For the great and mighty Goblin King!
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Even a pirate captain as legendary and awe-inspiring as Reaver could get a bit tired of being at sea. Oh sure, the raping, plundering, and murdering were fun and exciting...for a while. Hard as it might seem, even that kind of life could get boring after doing it for long enough. Sometimes you just had to shake things up a little, break out of your normal routine.
Which was exactly what Reaver was doing in a place like this when normally he would avoid so much...green. Considering his usual habitat of a ship on the open ocean, being in such a dense forest was making his skin itch with an almost claustrophobic irritation. Or maybe that was withdrawal. It was almost impossible to say, but scoring drugs was definitely something high on his list of priorities as he wandered among the trees.
Forest elves, he'd never understand how they could live like this. They seemed to love their stupid trees almost as much as his people loved the sea. When he thought of it like that, maybe he could understand them – just a little bit. Still, he would never have felt at home closed-in beneath a dense canopy of branches and leaves.
It didn't take very long for him to find out where to find an apothecary, and if rumor were to be believed the woman that worked behind the counter was ravishing. Somehow he doubted these tree-hugging bumpkins would know a true beauty if she jumped on their dicks, but hey, Reaver was nothing if not adventurous. Even if the woman was a total cow, as long as she could provide him with the items he was after, then the trip wouldn't be a waste. If this woman was a delectable as they claimed then the trip would have been more than worth it.
The little bell above the door jingled merrily as Reaver pushed open the door and swept inside in all his grace and finery. More than a few people had stared at him as he'd walked through their small village, what with the sparkling rubies and shining silver that adorned him, as well as the sword and pistol hanging at his waist. A confident smirk was already on his face as his green eyes lit up as they alighted on the lovely morsel that was flirting with some insignificant flea. Maybe they hadn't been quite as uneducated in the beauty of women as he'd thought.
"I didn't know they let stars come down from the heavens to work in apothecary shops." She was with another customer, and that young man had been here first, but oh my, Reaver couldn't seem to care!
The blithering idiot in front of her prattled on and on not even bothering to conceal his wayward glances towards her cleavage as she leaned against the counter. Autumn rested one elbow on it with her thumb under her chin, her pointer finger along her jaw and her middle against her lower lip. Occasionally she would tease the poor boy by gently sucking on the side of it or peeking her tongue out to re-wet her bee-stung lips.
She found him dull and welcomed the attention that the chiming bell brought. Her eyes darted away from the pubescent boy's face and darkened with interest to find a truly fine specimen of masculinity. One thinly sculpted brow rose in both greeting and interest as her lips turned up in a knowing smirk before her eyes once more returned to the young elf. The gold orbs lost some of their luster as he once more blathered on about inconsequential things.
Autumn drummed the fingers of her other hand impatiently upon the counter, her agitation quickly becoming clear in her flashing eyes. The boy was oblivious to it as he smiled goofily and leaned in for a kiss. The hand her face was resting on instantly moved to place a gentle finger to his lips. She traced their outline even as she spoke.
"Perhaps another time sweet Crivotn. I have another," her eyes once more glancing in Reaver's direction, "to attend to." Her cheeks flushed to hear his words and she stood up straight, palms resting on the counter to respond.
"Only those that dare leap from the heavens in search of the ever elusive sun," she called back while openly appraising him with her eyes. He was a stranger to her lands but rivaled many an elf or man she had ever seen before in looks. Autumn could not deny that the idea of trying him on suited her well.
Crivotn scoffed and shook his head. "I was here first," he whined trying to gain her favor back. Autumn did not even bother looking in his direction as she spoke. She only had eyes for the stranger. "And you were just leaving." There was a finality in her voice that send that male retreating but not before he purposely knocked into the taller elf's shoulder on his way out.
Blazing emerald eyes hadn't stopped roaming over her from the moment Reaver had walked in, and amusement flickered in those deep, dark depths as he watched the beauty's growing annoyance with the fool-hardy boy that was trying to keep her attention – and who was failing miserably. Not surprising really, little boys couldn't compete with grown men, especially not with a real woman, like the one he was undressing with his eyes. She had all the grace and confidence of a predator hunting prey – a woman that knew what she wanted, and that kid wasn't it.
It was fun to watch her tease the poor boy, though. The way her finger moved to stop the boy's clumsy attempt at a kiss before it traced over his lips made Reaver's eyes flash, his smirk only deepening. The way her cheeks had flushed at his compliment, and the way her golden eyes kept being drawn to his magnificence assured him that he'd well and thoroughly caught her attention and interest. Understandable, after all, he was quite the remarkable specimen, it was really to be expected that he would gain attention and interest no matter where he went or what he did or said.
