Chapter Five: Elenvell Nel Variamne

Trying to rip my eyes open was difficult. It was as though they were cemented shut. I felt weak and sore all over, and when I tried to let out a low moan to indicate my current state of things, all that came out was a soft, “Mleh,” instead.

“Alex!” A familiar voice nearly screeched near me. Though my vision was still blurry, I soon saw the general shape of a person hovering over me, a blur of silvery hair framing it.

“Seir—,” was all I could manage to say. My tongue hadn’t decided my brain was worthy of controlling it quite yet.

“Shhh, just relax, give it a minute and you’ll start to feel better,” after saying this, she brushed a hand against my cheek. The warmth and softness of her hand was already making me feel better and eased some of the pain. I was very happy to see her, but I needed more of that softness. My vision was clearing, and I was interested to see that she was either naked or only wearing her bottoms. Two orbs of vaguely delightful shape hung freely from her chest.

“Boofs,” I said.

“Boofs?”

“Boofs,” this time I tried to put more emphasis on the last consonant and nodded my head at her chest as best I could.

She looked down, “Oh, boobs?”

I nodded then said, “Face.”

She repeated the word, still unclear it seemed.

“My face,” I managed.

It took a moment, but then her blurred face changed in such a way that vaguely resembled a smile, “You want my boobs on your face?”

“Yes.”

She giggled and leaned down toward me, soon my vision was completely obscured but my face was wrapped in the impossible softness of Seirke’s D-cup breasts. I let out a muffled moan of delight.

“Of course that’s the first thing you’d want after waking up from a demon attack.”

It all came back to me then, the shadowy creature and its kiss. I turned my head slightly, already feeling better, and responded, “I thought I’d never get to feel them again.” My words were slurred, but my tongue was finally starting to behave.

She lifted herself off me, “Well, since you survived, you get to feel them whenever you want.”

I made an effort to sit up, but it was clear that was not going to happen. The bed was comfortable, though, so I wasn’t in much hurry.

“Where am I?”

“The recovery ward of Variamne house. We’re alone.”

I blinked and some of the blurriness went away. There was amber sunlight streaming in from a window next to me, Seirke was kneeling beside the bed now, and the light was hitting her just right. Her cute bob-cut hair was haloed with golden light from the window.

“Have I told you that you’re beautiful?” I asked.

She giggled and blushed, “You do remind me quite frequently, yes.”

“But have I done it in the past five minutes? I think that’s how often it needs to be said.”

She laughed at this and leaned in to kiss me on the lips. This gesture made me feel the best of all. We remained that way, kissing for about thirty seconds before we stopped and smiled at each other. I was glad I got to see her again.

“So, I am certainly not complaining, but what are you doing here?” I asked.

“It doesn’t take that long to bless a newborn. I decided to come see what trouble you had gotten up to since I didn’t have anything better to do for the day. And as it happens, you’re lucky I did, because otherwise that thing would have killed you. I was almost too late.”

“So that was a demon?” I asked.

“Yep, and demons are no joking matter. They are the children of Kaz’ara, and I don’t mean that figuratively. They are literally her offspring, which makes them demigods, and extremely hard to kill.”

“How did you get rid of it then?”

She looked at me with pursed lips, “I didn’t. I only scared it away with a light spell. Killing a demon requires powerful magic and very complicated rituals, which unfortunately I don’t have access to. In fact, nobody in Anvar does.”

“Oh. Well it’s gone anyway so all’s well that ends well, right?”

“We can certainly hope so. This does represent a much bigger problem, though. Clearly, someone, likely a witch, wants you dead.”

That did sound troubling, “Well, being the chosen one isn’t without it’s perks, right?”

Seirke chuckled, “Sure, but all the same I’m gonna keep an eye on you from now on. I already spoke to Erys, he told me what’s been going on so far. He also told me about the elf girl, Lafula, but he wasn’t there while you two were speaking alone. Would you mind telling me what your thoughts about her are, now that you’ve spoken to her at length?”

By this point I could sit up and I did, though I was still quite sore. There was something else too, a strange feverishness. I felt a little like I was burning up but didn’t think anything of it yet.

