Editing Aeric Dalia/Chapter 1

Aeric paced impatiently in the chambers waiting Brother Fredric to arrive with news of his reassignment. He felt something he hadn't felt in a while, his nerves were quaking, but still the sensation almost felt alien to him. Soon the echoes of his footsteps were drowned out by the latch of the door jerking open.

" What is the verdict?" Aeric blurted impulsivly.

" The council has deemed that you remain in the cathedral, you have been assigned to Training... Reformed demons" 

Aeric's mind crawled, 'what madness, reformed demons is a death sentence, the success rate is next to none! No demon can be truely reformed, only tamed for a while'. After a pause he collected his thoughts and mustered a reply.

"Demons? Why don't they just hang me and be done with it?" 

" One word Paladin Aeric; Redemption. After that episode with the caravan of Urle I am surprised you have not been expelled from the order. You should be thankful the Council has deemed that you should stay, even if it is to work with reformed demons."

The Monks words angered Aeric, he didn't feel he was in the wrong, they weren't there, but he began to realize his emotions were getting the better of him. As his acceptance of his fate settled, he took a breath before politely apologizing to the monk. He was dismissed from the Great hall.

" You'll meet her in the morning" Fredric said as Aeric was leaving

" Wait, her?" 


Aeric woke as the day dawned. The bells were ringing. This started the usual bustle in the Cathedral. Aeric looked out his window, watching the initiates do their physical training under the Adepts. The Monks with their scrolls running back and forth from the archives. Soon his mind began to wander. 'Well now I get to meet my end today.' His thoughts grown worse and morose; maybe he was in the wrong. Maybe that Caravan was innocent. He blanked his mind and began to get ready for his assignment. After all, he can't be late for his own death now could he?
He made his way to the hall of initiates, dressed in his full battle regalia, as was custom, but Aeric felt little comfort in his thin metal skin. He'd fought a demon before, many of his friends didn't survive.

" Brother Fredrick, I am here for my acolyte."

" Ah yes I'll fetch er immediatly. Do try to keep her alive long enough to make an impact..." The monk said smugly.

" Delia, you can come in."

'Delia' He thought, 'Must be a given name.' Before he could muse any longer as he caught a glimpse of her. She wore a heavy wool robe, but it did little to draw his attention away from her face. Her two large black horns protruding from the sides of her head to end resting just on the tips of her cheeks. The large Lumps in the back of her robe removed any doubt. She was a Succubus. Aeric Mustered a great deal of his shattered will to keep from gawking. Thankfully his face could barely be seen from his visor.

"Brother... A word with you in Private." His hand gestured Fredrick to the adjacent room

" What is this! Do you know what she is? I could handle her if she were some kind of-"

" I CAN hear you." She spoke, her throaty voice came across his ears like velvet, yet another peril he has to prepare himself for. 

Aeric stumbled his words fora moment when she spoke, quickly catching himself.

"Of simple minded demon, but she is a creature of deviousness!" He continued ignoring Dalia entirely.

" Yes, which is why the council ruled that you should work specifically with one of her caliber."

" Then the council made a mis-" Aeric was immediately cut off

" Then go to the council and tell them you'd rather be executed! Its not my life!" Fredrick lost his temper, and quickly collected his thoughts.

With a grunt Aeric left to meet his end. He understood his position, even if he couldn't help but try to deny it like a child. He turned to Dalia meeting her gaze with his eyes concealed within their steel cage.

" As for you, Acolyte. You will learn to hold your tongue until spoken to. Is this clear?" Aeric spewed out venting his anger on the succubus

" Yes... sir." Dalia retorted in similar tone. Her voice seductive even while clearly angered.

The Paladin left the room gesturing his succubus to follow in step. 

The two walked down the great halls for a good length of time. Aeric was testing her, to see if she'd break step or speak out of turn. For what seemed to be an hour the two made their way through the grand marbled corridors, walking in a un-plotted course though the maze of hallways and chambers. Luckily Aeric knew the cathedral like the back of his hand, his acolyte did not. He would glance back at her every so often, to his delight he saw the look of confusion slowly grow on her face. They finally came to a stop in front of the statue of Lord Delinar, his father.