The boy had been dismissed, thank god, because Reaver would have sent him running back to his mother if he'd been made to wait much longer. The young fool had the audacity to very rudely bump into him on the way out, and green eyes watched him leave coldly, a deadly promise hidden in them. Jealousy was so very unbecoming, someone definitely needed to teach the boy some manners.
"Well if I'd known you were looking for me I might have shown up sooner, my little scarlet gem." He said smoothly as he turned his eyes back to the ravishing beauty behind the counter. Reaver glided up to the counter and leaned on it a bit, eyes appraising her appreciatively, the cocky smirk still firmly on his lips.
"Perhaps next time you will not keep me waiting then," Autumn returned, resting back against the counter so that they leaned somewhat close together. There was a warm lazily smile that tugged at her lips as she fell into the role of the tigress easily. Here she reigned supreme and felt no threat from any male who entered her territory. Her confidence left her self-assured that she could win this game as she had all others. The fact that the stranger was quite witty as well as attractive only made her more interested in testing the limits.
Cocking her head to the side slightly, her eyes dancing with mirth, Autumn batted her eyelashes playfully. "Now then, how may I be of assistance?" One of her hands reached out to trace light patterns on the back of his hand. "Perhaps I can guess, a love potion perhaps? Though I doubt you would need a very strong one to draw a woman to your side."
Reaver chuckled softly at her comment, watching her with a predatory gaze as she rested against her side of the counter, putting them in a position of leaning in towards one another. His green eyes were sparkling, teasing, as was the way his lips curled in a smirk. The way she held herself, the way she moved, it spoke volumes about her degree of comfort and ease in his presence. She had no idea just how dangerous a position she was in, he was like a cat toying with a mouse, and the pretty little thing didn't have a clue.
"Oh I hardly think so," He leaned in closer and lowered his voice as imparting a great secret. "I am the love potion, my little gem." Smirking he kept his voice low and husky as he spoke again. "You know, it is a serious offense, to keep such a bright star waiting. Perhaps you should punish me."
Autumn hummed softly in response, slowly turning his hand over to run a finger over his palm. Looking down she gently lifted it into one hand while using her pinky to trace his lines. Starting with the line that ran from between his pointer and middle fingers she traced its curve all the way off the side of his hand by his pinky.
"I see what you mean," she praised, "a strong love line indeed. Quite intelligent too." Her finger streaked across the deep and long line that ran straight and true through the middle of his palm. But when she reached the curving line near his thumb she paused and hummed in surprise. "Now this is most interesting indeed."
The elf raised her gaze to meet his as she appraised him thoughtfully. "Perhaps punishment should wait for another time. Who knows how long you will be here after all stranger."
A dark brow arched slightly as Reaver watched her turn over and lift his hand, feeling little tingles of pleasure course through him as she traced the lines of his palm. This wasn't the first time he got his palm read, but it was certainly the most unexpected time he'd had someone read his lines. Not that he really understood it or knew if it was anything other than complete bullshit.
Still, if the foxy woman wanted to read his palm, then by all means, if it furthered his cause towards his goal, then bring it on. Besides, he liked that intelligent part. Wasn't so sure about that strong love line, though. Love and him, that was a laughable concept! They could get rid of that "love line" nonsense and just give him a sex line.
Emerald eyes bore into golden ones as she lifted her gaze to meet him. What did she mean by that? "What was "most interesting" about my life line, little gem?"
She moved his hand so that she rested her cheek in it and could watch him all the while giggling softly at his question. "It is most interesting indeed. I have never seen the like before," Autumn informed him, turning her head slightly to kiss the base of his palm.
"Your line stops suddenly before beginning anew parallel to where it ended. You sir have a long life albeit a deviant one ahead of you." She kissed his palm again before letting his hand go so that he could remove it if he wished. "You have yet to tell the star your name sun. What have you to say for yourself?"
Reaver was grinning like the Cheshire cat. Her cheek was warm and soft beneath his hand as it cupped her face gently. This was going even better than he'd have hoped. At least her giggles and the kiss to his hand would suggest things were going quite well. Though he wasn't surprised, he was pretty cocky about his ability to woo women when he wanted to.
"You're not likely to ever see it's like again, either." He smirked cheekily, what she said didn't come as a real shock at all. It was actually slightly unnerving in some way he couldn't quite put his finger on. She kissed his palm again and let his hand go, but he only let his fingers slide across her jaw and up under her chin. "I say that the star hasn't given the sun her name either. Ladies first, my little gem."
