Helena's Dream Chapter 1

Songs, Ale, and Good Times... mostly

The moon and stars are out dancing over the City of Galam. There is a quietness in the air as the shops have closed and the dockhands have finished loading and offloading today’s shipments. Most have retired from the streets to be with their families while a number of them have gathered at the taverns for a stiff drink to cull their hardships and for a chance to socialize.

I am racing down the always muddy road of Anderson Avenue. My feet are light and surefooted, keen on keeping the silence instead of breaking it. Even in this peaceful city there are unsavory folks who might want to corner a pretty thing such as myself. Ironic since my destination likely caters to such folk.

I approach an unremarkable two story building. The wooden structure shows years of wear but is otherwise plain and ordinary. The sign overhead depicts kernels of corn popping off the cob. A smile appears on my face when I see the poster on the wall next to the entrance. It’s lit by an overhanging lantern. ‘Tonight Helena Windcharmer Preforms The Maiden’s First Kiss’. Beneath the words is a drawing of an elven lyre with the initials HW at the center. It’s not the most original emblem to have as a performer, but it’s the simplest and easiest way for people to understand whose performing without knowing how to read.

I hear the sounds of laughter and the ambient noise of constant chatter coming from the open door. I’m filled with an eager giddiness as I step through the doorway. It’s a quaint tavern with the tables pushed to the back. The floor is half filled with men and a few women in varying degrees of drunkenness. Most are common folk, but I spy a few notable merchants that are dressing down to blend in with the crowd.

I look for George. I had hoped that he came early so I’d have a chance to talk to him before the performance, but I don’t see him. I do see someone about the size of a child. He’s sitting on one of the few stools at the bar with his back towards me. “Peter!” I yelled as I swarm onto him, pressing my chest into the back of his small head.

After a long smothering, I give Peter room to breathe. He looks up to me. His child like face is matured by a brown beard. “Do you always have to do that?” He said with some annoyance but appears happy to see me.

“I know a lot men wish they were ye at that moment.” Said Barney, the bartender and proprietor of this establishment. He’s a stout man with a thin beard and a jolly smile. I slip behind the bar and give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Ya late as usual.”

I give him an adorable pout that I have mastered over the years. It seems to work on everyone except mother. “Had trouble finding a thing to wear.” I said in a sympathy seeking tone. I know it’s a common excuse woman like to throw around, but I don’t feel like telling a middle-aged man that I couldn’t fit into most my dresses because my already sizable chest got even bigger overnight. The sleek low cut green dress I had fitted only last week couldn’t keep my melons from slipping out. As it is, my breasts are pressed so tight against my blue frilly dress that breathing is more of a chore than it should be. “Where’s Bora? I want to say hi to her before I start.” I said after looking around and not seeing her anywhere.

“She’s gett’n a few kegs from the cellar. The crowd is gett’n restless. Ya better hurry.”

I give him a smile and look at Peter. “So when am I going to finally get you up there with me.”

“You were supposed to give me a lesson two days ago, but you never showed up.” Peter doesn’t sound mad like it’s to be expected and Barney’s gaze lacks any surprise.

I on the other hand am trying to figure out why I forgot. I know I had lessons in the morning, and I helped mother for a little while, and then… Oh yeah George stopped by and gave me a beautiful bouquet of roses. Then we chatted over some tea. He even stole a kiss before leaving. It was a great kiss. I’ll be straight and say I’ve kissed a few boys. Some were on dares… some were not. So I have enough experience to know that his kiss was the best I ever had… And then mother ruined it by complaining that it was rude of him to bring cut flowers to this household because you only give cut flowers if someone in the family has passed away, elven tradition blah, blah, blah.

“It looks like we lost her.” Peter said in a patronizing tone.

I snap out of my dreamy thoughts turned nightmare. I look at the Halfling who rolls his eyes. “Sorry, I’ll make it up to you. I promise. I have such a great idea for a play we can do. Tomorrow’s not good for me, but the day after I’m yours.” I start to move toward the descending staircase. My mind’s aflutter with thoughts on mother, George, and that kiss. “Don’t worry, it’s going to be amazing.” I head down the stairs without waiting for a reply.

