"You're insane."
"Sir, I know what I'm doing. Charnak is not the type of man to be satisfied with my usual arrangements. I believe that if I find him... companionship, then I can redirect his obsession before it goes volatile. He's already reaching the point where I have to pry him off with a crowbar."
"Not good." Renwa sighed.
"He's painfully like you."
"Like me?"
"Family man. He needs a wife and kid to make his life complete. I already told the bugger I couldn't work in the produce department, and he got all sad and despondent. I have to redirect him NOW, or he's going to do something truly stupid."
"I pray you know what you're doing."
She made her way through the barrier and looked around at the preparations they were making for her altar. The altar was Charnak's idea, which the people rallied around. She just added her own touches and design. She thought they were all out of their goddamned minds.
Charnak jogged over to her. "My Goddess!" He made to kiss her but she held up a hand. He took the hand and kissed the palm of it. "Have I angered you?"
"Not a bit. I've just come to an interesting realization."
"And that is?"
She smiled and ran her fingers under his chin. "I wish to walk among our people. Without you."
"Without..."
She smiled. "Don't fret my pet. Something... calls to me. The nether speaks to me and the spirits of the dead whisper in my ear. I find I agree with them."
"What do they say?"
"I must move among the people. You, stay here, do what you know will please me." She brushed past him, arms linked behind her back. She deserved a freaking medal for her acting skills.
She walked among the huts and tents, seemingly oblivious, but watching every face and body. Most bowed and showed her reverence, and a few still had a defiant edge to them. One woman seemed more timid than the rest. She went for it.
"You. What is your name?"
"Tylia, my goddess."
"Stand, girl. You don't look like the others."
She flushed. "I am Frostwolf. I was... cast out of my clan. Charnak saved me."
"What do you think of your leader?"
The flush darkened. "He is yours."
Elunara waved a hand. "I asked you a question. Give me an honest answer, or I'll drop you where you stand."
She stared down at her feet. "He is most handsome. He is rough and often angry, but sometimes I see softness in him. When he is with you..."
"Enough. You'll do just fine."
"Ma'am?"
Elunara put her fingers under the woman's chin. "Would you like to be one of my chosen?"
"Chosen?"
Elunara licked her lips. "I will tell you the truth. I feed off the energies of the male species. It is difficult for me to find my food..." She hesitated as if trying to find the right word. "like a mate. Charnak is one of my chosen, and as such is special to me. I have chosen him to lead my army, and he serves well under my... lusts. But I cannot give him what he needs."
"What are you saying?" She whispered.
"He needs a mate. One who would love him and allow him to submit to me when I desire it. I understand what a man like him would require for happiness; a mate to love him, to bear his children, to stand at his side as the leader of this great army. He would be yours in every way that counts." She whispered.
Tylia licked her lips. "Mine?"
Elunara ran her hands down Tylia's arms. "I warn you now; this will be a hard road to walk. Charnak will not be happy at first. I shall warn him about being cruel to you. But, this is what is right. This is what he needs. He will grow to love you, cherish you, desire you, but you have to be willing to stick it out. And you must never lie to me, or I will find out. If he EVER hurts you, or is mean to you, I must know immediately. I will check in on you and encourage you in your path." Elunara brushed a hand across her forehead. "Will you be my chosen?"
"Yes." She breathed.
"Then, good luck my beauty. You will make a fitting bride for my chosen Champion."
He barked out orders, but his heart wasn't in it. His goddess was wandering around alone, having refused his company. He sighed. Perhaps he had been a little clingy this morning. His heart soared when he spotted her purple hair and her elvish ears. He frowned when she walked out arm in arm with another woman. He furrowed his brow and jumped down from his perch. He knew she had a bit of a bent for women, perhaps that was it.
"Ah, Charnak, the spirits have guided me true." She smiled. "Meet Tylia."
"Uh, yeah. The Frostwolf."
"Charnak, I have been guided by the nether and the spirits have spoken to me thus. I have found you a bride."
Charnak almost choked on his own tongue. "WHAT?"
Elunara ran her fingers under his chin. "Oh, my dear Charnak, Grand Champion, and favored chosen; I understand your heart more than you could possibly realize. I cannot give you things you so justly deserve; a loving wife, a warm home, and children to fill your life. You are my most humble servant, and I wished to bring you a gift. Tylia has been chosen by me to fulfill this wish. She is cherished to me, as she will become to you."
"But, I..."
"Do not think of her as a replacement for me. And do not think of her as a burden you must bear. Think of her as a gift from your goddess. She is to be loved, cherished and protected." Elunara linked the two's hands. "She is an extension of myself. She must be treated as beautifully as you have treated me." Elunara brushed the woman's hair back. "She already understands that you will still submit to me when I wish it. In fact, you can think of this like I do with my own husbands and wife. She is just another one of your family. The most important part. She will be your wife, and your marriage will bring me great joy."
"I..." Charnak swallowed. "If this is your will, my goddess."
She leaned up. "I will even take the time to show you fascinating ways to pleasure her."
Tylia's eyes went wide and her blush deepened.