"Mm, and here I thought you were content on calling me your little gem, though little I am not." She was amused by his continued touching and found no harm in letting him hold her chin gently. "Perhaps I should make you suffer without it. What then my dark stranger?"
"What's in a name? A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet. I could keep calling you my little gem or my lovely shining star, but eventually that would get tiring, don't you think? If the lovely lady won't give me her name I could always make one up for her." Reaver smirked before letting go of her chin to raise his hand and rub his own thoughtfully, as if thinking of a name for her. Honestly, it wasn't her name he was interested in.
Autumn giggled and leaned back, resting her hands one over top of the other demurely upon the counter. "I believe that would be an interesting name indeed. However, I dare not waste your precious time. I am sure you came here with a purpose and I wish to do my best to fulfill it."
In contrast to her innocent expression her words dripped with innuendo. It had been quite a while since the elf had had such a receptive and willing partner who could keep up with her verbal sparring. She found him not only physically attractive but intellectually as well. It was always such a relief to have someone who could engage her mentally. Now to see how far this would go.
"Though I am but an apprentice, I can assure you I am well-skilled in my craft. Whatever you may require, I can provide to the best of my ability at the highest quality."
Reaver folded his arms on the counter and leaned casually as she leaned back and rested her hands demurely on top of each other. Her expression said she was being professional, her words and tone said something else entirely.
"I can assure you no man would think talking with you was a waste of time. Drawing a smile from those sweet, pouty lips is a good use of my time." Of course, Reaver had come in here with a purpose other than just flirting with a pretty woman, but hey, now that his focus was changed, might as well run with it.
"Oh my gem, I have no doubt you are very," His smirk widened and his green eyes raked over her body again, "skillful."
A warmth spread through her at his words, flushing her cheeks slightly and further fueling the fire that glowed within her darkening eyes. She was about to reply when the chiming of the door's hanging bell sounded again and an elder elf entered. Autumn sighed softly then greeted the man cheerily.
"Good travels Master Helio?"
The elf grunted, eying the new customer then his apprentice with a look of disapproval. "Attend to your duties with this gentleman Autumn and then I expect you to finish stocking the shelves. You can dilly-dally on your own time. There is work to be done."
She bowed her head respectfully though she felt nothing at the reprimand. It was not the first time she had been chastised and certainly would not be the last. Autumn was just turning to address the stranger again when the apothecary interjected before her.
"If my apprentice is unable to assist you friend then I can take over. I know that she is still young and in many ways unlearned. She is unaware of the more exotic and complex mixtures that someone not of our village might require. I would be pleased to be of assistance."
Reaver was pleased with himself as the stunning beauty's cheeks flushed a little, perhaps that cool confidence she had been trying to peddle to him was starting to crack. That made the sound of the little bell above the door chiming all the more annoying. How irritating to be interrupted when things were going so well. Although when his little scarlet gem greeted the elf that entered he turned to observe the elder with a smug grin. Autumn. Well if nothing else, the old geezer had given him that little gem of information and for that, he could almost forgive his obvious desire to get him out of the shop.
"Oh your apprentice has been most helpful, my good sir, most helpful indeed. She helped me forget what I had come in here for while I was so busy trying to figure out the name that belonged to her pretty face." He smirked and pulled out a tiny roll of parchment with a list of ingredients and mixtures scratched in dark red ink, the writing was flowing and elegant script. With a smirk he offered it to the elder elf. "I'm sure you can handle these trifling requests."
Turning back to Autumn, he smirked confidently, leaning across the counter to softly and invitingly speak to her. "It was a pleasure meeting such a lovely star, my little Autumn gem. Perhaps when you have finished here you will join me for a drink at that cozy little tavern I passed on my way here. I'll be there all night." He gave her a wink.
This Master Helio didn't mess around, because by the time he turned, the old elf had nearly finished gathering everything he'd written down. The final exchange was accomplished briskly, and Reaver handed over the amount of coins requested, plus a couple more, giving the old man a cheeky grin. "For your assistant's valuable time wasted." He explained before tipping his hat in a farewell to Autumn before disappearing out the door with a soft jingling of the shop's bell.
Her mood was ruined with the arrival of her master. Not even the handsome stranger's jovial attitude could bring a smile out of her once he had inadvertently ratted her out. She had seen the flash of anger behind the apothecary's eyes and knew she was in for a tedious tongue-lashing and doubled hours meant to limit her fun.
Sure enough, the moment the door closed Helios was all over her with harsh whispers that cursed her for her foolishness. How could she dare flaunt her body when there was work to be done, he had nearly shouted. Did she not have brains, he would continue. Autumn knew it all by now. The fact that the customer was new to their village only made it worse as it was less likely he would return thanks to her distractions and failure to provide.
