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Shrivastava

Part 3 - Obsession

Nehra is beside himself! The decade or so of peace he’d experienced in the harem was truly over. His first thoughts were of Dremma – but he realized Oriana would take care of him. His thoughts then turned to his mistress. Hahtra quickly tests his prowess. Nehra does not disappoint but still feels cowed in her presence. He keeps himself busy by tending to her every desire – and he uses his much improved skills to woo her. She no longer taunts him, but accommodates his needs. Hahtra revels in her concubines’ virility. Hahtra seems truly fascinated with Nehra’s apparent transition to a competent and enthusiastic lover. She dotes over him - ever lusting for his affections. After a while Nehra notices how Hahtra holds him, kisses him. She seems almost tender. Never had she been so caring.

Hahtra is indeed mesmerized. However, his sexual prowess aside, Nehra seems aloof and detached. She desperately tries to arouse the fervor she senses deep with in him. Nehra responds but he is merely going through the motions. It infuriates the gorgon Queen, but she can find no immediate solution. As time passes Nehra seems even more distracted. Hahtra begins to grow impatient. Then one evening her concubine asks her a question.

Nehra hesitated, and then spoke softly. "I miss my companions. May I visit them in the harem proper?"

Hahtra is taken back, but an idea sprung in to her head. Seeing it as a way to please her pet she begrudgingly allows for the excursion. Perhaps it’s just what he needs to turn his focus on her?

"One day, my pet, and that is all." Nehra certainly doesn’t protest this! He is taken to the harem entrance and allowed in. He knows he only has a day, but he plans to make the most of it.

The massive harem compound is built to allow visitors to view the inhabitants of the harem from private areas by way of two-way mirrors at various points. Hahtra generally has exclusive privileges to these viewing areas.

Nehra enters the harem. The others greet him, asking him questions; curious about the world outside. He has little to say as he searches for the comfort of Dremma's embrace. Dremma presses through the crowd and literally jumps in to Nehra’s arms.

“You’re back!” He beamed.

“For a day.” Nehra said, smiling. Dremma’s smile faded, but then he grinned playing with a lock of Nehra’s hair.

“No matter. You’re here now!” Nehra then has a pleasant lunch with his friends telling them all about his experiences in the royal court.

That evening Dremma and Nehra fall in to a fierce session of lovemaking. Yet, they do not realize they are being watched.

Hahtra watches the two from the hidden passageway rippling with jealousy! She then looks suspiciously upon Nehra's partner. She ponders momentarily. There is something she realizes about the pale creature that soon boils her blood. The boy is no gorgon - but a Dark Elf!! The elves are an ancient and repellent enemy of House Bhevya, Hahtra's bloodline. Centuries before the dark elves of Sebalia had tried to over throw her rule. They had rallied a few gorgon tribes in their cause, but her havoc demon troops had forced them back. She had the gorgon traitors executed and decreed every dark elf be hunted down and killed. It appears the fool havoc demon Ki’tauq took it upon her self to put this creature among her harem with out her knowing of it. She quickly decided to handle Ki’tauq later – because at present some Elvin filth was pestering her darling prize! Furious and bewildered Hahtra realizes she must teach Nehra a lesson as well as rid her harem of a pest. Poor boy, how could you have known this Elvin swine is using you? Hahtra glares hatefully through the pane of glass considering her options. A wicked smile creases her lips. She would address this annoyance personally.

There is a clacking sound as the main entrance of the harem opens. Sleepy occupants scatter as a throng of havoc demons saunter in to the compound. A murmur of startled voices fills the air.

Oriana is awake with many other startled concubines. She hid nervously behind a pillar. She regarded the havoc demons lumbering about with trepidation. She immediately understood what they were here for. Her gaze shot fearfully towards the shrouded alcove across the chamber.