"What manner of combat training have you had?"He spoke breaking the silence.

"Just basic initiate training, but I-"

Aeric continued to walk cutting her off "Then you know how to use a sword?"

"In a manner of speaking, I guess you could say I do."She purred playfully

"Do not be coy with me!"Aeric turned to her. His expression did not need to bee seen, she knew she was getting to him, but that was a part of her she was trying to repress. Instead of apologizing and appearing weak she stood there silent.

"If you are my acolyte, at least pretend to be a paladin!"

Aeric let the demon get to him so early and so quickly, he was beginning to wonder if he was only using her as a scapegoat for his frustrations. His emotions were beginning to take over him slowly. This would lead him to disaster, and he knew this. in an attempt to salvage the situation he curtly apologized. Taking a deep breath he gathered himself. 'I can't let this demon be the end of me, I wont let her.'

"I'll ask again. Do know know how to handle a sword. It will make training you easier."

"Yes."

"Good, then we'll head to the field."A small part of Aeric's mind screamed at him for this decision.

They Made their way to the training field. It was a simple open area in the middle of the Cathedral, there were clearly marked areas for certain tasks, a small range for archery, a field set up with dummies and polls that the initiates smacked with fervor, then there was the sparring rings. This is where Aeric reluctantly lead his acolyte. Other initiates were practicing their swordsmanship as well. Aeric couldn't help but notice many heads turning towards his would be companion. With a stern glare the initiates went back to their form. His attention turned back to the demon. He glanced her over Looking at her cumbersome robes.

" Are you wearing anything under those robes?" Aeric caught himself. " Anything decent?"

To his surprise she didn't try to make a tongue and cheek comment, but her face showed she wanted to.

"Yes, I am wearing a simple outfit tailored to accommodate my..uh... condition."

"Condition?" 

" My wings...sir." 

It seemed to weigh on her to use the term but Aeric was pleased to hear her act professionally. He walked over to the weapon stand and grabbed a couple practice swords. with a quick motion he tossed one to Dalia.
" You may remove the robes if you feel you would preform better" Dalia's willpower was put to the test as she repressed a smirk.
 

" Yes sir.." Her face still frozen to the best of her abilities.

She set the sword to her side as she began to undo her robes and in a very sensuous manner slid the garment off. Her wings expanded almost immediately, eagerly stretching from such a time being confined in the heavy robes. Revealing her true self. All eyes were on her, including Aeric. His mind wandered 'I'm sure she's had great practice doing that.' He almost jumped when he realized where his mind had gone. But he almost couldn't tear his gaze from her. She was wearing a very modest attire but every inch of her was seductive, from her obvious figure to her ample bust. 'She better not be the end of me' Aeric almost pleaded to himself. He quickly recomposed his thoughts and brought himself to the moment. He grabbed the practice sword and looked about him.
"Get back to your training!" As he spoke the initiates stumbled back to their lessons and exorcises. "Let us begin."
Aeric wasted no time in striking at the demon, a little too eager. It was a high strike, one which any rookie could block, and Dalia did not disappoint. After deflecting she replied with a thrust of her own, to which Aeric effortlessly parried.
"Don't extend yourself" Aeric rasped his sword on her back. " Never be too eager to show your enemy your back"
He swung again, a low sweep. it struck her thigh as she let out a moan, of pleasure or pain Aeric couldn't decipher. he didn't dwell on it as he rose his sword for another high strike. 

