Shorty & the Beast: Part Three (rough draft)

Having grown up in Obresh all their lives, the sudden upheaval and turmoil of their home was more a source of anger for Charrick and Poppy than it was anything to cause distress. Their eldest brother Bryok was already making headway on the Western Continent in finding homes for the Obresh refugees to go. Once their parents, Max and Meggie, were safely on their way to be with Bryok, Charrick and Poppy took it upon themselves to lead a resistance against Sanguis Rex and his army. Their father Max had been instrumental in the creation of Obresh and making it the amazing port city that it was, and had been the unofficial leader until Bryok took over. The siblings had all agreed to this, saying it would be better for Bryok to find allies in the Peninsula, while the younger siblings stayed behind to take care of the refugees as well as finding weak points in Sanguis Rex’s army.

This was all useful information that Roslile learned while having one of the biggest and best breakfasts of her life. She had been certain that any Halfling matched an Orc in gullet, but after this meal she wasn’t so certain. She ate to her heart’s content while listening to the Orcs around her discuss important matters they had to deal with that day. Poppy was taking refugees from Gravelmeuse to the secret port which would go to the Peninsula, while Charrick was leading a charge towards the base Roslile had informed them about. Already, Roslile felt she could be good friends with Poppy, who had all the ideal characteristics she had idolized and wanted as a child. She was big, strong, very intelligent, but also there was a beauty to her.

Poppy came to her after breakfast, all through which Kyairil had been shockingly quiet. Although, considering the shared dream the two had experienced, it wasn’t too shocking that he was keeping to himself all morning. After all, both were inches away from giving into temptation. Whether it was the dream, their own pent up needs, or a genuine attraction between both, neither was going to cop to anything.

Anyways, Poppy was asking Roslile for a favor. “I know this could be asking a lot of you, Roslile, considering we have all just met. But Charrick and I think you’d be our best bet to make sure this happens.”

Roslile tilted her chin up, trying to match Poppy’s stance and boy language. “What is it? If I could help again to thank you for taking me with you, I’d love to try.”

Poppy smiled and pointed to the map on the wall. “Our brother Bryok has set up a meeting with Prince Himank, we need someone who can deliver some sensitive information to him. We have valuable information about Gravelmeuse that the Goblins risked their lives to get for us. We need to get this information to King Dhaval right away.”

“Prince Himank...King Dhaval?” She blurted. It was too good too be true. These were the twin sons of Mythri herself! The very person that she and Kyairil were heading towards. “I'll do it!” She blurted immediately.

Poppy looked concerned, brushing it off with a smile and laugh. “Perhaps you should let me finish first before you so readily agree.”

“Sorry,” Roslile chuckled. “Go ahead.”

“It’ll be dangerous. After a certain point you’ll have to go in alone. Recently, part of the Peninsula was recaptured by the Rakshasa royal family. They’ve slowly been making headway, but it’s still a very dangerous place to be. It would be a dead giveaway if any of us were to go in, but someone like you, I don’t think it would seem suspicious. But it is still very, very risky, so I would understand if you didn’t want to go.”

“Think about this,” Kyairil whispered, speaking for the first time all day. “This has nothing to do with us. It would be easier, quicker, if we went directly to Rakshasa Country with all the other refugees. Don’t risk this opportunity because you feel like you need to prove something.”

Roslile opened her mouth to speak then closed it tight. It would be easier, but this way they would also get to meet Prince Himank, maybe even gain his favor, which would make it easier to get into the palace.

“Maybe!” Kyairil argued. “But please think, Roslile.”

She scrunched up her face and nodded. “I still want to do it.”

“That’s fine, but when we’re on the boat I want to make sure you’re prepared to protect yourself,” Poppy replied. “You do know how to use that halberd you’re carrying, right?”

Not in the slightest! All this time she had been carrying around this weapon, and never once had she tried to use it or swing it around. It had Kyairil in it, so in a way, she sort of forgot it was a weapon.

“Oh no, this must be so embarrassing for you, tiny hero,” Kyairil chided. “What are you going to do when she asks to see your moves?”

Roslile frowned. “I’m not proficient,” she offered as her confession. “Halflings aren’t exactly fighters, that’s pretty much why I am here. I want to learn to protect my home, but that’s hard to do when all I know is from what I’ve learned from stories.”

