Disclaimer: The characters of Gargoyles are property of Disney, Buena Vista Television. The character of Rath is property of DIC, a Mummies Alive character. Elspeth Ashake Coulter and Chas Q. Cassidy are property of Javagoddess, which I use with her permission. Marianne and Cameron Ellis are my own creations. This story is fanfiction and means no harm to either series.
I thank Javagoddess for helping me develop ideas for this story. This story is rated R for adult situations and scenes of a sexual nature. Mature readers only please. You have been warned.Memorable Rendezvous
Note this story is an interlude that takes place around the time that Oustings, Outings, and Obligations takes place.
By Trynia Merin.
Sunset smeared its red disc into green sherbert bands intermingled with red gold. Elisa threaded her Fairlaine quickly along the crowded rush hour traffic toward the Eerie building. It was almost five thirty, and she didn't want to waste any of her night off on impatient New York city drivers. Each ounce of energy would go to a much better use. A thousand times before she had driven this path, signing herself into the building without a hitch. Slipping into the private elevator for an ear popping ride to a literal castle in the clouds.
Till she shoved both hands in her pockets, waiting patiently for the double doors to open onto another time. Only the presence of some modern pieces of technology betrayed she was still in the twentieth, not the tenth.
"What's up guys?" Elisa asked, walking into the main quarters with her hands shoved into her pockets.
"Goliath's on the warpath," Brooklyn muttered, jerking his beak toward the entrance to the upper levels of Castle Wyvern. "I told him to lighten up, but then he stuck me with patrol! On the night I was going to check out that concert in Central Park!"
"What happened now?" Elisa asked, a wry smile on her dark face. "Did he catch Xanatos in some shady deal we shouldn�t know about?"
"Nah, nothing so exciting," Brooklyn snorted. "He�s just had this . . . attitude . . . like every little thing�s gonna set him off . . ."
There came a rumbling that broke into a roar Elisa knew very well. "Hey, back off! I had the net tonight!" came Lexington�s high pitched voice.
"Must you stare at that little box? Is this what this clan is coming to? Are we protectors, or slaves to technology?" came Goliath�s sharp reply.
"Hey, you let Hudson park in front of the tube, why�s this different? Besides, I�m protecting Cyberspace!"
Elisa rushed into the room, as Goliath hunched unapprovingly over Lex, who was slowly getting steamed. "I said that you and Brooklyn were on Patrol . . . "
"I am patrolling! You didn�t say where," Lex shot back.
"I do not appreciate your tone of insubordination," Goliath rumbled.
"Dinnae be so hard on the lad," came Hudson�s brogue. "If he wishes t� stare at the wee box to protect, then let him do so. Ye�ve already sent Brooklyn and Angela tonight . . ."
"Goliath, can I have a word with you?" Elisa asked, putting on her sweetest smile and marching right up to him. He turned, the scowl melting off his face as she turned on the charm. Doesn�t hurt, she told herself.
"Elisa, my apologies. I did not see you there . . ."
"That's my point big guy. Can you spare a minute to talk to your Detective?" she teased.
"Of course," he said, voice softening as her hand rested on his massive arm. Electricity was in her touch. Brooklyn never ceased to be amazed how Goliath backed down in the face of their human friend. Especially when that female friend had hold of his heartstrings.
"I�ll take over the watch, no prob," Brooklyn suddenly picked up on her as she winked at him.
"Very well. I will not be long . . ."
"Goliath?" she said, lifting an eyebrow.
Elisa put her hands on her hips, and he stopped, blinking at her. "Well, perhaps it will be . . . longer then I anticipated . . ."
"What's with all the serious stuff?" Elisa asked them while they were walking up the spiral stairs to one of the parapets.
"Serious stuff, I don't follow you, Elisa," he said, narrowing his brow ridges. "What do you mean?"
"You practically roared at Lexington. I could hear you halfway across the castle. Well, maybe not that far. But why make such a big noise over such a little deal?"
"He is dazzled by the devices of this new time," Goliath sighed. "I simply do not wish him to ignore the world outside his cyberspace . . . "
"Hey just because you don't care for it doesn't mean he shouldn't understand it. I mean he said he was protecting. There are a lot of criminals online, and if Lexington wants to go after them, hey! It's protecting, which is what you guys do anyway, right?"
"I suppose," Goliath shook his head, sable black hair spilling past his wings. "Even though we have been awake for nearly five years in this time, I still cannot become accustomed to all its wonders . . . "
"Maybe it's time you were introduced to another," Elisa muttered.
"What did you say?" he asked, stepping out onto the parapet overlooking the city. Far below stretched the Eerie building, sheathed in black glass so slick that rivaled the Trump tower.
"Getting some fresh air, maybe t' start with," she shrugged. In the ritual manner he slipped arms under her back and knees, lifting till she was snug in his arms. Two steps off the battlements, and a long drop till his wings spread wide to catch the updrafts. Silent save the distant noise of traffic and sirens the air ruffled her hair in the dark. It was a bit chilly, as she zipped up her red jacket and huddled closer to his chest for warmth. Cuddling up to him was like laying on a warm sun-drenched rock. He was solid, yet very warm underneath, smelling of stone and a musky scent she couldn't place.
"So what's stuck in your craw . . . I mean why are you barking at the others?" she asked him.
"I do not know a reason for it," Goliath sighed deeply. Sometimes he was so serious lately, she muttered to herself.
"I think I do. You're all cooped up Castle Wyvern, six gargoyles together, and your gonna get on each other's nerves. You need a vacation . . . Goliath . . . "
"How can I take a holiday, leave my responsibility as Clan Leader?" he asked.
"You tell me," Elisa said. "Remember Brooklyn did lead the Clan when we were on that World Tour. And did a damned good job too. And besides don't you and Hudson sometimes go off on separate patrols?"
