn it. I kicked hard, my legs burned with intense fire but still I kicked. My breath was short, just nearly absent now. The monster sank slowly as I rushed up past it. Blood still gushed from its head. I pushed and I pushed, the light was sweet warmth and a brilliant shine even through this dark cloud of blood. Exhaustion grew fast, my breath was short. I need new air, my strength grew weak. My potions wearing down now. I kicked, but my legs ached something severe. I bit my lip and kicked even harder, the surface came closer, salvation lies before me.



I jerked my head from the water and gasped for breath with every chance I got. "Merielle! Merielle are you ok!" she didn't say a word, I painfully pushed myself to make it to the island the sands of the shore were soft and squishy, my feet sunk in as I dragged her up to the shore. A wave came in and covered the shallows of my boots soaking the sands loose. My footing slipped as I struggled to pull her in and I fell forward, landing on her. My arm landed hard on her stomach making her cough up the blood of the beast. "Merielle!" I cried out. Her movement was faint but it was there. I put my hands on her chest and pressed down. She coughed up blood once again but she seemed to be a bit better. "Reina!" she said in the faintest voice. "Merielle are you okay?" "I knew you'd show up Reina," she said in a whisper," I'm sorry Reina, I didn't mean for this to happen…." "It's not your fault; you couldn't have known it was still alive. If anything, it's my fault for being so cocky. I should have killed it right in the first place." "I'm sorry," she muttered, coughing as she spoke. "Im sorry Reina I don't think I can make it, it's hard to keep my eyes open. I'm so tired. I'm sorry…"





            Merielles dream- "Merielle! Get out of here! Now!" "Lillith! Create a shield over her! Don't let it get to her!" "Dralkez, blast it to hell! Don't let that lizard move an inch!" I stood still, nerves shot. She held her staff up high chanting words. A light blue mist crept out from her rod and slowly surrounded me. Balls of fire rained from the sky, one after another the meteors struck down. The smoke cleared shortly after to reveal the demon was still there and pissed off now. "Lillith! Cast at the same time as me! It's our only hope!" they raised their staffs and spoke powerful words of fury. The ground rumbled and shook, the sky grew dark and cloudy. Lightning dropped rapidly, the winds gust atrociously. Lava poured from the sky, searing as it lavished the ground. The winds circled, sucking up everything into a relentless tornado of hell. After a while, the winds died down then broke all together. Jade fog tumbled in from the black smoke of the storm, slowly it surrounded us.  "Merielle! Get out of here baby! Run far away from here! Don't let it get you too!" I heard her voice but I could not move, my body be frozen to the ground. I wanted to move, I wanted to fight, and I wanted to help them. "Im too scared! I can't move!" "Get out of here now Merielle! I am sorry baby! Go now you cannot fight it yourself! Go!" she shouted to me. The storm of hellfire stopped revealing the remains of them. It walked closer towards me moving the stone remnants of them. Panic set into me, I collapsed, fear soaked every nerve of my body. I cried, I cried for the life of myself, I cried the lives of them, how they stood so bravely to defend me. It came closer to me as I trembled; just kill me I do not deserve to live anyways.



