Lady Cadorina

    Lightning flickered on dusk's horizon, the menacing growl of thunder not far behind.  The cooling rains had not yet arrived, but their perfumes lingered on the warm afternoon air as she stood at the window of her inn room.  Her body was weary from long battles, her hair damp with exertion.  She had already paid for the hot perfumed bath, and decided not to waste the coin.  In a matter of moments her robes crumpled at her feet, her bared skin bathed in the fading day's light.  Stepping out of the piles of cloth below her, the floors were cool on her aching feet, relieving the pain's heat if only for a moment.  She reached up with a delicate hand and pulled the pick from her hair, allowing it to cascade in moist ringlets about her shoulders and back.  Her hair was a rich chestnut, typical of the elven maidens of her family, her eyes the envy of the most perfectly cut emeralds.  Her tanned skin glowed in the light that shone over the tub; it glistened with a diamond glow as she slowly sank into the steaming waters.  The scent of the marinating vanilla beans filled the room, and as she slipped farther into bath, she lost herself in reverie.
    Hours must have passed, for when she was awakened suddenly by the soft knock at her door, only half-burnt candles lit the room and the steaming water had chilled.  Catching her breath from the sudden start, she reached over the side of the tub, plucking her dagger from its resting place and dropping it into the tub with her.  She then reached for a towel, and dabbed at her hair, wringing the water from it.
    "Yes?" she asked quietly from still in the tub, her voice serene and relaxed despite her alert and battle ready disposition.  Whoever disturbed her at this hour, she would be ready for anything.  A female voice called back.
    "My lady, you were not down for the supper you paid for.  The inn master wanted me to bring you a meal, if you are hungry that is.  The stew was especially delicious, and he even sent you some fresh bread."
    Her body eased only slightly as she recognized the young woman as one of the tavern wenches from below, one of the more attractive ones if there were such a thing anymore.  "Just a moment, if you please."  Her smile could be heard in her words, and she heard the woman outside shifting her weight, the plates slightly sliding on the platter as she tried to keep them balanced.  She then wrapped the towel about her hair, and stepped from the cold waters of the tub, the water pouring off her skin to the wood floor below.  Opening the door, she giggled softly to herself as the woman outside quickly averted her eyes, seeming embarrassed by the tenant's lack of humility as she stood before her bare as a babe.  The bare woman smiled warmly as she eyed the servant girl slyly, giving a suggestive wink as she took the full platter from her hands.  "Thank you, my dear. You and your master are truly most generous.  Wait here a moment, if you will please."  The girl looked about the hallway, to see if any patrons were out and about that may wander by and see the nude woman inside the ajar door, and sighed with relief at the silence.  Taking the platter to the far table in the room, she bent slightly to place it down in the center, her silken curves illuminated in candlelight.  Also on the table was a silk purse, heavy with coin that she drew a few from and returned to the door with a smirk.  "For your trouble, love."  With that, she slipped the coins into the young woman's bodice between the curves of her breasts, and raised her delicate hand to grace the girl's flushed cheek.  The bashful girl kept her eyes averted to the floor, her face reddening profusely as the nude woman's touch met her skin, and even more so when she felt her lips softly brush her other cheek.  "Goodnight love.  Do send my regard to your master."  She smirked and popped a grape that she had palmed into her mouth, watching the girl hurry down the dark hallway as she remained leaning against the door jam.  After the girl was gone, she stepped back into her room, shutting the door silently.
    Steam rose from the bowl of stew and loaf of bread, and the grapes glistened in the candlelight.  She took the mead-filled goblet from the platter and sipped its sweet contents slowly as she stood in the window, embracing the cool breeze that caressed her skin.  Lightning flashed off in the distance, closer now, and thunder quickly followed.  Within minutes the rain began to fall hard against the city walls, the few wandering patrons below hurrying to seek shelter before the storm broke in its entirety.  Simultaneous with the next flash of lightning, a sudden shudder turned the hairs of her body up, her skin tingling with warning.  Magic was being used, and it was being used close.  She hastily set the goblet down, a few drops sloshing onto the table below, and hurried to her wardrobe, retrieving her battlerobe that seemed to pulse with power.  From the wardrobe she also grabbed her staff, and went to the tub and retrieved her gem-laden dagger.  Whatever magics so powerful to peak her senses this late in the eve could not produce anything less of mischief, which would have been the least of her concerns.  Candles still burning down into the night, she left her room, sealing the door with a hidden rune that would alert her of anyone trying to enter.  She hurried down the stairs, staff in hand.  Lightning flashed and thunder boomed violently just outside. The storm was here.
