Grenwood's citizenry had more steel than I had expected. One would think that our raid into Kent's territory would be seen as a great tragedy, filled with endless lamentation on the cruelty of humanity. But, no. Such things were common; people cried, complained, and prayed to Anier. Then they moved on, and the dead and the brutalized were forgotten. People had a new worry, a new enemy on the horizon. It was a winter year.
Colette and I walked, our respective crews taking up the rear. Her territory was near the southeastern corner of the city. Before we even reached her territory, I could smell soot in the air. Colette herself was a blunt woman; the same morning we were fitted for armor, and, admiring her own fine set, I requested a near copy. The raid a day before was incredibly profitable, even after turning over a significant amount of coin to Derek for his tithe.
The man himself took control of the territory with an iron fist. The speed and efficiency he demonstrated were something to be admired. It was also something I had no interest in. Being a leader seemed like a pain; watching as he settled disagreements and conflicts among his own people was informative yet uninteresting. In fact, anything that wasn't magic was a distraction.
"So, this is it?" I asked Colette.
We stared at the 15-foot-tall bloomery; the massive stone construct was as large as a building, with massive bellows on each side.
"Indeed. You think the air is bad now, but when it operates, most can hardly breathe." Colette said.
"Something like this shouldn't be constructed inside a city," I observed.
"Agreed. It originally wasn't. However, rival gangs sought to sabotage anything that could bring Derek profit. So, it was moved here. It was easier to protect when in my territory."
Colette's territory was five times the size of mine. However, the people looked at her with admiration, not fear or hate.
I walked over to the bellows, examining how it connected to the inner core where the iron ore would be heated. Taking a few pieces of string, I measured the circumference of the simple clay opening.
'A simple tube to push hot air is all I needed, and a proper energy furnace, significantly scaled down. I can use a simple ring of copper to make the circuit incomplete, so they can turn the circuit on and off. Shouldn't even take me two days.'
"Day after tomorrow, you can send someone to pick up the component. I'll include instructions on how to operate it. All you would have to do is remove the tube for the bellows and slot in the magical ones." I stated.
"That's it? Just two days." She asked.
"Did you expect more?"
Colette shook her head. "This seems a simple task for you."
"It is"
"Yet you Magi ask such steep prices. And refuse to share this power with anyone else."
I looked at her, confused, "What is your point?"
Colette sighed as if I was missing something obvious. "I've heard about a few of the items you have made. Barrels that summon clean water. Magical stoves and such."
I grew frustrated since I still didn't understand where she was going, "Again, your point."
"Magic could improve so many lives. Yet you all do nothing...."
'Ah, some moronic sentiment, such a thing is of little interest to me. Honorable types are such a pain. Almost as bad as idiots. Though I wonder if they're the same thing in the end. Best to rid her of such thoughts. '
Chuckling without humor, I said, "You're barking up the wrong tree, Colette. I am no savior. The world is cruel, and such naivety will only lead to a quick death. And to make sure you understand me, I simply do not care."
Colette sighed as if she was used to such cynicism. "The world is cruel cause we make it cruel, Sera."
I had no interest in this debate."Two days from now, high hour. Bring the coin and the armor, and our deal is concluded." I stated firmly.
Colette's eyes hardened and, realising that she would not convince me of anything, she stated. "It will be done, 'Magus'." Though she almost sounded disgusted by the word.
'I wonder if she's had history with other Magi. Either way, I couldn't care less.'
~
"Why?" Mar asked, as we were returning to the warehouse.
"Why what?" I answered as we entered the warehouse. Their living space was already furnished. The massive room still looked empty even though there were beds, two baths, and several other pieces of furniture. By any comparison, they were living better than any peasant.
"Why don't yuh do more for people?"Mar focused on me, searching for an answer.
'Again, with this nonsense.'
"It's simple. Mar, what is the benefit?" I asked. Mar remained confused, so I continued, "There is the potential danger from too much widespread magic. I balance this by asking for a great reward. But randomly giving magic to people for no benefit does not balance the risk."
"All the things you've been givin' for free? That ain't risky?"
"It is, however. I'm willing to accept the risk for a greater reward."
"That is?" He asked.
"Peace 'n quiet," Ashe answered. I nodded in approval.
"How's 'at get 'er peace and quiet?" Mar asked.
Ashe sighed as if it was obvious, "She's the carrot. We the stick. Keeps everyone in line, happy to eat the carrot."
"Once you get all the power, what then?" Mar asked.
I didn't answer, since I didn't know. I doubted I would live well into my late years. So, it's likely I'll never get to the point where I would have to consider what comes next.
'Why is it that people think having power means using it for some greater purpose?'
~
Jenna and I perused the twenty new stalls that crowded the streets of my territory. It seemed word of me had spread, and most weren't stupid enough to cause trouble. Since Mar proved to have a strange honor about him. I didn't need to worry about him possibly raping a woman and tarnishing the stability I was building. Furthermore, Ashe's wanton violence, while terrifying, was limited to those who broke my rules. And though I consider most peasants little smarter than animals at times, even a dog can be trained.
