He hd been aware that she ws surprised by his actions, surprised probably at how wound up he had been. It did not take much for him to establish a readiness and he was not even fully hard yet either but somewhere inbetween given their tesing thus far. But he was amused at how she colored so easily.

“Well, maybe we shall see lter, hm?”

He grinned at her as he considered again about distracting her with a dip in the river though, considering what that state would be like once again.

He found himself grinning at her as she mde that cpnfession to him. He traced his hands again her hips and could tell she was struggling here like a fish out of water seeking to draw in another gillful of air. She was flopping around and he knew it.

“It could be worse. I could be totally inept at this. Imagine alll that boring, tedious sex since my sex drive would have been the same, the skill set a bit different in that regard. The horror,” he grinned at her then allowing that thought to sink into her mind as he uttered it unto her.

The scene gave way to that of the battle, from loving one minute to the chaos of battle erupting all around them. The goblins showed that they did not play fair given the sheer number of them that pressed in on the lone target.

It was de ja vu in a way … when she had first encountered Mezzo it had been with Pog, the two were allies then, now obvious enemies. She had assumed that it was Mezzo for she was behind him and there was a blue skinned goblin before her so what was the odds that this was not Mezzo. From what she understood the Reef Masters liked coatal areas and thus this was highly unlikely to be one encroaching on thir terrotory or rather near it so it was likely with the evidence they had it was Mezzo.

She obeyed Oberron though as she moved into position confident that the smaller blade would suffice even though she would give up some reach with it the blade would serve her well against goblins.

A quick kiss against his warm flesh had her hurrying away though he had the time to swat her ass as she went playfully despite all that was going on. The threat of goblins had not been to great it seemed though he did not follow her to the left showing how much confidence he had in her now. Before he would have never left her side … he instead went to Mezzo's right where the bulk of the goblins where feinting and pushing in on so that others could press in from the left though now Alynia was moving in one that side.

It was just as well for Mezzo's left arm dangled uselessly as his side. He was vulnerable there and the goblins sought to exploit that injury.

The wound on his arm was somewhat protected now, Mezzo, invigorated fought on even as she picked off one of the goblins that had been fighting at his right flank and circled around to the vulnearable flank.

Other nearby goblins halted, looking around for the source of the magic as Obeeron appeared on the right of Mezzo takingadvantage of that confusion, his blade carving through many a goblin as others rippled back and tried to reform.

Oberron, Mezzo and someone out in the forest hurling magic? Another goblin dropped as those middle ranks were soon going to be the front ranks.

Pog remembered how things went last time with Oberron and back then he had one of his brother's necromantic spells to assist him. Not so this time! He broke and ran calling a retrreat as he did so giving the sudden change of battle that had the goblis giving up ground, all but one that was further back, an arrow notched and all to eager to use it on an unsuspecting Oberron knowing that life would be easier without the fey.

He was well hidden and Alynia only noticed because of the glint of light that came off the aroow as he aimed waiting for a clear shot knowing that he would only get one with the poisoned arrow ...

She fidgeted. Why did he have to let her touch it, even though contact was immensely brief. Alynia mind swarmed with naughty thoughts. She shook her head slightly as trying to rid herself of the images, the memories. A shiver ran up her spine. God this was not fair.

Alynia pouted, and looked at him with disbelief. A strange thought it was, to imagine her husband anything but an absolute god when it came to sex. Really it was just... Unthinkable. She laughed at her failed attempt to picture it. "Now you're just being arrogant my love." She remarked with a soft, light hearted smile.

The atmosphere gave way to something a bit more serious as they found themselves upon a battle between goblins... well Oberron, unless he was angered or simply in a bad mood, was never one to be too serious at all. She let out a surprised squeak as he gave her ass a final smack over her dress. She turned around, her face was blushed almost as red as Berry's hair due to a combination of everything he had done to her during the walk here.

Alynia looked like she wanted to say something, but not words came to her flustered mind. It made it even worse that she enjoyed that small stinging feeling his hand had left. Her expression probably said enough.

She stuttered but the. sighed in defeat, and then rushed off without another word. No it didn't seem Oberron was worried about the fight before them at all, and to be frank neither was she. Alynia was slowing getting more efficient with her magic, first she only disarm a single goblin. Now, she could take the weapons of three or four at a time. Steadily, a generous pile of goblin made weapons formed besides her feet.

Alynia gave the fighting goblins a sympathetic expression, as they scrambled about obviously feeling a bit more panicked, especially as her king joined the battle. Most of the original front lines had either been defeated or had fled for their lives. She grimanced as Oberrons sword effortlessly made work of the confused minions. Alynia hated fighting, this was something she always would. But in the realm she now resided in, skirmishes were often and unavoidable. With most creatures being immortal, long lived, or atleast blood thirsty, perhaps consistent warfare was a way to control population.

When about half or so of the opposing force was taken out , Pog had called for retreat in their crude language. Alynia peered at the large pile of now ownerless weapons besides her and hoped that her husband would be pleased. She looked back up, watching the goblins all dash off into the trees, carefully observing Pog, knowing that atleast he was a force to be reckon wih.

As soon as his back was disused in the shadow, Alynia let out a relaxed breath. But then she saw it. That glint in the trees. She tilted her head confused What was it? Some goblins knife caught in the sunlight? It only took a split second to let the truth dawn upon her. An arrow! Her eyes quickly followed to its target, which was not the injured goblin but Oberron.