By the time the jars had been sorted and the potions made, the red-haired elf was dying for a bit of fun. Her feet were sore and her mind felt like it had turned to dust out of boredom. The thought of running into her stranger was the only thing that kept her awake through the hours of work before she finally could depart for her home.
Another lecture awaited her there though, leaving her even more irritated and less time to prepare herself for a night out. Being confined to her room even at her age was ridiculous, yet Autumn had long since learned the art of stealthy escape through her bedroom window. She was out and on her way to the village tavern in no time, dressed in the colors of fall leaves and feeling every bit as wicked and playful as she looked enticing.
Reaver had known exactly what he was doing. He could envision the reprimand that his little gem was getting the moment he walked out the door of the shop. Of course, he so did like the tantalizing thoughts that toyed through his mind. That old fool in the shop wouldn't know how to properly punish his little gem for her naughty, naughty behavior.
Autumn.
Her name teased through his mind as he took a deep, steadying breath as he strolled causally down the street with his purchases - thinking up all the fun ways he could discipline such a fiery little vixen as the one he'd set his sights on. Just the fantasies of what he would do to her was enough to set his blood surging hungrily through his veins. Oh this was going to be a night to remember.
In fact, he was so wrapped up in his pleasurable thoughts that he very nearly ran into his first mate, Uilon. The smaller, slighter, and older elf scrambled out of his way for fear of being trampled, shooting his captain an annoyed scowl for a moment before his lips twisted in a knowing smirk at the distracted look on Reaver's face. He fell into step beside the captain as they strolled down the street leisurely - no one got in their way.
"Find a pretty one, then? Good. Take some of that hostility out on her and stop giving the crew a heart attack every few hours." Uilon teased with a certain level of glee that should never accompany such predatory eyes.
Reaver's lips twisted into a devious smirk. "I'm getting too obvious, or perhaps you're getting too observant. Don't know if I should be worried about that or not. Either way, yes, I do believe I've found myself a little starlight gem to covet for a little while."
Uilon's eyes flashed, sparkling dangerously as he chuckled. No one in the crew supported Reaver and his exploits more firmly than him. That's why he was the first mate, after all. Besides, after so long with his friend's son, it was hard to be anything but hopelessly loyal to the man - not to mention he'd found their life of piracy quite lucrative and rewarding himself. Mainly - he just enjoyed seeing Esgaron happy. The price was irrelevant.
The dark-haired pirate handed off the items he'd purchased in the shop to his first mate with a quiet dismissal and then he headed off to take care of some business.
Hours later he found himself in the tavern, savoring the tingling adrenaline of his high, and the tempering of alcohol as he drank deeply of surprisingly good wine. He'd usually go for something a little stronger, but he had other plans tonight. From the moment the handsome stranger had walked in he'd found himself the center of all female attention. Much to the displeasure of several men.
While he flirted smoothly with those that were pretty enough, he only had thoughts for his true prize, which was taking longer to show up than he wished. As the night wore on, his easy smile took on a more and more dangerous edge, those green eyes flashing with dissatisfaction. Reaver could have any of these blithering harlots, but there was only one he wanted just then - he never lost the game - never.
Her gait was confident as she strode into the tavern looking every bit the part of a queen entering her throne room. Amber eyes scanned the room before falling upon her stranger and his fawning admirers. One brow raised in displeasure before she was making her way over to the bar and a group of giggling girls. Like flies to honey, a group if men began to flock to her with Crivotn at the lead.
Autumn took a seat purposely choosing to ignore the man who was her reason for coming. If he wanted her then he was going to need to come crawling to her like all the rest. She had done her part and felt no other obligation until he decided to make his move.
She was all smiles and twinkling laughter as she played the men against each other. In her domain she reigned with teasing caresses that promised more than she ever said and rarely gave. The other women twittered also vying for her attention and laughing along with her at the men tripping over themselves to please them.
Reaver knew the instant that his beautiful prey entered, his head coming up, green eyes running over her very pleasing form with a sparkle of predatory delight as a smirk formed on his lips. That was quickly overshadowed by silent rage as she ignored him to go to the bar and have lesser men flocking about her. How dare she ignore him. There wasn't a single other man in this dump town worthy of her and she was ignoring him?
He did not crawl at any woman's beck and call, but he knew what she was doing. Wanted him to come to her, did she? Carefully reining in his temper, he decided to play her game, after all, it would be so much fun to punish her later for not coming immediately to him. Draining the rest of his wine, he set the glass aside, eyes now fixated on Autumn, burning with the desire to teach her a lesson about not only making him wait, but forcing him to go get her.
