Travelling to Krazkhuraz Hold

After discussing the plan with the other lords, they agree that Aine and Marcus would be the best to lead a diplomatic party. Aine was from a family with a long and ancient alliance with Krazkhuraz Hold, the largest hold in the western mountain range and the capital of the Kingdom of Krazkhuraz. Marcus, being from the imperial family and unofficial leader of their efforts against the orcs also carried diplomatic weight and, unknown to the others, had his blessing to assist him.

Meanwhile, Amelia, Lucius and Octavius would do what they can to harras and delay the orcs. It wouldn't be enough to secure victory but, with luck, it'd be enough to buy Aine and Marcus enough time to gather allies.

Marcus' family came with him. He had to admit, he was much more comfortable with them coming to a dwarven hold than following a war camp. The dwarves, despite their murderous court politics were usually respectful of visitors. The worst they could expect was to be persuaded to help with smuggling.

They set off two days later, being escorted by only a small guard. The rest of their forces were needed to reinforce the others. The journey would take two weeks.

As they first rode out, Marcus and Aine led the party, riding side by side.

"Tell me about yourself, Lady Aine." Marcus says after a while. "We'll be on this mission for a while and I'd like to know who I'm relying on."

"Ha! Just Aine to you, lets leave the titles for the stuffy meetings." She replies. "Hmm, about me? There's not too much to tell. No grand victories like you. Frankly, there's not much I'm allowed to do without going through my imperial handler."

He'd heard of this. Her family had a 'steward' assigned to them by the emperor. It was an old tradition to prevent rebellion from non-imperial families..

"Ah. Sorry to hear that." He replies. "Your family have proven their worth, you deserve better. Where is he by the way..?" He asks.

She looks uncomfortable for a moment before regaining her composure. "He's... recently suffered a loss. Right now he's probably lying in his bed, mourning." She replies. It's subtle but Marcus is sure he sees a small smirk pulling on the corners of her lips.

"Sorry to hear it." He replies politely, she waves him off. "But I meant more about you as a person, not your accomplishments."

"Oh!" She blushed slightly. "I like to practice my swordsmanship." She says proudly, patting the curved elven stlye blades at her hips, a curious weapon this far west. "Gifts from a mentor when I was young, a wood elf who wanted to establish a colony in the orc woods. None survived their expedition." She sighed. "Otherwise, I like singing and painting. Don't ask me to demonstrate either, I've never been good." She laughs. "But I enjoy it regardless."

He can't help but laugh along with her. "Well me neither. Maybe if all else fails we can drive the orcs away with our horrible singing."

"Oh aye, that'd be one for the bards! The lord and lady singing the orcs away! A tale for the ages!"

Meanwhile, a short distance behind in a wagon, Julia watches intently only hearing the laughter, a frown on her face.

"They're getting along well..." She mutters.

Livia, sitting next to her, looks at her sister with amusement.

"J-jealous again, sister?" She giggles. "They're just t-talking... But you k-know this w-will happen more, right?"

"Shut up. I'm not jealous! But... why do you think this, whatever this is, will happen more..?" Julia asks nervously.

"M-Marcus l-l-likes to... have f-f-fun with women." Livia stutters much more than usual, blushing as she speaks. "Now, he's g-got the g-gods blessing..."

Julia pales. "What?! No he doesn't!"

Augusta, listening in the back chuckles. "He doesn't because, since you returned from the academy, he's had a certain shadow following him. He doesn't want to do anything while you're watching his every move. The maids still creep to his room at night though."

"Mom! I am not his shadow!" Julia pouts. "Besides, if he can't keep his cock in his pants, maybe he needs someone watching him..."

"He's a young man, now blessed by an angel of fertility, Julia." Augusta says. "Be careful watching him too closely. I wouldn't want you to see anything you're not willing to see."

"J-julia... J-just admit, you w-want your brother. S-sibling i-**** is illegal though... S-s-so keep dreaming." Livia teases.

Julia blushes intently and slaps Livia's shoulder.

"Shut up Liv!"

"Girls, girls, you're acting like children!" Augusta scolds and seperates them. "Julia's crush on her brother is her 'secret'." She teases her daughter.

"Mom!"

That evening, as Marcus is preparing to sleep in his tent, only in his underwear, he hears someone enter. Turning around, he see's Julia. She stopped in her tracks by the entrance and is now staring at his toned warrior's body.

"Woah..." She mutters, almost too quietly to hear.

He clears his throat, drawing her attention back to reality.

"Julia? What brings you here so late?" He asks. Stepping closer to take her hands in his, she loved these signs of affection between them.

She clears her throat, a little awkwardly, struggling to keep eye contact. "Can I sleep here tonight?" She asks.

The question takes him off guard. They hadn't shared a bed since they were very young.

"Of course, Julia, but why..?" He asks.

"I just... don't want to be alone on the road. It's scary." Something about her tone suggests she's not lying but also not telling him everything.

"Just don't be scared if I hug you in the night." He chuckles, to lighten the mood. "I tend to do that in my sleep when sharing a bed."

"Thats... ok." She says, blushing and looking away.

"Alright, let me just put some more clothes on." He says.

"No! Ahem, I mean... no need." She replies, letting her dress fall from her body so that they were both in their underwear. "If you normally sleep like this, that's ok..."

Marcus tries not to stare at his sister's body. He had to admit she was beautiful but close family **** was wrong. He couldn't let himself be tempted, especially when Julia would probably be disgusted if he tried anything.

They both lay side by side in bed, each of their minds racing with unspoken desires. With a wave of his hand, Marcus extinguished the candles in the tent with magic.

"Good night, brother." Julia said before leaning over and placing a kiss on his lips, both their hearts skipped a beat but just as suddenly as it happened, it ended. "Oh! Sorry! That was meant for your cheek." Julia said unconvincingly, Marcus' mind was too stunned to really pick up on it though.

"Yeah, no problem Julia. Goodnight, love you."

Neither slept much that night, both trying to restrain their desire that they knew was wrong but at times was overwhelming.