"Sometimes I require solitude from the others," Goliath admitted. "But I cannot afford to be away for a great length of time when the Quarrymen are out there . . . and now the threats of the Dark ones . . . "
"Goliath, didn't you listen to a word I said?" Elisa snapped impatiently. "Give it a rest! Let someone else share the burden? Don't we have allies, after all? Derrick and the Mutates, the London Clan, King Arthur, even Chas and Marianne? Macbeth . . . "
"Macbeth is another unknown factor," Goliath said. "He has proved himself a good instructor and friend to our friend Marianne, but I still cannot trust him completely. Even when he was ally to King Arthur, he was still capable of being manipulated by the Weird Sister's sorcery."
"But he isn't anymore," Elisa reminded him. "Cause as you remember, painfully, he was released from his enchantment."
"Still, he has not completely convinced me of his loyalty even if he has publically defended us. Macbeth is a shrewd warrior who has his own agendas. Even if he does have a code of honor other enemies may lack."
"Well, at least that's more then you trust Xanatos," she said.
"Which is why I am reluctant to leave my clan under his protection. Save not to destroy us as we sleep."
"Yeah," Elisa muttered, pushing her hands into her pockets. "I know. But still, you should have a vacation. A change of scenery . . . if not for your sake, for mine . . . "
"Yours?"
"Yeah. Like you and I haven't had much quality time together. If we're a couple, we owe it to ourselves to take time to make things better. And we haven't had that chance for months!"
"You . . . are right, my Elisa," he sighed. "I have missed your presence at my side . . . And have not given myself time to enjoy what we have fought so hard to forge between us."
"So let's do something about it . . . starting tonight . . . " Elisa giggled mischievously.
"Tonight?" Goliath raised a brow ridge at her.
"Why not? It's my night off . . . and I know the perfect place . . . "
Lexington's fingers clacked across the keys of his terminal. Brooklyn looked over his shoulder, more then just a little bored at the whole scene. He'd sent Broadway and Angela on a patrol, taking a cue from Elisa that maybe the two lovebirds needed some quality time like the leader and their friend.
"Quality time," he snorted. "Wish I had someone to make quality time with . . . "
"Don't get me going on that too," Lexington growled sympathetically.
"Hey, why don't you just go back into your chat room," Brooklyn growled back.
"You could do that," Lexington said, turning to him. "I mean after all nobody cares what species you are on the Internet . . . "
"Yeah," Brooklyn suddenly realized. Then darkened again. Something crawled inside him, an irresistible urge to get away from the routine. Staring at the same castle walls night after night was beginning to grate on his nerves. That and seeing Broadway and Angela's frolicking about lately. It was blatant their love for each another, and it was getting damn annoying. At least Lexington could escape on the computer. As for him, well, there was the night sky over Manhattan.
"See you round. I'm going out on that Patrol myself," he said, waving to Lexington. With a call to Hudson he rushed up the stairs to the high towers where they perched during the day. As he spanned his wings in preparation to jump, a black shape passed over the crescent moon.
"What the hell?" he wondered. For a moment he feared it was Demona. For the shape was feminine, tapered with large bat wings. It wasn't Goliath with Elisa. Perhaps it might be Angela?
Hope mated with his anticipation, and Brooklyn leapt off the roof, catching the updraft from a quarter mile below. In a graceful spiral he climbed to match the trajectory of the new shape. City lights showed a jade figure, with scarlet rosette membranes on its wings. White spirals ran up and down its legs as he closed the gap betwixt them.
She was gorgeous, he was certain it was a she. The three-dimensional curve of her bosom beneath an indigo jacket, and the unmistakable shimmer of tapered long legs bore witness to the fact. Was she gargoyle?
"Hey there!" he called, matching her speed. An amused laugh echoed over the city as she playfully dipped and hairpin turned. Long russet locks spanned out from behind a horned brow, like a rill. He caught another glimpse of scaley skin, not at all gargoyle like, more draconian.
"Catch me if you can young one!" came her musical laugh.
"You're on!" he cried, streaking after her on the next turn. The tail tapered to a spade-shaped point, which was connected to a glorious arse on its other end. Sheathed in blue jeans ripped in the right places.
Back and forth they circled, neither one gaining the advantage on the other. Till he found her flying right at his shoulder. "Hey baby, new in town?" he came out with, then cringed inwardly when he realized how cheesy this pickup line was.
"Actually yes," she giggled, a pair of green grey eyes fixing into his own. Sizable breasts puckered out her T-shirt and jacket, with a logo partly hidden under it. He recognized the letters, "avagod" curving in two places. Some rock band?
"What's your name? I mean . . . well . . . you gotta excuse me for staring, but there aren't very many female gargoyles around here . . . "
"What makes you think I am a gargoyle," came her laugh, as she flicked her tail and whirled towards the street.
"Hey wait up!" he cried, and banked after her. He glided on the updrafts, just ten feet above the street. She laughed again, flicking her tail against the street light he narrowly avoided.
"Pay attention to your flying!" she laughed.
"I'm admiring the view!" he called. How could she stay only a few leagues ahead of him if they were usign the same wind? He got an excellent view of her flanks tensing beneath the fabric of the tight jeans. Rips appeared in strategic places. Quickly she reached a building, and flicked herslef upwards. Brooklyn almost crashed into the building if he hadn't righted himself in time. He jerked his body around at the last minute, soaring into an alley. Laughter echoed amidst the buildings, and he caught a glimpse of her jade body sailing by the gap of the alley. Chuckling himself, he waited.
She circled back, and glanced for him. A mischevous smile on his beak, he flattened against the ally wall. Claws held him firmly in place. She alit on the wall opposite, a frown on her lovely face.
"Gotcha!" he laughed, hurling himself at her. His fingers tickled her sides, and she twisted, brushing her tail over his legs.
"Naughty naughty, sneaking up on me like that!" she scolded gently. Before he knew it he was holding empty air, and the gargoyle female flew on ahead.