Nehra is awakened by a cry as Dremma is snatched from his sleepy embrace. He is then jerked viciously to his feet and shoved out in to the open. Nehra begins to protest, but is distracted by a pained scream. A large havoc demon with dark mottled skin, twisted horns and huge leathery wings shook Dremma by the fistful of hair in his unyielding grasp. The havoc demon glared at Nehra. “Behave.” He growled.

Nehra is quickly escorted away. Once outside the harem he is lead away from the comfortable setting of the central palace down twisting stairs to a system of gloomy service tunnels. The stone walls are moist and the air is stale. Nehra can’t understand the havoc demon’s guttural language, but they seem agitated about something. Nehra is pushed out ahead of the group, and unable to see Dremma being forced to follow behind him. Nehra glanced over his shoulder and was rewarded by a violent shove that almost sent him to the dirt-encrusted floor.

Their journey terminated at the end of another set of stairs in a barely lit stinking chamber with a low ceiling. The six havoc demons that accompanied them had to tuck their wings in tightly not to scrape the stonework. When their gruff voices quieted Nehra realized Dremma was quietly sobbing. The demon holding Dremma by his hair laughed then thrust Dremma forward in to a corner. Dremma staggered forward rubbing his aching scalp. He then crouched down holding his legs against his chest then glanced towards Nehra woefully.

Nehra started across the room towards Dremma, but he was intercepted by the largest havoc demon. “Back off!” grumbled the havoc demon.

Nehra sneered challengingly then he was pulled backward by two smaller demons that began to tie his arms behind his back with rope. Nehra cursed softly as the rough rope bit in to his skin. He was then forced to his knees. He looked up and was startled to see Hahtra standing by in the eerie flames of a single flickering sconce. The havoc demons appeared startled as well and scampered about oddly.

“We found the ones you wanted, your majesty.” Stated the largest havoc demon.

Hahtra regarded the chamber and frowned in revulsion. “Yes, yes, Brega I can see that.”

Hahtra turned her attention to Nehra. She could see the confusion in his expression. With one hand on her hips she pointed in Dremma’s direction. “What is this?!” Barked the gorgoness. Hahtra’s shimmering pink tresses trembled considerably. She jabbed her painted fingernail in the air at Dremma. She shot a glance at the large demon Brega. “That old bitch, Ki’tauq put that in my harem! Control your females Brega!” The big demon shrunk from the venom in her voice. The group as a whole looked at one another nervously.

Hahtra approached Nehra. “You cavort with this filth?” She asked.

Dremma grimaced angrily.

Nehra answered his mistress with perplexed silence. He glanced at Dremma.

“Look at me!” She fumed. “This creature...this Elf is no denizen of my harem!”

Dremma’s eyes widened upon hearing this. Elf? Nehra pondered this as well. Hahtra circled the room as her fine-heeled shoes clacked softly.

Hahtra‘s voice wavered as she spoke. “Ungrateful!”

“I will not have you fawning over this…this thing… He is beneath you. You will not return to the harem proper.” Hahtra turned away quickly, huffing irritably.

Nehra’s lips parted, his voice quiet and beseeching. “Mistress.”

“ Silence!” Hahtra wailed, whirling about stinging his face fiercely with an open handed blow.

She stepped away from him and out of the dim light. The gorgoness glanced at the slavering havoc demons were even now eying the Dremma, quite fervently. She smiled but Nehra could not see her expression. She was a shapely silhouette in the gloom.

“Do what you want to the small one, but not too quickly.” Hahtra sneered. She did not look at Nehra when she said. “Make sure he sees everything.” Hahtra gathered her silken robes and departed up the stone steps. “Let this be a lesson in candor, my pet.” The sweet musk of her perfume followed and then she was gone.

Once the sound of Queen Hahtra’s light footfalls faded the six havoc demons stood for a moment apparently unsure of how to proceed.

Brega huffed. “This will be fun gorgon! Make sure to pay attention as we tenderize the meat.”

Nehra lunged forward. “No!” He was quickly jerked backward by two smaller yet powerful havoc demons. The room filled with muted laughter.

