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Thread: (M) Rogue's Gallery IC

  1. #131
    The Art Vandal

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    Default Pursuit of Knowledge

    Vel finished mopping up the ink, barely a trace on the floor now. She wrapped up the even more soiled shirt in some other clothing before storing it in her pack. She looked about the room and realized that not everyone had left. Somehow, and without a drop wine, Jez was sleeping soundly.

    A miracle perhaps. Vel pulled free a blanket from her pack and carefully laid it over the slumbering women before she picked up her book, the ink beginning to dry on the ruined pages. Good. At least it wouldn't make more of a mess as she searched for a new inkwell and replaced the messy ink pen.

    Minutes, maybe half an hour after everyone else, Vel found herself moving out of the room as quietly as she could so as not to disturb the sleeping Jez as she left to find a good quiet place to pick up the translations of this letter.

    Shel had no desire to be near anyone at this point—not even the kind mute or her knowing glances from behind that hood of hers. To be honest, the orc needed a break from the lady rogues and... just from it all. From the bumbling foolishness of Su, to the unwarranted aggression of Mynx, and the controlling cunning nature of Sheva... Shel was irritated.

    Even so, such mild annoyances paled in comparison to the feverish upset that had stirred within the orc at the end of their little game, which made such quarrels seem rather petty. Shel's instincts were reprimanding her, reminding her that in reality these women were little more than distractions from what really mattered: the true enemies, the true problems. It would be wiser to only expend valuable energy into actual threats, not trivialities with these naive treasure seekers.

    Shel therefore suppressed her emotions, going numb before losing herself in the depths of the Annex as she began to wander aimlessly down its empty corridors in search of solace. In search of quiet. But where did one find such things in life? Did they even truly exist? Shel was cynical. There was little peace where she came from and, just as she was in the midst of discovering, little of it in the outside world. It was infuriating, but just as Rhok's mother and the other Wise Women had claimed before she was evicted from the tribe:

    'You had best get used to it, Shel. It is the way of the world. No matter where you run, you won't escape it. War drums beat fiercely among all. Everywhere you go, there it will be... the same song and dance... following you... inside of you. But you are an undisciplined fool who believes little of what you don't see with your own two eyes. So go out into the world with no shield but your arrogance! You will see how far your posturing will get you among wolves—and may they not consume you!—because you are no longer welcome here. You question our laws and mock the sound judgment of this tribunal with your accusations. So let it be known that any orc who acts in this manner is undeserving of the protection of our horde. Now go.'

    Shel abruptly thrust Balder's smoking pipe away from her at the rise of this memory, its weight starting to feel more like a burden that slowed her down. She paid little attention to where the thing landed as she attempted to quell her bubbling emotions once more. There is no such thing as peace, echoed in Shel's mind like some mantra that accompanied that deep and stoic drum beat; even as the meandering halls seemed to grow darker with every step she took. In the night, the Annex truly did give off an eerie feel—void and lifeless. It felt a bit uncanny too, the way these passageways mirrored her own life. Shel really had little idea where she was even going anymore. The path felt dark.

    Yet the she-orc strode on. She was unsure of how long exactly she had been walking on this journey to nowhere, but her gaze remained focused nonetheless. The only way seemed to be forward... so always forward she went, towards the... light? Unexpectedly, Shel could see the faintest of glows pulsating like a heart beat at the dead end of the corridor. Was there something alive in the darkness? Growing evermore curious, the orc slowly trekked towards the strange gleam as a moth does to a flame. At the end of this path, an obscure oaken door stood staunchly, partly open. On its leaf, there hung bronze signage that displayed a credo in bold, embossed lettering:

    *

    We turn iron into gold
    And seek youth for the old
    Wielding knowledge to uncover
    Mysteries untold

    We turn water into wine
    And seek to blur the line
    Challenging nature until
    Fate is redefined

    *

    Welcome to the Alchemist's Lair
    We thirst for fluid spirituality
    We defy fixed physicality
    We stay curious

    *

    Now sufficiently distracted from her inner troubles and unable to resist her impulses to explore such an intriguing sight, Shel slowly pushed open the door as its hinges creaked in protest.

    Vel made her way through the dark halls clutching her ruined book and corked inkwell. Maybe if she was lucky she could get into the library, if she could find it. It shouldn't be hard but it was a large building and she'd never been here before, and of course being as late as it was, there was no one around for her to ask for directions.

    Whatever, after today she really didn't want company. She had much more pressing matters to take care of before the morning. Tucking her book under one arm and pocketing her inkwell and quill she continued to walk. She just needed a quiet, empty place and the library was the best option if she was allowed in so late. And if she got the translation done early, she could wander the library on her own time. That would be a dream come true.

    With a little wandering in the darkness she eventually came to a set of large double doors, which she could only assume were the entrance to the library, practically the heart of this place. She looked at the elegant carvings on the doors and taking just a moment to appreciate them before she tested the door.

    As she'd feared, there was no going in so late. She'd have to settle for another empty room. Maybe she could just sit here in the dark and translate till morning, no one would come to open the doors till first light, perhaps not till much later.

    Upon entering the Alchemist's Lair to inspect the glow, the first sight that Shel happened upon was a balding human male with a long white beard and hair growing out of his ears. He appeared quite exhausted as he snored over his work; yet it was quite obvious that he was some elderly scholar of this Annex. But what was he working on, and so late into the night?

    Shel moved on from her curiosity of who this human was, however, as she became more enthralled by what was around him. The source of pulsating light had been coming from a shelf filled with numerous vials that held glowing liquids of azure, ochre, and crimson. I must investigate this strange sight, the she-orc could not help but think; not only because she found them beautiful, but she'd also noticed the elixirs appeared rather similar to what Balder had given her to administer upon Maso.

    Vel sank to the floor, cross legged. Since the darkness wasn't a problem for her then working right here was just as well. She set her inkwell beside her as she flipped open her book back to the page she'd begun to write on.

    Unfortunately it was smudged beyond recognition leaving her to start again as she laid the letter out on the other side and began again. The beginning of the letter was a fairly basic contract. And after that raid she wasn't surprised to see that it emphasised on the elimination of anyone else seeking the ice tears. This confirmed it, suspicious that they weren't the only ones and that, that raid wasn’t just by normal bandits.

    More surprisingly though there was a list of books and instructions to seek them for answers about the tears. She made sure the underline them for later reference, taking the time to write them on a separate page also so she could get right to it in the morning.

    Moving towards the far end of the lab, Shel began to inspect some of the contents of a storage shelf, ever mindful to not wake the sleeping alchemist. The first items she happened upon were many different types of herbs and ingredients—some dangerous, some not.

    Lavender
    Stinging Nettle
    Heather
    Rose Petal
    Arachnid Venom
    Lead
    Iron
    Mercury

    Raising a brow, the orc noticed yet another shelf directly to her left, quickly distracted by its more macabre display. It was shocking really. A collection of preserved body parts from various races from Eisignol sat neatly in organised jars, again labelled with a sign. This time, the inscription read Anatomical Analyses of Primitives and Cursed, the words leaving Shel's expression hardened before she could see what was floating within.

    Werewolf Paw
    Goblin Tongue
    Brain of Dusha-Kin
    Ocecat Claw
    Eye of Giant
    Orcish Jawbone
    Vampiric Blood
    Heart of Undead

    Just what was all of this for? Shel wondered briefly who each of these individuals had been before their parts had become little more than dissections and experiments. Still, the alchemist snored away, giving the orc a bit more time to explore his haunts. So she finally moved on towards the vials that had been the source of the glow from the hallway; this section of the lab stock stored beneath the label of Tinctures and Tonics.

    Flask of Soothed Mind
    Flesh Eater
    Scream
    Tonic of Ecstasy
    Draught of Eternal Sleep
    Ember Glow
    Philter of Blinding Light
    Hiccough Cure
    Balance

    Hmm, how intriguing, Shel thought as she reached out towards one of the vials in a dreadful sort of wonderment (despite the fact that she had not been raised to look much towards science or magic). Because, as a rule, the orcish race tended to value brute strength above all else—and though they usually learned to read (so to not be easily taken advantage of by enemies), the orc scoffed at the human and elven weaklings who poured their time into books instead of settling matters with good, old-fashioned fighting.

    Still... Shel considered as she continued on studying the labels carefully. These are things I could use against Rhok and his mother. Things no one at home would ever expect... just like a giant attack. More potions soon began to catch her eye—things like Draught of Dominance and Vial of Impotence—each of which were very tempting to seize. But she was only here to look... and touch. Thus Shel began to pick through a few random vials as she lost track of time; at least until the alchemist let out a throaty snort. This stirring startled Shel, instinctively causing her to veer towards the nearest window to hide behind a heavy drape.

    As the alchemist slowly woke, he shook his head to stave off tiredness (and oblivious to the fact that he was no longer alone) before starting to work as if he had never fallen asleep at all. Frustrated, Shel waited inside the drape, considering her next move while a slight breeze from an open window combed through her mane of hair.

    Vel was becoming more and more concerned with what was contained in these letters. Directions to research the tears, orders to kill anyone and everyone who got in their way of doing so and a spell, a powerful spell that would kill any of the bandits who said too much. Someone really didn't want this information getting out, and someone really didn't want anyone else finding the tears.

    It was curious seeing as most thought they were only stories. This job suddenly became a lot more dangerous and confirmed that the attack wasn't just any old band of thieves. If there were others after the tears, they could find themselves in deeper water than they originally anticipated.

    Now that it was quiet and she was undisturbed Vel found it easy and quick to finish translating the letters, all the needed information was written down, including the strange signature Archmage of the ice courts. She didn't recognize the name Halloi Grum, but perhaps someone else in the party would. Other then that the list of books that could lead them to the information they needed would give them an edge in their search of the massive library behind her.

    She gently blew on the ink to help it dry faster, and once she was satisfied that it wouldn't smudge again she carefully folded the letters and laid them between the pages before corking her ink and pushing herself to stand.

    This information shouldn't wait to be given to Tris, so he could share it with Balder and Adam. But if she remembered correctly, the boys were out having a night themselves, with women and booze. So Shel thought. Regardless of what it was, she didn't have any idea where to find them. Balder was here but Tris had made her promise. Damn him for putting her in this position. She could wander out into the courtyard and wait for the Archer to return and give it to him then.

    Fresh air sounded nice to. She carefully put her inkwell in her pocket and started off down the halls to find her way out. It took a bit of woundring, and already this night was beginning to feel long before she finally found the familiar door she'd come in earlier. She slowly pushed the door open and stepped out into the moonlight. She expected the courtyard to be empty but was surprised to see Su Lin fast asleep under a tree and Mynx nowhere to be seen.

    Cautiously she approached the women but was relieved to see she was both breathing and seemed unharmed. It was to bad she hadn't another blanket with her, she could perhaps use her cloak but this was far from a private setting and she'd rather not risk being spotted by someone passing by.

    A significant amount of time passed as Shel hid behind that drape, each minute feeling more like an eon to the impatient orc. The alchemist did not appear to have any intention of moving any time soon, as the nap seemed to revitalise him to once more slave away over his scrolls and philters. Barely breathing, Shel did not dare move, fearful that any restlessness would get the better of her and reveal her location to this white-bearded human. (Or the fact that she still held one of his vials within her cloak.)

    Then finally, like some saving grace, the alchemist awkwardly knocked over a candle on his workstation, throwing his concentration off for just long enough to give Shel a sliver of time to consider that two story window beside her. While the human scrambled to keep anything from going alight in his lab, the orc ebbed herself over the sill, barely escaping from the room unnoticed. Or so she thought... because just below where Shel was dangling sat Vel and her assortment of letters.

    Vel watched the sleeping women for a moment, everything seemed still beside her breathing and the soft night wind. How late was it really? That dice game had gone on a while before it spiraled out of control. What a mess that had been. She hoped Mynx wasn't to angry at her but she was sure there would be a lot more hell to pay if she'd done more then just scratch the prisoner.

    She shifted he book to her other hand before cocking her head to the side. A strange scraping noise permeating the air, it wouldn’t have been noticeable if it wasn’t so still outside. She glanced around the clearing but there was no one else here she could see beside Su Lin. After a moment of investigation she glanced up towards the building.

    If she was still alive she might have pailed at the sight of the Orc women dangling some fifteen feet or more in the air. How did she even get there? Perhaps the better question was why? She dropped her book and quickly came over to stand just below her gazing up at her. Was the Orc that distressed over the events of the night? No that wasn't near far enough of a drop. Was she in some sort of trouble? She couldn't call up to the women all she could do was wait to see what happened, if she ran to try and get to the window she could drop and hurt herself, but if she waited here she could at least catch her!

    Drepa! Shel thought, cursing herself in Orcish as her knuckles began to turn bone white from holding up her own body weight. With inhales shortened by mild anxiety, she glanced down over her left shoulder to consider any possibilities of a safe way down. A jump landing would be painful enough, that much she could easily assume (and she did not want to risk shattering that vial). It was best to climb, she figured... even if she would have an audience while doing so. Wonderful.