    The common room at the bottom of the inn was eerily silent, the usual slim patronage no where to be seen.  The tables sat bare, freshly cleaned from the dinner rush, the bar along the wall wiped down from the spilled drunkards' ales.  Lightning flashed again through the water-smeared windows, and a shadow moved swiftly behind her. She spun on her heels, dagger unsheathed and gleaming, as she held her breath anticipating battle.  The figure was no where to be seen, hiding in the shadows, no doubt, but her eyes almost glowed in the darkness as she strained to see through the black.  There.  Movement again, just to the side and behind her, and she spun once again, striking down through the air desperate to land a blow to whatever taunted her.  A large, strong hand caught her wrist, and she gasped in pain, grasping with her free hand at the staff on her back, swinging it fiercely with a yell.  Another hand caught the swinging arm, gripping it with such force that she lacked the strength to maintain her grip on the weapon, and it crashed to the floor.  Squirming violently, her heart racing in fear, the powerful figure loomed over her in the darkness, forcing her back to the wall, her struggling body stumbling over the chairs as they moved.  Slamming her to the wall, she felt hot breath on her neck, the hands still holding her fast as the body pressed against her to hold her still.  The figure leaned in, close enough that she could finally make out his face in the darkness.  He smiled wickedly and released her wrists, his body still pressed against hers. 
    "Dracolych, you bastard!" She cried out, her palm landing a sharp blow across his face.  "You could've been killed!"  Her breasts still rose and fell rapidly as the adrenaline surged through her.
    He rubbed at his face with a mischievous grin.  "Good to see you too, Cadorina."  He leaned down and kissed softly at her neck, despite her writhing to escape his lips. 
    "You could have just come up and knocked, you know," she told the table beside her.  "Not that I would have let you in, mind you, but you could have just knocked."
    "Well," he kissed her throat, and paused, looking her over in the flashing storm, "That wouldn't have done at all.  I had to see you, my lovely, one way or another.  And with one of such," he paused again, running his hand over the gentle curve of her waist, "such talents, I knew that you would not let such magics go without your curiosity getting the best of you."
    "What can I say?" she asked coldly.  "Forgive me for being concerned about mischief being in the making, for you have only proved me correct once again."  He laughed heartily, leaning in to take her mouth in a kiss.  She turned her head, denying him his prize.  She turned her head back after a minute and glared at him.  "I'm still mad at you."
    "For what, that little incident in town?  I was barely involved."
    "His blood was on your knife, which you held in your hand.  I fail to see how that would fall under being barely involved."  She held him fast in her stare, and he returned a mocking smile.
    "He insulted you, my love.  I couldn't allow that."
    "Insulted me? He was complimenting me! And I'm not your love.  You were still betrothed to another last I knew, but even that would not have been known to me were I not told by others, you deceitful little worm."
    "Regardless, that tavern is a much quieter place without his whoring.  You should be glad I saved you the humiliation."  His eyes still lustfully wandered over her body, and he stepped back, releasing her from her pin to the wall.  She threw a chair out from under one of the tables and fell down onto it with a huff.  She sat in defiant silence.  He chuckled with amusement, and with much more reserve and poise, pulled his own chair out to join her.  "And you'll always be my love."
    "Tell that to your betrothed."  She stared off into the raging storm outside, the thunder just as loud as the pain within her.
    "Lovely, you know it's complicated."
    "I fail to see how."
    "You are the one that I love, the one I want to be with."
    "And yet you are to be bound to her?"
    "Well, I don't know that for sure anymore.  As I said, it's complicated."  She eased up only slightly, letting her gaze fall to the bare table.  She knew not if it was merely something he was saying to bed her, or if there was actually truth behind his seemingly sincere words.  Nonetheless, she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.  For now.
    "Does she know of how you feel?"
    "I'm afraid she was the one who brought it to my attention.  It seemed that she has," he paused, taking in a breath, "found another."  Cadorina smirked at the irony.
    "Pity.  Well, I wish the two of you the best.  Hopefully it may be reconciled in time."  She rose to leave, much calmer than she was but a few minutes ago, and his hand caught her arm loosely. 
    "Please.  I didn't come here for your bed, Cadorina.  I came here to talk."
    "Well, you could've had me fooled with that stunt you pulled earlier."
    "Would you blame a man for being so intoxicated with your beauty, his loins afire at the very sight of you, at the touch of your skin, the scent of your hair?"  He rose to meet her eye to eye as he spoke softly, his tone and touch much softer. 
