Chapter 1

My name is Mallory Shane, and I have a story to tell. To your liking, it involves a great deal of sex, eroticism, romance, and even war.

It begins seventeen years and eighteen days ago, when I was a pianist for Lord Neeson Perribray, a Lorailan royal who founded the careers some of the greatest artist of the time. I was a lonely chap, sixteen and full of ambition. I was bred a gentleman, although my house was falling with the wake of the Industrial Revolution which only had just begun.

My family I had left behind when I was discovered by Lord Perribray during a public concert I had performed in my hometown of Jopen, Cililene. By this time I was a handsome young lad, hair blond and thick, eyes blue, my features quite gifted for a man. But I had been raised by a strict family, an experience which had stripped me from much of my confidence.

Lord Perribray came to visit several towns rich in cultural background. He was searching out young talent, as always. He was intrigued by my playing, which many of the time described as vibrant, honest, and escapist. I had played a particularly emotional rendition of Pinn Olideon's Sunrise Senata when he approached me, and insisted that I accompany him to Beredere, the capitol of Lorail.

I was both saddened and delighted to go, but I went. I learned from one of his most experienced composers, Sir Osmon Diette. A rather portly fellow, with a rather dry sense of humor. The lord had little care for humor as well, although he was ambitious and had a way of making you feel more alive when he was near. For months I played for him while he listened, and sometimes as inspiration while he wrote his renown poetry. I felt most special. But also increasingly lonely, isolated in this strange town.

I began to question my choice of career. I might have been a sailor and cruised the eleven seas, or a merchant and traveled to distant lands. But no, I was a pianist for a single man in a lonely chamber, where it seemed to me that life was passing me by. My playing became increasingly sad and this aggravated Lord Perribray, and so our relationship, such as it was, came to standstill.

I know, I know, where does the passionate love and carnal sex come into play, hmn? Well, right here it does!

I was a proper young gentleman, like I said, and content to wait for marriage like all devout Murmons, but one day I was struck by the beauty of a lady who came to visit Lord Perribray. She was twice my age, properly dressed like a lady in the finest sky blue dress, with dress hat, and her eyes oaken and hair long and soft and brunette. I was love-struck the moment I laid eyes upon her.

Her name was Lenine Shorpsin, a countess, and cousin to Lord Perribray. They met with a proper embrace and he kissed her on both lips I watched from my piano, my penis swelling in my pants as I gasped bashfully upon this astonishing creature. The way he looked into her eyes for but a moment, I knew that their relationship had at some point exceeded what was allowed -- my first taste of the secret behavior of the upper crowd.

"Oh my dear cousin, it's been nearly a year," smiled Lord Perribray.

"Oh yes, it's been too long," said Lady Shorpsin, smiling with a proud gleam and modesty at the same time. I could taste just a hint of desire in her eyes. "How have things been, sense... ?"

"I'll miss him dearly, of course," replied the lord. "My dear brother. But he chose to go, to fight the Lurceceons, and look where it got him. War is for fools, Lenine."

"Fools or men who wish to die," said Lenine with care. "I'm glad you have more sense. I'd never want to lose you. My parents said you could move with us to Gennesia, if your country became beseeched."

"Lorail will never fall," said Lord Shorpsin. "I must be gone now, as I must meet with Lord Irewin to discuss City Defense strategies. Please, make yourself at home. Manci would gladly serve you while I am gone. Please, make yourself at home."

The two kissed farewell, and my master fled from the building. When Lady Shorpsin looked upon me I rose as any honorable man would, and without thinking my crotch was risen before her eyes. She lowered her eyes with awkwardness as I lowered mind and gasped, horribly embarrassed. But to my surprise, Lady Shorpsin laughed.

"My lady --" I said, covering my crotch. "I -- I --"

She smiled sweetly, in her natural elegance. "You are cute, young man. You must be the young pianist I've heard so much about. The one Neeson believes is destined for greatness."

"I'm not sure about that," I confessed. "I'm not sure I want to be a pianist."

"Why ever not?" said Lady Shorpsin, as she approached. "The glory of the applause, sharing your gift with the world. You are a gifted man, I can see that."

"Forgive me, m-my lady," I trembled. "But y-you are so beautiful. The most beautiful sight I-I've ever seen."

"Why do you tremble so? And call me Leline."

"Leline. Huh... Leline. That's a beautiful name... like your eyes."

"I like your honesty, young sir. And fear not, I will report none of this to your master. He'll be away all afternoon, as usual, so don't worry. Why do I feel like I know you?"

"I'm sure you don't, because I'd remember you," I said.

"Your name?"

"Oh, sorry, Mallory Shane."

"Yes, I have seen you before -- I was to one of your concerts! A month ago, when Neeson had you play in the Royal Hall for the queen. Grand! I was so deeply moved by that performance, you are a genius! So striking, yet so... modest."

"Lady... Leline... your beauty strikes me as deeply. I am beside myself, for the first time in my life." Like a fool I bowed to her feet.

"Get up!" she said, lowering as I rose, and we stopped, eyes together, lips so very close apart. She smiled warmly, gently. "You are a fine and innocent gentleman. I wish I had known you before. Before my... marriage."