. 04-06

This is the third chapter in the second story about Elowen and Thalion. It should stand alone, but if you're interested in what came before, here are the links to the previous Elowen and Thalion story: One: A Forced Union:

https://www.literotica.com/s/a-forced-union

, Two: Shadows of Obligation:

https://www.literotica.com/s/shadows-of-obligation

, Three: A Moonlit Pact:

https://literotica.com/s/a-moonlit-pact-elowen-and-thalion-3

Four: A Lover's Dance:

https://literotica.com/s/a-lovers-dance-elowen-and-thalion

First chapter of this story:

https://literotica.com/s/elowen-and-thalion-pt-02-ch-01

Second chapter of this story:

https://literotica.com/s/elowen-and-thalion-pt-02-ch-02

Third Chapter of this story:

https://literotica.com/s/elowen-and-thalion-pt-02-ch-03

Chapter Four: A Shattered Emblem

Water lapped against Elowen's fingers, warm and soft. The scent of bluebells hovered in the air, a green perfume that delighted her nose. Her lips curled into a smile. Fairy flowers, her nurse had called them, long ago. Fairy, like her. Though the memory of humanity lingered in her flesh.

Her eyes cracked open.

Reeds separated her from the lush spring, which burbled its symphony in Pyreheart's core. Her hand trailed in a runnel of steaming water, emberdews nodding over the little brook. Bemused, she touched one of the red stems where it led up to an orange flower, petals glittering like elemental fire in the faint light.

The reeds shifted and amber eyes met hers. The grove's cinderfox slipped out of the water, its fur ablaze in the hues of the sunset. Elowen closed her hand into a fist and drew it back. She had picked a moondrop--emberdews were not for her.

A weight on her chest shifted, Thalion's pale arm tightening, drew her into his embrace. His deep, steady breathing rhythmically caressed her back, a soothing counterpoint to the gentle sloshing of the spring.

They had slept like this on their first night in Pyreheart ago. She had pledged her obedience as his pupil in magic and they had consummated their marriage in the heart of his power.

Why had he brought her here today?

Memories of the previous night surfaced, and the languorous peace of the grove quivered. A shiver ran through the length of her. Ferin's touch...

She breathed deep and cuddled into Thalion's arms. Married. Ferin was just a guest. She wriggled as she thought of the paddle with silver edges, bruises on her ass a pleasant ache.

The paddle had come from his toy chest. Desire drained as she remembered the corrupted water lingering in the corner of that box. What had it meant?

Thalion brushed across her breasts, and her nipples hardened. She turned her head and caught the faint glimmer of starlight under his lashes. "My lord."

His arm tightened. "Thalion."

She squirmed around so that she faced him. "Thalion."

He kissed her, lips gentle on hers. "How are you feeling?"

"Well enough." A stiffness lingered between her legs, echoed by the hoarse note in her voice. "We have to talk."

His dark brows drew together. "I know you didn't enjoy being shared. I will try--"

Elowen put her finger over his mouth before she had to tell him he lied. "Not about that. About Ferin's toy chest."

"What?" Thalion's eyes stretched.

"There was water inside it, some kind of corruption that smelled of the pit in Foxglove Meadow." Elowen cupped his cheek. "Why would there be water?"

His eyes went from wide surprise to narrowed thought. He kissed her palm, tongue dipping out to lick the lines on her hand as though to draw inspiration from her flesh. "What if he didn't cause the corruption?" He suckled at her pinkie. "Perhaps he just carried it here?"

"How would he do that?" She ran her thumb over his lips, desire stirring despite the worry over their guest carrying a spell into their home.

Thalion nibbled gently on the nail as his gaze drifted into the distance. "If a water eirnacht had prepared the corruption, and he brought it here, that would explain why my cleansing wouldn't work. I thought it was corrupted fire, but the fire could just be a disguise. It could be fetid water laying beneath the earth that's made the grove infertile."

A terrifying thought bubbled through Elowen, and she gulped. "Could I cleanse it?"

His eyes snapped back to her. "There is a star in your iris today that wasn't there yesterday, but no, I don't think so." He drew a line under her eye. "You lack the necessary control."

A small tinge of disappointment vanished in a wash of relief. She snuggled into her husband's muscled chest, her hand drifting over the sculpted planes of his back. "Then what do we do?"

"I'm not sure," Thalion spoke into her hair. "I don't have water allies."