    Unaware of exactly who was standing in the darkness below, Shel stubbornly refused to ask the silhouette for help, instead risking her best attempt at a solo descent. Whoever it was would probably give her an ear lashing (and she just was not in the mood), so she would get herself down as soon as possible before running off. Not to mention, she got herself into this predicament, didn't she? She would get herself out of it, damn it. Hence the orc extended her left foot towards a jutting stone on a lower part of the building's facade, using the thing for support, even though the stretch did appear quite dubious.

    Hm. So far, so good.

    Next came the right foot. Tilting her head to glimpse down a second time, Shel spotted another stone that might be suitable for support, one that almost appeared reachable. All she needed to do was make sure that her left arm held fast to its hold as she balanced her weight on each foothold. Well, here goes nothing, the she-orc mused on obstinately, stretching herself out like some starfish on the stone wall... now in a literal stone-wall.

    Because from Shel's current vantage point, it was difficult to see that there were no other crevices to reach further below, a fact that was plainly visible to Vel from her position in the courtyard.

    Vel watched nervously as the women started to stubbornly stretch down, searching for foot holds. She found one yes, but further beyond there weren't any the orc would be able to reach beyond those. She might have thought of climbing up after her but with no hand and foot holds and no way to bring her down safely all Vel could do was pace underneath her in anticipation of an inevitable fall.

    Where's Balder when you need him? was all Shel could critically think to herself as beads of sweat started to pearl upon her brow. Of all the times a giant could fetch you, when you were dangling five meters over the ground whilst clutching on to a building would be it.

    But as always, Shel resorted to work with what resources she had at her disposal. Glancing down, she addressed the person who stood gazing up at her like she was just some decorative streamer that hung from the facade of the Annex.

    "You wouldn't happen to have a ladder hidden in that hood, now would you?" Shel joked in a bit of a loud whisper. Yet she received no response. There was no laugh, nor a sigh, nor an ear-lashing. Nothing but silence. Discouraged at this, Shel was once more reminded that she truly was alone in this life.

    So without a second thought, the orc decided to just take the leap... ready to risk a fall on the whim of instinct to get herself out of her predicament. Having noticed a small patch of shrubbery just to the right of the hooded figure, Shel launched herself from the Annex exterior with every bit of momentum that she could muster.

    The undead could likely see the orc's every movement—from her flinging herself with a hardy push to aiming for the softest landing possible. In any case, this was Shel's best attempt at improvisation: she would try an agile roll into the brush, even if such gymnastic leaps were not an Orcish specialty.

    Vel's mouth fell open a little as she watched the orc push away from the wall. Orcs were stubborn but she hadn't anticipated her pushing away from the wall on her own. How did one catch a falling person? There wasn't a lot of time to think about it. All Vel could think to do was throw herself where the She-orc would land to break her fall.

    Vel dove into the shrubs without a second thought, fearing the injury would be worse on the living then it would be on the dead. Pain was a mute feeling for the undead so the weight that crashed against her back while nothing to shake a stick at bearly caused the undead to gruff from under the hood as she laid across the crushed shrubs.

    Shel suppressed every urge she felt to squeal like a little girl as she plummeted straight down into the foliage and right on top of…

    "...Velaire?"

    I should've known. No wonder there was silence.

    "Are you… all right?" the orc inquired genuinely as she stood to her feet (albeit rather clumsily as she clambered out of the brush), attempting to walk off any pain from her fall. But she did not wait for an answer, knowing that there likely would be none.

    "I'm… just fine…" she half-lied before continuing on with a dose of truth: "I've... had worse."

    And then there was a moment of silence whilst the orc picked twigs out of her ebony hair.

    ...

    "Erm, but we should go," Shel murmured in anticipation as she noticed the alchemist sticking his head out of his window to see what the commotion was. Subsequently, the orc's bare hand grabbed the undead's gloved one, dragging her away from the scene of the crime as a dog barked on and on in the distance. She had to get out of sight of this alchemist, that was for sure.

    "Have you seen the library, Vel?" Shel blurted out, hoping to act natural enough as she held tight to the hooded woman's wrist, dragging her along. "We should go there. I need to... do some reading."

    All the questions, she knew Shel couldn't have possibly forgotten. But perhaps it was a force of habit. She started to pick herself up glad that at least Shel was alright, but before she could dust away the leaves and dirt from her clothing Shel took hold of her wrist and started dragging her away. She could have stopped the She-orc in her tracks with ease but she allowed herself to be pulled long, though somewhat bewildered. If she had a tongue she'd tell Shel that the Library was locked, unfortunately for them both She had no such thing anymore.

    Vel walked after the Orc women quietly, wishing she could voice the question of what the hell she'd been doing up there anyway.

    Feigning innocence as the alchemist continued studying the two of them from his high wall, Shel turned to link arms with Vel, hoping to appear like two gabby women returning home from a late night in the village proper. Thankfully, he did turn aside to close his window with an unperturbed yawn some moments later.

    Once safely on the opposite end of the courtyard, Shel and Vel stood dwarfed by the mighty columns and classical archways of the Annex Library. It was stunning, to say the least. Yet once the two walked up the stairs to the main entrance with a mind to enter, they were stopped by two spears that crossed in an x shape over the double doors.

    "Hm," Shel commented with crossed arms as she studied the intense stares of the men with spears. "You two look at me like you've never seen an orc before." Much too tired for this, the guards' stares turned into glares, before one of them dismissively commanded them to get lost.

    Vel looked between the two Guards before she took Shel's wrist after a prolonged stretch of silence. She gestured down the hall trying to say that they should just go and leave the two men to their duty. She'd already tested one of the side doors and it was locked, they would just have to wait till the morning when the Library was open. For now the She-orc should probably sleep it was late, very late.

    Taking this moment she gave a gentle but insistent tug away from the guarded doors. There was no use starting anything, they were guests after all. And she'd had enough drama for one night. She'd start to lead the She-orc down the hall, and hopefully back towards the rooms they were allowed to stay in. Glancing over her shoulder at the Orc.

    Shel mock-saluted the guards before Vel took charge.

    And the orc simply followed, saying little until she stopped the hooded woman, leading her towards a small, silent corner. It was somewhere rather open, but still unknown and unseen by others in the Annex at this time of night.

    "I would love a smoke," Shel finally said once they were completely alone. Back at home, it was a common thing to talk beside a fire with a pipe before bed... but she had discarded Balder's earlier, unfortunately. She couldn't even remember where now, but finding it first thing tomorrow would definitely be a priority.

    But for now... Shel felt exhausted as the events of the day were starting to take its toll. The orc sat down rather roughly, surveying the tiny scratches on her arms from the branches, which gave Vel free reign to guide the conversation for now.

    Vel wasn't certain that the orc needed a puff more of anything. But she couldn't say that. She watched the women sit down before she slowly began to lower herself to the ground as well she reached into her pouch looking for something that she might be able to put on her hands. She wasn't known for carrying ointments because she didn't need them. So it didn't come as a surprise when she came up empty handed. She pulled free her book instead, hoping that the light that spilled through the window from the moon would be enough to read from.

    "You seem hurt," Shel blurt out, interrupting Vel's subtle movements. She didn't know the woman fully, but still... she knew her well enough to tell something was a bit off.

    "You didn't have to throw yourself below me."

    Shel paused, considering Mynx.

    "Or try to stop the ocecat at your own expense," she concluded, once more giving Vel space and time to write out a response... if she wanted to.

    Vel paused looking to the orc for a moment before she looked down to her book. Pulling her quill free she wrote. "I'll be alright, Ash is a capable healer and I'll see him in the morning." It wasn't as if she'd suffer any more permanent damage then she already had, but Shel didn't need to know that. "Besides, there would be more trouble if Mynx had done more than just scratch the werewolf and that fall would have hurt you more than me." She turned the book around hoping she'd be able to see it under the moonlight.

    Seizing the book with both hands, Shel began to read, not noticing if it bothered Vel that the pamphlet was no longer within her own grasp. It took some time in the darkness, but once the she-orc made out all of the words, she nodded in attentive recognition.

    "Show me where," was all she replied, nonchalantly handing the writings back to Vel as she expected to see what this woman spoke about exactly. Shel wanted to see where and how Vel had been hurt.

    Vel frowned a little under the hood but didn't take the book back till it was offered. She shifted under the orc's gaze before shaking her head quickly scrawling across the book that there really wasn't a need, she was perfectly fine. Turning the book quickly for the women to see before she could insist.

    Shel had never seen Vel act so insistent as she did now… but she understood. So the orc placed her hands on her knees to stabilise herself as she stood to her feet, signalling that she meant to depart. It was late, so perhaps it was better that the library was not opened at this time. Rest was needed. Peace was needed.

    "All right. Well, anyways, I really must sleep now," the orc murmured in a lengthy yawn, one that seemed a bit melodramatic. "I am heading to the stables," Shel informed Vel, not wanting to be too abrupt in her departure. "Will you return to the Annex?" she questioned rhetorically, this time only expecting body language as a response.

    Vel relaxed a bit, watching the women push herself to her feet. She nodded quietly to her question. She wished she could express her appreciation for the concern, and to wish the women a good night, or at least a restful sleep.

    Nodding towards the Annex, Shel uttered a quiet "well, go on then..." before she headed off towards the stables to check on Lu. Of course, the boar was right as rain and still snuggling the elk—just as she had been when Shel had left her. But now there was a sleeping giant in the mix, too.

    Hesitantly, Shel tip-toed towards Balder to nestle up, positing herself slowly beside him to clutch on to his arm as he slumbered. Perhaps it was dangerous to lie like this beside one of his kind, but Shel did not care about hazard right now. The ache for any sort of comforting physical contact was just too strong, so risk was worth it to feel warm as she drifted off into a deep, dreamless sleep.
    Last edited by Leanna; 08-18-2019 at 08:03 PM.




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  2. #132
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    Mynx ran along the forest floor, her feet kicking up dirt and leaves as she dodged trees, occasionally moving within their lower branches as she put the town behind her. She kept her pace, enjoying the feel of the wind through her hair, slowing only when the light from the fires of Alegast were little more than a memory. She picked up signs of life around her, small prey, but little to hold her attention. She was hoping for a buck...or a doe...their bladders an ideal replacement for the water skin she had lost to the lycan.

    She grumbled under her breath. The whole night had been a mess--from the dice game to the drinking--the topper being the filthy cur. She could still smell the beast on her skin and she knelt in the debris around her, shoving her hands into the soft earth and smearing her fingers across her face, the aroma of dampness and green filling her senses. Satisfied, she stared deep into the gloom...and took a deep breath...her lungs drawing in the fresh scent of nature...with only the slightest undertone of human. No dog...heavenly.

    From there the ocecat wandered aimlessly, disappointed in the lack of larger prey. She snatched up a rabbit to snack on, eating it with reckless abandon before dropping to her knees by a small creek, putting her lips to the surface to drink. With no one to observe her, she went backs to her roots, eating and drinking like she had before, like an animal. Sated...and her thirst quenched...the feline felt the pull of sleep. It was not like her to abandon her hunt, but there was little to chase...and she felt so...calm. The cat shook her head, snarling at the thought. "Not calm..." she said into the night, her teeth bared.

    But her wanderings slowed, her footfalls lighter until she came to a small copse of bushes, the interior filled with matted down grasses. She crawled into the thicket, the cloying smell of sweetgrass drawing her into the little animal-made den. It was just her size if she curled up, and it didn't take her long to make herself comfortable, her clothing stipped from her lithe frame to cushion her head. She began to groom, the process slow and deliberate and drawn out longer than usual. As her eyes closed, her thoughts drifted to Sheva, the mage's hand on her face, the words that were murmured in her ear... In a matter of a few heartbeats she was asleep, cradled in the soft depression beneath...and around her.

  3. #133
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    It was early morning when Selene heard someone coming up to the apartment. Still half asleep, she opened one eye, watching from her place as the door slowly creaked to reveal her master who - from the smell of it - spent his night the way most men do. Alcohol and sweat of too many people to care clung to him like a cloak and made Selene smirk. So men were really as simple as women with their weaknesses and amusements and all. She ended up watching her master from her carpet, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. At least he hadn’t just abandoned her.

    Tristifer strode into the room finishing off a water skin. He tossed the empty skin aside and opened his coat, shrugging it off. Turning he started to open his shirt when he froze. His hands lowered and his eyebrow crept up. He pointed at the trail of droplets, "And what is that?"

    Selene followed where he was looking and bit her lip. Apparently, last night, she hadn’t even thought about cleaning up her wounds….or the ground. Or the carpet, she reasoned looking down at the bright red streaks that now decorated the fluffy thing she slept on. Sitting up, she hung her head, her hair falling to hide her face. “I’m sorry, master.”

    "No. That's not my name," The archer started, "Nor is it an answer to a fairly simple question. So…" He trailed off expectantly.

