"Going South"
by Beryll & Mayetra
Kale stopped on top of one of the many snowdrifts to get a better view of the icy plains surrounding them. He had been walking for several hours now, using the cover of the night to get as far away from the elven castle as possible. He was pretty sure that they would be followed, but his hope was that neither he nor the princess would be missed before sunrise.
The little princess was a warm, strangely reassuring weight on his back. She had tried to keep up with his much longer strides for a while, at first her mouth working nonstop, and then falling more and more silent, as she became exhausted. Finally, he had picked her up, despite her sleepy complaints that she was a big girl and quite able to walk on her own now that she had decent boots.
It had only taken a few minutes until she was softly snoring right next to his ear, her little nose buried against his neck. So, the smell couldn't be that bad, he thought with a slight smile.
So far, he had managed not to think on the fact that she had run away with him because she believed she was in love with him. That just seemed too weird. Why on earth should she love him? Not like he had anything particularly nice for her. But who understood girls anyway. Especially elven princesses.
He made a mental note to ask her name. He was reasonably sure that she had told him at one point, but he hadn't paid much attention to her then. And it wouldn't do to call her 'little princess' forever.
Still the fact remained that she was now with him and that he would have to take care of her. At least until he had repaid the debt he owed her for saving him. And then maybe a little longer. Not cause he loved her or anything that sappy of course. Just because he was sort of fond of her...
He adjusted her weight and surveyed the plains. He had been heading south for the last couple of hours. The civilized cities were his only real hope of losing any possible pursuers. There one man with a little elf wouldn't draw much attention, while out here they were prey to the weather, predators and vengeful elves alike.
There was still a bounty on his head and those of all the members of his late raiding band. This was why they had originally headed out into the icy wasteland that was fabled for its rich elves. But he doubted that anybody would recognize him all on his own.
In the east, he could see the first glimmers of light seep across the horizon. Soon the sun would rise and drench the white fields of snow in orange and red. He turned back north from where he had come. There was no sign of pursuers yet, but he was sure they would come. His trail was easy enough to follow after all. A straight line of footprints, only slightly covered over by powdery snow.
His gaze went to the sky and for the first time since he had escaped the dungeons and death at the hands of the elves, a wide grin spread on his face. He knew those cloud formations forming in the west, driven closer by cutting wind. Knew them and had often cursed them. But now he welcomed them with all his heart. They meant a storm was blowing up. A storm that would hide his tracks as well as make it virtually impossible for the slight elves to follow him. They only traveled when the weather was good.
Feeling new strength in his legs from the short rest he waded down the snowdrift, changing direction to the west. Better to find the storm as soon as possible. And, if he remembered correctly there was a hidden cave about a day's march in that direction as well. By far not as comfortable or well equipped as the one the elves had found the raiders in but there was a small cache of weapons and provisions that would help them much in surviving the ice plains.
---
A small mound of snow against the snowdrift erupted as Kale pushed his way through the powder. He stood up shaking snow from himself before turning to brush the snow from Tania, who had also stood by this point. "See, I told you we would be fine."
Tania sighed as she began to help Kale brush the snow from her hair and clothes. She had argued against simply lying against the snowdrift when the storm had hit, but her human had insisted it was the only way to survive it. She was sure that they would freeze to death or worse, suffocate. Surprisingly, the tiny pocket they had lain in was quite warm and Kale had managed to keep a small hole open to the outside by periodically using his fist to punch through the snow. Still, her clothing was soaked and now that they were out of their protective snow cocoon, she was starting to get cold. "But look what it did to my clothing! Now they are damp and in this wind, they will be stiff in no time. I'll freeze. My skin can't take the chafing."
Kale sighed. "You'll be fine. That's what furs are for." He punctuated his statement by wrapping their sleeping fur around her before she could complain more. He decided it was best to ignore the complaint about her skin altogether.
Tania gave an unladylike snort. "I shouldn't expect you to understand the delicate nature of a lady's skin." Deciding that an argument with Kale about this subject would be as productive as trying to move a mountain with the sheer power of her mind, the elf changed the subject. "So what do we do now?"
Kale was surveying the landscape around them. After a moment, he pointed and said, "We are heading that way. There is a cave I know of where we can find some supplies."
Brightening, Tania began to rummage under her cloak and then produced a slightly bulging pouch. "I brought supplies with us, silly." She offered Kale the pouch as she continued to speak, "Did you think I would rescue you and not be prepared?"