Panic had taken hold of her. She had almost lost him once all those years ago. She would never let something like that happen again. Alynia's shoes were off, she was sprinting toward them, her hair whipping in the wind besides her. "Oberron! Arrow!" She yelled out as she ran.

Alynia halted suddenly and cursed herself for her brashness, she had basically forgotten she could do magic. She quickly muttered a spell, and an audible crack was heard in the direction of the arrow. Alynia had aimed to snap the entire bow in half, but it seemed she might have not gauged her power correctly. She not only broke the weapon but the trunk of entire tree that stood in the direction where she was aiming cracked. The fault lines spidering along the base before the entire thing toppled over with a resounding thud. She wondered if it had hit the goblin, but it seemed unlikely.

Alynia really wasnt all too strong when it came to magic. She was reasonably talented for being human, but certainly she had not expected to topple a giant tree. She dashed foward embracing her husband breifly. Without such a surge or adrenaline due to the worry about her husband, certainly she wouldn't have accomplished such a feat. "S-sorry about that." She muttered quietly.

Yes, he certainly was making this hard for her but at the same time she was making this hard for him too as she felt that throbbing portion of him that wanted so much more. It might not have been fair but there was that old addage with everything being fair in love and war. Well, so in a round about way he was playing by “the rules”

He might have been a little arrogant in that regard, after all he had quiet a few thousand years of experience over her so it was not amazing that she would find him so incredible in the bedroom. That was not to say that he wasn't truly experienced as well, even if she were a fey of equal agae …

This certainly did not call for his full attention. Unless there were a plethora of goblins he was so vastly powerful that he over shadowed them. He was playful up to the very end knowing that Alynia could defend herself it was a load off of his mind since he had not had to be concerned too much about her especially when dealing with a few goblins.

Oberron caught the look on her face before running off but he left her to do her thing. It was remarkable at how far along she had come and it showed that Oberron put a great deal of stock in her abilities for had she not seemed to progress no doubt he would still be hovering over her in defense of her or likely to keep her back altogether so she wasn't in danger at all.

The long lives of the fey made them reluctant to go to war since they recovered from them much more slowly. Being immortal meant that they would not wish to take drastic risks but their neighbors the goblins were quiet the opposite … quick to anger and having a lifespan where thirty was seen as ancient … and since they matured quickly and had rapid births war was a way for them to control their numbers. Thankful most of them wer far weaker and the fey, being as old as they were, had the experience edge even against the average warrior.

Oberron glanced at her suddenly, first hearing her name and thinking the unthinkable, that she was in trouble! But her words pressed into his ears but the arrow was fired and was true – or would have been if there wasn't a strong breeze that emitted from the King of Storms in all directions at once, intending to cast the arrow aside though it never came for Alynia made short work of it.

Alarmed, with his one shot ruined due to the queen the goblin bowman fleed along with the others of his ilk, avoiding the tree as it came crashing down.

Oberron just looked at her, a smirk on his features. “That poor tree … what ever did it due. Really, it's ok ...”

Mezzo slumped down and let out a breath as his bloody sword slipped from his grasp. He was breathing to hard to say anything at first and he looked spent. He was grinning as he gazed at the pair, a raspy voice as he pushed up to his feet and launched forward at Alynia who was closer to him not that it would have mattered how close she was.

“QUEENIE!”

He seemed to forget, for the moment at least that Oberron was even there or maybe he did not care as his hands wrapped around her in a fierce embrace that was strong despite his wounded eyes. She had a feeling that if goblins had tear ducts that he may have even been sobbing a bit, just a feeling that washed out over her then.

Alynia sighed while looking at the retreating army as well as the fallen tree. Ah, she had over done it but she waited until the sound of footsteps and rustling foliage were no longer heard. “I overreacted…” she told him with a weary smile leaning upward kissing her husband very sweetly on the lips. “I know it was nothing, but I’m glad you’re alright.” Alynia admitted feeling kind of silly. Her husband, even though she knew his magical abilities were immense and his swordsmanship incredible, she couldn’t help but fret at the possibility of him being in danger. It was because she cared for him, and because she had witnessed his “death once already.

With a final sheepish smile for Oberron, she turned to the little blue goblin. He looked exhausted. His breathing was short and raspy. Blood had dried where he was wounded on the arm and leg. The blade he had originally gripped was stained with the blood of his enemies fell to the ground. Alynia had taken a step forward, opening her lips to offer to heal him, but before she could get a word out Mezzo flung himself toward her, wrapping his arms securely around her waist. She had thought he was going to faint, or fall, but nope. He hugged her tightly as a child would to his mother.

She gasped as the wind was slightly knocked out of her. Alynia had to regain her composure as the goblin was holding on so tightly. Mezzo!” she exclaimed in response with a laugh as she was affectionately patting the top of his head. It was heart warming the way he clutched to her. A soft smile dusted over her features.

Alynia squeezed him back lovingly. Her smile relaxed in a look at ease as quiet seconds ticked away, the goblin seemed very happy pressed against he soft chest. “I’m glad you seem well Mezzo.” She remarked happily.

She slowly lowered to her knees setting the goblin back on his wobbly feet. “Sit down.” Alynia told him gently, and with out surprise, he obeyed looking up at her with shining hopeful eyes.

“Let me heal you.” Alynia remarked, a hand reached out gently placing itself upon the angry gash upon Mezzo’s leg. She let out a small breath as her eyes closed briefly, but that’s all it took for the green light to form again. She was concentrating with difficulty as she watched the cut slowly close itself. There was still some dried blood, but she knew it was much more important to tend to the injury rather than his cleanliness.