I enter into a small kitchen, clean and tidy, the way Bora likes it. They serve simple meals here but not for a crowd this size. It’s only Barney and Bora so the kitchen’s closed tonight. At the back is the pantry, a seven foot Bora steps out. She’s carrying a barrel of ale in each arm. Amongst her muscular frame is a womanly figure. Behind her tusks and green skin is a human face with warm friendly eyes that light up at the sight of me. I lower my hood as I wasn’t ready to reveal myself to my audience though I’m sure most noticed my arrival. My long golden hair is pinned up in a fanciful design that is more fitting for a ballroom dance than that of a tavern performance. The style accentuates the pointed ears of my elven heritage. Bora lowers the barrels and picks me off my feet. She gives me a warm gentle embrace. I return it. “How are you doing today?” I said in a warn tone.

“Me good. Been look’n forward to ya performance all day.” Bora said is a shy tone, someone who is used to being seen and not heard.

“Then I can’t disappoint now can I?” Bora gives a sheepish smile and puts me down. I’m not going to lie, after my second performance here I got a few offers to perform at bigger establishments, nothing grand, but places with more foot traffic. But none of those places sung to me as a place for me to shine. One owner in particular was more interested in a more personal performance that just wasn’t going to happen. Plus, Barney was the first one to give me a chance. He knew I wasn’t just a rich girl and that I had actual talent. Of course, I bonded with Bora the first day we met so how could he not give me the chance. I’m here a lot even if I’m not performing. Barney says I’m the only one who talks to Bora, and I find that sad as she’s such a nice person.

Bora picks up the barrels and we head upstairs. I take off my cloak, and slip on my sandals. I pull out a trunk from under a pair of long rectangular tables that is my stage. I take out a tambourine, a lyre, and a rapier. I slide the rapier next to the descending staircase in a way to not trip Bora as she uses them throughout the night. I put the lyre at the back corner of the tables. Bora helps me on to my stage.

Half the crowd quiets when I stand. I use my tambourine to quite the rest. Many look at me with inquisitive eyes. They are awaiting the enrapturing performance that is too come. Yet there are a few that stare with hungry, predatory eyes. They want nothing more than to see my flesh bare. I put those glares behind me as they’re nothing new. I produce a sincere smile, happy to be in front of an audience, my audience. “Let me tell you of a girl named Anabella.” I said in a flamboyant tone that bellowed out into the street.

I act out a few lines to express Anabella’s purity and innocence, well aware of my audience’s attention span. Once I see a few wandering eyes, I segway into, “She’s a maiden young and fair. Loved by all and perused by many.” ‘My fair maiden’ is a drinking song that’s very popular. It’s beneath my vocal talents, but I must cater to my audience. They join me in the second chorus with mugs in their hands and smiles of their faces. I glace to the side and see Barney and Bora hard at work keeping those mugs filled. There’s no cover charge so I get a split of the profits. That means, I’m here to get them happy and drunk, no drawn out elven songs or deep, well-acted pieces here. It just tavern songs and a simple means to string them all together.

“Anabella’s days become long and boring. Her lessons old and stale, blending into one another so she can’t tell them apart. The diner parties she once fancied are dull and uneventful. She yearns for excitement, to see something new. The Forest! Oh the forest is a beautiful place where I can run and play. I talk with trees and sing with birds. To scurry with squirrels and hide with rabbits-”

I personally love ‘The Maiden’s Stroll’ because of how untrue it really is. Believe it or not, I’ve learned the elven respect for the forest from mother. She made sure I had a harsh realization on how dangerous it can be. Unfortunately, a story about a maiden getting lost in the woods and starving to death isn’t very fun or heartwarming.

I segway into an original song about the maiden and the mermaid as I loved hearing stories of mermaids when I was a child. It took a little finesse to get the crowd to join in, but I got them singing it like they knew the song for years. I made it a little more adult oriented with youthful experimentation which helped.

I continued, “Anabella left the lake full of glee. Her head swims with thoughts of her new dancing friend.” I prance on the tables, but one of them slides an inch a way, causing me to lose my balance. I break the fall with my hands and only skin my knee on the table. There is a slight pause by the crowd. “Then she trips on a root and comes crashing down. For her head was too high in the clouds.” I said in a playful tone as this isn’t the first time I lost my balances on these things. Barney really needs to connect them someway if I’m going to keep on performing here. The crowds break out in laughter, with me instead of at me. I then picture myself wearing the green low-cut dress, and relieved that I wasn’t giving an extra special performance. The audience quiets down. “Anabella hears a twig snap and a low growl.” I snap my head up, startled. “She come’s faces to face with the vicious maw of a large wolf. It-“

“What about the orc?” Some jerk yelled. ‘The maiden and the orc’ is the popular version of the song here in Galam.