One of the young beasts with small adolescent wings wined. “She said not too fast, Brega.”

“I know this!” He responded.

Dremma’s crimson eyes, dark in the dismal setting blinked tears, horrified. Nehra shook his head defiantly pulling at his restraints. He received a swift kick in his side for his efforts. Nehra almost wretched, coughed, then sank on to his side while mourning his aching ribs. Some of the demons gathered around Dremma’s crouched form. Brega pushed the others aside a reached down and grabbed hold of Dremma’s arm. There were a few gruff chuckles and Dremma was pulled to his feet. Brega spoke in a clipped guttural tongue, which made the other havoc demons shout approval. Brega growled pleased by his struggling prey. He let his grip falter and Dremma staggered away. Dremma soon felt the cold stone of the wall on his back and huddled for a moment as the havoc demons dark form descended upon him.

Brega raised broad hand and struck Dremma across the face sending him spinning. Nehra winced involuntarily. Dremma groaned sprawled on the dirty floor, spitting blood from his mouth. He struggled to rise but soon felt someone grab his ankle. He was dragged roughly across the rough floor. Brega reached out and tore away the scant livery clinging to Dremma’s slender frame with one vicious motion. Dremma shouted in protest, kicking helplessly. Nehra recoiled when as one of the bright beads from the hem of Dremma’s attire bounced along to floor to rest in front of him.

Brega was unaffected by Dremma’s futile attempt to fight back. The demon reached around the elf’s flailing limps and grabbed him by the throat. Dremma froze as the demon’s grip began to squeeze his throat. Dremma gagged. Nehra squirmed cursing to himself as tears began to burn in his eyes. It made his skin crawl to hear Dremma’s frightened cries. Brega loosed his grip upon Dremma’s throat tauntingly. Dremma gasped loudly calling out desperately. “Nehra!” He pleaded. Nehra grit his teeth until his jaw ached disgusted by his helplessness. The other havoc demons crept forward enticed by the scent of blood.

Brega leaned his bulk against Dremma’s shoulders and the demons clawed fingers dug in to his flesh. Dremma wept as the searing pain made his expression twist in agony. Brega gave his prey a close once over. “A bit scrawny for eating.” There was a collective grunt among the other havoc demons. Nehra glared angrily at the throng.

“But you’ll do.” He chortled coarsely. “Maybe we have some fun, eh?” Brega casually licked some of Dremma’s blood from his fingertips. One of the small havoc demons leaned close, bouncing excitedly on his haunches, eager to join in.

Brega snarled, not wishing to be interrupted. “Not yet!” he bellowed.

The havoc demon felt his garishly proportioned loins respond stiffly to the rapidly beating heart just below Dremma’s smooth skin. The demon leaned close enough for Dremma to smell his stinking breath and recoiled in kind. Brega’s black eyes glinted with something disturbing. The havoc demon straddled Dremma’s nude body shoving aside the eager audience gathering around him. Dremma’s cries of protest rose swiftly became beseeching cries of anguish, which in turn were silenced just as rapidly by a crushing grip around his slender throat.

Brega sneered irritably. “Quiet yourself, Elf!” Dremma gagged pitifully, and released his firm grip and resumed his unwelcome groping. Nehra was fighting the ropes around his wrists. The havoc demons near him glared warningly. One of three idle havoc demons crept forward seeking unspoken approval from the larger and more dominant havoc demon to join in. Brega crouched, his thick tail undulating with anticipation and then grabbed hold of Dremma’s hips.

Nehra then heard Dremma grunt in disgust and pain, which was followed by terrible sobbing. Brega was thrashing about. The other demons took advantage of Brega’s distraction as well moving in for their fair share. Among the revolting myriad of sounds Dremma’s plaintive voice fell silent.

Nehra groaned quietly. “Dremma.” He grieved.