His uncertainty brought back the fear which knotted her guts. Elowen tilted her head up. "Ferin offered to help. Will you take him up on that?"

Thalion's lips tightened to a hard grimace. "No."

She sat up abruptly, a thought shooting through her. "How could he offer to help? He's a fire eirnacht, and he's not as powerful as you. If he could remove the corruption, it's not through elemental power."

"Hmmm." Thalion's eyebrows knitted together. "You're right." He reached up, cupping her breasts. "If I took him up on his offer and he failed, it would be to Twilight's shame. Either he bets I will not accept his help, or he has some means to cleanse this water."

Elowen sucked in a deep breath, arching against him as her nipples hardened under his thumbs. "Can't we... find that?"

Thalion's eyes gleamed, and he lifted her naked form onto him so that she straddled his waist. Beneath her, his cock stirred to attention, the shaft gliding over her nub. "How? If it is not a gambit, he'll guard whatever it is well."

She gasped as his blunt head nudged at her opening. "I could find it... maybe."

Thalion slid his hands up her sides, fingertips soft as drifting blossoms on her ribs. "How?"

Elowen's hands clenched on his shoulders. "He wants more than he had last night."

He went still under her. "You didn't like last night."

She met his gaze, and the memory of the red and blue haze pulsed behind her eyes. "You didn't like it."

Thalion's lips twisted, and his fingers grew hard on her waist. "You want him?"

Elowen held his gaze, every part of her tingling. Desire for Ferin and his quick strikes or no, she was married. Pyreheart was her home. "I... It's not about him." She cupped Thalion's face between her hands. "It's about what we need."

Her husband relaxed under her fingers. "Don't lie to me, Elowen. I understand the lure of variety."

She caught her lip between her teeth. "I... yes."

Thalion's touch slid to the valley between her breasts, exploring the planes of her belly. "I don't want to give you to him."

Elowen arched her back. "Then what do we do?"

Thalion growled in the back of his throat and his palms skimmed her nipples. "I don't know."

"You said fae aren't like men." She gasped as he kneaded into her tender breasts. "That you didn't expect monogamy and wouldn't give it."

"I didn't expect you to want that arrogant little pusling."

She rocked over his hips. "I... don't exactly want him. But he... it's just different when he paddles me." She licked her lips, looking down at Thalion. "It's not like us."

"If variety is what you crave, I will share you more often."

His shaft slid deeper into her, and Elowen clenched over it as she thought of being shared again. "I didn't think it's what I wanted till last night. But that won't get us what we need from Ferin. I can beat him at his game, Thalion."

Thalion's throat-boll bobbed up and down as he swallowed. "Even if I agree to this mad plan, what makes you think you can stay focused despite his attentions?"

Elowen smiled down at him. "You. Remember the day after I picked the moondrop? You made me stay upright to earn my questions."

The corners of his lips quirked. "Alone, he'll do more than last night."

Elowen threw her head back, the words evoking a breathless desire.

Thalion's hands glided down her back and his fingers dug into her buttocks. "Dagda mor. I'll stop being so gentle with you." He thrust into her. "However, the fact still stands--he's claimed his guest's rights. If I just hand you over, he'll be suspicious."

"Yes." Desire thickened Elowen's voice, and she had to force the words out. "But he'll give offense. He can't help himself. And if I challenge him to a duel over it..."

"You'd lose." Thalion's hips rolled under her. "And he could claim replenishment."

Unable to speak, Elowen nodded. The thought of being forced into Ferin's bed again sent shudders of fear and desire through her as she rode her husband's gentle thrusts.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

She met his gaze. "Yes."

Thalion's hands tightened on her. "Very well. Then there is something I should teach you."

Elowen tried to focus, even as he moved inside her. "Like... this?"

"It can only be taught like this." He paused, hips tilted up, holding her steady. "I had been planning on teaching you in a few months, but now will do. It is called the ionduile, and it is a contest of the elements. In the moment when two eirnachts join in sex, when their elements entwine, one can push their element into the core of the other. If you overwhelm the flower of your partner, you can render them unconscious and powerless."

Her brows knitted together, even as her womanhood quivered on his cock. "I don't quite..."

"Try to concentrate." He flexed and trickles of flame raced from him. The lines of heat sidled toward her core and Elowen flung water outward as the walls of her magic scorched. She bit her lip, even as he thrust faster beneath her.

"Good." His hands tightened on her waist. "Try to send water into me."