I don’t bother to look to the crowd. “I’m sure if you head far enough south you’d find a nice orc who will be happy tell to you his version of the story.” The crowd gives a light chuckle. “Anabella though stares into the intense eyes of a wolf. They are full of hunger and rage, wanting nothing more than to tear her soft delicate skin apart. Anabella is frozen with fear, powerless against the ferocious beast.” I close my eyes. “Her mind goes blank as she smells the stench of its foul breath. Its maw opens wide.” I give a dramatic pause. “She’s about to reside to her fate when she hears the beast let out a painful yelp. She opens her eyes and sees…” I stand to my feet and Bora tosses me a pitchfork. I thrust it forward into the open air. “A man has pierced the beast’s side with his pitchfork. He thrusts with his strong muscles, pushing the mighty beast away from Anabella. He yanks out the fork and stabs at the creatures. The wolf leaps back, away from the man’s dangerous prongs.” I continue to stab in the air. “The man keeps up the pressure, while the wolf continues to back away. Eventually the wounded beast is scared off by the man’s continuous assault.”

I put down the pitchfork and kneel. “Once the wolf is gone, Anabella regains her composure and gets up to greet her savior. The man is tall and muscular with short brown hair. But when he turns around, she sees that he’s but a lad with a wisp of a mustache. His face plain and ordinary. He greets her with a warm smile that heat ups her heart. ‘Thank you. If it weren’t for you I would be dead for sure. You’re are as braves as any knight. I would like to give you a knight’s reward.” I move on to the bar counter. I zone in on the most bashful person that’s in the front row. An ugly man with a giant wart on his nose is the first to shy away so I stop in front of him and gave a quick perk on the cheek. “Thank you, my hero.” I said in front of the ugly man. He turns and look at me in utter shock and complete rapture as with everyone else. I rise to my feet. My eyes spy a handsome man with blonde hair and blue eyes with proper fitting cloths that show his toned frame. His stare of jealously fills me with mischievous joy. Hello George I’m glad you can finally make it. I thought while moving back onto the tables. I notice Bora close at hand, ready to step in if one of the patrons tried to take advantage of my generosity.

“Will, Anabella’s savior turns red from the kiss. It takes him a few moment to cool down and finds his words. He offers to take her back to his family’s farm. Anabella still on weak knees form the ferocious beast, gladly accepts.” I then blend into ‘The Farmer’s Son’, the weakest of the songs, but after the kiss, everyone is hanging on my every word. I scan the crowd and notice that more have arrived since I started. I can’t help but smile when my eyes lock on to George who grins back.

There’s two ways this can end, one is innocent talking while staring up in the star lit sky or a steamy night in the barn. This is a tale of love, not passion so I went with the former though I suspect my audience wants the latter. When I finish the song I say, “The next day, Anabella is put to work, milking cows and cooking food. Work unbefitting for a maiden such as fair and delicate as she. Messes were made and bread was burnt. Will’s sisters tease her relentlessly, but Will’s rosy cheek mother was kind and patient. She never complained. At the end of the day, Anabella is sore from head to toe. She learned a thing or two and found a new appreciation for hard labor.

“Anabella’s reward is when the sun rests on top of the trees and the sky is a beautiful pink and purple, Will returns from a long hard day of working in the fields. She steps out to greet him. He surprises her with a bouquet of wild flowers. He told her he couldn’t stop thinking about her. He needed to bring her something to match her beauty.’ Anabella eagerly accepts the flowers and takes a strong smell. It’s not the most beautiful bouquet she’s ever seen, far from it, but his heart is in the right place. Taken by the excitement, she gives him a warm hug. They look into each other eyes, full of passion and desire. It’s only been a day since she’s known him, but it feels like she’s know him all her life.”

I then pick up my lyre and follow into ‘The Maiden’s First Kiss’, and everyone perks up with excitement. It’s an old and common song, but I bring new life to it in the eyes of the audience as they are mesmerized by every note. They push forward in anticipation to what will come, what I alluded to. Everyone wants to receive the maiden’s first kiss. The drunken patrons here are no exception.

Though as I said earlier, I’m no maiden… when it comes to kissing of course. But when I step onto the bar counter again, everyone thinks I’m Anabella.

