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It was finally over...the nightmare that was Borovia and the expedition for Professor Clayton was at an end. Victoria paused in her note taking, polishing her prose that would assist the Professor in his own work and research presentation. It felt strange doing such a benign activity, after all the horror and bloodshed the party had been part of. She gazed to the window of the room she sat in alone, a final night in one of many inns her party had stayed in. The moon hung heavy and full, no longer ringed in red and menacing but now soft and glowing gently. It was hard to believe just recently this same moon had bathed her party in terrible bloody light, spelling what should have been certain doom. She herself was nearly pulled to darkness as the seductive power of the now dead Strahdanya had almost wrenched her the path of righteousness. Victoria could not lie to herself; something had awakened in her that she had worked hard to repress. A forbidden darkness, her human father would have called it. But during her time with the expedition, surrounded by now close friends and allies, she learned to embrace this darkness and mold it to her own. A black fire that would glow within her, inherited from her elf mother, and she would bend it to her will, versus it controlling her. In short, she'd found herself and her power in this chaotic land. And it would be her choice going forward what she would live her life by, not her father's and not ruled by shame of what she was. Victoria was a sorceress, and half elf, and above all a woman in control of her own destiny.
Her brief reverie was suddenly interrupted by a soft knock, starting Victoria slightly. Her constant female companion, Kana the Samurai Warrior, had already departed from the party - the mystery of her master's disappearance solved. She had left for her homeland to redeem her good name and continue to protect the people of her valley. Being the rest of the party were male, this left Victoria alone in her sleeping quarters. She crossed the small space from the desk to the door, and opened the small eye-level hatch that would allow her to first see her nighttime visitor before deciding to let them in. A familiar set of black eyes stared back at her - Mr. Morgan? Victoria thought in surprise. It was none other than Silas "Shepherd" Morgan, the gunslinger of their group, and the object of Victoria's most vivid musings.
"Ms. Issacs...do you mind if I step in?" the tiefling asked, his desert drawl only slightly quivered, belying the nervousness he felt. Dammit Shepherd he cursed to himself. He'd spent the last hour steeling his nerves, slowly nursing a whiskey at the bar below the inn rooms. He had pondered how to approach this conversation - how to ask Victoria how she was, if she was feeling safe now, was she ready to sail back to the dreary city she called home, would she hear him out in his true feelings? It did not take long into their journey for Shepherd to feel his heart begin to burn for Victoria. Having shared many an adventure, he witnessed her evolve into a powerful sorceress, watched as she cared lovingly for the hurt children they'd saved together, and was full of a burning jealousy when it seemed she was falling for the damned Countress' spell of evil. All of these emotions quarreling within Shepherd told him that his feelings for Victoria were not fleeting or a passing whimsy of lust- they were true, and she needed to know before she disappeared into the mists of Bree forever. The few seconds it took for Victoria for make up her mind to let him in or not felt more like hours.