    “You never told me what to call you, Master,” she responded, standing up but still not meeting his eyes. “That is blood...my blood.” She didn’t want to elaborate, not knowing whether he would take any excuse. After all, her previous master made it very clear - her enemies blood was good, her own was a sign of failure.

    “Again not my NAME,” He emphasized the word hoping to get it through the girls thick skull. “And It’s good that it’s your blood. Means I don’t have to worry about a body being found in here. Although that still doesn’t explain why you were bleeding.”

    The archer crossed his arms and watched the girl. She didn’t appear to be injured, at least she wasn’t favoring any obvious injuries. Though her mane of hair made it difficult to see everything. Tristifer decided it wasn’t a major injury, and wondered why she didn’t just tell him everything.

    “I’m sorry master ...Tristifer,” Selene sighed and looked up, her hair revealing the slightly puffy red claw marks on her skin. “I should have been more careful.”

    Tris strode across the room and gripped the girl’s chin tilting her head to better examine her wound. He tilted her face back and forth, eyeing the scratches. “Yes, because it looks like careful would prevent this. How about we make a deal?” He offered her.

    Selene hadn’t resisted his touch, allowing the man to inspect her wounds. When he spoke again, she looked at him with a mix of curiosity and confusion. A deal? Why would he offer her a deal when he could just order her?

    Tristifer saw the confusion in the look she gave him. “Now you decide not to have a response?”
    He pulled his hand from her chin. “How about it? You answer my questions the first time they’re asked, and I won’t…” He tilted his head thinking about it. He shrugged, “Well you don’t want to know. Sound fair?”

    “Yes master ...Tristifer,” it was weird calling the man by his name, knowing that he had the power to do anything he wanted to her. If he was mad, he could beat her, if he needed money, he could sell her. If he….Selene blushed, her eyes glaring down at the ground. Yes, if he wanted to be entertained, she wouldn’t say no. Although after his evening gallivanting, she doubted that was anything he wanted more than a nap. “What do you want me to do, sir? Fetch water for a bath maybe?”

    Even though he wasn’t seeming to be mad with her, Selene wasn’t ready to trust that she was out of the woods. Maybe this mad had as quick as temper as many she had seen. Maybe he had a punishment ready for her. Maybe he would actually take her to the giant for a bath now that she had disobeyed his commands. Had she though? Again, the controversial situation popped up in her mind - had she done the right thing? Asking was dangerous and so the lycan stayed silent, watching him and taking in his facial expression, trying to learn to read him.

    “I want you to answer the fucking question.” Tris stated turning away and walking back to his coat.

    “I…,” Selene fought with herself, wanting to know what to do. Did she tell him the truth? Did she suffer in silence? The scratches bled, yes, but they hadn’t been life threatening. The rogues didn’t let the cat finish the job...or attempt to. Dropping her head like a dog awaiting punishment she followed at his heels. “The cat - she lunged at me sir. I didn’t duck fast enough - it was an accident.”

    “The lunge was an accident? Or you not ducking?” Tris quipped. Lifting his coat. “Why’d Mynx lunge?”

    “I was trying to follow your orders,” Selene figure she no longer had anything to lose. She already started to speak the truth - she had to finish it. “Baldur the giant instructed the orc to look out for me. The women - they all had drinks and smoke and were emotional. The orc stood to leave and since she never gave me any instructions, I rose to follow. That is when the cat lunged.” There, the truth.

    Tristifer shrugged into his coat. “What happened next?” He asked, his tongue running across his teeth in thought.

    “I ducked but not fast enough,” Selene stopped and rolled on the balls of her feet. “She reached me and then someone grabbed hold of the cat. I followed the orc and then came here to sleep. I am sorry if I disappointed you, sir. I will do better.”

    “You keep saying that. I don’t think it means what you think it means.” Tris said after a moment of silence. “So to better understand this. You simply stood up and followed Shel. Nothing else?”

    “The orc gave me water,” Selene shrugged with one shoulder. “It didn’t seem to please the cat. But I simply wanted to do the right thing. I did nothing else.”

    Tristifer nodded. “Why didn’t you clean yourself up?” He asked.

    Selene honestly thought about his question before answering. Truth be told, she hadn't even thought about it - her previous master didn't mind the blood as it made his pet more dangerous and elevated him in the ranks of his companions. Who else truly had the power to control a lycan? This man seemed different though and now the young girl wondered if maybe she did screw up. obviously the stains weren't about to come out of the carpet without some elbow grease and it would have been prevented if only she had bothered to clean up. "I didn't think about it sir." She responded.

    Tristifer pulled the girls knife out and spun it so the hilt was towards her. “Go see the vampire. Make sure that heals right.” He made a vague motion towards the scratches. “Then get some hot water and soap and clean the blood off the floors.”

    Nodding silently, Selene grabbed her weapon, her body relaxing with the steel in her hand. Just wait rabid cat, she thought darkly, one day you wont get away with touching me. However, only if her master allowed it and for now, Tristifer remained a closed book to her. Tucking the knife in her belt, she slipped out of the room like a shadow, off to look for the undead, pondering over what she had learned of her new master - that he didn't like blood all over the place.

  4. #134
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    Default Nights of fun often lead to mornings of regret

    *The night*

    Kris X Siks co-op

    Victory at hand!

    After a long search outside, Sheva had finally found the damn thing she’d been looking for, and although her vision was still spinning and her sense of reality was lost on her, she was so happy to be able to finally find the thing in the dark, “The she-orc will be proud”.

    “I’VE FOUND IT CRAZY LADIES!”, She hiccuped as she announced to the world (well, whoever that was around her, which was no one in particular because it was night time), that she had found the dice. She held it over her head in a victory stance, as though it was the annual golden cup won at the Salivan horse race, or if it was the holy Tears themselves. To her, in that very moment, Novigard most valuable jewel was less of an importance as that damn dice.

    And while she was away, events took place, but she knew nothing of it. She slowly marched back to her room, her vision was still groggy and her mind clouded as though by mist, but she carried on, back into the building and into her room.

    Or so she thought.

    As she entered the chamber she was surprised to learn that while she was gone, the room had been cleaned and dusted. She didn’t think any of the girls will actually try to make the room decent again, or actually tidy up the place, so seeing the room so sparkling and clean gave her a pleasant surprise, and not only that, the beds themselves seemed to be in fine order again, with the sheets and pillows tucked and their luggage were nowhere to be seen on the floor. The girls probably put some real effort to mop every speck of dust and wash off the stained makeup and lotions from the floor, while also organizing the things back in the corner or within closets.

    Now, if Sheva was in her normal mindset she would easily dismiss this idea, knowing exactly the kind of women she was traveling with. But sheva was not in her right mind and she simply accepted this fact as a given reality, regardless of how faretched from reality it was.


    The window was open but she still felt hot and sweaty, which was a given; The ale burnt her veins and the search outside didn’t help to take away the heat either. She giggled to herself as she placed the dice by one of the tables and as she started to undress. Which was a rather clumsy show as she nearly stumbled and fell. She continued to laugh like crazy before she hit the bed, naked like a newborn, her hair spilled all over as she covered herself in the soft sheets and nuzzled her pillow, slowly giving in to slumber. Her head started to hurt and spin, and closing her eyes gave her some relief, so she simply gave in to the calming sensation of sleep.


    Jamon returned to the table all smiles and bedroom eyes. The men didn’t ask, but they all had a good idea, especially after Fray walked back behind Jamon with a red face as she fumbled with tying her corset up before she gave the young man a long kiss on the cheek before she bustled upstairs to her normal room for the night.
    They had one final toast to Jamon and Yn’s first tournament then as a single drunken entity they moved from the Bull’s Head Tavern and made their way back to the Annex. Their laughter filled the night air causing more than a few of the early risers residents to shout at them from their window shutters as they passed. But they didn’t care, this would likely be the last time they could be able to just let loose and enjoy each other’s company. The walk to the Annex was mostly a blur for Adam, but before he knew it he found himself walking quietly up the steps to his room far away from the rest of the group still singing softly to himself. He couldn’t tell if he was getting more sober, but he managed to walk in a mostly straight line and only fumbled with his door knob for a few seconds before he managed to fall into his room kicking the door closed as he began pulling his clothes off still singing to himself.

    Sheva moaned softly from sleep as heavy noise bothered her, but it was not enough to make her get up. She mumbled something before she pulled the blanket around her and turn to her side, close to the window which a wonderful breeze was coming from. It took Adam a few seconds to register the sound, but as he pulled off his trousers and was about to pull down his small clothes he turned to his bed and saw the faint hint of pale flesh under the covers. Quirking his eyebrows a sudden breeze of wind moving the covers off to the side some showed him the soft rise of a woman’s bare chest, his cheeks reddened a little more and he followed the line of sight up and saw Sheva passed out and likely as drunk as him on his bed. His drunken brain was at a loss of what to do.

    Feeling the pressure on the bed made Sheva stir a bit as she pulled some more of the blanket up, but when she noticed that the fabric was stuck on something, she pulled even harder only to find out it was not budging. She raised up slowly yawning, fear took over her the moment she noticed the looming figure. She wanted to scream but the moonlight gave her a small outline and the fear was replaced with embarrassment, “Your majesty”, she said, as she turned around, knocking herself off the bed by mistake. She pulled the blanket to her body, as she looked up, “Your Majesty, King Dova, what are you doing here?”, her head was spinning from both the impact and the alcohol, and she could barely get up, so instead she pushed herself away as she tried to locate her clothes.

    Adam bit back a hard laugh as he realized just how drunk the woman was. Despite being the youngest Adam was often told he looked the most like his father. But never could he be mistaken for the much taller and somewhat thinner monarch. At least not under normal circumstances, and if he had been sober, he would’ve told her off and sent her from his bed. But this was such a fun game to his drunken mind. So deepening his voice and straightening his back some he cleared his throat. “I could ask you the same thing Lady General, this is my private room when visiting Alegast even when traveling without my wife.” He let out a low somewhat lecherous chuckle not even bothering to hide his lusty gaze over Sheva’s nude body.

    “OH!”, Sheva said with fear, her eyes widening. What would the King think of her now? Appearing here instead of his wife in his own bed. If anyone found out about it, she would be made the joke of the kingdom, “Forgive me, your highness, I was sure… these were my own chambers.” Her voice was broken and shaking. Not once had she thought to have an affair with a royalty for her position, namely the King of Salivan, a thing which was a lie, and also irked her to no end, but here she was, with the most important king in her land, the Dominion lord. If such rumors of her being in the king’s bed were to reach old enemies and broken widows ears?! The shame!! The horror!! Her reputation would be smeared forever, “I… I’m sorry, your royal highness”, she was shivering so badly, her voice sounded as though she was in tears.

    Once more Adam held back his laughter. Seeing such a strong independent pain in his ass in this state was almost too rich to believe, his sober side was telling him to back off and come clean. You may still get a roll in the hay with this one to keep her mistake a secret. But he was dumb, and drunk, and actually somewhat aroused at this power trip. “How do you think I feel girl? A King traveling without his beloved wife being caught in bed with a shamed woman from a foreign Kingdom?” Adam crossed his arms and walked a little closer to Sheva. “Neither of us can leave this room, not while people are still awake downstairs. But we also cannot just forget it.” He chuckled standing nearly at the bed his features still hidden by the shadows.

    “Your highness, please… I’ll get dressed and leave… I can… I can…”, Sheva looked around for any route of escape and found one in the form of the window. She covered herself up and crawled for it’s direction, using every ounce of will power that her fear allowed her to get up and look down. Two story distance didn’t seem that frightening to her. She could probably make it… somehow… anything was better than this torment and shame.

    Seeing the game almost being up Adam quickly grabbed the blanket around Sheva and pulled her back onto the bed accidentally tossing it away before he closed the window practically kneeling on the bed over the scared woman. “Climbing nude from the King’s window would be even worse girl, no I think we’ll have to work on this another way. Don’t worry I am a bit too old to put a new heir in you so this will just be an..inconvenience until the rest of the building goes to sleep.” He chuckled low leaning over Sheva kissing her lips lightly.

    Sheva was panting heavily, as she fought the huge lump of flesh off her, “No!” she mumbled as she tried to push her hands into his chest, “You are a married man…. And…”, she said between his kisses, “Adam. I don’t want to hurt him, please your majesty, don’t!”, she began to muster all her power to hold him off and explain the reasoning to the man she had admired while still being a general of the kingdom of Salivan. Certainly, even she knew the king had women on the side, probably more than he let the public know. Even if it was a one night stand, she would gain a lot from this, and the man was attractive even in his older years and yet... for some unknown reason, despite the idea of probably winning huge favor with the King of Southern Eisignol himself, the last thing she wanted was to upset the young prince. Why would she even care about him at this time was beyond her, but every part of her body including her mind was repulsed by the idea of having a go with Adam’s father… but why was that?!, “Please, think of your son! I… I don’t want him in pain anymore… he is a good man…. Troublesome bastard, but he is a good man!”

