The Game.
Later that day.
~The Archetype and Vulcan~
"And that god left the child to the justice of the wild hunting winged bull with the head of a lion, Lamassu. But the child being the offspring of a god, a god himself, tamed and lured the monster with his innocence, until he had climbed on its back. The redhaired, neon-eyed child gave a loud shriek and the rage in him was intense and ripe enough to explode... The hot lava which had coursed from his remains burnt and melted the Lamassu. There go the story of the god who lived for three years... died with his foe... and at reincarnation, became the slave of the Lamassu who now takes the form of a Centaur, the father of the woman whom he loves."
Vulcan took a deep breath as the archetype stopped talking.
"That's a story stalked by grief and pain and anger."
He let out finally. She chuckled and held his hand. They were standing before the Palace surrounded by strong walls - fences.
"I would had love to tell you more stories, Vulcan, but I have to go."
His eyes bulged at his socket as he spun her around to face him. There were numerous gaurds going to and fro their eventide duties.
"Where are you going? You just arrived earth few hours ago. It's not even up to eight hours and now you want to go where? Do you know how much I've always wanted to meet you, Athena? Do you know what relief it is to know that the former lady was but a surrogate, a liar who had put up a charade all this while?"
She moved closer to him and put her left palm on his cheek, in gentle caresses.
"I must go every evening away from you. But first thing tomorrow morning, I would always be by your side."
But he wasn't getting beaten,
"Do you know what that would seem to the citizens who already love you? Imagine the number of things you've done for them in just hours. Don't you think that even at night they would come looking for you?"
His eyes fancied a quick stray for her for a short while. Back to her he continued,
"What if words get out soon enough that the queen leaves the palace every evening, do you think the people would be mute? Do you think they would pretend not to be interested?"
She traced her index off his cheek to his lips.
"You worry a lot, Vulcan. Let the mortals be worried. Let them say a lot of things. That's what they are skilled at. As a king, you don't want to please all the people. Because the more you do, the less you become; the more you hurt yourself in the name of being good."
He shook his head softly. He obviously wasn't ready to give in. She pulled his head closer and tasted his lips, quickly and with lagging demands. He kissed her back, sudden surges rippling through his veins.
He held her neck in both his hands for a while, leading her tongue on, sucking her face passionately. But the more he kissed her the more he wanted to.
He slid his hand off her neck, down and down her back till he grabbed both her booties in his hasty hands and pulled her closer, her titties crashing against his chest.
She fought herself free.
"We'll have sex tomorrow morning. I'll go now. You do not have to walk me. Just watch me go and return into the palace."
As she walked away from him, he held unto her left hand. She shot him a wierd smile and slipped her hand off. She kept walking towards the gate of the palace compound. He kept his gaze on her till she was gobbled up by the apt atmosphere, even before she could get to the gate.
Few of the guards in attendance caught the sight and gasped. But that wasn't enough for him.
He stood there for a while, then looked down at his trouser. His boner was poking at the fabric.
He paged the captain of his warriors who hurried to him.
"Prepare three maids, have them well bathed and neat. Then bring them to my chamber. Now!"
He watched the captain scramble off. He hesitated for a while, staring blankly at no place in precision. Then he turned and walked towards the palace, several guards bowing to him.
* * *
"I have to go now."
She stood up, picking up an old basket. The two ladies were seated under a hickory tree.
"But I still don't understand why you don't want me to come with you."
Tahni stood up to match her height.
"Why should I stress you for no reason when it's a Nymph's business? I shouldn't get your hand dirty."
She made to leave,
"Ayla."
Tahni called and Ayla halted.
"Are you sure you're alright today? You've been somehow. Is there something I should know that you're hiding from me?"
Ayla smiled and walked back to Tahni. She kissed Tahni so quickly that she was stunned. The latter wasn't expecting it.
"I can't concern you with the business of a Nymph. It'll do nothing but hurt. And I'll love you to respect my interest this time. It will mean a lot to me."
Tahni took a deep breath.
"How long will it take before you return. You know I can't stay alone until the dark. We have to return into one of the trees."
She kissed Tahni again without warning. Tahni was set aback the second time.
"Just few minutes, I promise. It's a matter of the baskets. Do not try to understand it yet, but you'll figure out sooner or later."
She kissed her again and let go. Then she started walking up the path.
Tahni put her fingers to her lips, pressing the lower lip softly.
"Something isn't right. The kiss and awkwardness. Or did she change her mind?"
She shook her as she watched the path suck Ayla up to tiny shred of silhouette dangling up the path until she took a turn and was out of sight.
"Or has she loved me all this while but refused to admit because she loves Vulcan? Has she admitted now and gave up on Vulcan?"
She grunted in frustration as words kept eluding her. She suddenly saw someone in the woods.