“Do you mind if I see your halberd?” Poppy held out her hand. “If Halflings aren’t fighters, then where did you obtain such a pretty blade?”

It was a bit shameful to offer over the broken halberd. She’d not found time to replace the handle, but the blade was still lovely. And as she placed it in Poppy’s hands she saw Kyairil’s judgement stare at her.

“It looks old,” Poppy remarked. “It looks like ancient Drow.” She glanced back at Roslile with a curious stare. “You said you were from Charbagne right? Did you luck upon this?”

“Yes!” Roslile was relieved by the easy out. “I found it, like you said.”

Poppy handed the halberd back. “We can get your handle fixed and outfitted to suit your grip on the ship. There’s plenty with us who know a thing or two about weapons. Once it’s fixed, I can train you in the proper way to use it and to protect yourself.”

“That would be so wonderful! Thank you, Poppy!” Roslile said dreamily.

“You’re setting yourself up for trouble, little robin.”

Her brow creased and she bit the tip of her tongue as he jaw tensed. “I agreed to help you didn’t I? Obviously I’m fine with it.”

“Yeah, exactly. I should be your priority!”

Roslile turned, walking out the door where Noodle was outside drinking from a puddle. “No, my home is my priority! Protecting Earthwick was always the first thing on my mind.”

Kyaril laughed so hard she could feel him throw his head back. “Get over yourself! The first thing you thought of was playing hero! Which, might I remind you, you know absolutely shit about! Not because you’re a Halfling, but because you’re a sheltered, spoiled brat.”

“At least I want to try and do something good!” She snapped back at him. “Maybe I don’t know, but at least I’m trying to do something to help people! All you care about if yourself.”

“I think I have that right!” Kyairil hissed. “I am trapped. I can’t even move without you carrying me on your itty bitty back! Your stupid freckles have more freedom than I do. I think that gives me the privilege of being a little selfish!”

Roslile looked around, wondering if anybody could hear them. She moved away quickly, pulling Noodle with her as she followed the team towards the wagon taking them to the coast.

“Don’t ignore me!” Kyairil snapped. Without missing a beat, Roslile took the halberd off her back and tied it to the pack on Noodle’s back. “I know what you’re doing, but our bond is already made!” His voice was slightly quieter when the halberd wasn’t touching her.

“I’m mad!” She snapped back. “I just don’t want to talk to you right now without saying something I’ll regret.”

“I don’t have that problem!”

Once they made it to the wagon, an Orc started to take the halberd. “Wait! That’s mine!”

“All weapons have to be kept hidden for the journey,” the Orc told her. “It’s for the safety of everyone.”

“But-” she saw Kyairil’s reflection in the blade, he still looked pissed. “I promised I would-”

“It will be kept safe and you’ll be able to reclaim it once we’re onboard the ship.” The Orc placed the halberd in a large crate disguised as the seat to the wagon.

Roslile frowned, uncertain about leaving Kyairil alone like that, but she had no choice. Instead, once she was on the wagon, she and Noodle went all the way to the back where she could be closer to the front seat. She was aware of discomfort and uncertainty from Kyairil, but she couldn’t heard him like she usually could. During the journey she let kids cuddle and play with Noodle, as they were scared and the big dog brought them some joy.

They traveled all day and even into the night, letting everyone rest in the back of the wagon while Poppy took the reins. Roslile found it hard to sleep, and she sat with her back against the wagon, picking at straw. Eventually she drifted off, but she woke remembering not a thing, neither a dream or Kyairil. It was slightly unnerving after all the time they had spent together in her dreams. This went on a few more days as they made the trek to the coast. Once there, Roslile and Noodle waited on deck while the ship was loaded. In the hurry and hustle of everything, she lost sight of the box from the wagon.

She searched for Poppy, finding her busy with helping refugees finding cabins on the ship. She approached her, trying to get her attention, but Poppy was distracted and hurriedly trying to make sure everyone was accounted for. Roslile went back on deck, nervous that somehow she had lost Kyairil in the shuffle. Her stomach was in knots from the thought. She had promised to help him, what if she failed that?

Once the ship left the dock, Poppy came out on board and looked less busy. Roslile rushed to her, tugging on her pant leg to get her attention.

Poppy knelt down to talk to her. “Is something wrong?”

“My halberd!” Roslile exclaimed. “They said I would get it back once I was on the ship. Where is it?”