    The mirth left Adam’s mind as he heard the woman’s confession. Sitting back some more he spoke quietly. “What do you know of Adam?” He asked his voice slipping more from his fake confidence words.

    “Your son….”, Sheva heaved, “Has… a big temper… bigger than his head even!”, she slowly turned around to hide herself as she covered her breasts with her hands, putting the pillow on her lower areas as she set crossed legs, “He… has issues and demons… something that didn’t change much from the old days… but I remember how his elder brothers taunted him… and there was also a servant which used his words like dagger at his back… I think he gave up on wanting anything for himself, thinking he is unworthy… don’t you remember your Majesty? You gave his hand to me, hoping we will both achieve some ranking and power from it… and then he disappeared… he… he is lost…. And… he gave up on wanting things for himself, wanting to be king, wanting to be anything aside from a merc earning his room in the Rogue’s Gallery… and yet, despite it all, he cares a lot for the people serving him. He would make a good king… even if he is a bastard….”, Sheva shook her head, “He also seemed to have grown out his hair… I’m not sure if you would like it, though. Your wife would not, that I am certain, but I think he looks handsome with it”, she blushed and sighed, “It will not be good if his own father sleeps with his once betrothed wife no?”, Sheva tried to push this as an excuse for the king to let her go, “Even… even if we are not together… and even if he only sees me as annoyance…. it will still look bad, don’t you think sir? Please let me leave, I’ll be discreet!... I don’t want to be on bad terms with him”

    Adam sat silently for a few seconds then nodded. “You are right lady general, so it’s a good thing this is all a dream.” The hidden Prince remembered a combat technique one of his tutors taught him years ago. Lifting his hand he quickly jabbed Sheva a pressure point on the side of her head that would knock her out for a few minutes while he processed this and came back as himself, maybe he could still get some sex tonight, but now it felt like it would be more genuine than what he ever thought he’d get with this mage. As the frightened woman dropped back onto the bed the blankets feel away again giving Adam one more look at her wonderful body before he got up from the bed and leaned against the small table looking at a darkened hallway through the interior window. This was insane, he turned up the small oil lamp letting the soft orange light filled the room planning how to deal with this when Sheva awakens.

    Sheva moved her head slowly as she tried to balance it on her neck. Her hands reached to support her weight as she got up. The breeze was intense and she blinked a few times as she slowly woke up. And then she blinked some more as memories surfaced. Not feeling any presence beside her she began to question the reality of everything. Was the king of Dominion truly in her room exploiting her?

    The light from the table blinded her and she shielded herself from it with one of her arms. Have the girls returned? Was it morning already? She slowly lowered her hands as she pushed her legs down from the bed, barely able to support herself she fell right down again, “Shel? Su?”, she asked gently.

    Adam turned and shook his head he hadn’t removed his small clothes but was still standing mostly naked in the lantern light the shadows and lights casting about his handsome face hiding his emotions well. “No, you found my room Sheva.” His voice still slurred slightly from drink, but he had regained most of his composure after the confession.

    “Adam!”, she bit her lip as she quickly realized he was nearly naked and she was totally nude. She used her hands to hide herself as she tried to look for her clothes, “Adam! Turn around damn it!!”, She started to whisper before she continued to scream, “TURN AROUND!”. She moved to the other side of the bed as she tried to locate anything that could hide her body, all the while being extremely confused and embarrassed. Her mind didn’t think properly, because if it did, she would have connected the dots and realized he had just tricked her, and then she would have used her magic to burn him. Alas in this position, her mind was blank, and without any immediate solutions. Why hasn’t the bastard turn around yet!

    Adam chuckled shaking his head crossing his arms over his chest. “I’ve been here a little bit already, and the blanket was kicked off your body when I came in. No sense in hiding it now, now keep it down don’t need to wake up our drunken comrades.” He began moving about the room cleaning his face and body slowly with some soap and cold water.

    She growled as her cheeks burned, “You enjoy tormenting me, don’t you?! I will pay you back for this, prince!”, she lowered her head as she slowly located the blanket and wrapped it around her body. While he was refreshing she used the chance to locate her clothes, “You could have just let me sleep here you know! IN PEACE!”, she hissed as she began to dress, “That would be the proper thing to do! You know I didn’t plan on entering your room by choice!”, she roared at him.

    Adam sighed and quickly moved and covered her mouth with his hand. “Do you want the rest of the Gallery to know you’re in my room Lady General? Cause screaming like this is a great way to tell them that! Oh the rumors that’ll spread. Besides if I didn’t wake you up, you’d wake up with my hairy ass next to you because there is no place else to sleep in this room and I wasn’t going anywhere.” He finished cleaning up and began changing into his clean small clothes not caring if the woman watched.

    Sheva turned around and crossed her arms. She didn’t like the idea of being gagged while talking about important things, “Well hairy ass is certainly a big problem…”, she threw a banter at him, grinning as she continued to dress while sneaking a peek at his body, “Say… are you always like this… so careless about who sees you?…. You acted the same on the day we started this journey too… You don’t care in general, or is it because I’m a woman?”, Well obviously, a man wouldn’t mind a woman just appearing in his bed she assumed. Then realization hit her hard, “You will just… carelessly enter a bed and sleep with me? Just like that?”. She half expected him to kick her off or so, knowing how much of a savage he was. And hairy ass savage with bad temper no less. And he also didn’t like her to put it simply.

    Adam shrugged pulling on his new small clothes before pouring a cup of water for himself and the woman. “A little of both, I’m hardly a man with anything to be ashamed of when it comes to women.” He winked handing her a cup. “And being around the Rogue’s Gallery or places like it most of my life hardly gives me a fear of lacking privacy.” He leaned against the door sipping his cup of water.

    “I… suppose you have a point…”, she looked at him and then at the cup. She was already dressed but remained kneeling on the floor. She drank the water slowly, before looking up at him again, “Okay then… I won’t bother you anymore… we have but few hours to sleep and…”, She pressed one of her hands into her forehead as she felt a sharp pain. Hangovers were always such a bitch.

    Adam chuckled downing his cup before he moved to the bed. “Glad you agree, now it’ll be a hot one so best to not go to bed fully dressed.” He gave her a wink before he moved to his pack and pulled out a small vial of pink colored liquid handing it to her before laying on the outside edge of the bed still dressed in just his small clothes. “Drink that, an alchemist friend of mine makes me hangover potions for...keeping her company on cold nights.” He chuckled low.

    Sheva seized the vial from his hand drinking it without thinking twice, “Yes, yes, we know, you have many lovers, you don’t need to brag”. This actually angered her more than the headache. Were all men such playboys? “How long till the effect…. Will… hmm…” well, that was a bit quicker than she thought… or did it play quicker because she had magic in her. The pain was so subtle now it barely hurt… however… her body became so much more hot in turn. Magic… go figure. She waved her face as she rushed to open the window and let the air inside, “Wow, what the hell was this? Fire elemental?!”.

    Adam shrugged and chuckled. “I think she uses Fire Salts, Wraith tears, and shavings from a black pine or something? Don’t worry, I’ve been using them for years with no ill effect. But yea they do heat you up hence why I recommend stripping down because the effects last a few hours.” He stretched out watching her

    “Stripping huh?”, Sheva bit her lip again in anger, “You got more than enough show for one night! speaking of which, aren’t you going to remove this ridiculous eye-patch already!”, the heat was unbearable, but she was stubborn. Instead of simply walking away she had to just return the banter.

    Adam shrugged again placing his hands behind his head. “Well you’re gonna wake up swimming then but if that’s what you want. As for the eyepatch, I’m getting used to it but.” He pulls it off his golden eye glowed dully like a coin in the dark. “If it’ll make you happy.”

    Sheva looked up at his eye and then considered his whole recent behaviour. Was he seriously lowering his guard around her. She reached out her hand to him, “Help me stand up please”, she wanted to have a closer look at the changes. She recalled she somehow initiated it, but the nature of this appearance still eluded her, “please?”, she added softly again.

    Getting off the bed with a low groan his head swam a little, almost making him regret giving her his last bottle of magic hangover juice as he called it, but it was the least he could do after hearing her confession. Getting up and off the bed he gripped her hand and gently pulled her up.

    She nearly fell at him from his powerful grip, but she stopped herself last minute as she looked into his eyes carefully. Her hands reached into his cheeks without even noticing that this was a bit reaching too close. She was simply too mesmerized by the golden color, “It’s beautiful… like a gem… no… prettier…”, she said slowly, and when she realized what she said and how close she was, she simply backed away, looking sideways. With the heat running through her body and the tension between them, she simply felt like she was thrown into a volcano, and yet she had to quickly brush off the topic, “It’s magic. It’s really magic… but how could I have awaken it from you… all I did was just suck your energy and-!”, realizing she said too much she looked at him with fear, “I mean… I… just… well… it happens… and… I… I can’t control it or… I think I better just leave, yes... “, she rushed for the door.

    He grabbed her shoulder and almost playfully spun her around back to the bed. “You’re the Mage not me. Like I said there hasn’t been magic in my family for centuries, as for sucking out my energy that explains a lot, but not everything.” He pushed her gently back to the bed. “And it’s still late, the questions will be asked as soon as anyone sees you Sheva.” He sat down beside her letting out a loud yawn.

    He didn’t ask further? That’s… impressive, Sheva thought to herself. Usually such remark would invoke anyone curiosity or wrath. Was he that care-free or simply too tired. Regardless, it made her feel easier around him for some reason, like a boulder was removed from her shoulders. Another one knows of her secret… and wasn’t bothered…. At least yet…

    “What are you suggesting I do then, prince?”, she whispered slowly.

    Adam scoffed flopping back onto the bed, letting out another yawn. “Strip down so you don’t sweat through the sheets and go the blaze to bed.”

    “Fine! Just close your eyes damn it!”, she undressed, stealing away his blanket, “NO PEEKING!”, she said waiting for him to shut his eyes.

    With a low sigh Adam did as she wanted and didn’t open them until he felt her extremely warm smooth body slide up next to him feeling the rough cloth of her underclothes next his body. At least it could fun to get through them. He almost instantly started sweating himself, but still he shifted around so she would be comfortably tucked into his side as the bed didn’t offer much in the way of room for them both to not be touching. Carefully he wrapped his arm around her narrow shoulders and clicked his tongue looking with one eye at the oil lamp he left on. “Hmm can your magic get that?” He asked casually with a smirk.

    “Yeah”, she hid her lips so he won’t see her smiling face. He didn’t deserve it…. Being a little mean to her today. But she still snuggled into his arms before clicking her fingers commanding the the fire within the lamp was whoosed away and the room was dark as they both fall asleep with some quietly grumbled good nights trying to show some sign of making peace.

    *The courtyard after the men got back and while Shel was in the Alchemy lab*

    As Balder finished singing the low Giant lullaby and gave the animals one final look over before he reached for his pipe to have a nice smoke before bed, but he found it missing. A deep frown crossed his large face as he grumbled lightly leaning back against the tree he was using as a backrest. Only one person would be ballsy or really strong enough to steal his smoking pipe, he’d have to have a talk with Shel once she returned from whatever trouble the women were getting up to.

    Looking up at the night sky the Giant reached for his bottle of Sky Father’s Water cleverly hidden in the cart. Not even Shel would be dumb enough to swipe his alcohol. Uncorking the bottle he let the powerful tonic breath for a few seconds as he said a prayer to the Sky Father and Earth Mother before taking a long swig the burn enough to stop most races, but for Balder it was more like a cup of warm mammoth milk. It helps him sleep when on the road.

    He could feel the drink beginning to work when he heard a door open nearby and out came Tris looking equal parts tired and annoyed. Taking one more swig of his drink he waited for the Archer to approach before greeting him. "Good evening Tris, looks like the men had a fun night."

    The Archer nodded slowly feeling a large yawn rock his body. "Some of us, Yn and Jamon almost won a fighting tournament at the Bull's Head Tavern, then Jamon got lucky with a girl who wouldn't use him as a scratching post. Took the boy longer than I thought it would, but still we're back before the sun comes up. It seems we had a better night than the girls though, Mynx attacked the prisoner...my..slave?" He said quietly wondering just what to call the Lycn prisoner who seems to have imprinted on him as her Master. "The girl had tried to follow Shel out once the girl's night had wound down and the cat decided to freak out and slash Selene across the face. Left long still bleeding scratch marks."

    Balder sighed putting his drink down. He knew Mynx would be trouble once she got wind of the Lycan in their midst. "So normally we'd let the wounded decide the punishment, but since the girl is little more than a living doll unless her Master says something it's up to you."

    Tris scoffed crossing his arms over his chest looking up at the slowly sinking moon. "I'd say eye for an eye, but Lycans don't have the claws needed so...three lashes?" He let out a low amused chuckled. "Or better yet, make her say sorry and mean it. That'll prolly be worse than whipping her."