George too is eager for the kiss to come even though he already stole one two days ago. He’s forces his way to the front, pulling men behind him. He gives a cold stare to any who shows resistance. He’s this year’s UFC tournament champion form Lost Vega and makes sure everyone knows it. I consider choosing someone else as it’s what I intended. It’s a little perk for showing up tonight, but I’m sure George will threaten whoever the lucky person is. He hasn’t stop giving the one I kissed on the cheek his icy cold stare. The man has since backed off from the front. I rather a fight not to break out. I stop in front of the most dreamy, handsome man in the tavern. Taking one for the team is so hard. How ever will I live with myself?

I kneel down and place my hand on the champion, my champion’s cheek. I move my lips to mere inches from his as I whisper the final line and move in for the kiss. I feel everyman’s heart break when I lock lips with George’s. The feeling is soon forgotten by the strength and passion of the connection. I was afraid of this. By the intensity. The desire I have for my champion. The urge to forget everything else and give into the passion and continue… I’m a professional and gather enough composure to part my lips from his. George’s own desire left unsated. He moves forward, hungry for more. I put my finger on his lips and look away.

“Anabella and Will’s moment is broken by the pounding of hooves on compacted earth. Anabella looks to the long dirt road that fades down the hill, closing in on the horizon.” I stand up and move back onto the tables. I hear a few snickers and use my peripherals to see a fuming George. He wasn’t happy with only a brief kiss and the crowd knows it. Mother always tells me to be the one who is in control. I’m in charge. George, this is my stage. I have an audience to entertain. You’ll just have to wait. You’ll have my attention once this is over. George moves to the back of the crowd to let off some steam.

“It takes a few moments before the rider’s silhouettes come into view. Will moves up to the road while motioning Anabella to stay put. Anabella doesn’t listen and follows. Her gut tells her to see who the riders are. The riders close in and she soon recognizes them to be her father’s men. She’s filled with a world-wind of emotions. She’s happy to go home, but when she looks at Will, she knows it also means leaving him. She has the urge to head back into the house and have Will tell the riders that she’s not here. It’s too late. The leading rider sees her and raise his hand to get her attention. They are ecstatic that they found her. They demand that she returns with them immediately. Will moves to object, but Anabella, realizing the futility of it, steps in. ‘I will but let me say goodbye to everyone. They have been so kind to me.’ Her father’s men agreed. Anabella takes Will by the wrist and head inside. After a heart felt good bye to the family she just met, she takes Will aside-”

I roll into ‘A Love that will never be.’

The crowd has notice the shift from tavern tunes to more emotional set pieces. The requests for ale has quieted so I’ll have to do something about that. When the song is over I look to the crowd. “Anabella stares into Will’s eyes that reflect her own pain. She says to him, ‘I must go now. I will never forget that you saved me. I want you to know that our kiss was my first. It’s very special to me. I will remember you always, but my place isn’t here. I’m sorry. I’ll write to you and someday I will return.’ Will, too choked up, says nothing, but Anabella understands. She kisses him on the cheek. She leaves the house, doing her best to hide her tears as a rider lifts her onto his horse. While they ride off, she looks back at the farmstead and wondered if she made the right decision.

“She took it upon herself to write to Will once a month, every month, for the next fifteen years. Among that time, she got married to a wealthy merchant and had three kids. Her husband’s a good man and she loves him very much. She wouldn’t replace her children for the world. But there was still a place missing in her heart. Although she wrote to Will, he’s never written back. So when her children were old enough, she took a trip to Will’s family farm. He took over as head of the house, married a pleasant woman and had seven kids. Will recognized Anabella the moment he saw her. They look at each other with the same passion and desire they had that sunset fifteen years ago. When they are alone, Will pulls out a large stack of unopened letters. He never learned to read so he couldn’t write back. He was hoping that she would return one day so she could read them to him. Anabella smile, gives him a kiss on the cheek, and opens up the first letter.

“The End.”

A round of applause erupts from the crowd that drowns out the room and much of the street. I’m over joyed with the sound and curtsies. I’m now glad that I couldn’t fit in the more provocative dress as I feel I won the crowd more on my performance than sex appeal. I use the energy of the room. I go into ‘My First Love’, back to the tavern songs and get the ale moving again. After that ‘The Maiden’s secret’ and to finish it off ‘Forever a Maiden’. By the time I’m done, the second applause is as energetic but sloppy. The majority of the crowd is sloshed from too much ale with the rest having a good buzz.

