Ivellios Speaks

Oh, you're up too? Of course. It isn't easy when all of your companions spend eight or more hours sleeping every night, is it? I like to have a cup of chamomile tea before I go into reverie, how about you? Oh, yes, we have some of that. And lots of sugar. Let me put some water on to boil. Oh, for Ehlonna's sake, no! You're my guest. Let me take care of everything.

How long have Arkuth and I been together? Hmm...Let me see. We met not long after I left Ferndale just after my coming of age party. Ferndale's a nice place. Ever been there? Well, you should go there sometime. It's a nice place, but...oh, I'm terribly sorry, I didn't mean to forget your question. Well, like I said, I was only 110 when I met Arkuth. Let's see, it's hard to keep up with your age after all these years, isn't it? Arkuth likes to make a fuss over my birthday. I tell him not to. I've had 130 birthdays after all. Ehlonna willing, I'll have 130 more. Did you see the birdbath outside? Arkuth got it for my 125th birthday. Like I said, I don't like him to make a fuss, but, I suppose since he'll only spend a few of my birthdays with me, he wants to make every one of them special. I do the same for him on his birthday, of course.

For my 111th birthday, he got me a caged songbird. I set it free, of course! My, didn't that start a big misunderstanding! We were just getting to know each other then, you see. Arkuth knew I liked birds, but he didn't realize that I like them to fly around and be free. I don't like seeing things penned up. I didn't even want to put wire around our henhouse. Arkuth convinced me it was for the chickens' own protection.

Oh, you want to know how we got together? Well, it started like these things usually do. He was a strapping lad of 20, hot blooded and ready to see the world, just as I was. We had both grown up in gilded cages. Like I said, Ferndale's nice, but terribly confining sometimes. And Arkuth, well, you know he's a prince, right? You didn't? Oh well, he doesn't like to talk about these things. People hear he's a prince, they want to scrape and bow before him and Arkuth hates that sort of thing.

Yes, he's related to King Aetos. They're half brothers. King Leonis had six wives, you know. All at once. I personally find that a bit uncouth, but what right have I to judge? There are about a dozen people in line for the throne of Riverfen ahead of Arkuth. Suits him fine. He'd rather have a life of adventure.

Well, it was at a small tavern on the edge of Riverfen that we met. The Spotted Cow, I believe was the name of it. Oh, you've been there? Yes, I figured it would be under new management by now. Anyway, it was Arkuth, me, a human wizard named Ravina, and a gnome rogue named Tip. It was short for something, I forget. We just called him Tip. Cute little thing, but always in trouble. We were all looking for adventure, heard there was a dungeon nearby that needed crawling and went off together.

It was my first real adventure. Arkuth's too. Ravina and Tip were good about showing us the ropes. We wouldn't have gotten anywhere without Ravina's rune reading. And I would've fallen for this one trap like a ton of bricks, literally, if Tip hadn't been there to pull me back. It was the first time I ever came close to a mobat. Too close! I would've been mobat guano if Arkuth hadn't thrown his sword just right. I returned the favor when the bugbears attacked. Well, long story short, I came out of that dungeon 500 gold richer. I decided to use some of my share to treat Arkuth to a nice dinner at a place with fine wine and harp music. Some humans look at us and think Arkuth is the one who conquered me. Isn't that funny? Truth is, /I/ courted /him/. I'd take any opportunity to talk with him. Quite a charming conversationalist, as you may know by now. A bit shy at first, but quite congenial once he warms up to you a bit.

Speaking of warming up, that water is ready for the tea. How much sugar do you take? Alright. Here you go. To your health. Mmm...My, that's good tea. Where was I? Oh, yes, my wooing of the mighty warrior Arkuth. Well, I gave him a few small gifts and treats. I'd play him a bit of music on my syrinx. Then, one day, we were just standing on a bluff of a mountain we had been climbing, watching the sunset together. It was such a beautiful moment. The sky was streaked with pink and gold and the clouds almost looked like they were glowing. Arkuth and I stood side by side, just admiring the beauty of it all. I looked over and saw he was smiling this little smile he gets when he's really happy. Gently, I slipped my hand into his. He got nervous and started talking about how we should make camp for the night. Then, I wrapped my arms around that thick neck of his, leapt up and kissed him. He was in complete shock for a few moments! Then, I stroked his face, pulled him close and gently brushed his lips with mine. When he didn't do anything, I kissed him a third time, with passion. Then, oh, those lovely strong arms of his wrapped around me! He squeezed me so tight I was half afraid of being bruised! But, my Arkuth would never hurt me. Those hands- those large, strong hands...you'll forgive me if I go a bit rhapsodical, won't you?

