The Next Day – 1C

Chapter 1 – Arrival (continued)

Kaylen woke slowly, emerging from a strange and arousing dream to the awareness of the stiffest most uncomfortable morning wood he could ever remember. It was a short step from there to remember the events of the previous night.

It was fortunate in his mind that he had rolled over onto his back sometime during the night. Marcel had turned as well, and now was snuggled against his side, her head on his shoulder, but no part of her was in contact with his arousal. His arm beneath her had half fallen asleep, while his other arm hung off the side of the bed. He didn’t want to disturb her, but he also didn’t want her to wake to find him in the state he was in. From what he could see through the shutters it was still dark out, so it was before dawn. He could have likely slept at least another hour, if he hadn’t been awakened by his present situation.

Before he could formulate a plan, Marcel stirred. She murmured something he couldn’t make out, and shifted against him, cuddling closer. But then she stopped, stiffened, and slowly tilted her head up to look at his face. Then she smiled, and relaxed with a sigh, “That was… well it felt really strange for a moment.” She whispered then nuzzled closer against him, hiding her face once more.

“We should probably get up.” Kaylen suggested.

“But I like this.” She protested. “I like… touching you. Do you like touching me?”

“I like cuddling with you.” He admitted. He gave her a light squeeze with the arm that was still under her and around her torso.

“You can… if you wanted to… I wouldn’t mind if…”

“This is fine. I can’t do anything more than this. I’m sorry. I want to, but…” Kaylen shrugged as well as he was able to in their position.

She drew in a deep breath, which did interesting things to where their bodies were pressed together, and then sighed just as deeply. “Maybe the next time you’re in the city…” She suggested.

“Yeah, maybe then. Now shall we get up?” He smiled at her and nuzzled his cheek against her hair.

She didn’t move for a long moment, but then finally nodded, and slowly pulled away from him. She gave him a warm smile, then, before he realized what she was doing she kissed him, very lightly and quickly, right on the lips. It was over almost before he registered it, but it felt nice. She blushed heatedly and got out of the bed hurriedly, slipping her feet into her slippers and picking her robe up off the floor.

“I’m glad we could do this.” She gave him a bashful smile while slipping her arms one at a time into her sleeves. “I really hope we can do it again at some point.”

“Yeah, maybe.” He wasn’t sure how hopeful he felt about the prospect, but he couldn’t argue that it had been pleasant.

“Well, good day.” She finished belting her robe, ducked a brief curtsy, and left, closing his door silently behind her.

Kaylen waited only long enough to be sure she was well out of earshot before throwing off the covers, untying his trousers and taking himself in hand. He thanked the gods of passion that she hadn’t noticed his arousal, but it would be ignored no longer.

He finished in less than a dozen strokes, careful to spill his seed only on his bare torso and not soil his clothes. It was much easier to clean up that way, once he recovered the energy to cast a scouring spell. It stung a bit, but that was better and quicker than washing by hand.

He must have been pretty tired still, for he woke some time later, without remembering ever falling back asleep. It was late in the morning already, and Kaylen hurried to dress, wash his hands and face, pack his bags with a hasty spell, pausing only briefly to consider his monthly stabilizing potion he’d been drinking since the first few years of his apprenticeship. He was a few days overdue, but he decided to save his last vial for an emergency, or at least until he could procure a new supply. He probably didn’t need it to control his magic anymore. So after finishing his packing, he headed out to the dining room for breakfast. He was the last one to arrive.

“Ah, there you are.” Aranni smiled at him, “Take a seat, the food’s just been set out, and hasn’t had a chance to get cold yet. After breakfast, I’ll take you down to the Adventurer’s Guild.”

With an apologetic but grateful smile, Kaylen sat, and started on his meal.