A Servant of Arubhár 05

Brows drawn up, Anári studied her. There was a healthy flush on the woman's face and a smile that managed to look both mischievous and satisfied. "Haven't you had enough yet? It seemed you were sitting down a little more cautiously on your last return."

Maive laughed, a clear and brilliant sound. "I let Rannix take my ass this time. Mostly, because the extra tightness makes his already sore cock that much more sensitive. He's not designed to release his seed more than once in a short span of time, you know. But he's too proud to surrender or admit defeat. So he forces his body to perform." She dipped a finger in her wine, licked it off. "I find his determination utterly arousing. It does, however, draw out the length of his rut."

Anári almost spilled her ale. She didn't know whether to giggle hysterically that any of this was even possible, gasp at Maive daring to invite such an act, or stare in astonishment at Maive's nonchalant bluntness. In the end, she did neither. Since curiosity got the better of her. "But didn't you say that Verruk only takes you that way?"

"Sure, he does. But he's the only one I've allowed to take my ass in quite a while. And his shaft is much smaller. He has his knot, true, which is wider by far than Rannix's cock. But he won't slide it in and out of me once it swells inside." Eyes dancing with wicked sparkles, she aimed a look in Rannix's direction. "Rannix is twice as thick of cock as Verruk. With all those firm little nobs covering his muscle-ribbed shaft. He's gentle enough when he enters. And allows you a moment to adjust to his girth. But then he'll give you a hard and unforgiving pounding the whole time he ruts. So my rings are bit tender." Her shudder was one of pure pleasure. "It's a rather marvelous experience."

As every troll in the general vicinity had likely just received one heck of vision, Anári threw back the remaining contents of her glass, slapped it down on the table. "You mentioned a different locale?" she inquired cutely. Deeming it advisable to leave sooner rather than later, she politely thanked her group when they insisted on paying her tab. And followed a rather pleased looking Maive's sassily swinging hips out the door.

********* CHAPTER 13 *********

"WHERE ARE WE going?" Anári asked once they had put some distance between them and the Blue Goat tavern.

"Oh, just a little pub I know that hosts a playful crowd."

Since playful in Maive's terms could only mean one thing, Anári rolled her eyes skyward, huffed out a sigh. It seemed there would be lots of trolls receiving a picture show tonight.

Unperturbed with Anári's reaction, Maive took her hand, swung it as they walked. "You'll have fun, I promise."

That was the reason for Anári's hesitation. Maive was bound to lead her into temptation she would not be able to resist. She felt a trickle of moisture trail down her thigh, realized her body, at least, had no objections.

"Don't worry." Bumping Anári's shoulder with hers, Maive gave the woman an understanding look. "You can simply sit there, enjoy a drink. And watch and learn. It's the perfect way to figure out what you might like, after all. I'd be delighted to guide you."

"All right," Anári surrendered. "I must admit, I'm more than a bit curious. But I'm surprised that Verruk allows you such freedom."

Maive waved it off. "Oh, he doesn't care. As long as I'm still available for him to find his pleasure. But tonight, there are others who will sate his needs, so I have plenty of time to indulge myself."

Head tilted, Anári regarded her. "You two seem to have a rather . . . intimate relationship."

The smile that curved Maive's lips was full of warmth. "We've grown quite fond of each other over the years. He's a wonderful master."

"Doesn't it bother you to know he ruts others? You seem to truly care about him. And he about you. How do you not get jealous?"

"We have a different kind of relationship than the one you're thinking of." Dropping her hand, Maive linked her arm with Anári's instead. "We are together only because he caters to my every sexual need. Being so compatible has caused us to care about each other a lot, true. Still, our relationship is mainly one of sexual nature."

Pursing her lips, Maive tried to find a way to explain it. "I'm not a slave in the common sense of the word. Verruk doesn't actually own me. I live by his rules, consider him my master only because it arouses me. Should I ever choose to, I am free to leave."

Face scrunched up, Anári threw her a skeptical look. "You chose to be a slave? You don't strike me as someone who enjoys being ordered about."