Sliding smoothly up to the bar his green eyes burned like fire as he approached her. Something about his presence had a couple of the men surrounding her shuffling - angrily - out of his way. At least they were smart enough to accomplish that. As much as he honestly wouldn't care to kill them, killing did get a bit messy, and tended to make the woman he was pursuing less receptive to him.
"Did my little Autumn star finally decide to show up? You know it is terribly impolite to make the sun wait for hours only to ignore him when at last you grace the establishment with your glorious presence. Were you never taught any manners at all, my little gem?"
Autumn's eyes flashed with fire while she remained otherwise nonplussed. She leaned back against the counter to observe the stranger with an air of boredom. "Is it not the job of the Sun to chase the Stars through the evening sky, to wait on bated breath for the single glimpse of her radiant beauty and then in the moment between night and day in the eery twilight of dawn to at last encapsulate her within his arms before she is nothing more than a memory buried deep within as he once more flits away to chase another star across the darkened sky?"
A stir rippled through the gathered crowd as their eyes darted between man and woman. It did not deter Autumn though as she ignored their very existence. She had eyes only for the nameless man before her. "The stunt you pulled kept me from coming sooner. Perhaps you should have thought of that before letting your tongue wag so, though I don't see you truly defeated by it given the number of admirers you've seemed to have collected in my absence."
Reaver arched a dark brow coolly at her, green eyes sparkling at Autumn's little poetic verbal gesture, not sure if he should be pissed or amused. A little of both, he decided with a wicked smirk as he ignored the people around them. Let them gawk and talk. He had no problems with everyone in town knowing that he was after this delicious little morsel. Just as her eyes only took in him and no other, his roamed over her with no regard for anyone else - especially the disappointed/annoyed young women he'd previously been flirting with.
"Ah, but this sun has light only for the brightest star in the sky, and if I must chase her across the heavens for but a moment of sweet starlight, then it will be the dawn of a lifetime."
Emeralds glittered at her little admonishment, a rather smug look coming over his features. He was a magnificent specimen, of course he had a lot of admirers. Just as she did. Stepping closer to loom over her seated figure, he leaned down to place his mouth close to her ear, letting his warm breath tickle the skin of her lovely neck with each breath as he whispered just loud enough to be heard by their captivated audience.
"I will make it up to you, my little gem. Trust me, when I'm through with you you'll be begging me to never stop wagging my tongue." He murmured suggestively.
"Mmm," Autumn hummed in appreciation as she let her head fall to the side some as goosebumps formed along her skin starting where his breath warmed her cooled skin. One hand raised to rest over his beating heart, reveling in the feel of his heat radiating through her palm. "Such confidence," she murmured huskily, "how can you be so sure if you've spent so much of your time galloping after the brightest of stars? She is not one to stop and wait while suns dally with other stars."
She leaned back away from him again, placing her elbows on the counter behind her as she let her head fall back some to view him. "You have failed to take one thing into consideration though I believe." Autumn smirked smugly, her brow raising slightly in challenge as it was oft to do. "Whatever shall you do with such a grave miscalculation?"
The way his quarry's head fell away from his teasing breath sent a thrill of satisfaction through Reaver, not to mention that soft, beautiful little purr he'd pulled from her with so little effort. Her hand moved to his chest, resting over his steadily beating heart. The soft rhythm speaking of his absolute ease and confidence in his position. There was nothing Autumn could say that would really rattle him - Reaver was sure of this.
Emerald eyes locked with hers as she leaned away from him, letting her take in the sight of him. Let her look, she would only be drawn further into his web the more he let her admire him. Not to mention he just enjoyed the attention. A slow smirk was given as she informed him he'd made a miscalculation. There was challenge to her expression and words. Well it always was more fun when they engaged him in a rigorous duel of wills.
"I miscalculate nothing, my lovely star," he murmured in a sultry purr, "I already told you this naughty sun needed to be punished." Reaver leaned close again, body softly pressing against hers as he moved in, lips dropping to softly kiss her jaw and whispering against her ear once more. "I'm eagerly awaiting your punishment, my gem."
Autumn hummed in disagreement as her hand reached out to the side and a drink was promptly placed in it. With the hand on his chest she pushed him away gently but firmly so that she could bring the mug to her lips and down it quickly with a quick snap of her head.
"Perhaps your punishment was to wait, though I think you could wait longer still. The point is a bit defeated if you have others to while your time away with."
