Across Eternity: Book 5 - Chapter 6
Date: 4/7/2024,
Categories:
Fantasy
Author: Sage_of_the_Forlorn_Path
... believes he is on the cusp of the next stage. Adwith Tarnas is still absent, and without the Wassengel to protect them, Colbrand is doomed.”
“To think the Liege would demand such a fate for his own country in return for his assistance, such delicious hatred. I bet he’ll have a good seat to watch the destruction. I may join him.”
The two Profane split up, and Noah decided he had pushed his luck far enough. He slipped out of the prison and journeyed back to Valia and Shannon, who were having a heart-to-heart chat.
“Look, I don’t blame you for feeling the way you do about Noah, and I’m not angry at you for wanting to get closer to him,” said Valia. “It’s just… this complicates things for he and I, and things between us are already complicated enough.”
“I swear, I don’t want to cause discord between you and him or to get in the way,” Shannon replied, hugging her knees to her chest. “I couldn’t live with myself if I ruined the love you two share. But I understand if you don’t trust me or want me around Lord Noah. Once I’m reunited with my tribe, I’ll be out of your hair.”
“Don’t talk like that. You’re our friend, not a burden to be rid of. Things can’t progress beyond that, but I don’t want you to be anything less.”
“Since the night my tribe was taken, I’ve dreamed about returning to them and my old life, and yet now I so desperately wish to stay with you. You and Lord Noah saved me, guided me, taught me, empowered me, and I want to pay you back, body and soul. ...
... Every time you two were… together… part of me wanted to join in, if only to serve and assist, perhaps with my mouth? Ah! I can’t believe I’m saying this! You must think I’m so dirty!”
Valia let slip a small laugh. “Oh honey! Look, I’m not going to warn you to stay away from Noah, I just need you to understand that the relationship you want can’t happen. Noah told you about how he wants to break his curse, correct?”
“Yes, of course.”
“Did he tell you what he’ll do after he succeeds?” Shannon shook her head. “I thought so. The truth is that he has a child waiting for him.”
Shannon gazed at her in shock. “Really?”
“It’s true. I won’t tell you who the mother is, only that she is an elf in Sylphtoria. Once Noah breaks his curse, he wants to return there and spend his final life, his final years, with her and their child. The mother and I have a… let’s just say we have an arrangement, but he can’t go back to Sylphtoria saying, “this is my love-slave, Shannon. Do you mind if she lives with us?” The mother and I are immortal, but you and Noah aren't. Someday, we will all have to go our separate ways, whether by choice or inevitability, and when that happens, it's better you say goodbye to a friend than a lover.”
“I understand. If it can never be, then I won’t waste my time hoping. But if you don’t mind, could I remain his steed a little longer?”
“Just as long as I don’t catch you moaning while he rides.”
Noah soon returned to their shared relief.
“Did you ...