The Hunter's Companions Ch. 11

"But... I thought... well.." Livinia spluttered, feeling like a stuttering child again.

"Well of course we never talk about it," Caristra begun "but it doesn't mean we don't do it! Even your mother was known to stray outside of the Sin'dorei in her hey day!"

"No!"

"Yes! There was one tall dwarf that she was particularly fond of in her younger years. It was the talk of the city at the time."

"Are you serious?" Livinia asked, disbelief flooding through her. Not her mother, surely.

"Quite... Although don't tell her I told you. She would have my tongue if she knew," Caristra confirmed. Liv frowned and considered this news, confused by knowledge that her mother was such a hypocrite. A dwarf? Livinia shuddered at the thought. Her Aunt was watching her with an amused smile and Livinia was inspired to ask her for advice.

"How do you do it?" Livinia asked softly.

"What?"

"Have so many lovers at a time. How do you handle it? All I have is two and it is driving me crazy; trying to choose."

"Oh Livinia," Caristra laughed "I don't choose! Why on Azeroth would I want to do that when I have three perfectly willing lovers?"

"But-"

"You feel as though you have to pick one?" Her Aunt asked with a nod of understanding "I'm sure you do... But have you thought about keeping them both? It would be such a shame to let such a fine specimen as Belcarm escape your grasp! And Kalendras? Well, he's your oldest friend. I can still remember when you two used to play in the fountain on hot days!"

"Both of them?" Livinia couldn't wrap her mind around the concept. Sure she had dreamt of it, thought about the wonderful threesome they'd had many times, but she didn't think she could work up the nerve to make such a selfish request of them.

"Well can you pick just one?" Caristra questioned. Livinia opened her mouth to speak, and then closed it again. "Didn't think so."

"But it isn't fair on them."

"Oh rubbish!" Caristra cried. "You are all adventurers, are you not? Don't tell me that you all spend every moment in each other's company. Why not keep both of them? That way you might at least have one of them when you are feeling a little lonely. Besides, if you love them both the same I see no problem with it."

Livinia inspected her Aunt carefully, not sure how to take this conversation. Even though Caristra's green eyes were free of any deception Livinia couldn't help but feel as though this solution was a joke. Even though she knew she wanted both Belcarm and Kalendras, she didn't think that they would even entertain the notion, let along go along with it. But when she thought about having to let one of them go her heart froze for a moment.

"What would you do?" Livinia asked her Aunt carefully.

"There's a smart girl," Caristra said with an approving smile. "If it were me I would let them decide. If you want both tell them so. Then they can choose what to do... The absolute worst thing that can happen is that they both decide they are no longer interested in you, but how likely is that? And if you decide you are bound to lose at least one of them anyway."

Livinia toyed with the concept in her mind and a grin formed on her face. Her Aunt was wrong, she wasn't a smart girl, but luckily she had the council of such a wise woman. She gritted her teeth and imagined having the conversation with Kal and Belcarm. It was too obscure for her mind to grasp in her dazed state. Her Aunt had said that they had both gone home to rest, so the conversation would have to wait for at least another day.

~*~

"Good evening Dolah'surfal." Belcarm's voice interrupted the obscure world of Livinia's dreams, and her eyes fluttered open. Livinia heard his footsteps, but couldn't see him until he walked into her line of vision. Being restricted to lying on her stomach was incredibly boring; there was only so much staring at the sheets that she could handle. She had discovered that sleep was the best cure for her injury induced boredom.

"Bel!" Liv cried enthusiastically as he came closer to her and knelt beside her bed. He held up a bunch of wild flowers with a stupid grin on his face, his emerald eyes twinkling with pleasure.

"I'm glad to see you awake... It got really questionable a few days ago," Belcarm said, stroking her cheek gently. He leant down and kissed her lips as though she was made of spun sugar.

"You can't get rid of me that easily!" Livinia laughed, wincing when the movement made the skin on her back feel as though it was tearing.

"How are you feeling?" Belcarm's fingers traced her jaw line intimately.

"Apart from feeling like the skin on my back has been stretched to breaking point? Bored, actually," Livinia grumbled making Belcarm laugh. "Can you please help me sit up? I'm not sure I can handle looking at my sheets much longer."

"I don't know..." Belcarm begun, looking at her back with a frown.