He saw little of Dremma through the tangle of stocky limbs and leathery wings. The young gorgon wept noiselessly beset by grief. The havoc demons each quickly took their turn using Dremma’s body until thoroughly spent. After some time the throng of demons dispersed. Nehra forced himself to regard Dremma’s seemingly lifeless body bruised, bloodied and ruined.

Nehra felt heavy ache in his chest as he was jerked to his feet. His bound wrists were bleeding, face and chest throbbing from his earlier descent to the hard packed earthen floor. Brega huffed and glared at Nehra’s wounds. “Queens not going to like that!” he scolded. Nehra was escorted away. He glanced over his shoulder at Dremma once last time. Nehra screamed inwardly for his dear companion to rise. This nightmare had to end! His thoughts swam with images of Dremma’s smiling face, the smell of his skin as they fell asleep in one another’s arms, their playful conversations, and the boy who had made him feel cherished for the first time in his life. Gone. Nehra realized with great consternation. He is gone!

“Move!” Brega growled.

The other demons began debating loudly upon how to carve up the corpse. Nehra clenched his jaw furious, yet psychologically numb and disoriented. His tears had since dried up. He could no longer weep. Nehra struggled to breath and did all he could to remain standing. A strangely familiar distress took hold of his soul. He was alone.

Dremma’s limp lifeless body is taken away and Nehra is lead away and returned to Hahtra’s chambers.

Nehra is bathed; his wounds are treated and he is returned to Hahtra’s private chambers. Queen Hahtra awaits him, quite pleased with her self. She tells him he will forget ‘the elf’. “Do not fret,” She coos. “You will understand in time. It had to be done for your own good.”

Nehra is broken, hopeless and swiftly descended in to a profound depression. His world is shattered. He follows Hahtra’s wishes, but his mind is listless. As the days turn in to weeks Nehra sleeps fitfully - some nights the gentle memory of lavender would torture his senses, followed by a misty image of Dremma sleeping quietly beside him. Nehra find that he wakes often in the night in tears, fitful and unable to sleep through the night. When he sleeps his dreams are fractured and shadowy images and voices assail him. He begins to comprehend the hissing, whispering voices. They speak to him in waves of intense fervor, rage and yearning. The voices call for action…for vengeance.

*********

Brega and his cohorts retire to their quarters with Dremma’s limp body in tow. Brega is quick to confront the old havoc female.

“The queen has found your pet!” He growled. Ki’tauq contained her dismay when he presented Dremma’s bloody countenance. She struggled with the idea of how Hahtra had discovered her transgression, but she soon realizes she has some more immediate concerns. The old she-demon is larger than the bristling Brega, but his lackeys would have no qualms dispatching her. She feigns indifference saying it was her plan to consume Dremma all along. They’d merely beat her to the goal. Brega finds her explanation dubious but it more concerned about preparing his dinner.

Ki’tauq watches carefully as the throng settle in around their hearth. She haggles for Dremma’s body with the promise of a more delectable morsel. After some fierce negotiating she is rewarded. She quickly flees to a quiet and rarely visited section of the vast Palace grounds. Her obsidian black eyes blink mournfully. “What has happened to you, foolish one, eh?”

She frets over Dremma’s seemingly lifeless body and it delighted to discover the young elf is alive...barley. She quickly treats Dremma’s wounds, cleans him up and slowly nurses her battered charge back to health.

Ki’tauq heated water over a small hearth in a clay pot. She old demon struggled to move about in the cramped room. She laid out the things she’s gathered from other parts of the palace. It had been a struggle to convince the Palace physician she was in need of healing implements. The haughty gorgon had parted with the items only after some sincere pleading. She was only allotted so much for the harem, but her requests seemed odd and out of place. She’d gathered some food as well. She was certain she’d have to keep Dremma here away from the harem, her clan and curious eyes of palace attendants. She wasn’t exactly sure what she was getting herself in to, but she’s known the dangers when she found Dremma as an infant all those decades ago.