"Oh, he wouldn't dare." Chuckling, Maive shook her head. "We are equal partners. It's not like I clean his house, fetch his dinner, or do his laundry and such. We have servants for that. But when it comes to sex, I crave to be treated and used like an actual slave. To submit to a man's every desire. And I fully expect to be disciplined should I get out of line."

"Disciplined?" Anári's eyes grew wide.

A slow smiled played around Maive's lips. "I find a little pain highly arousing. So I tend to be naughty from time to time. After all, the fantasy wouldn't be complete if there weren't consequences to my actions."

When Anári only studied her curiously, Maive continued. "It's a game of sensual dominance and submission. And Verruk has mastered the art. As I told you, we are together because he sees that every aspect of my fantasies is fulfilled. Well, and because he spoils me rotten."

That made Anári laugh. Maive certainly looked like she was well provided for. Her light blue dress was made of the finest materials. Expensive jewels glittered on her ears, her fingers, and around her neck. Her skin and hair were soft and glowing, and subtle hints of a sultry perfume lingered on the air as they walked.

"Still, I'd think you wouldn't like him bedding other women," Anári returned to her original question. "Yet you do not seem to mind at all. It looked to me as if you were encouraging him. I daresay you might have even enjoyed it."

Maive's clear laugh rang out again. "I most certainly do enjoy it. Very much so. I find it incredibly exciting to watch him perform, or watch him being pleasured. In general, I find watching highly arousing. When he's involved, it merely ads a bit of extra spice."

"So it is part of your fantasies, then? That's why you don't' mind."

The breeze blew a strand of hair across her face, and Maive brushed it away as she nodded. "Yes, it is. They also include him using me to sate himself whenever, however, and wherever he pleases. And pleasuring whomever he orders me to, in case you were wondering. And, of course, for him to see that I stay properly obedient."

"Hmmm." Anári pondered it. "I understand the appeal. The idea of submitting is rather exciting to me as well, I must admit. Although I'm not sure about the discipline. And the part about not having a choice as to your partners or the act would scare me."

"I can't blame you there. Ours is a relationship of absolute trust. I expect Verruk to push my limits, my boundaries. While putting absolute faith in him to never push too far. It's a great responsibly he carries on his shoulders. And he doesn't take it lightly. It didn't start out that way, you know. Took years to reach this level of trust. But I have not once since regretted calling him my master."

An owl flew by overhead, and Maive tilted her head to look at it. She knew she'd been lucky the day she'd met the gorgeous troll. Verruk had changed her life in ways she would have never even dared to dream about. Blowing out a happy sigh, she turned back to Anári.

"He's even made the game more exciting once he trusted me as well. He allows me to increase his pleasure, or service him as I choose from time to time. And he has elevated me into a sub-dominant position, making it clear that I'm in charge of all other females he ruts. Unless he is out alone, he expects me to choose his partners, and see to it that they behave and please him well. And I'm the only slave he'll own and the only one who shares his bed outside of rutting."

Mesmerized with the story, Anári couldn't wait to learn more. "How did you end up where you are now? Are you Verenoso?"

"No." Maive's long, blond hair waved back and forth as she shook her head. "I'm from Trabithra, a kingdom quite far from here. My parents were poor, and I was their seventh child. Even with two of my brothers working, they couldn't afford to keep us all housed and fed. So they sold their youngest children as slaves to richer neighbors. Me included."

Although she knew the practice had been common even in Verenosi before the war, Anári couldn't imagine becoming a slave at such a young age. "That must have been hard."

Maive lifted an elegant shoulder, let it fall. "Actually, my life improved greatly once I left my family's home. We were well provided for, my new masters strict, but not cruel. Slavery plays an important role in our society and economy. Besides manual labor, slaves perform most domestic services, and even fill highly skilled positions and professions. They're not paid coin, and cannot choose whom they work for, or where they live. But, other than that, their lives are not much different from regular servants or workers."

Clouds, glowing silver in front of a bright, full moon, drifted by above. Laughter and conversation flowed out of warmly lit windows and doorways of the many pubs. The wide street they followed parallel to the wall was busy with trolls, both warriors and well-off citizens. Females of all races, ages, and body styles advertised their trade under the golden glow of the many street lights, as well as from second story balconies.