With a look of surprise, Kale said, "Really?" The large human dropped to a crouch and upended the pouch onto the snow. "Let's see what you brought." He began to sort through the contents: a few brightly colored ribbons, a brush, a comb, and a small pair of scissors. He picked up what looked like a hard piece of white cake and sniffed it. It had a familiar scent, but he couldn't place it. "What's this? It doesn't smell like food."
"Of course that is not food," Tania said in a tone one would use when speaking to a small child. "It is soap. It is used for bathing."
Kale continued to sift through the items. There was a small vial of liquid, needle and thread, a few small pieces of jewelry. "Didn't you bring ANYTHING useful? Like food, weapons, or at the very least a flint stone."
"What do you mean didn't I bring anything useful?" Tania held up her hand and began to tick off her points on her fingers. "I brought some soap and a brush to get the filth off of you. A comb and scissors to fix that rat's nest that passes for hair on your head and to get rid of that mass of nasty fur on your face. A hairbrush and ribbons so I can fix my hair and some scented oil so I will smell nice." She pointed to a small tin lying on the snow. "And I did bring food, there are cookies in that tin."
"You silly girl!" Kale roared. "Have you had a look around? We could easily starve to death or get killed by a wild beast like a bear or Ice Cat! Let's not forget about the fact we could very well freeze to death and you are worrying about how you smell! As for my fur, you will leave it right where it is because it fucking keeps me warm!" He punctuated his statements by glaring threatening at the tiny elf girl.
Stomping her foot and crossing her arms, Tania attempted to look just as threatening but the effect was lost due to the haze of tears in her eyes. "You ungrateful beast! I go out of my way to rescue you from being tortured to death. I give you my love and all you can do is yell at me about bears and Ice Cats! It was my first rescue so excuse me if I didn't pack everything correctly!" She turned away to hide the tears that were now starting to stream down her cheeks. This was not turning out at all like she had expected.
Kale rubbed his brow and tried to stay calm. "Fuck," he muttered under his breath as he fought the urge to shake the foolish chit. Still, what had he really expected? She was used to luxury, not the hardened life of living on the plains. "Listen, we'll go to that cave and we'll find what we need there, so don't get teary on me." Kale silently hoped that they would find what they needed. There was no guarantee that another pack of raiders hadn't found the cave and emptied it or that some creature hadn't taken up residence in it.
Wiping her tears with the corner of her cloak, Tania said, "I'm not getting teary. The wind is... is burning my eyes." With a small sniffle, she turned and hastily began to repack her treasures.
Kale sighed again, still fighting for patience. He decided it was best just to change the subject. "Look," he said gruffly, "we have a long walk ahead of us. Do you want to walk or ride on my back again?"
Lifting her chin, Tania said, "I'm tougher than I look. I'm quite capable of walking!" She was afraid if Kale saw her as a burden, he would leave her behind.
"I thought we were through arguing about that."
Tania looked undecided before giving in. "I guess I would like to ride, if you are willing." She gave him a small smile.
Kale grinned at her. "Sure, it's not like you weigh anything."
He really is handsome when he smiles, Tania thought to herself. She wasn't sure if he just complimented her or if he found her displeasing because she was so tiny. She didn't have time to ask him as he helped her up onto his back.
Once she was secure, Kale took off at a run towards the cave.
*~*
The smell of earth and leaves and thriving green life in general was nearly overwhelming. After having spent more than a year on the icy plains, not only the sights of the south, but also the smells, the sounds of animals moving in the underbrush, the feel of wind on Kale's face that was not cutting and scraping constantly was bliss. Life.
Even the feeling of sweat gathering on his brow brought a grin to Kale's face. He hadn't even realized how much he had missed being truly warm through and through until they had gotten to warmer climate after over a month of traveling southward through the ice waste.
'Should have left some of the furs with Tania', Kale thought, wiping the sweat from his brow. 'Won't really need them anymore now. May bring a good price down here. Once we get to a real city.'
Again, he scanned the small farm in front of him. He had left Tania hidden in wood behind him; tending the campfire he had build. She hadn't been any help in gathering dry wood for the fire but he was reasonable sure that she would be able to keep it burning while he was gone. Not much one good do wrong there. She had said she knew how to cook so he had left the rabbit he had shot earlier today with her as well. Maybe that was something she'd be good for.