    The Giant chuckled lightly leaning his head against the tree. "Yes it'll most likely kill her, but the decision is yours or Selene's if you can get her to choose not mine. It's too late now, but take the rest of the night to decide or get the wolf girl to choose. All else fails, I'll think of something."

    Tris nodded and gave the Quartermaster a quick salute before one more yawn ripped from his mouth and turned to head back to his room in the Annex where hopefully his Lycan had cleaned up the blood. Balder took one more swig of his drink before he corked it and placed it back in the wagon before a large yawn rolled up from his belly. Stretching tall and feeling all his joints pop and click the big man shook out his arms and legs before settling back against the tree sleep quickly taking him. He awoke an unknown amount of time later to the sensation of dew and cold coating his skin. Half asleep he reached around behind him and grabbed the large Mammoth hide blanket from his cart to pull around him. But as he moved he felt a new weight pressing down on his arms, giving a quiet yawn he looked groggily down at Shel as she was snuggling his arm. A smile crossed the Giant's face as he gingerly brushed some hair form the woman's face and moved his arm around to be somewhat cradling the She-Orc in the crook of his arm before he pulled the blanket over his lower body. It would cover his Assistant perfectly and keep her warm, but leave his upper body to suffer the cold and dew. He's slept out in the cold before his people were tough even more so than Orcs or Ogres, besides he knew Shel better than she thought he did. Despite being a run away from the Horde Shel still had the frustrating pride of the Horde burning deep in her chest.

    And it never let her show or admit weakness without yanking her tusks out first. But when she thinks she is alone her inner turmoil comes out and he sees the scared young woman buried underneath it all. Orcs aren't meant to be loners, they are social creatures from blood to bone from birth to death. He could tell she was lonely and aside from him she wasn't really close to anyone in the Gallery. Most likely owing to the pride from before and this strange burden she felt she had to carry for something she did in her past. She hadn't shared that with him, but he had a feeling it had something to do with the Orcs that were chasing her the day they met. He often wondered, but never asked, it wasn't quite his place. He figured someday she would tell him, but for now he would be content with just being there for her when she needed him. He also hoped she'd bring back his pipe before they left town, that would be added to the list of things to deal with tomorrow, alongside dealing with Mynx and her attack on Selene. Giving one final yawn the large man pulled Shel a little closer to his side before sleep welcomed him back into it's arms.


    *Early the following morning Moon and Siks co-op*

    Balder awoke shortly after dawn still feeling Shel nestled up against him. He let out a soft chuckle and gently moved from the She-Orc wrapping her up in his blanket as he moved through the still sleeping town and towards the forest to clean up. Like most places Alegast was not built to accommodate Giants. So if it came to relieving himself or bathing the nearby forest was his only option, on his way though he came across a naked Mynx, seemed fate had worked in someone's favor, but as always what fate gave she also took away. Nestled down in a bed of grasses, the Ocecat was sleeping soundly, the soft vibration of a rhythmic purr accompanying her. Her eyes opened slightly at the approach of the Giant, his heavy footfalls disturbing her rest. Lifting her head off the pile of her clothing, she eyed the Giant suspiciously, snorting out a breath of air as she looked upon him.

    Balder’s eyes narrowed slightly as he eyed up the cat following the sound of her snort. “Heard you girls had a rough night Mynx.”

    The cat blinked rapidly, then tucked her head back down into the nest. “Go away...cat is sleeping,” she responded, not liking the look he was giving her...or the tone of his voice. She pulled her clothing out from under her, covering her head with it to block out the light and the sound of his words.

    Frowning Balder quickly ripped the bushes away Mynx was hiding under before his other hand came around and grabbed the scruff of the Ocecat’s neck in his fingers, lifting her up off the ground. “And I have a prisoner of war that was wounded by you to report back to Dagur.”

    Struggling in his grip, Mynx wrapped both her hands around the giant’s wrist to take the pressure off her neck. She resisted the urge to dig her nails in, finally allowing her body to relax. “Not know what carrying on about. Let go...not like hanging.” Her voice bordered on angry, her tone cold and slightly hoarse.

    Balder clicked his tongue in annoyance as he grabbed up the woman’s clothes, shoving them into her chest. “Well I doubt the Lycan liked having her face slashed for simply trying to leave a room. You brought this onto yourself Mynx.” He growled a Giant’s growl, deep, and made the ground under them rumble lightly as he began walking back to Alegast with Mynx still swinging from his fingers as he moved.

    One hand clutching her outfit to her, the cat snarled, baring her teeth. “Put down! Need talk!” she cried out. She had no plans of running away, the Giant could easily catch her, but she also didn’t want to be dragged through the town undressed. She needed to straighten out the story Balder had been fed as well...get his facts straight. She had not attacked the cur without reason…and she could prove it.
    Balder snorted and shook his head. “You can talk on the walk over, you know our rules Mynx. We don’t attack prisoners no matter how we personally feel about them.” He shook his head in disappointment.

    “I not walking, you are...and I need get dressed,” she retorted, starting to struggle again. “There no rules for prisoners...no matter. That why Adam not punished for killing two of them.” She brought her clothes to her shoulders, draping the material over them so she could use both hands to help support her weight. “Please let down...too heavy to carry like kitten.”

    “Adam didn’t kill those prisoners some kind of magic did. And last I checked you cared very little about being modest Ms.Jabberwalken, but so be it. I’ll put you down to dress, and you better talk fast to explain yourself.” He placed the woman down but kept well within his own arm’s reach in case she tried to bolt.

    Letting out a sigh of relief, Mynx rolled her shoulders and turned her head from side to side, lifting one foot to slide it into the leg of her outfit at the same time. She grumbled under her breath as she dressed, fully aware that Balder was watching her closely. “I’m not going anywhere, no need to stare.”

    Turning towards him once she was finished, she scoffed lightly, then put her hands on her hips, thinking of the excuse he used to explain the missing bandits. “Magic? Everything is that. Sheva use on me...touch head...make tired...but dog is prisoner...bandit...we kill bandits. Why not dog?” Trying to arrange her thoughts in a way that made sense was only making her more confused. Too many ideas running around to organize. She started pacing, dragging her feet to leave grooves in the ground. “Need more time...not like rush.”

    The Giant shook his head. “She belongs to Tris now so she is no longer a bandit, he captured her, she is his Jamon, and you damaged her. That is bad enough, but you attacked her unprovoked and you know the rules for that. Eye for an eye.”

    “No!” Mynx cried angrily. “I good cat. Attack not unpro...pro...whatever you said. I was angry. Shel made angry by giving cur my water skin. I wanted to get it...throw it at Orc. In anger. But not hurt. Then dog got up...started follow. Shel yells, ‘no...run away’, but dog keep coming. So, I attack. Stop dog. But I angry...want to hurt more...but didn’t.”

    The Quartermaster shook his head. “None of that is reason to attack, the Lycan wasn’t going to attack, besides Shel is an Orc she could handle the untransformed young woman. And lastly you should’ve never hurt her to begin with.” He knelt down getting as close to the Beastwoman’s level as he could. “Is that all you have to say in your defense?”

    Mynx narrowed her eyes, her teeth bared as the Giant moved closer. “You...a...stubborn...old goat! I am not...guilty. You want hurt cat...then do. Eye for eye. I not care! Dog deserved scratch...and more. Lycans are bad...cursed...can not trust. You will see. The worst of the worst.” She huffed, turning her back and looking towards the path to the town. “I...we...go back now. I walk.”

    Balder shook his head. “Takes one to know one, and it won’t be me hurting you. It’ll be Selene or Tris, no matter who we are or where we come from we are all members of the Rogue’s Gallery and we do not hurt each other.” He placed a heavy hand on Mynx’s shoulder and began leading her back to the town to face her punishment.

    The Ocecat shrugged her shoulder trying to dislodge the hand, but continued to move along reluctantly with him. It wasn’t the thought of the pain that bothered her, more her pride. She didn’t feel she was in the wrong...no matter the Giant’s accusation. The beastfolk believed in the fairness of retribution...but there were exceptions. Grumbling about the unfairness of it all, she lowered her head and stared at the ground. “Lycan not Rogue...and no want her to punish. Want Tris. If cat have choice.”

    Balder shook his head. “No the choice will be theirs or mine if they can’t decide. And you will be expected to never do it again on penalty of expulsion from the Guild.” They reached the gates of Alegast and Balder’s hand tightened slightly as he quickened their pace.

    Mynx stiffened, then shook her head, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with him openly. He had no right to remove her from the Guild, only the Alpha could do that...and Dagur was not here for such proceedings. Her only thought now was to get through the next part...the rest would follow naturally...or not.
    Last edited by SikstaSlathalin; 08-29-2019 at 01:43 AM.


    Xbox One Gamertag: Free Today56 just say who you are first.
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  5. #135
    Krystalline Moon
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    The money that Ashvel made off the fights was enough to fund the rest of the night. Granted both new Rogues suffered injuries noting life threatening. The worst injury was to poor Jamon with a broken arm which needed to be set and bound. Yet that was the only injury that was taken care of by him. The young barmaid that had been serving them before and during the fights had come a calling to pick up Jamon. The two left without any complaints from him. The young lady would do more for the spirit of the young man and was the best kind of remedy.

    After he finished fixing up Yn’s elbow and wrist and cleaned up his wounds to keep them from getting infected he spent the rest of the time with the others drinking. Though he didn’t spend the whole night with the group. After giving the rest of the money to the bar keep and instructing him to keep any that was left over for himself, he left the bar. Since alcohol didn’t affect him like it did the others his senses were still sharp. As he moved deeper into the forest that surrounded the tavern.

    It felt good to relax a little. Having some time to forget that most people fear him and wish for his death. As well the fact that ‘They’ had somehow found him. Shaking his thoughts to the back of his mind he took his walk. Enjoying the crisp night air. According to the moon that was above his head the night was more than half over, and he would soon have to return to the town and begin the search for information.

    Already knowing that he probably won't be going into the library. Some places are protected by holy magic that repels any of the undead. Luckily their power can only be cast on buildings and not on whole towns. Eventually through his wandering he came across a cliff side that was barren of trees and overlooked the city that was home to many a scholar. The lights flickered in the distance as he looked over the edge towards the large town. Most of the city was darker since not everyone was awake this time of night. Only the desperate men and women that sought to answer a question were still up.

    Removing his hood as his pale skin glowed in the dim moonlight that reflected off of Ashvel’s skin giving it and unearthly glow. A light breeze blew around him and the fresh air was welcome. Closing his eyes to enjoy the night free from having to hunt or on guard duty. It was time for him to be alone since he was still not accustomed to traveling with the others. So much noise that was distracting, yet at the same tie welcome. He was still getting used to being around others, but he still enjoys solitude once and a while.

    The sound of someone giggling floated in on the wind and this caught Ashvel’s attention. This sound instantly put him on high alert and his eyes shot open and he looked around the clearing. There was no one there but the hairs on the back of his neck were standing on end. He knew who was behind the giggling.
    “Come out Ipulre.”

    "Aw you are no fun anymore Ashvel." Ipulre said as she walked out of the trees her light purple skin and a skimpy black and grey outfit. The dark elf had been stalking Ashvel since the night of the raid. Keeping an eye on him via her father's request.

    "Those people you thought of like your parents destroyed the vampire in front of me. If you were like your old self you would have come to me, not the other way around. Yet here I am coming out of the shadows to see you. What did they fill your head with? Acting like you are one of those inferior creatures.”

    “Watch your tongue. They are fare from inferior. Not one race should rule over the others. That is the way…”
    “Silence your venomous tongue now Ahsvel. You once believed they were nothing but sheep. Walking around just waiting for the slaughter. You are the superior species. Life eternal never tasting time deadly kiss. How can that be anything more than perfection?”

    “That is not perfection. That is nothing but a curse. To watch everything you love, everything you care for die before your eyes. That is a true hell on earth.”

    Ipulre didn’t say anything she just walked over to Ashvel and looked him in the eye. He had abandoned her just like her worthless parents. He was no longer the man that took care of her. The only man other than ‘Father’ that looked after her. A saddened look crossed her face as she just stared into his eyes as she pulled a dagger from her back. He was going to pay for leaving her alone, for making her find hope and then losing it. Taking the dagger, she buried it deep in the Vampire's side.

    Watching as his eyes when wide and pain filled with pain. A smile crossed her face as she jumped back barely dodging the sharpened nails that were aimed at cutting her. As Ashvel pulled the dagger from his side and held the dagger tightly a giggle escaped from her lips once more.

    “Now you are nothing more than the animals that we hunt for prey. Father wanted you to return to his side. That is why he sent ‘both’ of us to find you. Yet here you stand defending the impure with your words. They are nothing but cattle, and you will see that once again. Just how and when will be up to father.”

    Ashvel held onto the blade letting the injury bleed as he threw the dagger at Ipuler. She caught it easily then placed it back in its sheath. He was close to the cliffs edge, and he truly didn’t have anywhere to go other than down if the situation got worse. Though, it would be impossible for him to kill Ipuler since she was important to him once.