I told him if all he wanted to do that night was touch, that was fine. But, he wanted me just as much as I wanted him. He wasn't very experienced. Apparently, it's not considered "manly" for a man to desire another man where he's from. Humans can be funny that way. I was very gentle with him. First, I stripped for him. I slowly peeled off one article of clothing after another, caressing my own exposed flesh to excite him. Then, I undressed him, laid him out on his bedroll and gave him a massage to help him relax. I'll always remember how beautiful he was that night, with the moonlight shimmering over his strong body. Yes, I realize many elves find human men with bulky muscles unattractive, but Arkuth has a way of pulling it off. I ran my hands over those muscles, whispering into his ear how much I loved him. I kissed his neck and shoulders as I used my fingers to get him ready for me.

If it hurt him, he was good at concealing it. I can't begin to tell you how good it felt for me. He was hot and tight and it felt like being squeezed every time I moved. But, even more wonderful than that, was just feeling bonded with my Arkuth. For a few moments, it was like we had become one being, my soul joined with his. He started to touch himself. I let one hand join him and let the other caress his beautiful body. It wasn't long before he started shouting my name and bucking like an unbroken horse under me. That was enough to make me have the best climax I ever had before. It was like I had been filled with so much love and joy that I burst and my deflated form just melted over Arkuth's lovely body.

I cradled his head in my lap and watched him sleep. He's so beautiful, so peaceful when he sleeps. The next morning, I woke him with a kiss. He embraced me and told me how glad he was last night hadn't been just an erotic dream. After a nice round of frottage, we got dressed, had breakfast and went on to explore the other side of the mountain. We found a cataract falling into a waist deep pool flowing into a stream flowing downhill. We got there at just the right time to see a rainbow forming in the mist. I told Arkuth how I had fantasized about bathing him and he was quite willing to make my fantasy reality. Arkuth is really sexy when he's wet. His hair is sleek and clings to his neck and shoulders. Little crystal droplets roll over his smooth but solid contours. He sighed as I ran my slick, soapy hands over everything. It was all getting me pretty aroused. When I found he was aroused to, I took him there in the pool, making him shout my name loud enough for it to echo. I'm afraid he scared a nearby flock of birds.

After we dried off, I invited him to take me. He was overcautious at first, but I urged him on. Even after he realized he wasn't hurting me, he was still so tender with me. He kept whispering my name in my ear. "Ivellios, Ivellios." Good thing elven names sound nice when whispered. With a little help from me, he found that sweet spot inside me. After a few good, strong thrusts I was clinging to his biceps and screaming Arkuth's name to the heavens. I was limp as a rag after that. And Arkuth held me close and told me he loved me. I nearly wept, I was so happy.

My first time had been a pleasant learning experience with my archery instructor. I repeated his gentle way of initiating me with Arkuth. Like any adolescent I had explored my own body thoroughly and was ready to experience that pleasure with another. I had many a tumble with different partners. I managed to seduce one human who was passing through Ferndale. He was quite nice and his stories made me first start thinking about life beyond Ferndale. I tried a female once, but it just wasn't my cup of tea. She was very understanding about the whole thing. When my coming of age party rolled around and I announced I was leaving Ferndale, I had many offers for, shall we say, going away presents. They were all very pleasant, but, with Arkuth, it isn't just sex. It's making love.

I would've never told a human that, you understand. Humans always get so flustered when the conversation turns to sex, don't they? Hard? In which way? Ah, that was a little joke! I know what you mean. No, it's not very hard being in a romantic relationship with a human. Arkuth is different from anyone I've ever met. That's what I love so much about him. I know, at first glance Arkuth looks like this intimidating warrior who could break you in two. But, the truth is, he's very kind and gentle. No one would guess that he likes to cuddle with cute things; cats, dogs, kids, me. Once you get past the bone crushing muscles, the flashy sword and the glamour of princehood, you see the real Arkuth. A warm, caring, lovable bear of a man. That's why I lifebonded with him.