    "You have come, and you have spoken.  And now, I must have my rest.  I have a long day of arduous tasks ahead of me tomorrow and I will need all the strength I may get."
    "Well then." He let her arm drop.  "Let me not keep you."  Bringing his cloak about him as he turned, he slowly reached for his hood, this time, her hand catching his arm.  He turned back to look upon her once more, and was met by the softness of her lips against his.  Her kiss was warm, the fiery spice of cinnamon balm complimenting the sweetness of her breath.  Hesitantly, he raised a hand up to her still wet locks, combing over them gently before moving it to hold her cheek lovingly. 
    "Good night, Dracolych." She smiled as he turned and went to the door leading to the storm beyond.  As his hand met the door's handle, she called out.  "And Dracolych?"  He turned and cocked his head in an inquiring manner.  "Next time just knock."  She smirked and winked at him, and turned to go back up the stairs to her room.
    Dawn came swiftly the next day, and Cadorina awoke much wearier than she had been hoping for.  The first light of day bathed her chamber in a rich, warm glow, the quiet bustle of the growing crowds just outside adding to the morning hum.  She rose and yawned sleepily, stretching her bare, lean body in a most dexterous manner, and rubbed at her scalp through tangled curls.  After spending the good part of an hour grooming and preparing herself for the day, she opened the door, battlerobe donned and staff at her back.  It would be a profitable day indeed.  Stopping short of walking out into the hall, however, she cocked her head as she studied the single rose that lay on the floor before her, freshly pruned with morning dew still upon its petals.  A warm smile slid across her face as she bent to retrieve it, and turned to go back into her room to tend to it.  At the windowsill, she moved her hand in a graceful but distinctive manner, mumbling a few words in another tongue, as suddenly a tall glass appeared with crystal clear water.  She smiled as she slipped the rose into the vase, and left it on the sill to gather the growing rays.  Cadorina set out into the town, the smile still lingering upon her glowing face.
   
    "Five gold pieces, nothing less."  The small goblin studied the elf intently as she loomed over him, blood from battle still stained upon her robes and staff.  He pushed the heaping pile of plant parts across the table back toward her.
    "They're worth little more than two gold.  You don't even know what they are, yet you are so confident with your demand?  Pft!  Take your wares elsewhere and be done with them."  The goblin scoffed, feigning his lack of interested in the unidentified parts, as he watched the elf from the corner of his eye.  She smirked slyly, playing along with the goblin's charade. 
    "Just as well." She began gently packing them away back into her bags, never looking up.  .The herbalist across town offered me seven gold pieces per stack.  I just figured you could save me a trip, as it's been quite a long day."  She hid her smirk well as she continued to pack, and she could feel the goblin watching her, hear him fidget as his brain worked quickly.  Quite irritated but determined, he snapped back.
    "Fine.  Five gold pieces per stack.  But any more, and you bring them here, understand?"  She smiled and nodded, dumping the plant parts out onto the table before him, the little goblin counting out and pushing a stack of gold coins over to her.  "Count it if you like.  Fifteen for the lot.  Pleasure doing business," he said sourly.  Subtly counting out the coins as she put them into her near bulging purse, she gathered her empty bags and headed to the apothecary.  It was but one more stop before she could retire for the evening, her stomach growling as she thought of the hot meal that awaited her. 
    The apothecary's shop was always quiet and seemingly empty despite its fruitful business, the spicy and earthy aromas seeping out into the street from the windows and doors.  Candle sconces lit the humble shop, herbs and vines hanging from nearly every bare spot of ceiling and wall, and a lean, well-dressed elf tended to the counter beyond, a face never seen by her before.  He seemed quite involved in his work as she approached, almost appearing as if he had not even noticed her, though she knew it not to be true.  Such was the mannerisms of most shopkeepers this side of town, wanting to watch and see the demeanors of their customers before flooding them with wares.  As she reached the counter, he smiled, though never looked up.
    "Good day, my lady Cadorina.  Your order was just filled this morn while you were out; if you'll but give me a moment, I will go fetch it for you."  She cocked her head confusedly and studied the elf, taken aback that he seemed to know her without them ever having met.  He was typically fair skinned with dusty-blonde hair that angled about his elongated face, his ears long and slender poking through the locks, the tip of one sporting a golden loop.  He felt her gaze studying him, and he looked up to meet her eyes, with a warm smile.  His amber eyes held her gaze for a moment, and his smile broadened. 
