Chapter Text
Aeris was getting married today and she had never met her groom. Not even once.
A month ago, she had been brought home – dragged, more like – from her temple where she was in cloister and told very bluntly by her mother that they were broke. “The war in the northwest has been very hard on your father’s investments. We have a lot of debt. Drastic measures had to be taken.” she had said, almost entirely without apology. Just bluntly telling her that she had sold her.
Aeris had intended to give herself to Selune fully. She had started to receive blessings from her. Her hair had gone from the light golden blonde that she had inherited from her mother to a stark silver blonde one morning. Then just as suddenly, she had begun to be able to cast spells to heal and harm. All because of her devotion to Selune. She could have helped a lot more people as a cleric than as a wife.
So now she sat in a dressing room as her mother braided her hair, weaving it with pearls. Everything about the wedding was ostentatious. “I thought we were broke.” Aeris muttered. Her mother, Aria Tavish, was a practical woman above anything else. Some might call her mercenary, that was how practical she was. She wouldn’t spend flagrantly on gilded dresses and pearls if they didn’t have the money.
“Your husband is paying.” Her mother said. “He is a very important man in his region.” She said. “He’s a general in the military there.” As if that implied some kind of importance that she should bow down to.
“What region?” Aeris asked.
“Why is it so important?” Her mother snapped. “Be quiet, I need to concentrate on threading these pearls so you look as angelic as you’re supposed to be.”
Aeris did shut her mouth. She was dodging the question obviously but Aeris never got anything good out of arguing with her mother. It was like trying to crumble a brick wall with a cantrip. Her mother finished braiding her hair, all the pearls and gemstones woven into it. Her dress was equally ostentatious. White with gold filligree and silken puffy sleeves. It was pretty but it felt like… too much. Like she was being displayed. She wished she could have chosen it herself.
The ceremony started nearly as soon as she was all made up. She squeezed her eyes shut as she was led into the hall. She was led down the aisle by her father, he walked with her one, two, three, four-five, six, seven, eight, nine-ten steps. And then he stopped.
Aeris opened her eyes, she was standing in front of an older gentleman – a half-elf like herself. His hair was silver and she could not tell if that was the natural color or if he had grayed already. He looked about middle aged. He was handsome, she noted, bigger and taller than her. He looked strong. Like a real warrior might. But he wasn’t what she expected. Then again, she didn’t really know what she should have expected. He looked at Aeris with a sort of intensity that made her want to squeeze her eyes shut again. Pretend that this was not happening.
It was like he was memorizing her every feature, sizing her up. She could not bring herself to look at him as their vows were spoken. She felt terrified. Everything feels like a blur until the moment that she is bade to give her consent to be wed. “I… I do.” She said, rushing out the words so it would be over.
Her husband, officially now, grasped her chin and kissed her. She made a noise of surprise at first, but she should not have been. This is what everyone was here for. To see her given away, taken and metaphorically slaughtered like a fat sow.
He took her by the hands then, squeezing each of them meaningfully as they were pronounced. The gentle touch made her hitch her breath the tiniest bit. His grip on her hands was firm, but not punishing. Like he knew exactly how strong he was and just how much force to use to comfort instead of harm.
Then it’s over. They are married.
Aeris finds herself being walked to a table. Ketheric has not let go of her hand and has gently redirected her towards a table where her family and many people that she does not know sat at. She sat politely, quietly.
It was then that her new husband turned to her and spoke lowly. “You look very upset.” He said softly.
“I don’t even know your name.” Aeris said softly, sniffing a bit in her upset. “I do not know anyone here, any of these guests at my wedding.” She mumbled.
“Ah.” He said. “I would have expected your mother and father to at least tell you my name. Nevertheless. Ketheric Thorm.” He said.
“Aeris Tavish.” Aeris said, her eyes flitting to his briefly.
“Aeris Thorm.” He corrected. “You’re married now. Remember that.”
“Aeris Thorm,” She assented with a nod. “Can you tell me who any of these people are, Ketheric?” She asked.
He pointed to a flamboyantly dressed man with tanned skin. “Lord Enver Gortash. He’s the archduke of Baldur’s Gate. He arranged the deal with your family for our marriage as a favor to me.” He explained. “He likes to wine and dine at these parties whenever possible so he invited himself.”
Then he pointed to a woman with long blonde hair, drinking wine and laughing a little too loud at something Aeris’ father said. “Orin Anchev. She was invited as a courtesy. Or a cruel joke, I don’t think anyone expected her to come.” He said. “Her family is practically royalty in Baldur’s Gate but she’s insane. She was just released from an asylum. Stay away from her, she’s known to lash out violently at random.”
He pointed towards two dark skinned men. “Ulder Ravengard and his son Wyll Ravengard. Ulder is the grand duke of Baldur’s Gate. Not much to say about them. They’re fine.” He said.
Then he pointed towards a woman with silver blonde hair like hers. “My daughter, Isobel.” He said. “And her… paramour Aylin.” He said.
“She’s an aasimar.” Aeris exclaimed. That was a rare sight. To see a literal child of the gods.