"Wait up!" he again panted. She led him on a merry chase among traffic clogged streets, narrowly avoiding the overhead signs before she circled on a convenient thermal near times Sqyare. People gasped at the site of two gargoyles gliding silently by. "Wait! You gotta watch out..."
He grabeed her as she shot past. "Are you nuts?" he asked. "If people see us, we could be in danger..."
"What danger?" she asked.
"Quarrymen! Don't you know?"
"Live a bit, young one," she said to him, working her way out of his protective grasp again.
"I'm... Brooklyn," he stammered out. "What is your name?"
"Elspeth," she said.
"Hey, you want to go somewehre a little less... noisy?" he asked.
"There are more of you?" she asked, raising a brow ridge at him. "I'd love to meet your clan..."
"Follow me!" he said. "Just look for that castle in the clouds!"
She reached the ramparts well before him, circling majestically to land. Her gliding was excellent, almost an equal to Hudson's. Speaking of the which, Hudson and Lexington had come out to see what the fuss was about, and both were ogling the strange new gargoyle-like female that landed neatly on tapered long legs.
"Jalapena," Lexington gasped, feeling his mouth dropping open.
Hudson scolded beside him saying, "Dinnae let yer yap hang like a doggoyle! Tis not nice to stare in the presence of a lass . . . "
"You are too kind, sir," she laughed, capeing her wings and striding up to Hudson. He dropped on one knee, kissing her offered claw while Lexington and Brooklyn drooled. Such a lovely shape to those wings, and those white spirals down her neck and thighs were incredible. Around her neck glistened an Egyptian cartouche, beneath a larger cluster of gold fingernail sized charms.
Something seemed almost bewitching about her beauty, the jade and russet all in one.
"Wait a minute . . . how do we know she's ok?" asked a suspicious voice. Angela had just landed with Broadway, who was also having a difficult time keeping his eyes off the new gargoyle.
"Look, I understand your suspicion," she answered, smiling charmingly. "I take it there are not many of you left in your clan . . . "
"Yeah," sighed Lexington dreamily.
"But who are ye?" asked Hudson. "If ye Dinnae mind us asking lass . . . "
"Actually a friend of a friend of yours," she laughed. "Which I had been meaning to ask if you knew where she was . . . "
"A friend of ours?"
"A certain forensic scientist," she said, a mischievous twinkle in those eyes, which suddenly turned a different shade, closer to the jade green of her scales. "Late of San Francisco..."
"Wait a bit nau," Hudson held Brooklyn and the others back. "Ye wouldna be playing wi us lass, fer I ken the feel of magic. And I am hoping I'd not be wrong in presuming ye are of the Third Race?"
"Aww you're no fun," she pursed her lips at Hudson, as if he'd spoiled her game. "You Mentors always were near impossible to fool!"
"How did you know?" Brooklyn looked at Hudson.
"Her eyes changed color. Dinna ye notice when ye were chasing her?"
"I don't think he was looking at her eyes," Lexington began, before a sharp look from Broadway shut him up.
"Truth be told I am not what I seem. But then again, there are many sides to friends and allies," she answered lyrically. "But I do so love being a gargoyle for a change. Gets boring being human all the time . . . you know . . . "
"Are you a Child of Oberon?" Brooklyn asked.
"Goddess no," she laughed. "He's a bit high strung, that fellow. Let's just say we know each other by reputation."
Elspeth reached into her jacket pocket, and extracted a small bound travel diary. While she opened her coat, Brooklyn and Lexington were treated to a better view of those large breasts curving beneath that tight t-shirt. It had to be an extra large, and still the words "Javagoddess" bulged in two sizable mounds.
"Laura Croft eat your heart out," Lexington muttered.
"But for my first question," Elspeth said. "Have you seen Marianne Ellis. I stopped by the address she'd given . . . but there was none at home . . . "
"Oh, didn't she tell you," Brooklyn asked. "She's moved."
"Moved, to where?" she asked, still puzzling over the address book.
"With her boyfriend," Lexington broke in before Hudson shot him a sharp look. "They're living together now . . . "
"Really," laughed the female, and half to herself continued, "That rogue, he might have told me. No matter . . . "
"Wait a minute . . . you're . . . Ashake?" asked Hudson, narrowing his eyes at her.
"Who me?" she pretended to joke.
"Marianne had been mentioning a friend o' hers. One who was a powerful sorceress, of Sidthe blood...." Hudson said, glancing her up and down.
"Aw he guessed it," Ashake laughed heartily, pressing a kiss to the old gargoyle's cheek. Hudson pretended to wince, but inwardly his old heart leapt at the touch of her lips. It was not every day that a beautiful gargoyle female, even if she was a shape shifter, kissed his grizzled countenance.
"What a lovely name," Brooklyn sighed deeply. Broadway shook his head at the love besotted members of the Trio. Even Hudson gazed at her wishfully. Lexington couldn't tear his eyes away from her lovely wings!
There came a grumbling snort as a green and gold shape landed nearby, emerald eyes glaring at every one of the young males. "Honestly how you ever convinced me to wear this shape is beyond me . . . " he groused in an English accent. Before all eyes fell on him with question.
He was tall and lithe, covered in emerald scales with gold on his wing membranes and belly, and a rather serpentine countenance with long tapered chin. A gold brow ridge thick with serpent scales and long bony spurs on his elbows and knees set off the rest of his body, which was sheathed in an Egyptian style kilt and a serpent amulet that glittered at his throat. A tall green hat, some would call a henhet decked his otherwise bald head, tapering to a point over his triangular brow ridge.
"Oh, admit it Green eyes, you've never looked cuter," she giggled, striding up to him on those lovely arched feet to twine her tail around his. Both of them were draconian scaled, almost a hybrid of gargoyle and dragon, closer to Dragon.
"And are these . . . Marianne's acquaintances?" the green gargoyle gestured with one claw.
