The Shadow of the Flame

Davos sat contemplating a cup of tea sitting before him with his hands resting over his mouth. To others walking by it would look like he is considering a tough life choice or just letting him mind wander. Under his hands though he was grinning like a loon. Just a few hours before Elaine was sitting beside him and they were talking about family life for what it was which lead him to talking about his own embarrassments as a child. He got her to laugh and was satisfied watching her failing to control herself. After a minute she regained her breath and considered him in pleasant silence for a long moment. As he was about to ask her what she was thinking she glanced around the hall and seeing no one within earshot almost whispered to him.

"Davos, I feel that the room I have given you is not adequate accommodation. Come to my room tonight and I shall be sure to place you in better accommodations."

She then stood up and walked of the hall toward the courtyard. He has been sitting there ever sense as his mind raced.

He has been courting Elaine for the past few months and though there have been challenges it feels like they have known each other for years. Davos had been wanting to be closer to Elaine sense she took Castle Lost and was testing the waters to see if she was interested in him. He found out after a passing question that she was already being courted by someone else. Even though the man wasn't close at hand the fact that Elaine still felt loyal to him made Davos respect her all the more. He backed off but still could not help but admire her from afar. He still has nights where she cannot leave his mind and keep him up to the early mornings. Then something happened, Davos wasn't there for it, but learned that in the aftermath she broke it off with William, the man who was courting her.

At first, he thought that this would be his chance at being with Elaine but then he saw how much it affected her and was more than happy to just be a friend. He didn't want to be the rebound or the one that swooped in when she was vulnerable, he wanted to be her choice. It took some time but one day she came to him and after a heartfelt hug told him that she was ready to get closer to him.

Davos more than happily accepted her and told her that he would be more than willing to go at her pace. He was not going to push her into something she didn't want to do. She was happy with his answer and from there they began their courtship. The farthest they had gone was making out and some light groping but she always set a clear line that he knew he would never want to cross. It led to more sleepless nights thinking about the taste of her lips and the feel of her skin but he was just happy to be with her. He had happily learned from some experimenting that she was sensitive to his lips on her neck and shoulders.

More than anything he was pleasantly surprised that under the hard armor of the Paladin Elaine was a warm, soft, and inexperienced Lady Elaine. His mind now kept circling around what her words could mean. Was she asking him to come to her room tonight and actually talk about a new room for him? Or is this her inviting him to sleep with her tonight? He considered the first option for a moment before throwing it out. If she actually wanted to talk about him moving to a new room she would have done so now and not meet him later. When there was something Elaine felt that needed to be done, she got it done in that moment. The only other answer was that she wanted him to bed her tonight. Again, his giddiness returned with full strength as he tried to think of something else to do instead of just sitting there and thinking about Elaine naked on her back all day. Before drinking the last of his tea and getting up he wondered what Elaine was going to be doing.

Elaine was in her room wearing casual clothes sitting on the bed wondering what the hell she just did. She went over her own words to Davos again and again wondering where they came from? Sure, the last couple of weeks their make out sessions have gotten more intense and she has been catching herself thinking about Davos more and more. But she just outright invited him to sleep with her tonight, possibly even moving him into her room! She tried to calm herself down by thinking it over logically.

He has been courting her for several months and they have been close friends some time before that and she has thought about having sex with him before. Elaine thought seriously about what it would mean to have her first time with Davos. She knew that he would be gentle with her, even before the courting began, he stayed a respectful distance after her last encounter with William. After she accepted his courtship, he was open about his sincere interest in her but again went slow. After she let slip her favorite flowers, he always seemed to find time to put them somewhere she would fine them during her daily duties.

He spent days and nights talking with her about home life, training, and other embarrassing stories. She found herself enjoying his company more and more as the days went by and one night when he escorted her to her room, she kissed him for the first time. He practically skipped away from her room that night and she had to stay up a few hours thinking the kiss over and over again.

Over the next weeks the kisses became more intense and instead of just a quick deep kiss shared between them it became staying in front of their rooms for almost an hour making out. Elaine had felt him get bolder as he groped her hips and legs as well as breaking the kiss to kiss her neck. Every time he grew bold, she felt the urge to drag him into the room and let what happened. It took her more and more willpower every time to pull herself away from him and send him to bed with a pleasurable smile.

She suddenly realized that it was those thoughts that were going through her head when she invited Davos into her bed tonight. It was somewhat embarrassing to admit that if she didn't then she might not have the thought to pull away from him tonight anyway. Overall putting this experience on her own terms made her feel a little more in control and that it will be a much more special experience. Not that she thought that having sex with Davos wouldn't be special. If the feeling of his tongue, lips, and hands on her was just a taste then she might not be able to think of anything else afterword. It took her a longer moment to shake her head clear of the thought and put back on track.

What would it mean if she took Davos to bed? Trying to be as logical as possible she thought that it would mean that their relationship would very much be serious and not just a fling. Of course, she threw out the idea that it would be a fling within the first month as she saw how much he cared about her feelings and made sure she was always comfortable around him. If they had sex then he would at the very least stay in bed with her until morning. She would be waking up to him in bed with her and if they were compatible in the bedroom then it probably wouldn't be the last time.