“Don’t stare.” He chided. “Did you really know nothing of what this marriage would entail?”
Aeris looked down at her hands, feeling embarrassed that she did. “I was practically kidnapped from my bed. I couldn’t say no. My family would starve on the street if I didn’t marry.” She said. She could have just let them suffer the consequences of their own bad choices, but she had brothers and sisters that were under ten. It wouldn’t be fair. “They wouldn’t tell me anything about you or even where I was going.”
Baldur’s Gate was so far away. It was weeks in a cramped ship to get here. She didn’t know how often they would see her. Maybe she would just be forgotten, another daughter lost to marriage.
“Practical.” Ketheric said, approvingly. “You have a large family.” He added, with even more approval.
She nodded. “Thirteen brothers and sisters. I practically raised some of them.” She said.
There was a ghost of a smile on his lips. “Then you are good with children. That is good.” He said.
“You want children.” Aeris said. It wasn’t a question. It was obvious. Of course he did, why else would he want such a young wife if he didn’t. Aeris was quite young. Only twenty three. She guessed that Ketheric was in his middle age – maybe seventy or eighty. She would have plenty of time with him still, but there was a significant age difference.
Humans would be completely aghast at an age gap of fifty years, but in elven circles it merely raised an eyebrow, perhaps elicited gossip. As lifespans got longer the age differences mattered less. Even though she and Ketheric were only half-elves, they would likely have an entire century to be together.
Ketheric turned to Aeris. “Would you like a dance? I think custom demands it.” He said. Other people were dancing, drinking and enjoying themselves while they conversed. It must have looked off. So Aeris nodded and took his hand. He gently led her onto the floor. Music played at a louder volume, a full orchestra playing
They danced a waltz, his hand on the small of her back as he twirled her around. She let herself enjoy it, dancing with her husband. She let herself focus on the good parts of it. One. He was handsome. Two. He was not terribly dull. Three. She could have an interesting life in Baldur’s Gate. If she could find something good in this, anything, then she could learn to be happy.
After their dance, Gortash approached. “Well that was an excellent show. You two make a very handsome couple.” He said. Then he turned to Ketheric. “You chose well. She is lovely and I’m sure you’ll turn her into a perfect wife. She seems malleable.”
Aeris deflated just a bit at that. She did not care for the way he spoke about her like she wasn’t even there. Ketheric sneered. “I would thank you not to speak about her so crassly.” He said. “Your part is done. What I do with her is none of your business.” The anger there was well controlled. Aeris did not want to know what would happen if he let it loose.
“You do not need to be so precious about it. It’s what men do to the women they claim.” Gortash said.
“I would like to retire. We are leaving. Enjoy the rest of your night, Gortash.” He said coolly and pulled Aeris in close as he walked past the other man.
Ketheric called for a carriage that promptly arrived. “Get in.” He said. Aeris did as she was told. “Take us to Thornfield.” He directed the carriage driver.
“Is that in Baldur’s Gate?” Aeris asked.
“Outside of it.” He said. “My family has lived there for generations. It is provincial, but you will like it there. And we are not too far from the city. You can take a horse or carriage to Rivington and then walk straight into Baldur’s Gate.” He explained.
She nodded. “Is that… what Gortash said about me. Is that true?” She asked.
Ketheric considered her. “We’ll talk about my expectations and some of the rules I intend you to follow when we get home.” He said diplomatically. “We need to get back before sunset.” He muttered.
…
They arrive at Thorm manor and Ketheric is quick to lead her inside, practically pushing her into his home. Once they were inside, Ketheric sat Aeris down in the sitting room on a large chaise. “Now that we’re alone it’ll be much easier to speak as people, without prying ears and eyes.” He said. “You must have questions.” He gave her an opportunity to speak freely.
“What do you expect of me?” Aeris asked bluntly. “I, I mean you must have some reason to want a wife now?”
“I want companionship and children. I would like to try to have a family again, I spent years grieving my first wife. I want to start over.” Ketheric said plainly. “If you were wondering if this is simply political it is not. I want to care for you and protect you.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.” Aeris said softly, not daring to look at him. She felt horrible, she had thought that he perhaps just wanted a decoration to hang off his arm, an item of a woman and a vessel for future heirs.
“It happened before you were even born.” Ketheric said. She could not even begin to imagine the grief he had felt. He poured her something from a bottle into a small glass. “I can tell you are anxious. Drink this. It’ll make you feel better.” He said. Aeris looked at the drink with discomfort. “As my wife, I expect you to obey me and trust that I have your best interest in mind. It’s just a calming drought. I can hear your rabbit heart.”
Aeris did not know what else to do but drink it. She feels its effects nearly immediately. It does help her relax. Her heartbeat slows and she lets her body sag slightly against the cushions. “You want me to be obedient then. Unquestioning.” It was not unexpected. But she knew some husbands would be far more strict then others.