    “I am the one that changed. Killing held no sway for me, and I wanted to live a life where I didn’t have to kill. That is why my ‘parents’ took me away and sacrificed themselves to help me realize my wish. Looking back, I should have bought you with me, yet something tells me you wouldn’t have come even if I had asked. You have been brainwashed by ‘Father’. You are nothing more than his pawn in this messed up game he wants to play.”

    "You are such a silly Vampire. A pawn I might be, but at least I am useful. You are nothing more than trash." Ipuler turned her back on Ashvel. "You better keep a hold of the things you hold dear. One day they just might disappear, and it will be all your fault."

    Ashvel lost all of his composure and he changed in personality and demeanor.

    "You and the other better keep out of my life. If you do anything to my family, I will make sure to destroy everything that the organization holds dear, and everyone in it. You have been warned." Ashvel said in a dangerous tone as he watched the woman walk back into the shadows.

    Once he was alone again, he took off his clothing to get a better look at his injury. Granted it hurt but he was accustomed to pain of this level. HIs training in the Organization coupled with his lack of fear of dying helped a lot with dealing with injuries. Luckily, he didn’t think that there was any holy water on the blade, and he knew it was not made of silver. As the wound started to close very slowly, he knew that there must have been an herb on the blade that stopped coagulation and thus his healing ability.

    Sighing heavily, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a cat gut string, along with a needle. He would need to close the injury thus allowing it to heal past the herb’s effects. As soon as he was sun suturing up his side, he placed the needle in his coat pocket and put back on his clothing. Making his way back to the city and to the guild’s lodgings. The night was giving way to dawn by the time he returned, and soon the search would begin. As he walked down the hall to the room, he chose there was no way any member of the guild would be up this early. So, there was no need to worry about trying to explain the blood that coated his shirt.

  6. #136
    Your daily overdose of cute
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    Default Derailed Plans (Co-op Between P.K. and storm)

    Laz rubbed her head with a grumble looking up in the dark at the light coming from a room somewhere above. Those adults were all pretty loud, they must be drunk or something. She glanced around the dark wondering what had hit her on the head, startling her from her rest. She couldn’t make anything significant out in the darkness.

    She glanced up again as a crash echoed from the window above. What could they possibly be doing? She grumbled softly and yawned trying to settle back under the bush to sleep. After all leaves and dirt were a whole lot softer then cobble stone and rock.

    She was getting around to drifting back off when she heard one of the doors open and groggily rubbed her eyes to peer out into the courtyard. Rolling over slowly to lay on her stomach through the leaves of the brush as two women came out of the building. One heavily drunk and the other covered in fur. She watched as the furred women laid the other one under a tree. Speaking quietly enough that she couldn’t hear what was being said.

    Laz held very still as the cat woman got up and left, leaving the clearly intoxicated women to slumber under a tree. She rubbed her eyes and studied the clearing quietly. She’d learned during her times in the streets that passed out drunk people were usually the easiest to pickpocket. The clearing was silent for the longest time before Laz finely picked her way out of the brush.

    Adults could be cruel, she didn’t want to risk being caught by one. She picked her way over to the drunk women slowly crouching down beside her as she carefully started to pick through pockets, pausing every so often to allow the women to settle back. It wouldn’t take long for Laz to find what she wanted, a bit of coin. There were also some other strange items on the women they might be worth something so she picked a few of those, the sword was far too big for her to carry around out in the open.

    After collecting what small items she could carry, coins and interesting trinkets that might fetch a pretty penny in the right hands. She started back to the brush she’d emerged from, but had to hide away in another area as she heard the door open again.

    Out came another women, also heavily intoxicated and began searching around the bushes Where laz had been sleeping. Laz held her breath, watching the women fish around in the brush looking for something, was she looking for… whatever hit her in the head? She bit her lip anxiously but after some time the women Shouted out her victory, holding out whatever it was over her head before she trudged back inside.

    Adults were strange. She waited for a few heart beats the clearing going still once more before she slowly crept out of the bushes and started making her way to her hiding place once more. Just as she reached her hiding place she heard the door open once more making her dive into the brush.

    She got into the bushes and held her breath, but there was no shout, not footsteps charging her direction. Silence. Careful not to rustle to loudly she turned around in her hiding place to peer out. A hooded figure crouched beside the women for a moment, it was hard to make out much about it as it was entirely black.

    It got up shortly and began peering up the building, making Laz peer up to see someone dangling from one of the windows?! The child could only watch as the hooded figure placed underneath the dangling figure until they fell. Right on top of the other, or rather the other threw themselves under.

    During the scuffle and the words exchanged a head peered out of the window above them and the two started back into the building talking about how excited they where. Laz Scoffed. They must be drunk, only adults acted like that drunk.

    As things once again settled into silence, the only living souls out in the courtyard herself and the sleeping women, Laz picked up her doll which had been carefully bundled in a small dirty blanket and laid against the base of the bush and then bundling up the rest of her finds she began to weave her way out of the court yard. It was best not to be too close to the drunkard who she’d stolen from.

    Creeping through the dark Laz made it out of the court yard and around the opposite corner of the building, far enough away that a hungover drunk shouldn’t be a problem. She still needed to catch some sleep before the shops and street vendors opened. As well as her opportunity to sell off whatever little trinkets these were.

    Squeezing under another bush, the half-orc curled up tightly in the little hollow space inside. Lovingly hugging the doll to her chest as she peered out once more into the dark and then closed her eyes.

    As the morning sun rises casting light across the courtyard, Su Lin stirs as the rays of sun cast itself upon her closed eyes. She slowly opens her eyes while looking about the courtyard as she rests against the tree. The effect of the liquid she consumed the other night reminding herself why she had not drank such in the past. Slipping a needle from her wristband, she inserts the needle at the correct point to surge adrenaline through her system to negate any lingering traces of that liquid and it’s side effects. With that, she slips the dagger she had in hand and concealed while she slept back in her boot sheath.

    Drunk or not, she did realize there was a hand rummaging about her person as she slept, a trait she developed over the past decade, yet through the slits of her eyes maintaining the appearance of sleep, she realized the person before her was not a threat so did not slit the girl’s throat that night. Assuming the child to be gone, Su Lin stands and stretches looking about the courtyard. Assessing the items she was missing, some coin, some random things, nothing she would track the girl over was missing. Casting a hard gaze about for any signs of movement, today after all might be the day Ky would seek young Jamon. There is something that catches her attention however not her brother. A rare smile graced her lips as she casts her attention toward some brush that looks disturbed.

    She makes a quick jog into the Annex and into the kitchen where the morning bread is being prepared, she takes a cloth towel and places a load of warm bread within, on her way back out grabs a water skin. She makes her way back to the courtyard and casts her attention back to where Laz sleeps. Su Lin steps ever so silently toward where the child conceals herself from, well, conceals herself from ordinary view. Looking upon the child as she holds her doll to her chest, a soft smile betrays her lips before readying herself. She resumes her cold exterior, her tone flat and threatening as she taps the ground near Laz to stir the child from her slumber

    “Will you be the one who removed my possessions Girl?”

    Laz slept past the rising of the morning sun, well past the opening of the shops and well past when she intended to get up. Over the years Laz had gotten good at hiding from adults so there was no way she was expecting to open her eyes to a set of feet in front of her hiding space, let alone facing her and asking her a question.

    Startled Laz looked up her blue eyes wide as she stared up into the cold and not drunk face of the women she’d pickpocketed last night. People did not recover from being drunk like that! Not in her experience. She blinked up at the women. Removed her possessions? Should she feign ignorance? Sometimes adults fell for that. But this woman didn’t seem the type. There weren't a lot of options present, she could try and outrun the women and lose her in the allies. If she could reach them first glancing around and measuring the distance she didn’t think she could. But if she stayed here this woman would surely beat her, or worse.

    Clutching her small doll Laz tried to crawl out the other side of the bush hopping the leafy obstacle would slow the women down enough for her to get a head start.

    Obstructed from view, Su Lin allows a soft smile as she watches the child scamper to the other side of the brush she sleeps in. The child certainly did choose a good place to sleep and had an exit to escape if needed, it were not Su Lin the child tries to escape from. As Laz would reach her exit point, a thin shiny silver colored blade punctures the soil in front of Laz, Su Lin already effortlessly going to the other exit point. Her features go cold again, her a forced ruthless tone
    “Child, should you try run, know I can drop a man at over two dozen paces, do you wish to feed the soil your blood this morn?”

    The child seems to have a hard life, she picked that up watching her last night as she rummaged through the courtyard. She would instill some fear in the child as Su Lin knows all too well how ruthless man is. She keeps the outer shell of a ruthless assassin watching the child
    “Now step out child so I might see you.”

    Laz gasped, stopped in her tracks by the gleam of the silver blade sticking up from the dirt in front of her. Looking up at the woman as she spoke. She spoke in a strange way but her point was pretty clear. She’d die before she reached the supposed safety of the allies.

    Slowly, reluctantly Laz crawled out of the bush and stood. She tried hard not to be intimidated by the women or seem afraid, putting on a brave stubborn front. Now what? She probably wanted her stuff back. Laz dropped the little bundle she’d made of the women’s stuff, all but the coin anyways that was already mixed in with her other stolen coin. She clutched her Doll to her chest and watched the women with narrowed blue eyes.

    The girls hair was matted and falling in tangled waves to her mid back. Her mottled blue and white skin was covered in dirt, nearly making it entirely possible to think she was an earthy brown color. Everything about her was ragged and dirty but that shouldn’t be a surprise if she was sleeping in a bush.

    “What now.” Laz asked definitely. “Are you going to beat? It wouldn’t be the first time! I’m not scared.” it wasn’t entirely a lie but it wasn’t particularly close to the truth. She was strong, she could put up a fight but this woman had time an experience. Even Laz knew that there was more to fighting than just power and strength.

    Looking to the possessions upon the ground and resisting the urge to smile at the girl, Su Lin simply gruffly mutters
    “Just know in some lands it would be my duty to remove your arm used to take my possession. Others send men to remove life from those who steal. You should not be frightened of the beatings as they are the more mild form of what man can think of to do to others.”

    Su Lin pulls her steel from the ground sheathing her sword before sitting in front of the child, her tone still flat
    “As for what now, sit, put your items you have been collecting away…” opening the towel with the still warm fresh bread “...you need to eat before we continue talking…” while taking the coin bag she has removing a smaller emerald setting it with the rest of the items Laz had lifted from her and others “...you should learn the value of items you seek, this emerald holds more value than all the others you have before you.”

    Not waiting for the child to sit, Su Lin sits in front of her waiting for Laz to sit, Su Lin has her hand now on her silken purple ribbon which could easily be used to trip the girl should she run instead.

    Laz didn’t have a quip to what the women said about there being far worse things that could be done to her. She was a little taken back thought when the women told her to sit and then opened a towel full of warm.. Fresh… bread. Laz’s mouth watered as she eyed the fresh food. A rare delicacy in the streets.

    She eyed the women for a moment as she set down after pulling a Gem from a bag. Laz set down. “I know that.” she said tentatively reaching forward and snatching up a piece of bread with one hand while the other set her doll down beside her. “It's not wise to carry too much valuable, makes your a bigger target.” she said stuffing the warm bread into her mouth.

    As Laz started to eat the bread, Su Lin set the water skin before her, her facial features cold and uncaring yet her tone betrayed her inner thoughts as she uncharastically softly spoke to the girl
    “Be slow with the bread, it is not going anywhere nor do you need worry of others grabbing it from you…” tilting her head taking in the appearance of the girl “..there is water in the skin, drink as well…” her hands now free, she moves her right hand to her own chest nodding slightly while at the same time instinctively watching the girl, Su Lin’s tone soft “..I am known as Su Lin, family name is Mok, Su Lin Mok … you may call me Su Lin or Su if you so desire.”

    Su Lin knows this child must have grown in a hard life, she will not press the child for her name. This is something the child must provide on her own. She sits allowing the child space to eat and drink. Over the years, she has passed many children is similar situations without giving them a second thought. Attachments had never been a luxury she could afford to have, deep focus on what is before you is all she had been raised to follow. Thoughts of others while focusing on the opponent will cause your rebirth was always instilled in her and she was good … too good at it. That was true … until meeting Hawk and later the Elder Dagur. Now before her was a young girl and a strange feeling within her. Was this that compassion she was told so many times she was not capable of having?

    Laz eyed the woman as she told her to slow down, mentioning that no one would take her bread. But the little Child was starving and didn’t intend to slow down. Rare was a treat to have fresh anything, and enough to fill your stomach she could last two whole weeks on the stuff presented here but she doubted the women would let her take it with her so she stuffed the rest of the bread into her mouth before taking the water skin and with a little bit of trouble, since she wouldn't let go of her doll, she finally popped the top and began to drink great gulps.