"Ahem," Hudson coughed. Brooklyn was trying to figure out just what the body language between these two meant. Especially when Ashake twined her arm into his and flickered a serpentine tongue over his cheek. That whine beneath the fellow's breath was unmistakable. Few Scottish gargoyles had forked tongues like these two had. Was this gargoyle a shapeshifter, or one of their kind?
"I must apologize, sir," came the hastened reply as the new gargoyle bowed respectfully. They noticed the strange tall hat upon his head, which gleamed in the moonlight. "Ashake tends to be a bit remiss in social introductions. I am Rath . . . scribe of Amenhotep, and friend to Marianne Ellis . . . "
"That's great and all, but what are you doing here?" asked Angela, impatiently. "Marianne never warned us about you coming to visit, and she never mentioned she knew other gargoyles!"
"I am not as you say a gargoyle," Rath sniffed lightly. "It was Ashake's idea to surprise you. Why she insisted was beyond me . . . "
"Oh lighten up, you old badger," she scolded him. "Thought you'd enjoy interacting with others of your kind actually. But in all seriousness, we were in the neighborhood, and just thought we'd stop by and introduce ourselves. Since Fox Xanatos is a personal friend of Marianne . . . "
"How did you change?" asked Lexington, interested. "I mean if you aren't gargoyles . . . then . . . "
"A simple shaping spell," Rath explained, shutting his eyes partway. "Simple . . . for those of us who don't have the innate talent . . . "
Here he glanced witheringly at Ashake, who stuck her tongue out at him. "Incredible," muttered Broadway. "To be able to wear whatever form you want . . . "
"It has its uses," said Rath. "Now, if you'll be so kind as to introduce yourselves, and tell us where we can find Marianne . . . "
"Green-eyes don't be so direct. I mean it won't hurt to get to know them first. You're so single-minded!"
"Come in fer a cup of tea," Hudson said. "I'll be telling the Xanatos' yer here . . . and perhaps ye can call yer friend t' join us . . . "
"Do we have to continue this charade?" Rath whispered fiercely to Ashake.
"Admit it, you're having fun being a gargoyle," she whispered back. "I saw you flying around the moon on our last pass!"
Goliath landed with Elisa in Central Park. "I thought you had said that this place was closed . . . after dark . . . "
"We've got till one," she said. "Besides, who's going to think to look for us here. There's a concert here, remember?"
"Strange to hear you speak of sneaking around," Goliath rumbled, setting her gently to the ground. Capeing his wings, he strode next to her.
"Well, that's only half of it tonight. Come with me. I've got something to show you . . . "
Goliath followed, not quite sure of what she was up to. That planning look in her face, tempered with the sparkle in her dark eyes unnerved and excited him. Ever so slowly his temperature crept a degree higher. She slipped her hand around his claw, pulling him after her.
Distantly the gentle strains of classical music met his sensitive ears. When all he had heard before was the beating of his own heart behind his temples. "A concert in the park," he muttered. "You and I have heard them before . . . "
"But never like this I'll wager," Elisa giggled. She lead him into a shaded area, where very little light shined down through the leafy green canopy.
"What is the meaning of this," he began, before she vanished into shadow.
"Come on big guy, don't just stand there. Come on!" she gestured with one hand. Goliath decided to play whatever game this was. It should prove interesting, no matter its outcome. Why was a small cloth draped over a basket that she pulled out from behind one tree? She must have come here earlier, leaving it in a concealed place behind a bush.
"Sit down," she said, whipping out the cloth and spreading it out under the tree. Goliath saw the gleam of light off a glass bottle, and various paper wrapped bundles that smelled of roast beef, and vegetables. Like what Matt Bluestone called a deli. Elisa produced a small light stick, shaking it up and breaking the glass. A low green glow shone into both their faces, and she placed it in an old-fashioned candle holder at the center of the arrangement of food.
"Come on, I won't bite," she patted a spot beside her after she knelt on the edge of the blanket. Tentatively Goliath caped his wings and squatted on his haunches. Uncomfortable for a human but very second nature for a gargoyle. A strange musky scent lay on his nostrils, much like the night when . . .
But that was a fluke, wasn't it, he told himself. When they had been together in Avalon, after the whole business with King Arthur and their new friend Marianne. Goliath found his mind slipping back six months time, to that banquet so long ago. It was only a an hour on Avalon, but it had been a whole few days that had passed. They were loathed to spend the night, but it seemed hard to let it go to waste.
"Do you know what day it is?" Elisa whispered from one direction.
"Pardon?"
"It's been five years, since we first met," she whispered. "And five years to this day when I first found out . . . that you turned to stone . . . "
"And you and I . . . " he whispered.
"Two years since we had told each other what we felt," Elisa said.
"And one year since you had ceased to spend time in the company of Jason," Goliath added.
"Are you certain that you have not regretted that decision . . . "
"How can you ask that question?" Elisa's voice came. "Didn't I make myself clear . . . how I had felt . . . that night?"
"In Avalon," Goliath replied, tentatively. "Forgive me, but I had not remembered . . . till last night. Do you regret . . . what happened thence?"
"No Goliath," came her answer. "I was thinking . . . that you had. Because it's been a long time since we . . . "
"I had begun to think you had forgotten, my Elisa," came his answer through the shadow of the trees. He could smell her just before him, her musky scent strong in his nostrils. Strong and sweetened with the hint of what she called deodorant. Secret solid, a light floral scent.
Tiny spots of light traced over her form as she stepped forwards. He glimpsed her dark eyes glinting in scant light, glancing up at him. Deep and dark, brimming with questions.
"I guess . . . we've both been busy. And with what happened to our friends lately, it made me realize how it could all be over in a second . . . "
"The tidings of our friend's brush with death were most disturbing," Goliath reached out a claw to brush a strand of her dark hair out of her face. She rested her warm soft hand upon that one, stroking up and down his rugged thick skin with the delicateness of a butterfly.