Not like she really had any other uses. She enjoyed kissing, that for sure, but when ever he tried to go any further she would just twist away with a fake shy giggle and swat at his groping hands. By now he was sure she was either a virgin or cruel beyond belief.
Not like they had had much time for that kind of fun anyway. The cold had pretty much kept them moving. But now Kale was sure they had managed to shake off any followers and down here, they wouldn't find them anyway.
So now that they were warm, had plenty of game to survive on and some peace of mind he promised himself the he would press the matter. After all, there had to be some benefits in traveling with the little minx. What he had seen of her when she had bathed in his cave had been plain delicious.
Absentmindedly he rubbed his hardening cock. He really needed a good fuck.
But first horses.
Finally, the last lights on the farm he had been watching for over an hour now were extinguished. Grinning happily he crept forward. He couldn't count the times he had stolen horses like this. Every move was well practiced. The large watchdog sleeping before the entrance to the farmhouse didn't hear him. Neither did the other one guarding the cows sleeping in the meadow behind the house. He slipped into the stable soundlessly.
Of course, he wouldn't find any fancy runners here. But that was not what he needed anyway. There was a good chance Tania had never even seen a horse in her life. So, a docile workhorse was perfectly fine for her first riding lessons.
The four horses in the stable blinked at him in tired confusion. He quickly checked them to see which were the better two and than gathered halters and saddles. After only a few minutes, both horses were ready. He also wrapped some cloth around their hooves so they wouldn't wake the dog either. Not that he feared the farmers. But it just wasn't necessary to get into a fight now.
Slowly he led the two horses outside, whispering reassuring words to them while they quietly crossed the yard. One of them whinnied softly. The dog stirred, pricking his ears. For many long seconds, Kale remained motionless until the dog relaxed again and his ears drooped, then he led the horses on. Only when they had crossed into the underbrush did he allow himself a deep sigh. That had gone well.
"You did good, honeys," he whispered to the horses, stroking both their noses. Then he mounted one of them, reveling in the feel of a horse under his ass again.
The way back to the clearing where he had left Tania took him only half an hour, while on foot he had needed almost two. Already from a few leagues away, he could smell that she had certainly not been able to keep an eye on the campfire.
When he entered the clearing he found her huddled against a tree, glaring at the smoldering, smoking fire filled with accusing anger. She blinked up at him when he reined in the horses. First in shock, at the sight of the horses, than in guilt at the fact that she had again managed to screw something up, then redirecting her anger at him, blaming him for the whole mess like he by now knew she would. Taking responsibility wasn't really one of her strong sides.
But she was so damn cute when she was angry.
*~*
Tania stood and looked accusingly at Kale. "You left me faulty wood and it won't burn!"
Kale took a deep breath and tried to stay calm as he got off the horse he was riding. The girl could try the patience of the Gods themselves. He walked over began to check the fire. It was piled with a heap of sticks, twigs, grass, leaves and a few small weeds complete with roots. Calmly, he said, "You heaped too much on it Tania, fire needs wood AND air to burn."
He began to clear the debris from the fire and came across the rabbit he had left for Tania to cook. His hands stilled and he stared at it for a moment. Not only had she not skinned and gutted it but she had simply tossed it on the fire until the only thing that remained was a smoldering, charred mess. He carefully fished it out with a stick. "What is this?"
Tania shot him a defensive look. "Dinner…"
"Tania…" Kale had become dangerously calm.
"What?" Tania said as she looked around the clearing stalling for time. "That's the way we cook them." She fixed him with an icy glare, daring him to call her a liar.
"Oh, is that so." Kale flicked the rabbit towards her. It landed at her feet. He glared at her. "So eat it."
Tania looked at the ruined, charred thing at her feet and sniffed delicately. "I'm not hungry at the moment." Her stomach chose that moment to growl, betraying her.
Kale stood and glared down at the little she-elf. "Tania! I thought you said you could cook!"
Tania's hand drifted up to twirl one of her small braids between her fingers. She had been afraid that if Kale thought her completely useless he would abandon her. So, she had lied.
Kale recognized the hair twisting as a telltale sign of nervousness. He waited to see what story she would try to feed him now.
"I... I've seen it done... I didn't think it would be that hard..." Tania muttered the truth.
"Fucking hell!" Kale cursed as he rubbed his brow. "Girl, you are driving me insane." He turned and stalked back over to the horses. He began to see to the saddles and get them settled for the night. It was the only thing he could think to do besides grabbing Tania and throttling her.
