Page 10 of A Tale of Mirth & Magic

B ARRA

G oddess, what had I gotten myself into? I rubbed my hands over my face, trying to clear my head. This only made me smell Elikki more, the scent of her all over my hands, my mouth, my morning stubble. I stomped my way toward the stream again to clean off.

Part of me wanted to grab Pebble without a word and ride home—and away from that maddening woman—as quickly as possible. Another part wanted to run straight back to the clearing and bury my cock deep into her. Both were irrational.

The cool water refreshed me again. I splashed my face and hands, dried them on my shirt, and then headed slowly back to camp.

When she saw me, Elikki smiled and passed a bowl of porridge over. She had tamped down the fire and gathered most of her belongings back up into her large pack. A worn map was spread out on the grass. She sat cross-legged in front of it, tracing a path with her forefinger.

“So, it seems like the next town over is Old Orchard. That sounds nice! But hmm… looks kind of far.” She frowned, heart-shaped face perched in her hands.

I said, “It’s about a two-day walk east. But there’s a small hamlet with an inn on the way.

I’ve been there several times before, and it’s very nice.

” My stomach swooped. I somehow hadn’t realized that we’d be parting so soon.

Of course I had to turn back and head west toward home, probably detouring around the town we’d escaped last night.

And she’d continue on… wherever she was headed.

“Are you setting off, then?” I asked. The porridge stuck in my throat.

Elikki rolled up her map tightly and tucked it into a pocket of her bag.

“Well, I guess I should. This was really lovely. You know, you and me. But, I mean, I can’t go back there.

” She pointed back in the direction of Povon with a grimace.

“And I don’t want to get stuck sleeping in the woods again.

” She shrugged, avoiding my eyes. Fidgeting, she adjusted her laced corset—a butter yellow today—and moved to pick up her pack.

“We can go together, then,” I heard myself say.

Elikki let go of the bag and turned to me. “We can?”

“Yes. I’m heading to Old Orchard too. Have a few orders to take care of there before I turn home.”

What are you saying? You’re due back home tonight.

I squelched down those thoughts and watched Elikki’s reaction carefully.

If she showed annoyance or hesitancy or displeasure—any hint that my companionship was unwanted—I could just take it back.

Say that I’d forgotten to pack the orders or that I actually felt like staying here and camping another night.

Then I could be home by supper, no harm done.

She would go her way, and I’d go mine. Probably for the best.

But Elikki beamed up at me, smile bright like I’d given her a present. With her yellow top, voluminous curves, and gold jewelry catching the light at her ears, neck, wrists, she looked like a sun. I was caught in her rays.

“Well, that’s perfect, then!” she chirped. “We’ll keep each other company on the road.”

“All right. Good. Um. Let me just… finish this up and take care of Pebble, and we’ll set off. If we make good time we should get to the inn before nightfall.”

“I can handle Pebble. You eat and pack.” She moved over to the big horse and warily patted her neck. “What do I do?”

“Just give her more water and mix some oats in,” I replied. “If you’re feeling brave, you could brush her a bit.” I pointed toward the bag with her supplies.

Within ten minutes, the three of us were full, packed, and ready to hit the road.

I saddled Pebble and led her out of the clearing with Elikki trailing behind us.

I felt a bit dazed—this was becoming a regular feeling around her—and unsure of my plan.

If I didn’t return home tonight, my family probably wouldn’t be too worried.

They’d assume my business had taken longer than expected and I’d stayed an additional night.

But if I went all the way to Old Orchard with Elikki, it’d take an extra four days to get back.

Maybe I’d just journey with her to the inn tonight, then turn around?

I’d have one more day of sunshine, smiles—and maybe, more sex—and no one back home would have to know anything about it.

I wouldn’t have to deal with my mas’ and sisters’ pestering questions, all probing to know about Elikki.

And the inevitable disappointment in their faces when nothing serious came of this dalliance, just like every other time before.

I knew they truly loved me and just wanted me to be happy.

But they were all human—they couldn’t understand why none of my romantic relationships worked out despite my best efforts.

I’d long ago accepted that I was not what people were looking for in a partner.

I’d heard every reason imaginable from the people I’d been involved with over the years.

They didn’t feel we were the “right fit for their future.” They wanted someone who was more “on their level.” They felt I wasn’t “sociable” or “cultured” enough.

All coded excuses for what I always knew was the real reason—I was too big, too much, too different for them to consider me a long-term partner.

They liked me, and I was sure some even loved me a bit.

They all certainly loved my body. But for most, I think I was more of a novelty.

Something new to try out before they settled down for real.

And that was the hardest to come to terms with—that even if I connected intensely with someone in bed, if I gave them everything I had to give, they still didn’t want me. I couldn’t go to that place again. There had to be a line.

My last relationship had ended two years ago.

It was the only time I’d dated another half-giant—there weren’t many of us—and he’d broken it off just as I was falling for him.

He told me he didn’t want to play into such a stereotype, and he wanted to be with someone who would attract fewer stares in public with him, not more.

It was the most honest breakup I’d ever had.

I both appreciated and hated him for it.

After that, despite my family’s urging, I decided to stop looking for someone.

Ultimately, I already knew how every relationship was going to play out.

It had happened dozens of times before. I could be spending that same energy doing positive, constructive things that made me happy.

Yes, I used to want to find a partner. But we don’t get everything we want in life.

That’s the reality. I had a loving, supportive family and work that I enjoyed.

I got to travel as much as I wanted, and I was renovating my house in my spare time.

It was enough. And, honestly, it hurt too much to keep having my heart broken.

Yet now I was willingly attaching myself to this gorgeous elf. Again. And I’d just eaten her out like I hadn’t had a meal in years. Which… actually, I hadn’t.

But this was only for one more day. Two, tops.

Nothing else had to happen. I’d walk with her, enjoy her company, and then we’d part ways.

We could be friends. Besides, Elikki hardly seemed like she was looking for anything serious.

She had such a light, playful energy, and I’ve watched her flirt with almost everyone she met.

And what had that scummy constable called her at the tavern—a drifter?

If she was just traveling around the land, I’d probably never even see her again.

As I strolled along the road with Elikki humming at my side, shortening my pace to match hers, I ignored the uneasy feeling in my gut when I thought of us parting. It would be fine. Everything was under control.