She felt her mind wander thinking about waking up to his arms around her and his kisses against her shoulder and neck as he said good morning. Again, she had to bring her mind back on track from thinking about have sex with him again by the light of the dawn. Now what about having him move into her room? She knew that all of his belongings fit into a side bag so there wasn't a worry that the room would get crowded. He would have much more intimate view of her and her of him as they would see their morning routines and what kind of person they were like behind closed doors.

Elaine felt herself smile knowing that Davos has had no trouble opening up to her so unless he was hiding some dark secret there probably was nothing, he could surprise her with. As for herself there was nothing, she felt too embarrassed to show him that she did in her room. He probably wouldn't be surprised to know that she did a light workout in the morning before putting on her armor and doing her rounds. Another thought came that she knew had to be thought over. What would everyone in the castle think about them together?

She thought about her own party and almost rolled her eyes remembering that Alazon has been telling her to get laid. Enya being an outsider herself from her lover Rownan would understand Elaine and support the couple. She didn't think that Poetry would have objections against Davos now that he was actively helping them. Balada and Laihvru weren't around much anymore but they never had anything against Davos. As for the staff of the castle she realized that it was much the same. Mathis was the first to notice the courtship and came to her asking if she needed him to start making Bitter Tonic for her as well. She could still feel how hot her face got from embarrassment but assured him that it would not be necessary as of yet.

Remembering the conversation Elaine looked over to the dresser across the room to the leather case knowing that there are four vials, three of them filled while one is recently empty. The name fit the taste particularly well and knowing that it confirmed her expectations for tonight. She smiled remembering her aunt's conversation about sex and protecting herself, if she knew what was about to happen Farah would laugh and encourage her. Elaine thought more about what was going to happen tonight and remembered the garment she has stored deep in her closet.

When Ailient presented it, her initial reaction was that she was going to die of embarrassment. She instead settled on asking what possible use a Lady would have for it. Ailient answered with a calm factual tone,

"Bedroom negotiations."

The gnome had enough tact not to smile but Elaine accepted the garment anyway, she was being paid for her work and always seemed proud of it. She had never tried it on, Ailient attempted to convince her but stubbornness won out, and never thought that she would find a reason to. The moment the thought went through she had to correct herself, she thought that there would be only a specific man who saw it on her. Maybe that was the real reason she had it kept deep out of sight, too many hopes attached to it.

After another hesitating moment she stared at her closet until she could rally enough courage to stand and march over to it. Elaine opened the door and after shoving sets of unnecessary dresses and outfits to the side she picked up a small cloth wrapped bundle. She stared at it for a minute feeling her hands shake but finally she let out a deep sigh and unwrapped it.

Four pieces of pink ranging between lace and very see through cloth. Her face reddened as she realized again where each of the pieces would fit and what some of them would show. The thought resurfaced and the knee jerk reaction of throwing it back out of sight reared in her mind. After snuffing out the thought a new and much warmer thought entered giving her a smile. Davos has been so nice, kind, and understanding with her, shouldn't she reward him for doing so much for her?

Taking her time Elaine undressed out of her casual garb and took her time putting on the lovely pink set. She pulled the thin thigh high stockings on first feeling the soft fabric against her skin and wondered why they needed to be this long. Then she pulled up the panties and saw how the front was lace that showed some of her pussy while the backside was almost completely see through.

Lastly the top was put on and she felt it flow down to just above mid-thigh, barely showing the top of the stockings. She adjusted the waist and the cups around her breasts until they were comfortable and snug against her frame. Taking a moment to touch the soft cloth against her skin and feeling herself slowly get aroused wondering how it would feel with Davos' touch. Elaine then wondered how it looked on her and almost jogged over to the side of the room where she kept a tall mirror against the wall. Seeing herself there was a moment she felt like a completely different person.

The light shades of pink contrasted so well against her skin and matched her hair perfectly. Looking at the quality of the piece Elaine knew Ailient was worth every coin. The soft cloth flowed over her body and showed off the curves that she usually hid under her armor. It hugged her sides showing the shape of her hips and chest while flowing at the end making any quick movement giving a teasing view of her ass and pussy.

Taking the time to move around in the outfit made her smile and the feeling of supreme nervousness lessened against the embarrassing feeling of excitement. She really wanted to see Davos' face when he saw her in this outfit, knowing he has only seen her in casual garb this might be a bit of a shock to him. As her attention was fully focused on the mirror and how she looked in the outfit Elaine didn't hear the door to her room open and Davos walk in.

Davos had spent the last hour in his room packing up most of his things and thinking about tonight. With how little stuff he has most of the time was spent thinking about Elaine. He wanted to know what she was like in bed and how to make sure it was a night for her to remember. He could not keep the image of her panting his name on her back reaching up for him. Time seemed to pass by at a snail's pace that day as he waited for nightfall.