Around them music began to play and many of the girls cheered at the sound. Autumn herself smiled at the tune as she was pulled down from her stool by some of the ladies. "If you'll excuse me," she murmured with a wink. "I believe I am required to attend this dance. Ladies only I'm afraid, but you can stay and watch though," the elf called back over her shoulder. "You might actually learn something."
Reaver allowed himself to be pushed back, stepping away from her slightly as he smothered the irritation that threatened to flash in his emerald eyes. Again and again he had to remind himself to have patience, they were in a crowded public establishment. Throwing her over his shoulder and carrying her away might garner some looks. Although bending her over the bar and taking her right here might draw a few more!
The music drew his attention momentarily, and before he knew it, Autumn was slipping away from him with some other women that held no interest to him. The pirate actually growled softly, green eyes blazing with anger as she excused herself and walked away from him. Right now he didn't give a shit about a stupid dance. It was too crowded to make a move, though. These people weren't a real threat to him, but he'd like to walk away from this town without guards chasing him.
Resigning himself he took the stool his gem had just vacated and copied her posture of leaning his back against the bar, watching her with impatience, and then interest. Maybe a dance would give him a better idea of just how valuable she was. After all, if she were to show enough skill, it might make it all the more worth his while to keep her for himself.
Some males followed Reaver's example, taking seats formerly vacated by the laughing women. Others pulled away tables and stacks chairs upon them, clearing the center of the room for the gathering group of women. With men lining the walls the girls linked arms with each other and laughing like a gaggle of geese would swarm one of the "living walls" as if trying to escape before being pushed back to try it again with another group of men. It was all a game and every youthful elf enjoyed it.
Eventually the females spread away from each other, following Autumn's lead as she began to slowly sway with the music, her eyes falling shut as she felt out the beat. Only once she could feel it coursing through her veins did she suddenly spring into action. She jumped up, her feet pounding into the floorboards as she threw herself into the music. A whoop went through the men as her nimble feet flew across the floor, her hips swaying side to side and hands moving to weave patterns in the air.
Autumn was oblivious to it all though as she let the music take her where it would. Years of dance training coupled with self-defense instruction had left the elf graceful, proud, and confident. When at last she allowed her eyes to open to the barest of sultry slits it was only her stranger that she had eyes for as she danced her way closer to him. Each twist and turn, hop and skip was for his enjoyment as much as hers. Other girls also started pairing off to dance for their sought for male counterparts.
The set-up really held no interest to Reaver at all, and the little game they were playing only flared his irritation further. This had better be worthwhile or his little gem was going to pay later for making him wait so damn long. Not that the gorgeous red-haired beauty he'd set his sights on had any idea just what she was getting herself into. That thought was enough to cool the impatient pirate slightly. It was going to be a lot of fun teaching his little star a lesson about putting too much trust into strange men.
When the dancing finally started, Reaver relaxed to watch the display, his rapt attention focused on a single lovely dancer. Emerald eyes followed the way that perfect body writhed and moved on the dance floor with a growing hunger. Every sway of her hips stoked the flames of lust and desire burning in those eyes, and the smirk that he wore only widened as she danced her way closer to him.
She was no shara dancer, this was true, but his little gem was more impressive than many others he had watched before. Since there were no more shara dancers to be had, he'd just have to settle for the next best thing, and he decided that Autumn was it. Reaver had been meaning to wrangle himself a toy to play with on the long voyages at sea. A woman to warm him only while docked just wasn't satisfying.
He gave a soft hum of appreciation as he watched her, and his gaze held the promise of igniting a fire that would consume them both.
Like water she flowed, elusive and and enticing, enthralling many wandering eyes, yet Autumn did not even seem to notice let alone care as she let herself be free. One particularly handsome elf slunk his way onto the dance floor until he was directly behind the woman, his hands resting possessively upon her hips even as he stared over her shoulder in challenge towards the unknown elf.
The fire that flashed in her eyes at the intrusion upon her private moment, caused her eyes to narrow and her jaw to lock in place. Even as she attempted to dance away, he kept step with her, pulling her back against him as he lowered his lips to her neck, his eyes never leaving the green orbs she danced for.
Autumn shoved an elbow back, glaring angrily over her shoulder as she attempted to skitter close to her Sun much to the persistent male's amusement. "Come now my dearest Autumn leaf, don't let bitter frost taint you so. It was not that long ago you danced that way and more for me, pet."
Her eyes narrowed further as she stopped dancing altogether, her hands balled up into tiny fists. "And unfortunately for me, you were unable to keep up Ghioth. Go away! You're not wanted here."
