She grins. "I am. A certain azure creature promised me a spot in his bed."
I laugh, and she starts to chatter about just how blue certain parts of Niht are.
Apparently, incredibly blue—like cornflowers in the elven forest. And long. Thick, like some other type of flower she doesn’t bother translating into the common tongue. Not to mention capable of reaching places that could make a woman weep.
None of that matters to me. Comfort women have very few things they get to keep for themselves. When I started working for my master Eneko, I was in pain.
Pain turned to shame. Shame bred anger, making it impossible to do my duty—which meant no food. I had to temper all feelings, at least a little, so I made a rule: no orgasms. Cutting out another intense emotion helped keep my life… well, not uncomplicated, butlesscomplicated.
If I wanted pleasure, I would give it to myself. I was better at it anyway.
I let Glyni go on, occasionally humming my approval and discretely scanning the group for Ra’Sa. He is the tallest of the Enduares, after the king, so it only takes me a few moments to spot him in the crowd. The strikingly handsome features make my heart beat just a little faster.
"You know, they told us to be gentle with you humans. But you're a robust thing. We'd take you back to the enclave where my people dwell if you'd like," the elf says.
A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth, causing my wind-chapped lips to crack. Two small faces appear in my thoughts. Girls back in the slave pens who depend on me.
"That's kind. But I'm afraid I came for what the human queen offered me," I say slowly.
“And what was that?”
“Safety,” I say without hesitation. “Freedom. A future.”
Glyni nods thoughtfully.
“I hear they’re mostly men. So if you truly want to stay in those caves, I recommend you get yourself bedded and wedded before more slaves inevitably are brought back,” she says.
“Rest assured, I’m working hard to do just that.”
“Have any caught your eye?”
Ra’Sa.
“I’m considering my options.”
Lies. It was decided when Ra’Sa swept me onto that strange, crystal snake.
“Regardless,” I start. “It shouldn’t take long. They are all so?—”
"Intense. Yes, you get used to it. All of that attention will be focused on your sheath in no time," she says.
I press my lips together to hold back another smile. "Sheath?" I've heard a woman's sex called many things, but never anything relating to weaponry.
Glyni bites her lip, also trying to contain her mirth. She gives me a brisk nod.
"Well then, besides being long and girthy, I suppose I should ask if the Enduarswordsare very sharp?” I tease.
Her feline eyes flick to me, green irises shining in the mid-morning light.
“They’re made of the finest steel I’ve ever wielded.”
"And should I be oiling my sheath regularly to ensure a comfortable home for the blade?"
Glyni breaks first. Secretive laughter bubbles up between us again.
Abi, another comfort woman, appears at our side. She's short, but she's a sturdy thing. Her heaving breasts wobble under the cloak as she huffs.
"What scandalous things are you whispering about now?" she says with a smile.