As the sword injury on his leg looked reasonably enough healed, she turned her attention to his arm giving it the same treatment. Very slowly, the open gash turned into a long scar that no longer seemed like it would give Mezzo any trouble. “There you go, Mezzo” she chirped brightly leaning forward to kiss him very innocently on the cheek.

He looked a lot better now, though still looking very weary, a lot less so. The worst his injuries had faded, all the unimportant scraped he had received virtually disappeared.

She stood back up, dusting the front of her dress off before reaching out a hand to help Mezzo pull himself back to his feet. “How would you like to move back to the castle? So no more goblins will try to hurt you.” She invited glad that she and her husband had eventually succeeded in their original purpose.

He smiled at her certainly aware of such power especially when she had used such incredible magic on his behalf especially when at times she lacked the focus to get anything to complex done as was her atttempt to conjure her rapier to her earlier. For him conjurations and summonings were a bit easier but thenagain she called up the divinearts of healing easier. Perhaps he should see about Demetri assisting her though he doubted that his wife wanted to get caught up in the nonsense of fey deities and he doubt that Demetri would see to her skill if she were not a worshipper of the Gods though there was no harm in tryin.

Oberron was grinning as their lips parted. His violet eyes cast on her making her aware that this was alright. Rather a dead tree then a dead king after all, not that he was in any danger from the attack, he was aware of it and may have been in trouble without the warning she gave to him but he would never know given that she had taken care of the problem.

“The forest will never regenerate fully if you keep cutting down trees!'' Oberron laughed good natured at that and looked around him. “But there are plenty of dead goblins so they should fertlieea the area a bit better and promote new growth.”

He realized the strength of her love and conviction and would never belittle that. Still he joked about it from time to time in a good natured way. He did laugh though at the scene as it played out before him, Mezzo encirling his queen with his hands despite his wounds he was over joyed to see her. This was appparent to the king and any onlookers that might have been spying on them for whatever reason.

“You didn't offer to heal me,” Oberron pretended to pout as he sat down there were no rocks availabele so he sat on one of the boblin bodies as she and Mezzo got reaquainted. “That's ok though you can heal me later tonight ...” he paused for a moment. “Or I can languish from my wounds a few days they're not fatal I don't think ...”

Mezzo looked in Oberron's direction. He had not lost his fey sense of humor though by the time he left the castle it was not all that well developed as it was. So he did not quite get the fact that Oberron was not injured, which confused him for he didn't think the king was injured nor did he understand puns or that Oberron was not speaking about actual wounds.

“Whlp! Your husband is a whelp.”

Oberron chuckled. “And your welcome by the way. Whelp or not you needed the help.”

“Queenie and I would have done fine but thank you.” The last words had no goblin equivalent Alynia had learned long ago and it wa at the castle that the goblin picked them up, at least he understood them better after living amongst the fey he had heard humans using those words before in the past but he never did fully understand them.

As she leaned in to kiss him his arm now healed she felt his small blue hands on her breasts and at first thought that he was trying to move things along or that he had not seen that kiss in such an innocent light. Goblins knew no privacy after all and Oberron as a witness wouldn't really of bothered him at all.

He had learned privacy at the castle and the concepts of knocking on doors too though to her humor it was every door, even to doors leading into pantries or halls that would go unanswered.

Mezzo looked at her, confused at first, then squeezed her breasts a few times before letting them go.

“There not bigger.”

Oberron burst into laughter so much so he fell back off the goblin body and had to take a moment to pick himself back up and dust himself off.

At first she did not get it and Mezzodid not get why Oberron thought this was so obvious. It wasn't a fey thing though he guessed it should be and it certainly wasn't a human thing though as Alynia looked toward her husband for anwers she foun that Oberron was stiill fighting off laughter, whether it was t Alynia's blush or Mezzo's faux pas or both was anyone's guess but after a moment he explained.

“We don't do that Mezzo.”

“No.”

“No. She is not with child nor has she conceived one.”

Mezzo was confused and looked at his queenie. “What are you waiting for? You should have at least twelve by now ...”

Three month gestation?

“She is not goblin,” Oberron reminded and Mezzo glanced at her again.

“Mezzo knows, she's cuter than goblins.” And again Oberron laughed.

“I would hope so.”

Helped up to his feet Mezzo was grinning before she had even finished her question. He was nodding with enthusiam. “Yes! Mezzo stay near queeenie!” He picked up his sword, wiped it on a goblin body then shealthed it. “Oops, nage the sword dirtier doing that.”

Oberron chuckled, and the goblin was unaware of his natural comedy. He supposed he could have Corte stop looking for a Court Jester if the goblin was amicable though he doubt that would be the case then again as a jester he would be closer to 'queenie' to on most social outings at least.

Alynia pouted as Oberron accused her a tree killer and shook her head in disbelief at the mentionif the goblin corpses scattered about. She sighed. "See I'm jus trying to keep the forest in order. Don't want to many nutrients off setting the development of growth." Alynia replied with a guilty smile.

She was taken back as Mezzo attacked her with a surprisingly tight gripped hug. As Alynia was reacquainting herself with Mezzo's uninhibited affection she laughed gently at her husbands pouting. "I'll only heal you if you convince me to." She told him with a cute wink. Mezzo seemed confused as he looked from the royal couple.

Alynia couldn't help but crack a grin as Mezzo simply began calling the king a whelp. It was rare to see anyone, unless it was in a very obviously jocular manner, insulting Oberron in any way. But Mezzo was a goblin, and having grown up in Goblin society and Goblin culture it was no easy thing to get used to living in the castle. But Mezzo didn’t mind, as long as he got to remain close to the queen.

