Champion

Chapter 38

She waved again as she turned to go back into the house. David was able to see now that her wings did indeed extend outward from between her shoulder blades, and rose up to just above her head where they then turned back downward and extended to mid-thigh. And looking past them he could tell that her ass was just as amazing as her daughter's. It made him wonder what Sapphire would look like in a dress.

The trio stabled their mounts in the large barn, stored their gear in their rooms, and then met Zaffre in the home's large kitchen. She had dinner finished and was waiting for them to arrive. The meal was delicious, and while they ate, Sapphire's mother learned of everything that had happened to the three in the past week (although they glossed over the specifics of Sapphire's actions in Wolfsvale). She was not pleased to hear her daughter had enacted the man's execution. But she accepted it, having always understood her daughter's obsession might go that far.

She was also surprised to hear David's tale. While she had assumed he was not from Erosius, she was understandably surprised to hear that he was from another world entirely. The woman asked him many questions about his home, and was soon fascinated by it. In return he tried to explain it with as much detail as he could, even showing her his head lamp and (after unloading it) his M9.

After the trio finished their tales, she decided to entertain them all with stories about her daughter growing up. She seemed to take great pleasure in simultaneously embarrassing and praising her daughter's achievements. Each member of her audience responded to the stories in different ways.

David loved them. Zaffre was a compelling story-teller, who was able to spin an engaging yarn about events as simple as the first time her husband had taken her daughter fishing. David laughed riotously imagining a young Sapphire falling into the pond the first time she tried to cast. With each story he spent more time looking at Sapphire, trying to envision her in each amusing, and often embarrassing, situation. It wasn't exactly a chore for him; she was very easy to look at.

Sapphire was embarrassed by the stories and protested over her mother sharing them, but quietly enjoyed David's attention. She had caught him looking at her with a smile during the stories more than once; and even though she would blush in embarrassment she was glad she could steal some of his attention away from her mother. She had come to enjoy her time with the Champion, and she liked the attention he was showing her now.

Laurena was growing increasingly unhappy. She had grown to like Zaffre, despite her initial feelings, because she soon realized that the woman had no designs on the Champion. She was just a naturally joyful and charming person, and what the acolyte had initially seen as flirting was really just the woman being herself. The source of Laurena's displeasure was David's growing affection towards Sapphire. She had not believed the other woman to be a threat to her designs on the Champion. Yet, Laurena noticed how much she was now enjoying his attention.

Unknown to the trio, Zaffre could easily identify the feelings of all three. While she was not a very accomplished empath, it didn't exactly require magic to read their expressions and body language during the meal. She had suspected her daughter had burgeoning feelings for the soldier, and had chosen the stories she did for a reason. She wanted to give the man a different image of her daughter than the hardened exterior she normally displayed. If the increasing attention he had begun to show Sapphire was any indication, it seemed to have worked. Unfortunately, it appeared that there was more between David and Laurena than her daughter had first led her to believe. She spent most of the meal secretly observing him, and did not seem pleased by his attentiveness toward her daughter.

Long after the meal was finished, they remained seated around the table listening to Zaffre. But eventually the long day caught up with them. After David's third yawn she decided to call the night to a close.

"Well it is late, and it seems you could all use a good night's sleep. So I think we should call it a night," Zaffre said with a gentle smile. "Will you be leaving in the morning, or can I persuade all of you to stay an extra day? I so rarely get time with my daughter these days."

"David is in quite a hurry..." Sapphire started to say before David interrupted her.

"I think we can easily stay an extra day Zaffre. Sapphire tells me that you taught her everything she knows about magic; and I would like to spend some time discussing a few ideas I have, as well as trying out the ones you think might work," David interjected.

"David, Eros is waiting for your arrival. Do you really think taking a day off is a good idea?" Sapphire inquired of him meaningfully.

He thought about it for a moment. He wasn't really a fan of this world. But this had been the nicest evening he'd had since his mom died. The entire time Zaffre was talking he had been absorbed in the stories. Even when talking to her of his world he had focused on all of the best parts, barely mentioning Mukavia.