"It could all be over, like that," she snapped her fingers sharply. "Me with a gunshot wound, or you . . . from a Quarryman's hammer. Into little pieces Goliath. One second alive, the next . . . oblivion . . . "
"My Elisa you should not think of such unpleasant things. My clan is your clan . . . with us you need not fear . . . "
"Yes Goliath," she sighed. "But I realized . . . how sometimes we take things . . . people . . . friends for granted. And before we know it they're taken from us forever. I... don't want it to happen . . . to you . . . to us . . . Goliath."
Her voice seemed so small and scared at that moment, tapering into silence. Claws cupped around her chin, tilting it to look him in the face. "I swear it will not, my Elisa," his voice rumbled deep in his throat. "I will always protect you, as you protect me . . . "
"But that's not enough, is it?" Elisa glanced up at him. "We've been so slow . . . "
"I had assumed it was your wish," he returned. "I had no wish to see you hurt. As you have been before . . . with the men that you have chosen. I did not want to rush what has taken so long to grow . . . to nurture . . . "
"It didn't stop us . . . on Avalon," came her reply.
"No, it did not," he said, closing his eyes. She took his claw again, pulling him closer to her.
"Listen to the music Goliath. Share it with me," she whispered. "Just . . . be with me . . . "
He wrapped his membranous wings around her form, which shivered in the night wind. Stood with his chest to her back and embraced her from behind with arms and wings. She leaned her head back, glancing up into his face with nothing but love in her eyes. All the awkward questions vanished away on the strains of music for the next half-hour. Between roast beef sandwiches and sips of Merlot they remembered the path that had brought them hence.
It had seemed like an eternity. How carefully they had kept their feelings hidden. Till she had expressed her love. And even then the progress seemed painfully slow. The week after they had shared their first kiss, and the first night out, the Quarrymen had struck. Jason Canmore had languished in the hospital, and Elisa had spent a portion of her time helping to bolster his spirits. Goliath had accepted this division of her time, for she always returned to spend time with him. Then the Quarrymen attacks had increased in frequency, and Elisa had less and less precious time to share. Before the night when she finally had spoken to him, and told him that perhaps it was safer if the humans did not suspect she had a link to them. He had respected her wish to stay away, to remain in the safety of friendship. But that light which had gone on had vanished. Their meetings seemed incomplete.
Then came the day when she had suggested a double date. To his surprise and shock, she clung to Jason Canmore's hand, and brought the slender tapered beauty of Delilah. Goliath tolerated this, but felt a stab of fear in his heart. Elisa had chosen her kind over him. Kindly he had treated the clone, which he still considered an abomination, till the evening's end. Where Elisa took Jason home. And he did not see her for the next two weeks.
It had gone on for a while, first with Jason, then Officer Morgan. Each wishing the other well in their separate pursuits of love. Till the night when Goliath could stand the emptiness no longer. He found no comfort alone, and missed their closeness. Nevertheless, it had been a tough road since then, piecing together their friendship once more. And finally admitting they'd both been wrong. A friendship of five years was now full circle. Where they pledged to give themselves another chance.
Then Avalon happened. That night on Avalon after the victory feast where Morgana's plans had been thwarted by the new champion of St. George, and her lover, the Taliesin of Avalon.
Chas and Macbeth had buried their feud for one night. Katharine and Tom had supervised the making of a huge feast in Oberon's palace. The Lord of Avalon was elsewhere with his lady Titania, and the place was all theirs.
Macbeth and King Arthur had toasted many a drink late into the night. Ophelia and Angela had shared snatches of conversation about the goings-on upon the island. A brooding Gabriel had heard the choice of his beloved rookery sister Angela, and disappeared into a sulk. Excusing himself, Goliath moved out to find the youth, and hear his news.
"I should have expected it, shouldn't I?" came Gabriel's dull voice as he heard Goliath's footfalls.
"I had suggested it was only fair that she did tell you, my son," Goliath rumbled, laying a sympathetic claw on the youth's shoulder. He still thought of all the rookery children as his, in the traditional gargoyle style. Even though he suspected Gabriel was Coldstone's son, genetically. But they were all clan, family.
"I had hoped . . . she would return . . . with tidings from the outside world. That she would join us again . . . " Gabriel' fist tightened.
"But she has grown, changed," Goliath said. "You cannot preserve her like a fly in amber, my boy."
"I know. But my heart is sad . . . "
"You will find another," said Goliath. "Love changes and grows. Else it would not be love. Would you have her stay, to please you?"
"My heart tells me yes, but my mind knows she has made her decision," Gabriel growled. "Of course she would prefer a male of the outside world, of more experience then here . . . "
"That is only because Avalon's time moves differently from our own," Goliath told him. "You will remain young, as she will age. And it is even more prevalent to you that she has so changed . . . "
"She has outgrown me," he sighed. "As I feared . . . "
"She has grown. But you will soon. And make a fine leader of the clan. I am quite proud of you, my son."
"I thank you. But it appears another wishes your council . . . " said Gabriel, jerking his head in the direction over Goliath's shoulder. For the dark shape of Elisa wandered out of Oberon's palace, leaving the feasting far behind. Other gargoyles had slipped away, in pairs as they flitted about the moon. Angela was not far behind, talking with Ophelia in hushed excited tones. Seeing Gabriel, she turned away with tears in her eyes. Elisa patted her shoulder, moving toward the two males.
"You're missing the party," she quipped, hands thrust into her pockets.
"I required some air, my love. You must forgive me for leaving so abruptly," Goliath said.
"Hey, don't worry," Elisa smiled. "You had more important things to do . . . "
"Forgive me for taking your time, Goliath," Gabriel inclined his head. "I will think on what you have said, and take my leave. There is no reason why my sorrow should mar the promise of this night . . . "
"If you wish to talk . . . "
"No, enjoy yourself," Gabriel said, capeing his wings as he backed into the night.
"Should you not be resting, Elisa?" Goliath asked. "I had seen you yawning much this night . . . "
"It's okay," she yawned. "I really needed some air. But come back with me, ok?"
