Chapter 27 - The Elven Lover
*****
Wynne sat beside me during breakfast, I think enjoying my close presence before she pulled away a final time, restoring our relationship to its previous state. There were one or two comments made, as the smile on her face never disappeared the entire time, before she finally said, "He made me feel twenty years younger. Of course I'm smiling. I'll be smiling for weeks too. He was nothing but a gentlemen and a wonderful, considerate lover."
The looks I received from my harem of girls? I think they would have all stripped off then and there if it wasn't for other company. Even Cerys had a look in her eyes that I tried to ignore. I had a feeling I'd disappointed if not upset her when refusing what she wanted from me, but I intended on sticking to my word.
I had a sit down with Eamon after breakfast, as messengers had arrived during the morning. Preparations for the Landsmeet were now underway, and nobles from across Ferelden would soon descend upon the capital. It would still be a number of weeks until the event itself, but Eamon wanted to be in Denerim early, to understand the lay of the land, and to keep an ear to the ground, hoping to learn anything we could use to our advantage. But he assured me that we wouldn't leave until at least the next day.
Heading outside, I had the same plan as the previous day, though this time I offered Cerys the chance to spar with me. She jumped at the chance, and we were soon trading blows. Never enough to bruise or draw blood, but any sort of practice could be enough to keep our head on our shoulders. After around an hour of practice, we went for a run, going so far as to be on the other side of the lake by the time we finished. Taking a seat on a boulder by the shore after taking a drink, we sat in silence for quite a while, just taking in the view. It was incredibly peaceful and the view was beautiful. Certain parts of Ferelden could be spectacular.
"Ragnar, can I be honest for a minute?"
"Of course, Cerys."
"I am totally, completely, and utterly jealous." Before I could open my mouth, she raised a hand. "It's not your fault. It's mine."
"It's not yours either. There's no fault, Cerys. Look at it this way. Could you handle being the fifth, sixth, seventh?"
"Maybe. I'm not sure. I try not to think about it."
"Well, with Alistair, you're number one. And you're his one and only."
"Don't get me wrong, I love Alistair to bits. With you, it's utter lust. I remember the feeling of your mouth on me, and don't get me started on what else you can do. Our first time together, not including the brief time at the cottage? Best night ever."
"Sure you want to go down this avenue of conversation again?"
"As I said, completely jealous. Knowing Wynne got to enjoy you last night... It kind of hurt. You've got your five girls. You've got Morrigan clearly interested. You've now been with Wynne. I know we shared something before..."
"Sounds like you have regrets."
"I wish you had done something at home before it all went wrong. I wish you'd made a move and let me know you were as attracted to me as I was to you. I just sit back and think of how much we could have enjoyed each other, even knowing you would never have committed to me completely." She finally looked at me, and the tears were a real surprise. I could only do one thing, wrapping an arm around her as she cuddled into me. "I know I'm being a fool."
"No, I guess you just needed to get it all off your chest."
"I did love you. I've done everything I can to get over those feelings, and I nearly have. But the physical attraction? That will never, ever leave me. It just can't. You still look at me sometimes that just leaves me weak at the knees and wet in my panties." I couldn't help chuckle. "And Alistair is so understanding." She chuckled and sobbed at the same time. "Like you are with all of us, I've never lied to him. I think that's why he's always been so agreeable whenever it came to you. He wants to make me happy, and he considers you a good friend. I sometimes wonder if he thinks he's coming between us. I reassure him constantly that he hasn't."
"Maybe I need to leave once all this is over? Release me from my vow so I can leave you and Alistair alone so you can get on with your own lives together."
She remained silent and she started to really cry, so I turned to hold her. "I know," she sobbed, "Because it will be the only way I'll ever get over you completely." I could feel her hands on the back of my shirt, holding me tightly, resting her head on my shoulder. I stroked the back of her head as she slowly calmed down, finally leaning back so I could wipe her tear-streaked cheeks. I could see in her eyes that she wanted to kiss me, but I couldn't do that to Alistair. "I know," she said softly, "I shouldn't. Because if I do that, I'll want everything, and I can't do that to him either."
"Do you feel better telling me everything?"
"No. Not right now." So I just hugged her again, stroking her back over her shirt as she just held me tightly. "I do miss your hugs," she whispered.
"Those are always available," I replied quietly, "Just hugs though."
"I'm not sure if that'll help me or not."
We held each other a little longer before we agreed that we should return to the castle. We jogged back, returning in time for lunch. She disappeared up to her bedroom to wash her face, Leliana asking what happened. I just explained that we'd had a heart to heart, and Leliana was smart enough to figure what it would have been about.
Lyna had my compete and undivided attention after lunch. Leliana wouldn't involve herself at all, and she would keep Solona and the pair of dwarves occupied. Not in any other way than to ensure Lyna and I would have complete privacy for the rest of the day. I didn't just want to take her to the bedroom and have my way. I do have at least a general idea of romance, so after grabbing a few supplies, such as a blanket and a bottle of wine, we walked hand in hand down into the village and towards the shore of the lake. There were plenty of empty boats around, asking one of the locals if I could use one. They assured me it was fine, so after she took a seat in one, I rowed us out onto the lake, where there was a very small island, with only a couple of trees and rocks. Getting out, I dragged the boat to shore and helped Lyna out, and we took a set under one of the trees, Lyna leaning back into me and I leaned back against the tree.
"It's beautiful out here," she said.
"Certainly is. Quite a surprise, really. Some parts need more than a coat of paint and a good fix-up."
"Did you bring me here for the view or another reason?"
"I thought you would have liked some time on the lake and a little privacy."
She turned her head to she could kiss my cheek, before I turned so I could kiss her. It was a soft kiss at first before she opened her mouth to accept my tongue. My hands were immediately busy, and she whimpered once my hand found her breast and gave it a gentle squeeze. She turned complete, getting on her knees, trying not to break our kiss as I leaned forward slightly as we hugged. From her knees, she was soon sitting in my lap, and there's no doubt she would have felt the rising erection in my pants.
Breaking the kiss, she glanced around. I could see the village far in the distance, the castle even further away. In the other direction, there was nothing but water, and I knew the lake wasn't busy at all. The chances of us being watched or discovered were practically zero, or so I hoped.