    "I'm sorry, but do I know you?  Have we by chance met?" she inquired sincerely, studying the expressions on his face, quite intrigued by the newcomer.  "Nay, my lady.  I am the new apprentice.  Just in from the grand city across the mountains, as it were."  He turned and went through the curtained door, the moving and rearranging of crates heard just beyond.
    She raised her voice just a bit as she spoke to him through the curtain.  "Oh?  How long have you been in town?"
    "A few weeks, my lady," he called back.  "Impressive town, you have here.  It's very special in its own little subtle ways."  She could hear the chuckle in his playful but sincere words. 
    "Well then, if you don't mind me asking," she paused, "For one who has never met me, I am impressed that you know of me.  Perhaps impressed wouldn't be the word, rather -" she quickly searched her mind for a word, "Impressed with your knowledge."  He emerged from behind the curtain carrying a very large crate, smiling broadly as he saw her.
    "As it were, you happen to be one of our shop's biggest customers, my lady.  And besides, one of such beauty cannot exactly hide in a town this size with her tale left untold."  She blushed profusely.
    "You're much too kind, my dear friend."  Amused with her cute blushing, he began to unpack the crate carefully, laying out the beakers and vials for her inspection.  Vibrant, glowing hues of reds and blues, greens and oranges filled the tubes, the liquids quivering with energy.  She plucked and examined each one closely, and nodded with satisfaction that her order had been fulfilled in its entirety.  "This will do nicely, thank you."  She began packing the crate, when the elven gentleman gently touched her hand.
    "Allow me, my lady."  He smiled warmly at her and resumed the packing, his delicate, herb-stained hands dexterous in their work.  She watched him with fascination at his speed and skill, and thanked him as he finished.  "It's my pleasure, my lady Cadorina.  Would you like it delivered for you this eve?"  She paused for a moment, considering the option, then nodded.
    "Aye, that would be splendid, thank you.  I'm staying at -"
    "The Crimson Wyrmling," he finished with a smile.  She stared at him for a moment delighted and puzzled all in the same.  As if in answer to an unasked question, he added, "One cannot hide with tale untold, my lady." He smirked playfully as he spoke.  "I'll have it for you there this evening."  His smile enticed and teased her in its jesting and innocence, and all she could do was return it with a tilt of her head, turning and taking her leave.
    Visions of the charismatic elf ran through her mind as she finished her travels about the city that evening, provoking smiles at every thought, and she even considered a time or two returning to the apothecary to speak with him again.  Why, she hadn't even gotten his name, she realized.  Still, it would be a reason to return to the shop another day, to ask his name so as she could properly address her thanks to him for his kindness in having her package delivered to her room at the inn.  The inn!  Dusk would be approaching, and he failed to mention when the courier would be arriving, but she knew from her few delivery experiences that they rarely delivered after dark, unless it was under royal command or of the utmost urgency, her shipment falling under neither of the two categories.  Hurrying back to the Crimson Wyrmling, she was just in time for the dinner rush.
    The central room of the inn was crammed with patrons, each table filled with plates and flagons.  Shoulder to shoulder were the men and women of the bar, ales and mugs sloshing in their drunken cheers and songs, the hum of gossip and stench of too much perfume hanging on the air.  Sweat heavy upon his brow, the innkeeper looked up and smiled as she entered, disappearing into a side room and returning with a stool, much to the disdain of the others that had been forced to stand and enjoy their ales.  She smirked bashfully and wormed her way to the bar, taking a seat at the end where tavern wenches squeezed through just inches behind her. 
    "Drink and eat up quick, my dear, for I fear there'll be a lynching if too many see my secret stash of stools!"  The barkeep laughed heartily as he filled a mug from a keg and slid it half-way down the bar to the waiting hands.  No sooner did the words leave his mouth that a plate appeared around from behind her, the house's signature stew, a hearty slab of roasted pork ripe with spice, and a chunk of freshly baked bread.  In another minute butter and jellies were put before her, along with a goblet of hot cider.  She delighted in her meal, savoring not only each sip and each bite, but also all of the hum of dinner time patronage around her.  She thrived on the gossip of towns, though she rarely partook in it, slyly listening in unbeknownst to them.
    "It's sad to see a child so young married off.  She can't even bear children yet! So many other women to choose from of proper age, and he chooses a child!"  Another woman chimed in with the first.
    "I heard it was arranged by her family.  Must be something wrong with that one, to be in such hurry to get rid of her!  Bad apple, that one!"