It really was a sweet kiss she gave Mezzo, as she completely intended it to be innocent. But Mezzo might have taken it another way as both of his small hands went immediately to her chest. For a moment Alynia was entirely confused, frozen giving the goblin just enough time to squeeze and judge the size. A second later she shook herself regaining her senses.

“M-Mezzo!” She exclaimed stuttering. Her cheeks flared red, and her expression was very shocked. Alynia pulled away abruptly, self consciously distancing herself from the goblin. Her arms wrapped around her breasts defiantly as she looked at her laughing husband with a pout.

“D-don’t do that!” Alynia called out to the goblin who was acting all so innocent. She did not interject as Oberron explained that they hadn’t had kids, nor had they planned to anytime in any near future. Perhaps Mezzo was actually wondering, but it was more likely that he was simply a rather crafty goblin. Alynia blew out a puff of air, but her expression softened as Mezzo called her cute. How could she remain mad?

Alynia sighed in defeat, obviously Oberron was not going to defend her. “Please don’t do that again Mezzo.” She told him again as she stood up and dusted off the front of her dress. She blinked with disbelief at her husband who was still chuckling at the event. Alynia waited for him to settle before talking again.

“Let’s head back to the castle.” She suggested looking up at the sky. Very slight hints of orange and pink had began to appear in the sky. Clouds were rolling away, as if the storm had finally moved on. Alynia wanted to get back soon, simply because she remembered she was leaving tomorrow for her assignment. Her first one too. Alynia knew she had to be well rested.

She glanced at her husband shyly. Alynia wasn’t all too sure if she was going to be able to get a decent full night of sleep either.

“SSSSure.” Oberron stated with a smile as he sat their on one of the corpses as he gazed down at his blade before cleaning it on the grass then dismissing it as he turned his attention to the goblin. He had to say their was considerable improvement in witnessing the aftermath that Mezzo left from the first time he had encountered him with his wife. In fact it was because of Alyina that the goblin escaped alive that day and here today where Mezzo would have been overwhelmed. His gaze drifted in their direction though as he though about matters, mostly about tonight or the three or four days from now as he was already considering his options as fara as what he was going to do to her.

“Oh? Is that a challenge?” Oberron looked both amused and excited at the same time. He didn't care but his gaze flickered to Mezzo. “Do you want him to watch?” He very much doubted that she did but she was full of surprises today. After all he had already shared his original form today.

He figured that she meant later and wondered if she was putting off the fact that she was going to make him wait for another time. Both aspects were appealing to him though he understood that he could have both too if he had wanted. He could have come up with some fickle excuse to punish her but this was entertaining so he would wait provided that she did. Still it was very tempting and he considered just eating her out later, that wasn't really sex right? He would consider it later of course.

“I am not a whelp!” And the way his voice boomed like the thunder clouds commanded attention, his eyes stormy as he glared at the two, mostly the goblin as his mood seemed to switch just like that and again switched back to a jovial nature as he laugh. “Man, you should have seen the looks on your faces! Ironic that the goblin, who lives to what, thirty-six, calls me a whelp!”

Maybe he was a bit crafty though it would take a gutsy individual to grope a woman in front of her husband like that! Oberron was amused and it was obvious that goblins had no computations about groping one another if they wanted, there was nothing to stop them if they were strong enough that is to simply take what they wanted.

He seemed shocked as Alynia moved back though Oberron laughed a bit then explained to both his wife and the goblin who was still wrapping his head around things. Touching bad? No she didn't respond to the hug in such a manner so he then assumed that certain touches were bad … well, he never wanted to upset his queenie so he check off touching her breasts, sheseemed touchy about that and why was she changing color again? He still had not worked out why she sometimes changed colors.

His mind searched out the words for their was no goblin equivalent. Ari … no, that wasn't it. Unthax … no, he knew this one! It wasn't one that most goblins would think of using. “Ususi.”

Sorry at least it was what she had assumed Mezzo meant since by itself it wasn't a sorry but fey was a bit tricky to learn!

She seemed to settle down, more shocked than anything it seemed and he was glad that she wasn't angered too greatly by it, no, she didn't seem to be angry with him at all.

“And I was going to push her in the river too on the way back but I think she's had enough for the moment.” Oberron stood up and walked over to his wife taking her hand with one and rubbing her chest with the other briefly before looking to the goblin. “See these are mine. The castle it is!”

“Mezzo needs to go back first. Mezzo needs something!” Oberron nodded at te goblin it was along the way and to show that there was no hard deelings he took that moment to press his lips to his Alynia't before the three of them parted.

Alynia blinked at her husbands words. She was feigning surprise. “Do you really think I would dare challenge the King of Fey?” She asked incredulously, she laughed giving her husband a playful grin. Alynia was letting him decipher her words, though there really wasn’t much to figure out. She was curious what he would have in mind, how much did he really want to tonight. At the same time she looked forward to his teasing, not that she would admit that out loud.

She frowned slightly as he mentioned Mezzo watching when he already knew she was so reluctant in bringing in third parties during their nightly activities. Alynia was shy about these kinds of things, yes still. She likes to think that she has gotten a bit better over the years with the entire concept of casual sex, but if she had made improvement it was very little.