"Oh come on Bel, what is the point of saving my life if I go mad in recovery?" Livinia pleaded, knowing that she would need his help if she had any chance of getting off her bed. Belcarm rolled his eyes and got to his feet, his groin level with her face. "Well I suppose that's a better view."

"You're terrible," Belcarm tutted as he slowly lifted the sheet off her back. He sighed as he ran his fingertips fluttered over the new skin. Livinia tried not to wince as he touched her but couldn't help it. His hands hovered just above her back, and she felt a surge of healing energy rush into her. "That looks a little better." Belcarm said, running his fingers very lightly over her again. Livinia hissed in pain; it didn't feel any better.

"So, you going to help me or do I have to do it myself?" She asked.

"No, I'll help,"Belcarm said quickly "But you won't be able to sit properly without doing damage to your butt."

"So you won't help then?" Livinia groaned.

"No, I have an idea. Give me a minute." Belcarm walked away and Livinia could hear him shuffling around. A few moments later he returned with the chair that usually sat at her vanity table. It had a seat and a cushioned back, but no arms. "You can sit on this backwards, but just sit far enough back so that your behind isn't on the seat, okay?"

"Good idea Bel!" Livinia said enthusiastically.

"Liv, there is one more thing..." Bel said, trailing off.

"Yes?"

"You're completely naked. You know that right?"

"You have a problem with my naked body?" Livinia laughed.

"Well, no... it's just that if your mother comes in she'll be livid. It was hard enough convincing her to let you stay naked," Belcarm said.

"Well when I'm seated you can grab a night gown from my armoire and I'll put it on backwards. Will that suit your fanatical sensibilities?"

"I am more than happy to see you naked." Belcarm said defensively "It's your mother you need to convince."

"Fine. Now help me up will you?"

It took a few minutes to get Livinia seated and comfortably, but when she was finally sitting back to front on the chair, arms leaning on back rest, chin resting on her arms, she took a deep sigh of relief. It was so nice to be off her stomach. It made her head hurt to have to constantly look to the side all the time. When Belcarm retrieved one of her night gowns for her he made sure to drink in the sight of her, naked and spread on the chair before he handed it over.

"What happened there?" Livinia asked, noticing the scabbed gash that ran along the back of his neck for the first time.

"Huh? Oh, nothing. Just a little keep sake from the battle to get you out of the Deadmines alive," Belcarm said with a nonchalant shrug.

"Why didn't you heal it?" Livinia asked, surprised. Normally he would heal even the tiniest parchment cut.

"I don't need to heal it. It will heal itself over time," Belcarm's tone was defensive and Liv wondered if he'd already had this conversation with someone else. "Besides, I like it. It will always be there to remind me of how much I can achieve when I think of you," Livinia flushed with pleasure at the sappy words, and she wondered if her mind had been burnt in the battle as well.

"How did you get me out anyway?"

Belcarm explained the entire event to her, careful to stress just how well Kalendras managed to heal her and keep her from the brink of death. She was amazed to hear that he had managed to keep up the Blessing of Protection whilst fighting, even though he was completely exhausted.

"And then you kept healing me when you got back here instead of yourself?" Liv asked shaking her head.

"Yes... Liv, you don't understand. Seeing you like that..." A haunted look came over his eyes and he shook his head quickly, chasing away his dark thoughts. "We didn't think you'd make it. It wasn't until we got you back here that we thought you had a chance."

"We?"

"Yes; Kalendras and I."

"Kalendras, not the Druid?" Livinia asked with an eyebrow raised.

"Yes, Kalendras," Belcarm confirmed through gritted teeth. Livinia smiled, thoroughly impressed by the development. It seemed that the two of them could work well together after all.

"How's Borris?" Livinia asked, Belcarm smiled.

"Good; he loves having free reign of Eversong. He also seems to have forgiven me for whatever it was I did that offended him. He doesn't try to bite me every time I get within a few feet of him!" Belcarm laughed. Livinia grinned.

"Glad to hear it."

The door to her bedroom opened a few minutes later and Livinia struggled to contain her excitement.

"Kal!" She cried, smiling at him like a desperate fool.

"Liv? What are you doing out of bed?" He growled, giving Belcarm a terse look.

"I can only lay on my stomach for so long Kalendras," Livinia sighed, rolling her eyes. "How much longer do you two think it'll be before I can move around properly?"

Kalendras walked over so that he was standing behind her. She could feel the light brush of his fingers on her healing skin and she winced. He stood back and a second later she felt him send his healing energies through her body.

