Author's Notes:
This story is erotic fantasy, set in a world of magic. I reserve the right to be listed as the author of this work, wherever it is posted. If found posted anywhere except Literotica.com with this note attached, this story is posted without my permission. © Darkniciad 2000-2007
The sexual situations in this story will be far ranging, and may prove disturbing to some readers. Please be warned that the villains of the story are really evil, and the things they do are not glossed over, or toned down.
I make use of modern weights and measures quite often in my work, because those are the weights and measures of my fantasy world. I know many fantasy readers prefer more archaic terms, and I hope those readers can overlook my use of miles, feet, and other such measures.
Please note that the form of witchcraft in my world is not meant to be true Wicca. Nor is it supposed to follow "Charmed" exactly. No offence or confusion is intended. Those who have read Blackhawk and Thakkor will get some cameos at one point from those characters as well.
You really need to read the previous parts of the story to know the characters and the storyline. This tale follows Danica in her day-to-day adventures, with the greater plot emerging slowly at first. Think of it more as a serial than a novel, and you'll be in the right mindset.
This is an edited version of this tale, making use of what I've learned since starting to post at Literotica, and the services of my tireless editor, Roust Writer.
{*****~~o~~0~~o~~*****}
Danica awoke with a smile on her face that had been there since she had fallen asleep the night before. The reason for the smile lay nestled up against her. Danica's smile spread even wider as she looked down at the beautiful young woman in the bed with her.
Between the horror of Camilla's death and the sadness of Marta's passing, Danica was desperately in need of close companionship, and Andrea had obviously sensed it. For the past three days, she had visited with Danica whenever possible, and shared her bed each night.
Stroking the young woman's bare back, Danica slipped out of the bed to go to the chamber pot. After attending to that necessity, she drew a bath to wash the evidence of their lovemaking from her. It had been the same way for them all three nights, falling asleep in the warm afterglow of their orgasms, not caring that they were coated in each other's juices.
The sound of the water filling the tub awakened Andrea, who opened her eyes and smiled at Danica as the older woman picked out her clothing for the day. A chill shot up Danica's spine when Andrea stretched; causing her firm breasts to jut out and demand notice.
They shared a bath, and then reluctantly parted when Andrea went to her duties for the day. Danica turned her attention to the spells she had acquired in the temple of Sekmamun, deciding to concentrate on the fascinating and rare magic for a while.
There were not only healing spells, but also many other spells often considered the domain of clerics and druids. Warding spells also dominated the collection. Danica barely knew where to begin, but chose a difficult looking spell that was different from most she knew.
The Prismatic Orb spell would create a magical ball of force that had many random effects, all dangerous for anyone in their path. While the chant and gestures were difficult, they would not require much time to perform once mastered. Because of the random nature of the spell, it was more difficult to defend against than other types of magic. At least two of the possible effects generated by the spell could also be deadly.
Danica fell into her studies, learning the Prismatic Orb in only two days despite spending her evenings with all three of her friends, and her nights with Andrea. The annoying tasks Danica and Celes had been sent on had ceased, which made Danica suspicious that they had originated with Camilla. Marlena had likewise not been called away since her last task, disguising a cave with her illusionary magic.
Danica checked in daily with Carolyn, and while the young woman was still deep in grief, she was recovering. The couple was busy getting their affairs in order, so she rarely stayed long. Carolyn was completing the work they had already taken for the shop so that there would be no broken promises when they left. If they were not ready to leave the day of the wedding, they would be shortly thereafter.
Thus, Danica had plenty of time to study, learning all of the healing magic she had acquired in Beniopolis and several other unique sand-based spells. She also had time to practice her cooking and sample that of the other three women at least once each day, as they spent most of their time together now when they weren't engaged in their studies or duties.
They sat one evening, sipping wine and contemplating who was going to cook and what they were going to make when a knock sounded on the door. When Danica answered the door, she found Brandon outside.
"Hello, Brandon, what can I do for you?" Danica asked.
"Uhmm, do you mind if I come in?" Brandon requested, looking up and down the hallway.
Danica raised an eyebrow and opened the door wide, "Come on in."
When Danica closed the door, Brandon nodded to the other women and then let out a great sigh. "This is going to sound weird -- I know it feels that way. I'm lonely."
Gesturing for him to follow, Danica walked back to the couch where she had been sitting. "I don't really understand what you mean."
Brandon followed and explained, "Ever since we got back from the Forge, I've just been bored. Everything all my comrades-in-arms talk about is the same thing, over and over again. I've gotten so sick to death with the stories about this barmaid and that brawl that I just sort of sit around by myself."
Danica sat down and looked at her companions. "Unless anyone objects, you can sit with us for a while. Better yet, why don't we go down to the city tonight and see if we can wake Brandon up a bit?"
Celes and Marlena both shrugged and offered expressions that said they didn't find it to be a bad idea. Andrea spoke up and said, "I don't go down to the city much, especially at night. I'm afraid of the thieves and..." She paused and whispered the next part, "Bad men."
Danica reached over and patted her hand, "You won't have to worry. We'll be with you, and our brave knight will defend us if we are accosted by ruffians, won't you Brandon?" Danica joked.
Brandon laughed. "I feel better already. That's the first honest laugh I've had in a while."
Danica stood up. "I'm paying. We'll cheer Brandon up and show Andrea there are some bright places in the city at night."
{*****~~o~~0~~o~~*****}
The five closed down the common room of the inn they had chosen, Celes passing out providing the signal for them to leave. Both she and Marlena had drunk more than their fair share, and Marlena was not far behind Celes when they stumbled out of the inn.
"It's not like she's heavy, but this is going to be a long walk," Brandon noted, adjusting the cradle of his arms in which Celes lay.
"I don't know if I can walk," Marlena slurred, supported on either side by Andrea and Danica.
"I could try to teleport us all back, but I don't know if I'm strong enough to take us all alone. We'd all probably be throwing up between the lurch and the drink," Danica speculated.