“Calm down,” Poppy assured her. “We’ve gotta wait just a little bit before we can return the weapons. Just be paitent. Their in the supply hull as we speak, safe and sound. Nothing it going to happen to it.”

That’s not what Roslile was worried about. Yes, it was a relief to hear that everything made it on board. But what bothered her was that, for days, she had been separated from Kyairil. She hadn’t even seen him in her dreams! What if the bond had become broken and all this journey to meet Queen Mythri was lost?

She fretted until then, pacing around onboard, letting herself get cold as it turned dark out. She barely ate either. But then, as she was considering just leaving and going to her cabin, Poppy came out with the halberd.

“Glad I found you, sorry it took so long for us to get to them.”

Roslile quickly took the weapon and held it close. “Thanks!” She left, going to her cabin which was a teeny tiny room probably meant for brooms. She sat down on her cot, holding the halberd before her. She waited and listened, hoping that Kyaril had something snotty to say to her. She buffed out a smudge on the blade and waited to see his eyes somewhere in the metal.

“Oh no,” she whispered.

“You feel bad yet?” Kyairil sneered.

Her heart overflowed, all that worry and guilt spilled over as relief took their place. She teared up, sniffling as she saw Kyairil’s eyes in the reflection. “I got so scared you got lost!” She began to blubber.

Kyairil’s gaze was soft, but his stance was still defiant. “Oh come on now, don’t cry. That was nothing compared to the time I spent in that river. Stop that quivering lip, you’re better than that.”

“I’m sorry,” she rubbed her eyes.

Kyairil scoffed. “You look exhausted. No wonder you’re sniveling so much. Get some sleep.”

Roslile rubbed her eyes. “I was so worried I-”

“That’s enough. I think you’ve been punished enough,” he sighed. “Roslile, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Now it’s been a longer journey to get here, and it’ll probably be an even longer one to our next destination. So please, get some damn sleep.” Kyairil says sternly, but sweetly all the same.

Roslile silently agreed and placed the halberd in the corner. She took off her clothes, having been wearing the same set the entire journey. She would wash these and wear her second set of clothes until then. She laid down in the cot, snuggling under the blankets. She then placed the halberd beside her before she drifted off to sleep.

She dreamed of his room again, and she rushed into his bed, crawling inside to see him. He was rested against the pillows, eyes closed and his hair was down. She sighed with relief upon seeing him.

“Here again?” He scoffed. He stretched out his long legs and opened his eyes. “Did you like it so much the first time.”

“I thought you might like it better.”

Kyaril grimaced. “I said I was fine! You act like I haven’t been trapped for ages with no one to talk to.” He pulled his hair back, tying it so it hung in a messy, high ponytail.

“I was worried the bond would be broken,” she whimpered.

“Don’t start crying again,” he scolded her. “Everything is fine. Obviously the bond is still there.”

Roslile came up to his side and rested her head upon his chest. “I wanted to apologize.”

He scoffed and pet the top of her head. “People fight, it’s as normal as breathing. You and I were bound to have words eventually. I didn’t even give it a second thought.”

She kept quiet, keeping her head down upon his chest.

Kyairil ran his fingers through her hair and down the back of her neck. “I said even worse things, so we’re even.”

She hugged him tight, nuzzling to his chest. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

He snickers, trying to keep his laughter down. He then bursts out laughing, throwing his head back as his mouth opens wide. He picks Roslile up, setting her in his lap and wrapping her up in a blanket. “Silly little sparrow, chirping away at nothing.”

She rested against his chest pouting. “I was scared.”

“If you were scared of that, then why the hell did you take that offer from Poppy?” He scoffed. “You could get hurt, or worse. We should just go straight to the-” He was stopped by a kiss, so soft and delicate he nearly missed it. He looked at Roslile as she ducked her head and his eyes narrowed upon her. “What was that for?”

“To shut you up.”

Kyaril leaned in, kissing her again, pushing his lips hard against her own. Her body was so small in his hands, but all he felt was the occasional brush of warmth. He was desperate to feel more, to touch her more, but it was all fleeting.

Roslile woke up gasping, she sat up in bed and fanned her face, removing the blankets as she was so warm all over. “Dammit,” she huffed.

“Can’t go too far in a dream. You’ll always wake up.” He murmured.

She cupped her hands around her warm, rosy cheeks and pinched her thighs together. “Guess you think I’m ridiculous now.”