What? What's with that look? So? Yes, yes, I know he'll die one day. I know humans are short-lived. I cherish every moment I have with Arkuth, so that even after he's gone, our loving memories will last me forever. Besides, it's no good to dwell on a future we know nothing about. I could be mauled by dire wolves tomorrow for all I know. I'm happy now, and that's what's important. Besides, the lifebond comes in handy sometimes. It makes talking a lot easier since we know what the other is feeling. If I want to know where he is, I know pretty quickly. If he's out somewhere and I want him to bring home a loaf of bread, all I have to do is tap into his mind.

A pity the lifebond can only be done once. Sometimes I'd like to know what goes on inside my kids' heads! Yes, well, I knew it would be only a matter of time before you or your friends asked about them. No, no, I'm not offended. I suppose it's pretty obvious they aren't ours, biologically. After all, two males can't very well make a baby together! Well, unless they do this new spell I've been hearing about, but, it's messy and I wouldn't bother with it anyway. Even if a male elf and a male human were able to have a baby together, it wouldn't be a half-drow, a full halfling or yet a half-orc now, would it?

Well, I'll start with Donny, our eldest. Little firecracker isn't he? Arkuth thinks he needs to go out and have some of his own adventures. Me, I think 12 is far too young for that sort of thing, even if he is half-drow. We found him on the banks of a brook one day when Arkuth and I were fishing. Just a little baby, wrapped in a blanket and left by the brook. He couldn't have been more than a day or two old. Oh, it was obvious what he was. His skin was silvery, he had a few wisps of white hair and his ears were angular, but not as pointy as on a full elf. And then, there were these sky blue eyes that looked up at me with such trust. They say drow don't understand the meaning of the word. But, I knew this one needed me. I named him Donsian, because he was silver and we found him by a brook.

Arkuth thought I was crazy. But, in time, he came to love Donsian. He realized just as I did that there was a reason we found that baby. We would be the ones to guide this little one, to show him love, to teach him how to be the best person he could be. My parents thought I had lost my mind! Oh, they sort of knew I preferred males. They didn't roll out any carpets for my human lover, but they came to accept him. A half-drow son was something quite different. Arkuth's father had a heart attack when we told him about Donsian. I thought he was being melodramatic, but, the next day, Aetos was king! Fortunately, Aetos and the six women who raised him and Arkuth have been very helpful.

Aetos has hired a few teachers to educate his children and nieces and nephews and invited our children to be educated at the castle. Donny and Sera are home for the summer. Kalos might go next year, if we can fix some of his, well, social problems. Oh, there have been some problems with Donny at school. Some of his "cousins" weren't happy about having a half-drow in the family and let him know. Donny's got a nasty temper, I'm afraid. And a nasty right hook to go with it. We've managed to at least get that under some semblance of control. If the kids had a problem with a halfling joining in on the lessons, they were smart enough not to anger her big brother. Sera, now, she looks little and sweet, but she can really be a scrapper!

Oh, her story is such a sad one. Arkuth and I left Donny with his favorite aunt so we could do a little hunting together. Well, we saw this tiny little halfling toddler, no higher than my knee, trying to make her way through the brush, falling down every three steps. Just a chubby little thing with wide brown eyes. Even covered in dirt she looked so cute and helpless. We knew there was a halfling village just over the hill. We thought maybe she had wandered off.

We smelled the smoke before we were halfway up the hill. It was so, so tragic, so horrible. I'm sorry, remembering that scene still chokes me up. Some marauders had been by, slaughtered everyone and left their corpses out to rot. All I could do was cover the baby's eyes and try not to look myself. All those poor, poor halflings.

Arkuth and I took turns digging graves and keeping watch over the village's only survivor. We buried them all around a shrine to Yondalla. The marauders had desecrated it by toppling over the statue so that it broke in two. Now, I am and will always be a child of Ehlonna, but spoiling someone else's shrine just isn't done. Arkuth and I fixed it as best as we could. We're no masons, but the break was pretty clean and we found some mortar. Anything valuable was gone, of course. I sang a song of mourning for all in that village. All three of us cried together. The little girl was only just learning to walk and talk. The only words she knew where "Mama", "Dada" and "up". It was heartbreaking to hear her ask for Mama and Dada. We didn't even know her name.