His strike fell quickly; instead of blocking Dalia evaded in a graceful step and swung to strike Aeric in the chest. Her sword landed with a satisfying "clang" as it bounced off his sturdy plate. Aeric grew a little too overconfident, but he couldn't help but grin.'She's better than I thought.' He was thankful she couldn't see his face. He reset his stance along with his companion. Dalia assumed a low guard and Aeric began his attack. For decent amount of time the two exchanged blows and parries. Aeric managing to score the final blow, or rather final bluff as he ended up with the tip of his wooden sword pointing at Dalia's very slender neck.
" Very impressive. I must say I was not expecting you to be such a challenge."
"I wasn't expecting you to let up your guard!" Dalia grinned arrogantly as she raised her sword and quickly struck at Aeric. 
Without breaking his stance Aeric steped aside and guided the overeager demon to the ground as he caught her hand and tripped her, as he rasped her back yet again. With graceful maneuvering the agile demon landed on her back instead of her face. Determined not to lose she flew back up only to have Aeric pointing at her throat again.
" Accept defeat with a little dignity." Aeric bellowed smugly
The demon's face cringed for a moment, but she stood and politely bowed out. She was so determined to show her mentor her swordsmanship. She didn't know the impact she had placed on the paladin, not with the condescending way he treated her. She almost yearned for his approval like a child yearning for the love of a cold father.

"One more bout!"

" No"

" Please! Mast- sir... We must have one more bout!" Her emotions begging to run wild.

" Acolyte! Do not presume to command me." He turned his back to her as he placed his sword on the rack. "Grab your robes and follow me, We are going to work on your form." 

Dalia felt a strong urge to get back at Aeric. She raised her sword ready to attack him in the back, she even pursed her lips to give the retort. She overcame her desire, but just barely. The Succubus grabbed her robes and followed Aeric to a large wooden pole with rope wrapped around it. Aeric gestured for her to take up a stance to strike the pole.
" Strike." Aeric barked assertively
Dalia stuck low, and followed through with another strike. Aeric watched and carefully scanned her stance for anything wrong. His eyes kept drifting to her waist, but he would constantly shoot them back up to her shoulders as she gracefully moved her body with every attack. Try as he might, Aeric's eyes kept drifting down. He noticed, she didn't have a tail, or maybe it was tucked away in her pants. Aeric mused on this as he noticed a budge bounce around on her waist. 'Ah! theres her tail.' He thought to himself. He watched her body flow as she grunted and swung at the pole. He was losing his thoughts to her. He was letting his guard down. He realized this and had to do something; anything to break this spell.
" You're leading with your off leg"

"Sir?"

" You are leading with your off leg, it makes you unbalanced and causes you to favor one side." Aeric walked up to her and began repositioning her. "an opponent will try to knock you down, and
being imbalanced will just leave you on your back."

"But I lik-" Aeric stopped her.

He moved behind her and guided her arm into a strike. This was a normal practice for any other initiate, which is why Aeric didn't think about it first. As he showed her the proper way to stand while slashing, she began to press herself into him. Not noticing at first Aeric continued, but eventually it became apparent. His helmet finally betraying him by letting her aroma waft into his nose. a sweet and soft smell that made Aeric's heart race. Rather than give credence to her acting with a response he simply backed off. 

" Now try it again with this stance. You'll be more centered." 
Aeric spoke trying not to show his heavy breath, but Dalia's keen senses picked up on the subtle change in his tone. It was her instinct to pick up on the subtle changes in mens' behavior. She was pleased with herself, but at the same time, she felt guilt. She honestly wanted to please Aeric, and to repress her demonic urges. She didn't want that life anymore. She struck the wooden pole over and over to clear her mind. His mind became a torrent of thoughts. He did his best to repress them, but he couldn't help but thinking them, what he felt, what he wanted to feel, most notably, what he wanted from her. Aeric rationalized away that as long as it was his thoughts he was safe, and if he never acted upon them no harm would befall him; his put up a good mental defense to prevent losing his mind. Aeric watched, this time he was cautious not to fall for her hypnotic body. He slipped up, and knew that if he didn't get a handle on his emotions again, he'd have another "caravan" to answer for., on the punishment would be his soul.

"Sir. Do you think I am ready for another bout?" She said still striking the pole.

" You are talking out of turn." Dalia fell silent.

Soon the Cathedral bells were ringing signaling the midday. This made Aeric aware that he had not eaten. His stomach begged him for food. He signaled for Dalia to stop her attacks.

" That shall be all for now. It is Midday, we should get food. That is, if you even need to eat."