For a second Oberron seemed angry, but Alynia knew better than that. Certainly Mezzo didn’t as he clutched the queen tighter watching Oberron with wide eyes of confusion. It seemed that the goblin obviously meant no harm. Alynia rolled her eyes as Oberron’s smiling face returned. “Careful, you’re going to give him a heart attack.” She teased gently.

But as soon as those little hands wandered to her chest, she pushed away from him. Yes it was possible that goblins were even more brash than fey when it came to things such as these, since they had even shorter life spans and just as low fertility rates.

Mezzo looked worried and confused. Alynia sighed, deciding to just believe that the goblin really didn’t know what he was doing wrong. She certainly did not want to believe he simply wished to cope a feel. “It’s alright” she told him as he apologized the best he could in a goblin dialect. Alynia was aware there wasn’t actually a word for ‘sorry’ in the goblin language, but the closest word which Mezzo had settled on was ‘regret’. Alynia understood what he was trying to say, so all was forgiven.

She let out a soft breath of relief as it seemed Oberron was willing to have mercy and not simply drench her in the river. Alynia gladly took her king’s offered hand as he pulled her to stand up. But as soon as she was pulled up another hand found its way to her soft hills. Alynia let out a squeak as Oberron fondled her, declaring to Mezzo that she was his.
Alynia gently pushed him away too, as she bit her lip and blushed. “N-not in front of Mezzo.” She told him softly. She was glad that Oberron quickly changed the subject.

“Sure thing Mezzo.” She responded brightly as the goblin claimed he had belongings he wanted to bring along. So they were off, away from the goblin corpses lying in the grass. The three of them wandered back into the shadowed trees. Mezzo was in the lead, he certainly seemed like he knew where he was going.

“Actually I do,” Oberron grinned. “There are not many who have a chance of winning against me but you might ...” he considered this for a moment and the words that she spoke to him as well at that moment considering what she had said and turning over those words. Oh, it was easy to know what it was that she had meant.

He knew that she didn't want Mezzo to watch, he could have taken her earlier words as a challenge to be overcome then and there. He knew what she had intended, if anything not now not at the time but later. Besides Mezzo was not fey he was goblin and thus was likely to form the wrong idea about things if they had not been careful about things. As it was he had been confused though fortunately he had not asked about matters just happy to be in the presence of his queenie after so long.

Oberron grinned a little, yes it was perhaps a bit mean though Oberron could not help himself. He flickered his entire attention on the scene as it played out with the “groping” he did not believe that it was deliberate on Mezzo's part.

Goblins reproduced quicker, they lived shorter lives, most dwelled in smelly caves and wer cramped in tight with other goblins and thus there were no concepts such as privacy in goblin warrens. The chief and maybe his witch doctor had their own chambers but rarely did anyone else.

Goblins tended to be straight forward too for the most part, their lives were to short to indulge in games of any sorts. Few goblins lived to old age, their lives often brutal and violent with the life expectancy being about 12 years of age.

Being pushed away by his wife Oberron grinned a little, then flickered his gaze at the blue skinned goblin who was calculating something in his mind. She even pushed Oberron away so he assumed she just didn't like being touched there though she didn't react half as bad … understanding it by a goblin view point Mezzo deduced that it was because she was stronger than he that she asserted control over the situation though Oberron was stronger than her. He did not force the issue and wondered if it was because he was here, the fey were different than goblins after all, a goblin would not care who was around.

Oberron nodded though at his wife, agreeing for now at least.

They crossed the river again and Oberron paused with Alynia half way across the river. He seemed to reflect on something for a moment though continued on to the other side where they soon entered into Mezzo's home.

The goblin moved a rock and brushed the dirt on the ground away to reveal a small sack. Gold? No, the sack did not clink with coins and the goblin looked inside it fondly before tying the pouch to his waist and got up after a quick dust off of his knnes.

“Ok, ready.” He did not tell them what was in the pouch, not that it was any secret should they of ask he would show them though at the same time he had not volunteered the information either as he prepared to return to the castle for the first time in little over three years.

They stopped while crossing the river. Mezzo went on ahead without looking back, he hadnt even realized the couple had stopped. Alynia gripped tightly onto Oberron, silently reminding him if she went over he was to follow. After a second of her husband looking mishieviously thoughtful and Alynia trying to pull her foward, he have in.

She let out a small puff of air that he decided against soaking her, and instead they finished crossing the stepping stones catching up with the small blue goblin.

Together, the wandered back inside the dark den, the place Mezzo had called home for a good number of years now. She got a good look around the place, and it really didnt seem like a horrible place for a goblin to live either. It was reasonably warm, it offered protection to any harsh wind or cold nights. Mezzo was never one who fancied the luxuries of the castle anyway. Alynia wondered if it would be difficult for him to leave, but Mezzo seemed to only care about one thing.

She watched with interest as Mezzo rolled away a moderately sized rock that she assume was lighter than it appeared. Alynia wondered what he was looking for and her question was answered as Mezzo's hand rummaged through the dirt pulling up a simple small brown sack. He peered into it dearly before trying it to his belt declaring that the one sack was all that he needed.

So Mezzo said a final good bye to he cave as they all made their way back to he castle once more. As they walked, Alynia couldn't hold it in any longer. She was just so curious on what it could be. "So what are you taking back to the castle, Mezzo?" She wondered outloud casually really wanting to know what was in the small drawstring sack. "Is it something important to you?"

This time as they walked, Alynia felt as if she was following Oberron who seemed to know the best how to get to the castle from here. The way they went was familiar, and ah yes there were the sounds of splashing a giggling again as they were about to pass the section of the river where a few nixies played.