Eventually the sun set and with a quick pull of power he hid his form and moved down the hall toward her room. He knew that some people might not have the most positive reaction to finding out that they were together. Taking precautions and not wanting to make their relationship public until she felt comfortable, he moved invisibly in the shadows. Finally getting to her room he waited until the hall was cleared of people before slowly opening the door and closing it behind him. Making sure that the door was locked and his pack put to the side of the door he turned and felt his heart leap out of his chest.

Never in his imagination he would ever think to see Elaine in such amazing lingerie. The pink nighty hugged her form in just the right way where it showed off her hips and chest in the best way. The thigh highs were interesting to Davos and as he wondered what they were made from he watched her spin in place causing the nighty to flow up revealing her panties. Almost choking on his own gasp, he saw her near naked ass through the thin cloth of the panties for the first time and knew that it was better than he imagined.

Feeling his desire to ravage her where she stood rising, he suddenly realized that she has yet to notice him. An evil grin shined on his face as he lowered himself and quickly ghosted up behind her keeping his presence hidden. Without wasting a single moment, he wrapped one arm around her hips, place his other hand on her shoulder, and whispered in her ear, "My my-".

Elaine immediately pushed away from, as far as she knew, this stranger and threw a fist in his direction. Davos saw her fist light up in radiant flame and with instinctual twist of the wrist pulled a shadow into being a shield against the attack. The searing fist slammed into the wall of shadow and dissipated as the attack lost all momentum. Her vision shifted from a narrowing tunnel back to normal as she saw his face of surprise and concern.

"Davos, you should not sneak up on me like that! You know how I react to surprises."

Though it took a moment to recover his composure seeing her look of concern toward him warmed his heart even more. Of course, seeing the nighty flow as she spun and watching it settle just enough to cover her teasing panties made his heart beat faster.

Davos stood back up and gave Elaine a concern loosening smile while running a hand through his hair, "Sorry, I guess I got a little too excited. I must say though, I feel like I am the one most surprised right now."

He glanced down at her outfit which also drew her gaze. Much to his delight her face turned from slightly confused to a bright scarlet as she realized she was standing right in front of him in a very revealing outfit. He watched her try to put her hands behind her, then in front, and almost tried to cover herself but after a moment stopped and looked at him for some mercy. There was an instant where seeing this powerful woman look both sexy and adorable at the same time made him want to tease her more but instead walked over to the bed and patted a spot beside him. After a second's hesitation she moved over to the bed and sat in an uncomfortable 'trying to look comfortable' position.

Seeing Elaine's tension and nervousness Davos moved himself further into the bed and sat cross legged to try loosen the seriousness of the situation. Realizing his attempt, she decided to sit with her legs under her as she didn't want the nighty to ride up again. She couldn't help but enjoy the feeling of the beds softness and again thought about his touch against her skin. With those same thoughts the nervousness rose and with a deeply drawn breath she quelled it somewhat.

Looking back at him the look of genuine concern warmed her while the quick glances to her chest and legs gave her a pleasurable shiver. It was only a moment before Davos spoke up, "Elaine, tell me what's wrong. If you feel we are going too fast or too far then let me know and I will do my best to make you comfortable."

She smiled up at him and gave a sigh of relief though more out of his understanding than him knowing the issue.

"No, no, no. I don't feel we are going too far. I did invite you to my room and put this on, didn't I?"

Davos couldn't help but chuckle and nod at the point but still kept the concern in his eyes giving Elaine the time to speak her mind. "I just... I just want to make sure... that you know... that I... have never... done this before. Ever."

She then watched his face morph from confusion, to consideration, to realization, and finally to surprise. It took him a moment find the words to ask her without sounding condescending.

"You and William were together for years, you never...?" Elaine sighed and shrugged her shoulders as she looked back on her life with William. She shifted her position on the bed and after a moment she let go of her nervousness and leaned back onto her pillows enjoying the comfort. Suddenly she realized that Davos had completely distracted her from her previous worry and, as she watched him lay down beside her, loved him more for it.

"Nope. For the longest time our duty to the church came first, as well as our training. We promised ourselves to each other and the most we have ever done is make out a little. In the end..." Elaine let out the last of her frustrations in a deep sigh and looked over at his loving considerate face.

"He just wasn't the right person for me. You are." He broke into a warm smile as she reached over and entwined her hands in his. "I trust you and want to share this experience with you. I just want you to know that, and I want to ask if you are ok with going slow with me?" Davos chuckled and kissed her on the forehead as he pulled her close to him.

"I am more than happy to go as slow as you want and to make this one of the best experiences of your life. There is just one thing I want to know." He gave her serious look that began to draw her back into the nervousness and worry before. The serious stare broke into an evil grin, "I am definitely a better kisser than William, right?"

Elaine let out an exasperated sigh and she rolled her eyes at his stupid humor. Before she could retort Davos dived into a kiss on her lips which drew her mind from chastising him to enjoying his embrace.

The kiss was deep and well-drawn out as they laid their side by side entwining tongues and lips while their hands explored each other. Elaine felt his hands glide over her side and hips, grabbing and caressing every curve he could. She did the same as she felt his firm shoulders and back through the shirt and already knew that he wanted to feel his skin against hers.