Day 44: A public adventure

"All right, that's enough," Lucas called. "Good job, everyone."

The noise of wood on wood and occasionally wood on flesh ceased, and his students stepped back, all breathing heavy. His compliment had not been idle; they had worked themselves hard, and it was paying off. They were all learning fast, spurred on by the competition of their regular sparring sessions, especially the two women. Delling and Reinhold had been noticeably more skillful than Iselde and Farrien at the start, but the gap was closing. Soon they would have only their superior physical strength to give them an edge.

Lucas scanned their faces. They were all looking at him, expectant but calm, their sweaty hair plastered to their foreheads. He nodded. "You're getting better. All of you. I'm very proud of how much you've improved in such a short time."

The response to his words was four beaming grins. Lucas felt a swelling of paternal pride. He had not expected to become attached to his students so quickly, but seeing their rapid growth and clear joy at their accomplishments made him glad to be teaching them. He knew they had all come to care for each other as well, despite of—or maybe because of—the aggressiveness with which they sparred.

"All right," he continued. "Go get cleaned up and changed."

As soon as his students had departed, Lucas headed for the Fearless Hog.

He had been giving their plan to buy the place a lot of thought the last few days, but he hadn't changed his mind. He had never thought to go into the bar business, but the more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea.

Other than having been a patron in many, he knew practically nothing about it, but he figured that with Audrey's experience, they could pull it off.

He also had some ideas of his own, which he'd put to her when the time was right.

When he arrived, he settled into his usual spot with a drink and patiently waited for Eldwyn and Audrey to join him.

Eldwyn was first, plopping down next him, once her shift was over. He put an arm around her and she nestled her lithe body into his, both of them ignoring the curious and sometimes jealous looks they got.

Audrey did not keep them waiting for long before joining them, settling into the chair opposite them. There was a long silence.

"So?" She finally asked.

"I'm in if you are." Lucas answered.

"Are you sure? This is a big deal, and—"

"I'm sure," he interrupted. "I've already spoken to my army paymaster, she said the money would be in the local bank in about a week."

She grinned widely, obviously relieved. "Great! This has been a dream of mine as long as I can remember, I can't believe it's finally coming true!"

"So how are we going to do this?"

"I'll talk to Heor and get things sorted out."

"Thanks. This isn't exactly my area of expertise..."

"Don't worry, you'll learn!" Audrey said with a laugh. "Anyway, I've got to go back to work, I'll let you know how it goes, alright?"

"Sure. Good luck!"

Audrey departed, leaving Lucas and Eldwyn alone.

"So you're going to be my boss now?"

"Looks like it. Then you'll really have to follow my orders, little Elf."

She blushed. "D-do you want to do something now?"

He grinned. "Something?"

She kept her face averted, but he could almost feel the heat of her reddening cheeks on his chest. Her voice was soft and uncertain. "Make me do something, s-sir... Something... something nasty."

His fingertips probed between her legs as he slipped his hand up her thigh until he could feel the bulge of her hardening package against his thumb. "What, right here?"

"If... if you want, sir..."

"Hmm, no, better not. We can be a little more open once we've sealed the deal, but not just yet. Let's play it safe for now, shall we?"

"Yes, sir. I understand," she pouted.

"Patience, pet. Now, do you have your collar with you? And your leash?"

"In the back, sir."

"Good. Go put on the collar, and bring the leash with you when you come back."

Lucas waited while Eldwyn went to fetch the items. He didn't have long to wait before she appeared in the door opening, her cheeks red with excitement and the black leather collar around her neck, the ring clearly visible on the front.

He got to his feet and met her halfway, gently steering her towards the exit. Audrey was standing behind the bar, cleaning glasses and they exchanged a meaningful look, prompting both of them to grin. Next time he wanted her involved again, he decided, but tonight he wanted Eldwyn all to himself.

Eldwyn was waiting for him outside. He hooked a finger into her collar and lifted her towards him until their noses almost touched, forcing her on tip-toes.

"Are you going to be a good girl for me tonight?" He demanded.

She nodded eagerly, wordlessly, her eyes huge and round with anticipation. He snapped the leash onto the collar and released her, then put loop on the other end around his wrist.

His hands thus freed, he reached for the top button of her red blouse and undid it. He repeated the motion with the second and third buttons, revealing most of her sternum, but keeping her nipples hidden. Barely.

"Are you ready to go?"

She nodded again. "Yes, sir."

"Very well. Walk ahead of me."

"Where are we going?"

"My place." Lucas replied. "Now, get going."

Eldwyn took a deep breath, then turned and walked down the street. Lucas followed behind, making sure there was a little slack in the leash the entire time.

He could tell by her posture she was nervous, but alongside that anxiety there was a quiet determination to do everything he demanded of her.

At the first crossing, she halted, hesitated. Lucas could guess why. Straight ahead was a fairly direct route to his home; it was quick, but would take them through a busier part of the city.