Naturally, Alynia's hands squeezed slightly on his as her body tensed ever so slightly at the sound of musical giggling. It wasn't that she didn't trust her husband to stay true to his vows, Alynia didn't like it when the nixies were so bold. They were flirtatious, there was no denying that. They were beautiful too. Of course Alynia believed the king was a very desirable target to them.

They tried to walk by quietly, trying to avoid detection. Mezzo didnt know why they were being quiet. The nixies seemed nice to him atleast. Either way they did not succeed. "Is that you, your highnesses?" A voice called out, Alynia recognized it as Berry, the red head from earlier.

Alynia didn't respond, but she didn't need to as Berry beckoned the rest of the nixies over closer to the bank. There were four now. Another nixie had joined the midst, this one had dark hair too, but it almost appeared to be a deep shade of green if you looked closely enough. At a first glance it seemed to be black like the queen's.

The nixies bowed. "Did you find your goblin friend?" Jessara mentioned casually. It was as this point the goblin peered at the nixies with a keen interest. Jessara smiled at the Mezzo, how cute. "Then if you have succeeded in your aim, then I see no more reason for you not to join us your highness." The redhead chirped with an evident glint in her eye.

Their hair swirled around them with the current, framing each if their eager faces except Jessara who seemed indifferent about the situation before them. Alynia thought it was peculiar how all of them had a distinct hair color. "Maybe some other time." Alynia told them again, the same words she had said the first time they had passed by. "We really should get back to the castle..." She was trying to explain. But Berry did not want to hear that.

"My king, you said you would join us upon your second crossing, remember?" Berry whined. Alynia blinked then quickly tried to recall the memory of such a promise. "It's alright Berry." Jessara told her friend. "If they need to get back we shouldn't interrupt them." She reasoned. Alynka was thankful for this but it seemed the others disagreed.

"But don't you want to swim with the king and queen, Jessara?" Asked the green haired one. Her voice was was heavily accented with a language Alynia could not pinpoint. It seemed that she was from a different area of the river. "I for one am interested." Shrugged the brunette. Jessara looked a bit uncomfortable. "Well.. Yes." She admitted. "But only when they have the time."

"Ah, Jessarra your no fun!" Exclaimed Berry. "Come on your highness, convince her otherwise." She giggled of sweetly.

Mezzo was looking from nixie to nixie then back at the queen. It was difficult to say what he was thinking, he could have been comparing, or fantasizing, or geniunly looking wih interest either way he said nothing outloud. Alynia turned up to her husband. "Did you promise them?" She asked trying not to sound disappointed. Alynia knew fey had to keep promises, no matter how ridiculous. But Alynia couldn't recall the exact wording of a promise, hopefully Oberron couldn't either.

Perhaps Oberron would have dunked her in the river, perhaps he was just building tension within her by pausing there but she did ask him to behave at least in front of Mezzo more or less. Perhaps he was heading that or had been so amused b the prospect of her being groped by the goblin.

Whatever the case she remained dry as they got to the other side of the river, he grinned a little as he looked at her, he grinning just a little making her aware of what he could have done while they crossed the river. He kissed the crown of her head to calm her down some then smiled at her to bleed that tension away as she heard him whisper into her ear.

“You're lucky, Mezzo is here, other wise you wouldn't have to worry just about a dunk in the river my dear.”

Was it difficult to leave the cave after all this time? At the castle he slept under beds or tables, in closets rather then the plush beds in the castle. He did not need the luxuries and darker and confined apaces reminded him of caves so he sought them out.

There was only one thing that he truly cared about, he had other interests but only one that truly mattered and that was being with his queenie. Yes, he understood that she was with Oberron and he was an incredible powerful “chief” well the fey used a different term … king … yes king … but he stilll enjoyed being around her whenever possible. If not for her these last three years wouldn't have really existed.

Mezzo paused as they moved though the forest, the sky was still darkening above but he smiled at his queenie as he looked around for a log or boulder but did not see one so he sat on the ground then and there as he drew off the pouch and opened it.

“Very important!” He dumped out the contents on the ground and they were crude wooden fetishes carved into humanoid shape. They were not the greatest art work though she could see a vague familarness as one was anded to her. It was a warrior of some kind … pointed ears a dour look on it's face, a goblin?

“Corte,” Mezzo proclaimed … he had figurines that he made of people at the castle. The oberron figure was much larger than the others denoting his power levels in comparrion to his though all the other figurs save for one where the same size the one that resembled Mezzo was the small one.

There was Puck and Oswald, Eamon and Denetri, Gersham too (he was carved from black wood) and one that was suppose to be her though none of the figures looked as they were and many were important to Mezzo in some way that she did not know such as the baker that use to give him some fresh bread each time he saw him.

Oberron could tell that his queen grew tense when they neared the river and squeezed her hand back letting her no silently that there was nothing she needed to be concerned with. Still followint the river north was the most direct way back and if it weren't getting so late he may have take a detour. He proceeded along in silence but they had been discoved by Berry and he soon notie]ced that there were four of them now.

“Yes, it is I,” Oberron answered. “And we retrieved our companion.”



He had seen the worry in Alynia's eyes as she asked him about his words. He hadn't promised her he wouldn't toss her in the river after all, not really though he noticed how Mezzo was looking at the quartet and his queenis, comapiring the five perhaps or maybe trying to imagine Alynia in that state? It was unknown what he was thinking.

They had maybe an hour of light left and while Oberron could navigate in the dark and Mezzo could see in it the darkness would only hinder Alynia. Still they were fairly close to the castle by then.