Victoria was surprised to see Mr. Morgan there - of all their party, he was the one she had the hardest time reading. Professor Clayton, while seemingly bumbling, was actually quite intelligent and a clever Divination Wizard. He was the only other party member left, although he had wholly sealed himself away for the time being in order to focus on beginning his manuscript about their devilish encounters. Kana was stoic in her nature and a fierce streak of loyalty was to be admired. Sarnax, the Lizardfolk Cleric, was slow, sardonic, and frankly a fanatic for his cult. She was not as sad to see him walk away as she was Kana - they had quarreled many a time over their opposed religions and treatment of others. While Sarnax only saw what was the will of his God or wasn't, Victoria had begun to waiver in her faith. The lizardman's needling over this did not help any - although she was thankful for him, as without his healing hands she would have likely been dead before their adventure had even started. But Mr. Morgan was a totally different being entirely - a tall, strong, and capable Tiefling, she had grown used to seeing him for the man he tried to be versus the monster most judged him to be. Dark slicked back hair hidden beneath his typical hat, skin red akin to a poker lit by the fires of Hell. He cut an imposing figure, towering at 6 feet against her 5'6", but lanky and lean from years living in the harshest of desert towns. Mr. Morgan was nothing like the stuffy if not pompous men of her world (no offense to Professor Clayton of course), but someone exciting and mysterious in his own way. The passion he had for the safety of others was profound, and his manner interacting with the children they'd saved was endearing. If Victoria was honest with herself, she had caught her eyes lingering on the tiefling's profile more than once. At first she was ashamed by these feelings - compounded with her reaction to Strahdanya's attempts at seduction, she felt a great depression as the carefully constructed cage she'd lived in was being invaded. But, as the weeks drew on and the faith in herself grew, she realized there could be no shame in her feelings, as long as she herself guided them into the path of light. However, she knew their time would soon come to an end, and had resolved to merely watch this strange yet rugged friend from afar. Victoria's pause did seem like a lifetime but the stillness between them was dispelled as she closed the little eye-seeing door and undid the heavy lock that kept the two of them seperate. "Mr. Morgan...please come in," she stepped aside, casting her eyes slightly to the right as if to hide any spark of delight he might find.
Shepherd breathed with small relief - at least she had not turned him away. This was better than expected. A rough life and distrusting folks had instilled in him a feeling of being unwanted. The expedition had taught him that there were such things as friends and companionship amongst others. He took his hat from his head and ran his fingers through his rough black hair. "Thank you for letting me in at this late hour, Ms. Issacs - I'm mighty sorry to have interrupted whatever you were working on". Victoria shook her head, "It is no worry or trouble, I was just working on finishing some notes for the Professor. And please...after all we've been through, please call me...Victoria." A lump catches in her throat, nervous from making a bold ask for casualty. Shepard's heart skipped - this had to be a good sign, "...then I would ask you to call me just Shepherd, ma-...Victoria." She felt a small shiver pulse down her spine at the sound of her name on his lips, the rumble of his masculine voice making the way he said her name sound more sensual than it ought.
Shepherd began to pace lightly, turning his hat in his hands as he struggled to find the words. "Well...uh, um...Victoria" he addressed her, stopping hard and catching her direct gaze. She was slightly startled, seeing him like this. After all the time they spent together, she knew behind those black eyes there was a soul of a man who could be direct but now only looked lost. She took a step forward, her dress only making the slightest of shuffling. "Yes...Shepherd?" And it was as if someone lit a fuse that threatened to explode. If Shepherd could blush, he would be doing so that very moment. The room was brimming with an electricity that tinged the air. "I...I came by to see...how you were feelin', if...you were ready to head back to your home tomorrow," he stammered out, attempting to contain his composure. Victoria cast her face downward, praying Shepherd wouldn't see the heat rising to her pale cheeks. She would swear the room felt so removed with just the two of them in it - as only they existing on this ethereal plane. "I suppose I am ready to go back to Bree, though...if I am completely honest... I'm not sure what I am going back home to," she let out a small sigh, allowing herself to bare some of the turmoil she had begun to feel as their victory against Strahdanya had been set behind them and it was time to depart the lands of Borovia. She made her way quietly past Shepherd and sat at the foot of the narrow bed closer to the window. Shepherd turned to stare - he could sense something amiss in Victoria's mood. Gingerly as a Tiefling of his stature could, he sat down beside the object of his affection, though careful not to touch her in anyway. Not that it helped - there was a heat between them that was impossible to ignore. "Tell me about it," he turned his head to look at her, waiting patiently for any reply she may have.
Victoria bit her lip, wavering for but a moment if she was willing to cross the line from friend to confidant. "...I cannot see myself returning to Bree and resuming the life I once led. There, I was simply a...pawn, if you will. The unloved daughter of a man ashamed of my mother's heritage Just another woman being used merely for social standing. But what will I do? I feel I have changed so much. Professor Clayton did offer to keep me as his assistant, but how long will that last? And will I be content in academia, now that I've had such an adventure?" The words spill from Victoria like a siv, finding it surprisingly easy to share her fears with the man beside her.