Bora helps me off the table and whispers, ‘Best one yet, me sure of it.” I give her a hug in agreeance. Barney only has time for a quick kiss of the cheek before he gets swamped with another round of orders. I look for Peter, but he’s already taken off. It isn’t surprising as he works at night. I receive numerous shouts on how great my performance was and even one asked me to marry him. “Ask me tomorrow when you’re sober.” I replied. I stay behind the bar for now as my audience is too rowdy. I’ll be the constant targeted of wondering hands. I help out at the bar for while Bora forays into the sea of people. Anyone who dares to grope her will have his hand broken. I don’t have to help out, my job is done, but Barney and Bora are like family to me so I enjoy doing this for them.

I was in a groove when a handsome man, in that plain sort of way, approaches the bar. I recognize the curly bush of brown hair and thin goatee anywhere. It’s someone I expected to see, but one I would rather not talk to as I know what the conversation is going to be about. “Hi Danny!” I said, putting up a fake wall of excitement.

“Helena, that performance was amazing! You’re putting the Theater House to shame.” Danny said in a positive tone. I can’t help but gush at the compliment. For years I dreamed of performing at the Theater House. I wanted to perform just like their star Patricia Armstrong. Before I started playing here, I auditioned there… But that tramp Trish took one look at me and flat out refused to work with me. She, being the star of the show, got her way so I was turned down. Thus, anytime I hear that I’m better than the theater house, it always bring a smile to my face. I lean in and give him a kiss on the cheek as the bar is too wide for hugs. When I look back, his brown eyes dart all, nervous. I prepare myself for the question to come. “Uh, Alyssa couldn’t make it hun-“

Alyssa is one on my family’s maids, and we have been each other’s personal confidants since she was hired. “Mother has guests arriving tomorrow, and there’s going to be a formal dinner. Alyssa was running errands all over the place and had a lot of cleaning to do so she’s exhausted. She couldn’t make it.” I said with little effort and even with a sympathetic tone to cultivate the believable lie. Truth, she’s probably with Arno by now. He’s a gorgeous merchant visiting Galam on business, and by Alyssa’s own words, a savant in the bedroom.

Danny’s eyes fall to the counter in defeat. Even with my acting chops, he doesn’t believe me. It’s more that he knows Alyssa’s appetite. Her going four nights without a visit is out of context for her. It hurts me to see him like this. He’s the first one of Alyssa’s countless boyfriends that I’ve actually met. He’s a good guy. Things where looking good until Arno showed up. I wish I could tell him the truth, but I promised Alyssa I would cover her. Unfortunately, he’s too sharp to be played for a fool and deserves better.

I fill a mug with ale and place it in front of him. “It’s on the house so cheer up. I don’t want any sourpusses after a performance like that.” I can’t help but give him a flirtatious smile. My silver eyes meets his. He turns beat red. If I wasn’t being courted by George, he wouldn’t such be a bad catch. “So I here you finished your apprentice-”

George shows up out of nowhere and pulls Danny from the counter. “What’s your problem!?” Danny said as he turns to see the tall muscular man, fierce with anger. Danny takes a gulp, regretting his words.

“You talking to my girl!?” George said, venting his aggression. He grabs Danny’s shirt.

Oh George, why do you have to be so hot headed. I better do something. “I’m nobody’s Girl!!” I yelled to get George’s attention. His eyes meet mine with frustration for questioning his words. “And second, he’s seeing Alyssa so we’re just friends.”

“Haha, him and every other man in this god forsaken place.” George said, in a factual tone.

Wait, how did you know, I never talked about Alyssa when you’re around. I try to find something to defend my maid when I catch Danny’s brown eyes water up. His suspicions have been confirmed. I hesitate shooting down the words as a lie. “Danny!?” I try to reach out to him, but he turns away and makes his way through the crowd. It pierces my heart to see him leaving like that. I don’t know if it’ because he caught me lying, or that I really think he and Alyssa make the perfect couple, or that I want to keep him around for myself. Whatever the reason, I feel like something’s been lost.

George, unconcerned with his choice of words, takes Danny’s spot and chugs the mug of ale. “Hey! That was for Danny!”