“I think every man wants his wife to obey him. It is one of your vows. To love, honor and obey.” He said, very casually. “Maybe I expect it more than other men would. But I will keep you safe and cared for. You will want for nothing and anything I might demand of you will be in your best interest.” He said. “But if you disobey me, I will correct you.”
Aeris shivered at that. “How would you correct me?” She asked.
“It depends. Maybe I would just take you over my knee. It would be very shameful if I did that to you in public, wouldn’t it?” Ketheric said.
Aeris felt a bit of warmth pool between her legs. “That would be harsh.” She said.
“I can be very harsh. Or I can be gentle. It all depends on you.” He said. Then his hands were on her, stroking her waist. “Let’s get you out of this silly thing. It must be uncomfortable.” He said.
It was uncomfortable. But she was still unsure. “I- what if a servant sees?” She asked.
He looked at her reproachfully, “Did we not just discuss this? You are not to question me.” He said but there is a hint of teasing in his voice. He’s not truly disappointed with her. “If I decide to take you in front of the servants, they will do their jobs and remain unseen and unnoticed.” He said. “If I wanted to I could bring someone in and have them watch you as I fuck you viciously. But not tonight.”
Aeris’ eyes widened, not thinking such things were imaginable. She trembled a bit at the thought of another mans eyes on her, watching her with lust as she was taken. It was so different from the sex she had read about in romance novels, in secret under her covers at night in the temple. Then she stood, so he could more easily strip her.
Ketheric pulled her beautiful wedding dress off of her, leaving it on the floor like it wasn’t worth thousands of gold. Then he was unlacing her corset with a practiced sort of expertise. He must have done this with many women, she thought and she felt jealousy at it. He was much older, he had been a widower before she was even born, so she should have expected it. But she didn’t like it. She didn’t like the thought of him with other women.
Ketheric pulled her pants down and then undid her brassiere so that she was fully naked in comparison to him. She felt powerless in this position, exposed and open. “You are very beautiful. Even more lovely than your portrait.” He said, before he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her into his lap as he sat back down.
She gasped as his hand moved in between her legs to cup her cunt. “You’re eager. Very wet.” He commented, which made her blush. He gently ground his palm against her mound, indirectly stimulating her clit. She was not much used to being touched there at all, so it was more of a shock for her. A pleasant shock to be sure. She whined as his fingers teased in between her lower lips. “You’ll leave a stain on these trousers.”
“Ah! Sorry, sorry!” She whined, her body quivering already. She was wanton and needy as much as she was scared.
He lifted her up and carried her up the stairs, taking her into a large suite of rooms. He laid her down on the bed and spread her thighs. “I will be gentle with you, this time.” He said to her, voice low in her ear. “I can’t make any promises about after.”
He stripped himself down and got onto the bed with her. He moved in between her legs, nestling his head between them. “What are you- Ah!” Aeris exclaimed as Ketheric took her clit between his teeth and nipped at it. It hurt a little, but it felt good too. A sort of pleasure-pain that bordered on overwhelming. Then he was licking her from her clit to her whole, teasing her inner folds until her cunt was dripping with slick. He slid a single finger inside of her and the intrusion felt so alien.
She whimpered as he thrust that single finger inside of her. It was soon followed by a second, easing her open so she could take his cock. “Take a deep breath. I have tried to relax you as much as possible, but it will still be something you are not used to.” Ketheric told her as he pulled up, pressing a kiss to her temple. He grabbed her wrists and held them with one hand above her head, before pushing his cock into her.
Aeris kicked her legs a bit at the intrusion. It’s too big, she feels like shes being skewered. And Ketheric has her pinned down underneath his solid weight. “There you go.” He said, inching forward slowly inside of her.
“It-it’s too much.” Aeris said with a sniffle.
He shushed her. “You can take it. Your body is made for me, you were made for me.” He said. She had no idea what he meant by that and she was a little afraid to ask. She did not want to know more about the parameters of this arranged marriage than necessary.
She cried out as he seated himself inside of her and he kissed her deeply, his tongue teasing in her mouth. He pulled away after several moments and looked at her, her eyes cloudy and her cheeks pink. Then he pulled out to thrust in deeply to make her moan. “See, you can take it.” He said. “You’re doing so well Aeris. Such a good girl.”
Aeris mewled and that only encouraged Ketheric to thrust deeper in her, to kiss her more. He wondered if he could make her cum like this, just from being penetrated. Some girls could, but it was rare. He lifted her legs up and pressed into her deeper. He finds that he can make her cum just with penetration, which pleased him quite a lot. He continued fucking her for several minutes before he finishes himself, cumming deep inside of her.
He kissed her again and she tentatively kissed back. “There you go. It wasn’t so bad was it? It will get easier. You’ll come to like it even.” He said.
Aeris shyly looked away. “I did like it.” She said. It had hurt at first, but then it got better. Easier.
“I have many things to teach you.” He said, “Many things to share with you.” he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She smiled at him nervously. She was a little scared of what he would show her. He was unconventional, she could tell. And that made her wary. But she would cater to his whims, because that was what she had been taught was her purpose. She lay against him, tired. This day had been exhausting.