"Merielle! Wake up" "what… where am I! Where are they?" "Where is who Merielle?" "My parents! Where am I! Why am I still alive!" I smacked my hand against her face, "Merielle! Get a hold of yourself! You're fine now, you almost drowned, obviously your fine now though." "Oh Reina it was just a dream? It felt so real; I thought I was back there again." "Where! What are you talking about?" "Scorch Rock!" it is a valley home to many lizards because of the heat. My parents, they died there. It all started because we got this message from a far away isolated town saying they were to be in dire emergence. It said a great calamity was to reveal its self to this town and everyone in it was going to die if my parents did not go to help. Therefore, we voyaged out to the small city of Dess. The journey was long and tiring filled with monsters everywhere. My parents were tired and weak from the journey. I guess we took a wrong turn along the way in the valley and we ran into a den of lizards. They took a lot of them out then it came out. It killed them. I watched them die, I tried to run, I tried to fight I could not move I was scared. I blacked out as it got closer to me and I woke up in Bloom. I swore upon that day that id avenge my parents and slay the basilisk that killed them! I'd do anything to see them again, even if they are nothing more but mere statues now. That was 8 years ago that this all happened. Ever since then ive been living on my own, I followed in my parents footsteps studying spells and doing research on herb lore. My life's work is dedicated to them. "Damn Merielle that's horrible! What makes you think you can kill that thing!" "What Reina you want me to let it all go! You want me to forget that it ever happened! I have to at least try; I do not care if I die! I'd have died avenging the deaths of my parents!" "Well Merielle if it means that much to you I suppose I could help you" "No! I am sorry Reina it's too dangerous for you! If that thing breathes on you, you are going to be petrified! I have to do this alone." "Merielle, I seen you fight, if your parents were as good as you say they were then you'll be dead in no time." "Wow Reina thanks for the boost of confidence." "I'm going to help you Merielle." "But what about Triana?" "Oh damn, I forgot all about her. Well hopefully this place is near the direction we need to go." "Alright, enough reminiscing about bad memories we set out tomorrow, but tonight we celebrate." She said to me snapping back into that cheerful face of hers.



            We arrived in the city bazaar just as the sun departed to the western skies. The night was muggy warm filled with pleasant melodies that invited all to join in the festivities of the night. Most of the shops were closed; the remaining few were open with merchants desperately trying to get the last sale for the night. Musicians played and people danced to the joyous tunes for the hot new night. The fragrance of night bloom swarmed everything around. The lunar flowers began to glow their azure charm, revealing nights now upon us. "Reina" Merielle said to me with an effervescent smile "care to dance?" "I'd love to Merielle!" she giggled and grinned as she pulled me closer to the band of brightly dressed musicians. The night was hot and damp but filled with good times and merry melodies.



            The moon rested high in the star-filled night sky. It stood above, swollen silver and filled with light. The stars glistened bright with hopes and dreams.  Fireflies fluttered lighting new paths lost in this strange world. Maybe my own path lies among them, maybe she will grace me good and help me survive this journey. "Reina!" Merielle shouted to me from down below. "Reina you're missing the festival!" she said as she climbed up the ladder. She poked her head over the side of the ledge," what are you doing up here? You're missing the festival!" I stretched myself out in the large bed of hay. "Come on Reina! This is our last night in bloom you should enjoy it. Do you really want to spend this fabulous night up here all alone?" "Ughh…" "What's wrong you don't want to celebrate the night with everyone? " "It's not that at all, I miss Triana. I don't feel right having a good time while she's held captive." "I know how you feel; I too lost someone whom I treasured as well. It's not a good feeling but we will get her back Reina, just hang in there, in the meantime try to loosen up, lets try and have a good time, okay?" "Yeah I guess you're right. Well what are we doing sitting around here?" I said as I sprung up from the haystack, "we got a festival to get to Merielle!" "Ha ha right on!"



            We bound through the bazaar gates and continued to the city square. Balls of brightly colored flames flew above the streets, illuminating the city in a vibrant glow. Ambient sounds flooded the bazaar and sent me into a joyous trance. I let loose and fell slave to the music, swaying and grooving to in complete disorder. Merielle tapped me on the shoulder, "you want to get a drink Reina?" "I'd love to!" "Well let's get going, the bars on the next street over!"



            We walked up to a giant oak tree fashioned into a building. "this is the place!" "The moon lily?" "Yep! Best bar in all of bloom! The got the best spirits around and cheap too!" we pushed through the heavy oak doors to the bar and walked inside. It was bright and bursting with life, we walked on the polished gold colored wood floor to the grand dark stained bar. A man dressed in a loosely fitting bright robe stood behind the bar cleaning a mug with a clean cloth. "Hey there Okra, How are you doing?" Merielle said as she put her elbows on the bar and leaned forward. "Doing a lot better not that you're here gorgeous." Merielle giggled playfully as she began to blush. "Who's your friend?" he said staring at Merielle then he turned his sights on me with a big toothy grin. "I don't believe I've seen you around here before. So Merielle, does your friend have a name?" "My name is Reina." "Why are you dressed in such strange clothes there dear?" "Pour me a drink and maybe I might tell you." "What'll you have?" "Brandy!" I shouted. He started to pour my drink then Merielle grabbed his hand, "Make that two Okra, and a pitcher of the sweetest ale you got." "Alright ladies coming right up."