Shepherd's heart hurt for Victoria - unlike her, he was truly free to roam the world. His father the Good Doctor had ensured this. However, a man could wander the desert for years and never be satisfied, never feel complete. And yet, with this group and this elegant woman, Shepherd found himself thinking maybe he could find a completeness, with her. "Victoria...I gotta tell ya...I am also finding that this whole trip has changed me...I mean" he cleared his throat, trying to find the words that would be enough to convey his feelings. "What I'm tryin' to say is...I don't think I want...this adventure to end."
Victoria turned her head sharply and found herself merely centimeters from Shepherd's own. It was the closest she'd ever been to him, to anyone unless you count the ministrations of Strahdanya. However, when Strahdanya held her, it was against her will and made her feel powerless to stop the rising dark tide. With Shepard, she felt the same familiar sense of longing, but now it was an impossible heat that made her want to willingly dive into the flames of desire. Shepherd gazed into Victoria's dark violet ones, and as he thought to himself Aw hell, he closed his eyes, and his lips sought Victoria's own in a kiss.
At first there was shock - frankly, Victoria had only kissed one other person and that was the Countess. But where the vampire's kiss was demanding and tasted of blood, Shepherd's was entirely different. His lips were surprisingly soft, a contrast with his mustache and trim facial hair. He did not demand of Victoria, but instead let her choose to move forward. With a quivering hand, she touches Shepard's neck gently and leans closer in. He understands and closes the gap between them, embracing Victoria and pulling her closer, the layers of her dress skirt squished between them. They can both feel the heat rising and break apart - eyes lock and with just enough time to draw little air, they join their lips again in a frenzy. Shepherd breaks away first, holding himself back with tremendous force. This is harder for him to do than anything they have faced in this godforsaken land. "Victoria...I need to know, before this goes any further...Will you be mine, at least tonight?"
Victoria stares as Shepherd and cherishes that he would ask her that. Strahdanya's advances had been akin to velvet covered brute force, whereas Shepherd was asking for her consent and giving her not only himself but all the power in this dynamic. She nods and says "Yes...please Shepherd...I need you" before pulling the Tiefling off the bed and beginning the process of disrobing.
Shepherd's heart is pounding with fervor as the understanding sets in that this beautiful, poise and powerful woman has consented to be his, if only for tonight. The gunslinger is quick to begin his own shedding of layers, careful to put his holster and weapons over the back of the desk chair. He's able to quickly remove his own garments before focusing on Victoria anew; during this time she was able to remove her bustle and outer corset, and now stands in a chemise underdress. She turns and over her shoulder shly asks "...would you be so kind...?" Shepherd takes a hesitant step forward and begins the process of unbuttoning the back of her dress, each open button revealing more alabaster skin. When he reaches the last buttons just above the small of her back, he carefully begins to slip the dress over her shoulders. Victoria shivers at the feel of his fingers, calloused from hard work, as they glide down her arms to assit pulling of her dress. With a small tug the rest of her dress falls away, and she stands bare with Shepherd at her back. She knows he is waiting for her. His fingers hesitate at her waist, as now that her dress is finally off, he can see the nearly translucent network of scars that litter the back of Victoria's neck. Shepherd does not know who, what, or why they are there, and he does not press for answers. The fact Victoria is letting him see at all tells him she trusts him; closing his eyes, he moves his hands more firmly around her waist and embraces her from behind.