It had been a raid on an Elvin settlement. Many of the occupants had fled but a few were caught unawares by the marauding demons sent to destroy them. Ki’tauq had heard a woman’s scream and went to inspect. She arrived just as Dremma’s poor mother was literally being torn apart. When the demons had finished their grizzly task and departed she had noticed movement in a pile of linens near the dead elves dwelling. She peeked beneath the pile and there lay a squirming infant completely unaware that his mother had died moments before distracting the demons from his hiding place.

She had found clean rags and some poultice for the gashes on Dremma’s chest and shoulders. In moving his to a small cot she was pained to find that Dremma’s right shoulder was dislocated and it seemed his wrist was fractures as well. “My unfortunate youngling.” She muttered.

*******

The lavish bedchamber of Queen Hahtra, ruler of Sebalia, sovereign of the Gorgon tribes of Shaadiv was dark and still.  The candles long had since burned down and the hearth flames had died to scarlet embers.  The terrace, which opened to the private royal gardens, was tranquil under a moonless windless night.  

A sheer silken curtain encompassed the two shrouded forms upon the queen’s bed.  Nehra lay beside the slumbering queen staring at her placid face in the dimness.  His blank expression revealed little of the fury churning inside him.  He turned away directing his gaze towards the darkness beyond the terrace and the freedom the open night sky implied.  He sighed quietly, blinking back tears of anger when his arrant thoughts strayed once again to Dremma.  It did not surprise him that his thoughts of escape were coupled with mental images Dremma.  He had never imagined leaving the harem with out him.  They had spent so many decades among the revelry and simplicity of the harem it had been inconceivable to be apart.  She took him from you.  Nehra grimaced, gritting his teeth furiously.  I must take something from her.

Nehra lie quietly as he mused over the idea of taking something precious from the gorgoness.  It would have to be something she would desperately want.  It would have to break her, no destroy her! He would take something she treasured above her wealth, status, and her throne! Yet, what could he possibly accomplish?  He had nothing to leverage over the queen and no allies to aid him.  Nehra knew if he were to carry out his scheme he would need more than his wits.  She would have to trust him explicitly, need him completely. He would require information, unquestionable influence and most importantly time.  He would have to make her his.

 Nehra turned his head to gaze at the sleeping queen.  He could see the pink hue of her wavy hair and the pale cast of her skin.  He took a deep breath realizing with some trepidation and yet stronger resolve what he must do.  I will seduce you, make you mine, Hahtra Bhevya. I will take from you everything you hold dear and cast you aside without pity. Nehra closed his eyes and lie unmoving, falling in to a peaceful dreamless slumber.

 At this point in the story Nehra shifts his energies to wooing the queen.  He is naturally clever and a vigilant listener.  Sitting in court with Hahtra he watches and learns.  The struggle to seek Hahtra’s favor is fierce among gorgon nobility.  The politics are brutal and Nehra delights and the frequent mayhem. He takes note of her true allies and even further note of her perceptible opposition.  He begins to counsel his mistress – slowly at first, seeking to assist in her daily administrations.  To gain her trust he defends her honor – divulging the gossip shared between the concubines of her associates. 

 While alone with his mistress Nehra bombards her with affection and all his attention.  He begs to be in her company and dominates her passions and carnal desires.  Hahtra indeed becomes quite captivated with her concubine.  This does not go unnoticed by her court rivals.  Hahtra has had a long standing reputation of dismissing possible suitors.  She has ruled with out a king for millennia.  Hahtra is undaunted by the gossip; lost in the levity of her sweet Nehra.  She thrives upon his playful laughter and immerses herself in his intoxicating love.  The self absorbed queen assumes her bond with the young gorgon under her charge is absolute and mulls over the controversial idea of an official consort.  She had yet to be won by any male.  She felt them beneath her and merely toys for her amusement.  Nehra makes her feel complete with his fierce loyalty and single minded determination to please her.  With her false sense of security in full swing the gorgon queen does the improbable and formally announces that Nehra is her royal consort.  In essence an heir to her throne, or potential sire to her heir, nonetheless: with all the privileges that entails.