"Oh, look at that, blown glass," Jenna said, dragging me over to a stall selling interesting glass sculptures.
Jenna looked lovely today. Her blue dress looked properly tailored, of fine cotton. And from the luster of her brown hair, she kept up with proper maintenance.
Some of the sculptures looked like horses. Another looked like a small dragon. Seeing me staring at it, Jenna pulled out 20 bits and paid the young man.
It was the third item she had bought for me. Neil's store had slowly grown in popularity, producing some impressive items, netting him quite a profit. He even bragged that he received a commission from the captain of the guard. I made him even more tools to improve his smithing skills, including a special sealed crucible to make steel, three different iron heating circles.
One that maintains quenching temperature using the same heat dissipation principle as my oven. Another was to temper the metal, maintaining hardness and preventing chipping. And the final one dumped as much heat into the blades as possible. That was usually used in the steel-making process. I severely underestimated how much his skills would progress with magical tools.
I even made them a miniature energy furnace to power everything they own. Including their own bath water condensers, stoves, iceboxes, and magical lights. Almost 20 items in total. Neil was a respected man, and I had no problem using my abilities to build him up. He, with Diane's help, completely stabilized my small territory.
He was incredibly grateful; now I had a fine longsword that I carried around but never used, and Dozens of knives of incredible quality.
All this allowed Jenna to afford fine dresses and to pay for this week's outing. Our fourth in as many days.
"Everything's so different," Jenna said. Looking at all the people shopping and perusing the many wares on offer. Off in the distance, I could see Mar and Ashe berating some shifty-looking man.
"Different how?" I asked.
"People just don't look as sad." Jenna gestured vaguely at everyone around us.
"My presence keeps this area safe and secure. There are few things more pacifying than peace." I mused.
Jenna giggled as if I had made a joke. "Only you could make happiness sound like a bad thing."
'For me it is, but you don't need to know that, my dear.'
As I observed the shoppers, I threw my mind back to when I first arrived in the city. It was a stark difference; people walked straight and seemed to smile more. And the present fog of fear and despair seemed to be lifted.
I didn't respond, not wanting to reveal my nihilistic thoughts.
I glanced to the right, noting a merchant selling books. I barely paid attention to the old woman, only perusing the items on offer.
Jenna could read. If only barely, but reading for pleasure wasn't one of her interests.
I perused the books on her stall, nothing interesting until I spotted a true treasure. "No, it can't be!" I shouted. As I saw the cover.
"T-the tahel of d ah vid. Oh, the Tale of David the Dimwitted. You were tellin' pa 'bout it." Jenna said.
"Aye, it's probably my favorite book."
Jenna grinned and immediately purchased the book for me with her own coin.
It was old, but no pages seemed to be missing or damaged. With genuine gratitude, I smiled and accepted the book.
I looked into Jenna's eyes, her expression exceptionally pleased. "You have to let me read it to you."
"Sounds like fun." Jenna gestured to Mar and Ashe, who were now beating the snot out of the man. Unlike before, most people didn't seem horrified. At some point, they realized brutality was necessary to maintain the peace they enjoyed and had no problem watching others be brutalized for their safety. "What 'bout them?"
I shrugged, "I'm sure he deserves it."
I grabbed her arm and headed back to my home.
~
"He ain't real. Don't believe it. " Jenna said, shaking her head.
We were sitting on my bed as I read through the first few chapters of the book. I had reached the part where David spent a week in the woods surviving off the milk of a pregnant wolf.
"Oh, he is. Checked myself. A genuine member of the Heliosian Aristocracy."
Jenna lay down staring at the ceiling. Unable to hold back her laugh.
I moved from my sitting position to lie beside her. Staring up at the ceiling.
"Life's strange, ain't it?" Jenna said.
"More than strange."
'Especially considering how I've lived.'
Jenna reached across and brushed a finger against my hand.
"Heard 'bout the gangs fightin' over East End," Jenna said.
"Aye, but it's over now."
"Don't like you bein' in danger."
"Neither do I, but I'm a smart Magus, and Ashe and Mar will keep me safe."
Jenna drew small circles in my palm using her middle finger. Shifting to her side, she faced me. I turned to meet her brown eyes.
Eyes roamed to my lips, an invitation that I accepted. Warm and peaceful as always, a wonderful distraction from the world.
Jenna pulled back, her face, beet red. "You know." She paused and mustered some bravery. "Some people use tongue."
I nodded. "I've read a few books where it happens. Care to try?"
Jenna seemed eager. Far more eager than I had anticipated. Our lips met again, this time her mouth was open. I was hesitant but excited.
It was strange, feeling another person's tongue on mine. I've read about lovers kissing like this, but it didn't match the passion in the books. Her mouth had the distinct taste of meat from our meal. We just moved our tongues against each other back and forth. As excited as she was, Jenna clearly had no more clue what she was doing than I did.
But as the seconds passed. Tension and hesitation drifted away. I pulled her closer, desiring to feel her warmth, to taste more of her. It became an exploration. Her tongue was narrower than mine, her teeth smaller. My curiosity was boundless, and eventually, I felt the heat within my core, the desire to go further.