It was getting dark, so we made camp, preparing to go pick Donny up the next day and show him his new little sister. There was no doubt in our minds about what we would do with her. I watched Arkuth sleep that night, with a tiny halfling cuddled in his arms, just feeling love for both of them. Then, something happened to me that almost never happens to me. I slept. Not reverie, I actually slept.

Next thing I knew, I was standing in a clearing next to Arkuth, who held the sleeping toddler in his arms. He didn't know what was going on either. Suddenly, this halfling woman with long golden hair and dressed all in green appeared to us. She said she was Yondalla, Goddess of Halflings and she wanted to thank us for our kindness. The souls of the slain halflings had been commended to her and she would personally see to it that those who did this atrocity would be punished. Arkuth recommended she get aid from Heironious, the god his family worshipped. Yondalla said the God of Justice owed her a favor, so she'd look into it. She said the child's name was Seraphina Goodhill. She congratulated us on our new daughter and ask that we teach her to learn to enjoy life and not waste it on seeking vengeance. We promised.

Yondalla had one more thing to add before she left our dreams. She said that from then on, anything we planted would flourish. Neither of us were green thumbs, preferring to hunt and forage. I had always liked flowers, but I barely knew how to keep a cactus alive. But, ever since then, the herb and vegetable garden out back has provided us with bumper crops. Quite a boon when you have three children to feed. Even animals stay away from it and the only insects I've seen there are bees and butterflies. I got emboldened and planted some flowering bushes outside. Oh, thank you, they are nice. I wanted to attract hummingbirds. I believe a family of pixies has taken up residence in one, but they're good neighbors.

Kalos? Ah, he's an enigma. I almost tripped over him when I went out one morning to get the eggs. He had just been left on our doorstep. No note, no basket, not even a blanket. It isn't unusual for orc mothers to abandon their half breed children, but usually, they turn them over to the father. Our lifebond meant I would know if Arkuth had betrayed me and I was fairly certain I hadn't cavorted with any orc female. The baby was whimpering just as my other two babies did when they were hungry. So, I milked one of the goats and fed him before I took him to our room. Arkuth thought I was joking when I told him a half-orc baby had been dropped on our doorstep. You should've seen the look on his face!

Well, as soon as Arkuth got over his initial shock, he saw that while this baby was not as comely as the others, he was still in need of love and guidance. He cradled him in his arms and said "I'll name you Kalos, because you are good and beautiful. Let no one tell you otherwise." Then Kalos spit up on him.

Oh, it can be difficult, having a baby half-orc. I admit, it must look strange to see a high elf with a half-orc baby on his hip. I certainly got a few odd looks the first time I took him into town for errands. Fortunately, Arkuth was with us. He gives people this look when they stare too long, like he's daring them to say something. Of course, most people have more sense than to mess with Arkuth. Donny's been practicing that look himself. Sera tries, but she's so little and cute that she looks adorable even when she's angry. Well, other than some odd looks, Kalos wasn't any different from any other baby. Until those tusks came in. Teething babies are cranky enough, but I had bleeding bite marks all over my arms! It was so hard getting him teething rings he wouldn't destroy.

Oh yes, he can talk quite well for someone his age. It's just that strangers like you and your friends make him shy. He'll warm up to you. Kalos knows people are scared of him, but he doesn't know why. I'll have to explain it to him one day. I'm afraid that day may be soon. In the meantime, we'll concentrate on his manners. He doesn't have much self control, does he? Arkuth's more of a disciplinarian than I am. He's not cruel, but he expects the children to obey him. I can be firm with them, but I feel like I'm punishing myself sometimes when I have to punish them. I was proud of Kalos at dinner tonight. He only needed to be reminded once to use his fork. I had to bribe Donny with apple pie to get him to prepare the vegetables, but I think it was worth it. How nice of you to say! I'll give you the recipe tomorrow.

Well, I've been talking a blue streak, haven't I? We'd better turn in if we plan to get a reverie in before sunup. Here, I'll rinse that cup out for you. You're quite welcome. Oh, don't thank me for that. I'm just glad I could talk to someone about the four people I love more than anything. Tomorrow, I'll ask a few questions about you, if you're willing to answer. Good night to you too.