"Your eyes say differently my little leaf," he purred, latching onto her arm as he tried to pull her back to him.
The way that his lovely gem moved was positively mesmerizing, but that didn't keep Reaver from noticing the unwanted approach of another male. Green eyes flashed like unholy fire as the presumptuous elf put his hands on Autumn's hips, causing the pirate's rage to flare hotter than the sun. Every muscle in his body had tensed, blazing eyes meeting the challenging gaze of his rival without so much as blinking.
It pleased him that his little gem was trying to get away from this encroaching male, and at first he watched curiously to see how she would handle it. Though his body bristled at the lips placed against that beautiful neck of hers. How dare another man's lips touch what was his! It was enough that she tried to fight back against the intruder, Reaver was satisfied by her reaction.
Ghioth would find a fist impacting with his face the moment he grabbed Autumn's arm and tried to pull her back. The sea elf had moved extraordinarily fast once he'd decided to take action. Reaver's other arm encircled Autumn's waist and pulled his pretty dancer against his body as he glared over her shoulder at the elf that dared touch her.
"You should have listened to my little gem the first time, because now you'll not have another chance to correct your mistake." The threat rolled of his tongue in a cool, melodic tone. This Ghioth had inflamed his aggravation, and would pay a dear price for it. Reaver would make sure of that.
Ghioth recoiled in pain, rubbing his jaw even as Autumn pressed close to her latest flame. The woodland elf sneered and shook his head. "You're daft if you think she belongs to anyone, or for that matter would stay. You've obviously not heard of our village consort and her many conquests. Are you really so keen to be just another notch in her bedpost? Or should I say tree? Autumn is rather fond of her outdoor adventures."
Autumn clung tightly to the elf beside her, hoping to keep a fight from breaking out even as she interjected hotly. "You're not still cross that I laughed at you now are you, Ghioth? For an elf of caliber shall we say, you certainly are lacking in all the right aspects. Something I don't think my friend here will have any of the same problems with. Run along before you embarrass yourself any further tonight, little boy." She waved her hand at him to send him on his way though Ghioth looked anything but ready to tuck his tail and run.
Reaver laughed in Ghioth's face, finding his attempt to trash Autumn and make him lose interest pretty damn hilarious. Maybe some men would have been turned off by a woman of considerable experience, but Reaver would be a damn hypocrit if he shied away from a woman that had gotten around a bit. For him it just mean that Autumn already knew what the hell she was doing and knew how to properly please a man.
"Well she might not belong to me, but she sure as hell doesn't belong to you, so what the fuck do you think you were doing? I hear forcing yourself on a woman is kind of against the moral sensibilities of you tree folk. Figure you can't find a woman willing to put up with your sorry ass so you'd just take whatever one you wanted? Get lost before you get yourself really hurt. I don't like repeating myself you little bitch."
The unwanted male growled in disgust moments before he was making a swing towards the sea elf. "The only bitch here is the one humping your side!" Autumn immediately dropped away to avoid getting caught in a crossfire. A look of complete disappointment displayed upon her features as she left the men to fight it out. She could only hope that her Sun would prove not only the victor but a rather quick one. Thus far her evening had been all but ruined and she was not forgiving enough to let it all go to waste.
Reaver was more then ready for the swing, indeed, he was looking forward to it. Not that he needed an excuse to be violent, but it did give him a good one to hurt the son of a bitch a little more. Might make it easier not to have to escape an arrest attempt by some goody-goody guards. Why couldn't things go smoothly? Then again, it wouldn't be as much fun if they did...
With a fluid grace born of hundreds of years of practice, and his knowledge of his people's style of fighting, Reaver leaned back effortlessly, the punch missing his face by mere millimeters. Immediately his hand gripped the offending wrist, jerking Ghioth around towards the bar, his other hand came up and slammed the elf face-first into the counter with considerable force. It happened so fast the movements were near a blur.
Stepping back, relinquishing his hold on Ghioth, Reaver sneered at the elf maliciously, watching him to see if he was foolish enough not to just give up to a superior specimen.
She did not stay to see much of what happened. One scream of pain from Ghioth and Autumn was slipping out the back into the cool night air. A hand ran through her hair as she fluffed it back into place from all her jostling before she began a slow walk off the beaten path and into a little place she knew in the woods where she could be left in peace.
Between brawls and interrupted dances, she was not exactly having the night she always dreamed of, but the elf certainly hoped her Sun was resourceful enough to come find her once he had gone and had his fun.
'Perhaps the evening won't be a total loss,' she mused to herself as she took a seat, lounging comfortably across bowed tree that had grown oddly horizontal before curving to kiss the heavens. 'Though he was quite sexy being all protective and domineering. Wonder how that plays over into other aspects of his.'