" Yes, I do eat sir" Dalia giggled. " Don't worry, it wont be your essence." She spoke brazenly.

"Dress yourself then. You attract enough attention as is."

Aeric waited for Dalia to put her robes on and her equipment away for the next rotation of initiates. He lead impetuously towards the mess halls, forcing Dalia to hurriedly rush to catch up. 

The aroma of the mess hall grew stronger as the pair approached. Aeric was a man of simple tastes, and grew very fond of the food served in the cathedral, it was healthy, it was simple, and possibly most important, it wasn't that bad of a taste. Being a creature of vivid tastes Dalia was still getting used to her new meals. The two waited in line, this was just for Initiates, Aeric could go to the front and grab a plate, but he wanted to set an example for the succubus, as well he did not trust her to be on her own, for a moment. After they received their meals he lead her to an empty bench where they sat. Aeric took his helmet off, his face greeted by the cool and fresh air, his forehead lightly dotted with sweat. This was the first Dalia got to see Aeric. He was older than she hoped, somewhere around his mid thirties, but his occupation kept him healthy, in a sense. Despite his age, she still found him rather attractive. Getting a bit lost in thought she unconsciously began to imagine the rest of him. Aeric turned his head to look at Dalia, and she quickly turned to look forward.
" Acolyte, you may speak freely while we eat." His spoon dipped into the broth of his soup.
" Thanks." She spoke with a relaxed sigh, catching his gaze briefly with a curt smile.
If there was a food on this world she despised more than anything, it was bread. The taste of it, the texture, how it made her mouth so dry. The only satisfaction she got from it is if she dipped it in to her soup. Even that tasted bland for her. She slid the bread along the surface of the soup drawing imaginary patterns with the ripples.
" This sure isn't as satisfying as sex." She said monotonously as Aeric chortled on his soup from surprise. 

" I said you could speak freely, but do try to use some manners." Aeric shot a growling gaze at the demon.
" That's something I'll never get with people, why do you have a problem with sex?" She spoke in the same tone reluctantly twirling her bit of bread in the broth.
" I don't."
" Then why is it a bother? Morally its no different than eating." She turned to Aeric.
"Maybe for you, but there are other purposes we use it for." Aeric took a bite of his bread trying to appear unphased.
" Oh come on, I KNOW you've had sex for fun before." A playfully scheming look shot across her face.
Aeric turned to her. Their gazes locked, her smugness now pitted against his authority. Like two beasts about ready to fight they stared at each other without a word. In their minds they prepared themselves for the next sentence to come from each others mouth. ' Maybe I can toy with her a bit, see if she can tell if I am lying.' He was quick to dismiss the thought. The Succubus was trying to imagine Aeric sweet talking some wanting maiden, and taking her to her chambers for a night of passion. She humored her self with the thought of the noble Paladin bolting from the room quickly afterwords. Dalia broke the tension by sensuously licking her lips. She let out a laugh and broke the stare.
"You're too serious for your own good." She spoke still giggling a bit. " You don't have to answer I already know, because if there's one thing I know in this world, its men like you."
" Oh really? Then do tell, who am I?" He uttered with a grunt. Strongly regretting his decision to let the demon speak.
" Well..." she pured " The only thing stopping you from jumping me right now if the fear I might make a meal out of you. I don't thin-"
"Is this all you can think about?" He interrupted. He didn't feel she was far off. 
" Again, why is this such a difficult subject for you?"
" I don't kill when I fuck." 

His words caught the demon off guard. Such vulgar language, but at the same time it rather annoyed her. She wasn't a big fan of killing either, but she was more angry that he had a point. In the predatory aspect of it, she still considered him as a meal. She didn't want to, she knew she had full control over it, but the fact the thought remains. She was getting worked up, but then a thought popped into her head that calmed her down.
" You can't claim the moral high ground, look at what you are eating. I think that chicken wasn't to fond of being dead, or the cattle kept out back like the prospect of being food. We all have to remove something to gain it for ourselves."
" And thats all you see humans as? Maybe I should slay you now and be done with it." Aeric grinned smugly
Their eyes locked again. This time she simply looked away. 

