The first key was placed on his knee while they spent the evening observing in the inn. Lani smiled as he pocketed it for later inspection. The anticipation caused a little shiver down her spine. Lani had planned out this special surprise for her lord very carefully. A special treat to celebrate a year and a half of dedicated service. She had never been able to articulate just how thankful she was that he had given her purpose when she was so lost and alone.
She wasn?t the little mouse she had thought herself then. Now she felt more like a lioness, powerful and protective of her chosen family. And she did feel this was a family, even though it lacked the traditional roles one found in a family.
The second key she had tucked inside his boot while he was distracted. She wanted him to find that one at the end of the night while she helped him prepare for bed. It always thrilled her when she pleased him with her cleverness, and she felt this was one of her most clever distractions.
The third key she would keep for later.
They departed the inn for the tower late that evening, the cool night darkness felt like a balm on the elf?s skin as they walked. She felt flushed and overheated in her excitement.
?What is the key to pet?? They were entering the tower before he finally asked the question.
She smiled enigmatically and simply headed to stand by the door of his office. Travanix was amused by her rare show of mischief rather than annoyed and indulged his own curiosity.
Left on his desk was a beautifully crafted blackwood casket. Figures were carved on the sides. Scenes of souls in torment, the artisans vision of hell. Upon closer examination it was locked by a tiny antique brass padlock, tied with a tiny black ribbon matching the one on the minute brass key she had given him.
?Hmm, a gift pet? What is the occasion?? He turned the key in the lock and opened the lid of the casket. Inside on a bed of black velvet were a pair of new black kidskin gloves, a pair of elaborate manacles, and a scalpel. They earned the girl an indulgent smirk as they were lifted from the box and examined. ?Very nice lani.?
They retired from the office to the Lord?s chamber. Travanix settled to remove his boots as she went through the nighttime ritual of turning down his bed. The small silver key clinked softly as it hit the floor. He bent to pick it up, looking quizzically at the girl. ?lani, explain.?
?Read the tag Lord.? There was a tiny white tag attached to the key with another black ribbon. It listed an address and invited him to attend there the next night.
She wasn?t the little mouse she had thought herself then. Now she felt more like a lioness, powerful and protective of her chosen family. And she did feel this was a family, even though it lacked the traditional roles one found in a family.
The second key she had tucked inside his boot while he was distracted. She wanted him to find that one at the end of the night while she helped him prepare for bed. It always thrilled her when she pleased him with her cleverness, and she felt this was one of her most clever distractions.
The third key she would keep for later.
They departed the inn for the tower late that evening, the cool night darkness felt like a balm on the elf?s skin as they walked. She felt flushed and overheated in her excitement.
?What is the key to pet?? They were entering the tower before he finally asked the question.
She smiled enigmatically and simply headed to stand by the door of his office. Travanix was amused by her rare show of mischief rather than annoyed and indulged his own curiosity.
Left on his desk was a beautifully crafted blackwood casket. Figures were carved on the sides. Scenes of souls in torment, the artisans vision of hell. Upon closer examination it was locked by a tiny antique brass padlock, tied with a tiny black ribbon matching the one on the minute brass key she had given him.
?Hmm, a gift pet? What is the occasion?? He turned the key in the lock and opened the lid of the casket. Inside on a bed of black velvet were a pair of new black kidskin gloves, a pair of elaborate manacles, and a scalpel. They earned the girl an indulgent smirk as they were lifted from the box and examined. ?Very nice lani.?
They retired from the office to the Lord?s chamber. Travanix settled to remove his boots as she went through the nighttime ritual of turning down his bed. The small silver key clinked softly as it hit the floor. He bent to pick it up, looking quizzically at the girl. ?lani, explain.?
?Read the tag Lord.? There was a tiny white tag attached to the key with another black ribbon. It listed an address and invited him to attend there the next night.