"Very well if that is your wish," Goliath nodded, offering his arm. Elisa slipped hers into his, and they strode back together. She glanced down at her feet as they walked along, not able to meet his gaze with hers.
"What troubles you my love," he asked, not able to stand the uncomfortable silence. He stopped her with one firm hand on hers.
"What do you think," she muttered, pulling her arm away. "I let myself be taken over by some ghost! And Morgana played me like a cheap game of poker!"
"Elisa you had no control over that," Goliath said firmly. "You must believe me when I say."
"But you said you saw me and Arthur . . . kissing. You almost tore his head off. The fact that I let . . . someone else take me over and cheat on you . . . "
"Elisa, is that what is troubling you?" Goliath asked, taking her hand. "It was not in your hands. But the desperation borne of two souls wishing to unite . . . "
"That's very nice for them. But us! I almost lost you because that damn sorceress brainwashed me into thinking that you were holding me back . . . "
"Elisa," he sighed. "Please do not blame yourself. Put it behind you . . . as you have so many other times before. We are stronger because of it. And you are here now . . . "
The feasting noises came fainter now. Dark shapes of gargoyles spilled out as male and female chased each other off the parapets, darting too and fro. The sounds of distant laughter filled their ears. It was apparent what they had on their minds. When the laughter mingled with shrieks Elisa felt a bit embarrassed for she well knew what was the cause.
"Forgive the free voices of my children," Goliath whispered to her as he sensed her embarrassment. "Gargoyles are less restrained when it comes to . . . mating . . . "
"You, less restrained?" Elisa raised an eyebrow at him. Already she was filled with rich venison and Tom's mead. The disappointment and bitterness were slowly retreating in the flush of nerves. "How could
you be less restrained, Goliath?"He chuckled at her light jab. "I don the role of Leader of the clan very seriously do I not?" he asked.
"That's an understatement," Elisa rested a hand on her hip, crooking her lips into a lopsided smile.
By now they had returned to the feasting hall, painted in the dying hues of the great fire. Tom poked at the sleepy embers with another long stick, sparks crackling in protest with another new log thrown on. Katharine slipped her cloak about her aged shoulders, her silhouette moved toward her love. Soft words passed betwixt them, interrupted only at the sight of Goliath and Elisa's return.
"Ah Elisa, I did not see you there," Katharine whispered. "Will ye be wanting t' stay the night?"
"I dunno, it depends on how much more vacation time I can wring outta Captain Chavez," Elisa joked.
"You must be exhausted. Surely they would understand a few days rest," Tom offered. "If not, stay the hour, and the hatchlings will be more then glad t' escort ye out."
"We thank you for your hospitality," Goliath said. Already Macbeth had disappeared, for his chair was empty. Only Marianne and Chas remained, softly sitting in the light of the fire in a large chair. Chas had Marianne cradled in his lap, gently stroking her hair as his one hand clasped around her waist. Both looked closely into each other's eyes. The chair was Katharine's a sturdy thing ornately carved that had seen centuries perhaps. Slowly they sipped mead by firelight, eyes fixed into the embers as if the rest of the world did not exist.
"I'm kinda tired," Elisa yawned, sitting down on the hearth rug near them. "Thanks for everything, Princess . . . and Tom . . . "
"Sleep well my Princess," Goliath bowed to her as they took their leave.
"There is plenty of firewood. Help yerself," Tom offered. "G-night to ye all!"
"I trust you are staying?" Goliath asked Chas.
"Sorry we didn't see you there," Marianne apologized.
"It is not for you to worry," Goliath held up his claw.
"You guys are busy anyway," Elisa chuckled. "So, enjoying yourselves?"
"For a few hours anyway," Chas laughed. He glanced knowingly at Marianne, who rested her head on his shoulders.
Elisa felt the gentle fall of leathern wings draping around her, and a solid body behind her. Goliath crouched there, resting his talons on her shoulders. Ever so tenderly those claws brushed through her hair. Amazing how someone so powerful had such a gentle hand. Elisa absorbed the heat of the fire, magnified by Goliath's wings. A goblet of mead sat next to Chas' chair. With a smile the half fey lifted it to his love's lips, tipping it to give her a drink. Marianne lightly laughed, nearly losing her mouthful as Chas took the next drink. They looked so natural together, their dark raven hair almost merging into one black mass.
She shifted in Goliath's wings, turning to face him before the huge hearth. Brown eyes glanced into dark ones shadowed by the furrowed brow ridge. A low growl sounded in his throat as he felt her fingers working along his jaw. Her hands had minds of their own as she slipped her hands down to caress his chest. Within the space betwixt them his claw lightly traced down her shoulder. Goliath had two mugs of spiced mead he placed near the hearth to warm in their gold goblets.
"You are lovely in the firelight my Elisa," came his words. "AS if you were in my own time, not placed in the busy island of Manhattan."
"I'm feeling a bit enchanted myself. How much alcohol was in that mead stuff anyway?"
"Perhaps fair near 20 percent," came Marianne's light soprano laugh. She sat across his knees sideways, linking her arms around his neck. Reaching up she loosened his ponytail from the ornate barrette that clasped it back. A cascade spilled over his shoulders, nearly reaching his waist.
"Lord your hair is twice as long as mine," she chuckled, feeling its texture. Elisa found her own fingers braving their way through Goliath's sable locks. Always tossed back behind his head, it had its own texture much like the mane of a horse. She'd ridden one years ago in some city summer camp in the Catskills.
A shriek and giggle came from Marianne as Chas slowly began to unbutton her shirt. She protested for a moment, then gazed into the depths of his blue eyes. Moving her hand aside she let him continue, sliding her own hands within the robes he wore. Still he had that Avalon bardic garb, which made him seem to belong to this mystical realm. Fingers tested the smooth heather wool, reaching for the fastenings.