" I'll admit it, I was a monster a long time ago. That's why I am here now." Her expression became heavy. " It- its just different for demons. We kill and hurt all the time with no consequence. I didn't really think about my actions because if you die, you pop up somewhere else. Just kinda figured it was the same with humans." Aeric let her continue. Her tone wasn't sad, but rather calm.
"The best way I can describe it to you, is imagine if stones were sentient? If you moved one, it was kidnapping; if you cut one, its murder. Whats it matter to you, they are stones. But just imagine how you'd feel in your marble castle when you found this out? That's kinda how I felt. I didn't really see my actions as wrong, till I found out, humans don't come back."
Aeric sat there silent, but his face acted on its own volition, a smile grew on his face, a small one, but listening to her talk he felt something. Hope. Hope that she could in fact be redeemed if she truly believed in this.
" Eh, its a stupid subject. I'm sorry for ranting." She quickly changed her tone.
" Now if only we could teach you a bit about manners." Aeric said jokingly, opening up to the demon for the first time.
"Says the swearing paladin!"
The two conversed comfortably for the first time. 

Time began to slip away for the two, and before they knew it hours had passed. With the bells ringing again they rose to continue with their day. Dalia's meal completely untouched. Unlike the casual setting there were in before, Aeric's resolve turned to stone again as he put his shield back up. Dalia would be compliant, but this time around, she was more willing to follow his instruction. still apprehensive, but she no longer wanted to make him look like a fool. Aeric No longer felt the need to use her as a means to vent the frustrations of his failings, or what other believed were his failings. Despite the rank difference, the two were getting along well. Aeric even let Dalia walk behind him, right by his side freeing each other from the initial distance the first felt. While only the ambient noise of the bustle around them could be heard, if was a calm silence.
After midday Aeric usually helped with tasks that needed to be done around the Cathedral ' A little handwork would do the girl some good' He thought. Usually helping Brother Tarus maintain the older parts of the Cathedral, Aeric found it prudent to have his fair companion do some gruntwork.
"Manual Labor, I'm sure this is one of the few things you can say you have never done before." Aeric's tone Smug, but playful. the words going over all but Brother Tarus' head.
Dalia smiled. " I'll get right on it sir." Those words going over Aeric's head.
The Succubus took her place with a few other initiates working in that area as well. Aeric kept an eye on her. but his thoughts began turning to the rest of the world. While grounded in the Cathedral he began to remember all the adventures he and his companions had. Wanderlust began to overtake him. Then his thoughts turned. 'What if she's improved enough I can actually train her in the field?' This became his new objective, his mind became set in stone. Whether for selfish reasons or not Aeric knew that this was beneficial for both of them. 

The day grew on.
After a few hours of running supplies back and forth, working to repair damages to the cathedral and general busy work, Dalia was sore. She was tough, but she wasn't built for manual labor. Trying to appear strong she pushed her aches from her thoughts in the hopes that Aeric would think well of her fortitude. Still trying to please a cold father. Aeric wouldn't notice, nor would he comment the way she hopped.
" Nothing like a day of good simple work." Aeric said warmly but authoritatively. The demon stayed silent.
Dusk soon approached as the sun's influence in the sky began to wane. The day was ending and Aeric was pleased at the progress made with Dalia. He almost looked forward to the next day. Dalia would feel the same. Since she still couldn't be too far from her Adept her boardings were switched to a vacant room near where Aeric slept. He showed her to her new quarters.
"This is where you'll sleep. It's not luxurious, but it's comfortable. Sleep well because you need to be up early, and I will wake you if need be." She nodded and entered the room. " If you need me, I am just down the hall. Good night." He neglected to mention they were the only two in the hall. Leaving Dalia to her own devises, he closed the door, and made for his own. Letting his body and mid relax, each step became painful as his armor had done little to protect him, and only cause more strain on his legs and shoulders.
Aeric retired to his room. Near ritualistically casting off his armor. His body thanking him from breaking free of their steel cocoon, and moving more freely from such a burden being lifted from them. He rested himself on his bed, is soar feet pulsing. He closed his eyes and fell asleep. His rest was to be interrupted. several hours later he heard a noise that woke him from is deep sleep. A knocking at his door.  