    Little droplets of water spilled over her mouth tracking down the dirt on her face. When she finally lowered the skin she gasped a little for air before she took another piece of bread and tore into it. Finally she looked back to the woman's face. “Why… are you feeding me?” she grumbled through a mouthful of food. Even with a mouthful of food her voice was laced with suspicion. This woman acted strangely and she had a strange name, though she supposed she was one to talk, named after a rock.

    Su Lin’s eyes did not change with the cold blank stare, her tone betrayed a soft tone

    “You need not be concerned, I expect nothing in return.” She would leave the answer at that, she would not speak of her desire to help the child that appears to have a rough life. She sits allowing the child space to consume what is before her. Su Lin moves another small loaf toward Laz, her tone still soft “Might I ask what brings you to this place?”

    Laz gave the women a questioning glance. “Why does it matter?” She asked through a mouthful of bread, she would glance away from the women for only a moment before returning her gaze her. Watching her closely. “There is shelter, it was night and no one was around.” she swallowed before taking another chunk of bred off.

    To be sure this was strange and fortunate for herself. It was rare when someone willingly gave her food and even rarer still when someone gave her more than table scraps. There were a few good adults she supposed, like her father, but most of her travels had showed her how mean they could be, especially to half breeds like her. “What are you expecting if not payment.” she said pausing in her little feast as she eyed the women.

    Su Lin’s flat features do not change, it was a standard question many ask, in most cases it would be expected servitude, perhaps even walking into danger. On an occasion or two, she herself were subjected to man or woman set on her by others to test her resolve. As she watched the child, without thought, her tone a non typical soft reply
    “Do not be concerned, I do not seek anything for repayment. When you finish, you shall follow me for a bath.”

    Su Lin is aware of where there was a bathhouse where low lifes did not frequent. With no low life men, she is confident the child could relax in a warm bath and she would not need to spill man’s blood on the floor.

    Laz’s face was plastered with even more confusion. “A-a bath?” when was the last time she’d had a proper bath? She just couldn’t fathom why this stony faced adult was was feeding her and then telling her to follow her to the bath. The cold monotone voice pared with the actual nice things she was saying was sending the 11 year old for a loop.

    Within a few minutes, Su Lin and Laz were on one of the back streets and before a nicely upkeep building. An elderly woman comes out and stops before the two, a soft smile forms on the elders lips
    “Miss Suzi, so nice to see you once again. To what do I owe this pleasure my dear.”

    Letting down her shell, Su Lin steps to the elder offering a warm embrace, not the typical cold tone, offers a warm

    “Miss Paskal, if it would not be too much trouble, could you find it acceptable that one of your assistants could see to this child? Please allow her a warm bath, clean her hair and provide her some scents.”

    The elder motions toward a couple of the women around as Laz is ushered to a private chamber. As Laz is from sight, Su Lin continues
    “Would you see to it the child’s clothes are set a flame and replace them with fine softer garments?” as she slips an emerald into the elder woman’s hand. The elder holds the emerald a quick moment before slipping it back in Su Lin’s pocket. A soft smile on the elder’s features
    “Dear Suzie, there is no need to offer payment for what I will do for the child. Are you still acting rough toward life my dear? Word reached me that your brother is also around these parts. That sweet boy Mr Hawk spoke this to me last eve.”

    On hearing Hawk’s name, a smile betrays her lips. He always does seem to be close when she is in these parts. As Su Lin is about to speak, a woman comes out announcing that tea is ready. The elder extends her hand toward another smaller room
    “The child will be awhile, let us enjoy some tea and catch up on your travels my dear.”

    Laz was herded into the building. She protested a little but there wasn’t really a way out as she was taken to a private room and with a little bit of a struggle managed to strip the child of her rags, thought when attempting to take the little doll she clutched to tightly she snapped at the offending hands.

    Finally giving up they led her to the water. It was an uncomfortable process to scrub all the grim off the girls skin and reveal the mottled blue and white skin underneath. The grubby doll getting something of a wash to as they straightened out her hair and cleaned her ears.

    When they were finally done the water was unrecognizable and so was the child. Some of the women remarked about how pretty her skin was and noted her pointy ears and small tusks. Laz wasn’t sure how to handle the shower of attention as her hair was brushed out while she was given new clothing. And shortly after she’d be shown into the room where the elder and Su lin where having tea together.

    As the door slides open and the child enters with the other women, Su Lin’s expression changes back to her cold exterior while the elder giggles
    “Oh Suzie..”

    Su Lin stands and moves her hand to her chest nodding slightly toward the women accompanying Laz, her tone back monotone
    “I thank you for your assistance” before turning her attention to Laz “..If you have nowhere to be, you should follow me..” while turning toward the elder mouthing ‘thank you’. Su Lin stepped from the room and back into the back street ensuring Laz were with her. All she knew was that she was not going to allow this child another evening out in the cold.

    Laz was curious. Follow her where? It had been a long time since she’d had an adult take care of her. But the promise of food and maybe somewhere warm to sleep was enticing enough. Besides maybe she could sneak off during the night if she didn’t end up liking it. With that, clutching her still wet doll and a few of her other items she followed after the stone faced women.
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  7. #137
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    The sun rose over a tranquil world, its light beaming down upon the City of Scholars like a graceful blessing. Warmth grazed over every blade of dewy grass—wiping away each droplet like a tear—as broad leaves of oak and ash trees rustled in the surrounding forests, responding in tandem to the most gentle of breezes. Like a mother who caressed the cheeks of her beloved children, breaths of light wind slowly blew away every speck of fog, all the while cooing and beckoning for her little ones to rise.

    Down on the forest bed, shadows cast from branches danced upon the face of the sleeping she-orc, leaving strange and enchanting shapes upon her visage. From these same branches, a light-feathered hawk abandoned its perch to spread its wings—the creature of the sky calmly gliding above as its keen eyes sensed life below, large and small, stirring. Dawn was now breaking into day, and strands of Shel's loose ebony hair began to tickle her nose, prompting a closed-eye yawn. But the orc was not ready to wake. Not yet.

    Because Shel felt like she was in a cocoon—one that just felt too warm, too silky, too safe—one that she hoped would never, ever break apart. So the orc sleepily nestled herself deeper into the mammoth hide, with nothing but the crown of her head and her tawny eyes showing above the soothing swaddle of fur. Well, at least until she remembered that she had not put herself in this soft, woolly coat. Subconsciously perplexed by this realisation, Shel's eyelids finally snapped open expecting to find a giant beside her; but only disappointment came when she found none. Where was Balder?

    Needless to say, Shel was eager to greet the man; hoping to see what a giant was like when they first roused to meet a new day. Had he woken in the middle of the night, irritated by her encroaching upon his personal space more than she had ever dared before? Frowning at this, Shel buried herself once more into the furry blanket, rubbing her cheek up against it. Her desire for lighthearted conversation was being snuffed out as quickly as a candle's wick; as was her desire for a lovely morning welcome—the type that reminded her that the world was not always so broken, so violent.

    Drat. Shel decided that she would lie for a while longer... and wait for Crag... watching, thinking, planning. Today was going to be a busy day, the orc knew. So she began to map out everything in her head with method and intention, that she could tackle every task as efficiently as possible.

    Yet, as lost in those musings as she was in the hide, Shel became motionless beneath the quiet blue skies... at least until a slight disturbance could be seen from a nearby forest thicket. In the far-off distance, limbs of trees shook and shuddered as bushes trembled and tossed before—who else? Shel could see Balder approach from the brush, solemn and steady, with Mynx in tow. The orc could not keep herself from a crooked smile at the ocecat's misfortune (particularly because such misfortune could be seen from such a delightful position).

    Is the giant angry?

    A worrisome thought suddenly struck Shel, one strong enough to rouse her from where she had been reclining so comfortably. Was Crag angry at her?! Still. The orc waited in place, not daring to move any further—at least until the giant and ocecat were far enough gone that she could leave her resting place, unseen. Shel had never seen Balder with such a look in his eye! Was Mynx being reprimanded for her actions? Was all of this about the events of the previous night? What was going on?

    She must know. Because, whatever the case, the orc knew that the ocecat could easily become a problem. Albeit accidentally (and with no ill intention), Shel had taken a small part in the spurring of the attack on the prisoner—but still! She would be damned if she allowed Mynx to smear her name before the giant. She had come too far to just sit by in wanton idleness and allow any to speak the name of Shel in vain.

    Resting behind a distant pillar that was far enough to keep her unseen (but still close enough to hear the proceedings), the she-orc waited—and listened. How very sweet it would be to see this ocecat receive her due punishment. Not only because unprovoked, pitiless attacks infuriated Shel—particularly when under her watch—but also because, true to her race, Shel's thirst for justice and retribution was mighty. And when it came from a giant... well, wasn't that was all the sweeter?

    Because was public punishment something that Shel was unfamiliar with.

    I. must. know.

    In fact, such as the way of the orc.

    Wicked deeds done in secret must be brought into the light.

    Sighing, Shel kept on watching.

    The horde must always know.

    As she listened to Balder make his case, she could not keep herself from shivering slightly... despite the lack of cold in the air. Perhaps he truly was the monster she had always hoped him to be? Could she coerce him into doing her bidding, after all? Would the disappointment of the bandit raid be forgotten? From behind that stone pillar, Shel was willing the giant to roar like a thunderbolt out of a clear sky, and strike Mynx down with a force like she had never known—even though something deep within Shel was half-terrified that Balder would, too.

    *

    Lulu opened her bristly lashes to greet the morning light with bright eyes.

    *It is such a beautiful day! Isn't it just such a beautiful day?*

    Rising before Maso—why is he still so ~tiiiiired~?—and glancing around to find that Faur was nowhere to be seen, the boar gave a little love bite to Maso's curly, woolly trunk before trotting right out the stable door to look for something that would settle the grumbles in her tummy. Fooooooood.

    *FOODFOODFOODFOOD*

    Where was all of it hiding?! Lu was a little unsure, but she would find out. Yes, she would! Sniffing into the air to see if she could find any mare-scents (because they always seemed to be given food so readily, didn't they?), the boar soon discovered that this tactic was pointless. She was very much alone in this courtyard, and there was nigh a mare, nor a speck of grain to be seen.

    Snort.

    Taking a moment to trot over towards a large oak, the boar began to scrape the bark off of the tree with her tusks to distract herself from her grumbling tum. Geh. Finding food is hard work. But then along came a beetle! Was it here to play?

    Or... are you... food?

    Beginning to chase the insect with great zeal, the boar's hooves left cloved little imprints all around the courtyard, as she chased the pest... wondering. But even the stupid beetle eluded her. Resting her tail and rump in the dust, Lulu all but gave up.

    ...

    That is, until something very important entered her mind. Excitedly, her tail began to wag, leaving little marks in the dirt as it swish swish swished to the very beat of life itself.

    Where is that cart?

    Because there... THERE WAS FOOD.

    Trot trot trot trot trot trot trot.

    Eventually, she found her way to the caravan of the Rogue's Gallery, and the boar could sense that it was time to once more feast upon this royal smorgasbord.


    Apples, peaches, pears, plums, galore!

    Beans, turnips, peas!

    Corn meal, wheat, rye!

    Onion...?

    Blegh!

    Lu spit out the onion... disgusted by its vile bitterness, before lying down to rest her head between her two front legs. She suddenly felt so full that even to move felt like a burden. Until she saw them, of course.

    Antlers?!

    Lu blinked a few times before rising from her haunches, and hesitantly tread towards a specific cart, one that not only held already hewn logs... but also a few large branches that still needed to be cut for kindling. Biting down onto the tip of one very large branch that hung towards the wheel of the cart, the boar started to pull as hard as her four hooves could—hoping to claim this fine pair of antlers for herself.

    And, surprisingly, she was successful. Eventually, the thing loosened from its place, falling to the earth with a light thud, as a billow of dust rose like smoke from ground, covering Lu's brindle hide in a small layer of dirt. Ooooo! She just had to show Faur!

    Dragging the large branch away from the cart and back across the courtyard, the boar grew even more merry as she towed around her new set of antlers, excited to go find the elk as she grunted in unceasing boqr...

    *FAURFAURFAURFAURFAURFAUR*
    Last edited by Leanna; 09-10-2019 at 08:20 PM.




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  8. #138
    Mystic of the Grimoire
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    Faur stretched his body out, feeling the ground rumble beneath his form. Opening his eyes revealed the source, Balder walking towards the forest. Going by the human ideals, he surmised that Balder had gone to wash up. Freeing himself from the gaggle of both Lulu and Masso, Faur figured it would be a good time to do the same. He had felt Yn returning to the annex last night, but knew better than to disturb him. The boy had come home drunk and beaten. It would be a morning for sure.

    "Now. Good place to wash up around… most likely the forest. Forest seems a good plan. Not many large creatures there." Faur spoke to himself as he trotted through the streets, his hoofbeats echoing off the stone ground. He headed towards the gate, nodding to the guards as he left. Both looked at the deer in confusion but let him pass regardless. It wasn't worth the fight trying to stop a 9ft tall deer that early in the morning. Faur had an easy time chasing down the giant, his footprints in the ground easy to track in the early morning. He already knew he was behind the man, passing the giant on the way back. He made sure to stay clear, going from the big man's look and the frustrated cat.