"This isn't happening," she whispered to herself. Elisa felt Goliath's hands tracing up and down her body like fine dancers. Sensations shivered all over her skin, though it was still fully clothed. Drawing in her breath sharply she traced her hands along his chin, his cheek, closing her eyes as she folded her arms behind his head. Glancing past his cheek she noticed the other two lovers locked in a passionate deep kiss. This gave her the courage to press her lips to Goliaths, as she had dared do months before. He was not used to this gesture, as he stiffly wrapped arms around her, his wings tossing back in surprise. His lips were firm, large and tasting of mead. To him hers were soft, luscious as that of the rose petal. What a strange custom, Goliath thought internally. As he felt, Elisa's hot breath seeping into his mouth he felt his tail slowly swishing back and forth in conflict. Slowly it crept around, slipping up her bluejeaned thigh.
Elisa broke off the kiss with a gasping shriek. "Whoa, what was that . . . " she gasped, and Goliath gave an innocent, "who me" look that was priceless. Gazing again past his wing she noticed the two lovers sprawled upon the vast carpet, not too farm from them. Chas lay across the floor, pulling Marianne gently with him to lay upon his slender form. A gasping cry choked back as his hands worked their way into her shirt, and slipped it aside. They retreated further and further into their own world, headless of Goliath and Elisa's presence.
She snapped her attention back to an amused Goliath, who peered at her. They shared their look of silent mirth. What did they have to fear here? Chas and his lover writhed in each other's dancing caresses now, Marianne pulling at the fastenings of his robe with a reckless abandon.
Slowly something live and warm had snaked its way around her thigh, moving to tickle her waist beneath the waistband of her jacket. "Okay, so that's how ya wanna play it," she breathed deeply, shoving back her fear and hesitation. Her hands seemed so limited as they traced along his spine, brushing lightly along where wings joined back. The response was immediate and explosive as a low roar echoed in the chamber. Over his flaring wings she glimpsed pale pink flesh against olive as Marianne caressed Chas's bare chest. Elisa couldn't help but admire his sleek lines, a rampant blue dragon upon the left pectoral, and the twin serpents snaking around each powerful wrist. Even the dark blue mottling of a ring of horned dragons and serpents wended their way around his upper left arm. What a piece of work he was.
Elisa felt the tail slowly probing her clothing fastenings. She lifted his clawed hand to her bosom, gently brushing it there. Inviting him to cup it around her breasts to feel their softness. This raised his brow, his claws shaking as they lightly raked across the material of her shirt. A sensual shiver tossed her black hair backwards. A low growl sounded in his throat when she continued to caress his back, chest, and down along his flanks toward his tail. She straddled his powerful knees with her thighs, suddenly succumbing to the urge to press herself closer to him.
Marianne's head threw back as Chas hand caressed down her rump, slowly pulling off her leggings. Both were bare now, save the golden torque gleaming in the firelight upon his chest, blocked by the view of Marianne's shoulder blades. Her bobbed hair crackled with static electricity, his fingers tunneling through it. Bare breasts pressed close to his chest, her legs wrapping around his waist.
Simultaneously the claws slipped at her shirt, and Elisa helped to pull it up out of her pants. The tail slipped between her waist and belt, tickling her ribs. She choked back a gasp, her heart racing. Those claws traced over her breasts now, delicately kneading them in probing strokes.
"It's okay big guy," she whispered to him. "Don't be bashful now . . . "
Gently his tail unfastened her jeans, his claws helped her as she crossed her arms and wriggled her t shirt over her head. A black lace bra sung against cinnamon caramel skin, radiant in the firelight. Goliath's eyes widened at the view of so much human flesh. She grumbled as she wriggled her way out of her blue jeans, assisted by his tail. Oh how wonderful the firelight felt upon her skin, absorbing its radiance. For a while he explored her bare skin with gentle feather touches of his claws up and down her bare back. Elisa shuddered a gasp with the touches, the fire erupting over her skin. Was it still in the fireplace or had it escaped?
"You are so lovely," he rumbled deep in his throat.
"And you're not so bad looking yourself mister," she panted, hardly believing she had the courage to reach downwards toward his leather belt. Was it the gasps and moans of the other couple that granted her such boldness. Marianne shrieked while Chas's full lips devoured her bare creamy breasts, golden in the firelight. His muscled form rolled her beneath him, hands traveling their way all along her body. They lay upon his discarded cloak and bardic robes, skyclad and lost within their passion now.
From outside the distant banshee howls mingled with roars. A loud wailing cry wafted down from upstairs, shivering Elisa to the bone with a wave of thrill. She felt she would die unless the massive shivers in her stomach were unleashed. Only Goliath could liberate her from the crawling in her skin that set her whole body on fire. Her hands found him beneath his woolen loincloth, a gasp of surprise escaping her lips at the extent of her discovery. Was this going to work?
Chas leaned into Marianne, his manhood strong and firm. She had caught a glimpse of his side despite her effort to hide, thrusting downwards into his lover. Marianne's stifled cry of "Chas!" indicated his masterful entry. Lips locked as her legs wrapped around his waist to pull him in closely.
Slowly Goliath pulled her hands to himself, letting her feel his dimensions. "I don't know . . . " she whispered, doubtful as she glanced up at him. Already his face tensed up with the pleasure of her touch. She could just about wrap her hand around his thickness, feeling the heat and onrush of blood as it expanded. It had its own life and vibrancy now, moving beneath her fingers as his tail's tip traced along her inner thigh.
"Oh god," she yelped, shivering. Wings wrapped around her, enfolding her in a lover's embrace.
"Trust me Elisa," he whispered, pressing a kiss to her lips. "As I trust you . . . "
She sensed he would not harm her, as long as she was careful. How much he must be holding back, his fangs biting down his tongue to stifle the low roar. She let his claws lift her effortlessly, tail coaxing her legs apart. It felt as it a butterfly were flitting there between her burning thighs. Elisa moaned at the small wave of pleasure overcoming her. Very gently the tail judged the size of her within, slipping inside as if to probe her for the first time. As the tip slipped up inside, she stifled a sharp gasp, and a whimper of pleasure. Fire shot from betwixt her legs, expanding in a shockwave that left her limp with surrender. Her hands closed around his phallus, slipping and kneading in tandem with the delicious occurrences within her nether regions.