As odd as it seemed to him, this place didn't feel like a stranger's house in a different world. It was a nice place where he could actually relax. A place where he could learn more about actual magic (something he had always fantasized about as a kid). It was a place with a quiet room, a nice meal, and pleasant company; a place where he actually felt like someone genuinely wanted him to be there.

It felt like home.

*** Research, and Developments ***

180800MAR13 DW

Sapphire's home, on the road to Exitibus (Day 5), Erosius

They decided to stay an extra day. Specifically, David decided to stay an extra day, and Sapphire and Laurena were unable to convince him otherwise. They certainly tried hard, but he was unmoved by their claims of how important their quest was. Sure Eros and Laurena wanted him to travel to the Field of Woe, and Sapphire wanted to get to Exitibus to begin her investigations, but David wanted a damned day off. So they each went to their beds that night, and got a restful night's sleep. David had 'the dream' again, but his M9 was within easy reach so he just rolled over and went back to sleep. He was used to it by now.

The next morning they all met Zaffre in the kitchen for an amazing breakfast, then David and Zaffre went to her workshop to discuss some of his ideas and craft a few that would work. Sapphire and Laurena remained behind to clean up and relax. Once they were finished Sapphire inquired of Laurena if there was anything she wished to do on their day of enforced leisure.

"I'd actually like to just sit and talk with you for a few moments if you're willing?" Laurena said to her.

"Okay," Sapphire replied, not certain what the two would possibly talk about, but determined to be a good host.

"What are your thoughts about David?" Laurena asked.

"He's not what I expected of a Champion," the Dracian began cautiously. "While he certainly possesses more than enough magical power - and he is quite capable of dealing with conflict - he has little respect for the beliefs that are the driving force of your god.

"He is no stranger to violence, and has a noticeable disregard for the laws and customs of this land. He sees many of the things your religion values as either naïve or ridiculous, and has no difficulty voicing his opinions on those issues. Also, his sense of right and wrong is constantly at odds with yours. While this is most noticeable in his ability to assess and sometimes disregard the value of a person's life, it is also noticeable in his feelings about the s****l nature of some of your god's practices.

"Yet, he also has many of the qualities often associated with past Champions. He is intelligent and sociable. He is capable of working effectively as both an individual, and in a team. He is a leader. He is also attractive and charming in his own way."

While Laurena agreed with everything Sapphire had said, her last statement was the only part that she cared about at the moment.

"Are you attracted to him?" she asked, trying to mask her own feelings.

Sapphire hesitated before answering. She was aware there was conflict between Laurena and David, but she had initially thought it was because of her role in enforcing his penance. Yet, the way that the woman had asked her last question had Sapphire re-evaluating her assumptions. Was she attracted to him? Yes, but she didn't want to discuss it with the acolyte.

Laurena did not like Sapphire's hesitancy on the matter. She still had plans for David, and while they had almost been derailed in Wolfsvale, Astinus had assured her that the Champion had feelings for her. She wanted him to join her for Eros' Blessing, because he was a Champion of her god and would soon be in a position of great importance. But she also wanted him because he was attractive. Unlike some of the men that attended services at The Great Temple - who tried so hard to look perfect - he did not care how others viewed him. He was handsome, but it was in a rugged, effortless way. He would spend nearly an hour every morning inspecting his bag, weapons, and mount, but only a few minutes checking his face and hair in his small hand mirror, and most of that was spent shaving. He was also absolutely self-assured; his belief in himself and his ability to take charge of a situation was sexy as hell.

"Not really," Sapphire lied carefully. "I enjoy his company, and he is an engaging student, but I really have no interest in a relationship at the moment."

Laurena was unsure how much of that to believe, but she figured there was an easy way to dig further.

"Then will you help me with him?" she asked. "I could tell he liked me when we first met, but he did not react well to seeing me participate in the Blessings of Eros. He has had more than a few harsh words for me since, but he has been nicer to me lately. I think if I can regain his attentions I will have a better chance of reaching him. Astinus is worried that David's anger will be his undoing, and the priest feels that if the Champion can learn to embrace the love of Eros it would help to resolve his anger."