"Another day or two I think?" Kalendras said, looking to Belcarm for confirmation.

"It'll still hurt though," Belcarm warned "And you probably shouldn't fight for another five or so days."

Kalendras leant over and pressed his muzzle against her cheek affectionately before settling down on her bed. Livinia saw Belcarm avert his eyes and was shocked; they must have really started to get along if Belcarm didn't try to tear Kalendras apart for that.

"You'd better not stay like that for too long, Liv." Kalendras said, his voice low and deep. "If your mother comes in and realizes you still naked beneath that dressing gown she will go ballistic."

Livinia couldn't help but wonder if that was the real reason for the comment or the husky tone of his growl, but she didn't question him in front of Belcarm.

"That's what Bel said," Livinia pouted. They were meant to be fighting against each other, not ganging up on her.

"It's true," Kalendras shrugged. "Although you should have seen her face when she first walked in and realised we had you completely naked on your bed."

"Really?"

"Yeah, she looked like she'd been hit by a mace. Then your Aunt Caristra told her to stop being such a prude, and that Belcarm and I had undoubtedly seen you naked many times before."

Livinia's laughter rung through her bedroom loudly as she tried to picture the look on her mother's face. Belcarm and Kalendras both smiled at her, clearly pleased to see her up and laughing again.

"I wish I could've seen that!" Livinia managed to breathe through her laughter.

"You should have seen the horrified look she gave us!" Belcarm said with a frown "I swear she would've cut our balls off if your Aunt didn't push her out of the room!"

"So where is the Harpy of Silvermoon?" Livinia asked, looking between her males curiously. Kalendras grinned but Belcarm looked horrified.

"I saw her on my way in... Said she had something to do at Sunfury Spire," Belcarm said with a shrug.

"And my father?"

"With my father at the Parliament Building arguing about some new treaty or something," Kalendras said.

After that the silence that fell between them was terribly awkward. Eventually Belcarm excused himself, saying that he would go to the kitchens and see if he could get something for Livinia to eat.

"You still angry with me, Nitawa Kee?" Kalendras asked as soon as Belcarm shut the door behind himself.

"Angry? No... but I'm still not entirely happy." Livinia's eyes narrowed as she looked at him. "I can't believe you didn't tell me Kal!"

"I'm sorry," He grunted softly, cowering under her glare. Livinia rolled her eyes.

"Believe me Kal, the way I found out was much worse... Especially because you should've just told me. Have you heard from Seranna or Ma'Isha at all?"

"No, and I don't think I will unless I go to Thunder Bluff and approach them first hand."

"So you rejected a peh'ahroon?" Livinia whistled "Your parents must have been angry."

"You have no idea," Kalendras laughed bitterly. "Well, mother wasn't half as bad as father. He even had the gall to ask me if I preferred the stick to the hole." Kalendras shuddered and Livinia laughed.

"And do you?" Livinia teased.

"You're lucky you're injured or I'd teach you some respect." Kalendras said, giving her a light-hearted smile. Livinia could imagine the way that he'd teach her some respect. Her insides tensed and she bit her lip.

"So where does all of this business leave us?" Livinia asked slowly.

"Well normally we would go before the High Chieftan and have him recognize the outcome of the peh'ahroon, and then we would consummate the relationship."

"Oh," That was all Livinia managed come up with. It all sounded so simple. A meeting with the High Chieftan and then sex? For two Taurens the way forward would be so simple... but Livinia knew that it would be much more complicated for her and Kalendras. "Kal, I-... Look, I'm not-"

"Don't worry Liv." Kalendras interrupted her stuttering. "I know you're not ready yet. It's a lot to take on board with the whole situation at the moment... But if you decide that you want to go ahead with it let me know and I will march straight up to Baine and demand an audience. Just say the word and I'll make sure it happens."

"Thank you Kal," Livinia's voice was choked with emotion. He and Belcarm had really been wonderful throughout the whole thing. With the exception of a few hiccups they were both treating her far better than she deserved.

"Anything for you Nitawa Kee." Kalendras said, his voice deep and rumbling in her throat.

"Hope you guys are hungry!" Belcarm called out with far too much enthusiasm as he burst into the room. He looked at Livinia, and then Kalendras, and his face flooded with relief. He walked over and handed them each a bread roll. "Maelinda said she'd bring up some more food for all of us soon."