He downs the ale in one go. He wipes his lips with his sleeve before slamming the mug on the counter. “Let’s stop talking about what’s his name and focus on us.” He said, grabbing my hands. “And that kiss. We stole the show with that didn’t we?” His blue eyes stare into mine with an unwavering confidence and his grin is beyond egotistical.

I should be still mad at him for the way he treated Danny. I should be insulted that he has the gall to insinuate that he had any actual influence on my performance but… but his presence is overwhelming and oh god, his smile turns my anger into a burning fire of him. I forget about Danny, but I hang onto the comment about the kiss. I can’t let him have complete control now can I? “I don’t know. It seems to me that you need a bit more practice.” I said getting real close and tapping his nose.

“Oh? When did you become an expert?” George said with surprise in his tone.

I’m assaulted with the intense aroma of potent ale. I don’t remember tasting much from the kiss so it must have happened between then and now. It’s hard to hide my grin. My kiss was so powerful that it made you need a couple of strong drinks to wind down. I’m so good! “Why can I say, I have had some practice here and there.” I said without thinking. I instantly regret giving out a little too much information. George’s eyes show a flicker of thought. “It was just-”

“It’s getting late. I wouldn’t be a gentlemen if I didn’t escort you home.” He gives me a kiss on my hands that sends a tinkle up my spine. I can’t help but blush. His cocky grin acknowledges that the maneuver worked.

I usually stick around and help with the cleaning as it’s a lot for Bora and Barney to do by themselves. It’s only like this after I perform so I feel guilty. It’s also a good time for Bora and I to talk. She’s so sweet evening after having a rough life. But George is not here to court some tavern wench. He’s here to win the hand of the daughter to the one of the heads of the farmer’s guild so making him wait while I clean up just isn’t proper. Plus, sneaking into my garden and gazing up into the night’s sky with his arm around me, wouldn’t be so bad. Maybe we can even do some practicing while we lay there. “I suppose I can allow you the pleasure of being my escort.” I said. “Give me a moment.” I take off my slippers, put on my boots, and don my cloak. I move next to Barney who‘s still busy with customers. “Hey Barney! I’m taking off!”

“That so?” Barney eyes George who shows an air of jealous when he hugs me and kisses me on the cheek. “Be safe honey. Don’t do anyth’n ya don’t want to, okay.” He whispered.

“You’re sounding like mother. Don’t worry. I can handle myself.” I whisper back and give him a wink before turning around.

“That’s what I’m worried about.” Barney taps my rear to send me off.

I give him a playful grin over my shoulder and walk around the counter. My peripherals catch a fuming champion. There’s nothing to worry about with Barney. I’m like a daughter to him, and he’d have to answer to Bora if he dared. I slip my way to him and put my arm around his. I go up on my toes and kiss him on the cheek. “Happy now? My strong brave champion, I’m at your gratitude.”

George gives in to a grin as he shakes his head. We make our way out. I notice right way that his strides are unbalance, and he sways back and forth. That last mug of ale must have just kicked in and sent him over the tipping point. He’s not unwieldly, but I have to guide him. Laying in the moonlight is going to be saved for another day.

He lets his presence be felt by everyone one we pass. Whether it’s a firm stare or a sturdy grasp on the shoulder, all keep their distance when I’m with my champion. I would otherwise be wading through a forest of wandering hands and lewd stares. Now it’s just stares of jealousy and heartbreak as the princess of the night strolls out with her prince. I can’t help but wonder if having George coming was a mistake. I created a world where dreams are possible of coming true, but when the prettiest girl walks out with the handsomest guy, the illusion kind of breaks.

I glance up to my champion and see his hard expression that almost looks like it’s in disgust. Trying to convince him now not to come will be impossible. What will happen if I want to follow my own dreams and travel the southern areas? I want play in small hamlets and big cities, perform a play in front of child, play a musical in front of adults. I want to receive cheers in taverns and an around of applause in ballrooms. Rich and poor, it doesn’t matter, I want everyone to whiteness my performances and bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Will he let me go? Will he follow or will he forbid it? Is he ready to settle down and start a family as he’s already accomplished his dream of being champion? If he still wants to compete, but also wants children, will he expect me to stay at home while he gets to go off? All the questions swirl in my head and make me wonder if all this is going too fast.