They passed plump brothel matrons, sitting on chairs next to open doors, luring customers to their establishments. Chalkboard signs announced their workers' specialties, along with prices and bargains to be had. The delicious scent of slow-roasted meats filled the air surrounding the many foot carts set up in the center of the street. There were tables and benches as well, under ancient oaks and outside of some taverns.

It was a bustling strip of nightlife, this wide, long span of cobblestone, framed by the wall and its buildings on one side and the line of two-story pubs and brothels on the other. As fascinated with her surroundings as Maive's story, Anári prompted Maive to continue her tale.

"I started out as a household servant," Maive went on. "Then learned how to read and write, and was sold to a book merchant as a scribe and accountant. The old man passed away just after my eighteenth birthday. His young widow was spoiled and rich, and had no interest in the business. When an uncle of hers offered her a good amount of coin for my purchase, she readily accepted. And I soon learned a whole new set of skills."

"Uh-oh." Anári had a feeling she knew where this was headed.

Chuckling, Maive almost looked as if she glowed with the memory. "It turned out rather well, since it taught me a lot about my own preferences. See, he was fat and balding, and up there in age. But that didn't stop him from enjoying all the benefits of owning slaves." She winked at a troll who gave her an appreciative glance as he passed by, then turned back to Anári. "He regularly took his pleasure. And expected us to service him obediently and without complaint. If any of us objected or hesitated about the task, he used a cane to ensure our enthusiasm."

Something twinkled in Maive's eyes as she let out another laugh. "I found myself on the receiving end of punishment more times than I can count. And not due to my inexperience. The first time I felt those heated streaks across my butt, I grew rather excited. The whole idea of servicing a man without any say in the matter turned out to be extremely arousing to me. The discipline with which it was enforced only enhanced my passions."

"I can somewhat relate to that," Anári confessed. "The soldiers who came to my village always sated themselves with the women they encountered. And I found that being used for a man's pleasure is rather erotic to me."

"You can have plenty of that with the trolls. And use them for your own pleasure at the same time. That way you'll experience it both: The power of submitting, and the power to control a bull's actions—by making him rut. Oh! You absolutely must try some of these."

Steering Anári by the arm, Maive led her to a small vendor's cart under a tree. Baskets lined with wax paper overflowed with a variety of sweets. Maive ordered a selection, paid the troll. Then they continued their stroll down the street.

"Those little fried balls of dough are particularly delicious," Maive commented around a mouthful.

Anári held up a different one. "I'm rather fond of these." They seemed to be made of honey, with a gummy-like consistency. And were covered in a generous coating of powdered sugar.

Laughing, Maive helped herself to another. "I can't ever decide. There are so many. That's why I always order a variety."

Sampling a bite of layered creamy biscuit with a pudding-like filling, Anári had to agree. "I can't blame you. Everything tastes wonderful. But, back to your story, I want to hear the rest. How did you end up with Verruk?"

"Oh. Our master grew too old, his cock too limp to make use of us anymore." Maive dabbed her mouth with a paper napkin, waved it in the air. "Unwilling to lose all of his investment, he sold all the young women and men to slavers, for they fetched the highest price. We were headed to a large city in the far western reaches of Trabithra when our caravan was attacked by thieves."

Eyes wide, Anári gaped. "That must have been scary."

"Very." Maive blew out a breath at the memory. "The driver of our cart was shot by an arrow and fell off his seat. Spooked, the horses took off at a full run. We clung to the bars, praying for survival, and still were thrown all over the place. When the horses veered into a wooded area about half a mile down the road, the axle broke, and the cart turned over. They dragged it a few more feet, then the harnesses snapped, and the cart slid to a stop. It took us a while to recover our wits, but, by some miracle, we had all survived with only minor injuries. And we were free, since some of the bars had come loose during the accident. The area was laden with bandits and men of ill-repute. Fearing a fate much worse than slavery, I ran from the scene."

Pausing, Maive nibbled on the next treat, let out another breath. "Unknowingly, I ended up crossing into troll lands. That was before the wall extended that far, you see. I pushed on for two more days through a heavily forested area. Then, exhausted, I passed out under a large tree. Next thing I remember, I woke up in a warm, cozy bed, with a troll braca pushing water and broth between my lips."