His cock gliding over her jewel shivered through her concentration and Elowen groaned. He slapped her hip. "Focus. Send me water."

She pushed her hips forward and flung a tiny stream into him. It soaked into his flames and vanished as steam, almost visible despite its mystical nature.

"Well done." Thalion cupped her breasts and smiled. "In the duel, try to preserve your strength. You'll need it. Ferin is weak for an eirnacht lord, but he is still a lord. Wait until he is fully inside you, his mind only on his cock and your slit. Then strike, fast as a stooping hawk. Yes?"

"Yes." She leaned into his embrace. "I will."

He wrapped his arms around her. "Now, give me something to remember while I'm waiting for you to return."

###

Elowen let her gaze flicker to Ferin. He had joined them for lunch, looking sleek and rested. Brownies carried in great platters of roast geese swimming in berry sauce from the first pickings of springs. The knee-high fairies floated up from the floor to place the food on the long trestle tables. Sidhe retainers laughed and toasted Thalion for the abundance of his feast. Her mouth watered as Thalion carved off slices, placing them on the trencher between them.

"You set a good table." Ferin took a sip of beer from his mug. "Have your new lands brought you profit?"

Elowen dropped her eyes. He meant her lands. Aurelian. Her brother Lysander had sworn allegiance to Thalion, and she had wed him, sealing the conquest. She knotted her hands together, glancing at her husband.

"Danu has blessed my people." Thalion squeezed her leg. "All my people. Can you say the same of your conquests in Bryton?"

Ferin swallowed down a bite, laughter sparkling in his eyes. "Profitable? No, not yet. But fun, oh yes. The legions are nowhere to be seen and the people are ripe for the picking. The men serve well enough once broken and the women..." He laughed, throwing back his blond hair. "Well, you have a human of your own. So you know how prettily they beg."

Elowen set her knife down with care. Anger and sympathy burned like bile in the back of her throat. A fay army flooded over a human village in her mind's eye. Sidhe taking women in the streets, men put to the sword.

"You should join us, Thalion." Ferin shot her husband a shark-toothed grin. "That's what I came here to offer you. You've already proved your will to conquer--why not expand your lands a little more?"

"I am no oath breaker." Thalion's voice came out in a low growl and his grip tightened on Elowen's leg. "My Queen has not given the Unseelie leave to cross the Muir na Tír."

"But there is corrupted earth in your lands." Ferin leaned on the table, his gaze filled with malice. "Perhaps Queen Mab wants to make sure you stay home and deal with the crisis here, rather than gain wealth and power in Bryton."

Elowen nibbled at a slice of goose. It tasted like sawdust. Plain as day, Ferin's gambit lay on the table--the Twilight Court wanted Thalion. The corruption was an excuse for him to break his oath.

"Think about it." Ferin stroked her cheek. "You could add to your stable of human whores."

Elowen gulped down a knot of fear and straightened in her seat. "You insult me, my lord. I am Lord Thalion Moonsong's wife and no man's whore."

Ferin chuckled, a low rolling sound that mocked every inch of power she had gained this past season. "You quivered beneath me last night."

"That is a matter of eirnacht power." Elowen glared at him. "You call me human and whore, but it is you that speaks like a man and not a sidhe. I can taste the jealousy in your words."

"Jealousy?" He laughed, his face ugly with a sneer. "Next time I visit, I'll bring you some human playmates. Then you'll know the place of your people." He spat, a gob of liquid splattering against her cheek.

Rage curdled inside Elowen, heat spreading through her. She wanted to kill him. To best him. To beat him. She rose, shaking off Thalion's grip. "Lord Ferin Sundrenched, I challenge you to the banroth." A profound silence fell over the great hall, conversations ceasing, even the brownies freezing in their tracks.

Ferin sneered, though his eyes went to Thalion. Her husband rose and stepped between them. "No. She misspoke."

"She did not." Ferin grinned, clever as a fox. "We all heard her. Unless she isn't an eirnacht, but only your wife?"

Elowen shook with anger. "I am an eirnacht. And you heard me."

Thalion folded his arms and narrowed his eyes. "So be it." Small muscles in his jaw jumped and trembled.

"I shall enjoy sealing that mouth of yours again." Cruelty lingered in Ferin's smile. "And when I win, I claim replenishment."

The words brought back the plan, reducing Eleanor's anger by a few notches. He had agreed. She jerked her chin up, keeping her voice steady with effort. "Agreed."