    *Just gonna steer clear of that* Faur thought as he stepped aside from the couple. He wasn't sure what the problem was, but several things could cause problems between humans. The rest of the trek wasn't far, and eventually he found himself in the waters that Balder had used. His first stop was to take a swig of the cold waters, washing out the cottony taste of morning breath. It was a strange human trait he picked up from his brother, one that not many other beasts even recognized.

    *Much better* Fair let out a sigh upon sliding into it, feeling the days of dirt fade off his fur. The deep water only came up to his chest, refreshing and relaxing. He moved through it, watching the wakes ripple away from him. It was a peaceful wash, allowing the sounds accompany him, from the birds to the crickets disturbed from their rest.

    "Quite the catch here boys." The voice broke his restful wash, forcing him to open his eyes. Lost in his own thoughts, he hadn't noticed the sounds of others arriving. Turning his head he noticed the group having just exited the woods. Dressed heavily in fire and carrying bows at the ready, Faur knew exactly what the group was, and how badly timed this was. A group of hunters had managed to catch up to him, catching him when away from the earth.

    "You're not going to want to hunt me." Faur spoke to the group, getting them to pause for just a moment. One of the men moved towards the leader, a scrawny young man holding a large spear.

    "Boss, isn't that one of those talkin beasts from those MutSin people?"

    "Nah, couldn't be. They don't come this far. Prolly a magical beast trying to scare us." The boss just smirked as he pulled his bow out. Faur looked at them, already doing his best to plan out his attack path. He could make the run and easily take one down, but he'd take the arrow just trying to get out. Faur could try and call upon the earth for him, but with the water it would either be solid mud, or take too long to stop the arrow in any meaningful way. Earth seemed to be the best way and already began channeling magic into his body, keeping his eyes on the lead member drawing their how as the others circled around him. He was just about to move when a rustle grabbed his attention off to the side, coming from the bushes.

    The bolt just managed to avoid hitting the leader, his bow snapping from his hand. He jumped back and looked from where the bolt came from, shocked at the skill. Jarguff separated himself from the bushes, loading another bolt into the crossbow. The dwarf kept his eyes on the hunters, all of them looking over to the dwarf.

    "Oi, best watchit there. I can prove this one's a brother to the Dusha." Jarguff spoke, carefully moving closer to the water's edge. The group looked at him, then their boss, who was still question why his bow was now gone. Fury crossed his eyes for a brief moment as he drew his sword.

    "Ain't no midget gonna steal me kill!" The man bellowed before rushing the dwarf. Jarguff grumbled as he set the crossbow aside and shifted his body in defense. As the man descended upon him, Jarguff ducked and swung upwards, catching the man square in the jaw. The others watched in stunned silence as the man was dropped in one swing. Swinging his cape free he looked to the others, a fire in his eyes and a grin on his face.

    "Which others of you idiots want to try me!" The dwarf challenged them, brandishing the gauntlet to them all. Many looked at the man taken down with one swing, then back to the dwarf and massive deer now standing behind him. They did one more sweep before deciding to take their losses and run. Jarguff let out a hearty laugh before finally looking towards the young deer.

    "Glad I could help ya out. Watcha doin washin without ya siblin around?" Jarguff asked Faur, heading to grab the bolt that he had used to stop the boss Hunter. Pulling it free from the tree he looked it over, allowing Faur to dry off.

    "Well, he's probably waking up with a headache and a sore body. They men went clubbing last night, and seems he got clubbed. Either way, how did ya know I was a Dusha Kin?" Faur asked the dwarf, shaking his body dry and stepping away from the unconscious body.

    "Simple. No magical creature could be caught by such lousy hunters. Guys couldn't catch a boar if it charged them. They got better sense o' survival." Jarguff spoke as he slipped the bolt back into it's case and headed back to the deer in question.

    "Hey! I'm not that daft!" Faur spoke with anger and puffing up his chest at the man. The dwarf looked him over and gave a chuckle at the massive deer.

    "Then prolly just young. Regardless, you should get back to your family. I got me a giant to track down." Jarguff spoke before he started moving towards the forest boundary. Faur moved quickly to stop the dwarf.

    "Wait, were you in the woods trying to hunt the giant who was just here?" Faur asked the dwarf. He lowered himself to talk more evenly with the dwarf. Jarguff looked the deer over, trying to figure out.

    "Yeah, the giant that was just out here. One this far away from their homes and not in a traveling group gotta be a part of the Rouges. Figure cutting through the woods be the best course.

    "So why are you still in the forest if you were chasing him?" Faur asked the man, getting a chuckle from the dwarf.

    "Short legs. Kinda hard to keep pace." Jarguff responded, chuckling while staring at Faur and moving to make his way around.

    "I can take you right to him. I am a part of the Rouges Gallery and can get us there in half the time it would take you." Faur offered before nodding to his back for the dwarf. Jarguff looked the creature over, trying to decide if the deer was lying or not. Shrugging and figuring that at least he could get closer to the group and town faster, he took the offer and hopped up onto Faurs back, both making for the town at a fast clip.

    "Even Dreams, can be a nightmare"
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  9. #139
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    Morning

    Sheva shifted as the first ray of light pierced through the window glass and landed on her body. The weak breathing of Adam almost startled her. She almost forgot how she came to be in such situation and with him in the same bed, until she recalled the events of the night before.

    The room was dry and hot, and she was sweating hard and so was he….

    While some part of her wanted to get up and bath, another simply wanted to stay in his embrace.

    Her eyes scanned his face, trailing over his closed eyelids and his lips, watching gently how they opened and closed with every gentle and soft exhale and inhale.

    She was so mesmerized by his beautiful sight that she was afraid to move, as to not alarm him. She gasped as soft moans left her own lips, wishing hers to meet his, with strange sweet desire and to take over him right there and then.

    But her senses returned to be sharp again, knowing that her power may go wild if she let go and give in… Even though… a lustful wicked side in her still wanted to put it to a test…

  10. #140
    Red Ninja
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    Default One more awkward Sheva/Adam co-op.

    Never one for early mornings Adam had settled into the comforting warmth of feeling someone in the bed beside him. It has been a long time since he’s shared a bed with a woman, as the girls in the Gallery could likely attest. He took lovers of course, but after the fun had ended they generally parted ways and the merc simply slept alone. But once more he found himself outside his comfort zone, but it wasn’t a bad thing this time.

    Even in his barely awake state his keen senses could smell the soft lavender of faded perfume coming off the woman’s body even under the stink of a booze and sweat. As he suspected the hangover potion he had given her caused her to sweat profusely and by extension he had sweated throughout most of the night. They both would need a bath before too long, but the contact was too nice to break. But a slight chill washed through the room causing the big man to shiver lightly and roll to his side his hands coming around to grip Sheva’s plump ass before he settled back into a content sleep.

    Started by this move, Sheva’s head was tossed right at his shoulder, sinking her chin into the side and causing a weak, gasp that sounded sexual in nature to leave her lips and echo straight into his ear, as she felt her hands being tightened to the side of her body, while her neck was stretch up.

    Almost startled by the woman’s startled reaction his fingers dug more into the soft flesh of her backside his arms contracting and pulling their hips closer together pressing close to Sheva, his lips moving down to press into her neck and right shoulder.

    By this point Sheva was blushing crimson, her moans increasing as she was trying to break free while being careful not to bite his shoulders. Her body was wet and slippery from all the sweat, making it even harder for her to move too much.

    Adam let out a low yawn actually biting Sheva’s neck some before he rolled to his back his fingers having dug into her lower wrappings tugging at them as he moved. The movement forced the woman to straddle his hips as he settled back onto his back.

    Awkwardly looking down at him from her position, Sheva swallowed hard as she felt her hands free once again. Careful to pull herself up from him, she pushed her legs backward. The last thing she wanted was to him to look up and see her in this position. She knew she wouldn't hear the last of it, and be accused of her wanting to bed him to create an heir or something.

    Another low yawn fled from Adam’s lips and his hands and arms moved from around the woman his whole body stretching tall bouncing her upon his hips before the combined slickness of their sweat made her slide free of the possibly scandalous position.

    Sheva’s heart beat fast. It has been a while since was that intimate with anyone, or that close to a man. Even so, while every sense of her mind told her to leave, she couldn't bring herself to do so. Sitting near the edge of the bed, she glanced once more at the sleeping Adam. He was so free when he slept, like he had no care in the world. Which was a complete opposite to the expression he used to wear. Then again, she often wondered if he would make his expression grumpy just for her.

    Just then Balder’s unmistakably loud voice rumbled up from the courtyard making Adam snort and jump awake. It took him a few seconds to get his bearings, but soon he focused on the still mostly unclothed form of Sheva, his eyes slowly and obviously roaming over her face and pleasant curves before he glanced down at himself and coughed and pulled his legs up, rolling to sit on the edge of the bed. “Hmm good morning Sheva, how did you sleep?”

    Sheva had also followed his gaze, noticing something very unexpected before she turned her gaze away, blushing crimson, “I slept well… Thank you…”, she peeked a little by gently swaying her gaze before shifting it to the floor, “I hope I didn’t bother your sleep”

    Adam shook his head moving off the bed and quickly moving to get his pants. “No, I slept well as...well. How is the hangover?” He said keeping his back to the woman as he bends down to pull his pants up before straightening up tall.

    Sheva waited a minute before she decided to look up again, the curves of his body visible to her as he bent, and she felt her cheeks hurtful, “It’s… better… not too hurtful… we can… go to the library today with not much trouble.” She swallowed hard. The rays of light highlight the muscles of his body, coloring them lightly with lovely aura. She then noticed he was about to turn around and quickly turn her gaze back to the ground, “Are you well?” She asked. Still surprised with herself and with him, and the fact that for the first time they didn’t try to kill one another or bicker.

    Noticing the red on her face, he felt his own cheeks reddening as the sudden movement of her looking down caused her to bounce lightly. Forcing himself to look up he pulled on his shirt for the day. “Yes, yes, I’ve a good tolerance for alcohol most of the time.” Turning back towards the door he began pulling on his sword belt. “Assuming Balder doesn’t kill Mynx or anything yes we should be on our way to the Library before lunch.”

    “Wait… killing Mynx.” Sheva got up suddenly, only to notice something was wrong the moment she noticed Adam’s gaze. Her body was still somewhat covered, but not enough to be decent. She caught and went to the pile of clothes to start dress as well with her back to him, “What… what happened?”

    Adam quirked his eyebrow and hmmed. “Mynx attacked the Lycan girl last night, guess you ladies got more drunk than we thought.” He chuckled lightly tightening the fasteners on his belt. “I doubt he’ll actually kill her, but she will need to be punished, likely by lashes.”

    “Certainly…. You jest… Mynx is a friend. She probably had a good reason to and...” Sheva crossed her hands over her bosom, “Besides, as kind as I tried to be, that new girl is… someone who tried to kill us… maybe… maybe Mynx felt something was off?”

    Adam shrugged checking his water skin and taking a swig to get rid of the cotton mouth. “Doesn’t matter in the Gallery especially when alcohol is involved. She is a prisoner of war and we don’t hurt our prisoners. Besides, I think she’s taken Tris as her Master, and that comes with even more rules when in Human and Elven Lands.” Having regained some of his roguish carefree attitude her turned look at Sheva dressed or not and offered her a drink from his water skin. “All rules have consequences.”

    “Humph.” Sheva wasn’t in much of a mood to fight over this, not when the two of them were finally getting along for more than ten minutes, even though the subject bothered her greatly, “That child prince Mynx has… and now that Lycan girl… Adam… are you really okay with this method of service… of using people like that?” She said slowly with somewhat sad expression, “I know it’s the way things are… but I’m not happy about it… I hope one day it will change…”

    Adam shook his head sadly. “No I’m not okay with it, it has its pluses for sure. But also a great deal of negatives we don’t need as a society. But I’m just a Merc, to overthrow the Slave trade would require a King or a Queen. And it’s too valuable a trade for anyone to agree to. Even my father is stuck.” He frowned shaking his head lightly.

    Sheva smirked softly, “Maybe it will be changed”, her expression seemed hopeful as she looked at him. He was no longer the child prince she remembered him to be. Something about him sure seemed much more mature this morning… in more than one ways….
    ”You’ll make a great king someday,'' She said in a teasing, but gentle voice, as she swiftly pet his shoulder before fast pacing to the door, “You do, however, make horrible impression of your father!” She winked and blushed walking out of the door, probably to bathe, “I’ll see you outside yes?”, she called to him from the hallway.

    Adam simply chuckled and followed the woman out locking his door behind him. “Seemed to convince you pretty well last night Madame General.”

    She playfully stick out her tongue to him before disappearing down the stairs.


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