“I only recall coming back at some point, not promising to frolick. Nixies are hopeful creatures after all. Besides, just sa you cannot swim, that gives me an excuse to stay on the land with you and nixies are loath to stray far from the river. If they are interested I see no harm in Mezzo joining them but goblins don't possess that aestic beauty of the fey so I am uncertain if they will find him appealing or not though by the way he keeps looking at them I would say that he never received an offer to frolick with them or …” Oberron explained in a whisper to her as he faced his wife.

“or he can't swim I don't think many goblins can but he is a Reef Master and lived by the sea so it wouldn't make too much sense … well his tribe was assimilated by the Rune Carvers when he was young and he might have forgotten how too ...”

He was smiling as he kissed her sweetly. Alynia couldn't help but let out a soft sigh of content, releasing any tension she might have felt crossing the brook. Still he just had to whisper in that low gruff voice that made her shiver. The way his warm breath tickled her ears made her whimper very slightly. Alynia hated that he could make her feel like this with no effort.

"Even though Mezzo is here, I have a feeling I still have to worry." She muttered in response giving her husband a playful but suspicious glare. But any response was cut off as Mezzo plopped down with every intention to show them his possessions. He dumped the contents of the bag onto the floor and Alynia leaned over to pick one up but before she did Mezzo handed her one.

It was obviously humanoid, so she assumed they were fey. They one she picked up had a stern expression and long ears. It seemed too tall to be a goblin, though she wasn't sure how accurate Mezzo's proportional sense was. It wasn't until the goblin who it was that Alynia recognized it. Most clearly it was Corte! She giggled and handed the figure to her husband. They were crudely done but certainly the distinguishing features were there. Corte's being his sour expression.

She fingered through the pile of small wooden prizes the goblin had obviously made himself. Alynia found one of Oberron, one of Mezzo, Oswald, Fiona, and even of herself. There were cooks and maids and guards Alynia took a bit to recognize, but she didn't even know Mezzo was aquatinted with half of them. There was even Gersham and Eamon, faces Alynia could never burn from her memory. She sighed as she helped Mezzo put the figures back into his sack.

"They're very nice Mezzo!" She claimed giving the goblin a squeeze. It was actually very heart warming to see how Mezzo had kept preoccupied with his time. It appeared that he actually did miss the castle, which made Alynia all the more keen to get back. Maybe she would bake something for the little guy before she left tomorrow.

Even though she had not wanted to, they approached the riverside again. Alynia was slightly comforted as Oberron squeezed her hand back. Oberron pulled her away slightly to respond. Alynia sighed, "I didn't think you did either" she muttered. She thought it over, she really didnt want to lie about not being able to swim. Alynia could swim well enough, not nearly as well as a nixie of course.

The nixies were waiting patiently giggling among themselves. Jessarra seemed to be trying to settle them down in the presence of the king and queen. But nixies will be nixies, flirtatious creatures they were. "The water feels so nice your highness!" Berry called out to them.

"Can't you just tell them maybe some other time? It is getting late anyway." She asked her husband. Alynia looked thoughtful for a second but she giggled at the thought of Mezzo doing any kind of frolicking. She bent down to face the goblin who seemed actually very interested in the water sprites. "Mezzo would you like to swim with the nixies?" She asked him sweetly, "or would you rather head back to the castle?"

“Worry from me?” Oberron paused and considered carefully about the situation. “I would give my word, of course I could always whisk Mezzo off somewhere to get around not doing anything with Mezzo around too,” he chuckled a little bit then flicked his gaze at Mezzo as he laid out the figurines before him.

He watched as the goblin handed one over to his wife then looked at it closely. It was crude and in no way looked like Corte … an artist Mezzo was not but having the figures let him understand the goblin a little better. He had missed the castle though Oberron wondered if there was a Puck figure there since Puck had sent him away … he supposed that the ugly one there with all the divets in it from a dagger must have resembled Puck, that was his guess since he couldn't figure out who was who.

As he was handed the figurine Oberron took a closer look. He supposed the expression was right. He chuckled politely then handed the figure back before the goblin showed off the figures that were suppose to be them.

The one of her was about the same size as the Corte one but the Oberron one had been much, much bigger. Oberron handed back the figure and grinned a little. “You'll have to show Corte's his when we get back to the castle.” The goblin nodded as he began to pick up the figurines.

Yes, Mezzo had not been around for her baking! Though what did goblins like? She knew he didn't like the flowers in the gardens but they were not food though she doubed their were any goblin gourmet chefs either … then she had remembered the figurine of the baker and thought that he might be able to give her some ideas when she got back too.

“Ari Um Radna?” He was unsure if it were the right word but there was no thank you in his native tongue so he had to use the fey term. He wondered if he had gotten it close enough but neither of his companions had been laughing at him so he either got it right or close enough where they knew what he was trying to say.

“Mezzo did not have the best of tools to work with.”

“If I beg off again they will expect me … probably you as well … to join them, I am king and I can do whatever I want and I will do whatever pleases you the most.” He considered, a chill breeze sweeping through the area which would have the obvious effects though he did not look to the river.

“Besides it's too cold to go swimming.” Oberron grinned at the cold front that he generated. He was Oberron of Stroms after all and manipulating the weather was within his portfolio of powers. He hoped that the effect would comfort her though she asked Mezzo his opinion on the matter. Now if she were fey he could have suspected that she wanted to see the goblin naked … well, if she were fey she may have found that revolting he second guess though he not once considered there was anything going on there more than a friendship not that he would have cared if there were, she knew the fey out look on things.