At her word, life and noise resumed abruptly. Fairies cleared space in the center of the great hall, sidhe laid bets with each other as to the victor and Thalion rose to his feet.

"A challenge has been issued and answered. My initiate will duel Lord Ferin Sundrenched in the banroth."

Thalion stepped back and waved for her to take her place in the center of the great hall. His face gave her nothing of his emotions and Elowen bit her tongue. She had wanted this. Had forced it. Now, dread curdled inside her.

"Go." Thalion pointed to where Ferin waited, fire already dancing on his knuckles.

She went, anger still straightening her spine.

"Call forth your elements." Thalion's command filled the great hall.

The eyes of the assembled denizens of Pyreheart crawled over Elowen. She swallowed hard and reached for the moondrop that blossomed in her core. From deep within her, she drew forth the true elemental water--the water that flowed beneath the blue star. It filled her cupped hands like an azure jewel.

Opposite her, Ferin spread his fingers and flames wreathed along their length. "Perhaps tonight I'll plunge them into you like this." He met her gaze, cruel malice drawn in every line of his face. "Would you like that?"

Desire pulsed between Elowen's thighs, but she ignored him, focusing on her water. A few more shapes, then she would lose to him. The thought lingered on her tongue like sour wine.

He had spat on her.

On all her people.

She wanted to beat him.

"Shape the fox." Thalion's words interrupted their sparring. The banroth duel was one of control. When either of the duelists could no longer force their element into the shape called by the master, they lost.

Elowen stretched her hands wide, azure ears perking up from a sharp nose on her thumbs. Ferin followed suit. Applause rang through the haul, accompanied by the clink of coins changing hands as bets were settled.

She had to lose this match to win. A few more shapes, then she would yield.

Thalion called out the willow, the river, the oak, the goose. Each shape, Elowen and Ferin matched each other. Cheers rang out here and there as Elowen pushed past previous limits, her moondrop core still cool and wet. Shaking out her fingers, she let her mouth droop.

"Tired already?" Ferin sneered at her. "You should have thought twice before challenging a Sidhe, my little whore."

Elowen ignored him. He leaned closer, his breath warm on her cheek. "Perhaps I'll fight Thalion for your mastery. I'd make you kneel before my human slaves and let the men have you, three at a time. You'd like that, wouldn't you? Being taken by the enslaved remnants of your people."

A red mist danced in the corner of Elowen's eyes. She was nothing to him. He had no right to claim her as his.

She would beat him.

Gritting her teeth, she snapped her fingers, calling forth the swan that Thalion had commanded.

A sheen of sweat pearled on her brow, the weight of the elemental water in her palms growing heavier and harder to manipulate.

"Shape the rose." Thalion's voice echoed through the hall.

Elowen closed her eyes for a moment. I should lose.

"Give up and I'll make sure you enjoy restoring my power." Ferin's voice shot held a low note of contempt.

Elowen snarled, water shifting in response to her will. Slowly, petals unfurled, stems stretching forth. But the bloom was imperfect, droplets slipping away, petals appearing ragged. Her knees trembled under the weight of her body.

Across from her, Ferin's flames blossomed perfectly into a rose of fire, each petal crisp and clear, held in a dance of heat and light.

"Shape the wolf." A worried note echoed in Thalion's voice.

She reached deep within herself, calling upon every ounce of power and training she possessed. The water responded, but sluggishly. The form was more of a cub than a full-grown wolf, and it wavered, struggling to hold its shape. Ferin's fire wolf, however, stood tall and fierce, teeth bared, ready to pounce.

Elowen's breath came in quick gasps, her mind struggling to keep pace with the rapid calls. The crowd of onlookers blurred, their eyes dancing like jewels in the sun.

"Shape the emberdew flower." Thalion's voice was soft, perhaps hesitant, but the command was clear.

With trembling hands, Elowen attempted to shape the delicate petals, the deep azure glow pulsing weakly in her hands. Ferin, noticing her struggle, took his time, crafting a perfect emberdew of flame, its petals curling upward as though reaching for the stars.

Inside her core, flames licked at her power. The moondrop flower shrank, fire sprouting along the edges.

"No!" Elowen's voice was a whisper, a plea, as she tried to push back the heat. But she was too weak, too drained. The flames inched closer to the heart of her moondrop, the core of her elemental being. She had used too much of her power.