Tania eyed the great four-legged beasts wearily. She had never seen the like before and wondered what Kale had planned for them. "What are those? Don't tell me we are going to eat them."
"They are horses, Tania. They are for riding and certainly, not for eating, especially with the way you cook!" Kale punctuated his statement by glaring at her as he reached up to stroke one of the horse's nose.
Tania looked unconvinced. These 'horses' were awfully big. "I don't know, Kale, are you sure they won't eat us in our sleep?" Even as she asked the question, one of the horses turned its head to look at her. The elf was pretty sure that if it didn't eat humans, it might eat elves.
Kale leaned his brow against the horse tiredly. She really was a test of a man's patience. "No, they eat grass."
Tania made a face. "Poor dumb creatures."
"At least they do get dinner!" Kale shot back angrily as he began to tie the horses to a nearby tree.
Tania had the good grace to flush at his statement. He was right about that and it was all her fault because she lied about knowing how to cook. She had no choice but to try to fix things. She turned without a word and started toward the edge of the small clearing they were camped in.
Kale sat down next to the now merrily burning fire with a sigh. Behind him, he could hear Tania rustling about the brush making a fair bit of noise. He shrugged out of his overcoat of furs as he called out, "Tania, what in the hell are you doing now?"
What the hell does he think I'm doing, Tania thought as she continued to look under a low bush. "I'm looking for another rabbit!" Not finding one, she walked to a rather low thorny bush, which looked like an excellent place for a rabbit to try to hide.
"Tania… they won't jump you so you can cook them. Leave it be."
Tania sighed and walked back toward the clearing. "I lied," she said as she entered the clearing. "I'm hungry and I'm not eating grass!"
"I know," Kale said. "I'll shoot us another one in the morning."
In the morning, Tania thought. How could he think of waiting until morning when she was hungry now? "But, I'm hungry now, Kale!"
Kale took of his second coat. "So am I, girl, but you burned dinner so no dinner. Live with it." He took of his shirt and sat bare-chested before the fire. Stretching, he said, "That's better."
"But my stomach hu-" Tania was unable to complete her thought as she noticed Kale. The firelight gave his chest a warm glow and caused her mouth to go dry. "You look nice without all that fur." She hadn't meant to say that aloud, it just slipped out.
Kale shot her a sleazy grin. Lifting his arm to show off the muscles there, he said, "You want to feel?"
Tania decided that Kale in a good mood was much better than Kale in a bad mood, so she decided to humor. Sitting down next to him, she reached out and stroked the hard muscles of his arm. Then, on impulse, she ran her fingers through the light mat of hair on his chest. Looking at the bushy mass of hair on his face, she frowned. "Will you be wearing your furs less now that it's warm?"
"Of course, I don't want to melt in them." He grinned widely at her. "You should think about it too, honey."
Tania completely missed the subtle innuendo and continued to frown at Kale's beard. "I don't have any other clothes then these. I suppose you won't need all that fur on your face to keep warm anymore. Can I cut it off?"
"No," Kale groaned. He didn't like the turn this conversation had taken.
"But Kale," Tania argued. "You said you needed the fur on your face to keep warm before and now you don't. You don't want your face to melt!"
"Leave my fucking beard alone," Kale barked. Then he regarded her for a moment. "What's wrong with my beard?"
Tania made a face. "It hides your face and scratches mine when we kiss. I don't like it! It makes you look like an animal."
Grumbling, Kale replied, "I like it." He reached up to scratch it.
Tania wasn't ready to give up. She hated the hair on his face with a passion. Getting an idea, Tania tried a different approach. "What if we compromise? What if you just let me trim it?"
Kale eyed her suspiciously. "Yeah… as soon as I let you near it with a knife it will be history. If you don't cut my throat…"
Tania let out a sigh. Her human was impossible sometimes. "I won't cut it with a knife, Kale. I'll use my scissors. I trim my brothers' hair all the time." She gave him her best begging look. "Please… it will feel much cooler once all that hair is gone."
"Oh… you can trim hair… I hope better than you can cook." Kale finally gave her a relenting look and nodded.
Tania gifted him with a bright smile before running to fetch her pouch full of treasures. "You won't regret it."