Livinia took the roll off Belcarm gratefully. It wasn't until her stomach rumbled loudly that she realized how hungry she was. After a few minutes Maelinda brought up some dinner as she had promised. As they ate Kalendras and Belcarm told her more about the trouble they'd been having with her mother. By the time she'd finished her food she was feeling much better, warmed by the change of position, meal and the good, civil company.

~*~

The next afternoon Deanna Sunspeaker came into her daughter's room and told both Kalendras and Belcarm that they had to go home. Livinia had been utterly livid, but Belcarm and Kalendras both insisted that they were fine with the decision. She was healing well and did not need them to stay. Before they left though, they took it in turns to quickly channel healing spells into her to speed along the process, and she had to admit that she was feeling much better. As soon as they left her mother had thrown a dress at her and told her to get ready to greet some guests. Livinia told her that she wasn't receiving guests at that time, but her mother would hear nothing of it. She told her that she could see the guests clothed or naked, but she would see them.

When Rioden and Mitrae walked into the room Livinia was glad that she had managed to pull the dress over her head and seat herself, if stiffly, on the two seater lounge by her fireplace.

"Livinia! So lovely to see you health and well," Mitrae said in a sickly sweet voice with a smile to match.

"My lady," Rioden said, snatching her hand and pressing his lips against it firmly. Livinia didn't bother to hide her shudder.

"Gentlemen. How kind of you to come," the sarcastic remark was forced through gritted teeth, as she glared at her mother. "As sad as I am to inform you of this, I am terribly tired. I'm afraid I won't be able to remain out of bed for much longer. I'll not make good company."

"Nonsense," Her mother snapped "Mitrae and Rioden have come all this way to see you, I'm sure you will be able to stay up for long enough to entertain them."

"We won't take up much of your time," Mitrae said placidly "We just wanted to come in and register our relief that you are recovering. It is sad, Livinia, but it only really serves to reinforce the fact that you should stay in Silvermoon City, safe and out of harm's way."

Livinia's blood boiled at the thinly veiled condescension in his tone and she balled her fists.

"Really? The mission was quite successful. We managed to strike the final blow that disbanded the Defias Brotherhood."

"Cut one head off a hydra and another two grow in its place," Mitrae said with a shrugh. Livinia would have punched him if she didn't think it would damage her back further.

"Nevertheless, we didn't come here to discuss your adventuring," Rioden said, looking at his father pointedly.

"That's right, son," Mitrae said with a sly grin.

"Livinia, Darling, Mitrae and Rioden have kindly agreed to reconsider the possibility of a betrothal between our families," Her mother said, her voice dripping with poisoned honey.

"Oh how wonderful!" Livinia clapped her hands in fake excitement. "You and Mitrae are going to be married? Let me be the first to relay my congratulations!"

"Livinia!" Her mother cried, her hands flying to cover her mouth which fell open in horror. "Despite your insolence and your complete and utter lack of respect, not to mention your very unfortunate social dalliances, the Swiftspells still think that a marriage between Rioden and yourself will still be possible."

"I disagree." Livinia snapped, body tingling with rage "For a marriage you need two willing parties. I, for one, am certainly not willing," Livinia got to her feet slowly, gritting her teeth as her back stung in protest.

"Livinia! Sit down right now!"

"No Mother, I will not sit down. Rioden, Mitrae, I am sorry if my Mother has filled your head with some fantasy that I would ever entertain the notion of a betrothal, but it just isn't going to happen. Good evening to you both."

As Livinia fled from the room she heard her mother muttering a nervous apology for her horrid behavior. She is sick, and clearly delusional. Livinia wanted to run to Kalendras or Belcarm, but already the fabric rubbing against her scabs was causing tears of pain to form in her eyes. Instead, she continued past the main living wing and went into the East Wing.

"Livinia?" Her Aunt looked up at her as she burst into the guest quarters, panting with the effort of her walk.

"What the hell is wrong with my Mother?" Livinia asked, walking over to her aunt's bed and collapsing onto it clumsily.

"Oh dear, where do you want to me start?" Caristra sighed. Livinia laughed as Caristra sat on the bed beside her.

"She keeps harping on about this stupid betrothal to Rioden. I wouldn't marry him if my life depended on it!"

"I wouldn't either Darling. Those Swiftspells are no good. I don't know why your mother is so intent on this marriage."