            He set the mugs down and then the pitcher, "so Reina why are you dressed like that?" "This is how we dress in Ravenholt. Everything there is dead, there nothing grows and anything that does grow dies anyway. There's a cloud of dust over the sky that covers up a lot of the light." Isn't it cold there then?" "No there's a giant volcano at the mountain and there's all kinds of lava pools and stem vents everywhere. We dress in dark colors because the land is dark and dead. Its nothing like here at all, I've never seen a place so perky and so full of life." I gulped down the glass of brandy and slammed it down on the bar. "Damn that's good! Could I have another here please?" he picked up the bottle and filled up the mug. "You probably wont be seeing me around for a while Okra." Merielle said she finished off her drink. "Whys that?" "Im going to help Reina look for her friend. We don't exactly know where she is so it might take a while." "Aw... you can't leave here; you're my best customer, not to mention the cutest." She giggled as she downed her freshly poured drink. "I got to go get some more bottles from the cellar ladies…., ill be back in a minute."



            Two men walked up to the bar dressed in loose robes and stylish hats. One of them had dread lochs and a goatee; the other one had a nicely kept beard and a scar across his eye. "Okraaa!!" they shouted and he waved as he was heading down the stairs to the cellar. The man with the beard came up behind Merielle and wrapped his arm around her. "Hey there beautiful how are we tonight." "I'm doing fine Raffel." I wasn't talking to you, I was talking to your lovely friend here, oh my, you're exquisite aren't you." "Merielle shouted at him with a disgusted look on her face, "Ugh pig! Why do you think I always turned you down every time you asked me out?" "Relax baby, you know I was just joking around." "Don't you call me that! I'm not your baby!" he smiled a big toothy smile and wrapped his arm tighter around her. "Ugh get off!" "I'd rather get you off." "I'm warning you Raff! Get off of me!" "What are you going to do about it Meri?" she leaned forward and clenched her thighs with her hands, "don't worry Raff im not going to do anything." "I know your not you're just a cute harmless kitten aren't you?" "Looks are deceiving sometimes aren't they Raff! Well this kitten has claws!" she exclaimed loudly as she yanked out a dagger hidden under her skirt and she sliced open his forearm. He grabbed his bleeding arm and laughed, "oh yeah baby you make me hurt so good, what are you going to do cut me again. Come on hunny I like it rough, cut me up baby come on!" "Get off of me Raff! What don't you understand! I don't like you!" he laughed a deviant laugh as he cupped his hand over her subtle breast. "Why do you hide it Meri? I know you love it," he said smiling that menacing smile as he squeezed harder. Merielle shouted stop but he kept groping her. I quickly pounded down my drink, wincing at the sweet burn of the brandy. Raff looked over at me, "you want to play too sweetie?" I smashed my glass down on the bar breaking it then I stood up. "Sure Raff, I'd love to play!" I shouted gripping the handle of my hammer with my bleeding hand. "So you like to play rough?" I said seductively. He laughed menacingly at me as he began to loosen his grip on her. "Well good, because I love it when it's rough too." I said slowly drawing my hammer from my back as my blood dripped down. "Well darling let's do it" he shouted as he let go of her and grabbed his sword. I held my hammer tightly gripped in my hands, then he charged. He lunged at me, but I dodged it. His sword swung hitting my bracer and I threw his arm down. I laughed as I yelled at him "wrong move Raff!" I grabbed my hammer with both hands watching the blood drip down to the end of the hammer. Then I drove my hammer into his chest and watched as he flew back, crashing into a table. "Aw... what's the matter baby too rough?" I shouted to him. The man with the goatee ran up to Raffel and carried him out of the bar. I put my hammer down on the floor and sat back down on my stool. "Thanks Reina, I'm glad you took care of that guy for me cause if I did I would have killed him." I don't know Merielle that blow I did to the chest might've cracked his ribs, he might die." "Don't worry Reina the medicine in our town will have him fixed up by tomorrow." "Guys like him need to learn when to back off! I think he got the message though." "Yeah well thanks for doing that for me, it's nice to know you'll have my back." Don't mention it Meri." "Hey!"