Kale shot her a doubtful look but remained still. Tania carefully began to trim back the mass of hair on his face. Every now and again, she would pause to wipe the sweat from her brow. Finally, she sat back and surveyed her work. True to her word, she had left his beard and mustache, but it was now neat and trim. He looked very handsome, despite the fact there was still hair on his face. "There, that is much better!" she said with a satisfied smile.
Kale eyed her with a slight grin. "You really should get rid of those heavy clothes, honey." He reached up to feel his beard.
"I told you," Tania retorted irritably, "I didn't bring any other clothes with me."
Kale reached over and grabbed his light shirt. He passed it to her. "You can wear my shirt."
Tania held the shirt out by the tips of her fingers. It was much too large for her and would have covered most of her body, but it was also dirty and smelled awful. "It sti- Ah, I mean, it's much to big for me." She passed it back to him.
Kale merely shrugged and said, "Have it your way and keep sweating."
Tania sat undecided for a moment. She did have a long chemise beneath the heavy gown she was wearing. It was a light, cool linen, but it was sleeveless and a bit skimpy. It would be totally inappropriate to be seen wearing it in front of a man who was not her husband. Tania thought about that for a moment, it wasn't like there was anyone here to see her other than Kale. Without a second thought, she stood and stripped out of the heavy gown. She sighed with audible pleasure as the cool air swept over her sweaty skin.
Kale stretched out his long legs and grinned at the little minx. He was pleased that she finally gave in and got rid of that heavy dress. He let his eyes roam over the thin undergarment, noticing how the firelight made it semi-transparent.
Tania looked over and noticed Kale's smile. Think it was for another reason, she asked. "Do you like your new beard? I can trim your hair as well."
"I was just admiring the view," Kale said, grinning wider. He let his eyes travel up and down Tania's scantly clad body.
Tania blushed and squirmed a bit, feeling uncomfortable by his blatant stare. "You shouldn't stare, Kale, it's impolite."
"So? I'm a brute human, remember." He continued to stare, his mind beginning to entertain some rather lurid fantasy involving the half naked elf standing before him.
"You act like you've never seen me before," Tania said with just a hint of irritation in her voice. "Nothing has changed in my appearance."
Kale made a smacking noise with his lips. "Why don't you sit down here next to me so I can check more thoroughly."
Tania sat down next to him with a sigh. "Don't be silly. I'm hungry, Kale. Don't we have anything left in our supplies?"
"No," Kale replied as he leaned towards her. "But maybe we can find something else to occupy ourselves with…" His hand traced the satiny skin of her collarbone as he gently kissed her.
Tania sighed and returned the kiss. She liked kissing Kale, even more now there wasn't all that fur to get in the way.
Kale deepened the kiss, distracting Tania as his hand slid down from her shoulder to her breast. Maybe she would twist away this time. He hoped not, he didn't think he could stand another night of her teasing. When she made no effort to move his hand, he gently began to fondle it, his thumb rubbing a slow circle over the rapid hardening bud beneath the thin fabric.
Tania gasped as sheer pleasure shot through her. What caused that pleasure finally registered. She twisted her head away from Kale breaking the kiss. Pushing his hand away, she panted, "Stop, I don't want to do this."
Cursing under his breath, Kale asked, "Why not? How long are you going to keep teasing me?" His voice was an odd mixture of anger, frustration and pain.
"Because we aren't married and because I know all about… it. I've heard my brothers talk." She got quieter as she continued, her eyes rounding with fear. "Once I heard one of my brothers with a girl and the poor thing was in terrible pain. She kept screaming and calling his name. But he didn't stop."
Kale threw back his head and laughed. "That's because she loved it, sweetie. Come on! You'll love it too!" He reached for her again.
Tania twisted away from him. "How do I know you aren't just saying that? If we were married I would have to do it."
Kale grumbled, "Tania… I want you… now!"
Tania sent him a wide-eyed look. "You sound as if you are hurting or something. Why can't we wait until we are married? I promise I won't fight you then, no matter how bad it is."
Kale sighed and tried to reason with her. "I promise it won't be bad. I let you trim my beard didn't I. Why won't you trust me? Have I ever hurt you?"
"No," Tania answered in a small voice, "you've never hurt me, but… we aren't married. Papa said that if a woman gives herself to a man without marriage, she is shamed forever."
Kale threw up his hands in exasperation. "Fine! Just fine!"
Tania couldn't understand why he was getting so angry.