It takes me a moment to realize that we have stopped. When I look up, I see Bora blocking our path. Her yellow eyes look nervous while her jaw is clenched tight. She’s having a stare off with George. My champion is about to say something when I let go and grab Bora’s hand. Its three sizes bigger than my own and trembling. She’s worried about me. I jump up and give her a hug. She holds me up with one hand while holding a tray in another “I’ve got this. Don’t worry. I’m sorry I can’t stay, but I think he had a little too much. I’m dropping him off at his place before heading home myself. That’s it, trust me. I’ll pop in tomorrow and bug you for a little bit.” I whispered in her ear and give a confident smile.

“Okay.” Bora said, unable to stand against my smile. She puts me down and steps out of our way.

We leave the bar and I start to lead us north towards his place. It doesn’t take him long to realize we’re not heading to my house. “Where are we going?” He said.

“I’m taking to your place. That last mug hit you hard.” I said in a stern tone.

“Phff, I’m fine. It takes more than that to affect me.” He grabs my arm and pulls into a dank alley. He presses me against the wall and places a hand on my cheek. “If you wanted to be alone with me, why didn’t you say so?” It’s dark in the alley, but my elven eyes see a grey silhouette of my champion. I feel like I’m endangered, yet my body tingles all over with excitement. “Now where were we?” Before I can voice an objection, his lips find mine with a fury of passion. I don’t question it. I give in, hungry for his lips, hungry for the intimacy. It’s not laying under the moonlight, but I want it nonetheless.

The initial rush of the kiss passes. I soon realize his kisses are wet and sloppy, lacking the intensity that we shared in the tavern. The taste of stale ale assaults my tongue and nose, killing my fire, my passion. This is not how I want it, not in some crummy alley with someone who’s drunk. It’s not enough for me to stop. I owe him a little make-out session with all the teasing I’ve done tonight.

His hand moves to my bosom and gropes it hard, searching for a way to access the flesh. I’m relieved again that my choice of dress had denied him. I shiver at the thoughts of being undressed out in the open like this with the autumn air caressing my skin. I start to panic when I feel him lifting my skirt. I realize his full intention are going far beyond my own. I break the lip lock. “George, we should stop, I’m not ready for this, not now, not here.” I said anxious and scared.

“Don’t lie to me. You want it as bad as I do. I can feel it.” He moves his lips to my neck and continue lifting my skirt.

“No! Stop it!” I knock his encroaching hand away.

In a fit of anger and power, he grabs my hands and pins them against the wall. His strong muscular frame presses against mine, holding me in place. I’m stuck, trapped by my drunken champion. I don’t feel him going back to lifting my skirt, I can only imagine that it’s to loosen his trousers.

This is not how I wanted it. I lost control. If I don’t do something… I start to whisper a soothing elven song in my champion’s ear. He thinks nothing of it and continues untying his trouser. After a verse I say in a scared and guilty tone, “Could you please stop?”

George stop kissing my neck and move his head to face me. “What, I thought you wanted this?” He said, in a complacent tone.

“I didn’t want to go this far and not in a place like this.” I’m relieved. My words have pierced his mind.

“Oh?” George said, sounding unhappy, but sounding a little more understanding than a moment ago.

“Could you get off me?”

“Oh, yeah, sure.” George steps back. I take a moment to adjust my dress. “So?” He said, finding the situation awkward.

“Go home and get some rest. Meet me in front of Ann’s Bakery tomorrow around noon. You’re going to be mad at me and-“

“I could never be mad at you.”

“Ah trust me, you’re going to be mad.” I move to the entrance to the alley. “Meet me in front of the bakery. I’ll explain everything, I promise.”

“Okay?” George said, sounding confused. “Shouldn’t I walk you home, it’s pretty late?”

“Don’t worry about me, I‘ll be okay. You should just go home and sleep off the ale, bye.” I take off before he could reply. I run as fast as I can. I’m used to traveling back from the Popping Corn at night so I know all the shortcuts.

I stop when I feel I’m far enough away and lean against the nearest house. I couldn’t believe I let that happen, to let him corner me like that. He never acted like that. It was the first time he saw me perform. I did make him jealous, but I never hinted that I wanted to go all the way. It was just playful flirting. It had to be the ale’s doing. He just couldn’t control his desire for me. We’ll talk tomorrow. He’ll apologize to me and everything will go back to normal. I then put my hand on my head, overwhelmed by dread. If he’s not mad at me for what I did. I looked up at the night sky for a few moments and then decide to head home and worry about it tomorrow. I’m an optimist. If he loves me, he’ll forgive me.