It was a short and brutal fight. Reaver was merciless and skilled, Ghioth had underestimated him - a mistake the elf would never make again. Of course when Reaver stepped away from his broken challenger, his prize had up and disappeared on him! Giving a growl of annoyance, green eyes flashing dangerously, he strode purposefully from the building, stalking his prey through the night shadowed landscape.
Reaver didn't know the area, but that didn't stop him. His little gem didn't seem to be trying to hide from him so much as get away from the fighting. Well, all to his favor. Getting her alone was the entire point anyway, and as he slid up behind her comfortable living bench. His green eyes were practically glowing in the dark with an internal fire as he stared down at her.
"You didn't stay to see my glorious victory over your tormentor. I'm a tad disappointed, little gem. Still, getting you out here, away from prying eyes might be worth the lost chance to impress you with my martial prowess."
A knowing smile graced her lips the moment she heard him approach. She had no doubt as to who it was nor any fear when he at last spoke and she allowed her head to fall back to meet emerald fire with molten gold.
"I had no doubt in your prowess dear Sun," she cooed softly. "Ghioth is hardly worth calling a challenge if memory serves me well. He was always easily bested, even when we were children. Besides," Autumn breathed as she moved to place her feet on her "seat" and rose to now tower over her current suitor. "I thought you would appreciate a more private reception where you could impress me with a much more fulfilling prowess."
Smiling mischievously, Autumn offered him a hand before beckoning him up with her. "Dance with me, my champion?"
"Maybe I should go find a more impressive challenger to beat to a pulp for you, then." Reaver ground out lowly, blazing eyes never stopping their tour over her body. There was a familiar hunger for her in him, a burning coal that had been smoldering from the moment he'd laid eyes on his little gem.
Those coals were growing hotter and he was getting tired of playing along to her little games. He knew an insufferable tease when he met one. Autumn was one of those, playing her game and thinking that she had some control over a poor bastard that was stupid enough to allow himself to become enthralled with her.
Reaver was not a poor bastard.
He grabbed her offered hand, grinning wickedly and instead of jumping up to join her, the scoundrel tugged her down from her perch into his arms. His voice held a low warning. "I'm interested in a different kind of dance, little gem. You're teasing too much. A Sun as bright as me only has so much patience for stars, no matter how prettily they dance."
She hummed appreciatively as he yanked her closer and their bodies were suddenly flush against each other, his hard muscles against her supple softness. Autumn slid her arms up about his shoulders before pulling herself up so that her long legs wrapped about his waist and her skirt slid up to reveal the smooth skin beneath. Her fingers tangled roughly in his dark hair so that she could pull their faces close. "Not as bright as you think. You talk too much," she growled then crushed her lips hungrily into his.
Talked too much, did he? Good thing the talking was over.
Wooing the feisty little tease had been a fun game for a while, but Reaver was growing impatient with the frivolity of flowery words and other such nonsense. His little gem seemed an eager enough treasure to be pilfered, but it had never really mattered how willing or unwilling she was to his advances.
Reaver didn't ask for things he wanted. He took them.
His fingers bite harshly into her hips as he stepped forward, pressing her into the tree as his tongue tangled with hers. Autumn might have started the kiss, but Reaver quickly dominated it, mouth hard and demanding against hers.
Since he had been talking to much, he took a perverse pleasure in reaching between them so that he could undo his breeches enough to pull out his aching arousal. Without further preamble, without asking first or even checking to see if Autumn was ready for him, Reaver sank the entirety of his length within her harshly. One hand kept the hard grip on her hip while the other tangled in her hair to pull her head back so he could bite and suck at her throat with a growl.
Autumn was not about to give in easily. She kissed back just as hungrily and aggressively, not even pausing as he took his pleasure in her body. His dominance only caused her to grunt and fight harder to come out on top. She was not one to look for romance and understood that what they were doing was only about release. Her fingers sought purchase in his hair, clawing his scalp and shoulders or tugging on his locks as he caused her pain and pleasure all at once.
She worked her body against his, seeking her own relief without a care for his own. In her experience men were too self-centered to properly please their lady and if she wanted to enjoy her romps between the sheets then she would be required to take charge and obtain it herself.
"Finally," Autumn hissed in her native tongue, enjoying a man who truly knew what he was doing instead of the soft and simpering males of her village. She did not hold back as the sounds of her pleasure escaped her but nor did she embellish upon them to fuel the stranger's ego. It was real and raw and exactly what she was needing.