Marianne's head threw back, a loud scream racking against the night. Chas loud bellow undergirded it as both lovers formed an upright sandwich of flesh. Her pale thighs over his firm hips that rocked in complete unison, their arms locked around their gasping forms that panted in ever increasing pitch. Fingers clasped as Marianne's fingernails drew blood on Chas' bare hands.
Ever so slowly he eased Elisa down, controlling each step of the way. Her vaginal muscles ached and strained as Goliath painstakingly slipped within. Lord he filled her so much! She knew that the muscles of a woman's birth canal slipped to a great diameter to admit a baby being born. But this was an odd reversal of the process. "Goliath," she moaned, her body limp within his grasp. All she could do was ride the ever-expanding waves of fire welling from her loins. Gently rocking her hips in her effort to accommodate him. Slowly, inexorably he inched in, each step a shudder along his powerful tensed form. A low roar echoed against him, his eyes blazing blue white fire in the darkness. Slow deliberate upward thrusts worked her on, further and further. It was so large, and yet so painfully sweet in its slow entry, till he was halfway within, holding her just off.
"Oh god oh god," she whined, writhing in the serpentine progress, his tail slipping around her waist. "Please don't' stop . . . omigod . . . "
"My Elisa," he growled, the resonance filling both of them with its soothing presence. Loud gasping shrieks climaxed nearby as Chas thrust himself one last hard time into Marianne. Her loud scream pierced the night as an arrow of fire. A low moan roared into fevered screams from Elisa's own mouth, mingling eerily in harmony with the other woman's. Chas tenor cry blended musically into the eerie harmony, set under by the low growling roar of Goliath. Four voices ripped into the night in savage lover's fury. Fire soared into Elisa's brain, a million candles exploding into soft silver showers of release.
The next moment she remembered laying there on the carpet, Goliath's body cradling her. Wings wrapped her tightly to his body, sable hair tickling her face. A swooning head rush came when Elisa tried to sit up. She realized she'd been dead asleep, for she glanced at her wristwatch discarded to one side. His spent softness pressed into her still, his powerful arms held her close with his tail wrapped around her thigh. Elisa groaned, blinking as she disengaged from his hips and shifted to see the chamber in the dying firelight. The gleam of gold around someone's neck came from an intertwined pile of arms and legs, dark hair lain all askew beneath a heather cloak. Amber highlights traced the sleeping form of the Taliesin and his lady. Now more then ever Elisa knew he was not of their world, nor of this one either. Caught halfway between one reality and the next, only complete when in his lover's arms. That perfectly content smile on his well-formed lips while he held Marianne's head and shoulders on his bare chest spoke this simple truth.
She had never seen a Gargoyle asleep save in their stone forms. Except when drugged or stunned in flesh form, they never rested in their live state. How odd to see Goliath's eyes fast shut as he lay there, a similar smile upon his face. With her he belonged anywhere. She was his tranquility, his refuge. This realization shivered her to the core, a sadness welling up within. Was she worthy of such devotion, such singleness of love? To be his protector and protected in all things?
Now as Elisa's mind snapped back to the present she heard the last strains of Rachmananov fading into the darkening night. She risked everything by bringing Goliath here for a few shared hours. Was it enough?
"It is everything, my Elisa," he whispered softly through the night, pushing a tuft of her silky hair behind her ear with a massive talon. "To be here sharing this time. I am only sorry I had not realized the value of such moments before. Each is a precious refuge."
"Yeah," she sighed deeply. Her hands twined around his neck, lips searching in the dim light of the chem stick for his. Mouths merged, a low growl vibrating from his throat into hers. Elisa hummed in pleasure through the feel of his breath in her mouth, his massive lips embracing over hers which seemed so small. Tiny human hands buried in a forest of sable hair, caressing massive muscles bunched like steel cables on the Brooklyn bridge. She felt so inadequate, so delicate compared to this mountain of power that caressed her with all the tenderness of a summer's breeze.
Her tongue ran along sharp teeth in that confined locked mouth merge, shivering when an inhuman tongue reached hers. Tasting of alien sweetness and stone. The scent enveloped her, transporting her to a wild remote place far beyond the cold glass and steel of Manhattan. She could imagine they were the only two beings on Earth, an Adam and Eve in their garden, knowing the evils of the world were waiting to strike. A live tail slipped around her waist, tickling her ribs as Goliath gave a low chuckle of delight at her squirming. Laying her down in the twin blankets of his wings. Till her red jacket and blue jeans seemed all to confining. They soon joined his loincloth to the side of the blanket, her black t shirt and shoes not far behind.
Together they became as one organism, a part of the night, the sounds of Manhattan. Choked massive roars beneath the soft depths of her lips upon his. Gentle aching pain as he entered her depths, welcoming his presence there again that had been lacking for so long. Legs fusing together as honey cinnamon flesh merged with lavender glistening with dew.
Till they were sated, listening to the second encore that hid their passionate cries. Nestled in his arms he lay under the tree, wings wrapped around them both. Elisa hummed along to the symphony, pillowing her head on his chest.
"That was definitely the best time I've heard this," she sighed deeply, pressing a gentle kiss to his chest.
"I have not known concerts to have been so moving," he laughed.
"Was that a joke I hear, big guy?" Elisa turned over to straddle him once more, fingers tracing the contours of his brow ridge.
"There are many revelations this night," he rumbled in return, mouth drawn up in a truly stunning smile. All the tenseness seemed to have evaporated, leaving him in good spirits indeed.
"Glad to hear it," she laughed. "Honestly, I never thought you'd unwind."
"Sometimes I need protection from my own despair," he responded.