Victoria feels the shape of Shepherd's body mold to her own; she leans her head back and turns her face to his cheek. A light kiss brings Shepherd back to the present and he kisses Victoria on the lips whilst bringing his hands up to her breasts that quiver in the moonlight. She gasps into his mouth and covers his hands with her own, locking them there as they gently squeeze and massage the flesh. He breaks their kiss, and with the speed of a cracking whip spins her around and walks her backwards to the bed they had started at. Victoria sits slowly on the bed and takes the moment to admire Shepherd. Truth be told, she had wondered what the tiefling was hiding beneath his poncho and holstered weapons, but never imagined a more pleasing sight. His skin was red all over, black hair wisping on his chest and down his stomach. He was lean but not malnurished, his musculature defined and chisled. He had his own fair share of scars, interlaced with a swirling pattern that seemed to run the length of his entire physique. His tail, barbed at the end, curled and furled behind him. Her eyes traveled lower, to a place on his body she had only dreamed about in her darkest fantasies. His cock stood at attention, a slightly darker red than the rest of his body. She looked back up into Shepherd's eyes before she reached out and gently encircled his manhood with her delicate hands.
Shepherd hissed with pleasure as Victoria began to run her hand up and down the length of his cock. His tail even twitched as her ministrations started to get faster, aided by the small amount of clear dew that began to leak from the tip of his penis. Knowing if she kept going he would definitly not be able to contain himself, he gently moved Victoria's hands away and placed his hands on her shoulders, "I need you, Victoria - can I have you?" he strained to get out, searching deep in her eyes, praying she wouldn't push him away.
Without a word, Victoria pulled Shepherd's hands into her own and tugged him forward. As she pulled him in, she lay back - he takes his moment to gaze over her. Full beautiful breasts, the peaks of each hardened in the moonlight. A willowed waist that flares to full hips. And at the juncture of those hips, her womanhood lay with a thatch of raven blue hair just like that on her head. Shepherd moves himself between her legs, keeping one arm above to balance himself as the other guides his hand to gently touch Victoria's folds. He does not lose eye contact with her; he holds it and watches for any resistance as he begins to gently move his hand over her mound.
Victoria gasps gently, feeling Shepherd's fingers begin to massage and mold her nether parts. A burning begins to arise in her lower belly and increases as he deftly inserts one, then two of his fingers inside of her. She begins to breathe heavy as he slides those fingers in and out, the burning rising to her chest. No one but herself has touched her this way and even then she's never felt a heat like this - only shame. "Shep-herd..." she moans, and grips his arms. He understands and removes his hand. Victoria bemoans the loss but is soon quieted as Shepherd moves himself fully between her legs. He's on his knees and moves his hands to lift her legs up and apart. He looks down briefly to ensure he is positioned right at her entrance, "Victoria...are you sure?" He asks, needing to know one more time before they take the last leap. Victoria stares up into Shepherd's black eyes, her mind and body feeling as if it were sizzling with heat. "Shepherd, please - I need you!" she pleads, her voice breaking slightly from the intensity of her feelings. This is all Shepherd needs as he glides slowly into Victoria, pushing himself as far as he can, until their hips are flush. They both moan; Shepherd from her heat and tightness, Victoria from how full and complete she feels with him inside so deep. A moment passes before Shepherd begins to move his hips, slowly pulling halfway out before sliding back inside Victoria's warmth. She is moaning with exquisite pleasure, each thrust feels better than the last. He begins to move faster, and faster, and with more force. Every jolt rocks the bed beneath them. Victoria feels the burning beginning to crescendo - "Shepherd! Oh God, Shepherd!" she calls out unabashedly before the waves of her orgasm crash around her and she feels like one million sparks alight on her skin. He is not far behind her, tightening his grip on her legs and reveling in the feel of her walls spasming around his cock. With one, two final thrusts Shepherd throws his head back and moans deep, finishing within Victoria and filling her with a heat like she's never felt before. Shepherd gently pulls himself out of Victoria before laying down beside her. He throws an arm around her waist to pull her close. "...thank you, Victoria" he breathes into her hair, "...I...I love you." Victoria turns herself to face Shepherd and touches his cheek. "I love you, Shepherd" she replies. He pulls her in close, before using his tail to pull the thin bed covers over them both as they both ponder what this new adventure means.