“I am fairly convinced that she is innocent of pretty much anything the other elves say she’s guilty of.”

“And what makes you think so?” Seirke asked.

“It’s not something I can easily explain with words, honestly. It’s just… I dunno, I can be pretty observant and I can see the way these elves talk about Lafula. I know that’s not terribly convincing, but just keep an eye on Elenvell next time we speak with her. I’m pretty sure she has been withholding information from me. On the other hand, Lafula has been nothing but an open book.”

Seirke was nodding along, “Well one way or another we’ll get to the bottom of this. We seekers have to deal with settling disputes like this on occasion, so you’re in good hands.”

“Where is Lafula, by the way?” I asked, “I would have thought she would be here too.”

“Well…” Seirke took a deep breath, but couldn’t continue. The door to the ward opened and in came Velanthe, Erys, and Elenvell.

“Ah, felai elveth I am so glad to see you awake and unharmed.” Elenvell said, smiling warmly.

“I feel like absolute garbage, but I am definitely alive and kicking, yes.”

Erys wasted no time in stepping over to me and planting a hot, wet kiss on my lips, “I’m so sorry! I shouldn’t have wandered off like that, I should have at least been nearby just in case.” Once again, the physical contact I received seemed to soothe my soreness and even some of the feverish sensation for a moment.

“I would also like to apologize,” Velanthe said with an uncharacteristic note of shame in her voice, “I should have likewise been at your side.”

I waved a hand trying to dismiss their concerns, “It’s okay, don’t worry about it. Everything worked out fine in the end.” I turned to Elenvell again, “Is Lafula okay? Where is she?”

Velanthe and Seirke exchanged glances, Elenvell’s smile wavered as she responded, “We have reason to believe she may have been behind the attack, felai.”

“Excuse me?”

“We have her locked in the Feliathel house’s dungeon in case she tries it again.”

I felt a sinking feeling in my gut and a rising anger making my ears hot, “What reasons do you have?”

“This is a matter for the commune, it would not be right of me to say, felai.”

“That’s a fun way to say, ‘none of your business’, except it is my business because in case you forgot, I was the one who was attacked.”

Elenvell did not say anything. She had perhaps learned from her mistake of showing too much emotion during our last argument, because this time she was putting on a rather impressive poker face. I was pretty sure I had a good way to break down those defenses, though.

“All right, let me guess then, you suspect it was her because you think her mother is a witch.”

Elenvell’s eyes narrowed, “She told you.”

Suddenly, all eyes were on Elenvell. And there it was, check. She was confused, peering around at each of the other priestesses who were staring daggers. Clearly, she didn’t catch what she had just admitted to.

It was Velanthe who spoke up first, “So, you suspect that her mother is a witch.”

Elenvell sighed, “Fine, yes I do. As does nearly every other elf in the commune.”

“You really shouldn’t have admitted to that,” I said.

“Why?”

And then, suddenly Seirke had stepped forward and slapped the elven elder across the face. She had smacked her hard enough that Elenvell lost her footing, and the loud sound echoed through the amber-lit room. Only Velanthe twitched at this gesture, briefly looking like she might rush to Elenvell’s aid, but this seemingly was only a reflex, because she did not end up doing it.

“You bitch!” Seirke exclaimed, tears in her eyes and fury in her brow, “You suspected Lafula of having a connection to a witch and you allowed the chosen one to speak alone with her? You didn’t even think to warn him?”

Elenvell now had a sort of deer-in-headlights look that betrayed that she knew she made a huge mistake, “I thought it would reflect poorly on the commune for you to believe there was one among us who was associated with witchcraft roaming freely. We have never been able to confirm if she herself knew witchcraft until now.”

“And what evidence is there now? What even makes you think that demon came from her? Couldn’t it have come from anywhere?” I asked.

To my surprise, Velanthe was the one who shook her head, “A shadow demon would not have been able to enter the commune without the guardians being alerted. They are very good at hiding and sneaking about, but they aren’t good enough to fool the fog.”