“Not at all,” he purred. “I like the idea of you getting your tiny knickers in a twist for me. I can feel you stronger here than in the dream.” His voice was warm against her skin. “Do you need to take care of that?”

She pushed her hand between her thighs, rubbing up against her wrist. “I-I’m fine.”

“Touch yourself if you want,” he coaxed. “Not because of me, but because you want to, Roslile.”

She bit her lip, turning her hand so her fingers brushed between her lips. She was wet, extremely so. It was seeping out, dripping down onto the sheets. “It’s embarrassing.”

“How?”

“It’s like you’re watching me,” she whispered.

“I’m with you, isn’t that what you wanted?”

She slowly opened her thighs, pushing her fingers between her mound until she felt her clit happily meet her fingertips. She moaned quietly as she rubbed herself.

“So warm,” he pants into her ear.

Roslile takes the halberd and lays it before her. She then places herself over top of it, resting on her knees with her hips slightly arched. She moves her fingers more, rubbing in slow circles until the ache begins to feel relieved.

“Beautiful,” Kyairil moaned. “Keep going, Roslile, keep going.”

“It feels so good,” Roslile whimpered into the sheets. “Kyai...oh Kyai!”

His breath shuddered and he chuckled. “Good girl. Keep going. Come for me.”

She buried her face into the blankets and she began to whine. Her legs felt weak, her nectar splashed onto the the blade of halberd. She rubbed herself harder, pressing her fingers into her clit to feel more. She felt Kyairil’s breath all over her skin, panting, moaning. He felt it too, her felt that ache swelling until it was fit to burst.

She cried out into the cot, burying her face as her legs tightened and stretched out. She felt the coolness of the blade against her leg, but she was too overwhelmed to care. Her fingers were hot and sticky. Her juices continued to drip onto the blade.

She sat up slowly, catching her breath and feeling the cool air. “Oh wow,” she giggled.

“I felt that,” Kyairil chuckled. “I actually felt-” he growls under his breath and starts to laugh. “That was amazing.”

Roslile cleaned up the blade and placed a soft kiss upon it. “I’ve done that, well, enough times. But I’ve never felt it like that.”

Kyairil chuckles. “I think we were both a little pent up, that’s why it was so intense. But just imagine what we’ll be able to accomplish tomorrow.”

“Like, more magic?” Roslile was still breathing hard.

“I’d say so.” He had a smile in his voice. “Roslile I-” He hesitated then chuckled. “I must admit, I wasn’t sure about this when you first found me. But I am glad that it was you. I’m happy that you, of all the creatures on this world, were the one to find me.”

“Really?” Roslile whispered.

“That’s all I’m going to say. You really should sleep now. If you have practice with Poppy and me tomorrow, you’ll need your rest.”

Roslile laid back down in bed, placing the halberd beside her. Her body was warm velvet all over. Everything that touched her skin felt luxurious. Even her breaths felt special. She smiled into her pillow and her fingers brushed gently against the blade. She only wondered what he could be thinking now too. “Can I ask you something?”

“You can ask, but I may not answer you.”

“Before you were imprisoned, did you have any...I’m sure you did, but I am just curious if you-”

“Lovers? Oh countless,” he sighed.

“Were you ever in love?”

He huffed. “Once, but it was selfish. You?”

Roslile shook her head. “Never.”

“Shame. I bet you’d be good at it,” he chuckled. “Now seriously, get some sleep.”

“One more,” she chripped. “When you get your body back-”

Kyairil laughed. “Even before I liked you, I was planning to thank you the only way I knew how. Now that I do like you, I want to share a night with you that you won’t forget.”

Roslile giggled. “That wasn’t it exactly. I was going to say, when you get your body back, you may be too big to live in my house. We may have to build something.”

“You’d let me live with you?”

“You would have to go somewhere,” she murmured.

He sighed. “I never thought about a house before. I never really had my own..”

Roslile smoothed her palm across the blade. “Then where did you live?”

“Please go to sleep now, these are things we can talk about anytime. Goodnight little sparrow.” He said then went quiet.

“Good night,” Roslile closed her eyes, and when she drifted to sleep, in her dream, she and Kyaril snuggled in his bed, his arms wrapped tightly around her. She snuggled to his chest, and for the first time, she smelled him. He smelled like vanilla and incense, sort of soft, but also equally handsome. He moaned softly in his slumber, and she placed a fluttering kiss against his chest, she rested back against him.