After several minutes of trying to eat each other's faces, we pulled back. I wiped away the saliva from my mouth. And Jenna did the same.
"Will you stay with me?" I asked.
She nodded nervously. Then, after a few moments of hesitation, I stood, walked over to my armoire, and removed my clothes. I wanted this and wasn't going to stop unless Jenna didn't want the same.
"Alright then, "Jenna whispered to herself.
I could hear Jenna doing the same behind me. Once again, I hid my medallion and stone. In this moment, I had no magical protection; I was vulnerable; the feeling was terrifying and exhilarating.
Returning to the bed, I watched as Jenna removed the last of her small clothes. I admired her strong back, the shape of her breasts. And the slight bounce as she joined me on the bed.
We sat, staring at each other, awkwardly, unsure how to continue.
"Should we kiss?" I asked.
Jenna shrugged. I sat up on my knees in the center of the bed, and Jenna did the same. This time, the kiss came easier. I opened my mouth for her, and she didn't hesitate. Our tongues danced. She pulled me close until our bodies collided. I felt the heat of her skin, the beat of her heart as our chests pressed together.
My hand roamed along her back, feeling her strong muscles and her firm rear end. My desire pushed past any inexperienced awkwardness. The muscles in my thighs and back spasmed every time Jenna's hands roamed over a sensitive spot. A different fire burned within.
We pulled back again, breathing heavy. I looked over her body once more and, with some boldness, ran a hand along her side, up her stomach, over her chest, and along her collarbone. I wanted to remember and savor this moment.
She did the same, exploring my body. Silvia was right, the exploration was enjoyable.
For several minutes, I roamed my hands over her entire body, memorizing every bump, curve, blemish, and scar. Jenna did the same, with almost reverent delicacy. I've been told I was beautiful by others. But this was the first time I felt it. Jenna thought I was beautiful; no words were needed. Every touch, caress, and squeeze was filled with admiration, bordering on worship.
But there was one place we both avoided. For several minutes, we alternated between kissing and caressing, but someone had to be bold and move forward. But neither of us did.
We paused, realizing the problem. I suppose this was the part where sex between women diverged from the usual; if either of us were a man, then the answer would be obvious.
'I suppose I could do for her what I do for myself.'
I did have other ideas beyond that, but I wasn't ready for such things.
I swallowed and placed my hand on her stomach right above her navel. I looked into her eyes, a question. She nodded slowly, not breathing. I slowly moved my head lower, past the curly brown hair over her mound, to her core.
She gasped, and I pulled my hand back. ''It's alright. Keep goin'," she whispered, unable to meet my eyes.
I nodded as I started over, exploring her, trying to replicate what I enjoyed. She leaned forward, resting her head on my shoulders. Jenna traced her fingers along my inner thigh, finding my center. The sensation of someone else touching and exploring was indescribable and mildly terrifying. I rested my head on her shoulder, seeking her support. For some reason, I didn't want to stare directly into her face as her fingers drew gasps from me.
It almost stopped everything. I felt exposed, too open. But as I calmed down, the pleasant sensations seeped through, and my inhibitions faded.
With each other's shoulders for support, we entered a state of mutual exploration. I lost track of time, perfectly willing to explore forever. Jenna, emboldened by the sounds escaping my lips, redoubled her efforts. Her touch was like liquid fire.
Then, after a few more minutes of caressing, she found true treasure. And I became undone. As the waves of pleasure rushed through me, Jenna kept up her efforts, dragging it on for what seemed like an eternity. Then, finally, with much disappointment, it ended.
I panted, using her shoulder for support as I recovered.
~
It was beautiful hearing Jenna's cries of pleasure. To feel her come undone from my touch. No woman had ever looked more stunning to me. With the final barrier of inhibition broken, we were free to explore to our heart's content. Climbing mountain after mountain. And descending with a cry of pleasure. Every time it ended, I only wanted to reach another greater height. I hungered for more. Enough to ask, demand, or beg; pride meant little.
I loved myself and only myself. But in those moments, as Jenna's fingers seemed to ignite a whirlwind of fire within me, strong enough to wash away all thoughts and worries, I loved her. Almost more than I loved magic.
Almost.
~
I stared up at the ceiling, exhausted. Jenna rested beside me, her hand playing with the dark hairs above my mound. It was oddly intimate. As much as I wanted to do more, my hand was cramping, and apparently, after being pushed over the edge enough times, the pleasure could become painful.
But as the excitement from our congress faded, my wits returned to me. The deep love I felt for her in those heights of pleasure atrophied back into its original state, shrinking to mild affection. However, Jenna's eyes were different; they were eyes I recognized. The eyes Beth had for Darion, my mother for Bren, Yarah for her husband; eyes filled with love.
'Is it really so easy for someone to fall in love? It has only been a few months.'
'This moment was enjoyable, but it has to come to an end. I will not allow myself to become attached. I enjoy your warmth, Jenna, but like everyone else, I must abandon you. But we can have this moment, this sweet moment.'
I ran my fingers through her hair and stared at the ceiling, deciding to relegate those thoughts for some other time.