“Which means it must have been summoned here,” Erys said, “and only witches are capable of summoning demons.”

Elenvell now had a slightly smug look on her face, like she had won, as she straightened herself up from being smacked.

“Okay, fair enough,” I said, “so that just leaves one more question for you to answer. What makes you think it came from her?”

“Shouldn’t it be obvious? She has a connection to a witch, it must be her.”

“Alleged connection,” I corrected her, “I don’t think you have the evidence to claim that. Frankly, I think it’s just as likely any one of the other elves in this commune is the witch we’re looking for. All we know for absolute certain is that the demon was summoned here from within the commune. I don’t think that’s enough evidence to suspect only Lafula, you may as well throw everyone in the dungeon.”

“With all due respect, felai,” Elenvell began, “I have known Lafula for a century, you have known her for a day. I believe her to be capable of such an act even if you do not simply through personal association.”

I shook my head, “With all due respect, Elenvell, you really need to learn what you really shouldn’t say in situations like these.”

“What do you mean?”

“Velanthe, I think you can break it down for her.”

Velanthe was looking at Elenvell as though she had been personally betrayed by her, “You really don’t want it to be the case that Lafula is guilty of witchcraft. Because if it is true, and you willingly allowed her to speak alone with His Eminence, you will have made yourself an enemy of the entire Erynessan faith.”

The deer-in-headlights look returned to Elenvell’s face. And that was check-mate. She understood the implications perfectly, “So, what you are saying is that if I don’t try and argue for her innocence, you’re going to tell everyone that I withheld information from you.”

“Well, we’re certainly going to do more than you did, and that’s tell the truth,” I said. “Pride is a double-edged sword. You got into the situation because you wanted to keep up appearances, now you have to help us so you can keep up appearances.”

“And what if I end up being right about her being the one responsible?”

“Then egg on my face.” I replied, throwing my arms up defensively, “I’ll probably die but you can rest assured I’d go to my grave really embarrassed but also pretty surprised. And even though I’d encourage them to tell everyone you were cooperative right from the start, I doubt that everyone in this room would be that courteous. So, you’ll likely become an enemy of the Erynessan faith that way too.”

“Which means,” Erys said, taking a step toward the elf, “that you had better hope that Alex is right about Lafula.”

There was a silence that permeated the room then. Like a thick fog obscuring everything from sense and reason. All eyes were on Elenvell, and the elder seemed to be desperately trying to find a way out of her current predicament. There was something pitiable about the way she looked now, a far cry from the refined elegance I had known on our first meeting.

Like a beacon in the mist, I broke the silence, “Everyone, would you mind stepping outside so I can have a word with Elenvell privately.”

“I’d rather not,” Seirke said, “the last time I left your sight you nearly died.” Even though this is what she said, and I had no doubt of its truth, that wasn’t everything. I could tell how much she hated Elenvell, and frankly didn’t want to leave me alone with her.

“Trust me, Seirke. You can be right outside the door, you’ll hear if there’s a commotion.”

She hesitated, but nodded, never taking her eyes off the elder until she was out of the door with Erys and Velanthe.

“Now, before we get started, I need to tell you that I could not possibly think any less of you than I do now. You have only upward to climb, so honesty is going to be the best policy for you going forward. But in the interest of fairness, I am going to be completely transparent about my intentions. I am going to try and clear Lafula’s name by finding out who it really was who is responsible for the attempt on my life. Now it’s your turn. What really has you so convinced that Lafula is guilty?”

Elenvell’s gaze lowered, and she folded her arms under her sizeable bust before crossing over to the seat Seirke had been in. This time the amber light of twilight was gone, the sun had set and she was instead surrounded in a dark blue hue. She sat down and let out a long sigh while staring off into the middle distance.

“Take your time,” I said, getting comfortable in my own spot at the bedside. Though I said this, I was eager to get the conversation moving again. My fever and aching body were harder to ignore when I had no distractions. Something else might have been going on too, I found it difficult to keep my eyes away from the elf’s ample breasts.

“I am not,” she said, finally.

“Not what?”

