An Unforeseen Mishap

I woke the next morning to the chill of the wind hitting my face. I felt cold, sore, and alone. I rubbed my eyes as I rolled into a sitting position. I looked about me only to see trees and brush. I was fully clothed, and I had been laying next to the pedestal.

If my rough guess at the time was correct, it was about three in the morning. I groaned as I got to my feet. I dusted off the dirt and grass, and I straightened my belt buckle. I began trudging down the mountain. It had been hours since the old man had left me up here to regain my strength to leave.

That was definitely not the reason I had stayed so late but I was hoping he’d buy into it. He sure hadn’t mentioned anyone else being up on this mountain. And my skin was dark enough to hide the ‘hickies’ I could feel on my neck and chest. My face began to burn as I recalled the last few hours. Everything that woman did to me had set me on fire and craving more. What a woman. I hoped she would come visit me again before her sabbatical was over. I was craving her scent and the way her hair shone in the moonlight.

I shook my head loose of the intruding thoughts of her. If she came, great, I would make the best of it. But if she didn’t, I wouldn’t go wandering after like a lost puppy. I had a plan and future I had to prepare for. A little ‘nooky’ now and then never hurt no one. But I couldn’t afford to lose sight of what really mattered in the end. And unfortunately, it had a lot more feasibility than landing a high elf as a permanent bed mate.

She was the most beautiful thing I had ever been graced to see. There was no way that such an exquisite being was meant for a lowly dwarf such as myself. To be the one to touch such an angel was the height of my sexual conquests. Though with how the circumstances played out it might be safer to say I was her conquest of the night. Hopefully, she came back to claim me again.

Upon entering the cottage, I could see that everything had been put away and the old man was no where to be found. I quickly undressed and laid down on my bedroll in the spare room. With any luck the old man wouldn’t come to get me for a few hours still. I resolutely shut my eyes and cleared my mind, letting unconsciousness envelope me, I was sucked into the depth of my mind in a matter of minutes.

Cold, icy water filled my lungs. I couldn’t get a breath. My chest burned. I threw my arms wildly about trying to swim up and out of the confining depths. But the darkness made impossible to see where I was going. I panicked and sucked in another lung full of burning cold water. My body began to seize. The adrenaline rush to survive wasn’t enough to overpower the lack of oxygen. I can feel myself gasping futilely as the last few moments of consciousness beg for the relief that will never come. I slip off into oxygen deprived sleep as a resounding crack echoes above me. A flood of light illuminates my icy grave and shows my vision blurred out into a tiny pin prick. Everything looks like I’m looking at the far end of a telescope.

I try to lift my hand up only to hear the sharp crack again. This time it’s accompanied by a searing pain across my cheek.

I wrench myself up into an upright position as I pull desperate, harsh breaths in. I feel my chest, but I’m completely dry this time. Apart from the usual sweat that accompanies this memory. I hear a creak next to me and realize that I’m not alone. I look over to see the old man sitting crossed legged next to my cot.

“Boy, you’ve got to figure out that dream or you’ll never get any rest.” He stated firmly and clearly. “It’s bloody embarrassing having you hoot and holler in here while we have guests over. Now get up and get dressed. I have company I want you to meet.” Without another word he got up slowly and limped out of the room, shutting the door as he left.

As soon as the door shut, I got up and began pulling on clean cloths. Today was going to be another long day if we already had guests this early. After pulling my long black beard from the front of my shirt I stepped into my boots and opened the door. I could hear the old man talking to his guest as he made them some tea. I hurried into the kitchen to start on breakfast, I wouldn’t want to keep everyone longer than I already have.

As I turned the corner to the kitchen however, I was met with the most beautiful set of emerald eyes. They were framed with silver hair and the responding smile was one of knowing. A wind chime laughed that danced across my soul escaped from her flawless lips. I hadn’t even caught the joke but with a laugh like that who needed one.

“So, this is your new apprentice, Frank? What a marvelous specimen you’ve found yourself.” Her voice bounced off the back of my head and reminded me that we were privy to an ignorant audience.

"Your ladyship, this is Ulfgar Ungart. He is here to recieve my standard 3-year apprenticship. He's off to a bit of a rough start but for a dwarf he's showing quite a bit of dedication." replied Sir FreeFord. he gestured for me to proceed into the kitchen.

I quickly bowed to the lady. "You may call me Ulf, your ladyship, if it pleases you. Is there anything in particular you would like me to make?" i asked as evenly as i could. Her very presence was having a physical affect on my self-control.

"Oh, by all means Ulf, make whatever you originally planned to make for the morning. I don't want to be a bother." she replied with a small smile. "Just make me something sweet to finish off my meal love. I am sure you are fully capable of that."

I felt the heat rise to my neck at her words. I bowed again and sped off to the kitchen. My self-control was quickly slipping. If I stayed around her for much longer, I would do something rash and highly inappropriate. How the hell was i going to survive this woman? Her very presence set me on fire.