"Keep your precious virginity!" Kale spat as he stood up. "I'm going to sleep. Good night, missy." He reached down and snatched up his fur before stomping a bit away from the fire.
Tania watched him go before curling up on her dress, her back to him. He hadn't told her he loved her or even promised to marry her, she thought as silent tears slid down her face. Tania was confused and hurt by what had happened. She thought that he must love her if he had kept her with him, but he hadn't said it. It was a long time before she finally cried herself to sleep.
*~*
Kale was in a splendid mood. He was whistling a merry tune as he walked down
the narrow alley leading to the small tavern where he had left Tania.
Their journey to the northern most of the great city-states had been uneventful. If one didn't count the fact that the little princess had complained endlessly about a sore ass from riding and about the fact that Kale expected her to help with the cooking, gathering firewood and other tasks that had to be done when traveling. But compared to her usual temperamental self she had been well behaved and had actually tried to learn. Maybe she was finally adapting to necessity.
Kale had pretty much given up on ever getting a chance to fuck her so she had to make herself useful in other ways. The thought to simply dump her once he got to the city had crossed his mind once or twice, but there still was the fact that she had saved him from certain death. Maybe he wasn't the nicest guy around and his honor was not in the best condition either, but that didn't mean one couldn't improve on it. So he had decided to keep her around at least until she had learned to fend for herself.
And he had to admit that he enjoyed having her chirping little voice around. She could be a major pain in the ass but she could also be extremely sweet if she put her mind to it.
Still he had left her in the small room in the tavern he had gotten for the two of them. Better to keep her safe there then to take her with him on the various errands he had completed today. The thought of her wandering off in this big city where she would easily get lost was not exactly reassuring. After all he was not the only dangerous guy in this town and others mind not be as understanding as he was.
She had complained about that too but in the end she had promised to stay put and wait for him to return.
The day he had spent in the city's crowded streets had both been refreshing and successful. He had managed to sell some of the jewelry Tania had brought with her for a reasonable price. He was pretty sure the trader had paid him much less than they were actually worth but it still was enough money to keep them living without having to resort to stealing.
He had also managed to secure a job for himself as a guard for a caravan that would be leaving in a few days, going further south. A grin spread on Kale's face at that thought. Would be strange to work for the other side. But he really was quite experienced when it came to raiding practices so he was sure he would be useful and the caravan's leader would probably have given him the job just for his dangerous looks.
There had been a bit of haggling about Tania but Kale had managed to convince him that she could cook - which was not completely untrue, she had learned a bit since the 'charred rabbit incident'. The caravan's leader had tried to pry into what kind of relationship the two of them actually shared but Kale had resorted to the simply growling at the man and that had settled the matter.
Now the sun had set, the streets of the city were filled with a thousand sounds and smells and Kale was feeling quite accomplished. He had also bought some decent clothes for his little princess. Wouldn't do for her to run around in that skimpy dress any longer. She would just give men ideas. He didn't mind beating up a few - like he had done with the dumb stable boy of the tavern who had stared at Tania's legs when they had arrived - but it wouldn't hurt to take a few precautions. After all he couldn't be by her side all the time.
The tavern beckoned with warm light shining from the open door, giving the cobblestone alley a friendly glow as well. From inside Kale could hear laughter, the noise of many voices and the tune of a fiddle. Obviously his instincts had not misled him. He had had a good feeling about this tavern right from the start.
He entered with a huge grin plastered across his face and was met right by the person he had hoped to see: the buxom tavern wench that had already flirted with him when he left this morning. Even after a long hard day of work she still looked gorgeous in her low cut blouse and billowing skirts. She had the long blonde hair and soft curves he liked in women. No sharp bones to poke you... And she was rather... inclined.
"Master Kale!" she hailed him across half the tavern, hurrying over to greet him, standing on tiptoe to give him a shy kiss on the cheek, that was applauded by wild hooting from some other guests which in turn made her blush prettily. "How was your day?" she asked then, a little less exuberant. "Did you get everything done?"
"A good day it was." Kale answered, looking her up and down appreciatively, his eyes finally settling on her abundant bosom. "Rest assured that there is nothing keeping my attention from you this evening, pretty flower."
Her blush deepened to a nice rose color and Kale's grin grew even wider. Now that was a woman!
"My shift will be finished in a couple of minutes." She told him, now in a hushed tone. "Meet you at the bar then?"