A piercing and shrill noise. Each knock shot through him stifling and alerting him. The knocks themselves were quiet and soft. Before he would open the door he knew who it was. His mind begged him to tell her off, but, in his tired stupor, he reached for the door and opened it. There she stood. Her long Black hair was undone hanging to her waist, her wings relaxed and unencumbered. She stood in front of him with only a single white silk sheet on her body. Her topaz eyes screamed desire.
" I need to say something." Her voice throaty and like velvet. Aeric was tired and therefore vulnerable. " May I come in?"
Aeric's will was nowhere to be found his mind was roaring with 'NO!' but he gestured her in." Whats the problem?" His voice somewhat foggy.
"It's us... Mas- sir. I haven't laid with a man in four months, and I am having great trouble repressing my urges with you." Her gaze was solid, she knew what she wanted, and she would get it.
'This was a trap, this has to be a trap!' His mind barked. Aeric was slowly waking himself up, but not fast enough. Her aroma was simply overpowering, her essence teeming with pure lust. The only thing between his body and her's was a sheet of silk. His heart rate began to quicken, his breath becoming heavy. Dalia saw this in Aeric and it began to excite her more. She could do little to stop herself. Both caught in each others wantings.
" I'd been debating for hours whether or not I should come here." Her chest heaving with every word, still suppressing her strong urge to force herself upon him.. " There will always be tension between us, unless I..unless we do something about it."
"Dalia." Her name, it was the first time he used her name. Her heart skipped a beat" I am your instructor, not your lover, if we were traveling adepts maybe I'd-" Thats all he could get out before she dropped the sheet. 

"I can control it, you wont die." she nearly pleaded.
" That's not what I am worried about." she stepped closer to him.
His eyes transfixed to her flawless body. His eyes skimmed every detail of her flesh. Gliding his sight along her figure, he couldn't resist looking. Her supple breast rising and falling with her heavy breath, her smooth belly that grew into her lush hips, finally stopping at her hairless mound. The thoughts in Aeric's mind quickly turned to passion between them. He wanted to take her body. He wanted to feel her soft flesh, her moist lips. Dalia's thoughts were similar. Her legs almost quaking at the thought of company. 'So close.' Aeric was lost to her body. Were he awake he could have mustered all his will to tell her off. But it was too late. 
"I won't hurt you." Her voice was as soft as the hand she caressed his face with. Without thinking He threw an arm around her. She threw her self at him. Their lips pressing together only to be parted as she pressed her sensuous tongue into his mouth. They kissed passionately as their hands became curious. His hand skimmed across her flawlessly smooth body to rest on her supple breast, slowly rubbing her, while her's was a bit more ambitious. She worked her hand under his garment. Her silky smooth touch rested on his member and wrapped around it as she began to pleasure him with her hand. Her mind reeling at the possibilities, the ways she could please him, to make him say her name again. She almost didn't even think about her satisfaction, she only wanted his. Aeric was frozen letting Dalia pleasure him. He knew this wouldn't end here. 'AERIC STOP THIS, YOU MUST STOP!' 

With the remnants of his shattered will he finally managed to wake up. His eyes flew open, and he pushed her away.
"We can't!" His words out of breath. " Please leave, we must be up early" That was all he could muster as he removed himself from her grip. He opened the door, and pushed her out of the room, slamming the door behind her. He turned and slid down the door breathing heavily. On the other side Dalia began to sob quietly Her fist curled tightly digging into her palm as she slammed her fist into the floor.' 
You idiot! You blew it, he thinks you want to kill him...' She kept thinking for a moment. 'Would I really have hurt him?' she picked her self up and reluctantly shambled to her room. She peered back at the cold and ominous door keeping her from her desire. She wouldn't sleep that night, she had to live with her actions in the morning that would be coming too soon.