But Mezzo considered the question, then flicked his gaze to her then back to the river as if he were comparing them the nixies and the queen.

“Hmmmm ...” Mezzo debated. “There nice but not nice like queenie! If queenie swims then Mezzo swims. If queenie goes to the castle then Mezzo goes to the castle.”

Alynia crossed a single arm around her chest self consciously as she felt a cold breeze roll through. She knew what the sudden change in weather would do, Alynia really wished that Oberron would've given her a bra. There were already goosebumps appear on her skin. It was obvious where the breeze came from, a cold front like this certainly didn't come from no where.

She looked at Oberron with a conflicted expression, but she guessed that this worked. To her relief Mezzo also responded that he simply wished to stay with Alynia. The queen turned back to the river keen to get to the warmth of her home as soon as she could. The water sprites actually seemed to be shivering now. From what she recalled from the books in the library, nixies stayed underwater whenever the weather was cooler.

"I think if would be best for us to head back to the castle." Alynia told them very honestly. "It's getting late. And it's getting colder aswell." The nixies were quick to agree, except for Berry who was still obviously disappointed. "Some other time perhaps" chirped the brunette and green haired girls. But it was Berry who pouted, at least she didn't insist further.

Jessarra peered at Oberron with a curious expression. She knew of his powers more than the other younger nixies, she had little doubt it was the king who conjured up the suddenly cooler weather. Still the blonde did not mention anything. She gave the king and queen a pleasant smile. "Perhaps when the time is more opportune, we can get to know eachother better, your highness." She told them cheerfully. It appeared she was speaking to both of them, though of course Jessarra intended her words for Alynia. She was already well acquainted with the king. And so Jessarra was the first to dive into the river out of sight.

The brunnette and green haired nixie bid them all a good day before following Jessarra in suit. Berry sighed in defeat knowing that bare skinned nixies did not fare well when the weather got too cold on the surface. "Visit me soon." the red head told them as she winked and blew Oberron a kiss. Then she too dived into the river.

It seemed that Oberron really knew how to deal with the sprites whether he meant to do it so abruptly or not. "Thank you." Alynia whispered kissing her husband on the cheek. Still her hand did not leave her chest simply because she knew that Mezzo was watching them with interest.

"Finally back home then." Alynia announced with a grin and they set off. The rest of their journey went uninterrupted. The three of them went inside the castle without a fuss. The guards at the door bowed in respect as the entered. Mezzo seemed gleeful, even thought he guards weren't bowing toward him.

The inside of the castle was warm and cozy, as it always was so comfortable within the walls of their home. After spending such a long time outside, it was nice to be back. Alynia knew she should probably take a shower when time allowed it, she had been through a bit trekking around I the forest. She had also thought about getting some baking done too.

Alynia beckoned to a sevant who immediatly approached them. "Could you show Mezzo to his room?" She requested. "The second guestroom in the Southern tower." she specified, recalling that this was Mezzo's room the first time he stayed. Alynia promised the goblin she would spend some time with him later after she got back from her assignment. For now she wanted to relax, rest a bit. What ever she was to do before it was time to retire for the night, Alynia wanted to spend some time alone with her king.

The cold front was unnatural of course though it is not an uncommon gust of wind for these parts. Rare perhaps but within the realm of possibilitty. Oberron was taking a gamble her too. He didn't think the nixies were old enough to know of his powers over storms and the weather seeing that he was imprisoned by Sable for the entirity of their lives. They might have heard stories and there was one nixie old enough to remember, to know him before his imprisonment … Jessara … but thus far she seemed indifferent and may not suspect it was he generating the cold front or ask him for better weather. Even so he let Alynia do the talking in this scenario as she made her excues though he watched her focused on the effects of the cold front and glad he didn't have her wear a bra today … now if he could only get her to move that hand!

So Jessar knew but said nothings s his gamble worked. He could tell she knew by the way she was looking at him though she said nothing about it.

“Of course.” Oberron added though perhaps he shouldn't have been too agreeable given that Berry was bound to hold him t that the next time tney passed through the area though the wrds had been out before he could sensor them.

He cast his gaze to the nixies as they dipped beneath the waters and again he found himself dwelling on red heads. He liked them well enough though he still could not picture his wife with red hair nor did he think he'd like it if she changed so drastically.

But the trio was soon left alone on the surface and while he would have kept up the chill she did not wish for him to misbeave in front of Mezzo.

The kiss of appreciation had been sealed to his lips ane while he really wanted to remove that hand from her chest he refrained especially as he caught Mezzo looking away from the river and at them now, not surprising since their was nothing at the river to look at now.

“Of course your highness,” the servant bowed to her as she returned and noted what room to bring the goblin too which was the very room that Mezzo was being lead to. His eyes were wide taking in everything in the casatle as if fr the first time rerembering it perhaps.

But exhaustion had settled in and Alynia had been tired finding herself alone with Oberron while they were walking down the halls of the castle where he caught her up with a telekinetic grasp pressing her to the wall of an alcove.

His lips were upon her own. Drinking of hers as his hands roamed against her sides. “Mezz is not around now.”

His hands groped her covered breasts wqueezing the orbs as a delicious smile spread across his lips. His lips hungry as they moved against her own then pressed against her jaw line, tucking bhind an ear that he then caressed her breasts before he pulled back, the telekinetic grasp not grasping her any longer.

He grinned at her then. “Still wish to wait?”