"You bet I will be there." Kale answered, taking the liberty of grabbing her and pressing her flush against his body so she could feel his hard cock pressed against her hip through both their clothes.
She looked up at him with wide, happy eyes, wetting her full lips with a pink tongue. "I'll wait." She breathed and then quickly disentangled herself to hurry over to serve her last customers for the evening.
Kale's eyes followed her swaying hips for a moment. Then he hurried upstairs to bring his little princess the clothes he had bought for her. Wouldn't do to keep that willing wench waiting after all.
For a fearful moment he considered what he might not be able to meet the girl after all, if Tania had again disobeyed him and had not waited for him in the room. She could be anywhere now and he might spend the night chasing her down again.
But his fears were proved wrong the moment he walked into the room. She was still sitting on the narrow bed where he had left her, looking a bit worried as the door opened but relaxing as she recognized Kale, who smiled at her reassuringly.
"Are you okay?" she asked, getting up from the bed and coming over to him as if she intended to check. "Were you able to trade the jewelry?"
Kale nodded. "Yes, and got us a good deal too. And I also got us a job that will take us further south. The more distance we put between your relatives and us the better I will feel."
Tania frowned. "A... job?" The wrinkled her delicate nose in the cutest way. "You want me to work? Doing what?"
Kale laughed. He had expected a reaction like that and it pleased him that he was finally starting to be able to predict his little princess. "Not you, honey." He said, grinning widely. "I've hired on as a caravan guard. You just travel with me. And maybe do a little cooking."
An expression of immense relief passed over her face and she whispered something under her breath. Kale chuckled quietly. She really was not very fond of working for her bread.
Kale put the bundle of clothes he had gotten for her on her bed. "Here, this is for you." He said. "Some sturdy stuff to wear. So you won't have to run around in that skimpy dress anymore."
The change in Tania was instant. Suddenly she was the cutest little doll, clapping her tiny hands happily, a big smile on her face and her eyes twinkling with happiness, she bounced over to the bed. "Oh! You have brought me a present!" she exclaimed and started spreading the clothes on the bed, examining every piece.
Kale had not been sure if she would approve of the simple, unadorned things but she seemed quite pleased. She beamed up at him. "Thank you! There are perfect! You even got me riding gloves!" For a moment she looked at him thoughtfully but then she just pulled of her dress, obviously taking into consideration that he had seen her naked before anyway.
Kale watched her pretty little breasts disappear underneath the shirt with a silent sigh. They had felt damned good the one time he had been able to get a feel. But no matter now. After all he had that wench waiting for him.
Tania put on the leather pants and boots too and then went about the strange female business of smoothing the fabric here and there and looking over her shoulder at her own ass. "Do you like them?" she asked. "Do they fit okay? How do I look?"
For a moment Kale wasn't sure what to say to that. After all she looked like she always did. Like a little elven princess. Okay... like a little elven princess dressed up as a boy. So he said: "You look good. Like a very pretty boy."
Her smile pretty much dropped off her face. "Like a boy?!"
That had obviously not been the thing she wanted to hear. Kale grinned. "Well... that was the idea. Like this nobody will get any funny ideas when I'm not around to protect you."
Tania huffed indignantly. "A boy..." Then she sighed unhappily. "I guess, you're right." She muttered. "But still... a boy..."
Kale patted her shoulder reassuringly. "Now stop complaining, Tania. These will be much easier to ride in too. You'll be fine. I'm sure you'll grow to like them." He had no idea anyway how women were able to put up with wearing something as impractical as skirts.
"You're probably right." Tania grumbled. "Thank you." Then she looked at him calculatingly and he had only a moment to wonder what she would want this time, when she fired her request. "Kale, can you have the servants bring a tub and hot water? I want a bath." She wrinkled her nose again. "I smell."
"You smell just fine to me." Kale commented. Actually she smelled delicious but he thought it safer not to mention that.
Tania sniffed in his direction delicately. "That's because you smell worse than I do." she said.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever." Kale shrugged. Better to get this over with quickly. After all he had a date to meet. "I'll go down and order you a bath then." Now there was a good excuse to escape. "You enjoy your bath and I'll be down in the tavern getting a drink or two." His mind was already turning to his pretty wench as he headed for the door again.
"I'll be down in a while." Tania said in parting but Kale was hardly listening to her anymore. His cock was throbbing in anticipation and that was all that mattered right now.
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