 The transition is not entirely smooth. There were those who thought themselves better suited for the position.  Nehra is not unaware that he must be vigilant and keep his eyes on his sudden popularity and his new so-called acquaintances.

 After these turn of events Nehra is confronted with his past.  During an official soirée to celebrate the queens new consort Nehra is reunited with his mother, Shafia.  The diminutive gorgoness is shocked and amazed by the great strides her son has made.  Thinking him long dead at the hands of Hahtra’s insatiable lusts she had been astounded upon the announcement that Nehra, her son, had ascended to official consort of the queen of Sebalia. Nehra is some what relieved to reconnect with the mother he barely remembered and fond thoughts of his care free early childhood are soothing amidst his constant intrigues and exasperating court politics.  Here we also reunite with Nehra’s elder brother Mweu who has grown in to a rather roughish, viral and obstinate gorgon.  He is now overseer of his small tribe and not exactly thrilled to be surpassed in rank by his little brother.

 Let’s take note that during these past few years Nehra has taken it upon himself to educate his mind.  He would not have himself at a disadvantage during his ascent.  A consort must read and write and a general knowledge of gorgon history as well as the history of his realm, Shaadiv is a must.  During the late hours of the night Nehra is tutored by palace the historian.  An old and forgotten gorgon assigned ages ago by a ruler long forgotten to attend the disused archives with Palace Vahin.

 Yet, despite his preparations Nehra is restless.  While the title of consort has put him in the right place, he feels that something is amiss.  A chance visit by an old friend gives Nehra hope.  Elu makes an impromptu visit unknown to the queen.  The fair skinned gorgon is no longer the concubine of the ancient Vha-dra.  It appears the old gorgon has finally passed in to the Labyrinth and joined the Dark Storm.  Transcendence granted only to those most loyal to The Dark Lord Ruzabel.  In payment for his loyal service Vha-dra had passed his title and estates to the young gorgon.  Elu now has exclusive status coveted by many – direct influence from the Dark Lord himself.  Nehra is somewhat cowed by Elu’s arrival.  The timid emotions of his youth and the fiery encounter they shared fresh in his mind.

 Yet, it seems Elu’s arrival was no accident.  Elu is aware of Nehra’s activities and he offers his help.  Nehra is unsure, but reluctant to turn away the gorgon’s obvious influence on the royal court.  Elu tells Nehra of the glory of the gorgon Empire long past and how Hahtra, with her bizarre allegiance to the lesser Havoc demons, the waning gorgon influence with in Shaadiv. She slaughtered many worthy tribes and cast whole kingdoms from Sebalia to assert her dominance.  It has fractured the once strong gorgon empire and tainted the prestige of gorgon kind!  Among those in exile under Hahtra’s rule is the Pāthan – a sect of gorgon warriors, whom, in ancient times protected Sebalia’s borders and fought in the great wars of old.  Living in secrecy the sect has thrived quietly on the fringes of society.  Elu tells Nehra that they seek a new era and a new ruler to lead them. 

 Nehra is a bit overwhelmed, but not completely dispassionate to the proposal.  Elu reassured Nehra that he will be supported should he usurp the throne.  ‘Hahtra’s reign is over.  It is in your hands.  The time is now.’  There has always been a deep yearning inside him that he could not explain.  It was compelling and seductive and prodded him to seek power – his rightful place.  Nehra had been pushing that aside merely wishing vengeance on the gorgon queen, but now he felt a surge of longing and a drive to pursue the throne! 

All the while Hahtra remains oblivious. Her blatant disregard for her duties and lax decorum is beginning to agitate those who would keep her in power.  They warn her and urge her to be watchful of her negligence.  But their warnings fall on deaf ears.  Nehra is wrapped up in his activities, busy seeking allies among the denizens of gorgon nobility, quietly building his army.  On a cool starry evening a tap on Nehra’s door breaks the silence.  An attendant announces the arrival of Ki'tauq the havoc she-demon, caretaker of the harem proper.  Nehra is puzzled by the grizzled demons visit, but greats the demon warmly.  She seems apprehensive and quickly explains her reasons for her visit.

