Indulgence

Cowritten with Winteroak

The night was full of music, food, and discussion but Voah paced herself on the food and drink, for she was more interested in indulging other things this evening, such as dancing. And that wasn't so fun when you had a full stomach. She had a turn with Wim, Wolf, Melandra, and even one of the knights and his wife.

"Let us get some air." Voah said after dancing with the Lord Commander, they excused themselves from the great hall to a promenade for a moment before the Duke asked her to join him in his office. He led her through dim lit corridors to the same room they had met previously.

"Sir Zane has organized a small escort for you. All has been arranged with the tribes. You will leave next week." He told stroking her arm.

She was curious to see where the night was headed. The Duke was very free with his flattery and physical contact and the office would be a private place.

"I trust you have also arranged for some people to accompany you?"

“Indeed I have. I’ve asked Master Boyce Blackwolf and Lord Wim Riese to join me. Perhaps I will take an Acolyte along as well."

The Lord Commander nodded. "Blackwolf could prove very useful to you. There is another scholar living with him I believe. A cartographer. Maybe worth asking him along as well." He advised her as he led her into his office. Voah noticed the small trunk she had presented earlier on top of his desk.

"Please sit." the Lord Commander gestured toward a chair as he moved behind his desk. "Sir Zane will provide you with a list of all the goods your group will take to trade with the Odsier."

“You mentioned less military presence. Will Sir Zane not be joining us?” Voah asked.

"Sir Zane had a few skirmishes with the tribes and it is best he is not part of this expedition." He smiled at Voah as he pulled something from the top drawer of his desk and placed it in front of her.

It was wrapped in a cloth made of dark linen. "This tomb made its way to my family's vast collection. It has always been a great source of inspiration for myself." He gently unwrapped it...

The Arbiter could tell it was an old book. Very old. Its reddish leathery cover had seen better days and her eyes widened when she saw the Sword of Vastad symbol etched in black faded ink.

The Lord Commander opened the book and there were the words the Arbiter could not believe 'The Road to Salvation'.

"We believe it is the field journal of Saint Pahadron. The High Sword of Vastad during the Noctua Inquisition. Lost to us against the hordes of Minos..."

As he produced the tome, Voah involuntarily stood and gazed upon it in wonder, “My goodness. How in the world…?”

She ran her fingers along the weathered leather.

"It has served me well keeping my faith in the Inquisition strong over the years. But as we move to explore a new world I feel it should be in your hands Arbiter".

Voah turned to the Duke, surprised but proud. “You would do me that honor?”

"The honour would be mine. To have you at our side as we bring the Light of of civilization to these lands." He told her and pushed the relic towards Voah

She certainly wanted to satisfy all of her desires today but could not decide what would be appropriate. And this book had almost derailed the thought. Maybe it was the wine, but she realized this could be her last chance of the evening, though she wasn't sure how the Duke would react to being used as a pleasure device.

Voah turned toward him and grabbed the Duke's hands, putting them on her waist.
“…and how do you feel about me in YOUR hands?” she tempted him.

The Lord Commander was slightly surprised. It was not the type of fervour he was trying to elicit from her but there was no denying her beauty. He pulled her towards him by her waist, tipping his head to her neck, drawing in her scent.

"I can't say it has not crossed my mind, my dear..." He said as he hardened against her. " But I don't want you think I was bribing such congress out of you..."

His left hand moved upwards stroking her arm, tracing her tattoo, before touching her lips.

“Do not misunderstand me, Lord. I simply wish to indulge myself on this holiday? ‘Till the earth.’ as it were."

The Duke grinned. "May the harvest be as rich as the seeds we sow." he whispered.

"I’m not quite ready to sow any seeds... if you take my meaning. Let's just have some fun."

Voah moved the Duke's hand underneath her robes as they pulled each other into a kiss...