            Merielle filled her glass full of ale as Okra walked up from the cellar. "Oh man Okra you just missed it!" Merielle shouted. "Missed what?" "When you were down in the cellar Raffel was all over me, you know touching me and talking to me like the womanizer he is. I kept telling him to get off of me and he wouldn't then Reyna kicked his ass!" "Oh damn, did you guys break anything?" well Reina broke a glass and a few of his ribs and he broke a table." "Hmm... well you know what? Since you did such a fine job protecting one of this bars finest customers, and yes, I do mean finest, and such a very good friend, tonight everything is on the house for you two lovely ladies. Drink all you want its free!" Okra filled a pitcher with a strange bubbling blue liquid and handed it to me. It smelt delicious," thanks!" I yelped in a joyous voice. "I call it essence of ecstasy I brew it myself, go ahead, try it!" I took a sip, and then one more, before I knew it, the pitcher was empty. My throat tingled, my body was warm and numbed," one more please!" I shouted, barely able to control my voice. He filled three pitchers full of the essence and handed one to Merielle and me. Okra raised his pitcher, and then Merielle did. "To the great journeys of life, may the gods bless us well, good fortunes to you ladies. Shall the sun always shine brightly upon your backs, and let the grand graces of luck follow you." He took a swig of his glass then set it down. "Thank you old friend, I will miss you Okra." Merielle said," I'm going to miss this bar too, hell I'll miss everything, hopefully I'll see every one soon." She shouted out then gulped down her drink. I slowly sipped at mine enjoying every sip as it dripped down in an orgasmic vibration on my throat.

         several drinks later Merielle looked over at me with cheery smile and said, in a chipper voice, "you wanna get out of here Reyna?" i looked down on my half full glass of essence, "yeah sure, merielle." i grabbed the glass and gulped down the rest of the bright blue delight. merielle lifted herself up off her stool looking like shes about to fall over. 'lets do something fun Reyna" she exclaimed vibrantly. "sure lets get going" i said as i slid myself off my stool and grabbed for my hammer. merielle looked over at Orka and shouted over to him, "hey Orka, were going to be getting out of here!" he cocked his head towards us and said in a relaxed voice, "ok sweetheart, take it easy." she looked over at me with those resiliant green eyes of hers and grabbed my hand, "lets get going girl." we walked to the door of the bar as she said her goodbyes to everyone, then we walked out of the charming little liveliness of The Moon Lily, to be welcomed to the blamy sweet air of the town.

         we walked around the town, stumbling about everyonce and a while. the city was filled with vibrant lights that looked amazing with the glow of the moonlight. i felt incredible, somewhat happy, this place is just so amazing. the people of bloom seem so happy in this cheerful, vivid, utopia. i think i can see myself living here someday, me and Triana, maybe someday we can live here. Merielle wrapped her hand around mine, her fingers were gentle and warm, it felt nice.we walked a bit away from the from bloom to this grassy hill. the sight was marvelous, the night sky was filled with the bright embrace of the stars. the moonlight shinned briliantly silver, crickets chirped their songs, and the creatures of the night scampered their ways. the lights from bloom still shinned and filled the night sky with a beautiful aurora of colors. we layed down on the dewey warm grass staring off to the wonderful sight of the night.she held my hand as we layn there, my body tingled all over, and i felt so warm. " you know Reyna, even though i just met you today i feel like i known you for a long time, i dont know its kinda weird. i mean you saved my life today, like i just feel something good about you, you know." "yeah i kinda feel like that too, you kinda remind me alot of Triana." she nestled in closer to me, brushing her head against my shoulder, her grip on my hand got tighter, and she let out a pleasent sigh. she smelt nice, like sweet moon lilies and essence. i looked over at her to see those beautiful green eyes of hers gazing into mine, she looked so radiant in the beautiful aura of the night. i feel so strange about Merielle, she reminds me so much of Triana. she moved towards me and and brushed my bangs from my eyes and kissed me. her lips were soft and sweet, yet tempting and forceful, memories flooding back, and i fell into temptaion.