"That must have been quite the adventure," Anári mumbled in awe. "I cannot even begin to imagine going through it all."

"I'd much prefer to never experience anything similar, that's for sure." Maive discarded her paper in a waste bin, wiped her hands. "The family of trolls was kind enough to let me stay until I recovered. I worked off what I could, but there were only a few lonely homesteads sprinkled throughout that part of the forest. So I made my way to the nearest town once I was able. Seven months later, I'd ventured deep into troll territories, working here and there to support myself. One day, while I was at a large city, a troll army passed by. I was excited with the thought of traveling further, and had heard there was a good living to be made if you were willing to service the warriors."

Ginning, Anári looked at Maive. "I'm sure you had no objections, seeing how you rather much enjoy that type of work."

"None at all." Maive's crystal clear laugh chimed out into the night. "I'd dabbled a bit here and there, for the bulls held me rather captivated. And I wasn't quite ready to make a home in one place. So I joined the women of all races who followed the warriors."

"And ended up meeting Verruk?"

"Yes." The smile that curved Maive's lips was full of warmth and affection. "Although it took another few months. It started with a few, basic ruts. But I quickly became his favorite. Something was still missing, though, that kept me from feeling completely satisfied. So I began to push him. And he soon caught on to the game. That's how he ended up my master. And I his slave. We've had a very satisfying relationship for almost seven years now."

"Wow." Anári couldn't help but smile herself. Some stories truly did have a happy ending, she mused. And what a tale it was. Her own history seemed rather dull in comparison. The most exciting thing she'd ever done was hunt for mushrooms. Although she much preferred it that way. And wasn't she out on the road, living her own adventure now? Perhaps, a few years from now, she'd have her own stories to tell.

"And here we are now," Maive pulled her from her reverie.

Following the line of Maive's finger, Anári gave the pub a skeptical look. It appeared to be a rather seedy place, judging by the grimy windows, the door hanging on rusted hinges, the stone covered in moss. Even the small sign, which announced only that this was a pub, not bothering with a name, dangled by one corner from one remaining chain.

"Don't worry, it's a fun place to spend some time," Maive assured her as she pulled open the door.

********* CHAPTER 14 *********

THE MOMENT ANÁRI followed her into the building attached to the border wall, the smell of ale and stews, and the heady scent of the rut assaulted her senses. Unerringly, Maive worked her way through the crowd to a vacant table in the corner of the large room.

Anári admired Maive's easy grace and skills. It took all she had to avoid being bowled over by the boisterous patrons, the waitresses darting back and forth as she navigated behind Maive through the narrow paths.

Every other table, she had to pause, time her progress to avoid getting shoved into the bodies next to her by the wildly bucking hips of yet another rutting bull. She managed to duck before a shower of ale from an enthusiastic toast washed over her. Almost slipped on a puddle—the consistency of which she didn't care to analyze.

This place was a madhouse, she mused, blew out a relieved breath once they'd reached their destination. Figuring she'd be well advised to wait until the crowd thinned out before attempting to leave, she plopped down on a stool. She wasn't certain she'd survive another trek through the energetic, animated bodies without incurring serious bodily harm.

Smoke from pipes swirled in the dim light under a low ceiling. Crumbs and shells of peanuts littered the spills and moisture on the tabletop. Shouts and laughter mixed with the guttural grunts of rutting bulls, broken up now and then by waitresses yelling out orders.

Startled from studying her surroundings, Anári turned her gaze from the room onto the pretty troll woman who had appeared at their table.

"Sorry, honey. The last patrons just left. Let me clean this up for you." She dipped a rag in a bucket of clean water, thoroughly wiped down the table's scarred wood, then used another fresh rag to dry it. "Can I get you something to drink? Or a bite to eat, perhaps?"

"I'll have some wine. A carafe, if you please," Maive answered, then turned to Anári. "Would you like some more ale?"

"I think I've had about all I need for one night." Shaking her head, Anári contemplated her choices. "But if I could have a glass of apple juice, that would be nice."

"Coming right up." The waitress grabbed the bucket and rags, turned to leave.

"Bring a second glass for the wine, just in case," Maive called after her, then leaned back comfortably in her seat. "What do you think?" Her eyes sparkled with humor as she addressed Anári.