 “I think it has been long enough.” The old she-demon said.

Nehra was sipping a goblet of wine, unsure of the demon’s cryptic statement.

“I couldn’t keep him away any longer, but I felt it was safest to keep him for this long.  For his safety and for your safety, or course, my lord.”

Nehra smiled a bit. “What are you talking about?!”

Ki'tauq sauntered over to the chamber door and peeked out in to the corridor beyond talking softly to someone outside.  Nehra’s brow creased in confusion, sitting up in his chair genuinely curious.  A cloaked figure entered the room hesitantly their face obscured by a loose cowl.  The cloaked stranger crossed the carpeted chamber and stopped.  Pale hands emerged from the simple cloak and pushed back the cowl.

“Nehra.” Dremma smiled broadly, his eyes dark glistening with tears.

 Nehra was frozen, save for the trembling of his hand.  His heart began to race and he had a hard time breathing.  He set the goblet of wine aside with a loud clank on the polished table and stood from his chair slowly.  Dremma took a step forward reaching out to him.  Nehra could barley stand from the shock.

“Dremma?” Nehra whispered.

“ Oh, I’ve missed you so much.  Too much!” Dremma cried.  Ki'tauq stepped out of the room and shut the door quietly behind her.  Dremma waited for a response but Nehra seemed to be in a daze.  Nehra took a tentative step forward reaching out to touch Dremma.  He wanted to make sure he wasn’t dreaming.  Yet, before Dremma could wrap his arms around the tall gorgon’s frame Nehra collapsed to his knees, grasping Dremma around the hips in a snug embrace.  Dremma could feel Nehra’s body trembling slightly.  Dremma smiled smoothing the radiant crimson hair on Nehra’s head.

“Never again.” Nehra muttered, breathlessly.  “I swear no one will hurt never again!” Nehra stood then scooped Dremma up in to his powerful arms plucking him from the floor. Dremma chuckled slightly before Nehra pressed his lips to his.  Dremma felt a hot wave of yearning envelope him as he cradled Nehra’s face in his hands.

Dremma gazed in to Nehra’s bright green eyes affectionately.

“I don’t know how, but Ki'tauq found me. She saved me Nehra. She’s kept me hidden in the service tunnels below the palace.  I thought I’d never see you again.”  Dremma kissed him again in elation.

Nehra pulled away for a moment.  “I don’t care how!” He decreed spinning them both around. “You’re here! Hells gates you’re alive!”

Dremma laughed a bit barely able to contain his delight.  

Nehra quickly arranges for private lodging for Dremma.  He can barely contain is excitement and makes time to visit Dremma every day.  With new vigor Nehra continues his quest – truly motivated and no longer plagued by the feeling of unease.  There nothing to stop him now.  His path was clear.

Dremma is awed and pleasantly surprised by Nehra’s continued transformation.  Nehra is devilishly charismatic, confident and as witty as ever.  Dremma muses over the direct contrast of the awkward scared little boy that was hiding in a food cellar to the magnificent creature of the present.  He’s not sure what the future holds he only prays he will not be separated from Nehra again. He cannot deny his deep love for the gorgon. Dremma is also faced with his true Elvin identity; dark elf to be exact. (Revealed to him during his stay with Ki’tauq)  He always thought himself to be different, but it had never occurred to him he was not a gorgon. He is indeed a denizen of Shaadiv, yet at present his people, the dark elves, were thought to be gone from the realm, long dead or driven out to some other demesne. It is something the quietly accepts, but it troubles him to think he has little or no heritage.  It leaves him with a subtle sense of loneliness – witch deepens his attachment to Nehra, his only family. Dremma does not mull over his vicious attack.  It sort of gets buried – Dremma turns his attentions toward Nehra contented to forget such ghastly things.

To be continued...