    "Are you calling me a liar, sir?" an irate man yelled from across the room as he jumped to his feet, spilling his ale all over the table and fellow diners.  Another man across from him cowered in his seat, slowly rising and backing up, keeping his eye on the raving man.
    "N.. no sir!  I was.. merely pointing out the.. well, improbability of a farmer single handedly slaying a dragon by throwing a pitchfork the height of two city walls!"  Luckily for the challenger of the tale, he had only been enjoying cider and his reflexes where still in tact, ducking quickly out of the way of a launched mug that then hit the back of a head of a man seated the next table over.  In a matter of seconds a brawl had broken out, drawing fewer stares than would normally be expected.  Such was a normal eve in the ever-entertaining Crimson Wyrmling Inn.  Cadorina sat quietly enjoying her repast.  When the barkeep had fought his way through the orders back to her end of the bar, she smiled and passed him two silver pieces.
    "Thank you, my lady," he said with a crooked smile, his hair wet with labor.
    "Always a pleasure, Carlon.  Say, I haven't had a package come in this eve, have I?"
    "Hmm," he paused, racking his mind as he stood idly drying a mug that would soon be filled again anyway, "I don't recall seeing any, lady.  Are you expecting one this eve?  For I'm afraid it's almost night and the couriers won't be out much longer."
    "Aye, that's what I'm thinking too.  The apprentice down at Melyk's shop said that he would have my order shipped over later in the day, and that was a few hours ago." She sighed softly, looking down into the depths of her near empty goblet.  "Oh well.  Perhaps it will arrive at first light, for I don't think that he realizes that I need them for my journey tomorrow."  She finished off the last of her pork, followed by the last swig of her cider. "You'll let me know if it arrives, won't you dear?"  Blotting any juices from her lips with the dinner linen, she smiled as he nodded to her.  "I believe I'll have my bath now as well, dear, if you'd be so kind to send that sweet girl up with the water and vanilla."  She stood and placed the linen over her empty plate, gathered her things and made her way up the stairs.
    It was not long before the knock was at her door from the serving girl below, and Cadorina smiled as she made the finishing touches on positioning her tub so as to be able to look out the window at the setting sun, quickly shedding her robes to don a bathing towel.  The towel wrapped loosely about her slender body, she called for the woman to enter.  Slowly the door opened, and the girl carried in two buckets of steaming water and a folded package tucked in her bodice.  Cadorina smiled as the girl entered, eyeing her slyly as she poured the water slowly into the tub, taking great care as not to splash a single drop.  As the girl was bent over pouring, she took the opportunity to retrieve the tightly wrapped package, the girl gasping in surprise as Cadorina's gentle hand caressed the humble curves of her breast while doing so.  Cadorina smirked as the girl tried not to squirm, face aflush, trying to keep concentration on carefully pouring from the buckets.  When done, the girl stood up, her eyes fixed upon the floor, her cheeks blushed.
    "I have two more buckets for you, my lady, if you will but give me a moment to fetch them."
    "Sure love.  I'll leave the door ajar for you."  She tilted her head to try and make eye contact with the bashful girl but with no success.  Instead the girl bowed her head even more, and hurried out the door.  With an amused chuckle, she closed the door to leave but a small crack, and went back to the tub, ripping open the package she took, dumping the vanilla beans into the water below.  Shedding her towel she stepped into the steaming bath, dipping down into the soothing waters.  In a matter of minutes the girl returned with two more buckets, going to the front of the tub and carefully pouring them in as she watched the floor intently.  Cadorina smiled at the bashful young woman who, when she was done, she caught gently by the arm as she passed to leave.  "Come back in an hour's time, love, and I'll have coin for your troubles."  Wordlessly the girl nodded, and took her leave.
    About an hour and several daydreams later, Cadorina once again found herself lost in the cooling, soothing waters of her bath, candles flickering in the darkness as she gazed off into the stars outside.  She heard footsteps coming up the hall, and she smiled softly to herself as thoughts of the girl raced through her mind.  Nearly silent the door slowly opened, and the footsteps slowly entered the room.
    "Ah, hello love," she said to the girl, her eyes never leaving the heavens beyond.  "Be a dear and fetch me that towel over yonder so I could get your coin."  Nonchalantly she motioned over her shoulder to the bench by the door that held her towel, leaving her hand outstretched to receive it.  In a matter of moments the soft towel was in her hand, and she wrapped it loosely about her hair.
    "I really don't think extra coin would be needed.  The shipment is already paid in full."  It was the apprentice from the apothecary.