“Convinced. But am cursed to be the unofficial leader of this community, which means I have to follow the evidence. I don’t have the luxury of an opinion.”

“Well, then great. You and I agree since there is no evidence, so we should let her go.”

“You misunderstand, felai, there is no evidence whatsoever of a witch within our commune. Lafula is the only individual for whom there is even a tangential connection to witchcraft. It is unproven, but it is literally the only thing to grasp onto. I personally know every single elf in this commune, I am like a mother to them, and I cannot see any of them having the capacity to do something like this, not even Lafula. I do not know what to do.”

I sighed, this was the most **** I had seen the elder since I had arrived, she genuinely looked distraught. I understood now. She was a representative of the community, publicly, her opinions needed to reflect those of her peers. Her standing in the commune was at odds with her own sense of morality. It seemed like a miserable position to be in, and that was when I remembered that I was technically a representative of a certain community too. An entire faith, in fact. I hoped I’d never have to struggle with this same kind of dissonance.

“Well, it’s a good thing you have me here, then.”

“Why is that, felai?”

“You might think that the fact that you know these people helps you spot when something is amiss, but it doesn’t. Your critical mistake is believing you are impartial. Think about it, if there’s a witch here, and you know them, that means they know you. Which means they would know exactly how to hide their true identity from you.” I was about to bring up the fact that this also meant that Elenvell would believe none of them to be capable even if they were, but decided that wasn’t really what she needed to hear right now. “That’s why I’m perfect for the job. I have no relationship with anyone, and I can be trusted to have an impartial opinion on the matter.”

Elenvell’s shoulders slumped and she sighed again, “Time and time again you shame me with your wisdom, felai, I am sorry for my foolishness.” I could see it in her eyes and her posture, she was in the depths of despair.

“Hey,” I said, getting her attention, “I don’t blame you. It can’t be easy for you. It will go a long way to make amends if you support me and my friends now, in any way you can.”

Elenvell stood up, took a deep breath, and then knelt back down on the floor in front of me. She shifted my robes to reveal my cock, and then kissed it gently, “I am at your disposal felai, command me however you please.”

The plan for the following day was simple. Velanthe, Erys, Seirke, and I would split into two groups and go around the commune and ask different people about the events of today and about suspicious activity. Both Erys and Seirke were seekers, who had lots of good information gathering techniques on their side, and even Velanthe had been a seeker before becoming a keeper. Seirke and I would be in a team, primarily because of Seirke’s insistence that I did not leave her sight, at least until the witch was apprehended.

Elenvell wanted to supply us with her own group of investigators, but I didn’t want to risk the possibility that one of them might either be the witch themselves or clue the witch in about our investigation. Eventually she relented, and I told her she should go and apologize to Lafula and explain the situation to her if she wanted to be helpful. I couldn’t imagine my new friend was in a good place right now.

In the meantime, the elder had given Seirke and I a rather luxurious guest room to stay the night in. It wouldn’t do us much good trying to investigate during the evening. Still, sleeping was difficult, it was hard to relax when I knew that Lafula was locked up somewhere and that a witch was out to get me. I wasn’t too frightened about a return visit from a demon, oddly, Seirke being near me did make me much more at ease.

But there was something else that kept me awake. The feverish heat hadn’t died down, even after the soreness had gone away, I still felt hazy and kind of loopy. I kept finding myself staring at Seirke’s body without really meaning to, it was just where my gaze settled. And even stranger, the fact that I kept getting soothed whenever I made physical contact was starting to seem less like coincidence or placebo. After some simple experimentation with the sleeping silver-haired beauty, I noted that it was actually making me feel better to touch her breasts.

I didn’t understand it, but I didn’t want to wake her, so I decided to wait until morning to bring it up to her. I hoped I hadn’t caught some exotic disease in this strange new world. If there were fruit that could not only freshen one’s breath but also magically clean their teeth, who knew what kind of sicknesses got spread around.

In the end I managed to fall asleep, but only after deciding to hug Seirke to me as I slept, cuddling her like a body pillow. Tomorrow I hoped to get some answers and win Lafula’s freedom back.